Lucy
Chapter Nine
Gentle
Lucy studied Biggs from the shadows. He was with another dispatch team, waiting for Max and Alec's command to deploy if needed. He seemed so confident, so in charge. Biggs was cute. No doubt about that. Just like all the X5's, he was virtually perfect. He didn't seem too intimidating to her, either. Biggs was one of the kindest souls she'd ever met. She even trusted him a little bit. Getting to know the transgenics made her realize how narrow-minded and prejudiced humans were. The transgenics were just as normal as humans except they're made in a lab. She knew they were like at that top of Darwin's scale with their enhanced skills, even if they did have animal DNA in their genetic make-up. They were exactly like humans. Biggs seemed nervous to Lucy and she assumed it was from waiting on Max and Alec to return. Little did she know he was well aware of her studying him and a sudden well of uncertainty had risen up. He was afraid Lucy was thinking about him being a monster, a freak. If only he could read minds. Lucy let her eyes roam over him. He didn't judge her like most people did. He just saw her as her. Lucy Barrett, long-time friend of Max. He had no preconceived notions of her. He left his mind open to her and respected her. That was more than she could say about anyone else she'd met. Biggs respected her. Her heart thudded painfully as she realized she was getting attached to the X5. She shouldn't form emotional attachments. She always got hurt when she did. Always! She raised her gaze back up to Biggs' face and realized he was staring at her. Their eyes locked and Lucy's stomach fluttered. He even gave her butterflies. Lucy lowered her head and turned to make her escape. She couldn't stay in the corner anymore. Biggs knew she was there.
Biggs watched Lucy walk off. He'd spooked her. But her eyes, they looked so trusting of him. Did she? Trust him? He couldn't imagine she did. She ran every time they had any kind of contact. That's not what happens when a person trusts someone. He knew that, even though he'd been in Manticore for so long. He didn't have time to dwell on the fact. Max came into the room, her eyes rimmed with red. She'd been crying. He did know better than to bring it up. Instead, he chose to find out why Alec hadn't accompanied her.
"Where's Alec?"
"In the lab. He'll come in a second." Max quickly changed the subject and Biggs wondered what had happened.
"I got a name, Dix. Rissa Alienne. See if you can track it. If not, get a hold of Logan. Have him see what he can dig up."
Dix groaned loudly. He did not like the computer geek. He was so self-righteous and self-serving. He pretended he wanted to help others, but each and every time something happened that would benefit Logan in some way. Dix wouldn't complain to Max, though. Since she and Logan had separated, she avoided talking to the Log. When she avoided talking to him, they typically didn't have to talk to him. It's made each transgenic's world a little bit happier. They only called Logan when they were in need of some serious help. It was their most drastic measure, Plan Z. Dix agreed grudgingly and turned toward his computer. Anything to keep from having to talk to Logan. Biggs waited patiently for further instructions. Max announced, "We'll have another meeting tomorrow afternoon. We can check on the progress Dix is making."
She almost said dismissed and she realized how military they had all become. Everything they'd run away from, a disciplined, strict environment, was subconsciously coming into play. It almost upset Max. Biggs waited a few more minutes, then decided Max was done. He quickly left, hoping to find Lucy for a little talk.
Lucy was outside, watching the crowd again. It never dissipated. If anything, it grew by the hour. Cameras were aimed at the building, set to snap if any sign of life came through. Luckily, they didn't notice her behind one of the huge columns in the garage. Unfortunately, it didn't hide her from Biggs.
"Luce?"
He approached her carefully, determined not to frighten her. He waited for her to acknowledge him.
"Hey, Biggs."
She spoke softly, but amiably.
"What are you doing out here?"
"I like to watch the people."
"Aren't you tired? It's like 2 A.M."
"Not really. I don't sleep much. I have a lot of nightmares."
Lucy fell completely silent as she stared out at the bright bulbs in the cameras flash. Biggs let the admission hang in the air, hoping it would bring a discussion. It didn't. She leaned against the stone as if supporting the column, her blond hair fluttering as a light breeze blew through the garage. Biggs reached out, his arm snaking around her waist. Lucy stayed tense for a while, but eventually she relaxed. She laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She was feeling oddly comfortable in Biggs' arms and she liked it. She was safe with him. At least she thought she was safe with Biggs. Biggs rested his head on top of hers and whispered, "I don't know what happened to you exactly. I know you were hurt and I know you don't trust anyone, but you can believe in me. I don't care about your past or blame you for anything that might have happened to you. I probably did some stuff that is much worse that you would even dream of. I'm not proud of it. It was my job. I just want you to know that I'm always here if you want to talk and I won't ever judge you for whatever it is that happened."
Lucy raised her head and stared up at him. His face was surprisingly open and vulnerable. She knew instinctively that he spoke the truth. Lucy lifted her hand and ran it down his jaw. Biggs shut his eyes at her caress, allowing himself to enjoy her gentle touch. "Thank you." She whispered back before pulling away. She stood on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his cheek. Lucy turned and left the garage, leaving Biggs in awe at the moment that had just occurred.