Zack had managed to sleep most of the afternoon. His body desperately needed the rest. He stood and worked out the kinks from sleeping on a hard surface. He'd chosen to sleep in one of the UFO displays, knowing that the UFO Center was closed and he wouldn't be bothered. He wanted to find Max and the others but it was only 18:23 hours, an hour and a half left before the meeting. 'Well, might as well go get some food,' he thought.
He jogged across the street to the Crashdown, noting a couple walking into the alleyway. It was obvious how in love they were by the way they were huddled together, whispering to each other, doing that whole nauseating 'see-into-each-other's-souls' bit. The dark haired boy touched the girl's long brown hair with such reverence. Zack stopped up short, a sharp pain stabbing through him at the thought that those two could have been him and Max. 'There's still a chance…but you are NOT going to think about that until later!' he chastised himself. He decided to eat quickly and get back to the UFO Center to mentally prepare himself for the meeting.
Max ran down the street until her lungs burned. She didn't know where to go except to Kyle's. She pounded on his door, desperate to get away from Logan's sad voice begging her to stay. Kyle answered the door, looking worried and confused.
"Max, what's going on?!" he said, shocked by her appearance.
Max suddenly felt very foolish and very aware of her splattered appearance. "I had a…food fight…and I, need a shower."
"You lost, right?" Kyle said, ushering her in. She looked at him, bewildered. "The food fight? It looks like you lost."
"Um, no, actually I won."
Niyah and Tess walked into the room. "Oh my god, girl, what the hell?" Niyah began.
Kyle cut her off. "Food fight. Hey, Tess, this is another sister of mine, Max. And Max, this is Tess."
Tess smiled. "Nice to meet you. Um, the shower's this way. Do you want some clean clothes? I think you'd fit mine."
"Thanks, yeah, I'm a mess."
"I'll just get your clothes washed then," Kyle said. "After your shower, of course," he paused. "Are you sure your okay?"
Max took the clothes Tess offered and nodded. "Yeah, I'm cool, thanks."
After the bathroom door closed, the three looked at each other in amazement. Tess wasn't sure what to make of this. "So, that's Max?" Somehow she'd expected her to be a 'him'.
"Yeah and I have no idea why she looked like that or why she'd be in a food fight," Kyle answered, a perplexed expression on his face. Tess was amused.
"Actually, I'm more interested in knowing who she was in a food fight with," Niyah added laughing softly. Tess nodded. "Whoever it was it looked like fun."
At 20:00 hours the aliens and their human entourage entered the UFO Center and went downstairs to the meeting room. Kyle and his siblings were already there, waiting for them. The two groups stood looking at each other, studying one another and gauging the possibilities. Zack recognized the couple from the alley as Max Evans and Liz. Kyle decided to break the ice.
"Okay, well, here we all are. This might take a while so let's get comfortable."
"Logan's not here yet," Niyah pointed out. Kyle and Niyah looked at Max.
"What? I haven't seen him since supper," she retorted. Niyah failed to hide her chuckle, now that the food fight opponent was known and Max glared at her. Zack frowned, noting the exchange.
"We need to start. Do you know if he's coming?"
"Not a clue."
"Fine, then we'll start anyway," Kyle began. "The purpose here tonight is to meet each other and see if an agreement can be reached for us to work together to help our sister Brin." Kyle saw Zack's angry look when he said Brin's name. He rushed on, "I suggest that I introduce everyone and give an overview. You guys can grill each other however you want after that, deal?" Both groups nodded. "Okay, these are my siblings, Zack, Max, and you already know Niyah. And these are my friends, Michael, Maria, Alex, Tess, Isabel, Liz, and Max," he paused. "Shit. We have two Maxes. This will get confusing." He scratched his head. "Um, how about you go by Evans for awhile?" he asked Max Evans, who nodded. "Okay, so he's Evans and she's Max. Got it? Good. Niyah and I already told you about some of the Manticore history so I guess that leaves the Roswell history. Its not really my story so, Evans, you want this one?"
Max Evans nodded and looked at the X-5s. "We know that you four are genetically engineered humans," he paused. At this statement Zack shot a scathing look at Kyle. "Well, we are…Isabel, Tess, Michael and myself…are genetically engineered human/alien hybrids," he started.
"Yeah, right," Max interrupted.
"No, they are," Niyah firmly interjected. "He's telling the truth." Max and Zack looked at her in surprise. This was not what they'd expected.
Max Evans continued. "We have certain powers, abilities that came with our alien DNA. Kyle believes that these might help you rescue your sister safely." He paused to see if they had any questions.
Max shook her head in disbelief. What a waste of time! Zack looked on in amazement. "This was the big disclosure?!" he said quietly, looking at Kyle. He didn't believe this for one second.
"Ah, to hell with explanations!" Michael said, stretching out his hand to release energy. The display next to Zack exploded! Quickly, Tess stretched out her hand and rebuilt the display, the pieces whirling together seamlessly.
"Wow," Max exclaimed. "That's cool!"
"Actually," Kyle replied. "Those aren't the powers they'll use." He looked at Max Evans urging him to explain.
