***********************

Joshua sighed. The police had followed their standard booking procedures - fingerprinting etc. and they had left him in an interrogation room. Being a lawyer and familiar with their procedures, he knew that they were watching him through video cameras and such. But he also knew he couldn't tell them the truth. Unfortunately, Banks was not one who was going to just let it go, especially since members of his own department were involved in this. Joshua admired the fact that the captain was truly concerned for them, and wished that someone cared about him that much. He composed his face, no need for them to know how shaken he was.

Simon entered the room a moment later and sat down across from Joshua, on the other side of the table. He studied Joshua carefully, before speaking. "You know, I admired your father a lot. He was a great man. How have you been holding up since his death?"

Joshua wasn't overly surprised by Banks' starting point, "I miss my father but I'm doing okay." A pause, "Look Captain, I know what you're trying to do. Need I remind you that I'm a lawyer and I know all the tricks in the book." Joshua injected a little cockiness into his tone, wondering how Banks would react.

Banks looked irritated and Joshua pasted an amused smile on his face, masking his nervousness well.

"Fine. Then let's get to the point. You and I both know that you lied in your report. I want to know why."

Joshua leaned back in his chair, uncomfortable though it was, and remained silent, watching Banks.

"Since you are a lawyer, surely you know the seriousness of falsifying a report and hindering an investigation? Don't you?"

"I'm well aware of the potential penalties if one were to commit that crime, Captain."

"And you'd still lie?"

"What exactly makes you think I'm lying? Do I really have a reason to?"

"You tell me. What are you afraid of? Or who?" Simon added thoughtfully.

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Look, you're safe here. You can trust us. Just tell me what's going on."

"Captain, if you want to discuss this any further, then it'll have to be off the record."

"I can't do that."

"Then it appears, we have nothing further to talk about." Joshua stated.

Simon sighed. Before he could speak another word, Rafe stuck his head in. "Captain, glad I found you. Agent Sandoval is here. He needs to speak with you about a report."

"Okay, Rafe," Simon said, "I'll be right there." Simon looked back at Joshua. The man's eyes held panic and fear that had not been there moments ago. //If Jim were here he'd probably be able to hear his heart racing and faster breathing. What the hell could've caused this reaction?//

Simon stepped into the hall and went to the observation room next door, where Brown had been watching Simon and Joshua's discussion. Rafe followed him into the room.

"He looks like he's about to pass out," commented Rafe.

"Yeah, but he was fine until just a minute ago." Simon said.

"He freaked when Rafe came in and said that Sandoval was here." Brown added.

"Sandoval?" Simon's eyebrows furrowed, "Rafe, tell Sandoval that I was called away for a meeting and that I should return in a few hours. Also, say that I must have taken the report with me to read because it's not where it's supposed to be."

"Captain? Are you sure?" Rafe asked.

Simon nodded, "I intend to get to the bottom of this . . ."

***********************

Blair sighed, they had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. All these hours of research had been pointless. His best friend, a man as close as a brother, was in terrible danger and he couldn't do anything to help. They had absolutely no clue where Sandoval was holding him. And as much as Blair wanted to - he couldn't go out and investigate. Joshua was the only hope they really had at the moment. Joshua was a good man -- if he weren't Blair would have been captured as well and there would be no hope for either one of them -- but he was afraid of what he was and what he might become if he turned the device back on. //That minor in psych wasn't a waste//.

Blair could sympathize with Joshua, facing the nightmares in your past was the hardest thing anyone could do. But he'd always had Jim to help him get through those times.

Jim . . .

Blair didn't even want to imagine what could happen to his Sentinel. Experiments - Torture. And there was nothing he could do. He didn't allow himself to dwell on it too much. Letting his emotions interfere would only distract him from finding Jim. He hoped Liam could talk Joshua into helping.

Blair looked up, Renee had left about an hour ago, to check her Doors International sources. Augur hovered over the computer, like he had been doing since Blair arrived. //Doesn't he ever get tired of staring at his computer screen?//

He thought back over his earlier vision and prayed that Jim was still safe.

***********************

Liam had tracked Joshua back to Cascade, Washington. After that, he had no idea where Joshua was. Sandburg seemed to believe that Joshua was the key to finding Ellison lay within reactivating the NSI. He had read some about the Sentinel powers and it seemed evident to him that Blair was telling the truth. It seemed to defy all standards of logic, but on some level it made perfect sense to Liam. He knew Renee couldn't understand it. For that matter, she barely understood or accepted Liam. Things you couldn't explain, logically, made her uneasy. She was skeptical and distrustful by nature - which was probably a good thing for someone in her position, but Liam found it extremely irritating at times.

Whether she believed in the Sentinel abilities or not was really a moot point though. To her, they were something that needed to be investigated, if found to be true, it would benefit the resistance greatly.

He sighed, their points of view were totally different. Where she saw advantages to be exploited, he saw people with families, worries and fears.

Liam was glad Renee had not accompanied him to find Joshua. The last thing Joshua needed right now was to be pushed into this, if possible.

***********************

Jim gasped as his lungs took in air, rather than that liquid crap he'd just been in. He felt his panic disappear as his senses started working again.

"Welcome back to the air-breathing world, Detective."

Jim groaned lightly.

"If you cooperate, I'm sure there will be no further need for that tank."

He looked at Sandoval. //They need my cooperation -- so they haven't caught Blair yet. Thank God//. He breathed a sigh of relief, followed by a short laugh.

