Out of Time

By Andie O'Neill

Rating: T/ R

Genre: Romance, Angst, Alternate Universe, (slight) Action/Adventure

Pairing: Nathan/Jack, Lucas/Zoe, Zane/Jo, (Mentions of Nathan/Allison)

Warnings: Slash, (small hints) Sex, Violence, Language

Spoilers: Season Three

Summary: Jack's life is on the line when he and Nathan are kidnapped by a scientist bent on creating a weapon more powerful than anything ever built… and Nathan's going to help whether he wants to or not.

A/N: Hope you guys enjoy! This chap was supposed to be bigger, but I decided to split it in half since it was so long… hopefully you'll get the other chap in a couple days!

Disclaimer: You think I'd be writing fan fiction if I owned Eureka and it's characters? I think not! Don't own a thing.


Part Four

Jo frowned, looking over her computer as Zane sat in Carter's chair, feet resting on the desk as he typed away on Carter's computer. While she went through video footage of anyone Forrester seemed to regularly associate with, Zane had volunteered to see if he could identify any video's that'd been tampered with so they could focus on time frames they couldn't account for. They'd been working for hours, and in that time Zane had become more and more relaxed in Carter's chair, and somehow Jo had a feeling the Sheriff wouldn't appreciate the scientist's shoes resting on his desk.

"Ah ha!" shouted Zane, with a growing grin.

"Found something?" Jo asked, immediately getting up to see what Zane was looking at. She frowned when she realized Zane had broken into classified records. "What the hell, Zane? You were supposed to be looking for video tampering!"

Zane rolled his eyes. "Yeah, finished that… it was getting me nowhere. However, I did notice something in some of the videos I looked through… a scientist seen frequently with Forrester. His name is Doctor Darren Milton, and guess where he works," he spoke.

Lupo smiled. "Tell me it's in shipping?"

"You got it, babe! They looked to be extremely friendly. I say we give him a visit and see what he has to say for himself," suggested Donovan with a mischievous smile.

"Correction… I'm going down to GD to pay him a visit while you get to work making a list of any others Forrester was known to associate with, including Forrester's supervisor. I'd also like you to get your hands on any information regarding Forrester's background… legally this time."

Zane's smirk immediately disappeared as he groaned. "Oh come on! Where's the fun in that?!"

Jo just gave him a smile, grabbing her car keys. "Don't make me arrest you," she threatened playfully.

Zane's smile returned, as she knew it would. "Now there's an interesting thought…."

Lupo just rolled her eyes and left the station.


Forrester looked over Doctor Stark's shoulder, checking on his progress and smiled. "I knew you were the perfect man for the job. You truly are a brilliant scientist, Doctor Stark."

Nathan ignored the scientist, keeping his eyes focused in the telescope as he observed the nano probes reaction when exposed to different forms of radiation. It was his hope to identify any weaknesses that would be harmless enough to a person, but could break down the nano probes.

"You know, I could use someone like you. This is only the tip of the iceberg… there are so many theories I've yet to prove or even explore yet. A man as brilliant as you… such talent… it's being wasted at Global. Thorne has you on a leash… just as the DoD did while you were in charge," said Forrester, walking back over to his own workstation.

Stark glared at the scientist. "Sorry, not interested."

Ethan simply smiled. "Easy Stark, I know you're in a mood after your little lovers quarrel with Carter but-"

"The Sheriff and I are NOT lovers," Nathan corrected gruffly, the scientist's words hinting a very sensitive nerve. He'd tried to ignore the other man, but it simply didn't seem possible.

"I see… it certainly looked like you were last night. It's obvious you care deeply for the Sheriff; it's why I took him. I knew the only chance I had of getting you to agree to help would be by threatening Carter. Everyone in Eureka seems curious about the relationship between the great Doctor Stark and Sheriff Carter," Forrester went on, and Nathan gripped the table to keep from lashing out.

"We barely tolerate each other. He's a rival, nothing more," he assured the scientist, not quite sure why it was so important that he argue with the man. Why would he even care what Forrester thought?

"And yet here you are… risking billions of lives for an enemy? Interesting."

Nathan sighed, looking up at Ethan with an annoyed glare. "Forgive me, but I thought the reason why I was here was to help you perfect your organic nanoids, not discuss my private life. You've injected him with something deadly and I only have a few days to help you, while saving his life," he snapped.