"We can open locks with the touch of a hand, and um, Tess can make people see things that aren't there…" Max Evans started.
"Or not see things that are there," she interjected.
Kyle took over again. "These are the two powers we'll use. They are undetectable so none of the hybrids will be in jeopardy of discovery."
Max and Zack looked at each other. They had the same thought. If Manticore got their hands on alien DNA… "It's too risky, bringing alien DNA close to Lydecker," Zack stated pulling Kyle aside.
"But they would be safe from him and with Logan keeping the security cameras busy they won't even be detected," Kyle started.
"You weren't just at Manticore, stuck in that torture room, being grilled about the X-5's, Kyle!" Zack's voice rose with every word. "You have no idea how desperate Lydecker is getting. He needs to find us now! He made me think that Max had come for me so I'd spill, had me 'die' so I could escape and lead him to the others. No! They don't go anywhere near the Compound." He jabbed his finger at the aliens.
At the mention of the Compound Max Evans went white. Michael looked at him and Liz grabbed his hand.
"Compound?" Isabel started, getting angry. "You didn't say anything about the Compound, Kyle!"
"You know this facility?" Niyah asked.
"Yes, Max was held there last year. The FBI had a Special Unit and they've been after aliens for years. They caught my brother and took him there and…" she looked at him, tears forming in her eyes. "We were lucky to get him out when we did."
Max Evans sat down and put his arms around his body, a look of terror on his face. "I can't help you, Kyle," he whispered, his body trembling. "I can't go back there. I can't."
"No one's asking you to, Maxwell," Michael said, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
Liz sat next to Max Evans, holding him, while Alex took Isabel's hand. Maria could see that things might unravel here. "So, let me get this straight. You need Tess to mess with their heads, this Logan guy to fuck with the cameras and alarms, and the four of you will go in all bad-ass with Space Boy here so he can unlock everything for you, right? That's the basic idea?" Maria asked.
"Yes," Niyah replied. "Michael's not involved other then to unlock the doors for us upon entry and egress."
"Michael," Max Evans said standing up, "you can't be the one to go. I'm the one with the shield and healing abilities."
"Right, and I'm the trigger happy aggressor who might blast the first enemy I see. You forget, Maxwell, that I've already entered that Compound and brought you out safely. I shifted my fingerprints, infiltrated successfully, and brought you out alive. Oh, not to mention that I'm your second and in charge of your safety."
The two boys stared at each other as every one waited quietly. Zack could see the power play here. There was more to this group then they were telling. "Nasedo was with you then," Max Evans said softly.
"Yeah, and then I needed him since I didn't have much control over my powers. Its different now."
"Alright, this is getting us nowhere," Kyle interjected. Pressing his palms together he continued, "First, are you going to help us?" The aliens nodded. "Okay, second, do you agree to our plan, no last minute hero shit? As in Zack is the CO and you follow whatever he says," he said this specifically for Michael. Again they nodded.
"Can't either of you help?" Max indicted Isabel and Max Evans.
"We'll add our energy to Tess' while she's in their heads. She can't do something this big alone," Isabel responded.
"Okay, so we have an agreement. That part's done. Let's move on to the plan," Kyle said dryly. "We have a detailed blueprint of the Compound but since you were there last year how about you help us to plan the route?" he asked Michael.
Michael, Kyle, Zack, Max Evans, and Liz all started plotting out the best route. Niyah, Tess and Isabel began organizing a schedule of the rescue. Max, Maria and Alex offered to make a list of what would be needed for the mission. They'd worked at it for ten minutes before Logan came walking in leaning on his cane. Niyah noticed he was clean, with no evidence whatsoever of the food fight. Logan acknowledged the newcomers.
"Where were you?" Zack demanded.
"Contrary to current appearance it takes me a little longer to get places then most of you," Logan bit out. Max couldn't believe it! He'd just been late, which Logan was never late, and he'd blamed it on his disability which was something he NEVER let slow him down or at least never admitted slowed him down. Why would he say that?!
Kyle jumped in, "Everyone, this is Logan. Logan, this is Max Evans, Isabel, Maria, Michael, Liz, Tess, and Alex. Michael will be coming with us to help on the mission. The rest of them are here to plan. They, ah, have been to the Compound before," he explained.
Logan nodded, "Well, I better get to those computer simulations. Kyle, fill me in when you have a definite plan." And with that he walked into Brody's lab and shut the door.
"Wow, is he always that friendly or is it just us?" Maria quipped.
"He's always that friendly," Zack replied, staring at the closed door.
"Back to work people! We need to get this done," Kyle announced.
"Oh please, you sound like my boss, Normal," Max said rolling her eyes.
"Your boss's name is Normal?" Max Evans asked her.
"Yeah but he definitely isn't," she replied, "Isn't normal that is."
"Got it," said Liz. "Why aren't we telling Logan about the alien stuff?"
"Because we aren't," Zack replied, turning a pointed look towards Max and Kyle.
For the next hour they nailed down a strong plan. It was one of the original plans that Kyle had thought up but now with the alien help it looked pretty secure. The X-5's breathed a sigh of relief. This could work!
