Thanks for reading and the replies. This is the end of the second part of
the series. We've already started working on the third installment, so you
all will just have to be patient.
Alli and MM
Disclaimers in the first part.
Chapter 11
Two days later, Walter sat in his office, not really wanting to do anything. But as the old saying goes, 'Life goes on.' How he started to hate that now. He looked when he heard a soft tap on the door frame.
"Come in, Darien. How are you holding up?" Walter asked
Darien shook his head as he answered, "I'm doing, but I'm not here to talk about Ed."
"Oh, then what can I do for you?" Walter asked not really sure where this conversation was going.
Darien put his hands on Walter's desk and leaned down to stare at the man, "How long did you know him?"
"Knew who? Ed?" Walter was confused.
Darien pulled out a paper from his jacket and unfolded it. He tossed it on Walter's desk and pointed to the picture, "Him, I want to know, Walter. I want to know how long you knew him."
Walter picked up the paper. He stared at Darien, "Where did you get this?"
"The day I was dominant nutso, you remember, I was in here. When you all left your office, I took some things and this was one of them. Can you imagine the surprise I had when I saw that you knew him?" Darien leaned down again, "What part did you play in the QS-9300 Project, Walter?"
Walter leaned back and tossed the paper on his desk, "That is classified, Darien, and you know too much already."
****
A week after Ed had taken Darien to Mexico, Lewis found himself again before the Council answering a barrage of questions. At least the Council still didn't know that Lewis had planned on overthrowing them and taking over. That plan is just on the back burner for now. 'Damn, Dr. Tate and his sacrificial human act,' Lewis thought to himself.
The room suddenly grew still and everyone had become paralyzed. The doors opened up and then closed again seemingly by themselves. The air changed again and everyone could move again. The Council leader stood up, "What just happened?"
Lewis searched the room but sensed no one and that's when it hit him, "Darien Fawkes?"
"Bingo! Give that man a prize," the ghostly voice yelled out.
The dominants all stood up and looked around hurriedly as they tried to figure out Darien's location.
"Ah you know, you really don't have to stand up for me, but I thank you for the ovation." Darien spoke again but from a different part of the room. All the heads turned in his direction.
"What do you want?" The leader asked.
Darien laughed, "I want a lot of things which of course none of you can give me. Soooo, I just wanted to stop by and said hi to my old buds." Darien slapped the back of one of the council so hard it sent him over the table. "Opsie.guess I don't know my own strength."
The Council members watched as the chair moved around to the other side of the table. The chair then leaned backwards on the back legs. A burst of silver flakes appeared and Darien appeared leaning back on the chair, his feet were crossed as they rested on top of the table with his hands clasped behind his head. He smiled as he smacked on some gum, "Hey, hi, how are you guys? Miss me?"
"Comfortable?" Lewis asked at the way Darien was showing irreverence to the Council.
"Yeah, actually I am. Thanks for asking by the way," Darien smiled at Lewis. 'I would be quiet if I were you or I'll tell your friends here that you wanted to throw a coup party. I'm sure they'll love to hear that.' Darien smiled the whole time he spoke to Lewis using his ESP skills. He watched Lewis grow red in the face, 'I thought you'd see it my way. Man, don't you just love me?'
The Council took noticed of the eye contact between Darien and Lewis, especially how Lewis' appearance changed so quickly. The leader suspected that Darien talked to Lewis. He would make note of that and not forget. Lewis could not be trusted. He turned his gaze back to Darien, "This isn't a social visit, Darien. Why are you here?"
"For the party! Man, what is up with you people?" Darien looked around the room. A mischievous smile was on Darien's face as he leaned forward putting all four legs of the chair on the floor. He leaned on the table and folded his hands as he thought for a moment. He slapped the table with the palm of his hand, "Okay, you're right, this isn't a social visit, cause frankly you people are boring. Don't dance, don't drink, what do you do?"
Darien stood up and walked towards the leader. He outstretched his arms and leaned on the table in front of the leader. "I'm here to warn you," Darien said in a serious tone.
"Warn us? About what?" The leader asked.
Darien smiled, "You just don't get it do you. You don't know anything about human history?"
"Why would human history be relevant to us?"
"Cause you learn from it. Well, at least you're supposed to anyway. You can't win a war fighting two fronts."
"Two fronts.what you mean, humans and Chrysalis?"
Darien shook his head and laughed at the same time, "Man, I knew you had a sense of humor. No, silly.humans and dominants. The co-existence faction is stronger and larger than you think. They're prepared for a civil war."
"Civil War?" The leader remarked.
"Yeah, you know the whole brother fights brother thing." Darien stood straight up, "Are you prepared to fight a war like this? Or better yet, maybe I should tell you something, 'Beware the ides of March'. You know the story of Caesar and his friend Brutus. Yeah, that stabbing in the back thing is something you should watch out for." Darien had a dead panned expression on his face. "I came in here and could have been Brutus," Darien scratched the back of his head, "But then, I'm not your friend am I."
Darien with cat like reflexes, jumped up on the table then leaped down and grabbed the leader. He held him in a head lock as if he were going to break his neck. Darien hissed into his ear, "Hitler couldn't win on two fronts and you won't either. War is futile." Darien released the leader and disappeared.
The leader gasped for air and watched the doors open.
"I'll be seein' ya.but you won't see me," Darien's haunting voice came out of thin air as the doors closed.
The Council glared at Lewis. They knew that was his fault. Obviously Lewis couldn't control his own creation. The Council members all got up, turned their backs on Lewis and left the room leaving Lewis alone. He had been rejected by the Council and was now on his own, a rogue.
**** Darien masked himself as he made his way down the hall. There was one more thing he had to do and this was the main reason why he came back, he wanted to get Darcy out of there.
He came to her room and knocked. Darcy opened the door and saw no one there, "I thought someone knocked."
"I did," said the disembodied voice.
A smile crept across her face, "Darien? You're back?"
"Yeah, I'm back, ah.can you step aside so I can come in?"
"Oh," Darcy stepped aside, "Are you in?"
"Yep, and you can close the door now."
Darcy looked around the room puzzled, "Why are you invisible?"
"Well, so that you won't see me do this," Darien used a shock gun on her and she fell to the floor. Darien shed the quicksilver and knelt down next to her to see if she was okay. He brushed the blonde hair from her face, "Sorry, babe, but it's the only thing I could think of doing. I'm gonna get you out of here and help you come to your senses." Darien lifted her up in his arms and quicksilvered both of them.
The door opened and then closed. Darien made it out without any complications.
****
Darien walked into the padded cell. When the door closed it sounded like the hatch on the space shuttle. Darien put his hands in his pockets and let a sigh, 'Well, here goes nothin'.' He thought to himself.
"I was wondering when you were going to come in. Are you going to take me back to Lewis?"
"Ahh, no," Darien said.
"Then why am I here?"
"So we can talk about you," Darien leaned up against the wall.
Darcy stood up and walked over to Darien, "You're going to try to change me?"
"Give me some credit for trying," Darien looked down on the shorter woman, "You're like me, once human. I think I have a pretty good shot at it."
"But we're not human anymore, so why think like them?" Darcy said as she moved her hands up and down Darien's chest.
"Okay, you want me to say it! Then yeah, I'm a dominant. But I also like to think of myself as being human."
"Then you're taking a step back."
"Oh, because of the whole evolution thing? Does being stronger, smarter and Vulcan like make us better?"
"Yeah."
"No, I don't buy into this evolution crap. That two species can't occupy the same ecological whatever it is."
"Niche."
"Whatever," Darien said in a sarcastic tone. "I don't care what Lewis said or anyone else for that matter. I tend to think on my own terms, which is something dominants seem to lack the ability to do." Darien took a quick glance around the room with the white walls and floor, "Humans are stronger than us, emotionally you know."
"How do you figure, emotions are a sign of weakness."
"Yeah, well, I've heard that a lot. Look, a long time ago my brother Kevin pushed me out of the way so I wouldn't get shot, he died. Ed cut his wrist when he thought he was injected with the conversion serum, he would rather die then turn against his people." Darien paused, he thought back to Ed in his arms. Darcy sensed the emotional change in Darien. "Darcy, Ed was willing to exchange his life for Sloan and Claire. But he ended up doing what Kevin did, he pushed me out of harms way and was shot, even though he knew what my mission was."
"Darien, we make sacrifices like that all the time." Darcy turned and sat down.
Darien shook his head in disagreement, "No, you missed what I said.Ed was willing.Kevin was willing.they both were willing to die for something they believed in. That's the difference, Darcy. Humans sacrifice themselves cause they choose to. Dominants do it because it's our instinct. That devotion, compassion and loyalty for others is what we can't fight against. That's what makes them stronger than us, even better than us. Ed's devotion to Claire and Sloan brought me back. It's also why I went after you."
Darcy stared at Darien in bewilderment. She watched as Darien sat down next to her. "We will survive, it's the order of things and you know it."
