A/N: First I want to thank the ever wonderful and inspiring Petal for going over this mess and giving me encouragement to continue. To Infie for helping me with some of the action scenes so they flowed better.
AA/N: Below is a profile of some of the characters I created and a quickie (and I mean quickie) recap of what's happened so far. I haven't given these guys first names because….well because. : )
Profile:
Detective Brooks – Clemente's man back at Police headquarters. He reviewed the hoverdrone films of the hostage situation at Jam Pony and was the first to realize that White and his people were not what they seemed.
Colonel Foster – Head of the Delta Force Teams sent in to subdue the Transgenics. There are 4 teams. Colonel Foster would like to see a peaceful resolution and does not view the Transgenics as a threat.
Lieutenant John Gamble – Colonel Foster's Second in Command. Also over the fourth Delta Force team. He's begun to develop a respect for a certain cutie transgenic who took out a shooter without killing him.
Quickie recap: The transgenics have all left TC in different directions via the sewer system and will rendezvous at a designated spot outside of Seattle Washington in the mountains.
Alec, Mole and 7 X-4s have stayed behind to keep the military busy while the rest, especially Max, reach safety. The confrontations begin as three of the Delta Force teams have entered TC and White's tactical team is about to catch up to Max's unit. Oooo…I'm skeered.
Oh! Um…One more thing…TRUST ME!
Chapter 7White had the Phalanx enter the sewer just ahead of where Max and her group were headed. His man had tracked them to the edge of the City, where he figured they would emerge. As badly as he wanted 452, he needed to keep abreast of what was happening at Terminal City. Thula had been given specific instructions to keep 452 alive. He didn't care about the rest. Turning back toward Terminal City, he reminded himself that he had another abomination that needed taken care of. If anything, 494 could be used as leverage against 452. One way or the other he was going to get what he wanted.
~ ~ ~
Logan stood off to the side of Max, watching as she plopped down next to the wall. They'd stopped long enough to allow Gem to feed the baby. He noted Dalton hovering close by, his gun drawn, eyes alert. Biggs was on point guarding them all. Logan smiled to himself as he noticed Joshua sitting not far from Max. He seemed embarrassed when Gem began to feed. He avoided watching, instead stared back the way they'd come. He didn't miss the fact that Max too, kept glancing back in the direction of TC.
Sighing heavily, he sat down next to Max. "Hey, you okay?"
"Well that's a loaded question," Max kept her eyes away from his face, "I feel incredibly overwhelmed right now."
"That's understandable. You didn't pick this life or the position you've been shoved into."
"I'm the one who chose to burn down Manticore. I thought I was doing the right thing."
"Who's to say it was the wrong thing to do? Sandeman made sure that you were going to be a part of all of this no matter what choices you made. You didn't choose to be created. You certainly didn't choose to be the leader, savior, or whatever it is he had in mind. I have confidence you'll do the right thing."
Max smiled at that. "I'm not sure if you should put faith in that." Her eyes once again looking back the way they came.
"He'll be okay, you know."
"You don't know that."
"Yes I do. Alec is like a bad penny that keeps turning back up."
Max turned back toward Logan, a frown on her face. "You know, not long ago I would have agreed with you and said worse." She lowered her head, "I have said worse…He's not bad Logan. I just refused to see who he is. The kind of man he is inside. He's not the self-centered, pain in the ass, greedy, always in trouble, bane of my existence, guy I thought he was. Well maybe at first," she smiled.
"Alec had a definite 'Lookout for number one' attitude, but I have to admit that he's not shown that side of himself for a while now."
"Self-preservation."
"What?"
Max repeated herself, "The 'look out for number one' attitude. It was self-preservation. It kept him alive at Manticore. I can only imagine what they did to him there. Alec told me once that I didn't know what hard was. That it got a whole lot worse after the escape. You did what you had to do. Then you tried to forget. And when you couldn't forget, they had ways of making you not care. I knew what Manticore was capable of. I just didn't want to accept responsibility for the repercussions. He lived it and still I treated him like something less than dirt."
"You didn't know, Max."
"But I did know, Logan. I denied it, even after he told me. Now all I want to do is be able to take back what I did and said to him," Max sighed, "But now I can't and I may not get the chance to make it up to him."
Logan knew then what he'd been denying to himself. That Max was in love with Alec. He'd hoped that once they found the cure their relationship would return to what it was. Wishful thinking on his part and that's all it ever would be. He leaned forward putting his face in his hands. As much as he wanted Max, he hated that she was this miserable. And no matter what he did, he knew there was only one thing that would make her happy, if Alec made it back to her.
"Logan," Max whispered, "I need to be honest with you,"
He sat up and looked at her intently, his stomach in knots.
Max turned to him, careful not to get too close, yet wanting him to know she still cared.
"That night you saw Alec at my apartment, he had been there all night, but not for the reason I let you believe. He was there because he needed a place to lay low. We'd just escaped from the Police Station. He'd been arrested for Ben's murders. I went to your man to have papers forged for him, proof he wasn't Ben and that he was out of the country at the time."
Max stood up and stepped away from Logan before she continued.
"We were up all night…talking. It was honestly the first time that I could look at Alec and not see Ben. I told him things that night no one else knows. I don't know how to describe it. It just felt right, comfortable."
Turning to look at him, "He never once made fun of me or said anything sarcastic. He was understanding and compassionate. I saw him completely different after that night. Everything changed. I realized that he wasn't the reason for all my problems."
"So what is he to you now?"
Max stared at Logan for what seemed to him, an eternity. "All I know, is I wish now that what I let you believe was true. I've been ignoring my feelings. Logan, I'm sorry, I can't go back to what we had. I have to go forward with what might be. I just hope I get the chance."
Logan stood up and started to walk away. He couldn't bring himself to look at her. Pausing he looked over his shoulder at her.
"I'll always love you Max. I can't help that, but I can accept whatever you do…in time."
Max started to walk toward him and stopped. Her vision blurred and she looked away, her eyebrows in a frown.
