Spoilers: Set after Hello, Goodbye - so anything prior to this
episode is spoiled and as the story continues, it may impinge
slightly on other episodes after unintentionally.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters that we owe
thanks to James Cameron, FOX and anyone else associated with
Dark Angel.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
494 trudged up to his room after speedily showering and shaving. His golden sculpted muscles shone in the dim light and he paused momentarily at the window, studying his reflection. His carved face with smooth, unflawed skin emitted a healthy glow and his pouty pink lips pulled back to reveal a set of perfectly straight white teeth. He almost didn't recognise himself the first day out of Psy-Ops and reindoctrination, he had seemed so many years older than he remembered. 494 continued staring at the window, which gave him a clear view of the whole city of Seattle. His sensitive ears pricked at the low rumble of a motorcycle and his pupils dilated as he zoomed in to see a sleek black machine zoom across the road far off in the distance. He felt an unexplained twinge in his heart and he closed his eyes, nearly falling backwards by a powerful series of images triggered in his mind.
Flashback:
He was holding onto a beautiful woman's back as they sped across the road on her motorcycle. He could feel her toned thighs under leather with his hands grasping her. Her long brown hair flying into his face, as they both grinned into the oncoming wind.
494's eyes opened immediately. What was that? He closes his eyes again and more images of the woman surfaced. Him kissing her on the head. He smiled coyly to himself, obviously she was a girl he had been involved with, perhaps his mate, a secret lover (he remember having been able to do what he wanted at Manticore, being such a high ranking soldier and the guards all being wrapped around his finger) or perhaps someone from a mission.
Flashback:
She was sitting on his lap in some sleazy dive. A bar. No, a strip club. She was stroking his hair and chest. He could feel his chest clench beneath her.
These were memories with no explanation. He couldn't explain where they had come from, what they were or why his heart was suddenly racing. Shaking his head in disappointment, 494 dressed quickly and made his way to Lydecker downstairs.
"Right on time soldier, but should I expect any less? It's pleasing to see you've returned to your roots. Before we leave, hold out your hand, palm down."
494 tentatively reached out and watched impassively as the Colonel snapped a silver electronic cuff on his wrist.
"Just in case you have a change of heart and try to escape. This will tell me where you are, any day, night or place. You can try to cross me, but know that you have nowhere to run soldier."
The older man turned and 494 followed him into an awaiting unmarked van.
* * * * *
Max entered Foggle Towers with the full intention of asking Logan to explain his side of the story. However, when she entered the stylish penthouse apartment, she realised her inability to effectively communicate verbally. As Logan happily welcomed her with a warm smile, she returned the greeting with a jaw-breaking punch.
"This isn't necessary you know.",
Logan spoke to Max calmly, looking down at the network of ropes strapping him against his chair. Her voice replied in a snide, sneering manner,
"Yeah but it's fun! Though, the idea of getting to lay more beats of you should you try to escape also sounds, how should I put it.bitchin'!"
"I don't understand why you're doing this Max, unless it's some kind of kinky dominatrix situation, in which case - pleasure away."
"You're a pig.Answer me this, why play me like that? Did they tell you to or was that just a fringe benefit? Toying with someone's heart is ruthless Logan, but I guess that's the only way you know how to play in this world."
A mixture of confusion and fear overcame his scruffy face. Max quietened her voice, unable to hide the anger, contempt and disgust she felt,
"Why would you work for them? It goes against everything you stand for."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Tell me where Alec is and I will let you go."
"If I knew that, I would have told you long ago."
Max eyed him quizzingly, he sounded sincere enough, yet she wasn't easily fooled,
"Cut the crap Logan. I know all about the alliance between Eyes Only and Manticore. Your best shot to stay alive is to tell me everything. And why."
He fell silent, as if weighing up the pros and cons. Max bit her lip in an effort to fight back tears.
"Everyone has a price, how do you think I could afford this lifestyle?"
"You sold out. Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill your sorry ass."
"I love you."
"You betrayed me. You don't love me, you're too selfish to love anyone but yourself."
"You're alive, aren't you? That was always the deal between them and me. I would selectively work for them in exchange for the guarantee you'd be kept alive at all costs. That, and of course, an excessively high fee."
He smirked and Max restrained herself from reaching across and slapping the smug look off Logan's face.
"You.but it doesn't make any sense, any of it. You were working against them. Or so it seemed."
"Orders Max. I was to create speculation amongst the public, prepare them for the possibility of integration with transgenics. I was ordered to make you all appear as victims and Manticore as the villain. People couldn't punish Manticore, but they could retaliate against transgenics - worse than they are now. I encouraged the public to accept them."
"And what part did I play in all of this?"
"You were what sparked my initial interest in Manticore. After I discovered the barcode on your neck and we agreed to go quid pro quo, I had to know more - become involved."
"You double crossed me."
"NO! I brought you no harm. Untie me Max, I know you love me like I love you - we can work through this together. Untie me Max."
She stiffened, her heart accelerating to that of the speed of a mouse. What was she supposed to do now, what could she do? She couldn't kill him, but she very well couldn't let him go.
