"No. No, I'm not going." Rufus insisted over the phone.

"Rufus," the little too patient voice of Agent Christopher replied, "You're the pilot. Lucy and Wyatt are already on their way. We both know they're not going anywhere without you and we need you all to go."

"No, you need Lucy and Wyatt to go. You need me to pilot. Otherwise, please explain to me what the hell you need a middle aged black man to go back to the South during the Civil War for."

Agent Christopher was getting impatient and her voice got shaper. "Rufus, you get over here right now and we'll talk more, but you're going."

"Or what?" Rufus mumbled, slightly tired of threats.

Agent Christopher's voice was tired when she answered. "It's Virginia. Lucy tells me to remind you that Virginia was one of the last states to secede and was very split over the decision and issues at hand. I'd also add that, Rufus, I don't know who you think I am, but I hope you know I do value you, truly. No, not just for your skills as a pilot. There is no one else I would rather have piloting these missions. But, I'm not forcing you to be here. There are a hundred other capable pilots I could ask. If you don't do it, I wish you the best and I'll ask someone else."

Rufus put the phone done for a second and mumbled again, half heartedly, "Someone kill me…." He frowned and looked up, "I don't mean seriously." He picked up the phone and answered simply. "Fine."

Twenty minutes later, Rufus was inside Mason Industries for the quick debriefing with Wyatt, Lucy and Agent Christopher. He couldn't decide if Lucy looked cute or ridiculous in the big white corset gown with ballroom skirt that was so typical of the era. Wyatt was dressed in suit pants and tails, but of mediocre make, not flashy. Rufus was not planning on being any more than the pilot on this mission, but it had been insisted he grab rugged brown pants and shirt just in case.

"What does Flynn even want with this?" Rufus tried to protest one final time, but pretty sure he knew the answer.

"I think we might as well give up trying to guess that one," Lucy replied. "We've yet to actually be right about it."

"I think this one's pretty obvious," Wyatt answered, "The South. The Civil War. If the South won, the United States as we know it doesn't exist. Who knows what different rules and corporations arise from it. Flynn wants to break the current world whether to right a wrong or because he just doesn't give a crap, this is the way to do it."

"Right, then, you best get going." Agent Christopher bid them. "Good luck."

Rufus was still shaking his head as he climbed into the pilot's seat. He looked at Lucy and Wyatt. "I'm not getting out of this machine unless I have to."

Lucy and Wyatt shared a glance, but it was Lucy who asked. "She didn't tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Rufus answered tightly.

Lucy looked nervously at Wyatt. "Maybe this isn't a good idea."

"Lucy, did you not hear me two minutes ago. We don't have a choice." Wyatt responded.

"Tell me what?" Rufus repeated.

Wyatt looked down a moment before looking at Rufus to answer. "Flynn is suspected to be throwing support to the Jeffersons to turn the tide. Lucy and I are to go in under the cover of also supporting him in addition to bringing…" he paused and finished quickly, "extra help."

Rufus started laughing wildly. "Right. As your slave."

"Rufus," Lucy tried to apologize.

Rufus just kept shaking his head and held up a hand. "You two I trust. And Wyatt's right. This can't change." He pushed the takeoff button with a little more force than necessary and felt the familiar force of the magnetic fields pushing in, signaling they were on their way through time.

They all just shared a glance as the time machine settled. It was Wyatt who spoke first. "We won't let anything happen, Rufus. I promise you."

"Let's just go."

Stepping outside, they had landed in a large, currently unoccupied field that appeared to be on Jefferson property. They could see the looming mansion not too far ahead. Wyatt tucked Lucy's arm, glanced back to Rufus, and lead them forward.

A few minutes later, Wyatt was approached by a black man at the door. "Who can I say is here, sir?"

"Mr. and Mrs. Randolph. We're distant family and thought we could look in on Mr. Jefferson and his family. We brought help, if it pleases him, while we stay." Wyatt motioned to Rufus.

The man nodded. "Very well. If you'll allow me just one moment to announce you."

Rufus quickly hid his short smile as he saw Lucy's familiar star struck gaze as Thomas Jefferson came to the door of Monticello. "I hear I have family come to visit. I do apologize, we have so many relations, remind me…"

Wyatt answered with a smile. "We're cousins of your Aunt Mary. We heard you might use some additional help. I'm rather good with arithmetic and planning. My wife here is a delight around children and company. And of course, some extra household help, if it pleases you. We know we haven't met and though it might be a prudent time."

