Friday afternoon the weather is nice enough the Lori Fitzgerald is studying outside in the library alcove, crutches next to her. She is deep into her textbook when a tapping echoes from across the courtyard. It grows to be annoying and she looks up only to soften immediately. Rachel Ellis is making her way down the path, wearing a cane and sunglasses, but is still as well and fashionably dressed as ever. Lori has to stomach the sight and her hand in it for a moment before shutting the book and struggling to get up.

"Rachel!" she shouts across the campus, making her way over on her crutches. Rachel just stands still, listening. "Rachel! Rachel!"

She seems to figure it out on the last shout and turns to face the direction Lori is coming from with a smirk. "Ah, I'd know that voice anywhere. I'm blind by the way, not deaf," she adds with snark as Lori comes up beside her. "Just saying."

Lori shrugs, refusing to be uncomfortable by her comment. "I was just really excited to see you. Charlie said you would be coming back soon. "

Rachel folds her cane and begins walking, Lori following on her crutches. "It took longer than I would have liked, but I've learned you can't- what is that infernal clacking noise?" she questions, halting.

"Crutches. Mine. I was shot in the leg and have about two weeks left."

"Well, it seems like things have been awfully exciting around here," Rachel smiles.

Lori takes a moment before thinking of something. "Would you perhaps like to go to the café and talk? We can catch up on things… like the shot in the leg part."

The two begin walking again, Rachel taking her directional cues from where she hears Lori going. "I'd really like that. Then I need to finally suck it up and call Charlie. He's just so supportive I'm nervous about when he actually sees me, you know?" They pass Kaity Klingbeil and Finch Hale as they head over the bridge, Lori waving to the both of them as they continue.

"I didn't know she was back," Kaity comments when they are out of earshot.

Finch just looks back, confused. "Who is that?"

"She's the reason Lori is so protective of all of us," Kaity answers simply and honestly before changing gears. "Now, have you thought about it?"

Finch instantly looks more on edge, clearly uncomfortable. "Kaitlyn Klingbeil, I still do not believe we should enter into a situation where we are dishonest with our leader, Lori Fitzgerald."

Kaity rolls her eyes. "It's not like we'd be lying," she reasons. "We just wouldn't tell her. Finch, we know that Higgins guy isn't going to leave her alone forever. This is our chance to influence what he sees and believes to our favor."

"Then why cannot we suggest this idea to Lori Fitzgerald?" Finch argues back.

"Because! You know how she is. I need your help to hack into there and we both know Hannah won't cross her. This is the best chance to help her and I sense in that mechanical mind that you know that," she appeals to the projection. "You have to. You would do anything to protect her- including the stunt where you attempted to terminate yourself just so she wouldn't be monitored through you."

Finch seems to be on the brink of contemplating this idea. "Lori Fitzgerald does need to be protected at all costs…"

Kaity attempts to reel her in further. "Then we need to act and stop ignoring the situation. She has done so much for us. It's time we did something for her."

Finch thinks for a long moment, gears clearly quickly turning, before she finally sighs and gives a nod. "Alright, but if anything appears out of order then we immediately alert Lori Fitzgerald."

Kaity claps her hands in triumph, smile on her face. "Deal. Let's go find ourselves a computer and start writing an e-mail." They start in the direction of the library.

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 Nine: Whoa, What a Swim

XXX

About an hour later, Lori and Rachel are seated at a table in the local campus café. Lori is finishing off a pint of ice cream while Rachel politely sips on an elaborate coffee drink, shaking her head in almost awe. "That all seems very intense. And to think before this all happened, when Gaston stormed in, I was planning on asking you after that if…"

Lori leans in, curious why she trailed off. "What?"

Rachel shrugs, suddenly very guarded about the situation. "Well, it doesn't matter now."

Lori has a clue about what she was going to say and is haunted by it, but decides to push forward with a different topic. "Charlie told me you're still pursuing you theatre major."

