AN- Only one chapter to go after this. I can't believe it's over, I wrote it yesterday and finished and I cried! Then my sister read it and she cried. So advance tissue warning for Chapter 24. Thanks to Itay and Kat- my beta's who rock.
Cringes Painfully please please don't lynch me for the pairings. I know that I seem evil but I'm not really. I'm reasonably kind to children- provided they keep away from me with their baby germs and I haven't abused any pets in ages… none that are important anyway. I only hate cats and… and … I'm going to get killed for this aren't I?
Chapter 23- Cruel Curriculum.
Drew's incessant mumbling was getting on Anna's fragile nerves. Drew was sitting in the Rec Room going over some textbook and memorizing the words, muttering them under her breath, which was fine, if you weren't supersensitive to sound like Anna, and could hear every mumble and exclamation.
Anna wasn't having a very good week. After Max and Alec's make up fight and the subsequent dinner, Pix and Aiden as well as Dek and B.J. had given her a wide berth and it was obvious that he had told them what had transpired between the two of them all those years ago. She panicked every time Pix looked her way and touched his inside pocket where he kept the dreaded black book.
She constantly checked her bed for surprises and was getting so paranoid that a smile from Pix was enough to almost send her running from the room- it was getting ridiculous.
And her nervousness wasn't helped by Drew's relentless mumbling.
"Stop it!" she said so suddenly that Drew's head shot up.
"What?"
Anna clenched her fists. "Mumbling- it's driving me crazy."
"Crazier," stated Carrot from one side of the room where he was going over blueprints for a mission.
Anna glared at him.
Drew raised an eyebrow as she pinned Anna with a look. "He has a point; you've been twitchier than an X5 in heat these past few days. What's with you?"
"I just…" she trailed off sighing, "Nothing."
Their attention was caught by Feen's giggling as she stared out of the window.
"What are you laughing at?" Drew asked and Feen half turned.
"Max and Alec are teaching the mini-Xs drills. They're so funny!"
Drew and Anna shared an amused glance and got up to stare out of the window with Feen.
Down in the courtyard they could see Max and Alec demonstrating the proper way to spar.
"Alec's a brave man to do that after the last time they sparred," Dek pointed out, draping his arm around Drew's waist.
She glanced over her shoulder. "I thought you were in Advanced Med," she said naming one of the lessons that Dek loved. Now that they were older they were allowed to choose what fields that they would specialize in, Dek had chosen Field Med along with Tara and, to his disappointment, Mets.
Drew chose Advanced Arms and field command and the book that she was so intent on was on famous military commanders in history.
"I was, but the Trainer got called away by Renfro, something about a Special Program."
"Sounds ominous," Drew didn't like the sound of that at all. She had learnt to be suspicious of her superiors and their special plans and plots.
Feen drew her out of her musings as she giggled again as Max knocked Alec on the floor and turned to lecture the X-series as he just lay there.
Dek grinned, "He won't let her get away with that."
And sure enough Alec rolled over, knocking Max's legs out from under her so she was sprawled on top of him, their legs intertwined and bodies close. They could see the muffled looks of amusement from the Xs and twinkling eyes of Alec as he helped Max up.
By the time she was on her feet there was a slight blush on her face that had those watching from the window chuckling.
"When is she going to realise that he is in love with her?" Dek asked absently.
"When Hell freezes over, you know Max—wouldn't get the romantic hint if someone hit her with it," Feen said and shot a sly glance at Drew, "Sounds like someone else I know."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Drew asked indignantly and Dek held her tighter so that she didn't attack Feen.
"She has a point, Drew," Anna said, "After all it took you how long to see that Mets had a crush on you and then Dek?"
"Not my fault," Drew muttered and moved away still upset over how things were with her and Mets now. It hadn't been fun going to tell him that she was with Dek now, despite all of her talk over how they were such good friends, and the fact that Mets found out before she had a chance to tell him made things that much harder.
She sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.
Dek walked up behind her, "Hey, you okay?"
"Just thinking about Mets."
"Great, what every guy wants to hear. His girl thinking about another guy."
Drew rolled her eyes and Dek smirked, "What?"
"His girl?"
"You are," he stated and she felt an answering smile.
She was about to answer when the door swung open and a tech popped his head around the door.
"Yes?"
"Director Renfro wants all of the X5s in the lecture hall in the East wing. It's important."
Drew saluted seeing Dek and Anna follow suit from the corner of her eye.
It was unusual for all of the X-series to be in the same lecture at once and even less for it to be presided over by Director Renfro herself.
Dek grabbed Drew's hand as they started to walk out of the door.
"This can't be good."
The lecture hall in the East wing was the largest that Manticore had and it had to be to fit in all of the X5s. It wasn't just Special Ops, but every single first generation Unit as well as the second generation X5s, who were a few years younger than the original X5's but made with the same genetic data. They were affectionately called 'mark two' by some of the transgenics.
The large room had full length wooden benches that curved around the room so that the podium at the front could be seen by everyone in the room.
Within minutes the room was approaching full as more soldiers filtered in and Special Ops were motioning for their friends and fellow soldiers to sit with them. They had all been called out of classes and from teaching and assignments and no one had any idea what was going on.
Emma slid in next to Aiden and held his arm. "Every one is so confused it's making my head ache."
Aiden pulled her up close to him and gestured to Zan who was sitting behind them. Zan leaned forward and began massaging the girl's temples, trying to get her to relax. The problem with being empathetic like Emma was that with so many people around her she could become overwhelmed quickly and they had to develop ways of stopping her going into hysterics.
Zan and Aiden took it upon themselves to soothe her this time, with Zan easing away her headache and slowly she was calming down under the slow movements of Zan's hands and the soft cooing that Aiden was murmuring in her ear.
"Shh, it'll be okay, we're all here for you, shhh."
Emma took a deep shuddery breath and smiled tremulously at them, "Thank you."
Zan grinned at her and stroked her cheek affectionately as she tucked her head into Aiden's shoulder.
The door swung open and they all glanced up as Max and Alec walked into the room followed by Director Renfro herself.
"Take a seat," she ordered, her voice strict, and the two COs made their way up the stairs to where the rest of Special Ops sat.
Zan edged over as Max slid into the space next to him and Alec pushed him further along, sitting next to Max.
"Hey!" he protested, "Are we making a Max sandwich?"
Alec grinned and from his vantage point behind them Biggs could see Alec tracing patterns on Max's leg.
She grabbed his drifting fingers and glared.
"Move 'em or lose 'em, pretty boy," she hissed and Zan grinned.
"Is he getting fresh, Maxie? I could take him outside and beat him."
Max pretended to consider it while Alec started stroking her hand.
Drew turned in her seat and grinned up at Max, "Hey Max, we saw you in the courtyard kicking Alec's ass."
Max grinned and Alec glared down at the Raven-haired girl, "Thanks Drew, you do a lot for my ego."
"It's all right, man, I saw the spectacular roll," Dek teased and then smiled up at Max, his eyes slyly avoiding Alec's. "Did he hurt you huh, darling?"
Alec growled.
Dek had told Max what had happened in the Conservatory with him and Alec and she was more than willing to play along.
"No, I'm fine thanks, boo, although I did hurt my hand slapping him upside the head."
"Want me to kiss it better?" Dek held out his hand for hers but before she could place it in his palm, Alec grabbed her wrist.
"Maybe we should listen to Renfro?" Alec said darkly, his eyes narrow as he scowled at Dek who just grinned innocently before shooting a wink at Max.
"Drew, take your guy into hand."
They all paused and stared at Alec who had the grace to blush, "I meant make him behave," he muttered, "sheesh, you all have gutter brains."
Drew leaned over to whisper in Dek's ear, "If Max hadn't told me about your vendetta with Alec. I'd be pissed off that you were flirting with another girl. As it is, it's Max— who I love – so I'll let you off, but don't think you can get away with that with any girl or I'll make what Max did to Alec look like a graze."