"Okay, Ms. Gloria Gaynor listen up. The High Council, Lewis and the others, they're wrong. If war starts, no one will win. I do believe world history has proved that. The Romans, Gangis Kahn, Napoleon, Hitler.they all tried and failed and so will we. The only thing we'll accomplish is the annihilation of both species. Is that worth fighting for? Our own destruction? Then why? Why the fight? Why not find another way, a way where both species can live." Darien said.
"Because its evolution, Darien."
"What, because of what Darwin said or because of what we're taught? Think for yourself. We don't need scientists to tell us what to believe or how to think."
Darien paused and looked at the window. He smiled knowing that Claire was watching and listening.
"All right.evolution.instinct.since I've had those thrown in my face lately let's look at them." Darien shifted his position so he faced Darcy, "Zebras in Africa migrate every year cause of instinct. Now they have to cross a river full of alligators. When they reach the river they kind of hang out cause they know the river is dangerous, but soon the instinct to push on is too strong and they jump in, knowing that they could die. Now, that sounds a lot like us, our instinct to be aggressive, to kill, is too strong for us to ignore. But that's what make us lesser than humans, they would choose to go around and find a safer way to cross the river, while we dominants are pushed by our instinct to kill." Darien looked for any signs of change in Darcy. She was definitely thinking about what he was saying.
Darien continued, "Evolution, instinct, whatever it is, will push us to jump into the waters of war and we will not survive. If we evolved from humans, what will evolve from us, Darcy? It is the order of things, isn't it? What will our people do then?"
"But look what happened to you, did you forget what the humans did to you or were going to do?"
Darien furrowed his brow, "No, I won't forget that. But that's not how they all think. Darcy, you have to admit, we haven't exactly given them a lot of reasons to trust us. The road to peace is bumpy but it sure beats jumping in a river full of alligators."
Darcy stayed silent for a couple of minutes. She thought about what Darien said, it suddenly made sense to her. Darcy smiled. She took Darien's hand and squeezed it, "If you, Tom and others are willing, then I guess I am too. Remember how I told you to let go of your humanity?"
"Uhmmm.yeah." Darien said as he played with the long hair next to his ear.
"I'm sorry I put you through all that." Darcy ran her hand over his cheek.
"We were both brainwashed by Lewis. I'm just glad we were able to break it."
"Darien, what will happen to me now?"
"I don't know? What do you want to do?"
"I want to see my parents."
"Okay. I can take you if you like."
"I would like that. I would also like to see Kelly's parents."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. I would also like to see Kelly. Do you know where she's buried?"
"I could find out."
"And Ed and your brother Kevin."
"Why Kevin?"
"To thank him for saving you."
Darien smiled, "Yeah, we'll go see Kevin too. Anyone else?"
Darien and Darcy got up to leave the padded cell. Darcy looked up at Darien, "A strawberry milkshake, I haven't had one in a long time."
Darien put his arm around her and pulled her in for a hug, "You got it kiddo."
"Oh and another thing, don't call me kiddo."
Darien smiled, "Okay, deal." Darien opened the door, they walked out and the door shut behind them.
****
Three weeks later, Claire, Hobbes and Darien sat in the Official's office staring at him and Eberts. They were waiting for the morning meeting to start. The Official had announced the week before that the investigation of Dr. Ed Tate and his actions had concluded and that all charges of treason were dropped. Ed's name was cleared. Little comfort to Claire but it had to do.
Claire sat as she did every morning, alone at the round table, twirling the puka shell necklace with her fingers while Hobbes and Darien sat in their usual chairs. Claire hardly said anything to anybody after the events in Mexico.
Darien looked around and broke the silence, "Uhmm.is this a new way we're going to start our meetings, by playing charades?"
"You're the one with the crystal ball in your head, my friend. Why don't you tell us what this is all about?" Hobbes retorted.
"Hey, for your information, I'm controlling that.not unless it's absolutely necessary." Darien answered back.
"It's a test,"
"What?"
"The Chief, he's testing you," Hobbes sneered at Eberts, "Yeah, they're testing you to see if you would crack under pressure."
"Do you like lay in bed at night thinking this stuff up?" Darien asked.
"Enough!" The Official barked, "I see that your DNA change hasn't altered your sarcasm."
"Why thank you, Boss," Darien smirked at the Official.
"If it's not a test, then why are we sitting here like mannequins?" Hobbes asked.
"We're waiting for the new agents to arrive," The Official looked at his watch.
"What?" Darien looked at Hobbes.
Hobbes uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, "Wha.what.new agents as in plural?"
"Yes, Agent Hobbes.new agents," Eberts added.
"Whoa.I thought we were on a budget? Where is the funding coming from?" Darien asked.
"This sort of has something to do with you Fawkes," The Official smiled at Darien.
"That's nothing new, I thought everything here *does* have something to do with me or the gland." Darien smirked.
"Yes, that's true, Chief." Hobbes added.
Darien turned towards the glass door. He knew who was coming down the hall. He turned and looked back at the Official with a puzzled look on his face.
"Someone comin' partner?"
"Oh.yeah."
The glass door swung open, "Sorry we're late, finding a parking space is hard in this city." The woman's voice said.
Darien and Hobbes turned their heads and their mouths dropped open as Sloan, Tom, Ray and Walter walked in the office. "They're the new agents?" Darien asked. His thumb was pointed in their direction like he was hitchhiking.
"Why yes, they are Fawkes. Like I said, you are responsible for them being here. You did burn down their lab." The Official said.
"Great, you keep bringing that up like my police record." Darien sneered as he rested his chin in the palm of his hand. "Not that I'm pleased to have you guys on board. Well, you know, but we are the sorriest agency in the government. Why would you join us?"
"I think we have a lot to offer each other and if we pull our resources together I think this can be a top notch agency." Walter said.
"Okay that's cool and all, but where is the funding coming from?" Darien asked.
"They're bringing it with them." The Official's eyes gleamed in anticipation of the funds that would be coming in."
"Yeah, funds." Eberts smiled.
Darien and Hobbes looked at each other. "Those two look like they hit the Powerball," Darien smirked.
"This would benefit you too, Darien. Claire would be able to continue the research that Dr. Tate started in finding a way to get the gland out. So, as you can see, it's a win-win situation."
Darien pointed to the Official, "Now that's what I'm talking about." He said with a gleam in his eye.
Hobbes leaned towards Darien to whisper, "You think you can use your mind meld powers to get me a raise."
"I heard that." The Official barked.
"Hobbesy, do you really think I'd do that? Besides, Tom said it would be improper use of my dominant capabilities."
"Some friend you are. Since when did you get morals?" Hobbes jeered.
"Boys." The Official tried to get their attention.
"Hobbes." Darien said.
"Fawkes." Hobbes continued.
"Boys."
"Hobbes."
"Fawkes."
Tom impassively raised a brow to the verbal exchange. This is something he would need to get used to. Lewis would never have tolerated this form conversation. Sloan giggled. Ray shook his head, "If this happened at our morning briefings we would have been suspended."
The Official banged his fist on his desk. Hobbes and Darien immediately stopped and both smiled. The Official grunted, "Now as I was saying. Along with the new agents comes funding which means new equipment."
Darien turned to look at Claire, "You'll have company in the lab too, Claire."
"That's nice," Claire half answered. She lowered her head in despair. She didn't realize how much she did love Ed. This last month has been difficult on her. Claire hasn't felt so lonely in such a long time. She really missed Ed.
Darien looked at Sloan and shot her an apologetic nod. Sloan responded in like manner. The door swung open again, "Sorry, about that."
Claire didn't take her eyes off the floor. She watched a pair of golden tan hiking shoes go by. They reminded her of Ed's. 'Ed's replacement I assume,' Claire thought to herself. She followed the baggie khaki pants and saw a powder blue lab coat covering an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt that was covering a white t-shirt. 'Just like Ed,' she thought again and unconsciously she looked even further up to the name tag on the lab coat. Her eyes went wide and her mouth gaped open. She couldn't get her eyes off the name tag that bore the name.
Dr. Edward Tate
"Hello, Claire."
Claire looked at him. He was waving his hand like he was trying to get her attention. "Ed?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"But."
"You thought that I would turn down the Faa.ahh.the Official's offer to work by your side again?" Ed smiled.
Hobbes and Darien snickered at the fact that Ed almost called the Official, 'Fat Man'. They caught his glare and immediately stopped.
"Sorry sir," Hobbes offered his apology.
"Yeah, me too," Darien snickered as he nudged Hobbes arm, "He's learning."
"And quick too."
"Enough you two." The official barked.
Claire stood up, "You were so angry with me and the Official, even when the charges were dropped. I thought that you wouldn't want to come here."
"Me mad? Not for long," Ed brushed a piece of Claire's hair aside, "Besides that wouldn't keep me away. Now if I really wanted to stay away it would be because of all the crap you people have put me through. In a course of two months," Ed held up his hand and started counting on his fingers, "I was kidnapped not once but four times, stabbed, drugged, frozen, confined in a tiny isolation room by a dominant who blames me for Copeland's death, beaten by a hormonal crazed dominant female,"
Ed looked at Darien quickly, "No offense."
