Finding the light

by max333

new problems arise when the government calls a reclaim on the 'Manticorian's', claiming their government property. new players come in to wreck havoc while old players seem to be behind the new ones. all that on top of raising a family, and keeping the peace within and outside of Terminal City. our beloved leaders sure have their work cut out for them before the struggle is over.

7. plannin' for a crashin'

Recicup: Deck will have some words with Ross at some point.

Scmumsy: that I will tell you no, Ross and Lane have no blood ties. But yes they are a LOT alike and it will get into a bigger storyline with that. As for Max, its not more on proving herself more or less showing that you can be a kick ass mama to boot. She has two baby girls to protect now and she's doing this balancing act with every part of her life. She's finding the happy, equal medium.

Thanks to my reviewers and my viewers out there. I've almost completed writing this out but it won't be the end of M/A for me. I might do one of those 'short story' drabble pieces of them hooking up together in random situations. I've got a few post and pre Terminal City, and Freak Nation ideas rolling around. Let me know what you think of that!

Season 5 ep.7

"Hey Dix, Luke… we have anything on the General's current base of operations, or is he keeping the location classified?" I asked.

Dix and Luke quickly jumped to work, looking for anything on their monitors that they could find to answer my question. In the meantime, Cece and Alec were accessing anything on General Ross or the "Phoenix project" that would be useful. Joshua and Gem were checking in with the nursery till they were needed.

"No Max, this general's pretty well hidden. This will actually take some digging. For once a challenge." Dix commented ecstatically, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Gotta love it when someone loves their job! I smiled and nodded. "No shortage of dicks or assholes wanting us to do their bidding. There's gotta be a base that's been fortified to work with our kind." I wonder out loud.

I bit my lip in forethought, "Manticore had special contractors I bet, try cross referencing them with any other projects." I suggested.

"Looking into records for recent structures, and the contractors would be on the hard drive Alec and Cece are looking through." He told me.

"Luke, while Dix is looking into recent ones, try for anything within the past ten or so years. The 'Phoenix project' has been in the plan for years. We only heard about it recently." I tried, hoping maybe at least the place had been built years ago, just been sitting empty and untouched all this time.

"Could be the place was already built, and they're just moving in." Luke offered, practically reading my mind.

"Or that they didn't want to waste their Manticore funding on a theoretical plan and decided to use one of the old Manticore bases that have shut down." Dix countered to the other transhuman.

Both of them had valid points so I stated, "Both of you work on those theories. That's when we'll know." They agreed and busied themselves, their faces totally engrossed in the computer monitors in front of them.

Pulling out my cell I phoned Zack, "Hey think you can get ready for a mission this evening. I'm thinking of gettin' something together." He was willing to do so, "Great, go to the armory and see about some small time stuff. We don't need full suit up just enough to provide back up if needed." He agreed as I shut the phone. I had a feeling it MIGHT be needed for tonight.

I had a plan in mind but I figure its best to get things prepped up first to avoid losing time in the long run. Plus I knew I'd be able to count on Zack for it. The cogs in my mind were turning to do something for tonight. Something to find out where Ross was and to find an in somewhere.

I went to see how far Alec and Cece were on the drive. Its weight connected to a small laptop to avoid taking extra processing time away from the main computers. A 'gift' we helped ourselves to from Logan's stash.

"The drive Alec got from the bank is surprise, surprise, mostly Manticore based information." Cece iterated. Having already seen me approach, "But…" Alec added giving me a 'there's more' look.

"There is a reference to another facility where they were sending some of their cybernetic programmers." I furrowed my brows, "So another Manticore facility?" I questioned, not seeing the relevance just yet, "No the location described isn't like the facilities for us." I raised my head to Alec's continued description. "For a more expendable transgenic." I stated more than asked, "Yup, problem is it's only mentioned."

"Only someone that was in or worked in cybernetics would know more on where, if anything that is." Alec said. Okay I had that but not…ooii…

"It doesn't make sense though." Why care?

Alec looked up to me, "What doesn't?" looking from him to Cece I asked, "Why would a cybernetics program send people from a cutting edge place meant to keep soldiers alive to the General's digs where they don't care? Manticore took care of its wounded soldiers, either with donated organs or bio synthetics ones."

He got me now, "Why care?" I nodded my head.

"Zack would know." Alec stated. I looked to him, "Renfro did say that they had been prepping to ship him off to a new location. You think its Ross's base?" I asked skeptically. "Ross's phoenix base was really meant for his type of conditioned soldiers, so someone like Zack would have been a golden opportunity. Hell part of his mind is that computer stuff up in there. It's very possible with the right programming Ross would have made or tried to make a line of soldiers that were like cyborgs." Alec explained.

