By Shikasta
Spoilers: Anything's fair game in my view although this is an AU
Disclaimer: The characters of Dark Angel are owned by Twentieth Century Fox Television and Cameron Eglee productions. In laymen's terms: Don't own them but by god I wish I did.
A/N I've been trying to come up with an overall title for these stories (and it looks like they'll be more than three now) with little success so if anyone's got any ideas feel free to make suggestions.
Italics = flashback
Chapter Seventeen – Yesterday, Tomorrow, Today?It had been three days since Seattle stood still and now the population gathered in silence as the names of those who had fallen were added to those already inscribed on the space needle slab. Alec stood in the front of the crowd and watched as Toby's name was slowly added beside his name etched his designation 4311. Layla's name was then added beneath her sons with her designation 431.
In the early days of freedom many had hurriedly discarded their designations trying to fit in with their new surroundings, now 7 years on they carried their designations with pride, no longer regarding the barcodes as a hideous reminder but rather something that confirmed their difference. That is why children were given the designation of their mother and the humans would always know Alec as 494.
Alec could no longer turn the other cheek or ask his people to do the same, the humans had branded them as monsters but who were the real monsters, not the transgenics. Alec watched as the last name was etched and the living transgenics filed one by one and touched the slab that had become a mark of respect for their fallen brethren and would continue on through the generations when one of their kind succumbed to death.
During the siege of Seattle not only were transgenics fighting a war but they were also defining themselves as a nation creating their own culture that would continue on through their children. They were not human and did not need to adopt human ways, they were unique and individual and as a nation had the power to form their own traditions. Most civilizations had been born out of war and the transgenic nation was no different they would come out the other side irreversibly changed through growth and hardship and freedom being somewhat bittersweet.
Alec joined the cue with Max, Hope and Faith and lingered at the slab as he rubbed his thumb over Toby's name, this chunk of rock would serve as the only reminder of the little boy who died and Alec thought that when he died he might like to have a gravestone somewhere. He felt Max gently pulling at his arm and he slowly wiped his hand along the cold stone as he continued to walk and when his fingers finally slid off the end he had laid his son to rest permanently.
"Are you okay" Max asked clasping his hand and squeezing it.
"Let's go home," Alec said morosely "what's done is done and we need to start looking to the future, Max I want our daughters to be free and not scrabbling around in the rubble."
"I know, that's what we all want for our children and for ourselves."
Hope tugged on Max's dangling hand "Mummy can Faith and I play tag?"
"Yes, just stay in sight of us okay." She patted Hope's back.
Hope jogged towards Faith excitedly yelling "she said yes."
"I wanted my way to work" he turned to Max and looked at her intently "you gave me a conscious Max, you made me care about everything and everyone."
"Sometimes it is necessary to do something that one may not like." Max said while keeping an eye on her girls off in the distance.
"When did you become so wise, what did you do with my breeding partner?" Alec chuckled also watching the girls take turns at chasing each other.
"Age and experience, ideals of youth slowly wash away and in my case being the martyr was nothing but a headache."
"You've changed."
"And you've only just noticed."
"For the last 3 years we've been simply passing each other in the corridor" Alec mused.
"When did we get so old?"
"Hey speak for yourself."
"Have you listened to the things you say?" Max pointed out.
"It's your fault."
"How do you figure that?"
"You dumped the leadership thing on me."
"You're not still bitter about that are you?"
"Max we were as intimate as two people could get and you still didn't think to let me in on your plans" Alec whined his younger self taking hold.
"I knew you'd resist."
"And what backing me against a brick wall was the answer."
"You could have said no."
"You knew my ego wouldn't let me."
Max ruffled his hair tenderly "you could always hand it back."
"Not on your life."
"And why not."
"Leaderships a holiday compared to being under your thumb. I like where we are."
"You as leader of a nation and family."
"Exactly."
"You're lucky I've grown up and agree with you."
Alec pulled Max into a hug and kissed her tenderly not caring who was watching, in this moment he was happy. Hope and Faith ran up to them and running circles around them giggling at the open display of affection. Alec pushed Max away grinning widely and she smiled in return.
"Okay who's it?" he hollered at his daughters.
The girls giggled wildly and screamed together "you are daddy" as they ran away from his grasping hands. Max looked on, despite the recent tragedy there was still room for laughter and family life had surprisingly come easy to both she and Alec. Motherhood had come easy and as she watched her children and mate play she thought it would be nice to have a couple more, she wanted a big family like the one she had searched for her whole adolescence.
