Fic - Wiped (part 2)
Title: Wiped
Author: prehistoriccat
Rating: T
Pairing/characters: Abby/Connor, Matt, Becker, brief Lester, Jess & Emily
Genre: Gen, angst
Disclaimer: Not mine no copyright intended
Warnings: series 5 spoilers
If you missed part one, its HERE
For once, it seems Connor has actually made the right decision... but things never run smoothly do they?
Part 2 - A year ago.
“Keeping you awake are we, Mr Temple?” Lester enquired sarcastically. “Wedding plans getting too much? Perhaps you need to take it easy; wouldn't want you too tired for the wedding night.”
Connor felt his cheeks redden as he hid the yawn. “Sorry.” He glanced over at Abby who was trying very hard to disguise a giggle and then let out a laugh himself.
“Just because things are a little quiet right now, it doesn't mean we can relax on security issues,” Becker said sternly. Connor and Abby stopped their giggles and looked apologetically at Becker. Things had been very quiet since the convergence and New Dawn; a few anomalies in remote areas just like they used to be but nothing major. Secretly, they all missed the near non-stop excitement to a certain extent, but were relieved to have some respite that allowed them to get a little normality back in their lives. Connor and Abby's wedding plans were the main topic of conversation and the event was being seen as a marker for a new chapter in the ARC's history. Lester had spent several weeks dealing with the press and other sections of the media trying to calm public fears after the multiple anomalies. He'd almost considered contacting Jenny Lewis for assistance; she used to be so good at handling that side of things, but the Minister wouldn't allow anyone else to get involved.
“Now is the perfect time to start putting new procedures into place so that they become second nature if things ever get as difficult as they did six months ago.” Becker continued.
“What's wrong with the old procedures?” Abby asked.
Becker was about to respond, but Matt intervened. “Nothing, but we have to think more carefully about the way we operate out in the field, and also about our own personal security in our normal, everyday lives. I think there are certain areas where we have made ourselves vulnerable because we've become complacent, and that has to change.”
“Personal security? Are you saying we could be in danger? Have you had some kind...” Jess said.
Connor suddenly realised where this was leading. Matt had promised him six months ago that he would protect Abby. It looked like he was being true to his word whilst making it look like it was being done for the whole team. He smiled gratefully at Matt, hoping he'd understand the sentiment behind it. Matt's nod of acknowledgement told him he did.
“It's fine, Jess. We're just making sure we're all aware of our own personal safety and that we look out for each other. We do that already; I'm just upgrading if you like.” Matt said softly. Jess seemed to give a visual sigh of relief, then they all turned to Becker so that he could continue.
Becker explained the new measures they would be taking, particularly the fact that each of the non-military members of the team would have to be accompanied by a member of Becker's team whilst out in the field. This brought immediate protests from both Abby and Emily and they both turned to Matt angrily.
“You know we're both just as capable as any one of Becker's men!” Abby hissed. “Connor too. We've seen more action than three of them put together!”
“No-one is questioning your capabilities, Abby,” Matt responded. “I just think having some military backup to rely on will free you up to concentrate on dealing with whatever creature comes through the anomaly, or conducting research at the site. You won't have to keep looking over your shoulder because someone will be doing it for you.”
Abby folded her arms across her chest. Connor recognised that look and decided to try and change the direction of the conversation. Just as he was about to speak, the familiar sound of the ADD alarm was heard and everyone sprang to their feet. “Saved by the bell, eh Matt?” Connor whispered as he and Matt walked down the corridor towards the main hub.
“They'll come round,” Matt said, “I think they'll both enjoy being tailed by a hunky soldier.”
“Then you don't know Abby!” Connor laughed. “But I do appreciate what you're doing, even if she doesn't.”
“I worry about Emily too, mate. Ethan's still out there somewhere, and I know Danny is dealing with that but it doesn't stop me wondering if he'll show up and try to do something to her.” The two of them approached Jess's console where Abby, Emily and Becker were already gathered and watching the screen as Jess pinpointed the location of the anomaly. “What have we got, Jess?”
“It's about three miles from here, looks like a non-residential area.”
