Cutter and Connor's House and then the ARC - London

[itsananomaly]

It had been several days later since they had been rescued, they had all been debriefed and now Cutter and Connor had moved back into their house to adjust before they made the move back to Fandom. It was early morning and they were finishing up breakfast, Cutter had made sure there were no berries in sight. "It still feels weird to be back here," he admitted as he took a long leisurely sip of coffee. [preplayed with the amazing anomaly_reseearch_nerd. NFB for distance but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... it still feels odd doesn't it? Not having to be on guard, no more keeping watch... I still feel like I should be waking up and taking a shift on lookout" Connor gave a small sigh as he too took a long slip of the coffee.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I know what you mean, it feels so strange using all these modern appliances and not having to light a fire to keep warm or foraging for food," Cutter admitted as he held his cup, enjoying the feeling of the warmth in the mug, "even though I know it will be a long while before I eat another berry again," he said with a small smile.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah Im not even sure I could have that berry syrup on pancakes anytime soon" Connor added with a small laugh. It is good to be back though. I know Danny's glad to be back at his apartment- he texted earlier to check in. And Im sure Becker hasn't been allowed to leave the house since he and Sarah got back" he laughed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that, "I'm glad we all made it back," he said, "at least now we don't have to worry about going through anymore anomalies," he admitted, since that had been the first thing that had come up in the debriefing was the changes being made to the main field team. Once upon a time Cutter knew he would have been upset about that but now, he was just glad to be back and all the main threats were behind them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded. He had been worried about how Cutter would react to the new when they found out. He had been semi prepared for it considering but he was glad that Cutter seemed to be taking it all well. "It will be nice to just help behind the scenes, doing research, going over all the data... we can do that a lot easier from Fandom too which is nice."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, "especially if we do end up working for Phillip as well," he considered, "he seems rather adamant about us taking up jobs for him," he still wasn't sure how he felt about the idea of working for someone like Phillip.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor went silent as he looked down at his mostly empty coffee mug and nodded. He also wasn't sure about the whole working for Pillip thing, but for an entirely different reason, likely than what Cutter was thinking. And he really didn't know how to even begin to bring that up or talk about it- timeline stuff was always a bit of a delicate topic.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter noticed how quiet Connor had gone, "is everything alright Connor?" he asked softly, wanting to be there for Connor if he wanted to talk about what he could tell was upsetting him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stared at his hands as the idly slid along the coffee mug before finally looking up at Cutter. "It's... Phillip. I don't know... if working with him is a good idea... if any of this is a good idea at all really.."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh," Cutter said softly, "he seemed alright to me," he admitted, he tilted his head thoughtfully at Connor, "do you know Phillip from ... um your timeline?" that was still a weird thing to say.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sighed softly and nodded. "Yeah... Phillip was there. He was working with Lester and the ARC team too. But it... it didn't go well..." Connor closed his eyes as a small shiver ran down his spine thinking about just how wrong this went.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh," Cutter could see why this would be a problem, "is ... do you think it will go the same way it did in your timeline?" he asked softly, "or is there a way we can stop it from happening?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I dont know... I... I dont know this version of Phillip enough to know yet. Things could be a little different things could be a lot different..." He sighed. "It just... it's not going to be good if it goes the same as before. That... that was the biggest mistake I ever made... and I almost didn't get the chance to make it right."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was quiet for a moment as he listened to Connor, "what if one of us were to work with him, to find out if there's something more going on? If the timeline will be the same?" he suggested.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That could work... If Phillip insists on us helping maybe one of us going will be enough" Connor considered. "I should probably talk to... Connor as well and see what's been going on with Phillip while we were gone "
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I could take up Phillip's offer, see what I can find if you wanted to talk to Connor?" Cutter suggested, "if I can get close enough, I might be able to see if there's anything in his future plans, why he wanted to work with the ARC?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That would be good if we could find out anything. Before it..." Connor hesitated still never sure how much to say about the other timeline and all. "Before it was about using the anomalies, he wanted to create them, make them more powerful, use them as an energy source. But it... got really messy..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter paused at that, "oh," he said softly, "that ... that would be a problem, especially since we could be looking at an accelerated timeline, he can already open the anomalies," he considered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know, that's what worries me. It's not the same as before but ... I don't know if that means it's worse..." Connor rubbed his head. "We just need to find out what hes trying to do ultimately."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"We'll figure it out," Cutter said gently, "we've got the two of us working at this and if Phillip is planning something in this timeline, we'll put a stop to it together," he reassured Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thanks Nick... It's just, it's really hard right now thinking about it. I ... I messed things up so badly last time. I don't... I don't want that to happen again."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter reached out to take Connor's hand, "I'll be here for you through this every step of the way," he said gently, "You don't have to go through this alone and we'll stop Phillip if we need to,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was grateful for that hand and gave it a firm squeeze as he looked at Cutter. "Thank you Nick. I just hope we can keep things from going wrong... if this is an accelerated timeline, it might already be close to happening. This is one of those times where its like, almost impossible to know if messing with the timeline would be better or worse... but I think not intervening would be so much worse."