I've Got You'R' Back
Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
A/N: Thanks always to Kasman for the betas, It's hard work to correct my grammar and keep me on the correct path, this one caused her eyes to nearly pop out, so any mistakes still in here are all mine. Thanks again to those who have read and to those who have reviewed.
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Chapter 15 Family Chips.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Terminal City, the infirmary:
Max's gaze is fixed on Logan as he dials Buddy's number.
"Hi, Buddy?"
"Yes, it's me Logan. How's Mary?"
"Saw that did you? Max is fine, we got out with help from some friends."
Noticing Max raise her eyebrows at the mention of her name and the fact that Buddy knows it, a look of guilt flashes across Logan's face, "Later, okay," he mouths at her.
"We were wondering if Adam was okay?" he continues into the phone.
Listening, his gaze still fixed on Max, he sees her patience begin to wear thin, as she tries to hear the other side of the conversation over the bad connection and the fact that he's put the sound to it's lowest setting.
"Hmmm, that's not been reported up here yet. With the whole Terminal City thing it's probably not as newsworthy...I agree, Buddy, it should be, especially with the negative things they're saying about transgenics. I'll pass it on to Eyes Only, but I don't think he'll want to expose him...You're right, it might already have lead to that if the wrong people saw it. Lets hope not though. When is he due back...Okay, let me know. Take care, and love to Mary. Thanks we'll be careful, and yes, I'll think about letting Max know."
Ending the call, Logan stands there deep in thought, taping his phone against his cheek, completely ignoring Max.
Finally loosing her patience, Max snaps at him, "Logan, what did he have to say? Where is Zack? Is he okay?" Then cocking her head to one side, "And how does Buddy know my name and what have you got to let me, know?"
"Uh...yeah Zack's fine the last they heard."
"Heard? Where is he?" Max asks, in dismay. Fear starting to rise in her heart.
Still looking distracted. "Oh, he was up near the Washington-Oregon border delivering some horses to a ranch when he pulled some little girl from an over turned car. Seems he lifted it. Got reported down in Oregon," Logan tells her in a distracted tone.
Starting to pace around the room. "Sooo, he's not on the ranch...I assume it's a ranch, and he may have exposed himself to White's agents if somebody sees the report. Add to that, if he's seen anything about the Jam Pony and Terminal City sieges, he could be on his way here, if his memory has started up again," Max says dread coloring every word.
Shaking his head slightly, Logan looks at Max passing by. "He's not seen the sieges, he was out working and then was on the road. He might've seen reports there, but when he called Buddy after the rescue, he made no mention of it, only that he'd done something he never knew he was capable of." Pausing, Logan walks towards Max. "So it's unlikely he's on his way here either to rescue you or kill me."
Stopping her pacing Max looks at Logan intently. "Are you sure Logan? How can you be so sure?"
Looking away and then back, "He...he's got a fiancée."
"He has a what? Who is she? Where is she from? And more importantly when were you going to tell me?" Max asks, shock and anger vying for prominence in her voice.
Getting agitated at Max's tone, "He has a fiancée. I don't know who she is. I assume a local girl. I only just found out and I'm not absolutely sure he isn't coming here. Okay," Logan replies stressing every sentence.
Max's shoulders suddenly slump, the anger seeming to drain from her, "I'm sorry Logan...I had a nightmare...Zack came after you, and then you tell me he has a girlfriend...a fiancée..."
A flash of understanding appears in Logan's eyes. "That's why you've been avoiding me since we got here, isn't it?"
Looking over her shoulder at Logan from the window where she had walked to while she confessed about having the dream. That and other reasons...I still need to protect you. "Yes," she answers.
"Why didn't you tell me Max?"
"Like you were going to tell me that you'd been keeping tabs on Zack?" Max asks accusingly.
About to argue the point, Logan pauses. It's not the same, but you're right, Max, we keep doing this to each other. "Who would've thought Zack...would find somebody? But he's not Zack anymore. Still, I hope he finds happiness with whoever she is." And stays as far away from here as possible. With a thoughtful look on his face he watches Max, silhouetted by the weak morning light coming through the window. I want that for us as well, Max.
»»»»»
Flashback Cale Family Cabin:
Zack brushes Max's hair away from her face.
"You're going to miss him aren't you?"
"You think that's stupid?"
"No. A part of me wants the same things. Friends...a place where I belong...someone to care about."
"Thought it was a sentimental lie."
"Even I have my moments of weakness."
»»»»»
I hope you've really found your place...somebody to care for – you'll like that, Zack, it's what you do...even if you can't remember - I hope you never remember. I may never see that...but it does give me some hope that the sentimental lie can become a truth for Logan and me. Sadness and longing are in her eyes as she looks at Logan.
"I better blaze, it looks like rain and I so don't want to be caught out there."
"I'll come with you and start on those disks."
Max stops a look of worry crossing her face "We just had this argument...you need some more sleep, Logan." Besides we still don't know where Zack is.