“Good, lets go.” Matt nodded to Becker and then the rest of the team. They went into auto-pilot; this was now a well rehearsed routine. The black boxes and ear-pieces handed out, EMDs assigned and then they split into two teams. Becker, Connor and a couple of soldiers leapt into the first vehicle and sped off so that they could form the initial response and Connor could lock the anomaly before anything else came through. Abby and Emily joined Matt in the second vehicle. By the time they arrived at the site, Connor and Becker would have fed them their findings and Matt would be making decisions on the next course of action. Connor wondered how much this would all change once Becker's new system was put into place.
“Where is it?” Becker said as they pulled up to where Jess had said the anomaly should be.
“Perhaps it already closed? Jess, what are you getting?” Connor said over the comms.
“You should see it right in front of you, you're practically on top of it!” Jess responded.
Connor looked at Becker; there was nothing, not even a crackle of static in the air that they sometimes felt when an anomaly opened. “Are you sure, Jess? There's nothing here.” Becker called.
Connor looked up into the sky thinking that maybe the anomaly was above them, but all he could see was the late afternoon clouds gathering. Becker and his men started to do a sweep of the area just to be certain, whilst Connor waited for Matt, Abby and Emily. He glanced at the compass he wore on his wrist; it was spinning like crazy just as it did when they were close to an anomaly. He shook his head; this was weird and something wasn't right.
Matt joined him as soon as he arrived with Emily and Abby. He was just as puzzled as Connor. “Invisible anomaly?”
“I hope not!” Connor said. “That would make our job really hard.”
“Maybe its just not strong enough to have materialised properly, but there's enough energy there to set off the detector?” Abby suggested.
“It's possible I suppose,” Connor nodded, his face creasing as he thought about it.
“Emily and I will head off in that direction and do a check of the area. You two go over there. If we don't find anything in ten minutes, we'll head back to the ARC.” Matt indicated where he wanted Abby and Connor to go, then set off after Emily who was already scanning the surroundings with her small EMD poised for action should she need it.
Connor was lost in his own thoughts as he followed Abby. How could the detector be picking up an anomaly and the compass be spinning when they couldn't see it? Maybe Matt was right about an invisible anomaly? What if the huge man-made anomaly had changed the way the natural ones were formed and that was why it had gone so quiet recently? He scratched his head and watched Abby go on a little ahead of him. Her theory about a partially open anomaly could also be right - but did that mean something could still get through? Should they be waiting around just in case it opened fully? So many questions without an answer.
“I don't think we're going to find anything, Connor.” Abby said, turning back to face him. “Maybe its just some atmospheric interference?”
Connor shook his head. “I don't like it, Abby. This could change everything.”
Abby walked back towards him. “Just for once, can we let it go? We're meeting the vicar tomorrow and I want your mind completely in the right place.”
Connor nodded and sighed, reluctantly following Abby back towards the cars where the others were also gathering. “I'm going to get Jess to do a full systems check when we get back, it looks like this was just a glitch and we've been sent on a wild goose chase. I'm sorry guys.” Matt said.
“Apologies are not needed, Matt. I suppose we can look upon it as a test run to keep us on our toes,” Emily said softly.
“Like the fire drills we used to have at school,” Connor grinned. Emily looked puzzled. “I'll explain it later,” he said, climbing into the passenger seat next to Becker. Just as everyone was about to set off, Connor unfastened his seat belt and got out. Despite having Abby's voice in his head telling him to let it go; he couldn't.
“I want to do more checks,” he said. “Set up a couple of black boxes and take some readings. There's something there and I need to know what. You guys go back without me.”
Abby shook her head and got out of the other vehicle. “Sometimes you are just ...” She let out an exasperated sigh then turned to Matt. “I'll stay and help Connor out. We'll call someone when we need a lift back.”
Connor grinned from ear to ear as they watched the rest of the team drive away. He didn't spot the angry glare on Abby's face until she'd given him a shove. “What?” he said, looking hurt. “You didn't have to stay you know!”
“I'm only staying because I know you. You'll be here all night messing about with readings and things if I just left you to it. We're due at the church at 10am and I want us to look normal. You're going to wear a proper shirt and have a shave and...”
“I know, we've been through it a hundred times.” Connor smiled then leaned in and kissed Abby's cheek. “An hour's all I ask. I promise. I just know there's something here!” He moved away and began wandering around looking for suitable places to set up the black boxes to take readings.
Abby watched him with amusement and love. This was her old Connor; the one she'd fallen for without realising. His enthusiasm and passion for what he did was infectious and Abby couldn't think of another person that could have that effect on her. He kept glancing at his compass, then wrinkling his nose as he considered things, and then he'd place a black box on the ground and move on. Within 15 minutes, he'd set down 6 boxes in a circle and then came back over to Abby.
