Disclaimer: The Tomorrow People is the Property of the CW. No copyright infringement is intended.

Author's note: Italics indicate flashbacks.

xxx TTP xxx

Roger watched as Cara left with Russell and a couple of others. He wasn't sure where they were going but he didn't think it was going to be a fun mission. The determined look on Cara's face almost frightened him.

Knowing Cara was a strong telepath, he knew there was no way he could get into her mind to find out what was going on, so he got a glimpse into Russell's before they teleported away. What Roger saw shocked and saddened him. He saw Russell going over to John and asking what's up and why TIM said he needed help. The look in John's eyes and his body language broke Roger's heart. Roger saw the emptiness, despair and humiliation John felt. Once he saw Russell take John by the arm and teleport him into the Lair, that was all he needed to know.

Roger initially was glad to see that John was still alive ... he knew what the Founder was capable of .. but then to realize what actually happened, it almost tore him apart. The guilt of what he and his brother did to John was hard enough to deal with, and now this? John losing his powers because he got caught in the trap the Founder had laid for him? He needed to see John, but really didn't know what he would say to him.

As he worked up the courage to go talk to him, he remembered the first time he sought John out. Jedikiah had asked him to check on their youngest recruit. His brother was concerned about the boy after what he had just witnessed.

"You're a father, you already know how to deal with kids," Jedikiah told Roger. "Just make sure he's okay."

Roger laughed at the thought that just because he was a father made him better qualified to talk to the boy. Jed just didn't realize it was a constant learning process. The key is to do your best.

The look in Jedikiah's eyes made Roger realize for the first time that there was something special about the kid ... at least to his brother. It wasn't like Jedikiah to get attached to a recruit.

Jed had explained how the boy had used his powers in front of a human and, per company policy, the human had to be eliminated. He also told Roger how the Founder had wanted the same for John too, but Jed was able to talk him out of it. He just had to make sure the kid learned the lesson.

"Jed, you don't expose a boy to something like that!" Roger reprimanded his brother.

"John had to see what the consequences were for his actions," Jed retaliated. "These are dark times, Roger. He needed to learn this lesson now."

John ... always paying for trying to do the right thing. He tried to protect his friend at the newsstand; he tried to save the Tomorrow People; he tried to save Roger ... all noble pursuits that have cost him dearly.

Thinking back to that little boy and the talk they had inspired Roger. Maybe he did know what he could tell him.

Roger walked over to TIM's room and found John leaning back on the couch with his eyes closed.

"Hello, John," Roger said as he entered the room.

No response.

"John?"

"What do you want?" John said quietly, his voice cracking a bit. He didn't even open his eyes.

"Just checking on you. Are you okay?" Roger felt stupid saying it, but he wasn't sure how else to approach him.

"Don't worry, I didn't give you up to the Founder," John still wouldn't look at Roger. "The only reason he let me live is to deliver a message to Cara. It's been delivered and now ... I'm done."

Roger walked closer to John. There was something about the way John said "I'm done" that concerned him.

"John ... I know you didn't," Roger sat down next to John on the couch. "Thank you for everything you have done for me, my family and the Tomorrow People."

Roger noticed how John flinched slightly at that last part.

"Did you want something else?" John said. "Because I'd really like to be alone right now."

Hoping to give John some encouragement, Roger started to say, "Just wanted to remind you, John. It's always darkest just before ..."

John, finally looking at Roger, quickly cut him off, "Now is not the time for your ... useless ... platitudes. I have no powers. I'm human now and there is no light coming."

John got up and walked out of the room before Roger could say anymore.