"And they were working on cutting edge cybernetics at Manticore. But Deck wouldn't willingly let Ross have one of his own." I wondered.

"By that time Renfro was in charge of Manticore. She could have given the okay as long as Ross only got Zack as a test subject. See how far they could push the program for a 'cybernetic X5'." Syl added.

"So Deck begins the program but has no real placement for them, Renfro takes control and figures to let Ross take Zack to work on. Renfro gave Ross what Deck refused to." I surmised. "My guess is as soon as Ross got the deal signed he had Renfro ship Zack off to his facility but of course the Manticore base went down before the transfer could be made and the lab techs unloaded him to the steelheads." Alec looked to me.

"So if anything our last connection is with Zack. Maybe the lab techs were talkin' around him not seeing or caring that Zack would retain it. He did become a true blue soldier again for a while. It was only when he saw me again did memories start to resurface." I began to shift my position as I wanted to go see Zack, "Let's go see what he knows." I walk off with the two of them behind me. "You think he remembers the lab techs?" Syl asked. "Better question you think they actually told him?" Alec asked.

"Only one way to find out." my voice full of determination.

We walked the hallways till we got to our weapons inventory. Zack was getting strapped up while Daniel was see what was being taken out to catalog. "You think you'll need that much ammo?" Daniel held up two clips to the 9 mm gun Zack had, "I'd rather be safe than sorry. Besides Max has an issue with using one herself so I figure one's for my back and one's for hers." Zack answered.

"What about me?" Alec asked sugary sweet.

Zack turned around, "I would think you'd be packing anyway." Zack retorted. Alec shook his head, "I'll be packing, just not something that can be spotted. If anything it'll be easily concealable."

"Or you could just snap necks." Zack shot. Alec barely flinched, "Nah not my style." though his tone was a bit hard considering the suggestion thrown his way.

"Enough we need your help Zack. On some intel… Daniel you mind staying in HQ tonight, monitor things for us while we go out. I have a plan and it'll require us to leave while you stay here and quarterback us." I ordered more than asked. "Sure, just let me know when." he replied leaving the room.

"We need to know what the other facility was that Renfro was sending you to." Alec asked without further preamble.

"Why?" Zack held back. "Cause we have good reason to believe it's where Ross is now. We think it's his base." I explained.

"Can you tell us anything you might remember? Maybe the lab techs were talking about it around you? Anything could help us at this point." Syl asked. "Zack everything please." I cajoled.

"Alright well there wasn't a whole lot that got said other than vague references to the border." he started, making sure the clip was in the gun he had, "Talkin' about how they couldn't wait to be transferred themselves. Apparently they weren't big fans of Renfro either." he surmised.

"Border...like state border or country border?" I asked. "Couldn't be country." Alec jumped in, my eyes met his, "The committee would have never approved one of their own 'weapons' systems to be transferred to a facility outside the states. the chances of the cargo getting hi-jacked along the way was too high a risk, not to mentioned the chances of that country using the DNA structure for their own soldiers was too high. Red tape issues aside it wouldn't have happened." I paced about, "So no to the out of country bit..." I thought to myself.

"What about the state border?" Syl asked, "What facility is near the border that is big enough to house that many transgenics and still be on the DL?" I asked. "We could do a property cross reference check. See if anything seems out of place. Dig through some shell companies to the source of the name. Maybe Ross is hiding right under the state's nose." Alec explained.

"Not bad." Zack admitted looking to Alec.

"What can I say? We were trained to think of every alternative." Alec shrugged his shoulders. "True..." Zack agreed, "Anything else?" Syl asked him. "Border references and this really didn't make any sense to me at the time but they also mentioned Ross on base...like an excessive amount." Zack stated. "You think he's living on base?" I asked Alec, "It's a possibility but I doubt it. If anything what he would do is live near base." He answered.

"What makes you think it couldn't be outside the states?" Syl asked.

"If I remember correctly Deck sold tech to the South African's back in the day so what makes us think that Renfro wouldn't have done it?" Her question sparked my answer, "Cause Deck was getting desperate to find me. Otherwise that intel would have never left Manticore. Besides she used that as grounds to get Sandoval against Deck. At least from what he told me." She nodded in acceptance.

"We might have to approach this from another angle. Both Dix and Luke are working on different theories of where the facility for the Phoenix project could be. With what Zack said we should have a location within a few hours…less than, you think?" I half ask them. "Yeah I'd say so." Alec agreed.