“All done?” Abby asked.
“Half an hour should do it, unless the compass stops spinning. We'll go back to the ARC then.” Connor took his ear-piece out and slid it into his pocket, then he took Abby's out and put that in his pocket too. “Come here,” he whispered, pulling her into a warm kiss.
Abby sighed and returned the kiss, sinking into his embrace. With half an hour to kill, Abby half wondered if they could find a nice cosy little place to snuggle in for a while and was about to suggest it when she heard a loud click. Connor heard it too and they broke off their embrace to look around.
“It sounded like a gun being loaded and unlocked,” Abby whispered. Connor nodded in agreement and motioned for her to follow him. Instinctively, Abby reached for her EMD, but then remembered she'd put it into the back of Matt's vehicle. Connor wasn't armed either and suddenly Abby began to wish that Becker's new security measures were already in place. Right now, she'd give anything to see a friendly soldier with a big gun.
“Put your hands where I can see them and don't make any sudden movements!” A voice hissed from nowhere. They both did as they were told, glancing first at each other and then around them looking for where the voice was coming from.
“Show yourself!” Connor called out. His heart was pounding; fear making his throat feel so tight he could barely breathe. He'd faced carnivorous creatures on a near daily basis during their time in the Cretaceous - those kind of predators he could handle; their behaviour was based purely on a survival instinct but another human? Unpredictable and motivated by a whole variety of things; that unknown element scared him. Maybe he was just wanting money from them or their jewellery? Abby gripped his hand; he wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure him or if she was scared too but he didn't care. She was there with him and that was all that mattered.
“Connor Temple,” the voice hissed out angrily. “Philip Burton's protégé.” The voice sounded like it was amplified, as if it was being fed through some kind of loud speaker or PA system.
Connor squeezed Abby's hand tighter. This wasn't some random person who'd stumbled upon them and seized an opportunity; this was all of Connor's fears coming true. Whoever this person was, they knew him and they knew about Burton. That could only mean one thing.
“I said show yourself!” Connor shouted.
“Are you armed?”
“No, our weapons were in the back of the cars.” Abby replied. She saw movement in the distance and a dark figure was approaching them with a gun raised. Despite his fears, Connor's first thought was to stand in front of Abby. If this was about what he thought it was, then Abby could be the target that gun was aimed at. As the figure got closer, Connor recognised him. He'd worked in Burton's lab at the New Dawn site. He was ashamed to admit that he didn't know his name - Burton had kept Connor away from most of the other scientists on the project apart from April. With hindsight, Connor should have thought that was strange.
“What do you want?” Connor said, puffing out his chest to make himself look as large as possible.
“I want you to suffer.” The man said calmly. “Just like I've suffered. It's all your fault.”
“Connor hasn't done anything, I'm sure we can talk about this,” Abby said lightly, hoping to change the mood. “What's your name? I'm Abby.”
“I know who you are!” The man dismissed Abby with a look of disgust and turned to Connor. “You don't even know who I am though, do you?”
“You worked for Philip,” Connor replied, his voice trembling.
“Yes. Worked. Past tense,” the man spat. “Before you came along, I had a career mapped out for the next 30 years. We were going to be rich; that machine Philip had us all building was going to change our lives - but you destroyed it.”
“You don't understand! That machine would've destroyed the earth; made the atmosphere unbreathable and unable to sustain life. If we...”
“Shut it! You ruined my life... and now I'm going to ruin yours.” The man sniffed and his lip curled into a snarl. He lifted his gun and pointed it at Connor's face. Abby glanced at Connor and nodded at him. They'd faced a similar situation with a raptor, Connor distracted it whilst Abby moved in to kill it. They could do something similar here. If Connor could keep him talking, he might be distracted for a moment long enough to allow Abby to snatch the gun away or aim a kick at him to make him drop it.
“How did you know we'd be here?”
“Oh, I made sure you'd be here.” The man grinned. “I've been working on anomalies as long as you have; studying their behaviour just like you. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist something unusual, so I set up my own device. It generates electro-magnetic fields at the same frequency as the anomalies - strong enough to fool your detector into thinking there's an anomaly there.”
