A Private Hospital in London and the ARC

[itsananomaly]

Jenny had volunteered to get started with filling in the paperwork as Sarah, Cutter and Connor got prepped and taken in for surgery, she couldn't believe it had happened again. That her teammates were injured, she was supposed to make sure that no one got hurt and now no one knew if Cutter and Connor were going to make it out of surgery, how serious Sarah's head injury would be ... Her hand shook as she filled in the paperwork and tears rolled down her cheeks. [and now for the aftermath. Major CW for medical trauma and gunshot injury. Preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker had stayed by Sarah's side until the med team took Sarah back for surgery and even then had to almost pry his hands away as they took her back. For the last however many hours it had been he was pacing the waiting room, the nervousness making it so he could barely think straight.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny wiped away her tears as she focused on finishing the paperwork so that it could be processed, she returned the folder to the nurses station and went back to the waiting room where Becker was pacing. "Has there been any news?" she asked softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker turned when he heard Jenny's voice and looked at her. His eyes were red, his cheeks still wet with the tears that he couldn't keep at bay, and he looked absolutely ragged. "None..." he said grimly shaking his head. "Sarah should... be done soon. They... have no idea how long Cutter and Connor will be."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny bit her lip, "they ... they weren't sure if Cutter and Connor were going to survive the night," she said softly as a fresh wave of tears threatened to spill over, "oh Becker, how can this be happening again? I'm supposed to keep the team together, I've failed to do that," she sobbed.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You haven't failed Jenny. You god Abby and Cutter's Connor out of there... you helped rescue me and Sarah... you helped rescue Danny and Lester.. you have done so much" Becker said as he put his arm around Jenny and held her close, despite the protesting his ribs were doing just then.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny leaned against Becker, tears rolling down her cheeks, she was trying to not hurt him too much, "but Sarah, Cutter and Connor are seriously hurt, they may never fully recover, I wasn't quick enough to save them," she trembled.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"But you did what you could.. you did everything possible to get free and get as many of us safe as possible..." Becker said as he gently rubbed her back. "And that is more than you were able to do soldier boy" he said to himself bitterly. "At least Jenny actually did something to help and didn't just stand by and watch the woman you love nearly die in your arms!" Becker swallowed hard and pushed those thoughts out of his mind. He had to focus on the team right now.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny sobbed quietly as she leaned against Becker, "I don't ... I don't think I'm cut out for this," she admitted quietly, "I ... I don't think I can do this anymore, I can't keep doing this, watching my friends keep getting hurt,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker held her tightly and leaned his head against hers. He knew that feeling all too well. He had failed to keep Cutter and COnnor safe again. He had let the team down again. And now Sarah... Becker let out a shuddering sigh as he tried to fight back the flood of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. "We'll figure things out Jenny. It's a hard time for everyone. It... it will look better once everyone comes through surgery and is recovering" he said softly, as much to try and convince himself as Jenny.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny nodded as she held Becker, "I ... I it will be better ... it has to be better," she sobbed, "I don't want to lose anyone else," she said tiredly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Neither do I" Becker said softly as the tears started to fall again silently. He didn't want to think about losing Connor or Cutter... and the mere thought of not having Sarah... he felt like he couldn't breathe any time that thought crossed his mind. "We'll get through it together" he said trying to sound confident. "It'll be easier once Danny and Lester are discharged. I know the med team said they just needed to have a few hours of observation and then they would be let go after being taken care of."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"I still can't believe Lester broke his thumb to get out of his cuffs," Jenny admitted as she tried to focus on something else to think of, "he must have been in a lot of pain," she couldn't imagine doing all Lester had done with a broken thumb.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"He is a man of surprises thats for sure" Becker said with a nod. "That move is something we all are taught. I’ve known guys who have intentionally broken hands and dislocated shoulders to get out of restraints. Never done it myself" Becker said. "Lester is something else for sure!"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"He definitely is something else," Jenny agreed, "he's so hard to read but at the same time he's one of the most caring and thoughtful person I know," she tilted her head, "which goes against his stoic image that he tries to portray, he'd probably try and sue me for defamation if he heard that,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker couldn’t help a small smile and chuckle at that. "He is a unique one for sure, but we really would be in a mess without him wouldn't we? But yeah I think its best to keep the comments against his cold hard exterior out of earshot" Becker admitted. He gave Jenny a gentle squeeze then let his arms fall away as he was starting to hurt a little.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"We would be, the team wouldn't exist without Lester overseeing everything," Jenny agreed with a smile and then she looked at Becker in concern, "how are you feeling?" she asked gently, she knew they had all been checked over by the doctors but she also knew Becker well enough now that he would hide any pain that he was in.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I... I'm fine" Becker said less than convincingly as he tried to bite back a wince as he shifted. everything hurt, but he wasn't going to let them land him in a hospital bed. He had to be there when they finally let him back to see Sarah.