A/N Over 300 reviews!!! Thank you so so much! Mwah I did this scary little dance! Seriously I frightened me. Anyway sorry to Nat who hates long thanks but with 3 pages of reviews for this one chapter I had to thank everyone!
A/N2- Ok, so there is a LOT of additional extras in Moving Alongside so even if you are not following that you might wanna check out chapters 11 and 12 for extra Max and Alecy goodness. You know who the chracters are so you are not missing any vital information on either.
A/N3- Just out of curiosity, how many here don't read both Moving Ahead and Moving Alongside?
I'd rather do anything.
Things were back to normal, or as normal as they could be in a secret genetic lab where super soldiers were being bred and trained to fight. Alec was back to his usual annoying self. Only occasionally they could see the darkness in his eyes and wonder about what he had gone through. He never mentioned it and they never told him of the times they had woken to hear his screaming for Rachel. Even Max hadn't asked, knowing from personal experience that there was just some things that you had to come to terms with yourself before you could talk about it with others.
Even though things between Alec and Max were back to normal, bickering and being friends in their own unique way; he noted that things between her and everyone else were a little strained. That Biggs never dared to look her in the eye and that she avoided the other units as much as possible, spending most of the time with Special Ops and Alec. He had questioned Biggs and his unit but they avoided his questions and evaded by saying that it was nothing. He didn't manage to get answers from anyone and it seemed that that was the way that things would stay.
He wasn't the only one who noticed that Max was quieter than usual. Zan had shared with him the same looks of fear and worry when Max's expression would smooth in the Manticore mask. They hadn't verbally said anything, not sure what there was to say, but they knew that she had retreated back into herself and there seemed to be nothing that they could do about it. It was almost as if Max had been the one to go through Psy-Ops instead of Alec.
And there seemed no amount of teasing and pushing could bring her back.
~~
Renfro paced the room looking down the students as they sat ramrod straight waiting for her orders. They were in the small lecture hall on the south side of Manticore's main facility; it was perfect for small briefings like this where all fifteen of Special Ops could fit comfortably. They were Special Ops, cream of the elite- despite a few minor deviations -like 494's failed mission and 418's practical jokes- the best Manticore had to offer and it gave her a tremendous rush of power to know that she held life or death over these transgenics; that with a flick of her wrist the whole compound would be nothing more than ash and dust with them inside.
She smiled and flipped open her clip board.
"Yesterday at 0800 we sent a team in to a remote location to gather data for our program. Not one hour ago we received a broadcast requesting immediate assistance. Comms went down but we managed to locate the area. We need you to go in a rescue the team and retrieve that data." Renfro placed the papers on the desk "We don't know the situation so you'll be flying in blind. However there are rumours of some group called the Reds who have been experimenting with neural implants to create stronger soldiers. Be careful out there. Remember you represent millions of dollars in R and D."
"Nice to know she cares." Alec whispered behind Max and she grinned.
"We're waiting on location specifics, our techs will be able to tell us their exact location soon and you'll be gone by 0700 tomorrow. 452 is in command, 494 is second and 344 aide. Take one unit with you for back up." She laid a file in front of Max and Alec "Here are your mission specs, those of the missing soldiers in case their talents are needed and any data you may need during your mission. Last known position and everything."
Max nodded to show that she understood and flipped open the file scanning it for relevant information. Her eyes caught on several words which leaped out at her and she froze.
Unit leader, Wyoming Facility- C.O 261.
Her eyes wouldn't move, stuck on those three digits. 261- Bulli.
"We don't need traitors in our unit." The dark haired boy stated.
"Snakes."
"Rats."
"Poison." Hissed several of them.
"I'm not a traitor." Max said hotly, their accusations riling her "It was my C.O's idea and I followed orders." She clasped her little hands into fists.
"Well I'm C.O here, I'm X5-261 and I say you are a traitor." He stuck his hands on his hips.
"No I'm not." Max growled "Colonel Lydecker said I was a success and he's cleared me."
"Oh yeah?"
Memory after memory assaulted Max, as she remembered what 261- Bulli- had done to her.
"If I say you were traitors then that's what you were." He glared at her with an amused look on his face. "All you'll ever be, to me and everyone else is an oh niner."
His voice in her head was like a physical blow as his hateful words washed over her and still had the power to make her cringe.
"You'll have to make it out alive first." Bulli said as he swung for her with the pool cue.
