Disclaimers: Numb3rs is owned by CBS, et al. I own nothing other than the elements/characters of the story that I have written. The original story Nine Wives is the property of the above mentioned, however I have taken the cult and the idea and changed it to my liking. I am making no money from this and it is only for our entertainment.

Summary: Alternative storyline. Agent Rachel Willons has been kidnapped by Arner Stone and Colby is going under cover to try and rescue her.

Author notes: I am fitting Larry's space trip into my timeline, even though he would probably be coming back. If someone can supply me with the cult's actual name I'd appreciate it. It was something like the Apoplectics Saints. Help is appreciated.

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December 2006

The ringing of the phone finally cut through the concentration induced fog that surrounded the curly-headed man's brain. Blinking his eyes and shaking his head to clear the formulaic numbers that had been whizzing and whirling around in his mind, he reached for the phone. Papers and other documents were strewn over his desk. A lunch that Amita had dropped by for him remained uneaten. The math problem on the chalkboards had taken his undivided attention for the last several days. Between classes and the occasional case helping Don, he found that his free time was often spent working on this equation.

"Hello." He answered still slightly distracted by the problem. "Oh, hello Dr. Howe." He sat up straighter and gave his complete attention to the call. "Fine thank you. Letter? Ummm." Charlie began to quickly shuffle through the stack of unopened mail lying upon his desk. Finding a thick envelope with a Yale return address, he turned his attention back to the phone. "Yes, I did receive your letter. I haven't had time to look it over yet." He paused, knowing his answers seemed weak.

Listening to the man on the other end of the line, he opened the letter and scanned it. "Well, that's very generous of you Dr. Howe. I was very fascinated by your last paper on Invariant Theory." They spoke for several more minutes, discussing their theories. Shortly the subject of the letter was brought up again. "So this would be for two weeks during March that you're on Spring Recess?" Charlie flipped his own calendar open. "An intensive graduate seminar on my theories? You flatter me. Well yes, I realize that it would be more meaningful having the theorist actually teaching it. Would it be alright if I get back to you, say the beginning of the week?"

Smiling, Charlie bid the other professor good-bye and hung up. Since Larry had departed for his advanced training for his impending space trip, Charlie had felt out of sorts. Maybe a two-week break teaching graduate students would be just the thing to break up the time that Larry would be gone. Springtime in New Haven, Connecticut might be nice. It would certainly be a change of scenery.

Grabbing the light jacket from the back of his chair, he exited his office snapping off the lights. If he was in luck he could find Amita and grab an early dinner. He really wanted to run this by her and see what she thought. If things went well, maybe she would even be able to accompany him.

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March 2007

"Did you pack everything you own?"

"Ha, ha. Look if you don't want to help me just go back downstairs. I'm sure Dad would be more than happy to let you entertain him." Charlie turned back to the dresser and grabbed several more pair of socks. Dumping them into the open suitcase he looked over at his older brother with a smirk. "Besides, I understand if it's too much for you. After being out so late with Liz, I'm sure you're exhausted."

Don laughed sarcastically, "Nice try. Is that why you need my help? Exhaustion? Dad happened to mention that you and Amita were out rather late, or more appropriately out early."

"I thought since we won't see each other for a couple of weeks, I should make sure my last night here should be with her." Charlie blushed slightly. Even though he and Amita made no secret of their dating, he still wasn't used to the feelings he was experiencing or with his brother's good-natured teasing.

"Too bad that she wasn't able to go with you." Don moved to the suitcase and helped Charlie close the zipper, the top bulging as they shut it.

"Yeah," Charlie spoke ruefully. "She really didn't think she should miss her cousin's wedding." He lifted the bag off the bed and sat it next to the four other bags near the door. "She promised to call me every night though."

"Is there anything else or can I start carrying these down?" Don picked up a bag and tested the weight.

"There are several things by the door downstairs. My computer stuff and files."

"I'll start loading. I'd hate to run lights and siren to get you to the airport on time." Don headed down with the first load.

Charlie took another quick look in the bathroom and his room, checking to make sure nothing was being left. Grabbing a bag he headed downstairs to say good-bye to his father.

After receiving a hug and the standard fatherly advice from Alan; be careful and have fun, the brothers climbed into the vehicle and pulled out of the drive. During the drive to the airport Charlie reminded Don of the list of things that he would want Don and Alan to attend to.

"Relax Charlie. You act like we are a couple of kids that don't know how to behave ourselves while our parents are gone," Don teased. "I'll make sure that Dad doesn't have any wild parties and that Millie doesn't try to spend the night."

"My God. You don't think that he would do that do you?" Charlie turned to look at his brother, horror dawning in his eyes.

Seeing his brother's concern, Don decided to stretch it as far as he could. "Possibly. I mean he is over 21and single. Come on Charlie. He's an adult male and she's an adult female. You don't think they are just going to sit around and talk about building bridges and math. Maybe a little strip poker."

