Title: The Elite

Disclaimer: I own nothing except this story.

Summary: Max never escaped with her siblings in '09. She goes on a deep- cover mission with three other X5s to kill Eyes Only. Friendship she has never expected starts to grow between the four of them. M/A. B/C.

Thanks for the reviews. =)

A/N: Let's just say that Alec worked hard to become Manticore's finest and he succeeded, and was therefore appointed as CO. As for the Seattle thing, let's just say that Manticore agreed to send him there because it was an entirely different mission which does not involve pretty young ladies...=)

Chapter Two: Delicate Strings

"Nice doing business with you Joe," 511 said cheerily, shaking the guard's gloved hand amicably. "I'll see you in say, 30 minutes." It was more of a statement than a question but nevertheless, the guard nodded with a smile and hurried off to the other direction of the hallway. 511 couldn't resist a grin as he slipped the rest of his remaining cash into the back pocket of his cammies.

Through the years, a sort of camaraderie had grown between 494 and 511, and the two of them had gone on a few away missions together. And well, lets just say they had this habit of paying guards to give them some space. Paying them money that was stolen and from their own pockets, only to be given back as 'payment'. Fortunately, the guards didn't have enhanced abilities to know this, and therefore had no idea with their little scams.

After being assigned their newest mission, 511 had wanted to talk to his CO regarding it, and the two beautiful ladies that were appointed with them.

He was about to open the door to his cell when he heard the soft noise of footsteps reverberating from within. 511 raised an eyebrow. It was the distinct sound of someone pacing. And that someone was no doubt, 494.

Perhaps this had something to do with their mission? Even though his CO didn't tell him, 511 had gained news about his failed mission some months ago. Rumors even had it that he fell in love. 511 shook his head incredulously. That was taking things a little bit too far. Love? It was a word unfamiliar to him. An emotion he was never given a chance to explore, and yet 494 had somehow felt it. And the consequences were rather unpleasant. Reindoctrination, and Psy Ops. The two places in the whole of Manticore that he would never regret not visiting.

But even after spending more than a few days inside it, 494 had been released looking the same as he had always been. A cocky smirk in place, and eyes filled with laughter. Eyes that 511 didn't bother looking behind. Eyes that were filled with pain. 511 shook his head again, trying to shake the atrocious thoughts from his mind.

He raised his balled fist and sent a series of knocks.

The door opened to reveal 494, trademark grin in place.

'See, there's nothing wrong with him. He's fine.' 511 cajoled, and returned his grin reluctantly.

Then how come he didn't feel convinced?

*** 494 felt as if he was attending a funeral, as he boarded the sleek black jet that was waiting for them on top of Manticore's roof. He could briefly make out Manticore's symbol plastered to one of its wings out of the corner of his eye, and he watched disappear from his view once he had embarked the oval-shaped entrance of the jet.

For the most obvious reasons, he was dreading this mission. One part of him struggled to find some way out of it while another part of him wanted to go through with it and show Manticore that he was still the best. He wasn't going to let one failed mission get to him. And he was determined to turn this mission into a successful one.

His eyes momentarily fell on his Second in Command as he took his seat behind her, and he felt all of his uncertainties fade away. She was attractive, no doubt about it. After all, Manticore settled for nothing but the flawless. But there was something in those beautiful chocolate brown eyes of hers that was so alluring. But he couldn't quite put a finger to it.

He felt his own eyes twinkle mischievously. Maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad. Unless something terrible happened, which would be most likely considering the fact that this mission was sitting on a very delicate string. So delicate that one single mistake could cause it to snap.

Well, if something did go wrong. He had his SIC to help him out.

He grinned at this.

A/N: Hmm, interesting. =) Suggestions on how Max will name him? Please review!