I do not own Eureka...but I like to pretend.

Blame It On the Hormones

Chapter 12: Tick, Tick...Boom!

The timer went off, the resulting blast shook the entire area as rubble and debris fell all around them. The disruption caused equipment and a number of critical experiments to tumble from tabletops as shards of glass, electronics and several other items unidentifiable to the common person to the floor. Around her all Allison could see were clouds of dust as only one emergency light flickered on partially illuminating a small section, leaving the rest of the lab in darkness. She yelled for Zoë afraid that she had been seriously injured, finally breathing a sigh of relief when she called out to her in response. Allison could also hear moaning and at once recognized the gasping groans of Tess. If Lana was alive, she could not tell. At last assessing her own state, she attempted to move but found she had been pinned by an unknown obstruction. Almost instantaneously she yelped sharply, grimacing in pain as she grabbed hold of her stomach, the previously sporadic contractions she'd been having the last weeks were now coming on rapidly, the pain unbearable.

Somewhere off in the distance, Zoë called out from her position.

"Allison, where are you?"

"Here Zoë. I'm here."

Allison could hear Zoë as she shuffled around on all fours apparently feeling her way across the dimly lit room. Allison coughed harshly, the dust filling her lungs making it difficult for her to breath. Taking deep shallow breaths, she took stock of their situation. Her field of vision encumbered by her unfortunate position, she could only pivot her head enough to see partially over her left shoulder.

Oh God she thought, what had she done? She had set this all in motion an if anything happened to Zoë, Tess, Lana or the baby she would never forgive herself.

A hand on her leg jolted her from her commiseration.

"Allison are you okay?"

"Zoë. Oh my God Zoë. It's the baby...she's coming."

Zoë sucked in a breath through clenched teeth as Allison took hold of her hand and tightly squeezed.

"Oh honey, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." Allison couldn't help it as the tears began to fall.

"It's okay Allison. I'm here and you're with me. Just tell me what to do?"

How strong she was trying to be she thought. Usually one to put on a brave face, Zoë was fiercely independent, but now all Allison could hear was the scared little girl that she tried to hide inside. She didn't know how, but regardless of their predicament, Allison would make sure that Zoë escape unharmed and so, she did what she did best in these situations and took charge.

On the opposite side of laboratory door Jack, Henry and Fargo gathered to assess the scene. Jo, Andy and Zane had been sent off to evaluate the surrounding sectors to determine if any other areas had been damaged. The chances were slim due to how the complex was constructed, but better to be safe then sorry.

As Fargo took readings so that they could categorically confirm the type of explosion, Jack paced anxiously back and forth along the corridor. What was the holdup he thought? They needed to get in that room and it needed to happen now. The longer they waited the greater his fears grew. He was tired of all the hypothesizing and analyzing Henry and Fargo were doing; he needed to know that his girls were safe.

"Henry, talk to me."

Jack knew his tone was harsh and he hoped that Henry understood he was frustrated with the situation and not him.

Placing a comforting hand on Jack's shoulder, he attempted to reassure him.

"Jack, we're working as fast as we can. Fargo needs to distinguish what caused the detonation and it's components. When any type of explosion occurs it undergoes a chemical reaction that propagates through the explosive material and converts the explosive into a very hot, dense, high-pressure gas. We have to make sure it's safe for us to go in. Don't worry, we..."

But before Henry could finish, their attention was diverted. Apparently Fargo had been able to reconnect the signal for the surveillance system so that they could at least communicate with the occupants. As they craned their heads over the handheld, they were unable to acquire audio but at least had visual.

The room was still hazy and they could distinguish movement, they just couldn't discern who it was. Thankfully there were no toxic materials located in this particular lab but that was no guarantee that they were out of danger or that all the inhabitants were alive, but their odds had increased.

His attention focused on the mini view screen, Jack was startled by a hand as it clasped onto his forearm. Slightly out of breath Jo and Zane had returned with good news.

"What did you guys find out?"

"The outer structures haven't been affected, so whatever happened has been contained to this area alone."

"Well, great. So, let's get them out of there."

"Jack it's not that simple."

"Henry, what do you mean it's not that simple? Fargo said that there were no contaminates, Zane said that the structure surrounding the lab is intact, so what's the hold up? Cut through the door, blast through a wall...do something!"

