I've Got You'R' Back
Disclaimer: See previous chapters. Also to Hans Christian Andersen thanks for a beautiful story.
A/N: Thanks heaps to Kasman for the beta you are super. Thanks so much for the reviews. What Max is reading is not the Disney version.
Chapter 8 Mermaids and Things
Mess hall, Terminal City:
Max is sitting alone in an office chair at an old coffee table dragged from an abandoned executive's office somewhere in Terminal City.
Well, I got what I wanted. Logan is safely back in the command center away from me. When I wished that I could find an excuse for not walking with him, I never thought I could come up with something that would hurt him. We do that to each other a lot - our pride and our trying to protect each other. If this is what love does to people, it sucks. Suddenly she smiles to herself, but there were the good times too...
»»»»»»»
Flashback shoreline near Fogle Towers:
Max walks onto the beach and watches Logan standing barefoot at the water's edge
"Hey. No trespassing." she points to a sign. "Can't you read."
"Take off your shoes and come here."
Max obliges, "I left you a little present back at your place...a fresh chicken."
"Oh, wow. I see a poulet chez Cale in your future, with a bottle of pre- Pulse Nuits St.George. Say around...8:00?
"I was hoping you'd say that."
"It's beautiful, isn't it." They both look out over the water.
"And it's funny. For the first time in a long time, I feel like anything...and everything...is possible."
Logan steps into the water, and Max smiles, "Aren't you cold?"
Logan smiles back, "Freezing. But it feels good."
He holds out his hand for her to join him. Max shakes her head, and he then uses his cane to hook her arm and pull her close. They smile at each other for a moment, until above them a hoverdrone flies overhead and Logan hugs Max in his arms as she hides her face.
»»»»»»»
We haven't had many of those, and when we do, something comes along to spoil it. If we're meant to be together, why is it so hard? Maybe it's not meant to be...no, keep the faith, Max. Every time you thought it was over, there were you and Logan back together again. Whatever is running the universe, it's playing a really nasty game with us...
"Hey, Maxie! You seen Logan?" Alec calls out as he walks over to where she's sitting.
"I'm not his keeper, you know."
"Sorry I asked...thought you two had come to an understanding?"
"Right...last I saw him he was heading for the Com. Cent."
"Really? Just came from there and he wasn't around."
Getting up suddenly, "What? He said he was too busy for lunch and headed back there. Where the hell is he? What's happened to him?" Max asks out loud and heads for the door leaving Alec standing open mouthed,
"Hey, wait up Max." He follows after a moment, and catches up to her outside and grabs her by the arm.
"Whoa, Max, what's going here? What's up with Logan?"
Twisting out of his grip, "Don't you ever touch me again," she hisses at him.
Holding up his arms, "Yeah sure, whatever, but what's going on?"
Max looking around her senses on full alert, "Nothing...just wondering if he's okay."
"So for somebody who's not his keeper, what's this all about? Alec asks sarcastically. "It's not as if he can get into trouble here, is it?"
"Alec...Zack...I'd a dream that Zack had recovered the Manticore implanted memory and was here to take Logan out."
"Come on, Max this is about a dream?" he asks incredulously. "We all have them...some pretty bad ones."
"I know, but this...this felt different, help me find him." she says almost pleading.
"I still think you're worried about nothing. Logan can take care of himself, especially if he knows—"
Max is shaking her head.
"You didn't tell him?"
"How would it sound – 'hey, Logan, I had a dream Zack killed you here in Terminal City, can you check on him?' He'd think I'd really lost it."
Cocking his head to one side, Alec looks at Max "Yeah, put like that it does sound like you have."
"Well, I haven't, so don't start getting ideas."
"Not me, Max. This is your baby, I'm just here because out there is too hot at the moment. So what're you going to do?"
Max stands thinking, Right, my baby. It's the result of Manticore's attempt at getting me to have one that has now led me to not knowing where you are, Logan, and even if you're safe.
"I need somebody to watch Logan's back until I find out about Zack. You up to the job?"
"You...want...me...to be Logan's bodyguard. He's gonna love that."
"You don't have to stick to him...better if you don't, just keep an eye out. They did teach you that at Manticore, didn't they?"
Alec gives Max a sour look. "Just one question, he knows you and I were...never together right."
"Sort of...told him we'd broken up."
"Ah, jeez, Max, can't you and Logan tell each other the truth." He shakes his head. "You two are supposed to be so much in love and you spend most of your time apart—
Max breaks in angrily, "You forgetting a certain virus—"
"Right, you waste a whole year 'cause you both were afraid to tell each other how you felt and then I get dragged into your drama...I'll find Logan and I'll make sure nothing happens to him, but you better come straight with him." Alec stomps off.
