Carter finally lifted lockdown around 7a. They had been up all night filling out and filing reports, recording and organizing evidence, and deciding what they were going to provide the UN advisor with as a starting point. Hayley and Billy had gone down when the lockdown lifted to see to getting their girls up for the day—if they weren't already up and terrorizing Zach, Kim, and Jake. Hayley was going to bring breakfast up to the office in a little while.

"I've asked everyone to please not come rushing up here," Tommy said after he sent out the message.

"Yeah, because that's gonna stop your friends," Ryan snorted. "Let alone your wife."

Tommy sighed. He was counting on Billy to stall Kim. And he knew Rocky would go see Adam and Jason first since Rocky would understand more of what he was working on.

"I can lock the door," Trini offered.

"Tempting," Tommy said. "But the ones you should be most concerned about aren't going to be stopped by a door—like my wife?"

"Yeah, don't lock that yet," Ryan said. "Wait til Kat is in—then lock the door."

Tommy rolled his eyes.

"The door won't stop the other four either, Ryan," he pointed out.

"Right. Trent. Guess we don't bother then."

Shaking his head, Tommy shifted things around as he got comfortable. He knew it wouldn't be long now before Kat was up here. And he was right. It was only a few minutes later that the door opened and Kat rushed in.

"Tommy!" she exclaimed, rushing over to him.

He had pushed the wheelchair back from the desk the moment the door opened. No one got in the way as she raced around the desk. JJ was following her closely. Getting around the desk, Kat threw her arms around Tommy. He caught her, pulling her into a tight hug as she clung to him.

"I'm ok," he said soothingly. "I'm ok."

JJ stared at Tommy, shifting nervously in place as he hesitated. Smiling over Kat's head, Tommy reached out a hand to tug JJ into a hug, too.

"Are you sure you're ok, dad?" JJ mumbled against his shoulder.

"I'm fine, kiddo," he said. "I'm sorry I scared you both again. But everything is going to be ok now."

He held them both tightly for a few more minutes as the rest of the group in the room spoke quietly about general plans for the day. When Kat finally pulled back, she froze in place.

"Tommy, what is this?" she asked, tugging on the neck of his shirt. "What happened?"

"Just some bruises," he said quickly, glancing at JJ. "I'll explain more later, ok?"

"Tommy…" Kat frowned.

"I'm fine," he said, then it was his turn to pause. "Kat…where are they?"

None of the Dinos had followed Kat into the room and that concerned him a little. They wouldn't have been that far behind Kat.

"They stopped in the hallway to talk with the Ninjas," she answered, knowing exactly who he meant.

"Oh boy," Tommy grimaced, rubbing a hand over his face.

The Ninjas would tell the Dinos everything now that they weren't processing statements. The door bursting open a moment later proved that point. Conner and the other four practically tumbled into the room. Everyone turned to look in surprise. Tommy just sighed.

"He tried to strangle you?" Conner half shouted.

He was not happy. Tommy grimaced as Kat whipped back around.

"And there it is…" Tommy sighed.

"What does he mean?" Kat demanded. "I thought he just shoved you down the stairs."

"He did," Tommy said. "But he didn't just sneak up behind me and shove me…"

Kat scowled, leaning closer as she inspected his neck. JJ was staring at him with wide eyes now. Tommy winced as Kat prodded at his neck. Catching her hands, he pulled them away and held them.

"Kat, I'm fine," he said. "Dana made sure. Alright? I'm fine. It's just bruises."

He shot the Dinos a look as he spoke. Conner and the rest of the group just scowled back. They didn't like that answer any more than Kat did.

"I'm serious," he said. "I'm going to be sore and have some nasty bruises, but I'm going to be fine. However, it does hurt…"

He added the last part, looking pointedly at Kat.

"So, if you could not touch…" he asked.

"Sorry…" Kat said sheepishly.

He smiled, resting his forehead against hers for a moment.

"You should go eat breakfast," he murmured. "Because I can pretty much guarantee you didn't yet."

Kat sighed as he pulled back.

"No," she admitted. "None of us have…"

Tommy raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Conner.

"Except Conner," Trent said. "We made sure he ate while we were waiting. We've all been up since the lockdown went into effect…"

Tommy sighed.

"Alright, all of you go eat," he ordered. "You need food and probably some sleep."

Kat frowned.

"And so do you," she retorted. "Tommy, you were still recovering and now you've been attacked—again."

"And I'm going to eat as soon as Hayley gets back up here," he promised. "And I will sleep tonight. But I can't just leave all of this for later."

"I know, but—"

"Go eat," Tommy interrupted. "And I promise I will come eat lunch in the suite with you. Ok?"

Kat scowled.

"Please?" Tommy asked.

Sighing, Kat conceded.

"Alright," she said. "But don't forget—lunch. We will all be waiting for you."

He smiled, giving her a kiss.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you, too," she said, straightening up. "Come on, JJ."

She put her arm around his shoulders to usher him toward the door.

"Take them, too," Tommy reminded her, pointing at the Dinos. "Oh. And take the Ninjas with you. They need real food, too. If they're still being paranoid remind them Ryan isn't letting me out of his sight anytime soon."

Kat shook her head but shooed the Dinos out ahead of her and JJ. Once they were gone, Tommy turned back to the computer.

"Ok," he said. "What's next?"