Ethan paused, bowing his head in understanding, giving him an amused smile. "Right…."


Lupo entered GD and immediately headed for Forrester's lab first to see how Henry was doing. When she found the lab she saw Henry sitting at Ethan Forrester's desk reading something on the computer and immediately cleared her throat to make herself known. "Hey Henry."

Henry glanced up, giving her a small smile. "Hey Jo, how's the investigation going?"

Lupo sighed, walking over to the scientist. "We're making progress. Zane's being surprisingly helpful. How's it going on your end?"

Henry leaned back in the chair, turning to face Jo. "I've managed to open up quite a few encrypted files, but none that explain where Forrester might have gone or how he was stealing GD equipment. I've been reading his research… on nano technology, looking at some of the video diaries he left behind; including one entry that detailed a test he did using lab rats injected with his organic nanoids. It was his hope to control the nanoids, control how long it took for the subject to die, the rate of nanoid replication… things like that. The interesting thing was there were quite a few issues he was unable to correct. He never could gain full control and in some cases he was forced to flip a kill switch he programmed into the nanoids. I was just about to send what data I have to Allison. She wanted a full report on my progress."

Jo frowned, feeling her stomach twist at the idea of Carter or Stark being one of Forrester's subjects. "Understood… thanks for the update. Somehow I have a feeling whatever Forrester's up to… it's got to be connected with these nanoids. The only thing I haven't quite figured out is why he'd kidnap the Sheriff and Doctor Stark."

"Perhaps he knew they were on to him," offered Henry.

Jo shook his head. "If that were the case, why disappear with him? Besides, Carter made Thorne, Allison, and myself aware of the situation before he went to confront Forrester. There's got to be more to this…" she spoke, more to herself than to Henry.

Henry nodded. "Well, in the meantime I was hoping you could have Taggart help me go through some of this. It looks like some of Forrester's research was directly connected to Taggart's nanoids."

Jo blushed at the idea of having to face Taggart with their history, but tried her best not to show her hesitation. "Uh… sure thing, Henry. I'll let him know. I'm sure he'd be happy to help."

Henry smiled knowingly before turning back to the computer. "Thanks, Jo… I'll let you know if I find anything more."

"Thanks," she said, walking toward the door before she turned back around. "Henry… you wouldn't happen to know a Doctor Darren Milton… would you?"

Henry paused for a moment. "He works in shipping… been there for a while now. I've worked with him before. Interesting guy, but pretty private. Why?"

Jo shook her head. "No reason, just going to pay him a visit."

The scientist gave a knowing nod. "Good luck."

"You too," she replied and left the lab.


When Nathan Stark had prepared himself after a days work with Forrester to face Sheriff Jack Carter, he hadn't exactly expected to hear the sound of someone emptying the contents of their stomach as he walked inside. Stark winced as he saw Carter bent over their toilet retching violently. Forgetting about their fight, he immediately rushed over to the Sheriff, laying a hand on his back as he finished. When the worst seemed to be over, Carter moaned, collapsing against the wall while Nathan stooped beside him. The man looked like death, and Stark ignored how his heart skipped a beat with worry. The Sheriff had his back against the wall, too weak to move, eyes closed, and head tipped back. "Carter?"

Jack cracked an eye open to look at Stark and shook his head weakly. "I uh… got dizzy. Was pushing myself a bit too hard, I guess."

"Well, we all know how stubborn you can be, Sheriff," Nathan told him, moving to sit next to Carter until he was strong enough to be moved back to the cot.

Jack chuckled. "Says the pot to the kettle," he muttered. Nathan couldn't exactly argue with him there, so he simply shrugged his acknowledgement. "Stark?"

"Yeah Carter?"

"I'm sorry," he whispered, closing his eyes again. "I'm sorry for what I said. It was uncalled for, and frankly I don't know why I even said it. All you've done is try to take care of me. I just… hate this. I can barely move on my own… I'm useless, and I can't stand just lying here while you're busy trying to save both our asses," he told him, shaking his head angrily.

Stark knew how it felt to be useless, and it was not a very pleasurable feeling. There had been times when he'd been forced to watch uselessly while others faded away… including Jack, who on a number of occasions had just barely made it out alive. "Carter, I will get us both out of here. I won't let you down-"

"Stark-"

"No just listen to me for once!" the scientist insisted. "I'll find a way-"

"Nathan!" Stark stopped talking, turning to look at Jack, seeing the Sheriff's eyes darken. He never called him by his first name. "Don't make those kinds of promises. If you do find a way to get out of here you take it. Do you understand me? Don't come back for me… just take it and go."