"None taken," Darien said.
Ed continued, "Let's see, then I was shot while I was trying to help Darien, if that doesn't keep me away than what will? Besides after all that, I think my life would be pretty boring if I didn't stick around."
"Yeah, very boring." Darien added.
"He's like you, my friend, gets his butt kicked a lot." Hobbes nodded.
"Not anymore," Darien sneered.
Claire wrapped her arms around Ed and they kissed. Everyone waited for them to break apart. But it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Sloan hugged Tom and they each smile at each other. Darien turned to Hobbes, "He surfs.probably can hold his breath for a long time."
"Yeah, I surf too you know."
"Really?"
"Yeah, one time I was out and this humongous wave was coming at me."
"Humongous?"
"Yeah, you know large as in very large. Don't interrupt me, Fawkes."
"Ahem.doctors.you're on company time here. I would like to get this meeting started." The Official barked.
"Oh sorry, sir.I got carried away," Claire stated.
"I'm sorry too." Ed added as he blushed.
"I don't know how they do things at Whitney University, but this is the government now and I expect all my agents to be here on time and to show proper conduct while on duty. Do I make myself clear?" The Official waited for the usual response and he wasn't disappointed. Ed saluted his understanding.
Walter watched and listened to the brief meeting. He wondered how this was going work with the two groups working in the same building, but for now it was in Tom and Darien's best interest. The events of the past month clearly showed that Darien needed to learn more and Tom was the only one that could help. If his boss wanted to learn things about dominants she would have to read his own reports.
Eberts showed Sloan and Ed where their new lab was. Half of the third floor belonged to the new group. They did manage to get new state of the art equipment as did Claire.
Ed gazed at the new set up. He was only a couple of floors above the keep and he decided to pay Claire a visit before he left. Ed pulled out the card and twirled it in his fingers. He left his new office and headed for the keep.
Ed slipped the card in and the door slid opened. He stepped inside and saw Claire sitting at her desk, her fingers busy typing on the keyboard. "Hey," Ed said as he leaned up against the desk.
Claire smiled, she turned around in her chair and saw Ed with his arms folded, "Guess I'm going to have to get used to seeing you around here more often." Claire looked at quizzically, "I know that you're doctor hasn't cleared you to return to work."
"No, not yet, but I wanted to stop by first and give you something," Ed reached into his pocket and pulled out a keychain with two keys on it. He dangled them in the air.
"What are those for?" Claire asked. She stood up and took the keys from Ed's hand.
Ed smiled sheepishly, "They're keys to my new place. Come by for a visit.every now and then. Whenever." Ed shrugged his shoulders and started to walk out.
"Wait!" Claire called out to him, "Ed," she held the keys close to her chest, "I will."
Ed debated his next move, one voice saying kiss her and another saying leave. Ed shook both the voices off and approached Claire. Neither one said a word, they didn't have to. They wrapped their arms around each other and hugged tightly. Claire could smell Ed's distinctive scent and it drove her crazy. Ed's cologne mixed in with the hint of ocean that always seemed to be present on him.
"Claire, I'm sorry I was so mad at you."
"You had every right to be. You don't know how many times Darien has apologized to me." Claire chuckled.
"I know, he practically called me everyday when I was in the hospital and it got worse when I got home. His messages filled my answering machine.he really felt bad." Ed brushed her cheek with his hand.
"Can we start over?" Claire asked hopefully.
Ed didn't hesitate, "Yeah, we can." Jokingly, Ed asked, "So, have you dated any other scientists before me?"
Claire smiled, "Yes, his name was Kevin and he was just as brilliant as you are, but."
"But?"
"But.that's in the past. I want to be with you and not because you remind me of Kevin." Claire moved closer to Ed's mouth. "I love you, Ed Tate."
Ed smiled, "I love you, Claire Keeply...or who ever you are." Their lips lightly touched. They broke apart and smiled at each other. Ed's hand moved behind Claire's head and pulled her in for a more passionate kiss.
Claire broke the kiss and rested her head on Ed's chest, "You better get going or the Official will have a fit about having an employee in the building who's not medically cleared to be here."
Ed smiled, "I guess I'm an insurance liability." Ed started to leave, "Oh, wait, here's my address and the code to get inside, you know, just in case I'm not around." Ed smiled, "We can watch the sunset over the Pacific. You don't have to come over tonight, but maybe another night."
Claire smiled at him seductively, "I'll be there."
Ed bent down and kissed her softly, "Now I won't be able to concentrate for the rest of the day."
Claire removed the puka shell necklace from around her neck and held it up to Ed, "I think this belongs to you."
Ed smiled, "I thought I lost that," he took it and put it around his neck.
Claire brushed a strand of hair from Ed's face. His eyes mirrored Darien's in a sad way. Deep inside was a lonely soul and Claire was determined to change that. "I'm surprised you came to work here. Being handcuffed to a hospital bed really made you angry."
"Well, it's not everyday you find out that you were shot by government agents who had orders to bring you in dead or alive and then the one that puts that order outs walks in like nothing happened and asks you to join the team without one hint of remorse or an apology, even though I lost a small part of my stomach, my liver was damaged and I won't even discuss my small bowel or large intestine, my left shoulder is better though, but I still can't surf yet." Ed never took a breath during his rambling.
"Wow.that was one long run on sentence.anything else you want to get off your chest while you're here?" Claire smiled as she looked up into the chocolate colored eyes.
Ed half smiled back and looked down at his shoes, "But, I'm not bitter."
"As far as an apology or showing remorse from the Official, that won't happen. So, don't hold your breath and from that last tirade I can see that you can hold it for a long time."
Ed chuckled, "You always seem to know how to make me feel better."
Claire smiled, "Let me show you some more methods I have," this time, she kissed him back passionately.
Darien and Hobbes were about to enter the keep when Darien sensed two very strong emotions coming from the other side of the door, "Ah crap." The tone was lower than usual.
"What is it Fawkes?" Hobbes was about to swipe his card.
Darien grabbed his arm, "Uhmmm.lets go get some coffee."
"We already had some coffee," Hobbes retorted. "Look I can handle it."
"Not this you can't," Darien went to push Hobbes down the hall when Hobbes stopped him.
"Look, Fawkes, I know I don't like it. I love Claire, and that will never change. But she loves him and I have to get used them making googly eyes at each other. Claire made her choice and I respect that."
Darien studied Hobbes, "You're really cool with this aren't you?" Darien titled his head to one side and waited for Hobbes response.
"Yes, I am.sort of. I'll be waiting on sidelines and watching this dude. If he didn't look so much like you, I'd punch him out and then give them both my best wishes." Hobbes put the card back in his pocket and walked away.
Darien snickered, "This is going to be very interesting." He caught up with Hobbes to go on their mission.
Claire broke the kiss, "How are you adapting to San Diego life?"
Ed had a smirk on his face, "Well, I did manage to get the house I've always dreamed of."
"Oh yeah and what kind of house would that be?" Claire said as she poked him in his ribs with her fingers.
"Beach house, what did you expect?"
Claire raised her brows, "A beach house!?! You really are adapting aren't you?"
Ed pulled her in tighter against his body, their hips swaying back and forth. He placed soft kisses on her neck and started to moved downward, "Yeah, I'm adapting." Ed paused, ".to this government.life." Ed looked up and stared off.
Claire noticed Ed, "Are you okay?" He didn't answer, "Ed?" She watched as his stone faced expression suddenly changed. Ed started to smile slowly and his eyes looked as if he had a sudden revelation. "Ed, what's wrong?"
Ed had a huge grin on his face; he picked her up and turned around in circles, "Thank you, Claire! You're a genius!" He placed a big kiss on her lips.
Claire softly giggled, "Okay, thank you, but what did I do?"
Ed placed his hands on her shoulders, "I've been going about this all wrong. Adapting. That's what I've been missing." He let go of her and paced crazily back and forth mumbling to himself.
Claire watched with fascination. Ed stopped and looked at her, he grabbed her shoulders again, "Genius.absolute genius. I'd have to run some tests, but it should work. I mean, the process could take some time, but it should be safer than if it was all at one time. I just have to lesson the amount.yes, that's it.1/8 of the amount should do it. Small enough to take him back by stages."
"Ed, what are you talking about?"
Ed opened the door to the Keep. He took a hold of Claire's hand, "Adapting." He pulled her out and the door closed.
Darien and Hobbes made it back to the Agency from their mission early in the afternoon. Hobbes had managed once again to get some chicks number. Darien didn't understand how his partner could have a black book as large as the San Diego phone book and still be hung up on Claire seeing Ed. "So, are you going to call the chick or what?" Darien asked Hobbes in a tone that matched his swaggering walk.
Hobbes smiled, "Maybe."
