The ARC, Christine's former black site and then the Pliocene

[itsananomaly]

Everything had happened so fast with Helen and Christine and now Helen had captured Cutter and Connor and taken them god knows where. "We need to go after them," Danny said once they saw the black truck take off, "as long as Cutter has the artifact, we've got a tracker on them,” [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. Adapted in parts from Series 3 Episode 9 'Herd Logic' and Episode 10 'The Chase Continues'. Major CW for NPC character death and disturbing imagery. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker was already heading to his truck nearby. "Come on, I'll drive. You keep a watch on the tracker and see where it is they go!" Becker slid in and started up the truck, speeding off as soon as Danny was in.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Once Danny had gotten in the car, he had his device out and was checking where the tracker was heading, "got it," he said as he saw the direction they were going in, "they're still on the move, wherever Helen is taking them she hasn't reached her destination yet,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I am honestly not sure if I am more worried about her being on the run still or more worried about what will happen when they finally get to wherever they are going..." Becker looked over at Danny, a worried look in his eyes and then focused back on the road, following Danny's directions on where to go.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I think both options are equally terrifying," Danny agreed as he kept guiding Becker on which way the car was travelling, after a while there was something familiar about where it was going, "Becker, I think I know where they're going," he realised, "I think Helen's taking them to Christine's old black site,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt his blood run cold at that as the images of what had happened there flashed through his mind. He blinked hard trying to focus on driving. "Then we... then we have to get to them" Becker said as his grip on the steering wheel tightened and he fought back the sick feeling settling in the pit of his stomach.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, gripping the tracking device tightly in his hands, shivering a bit at he remembered the beatings that he and Becker had taken, "do you think that maybe Helen and Wilder joined forces and that's why she killed Christine? Why else would Helen take Cutter and Connor to the black site?" he couldn't help but wonder.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker seethed a little at the mention of Wilder as he thought about Sarah and what Wilder had done to her. "He has to be at the site still... I don't know why else Helen would be taking them there. It has to have something to do with the artifact and why they had it there."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Either way we'll find them and stop them," Danny vowed, "they won't get away with what they've done, we'll get Cutter and Connor back and stop this once and for all,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he tried to push down the swirl of feelings inside him just then. He had to focus on getting there. they had to get to Connor and Nick. They had to save them.... that was what mattered right then. He drove on in silence and then he saw it as they came up over the hill. "There it is...." he said as he glanced over at Danny, worried about how he was handling all of this just then too.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny felt queasy as that familiar building came into view, he stared up the site where he and Becker had gone through so much, he couldn't bear to think what could be happening to Cutter and Connor right now. "It won't be like last time," he said softly, trying to convince himself more than anything.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"They aren't going to hurt Connor and Nick... we're going to make sure of that" Becker said as he pulled to a stop. He knew it was a risk just running in, having no idea who or what was inside. But he also knew they were out of time. "Come on, we have to find where they went inside" he said as he ran to the door, glancing over his shoulder at Danny before opening the door and then freezing as he stared at the scene before them...