Logan laughs softly. "Sleep; I couldn't sleep now that I've got those disks here, and besides, I don't need Mary popping in to scold me about rest and eating properly. One transgenic super soldier doing that is enough," a slightly teasing tone in his voice. I don't want, or need, anybody else but you.
"Yeah, well, this particular super soldier is going to make sure you get some of both," she says with a slight smile, despite the tenseness in her voice. Then sobering, "We better make sure we got the right disks just in case White did set a trap with fakes." I can't keep hiding from Logan. We'll just have to deal with things as they are.
Nodding in agreement, Logan opens the door for Max, as the smile finally reaches her eyes at his chivalry.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Command Center Two Hours Later:
Well, do I tell Max this one or just deal with it and hope she never finds out? Family - you just can't seem to escape them. At least Max wants to be with most of hers...mine, apart from Bennett, I wish I never had to see them again. But here it is. Logan straightens up from peering at the computer screen through his cracked glasses, then massages his hand over his forehead to the back of his neck.
"Hey you, neck hurting? Or just thinking?"
Startled by Max's voice he jumps slightly. Bringing a quick smile to Max's face. The same thought flashes through both of them at the same time. Damn this virus, a massage would be nice.
"Hey, yourself, bit of both. Need my spare glasses."
"So, did you find anything to help with that?"
"I found something...actually two things," Logan says in his most pensive tone.
Looking sharply at Logan, "Soo, the headache, really bad or is there something else?" Max asks.
Sighing deeply, Logan turns to face Max. "You know, we've both been running from something all our lives..."
So, Logan wants to play this game - it must be something pretty bad...hold it, he just said both...what's he been running from his whole life? No. It can't be...the Cales are involved here - no wonder he's acting this way.
"Logan, it's your family, right?"
"Damn, when Cale Industries was taken over by the government I never thought it would end up one part of my family helping to hunt the other part...hunting you – I should've known they would never be out of the murder business."
"They're making the scanners that are tracking us?" He thinks of me as family. You're mine, Logan. Even if you think the others are more important, they aren't.
"No, just the chips. Specifically the recognition chip for converting the body temperature reading to a picture scan on the screen."
"You've got to make a choice again..."
"No. Max there's only one choice, there has only ever been one choice..."
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Looking up at Logan. "The one thing I learned in my years at Manticore is never underestimate what people are capable of doing to each other," Max says, a look of sadness on her face.
Returning her look. "My uncle, for all his privilege, went right for the heart of darkness. You've lived your life trying to get as far away from that as possible."
Max blinks, and shrugs her shoulders "Guess that counts for something," she replies, as Logan smiles slightly.
They sit looking at nothing in particular for a moment
"Gotta blaze. Got to meet the gang for Snuffy's memorial."
Pausing as she heads for the door. "Thing is...it's always there, the darkness...right on my tail."
"I know...but you got moves," Logan replies his gaze on Max.
Smiling, Max leaves Logan looking at the check.
»»»»»»
Like you, Max, I've had to fight the darkness. And it's right on my tail. There was never a choice and there is no choice now. You're my family.
"So we got moves or what?" Max asks as if reading Logan's mind.
Looking up at her, he lets his eyes drink in every aspect of her, her hair, the deep brown pools for eyes, the pert nose, the full lips, the lithe body, now clothed in tight jeans, dark sweater, and a black jacket. If you hadn't left, where would we have gone from there.
Max, aware of his appraising gaze steps back so he can get a better view and smiles saucily. "Like what you see?" she asks as innocently as she can, as the blood races in her veins at his look.
"Yes, I like what I see very much...we've certainly got the moves," he says teasingly.
"Logan, can we concentrate here," Max says suddenly, realizing where this might lead, where it mustn't lead.
Reluctantly taking his eyes from Max and back to the computer screen. "It seems that in their rush to get the scanners in the field, they weren't fully tested for those conditions. Thus the few scanners out there, and why some groups have got in and others not...anyway, they've had a high burnout rate and Cale Industries is having to step up production on the chips and are bringing a new production line up to speed."
"Can we do anything about that?" Max asks, starting to lean forward, then stops herself.
Not noticing, Logan taps a couple of keys, and a new window opens. "There is, funnily enough. Here is the schematic for the chip, must've been included for the techs. With some changes here and here, they'll still be getting readings, but it will show everybody reading normal." As he points to the screen, he notices Max slowly leaning forward when he catches a whiff of the light perfume she has found from somewhere and then she catches herself. Nice, really, nice.
--- --- --- --- ---
As Logan points out what has to be done on the chip diagram, Max begins leaning forward again. She hears Logan sniff at the perfume she got from Original Cindy as a return gift for the clothes she brought back from Break.
»»»»»
Flashback Original Cindy's and Max's quarters in Terminal City:
"Hey, my girls," Original Cindy says looking at the two girls pictured on the T-shirts Max has brought back.
"You know about them?" Max asks in surprise that OC would know of a couple of old pop stars.