Thomas Jefferson smiled. "Well, I'll be the last to ever refuse good help and from family no less. Of course, come in. And, Murphy will show your man to his quarters."

They nodded, Rufus following the man who had received them to a small hut apart from the house while Wyatt and Lucy went inside the mansion.

Two days later and the Jeffersons had come to adore Wyatt and Lucy, who had sincerely helped them. Thomas Jefferson now had an actual plan to maintain the estate and even with the consideration that one day he might decide to instead offer hire to the men and women who helped. It had been Wyatt's idea, posed ever so carefully and Thomas had not turned down the idea. Lucy had been a welcome relief for Mrs. Jefferson with the children. The poor woman had become so exhausted and the nanny had fallen ill, so the timing had really been ideal and the children had taken to Lucy even more than their nanny. Lucy wasn't so sure about the children, but they were good enough. She was more concerned with how they were supposed to be finding Flynn. Apparently, Wyatt had asked and Thomas Jefferson had said he had a man who helped manage the help by that description, but he was away for the day and should be back later today.

An hour later, Flynn strided through the door, seemingly on a mission to speak to Thomas. He met Wyatt and Lucy's notice with a look that neither of them liked. It was far too knowing and confident. They hadn't been expecting to run into him so crassly.

"Sir, I wonder if I might have a word, privately."

"Very well." They had been enjoying a meal and Thomas turned to them. "You will excuse me. This is Mr. Ferris Davies. He's in charge of the workers. Mr. Davies, I am entertaining distant family of mine, Mr. and Mrs. Randolph. They asked about a man of your appearance, but I'll hear what you have to say first and then perhaps we can all catch up over dinner. I'm sure you're hungry after your journey."

Flynn nodded and brought him to the edge of the room. He spoke in a quiet enough voice, that Lucy, who was closest, had to strain to make out the conversation. She could make out that he had mainly noticed a new man in the quarters and had wanted to inquire who he was. They exchanged a few words that seemed focused on behaviors, but Lucy couldn't piece enough together. They hadn't seen Rufus except for a few glances since arriving. He appeared well enough, but to be honest, Lucy had been worried about him since they arrived.

Later that evening, Wyatt had been invited to a card game with Thomas and Flynn.

"Ferris, I wonder what you think of a proposal Wyatt made to me earlier. It's rather different thinking than what I'm sure most men in my position here would consider, but it makes sense to me. I would assure you that your position would not change." Flynn raised his eyebrows, but was listening. "Wyatt has suggested that, not right now, but perhaps sometime in the future, I consider giving wages to the men and women. You would still lead them and oversee any problems and we do need the help. Nothing would change, really, except they would receive some honest compensation for a good day's work. I know it's rather radical, but I must admit it doesn't seem so absurd to me."

"Of course, that decision is up to you, sir. I suppose the idea has some merit. But, have you considered that it might give them too many ideas? And what if other houses followed suit?"

"I highly doubt that I would be the cause of a revolution. And I don't see anything wrong with too many ideas. Surely, they already have them but just keep to themselves." Wyatt raised an eyebrow, but made no comment. Thomas continued, "Regardless, it wouldn't happen for some time. I take it, then, you wouldn't approve?"

"Perhaps you're right. It might be reasonable in the future. But, at this moment, no, I don't think I do." Flynn answered.

"Thank you. I value your opinion and I feel you've both provided me with good things to consider." The subject changed. "As for this card game, I think my position is rather clear and hopeless. I think I must duck out."

Flynn and Wyatt nodded and moved to stand, but Thomas interjected. "By all means, though, if you two gentlemen wish to finish, please do. I feel the two of you might have some interesting conversation to be held once I'm away. Gentleman." He exited.

Wyatt watched Thomas Jefferson leave before turning on Flynn. "What the hell do you think you doing?"

"How many times must I explain this to you? Rittenhouse is a result of the modern world and the cause of my family's murder. I can live in a divided new world if it would change that."

"And that's where we're different."

"Men with differences have been known to make good allies."

"If you think I'm going to help you, you've lost your mind. I should kill you here and now."

"Oh, but how would you explain that one? A Jefferson family member, welcomed into their home, who murdered their quartermaster. Come on, now."

