Whats going on?

Giving another smile and pulling on Jason's own happy feelings she was returning the love to him. She was so thankful he was so understanding, and that they had figured there special ability out. It made her feel good, special that they could share there emotions like no one else.

Thanks J, this means a lot. I'll catch up with you a little later. Need anything just call.

Turning back to her dad and giving a nod Katie was excited she would get to spend some time with her dad for lunch. It would be a great break in the busy day she needed.

"Ok we will see how Trent feels about it later than. I'd love for you guys to stay at the house."

Letting go of Jeff's hand and going around the cubical again she grabs her jacket and keys shutting off her monitor. Her work could wait for a little while and when she got back she could buckle down.

Heading out Katie laughs at the small back and forth with Jeff, Jason and Gunner. Get those three all together and they could be a ball of a time for anyone who new them. Finally trying to pull Jeff away though so the boys could get some work done she laughs and toss a wave over her shoulder heading to the elevator with Jeff.

"Ok Dad, we've got a half hour maybe even a little bit longer to have some catch up. Anything special you want to eat or you want to go? I'll drive where ever."

Sitting down with her dad on the couch and having Ryder join them Thirteen couldn't help but be happy. Hearing that everyone was ok, and so was Trent his awkwardness just seemed to pass her by as she didn't even pay any mind to it.

"I'm happy your here. And a little help would be nice. It might take a little stress off Ryder."

Thirteen looks to him and gives a smile. Though he didn't really say it she could tell he was bent out of shape for not being able to do the things he normally did for her. She didn't mind at all but she new it bothered him.

"Do you any place to stay? I am sure Katie wont mind if you stay here. It would be really nice. Ryder has taught me how to cool, and I work at Mom and Pop's with Carson and he lets me cook sometimes too. So I know how to make a few things."

Thirteen couldn't help but be excited. She wanted to cook for her dad and show him everything she had learned in the last few months. It was exciting to her, and she loved every moment.

Still sitting quietly in one of the chairs Misty gives a small smile to Jason as he enters the office. She didn't want there to be much tension but she new no matter what or how friendly they made this there still would be. It was just something they could not help right now.

Jason was a close friend to her and seeing the look of confusion on his face killed her. She new it would only get harder as they told him what this was about. Misty only hoped since Katie was not here, her close friendship with Jason could come into play if he got upset.

Looking to Reese Misty shakes her head a little. She had no way to help really, Reese words were just as good as hers would be right now as they tried to give the blow to Jason slowly and not full in your face.

Glancing back to Rick again Misty just continues to listen before looking to Jason once more. She was trying to read him, and his emotion levels. It took her a lot more concentration than it would take Katie because of there connection but Misty new she had to.

Seeing Jason start to get upset Misty moves forward in her chair a little. She would be there if her friend needed her but at the moment she didn't need to react, but she readied herself knowing it was coming. Hearing Rick's direction Misty leaves the office and moves quickly to the infirmary not bothering to say anything to anyone along the way going right to the cabinet and getting a needle ready.

As Rick enters and asks for the dose Misty has it in no time. Giving the shot to Jason and than laying her own hand on his arm Misty just wanted him to know she was there. Looking up at Rick she gives a nod. She'd call Katie and let her know what was going on and to come back so she didn't worry to much.

Getting to the restraint her dad had picked out Katie parks the car. Starting to get out she suddenly lets out a cry and she doubles over and her head rest on the steering wheel the pain that surged through was like the one she had felt before. No of Jason being cut off, but of his own emotions going haywire like there was something horribly wrong.

Remembering her dad was in the car Katie did her best to maintain control and not let her own emotion go haywire causing her dad any panic as he was probably doing all ready.

J...whats happening....whats going on? Are...are you ok?

Trying to grasp onto Jason's emotions its like she can't his own were pushing back so strong. Lifting her head and squinting her eyes a little the pain seemed to subside a tiny bit enough for her to drive.

Looking to her dad she could see the bit of worry on his face, her own look was one that apologized.

"Somethings wrong with Jason, I have to go back to work. We can grab lunch once I know everything is ok?"

