When Dreams Become Reality (9/10)

When Dreams Become Reality (9/10)

By Guardian Angel (eyes_only1@yahoo.com)

Setting: After Beneath the Surface (my fic), and sometime after "Blah Blah, Woof Woof."

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Dark Angel (I only wish I did!)...so please don't sue! :-)

Rachel, Mandy, Erin, Jen: Thank you girls, for all your help with this, you're the best! The insights you gave me were greatly appreciated.

Sorry about the slight delay on this guys, I was hoping to get it out this afternoon, but had a panic attack, decided I *hated* what I'd originally wrote, and went back and did a major overhaul this evening. *g*

*****

Part 9

After Max's successful raid of Channing's cabin, she and Logan spent an hour pouring over the materials she had found. Max changed into loose pajama pants and a comfortable tank top, removed her makeup, and sprawled lazily on the floor at Logan's feet. The pair sat outside on the porch again, in an effort to avoid being overheard. Luckily the balmy night air made it pleasant, and the silvery full moon, along with the small porch lamp, provided plenty of light to see by.

While Max had been searching Fassbinder's cabin, Logan had taken the time to sort through all that happened earlier that evening, and had decided on a decisive course of action- he was going to wait until Max brought it up. No matter how many times he told himself it had just been an act, the memory of the night's events still left him all hot and bothered. He desperately wanted it to be real. Unfortunately, he had no idea what Max wanted, and knew that even if she was interested in a relationship with him, nothing could really come of it until he was out of the wheelchair. With that last thought, he had attempted to push the memories out of his mind and concentrate on the task at hand. He had always been thankful for his ability to become so involved in his work as to forget the outside world, and he had never been so grateful for that talent as he did this night.

Now, he slouched comfortably in his wheelchair, intently sifting through the information Max had brought him. There was enough evidence in the thin packet to convict the Pope of high treason; he had no worries about the Brotherhood somehow managing to wrangle free of the charges. From time to time, as he came across a particularly interesting document or tidbit, he would pass the paper to Max to read.

There was a pleased grin on his face as he finally put down the last document. "We have all we could ever ask for, Max." He let out a low laugh, more relieved than he cared to admit. Not only did he have the evidence needed to convict the Brotherhood, but also there was still a very good chance of being able to walk in his near future. "It's all here- Davis' illegal drug trafficking, proof of his liaison with Channing's mother, the stolen goods the Brotherhood imports and exports, the money they manage to siphon out of government projects..."

"What can I say?" The modest look on Max's face was patently fake. "We're just damn good!" She shared a laugh with him.

After carefully putting all of the papers back into the manila envelope, Logan gestured towards the door. "We should probably head to bed. Assuming nothing goes wrong in the morning, we're home free. Beechcamp told me earlier that our plane leaves at two tomorrow afternoon."

"Coolness." With that, the pair disappeared into their room.

***

Max lay in bed, staring at the ceiling morosely. She could hear Logan's soft breathing close beside her. All she had to do was reach out her arm a little and she would be able to touch him. Bad thought girl...don't go there. With a sigh, she flipped over on her side, facing away from the all-too tempting man sound asleep next to her. Things're complicated enough as are, get involved with him and there'll be no hope for it, you'll officially be declared mental. You've got enough problems. She was finding it unusually hard to control herself, though. After living with the unspoken feelings between them for so long, denying their very existence, the events of the evening were tantamount to a bomb being dropped in front of her. The Pandora's box had been opened, and, unable to stuff the confusing emotions back inside, she was forced to confront them.

Giving in to the urge, she turned back to face him, propping her head on her fist as she studied the exhausted man. He lay on his back, with his head turned partially towards her, presenting her with a three-quarters view of his handsome profile. His face, normally so mobile with his many emotions, was serene in sleep, his dark eyelashes fanning in thick half-moon shapes on his cheekbones. Relaxed like this, peaceful and without his glasses, his face appeared younger, though certainly no less handsome, than normal. Not only is he the kindest man I've ever known, hands down, but he's also the hottest.

