Former Mission; Recreational Forest Bukit Lagong, Malaysia
Standing in a small, secured lab, Jerard Sarkisian reviewed the results growing excitement. It worked. He knew how the meteorites worked. He didn't know why. Or how anyone else worked it out without the research and technology. He condensed the files and sent them to Nova Scotia and the Observatory. It was their turn. Understanding how the planes were targeted and preventing it required physics and engineering.

Keara walked over to him. "What?"

"Success, Fraulein Igor!" He happily explained in French until he realized she didn't speak French and wouldn't understand the scientific details if he repeated them in English.

"Does it involve lightning?"

The Frankenstein reference took a moment to understand. "Nein!" Jerard grinned. "Pure Sarkisian genius."

She smiled. "As humble as always."

"We need to celebrate!" He laughed. Then pulled her in for a kiss. She tensed and he released her. "What's wrong?"

"You will break my heart."

"Probably." Jerard waited a moment. "But I won't hurt you."

She hesitated. "It has to do with what happened. When I was sixteen."

"The human-traffickers."

Keara nodded. "It's stupid." She looked unsure of how or if she wanted to explain.

"Fear is a survival necessity." The cliche answer annoyed Jerard. He sounded like a text book.

"It's not fear. Not exactly." She hesitated. Then looked and sounded resigned. "Virgins are worth more."

He hoped the traffickers died horribly. "Celibacy protects you from being raped."

"The therapist thinks there's more to it."

Jerard could only guess it was some type of trust issue. He knew more about brain chemistry than psychology. "You're safe. If you're afraid of being abducted, Torchwood can give you a transponder. With the network, there isn't anywhere the space station couldn't find you quickly and easily."

She nodded. "I have one."

"There are other ways to celebrate." He hadn't expected sex or an awkward conversation about it. "We can explore Kuala Lampur!"

"I should go. You're safe now."

Jerard doubted relocating solved the problem. Not that there was anything she could do about it. It was likely the group knew where they were. His father had old Torchwood records. The facility was probably the origin of the plants the creatures evolved from.

"Call your cousins. "They will understand what you accomplished." Pause. "I need to pack." Keara hesitated, not wanting to go.

"Email me. The castle won't be the same without Igor."

Jerard wished he knew what to say. He kissed her on impulse. It was obvious she didn't want a physical relationship. If he wanted sex, he would find someone willing. Ideally with experience. He didn't need to coerce her. But he had no idea how to explain that without sounding like a bastard.

It was awkward for a couple minutes before she turned and walked from the room.

He turned back to his computer. "Computer, call Nova Scotia." He needed to discuss it with Eryn. She would coordinate turning the research into practical use.
Jerard realized then he envied his cousin. Eryn saw Luc at his worst and stayed. As far as he knew, Ruthie was the only one of his aunts or uncle that accepted the family quirks. The first time his mother saw him break a punching bag, she sent him to live with his father.

The youngest Keara Montfert held the tears until she reached her room. She sat on the floor with her back to the bed and cried. The Prophet was right. He was always right. But she didn't want to leave. The soldier on the station had to know how to cope. She survived much worse. Maybe talking to her would help.

A creaking sound caught her attention. She looked over and saw a small vine poke through the air vent. "Computer, open com." It clicked. "Jerard, containment's breached." She quickly explained what she was seeing.

"Get out of there!"

Keara moved toward the door and it didn't open. "I can't."

Jerard appeared moments later in a swirl of red. He grabbed her and they disappeared. They reappeared in the main control room. She hugged him, pressing her face to his shoulder and cried. He set a hand tentatively on her back.

An alarm sounded. She jumped.

"That's a security breach."

She released him.

The red energy faded as he moved toward a computer console. Jerard typed rapidly, reviewing multiple screens. The red energy returned, swirling around him. She suspected that meant the situation was worse than a plant in the pipes. When he started swearing, she knew it was.

Another alarm sounded.

"What's happening?" Keara moved over to him.

"We were hacked." From his tone, he didn't know how. "It allowed the plants to breach. There are spores in the ventilation system."

"How does anyone know we're here?"

"I don't know."

Keara set her hands on Jerard's shoulder's and closed her eyes. She focused on him.

A board room appeared in her mind. The image focused on a tall, fifty-something man with silver hair and an expensive suit. He stood, looking out a window at the Chicago landscape. Something about him looked familiar. Not simply the Armenian heritage. He turned, his eyes glowing red and looked at her. A part of her mind said it wasn't possible. But he knew she was there.

Startled, she opened her eyes.

"Keara."

She only then realized she was gripping his shoulders. "Tigran..."

Jerard tenses. "What did my father do?"

Before she could answer, a buzzing filled her ears and her legs gave out. She dropped to her knees, looking up at him. "He's taking over the world."
Red energy rushed from Jerard, flowing over her as the world went dark.