AN: I know, a new chapter within a couple of weeks. I would have been done on Tuesday but I was watching Bly Manor and that needed my full attention. Hope ya'll enjoy.

Chapter 8

Department of Energy Top Secret Lab: Project Argus

In a secret facility hidden in the forests of Illinois, a doctor made a house call. Dr. Hugh Ryan entered the facility through one of it's many underground parking garages. He was buzzed through by the checkpoint and parked his Mercedes in a spot reserved for medical personnel. He grabbed his briefcase and headed for the elevator that took him to his patient.

The large office was just as blank and sterile as the last time he was here. Lots of medical equipment adorned the room, and a hospital bed. Sitting in the hospital bed was Dr. Ryan's sole patient, a wizened old man who's white hair long fell out, breathing through an oxygen machine, and still scanning him with his piercing blue eyes.

"Secretary Brenner, I have your test results." Dr. Ryan said to him. The man merely nodded as Dr. Ryan pulled out his files. Brenner put away his own files and gave the doctor his complete attention.

"The experiments you have performed over the past five years have taken their toll on you. Your chart says that if you stop the experiment you may live for another six or seven years. But if you keep this up, you may not make it till the end of the year." Dr. Ryan said handing the file to Brenner. He put his own glasses on and looked over the files.

Brenner smiled as he finished reading. "Thank you, Dr. Ryan. Your concern is admirable. But I am on the cusp of my greatest achievement." Brenner said with a wheeze. Dr. Ryan shook his head, this damned fool has been playing God for years.

"Well, its up to you. I also have to tell you the President is tired of dealing with your aides. He is demanding you meet with him." Dr. Ryan said. Brenner snorted. "That country fool would not be in his office without me. He can wait like all the others." Brenner said. Dr. Ryan shrugged as he checked Brenner's vitals, which are still good despite his deteriorating health.

"May I ask why you never fully moved into Subject Eleven's body?" Dr. Ryan asked. Brenner frowned at him. "It's will is still very strong. The longer I try to assert total control, the more powerful its will. Also, certain things trigger it to toss me out. That's why it is fitted with a shock collar. Just to keep it from escaping in the field." Brenner explained.

"My goal is not to take Eleven's body. That is merely phase one." Brenner said. "And what is the next phase?" Dr. Ryan asked. Brenner smiled coldly and showed him an image on his computer. Dr. Ryan focused on it and had a look of shock. "It will take time, and many calculations. But my endgame is approaching." Brenner said.

"This might just work. You might need an intermediary to make this work though." Dr. Ryan said. Brenner nodded. "I am working on that." Brenner said. Dr. Ryan nodded, he knew better than to question his methods. He had a few painful reminders buried in a family cemetery.

"Now, if there is nothing else, I need to get back to work." Brenner said. Dr. Ryan nodded and left the office.

Once he was gone, Brenner grabbed his phone and dialed a number. The phone rang twice before being answered. "Yes, Dr. Brenner." Saverio said. Brenner smiled, Saverio was hos most loyal employee, a remnant of his strike team he used fifteen years ago to apprehend Subject Eleven.

"I need a progress report." Brenner said. Saverio took a breath. "Jericho tracked him to Hawkins. I am taking a couple of platoons of soldiers, with another unit of men in reserve. And I have men on that other project. It's just a woman and kid, so we can take them easily." Saverio said. Brenner nodded. "Very good. I have another assignment for you. It also concerns Mr. Wheeler." Brenner said.

Saverio

"Yes sir, I understand. I won't fail you." Saverio said as he hung up the phone. He looked around the massive RV and saw his men staring t him. Most were untested soldiers, but their numbers should do well. Saverio looked to a soldier, "Corporal, you take two men to this address once we get a CP set up. Don't fuck it up." Saverio said handing him a paper. The man nodded and selected three men.

Saverio pondered his tasks, he will succeed and before dawn, the world will change

Mayor residence

The cars pulled into the driveway of the massive three story mansion, built by the former corrupt mayor Larry Cline, and the group headed for the entrance. As they came to the door, a blur of red sped out and crashed into Lucas.

"Thank God you are safe" Max said hugging Lucas. Mike looked bemused at the reunion. Max then turned to Mike and also hugged him. "Harrison is with my mom, so hopefully that's a safe place." She said. "Well, they are looking for me." Mike said.