Max begins to follow Alec then stops. It's no use both of us running around Terminal City. Who knows where Logan's got too? She takes out her cell phone and dials Logan's number, but instead of his voice she gets his mailbox. Where are you, Logan? Better get back to the Command Center and contact the patrols to look out for him. I should be looking for him myself...I was with him...better stay away, just in case. You're right Alec, you and OC, but how do I tell him the truth now...once you start to lie it becomes harder and harder to tell the truth.
Command Center:
"Hey, Max, you seen Logan?" Dix asks as she walks in.
"No, looking for him myself. What's up?"
"Got hold of an X5 who's bringing stuff for him, just wanted to let him know."
"Right...did Luke tell you about me asking for him to bring some clothes from Joshua's for me."
"No, but Logan mentioned it. He's gonna try and get in tonight with the things you need."
"'Kay...can you put the word out to the patrols that if they see Logan to tell him to come back to the Command Center...I need to talk to him."
Max smiles to herself. You're still covering my back...this time with clothes, I do love you Logan and as soon as I find you I'm going to straighten this mess out.
"Sure thing, Max...something important?"
"Nothing you have to worry about, Dix...so is there anything else?"
The Atrium, the same moment:
Logan is pacing.
I'd hoped Max and I could've had some time together. I would've tried to find out what was bothering her. But then you let your pride take over and walked off – what were you hoping? That now we had a truce, things would be the way they were – who are you kidding? Why didn't she tell me that Alec was her breeding partner back at Manticore? Did she pick him even then? But the night she came back, she fought him to save me...then she saves him by giving up our main chance for a cure for the virus...
Logan kicks an empty trashcan lying on the ground in frustration. The exoskeleton turns it into an unguided missile. Just then, Alec steps out of a doorway and glimpses the can coming straight for his head. Using his enhanced reflexes he ducks, just in time, as the can brushes the hair on his head and hits the wall behind with a clang, taking off bits of mortar and smashing the can.
"Whoa, man, what have I done now? You want to kill me?" Alec says jokingly.
Logan looks up seeing Alec but not realizing what has just happened with the can.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"The can...nearly taking my head off. You're dangerous when you're angry and wearing that thing...that's why. That day...you know about me and Max."
"Yeah, Max told me you came around to say she had broken up with you but...you didn't did you...thought since I was letting her go, you'd try again, was that it?"
"No, Logan...buddy—"
"Don't buddy me! I may have saved your ass back at Jam Pony but I won't forget what you've done to Max, and to me." Logan turns to walk away.
"Logan, wait we have to talk—"
"Alec, you may think because you and Max were breeding partners back at good ol' Manticore, and that now Max and I can't be together, you have some claim to her. Well forget it, we'll find a cure for this virus...this time you better not get in the way."
Logan walks off leaving Alec standing in shock.
Damnit, Max what did you tell Logan now? This has got to stop...and you're asking me to protect him?
Shrugging his shoulders, Alec follows Logan, sticking to what cover he can find.
Command Center:
Max is standing talking with Dix when an X6 calls out to her.
"Hey, Max one of the patrols saw Logan heading this way about fifteen minutes ago."
"Thanks, Petey."
At that moment Logan walks in and sees Max talking with Dix by the TV screens on the platform, turns and heads out the door again. Max has seen him come in, look in her direction, then turn and walk out.
He just looked at me as if I wasn't here – come back, damn your pride...at least you're safe.
"Max, you listening?"
"Yeah...we have to get those parts in somehow. With the cops welding shut the manhole covers near Terminal City, we're going to have to get in from further away, longer travel time and more chance for them to pick us up."
"Right. Who else but transgenics will be wondering around in the sewers...and those hunting them."
"Is there anything else, Dix?"
"No...has Logan found how they are tracking us?"
"Not as far as I know, but he will, he's good at that."
"Glad to know:"
"Well, going to check on a few things. Back in a few."
"See ya Max."
Outside Command Center same moment:
Logan is standing, looking at nothing in particular.
I just couldn't face Max just then after seeing Alec. That can must have frightened him. Well, he better stay away. I'm not going anywhere soon. I've not fought for anything in my life except to try and protect others...I need Max. My life means nothing without her, but I need to know...I can't ask her, she'd never tell me now.
Logan starts walking. At that moment Max walks out the Command Center and sees him walk off. Hesitating, she starts following him. She doesn't see Alec hiding in the shadows. Using all the cover she can find to follow Logan, she realizes he is heading for the Infirmary.
Is something wrong? Are the toxins already affecting him?
