Title: Hedging Her Bets
Author: blackknight5
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Four Aliens and Baby & Roswell Books "A New Beginning" and "Nightscape".
*Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read and review this story. Please continue to Read and Review.*
Part7
Jim Valenti leaned back into his seat after sliding the SVU into park outside of the Crashdown Café. It had only been a couple of days since Phillip Evans offered up his suggestion to put up cameras, and so far only the Crashdown was covered. More and more he was wishing that everything was back the way it was before the kids had been forced to flee. I guess I don't like being the parents 'king' anymore then Max liked being it for the others.
He'd been the Sheriff of Roswell, but that had never scared him like his current position did. He wasn't sure if Max had thought it out before hand, but he was certain Max would be counting on him to protect their parents as he had tried to protect them. The problem with that was that Nancy Parker refused to accept the danger that was swirling around them, and that was causing a building tension in the group. The tension could very well leave them vulnerable, and exposed to the FBI's Special Unit.
And considering the Special Unit was having a hard time tracking the kids, using us as bait has got to look more and more tempting; Jim thought as he undid the seatbelt and opened the car door. The hot New Mexico sun seemed to only add a little more strain to the load Jim Valenti now realized he was carrying, but then a thin smile appeared on his face as an amusing thought hit him. If I'm the Max Evans of this group then I guess that makes Amy my Liz.
He was still laughing when he entered the Crashdown ten seconds later to the sight of both Diane Evans and Nancy Parker holding slabs of meat over their left and right eyes respectively. Jeff and Phillip both looked relieved as he came through the door. What the hell is going on? Jim thought. Before he could ask a question Amy Deluca came out of the kitchen muttering, and holding a bag of ice over her knuckles.
Jim sat down at the counter, and waited. I can't wait to hear this, he thought. "So, what have you guys been up to?" Jim asked as he struggled to keep his smile off his face as everyone started talking at once.
Across the street two members of the 'Special Unit' watched with interest. Now that Valenti had arrived they could move into position, and in fifteen minutes they would have their hands on the perfect bait to draw out the Roswell Teens. Agent Gapharpt turned and gave a small nod to his partner who quickly got on the radio. He was one of the few members of the 'Special Unit' that didn't find the Aliens a threat.
Not that I want to get close enough for them to use their powers on me, he thought. But what could five people do against a planet with billions of people on it. Gapharpt understood that caution was required, but he found the extreme paranoia that other Agents possessed unnecessary. They only value these creatures could have is in the advancement of science, and once we open them up to find out how they work science should advance pretty well.
Los Angeles - Langley's House
Liz leaned back into the water of Langley's pool, and released a sigh. She'd just come from her latest training session with Langley, which she'd discovered were both longer and more intense, then the others. Why is Langley so focused on me? Unfortunately it's not likely that'll get an answer to that question anytime soon. Liz let another sigh go and let the water continue to relax her.
Yet, as much as she wanted to avoid Langley's assertion that she was holding back, her scientific mind wouldn't let her. Partially because after communicating with Max and Isabelle's Antarian mother, who informed her that she was now carrying the Queen's Seal which made her the official Queen of Antar. Every time she moved an object she could almost hear something tell her she could move it better, faster, and with more control.
In a strange way, the fact that she wasn't able to do left her feeling like she was letting everyone down, and only seemed to intensify the dreams she'd hoped would stop once she learned of her new royal status. Last night she found herself standing in the Pod Chamber. Where usually the pods that had held Max, Michael, and Isabelle were empty, now she could see them floating inside. Only one Pod was empty, and that was the pod had held Tess.
Liz had leaned into to examine the Pod when the Dark figure had appeared behind her. Liz had tried to raise her hand to blast the figure, but the figure was faster and Liz felt herself fly backward into the open pod. To Liz's horror the pod began to close on her. The cold terrible voice again echoed in Liz's head.
"Stop fighting your destiny Liz Parker. You must accept the truth of who you are, or all are doomed," the figure's raspy voice said.
"I know who I am. I am the Queen," Liz screamed as she pounded her fists against the Pod.