Starting the car and taking is slow Katie heads back to work. Her phone going off makes her jump and she pulls it out. Seeing it was Misty her heart races knowing now something was wrong. Putting it on speaker phone she talks while she drives.

"Misty whats going on? Something is wrong with Jason!"

"Kate, he's ok he is here at TJY."

"I felt his emotions spike as I doubled over in pain. They are faint now...but I can still feel it."

"We had to give him a little bit of the antidote. He had a shock to his system on something we told him and he didn't take it well."

"What was it?"

"Can you come back to TJY, we can tell you more here."

"I'm already on my way."

"We figured you were but wanted to make sure. See you when you get back here."

Hanging up the phone Katie gives a little gasp as she continues to drive consternating on a few things at once made her head hurt even more. What could they have told Jason to upset him.

"I'm really sorry about this dad."

Finally making it back to TJY and parking the car Katie waits a few moments before getting out of the car. Her head was spinning from emotions, from pain, from trying to drive and trying to keep her emotional response away from her dad so his worry didn't increase.

Getting out finally and slowly making her way downstairs and across the floor Katie heads for the infirmary. Opening the door and entering she says nothing as she goes over to Jason. It felt like she would pass out herself but she had to touch him, know he was ok, she had to be there. Feeling his skin on her hand she leans her head down so her for head was resting on his.

"I'm here J...it's ok...I'm here."

Not moving her words were low but clean as she tried to stay with it. She felt so tired herself and drained but she had to stay away for J...she had to know what was going on.

"Whats going on? What happened?"

Having Ariel link arms with him to Trey by surprise a little bit but he didn't let it show to much. Crooking his arm up and bringing his hand to lay over her hand he gives a grin as they enter the Chinese place. He felt proud of have a pretty girl on his arm and he held his head just a little higher.

"I think that sounds like a good idea. I spend to much time inside as it is, so being out in the nice weather is a better idea than you could imagine."

Looking up at the list of everything that was on there he found something that sounded good and almost like what Margret there cook at home made. He's always loved her food, and the way she cooked. It was never one thing but a mixture of cultures.

"I think I'll have the Broccilie and pepper steak, and can I get lo main instead of rice."

Giving his order and than waiting for Ariel to give her own Trey gets some drinks for them as well before opening his wallet and paying for the meal. He's asked her out to lunch so he was going to pay for it as well. It was only right to do it that way.

"So is the park far from here?"

Not knowing really where anything was from them Trey felt kind of lost as they waited for there food. He had a rough idea on how to get back to TJY but anything more than that and really he just want sure.

Hearing Dylan's reply Dan gives a little laugh and a wave to Dylan as he heads out of the barn again. Some day Dan would get him to trust the horses, and see they would be only as nervous as he was. Giving a shake of his head Dan continues to work.

Finishing up his work and putting all the horses back where they belonged Dan exited the barn and looked around for a moment. Seeing the light on in Jade's bunk Dan new she was still awake. Giving a smile and heading that way it doesn't take long as he knocks on the door and opens it once Jade answers.

"And hows the future Miss. Palmer doing tonight?"

Hearing the knock on the door and letting Sparky in Rosetta couldn't help the slightly worried look on her face. She believed Mick had a good head on his shoulders now and wouldn't do anything stupid but she worried anyways that he would be ok.

"Thank you Sparky, It means a lot that you went out there for me."

Giving a smile to Sparky and a nod of head she was very thankful for him and his willing heart to go when she had asked without any questions.d Sparky had always been loyal and she was so happy for that.

Once he was gone and Rosetta new Mick would be in shortly she goes to the coffee pot and bews a nice hot pot for him along with warming up some dinner and setting it on the table with him. Sitting down Rosetta waits for Mick to come back to the house. She'd go out and meet him but with BJ in the house sleeping she didn't want to go far.

Sitting in the kitchen with two cups of warm coco Faith was reading a book. She new Sparky had been out with Mick. After asking Rosetta if she new where Sparky was she didn't feel worried and he would find his way back.