"And so we'll meet here tomorrow night, 22:30 hours," Zack finished.
"Sounds as solid as its going to get," Max added.
"Great, someone go tell Mr. Cranky Computer guy about the plan so the rest of us can go home and sleep, seeing that its now 1am or 01:00 hours for all you soldiers in the room." Maria was tired and didn't have patience for this.
"Excuse me?" Zack started. "This is a serious operation…"
"Oh, I know. It's always a 'serious operation'. But I've been dragged through one catastrophe after another, especially in the last week. You may be saving your sister, which is noble and great and all that, but last week I helped save the world from global alien infection. So don't get me started. I know more about running from the government and crazy rescue attempts then you could imagine. Don't try to impress me with your 'serious mission' when I'm seriously tired." Maria stomped up the stairs to leave. "Coming Space Boy?" she hollered behind her.
Michael grinned and chuckled to himself as he followed her out. Isabel, Alex and Liz started to go but stopped when Max Evans turned to Zack.
"We've had a really hard week…in a particularly difficult year. Last night we killed three aliens who came here to kill us. We haven't slept much and I can't say we're all in an emotional place to handle another crazy battle. This plan had better work. Michael and Kyle better be safe. I'm sorry to be abrupt but that is just the way it is right now," he turned back towards the stairs. "I just…thought you should know." He left with Liz to go back to her place.
The X-5's stood there for a moment, taking in the reality of this crazy situation. Tess sat in the corner waiting for Kyle. "Here's the plan. Gonna go tell him?" Kyle asked Zack finally, handing him the paper they'd written on.
Zack shook his head. "He asked for you."
Kyle looked at Tess. "It should just be a second." She nodded and tucked her feet under her, getting comfortable. Kyle went into Brody's computer area.
Logan looked up when Kyle entered. "Heard some yelling out there. Zack getting out of control?"
Kyle smiled. "Actually it was Maria putting Zack in his place."
Logan's eyebrows went up. "That little thing? Wow."
Kyle sat next to him. "There's a lot more to this Roswell group then meets the eye. I've only recently been admitted to the Club though I can't say I'm thrilled about it. Keeps landing me in trouble," he mused. "Here's the plan you asked for. We finally got it nailed down."
"Is it safe?" Logan looked at Kyle intently.
"Yes. I mean, there are always variables, unplanned for occurrences but for the most part its solid. The best we've come up with so far."
Logan took the plan and looked it over. He noticed Kyle was staring at him. "What?"
"You're in love with her aren't you? You both are."
Logan stared at the computer screen. "Is it that obvious?"
Kyle chuckled. "Right, none of my business. Got it. But I have to ask, did you and Max have a food fight today? And did she really win?"
Logan smirked and wiped his hands across his face. "Yes, we did and she only won because she cheated. We called a truce but she still fired."
"Attack first with your guard up," Kyle murmured.
"And that's the very excuse she used to justify her cheating."
Chuckling, Kyle got up to leave. "If you have any questions you can reach me at my home. Dad's out on a date so…" he turned back to Logan. "You know, I understand."
"Understand what?"
"I've been there, been the guy she should be with. Liz should have been with me. It made more sense, it kept her safe, but she's in love with Evans, always was." Kyle bit his lip. "Anyway. Just thought you could use some hope. Zack is Max's brother, at least that's how she sees him." Kyle could see that he'd overstepped the bounds. Logan's face was set, expressionless. "Sorry, I'll just go."
Once Kyle closed the door behind him he noticed that only Tess was left in the meeting room. "Where did everyone go?"
"Niyah went to our house to work on something and I'm not sure where Zack or Max went. They just left."
Kyle sat down next to Tess. So much had happened in the past two days. There were things he wanted to tell her, truths about his past, about his 'family', about how he felt about her but he didn't know where to start. He'd never been good with words anyway. Gently, Tess covered Kyle's hand with hers. She smiled up at him and leaned her head on his chest. Kyle slipped his arm around her.
"Let's get you home. You're tired," he said helping her to her feet.
"No, Kyle. Not yet. I wanted you to know that I'm glad I can help you with this."
Kyle smiled at her. "Just don't use that mind crap on me!" he grinned, pulling her towards the door.
"No, of course not," she grinned back. She followed him out of the UFO Center. 'Tell him!' her mind screamed. They got into his car and started to drive home. "Kyle…"
"Yeah?"
"I…" she looked at her hands. "I also wanted you to know that…um…"
Kyle stopped the car and looked at her. Taking her hand in both of his he said, "Tess, whatever it is just say it. You can trust me."
Tess looked at him. 'He has such amazing blue eyes,' she thought. She cleared her throat nervously. Kyle frowned, concerned. Tess was never nervous. She always flustered him with her dominating personality. Maybe she was still freaked out about this Manticore thing. "Um, I wanted you to know that I'm worried about you doing this mission…and not coming back."
"Why wouldn't I come back, aside from the obvious death possibility?"
"Well, you've connected to your family now. I know what it's like to feel disconnected and alone and…maybe you'll want to go be with them." She looked down again.