"Could it just simply be a sector border?" Cece asked.

I turned my head slightly to the side, "Could very well be. I'll hit up Dix and Luke with the update, till then…" I turn to Zack, "You're on standby. If there's a chance to avoid going in hot and heavy and only going to the base with a cover then we'll go for it." Zack looked ready to protest, "Minimize the risk remember. Besides if we can get away without being spotted then we're taking the opportunity we're presented with." He pursed his lips in aggravation. He looked ready to fight that was for sure.

"We need to let Daniel know to stay here so he can quarter back us. We need eyes and ears as Syl and Krit will be too." I explain.

"What about Krit's 'evil twin'? I know you mentioned him before in passing." Zack asked.

Alec was about to answer when Zack then asked, "Wait a minute, if those twins of ours are in the Phoenix project how come there aren't any more of them in there? Why wasn't Max's clone put in it, Syl's, or you? Or any other twins from our unit for that matter? Why is it only mine and Krit's clones that is in are part of the Phoenix project?" he raised a logical question.

Alec sighed, "Max's twin and I were scheduled to be in it, but we both were on deep cover ops at the time. By the time I got back, most of the unit had been sent out on missions, or sent to the Phoenix." Alec explained.

I saw Alec had a near sad expression, "What?" I asked, touching his hand, "Just remembering how we lost Syl's clone. A few of your unit mates' clones didn't make it back from missions they were sent on over the years." Alec explained to Zack. He nodded.

"You okay?" I ask Alec in concern. I didn't like the sadness in his eyes. He squeezed my hand in reassurance and nodded, "Yeah… losing a comrade is never easy, but you have to move on right? I'm cool Max… really. Don't worry about me."

"I've got an idea for Krit's twin. But if you need to talk…" I smiled in reassurance and he waved me away. Deciding to let it go for now, I knew it was best to give Alec space, but maybe one day he'll be ready to tell me about it. I left him with Zack as I Leaving out I truly wondered how close we really were in finding the Phoenix home base.

I found out an hour and 45 minutes later. "Hey Max, I think we hit a break!" Dix called to me in my office through the door. Abandoning my paperwork I sought the little guy. "You've got eyes and ears Dix, fill me in." I remark as I came up to his station.

"Apparently the General is holding a party at his place." I frowned a bit at the relevance of that. "How is that significant?" I asked him.

Then I wondered, "Wait… how far from the 'Phoenix' site?" I asked instead. He smiled a bit, "It's on a conjoined property. It's why it took me so long. Guy lives practically right next to it." I shook my head, "Like a warden for the inmates." I utter. He somewhat sighed, "Well inmates or not, it's our place." I looked down to his face.

"It can be beneficial but only if done the right way. Good. Thanks Dix." I patted him on the shoulder. Texting Alec, Syl, Krit, Daniel and Mole I have them meet me. I would have texted Joshua but his combat skills and invisibility could still use some work since he was never actually trained for battle like the rest of us were. That and I know he'd prefer to paint and help Gem at the nursery instead of fighting.

Though if someone were to hurt a friend or family member of his, he wasn't to be trifled with.

Gathering them into our interrogation room I spoke up, "We've got some new intel which leads to a better plan of attack…so to speak. Also easier on the extraction too." I confide. Everyone nodded, "What is it?" Mole asked, biting into his cigar, rolling it gently between his teeth.

"As it turns out our general is holding a party at his place tonight. Who cares why at this point only that we're crashing said party." I reply.

"I could use a drink or two, these parties are bound to have freebies for all the guests there." Syl smiled in anticipation.

I nod, "Well you can drink there and keep an eye out for Alec and myself cause we're using it as a way to get into the base. Turns out it's on the same property."

"Friggin' convenient." Krit chimed in.

"Exactly. I figure we can get into the General's office at his place, grab the keys to the compound and gain access that way. Dix's computers are good but the software and hardware isn't advanced enough to actually hack into the compound without setting off alerts." I saw the multiple nods.

"The General would know in a heartbeat that it was transgenics once he traced the signal back, especially if the servers weren't great to begin with. At least if they had better ones it would be harder to track and trace. We need to get Dix and Luke better computers." Syl commented. I agreed, "Till then, we'll have to do this the hard way." I stated.

"How do we know he has his keys in his office or even at the house?" Alec asked. "If your electronic security system failed due to a power issue, why leave the manual way in, i.e. keys, inside?" I asked him. He nodded conceding my point.