So she waited with some food in the microwave so when he did come back she could give him something warm to eat. Hearing the door open and looking up a smile forms on Faith's lips. Putting the book down and slowly standing Faith slowly makes her way over to where Sparky was standing. The tiny ring on the finger glittering in the light of the room.

"Well look what the cat dragged in. I though for sure you were lost. I kept some coco and soup warmed up for you."

Leaning up gently Faith leans into Sparky to gives him a light kiss before pulling away her eyes twinkling as she looked into his eyes. Her love reflecting in them showing how much she did care and love him.

Extraordinary Shock

Jason keeps his eyes on Gunner's screen, determined not to give away the fact that he was conversing with Katie. Gunner was quite good, however, at being able to read both Jason and Katie when they were communicating.

Dinner sounds fantastic - go enjoy your dad for lunch.
Jason wraps his statement in the same emotions he would have if he were giving Katie a hug and a kiss - just an invisible touch of love that only they knew about.
I'm swamped here today so we'll hook up somehow when the day is over.


Jeff grins and shrugs, giving Katie's hand a squeeze. "Okay... I don't mind staying at the house if you don't." He quirks an eyebrow. "'Cept you don't know who I'm with. Maybe I brought some crazed neighbor or something."

Still smiling, he chuckles, unable to keep a straight face with her. "Naw, it's just Trent. He came to see Thirteen. If it goes well, I'm sure he'll be glad to stay there too, but I don't want to pressure him if he's uncomfortable. We can tackle that tonight though."

Heading out with Katie a few minutes later, they pass by Gunner's cubicle where Jeff and Jason exchange a quick hello and handshake.

"Take care of her," Jason warns teasingly.

"I could say the same thing to you," Jeff retorts, his eyes twinkling with humor.

"I suppose you do have first rights."

"You better believe it."

Jason grins and tosses Katie a wink. "Go have fun. I'll see you later."

A yank on his sleeve forces him to spin back around to the work at hand and Gunner leans back to give a little wave of his own.

"Tata. Good to see you, Jeff. Katie, get out of here before the boss keeps you here, and before you distract Hotshot any more than you already have."

Jason gives him a thump on the head and smirks, returning to the computer screen.

Jeff laughs and slings an arm around Katie's shoulder. "I think we better leave before I cause any more commotion."


Thirteen's enthusiastic greeting catches Trent off guard just a little and his hug is an awkward one, though he does return the gesture. Being pulled into the house and towards the living room though, he throws a glance over his shoulder to Ryder, his eyes slightly wide as if asking for help.

Ryder just grins though - Trent was on his own for this one. He shakes his head and shuts the door then hobbles into the living room at a slower pace.

Trent sits down on the edge of the couch, seeming for a moment to be not even sure how to answer Thirteen. "Um... fine and... good... I think." A little smile finally breaks through as he feels just a tad silly. He really did feel quite awkward.

"I... just, um... thought I would visit." He nods. "To... see if I could help out since Ryder was laid up and... and to see you."

Ryder eases down in a chair and holds in his smile. It must have taken an awful lot just for Trent to get himself over here and he was glad to see it. Thirteen needed that contact with her father and finally she would be able to gain some of it.


Reese nods, still pondering as he picks up the phone. "Jason..." He shakes his head at the silent response, then remembers the task he'd given Jason while sending Con to be with Destiny today instead. He dials Gunner's desk phone this time. "Gunner, is Hotshot still with you?"

Gunner quirks an eyebrow and looks up at Jason. "Yeah, he's here."

"Good. Jason?"

"Yeah?" Jason responds.

"Would you and Katie come to my office, please?

"I can, but Katie's been at lunch for about half an hour."

"Oh..." Reese looks at Rick and Misty. He really didn't want to wait. He hoped Jason would be fine, but if not, at least Katie wasn't far. "Alright, well then would you please come?"

"Can I finish this up with Gunner first?"

"No, I'd like to talk to you now."

Jason gets an odd feeling at Reese's tone, and knows better than to argue. "Alright. Coming." Leaving Gunner where he's at, Jason heads to Reese's office, surprised to find Rick and Misty there as well. There was a strange tension in the air that he didn't like. Automatically turning off any audio connection so as not to bother Katie, he looks around the office with question. "Was it something I did?"