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, took a deep breath and then noticed what Becker was staring at, "oh god..." he gasped in horror at the blood and body parts that seemed to be littered in the hallway, "what ... what happened?" it was taking every ounce of self control not to bring up his breakfast that morning.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker stared in horror around them. He knew Danny had seen his share of murders and crime scenes over the years. But he... he was former Spec Ops, he'd seen actual war. been trained specifically to deal with scenes like this...and still, he was finding it hard to keep the bile from rising in his throat at the sight. "Either Helen staged a hostile takeover... or... Christine led a mutant... either way, I think it's safe to know who came out victorious..." Becker put a hand on Danny's shoulder as he lead them in trying to find any sign of where Helen might have taken Connor and Cutter.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny took a deep breath, "and it doesn't bode well for Cutter and Connor," he said softly as they walked ahead, "the tracker's stopped just up ahead here, either they don't have the artifact anymore or ..." he was trying very hard to think that Cutter and Connor were okay but it was hard considering the circumstances they had just walked into.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"They are fine. Nick and Connor are fine. They have to be" Becker said as much to himself as to Danny as they followed to where the last ping from the artifact had been. Becker opened the door and stopped again, staring at a different sight. "An... an anomaly? Here? Christine had one here... the entire time?" he said in shock as he stared at the flickering lights and then over to Danny.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"They must have ...then what ever got through the anomaly is what created this blood bath," Danny shivered as he noticed now there was a bit more light there were still blood spatter around the room, "this must be why Christine and Helen started their partnership to begin with," he said softly as he stared at the anomaly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"They both wanted to control the anomaly... two egos that would eventually butt heads. Seems like Helen came out on top of that little power struggle." Becker pulled his eyes from the anomaly and looked around the room following Danny's gaze around the room. As he took in the splatters of blood and everything that was in there too. Then his eyes darted off to the side as he held his hand out to Danny. "Shhh... Danny? Did... did you hear that?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny cocked his head to the side as he could make out some very low murmuring noises, it sounded like someone was in pain, a lot of pain, "is someone in here with us?" he asked softly, holding tightly onto his gun in case.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker looked around as well, his own hand reaching for his gun as he peered into he darker corners, eye adjusting as he moved away from the brighter light of the anomaly. He took a few cautious steps towards the noise. "Hello?" he called out, to hear a louder moan and then what he swore was his name gasped out weakly. Becker blinked for a moment. "W-Wilder?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny followed Becker and his eyes widened as he saw Wilder on the ground and to say he was doing poorly was an understatement, how the man was even still breathing was a mystery. "Wilder? What happened here?" Danny said as he cautiously bent down to feel the man's pulse and got a very weak one back, he knew there wasn't much time as he looked up at Becker to see how he was coping. He knew that Becker had at the very least wanted to make Wilder pay for what had happened to them and for how he had hurt Sarah.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker couldn’t pull his eyes from the bloodied and nearly mangled form of Wilder as he leaned against the wall in the far corner of the room. As he stared at the man he had such a long, painful, and complicated relationship with Becker knew Wilder was in bad shape, and that was made all the more clear as Wilder tried to speak. "Future predator… came in... through the anomaly" Wilder said as he weakly turned his head towards the anomaly. " took out the entire team..." Wilder's voice trailed off as he gave a weak cough as he tried to look back at Becker and Danny.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Was it Helen?" Danny had a fair idea of who was responsible, any other person and he would feel bad interrogating them like this when they were clearly on their last breaths but if he was being honest he didn't actually really feel any sympathy for Wilder and his suffering, "did you see her or Cutter and Connor come through here?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker stood staring down at Wilder, barely hearing Danny as he couldn't pull his gaze away from the man who was clearly dying as he lay there in front of them. The last person he wanted to see was Wilder, yet he still couldn't look away. "Helen brought the predators..." Wilder gasped out. It took him a bit before he answered Danny's other question. "I saw them... they're alive... for now..."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny tried to process the information Wilder was telling them, “they must have followed Helen through the anomaly, we need to follow them, help them,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"They could be anywhere in there by now.... we have to go after them" Becker said as he looked at the anomaly. He was about to turn and head for the anomaly when something stopped him. Looking down he saw Wilder had managed to shift and reached out and grabbed his pant leg. "I helped you... now you... help me..."Wilder said the look in his eyes saying exactly what he meant as he looked up at Becker. "Get off me!" Becker spat as he kicked Wilder's hand away, the hate and anger clear in his eyes.