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For the past hour there didn't seem to be anyone following them; or at least they didn't see anyone. Danny had insisted on a steady pace so they could get a safe distance between them and the warehouse. He knew their escape could not be this easy and wondered how soon it would be before they caught up to them. He just hoped that when they captured them they could all stay together this time. He also wanted to know why they wanted them in the first place. It wasn't like they were the enemy.
"I think I see the road that Eva was telling us about".
Danny looked in the direction that Belle was pointing towards. He could see that it was a road and he just hoped she was right. "Ok, I suggest that we travel down the side of the road, but in such a way as to not be seen. The trees on the other side of the road will act as a perfect cover".
Connor was happy to hear that they had found the road that would eventually lead them to town, but he was getting tired and his leg was extremely sore, "Say Danny, do you suppose we could stop and take a break before moving on?"
Danny had noticed that it was getting harder for Connor to walk, but he had been hoping the young man could have made it a bit farther before having to stop. It was still dark out, but daybreak was coming and he figured that once the sun came up it would only be a matter of time before they were found. "I think we should walk a bit farther before we take a break. Do you think you can manage that Connor?"
"I can manage". Connor was disappointed, but he didn't want to keep anyone back on a count of him. He continued to hobble along, hoping that once they were in the thick of the trees he could rest.
The walking had given Abby a lot of time to think about their situation and wondered what Danny had in mind. They had managed to get Connor back, but that still didn't help them with getting back to their own time. "Danny I was thinking, once we are back in town what are we going to do next? We can't just march into the ARC and demand that they let us go back to our own time".
Danny had also used this time to think about their next move, "I was wondering when someone was going to ask that question. I have been running a few scenarios through my head and so far I keep coming back to only one that I think will work. We need to get back to the same place that brought us back into this world, but the only trouble is that we don't have the devise to open up the anomaly".
"Yeah, they took that away from us during all the commotion with Connor".
"We need to get that devise back somehow so that we can use it to open the portal".
Connor had somehow managed to keep up with their conversation and had to add his own thoughts into Danny's plan, "Do you really think that if we go back through the same anomaly that brought us here it will take us back to the same past we once knew".
Danny stopped walking as Connors words penetrated his mind, "what are you saying Connor".
"I don't think it is going to be that easy. The time here is the same as it was when we first stepped through, but because we don't know what caused it to change, we may be going back to another changed world".
Danny was starting to understand what Connor was saying, but he was still having trouble with piecing it all together, "so what you're saying is that we may not go back to the world we once remember because events that caused this time to change may have been before we left?"
"Exactly"! Connor got so excited when Danny understood what he was trying to say that he let go of one of the crutches and it sent him falling to ground.
Abby was instantly at his side, "Connor, you shouldn't get yourself so excited. You need to save that for when we get home".
Connor sat up and rubbed his leg, "Sorry".
Abby and Danny both helped Connor up and continued their trek. There were no more discussions on the logistics of getting home. It was quite clear that there was more to think about.
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As they walked, Danny thought about what Connor had said. He was starting to think all of this was a waste of time and that they would find the world they once knew to be changed. It must have had something to do with Helen and the things she had done before she died. Maybe they should just accept the fact that they are at least in a time that is closer to what they were use to and stop trying to go back. But something told him to keep trying. If anything, when they went back they would be back in their own time and regardless if things were different they would just have to make the most of it.
Once they had reached the interior portion of the trees Danny felt it was safe to rest for a moment. "Alright, I think we should rest for a few minutes, but then we need to keep going". He stayed where he was while the other three moved in a little closer to the trees.
Once Connor was resting comfortably against one of the trees, Abby walked over to Danny, "Are you worried about what Connor said earlier?"
"I am Abby. What if all this is for nothing and we get back to our own time to find everything different?"
"We had no choice Danny. If we had stayed in the past we would have been some raptors breakfast by now".
Danny knew she spoke the truth, but it still didn't make anything feel better.
Abby could see that he somehow blamed himself for this whole mess, "It's no one's fault Danny. We all knew what we were doing and we are all willing to accept the consequences".
"It's not just that Abby, what if everything we know has changed. The people we once knew didn't ask for any of this".
"They wouldn't know any different so I don't think it really matters what they think".
"I know you're right Abby, but it still doesn't make this any easier. I just want to get back to our time and have it be the way it was before".
"I never knew you were so sentimental Danny?"
Danny chuckled lightly. He appreciated her attempt at lightening the situation with humor, but it was still not enough to change his mood. "So how is Connor doing?"
"He'll live, but I really would like him to rest his leg soon".