"You say the words, but you do not believe. A liar may speak the truth, but he will not believe the words he speaks. You do not understand what you are Liz Parker, and until you do, you will never believe, and until you believe all are doomed," the figure had said.
Liz had woken up rather brutally, and in so doing had woken Max. Max had reached out and pulled her to him instantly making her feel better. It was something she'd learned long ago. Whenever she was upset all she needed was to be in Max's arms. In his arms love was a tangible physical thing that Liz could wrap around herself like a blanket, and in that blanket all her fears and doubts would disappear.
She hadn't wanted to burden Max with anymore concerns. Tonight the soldiers the Dowager Queen had sent to Earth would arrive, and they would go to meet them. But at that moment Liz had needed the comfort of Max's arms. Now she could only hope that he wouldn't place his concern for her above the danger that Khivar presented. Ahh, I think its time I get out of the pool, and find something to do to take my mind out of this circle of unanswered questions.
Liz took one last second of enjoyment from the calm pool before turning over and swimming to the side of the pool. She realized after leaving the pool she'd forgotten to bring a towel out with her, but then she noticed that someone else had forgotten a towel here, and it seemed unused. Liz reached out and pulled the towel to her. Then suddenly she felt the flash. *Isabelle was sobbing. Her face was lined with tears. Liz could almost feel the overwhelming sorrow that had hit Isabelle. * *The Crashdown was in flames, and then Liz turned and realized it was not just the Crashdown. All of Roswell was consumed by flames.* *Then she heard the words again. She still could not recognize them, but she did recognize the voice. ALEX!*
Roswell – Crashdown Café
Amy Deluca watched as Jim Valenti simply looked at all of them in a mix of laughter and frustration. Amy couldn't help but roll her eyes. That was as far as she got before a smoking canisters came flying through the windows of the Crashdown. Jim flew from his seat and started yelling.
"Everyone out the back now!" Jim Valenti screamed as he pushed Amy towards the kitchen of the Crashdown not even noticing that Jeff and Phillip were doing the same. Then the front door flew open, and six men in suits came charging through.
"Freeze! You are all under arrest!" the agent on the far right said.
Amy, Nancy, and Diane had made it into the kitchen just as the agents entered. All they heard next was the bark of guns, as they went running out of the back of the restaurant. All Amy could think was that Jim would be alright. She assumed all of them were thinking the same thing, because none of them noticed till it was too late to do anything that there were two agents waiting there for them. The two Agents already had their weapons drawn, and by the looks on their faces seemed to really want to use them. "Well, well look what we have here?" The Agent on the right said.
"Ahh, cute the sarcasm, Jackass. Gapharpt will have our asses if any of these freak lovers die. Although considering what he wants to do with them maybe killing them would be merciful," the Agent on the left replied raising his pistol just enough so be could look down the barrel of his gun then smiled.
"And you say I'm an ass. Lets get this scum back inside."
Jeff Parker watched as Jim Valenti pulled his gun on the agents as he and Phillip Evans looked for someway to help.
"Oh, come on Valenti. Drop the gun."
Jim didn't answer, but just gave the Agent a yeah right look. "Valenti you are American citizens and you are a cop. We just want to ask you some questions."
"So are our kids," Jim said.
The lead Agent just shook his head. Before anything else could be said one of the Agents fired. Jeff wasn't all that interested in guns, but he did know that the sound he heard was not the sound that should come from a gun. He watched as Jim Valenti dropped to his knees, and seemed to be shaking violently. Valenti's own pistol fired a round that slammed into the wall, as Jim Valenti collapsed on the floor.
"Mr. Parker, Mr. Evans please don't make us have to take you down like we did Mr. Valenti. He'll live, but well, he will have one hell of a headache."
Just then Amy, Diane, and Nancy came walking back into the dinner.
"Gapharpt look what we caught coming out of the back."