"And what do you find so amusing, Detective Ellison?"

"Agent, I think you've been hanging around those Taelons for too long....you really don't understand what it is to be human anymore."

"Really Mr. Ellison? I'm not the one who is about to become a Taelon science experiment."

"God, you are REALLY pathetic, Agent Sandoval....do you honestly believe you're supposed to be scaring the hell out of me with that threat?"

"If I were you, Detective, I would be more concerned with my future."

"You know, you picked the wrong profession. You should've been an actor. You would make a great movie villain - creepiness, mystery, lack of morals and no humanity whatsoever."

"Am I to assume by those comments that you're refusing to cooperate." Sandoval's tone turned threatening.

"Yes, but Sandoval, you should watch how you ASS U ME anything."

"Put him back in the tank," Sandoval snapped at the Volunteers.

***********************

Simon reentered the interrogation room and Joshua stood up quickly.

"I had Rafe tell Sandoval that I had an important meeting, that I would be back in a few hours. And Rafe said that the report has disappeared apparently."

"Thank you." Joshua said gratefully.

"Now, please, tell me what's going on."

"Not here," Simon opened his mouth to object but Joshua emphatically said it again, "Not here."

Simon rolled his eyes and found himself wondering just how the hell Ellison and Sandburg could possibly cause him this much concern and grief with their absence.

At that moment, the door opened, interrupting them for a second time that day.

"Captain, there's a Major Kincaid here to see you. He insists that it's very urgent."

Simon sighed, "Of course it is. It's always an emergency."

Joshua said, "Captain, I need to talk to Liam after your business is taken care of."

Simon nodded, then exited the room. He walked to the front of the building where Kincaid stood, waiting patiently, "Did you find something?" he asked hopeful that Kincaid might have a clue as to where Jim and Blair were.

"No actually, I'm here to ask a favor. I'm looking for Joshua Doors and was wondering if you'd seen him. I know he's in town."

Simon laughed, "Actually, we arrested him this morning."

"For what?" Simon could hear the puzzlement in his voice.

"I have evidence to believe that he falsified information on a report he wrote regarding his kidnapping."

Understanding dawned on Liam's face, //So Banks had figured out that there was more//.

"Unfortunately, he's been rather uncooperative in providing any information."

"Then Captain Banks, I assume you'll have no objections to release him to my custody? Since we're investigating the same thing." Banks looked indignant but Liam reminded him, "As a Companion Protector, I have that right."

Simon nodded and led Liam to the interrogation room where Joshua was waiting.

Joshua was more than a little relieved to see Liam, but said nothing, keeping his composure. He was very happy that he wasn't going to have to explain everything.

***********************

Liam and Joshua exited the station in silence. It had not taken long for all the proper papers to be filed.

"Liam, thanks for saving my butt again."

"No problem."

Both men turned at the sound of footsteps behind them.

"I'm not giving up on this. You both know something about Ellison and Sandburg. And I intend to find out what it is."

"I don't really think it's a good idea for you to come with us Captain." Liam said.

"Look. Either I come with you or I follow you. Take your pick. It's that simple. And given your level of renown it should be quite easy to track both of you. Especially since I have a friend or three in the FBI."

Liam thought, then finally said, "Okay Captain. You can come with us, but you play by our rules. Do exactly as we say."

"Understood Major."

Liam then pulled out his global, and stepped away from the two men for a moment to hold a quick conversation.

***********************

Blair found himself yet again in the jungles of the Sentinel/Guide bond. He walked thru the jungle to the clearing as before.

"Hey Chief. So when are you guys coming? I can't take much more of this Sen-Dep crap. I'd much rather be fighting our villain of the week." Jim's tone was sarcastic but Blair knew him well enough to know that it wasn't entirely meant that way.

"We're working on it Jim. But we can't figure our where you are. Do you have any ideas?"

Jim shook his head, "I don't even know if I'm on Earth anymore." he paused.

"What is it Jim?"

"Sandoval's already taken me out once to question me. Something tells me that when he takes me out again, he isn't going to be nearly that patient."

"Jim, I'm sorry man, I . . ." Blair stopped and ran his hands through his hair starting to panic, "Jim what if we can't . . ."

"Don't think about that Chief. You will find me." A pause, "Time's almost up here. Listen to me Blair, no matter what happens, you're my best friend. If the worst happens, don't you every dare question that friendship. No matter what."

Blair nodded, "The same goes for you. You're my best friend."

Blair was suddenly, abruptly shaken out of the vision. "What the hell are you doing?" he cried as Jim faded from view and Augur appeared.

"We have to go now. Liam wants to meet us somewhere."

"Did he find Jim?"

"I don't think so. I've already called Renee. Let's go."

***********************

Simon paced back and forth. The trio had taken and portal to an abandoned warehouse //out in the middle of absolutely nowhere//.

Joshua and Liam were seated at a table in the corner, talking. Finally, Simon decided he'd had enough. He went over and slapped his palms on the table. "What the hell is this really all about?"

Liam and Joshua exchanged a look. Simon glared at both, then sighed.

Finally Liam started, "This information cannot leave this room. Too many lives are at stake."

Simon nodded, "Just get on with it."

Joshua began telling the story, "You were right, Captain Banks, I did lie in my report and I did it because I was afraid - afraid that Sandoval would find out the truth. He's the one behind my kidnapping." Joshua continued unemotionally, "He wanted information and he tortured me to get it, by implanting an NSI in my brain."

