AN: More flashbacks. I know its hard to understand but as soon as I post the names for our little X-6ers, you'll get it.

~~~

"501, in line now." The order was barked at the small contingent of X-6s. Commander Lantry was new to Manticore but she had been sufficiently briefed so that when she first saw a bunch of 7, 8 and 9 year olds butcher four grown men she didn't have a really bad heart attack. She was assigned to the X-6 Beta unit on her second day and introduced to the Commanding Officer 281 and the Second in Command 739.

501 quickly pulled back into line and stared straight ahead. The commander had been pretty nice to her group for the first three weeks, only ever being extreme when Lydecker or some other high up authority came to watch them all in action.

"281, take over your unit." 281 walked out in front of his group. At 5 years old he was the oldest of his unit. He was also very proud of it too. His SIC 739 was a good soldier, only a couple of months younger than he was. Most of his charges were either three or four except 501, 325 and 478. They were only three years old, 501 being the youngest, her light red fuzz had only appearred on the top of her head last month when she turned three.

"Attention." He yelled, his young voice lying about his age. When they were six months old and had been walking for a month, they began to talk and make up their own language. They used the hand signals taught to them by the U.S. army but also made up their own, that only they knew what they meant. When they were eighteen months old with the mentality of a four year old, they began training.

281 had eleven children under his watch and he loved the responsibility. His unit was always on time, out of the barracks and ready first in the mornings. 281 was interrupted mid thought by the sound of the door to the barracks opening and Lydecker walked in. 281 turned to him and saluted.

"At ease soldier." Lydecker's voice was thin but warm. "Today you meet the X-5s."

There was a small gasp from 501, then her face broke out into a wide grin. She was going to meet the X-5s.

Beta unit followed Lydecker out of the barracks and out into the maze of Manticore. When 281 was four, his unit was transferred to this Gillette, Wyoming facility where they where brought up with better equipment and the previous X-series.

When they had left the other facility, 281 had been old enough to remember women being brought in.

"Halt." Lydecker interrupted his thinking again. 281 instantly stood still at the front of the line. 739 was on his right, front of her line, just as still. They were both waiting as Lydecker gave the order to the soldiers at the door to open it.

The door opened and Beta unit filed into the room. Six children stood either side of Lydecker in a flat V. The room was full of X-series all sparring.

"Attention." Every single transgenic in the room stopped and stood to attention. There were all three units of X-5s, a handful of X-4s and a couple of X-3s (the ones that looked vaguely human) and many human soldiers positioned around the room at exits with tazers and guns.

"This is X-6 Beta unit." Lydecker introduced the X-6s then began pairing them off. "599, 281. 656, 739. 963, 847. 493, 453. 501, 452..."

He continued to list the X-5 Alpha unit and pair them off with the X-6 Beta unit. He pointed out each X-5 to the corresponding X-6 and then left the room to retrieve the other two X-6 units.

"Beta unit, assume your positions." 281 yelled at his unit. Each X-6 went to the X-5 they were assigned to and waited for their command.

281 stood in front of 599, watching each other carefully. The nine year old X-5 was larger than the five year old X-5 and had more experience. Even though 281 had only been training for three and a half years and 599 for five years, the X-6s had been trained with more knowledge, gained from the training of the X-4s and X-5s.

Suddenly 281 lunged at 599, throwing a punch at his jaw. 599 saw it coming but 281 was as fast as he was so all he could do was clench his jaw then punch him back.

As soon as 281 had moved an inch, his entire unit jumped into action. 501 began by dropping into a crouch and sweeping her leg under 452's and knocking her down. 452 somersaulted backwards from the ground and stood upright, hands in front of her in a fighting stance. 501 took a small step forward then kicked her in her sternum. There was a loud cracking sound as 452 flew into the wall behind her. She grimaced slightly as she got up and continued to fight.

656 instantly did a front flip over 739 with her hands on 739's shoulders. Still gripping 739's shoulders, 656 flipped her onto her back. 739 rolled over and pushed herself up, dodging 656's next blow. 739 then flipped behind her and hit 656 in her backbone with her palm. 656 fell to her knees and shot 739 a warning glance, then she was up and continued to spar.

599 punched 281, cracking his lip. 281 retaliated by swinging his right hand around and breaking two of 599's ribs. 599 did not cry out but continued to fight the rival X-6 CO.

~~~

"I'm sorry okay? I...um...I'm an X-6, I'm from Manticore." Psyche replied. "Don't expect me to be perfect."

"But you are Psyche." Max retaliated, continuing their fight. "Manticore made you perfect."

"So what? They made you perfect too and look at you. You get seizures and you go on heat." Psyche stopped. Blushing slightly she looked to the ground in embarrassment. "I'm only seventeen Max, even I go all teenagery all of a sudden."

Max softened slightly. The look on Psyche's face made her lose her anger. She looked so helpless and almost like a normal teenager. One who was allowed a childhood.

"I really am sorry Max. I want to help you bring Manticore down. Really." Psyche stood there in the middle of the dining room, tears threatening to fall from her long lashes. Max went to her and enveloped her in a hug.

That's how Logan found them. They were standing in the middle of his dining room in a big hug. He was insanely jealous so he cleared his throat rather loudly to announce his presence in the room. Max looked up at him and smiled as they parted.

"Hey." She said, turning Psyche to face him. He saw Max prod Psyche in the small of her back because she jumped and then looked up at him.

"Um, I'm sorry Logan. I'll replace it. I promise..."She stalled until Max prodded her again. "Oh, and I want to help you bring down Manticore. Once and for all."

He nodded. "I appreciate it Psyche." He smiled at her then turned and left the room. Max smiled at Psyche and then followed him.

"Pheww, how the hell do I get myself into these situations?" She sighed loudly to the empty room and then followed Max.