Genetically Empowered

by fergus80

How 'Freak Nation' should have been, and then my Season 3. M/A

10. Ep 9 'Freaky Morning'

TITLE: Genetically Empowered (My Finale & Season 3)

EPISODE: 9 "FREAKY MORNING" 10/28/02

WRITTEN BY: Heather Ferguson (fergus80)

EMAIL: hferguso@niu.edu

WEBSITE: http://eric_greta.tripod.com (Jensen)

RATING: PG-13 (For now, will post alternate chapters if ratings change)

SUMMARY: How 'Freak Nation' and S3 should have been. M/A

SPOILERS: Everything!

DISCLAIMER: All Dark Angel characters belong to James Cameron, FOX, etc. etc. etc.

FEEDBACK: PLEASE!!! I CRAVE IT!!! It makes me want to write more.

DEDICATION: To all the Nuns at the Church of Alec, and the Blue Lady! And a special thank you to those who read, and corrected my spelling, grammar, tenses, etc. You know who you are, you wonderful nuns you. ;)

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"I can't believe this happened," he said shaking his head in disbelief. "I mean we all knew something strange was going on. We could hear the sounds, the gunfire…" Sketchy said trailing off as he, OC, and Normal watched the tape of the battle at Terminal City in Normal's Office.

Cindy couldn't say anything. She just held her arms tightly around herself, rubbing them slightly. She was trying to get rid of the Goosebumps that went over her skin, as she watched people on both sides being brought down.

Normal watched with wide eyes as well. "Why did the military go in? Was it cause of those teen trouble makers?"

Cindy shook her head, "Probably. And they weren't transgenics." Normal looked up at her confused.

Sketchy nodded, "Yeah, Max and Alec told us the real story. You know that Breeding Cult story I wrote?"

Normal nodded back at him, then understood, "It was them?" The other two nodded in response. Normal shook his head, then ran his hand over the back of his head, "But why? Why would they…?"

Cindy gave a disgusted smile, and pointed to the screen, "To get this." Her stomach turning, watching another transgenic fall to the ground on the television. Sketchy swallowed, and turned back to his notepad, writing more down.

Normal stood up, patted Sketchy on the shoulder, "Well, get the word out." He said, and moved out of the office. OC and Sketchy smiled at each other, as they continued to watch. The sound of Normal in the background yelling at employees. "Bip. Bip. Bip. People!"

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Vin sighed looking around the group for the morning meeting. It was very different than usual. For one, everyone looked… exhausted. That was to be expected. The last two days had been… well… hell. But that wasn't the only thing. Their fearless leader was missing, as well as their second-in-command. Both, Vin thought, almost with a smile, doing something much more interesting. He was just curious how THAT was going to affect things.

Because the little incident, while mostly kept quite, and not known to the whole of Terminal City, it was well known in Headquarters. And while most of them, seemed almost happy by the turn of events for the two. It created a huge amount of tension as well, some explainable, he thought looking at Logan. And some… unexplainable, his eyes turning to Mel, who was almost refusing to look at him.

He sighed again. They had to get stuff done. "Okay people. As we know… uh… this meeting will be a little different than usual. For one, I guess… I'm conducting it." He looked around at a few of the smirks, and smiles. Mel rolled her eyes, and the humans jaw tensed. "Oh kay. Mole… report."

"We are short on everything. We still have a lot of our weapons, but ammo… that's another story. I've got a huge list. And we need to get it soon. In case they decide to try and come back in here."

Vin nodded, "Okay, get me that list as soon as you can." Mole nodded, and he turned to Joshua, Gem, and Sonya. "How's the food supply?"

"Supply is low. But we should be okay for about a week," Joshua informed him.

Gem nodded in agreement, "The hurt transgenics are just taking more food than usual to help their bodies heal faster."

"Our list of needed supplies is done, as well as a list of what we would like. If it can be arranged," Sonya said handing him a few pieces of paper. Vin looked at the list as she continued, "I'm thinking some healthier food, would last longer, and also be better than pork rinds and Twinkies."

Vin gave a soft smile, "We'll have to see about that. I know how Alec likes his pork rinds." He heard a half laugh, half snort and looked up at Mel. The smile leaving her face, and her eyes moving back to the side of the couch, where her fingers were playing with a frayed edge of fabric. "Okay, Mel… Medical?" He asked.

She looked up at him, caught his eye for a second, and then looked around to everyone else. "We are low, on everything. Supplies, equipment, and our blood supply. The list is still being complied. And we need to get the blood supply back up."

"We could have a small blood drive. Get the un-hurt transgenics to donate," Logan said. Everyone turning to the human as he spoke. "I can take the list of the people we have in the city, cross-reference it with the injured lists, and notify the others to come in to give blood."

Vin blinked slightly at him, and nodded. It was a good idea, "Okay. I'll let you take care of it, if you need any help let me know." Logan nodded at him, with a slight smile.