"I just don't like the idea of him throwing himself into a relationship with her." Charlie was a little huffy. "Besides the mental picture of him and Millie is killing me."

"Ahhhh, thanks. I hadn't even though of that." Don shook his head. "I'll do my best to keep them apart."

"Thanks." Charlie looked at the signs as they exited towards the airport. "I need the United terminal."

"Alright. Is Amita still meeting us there?"

Charlie nodded, "Yes, she should be here already."

Don merged to the right and pulled up to the drop off lane by the terminal. He hopped out and helped Charlie unload his luggage. Confirming the gate number, Don left to park the vehicle and Charlie found a skycap to help with the bags.

Meeting back inside, Charlie had already checked his luggage and was standing with Amita. The physical closeness of the two spoke volumes about their relationship. Don smiled as he approached. He was happy for his baby brother; those two were good for one another.

Greeting the dark-haired beauty, the trio stood talking until it was time for Charlie to pass through security. Don offered to use his badge to get himself and Amita through so they could accompany Charlie to the gate, but Charlie declined. "I know both of you need to get to work. After all, not everyone gets to play hooky for a couple of weeks."

Laughing and pulling his brother into a quick hug, Don replied. "Not everyone considers teaching math for two weeks a vacation."

"I guess not. I'll call Dad when I get there." Charlie turned to Amita and pulled her into a close hug. Releasing her slightly he gave her a brief kiss. I'll call you as soon as I land." Saying goodbye again, he then started towards the screeners. Turning back to face his brother and girlfriend he called to Don. "Call me if something comes up and you need me."

"Charlie, you'll be on the other side of the country." Don shook his head in mock disbelief. "Besides, I know another mathematician. Plus, she's better looking than you." He pulled Amita into his arms jokingly.

Amita laughed at the expression on Charlie's face. "Don't worry. I'll never take your place Charlie." She gently removed herself from Don's light grasp. "Besides, I can only handle one Eppes at a time."

Smiling, Charlie looked at them. "Remember that. I'll see you in a couple of weeks." A final wave and he was ready to go through the metal detector. A large, beefy looking woman stood with her wand at the ready. Charlie sighed as he subjected himself to the cursory screening.

Don and Amita stood watching until Charlie was out of sight. Turning to Don, Amita smiled, "Did he take everything he owned? I've never seen one man with so much luggage."

"I guess geniuses don't travel light." Don pulled his keys from his pocket. "I better get going if I'm going to get to the office before the team. Megan likes to rub it in if I'm late." The two prepared to go their separate ways, "Call if you need anything Amita."

"Thanks. Between the wedding and work, I'm afraid I won't have much time to miss Charlie. Besides, if he were here for the wedding he would want to rearrange the seating for the optimal traffic patterns. Sometimes our genius thinks too much!"

Still laughing to himself over the thought of Charlie fussing over chair placement, Don climbed into his SUV and headed back towards work.

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The blonde moved quickly to the kitchen and checked on the pot of coffee brewing. She had shut off her alarm and had drifted back asleep only to wake up 15 minutes later in a panic. Hurrying through her shower and morning ritual, she was not going to forgo her normal coffee.

Although she wasn't working an active case, there was enough paperwork from her last one to keep her busy for most of the day. Plus, if she were able to finish it she would be able to work a while on her pet project; the polygamy cult ran by Arner Stone.

Pouring a steaming cup of coffee, she paused briefly and her thoughts went back to her childhood. Her parents had been stereotypical flower children and in their quest for harmony and peace, they had taken up with Stone's father. Levi Stone, leading the group founded by his father, had preached against the tyranny of the government and the idea of a communal society that would be a large, self-providing family. It was when she had turned six that the Prophet Levi had noticed her. He spoke to her parents about God's message that she was destined to be his wife and help strengthen the family.

Soon after, her family left the church. Sneaking away in the middle of the night and traveling for several days and nights until they reached her Grandmother's home; a woman she had never met. The Prophet had forbid contact with the nonbelievers and the reunion was one of joy. They eventually moved to Illinois and blended back into normal society. Even so, the memories of the "family" stayed with her.

After graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Criminal Justice, Rachel moved to California and pursued a career with the California Bureau of Investigation. The cult was currently operating in several western states, including California and with her position she was able to keep an eye on any new reports concerning them. Twenty-eight and still single, many of her co-workers joked that she was married to her job. There was even some speculation that she was "playing" for the other team. The gossip didn't really bother her; she knew that once she had accomplished her goal of putting an end to Stone's group she would feel comfortable finding a man to settle down with. But as long as Stone was out there and recruiting more people into his twisted religion, there were women and children that needed protecting.

Shaking herself out of her daydreaming, Rachel filled her travel mug and shut off the coffee maker. Grabbing her bag and the cup, she opened her door. The warm California morning air caressed her as she turned to lock the door behind her. The last thing she remembered was a pair of strong arms and a voice, "Welcome back sister."

Author's note: The real action begins in the next chapter; I had to get the story set first. Please review and let me know. This is my first Numb3rs fiction. Thanks.