It is Moving In Day of the upperclassman dorm as well as the day before the Spring semester begins. The dorm is full of activity as people reunite and move boxes in as snow falls outside. A group of boys observe this activity from the student lounge, obviously waiting for someone. The first has a clean cut of blonde hair with sparkling green eyes that match his sweatshirt- Michael Harms. The second fiddle nervously with his tie and has professional looking black hair with light brown eyes- Benjamin Prescott. And the final has a shaggy brown mop, freckles, and brown eyes that add to his younger appearance- Charlie Prescott.

They are all instantly on their feet, smiles on their faces as a girl enters with her pink sneakers. She opens up her arms and they rush in to hug the blue-eyed, brown bobbed Lori Fitzgerald. They practically knock her over with how excited they are. "Guys, it's only been a month," Lori reminds him. "And I skyped each of you pretty close to every day."

Charlie looks up at her, about half a head shorter after a recent growth spurt. "I don't care about facts. I only know it felt like a really long time. And I can do this now." He hugs her around the waist for a long moment before pulling away. "Can you ruffle my hair, just for old time's sake?" She does, laughing. "Yeah, that's the good stuff."

Michael, now businesslike, extends his hand. She sighs and holds out her arm. "We also did this over Skype," she rolls her eyes.

He looks her over carefully. "The resolution of your camera is very low. It looks like it healed up really extraordinarily well. I did a good job if I do say so myself," he comments in a very defensive, clipped tone. The tension in the room is palpable as Ben clears his throat and awkwardly looks down, playing with his tie.

Two other figures duck around the corner to enter. The first wears sweats with long blonde hair covering one eye- Kaitlin Klingbeil. The second is much more dressed up with skirt and headband in her blonde hair- Hannah Frost. "I thought I'd find you here," the roommate says fondly as she gives Lori a quick hug. "I have to admit I was a little scared when you weren't in the room."

"You know I'd never abandon my roommate. There's only one hellish cross between sister and friend for this girl. It's so good to see you," she admits.

"Likewise." Kaity and Ben wave to one another from across the room, her blushing. Everyone notices, but Hannah is the one who speaks up. "Oh, go hug him. He's all you talked about on the way here." Kaity gives her a stern glare and she just rolls her eyes. "Whatever. Now where's Finch? I have some things to discuss with her. I figured she was here with you."

Lori shrugs. "I actually haven't seen her. You guys?" They all shake their heads.

"I'm right here." They turn to see Finch enter in the exact same tie and dress pants as before with the blonde bang in her ponytailed black hair hovering over her glasses. She gives a nod. "It is very nice to see you, Lori Fitzgerald. I have missed all of you." A person clears his throat from the shadows behind her, causing the projection to flinch.

Lori regards the figure warily. "Who's your tall, dark, and scary friend?"

"This-"

The figure steps forward, cowboy boots thudding on the tile. He wears a smile that looks completely unnatural on his face. "I am Commander Lucas, the current leader of the active division of the DIZ Corporation." Everyone takes a deep breath and exchanges looks of shock and worry, including Hannah and Finch. "And I must say what a pleasure it is to finally meet the one and only Lori Fitzgerald." He strides over to her and extends his hand, everyone regarding him warily.

XXX

So follow me down

Lori stands with the glowing Disney Encyclopedia. She sighs and pulls out her phone.
Where to?
Outta this town

Charlie examines his map and grabs his flashlight.
With you
Girl, you're movin way

Hannah is typing away at her computer.
Too slow

So follow me down

Michael grabs his first aid backpack and throws it on his shoulders.
Which way?
Down, down, down

Ben looks at his phone, adjusting his tie.
I'll show you around

Kaity is drawing pictures of the group absently in her dorm room.
Okay
There's a place we gotta go

Finch puts the two fingers to her temple and her eyes glaze over.

Follow me, follow me

Lori, Charlie, Hannah, Michael, Ben, Kaity, and Finch are running through the preserve, freezing once on each of their faces.
Fa la la la la

Follow me, follow me

Fa la la la la

Lori comes to a halt and the others crash into her, sending them all to the ground.

