A/N: Thank you so much to Sorrow and Rowe! You guys are fantastic and helped me give the muse a firm kick in the bee-hind! Also thanks to those who kept asking me to update in other fic reviews ;) Nice to know that people are hanging out for your next instalment! Hope you all enjoy!

________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 14 - In Memoriam

She shifted her weight slightly as her mind began to return her from slumber. Alec squeezed his hand around her waist, drawing his head to her ear and spoke at a level that only she could hear.

"Don't move."

Max's breath suddenly caught in her throat. She wasn't one to scare easily, but she suddenly felt her stomach churn, her whole body wanting her to gag. She felt moist air against her ear once more, Alec's grip loosening a little as he tried to calm her.

"It's ok, there's no danger. Just don't move."

"Why?"

Max had the sudden fear that there was a huge ass spider crawling across her back. It was unlike her to be so squeamish about these things, but eight hairy legs and hundreds of beady eyes, just weren't normal and she'd seen some incredibly abnormal things during her stay in TC.

"Just sit still and what ever you do, don't open your eyes."

Oh, she couldn't stand this. She wanted to know what was going on.

"What's going on Alec."

"Smell."

She prevented her face from doing so, but in her mind her brow was scrunched and her lips were pursed in frustration.

"Yeah, well you don't smell that crash hot either!"

She heard him sigh and she was pretty sure she could feel his eyes roll.

"Breath in. Smell the air. But do it quietly!"

Max had no idea what was going on, but she decided to do as he asked. She took in a slow deep breath, being sure to allow the aroma of the room register in her mind. When she knew what she was smelling, she kind of wished she didn't take such a deep breath, the fumes were going to give her a headache!

Slowly she lifted one eye lid to inspect what was going on in the room.

"Aaaahhhh! Max awake!"

Joshua sounded disappointed as he moved away from his canvas and toward his friends, his paint brush still in his hand. Max went to lift herself from Alec's embrace, but he pulled her back, startling her a little.

"No she's not Josh, she's fast asleep."

He quickly turned his mouth to her eye and spoke quietly.

"Close your eyes."

He returned his gaze to Joshua.

"See…sleeping like a baby."

Joshua huffed as he crouched in front of them.

"But now Alec awake."

Joshua quickly brought his brush to Alec's face and delivered a large blob of yellow paint to his nose. Alec moved a hand to his nose and caused the paint to smear across his cheek. Max couldn't help herself, she had to laugh. Joshua looked across at her and delivered a blob of paint to her face as well.

"Max not fool Joshua!"

Max brought a hand to her nose and inspected the yellow residue that now lay on her fingers. She looked at Alec, who in turn looked at her. The nodded at one another and simultaneously sprang from their position on the floor, sprinting after an already running Joshua.

They tackled him just after they passed the painting, all three in fits of laughter as they tumbled to the floor. They both knew that Joshua was ticklish, so they attacked wherever they could, causing him to gasp for air. The laughter lulled, as did the tickling and as though the were all choreographed to do so, all three turned and looked at Joshua's painting.

It was so real, nothing like Joshua's traditional abstract strokes. If she hadn't known, Max would have thought she was watching the scene play before her eyes. She looked across at Alec who was staring at the picture with such contentment that it made her blush.

"Max and Alec like?"

Joshua swung his head from side to side, watching as the two nodded in silence. Max took Joshua's hand in her and smiled softly.

"It's beautiful."

Joshua smiled back at her.

"Different from Joshua's other paintings. No need for tricks and treats."

"Can I keep it?"

Alec's face shot to Max as she asked the question. A little surprised that she would want a painting of the two them together. She kept her face down, but her eyes glanced in his direction.

"Aahh?"

Joshua looked at Alec questioningly. Unsure what to do. Alec nodded to him and place a reassuring hand to his shoulder. Joshua nodded as well and returned his gaze to Max.

"Max have painting when dry. Joshua bring to your room."

"Thanks." She stood slowly and pointed behind her. "I'm going to go and freshen up."

Max turned and left the room quietly, both men watching her every step.

"Did Joshua do something wrong?"

Alec padded him on the shoulder.

"Nah."

He stood from the floor and gave Joshua a final slap on the back.

"I'm going to go and clean up too cause something tells me that paint fumes aren't the only smell around here."

Joshua laughed at him a little.

"Wasn't gonna say anything."

Alec pointed a finger at him as he started to leave, his other hand in his jacket pocket and a cheeky grin across his face.

"You'll keep buddy! You'll keep."

Joshua watched as Alec left the room then returned to add the final touches to his painting.

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

"I won't let you take my son away from me."

Sandeman circled around White, his hands linked behind his back. He gave him a sideward glance, a smirk still resting across his face, but as he turned to face White, the smirk subsided and his expression was serious.

"It's amazing how losing a son can alter ones train of thought. Make one see more clearly."