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny just gave him a look, "Becker?" she said again, looking at him in concern, "do you want me to get you something?" she knew that he would not want to end up in a hospital bed but she was also worried about him, she knew that Wilder would have put him through quite a beating.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker lowered himself into the chair next to him and sighed softly. He knew he wouldn't be able to pull one over Jenny. "A drink and some of the pain meds they gave me would be good" he said as he nodded to the bag that had been left on the other side of the room during his pacing. "They said I could take another dose at 10 and it's 10:30 so I should be fine to take some more."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Of course," Jenny said softly as she went over to bag and got the pain meds for Becker and then she went to the mini fridge that Lester had had installed last time and got out a bottle of water, "here you go Becker," she said as she handed them to him, "do you want me to get you anything to eat? Its been a while since any of us have eaten something that wasn't dog food," she shuddered at the memory of the dog food.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I am a little hungry..." he admitted as he took the water and downed the meds. "Not sure if I can eat anything though..." he admitted as his eyes drifted to the double doors where he was still waiting for the doctor to come out and give them any sort of update.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"How about I'll see about getting us some soup in a little while?" Jenny offered as she also looked at the doors, everyone had been in surgery for the last few hours, surely they were close to some kind of update? And then the doors opened and a doctor came out in surgical scrubs looking rather grim and Jenny's heart sank, she wasn't sure if she could handle bad news right now.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was back on his feet in an instant when he saw the doctor come out, biting back the wince a the sudden movement. His eyes instantly took in the doctors demeanor and his heart jumped up into his throat. "Doctor? How..." he couldn't say anything else as it felt like there as a lump in his throat that choked out anything he had been wanting to say. His eyes searched the doctor's eyes as he reached out and grabbed hold of Jenny as she stood beside him.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny held onto Becker as the doctor began to speak. “I’m afraid we don’t have a lot of positive updates,” the doctor said gently, “Dr. Page’s head injury was a lot worse than we first anticipated, there’s a lot of swelling on the brain and we needed to remove part of her skull to relieve the pressure,” he told them. “She’s still in surgery and will be there for another few hours at least,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt every slow down and felt his heart drop into his stomach and then down to his feet. The room started to spin and he was grateful for Jenny's hold on him just then or he might have very well ended up on the floor. "She... sh-she... Sarah's going to make it though... right?" he asked, the fear evident in his voice. "Sarah... she... she's going to come through the surgery right?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"So far she's responding well to treatment, she's stable but its too early to tell," the doctor said gently, "we won't know for certain until we remove the swelling and that will take time," Jenny gave Becker a reassuring hug, tears in her eyes as she heard Sarah's prognosis, "and ... and what about Nick and Connor?" she asked quietly, her stomach full of dread.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to stop the trembling as he listened to the doctor talk. "Connor and Cutter are both finishing up in surgery" the doctor said simply. "It is hard to know what their recovery will be like or what their prognosis is just yet. Connor's lung was punctured twice by the bullet and there's been some damage to his shoulder from the bullet there. Cutter's injury actually appeared worse than it is, thought it is still a very serious head injury. But the bullet seemed to be more of a grazing shot and missed anything vital though there is still some serious head trauma. They both are going to need to be sedated for a bit following surgery so it may be another week or so before we know the full extent of their injuries."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Oh god," Jenny felt weak at hearing that, "is ... is there anything we can do for them doctor?" she asked softly, "will ... will we be able to see them, even if they are sedated?" and then she looked at Becker and then back at the doctor, "and can Becker stay with Sarah when she's out of surgery?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We can let someone in the room to be with them one at a time for a few hours. But visits will be limited for the first few days for Connor and Cutter" the doctor said somberly. "As for Sarah..." he looked at Becker and gave a small nod. "You can stay wth her once shes cleared from surgery." Becker gave a sigh of relief, letting go of the breath he didn't know he was holding. "Thank you" he said softly as he still felt like he would sink to the ground at any minute.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny nodded, tears falling down her cheeks as she gave Becker a reassuring squeeze, "thank you doctor," she said softly, "thank you for everything that you and your team has done,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker wrapped his arms around Jenny and nodded in agreement, still unable to speak as he tried to keep the emptions semi in check. "They are still not out of the woods yet. They will have a hard recovery ahead of them, and things ca change at a moment's notice. The next 48 hours are going to be the most critical for their immediate recovery" the doctor said softly. "I or one of my staff will be back when they are out of surgery and when you can see them" he said as he turned and headed back through the double doors.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny nodded and the tears kept falling then as she let out a sob, "thank you doctor," she trembled as she leaned against Becker and watched as the doctor disappeared behind the doors and then once he was gone she couldn't say anything else, she starting sobbing against Becker.
