Chapter 2 – The Plan
The plan was simple really. They would all enter the sewer system from a certain point in Terminal City. As they reached a junction, they would split into smaller groups, following this pattern till there were no more than 5 in each unit. An X5 would accompany each group to help assure their safety out of Seattle. The groups would be scattered throughout the City of Seattle, coming up out of the sewers at varying intervals. Once out of the City, they were to head for a designated area in the mountains, where shelter could be found among of series of caves. Luke and Dix would be in charge of organizing and settling them in. The X5s would then regroup and form a protective perimeter.
In the meantime, ten X4s would assist Alec and Mole in leading the military away from the true escape route. At a certain point the X4s would enter the sewers, splitting off into two groups. Alec and Mole would make a stand, entering the sewers themselves, only when sufficient time had passed for the X4s to have a good head start. All this with the military on their ass. It was this part of the plan that put a lump in Max's throat. Alec was hurt. He'd lost a lot of blood battling that uberbitch. What should have been a minor inconvenience to a transgenic, had become a handicap with the loss of blood. Logan had made it a point to tell her how Alec had faltered.
"If I hadn't been there, he'd probably be dead."
Logan was so proud of his accomplishment. It bothered Max that Logan had seemed almost happy to tell her. Trying to elevate himself somehow, in her eyes. At least that's how Max took it. But all it really did was tell her that his wound was no longer a minor inconvenience.
The need to be alone and think overwhelmed her. She'd come to the roof to get away from the activity and noise, but it wasn't high enough. So she watched from on high, as preparations were made for escape. Charges were being planted at strategic points through out the City, effective pushing the military toward Alec and away from…me. Max pulled her knees to her chest, lowering her head. She hated all of this.
"Little fella okay?"
Max startled, turning at the voice. "Joshua…what? I'm okay. Is something wrong?"
"Everything is wrong. Don't like the plan."
Joshua sat down hard beside Max. She could see the turmoil in his face.
"It's a good plan, Joshua."
"No, Max. Alec can't stay."
Max sighed. She felt the same way. Alec coming with them just wasn't going to happen. Leaning over, she slipped her hand through Joshua's arm and lay her head against him.
"It's the best chance we have to make sure everyone makes it out alive. That has to be our first priority."
"Joshua didn't say not a good plan, said don't like the plan."
Max smiled, leaning in even closer. "I don't like it either, but we don't have much choice."
"Alec needs to stay with us. Joshua, Max and Alec family. Big fella, Little fella need Medium fella to be whole."
Closing her eyes, Max thought about what Joshua said. He was right. Somewhere along the line they had become a family. That smart mouth, womanizing, always in trouble, pain the ass, had become family. Max opened her eyes suddenly. Sitting up. She understood now. She didn't like it, but she understood.
"He's doing what he has to and he's being what he has to. A soldier. X5-494, but with a new purpose," Max looked intently into Joshua's face, "He's protecting his family."
"Don't like the plan." Joshua whimpered and lowered his head.
"I know." Laying her head back against his arm, they sat there looking out over the edge of the roof. Below they watched the activity in preparation of the battle ahead, and in the midst of all the activity, was Alec.
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