Here is part one of The Industrial Cycle.  This is a continuation of my Season One Future History including Recovery and Hunt for the Eyes.

I had planned to upload the entire story at the same time but part three became corrupted somehow and looks like… well I don't know what it looks like but you can't read it.  I will have to rewrite and edit it from the original draft which will take a couple of days.

It starts out kind of relaxed as the plot develops.  Part two has an interesting viewpoint and will be uploaded later this evening and then I'll get to work on part three and hopefully have it and the rest of the story up by Monday at the latest.

Eventually it will get somewhat violent with the fight scenes but I'd have to say it's probably a pg-13 level just for some bloody descriptions.  This first part just introduces the plot and motivation for things to come. 

Hope everybody enjoys and as always, let me know what you think.

Typical Day

          The plan was for a trip to the cabin and a day of swimming and hiking.  Dizzying heights and adventure were the order of the day for Logan and the two women currently enjoying real coffee in the kitchen.

          One week ago, Max and Jondy had been out looking for a ride for the redhead when they lucked into a situation.  They returned with two new bikes.  Max brought a gift to Logan she was sure he would like and Jondy found something that had screamed out to her.

          "Are you serious?"  Logan asked as he stared down at the old Harley V-Rod Max presented to him as an early birthday present.  "I'm not the rider you are."

          "I don't expect you to pop wheelies and cruise at a hundred miles an hour, yet, but I thought we could take the bikes to the cabin this weekend instead of the Aztec."  Max said.  Her voice was full of hope.  When he looked into her eyes, he knew he would never be able to deny her.

          He smiled.  "I need to practice."

          "You did fine on my baby."  Max said.  "I doubt this will give you any problems.  It's a mellow ride anyway but it can keep up if it has to.  The style screamed out to me and I couldn't help thinking about you."  She smiled.  "This bike has Logan Cale written all over it."

          "Where?"  He asked.  He didn't hesitate to sit and take in the feel of the hog beneath him.  Max was smiling.  Jondy was smiling.  She revved her new ride and winked at Logan.  The deep red striping over the heavy blue and black style of her Ninja had Jondy's personality all over it.  She had already pulled out the long red scarf and tied her hair up and back into a long flowing pony tail for the ride.  She revved her bike again with a mischievous grin.  Max climbed on behind Logan and wrapped her arms around him.

          "Let's go.  I'll bet you have no problems riding this thing."  She said with her own mischievous grin.  Logan kicked a quick start and revved the grinding modified V-Twin.  Max squeezed him tighter and they followed Jondy out of the Fogle Towers garage.

          Five hours and a long ride toward Frisco and back found them sitting in the kitchen while Logan prepared a meal.  Max was telling Jondy about the cabin and the country around it.  Jondy was listening as if it had been a dream of hers to have such a place to call home.  They made plans for the whole weekend starting on Friday and ending late Monday evening.  A phone call to Normal secured the four day weekend for Max.

          Friday morning found Logan being awoken by two impatient and kittenish girls.  It would be hard to tell these two girls were engineered in a lab and raised from birth to kill or be killed.  Max was bouncing on the bed and Jondy was hitting him with a pillow.

          "Let's go sleepy head.  The cabin is waiting."  Max shouted to the groggy man.

          "I've never had a vacation."  Jondy said.  She swung the pillow at Logan again, but he lunged for Max and pulled her over him so Jondy's swing pounded across Maxie's back.  He was smiling and Max was laughing.  Jondy swung the pillow again.

          "All right!"  Logan shouted finally.  "I have to get dressed and a cup of coffee at least.  Then we can leave."  Logan said.  Max kissed Logan impatiently and jumped off the bed.

          "Do you need help with anything?"  She asked.  "The Exo or anything?"

          "Push my chair over here so I can take a shower and I'll be ready in about twenty minutes."  He said.  She did.  Sneaking another kiss she headed for the kitchen.  As Logan was pulling himself into his chair, the pillow hit him again, tossed from the doorway as Jondy left the room.

          Just under a half hour later, he walked into the kitchen to get his cup of coffee and found the girls having a hushed conversation about the mountains.  They both looked at him and smiled.

          "Are you two ready to do this?"  Logan asked.

          In response to his question it seemed as if everything happened all at once.  Logan's cell phone rang.  The phone in the apartment rang and Logan's computer started to beep.

          Max and Logan stared at each other until both phones had completed four rings.  It was one of those moments when they silently tried to decide if the world could remain broken or if it would require their immediate attention.

          Logan reached for his cell and headed into the office as Jondy walked into the kitchen.  Max answered the phone.

          "Hello?"  She said warily.

          "Is this Max?"  The voice asked.  "This is Matt Seung."

          "Oh.  Hey detective."  Max said.  "Logan is busy at the moment.  Can I take a message?"  She asked.

          "Would you have Logan call me as soon as possible?  There's something I thought he might be able to help with."  Matt said.  "I appreciate it."

          "We have plans today that we can't get out of.  What's up?"  She asked.

