As she and Zane arrived in the infirmary, Jo was taken aback by the surrounding chaos. It was as crowded as she ever seen and all over people were scrambling around attending to patients. There were additional beds, all full. All told, the scene looked more like battlefield triage than Allison's orderly domain.

They both jumped as a man she didn't recognize bounced around violently in restraints and cried out in an eerie terror. The scene did nothing to put her mind at ease, but despite that she was feeling oddly relieved that Zane had talked her into coming back to GD.

Allison caught their entrance out of the corner of her eye and made her way over to the both of them. She appeared concerned and overworked to Jo, but a frazzled Allison was a calm and contained average person. Jo envied that a little.

"Jo," she said in greeting, her relief evident. "How are you feeling?"

"I feel fine, really. Nothing like these people." She answered with her arms crossed as her eyes shifted uneasily around her.

Allison didn't appear convinced. "I take it that Zane explained some of what's going on?"

Jo nodded.

"Let me explain what we've determined so far." Allison put a tentative had out to Jo's shoulder and escorted her off to one side before continuing. "Everyone involved in the study was split into two groups, one with the psychoactive compounds diluted in an adjuvant, while the other group received a placebo. I've now got almost everyone in the psychoactive group complaining of serious side effects. Depression, flashbacks and now even hallucinations. When I got the first set of labs back a couple hours ago I realized that somehow the numbers were miscalculated and the medication dosage in the adjuvant has over a four-hundred percent increase."

"Four-hundred percent?" Zane shook his head incredulously. "That's an insane miscalculation."

Jo's eyes widened as she registered the magnitude of the discrepancy. "How could the numbers be so wrong? Was this intentional?" she asked.

"That's something we're looking into, no results on that yet." Allison's frustration was palpable.

"Okay, well I'll need the list of everyone involved in this study as soon as possible. If there's any foul play involved, my team and I—"

"Jo..." Allison interrupted. She looked uncomfortable, perhaps even a little scared. Finally she said, "You're part of the test group, you're not a control subject."

Jo glanced to both Zane and Allison, hoping the doctor wasn't suggesting what she thought she might be. "So, all the more reason I need to get to the bottom of this quickly." Her jaw clenched.

"Unfortunately, it's going to have to be someone else working on it," Allison said. It was calm, but there was no mistaking the steel in it.

Jo shook her head in disagreement. "I already told you I feel fine, and—"

"—And I'm relieved you haven't noticed anything. Unfortunately there are other side-effects that I'm concerned about. Some of them may be long term."

"Like?"

"Possible personality shifts, extreme fatigue, potential cognitive impairment and memory loss. At this dosage level the consequences could be severe, even potentially suicidal thought or action." She paused, apparently to make the point, then continued seriously. "We have some other concerns as well."

"As if that's not enough?" Jo's blurted. She struggled to keep an uncharacteristic hysteria she was feeling under control. Hadn't she been dealt enough?

"I'm sorry, Jo," Allison said with sincerity. "We're discontinuing use of all current medications. Unfortunately, they can have withdrawal symptoms and we're worried some of them might become pronounced during the process of weaning it out of your system."

Jo's confidence began to crumble and Zane frowned. "Aren't there any medications we can give to counter-effect what's already been given? What about an antidote?" He questioned, looking troubled as he glanced towards Jo.

"Yes, there is a reversal agent called Flumazenil that's occasionally used for overdose patients. But it carries many risks that can be dangerous as well and I don't want to add to our already long list of things we're treating."

Jo began pacing the floor. "So basically I could go insane with this withdrawal process and you're not going to even let me find the cause."

She noticed Zane and Allison trade a concerned glance from the corner of her eye as she struggled to not completely dismantle in front of them. She felt shaky and was definitely moving closer to a panic. She reminder herself that they were trying to help. Of course they were. They were her friends. Weren't they?

Zane stepped into her, placing hands on her arms and lowered his head to get eye contact. "Hey, it's going to be okay." She wasn't convinced but forced herself to remain still. She turned to Allison and Zane placed a hand on the small of her back. It felt nice.

"Jo," Allison said fiercely, "I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that we get you back to normal as fast as we can. We're going to transfer you to a low-dose pill form of Diazepam which has a longer half-life so you won't be taking as much. We'll gradually reduce that as much as we can so that you'll have fewer side-effects."

Jo nodded. Zane took in a deep breath through his nose. She could feel his relief through the contact, and it helped her find some of her own. They had a plan, at least.

"I've already arranged with Fargo for you to have limited responsibilities while we're weaning you off of it," Allison continued. "For the time being I'll do an exam and then we'll keep monitoring you."