Logan enters the infirmary. After waiting a few minutes, Max follows.
Inside she stops looking around, the room is empty except for one of the female medics.
"Can I help you, ma'am?"
"Call me Max, yeah the guy who came in here, where'd he go?"
"Oh, Logan? He went to see Gem and the baby."
"Right."
Max starts to leave, then stops and turns back.
"You have a name?"
"Mary, ma...Max"
"So how are our wounded doing?"
"The Nomlie is down the hall and the X5 we discharged earlier."
"Can I see Fred...that was his name right?"
"Yes, ma...Max, he should be up to a visit. He's pretty resilient, he's in the room past Gem's."
"Thanks, Mary. If you need anything, let me know."
"Logan said the same. Already passed a list to him. Thanks."
"Huh-huh, okay. Later."
Max walks off down the corridor. What's the dealio, her calling me ma'am and can't remember my name. Logan meets her for the first time and it's Logan with every sentence. The Cale charm at work again...you jealous Max...no way...yes way. Every time I see him with another woman, I've been jealous, Daphne, Valerie and Asha...especially Asha.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Max steps into the living room and stands next to Logan
"Oh, Hi." Asha says in surprise and embarrassment
"Hi."
"What I meant was...we...my group...the..."
"The S1W is the political organization that I was—"
"Yeah, yeah, government's trying to say Manticore was just a V.A. hospital you guys burned down," Max says interrupting Logan
Asha nods.
"Sorry...from me and all my furry little friends," Max says as Logan covers his face with his hands.
"I gotta get to work," Max glances at Logan as she leaves, "Have fun."
»»»»»»
I wonder what the dealio was between them when I was away – that night I took down Manticore and infected Logan the first time, what was she doing there? He obviously knew her before we met - funny he never mentioned that little fact. All I wanted to do was drown her back then. Given the way he's gone on about Alec, he better not have...right like you can have any claims to virtue with your urges.
As she nears Gem's door she slows and with her enhanced hearing hears Gem ask Logan, "How come Max's not with you, Logan?"
"She's busy back at the Command Center and I had some free time...thought I would drop by and see you and little CeCe."
"Oh, Max told you her name."
Logan's expression becomes angry then sad, "Yeah...she told me."
"You don't approve...I thought you would from what I've heard about you?" Gem asks puzzled.
Logan looks up sharply at Gem, "Heard about me? Who told you what about me?"
She looks directly at Logan, "Oh, that you worked for some guy called Eyes Only who defended the weak from the bad guys and that Manticore had screwed things with you and Max."
Wonder who talked to Gem? "Yeah, well, whoever told you about me tends to talk too much sometimes."
"It's not their fault, Logan, I'm pretty persuasive about getting information out of people...apart from my other skills, that was one of my specialties." She looks at Logan with total innocence, "So give what's up with you and Max really."
Logan shakes his head "I met one of your kind before, Mia was her name, Psyops."
Laughing gently and rocking the baby Gem shakes her head, "I'm not Psyops, mine's more the innocent young thing, trust me...not that I was that innocent, then or now" She looks down at CeCe resting in her arms.
Logan follows her gaze and smiles gently. If we hadn't wasted a year dancing around each other, we'd probably have had our own family by now...Yeah, Max being hunted by Lydecker and me with every criminal and corrupt official in Seattle after my alter ego – great life for a kid. Besides, I'm no good with kids. Max, on the other hand...
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's apartment:
Max is sitting reading the Little Mermaid to Brittany
"'When you have reached your fifteenth year,' said her grandmother, 'You will have permission to rise up out of the sea, to sit on rocks in the moonlight, while the great ships are sailing by, and then you will see both forests and towns—'"
"And she will sing;" states Brittany, interrupting.
"Yes, she will sing with her beautiful voice," Max replies with a smile.
"At last she reached her fifteenth year and her grandmother dressed her with beautiful things from the sea, with pearls in her hair, and on her tail, she attached eight great oysters to show that she was a princess. 'But they hurt so,' said the little mermaid. 'Pride must suffer pain,' replied the old lady and sent her on her way to the surface..."
»»»»»»
Yeah my pride.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
"Why did she leave the prince? He could give her a soul," Brittany asks with a puzzled tone.
"Because she's different, she has a tail. Do you want me to continue?"
"Yes, please," A moment later, she yawns.
"'Your fish's tail, which amongst us is considered so beautiful, is thought, on earth, to be quite ugly; they don't know any better, and think they need to have two stout props, which they call legs in order to be handsome.'"
"Uncle Logans' legs don't work properly. Is he handsome?"