Reese smiles a little and shakes his head. "No, you're fine. Grab an extra chair."

Taking a third seat, Jason does as he's told, still uneasy about whatever this was. Rick's face gave away nothing, and neither did Misty's, though he gives her an curious look.

"Jason..." Reese looks at the papers on his desk, pausing, then shaking his head. He didn't know how to say it. "Are you aware of your siblings?"

Jason frowns, not understanding. "Well... if you mean Derek's kids, yeah. I got a half brother and sister. Why? What's wrong?"

Reese purses his lips, glancing to Misty as if hoping by some miracle she might telepathically give him something intelligent to say. "We have... found some evidence that... suggests..." He pauses again.

Jason sighs. "Spit it out, Reese. What's the problem? Is somebody dead or what?"

"No, no... they're quite alive. The thing is, that we didn't know they existed until now."

Jason sits back, still confused. "Who's 'we' and who are you talking about?"

"'We' as in Rick, Misty and I. They're actually the ones that made the discovery through multiple blood and DNA tests."

"And... you discovered I'm an alien?" Jason holds up his hands. "If I'm supposed to be catching a hint here, I'm not. What does my family have to do with anything and whose blood were you testing?"

Rick exchanges a glance with Misty then finally intervenes. "Yours and Trey Conwell's."

Jason frowns. "I... don't follow. Trey - that guy from Mexico that we're keeping from the mob?"

"Enemy drug dealers of his parents," Rick corrects. "And yes, that Trey. I discovered some interesting markers in his blood so I had it tested and compared."

"Compared with..." Jason fishes for the answer. "...mine?"

"Yes."

He swallows hard and a chill runs down his spine. This was just getting a little creepy. "And... he has an anomaly in his blood too?"

"Actually no, he's quite normal. He apparently didn't inherit that certain strand that you did that enables you to have, shall we say, certain skills."

"Wait..." Jason leans forward a little. "He didn't, but I did. You make it sound like we had the same origin."

Silence.

Jason's pulse picks up as he stares at all three pairs of eyes. What was going through his mind was completely absurd, he knew it. But what else were they getting at? "Would someone please tell me what's going on before I come up with the wrong conclusion?"

Reese clears his throat. "Jase, why don't you have a look at these?" He hands over the test results.

Jason takes them and looks at the columns but really doesn't understand what he's looking at. "I don't... this is all Greek to me."

Rick stands and goes to him, looking over his shoulder to point out things on the page. "See this here... that indicates patterns and the breakdown of your DNA."

"That's me?"

"Right. And over here, this is the DNA from the other blood - Trey's blood."

"So they're very similar. So what?" Jason looks up at Rick, not liking the solemn stare he receives. A short laugh comes out. "You're not telling me that Trey and I are related, are you? Some cocky drug dealer's son from Mexico?"

"Actually..." Rick hesitates.

Jason feels the chill again. When he speaks, his voice has suddenly grown very quiet, almost whispered. "You can't expect me to believe that I have a full-blooded brother. It's impossible."

Reese again looks to both Rick and Misty. "Twin... brother... actually."

"That's absurd." Jason stands up, his tone now irritated as he tosses the papers back onto Reese's desk. "Just the fact that you would imply my mother's been lying to me all these years is an insult."

"We're not implying that at all," Reese counters quickly. "We believe it was an Agency adoption scam. While you were left to be taken care of by your mother, Trey was given up for adoption."

Jason's anger starts to backbuild and he closes his fist. "And what? My mother was clueless that she gave birth to twins? Are you nuts?"

"She was out," Rick explains. "You know the story."

"So you really are telling me that out of the blue, you've discovered I have a twin brother and it's Trey."

"Yes."

Jason didn't know whether to laugh or throw up, but it seemed all sensations collide inside of him. This wasn't just some simple information that he could process and get over quickly. This was a life-changing discovery and one that he was pretty sure he disliked. "And my mother has no idea."