Dek swallowed and smiled sheepishly, "Got it, babe."
Drew nodded satisfied that she had made her point and turned to Renfro who was about to speak.
The blonde Director of the facility looked up to stare at the rows and rows of super-soldiers.
She cleared her throat and watched as they sat up and pinned her with all of their concentration.
"As you may well be aware you are now in the throes of what human's term adolescence. Your bodies are more advanced than that of humans your age in terms of strength and development. It has come to my attention that we have been somewhat remiss with teaching you about your bodies and in particular the more, pleasant—" she smirked to herself "— aspects thereof."
Oh, this was fun.
She stepped out from behind the podium and walked across the room, her black stilettos clicking on the cold tiled floor.
Zan leaned forward, not sure if he believed what was going on here. Renfro couldn't honestly be saying what he thought she was saying. Right?
He cast a look over the few rows that held his closest family and saw the closed expressions on some faces and the hard, almost resentful, looks on others. He noted Max exchanging tense glances with Tara and he leaned sideward.
"Max, what is this?"
Max shook her head and reached down to touch his hand, almost seeking comfort.
Renfro carried on.
"Several missions have been placed in jeopardy because of the lack of knowledge of basic human functions such as flirting, teasing and seduction."
Coco stiffened at the implied insult and glared hard at Renfro. Max gave her a commiserating look and smiled in sympathy.
Steve leaned forward, "Fractured his arm," he snickered and Coco glanced over her shoulder and nodded at Anna who stomped on Steve's foot.
"Bi—"
"Pay attention," Max chastised seriously, "This isn't a joke."
"This is our fault," Renfro was saying, "in our haste to segregate females in heat and our failure to recognise the need of transgenics to have healthy sexual relations we have neglected an essential part of your genetic make up.
"You were made to be perfect and the ability to appeal to humans is a weapon. One that you must be trained to use like any weapon and practise makes perfect.
"To this end we have devised a structured program that allows you to develop these qualities."
"Sex Ed?" Alec smirked, "You're kidding?"
"Ooh, sounds like fun!" Biggs chuckled.
Max bit her lip, not as amused as the rest of them, "Somehow I don't think this is a lesson we're going to enjoy."
It wasn't that Max was cynical, but her time in Wyoming had taught her that, when it came to Manticore, their sense of humour was verging on this side of sadism. Her placement into Bulli's unit and her continual trips to Psy-Ops notwithstanding, Max had heard about forced copulation of the anomalies back when she was a young soldier and for a while her terror of the creatures had been replaced by a feeling of pity as she overheard the scientists talk about dissecting foetuses and what the minimum cage requirement was for a pregnant anomaly.
The thoughts were enough to chill her stomach, even now and she edged closer to Alec.
Alec started in surprise as Max, the ever reserved, snuggled into his side. He felt his lips curve into a satisfied smile and let his arm drift down her side and his fingers tangle in hers, his thumb stroking smooth circles on her hand.
Drew heard Max mumble something hesitantly and looked up to see a look of foreboding on Max's face. Something about what Renfro was saying was unnerving her and when the CO was unnerved, the rest followed.
Renfro scanned the group.
"I'll hand you over to our expert in this field, Dr. Rebecca Wilson."
For the first time they noticed a woman sitting on one of the lower tiers that didn't quite belong. She stood up, her white lab coat making a rustling sound and she stalked into the middle of the room, her heels clicking.
She was pretty for a human, with chestnut hair tied back in a high pony tail and dark rimmed glasses that showed off her elfin features. When she spoke her voice was strong and carried to the back of the room.
"Sexual attraction is almost always based on first opinion, so you need to get your subject's attention," she lectured in a no-nonsense manner, "you do this by accentuating your assets. Clothes are weapons."
"She's obviously smelled Steve's boots," Alec said dryly and Biggs sputtered.
"Quiet," Max said, still unamused and Alec frowned at the waves of tension that were ebbing off her.
"Come on, Maxie, it can't be that bad."
"I didn't think you were so naïve," she said absently, biting her pursed lips.
Alec stared at her for a second and then turned back to the Dr.
"The opposite sex are attracted to your body, you were designed to take advantage of that fact. So from now on you need to start paying attention to the way that you dress when on missions. Is your best asset your breasts, your legs? Dress to show this, low cut tops, tight shirts, and low jeans. A cat-suit shows off curves, bikini's show off skin. For guys, are you showcasing your muscles, your eyes, your ass?"
"What's a bikini?" Sunny hissed.
"I thought it was a Middle Eastern country, so I'm out!" Aiden said.
Even in her apprehensive state Max couldn't help a smile at that.
Ask them to tear out a man's windpipe and they could quote twenty ways of doing so, but hand them a make-up bag and watch them falter.
The Dr. was carrying on with her fashion expertise, "this applies to females more and so in our next session we'll separate males and females and teach you about fashion designed for seduction." Dr. Rebecca took a breath, "As for now, Director Renfro has informed me that we are starting directly with contact. I'll need two volunteers."
Silence.
Renfro glanced down her list, "X5-344 and 521."
Aiden looked at Sunny in anxiety, she plastered a smile on her face and they made their way down the stairs until they reached a smug Renfro.
Dr. Rebecca pulled out a stool from a table in the corner and placed it in the middle of the room. The petite woman held everyone's attention.
"First things first, you have to catch your subject's attention, sit please."
She gestured to the chair for Aiden and he sat down nervously. Dr. Rebecca turned to Sunny.
"You have to make sure that you are in his line of sight, watch him. Even the most naive of humans will eventually notice your eyes on them. Just like a target you have to make sure that you are attractively lit but always visible, sit close to your target and make sure that he notices you."
She gestured to Sunny who bit her lip for a moment and then pulled another stool over and sat in Aiden's eye-line.
"Good," Rebecca said, "Now catch his attention."
"Uh, she already has it," Aiden said, he was far too nervous to take his eyes off Sunny, except to give brief, terrified glances up at a fuming Biggs.
Renfro rolled her eyes, "In the field you'll be in a crowded bar or somewhere with a lot of people. You won't be told to watch her."
Zan hid a grin behind his hand and dropped it quickly as Renfro looked up at him, her eyes narrowing.
Damn that woman must have ESP!
"What's your designation, 521 0r 344?" Rebecca asked Sunny.
"521," Sunny replied quickly.
"Okay, 521, you need to lean back, cross your legs. Show a lot of skin; tilt your head forward and bite your lips. Drawing attention to those body parts that the subject will want to come into contact with focuses his attention on you," she eyed Sunny critically, "Take down your hair."
Sunny always pulled back her fine blonde hair during the day as it got in the way and as she tugged out the elastic band it fell in soft waves over her shoulders.
Dr. Rebecca circled her, "Sit up straighter, incline your head, play with whatever is in your hands and keep sneaking glances at your target. Grooming is an intrinsic part of flirting. When a woman touches her hair or straightens her clothes it means that she wants to look good for whoever she is primping for. This attracts men. Try it."
Sunny took a deep breath and glanced up towards Biggs who was sitting with his arms folded over his chest, his eyes narrow and jaw clenched. She looked away again and focussed on Aiden.
Leaning back, she crossed her legs and ran one hand over her thigh, smoothing down her combat trousers. Then she ran one hand through her fringe, pushing it back and letting the baby fine strands drift through her fingers.
Aiden felt his eyes fall to her hair and saw the unease in her eyes so he smiled reassuringly. Sunny smiled back gently, knowing what he was doing and bit her lip wondering what Biggs was thinking of this whole thing.
"Great," Dr. Rebecca enthused, "That smile was pure seduction, innocence and temptation in one."
"It was?" Sunny said faintly.
"It was."
Biggs clenched his fingers into fists as Sunny was instructed to let her gaze linger over Aiden.