Looking to everyone I gave out the orders, something I was starting to grow used to. It wasn't something I had felt was part of me, being a leader didn't come natural, it came as an obstacle that I still was glad I had help on. Making us more of a conglomerate instead of one person deciding the fates of others. Granted I still made most of the decisions but otherwise I took advice and help when I could get it.

"Time to go under cover. Alec will be with me to help search his office, Syl and Krit your job is to be down stairs and to keep an eye on Ross and keep him occupied. And Krit…you will pose as your twin. We'll iron out the details later. Mole I need you to monitor here with Daniel. We have no idea of the security detail around and I'd rather be safe than sorry." They all nodded as they were given their orders. "What about Zack? He was getting all geared up?" Cece asked.

"He'll be there but only as back up. And he's back up and not going in for a reason. There's a high risk of running into Lane in there. I can't risk them getting into a pissing match. We all know what'll be the outcome to that." Blood, blood, blood…question is who would be the one left standing?

"With Daniel, he and Cece can monitor anything extra from here. She's too far into her pregnancy to take any more risks." To that I garnered a few looks, "What?" I asked.

"Not to disagree with you but do you happen to remember where you gave birth to the girls?" I saw the testy way Alec was looking at me, "That was different." I protested. "How so?" he asked, "You were in danger, I had to help get you out. Daniel's not leaving, ergo not in danger. So Cece will stay put." It was logical and illogical. But no one questioned it.

"I'll be sure to scream for Princess if I see anything wrong." Mole grinned breaking the unknown tension in the air. Alec laughed, "That's only funny so many times Mole." I smiled at his dead panned look.

"So how are we taking care of 'evil me'?" Krit asked. "You'll go to med bay, I've already put in an order for you. It's in injection that will knock him out for hours on end. But don't let your twin see you or else it'll blow it wide open when he wakes up." I told him, "Syl when you're there I need you to use your feminine wiles to lure 'evil Krit' away from the other Phoenix soldiers, so our Krit can inject him." She nods and sighs, "This will be so weird."

Then her head shot up, "Wait a minute! Won't the Phoenix soldiers recognize us from being the escapees?" she asked. I nodded, "Yeah, if anything we'll get you a wig and you'll need to get your barcode lasered off. Acting as more of a human partygoer rather than the trained X5 you are." She nodded. "Besides with you there as a human the 'evil Krit' really won't see it coming. He'll just be like any other guy there. Looking for a god time." I smiled.

"And Syl's twin you said is gone?" Krit asked.

"Syl's twin died on a mission in Africa six years ago." Alec explained, "The only twin that should be there is yours, but there is a chance on Lane being there, ergo Zack will act as back up." He continued on, "Syl what you can do is while your posing as Krit's date, it'll be after 'evil Krit' sees you. You need to lure him away from the party so Krit can get the drop on him. At that point Krit will act as his twin, and you'll act as his 'date'." She nodded.

"So how am I supposed to lure my man's twin if I have no idea where he is?" She asked.

"He'll be close by the General. X5-472 is a body guard to him I believe. Find him, lure him, seduce him if you h - " Krit motioned with his hands to stop, "She's not goin' to go that far. Just lure him away and I'll handle him from there." Krit's own protective instincts came out at the forefront. "Alright so after I become 'evil Krit's date' how is a bodyguard goin' to explain that?" Syl asked.

My phone rang at that moment, I stepped away from the conversation as I flipped it open. "Go for Max."

"You're gonna really love me for this one Max." Dix chucked. I drew my brows together in confusion, "About what?"

"I think we have the luck of the gods. There's a brothel not too far from the Phoenix site and I think this lady must be…shall we say…a few bricks shy of a load? She called HERE asking for General Avram Ross. I guess since it's well known that Terminal City is mutant central, she assumed he'd be here. Well I got Deck over here to pretend to be Ross…which by the way, he does a very good impression."

"Get to the point Dix." I shake my head because it was spinning from all he was telling so far.

"Ross was hiring an escort for none other than Krit's twin. My guess is Ross wants his personal guards to look like partygoers too. The call was to hammer out the price. Deck cancelled the order, as Ross of course…but we figure…"

"That Syl can go in the escort's place!" I exclaim excitedly, waving my hand at the others to shut up for a moment.

"Exactly. Thanks to Deck, you now have your cover."

"You're right Dix! I could kiss you! Thank you!"

"Um…none of that, Alec would kill me." Dix stated nervously.

I rolled my eyes at his taking it so literally, near literal, "Ok, just a vehement thank you. Catch ya later."

