Chapter 4 - Goodbye
Logan's eyebrows knitted together in contemplation as he watched from the roof door, a sleeping Alec. Earlier Logan had been hacking into police headquarters in an effort to get some intel. He'd been at it for some time, so he raised his head up from the screen and stretched. Something caught his eye. He turned and noticed Alec move quietly up the stairs to the roof. Baffled by his actions, Logan looked over to where Max, Luke and Dix were going over maps of the sewer systems, double checking the routes, and being sure all the Xs knew their jobs. Why hadn't Alec come in and made himself known? It wasn't like him to pass up an opportunity to be with Max. Not something Logan liked to dwell on. In fact, he wished Alec had never entered their lives. Since then Max had become more and more distant. He was the real reason Logan was losing Max, not the virus. The virus was just a temporary setback. He'd find the cure somehow and then…what? Max had already pushed him away, although Logan suspected that she wasn't really with Alec, but after their display earlier over whether Alec would stay behind or not, Logan just wasn't sure anymore.
So curiosity got the better of him and he made some excuse about needing to take a few minutes break. He watched as Alec sat down wearily. Watched him lower his head down on his arms as they rested on raised knees. Watched as Alec seemed to slowly sink into himself, laying over in an almost fetal position on his side. Watched as he slumped into a deep sleep. It couldn't be comfortable to lay on the roof like that. But there he was. 'Crap.' Logan hated the feeling that was suddenly filling him, it felt like guilt. He really wanted to have Alec out of his and Max's life, but not like this. He wanted Max to see who was the best man for her. He wanted her to see the 'pain in her ass' Alec for what he was. Self-centered and irresponsible, except there was nothing self-centered or irresponsible about what he was getting ready to do. 'Could I have been wrong about him?' his mind wondered. 'Crap.' Turning, Logan made his way back down the stairs. As he glanced down and he slowed his pace. There was OC, her face hard, staring up at him, her arms crossed in front of her.
"Cindy, you okay?"
"Original Cindy's just fine. She's wondering what's so interesting up there, though."
"Just looking for a few moments of quiet contemplation. Things are going to get…busy and confusing soon."
"More like crazy and dangerous."
"Yeah, that too." Logan stepped past OC, effectively ending any conversation. OC stared after him and then upstairs frowning. She'd seen Alec go up there earlier. Logan's responses bothered her. She'd just see for herself what was going on.
Stepping out on the roof, OC's face softened at the sight before her. She stepped slowing over to where he was laying. He never moved. 'So much for superior hearing.' With a sad smile OC sat down next to Alec, facing him, legs crossed Indian style. Unable to resist, she reached out, pushing some unkempt hair from his forehead.
"Where's the smart aleck now?" she smiled, her voice soft.
Alec shifted and groaned, his hand instinctively going to his side…not his shoulder. Cindy frowned. She waited a moment until he stilled. Reaching out carefully she lifted his uniform shirt a bit. Sighing at the sight of a bloody bandage. Looking at his face, she pulled her hand back. Hugging herself with her arms, she closed her eyes.
"What are you doin', boo?"
For the first time, since Alec had forced his way into their lives, she realized that he might not be there anymore. That scared the hell out of her. What would happen to Max if he died? 'She loves the man, and doesn't know it.' Reaching out to him once again, she ran her hand through his hair and caressed his cheek.
"I don't want you gone," she almost sobbed, quickly catching herself.
Alec's eyes snapped open.
"Wha…Cindy? Is something wrong? Is Max okay?"
"Shhhh…boo, it's okay. Ain't nothin' goin' on. Original Cindy didn't mean to wake you. You's just lookin' a bit uncomfortable." She ran her hand through his hair again and placed it on his shoulder to keep him from getting up.
Closing his eyes, Alec let out the breath he held and relaxed a bit. Opening his eyes again, he looked at Cindy and frowned.
"I probably need to get up. There can't be much time left."
"No, Max says the military are just getting' ta town. She figures it'll take a couple more hours before they even have their strategies planned. They'll be buttin' heads with White and the Sector Police first."
"Still there's a lot to do," Alec replied, pushing to get up, but Cindy's hand pushed him back down.
"No, boo, you have a big job ahead of you and Original Cindy's gonna make it her business that you get ta rest. Ain't nobody gonna bother you here. Come on, let's get ya comfortable." She opened her arms invitingly.
Alec looked at her suspiciously.
"Are you feeling alright? You're acting strange."
"Boo, you're startin' ta get on my last nerve. Just get over here 'fore I change my mind."
Alec hesitated, but only for a moment. This was an opportunity he was not going to let slip him by. Scooting over on his side, he wrapped his arms around her waist and snuggled into her lap. 'God she smells good. Who knew?' Part of her skin was exposed and Alec just couldn't help himself. He gently kissed her belly. Cindy laughed and smacked him lightly.
