The ARC - London

[itsananomaly]

Cutter and Connor had slowly worked on getting back into a routine during their week off and before they knew it, their week off was finished and they both felt ready to return to work at the ARC. "I can't believe how quickly the last week went by," Cutter remarked as he finished off his breakfast on their way to the ARC. [Preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... it's been so long since we've been here" Connor said as they walked into the ARC. "I really thought for a while there we wouldn't make it back here. But we are here now.... and I'm so ready to do this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Same here," Cutter smiled as they got closer to the ARC, "I never thought we've be back here either but we got through it together and now we can go back to work," he said excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Well we are here now. Are you ready to do this?" he asked as he reached out and took Cutter's hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "Im looking forward to getting back to normal with things again."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'm ready," Cutter nodded as he took a deep breath and held onto Connor's hand, "it will be nice to be back with everyone again, James mentioned that Becker should be back today as well," he added excitedly, it had been several weeks since they last seen Becker.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh I know it will be so good to see Becker and everyone else again" Connor said as they walked in. He waited a moment and then gave a small smile as Danny came up the hallway towards them. "Glad you both made it" he said as he walked up and gave them both a hug. "You ready?" he asked with a grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he finished giving Danny a hug, "I'm ready," he nodded, "I'm glad that we can start working again at the ARC, its been too long since we were last here,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It'll be good to put everything behind us and get back to work" Connor said after the hug as they followed Danny down the hallway towards the break room. "Focusing on work and getting back to things is exactly what we need I think."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I think I'd even be glad just to fill in paperwork," Cutter admitted as they got closer to the break room, "it will be nice to be part of the team again and focus on the future,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and then paused when they got to the break room door and looked at Cutter. "Well,this is it" he grinned and pushed open the door and walked in, hand holding onto CUtter's as he did. As soon as he walked in he was hit with the memories of the times they had been there and everything that they had done with team there before. He smiled as he tightened his grip on Cutter's hand.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath as he walked in, clinging to Connor's hand as he did and looked around, it looked the same from the last time they were there, "it doesn't seem like much has changed?" he noted as he looked.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"No it hasn't" Connor agreed as he walked in and looked around. It was then he heard Danny say something from the doorway and turned to see Jenny standing there smiling. "Jenny! Hey, it's so good to see you!" he said as he hurried over an gave her a hug. "It feels like forever since we've seen you!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Jenny smiled as she gave Connor a hug, "I'm glad that we're meeting under better circumstances this time," she told him as Cutter leaned in to give her a hug, "I'm sorry I was away for so long, I just needed that time away," "I understand Jenny," Cutter reassured her, "its so good to see you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We all need a break after everything. It's good to have you back and it's good to be back." Connor said softly. "Amen to that" Danny agreed. "Will be good to get the ARC back to full capacity and get everything up and running again!" "Speaking of which, Jenny? You are still staying here right" Connor asked with a slightly worried expression. "Just not going out into the field?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I'm still staying," Jenny confirmed with a smile, "I've had my fill of field work, it will be nice to go back to my PR roots for a change," she told them and hesitated, "and I will be doing more work with Nate as well, helping him adjust but you don't have to worry about seeing him, I'll be working with him in the security wing," she reassured them. "I'm glad that you're staying Jenny," Cutter told her as he processed the news that she was going to be working with Nate, "and I'm glad that Nate will have you helping him," he still wasn't sure how he felt about everything but he knew that Nate needed a safe place to stay.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave Cutter's hand a gentle reassuring squeeze. It was still odd trying to process everything with Nate and his connection to Helen and what it all meant... He gave a small smile to Jenny. "Nate will be in good hands with you. I know you will be able to help him." "He'll be in good hands" Danny said simply. "He will be protected and we will keep an eye on things too" he added, figuring there was a mix of concern for Nate and also concern about Nate as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he returned that gentle squeeze, "its good that he'll be in a safe place," he said softly, "considering the circumstances..." his voice trailed off a bit, unsure what else to say.