Disclaimer: I do not own Dark Angel or Twilight

Summary: What if Lydecker realized what was really important? The happiness of his 'kids'. Over the years since the escape of Unit 2 he has changed Manticore's conditions to become more humane while remaining a government facility. X5-481, Bella, is the first to try out a new regiment where soldiers are free to be outside of the facility but they must still perform their duties as a soldier (go on missions). PS None of the bad encounters with Lydecker happened (Prodigy and Cold Comfort did happen).

Chapter 1: Meet X5-481

X5-481 has lived all of the 16 years of her life in a covert government facility known as Manticore. For the first six years of her life she lived with those she called her brothers and sisters in Unit 2 but was separated from them because of her emotional attachment to them; she was too emotionally attached to function like a proper soldier.

Her family had escaped the facility a week after she was separated from them and now all she had left of them were her memories, a picture of the Blue Lady and the name by which she was called by her family: Bella. She wasn't alone though, she made many new friends specifically her CO and best friend, X5-494, or as she christened him, Alec.

Bella was happy with her life, satisfied, especially since her siblings Brin and Zack were now back at Manticore. Of course as she'd never lived outside, she didn't really know what she was missing.


Bella was currently on the mat sparring with a fellow X5. She executed a perfect back leg sidekick straight to X5-679's solar plexus effectively knocking the wind out of him as he fell backwards on his back and making her the winner of the spar.

"679, that's three times in a row that you've lost a match. You better shape up or you'll be spending some time in solitary," their drill instructor barked out.

679 got up and stood up straight, stiff as a board, ignoring the pain in his chest and saluted the drill instructor saying, "I understand sir. I will perform better sir."

"742 you're on the mat against 679," continued the drill instructor not even acknowledging the X5's words.

Bella stared at their drill instructor with an emotionless face, though she was raging with anger and disbelief inside. The conditions had improved greatly over the years but there were still those who acted like it was before Lydecker's reform, such as this drill instructor. The DI knew that there was no way that 679 could beat 742 especially after the beating she had given him plus 742 hated 679, the reason to which eluded her. 742 wasn't going to be pulling the fight to prevent 679 from getting into solitary that's for sure. Sure 679 was a good fighter and would have had a chance to beat 742 but only if he were well rested which was currently not the case

"What are you looking at 481? Back in the circle!"

Bella's gaze lingered on the hateful man a second longer before turning away and taking her place in the circle of X5's around the sparring mat. Beside her Alec gave a comforting look which she saw with her peripherals and let a tiny smile show letting her friend know she appreciated his gesture. Her best friend knew that she was more emotionally attached to others than most transgenics and always knew when to make her feel better.

The fight went as expected. Though 679 fought his hardest he was overpowered by 742, who was in perfect condition while 679 was not; he had after all fought Bella, one of the strongest transgenics in the facility. The outcome was already decided when their designations were called out by the DI.

"I'm disappointed 679. Solitary!" The X5 saluted before escorting himself to solitary. Bella had to stop herself from glaring at the DI; this treatment was overrated and totally unfair. She swore that the man had something against 679 to deliberately put him in solitary when he didn't deserve it.

"481," the DI called out her designation.

"Sir," Bella said standing to attention.

"You're to report to Colonel Lydecker's office immediately. Everyone else, you are dismissed for lunch."

When the DI walked off everyone began to chatter amongst each other while heading inside the Manticore facility (their sparring sessions were performed outside).

"That DI was a bastard," 511, or Biggs, said once he was out of hearing range.

"Tell me about it, I wanted to pummel the DI for what he did to Jake (679)," Bella said her fingers curling up to form a fist remembering her anger.

"He deserved what he got," Derek (742) said.

"Have you forgotten what Manticore taught us about loyalty? Never abandon your unit," Zack growled as he grabbed Derek's shoulder and held him in place.

Derek pulled away from Zack with a glare, "Don't touch me 09er."

"What did you say?" Brin stepped next to Zack, now both intimidating the other X5.