Darien poked him with his elbow, "Aw come on, man. I know you. You're going to invite her to Claire's."
Now it was Hobbes turn to poke Darien in the ribs, "Shhh, Fawkes, you'll blow the surprise. You know tater tot's been working on this."
"Okay, enough with the names. Why are you being so mean to the guy? Besides, you changed the subject."
"I did not."
"Yeah, you did, we were talking about this chick you met today and now we're talking about Ed."
"I was just saying."
Claire met them in the hall, "Oh, your back.good. We're going to the lab upstairs." Claire smiled widely at Darien, "We have some good news, Darien."
"You and Ed figured out a way to get the gland out?" Darien sounded hopeful.
Claire rolled her eyes, "Not that kind of good news but something else. Come on, Ed's waiting."
"I thought he wasn't supposed to be here?" Darien asked as he followed Claire down the hall.
Ed was busy with a blood sample when Claire, Darien and Hobbes came in. Claire went over to Ed and sat down next to him.
"Nya, what's up doc?" Darien said smiling at his own self amusement.
Ed peered at Darien through his clear safety glasses, "Very funny.I'm glad you're back, sit down. I'll be done in just a sec." Ed turned to his work again.
"So, what's this all about?" Darien asked quizzically.
"Hold on and I'll show you," Ed said as he scooted over to the computer and started a program. He turned his chair around, "I figured out a way to turn you back to human without harming the gland."
Hobbes looked at Darien, "Hey, there you go, something to make you happy."
"Okay, how and does this include pain?" Darien asked. He was waiting for the bomb to drop.
Ed looked at Claire and then back to Darien, "Uhmm.maybe.but I think I have a way around that. Okay.first let me explain. I can't change your DNA all at one time. I can change it over a period of time."
"How long?" Darien asked concerned.
"It'll take about five weeks, maybe longer."
Darien stood up, "I'm going to be in pain for five weeks?"
"No, no.each conversion process will only take a couple of hours. We wait a week or so to allow the gland to adapt to the increase in brain size. Look, it's just not your DNA that gets altered, so does your brain mass. When the gland adapts, we'll do another conversion session. We keep going until you're back to the human 1.1%."
"What about the pain involved? Are you talking what I went through the last time?" Darien stared out the window.
"Tom only experienced a high fever." Ed said.
"But there is also one other thing you need to consider. You're eyesight. You were having problems with it. If you convert back, it's very possible it may continue." Claire added.
Darien sighed, "Okay, but what about it holding, wasn't that your problem before?"
"It failed on Tom because he was a dominant to begin with. James, my monkey died from internal bleeding because the serum worked to fast, his body didn't have time to adapt. I've been testing a sample of your blood all morning and so far it's working. I'm going to test it on another monkey and see what happens before I try anything on you. But this is the best bet so far." Ed got up and walked over to Darien. He stood next to his twin, "I guess the question you have to ask yourself is do you want to?"
"What do you mean, does he want to? What kind of question is that?" Hobbes blurted out.
Darien looked at Ed and then to Hobbes. He stared at his partner for a few moments and then turned his attention to his shoes. Hobbes shook his head, "You're not sure are you?"
"Hobbes, I.I have to think about this okay?"
"What you worried about the high fever? Or is it Darcy?" Hobbes asked.
"This isn't about Darcy. If Ed offers to convert her it will be up to her to make that decision." Darien turned to look at Ed, he slapped him on his shoulder, "Thanks, but I need time."
Ed shook his head, "I understand, but you know the co-existence movement could take time and the gland may integrate more with your central nervous system to the point where the therapy won't work at all."
"I know," Darien turned and walked out of the lab.
Hobbes stood there wondering what had happened, "Would you mind explaining to me what all that was about?"
"Bobby, Darien might be having second thoughts about the therapy to turn him human again. He feels that he can do more as he is now. This is a big decision for him with everything that's happened. We need to let him decide for himself and just be there to support him when he does make that decision." Claire said.
"Well, what do you know; he's acting more human than when he was human." Hobbes said with a smile.
Ed looked confused, "Huh?"
Claire smiled, "He means that Darien is thinking of others first before himself. He's grown so much, Ed. He's not so selfish anymore."
"Yeah," replied Ed. "But I think it may have to do with what happened to him while he was in the care of Walter's boss and Lewis."
The three stared at each other. They all knew that whatever decision Darien made they would support him. Hobbes left the lab to rejoin Darien. Claire watched Ed sadly as he fidgeted on the stool. She walked over to him and sat down, "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I.I can't go through with it, I can't work on my gene therapy. I mean how can I sleep knowing that I could cause the extinction of a new species?" Ed trembled.
"That's not why you were developing the serum," Claire took his hand.
"Yes.that's why I came up with it. To do to them what they had done to Kelly," Ed swallowed hard, "to Darien and Darcy. Who knows how many more? You know what they were going to do to dominants at that facility. My gene therapy, they were going to use my gene therapy to wipe them out." Ed looked away.
"No, Ed. You had no choice. You were trying to come up with something to save us. It's no different than what they've done and you know that. Remember you told me about the orange juice boxes and how they put nano bugs in them to alter the children's immune system? How dominant men would get human women pregnant because their DNA is stronger? Remember telling me that? Who knows what else they've come up with to annihilate us? You were only doing what you had to do to fight those dominants, not the innocent ones."
Ed ran his hand through his hair, "It doesn't make it right. Now I know how those scientists felt when they developed the first A-Bomb. That debate will never end will it?"
"We do what we have to do to survive. Maybe if the dominants know that we have weapons and ways to fight back, they will come to the peace table." Claire studied Ed closely. The ordeal that's he's been through the past two months showed in his eyes. He was worried and uncertain that what he was doing was the right the thing.
Ed swallowed hard, "Claire, I uhmm.earlier in the keep, when I told you that you can come over when ever you like,"
"Yes," Claire nodded.
Ed continued, "Well, what I meant to say was," he took a deep breath, "I want to see more of you, will you move in with me?" Ed smiled, "There I said it, I actually said it."
Claire chuckled, "Now this is where you and Darien are so different, he speaks his mind on everything."
"And I'm too shy when it comes to women. I had time to think today and I really blew it with Sloan. It's no secret that I loved her and because I didn't say anything I lost her." Ed put his hand under Claire's chin and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip, "I was afraid that if I did the same with you, I'd lose you too. My whole world turned upside down the second Sloan knocked on my door at three in the morning with Lynch's DNA test results. Since then I've almost died three times, well four if you count being frozen, we were even chased half way around the world one time."
Ed scooted closer to Claire, "I don't know what's going to happen to me or any of us for that matter, I also don't want to put you in danger. It's only going to get worse. The dominants have been after Sloan, Tom and me for so long that what we've been through lately has been the worst so far. We've had so many close calls before it would make you dizzy if I told you everything."
Claire brushed away his hair from his face, "I live for danger. I work here don't I? Besides, I have a big gun and I know how to use it."
"So I hear," Ed smiled.
"I do have one condition though," Claire said.
"Okay, what's that?" Ed waited.
"Pavlov comes with me," Claire raised her brow.
"As long as the little fur ball doesn't chew on my boards, he's welcome." Ed shot Claire a serious face, and then smiled slightly.
"He has plenty of his own toys; he won't bother your boards. I'll see if Darien and Darcy want to move in, they've been looking for a place to rent. Darien's apartment is too small for the both of them."
"I'm sure they'll like that. I guess they really hit it off." Ed said.
"Yes, they have. They're made for each other, well, you know what I mean," Claire blushed.
Ed's phone rang at that moment. He looked at it quizzically, "I didn't know my number was in service yet."
Claire shrugged her shoulders, "Maybe its Eberts checking to see if it works."
The phone rang again. Ed picked it up, "Dr. Tate."
"Bonjour, I'm so glad to see that you survived your ordeal with Stark." The accented voice said.
Ed went into a near panic and it showed on his face. Claire stood up, "What's wrong?"
"I hear you're not alone, don't say a word and listen carefully. If you convert Fawkes back to his pathetic human life you will do more harm than good."
Ed turned around to face his window, "I already know about your so called *fix*. I'm sure I can find a way around that."
"That, I have no doubt."
"So, why are you telling me this? I thought you didn't care what happens to Darien." Ed shot back. Claire became more agitated that Ed wasn't dropping any hints as to who he was talking with.
"You're right of course, I really don't care. All I want is the gland. But I know that you do care, so I'm willing to make a deal. I'll tell you how the cure affected his eyesight if you help me with my new gland."
"Sorry, no deal." Ed went to hang up the phone.
"Here's a little information before you hang up, the eyesight was only the beginning of Fawkes' problems. Just think about our little conversation."
"What else did you.?" Ed heard the phone click off. He stared at the phone for a moment before putting it back on the receiver.
Claire stood in front of Ed, "Ed, who was that?"
Ed looked down at Claire, with alarm in his eyes simply said, "Arnaud."
The End ?