Wyatt glared at him. "You're never going to change his mind."

"We'll see. Though, I like to think my main goal here has already been accomplished. I may stay a few days to see. In the meantime, I do hope Rufus doesn't cause trouble."

Wyatt blinked for one second before answering calmly. "You won't get me to cause a scene here. We're playing a card game, as you say."

Flynn smiled. "Isn't that a tame little soldier."

"Hand." Wyatt prompted and smiled as he laid down his better hand and stood. "Good play. Oh, and if you want Lucy to care about you at all, there won't be any problems with Rufus. Goodnight, Mr. Dinnan."

Noon the next day, there was a commotion outside that caught Wyatt and Thomas Jefferson's attention. Lucy had heard it too, wide eyed and went to follow; but, Mrs. Jefferson stopped her. "Best let the men handle this one, dear."

Outside, Wyatt could have killed Flynn with a single look. It was Thomas Jefferson who had the right to interfere, though, and wasted no time in doing so. "What is the meaning of this?! Ferris!"

Rufus was tied to a post, bleeding from his back. Flynn stood tall and answered, "I had no choice if I was to prevent a riot. This insolent dog dared to start asking questions, got the servants riled up. I asked him to stop and he started hurling insults that only made things worse; he told me I had no right to stop him from expressing himself."

Thomas Jefferson's tone was steely. "Not in this house you don't. I thought I made it clear that you are to come to me before punishing any of my men and women. This so called insolent dog may be under you, but he is also our guest. And Mrs. Jefferson has expressed a desire that the good help of this house be allowed to voice their opinions among themselves. Release him at once and then you may be relieved of your post for a fortnight. Be glad I don't fire you." Thomas Jefferson turned to Wyatt. "My sincerest apologies. We will compensate you for any work he might be unable to do until he is better."

"That's of good of you, sir. Though, I think my wife and I might take our leave in the morning with our man. May I see to him now?"

"I won't stop you, but I warn you the servants are rather protective of each other. If you stay tonight, I can assure you they will take good care of him."

Wyatt caught a glance from Rufus telling him to leave it be for now. So, Wyatt watched him be helped back to the quarters. Thomas Jefferson had taken one look at the remaining two men and walked quietly back to the house. Wyatt and Flynn stared at each other for another moment before they erupted.

"You son of a bitch!" Wyatt yelled before knocking Flynn hard on the jaw.

The fight had gone to the ground and Wyatt pulled out his gun, pressed to Flynn's temple. "I should have done this a long time ago."

"Wyatt!" Lucy had come outside, demanding an explanation.

Wyatt shut his eyes for a second at the sound of the voice, frustrated. In that second, Flynn slapped the gun away, laughing. He jumped to his feet and aimed the gun at Wyatt. "Maybe you should have."

"Keep laughing. Unlike you, Jefferson actually likes me. Don't you think you've caused enough trouble here for one day? You think he'll really listen to you if you shoot a family member? Go ahead, tell her what happened."

"What's going on?" Lucy demanded, worried as she starting taking in the surroundings.

Flynn met Lucy's gaze before dropping it after a second. He dropped the gun and turned once more to Wyatt. "Until next time."

"What was that all about?" Lucy demanded.

Wyatt looked once more over to the quarters, before he wrapped his arm around Lucy's shoulders. "We should go back inside. I think we'll leave tomorrow."

"But what about Flynn?"

"Whatever he wanted to do, it sounds like he's done it."

"What? Wyatt, we can't just…"

"Lucy," he cut her off. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Early the next morning, the man who had first greeted them knocked on Wyatt's door. "I beg your pardon, sir. Your man, Rufus, has asked for you."

Wyatt got up immediately, throwing over his jacket. "How is he?"

The man didn't answer, but seemed to be looking him over as if trying to figure something out. He just led him outside, where Rufus was leaning against one of the wooden walls, with a more ashen appearance than Wyatt liked. The man bowed out and left them.

Wyatt started to say something, but Rufus interrupted. "Could have been worse. But, right you now, I need you to listen. Flynn came after me because I started asking questions. And it wasn't for nothing. These people, they've got good ears and no one pays them any attention, so they pick up a lot. Flynn left the other day for Charlottesville. One of the women cleaning Lady Jefferson's room overheard them talking. Said he was new and didn't like the look him. Said he seemed like he was up to no good. Said he was filling his ears with things he would never consider. She let slip a name, that she instantly cursed. I'd say he's your man."