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny felt torn as he saw Becker react, he didn't blame Becker at all and he felt conflicted himself. Wilder had just done too much to them for them to be the better men and he stared at Wilder as he debated just walking away with Becker to the anomaly and leaving Wilder to his fate. "Please..." Wilder tried again, coughing up more blood as he did, "please just end this," Danny stared at Wilder and shook his head, "let's go Becker, we need to find Connor and Cutter,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker stared at Wilder even as he felt Danny's hand on his shoulder as he tried to lead him away. Becker felt his hand go to the gun at his hip. "For you did to me... to Danny... I'd shoot you where you lay" he said struggling to keep his voice steady as he glared down at Wilder. "But for Sarah... you deserve this. You deserve worse than this... for what you've done to her!"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Wilder started coughing up more blood than, unable to respond as he stared up at Becker with wide pleading eyes. Danny just stared at Wilder, "come on Becker, he's not worth it, he made his bed, let him lie in it," he said grimly as Wilder started gasping for air, not able to breath.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker had seen people die... more than he'd like to think about. And he had never enjoyed it. Even now, as finally turned his back on Wilder and headed for the anomaly with Danny, there was no pleasure in his heart. Wilder was getting what he deserved... that much he knew. They stopped just before stepping through the anomaly and Becker kept his back to Wilder even as he heard a faint "fuck you Hillary" before Wilder went quiet.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny shivered as he heard that final blow from Wilder, even when the man was on his death bed he still had to have the last word in, he took a deep breath and faced the anomaly, "are you ready Becker?" he asked quietly, knowing just how difficult this was for him.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker didn't say anything, he just stood there, hands clenched at his side. He nodded silently and then stepped forward and into the anomaly. He knew Danny was following so he didn't turn around to check as he stared around in a mix of awe and fear at where they had ended up. "This... is what Helen was after? This is the future?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"It must be," Danny blinked as he looked around the deserted room, "there must have been something here that Helen was after, what she needed Cutter and Connor for," and that was when he noticed the faint anomaly in the distance, "Becker look there's another anomaly, that must be where they ended up,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	With a small nod Becker started off towards the anomaly at a run. He could tell by how faint the anomaly was that is was likely going to close. He knew that meant that they would be trapped in whatever lay on the other side.... but he also knew that if it closed before they got there, then there would be no hope at all of rescuing Cutter and Connor. "Danny! Hurry, it's closing!"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny knew there was no time to lose and he followed after Becker, "I really hope Cutter and Connor are alright, we have to find them Becker," he said as they raced towards the closing anomaly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as they practically dove through the anomaly right before it flickered and disappeared. He found himself staggering a little as his feet hit the uneven ground on the other side, small clouds of dust getting kicked up as he skipped to a stop. "You ok Quinn?" he asked a little winded as he looked around at where they were. "I don't think this is the future anymore... question is, where in the past is THIS now?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I'm okay Becker," Danny nodded once he was able to get his breath back and took in his surroundings, "honestly we could be anywhere but knowing Helen, she would have wanted it something specific, why she went to all this trouble to begin with, maybe this is where site 333 is?" he guessed, remembering the security briefings from Lester.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Maybe... this place def looks more like the dig site Nick, Connor and I were on honestly. I wonder what Site 333 is and why is matters so much?" For a moment Becker stood and tried to get his bearings and figure out which way to head. "They probably headed down toward the valley, let's go there first."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny looked around as he tried to get a feel for their surroundings, "that's a good place to start, maybe they needed to get water and looked for a source? I didn't see any sign of the artifact and the signal stopped, do you think it's been destroyed?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Helen might have destroyed it" Becker said somberly as they started making their way down the hillside. "Which if that's the case then the whole purpose of the artifact was to get her here. But why here specifically? Why this time and this location?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I'm not sure," Danny admitted as they walked, "it must have been intended to be a one way trip, if she didn't need the artifact, hopefully Cutter and Connor have been able to stop her and we'll be able to find them,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and sighed as he kept looking around them trying to figure out what they were going to do. "I can't help but think that depending on where exactly we are in the past... this could be opening up a big ole butterfly effect scenario."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"And knowing what I do know of Helen that wouldn't surprise me if that was her ultimate plan, changing something here that will have ramifications in the future," Danny said softly, "if we're not careful there may not be a future for us to go back to,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"All the more reason for us to find them... stop Helen...before she destroys the future, whether intentionally or unintentionally." Becker shifted the back on his back and tightened his grip on his weapon as he nodded up ahead. "There's a river down there. I bet that is where they headed!"