Disclaimers: I don't own Dark Angel or anything related to it, doesn't life suck! And I don't own the dialogue form the first episode that you might recognize.

What if Max's mom had escaped Manticore with Max? What if Max

grew up knowing Original Cindy and Kendra? What if Max's mom

hadn't named Max, "Max," but something different. What if Logan

wanted to find this Manticore "orphan." Here's their story...

A/N: I want to thank everyone who reviewed. I picked Casssandra because of the meaning of the name, tricker of men just seems to fit so well for Max. If you think any part could be better, I'm open to suggestions. Anyone wanna help me proofread??????

**********************

*2 years later*

Cass went into the kitchen, looking for some food. At this

point, anything would do. Kendra was now living with Mr. Multiples,

Original Cindy was still her roomie, she had a job at Jam Pony, and

her night job, and she had almost gotten Logan Cale out of her head. For the first couple of months she had tried to get any run in his nieghborhood, but he never seemed to need anything delivered.

Now, it just seemed like a childhood crush, like the ones she remembered having in high school. She was always a good student, but in a broken world only people with money went to college. People like Logan Cale.

"Mornin', Boo," Original Cindy came out of her layer. "Still

thinkin' 'bout Mr. Popularity?"

"No, nothin' like that," Cass said, turning towards her cereal. "Why?"

"'Cause ya just poured water in your bowl with no cereal, or milk," O.C.'s voice was soft, comforting.

"Damn," Cass cursed herself, pouring the water down the drain and pulling the cereal out of the cabinet.

"Uh huh, you're thoughts are on that Logan Cale guy, aren't they?" Cindy pulled the cereal away from Cassandra and poured it into two bowls.

"Thanks, Boo," Cassandra took her bowl of cereal and sat down at the counter. "No, I was just thinkin' 'bout the last two years and all that's happened.

"Well then, Original Cindy was right, you were thinkin' 'bout

Mr. Moneybags," Original started packing her pack for work, she was already primped and ready to work. She was stuffing food down with one hand and was packing with the other.

"Only indirectly," Cass looked sad, she just wanted things to go easy for once, her friends had already almost had her arrested until she explained her siezures to them.

"Whateva, you are free to believe what ya want, but don't

come cryin' to me when this blows up in your face, and ya know it

will," O.C. knew she had hit a nerve. "I didn't mean-"

"I know," Cass smiled. It still bothered her when there were vague refrences to anything that related to that awful week when she couldn't come home because she was afraid that they might not accept her. "No big dealio. Why are you in such a big hurry this mornin'?"

"Heard there was a new chick startin' work today, thought

maybe I would go give her a hand, help her avoid Sketchy-"

"And maybe score some brownie points," Cass finished.

"Maybe," Original's voice was very innocent.

"Well, I'm not trying to impress some poor, little, new girl,

so I'll be there perfectly on time," Cassandra gave her boo a look.

"Fine, blow my cover," O.C. stuck her tongue out at Cass.

"I'll be quite happy to, thank you. Now if you'll excuse me,

I'm going to finish my breakfast, and then I'm gonna take a shower."

Cass held her head up very dignified, then stuck her tongue out at

Original.

"Late'," Cindy called, leaving the apartment, but not before

turning and sticking her tongue out at Cass.

"Bye," Cassandra stretched and finished eating, she still had

to shower after all.

************************

*Jam Pony*

Normal glared at Cass when she arrived ten minutes late, "And just what do you think you're doing, dropping by this late, why even bother coming in at all?"

"As much as I wish I could quit, you and I both know that isn't even a possibility, considering the fact that I'm your best runner, and do not even bother with "bip, bip, bip" I hear you loud and clear," Cassandra glared right back at him, daring him to challenge her. "I also had a little problem at a checkpoint, they didn't have Jam Pony messenger clearance," she marched off, pissed at the world. Cass pulled up to Original Cindy, "Morning, sunshine. What happened to the girl, Boo?"

"Caught some son-of-a-bitch stealing my bike. Used a car jack to break my u-lock and bent a bunch of spokes. Now, I got to get my wheel laced," Original's face was set in a frown and an unhappy glare. "She's been hittin' on every male being that walked in here, startin' with Normal and endin' wit Sketchy over there."