She nods, taking another sip. "I'm not giving up on my dreams. I've always wanted to be an actress, and I'm going to do everything in my power to accomplish that. I'm not pretending it's going to be easy, but I'm willing to put in the work."

Lori looks at her, seriously impressed by her determination. "You never cease to amaze me. If you get a part in the spring play I'll definitely come see it. I'll get everyone to come-including Finch who doesn't understand the value of art yet… because she's a projection." She can't help but smile as she finishes the ice cream off. "Wow, it really feels great to have someone you can actually explain the crazy details of your life to."

"That's really sweet of you. And it doesn't even faze me anymore, the stuff you tell me."

Lori laughs and gives her a gentle punch in the arm. "Then you're certainly one of us."

There is an awkward long silence as Rachel stares down. "I'm sorry about Shawn though," she finally says.

Lori nods, obviously more at peace with the subject. "It wasn't meant to be." Her phone vibrates and she checks it. "I'm sorry to do this but duty calls. It appears we have a guest and you know we need to locate them as soon as possible," she reminds Rachel as she rises, clearly a little guilty.

Rachel nods. "This was nice. Thank you." Lori starts out on her crutches, but then pauses as she looks at Rachel sip her drink.

She heads back. "If you're not too busy you should come with me."

Rachel smirks. "That's not funny," she responds playfully.

Lori shrugs before realizing she can't see it. "It's not a joke. You can stick with me and… hang out," she offers. "Charlie will love to see how you're doing."

Rachel hesitates, trying to be practical. "You want me to hang out with you guys? You realize how much I'm going to slow you down?"

"I don't care," Lori responds without hesitation, adamant. "You're my friend who is keeping this huge secret for me that changed her life. The least I can do for you is offer to spend some more time with you. Besides, I'm moving slower than you because of the crutches." She can see Rachel faltering. "Well?"

Rachel rises. "I suppose one adventure into the preserve couldn't hurt. Lead the way. You won't even have to say anything… I'll follow the God awful tapping noise."

Lori does indeed start for the door, Rachel following the sound behind her. "Glad to be of service!"

XXX

Finch sits in front of one of the library computers typing while Kaity paces behind her. She finishes with a flourish and turns to face her partner in crime.

Kaity gestures to the screen. "Read through it again."

Finch nods and begins. "'Mr. Higgins-'"

"Cut the mister," Kaity interrupts critically. "She wouldn't be that polite to him. We need to make this as convincing as possible."

Finch fixes the issue, though clearly not really understanding. "I imagine hacking into her electronic mail to send this might be more than enough to convince most."

"Then you'd be incorrect," Kaity argues. "So strike that and keep going."

"'I wanted to contact you first to thank you for the assistance you provided in ending Commander Intense and Crazy- despite the fact it came after getting shot in the leg.'"

Kaity claps her hands with a smile. "I think we might have pegged the sass perfectly."

"'I wanted to try and create a much better relationship now that he is out of the picture though. The truth is I'm having quite a dilemma in terms of keeping my group together. They are starting to fear for their lives and I would find it irresponsible to hold them under such circumstances.'"

Kaity shakes her head. "Too robotic." Finch gives her a glare that doesn't even faze her. "Sorry but it is. Make it about her guilt," she offers. "She would bring up her guilt."

"'I would feel guilty doing that?'" Finch pitches.

"Perfect." Finch starts typing and Kaity continues. "And play up the turmoil a little more. We want him to think we are on the very brink of falling apart- that way they severely underestimate us."

Finch sighs. "I feel I must remind you the last time you tried to feed false information-"

"I was cocky and slipped up," Kaity shuts down, clearly not enjoying this sore subject. "This time I have you to keep me straight and true." Her phone buzzes and she looks at it. "It looks like the book went off. Where were you on that one?"

Finch is clearly becoming frustrated. "With my limited programming, things tend to-"

Kaity slaps her back as she looks over her shoulder. "Stop making excuses and send that. It looks fine." Finch hesitates a moment, but does click send before logging out of the computer. "Now let's get going. I have the cafeteria with Michael while you, Hannah, and Ben are doing the gym and theatre. Sound good?"