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held onto Cutter's hand silently for a moment then looked over at Lester. "How have things been with the anomalies and all with everything going on? Any major issues or breaches?" He wanted to ask if there were any signs of ones from the future but was worried about bringing it up directly just then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"There haven't been any unusual activities with the anomalies, we still haven't been able to find Christine, Wilder or Helen and that's what concerns me that they've been quiet for this long," Lester said quietly. Cutter shivered as held Connor's hand, "Helen wouldn't give up like this," he said softly, "she's planning something, what that is I don't know, we still never worked out what Site 333 meant,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave the hand in his a squeeze and looked from Lester to Danny. "we're still trying to figure out what the Site 333 Helen kept referencing means and why it is so important to all of this... We need to look at the artifact again, if that is ok?" Danny looked at Cutter and Connor and nodded then looked to Lester. "It's fine by me, we can beef up security while we are in there working on it. Would that be ok with you Sir?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester nodded, "I want security to be present at all times, I'm not getting caught off guard again," he said. "Thank you James," Cutter said softly, "there might be something that we missed on the artifact and now that we know that it's linked to Site 333, it might help us figure out what Helen is planning,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"If it helps us figure out what they are up to and put a stop to them then we have to do whatever we can" Connor said with a determined nod. "They are planning something and we have to be prepared for them this time!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Then you can go with Danny and have a look at the artifact, if you find anything I want to be notified immediately," Lester told them, "I'm going to be going over some briefings with Jenny so we'll be in my office if you do find something," "We'll let you know if we come up with anything," Cutter nodded, "I think having a look at the artefact with a fresh perspective is just what we need,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Then I shall take them over and let them get started Sir" Danny said with a small nod. "I will radio the boys and tell them to meet us there." "Thank you Danny, I do think getting hands and eyes on the artifact again will really help us!" Connor said. "And we will definitely let you know if we find anything Lester!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester nodded, "very well, I'll expect a checkin in later," he said and he and Jenny left to head towards his office. Cutter was nervous as they made their way towards the artefact, "it feels strange after all this time to think we could finally figure out the significance of the artifact," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... so much has happened, because of this thing. To finally get closer to figuring out what it is and why Christine and Helen are so desperate for it... almost makes it all seem worth it." Connor followed after Danny as he led them down the familiar back hallways towards the security area where the Artifact was being kept. They met with with rest of the security team and then as the door to the lab opened Connor held his breath for a moment.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The door to the lab opened and Cutter braced himself for something to happen but then everything appeared to still be normal, he stared at the anomaly, not quite ready to move in just yet, "it still looks exactly the same as the last time we saw the artifact," he marvelled.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It does... that's a good thing" Connor said also breathing a sigh of relief as they walked in. He looked at the artifact as it sat on the stand where it had been. "So... what secrets does this thing hold?" he asked as he took a step closer and looked at the artifact, squinting slightly trying to remember all the little details.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Do you think maybe one of the ends hold a clue, where the edges seem to be a bit more raised?" Cutter considered as he wandered over to the other side of the artefact and peered in closer, "maybe we need to look at it more closely with some UV light?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh that's not a bad idea Nick... We never had access to any special lighting or anything before" Connor said as he crouched down to look at the artifact. "There could be something engraved or marked on it that we can't see otherwise!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that as he went to turn the lights off and then turn on the UV lights, he moved the lights down so that they could look more closely at the artefact. "Do you see anything yet?" he asked hopefully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked closely, moving around the artifact and slowly rating it on the stand where it sat. He shook his head slowly then stopped and stared at one area. "Wait I see something... under the rust we haven't cleaned off yet... Its numbers!" He glanced at Cutter then looked back. "It's not 333 though. Theres a 6, 8... and a couple more numbers I cant quite make out yet."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked more closely at the artifact as well, "I think there's a 5 and a 9 as well," he looked, "I think the answer does involve light, maybe we need to put it somewhere so that the light can react off it?" he considered thoughtfully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah that's a good idea Nick!" Connor nodded as he looked around to figure out the best place to put the artifact and the light. "Let's see.... we could put the artifact like this" he said shifting it a bit. "And then could you move the light a bit more?