"Okay, Dix. How's the video's going?" Vin asked turning to the other transgenic.

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Alec laid on his back, staring up at the ceiling. His left arm holding the warm body next to him to his side, his fingers moving over the cool skin of her naked back. Max's head was resting on his shoulder, her legs intertwined with his, her soft breath moving over his chest, as she slept peacefully. He was wishing that time would just stop, standstill. But he knew that wasn't going to happen.

She was going to wake up at any minute. Her heat was over, he could tell from the temperature of her skin, but mostly from the lack of pheromones in the room. He closed his eyes at the thought, wishing that she wouldn't, that she wouldn't wake up, because if she did… His jaw tensed slightly, *Why? Why Alec? Why did you cave in?* But he knew the answer. He wanted her. *Heck, want, isn't even the word for it.*

He had finally allowed himself to believe her, believe her Heat induced words. Even though part of his mind knew, just knew that she didn't mean them. But he had wanted to believe her, needed to believe her. Just once. Believe her for just a little bit of time that she actually felt something for him. And in that Heat induced fog, he did, for what now seemed like a very brief amount of time. *Too brief,* he thought with a sigh.He had believed her words. Believed the look in her eyes, the feel of her touch. But now… now was a different story.

He felt her stir next to him, felt her body move, stretching. His fingers stilled instantly, his body tensing slightly, waiting for the onslaught to start. Waiting for the inevitable scorching words that would come out of her. The abusive hits from her body. But worst of all, the hateful look that would come from her eyes. He closed his eyes tighter, not wanting to see it.

Her body stretched out against the warm one next to her. Her face instinctively nuzzling into the warm skin of his chest, taking in his scent, as her cloudy brain started to wake up. She ached her back, her muscles were sore, but she felt… *Wonderful. Completely… relaxed.* She thought with some amazement, as the world was slowly coming back to her senses.

The events of the previous day, night and early morning starting to play back in her head. A feeling of disbelief washing through her. But surprisingly, even to herself slightly, she wasn't upset. As a matter of fact… she was actually quite pleased. It almost wanted to make her laugh at herself, *It takes Heat for me to finally get my head on straight. Who would have thought?* But then she felt his body tense next to hers, and knew that he was awake. Her body did the same in reaction, as a slight panic went through her.

*Oh no. What if?* She swallowed hard, remembering the effect of pheromones on the male X5's. She remembered how hard he had tried to stop them. He had said it was because she didn't want him. *But was he just saying that? Putting the blame onto me, so that he wouldn't have to tell her that he didn't want her? That his reaction was only physical?* Her heart constricted at the thought, as she slowly opened her eyes, awaiting her impending doom.

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They designed her to be the perfect soldier--a human weapon. Then she escaped. In a future not far from now, in a broken world, she is haunted by her past. She cannot run; she must fight to discover her destiny. --- DARK ANGEL

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"Okay. Meeting's over," Vin said. Everyone got up and started to move down the stairs, back to their assigned tasks. He sighed, and reached out, grabbing Mel's arm. "Wait."

She pulled her arm away from him, turning to him, "Hey!"

He sighed, "Mel…" he started, then waited till everyone else was down on the first level. "What the hell is wrong?"

"Nothing." She said turning away from him.

He rolled his eyes at her, "Yeah, right." He walked around her, getting back into her line of sight, "You won't even look at me. Don't tell me you are still mad that I got caught. You KNOW that wasn't my fault."

"That's not it." She said moving to the stairs.

He grabbed her arm again, stopping her. "Okay, but then if that's not IT, it HAS to be something." She just shook her head at him. "Oh come on Mel. Tell me what the hell is going on. Why are you so mad at me?"

She sighed, shaking her head. She knew, logically, that she shouldn't be mad. But it didn't make her any less… hurt. She closed her eyes for a minute, "I'm not mad at you."

"Yeah, right."

"I'm not. I just…"

"You just what?" he prompted.

"Nothing."

He was getting angry, "Mel. You've never kept things from me before, don't start now. You always tell me what you feel, what you think, even if I won't like it. So tell me!"

She almost laughed at that. *Yeah, right. I haven't told you EVERYTHING,* she thought to herself. "Vin… stop."

"No. I want to know why my friend is ignoring me."

She closed her eyes at his words, a little anger getting into her voice. "Well, this FRIEND was a little TOO worried about you. This FRIEND was a little too upset to think that you could be dead. This FRIEND didn't exactly like that fact that you tried to compete with our other friend for his girl." She yelled back at him, pulling her arm away roughly and moving towards the stairs.

Vin's eyes blinked rapidly at her words, and he spun around as she walked by. His hands grabbing her shoulders quickly, spinning her around. His one hand quickly moving into the back of her blond hair, his mouth coming down quickly, crushing her lips to his.