"NSI?" Simon questioned.

Liam explained, "A Neural Sensory Inducer. It's a device designed to enhance human senses."

"You mean like a Sentinel?"

"To some extent, yes. The device in Joshua's head is currently inactive."

"Sandoval used it to cause me excruciating pain." Simon could hear the memory in the man's voice and see the pain in his eyes.

"Sandoval never intended to let me go. He intended to kill me. Liam is the one who saved my life. When I was interviewed by Sandoval and others, I told the story you can currently see there, that I couldn't remember. It was the only way to protect Liam and Renee, as well as myself. I'm really sorry for having to lie Captain, but I couldn't endanger my friends." Joshua stared at the table, his face tense.

Banks nodded, but before he could speak, two figures emerged from the portable portal hidden in the building. Simon faintly wondered about all the technology Major Kincaid had at his disposal. Not too many abandoned warehouses had portals in them.

"Hey Simon!" a voice called happily.

"Sandburg? What are you doing here?"

"Simon, Sandoval's got Jim. Brackett sold us out."

"Brackett?" hissed Simon, "Shit."

"They're after me too. Joshua saved my butt though. He took me to a safehouse. Didn't you get my email?"

Simon glanced at Joshua, "Yes, I did. But how was I supposed to be sure it was from you?"

"Why the hell are we meeting in a warehouse in the middle of nowhere?" Renee called as she entered the building.

***********************

"What do you mean you haven't found anything?" Banks asked angrily, "I thought you people were supposed to have resources."

"Believe me, I've tried everything I can think of. If I can't find it - it's not there to find." Augur said.

Blair watched Simon rant, and knew that he was worried. Finally he input, "I think I know the answer."

"He won't do it." Augur said softly.

"If it's the only way he will." Renee said, determined.

"Who won't what?" Simon was confused.

"Blair thinks Joshua's abilities are the answer." Liam explained.

"So what the hell is the problem?"

"To fully access the abilities, he'll have to turn the NSI back on."

"So?"

"Joshua's afraid of what will happen if he does."

"Well, he may have no choice but to do that." Simon said gruffly.

"Where is he?" asked Renee, noticing for the first time that Joshua wasn't there anymore.

***********************

Joshua sat outside the warehouse, leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his knees. He was lost deep in thought, so he didn't notice when someone walked up next to him.

"You okay?"

Joshua looked up at Captain Banks, "I just want this whole mess to end."

"Liam told me Blair's theory about finding Jim. He thinks you can help him find my detective. His best friend."

"Captain, you're not going to talk me into doing something I don't want to. You don't know what I went through."

"No, I don't." admitted Simon, "But what I do know, is that the same person has Jim right now. And that Jim could be going through the very same hell you went through. Has THAT ever crossed your mind?" Joshua winced at his words and Simon thought, //Oh yeah, Simon, scare the hell out of him - that'll make him help//.

"Maybe you don't want to help Jim, but what about humanity - what happens when the Taelons discover a way to genetically engineer enhanced humans? What will happen to your father's vision then? You're acting selfish and self-centered. I may not be able to make you help Jim, but I'm certainly not going to sit here and act like everything's fine if you don't like your friends are doing. It's only natural to be afraid. But if you let that fear control you - then Sandoval's still running your life - through fear." With those words Simon turned and walked inside, leaving Joshua alone with his thoughts.

***********************

Simon re-entered the warehouse, "Kincaid, I appreciate all the help that you and Joshua have provided, but someone's got to shake him out of it - he's being selfish and he's not thinking straight. And heck, yes, I know he basically went through hell two months ago, but he has to realize some things or we may never get Jim back." Simon sighed, "Look, I've got to get back to the station. I'll give Sandoval the original report and field off any questions I can. Just keep me apprised of what goes on, and let me know if I can help at all."

"No problem, Captain. I will."

After Simon left, Renee, Liam, Augur, Blair and Joshua returned to the former resistance HQ and they resumed their search. Joshua refused to talk to anyone and fell asleep on the couch.

Renee glanced at Joshua's sleeping form and turned to talk to Liam. Augur and Blair were huddled over the computers. "Liam, I hate to even suggest this but . . ."

"Don't." he said, anticipating her question, "He woke up with the NSI implanted in his brain. It won't help him if he wakes up and finds it's been turned back "on" again."

"I don't pretend to understand these Sentinel superpowers or whatever you call them, and I normally wouldn't suggest doing something like that, but we're running out of options and time. Augur hasn't found a thing."

"Yet."

"Liam, have you considered the possibility that there's nothing to find, for once?"

"There's always something to find, the problem is knowing where to look."

Joshua was only half asleep during the conversation, and was a little hurt that Renee had suggested they turn the NSI back on without his consent. Simon's question had stayed with him,

i "And that Jim could be going through the very same hell you went through. Has THAT ever crossed your mind?"/i

He had tried to ignore it, but it knawed at his half-conscious mind as he drifted into a deeper stage of sleep.

***********************

iI want something, anything that will help me . . ." Sandoval finished as he released the button and paused, realizing how close he had come to saying something he shouldn't have.

Joshua, laying on the floor writhing in pain, managed, "Help you do what?"

"You're making this harder on yourself, Mr. Doors." Joshua watched anxiously as Sandoval toyed with the device. Sandoval's hand deliberately danced over the button.