"Affirmative."

"And she won't be able to see we sent this e-mail?" Kaity checks as Finch rises.

"I believe I have successfully managed to hide it from her along with any responses it will receive. Hannah Frost would perhaps be able to crack it, but only if she was aware it existed."

"Perfect." She notes Finch's hesitation in her compliment. "You're doing the right thing. I promise."

"It does not quite feel like it," the projection admits.

"Don't worry about it. Just go do your job and not a word to any of them. We'll meet here tomorrow to see if we have a response." They head out of the library and split up down different paths.

Finch balls her hands into fists and takes several deep breaths. "It is to protect Lori Fitzgerald. You will protect Lori Fitzgerald at all costs," she says with regained determination.

XXX

Lori is walking through the preserve, carefully navigating on her crutches. Charlie Prescott is right behind her, arm linked with Rachel so he can subtly guide her around obstacles. "And then Lori knocked over the whole shelf of beakers!" he tells his friend, very animated.

Rachel bursts into laughter. "That is the one perk I can see in all this. I will not have to take the lab with my required general science course. It would have been disaster just waiting to happen. Thankfully Lori got there first."

Lori gives a fake laugh that makes Charlie smile. He squeezes Rachel's arm. "It's great to see you again. I'm so glad you're with us."

"It's just a one-time hang out," Rachel quickly dismisses. "Don't get too used to it." Lori frowns at this and Charlie looks a little uncomfortable, but is unable to comment as Hannah Frost, Michael Harms, Ben Prescott, Kaity, and Finch all come up around them.

"It looks like they have to be here," Hannah deduces to her roommate.

Rachel jumps at the voice, grabbing her heart. "Jesus! Don't sneak up on people, Hannah. It's rude."

Hannah is instantly apologetic. "Sorry Rachel. We searched everywhere."

Lori nods in leader mode. "Let's keep looking then. We're making our way through the sectors of the map-moving a little slower due to my crutches."

"And because of her visual impairment," Finch says with a nod to Rachel. Everyone gives her a look, but Rachel just guffaws.

"Ah, a new voice. You must be Finch-the projection," she says, holding no ill will.

"Affirmative. And you are Rachel Ellis," she answers simply.

Rachel smirks to herself. "She seems like a joy."

"She's a lot better than she was," Lori offers, everyone nodding in agreement. Finch doesn't quite know whether to be flattered or insulted.

Instead she turns her attention back to Rachel. "You referred to me as female right away?"

"Well, your voice sounds like a girl and that's all I really have to go on. Besides, Lori filled me in on your whole saga- all of you. Congrats on getting the girls Ben and Michael."

The two boys can't help but smile. "Why thank you," Michael blushes. "It's good to see you again." He realizes his mistake, but Rachel clearly thinks nothing of it.

"And I hear Hannah might have found a winner," she continues.

Hannah plays with her skirt. "I'm cautiously optimistic." She can't help but break out into a huge smile though. "He's pretty great, so far. We have our first date tomorrow afternoon. He's taking me to a fair a few towns over- thought I would like it."

Charlie perks up at that, elbowing Lori. "That sounds like a lot of fun. We should go."

She elbows him back. "We'll see about next weekend, okay?" They arrive at the pond and give it a quick look over to see nothing standing out.

Hannah shivers. "Let's not linger here too long. It knocks the wind out of my lungs just thinking about it."

They turn to leave when Lori catches a flash of something. "I think I just saw something though." She steps forward, cupping her hands over her mouth. "Hello?! It's Lori. I'm here to meet you and help you get home."

Nothing happens so Michael speaks up, clearly on edge. "You must just be seeing things." She takes a step closer and everyone takes a deep breath. "Don't get too close now."

"I'm fine." She sees a flash of yellow. "Hello?" Flounder tentatively pops his head out and she kneels with her usual fondness. "Hi there Flounder."