Becker(thearcfamily)	It took Becker a moment to be able to move or say anything. He gently put an arm around Jenny and when he was finally able to speak he rubbed her back and read her towards the chairs. "I got you Jenny" he said softly as they sat and he pulled her close, letting her cry as he felt the tears run down his cheeks as well.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny sank into the chair as she wrapped her arms around Becker and sobbed, it took her a few minutes before she was able to compose herself and she just sat there leaning against Becker, "I'll have to let Abby and Connor know," she said softly, "they wanted me to keep them up to date with any developments," she trembled.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I can tell them with you if you want" Becker said as he held Jenny close. "You don't have to do this alone Jenny... you're always so strong and keeping the team going. We want to be here for you as well" he said softly as he felt his own voice quivering more than he wanted as he tried to push down the emotions yet again.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny let out another sob as she kept leaning against Becker, "thank you Becker," she said softly, "that would be really good if you could do that thank you, I'll let Danny and Lester know once the doctors clear them and they're not under observation," she said quietly, "I ... I don't feel very strong right now," she admitted.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"None of us do right now" Becker said softly as he rubbed her back. "Which is why we lean on each other and help each other. I need to check on Lester and Danny... I just... well..." he had been distracted and worried about Sarah, and admitting that out loud meant admitting how bad she really was... and he didn't know if he could handle that right now as he tried and failed to choke down a sob.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Oh Becker," Jenny said as she wrapped her arms around him in a hug, "I'm sorry about Sarah, she's going to make it through, they all are," she had to believe that, they weren't going to lose any more members of their team.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to bite it back, he had to be the strong one... but he was so tired. and he was scared. He was scared about what would happen to Cutter and Connor. and he was scared bout Sarah. With a sob he wrapped his arms around Jenny and finally let himself cry.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny kept her arms around Becker, gently rubbing his back as he had done for her and let him cry. She didn't say anything, she just kept holding him, letting him know that she was there for him.
Becker(thearcfamily)	He felt so weak and useless just then. He had let the entire team down and not kept them safe. And he hadn't been able to protect Sarah and she had paid the price for his failure. Finally, he cried himself out and took a shuddering breath. He had to get it together. He had to be strong for when Sarah came out of surgery. "Th...thank you... Jenny..." he said softly as he tried to compose himself.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"You're welcome Becker," Jenny said softly as she gave him the time that he needed to compose himself, "we're going to get through this, if we have each other we'll get through this," she said, trying to stay focused on that, that everything was going to be okay.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and leaned his head against Jenny's shoulder. How long they sat there together he didn't know. In some ways, it felt like they were waiting forever and in others, it felt like far too soon the doctor was back with an update. "Doctor?" Becker asked as he looked up when the doctor walked over to them. "How are Cutter and Connor? How... how is Sarah?"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"Dr. Page has come through the surgery," the doctor started, "we were able to remove the swelling and she's breathing on her own, I'm afraid we won't know until we run further tests on what damage has been done but she's out of immediate danger and you will be right to see her once she's back in her room, she's in recovery right now but she's expected to wake up on her own," Jenny breathed out a sigh of relief at that, she knew Sarah still had a long road of recovery but hearing that she was out of immediate danger was definitely good news. "And Cutter and Connor?" she tried to keep her voice steady but she couldn't stop her voice from trembling at that.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt himself let out a shivering breath he didn't know he was holding as he heard Sarah had come through surgery alright. He put his arm around Jenny and held her close as they asked about Cutter and Connor. "They both are just finishing up in surgery. They've come through the worst of the initial challenges but it will also be a while before we know the extent of any damage they have sustained." the doctor looked at Becker and Jenny and sighed softly. "They both will be sedated and will need breathing assistance. We need their bodies to rest and begin recovering as much as possible in the next few days. then we can begin to see what their recovery will be like. So they will be unconscious for a few days at least but you can start going in to see them soon as they are in their rooms."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny felt tears start to fall down her cheeks at that, she knew that Cutter and Connor were going to take longer to recover, but the immediate danger had passed, they had made it through surgery, she trembled, "thank you doctor," she managed to get out, "I know they still have a long way to go, but thank you," She turned to Becker, "we need to tell the others, let them know the latest updates,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded. He knew it would still an hour or so before he would be allowed to see Sarah but knowing she was out of immediate danger was a huge relief. "We can call them all here, meet them in the lobby or the cafeteria and get them updated. Would do some good for all of us... to get something to eat as well."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	"We'll let you know when you can visit Dr. Page and Cutter and Connor," the doctor told them and headed back inside. Jenny took a deep breath and nodded, "the cafeteria sounds good," she said softly, "and calling everyone in, Lester and Danny should be just about out of isolation and yes I think we can all do with some good food,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he watched he doctor leave and then stood with a somewhat heavy sigh. "I'll call and let Connor and Abby know they came through surgery alright and ask them to come here to talk. Do you think you could wait for Danny and Lester to be released? I can head to the cafeteria and wait for them to come and then you three can meet us there?" Becker tried to force a small smile. He had to stay busy, sitting and waiting was driving him crazy.
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny nodded, "I can do do that," she reassured him, "we'll meet you in the cafeteria, have some nice hot food and talk about the new developments,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Sounds good-thank you Jenny" Becker said as he stood. He gave one last look towards the doors that led back to where Sarah was. He knew they would call if there was any change and he'd be able to see her by the time he got back. With a small sigh, he forced himself to leave as he pulled out his phone and punched in the number for Abby. He figured she would be with Connor so he could get a hold of both of them at once.
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby and Connor had been with the clone at the ARC, starting on the clean up while everyone was in the hospital, they had been on edge waiting for news and when the phone rang Abby practically jumped as went to reach, "hello?" she said as she answered it, dreading what the update could be.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Hey Abby it's Becker," he said swallowing down the lump in his throat. "Wanted to call and let you guys know.... Sarah, Connor, and Cutter all came through surgery. They're being moved to recovery now." He heard the sigh of relief from Abby as he continued. "Wanted to see if you'd come meet me and Jenny here int he med bay area. We're going to get something to eat in the cafeteria and we can fill you in on the details. Jenny is going to go get Danny and Lester since they should be done with their observation period now too."
