Disclaimer: Roswell, and its characters do not belong to me. Melinda Metz, Jason Katims and 20th Century Fox have that particular pleasure. I'm simply borrowing them until the Season 2 DVD's get released.
Author's Note: Thanks to all of you who pointed out that there may very well be students who will betray them. While it is a VERY valid point, I'm going to explain it away nicely in this chapter because if I explored those avenues, the story would go on forever
Chapter Sixty – Three – Goodbyes
Max looked at his friends, his expression worried.
"Is everybody ready for this, because it's not too late. You can still back out and go home. I'd totally get it if you did. Hell, part of me wants to do that, too."
"Max, we're in this together," said Liz.
"Yeah, you're just trying to get rid of us so you can hog all the glory," joked Zan
"We're a team, Maxwell. We're not going anywhere," added Michael, clapping his friend on the shoulder.
"Anybody else," asked Max, looking at Maria, Ava, Alex, Kyle and Isabel.
"We've decided to follow Isabel's advice and just ignore stupid remarks like that," said Maria, a smile hovering on her lips. "She said it worked well when you were kids."
Maria's comment caused the others to burst into laughter and the tension that filled the room began to dissipate.
"So, what do you say?" asked Ava. "One last batch of popcorn before we get organized."
"How about popcorn and organization together?" said Alex. "We have a lot to accomplish tonight. Or do we want to totally relax for a while, first?"
Relax was the general consensus, and it wasn't long before the smell of popcorn permeated the small room.
"I know we agreed to relax," said Isabel, "But I've been wondering about something. Max said he revealed himself to the trainees, but what if one of them is loyal to Kivar, even without the mind warp. Won't he turn us in?"
The others looked at Isabel in shock; none of them had even considered that possibility. Their fear was palpable as they tried to consider what to do.
"You can all relax," said Kyle. "None of them are loyal to Kivar. I got a good read on all of them while Max was doing his presto chango act. In fact, they are all so angry at being mind warped that all they can think about is destroying Kivar."
"Thank God," said Isabel.
"I can't believe I never even considered that," said Max. "I keep telling everybody I'm not a king, and this just proves it. How stupid could I be. I almost put all of us in jeopardy."
"When you're done beating yourself up," said Zan. "Could you please pass the popcorn. I don't get why you're so bent, Max. It happened, yeah, but you took a chance, a risk. That's what being a ruler is all about. Sometimes you just have to react. You don't have time to examine every angle. Do you suppose that tomorrow, when the shit hits the fan that you're going to have time to look at every possibility. Hell no! The only thing you're going to be able to do is make a choice and hope for the best. Now, since we've started talking about it, let's just get to the planning."
Liz reached over and gently squeezed Zan's hand. He was so like, but so unlike her husband. She knew it had been hard for him, finding his place in their closely-knit group, but slowly he had found his place. Nobody else would have been able to find the right words to absolve Max of the guilt he felt, but Zan was able to do it. Liz knew he'd always have a place in her life and in her heart.
Michael had a map of the city, spread out on the table, and Max and Kyle sat next to him pointing out various locations. Zan and Alex worked together, gathering supplies, readying for tomorrow's battle. Maria and Isabel put some finishing touches on the large banner, and Liz and Ava hurriedly put together several more banners to hang in various places around the city.
"What time is Che'koth expected back with the first contingent of rebels?" Liz asked to the room in general.
"I guess it depends on how long it takes to round them up," said Kyle. "And on where they do the transport. I mean, it wouldn't be too cool to have people disappear in the middle of downtown Roswell."
"Well, the belts are programmed to transport back to this location," said Alex, "So we'll know as soon as they get back."
As Alex spoke, the room suddenly became filled with what seemed like a hundred bodies. Michael started to grab one of the intruders when Max pulled him off, yelling.
"Michael, no, don't!" he shouted. "It's Che'koth and the others!"
Michael released his intended victim, and everyone scrambled to make room for the new arrivals. Each one of the new arrivals knelt down on one knee and placed their right fists on their hearts.
"King Zan," said one of the men. "We are honored to serve you."
Max shook his head in resignation and smiled at the men. "Please all of you, stand up. I want to thank you for all that you did to protect our families on Earth."
"It was our pleasure, Majesty. And now, we look forward to serving you on Antar. Please, tell us what you wish us to do."
"I wish they'd stop treating me like I was a god or something," Max whispered to the others. He turned back to smile at the men. "Please, all of you go home and see your families. Report back here in three hours."
"With pleasure, your Majesty," said the men.
Che'koth led them down the tunnel passage and out into the city. He quickly returned to the hidden room to confer with Max and the others.
"Jim Valenti is bringing the second group to the Granolith," said Che'koth. "He pointed out that it wouldn't be wise to have our people vanishing in the middle of town."
Laughter erupted around him, and Che'koth looked puzzled until Liz pointed out that Kyle had said essentially the same thing.
"Oh God," Kyle moaned. "It's my worst fear come true. I'm turning into my father."
The laughter subsided, and Che'koth prepared for his return journey.
"Are you sure this isn't too much for you?" Max asked. "One of us can go back if you want to rest Che'koth."
Che'koth, touched by his son's concern smiled. "No, I shall be fine, Max. You seem to have everything under control. I want you to promise me something though."
"What Che'koth?" Max asked, his curiosity piqued by Che'koth's concern.
"No matter what happens tomorrow, no matter what you see, or what you hear, you won't let it distract you from the mission at hand."
"Of course, Che'koth," said Max.
"Max, I'm serious," said Che'koth. "If all goes well there are some things that could occur that would become quite a distraction for you. I want you to promise me that you'll stay focused. All of you, stay focused," said Che'koth, his voice harsh. "I will not see you before the battle tomorrow, and I fully expect to see all of you at its end."
"I don't understand," said Max. "Won't you be coming back with the others?"
"No, I have a few things to attend to, but I will be back before the battle," Che'koth explained.
"Okay then, before you go," said Max. "When it's over, no matter what, everyone comes back here. Agreed?" He looked around the room, and everyone nodded their agreement. "Che'koth?"
"Aye, Majesty, I will be here," said Che'koth.
"Don't call him that," everyone said at once, and Che'koth smiled faintly. One by one, he hugged each of the kids.
"Be safe," he said softly and disappeared from sight.