"Mission… almost accomplished." Mick said as he walked out of the study towards us drinking out of a bottle as he went.

Rip protested his drink of choice, "That bottle of Scotch was given to me by Rob Roy MacGregor in 1689."

"It's not half bad," he rescinded before handing the bottle off to Sara.

Sara pointed to Rip with the bottle saying, "We should be toasting to Savage's death."

Stein somehow having missed the whole point of our crusade spoke, "Apart from celebrating murder, Savage still has Carter brainwashed."

I leaned across the armrest of the seat to lean on Len's shoulder. Len spoked up as Sara handed him the bottle of scotch, "I don't know if you've been paying attention, Professor, but murdering Savage was always the plan."

Mick stood over my shoulder and added, "Besides, Carter reincarnates, which is more than I can say about us."

Snart handed me the scotch as he stated, "As long as he's on board and breathing, Savage is a threat to everyone on this ship."

Kendra spoke up, "So what, we just kill Savage and leave Carter a brainless drone?"

"Yes," Mick grunted.

I rolled my eyes, "I can take a look and see if there's anything I can do."

The door to the bridge opened letting in Ray and Jax, "Sorry we're late, but we found something," Ray apologised.

Jax quickly spoke to explain, "We've been running diagnostics on Ray's suit after his battle with Savage's Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robot."

Ray added, "The telemetry data included a comparative scan of the robot's tech."

"Amazing," Stein started with one of his favorite words, "This neuromorphic profile is astonishingly futuristic."

"Yeah, it's from 2166," Kendra said as if that explained everything.

Jax went on, "Well, that's the thing. It's not."

"This technology's light years more advanced than anything from 2166."

"Who cares," Len drawled.

Rip spoke excitedly, "The Time Masters. They refused to take action against Savage because he didn't pose a threat to the timeline."

Stein linked in the new information, "But if he comes into possession of future technology…"

Rip cut in to finish Stein's statement, "It means he's been engaging in exactly the same manipulation of time that the Time Council were designed to prevent."

Sara stood to stand by Rip as she said, "So now they'll finally sign off on undoing all the damage Savage has done to the world."

Mick spoke up trying to poke holes in relying on the Time Council, "Last time I checked, the Time Council was at the edge of the timeline, and this bucket of bolts can barely hold it together as it is."

"The ship did take a good beating back in 2166," I said, reluctant to burst Rip's bubble of hope.

Rip snatched the scotch Sara had set on the console, "Gideon, what's the status of the Time Drive?"

Stable, Captain.

"Plot a course for the Vanishing Point. Tonight, Vandal Savage faces justice for his crimes." Rip said as he moved to sit in the Captain's seat, taking a pull from the scotch when he finally sat down. Well I guess our course is set, but something in my gut is telling me this is not right.

I drifted around the ship as we made our way to the Vanishing Point. I unconsciously sought out different soft things, my instincts pushing me to nest before my heat hit. I had Gideon fabricate multiple pillows and blankets and took a pillow from everyone's bedroom. I piled all the blankets and pillows I had gathered on the bed in my room, I carefully layered them arranging the stolen pillows to blend the pack's scents into my nest. Once my instincts were satisfied I left my room to roam the ship.

I eventually made my way to the bridge where I sat and leaned against Mick, his scent a reassuring presence. Time Drive reinitialization complete, Captain. The primary systems are back online and stable.

Rip spoke from where he was working under the console, "Begin ignition sequence and resume our route to the Vanishing Point."

I winced as Mick spoke to Stein angrily, "You're a fool, Professor."

"I'm trying to save Jefferson's life," Stein said looking over at Mick unapologetically.

Ray ran onto the bridge coming up behind Mick and I, "Savage has escaped," he panted leaning against the next seat. A flash of worry went through me at the threat Savage posed to the pack now that he was loose on the ship.

Rip and Sara popped up quickly in shock, "What?"

"I'm sorry," Ray said contritely from where he was still leaning over the seat.

Rip leaned over the console, "Pull up all the surveillance monitors, now," he commanded Gideon.

I'm afraid Vandal Savage has already freed Carter Hall, and is preparing to disengage...