"Tell me where Alec is."
"How can you pick him over me!"
Logan's voice rose mammoth decibels and rang out through the room. Max flinched, knowing she had to tread carefully in order to save Alec. She put on an irresistibly sugary tone,
"I'm not, he's just my best friend. You.you're the one I pick - you're more of a boyfriend. I am responsible for him because he's missing due to me. Let me save him and you and I can move on together to sort out everything."
Silence.
"Logan, look at me. I don't love him, I just want to save him."
"You cant save him. Its too late."
Tears rolled down Max's face soundlessly and she wiped at them angrily. A good soldier doesn't show their weakness. She understood that now. Alec was dead and it was all her fault.
"Max."
She glared at Logan and slapped him, causing his already bruising face to shudder and then droop as he slipped out of consciousness. She stormed out, never looking back at the man that had, for the longest time, had her so fooled.
* * * * *
"This wont take long.",
Lydecker announced confidently at the apartment door. 494 felt a familiarity with his surroundings, yet stood up straight and attentively next to him, awaiting introduction and instruction. The knock at the door was answered with a muffled moan, which was only barely heard by the transgenic soldier.
"Sir, there appears to be someone residing inside - they sound as though in pain."
Lydecker grimaced and motioned for 494 to break through the door. No need, it was left ajar and the two cautiously made their way inside, Lydecker hiding in his shadow. They stopped gaping at the sight before them,
"What happened to you?"
"She knows."
"Who does?"
"Max."
Lydecker stifled a grin and focused his face in an effort to remain serious, sneaking a glance at the soldier next to him.
The image of himself and the female riding on a motorcycle flickered into 494's mind at the last word, which echoed from the restrained older man. He kept his eyes trained coolly ahead, focused on the man he had been brought to meet. He also looked familiar as 494 struggled to remember him; he felt an unexplained surge of hate fill him. Their eyes met and 494 realised the familiarity, cyber journalist Eyes Only.
* * * * *
Logan's face broke out into a wide smile as he stared at the soldier who had just untied him,
"Is he?"
"Fully operational. He has successfully returned to the position he once held at Manticore several years ago, as one of the facility's most valued assets."
"Will he obey my orders?"
"He knows he answers to you and I only."
"Okay then, that's all. You can leave Deck, I know where to reach you if necessary."
Lydecker opened his mouth to argue, but thought better; silently exiting the lavish home. Logan turned to the patiently waiting transgenic,
"Who would have thought? Certainly not me. But this is going to be a real treat."
* * * * *
"Hello old friend. I know this might be unexpected, but it's Lydecker. I need you to do something for me."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
494 trudged up to his room after speedily showering and shaving. His golden sculpted muscles shone in the dim light and he paused momentarily at the window, studying his reflection. His carved face with smooth, unflawed skin emitted a healthy glow and his pouty pink lips pulled back to reveal a set of perfectly straight white teeth. He almost didn't recognise himself the first day out of Psy-Ops and reindoctrination, he had seemed so many years older than he remembered. 494 continued staring at the window, which gave him a clear view of the whole city of Seattle. His sensitive ears pricked at the low rumble of a motorcycle and his pupils dilated as he zoomed in to see a sleek black machine zoom across the road far off in the distance. He felt an unexplained twinge in his heart and he closed his eyes, nearly falling backwards by a powerful series of images triggered in his mind.
Flashback:
He was holding onto a beautiful woman's back as they sped across the road on her motorcycle. He could feel her toned thighs under leather with his hands grasping her. Her long brown hair flying into his face, as they both grinned into the oncoming wind.
494's eyes opened immediately. What was that? He closes his eyes again and more images of the woman surfaced. Him kissing her on the head. He smiled coyly to himself, obviously she was a girl he had been involved with, perhaps his mate, a secret lover (he remember having been able to do what he wanted at Manticore, being such a high ranking soldier and the guards all being wrapped around his finger) or perhaps someone from a mission.
Flashback:
She was sitting on his lap in some sleazy dive. A bar. No, a strip club. She was stroking his hair and chest. He could feel his chest clench beneath her.
These were memories with no explanation. He couldn't explain where they had come from, what they were or why his heart was suddenly racing. Shaking his head in disappointment, 494 dressed quickly and made his way to Lydecker downstairs.
"Right on time soldier, but should I expect any less? It's pleasing to see you've returned to your roots. Before we leave, hold out your hand, palm down."
494 tentatively reached out and watched impassively as the Colonel snapped a silver electronic cuff on his wrist.
"Just in case you have a change of heart and try to escape. This will tell me where you are, any day, night or place. You can try to cross me, but know that you have nowhere to run soldier."
The older man turned and 494 followed him into an awaiting unmarked van.
* * * * *
Max entered Foggle Towers with the full intention of asking Logan to explain his side of the story. However, when she entered the stylish penthouse apartment, she realised her inability to effectively communicate verbally. As Logan happily welcomed her with a warm smile, she returned the greeting with a jaw-breaking punch.
