Disclaimer: I don't own Dark Angel.

Authors Note: One of my all-time favourite shows and my first Dark Angel fic. I hope you enjoy it! (Horizontal Lines indicate new scene or point of view)

I want to thank aflightoffancy for beta reading this chapter. As a total newbie to writing, it was an awesome start to my year when you agreed to look at my stuff. I love your Dark Angel stories and your style of writing. You make it look so easy :D

I know it must be time consuming for you, so I can't express enough how much I appreciate all the help. Your suggestions and explanations about writing have been invaluable. I look forward to reading more of your stories.

Chapter 1 – New Allies

Sleep was no longer an option for Max, the nightmare she feared most was now her reality – exposure. While she had dreamt of this moment and hoped for acceptance, the reality White had created was terrifying. How were they going to get out of this one? She'd been in some tight situations since Lydecker entered her life again, but nothing like this. The night of the Jam Pony escape her speech had rallied fellow Transgenics to stay and fight for their freedom, but how were they going to do that? What would freedom look like? Was it even possible?

Raising their flag had signalled an intent to stay put, inciting the media circus outside of Terminal City. Sector police stood by the gates as guards. Max wasn't sure who they were trying to protect, the Transgenics or Humans.

Sitting atop the Space Needle thinking about last week's events, Max sighed, recalling one of the many news broadcasts. Angry protesters carried signs and shouted into the camera, demanding, "What is the government planning to do? These mutants are roaming all over Seattle. More of them are coming."

As the sun rose, she walked back down to her Ninja, ready for another day plagued by uncertainty.

FLAG RAISING FLASHBACK

Alec gave Max a weary look as they left the roof and walked toward headquarters. Max and Logan were still holding hands and Alec had no clue what she could possibly be thinking. They were never going to work.

Evidently, Alec wasn't the only one to think so. As they walked past a group of X5s leaning on a nearby wall, Alec listened to their conversation and noted the direction of their gazes.

"Look at 452. She's with the humans," the apparent ringleader said, a short, freckled male with beady eyes. "Been living out here too long. She's forgotten her training." The others nodded in support.

Alec walked up to the leader of the pack. "You got a problem with our leader, 364?"

Noting Alec's presence, the X5 straightened up. "Ah, no, sir."

Alec got right in his face. "I didn't think so."

The group decided to make a hasty exit, but other Transgenics remained, still looking on in disapproval. Alec leaned back against the wall, intently eyeing Max and Logan who were too lost in their own little world to realize there was a problem.

"If you need anything, Max, you can always call me," Logan said.

"I know. Can you tell Eyes Only he's been great trying to get people to accept us?"

Affection glowed in Logan's eyes as he looked at her and a smile tugged at her lips. A strand of Max's hair fell forward and Logan tucked it behind her ear with his gloved hand.

Witnessing the interaction and the angry expressions on the other Transgenics also watching it, Alec decided to intervene. Max needed to realize most Transgenics hadn't been around humans and now all they'd seen were vigilantes and the crowds on the news chanting hate. He had to make her understand that their people wouldn't respect her if she was with Logan.

Alec took Max's hand in his, ignoring her tightening grip, nails about to draw blood. "Ah, Logan, buddy, it's been a while. Not quite long enough though. I need to speak with Max… alone."

Alec's disapproving tone served its purpose. It reminded Logan that Max and Alec were supposedly together. Logan had been trying to avoid all contact with him since Max told him they were an item, but Alec knew Logan didn't think it was real. Now that Max had turned to him instead of Alec in her time of need, it had only reinforced Logan's guess that the relationship was fake.

"Let go of me," Max said, trying to move away from him. Alec continued to pull her away from Logan, resting his hand on her hip, as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Not yet. He's still watching us."

Max looked up at Alec, understanding what he was trying to do. "I've got it under control, Alec."

"Do you?" Anger welled up in him as Max's eyes blazed with fury. "He shouldn't be here."

Logan had followed them and eyed them warily. "Everything okay?" he asked.

Max stepped back towards Logan. "Yeah, you know just Alec being Alec."

Alec saw Logan look at him, and could tell what he was thinking easily enough. Logan still saw him as the same old screw-up and just didn't understand why Max tolerated him.

Whatever the case, Alec frowned when he noticed that perspiration had popped out on Logan's brow. Max seemed to notice it at the same time and her expression hardened. "You'd better go," she told him. "I don't want you getting sick."

