I'm Always Ready.

Disclaimer: See the first chapter. I only swim in the world they created.

A/N: Thanks always to Kasman for the betas. Thanks again to those who have read and those who have reviewed.

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Chapter 4 Decisions

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Terminal City, the Atrium:

Max and Logan are sitting holding hands watching a mixed group of X7s and X8s throwing an old baseball in a game of dodge ball, "You know this is a whack idea?" Max says.

"I agree, playing dodge ball with a baseball isn't a very good idea."

"Logan, that's not what I'm talking about," Max says in exasperation, turning to look down at their clasped hands then up into Logan's eyes. "It's you coming with me if Clemente agrees to a meeting."

»»»»»»

Flashback Seattle at the foot of the Space Needle:

Max and Logan are standing beside Lydecker's SUV.

"Logan, everything I just said up there," Max says, pointing to the Space Needle, "I meant it, but I'm still worried about you. What if something goes wrong...what if the exo-skeleton fails? You'll be alone with Lydecker."

"I've checked it, and I won't be running around, but somebody's gotta cover your back...besides, who else is there to hack their systems and watch Lydecker. I can do this, Max. I'm not staying behind again," Logan says, taking one of Max's hands in one of his, as he brushes a stray lock of hair from her cheek. She gives him a weak smile.

»»»»»»

That was whack, who'd a'thought Lydecker was going to be on our side to take down Manticore? Things did go wrong...at least I got to see Logan at the end – I didn't die alone. Affection lights up Max's eyes as she looks at Logan.

"Well, chasing after Zack isn't a very good idea either, but we have to do it." Logan says, his emotions spinning at the look in Max's eyes.

»»»»»»

Flashback Logan's Apartment:

Max is walking quickly towards the front door from the kitchen, "He's hiding in the woods near Manticore. I have to get to him before they find him," Max says turning to look at Logan, who is following her after he has dropped a potholder onto one of the counters as he passed.

Following her all the way to the front door. "No, those woods are going to be crawling with Lydecker's men," Logan says.

"I'm going, Logan. I owe it to him," Max says, and opens the door.

Logan closes the door before she can step through it and leans on it with his hand, "Okay, say you make it past the sector checkpoint. Say you even manage to get to him. What makes you think you can slip through a Manticore dragnet and get back out?"

"We did it once, and we were just kids then," Max retorts, then starts to open the door.

Logan closes it, "What if it's a trap? What if Zack's been turned?"

"Zack, turned? You don't know him at all, do you?" Max starts to open the door.

Logan closes it. "I am not letting you do this."

"Don't get me wrong; nobody's gladder than me that you're on your feet. But reality check—I could still kick your ass." Max snaps, opening the door again.

Logan reluctantly steps aside so Max can leave.

»»»»»»

I just hope it's not a trap. Either way, you're not going after him or out there to meet Clemente alone. "Glad that's settled," Logan says standing up and pulling Max up with him. "Lets go and make sure we can pull this off, without the rest of Seattle knowing that two of their 'Most Wanted' have vanished from their hideaway."

Seeing the love and determination in his green eyes, Max slowly nods, "Yeah, I better round up OC and Sketchy as well. No point them staying in here if were leaving, is there."

"Hmm, they could even help with this deception."

Looking curiously at Logan, "How? I'm not putting them in danger too," concern in her voice, Max stops. No way am I letting you put OC and Sketchy in anymore danger.

"I'm still working on it, should be no danger for them," Logan says, his tone becoming distracted as he continues walking, his brow furrowing in thought.

"Whatever, but remember we signed up for this, Logan, they didn't," Max says, looking with slightly raised eyebrows at Logan's expression as she catches up with him. I really need to get you out of here too. Guess I better get a'hold of a proper ball for dodge ball.

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Terminal City Command Center:

"So our fearless leader is taking off after her crazy brother and abandoning us to the tender mercies of the ordinaries. Where's all the 'stick together or we die' rhetoric now?" Mole says angrily slamming a fist onto the table. He draws the attention of the other transgenics in the Command Center, who quickly look away when he glares at them.

Luke and Dix quickly look at each other and step back, as Joshua gets to his feet, fists clenched and moves towards Mole, "Max is not running away," he growls menacingly.

"Hey, big guy, take it easy," Alec says, also standing and putting a restraining hand onto Joshua's shoulder.

"Mole said Max is abandoning us, that's a lie," he replies angrily.

"He's wrong, Joshua, Max and Logan are going after Zack, because of White...maybe they can stop him," Alec says.

"Yeah, and that's the other thing. Why does Logan have to go with her? We need him here to run the computers," Mole adds.

Looking back in surprise, Alec sees a flicker of cunning in the lizard like eyes, but it's gone as fast as it appeared. "No, we don't. Logan's setting it up so Luke or Dix, or any of their team can run it."

"I still think she should stay here. Her brother's on his own...and anyway, he was working for White, who says this isn't a trap," Mole replies taking out his cigar and looking at it for a moment before putting it back into his mouth and taking a puff of it.