Belle had been listening and joined the conversation at hearing Abby, "I think I may be able to help you with that. I know of a place that is close to the ARC where we can probably hide out for a short time; ya know, give Connor some time to rest and maybe get the rest of us a bite to eat as well".
Danny gave her a thoughtful look before responding, "How do you know we'll be safe?"
"The owner is a friend of mine and he just happens to be out of town this week. No one knows that I am friends with this person so they would have a hard time putting it all together, but that's not to say that they won't eventually figure it out".
"Well it sounds like the only plan we have at the moment. We certainly can't stay out here much longer". Danny looked over in Connor's direction and thought he looked a little more rested, "Connor, are you ready for some more walking?"
Connor looked up at hearing his name. He heard what Danny was saying and nodded his head in response. He really didn't feel like walking anymore today, but there was really nothing he could do about it. He waited for Abby to come over and help him up and once again the little band of four was on their way toward town.
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The band of four cautiously approached the buildings for fear of what might be around the corner. Belle told them that her friends place was just a little further and they would be there in about 10 minutes. This was good news for all, but Danny was still a little hesitant about staying in town so close to the ARC. He really just wanted to break into the place and find their equipment to open the portal, but he knew they were in no shape for this.
They kept close to the building as they approached Belle's friends place. This was the first time that Danny had really gotten a good look around. Everything was so different from what he remembered. He had to admit that this interpretation of the future was a much better one then the one they had seen the first time. He had only been thinking about it for a few minutes when something caused him to stop dead in his tracks. Since he was at the rear of the group the others didn't' notice he had stopped. This gave Danny time to sort out what he thought he was looking at. If he was not mistaken the place a few hundred yards in front of them was the very place where they had come into this world. He was sure of it, but since everything looked new and fresh it was hard to 100% sure.
As he was staring ahead he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked down to find Abby tugging at his sleeve.
"Come on Danny, we can't afford to just be standing here. We need to keep moving. Belle said we are almost there".
Danny took his eyes away from Abby and looked out toward the street once again, "Tell me what you see out there Abby?"
Abby didn't know why he was wasting their time by asking such a pointless question, "I see a street Danny; one that will be filled with people on their way to work soon if we don't get moving".
Danny ignored the urgency in Abby's voice, "I want you to really look out there and tell me if it looks familiar".
"I see a street Danny, come on we need to get moving". She looked nervously around and then back to Danny.
"Abby, concentrate on the space out there, what would it look like if someone had just dropped a bomb and destroyed everything out there. Would it look familiar to you?"
Abby knew she would not get him moving if she didn't try. She looked in the direction Danny had pointed to and pictured how it would look. Something suddenly registered in her memory and she grabbed Danny's arm before replying, "Danny is that the same spot where we entered this world?"
"I think it is Abby". He finally moved his eyes back to Abby, "now let's get moving".
Danny seemed to move with a renewed sense of purpose. Even though he had held up the group, he was now pushing them to move along at a faster pace.
It wasn't long before Belle announced that they had arrived. They were standing outside a very nice looking four story flat.
Belle had them wait while she retrieved the key. She disappeared off to the side of the building and was back within a minute. After using the key and punching a few buttons into the security pad on the door they were all inside.
Danny gave the place a quick once over before declaring it safe. "Well this looks like a nice place for a rest". He looked over to Connor and could see that the young man was about to fall over, "Hey Connor, let's get you over to the couch".
Danny and Abby both helped Connor to the couch. Danny left Abby to tend to Connor, who was being unusually quiet.
Abby helped Connor get his feet up on the couch. She started to remove his shoe when he finally said something.
"You should probably leave that on. I'm afraid if you take it off you won't be able to get it back on".
After a quick inspection on his ankle, Abby realized he was right. "Oh Connor, your ankle doesn't look good at all. I should get some ice for you".
Connor lay back on the couch without saying anything about the ice. He started watching Abby walk toward the kitchen, but closed his eyes as a tired wave suddenly spread throughout his body. He would have fallen asleep if it hadn't been for the cold sensation he felt on his leg. He opened his eyes and gave Abby a weak tired smile.
Abby could tell he was tired. She was tired as well and would have loved to have curled up on the couch with him, but she had to make sure he got his rest, "I know this is cold, but this should help with the swelling. I also brought some pain pills and water for you".
Connor took the offered water and pills and allowed Abby to fuss over him. He wanted to stay awake so that he could help them figure out their next move, but he was so tired that he was asleep before his head hit the pillow behind his head.
Abby stayed with Connor until he was asleep and then she joined Danny and Belle in the kitchen. She found them making some food and offered to help but was told to sit down while they finished.
Danny brought over some cheese and bread while Belle brought a picture of lemonade.
As the three of them ate they talked about their next move.
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Chapter 15 coming soon