"Carter, relax. They're going to be fine, we'll get them out of there in one piece."

Jack looked into the eyes of the woman who had unexpectedly become one of his very best friends; putting him at ease as only she could.

"How do you know?"

"Because I say so. Besides, they both know if they get hurt, after they heal, I'll kick their butts."

Jack couldn't help but smile. Jo was like a sister to him, and like family, they went through good and bad times, but in the end they were always there for each other.

"Sheriff Carter, quick. I was able to restore audio."

Jack scooted back over to Fargo's side excited that he could get audio confirmation.

"Allie, Zoë, can you hear me?"

At first there was no response, then suddenly coughing could be heard in the background.

"Dad! Dad, is that you?"

"Zoë! It's me Zoë. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Dad, just a few bumps and bruises. I think Tess is all right but we don't know about Lana."

Jack noticed she didn't mention Allison and panic promptly set in.

"Zoë...where's Allison?"

"She's alert Dad, but she's in labor and she trapped. You have to hurry!"

Jack turned to the group, unable to hide his alarm as it shone over his face. "Guys, we gotta move. Henry...?"

"Jack's right. We can't afford to wait any longer. The structure might collapse and I can't calculate how much time they have left."

At once they moved to action, all of them working with great fervor in an attempt to get to them as quickly as possible. Though it was not the optimal choice, they had to break through the doors and cut away at the fallen debris directly in it's path.

The minutes seemed to tick by slowly as a recuse team carved through the dense material. Once a space was large enough for a body to fit through, their safety gear in place, Jack, Jo and Andy raced inside. Straightaway, he felt a pair of small arms wrap around his waist as a sobbing Zoë clung to him. He had never been so happy to see her in all his life. He could hold tight to his little girl forever but he knew they had to complete the task at hand.

In one corner Jack saw Jo lift Tess's arm over her shoulder and help drag her out of the room. Andy tended to Lana who appeared unconscious, subsequently lifting her up and out into the hall to an awaiting medical team. Jack led Zoë out into the corridor, stumbling over wreckage in the process. Assured she would be okay, he handed her off to Jo and rushed back inside to aid Allison's. He struggled with all his might to lift the concrete barrier from her right side but realized it was to heavy for him to move on his own. He also knew they didn't have time to wait for them to bring in the pneumatic machinery and with each second her condition worsened.

The tears streaming down her cheek, she pleaded with him.

"Jack, you can't stay here. It's too dangerous."

"I am not leaving your side."

"Jack please, leave me. I've already ruined things by bringing this upon us. Don't let me make you a victim too."

Jack caressed her cheek as he stared into her deep brown eyes.

"You must not know me very well if you think I'd abandon you."

What was the matter with him? Did he have a death wish? She had to get him to understand the severity of their circumstances. It did no good for both of them to languish until help arrived for her. Mustering up as much force as she could, she bellowed at him.

"Dammit, Jack. Listen to me. I'd don't want you here. I can't let you make this sacrifice. Go. Now!"

She could see she'd hurt him. She thought he'd heed her request and reluctantly leave, but she should have known him better than that. The look in his eyes she'd taken as one stung by rejection, was in fact empathy. Then he smiled at her and all at once, she knew she would be safe.

"Now, you listen to me Allison Blake. No matter how much you yell or scream, I am never leaving your side. I love you and I'm staying."

It seemed there was nothing more she could do to convince him and without warning they heard a creak from above. Jack scurried back to the entrance as the evacuation team continued cutting away.

"Time's up!"

There was no way they could wait for the team to widen the hole. All eyes focused on Henry and despite it being the last thing he wanted to do, he made the tough decision.

Jack gestured toward the only one who could help them at the moment.

"Andy, we need you."

"You got it Boss."

Andy crossed back into the room and quickly assessed the area. Sure, Andy had a super computer for a brain, a plethora of gadgets embedded inside of him and an almost unlimited amount of strength. But all of that didn't mean he couldn't get harmed. The residents of Eureka treated Andy just like any other citizen and to put him in danger pained them as much as it would for any of his human counterparts.

Andy would be required to lift the obstruction and hold it until Jack could pull Allison to safety. As must as they wanted to wait for the mechanical lift to fit inside the entrance of the room, which would no doubt hold up the ceiling thereby allowing them to escape relatively intact, the clock had run out.