          "Two priority prisoners being held overnight in Langford prison escaped.  We believe they are still in Seattle."  Matt explained.  "I was kind of hoping that Logan could put the word out over the net and maybe pick up on it and forward some information.  Please let Logan know I need to speak to him."  Matt said.

          "Will do."  Max said.  "I'll have him call you as soon as he can."  Max said.  She hung up the phone and stared into the wall for a few seconds.  The beeping from the computer stopped then and Max walked into the office.  Logan was still talking to someone on his cell while he was tapping up information on his computer.  She listened.

          "I see."  He said.  "This is very interesting.  Definitely something to get into."  He said.  Max was glad that Jondy was still sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee.

          "So I was thinking you might have need of this information."  The man on the other end of the cell said.  "That's why I called, Logan."

          "I appreciate the head's up."  Logan said.  "You think this guy might be looking to hire a professional?"

          "I would bet the house on it if I had one."  The man said.  "It's the way he operates.  He's got the resources so he uses them."

          "And he's fishing around to see who bites?"  Logan asked.

          "Just giving you the heads up, buddy."  The man said.

          "Thanks.  I do appreciate it."  Logan said.  "I'll make a donation to the usual charities."  The man thanked Logan.  He disconnected the call and opened his computers video phone.  It was Sebastian.

          "Good Morning, Logan.  Max."  Sebastian's disembodied mechanical voice said.  He could see Max standing over Logan's shoulder.  She smiled.

          "Hey, Sebs.  What's up?"  Logan asked.

          "It has been a busy morning."  Sebastian said.  "I have heard many things in the few hours since I've been up.  The most disturbing is the lack of crime in the area since yesterday."

          "What do you mean?"  Logan asked.

          "Yesterday afternoon, The Homeland Security Force and two officers from the FBI brought two federal criminals into Langford prison.  They escaped about two a.m. this morning.  It was the only crime reported over the channels since eight yesterday evening.  Not even so much as a purse snatching has happened since."

          "That is strange."  Logan said.

          "Detective Seung just called to tell you about the two escapees and asked if you could call him when you get some information."  Max said to Logan and Sebastian.  "I told him you would."

          "What else is going on?"  Logan asked.

          "I was also informed today that a certain local government official is looking for someone to take care of some business.  He has put word out that he is looking to hire a specialist to remove an irritation."

          "Does this have anything to do with Eyes Only?"  Max asked.

          "It is a possibility.  He was often found playing high stakes poker with Edgar Sonrisa and Mayor Steckler."  The disembodied voice continued.  "I know you know him, Logan.  I figured you should know that he is in the planning stages if not settled into a more advanced pace at this point."

          "Do you think the escape and the feelers he's reaching with might be connected?"  Logan asked.

          "It does not appear so.  I wouldn't rule it out though."  Sebs said.  "There is definitely something strange going on.  On another matter, I have that particular item you were looking for.  I secured it for you since you were otherwise engaged in Frisco for a while."

          "That's fantastic news, Sebs."  Logan said.  "How much did it cost?"

          "Too much.  I hope you can reimburse me soon.  I will have my people bring it by the safe house this afternoon."  Sebs said.  "I will send the tech and discs by courier tomorrow."

          "I appreciate everything you've done on that angle, Sebs.  Is there anything else?"

          "There is one other thing."  Sebs said.  "You're not going to like it."

          "Not much to like today."  Max said.

          "I received word of an announcement of an associate of yours.  He is planning on taking over a local company that has been seeing problems of late.  He made a very impressive bid this morning when the market opened.  No one has moved to top it and the only one in a position to do anything is without sufficient funds to counter the offer."  Sebs said.

          "Who and what company?"  Logan asked.  Max could feel his shoulder tense where she was leaning on him.  It was as if he knew what was coming.

          "Pierpont Lempkin has made a bid for Cale Industries.  Bennett is two hundred million short of Pier's bid."  Sebs said.  Logan sighed.  Max whistled which drew Jondy into the office.

          A minute later, Logan recovered from his stunned silence and thanked Sebastian with a promise to keep him informed.  He turned from the desk to see the women staring at him.  He smiled.

          "Are you all ready?"  Logan asked.  Max sighed.

          "You have to deal with Bennett and Pierpont, Logan.  You can't just ignore this.  Bennett is the only one in your family that actually likes you.  You have to help him."  She said.

          "How?"  Logan said.  "I don't have half a billion dollars to outbid Lempkin."

          "No?  I thought you stripped Manticore of their cash.  I know you've been drawing on it to keep…"  She almost said Eyes Only but caught herself at the last second.  "yourself afloat after losing the trust.  I know they had more than two hundred million in petty cash."

          "What are you talking about?"  Jondy asked.  "How did you secure Manticore's funds?"  She asked.

          "I told you that Logan pulled me from Manticore."  Max said.  "It's part of that story.  If it hadn't been for Logan's abilities on the keyboard I would probably still be there."  Max said.  She looked back at Logan.  "I know you put those funds in some secure accounts."

          "I did Max.  I have the funds and I use them but to throw out a nine hundred million dollar bid would raise questions I cannot answer.  Too many people would suddenly be involved in my life and yours.  I can't risk the exposure."  Logan explained.  "I won't risk you."