"Thank you, Rufus. I'm so sorry."

Rufus just shook his head. "Do me one favor. When we leave, help get me in the seat before Lucy sees."

Wyatt nodded and promised. "We can leave tonight. Be careful."

Wyatt went inside and knocked on Lucy's door. He was greeted with a groggy, "Come in." He slipped inside quickly. "Morning. Listen, I need to go into Charlottesville today. Try and figure out what Flynn was doing there."

"Well, let me come. Wait, how did you know he'd been in Charlottesville?"

"The help have ears. And I need you here to keep an eye on things. Keep an eye on Flynn and Rufus. Sounds like Mrs. Jefferson isn't Flynn's biggest fan. You can use that if you have to."

Lucy eyed him. "What aren't you telling me?"

"Don't make a scene," was his only reply. "We'll go tonight."

That afternoon, Wyatt met with the man at the door. "Could you fetch my man? We're leaving today."

"Yes, sir."

Wyatt met Rufus at the back. "How are you?"

"I'll be alright, but it'll be a slower walk than before."

"Maybe we could get someone to…?"

"No. No need and it'd draw more attention than we need. How'd it go?"

"Good. Truly, Flynn just may have won if I hadn't found him. But, I did thanks to you and told him a few things that cast doubt on Flynn's loyalties. I don't think that'll pan out how he expected."

"Hopefully it'll go as we expected." Another few step and they were at the machine. "I've got it from here. We'll be ready when you are."

Wyatt made his way back to the house and found Lucy. "Any problems?"

"No. Charlottesville?"

"Well taken care of. And I'd say it's time for us to go."

They met the Jeffersons downstairs in the living room. Wyatt parted, "Thank you for having use, Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson. But, it's time my wife and I are headed back. I hope we've been helpful during our time and not too much of a nuisance."

"I feel we may have caused you more trouble than the other way around. Y'all have been a delight and I do offer my sincerest apologies."

"Thank you. Best of luck, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Jefferson."

Lucy and Wyatt made their way back to the time machine. Wyatt informing her, "Rufus is already waiting for us."

Rufus was smiling when they opened the doors. "Hi, guys."

"Rufus!" Lucy greeted. She went to hug him and pulled back when he flinched. She looked suspiciously between him and Wyatt.

"Come on," Rufus poorly tried to dismiss, not giving her a chance to reply. "It's time to go home."

Lucy watched as Wyatt helped Rufus out at Mason Industries and lead him over to Jiya, whispering something in her ear. She subsequently gave him a kiss on the cheek and lead him off.

Lucy swallowed hard as Wyatt came back. "Tell me we made a difference."

Agent Christopher answered. "You did. Welcome back to the United States of America. Articles say that of course there were multiple pieces that led to the reunion of the states, but one of those pieces appears to have occurred at the Jefferson mansion in 1863 when family came to stay. It doesn't go into detail, but apparently, Thomas Jefferson had been considering whether or not to free his slaves and did so shortly after that visit. There is some speculation on to whether or not he had a change in mind about succession as well, but he did become instrumental in advocating for slavery rights in the South, making himself a traitor in the eyes of most Southerners. He later introduced the idea for the 13th amendment."

"So good, not much." Lucy confirmed. "Jefferson was always a contradiction. He advocated against slavery, but kept many of them out of financial and social requirements. He did advocate for the bills that ended slavery in Virginia, but it was James Ashley, not Jefferson who introduced the 13th amendment. But, I don't get it. Jefferson is a founding father. If Flynn really wanted to change history, why not just assassinate Jefferson?"

Wyatt shook his head, answering, "He was in the wrong position to do so. It would have drawn too much attention and he goes more for the long game. I got the impression that he may have tried to plant the idea in addition to further advocating for maintained succession with that trip into town. But, I like to think I interfered with that plan with my follow up visit to Charlestown. Do the articles mention a Henry Brown?"

Agent Christopher did a quick search. "Yes. Up until 1783, he had been a supporter of slavery and succession. He had meet with several men about this, but after this year he disappeared. Seems like he may have also had a change in mind, but couldn't quite commit to it. He briefly tried lobbying for both sides and disappeared after he was found out and fled for his life."