Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X.

Chapter 3 - Threatened

The next day brought much of the same as the day before. The morning was spent going over files. Tasha cared for their needs and tended to her work.

After lunch two guards entered the lab. One spoke, "Forgive our intrusion, Creator. The leader has sent us to escort Dr. Kane to a meeting."

The Creator looked warily at them then nodded his agreement. He watched as Adam walked bravely out with them then turned to see the fear on the girl's face. "Fear not, Child. They would not dare hurt him."

Adam was led to the leader's office. When he walked in he saw the faces of many he knew by reputation. He stood confidently as the guards left.

"Well, Dr. Kane. You did an admirable job of evading us for this past year."

"Not well enough it would seem."

"You have no need to fear us. We only wanted you to join us."

"Huh," Adam smirked at him. "Don't make the mistake of believing that I am as blind to your intentions as is the Creator. I will never join you."

"You have no choice. Escape is impossible. You will never leave this facility. You have no one left to care about you. Your life in the outside world is over. It began in the Dominion and will end here." The leader stood and glared at him. "You are nothing more than a living computer. If you cause me too much grief, I will not hesitate to pull your plug." Pushing a button on the desk he ordered, "Get him out of here."

Two guards entered and each took Adam by an arm. He shrugged out of their hold as he defiantly glared back at the leader. He turned and walked out of the office on his own with the guards close on his heels. When he walked back into the lab he moved directly to the computer console that was given to him. He sat and angrily punched up information and was determined to access locked files.

Tasha watched him come in. She noticed his mood and wondered what they did to him. The intensity of the anger emanating from him scared her but also made her hurt for him. She feared that his life here would be worse than hers.

Dinner passed in silence as did their walk to his room. With but a whispered 'goodnight' he entered his room without looking at her.

That night Adam dreamed again. It wasn't his team this time. Now his dream centered on him. He began to see people from his past. As the pleasant visions turned evil, Adam began to mumble again.

Tasha seemed to be instantly aware of his condition. This time she didn't wait. She rushed into his room without thought to her robe or the man in the hall.

Adam was tossing now and speaking aloud. He watched as his mother and father seemed to change before his eyes. One minute they were loving and encouraging and the next they were berating him and telling him he wasn't really human. Eckhart appeared and taunted him. 'I knew there had to be something wrong with you. You're worse than those freaks you created.' Faces began to group before him calling out, 'Freak, ... clone, ... monster.'

Tasha sat by his side and tried to calm him as he muttered in his sleep. "No, it's not true. No, I'm not." Without fear of what he did the night before she reached out and tried to wake him. "Adam, wake up. It's a dream. Come on, wake up," she spoke gently as she brushed his face with her hand.

This time waking up was not nearly as startling. He opened his eyes and gasped as the angry faces disappeared and he found himself looking into a pair of deep brown eyes. After taking a minute to control his breathing he slowly sat up. Leaning back against the headboard of his bed and fixing his sheet over his lap he smiled at her. "This is becoming a habit."

She smiled at his remark. "I don't mind being awakened. Your team again?"

"No. Not this time but I am still worried about them. In the meeting yesterday, the leader all but told me they were gone. He said I had no one left in the outside world." Adam didn't look at her.

"Did you believe him?" She reached out to touch his arm.

He looked up into her eyes. Something there seemed to confirm the confidence he struggled to hold on to. "No. I suspect he's trying to manipulate me."

"You were so distant after the meeting." She looked down and moved her hand to her lap. "I was afraid to approach you."

"No, please don't ever fear me." He looked at her bare arms and saw the bruises he had caused the night before. "Oh, no. I am so sorry." He reached out and gently touched each bruise with the hand that caused it. This time he let his fingers feather over her skin. "I would never have done this intentionally."

"I know. I wouldn't have let them show but when I heard you tonight, I wanted to wake you before your nightmare got too bad. I guess I forgot my robe." She looked away shyly for a moment. "I wanted to tell you something. Yesterday afternoon I was coming from the kitchen and before I entered one of the upper halls I heard two guards speaking. I heard them mention Mutant X so I hid and listened. They had evidently just come from a meeting. They were told to be on guard against any infiltration. One also said something about being ready to go after them once they acquired a target." She looked at Adam as he contemplated what she revealed. "I'm sorry, that's all I know."

Adam took her hands in his and held them gently. "Thank you. You've given me the hope I need to hold on to. Jesse knows how to access anything he needs in the event of such an emergency." Adam began to speak aloud but seemed to be looking inward instead of at her. "Brennan was shot but Jesse can take care of the wound. Lexa will be able to spot any Dominion activity before it becomes a problem. Shalimar will defend them all with her life if necessary." He smiled and looked back at her when he realized what he was doing. "I'm sorry. I guess I was thinking out loud."