After all of his posturing about how he wasn't attracted to anyone and how he could walk away any time it wasn't fair or even right that he should be acting this way towards a girl. Any girl. But somehow Sunny had gotten under his skin with her soft words and gentle attitude and the thought of her kissing Aiden— kissing Aiden right in front of him— was more than he could take right now. He had to remind himself that she didn't want to do this.
"Friends," he bit out, "They are just friends."
Alec turned to him, "Her hands are practically white, she's so nervous. If it were you she'd be enjoying herself so much more."
Biggs stared at Alec for a moment and then gave his friend a wide grin, "Thank you."
"It's all right," Alec said with a smile as he turned back to the scene below.
"Okay, so now you have his attention, you approach the target."
Sunny stood up and Dr. Rebecca sighed, "Slowly, remember you are trying to seduce the man."
Sunny bit her lip and sat back down. She took another fortifying breath and slowly uncrossed her legs, a smile on her lips, she pushed off from her chair and slunk over to where Aiden was sitting, his eyes not leaving her.
"Hey," she said softly.
"Hi," Aiden swallowed, his eyes begging for her not to kill him.
"Well done," Dr. Rebecca said abruptly, "You may take your seats again."
Sighing with relief Aiden stood up and took a step away from Sunny, his glance flickering up to Biggs.
Sunny nodded at him and turned, her face flaming red as she made her way back up the stairs to her seat. She let her head drop so that her hair was covering her face.
Biggs watched her carefully for a moment, noting the way she held her shoulders tight. She hadn't liked that at all.
Biggs edged forward in his seat until he was leaning over her.
"You okay, Sunny?"
"No," she said stiffly, "I feel dumb."
Biggs bit his lip and unobtrusively ran his fingers through her hair. Sunny started and glanced over her shoulder at him. He smiled sincerely and she felt her own lips curve back.
Max turned to Alec, "See what I mean?"
Alec nodded his throat dry.
"We move on to touching, two more volunteers?"
Everyone tensed now as Renfro grinned.
"I think that 219 needs a way to pay attention."
Zan cursed under his breath as he made his way down to the floor but he was relieved that he wasn't currently mating with anyone or liked anyone like that—well except for Max—but he was aware that that probably wouldn't happen. Unless Alec screwed up again… which was possible.
Renfro stared at him like he was meat and she smirked, "I think that X5- 511 will make a good match."
There was drawn breath from several quarters and Zan swallowed hard.
Evil ESP lady, Evil!
Chance stood up, letting her fingers detangle from Pix's. As she gave him a surreptitious glance he smiled encouragingly making some of the tension ebb from her shoulders.
He was okay with this, well, not okay, but he understood and wouldn't be mad at whatever she had to do.
Chance stood in the centre of the room, her hands clasped in front of her and her curtain of hair hiding her face.
"So we've established contact, now you make your way over to where 219 is sitting and you introduce yourself to him."
Chance slid over to where Zan was sitting on the stool and looked at him, her face flaming red.
"H-hey, I-I'm 511."
Renfro laughed out loud, a harsh sound and Dr Rebecca rolled her eyes.
"No!" she stated vehemently. "On the outside, people have names, although you aren't humans, you have to be able to mix in and to do that you need to use a name, we can't expect you to understand the importance of names but for the purpose of this exercise you call yourself Liz and he can be Tom."
Neither of the two women in charge noticed the bristling of the transgenics at that speech.
"Bitch!" Feen growled, her eyes narrowed at Renfro.
"Easy, tiger," Alec soothed the irate girl behind him, "we are human, partly and we have names. She doesn't need to know that."
Drew nodded in front of them and Feen calmed slightly.
Down at the front Chance swallowed and Zan gave her a big smile, "It'll be okay, pretend I'm gorgeous."
Chance giggled at sweet Zan with his big blue eyes and lovely blond hair telling her to imagine him as gorgeous, he already was. But he wasn't what she wanted; her taste ran more towards tall, mischievous types with dark hair and impish smiles.
"Hi," she said more confidently, "I'm Liz, and you are?"
"Call me Tom," he made a face at the name and she bit her lip, casting her eyes down in amusement.
"Much better," Dr. Rebecca said not seeing the looks of humour on their faces.
"Care to sit?" Zan asked waggling his eyebrows.
"Sounds great," Chance smothered a laugh and pulled the stool next to his.
"Well done, now lean in to Tom; make sure that some part of your body is touching his."
Chance slid her legs over until they were touching his. She tilted her head until she was looking at him sideways and smiled gently at him.
"Now if Tom is interested he will display several signs. He may start finding excuses to touch you, he may ask to buy you a drink, he'll lean in and close the distance between the two of you making his voice lower, maybe whispering. The conversation will turn more intimate and he'll start making eye contact and staring at your lips."
"At the same time?" Zan whispered leaning closer, "What am I cross-eyed?"
Chance couldn't help but laugh at that, tilting her head back slightly and pushing her hair over one shoulder before it fell into her face again.
"Wonderful," Dr. Rebecca enthused, "Showing him the neck, wrists or thigh is a sign of trust and acceptance. He'll start to feel his masculinity and get closer to you."
Zan obliged moving closer, "Do we think that she has ever got laid?"
Chance bit her lip, "That's gross, Zan."
"Now initiate more contact, Liz."
Chance moved her hand to the top of 'Tom's' thigh and he grinned, "Is Pix ready to kill me yet?"
Chance glanced up from her curtain of hair to where her mate was staring down at them, an impish grin on his face but his jaw set in telltale tension.
"Some mutilation, possible GBH."
"Oh good," he said dryly, "As long as it's nothing permanent."
"Now Liz leans in closer and whispers sensualities in Tom's ear."
Chance bit her lip and bent toward Zan brushing his cheek with her hair as she reached his ear, her eyes glittering with amusement, "Hmm, ammunition, dismemberment, Renfro's head on a pole."
"Ooh, I like that one!" Zan bit back a choked laugh.
"Guns, tanks, kick fights, shiny military planes with fighter controls."
Zan swallowed, "You're good at this!"
Dr. Rebecca seemed to approve the fire dancing in Zan's eyes, "Now you compliment the man, tell him that you've had your eye on him, that he attracts you, things that will sooth his ego and make him feel good."
"If we get out of this without Pix killing me, it'll be a frigging miracle," Zan muttered.
"Don't worry about Pix, I think Biggs might want your head on a platter," she glanced at Renfro, "and a lovely head it is too. Is that an okay compliment?"
"My ego has never felt better," he reassured her.
"Okay, stop there," Dr. Rebecca said and they moved away from each other quickly casting glances up at their friends who were watching in a mixture of bemusement and sympathy.
"In order to gauge his reaction you should watch the signals that your target is giving out. He may be looking away in order to resist your charms, he may be staring into your eyes to build sexual energy. Signs that you should watch out for are a change in breathing, dilated pupils, flushed complexion which point to a high level of arousal." She gestured to Zan whose face was red all right but from trying to hold in his laughter at Chance's pillow talk rather than any arousing stimulation.
"Tom seems interested."
As Rebecca turned away to face the room Zan shook his head in Pix's direction.
No, I'm not! he mouthed and Pix slapped a hand over his mouth to contain his chuckles at Zan's distressed face.
Pix's unease faded quickly as his friend tried to reassure him that he wasn't making a move on his girl.
If it wasn't so damn humiliating and surreal, it'd be funny.
As it was Biggs was fuming and B.J. was trying to stop his shoulders shaking in silent mirth. That guy had such a twisted sense of humour.
Luckily Dr. Rebecca wasn't transgenic and wasn't aware of any of this as she carried on.
"By this juncture you should be able to ascertain through objective analysis and intuition if your seduction attempt has been successful. If he is not engaged in conversation, if he is not looking at you or making much eye contact, if he is not appreciative of your attractiveness or seems distracted, checking his watch or refrains from touching you, then you need to initiate contact. Run your hands over his chest, take his face in your hands or verbally proposition him. Or you could move in for a kiss."
Zan blanched and Chance's eyes opened.