Seamlessly lifting with little effort, Andy elevated the beam just enough for Jack to extract Allison from under the pile and out of harms way. He swiftly hoisted her into his arms and onto an awaiting gurney. As soon as he laid her down, the beam collapsed, sealing off the room completely and not before sending a shock wave of dust through the former entrance.

Panic erupted at the realization that Andy had failed to escape in time. The realization that they had lost a friend hit them all.

"Andy!"

Jack called repeatedly for him, but he somehow he knew, it was too late.

He was torn. Running next to Allison as they wheeled her to the medical unit, his mind couldn't help but think of all the times he and Andy had spent together. Their initial trepidation at having to work with a robot, gradually evolved into a mutual respect for someone they all considered a friend. Losing Andy was a huge loss, but he had to focus on the now, and turned his attention back to Allison.

Upon reaching the infirmary, Allison saw that Grace had every set up in preparation for the delivery. The room had been cleared except for Grace, the medical team and Jack who refused to leave her. The delivery was hard on her. Along with dealing with the pain and trauma of the birth, she had an injury to anterior of her right forearm which complicated matters. She refused to be medicated, choosing to deliver naturally. She knew anything could go wrong at this point but wanted to be aware to all that was occurring. Thank God for Jack. He was encouraging, comforting and a source of strength she could rely on.

She had to express to him her regrets one last time. Just in case.

"Jack, I'm so sorry. I never wanted to involve Zoë. I never..."

He hushed her. "Zoë is fine. She's a tough kid and besides, right now I need you to focus so you can get better. You're not getting away form me that easily."

Jack coached her, remembering the Lamaze techniques which helped her to calm down. She was fully dilated, sweat dripping from her brow, she tried to coax the baby to move forward without further stress. Allison closed her eyes and pushed hard one last time, ushering the newborn out.

Hastily, Grace took hold of the baby and placed her in a warm blanket. Seconds slowly ticked by as Allison and Jack waited for her to wail.

"Jack? My baby."

Then they heard the most glorious sound ever.

Jack exited the room to a sea of eyes, all awaiting the hopefully good news. His smile said it all as the room erupted in uproarious cheers. Jenna Stark had entered the world.

Epilogue

Two weeks later, after the dust had settled, both literally and figuratively, things had finally gotten back to normal in the town of Eureka. The damage caused to the lab was unnoticeable. As suddenly as the accident destroyed the room, that was just how quickly they were able to repair the area. The space was reformed, using the endless supply of technology which actually ended up helping to usher in a new form of building material. Global Dynamics was back to business as usual...well, until the next incident anyway.

As for Andy, his injuries were not as severe as previously thought. Good old Andy had managed to learn a lot not only from his time spent in Eureka, but from his interactions with Sheriff Carter. Using past knowledge and a little Carter ingenuity, he was able to avoid the worst of it. And Andy in his delightfully indelible way said it best.

"Well, Boss, I've been through worse and after working with you and managing to find myself in quite a few jams, I can honestly say it doesn't compare."

Zoë on the other hand reveled in her instant notoriety. With her father being the Sheriff, not to mention the fact he was dating the head of Global Dynamics and she was best friends with the Deputy, she often found herself in thrown in a variety of unusual conditions. Luckily, the only remnants of her experience was a small gash on her forehead which she refused to have erased by GD's medical advancements and wore it proudly as a badge of honor.

Mercifully, Dr. Lana Quinn did survive, though barely. She lay unconscious for a week afterward in a private room under a cloud of mystery. Still not in the best shape herself, Allison and the baby remained in the hospital an additional five days and during that time, she made it a point to visit Lana on a daily basis and on Lana's eighth day, she regained consciousness. Allison didn't know if it was a blessing in disguise, but it appeared that Lana was unaware of how she had even come to Eureka, let alone been injured.

General Mansfield arrived a few days later after hearing of the incident and was intent on questioning everyone involved. Though Lana was unable to speak when he arrived, and with all honesty wouldn't have remembered anyway, the General began his questioning, which seemed more like interrogations.