That explains the invisible anomaly, Connor thought. He could see Abby from the corner of his eye and she was edging closer to the man. He had to keep him distracted.
“What would killing me solve, eh?” Connor said.
The man suddenly turned and aimed the gun at Abby's head. She froze. “Oh, killing you would be far too easy, and you wouldn't suffer. No. Killing blondie here would be far more effective!”
It all happened in an instant, yet it felt like an eternity. A single gunshot rang out; Abby screamed and Connor yelled, running full pelt at their assailant's chest and sending him crashing to the ground. His fists began to fly and his eyes stung with angry tears. He hardly dare look at Abby's motionless body and the red blood stain growing larger by the second on her white t-shirt. Somehow, he managed to find his mobile phone in his pocket and dial the first number he came to - Becker's. When he heard Becker's familiar voice the relief flooded over him. The team would come to his aid within minutes.
-o-
The ARC was in near total darkness, save for the glow of the screens on the ADD and a strip of light filtering under the door to Matt's office. Connor knew Matt would still be here writing up his account of what had happened. He paused by the door for a moment, then took a deep breath before entering without knocking. This was going to be the hardest conversation he'd ever had.
Matt looked up from his work. “Hey, Connor. I didn't expect to see you tonight. How's Abby?”
“The doctor's said she'll be fine. She lost a lot of blood, but they patched her up and with plenty of rest she'll be right as rain in a few days.”
“You should be with her. It's been an eventful day.”
“She was sleeping when I left. I figured she needed it.” Connor looked down at his feet and swallowed hard. There was an awkward silence for several long moments before Matt broke it.
“Is there something you wanted, Connor?”
“That thing we talked about a few months ago, after New Dawn. Is it still available?”
“The memory wipe? Yes, it's still available.” Matt straightened up in his chair.
“I want to do it.” Connor sniffed and chewed his bottom lip.
Matt stared wide-eyed at Connor for a moment. “I have to say I'm surprised. You were so against it before.”
“What happened today... Abby almost died because of what I did. As long as I'm around, she'll always be in danger. If its not someone after me because of what I know, then it'll be like today - targeting Abby to get at me. We can't live like that; its not fair on her.” Connor paused to wipe a tear from his cheek. “I want you to erase my memory, Matt.”
Author: prehistoriccat
Rating: T
Pairing/characters: Abby/Connor, Matt, Becker, brief Lester, Jess & Emily
Genre: Gen, angst
Disclaimer: Not mine no copyright intended
Warnings: series 5 spoilers
If you missed part one, its HERE
For once, it seems Connor has actually made the right decision... but things never run smoothly do they?
Part 2 - A year ago.
“Keeping you awake are we, Mr Temple?” Lester enquired sarcastically. “Wedding plans getting too much? Perhaps you need to take it easy; wouldn't want you too tired for the wedding night.”
Connor felt his cheeks redden as he hid the yawn. “Sorry.” He glanced over at Abby who was trying very hard to disguise a giggle and then let out a laugh himself.
“Just because things are a little quiet right now, it doesn't mean we can relax on security issues,” Becker said sternly. Connor and Abby stopped their giggles and looked apologetically at Becker. Things had been very quiet since the convergence and New Dawn; a few anomalies in remote areas just like they used to be but nothing major. Secretly, they all missed the near non-stop excitement to a certain extent, but were relieved to have some respite that allowed them to get a little normality back in their lives. Connor and Abby's wedding plans were the main topic of conversation and the event was being seen as a marker for a new chapter in the ARC's history. Lester had spent several weeks dealing with the press and other sections of the media trying to calm public fears after the multiple anomalies. He'd almost considered contacting Jenny Lewis for assistance; she used to be so good at handling that side of things, but the Minister wouldn't allow anyone else to get involved.
“Now is the perfect time to start putting new procedures into place so that they become second nature if things ever get as difficult as they did six months ago.” Becker continued.
“What's wrong with the old procedures?” Abby asked.
Becker was about to respond, but Matt intervened. “Nothing, but we have to think more carefully about the way we operate out in the field, and also about our own personal security in our normal, everyday lives. I think there are certain areas where we have made ourselves vulnerable because we've become complacent, and that has to change.”
“Personal security? Are you saying we could be in danger? Have you had some kind...” Jess said.