Max looks over at Logan who has been listening to Max read for awhile. Their eyes meet and Max mouths at him, "It has never mattered to me." Logan faintly and sadly smiles.
"Yes, he is Brittany."
"I think so too." And she slowly closes her eyes and leans against Max, asleep.
»»»»»»
Your being different never mattered to me, Max. Shaking his head, Logan looks at Gem, "Manticore did a number on us, for sure but we wasted a lot of time denying anything existed between us...for lots of reasons...then when we did...now we have a new set of complications."
"Like?"
Logan laughs softly trying not to wake the baby, "You've got enough out of me and don't try it on who ever you did before, I'm going to put the word out."
"Spoil sport...Just one question. Why are you upset we named the baby CeCe?"
Logan shakes his head, "I'm not upset about that. It was something else...not your problem...the name's perfect."
Logan clears his throat after a moment and looks uncomfortable, "Gem...did you...did you pick CeCe's father?"
Gem looks at the baby and then looks at him, "No, Logan he was assigned. I have no idea how they picked us. If I'd had a choice, it wouldn't have been him."
"So the two of you were just thrown together and that was it?"
Gem shakes her head sadly. "If we failed to copulate, we were punished and I don't mean no food or more drills...it was the full works. Psyops, genetic testing, on and on, at least those were the rumors...we did what we had to survive."
Logan's stance changes from one of embarrassment, to shock through anger to sadness. No wonder you've been avoiding me, it's not just the virus – she was forced to do this – God, Max, how can you forgive me for not saving you from that?
"I'm sorry, Gem, if I'd known sooner—"
"And what, Logan? You know what happened when Max exposed Manticore. If she'd been there, she would have died. At least now you two have each other, and there must be a cure out there for this virus."
"You sure you're not Psyops? Because Mia said something very similar awhile back."
"I'm sure," she replies with a smile.
Just then CeCe stirs and starts to cry, "Well time for a change and a feed I think."
"Yep, that's my cue to leave. Still got a lot to do...If you need anything, let me know."
"I just want you and Max to visit again when you can."
"I'll try...thanks, Gem. What you've told me helps."
As Logan opens the door; Max ducks into the next room where the wounded transgenic is asleep.
Thanks a lot, Gem, you've confirmed Logan's worst fears about me and Alec. First I don't tell him we were supposed to have been breeding partners and that nothing happened, then I let him assume we were lovers and then it's over. What's wrong with you Max? Why can't you be straight with him about this? You told him about what happens when you go into heat and he forgave you. You told him about Ben and he let it go, even if it must've bothered him for awhile not knowing back then - never lied about any of that to Logan – simple, if he learns the truth about Alec he will never trust me...he will walk away.
Outside the Infirmary:
Logan is leaning against the wall.
I failed you, Max, I let you get killed, and when you needed me, I wasn't there for you. No wonder you turned to Alec. I thought the virus was the cause of our problems, but it's what I failed to do for you...I'm not leaving you behind again.
As he pushes away from the wall and starts to walk away Max opens the door to the infirmary. Seeing Logan she stops. Hearing the door open; he turns and sees Max standing there.
"Hey; Max," he says quietly looking at her.
"Hey, Logan," she says just as quietly.
"Just visiting—"they say together.
"We have to talk," they say in unison.
Slowly they smile at each other remembering other times.
Is he about to tell me that he's finally given up on us? Oh God, what'll I say then. I'm not ready...
"Logan I—"
"Max, I'm sorry I left you behind after the raid. I never realized what that meant...I thought you were dead."
"Logan you saved me...you and Zack, that was the only way, An X5 needs an X5's heart...what they tried to make me do after never happened...Alec lied to save us both at Manticore.
»»»»»»»
Flashback Manticore facility near Seattle:
Max and X5-494 are standing at attention Renfro has just ordered an X5 male away who has failed to copulate.
"Report!" snaps Renfro
Max and X5-494 say nothing. Renfro starts to look suspicious.
"Successful copulation between myself and X5-452, ma'am. Twice," he answers
Renfro looks surprised, "Excellent, 452. What would your boyfriend say?"
Max doesn't answer.
»»»»»»»
Yeah, it matters to you. Say something, Logan
Logan looks sharply at Max. "You heard Gem and I talking? You were spying on me?" he says accusingly.
Max starts to get angry "It's not like that...did you not hear what I just said. Alec and I didn't do anything at Manticore or—"
"Yeah, I heard...so after we couldn't be together you thought you'd pay him back for saving your life when I didn't. I understand, I understand perfectly.
Max's expression changes to sadness, "No, Logan, I—"
"Hey, Max, Logan! Come quick they need you at the Command Center, something's happening outside," Dalton says running up.
