Zane was sitting in another lab at GD. He had left the infirmary a few hours ago. News about the successful test run of his converter had spread, but Zane couldn't celebrate with them. Instead, he spent his day trying to focus on anything to keep his mind from the event that conspired this morning.

He sat at a desk, staring at his laptop. On the screen was an unfinished email he'd been writing for the past few weeks. It was for Zoe. Zane had nearly completely the letter, but he couldn't find any reason to send it to her, even now.

Zane spun the flash drive in his hand. Carter had given it to him after he left the infirmary. It was from his future self. Zane looked at the small device, unsure whether to load it on his computer.

Zane inserted the flash drive into his laptop and waited for it to load up. There was only one file on the device, a video file. Zane selected the video and watched it. Zane's future self appeared on the screen.

"Hey Jo. If you're watching this then a lots happened."

Zane frowned. This wasn't for him. Carter had given him the wrong drive.

"I know things don't make a lot of sense right now, but I'll try to clear a few things up. In my time, on November second. The conversion test wasn't successful. It worked yeah, but it wasn't worth the price paid. The positronic lightning tripped the main grid and GD had to evacuate. Being my typical, arrogant self, I stayed behind to fix the problem. But I didn't expect you to come after me. You tried to get me out, but I wouldn't leave until I fixed the problem.

"As a result, I lost my leg and you…you died. I can understand your disbelief of my explanation, but at the end of this, I added security footage of the incident. That is, if you have the stomach to watch it. It was hell to live through, watching it isn't much better."

Zane leaned closer to the screen. He couldn't help but what the video.

"Anyway. After your…death, I couldn't live with myself knowing that I was the reason you were gone. Yeah I know, hard to believe I'd care about you after everything I said to you that day. But I never meant anything by it. You're a hardass, sure. But there are times when you think no one's looking and you let that mask fall. That part has always caught me off guard. That's what I've always loved about you. I wish I could have told you this in person, before you died. But if he's me then maybe he'll tell you how he feels.

"And about my grandmother's ring. I know you never told me how you got it, and I'm sorry for pushing you so hard. But I won't ever apologize for that kiss. That's the best memory of you that I take to my grave. Good bye Jojo."

Zane's face faded away. Suddenly the security video played on his laptop. Zane watched as ten times as many positronic lightning burst from the conductors as they had here. He watched as the main grid dropped and backup lights engaged. Jo entered his lab, trying o drag him from the converter. He fought with her until he'd finished the adjustments. They ran for the door. Then suddenly, a bolt hit Zane. He watch as Jo turned to come back for him. Suddenly a bolt of energy burst from the machine, hitting Jo.

Zane held his head up in his hand. He couldn't believe what he was watching.

Jo jerked as the bolt shot through her chest. He watched as he crawled to Jo's side. He lifted her into his arms, trying to keep her alive. Jo fell limp against Zane's chest. Then the video ended.

Zane closed his laptop and closed his eyes. Tears fell from his eyes. Zane quickly wiped them before anyone noticed. He took a deep breath trying to control himself. After watching what had happened today and seeing what could have happened to Jo, Zane couldn't ignore this anymore.

Zane opened up his laptop and read over the letter he'd written to Zoe.

Dear Zoe,

I know I don't usually email you while you're at school, but I needed to send this. I'd prefer to tell you this personally, but you're next break isn't close and I can't fly to Harvard.

Zoe, this relationship isn't working for us. No, it's not the distance, but the fact that…you and I have nothing in common. Don't get me wrong, spending time with you was great. But I can't keep lying to you anymore. We're too different, Zoe. If we keep this up, we're just kidding ourselves.

I know this isn't faire to you and I hope that you can forgive for doing this. But you're young. And if any of those Harvard guys have half the brains are you do, they'll see a brilliant, beautiful young woman. In time, you'll forget me. You'll forget about our short, but fun relationship, and you won't give a damn about me.

Zane placed his fingers on the keyboard and finished the letter.

I'm sorry Zoe. Take care at school.

Zane

Zane sent the message and exhaled. Zane removed the flash drive and shut down his computer. Home sounded good. After a day like today, he was clocking out early. Rules be damned today. He doubted Jo was going to do anything to stop. Actually, Zane wouldn't be surprised if she joined him. Zane rose from the desk and headed for the door. As he left the lab, a thought crossed Zane's mind. If he held Jo's message, what were the chances that Jo had his message?