Logan's shoulders sagged in defeat, but he nodded as Max motioned toward a nearby tunnel. "Bye, Max."

She watched him go, sadness and longing on her face, but Alec didn't care as long as Logan was leaving. He had to make sure the others would listen to Max and that wasn't going to happen as long as Logan was in the picture.

Logan opened the door to Joshua's old place and sighed. "Home sweet home."

The lonely, dilapidated house certainly made him wish he'd kept the money inherited from Cale Enterprises regardless of where it came from. Morals were easier to have when cash flow wasn't a problem.

Logan couldn't stop thinking about Max as he watched the news broadcasts, angry that he couldn't stay by her side. Alec had grimaced when he saw Logan holding Max's hand, but it wasn't jealousy he saw, rather worry come across his face.

Max and Alec had never seemed to get along. She was perpetually annoyed with him and Logan had never seen them show any signs of affection. Maybe there was still a chance for Max and him.

"I need to find a cure."

PRESENT

At headquarters, Mole and Dix were discussing the plans for the night while Max reviewed a building layout for her supply mission. She heard Alec approach, but didn't bother to look up.

"Hey, Max."

"Not now, Alec. I don't have time to fix whatever it is you've screwed up."

"Well, I found time to pretend to be your little boy toy while Logan was around." With a huff, Max turned to face him and saw a smirk creep onto his face. "That's better. I have something I want to show you."

Cautiously Max asked, "What is it?"

"It's a surprise. You'll have to close your eyes."

Max rolled her eyes and started walking away from Alec, but he grabbed her hand to stop her. "Trust me, Max. It's a good surprise. You won't be disappointed. Follow me if you can keep up."

Alec blurred out of Headquarters and looked back to see that Max was following. Curiosity got the better of her and she followed despite her better judgement. They wound through the streets of Terminal City until they approached a large high rise. Alec led the way up the stairs until finally they reached the top floor.

Alec stopped before they exited the stairwell. "Now close your eyes." Max frowned and gave a dismissive wave of her hand, but Alec refused to let her go through the door. "Just do it."

"You're a child," Max replied, trying to stop the smile that danced on her lips, but finally closed her eyes.

Alec took Max's hand and led her out of the stairwell, down the corridor and through another door. "Okay you can open them now."

Max realized she was standing in a fully furnished apartment. The views of the city from the living room were breathtaking. Max walked around, amazed at the luxurious furniture, and realized Alec must have cleaned it. "Why are you showing me this?" she said bitterly, remembering the current apartment she squatted in.

"Well, I thought this could be your new place. Not quite as flashy as Logan's but definitely an upgrade on your current digs."

"It's… beautiful, but I can't leave Original Cindy and…" The name Logan almost slipped out, but she held back.

Alec sighed. "You can't keep doing that, Max. Holding his hand the other week… it gives him hope."

Her feelings of awe faded and she pulled away from him, not wanting to hear what he had to say. She began to pace back and forth. Logan had always been a touchy subject and she hated that Alec had brought it up.

"Look. Whatever is going on with Logan," Alec said, "your face is all over the news. You need to be here in Terminal City. You have to stay under the radar and wait for it all to die down."

Max let out a mirthless laugh. She and Alec hadn't really spoken about their current situation in Terminal City. "This isn't going to die down and go away, Alec."

He sat down on a nearby couch. "I know," he said, visibly struggling to find the right words. "So... Josh is here now and I'm gonna stay, too."

Max whirled around to face him. "What? You're moving to Terminal City too?"

Max felt disappointed that Alec wouldn't be around, she didn't want to be alone anymore. Alec was staring, as if trying to read her thoughts. Despite her resistance, they had become friends.

"You need to stay too, Max." He pulled her to sit down on the couch next to him. "You gave that great speech about freedom. How do you think it will look if the leader moves away?"

"Why are you doing this? Why did you bring me here? What's in it for you?"

Alec shrugged. "Logan told me to keep an eye on you and it's easier if you're here. I should mention I'll be living in the apartment next door," Alec said, smirking.

"Since when did you start taking orders from Logan?"

His eyes narrowed before answering. "I don't. I'm looking out for you. You know I'm right about this. Think about it."

Max rose from her seat to avoid his intense gaze and wandered around the apartment exploring further. When she came back to the living room the apartment keys were lying on the coffee table but Alec was gone.