          "You have to help Bennett."  Max said.  "He's your family."  Her tone was almost that of a confused child.  Logan stared at her.  Jondy stared at Logan.

          "So we postpone the vacation for a few days."  Jondy said.  She smiled but didn't look happy.  Logan sighed.  He punched a button on his keyboard and Sebastian's face appeared again.

          "Yes Logan?"

          "How long until the bidding closes?"  Logan asked.

          "End of business day Friday.  Finalized by Monday morning."  Sebs said.  "What do you have planned?"

          "I need another false identity."  Logan said.  "One that can't be traced.  One that can be played out as a private and anonymous investor."

          "That can be arranged."  Sebastian said.  "I will need a few hours."  He disconnected the phone call.

          "Step one.  Step two is going to see Bennett and Marianne.  Feel like a road trip?"  He asked.  Both girls nodded.

          One hour and three checkpoints later they were pulling up to the front gate of The Cale estates.

          Bennett seemed happy if distracted and Marianne was standing proud beside him.  "What can I do for you Logan?"  He asked. He looked at the women standing on either side of Logan.  "Get another one did ya?"  He nodded his head to Jondy.

          "You remember Max?"  Logan asked.  "She accompanied me to your wedding.  This is her sister Jondy.  We had plans but that changed when I heard about Pier."

          "So you've come to find out how this is going to affect you?"  Bennett asked.  Marianne looked worried over her husband's attitude but she stood strong beside him.

          "No.  I'm here for what I can do for you."  Logan said cutting to the chase.  "I'm going to buy Cale Industries."

          The stunned silence in the room forced the atmosphere into a heavier state.  Bennett and Marianne stared at Logan.  Time floated by slowly.  In reality, only a minute had passed but it seemed like ages.

          "Marianne.  Would you take the girls out to the parlor?"  He asked.  She nodded.

          "We're not going anywhere."  Max said.  Marianne stopped at the end of the desk and looked back and forth between the two men.  Max and Jondy both reached a hand out and placed it on Logan's shoulders.

          "It's okay."  Logan said.  Max looked down to him.  She nodded to Jondy after she was sure he would be safe here.

          When the girls were gone Logan and Bennett got right to it.

          "This is what it took for you to get involved in the game?"  Bennett asked.  "You're old enemy making a bid for our company?"

          "My company."  Logan said.  "My father built this company from the ground up.  You're father stole it from him.  I'm just taking it back."

          "Just looking out for yourself and your interests as always?"  Bennett asked.

          "What's left of my family never has."  Logan said.  "I'm the dark blemish on the perfect Cale record.  None of you ever wanted me around.  I was tolerated because of my father and what he did for this family.  He died because of this family."

          "So you're taking back what is rightfully yours and the rest of us are left to our own designs?"

          "I'll be a silent, private investor.  No one but Pierpont needs to know I am involved.  I will maintain a controlling interest and through your service as President and CEO, Cale industries will help restore order to the chaotic society we now live in."

          "How do you expect we will do that?"  Bennett asked.  "I'm two hundred million short and although you have funds of your own, I doubt…"

          "I have two billion dollars to invest in Cale Industries above and beyond the eight hundred million I bid an hour ago to shut out Pierpont.  He can only grab six hundred and fifty without selling out all of his holdings and he won't risk it."  Logan explained.  "I have more if he does succeed in pulling the funds or finding a partner.  He won't win."

          "Where the hell did you get that kind of money?"  Bennett asked.  "Never mind.  I don't want to know."  He stared at his cousin.  Neither man flinched or blinked.  It was an old game.

          "So this is the old vendetta?"  Bennett asked.  "Finally getting your revenge?"

          "I got my revenge."  Logan said.  "It was bloody and brutal but I got it.  Me.  Alone."

          "And what now?"  Bennett asked.  "What are you after now?"

          "Logan just wants to do the right thing for everyone involved."  Max was explaining to Marianne.  "Pierpont is dangerous and cannot be trusted.  His family has been gunning for Logan and the rest of you for years."

          "I know the stories, Max.  I know what happened to Logan's parents.  I remember being a child and sitting on my father's lap when the news was running stories of the crash.  I saw it happen."

          "Pierpont can't be allowed control of Cale Industries.  It must remain in the family.  Logan is just making sure that it stays there."

          "And what about Bennett and the family after Logan takes control?  Everyone knows that Logan doesn't like admitting that he is a Cale.  Everyone knows that the family isn't proud of him."

          "Logan isn't doing this for himself.  Logan is doing this for the family.  Whether he admits it or not, he is proud of his name.  Jonas and Margo aside, the Cale family is his and believe me when I tell you he has the ability to protect the family."  Max said.  "Logan knows what he is doing."

          "I can attest to that.  Logan is a remarkable man."  Jondy added.  Max smiled.

          "I hope you are right."  Marianne said.  "I really do."

          "I am.  I know Logan better than anyone alive."  Max said.  "If anyone can protect the family, it's Logan."  She said with a wink to Jondy.  Jondy agreed.

          "I hope you're right."