"Whatever," Derek mumbled knowing this time around no one was coming to his aid.

"Chicken shit," Alec mumbled beside Bella so that only she, Biggs, Zack and Brin could hear his words. Bella, and Brin stifled a laugh while Biggs didn't bother and roared with laughter (Zack was ever the stoic one, but he did look amused). Derek looked at them suspiciously but didn't want to start a fight with the best soldiers in Manticore and so said nothing.

Once inside the building Bella turned to her friends and family, and gave them a smile, "I'll see you at the end of lunch or during the field exercise depending on how long this meeting takes."

"Don't forget to rat on that DI's ass Bells!" Biggs said as Bella walked in the opposite direction as them.

"Will do Biggs."

She walked to Lydecker's office and when she entered she saw him sitting in his chair on his laptop. She immediately stood to attention and said, "X5-481 reporting for duty Sir."

"At ease 481. Before I begin, I want to ask how you've been," Lydecker took off his reading glasses and stood up from his seat to stand in front of Bella leaning on his desk. The first time Lydecker asked how she'd been, Bella was openmouthed in shock, but now she'd gotten used to it because he'd done it to all the transgenics for going on 4 years now.

"Fine sir, but the DI in charge of the sparring session for Units 6 and 7 today acted unfairly towards 679 which ended in 679 being sent to solitary." There, hopefully that will get him fired or suspended, either way Jake was getting out of solitary.

Lydecker raised a brow but nodded, "I'll look into it. Anything else?"

"No sir."

"Well then, let's start shall we? You will be the first to go on a program I proposed to the board of directors a few months ago which was just approved," Lydecker stopped and looked at Bella in the eyes to see if she had any questions. She did but did not let it show on her face so Lydecker continued.

"I want soldiers to have the choice to live outside, once they're of appropriate age, while still remaining in contact with Manticore to receive and perform their missions." Now this was a shock…

"You will be the first soldier on this program. I want to make it very clear to you that if you abandon Manticore, the board of directors will see this as program as a failure and Manticore will have much stricter regiments put into place. You know what this means don't you?"

Bella nodded her head seriously before saying, "Sir, yes sir!" Like hell she was going to let the stupid board re-instate the torture which used to be a part of re-indoctrination and allow Psy-Ops to have their way with her friends. Sure she had friends in Psy-Ops and they were great spies, but they should not be allowed to mess with someone's mind unless for a mission or a medical condition.

A smile appeared on Lydecker's face before continuing, "I chose you because I thought you would benefit from this program the most. Understand?"

"I appreciate it sir." Bella had to use all of her will power to keep her Manticore mask on; she wanted to jump up with joy but figured it was not apt behaviour for a soldier like her.

"Do you have any questions?"

Bella thought over the information for a split second before asking, "Will I be allowed to visit Manticore?"

"Of course, though when you visit you cannot disrupt the exercises in session. Also, every month you must come back for three days to ensure you're keeping up with your training."

"That's my only question sir."

"Good, do you accept being the test run for this program?"

"Sir yes sir!" Bella was so excited. She couldn't wait to see her family again… especially Ben. She's always had a special connection to Ben…

"Excellent. Before you're dismissed, you are aware of the fact that the search for the Unit 2 escapees has been put to an end?" after a nod from Bella Lydecker continued. "Well I have just received Intel that X5-493 has been killing ex-cons and then pulling their teeth out afterwards. I need you to stop this 481. You will design the mission parameters and will decide what needs to be done with 493. Anything you require you will receive. Here's all the information I have," Lydecker said holding out a manila folder.

Bella's heart skipped a beat when she heard of what Ben was doing… Her heart reached out to him. She took the folder and looked over it committing everything to memory, not that she had any problems due to her perfect eidetic memory, and planned her strategy. She nodded determinedly knowing what she needed to do and said confidently, "I will deal with the situation myself sir."

Lydecker nodded for the last time during their meeting and said, "You are dismissed and free to leave the facility 481. Here is your pass which will allow you to pass through any sector checks unquestioned and will allow you to visit Manticore. You're motorcycle is where you left it and don't forget your cell."