"Yeah, they were the bomb in their short time, they put the all the girls team right out there."
"Huh-huh, well glad you like 'em. I betta get back to the Command Center and see what Logan's found...and have him go get some more rest."
"Here, boo, put some of this on before you go...give you something of an edge, no lickity boo...or man can resist this."
"OC, I'm not trying to attract Logan...I want him as far from me as possible...I need to protect him," Max finishes sadly.
"Right...but you know your man, he won't rest till he drops, so you need something to distract his attention...this will do it," And she leans forward and dabs a little on Max's wrist.
Max sniffs it and smiles, and reaches for the small perfume bottle in Original Cindy's hand.
»»»»»»
Stopping herself, Max straightens and steps back. "So you hav'ta hack into the Cale Industries system. That's not gonna be easy. You better get some rest before you try that."
Laughing Logan stands up, "No, it won't. It's run by the Government now, and guess what? I just happen to have the passwords to a backdoor that Sebastian gave me." Then stretching, Logan looks at Max, "Nice perfume, get that on one of the forays earlier?"
Looking sideways at Logan; Max smiles, "Nope, OC. We can barely get supplies in to Terminal City and some how she gets perfume."
"We should get her running the supply runs," Logan says, with a chuckle.
"I don't think so, this is Terminal City after all."
"Right...we've got to get her and Sketchy out of here soon."
Max looking at Logan shakes her head and smiles ruefully "But you're staying, right?"
"Not going anywhere...especially with you smelling so nice," he says smirking.
"Ah...shut it, Logan."
"Well, I'll get some sleep, then we tackle making transgenics into people with normal temperatures."
Looking at Logan in surprise at his quick agreement to sleep, "We got time?" she asks looking at him skeptically.
"Well, looking at the rate of burnout recorded on those files, in a couple of days they're going to need replacements. They may have some in stock, but when I'm finished, the ones after that will only be very expensive video cameras. Timing is everything here." Logan smiles wickedly at Max.
With a ferocious grin Max nods. "Kewl."
Smiling at the range of expressions on Max's face, Logan walks towards the stairs leading down from the platform.
"I'll see you later then?" Max asks as she follows him.
"Yeah, sure, we can grab something to eat."
"Sounds like a date," Max says with a straight face.
"Does, doesn't it," Logan replies, his smile widening into a grin.
"Hmm...that's good, I'll see you," Max says waving as she walks past him and heads over to Luke and Dix.
A date, we've got a date...who'd a thought? We still got issues...we're solving them one by one, still got the runes dealio, not forgetting the National Guard and police, and our old friend White and his cult sickos, and our own personal hell virus, but Logan and I have a date. Come on, Max, it's not that big a deal, it's only in the mess hall. Who are you kidding? After you thought you and Logan were finished forever, you're back flirting with each other...Just got to make sure nothing happens. Still got to straighten him out on Alec, but guess that can wait. He seems to have gotten over it. Surprise gifts and perfume, I thought that was supposed to be the way into a girl's heart, guess it also works on men too. Shrugging her shoulders and with a smile on her face she watches Logan walk past and out the door of the Command Center. Pleasant dreams, Logan, it would be nice if we could share them all the time.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Outside the Command Center:
Did I just confirm a dinner date with Max...and she accepted? There is something in the air of Terminal City and it's making us do some strange things; we're flirting like she never left. Who'd have thought - a date after the past weeks? We still have things to deal with, the runes: the virus, the siege and not forgetting White and the cult. But we're dealing with them, even Alec...He saved my life and I still don't know why. What did he mean he's not interested in Max the way I assume? Well whatever it is, they're not together anymore...Stifling a yawn, Logan looks up as the first drops of rain start to fall. Well, I got a surprise gift and that was nice perfume Max was wearing, I'll see if I can scrounge some wine for dinner...will help the mess hall food to go down tonight. Luke said they'd found some left behind when Terminal City was evacuated. Surprise gifts of rare DVDs and perfume may be the way to my heart, but a nice dinner and some wine is certainly the way to hers. Not able to stifle a second yawn, he shakes his head, after I have some sleep though, and walks off towards his quarters as the rain starts to fall harder. Unseen, Alec follows.
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Terminal City, The Very Last Drop Pub:
Sketchy is leaning back in a chair, beer in his hand, a goofy look of bemusement on his face, as he listens to a pair of X5s argue over the merits of using different types of knives for fighting.
"The Tai Pan, seven and half inch blade AUS 8A - stainless steel blade, balance to dream of, can slice a hair.
"Nah, I prefer the old Coldsteel 'Black Bear Classic' - good balance and nice single edged blade."
"I prefer the Fairbain-Sykes commando–"
"Hey, that's a real old knife—"
"Yeah; but it's still the best, double edged, can be thrown, good for taking out sentries and fighting, a quick in, twist and out at the base of the brain or into the kidneys and slice no sound, and she rarely ever gets caught up."
As the conversation continues in this vein, Sketchy starts to go green with nausea at the vivid descriptions the young man and woman casually discuss over beers.
He starts to look around the room. Seeing Logan walk in, he hastily gets up, nearly upsetting the table in his rush and weaves his way over to him through the crowded and noisy room. His two previous companions grab their beers and look up as he leaves, then grin at each other. "So, who do you think will win the game tonight, LA or Oakland?" the young man asks.
"I prefer Oakland but LA's had a good season so far," the young woman replies as the two become engrossed in the merits and drawbacks of both teams.
"Hey, Logan."
"Hey, Sketchy, how you doing?"
"Not good man...not good at all. The people in here are whack, really whack," Sketchy says, looking over at his previous drinking buddies, still engrossed in conversation. He gulps, trying to keep his stomach contents down as he remembers the female X5's description of disemboweling a terrorist sentry.
"You okay, Sketchy?" Logan asks in concern. Are the toxins here starting to affect him or is it this home brewed stuff there calling beer in Terminal City?
"I'll be fine when I get back out to the ordinary folks...I got nothing against Max or Alec or even Joshua and Gem, but Logan...some of the people I've seen and things I hear in Terminal City, I can see why they're scared on the outside."
"Sketchy...what you've seen are people that just look different...you just said it. As to what you heard, I don't know, but I can guess...These are...were soldiers, assassins, trained from birth to do their job without question and as coldly as a machine." Looking around the room, Logan smiles grimly. Until Max set them free. "Do you think in eight months they're going to suddenly have normal conversations?"
Sketchy peers drunkenly around the crowded the room. The crowd consists of various types of transgenics, talking, drinking, listening to the music. Slowly he nods. "Its almost like Crash. All we ever did was bitch about work, describe our runs, show off our bike skills and get drunk. Hey, thanks, Logan, you've just given me an idea for my next article, 'Transgenic Soldiers and Bike Messengers One and the Same.'" he says, a silly grin on his face.
Trying to hide a grimace, Logan nods, as he takes a bottle of wine from the bartender.
"That's my last bottle, ya know."
"How did you get this?" Logan asks looking in surprise at the label.
"Found an old shelf with some of it in a back room."
"Hmm...pity. This is really good stuff and that year was particularly good."
As he turns around he meets Sketchy's owlish gaze. "With the whack stuff going down, I'm glad Max has somebody else covering her back...you and her...interrupting himself with a slight burp...still have something special going on?" he asks, grinning.
Surprised at Sketchy's question, Logan steps back, nearly bouncing into a transgenic whose features resemble a wolf. "Hey watch it, you," he growls, eyes behind a slightly jutting jaw red-rimmed the cornea a yellow color.
"Hey, no problem, Greg, this is Max's friend, Logan," Sketchy adds hastily.
Taking a sniff the wolfman nods, "I remember you now. Thanks for saving Max and the others at Jam Pony." He waves to the barman for another beer, which he hands to Logan. "You know Max long?" he asks, curiosity plain, even on his strange face.
Feeling awkward at the questions and open stare of Sketchy and Greg, Logan looks towards the door. Looking for Max to get you out of this one? Why is it Max always seems to have friends who are so direct? Just like her when she wants to know something but a complete different story when the roles are reversed...a lot like you Cale. Maybe that's why we hooked up. Seeing no rescue or quick escape in sight, Logan reverts to the old evasive defense, "We've been working together for two years now."
"Yeah, I guessed that, but are you two an item or what? 'Cause she still has the hots for you," Sketchy blurts out leaning towards Logan, his beer breath hitting Logan like a hammer, a leer on his face.
Leaning away, Logan stares at Sketchy. "How do you figure that Sketchy?" he finally manages to ask. I very much doubt if Max told you this.
"Hey; I may screw up a lot and can't remember where I'm at half the time, but I hear things and I see things...why do you think I want to be a reporter besides Eyes Only being my hero of course?" he says, nodding as if listening to some hidden voice.
"Right...seeing and hearing things," Logan says noticing Sketchy's action.
"So, you have something or not? Because there are a lot of X5s in here who wouldn't mind getting to know her."
Tensing, Logan inadvertently blurts out, "Alec!"
His drunken owlish look turning puzzled, Sketchy stares at Logan, while Greg's curious look sharpens. "Alec? No way, dude. He's too interested in hooking up or unhooking or just getting hooked...not sure which, with somebody else. Max would kick his ass if he even thought about that," Sketchy laughs at his own joke, while Greg nods his head with a wolfish grin at the thought of seeing that fight.
At that point, a tall brunette X5 walks past, drawing Sketchy's attention. His gaze follows her as she walks across the room. Turning back to Logan. "Now there is somebody...Where did he go, Greg?" he asks the wolfman, who points towards the door, and shrugs.
Shaking his head, "He's as bad as Max. Maybe they do have something going on, Mr. and Miss Mysterious." And chuckling at his new joke he turns and orders another beer.
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TBC
Disclaimer: See previous chapters.
A/N: Thanks always to Kasman for the betas, It's hard work to correct my grammar and keep me on the correct path, this one caused her eyes to nearly pop out, so any mistakes still in here are all mine. Thanks again to those who have read and to those who have reviewed.
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Chapter 15 Family Chips.
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Terminal City, the infirmary:
Max's gaze is fixed on Logan as he dials Buddy's number.
"Hi, Buddy?"
"Yes, it's me Logan. How's Mary?"
"Saw that did you? Max is fine, we got out with help from some friends."
Noticing Max raise her eyebrows at the mention of her name and the fact that Buddy knows it, a look of guilt flashes across Logan's face, "Later, okay," he mouths at her.
"We were wondering if Adam was okay?" he continues into the phone.
Listening, his gaze still fixed on Max, he sees her patience begin to wear thin, as she tries to hear the other side of the conversation over the bad connection and the fact that he's put the sound to it's lowest setting.
"Hmmm, that's not been reported up here yet. With the whole Terminal City thing it's probably not as newsworthy...I agree, Buddy, it should be, especially with the negative things they're saying about transgenics. I'll pass it on to Eyes Only, but I don't think he'll want to expose him...You're right, it might already have lead to that if the wrong people saw it. Lets hope not though. When is he due back...Okay, let me know. Take care, and love to Mary. Thanks we'll be careful, and yes, I'll think about letting Max know."
Ending the call, Logan stands there deep in thought, taping his phone against his cheek, completely ignoring Max.
Finally loosing her patience, Max snaps at him, "Logan, what did he have to say? Where is Zack? Is he okay?" Then cocking her head to one side, "And how does Buddy know my name and what have you got to let me, know?"
"Uh...yeah Zack's fine the last they heard."
"Heard? Where is he?" Max asks, in dismay. Fear starting to rise in her heart.
Still looking distracted. "Oh, he was up near the Washington-Oregon border delivering some horses to a ranch when he pulled some little girl from an over turned car. Seems he lifted it. Got reported down in Oregon," Logan tells her in a distracted tone.
Starting to pace around the room. "Sooo, he's not on the ranch...I assume it's a ranch, and he may have exposed himself to White's agents if somebody sees the report. Add to that, if he's seen anything about the Jam Pony and Terminal City sieges, he could be on his way here, if his memory has started up again," Max says dread coloring every word.
Shaking his head slightly, Logan looks at Max passing by. "He's not seen the sieges, he was out working and then was on the road. He might've seen reports there, but when he called Buddy after the rescue, he made no mention of it, only that he'd done something he never knew he was capable of." Pausing, Logan walks towards Max. "So it's unlikely he's on his way here either to rescue you or kill me."
Stopping her pacing Max looks at Logan intently. "Are you sure Logan? How can you be so sure?"
Looking away and then back, "He...he's got a fiancée."
"He has a what? Who is she? Where is she from? And more importantly when were you going to tell me?" Max asks, shock and anger vying for prominence in her voice.
Getting agitated at Max's tone, "He has a fiancée. I don't know who she is. I assume a local girl. I only just found out and I'm not absolutely sure he isn't coming here. Okay," Logan replies stressing every sentence.
Max's shoulders suddenly slump, the anger seeming to drain from her, "I'm sorry Logan...I had a nightmare...Zack came after you, and then you tell me he has a girlfriend...a fiancée..."
A flash of understanding appears in Logan's eyes. "That's why you've been avoiding me since we got here, isn't it?"
Looking over her shoulder at Logan from the window where she had walked to while she confessed about having the dream. That and other reasons...I still need to protect you. "Yes," she answers.
"Why didn't you tell me Max?"
"Like you were going to tell me that you'd been keeping tabs on Zack?" Max asks accusingly.
About to argue the point, Logan pauses. It's not the same, but you're right, Max, we keep doing this to each other. "Who would've thought Zack...would find somebody? But he's not Zack anymore. Still, I hope he finds happiness with whoever she is." And stays as far away from here as possible. With a thoughtful look on his face he watches Max, silhouetted by the weak morning light coming through the window. I want that for us as well, Max.
»»»»»
Flashback Cale Family Cabin:
Zack brushes Max's hair away from her face.
"You're going to miss him aren't you?"
"You think that's stupid?"
"No. A part of me wants the same things. Friends...a place where I belong...someone to care about."
"Thought it was a sentimental lie."
"Even I have my moments of weakness."
»»»»»
I hope you've really found your place...somebody to care for – you'll like that, Zack, it's what you do...even if you can't remember - I hope you never remember. I may never see that...but it does give me some hope that the sentimental lie can become a truth for Logan and me. Sadness and longing are in her eyes as she looks at Logan.
"I better blaze, it looks like rain and I so don't want to be caught out there."
"I'll come with you and start on those disks."
Max stops a look of worry crossing her face "We just had this argument...you need some more sleep, Logan." Besides we still don't know where Zack is.
Logan laughs softly. "Sleep; I couldn't sleep now that I've got those disks here, and besides, I don't need Mary popping in to scold me about rest and eating properly. One transgenic super soldier doing that is enough," a slightly teasing tone in his voice. I don't want, or need, anybody else but you.
"Yeah, well, this particular super soldier is going to make sure you get some of both," she says with a slight smile, despite the tenseness in her voice. Then sobering, "We better make sure we got the right disks just in case White did set a trap with fakes." I can't keep hiding from Logan. We'll just have to deal with things as they are.
Nodding in agreement, Logan opens the door for Max, as the smile finally reaches her eyes at his chivalry.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Command Center Two Hours Later:
Well, do I tell Max this one or just deal with it and hope she never finds out? Family - you just can't seem to escape them. At least Max wants to be with most of hers...mine, apart from Bennett, I wish I never had to see them again. But here it is. Logan straightens up from peering at the computer screen through his cracked glasses, then massages his hand over his forehead to the back of his neck.
"Hey you, neck hurting? Or just thinking?"
Startled by Max's voice he jumps slightly. Bringing a quick smile to Max's face. The same thought flashes through both of them at the same time. Damn this virus, a massage would be nice.
"Hey, yourself, bit of both. Need my spare glasses."
"So, did you find anything to help with that?"
"I found something...actually two things," Logan says in his most pensive tone.
Looking sharply at Logan, "Soo, the headache, really bad or is there something else?" Max asks.
Sighing deeply, Logan turns to face Max. "You know, we've both been running from something all our lives..."
So, Logan wants to play this game - it must be something pretty bad...hold it, he just said both...what's he been running from his whole life? No. It can't be...the Cales are involved here - no wonder he's acting this way.
"Logan, it's your family, right?"
"Damn, when Cale Industries was taken over by the government I never thought it would end up one part of my family helping to hunt the other part...hunting you – I should've known they would never be out of the murder business."
"They're making the scanners that are tracking us?" He thinks of me as family. You're mine, Logan. Even if you think the others are more important, they aren't.
"No, just the chips. Specifically the recognition chip for converting the body temperature reading to a picture scan on the screen."
"You've got to make a choice again..."
"No. Max there's only one choice, there has only ever been one choice..."
»»»»»»
Flashback Logan's Apartment:
Looking up at Logan. "The one thing I learned in my years at Manticore is never underestimate what people are capable of doing to each other," Max says, a look of sadness on her face.
Returning her look. "My uncle, for all his privilege, went right for the heart of darkness. You've lived your life trying to get as far away from that as possible."
Max blinks, and shrugs her shoulders "Guess that counts for something," she replies, as Logan smiles slightly.
They sit looking at nothing in particular for a moment
"Gotta blaze. Got to meet the gang for Snuffy's memorial."
Pausing as she heads for the door. "Thing is...it's always there, the darkness...right on my tail."
"I know...but you got moves," Logan replies his gaze on Max.
Smiling, Max leaves Logan looking at the check.
»»»»»»
Like you, Max, I've had to fight the darkness. And it's right on my tail. There was never a choice and there is no choice now. You're my family.
"So we got moves or what?" Max asks as if reading Logan's mind.
Looking up at her, he lets his eyes drink in every aspect of her, her hair, the deep brown pools for eyes, the pert nose, the full lips, the lithe body, now clothed in tight jeans, dark sweater, and a black jacket. If you hadn't left, where would we have gone from there.
Max, aware of his appraising gaze steps back so he can get a better view and smiles saucily. "Like what you see?" she asks as innocently as she can, as the blood races in her veins at his look.
"Yes, I like what I see very much...we've certainly got the moves," he says teasingly.
"Logan, can we concentrate here," Max says suddenly, realizing where this might lead, where it mustn't lead.
Reluctantly taking his eyes from Max and back to the computer screen. "It seems that in their rush to get the scanners in the field, they weren't fully tested for those conditions. Thus the few scanners out there, and why some groups have got in and others not...anyway, they've had a high burnout rate and Cale Industries is having to step up production on the chips and are bringing a new production line up to speed."
"Can we do anything about that?" Max asks, starting to lean forward, then stops herself.
Not noticing, Logan taps a couple of keys, and a new window opens. "There is, funnily enough. Here is the schematic for the chip, must've been included for the techs. With some changes here and here, they'll still be getting readings, but it will show everybody reading normal." As he points to the screen, he notices Max slowly leaning forward when he catches a whiff of the light perfume she has found from somewhere and then she catches herself. Nice, really, nice.
--- --- --- --- ---
As Logan points out what has to be done on the chip diagram, Max begins leaning forward again. She hears Logan sniff at the perfume she got from Original Cindy as a return gift for the clothes she brought back from Break.
»»»»»
Flashback Original Cindy's and Max's quarters in Terminal City:
"Hey, my girls," Original Cindy says looking at the two girls pictured on the T-shirts Max has brought back.
"You know about them?" Max asks in surprise that OC would know of a couple of old pop stars.
"Yeah, they were the bomb in their short time, they put the all the girls team right out there."
"Huh-huh, well glad you like 'em. I betta get back to the Command Center and see what Logan's found...and have him go get some more rest."
"Here, boo, put some of this on before you go...give you something of an edge, no lickity boo...or man can resist this."
"OC, I'm not trying to attract Logan...I want him as far from me as possible...I need to protect him," Max finishes sadly.
"Right...but you know your man, he won't rest till he drops, so you need something to distract his attention...this will do it," And she leans forward and dabs a little on Max's wrist.
Max sniffs it and smiles, and reaches for the small perfume bottle in Original Cindy's hand.
»»»»»»
Stopping herself, Max straightens and steps back. "So you hav'ta hack into the Cale Industries system. That's not gonna be easy. You better get some rest before you try that."
Laughing Logan stands up, "No, it won't. It's run by the Government now, and guess what? I just happen to have the passwords to a backdoor that Sebastian gave me." Then stretching, Logan looks at Max, "Nice perfume, get that on one of the forays earlier?"
Looking sideways at Logan; Max smiles, "Nope, OC. We can barely get supplies in to Terminal City and some how she gets perfume."
"We should get her running the supply runs," Logan says, with a chuckle.
"I don't think so, this is Terminal City after all."
"Right...we've got to get her and Sketchy out of here soon."
Max looking at Logan shakes her head and smiles ruefully "But you're staying, right?"
"Not going anywhere...especially with you smelling so nice," he says smirking.
"Ah...shut it, Logan."
"Well, I'll get some sleep, then we tackle making transgenics into people with normal temperatures."
Looking at Logan in surprise at his quick agreement to sleep, "We got time?" she asks looking at him skeptically.
"Well, looking at the rate of burnout recorded on those files, in a couple of days they're going to need replacements. They may have some in stock, but when I'm finished, the ones after that will only be very expensive video cameras. Timing is everything here." Logan smiles wickedly at Max.
With a ferocious grin Max nods. "Kewl."
Smiling at the range of expressions on Max's face, Logan walks towards the stairs leading down from the platform.
"I'll see you later then?" Max asks as she follows him.
"Yeah, sure, we can grab something to eat."
"Sounds like a date," Max says with a straight face.
"Does, doesn't it," Logan replies, his smile widening into a grin.
"Hmm...that's good, I'll see you," Max says waving as she walks past him and heads over to Luke and Dix.
A date, we've got a date...who'd a thought? We still got issues...we're solving them one by one, still got the runes dealio, not forgetting the National Guard and police, and our old friend White and his cult sickos, and our own personal hell virus, but Logan and I have a date. Come on, Max, it's not that big a deal, it's only in the mess hall. Who are you kidding? After you thought you and Logan were finished forever, you're back flirting with each other...Just got to make sure nothing happens. Still got to straighten him out on Alec, but guess that can wait. He seems to have gotten over it. Surprise gifts and perfume, I thought that was supposed to be the way into a girl's heart, guess it also works on men too. Shrugging her shoulders and with a smile on her face she watches Logan walk past and out the door of the Command Center. Pleasant dreams, Logan, it would be nice if we could share them all the time.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Outside the Command Center:
Did I just confirm a dinner date with Max...and she accepted? There is something in the air of Terminal City and it's making us do some strange things; we're flirting like she never left. Who'd have thought - a date after the past weeks? We still have things to deal with, the runes: the virus, the siege and not forgetting White and the cult. But we're dealing with them, even Alec...He saved my life and I still don't know why. What did he mean he's not interested in Max the way I assume? Well whatever it is, they're not together anymore...Stifling a yawn, Logan looks up as the first drops of rain start to fall. Well, I got a surprise gift and that was nice perfume Max was wearing, I'll see if I can scrounge some wine for dinner...will help the mess hall food to go down tonight. Luke said they'd found some left behind when Terminal City was evacuated. Surprise gifts of rare DVDs and perfume may be the way to my heart, but a nice dinner and some wine is certainly the way to hers. Not able to stifle a second yawn, he shakes his head, after I have some sleep though, and walks off towards his quarters as the rain starts to fall harder. Unseen, Alec follows.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Terminal City, The Very Last Drop Pub:
Sketchy is leaning back in a chair, beer in his hand, a goofy look of bemusement on his face, as he listens to a pair of X5s argue over the merits of using different types of knives for fighting.
"The Tai Pan, seven and half inch blade AUS 8A - stainless steel blade, balance to dream of, can slice a hair.
"Nah, I prefer the old Coldsteel 'Black Bear Classic' - good balance and nice single edged blade."
"I prefer the Fairbain-Sykes commando–"
"Hey, that's a real old knife—"
"Yeah; but it's still the best, double edged, can be thrown, good for taking out sentries and fighting, a quick in, twist and out at the base of the brain or into the kidneys and slice no sound, and she rarely ever gets caught up."
As the conversation continues in this vein, Sketchy starts to go green with nausea at the vivid descriptions the young man and woman casually discuss over beers.
He starts to look around the room. Seeing Logan walk in, he hastily gets up, nearly upsetting the table in his rush and weaves his way over to him through the crowded and noisy room. His two previous companions grab their beers and look up as he leaves, then grin at each other. "So, who do you think will win the game tonight, LA or Oakland?" the young man asks.
"I prefer Oakland but LA's had a good season so far," the young woman replies as the two become engrossed in the merits and drawbacks of both teams.
"Hey, Logan."
"Hey, Sketchy, how you doing?"
"Not good man...not good at all. The people in here are whack, really whack," Sketchy says, looking over at his previous drinking buddies, still engrossed in conversation. He gulps, trying to keep his stomach contents down as he remembers the female X5's description of disemboweling a terrorist sentry.
"You okay, Sketchy?" Logan asks in concern. Are the toxins here starting to affect him or is it this home brewed stuff there calling beer in Terminal City?
"I'll be fine when I get back out to the ordinary folks...I got nothing against Max or Alec or even Joshua and Gem, but Logan...some of the people I've seen and things I hear in Terminal City, I can see why they're scared on the outside."
"Sketchy...what you've seen are people that just look different...you just said it. As to what you heard, I don't know, but I can guess...These are...were soldiers, assassins, trained from birth to do their job without question and as coldly as a machine." Looking around the room, Logan smiles grimly. Until Max set them free. "Do you think in eight months they're going to suddenly have normal conversations?"
Sketchy peers drunkenly around the crowded the room. The crowd consists of various types of transgenics, talking, drinking, listening to the music. Slowly he nods. "Its almost like Crash. All we ever did was bitch about work, describe our runs, show off our bike skills and get drunk. Hey, thanks, Logan, you've just given me an idea for my next article, 'Transgenic Soldiers and Bike Messengers One and the Same.'" he says, a silly grin on his face.
Trying to hide a grimace, Logan nods, as he takes a bottle of wine from the bartender.
"That's my last bottle, ya know."
"How did you get this?" Logan asks looking in surprise at the label.
"Found an old shelf with some of it in a back room."
"Hmm...pity. This is really good stuff and that year was particularly good."
As he turns around he meets Sketchy's owlish gaze. "With the whack stuff going down, I'm glad Max has somebody else covering her back...you and her...interrupting himself with a slight burp...still have something special going on?" he asks, grinning.
Surprised at Sketchy's question, Logan steps back, nearly bouncing into a transgenic whose features resemble a wolf. "Hey watch it, you," he growls, eyes behind a slightly jutting jaw red-rimmed the cornea a yellow color.
"Hey, no problem, Greg, this is Max's friend, Logan," Sketchy adds hastily.
Taking a sniff the wolfman nods, "I remember you now. Thanks for saving Max and the others at Jam Pony." He waves to the barman for another beer, which he hands to Logan. "You know Max long?" he asks, curiosity plain, even on his strange face.
Feeling awkward at the questions and open stare of Sketchy and Greg, Logan looks towards the door. Looking for Max to get you out of this one? Why is it Max always seems to have friends who are so direct? Just like her when she wants to know something but a complete different story when the roles are reversed...a lot like you Cale. Maybe that's why we hooked up. Seeing no rescue or quick escape in sight, Logan reverts to the old evasive defense, "We've been working together for two years now."
"Yeah, I guessed that, but are you two an item or what? 'Cause she still has the hots for you," Sketchy blurts out leaning towards Logan, his beer breath hitting Logan like a hammer, a leer on his face.
Leaning away, Logan stares at Sketchy. "How do you figure that Sketchy?" he finally manages to ask. I very much doubt if Max told you this.
"Hey; I may screw up a lot and can't remember where I'm at half the time, but I hear things and I see things...why do you think I want to be a reporter besides Eyes Only being my hero of course?" he says, nodding as if listening to some hidden voice.
"Right...seeing and hearing things," Logan says noticing Sketchy's action.
"So, you have something or not? Because there are a lot of X5s in here who wouldn't mind getting to know her."
Tensing, Logan inadvertently blurts out, "Alec!"
His drunken owlish look turning puzzled, Sketchy stares at Logan, while Greg's curious look sharpens. "Alec? No way, dude. He's too interested in hooking up or unhooking or just getting hooked...not sure which, with somebody else. Max would kick his ass if he even thought about that," Sketchy laughs at his own joke, while Greg nods his head with a wolfish grin at the thought of seeing that fight.
At that point, a tall brunette X5 walks past, drawing Sketchy's attention. His gaze follows her as she walks across the room. Turning back to Logan. "Now there is somebody...Where did he go, Greg?" he asks the wolfman, who points towards the door, and shrugs.
Shaking his head, "He's as bad as Max. Maybe they do have something going on, Mr. and Miss Mysterious." And chuckling at his new joke he turns and orders another beer.
-------------------------
TBC