"That's what we have concluded," Reese answers. "We doubt anyone knows except the Agency."

"Why?" Jason stubbornly tries to discredit their theories. "Why would the Agency do that? There's no point."

"Is there ever, with them? They've done more random things than this, Jason. You know that with Derek and Austin both, you had a connection to the Agency before you were even born. And I'm sorry, but these DNA test results are as close to conclusive as you'll ever get."

Jason had a brother. A twin brother. A full-blooded twin brother. A brother that even his mother knew nothing about. A brother that was here now, right here at TJY. The emotions that poured into his veins were confusing and muddled. He was angry and didn't even know why. He was confused. Frustrated. Sad without understanding why. Irritated that he couldn't instead feel apathy. He was worried about his mother, concerned what all of this meant, and nervous about seeing Trey now. For anyone else, it would have simply been summed up as shock. For Jason, it was a debilitating onslaught of powerful emotions.

His knees buckle and he reaches out to the desk to lean on, closing his eyes and fighting this unfamiliar mixture.

Rick takes hold of him to steady him and glances at Misty. "Go to the infirmary," he instructs. "Prep the antidote just in case we need it. I'll be right there."

Jason takes in a deep breath and tries to relax, but it isn't easy. He could control his reaction to his emotions just like anybody - he didn't have to scream and yell if he was angry. But he couldn't control what the rampant emotions did to his body. Shutting his eyes tighter, he feels the searing pain in his skull and starts to sink towards Rick. Opening his palm, things on Reese's desk start to rattle.

Rick quickly takes his hand and closes it into a fist again, holding it shut. "Come on, Jase... come with me... please."

"I'm fine," Jason argues. "Just give me a minute." Why couldn't he just be normal? He couldn't even try to work through any of this new information yet because he had to worry about not breaking anything or hurting anyone. Unfortunately, that only added frustration and fuel to the fire. "Oh, dang..."

"What?"

"Katie."

"She'll be fine. Please, Jason... come with me."

Jason finally moves, a wave of dizziness causing him to stumble. "Why can't I just faint like a normal person?"

Rick allows himself to chuckle as he helps his young friend to the infirmary. "Because you're too big for us to have to carry?"

The humor helps a little, but Jason has a hard time containing everything as they pass by other people and desks. So afraid he would hurt something, his hands are tightly clenched, his body straining against the stress. "I think I'm gonna be sick..."

"It's okay, we're right here. Just hang-"

Too late. Jason doubles over in the hall as his body convulses.

Rick quickens his pace, having to force Jason the rest of the way to the infirmary. "Misty, get that antidote," he orders. "Make it a quarter dose - enough to take off the edge but not harm Katie."

"Katie," Jason mumbles as he rolls onto the bed. He thought maybe she was trying to talk to him, but the swirling emotions were creating a dense wall. Pain surges through his body like a fire, and his eyes start to roll back in his head.

"No, Jason, stick with us," Rick prompts sternly. "You're okay." He helps prep Jason's arm for Misty to administer the shot. "Well, now we know what a shock does," he concludes only loud enough for her to hear. "Good thing they don't come too often."

Jason manages to stay conscious and partly alert but unable to respond to anything very well. He feels the prick to his arm and a strange sort of fuzzy sensation spread through his veins. "Terrific," he mumbles. "Now there's embarrassment thrown in the mix."

Rick grins and pats his shoulder. "Be glad you didn't faint."

"Nah... puking in the hall is as far as I go." Jason waves his hand but as he does, the light above them sparks and pops as it burns out.

"Whoa, easy." Rick forces him down again. "Just lie here steady." He looks to Misty again. "If Katie isn't disabled herself, I know she's coming, but call her anyway, will you?"


Seeing Trey, Ariel grins and stands up, waiting for him to approach. His comment makes her laugh and she shakes her head. "Nah... I haven't screamed loud enough for anyone to want to rescue me."

Coming alongside him, she hooks her arm into his and heads to the restaurant door. "I'm doing fine, thanks. Hungry, but without work I got to sleep late so I feel less dead today than most days."