"That can't be good." Sara said looking down at the console screen.

Stein looked down at the console and spoke worriedly, "Gideon's entire operational matrix is offline. And without her help…"

"We'll have to make our approach the old-fashioned way," Rip said as he turned to face Stein and Sara.

Mick gently dislodged me and leaned forward, "Shouldn't we be more worried about Savage and his brainwashed crony," he said grumpily.

Rip turned to Mick rubbing his palms together, "Yes. Which is why I need you and Dr. Palmer to go and recapture him." He turned to look back at Sara and Stein saying, "In the meantime, if the rest of us can't figure out how to pilot the ship without Gideon, we're never gonna be able to leave the Time Stream."

"And me," I asked Rip, unsure where I could be more useful.

Rip turned to me, "I believe the best place for you is right here on the bridge, Miss Kane."

Mick stood form where we were sitting, "If we live through this, you bumbling idiot, I might just kill you," he said to Ray angrily as they left the bridge.

I followed Rip, Sara, and Stein into the study. Rip moved quickly grabbing some rolled up papers before moving towards where we were at the table. "Exactly how old-fashioned are you talking," Sara asked, eyeing the papers suspiciously.

Stein started reaching for some of the papers Rip put down opening them up he said, "So, if the Time Stream is like this vast river, these maps plot the safest course along that river's path." Sara and I were just a little confused.

Rip pointed at him, "Exactly. I keep these here just in case of emergency," he said as he looked over the biggest map.

Sara spoke as we started looking at the map Rip had, "Well, this certainly qualifies. What's Jurgens Ridge?"

"Pray you need never find out," Rip said without looking up.

Sara and I looked at each other quickly, "So nothing good," I said as I started to calm down my tactical training taking precedence over my instincts and oncoming heat.

Rip finally looked up, he moved around the table handing Stein a device, "Martin, you're gonna be our engineer. I need you to adjust our energy output to avoid over-taxing the Waverider." He circled around reaching Sara and I, "And you two, Miss Lance, Miss Kane, you're gonna be our navigators."

"I was League of Assassins, not NASA," Sara protested. I didn't bother knowing someone had to do it and we'd have a better chance if we worked together than if just one of us did it.

Rip quickly grabbed the map and moved to the center console on the bridge, "I need someone who can make tough calls under extreme pressure. No one fits that description better than you two." I blinked, he has so much confidence in us, it's astounding how far we've come from the ragtag group of misfits that could barely stand each other to what can tentatively be called a pack.

"We need more power to the Time Drive, Martin. How much further can we push it?"

"25%, and only for a brief burst. But it might be all we need."

"What's our trajectory looking like, Miss Lance Miss Kane?"

"Just give us a second here." Sara said as I pointed out a route on the map.

Rip snarked at us, "Well, oddly enough, as the Vanishing Point is at the very end of time."

We figured it out, so Sara spoke for us as I kept studying the map, "Yeah, and we're never gonna make it there if you don't lower the ship negative 12 degrees on my mark. Three, two, one, now!" Rip reacted quickly to Sara's command, the ship shook as it shifted.

"Did it work," Stein asked.

"Well, we're not dead." Rip said in response to Stein. We heard the sounds of fighting moving closer, "They seem to be getting closer."

Sara quickly volunteered, "I'll go help them."

Rip shot her down just as quickly, "No! I'm not gonna place another one of you in jeopardy... I'll go."

"But who's gonna pilot the ship," Sara asked incredulously. Rip looked at her before he walked out. Sara moved deliberately to the Captain's chair and sat down.

Rip came back to the bridge when Savage was back in his cell. He stood behind where Sara was sitting in the Captain's chair, "Is that..." Sara trailed off in askance.

Rip confirmed our location, "Welcome to the Vanishing Point."

"I can't believe we made it," Stein spoke in amazement.

Sara looked back at Rip noting the burn on his shoulder, "And what did you do to your shoulder?" I moved closer to poke at it making sure he was alright.