To be continued...
Disclaimer: See previous chapters. Also to Hans Christian Andersen thanks for a beautiful story.
A/N: Thanks heaps to Kasman for the beta you are super. Thanks so much for the reviews. What Max is reading is not the Disney version.
Chapter 8 Mermaids and Things
Mess hall, Terminal City:
Max is sitting alone in an office chair at an old coffee table dragged from an abandoned executive's office somewhere in Terminal City.
Well, I got what I wanted. Logan is safely back in the command center away from me. When I wished that I could find an excuse for not walking with him, I never thought I could come up with something that would hurt him. We do that to each other a lot - our pride and our trying to protect each other. If this is what love does to people, it sucks. Suddenly she smiles to herself, but there were the good times too...
»»»»»»»
Flashback shoreline near Fogle Towers:
Max walks onto the beach and watches Logan standing barefoot at the water's edge
"Hey. No trespassing." she points to a sign. "Can't you read."
"Take off your shoes and come here."
Max obliges, "I left you a little present back at your place...a fresh chicken."
"Oh, wow. I see a poulet chez Cale in your future, with a bottle of pre- Pulse Nuits St.George. Say around...8:00?
"I was hoping you'd say that."
"It's beautiful, isn't it." They both look out over the water.
"And it's funny. For the first time in a long time, I feel like anything...and everything...is possible."
Logan steps into the water, and Max smiles, "Aren't you cold?"
Logan smiles back, "Freezing. But it feels good."
He holds out his hand for her to join him. Max shakes her head, and he then uses his cane to hook her arm and pull her close. They smile at each other for a moment, until above them a hoverdrone flies overhead and Logan hugs Max in his arms as she hides her face.
»»»»»»»
We haven't had many of those, and when we do, something comes along to spoil it. If we're meant to be together, why is it so hard? Maybe it's not meant to be...no, keep the faith, Max. Every time you thought it was over, there were you and Logan back together again. Whatever is running the universe, it's playing a really nasty game with us...
"Hey, Maxie! You seen Logan?" Alec calls out as he walks over to where she's sitting.
"I'm not his keeper, you know."
"Sorry I asked...thought you two had come to an understanding?"
"Right...last I saw him he was heading for the Com. Cent."
"Really? Just came from there and he wasn't around."
Getting up suddenly, "What? He said he was too busy for lunch and headed back there. Where the hell is he? What's happened to him?" Max asks out loud and heads for the door leaving Alec standing open mouthed,
"Hey, wait up Max." He follows after a moment, and catches up to her outside and grabs her by the arm.
"Whoa, Max, what's going here? What's up with Logan?"
Twisting out of his grip, "Don't you ever touch me again," she hisses at him.
Holding up his arms, "Yeah sure, whatever, but what's going on?"
Max looking around her senses on full alert, "Nothing...just wondering if he's okay."
"So for somebody who's not his keeper, what's this all about? Alec asks sarcastically. "It's not as if he can get into trouble here, is it?"
"Alec...Zack...I'd a dream that Zack had recovered the Manticore implanted memory and was here to take Logan out."
"Come on, Max this is about a dream?" he asks incredulously. "We all have them...some pretty bad ones."
"I know, but this...this felt different, help me find him." she says almost pleading.
"I still think you're worried about nothing. Logan can take care of himself, especially if he knows—"
Max is shaking her head.
"You didn't tell him?"
"How would it sound – 'hey, Logan, I had a dream Zack killed you here in Terminal City, can you check on him?' He'd think I'd really lost it."
Cocking his head to one side, Alec looks at Max "Yeah, put like that it does sound like you have."
"Well, I haven't, so don't start getting ideas."
"Not me, Max. This is your baby, I'm just here because out there is too hot at the moment. So what're you going to do?"
Max stands thinking, Right, my baby. It's the result of Manticore's attempt at getting me to have one that has now led me to not knowing where you are, Logan, and even if you're safe.
"I need somebody to watch Logan's back until I find out about Zack. You up to the job?"
"You...want...me...to be Logan's bodyguard. He's gonna love that."
"You don't have to stick to him...better if you don't, just keep an eye out. They did teach you that at Manticore, didn't they?"
Alec gives Max a sour look. "Just one question, he knows you and I were...never together right."
"Sort of...told him we'd broken up."
"Ah, jeez, Max, can't you and Logan tell each other the truth." He shakes his head. "You two are supposed to be so much in love and you spend most of your time apart—
Max breaks in angrily, "You forgetting a certain virus—"
"Right, you waste a whole year 'cause you both were afraid to tell each other how you felt and then I get dragged into your drama...I'll find Logan and I'll make sure nothing happens to him, but you better come straight with him." Alec stomps off.