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was trying to not get his hopes up to much that they would be able to solve the mystery of the artifact and he moved the light as Connor instructed, "how about this? Any change yet?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor just stared at the artifact closely. Then there as a sudden flash as the light hit a certain way on the artifact. It was quick. It wasn't for long and he couldn't quite tell what he had seen. "Did... did you see that?" he asked almost wondering if he had imagined it.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I did see that," Cutter said excitedly, "do you think you could adjust the artifact against the light a bit more?" he encouraged, "I think it definitely responded to that,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Ok... let's see what this does" Connor said as he slowly started to turn the artifact a little more under the light. He kept glancing from the artifact to Cutter and then back to the artifact. "See anything Nick?" he asked, holding his breath a little as he moved the artifact a little more.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Nothing yet ..." Cutter said softly as he looked closely and then he saw it, "wait I think I saw some more light, can you move it back like you just did?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Slowly Connor shifted the artifact back a little and stared as he watched to see if the light came back. His eyes went wide when he saw the light again, almost light it was being reflected from out of the artifact itself. "Oh wow" he said as he stared at the lights... "Nick.."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was breathless as he took in the light display, "oh wow ..." he peered closer to get a good look at them, "you know I think these patterns look rather familiar," he said, trying to figure out where he had seen them before.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor barely dared move as he stared at the points of light as well. "They do...they seem really familiar to me as well..." For a moment he just stared and the snapped his finger and looked over at Cutter. "Hey Nick, hand me that note pad and pen over there please?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grabbed the note pad and pen and handed them to Connor, "here you go," he said, "what are you thinking they mean?" he asked curiously.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm not sure... but..." Connor took the paper and pen and started trying to copy down the pattern as best he could onto the paper. "But this is familiar enough.. I know I've seen something like this before. I... want to make sure we have this so we don't have to keep coming back to the artifact every time to see it" he said as he carefully worked on the rough sketch of the light points.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That's a great idea," Cutter smiled as he started those patterns of light curiously as he tried to jog his memory to why he could remember them, he knew his memory wasn't as good as it used to be after being shot but he still couldn't shake the familiarity of those patterns, "I just wish I could remember why I recognise these patterns,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded thoughtfully as he finished copying the last of the points and making the connecting lines. "It's... it almost looks like a map of some kind... these points. Are like stopping points... along this path." Connor looked from the paper to the artifact then to Cutter. "But what are they stopping points for? that's the question.."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"A map ..." Cutter murmured thoughtfully, tilted his head at the lights again and then something seemed to come to him, "Connor..." he began, "do you think these could be the same patterns in the anomaly prediction model we were working on?" as soon as he said it out loud, it seemed absurd but it was the only he could think of.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked at Cutter for a moment at the paper then to Cutter, his eyes going a little wide. "Nick.... I think that might actually be what this is..." He put the paper down on the table between them and pointed to a specific part of the map. "This... this was the part of the model we had been working on.. I know it..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stared excitedly at the part of the map that Connor was pointing to, "someone was working on anomaly map before us," he breathed out, "do you think someone from the future mapped out all the known anomalies?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"They might have. Which... would explain why Helen is so interested in the future anomaly. And... why Christine is so determined to get the artifact... and figure it out" Connor said slowly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We need to tell James," Cutter said as he realised they were in much more danger than they had been before, "if Helen and Christine realise that we now know what it is ... there's no telling what they would do to get the artifact," he said worriedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he put the paper down and went to the door to call Danny in. They definitely needed to let Lester and the team know what was happening. This affected everyone.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stood by the artifact as he waited for Connor to come back with Danny, now that they had discovered what seemed to be the secret of the artifact he was terrified of what this would mean if Helen or Christine found out that they knew.