"You and I both know that if I give you the information you need then you will have me killed. I have no reason to give you what you want - I can't benefit from it. And have you noticed that you get others to do your dirty work for you -- you have them kidnap me, beat me, and will have them kill me. Does your CVI allow you to feel anything? Are you even capable of feeling regret for the lives you've destroyed? The deaths you've been responsible for? What does it feel like to kill somebody? Are you sorry or is it just another day working for the Taelons?"

"Enough!" yelled Sandoval, interrupting Joshua's tirade as he then caused another jolt from the NSI. Joshua couldn't help but scream in pain.

"Now one last time - what do you know about the inner workings of the Resistance?"

"Nothing - I don't know."

"Access codes? Passwords?"

"No."

The questions came at rapid fire speed.

"Where is the Headquarters of the Resistance?"

"I don't know."

"Who are the members?"

"I don't know."

"How many members are there?"

"I don't know."

Who is the leader?"

"I don't know," Joshua mumbled in his half-conscious state. At the last "I don't know,' Sandoval muttered, "I've had enough of this" and pushed that button again - the pain in his head was worse than anything he had ever felt. As Sandoval released the button Joshua gasped for air and his body was wracked with an involuntary seizure but he remained conscious, as Sandoval had promised earlier. He continued to latch onto some hope that Sandoval had been lying but his hope diminished with every passing second of pain.

"Mr. Doors, if you would just cooperate a little we could cease this distasteful activity. I do tire of getting the same answer to all my inquiries."

"Why won't you listen to my answer," Joshua managed to utter.

Sandoval studied him a moment, "Mr. Doors, why do you persist in being uncooperative?" he asked in his usual monotone. He then mashed that dreaded button again.

"Sandoval. Please." Joshua pleaded as the pain hit him again.

/i

Joshua sat up suddenly, shaking with fear, his head pounding - again. "I can't live like this anymore." he muttered.

//i "And that Jim could be going through the very same hell you went through. Has THAT ever crossed your mind?"/i//

He glanced around the room - Liam had fallen asleep sitting up on the other couch. Renee had her head leaning on Liam's shoulder. In spite of his pounding head, Joshua gave a silent almost laugh. //She'll be so embarrassed when she wakes up//.

Joshua checked his watch - 4:30 am. He sighed, he couldn't wait to take care of this. Liam had briefed Belman on the idea of reactivating the NSI, and Joshua was sure she'd do it if he called. But what he really didn't want was an audience, watching him as Belman turned that device back on. What would happen? What would the senses do to him? Renee was already plenty uncomfortable with his "enhanced senses". There was only one person who would know what was "normal" and would know what to expect.

Joshua stood up slowly and crossed the room. Augur had crashed on his computer, literally snoring away with his head on the console. Blair lay in a cot in the corner of the room.

Gently, Joshua shook Blair awake. Blair jumped, as if he'd been dreaming, then relaxed slightly when he realized it was Joshua. "I need your help."

"What? Huh? It's . . ." Blair fumbled for his watch, "4:30 in the morning."

"I'm going to get Belman to do it. I'll try it your way. But I don't really want an audience."

Blair nodded, understanding instantly, "This is great, man! Come on, let's go."

Joshua looked surprised that Blair had immediately agreed, Blair noticed, "Look, I've been waiting for you to change your mind. I just wasn't expecting you to do it at 4:30 in the morning." Blair grinned.

"Are you psychic or something?" Joshua asked as they got in the elevator to the surface.

"Actually, I minored in psych . . ."

***********************

Joshua finished his call to Belman and clicked the global shut. She'd promised to meet them at her office in 15.

Blair and Joshua finished the walk there in silence. After entering the building, they made their way to her office. Blair took a seat in a chair outside the room. Joshua began to pace.

"Calm down." Blair said, "It's not going to help to get all worked up."

Joshua looked at him, "What's going to happen to me? The senses will be controllable right?"

"Your senses will probably be easier to control than Jim's - once you learn how."

"I don't want them."

"Jim didn't either, if that makes you feel better. But you really have no choice. If you leave the thing off, you're still affected. Isn't it better to learn to control it?"

Blair had a point, but Joshua remained silent.

"Look, you may not have chosen this, but you DO have these senses. You can either choose to accept that or you can run away. You've been running, and I think you know that it's gotten you nowhere. And from what you tell me about Sandoval, I think he'll find out eventually that you lied. But if you can control your abilities, it might just save your life."

"Do you always make this much sense?" asked Joshua wryly.

Blair grinned, "Not according to most people . . ."

***********************

Dr. Belman yawned as she stepped into her office. She didn't understand the reason this need to be done at this hour, but had easily read the urgency embedded in Joshua's voice.

Joshua was already sitting at her office, waiting for her, with another, long-haired man.

"Come on in." she said as she opened her inner office, "Who's your friend?"

"Blair Sandburg," Blair introduced himself, "I'm an anthropologist."

She eyed him skeptically and looked surprised, "An anthropologist? You look more like a . . ." she paused, fumbling for the right word.

"Neo-hippie witch doctor punk?" Blair supplied with a grin, "Don't worry - I get that a lot."

"Can we just get this done?" Joshua asked as he hopped up on the table.

"Man, you need to relax. It isn't going to help if you're already wound up before you do this. Just lay back, close your eyes and try to calm down."

Joshua complied and waited for Belman to start.