"This isn't necessary you know.",
Logan spoke to Max calmly, looking down at the network of ropes strapping him against his chair. Her voice replied in a snide, sneering manner,
"Yeah but it's fun! Though, the idea of getting to lay more beats of you should you try to escape also sounds, how should I put it.bitchin'!"
"I don't understand why you're doing this Max, unless it's some kind of kinky dominatrix situation, in which case - pleasure away."
"You're a pig.Answer me this, why play me like that? Did they tell you to or was that just a fringe benefit? Toying with someone's heart is ruthless Logan, but I guess that's the only way you know how to play in this world."
A mixture of confusion and fear overcame his scruffy face. Max quietened her voice, unable to hide the anger, contempt and disgust she felt,
"Why would you work for them? It goes against everything you stand for."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Tell me where Alec is and I will let you go."
"If I knew that, I would have told you long ago."
Max eyed him quizzingly, he sounded sincere enough, yet she wasn't easily fooled,
"Cut the crap Logan. I know all about the alliance between Eyes Only and Manticore. Your best shot to stay alive is to tell me everything. And why."
He fell silent, as if weighing up the pros and cons. Max bit her lip in an effort to fight back tears.
"Everyone has a price, how do you think I could afford this lifestyle?"
"You sold out. Give me a reason why I shouldn't kill your sorry ass."
"I love you."
"You betrayed me. You don't love me, you're too selfish to love anyone but yourself."
"You're alive, aren't you? That was always the deal between them and me. I would selectively work for them in exchange for the guarantee you'd be kept alive at all costs. That, and of course, an excessively high fee."
He smirked and Max restrained herself from reaching across and slapping the smug look off Logan's face.
"You.but it doesn't make any sense, any of it. You were working against them. Or so it seemed."
"Orders Max. I was to create speculation amongst the public, prepare them for the possibility of integration with transgenics. I was ordered to make you all appear as victims and Manticore as the villain. People couldn't punish Manticore, but they could retaliate against transgenics - worse than they are now. I encouraged the public to accept them."
"And what part did I play in all of this?"
"You were what sparked my initial interest in Manticore. After I discovered the barcode on your neck and we agreed to go quid pro quo, I had to know more - become involved."
"You double crossed me."
"NO! I brought you no harm. Untie me Max, I know you love me like I love you - we can work through this together. Untie me Max."
She stiffened, her heart accelerating to that of the speed of a mouse. What was she supposed to do now, what could she do? She couldn't kill him, but she very well couldn't let him go.
"Tell me where Alec is."
"How can you pick him over me!"
Logan's voice rose mammoth decibels and rang out through the room. Max flinched, knowing she had to tread carefully in order to save Alec. She put on an irresistibly sugary tone,
"I'm not, he's just my best friend. You.you're the one I pick - you're more of a boyfriend. I am responsible for him because he's missing due to me. Let me save him and you and I can move on together to sort out everything."
Silence.
"Logan, look at me. I don't love him, I just want to save him."
"You cant save him. Its too late."
Tears rolled down Max's face soundlessly and she wiped at them angrily. A good soldier doesn't show their weakness. She understood that now. Alec was dead and it was all her fault.
"Max."
She glared at Logan and slapped him, causing his already bruising face to shudder and then droop as he slipped out of consciousness. She stormed out, never looking back at the man that had, for the longest time, had her so fooled.
* * * * *
"This wont take long.",
Lydecker announced confidently at the apartment door. 494 felt a familiarity with his surroundings, yet stood up straight and attentively next to him, awaiting introduction and instruction. The knock at the door was answered with a muffled moan, which was only barely heard by the transgenic soldier.
"Sir, there appears to be someone residing inside - they sound as though in pain."
Lydecker grimaced and motioned for 494 to break through the door. No need, it was left ajar and the two cautiously made their way inside, Lydecker hiding in his shadow. They stopped gaping at the sight before them,
"What happened to you?"
"She knows."
"Who does?"
"Max."
Lydecker stifled a grin and focused his face in an effort to remain serious, sneaking a glance at the soldier next to him.
The image of himself and the female riding on a motorcycle flickered into 494's mind at the last word, which echoed from the restrained older man. He kept his eyes trained coolly ahead, focused on the man he had been brought to meet. He also looked familiar as 494 struggled to remember him; he felt an unexplained surge of hate fill him. Their eyes met and 494 realised the familiarity, cyber journalist Eyes Only.
* * * * *
Logan's face broke out into a wide smile as he stared at the soldier who had just untied him,
"Is he?"
"Fully operational. He has successfully returned to the position he once held at Manticore several years ago, as one of the facility's most valued assets."
"Will he obey my orders?"
"He knows he answers to you and I only."
"Okay then, that's all. You can leave Deck, I know where to reach you if necessary."
Lydecker opened his mouth to argue, but thought better; silently exiting the lavish home. Logan turned to the patiently waiting transgenic,
"Who would have thought? Certainly not me. But this is going to be a real treat."
* * * * *
"Hello old friend. I know this might be unexpected, but it's Lydecker. I need you to do something for me."