The ARC, the Cretaceous and then the ARC

[itsananomaly]

It was a couple of weeks later, the latest round of experiments had proved successful and they were now ready to try and bring home their missing friends. Phillip was getting the last of the equipment set up to start the rescue mission as he waited for the rest of the team to turn up so that they would be there to see the anomaly open. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Sarah(thearcfamily)	It had been a long time coming and while everyone was trying their best to keep their nerves in check and expectations level Sarah was nervous the day of the attempted rescue mission. She showed up early to the site with the rest of the team arriving about the same time as Lester and the others as she tried to keep nerves in check on one of the first times she had been to the ARC since her accident.
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby could only guess how nervous Sarah was and she stayed close to her for support, "its going to be alright," she said, trying to sound positive, "the experiments have been going well, they've been doing everything they can to ensure that the rescue mission will be successful,"
Sarah(thearcfamily)	Sarah nodded, grateful for Abby's support as she gave her a hug and watched as everything got set up and ready for the final rescue attempt. "It will be good to have them back" he said trying to push down the nerves. "I know Phillip and Lester and the entire team has been doing everything they can."
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby nodded as she returned the hug, "we're going to get them back," she said confidently, "and we're going to be a team again, it won't be long now at all," she added.
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor nodded as he stepped closer and put his arms around them both. "Aye, we're going to have everyone back. I know this is going to work" he said as he watched the tech team set everything up, his eyes drifting over to where Lester and Matt were just arriving as well. "Phillip is going to get them back,I know he is going to make this work."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester looked over at Connor, Abby and Sarah, "Mr. Temple is right," he said as he walked over to them, "the team has been working hard at this over the last few months, we're going to get our friends back today,"
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"I can't wait to see Becker again" Sarah said softly as she leaned into Abby's hug and gave Connor a small appreciative smile as well. "Well we shouldn't have to wait much longer to see" Connor said as he looked over to Phillip. "Looks like they are about ready to get started."
Phillip(thearcfamily)	Phillip nodded over at the group as the tech team finished setting up, “we’re ready to start the rescue mission,” he said looking over at Lester. “Then let’s bring our men home,” Lester nodded as Phillip went to start the sequence that would open the anomaly.
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor stood with the others, arms still around Sarah and Abby's shoulders as he watched, trying not to hold his breath in anticipation. The machines started up, the soft sparkle of the familiar anomaly shimmer starting to form as he looked over at Phillip just then, hope flashing across his face.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had been doing his best to keep distracted and busy as the weeks went by and no sign of the anomaly, he was resigned to another day of there not being an anomaly. Then he heard something familiar, “Connor do you hear that?” he asked excitedly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor had lost track of how long it had been, how many times he had told himself 'just one more week.' the weeks had bled one into another for so long, he couldn't track them anymore and he was starting to lose hope they would ever get back home. That afternoon, he had been sitting with Cutter, cleaning some of the tubers and roots they had found with their last foraging trip. They were alone at the camp as Danny, Becker, and Stephen were out trying to catch something for dinner. He looked over at Cutter with a questioning look and then tilted his head slightly as he heard it too. "Nick... is... is that..." he could barely dare to hope that his ears were not playing tricks on him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's eyes were wide as he looked in the direction of that familiar sound, hardly daring to believe that it was anomaly and then he saw that familiar glow as well, "its an anomaly," he said excitedly and he threw his arms around Connor in a hug, "its the anomaly,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor hugged Cutter tightly as he stared at the glimmering spot as it grew bigger and bigger and finally fully formed. "It actually opened... it finally opened" he whispered softly, as if he was afraid saying it too loud would make it disappear. Slowly he let go of Cutter, the smile fading from his face slightly as he turned away and looked towards the woods. "Becker and Danny... they should... be back soon right?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I hope so,” Cutter said softly as he looked in the direction of where Danny and Becker had been, “hopefully they’re nearly finished and will be back any minute,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he looked down the now fairly worn trail leading into the woods and then back to the anomaly. He still could hardly believe that it was there that it had finally happened, they finally had a chance to go back home. "It'll stay open long enough... it has to stay open..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“We’re nearly home Connor,” Cutter could hardly believe it as he looked from the anomaly and back towards trying to see if he could see Becker and Danny.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded, keeping his arm around Cutter even as his attention was pulled back to the woods. The color started to drain from his face when a sound they had not heard before echoed over the trees. It was a sound he knew. It was a sound he was never going to be able to forget and he shivered at the memory. "Crap... this isn't good..." he whispered, suddenly very worried about Danny and Becker...and even Stephen.