"You can't keep us here!" Christine shrieked. "Let us out! We haven't done anything!"

In the adjoining cell, Will was shouting essentially the same things. One of the SPD officers had come with trays for each of them for breakfast and was placing them in the cells. The siblings had been shouting at anyone who came in earshot since they were locked up.

"Settle down," the officer said firmly. "I don't care what your complaints are. So shut up and eat or I'll just take it back with me."

"I want my phone call and a lawyer!" Christine demanded in return. "Right now! You are depriving us of our rights as American citizens!"

The officer rolled his eyes and sighed.

"I've told you this several times," he said irritably. "You are not on American soil. You do not get a phone call. However, there will be someone coming from the UN to talk to you—"

"It better be a lawyer," Will snarled.

"We're going to sue all of you!" Christine exclaimed.

The officer sighed again, shaking his head.

"The representative will talk to you," he said again. "However, I can't tell you how soon they'll get here. That's up to them. So, in the meantime, you need to stop the yelling. And if you don't shut up, we're just going to lock the door at the end of the hall and mute the camera feed so we don't have to listen. Got it?"

The siblings scowled but the officer wasn't waiting for an actual answer. Turning, he headed back out of the corridor and shut the door behind them.

"Welcome to Mariner Bay and the Power Ranger embassy. I am here as your escort. Do you have all of your things?"

It was late morning now and Harold Sullivan, the advisor sent by the US member of the UN's Power Ranger committee, had just arrived at the base. One of the embassy staff had been sent to meet him since the rangers were all busy with other things. They were currently on more public levels of the base above ground.

"I do," Sullivan said. "Now—when am I meeting with my clients?"

The staffer motioned for him to follow as they answered. He led the way toward an elevator.

"They will be available to you this afternoon," he answered. "Commander Grayson and Ambassador Kwan thought you would want time to get settled and go over everything before meeting with them."

"Of course," Sullivan said. "Now if you could take me to see them—"

"I'm sorry, but they are currently in a meeting," the staffer told him as he closed the elevator. "I was given directions to take you to—"

"Nonsense," Sullivan interrupted. "I was sent here to settle things with the Rangers and I'm not going to be able to do that if I'm shoved into a room and ignored. I insist you take me to see the Ambassador and this Commander Grayson—I'm assuming he's the one in charge of this base?"

"He is…" he sighed.

"So, take me to them," Sullivan demanded. "Or do I already need to start making phone calls?"

He pressed his lips together, looking at Sullivan in irritation.

"Fine," he said stiffly. "But I'm warning you, they are not going to like being interrupted."

Hitting a different button on the elevator panel, they were both silent as it moved down several levels. When it stopped, the staffer opened the elevator and they both stepped out.

"This way."

Sullivan glanced around, curious about where they were. And then confused when he glanced into several open rooms across the hall and saw what looked like medical equipment.

"Where are we?" he asked.

"Medical," he answered. "As I said, Commander Grayson and Ambassador Kwan are in a meeting. Situations necessitated it be held here."

"Situations?" Sullivan repeated.

"Here we are," the staffer said without answering.

He knocked lightly on the door and waited patiently for an answer. But when the door opened a moment later, Sullivan shoved his way in front.

"Commander Grayson?" he said, looking at the man who had answered the door.

"Nope," he answered. "Try Ryan—Lightspeed Titanium. Can I help you?"

Behind Ryan, Sullivan could see a few other people sitting around the desk in the room. There were two men and a woman. He assumed the woman was the ambassador—which meant one of the other men was Commander Grayson. He wasn't sure who the other would be.

"I need to speak—" Sullivan demanded as he tried to step in the room.

"Nope," Ryan interrupted, crossing his arms. "I don't know you. Now what does he want and how did he get down here?"

He looked over at the staffer as he spoke.

"I'm Harold Sullivan," Sullivan huffed. "And I'm here—"

"Eh," Ryan interrupted, holding up a hand. "No. I'll come back to you in a minute."

"Sorry, sir," the staffer sighed. "He insisted I bring him straight to the Commander and Ambassador. And threatened calls to the UN if I didn't."

"Of course, he did. Ryan, I'll handle him."

The woman in the room had joined Ryan. Sullivan recognized her now. She was indeed the ranger ambassador. The man sitting behind the desk had looked up, scowling in his direction. The other man, who appeared to be sitting in a wheelchair of all things, kept his back to the door. He was likely the reason why they were meeting on the medical floor instead of in an actual office.

"Ambassador Kwan," he said quickly, holding out a hand. "I'm Harold Sullivan, the advisor sent by—"

"I know who you are," she interrupted, eying his hand but not taking it. "What I don't understand is why you are down here instead of in the office we set aside for you."

Sullivan frowned, dropping his hand.

"Waiting in a room isn't going to help me help my clients," he said. "Now, if I could sit down with you all and get the reports from you so we can—"

"No," Trini said firmly. "You may not."

"What?" Sullivan frowned.

"You will not be sitting down with us," she said. "The Commander and I are in a meeting. As I'm sure you have been told several times."

The staffer nodded in agreement.

"As for reports," she continued without letting Sullivan answer. "You will get access in due time. For right now, however, you are going to follow your escort to your assigned office and you will wait there for me. As agreed when we agreed to allow you on this base. Understood?"

"I—" he tried to protest.

"Go on," she said.