Max did what she always did when she needed some common-sense advice. She called Original Cindy.

"Hola," OC said, answering on the first ring.

"It's Max."

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Same old everyone's against me. Alec's annoying."

"Sorry, Suga. Normal's been a royal pain in my ass without his golden boy. Man's sexually frustrated."

Max laughed. She missed her old life.

"Sketchy keeps asking about the interview you promised him."

"I did not. And there's no way I have time anyway."

"Still getting new arrivals?"

"Yeah it's getting harder to manage everything."

"Your boy helping?"

"Yeah, Logan does what he can-"

Cindy interrupted. "I meant Alec."

"Oh, yeah, he's helping out," Max responded, perplexed. Why did Cindy always think he was her boy?

"What's the dealio, boo? Why you sound like someone stole baby?"

"Alec thinks I should move to Terminal City. He and Joshua are staying. What do you think?"

"It's probably safer for you. It's not like you can work at Jam Pony anymore and you're not here most of the time anyway."

Max bowed her head. "You want me to go."

"You know I love you. That ain't gonna change."

"I know," Max said, pursing her lips.

"What did Logan say?"

"I haven't told him. I'll come by and get my stuff later."

Max grabbed the keys from the coffee table where Alec left them and headed to her Ninja.

She was feeling good about this decision. Now she could see Joshua more often and keep an eye on him. Why hadn't she told Logan? She knew why. He wouldn't like the idea. He'd never been comfortable with her hanging around Transgenics. She remembered his reaction when Zack and Ben had needed her.

The warm white fairy lights strung outside of the makeshift pub up ahead caught Max's attention. Alec had rushed to get the space tidied up and with Dalton, Gem and Joshua's help he'd made it happen. He said it was to help normalise the Transgenics but Max knew he needed it too. Terminal City could feel like a prison sometimes. It wasn't Crash by any means, more of a dingy dive, but they'd managed to create a hangout for their kind. She could hear the music pumping from down the street and patrons trying to talk over it. As the hot breeze blew, it brought with it the waft of cigarettes.

Alec spotted Max walking by and waved her over. He was seated on the hard stools outside with three other Transgenics. "I wanted you to meet my new pals, Creep, Stretch, and Cyclops," Alec said jokingly. "See I can hand out names, too."

Alec noticed Max was staring into the pub at the Transgenic wiping down several tabletops with napkins to clean them. "She's been undercover as a waitress. Figured it was easier."

"Alec." Max didn't like the idea of forcing one of her fellow Trangenics to serve the rest of them. It wasn't as if she was being paid. It was too much like the old days at Manticore when they were ordered to do certain jobs.

"Her name's Tori. She wanted to do it, to help." Tori placed a fresh bowl of peanuts on their table.

"Thanks, Darlin'," Creep offered, leering at her.

Alec's names pretty much summed them up. "Nice to meet you. I'm Max."

"We've heard all about you, 452," Creep said, stretching his arms as he gave her the up down before grunting in approval. Alec burst into laughter at Max's recoil of disgust. His body odour alone was enough to send any woman running.

"Charming company as always, Alec. You fellas enjoy the drinks."

Max began to walk back toward her Ninja. Alec put his drink down and jogged after her. "Where are you off to?"

"Supply run, then home," she said and he started to frown before Max could finish, "to get my stuff."

A wide grin broke out on his face. "Need help?"

"No, I'm good."

"I'll see you around then, neighbour."

Max nodded. "Guess so," she said, unable to stop smiling, feeling lighter somehow.

As she rode through the streets of Seattle, Max began to doubt her decision. Alec seemed too eager. He probably thought he could just stop by all the time. What if she heard him and his lady of the hour? Ugh. Gross. She could find a different place so she wasn't near him, but the apartment he found was so nice. It would be the nicest place she'd ever lived in.

It was strange waking up somewhere new, but things had changed and Max needed to embrace it, not fear it. Max could hear voices nearby. They sounded close. She got out of bed and crept stealthily down the hall, instantly relaxing when she heard that laugh. Alec was watching TV, sprawled out on her couch like he owned it.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

"Well, good morning to you, too."

Max waited hand on hip for an explanation. Alec's eyes twinkled in delight, glancing at her dishevelled hair and her pyjamas and all it did was make her angrier.

"I thought you might have something to eat," he said.