"What Max? What is it?"
A determined look on her face, Max turned and moved forward quickly toward Gem, and the others.
"They're here, ahead of us. We have to go."
~ ~ ~
From Alec's vantage point, he observed Delta Force coming in from three sides. As hoped they were unable to move forward together. Some were just a foot or two behind their teams. Those were his targets. Mole and his team were just below his position and began to heat things up. Alec couldn't help but smile with pride at the confusion they were causing. Mole's team of six was moving from position to position so fast that the Special Forces teams, he knew, believed there were many more. It would be interesting to hear what they were saying once he acquired some of their equipment. They only had three com links between them and Alec felt Mole's team needed all of them for him to maintain control. But that would soon be changed, leaving them with plenty of equipment.
~ ~ ~
"Three, you need to move your ass, you're getting behind."
"I'm on the move."
"Four, give him cover fire."
Mole chanced a quick glance up to where he knew Alec was waiting. Alec had moved forward slightly allowing him to see the smile that was on his face. Mole nodded in acknowledgement, chewing on the cigar in his mouth. He couldn't help the smile that broke out on his face, then shook his head. Alec had handed him the cigar just before they parted. A Cuban cigar. Man it was good. He had no idea how Alec had acquired it or what it had taken for him to get one, but he did. He knew he couldn't have gotten it after the Jam Pony incident and it made Mole wonder about the man. Had it been his intent to give it to him all the time. Or, more than likely, trade it with him for something. That didn't matter to Mole right now. All he knew was that Alec had slapped him on the shoulder, shook his hand and left in a blur with no words. Mole had looked down to his hand with a frown and found the cigar there. Raising his gun, Mole took a few well placed shots and moved toward their goal.
~ ~ ~
"They've progressed fairly deep into Terminal City, Sir, right about here," Gamble reported, "Intel indicates that this is their headquarters. They've intensified their fight, Team two's leader believes they're protecting that position."
"What does that mean, Colonel?" Clemente inquired.
"They're clearing out of that area. The soldiers are allowing them the time needed to retreat."
"But why retreat? You said it yourself, that your men are really no match for the X-5's."
"I think they're retreating to avoid fatalities. But at some point they're going to be left without a choice. It's at that point I'm hoping to put them in a position to negotiate. There's no way we can force them to be subdued, but if I can get them to surrender and cooperate then it'll better their chances."
"Their chances for what? The political air so far is for them to be wiped out or put away. People view them as some kind of monster or threat. It's what they've been shown to be by the media. What's the military going to do with them?"
"They're soldiers. It's what they were created to be. Their intention is to allow them to integrate themselves back into the military."
"Well that's all well and good for the X5s, but what about the others. I was there Colonel. The majority of people in that City were not X5's. They have been living there for the better part of a year, yet we didn't really know about their existence until now. It seems to me that all they want is to live their lives in peace. What are you going to do with them?"
The Colonel didn't answer Clemente. Instead he averted his eyes.
"Well," Clemente continued, "That tells me that you're either going to get rid of them or put them back in what? Cages?" Clemente paused in thought. "If they're the animals we've been made to believe they are, then why haven't they acted like them before now? Why haven't I seen them wrecking havoc in my City?"
"Believe me, Lieutenant, it's not what I want and if I can get what I need from this mission, it'll go a long way to convincing my superiors to do something else. My main concern is to accomplish that with as few fatalities as I can."
Clemente considered the Colonel's words. Should he trust him with the information he and Brooks gathered. No, he needed to wait a little longer to see if what the Colonel was telling him played out.
"They're on the move again," Gamble announced. The Colonel grabbed a com link and handed it to Clemente.
"I shouldn't be doing this, but you're just as involved as we are now. You can listen, but that's all, understand?"
Clemente nodded, as he grabbed the com and was about to put it on when his phone rang.
~ ~ ~
Cooper watched from a distance, as White's team entered the sewers and White left. There had to be a reason for this. Moving forward he made his way to the sewers with his team. Bending down he listened as the tactical team moved.
"They're headed in that direction. Hamilton I want you and Thomas to enter here and follow them. I'll take my men and move ahead of them. The Lieutenant wanted us to keep tabs on them and figure out what they're up to. Be careful not to make your presence known, but be ready to act. I don't trust these guys as far as I can throw them."
"No problem, sir," Hamilton replied.
Cooper stood and headed back to their van. Flipping open his phone he reported in to Clemente.
"Sir, White met up with his tactical team and entered the sewers at Port St. and Main. White did not enter with them. It's my belief that they are following a group of Transgenics."
"Look, Cooper, keep abreast of what they're up to. Understand it when I tell you they are not to be trusted. If they engage the Transgenics, you are to stay out of it."
"Sir, I thought we were to apprehend all of them and…"
"Cooper, things are getting hot and heavy down here. I need to know I can count on you to do what you're told."
"Sir, I can do what I'm told. Your asking me to go into this blind and I need more then that. Can you trust me to make certain judgment calls if necessary?" There was a long pause, as Cooper waited for a reply. He knew he was asking Clemente to give him more, but his gut told him he was going to need that leeway.
Clemente sighed, "Yes, I trust you. Keep me informed."
"Yes sir."
"And Cooper?" Clemente paused.
"Sir."
"I'm not sure who the real enemy is here."
Flipping is phone closed, Cooper took to heart his superiors warning. His own feelings of distrust confirmed by the Lieutenant.
~ ~ ~
Max had moved her unit as quickly as possible in the opposite direction of the Familiars. They would take their chances on the surface. It was too cramped in the sewers for them to protect themselves the way they needed to. Hopefully they could leave the City without incident. Max wasn't foolish enough to believe that, but she could hope.
Max was on point this time and climbed cautiously up the ladder rungs. She paused listening intently for any indication of someone being there. Hearing nothing she slowly raised the manhole cover and moved up and out to get a better scan of the area. They had chosen to surface in an alley not far from the edge of town. She signaled Biggs to send the rest up. Reaching down she grabbed Dalton's hand and gave him a lift up, then left Dalton to help the others as she moved to secure their position.