***********************

Augur groaned as he woke up. Great - he had fallen asleep on his computer. That would probably mean he'd have a sore neck all day long. Blair was nowhere in site. //Probably got tired of watching computer screens//.

He got up, stretched his legs and walked into the next room. And he did a double take when he saw Renee, head pillowed on Liam's shoulder.

"Wakey wakey." he said loudly. And as the two began to stir, he added, "Aw, ya know, you two make a really cute couple. I should go get my camera - this is what you really call a Kodak moment."

"Don't you dare." Renee snapped, glaring at both him and Liam. Liam just turned his head, so Renee couldn't see, and broke into a grin. "What are you grinning at, Smirk-boy?"

"I resent that remark." Liam said in a mock-hurt tone.

"You mean you resemble it." Augur input.

Renee gave them both another death-glare, then stood and huffed out of the room. Moments later, she stepped back in, "Where the hell is Joshua? Don't tell me he ran off again! If he did, when we get him back I'm gonna tie him to a chair and make him stay."

Augur whispered to Liam, "Sounds like we're gonna have a long day. And I would daresay that Joshua is in even deeper trouble than you or I."

***********************

Belman glanced up at the hovering anthropologist again. She had no idea why he was here. The procedure to turn the device back on was a simple one. Joshua lay, watching the screen nervously.

"Okay, it's done." she announced. Joshua sat up slowly.

"Hey man, you feel anything yet?" Blair asked. Belman watched them with interest.

"No. I feel the same."

"You're talking about the enhanced senses aren't you?" Belman asked, both looked surprised that she had known. "Liam filled me in on that. Why don't you let me run a few more scans?"

She touched Joshua's shoulder in a comforting gesture, but he jerked away. "What's wrong?"

But Joshua didn't hear. "Hot." he mumbled. "The lights . . . I can't see . . too bright." The lights had suddenly become like white-hot suns. The beeping from one of Belman's instruments had gone from a small irritation to deafening. Every sound thundered through his head. Everything he touched felt either burning hot or ice-cold. The hospital smell threatened to suffocate. He slumped next to the wall, hunching over instinctively trying to get away from everything. "Please make it stop."

Blair knew what was happening. "Doc, turn off the lights, and all the machines in here. Make things as quiet as possible." He then went over, knelt down next to Joshua and began to speak softly, "Okay, listen to me. I know your senses are overloading. I'm going to do what I can to help you, but you have to listen to me. Just concentrate on one thing - the sound of my voice. Now, I want you to picture a dial, one that you can turn up and turn down. It's on full blast right now, but just picture yourself turning it down."

Joshua relaxed slightly, so Blair knew that it had worked some - that or turning off the offending sensory inputs.

Joshua spoke softly, almost inaudible to Blair's ears, "I'm scared, please, help me control them. It's better than before, but I can't make it go down any more."

"I'm here, man. We can't really go anywhere or do anything til you get some control so we might as well start now."

***********************

Augur's communicator beeped right in the middle of one of Renee's snide remarks. After attempting to contact Joshua, unsuccessfully and attempting to find Blair, she had ranted for a good little while about how irresponsible and selfish Joshua was behaving. When it beeped, she stopped mid-sentence and raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to answer, so he did.

"Brackett! What do you want?" Augur asked harshly.

"Merely trying to help, my friend. I'll give you the location of the facility where Detective Ellison is being held."

"And what do you want in return?"

"The protection of the resistance from . . . other elements and some monetary compensation would also be appropriate."

Renee took the global from Augur, "And why should we trust you? Why would you sell out Sandoval?"

"Augur hasn't told you? I'm an amoralist. Anyway, the only way you'll see Ellison again is if I sell you the information. I'll contact you tomorrow at this time." He ended the call.

"I don't suppose you were able to trace that?" Renee asked.

"Brackett has some pretty sophisticated equipment, and used some sort of scrambler. The thing is, he may have great equipment but as soon as the stuff hits the black market, a counter measure pops up. And I'm one of the first to have access to those." Augur grinned.

"And . . ."

"I can descramble and trace the call. I can't pinpoint an exact location, but I can get you a regional idea of where he is. It'll take a little time though."

"Get on it." she said, "I'm going to see if I can find Mr. Sensitivity." Renee muttered.

***********************

Joshua sighed. Blair had helped him get enough control that they had been able to turn the lights up most of the way and turn the machines back on. Mentally, he was exhausted, and every sound was louder than normal, every light was brighter, every smell - more pungent. "We need to get back soon. Did you happen to call and tell them where we were?"

"Ummm, nope. And we'll go back when you're ready. Remember, we do have to cross several major roads. You gotta be able to handle that."

Joshua nodded.

***********************

Jim's senses suddenly kicked back in again. //ooo, not a good sign. They've either got Blair or I'm fixing to be in some really really deep trouble.//

Jim slowly opened his eyes, //Oh hell, he's still here//.

They had lowered him onto a table. Jim sat up slowly. Sandoval stood in front of him, giving him an unreadable stare.

"Mr. Ellison, I'm going to give you one more chance to tell us where your friend is. You should know, that if we are unable to find him, we'll have to approach the problem by other means. We had originally intended to use Mr. Sandburg's knowledge to find out about your senses and how to use them. Unfortunately, since we are unable to do so, we'll have to discover what makes you tick ourselves . . ."

Jim shuddered internally, //Nope, that didn't sound good - not at all//.