"You can't just wander in and out as you please, Alec."

He jumped up from the couch moving in front of her, squaring his shoulders. "Can't I? I just did."

Max moved to knee him, but Alec covered his groin instinctively. "Don't even think about it."

"Then stay out of my apartment. Got it, pretty boy?" She poked her finger at his chest.

Alec grabbed his jacket off the couch, pulling it on. "Fine. I'll see if Joshua wants my company."

Logan's sources had located a warehouse that housed military grade weapons. One of the main problems was the mounting police presence surrounding Terminal City. Venturing into the neighbouring suburbs was getting more difficult, although not impossible.

Unit leaders Max, Tim and Trip gathered in headquarters to plan their attack. Trip was the medium build, dark haired X5 who Max had fought back at Manticore. His comments about Zack's weak heart were not forgotten, but despite her better judgement, Max had allowed him to be involved. Tim, on the other hand, was a lean, mild mannered X6. He didn't instil fear in his opposition. He looked more like Sketchy, but with Max's abilities. Dix had suggested involving Tim as he had assisted him on many occasions.

"I don't like this plan," Mole said. "Just because your boyfriend has a computer, doesn't mean we should follow his lead."

Mole was becoming a wall Max constantly found herself hitting. Anytime a suggestion was made he would make jibes at her expense to diminish her authority. "You're not following his lead," she snapped. "You're following mine. You got a problem with that you can leave."

"Hey, why am I not going?" Alec whined, trying to defuse the tension.

"Thought you'd be happy to have a day off," Max observed.

"You're taking Trip? Really?"

His question made Max wonder if Alec had history with him too.

"This will be an easy retrieval operation," she said. "Logan has supplied blueprints and provided details of guard duties from surveillance."

"If you say so," he replied, his tone conveying doubt.

"I do."

The three teams separated to surround the Warehouse and watch for guards. Trip was supposed to enter first through the back entrance while Max and Tim's teams held back. The warehouse was supposed to be easy pickings, largely unoccupied with only a lightweight security detail.

Max and Tim waited while Trip's team entered the building. Almost immediately Max could tell there was a problem. She realized a silent alarm had been tripped or some other kind of alert had been sent out because Max and Tim's units saw an influx of armed soldiers.

Max signalled to Tim that she was going to climb up top and see what was happening. Tim followed her, hearing gun fire. They directed their teams to enter through the back while they climbed up to peer down through the skylight. They saw that Trip's team had been greeted by a warehouse full of soldiers. Trip and his unit were outnumbered and cornered. Several were injured from what they could see.

Max smashed through the skylight and swung into action, taking out as many soldiers as possible. Tim followed suit, opening fire on the incoming soldiers. Once on the floor, Max was able to take in the carnage. Several of Trip's team lay fatally wounded on the warehouse floor with others bleeding from bullet wounds.

"Trip, fall back!" Max yelled. He nodded, he and the remainder of his team dragging the injured with them. Max and Tim's team kept the incoming soldiers at bay to protect them as they moved.

"Max, we're clear," Tim called, signalling they were all outside. Max saw all eyes on her looking for direction as an eerie silence fell along with the last soldier. She made the call to grab what they could carry and retreat, noticing several soldiers were regaining consciousness.

On the way back to Terminal City, Max was lost in her thoughts. The mission had been a complete bust. Mole was going to have a field day with it. Pesky soldiers must have had martial arts training. She'd heard her shoulder pop mid combat and thought it must be dislocated. She'd fix it when she got home. First, she needed to make sure the injured were okay.

Max looked over at the bodies from Trip's team that lay motionless on the van floor. Tim caught Max's gaze as he put pressure on Flicka's bullet wound, and there was fear in his eyes. The pale blonde was drifting in and out of consciousness. Max looked away, not wanting to deal with the gravity of the situation just yet.

Max and Tim helped carry the bodies of the fallen back inside to gasps from those nearby. Mole walked over. "What happened?"

"We were rushed by armed soldiers after the alarm was tripped," Max said, squaring her shoulders.

"Your ordinary said no one would be there."

"His intel was wrong," Max answered, daring Mole to continue.

Trip added fuel to the fire. "Felt like a trap to me."

"Maybe lover boy tried to get everyone killed!" Mole snarled.

Max moved up into Mole's personal space. "You better shut up," she ordered, rage bottling up inside of her.