Los Angeles – Langley's House
Maria had been looking for Liz for the last half hour, but had been unsuccessful. Liz had been clearly troubled by something, and despite the ragged pace everyone was running, she was sure she wasn't the only one who noticed. Damn it Langley, why the hell do you need such a huge house? Maria thought as she finished looking through another room. Just then she saw Liz staring out of a window.
Maria paused for a second. Liz Evans had always been a scientist. Rationality, logic, and science had governed her, but there had always been something else. Liz had a calming effect on those around her. Maria wished Liz would do that with her right because the look on Liz's face seemed to terrify her. The only other time she'd seen that look of painful determination on Liz's face was the night 'Future Max' had shown up. "Liz?" Maria called out.
Liz's head didn't move. "Liz?" Maria asked again.
"What do you want Maria?" Liz finally answered.
Maria walked right over to her friend's side. There were lines of tears on Liz's face. "Liz, what's wrong?" Maria asked.
"I've been thinking of 'Future Max', what if he came back because we found out I'd never be strong enough to replace Tess. What if I..." Liz didn't get a chance to finish as Maria interrupted.
"Liz, what the hell brought this up? Liz look at me. You are stronger than that blonde bitch could ever hope to be. And whatever is coming the only reason we would have a chance is because of you. And don't you ever think anything else, got it?"
"Thank you Maria," Liz answered.
"Good now what happened? Oh, don't give me that look. You had a flash didn't you? You saw something, how bad was it?"
Liz didn't answer immediately. "It was more detailed of my last flash. Maria, Khivar is going to hit Roswell, and then burn it to the ground. And I'm sure that we won't be able to stop it."
Illinois – Chicago
Marie Clark gently pushed herself up from the bed she shared with her husband as once again the cries of her adopted son woke her up. She'd taken him to a doctor the other day, but the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with him. Maria could spend hours just watching the small child. Reaching down she bring Zan into her arms which seemed to calm him down.
What is troubling you? What is making you wake up screaming? Marie stood there for a second then headed back towards her room. In the dark night of the room Marie failed to watch as the blonde hair on Zan's head began to darken or the more subtle change in his eyes.
Author: blackknight5
Rating: PG-13
Spoilers: Four Aliens and Baby & Roswell Books "A New Beginning" and "Nightscape".
*Author's Note: Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to read and review this story. Please continue to Read and Review.*
Part7
Jim Valenti leaned back into his seat after sliding the SVU into park outside of the Crashdown Café. It had only been a couple of days since Phillip Evans offered up his suggestion to put up cameras, and so far only the Crashdown was covered. More and more he was wishing that everything was back the way it was before the kids had been forced to flee. I guess I don't like being the parents 'king' anymore then Max liked being it for the others.
He'd been the Sheriff of Roswell, but that had never scared him like his current position did. He wasn't sure if Max had thought it out before hand, but he was certain Max would be counting on him to protect their parents as he had tried to protect them. The problem with that was that Nancy Parker refused to accept the danger that was swirling around them, and that was causing a building tension in the group. The tension could very well leave them vulnerable, and exposed to the FBI's Special Unit.
And considering the Special Unit was having a hard time tracking the kids, using us as bait has got to look more and more tempting; Jim thought as he undid the seatbelt and opened the car door. The hot New Mexico sun seemed to only add a little more strain to the load Jim Valenti now realized he was carrying, but then a thin smile appeared on his face as an amusing thought hit him. If I'm the Max Evans of this group then I guess that makes Amy my Liz.
He was still laughing when he entered the Crashdown ten seconds later to the sight of both Diane Evans and Nancy Parker holding slabs of meat over their left and right eyes respectively. Jeff and Phillip both looked relieved as he came through the door. What the hell is going on? Jim thought. Before he could ask a question Amy Deluca came out of the kitchen muttering, and holding a bag of ice over her knuckles.
Jim sat down at the counter, and waited. I can't wait to hear this, he thought. "So, what have you guys been up to?" Jim asked as he struggled to keep his smile off his face as everyone started talking at once.