***********************

"Now look, if you need to stop at all on the way back - let me know. And keep those sunglasses on." Blair told Joshua as they walked down the street. "You know, I think everything might actually turn out okay."

Suddenly a horn sounded right next to them. Joshua winced visibly, took a sharp intake of air and stepped sideways away from it.

They stopped walking. //Or not// thought Blair, "Just get your bearings back, man. You're fine. Relax. Take a deep breath."

"Blair?"

"Yeah?"

"I can hear people's heartbeats . . ." Joshua said, fascination in his voice.

"I know. Bet these abilities could come in handy in the business world when you're making deals and stuff."

"Oh definitely."

"Let's try something." Blair glanced around, searching, "See that black car - the one parked way down there on the side of the road?" Joshua nodded. "Tell me who's in it and what's going on."

"Spy on them?"

"Hey man, just a random test."

Joshua concentrated for a minute, then said "Well, there's three people in the car. Two guys - one is an older man. The third person is a woman, she's talking on her cell phone. Sounds like they're looking for someone."

Blair grinned, "Sounds good to me, especially since I don't know." He paused a moment. "Oh here's an oldie. That flower shop across the way - see if you can smell the roses in the window."

Joshua rolled his eyes, "Guess that gives a new meaning to the old saying."

"So, anyway, why did you change your mind about the sensory thing?"

"Why do you think? You're the one who minored in psych." Joshua grinned.

"I think you did it because Jim's being held by the same guy, and you don't want what happened to you to happen to anyone else."

"Maybe you should've majored in psych."

"Nah, then you wouldn't be able to benefit from all my Sentinel knowledge."

"True. Seriously though, I'll do what I can to help your friend." They crossed the final street, and entered St. Michael's. Joshua ran his finger down the DNA scanner and the two got into the elevator. Joshua cocked his head, listening in fascination to the sounds the elevator made.

Below, Joshua stepped out first, taking in everything. Blair was right behind him.

"Where the hell have you two been?" Renee stalked up, practically in Joshua's face. "I am so tired of your pity parties where you run off all the time. How are we going to accomplish anything when we're having to look for you all the time?"

Joshua winced and took a step back.

"And you," Renee turned to Blair, "Don't you realize how dangerous it is for you to be out and about?"

"Hey, whoa, chill out. We were careful . . ."

"Careful doesn't cut it. What you did was selfish, reckless, careless,"

"Hold on just a minute," Blair objected, stepping between Renee and Joshua, "You're not being fair."

"Fair? And you're being fair? By what warped standard? And Joshua is too scared to help your friend - someone's gotta tell it like it is."

"Just stop right there. No one here would like to find Jim more than I would. If you'll just give us a minute to explain . . ."

"I turned the NSI back on Renee," Joshua stated quietly. "And do you know that all day long I've been working hard to try and get some small measure of control over my senses, which have been going haywire." Joshua's voice was low but his tone held quiet fury. "It would have been nice to think that you had enough respect for me to let me explain rather than immediately jumping down my throat. It would also have been nice to talk TO me about the NSI rather than talking to Liam about turning it back on without my knowledge."

Renee's face twitched in surprise at that. "If you hadn't been so selfish in the first place there would have been no need for that suggestion."

Liam, Augur and Blair took this opportunity to exit, leaving Joshua and Renee alone.

"I thought you were supposed to be my friend. Apparently you only care about yourself and your goals - what's important to you. The only reason you want to rescue Jim is to take away the Taelons' potential advantage. You don't really care about helping him. And my senses are a means to that end." Joshua paused in his tirade, realizing that he might have said too much. "Don't you realize that just two months ago . . ."

"You were in hell? Yes, I know that. Everyone knows that. It's time for you to move on. Get over it. Do you know what I spent that time doing? I was doing your job, my job, plus my resistance job. And any spare moment I had beyond that, and more than a little of the time on the job, I was doing everything possible to find you. I'm not perfect, and I've made mistakes. Yes, I was wrong to suggest what I did and I was wrong to not let you explain, but if you truly believe that I only care for myself then I'll leave. Just say the word - Boss." She turned and started to leave.

"Renee, I'm sorry." Joshua said.

"So am I."

***********************

(Meanwhile)

"I've got something to show you guys," Augur whispered as they left the room. "I was able to get a regional location on Brackett's position."

"Where is he?" asked Blair eagerly.

"Somewhere in the Carolinas."

"That doesn't mean that's where Sandoval is holding Ellison though." Liam said.

"But at least it's a start." Blair said.

"Well, maybe if World War III gets resolved in our lifetime, we can do something." Augur commented.

"The problem is that they're both wrong and both too stubborn to admit it."

"Come on, I've had about enough of this." Liam said. Blair and Augur exchanged a worried glance and followed.

Liam caught Renee's arm as she huffed away, "Wait a second."

"Leave me alone, Liam."

"Renee, we don't need to start fighting amongst ourselves. You and I both know that. You are and Joshua both have valid points. And I'm not excusing everything he said, but it wouldn't hurt for you to be a little more sympathetic. We need to work fast if we're going to save Detective Ellison."

Renee glared at him but slowly nodded.

Joshua came up to them, avoiding Renee's eyes. "What's next?"

"Augur has located three possible locations. All are high security facilities and I'd rather not break into the wrong one, so Joshua, we'll need your abilities to tell if we have the right place. Blair will help you. Renee, I'll need your help to break into whichever facility we need to, if any. Augur, you'll stay here and see if you can get a more exact location."