"That tickles, quit it and go to sleep."
"I had to do that you know."
"I know."
"You know if someone sees us they might think you've changed sides."
"Well it'd take a prettier boy than you ta do it. I ain't gonna tell you again. Go. To. Sleep."
"Okay, can I kiss it one more time?"
"No."
"Fine!" Alec sighed loudly against her skin, closing his eyes.
Cindy shivered at the feel of her breath on her. Shaking her head at his antics she again began running her hand through his hair, like she would a child. He snuggled closer and she could feel him begin to relax. His breathing evened out and his arms became lax. Feeling him go limp in her arms was unnerving to her, but she held back the tears that threatened to spill. He needed rest and she was going to make sure he got it. Cindy tore her eyes from his face and looked around her. Her eyes stopped at the door to the roof and her breath caught in her throat. Leaning in the doorway was Max, her face against the jam, just watching them.
Alec moaned in his sleep and Cindy held him a little tighter.
"Shhhh…it's okay boo. I'm watchin' your back," Cindy's eyes never left Max's.
Max smiled sadly and nodded to Cindy. Lowering her face, she turned and went back down the stairs as quietly as she had come up.
~ ~ ~
The Army Special Forces group arrived, led by a Colonel Foster. Lt. Clemente made it a point to meet the man. Or at least he tried, until White intercepted him.
"You're no longer in this Clemente, so back off!"
"Why don't we let the Colonel decide that. I'm sure he has his own ideas of what needs to be done."
White stepped forward menacingly. "I told you…"
"Gentlemen," Foster announced as he stepped up to them. Holding out a hand to Clemente, "I'm Colonel Foster and you would be?"
Clemente turned his eyes away from White.
"Ramon Clemente, Seattle Police," reaching out and taking the Colonel's hand, "Good to meet you sir."
"Ah, Clemente, I've heard good things about you. I'm going to need a full report on the incident at Jam Pony Messengers and I'd like you to stick around, I may have some questions to ask you."
"No problem Colonel. I can have it to you within the hour," Clemente replied.
Foster turned toward White.
"You must be Special Agent White." Foster's hand was not forthcoming.
"Yes Sir."
"I'm told you have a command post set up."
"Yes sir, this way." White glanced at Clemente one more time, before stepping away with the Colonel.
Clemente just smiled. Something about making that man mad gave him a warm fuzzy feeling inside. He just couldn't help himself. He didn't like the man. He was dangerous and with him around, Clemente knew someone was going to die. Grabbing his cell phone he called in to his second.
"Brooks, I need those reports here asap. Be sure and include everything we know about these transgenics. I also want you to include…"
"Sir, you need to come in," Brooks interrupted.
"What's going on?"
"We downloaded the footage from the hoverdrones. You need to see 'em."
"What's on them?"
"Lieutenant, just get in here."
Clemente paused, "I'll be there in five." He knew Brooks well enough to know not to question him further and headed for his car.
~ ~ ~
Alec felt a nudge. He ignored it.
"Alec, you need to wake up now, boo."
More of a nudge this time, a small shake. He moaned something incoherent and hid his face. Then something more, not a shake or a nudge, a painful kick in the leg this time.
"Hey! Get up."
A muffled "Ow" issued forth and Alec's eyes shot open.
That was not Cindy's voice. Moaning Alec turned and looked up into Mole's face. Not a pleasant thing to see when one wakes up for the day…or rather night. Alec's eyes narrowed and he tried his best to mimic Max's 'I am so gonna kick your ass' look. It could shrink back the best of them.
"Go away."
"I said get up. You're needed, now." Mole moved to kick Alec again…
"Hey! You touch my boo again and I'll turn you into a new pair a boots. So back off!" Cindy cried, hovering protectively over Alec.
Both Alec and Mole stared at Cindy in shock. Then Alec shook his head as if to clear it, and smirked at Mole, thoroughly enjoying the situation. Mole leaned in and sneered in Cindy's face.
"I need him, now."
Cindy grabbed his collar and pulled him in even closer.
"And I said….Back off!"
Mole growled, jammed a half used cigar in his mouth and stormed off, slamming the door to the roof as he went through. Both Cindy and Alec jumped at the sound of splintering wood. Laughing Alec sat up.
"I think you should stay behind with me instead of Mole. You're a lot scarier than he is."
Cindy slapped him.
"Ow! Well you are."
"Shut up! That's not funny." Cindy crossed her arms and tried her best to look angry, but she couldn't hold it long. Especially with Alec clutching his chest and giving her a wounded puppy dog look. She bit her lip to keep from smiling and averted her eyes. Suddenly Alec leaned in and kissed her quickly on the lips, then covered his head in anticipation of a beating.
"Hey! What the hell are you doin'? I told you, you're not pretty enough."
