I don't own Jak 2

Thanks to lioness of darkness for reviewing. All will become clear in time. I hope

Means to an End

Chapter 2

Jak can be such a moron sometimes.

Must he question all my actions? It's not like he has the moral high ground. I've seen him stick it to metal heads and the Krimzon guard like many a civilian could only wish for. But only we can do. As much as having dark eco power is handy I wish I didn't have it.

I stomped into the underground hideout after blowing up the zoomer I'd borrowed. Everyone seemed to be out. Behind Torn's desk I slide the false wall across and entered the small infirmary. I unbuckled my sword baldric and jet board, flicked open the clasps and lowered the zip to undo the buckles of my tunic. Shrugging that off I removed my t-shirt so I was down to my camisole. Just be because I work for the underground and wade through filth and put down bad guys all day doesn't mean I can't look good doing so. I turned my attention to my left arm where the bandages on my upper arm were red. Gently I removed the tape, bandages and gauze to expose what was left of my four bullet wounds courtesy of Kiera's bad intelligence. All the movement must have disturbed the scabs.

Groaning I found a reasonably clean flannel wet it then wiped away the blood to find the scabs already reforming and the flannel was sizzling probably from my dark eco which was in my system. I located the first aid kit and re-dressed the wound. And dumped the bloody gauze in the bin and bloody flannel in the sink.

Satisfied I raided the cupboard and found what looked like a health food bar. It was also not passed its sell by date. Bonus. I munched it thoughtfully and opened the water valve for a thirst quenching drink. I tossed the wrapper put down the tin cup and threw myself on one of the lower bunks and managed to relax enough to catch a few zzzzs.

Jak stormed into the hideout a while later Daxter loudly mouthing off about the latest mission from Krew. Torn, was behind his desk having returned form wherever he had been and who thought it was a small miracle May was still dozing despite Daxters yabbering which was probably near the same pitch as a zoomer. How Jak didn't have ear damage was beyond him. And Jak was thinking about the next suicide mission Torn was planning for him and possibly May. Speaking of May she was asleep and in the throws of a nightmare judging by the tossing and turning. Torn had made no move to wake her just like the past times saying "She needs to dream to work through her problems" Which Jak had a strong problem with because her problems weren't going to be over till the Baron and a few other people were dead and incinerated. Dax didn't even know the extent of what they went through in prison. He doubted he could ever tell his best friend it would horrify him. So it was staying between them.

He moved to shake her awake without disturbing her bandage which was simple. Dax had jumped off his shoulder to get them both a snack. Even though she was freshly awake she was still angry.

"Hey quit with the shaking I'm awake you imbecile no need to shake my head off"

Here comes another argument

Even Dax knew this was best left alone so he just watched along with Torn as the latest dispute began

"Can't you ever be nice you were having a nightmare I was trying to wake you up"

"Next time just give me a little nudge what were you trying to do give me an aneurysm?"

"If this is the thanks I get then next time I'll give you a good thump or even better I'll get Kiera to do it"

"Oh give this Kiera crap a rest I'm not going to apologise for doing what I did, you know that. If I'm going to be put in danger because she can't get her facts right then I'm gonna be damned if I ain't gonna set her straight whats with you, you never get so worked up about anyone else so come on whats the deal with you and Kiera anyways. Were you in love with her or somethin? Just remember with all this power the baron has so graciously gifted us with we've been irreparably altered you know that, look at you now you're a killer and whats that going to do to her. And if you have kids how are you going to deal with the fact that they're gonna have dark eco in their veins. Are you going to be able to control them?"

"That's low and you know that. I'm just angry because she's a friend. A very good friend. And I don't like it when friends of mine get hurt"

"So am I not a friend? I got shot and you're fussed over a little bruise well you're welcome to the little bitch just remember when push comes to shove she can't save you when this war comes to an end. Hey Torn you got any missions going if I stay much longer I might have to separate his head from his shoulders"

"Like you could" Jak was snarling

"I can" May gave a salacious smirk

"Here's one May here are the details, try not to get killed"

"You know I won't" May headed to the back and got dressed

Jak took a seat on the bed and watched as May dressed for her mission in moments she was fully armed and out the door

"Its just a mask you know"

"What are you talking about Jak?" Torn took an interest

"In the moments when she thinks no-ones looking she lets it slip and you see the vulnerable side and all the emotions and the feelings she hides keeping them buried deep. She puts on the tough girl act because she doesn't want anyone knowing how much she's trying to hold it all together and deal with what she's been through. She's having a hard time. So she just needs our support through this all"

"Woah since when did you get so insightful Jak"

"Since I spent 2 years in a cage with her"

"You guys wanna keep pulling your weight around here I suggest you get on with your next mission." Torn always ruining the moment with his venom

"Keep you tattoos on and give us the details" Never one to be pushed down, good ol' Dax

"Impudent rat here you go and try not to make a mess"

And so off they went again.