Alli and MM
Disclaimers in the first part.
Chapter 11
Two days later, Walter sat in his office, not really wanting to do anything. But as the old saying goes, 'Life goes on.' How he started to hate that now. He looked when he heard a soft tap on the door frame.
"Come in, Darien. How are you holding up?" Walter asked
Darien shook his head as he answered, "I'm doing, but I'm not here to talk about Ed."
"Oh, then what can I do for you?" Walter asked not really sure where this conversation was going.
Darien put his hands on Walter's desk and leaned down to stare at the man, "How long did you know him?"
"Knew who? Ed?" Walter was confused.
Darien pulled out a paper from his jacket and unfolded it. He tossed it on Walter's desk and pointed to the picture, "Him, I want to know, Walter. I want to know how long you knew him."
Walter picked up the paper. He stared at Darien, "Where did you get this?"
"The day I was dominant nutso, you remember, I was in here. When you all left your office, I took some things and this was one of them. Can you imagine the surprise I had when I saw that you knew him?" Darien leaned down again, "What part did you play in the QS-9300 Project, Walter?"
Walter leaned back and tossed the paper on his desk, "That is classified, Darien, and you know too much already."
****
A week after Ed had taken Darien to Mexico, Lewis found himself again before the Council answering a barrage of questions. At least the Council still didn't know that Lewis had planned on overthrowing them and taking over. That plan is just on the back burner for now. 'Damn, Dr. Tate and his sacrificial human act,' Lewis thought to himself.
The room suddenly grew still and everyone had become paralyzed. The doors opened up and then closed again seemingly by themselves. The air changed again and everyone could move again. The Council leader stood up, "What just happened?"
Lewis searched the room but sensed no one and that's when it hit him, "Darien Fawkes?"
"Bingo! Give that man a prize," the ghostly voice yelled out.
The dominants all stood up and looked around hurriedly as they tried to figure out Darien's location.
"Ah you know, you really don't have to stand up for me, but I thank you for the ovation." Darien spoke again but from a different part of the room. All the heads turned in his direction.
"What do you want?" The leader asked.
Darien laughed, "I want a lot of things which of course none of you can give me. Soooo, I just wanted to stop by and said hi to my old buds." Darien slapped the back of one of the council so hard it sent him over the table. "Opsie.guess I don't know my own strength."
The Council members watched as the chair moved around to the other side of the table. The chair then leaned backwards on the back legs. A burst of silver flakes appeared and Darien appeared leaning back on the chair, his feet were crossed as they rested on top of the table with his hands clasped behind his head. He smiled as he smacked on some gum, "Hey, hi, how are you guys? Miss me?"
"Comfortable?" Lewis asked at the way Darien was showing irreverence to the Council.
"Yeah, actually I am. Thanks for asking by the way," Darien smiled at Lewis. 'I would be quiet if I were you or I'll tell your friends here that you wanted to throw a coup party. I'm sure they'll love to hear that.' Darien smiled the whole time he spoke to Lewis using his ESP skills. He watched Lewis grow red in the face, 'I thought you'd see it my way. Man, don't you just love me?'
The Council took noticed of the eye contact between Darien and Lewis, especially how Lewis' appearance changed so quickly. The leader suspected that Darien talked to Lewis. He would make note of that and not forget. Lewis could not be trusted. He turned his gaze back to Darien, "This isn't a social visit, Darien. Why are you here?"
"For the party! Man, what is up with you people?" Darien looked around the room. A mischievous smile was on Darien's face as he leaned forward putting all four legs of the chair on the floor. He leaned on the table and folded his hands as he thought for a moment. He slapped the table with the palm of his hand, "Okay, you're right, this isn't a social visit, cause frankly you people are boring. Don't dance, don't drink, what do you do?"
Darien stood up and walked towards the leader. He outstretched his arms and leaned on the table in front of the leader. "I'm here to warn you," Darien said in a serious tone.
"Warn us? About what?" The leader asked.
Darien smiled, "You just don't get it do you. You don't know anything about human history?"
"Why would human history be relevant to us?"
"Cause you learn from it. Well, at least you're supposed to anyway. You can't win a war fighting two fronts."
"Two fronts.what you mean, humans and Chrysalis?"
Darien shook his head and laughed at the same time, "Man, I knew you had a sense of humor. No, silly.humans and dominants. The co-existence faction is stronger and larger than you think. They're prepared for a civil war."
"Civil War?" The leader remarked.
"Yeah, you know the whole brother fights brother thing." Darien stood straight up, "Are you prepared to fight a war like this? Or better yet, maybe I should tell you something, 'Beware the ides of March'. You know the story of Caesar and his friend Brutus. Yeah, that stabbing in the back thing is something you should watch out for." Darien had a dead panned expression on his face. "I came in here and could have been Brutus," Darien scratched the back of his head, "But then, I'm not your friend am I."
Darien with cat like reflexes, jumped up on the table then leaped down and grabbed the leader. He held him in a head lock as if he were going to break his neck. Darien hissed into his ear, "Hitler couldn't win on two fronts and you won't either. War is futile." Darien released the leader and disappeared.
The leader gasped for air and watched the doors open.
"I'll be seein' ya.but you won't see me," Darien's haunting voice came out of thin air as the doors closed.
The Council glared at Lewis. They knew that was his fault. Obviously Lewis couldn't control his own creation. The Council members all got up, turned their backs on Lewis and left the room leaving Lewis alone. He had been rejected by the Council and was now on his own, a rogue.
**** Darien masked himself as he made his way down the hall. There was one more thing he had to do and this was the main reason why he came back, he wanted to get Darcy out of there.
He came to her room and knocked. Darcy opened the door and saw no one there, "I thought someone knocked."
"I did," said the disembodied voice.
A smile crept across her face, "Darien? You're back?"
"Yeah, I'm back, ah.can you step aside so I can come in?"
"Oh," Darcy stepped aside, "Are you in?"
"Yep, and you can close the door now."
Darcy looked around the room puzzled, "Why are you invisible?"
"Well, so that you won't see me do this," Darien used a shock gun on her and she fell to the floor. Darien shed the quicksilver and knelt down next to her to see if she was okay. He brushed the blonde hair from her face, "Sorry, babe, but it's the only thing I could think of doing. I'm gonna get you out of here and help you come to your senses." Darien lifted her up in his arms and quicksilvered both of them.
The door opened and then closed. Darien made it out without any complications.
****
Darien walked into the padded cell. When the door closed it sounded like the hatch on the space shuttle. Darien put his hands in his pockets and let a sigh, 'Well, here goes nothin'.' He thought to himself.
"I was wondering when you were going to come in. Are you going to take me back to Lewis?"
"Ahh, no," Darien said.
"Then why am I here?"
"So we can talk about you," Darien leaned up against the wall.
Darcy stood up and walked over to Darien, "You're going to try to change me?"
"Give me some credit for trying," Darien looked down on the shorter woman, "You're like me, once human. I think I have a pretty good shot at it."
"But we're not human anymore, so why think like them?" Darcy said as she moved her hands up and down Darien's chest.
"Okay, you want me to say it! Then yeah, I'm a dominant. But I also like to think of myself as being human."
"Then you're taking a step back."
"Oh, because of the whole evolution thing? Does being stronger, smarter and Vulcan like make us better?"
"Yeah."
"No, I don't buy into this evolution crap. That two species can't occupy the same ecological whatever it is."
"Niche."
"Whatever," Darien said in a sarcastic tone. "I don't care what Lewis said or anyone else for that matter. I tend to think on my own terms, which is something dominants seem to lack the ability to do." Darien took a quick glance around the room with the white walls and floor, "Humans are stronger than us, emotionally you know."
"How do you figure, emotions are a sign of weakness."
"Yeah, well, I've heard that a lot. Look, a long time ago my brother Kevin pushed me out of the way so I wouldn't get shot, he died. Ed cut his wrist when he thought he was injected with the conversion serum, he would rather die then turn against his people." Darien paused, he thought back to Ed in his arms. Darcy sensed the emotional change in Darien. "Darcy, Ed was willing to exchange his life for Sloan and Claire. But he ended up doing what Kevin did, he pushed me out of harms way and was shot, even though he knew what my mission was."
"Darien, we make sacrifices like that all the time." Darcy turned and sat down.
Darien shook his head in disagreement, "No, you missed what I said.Ed was willing.Kevin was willing.they both were willing to die for something they believed in. That's the difference, Darcy. Humans sacrifice themselves cause they choose to. Dominants do it because it's our instinct. That devotion, compassion and loyalty for others is what we can't fight against. That's what makes them stronger than us, even better than us. Ed's devotion to Claire and Sloan brought me back. It's also why I went after you."
Darcy stared at Darien in bewilderment. She watched as Darien sat down next to her. "We will survive, it's the order of things and you know it."