The group entered the manor and were all greeted by Joyce. The years were very kind to her as she still had infinite motherly affection and she was one of the best shots in Hawkins. "Well, we haven't had a situation like this in a while." Joyce said. "Yea I just wanted a reunion tour. Ya know have another adventure before I turn thirty." Mike said hugging Joyce.

"Yea its all fun and games hen the government gets involved." Hopper said ushering the group into the siting room. Once upon a time, this room reflected Mayor Cline, gaudy and greedy. Joyce changed it to look more rustic and comfortable. While Joyce and Hopper technically lived there in the residence, they still preferred to stay out in the cabin. Despite the heartbreak, it was still their home.

"So, you have some form of plan, Mike?" Jonathan asked. Mike nodded. "I have the beginnings of one. I need Will and Dustin to get some audio equipment. And I also need the plans for the old steel factory." Mike said. He then laid out his grand plan.

After spending forty minutes explaining the plan, the group was in agreement. "Ok, I'll get stuff ready. Steve, try and keep your officers away from these places. I don' think I want them in harms way." Mike said getting his jacket on. Steve nodded and gave him a thumbs up.

Max went into the kitchen and prepared a drink. "So you think Harrison will be safe with your mom?" Lucas asked getting them both glasses. Max nodded. "Mom is usually fine. I also asked Karen and Ted to go hang out with her. They will go by in the morning." Max said pouring them both some of Hopper's bourbon.

Lucas took a sip of the drink, and remembered he hated Hopper's brand of alcohol. He looked to Max and saw her face amused. She grabbed his hand and he looked at her in surprise. "I don't want this to go unsaid." She said and kissed him. The action surprised Lucas and he spilled the glass. From across the house Hopper yelled "Hey, don't waste my booze!" As if his booze sense tingled. Jonathan saw the sight in the bar and headed over to where Nancy was helping Joyce set up traps.

"Hey, do you guys need any help?" Jonathan asked. Joyce nodded and motioned him over. "I am not very good with bear traps." She said. "Explain Hopper then." Nancy said with a smirk. "Hop didn't fall into a trap, I was overpowered by his animal nature." Joyce said. Jonathan let out a groan. Both women laughed at him.

Nancy was glad for the laugh, she knew danger was approaching but she needed some levity. She was still awkward around Jonathan. She never told her family about the issues and she suspected he never told Joyce. She was carving a massive spike in a piece of wood. She had a good idea for a booby trap.

"Well, I am going to see if I can put Max and Lucas on task." Joyce said as she handed Jonathan another bear trap. She winked at her son who blushed slightly.

"Did you tell her?" Nancy asked. Jonathan shook his head. "Maybe Will told her. I kind of told Will." He said. Nancy nodded. She understood he would tell his brother. "I hope you didn't say anything bad about me." Nancy said. He shook his head. "I just said the facts. I kind of got an earful from Will." Jonathan said. Nancy grimaced. Then she remembered the fight they had. "Jon, about the fight we had." She began. Jonathan grabbed her hand. "I'm sorry. I don't want to do any of this without telling you how sorry I am." Jonathan said. Nancy smiled at him. "Look, lets try and talk about this when we make it out." Nancy said. "If we make it…." Jonathan began but Nancy gripped his hand. "WHEN, we make it." She said staring hard into Jonathan's eyes. He nodded and the two continued to work.

From the doorway, Hopper and Joyce watched the pair. "I still should have killed him." Hopper said. Joyce rolled her eyes and swatted his arm.

Will and Chad were in the kitchen, prepping weapons that Hopper had in gun cases. "It's kind of exciting to be on one of those famous adventures you told me about." Chad said loading a magazine with bullets. Will smiled, he told Chad about their misadventures, hardly believing them until recently. "Well, usually its monsters from another dimension. Government troops and mercenaries seem kind of tame." Will said. Chad smiled. "Nothing out of the way about all this." Chad said. Will grinned and continued loading magazines.

Downtown Hawkins

Mike hadn't been in town in a few years. Max preferred to bring Harrison down. The thought of his son made him ache a bit. He wanted to see him badly. He steadied himself. He took a few breaths and headed for the electronics store. It was the old Radioshack that he used to work in when he was in high school.