Max begins to follow Alec then stops. It's no use both of us running around Terminal City. Who knows where Logan's got too? She takes out her cell phone and dials Logan's number, but instead of his voice she gets his mailbox. Where are you, Logan? Better get back to the Command Center and contact the patrols to look out for him. I should be looking for him myself...I was with him...better stay away, just in case. You're right Alec, you and OC, but how do I tell him the truth now...once you start to lie it becomes harder and harder to tell the truth.
Command Center:
"Hey, Max, you seen Logan?" Dix asks as she walks in.
"No, looking for him myself. What's up?"
"Got hold of an X5 who's bringing stuff for him, just wanted to let him know."
"Right...did Luke tell you about me asking for him to bring some clothes from Joshua's for me."
"No, but Logan mentioned it. He's gonna try and get in tonight with the things you need."
"'Kay...can you put the word out to the patrols that if they see Logan to tell him to come back to the Command Center...I need to talk to him."
Max smiles to herself. You're still covering my back...this time with clothes, I do love you Logan and as soon as I find you I'm going to straighten this mess out.
"Sure thing, Max...something important?"
"Nothing you have to worry about, Dix...so is there anything else?"
The Atrium, the same moment:
Logan is pacing.
I'd hoped Max and I could've had some time together. I would've tried to find out what was bothering her. But then you let your pride take over and walked off – what were you hoping? That now we had a truce, things would be the way they were – who are you kidding? Why didn't she tell me that Alec was her breeding partner back at Manticore? Did she pick him even then? But the night she came back, she fought him to save me...then she saves him by giving up our main chance for a cure for the virus...
Logan kicks an empty trashcan lying on the ground in frustration. The exoskeleton turns it into an unguided missile. Just then, Alec steps out of a doorway and glimpses the can coming straight for his head. Using his enhanced reflexes he ducks, just in time, as the can brushes the hair on his head and hits the wall behind with a clang, taking off bits of mortar and smashing the can.
"Whoa, man, what have I done now? You want to kill me?" Alec says jokingly.
Logan looks up seeing Alec but not realizing what has just happened with the can.
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"The can...nearly taking my head off. You're dangerous when you're angry and wearing that thing...that's why. That day...you know about me and Max."
"Yeah, Max told me you came around to say she had broken up with you but...you didn't did you...thought since I was letting her go, you'd try again, was that it?"
"No, Logan...buddy—"
"Don't buddy me! I may have saved your ass back at Jam Pony but I won't forget what you've done to Max, and to me." Logan turns to walk away.
"Logan, wait we have to talk—"
"Alec, you may think because you and Max were breeding partners back at good ol' Manticore, and that now Max and I can't be together, you have some claim to her. Well forget it, we'll find a cure for this virus...this time you better not get in the way."
Logan walks off leaving Alec standing in shock.
Damnit, Max what did you tell Logan now? This has got to stop...and you're asking me to protect him?
Shrugging his shoulders, Alec follows Logan, sticking to what cover he can find.
Command Center:
Max is standing talking with Dix when an X6 calls out to her.
"Hey, Max one of the patrols saw Logan heading this way about fifteen minutes ago."
"Thanks, Petey."
At that moment Logan walks in and sees Max talking with Dix by the TV screens on the platform, turns and heads out the door again. Max has seen him come in, look in her direction, then turn and walk out.
He just looked at me as if I wasn't here – come back, damn your pride...at least you're safe.
"Max, you listening?"
"Yeah...we have to get those parts in somehow. With the cops welding shut the manhole covers near Terminal City, we're going to have to get in from further away, longer travel time and more chance for them to pick us up."
"Right. Who else but transgenics will be wondering around in the sewers...and those hunting them."
"Is there anything else, Dix?"
"No...has Logan found how they are tracking us?"
"Not as far as I know, but he will, he's good at that."
"Glad to know:"
"Well, going to check on a few things. Back in a few."
"See ya Max."
Outside Command Center same moment:
Logan is standing, looking at nothing in particular.
I just couldn't face Max just then after seeing Alec. That can must have frightened him. Well, he better stay away. I'm not going anywhere soon. I've not fought for anything in my life except to try and protect others...I need Max. My life means nothing without her, but I need to know...I can't ask her, she'd never tell me now.
Logan starts walking. At that moment Max walks out the Command Center and sees him walk off. Hesitating, she starts following him. She doesn't see Alec hiding in the shadows. Using all the cover she can find to follow Logan, she realizes he is heading for the Infirmary.
Is something wrong? Are the toxins already affecting him?