"Max, knows what she's doing, and you better not say otherwise, Mole," Joshua says with a final glare at Mole before turning to walk from the Command Center.

"Dogboy sure has the hots for our leader. Wonder if her boyfriend will appreciate that," Mole says sarcastically.

"Ah, shut it Mole," Alec says glaring at him then turning and follows Joshua out of the Command Center.

Luke and Dix shrug, and turn and head for the command platform, leaving Mole, to glare at any transgenic that glances his way as he furiously puffs on his cigar.

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Outside the Command Center:

Alec is standing watching Joshua's retreating back. I just hope you and Logan know what you're doing, Max...I don't want this, not now.

»»»»»»

Flashback Manticore Secure Facility, Briefing Room:

The furniture in the room consists of several straight back chairs, a desk and a white screen on the end wall. Everything has a sort of gray tint to it even the two young men standing at attention in camouflage urban fatigues, facing the three men in front of them wearing black suits, which provide the only other color in this drab room.

"At ease! X5-494, X5-478," the man in the middle orders. Then stepping forward, he stands directly in front of them. "Since the Pulse in June '09, our Government and our security agencies have spared no effort to locate the terrorist group and the people who supplied and built the bomb that devastated our great country." Picking up a folder on the desk, "From your briefing notes, you'll see that we've had some success, however, we've not been able to cut off funding or get at the hardcore elements," putting the folder down the man walks back to the other two agents.

One of the other agents steps forward and starts to pace the room, "Things have changed, we've learnt that an arms dealer, Pierpont Lemkin of the Marbury cartel, has been supplying material through a legitimate company to the group and we suspect to the bomb maker as well."

"Clear so far X5-494 and X5-478?" The first agent asks.

"Yes sir!" they shout together.

As he signals, "These are your targets...Vasilov Volkovitch, ex-Russian special forces, and now, we suspect, the head of the Group, and Dr. Simon Pierce, the man we now know built the bomb." The screen lights up with the pictures of two men.

»»»»»»

Yeah, that was then, I knew what I was doing I...I'm trained for that, not this political intrigue. I'm sorry, Max, but this is going to end badly if you leave me in charge, Alec sighs, as he walks south towards the rail yards of Terminal City.

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Outside Max's and Original Cindy's Living Quarters:

"What's taking so long? Zack could be dead by now," Max says in frustration.

"I'll let you know when Matt calls...then we can be after Zack," Logan replies calmly.

"Yeah, glad you're cool with the delay," Max retorts sarcastically.

Looking irritated at Max's tone, Logan stares at her, "I'm not cool with this, but it makes no sense rushing out of here after him...he'll be okay, he has to find White first," then smiling slightly, he brushes Max's cheek with a fingertip.

"Hmm, late," Max says with a faint smile. Then kissing Logan, she turns and walks through the door to her quarters.

I've got my reasons for finding Zack...before he kills White. I'm sure he knows more about these runes than he told Max. Logan takes a step towards the door, then turns and walks towards his quarters.

--- --- --- --- ---

Max's and Original Cindy's Quarters:

As Max walks through the door Original Cindy looks up with a grin on her face

"Thought you'd be still shacked up with your man in your secret love nest, had to shut Mole down when he came looking for you earlier. Not that I knew where you were anyway..." Original Cindy's voice trails off as she sees Max's thoughtful expression.

Looking at her friend, Max smiles sadly.

"What happen not what you expected, or did hot boy brush you off again?"

"Zack's gone...we're going after him,"

Staring at Max, Original Cindy steps back, "We, meaning?"

"Me and Logan."

"Isn't that kinda dangerous with your bro out to kill your boyfriend?"

Walking over to the small table in the corner of the room Max leans against it, "Seems Zack, can remember everything now...at least that's what he told Logan—"

"Told Logan? I'd heard a rumor Logan had gone to see him, but talk?"

Looking at her friend "You—" Max begins in accusation.

Holding up her hand Original Cindy smiles wryly as she shakes her head, "I said I only heard a rumor, I wasn't going to worry you, lying all shot up, now was I."

Shrugging, Max begins to pace the small room.

"So, if Zack is not going to suddenly kill Logan, and has left, why are you going after him?" Original Cindy asks after a few minutes of watching Max wear a hole in the already thread bare rug she had dragged in to liven up their living space.

"He's going after White, and I've got to stop him."

"And, of course, because Logan's gonna go with you, you're worried about him."

"I'm worried about the both of them," Max says, stopping her pacing for a moment, a note of exasperation in her voice.

Cocking her head to the side, "Yeah, and you and Zack are trained for this, and Logan's not...or is there something else, boo?" she asks, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sighing, Max finally stops pacing completely and sits down on her makeshift bed, a slight look of disgust crossing her features at the lumpy bedroll. Wish I was back at the Lab with Logan in that comfortable bed right now. "That's part of it...I've got the feeling Logan's not telling me something...something important."