He blushes red. "Hell-Hello."

Charlie leans into Rachel as everyone moves forward. "It's Flounder, the fish from-"

Rachel politely pats his arm. "I got it. Thanks though."

"I'm Lori," she continues, pointing to herself. "I don't know if Ariel's mentioned me."

Flounder nods, clearly in awe of her. "Yeah. She talks about you a lot, especially now after having meeting with the other princesses. But for a long time you were the only human she had met and talked about your adventure all the time." He looks down. "Then again, I was a big fan of the story and often asked for it. You're one of my heroes- "

"I'm no such thing," Lori instantly insists.

Flounder persists. "But the way you swooped in there last minute-"

Hannah can't help but cut in. "When did you actually meet Ariel? That must have been before even I joined up."

Lori and Charlie look fondly at one another before he speaks up. "She was actually the very first time someone came out of the book- the very beginning. Back when Lori didn't even want me around."

Kaity snorts. "I find a time like that very hard to believe. What's next: the Doctor wasn't always a part of your trio?"

"No, I didn't come along for a whole semester," Michael corrects her. "I've actually never heard the story of how this all started," he admits, curious.

Hannah realizes something. "Neither have I!" Everyone else turns to Lori, curious as well.

Flounder bounces up and down in the water. "Oh my gosh! You should tell it! I've heard it so many times from Ariel, but to hear it from you-"

Lori is on her feet instantly, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, but no," she tells him politely.

Hannah rolls her eyes at the dramatics. "Oh stop it and tell us."

"Come on," Ben joins in.

"No. No," Lori persists, their constant badgering finally making her reach her breaking point. "No! There's nothing to tell, alright?!" The whole group is quiet. "Everyone just… drop it! I'm sorry but I have no interest in telling the story."

Finch tries to calm the situation down. "I think the consensus of the general public is that they are interested in how you used to behave when it comes to the idea of your adventures. Then they have a point of comparison to who you are now."

Lori still isn't having it. "Well, I've changed a lot. And that's all you need to know. That's all there is to the story." She glances at her phone. "Listen, I have some homework I need to take care of. We should be getting back. We'll be back first thing in the morning for you, unless we find a really big fish tank."

Flounder nods, trying to hide his disappointment. "Oh, alright then. I'll be looking forward to it. I can't wait to talk to you some more."

"Absolutely. Let's head out guys." They start walking with her at the lead, everyone else hanging back.

"Okay… what's up with her?" Kaity questions. "I've never seen her so resistant to what a character needs before. She's usually all welcoming and stuff."

Charlie is instantly ready to defend her. "I think she just doesn't like looking back… especially to then." He gives Rachel's arm over to Ben and runs up to beside Lori. The group watches as the two exchange quick words before she ruffles his hair playfully, back in a good mood.

Michael brings up what they're all thinking. "What about her was so different that she's scared to tell us?"

"I guess we'll never know," Ben guesses. "She's not telling us and if she's not-"

"Then he certainly isn't either," Hannah finishes with a nod towards the two of them.

"Like I said, I can't imagine a time when she didn't want him around," Kaity cuts in, voice tinged with disbelief.

"But think about it, we're all real different from who we started out as. And there are some parts of us that we don't want to really dwell on either," Hannah defends. Everyone thinks about this a moment in silence. "We can't exactly condemn her too much."

XXX

The next evening, Hannah is led through the fair gates by her date Caleb Dean. She examines the lights and her face light up entirely- a sight that he can't help but stare at. "Wow," she breathes, making him smile down at her. "This is really great. Just the lights alone…"

"I thought you'd like this," Caleb says, pulling out a roll of tickets. "Shall we head in?" He starts walking but she hesitates, causing him to double back in concern. "Is something wrong?"