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Alec felt her body tense next to him, and he stopped breathing, waiting. But no words followed, he slowly opened his eyes, knowing the curiosity would kill him. His eyes met her dark brown ones looking back at him. The sight breaking his heart. While it wasn't hate, at least not yet, it was… confusion, and that hurt almost as bad. "Max…"

"Don't say it. I don't want to hear it," And she didn't. She didn't want to hear his explanation for why he had given in to her. She was too afraid it would break her heart in two.

He nodded, his eyes closing, his arm slowly moving out from under her, letting her go. Allowing her to flee from him. He felt horrible, but he just couldn't let things go, he had to say something. "I'm... sorry. I really am Max."

She heard his words, felt him pull away, and she rolled over on her back, onto the other side of the bed. "No, I'm sorry." She said.

He nodded, sitting up on the side of the bed. His bare back towards her, his hands on his face. *Yeah, sorry she ever met me. Sorry I was ever around.* His hand went through his hair. "I didn't mean…" he just couldn't go on. How was he supposed to tell her?

She cringed looking at him. *He can't even look at me.* And his words… she knew… *He didn't mean for it to happen. He didn't want it to happen. He just couldn't help it.*

He wanted to turn around and look at her, she was being too quiet. She hadn't yelled or hit him yet. He squeezed his eyes shut even tighter, realizing that she was still probably in shock. Still trying to figure out what happened. Maybe… maybe while she was still thinking he could reason with her. "I never wanted this to happen…"

Max felt her heart constrict again. She used all her strength not to let the wetness in her eyes to fall at his words. She didn't know if she could take anymore, as he continued to speak, "Not like this Max. I never wanted it to happen like this." Her heart stopped. "I should have had more control. I should have left. I just... I just wanted to believe…"

His words stopped, and her head raced, her heart started beating fast. Her hand moved to his shoulder, turning him towards her.

He felt the touch to his skin, and jumped slightly. He turned towards her, his voice completely gone, confusion written in his eyes, as he looked at her. Her eyes were filled with tears, waiting to spill over, but her mouth, was slowly turning into a smile.

The questioning in his hazel eyes, the uncertainly there, gave her two reactions. The first was to laugh, because of how unexpected it was to see those emotions there. And the second, was to pull him to her, and kiss the look away. She quickly chose the second. Her hands pulled him towards her, as she leaned in, her mouth moving back to his for a quick, hard kiss.

He was shocked, and pulled away not knowing what else to do. "Max? What?"

She gave him a small smile, "I seem to remember a promise I made you yesterday."

He blinked at her. *She remembered?* He swallowed, *Was she serious yesterday?* he asked himself. *Or is she just for some strange reason going to be nice, and just let me out of it, even though she didn't mean any of it?* Part of him wanted to yell at him, that it was a good thing she wasn't trying to kill him. Part of him still hated the idea. The last thing he wanted was for her to pity him.

"Max… I know you promised not to be mad, not to hate me… but…" He closed his eyes, not believing that he was even trying to get himself in trouble with her. "I should have stopped you, stopped us… from…" He shook his head again. "I know that you were saying all that… I know it was just the Heat talking. I knew it then too…"

She shook her head, and her hand went back to the side of his face. His hazel eyes wide looking back at her. "It wasn't the Heat talking. I thought I explained that." She did. It had given her the courage to admit things to him, which she wouldn't have otherwise. Now the only question was what he really felt. What he felt outside of all those damn pheromones.

He felt her fingers on his face, and his world seemed to stop at her words. "You were serious?" He asked, and she nodded. He closed his eyes, shaking his head lightly, "No… you didn't, couldn't have meant it."

Her fingertips lightly trailed over the soft skin of his cheek, then over his lips, silencing him, his eyes opening again to look at her. "Alec… I did mean it. I meant everything I said." She looked down for a second, unsure, and then her dark eyes went back up to his. "The only question is how my Heat affected you."

Alec was at a complete loss for words. *She meant it? She really, really did want me? Me?* Her words played in his head again, he saw the look in her eyes. The questioning in them, directed at him. *She's worried about what I feel? If I wanted her?* He didn't even think about it for another second, and decided to answer her. His hands came out quickly, pulling her to him, his hand at the back of her head, kissing her fully.

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Original Cindy poked her head back into Normal's office, finding Sketchy still there scanning through the video. He was marking off time slots onto his notepad, noting the images that he would want for the article that he was writing. "How's it go'n?" she asked him, walking up behind him.

"Al'right," he replied. "I still can't believe this. It's… unreal." He shook his head, "And to think that Max and Alec were right there in the middle of it all."

OC nodded, she couldn't believe it either, and it terrified her. "Our Boo is strong though."

Sketchy agreed, "Yeah, and she's got Alec there too."

Cindy smiled, "Yep, she's got her boy looking out for her ass too."

"Hey… princess… you writing?" Normal said peeking in the door.

"Heck no!" She replied.