"Thank-you sir," Bella said as she accepted the pass which had her picture on it and her status as a militant. She then saluted the colonel before turning to leave.

"Can I tell anyone of my situation sir?" the thought just crossed her just as she was about to leave Lydecker's office.

"I would say no but I know it would be useless." Bella smirked, Lydecker knew her well.

"Good day sir," Bella said before finally leaving the office.

She walked towards the mess hall after checking her digital watch to see that lunch hour still had not ended. She hurried knowing that she did not have much time, not only until lunch ended but also to stop Ben from killing again. Once in the mess hall she looked for Alec, Biggs, her sister Brin, and her brother Zack; the last two having returned to Manticore in the last couple of months

"How'd the meeting go Bells?" Alec greeted as she sat down at the table.

"I don't have much time…" she began as she proceeded to explain the entire situation to her trusted friends and family, though she left out the bit about Ben being a serial killer and told them that he was in danger.

"Wow… so we'll really be allowed outside," Brin was in awe as Bella finished her tale.

"This is…unreal," Zack having the same reaction as Brin

Brin had been extremely surprised with Manticore when she was brought back to treat her Progeria, but had adjusted quickly, while Zack had been brought back unceremoniously when he killed a militant and had more trouble believing it. After seeing the change first hand they couldn't really deny it any longer but sometimes they both still couldn't believe that Manticore could actually be a humane place to be in.

"If this trial run goes well then yes everyone at the appropriate age will be able to live outside. I'll ensure its success; I don't abandon my friends and family," Bella said sincerely. Her siblings winced since her comment reminded her of the fact that they had escaped without her but a look from Bella set her straight.

"Dang Bells, whose ass am I going to admire with you gone?" Biggs said relieving the tension between Bella and her family. Bella laughed the comment off while slapping the upside of his head.

"We all know whose ass you're really after Biggs." Bella looked across the mess hall and looked pointedly at a blond X5 named Cece sitting at another table.

"Whatever Bells," Biggs brushed the comment off but the group knew that Bella touched a nerve.

"Hehe, well Bells, I know that you're going to miss me and I gotta say, the feeling's mutual. Who's going to tease Biggs with me? You better call every night to check in. I'm still your CO even when you're off the facility," Alec said after he finished laughing at Biggs.

"Will do sir!" Bella said mockingly knowing that Alec hated being referred to as sir when they were anywhere informal. The frown on his face disappeared though when she gave him a hug and whispered into his ear, "I love you Bro."

"Alright, alright! Get off me! You're ruining my reputation," Alec complained but he didn't fool anyone since he couldn't hide the huge grin on his face. Through his tough guy, selfish attitude there laid a big softie; he only let in his most trusted and Bella was one of those privileged that he trusted with his life.

"Hey, what about your ex CO and big brother here, don't tell me I've been replaced?" Zack joked, though his words did convey his belief when he first came back to Manticore.

"No one could ever replace you Zack," Bella gave him a big hug which was reciprocated unlike the one with Alec. She let go of him and stood up looking at the others.

"Well this is it, I'll see you guys on the other side," Bella said using her usual sign off before look at the room wanting to remember the place she'd called home for 16 years (well technically 10 since it was hell for the first 6).

"Give Ben our greetings and if you see Max, tell her not to blame herself for what happened to me and Zack," Brin said.

Bella nodded and then gave Brin and Biggs a hug before leaving for her cell to get her personal belongings such as her cell phone. After that she headed to the garage where all of the transgenics' personal vehicles were kept, took the keys for her sleek, midnight blue and black Suzuki GSX-R 600 motorcycle from the key rack and then headed for her ride. After ensuring everything was strapped on correctly she headed out of the garage and then out of Manticore facility heading for the woods near Seattle which was the place that Ben was supposedly at.


A/N: So that's the first chapter... I've had this sitting on my computer for a while now, so I thought I would post it. There aren't a lot of Dark Angel crossovers so I wonder how this will be received.