I shut the phone closed and explain to everyone, "This just got that much easier. Ross was trying to hire an escort anyway. And apparently this bimbo thought Ross was here and called us. Deck posed as Ross and cancelled the order. So now…"

"I get to be the slut instead. Great!" Syl rolled her eyes. "Well I can do slutty if I have to." She sighed, realizing that was her new role in this.

Krit nudged her playfully, "I think you do slutty very well around me. You just have to be more public about it now." She shot him a look to melt ice. "Shut up!" a smack followed it to the back of his head.

I rolled my eyes, "We'll still need you to lure 472 away. You may have to go in and meet Ross first and act your way through it. Just convince 472 to have a private moment and lead him away to where Krit is waiting to take him down."

"He better not get too touchy feely or else the needle is not the only thing he'll get." Krit warned, the mate side of him coming to the forefront as he didn't want another man, even his twin to get handsy with his woman. Alec chuckled in response to it, "I know the feeling man. I'm sure Syl will keep it from happening. Or at the very least make sure he gets his just due for any parts grabbed that may ensue."

I turned my attentions to Syl, "You got anything fancy enough to go to an upper class party?"

She looked to me in a flat out 'are you joking?' expression. I smiled, "I gotcha. Let me make a call. Just give me your size." She nodded. I hoped that Gamble wouldn't mind if we asked for a nice dress to use.

"Great! Monkey suit time." Krit muttered under his breath.

"When does the party start?" Daniel asked, not at all caring that he was ignoring Krit. We had come to ignore that part about him over time.

"Probably around nine tonight." I answered, "Question is, is it invite only or can just anyone crash? I mean yeah we're crashing but it's not like we can waltz right through the front doors you know. How do you plan on gettin' our asses inside?" Alec asked. I shrug, "I'll talk to Gamble 'bout it. See if he can't scrounge us up some invites and if not as long as we can get our hands on a copy, say his we could make our own."

"No need…" Alec replied, causing my thought processes to halt for a moment. "Evil Krit will already have the invitations on him more than likely. Just take it from him when he's knocked out. And if he doesn't, our Krit can probably waltz in with his date anyway because security would know who he is. With Krit there they both can walk right through the front door and no one would stop them."

I waved a finger at him, grinning, "And that's why I love you so much. You are realistic and that helps. Okay, invites are taken care of, so to speak."

"And remember that you and I can't be seen by Ross." Alec pointed out, "I know, it's why we're going in via cat suit through the window and Syl and Krit are the ones going into the party all dolled up." I sum up.

"So Syl and Krit can have their eyes on Ross while we're in the office." Alec surmised. I smiled.

"And how do you suppose we are getting in?" Alec asked me, "The old fashioned sneak and creep Manticore way." I smirked.

"So we're climbing the walls literally to get inside his office? Which will probably be guarded on the outside by his Phoenix soldiers." I nodded. He looked weary at me.

"Yee have little faith my mate. Trust me. We now have Krit to send them somewhere else for us if needed." I advised.

He held up his hands, "I surrender my faith to yee my mate." It was stupid and cheesy but it made me laugh.

"Well while Syl here gets dolled up, I'm gonna get my monkey suit." Krit replied.

Grabbing my phone I dragged Syl with me out the door as I made my call to Gamble, "Hope you're not too busy." I ask him.

"Not for you Max. Just getting ready to make an appearance is all." that casual flirting would get him in trouble with Alec if he ever found out. I knew Gamble was just being friendly flirting, something he kinda had to do with the more elderly ladies of Seattle, charming them really, so I paid it no mind.

Syl arched a brow but saw that I simply ignored it, "Let me guess. A refined, cold general?" I asked. He paused, "How did you know? Or do I want to know?" he asked grudgingly.

"We're crashin' it to 'politely' gain access to - do you really want me to tell you?" I ask him.

He paused again, "Better I don't know...what do you need?" he asked. I smiled, "A dress, size 5. I think that's all." as if merely asking for some salt to be passed my way.

"I'll let the boutique lady know you're coming her way." I smiled, "Thank you!" I beamed.

I could already picture this evening going well. "One question, will it be a purchase or rental for the dress?" I knew why he asked. That way the boutique lady could direct us to the right dresses. The boutique had select dresses that were rentable compared to the other highly more expensive ones. Theses dresses were pricey knock - offs to write off at the end of the year.

"Rental. No way is a six G dress going to get purchased." Syl's face widened up, I mouthed, 'I'll explain later.' she nodded. Unless it had pricey real diamonds in it, it just wasn't worth it at the end of the day.