"They sound like amazing people. Will you tell me about them?" She moved to sit more comfortably in front of him on the bed but didn't take her hand from his.

They talked for about 3 more hours. She learned a lot about the man who captured her interest. She also learned a lot about the people for whom he cared most. She found out there was more to him than just his genius and she admired his ideals. Before she left his room he again kissed her hand. She smiled as she returned to her own room. "I could get used to this," she whispered.

This morning Adam went to her room to pick her up, as it were. When he knocked at the door he heard her answer with a hesitation in her voice. "Tasha, it's Adam." He smiled when she opened the door.

"I'm sorry. I was afraid ..."

"I know. It's ok. I thought it would be nice if I picked you up this morning."

"Thank you, it is nice. Come in. I just have to get my lab coat."

When she was ready, Adam opened the door for her and gestured for her to walk ahead of him. As always now, Adam made sure he was between Tasha and any guards they happened to pass.

This particular guard had seen this for 2 days now and was getting tired of it. When they passed him he stepped in front of them. "Well, isn't this cozy?" he remarked snidely.

Adam stood firm as Tasha took a half step back. "Let us pass," he stated flatly.

"Not until I have a word with her." The man tried to step closer to Tasha but Adam stepped in his way.

"The lady doesn't want to speak to you."

"No, of course not. Not since the little tramp started visiting you in the middle of the night."

Tasha gasped and stepped back against the wall.

Before the guard could laugh at his own comment, Adam's fist came crashing into his jaw. He tried to react but Adam kicked and knocked him into the opposite wall.

Adam turned to check on Tasha and took a step toward her. He heard her scream as her attention was taken by something over his shoulder. When he turned he saw the guard on his feet with the butt of his gun headed toward him. He ducked but was caught in the shoulder and knocked to the ground.

As the guard was preparing to strike again, a door slid open and the Creator stepped through. "Stop!" His voice boomed with strength that surprised everyone in the hall.

The guard replaced his gun at his side and moved away. To his surprise the Creator said nothing else and returned to his room.

Tasha dropped to the floor at Adam's side. She was about to check his injury when he looked up at her and stilled her hand. She watched as he stood and turned toward the guard. She saw him glare defiantly and tried to hear what he said. His tone was hard and his voice low but she couldn't make out what was said. When he turned to reach for her, she quickly stepped up to him and allowed him to lead her into the Creator's quarters.

"Are you alright, My Dear," the Creator spoke carefully to her.

"Yes, Sir, I'm fine." She turned toward Adam and saw him move to a chair in the corner. "Will you let me check that wound, now?" She was pleased to see him smile and let her near. After a quick check she left the room to get what she would need.

Adam watched her go then, stood up. "Do you know what she has to endure from them?"

"Oh, of course...you were defending her. Well, the guards will think twice now that she has someone who will actually fight for her."

"Why do you mock me? Aren't I doing everything you want of me? How can you stand by and let them terrify her?"

The Creator looked at Adam for a long while and finally sat with a sigh of resignation. "That guard will be disciplined. Others will think twice. They will also learn to respect you more as well. Our work will not suffer."

"Is that all you think about, our work? She worships you. Don't you care about her?" Adam stood indignantly.

With defeat in his voice and a downcast face the Creator answered, "There are very few people left in my life that I care about. She is the daughter I lost more than 80 years ago. I would not allow anything to happen to her. Every so often the guards change faces and new ones must learn their limits. She endures it." He looked up at Adam. "Since she came back to live with me she has had no one but me to relate to. I am pleased to see that she has taken to you and you care for her."

Adam's eyes opened wide. "But I..." He became suddenly silent when the door opened and Tasha returned carrying a tray.

She stopped and looked at the two men in wonder for a moment; having the distinct feeling she interrupted something. "Adam, please come and sit. I need to tend to your wound." She watched curiously as he made eye contact with the Creator then turned and followed her instruction. "Why do I get the distinct feeling you two have been talking about me?"

"Nonsense, My Dear, we have much work to do. Why would we waste precious time on such trivial matters?" The Creator stood and walked to her. He kissed her head then walked out of the room calling behind him, "When you are finished, I would like my breakfast."

She smiled then turned back to Adam. "I'm going to need you to take off your shirt."

"Tasha, why do you stay here?"

"I stay for the Creator. I have to care for him. This is my life." She was touched by his obvious concern for her.