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, knowing that they were on borrowed time, "especially if they needed a water source," he agreed, "hopefully they decided to stay close by before trying to find their way back through the anomalies,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"The state Wilder was in...." Becker paused as he tried to push down the swell of anger he felt again. "They couldn't have been through the anomaly for long. They have to still be close by. Let's get to the river and then maybe we can see them... get down past the hills and get a better view of the area."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"There's also a lot of cliff areas here, they may have found a place to hide," Danny considered as they walked, "hopefully Helen didn't injure them," he added, voicing another concern, "first aid is going to be an issue out here," he added worriedly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded somberly as they made their way towards the river. I'm just glad I grabbed my pack. Basic first aid is better than none, and it won't last us long but there are some purifying tabs in there and a couple meal kits." He knew that wouldn't keep any of them going for very long but he was trying to just focus on getting to Cutter and Connor.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"I should have grabbed mine but I left it in my locker," Danny sighed as they continued to make their way to the river, "I didn't think we'd end up in an anomaly, potentially stranded in the past, at least that way we may have been able to ration out the packs, I know a few things about foraging that may be able to help us though," he said, trying to focus on what they were able to do rather than what they couldn't.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"And we're both decent marksmen too... as long as the bullets hold out" Becker said, not even wanting to think about the implications of killing the wrong dinosaur and making their own timeline changes. "Wait... Danny look...." Becker pointed to the river that was closer now. "Are those... those aren’t apes. What are they?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny tilted his head curiously as he got a closer look, "they look ... they look like us but they aren't ..." he tried to do a rough calculation of where they were, "this has to be an early human settlement, do you think ... do you think this was Helen's target? the early humans?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"If she is, then she is trying to totally rewrite human evolutionary history!" Becker looked at Danny in horror. "If she gets rid of the early humans... then the odds of humans ever evolving at all..." he gave a shiver as he thought about it. "They look ok far as I can tell... but we have to find Helen. She could be trying to pull anything at this point."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"She's probably trying to poison the water," Danny stared at Becker with an equally horrified expression, "what about the cliffs, from there she could do a whole lot of damage in one swoop?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Crap...I had it wrong... the water is the target but she’s not down here. She’s probably up on the cliffs somewhere" Becker said as the realization hit as he started scanning the nearby cliffs to see if he could find anything.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny scanned the nearby cliffs, "what about the one?" he said pointing up towards it, "that's the one directly above the river, she might have tried to head up there?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker glanced up where Danny was pointing and nodded. "Yeah let's go- if shes’ not here we can try and get a better view from up there!" Adjusting the pack on his back Becker started running up the rocks towards the outcrop of the cliff. He was already starting to breathe hard by the time they reached the top but he stopped suddenly. Not to catch his breath but because he couldn't believe what was there in front of him. "Connor! Nick!" he cried out as he stared at Cutter and Connor who were sitting huddled together.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny noticed how they were sitting, their expressions and he feared the worst, "Connor... Nick?" he tried cautiously approaching them to see if they would look at him. At first Cutter didn't respond, his mind was numb, everything had come to a stop and he wasn't aware of anything other than Connor sitting next to him and then dimly he became aware of someone calling their names and he slowly looked up. "Danny...?" he croaked, it had been clear that he had been crying, "Becker?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Becker! D-Danny!" Connor gasped out, barely believing that it was real and he wasn't just imagining it. They were there. They had found them. Becker hurried over to them as soo as he heard them speak. He dropped to his knees in front of them and looked at them. eyes filled with worry and concern. "Nick... Connor... are you alright? Are you hurt? Where... where's Helen?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled, fresh tears filling his eyes, "I'm ... we're not hurt ... Helen ... Helen tried to destroy the first humans, stop humanity evolving ... she ... she's dead," he choked out.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor wrapped his arms around Cutter and pulled him close rubbing his back gently. He looked over Cutter's shoulder at Danny and Becker. "Helen slipped. We... tried to help her... " Connor's eyes went over to the edge of the cliff nearby, "She fell" he said simply.