Stark immediately shook his head.

"If you see a chance, take it! Get the hell out. I'm in no condition for an escape. I can barely stand on my own. I want to promise me you'll take your chances without me."

"Carter-"

"Promise me, Nathan!" Jack demanded, and Nathan frowned, unable to look away as he saw the desperation in the other man's eyes. "Promise me."

Stark knew he could never truly promise such a thing. He wasn't going to leave Carter behind… no matter what issues stood between them. "I promise," he lied.

Jack searched his eyes, trying to find something, and Nathan refused to look away, hoping he could convince Carter that he was telling the truth. Finally the Sheriff looked away. "Has anyone ever told you, you're an excellent liar, Stark?"

Nathan smiled at that. "Not to my knowledge…."

Carter smiled back. "Consider it told," he muttered and when their gazes locked the walls seemed to go down for just a moment. For a moment Nathan could see everything, and his heart sped up.

The scientist's smile grew, and he moved his arm around Jack's back. "Let's get you back to bed…."

"Careful there, Stark, a guy could get the wrong idea," joked Jack, rebuilding his barriers just as quickly as they had fallen.

Nathan rolled his eyes, pulling him to his feet.


Lucas had been doing his best to keep an eye on Zoe, but it was hard as they only had a hand full of classes together. She looked exhausted, and he wondered silently if it'd been a good idea for her to go to school while her father was still missing. Pilar had called him that morning to tell him Zoe had apparently had a bad nightmare the night before, and refused to talk about it. Lucas knew how close Zoe was to her father, and he hated to see her going through what she was dealing with alone. He wanted to be there for her, but he feared she'd only push him away if he tried to confront her.

He just wish someone would tell him what was going on in the investigation. They hadn't been told anything since Doctor Blake had informed Zoe of her father's disappearance. Had they learned anything? Were they close to finding Doctor Stark and the Sheriff? All the waiting was driving him crazy, so he could only imagine what Zoe was going through. Lucas took a seat beside her, lunch in hand and smiled. "Hey," he greeted.

Zoe smiled back, and he could see the lines under her eyes. "Hey."

Lucas frowned, trying to think of something he could say… something that would help, but his mind was drawing a blank. There had to be something, something he could say that would help. "I was thinking we could stop by the station after school… maybe see how the investigation is going," he offered.

Zoe shook her head. "She couldn't tell us anything, Lucas. Actually, I was planning on going home… grabbing a few things for Pilar's house. Wanna come?"

Lucas nodded. "Sure," he agreed. There was a long silence before Lucas finally couldn't take anymore and he turned to look at Zoe. "What you think of dinner… Café Diem's… you, me, and Pilar? We could even play a few games of chess," he offered.

Zoe's smile grew just a bit, and he was sure she knew exactly what he was doing. Distraction seemed like the only thing he could do to help. "Okay, but only if you promise not to get mad when I totally destroy you."

Lucas smiled. "Promise." Now that sounded like the Zoe he knew….


After looking for Doctor Milton everywhere, she'd finally resorted to relying on Fargo, only to learn the guy had left early. After getting the address from Fargo she immediately left and headed for Milton's home, a fifteen minute drive. Jo stood on the rather large porch, ringing the doorbell for the second time as she waited for the scientist to answer. When the door finally opened she was greeted by a man who looked in his late thirties. He had chocolate brown eyes, tanned skin, and small glass frames. His hair was a dark brown, cut short, and seemed to stick up everywhere, as if the man had just woken up. Somehow the look worked for the man. "Doctor Darren Milton?"

Milton frowned. "Deputy… what's this about?" he asked, giving her a curious look.

"I was hoping to talk to you about a good friend of yours… Ethan Forrester. Can I have a moment of your time?"

Milton's frown only grew upon hearing her explanation and he immediately moved to the side to let her in. "Sure… come on in. The place is a bit of a mess… forgive me," he spoke.

Jo entered the house, heading for the living room before she turned around to face the scientist. "So tell me… how well did you know Doctor Ethan Forrester?"

Milton blushed, looking away. "Would you like something to drink? Water? Tea?"

"I'm fine, thanks."