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he returned the hand squeeze, "at least this time round we'll be more prepared right, if something does look like its going to go wrong, I can keep a close eye on Phillip and you can work with Connor and see what they've been working on and we'll be able to go from there and figure out if he has the same plans that he did in your timeline?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small smile and nodded, feeling a little better about it. "Aye, that we can. We have a heads up in a way, so we should be able to figure out if there is actually anything we need to be worried about and then figure out what to do." He paused a moment then looked back at Cutter. "Do you think they are all at the ARC again? I know Lester said we all could come back today if we were feeling up to it?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he returned that small smile, "I think they should be, I know Becker and Danny will probably want to get back into the swing of things at the ARC," he hesitated, "and I was thinking maybe I should see about visiting Nate before we head back to Fandom again?" he said softly, it was still a weird situation but being away in the Cretaceous had given him some time to think about the situation and put things into perspective.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked at Cutter then smiled. "I'm sure he would like to see you" he said with a nod. "Maybe we both could pay him a quick visit before we head off. Make sure he's doing ok and then we can meet with the team and figure out what our plans are for the time being at least while we head back to Fandom?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter returned the smile, relaxing a little, "I would like that," he said softly, "see how he's been doing and then catch up with everyone at the ARC again, work out a schedule so we can still help out behind the scenes even once we're back at Fandom,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, check-ins when Lester or Danny need us... on our terms and not because of house arrest or anything," Connor said with a small laugh. "After everything, getting to something semi normal, figuring out what a normal routine is like- I... I like the sound of that. Especially figuring it all out with you."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's smile widened at that, "aye, figuring out a normal routine with you sounds perfect, I'm glad that we can move forward together, figure things out on our own terms," he said, "after everything, I'm looking forward to building our future together,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Same" Connor said softly before leaning over and giving Cutter a soft kiss I want that future with you.”
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled happily as he returned that kiss, "it will be absolutely perfect, working on the future that we've talked about, we can finally make it happen now," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled as he leaned his head against Cutter's "Sounds amazing, just us, finally " he said as he laced his fingers with Cutter's and looked down at the ring on his finger. "We deserve this Nick. After everything, we deserve this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled happily as he rested against Connor, "it really does," he agreed, "we can finally move on with our lives, I'm looking forward to sharing our future together," he said happily.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Same. Let's get into this new routine, our new life and keep pushing forward. I know we can do it, as long as we are together" Connor said with a soft smile. "I think its time to go see the team and get back to our lives... leave the cretaceous and... everything else... behind us."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter returned that smile, "aye, figuring out a new routine and our new life sounds incredible," he said fondly, "the team can manage without us being there all the time and we can finally settle down and have a normal life together,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Then let's go. First step towards that future together. Let's go see what it holds for us." Connor grinned and gave Cutter' hand a squeeze, not letting go as he started to turn for the door. He didn't know what their future held but he knew that as long as Nick was there he would be fine- they would be fine.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It was a couple of hours later and Cutter and Connor had been spending time with the team, they were going to be seeng Nate later but for now they were having a security briefing now that the ARC upgrades had all been completed. They were sitting in Lester's office, he looked around the room seeing a mix of familiar and unfamiliar faces there. It felt weird being part of a team meeting where he and Connor weren't actually going to be actively involved but he was still glad they were going to be included in the team briefings when they were there.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was sitting quietly beside Cutter, just still working on processing everything that had happened, taking in all the changes that had happened while they were stranded in the past, and adjusting to the new faces around that table in Lester's office. From under the table Connor reached over and gave Cutter's hand a reassuring squeeze as Lester stood to start speaking to the team.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter returned that hand squeeze with a small smile, as Lester began to speak, "I think it goes without saying that the first order o business is welcoming back our team members officially," he said with a rare smile as he nodded over at Connor, Cutter, Danny and Becker, "welcome back," "Hear, hear," Phillip added as he led a round of applause from where he was sitting near the head of the table.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor flushed slightly as he gave Cutter' hand a squeeze and smiled at everyone. He caught a look over at Danny an then had to hide the small chuckle as he saw Becker flushing bright red too as Sarah gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. "It's good to be back" Danny said once the applause died down some. "It didn't go as expected at all, but we came through it and we can say with confidence now that Helen, Christine, and Wilder are no longer going to be any threat to us" he said as he looked at Becker and Sarah and then over to Connor and Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter tried to not react at the mention of Helen but it was still hard. He bit his lip as he held Connor’s hand tightly. Lester noticed Cutter’s reaction and cleared his throat, hoping to distract him, “and with our security upgrade we’re going to be more secure against future threats,” he nodded, “the last of the upgrades have been done and Miss Parker has your new security passes,” he told them, nodding over at Jess who was looking bright and eager to talk about the upgrades.