Connor suddenly realised where this was leading. Matt had promised him six months ago that he would protect Abby. It looked like he was being true to his word whilst making it look like it was being done for the whole team. He smiled gratefully at Matt, hoping he'd understand the sentiment behind it. Matt's nod of acknowledgement told him he did.
“It's fine, Jess. We're just making sure we're all aware of our own personal safety and that we look out for each other. We do that already; I'm just upgrading if you like.” Matt said softly. Jess seemed to give a visual sigh of relief, then they all turned to Becker so that he could continue.
Becker explained the new measures they would be taking, particularly the fact that each of the non-military members of the team would have to be accompanied by a member of Becker's team whilst out in the field. This brought immediate protests from both Abby and Emily and they both turned to Matt angrily.
“You know we're both just as capable as any one of Becker's men!” Abby hissed. “Connor too. We've seen more action than three of them put together!”
“No-one is questioning your capabilities, Abby,” Matt responded. “I just think having some military backup to rely on will free you up to concentrate on dealing with whatever creature comes through the anomaly, or conducting research at the site. You won't have to keep looking over your shoulder because someone will be doing it for you.”
Abby folded her arms across her chest. Connor recognised that look and decided to try and change the direction of the conversation. Just as he was about to speak, the familiar sound of the ADD alarm was heard and everyone sprang to their feet. “Saved by the bell, eh Matt?” Connor whispered as he and Matt walked down the corridor towards the main hub.
“They'll come round,” Matt said, “I think they'll both enjoy being tailed by a hunky soldier.”
“Then you don't know Abby!” Connor laughed. “But I do appreciate what you're doing, even if she doesn't.”
“I worry about Emily too, mate. Ethan's still out there somewhere, and I know Danny is dealing with that but it doesn't stop me wondering if he'll show up and try to do something to her.” The two of them approached Jess's console where Abby, Emily and Becker were already gathered and watching the screen as Jess pinpointed the location of the anomaly. “What have we got, Jess?”
“It's about three miles from here, looks like a non-residential area.”
“Good, lets go.” Matt nodded to Becker and then the rest of the team. They went into auto-pilot; this was now a well rehearsed routine. The black boxes and ear-pieces handed out, EMDs assigned and then they split into two teams. Becker, Connor and a couple of soldiers leapt into the first vehicle and sped off so that they could form the initial response and Connor could lock the anomaly before anything else came through. Abby and Emily joined Matt in the second vehicle. By the time they arrived at the site, Connor and Becker would have fed them their findings and Matt would be making decisions on the next course of action. Connor wondered how much this would all change once Becker's new system was put into place.
“Where is it?” Becker said as they pulled up to where Jess had said the anomaly should be.
“Perhaps it already closed? Jess, what are you getting?” Connor said over the comms.
“You should see it right in front of you, you're practically on top of it!” Jess responded.
Connor looked at Becker; there was nothing, not even a crackle of static in the air that they sometimes felt when an anomaly opened. “Are you sure, Jess? There's nothing here.” Becker called.
Connor looked up into the sky thinking that maybe the anomaly was above them, but all he could see was the late afternoon clouds gathering. Becker and his men started to do a sweep of the area just to be certain, whilst Connor waited for Matt, Abby and Emily. He glanced at the compass he wore on his wrist; it was spinning like crazy just as it did when they were close to an anomaly. He shook his head; this was weird and something wasn't right.
Matt joined him as soon as he arrived with Emily and Abby. He was just as puzzled as Connor. “Invisible anomaly?”
“I hope not!” Connor said. “That would make our job really hard.”
“Maybe its just not strong enough to have materialised properly, but there's enough energy there to set off the detector?” Abby suggested.
“It's possible I suppose,” Connor nodded, his face creasing as he thought about it.
“Emily and I will head off in that direction and do a check of the area. You two go over there. If we don't find anything in ten minutes, we'll head back to the ARC.” Matt indicated where he wanted Abby and Connor to go, then set off after Emily who was already scanning the surroundings with her small EMD poised for action should she need it.
Connor was lost in his own thoughts as he followed Abby. How could the detector be picking up an anomaly and the compass be spinning when they couldn't see it? Maybe Matt was right about an invisible anomaly? What if the huge man-made anomaly had changed the way the natural ones were formed and that was why it had gone so quiet recently? He scratched his head and watched Abby go on a little ahead of him. Her theory about a partially open anomaly could also be right - but did that mean something could still get through? Should they be waiting around just in case it opened fully? So many questions without an answer.