"That," peeking through his arms, "was a thank you."
"For what?"
"Watching my back while I slept. Facing off with Mole for me," he said more seriously, lowering his arms when no attack was forthcoming.
Cindy stood up, gave Alec a hand up and stepped forward into a hug, "You're Welcome."
"Time to go," Alec said. Cindy looked up sadly.
"Yeah, I guess it is."
~ ~ ~
Preparations had gone smoothly. Max saw to all the groups and made all the assignments of X5s to each group. A few groups would be lead by X4's who, like Mole and Luke, were created for a specific military purpose. Alec double checked the placement of explosives along the path he and his unit would take. Logan kept them abreast of any information about the Sector Police or NSA activities. Dix listened in on all transmissions and reported on anything relevant to ascertain the time of invasion by the military. Joshua was to make sure any available supplies were distributed evenly among the transhumans. Everything was in place to go. Max's team would head into the sewers first. Their hope was that most of their people would be well into the sewers and under the City, before the military advanced. It was time to say goodbye.
Alec handed Dalton an automatic handgun and watched as the boy pulled the clip, checked it and put it in his waistband. Biggs was already armed to the hilt. Gem had also prepared herself. Somewhere she had acquired clothes more befitting what was going to happen. She resembled what she was created for, a soldier on the ready. Well, a soldier with a baby to her bosom wasn't exactly intimidating, but Alec could only imagine what she would do to protect that baby or what Biggs might do for that matter. He seemed to become awful close to them in the last few hours. It had been decided that Gem, Dalton and the baby would go with Max's group. It made it a little larger, but once they had Sketchy and OC returned to their homes, it would just be the five again, not counting the baby. Alec shook his head, 'the baby.' Gem barely had time to get used to holding her, let alone give her a name. So until that time, she was 'the baby.' Turning his attention back to Dalton, Alec gave him his last minute instructions.
"Your job is to watch Gem's back. No matter what, you stay close to her and the baby. She needs to be able to function as a soldier. With your added protection, she'll be less distracted by the baby. Understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Don't call me…never mind. Get going."
Dalton hesitated.
"Whaddya doing?"
"Sir…I feel like…I feel…"
"What?" Alec watched as Dalton moved toward him, hesitantly. Dalton looked around him and then threw himself at Alec, hugging him. This was very unManticore like behavior. Slowly Alec raised his arms around the boy pulling him tighter. Dalton suddenly let go just as quickly, turned and took a position by Gem. He didn't look back. Alec smiled sadly at the odd group in front of him. Biggs looked up as he cocked his pistol and placed it in his holster. Their eyes held for several seconds, then Biggs nodded once. They were ready.
Alec saw that Max was at the entrance of the sewer readying herself to enter. She wouldn't look at him. She'd barely talked to him since she accepted that he was staying behind. He felt his heart sink. But it was probably for the best. He wasn't sure, even at this point, if he could stand to see the look in her eyes again, to see her face for what would probably be the last time. Swallowing hard, he turned away. He didn't want to watch her leave. It hurt too much. He had barely taken two steps when a force pushed him from behind. Stumbling he turned around in anger, ready to strike and stopped dead.
There was Max standing before him, breathing hard, hands tight fisted, her eyes dark and intense. God it hurt, it hurt so bad to look into those eyes. They reached deep into his heart, tearing at it. But he hid behind the soldier's mask and stepped forward angry.
"What are you doing Max? I almost hit you."
She stepped right up to him, never taking her eyes away from his.
"Swear to me…swear you'll be there."
Alec shook his head, "Max…I"
Max shoved him again, "Swear to me! And don't lie to me, Alec! I'll know."
Alec tried to swallow the lump that seemed to want to choke him. How could he swear to something he wasn't sure he could do. He looked past her, saw Logan avert his eyes and look to the ground. Saw Sketchy with is arms around OC hugging her close, OC's face buried in his chest, Joshua stepping back and forth from foot to foot, waiting. They were all waiting to hear his reply. Alec hung his head.
"I can't…I want to, but I can't."
Alec felt her grab his shirt and pull. Her lips were on his, desperate, crushing. His arms came around her pulling her close. 'God, she tasted so good.' To his regret, she pulled away. Her hands coming around his neck, her body trembling. She pressed her lips to his ear.
"Swear to me," she whispered, "Please."
Alec shut his eyes, burying his face in her neck. She pulled away slightly taking his face in her hands. Intense eyes again searching his.
"Alec, please."
Long seconds seem to slip by, Alec swallowed hard. Time seemed to stand still.
"I swear," he whispered. Then grabbing her arms, he shoved her away, the soldier's mask back in place and X5-494 turned and left.
Max stared after him until he was a blur in her watery eyes. Turning she walked back to the sewer entrance ready to enter.
"Let's go people!" she commanded, "This really is for all the marbles."