Without waiting for an answer, she spun and headed back to her seat. Ryan shifted back to block Sullivan from trying to follow.

"Bye bye," Ryan grinned, shutting the door in his face.

Sullivan stared at it for a moment in shock.

"This way, sir," the staffer said, a slightly amused look on his face.

Scowling, Sullivan turned to follow him back to the elevator.

Sighing, Trini stopped in front of the door and double checked to make sure she had everything. She had no intention of making a second trip to visit the UN advisor that afternoon. Not with the red meeting coming up and still so much to get organized. She still hadn't even given Tommy a final list of the rangers she was going to suggest attend the committee address in person. Or eaten lunch.

"Ryan, is this really necessary?" she asked, glancing back at him before she knocked.

"Yes," he answered. "I'm not letting you be alone with this guy. We have no idea who he is other than the US sent him to try and convince us those two are innocent. Plus, he already tried shoving his way in where he didn't belong. He needs a reminder that you are our Ambassador. That it's not just a title."

Trini sighed.

"But two of you?" she asked, gesturing at Joel standing next to him.

"He wanted backup," Joel grinned.

"Just—let me do the talking please," Trini sighed.

Shaking her head, she knocked on the door lightly and then let herself in. Ryan and Joel followed her in, stopping by the door as they glanced around the room. Their gazes settled on the advisor where he was sitting at the table. Trini ignored them.

"Good morning, Mr. Sullivan," she said, breezing into the room without a pause. "I don't believe I introduced myself earlier, but I am Ambassador Trini Kwan. I represent the Power Rangers."

He was looking at her in surprise. Apparently, he hadn't expected her to interrupt him like he had tried to interrupt them. Or for anyone to be with her from the look he gave the two rangers behind her, especially Ryan.

"Harold Sullivan, Ambassador," he said quickly, recovering as he got to his feet and held out a hand. "I wasn't expecting you yet—or your escorts."

Trini, who's arms were full of folders, raised an eyebrow and he dropped his hand.

"Ryan and Joel are my current bodyguards," she said as explanation. "You met Ryan earlier when you tried to barge in on our meeting. Joel is Lightspeed green."

"Good morning," Sullivan said, turning to the two men.

Neither one spoke. They just glared at him.

"Ok…" Sullivan said, looking back at Trini.

Turning to the table, Trini had started setting things down as she explained what it was she had brought.

"These folders contain information on the crimes the siblings committed while here on our base as well as against rangers or attachments off-base," she said. "It includes a list of victims and witnesses who will be testifying for the committee hearing. We will be recording these testimonies rather than having any of them testify live as it has been a rather traumatic experience for all of us involved. As well as necessary for the intergalactic court so no one has to travel."

"What?" he frowned.

"Video testimonies, Advisor," she said. "Moving on. I put the list of names on top. The information given by each name is all you are going to be given on their identities. The rest is all basics on what happened and who was involved. That should be plenty to help you talk through the—incidents—with your clients."

Setting all of that in one pile, she paused.

"Now, we will begin recording testimonies in the morning," she continued briskly. "So, if you have any questions for the witnesses or victims we need them by 9a sharp or they will not be included. As a reminder, though we do not directly subscribe to the fifth amendment of the US constitution, we still have the right to refuse to answer any questions we deem unnecessary or out of line. So, keep that in mind."

Sullivan frowned again, starting to reach for the small pile of folders she had set down.

"Hold on, we're not done," Trini said, raising an eyebrow.

He stopped, pulling back his hand.

"This packet," she said, setting it on top of the folders. "This is a copy of our code of conduct and rules for the embassy. The same one which your escort would have gone over with you before he left you here. It is also posted for reference in the room where you will be staying and can be repeated to you at any time by any staff member upon request. Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse, so make sure you understand what is expected of you as a guest in our space."

Grabbing the last item from under her arm, she held it up.

"And this," she said with a slight smirk. "Is from Commander Cruger."

"What is that?" Sullivan asked, eying the thick document.

"It is a copy of the intergalactic laws that we and SPD adhere to," she said. "And what we will be referencing when discussing our intentions toward the criminals. We wanted you to be aware."

"So, you expect me to become an expert in intergalactic law overnight?" he scoffed.

"No," she said shortly. "We expect that you skim the appropriate sections based on the information you have been given. Tabs have been placed for your convenience. Most of the laws do align with those of the US in common situations. And, yes, assault and attempted murder are covered quite thoroughly. Any questions?"

Now she let him take the pile from in front of her. It was silent for a few minutes as he glanced through the folder.

"This isn't a lot to work with," he said shortly.

Trini raised an eyebrow.

"You will also be given copies of the testimonies after we are done recording them," she said. "As well as copies of witness statements to go along with them."

"And why can't I just speak with them in person in front of the UN?" he asked irritably.

Ryan and Joel shifted in place at the tone in his voice and Sullivan stopped, looking over at them.

"I apologize for the tone," he said quickly. "But the question still stands."

"Because not all involved are rangers and this is not a trial," Trini said. "And, again, it has been a traumatic experience and we have no desire to force people to stand up in front of the committee in front of the people responsible for their pain. Video testimonies can be recorded in a space where they feel safe and able to answer without pressure from unwelcome sources. That is why we choose that route."

He muttered to himself but didn't argue as he set that down and thumbed through the document on intergalactic law.

"Alright," he sighed a moment later. "One last question to satisfy my curiosity."