The scientist cleared his throat awkwardly before taking a seat on his couch. "Um… I knew him pretty well… we uh… we were close," he spoke, his answers suspiciously vague.

Jo narrowed her eyes. "How close?"

Milton refused to look her in the eye, instead choosing to focus on his hands. "We were… lovers. We were dating," he explained, surprising Jo. She hadn't expected that. Zane had mentioned they seemed extremely close, but she hadn't gotten the message he had obviously been trying to convey. This certainly made things interesting.

"I see. Did you know Doctor Forrester was suspected for stealing GD equipment? He was going to be taken in for questioning by Sheriff Carter, but instead went missing along with the Sheriff and a Doctor Nathan Stark," she informed him, paying close attention to his reaction.

Milton looked up at her finally, frowning. "I… I hadn't heard from him for a few days now. He said he'd been caught up in something, something big, but he refused to tell me anything more." Milton stood, wiping slick hands on his jeans. "Look, I know why you're here, but I promise you I have no idea where he could be. We broke up… two weeks ago. We got into a fight. He'd been pretty distant recently, keeping secrets from me, and I was getting sick of it. I knew something was wrong, but he wouldn't listen to me."

Jo frowned, not sure whether to believe the man or not. Either way she couldn't take the risk. If Milton was lying, she couldn't risk him disappearing like Forrester had. "Doctor Milton… I think you should come with me. I have a few more questions, and I think it would be better if we went to GD for this."

Milton nodded eagerly. "I'll grab my coat," he spoke, leaving the room.

Jo watched him go, an uneasy feeling sweeping over her as she looked around the room, noticing a window nearby. She immediately walked over to it, seeing the scientist's backyard, noticing with a sigh as Darren Milton rushed through the backyard and into the neighbor's yard. Jo shook her head, rushing through the back door. "Why do they always run?" she asked herself, pulling out her gun, and rushed to catch up to the retreating scientist.


He was getting worse. Nathan watched silently as Carter groaned in pain, eyes closed tight, face growing more and more pale. He'd been having muscle cramps, dizzy spells, and had vomited more than once since Stark had returned to the cell. The man was suffering, and Nathan had no idea how to help. The Sheriff was sitting in the corner on the cot, back against the wall, and legs tucked under him as he tried to endure the pain. Nathan sat beside him, wanting to comfort him somehow. No one should have to suffer the way Carter currently was, and he couldn't resist the need inside him to help somehow. Stark's eyebrows rose in surprise as Carter grasped his hand, holding it tight as his head dropped back against the wall. Nathan linked their hands, holding his just as tight. "I'm not giving up on you, Carter," he assured the man.

Jack nodded, gritting his teeth. The pain came and went. The nanoids weren't meant to torture its victims, though from where Stark was it certainly seemed like they were. Thankfully, Forrester had agreed to giving Carter some pain killers, which would take affect soon. "I know," said Carter, forcing his eyes open to look at Nathan.

"You just have to hang in there… I'll get us out of this."

Jack smiled through his pain. "You know… this whole 'you being nice to me' thing is really starting to freak me out."

Nathan couldn't help but smile back. "Haven't you ever heard that saying about not kicking a dog when he's down?" he replied, referring to Carter's earlier words. "Even I have my limits, Sheriff."

Jack chuckled, his laugh quickly turning into a coughing fit. "Who knew? The Tinman's had a heart all along."

Stark raised an eyebrow. "Tinman? Does that make you the Scarecrow?"

Carter shook his head. "Couldn't resist, could you?"

"Nope. You left yourself wide open that time, Sheriff."

"Touché…" Carter muttered, closing his eyes once more. "You know Dorothy always liked the Scarecrow best anyway, so I guess I can live with that. I always did have a crush on her…."

Nathan could see the Sheriff was exhausted. The pain seemed to be waning, and Carter was slowly drifting off, his grip on Stark's hand loosening. The two men sat in silence waiting for the drugs to kick in, and eventually Jack drifted off, his head slowly dropping to Nathan's shoulder. Stark stared down at the Sheriff, sighing. "I always liked the Scarecrow, personally," he admitted, whispered to the Sheriff before gently laying him down on the cot to rest. It was at that moment that Nathan realized if he did manage to get Carter to safety he would have to face his feelings head on and deal with whatever the consequences would be. Jack needed to know how Nathan felt… whether he returned those feelings or not.

To Be Continued