Once Dalton helped Gem up, he took a position to the right, glancing around them for any danger. He stepped away as Joshua with the baby, now strapped to his back, surfaced himself. Max and Biggs had both agreed that the baby was safest with Joshua, due to his superior strength to the Familiars.
Below their escape route, Biggs moved toward Logan as he began to ascend, readying himself to do the same when a sound reached his ears. He blurred forward and physically shoved Logan up and out of the sewer. Dropping to the ground he turned and fired in the direction of the sound. The Familiars moved back out of the line of fire. Without looking up, Biggs hollered.
"Go, I'll hold them off!"
Logan felt himself propelled upward and found himself literally hanging in the air flailing his arms. Gem reached out and grabbed him away from the manhole before he fell back down. While dragging him back, Dalton threw the cover on the hole.
"What are you doing? Biggs is still down there!" Logan yelled in shock.
Gem helped him stand and kept her hand on his arm jerking him back as he tried to move back toward the manhole cover.
"He's doing his job. Come on."
"No, we have to get him out," Logan replied trying one more time to get to the cover. This time it was Max who stopped him with her words.
"Let's go Logan," she commanded, "He'll catch up."
"He can't stop them by himself."
"He knows that. We need to move."
"But Max…"
"We don't have time for this Logan. They're after me. When they realize I've gone, they'll retreat and come to the surface."
Max watched his eyes intently as they changed from confusion and shock to understanding.
"You have to trust that we know what we're doing Logan."
He nodded, "I trust you. Let's go." Unable to help himself, Logan once more glanced at the manhole as they moved out.
~ ~ ~
Otto approached White as his car pulled up. White's eyes were intent on Terminal City.
"What's happening?" White asked.
"The Colonel sent in three teams. They're going to attempt to corner them on the south side. I can hear gunfire. So far no injuries or fatalities."
White turned to Otto at hearing those words. "Otto, I want you to assemble all our men and move to the south side of Terminal City. I'll join you shortly."
"Sir, what's going on?"
"There not there anymore. This is a diversion. Something to keep the military busy while 452 escapes."
"Sir, intel indicates that they're still there."
"452 was spotted. She's not in there. I already have my tactical team tracking her." Looking again back toward TC White continued, "I believe 494 is heading up this little diversion. I intend to be there when he surfaces. Neither one of them will get away this time. Go on. Get out of here. Take the men to the South side. I'll report to the Colonel and then meet you there."
"He might want to send a team with us."
"Otto, I'll deal with the Colonel."
"Yes Sir."
White exited his car and went over to the Command Post. The Colonel looked up at him as he entered. Clemente as well, his eyes narrowing. White noted this and smiled. The man couldn't stand him and he couldn't be more pleased. Soon that thorn in his side would be a thing of the past along with all other humans.
~ ~ ~
The Familiars tried several times to move forward. Each time they came into the open, Biggs' covering fire repelled them. They rushed him again, and this time his precise aim managed to wound three of them. He could hear them begin to pull back further. Leaning back against the wall, he listened carefully for anything that would signal their next move. The sound that met his ears froze his heart; a click and snap. Biggs moved, but not fast enough to completely escape the grenade's explosion. The force propelled him forward and up into the air. He tucked and tried to roll as he hit the ground with a thump, hearing a sickening snap as his shoulder struck the ground. He dropped the gun. Panting, he quickly tried to reach for his gun with his good hand, but snatched it back when shots smacked into the ground inches away. Pushing himself to his feet, he ran in the opposite direction. Several shots whizzed by his head, one nicking his shoulder as he ran several steps up and along the wall, finally pushing off and flipping in the air. As his feet hit the ground he rolled, reaching for the gun strapped to his ankle and firing off four rounds rapidly. He succeeded in wounding another familiar and pushing the others back. He stood leaning back against the wall, panting. He glanced at the manhole just ahead. Taking a few more shots to cover his escape, he blurred up and out of the sewer.
He found himself in an alley parallel to the one where Max and the others had exited. Cradling his useless arm, he carefully made his way down the alley, entered a recessed doorway and waited. Nothing. They hadn't followed him. He was not the one they wanted. He gingerly felt the bones of his shoulder. Dislocated, not broken. He glanced around quickly before closing his eyes in concentration. Counting to three, he took a deep breath just before slamming his shoulder into the doorjamb, forcing it to return to its socket with an audible pop. A barely contained scream threatened to escape him as the pain brought him to his knees, his breathing labored. After a moment he was able to bring his breathing under control. Standing once again, he removed his pack and retrieved some bandages. He didn't have much time. No doubt the explosion would bring Sector Police to the area, but it wouldn't do anyone any good to let himself get weak from blood loss. Luckily, the bullet had just grazed his shoulder, and the bleeding was already minimal. He needed to get back to his unit, to Max. He'd given his word to Alec and he intended to live up to it. He finished wrapping the shoulder, and repacked his kit. He looked out to see if the alley was clear, then blurred to the edge of the street. Putting his gun inside his jacket, Biggs stepped out onto the sidewalk, heading in the direction Max would have taken their friends.
~ ~ ~
Alec slipped out onto the ledge of the window and readied himself. As a Special Ops soldier moved into position below him, he dropped silently behind him, landing with catlike grace. A wide smile crossed his face as he tapped on the man's shoulder. When he turned, Alec's hand blurred forward, delivering a wicked right cross and grabbing the front of his flack jacket. Holding him upright, Alec relieved him of his rifle, quickly slinging it over his shoulder. He lifted him into a fireman's carry and headed silently back to a designated building, which had the explosives planted just beyond. Upon arriving he noted that Seven was already relieving his captive of…his shoes.
"You think those are big enough?" Alec asked, laughing as he spoke.
"Looks about right. I figure to get two or three pairs. One of 'ems got to be close."