"And that would be?" she sighed.

"Other than when you introduced yourself, you've spoken as we rather than I," he said. "I was under the impression that you were the Ambassador for the Power Rangers—not one of them."

"Need a refresh on the rules already?" Ryan interrupted with a scowl as he and Joel moved to stand closer to Trini.

"Excuse me?" Sullivan frowned, looking at them a little nervously.

"The rule that says asking questions on someone's identity as a ranger or non-ranger is strictly forbidden?" Joel said. "And one that if you break can get you kicked off base with no questions asked?"

"Or worse," Ryan said, crossing his arms. "Depending on how far you break that rule."

"Oh, I—well…" Sullivan stammered.

"Let it be," Trini said, looking at the two rangers with some exasperation.

Then she turned back to Sullivan.

"I am their Ambassador," she answered. "An ambassador for a group of people who value their privacy. To that end, they rarely speak in front of others as we all know there are those in the UN who wouldn't be above the use of voice recognition to try and get around the helmets to their identities. So, as their Ambassador, I am also their Voice, Mr. Sullivan. When I address the committee, I do so with their words. And the rangers are not one individual, but many. Hence the 'we'. Do you understand?"

He nodded slowly as he digested that information. He was still eying the two rangers nervously. Neither one was even pretending to play nice as they scowled at him.

"Now, one last thing to be aware of," Trini said as she turned to go. "I myself am friends with most of those involved. So, yes, I am a bit biased. However…"

She paused when she reached the door, looking back at him over her shoulder. Joel and Ryan flanked her now, keeping themselves between her and him.

"You will still be given every opportunity to explain away your clients' behavior in front of the committee," she said. "Simply do not expect sympathy from myself or any of the rangers. Now. I have other things that need my attention, so have a good day. If there is anything else you need, simply reach out through normal channels and we will get back to you as soon as possible."

Without waiting for a response, Trini left the room with Joel and Ryan right behind her. She waited until they got to the elevator before she rounded on them.

"You just can't help yourselves, can you?" she scolded.

"What?" Ryan protested, snickering a little. "Trini, come on. You saw the look on his face. He was definitely expecting to have a chance to argue with you."

"Now he'll think twice," Joel grinned. "Since he knows rangers take turns as your bodyguards."

Trini rolled her eyes, slapping her hand on the panel.

"He's not going anywhere, guys," she said. "So, let's try to play nice while he's here. He has zero chance of winning any argument he makes anyways."

"Fine…" Ryan grumbled. "But if he sets one more toe out of line—"

"You let me handle him," Trini interrupted. "Now, go away. I have things to do and they don't involve you two following me around all day."

"Tommy? Tommy!"

Tommy's head shot up and he turned to look at Carter.

"I'm sorry, what?" he asked.

Carter sighed.

"I've been trying to get your attention for several minutes now," Carter said. "So, I think it's time to call it."

"Call what?" Tommy frowned.

Shaking his head, Carter stood and took the tablet from Tommy.

"Carter, what are you doing?" Tommy asked, stifling a yawn.

"What I should have done at least an hour ago," Carter answered.

He walked around Tommy's chair, grabbing the handles and turning him.

"Now, you promised your family you would have lunch with them, so you are going to have lunch with them," Carter said as he pushed Tommy out of the office and headed toward the elevator.

"Wait, let me take the tabl—"

"Nope," Carter interrupted. "It can either wait or I'll take care of it. I only did your job for a few days and I wanted to rip my hair out. You really do need to take a break once in a while."

Tommy snorted as he glanced over his shoulder at Carter. But he was too tired at this point to argue. When they got to the Command suite a few minutes later, Carter stopped in surprise with Tommy just inside the door. The suite was crowded. Most of the rangers were crowded in there with their kids. Which meant it was also loud. However, once someone noticed Carter standing with Tommy all of the attention shifted.

"Tommy!" Kim exclaimed, rushing over to give him a hug. "You're ok!"

"I've been saying that all day, Kim," he sighed.

But he did give her a hug. The rest of the originals who hadn't seen him yet came crowding around. Jason and Adam were the only ones missing. Tommy guessed Adam had stayed with Jason who still hadn't been released by Dana. The adults were followed very quickly by all of the kids, several who tried to climb on Tommy's lap as they all asked questions. Kat watched in amusement for a few minutes before she interrupted.

"Alright!" she said, clapping loudly to catch their attention. "If this is not your suite, then you need to leave."

Everyone had turned to look when she clapped. There was some hesitation around the room. No one really wanted to leave.

"Well, technically this isn't their suite, either," Blake said, pointing at the Dinos. "So are you sending them with us?"

"No!" the Dinos protested in unison.

Kat rolled her eyes.

"Breathe," she told them. "Fine, Blake. If your handprint does not unlock that door—then get out. Do not make me go Ninjetti on you all."

"Hey!" Kim protested. "I gave those to you!"

"Ok," Kat said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow. "Then don't make me go evil on you."

Tommy shook his head, but that got the reaction Kat wanted.

"And she's serious," Rocky said. "Time to go!"

"But Dr. O!" the Ninjas protested.

He shook his head.

"I'm not having that argument," he said. "She could easily kick my butt right now. So do what she says."

There were more grumbles, but they all started grabbing their shoes and their kids. The volume change in the living room had finally gotten JJ's attention. He poked his head out of his room. When JJ saw Tommy, he threw the door open the rest of the way.