"Hmm, I suppose he's got his reasons...and he does usually tell you in the end, right?" Logan really needs to get his priorities right and get real with my girl...or I'm gonna—

"Yeah, right, when it's nearly too late...I thought we'd be over this after what we've been through."

"Well, maybe it's nothing important," Original Cindy says shrugging.

"I guess," Max says standing up again, "I better go do my rounds...you know where Sketchy's at?"

"No, but I can probably guess. Why?"

"You and he are getting outta here when Logan and I leave," Max says emphatically.

"Sure, boo, I'll find Wiggy and get him ready to go...wonder if Normal will have us back?"

"After letting you know you're on permanent probation...again." Max says laughing.

Laughing with her friend, "Too right, sugah girl," Original Cindy holds out her fist which Max touches with hers.

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Sector Check Point South of Seattle:

The Sector Police officers are leaning against the barrier, when suddenly a black motorcycle comes racing towards them. Straightening up, they raise their weapons just as the rider brakes in front of the barrier.

Slowly she raises her reflective riding glasses a beautiful smile on her lips, "Morning gentlemen," she says, her blue eyes sparkling.

Taken aback by this beautiful woman astraddle the powerful motorbike, and her polite tone, the younger of the two officers steps back slightly, returning her smile uncertainly. The older one scowls at his partner and steps forward holding out his hand. "Sector Pass," he orders gruffly.

"My daddy always says to be polite to our hard working police officers," she says, the smile not leaving her lips, even as her eyes take on a dangerous gleam in their blue depths. Handing over the Sector Pass with something hidden underneath, she winks at the younger cop, who gulps.

Without hesitation, the older officer slips the bribe into a pocket and hands the Sector Pass back to Jondy without a glance, at the same time signaling to his partner to raise the barrier. Lowering her glasses, Jondy guns the engine of her bike and races through the barely raised barrier, flashing a wave and blowing a kiss at the younger Sector cop as she passes him. She disappears along the road towards Seattle as fast as she had appeared. Syl said you and Max were dead, what happened?

»»»»»

Flashback, a small town in Oregon:

A beautiful young woman, with wavy brown hair and blue eyes is walking along the sidewalk. "Hi, Jody, that new saddle you ordered should be finished next week," the owner of the riding supply store calls out to her.

"Thanks, Mr. Harris..." recognizing a green pickup passing, Jody is about to wave when she sees a handsome blond young man, sitting in the passenger seat, looking with interest at his surroundings. As he sees her, he smiles shyly, then looks past her at the display of saddles on the rack she has stopped next to. Staring in shock, she sees the pickup pull into a parking space in front of the veterinary surgery. Buddy and the young man get out and walk into the surgery.

Hesitating for a moment, she hurries across the street, and follows them in, "Hey, Marsha."

"Hi, Jody, your dad's busy with Buddy and his ranch hand. What a hottie," the young receptionist says waving her hand in front of her face.

"I haven't seen him around before. He must be new."

"Naw, Mary told Katie he's been working out there on the ranch for near on three years. Spends most of his time on the road doing deliveries...had a big accident up north near Seattle and lost his memory. Buddy only found out a few days ago."

"So how come none of his family are taking him in?" Jody asks looking towards her father's office door.

"Guess he doesn't have any, never talked about anybody, Mary told Katie," Marsha says shrugging her shoulders.

At that moment, Dr. Patterson accompanied by Buddy and the young man walk out of his office, "I'll pass by tomorrow Buddy and have a look at that bull..." seeing Jody he stops and smiles at his daughter.

"Hi, Buddy. Dad, I thought I'd drop by and let you know that mom's going over to see Mrs. Gray, the baby's due any moment, so I'm cooking tonight."

Nodding, her father's smile broadens in pride, "Jody, this is Adam, he's just got back after that nasty accident, Buddy was telling us about," her father says to her, while he signals with one hand 'X5.'

Giving her father a sharp look, "Right, I forgot. Hi, Adam, glad you're okay, and I hope being back will jog your memory," Jody says, holding out her hand, while looking at him closely for any sign of recognition.

Adam returns her look with a shy smile similar to the one he had given her from the pickup a few minutes ago, "I hope so...it's...it's all a blank," he says ruefully, shaking his head.

"Well, we'll be on our way, Frank. You all must come out to the ranch on a social call some time," Buddy says as he shakes hands with Jody and her father. Adam, after one final smile at Jody, nods farewell and then follows Buddy out the door.

»»»»»

That day you showed up, dad spotted you as an X5, but he didn't know who you were until I told him and mom. That was a shock for them. We had to find out about Max. I don't know how he found out that she was still alive, and that this guy, Logan, had arranged for you to be hidden out on Buddy's ranch. But what happened to you, Zack? What really happened all those months ago back at Manticore? I should've been there, but nobody knew where I was then. Why don't you remember Max, why don't you remember me? Opening the throttle on her bike, Jondy increases her speed, racing down the old highway towards downtown Seattle. It's time I find Max...I need you Zack.

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TBC