Disgusted with her line of thoughts, she flopped back against the pillows, once again reduced to gazing at the ceiling, counting the crossbeams that supported the roof. Sometimes the Manticore trick of not needing much sleep is a real bitch. Like tonight.

Too keyed up to sleep, she was left with nothing to do but relive the scenes from earlier that night. As hard as she tried to resist him, she was starting to get the feeling that she was in too deep, that come the end of this mission, she wouldn't be able to pull back. Too many lines had been crossed over the course of the past week. It scared her. She knew that Logan was attracted to her, he'd never made that a secret- hell, he made that glaringly obvious the first time we met, he was comin' on to me like a ton of bricks. "I haven't been able to get you off my mind...Come here. I want to show you something...Probably the most singularly beautiful face I've ever seen." You'd have to be deaf and blind not to get the meaning behind those words - but still, she didn't think he would be down with having to deal with all the baggage that was 'her' twenty-four/seven.

Besides, as much as she hated to admit it, the idea of wanting someone as much as she wanted him, of needing someone that much, scared the shit out of her. Better to get him healed, and get the hell out. 'Sides, once we get that info to the doctors, he won't need me as his legs anymore. With the way Lydecker's been hanging around lately, knowing me is just a liability for Logan, one he doesn't need. I couldn't live with myself if I was the reason he was hurt...

Still unsure of what her course of action would be once they got home, Max settled down to wait out the dawn with her dismal thoughts.

***

On the last morning of their trip, Logan allowed himself to loll around in bed until a little after nine. After all, they'd had a late night, and there really was no pressing reason for him to get up. Max was long gone, and her side of the bed was cold, so he had the room to himself.

He had been laying there, allowing his mind to wander, for a good fifteen minutes after finally opening his eyes, when Max popped into the room.

"Oh, good, you're awake." There was a hint of worry in her chocolate eyes. "Mr. Davis called a little while ago, and wanted you to meet him in his office as soon as you woke up." She walked over to the edge of the bed, preparing to help him up as she talked.

"Oh, really?" His mind raced, trying to think of other reasons why the Brotherhood leader would want to speak to him this morning, if not to talk about their little midnight scouting missions the night before. "OK, well, let me shower and I'll be good, don't want to keep him waiting any longer than necessary." Unable to contain his frown, he wheeled himself into the bathroom and shut the door.

***

A half hour later, Logan was escorted into Davis' office. Despite his outwardly cool appearance, underneath his black polo shirt cold, nervous sweat trickled slowly down his spine.

Upon his entry, both Davis and Channing stood up, welcoming him in with firm handshakes and large smiles. Logan forced himself to relax a little more and smile back, after all, would they really be grinning at him if they were about to accuse him of hacking into their computers and such?

"Logan, welcome. I trust you slept well?" Davis' smile was effusive and he pumped Logan's hand in greeting.

"Yes, of course. Thanks."

"Can I get you something to drink? Coffee, tea, juice? Or to eat perhaps?" Channing's smile was as wide as his father's as he, too, shook Logan's hand.

"No, I'm fine thanks." Enough of the small talk, damn it, get on with it!

Instead of sitting behind his huge desk, Davis seated himself in the small, comfortable conversation pit in one corner of the office, and after pouring coffee for his father and himself, Channing followed suit. "So, you've been with us a week now. What are your impressions of the Brotherhood, of our organization and our goals?" Channing's voice was friendly, as Davis lounged back in his chair and allowed his son to lead the interview, at least for now.

Logan chose his words carefully; unsure of where this was headed. "I have to admit, I'm impressed. When I arrived, I had a basic idea of what to expect, but what I found far exceeded my mental images." He shrugged one shoulder slightly, allowing a small smile to play across his lips. "Needless to say, your compound here is fabulous, the perfect retreat. I've greatly enjoyed my stay here, as has Maxine. My only disappointment is how closed-mouthed you've been about the inner workings of your Brotherhood; I was hoping to learn more. Though from what little I do know, I'd have to say I agree whole-heartedly with you." He met Davis' gaze during this last statement, trying to gauge his reaction.