He spoke to Henry, Fargo, Zane, and as many employees as he could, all of whom could truthfully state, they knew nothing of what went on. He then requested to talk to Jack and Jo, and when he couldn't garner the answers he desired, even after threatening them with a federal inquiry for obstructing an ongoing investigation, he requested the one person he knew couldn't like to him...Andy.

To Andy's credit, he didn't lie, but he sure didn't intend on getting his friends in trouble. The answers he gave the General were more evasive than truthful, thereby assuring their secret was kept. Only three other people knew exactly what had occurred in that room, and two of them weren't talking and not for lack of being persistently asked.

He spoke to Zoë, with Jack's permission and in his presence, but unfortunately he didn't know what he'd gotten himself into. Zoë, in usual fashion whilst in the presence of an authority figure, was sarcastic and defiant to the end, leaving the General more than a bit frustrated.

He spoke to Allison from her hospital bed. Once fearful of her job and reputation, she no longer cared what Mansfield thought of her. She would fight him and Tess to the bitter end and as far as her role in all this, she would not let Lana fall on the sword or take any blame for this. Did that mean she would confess? No. What she did do was give enough to satisfy the General until she was able to speak to Lana so that she would not condemn herself.

Their only worry was Tess, who was last to interview with Mansfield. A definite nail bitter, Tess and the General stayed secluded in Allison's office for well over an hour. It was hard not to worry about her fate, but Allison knew whatever happened, Jack would be there for her and later that evening, it looked as if their fates had been sealed.

On Allison's fourth day in the hospital, she had an unexpected visitor. As she lay, eyeing her newborn daughter in her bassinet next to her bed, a sheepish voice fractured the silence.

"She's beautiful Al."

Allison eased herself up to a seated position, instantly on the defensive. Apparently Tess took notice of her protective stance and raised her hands, palms facing up in contrition.

"I'm not here to fight with you Allison. I only wanted to tell you that I'll be leaving first thing in the morning."

Allison lowered her eyes, not sure to reply to her former friend.

"I...I don't know what to say. My behavior has been inexcusable and I know you'll never forgive me, I just ask that you never forget the good times we've had. I didn't tell Mansfield anything and as far as I'm concerned, this issue is closed."

Allison watched as Tess began to tear up.

"I know I don't deserve it, but if you could please see it in your heart to allow me to keep in contact with Kevin and get to know the baby, it would mean so much to me."

Allison was speechless. Here was Tess, once her best friend, now her enemy. Could they ever go back to what they had once shared? No. But maybe, just maybe, they could forge a new beginning. Allison wasn't a fool and she certainly couldn't promise something she wasn't sure she could deliver. What she could do was take small steps. She considered her request as Tess waited patiently for her decision. When none was forthcoming, she turned dejected.

"Tess, wait. We can try."

Tess appeared to be elated at the prospect and without another word, she was gone.

Allison just hoped she wasn't making a mistake. Besides, there still might be some good in her left.

For Jack, the events of the last year though fortuitous, gave him reason to be filled with gratitude. Somehow, Starks death, Allison's pregnancy, Tess's betrayal and the resulting fallout had somehow built a stronger bond between he and Allison. Presently Allison, Kevin and Jenna were back at their own home, but still under the watchful eye of Jack and Zoë, who'd begun acting more like a big sister to Kevin and Jenna than a mere good friend of the family. They had gotten back into a routine where Jack typically spent Saturday night with the three of them. Even though Zoë showed great maturity as of late, Jack preferred she stay over at Pillars those evenings. He still wasn't okay with leaving her alone. His acceptance of her more mature attitude only went so far.

On this night, Jack observed Allison from the bedroom doorway as she lay in bed, her back facing him. He had gone downstairs for a glass of water, stopping on the way back up to check in on Kevin and Jenna. As he stood there, happily viewing her, he wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't known first hand that she had given birth not long ago. Her gloriously wondrous curves, her silky soft skin, her firm, well toned body, showed no signs of recently being pregnant.

She stirred slightly, rolling over to see him staring at her.

"What are you doing?" She murmured sleepily.

"Enjoying the exquisite view."

"Well, don't just stand there looking. Why don't you touch?"

Jack happily obliged as he crawled in next to her, as she snuggled close to him, her head buried in his chest. They stayed up late into the night, talking about their hopes and dreams, their pasts, present and future, then made love until the morning light.

And at last, they had found peace.

FIN