Seven had obvious cat DNA in his mix. Judging from the size of his incisors when he smiled, it was a large cat. It made him faster than some of the other X4s, which worked to their advantage.
Alec dropped his man unceremoniously to the ground beside his teammate. He grimaced slightly at the burning pain that radiated down his arm and side. Closing his eyes momentarily, he rotated his arm around in an effort to get rid of some of the stiffness that seemed to have settled in. When he opened his eyes, Seven was watching him closely, obvious concern on his face. Unable to accept that anyone would show they care, Alec did what he did best, shrugged it off and went on.
"Take all you can carry and bring it to the others. Keep one of the coms for yourself and change the frequency to match. Let Mole know you're coming. Then meet me back here, I'll have two or three more ready for you," Alec ordered.
"I could probably take one out on my journey back."
"If the opportunity allows, that's fine. I don't want you taking unnecessary chances."
"Yes, Sir…You want me to take this shirt?"
He glanced over at the soldier on the ground by Seven, then back at his own acquisition. Reaching down Alec confiscated a handgun from its holster, a knife and grabbed the soldier's com. Heading back out, he glanced briefly over his shoulder at Seven.
"Nah, I want to fill Mole's shopping list myself. Besides neither one of those guys is big enough."
Alec put the com link around his neck and slipped the ear piece in listening for any indication that they knew two men were down. He needed to move quickly knowing that time was running out.
~ ~ ~
White left Command Post after making some excuse to the Colonel about still having a responsibility to the City of Seattle. His men would help patrol the area for any Transgenics that were still outside Terminal City.
His inclination was to head back over to join his tactical team, but he fought that urge knowing that he needed to also be sure that her protector was dealt with as well. All his years growing up, White had denied the words that his father spewed. But he could no longer deny the coincidences with regard to 452. He never believed the prophecies, but he knew his father well enough to know that he had used his knowledge to create the cure. Along with that cure, he created a protector. He wanted nothing and no one to interfere with his finding out where his son was. So 494 had to be dealt with. If he couldn't use him, then he had to die.
~ ~ ~
Getting out of Seattle had never really been a problem for anyone. It was coming into the City that the Sector Police posed a problem. National Guards were posted at each check point along with the police, but they had no idea how futile that effort was. They had failed to realize just how gifted Transgenics were. So Max had ushered her unit into the woods after clearing the barbed wire fence with little effort, far from the eyes of the National Guard. Even Logan cleared the fence with ease due to transgenic blood enhancing his exoskeleton.
Max knew they needed to get more distance from the City. A confrontation with the Familiars was unavoidable. She just hoped that Biggs had made it out intact and would be here soon. The thought of leaving him behind had sickened her, but she knew it was necessary. She hated everything that reminded her of Manticore, but knew that the training they'd received would make the difference. Her mind wandered back to her last sight of Alec. She remembered with an ache in her heart, at his transformation from the smart aleck she'd come to care so much about, to the soldier she'd left behind. That's who she knew she needed to be now. No thoughts of Alec. No thoughts of Bigg's. Her mind needed to be here with her Unit.
~ ~ ~
Alec moved forward with complete stealth. Two soldiers, just ahead of him, would be separated from their team for approximately 10 seconds once they reached the edge of the street. He needed to move on both of them at the same time, if he was going to be successful and not alert the others. The chance to move came and he blurred forward. Grabbing the one on the left by the collar, Alec swung him around and disoriented him for the split second he needed to grab the other one. Pulling hard, he jerked the second man back and slammed him into the first. Alec winced at the sound of a bone crunching. The first man was unconscious, so Alec let go and he dropped to the ground. The second clutched his arm and began to groan. Jerking him back against his chest, Alec retrieved the soldier's pistol and held it under the man's jaw.
"Shhh…no noise," his voice was cold.
He watched as the soldier bit his lip in an effort to stifle the pain.
"Don't move."
Letting go of the man's collar, Alec grabbed the com link from around his neck, relieved him of his rifle, then nudged him forward. He needed to move fast. It would be wishful thinking on his part for the Team not to notice that their men didn't come around the corner. Sure enough, as the thought came to his mind, Alec could hear the Team Leader trying to get an acknowledgement from his men. Alec never took his eyes off the soldier in front of him as he reached down in a blur, removed the unconscious man's rifle, popped the clip and flung the rifle in his captive's direction. Catching the gun automatically, the soldier's eyes widened in disbelief. Alec couldn't help the cocky smile that broke his lips.
"We're going that way, now," his smile grew menacing.
"What about my teammate?"
"No questions. Move…Now."
Once the soldier started moving, Alec reached down, snatching the unconscious man by the front of his flack jacket and pulling him to a standing position. Crouching, he let the man fall over his shoulder and stood up, suppressing his own groan at the as pain radiated down the left side of his body. The soldier ahead had turned slightly and was watching him intently.
"Go," Alec rasped. Gaining control of his breathing he followed.
~ ~ ~
Max couldn't believe that uberbitch would make the same mistake again. Either she was just that stupid or over confident. Max opted for stupid as she watched them approach their position. Max and her unit would have the element of surprise once again.
From what she could see, Bigg's was successful in stopping some of Thula's team. Even so, there were seven of them and they were one man short. She glanced over at Gem signaling her to be ready and while prepared to fight, knew that she had little time to recuperate from giving birth. Dalton, too young to go one on one with White's people, but together with Gem, just might do it. Alec had been right to team them together, he knew Gem would need that added support, if not protection. Turning her head she signaled Logan to be prepared. He stood, gun ready, knowing from past experience to shoot for the extremities. She knew he would not waste his precious supply of bullets again. Lastly was Joshua hiding, as best as the big fella could, behind some shrubs. Max knew Joshua's strength would probably be the deciding factor, but Max wanted him to worry more about keeping the baby safe, then any of them.
They were here.
Max and her unit moved to meet their enemy head on, using the forest for cover. Max stepped out from behind a tree and came face to face with Thula. Her right leg came up and out in a perfect roundhouse kick, knocking the other woman to the ground. As she tried to get up, Max grabbed the front of her flack jacket.