"Dad!" he shouted, racing across the room.

Everyone just got out of his way as they continued to head out the door. Marc trailed behind him, looking around in confusion.

"Wait!" Kim exclaimed, trying to push back through the crowd trying to leave. "I need Marc! I'm supposed to take him to Jason!"

Hunter solved the problem for her. He darted around people and scooped the teenager up, throwing him over his shoulder as he protested.

"Hey!" Marc exclaimed. "Hunter! I'm not a damsel."

"Trust me, kid," Hunter snorted, heading for the door with him. "Damsels don't just let you pick them up. And they don't stay still."

"And you should never assume a damsel is actually in distress and that she needs your help," Tori added, shooting a glare at Dustin.

The Ninjas were the last group leaving the room.

"It was one time!" Dustin protested. "And I was trying to help!"

"And we both nearly drowned, didn't we?" Tori shot back as the door shut behind them.

Tommy was shaking his head. Kat walked over now that the crowd was gone. Leaning over, she gave him a kiss before she grabbed his hand to tug him out of the chair.

"Lunch is just about ready," she said. "So come eat."

He let her pull him into the kitchen. The Dinos had already gone that way, setting the table and grabbing things for everyone. JJ bounced along behind Tommy. Kira and Krista both took the opportunity to give Tommy a hug now that the crowd was gone and they weren't fighting the group.

"Glad you're alright, Dr. O," Ethan said as Tommy sat. "You kind of freaked us out a little."

"Not my intention," Tommy sighed.

"We know," Trent said, dropping into his seat. "It was still a very long night."

Everyone crowded in at the table to eat. They'd only been sitting down for a few minutes when Tommy's, Conner's, and the ranger phone all went off. Tommy ignored his since Conner was already picking his up and he figured it was the same message. Conner snorted when he read the message.

"What is it?" Ethan asked, leaning over to look.

Conner pushed the phone to him and picked his fork back up to go back to his lunch. Ethan shook his head as he read the text.

Carter: Control your teams. Leadership is going through a lot right now. Only call or message the ranger phone in an actual emergency.

Tommy reached over and grabbed Conner's phone from Ethan rather than take the other one out. Reading the message, he chuckled and went back to his lunch. Kat snagged it next, handing the phone back to Conner when she was done.

"Oh, good," Kat said. "He's thinking it through this time. Telling them to take it easy instead of taking anything away."

After they finished eating, JJ hovered nervously around Tommy. He was afraid Tommy was just going to take off again now that lunch was over. But Tommy stalled, still sitting at the kitchen table. He had things he should be doing, but he really didn't want to leave yet. Kat smiled to herself, recognizing his internal battle.

"Tommy?" she said, catching his attention. "I know there are things you need to help with, but why don't you relax and watch a movie with everyone before you leave?"

Tommy nodded slowly as JJ grinned in excitement.

"I'll pick a movie!" he shouted, bolting away.

"You'll both feel better," Kat said quietly to Tommy, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

A little while later, the entire group was comfortable in the living room as JJ started the movie. Tommy was on the couch with Kat on one side and JJ on the other. Conner had snagged the other end of the couch since getting up off the floor was a challenge with his arm. Krista sat on the floor, leaning against the couch between his legs. Kira and Trent were sharing an oversized armchair while Ethan just sprawled out on the floor with his computer in front of him. Once everyone was settled, Kat played the movie.

"Knock first!" Tanya called ahead to the kids.

Lilla and Jazz were dragging Marc down the hallway with them as they skipped toward Adam's room. They were heading to visit Jason and Adam, who were still in their room on the medical floor. Adam wanted to see the girls and had told Tanya Jason should probably have a chance to talk to Marc about what had happened the night before.

"Ok, mommy!" Jazz called back, giggling.

Ahead of Tanya, they reached the room first. The girls knocked, waiting for an answer before darting inside. Marc followed them. Tanya wasn't far behind. Inside, the twins were chatting excitedly with Adam as he smiled. Lilla had crawled up onto the bed with him and Jazz was bouncing next to him. Marc looked surprised to see Jason in the room.

"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" Tanya asked, walking over to give Adam a kiss.

"A little tired," he admitted, standing up with Lilla. "And hungry. You girls want to go find a snack?"

"Yes!" the twins exclaimed.

Laughing, Adam took Jazz's hand and headed out of the room with Tanya and the girls. Marc waved at the twins before grabbing a chair to sit with Jason.

"Dad, why did you switch rooms?" Marc asked, frowning. "Or are you just keeping Adam company for a while?"

"Actually, I've been staying here at night," Jason admitted, rubbing the back of his head.

"Why?" Marc asked. "Why stay here at night instead of the room you share with Tommy? That seems like a lot of extra moving."

Jason sighed.

"Well, yes…" he agreed. "But I needed to for my safety."

Marc frowned.

"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked.

Jason took a deep breath.

"Marc, there's something I have to tell you," Jason said. "And…well, if you're upset or confused I understand. Just please hear me out all the way before you say anything or leave or—"

"Dad, you're scaring me a little," Marc interrupted.

Jason winced, hesitating. Marc watched him expectantly.

"Alright…" Jason sighed. "So, you know with everything going on and me getting sick before that…well, weird things have been happening."