"Okay I'll let her know." I guess he was finally getting used to how we roll around here, or rather how we ran things. Good, it would save him some trouble in the long run. Hanging up I spoke to Syl, "Long story short I stole a dress to go to Logan's cousin's wedding, it was six G's. At the end of the night he called the store and put it on his account." she looked to me in an 'ahh', type of understanding way.

Walking near the bikes we ran into Deck as he was out for a stroll, presumably. His place of residence just outside of the toxicity of TC but still within bounds. "Goin' out?" he asked us.

No matter how long he'd been here he still spoke as if he were an active colonel over us. It had me suppressing the urge to stand at attention these days as my ten year old self would have. I used to be able to rely on my hatred of the man to be casual and flippant but now that we've become more of this "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" thing, and that he has roamed about quite freely since his introduction here it's a bit hard not to start falling back into that routine we were in back at Manticore.

"Thanks to your help, we got a party to crash tonight, Syl needs some decent threads so she won't stand out." I still cursed myself for feeling and actually explaining things to him.

"Well is there anything I can do to help out tonight?" he asked. I could nearly see the begging in his eyes, though truthfully he refused to fully let that through. He had a need to be useful, and a need to be wanted.

"If the general sees you he'll make the connection fast and look for us around the place. It's why Syl and Krit are going in as our eyes. Alec and I are 'sneak and creeping' our way in. This, as Zack would put it, is what we were made to do. What you made us to do, as disturbing as that is. We were designed to be invisible when needed. Sides we're better at 'Escape and Evade' than you are." I couldn't help but smile knowing we successfully eluded him for ten plus years.

"You and your group were the best Max. Not to mention you had all this time on the outside to perfect it. Despite my best attempts." he remarked. He seemed torn between pride and disappointment that that had happened, that we had managed to elude him. I was trying to figure out which was more prominent. That answer was currently beyond me.

Not wanting to dwell on it I remarked, "Whatever. If we need you at all tonight it will be in Command. We'll discuss later. Got to jet." Syl booked right behind me as we passed up Deck. A near literal force of wind as I put a little sprinting blur into my step that went past Deck.

"I still don't know how I feel about him being here...running loose so to speak..." Syl remarked once we were far enough away. She looked behind spotting the colonel still looking in our direction before walking away, like he had nothing better to do.

I shrug, "Well you know what they say… keep your friends close and your enemies closer. I just haven't figured out which one he is yet. Truthfully all he's done so far is help. We really need to find him something useful to do. Maybe I'll get with Alec on that later."

I straddle my baby while putting on my riding gloves and sigh. "To be honest I've been thinking about letting him in Command, let him see how we run things, maybe even let him work temporarily under Daniel and Cece, see how that works out. He had advanced military strategy and training." I admit to her. "You think they'll be okay with that?" Syl asked me, "Only one way to find out." I pull my phone out and dial Daniel, "Yup?" he answered, "Need you to do a favor for me." I reply.

"What's that?" he asked, "Thinkin' bout having Deck under your command temporarily till he can find his need around here other than as acting advisor when it comes to Ross or Manticore business. Think you can tolerate him lingering in HQ for a few hours? You'll have to keep an eye on him of course but see how things work out." He knew it was more of a command than a favor but whatever.

There was silence for a moment before he replied, "I'll call him in to watch and survey but he ain't orderin' no one around." Daniel confirmed. I smiled, "Thanks. And let me know how things go after the fact. If it is this works, it might be worthwhile to trust him in HQ every now and then." I throw out like an idea.

"I'm not sure but I also wasn't being hunted by the man for 10 plus years. If you're starting to trust him maybe it might be worth it. But I get to decide how often he's in here. Nothing more than 2-3 times a week." He tries to demand. I smile, "Okay, but just remember if he makes a stupid suggestion that MIGHT actually work go with it. Otherwise just ignore him. I do." I ended the call.

Syl was now safely behind me on the bike, as I cranked it up and we took off. After a few minutes, she was sounding positively giddy as she yelled above the wind, "Whatever...anyways I cannot wait till tonight. Getting dressed up, pretending to be part of the upper elite and cozying up to the big guys..." she giggled, "You sound like Mia." I near scolded, that woman was a class of 'lovable 50's' all her own. It drove me insane but at the same time came REALLY handy. I was truly waiting for the moment when we had a familiar in custody and gave him or her to Mia to see what would happen.

She gave me a look, "Like you didn't when you were at Logan's cousin's party!" she replied, trying to catch me, "I had no choice. Logan was one of the elites, I had to fake my 'station' if I was to be the confident elite people thought of me to be." in the end, other than the wedding itself, the food at the after party, the highlight of my evening had been taking my aggression of the snobby party goers out on the Korean militants.