Lori Disney? (Not Likely!)

Episode One/ Season Four Premiere: Happily Ever After, It Doesn't Exist

XXX

About an hour later, Commander Lucas sits across from Lori on two couches in the lounge. Everyone is gathered defensively around her, some more at ease than others after hearing him out so far.

Lucas continues very naturally and welcoming, feet on the coffee table. "So naturally the original plan was to open the book in an environment where there were no variables like innocent people or property to be destroyed. But it is what it is," he shrugs. "Somehow it wound up in your possession and there is no changing that. But from the tapes I've seen it's been a pretty rough go."

"I've managed," she answers, guarded.

Lucas raises an eyebrow. "Lori, a month ago you cracked you head open being dropped by Hades. You should be throwing the book at me begging me to take it back. DIZ v2.9 tells me Randall says it'll only get rougher."

Everyone turns quickly to Finch, looking at her like some sort of traitor. "I am programmed to answer direct questions to the DIZ Corporation," she explains. Everyone accepts this. She gives Lucas a withering look. "Unfortunately."

Lucas ignores her, despite a flash of annoyance. "I have to compliment you. You really gave her a heck of an attitude." He leans forward, feet now on the floor. "But the point is I have a team here ready to assist you and protect you. We will accompany you into the field and prevent anything like Hades from happening to you again." He rises and she does as well, the two of them locked on one another. He tries to sound sympathetic. "It was ultimately our mistake the book ended up in your hands. Let us help you bear the burden. Hell let us do all the work so you can go back to your life. I bet it's been so long you've forgotten what it looks like." He hands her a card. "Think about it and do the right thing- call me the instant it goes off. We'll be around." He leaves out of the dorm and she instantly rises to start pacing.

They all watch her for a moment before Michael speaks up. "I'll go first. I don't like it. There's too much he's not telling us."

Ben shakes his head, crossing his arms. "But he's right. Having protection, knowing someone has our back is an unbelievable asset if we keep getting deeper. We frankly need the help."

"We're doing alright by ourselves," Hannah says determined.

"But do we have what it takes? Gaston nearly killed Rachel," Charlie reminds them, worried. "If the Evil Queen or Ursula or Jafar comes through there… Lori needs to be safe. That's all that matters."

"But we don't know they'll keep her safe," Michael iterates. "They're as much a mystery as anything else. Listen, there has to be a reason Stevens ran away from those guys," he tries to reason with Lori, who is still pacing. "We can't forget that."

Ben narrows his eyes. "He ran away to make her life hell. And it has been which is why we need them. This is the first step to getting rid of the book which I remind you has always been the end goal."

Kaity steps in, seeing this is getting heated. "Alright, we're all going to stop talking," she orders calmly. "We all have our opinions, but we all know only one truly matters." They all turn to Lori. "She's freaking out enough without our arguing. I'm personally hesitant but I will follow whatever she decides without hesitation."

Charlie nods as she comes to a halt, truly noticing them. "We all will."

Lori thinks before speaking, twiddling with her thumbs and unsure. "The thing is… you're all thinking about me. But the thing that has me considering is that all I can think about is the group of you. You're all here by choice and I feel like that gives me an obligation to keep you from getting hurt."

Michael shakes his head, speaking up for the other Companions. "Hey, we keep telling you we signed up. You didn't. This needs to be about what you need."

"Which has always been the book gone," Ben coughs.

Hannah gives him a withering look. "Shut up, Ben!"

Lori takes this all in, exhausted already at all this. "I just-"She notices Shawn Zimmerman peek around the corner and forces a cheery attitude. "Shawn!" He runs in and gives her a long and romantic kiss.

"Come on," he says, taking her hand. "I'm taking you to dinner."

"We're actually-"

Shawn regards her serious. "Ah, you spend plenty of time with them. I haven't seen my girlfriend in over a month and I'd really like to catch up with her. Especially with how we left things last semester. I'm sure they won't mind if I borrow you." He looks pointedly at Charlie.

Lori turns to the others, Charlie giving her a nod. "Go ahead."