"Okay, Ms. Gloria Gaynor listen up. The High Council, Lewis and the others, they're wrong. If war starts, no one will win. I do believe world history has proved that. The Romans, Gangis Kahn, Napoleon, Hitler.they all tried and failed and so will we. The only thing we'll accomplish is the annihilation of both species. Is that worth fighting for? Our own destruction? Then why? Why the fight? Why not find another way, a way where both species can live." Darien said.
"Because its evolution, Darien."
"What, because of what Darwin said or because of what we're taught? Think for yourself. We don't need scientists to tell us what to believe or how to think."
Darien paused and looked at the window. He smiled knowing that Claire was watching and listening.
"All right.evolution.instinct.since I've had those thrown in my face lately let's look at them." Darien shifted his position so he faced Darcy, "Zebras in Africa migrate every year cause of instinct. Now they have to cross a river full of alligators. When they reach the river they kind of hang out cause they know the river is dangerous, but soon the instinct to push on is too strong and they jump in, knowing that they could die. Now, that sounds a lot like us, our instinct to be aggressive, to kill, is too strong for us to ignore. But that's what make us lesser than humans, they would choose to go around and find a safer way to cross the river, while we dominants are pushed by our instinct to kill." Darien looked for any signs of change in Darcy. She was definitely thinking about what he was saying.
Darien continued, "Evolution, instinct, whatever it is, will push us to jump into the waters of war and we will not survive. If we evolved from humans, what will evolve from us, Darcy? It is the order of things, isn't it? What will our people do then?"
"But look what happened to you, did you forget what the humans did to you or were going to do?"
Darien furrowed his brow, "No, I won't forget that. But that's not how they all think. Darcy, you have to admit, we haven't exactly given them a lot of reasons to trust us. The road to peace is bumpy but it sure beats jumping in a river full of alligators."
Darcy stayed silent for a couple of minutes. She thought about what Darien said, it suddenly made sense to her. Darcy smiled. She took Darien's hand and squeezed it, "If you, Tom and others are willing, then I guess I am too. Remember how I told you to let go of your humanity?"
"Uhmmm.yeah." Darien said as he played with the long hair next to his ear.
"I'm sorry I put you through all that." Darcy ran her hand over his cheek.
"We were both brainwashed by Lewis. I'm just glad we were able to break it."
"Darien, what will happen to me now?"
"I don't know? What do you want to do?"
"I want to see my parents."
"Okay. I can take you if you like."
"I would like that. I would also like to see Kelly's parents."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure. I would also like to see Kelly. Do you know where she's buried?"
"I could find out."
"And Ed and your brother Kevin."
"Why Kevin?"
"To thank him for saving you."
Darien smiled, "Yeah, we'll go see Kevin too. Anyone else?"
Darien and Darcy got up to leave the padded cell. Darcy looked up at Darien, "A strawberry milkshake, I haven't had one in a long time."
Darien put his arm around her and pulled her in for a hug, "You got it kiddo."
"Oh and another thing, don't call me kiddo."
Darien smiled, "Okay, deal." Darien opened the door, they walked out and the door shut behind them.
****
Three weeks later, Claire, Hobbes and Darien sat in the Official's office staring at him and Eberts. They were waiting for the morning meeting to start. The Official had announced the week before that the investigation of Dr. Ed Tate and his actions had concluded and that all charges of treason were dropped. Ed's name was cleared. Little comfort to Claire but it had to do.
Claire sat as she did every morning, alone at the round table, twirling the puka shell necklace with her fingers while Hobbes and Darien sat in their usual chairs. Claire hardly said anything to anybody after the events in Mexico.
Darien looked around and broke the silence, "Uhmm.is this a new way we're going to start our meetings, by playing charades?"
"You're the one with the crystal ball in your head, my friend. Why don't you tell us what this is all about?" Hobbes retorted.
"Hey, for your information, I'm controlling that.not unless it's absolutely necessary." Darien answered back.
"It's a test,"
"What?"
"The Chief, he's testing you," Hobbes sneered at Eberts, "Yeah, they're testing you to see if you would crack under pressure."
"Do you like lay in bed at night thinking this stuff up?" Darien asked.
"Enough!" The Official barked, "I see that your DNA change hasn't altered your sarcasm."
"Why thank you, Boss," Darien smirked at the Official.
"If it's not a test, then why are we sitting here like mannequins?" Hobbes asked.
"We're waiting for the new agents to arrive," The Official looked at his watch.
"What?" Darien looked at Hobbes.
Hobbes uncrossed his legs and leaned forward, "Wha.what.new agents as in plural?"
"Yes, Agent Hobbes.new agents," Eberts added.
"Whoa.I thought we were on a budget? Where is the funding coming from?" Darien asked.
"This sort of has something to do with you Fawkes," The Official smiled at Darien.
"That's nothing new, I thought everything here *does* have something to do with me or the gland." Darien smirked.
"Yes, that's true, Chief." Hobbes added.
Darien turned towards the glass door. He knew who was coming down the hall. He turned and looked back at the Official with a puzzled look on his face.
"Someone comin' partner?"
"Oh.yeah."
The glass door swung open, "Sorry we're late, finding a parking space is hard in this city." The woman's voice said.
Darien and Hobbes turned their heads and their mouths dropped open as Sloan, Tom, Ray and Walter walked in the office. "They're the new agents?" Darien asked. His thumb was pointed in their direction like he was hitchhiking.
"Why yes, they are Fawkes. Like I said, you are responsible for them being here. You did burn down their lab." The Official said.
"Great, you keep bringing that up like my police record." Darien sneered as he rested his chin in the palm of his hand. "Not that I'm pleased to have you guys on board. Well, you know, but we are the sorriest agency in the government. Why would you join us?"
"I think we have a lot to offer each other and if we pull our resources together I think this can be a top notch agency." Walter said.
"Okay that's cool and all, but where is the funding coming from?" Darien asked.
"They're bringing it with them." The Official's eyes gleamed in anticipation of the funds that would be coming in."
"Yeah, funds." Eberts smiled.
Darien and Hobbes looked at each other. "Those two look like they hit the Powerball," Darien smirked.
"This would benefit you too, Darien. Claire would be able to continue the research that Dr. Tate started in finding a way to get the gland out. So, as you can see, it's a win-win situation."
Darien pointed to the Official, "Now that's what I'm talking about." He said with a gleam in his eye.
Hobbes leaned towards Darien to whisper, "You think you can use your mind meld powers to get me a raise."
"I heard that." The Official barked.
"Hobbesy, do you really think I'd do that? Besides, Tom said it would be improper use of my dominant capabilities."
"Some friend you are. Since when did you get morals?" Hobbes jeered.
"Boys." The Official tried to get their attention.
"Hobbes." Darien said.
"Fawkes." Hobbes continued.
"Boys."
"Hobbes."
"Fawkes."
Tom impassively raised a brow to the verbal exchange. This is something he would need to get used to. Lewis would never have tolerated this form conversation. Sloan giggled. Ray shook his head, "If this happened at our morning briefings we would have been suspended."
The Official banged his fist on his desk. Hobbes and Darien immediately stopped and both smiled. The Official grunted, "Now as I was saying. Along with the new agents comes funding which means new equipment."
Darien turned to look at Claire, "You'll have company in the lab too, Claire."
"That's nice," Claire half answered. She lowered her head in despair. She didn't realize how much she did love Ed. This last month has been difficult on her. Claire hasn't felt so lonely in such a long time. She really missed Ed.
Darien looked at Sloan and shot her an apologetic nod. Sloan responded in like manner. The door swung open again, "Sorry, about that."
Claire didn't take her eyes off the floor. She watched a pair of golden tan hiking shoes go by. They reminded her of Ed's. 'Ed's replacement I assume,' Claire thought to herself. She followed the baggie khaki pants and saw a powder blue lab coat covering an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt that was covering a white t-shirt. 'Just like Ed,' she thought again and unconsciously she looked even further up to the name tag on the lab coat. Her eyes went wide and her mouth gaped open. She couldn't get her eyes off the name tag that bore the name.
Dr. Edward Tate
"Hello, Claire."
Claire looked at him. He was waving his hand like he was trying to get her attention. "Ed?"
"Yeah, it's me."
"But."
"You thought that I would turn down the Faa.ahh.the Official's offer to work by your side again?" Ed smiled.
Hobbes and Darien snickered at the fact that Ed almost called the Official, 'Fat Man'. They caught his glare and immediately stopped.
"Sorry sir," Hobbes offered his apology.
"Yeah, me too," Darien snickered as he nudged Hobbes arm, "He's learning."
"And quick too."
"Enough you two." The official barked.
Claire stood up, "You were so angry with me and the Official, even when the charges were dropped. I thought that you wouldn't want to come here."
"Me mad? Not for long," Ed brushed a piece of Claire's hair aside, "Besides that wouldn't keep me away. Now if I really wanted to stay away it would be because of all the crap you people have put me through. In a course of two months," Ed held up his hand and started counting on his fingers, "I was kidnapped not once but four times, stabbed, drugged, frozen, confined in a tiny isolation room by a dominant who blames me for Copeland's death, beaten by a hormonal crazed dominant female,"
Ed looked at Darien quickly, "No offense."