"Then get your ass back to work!"

"Some things change," Cindy said to Sketchy, then walked past Normal in a slight huff, rolling her eyes, "And some things never do."

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Mel felt his lips on hers, felt his hand in he hair, and gave in to the sensation. Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him against her.

Vin felt her respond to it, his hand pressing her back closer to him, his tongue darting into her mouth, tasting her kiss. How many times had he imagined this? Thought of it? But threw the thought away because they were… friends? But her words, her… admission? Could he call it that? Changed everything, as he molded her body against his.

She was losing herself to the kiss, but then pulled back, remembering where they were. Questions still running around in her head. "What?" she asked slightly out of breath, "What did you do that for?"

His arms were still wrapped around her, not letting her get too far away from him. "Because I wanted too."

"You wanted to? You… wanted to kiss me?" She asked almost in disbelief. He nodded back at her. "But… I thought… I thought I was just your… friend."

"You are my friend," Vin replied, "But that doesn't mean, that's all you are." He smiled as her lips turned into a small grin.

Her arms moved back around his neck lazily. "Really?" He nodded again, his arms around her, his hands clasping together at the small over her back, holding her to him. 'Then what am I?"

He smiled, "Honestly?" She nodded. "Well… I'm not totally sure, but I know I'd like to find out," he said leaning his forehead against hers.

Mel smiled back at him, "So would I."

"Are we going to get supplies for this city anytime soon? Or do we have to wait for mating season to be over?" Mole yelled up at the two of them. They broke apart immediately, both blushing profusely, as the other transgenics doubled over in laughter.

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Her body leaned back against the bed, taking him down with her, as their mouths continued with the kiss. Her arms brought him closer to her, not wanting to let him go again, but he pulled away, looking back down at her. His eyes still unsure. Her hand went to the side of his face, and into his hair.

"All of it?" he questioned, "You meant, everything?" She nodded up at him, and he swallowed hard. "You're only unsure… unsure of what I want?" She nodded again. His eyes closed and turned into the caress of her hand, his lips going to kiss her palm. His hand moving over hers, as his lips traveled down her wrist, leaving small kisses, hope creeping into his heart.

Max watched him, heard him, felt his lips on her skin, "Alec…"

His eyes opened at her voice speaking his name, looking back at her, her eyes still questioning him, wanting a real answer. His other hand came back to the side of her face, as he looked down at her. "I wanted you too, Max. Before, during, and after." He watched her smile back at him, and it almost took his breath away.

"Then why did you pull away from me?"

"Because… because I really thought you didn't want me. Max… you really never gave me any cause to believe that you would want me like that outside of Heat. I cared… I care too much about you to let you do something…"

She did know, she could tell. Because right now, his usual mask was nowhere to be seen. She was seeing the real him, the real Alec, he was showing her his real emotions. They both were. Here, alone together. Naked, both physically and emotionally to each other… for once. "I don't regret one thing about it." He smiled at her. God, how she loved that smile, that true, genuine smile that he gave sometimes.

He couldn't believe it. He almost wanted to pinch himself to make sure that he wasn't dreaming. Now he knew she wasn't upset with him, that she actually meant what she said, that she didn't have any regrets. That she actually wanted him, *But how exactly?* "Max, I need to know what you want from me."

She gave him a strange look, "Want from you?"

He nodded, "Yeah. Were do we go from here. That is, if you even want a we..."

She smiled, *We.* This was a turn of events, and she almost giggled. Alec... wanting a relationship? His name and that word was something she at one time would never have thought went together, but that was before she started to open her eyes to the real him. Knowing that in a way, she still was figuring him out, but realizing that the more she did, the more she liked. "I'd like a we… that is… if you think you can handle it." She said a small smirk on her face, and a challenge in her eye.

He grinned at the look on her face, the look in her eye. The usual fire still ever present. "Oh, I think I could at least try."

"Try?" She asked him and hit his shoulder. He gave her a slightly hurt look, but both laughed knowing she barely touched him. Her body moved quickly, rolling him over onto his back, her body leaning over his. "I think you better do more than just try."

His hands moved down her back, and settled at her hips, she leaned down against him, making him groan, and close his eyes slightly. Her hips moving against him, his hazel eyes snapped back open. "Max…."

"Yes?" She asked, her voice turning deep.

He swallowed looking back up at her, the desire starting to run through her eyes once again. "You aren't in Heat anymore."

She smiled at him, and then her brain snapped at her, and she gave him a confused look, "You're right. That's… strange."

"How is that strange?"

"It usually lasts a lot longer."

Alec looked up at her shocked, "It lasts longer than a day?"

"Yeah, usually. It's not supposed to?"

"God, how insatiable can you get?" He asked her with a teasing smile.