Jess(thearcfamily)	Jess perked up even more when it was her turn to speak and she gave a small nod to Lester and then to Matt as he stood to join her. "We've been working on some upgrades and new tech that will help all of us when dealing with the anomalies while we are out in the field. From weapons to the gear to the tech, we think we have some really good ideas to keep everyone safe" Jess said as she held up a bracelet and a comlink. "Starting with these- everyone will have a come link on at all times and the bracelet will help us know where everyone is and get notified right away if anyone goes missing or if there are any strange readings or anomalies detected near their location."
Matt(thearcfamily)	Matt nodded, “and the bracelets are encoded to everyone’s dna, so we won’t run the risk of someone stealing them who has no business with the ARC,” he explained, “that’s way we won’t have any unwelcome intruders, security is going to be doubled at all times as well,” he nodded over at Becker if there was anything he would like to add.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"It's going to be some adjustment.. for all of us" Becker said with a slow nod. "But the changes are for the best and are designed to keep everyone safe. Whether they are out in the field with us or here at the ARC working behind the scenes. It is all about us working together and having each other's backs so we all stay safe."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "we want to minimise future security risks and if we implement them now, the better off we'll be, I don't want to take any chances, if there's any questions you can follow up with Miss Parker or Mr. Anderson, Captain Becker and Mr. Quinn will also be on hand to make sure this transition goes smoothly,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"We'll figure it all out together. There will be challenges but I really believe the changes Lester and Phillip have started here are for the best" Becker said. "And what about while we are here at the ARC?" Connor asked softly, still not used to the idea of staying behind while the others went out to deal with the anomalies and any incursions.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was quiet for a moment as he looked around the group, he knew this was going to be challenging for a lot of his team and he knew it would take a while before they all got settled with the new changes, "while you are here at the ARC, I'm hoping that you can help with the behind the scenes, we've got the new research divisions up and running that Dr. Page will be helping run but we've also got brand new state of the art technology thanks to Mr. Burton's funding, I was hoping that you would be able to monitor the new technology for us,"
Sarah(thearcamily)	"I definitely could use your help Connor" Sarah said with an encouraging smile. "You know so much about the tech and all that we have already been using and Im sure your brain is better at this than mine is right now" she said with a small chuckle. "I'd love to have you help with the research and everything. You too Cutter if you would like- will not turn down that brain of yours either."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Even though Cutter was glad to not be going out in the field anymore, it still felt weird with all these changes and he gave a warm smile at Sarah, "I would be glad to help with your research Sarah," he told her, it would actually be nice to get back to the academic side of things after everything.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Same... will be like getting back to the basics, back to where it all started" Connor said with a small smile. "We can definitely help with the researcher and tech development. Can also do some work when we go back to Fan... ummm when we go back home" he said, suddenly not sure just how much Lester might have told Phillip about that side of things.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The curious look Phillip was giving Connor just then, did suggest that he didn't know about Fandom but there would be time to find out more later so he decided to let it slide. "We can definitely do more work at home," Cutter agreed, noticing Connor correcting himself when it came to mentioning Fandom, "and we can also have meetings online as well and stay in touch that way, now that there's no restrictions on what information we can get access to," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Will be cool to see the new tech too, I'm sure there's been a lot that's been done thanks to what Phillip has been able to do... and Lester too as always" Connor added giving Lester a small smile, letting him know he would never forget everything he had done for them. "The team may look a bit different than it was before, but it is good to be back."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	There was a very small hint of a smile there from Lester as he tried to remain stoic at that but he was feeling secretly pleased as well, "aye it is good to be back," Cutter agreed, "it will be good to see all the changes, even with things now being different, its definitely better than being stuck in the Cretaceous," he added.