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby quickly relayed the news to Connor and the clone, “Connor and I will be there,” she said the relief evident in her voice, “thank you Becker,”
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester and Danny had been cleared to leave the hospital and after meeting with Abby, Connor, Becker and Jenny they had learnt about Sarah, Cutter and Connor over a meal. Becker and Jenny had volunteered to stay at the hospital, Abby and Connor were going to go home and check on the two Rex’s and then report back to the ARC and after checking with his kids nanny to make sure everything was alright, Danny and Lester decided to head back to the ARC to start going over the incident reports and to also finally address what to do with Cutter’s clone. Lester stared at the first mountain of reports, Danny and the clone were in his office, “this might take us a while,” he sighed.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"You sure we can't just light a fire to the lot?" Danny quipped as he flipped through the papers in his hand. "I would certainly get a lot of satisfaction out of that!" The clone stood quietly off to the side just silently watching. He didn't know what was going to happen to him after everything with Helen but he wasn't going to try and run away or avoid it. Whatever happened he was trying to be prepared to accept his fate.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Not if we want to hold Christine and Wilder responsible for what they did to us I'm afraid," Lester said grimly as he looked at the first page, "not to mention trying to work out what to do with a clone," he looked over at Cutter's clone closely then, "tell me, did they ever loop you in on their plans Christine, Wilder or Helen?"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone tilted his head slightly as if trying to remember and then looked at Lester and nodded. "Christine and Wilder want the anomalies. To control the current time line. To seize power and use the anomalies... somehow." The clone moved his gaze from Lester to Danny as he continued. "Helen... made me to help her get the anomalies. The future one specifically. She wants to use the anomalies too. But to erase the world. To restart evolution she said."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester frowned at that, looking at Danny in concern and then looking at the pile or reports before deciding to get out a legal pad and take notes down first, "and do you know why this future anomaly is key to Helen wanting to erase the world? How she's expecting to restart evolution?"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone shook his head slowly. "I... I'm not sure. Helen ket saying the future anomaly leads back to the beginning. Back to where it all started. I... don't know what 'it' is... but she kept talking about restarting human evolution... and going back to where it all started to... to fix what went wrong."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Well that's not cryptic at all," Lester sighed, "knowing Helen that could mean anything," he shook his head, "do you know if the anomaly was the only thing she needed? Helen always has back up plans, if she doesn't get something here, she'll find a way to get what she wants," he looked at Danny, "I'm going to need extra security at the hospital, if Helen's desperate for this future anomaly, she might come back and try again,"
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Danny nodded somberly as the clone continued. "I know she was interested in something she called an artifact. It was part of what she needed... if she couldn't get... Cutter... to help her" the clone said as he tried to remember everything he could. "Helen kept a journal with her notes about the anomalies and her plans. She never let me see it but... I did get a few quick glances at some of the pages here and there when she'd write something down. There was a really old looking map that had several places circles and beside each one she had the number 333 written."
Lester(thearcfamily)	That definitely got Lester's attention, "did you say artefact?" he said, looking back at Danny, "is the artefact still secure I know Christine and Wilder were still trying to find it, with everything going on, I didn't check on the artefact," And then he turned back to the clone, "333?" he repeated, "I wonder what that number could possibly mean to Helen? Coordinates perhaps?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester and Danny had been cleared to leave the hospital and after meeting with Abby, Connor, Becker and Jenny they had learnt about Sarah, Cutter and Connor over a meal. Becker and Jenny had volunteered to stay at the hospital, Abby and Connor were going to go home and check on the two Rex’s and then report back to the ARC and after checking with his kids nanny to make sure everything was alright, Danny and Lester decided to head back to the ARC to start going over the incident reports and to also finally address what to do with Cutter’s clone. Lester stared at the first mountain of reports, Danny and the clone were in his office, “this might take us a while,” he sighed.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Danny also looked a little pale at the mention of the artifact. "Far as I know they never got it. It was the main thing Christine and Wilder were after so I'm sure they would have just abandoned us all to die or offed us if they had managed to find it. but I'll have a few of my guys head over and check right now" Danny said as he gave Lester a small nod then stood and walked to the far side of the room to make the call to the security detail. The clone watched and considered Lester's question. "If its coordinates its missing its counterpart set of numbers. And she had it marked for several sites all in the same general area."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester waited for Danny to come back and considered the clone, "well that sounds like a location of some kind," he mused, "to what I have no idea, Cutter and Connor could probably work it out ... even though they're not going to be up for any kind of work for a long while, not with their recovery," he said softly.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	Cutter's clone was quiet for a moment then he looked at Lester. "I... I'm sorry. That I wasn't able to... to help them sooner."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was quiet as well, "it was because of you that you saved them, got them help, if you hadn't ... this could be an entirely different conversation now," he said softly, "did Helen ever give you a name?" he asked curiously.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone shook his head slowly. "No. She only ever called me her creation. A creature" he said softly, a look of almost sadness in his eyes. "Helen made me. I am... was... just her toy. She made sure to remind me that that was all I am."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Not for the first time Lester cursed Helen, "she's wrong," he said flatly, "you've proven you're more than the purpose she created you for, saving Cutter and Connor, rejecting Helen, those are human qualities," he told him, "as far as I'm concerned, you're human and you need a name, would you like to choose your own name?" he wanted the clone to be able to have his own choice.