She hit his shoulder again, "Funny. Wait. Do you mean… it lasts until…"

"Until it's satisfied or well… until the pheromones naturally run out of your system." Then his eyes widened again, "Wait a minute." He tilted his head to the side, looking up at her. "Are you telling me that you've never been satisfied when you've gone through Heat?"

She swallowed, looking away, not meeting his gaze. She didn't want to see the cocky look on his face, which she knew would be there. That he had, she had to admit, every right to have on his face. Because, well… he had kept up with her, gone past her actually. She had never felt anything like it before. Granted, she had never been with another X5 before, but still…

Alec's hand moved under her chin, tilting her face back to his, his thumb lightly caressing her chin. So much making sense to him now. Her views about everything, about sex, now made so clear. "I'm sorry… I had no idea."

Her eyes flew back to his face, and instead of the look she thought she would find. She found one very different, very… tender, loving, looking back at her. "Don't be sorry for something you had no control over." She then smiled down at him, "But… if you really want too…"

"Yes?" he asked.

"You could always try and help make up for all those other times."

Her sultry grin made him groan as did her hip movement, and his hands were back in her hair in an instant, pulling her mouth down to his for a deep kiss.

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Joshua sat the box of can goods down on the counter, "Here's the tomato sauce you needed."

"Thanks," Sonya said looking up from the large pot she was stirring in front of her.

He smiled back at her, "No problem."

Gem came over, and opened the box, taking a few of the cans out and putting them on the counter in front of the other woman. Then started to take a few more, and move them into the cabinets. "How many more boxes of them do we have?"

"Three," he said, and the other two nodded.

"We have it listed as stuff that we need. Hopefully we can get that soon." Sonya said as she started using the can opener on one of the cans.

"What are you doing for tomorrow?" Joshua asked her.

"Tomorrow?" She asked looking up at him, not sure what he meant.

"Anything special?"

"Why?"

"It's Halloween."

Sonya and Gem smiled at the look on Josh's face. "I take it you like Halloween, Josh." Gem said, as she continued to transfer the cans. Joshua watched, then quickly started to help her.

"Yeah. It's a holiday for ghosts, goblins, and freaks. Freaks… like us. Our holiday."

The two girls smiled at each other, "You know, you're right. I hadn't really thought about it. I'll have to make something interesting," the Husky transgenic replied. "Hmmm, what should I do for dinner?"

Joshua shook his head, "No, no dinner. Night time is for Trick and Treats."

Gem nodded, "He's right. A lot of people will be out for dinner, I doubt we will have many at all."

"You mean… I might get the night off?" The three laughed at her question.

Gem walked back over, and started to fold up the empty box, "Yeah. One night, you don't have to make dinner. I'm sure we could get a few others to take over, just in case anyone does come in."

"Hmmm… I don't know. What would I do with my time?" Sonya asked with finger to her mouth and a grin. Gem laughed.

Joshua smiled, "Have dinner with me." Sonya looked back at him shocked, and Gem looked back and forth between the two transgenics. "I'll cook."

Sonya smiled back at him, "That sounds wonderful."

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Continue on here for the PG-13 version.

But if you are old enough, and would like to read the NC-17 version of the rest of the chapter.

Go to NWP, at: http://nunswithpens.hyperboards.com/

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Alec's breath started to slowly calm, and he rolled onto his side, bringing her with him. His arms wrapping around her, as her head moved into the crook of his arm, her body pressing up to his, her leg moving over his hip. Her lips pressed a few light kisses to his shoulder, and neck. Then her face moved there, hiding against his flesh, as her arms wrapped around him.

She felt his fingers moving softly over her back, and smiled against his neck, her leg pulling him closer. Both of their heartbeats starting to return to normal, as well as their breathing. "So… did that make up for one of them?"

Max laughed, and moved her head to look at him. The smile on his face, made her grin back at him. "Well… a little bit."

His one eyebrow raised, "A little bit?"

"Well… some of them were really bad. Do you know how many push-up's I did?" He laughed at that, his hand moved to the back of her head, and pulling her in for another kiss. When he broke away, she smiled, "You know I could get used to this."

"Oh really?"

She smiled, her finger trailing over his chest, "Yes… really."

His hand came up to hers catching it, resting them both on his chest. "So could I." She smiled again, and leaned down. Her lips trailing over his once more. He groaned pulling away, "Max…"

"Yes?" she asked.

He groaned at the look in her eye. *Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into?* He thought, and then almost laughed at the pun. But he wasn't at all unhappy, he was beyond happy. But the real world…. The real world did call. "I hate to do this… I hate to even mention it…. But… It is mid-afternoon… and… with everything that has happened. We really need to get to Headquarters."

Her eyes widened, "Oh God. You're right." She immediately felt horrible. She sat up quickly, pulling the sheet with her, trying to get out of bed. But she found that she couldn't move, the sheet wouldn't go with her. She turned back around, seeing him holding the other end. "Alec? I need to get up. We need to go. I can't believe I let myself forget about everything."