White began to laugh. It came from deep down in the pit of his stomach and dripped with sarcasm. His head shook as he fell into the same position as his father, hands stretched behind his back. He joined Sandeman in his circle, pacing with him.

"Do you honestly think I'm going to believe all this 'I lost you son' crap?! Believe you and your warped mind?!"

White stopped dead, turned and faced Sandeman, who in turn did the same.

"You are nothing to me! Do you understand that? Nothing! You're worse than the transgenic filth you created!"

Sandeman stared at him, emotionless.

"I am something to you Ames. I'm the man who has complete control of your son, not to mention half of the transgenics in Terminal City."

White ears suddenly pricked like a dog hearing a high pitch whistle, his eyes widening in surprise. Sandeman smiled.

"Thought that small piece of information would interest you." He paused for a moment, allowing the news to sink in. "I will give you the choice to stay or leave Ames. But we could make a great team. It's up to you."

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

There was a faint knock at the door as Max wrapped the elastic around her hair. She smooth her black dress shirt and released a long sigh as she stared at her reflection. The knock came once more and she sighed again.

"I'll be ready in a second Alec."

She continued to stare at her gaunt face, large dark circles running under her eyes. If she could just shut her entire body down and make everything go away, she would.

"I'll be sure to tell him that."

Max jumped slightly as an unexpected voice flowed to her ears. She turned with her arms outstretched, Originally Cindy crashing into her arms.

"How's my Boo doin'?"

The two separated from the embrace, Max placing an almost smile on her face.

"I've seen better days."

Cindy took Max's hand in hers, swinging it from side to side.

"And better ones will come."

"Yeah."

Max looked out to the door, then returned her focus to Cindy.

"It's just me here, Sketch couldn't get away from work. But he asked me to give you this."

Cindy passed Max a sleek white envelope, it was uncreased and unmarked, so not like Sketchy. Max produced a confused look and Cindy smiled.

"He told me to tell you to read it after the service and he asked me to give you this."

Cindy reached forward and gave her another hug. Max reciprocated and smiled softly.

"Thanks Sketchy."

She separated from the embrace and brushed a hair from Cindy's face.

"Our goofy boy has become quite the reporter. They're throwing work at him left, right and centre. Normal's giving him hell as usual, but Sketch manages to drum up some spiel about it being for the good of mankind! Normal always falls for that shit!"

Max laughed slightly, Normal could be such a pushover.

"And might I add that some of the boys connections are tight! We didn't even need Alec's help to get in here. Sketchy was the man."

A concerned look suddenly took over Max's face.

"How did you get here? Were you careful?"

Original Cindy placed both her hands on Max's shoulders, her grip allowing Max to feel more strength at that moment then she had all morning.

"I'm always careful Boo, you know that. It was all planed and every T was crossed."

Max nodded and smiled.

"How about the I's?"

"Big blobby dots all over the joint."

"Good."

Max was grateful that Original Cindy was there, she was her Boo as well, her pillar of strength. Max had been hoping she would be there and her girl came through.

Both girls turned as a throat was cleared in the doorway.

"Hi Max."

Asha spoke softly as she sheepishly scanned the room. Max glanced across her shoulder and saw Alec standing nearby, talking to Mole. She looked back at Asha, attempting a warm smile and signalled her inside.

"Come in Asha."

Asha acknowledged Original Cindy and moved towards Max, the two joining in an awkward embrace. Max spoke as they separated.

"How are you doing?"

Asha brought her arms across her body, hugging at her slight frame. Her head shook as she rolled her eyes, unable to verbalise any current emotions.

All three stood in silence, waiting for someone else to talk, though content to leave things as they were. Together they all turned to the doorway as another presence was felt. Alec nodded at all in the room.

"Ladies." He placed his hands in his pockets and spoke quietly. "Are you all ready?"

His question was more directed at Max than the others. She sighed and nodded, grabbing her jacket and leading everyone out of the room, turning on the other side of the door and waiting for the others to exit.

Cindy glanced at Max then moved a hand to Asha's back, guiding her further down the hall. Alec stopped at Max's side, knowing she had something to ask.

"What was going on with Mole?"

Alec shrugged slightly.

"Nothing, just about his cigar supply. You know what he's like."

"Yeah."

There was no need for Max to act surprised. Mole's cigars came before anything else in Terminal City, so why should the day of Logan's service be any different? Mole didn't care for Logan when he was alive, so why should things change now that he was dead?

Alec put a hand to Max's shoulder, turning and dipping his head to meet her gaze.

"You ok Maxie?"

She shook her head from side to side, shrugging her shoulders and stretching her lips into a forced line of a smile.

"I will be."

He drew his hand across her shoulder and pulled her to his side, placing a kiss on the side of her head. There was nothing he could say at that point that would make her feel better. She needed her friends around, she needed their support and that's what he would give.

Max wrapped her hand across Alec's back and together they walked down the hall and out into the streets of Terminal City.