Clone!Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone considered that as he tilted his head thoughtfully. "I don't know what it's like... to be human. But I know I don't want what Helen had for me." He thought for a few minutes staring at his hands then looked at Lester. "I... I think I like the name Nate..." he said softly, pausing to see how the name sounded, a hint of a smile spreading over his face.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester smiled at that and extended his hand towards Nate, "its very nice to meet you Nate," he said, "welcome to the ARC,"
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	The clone looked at Lester's hand and reached out to shake it as he had seen others do. A small smile spread over his face and he nodded. "Thank you Sir. Lester. It's... it's good to be here" he said with a smile as he looked over at Danny as he came back after talking to the security team.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"We're glad to have you here with us Nate," Lester smiled once he finished shaking Nate's hand and turned to look at Danny when he came back, "what did the security team have to say?"
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	Nate smiled, still getting used to having a name, but he liked it and how it sounded. He turned to look at Danny as he walked over. "Artifact is safe and secure. Seems Christine and her goons never got close to finding it" Danny said the relief evident in his voice. "I've ordered two of my guys to be guarding that area at all times to keep it that way."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "good, at least that's something, now that Christine and Wilder have gone to ground they're likely trying to regroup, hopefully their partnership with Helen has come to an end and we don't have to worry about that partnership at least," he said softly.
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	Nate nodded and stood silently for a few moments then he spoke. "Sir... I know I can't right now but... sometime when... when they are better. I need to see Cutter and Connor. Connor especially" he said as he slipped his hand into his pocket.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester looked at Danny and then back at Nate, "when they're well enough to receive visitors I will ask them if they want to see you," he paused, "they may not want to speak to you at first, I need you to understand that it may be awkward for them, especially for Cutter," he said gently.
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	Nate nodded slowly. "I understand. At least can... can you make sure Connor gets this, when he is well enough?" Nate pulled his hand out of his pocket and held out the ring Helen had given him. "It's Connor's. Helen... she took this from him... I want to make sure he gets it back, that's all."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"They will be happy to get that back, that ring means a lot to them," Lester told Nate gently, "I can give them the ring and explain that you were the one who got it back to them, they may want to see you in person, I can't make any promises though,"
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	Nate nodded. "I understand... they don't have to see me ever again if... they don't want. I just want to... to try and make up for what Helen did." Nate fell silent at that as he handed the ring to Lester. His mind was still a jumbled mess of feelings he didn't quite understand and thoughts he wasn't sure what to do with. It was going to take time he knew. Nate just didn't know if he was really ready to have a life of his own. It was terrifying in many ways.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester took the ring and put it in his pocket, "this will definitely help them," he reassured Nate, "and we know none of this was your fault, you didn't ask to be made, what Helen did to you, I want to help you Nate, you don't have to do this alone,"
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	Nate nodded slowly. "Thank you" he said softly. "I want to help... I don't want... I don't want to be a part of anything Helen has planned." "I'm sure we will find a spot for ya" Danny said though he did give Lester a somewhat questioning look. "It just might take some time for us to figure it all out."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester noted that questioning look and just shook his head, as if to say we'll talk about this later, "and you don't have to be part of anything that Helen, Christine or Wilder planned, you are your own person now Nate, you can make decisions for yourself and you can help us stop them for good," he said softly.
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	Nate nodded as he looked at Danny and Lester. "Thank you. Is... is there anything I can do now? I can go back to my room. Let you two work." He didn't necessarily like the idea of going back. While it wasn't a prison cell it was a secured room in the ARC that felt a little too much like the secured room Helen always confined him too when she wasn't with him. But he understood the reasoning for it and was trying to make the best of it.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "that will be all for now, thank you Nate," he said, "we'll find something for you soon," he promised.