A teenager looked up from his magazine as Mike made his way to the speaker wire. "Can I help you sir?" He asked. Mike looked at him and just pointed to the speaker wire. "Just 40 feet of this." Mike said. The teen looked at him wide eyed as he realized he was serious.

Mike left the store with a massive spool of wire and met up with Steve. "Ok Chief, got the stuff we needed." He said. Steve nodded. "We have company." Steve said. Mike looked in the side mirror of Steve's car and saw them. Two of Jericho's men in black coats. "Take this to Dustin." Mike said handing him the spool. Steve nodded. "Don't do anything stupid shithead." Steve said as he drove off. Mike watched him go. "No promises here." Mike said.

Mike took notice of Jericho's men, the ones who were obviously his men. The newcomers were soldiers sticking out like sore thumbs. Mike had a stupid idea. He found one near a cross walk. He stood at attention. Mike laughed as he walked past and shoved him into a car. Mike blended in with the crowd as people gathered around to check if he was okay. Two more men were standing by an alley. Mike went around the other end, and grabbed both by the back of their necks. He slammed one face first into a wall, and quickly threw the other one into a dumpster. The soldier tried to get out and was rewarded with a punch in the face.

Mike ran into a Waffle House, he figured he did enough damage. He sat down at one of the booths and ordered a coffee. He decided to wait for the commotion to end before he made his way to the rally point. He sat in his seat and felt the days aches overwhelm him for a moment. He was still wearing the clothes he wore yesterday, and most people had given him strange looks with the cuts and bruises he had. Mike didn't care. He would sit and recover later, if there was a later.

"Well, you certainly look like shit." A voice said as he sat down. Mike opened his eyes and Jericho was sitting across from him. Mike didn't make much of a move to fight, he was tired. Jericho seemed amused. "You did a good job taking down those soldiers. Granted they just left basic training maybe two weeks ago, but good job." Jericho said. Mike shrugged. "Honestly, I figured you guys would have hidden away for a bit." Mike said

Jericho shook his head. "No, had a weird feeling you wouldn't go after my men. Seeing as they can be an issue for you. I had a sniper watching from the rooftops." Jericho said pointing out the window. Mike looked outside and sure enough, there was a man on a roof that could see most of the downtown area of Hawkins. Mike sat back in his chair as Jericho looked over a menu. "What's good here?" He asked.

Mike shrugged his shoulders. "Honestly, I don't come to Hawkins that often. My parents are kind of annoying that I'm not married to the mother of my son. And this place has some bad memories." Mike said. Jericho shrugged. "Well, you need to eat something. We have a score to settle and I want you at your best." He said. Mike picked up the menu and looked it over as the waitress showed up.

The pair ordered, and received their pot of coffee. Jericho drank his black, Mike needed extra sugar. "Brenner has a file on you. Guy kind of got obsessed with you. It left me with few questions." Jericho said. Mike looked up at him. Jericho pulled out a photo he took from his apartment. It was one of Mike and Max, they were at a picnic and Will took a photo of them. "What happened with her?" Jericho asked. Mike shrugged. "Like how we broke up or how I started dating her?" Mike asked. "Yes" Jericho said simply. Mike laughed a little. "Kind of a long story." Mike said. "I got time." Jericho said.

Five years ago

Mike's apartment was a mess. It had been a month since the failed rescue of El and it left Mike broken. Delivery boxes were everywhere, beer cans strewn about the place, and Mike couldn't remember his last shower. Mike just didn't care. Five years wasted on trying to save someone he loved. Did he love her? She had been gone longer than he knew her. He didn't know If his sorrow was the ten years wasted on searching for her or the fact she was gone forever. He had not spoken to his friends much. He just didn't have it in him to face them after essentially leading them toa dead end. He saw it in all there eyes when they disposed of Dane's body. Still kind of hot Max shot the guy.

Mike was going to look for another beer when a knock came at his door. "Oh fuck I am not in the mood for this." Mike growled to himself. He stumbled towards the door as it kept knocking. "I hear you, give me a damn minute." Mike said. He unlocked the door and opened it. On the other side of the door was Max. She was carrying a bag and looked like she had been crying. "Hey." She said. Mike let her in, suddenly embarrassed about the state of his apartment. "Sorry to barge in. Lucas and I had a bad fight. Dustin and Suzie aren't home and Will has his boyfriend over." Max explained. Mike merely nodded as she entered the living room.