Slowly it dawned on Kyle. She didn't want him to go. She wanted him to stay. With her. "Why do you want me to stay?" He had to hear her say it.
"Because, because…" Oh, those blue eyes of his! She didn't know how to say this without sounding too strong or too desperate. So she kissed him instead. She kissed him hard, demanding, needing. He kissed her back with the same fervor. He'd wanted to do this for so long now. He pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. Finally needing air, she pulled back.
"Wow," he said quietly. "Not what I was expecting."
She bit her lip to keep it from trembling. Maybe she'd misread the kiss. Maybe it wasn't what she thought, what she'd hoped for. Kyle saw the tears in her eyes and touched her face. He gently tucked the hair behind her ear and wiped away her tears, softly kissing each eyelid. He kissed her once more, this time slower and tender. When he pulled back to look at her she was smiling.
"I feel the same way, Tess, and I'm coming back. I'm staying here with you. I promise. This is where my life is." He pulled her close, kissing her a final time before driving the rest of the way home.
As soon as Kyle shut the door Logan bowed his head and rested it in his hands. He'd worked so hard to keep Max out of his mind and to concentrate only on the simulations. Earlier, when Max had run out, he'd just stood there, unmoving, unable to feel anything, unable to think. When it finally hit him that she'd turned him down, that she'd never allow them to be together, he'd wept. He, Logan Cale, sarcastic cyber-journalist and wealthy socialite, cried for an hour, his heart breaking. He hadn't cried when Val had left him because it hadn't hurt that much. He'd never loved anyone like he loved Max. He wasn't sure he was strong enough to see her at the meeting.
And then the anger set in. How dare he let her destroy him like this!? He was tougher than that; he was a survivor! He marched into the bathroom, took a shower, dressed and felt ready to conquer the meeting. But when he touched the doorknob he remembered her standing here two hours earlier, refusing him, running from him. Suddenly, his legs gave out. He couldn't walk, stand, or even move. He didn't care if he did. His body ached with the knowledge that she didn't want him. 'Just breathe, Logan, just breathe.' So that's what he did, he lay on the floor and breathed. It was already eight o'clock by the time he snapped out of it. He dragged himself up to standing and willed himself to walk again. Forcing one foot in front of the other he made his way to the car and into the UFO Center. But now, in the lab with everyone gone, he gave in again to the pain. He sat there, holding his head, breathing.
"Why do I know this has something to do with Max?" Zack asked, appearing next to him.
"Jesus!" Logan jumped. "You just had to do that!"
Zack simply looked at him, taking a seat in the chair Kyle had recently vacated.
"What do you want?" Logan snapped.
"The same thing you do…Max."
"She's all yours," he bit out through clenched teeth. The computer screen changed as Logan began to put in data from the plan in front of him.
"What are you talking about?" This wasn't the response Zack had expected to hear.
Logan paused his hands on the keyboard. "Real simple, Zack. She doesn't want me so she's all yours," he said bitterly.
Zack sat there quietly as Logan typed. "Does this have anything to do with you being late tonight?" Logan kept typing and ignored him. "Fine, whatever. Let me know if the plan works or not." He got up to leave.
"Yes, that's why I was late," Logan blurted out. Zack stopped and looked at him. "I lost track of time after…"
Zack's heart stopped at the mention that something had happened between those two. 'After what? A kiss, sex, what?' He wasn't sure he really wanted to know but he asked anyway. "After…what?"
"After she left. She left because she didn't want to stay. She'll probably go off with you to Canada now."
Zack's heart pounded at the thought of Max leaving Logan. For him! Would she really leave Seattle? They both sat in silence for a moment. "Did she transfuse you at the hospital, is that why you're walking?" Logan nodded and started typing again. Zack got up to leave again.
When he reached the door Logan called out, "Just because she doesn't want me doesn't mean I'll let you win that easily." And Zack left Logan alone to complete the simulations.
Brody couldn't sleep. He looked at the clock and saw it was only 4:21am! Groaning, he dragged himself out of bed. He peeked in on his daughter Sydney to make sure she was all right. He still wasn't used to her cancer being gone. It had been such a miracle! He'd felt so guilty that his cancer had been healed during his abduction and that he couldn't find the aliens to save his daughter. But, somehow, God had heard his prayers and healed her anyway. He was so lucky to have this beautiful little angel in his life.
He ate a little and decided to check on things over at his lab. He was still trying to pin down some proof of his missing hour last week. He showered quickly and changed into something warm knowing it would be brisk outside at this hour. As he jogged to the UFO Center, he ran the list in his head again of the reasons to fall out of love with Maria Deluca but the list didn't seem to be working. When he walked into his lab he was shocked to see Logan asleep in his chair. And where was the guy's wheelchair? Carefully he shook Logan's shoulder. "Ah, Logan, wake up. I don't think you really want to sleep here."
Logan stirred, rubbed his eyes, and put on his glasses. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to fall asleep. I just lost track of time again," he smirked. "And I don't mean in an abduction sort of way. I've just had a lot on my mind."
"I understand. But I actually need to do some research and I think you need a bed."