She smiles at the confirmation and turns back to Shawn. "Of course. I'll see you guys later." He leads her out the door, pulling her along as he runs laughing.

All the Companions take a deep breath, Ben lying out on the couch. "I'm exhausted."

"And the semester hasn't even started yet," Hannah reminds him, earning a groan.

XXX

That afternoon, Lori exits Organic Chemistry with Charlie and Michael at her side. They start heading out of the building, taking care to avoid the still ongoing construction the building is under.

"I don't know why you're dreading it," Michael comments on Lori's attitude towards the class. "You did really well last semester." He is momentarily distracted by trying to avoid a beam. "I'm so glad they're finally finishing all this up this semester. That means next year we'll get to play with all the new toys though. I hear we're getting a conservatory if the rumors are to be believed."

"I've just heard awful terrible rumors about the back half of this class," Lori admits, though that's not what's really stressing her out. "I barely kept all my hair on the first go around. And you see how short it is now," she tries to lighten the mood, making the two laugh. "I'm just a stressed individual with no end in sight."

"Speaking of, how did things go with Shawn?" Charlie asks as they exit into the cold.

She rolls her eyes. "He refuses to let me bring it up. I tried but he's fighting me and I honestly don't know what to do. I don't know how to deal with this. My only other relationship ended-"Her backpack starts rumbling and her eyes narrow, "-well, we know how it ended."

Charlie can see this is not the time as she pulls out the book. "Oh no…"

Lori gives him a look, almost shocked. "So it's come to the point where even you aren't optimistic." They duck in an alcove out of sight as it glows. "I was hoping I'd at least get a few days before a decision had to be made. But of course that would be too much of an imposition."

"Lori, take a deep breath," Charlie soothes, seeing she's close to losing it. "It's fine. I'll text the others." He pulls out his phone and starts typing.

Lori asks the question that's really getting to her. "Why are they lying to us? Maybe if they could tell me what really happened with Hades then I could know what to do. I feel like I'm flying with no map to know which way to steer us."

Michael gently takes her shoulders. "You know they wouldn't do it unless it was necessary. But I suppose it doesn't help they even they're so divided on the situation," he admits.

Charlie finishes his message. "Alright, the three of us are together. I said we'd take the library and cafeteria."

"Who has the preserve first?" Lori asks.

"I gave it to Kaity and Hannah."

Lori shakes off Michael's grip and starts pacing. "If something happens…" She stops and pulls out the card before looking at them, completely lost on what to do.

Michael can tell it's time to become sterner with her. "Okay, I'd hate to do this. You know I do." He grabs her shoulders again, but this time rougher and shaking them a little. "But Lori, you need to grow up and step up. You're the one who keeps saying you're our leader and are responsible for us. But that requires actually picking one of the two options. So you need to make a decision and unfortunately you have to stop wallowing and make one now!"

Lori raises an eyebrow. "Wallowing?"

Charlie sighs. "Yeah, I think that was going a little far, Doctor."

Lori pats his hand though. "The rest was really good though- inspirational even." He looks at her and she backs away, nodding. "Now I'm deflecting and procrastinating." She pulls out her phone, making a split-second decision. "I'm going to keep everyone safe."

Michael doesn't agree, but nods supportively. "Alright then. I usually try to let Hannah or Ben be the bad guy, but I needed to step up."

"I appreciate it." She dials and it is instantly picked up. "Commander Lucas? This is Lori Fitzgerald."

XXX

Hannah arrives dressed in layers upon layers to Kaity's dorm. She knocks and Kaity opens it a moment later in many layers as well. "Just let me finish getting my hat and gloves on." They head to the closet. "And to clear the air, I do not appreciate you calling me out about Ben in front of everyone," she says harshly over her shoulder.

Hannah shrugs, not worried about it. "I'm pretty sure everyone's well aware. If its Lori you're worried about then I'd put the stock that she's obviously moved on with a boyfriend I think she's futilely trying to keep." She realizes her words and puts a finger up. "Don't tell her I said that though. That was between us."

"Like our conversation about Ben was between us?"

Hannah thinks on this a moment. "Point taken. I apologize." Kaity seems to accept this and they head out the door only to be met by three large men in suits.