She takes a deep breath. "I just… I feel like I need to say something before we go in." He nods encouragingly. "I'm going to be myself today- the messy me that plays pranks and is this huge nerd who loves her computer. I know this seems like common sense, but I feel like I really need to actually say it. Because last time I went on a date and was myself the guy dumped me. And the time before that he was an abusive asshole who hit me and changed me for his needs. And the time before that I was pretending to be someone and he made me out to be a cheater- which I certainly was not." He is clearly digesting and she slaps her forehead in embarrassment. "Oh dear God, that was a lot to just dump on you. I'm so sorry. I must seem all kinds of insane."

"No." He takes a moment before speaking, having processed. "You were just being yourself… and I accept that. In truth, this is my first date in three years and you're the second girl." He gives a very sad smile. "Megan was her name and I so thought she was my soul mate so I proposed before we even graduated high school."

"It didn't work out?"

Caleb takes a steadying breath. "She actually passed away… three years ago." Hannah nods, clearly sympathetic. "She was sick even when I proposed, but I was convinced we could beat it together. It took me a long time to put things back together but here I am. If you're being honest then I feel like I should be too. And I appreciate you not saying you're sorry."

She is now very hesitant as he pulls himself back together. "Are you sure you want to do this? We both seem like basket cases."

He nods, enthusiasm returning. "I definitely want to go on a date with you, though. This… moving on finally feels right." He extends his arm and she happily takes it.

"And I definitely want to go out with you as well," she adds, taking the tickets. "Let's put that heaviness behind us and move forward to my winning you a stuffed animal."

"Oh, you're going to have to win me one?"

She nods. "Let's face it. I'm the brawn of this relationship. You're the trophy wife."

He breaks into laughter, taking a moment to recover. "I'm glad we cleared that up right away. Even happier you realized my true calling in life." The two of them start in. "Can we talk about the new Game of Thrones though?!"

"Oh my goodness! I couldn't believe they actually did it!"

XXX

Rachel enters the cafeteria for lunch Sunday afternoon, tray in hand. She stands for a moment among the tables, hoping to hear a familiar voice.

"Rachel! Over here!" she hears Charlie shouts. She makes her way over to their table cautiously where the whole group of Companions is seated. Charlie helps her into a chair. "Hannah was just telling us about her great date last night."

Hannah is clearly glowing as she continues. "But it just made me think about what we were talking about two days ago. I was myself and he accepted that. I found the person I've been looking for and because of everything we've been through I was able to be honest with him and have this great date. I'm a different person, but I'm a so much better person then the girl who lied to Tyler and ignored the two of you to be popular. And I owe a lot of it to all of you," she practically gushes, clearly in a good place.

Lori plays with her food absently. "This is getting to be too much. How about we move on to-"

"I was thinking about it too," Ben can't help but cut in. "I'm different then who I was when all this started and much happier for it. I have a much better relationship with Charlie, I have Harms for a real good friend, and I met Kaity. None of that would have happened without the book. And that's just who I've met- that's not even who I've become."

He takes and kisses Kaity's hand. "It's true. We all changed our stars," she tells the table.

Lori is clearly done. "Okay, let's all just-"

"What are you so afraid of?" Rachel blurts to her, making the whole table go silent.

Charlie looks especially uncomfortable. "Rachel, she doesn't-"

"She's being a baby about this whole thing," Rachel says bluntly. "We get it. You weren't the greatest person there ever was once upon a time. Before I met you all I had sight," she addresses, bring everything crashing down. "They're all thinking of the positive things but all you can focus on is the bad. You just see all the mistakes you and and you're scared that if you tell that stuff to us we'll look at you differently?" she guesses, on a roll. "So you have everyone else backing down but I refuse to."

Lori is floored by being called out in this manner, and desperately tries to recover. "I-I don't like the story," she does admit to them. "I don't like the past. I don't like my past."

Hannah puts a hand over hers, but she pulls away. "Lori, some of us were there. And we're still here. Charlie has never abandoned you even in your darkest moments. Nothing about that story is going to scare us."

Michael nods. "Nothing about it can change who you are now. It'll just be that- a story."