"Or what, little miss?"

Alec stepped between them catching the tail end of the conversation. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Everybody calm down."

X5-364, who had been questioning Max's allegiances earlier, stepped closer to the arguing group after seeing Flicka carted away. "I knew we couldn't trust her. She's a traitor. You got them killed."

Tim spoke up. "Max and I weren't even there when it happened."

Trip muttered, "That's convenient. Did the ordinary tell you to wait?"

Max saw Alec turn to face Trip, his muscles tense. "She's not out to get you. She's the reason your sorry ass is alive after Manticore tried to kill you."

"What happened to you, 494? You used to be a perfect soldier."

Alec scoffed. "I learned there's more to life."

Trip cast Max a veiled glance before sneering back at Alec. "Please. You're just looking to score."

Visibly furious, Alec shoved him into a nearby wall. "You need to remember who you're talking to."

"Did she at least kill them all?" Trip demanded.

Max refused to answer and her silence further infuriated Trip. "She's weak!"

Alec tightened his grip on him. "Shut your mouth. I'll gladly lock you back up."

"Leave it, Alec. I don't need you to defend me."

Unable to stand it any longer, Max fled from the gathering crowd, but Alec must have followed. He grabbed her arm and she flinched. He looked at his fingers which came away coated in blood, and he eyed her questioningly.

"I'm fine," she responded before shoving past Alec.

Max got back to her apartment and locked the door behind her. It was a pointless security measure. They could all easily pick locks and knock down doors. She only did it in case Alec refused to take the hint.

Max removed her jacket with great difficulty, revealing a deep gash on the inside of her upper arm in addition to the dislocated shoulder. She heard a rattle of the door handle followed by Alec's voice. "Max, open the door."

She popped her shoulder back into place, unable to muffle a cry of agony. "I'm fine, Alec," she called through the door.

"Let me look at your arm," he pleaded.

"I can handle it myself."

He slammed his palm against the door in frustration. "Why are you always so difficult?"

"Just go away," she ordered. She held her breath, listening for movement in the hallway, and finally he left.

Max left early the next morning to avoid everyone, especially Alec. She visited Joshua. They had been talking about training together. Mole was teaching him how to shoot, but Max wanted to teach him how to fight in case she wasn't around to help him. They found Tim at the gym and he offered to help.

Max was reluctant at first. "Why don't you hate me? Why are you nice to me?"

"I used to spar with Jace."

"You knew Jace?" Max asked, shock on her face as she remembered the sister she had left behind when they escaped Manticore. She hoped Jace was safe now raising her child far away from Terminal City.

Tim drew her back to reality. "She told me about you and her unit... And about yesterday, I was there. I know what went down despite what Trip wants to believe."

"Yeah." She waved Joshua over.

Alec woke wondering if Max was feeling better. He knocked on her door and found it was unlocked. "Max?" He walked in, noticing the tweezers, needle and thread on the counter.

When he realized she wasn't in her apartment, Alec headed to headquarters. "Mole you seen Max?"

"Nope." He smiled in delight lighting up a cigar. Alec rolled his eyes knowing he should have known better than to ask him.

"Dix, you seen Max?" Alec asked, nodding in his direction.

"She was going to see Joshua."

"Thanks."

On the way to Joshua's, Alec passed the old gym. He noticed a crowd, and using his enhanced vision he could see Max and Joshua inside. Max was demonstrating moves to Joshua with an X5. He quickly realized it was Tim, the guy she'd been on the botched mission with. Were they friends now?

Alec walked over to Joshua. "Hey, Big Fella. How's the training going?"

"Lil Fella good teacher," Joshua growled.

"Yeah," he remarked, raising his eyebrows sceptically. "Who's winning?" he asked, motioning to Tim and Max.

"We're training, Alec. Do you mind?" Max snapped.

"Well, excuse me. When you want real competition, let me know." Tim scowled at the comment, but Alec ignored him, keeping his eyes on Max.

"Don't you remember last time, Monty Cora?" Max said, beaming.

"I do. I know you fight dirty now. I'm up for a rematch anytime." Alec removed his jacket, strolling over to them. "Come on then," he said, seductively eyeing her body. "Show me what you can do, Curvaceous Killer."

"You can take him, Max," Tim encouraged.

Max slid Alec a guarded look. She removed her long-sleeved top to wolf whistles, but it also revealed her makeshift stitches.