With a pleased smile, Davis sat forward slightly, assuming control of the conversation from his son. "I was hoping you'd say that. I know you were hoping to learn more, but I'm sure you can understand our reticence at revealing intimate details of our organization, unfortunately many people do not believe in our ideals, or approve of our methods. We had to be sure of your character and loyalty before making you privy to such knowledge."

At his words, Logan relaxed completely. Obviously, they still had no idea about his nighttime activities.

Davis continued. "We've done a detailed background search- you'll pardon the intrusion, I'm sure- and after having the chance to make your acquaintance in person this past week, the vote was unanimous. We'd like to have you as a member of the Brotherhood." He looked pleased with himself. Before Logan could comment, he held up a hand, as if in caution, and went on. "You would start out as a junior member of sorts, as you learn the ropes and the more complicated details and such. After a year or two, once you've had a chance to study our procedure and we've had a chance to watch you at work, and make sure you truly are a perfect choice for the Brotherhood, you will be made into a full-fledged member."

Carefully hiding his inner disgust with a smarmy smile, Logan nodded happily. "I'm truly honored, I can't tell you how much I look forward to being a part of something so special." Did I overdo it? I want to come off as eager, not desperate. With a mental shrug, he decided he didn't really care that much. After all, as long as nothing went drastically wrong in the next few hours, they'd be on their way home, never to see the Brotherhood again.

"Wonderful." Channing rose from his seat, striding across the room to the built-in wet bar. "We need a toast to celebrate. What's your pleasure, Logan?"

"Ah..." A little surprised at the thought of alcohol at ten in the morning, he fumbled for a minute before making a hasty recovery. "Whiskey, please."

After pouring three drinks, Channing returned to his seat, handing the brimming shot glasses to the other men.

"To Logan Cale, the promising newest addition to the Brotherhood for a Better Humanity." After clinking their glasses together, the three men downed their drinks in one swallow.

As Logan tried to think through the hot burn of whiskey down his throat- he had never really gotten accustomed to drinking hard liquor much, instead preferring wine or beer- Davis started to speak again.

"Now that we have that settled, let us move on to more interesting topics, shall we?" Without waiting for an answer he continued. "As part of the agreement about you coming here, you were told that we might have a way to heal you. I know we've been awfully closed-mouthed about that, but I promise you, it is true. In fact," rising from his seat, Davis walked over to the desk and pulled out a thick folder. He removed a few papers and handed them to Logan before continuing, "we just received a report from the team of specialists a few days ago, and I think they've hit on the answer they have been searching for." His smile was proud. "They have just a few more loose ends to tie up before we can proceed with your surgery, a little more testing to do to make sure it works, but it shouldn't take long."

Logan pretended to flip through the papers he had been handed, but didn't actually bother to read them. They were part of one of the reports Max had copied for him a few nights ago. "That's fabulous. You have no idea how relieved I am to hear that."

Standing up, Davis subtly signaled the end of the meeting. "I would imagine so! Unfortunately I cannot give you a definite date or time frame, but rest assured, you'll be the first to know." He snagged a snazzy business card off the desk, handing it to Logan. The card was embossed with the Brotherhood's elite gold logo, and had the names and phone numbers for both Davis and Fassbinder.

As Logan examined the card, the phone suddenly rang, startling everyone in the room. Jeffrey walked over and picked up the extension. He didn't speak, but as he listened to the voice on the other end, the makings of a frown began to mar his handsome features.

A feeling of dread began to build in Logan's stomach as Davis replaced the receiver and turned back to him, never having spoken a word to whoever had been on the other end.

"We need some time to put everything in order before we bring you on, there's a few more things we need to look into. I know there's probably a million tasks you need to complete back home, to prepare yourself for the move, but could you possibly stay with us for another day or two, while we check into a couple small details? Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated… "

Oh fuck. Max, where are you…this cannot be good. Even as his stomach felt like it was about to revolt from all the nerves humming through his tense body, Logan desperately tamped down on the helpless feelings and tried to look casual and relaxed, as if he had nothing to be concerned about. "Well, I did have a few meetings scheduled for tomorrow, but I suppose they could be cancelled, if this is really necessary…" Oh please God say it isn't!