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“What is it Connor?” Cutter asked softly as he heard the roar as well, “I hope they’re all okay,” he said as the sound seemed awfully near them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know that sound.... it... it's a..." Connor swallowed hard as his mouth went dry remembering what he and Abby went through when they were trapped there before. "It's a Spinosaurus..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter’s eyes were wide, “I hope the others get back, we won’t be able to stay at the camp for much longer,” he said nervously and there was another loud roar.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and looked towards the wood and the distant roar that was getting closer. "They'll get back... they have to..." He took a few steps toward the woods and tried to look and see if he could see them at all. A couple of moments later there was the sound of snapping twigs and shouting as three figures emerged from the woods.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Danny, Becker Stephen!” Cutter shouted when he saw them coming towards them, “we need to go, the anomaly’s open!”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Wait... seriously?" Danny called out as they started running up the hill to the campsite. The ground started shaking behind them as the crashing in the trees got louder. "Yeah it's open!" Connor called out. "Don't know how long it will last, we have to go- NOW!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter flinched as the crashing got nearer, “do we grab what stuff we can?” he asked nervously, not liking the idea of leaving so much in the camp.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah grab what we can- at least the cans and gear... the tent can stay" Connor said as they others joined them finally out of breath from the run up the hill. "Make sure we get the flint and fire starter! Dont need fire being discovered a few million years too soon!" Becker said.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Good point, we may not have a future to get back to,” Cutter agreed as he went to grab the flint and fire starter. “ Hopefully the anomaly holds for a few more minutes,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor and Danny hurried to the far side of the camp and grabbed what they could. Connor got the few tools they had with them as Becker grabbed their pack and made sure the gun was still at his hip. He knew it would be useless against something the size of a spinosaurus, considering how few bullets he had left at this point. "Ok I think we got the most important stuff, let's go! Looks like the anomaly is starting to flicker some...."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, “alright let’s go,” he said once they had grabbed what they could, “we’re nearly home,” he said softly as he looked towards the anomaly.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen had been the last to come up the hill and as the others scrambled to grab what they could and head for the anomaly he stood at the edge of the campsite looking into the woods. "You guys go. Now, before the anomaly closes. I'll try and keep ugly distracted and lead him away so he doesn't follow after you guys," he said as he looked over at Cutter and Connor and then back to the treeline as the dino came crashing through the trees.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you Stephen," Cutter said softly as he looked back at him and then the others, taking a deep breath as he headed towards the anomaly, "I guess this is it," he said nervously as he looked at Connor, Becker and Danny.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Go on now, back where you all belong" Stephen said with a small nod and somewhat sad smile. Then he turned to look at the dino that was making quick steps toward the camp. "Take care of them, ya hear?" he said as he looked at Danny and Becker and then ran forward, trying to get the Spino's attention.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath and then entered the anomaly, hoping that after everything this was the right anomaly. "We will," Danny nodded as waited for Connor and Becker to go through, "you take care as well Stephen," he said.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen watched as Cutter and Connor disappeared through the anomaly as a wave of emotions washed over him in that instant. The roar of the Spinosaurus got his attention as he started to wave his arms to try and keep the beast's attention long enough for the flickering anomaly to close. He new that it wasn't going to stay open for long but he had to make sure it closed before wherever that anomaly led had a gain lizard to deal with.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath as he walked through the anomaly and then he realised that this had to be the right anomaly, he blinked a bit as he looked around, "James?" he said softly as he spotted the ARC's leader and the rest of the team, there were a couple of people in the room that he didn't recognise, "Connor ... we're back," he said as he looked back towards Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor blinked as he stepped through the anomaly and a familiar looking building and some very familiar looking faces greeted him. He opened his mouth to say something when the animal started to flicker the familiar ebb to its pulsing light the sign it was about to close. Just as Danny and Becker fell through the anomaly it started to shut, but not before a loud roar was heard from the other side and then another form came flying through the anomaly as if knocked by a forceful blow. Connor stared at the still form on the ground as the aonlay closed and then looked at Cutter as he realized that it was Stephen.
Abby(thearcfamily)	"Cutter...Connor...Becker...Danny..." Abby cried excitedly as she began to move towards them and then noticed the still form of Stephen on the ground, "I don't ... Stephen?" she stared in disbelief, "how ...?"