"I'll think about it," she says after a long silence, clearly in thought. She rises a moment later. "I need to get to class. Charlie-"

He is instantly on his feet. "I'm with you. Let's get going." She starts away, but he quickly turns to the rest of the table. "Don't worry. She's coming around," he winks before heading off.

"You could have fooled me," Kaity finally vocalizes.

Finch turns to Rachel, who is calmly eating. "You have quite a lot of… spunk I believe is the word."

"Why thank you. I like to tell it how it is."

Michael clears his throat. "And about the whole not just positives-"

"It's fine. She just needed to hear she wasn't all alone in that boat. She's changed a lot for the better, but there are some things she has on her now that she didn't have to shoulder back then. It hasn't been all positive. I know it."

Everyone takes this in. "I think I like you," Finch finally admits.

Rachel takes a satisfied bite. "I think we're getting along quite smashingly as well."

XXX

Michael finishes cleaning something in the training room that evening and after putting the supplies away sticks his head in the office where Jen and Sara are both at work on their computers. "Anything else I can do for you today?"

Jen pauses to think, but shakes her head. "No. I think that should cover it. We have no one else coming in and all the sports have finished. You can sign on out." He does so as she continues typing. "Thank you as always for your help today."

He nods and goes to exit, but stops. "Weird question… but do you feel I'm different… then the person you hired?"

This earns both of their attention. Jen speaks first, very businesslike. "Well, not in terms of work ethic. That has stayed impeccable."

Sara then joins in, much more supportive of what he's looking for. "But you certainly have grown in terms of personality. You used to not even speak a single sentence to any athlete and now you're the most popular guy in the room. They all love you. You're more open to people."

He nods. "And when did you feel that started to happen?"

Jen answers this one. "When you met Lori. We're endlessly glad we kept you late that one day so you two could run into one another," she adds, Sara nodding in agreement.

Michael smiles, having figured this. "Yeah. I thought so. Have a great night." He heads out to see Lori waiting upstairs and greets her with a big hug.

"We should head over there," she tells him when they pull apart. "I have a story to tell," she says with a sigh.

They head out, him draping his arm around her supportively. "You don't have to-"

"No. She's right," Lori admits. "I need to realize that my past doesn't define me now. I need to learn the lesson at hand. Otherwise I'd be a hypocrite or something."

"I'll still love my little sister," he tells her before commenting on something. "It's hard to believe that you had any adventures before I came along. I just feel like I've always been a part of this."

She shrugs. "It wasn't too exciting- Dumbo, Tinkerbell, Snow White, Hercules."

"I'm glad I didn't miss too much then."

She looks up at him. "I certainly like having you around more than not- I just didn't realize it at the time having not met you and all that." He laughs and kisses the top of her head.

"You know I owe Jolene to you as well."

"I like to think you would have gotten there. I give you some credit, Doctor."

They start into the preserve. "You are too kind, Lores. Too kind."

XXX

Lori is sitting in front of Flounder with everyone else gathered around her, listening intently. Lori takes a deep breath to steady herself. "Alright, just don't… don't expect too much." Everyone nods, though they are clearly expecting a lot. "I went to college with one goal in mind- to get out as soon as possible with nothing holding me back. The book- the stupid book- had other things in mind though. Then I met Hannah and Charlie, but I was determined not to make any friends so I was pretty cruel and dismissive."

She looks around, eyes meeting Michael who steadies her. "We're not running."

"I actually wasn't very nice to Ariel when we first met- I blame the shock of the whole thing," she continues. "And then I was really adamant that I was not going to help her- even when her life was in danger. I was being a stubborn ass of a person who even refused when this kid who looked up to me asked. He took the book for himself and I was ready to leave him to it. I even just ate my food while he was begging me to let him be part of my life. But then he inspired a twinge, this modicum of feeling, and that twinge led me to run in and save Ariel which sent me into everything I am now. Charlie couldn't work the book and we learned it had to be me. So we delayed and then we managed to send her home while throwing a net over me. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I think I'm starting to figure things out."