He sat up next to her, not caring that the sheet didn't cover him. "One, it's not your fault, and you shouldn't blame yourself for forgetting it. And two…" He fingered the sheet she held over her, "There is no need at all for the sheet." His eyes danced at her.

Her fist hit his shoulder, and she shook her head. "True." She said and stood up without it. Moving to her dresser, looking for some clothes. She smiled as she took out some things from the drawers, she could feel his eyes moving over her.

And they were. Sure she didn't need to wear the sheet around him, heck, after everything they had done… But it didn't mean that the sight of her walking around in front of him naked, didn't… well… He swallowed hard, and stood up, looking for his clothes. He found his pants and boxers still in a pile near the door, and quickly pulled them on. He turned back around after pulling on the black shirt, finding her dressed. He moved over to her, his arms wrapping around her waist, her arms looped up around his neck, as she smiled up at him.

"I'm going to go back to my place and change really quick. Meet you in front of Headquarters in like ten minutes?"

"Five," she said pointing her finger into his chest.

"Yes, Ma'am," he responded with a salute, making her laugh. But he cut her off with a kiss, and then sighed pulling away. He opened the door, and walked out, turning around to look back at her. She leaned against the door jam. He didn't want to leave.

She didn't want him too either, but knew he had too. Knew they had to get work done. She looked at her watch and pointed, "Four and a half."

His eyes widened, "Okay, okay. See you there." He said, and sprinted off.

She caught his blurring form move towards his apartment, not too many buildings away. She wrapped her arms around herself, shut the door, and started walking towards the main building. She was unbelievably happy. She couldn't remember the last time she felt like that. *That's just sad,* she told herself. But as she got closer to headquarters, her stomach started to turn. Worry started to form. She realized with everything that happened, there were a few people behind those doors, which she wasn't so sure she wanted to face. Some out of total embarrassment, and well… one that she knew would not be happy at all for her and Alec.

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Alec quickly changed clothes, and then was back out the door, running towards Headquarters. Not because she had told him he only had four minutes, but because he just wanted to get back to her. He was running on pure happiness right now, and he wondered how he got so lucky all of a sudden. Maybe things were really starting to turn around. He blurred up to the building, seeing her there, he stopped suddenly, his arms wrapping around her.

She jumped and turned quickly, getting ready to hit the person who had surprised her, then she saw who it was, and punched him hard in the gut.

"UGH!" Alec cried out, grasping his stomach, "What was that for?"

"You scared the hell out of me!"

"I can't put my arms around you?"

She smiled at him, and then moved over to him, gently patting his stomach, "Of course you can. But, damn! Don't surprise me like that. And just so you know," she said with a wink, grabbing his hand as they moved to the door. "Just cause we are… together now…"

"Yeah?" He asked, looking at her, waiting.

"Doesn't mean I still won't kick your ass." The sparkle in her eyes, and the sound in her voice gave her away, but he was happy.

"That's okay. I know you won't damage it too bad."

"Oh really? How do you know that?"

"Easy," he said, smiling as he opened the door for her, "You like it too much."

She rolled her eyes at him, but grinned at the truth of his words. They walked into the room together, and were welcomed with a holler. "Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. If it isn't our missing leader and commander," Mole said standing up, taking the cigar out of his mouth.

Everyone's eyes were now on them, and Alec could see the red starting to cheep up Max's neck. "Yeah, Mole. We had a lot of things to go over. Plans to work out," he replied giving the reptilian man an evil look.

"Plans my ass," the man replied with a slight laugh.

Max looked from Mole, to Luke. He gave her a smile, and she returned it, along with one to Dix. Dix smiled back, "Glad to have you two back."

She nodded, and saw the empty chair by the other computer, a small sense of relief going through her at not having to see him right now. "Logan's working on a blood drive at the medical building," Luke informed her.

"Good." She said, and turned back to Mole. "What's everyone else doing?"

"Getting lists of needed supplies," he answered then motioned up to the second floor. "Vin and Blondie are working on some bank heists, or some crime spree or something to get the money."

"Thanks," Alec said, patting Mole on the shoulder. The man moved back over to his guns, as the two X5's moved towards the stairs. They got to the top, seeing the other two transgenics, leaning over the table looking at the maps, their sides pressed together as they planned. Alec coughed, the two turning quickly to look at them. "So, Bonnie and Clyde what plans do you have cooked up?"

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The next morning two hands were gripping the edges of the News World Weekly, as they sat behind their desk. The cover showing images from the battle that happened in Terminal City, along with a drawing of the picture of the Breeding Cult symbol. The title running over the pictures, 'Cult Fakes Barcodes, Military Falsely Blames Transgenics.'

The phone rang, and a hand quickly picked it up, "White!" came the angry reply. "Yes, I saw it." He crumpled up the paper with his other hand, throwing it on the desk. "I'll take care of it."