"None taken," Darien said.
Ed continued, "Let's see, then I was shot while I was trying to help Darien, if that doesn't keep me away than what will? Besides after all that, I think my life would be pretty boring if I didn't stick around."
"Yeah, very boring." Darien added.
"He's like you, my friend, gets his butt kicked a lot." Hobbes nodded.
"Not anymore," Darien sneered.
Claire wrapped her arms around Ed and they kissed. Everyone waited for them to break apart. But it didn't look like that was going to happen anytime soon. Sloan hugged Tom and they each smile at each other. Darien turned to Hobbes, "He surfs.probably can hold his breath for a long time."
"Yeah, I surf too you know."
"Really?"
"Yeah, one time I was out and this humongous wave was coming at me."
"Humongous?"
"Yeah, you know large as in very large. Don't interrupt me, Fawkes."
"Ahem.doctors.you're on company time here. I would like to get this meeting started." The Official barked.
"Oh sorry, sir.I got carried away," Claire stated.
"I'm sorry too." Ed added as he blushed.
"I don't know how they do things at Whitney University, but this is the government now and I expect all my agents to be here on time and to show proper conduct while on duty. Do I make myself clear?" The Official waited for the usual response and he wasn't disappointed. Ed saluted his understanding.
Walter watched and listened to the brief meeting. He wondered how this was going work with the two groups working in the same building, but for now it was in Tom and Darien's best interest. The events of the past month clearly showed that Darien needed to learn more and Tom was the only one that could help. If his boss wanted to learn things about dominants she would have to read his own reports.
Eberts showed Sloan and Ed where their new lab was. Half of the third floor belonged to the new group. They did manage to get new state of the art equipment as did Claire.
Ed gazed at the new set up. He was only a couple of floors above the keep and he decided to pay Claire a visit before he left. Ed pulled out the card and twirled it in his fingers. He left his new office and headed for the keep.
Ed slipped the card in and the door slid opened. He stepped inside and saw Claire sitting at her desk, her fingers busy typing on the keyboard. "Hey," Ed said as he leaned up against the desk.
Claire smiled, she turned around in her chair and saw Ed with his arms folded, "Guess I'm going to have to get used to seeing you around here more often." Claire looked at quizzically, "I know that you're doctor hasn't cleared you to return to work."
"No, not yet, but I wanted to stop by first and give you something," Ed reached into his pocket and pulled out a keychain with two keys on it. He dangled them in the air.
"What are those for?" Claire asked. She stood up and took the keys from Ed's hand.
Ed smiled sheepishly, "They're keys to my new place. Come by for a visit.every now and then. Whenever." Ed shrugged his shoulders and started to walk out.
"Wait!" Claire called out to him, "Ed," she held the keys close to her chest, "I will."
Ed debated his next move, one voice saying kiss her and another saying leave. Ed shook both the voices off and approached Claire. Neither one said a word, they didn't have to. They wrapped their arms around each other and hugged tightly. Claire could smell Ed's distinctive scent and it drove her crazy. Ed's cologne mixed in with the hint of ocean that always seemed to be present on him.
"Claire, I'm sorry I was so mad at you."
"You had every right to be. You don't know how many times Darien has apologized to me." Claire chuckled.
"I know, he practically called me everyday when I was in the hospital and it got worse when I got home. His messages filled my answering machine.he really felt bad." Ed brushed her cheek with his hand.
"Can we start over?" Claire asked hopefully.
Ed didn't hesitate, "Yeah, we can." Jokingly, Ed asked, "So, have you dated any other scientists before me?"
Claire smiled, "Yes, his name was Kevin and he was just as brilliant as you are, but."
"But?"
"But.that's in the past. I want to be with you and not because you remind me of Kevin." Claire moved closer to Ed's mouth. "I love you, Ed Tate."
Ed smiled, "I love you, Claire Keeply...or who ever you are." Their lips lightly touched. They broke apart and smiled at each other. Ed's hand moved behind Claire's head and pulled her in for a more passionate kiss.
Claire broke the kiss and rested her head on Ed's chest, "You better get going or the Official will have a fit about having an employee in the building who's not medically cleared to be here."
Ed smiled, "I guess I'm an insurance liability." Ed started to leave, "Oh, wait, here's my address and the code to get inside, you know, just in case I'm not around." Ed smiled, "We can watch the sunset over the Pacific. You don't have to come over tonight, but maybe another night."
Claire smiled at him seductively, "I'll be there."
Ed bent down and kissed her softly, "Now I won't be able to concentrate for the rest of the day."
Claire removed the puka shell necklace from around her neck and held it up to Ed, "I think this belongs to you."
Ed smiled, "I thought I lost that," he took it and put it around his neck.
Claire brushed a strand of hair from Ed's face. His eyes mirrored Darien's in a sad way. Deep inside was a lonely soul and Claire was determined to change that. "I'm surprised you came to work here. Being handcuffed to a hospital bed really made you angry."
"Well, it's not everyday you find out that you were shot by government agents who had orders to bring you in dead or alive and then the one that puts that order outs walks in like nothing happened and asks you to join the team without one hint of remorse or an apology, even though I lost a small part of my stomach, my liver was damaged and I won't even discuss my small bowel or large intestine, my left shoulder is better though, but I still can't surf yet." Ed never took a breath during his rambling.
"Wow.that was one long run on sentence.anything else you want to get off your chest while you're here?" Claire smiled as she looked up into the chocolate colored eyes.
Ed half smiled back and looked down at his shoes, "But, I'm not bitter."
"As far as an apology or showing remorse from the Official, that won't happen. So, don't hold your breath and from that last tirade I can see that you can hold it for a long time."
Ed chuckled, "You always seem to know how to make me feel better."
Claire smiled, "Let me show you some more methods I have," this time, she kissed him back passionately.
Darien and Hobbes were about to enter the keep when Darien sensed two very strong emotions coming from the other side of the door, "Ah crap." The tone was lower than usual.
"What is it Fawkes?" Hobbes was about to swipe his card.
Darien grabbed his arm, "Uhmmm.lets go get some coffee."
"We already had some coffee," Hobbes retorted. "Look I can handle it."
"Not this you can't," Darien went to push Hobbes down the hall when Hobbes stopped him.
"Look, Fawkes, I know I don't like it. I love Claire, and that will never change. But she loves him and I have to get used them making googly eyes at each other. Claire made her choice and I respect that."
Darien studied Hobbes, "You're really cool with this aren't you?" Darien titled his head to one side and waited for Hobbes response.
"Yes, I am.sort of. I'll be waiting on sidelines and watching this dude. If he didn't look so much like you, I'd punch him out and then give them both my best wishes." Hobbes put the card back in his pocket and walked away.
Darien snickered, "This is going to be very interesting." He caught up with Hobbes to go on their mission.
Claire broke the kiss, "How are you adapting to San Diego life?"
Ed had a smirk on his face, "Well, I did manage to get the house I've always dreamed of."
"Oh yeah and what kind of house would that be?" Claire said as she poked him in his ribs with her fingers.
"Beach house, what did you expect?"
Claire raised her brows, "A beach house!?! You really are adapting aren't you?"
Ed pulled her in tighter against his body, their hips swaying back and forth. He placed soft kisses on her neck and started to moved downward, "Yeah, I'm adapting." Ed paused, ".to this government.life." Ed looked up and stared off.
Claire noticed Ed, "Are you okay?" He didn't answer, "Ed?" She watched as his stone faced expression suddenly changed. Ed started to smile slowly and his eyes looked as if he had a sudden revelation. "Ed, what's wrong?"
Ed had a huge grin on his face; he picked her up and turned around in circles, "Thank you, Claire! You're a genius!" He placed a big kiss on her lips.
Claire softly giggled, "Okay, thank you, but what did I do?"
Ed placed his hands on her shoulders, "I've been going about this all wrong. Adapting. That's what I've been missing." He let go of her and paced crazily back and forth mumbling to himself.
Claire watched with fascination. Ed stopped and looked at her, he grabbed her shoulders again, "Genius.absolute genius. I'd have to run some tests, but it should work. I mean, the process could take some time, but it should be safer than if it was all at one time. I just have to lesson the amount.yes, that's it.1/8 of the amount should do it. Small enough to take him back by stages."
"Ed, what are you talking about?"
Ed opened the door to the Keep. He took a hold of Claire's hand, "Adapting." He pulled her out and the door closed.
Darien and Hobbes made it back to the Agency from their mission early in the afternoon. Hobbes had managed once again to get some chicks number. Darien didn't understand how his partner could have a black book as large as the San Diego phone book and still be hung up on Claire seeing Ed. "So, are you going to call the chick or what?" Darien asked Hobbes in a tone that matched his swaggering walk.
Hobbes smiled, "Maybe."