Davis' next words brought Logan to the conclusion that either God wasn't in the mood to listen right now, or that He simply didn't give a shit.

"Yes, Mr. Cale, I'm afraid it is."

We're back to 'Mr. Cale' now? Shit…

"All right." He hoped he appeared calmer than he actually was.

While Davis gifted him with a small smile at this, his expression lacked all of its previous warmth. After shaking hands with both men, Logan quickly rolled out of the room, desperate to find Max.

***

Logan propelled himself into the bungalow as fast as his trembling arms would allow. As soon as he had left Davis and Channing his composure had collapsed and he had been reduced to a fumbling bundle of nerves. It wasn't like him to lose control like this, even in a crisis he prided himself on his ability to stay calm…but this was different. In Seattle there were plenty of places for him to go when the shit hit the fan, but here…here they were reliant on the Brotherhood for transportation home, there was literally no other way to leave the island. And I've endangered Max as well…it's not just myself this time.

He found Max sprawled across their bed, reading a magazine. At his abrupt entrance, she looked up, her perceptive gaze quickly taking in his disheveled and desperate appearance. Knowing something was wrong, she leapt from the bed without a word and walked out to the deck, where they would not be overheard. Logan followed.

Her voice was low. "What happened? Did they know?"

"I…I…they…while I was there…" His grasp of the English language seemed to have deserted him, and he was frustrated by his uncooperative tongue.

She interrupted him. "Logan." As he stuttered into silence at the quiet authority in her voice, she continued. "Logan, calm down. I can't figure this out if you can't talk to me. Take a deep breath, slow down, and tell me what happened."

Calmed slightly by her composure, he did as told. At the intake of oxygen into his body, his brain seemed to focus again. Hmm…next time, I guess I should try to remember to breath. "Everything was going fine, until at the very end of the meeting Davis received a call. He abruptly became all serious, and asked me to stay for a day or two more while they look into 'something.' They know Max…or at least they suspect. We're in deep shit here! There's no way for us to leave the island without their permission, we're literally their prisoners!"

He was utterly baffled by the slight smile on Max's lips. Didn't she understand exactly how serious this was?

"Logan…really hun, you need to relax. This is what you have me for, remember? And there's always a way out. We just have to find it."

While her words were reassuring, he couldn't help but be slightly nervous about the unknown way out she seemed to think was there. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't quite manage to hide the concern in his voice. "What exactly did you have in mind?"

Her amused grin only made him more anxious. "Damned if I know…haven't you figured it out yet? I make it all up as I go along!" She laughed at the stricken look on his face. "For starters, here's what we're going to do. You," she boosted herself up to sit on the railing of the porch, swinging her feet back and forth calmly, "are going to go inside and pack only what you absolutely need into your small duffle bag. Unless we absolutely have to, I don't want to leave until tonight, when we have the cover of darkness, and we can't have excess bags weighing us down. Once that's done, you and I are going to pretend like nothing's wrong, like we have nothing to hide."

With a nod of understanding, he rolled inside to stuff as much as he could into the small bag.

***

As the sun started to go down, Max began to ready herself for their 'unscheduled' departure. During the tense afternoon, she had already stuffed a few of her favorite items of clothes into another small bag- no sense in good clothes going to waste, when Logan was kind enough to spring for 'em!- and now it sat on one side of the bed, next to Logan's.

Her planned outfit for the escape, her black catsuit and boots, was tossed on the bed next to the cases, and it only took her a few minutes to dash into the bathroom and slip into the tight garment. Logan had already changed into the black slacks and charcoal gray sweater she had selected for him, and he sat close by, anxiously waiting.