"At least he didn't swing with your ride," Cassandra dropped the girl story.

"True that, but I broke a nail giving him a cranium crack. And that just wrecks your day you know what I'm saying?" Cindy tossed a look over at Sketchy. Cass nodded in sympathy. "Look at her, she's tall, gorgeous, sweet, legs from here to there. I want one of those, Cass."

"Straight?" Cass asked, teasingly.

Cindy smiled and shook her head, "Shame wasting a girl like that on a male."

"Well, if you got an itch, scratch it," Cass winked at O.C. before going to pick up her assignment.

"Do not attempt to adjust your set," the t.v. blared, Cass imediately went to watch. She knew that voice. "This is a streaming freedom video bulletin. The cable hack will last exactly 60 seconds. It cannot be traced, it cannot be stopped and it is the only free voice left in the city. There are certain men who move through the world with impunity. Their actions,no matter how vile are immune from consequence. Edgar Sonrisa is such a man. You've seen him, smiling at political fund-raisers."

"On your own time, people! Place of business. Bip, bip, bip!" Normal tried to break up the crowd.

"Shut up," someone hissed.

"He owns shopping centers, a trucking company and the largest medical supply company in the northwest. He also runs drugs and guns up and down the west coast," the hack continued.

"The man is deep," Sketch said, watching in amazement.

"He's very obviously dirty. Journalists who have attempted to expose him have been gunned down in the street. Their blood is the ink of our modern news. Those who've opposed him have vanished. All of that is about to change," Cass narrowed her eyes, she knew that voice.

Shaking it off she walked to the front desk grabbed a package and began her runs.

************************

*Jam Pony* almost closing time

"Cassandra, since you were the last one here, you get to deliver the last package," Normal tossed it to her.

"Gee, thanks. Let me try to contain my joy. Whoopee," Cass's voice was flat. She quickly went to the drop off.

Cass ended up in an old financial district, back in the day. 'America really thought they had it dialed in money hanging out the butt. But it was all just a bunch of ones and zeroes in a computer someplace. So, when that bomb went ka-blooey and the electromagnetic pulse turned all the ones and zeroes into plain old zeroes, everyone's like, "no way." Now, America's just another broke ex-super power looking for a handout and wondering why,' her cynical thoughts left her before she could control it. It was an old high-rise building in the center of the block, nice, but old.

Cass walked up to some poor over worked secretary, "I need a signature."

"Hold on a moment, please," the secretary took the delivery receipt and Cass began looking around, her eyes catching a shiny statue across the street.

*************************

*Crash*

Cass and Cindy were at the bar, watching the newest rider perform. "Yum, look at that girl, she's so hot," Cindy said, following the girl with rapt attention.

"Girl, do notice how everytime the last few years you've said that, the girl is either straight or bi-, and I know you don't like that," Cass grinned at her friend, letting her know it was all in fun.

"Well, I'm gonna go see if I can't hook up-" Cindy stopped. "Dog, four o'clock," she turned to look at Cass.

Cass frowned as her latest ex- stopped by. "I'll have a beer, since you're buying," he said.

"I wasn't," she frowned glancing at Original.

"How you doing, Cass?" he asked, almost with concern.

"You mean until you showed up?" Cindy muttered.

"You're not still pissed off?" he said, with more concern for himself than Cass. "You know why I went after Justine?"

"She was there?" Cass shrugged.

"Trying to have a relationship with you, Cass, is like standing in a fog bank. You know, you're right in the middle of something except you have absolutely no idea where you are," the guy said, storming off.

"And when the fog lifted, there was that dog with his head under Justine's skirt," Cindy said to his back.

"I'm really glad we were able to have this conversation. You're right, I was angry at you but talking about it...the scales have fallen from my eyes and I realize now that...it was all my fault. Could you ever forgive me?" Cass called after him.

"I see the perimeter defense system is still fully intact. At least I tried," he turned around long enough to say.

"Tell me the truth. Am I a female fog bank?" Cass turned to Cindy.