"Hello," the first addresses them calmly. "We are here to escort you through the preserve."

Kaity sighs. "So I take it Lori called the nark." She rolls her eyes and pushes roughly past them, Hannah behind her. "They'd better not get in our way." The two head out into the snow with the three agents a casual distance behind them. "Besides, I don't think I'm going to go for it," Kaity admits as they start down the path. "Ben and I are better off as friends."

Hannah looks much more nervous about the situation. "Should we be having this conversation while-"

"Pretend they're part of the scenery," Kaity dismisses. "But I just don't think my life was meant to have a relationship in it. Being bipolar-"

"Shouldn't hold you back," Hannah argues, still occasionally looking over her shoulder at the three. "You should change your stars in all the possible ways. And that includes being romantically involved with a guy you like and who is quite interested in you." They both come to a halt as they see a figure at the edge of the preserve. "It's never a good sign when they're waiting for you."

They go to cross the street but the three men appear in front of them, blocking their way. "We're going to recommend you not engage the character. Our superior-"

"Screw that," Kaity tells them, ducking under and continuing to walk toward them.

Another calls after her. "For you own safety, please-"

She turns to face them, pointing to herself. "Listen, I'm bipolar with six older siblings. I've been coddled enough for one lifetime, thank you very much. Now Hannah and I are going to do our job." Hannah ducks under as well and runs to catch up with her. One of the men hits something on his watch and begins talking.

Hannah immediately recognizes who it is and does a patronizing bow. "Hello there, your ex-highness. I believe you're here to see us."

"Are you Lori Fitzgerald, because I will only speak with the girl herself," Queen Narissa demands, throwing her arms to her sides dramatically.

Hannah quickly whispers to Kaity. "Alright, I know you're fired up but we need to keep this one under control." Kaity nods, understanding. Hannah turns back to Narissa, big smile on her face. "I am Lori Fitzgerald. This is Kaity, one of my Companions. What can I do for you Narissa? Though I imagine I have a solid clue."

Meanwhile the first agent is speaking with Commander Lucas. "Sir, they're engaging the character. No, they refused to comply. Affirmative." He hangs up. "It looks like they failed the test."

The second shakes his head sympathetically. "Oh, I wish these kids would take the easy way."

Narissa moves her hands dramatically as she speaks. "I'm sure you do. So I'm going to make this very simple, darling. You are going to come alone to the clearing tonight and give me what I want," she demands, poking Hannah in the chest.

Hannah throws her off. "And I can imagine the consequences if I refuse…"

Narissa smiles. "Let's just say I might get a little beastly and there may be some innocent casualties!" she declares grandly. "I hope I make myself clear."

Hannah nods. "Perfectly. I will see you tonight then." She starts to walk away as Narissa retreats into the preserve. "Text Lori."

Kaity pulls out her phone. "On it. Good idea though. If she thinks you're her target, then it'll take some of the heat off Lori when she pulls out the book." They walk past the men in black, completely ignoring them. One places a hand on her shoulder that she immediately shrugs off.

The agent speaks up. "You'll want to come with us. Commander Lucas wants to get everyone together before we move ahead with tonight as we overheard you planning. We have set up base in the bottom floor of Groote Hall."

Realizing they have no choice, the two start following them. Hannah whispers to her friend, "I'm not sure I care for this."

"Take is from someone who was smothered," Kaity answers. "It sucks."

XXX

In one of the empty offices of the basement in Groote Hall, an agent is helping Lori into a bulletproof vest. Commander Lucas enters as she struggles to move around in it. "Is this absolutely- I can barely breathe," she complains.

Lucas nods at the officer. "Give us a minute." The agent exits and he takes a seat at the desk, calm and in control. "I can see you're not taking to us as well as I'd like," he tries to sympathize.

"It's just… different," she admits coldly. "We have a certain way of doing things. Listen, Hannah's the one who tricked her so she needs this." She rips vest off and drops it on the desk. "Not me. I'll be fine. In fact, try and get everyone one."

Lucas looks up at her, much colder. "Lori, I think we need to have a heart-to-heart. Have a seat," he says a little forcefully.