Across the street two members of the 'Special Unit' watched with interest. Now that Valenti had arrived they could move into position, and in fifteen minutes they would have their hands on the perfect bait to draw out the Roswell Teens. Agent Gapharpt turned and gave a small nod to his partner who quickly got on the radio. He was one of the few members of the 'Special Unit' that didn't find the Aliens a threat.
Not that I want to get close enough for them to use their powers on me, he thought. But what could five people do against a planet with billions of people on it. Gapharpt understood that caution was required, but he found the extreme paranoia that other Agents possessed unnecessary. They only value these creatures could have is in the advancement of science, and once we open them up to find out how they work science should advance pretty well.
Los Angeles - Langley's House
Liz leaned back into the water of Langley's pool, and released a sigh. She'd just come from her latest training session with Langley, which she'd discovered were both longer and more intense, then the others. Why is Langley so focused on me? Unfortunately it's not likely that'll get an answer to that question anytime soon. Liz let another sigh go and let the water continue to relax her.
Yet, as much as she wanted to avoid Langley's assertion that she was holding back, her scientific mind wouldn't let her. Partially because after communicating with Max and Isabelle's Antarian mother, who informed her that she was now carrying the Queen's Seal which made her the official Queen of Antar. Every time she moved an object she could almost hear something tell her she could move it better, faster, and with more control.
In a strange way, the fact that she wasn't able to do left her feeling like she was letting everyone down, and only seemed to intensify the dreams she'd hoped would stop once she learned of her new royal status. Last night she found herself standing in the Pod Chamber. Where usually the pods that had held Max, Michael, and Isabelle were empty, now she could see them floating inside. Only one Pod was empty, and that was the pod had held Tess.
Liz had leaned into to examine the Pod when the Dark figure had appeared behind her. Liz had tried to raise her hand to blast the figure, but the figure was faster and Liz felt herself fly backward into the open pod. To Liz's horror the pod began to close on her. The cold terrible voice again echoed in Liz's head.
"Stop fighting your destiny Liz Parker. You must accept the truth of who you are, or all are doomed," the figure's raspy voice said.
"I know who I am. I am the Queen," Liz screamed as she pounded her fists against the Pod.
"You say the words, but you do not believe. A liar may speak the truth, but he will not believe the words he speaks. You do not understand what you are Liz Parker, and until you do, you will never believe, and until you believe all are doomed," the figure had said.
Liz had woken up rather brutally, and in so doing had woken Max. Max had reached out and pulled her to him instantly making her feel better. It was something she'd learned long ago. Whenever she was upset all she needed was to be in Max's arms. In his arms love was a tangible physical thing that Liz could wrap around herself like a blanket, and in that blanket all her fears and doubts would disappear.
She hadn't wanted to burden Max with anymore concerns. Tonight the soldiers the Dowager Queen had sent to Earth would arrive, and they would go to meet them. But at that moment Liz had needed the comfort of Max's arms. Now she could only hope that he wouldn't place his concern for her above the danger that Khivar presented. Ahh, I think its time I get out of the pool, and find something to do to take my mind out of this circle of unanswered questions.
Liz took one last second of enjoyment from the calm pool before turning over and swimming to the side of the pool. She realized after leaving the pool she'd forgotten to bring a towel out with her, but then she noticed that someone else had forgotten a towel here, and it seemed unused. Liz reached out and pulled the towel to her. Then suddenly she felt the flash. *Isabelle was sobbing. Her face was lined with tears. Liz could almost feel the overwhelming sorrow that had hit Isabelle. * *The Crashdown was in flames, and then Liz turned and realized it was not just the Crashdown. All of Roswell was consumed by flames.* *Then she heard the words again. She still could not recognize them, but she did recognize the voice. ALEX!*
Roswell – Crashdown Café
Amy Deluca watched as Jim Valenti simply looked at all of them in a mix of laughter and frustration. Amy couldn't help but roll her eyes. That was as far as she got before a smoking canisters came flying through the windows of the Crashdown. Jim flew from his seat and started yelling.
"Everyone out the back now!" Jim Valenti screamed as he pushed Amy towards the kitchen of the Crashdown not even noticing that Jeff and Phillip were doing the same. Then the front door flew open, and six men in suits came charging through.