Sarah(thearcfamily)	As soon as she saw Becker stagger through the anomaly Sarah was already nearly to him and threw her arms around him and held onto him like she was never going to let go. "I thought... I thought I had lost you..." she said as she held him close,trying to fight back the tears of joy and relief that filled her eyes. Becker held her close, arms sliding around her back as he kissed the top of her head. What he was about to say was cut off as he stared and blinked in surprise at Stephen's form now laying at his feet.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Sorry it took so long to get back Sir," Danny said sheepishly to Lester as it took him a moment for it to sink in that they had done it, that they were really back. "We can let it slide this time considering the circumstances," Lester said with a rare warm smile and then he noticed Stephen, "I take it there's a story with this?" he said as he looked back up at Danny and then Becker and Cutter and Connor.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"There is, though it's honestly one thats hard to believe all the same" Becker said as he still held Sarah close. He watched as Stephen started to stir and rolled over and tried to sit up, looking around at the faces he thought he would never see again. and his gaze fell on Lester and he was suddenly unsure if he really was glad to be back or not.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was very quiet for a moment, "well we'll have to discuss this later," he finally said, "we'll need to arrange a debrief, there have been considerable changes at the ARC that we'll need to go over with you when you're all up to it, but for now I imagine a hot shower and proper food are in order,"
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"Yes, showers for sure" Sarah said as she wrinkled her nose playfully but still leaned over and kissed Becker softly all the same. "I am not letting you out of my sights again after this I hope you realize!"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker happily returned that kiss as he stayed close to Sarah, "I'm definitely not planning on going anywhere after this," he reassured her, "I'm sorry that I was gone for so long," he said softly.
Sarah(thearcfamily)	"You are back, you are all back- that is what matters" Sarah said softly, glancing over at Cutter and Connor who were also in the middle of a tight embrace. It was going to take some time to really believe that it had all been successful, that they were back, and that they were safe. Sarah finally looked over at Phillip and gave a small nod and a grateful smile.
Phillip(thearcfamily)	Phillip returned the smile as he watched the reunion scene, he nodded at the tech team to start packing up the equipment so they could analyse the results of their experiment for future use. "I'm very pleased this was successful," he announced as he made his way over, "I've heard so much about all of you, my name is Phillip Burton, I'm the owner of Prospero and for the last few months I've been working with the team at the ARC to bring you home,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny raised an eyebrow slightly as he looked at Lester, never having thought he'd see the day Lester would partner with someone else. "Well then, I think we owe you a huge debt of gratitude," he said as he held a large, calloused, and admittedly still quite dirty, hand out to Phillip.
Phillip(thearcfamily)	Lester did look a little sheepish at that but he gave Danny a look that simply said he would explain later. Phillip noticed the dirt on the hand but he reached out and shook Danny's hand, "I'm looking forward to working with both you and Captain Becker when you return the team, I have a lot of ideas that we can work on that will hopefully avoid a situation like this happening again,"
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Looking forward to it as well- and anything to keep a repeat from happening is good" Danny agreed. Turning from Phillip and Lester he looked over at Cutter and Connor. "You guys doing alright?" he based, his eyes then drifting to Stephen with a wordless question of the same thing.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he stayed close to Connor, not quite comprehending that they were really back, "I'm ... I'm okay," he said softly, "are you alright Connor?" he didn't know what to think, especially since Stephen was now back with them. He was glad that Stephen hadn't gotten attacked by the Spino but at the same time it felt weird that Stephen had come through the anomaly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'm alright..." Connor said softly still a bit in shock as he held Cutter close and stared at where the anomaly had been just moments before. His gaze then drifted to Stephen as he staggered to his feet and then he looked at Becker. "Sir, one thing that can't wait for the briefing," Becker said as he dropped one arm around Sarah but left the other slipped around her as he looked at Lester. "Helen is no longer a threat. She has.. she's no longer a threat," he said, glancing at Cutter, not wanting to make him uncomfortable but also knowing Lester needed to know that as soon as possible.