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny went over to the cliff, peering over to see if he could see where Helen was, after a few moments he came back, shaking his head, "we'd have to go down to the bottom to check but I don't see anyway she'd ..." he glanced at Cutter who was shivering against Connor and his voice trailed off, "I'm sorry," he said quietly, even though privately he knew it was the best for everyone but he knew this would be complicated for Cutter and Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded quietly. He was still trying to process everything himself. Mostly he was trying to be there for Cutter because he knew how he felt still about Helen. He knew this was going to be hard on him. And he wanted to do what he could to help him. "Did she get any of the poison into the water that you know of?" Becker asked softly. "No... we stopped her before she could. I... I have it here in my pocket still" he said softly still holding Cutter close.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Cutter didn't say anything, tears just kept rolling down his cheeks as he leaned against Connor, he hated feeling this weak that after everything that Helen had done to them, he was still mourning her. Danny knew that eventually they would have to start trying to make their way back but the important thing was to give Cutter and Connor a chance to process, for Cutter to grieve. He nodded, "that's good, we should still keep onto that it might be good to have something to protect us," he looked at Becker worriedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor saw the worried look that went between Becker and Danny and he felt the shuddering breath from Cutter as he slowly calmed down again. "We have to try and get back, find another anomaly or something" Becker said softly. "We also need water. I have a few spare canteens in my pack. We can fill them at the river then head out." "We should move away a little first though..." Connor said softly. "We don't want to mess the timelines up any by having them suddenly see modern-day humans."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny looked at Cutter, still worried when Cutter didn't seem to move or even acknowledge that he heard the conversation around him but he knew they had to start making contingency plans, there was no guarantee that they were going to find the anomalies they needed to make their way back home. "Okay," Danny took a deep breath, he was still team leader even if they were thousands of millions of years in the past now, he had a job to get everyone back safely, "we find some place to hide, then we start getting supplies to see us through the next few days, we can hunt and forage and get clean water to see us through and someone will keep watch at all times," he decided looking at Becker to see if there was anything he had forgotten.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor listened and slowly helped Cutter to his feet, wrapping arm around him as they stood. he knew this was hard on him but he also knew Danny was right, they had to get to somewhere safer before night fell. "I got you Cutter... it's alright" he said softly as he looked to Danny and Becker waiting for instructions. "I agree" Bekcer said with a nod. "Shelter is the first priority before it gets dark. We have food and water for tonight. we can start on everything else in the morning."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Cutter murmured as he was helped to his feet, his body half collapsing against Connor's as he leaned against him. "Alright, let's do this," Danny took a deep breath, looking at the position of the sun to get an idea of what time it was, "I think we should still have a few hours of sunlight ahead, there's no telling what type of creatures were present at this time period and we definitely don't want to run in with the local early human population," he thought about their options, "maybe we can find a cave somewhere nearby in the cliffs, we could even get a fire going to help us between Becker and myself, we know enough survival skills and Connor too, you've had experience before living for an extended period in these parts, any additional information you can give us will be most helpful," he said as he looked over at Connor and Cutter.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye. Shelter is the most important" Connor agreed as he shifted his arm to hold Cutter up more easily. "This far back there won't be any of the big dinos, no T-rex or raptors. but there are still creatures that would gladly come after us. Shelter and fire are most important right now. We can get food and water later."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Cutter seemed to stir a bit at that, blinking up at Connor, "you ... you lived here?" he said in a dazed voice barely above a whispered. Danny nodded, "okay that's good, to know, we'll be alert at all times. We'll start moving now, find that empty cave and get the fire going and then we'll make plans to start our journey home," he wanted to promise that he could get everyone home but he knew the odds were stacked against them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked at Cutter and leaned over and put a small kiss to the top of his head. "Not here specifically... but I... I spent a good bit of time trapped behind an anomaly once.... a while ago. I made it... so we can definitely make it through this" he said with what he hoped was a confident smile as he started to follow after Danny as he began to lead them off in search of a place to hold up for the night.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was quiet as he tried to process what Connor had said, that he had spent time behind an anomaly, that he had been trapped and had made it back. He shivered as he tried to focus on what they were doing, that they were going to make it. "I'm sorry you were trapped," he said softly as they followed after Danny, who was determined to find them the shelter they needed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Wasn't your fault... You... you were gone by that time" Connor said softly as he helped Cutter along. "I wasn't alone. Abby was there too so, that made it easier." Connor fell silent as he walked with Cutter. He kept scanning the area too, trying to figure out what would be the best place to try and get to. "Danny, maybe we can try over there?" He nodded to a small space between two of the cliffs. "Its far enough from the river we shouldn't be in the path of anything trying to get to the river."