Matt(thearcfamily)	"And I for one am ready to get to work and am looking forward to getting to know all fo you better now that you are finally back with us where you belong," Matt said with a genuine smile. "And do not feel you have to push yourselves too hard. You all have been through a lot-take what time you need to adjust and get back into the swing of things... all of you" he added with a small smirk as he looked at Danny and Becker.
Danny(thearcfamily)	Danny nodded, "we will," he said softly, even if he thought he didn't need to take the time, he was just eager for things to be back to normal or as close to normal as things got around here, "and same here, I'm looking forward to us all working together, it'll be a lot of adjustments but I know with the changes implemented we'll be able to get back into the swing of things," he reassured them.
Jess(thearcfamily)	"And I will always be around too, even if you head out into the field," Jess said tapping the headset she was wearing. "If you ever have questions or need anything or run into any problems, just let me know. I am here to be your eyes and ears when you are working so feel free to use me" she added with a energetic smile.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"And myself and Mr. Burton will be on hand as well," Lester reassured them, "if there's anything you need for additional resources or technology, we'll provide it, we want the ARC to run smoothly with all the new operational challenges and if you come up with something that you need, we'll provide it,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he gave a smile to Sarah and looked around at the team members who were gathered there. "It's good to be back. Let's get going and make sure we have these anomalies under control and that we are ready for whatever is going to come our way" he said with a nod to Danny and Matt, the two who he knew would be sharing team lead duties now.
Danny(thearcfamily)	"Aye," Danny agreed, "we all have our duty assignments, we'll make sure everyone has been fitted with the new security devices and then we stay in touch at all times, no exceptions," he said, looking around at the group, he knew after everything that had happened, they all knew how important that last part was especially.
Matt(thearcfamily)	"We are going to do great things together. I have faith in this team already" Matt said as he looked at everyone. "We all have our strengths and talents and where we are weak others are strong. This is a good team and I am excited to see what we all accomplish."
Phillip(thearcfamily)	"Here, Here," Phillip spoke up, "I'm looking forward to pooling our resources and working together, this is a brand new era for everyone and I know we're all going to do great things together," he nodded.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I am excited to see what happens and what we are able to accomplish," Connor said looking at Philip and glancing to Cutter for a moment before looking back. "Especially everything Prospero is able to bring to the table and assist with."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter saw that glance and nodded, he knew how uneasy Connor was with what happened in his timeline and he wanted Connor to know he was with him for this. “Yes, I’m looking forward to our new partnership,” he added. Phillip smiled, “and I’m looking forward to working with everyone, we’re going to make the world a safer place and solve the mystery of the anomalies,” he promised.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We will have to get together soon and talk short term and long term plans. I'm sure there are other things that have changes and things that Prospero sees and does a little differently than the ARC" Connor said trying not to sound too concerned or too pushy, but he was worried, and he did want to figure out what Phillip's plans were soon as possible.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded in agreement, "a meeting would be good, so we can get up to speed with the changes and we know what to expect behind the scenes when we go home," he added. Phillip nodded, "that can definitely be arranged," he told them, "I'll have my secretary schedule a meeting before you two have to leave,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Looking forward to it. I can also see what Connor and Abby are up to and what they have been doing. We always share all our research and data so Im sure they can help us get caught back up and up to speed too" Connor said with a nod.
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby nodded, "we can definitely do that, pool all our resources so we can have the research run more efficiently," she told them, "maybe once you have your meeting with Mr. Burton we can catch up and talk about the research that we've also been doing?" she suggested.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded with a smile. "I definitely want you guys' help. We've always been a good team and I know Cutter and I cant do this without you guys helping. It... will be hard not being in the field anymore... but I think it is for the best, and I am glad to be doing all of this with you guys."
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby smiled at that, "we're glad to be able to work with you and Cutter as well," she told them, "it will be different to what we're used to working with but the research has been interesting and we've been learning a lot that can help the team out in the field," she added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That's all I want- to still be a part of the team and to be able to make a difference... for the team and everyone else too who is affected by the anomalies. I know our roles have changed and out focused shifted but I still just want to be able to make a difference."
Lester(thearcfamily)	“And you will always be a part of this team,” Lester reassured him, “I want to make sure that everyone is safe and this isn’t a reflection of your performance in the field, everyone will always have an important role to play both in the field and off,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you Sir" Connor said with a sincere smile at Lester. "The ARC has been the best thing that has happened to me... despite what some of that entailed. The good definitely has outweighed the bad" he said with a grin as he reached out and gave Cutter's hand a squeeze. "I wouldn't give it up for anything!"