Nate(anomaly_research_nerd)	He nodded slowly and then after a brief moment of hesitation turned to leave the office. He was curious to see if they would trust him enough to let him go down the hall on his own or of Lester would send one fo the guards with him. He understood the concern... he couldn't really blame them for being careful after everything Helen Christine and Wilder had done. "I'll see you around" he said somewhat awkwardly as he walked out the door.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester looked rather apologetic as he nodded at one of the security guards to follow Nate down the hall, "thank you Nate, I'll see you soon," he said softly as he waited for Nate to leave and he and Danny could have their talk.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny lifted his radio and gave it a small tap as the guard left letting him know to call them if there were any issues. Once they were out of sight and out of earshot Danny leaned back in the chair and sighed. "Well this is quite the pickle" he said with a groan as he rubbed his face.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I know what you mean," Lester sighed, "I don't even know where to begin with this ... the government doesn't actually have a form for brand new clone with his own consciousness,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"That's probably a good thing really" Danny said as he ran a hand through his hair and glanced towards the door. There had been no alert from the guard so he figured everything was fine. "If they had any official protocol, it would probably mean locking the clone... errr.... Nate... away for the rest of his life and turning him to exactly what Helen intended- an experiment and a possible tool or weapon."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Which is why I think we're going to have to keep this from the government," Lester admitted, "if they think there's a chance that they could create their own clone army, or they'd even take Cutter away as well if they thought his dna was valuable," he paused, "I think the best thing we can do in this situation is pass of Nate and Nick as brothers, to keep government officials from sniffing around,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Long lost twins... Its not unheard of so I agree." Danny nodded thoughtfully. "I think it's our best bet. Will keep the ARC safe, keep Nick out of the government's eyes more than he already is, and will be Nate's best chance at being able to have a somewhat normal life."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "the government's already swarming the ARC as it is, especially with Christine and Wilder's betrayal, at least they shouldn't question a long lost twin turning up, if anyone asks questions, can always say they were estranged and recently reunited, I'll talk to Cutter when he's conscious and up for such a conversation just so he's not blindsided with this, it might even want him to meet with Nate as well,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Danny nodded slowly." Shame there isn't a "how to train and raise a clone' guidebook... We still have to figure out where he's going to stay and what he's going to do."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Well for the time being he can stay at the ARC, that seems the safest place for him right now," Lester considered, "even though I don't know about jobs, I suppose we'll have to find something he can do here but that's a whole lot of security to navigate, until we establish Nate's identity, at the moment its not like he can sign the Official Secrets Act," he sighed.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Maybe we can figure out something he can do... even something small, while we figure it all out" Danny sighed and rubbed the back of his head again in frustration. "I know there's a lot of hoops to jump through and security to consider but... I think a key is to make sure Nate knows we are not treating him like a prisoner."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "I agree, I want it to be clear that we're nothing like Helen, Christine or Wilder, I want Nate to be safe here, that he has choices and he can be his own person, I'm afraid that these next few weeks are going to be a lot trial and error everyone,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"We'll figure it out. All of us are figuring it out as we go...and we all have a lot to deal with after all this nonsense from Helen and Christine. think... our first goals need to be getting Cutter and Connor through this. And keeping Nate safe in the meantime. Everything else... well that can be figured out as we go."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "we need to keep the team together," he said softly, "for Cutter and Connor's sake and for Sarah and Nate's," he stared down at the pile of forms on his desk, "I'm not letting Christine and Wilder and Helen destroy this team, they've gone too far this time, I'm going to stop them," he said determinedly.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny had stood and started pacing, the old habit kicking in just then. He stopped beside Lester and put a hand on his shoulder. "We're going to make them pay. We're going to keep the team together. We are going to make the ARC stronger than it has been. Together" he said with a determined nod of his own.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded at that, putting his hand on Danny's and holding it there, finding reassurance in such a simple gesture, "together," he said simply, "thank you Danny," he said, "I know together we can bring a stop to them, put a stop to this once and for all,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny knew what it could feel like, to be the one who was supposed to have the answers and lead. He was never good at it, hence why he never made it farther than constable with force. But Lester had gone above and beyond from the moment Danny had come on board. "You are doing the best you can James" he said dropping the formalities in the small moment. "We've all been through the wringer but we're going to regroup and we are gonna lean on each other to support each other through this."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "thank you Danny," he said softly, "I know the team's strong, we're going to get through this, after everything that's been thrown at us, we're not going to give up now,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Now.... the other elephant in the room boss" he said with a small smirk "You need to head home and get some rest. The paperwork can wait one more day. You need to recoup and recover some, and I've already told the guys to double security around the ARC." Danny gave Lester's shoulder another nod. "Go spend some time with your kids."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester hesitated, he really wanted to go home but there was so much to do, "are you sure Danny?" he asked, "there's still so much we need to do, l can stay for a bit longer?”
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded with a firm but gentle smile. "Time to shut off the ARC leader brain and switch on the Father brain Sir."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester bit his lip, stared down at the massive pile of paperwork in front of him and finally nodded, "alright," he agreed, "you'll call me the minute anything changes though?" he said, not wanting to be kept out of the loop.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Of course" he said trying to reassure Lester. "I'll stay and keep in touch with everyone and let you know as soon as any news comes in- one way or another. You go and take care of those kids, you got three someone waiting for you. I got me, myself, and I. Go and be with your family James."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, finally standing up from his seat, "thank you Danny," he said softly, "not just for this but for everything, I couldn't have done this without your support,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"We've got each other's backs. Always" Danny said with a nod as he smiled then shooed Lester out towards the door. "Now get. I will call if there are any updates otherwise I don't want to see you here till tomorrow afternoon. Understood?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Despite everything Lester couldn't help that small smile, "yes sir," he said as he got the things he needed to take home with him, "no turning up to work until tomorrow afternoon,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny stood in the doorway of the office and watched Lester leave. Soon as he was out of sight around the corner he closed the door to the office and walked over to the chair. With an exhausted sigh Danny all but collapsed into it, his breath hitching as he gasped for breath finally letting his guard down and not showing just how much he was hurting after the beatdown Wilder had given. His hand went to his side as his ribs protested the movement and screamed at him even as he tried to take a full normal breath. It was going to be a long sleepless night in the office, but at Lester was with his kids where he belonged. That was what mattered.