"I can understand that but the Dominion isn't what it used to be. You've must have noticed changes over the years."

Her voice was sad as she answered, "Yes, I've noticed. I've noticed the shift in power and the increased fear. What bother's me the most is the increased contempt for the Creator. He's only given the respect he deserves to his face. Outside of these chambers, there's only condescension and contempt." She finished her work and rubbed a salve on the bruise and cut. "I hate the things I hear and see. Like this." She indicated his wound. As silence loomed between them she let her fingers gently brush his skin as she began to get lost in thought. Touching his skin is so nice. Suddenly aware of what she was doing she stepped back then handed him his shirt.

He smiled as he took it from her and put it back on. "Are you really ok?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm upset that you were hurt."

"This isn't hurt. I used to get worse than this when I worked out with the team." He began to laugh when he saw her skeptical expression. He worked the rest of the day and watched her carefully. He also knew the Creator was watching them both. He was pleased when the guard on duty was removed from his post. He really didn't care what his discipline entailed. He found himself wondering about what the Creator had said. But his thoughts turned dark. Why would she care about a creature like him?

On the far side of the city, Lexa's phone rang. Jesse stared at her as they wondered who could have found them already.

"Hello?" she answered hesitantly.

"Now, Lexa, after what you did to bring down the Dominion, you shouldn't fear anything."

Lexa smiled as she recognized the familiar voice of the man in the wheelchair. She made eye contact with Jesse as she continued. "I was wondering if you had gotten out in time. I suppose I should have known better than to doubt you." She smiled as she saw Jesse realize who it was.

He moved close to her and put his arm around her as he put his ear to hers so they could listen together. Jesse smiled as he felt her lean against him.

"When I saw the explosion, I had the same thought about you. I told you we would be in contact." They heard the voice say. "Have you and your team gotten settled?"

"Well, we're not exactly ready to redecorate but we're surviving."

"I want to send you a file. Since I don't expect that you'll trust me right now, I'll leave it in a drop. Do you remember the place we used for the Santiago Mission?"

"Yes," she answered warily.

"Good. At noon, I'll leave a disk for you. It will explain everything I can so far. It will also tell you how to contact me. Jesse, I know you're listening. I wanted to apologize for everything that happened. I hope that over time I can earn your trust, again. Lexa, do what you feel is necessary for protection but there will be no one there to interfere with your pick up."

They heard a click on the line and moved away to look at each other. "Wow." Lexa walked away with the most puzzled look on her face. "I've never heard him like that before."

"Lex," Jesse moved up behind her. "He may be serious. I know he helped us get away, but you can't go alone. We have to stay together. Now that he's made contact I'm not willing to let anyone out of my sight yet."

She turned and put a hand on his cheek. "Aw, and I thought you were going to say, you and I would go and get some alone time of our own." She put on a pout for affect.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her close. "You're playing me again." His eyes were dark and his voice low. "I've had enough of the games between us." They were silent for a long while as they seemed lost in each others gaze. His hands which were firmly holding her sides began slowly pulling her closer and closer. With desire thick in his voice he whispered, "These games are over." Moving as fast as a feral he put one hand behind her head and crushed their lips together.

Lexa was stunned into stillness. She had known since they were in the Dominion Headquarters that if they got out, she would confront her feelings for him. She didn't expect him to be so forceful. As she found herself responding to him she realized that he was more than the shy, patient man she had been resisting for the past year. She also realized that, now, resistance was futile.

It was that moment that Brennan and Shalimar chose to return from their shopping trip. As they turned the corner and saw the couple in the middle of what seemed to be a very intense moment, they looked at each other then back to them just as Lexa realized she had heard them come in and pulled with great effort out of Jesse's hold. "We're sorry. Did we interrupt something?" Shalimar smiled as she met Jesse's eyes.

"Uh, no." Jesse smiled as he glanced back at the flustered look on Lexa's face. "We were just coming to an understanding."

"Yeah, well after seeing that, I understand." Brennan smirked as he put the groceries down.

"Well, look, guys. I have a pick up to make. So, I,... uh... I'll see you in a little bit." Lexa began to turn away when she felt Jesse grab her arm.

"Whoa. No you don't. I told you, I'm not letting anyone out of my sight. We go all together or we don't go." Jesse didn't usually give orders but there was something in his tone that left nothing to be questioned.

"What's going on? What pick up?" Shalimar asked.

"Brennan, let me have the keys. I'll drive and Lexa will direct as she explains on the way." Jesse looked at Lexa again, waiting for her to argue. He was glad when she just picked up her jacket and followed the others out.

TBC