"Freeze! You are all under arrest!" the agent on the far right said.
Amy, Nancy, and Diane had made it into the kitchen just as the agents entered. All they heard next was the bark of guns, as they went running out of the back of the restaurant. All Amy could think was that Jim would be alright. She assumed all of them were thinking the same thing, because none of them noticed till it was too late to do anything that there were two agents waiting there for them. The two Agents already had their weapons drawn, and by the looks on their faces seemed to really want to use them. "Well, well look what we have here?" The Agent on the right said.
"Ahh, cute the sarcasm, Jackass. Gapharpt will have our asses if any of these freak lovers die. Although considering what he wants to do with them maybe killing them would be merciful," the Agent on the left replied raising his pistol just enough so be could look down the barrel of his gun then smiled.
"And you say I'm an ass. Lets get this scum back inside."
Jeff Parker watched as Jim Valenti pulled his gun on the agents as he and Phillip Evans looked for someway to help.
"Oh, come on Valenti. Drop the gun."
Jim didn't answer, but just gave the Agent a yeah right look. "Valenti you are American citizens and you are a cop. We just want to ask you some questions."
"So are our kids," Jim said.
The lead Agent just shook his head. Before anything else could be said one of the Agents fired. Jeff wasn't all that interested in guns, but he did know that the sound he heard was not the sound that should come from a gun. He watched as Jim Valenti dropped to his knees, and seemed to be shaking violently. Valenti's own pistol fired a round that slammed into the wall, as Jim Valenti collapsed on the floor.
"Mr. Parker, Mr. Evans please don't make us have to take you down like we did Mr. Valenti. He'll live, but well, he will have one hell of a headache."
Just then Amy, Diane, and Nancy came walking back into the dinner.
"Gapharpt look what we caught coming out of the back."
Los Angeles – Langley's House
Maria had been looking for Liz for the last half hour, but had been unsuccessful. Liz had been clearly troubled by something, and despite the ragged pace everyone was running, she was sure she wasn't the only one who noticed. Damn it Langley, why the hell do you need such a huge house? Maria thought as she finished looking through another room. Just then she saw Liz staring out of a window.
Maria paused for a second. Liz Evans had always been a scientist. Rationality, logic, and science had governed her, but there had always been something else. Liz had a calming effect on those around her. Maria wished Liz would do that with her right because the look on Liz's face seemed to terrify her. The only other time she'd seen that look of painful determination on Liz's face was the night 'Future Max' had shown up. "Liz?" Maria called out.
Liz's head didn't move. "Liz?" Maria asked again.
"What do you want Maria?" Liz finally answered.
Maria walked right over to her friend's side. There were lines of tears on Liz's face. "Liz, what's wrong?" Maria asked.
"I've been thinking of 'Future Max', what if he came back because we found out I'd never be strong enough to replace Tess. What if I..." Liz didn't get a chance to finish as Maria interrupted.
"Liz, what the hell brought this up? Liz look at me. You are stronger than that blonde bitch could ever hope to be. And whatever is coming the only reason we would have a chance is because of you. And don't you ever think anything else, got it?"
"Thank you Maria," Liz answered.
"Good now what happened? Oh, don't give me that look. You had a flash didn't you? You saw something, how bad was it?"
Liz didn't answer immediately. "It was more detailed of my last flash. Maria, Khivar is going to hit Roswell, and then burn it to the ground. And I'm sure that we won't be able to stop it."
Illinois – Chicago
Marie Clark gently pushed herself up from the bed she shared with her husband as once again the cries of her adopted son woke her up. She'd taken him to a doctor the other day, but the doctor couldn't find anything wrong with him. Maria could spend hours just watching the small child. Reaching down she bring Zan into her arms which seemed to calm him down.
What is troubling you? What is making you wake up screaming? Marie stood there for a second then headed back towards her room. In the dark night of the room Marie failed to watch as the blonde hair on Zan's head began to darken or the more subtle change in his eyes.