"He's just trying to blame you because he's a slut. There is not the slightest grain of truth in anything that that idiot was saying. You are a totally down-ass female and a straight-up friend. Just 'cause you're a little..." O.C. tried to reassure her friend.

"Foggy..." Cass substituted.

"More like a mystery...which isn't bad," she quickly added.

Cass's beeper chose that moment to go off, "Gotta blaze," she said looking at the number.

"The day that girl listens," Original mumbled.

"Hey," said a cute red-head, walking up to Cindy. "My names Angel. What's yours?"

"Original Cindy," Cindy smiled. "What are you doing here?" she started, this was gonna be a good night.

**********************

*Cass's motorcycle, middle of the city"

'I can't believe I'm doing this,' she thought, pulling up to the building she had seen earlier. She delicately broke in, going for exactly what she wanted. She stops as she heard someone approach her.

"I need security," the guy said as Cass turned around. She smiled at him and winked before running out of the room. She stopped in a room with a woman and child, they began to scream.

"It's okay," she smiled, turning to catch the bodyguard in the middle of a move. She then proceeded to beat him with a couple of round house kicks and punches. She then went to grab the statue.

"Drop it! Now!" Cass froze, Eyes Only.

"No problem," she let it slide, not turning around.

"Lauren...you and Sophy okay?" the man tossed over his shoulder.

"Yeah...we're okay," the woman said. "I think Peter'll be too."

"Turn around," the man demanded. "You..." he recognized Cass as she spun around. "You're a thief?" he was slightly shocked.

"Girl's got to make a living," she shrugged, not letting on that she knew this man. Logan Cale was Eyes Only, oh, this was good.

"I was expecting someone else," he blushed slightly, this was not good...at all.

Cass looked at the gun, fear in her eyes, she didn't like guns. "Guess it wasn't delivery."

Logan looked at the statue, "You have good taste. French, 1920s, a tribute to Chitarus. So, you liked it 'cause it was shiny?"

"It's the Egyptian goddess Bast, the goddess who compre-hends all goddesses, eye of Ra, protector, avenger, destroyer, giver of life who lives forever," Cass rolled her eyes. "Didn't you take mythology in high school. As much as I'd love to hang and discuss art, but I got to jet. By the way, I love your show."

Cass took off out the window.

Logan Cale watched in amazement as this girl took off, it was that girl from the alley two years ago. "Security," a man pounded on the door.

"No need," Logan said, answering the knock. "No harm done." Logan shut the door and walked into the back room where all his computer stuff was. "Time to find out who you really are, Cassandra- tricker of men..."

**********************

*Space Needle, 4:00 a.m.*

Cass was gazing over the city, not sure what she was gonna do. 'Great, Mr. Eyes Only is that Logan Cale guy from the alley two years ago. This means he has plenty of resources to find out who I really am. That is no good, considering I don't even know what I really am. I'm this weird genetic freak who can scale fifteen foot fences, hold her breath forever, and I go into this weird heat-like thing every four months or so. But that's not all, not by a long shot, I don't sleep, I'm always hungry, I have siezures... I can do things normal people can only dream about, plus this funky tattoo, it's scary and exciting at the same time. Maybe this is what Mom was afraid of, the compromising of a situtation, maybe she was afraid of people like this Logan Cale who know too much for their own good...' Cass sat perfectly still as she watched the sunrise over the city. "And you know the worst part?" she said outloud. "I wouldn't give it up for anything, ever."

*************************

*O.C. and Cass's apartment, 7:00 a.m.*

"Do you think Normal would let me have a sick day?" Cindy asked as she stumbled into the kitchen.

"On what basis? You were up all night bangin' the gong with some fine piece of sugar," Cass ducked to avoid the pillow Cindy tossed at her, both laughed.

"No, I've got some weird foreign disease that brings death to all males who touch me," Cindy said, wrinkling her nose at the coffee Cass handed her.

"At least it brings death to males," said the cute red-head from the bar last night. She wrapped her arms around O.C. "As much as I would love to stay, I gotta get home before my roomie wonders where I've been." Angel untangled herself from O.C. and walked out the door, "Call me!"

"Not a chance," Cindy muttered, sipping her coffee.

"Tell me more," Cass said, leaning forward over the counter to pick up her plate.

"First, there's no way that roomie of hers is only a roomie, I'm bettin' boyfriend," Cass's eyebrows shot up. "Her routine was a little like she was distancing her body from her mind. My guess-she's no better than the dog she's livin' wit and he hasn't a clue as to what she's doin'. Second, Original Cindy doesn't do girls who cheat on a boy, they won't handle a girl any better. Third, she's not totally playin' for this team, just testin' the waters before she breaks from her boy. Need anything else?" Cindy looked pissed.

"Nope, totally understand where you're comin' from," Cass gave her a half smile. "The team I'm playing for ain't any better."

"Well, if you ever decide to switch, you know where to find me," Original streched and walked into the bathroom.

"I'll tell Normal you have some weird case of the flu," Cass called after her.

***********************

*Logan Cale's apartment, 9:00a.m.*

"Jam Pony messenger, open up," Cass yelled through the door, she was not looking forward to seeing any of the people in here again.

"One moment," Logan smiled, he couldn't believe what he was about to do. Cass waited impatiently in the hall. "Yes," Logan answered.

"Package, I need a signature, and have a nice day," Cass glared at this man. She handed the package and the delivery receipt over to him.

"Thanks for getting it here so quickly. Would you like to come in?" he smiled, hoping she would accept his invitation.

"No thanks, I gotta lot of runs to complete," Cass said flatly, she just wanted to get out of there.

"Okay, here you go," Logan handed both the package and the receipt back to her.

"You keep the package and," she tore off the bottom sheet of the receipt, "this proof of delivery." Cass handed both back to him.

Logan took the receipt, "I can take this, but its a federal offense to open another person's mail. Check the name on the package." Cass looked at the name, then looked up, surprise was evident in her face. "The package is for you," he opened up the door wider, giving her a chance to come in, "and I would really like it if I could see your face when you open it."

Cass glanced around the room suspiciously, checking every corner for security cameras, recorders, etc. Seeing none, she turned back to Cale. "Give me one good reason why I should answer your request, take this gift, and not throw it away before opening it. Unless, of course, you are using some perverted reverse psycology and there's a bomb in this package or a tracking device, in which case I should leave it right here."

"Come on," he said leaning forward and lowering his voice, "do you really think Eyes Only would kill a potential employee? I'm only preposing a business deal, one that would help us both." Logan pulled back, challenging this girl in front of him.

"Potential employee, business deal, and what does your wife think of all this?" Cassandra asked, raising her eyebrow as she accepted his challenge.

"I'm not married, the woman, I'm presuming, that you think is my wife is a business associate, nothing more. I asking your help in getting her and her daughter to a safehouse, please," Logan gave her his puppy dog eyes that had worked on so many other woman before.

"And why ask some little girl off the street? Because you think I'm easy? Because I'll make good bait? Because you want to impress me with your great manlyness?" Cass stressed the last word, trying to ignore his eyes.

"I don't want to discuss it in the hall, but I know who you are, or more specificly where you came from," he whispered, so quietly even Cass had to concentrate on what he said.

"That's funny, 'cause I have no idea what the hell you're talking about and I suggest you leave me alone before I kick your ass," she turned and stormed down the hall, to the elevator.

"Elevator's broken, you'll have to take the stairs," Logan smiled at this girl. "Don't forget to open up your gift!" he said to her back as she turned around and huffed to the stairwell. "If you change your answer, call me." Logan went into his apartment and prepared for tomorrow.

*************************

*Jam Pony, two days later, 11:30a.m.*

"And in other news-" the newsreporter on the t.v. went on, but Cass didn't here, she was staring at the t.v. in horror. She had just seen Logan Cale get shot.

"And it's all because of me," she whispered.

"What, Boo?" O.C. asked with concern.

"Nottin, cover for me. 'Kay?" Cass turned to run out the building.

"Girl?!" Cindy stared at her friend's quickly retreating back.

************************

*Hospital, Front Desk*

"Hi, I'm here to see Logan Cale," Cass said, trying to look very upbeat.

"I'm sorry, he hasn't approved any visitors," the nurse said, not looking at this girl.

"Well, that just can't be. I know my Loggie would approve of me visiting him. I mean," Cass turned on the tears, "we're gonna be married in a couple of months, we even picked out our honey-moon vacation. At least tell me his room number, then I can send him flowers or something."

The nurse bit her bottom lip, she felt for this girl so much, what was she supposed to do? "He's in room number," she leaned forward to whisper it in Cass's ear.

"Thanks," Cass smiled through the tears. 'Score!' she said in her head. "I'll be sure to send him something," she turned and walked out the door. Cass watched the front desk while pretending to wait for visiting hours to start for the "regular" people. Finally, the thin blonde that she had talked to went on break or shift change. Cass lowered her head and pulled her cap down as she walked by the front desk. She preceeded quickly down the hallway ducking into Logan's room.

"So, I see you're gettin' the VIP treatment," she said. "I have to say, I didn't expect you to be awake yet." Cass observed him as he carefully watched her.

"What are you doing here? To rub my face in the fact that I'm in pain because I'VE BEEN SHOT!!!" Logan yelled at her. Cass met his eyes and glared at him. Logan didn't back down, but the sudden movement had hurt him.

"Is anything wrong in here?" a too perky nurse peaked into the room.

"Just a minor lover's quarrel," Cass covered quickly. "Everything's fine now," Cass looked at Logan for his agreement.

"Don't forget to buzz if you need anything Mr. Cale," the nurse said at his agreement. She shut the door as she left.

"Well, what are you here for?" he asked, his face was grim, eyes glaring. "Don't tell me you're here to apologize, I wouldn't want you to lose face." His voice was bitter, biting, and it caused Cassandra to wince as if physically stung.

"I came here for a coupla reasons," Cass covered for her wince. "I wanted to say... it's a shame you had to get shot to save that girl and her mom. I'd like to help you and your cause. I also came to give you this," Cass pulled the statue of Bast out of her bag and put it on the bed. "I can't accept it, not after this." Cass quickly went to the window, waiting for his response. Something caught the corner of her eye and she concentrated on it, bringing it into focus.

"Don't worry about it, I don't need it," he put the statue on the bedside table, "and you don't have to bother about helping, I don't need or want your pity."

"Fine, whatev', I was just tryin' to help," she grabbed Logan's bed and pushed it out the door, just in time to avoid a minor explosion in his room.

"Thanks, now I owe you one," Logan mumbled, his back was killing him.

"Then let me help you by saving that girl's heart and bringing her mom and her back together," Cass whispered. She had tears in her eyes.

"Go to my apartment, the information is all in my computer, I'm sure you won't need any help," Logan said as the nurses and his doctor ran to his side, pushing Cass away.

"Bye," she whispered. This man had no reason to trust her, and yet, he did. Now, she was gonna do her best to save this family.

*************************

*Logan's new Hospital Room, 2:00a.m.*

Cassandra snuck into the room that Logan had been moved to. She had gotten the woman and her child back together, now all she wanted to do was see this man that had sacrificed so much. She also needed to ask him about the information he had on her and where she came from.

"Hey," she whispered, lightly crossing the room. "I just wanted to tell you it's all done, the family's together. I need your help, and I hear your condition is worsening, so I thought of a solution. My mom had all these files when she dies, so I went through them and found somethings out about myself. The first one being, I'm not really her daughter, but an implanted embryo. I have had so many wierd things happen to me, and I need someone to get through it all with. I chose you." Cass grabbed a blood transfusion syringe off the shelf, "Now it's my turn to help the innocent." She began transfering her blood to him, "Let's pray this works."

Cass fell asleep in the chair next to Logan's bed. She woke up to a gentle shaking. "Hey, girl, you gotta get outta here," it was the guy from Logan's apartment. "The doctor'll be around any minute," he pointed to the door.

"Okay," Cass pulled out the needle and climbed out the window.

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It may take me awhile to get the next part out. DON'T WORRY!! IT'LL

BE HERE SOON!! More reviews, faster I'll go:)!