She meets his eyes and holds her ground. "I'd rather not."

Lucas sighs dramatically, propping his feet up. "Lori, we're here to help you. But I definitely get the feeling that you called us for them. You show no concern whatsoever for yourself, and quite frankly that almost borders on unhealthy."

"Well, sir, I had no choice in becoming involved," Lori explains, annoyed at the theatrics. "They are choosing to stick by me and follow my lead despite everything. Naturally I'm going to take that seriously. Without them I wouldn't be half the person you're meeting now."

"I can understand that. I sympathize." He leans forward, eyes still locked on hers. "This is why I feel it necessary to come clean to you about what the DIZ Corporation wants to accomplish here. We want to slowly build up a relationship to the point where you don't even think about the book. We will take care of everything around campus and all you will have to do is sing the song. And the first step in that I believe is removing your friends from the equation."

Lori takes a step back, almost offended. "Excuse me?!"

"You rely on them. This way you can rely on us and we can move our relationship forward to that end point," Lucas summarizes logically.

She shakes her head. "I'm sorry, but that's not happening. They stay with me."

He loses another layer of calm, rising and becoming more intimidating. "Alright, I'll level with you. We only keep the ones you feel are absolutely necessary to you. For example, Kaity-"

Lori refuses to budge. "They're all necessary."

Lucas sighs, trying to keep himself under control. "Lori, I'm trying to be fair. The fact of the matter is it was you who terribly inconvenienced us," he says, bearing down on her. They keep their eyes locked, both knowing the one who turns away is the one who loses. "We are just trying to protect your friends and keep them out of danger as you would. As a leader myself I can tell you about making the tough decisions, such as moving an entire unit down here permanently for the sake of one girl," he says with venom.

"And those friends of yours have lives of their own that they've kept on hold you're your sake," he continues. This is the one that slightly shakes her. "I'd think you'd do the right thing and cut them loose. But only because you now have a whole unit ready for whatever you need- people who were trained to handle this and know the true risks. What do you say you at least consider my offer?" His glare becomes so intense that Lori turns away. He smiles knowing he's won and turns her head to face him. He thrusts the vest into her hands. "You might want to reconsider wearing that," he says with full intimidation, exposing his true character for a moment before exiting to leave Lori alone.

XXX

In a larger conference room, the rest of the Companions are getting their jackets on and suited up. A man in white approaches Michael as he throws on his medical kit backpack. He extends his hand. "Hello. You must be Michael Harms. I'm Doctor Anderson. I'm going to be taking over the medical needs of Lori Fitzgerald."

Michael shakes it, baffled. "Oh, I wasn't aware-"

"We felt it would be best to have a medical professional with a degree on staff." Michael nods, unable to argue the point.

"I can understand that." He pulls a folder out of his backpack and hands it to him. "These are the medical files of previous incidents I keep with me. You might want to look them over."

"Thank you very much," Doctor Anderson nods, though clearly annoyed. "I will take that into consideration. You can just stand back today. We'll take care of her." Commander Lucas then enters with Finch. Doctor Anderson exits as Michael regards him coldly.

"We're just about ready," Lucas announces. "We'll be right behind the group of you, so don't worry about a thing. And if anything, DIZ v2.9 will be there."

They start filling out the door past him. Ben gives him a pointed look. "Just keep her safe."

"But stay out of our way," Hannah adds. They head outside where Lori is waiting for them. They all take a look at the bulletproof vest she is now sporting.

Lori rolls her eyes. "Alright, let's get out there I suppose. Just like old times…" They all laugh at this and they head out towards the preserve. Once inside, Lori throws off the vest the moment they are out of sight in the trees. "Okay, so Hannah you'll head out there and distract her," she plans, back in her element.

Hannah nods. "I'll keep her talking. If I remember properly, she likes to wax philosophical."

"I'll sneak around the back, hold the sword to her throat, and then we send her home," Lori explains. "Easy in, easy out. Everyone else just stay on stand-by in case Hannah needs a few extra distractions. And be careful. We want this one to be clean." They close in on the clearing and see Narissa waiting. She turns to everyone, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Alright, you're on." She hugs her roommate before handing her the book. "Stay safe. Be careful. Thank you."