Pix stopped laughing, Okay it wasn't even the slightest bit funny now.
"Perhaps new volunteers, Director?"
"Of course," Renfro smirked checking her list again, "X5- 148."
Emma shuddered in Aiden's arms and slowly drew away from him.
"It'll be okay, Em," Aiden said hesitantly as she walked down the stairs.
Renfro tapped her fingers on her crossed arms, "and X5- 361."
Steve slowly stood up and made his way down to the centre, not really wanting to do this but somehow glad that it wasn't someone else that would cause more hassle, say, for instance, Carrot.
He stepped in front of Emma and tried to give her a reassuring smile.
"First of all, you'll probably be nervous, so take breaths to calm yourself."
Good idea, thought Emma as she sensed Steve's nerves. It was a curse of having empathy that you could feel strong emotions that the people around you had.
"If you're sitting, you'll first need to turn to face your partner. For women, you can even cozy up to them or even sit in their laps."
Emma turned to face Steve, her face a mask of uneasiness. Steve grabbed her hand and squeezed tightly trying to calm himself, knowing that this would, in turn, calm her.
"The next step is to make direct eye contact. Just look into your target's eyes for a moment. Make it last just a little longer than usual. This actually says that something's about to happen. Look right into them as though you're looking through him or her to an object behind them. Add a soft, confident smile.
Then, slowly move closer. Move as much of your body as you can without actually pressing against them. You might even reach out and take the person's hands to draw them close to you - all while still looking into their eyes. Some even look at the other person's lips to signal their intent, remember that humans aren't exactly subtle.
As you get closer to your target, you want to let your eyes close. Some people kiss with their eyes open, and this can be alarming to some," she smirked, "Nothing breaks the mood faster than to open your eyes in mid-kiss only to see the other person looking intently right back at you. So, as you get closer to your target, let your eyes drift close."
Dr. Rebecca indicated to Emma and Steve who both took fortifying breaths before moving closer, their eyes fixed on each other. They let their heads drift closer and closer and Steve's head gently ducked down and inclined.
"Stop!" Dr. Rebecca said with a smile. "Now did you see what he did? He positioned his head in the correct manner. If he had been face on this would have lent to an embarrassing bumping of teeth or noses."
"I'm suddenly feeling like a twelve year old," Dek said, "why is that?"
"Just because some of us prefer to maim our dates, she thinks we need step by step instruction on how to kiss," Cece said with a sly glance at Coco.
"Bite me!" Coco glared at her and Max leaned over tapping her hand with her own.
"Cool down, Coco, relax," she gave Cece a stern look, "enough from you, I don't find this funny at all."
"Nor me," Biggs said his hand reaching out to grasp Sunny's.
Sunny looked up at him with hope in her eyes as Dr. Rebecca went on about the best way to position lips and the orbicular oris tightening in the right way.
"You all right?" he asked.
"Yeah," she whispered, "Just a little off, I only had to flirt though so it was no big deal really."
Biggs looked up at Aiden who had edged as far away from him as possible and was watching him out of the corner of his eyes. He shot him a reassuring grin and Aiden visibly relaxed.
"Do you think Emma's okay?" Zan asked as he settled back in his seat, "She was about to combust earlier."
"I think if Steve calms down she's less likely to bail," Skye said intrigued.
"Go ahead," Dr. Rebecca insisted and Steve turned to face Emma again.
He edged forward slightly and spoke to her, "It's okay, I promise I won't slobber."
As he joked Emma felt her tension lifting and she beamed, moving in and reaching up to touch him. His face was soft except for his five O'clock shadow which scraped roughly on her palms.
She dragged her fingers around and cupped his nape bringing his head down to hers. Her eyes drifted shut as she pressed her mouth to his, relaxing her lips and softly rubbing them against his.
She brought one hand down to touch his chest, her hand running up his strong muscles and she moved in closer.
Steve angled his head more and pressed his lips to her more insistently, nudging her mouth open with his. Emma hesitantly let her tongue reach out and trace his lips and he opened letting her deepen the kiss.
He snaked into her mouth touching and tasting, running his tongue over her teeth and searching out for her taste. His hands grasped her hips, pulling her in close and he let one slide up her back, dragging over her shirt to slide into her cropped hair.
Dr. Rebecca smirked at Renfro.
"See, Director, they're naturals, I told you it was part instinctive."
Renfro rolled her eyes, deeply unimpressed.
Skye whined, "Oh my eyes, that's top of the list of things you don't want to see your brother doing!"
"Top?" Flex raised an eyebrow and Skye hit him, her lips twitching.
"Ok, so it's in the top ten!"
"Do you think they're gonna come up for air?" Flex asked interestedly.
"I'm gonna hurl," Skye moaned covering her face with her hands.
Zan grinned as he stared at Emma and Steve in lip lock, he watched Steve's hand drift from her waist and chuckled.
"He puts that hand where I think it's going and Renfro'll have his head."
Alec smirked, "I don't think he cares right now."
Emma let her hands stroke his barcode as she luxuriated in the feeling of his so soft lips pressing against hers, his hands rubbing her back in gentle circles edging lower and lower.
"Ahem!" Renfro cleared her throat, "I think you made your point."
Emma and Steve broke apart and Emma wiped her mouth, flushing furiously.
"Sit," Renfro ordered and the two of them made their way back up to the chairs ignoring the chuckles and whistles coming from their fellow Unit.
"Warn me next time, okay?" Skye asked her face earnest, "That way I can save time by not eating breakfast before hand."
"Shut up," he mumbled, his eyes darting to Emma who sequestered herself under Aiden's arm again, her face a picture of embarrassment.
"So it seems that you can continue the exercise once you have begun which is encouraging," Renfro mocked inclining her head towards Dr. Rebecca, "At least we don't have to have an active demonstration of copulation."
"Oh thank Lydecker!" Max said with a sigh of relief, "I don't think I could have handled watching them do that!"
"Yeah," Alec grimaced, "Porn is one thing but watching your family do it is another."
"Now I really need to hurl!" Skye whinged, her hand touching her stomach.
"As it stands you still have to have these techniques and," Renfro took a breath," to that end we have engineered a program in which you have the freedom to practise what we teach in these sessions and… experiment for yourselves. There are, of course, certain rules that you must adhere to. No copulation during a Heat cycles, the last thing we need at this juncture is a pregnant X5. Only copulation with the designated partner and within the designated time frame. Attachments are severely frowned upon and any infraction upon this will result in immediate removal from the program and introduction to Psy-Ops for the guilty party and we expect to be informed as to the success of said pairings."
Flex frowned, "Say what?"
"No pregnancies, no sleeping around, unless ordered, and if you have feelings for them you get punished," Max's tight voice reiterated for him, "Oh and Renfro wants to know when we have sex."
"Voyeur!" Flex's joke fell flat.
"The Sexual Education program runs once a week at this time in which we expect you to be at this location on time. Two nights a week for a two hour time-window you will be paired up and may demonstrate the skills that you have leaned firstly by trying them out on each other."
"You have got to be kidding," Max heard Biggs hiss behind her and she tensed herself at hearing that.
"I have asked our lab techs to pair you off in random pairs. This person will be your partner. You may flirt, tease, copulate and otherwise. There will be instruction provided if you find it too hard," Renfro smirked condescendingly. And then her hand went to her belt as her cell beeped, she glanced at the number.
"Oh god," Zan sniggered nervously, "She's joking right?"
"Bed buddies?" Pix looked at Chance.
Flex choked on a laugh close to hysteria.
"We don't get to choose," Sunny said softly and they lost all traces of humour. That wasn't amusing. They had begun to pair off and chose their own partners. Those who had started to mate wouldn't bear another touching what they considered theirs, Max exchanged glances with Alec as they realised what a huge mess this could turn out to be.
"Failures will be reported to myself or a lab tech," Renfro continued. "I will leave Victor here to hand out designated partners."
Tara squeezed Carrot's hand and gave a helpless look around as Renfro left talking into her phone.