"Right, I'll be off," Logan stood up, taking his cane and he walked towards the door.
"So, its not a permanent paralysis?" Brody asked, indicating the lack of a wheelchair.
"Oh, no, I've been getting a lot better. The chair is just for when I'm tired."
"I see. Well, rest up. And I'd love to talk to you later."
"Of course." Logan left Brody to his work, heading for the car and hoping that Max was anywhere but in his hotel room.
At 7:00 am Michael woke up. He had to be to the Crashdown by 7:30 to cook. But looking at Maria sleeping curled up in his arms made getting out of bed all the more torturous. He kissed the top of her head, tracing her face with his finger. "I love you," he whispered and then slipped out to go shower. A smile slowly crept across Maria's face before she rolled over and fell back asleep.
Michael arrived at the Crashdown feeling tired and groggy despite the shower. This was not a good sign, seeing as he had a big rescue to pull off tonight and using his powers always took a lot of energy. Maybe he could nap later. Liz was setting up the tables in the main restaurant.
"Maria's still sleeping?" she asked.
"Yeah. Are you gonna be okay in there or should I call her?"
"No, no, I'm fine. Let her sleep," she replied as she started the coffee. Michael turned on the kitchen appliances, heating the grill, and began mixing batter and cracking eggs.
"Max upstairs?"
Liz smiled, "Yeah, asleep, I think."
They continued their morning routine, opening the doors at 8:00 am. There were never many customers on Sunday mornings and Liz was grateful. She was too tired to deal with much today. Max had been so unnerved by his memories of the White Room that Liz had stayed up until 3:00 am, talking to him and comforting him. They'd finally fallen asleep around 3:30, her arms wrapped protectively around him.
It was 10:00 am when someone surprised her by covering her eyes from behind. "Max," she squealed, turning around to kiss him.
"Morning," he replied pulling her into a tight embrace.
"All right, knock it off! Liz, I got two orders up!" Michael quipped, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth, ruining the intimidating glare he was trying to maintain. The door chimed and in walked Alex, Isabel, Kyle, and Tess. They sat in their usual booth and to everyone's amazement, Tess and Kyle were holding hands, even after they sat down! Now this was a new development!
Max sat on a rock facing east. She planned on watching the sunrise since she'd heard it was particularly beautiful over the desert. She let her mind go blank, the way she'd been taught at Manticore in order to focus on a mission. Her thoughts were too painful lately. She heard someone approach in the dark.
"Max," Zack called out softly.
"Up here," she replied. 'So much for solitude.'
He settled up on the rock next to her. Yawning, he swiped his hands through his hair and stretched out on the rock.
"You should sleep. I'll keep a lookout," Max said staring of at the horizon.
"Have you ever seen so many stars at once?" he asked.
She smiled and laid down on the rock next to him. "No."
"I heard the sunrise over the desert is breathtaking."
"Me too. That's why I came out here." 'That and I needed a break!' she thought wryly.
Zack looked over at her. He hadn't consciously sought her out. He'd been walking around, sorting through the craziness in his head, and his feet had led him to her. That must mean something. 'Don't start this up! You have a mission. Focus on that and ask her later!' But he knew his thoughts were on the losing side of the battle with his heart. He needed to know. "Max?" he began. She looked back at him. "Once we get Brin out, would you come with us?"
"Where?"
"Anywhere, somewhere safe, safe for all of us. Would you come with me?"
Max shifted. This conversation was getting uncomfortable. She saw that look in his eyes again, that need, that hope. She knew she didn't want to get into this. "I don't know," she said finally. She sat up and looked at the horizon again.
Zack sat up slowly, watching her. Carefully he reached out and touched her hair. "Please, Max, come with me when this is done."
Max stared at her hands. She didn't want to hurt him. She cared about him very much, but not like he wanted her to. "Zack, I…I…"
Zack quickly pulled his hand away and stood up, his back facing her. "Just say it, Max. You don't love me, you can never love me, and I'll always just be your 'big brother'," he spat out bitterly. He was breathing hard. He willed her not to repeat what he'd just said, silently begging her to negate it.
Max sat looking out east for a moment. She made her decision and stood up next to him. Turning Zack around to face her she saw the tears on his cheeks. She reached up and gently wiped them off, her hand lingering on his face. She pulled him down into a soft kiss. Zack wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. After a moment, Max stepped away. "I just wanted you to see how I felt."
Zack nodded sadly. The kiss had been nice but it wasn't the passionate kiss of two people in love. He'd been right. She cared about him a lot but Max would never be in love him. She pulled him down next to her. "Sleep, Zack. I'll wake you when the sun comes up." He smiled a little at her, put his head in her lap and fell sound asleep.
By 11:00 am Logan woke up ravenous. He hadn't eaten much in the past two days. Having Zack around tended to make him lose his appetite. He got up and walked carefully to the shower. His head pounded with a hang over. When he'd gotten back to his room last night, he'd found it clean and empty, no trace of the food fight or that Max had ever been there. He was certain the damage bill would be huge. He'd hoped that Max wouldn't be there but having it seem like she was never there at all was too much. He gave in to his pain and drank all the alcohol the mini bar provided. He'd never drunk alcohol to kill pain before and he was finding out why. It didn't kill anything, except brain cells and it made him feel like shit. He knew he needed to get some food and coffee.