Max felt a twinge in her abdomen then buckled over when she felt a sharp stab, she was all to acutely fearful, she had had her suspicions but hadn't anticipated this, she couldn't lose what she thought she had before she was sure she had it. She grabbed her stomach protectively and screamed for Alec. Alec ran over with the girls close behind.
"What's wrong?" he asked worried picking her up and cradling her in his arms.
"Take me to Ivy, quickly."
"What's wrong with mummy?" the girls asked.
"Come on, let's go and see Ivy." Alec responded upbeat hoping it would reassure his daughters and himself.
Angeline stood on the steps of the senate building looking up at its imposing stature. She had shed her war garb and was now dressed in her standard skirt and heels a purse tucked under her arms containing the photographs she had taken. She was different, her demeanour attesting to this, unable to banish the nightmares that had haunted her since that day. After being dropped off by Dits in the same field where her journey had began, she had paused long enough to have a shower and clean herself up before heading to Washington and the Senate. She had been taught that the story came first and as she waived that rule she wondered if journalism was her true calling. Her experience in Seattle had softened her, wiped the confident grin from her lips, she was no longer sure of herself.
As she ascended the last few steps, her heels clicking on the cement, she hoped that the evidence she was going to provide was enough to help Senator Druitt bring forward the vote and sway it in her favour. Time was precious and very little remained, the transgenic nation needed to be appeased and quickly, otherwise, many would die unnecessarily. She was back in the broken world but longed for the rubble of Seattle somehow things made more sense there things were simpler. She longed for simpler, life providing too many complications and here she was about to enter the political arena and as she entered the large doors she wondered how hard it would be to get back inside Seattle a place she had spent less than a week in but now felt more like home than the outside world.
She walked up to the security desk "I'm here to see Senator Druitt."
"I'll let her know you're here, if you'd like to take a seat." The security guard said pointing to a row of chairs in the corner.
"Thank you" Angeline replied before turning and walking over to take a seat.
As she sat her mind continued to wander, her thoughts briefly pausing on Horatio, the quiet man who had been her protection while in the war zone. She hadn't noticed at the time but now as he entered her mind she thought how beautiful he was, the gentle kindness of his nature and the rarity of his smile 'he needs to smile more' she thought 'I wonder if he'd go out to dinner with me once all this is over with' she mentally slapped herself 'God I'm stupid, we're in the middle of a war and here I am thinking about going on a date.'
Senator Druitt's assistant brought Angeline out of her daydreams "Hello, my name is Jenny I'll take you up to see the Senator."
"Thank you." Angeline responded while she rose from her seat.
They walked back over to the security guard who signed her in and gave the reporter a visitors pass then after walking through the metal detector being beeped at, removing items, being beeped at again and removing more items she was free to follow Jenny through the enormous building to the Senator's offices.
Angeline was shown into the Senator's office and then Jenny shut the door.
"Angeline so nice to meet you" The Senator greeted.
"Likewise."
"This is Cecelia, I hope you don't mind if she sits in."
"Not at all."
"Hello Angeline" Cecelia greeted.
"She's heading up the lobby group that's campaigning on my behalf" the Senator returned to her desk and motioned for Angeline to sit in the spare chair "so you said it was important on the phone."
"Up until three days ago I was in Seattle" Angeline began " Senator something horrible happened while I was there."
"Tell me."
Angeline reached into the purse nestled on her lap and pulled out the photographs "I'd rather show you" and handed the Senator the photographs.
The Senator flicked through them her face becoming more horrified with each picture.
"Are you alright" Cecelia asked concerned, the Senator had no words and simply handed the photos to her to examine.
"When did this happen" the Senator asked once some of the shock had worn off.
"Four days ago."
"How."
"It's mainly speculation but the transgenics believe that a small team was sent in to destroy the library, it was a civilian building Senator."
"I don't understand." Cecelia interjected.
"I do, General Farr got impatient."
"So you think we are responsible?" Cecelia added.
"I know we are responsible, it's never been beneath us to kill innocents, if it gets the message across."
"And what's the message?"
"General Farr wants the transgenics to come out to play."
"It's barbaric, I can't believe-"
"Are you that naïve Cecelia," the Senator chastised then turned her attention back to Angeline "what do you intend to do with these pictures?"
"Publish them."
"Good. How soon."
"They'll be in the morning addition."
"Can I keep these?"
"Yes these are copies. Senator do you think we'll do the right thing now."
"I hope so Angeline."