Victor stood up with his sheaf of papers and began to reel off numbers matching male and female.
"These are the couples that have been fixed on, tonight is the first session between 2100 and 2300 hours in the female's cell," Victor cleared his throat and started to read designations, "433 with 529, 189 with 611, 291 with 191."
Anna looked at B.J with whom she had just been paired and smiled weakly. B.J.s face lost all its colour and he glared horrified at the tech who just pushed his glasses up his nose and continued unaware of the bombshell that he had dropped.
"511 and 418."
Pix heaved a sigh of relief and avoided Biggs's glare as he locked gazes with Chance.
Alec was glad those two were together, at least he wouldn't have to interfere there. He stopped his musings as he caught his designation.
"494 with... 901."
Alec sagged and looked up into the docks at a girl that they had christened Mouse.
He gave her a weak smile and looked back at Max who shrugged uneasily.
There was nothing they could do about it right now and worrying about it wasn't making things any easier.
Emma was shaking now and whimpering as Victor reeled off a few more designations from other Units.
The level of nerves and distaste was rising and Aiden tucked her firmly under his arm murmuring soothing phrases to her. He looked up at Zan hopelessly and Zan edged down in his seat and wrapped his arms around Emma, glad that Renfro had gone.
"Shh, it'll be okay, Em, we got ya."
Emma hands trembled, "Hurts," she grabbed her stomach and whimpered.
"I know baby, I know," Aiden soothed, rubbing circles on her back.
"148 and 219."
Zan froze and then relaxed, "See Emma, you got me; you know I wouldn't let anyone hurt you. It'll be okay you'll see."
Emma nodded, trying to hide the tears that were tracking down her face. Her family were hurting so much and she could feel it, as if waves of distress permeated her soul.
"921," Carrot stiffened, his hands grasping Tara's tightly, "with 202."
Cece gaped, her eyes drifting to Tara.
"No!"
"I'm sorry, Tara."
"Not your fault," Tara bit out, her hands clenching Carrot's so tightly that she left little half moon's in his palms.
"Whoever you get, we can exchange," Cece said quickly and Tara gave her such a grateful look that Cece couldn't help smile.
"Like lunch," Carrot tried to joke, "you have the veggies, I have the meat."
"Well I'm not too fond of Carrot's," Cece joked back, her voice hoarse. Tara choked on a hysterical giggle.
"Dammit," Max exploded, "Why the hell do they have the power?"
For the first time since that fateful day with Ben, Max was ready and willing to leave the facility. This wasn't fair and was tantamount to slavery. Forced copulation.
Alec stroked her arm trying to soothe her.
"X5-310 and 677."
"Who?" Tara's brow wrinkled.
"Harley," Cece said with a tentative smile, "He's not too bad, I could kiss that."
Tara giggled, "Isn't he the one that Biggs runs with?"
Cece turned in her seat to glance up at the dark-skinned man. He was cute, brawny but cute. He smiled at her and glanced nervously at Carrot. It was well known though the Transgenics that Carrot and Tara had paired up and that Carrot had tried to kill a Trainer for insinuating that he would interfere with her.
Cece made some quick hand movements indicating the change in plan and watched as he visibly relaxed, his head nodding quickly in relief. Tara smiled at him and even Carrot gave him a grin.
"344 and 926, 886 and 835."
Aiden and Techie both glanced at each other. They had drawn partners from Unit 1 a unit that they didn't really have much to do with but knew by sight. It wasn't a huge relief, especially to Techie who now had a fuming Feen on his arm, but at least they weren't mated couples.
Victor scowled at his paper as voices started and the noise level rose and cleared his throat, "133 and 521, 555 and 766."
Max choked, "Mets and Sunny? Dek and Feen? What, are they going for the most incompatible couples ever?"
Alec's smirk was half hearted. At least Max hadn't been paired with Dek. He wasn't sure that he could handle that after all of their flirting, even when he knew it was a farce.
Mets looked at Sunny and Biggs and rolled his eyes, "Yeah thanks for that!"
Feen stared at Dek who shrugged at her carelessly. His glance edged to Drew who wasn't watching him, but had her eyes set on the vile creature that was still reeling off designations.
"633 and 711, 361 and 624,"
Drew frowned as she was placed with an unfamiliar designation and turned slowly to see a tall dark haired man suddenly going pale.
Ah that must be him. He seemed scared to have been chosen to partner the tempestuous 633. She looked him over, his shoulders may be broad and muscular and his hair short but he looked more like a model than a soldier. He seemed like the missing link between humans and celebrities and she grinned nastily as she christened him 'Link'.
Her glance met Feen's who was halfway indignant at her chosen partner and half afraid of what Drew would do.
Drew sighed, she knew she had a reputation for being somewhat… er… violent, but she thought that Feen at least knew that she wouldn't hurt her. This pairing business wasn't anyone's fault except that little viper Victor. She let loose and evil smirk as she thought about going to see the annoying little man.
Steve met Coco's eyes as they were paired and shrugged. He didn't mind so much, Coco was a nice enough girl and he knew that he'd never force her into anything. Coco beamed back, knowing that since she had known Steve all of her life he wouldn't try anything that she wasn't prepared and willing to do.
Max nodded, well that was one pairing that she wouldn't have to worry about. But this whole thing was such a big mess. What was Renfro thinking? Was she aiming for a mutiny or did she honestly think that they would continue to take this?
"401 and 360."
"Geordie?" Skye was beyond dismayed, "Why'd I end up with him? He's so damn annoying!"
"Voice down," Flex said harshly, for some reason he was also mad that Skye had been placed with that arrogant ass from Unit 5. He had been one of the first vocal supporters against Max when Alec was sent to Psy-Ops and he was such a…
"810 with X52-600."
Flex bit back a groan of his own. 600 was a second generation short, skinny X5 with chestnut-haired girl with a face like thunder. He didn't think he had ever seen her smile, not even when Training, which seemed to be all that she ever did. He loved to smile and joke and now he had to copulate with someone whose face hadn't cracked since her first word—which was probably 'drills'.
He groaned, "Why'd I get Ms. Moody?"
"Better than the ass!" Skye huffed and folded her arm.
"Anyone else want to beat up Victor?" Dek asked.
"All in favour of kicking his lily white human ass?" Skye actually raised her hand.
"You transgenic girls and your preoccupation with asses!" Flex sighed dragging his eyes away from Ms. Moody who seemed no more thrilled to be his partner than he was hers.
"This sucks!" Feen spat glaring down at the pale, sweaty human who didn't seem to realise the danger he was in with hundreds of transgenics glaring murderously at him.
Aiden cracked his knuckles and Victor jumped.
"Ohh!" Pix enthused, "Can we take turns scaring the tech?"
"I don't know what you're complaining about," Biggs snapped, "You got what you wanted." He motioned to Chance.
Pix sniffed, "I feel sympathy for my fellow Unit and you haven't even been paired off yet, so you can't complain just yet."
"Point," Biggs nodded and glanced around, "who is left?" he brightened, "I might actually get out of this unscathed."
"I think he's almost done," Alec said just as Victor opened his mouth.
"510 with 452."
Abruptly all conversation stopped like someone had turned off the sound, silence reigned in the room and you could have heard a pin roll, let alone drop.
Even Victor, a human with very few survival skills—and fewer brains if truth be told, after all what fool couldn't see the immense danger that he was now in surrounded by angry super humans—well, even he could feel the tension and he hurriedly stepped back, his back to the wall and edged out of the room.
No one spoke and every pair of eyes was fixed on one line of chairs in the room and no one even dared breathe.
Until a gasp of breath left a pair of lungs with an explosive exclamation.
"Oh shit, I'm going to die."
--
There really wasn't much to say after that. The crowds of X5s dispersed, grumbling and cursing wildly. Alec and Max rapidly found themselves, as resident COs, surrounded by hoards of unhappy transgenics who demanded that they do something.