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Even in his still stunned mind Cutter could piece together what Connor meant by that, the version of him who had died in Connor's timeline. He was quiet again, still trying to process everything, "I'm glad you weren't alone," he said softly, "that Abby was there with you," Danny turned in the direction that Connor was pointing, scoping it out, "I think that will definitely do for tonight at least," he agreed, "we should be secluded enough as well so that we can light a fire as well,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Agreed" Becker said as he came up from the rear to stand beside Danny. He looked at the spot Connor had suggested and nodded. "Will be as good a place as any" he said and stepped beside Cutter so he could lean on him some if he wanted and to give Connor a bit of a break as well. "It's better than climbing up a tree and trying to sleep up there all night" Connor said with a small dry laugh. At least here there not many trees to have to worry about.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Cutter was still not feeling up for much movement so gratefully leaned against Becker when he offered it. Danny nodded, "I think we'll try to avoid any tree climbing for the time being," he agreed, "I think we should start a fire and then we can look in the pack that Becker managed to grab, that'll keep us going for the next few days till we hopefully find an anomaly and can find our way home,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and gave a small stretch as Becker took over. He took that moment to walk ahead a little and walk with Danny. "Danny... I'm worried about Nick" he said softly as he glanced over his shoulder. "I... i know its going to take him time... but.. he just seems so... lost."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny looked back where Cutter was still leaning against Becker, at the dazed expression in his gaze. "I know," he sighed, "it's ... I know his history with Helen is ...a lot," that was definitely an understatement, "and I know he's been working on it but this ... between you two getting shot and now ..." he paused, unsure of what to say for a moment, "I know Cutter needs a few days to grieve and process but we don't really have that luxury and we need all hands on deck," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Just give him tonight" Connor said softly as he turned from looking at Cutter back to the path head of them. "Let me take care of him tonight, give him this little bit of time. Then we can tackle everything in the morning." Connor bit his lip as he followed after Danny, his own mind still reeling from everything. There was a lot he was still trying to process and figure out. But he knew Cutter needed him. Becker and Danny needed him. He'd have to figure it all out on his own later.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, "alright, tonight, spend time with Cutter, be there for him, Becker and I will take care of things tonight, alright?" he said gently, figuring out where Connor's mind was right now, "we'll figure everything out in the morning, I know it won't be that simple for Cutter but he might feel better after eating something and sleeping," he considered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and sighed softly. He knew their situation was likely pretty bleak but he had to keep his spirits up. for Nick if nothing else. He followed Danny and went on ahead as they got closer to the small cave. He checked dit out for a moment them gave Danny the thumbs up. "It's not that deep so I don't think anything would be hiding inside. But it will give us shelter and some protection for the night. I think this will be as good a spot as any for our first night out here."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded approvingly, "alright, then we make camp here," he decided, " I'll get a fire started for us and then we can look at eating something while we consider our next steps, we'll take it easy for tonight," he said softly, looking over where Cutter was leaning against Becker, "it's been a lot for everyone, getting rest and food will help,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as Danny started gathering up some branches and grass for the fire. Connor slipped off the jacket he had been wearing and laid it on the ground near a flatter part of the cave wall. He then went back to Becker and Cutter who were just getting to the cave. "Hey Nick" he said gently as he nodded to Becker and slipped his arm around his fiance to help him the lat little way to where he had laid his jacket out so he could sit down. "I got you, just a few more steps and then you can rest ok?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was starting to shiver as they got closer to the cave but he wasn't sure it was from the cold, he nodded numbly as he gratefully leaned against Connor, he just wanted to sit down and sleep and then not have to try and deal with all of these complicated emotions that were overwhelming, "okay," he said softly, "I'm so tired, I just wanted to sleep,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know Nick... let's get you settled here and you can try and eat something if you want, at least we can get something warm into you and you can sleep," Connor said, trying to keep the concern out of his voice. "Danny is making a fire for us. We have a couple tin cups, I can make you something warm to drink if you would like?" he asked, noticing how badly Cutter was shaking.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded weakly, "I ... I would like that, tha...thank you, I'm ... I'm sorry," he said softly, hating how weak he was feeling right then.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked at Cutter for a moment then without a word knelt down beside him and pulled him into a hug. He held in tightly for a moment before letting go. "Rest Nick. I will go make you some tea.” Slowly Connor stood and walked over a little ways to where Becker and Danny were starting the fire. Becker looked at him, the question obvious on his face and Connor sighed, shaking his head sadly.