Hannah squeezes her tight. "Ditto to all of the above." She gathers her nerve and steps out into the clearing with her best fake confidence. The others lurk in the shadows, patting Lori on the back as she starts around to the other side. "Hello there."

Narissa smiles. "It's good to see you know how to follow directions. Now I'd hate to ruin my dress, so can you do me a huge favor dear and hand me a rock or something. I want to make sure I have what I need when I go back."

Hannah becomes very confused. "You're not going to try and kill me?"

Narissa sighs. "Oh, I desperately would like to. But at the moment there are some people back home who wish to rip you limb from limb a lot more than I desire to. And my wish is to impress those people, so unfortunately have to restrain myself." Hannah gingerly places a rock in her hand.

"So you're opting for the connection route," she realizes, rambling for time. "Give them what they need so they can all flood through. I should have guessed you weren't one of the big boys," she mocks with a laugh.

Narissa reaches for her throat, but stops. "Make fun of me all you want, but you're the one who isn't going to be receiving a happy ending when all is said and done." Lori starts up behind her, sword appearing in her hand.

Hannah does her best not to look at her, concentrating on berating the villain. "I guess we'll just have to wait and-"Agents suddenly emerge into the clearing from every direction with guns pointed at Narissa. Lori halts shocked at the scene, unsure whether to proceed or not.

"Freeze!" one shouts. "In the name of the DIZ Corporation we are-"

Hannah regards him coldly. "I had this under control!"

Narissa shakes her head, sighing at Hannah. "It seems we can't even follow the simplest of directions. Excuse me, but it seems I have something to take care of before you send me back." She throws her arms out, sending everyone back into the trees, including Lori who has a very rough landing that makes her grimace.

Hannah is the only one left standing, and turns to berate the agent. "Now look what you've done, you imbeciles!" The other Companions come running in to stand by her side, Finch out in front protectively. "Where's Lori?!" Narissa realizes what's going on and smoke comes out of her nostrils. She throws her hands up and engulfs herself in flames. The others are about to charge forward when the agents start dragging them back away from the situation. "Hey!"

Charlie struggles the hardest. "Let go of me! Lori! Lori!"

"The situation is under control," a guard tells them. "Please stand back for your own safety." They hear a mighty roar and all look up to see a glittering blue dragon now towers above them. She regards their slight fear and begins laughing to herself. But just as she raises a claw a popping noise sounds. Hooks attached to steel chains then fly over the dragon and bury down on the other side and are secured.

Narissa looks every which way, confused. "What?! What is happening?!" she shouts, breathing fire.

Lucas emerges, confidently strutting forward. "Pin her down!" He orders. The chains tighten and she is forced to the ground on her stomach, breathing fire as she tries to free herself. A couple men in fire-proof suits run in and secure her mouth quickly so that she merely struggles helplessly. Lucas nods, satisfied. "The threat has been compromised. It is now safe to bring in Ms. Fitzgerald."

The Companions break free of the agents holding them and desperately look around for their leader. Charlie points and they see Lori making her way around the edge of the clearing, hobbling. The start over, but an agent gets there first to support her.

He shoves him off roughly. "Get off me. I'm fine." He comes up again but before he can touch her Finch easily flips him on her back.

She faces the rest of the agents, eyes narrowed. "No one will touch Lori Fitzgerald if she does not desire it." She does allow the other Companions to make their way through, holding her ground against everyone else.

Lori shrugs off their concern, through much less harshly. "I'm fine. I'm fine. I think I just twisted my ankle. Just… let me get over there so we can end this." They walks with her towards the dragon, Hannah giving her back the book in exchange for the sword. "Finch, keep them away from me." The projection nods and stands protectively between her and the annoyed agents.

Hannah sighs. "I don't know why they stepped in. We had this under control."

Lori takes in their handiwork on the defeated Narissa. "They did really take care of her though," she admits. "She doesn't have the stone anymore, right?" Ben runs up to her and grabs it from her claws. "Then I'm sorry Narissa, but you're really not going to impress anybody back home." The dragon works up enough to fight the chains but fails.