They all nodded.

***********************

"I warn you Detective, our way will be infinitely more painful."

Sandoval studied Jim's face, "Okay then, I'll be back in a few hours and we'll begin. I have to gather a few . . . instruments that the procedure will require. Mr. Brackett, you'll keep an eye on him." Sandoval leaned in closer and whispered, "And if anything happens to him, you will find yourself in extremely unpleasant circumstances."

Brackett nodded and said aloud, "I'll be happy to, Agent."

***********************

"This isn't it."

"Are you sure Joshua?" asked Liam.

"The building really is abandoned. I can't hear any voices."

"Now THAT is debatable." Renee remarked.

"Thank you for your confidence, Ms. Palmer." Joshua retorted dryly.

"No problem."

Liam ignored their comments, "Augur's next possibility is about thirty miles away. We need to head that way."

They arrived near the second building half an hour later. Liam had thought it better to avoid the portal system. And of course, a friend of Augur's in the area was able to procure them a van, which Liam instructed Blair to park in a gathering of trees.

They climbed out of the van, and Liam surveyed the area. Not much at all. It looked as abandoned as the last. He heard Blair quietly instructing Joshua.

"I don't know how to make it work. It just happens . . ."

"I'm not entirely sure how it works either. Jim and I always seem to know or figure things out. Just focus on trying to see or hear something. Remember, I told you about imagine turning up a "dial" on one sense or another? Just keep doing that. It also appears that you really won't have to worry about zoning." Blair paused, seeing the look of intense concentration on his face, "You getting anything?"

"This has to be it." Joshua muttered.

"And what makes you think that?" Renee asked

"Someone's coming out." Joshua said. The group withdrew into the trees.

None other than Agent Ronald Sandoval, exited the building. He scanned the area with his eyes, and apparently satisfied that everything was secure, began walking into the distance, most likely to a portal or shuttle.

"I'd say that this is the place." Liam said

"Where's the high security part to it?" asked Renee.

"Augur?" Liam asked, speaking into the global.

"I'm on it. There don't appear to be any guards but Liam, it looks like there are lots of security devices."

"There are only two people in there Liam." Joshua said.

"Okay. Augur, how do you we get in there?"

"It takes a password combination."

"Can't you get it?"

"Sending it now." Augur grinned. "Uh, Liam. There is a security system, I can't override it. Only one person can enter or exit at a time, within a ten minute window. After entering or exiting, the system shuts down for 5 minutes. Now with the proper code, Sandoval's personal code - which I've provided, courtesy of the Agent himself, you can get around it, but you have to be inside to transmit the code . . ."

"Why can't Ronnie just make things easy? The Resistance is going to break in anyway."

"I'll go." Joshua said.

"Why you?" Renee asked.

"Because you and Liam can't afford to be seen near this place. And even if I were captured, it wouldn't be very surprising for anyone. You, on the other hand . . ." Joshua trailed off, "Besides, my ability to 'hear voices' should give me an advantage, right?."

"You do know that if you get in trouble - we can't help you." Joshua nodded, "Okay. I'm going to forward the information to your global. You get in there, wait 5 minutes, then transmit the code and we're okay."

"And you should take this just in case," Renee said calmly, handing him a gun.

Joshua put his hand around the handle of the gun . . . the last time he had held a gun, he had nearly killed his father. He sighed, trying to put his fears out of his mind, and said calmly, "Okay. I'll see you in five minutes."

"Hey man, be careful." Blair said.

Joshua walked up to the entrance and punched in the combination. A moment later the door swished open - and he entered, holding his gun. The door shut behind him, leaving him in total darkness.

***********************

Brackett grinned at Jim when they heard the outer door open and close. Jim tried to bring his hearing fully on-line so that he could listen, to see if it was Sandoval, but his senses were still fuzzy from the sensory deprivation.

"Sounds like it didn't take Agent Sandoval too long to get his equipment." Brackett sneered, and he turned towards the door, anticipating Sandoval's entrance.

Jim sprung into action, forcing his body to move, and knocked Brackett off his feet. The gun clattered to the floor a few feet away. Jim's hands were bound, so he used both to keep punching until Brackett lay unconscious.

In one movement, he scooped up the gun and aimed it at the door and waited.

Footsteps sounded outside the door and it slowly opened. "Detective Ellison?"

"Who the hell are you?" Jim asked the figure, standing in the doorway.

"My name is Joshua Doors. Blair's been working with some friends of mine to find you." Jim looked at him accessingly.

Joshua moved to untie Jim's hands. "You saved Blair from them, didn't you?" asked Jim softly.

Joshua nodded, "And he's been helping me with the same thing he's been helping you with."

"You're a Sentinel too?" Jim asked, surprised.

"To some extent. I'll explain later. Right now, we need to get out of here."

"I don't suppose Sandoval will be too happy to find that I'm not here. Unfortunately for someone else, it looks they WILL be here." Jim commented indicating Brackett.

Joshua was busy at a control panel, typing in the code that would allow them out. Jim stood behind him watching. "Okay, it's done. Let's go." Joshua said.

Joshua and Jim ran out the front doors and practically ran into Liam and Renee. Blair was just behind, and it was obvious to Jim that he was doing his standard 'not staying in the truck' routine.

"Jim!!" Blair hugged his Sentinel, "Are you okay?"