Darien poked him with his elbow, "Aw come on, man. I know you. You're going to invite her to Claire's."
Now it was Hobbes turn to poke Darien in the ribs, "Shhh, Fawkes, you'll blow the surprise. You know tater tot's been working on this."
"Okay, enough with the names. Why are you being so mean to the guy? Besides, you changed the subject."
"I did not."
"Yeah, you did, we were talking about this chick you met today and now we're talking about Ed."
"I was just saying."
Claire met them in the hall, "Oh, your back.good. We're going to the lab upstairs." Claire smiled widely at Darien, "We have some good news, Darien."
"You and Ed figured out a way to get the gland out?" Darien sounded hopeful.
Claire rolled her eyes, "Not that kind of good news but something else. Come on, Ed's waiting."
"I thought he wasn't supposed to be here?" Darien asked as he followed Claire down the hall.
Ed was busy with a blood sample when Claire, Darien and Hobbes came in. Claire went over to Ed and sat down next to him.
"Nya, what's up doc?" Darien said smiling at his own self amusement.
Ed peered at Darien through his clear safety glasses, "Very funny.I'm glad you're back, sit down. I'll be done in just a sec." Ed turned to his work again.
"So, what's this all about?" Darien asked quizzically.
"Hold on and I'll show you," Ed said as he scooted over to the computer and started a program. He turned his chair around, "I figured out a way to turn you back to human without harming the gland."
Hobbes looked at Darien, "Hey, there you go, something to make you happy."
"Okay, how and does this include pain?" Darien asked. He was waiting for the bomb to drop.
Ed looked at Claire and then back to Darien, "Uhmm.maybe.but I think I have a way around that. Okay.first let me explain. I can't change your DNA all at one time. I can change it over a period of time."
"How long?" Darien asked concerned.
"It'll take about five weeks, maybe longer."
Darien stood up, "I'm going to be in pain for five weeks?"
"No, no.each conversion process will only take a couple of hours. We wait a week or so to allow the gland to adapt to the increase in brain size. Look, it's just not your DNA that gets altered, so does your brain mass. When the gland adapts, we'll do another conversion session. We keep going until you're back to the human 1.1%."
"What about the pain involved? Are you talking what I went through the last time?" Darien stared out the window.
"Tom only experienced a high fever." Ed said.
"But there is also one other thing you need to consider. You're eyesight. You were having problems with it. If you convert back, it's very possible it may continue." Claire added.
Darien sighed, "Okay, but what about it holding, wasn't that your problem before?"
"It failed on Tom because he was a dominant to begin with. James, my monkey died from internal bleeding because the serum worked to fast, his body didn't have time to adapt. I've been testing a sample of your blood all morning and so far it's working. I'm going to test it on another monkey and see what happens before I try anything on you. But this is the best bet so far." Ed got up and walked over to Darien. He stood next to his twin, "I guess the question you have to ask yourself is do you want to?"
"What do you mean, does he want to? What kind of question is that?" Hobbes blurted out.
Darien looked at Ed and then to Hobbes. He stared at his partner for a few moments and then turned his attention to his shoes. Hobbes shook his head, "You're not sure are you?"
"Hobbes, I.I have to think about this okay?"
"What you worried about the high fever? Or is it Darcy?" Hobbes asked.
"This isn't about Darcy. If Ed offers to convert her it will be up to her to make that decision." Darien turned to look at Ed, he slapped him on his shoulder, "Thanks, but I need time."
Ed shook his head, "I understand, but you know the co-existence movement could take time and the gland may integrate more with your central nervous system to the point where the therapy won't work at all."
"I know," Darien turned and walked out of the lab.
Hobbes stood there wondering what had happened, "Would you mind explaining to me what all that was about?"
"Bobby, Darien might be having second thoughts about the therapy to turn him human again. He feels that he can do more as he is now. This is a big decision for him with everything that's happened. We need to let him decide for himself and just be there to support him when he does make that decision." Claire said.
"Well, what do you know; he's acting more human than when he was human." Hobbes said with a smile.
Ed looked confused, "Huh?"
Claire smiled, "He means that Darien is thinking of others first before himself. He's grown so much, Ed. He's not so selfish anymore."
"Yeah," replied Ed. "But I think it may have to do with what happened to him while he was in the care of Walter's boss and Lewis."
The three stared at each other. They all knew that whatever decision Darien made they would support him. Hobbes left the lab to rejoin Darien. Claire watched Ed sadly as he fidgeted on the stool. She walked over to him and sat down, "Hey, what's wrong?"
"I.I can't go through with it, I can't work on my gene therapy. I mean how can I sleep knowing that I could cause the extinction of a new species?" Ed trembled.
"That's not why you were developing the serum," Claire took his hand.
"Yes.that's why I came up with it. To do to them what they had done to Kelly," Ed swallowed hard, "to Darien and Darcy. Who knows how many more? You know what they were going to do to dominants at that facility. My gene therapy, they were going to use my gene therapy to wipe them out." Ed looked away.
"No, Ed. You had no choice. You were trying to come up with something to save us. It's no different than what they've done and you know that. Remember you told me about the orange juice boxes and how they put nano bugs in them to alter the children's immune system? How dominant men would get human women pregnant because their DNA is stronger? Remember telling me that? Who knows what else they've come up with to annihilate us? You were only doing what you had to do to fight those dominants, not the innocent ones."
Ed ran his hand through his hair, "It doesn't make it right. Now I know how those scientists felt when they developed the first A-Bomb. That debate will never end will it?"
"We do what we have to do to survive. Maybe if the dominants know that we have weapons and ways to fight back, they will come to the peace table." Claire studied Ed closely. The ordeal that's he's been through the past two months showed in his eyes. He was worried and uncertain that what he was doing was the right the thing.
Ed swallowed hard, "Claire, I uhmm.earlier in the keep, when I told you that you can come over when ever you like,"
"Yes," Claire nodded.
Ed continued, "Well, what I meant to say was," he took a deep breath, "I want to see more of you, will you move in with me?" Ed smiled, "There I said it, I actually said it."
Claire chuckled, "Now this is where you and Darien are so different, he speaks his mind on everything."
"And I'm too shy when it comes to women. I had time to think today and I really blew it with Sloan. It's no secret that I loved her and because I didn't say anything I lost her." Ed put his hand under Claire's chin and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip, "I was afraid that if I did the same with you, I'd lose you too. My whole world turned upside down the second Sloan knocked on my door at three in the morning with Lynch's DNA test results. Since then I've almost died three times, well four if you count being frozen, we were even chased half way around the world one time."
Ed scooted closer to Claire, "I don't know what's going to happen to me or any of us for that matter, I also don't want to put you in danger. It's only going to get worse. The dominants have been after Sloan, Tom and me for so long that what we've been through lately has been the worst so far. We've had so many close calls before it would make you dizzy if I told you everything."
Claire brushed away his hair from his face, "I live for danger. I work here don't I? Besides, I have a big gun and I know how to use it."
"So I hear," Ed smiled.
"I do have one condition though," Claire said.
"Okay, what's that?" Ed waited.
"Pavlov comes with me," Claire raised her brow.
"As long as the little fur ball doesn't chew on my boards, he's welcome." Ed shot Claire a serious face, and then smiled slightly.
"He has plenty of his own toys; he won't bother your boards. I'll see if Darien and Darcy want to move in, they've been looking for a place to rent. Darien's apartment is too small for the both of them."
"I'm sure they'll like that. I guess they really hit it off." Ed said.
"Yes, they have. They're made for each other, well, you know what I mean," Claire blushed.
Ed's phone rang at that moment. He looked at it quizzically, "I didn't know my number was in service yet."
Claire shrugged her shoulders, "Maybe its Eberts checking to see if it works."
The phone rang again. Ed picked it up, "Dr. Tate."
"Bonjour, I'm so glad to see that you survived your ordeal with Stark." The accented voice said.
Ed went into a near panic and it showed on his face. Claire stood up, "What's wrong?"
"I hear you're not alone, don't say a word and listen carefully. If you convert Fawkes back to his pathetic human life you will do more harm than good."
Ed turned around to face his window, "I already know about your so called *fix*. I'm sure I can find a way around that."
"That, I have no doubt."
"So, why are you telling me this? I thought you didn't care what happens to Darien." Ed shot back. Claire became more agitated that Ed wasn't dropping any hints as to who he was talking with.
"You're right of course, I really don't care. All I want is the gland. But I know that you do care, so I'm willing to make a deal. I'll tell you how the cure affected his eyesight if you help me with my new gland."
"Sorry, no deal." Ed went to hang up the phone.
"Here's a little information before you hang up, the eyesight was only the beginning of Fawkes' problems. Just think about our little conversation."
"What else did you.?" Ed heard the phone click off. He stared at the phone for a moment before putting it back on the receiver.
Claire stood in front of Ed, "Ed, who was that?"
Ed looked down at Claire, with alarm in his eyes simply said, "Arnaud."
The End ?