Lori can't help but smile smugly. "Oh, I should introduce myself. I'm the real Lori Fitzgerald." Her eyes widen as she throws open the book to a glowing poem. "And I always get a happy ending." The group fails to notice all the agents watching this in awe, especially Commander Lucas.

"So close To reaching that famous happy ending Almost believing This one's not pretend" The dragon descends into darkness with a flash, leaving the chains to fall uselessly to the ground. Lori slides to sit on the ground as everyone begins to clean up around her- Hannah handing her back the sword. Doctor Anderson comes up to her along with Commander Lucas. The other Companions are pulled aside to be checked out as well- much to their annoyance.

Doctor Anderson roughly regards her ankle, making her wince. "It appears to be a simple sprain. Nothing too serious." He starts digging through his supplies and pulls out a needle.

Lucas glances to the sword. "Where did you get that sword, if you don't mind my asking?"

"Merlin gave it to me," Lori explains, noticing his puzzlement and worried look. He quickly extinguished it. "He said I would need it. I guess no one there knew I had you guys yet." She winces as Doctor Anderson injects her in the arm.

"Fascinating. Well, hopefully you won't ever have to go swinging in blindly anymore," he says confidently, extending his hand. "In fact, I will take that out of your hands." She decides to play nice and reluctantly gives it to him. He grabs her collar roughly, leaning in close. "And next time, darling, wear the vest," he says roughly before pushing her back. The Companions make their way over and take seats around her as everyone continues to clean up, ignoring them.

Michael looks at her ankle. "He get you patched up?"

"Yeah. He was much rougher though," Lori admits sullenly.

Kaity nods where Lucas is examining the blade. "Why'd you give the nark your sword?"

"I want to keep him on my side right now," Lori calculates. "Something about him I just can't put my finger on. We all know I can get it back whenever I truly want to."

Charlie comes up right next to her and she puts an arm around him. "Sorry we weren't much help."

"That's actually quite alright," she admits happily. "Help me up." He does and the others follow. "Now I have some Organic-"She starts coughing and wheezing violently.

Charlie helps her back down into the snow. "Lori? Lori?!" She grabs her throat, having difficulty breathing as she chokes. "Doctor?" Michael kneels in front of her, all business, and notices where the needle went in.

Lucas and Doctor Anderson approach the commotion. "What's happening? What is she-?"

Doctor Anderson tries to push him aside. "I'll just take a look and-"

Michael refuses to move, looking at him harshly. "What did you inject her with?"

"Just let me-"

"I said what did you inject her with?!" Doctor Anderson backs up. "Hannah." She pulls off his backpack and he starts digging through it, completely calm.

"It was basically a pain killer in liquid form," Doctor Anderson explains. Michael scoffs, having figured this out. Lori's eyes widen in realization.

"Didn't you read the file?" Michael berates him. "She can't have any of that- not even a Tylenol. She's having an allergic reaction." He pulls out an epee pen. "I'm sorry." She nods and grabs Charlie's hand while the others all support her with a hand on her shoulder. He jabs the pen into her thigh and she lets out a cry. They pull her into a group hug.

Doctor Anderson sputters, especially now that Lucas is regarding him coldly. "I didn't- there wasn't-"

Michael rises, standing toe to toe with him. "You may have the degree, but I think I have just demonstrated that I know the patient. Your services won't be needed from here on out." Lori starts breathing normally as Hannah rubs circles on her back. "Finch, you got that?"

Finch nods, looking at Doctor Anderson like a bug she could crush. "Affirmative. Doctor Anderson has lost all medical privileges to Lori Fitzgerald."

"But-!"

Lucas speaks up. "They're right Doctor. You're dismissed. We'll talk later." He walks off, almost afraid. Lucas tries to recover the situation. "I apologize. We will make sure-"Lori rises to her full height, staring him down unafraid.

"They stay." He looks away, conceding the point this time. She nods, knowing she won this round. "Come on guys. I suggest we go have a group homework session."