"Wow they must have been pretty bad." Syl remarked, "It was indirect and most of them made it sound as if it was the 'haute' new thing to talk about. The benefits of transgenic hearing." I had never truly cared for the fact that they whispered about me then, more so I ignored it for the most part figuring I'd never see them again anyways.

"Logan's Aunt Margo I recall even managed to sound near prideful when she explained quote 'She's a Guevara, of the Greenwich Guevara's'." I spoke in my 'Aunt Margo' voice. Syl laughed, "Wow, some people!" I laughed to.

"Still getting all dressed up..." I relented a bit, "Maybe someday I'll look at being girlie as a good thing, not as a materialistic, Manticore reminder."

Syl rolled her eyes, "You need a vacation." she joked.

"My vacation time is with Alec and my girls." I smiled, as I always looked forward to spending time with them as a family. or with them individually that way if its Alec I can be the horny girl he makes me and if it's my girls I can be the loving mom they make me.

Reaching my bike we both get on her and take her to the boutique. Finally reaching the boutique, I Walking walk in like I own the place and it was just as I last remembered...other than a few new dresses in stock. The sales associate from last time though did recognize me. Her wave of 'hi' garnered her own customers to look at me. I ignored them as they decided to ignore me back. I didn't care I was here for more important things, or rather for mission related things.

"I've heard of areas that looked UNtouched by the 'pulse' but damn." Syl commented. It garnered a smile from me as I recalled OC saying something similar a few years back.

"Hello Max plus one?" a sales rep asked. I looked over to my right to find the girl looking very pristine over us both. I smiled remembering her as well from last time. The girl had helped me with numerous dresses last time and although her attitude wasn't the best as I recall, you tend to realize that they these sales reps are sometimes paid to talk that way to sift through those who can and cannot truly afford the clothes.

It was harsh but they didn't want someone who just walked in off the streets looking like a hooker to slip into a thousand dollar dress. this wasn't 'pretty woman' where you nailed a hooker that happened to be attached to a rich guy willing to buy the dress, no with the way the world was now, if you got a hooker you got a standard $100 a night hooker looking to try and steal a nice gown for profit elsewhere.

Not to mention if they tried it on, and it didn't even fit that smell would be stuck on the dress. Only the rented ones got the specialized dry cleaned treatment. It's not like you could return the regular thousand dollar ones, you bought it to keep it. No exceptions, it was why people were asked to try it on beforehand, to ensure the size was accurate and true. The high maintenance 'escorts' of Seattle were barely even on the list for the rentable dresses. It was more in a closed sectioned off area, since they were tried and true knock offs.

"Yes and this is Syl, my sister, the one whose getting the dress, I'm just the second opinion tonight." she looked over then arched a brow at the lack of family resemblance, "I'm adopted." Syl explained quickly.

The sales rep smiled, and escorted us to the dresses that were respectfully rented out. These were only known by a certain clientele that way said 'hooker' couldn't slip into it as well. That clientele was a VERY short list of people. And I just happened to be on it. I saw Syl's look of confusion, "For those trying to make it into another section of society. The higher class variety." I explained.

"I think I might have something to bring out the color in your eyes." the sales rep encouraged, looking at Syl.

She was on her way when Syl stopped her, "My eyes change color a lot, depending on my mood, can you pick something else? Skin tones maybe?" she suggested. The associate nodded, "Sure no problem. Follow me."

It was 30 minutes later that Syl was signing the dress out. With Gamble still paying for the rentals as it was his account over here I didn't bother to correct the sales lady. After all a few hundred dollars for one dress going on the card that was for TC business only still could reflect badly on us in the long run. I didn't want it to bite us in the ass that $600 was spent on 'dress rentals' in the future. You never know.

She took a photo copied version of Syl's sector pass to ensure that even though it was a rental, if she tried to 'skip' out, they could trace her and the dress. It was policy for those types so I didn't care much.

Walking out Syl remarked, "I don't recall you mentioning the sector passes bit the last time you came here."

"I didn't, but Gamble had tried to purchase the dress for me. It wasn't a tried and true rental. It was however the only return that they accepted." she 'a ha'd' as we got back on my bike, the dress folded neatly in the carrying case on the bike to avoid wrinkles and the like. "Why did Gamble try and buy you a dress that expensive?" Syl blanched at me while on the bike.

"I think part of him kinda likes me and not in a professional manner but he knows I'm true to Alec so he's never made any real moves on me. I think Alec'd try to kill him if he did." that would be an interesting fight though, Alec versus Gamble...I had no idea what Gamble's training when it came to fighting was but I would obviously be rooting for my mate versus the other candidate.