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

Max sat on her bed, legs crossed in front of her and fingered the envelope from Sketchy. She hadn't opened it yet, though the service had been over for more than an hour. Max had almost managed to make it through without breaking down, but then they all came.

In the beginning it was Asha, Cindy, Joshua, Alec and herself, but slowly other faces began to appear. All the members of TC came to show her their support and pay their respects. It was when she saw Mole that she finally broke. He didn't even have his cigar. Joined once more as a nation, they watched as the flames rose. Tall mesmerising peaks dancing through the sky as Max said her farewells.

The others had headed to TransC for a drink. Max had chosen to retreat to her quarters, wanting to be alone to read Sketchy's letter.

Finally she opened the envelope and carefully removed it's contents, they paper rustling as she unfolded it. She took a deep breath before reading.

Dear Max,

I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you today, but I am thinking about you. I hope OC got this to you safely and delivered my hug (but probably not in my usual touchy-feely way. Though…it is OC). I can't tell you how deeply sorry I am and I hope you know that the gang is always here for you.

I didn't know Logan all that well, but he was a good man. He had to be if he was your friend and he will be missed.

OC has probably told you that things have been looking up on the reporting front, a lot of work coming in. I know that Logan helped you out in protecting you and yours and I hope that I will be able to assist you now. I've enclosed a number to a new beeper, for you guys only. I want to help where I can.

Hopefully I will get to see you soon and deliver that hug myself.

I love you Max, we all do.

Sketchy.

Max dropped the letter to her lap and smiled warmly. It always amazed her how such a loss could bring so many others together, not to mention cause Sketchy to write a comprehensive letter. He really was stepping up in the world and Max couldn't have been prouder.

She knew she was going to be alright. Her friends wouldn't have it any other way.

A knock at the door startled Max out of her thoughts. She looked up at the entrance to find Alec hanging on the frame with one arm, the other dangling at his side.

"Wanted to know if I could get you something Max? Anything you need?"

"Yeah actually." She smiled at him. "Some training would be nice."

He dropped his hand to his side and swayed into the room, his face expressing his uncertainty.

"Uh, I don't know Max. It's been a long day."

She knew what he wanted to say, 'and after your last episode don't want you to go all psycho again.'

"Please? I promise no Lindel Flare moments."

Alec couldn't help but laugh at her attempt to reference a prime piece of pop culture. Though the sudden image of Max's head doing a 360 and puking pea soup caused a shiver to travel down his spine and a slight tingle of nausea in his stomach. He shook the thought off and moved further into the room, taking a seat on the bed across from Max.

"You'll do what I tell you do? What I think you need?"

"Mmhmm."

Alec looked across the room, obviously in deep thought. He returned a sideward glance to Max, slapped her lightly on the leg and rose from the bed.

"Ok then, see you outside headquarters in fifteen."

He sprang across the room and was almost out the door when Max called out to him. He spun around on the spot and raised his eyebrows.

"Thank you."

It wasn't something he heard from her often, so when she said it he knew she truly meant it. He just wasn't sure why she was thanking him at this time. His head tilting and his face obviously expression this confusion.

"For organising everything for today…As well as getting everyone to come."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He gave her a cheeky grin and left her in her room shaking her head at him.

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

"Ok, so you sure you can handle this?"

"I've always been able to handle it, just don't really like having to do it."

"Make sure you've got your grip right."

"I do know how to hold it you know!"

"Down girl, you said you'd do want I wanted you to do remember?"

Max grumbled. "Fine!"

"Ok, when you're ready go for it. But be gentle, Patsy is my baby."

"You named it?"

"All guys do Max."

"That's just sick."

Max straddled her legs further apart and took it's weight comfortably in her hands. She flicked Alec a quick grin.

"You ready?"

"As I'll ever be."

The power surged through her body as she pulled the trigger. She shifted her position slightly and supported her shooting arm with her other hand, popping another five rounds. She stopped for a moment and glanced at Alec, who was grinning.

"Nice work."

"Thanks. Bout time I got over this no guns rule."

"I think it's a wise move."

"Mind if I clean Patsy out?"

Alec smiled and moved about a metre from Max's side. He withdrew another gun from behind and flipped it in his hands.

"Be my guest, Misty here needs a work out too."

Max smiled.

"Good."

She moved into position again and proceeded to empty the guns clip into the dummy five metres in front of her. The dummies name was White.

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

"So Ames, what's it going to be? Are you in or are you out?"

White filled his lungs with a long deep breath and looked around the room. Sandeman certainly had surprised him, but it had turned into the kind of surprise one liked. He moved across to the bed and took a seat, taking in the sterile surroundings. He nodded slowly, his voice a deep husk.

"I'm in."

The two men joined in a devilish grin, Father and son once more.

THE END

A/N: Never fear! There is a sequel on its way! I promise! Thanks for reading ;) ~Mel