They all start out, Kaity hitting him on the shoulder. "Don't call us. We'll call you." As they head out his look becomes one of pure rage.

XXX

The next afternoon, Lori comes out of her bedroom wearing a new purple sweater. She does a spin, limping slightly, as Charlie watches her. "How about this one? Does it scream that you should trust me because I'm telling the truth about the Disney thing hence why I twisted my ankle and didn't go running this morning?"

Charlie scratches his head. "That's a lot to interpret. But you look nice."

Lori sighs. "Can we have one of our world famous talks?" She sits down on the couch and puts her feet up in his lap.

"You mean the kind where I act as your sounding board?"

"You bet," she says with a smile. "Because something is off about that Commander Lucas. But there is no denying that they were a huge help today."

"We seemed alright," Charlie argues.

Lori raises an eyebrow. "But we don't know it all would've worked. With them all we had was a twisted ankle, which I think is pretty low on the list of hits I've taken. You were all safe."

Charlie crosses his arms. "They also gave you an allergic reaction…"

"That was an honest mistake of one person though. So I'm hesitant because of Commander Intense and Crazy, but I'm hopeful. This might be the actual start of getting my life back. Of getting our lives back."

Charlie pats her foot. "I'm glad you've got hope. Hold onto that. But we have to be careful. There are a lot of balls up in the air right now and we're still not sure what a lot of them are." Lori nods, agreeing. "But know you'll have your best friend beside you every step of the way."

"What would I do without you?"

"I'm sure you'd find some other kid genius."

She rises, ruffling his hair. "Never. Give me one minute. I think I'm going with the green one."

"That was my personal favorite." She heads into the bedroom and after a moment there is a knock at the door. He answers it to find Michael. "She's getting changed for a date."

"I just thought I'd check on that ankle," he answers, entering. "I swiped a brace from the training room." He looks around before lowering his voice, concerned. "I do not like this Charlie. I swear there are people watching me an awful lot now."

Charlie nods. "I don't like it either. We're the only two she knows for sure are totally on her side and keeping no secrets. We have to protect her and keep an eye out for any funny business."

Michael shakes his hand, completely in agreement. "Especially Commander Intense and Crazy. We'll have her back no matter what, even if she does decide to trust them."

"Deal." She exits now in the green sweater, smiling brightly at Michael.

"Okay, take three. Hopefully this time he listens to me," she sighs.

Michael hugs her. "We'll be here either way." Charlie joins an instant later.

XXX

An officer hands Commander Lucas a shotgun from their center in the basement of Groote Hall.

"I had her!" he rages, loading it. "I had her in the palm of my hands and then this happens! Oh, Higgins, they are not going to go quietly into the goodnight. That much is now very clear."

The officer, Higgins, gives a stiff nod. "We have them on a grid, sir. None of them will so much as sneeze without any of us knowing about it," he explains. "We've already monitored a conversation between Michael and Charles about how they're going to protect her if we get in the way of her best interests."

"Perfect." He stares at the gun, shaking his head. "I really wanted no casualties. But it's starting to look like we'll have to take the hard way."

"She gave you the sword at least. She's beginning to trust you."

"And we need to keep it that way. I need to become her best friend and confidant. And I will do so by any means necessary," Lucas growls.

"Absolutely sir." They both proceed to a locked office. "For the record DIZ v2.9 will be in for its daily briefing in about five minutes."

"We'll have the body out by then," Lucas eases. "We need to keep an extra good eye on that piece of hardware though. It's got an attitude and I don't like it when my property gives me attitude."

"It is merely fulfilling its primary objective to protect her."

"Let's make sure it stays that way. Now if you'll excuse me… I have a mess to clean up." He unlocks and enters the office where Doctor Anderson is chained to a desk.

Higgins listens from outside the door as Doctor Anderson cries out, terrified. "No! Please! Don't! I'm sorry! I'm-!" He flinches as a gunshot is heard and the voice is suddenly silenced.

XXX

Tune in next week as DIZ continues to try and incorporate themselves in the lives of Lori and her Companions, Finch takes a new step in discovering her identity, and Michael meets someone.