"That's my favorite part," Flounder tells everyone. "That you changed and made yourself the best. You weren't just that way- you grew into it. You were actually pretty scared at first."

Lori raises an eyebrow. "Wait, you aren't disappointed? I thought-"

"Oh, she didn't build you up," Flounder tells her. "It was exactly how she told it, except from your point of view." Lori looks around at the group. No one is looking at her any differently than they did before. She is still the same person to all of them- who she is- rather than who she was.

"I honestly found it kind of boring," Kaity admits with a shrug, making everyone laugh. Lori at piece with herself opens the book to a glowing poem.

She smiles sincerely. "Thank you very much Flounder."

He nods. "Thank you for the story. I really liked it."

"What would I give if I could live Outta these waters" Flounder vanishes in a burst of light and Lori rises. "I guess we should head back. We do have class tomorrow. Thank you for joining us Rachel."

"It was pretty great," Rachel admits. "I guess I'll just see you guys around." Everyone hesitates at this, Lori especially. She then notices Charlie is still by the water.

"Go ahead," he tells her. "I'm going to do some thinking." She nods and the groups heads off as he looks into the water, lost in thought.

XXX

Finch is typing in the library as Kaity stands behind her. She finishes and nods. "I feel this report is even better than our last. It clearly outlines how our group has sunk into a great degree of turmoil."

"Did you add the part about Charlie?" Kaity questions.

Finch nods. "Exactly as you dictated. 'Charlie has become the weak link in the chain. If he leaves I do not know what I would ever do seeing as he is my best friend.' I don't understand this though. Charlie is not-"

Kaity rolls her eyes. "It's called irony, Finch. We're telling them the exact opposite of what is true." She reads through it. "The rest of it looks good. Send it."

Finch clicks before logging out and rising. "It has been sent. I am glad to have an ally in protecting Lori Fitzgerald," she admits as they start out.

"You're my friend too, Finch. Not that I want to pick out curtains with you or anything," she laughs.

XXX

That night, Lori comes back to the pond to find Charlie sitting at the edge, examining his reflection. She takes a seat next to him, patient. "What are you stilling doing out here? It's getting to be spring but it's still pretty cold."

Charlie smiles, but takes a moment before speaking. "You know, we sat here that first date with me being forceful into being your friend-"

"You sure won that one," she snorts.

"And when Ariel appeared I got a good look of the two of us in the water- our reflections." He stands and examines his reflection. "Besides being quite a bit shorter and having a much higher voice I just… I can't get over how different I look."

"I know what you mean," Lori admits, rising as well. "I got a good look that night too after all. It's the way you carry yourself a little higher with purpose."

"The way that even though you're not smiling you have this air of being okay and happy," he adds.

Her smile turns into a frown. "The weight of the world upon you."

Charlie takes her hand. "The support of your friends around you."

"We are very different people than the two who stood here closer to two years ago- outside of the fact that you're now up to my neck and growing fast."

Charlie thinks as Lori goes to turn. "What would you say to the old us?"

Lori sighs before speaking. "Quite frankly I would say a lot to that old reflection. About the book… you… Ben… Shawn… to be nice to my roommate. But I think it's important that we can't. Destiny didn't grow us into these people. We did that all be ourselves."

"I think we did a pretty good job." She ruffles his hair. "I liked the old Charlie and Lori, the one with the no talking, but this… this is…"

"I know, squirt." She hugs him to her. "I know."

"What'll you think they'll look like by the time we graduate?"

Lori gives him a playful shove. "Enough with the deep questions. Let's get you inside."

"Seriously. Who do you think I'll be, besides taller than you?"

"I think you will be a fine young man with the whole world at his feet," Lori tells him seriously. "But most importantly you will still be my best friend. At this point all I see for myself is an aneurism."

This brings down the mood. "I'm sorry I get all the good stuff at the cost of yours."