After showering and dressing he got into his car and drove to the Crashdown. 'Nothing like greasy diner food to settle my nausea.' As he walked in he noticed that some of the group from last night were eating there. Then he heard his name called.
"Logan!" Brody said, running up to him. "Come sit with me. I want you to meet somebody," he dragged Logan over to where he'd been eating with Maria.
"Oh, hey," Maria nodded rather unenthusiastically. "The computer guy."
"You already met?" Brody asked confused.
"Ahhh, yeah. I'm sorry about being rude yesterday. I wasn't really feeling quite like myself," Logan hoped the apology would work, since he couldn't judge how it sounded between the pounding and throbbing in his head.
She waved her hand. "Not a problem, its forgotten. And you look like you need some coffee. I'll be right back," she said jumping up to get him a cup.
"You don't have to…" Logan began.
"Nonsense. It's fine. I work here."
"Isn't she great?" Brody asked once she was out of earshot. Logan nodded carefully as he sat down. "She's always like that, helpful and sweet," Brody sighed. "But I'm just a weird old bloke and she'd never look twice at me, right?" Logan smiled at that. "I mean, she knows about my abductions and we're really good friends but," he nodded his head towards the kitchen, "she's in love with that guy Michael who, in my opinion, treats her very poorly. I don't understand it."
He shut up as Maria approached the table. "One cup of coffee and one menu," she said, handing the items to Logan. He wondered how she felt about Michael helping with this very dangerous mission but figured he'd ask her later. She plopped down in the seat next to Brody, her body pressed against his in the small space.
"Logan, would you like to come over to the Center after breakfast and help me with the study I'm doing?" Brody asked him. He was nervous. Maria had never sat this close to him and it was definitely affecting him! If he didn't leave soon everyone might see just how badly his body desired Maria.
"You and your experiments. What's this one about?" Maria teased.
"Um, the hour I lost last week," Brody said with an apologetic smile, scooting away from her ever so slightly.
"Well, I hope you can help him, otherwise he'll obsess," she smiled at Logan. "I gotta get ready for my shift. Later, Brody." She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Brody watched her prance away, an expression of wonder on his face. Logan chuckled at his obvious infatuation.
"Sure, I'll come take a look later," Logan replied as his food arrived.
"Huh, oh thanks, mate. See you then," and he walked out in a daze.
Maria approached Logan's table after Brody had gone. "You're not really an abductee, are you? It's all for the sake of the bio-engineered-soldier thing, right?"
He smiled. "Right. I've seen some strange things but I can't say I believe that aliens would really care enough about us to abduct us."
"Good. Just checking," she smiled and paused. "I have to know, is there any reason why the Manticore women are built to look like supermodels?"
Logan chuckled, "I have no idea why they all look so…amazing but it does seem to be the pattern. But just the women? Don't like the look of Zack or Kyle?"
"Oh please, Kyle's just…Kyle, and I don't do that suped-up jock look. I prefer the tortured-messy-I-had-a-difficult-childhood-bad-boy thing," tossing her head towards Michael.
At that Logan laughed out loud. Kyle slid into the seat across from him as Maria walked off. "So, the plan works?"
Logan finished his bite of food and nodded. "Yes, I think it does. I can give you and Zack a full review whenever you want. That is after I finish looking at an experiment of Brody's," he added with a wry smirk.
"Okay, well, I'm going home. Call me." Kyle left with Tess and Max Evans.
Isabel and Alex had finished eating and were drinking coffee, finally enjoying a moment of quiet since he got back from Sweden. "I wanted to thank you for the other night," Alex said, looking at her. "I know it was really hard on you but you saved me, you stood up to Lonnie for me. Thanks."
"Yeah," Isabel looked at her hands. "Well, I haven't been the best friend to you lately. This whole situation keeps demanding so much of you and I never have a chance to return the favor."
"I consider my life saved as a definite return on the favor. Don't worry, Isabel." She looked at him, confused. "You'll pull through this ordeal too. You always do."
She smiled nervously and fidgeted with her hands. She was thinking of how Grant's body had looked lying dead, how he had desperately fought with the Gandarium queen inside him to save her life, just one more casualty of this alien struggle. Alex knew she was thinking about Grant and he was surprised at the lack of jealousy he felt. He realized that his Sweden trip had been his saving grace. It had given him time to think and organize his life. He'd known that Isabel would always have a huge part of his heart but that didn't mean he had to pine over her. He'd met a beautiful Swedish girl and they'd clicked. It was amazing, having the ability to love and be loved without the alien threat hovering. He'd been able to let his need for Isabel go, at least for now. He truly felt bad that Isabel had been through so much pain in the past week so he'd gone out of his way to cheer her up.
"I'm sorry that you lost Grant. I know he meant a lot to you. If you ever decide to talk about it, I'm here. I'll always be here for you Isabel, no matter where we go or how our lives change. You know that, right?"