Rip absentmindedly answered as he tried to move away from my probing fingers. "Hmm? Oh, I might have jumped in front of a laser blast intended for Miss Saunders. What? I couldn't have my team thinking I cared more about myself than them, now, could I?" I smiled triumphantly as he finally gave up at escaping my care.

Stein deadpanned, "Really?"

"Uh, I think I just lost control of the ship." Sara said as the ship jerked and the controls locked up.

Rip looked unsurprised as he confirmed her conclusion, "Yeah, that might have something to do with us being the most wanted time criminals in all of history."

A man popped up on the screens, "Timeship Waverider, we've taken control of your guidance systems. Disable your weapons and prepare to be boarded," he said in a no nonsense tone.

"Oh, it's good to be home," Rip replied sarcastically.

"Captain Hunter. This is unexpected."

"Well, I have a reputation to maintain, don't I? And I hereby request an immediate assembly of the Time Council in accordance with General Order 52."

"So you've returned to answer for your crimes?"

"No. I'm here to justify them."

I snuffled at Mick as he finished the bottle of scotch we had been sharing. He looked into the bottle after he finished it and grunted, "Damn."

I snorted into his shoulder, "Did you expect it to last forever?" I noticed something on the monitor that was in the room, "We're about to have company," I said pointing to the screen.

Before we could do anything armored men stormed into the cargo bay we were sitting in. "Ah, if you're here for Savage, you're too late," Mick said.

I pooled my power under my skin as more men came in dragging Kendra and Ray between them, "Mick, what's going on," Ray asked.

One of the men spoke up, "You're under arrest."

"Oh." Mick said as he went to reach for his gun, I flared my power into a bolt in my hand, we stopped as they all cocked their weapons, "If I had a nickel for every time I heard that." One of the men stepped towards me and grabbing my arms he placed magic inhibiting cuffs on my wrists. I winced as I immediately felt my magic retreating as it was locked away just out of my reach. I knew I could break through them with time, but would it be soon enough to get out of this mess before my heat fully set in.

The team minus Len and Sara were placed in cells with Rip. I pushed at the block on my powers the cuffs created, knowing that they weren't made for long term use and didn't work well past a certain power threshold. "Martin, are you okay," Kendra asked as Stein started coughing sporadically.

Stein coughed before he started speaking from where he was sat propped against the corner of his cell, "I'm required to merge with Jefferson... periodically in order to maintain nuclear cohesion."

Mick snarked at him, still angry at not being able to return to 2016 before we reached the Vanishing Point, "Then sending him away on the Jumpship probably wasn't the greatest idea."

Stein spoke impenitently, "Given the circumstances we're under, I'm surprised any of us are alive." At Stein's words I tuned out the world around me focusing inwards I worked to push at the cuffs. I was determined to destroy them and free my power.

Suddenly, I was snapped back to reality as someone grabbed me after opening my cell. Opening my eyes I lashed out at them, I could see them carrying some sort of device and I know it could mean nothing good. I could hear Kendra fighting the men who had her as I started on the ones entering my cell. Distantly, I heard Ray protesting their treatment of Kendra and myself. I screamed as one of them men managed to affix the device to my forehead, it burned as if someone had set a fire in my brain. I don't know how long it lasted, I blacked out as I could feel my magic lash out.

I don't know how long I was unaware, but I felt the moment my magic broke through the inhibitor cuffs. Magic flooded my body, I could feel it numbing the pain, trying desperately to destroy the device causing my pain. It overwhelmed me, I could hardly breath, and I had no clue where all the power was coming from, I had never tested the full breadth of my abilities. Suddenly the pain stopped and my magic settled. I could still feel the lingering effects of the device as I stirred. I saw that I was being gently carried by Len, I burrowed my head into his shoulder before I drifted back off to let my magic finish healing me.

I woke up in the med bay fully healed from my time with that device on my head, if I was a little magically drained at the moment, well more rest would take care of that. I was starving though and that was always a good first step towards replenishing one's magical reserves. I made my way to the galley catching the tail end of a conversation between Ray and Mick. Mick was speaking, "Well, you better because if you tell the team I actually care, I'll shave your head. Man, this is good." He started to walk out before he saw me standing on the other side of the door smiling at him. I have no idea what the conversation was about but I was just happy that he does care about the pack. He looked me in the eye daring me to say anything, I just smiled happy pheromones slipping out. I saw his lips twitch before he caught himself and scowled before he moved past me. I made my way into the galley joining Ray at the island where he was eating cupcakes. I grabbed one as I snuggled into his side.