"I'm okay Chief. My senses are a little crazy, but they're starting to re-adjust. But we better save the story for later because I don't want to be near this place when Sandoval gets back."

"I'll second that." said Joshua.

The group ran back to the waiting van and drove back toward D.C.

***********************

The entire group returned to Augur's abode, planning to stay safely out of Sandoval's reach for the evening.

Jim had borrowed a global to contact Simon and let him know that both he and Blair were safe and, surprisingly, considering past misadventures, uninjured, "Yeah Simon, I'm okay. Just a little tired. Okay, I will. Thanks Simon."

"Hey Blair, Simon gave us a week of vacation."

"Oh man, that's great! Maybe we could go down to Peru and visit some of the archaeological sites we missed last time."

"Don't get excited, Chief. All I want to do is go back to the loft and sleep for a week."

"Oh no." Blair groaned.

Joshua watched the two of them banter back and forth, wishing he had a friend like that. He and Renee had decided to both forget the fight. He wasn't entirely sure either of them would, but that was another matter entirely. Renee had gone on home to her apartment rather than stay and talk. He sighed.

"So, Blair, you found another Sentinel to pester." Jim commented. Blair laughed at that.

Jim came over to Joshua, "Could I talk to you for a minute?"

Joshua nodded.

"First, I wanted to thank you for your help. Thanks to you and your friends, Sandoval didn't capture Blair, and you were able to get me out of the mess I was in."

"No problem at all. Sandoval's not exactly the most pleasant person to be kidnapped by."

"No joke." Jim said, "He's not exactly a pleasant person, period." a pause followed, "I know about what happened to you. Blair told me about that and your senses too, last night, or was it this morning?, at the doc's office." Jim made a face, showing what he thought of doctors in general. "You seem to have good control of your senses."

"I don't know how . . ."

"But yet you do control them. Don't you?"

"Yeah."

"When I found out about my senses, the thing I had to learn was to trust my instincts more, and to trust someone else. Your friends here know about it, but if I were you I wouldn't tell anyone else about it. Because you aren't affected by the zone outs, there's really no need. And don't fall into the trap of worrying over whether or not people will think you're crazy. If your instinct tells you something - listen to it. It will save your life. If you ever need help with anything -- just call us. I know Blair, Simon, and I will help you." Jim then grinned, "Simon also told me about how he arrested you. He wants you to know that he got rid of any records of that."

"Thanks." Joshua grinned back. "And don't worry about Sandoval trying anything again. Augur will take care of that."

"How?"

"Well, he sent Sandoval an anonymous email, saying basically that if he ever tried to capture you or Blair again, that concrete information of his and the Taelons' involvement would be released to the media."

"Now I'm sure he's thrilled about that!"

"He's far beyond furious." Joshua said.

"Well, Joshua, Blair and I are going to take off, as soon as I can drag him out of here. Simon gave us a week vacation, so we'll probably go fishing or something. Maybe I'll even let him drag me to some of that archaeology stuff that he wants to see."

Liam came up behind them, "Take care Detective."

Jim nodded his thanks, then said "Hey, Chief, let's go." The two started to walk away but Jim turned, "Oh yeah, I wouldn't recommend Cascade as a good place to have your next conference. It's not exactly the safest place on Earth."

***********************

1 Hour later

"Hey Jim. Did you know that Major Kincaid was involved in covert ops. Liam took over his identity for some reason."

"Really? That's unusual."

"Exactly what about covert ops is usual?"

"Or an anthropologist who looks like a hippie, working with the police?"

Blair rolled his eyes, "I'm glad you're okay Jim. I was really worried about you."

"Me too Chief, me too."

***********************

EPILOGUE

"The NSI is working fine. Have you had any more headaches since it was reactivated?"

"Nope. I feel fine."

Sandoval entered the room a moment later.

"What can I do for you Agent?" Belman asked. Joshua sat on the table, watching Sandoval.

"I'm here on official Taelon business." he stated, his tone containing hostility and something akin to distaste. "I need you to get me this information." He handed her his global, open to a screen with a list of names. "Now."

Belman nodded, "I'll be right back."

After Belman left, Sandoval turned to Joshua, "Quite a coincidence running into you Mr. Doors. I presume you are feeling well." His tone was uncaring.

"I'm fine, thanks," Joshua said distractedly.

"I'm sure you'll be glad to know that Detective Ellison was recovered."

"That's great!" Joshua said, attempting to sound enthusiastic.

"Though we were unable to catch the abductors, not that you were much help with that."

"I can't give you what I don't have." Joshua said neutrally.

Sandoval glared at him, "I bet that this situation has brought back some memories of your own abduction."

"What are you saying?" Joshua asked, his anger and hatred of Sandoval showing in his voice.

"The situation is remarkably similar. It must be tough for you." Sandoval's tone was derogatory and unsympathetic.

Joshua sat quietly, thinking for a minute, then said, "You should know since you're the one that behind both of them."

A look of shock crossed Sandoval's face, and he quickly said, "You know, after you've been through such a traumatic experience, I *very* much doubt that a court of law would be able to uphold any claims you made about your experience..."

"What is that Sandoval, some kind of threat?" Joshua asked.

"Take it how you want to. I wouldn't pursue that particular line of thinking, Mr. Doors. It could be potentially hazardous to your continued existence."

TO BE CONCLUDED

IN THE SEQUEL