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Ok you two are staying right here while I go tell Lester" Danny said when he had come in after talking to Connor. "My guys will stay outside. You stay here. Lock the door and don't open it till we get back." Connor nodded as he stood beside Cutter and reached out to take his hand. "Alright Danny... " he said softly, trying to not let the fear of what they had just discovered hit too hard. "We'll be here."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, taking Connor's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze, "we'll stay right here," he promised, "we won't go anywhere,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat down in one of the chairs as he watched Danny leave, closing the door behind him as he left. "It'll be ok. They've increased the security. We're going to be fine" he said, hoping he sounded more sure than he felt.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter could only nod, his hands trembling as they tried to keep them still, "we won't let Helen win," he said, wishing he sounded a lot braver.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It felt like forever before there was noise outside the door again and then Connor gave a sigh of relief when Danny and Lester walked back in. "We're all good, don't worry" Danny said when he saw the worried looks on their faces. "We're already working on increasing the security throughout the ARC."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that, "that's good," he said nervously, "if Helen or Christine found out what we now know about the artifact ..." he shivered, "it's a map James," he said quietly, "the same anomaly map we've been working on," Lester looked at the artifact closely, "do you know if there's a way to tell where these anomalies lead?" he asked softly, "if one of these is the future anomaly that Helen wants?" "I .. I don't know," Cutter admitted quietly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Best we can tell is they seem to follow a pattern. Almost like connecting stars on a star chart?" Connor said as he showed the paper sketch to Lester and Danny. "But we don't know yet where they lead or where they are located as far as where they might appear here on our side of the timeline."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester studied the sketches and then looked back at the artifact, "this information is to valuable to let out," he finally said, "especially since we're the only ones who have seen this map," he added. "what do we do with the artifact now?" Cutter wondered as he stared back at the pattern of lights. "For now, we keep it under tight security," Lester decided, "maybe even see if there's a way to destroy it once we've gotten the information off it,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'd hate to think about destroying and possibly losing something... but it might be the safest thing considering who we are dealing with" Connor said softly. "I think we need to make sure we get as much information as we can from it before we think about that though."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "there'd be so much valuable information that we could end up losing, even though we run the same risk that if we right anything down that can be used against us as well," he considered. "we'd have to make sure the information is secure," Lester stared at the artifact thoughtfully, "it's too dangerous," he finally said softly, "you and Connor nearly got killed for it, I'm not risking any more of my team for this artifact," he decided, "we'll get the information we need from it and then look at finding a way to destroy it for good,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I have to agree" Danny said with a nod. "Becker and I took a beating to get the thing away from them. I'm not risking it falling into Christine and Wilder's hands again. And we cant let Helen have it either. I vote we learn what we can and then destroy it," Connor bit his lip slightly as he looked at Danny and Lester then to the artifact. He knew they were right. It was too dangerous, too risky, too much could go wrong. But he hated the thought of destroying something so rare and unique.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked over at Connor and reached over to take his hand, he didn't like the idea of destroying the artifact either but he knew what the risks were if they kept it in tact, "I can have a look at my old notes from when I was working on the anomaly prediction model, maybe I can figure out where some of these anomalies lead to?" he offered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And if we could have another week or so, or even a few more days..." Connor said looking a Danny and Lester pleadingly. "Just give us a little more time to see what we can find out about it. Then... we can destroy it." "Well... what do you think Guv?" Danny said as he looked at the artifact, blocking a moment as the memories of what it had taken for him and Becker to finally get their hands on it came flooding back again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester was quiet for a moment as weighed up the pros and cons, he didn't like the idea of the artifact still being at the ARC, especially now that they knew what it was, "you have a week," he decided, "and then Danny and the security team will destroy it," Cutter breathed a sigh of relief at that, "thank you James, we'll find out everything we can about the anomalies," he promised.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you Sir, thank you Danny, really" Connor said with a nod. "We'll make sure to get as much information as we can!" "I'll... go brief the team then" Danny said finally pulling his gaze away from the artifact and giving Lester a nod.