Logan enters the infirmary. After waiting a few minutes, Max follows.
Inside she stops looking around, the room is empty except for one of the female medics.
"Can I help you, ma'am?"
"Call me Max, yeah the guy who came in here, where'd he go?"
"Oh, Logan? He went to see Gem and the baby."
"Right."
Max starts to leave, then stops and turns back.
"You have a name?"
"Mary, ma...Max"
"So how are our wounded doing?"
"The Nomlie is down the hall and the X5 we discharged earlier."
"Can I see Fred...that was his name right?"
"Yes, ma...Max, he should be up to a visit. He's pretty resilient, he's in the room past Gem's."
"Thanks, Mary. If you need anything, let me know."
"Logan said the same. Already passed a list to him. Thanks."
"Huh-huh, okay. Later."
Max walks off down the corridor. What's the dealio, her calling me ma'am and can't remember my name. Logan meets her for the first time and it's Logan with every sentence. The Cale charm at work again...you jealous Max...no way...yes way. Every time I see him with another woman, I've been jealous, Daphne, Valerie and Asha...especially Asha.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Max steps into the living room and stands next to Logan
"Oh, Hi." Asha says in surprise and embarrassment
"Hi."
"What I meant was...we...my group...the..."
"The S1W is the political organization that I was—"
"Yeah, yeah, government's trying to say Manticore was just a V.A. hospital you guys burned down," Max says interrupting Logan
Asha nods.
"Sorry...from me and all my furry little friends," Max says as Logan covers his face with his hands.
"I gotta get to work," Max glances at Logan as she leaves, "Have fun."
»»»»»»
I wonder what the dealio was between them when I was away – that night I took down Manticore and infected Logan the first time, what was she doing there? He obviously knew her before we met - funny he never mentioned that little fact. All I wanted to do was drown her back then. Given the way he's gone on about Alec, he better not have...right like you can have any claims to virtue with your urges.
As she nears Gem's door she slows and with her enhanced hearing hears Gem ask Logan, "How come Max's not with you, Logan?"
"She's busy back at the Command Center and I had some free time...thought I would drop by and see you and little CeCe."
"Oh, Max told you her name."
Logan's expression becomes angry then sad, "Yeah...she told me."
"You don't approve...I thought you would from what I've heard about you?" Gem asks puzzled.
Logan looks up sharply at Gem, "Heard about me? Who told you what about me?"
She looks directly at Logan, "Oh, that you worked for some guy called Eyes Only who defended the weak from the bad guys and that Manticore had screwed things with you and Max."
Wonder who talked to Gem? "Yeah, well, whoever told you about me tends to talk too much sometimes."
"It's not their fault, Logan, I'm pretty persuasive about getting information out of people...apart from my other skills, that was one of my specialties." She looks at Logan with total innocence, "So give what's up with you and Max really."
Logan shakes his head "I met one of your kind before, Mia was her name, Psyops."
Laughing gently and rocking the baby Gem shakes her head, "I'm not Psyops, mine's more the innocent young thing, trust me...not that I was that innocent, then or now" She looks down at CeCe resting in her arms.
Logan follows her gaze and smiles gently. If we hadn't wasted a year dancing around each other, we'd probably have had our own family by now...Yeah, Max being hunted by Lydecker and me with every criminal and corrupt official in Seattle after my alter ego – great life for a kid. Besides, I'm no good with kids. Max, on the other hand...
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's apartment:
Max is sitting reading the Little Mermaid to Brittany
"'When you have reached your fifteenth year,' said her grandmother, 'You will have permission to rise up out of the sea, to sit on rocks in the moonlight, while the great ships are sailing by, and then you will see both forests and towns—'"
"And she will sing;" states Brittany, interrupting.
"Yes, she will sing with her beautiful voice," Max replies with a smile.
"At last she reached her fifteenth year and her grandmother dressed her with beautiful things from the sea, with pearls in her hair, and on her tail, she attached eight great oysters to show that she was a princess. 'But they hurt so,' said the little mermaid. 'Pride must suffer pain,' replied the old lady and sent her on her way to the surface..."
»»»»»»
Yeah my pride.
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
"Why did she leave the prince? He could give her a soul," Brittany asks with a puzzled tone.
"Because she's different, she has a tail. Do you want me to continue?"
"Yes, please," A moment later, she yawns.
"'Your fish's tail, which amongst us is considered so beautiful, is thought, on earth, to be quite ugly; they don't know any better, and think they need to have two stout props, which they call legs in order to be handsome.'"
"Uncle Logans' legs don't work properly. Is he handsome?"
Max looks over at Logan who has been listening to Max read for awhile. Their eyes meet and Max mouths at him, "It has never mattered to me." Logan faintly and sadly smiles.