Lester(thearcfamily)	It was the next afternoon, Lester had been home to his kids and was now coming back to work, he hadn't wanted to leave his kids after everything so he had given the nanny the rest of the day off and had brought his kids to the ARC. "Now, you are going to have to be on your best behaviour here," Lester was saying as he turned up to his office, "alright?" "Fine," Richard said, not looking up from his phone from where he had been in the middle of texting his friends. "So this is where you actually work?" Rosemary asked curiously as she looked around. Ruth was staying close to her dad as he let them into his office. "I thought you worked for the government?" "I do work for the government, it's a little more complicated than that," Lester sighed as he opened his office.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny was been in Lester's office still, where he had been since Lester had left. there had been no calls from the hospital which he was taking to be good news in general. It had been a painful and restless night but he had finally managed to fall asleep as the sun was coming up that morning. So, when Lester and the kids arrived Danny was pretty well passed out at Lester's desk.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Daddy why is there a man sleeping at your desk? Doesn't he have a bed?" Ruth asked in a loud whisper. Lester couldn't help but grin at the sight of Danny asleep on his desk, even though he did go over to check to make sure that Danny actually was okay, "I'd like my desk back now Mr. Quinn," he said loudly as he tapped him on the shoulder.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny woke up with a startle, his head popping up of the desk as he looked up at Lester in surprise. "Oh Lester Sir... you... you're back" Danny said suddenly realizing there was a pice of paper stuck to his face. He pulled it off as he stood up sheepishly to give Lester his desk and chair back. "S-sorry about that" he muttered, and then he heard a giggle and turned to look at Ruth. "Well now, who is this?" he asked with a soft smile.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Ruth was hiding behind her dad's legs, making no move to get away as she peered curiously out at Danny, "I'm Ruth," she said shyly. "And this is Rosemary and Richard," Lester smiled fondly as he pointed to each kid in turn, Rosemary smiled but Richard didn't even look up from his phone, he just gave a half wave and continued on texting.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Ah so these are them... well, it's good to finally put a face with a name. Hello Ruth" he said with a smile as he knelt down more to her level. "My name is Danny Quinn. You can call me Danny if you want" he said as he glanced up at Lester just then, not 100% sure how formal he wanted to keep things with the kids.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded his approval and Ruth peered up at Danny curiously, "okay Danny," she said quietly, "do you work for my daddy?" she asked as she looked around her father's office.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Aye that I do" Danny smiled. "It's my job to keep your daddy and everyone else here safe. And that includes you while you are here too." Danny smiled fondly as he watched Ruth take in the office.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Ruth slowly began to unwrap her arms from her father's legs and Lester ruffled her hair a bit as she got a bit more comfortable with the office, "is that like daddy's security guards that we have?" she asked quietly, "they keep us safe too," she told Danny shyly.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny's smile wavered for a brief moment then it was back as he nodded. "Just like that. Your daddy's security team work for me. You are smart one little lady" he said with a grin. Danny looked at Rosemary with a smile as well. "And I am sure you are a great big sister right? Helping your dad out and all. Keeping certain older brothers in line?" he said with a small wink and a nod towards Richard who was still engrossed with his phone.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Ruth beamed at that as Rosemary just shook her head at her brother, "someone has to around here," she said with a grin, "but I try to help when I can, dad taught me how to cook as well," she smiled at her dad.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Well what would you say to getting a quick tour of the place?" Danny asked as he smiled at Rosemary and Ruth then looked up at Lester. "Give your old man some time to take care of boring paperwork and we can so look at some cool fossils and things?" Danny knew much of the ARC was off limits, it wasn't like the kids could even sign the Secrets Act... or understand it if they did. But there wouldn't be any harm in showing them the safer things like the fossil collection.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Oh wow a tour, can we go on a tour daddy?" Ruth said excitedly at that, all shyness gone. Lester smiled, "of course you can," he said, trusting that Danny would keep them out of areas that were off limit. "Come on Ruth," Rosemary said and reached out to take Ruth's hand so they could leave the office. And Richard finally looked up from his phone for the first time at that, "fossils?" he repeated, now interested, "you actually have fossils here?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny smiled at the girls and then chuckled as Richard finally spoke. "Oh so it took the promise of million-years-old fossils to get you to put the phone down" he teased. He looked at Lester and gave a small nod as he stood up. "Alright so, let's go check out some fossils" he said as he took his radio double checked that it was on and turned up so he could hear it then clipped it to his belt. "We'll regroup for lunch?" he asked looking back at Lester as Rosemary and Ruth all but started dragging him towards the door as they each grabbed hold of his hands.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"What fossils are cool," Richard said with a shrug as he finally put his phone away. "I'll see you all at lunch," Lester nodded, smiling as he sat his desk, "now stay close to Danny and when Danny tells you you can't go in an area, he means it, its for your own safety," "Okay daddy," Ruth said cheerfully as she tried to pull Danny out of the room so they could go on the tour.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny laughed and leaned into the office and grinned at Lester. "Help, I'm being kidnapped by three excitable kids!" And with a smirk and another laugh Danny disappeared down the hall with Richard, Rosemary, and Ruth.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Ruth and Rosemary kept giggling as they led Danny out, Richard close behind them. Lester shook his head with a smile as he sat his desk and sighed as he looked at the pile of paperwork that he had and slowly began to start filling in all the different forms that he had to.