"Did I catch you at a bad time?" She asked. Mike shook his head and stumbled to grab a trash bag. Max put her stuff down and helped Mike before he collapsed. She sniffed him. "Are you still drunk?" She asked. Mike didn't answer but merely looked to the floor. "You go take a shower, I'll see if I can scrounge up some coffee." She said, ordering him to his bathroom. Mike wanted to protest but something in her eye made him reconsider that approach.

Mike got into the hot shower and let the waters pour over him as the past few months seemed to fade away. Once he was done, he looked at himself in the mirror. He hadn't shaved since the incident, so he grabbed his trimmer and razor.

After he was done, Mike changed into some sweat pants and white shirt. When he arrived in the living room, most of the trash had been put in bags, with Max working diligently. "My apartment wasn't that bad." Mike grumbled to himself. As he watched Max work, he noticed new things about her. She was wearing her standard jeans and tshirt, but the jeans weren't the baggy ones she wore when she skated, something she loved doing still, they were tight, form fitting and a little low on her waist. Her tshirt was standard on her, but Mike was just mesmerized. He realized he was staring and he shook his head. He didn't want to get involved with her, especially with her and Lucas are just cooling off from a fight.

"Hey Mike, you know trash goes in the trash right?" Max said when she realized he was there. Mike merely shrugged. "Help me get this shit to the dumpster." Max said tossing him a bag. Mike smiled at her and grabbed a few more bags.

After they cleaned out the apartment, Mike found himself sobered up and didn't need coffee, but he hadn't had any food that wasn't takeout curry or pizza. Mike sighed as he looked through his pantry and fridge and couldn't find anything he could cook with. "Hey, don't sweat it, I already ordered some Chinese food." Max said. Mike grimaced. "I kinda wanted to cook for you. We can go grocery shopping tomorrow." Mike said.

The pair sat on the couch, eating their order and drinking the beer Mike had in his fridge. Mike probably had to admit he had a problem. "So, what was the fight you and Lucas had?" Mike asked. Max took in a deep breath, remembering she was not here to hang out. "He saw me kiss you." Max said. "He was questioning our relationship. I admitted I was attracted to you." Max said. Mike was slightly dumbfounded. In the years since El was taken, Max had stood by his side. And the many times she would crash in his basement when Neil was being a pain in the ass were some interesting nights. He never questioned the kiss they shared but when she said she needed to get it out of her system, he wondered how much she cared. "It's like, I saw how devoted you were to El, for ten fucking years you kept yourself ready for her. Like some knight in shining armor. I wanted someone that devoted. Lucas and me would break up over the god damn sofa pillows." Max said, clearly drunk. Mike was not to far behind her in how many beers he had.

"Yea, but you two would get back together." Mike said. She waved him off. "Yea, but you think he would resist Jennifer Hayes trying to give him a lap dance at that party?" Max asked. Mike blushed in embarrassment. He was so invested in his mission, when they went to a party their junior year, Jennifer Hayes pulled him into a bedroom and tried to seduce Mike. He left her in the bedroom once it became clear what she wanted. She had seen him fight several boys and she was enamored by him. It was slightly embarrassing for all parties involved.

"Yea, but I dunno anymore. El has been gone longer than I knew her. In many ways I think I just kept it up because she was perfect for me. But I dunno if I should have just moved on." Mike said. Max shrugged and snuggled onto Mike. "Lucas is a good guy, but I don't know if I really love him anymore. We fight all the time, we have very little in common. His sister scares the hell out of me." She said. "Hey, Erica scares Hopper, so don't feel bad about that." Mike said wrapping his arm around her. Mike took a sip of his beer and Max took the bottle from him and took a sip as well.

"Look, you two bounce back, you always do." Mike said. Max got closer to him. "What if I don't want to?" She asked, barely a whisper. Her closeness was driving Mike crazy and he let himself stop caring for a moment. He pulled her close and kissed her. Max kissed him back, letting strong emotion run through them. Mike picked her up from the couch, and while still kissing her, carried her into his bedroom.