Angeline rose and bid farewell to the Senator and Cecelia then exited the building that took her longer than she had liked. Tomorrow the whole country would know what had happened and then maybe the voice of reason would seep through.
General Farr sat sipping his single malt scotch while caressing his faithful mute, he was becoming impatient having hoped that the transgenics would have made their move by now.
"Four days and nothing" he beseeched angrily.
His assistant entered the room "you wanted to see me sir?"
"Are our troops ready?"
"Yes sir."
"Has there been any movement?"
"No sir, it's quiet."
"They're biding their time."
"Do you think they will attack sir?"
"Oh they'll attack and it's imminent. Probably burying the dead first."
General Farr sat back into his comfy chair a wicked grin streaked across his face an evil laugh cackling inside his head, he was considered a master strategist and taction and finally he had control of this war again, the enemy would attack and his army would defeat them ending this slight scratch on the perfect military career he had.
"You're dismissed private."
"Thank you sir" His assistant turned and left the General alone once more. Senator Druitt would soon be disposed of his last opposition squished like the bug he thought she was. He imagined squishing her under his heavy military boot and got a small amount of satisfaction from the image. He drummed his fingers on the receiver of his telephone soon he would get the call and he wouldn't have to worry about the meddlesome Senator again.
Ivy entered the rundown waiting area of the medical building that also served as a ward and emergency room when needed.
"Is she okay Ivy" Alec rose to greet her.
"She's fine, just a little scared, but nothing to worry about her and the baby are fine."
"Baby?" Alec responded just mildly surprised.
"She hadn't had it confirmed yet, just a suspicion, I'm surprised she could tell at almost two weeks."
"Can I see her?"
"Of course, she's asking for all of you" Ivy recognised the look in Alec's eyes "but you go ahead first and I'll entertain the girls until you're ready."
"Thanks Ivy."
"She's down the hall third door on the right" Ivy hollered at his fast disappearing back.
Alec skidded and stopped in front of Max's door and slowly opened it to see the woman he loved with all his heart sitting up in bed smiling waiting for him.
"Did Ivy tell you?"
"Yes."
"So what do you think?"
He sat down on the corner of her bed "Max we said we'd wait until after all this was over with."
"I didn't really have much say in the matter" she soothed.
"It's wonderful news-"
"But?" Max asked while taking his hands.
"How can I lead our people into battle and worry about your safety."
"Alec you'll manage, you're not the first leader in a war to be confronted with this I'm sure."
"Did they win?"
"I don't know but you don't have to worry about me, I'll stay on the sidelines."
"I know you Max, you'll want to be in the thick of it."
"I've changed remember, anyway we have three children to get through this and they're more important than whether or not I'm fighting along side you."
"I love you Maxie."
Max embraced Alec "I'm so happy, I want this baby."
"So do I Max, so do I."
"Where are my girls?"
"I'll just go and get them."
Alec left to retrieve Max's daughters from a frazzled Ivy and Max tenderly placed her hands on her stomach and whispered "everything's going to be fine little one, you're going to come into the world with all the freedom we've dreamed for you."
Senator Druitt stormed into Senator Kinnane's offices with the damming photographs in her hands. She marched past Kinnane's assistant and opened his office door.
"Senator, you can't go in there." Kinnane's assistant pleaded as Senator Druitt made herself at home standing in front of the seated Senator Kinnane.
"Knocking is customary Senator" then to his assistant "leave us."
"Did you have anything to do with this Bill" Senator Druitt shouted as she flung the photos on his desk.
He shuffled through them "No, I would never sanction such a cruel act."
"We cannot wait two more weeks for the vote, it has to be brought forward."
"This" Senator Kinnane motioned at the photos "changes nothing."
"It changes everything" Senator Druitt insisted "General Farr is pulling us into a full scale massacre, the transgenics aren't going to sit back and let this one slide, we murdered their children for God sake."
"Bringing the vote forward won't change anything, you may still lose."
"You really think once this gets out I'll lose."
"How do I know these photos haven't been created for this purpose?"
"That's a dirty trick you'd do Bill, and you know I don't play dirty."
"Point taken. I'll bring your vote forward I doubt it will make much difference."
"You've been in politics too long Bill."
"So have you Helen."
Horatio sat in his shelter thinking about the reporter woman who had been under his charge for a week, it was the first time he had desired someone since Max. He thought it strange that the woman he desired was an ordinary and rude at that. He knew he had to analyse this, did this mean he was ready to move on, had he stopped loving Max.
Thaddeus was drowning his sorrows with a fine buxom brunette transgenic called Nikki, he had been having a good romp and was now resting up for the next round.