"What the hell can we do about it?" Alec growled at them, "No offence to anyone but it's not like we got to choose either!"
Biggs was standing a few feet away hopping from one foot to another in distress, "Oh shit, oh shit, I'm gonna die!"
Chance rolled her eyes, "Alec isn't going to kill you any more than Techie will kill Dek or Drew will kill Feen—"
Biggs whimpered and Chance winced, "Okay, bad example."
"This isn't happening," Biggs decided suddenly, "Any minute now I'm going to wake up in bed with a beautiful blonde and this day will all be a bad memory."
Coco put her head on the side, "He's sweet when he's delusional."
Feen leaned against her, "Nah, just weird."
---
Of course the Seduction lessons were top secret so, naturally, the whole facility knew about them by the afternoon. It wasn't like the transgenics were hiding their distaste of the whole thing and, for once, Alec was wondering if they might actually have a mutiny on their hands.
Max had disappeared shortly after the meeting and he had no idea where she could be and he cursed out loud. They had just started to get back what they had and indeed to move on and then this happened.
Alec made his way down to the mess hall for dinner, sighing as he went.
As he walked into the room, his eyes automatically scanned for Max and another sigh passed his lips as he realised that she wasn't there.
He walked over to the table where his Unit sat and almost rolled his eyes when all conversation ceased.
"I'm not terminal, you know," he snapped, "you don't have to talk in hushed voices around me."
And with that he slammed his tray down, ignoring the dubious looks that everyone was giving him.
Feen leaned over to Techie, "Poor guy, he's so in love with her it's painful!"
Techie started wondering how much she knew. He was well aware that Alec was in love with Max, having been told by Alec himself that he was. However he was sure that Alec didn't want it to be common knowledge.
"He's not in love, he just cares for her."
Feen gave him a scathing glare, "Men! They wouldn't know love if it bit them on their ass!"
"I object!" Steve said, "Just because we don't broadcast it to everyone doesn't mean that we can't recognize it, right Biggs?"
Biggs was too busy glancing nervously at Alec to answer.
"Bet ya your dessert that Alec'll freak out and storm away to do something about it," Feen muttered to Techie who just grinned and nodded knowing full well that he'd be losing dessert, but it kept Feen happy.
"You're mad," Biggs said quickly to the dark blonde.
Alec glowered and swallowed his suddenly unappetising mouthful before answering, "I'm not mad."
Biggs noted the way that Alec gripped his fork so hard that the metal was practically bending in his hand.
"You are mad."
"I'm not mad," Alec maintained.
There was a beat of silence as Biggs bit his lip watching Alec's jaw clench.
"Are you sure you're not mad?"
Alec's lips turned up in a truly abysmal attempt at a smile, "I'm fine."
There was silence for a moment.
"Can you pass the salt?"
Alec's voice was tight, as if being forced out through clenched teeth.
"I knew you were mad!" Biggs exploded as he passed the salt over to Alec, withdrawing his hand quickly.
"I'm NOT MAD!" Alec hissed and tightened his grip so much so that the fragile salt pot smashed in his hands sprinkling white dust all over the table.
Everyone stared in amused silence at the shards that glittered all over the white Formica table.
"Ok maybe a little mad," Alec admitted shaking of glass splinters from his palm.
Biggs looked frantically around the table as if searching for escape.
"It's not my fault you get that right, Sir?" he added.
"Biggs, will you chill?" Chance asked with a smirk, "You are seriously freaking me out. No one blames you. Least of all Alec, right?"
"Right," Alec replied tightly.
"That's why you haven't said two words to me since…" Biggs moaned and banged his head on the table.
"Oh lord, please tell me we didn't share a test tube. The madness might spread." Chance rolled her eyes in irritation.
Biggs glared at her without moving his head from its prone position on the table "At least I can walk and talk without falling over."
Flex choked on a laugh and Cece hit him.
Chance was glad that Alec had decided to sit with his old Unit; it let them know that, although he was Special Ops, he was still their CO. The whole debacle about the pairings for seduction lessons was unnerving everyone and it was good to know that they still had Alec on their side.
Even if he was slightly distracted.
No one was happy about the various pairings that the lab rat… sorry, lab tech had come up with and Biggs seemed to be getting the worst of it. The idea that he was told to copulate with the girl that his best friend would die for wasn't conducive to a good night's sleep and poor Biggs had been on edge ever since.
"I need a walk," Alec said suddenly and pushed away from the table.
"Huh," Feen nodded at Techie who rolled his eyes.
"Okay, so he's in love. You win," he handed over his chocolate chip muffin and she grinned, taking a bite as they all ignored the sounds of Biggs repeatedly bashing his head against the table.
"Quit that!" Skye snapped, "You'll lose brain cells and they are one thing that you can't afford to lose!"
Biggs poked his tongue out at her.
"Oh, grow up!" Skye seemed to be hanging on the edge 0f her temper, "At least you got someone who you like. I got stuck with some arrogant ass-wipe who thinks he's Renfro's gift to transgenics."
"Oh yeah, because if I tell Alec that it's okay because I like Max, he won't hesitate to rip off my head!"
"It'd do you some good, decrease your ego!"
"You can talk; you have to walk sideways to get you and your ego in the room!" Biggs spat.
"You're so stupid you failed your I.Q test!"
"Did you come up with that by yourself or did someone help you?"
"Baby!"
"Bitch!"
There was silence for a moment and then Chance said dryly, "Better?"
"Much thanks," Biggs smiled, the tension gone from his shoulders, "Skye?"
"Hell yeah," Skye grinned back at him.
Tara bit into her apple, "I think you're all crazy."
---
Alec stormed down the hallway and walked into the first empty room that he came across.
He slammed the door shut behind him and kicked out at the desk that stood in his way. It crashed against the opposite wall with a satisfying sound of splintering wood.
"Son of a bitch!" he yelled and punched the wall.
Biggs and Max!
It was just his frigging luck!
He takes forever to get Max to talk to him civilly and then takes his sweet time to make her notice him as a man, before he can make a move he gets put in Psy-Ops. When he gets out, Max has emotionally distanced herself from everyone and it takes ages to get her to trust them all again and as soon as she does and it seems like there may be a chance that she might agree to start some sort of intimate relationship with him, his evil twin tries to steal her away and he inadvertently destroys her trust in him and she doesn't speak to him for months. When she finally does talk to him, he decides no more procrastination and that he's going to tell that he loves her, before he can, however, she gets paired with another man to have sex with. What was with the universe? Was everything conspiring against him?
It was enough to drive a perfectly sane person crazy and that is exactly what Alec thought was going to happen.
No wonder Ben wanted to pull out peoples teeth, Alec felt a little amateur dentistry was in order himself.
And he knew just the person to practise on.
With a feral smile Alec dragged in deep breaths and opened the door.
Only to find Flex leaning against it.
"Redecorating?"
Alec glanced over his shoulder to the wreckage evident in the empty room.
"What can I say; it was messing up the flow of the room."
"Ah!" Flex nodded sagely, "Someone took notes in Trainer Banns' 'Alternative Culture' lessons, step one of Feng Shui- break stuff you don't like."
"Works for me," Alec shrugged starting down the hall.
"Talking of breaking things you don't like, going to see Victor?"
Alec froze and looked at Flex, his head inclining in interest, "Have you picked up Emma's empathy or is it coincidence?"
Flex pushed away from the door, "Both, neither or whatever, I'll tag along. I want to see this guy too."
"Why?" Alec frowned, "I thought you didn't much care who you copulated with."
"Yeah, me too," Flex shrugged, "But somewhere along the line I seemed to have developed these annoying voice things and what do you call them… uh get in the way, stop you doing what you want… making aware of levels that you won't go to?"
Alec hid a smirk, "Ahh that would be a conscience and standards."
Flex snapped his fingers, "That's the one! Standards," he sighed, "no idea where they came from but now I have them and they tell me that to have sex with Ms. Moody is somehow… wrong?"