"Hi Bitch! Ready for another ass kicking?"
With a grunt of effort, Max swung Thula off the ground and threw her into the tree behind her. Max was angry. Angrier then she had ever been before. Because of this bitch and her people, Max was in danger of losing everything that she loved. She'd already lost her home and had to leave behind her friends. And Alec, she didn't even want to begin to think about what it felt like to leave him behind. Not knowing if he would return to her. Not being able to tell him how she felt. So she expressed her rage with every kick and punch she delivered. The bitch barely had time to react before she found herself sprawled on the ground again. Max punched her in the face and heard an audible crack of bone as Thula's nose broke. She waited patiently as the bitch brought herself to a standing position and took a fighting stance. With a feral smile on her lips, Max backhanded her in the face, sending a splatter of blood flying from her gushing nose, then spun and followed through with a kick to the chest that sent Thula flying once again. For the first time since they'd fought, Max saw uncertainly in the woman's face. If that's what you called her. The overconfidence that had been there at Jam Pony was now gone. Oh, Thula got a few good ones in here and there, but in the end she could do nothing to stop the force that was 452.
~ ~ ~
Alec dropped his burden with a grunt. His attention never left the other man.
"Drop the rifle, sit and don't move," Alec pointed to a spot about 5 feet from the other soldiers. Grabbing his com link he changed the frequency and contacted Mole.
"Two this is One."
"Well, well, it's about time. Having fun?"
"Oh yeah, life is good. Report."
"We're four blocks from our goal. No fatalities. All accounted for. Oh and Three says, thanks for the boots."
"It wasn't me. Seven was already stripping his man of boots when I walked in."
"Yeah, but it was your guy's boots that fit."
Alec shook his head and laughed.
"In case you weren't aware, you've been found out. The teams are scrambling a bit and they've intensified their efforts. We're going to need your cover soon, One."
"I'm aware. Has Seven headed back?"
"Yeah, I ordered him to head straight back, since things were heating up."
"Good, I'll be home soon, honey."
"Sorry piece of…"
Alec deactivated his com before Mole could finish his sentence. Pulling his chain was almost as much fun as pulling Max's.
The Special Ops soldier watched and listened intently. If and when the opportunity to escape arose…just maybe he could return with some good intel. It was obvious that what they had gathered and reality were two different things. He shook his head at what he heard.
"Freak," he said under his breath.
Unexpectedly he found his air cut off, a vise around his throat. Trying to remove the hand proved futile. He knew the transgenic was hurt, so he kicked out. He made contact and heard a grunt, but instead of a sudden release of pressure on his neck, he now found himself raised up in the air, legs dangling.
"You bet your ass I am. Don't forget it while your sitting here thinking about escape."
He hit the floor in a heap, gasping for air and clutching at his broken arm. Gathering his resolve, he pushed himself into a sitting position looking up into the face of the Fre…Transgenic. For the first time since being a part of Delta Force, he felt fear. Cold calculating eyes stared back at him. No remorse. No compassion. There was nothing in their depths. Yet this…soldier had expressed cockiness only a moment ago. He almost sounded human.
Another sound penetrated his consciousness and he froze. Something was behind him emitting a deep ongoing growl. The sensation of hot breath against the back of his neck caused the small hairs to stand on end. He refused to accept what his mind conveyed. Common sense told him to remain still, but the desire to know was overwhelming, forcing his head to slowly turn. His breath hitched at the sight of…he wasn't sure what it was. He only knew that no amount of training had prepared him for this. It moved closer and his body betrayed him as it began to tremble. Next to it was the body of another Special Forces soldier, unconscious with blood flowing from his nose and mouth. Swallowing hard he realized for the first time in his life what it was to be the prey.
"Seven," Alec's voice commanded.
Seven moved in slightly and sniffed. "I'm hungry." The man flinched, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Seven, here. Now."
Seven hesitated, then remaining low to the ground, moved on all fours to Alec's side. His eyes never left the man, as he settled and leaned in slightly against Alec's leg.
Without thought, Alec reached down and stroked Seven's head as he spoke, "You know, he's always hungry. I can't seem to feed him enough. I can barely control him. It's really getting to be a problem."
Seven let out what could only be described as a half growling…snort. Alec leaned down. "Have you ever seen a man's eyes bug out that far before. I didn't think it was physically possible."
"I'm still hungry."
"Oh wait…I think I have a snickers in my pack."
"I love snickers."
"Here you go buddy."
"Thanks." Ignoring the man now, Seven stood upright and peeled the wrapper back. Popping the candy in his mouth he walked over to the second man Alec had obviously dumped and began relieving him of his gear.
"Strip off his whole outfit. I'm changing out of this piece of crap uniform. It stinks of White's people," Alec ordered.
"Yes sir."
Alec turned his attention back to the soldier at hand and noted, with pleasure, how their words and actions had affected him. With an unexpected sense of relief, the man had fallen on his back, eyes closed, clutching the front of his jacket. Alec could hear the rapid beat of his heart.
"You have a name?"
"Peterson," he rasped, "Corporal Frank…"
"I don't need rank or serial number."
Looking him over a bit, Alec decided it would work.
"Yeah, I think yours is about right. Take off your jacket and your T-shirt."
"My…my T-shirt?" He asked incredulously.
"You heard me Peterson. Take it off."
With that Corporal Peterson sat up slowly. Groaning he began to remove his gear hindered somewhat by his broken arm. He chanced a quick glance at the Cat thing that was stripping his teammate. It seemed to realize this and slowly turned it's head. Peterson swallowed hard at the site of the macabre grin and the low growl that emanated from it. Averting his eyes, he continued in his painful task.
Alec turned away, hiding the grimace that crossed his face. Clutching his side he walked to an old bench and plopped down. He'd taken a pretty good hit and could feel the warm sticky substance spread. Leaning his head back against the wall, he closed his eyes in concentration. Exhaustion was trying to creep its way in and he needed to push it back. He took in a deep breath, expelling it slowly. As control returned he opened his eyes, righting himself. Narrowing his eyes, he watched Peterson awkwardly remove his T-shirt. Alec sighed, his hand rose once again activating his com link and changed frequencies. It was time to talk.