She made them wait until night had settled and cast a protective layer of darkness over everything. Finally deeming it was time to leave, she placed both bags on Logan's lap, and slunk outside to make sure no one was around to witness their stealthy departure. At her signal, Logan quickly rolled across the open clearing and into the trees, turning to wait for her.

Max was just about to follow him when she spotted Channing coming out of the trees off to her left. With a pointed look and a gesture at Logan, telling him to keep going- she had planned for this possibility, and had told Logan to meet her in the trees surrounding the airstrip if they were separated- she walked over to greet Fassbinder, a large smile on her lips.

With her gaze locked on Channing's, she didn't notice that while Logan moved farther back into the trees to avoid detection, he did not leave. In fact, his eyes never strayed from her slender form as she sashayed up to the other man. His fist clenched in his lap.

Max stopped a few steps away from Channing and looked up at him coquettishly from beneath her lashes. "Hey Mr. Fassbinder." Her voice was syrupy sweet.

He smiled charmingly at her. "Please, didn't I already tell you to call me Channing?" He shifted his weight, leaning in closer to her.

Max's smile widened slightly. This is going to be way too easy. "Channing…what are you doing here this time of night?" She giggled like an imbecile.

Reading the invitation in her eyes, he stepped even closer, picking up her hand and bringing it to his lips. He pressed a moist kiss to the center of her palm, never noticing her repressed shudder at the gesture. "Looking for a beautiful lady…I seem to have found her, too. Where's Logan?"

"I dunno…not here. He went for a walk." She allowed him to pull her against him, winding her arms around his neck.

As Channing's mouth closed in over hers, neither noticed the lone figure hidden in the trees, a bleak look of torment on his face that was slowly transforming into rage. With a snarled oath, Logan spun around and headed deeper into the trees, in the direction of the airfield.

Because of his stubborn refusal to look back into the clearing once more, he never saw Max's next move. The deadly accurate knee that Max brought up into Channing's crotch reducing him to a blubbering pile of flesh, and he curled up on the ground, attempting to protect his damaged family jewels with his hands.

Knowing that if she just left him there he'd go running to Daddy as soon as he recovered enough to walk, Max ruthlessly smashed her fist into his face, knocking the pathetic man out cold. Bastard. I've been wanting to do that since I met you! With a single backward glance to make sure he really wasn't moving, she slipped noiselessly into the trees, heading towards the rendezvous point with Logan.

***

When Max reached the agreed upon location, she noticed the unusual tenseness that possessed Logan, but assumed it was just because he was nervous about their escape. With a mental shrug, she scanned the area in front of them, trying to decide on her next course of action.

On the other side of the small tarmac airstrip, she noticed a small plane. While not the luxurious private jet they'd flown in during the trip there, she figured it would do the trick. Besides, it would probably be easier to fly. Manticore training had covered several piloting courses, but the X-5's breakout had occurred before they had completed the classes, and she had never really perfected the art of flying a jet. However, a small puddle jumper like this she could handle.

The strip appeared deserted, but she could never be too sure. Motioning Logan to stay there, she wove from shadow to shadow, finally making a mad dash across the open section before ducking behind the plane.

Unfortunately her movement had caught the attention of the single attendant on duty in the small guard shack, she hadn't noticed his presence earlier. He came racing out of the building with gun in hand, yelling at her to stop. With a muttered prayer that he hadn't bothered to radio in for assistance before coming after her, she swiftly dealt with the lone man, knocking him out cold with a roundhouse kick and a single punch. His gun clattered uselessly to his side as he collapsed, never having fired a single bullet.

After checking a little more thoroughly this time to make sure they were indeed alone, Max nodded to Logan, and he quickly propelled himself across the strip to join her. She tossed the bags into the plane.

"Uh, Max? I don't mean to rain on your parade and all, but who's gonna fly that thing?"

His words gave way to an undignified squawk of surprised alarm as she effortlessly lifted him and plopped him down in the passenger seat.

"Me." She leaped into the pilot's chair, turning on the engines and beginning to run a systems check as they warmed up.