"Duh," Marc said. "Kind of hard not to notice, dad. I'm not two. Just tell me."

Jason nodded, taking another deep breath.

"Ok, you know your mom and I have been having some issues, right?"

Marc raised an eyebrow.

"Dad, everyone has been having issues with mom," he pointed out. "You, your friends, the rangers, me—literally everyone."

Jason frowned.

"You?" he said. "What do you mean? Your mom was supposed to be staying away from you. Did something else happen?"

"Don't try to change the subject," Marc said quickly. "What were you talking about?"

Jason eyed him for a moment. But no one had said anything about Christine and Marc—and Tommy had promised they were watching—so he let it go for the moment.

"Your mom was arrested by the rangers last night," Jason finally admitted.

Marc stared at him in shock for a moment.

"Dad, did she try and hurt someone?" he finally exclaimed. "You're ok, right?"

"I'm fine," Jason quickly assured him. "She didn't get anywhere near me."

"Ok, then what happened?" Marc demanded. "They wouldn't have arrested her if she didn't try to—wait! Is everyone else alright? What about your friends?"

Jason smiled faintly at Marc's immediate concern for his friends.

"Everyone is going to be alright," Jason said.

"Going to be?" Marc exclaimed. "What did she do?"

Jason sighed.

"Your mom and your uncle—"

"They arrested Uncle Will, too?"

"Marc, he—"

"It's about time," Marc said matter-of-factly.

Jason stared at him, but Marc just rolled his eyes.

"Come on, dad," he said drily. "Uncle Will was into all sorts of illegal things. Frankly, I'm surprised he's never been arrested before."

He paused.

"Actually, I'm surprised you didn't kill him when you found out he had me drive him home when he was too drunk to drive—"

"What?" Jason exclaimed.

Marc blinked and then gave Jason a sheepish grin.

"Right," he said. "I didn't tell you. I told Tommy…oops…"

Jason frowned.

"Tommy didn't say—never mind," Jason muttered. "I'll deal with Tommy later. Yes. Your uncle was also arrested."

Marc nodded.

"So, what exactly did they do that actually got them arrested?" Marc asked. "And by rangers of all people. They had to have really screwed up to be arrested by them and not regular police."

"Well…" Jason said slowly. "They made a plan—which was overheard by several of the rangers… they were—well, they were plotting to try and kill me and Tommy. Which is part of why I've been sleeping in this room and why we've had guards like the Ninjas."

Marc didn't say anything for a moment, staring at Jason. Jason watched him closely, trying to gauge his reaction.

"Well, the guards make more sense now," Marc said after a moment, nodding.

Then something occurred to him, and his eyes widened.

"Wait," he exclaimed. "You said they didn't get near you. But what about Tommy? Is that why JJ was so freaked out? He didn't want to talk about it. He just kept saying his dad was fine. Is he—"

"Marc, Tommy is going to be fine," Jason said in assurance, shooting Tommy a quick text. "But your uncle and mom…they tried to strangle him and push him down the stairs."

Marc's eyes were wide now.

"The Ninjas got to him in time," Jason added quickly. "And they intervened before they could do anything to anyone else, like me."

Marc nodded slowly.

"I guess he looked alright when he got to the suite…" he admitted. "But no one was saying anything and…I didn't get a chance to talk to him…"

Marc sighed. Jason glanced down at his phone, frowning when there was still no answer from Tommy. Not wanting to freak Marc out if Tommy was in the middle of something, Jason tried a different approach.

Jason: Kat is Tommy still with you? Marc wants to talk him and he isn't answering my texts. I don't want to interrupt if he's with Carter but Marc is a little freaked out about what happened.

There was only a brief pause before Jason got an answer. Kat sent a picture. Tommy was asleep on the couch with JJ sprawled over him. Jason chuckled.

"You'll have to wait to talk to Tommy," he told Marc. "He's a little busy right now."

"What?" Marc frowned.

Jason handed him his phone so Marc could see the picture. Marc snickered.

"Should someone tell Tommy JJ is drooling on his shirt?" he smirked.

"I don't think he cares right now," Jason said drily, taking back his phone.

The door opened and they both glanced up. Adam and Tanya walked back in with the twins.

"Marc!" Jazz exclaimed. "We brought you a snack!"

The girls skipped over, offering Marc the cookie they had brought him.

"We picked it out," Lilla beamed.

Marc smiled as he took it.

"It's almost dinnertime," Jason pointed out.

"One cookie isn't going to ruin dinner, dad," Marc said, taking a bite. "And dinner isn't actually for hours. So, that argument doesn't work."

Jason shook his head. But before he could say anything else about dinner, the door opened again and Dana hurried in.

"Oh, good," she smiled. "You have visitors. Hi, Tanya. Hi, kids."

Marc and the girls echoed the hello.

"Dana, I wanted to talk to you," Jason said. "I'd like to go back to my suite with Marc instead of staying here."

"Nope," Dana said immediately.

Jason frowned.

"But there—"

"No," Dana said firmly. "You are still recovering and I am not releasing you after the stress of last night. Tommy has already disappeared again and Conner is running wild around the base. I'm going to hold on to at least the two of you to make sure you aren't pushing yourselves. Now…"

She looked between Adam and Jason.

"I have a few things to take care of and then I'll be back to make sure you both get dinner in a couple of hours," she said. "Stay here."