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny looked at Cutter with concern as he finished the last of the fire, "maybe he'll feel better when he eats and drinks," he said hopefully, as he looked back at Connor, "we really do need him to be right for tomorrow, I know its not fair to ask this and any other time I would let him have a few days but we can't afford to wait a few days, the longer we're here in the past, the more chance we have of not having a future to go back to,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He'll be ready..." Connor said softly as he pulled one of the tin cups out of Becker's bag and poured a little of their water into it and set it near the fire to heat up. "I'll take care of him.... he'll be fine" Connor said, staring at the fire for a moment before searching through one of the small supply boxes they had and found a few precious tea bags. He'd save it, knowing they could make several cups from one bag in a pinch. When the tea was nice and warm he carefully picked it up and walked over to Cutter with a small smile as he sat down beside him and handed him the cup. "Here you go Nick. Drink, you'll feel better."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter blinked a bit as he realised Connor was back and he took the cup, feeling the warmth begin to spread through him, "thank you Connor," he said softly, his hands still trembling he brought the cup to his lips and took a sip.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small smile and shifted to sit closer to Cutter and slipped an arm around him gently. "You're ok Nick... I'm going to be right here. I'm not leaving you, I promise."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile as he leaned against Connor, feeling the warmth of the tea spread through him, he knew it was going to take time and that tomorrow he would have to move and help the others but he was grateful to have the chance to process things, "how ... how are Danny and Becker?" he asked softly, "are you alright?" he felt bad that he hadn't asked how anyone else was.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm fine Nick..." Connor said softly. "Tired, but I'll be alright." He looked over to where Becker and Danny were talking, likely making plans for the night watches and their gameplan for the morning. "Becker and Danny seem ok too."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stared down at his tea, "I'm sorry, that I'm being so useless right now," he said softly, "I ... I shouldn't be like this, I mourned Helen eight years ago, I didn't ... I didn't think it would ..." his voice trialed off, unsure of how to voice how he was feeling.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You don't have anything to apologize for Nick" Connor said. "We've gotten through everything before... we'll get through this now. All of it" Connor stayed beside Cutter, letting him lean against him as much as he wanted. He kept his arm around him, gently rubbing Cutter's back, resisting the urge to place a kiss against his cheek just then. As much as he wanted to and as much as he thought it might help Cutter it just didn't feel right... considering. "You can get some sleep Nick. Becker and Danny will take the first shifts for the watch."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he leaned against Connor and his touch, he slowly finished his tea, feeling slightly better as the warmth of the tea spread through him. He put the empty cup down, trying to calm his thoughts, "I love you Connor," he said softly, "thank you for being here, for helping me,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I love you too Nick. Always" Connor said softly as he felt Cutter start to relax a little. He kept rubbing his back, hoping he would be able to get at least a little sleep and that things would look a little better in the morning.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter began to feel himself drift off to sleep then, "you'll stay with me?" he checked as he began to relax, not wanting to be alone right then.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I am going to be right here... I'm not going to leave your side Nick unless Becker and Danny need me. And even then I am going to be right where you can see me. I promise," Connor said as he held Cutter close.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Okay," Cutter said softly as he leaned against Connor, yawning as sleep began to catch up to him, "thank you, for being here with me, I love you Connor," and then he began to close his eyes.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Always Nick... sleep. I will see you soon" Connor said as he reached up and gently rubbed Cutter's head as he drifted off. "I love you Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Love you Connor," Cutter said softly as he leaned into the touch and then he was fast asleep.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor leaned his head back against the stone wall and sighed softly, watching Danny and Becker for a bit until his own eyes started to get heavy and he was soon nodding off as well.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny was finishing getting everything set up so they could begin the first watch, he watched Cutter and Connor fall asleep and then turned back to Becker, "it looks like Cutter and Connor have fallen asleep," he said, "how are you holding up?" he knew everything had been a lot for Becker as well with everything that had happened with Wilder.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I... " Becker sighed as he finally sat down for the first time since Helen and Christine had shown up at the ARC what felt like ages ago. He put his head in his hands and tried to keep his hands from trembling. "I still see him Danny... Wilder. I can't get him out of my head."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny gently reached out and put a hand on Becker's shoulder, "I'm sorry," he said softly, knowing there was nothing he could say that would help Becker, other than letting him know that he was there for him, "I know how much you wanted Wilder to pay for what he did,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"He's gone. He can't hurt anyone else...again" Becker said softly, appreciating the small gesture from Danny just then. "That has to be my solace. I get to tell Sarah he cant hurt her... not anymore."