Lester(thearcfamily)	It was taking all of Lester's resolve to not reveal any emotions at that, he looked over at Cutter as he saw him flinch at the mention of Helen, Cutter clung tightly to Connor, "understood," he said calmly, "I'll make a note of that when I brief the minister later, he has already been informed of Ms. Johnston's and Captain Wilder's deaths," he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and gave a small sympathetic nod to Cutter. "We made it back, that is what matter... all of us" he said as he gave a small look to Stephen. "There's a lot to go over... obviously."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter nodded back, still too exhausted and shocked that they had actually made it back, he stayed as close to Connor as he could. "And we will go over everything in the briefing but for now I think giving you the chance to freshen up, eat something and then we'll debrief you," Lester nodded, sparing one brief glance towards Stephen and then back at Becker. "You're welcome to use my apartment in the city," Phillip spoke up then, "there's plenty of room, its fully stocked and you can stay there as long as you need,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Th-Thank you..." Connor said with a nod to Phillip. "A bath and something other than rabbit and berries sounds really good" he said with a weak chuckle. "I don't want to see another berry for a long, long, long time." "Amen to that" Danny agreed with a nod. "I am quite done with rabbit for a while as well to be honest. But I think I want a shower more than anything else right now,"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I definitely want something more than berries and plants," Cutter said quietly, "I could really go for Chinese," "That can definitely be arranged," Lester said, "we'll finish up here, you can have a couple of days to decompress and then we'll begin the debrief, you will all be debriefed individually," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor clutched Cutter's hand tightly; the idea of some time to relax and recoup was good... but even with Lester, the idea of being separated from Cutter, after everything, even for a little while for a debriefing, was a scary thought just then. "The... the time off sounds good... looking forward to an actual bed too. I don't want to step foot near another anomaly again!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter clung to Connor's hand, also not liking the idea of being separated from Connor. Lester was thoughtful for a moment, he wasn't sure how Cutter and Connor were going to react to the news that they were no longer going to out in the field so he was slightly relieved to hear Connor's statement, "we've had some considerable changes to the team and how we do field work but we'll talk about that in the debrief, you won't have to go near another anomaly," he assured him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded as he leaned against Cutter's shoulder and gave a small sigh. He knew things had changed. He had changed. It would take some time to adapt but he was with Cutter and they were all safe... that was what mattered. Everything else could be figured out as they went. "Can... can we go now?" he asked softly, feeling very shaky and unsteady all of a sudden as everything finally hit him and the adrenaline and all started to subside.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester understood and nodded, "of course, we'll get you set up in Mr. Burton's apartment until you're ready for the debrief," he said, he looked over at Stephen and then back at Becker, his eyes silently asking the question if Becker wanted Stephen to stay with them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor glanced at Stephen uncertainly as well but didn't say anything as he started to follow everyone as Phillip started off. He looked at Becker as he looked at Lester then to Sarah. "If it is the same with you Sir, I think I'd rather stay with Sarah..." Becker said softly. "Cutter, Connor, and Danny can stay with Phillip and..." his voice trailed off, the unspoken words letting Lester know it was probably best to keep a close eye on Stephen.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Of course, I'll notify you of the time that your debrief is," Lester nodded, "Mr. Hart can stay at the ARC for the time being," he said after a few minutes, "we'll need an additional briefing, considering the unusual circumstances," he added.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen nodded as he stood silently, not knowing what to say and also knowing deep down that there was nothing he could say considering everything that had happened,and everything he had done. "Yes Sir," he said softly with a glance over at Cutter and Connor then looking back over at Lester.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Cutter stayed close to Connor, watching as Stephen stood up, he still couldn't believe that any of this was real. "Very well," Lester nodded, and nodded at one of the security team to start escorting Stephen to the car, "we'll start heading out and we'll start the rest of the debriefs in a couple of days,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched as Stephen was lead off and then as Becker and Sarah left as well. He turned to Danny and gave a small, lopsided smile as he gave Cutter a small squeeze. "Guess its roommates for a couple more day huh?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter returned the small smile as he returned the hand squeeze, "aye, at least we'll be somewhere that doesn't need to light a fire right?" he said softly as he tried to imagine what going to back to normal life would be like for them, "and having good food as well that's not berries,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And an actual bed, with real sheets...Sounds amazing" Connor agreed as they started on their way. "Hell, even the couch sounds pretty darn good to me right now, not going to lie," Danny said as he fell into step behind them and put a hand on both of their shoulders as they started to follow Phillip. "How far is it to the apartment?" Connor asked softly, still feeling a bit overwhelmed wth everything and not quite sure what to think about Phillip just yet.