Jason scowled but Dana just turned and left the room. Shaking his head, Jason turned to look at Adam.

"Are we really going to listen to her at this point?" he muttered.

"Let it go, Jason," Adam said, pulling out his phone. "You should know there's no point in arguing with her."

He started texting as Jason scowled at him now.

"Relax, Jason," Tanya said with an amused smile, watching Adam type out his message over his shoulder. "She won't keep you forever. Now."

She turned to the kids.

"You three are coming with me," she said.

"Wait—what?" Marc frowned. "Can't I stay here?"

"Nope," Tanya said. "You are coming to have a late lunch with me and the girls and everyone else in our suite. So, let's go. Maybe you can come back after food."

Marc grumbled but allowed himself to be ushered out of the room with the girls.

The SPD officers sighed as they tried to tune out the siblings. They were currently escorting them to the Command floor of the Ranger levels. Christine and Will were continuing the protests they'd been making since last night—loudly.

"I demand you release us!" Christine was shouting. "You are violating our rights! This is abuse!"

"You've all broken laws," Will growled, struggling. "We should be released on principal!"

"I'm going to sue all of you!" Christine screamed. "You'll lose your jobs and I'll make sure your faces are plastered all over the news!"

"We haven't even been allowed to call a lawyer!"

Continuing to try and ignore them, the SPD officers dragged the siblings out of the elevator and down the hall. Reaching the room that was their goal, they paused to open the door. Sullivan, waiting for them, looked up when the door opened. He stood when he saw the officers bring in the siblings.

"Ah, good," he said. "You must be Christine Scott and Will Harrison."

"Who are you?" Will snapped, scowling at Sullivan.

"Harold Sullivan," he said, gesturing to the table. "I'm a representative from—"

"Better food and better beds," Christine interrupted irritably. "Actually, just get us out of here. That's what you're here for, right?"

Sullivan hesitated as the officers moved the siblings across the room.

"Not quite…" he sighed. "But, ideally, that will be the end result. Though I am not a lawyer. I am a representative sent by a US ambassador to the UN. I am here to negotiate with the rangers on your release."

"Well, it's about time you got here," Will scowled.

"I want to go home," Christine snapped. "Right now."

"Again, not quite how this will work," Sullivan sighed. "Right now we are just here to go through everything. You are still currently in the custody of SPD and the Rangers. I am present to try and negotiate your release into the custody of the US. Or, if it turns out there is no case, I just need to prove that to the UN so they can declare the arrest unlawful and have you released."

"This is ridiculous," Christine scoffed. "There is no proof we've done anything wrong. We are innocent and should be released on principal!"

Sullivan sighed.

"Again, I do not have the authority," he said patiently. "Please, sit so we can talk."

The officers sat Christine and Will down firmly in chairs. Removing the cuffs, the officers warned them to behave or they'd be cuffed to the table. Leaving them there, the officers stepped outside. They would be guarding the door from the hall. Sullivan sat down across from them. Grabbing his things, he settled back down.

"Alright," he said, looking at them. "Please start from the beginning."

Christine and Will exchanged looks.

"Beginning of what?" Will scowled.

Sullivan sighed again.

"How did you come to be here?" he prompted. "What happened after you got here? I need to understand why the rangers believe you assaulted and tried to kill one of their own."

Will scoffed.

"Why would we do that?" he scoffed. "That would be stupid. Do we look stupid?"

"That is what I'm trying to figure out," Sullivan said patiently. "So, please, explain from the beginning…"

Will rolled his eyes again, but Christine leaned forward.

"We're only here because my husband was attacked and shot," she said.

Sullivan nodded, glancing down at his notes.

"I do have that here," he agreed. "It also says he was already a guest here before that incident? And that he had been ill prior?"

"Well, yes," Christine frowned. "If you need irrelevant details, fine. My husband was a guest here because one of his charity cases was supposedly sick."

Sullivan frowned, glancing at his notes.

"I was under the impression he was here visiting a friend…" he said slowly.

"They aren't his friends," Christine snapped. "They prey on his sympathies and expect things from him. But apparently that one collapsed and it was a whole production. So much drama. And he's just fine. I've seen him myself. But he had to have Jason's attention because out all of them Jason is one of the only ones who has done something worthwhile with his life. Now they all want to take advantage of him."

She sighed.

"And when I tried to point out to my husband what his so-called friends were doing," she said with a sniffle, "he got upset and stopped talking to me. Because they'd gotten in his head and turned one small fight into a big thing that didn't exist. That's why I wasn't with him when he was shot. Otherwise, I can assure you he would have insisted I be with him at all times."

Nodding along as she spoke, Sullivan took careful notes. He wanted to be able to compare the two versions of the events later.

"But because of the fight, I end up just getting a phone call in the middle of the night from these people saying he's nearly been killed when I thought he was safe and sound! I spent an entire car ride terrified for him. Believing he was dead because they wouldn't tell me anything!"

She was tearing up now, sniffling and wiping at her eyes.

"It was the worst car ride of my life," she choked out.

Sullivan reached in his bag and fished out a packet of Kleenex, handing it over to her. So far, most of what she was saying matched the basic outline he'd been given. Christine took the Kleenex and made a big show of blowing her nose and dabbing her eyes. Sullivan waited patiently as Will just watched, letting his sister do the talking.