Allison motioned towards a free exam bed and led Jo over; placing a privacy shield between her and the next patient. Zane tried to follow, but both women gave him pointed looks.

He raised his hands in mock surrender. "I can take a hint. I'll just go grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria." He paused, looking at Jo. "Can I get you anything?"

"No, I'm not hungry." Jo met his eyes, remembering how much he'd been there for her today added, "thank you."

Zane's nodded and looked to Allison. "Dr. Blake?"

"I'm fine, thank you Zane."

"Not a problem. I'll be back to check on you in a little bit." He stole one last glance to Jo and left, offering to her what looked like reassurance but she could tell that he was more worried than he wanted to let on.

*EUREKA*EUREKA*EUREKA*

Zane ordered a veggie sandwich with an iced tea in the cafeteria and sat to eat, giving Doctor Blake plenty of time to look Jo over. He couldn't get the picture of her frightened face out of his mind. It was the only time he could ever remember seeing her look that way. He was pissed at GD and their experiments and whoever the hell fucked this up. He had done his share of goofing off and making mistakes but when it came to something you were putting in someone's body, you'd better be damn sure you got it right. And if this was intentional... He wasn't generally one to resort to fighting. He was the type that could always outsmart or out-snark his opponents, but if someone had intentionally did this to Jo he might just have to pound the hell out of them. And then make them pay sabotage-by-sabotage.

Irony. A few months ago he would've been the one out to get Jo, and now he was reacting so protectively. Would he have ever put her life in danger? Not intentionally, he thought. He just aimed to make that life a little more aggravating. And now he couldn't get over how he felt seeing her hurt. He considered her a friend, which wasn't something he would say about many. He didn't know what else was between them but he hoped whatever was going on wasn't going to end it before it got a chance to even start. He needed to figure out if this was more than just attraction to her body, her secrets and the once forbidden or if it was developing into much more.

He picked her up something to eat and drink in case she changed her mind and set off to ask one of his lab-mates if he and his girlfriend could go pick up his bike so he'd be freed up to focus on Jo. He didn't want to leave her alone if she was staying at GD and wanted to be able to drive her home and help with anything she needed if she was able to get out of the infirmary. He wasn't sure how she'd take to the help but he didn't care. This time he wasn't going to let her push him away so easily.

*EUREKA*EUREKA*EUREKA*

Allison checked Jo's vital signs, scanned her blood and her organs. "Everything looks okay. Your organs aren't affected but there is still a substantial amount of medication in your system. I'll have you start the dosage of the Diazepam this evening." She then connected her to GD's system using a wireless body sensor attached to her neck. Jo recalled the one she'd stuck to Carter for his 'physical' years ago. "This will keep track of you vitals, blood, and organs for the next couple weeks so you won't be chained to a bed. Now on to your emotional health. You said you were fine but are you sure you haven't been experiencing anything unusual? No depression, anxiety, unexpected stress?"

Jo was silent for a moment. She had been troubled by thoughts of the past a lot lately but she thought it was understandable with everything that had happened. She'd been unusually anxious but she thought that had to do with Zane and all his recent questions. As far as depression... "Look Allison, I suppose you could say I've experienced some of those things. I think with the...," she lowered her voice and Allison crossed her arms and shifted her eyes as she looked to see if anyone nearby was listening. Jo continued, "...current circumstances, a lot of those feelings aren't out of the ordinary. And depression, if I'm being honest I've battled that several times in my life and it's not a problem for me. I was raised that if you let things get you down they've won and they'll consume you. You rise above them and use your strength. I'm not the kind of person to sit around moping."

Allison sighed. "Jo, you're an incredibly strong woman and I love that. But depression isn't something you have total control over. It's not a choice. I'm glad if you are doing things to help yourself but lately I've noticed something different about you. It's like you're just going through the motions." Jo cleared her throat and became uncomfortable. Allison added gently. "Look, I certainly hope I'm wrong and you can tell me if I am. I'm just worried you've lost something because of this medication. Do you feel things like hope, desire, or joy anymore?"

Jo swallowed what felt like a lump in her throat. "I might be struggling a little with that." She admitted quietly.

"Well Jo, there's no shame in that." Allison said with reassurance.

Jo nodded with a little bit of sadness.

"Honestly, your side-effects are on the lower end of the scale of what we've seen today. I would imagine your great health and metabolism made it burn from your system that much faster. That's got to play a role in your recovery."

"I hope you're right. So, what's next? And how long are we talking before I can get back to work?" Looking around Jo couldn't wait to get out of there. With all of the melancholy faces surrounding her and the news that she couldn't do anything about it, her mood was going to go downhill fast.