~ ~ ~
It had taken a full clip of ammunition to stop the Familiar coming at him. So much for conserving ammunition. Stepping from around the tree, Logan moved forward to make sure he stayed down. Instead he found himself being hurled unceremoniously through the air. He'd been flanked by another one of White's team. 'Stupid' was the word that entered his mind, as air was forced from his lungs on impact. His vision clouded momentarily, but when it cleared what he saw made him cringe. Logan tried desperately to get up before the Familiar reached him. If he could stand up, he could use his legs for defense. No such luck, as Logan once again went airborne. He felt some ribs give from the shock of hitting the very tree he'd hidden behind. This time he scrambled faster to a standing position, but not fast enough before he found himself on the ground being pounded. You know how they say your life flashes before your eyes when death is eminent? It's a lie. Fate, he decided, could be a real bitch sometimes. Darkness began to invade the edges of his vision and Logan was convinced this was it, when the force of the blows suddenly stopped. Gone too, was the Familiar that was…well killing him. Instead, as his vision began to return to normal, he was able to focus on the face of…
"Biggs?"
"Surprise! I'm back."
"Thank God," Logan said with a releasing breath.
Pulling Logan to a standing position, Biggs held both his arms until he seemed steady.
"Are you alright, Loggie?"
"Yeah, I'll make it. Just ah…leave me here leaning against the tree a minute."
"Fine by me. Oh, and just for the record, he was so kicking your ass."
Logan stared at him with a dazed expression. "I deserved that."
"Yes, you did."
With that Biggs turned away from Logan just in time to block a blow meant for his head. He'd listened to Logan tell his story about saving Alec one too many times, and while Alec seemed willing to let it roll off him, Biggs would not. This kind of revenge couldn't have been sweeter as he pummeled the Familiar in front of him. Oh and he'd be sure to tell everyone how he saved Logan from certain death. Smiling Biggs blocked a futile effort by the Familiar to grab him. Using the momentum, Biggs flipped the guy around, grabbing his head and neck. With a quick twist he ended the fight permanently.
~ ~ ~
Cooper and his men moved up carefully. The report he'd received from his men in the sewers, caused him to proceed with more caution and take a position just south of the fray. They were located approximately 2 miles from the road, deep in the woods. He'd issued an order to his men to hold their fire.
Clemente's words that White's people were not to be trusted, circled his mind as he watched the events unfold before him. The NSA had the same orders as the Sector Police, to apprehend, not kill, any transgenics. Yet from what he could see, they'd obviously ignored their orders. More disturbing was the fact that some of White's team had been wounded. Oh it wasn't the getting wounded that disturbed him, it was the fact that they seemed to be oblivious to it. So instead of moving in on the situation, he watched to see how it would play out.
~ ~ ~
Gem and Dalton fought together as one. Even so, they were losing ground. Blocking more than hitting, Gem found herself once again sprawled on the ground. She was tiring. The Familiar was relentless in his attack. Before she could respond, the giant's hands were around her neck. She could see Dalton trying desperately to free her. Thoughts of never having given her baby a name filled her with regret, as oblivion seemed to descend.
During their fight, Dalton had put himself in between them in an effort to protect her several times, only to be shoved aside like a rag doll. Now he found himself on the Phalanx's back, arm around his neck squeezing tight, hoping to cut off his air and knock him out. Tears fell from his eyes as he realized that he could not stop what was happening. The look on Gem's face as her eyes caught his tore at his very being. At that moment in time he made a decision. It meant going against orders, but he had no choice. Max had ordered him not to use his gun. It was important that no transgenic kill anyone, but Alec had told him to protect Gem. Watch her back. Without hesitation he pulled his gun and fired.
With the pressure around her neck suddenly gone, Gem gasped several times drawing in the precious air her body desperately graved. She felt Dalton's hands as they touched her face and moved to gently rub her neck. Her senses began to clear and she opened her eyes to the worried face of her brother. Reaching up she pulled him down to her, the need to feel him close dictating her actions.
Joshua had dispatched two of White's people with little effort. Quickly moved to where Dalton and Gem were and helped her to a sitting position.
"Gem okay?"
"Yes," Gem replied. Running her hand through Dalton's hair, she conveyed her thanks, "I'm more than okay."
"No more fighting. All done now."
"We did it?" Dalton asked, as he looked at the scene around them. At hearing Max, Biggs and Logan holler, Dalton stood facing them and did the same.
"Clear!"
They'd won. They'd defeated White's people again. Dalton stood at attention, though, keeping his eyes forward as Max walked up to him. He knew he'd disobeyed an order and was ready to take whatever punishment she gave him. It didn't matter. Should the same situation arise, the outcome would be the same…but the reprimand didn't come. Instead he felt a hand squeeze his shoulder.
"At ease, soldier."
Dalton visibly relaxed and looked at his leader. Frowning in confusion at the big smile on her face.
"You did good, Dalton."
"Thank you, sir." Max raised her eyebrows and tilted her head slightly, waiting.
"Um…I mean, Max," Dalton corrected.
"Why don't you help Biggs tie up…"
"FREEZE! Everybody stand fast!"
~ ~ ~
"Colonel, I know your listening. We need to talk."
Foster looked around from Gamble to Clemente. Nodding his head toward the computer, Gamble sat down in front of it.
"State your designation."
"X5-494."
Gamble quickly imput the designation number and pulled up the record of X5-494. Foster leaned over his shoulder and quickly scanned the information.
"Colonel, I don't have time for you to read every detail of my life. If you're interested in finding your men alive, I suggest you respond quickly."
Foster stood straight up. His quick scan of the information told him what he needed to know. He was dealing with one of the best of the X5 series. One whose training went beyond that of any soldier on his teams. He was fully capable of carrying out any threat with no remorse. However, Foster decided to take a chance.