“I don't think we're going to find anything, Connor.” Abby said, turning back to face him. “Maybe its just some atmospheric interference?”
Connor shook his head. “I don't like it, Abby. This could change everything.”
Abby walked back towards him. “Just for once, can we let it go? We're meeting the vicar tomorrow and I want your mind completely in the right place.”
Connor nodded and sighed, reluctantly following Abby back towards the cars where the others were also gathering. “I'm going to get Jess to do a full systems check when we get back, it looks like this was just a glitch and we've been sent on a wild goose chase. I'm sorry guys.” Matt said.
“Apologies are not needed, Matt. I suppose we can look upon it as a test run to keep us on our toes,” Emily said softly.
“Like the fire drills we used to have at school,” Connor grinned. Emily looked puzzled. “I'll explain it later,” he said, climbing into the passenger seat next to Becker. Just as everyone was about to set off, Connor unfastened his seat belt and got out. Despite having Abby's voice in his head telling him to let it go; he couldn't.
“I want to do more checks,” he said. “Set up a couple of black boxes and take some readings. There's something there and I need to know what. You guys go back without me.”
Abby shook her head and got out of the other vehicle. “Sometimes you are just ...” She let out an exasperated sigh then turned to Matt. “I'll stay and help Connor out. We'll call someone when we need a lift back.”
Connor grinned from ear to ear as they watched the rest of the team drive away. He didn't spot the angry glare on Abby's face until she'd given him a shove. “What?” he said, looking hurt. “You didn't have to stay you know!”
“I'm only staying because I know you. You'll be here all night messing about with readings and things if I just left you to it. We're due at the church at 10am and I want us to look normal. You're going to wear a proper shirt and have a shave and...”
“I know, we've been through it a hundred times.” Connor smiled then leaned in and kissed Abby's cheek. “An hour's all I ask. I promise. I just know there's something here!” He moved away and began wandering around looking for suitable places to set up the black boxes to take readings.
Abby watched him with amusement and love. This was her old Connor; the one she'd fallen for without realising. His enthusiasm and passion for what he did was infectious and Abby couldn't think of another person that could have that effect on her. He kept glancing at his compass, then wrinkling his nose as he considered things, and then he'd place a black box on the ground and move on. Within 15 minutes, he'd set down 6 boxes in a circle and then came back over to Abby.
“All done?” Abby asked.
“Half an hour should do it, unless the compass stops spinning. We'll go back to the ARC then.” Connor took his ear-piece out and slid it into his pocket, then he took Abby's out and put that in his pocket too. “Come here,” he whispered, pulling her into a warm kiss.
Abby sighed and returned the kiss, sinking into his embrace. With half an hour to kill, Abby half wondered if they could find a nice cosy little place to snuggle in for a while and was about to suggest it when she heard a loud click. Connor heard it too and they broke off their embrace to look around.
“It sounded like a gun being loaded and unlocked,” Abby whispered. Connor nodded in agreement and motioned for her to follow him. Instinctively, Abby reached for her EMD, but then remembered she'd put it into the back of Matt's vehicle. Connor wasn't armed either and suddenly Abby began to wish that Becker's new security measures were already in place. Right now, she'd give anything to see a friendly soldier with a big gun.
“Put your hands where I can see them and don't make any sudden movements!” A voice hissed from nowhere. They both did as they were told, glancing first at each other and then around them looking for where the voice was coming from.
“Show yourself!” Connor called out. His heart was pounding; fear making his throat feel so tight he could barely breathe. He'd faced carnivorous creatures on a near daily basis during their time in the Cretaceous - those kind of predators he could handle; their behaviour was based purely on a survival instinct but another human? Unpredictable and motivated by a whole variety of things; that unknown element scared him. Maybe he was just wanting money from them or their jewellery? Abby gripped his hand; he wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure him or if she was scared too but he didn't care. She was there with him and that was all that mattered.
“Connor Temple,” the voice hissed out angrily. “Philip Burton's protégé.” The voice sounded like it was amplified, as if it was being fed through some kind of loud speaker or PA system.
Connor squeezed Abby's hand tighter. This wasn't some random person who'd stumbled upon them and seized an opportunity; this was all of Connor's fears coming true. Whoever this person was, they knew him and they knew about Burton. That could only mean one thing.
“I said show yourself!” Connor shouted.
“Are you armed?”