"Yes, he is Brittany."
"I think so too." And she slowly closes her eyes and leans against Max, asleep.
»»»»»»
Your being different never mattered to me, Max. Shaking his head, Logan looks at Gem, "Manticore did a number on us, for sure but we wasted a lot of time denying anything existed between us...for lots of reasons...then when we did...now we have a new set of complications."
"Like?"
Logan laughs softly trying not to wake the baby, "You've got enough out of me and don't try it on who ever you did before, I'm going to put the word out."
"Spoil sport...Just one question. Why are you upset we named the baby CeCe?"
Logan shakes his head, "I'm not upset about that. It was something else...not your problem...the name's perfect."
Logan clears his throat after a moment and looks uncomfortable, "Gem...did you...did you pick CeCe's father?"
Gem looks at the baby and then looks at him, "No, Logan he was assigned. I have no idea how they picked us. If I'd had a choice, it wouldn't have been him."
"So the two of you were just thrown together and that was it?"
Gem shakes her head sadly. "If we failed to copulate, we were punished and I don't mean no food or more drills...it was the full works. Psyops, genetic testing, on and on, at least those were the rumors...we did what we had to survive."
Logan's stance changes from one of embarrassment, to shock through anger to sadness. No wonder you've been avoiding me, it's not just the virus – she was forced to do this – God, Max, how can you forgive me for not saving you from that?
"I'm sorry, Gem, if I'd known sooner—"
"And what, Logan? You know what happened when Max exposed Manticore. If she'd been there, she would have died. At least now you two have each other, and there must be a cure out there for this virus."
"You sure you're not Psyops? Because Mia said something very similar awhile back."
"I'm sure," she replies with a smile.
Just then CeCe stirs and starts to cry, "Well time for a change and a feed I think."
"Yep, that's my cue to leave. Still got a lot to do...If you need anything, let me know."
"I just want you and Max to visit again when you can."
"I'll try...thanks, Gem. What you've told me helps."
As Logan opens the door; Max ducks into the next room where the wounded transgenic is asleep.
Thanks a lot, Gem, you've confirmed Logan's worst fears about me and Alec. First I don't tell him we were supposed to have been breeding partners and that nothing happened, then I let him assume we were lovers and then it's over. What's wrong with you Max? Why can't you be straight with him about this? You told him about what happens when you go into heat and he forgave you. You told him about Ben and he let it go, even if it must've bothered him for awhile not knowing back then - never lied about any of that to Logan – simple, if he learns the truth about Alec he will never trust me...he will walk away.
Outside the Infirmary:
Logan is leaning against the wall.
I failed you, Max, I let you get killed, and when you needed me, I wasn't there for you. No wonder you turned to Alec. I thought the virus was the cause of our problems, but it's what I failed to do for you...I'm not leaving you behind again.
As he pushes away from the wall and starts to walk away Max opens the door to the infirmary. Seeing Logan she stops. Hearing the door open; he turns and sees Max standing there.
"Hey; Max," he says quietly looking at her.
"Hey, Logan," she says just as quietly.
"Just visiting—"they say together.
"We have to talk," they say in unison.
Slowly they smile at each other remembering other times.
Is he about to tell me that he's finally given up on us? Oh God, what'll I say then. I'm not ready...
"Logan I—"
"Max, I'm sorry I left you behind after the raid. I never realized what that meant...I thought you were dead."
"Logan you saved me...you and Zack, that was the only way, An X5 needs an X5's heart...what they tried to make me do after never happened...Alec lied to save us both at Manticore.
»»»»»»»
Flashback Manticore facility near Seattle:
Max and X5-494 are standing at attention Renfro has just ordered an X5 male away who has failed to copulate.
"Report!" snaps Renfro
Max and X5-494 say nothing. Renfro starts to look suspicious.
"Successful copulation between myself and X5-452, ma'am. Twice," he answers
Renfro looks surprised, "Excellent, 452. What would your boyfriend say?"
Max doesn't answer.
»»»»»»»
Yeah, it matters to you. Say something, Logan
Logan looks sharply at Max. "You heard Gem and I talking? You were spying on me?" he says accusingly.
Max starts to get angry "It's not like that...did you not hear what I just said. Alec and I didn't do anything at Manticore or—"
"Yeah, I heard...so after we couldn't be together you thought you'd pay him back for saving your life when I didn't. I understand, I understand perfectly.
Max's expression changes to sadness, "No, Logan, I—"
"Hey, Max, Logan! Come quick they need you at the Command Center, something's happening outside," Dalton says running up.
To be continued...