Isabel reached over and hugged him. "What would I do without you, Alex? I can't thank you enough." 'And I'll never be able to show you just how much you mean to me,' she thought. She loved him. She always had but it wasn't easy for her to show that. Friendship was simpler, safer, and this way Alex could have a life of his own.
Max and Zack finally reached the Crashdown. They'd stayed out on the rock for hours after watching the sunrise, just sitting in silence and enjoying the beauty of the desert. An agreement was reached between them, an understanding. Max knew she could never do things Zack's way. She'd left Manticore so she could live a normal life and Zack finally seemed to accept it. He didn't like it but he would accept it and would help her when she needed it. She in turn would help him as she always had.
Eventually, their stomachs got the better of them and they went into town to seek out some food. Logan thought he might throw up his breakfast when he saw them walk in together. He studied his coffee cup intensely, finding it immensely interesting.
"Need a refill?" Liz asked quietly. Logan looked up at her, the pain barely masked in his eyes. She sat down next to him. "Need to talk?" she asked gently. He looked at her, his expression now masked. She nodded. "Well, if you change your mind, you can find me here anytime." She got up and continued her waitress rounds.
Max and Zack sat at the table with Logan. No one said anything as a waitress put menus down for the newcomers. Taking a deep breath Zack asked, "Do you think our plan works?"
Logan looked at him, avoiding having to look at Max. "Yes."
"Any particulars we should know about?"
"Thought you'd have that all figured out. You usually do."
"I usually don't need outside help," Zack retorted.
"Right. Well, lucky me that you needed it this time," he sighed, sarcasm dripping from each word. "With Michael disabling the locks onsite I can focus more completely on overall monitoring and camera disruption. If he does everything correctly I won't have to bother with disabling any alarms, since tampering with those can be extremely tricky, and probably would get you caught, too many firewalls. If your plan goes smoothly, there should be no detection and no need for confrontation. If something goes wrong, which seems to be a thing with you guys, having Michael onsite will increase your chances of getting out of there, if he's as good as he says he is."
"He is," said Kyle, sliding two chairs over for Niyah and himself. "I saw you two headed this way and figured we could get this organized now," he explained.
Logan nodded. "Anyway, this plan is possible." The X-5s looked at each other, relief and hope on their faces. Brin would be freed tonight, one more of them safe from Lydecker!
"What's the plan after we get her out?" Niyah asked the others, taking a bite of Max's food.
Logan abruptly stood up, taking his cane. "I'll leave you to it," he said and began walking to the cash register. Zack glared after him.
"Logan!" Max called after him. He ignored her and kept walking.
Niyah raised one eyebrow. "Okay, what I say wrong?"
Max heaved a sigh and wiped her face. "Nothing. And as for what the plan is after tonight…I have to get back to Seattle. My boss, Normal, probably fired my ass by now. I'll need to get my bum job back and check on Original Cindy," she groaned softly. "I forgot to call her."
"Who's that?" Kyle asked.
"My roommate and best girlfriend."
"Oh. Well, I plan to stay here. I mean, this is my home. I grew up here. I have a dad and friends and," he paused, "and a girlfriend," he finished with a small smile.
Zack dug into his food. "I'm off to Canada with Brin and Niyah, if you'll come," he said to Niyah. "You two can do what you want but its safer out of this country. Lydecker has a harder time reaching us outside the USA."
"Yeah, I'll come. I've no reason to stick around anymore. I did what I came to do," Niyah replied exchanging a look with Kyle. Her eyes were sad, knowing she would leave all connections to Zan behind.
"It's settled then," Max said, taking a bite. "Just leave a contact number this time," she added, eyeing Zack. He smiled and nodded, his mouth full.
Logan slammed open the door to his hotel room. He knew he was supposed to be at the UFO Center looking at Brody's experiment but he was in no mood to talk to Brody, to talk to anyone for that matter. He couldn't stand sitting there listening to Max say she would leave with Zack. He'd had to run away from that. 'You are such a coward, Logan!' He paced the room angrily, trying to work out his frustration.
The door flew open and Max stormed in, spoiling for a fight. "What the hell was that?!" she demanded. Logan stopped and glared at her. "That was the rudest thing I've ever seen you do!"
"Sorry. So which is it, Canada or Mexico?"
"What!?"
"Or maybe Europe?"
"What the fuck are you talkin' about, Logan? What do foreign countries have to do with you running off like that?"
Logan just glared at her. She walked right up to him until they were practically nose to nose. "I am sick of this territorial bullshit between you and Zack so tell me, what the hell is going on?" she asked, her voice quiet and deadly. Logan desperately wanted to grab her shoulders and shake the obvious into her if that's what it took but instead he calmly turned and walked away.
"Logan!" Max shouted. "Oh, that's right, I forgot how much you like to hide from me." Logan stopped walking but kept his back towards her. "You think I don't know how much trouble your legs have been lately, that they give out constantly, that you're scared this walking gig is just a temporary thing? You really believe that you're successfully keeping that from me? You think I don't notice that you hide away in that plush crib of yours, terrified that if you step out you might actually have to start living again?"