Danny(thearcfamily)	"And you will get to tell Sarah," Danny said softly, "we'll get to tell the others that Helen and Wilder are gone, they can't hurt us anymore, we can start to move on with our lives again,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and reached up and put a hand on Danny's with a small smile. "Aye we will... I'll take first watch when the time comes. I'm not sure I will be getting a lot of sleep tonight anyways." After a moment or two Becker turned his attention to his pack. "How are we looking as far as supplies and rations go?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, returning that small smile as he considered the supplies in question, "we've got enough in the packs that at a stretch we can make last two to three days, there's tea bags and a few cans that we can heat up in the fire, we've got enough water for the next day at least, we can always go back to the river to top up as needed, we'll need to start keeping an eye out for an anomaly start trying to make our way back, maybe set up some kind of way to let us know there's one nearby? I'll ask Cutter and Connor in the morning to see what they think," he said softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker looked at the pack and then over to the fire and sighed. It wasn't good but it could be worse. They would figure out a way to make it. "I can talk to Cutter and Connor in the morning. Connor usually has all kind of gear on him,even without his pack. He might have something that could pick up the anomaly or give us some way to tell when one appears."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, "that's what I was hoping for, plus with his previous experience in these parts, he might have some more tips on how he managed last time," he said softly, "and I can also go and forage around for things like berries, I never thought I'd be so grateful for those survival skills courses they made us take back at the academy,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	A small chuckle escaped Becker at that. "Same. Spec ops training was brutal but I guess I should be grateful for it now." Becker looked at Danny and nodded. "What about you, you holding up alright with all this?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny was thoughtful for a second as he tried to think of an answer, "I think as well as I can be, considering our circumstances," he admitted softly, "I must admit I never thought when I became team leader that part of my job would be making sure I could get us back to the future before we changed it, I just ... I don't think anything could have prepared me for this,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I am not sure anything could prepare anyone for all this. I know I thought I had a grasp on things when Lester brought me on board..." Becker shook his head as he looked over at Cutter and Connor. "Rescue or recovery mission, open and closed, moving on to something else. Only... this all turned out to be so much more."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, "I didn't know what to think when I first met you guys, I thought you were pulling me leg but then I saw that creature and knew there was a lot more going on then what we were told," he gave a bit of a sheepish grin, "I know I was a bit of a stubborn arse when we first met but despite everything I'm glad I got to meet you and work with you,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker gave a small smirk at that as he gave Danny a light punch to the shoulder. "Yeah you were, but I'm sure we weren't exactly warm and welcoming either considering everything." Becker looked at Cutter and Connor then to Danny. "Funny how you find family when you are least expecting it huh?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny smirked at that, "I know I definitely wasn't expecting to find a family like this," he said fondly as he followed Becker's gaze to Cutter and Connor, "to have someone to fight for and care for but I wouldn't change this, you guys mean everything to me,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Same. It's been a wild ride, but you guys meant the world to me. Even Lester" Becker said with a laugh. "we're going to get out of here. We're going to get everyone back home." He hoped he sounded more confident then he felt just then. "So you want to take the first watch or should I?"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny chuckled and then was silent and he nodded, "between the two of us we have more than enough skills to get everyone home and between Cutter and Connor, they know enough about the different time periods to prepare us for what's ahead," he said softly, "and how about I take the first watch, you try and get some sleep and I'll wake you in a few hours," he offered.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and then sat back a little leaning against the wall. "Wake me when you are ready to switch or if anything happens alright? We got a busy day but we both need whatever rest we can manage to get tonight."
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded as he got prepared to cover the first watch, "I will," he promised, "first sign of trouble I'll wake you, I'll take up position closer to the entrance of the cave so I can get a better view of possible external threats," he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker reached into his pack and grabbed one of the meal bars and handed it to Danny. "Gotta keep your strength up to," he said with a small nod and a grin. He then leaned back fully and closed his eyes, not sure if he would be able to actually sleep but knowing he had to try. Danny would keep them safe. He trusted their leader with his life. They all did.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny grinned as he caught the meal bar, "thanks," he said as he pocketed the meal bar to save for later, "get some rest, I'll wake you in a few hours," he promised and then he went to take up position near the entrance of the cave, choosing a spot where he had a good view that would let him see any threats.