Mike woke up the next morning, feeling like the most rest he had in months. He felt something was in bed with him and briefly wondered if the past ten years was a dream and he and El had been together the whole time. But he looked to the form laying next to him. The red hair was messy from the night before. She snored slightly as she slept, but a smile was plastered on her face. Mike smiled himself and kissed her forehead. Mike didn't know how things would work with Lucas and the others, but he would deal with it.

Present day

"It was a lot of problems afterward. Lucas and I barely spoke during that time. Max doesn't know he and I had a fight on the roof of my apartment. We were together for four months before we broke up. As much as we enjoyed each others company, I just didn't love her like that. Things got a little complicated when she got pregnant. I thought about marrying her but she shot that down. Lucas and her made up after our son was born and I guess the two have been making it work. Me and Lucas are still on shaky ground. Luckily my boy is loved by everyone involved. Lucas cares for him like a cool uncle. So, yea, that's the story." Mike said. He and Jericho had finished their meals, the sun was reaching early evening.

"So, let me get this straight, you broke the bro code with your best friend and had a kid as a result, and now you all have some weird giant family going on?" Jericho said. Mike thought about it and nodded. "Harrison even calls Hopper 'Hop-Hop'." Mike said. Jericho snorted at that. "I guess we better go back to being enemies." Mike said. Jericho nodded. "If things were different, you would be my friend." Jericho said, paying for the meal. "But, you and I have a score to settle. Next time, I will not underestimate you. You would do will to do the same." Jericho said. Mike nodded. "No matter what happens. Can you at least leave my family out of this?" Mike asked. Jericho nodded, and made a note for later.

Jericho left the diner and recalled his men to the staging ground. "You sure we didn't make a mistake in not catching him there?" Lopez asked. Jericho nodded. "It wouldn't be appropriate." Jericho said. "Well, Saverio called, he said they are gathering at an old lab. He will have his men meet us there." Lopez said. Jericho thought about that. He looked at the files, knew Mike had a history with that place.

"He isn't at the lab." Jericho said simply. "Saverio said his friends were spotted there." Lopez said. Jericho shook his head. "He is sending us out of the town. No, Wheeler is somewhere else. He wants us to face him at a different place." Jericho said. "But where?" Smiley asked. Jericho thought about it, and he checked his pocket. A piece of paper was in it. Wheeler wanted him to meet him at the location. "We move in ten." Jericho said. The group began moving and prepping for the mission. Jericho then pulled Nicholai aside. "I have a special mission for you." Jericho said. Nicholai nodded when he was told the details.

Steel mill

Mike made his way over to the steel mill, the distraction of Jericho not burning the town looking for him was good so Dustin and Will could get things set up there. As he arrived, the small group was gathered. "I don't want you guys to get hurt for me. But I thank you for standing by my rather stupid plan. Thanks for all being by my side guys." Mike said. The group nodded and many of them got in cars and trucks. Only two stayed, Lucas and Nancy. "I am not leaving you alone." Nancy said hugging her brother. "You are one of my first friends. I know shit got rocky with us, but I will stand by you." Lucas said. They shook hands, then went into a hug. "OK, Jericho will probably figure out I am here. I kind of told him I was here." Mike said. "You think he will take the bait?" Lucas asked. Mike nodded. "He has a score to settle with me. And Hopper should be able to take out those soldiers that were brought here by the department of energy. Once this is done, we are going on the offensive." Mike said. "And the special project we just rigged up?" Nancy asked. "I think we can also save El." Mike said.

Command vehicle

Jericho was sitting in the front passenger seat when the driver stopped, up ahead in the road was Saverio and Dr. Strauss. Jericho laughed at the sight. "You didn't think I was letting you go alone did you?" Saverio asked. "I was hoping you would lead the attack at the lab. Wheelers friends are there." Jericho said. "Yea, but I need to supervise Wheeler's death. Dr. Strauss assures me the machine is ready, it just needs to be transported here." Saverio said. The doctor looked to Jericho and nodded. He looked sad at the events.

"Okay, you can tag along, on one condition. You stay out of my way." Jericho said. Saverio gave him a fake smile and nodded. The pair entered the command vehicle and they drove off.

Steel Mill

Mike looked and saw a massive trailer was headed for the mill. "Their here." Mike said on the radio. He prepared himself for the fight of his life.

AN: I hope you are enjoying this. I can't wait to write the next chapter.