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Danny," Lester said quietly, "I would like regular checkins as well," he told him before Danny left. He turned back to Cutter and Danny, "there'll be security at all times by this door, the only other people who will be allowed in will be myself and Danny," Cutter nodded, "I understand James, thank you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Not even Abby or Connor or Becker" Danny said as he walked out, giving one last look back at the artifact then nodded to Lester's request before disappearing out into the hallway. "I know security is the biggest thing right now" Connor said thoughtfully. I can work on setting up a secure server on the ARC computer system. Fully encrypted, protected, whole nine yards. We can keep all the anomaly and artifact information and research there."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Becker can be looped in when he comes in since he'll be resuming his security duties," Lester allowed, "but Abby and Connor don't need to know," and then he considered Connor's suggestion, "very well, if you can update everything there and keep me updated as well with any additional discoveries," "We will James," Cutter told him, "and we won't tell Connor or Abby," he felt bad keeping it from them but he knew this would keep them safe.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly, also not liking the idea of hiding things from members of the team. But he knew they had managed to escape the brunt of Helen and Christine's wrath... it wouldn't happen again if they got caught up in this new discovery. "I will get that set up by tomorrow and will start updating everything. I can give you daily reports and updates as well Sir."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Connor," Lester said softly, "I know this is a big ask but security is of the utmost importance here, we barely escaped the last attack from Helen and Christine, I don't want to put the ARC at further risk by continuing to hold the artifact, its simply to dangerous," Cutter nodded, "I'll get started on going over my old research notes, see what findings I can make, hopefully with the time we have we can work out what site 333 means and why its important to Helen,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I will look at the old research too and move all the data and files over to the secure server when it is set up. We can figure this out. I know we can" Connor said as he turned and looked at the artifact that had caused so much trouble for everyone. He hated the thought of keeping it but after everything they went through he also hated the idea of destroying it if there were still secrets that it held.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester nodded, "I will leave you to begin your research," he said, "and I will brief Captain Becker when he checks in for the day," he told them. "Thank you James," Cutter said softly, "we'll keep you updated on our progress as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	As Lester left and the door closed behind him Connor sighed and looked at the artifact. "I cant believe we have to destroy it..." he said softly with a small sigh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I know," Cutter said softly as he looked at the artifact, "a week isn't going to be nearly enough time to get all the secrets that this has but we can't let Helen or Christine have another chance at finding this either,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Anything we can find will help. And anything we don't... anything we cant unlock... we're better off not knowing or having it than risk giving it to them" Connor nodded in agreement.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he leaned in closer to study the patterns, "we just have to keep looking," he said softly, "maybe if we can find the specific anomaly Helen is after, it will give us an idea of what her endgame is,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and studied the engravings as well and sighed. "All this time all this effort, and we have just a week to make it all worth while... no pressure huh?" he said with a small strained laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter managed a small smile at that, "absolutely no pressure at all," he said as he looked at the artifact and the task that was ahead of them, "but we'll manage the best we can," he said, trying to sound as confident as he felt.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	" Anything we find out is essentially something Helen and Christine and Wilder can't use. So looking at it that way everything we uncover is a perk for us" Connor said with a smile as he jotted down a few notes on his paper.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he also got out some paper and began looking at the anomalies closely, taking notes as he did, "exactly, we're one step closer to being able to stop them once and for all, they've been after this since the beginning and if we can beat them to their secrets, then everything will be worth it in the end," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded then had an idea. He tore a couple pages out of his notebook and then laid one sheet over the anomaly. Grabbing one of the charcoal sticks he used to in some of his notes and sketches and started to take a rubbing of the artifact. "Figured won't hurt to have a copy of sorts of what it looked like on the outside... in case it is all we have to reference later on."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh that's a great idea," Cutter smiled at that, "any additional resources we have will definitely help us with the information we need to get,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, we will get everything we can out of this thing before we lose it for good." With that he went back to focusing on studying the artifact and looking for any clues or things they had overlooked before.