Alec eyed him as they made their way down the corridor, "Plus you have your eye on Skye."
Flex shrugged, "That too."
--
Victor was totally unaware of the danger that he was in as he sat in front of his keyboard merrily typing away.
He was so pleased that Renfro had given him the highly important responsibility of choosing the pairings and he thought that he had approached the task in the correct methodical manner.
He was so intent on documenting the various ways that he had come by the pairings that he was too immersed in his work to notice when the door to the lab opened.
Alec and Flex walked in, casting their glances around until they settled on the hapless technician.
"Hello," Flex said pleasantly and Alec grinned evilly as the tech jumped.
"Argh! Y-your not supposed to be in here!" he stated, his face flushed.
"I know," Alec said as he ran his fingers over the top of one of the desks, "but we had to come and see you, Victor. You don't mind us calling you Victor do you, Victor?"
"Or Vicky?" Flex grinned.
"L-look," Victor was getting nervous about the two men prowling around his lab, "w-what do you want?"
"Simple," Alec perched on the edge of the man's desk and smiled slowly, "we want to talk about the pairings that you so endearingly came up with."
Victor blinked, "What's wrong with them?"
"Wrong?" Flex shrugged, "Apart from the fact that we don't appreciate being tied down to a random partner or made to screw someone we don't know."
Victor frowned, "It's the Seduction Program, it's a lesson."
"A lesson that we wish to object against."
Victor looked like someone had told him the moon was purple. "But you're soldiers, you were given an order."
Flex was usually an easy going person but his eyes narrowed, "We're not animals."
"Ye-" Victor started to say only to have his jaw snapped shut by Alec's fist.
"We are NOT animals, Victor. We have feelings and right now mine are hurt by the idea that you aren't understanding my point!" Alec feigned hurt as he rubbed his chest.
Victor's eyes were wild as he clutched his aching jaw.
Flex pouted, "He's still conscious Alec!"
"Alec?" Victor looked amazed, "B-but you don't have names--"
"Be careful what you say," Alec said amiably but with an undercurrent that told Victor he was dancing on very, very thin ice. "You are in an unenviable position right now."
"But the Manticore Program was to have deindividualized personas; the idea that you have individualised and named yourselves is fascinating," his hands reached for a pen and notebook, "undocumented studies on lab rats find that--"
"First not people and now lab rats?" Flex interrupted, "you have to wonder at this man's intelligence."
Victor suddenly realised that in front of him were two highly trained and very dangerous transgenics that he was, apparently, insulting. He furiously back-peddled.
"I-I didn't mean anything by that, I j-just thought you were--"
"Cute?" Alec glowered, "Hand us some cheese, see which way we run, or better yet, which way you run?"
Victor swallowed. "I don't understand what you want from me," he kept his eyes on Alec's fists that were clenching and unclenching as he spoke.
"The pairings— change them."
"Why?"
Alec ducked his head, laughing briefly before his head snapped up and his fist with it, back-handing the whining man across the face. Victor flew back into his chair and slumped, his eyes terrified.
Alec cracked his knuckles and avoided Flex's wide-eyed glance.
"See, Victor, I'm adverse to the pairings that you made up, I want them changed and I, usually, get what I want. If I don't, I get cranky."
"You wouldn't like him cranky, Vicky!" Flex shook his head ruefully.
Victor's eyes flickered to Alec's and back to the screen in front of him, "B-but I've added patterns and if I change too much Director Renfro will know and want to know why."
"What?" Alec growled and Victor backed up slightly.
"I-I could change maybe six pairings without her getting suspicious, I could say that they are too compatible for breeding."
Alec beckoned Flex away from the trembling form of Victor. This was a side of Alec that Flex hadn't seen since he was much younger and one of the other Squads had tied Chance to a tree. The fury he had unleashed upon those kids had been scary to watch and none had forgotten it.
"Six pairs?" Alec bit his lip, "Who?"
"Carrot and Tara," Flex said without hesitation, "the poor guy has been through enough!"
Alec nodded and turned to Victor, "921 with 677, which means 310 with 202."
"That's two," Victor typed in the codes.
"One change!" Flex demanded.
"But two couples," Victor flinched as Alec glared, "Sorry!"
"Shit," Alec summed up succinctly.
Flex bit his lip, "You and Max,"
"Biggs with Mouse?" Alec said dubiously, "he'll kill me."
"Nah, he'll be so relieved you haven't gutted him…" Flex trailed off and a huge grin split his features, "Hey Victor, 510 with 521, 494 with 452 leaving 901 with 133."
"Biggs and Sunny?" Alec snickered, "I like it!"
"494 and 452?" Victor stared at Alec who snarled.
"Problem?"
"No, Sir!" Victor's lips twitched even through his fear and Alec rolled his eyes.
"It's official, everyone knows I'm whipped."
"Except Max."
"Except Max."
"She just thinks you're weird," Flex added.
"Yeah, thanks, Flex," Alec bit off.
"In fact I'm not sure what she thinks of you right now, I mean you've just—"
"Flex?"
"Yeah?"
"Do yourself a favour and shut up."
Flex's eyes twinkled, "Yes, Sir!"
"Last pair?" Victor asked.
Alec frowned, "Well if that was five then we can't manoeuvre one more."
"Okay, seven then," Victor gulped, "And pray that the Director doesn't have my head."
"You pray for that," Alec said dryly, "I have more important things to do."
"Feen and Techie?" suggested Flex. "B.J. and Anna?"
Alec bit off a grin at the thought of the two hot-headed transgenics who hated each other, "Uh, they have some issues to work through, maybe we should let them get on with it, in confined spaces."
Flex shrugged, "Your funeral, Manticore's redecorating bill. So Dek and Drew?"
"No," Alec frowned, "I thought you wanted Skye?"
"But we're not mated, and," he sighed, "that damn conscience thing just reared its butt-ugly head, looking a little like… Victor actually."
Alec grinned, honestly amused, "Okay, well that's a good reason to ignore it. 360 with 810."
"Yes, Sir!"
Flex chuckled, "Leaving Geordie with Ms. Moody! Be-au- ti- ful! May their children be arrogant and miserable!"
Alec lost his easy smile as he leaned over Victor who cowered in the chair. "Now, Victor, I don't want Renfro to know what happened here. I don't want any repercussions that could make me unhappy and I don't want any of our 'individualization' leaked. Is that clear?"
"Y-yes, s-sir!"
"If I find myself running after cheese, I'll come for you, Victor. I can make Psy-Ops look like a Sunday Picnic!"
Victor had lost his voice and just nodded, petrified at the man's dark tone and even darker gaze.
"Good boy," Alec patted Victor's head and motioned to Flex, "we have some good news to spread."
"Lead on," Flex insisted, "I want to watch Vicky sag with relief."
Alec bit back a smile and walked out followed by Flex who turned at the door and waved to the still shaking lab tech.
"Bye Vicky!"
As the door closed Victor did indeed sag with relief and as he turned to the computer started rethinking his career choice.
DESIGNATIONS and Original pairings-
Max- 452, Biggs- 510
Alec- 494, Mouse- 901
Mets- 133, Sunny- 521
Zan- 219, Emma- 148
Carrot-921, Cece- 202
Pix- 418, Chance- 511
Flex- 810, Ms. Moody- X52- 600 (2nd generation)
Steve- 361, Coco- 624
Drew- 633, Link- 711
Dek- 766, Feen- 555
Aiden- 344, Lou- X52- 926
B.J.- 191, Anna- 291
Techie- 886, Jay- 835
Tara- 677, Harley- 310
Skye- 360, Geordie- 401
-----------------------------
Chaosti- No I'm not telling you who is going to make it. Kicking Alec out of the closet- LOL, cool. I could do with some Alec/Zan slashyness- as long as I don't have to write it. and I so didn't mean to make you use those expletives but its cool- I've read too much HP fic and keep saying "Oh Merlin," but I guess, "Thank Manticore" works too! I was thinking- surging forwards for the title of the sequel or maybe Coming together? What do you think?