The team made our way towards the bay doors Stein talking the whole time, "Based on Captain Hunter's description, the Oculus is a massive temporal computer, most likely powered by a scaled-down supernova contained at the bottom of the Wellspring. Why aren't any of you more excited by this?" He asked, finally seeing how little we cared about the science behind the Oculus.

"We're not all physicists, profesor," I chuckled at him.

Sara spoke after me, "We're excited to blow it up," she smiled.

Rip reminded us all of the plan once again, "Dr. Palmer will deactivate the core contained supernova, which should create an anomalistic event."

Stein spoke as Mick looked at Rip confused, "A very big explosion."

"Sounds like a plan," Mick nodded.

We stepped out of the Waverider and walked towards the Oculus's power source. One of the Time Masters and a bunch of armed men came out from behind the different structures blocking our approach. "Hello again, Rip. Right on schedule," the older Time Master said.

"Uh, I think we've walked into a trap," Ray said after we became surrounded by armed men. As usual nothing is going to go according to plan.

"No, it's destiny. I must say you've all played your parts well. As with everything else you've done, I'm afraid it was all for nothing."

"All your posturing. All your claims about doing what's best for the timeline, about protecting history, and it all comes down to cold blooded murder."

"The difference between murder and execution is only a matter of authority. I have it. You don't. Kill them," the Time Master said. Before anyone could move a ship started firing blasts at the men surrounding us.

The ship continued firing, taking out all the men that surrounded us. "Hope I'm not too late," Jax said as he walked towards us having gotten out after landing the ship.

Stein walked forwards, "No, Jefferson, you're right on time," he said before clapping hands to merge with Jax.

Rip spoke confused, "How did you…"

Jax smirked triumphantly, "What? You thought you were the only one who knew a thing or two about time travel?"

"Good work." Rip said before returning us to the mission at hand, "We need to get to the Oculus before reinforcements arrive."

We moved on reaching the building that housed the Oculus's source. Rip held us back as Ray moved to the source, inspecting it Ray spoke, "Take about two minutes to figure out how to self-destruct this thing."

Rip quickly split us to best guard Ray while he worked to destroy the Oculus, "We'll buy you some time. You lot guard the entrance. Mr. Rory, you're with me." Sara, Firestorm, Len, and I strode back out of the building preparing to meet whatever reinforcement came. When they did we quickly engaged them holding the line, I fell back into familiar combat techniques melding hand to hand combat with magic uses, not wanting to risk running down my magically reserves in case of an emergency.

As we took out the last of the men before us, Rip ran up to us, "We're leaving."

"Where's Raymond and Mick?" Len asked the first to notice their absence.

Rip looked back worried, "Ray is in my pocket and Mick has elected to stay," I whimpered in worry as I calmed my breathing, feeling the effects of my near exhausted reserves and the fight we had just finished.

"Why?"

"Someone needs to be present to destroy the Oculus. Mick has elected himself." Rip explained, Len turned to make his way to where Mick was and Sara followed quickly after him. "No, no, no, no, no, you can't. There isn't ti…" Rip trailed off as he saw them pay him no mind. My heart sunk I knew someone would not be coming back, we would lose a pack member. I wondered if this would break us; as weak as our bonds were, as it had my last pack.

Firestorm shouted after them, "We gotta go!"

We sat on the bridge in the aftermath of the Oculus explosion. Everything was silent as the ship moved through the temporal zone. Ray spoke into the quiet, "He traded his life for ours. He was a hero. Which I'm pretty sure is the last thing he wanted to be remembered as."

"But that's what he was." I snuggled deeper into Sara as she started to cry. Barely holding back my own tears I flooded the bridge with pheromones hoping to comfort what remained of our pack. As I worked to hold us together I could feel the beginnings of my heat set in.