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"Calm down," she said watching him pace back and forth. If he kept it up, he was going to make her dizzy.

"Can't calm down. Don't know what to fix. Must be good… no… better."

"Joshua," Gem said putting her hand up, stopping him. "Don't worry about it. Whatever you fix, I'm sure she will like it."

"No, it must be perfect."

Gem smiled at him, and took his hand. "You really like her, don't you?" He nodded back at her, and her smile got bigger. "Okay, don't worry. I'll help you. We'll figure out what to make for dinner. We'll get the table set, and the candles." His smile got bigger at the thought of candles. "I might be able to find some wine somewhere." She tilted her head at him, "That is… if you wanted it to be romantic."

He nodded at her shyly, and saw his hands shaking. "Music, too?"

Gem nodded, "Music too."

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"I do not know why I agreed to this!" came the voice from the bathroom.

Alec laughed, "Because we need the money. And we need it soon. And with it being Halloween this is the perfect way of doing it."

"But why couldn't I have a different costume? Like you or Vin? You know… with pants."

He rolled his eyes, and leaned against the bathroom door. "You know, I still don't know why you are changing in there."

"Yeah, yeah. I know… you've seen me naked… blah... blah... blah. I'm just not used to it yet!" He grinned at her words, yeah he had, and again last night, and more this morning. And again before they started to change for tonight.

"Mel's not complaining about her outfit," he replied to her.

"So? Comparing me to other women already huh?" He just shook his head and smiled, knowing she was just trying to argue with him. "Besides. Hers and Vin's outfits go together." She opened the door, and he almost fell onto her.

He took a step back, looking at her, and swallowed, "Wow." Was all he got out. She was wearing a short, brown, hide skin, fringed dress. Her dark hair pulled back into a long braid, a feather at the back of her head, with a blue, jeweled, leather headband around her head. His eyes traveled down her form, the fringe stopping mid thigh to her bare legs down to her feet in leather moccasins.

Finding his voice again, he gave her a cocky look, "And what do you mean they match? So do we." He said poking his finger at the brim of his cowboy hat.

"What? Cowboys and Indians? Aren't they just supposed to fight each other?" He smiled at her, his hand going to the lasso on his hip, and quickly moving it over her, "Hey!" she yelled as he pulled her to him, up tight against his body.

"And we don't fight?"

She looked up at him "We do more than fight."

"Now we do," he said, his mouth leaning in and kissing her soundly. He pulled away with a sigh, and she pouted at him. His finger trailed over her lips, "Later… I promise." He told her, sliding the rope from around her and putting it back to his side.

She moved towards the door and he followed, "You better," and he grinned as he followed her out. "But don't lose that rope, you might need it." She said as she started to walk to the garage. He almost tripped over his own feet in the cowboy boots as her words hit him.

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"It looks wonderful," Sonya said, her eyes dancing in the light from the candles on the table, as Joshua pulled out the chair for her. She sat down as he pushed it back in.

He took his seat on the other side of the table, "I'm… glad… you like it." He stammered slightly. He took the bottle from the ice bucket that was sitting on the table, "Wine?"

She picked up her glass, holding it out for him, "Please."

He took out the cork, and poured some in her glass, then into his. He picked up his own glass, holding it up, trying to think of something to say, but couldn't think of anything.

"How about… to new beginnings?"

"To new beginnings," he said back, and they clinked their glasses, both smiling, and taking a drink.

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"Ugh, I hate heels."

"Oh, stop complaining."

"Don't tell me to stop complaining. I may hate Manticore. But at least I got to wear regular shoes."

"Military boots?" Vin rolled his eyes, as her hand was on his shoulder, steadying herself on one foot, as she looked at the sole of her shoe. He smiled at her, "You know… you look…" He stopped, still unsure of what he should say.

She looked over at him, "I look what?" She looked down at herself, in the short dress and coat, the long pearls. Her hand going to the caped hat covering her head. Her lips licked at the bright red lipstick. "Like a tramp? Silly? Pathetic? What?"

Vin laughed at the look on her face, "I was actually going to say beautiful." Her face instantly softened, she put her shoe back on. Then her hand moved towards the back of his neck, their lips meeting in a soft kiss. They broke apart quickly at the echoing voices entering the parking garage.

"It's Halloween Max… it doesn't have to be accurate."

"Fine, fine. But just so you know, the Indians did not really dress like this."

He sighed, looking over at her as they walked towards the other pair, "Yes, Maxie. I know. We did get an accurate teaching of history back at Manticore." They stopped a few feet in front of the others, "Nice outfits."

"Thanks," Vin said posing, holding out his gun. Mel laughed with hers, as she twirled her beads in a circle.