"What I'd like is for you to stay here overnight to be monitored." Jo's faced tensed with discontent and Allison continued cautiously, "but, if you agree to have someone stay with you overnight and call me the minute you experience any changes", she added with warning, "I will call in a prescription for your medication and let you go home for the night."

Jo sighed, not thrilled with her terms. "Fine. Now I just have to figure out who."

"I'd offer Jack to you but he's probably going to be pretty busy with you being down."

At that the doors slid closed and Carter walked up to them. "What am I getting offered out for? And how are you feeling Jo?" he inquired with concern.

"Besides hearing I'll soon be insane? I'm just great." Jo blurted sarcastically. Carter raised an eyebrow and nodded, looking at Allison nervously.

"Jo needs someone to stay with her tonight to monitor any changes. I figured you'd have a lot of work on your hands, so we were considering options."

"Ah. What about Henry and Grace? Fargo?"

"I don't want to intrude on them. And Fargo? I like the guy but I don't think I can handle him right now." She turned to Allison with pleading eyes. "Can't I just be alone? I'll call the minute anything changes."

With a shake of her head she responded. "Jo, I've made the same stipulations to everyone else. I want to make sure if things change quickly there will be someone to call for help. What about...?", She paused, looking towards the doors as Zane sauntered up to them, a bottle of water and a bag from the cafeteria in hand.

"Hey, I brought you a sandwich and some water just in case," He said, handing it to Jo. "So, how is everything?" He asked, looking to Allison.

"I'll let Jo fill you in on the details. She's free to go if she can find someone to stay with her overnight," she said, turning to face him. From there she didn't see Jo motion her to silence, nor Jo's reluctant sag back onto the bed as the words spilled out.

"I could do it." All eyes turned to him in surprise. "What? I don't have any plans tonight other than picking up my bike. And I've already arranged for someone to do that so it's not a problem." He grinned widely at Jo.

Carter and Allison looked to her. "Jo, is that okay with you?" Carter asked, struggling hard, and failing, to suppress a grin of amusement.

She looked back and forth from them to Zane who had an insufferable glint of satisfaction. Having a feeling she would regret it but figuring it was the least of all evils she resigned herself. She frowned then glanced his way and sighed. "I guess my options are rather limited." She grabbed her coat and made her way towards the door.

"You coming?" she bit out as she passed.

He watched her walk away. "Absolutely," he murmured. With a nod to Carter and Allison he quickly moved to catch up. As they walked away she could almost be certain he would be unable to resist the opportunity to ogle her ass. She glanced back quickly and sure enough his eyes darted forward. He grinned and met her eyes. What had she gotten herself into?

*EUREKA*EUREKA*EUREKA*

Allison quickly followed after them, trying to get past all the chaotic noise currently going on in the room. She yelled to them, "Call me immediately if something changes. And keep a close eye on her!"

"You can count on it," Zane called back.

"You sure this is a good idea?" Carter asked, appearing at her side with skepticism.

"Jo going home? No." She said worriedly and then a soft smile formed on her lips and she added, "Sending her to get some alone time with Zane? Maybe."

Carter eyed her. Allison? A Matchmaker? Nah. He led her out of the noisy infirmary into the hallway and drew her in for a hug. She exhaled, trying to let go of some of the day's events as she melted in his arms. He planted a kiss on the top of her head.

Worry etching itself on her expression again, she admitted, "I just hope she's as doing as well as she says she is."

He traced her face with his eyes and leaned down and kissed her tenderly. "Are you doing okay?"

She smiled, looking grateful for his comfort before her face fell serious again. "Yes. I'm just trying to figure out how this could have happened."

He furrowed his brow, pulling back from her as his thoughts turned solemn. "Do you think it could have been deliberate?"

"I'd hate to think that but I'm not convinced otherwise. I've been meaning to question Dr. English, he was who was heading up the trial. I'm just so swamped I haven't been able to get around to it."

"I think I'll pay a visit to this Doctor English and see what he knows." He stated conspiratorially. "Then afterward I'll meet you at your place?" He rested a hand gently on her arm.

She nodded. "Thanks Jack." She said with an appreciative smile.

"I'd do anything for you Allie," he said, grinning, but then turned serious and let some of his old cop voice back out. "Although I have to admit it's not entirely for your benefit. If someone did this to Jo... I'm going to do everything in my power to get to the bottom of it."

A/N's: This was way overdue and for that I apologize. This chapter had been mostly written for some time but I was struggling with it so I put it aside for a bit.

Thank you to ZeroGain for beta'ing this chapter and helping me find Allison's voice.

Of course I don't own Eureka and only like to pretend I'm a fly on the wall there. Thank you so much for the reviews and subscribes. I appreciate them so much.