Danny(thearcfamily)	It was a little over an hour later and the sound of laughter could be heard in the hallway outside Lester's office. It would be fairly familiar laughter too as it got louder. A little while later the door opened and Richard walked in all smiles as Danny followed. Rosemary was clinging to one arm excitedly talking away and Ruth was up on his shoulder chattering away about something totally different. Danny looked a bit ragged and exhausted but there was a grin on his face as he walked in and looked over at Lester.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester noted that Richard was smiling, which was a rare feat in itself and how happy the girls sounded, he gladly put down his paperwork, "well it looks like you all had a good time," he smiled, noting Danny's exhausted expression, "how did it go?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Had a blast" Danny said, panting slightly. Ruth bounced excitedly on his shoulders interrupting anything else Danny was planning to say as she started talking about the shells and rocks and the dinosaur bones they had seen. "They even had tribblibites!" she said happily.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester raised an eyebrow at that, "Cutter will love to here there's another trilobite fan," he said with a fond smile, "did Danny take you to the lab where they do all the cleaning and cataloguing of fossils?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"It was so cool dad!" Richard said excitedly. "They actually had a fossil they were working on while we were there and we got to watch! Danny said I couldn't take a picture though..." he said slightly disappointedly but the smile was still there. "Sorry champ" Danny said with a smirk. “Safety protocols and all, everything in here, even he fossils, are part of official ARC business. No photos or videos. But I'm glad we were about to get there when they had a fossil to work on. "I believe it was one of the bones they grabbed last week" he said looking at Lester. "So that is likely a velociraptor fossil bone."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester smiled at that, "sorry Richard," he said, "we can't risk having any photos making their way to myspace or Facebook," he said, "but I'll take you to a lab that's not under the official secrets act and you can see some dinosaur bones being worked on then," he promised, "even though I can't guarantee they'll be working on a velociraptor bone," he admitted. "It was amazing dad," Rosemary exclaimed happily, "they last us get right close and see it, we couldn't touch anything though," she sounded a little disappointed in that.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I am not even allowed to touch the fossils" Danny said with a smirk. Was that out of normal protocols or because there was a genuine concern he'd accidentally damage something? Eh, details. "And we got to see a flying dragon too Daddy!" Ruth said as Danny set her on the ground and she ran over and grabbed hold of Lester's leg excitedly. "He was so cool!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester just shook his head at that, "a lot of people aren't allowed to touch the fossils, except for Cutter and Connor and Sarah," he said. He smiled as he went to pick Ruth up and sit on her on his lap, "Rex is pretty cool isn't he? It's not every day you get to meet a flying dragon,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny smiled. "I told them that once Cutter and Connor are better we might be able to arrange a small play date for the kids so they can see Rex again." He was glad the kids had had fun and that they had managed to get through the quick tour without too much drama and too many shenanigans.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Ruth was grinning at that, "Rex was so cool daddy," she said, "is it okay if we see him again?" "When the doctors give the all clear for Cutter and Connor, I'm sure they'll love for you to play with Rex," Lester smiled, "now I do believe it almost lunchtime, I'm sure you all must be hungry after your tour," The kids cheered at the idea of food.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny's stomach gave a bit of a rumble at that as well and he gave a sheepish smile. "Lunch does sound good honestly. These kids wore me out" he said as he reached out and gave Richard's hair a quick ruffle.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Hey not the hair!" Richard protested as he tried to get away but he was grinning at that. "Then I think we can make a trip to the cafeteria for lunch," Lester smiled, "they do make pretty good soup and sandwiches here," he added. "Do they have tomato soup?" Ruth asked hopefully.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Oh so we have another tomato soup fan so we?" Danny said with a grin as he turned from Richard to Ruth. "I've had the tomato soup several times. It's very yummy, as is the chicken noodle, the vegetable beef, and even the bean soup!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Ruth giggled at that, "tomato soup is my favourite," she revealed. "Chicken noodle sounds really good," Rosemary considered those options and Richard looked rather surprised at the different flavours, "they have bean soup?" he repeated. Lester smiled as he saw how excited his kids were about lunch.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny grinned at Lester then turned and headed for the door to open it so they could head to the cafeteria. "Well, sounds like we got the soups all figured out. Now to choose sandwiches on the way down!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Grilled cheese!" Ruth said excitedly as they left the office, she was holding her dad's hand and dragging him along, "I want grilled cheese please," Lester grinned fondly at that, "I think that can definitely be arranged," he told her as Rosemary and Richard f
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny grinned as the kids headed out, Ruth and Lester bringing up the rear. As he followed them out, locking the office door behind them he leaned over to Lester. "You're doing fine James" he whispered, knowing how hard it had been before and especially now, he had seen the worry in Lester’s eyes and remembered the fear in his voice when he thought his kids might be in danger. He knew it was hard but he wanted his boss, his friend, to know he had nothing to be ashamed of.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester smiled at that, "thank you Danny," he whispered, reassured by that, he was grateful that he had these moments with his kids, after all that uncertainty that Christine would carry out her thread against them, he was determined to protect them no matter what. He walked along to the cafeteria, holding Ruth's hand, as he looked forward to having lunch with Danny and his kids.