Grinning, she opens the door and steps in and off to one side to look over the menu above the counter. "If you want, we can order and I can drive us down to the park to eat since it's nice out today."


Dylan gives Dan a dry look at the invitation to help groom the horse. "You kidding?" He shakes his head. "The only reason I'm in this barn is because I have to be. I wouldn't complain if the world was void of these ornery beasts." Giving a short wave, he turns to get back to work. "I'll talk to ya later."

When he rounds the corner though, he throws one last glance over his shoulder at Comet before focusing on returning to the stall that needs to be cleaned...

The sun was hiding below the horizon. A glow was spread over the ranch as people began to disperse after the evening meal. All would seem normal, if it were not for those who were still absent, creating an odd atmosphere. Dylan had accepted his usual routine, feeling even more out of place, not understanding where his dad had gone, or where he even fit now. Not wanting to bother Rosetta, he ate alone and spent the evening alone like normal, going to his bunkhouse for the night where the television kept him company.

...Sparky rides slowly up to the barn and dismounts wearily. It looked like chores were finished, and he was glad. He couldn't handle all-day rides like he used to. Walking tiredly into the barn, he leads Cinder, who also seems worn out from the day. He crossties her in the aisle and untacks and rubs her down while she stands willingly, enjoying the extra little pampering he gave her before returning her to her stall.

Once he's finished, Sparky puts everything away and heads outside again. His stomach ached, reminding him that he hadn't eaten all day. There were those who were probably worried as well... out on the trail, his cell phone didn't get any service, so Faith and Rosetta were most likely worried at this point. Though he wanted to go find Faith immediately, he knows he needs to go to Rosetta first, so he aims for the main house.

Reaching the porch, he knocks and waits for Rosetta to come. Offering her a tired sort of smile, he nods. "Hi." Coming inside, he remains on his feet, knowing he won't stay long, and he glances around to make sure that BJ is out of earshot for now. "I've been riding all day. Mick's still out there, but as far as I know, he's not gonna do anything stupid. He told me what happened and he blames himself. He thinks it was the Agency with another jab to him and our families - just another game for the lab rats. So I guess he figures if he wouldn't have started a family in the first place it wouldn't happened, or if he would have been there to protect his kids, it could have been prevented."

Sparky sighs, tired inside and out. "I spent a little time with him, but mostly kept my distance while he ran Remington through the mill. He's been riding hard just to let off his steam so he doesn't go blow somebody's head off. I finally had to leave him be - he's still on the trail but I think he's on his way back. He just needed to clear his head I think."

It wasn't too unusual... Mick had always preferred to go spend time alone and work off his stress rather than involve those around him. He often chose the route of working through what was going on inside of him instead of just sitting and talking about it first.

Sparky shifts his weight a little, trying to give Rosetta an encouraging look. "He'll be ok. If he's not back in a while, let me know and I can go back out, but-" Movement through the window catches his eye and he squints to see in the dark. "Never mind. There he is. I'm gonna go grab something to eat and let you handle him." He offers her a last smile and a little pat on the shoulder. He knew it was hard for her when Mick would go off alone like that, but he also knew she was strong and they would be fine.

Once he's left, he heads to the dining hall where there are only a few lights on still. Trudging up the porch steps, he felt sore and stiff, his fingers cold from having not worn gloves, not knowing he'd be out until after dark when the cold settled in. Slipping inside, he glances around, letting his eyes adjust and figuring out who was still up.


Mick slides his saddle off Remington's back and sets it on the floor for the time being. Remington's head hangs, worn out from such a long, hard ride - completely opposite behavior of what the fiery gelding usually had. Mick had pushed him, riding much harder and much farther than Sparky had with Cinder.

Finding a clean towel, Mick rubs down Remington, taking his time. He himself was totally exhausted, emotionally and physically. But his head felt clearer now, he'd needed the stress relief, and now he had a plan in mind.

Returning his saddle and bridle to the tackroom, he limps, his knee having taken a beating today. Getting back to Remington, he continues to rub him down and offer him a little bit of water, making sure that he was completely cooled down and relaxed before going to his stall where hay and grain were waiting.