"Geez, rough patch up job, Max. That's gonna scar," Alec commented. "You should've just let me help you."

They both moved into a fight stance and Max had venom in her voice as she said, "For the last time, I don't want or need your help. I never have."

Alec settled further into his stance, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Why was she always like this? Why couldn't she admit that she needed him? He was always helping with her stupid, save-the-world missions, but she was still always riding him. It was never good enough. He was never good enough.

Alec plastered on a smile. "Ready, Max?"

Max made the first move with a swift kick to his rib cage. Alec responded, throwing left and right hooks which she dodged. They separated before Alec pounced, grabbing her arms, pinning them behind her back flush with his chest.

Alec angrily muttered in her ear. "Who helped you when White had you trapped in a cage?" Max struggled to break free. "Who helped you find your brother Zack? Who helped you-" His sentence was cut off as Max kicked his knee and head-butted him. He staggered backwards holding his eye before feeling her foot connect with his ribs again. "Damn it, Max!"

She smirked in response. This was no longer a friendly bit of training. Alec definitely felt the need to hurt Max the way she'd hurt him. He didn't want to hold back any more.

Alec sped forward, grabbing Max by the hair and punching her in the ribs. Max reached up, scratching at his face. She grabbed the fingers that were in her hair and bent them backwards until he released his grip. Max sped around his back, landing a solid kick to his ass. "You have no idea how good it feels to kick your ass!"

They circled each other with dark eyes, trying to calm their breathing as adrenaline pumped through their veins. Alec knocked Max off her feet with a low kick, and pinned her in place. "As I was saying, who helped you with the Mermaid and Gossamer, huh, Max?" He tightened his hold. "Isaac, Brain and the money for the cure? Gone quiet?... I'm the only one that helps you. Remember that."

Max struggled to get out from underneath him. "Shut up, Alec." He let her up only to be kicked in the ribs again. "I wouldn't need money for the cure if it wasn't for your existence."

"Best mission Manticore ever gave me, messing up your life!" Alec seethed pulling his shirt back into place, furious that she could still ignore all the other things he'd done for her. Anticipating her next move, Alec grabbed Max's leg before it connected with his ribs again, spinning her around for her jaw to connect with this fist. Max was stunned and he took advantage of this, lifting her up and throwing her down onto the ground. Her body bounced and the wind was knocked out of her due to the sheer force of impact. Alec stomped on her injured arm, grinding his foot down hard, eliciting a small gasp from Max.

Several onlookers cheered at her agony and Joshua howled, bringing Alec back to reality. He'd forgotten they had an audience. He offered her a helping hand, but Max ignored him, pushing herself up and wiping the blood from her mouth.

"Looks like I won," Alec declared.

"That's not why you wanted to spar. Come on, Joshua." Joshua put his arm around Max, snarling at Alec.

"What just happened?" Alec said looking to Tim for insight.

"You were trying to embarrass her, dude. Nice work."

Alec shook his head as he grabbed his jacket and was congratulated by several of Max's opposition. "Awesome, 494. She needs to be taken down a peg. Right on."

"She may be a cult freak, but she can't beat pure Manticore," yelled another, slapping Alec on the back.

"If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be in this condition," said a pregnant X5.

Alec sighed again in frustration. He'd been trying to make her realize that he'd been there for her, but it looked like he'd just made the situation worse.

Max's pager had been buzzing all afternoon at Joshua's. She didn't have to look to know who it was. It was always Logan. She couldn't avoid it any longer. Thankfully, Dix had hooked up a computer in her apartment allowing her privacy for video chats with Logan.

Max made the call, and only had to wait a few seconds for Logan to accept the connection on his end. She smiled when he appeared on her screen. "Got your page. What's up?"

His eyes widened when he got a look at her. "What happened to your face?"

"Oh, it was nothing." Just Alec being a pain in the ass, she silently added.

"Where are you?" Logan asked, noticing her unfamiliar surroundings.

"At my new apartment. I moved to TC." She shrugged. "It just made sense."

"You sure that's a good idea?" he asked, but must have noticed her rigid posture and bad mood because Logan immediately dropped it. "I wanted to see how it went with the weapons?"

"It didn't go as planned. We lost some people. The intel was wrong. Considering what happened, I think it's for the best if you don't visit anymore. It's tense around here at the moment."

"Mole?"