Phillip(thearcfamily)	"It's not far," Phillip assured them as they headed out to the car, "its one of a couple of apartments I have in the city but this one is closer to the ARC, I prefer to stay there when I'm needed at the ARC," he explained.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you... Phillip... ummm Mr. Burton" Connor said with a small awkward smile. He was tired, he was hungry, and he was still feeling a bit out of it. He just wanted to relax and have some time with Cutter to try and process everything that had just happened.
Phillip(thearcfamily)	"Please call me Phillip," Phillip smiled, "even if you don't want to do any more field work with the ARC, there's plenty of room if you'd like to work with me at Prospero," he offered, "all of you," he added, not expecting Danny to take him up on the offer, since he imagined that Danny would go back to his original position as team leader. "I hope we are still able to work together once you've been debriefed,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded. "Thank you... Phillip. I... I will have to think about that but thank you for the offer" Connor said as he looked over at Cutter as they got to the familiar but also strange feeling sparkling garage at the ARC. It had been so long since they had last stood there. "I'll be sticking the Lester and the team but thanks for the offer" Danny said as he followed them towards the car Phillip was leading them to. "I'm sure there's plenty of work for us all to do- a united force will be best when dealing with the anomalies for sure." "I'll see what Connor and Abby are doing... I... I need to catch up with them too" Connor said as he followed behind and waited as they reached the car at last.
Phillip(thearcfamily)	Phillip's driver opened the car door for them, "of course," Phillip said, "take your time, the offer's open ended, when you feel ready just give me a call and I'll make the arrangements," he said as he waited for them to get into the car. Cutter climbed into the back seat, it felt weird to be travelling in a car again after being on foot for so long.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor climbed in on the other side and sat beside Cutter. Once he was buckled in and situated, he reached over and took Cutter's hand and gave it a squeeze. Once Danny was in and situated on the other side of him and Phillip took his spot in the passenger seat they were on their way. As they drove, Connor closed his eyes and leaned against Cutter's shoulder.It felt so strange being in a car again, it was making him a little queasy as they went through the city.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter yawned and closed his eyes as he leaned against Connor, he didn't know if he had dozed off at one point but it felt like it wasn't long before the car came to a stop and Phillip's driver opened the door, "we're here," Phillip announced. Cutter's eyes widened as he took in the building where Phillip had stayed, it looked even nicer than Lester's apartment, "Connor look," he said softly as he looked.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor opened his eyes and looked out the window when he saw where Cutter was looking. Eye went wide as he took in the impressive looking apartment. "Wow" he said softly. "And I thought Lester's place was swanky..." Danny too looked out his window and gave a long, appreciative whistle at the towering building.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stared up at the apartment, still not quite comprehending that they were going to be staying in a place as nice as this after spending all those months in the cretaceous. "I can't imagine what it was like for you when you were stuck," Phillip said as he began to lead them up to his apartment that was on the top floor, "hopefully these next few days will give you a chance to readjust," "Thank you Mr ... Phillip," Cutter said softly. "Just being indoors again will be a nice experience," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor followed after Cutter, trying not to gawk at everything too much as they followed Phillip inside and got in the elevator for the right to the top floor. “Not having to worry about the rain... or the bugs will be really really nice" he said with a small sigh. "I for one don't ever want to be without the air con again!" Danny said as he leaned back against the railing in the elevator a little for the ride up.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"All of those sound amazing," Cutter said with a small smile as he waited for the elevator to reach the top floor and then the door opened up to the whole apartment, "oh wow ..." he couldn't help but gasp as he looked around. "You have full access to the apartment," Phillip told them, "all the bedrooms have their own ensuites so you can have showers as soon as you want, there's a fully stocked kitchen and pantry but you can also get delivery as well if you would rather not cook anything," he took out his platinum credit card and handed it to Cutter, "you can get anything you want on it," he told them. "Th...thank you," Cutter managed to stammer, still not quite comprehending that this was all real.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yes... th-thank you, Phillip" Connor said as he took a few steps out of the elevator then froze trying to take it all in. "We really appreciate it." "Aye, we do" Danny said with a nod as he put his hands on Cutter and Connor's shoulders for a moment and gave them a light pat then looked back at Phillip. "I think I am ready for that shower now though" he said with a small laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Phillip nodded, "I'll leave you to get settled in," he told them, "I have some business to finish up at the ARC but I'll be back later this evening if you need anything," "Thank you Phillip," Cutter said softly as he looked around the apartment again, "again for everything,"