Max rolled her eyes at the pair, and Alec just laughed. Then his eyes squinted at Vin, his eyes darting to Mel, then back, his smile getting bigger. His eyes caught the dark haired man's, and his finger went to his lips pointing. Vin's hand came up quickly, wiping at his mouth, and then looking at it, seeing the red lipstick. The two men's eyes caught again, and Alec laughed at the look. "So Clyde… You know… I like that."

Vin rolled his eyes, as the four started to walk to the van. "Just as long as you don't start calling me Vinny again." Mel laughed, and Vin turned towards her, "What's so funny Bonnie?" Her glare just made Max start to giggle as she got in the backseat with Alec.

Alec looked over at her, "What's got you so giggly?"

Her dark eyes twinkled back at him, "What did they do to our DNA to make us fight like this?"

Mel laughed, as Vin started to drive the van out of Terminal City. "Ummm, stubbornness."

"Thick headedness…." Vin added.

"Intelligence," the blond inserted.

"All with smart aleck goodie ness," Alec added tipping his hat. Max swatted his leg, but left her hand there on the letter chaps covering his pants. He looked down at her hand, then back up to her eyes, both smiling at each other. "Al'right. Let's get out of here, we have work to do."

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Joshua sat his fork on his plate, and stood up, clearing the dishes. "That was wonderful. You'll have to show me the recipe." Sonya told him, and he smiled back at her.

"I'm glad you liked it."

Her head tilted as the song changed, "Nice song."

Joshua walked back over to the table, his hand slowly going out. "Uhh… Would you like to dance… to the song?"

She nodded, taking his hand, standing up. He slowly pulled her towards him, and her other hand went to his shoulder, as they started to sway to the music.

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The four pulled up into the alley, and parked the van, then got out. "Okay, everyone knows what houses to hit?" Max asked.

They groaned at her, "Yes mom." All three replied in unison, and started laughing, her evil look only making them laugh harder.

Alec wrapped his arm around her shoulder as they started to walk out of the alley, "That wasn't funny." She pouted.

He nodded, "Yes it was… Ouch," he groaned at the hit to his side. At the sidewalk, he turned to the other two, "See you in a few hours." The other two turned left, as they turned right. He took the gun out of his holster, checking it. The orange spray paint on the end, making him frown slightly.

Max looked up at him, "Oh don't worry. We can get that paint off your baby when we get back to Terminal City. You know we had to make them look like toy guns for tonight."

"I know, I know." He said re-holstering the gun, "And we better be able to get it off." She lightly patted his chest, and then again rolled her eyes, as they moved off into the crowd of dressed up ghouls and goblins.

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Vin shut the doors to the van, as Mel leaned against the brick wall of the alley. "That was seriously, way too easy," she said.

He agreed. Everyone was so caught up in the holiday, that they didn't even notice what they were doing. So what if a few people showed up to a party uninvited? So what if some people decided to leave that crashed party a little early… more than likely just going to another one they got invited too. So what if they just happen to take valuable jewelry and artwork with them? Okay, well, they didn't really know that last part was happening. "So now what do we do?" He asked leaning against the van in his black suit, the old .38 in his hand, resting at his side.

Mel grinned, swinging her beads around again, her other hand twirling her blond hair. "We wait for them to get…" But she didn't have to finish her sentence as she heard the laughter coming from the end of the alleyway. The two transgenics moving towards them. She stood back up, moving from the wall, "Let me guess…"

"Too easy," they said with her. Vin opened the doors again, and they put the bags into the back of the van. They all hoped inside, as Alec's cell phone went off.

"Hello?"

{{Alec?}}

"Dix… what's wrong?" He could tell by the transgenics voice, that something wasn't good.

{{Alec, be careful on your way back. But you may want to drive by Jam Pony…. Or whatever is left of it.}}

"What?" Alec asked into the phone, and turned to Vin in the front seat, "Jam Pony, quick."

Vin moved as quickly as he could through the streets and the people, without trying to draw attention to himself, as Alec listened to Dix go on. {{Someone or should we say some group, did not like the news article this morning.}}

"But why Jam Pony, and not News World Weekly?" But then he already knew the answer, and he looked over at Max. "White must have found out the writer was working at Jam Pony. And then also with Normal and his debate with the Reverend…" He sighed, as they turned the corner.

Everyone in the van gasped at seeing the flames, and the big black X spray painted on the door, or what remained of it. As firemen with hoses were rushing into the building, trying to put out the massive inferno.

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Scenes from an All New DA on 11/04/02:

*NEXT WEEK ON AN ALL NEW DARK ANGEL*

"Has he contacted you?" Max asked as she stormed into the room.

MAX'S WORLD IS TURNED UPSIDEDOWN

White laughed looking at Logan, "So he's gotten on your last nerve as well."

ONE MAN DOES THE UNTHINKABLE

Vin and Mel moved over to the computers, "Dix… do you have the number to Alec's contact?"

ONE MAN IS MISSING

Logan took out the vial from his pocket and held it up to Max, "The cure."

WHO WILL SHE TURN TO?