"But…" He stammered, "do you actually know how to fly this thing?"

"We took classes in Manticore…never for this exact model, but hell, it can't be that hard, right?" She glanced at him, noticing his pale expression. "Why, scared?"

He tried to act nonchalant. Unfortunately, his shaky voiced completely ruined the effect. "No, not at all…"

"What's wrong? You weren't this petrified on the trip over here."

"Yeah, but…that was a decent-sized jet, not this rickety piece of shit. Have I mentioned I'm afraid of heights?"

"Yeah…looks like it's about time for you to get over that fear." Despite her rather harsh words, the glance she tossed his way was concerned. "Logan, relax. I can do this. Just sit back, close your eyes, and it'll be over before you know it." So saying, she began to taxi down the runway, coaxing the small plane into the air.

***

It took him a few hours, but eventually Logan came to the conclusion that Max did, indeed, know how to fly, and that the small plane was not going to crash and send them plummeting into the ocean below. Still, he refused to look down.

However, as his fear slowly abated to a more tolerable level, his anger at the scene he had witnessed earlier began to resurface. Noticing the new tension in him, Max glanced over.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing." His voice was harsh, and he knew he didn't sound at all convincing.

"Logan…what's wrong? I know you too well to believe that."

After a fierce battle for control, which he lost, Logan lashed out at her. "Did you enjoy it?"

"What?" She looked puzzled.

"Does he taste better than me? Is he a better kisser?" His voice was sharp with fury.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Her deadly quiet reply should have been a warning to him, but he failed to recognize the signs.

"Channing! I saw you kiss him, is he more skilled with his hands than I am?" In the back of his mind he knew he was going too far, but he couldn't seem to stop himself.

Her voice was a low hiss. "You bastard. Just who the fuck do you think you are?" The last statement was almost a shout as she whirled to face him, forgetting all about piloting the small aircraft. She lashed out at him, shoving him roughly back against his seat. "You think I enjoyed that slimy bastard's touch? Did you happen to miss the way I crushed his balls into his stomach? How dare you accuse me of liking that, or blame me for letting him touch me! That's what you brought me here for, you shit-for-brains uppity prick!" Her chest heaved in her fury. Neither noticed as the plane began to decline in altitude. "I put up with being treated like a two-bit whore for you for a fucking week, and this is the thanks I get? Fuck you. I'm out. I'll get you home, but after that don't ever ask me for help again!" She hated herself for needing to fight down the tears that threatened to overflow her eyes.

As she finally realized that the plane had gone into a rather steep dive and moved to fix the mistake, Logan slumped back in his chair, shocked by what he had just done. Gods, what was I thinking? I guess that's the problem right there…I *wasn't* thinking. "Max…"

His quiet overture was cut off abruptly by her sharp words. "Don't even *think* of speaking to me for the rest of this trip."

He gulped. Shit, this is worse than I thought… "Max." Despite the fact that she gave no recognition of having heard him, but instead continued to stare straight ahead, he plowed on, trying to find his way out of this bumbling mess. "I'm so sorry…I…" If you don't want to loose her you fucking moron, you'd better stop fumbling and say it! "I was jealous. I know that doesn't excuse the things I said, but I hope you realize that I didn't mean any of it…you've been nothing but wonderful this entire trip, putting up with so much shit just to help me…I just-" Again, here he stumbled, but forced himself to finish his thought. "I know I have no right to feel this way, that we've never defined our relationship in any way or set any standards, but the thought of another man kissing you, putting his hands on you…it makes me sick with jealousy. I'm sorry Max."

As he slumped back in his seat once more, she looked at him. The pain and shimmer of tears in her eyes tore at his heart, making him feel like the lowest sludge on earth. "No one has ever managed to hurt me as deeply as you just did. Please don't speak to me right now…I need some time to think." So saying, she turned back to the controls.

Throughout the remaining duration of the flight, she never once glanced his way again.

*****

Note to Jen- thank you SO much for helping me work through my block on this part, I was about ready to kill myself! *lol* You're the best big sis!