Getting to the last check point we heard some small talk with our enhanced hearing. "Them damned freaks are taking our business from us." my ear flinched in response as it listened in more intent as we waited in line to go through. "Ridiculous man." the other one agreed. I looked back to Syl, she shrugged in a 'who cares' motion. I didn't bother but it did help to still listen in on it.

"People wanna go to their 'martial arts' school to be able to protect themselves instead of payin' us to protect them." I rolled my eyes. Street hoods that shook people down once a week or once a month for protection money. "Street protection." I muttered. I took a quick look at them to see if there was anything symbolic to determine their gang status but there were no visible tattoos nor any defining colors.

I puckered my lips and rolled my eyes in boredom as we came up to the check point. Pulling out our sector passes, they waved us through.

"Think we're pissing people off with the businesses we have open?" Syl asked once I kicked us into second gear again.

"Yeah but we piss certain people off by merely existing and there are some things out in the world that we can't help with. Nor do I care to do so." I wasn't going to apologize for existing, nor for who I was as a person, you don't like it, don't be around me. It's quite simple. "Besides they're just pissed that we provide a service better than they do. Plus we don't shake people down for cash the way they do." I didn't bother with worrying over it. We had bigger fish to fry.

Coming to our entrance to TC, we were greeted with Mole's presence. I stopped early to avoid hitting him, "What's up?" I asked.

We dismounted my bike, "Back - up's ready...just in case." he added with a tinge of flare to it. I smiled, "Good..." Syl held up her dress bag, "Time for me to get girlie." Mole grinned around his cigar, "Polaroid moment."

I smiled and shook my head, "Remind me to keep cameras away from you." I snickered, "It's called a camera phone boss lady." he shot back. I closed my eyes briefly, "Note to self, disable camera on camera phone." I muttered to myself.

"Huh?" he asked, "Nothin'." I finished sweetly. He knew something was up, "Ah hun...right..." he remarked, not liking the look on my face now.

"Squirrelly X5." he snipped around his cigar stub. Honestly where he gets them I have no clue on. An endless supply of cigars from all over.

"Well at least I get to sit in a nice warm van." he supplied from behind us.

I narrowed my eyes at him in a non - threatening way, though he still maintained a distance just for knowledge that he knows how prone I am to smacking and hitting.

I stalked off in a pouted rage briefly. Mole laughed along with Syl. "So not funny." I muttered, they laughed harder.

It was an hour later that Syl and I were both ready for the party. I had my cat suit on. Syl had a dress that went great with her skin tones, Krit seemed to like Syl's dress when he came in, monkey suit and all, and spotted us giving the dresses their finishing touches.

"Wow, you look beautiful." he remarked to Syl, his eyes taking in her form.

I was glad they were getting their heads out of the asses about one another and getting hooked up. It was making things a bit easier for them to understand mine and Alec's relationship to some degree. Krit nudged me playfully, "You know, in that cat suit, Alec might not want to let you leave the apartment. That thing's pretty tight." they laughed, I smiled only knowing how right Krit inadvertently was.

I watched Alec walk in as I gauged his reaction. He had a hard time avoiding gawking at me in the skin tight cat suit. I recalled it had been a long time since I'd last worn it. "Fashion tip Alec...mouth looks better closed with people around." he didn't seem to care too much, "In our apartment I don't care." his voice I swore dropped an octave. I then heard a telltale growl coming from his throat. It was predatory, it was horny, and it was in front of two people I considered family, siblings...in more than one sense now.

"Krit, Syl...Give us a minute..." he looked me up and down, "or ten..." sometimes I forgot how skin tight this thing could be. It gave no illusions to the body that was hidden beneath.

If we didn't have to leave right then I'd 'shoo' them away myself but we had work to do. He was already moving forward intending to take me to our bedroom to do the obvious. They rolled their eyes. Krit not wanting to deal with a horny male transgenic nudged Syl, "Fine...come on Alec we need to get moving." Syl grumbled.

At her words I walked forward even as Alec wanted to block me, "We need to go." I took his hand and forcibly dragged him out. He looked like a pleading little boy, it was adorable.

"When we get home you can have your wicked way with me, but right now we have work to do." he snuck in a passionate, heated kiss, holding my face in a strong grip as he controlled it. I gave in for a moment loving when he took charge of our more intimate moments together. Even his other hand drifted down to squeeze my butt before releasing it. His desire quenched for the moment, he pulled away, took my hand as we walked out for the night grumbling, "Can't wait to get back home." I couldn't help but laugh.