SGOU- Mentioned how much you love M/A- not in the last few minutes, I never tire of hearing it though. I love Alec! Jason Ashton-price is an original character but just think Wesley Wyndom-Price from Buffy only much younger and cuter. That was what I was going for. hehe Coco tells Max to get a clue- damn was that needed! BJ still comes through the way he did when he was younger on occasion- he was so sweet and still sticks up for her now and again even though he wants to be hard. They both kinda had it hard that time! The five guys are so great together and their joking was sweet. I loved that. Ah feel free to love me for writing-it makes me smile and I love you for reviewing.
Kat461- yeah don't even get me started on muffledgrimace I think a few had an idea but the full story, as was told to me by BJ and Anna was a shock even to me! Coco is a honey and shes found a genuine guy to look after her. cuteness! Yeah KFC is evil.
Lyndsay- I will never get sick of anyone saying that! don't worry about that. Anna was harsh even if you can understand some of where she was coming from being in so much pain- maybe because he was rough with transgenic strength and speed and it was her first time? Pix is funny and ooh to Carrot and Tara there! Saucy. Sunny was too busy eyeing Biggs to notice her food and Cocos personality was a surprise for me too. Honestly sometimes I swear someone else writes these things while I sleep. One to go!!!
Elfie- Yeah saccharine fluff isn't my thing- but hey! I don't think Emma was intentionally being insensitive but she was careless. Max is not like other girls. Coco will see Jason again- she has to really. We haven't seen much of Aiden but he always there as Mr Loyal friend. I love the guy. I think you are the only one that felt more for Anna than BJ. Hehe it took me a while to understand who you meant and no, we are not related although it would be fun! Would Drew beat up Alec for Dek – possibly. and who would win? Drew would win- she's scary and Alec wouldn't be fighting too hard as she is Max's friend.
Crimsonshadoe- yay don't neglect me! I was getting to the BJ Anna thing- eventually! It was an intense situation and one that they will need to talk through if they ever expect to get through it. I think if Max hadn't been there that is what Alec would have been like as that is what he was like during DA the first few eps.
Nora- you are right, Anna needed to see that she couldn't be like that with people- it hasn't quite sunk in yet. We'll see though. I definitely have 3 times the pain, brothers suck! I love shocking people and I have a feeling people are going to hate me! Have a great vacation.
Geminangel- One snap and you lose a hand- sounds like our girl doesn't it?
Marielle- Lose her V plates? Classy way of saying that boo, But In line with what you said about Dek and Max I have been thinking in the sequel…
Sigma1- whoa! Anna hatred! Ooh new one. But she was deserving of a slap for what she did to BJ. It was actually quite hard to write and so I am glad that I managed to pull it off and make people care about BJ so close to the end.
Ganko- Yeah updated and quickly too! I feel seasick from watching you jump- but I am glad that you are on a high. It was long but enjoyable I hope that this was the same. I know I loved writing it. Thanks pet, I was wary of the fluffy parts but if you like them I cant be too bad even though I prefer angst wink obviously. Max and Drew are very alike and I am so glad that I am not in on more boys talk- shudders! Dek and Alec made me laugh while I was writing it so I am pleased that it had the same effect on you too. One chap to go! Enjoy the fix while you have it.
Givenalias- Not sure about Jason- but if you like him I don't see why not, poor Coco. Yes Max and Alec will kiss soon- I'm not THAT evil... although you may change your mind when you read this.
Black Rose9- Cheers pet, there will be more soon- promise. I'm just pacing the last few.
Miasalter- LOL. Zan getting some isn't on the cards but if it'll make you feel better… aww I didn't mean to make you cry but hey at least BJ is there now!
Mrsackles- hey boo, Aww you can have BJ if you want him! Your request is duly noted and pending deliberation. J uh… what about Mets? getting worried
Feenian- your welcome, it was long but worth it. BJ had his own story to tell before we finished and I am glad that you like him now. I guess you want a sequel then? Lol.
Natasgi- thanks I wanted to give his opinion both now and in the past and the same with Coco, I'm just glad that it worked so well. I don't think he still likes her, even if she does him,
Moonlite star- I wonder if the same would have happened to Alec if Max hadn't been there. Probably since that is what he was like in the first few eps of DA.
Care189- poor Log… just kidding. I have no idea what boys talk about in RL. Possibly more emphasis on sex- but I am so not going there! I don't want to give reasons to kick me off. Alec has their respect even though Dek likes to tease. M/A moments are always cute! The brushing hair thing is a fave.
Kim- I think Coco would be more receptive to an ordinary guy since she knows transgenics too well. Anna and BJ are complex people and their issues are what make them so interesting- I didn't want Anna to be the evil one as she was in pain but its what people think. BJ was mean to Max which was how he got the name. Cross stitch books? What are they? I know what you mean about things being predictable- its annoying in some cases and so sad in others. Bows to your Kudos and blushes Thank you pet. I have started thinking on a sequel. Thanks.
Lynn- I finished the last part yesterday and I cried! I was horrible as they have won my heart too and it was painful to end it. I felt like a right dumbass! The conversations were a segue into what I wanted and I think it fit well in the end. Jason is adorable- sort of a Wesley Wyndom-Price but way younger and cuter. Everyone hates Anna but feels for her at the same time which was what I wanted. Dek rocks- its official. I think I surprised myself with this story.
Raven- That I did, they aren't big on couples therapy at Manticore and BJ and Anna need that! why do you have that feeling? Maybe because you know me?!!
Mrsackles- a Legend? Oh I love you! mwah cheers pet, I needed cheering up.
Jade-k- yeah feel a bit sorry for Anna, although she did freak a bit too much. Aiden was always a good friend, a tad bemused but hey! Yes Terminal City was deliberate- setting up for a sequel.
Sanna- hehe, thanks pet, I love to her from you and yeah Max and Alec back together- ain't it sweet!
Bluie Twilight star- If Max realises that it is her Unit that are rescuing her- we'll see!
SGOU- LOL, like that did ya? So glad. Sunny really should eat more and then maybe others would steal her food. I loved Coco here, she really came out of her shell.
Arwen-amy- yeah, I feel for both of them, neither were ready but Anna could have taken it better than she did. Guy talk is great to write- but a pain!
Fangedangel- when their COs are well so are they- strange huh? Yup Coco in love and with an ordinary no less- odd but believable. BJ has issues...they all do!
Keekee- I love it when Max is strong so there will be no weak Max in my stuff- so glad that you appreciate that pet.
Jynx- giggles your intelligence is fine pet, don't worry too much! Uh were you feeling particularly abstract here? Feel free to hit Anna- I know I want to on occasion. You may want Zan but I'm not auctioning him off just yet! LOL- I forgot about the heat thing!!!!! Oh that would have been funny as hell!
Senorita DHL- I read your stories and reviewed! Yeah Max and Alec will have stopped dancing in the next part- promise! He he smoochies.
Lynn- LOL. Your welcome x40. Love you too pet, ain't Alec a sweetheart and him and Dek hmmmmm.
Talichernin-I was wondering about BJ myself, I want to feel sorry for him but he is such an ass! Hehe poor Dek- although he might be able to talk Drew out of it!
Restive nature- Hmm, I liked the idea of the familiars and the breeding cult but NOT the runes thing so it's possible that I might twist it myself. I just love Dek's reckless attitude, it makes everyone seem so normal! But even he is not mad enough to hit on Renfro! I loved chocolatey goodness! Wonderful stuff although still waiting for more to Dream Within.
Sassy canuck- Dek is such a honey, I can't believe I have finished this story- it's heartbreaking! But there is always the possibility of a sequel.
Ronda TIW- BJ originally stood for Big Jerk, since he was nasty to Max when she first appeared and I never even thought of the other meaning! OML thanks for that! LOL.