Logan whirled around. "That's right. I hide away with my computers and I'm wasting my time trying to save the world. Blah, blah, woof, woof, right?!" he snarled at her.
"What's going on, Logan?! Afraid I might not be there to do my part for your precious Eyes Only?!"
That was all Logan could take. "I couldn't stay there and listen to you say where you and Zack are off to next!!!! I couldn't sit and hear that the love of my life is leaving in a few short hours to lead a life that will NEVER include me!! One that includes another man!!" he shouted at the top of his lungs. His chest was heaving with pent up emotion and his eyes filled with tears as he said softly, "I can't watch you leave."
Max stared in amazement. She had never imagined that his feelings for her ran this deep. She knew she was a beautiful woman and was used to all sorts of attention. But this was far more then she believed could be true. She slowly walked up towards him as Logan backed up until he hit the wall. She put a hand on his chest and said, "I'm not leaving. I'm coming back to Seattle, with you, if you want me."
Logan's entire body shuddered with relief. "Max," he said, a small sob escaping him as he covered his face with his hands. She pulled his hands away and kissed his tear-stained cheeks, tasting the salt. She kissed her way gently around his face, erasing the hurt and pain she saw there. He twisted his hands in her amazing hair as he took her face. His eyes dropped to her lips and then back up to her eyes, questioning her. As his head lowered to meet her lips with his own, her eyes drifted shut with a soft sigh. Despite the sensations rocketing through him, he kept that first kiss light, testing her acceptance with soft, gentle caresses. She tasted more unbelievable then he remembered; he found he couldn't get enough.
Her body felt like it was melting into his arms and she surrendered completely, allowing him to set the pace. But she never knew kissing could be this arousing and soon she needed to taste more of him. Kissing down his neck she pushed his jacket off his shoulders. His body felt out of control as he pulled her towards the bed. Quickly they shed their clothes, always maintaining some contact with the other. Logan stopped breathing when she was finally naked in front of him. He couldn't move or speak. She was so BEAUTIFUL! He'd never imagined such perfection, such radiance! Max felt shy under his gaze but that disappeared when she looked at Logan. The awe on his face erased any doubts she'd harbored about herself and she found she was breathless at the sight of him. He pulled her onto the bed with him and kissed her gently. They both wanted to take their time and to hell with their raging hormones. This wasn't just sex, this was making love to the person who completed their missing half. But eventually need caught up with them and their bodies rushed towards completion. As their breathing and heart rates slowed, Logan said her name over and over like a prayer. After a few moments the world began to register in Max's brain and she noticed she was snuggled trustingly against Logan. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. Max began to cry at the beauty of the moment; sure, she'd had sex but she'd never made love before.
"What's the matter? Did I hurt you?" Logan asked, concerned, seeing her tears.
"No," she smiled. "Quite the opposite." She touched his face, "I can't explain it. I've never felt like this before."
"Me neither," he whispered. They lay together, touching each other in amazement, tracing the other's outlines with awe and reverence. Max knew she had never truly known gentleness or safety until this moment. Logan looked in her eyes, "I love you, Max. I always have."
"I love you too, damn you," she replied with a laugh. "Guess that means I'm stuck with you, huh?"
His smile faded a bit. "You don't have to be. You could go with Zack, you'd be safer."
"I didn't mean it like that. I don't want to be with anyone but you. Seattle's my home. You're my home," she said, kissing him again. "Besides Original Cindy'd kick my ass if I didn't show up."
Logan laughed loudly and pulled Max to him. She was his, really his, and she loved him!
Max groaned. "I still forgot to call her!"
"Call who? Cindy?"
"Yeah, I promised I'd check in and I forgot. Better do it now," she grabbed her cell phone out of her bag and hit speed dial for her boo's numbers.
"'Sup?" Original Cindy answered.
"'Sup, boo?" Max grinned as Logan began kissing her stomach, tickling her with his stubble.
"Where the hell you been, girl, and you better have a damn fine excuse for calling me so god damn late! Original Cindy should put a smack down on your ass…"
"Hold up, hold up, I'm sorry. Doing the best I can here, aiight?" Max was giggling by now.
"Wait, my boo's giggling?! Thought this was a serious mission you was on, girl? Where are you anyway?"
"New Mexico."
"That is not what I meant. Don't play that game with Original Cindy, she knows all the tricks. Let me guess. You and money-bags got busy last night, didn't you? And I don't mean countin' his cash?"
Max considered using her old retort but was to damn happy right now to care what static her friends would give her. "Maybe." Logan continued to kiss her neck making it very difficult for her to concentrate.
Original Cindy shrieked into the phone and even Logan started laughing. "I knew it!! My girl's finally come to her senses and realized that her Prince Charming is sitting smack in front of her gorgeous, naïve face. I'm happy for you, boo."
"Finished?" Max attempted to sound firm and serious. Original Cindy grunted an affirmative. "Good. And don't tell Kendra or she'll beep me nonstop."
"I got your back, boo. Make sure he treats you right."
"Aiight, got it. Later, boo," and she hung up, smiling as Logan moved in for a passionate kiss.