She turns him to face her. "Never apologize for that. There are so many good things in my life because of and including you. It may not be in the package I imagined, but you cannot doubt it is there. That reflection is what was always inside because this kid refused to give up on me. I closed myself off but he opened me right up so I could be the person worthy of being his best friend. He is without a doubt the greatest good stuff I have ever received." He gives her a full hug. "You have been there since the very beginning. It was never just me. It was us."

"And it always will be," he reminds her. "I love you."

"I love you too. Now let's go." He looks down at his reflection one more time.

"I won't see you later," he tells it, taking off. Lori takes one last good look at who she is and smiles, heading after him.

"Already looks different to me."

XXX

Higgins is in the office once occupied by Commander Lucas, studying the e-mail very intently. Two guards stand in front of the desk.

When he finishes, a smile lights up his face. "Gentlemen, it looks like we're ready to move forward." He collects a copy of the message from the printer and adds it to a folder after highlighting a line. He then extends it to the first. "Could you bring this to him? I've highlighter some parts I think he will find particularly interesting."

"Absolutely sir!" he responds, taking it.

"Are you sure about this sir?" the second can't help but speak up. "Giving him this kind of information about the group-"

"You'll follow orders," he barks. "I know what I'm doing." They nod and head off down the stairs to a large locked door. The first pounds on it.

"He has something he wants you to read," the first says as he slides the folder under it. A handcuffed pair of hands picks it up and starts to flip through it.

"Interesting." They stop at a highlighted line about 'Charlie Prescott is by far the weakest link.' Commander Lucas, looking very disheveled, and then breaks out into a crazy smile. "Very interesting indeed. Thank you!" He waits to hear them leave before pulling out a hand-fashioned lock pick that he begins to use on his handcuffs- staring at the line on the page. "Lori Fitzgerald doesn't have a heart they say- but she does!" he sings crazily. "She does! And we will strike her there! Strike Lori in the heart and kill her!" he shouts, stabbing the pick through the words Charlie Prescott.

XXX

Meanwhile, Rachel opens her door to a knock. Lori is standing there, but doesn't say anything right away.

Rachel stands for a moment before narrowing her eyes. "I'm sorry, but you're going to have to speak for me to-"

"What was it?" Lori suddenly speaks up.

"Lori?"

"What was it you were going to ask me after the whole Gaston thing?" she says again.

"It doesn't matter," Rachel dismisses.

"It does. Tell me."

"I was going to ask you if you would consider my being a Companion because-"

"Do you still want to be?" Lori interrupts, having figured this.

"This isn't funny," Rachel says again, this time serious.

"It isn't a joke," Lori insists.

"Lori, I'm blind," Rachel remind her in disbelief.

"I don't discriminate," Lori tells her bluntly. "I never have. Kaity is bipolar and Charlie is a child. They earned a place and so have you many, many times over. You're brave, loyal, my best friend adores you, and I want you as a Companion."

"And here's the part where you pitch how you'll accommodate my needs and slow down-"

"No I won't because that's bull. You're going to have to keep up with us, but I have no doubt you can do that. You can keep up with how fast we're moving and be part of this."

"You mean this?" Rachel breathes.

Lori steps forward and puts a hand on her shoulder. "Rachel, I'm inclined to believe that you came into my life and showed me up for a reason. You called me out there and I'm counting on you to continue to do so as you did today. The others have gone a bit soft." She extends her hand. "So what do you say?"

Rachel doesn't even hesitate. "Yes. I will be a Companion… an official Companion." There is a pause. "What happens now?"

"We usually shake hands, but I see now…" She guides Rachel's hand to hers and shakes it. "I'll see you for breakfast tomorrow and then text you as soon as we have something. Who knows when we'll have to learn something else? Good night."

She starts down the hall. "You know, you never cease to surprise me either. Letting a blind girl be a Companion…"

"It's just what I do- who I am."

Rachel smiles as she heads back in. "I can see that."

XXX

Tune in next week as things unravel in a way that upsets the entire group dynamic- including a challenge to the leader by the new Companion and an ending the will put someone's very life at risk.