"I think my men are pretty safe, 494."
"Keep in mind Colonel that while all my kills were under orders, I will do whatever's necessary to protect my own."
"Understood."
"You need to call off your boys."
"I can't do that. I have my orders."
"I know all about your orders to apprehend and hold all Transgenics in Terminal City."
"If you surrender, I can guarantee your safety."
"You don't have the power to protect us and I'm quite certain that is not what your superiors have on their agenda."
"Our concern is to reach a peaceful solution. Return you to a safe environment."
"To the safety of Manticore"?
"Possibly."
"Yeah, that was real safe. I remember how safe I was in isolation. Nothing could harm me once I was there. Gave me plenty of time to heal after re-indoctrination. Let's see why was I put there? Oh yeah, I disobeyed orders and refused to kill innocent people. No thanks. I'm safer right here, right now."
Foster looked to Gamble who had continued to read the reports on 494. The look of shame in his eyes confirmed what 494 had said. Foster sighed as he scrubbed a hand across his face. 494 was right, he had no leg to stand on. No real way to protect them, at least not yet.
Colonel, I don't have time for this right now. You have your orders and I'll respect that. But understand that the lives of your men depend on what you do next. We are not the enemy. The real enemy is out there with you and you need to focus on that
"Who do you say is my enemy, 494?"
"Ask Special Agent White, Sir."
"White is a Federal agent working in conjunction with the military. I need more than you just telling me he's the enemy."
"You'll have to figure it out for yourself. Just remember it wasn't us who drew first blood."
"If you and your people surrender, then we can prevent any further bloodshed."
There was no answer.
"494 reply."
Still no answer. He was gone. With a deep sigh he returned to look at 494's record and see if there was something there he could use to bring about a peaceful solution.
"Sir, permission to speak freely," Gamble inquired.
"Permission granted."
"I think he's right, sir. I don't trust White, he's done his best to escalate this situation and hinder our progress."
"Without proof I can't change anything. Order the teams to proceed."
"Yes Sir."
"If you know something's wrong, why would you continue?" Clemente questioned. He'd remained silent long enough and couldn't believe the Colonel would just ignore everything and not stop his men.
"It's not that simple, Lieutenant. To countermand my orders I need more than the word of a transgenic who's viewed as a monster by the community. I have no choice, but to move forward with my orders."
Clemente's hand once again went to his pocket. He looked down and away from the Colonel as he caressed the disc. He was torn between trusting the Colonel and believing the threat from the Transgenics was real. Sitting down he leaned against the table and slowly removed his hand from his pocket. Cooper had yet to report in to him and until he did, what he knew would remain with him and Brooks. He listened as Gamble issued the Colonel's orders.
~ ~ ~
Alec quickly moved from roof to roof back toward Mole's position. The next leg of their plan involved him protecting his men's retreat into the sewers. At the same time he would set off the strategically placed charges, forcing Delta Force to move in the direction he wanted. The explosions would also serve as a distraction to allow Seven to make it back through the line of soldiers. Alec moved out onto a fire escape just above a group of five soldiers. They were doing a sweep back in the direction they'd come in an effort to find their missing teammates.
"Seven are you ready?"
"I'm ready, sir."
"Here we go."
Taking careful aim Alec fired four rounds to gain their attention. It worked. Alec moved quickly back up the fire escape as several shots pinged around him. As he jumped over and onto the roof he set off the first two charges. The explosives were enough to cause confusion and the soldiers to scatter in an effort to take cover. Alec ran the length of the roof never stopping. Reaching the edge he dove across an alley to the next building, arms stretched out above his head, hands fisted. He tucked his head just before crashing through a window. Never stopping his momentum, he landed with a grunt and rolled to a standing position. Shards of glass pricked his face and hands, but he ignored it and continued to the other end of the building. A quick glance out a window told him Seven was beyond the teams and safe. Pain in his arm and side increased with his movements. He felt hot and could feel the rivulets of sweat run down his face. He was probably running a fever. There had been no time to properly treat his wounds and infection had probably to set in. Transgenic blood or not, without rest his body could not heal the way it needed to and the danger of succumbing was very real. Using his sleeve he wiped the salty substance from his eyes and slipped out the window.
"Two, I'm going high again. I should be in position in one minute."
"Copy that, One…You heard the man boys. It's time to run."
Alec listened to all the acknowledgements as he climbed up the side of the building using a drainpipe. His objective was a turret at the southeast corner of the building that afforded him a good view of the main street and alley. As he reached the roof he set off the last of the charges planted earlier that evening.
The turret was small, but was the only area high up that also gave him some cover as he looked over the scene below. Delta Force would be unable to enter the area without him seeing it. The firefight between Mole and Delta Force intensified as Alec readied himself and took aim. Firing rapidly he pushed the soldiers away from the alley. Alec could hear Mole as he issued orders for the first of the X-4s to enter the sewer system. Suddenly a shot whizzed by his head smacking into the stone window. Ducking back against the wall Alec waited 5 seconds and then whipped his head around to get a look at the building across the street. Another shot narrowly missed him.
"Two they've moved someone high up. I need you to spot him for me."
"Crap, I still have three guys out there"
"Okay we'll do this fast. I'm going to move…now!" Alec blurred up and out of the turret running along the edge of the roof. Several shots were fired hitting the turret, but too late to catch him.
"Got him."
Turning, Alec zig zagged back toward his original position. The shooter was getting smarter as a few well placed shots smacked into the entry of the turret. Dust and stone showered down on Alec as he dove and rolled, smacking his back against the wall with a grunt. With his breath coming in deep pulls, Alec felt a sense of euphoria. The adrenalin doing it's job.
"Report his position."
"He's directly across the street from you to the east approximately 50 ft. Top floor corner window, he's leaning against the right side."