She barely heard Renfro dismiss the other and ask that 494 and 452 would remain behind.
She felt Sunny jolt her chair as she exited the room and she was almost surprised to see Alec motioning her to get to attention.
"Here's how we play this," Renfro started "I want that data and I want our people out. I don't care how messy it gets blow the whole damn complex to kingdom come for all I care. Just retrieve that merchandise." Renfro demanded.
"Yes Ma'am!" Alec said smartly and was surprised when Max didn't join him.
Renfro too was surprised "Problem 452?"
"Yes ma'am." Max took a deep breath "I believe 494 should be the C.O of this mission."
Alec gaped at her- Max giving up command?
"Why is that 452?" Renfro's staring at her in curiosity was making it hard for Max to come up with a convincing lie.
Because I'd rather go to Psy-Ops than save them. No Renfro would think of that as a challenge. I hate 261 with a passion. No that wouldn't go down well, she searched for any excuse in her head, I'm homesick, no. I hate the jungle, it's the damn…
"Heat." She grabbed desperately "I believe that this week starts my heat cycle and I know that the heat suppressors do their job and temper the effects but I wouldn't want to put the mission in jeopardy should any impairment of judgement occur ma'am."
Since they had started to be sent on missions they were given pills to suppress the animalistic effects of their heat. They still felt it but could control their lustful urges. She thought for a second and then blurted "In fact I might be better used here to aid with remote S and R."
Search and Rescue she could do. Monitor the radio frequencies, lock onto positions and never have to see his evil grinning face.
"Your willingness to admit potential liability does you credit 452." Renfro sounded impressed "Very well 494 can be C.O but I want you in the field as 2IC. He should be able to keep you line but just in case I will instruct the lab techs to give you double dosage of heat suppressors. Dismissed."
Max saluted half heartedly and walked out quickly, her hands shaking.
"Hey Max wait up you forgot this." Alec ran up behind her and handed her the dreaded folder. "What was all that about?"
"I have no idea what you are talking about."
"Giving up command Max? That's not like you."
"Maybe I thought you needed the practice." She snapped as they entered the mess hall.
Alec stopped. She hadn't talked to him like that in years.
"You okay Maxie?" he asked gently.
She looked down at her plate, her appetite gone.
"Not hungry." She pushed her tray into his hands and walked out of the hall without looking back.
Alec held her plate and made his way over to the table, Biggs was sitting with Sunny and he distinctly heard his name being mentioned.
"What?"
"Where's Max?" Zan asked peering over his shoulder.
He shrugged "She's acting weird." He glanced at Biggs who couldn't meet his eyes.
"What the hell went on here while I was gone?" he demanded again.
"Don't know what you're talking about." Biggs denied and he sighed.
"Well she just handed command of the mission over to me, giving Renfro some lame heat excuse."
Sunny frowned " But Max's heat isn't until after mine and I'm over six months away."
Alec scowled "So what the hell is going on?"
"Women!" Biggs said and held his hands over his head as he was attacked on three sides.
"So what's the deal with these Reds?" he changed the subject fast. "Pix was telling me about your mission." He massaged his sore head.
"Your mission too," Alec said "Renfro wants another team with us. I choose Unit 8, I'm sure Max would agree. Right?" Biggs avoided his eyes and repeated his question.
"I heard they stick pins into their spine which increases neural receptors." Zan said and they all winced.
"Ouch!"
"Wouldn't that reduce lifespan?" Chance asked. "Who would want that?"
Alec shrugged "Souped up super soldiers with a death wish."
"Lovely mission." Pix rolled his eyes.
"How did our men get caught anyway?" Sunny asked flicking her bread at Carrot who was trying to steal her food.
Alec flipped open his file and scanned it "Doesn't say, just that the C.O, uh…261 made the call at---"
"Wait." Sunny grabbed his hand "Did you say 261?"
"Yeah." Alec watched as Sunny exchanged glances with Zan, Pix and Carrot. The rest of them looked bewildered.
"What?"
Pix who was normally a really easy going guy appeared vaguely ill and looked away. Carrot flushed as red as his hair and slumped in his chair, he dropped the bread that he had been trying to steal from Sunny as she leaned back against his arm.
Zan pushed away and stood up walking without saying a word.
"What?" Alec demanded "Who is 261?" he was getting more frustrated with their lack of answering.
Sunny bit her lip.
"261 was Max's C.O."
~~
The roof was the place where Max felt most comfortable. It was where she did her best thinking and right now she needed to think.
Bulli had been the bane of her life back in Wyoming. He had screwed her up and over more times than she could count and she was intimately familiar with his fists… and feet and teeth for that matter. He had tortured her in every way possible and she was supposed to go and save his life now? Not a chance- she just couldn't.
She really would rather go to Psy-Ops. Maybe there was a way to get sent there and get out of this mission.
She felt rather than heard someone come up behind her.
"Hey Max."
She nodded letting him know that she was aware he was there.
"I heard you turned over command to Alec."
She gave a little huff of laughter.
"Is that because of 261?"
She didn't answer and wrapped her arms around herself.
"Max, you know I'm here for you right?" Zan moved closer and touched her shoulder "You want to talk or anything."
"I just need my own headspace right now Zan."
He nodded in understanding and moved away quietly.
~~
As C.O Alec was used to having his questions answered and it frustrated him to no end when the three at the table refused to tell him what was going on and why Max had walked away and when Zan returned he was just as tight lipped just saying that she wanted to be alone. Thankfully due to the impending mission they were allowed to forgo lessons and training that day and so didn't have to cover for her absence.
As it grew dark he decided to go and find out from the horse's mouth himself.
He went up onto the roof and looked at the lone figure sitting hugging her knees to stave off the chill that was beginning to seep over the city. His steps crunched the gravel and let her know that he was approaching but there was no telltale tensing of her shoulders to indicate that he might be unwelcome.
"Hey Maxie." It wasn't the most suave opening line he had ever used but in the absence of anything else to say it was enough.
"Hi." Her tone fell several octaves short of her intended casual address.
"You done moping yet?" he tried to get her annoyed at him but she just shrugged.
"Max?"
She didn't acknowledge him and stared out at the darkness.
"You wanna talk?"
"'bout what?"
Finally she speaks! He thought jubilantly although not the best of answers.
"'bout anything."
She gave him a fake smile
"Now why would I wanna do that?"
He rolled his eyes at her closed expression.
"Just consider the offer open okay?"
"Ok." She briefly glanced at him and then back out at the night staring at the suddenly blazing lights on top of the Space needle. They were gone a few instants later but she remained vigilant and he was unnerved at the unusually quiet Max's form.
"You all right?"
She gave a little nod
"I'm always all right."
~~
He sat down next to her and didn't say a word for the rest of the night, hoping that his silence would at least comfort if not annoy her into speech. Much like her presence had that time in his cell.
To his shame he fell asleep around dawn and awoke to find Max grinning down at him.
"Aw you look so adorable when you're asleep, although the drool- not attractive."
He swiped at his mouth quickly and sat up quickly.
Her smile was a far cry from last night's solemn vigil and he was glad to see her back to normal…as normal as she could be anyway.
Max smiled as he looked at her uncertainly. His presence last night had given her the clarity that she needed. Watching the gentle rise and fall of his chest had soothed the tumultuous whirlwind in her heart and she had finally begun thinking instead of just reacting. She had a plan. A good plan.
"I wasn't drooling."
"O then you dribbled bad." She pointed to the wet patch on his chest.
Alec glared in mock anger and she giggled, the sound making him feel that much better.
"You're god-awful chipper Max."
He stood up slowly and she poked him in the chest with her finger.
"And you take common verbal waaaay too seriously."
He agreed with that but there was still something in her eye that wasn't quite right.
"You sure you're okay Max?"
"Yeah, had a few things that needed dealing with but it's all good."
He threw an arm over her shoulder
"That's my girl!" he moved swiftly away from the impending elbow and added "We'd best get to briefing, if you're sure you're on board."
A glint ran through her gaze and then she shrugged "Hey stuff happens, you deal and move on."
"Or mope and decide to kick ass."
She grinned "Whatever works."
~~~~~
"What Dumbass screw-up decided to have a base in the middle of the jungle?" Sunny whined "It's hot and cramped and my hair looks like crap."
Max exchanged glances with Zan and they hid their laughter from Sunny.
The last monitored location for the Unit had been several kilometres into the amply forested territory in Africa- rain forest that is.
Their gear stuck to them even though it was lightweight and the humidity made them drowsy. The light filtered in through the gaps in the trees above making their cat eyes work faster and harder to gain the advantage.
The thick green vines, slick with dew and sap slapped at them from every angle and every step felt like a fight.
Max loved it.
The lush vegetation hosted some spectacular sights and she could just imagine them swinging through the vines, feeling the air brush her face and cool her hair. She might have to try that later when she…
Max pushed the idea away for now. Any change in her behaviour would have them all watching her like a hawk and that was one thing that she was determined to avoid.
She had her plan and she was going to stick to it.
She stooped and picked up some sticky plant and carefully draped it over Sunny's shoulder.
"Hey snake!" she exclaimed and Sunny's shriek scared all the birds in this area…and three other countries into flight.
Max joined Pix and Zan in hysterics and Sunny put her hands on her hips and knocked her sweat soaked fringe out of the way.
"Not funny Max!"
Max straightened her face "Sorry."
Just then the sound of running caught them and they tensed as several armed, burly soldiers surrounded them.
Biggs whipped off his bandana "What the hell was that?"
"Snake?" Pix's lips twitched and the rest of the squad glared at Sunny.
"Should we have sent cards to the base we are supposed to be sneaking up on or do you just want to scream some more?" Flex asked annoyed that he had run all the way back for no reason and Sunny poked her tongue out at him.
"Hey guys, we are still far enough away that that wouldn't have made an impact." Alec soothed, a twinkle in his eye "That's why we decided to base camp here remember."
The squad relaxed slightly and Sunny elbowed Max as she walked by.
"Bitch."
"Ahem, I think you'll find my DNA is mostly feline. So kit maybe." Max sassed and turned back to putting her sleeping bag out.
Alec grinned at the sight and sighed.
"Great views around here huh?" he asked Biggs who was standing next to him.
"Uh yeah." Biggs met Max's brown eyes and then looked away. Alec frowned, a horrible idea forming. He grabbed Biggs arm and dragged him a little way into the jungle.
"Biggs we have known each other for so long, I think of you as not just my best friend but as family."
"Me too Alec." Biggs was surprised at this show of emotion from his C.O.
Alec continued "We've never lied to each and I need you to tell me the truth right now as your friend as well as your C.O."
"Sure." Biggs nodded totally serious.
Alec swallowed hard, hating the question.
"Is there something going on between you and Max?"
Biggs gaped, his jaw actually dropping.
"What?"
"Do you and Max have a thing?" the question was no less painful the second time around.
"Why the hell… what makes…when do…how could…NO!"
The breath left Alec in one fell swoop.
"Really?"
"The heat is getting to you man." Biggs said in concern "Max is great, hot and all but no. no way."
"Then what's with all the glances and avoidance. Did something happen?" Alec's eyes narrowed again as Biggs flushed.
"Biggs?"
"No, we had a fight of sorts okay. I thought it would blow over but it hasn't."
"What about?"
"That's between me and Max." he wasn't going to let him know what had gone on there. He saw Alec start to protest and held up his hand "Sir! It's okay, I should have sorted it out before and I will but it is between me and Max and please don't ask me again."
Alec contemplated this and slowly nodded, he was right. It wasn't his business; as long as they weren't together then he really shouldn't complain.
"See that you do, I don't want tensions screwing up the mission."
"Uh huh." Biggs said sarcastically knowing that that wasn't what he had been worried about.
Alec mock scowled and walked back to the camp.
~~
Midnight in the tropical forest was actually quite pretty. The sounds of crickets or whatever and midnight animals made it so much more exotic. It was much cooler, so much so that several of the transgenics rolled together to conserve body heat. Alec had asked Max if she wanted to "snuggle" but was met with a smack on the arm and a dramatic move to the other side of the fire. He pouted and sulked and she laughed, quietly thanking him for making things easier.
Easier to do what she had to anyway.
She waited until all of the X's breathing evened out and they were all asleep and then she carefully rolled to her knees and gathered up her bag and equipment.
Making sure that the rest of the squad hadn't moved, she carefully and quietly slipped into the dark jungle and away from the camp.
She had to remain fairly silent for at least a mile just in case one of the others woke, as sounds do carry in the jungle of Africa. She made her way over dead trees and bracken quickly but with steps lighter than it would seem possible for a human.
She slipped past the slick branches and trees and was ready to heave a sigh of relief as she reached the mile marker.
Max rounded a tall tree whose roots were bigger than her cell and stopped abruptly.
Alec was leaning with his back against a tree with his arms folded over his chest.
"Going somewhere sweetheart?"
~~~
Alec watched as she bit her lip and felt that flare of annoyance that had sparked when he rolled over and saw her creeping through the trees away from their encampment.
He had gotten to his feet just as quickly and followed her, like her- waiting until they were far enough away that their voices wouldn't wake the others before confronting her.
What the hell did she think she was doing? Going AWOL in the middle of a mission wasn't just stupid, it was suicide. Desertion was an offence that Manticore wouldn't allow, he knew that.
Hell she knew that, so what was she playing at?
"Well, I'm waiting for an answer."
Max gave him the evil eye "Oh back off Alec, you're not my C.O."
He pushed away from the tree and stalked over to her getting in her face.
"Right I'm not but I am the commander of this mission and you are jeopardising it."
"Move it." she tried to pass him and he stepped in front of her anticipating her move and blocking the punch and kick she threw at him.
"No Max, we're going back even if I have to throw you over my shoulder and drag you caveman style."
Max scoffed "Right."
"I'm serious Maxie this isn't a game, this is for real and those soldiers need our help and if I'm too distracted by you being gone then they won't be…"
It clicked and his ire rose, inflamed.
"You have GOT to be kidding me."
Max said nothing as he came to his own conclusions.
"So this guy was your C.O, it's not worth you throwing the mission over Max."
She shook her head "That wasn't my idea Alec, I'm not running away, I'm going back to Manticore. I'll tell them that my heat combined with the heat of the jungle was too much and so I took myself out of the equation rather than risk the mission."
He was impressed, despite himself- that was a sound plan.
"If you show up without us then they'll do tests and realise that you aren't even in heat and they'll send you to Psy-Ops Max."
She shrugged one shoulder and he gaped.
"Been there, done that." she smirked "Got the lobotomy. Doesn't bother me."
He frowned "Max, listen."
"No you listen. I can't rescue them Alec, I can't. I've put up with some crap from Manticore and they owe me. I won't do this. I don't care if they die. I don't."
Alec couldn't believe what he was hearing, Max had always been such a great humanitarian and advocator of life and here she was handing the death of people she knew without a blink.
"Maxie, I know you're mad at them but Psy-Ops…"
She laughed incredulously
"Mad at them? You can't possibly understand what happened. You think Psy-ops was bad? It was a damn picnic at kindergarten compared to what they did. What they put me through. Not even Lydecker was that mean or Renfro was that sadistic. Bulli lived up to his name believe me Alec."
He ran a frustrated hand through his hair "Ok so things were bad, I'm not saying they weren't Max, but if you get sent to Psy-Ops it would mean they'd take you off the Special Ops program."
"You're still here." His face drained of colour as she threw the Berrisford mission in his face. She saw his face close up but refused to feel bad for it.
"Lucky break, they thought that they had broken me, or I would be bumped back to the units." He folded his arms over his chest. "Your plan is crazy Max; they might even throw you in reindoc."
She leaned over and got in his face enunciating every word "I…DON'T…CARE."
"If you run they will find you and bring you back, maybe even in a bag."
"I couldn't expect you to give a damn." She retorted with a look of disgust that hurt Alec. "After all, your name should be Number 1 as in to look after."
It stung and he retaliated "Well Lookie Ms my first reaction is to run away, maybe you should consider sticking around. I mean, hell, wasn't having your original unit as traitors enough?"
The words hung between them, mean and cold, foul and vicious and they bit at them both.
Alec couldn't believe those words had come out of his mouth, he didn't hate Max and the last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt her and yet he had just said the one thing that could ever penetrate her defences.
"Max I'm sor-"
She waved him off with a sweep of her hand "Well at least I know how you feel."
He shook his head desperately "No you don't, I didn't mean…"
Max laughed a cold calculating laugh that chilled him and echoed through the jungle making the dark night seem much more eerie.
"You asked what went down with Biggs and me and the rest of the units."
He was taken aback by the abrupt change in conversation. "What?"
"They blamed me. You blew off your mission and they blamed me for being a bad influence on you, after all I'm an 09er, a traitor." She spat the hated word and felt a rush of satisfaction as he flinched. "Their golden boy's spending time with me was bound to result in an infraction sooner or later and there it was. You screwed up so they blamed me. It was like being back in Wyoming. People hissing and laughing as I went by, oh there were no tricks or fights but somehow the mental stuff always gets to you more, and when people that you thought were your friends, like Biggs, glare at you like you're something from the bottom of their shoe…well. No matter the missions we've been on together or how many times I've helped them out, laughed with them, after everything I'm still second class for something someone else made me do when I was nine years old. I'm an 09er, not one of you. Tensions run riot and they show their true colours- turn on the enemy …and it's clear that you're exactly the same."
She finished quietly and he sucked in the breath that he had held during her little speech.
Silence spread through the jungle as he turned his hurt eyes to her "Is that what you think?"
"That's what you just said." She said hiding her shaking hands behind her back "Max is a traitor- always has been."
He slowly shook his head, his gaze locked with hers.
"I've never thought that. Never."
His heartfelt words were her undoing.
Her eyes stung and to her shame tears filled them "Do you know what it's like to have a whole unit hate you so much that they throw a search and destroy mission, risk punishment, to catch you and beat you into the ground with their fists and feet? To break three ribs and get you sent to Psy-ops just because of who your family was? Have you ever been beaten by a pool cue over your back, feeling it snap over your muscles? Felt the feet of people who are supposed to be your unit try to kick you into oblivion?
"Has any of your unit ever held you under in the tank until you pass out? When you've been released after a week in the pit with no food and no water and no sleep and you go back and there's barbed wire in your bed that you know will take all night to unwind and get you in trouble the next morning at inspection for tearing the sheets? Have you ever been too scared to sleep because your unit might find some way of killing you before you wake and to know that the trainers wouldn't even blink?
"Five years of constantly being on your guard, five years of constantly watching your back." She closed her eyes and a tear slipped down her cheek as she shook with suppressed sobs "I'm so tired Alec."
~
Alec couldn't breathe, let alone speak. He had never imagined what her life had been no matter what clues she had let slip.
"Every female goes into heat and tries it on with everything she sees; it's genetic, part of the feline DNA. What makes you so special?"
"If you knew what happened back then you'd understand. I'd rather have imploded than touch any of them."
"Things in Wyoming were…tough. After the escape things got bad. Bill helped me through that. I owe him a lot. That's why we're doing this."
"Yeah Max said something about it being bad back then."
"Bad?" Bill chuckled dryly, "She must have given you the abridged version."
If that was the abridged version then he hadn't wanted to know what had happened. Even now he knew that that wasn't all of it, but it was enough.
"God Max." was all he could manage as he leaped forward and pulled his arms around her. "I didn't know. I'm so sorry."
"I hate them Alec, I hate them. Don't make me do this please!" she looked up at him with red rimmed eyes and a sad expression.
He tucked her under his arm and patted her back glancing up as he felt eyes on him. He nodded to Biggs who stood in the shadows with a traumatised look on his face holding back Zan who wanted to go to her. The rest of the squad had obviously woken up and come after them. They had heard her outburst and looked shamefaced at hearing what she had survived and the realisation was on each of their faces as they knew that they had done to her what her original unit had put her through.
Alec gestured for them all to leave, he knew that the last thing Max needed was to know that they had seen her moment of weakness.
They faded back into the trees like the ghosts they had seen aired before them.
"We'll figure something out Max, I promise." He pulled her away and made her meet his eyes. "Just don't leave."
She nodded and sniffed pulling herself away further and motioning to her face where one thin tear track was visible.
"Sorry."
He reached up with a soft hand and brushed it away.
"Mine."
His?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Angel21- LOL, does this chap answer your question? I swear some of you are mind readers!
Juliet- Aww sorry to make you cry but yay that you felt so involved in it! Thanks!
GivenAlias- Thanks, it was definitely a fave of mine too, it was that much more powerful after Moving Alongside as well. Nah, all that UST?! Keeps us going, I tend to lose interest in stories once they get it on.
Nora- THANK YOU! Oh international appeal, I have people that have reviewed me from Israel, England, Germany, USA, Canada, Tokyo, China…anyone else??
Jade-K Cheers pet, misty-eyes! Oh that s a job well done!
Feenian- Thanks, as long as people review-I'll write, I enjoy it so much!
m/a fan- I had that whole scene planned in my head months before it made it to the screen and once it was there it was so much better than in my head! Glad you enjoyed it.
Sigma1- I wrote a lot of torture scenes but they didn't feel right. Who said that less is more?
Jane- hey there! Another mind reader! They have all found out now…ooh what will Alec do?? As for the seizures? I have no idea what happened with them, good idea pet.
Sockbrain- Number of chapters before they kiss? Uh, wouldn't that give it away? are you sure you want to know? Really really really?