"It's not just him. They already have reason to doubt me thanks to Manticore's brainwashing. I don't want any more problems. Logan, I know you would never set me up, but the others don't."

"Sorry, Max."

"We can still talk?"

"Hold on two seconds, Logan," Max said, hearing the water bubbling over on the stovetop. "I'm cooking pasta, well, trying to."

Logan smiled and Max hurried into the kitchen to check on dinner. To her surprise, she heard someone enter her apartment without so much as knocking.

"Hey, neighbour," she heard a man call out, and realized who it was.

"Go away, Alec."

He walked into the kitchen, hands raised. "I come in peace. Your new best bud seemed to think I was trying to humiliate you today. I just came to let you know that I got caught up and forgot we had an audience." He offered an apologetic glance, taking in her swollen lip. "How's the arm?"

"Been better… Had to restitch it."

"Show me." Alec moved around the kitchen bench to where Max was, rolling up her sleeve before she could protest. "Looks better this time. You have help?"

"Joshua."

Alec seemed to relax at that answer, which Max didn't understand, but she let it go. Max noticed his bruised eye, feeling remorseful. "How's the eye?"

"Sore, but you really did a number on my ribs." He lifted his shirt to show the bruises. She reached out touching his ribs. She saw Alec's expression change as he watched her hand on his skin. They met each other's gaze, silent regret radiating between them. "It'll heal," Alec said, quietly pulling his shirt back down.

"Yeah, same here," she replied, awkward silence stretching between them.

"Been hearing a lotta chatter about Logey boy," Alec said. "Seems he's not welcome anymore, not that he was before."

"Alec, shut up!" Max frowned at him, suddenly remembering Logan could see and hear them.

"What? Why?" Alec asked, confused.

"Right here, Alec."

Alec looked around, noticing Logan on the computer. "Oh hey, sorry." Clearly feeling awkward, Alec turned and asked Max, "So am I invited to Dinner? Joshua said I had to ask you."

Max laughed. "Tell him I'll be around soon."

"Thanks, Max," Alec said and shocked her by kissing her hair. Max had forgotten they were still supposed to be dating and realized Alec was putting on a show for Logan. Alec nodded goodbye to Logan and left.

"Alec is your neighbour?"

"Yeah. Can't escape him now."

"I'll let you finish cooking." He cut the transmission before Max could respond.

After dinner Joshua decided to take a shower, leaving Max and Alec alone. They sat side by side on the couch. Alec was watching some old Pre-Pulse TV show, but Max mostly ignored it. Instead, she replayed the day's events and thought about her relationship with Logan.

"I love this show. I wish I was adopted like you Max," Alec said with a wink.

"It's TV, Alec. Foster care isn't like that. It's a lot like Manticore. Sleep with one eye open."

Alec shifted so that he was actually looking at her, surprise and concerned interest on his face. Max realized it was probably the first time she'd ever really spoken about her life outside of Manticore. She could see he wanted to ask her about it, but he held back. They were the same that way. He didn't like to open up anymore than she did.

"I gotta blaze," she said. "Tell Joshua I'll stop by tomorrow."

"What could you possibly have to do?" he replied, taken aback by her sudden desire to leave.

"I need to clear my head, have some time alone… A lot's happened lately."

Max practically ran from the apartment, but once she was outside it was no better. Her problems seemed to follow her everywhere. Wandering through Terminal City, she felt like an infamous criminal among her kind. Everywhere she went she was met with hushed tones and disapproving glances.

Desperate, Max searched and found Crest Towers, a new place to seek refuge. The hotel signage was no longer illuminated, the letter w hanging crookedly with the surrounding frame broken and in need of some TLC. It was abandoned much like all of Terminal City before the Transgenics had arrived. She imagined in its heyday it would have housed, wined and dined many of society's privileged and elite. After this section of the city became toxic, it had been forgotten, left behind to decay much like her own kind. People seemed to wish they would disappear from this world, like they meant nothing, were nothing.

Max climbed the drain pipe on the rear of the building, hoping to avoid an audience. As she'd suspected, from the roof she could see the vast horizon of Seattle and the mountains in the distance. The view paled in comparison to the city lights from the Space Needle, though she was glad to be facing away from the burning crosses still smouldering at Terminal City's entrance. The outlook and the quiet brought her that same feeling of comfort, insignificance and normality she desperately sought in her broken world.