“No, our weapons were in the back of the cars.” Abby replied. She saw movement in the distance and a dark figure was approaching them with a gun raised. Despite his fears, Connor's first thought was to stand in front of Abby. If this was about what he thought it was, then Abby could be the target that gun was aimed at. As the figure got closer, Connor recognised him. He'd worked in Burton's lab at the New Dawn site. He was ashamed to admit that he didn't know his name - Burton had kept Connor away from most of the other scientists on the project apart from April. With hindsight, Connor should have thought that was strange.
“What do you want?” Connor said, puffing out his chest to make himself look as large as possible.
“I want you to suffer.” The man said calmly. “Just like I've suffered. It's all your fault.”
“Connor hasn't done anything, I'm sure we can talk about this,” Abby said lightly, hoping to change the mood. “What's your name? I'm Abby.”
“I know who you are!” The man dismissed Abby with a look of disgust and turned to Connor. “You don't even know who I am though, do you?”
“You worked for Philip,” Connor replied, his voice trembling.
“Yes. Worked. Past tense,” the man spat. “Before you came along, I had a career mapped out for the next 30 years. We were going to be rich; that machine Philip had us all building was going to change our lives - but you destroyed it.”
“You don't understand! That machine would've destroyed the earth; made the atmosphere unbreathable and unable to sustain life. If we...”
“Shut it! You ruined my life... and now I'm going to ruin yours.” The man sniffed and his lip curled into a snarl. He lifted his gun and pointed it at Connor's face. Abby glanced at Connor and nodded at him. They'd faced a similar situation with a raptor, Connor distracted it whilst Abby moved in to kill it. They could do something similar here. If Connor could keep him talking, he might be distracted for a moment long enough to allow Abby to snatch the gun away or aim a kick at him to make him drop it.
“How did you know we'd be here?”
“Oh, I made sure you'd be here.” The man grinned. “I've been working on anomalies as long as you have; studying their behaviour just like you. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist something unusual, so I set up my own device. It generates electro-magnetic fields at the same frequency as the anomalies - strong enough to fool your detector into thinking there's an anomaly there.”
That explains the invisible anomaly, Connor thought. He could see Abby from the corner of his eye and she was edging closer to the man. He had to keep him distracted.
“What would killing me solve, eh?” Connor said.
The man suddenly turned and aimed the gun at Abby's head. She froze. “Oh, killing you would be far too easy, and you wouldn't suffer. No. Killing blondie here would be far more effective!”
It all happened in an instant, yet it felt like an eternity. A single gunshot rang out; Abby screamed and Connor yelled, running full pelt at their assailant's chest and sending him crashing to the ground. His fists began to fly and his eyes stung with angry tears. He hardly dare look at Abby's motionless body and the red blood stain growing larger by the second on her white t-shirt. Somehow, he managed to find his mobile phone in his pocket and dial the first number he came to - Becker's. When he heard Becker's familiar voice the relief flooded over him. The team would come to his aid within minutes.
-o-
The ARC was in near total darkness, save for the glow of the screens on the ADD and a strip of light filtering under the door to Matt's office. Connor knew Matt would still be here writing up his account of what had happened. He paused by the door for a moment, then took a deep breath before entering without knocking. This was going to be the hardest conversation he'd ever had.
Matt looked up from his work. “Hey, Connor. I didn't expect to see you tonight. How's Abby?”
“The doctor's said she'll be fine. She lost a lot of blood, but they patched her up and with plenty of rest she'll be right as rain in a few days.”
“You should be with her. It's been an eventful day.”
“She was sleeping when I left. I figured she needed it.” Connor looked down at his feet and swallowed hard. There was an awkward silence for several long moments before Matt broke it.
“Is there something you wanted, Connor?”
“That thing we talked about a few months ago, after New Dawn. Is it still available?”
“The memory wipe? Yes, it's still available.” Matt straightened up in his chair.
“I want to do it.” Connor sniffed and chewed his bottom lip.
Matt stared wide-eyed at Connor for a moment. “I have to say I'm surprised. You were so against it before.”
“What happened today... Abby almost died because of what I did. As long as I'm around, she'll always be in danger. If its not someone after me because of what I know, then it'll be like today - targeting Abby to get at me. We can't live like that; its not fair on her.” Connor paused to wipe a tear from his cheek. “I want you to erase my memory, Matt.”