"Then we finally got here," Christine continued after a few minutes. "And they had him stuffed in some kind of machine! They claimed it was for his health, but no one ever asked my opinion or even talked to me beforehand. And they refused to explain anything! I spent days just waiting at his bedside for him to wake up and his awful friends kept chasing me away. Not to mention people following me wherever I went. It was awful! And no one would tell me when he was going to wake up or if he was even going to survive…"

She sighed dramatically. Sullivan was still nodding, taking notes on everything she was saying.

"But I stayed strong and refused to leave his side," she said. "None of them liked it. Especially that man."

She scowled, leaning forward.

"Did they tell you?" she asked. "That I was forced to spend time in the room with the same man who stalked me in college and tried to assault me? They probably could have charged him for attempted murder back then if they could have gotten the evidence. But no. They felt sorry for his pathetic self and fell for his excuses and just let him go!"

Sullivan looked at her in shock.

"That's horrible!" he exclaimed. "I had no idea."

"I know…" she sighed. "But I still couldn't leave Jason. He's all I have besides Will. I had to be strong for him…"

She sniffled again and Will reached over to rub her arm.

"It's ok," he said soothingly.

He turned to scowl at Sullivan.

"See the trauma they've put us through here?" he snapped.

Sullivan nodded sympathetically. Christine sniffled again and continued.

"Eventually Jason began to improve," she said. "And I started talking about moving him to a hospital closer to home and taking our son with us and putting our family back together. I just wanted to move on with our lives. And then, out of nowhere, one of the doctors screwed up his medication! And that man had the gall to say it was my fault. These awful people will do anything to keep him under their control. And he's in such a vulnerable state right now that he actually believes some of what they are saying! My poor Jason is just so confused after being in a coma…"

She turned to Will, sobbing into his shoulder as he patted her back. Sullivan was shaking his head in sympathy.

"I am so sorry for everything you've been put through, Mrs. Scott," he said. "And I will do everything I can to get you and your husband to safety. That being said, the first and primary goal is to simply remove you from the custody of the rangers."

She nodded, still sniffling. Sullivan shuffled through his notes.

"I do have a few more questions if you are up for it," he said.

Christine sighed but nodded.

"If we must…"

"I appreciate it," he said. "Now, the records show you've both been arrested primarily for assault and attempted murder of a ranger. What could have happened that the rangers believe you are guilty of those crimes?"

Christine huffed, shaking her head.

"They're just making things up," she said dismissively. "It's all one big lie. It's just been one thing after another since we got here and they keep twisting little things to fit their narrative. And what they can't make fit they lie about. They're the ones attacking us!"

She gestured at their injuries and Sullivan frowned.

"Could you give me an example?" he prompted. "Either one of you."

"I got attacked just trying to go visit Jason," Will said. "Just walking down the hall and apparently I was in the way. These people are violent. Especially the jerk who assaulted my sister in college."

Will scoffed, crossing his arms.

"And don't even get me started on the rest," he said. "Anytime I even said hi to a woman in this place they'd all freak out."

Sullivan scanned through the incident list, nodding.

"So, they attacked you first?" he clarified. "On more than one occasion?"

"I didn't get these all at once," Will scowled, gesturing to his cuts and bruises.

"It's all a pack of blatant lies," Christine added. "I'm pretty sure one of them did something wrong and they're trying to blame us so they don't look bad. They're taking advantage of us!"

"I see…" Sullivan mused, frowning at his notes.

"You should be investigating them, not us," Will prompted. "They aren't all the good people they pretend to be."

"All we want to do is take our family home," Christine said, sniffling again. "To be with my husband and son and put this whole awful experience behind us…"

"I understand," Sullivan nodded.

The door opened, interrupting, and the SPD officers walked back in.

"I apologize for the interruption," one of the officers said. "But time is up for the afternoon."

"Hold on!" Sullivan protested. "I was not informed of a time limit! I should be able to talk to them as long as necessary."

"Again, I apologize," the officer said firmly. "But you will have time to meet with them again later. However, the floor is needed tonight for a meeting and none of you can be present on the floor. You are, however, welcome to accompany them to their holding cells if you need to continue now. Or you can meet with them after the rangers are finished with the floor if it's not too late."

"Fine…" Sullivan sighed, realizing he wasn't being given a choice. "We will meet again later. I have enough to at least start putting together a case for release."

Christine and Will both began protesting as the officers cuffed them again. They were escorted out as one officer remained to ensure Sullivan was leaving. He packed up his things, wanting to go over his notes again more thoroughly back in his quarters.

"Let's go," the officer said, a little impatient.

"I'm coming," Sullivan said shortly.

He stepped out of the room with the officer following behind him. As he approached the elevator, it opened and two men wearing red stepped off. They were talking and didn't see him right away. One of them he recognized as Commander Grayson, who had introduced himself earlier in the day. The other man didn't look familiar.

"Going to set up in the council room again, Wes," Carter was saying. "Since we need to bring all of them in."

Wes snorted.

"I figured we weren't using one of the small rooms," he said. "And it's close enough to the elevator to not be crazy with—"

He paused, seeing Sullivan approaching with the officer.

"With everyone coming from different locations," Wes finished cryptically.

Carter nodded and they continued down the hall a bit further, disappearing into a room. Sullivan, not having any idea what they were talking about, just followed the officer into the elevator to head back up to Lightspeed levels and his room.