"What's wrong" Nikki asked offhandedly.
"Three years ended as abruptly as it started."
"I think they put something in Max's cocktail."
"What makes you say that?"
"Well it seems to me that there are an awful lot of men mooning over her."
"I'm not mooning."
"You're not?" she smirked.
"You get use to a pattern and you get to like it and then the pattern changes and you have to get use to the new one."
"So Max was a pattern."
"Yes."
"Did you ever-"
"No" Thaddeus spluttered hastily.
"Did you want to?"
"You'd call me stupid if I said no."
Nikki stroked his hair "think of it this way, now you can work on fixing your own life rather than someone else's. You can actually pause and enjoy what freedom we have."
"I knew there was a reason I enjoyed your company" Thaddeus chuckled as he pulled her in for a kiss.
Alec had left Max and the girls at the medical building and was now heading towards one of the huge underground carparks that had been transformed into training grounds. At anyone time a thousand odd transgenics would gather and practice their techniques and ready themselves for battle. Alec entered and watched the rows of transgenics sparring, reminding him of the training ground back at Manticore. These people would willingly die for him if he asked them to a burden he found too heavy to carry some days.
"You plan on training today?" Case asked him as he approached.
"I came to think."
"Here amongst all the grunting?" Case was bemused.
"I have so much power."
"And all the checks and balances you've put into place in case it goes to your head."
"Case, do I have what it takes to tell this lot to die?"
"Are you considering a full scale attack?"
"Yes, I knew we could only be beaten down so many times before we stood up and fought back."
"But you had hoped it would end before then?"
"They don't deserve to live for what they did."
"Alec, there are roughly 100,000 troops planted beyond our walls and not all of them are responsible."
"No but they are casualties of war."
"You talk as though they're already dead."
"Aren't they? Most of our people are asking for blood, you yourself said not long ago that my way wasn't working."
"I didn't mean go from one extreme to another."
"The voice of reason. There isn't an in between I wish there was."
"Have you considered combining the two?"
"How do you combine complete opposites?"
"You'll find a way, that's why you're the leader." Case gave Alec a slap on the back "I take it we'll be having a war council then?"
"Yes tomorrow morning, gives me enough time to think."
"I'll let the others know."
"Cheers."
"You should have a go" Case said pointing at the sparring "release some of that pent up anger."
"I should get back to Max and the girls, see you tomorrow."
"Sure thing Alec."
Senator Druitt walked out of the Senate building a smile on her face and began to descend the steps as a single shot rang out. She collapsed shock eclipsing her face as she fell down the flight of stairs. Madness ensued as onlookers rushed to her aid.
"How is our little transgenic doing?" Senator Kinnane asked the white lab coated male scientist as he tapped on the glass cage.
"Curious as usual, her test scores are exceptional."
"Good. It looks like the transgenics are going to win their war."
"What about this one?"
"I have wonderful plans for Clementine. Has Anna the surrogate been in recently?"
"Yes, three days ago."
"Terminate her visits" the Senator tapped on the glass again getting Clementine's attention "don't want you getting too attached now do we" then he focused his attention back on the scientist "she's a beautiful little girl isn't she."
"Her mother was reported to be incredibly feisty, a trait we are hoping hasn't been passed on."
"A little feistiness never hurt."
"Can I ask who her sire is?"
"A combination of several male transgenics, and portions of her sisters' DNA we managed to isolate their sire's DNA contribution. Why do you ask?"
"We know all about the female donor but had very little information on the male donor."
"Now you know. Keep me posted on her progress." Senator Kinnane ordered before leaving the laboratory and the facility to return to his offices in DC. As he stepped into his car he merrily thought 'time is a marvellous thing and I'm a patient man, transgenics may win the battle but we'll win the war.'
General Farr's phone rang and as his caller relayed the news the General smiled broadly.
Morning was upon them and the war council sat waiting for Alec to speak.
"So what's the go pretty boy?" Mole gruffed.
"We're finishing this once and for all." Alec responded.
"When?" Lucas asked.
"Tomorrow."
"So soon?" Flint asked.
"They issued an invitation the longer they wait the more time we have to prepare."
"So how are we ending this?" Case questioned.
"We're disabling their encampment, taking prisoners and destroying the chain of command."
"Are we spilling blood?" Lucas inquired Aiden's death still haunting him.
"Only what is necessary, you could say I found the happy medium" Alec said looking at Case "It's time to rally the troops, we have less than 24 hours, dawn tomorrow we attack."
TBC