Alec's head lowered and his eyes narrowed in concentration. His position was compromised and he would have to take the shooter out in one shot. So he pictured in his mind what he had seen earlier across the street. It was a five-story business building of some sort. The windows were unusually narrow. They would not afford much room for error. Closing his eyes he put the shooter in the window picturing him leaning against the jam, rifle ready. A smile spread across his face as he opened his eyes, which narrowed in anticipation of what he would do next. He had him. Alec's grip on his rifle increased, his finger already squeezing the trigger as he turned and fired.
~ ~ ~
"Keep your hands in sight, turn around slowly."
Max turned slowly her hands spread wide. She stared unflinchingly at the man behind the voice. Max took a slow step forward.
"By the way, when I said 'freeze,' I meant it."
Max stopped.
"Look," Max continued, "We don't want any trouble. We're not a danger to you."
"I'll be the judge of that."
Max quickly glanced around at the approaching men and their positions. Assessing the situation, she knew they could take them easily, but didn't want it to come to that and just maybe it wouldn't.
"I want the rest of you to lower your weapons and you," speaking directly to Max, "I want you to tell me what they are?" Indicating White's tactical team.
Max nodded to Biggs and Dalton to lower their weapons and then turned back to face the officer.
"My name's Max."
"Cooper, Sgt. James Cooper. Are they Transgenics like you?"
"No, they're not. They're called Familiars. They're part of a cult and the product of breeding through survival of the featest. They're strong and feel no pain and they want all those they consider weak wiped off the face of the earth. They consider you weak and us as an abomination."
Cooper shook his head unbelievingly and let out a short clipped laugh, "I want to say that's crazy, but after what I saw…I can't." Taking what he considered the long shot, Cooper lowered his weapon.
"Lieutenant Clemente doesn't believe you're the enemy," he continued, "Tell me why I should agree with him?"
"Because…" Max blurred forward grabbing his gun and turning it on him. His men barely had time to react before Biggs and Gem subdued them.
Max pierced Cooper with her dark eyes, moving the gun closer to his head. She watched as he visibly swallowed and sweat broke out on his forehead. Then just as suddenly as she had taken over, she let the gun slip around on her hand, offering it back.
"…I could kill you if I chose to. I choose not to."
Cooper hesitated before slowly reaching up to take back possession of the gun and watched incredulously as the other two Transgenics returned his men's guns. Cooper holstered his and signaled his men to keep theirs down.
"I think we have a lot to talk about before I report back to my Lieutenant."
Max smiled and stepped forward with her hand outstretched.
~ ~ ~
Alec pulled back into the safety of the turret after taking out the shooter. He'd been careful not to kill the man, but it would be a while before he could fire a gun, let alone use a rifle. Shots from below began to smack into the turret window from below. Moving swiftly to a parallel window, Alec took aim and peppered the area with rapid fire again pushing the Delta Forces back.
"Two, how are we doing?" Silence lingered. A feeling of dread entered his heart. "Mole?"
"We have one man down…he didn't make it."
"Who?" Alec could hear the sigh that escaped Mole's lips.
"Alec, just get your ass down here. We'll cover you."
"Mole? Who?" he demanded more forcefully, still Mole's hesitation was evident.
"Three…just before he uh…he said to say thanks again for…for the boots. Shit Alec, get down here already."
Like a slow leak, all the adrenalin seemed to try and seep out of him, the sense of loss overwhelming. Slumping against the wall of the turret, his body gave the impression of closing in on itself. He knew the odds of all of them making it out alive were slim, but …they'd been so close.
Anger seeped in to replace the loss of adrenalin and he slowly rose to a standing position. Looking down on the men that made up Delta Force, he raised his rifle once again. It was time to take some out of the action permanently.
"Alec, are you on the move? Alec?"
His face was devoid of all emotion and his eyes darkened as he sited down the barrel of his rifle.
"Alec the last of the X4's have entered the sewer. I need you down here now!"
A feral smile crossed his face as he watched the target make what he knew would be a futile attempt to move forward. He could feel the air move as several shots winged their way by his head.
"Damnit Alec. Seven get back up here. One needs cover fire."
A bullet tugged at his arm as it burned a path across his uniform. He slowly began to squeeze the trigger.
"Alec we're not finished. We have to complete our mission."
His vision blurred as the sting of sweat rolled its way into his eyes and his hand trembled. Blinking back the sweat he carefully released the pressure on the trigger. Alec turned abruptly, flinging the rifle away from him. His breath hitched as he looked intensely down at it. 'God…what had he almost done.' Closing his eyes he scrubbed a shaky hand through his hair. Mole was right, they had a mission to complete. He spoke again with a voice full of determination.
"I'm on my way."
Reaching down, Alec grabbed up the rifle moved forward when the firing suddenly intensified. Bullets struck the walls all around him at an alarming rate.
"Where's my cover fire?"
"You got it. Move. Now!"
Alec blurred up and out of the turret to the access door of the roof. Throwing it open he headed down the stairs and made it two flights when the sound of soldiers entering his building reached his ears. A fast decision had him jumping over the banister and dropping one more flight, instead of going back the way he came. It was a decision that was almost his undoing. Automatic gunfire smacked it's way along the wall just behind him. He grabbed the metal door jam using it to pull into a fast right turn. He blurred toward a window just in front of him. It meant falling four floors into the middle of the fray, but he had no choice. Precious time had been lost because of his unwillingness to control his emotions and the Special Ops soldiers were closing in on him. The sound of soldiers coming through the door reached his ears and he stepped up his speed.
"Mole! I'm coming through the fourth story window. Crap, doesn't anybody open a window around here?"
This time Alec didn't dive for the window, instead he jumped sideways using his shoulder to crash through the glass protecting his face and head when something hit him hard in the hip twisting his body to an awkward position as he fell.
Mole and Seven had moved up closer to the action in their effort to keep Delta Force off Alec's ass. Two more X4s had made they're way back and joined them in covering Alec's escape. Mole looked up at the sound of breaking glass and flinched involuntarily when he saw Alec's body jerk and twist around breaking his momentum. He was going to fall very badly, but before he could react, