AN: So here's another short chapter. I know alot of it is dialoge between the nameless X-6 and Max, but I have a feeling that a friendship between them could be an intricate part of Max and Logan living happily ever after outside of Manticore. Please Read and Reveiw....critisism is more than welcome, i know that everyone who reads this can think of something i'm doing wrong.....feel free to inform me of these shortcomings. Other than that enjoy!

CHAPTER 6

After the drills, Max and the X-6 sat alone at a table in the mess hall poking at the food. 115 complaining constantly, "Man, they say it's bad in Seattle, but at least the food is edible in the real world."

"You were in Seattle?" Max asked, she was actually enjoying the conversation, it was a pleasent change from everyone else in the complex.

"Yup. I just got back two days ago. I was on an elimination mission."

"What fun." Max replied sarcastically.

"Yeah, it was pretty bad," 115 said "and I know that I probably sound weak, but I had a hard time killing this guy."

"That doesn't sound weak." Max replied, "It sounds too normal for this place, but not weak."

"I mean, the man had two little girls, and I don't even know what he did to deserve being killed." She paused for a second, "But you can't question orders here."

"How long were you in Seattle?" Max asked

"A little over a month."

"Wow, that long for an undercover elimination." Max whistled, "What took so long?"

"Nothing really, I just liked being outside with out these morons telling me what to do. So I watched the building, ate sushi, and walked around Seattle until I could convince myself that I had to kill him and come back here."

"Why did you come back at all?" Max asked

"I'm not sure." 115 replied, "I sure didn't want to come back here, but if I didn't they would find me eventually and drag me back anyway."

"I guess." Max replied

"It's almost 0900 hours, your supposed to be back in your cell by then." 115 stood up and Max followed her out into the hall. "Why did you leave Manticore?" she asked when they were a safe distance from the guards at the door.

"Our CO planned it." Max said, "We just couldn't take our watching one another die or disappear in the middle of the night."

"Were you actually happy outside?"

"At first it was hard, but after I got used to it life was good." Max replied, "Especially the last year, I found someone who I opened up to and he cared about me for who I am. When I was with him I felt wanted, he didn't ever make me feel like a freak or a mistake." She paused, "Now I probably sound weak."

"Not at all," 115 said "that's what everyone wants, to be accepted."

"I guess." Max nodded, "But I am a freak. I'm a danger to everyone on the outside, it's because of me that he's dead."

"How'd he die?"

"When we attacked Manticore, he came too." Max said "When I was shot, he came looking for me and got captured and was killed." Max could feel a lump beginning to form in her throught.

"Wait a sec." 115 interrupted, "This man, is he about 6 foot or so, w/ dark blonde hair, glasses, and uses a wheelchair?" She didn't wait for Max to answer, the look on her face was enough, "He's not dead."

"But I saw pictures and videos of his death. Renfro's guards beat him to death."

"Propaganda." 115 coughed, "I'll walk you by where they're keeping him, my CO should be guarding the door, maybe you can look in through the bars while I distract him." Max was speechless as they walked down the hall to where Logan was being kept. "Hey, 403!" 115 called out to the guard at the door, "Guess what they're serving for lunch?" Max noticed that the boy at the door visible relaxed as he approached his friend.

"What?" he asked

"I was actually hoping you could tell me." 115 replied "As far as I could tell it was some sort of unidentifed mush."

"Your spoiled, you know that...." their conversation went on while Max walked over to the bars on the cell door and peeked inside. There was no mistaking the identity of the man lying on the cot, and Max's heart lept when she saw him, only to have it sink to her stomach when she realized how beaten he was. There were long cuts running down his muscular arms. His scruffy beard was matted with blood and his face was bruised and cut.

"Logan...psst, Logan" Max whispered into the cell trying to stay quiet so she wouldn't alert anyone.

"Max." Logan mumbled, he was fast asleep. Max felt horrible for him, but hid her feelings as she walked back to her cell with 115.

When they got to Max's cell, they found Renfro waiting for her there. "452," Renfro nodded at Max, who saluted and stood at attention. "at ease." Renfro gave the command and Max obeyed. "How is everything?"

"Very good ma'am." Max replied

"That's good." Renfro replied, "I'm sure that you would love to get out of your cell and back into the barracks wouldn't you?"

"Very much so ma'am." Max gave a standard issue reply.

"I though so." Renfro nodded, "And your sister Brin has been awaiting your arrival for quite some time now, she is looking forward to having you back."

"As I am looking forward to seeing her." Max replied

"Before I can let you back with the other soldiers, I have one mission that you must complete successfully. After that you will be just as free as anyone else in this complex." Renfro said

'Right free.' 115 thought sarcastically, 'We are locked up in a cage, yet we're free. What a paradox.'

"I want you to meet me in the briefing room tomarrow at 0600 hours, I will give you your instructions there." Renfro ordered

"Yes ma'am." Max replyed

"And 115," Renfro turned her head to the X-6, "I want to speak to you privatly."

"Yes ma'am." 115 replied and locked Max into her cell. Then she walked down the hall a little ways to where Renfro was standing.

"How is 452 doing?" Renfro asked

"I'm not sure I know what you are asking ma'am."

"Does she ever talk about home, the outside, friends, or especially a certain male friend who also happens to be Eyes-Only?"

"Never ma'am." 115 lied

"Good." Renfro nodded, "That will be all. Resume your post."

"Yes ma'am." 115 saluted and walked back to stand outside of Max's cell.

TBC......

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AN: so there's another chapter....tell me what you thought. Thanks a ton to everyone who reviewed :)






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