A/N: Long time, no see. I know it's been a while, (better late than never?), but I've finally given JJ her say.

Many thanks again to everyone for the kind words and, most importantly, your patience. I'm afraid this one's not really up to par, but I had a hard time getting it done. It's the right idea, but the voice really gave me issues. Hope it doesn't disappoint too much. ;)

Disclaimer: Standard disclaimer applies.

"This thing killed the first three victims within hours, JJ-"

"Garcia, stop. Please? I can't think about it that way. He took Cipro , he's got help, he's- he's gonna' be fine." JJ cut off the technical analyst, trying and failing not to look into those pleading bespectacled eyes when she knew her own held nothing but fear.

'It's bad enough I'm not even allowed to contact Will, at least I know Reid's with people that can help him. God only knows where my Henry is… Reid- Spence- our friend, might be infected but at least he's getting care. Being treated.

'Like the other twenty-one that died anyway-

'No.

'No, you know what? Damn him, anyway. "…including a baby." "Seven months." "Yeah, but that was a curable strain. This thing's entirely different." As if he honestly forgot about his own Godson.' JJ blinked, unsure where and how that had come from. It was a scary and sobering thought, and it didn't stop there.

'Did he? This is Reid. When he focuses on a problem, everything else tends to get put on the wayside... Or is he just callous enough to say those things to a new mother without a second thought?'

Callous? Where was all this coming from? It sickened her that this kind of anger toward someone she loved could come so easily, and she had to work hard to keep her expression neutral as she half-listened to Garcia voice her fears, choosing to blame it on her own helplessness.

Every fact and statistic and detail they gathered only served as a reminder that none of them could do anything to help. Nothing that mattered. Nothing she could do for her potentially dying friend or her defenseless baby but stare at computers and files and hope the puzzle pieces put themselves together in time.

'Except…'

"If you could do… anything, to keep your family safe, even if it meant breaking procedure, would you?"

"Yes. What procedure?" Penelope didn't even blink. No hesitation, no thinking, just yes. It was all the answer she needed.

"Nevermind." she smiled, pretending to focus again on the folder in her hand.

'Screw protocol, procedure, right and wrong and "unfair advantages" and whatever else you want to call it. We're here to save innocent people- doesn't my baby count?

'Let's face it- Reid can take care of himself. He always does. He'll probably find the cure, find the partner, and walk out of that house on his own two feet; knowing Spence, it'll take all the tough, trained army guys they have at the house to strap him down to that stretcher.

'The stupid, stubborn genius...

'He'll help himself, all right. Like it or not, there's nothing you can do for him except your job. And you're doing it. But as a mother…? You have one job, and one job only. Make the damn call and if Hotch finds out, you'll deal with it. He's a parent, too.

'Who was it that said "It is better to ask forgiveness than permission"?'

JJ smiled a little.

'I bet Spence would know…'

A/N: So, dear readers, now the question remains- would you like me to continue this humble little fic, or let it be now that everyone's had their moment? I know too much will be overkill, but there's also more fodder for ideas. I leave it up to you.

Once more, many thanks for your patience and loyalty. Makes a writer feel all warm and fuzzy inside.