Elite- Thank you so much for the kudos and praise, as for your 2 questions, I would love to answer them both but I don't wanna give away the story. I guess I can say that both Eyes Only and Zack will appear in later chapters. But that's all right now okay?
Moonlite star- Cheers pet, so glad that it was that impactive for you, I know everyone wants to know what is gonna happen now!
Mely's the name- RAFLMAO! Sounds like my sister. Sorry about the non-kissage, ah gotta love the UST!!
Nat1- Oh she'll freeze 'em right to damn frost bite which is what they deserve, especially Cece!
Athena80- It was so surprising how many people that chapter made cry! I half wanted to say sorry but it was MY story that did that so hey! Thank you for saying that it was amazing!
Lyra Eyota- I'll check that out, I do like X-men, mostly a Wolverine/Rouge shipper. Can you tell I like Unconventional ships or what? LOL, great that I made you squeal! Bonus!
Dokushoka79- Wipe off the tears, it'll get harder before it gets better. Hmm maybe I should add a tissue warning before my chaps? J Missed Joshua and he comes in later as well, we are not done with the dog boy!
Willow98002- Cheers pet, More of Max's reasoning's are found in the next chapter of Moving Alongside as well!
Raven- Grin I did mention that I like angst right? So I tend to put a lot in. if I overdo it, just let me know!
Rachel- Thanks for the email sweety. I replied!
Messymissy- I KNOW! 3OO REVIEWS, I did a little dance, which cracked my sister up. Then all of the reviews I loved and adored, thank you! She's closed herself off to them and will have some serious fighting to get back what they had. Yeah this is his second time in Psy-Ops, Max is beating him by about four goes. Wasn't sure how the evil queen story would play out but it seemed to go down well. I'm just glad that you love both stories, even if you don't review them both separately. I wonder how many people read both? LOL, gal you got Ben on the brain!!!! You wanna know a secret? Chapter 17- that's all I'm saying!!!
SGOU- Huh, I guess I made you cry! grin Poor pet, I'd give you a hug but I have no idea where you are! Biggs the brave? As if! Alec is sooo gonna kick his ass! Mole and Dix? Possibilities. I like Aiden plus being aide, he gets around Max and Alec more and knows that they think.
Kim- Bloody powerful huh? Aw thank you so much, watch this space for Alec's thoughts and actions.
Moonlight19- Aw sweetheart hugs Thanks for the brainstorming!
Cheeza- I hate, loathe and despise Max bashing! I've said before and I'll say again she is not evil!!! Glad you liked Left Behind too, it screamed for a sequel so this was born! I'm glad that you enjoyed the Berrisford file, I didn't like the way that the show did it, because I just didn't care about Rachel at all ad thought that Alec supposedly "fell" for her too quickly. How was this chap for revelations?
La Vito- You want a kiss? Even a little one? But we hardly know each other!
JG- Cheers darling, Alec knew what she needed, even if unit 8 was too damn blind and annoying…and did I mention annoying? Grr
1red1- Even a small speechless review is welcome and appreciated, thank you pet.
Ganko- You get your wish. Check out Moving Alongside for details but ooh there was leakage about what happened. I feel mean too, they are in t.r.o.u.b.l.e.
Acb- LOL, feel free! If I was paid to do then I wouldn't have to work and could churn out stories faster. Since there are only three DA novels I was tempted to write one but don't know if James Cameron would allow a HUGE M/A tie in!
Chaosti- Hey there! I don't intend to make people suffer for long! Really! Have you read Sue's fic, "into the wild"? V.good story!
Lyndsay- I rock! Yay me. Someone else I made cry! Anyone would think I was a bulli…bully.LOL, glad you liked!
Stormvind- Love your name honey, yeah I am on NWP but it isn't updated to this point, I was only recently updated from the abbey. Check under Fayth. I also hate the Max-bashing!
JYNX- I think that's as sad as it gets for a while, we get ass kickage and action next!
Cloudburst- I'm running out of ways to thank people for reviews- anyway thank you again for the review, I hope I never disappoint since you like each chapter more. I know I have been heavy on the angst but what can I say! I rock! I kick ass! And I got a Wow! My day is complete!
Poo- For English not being your first language you do well. But please don't learn from my slang! I seem to have a vocabulary all my own and my beta despairs of understanding me! Glad that you found me, even by accident and thank you for reviewing!
Elite- impatient! But forgiven for saying the best story ever!
GeminAngel- LOL, oh someone's been peeking! Ok well since you asked so nicely here it is!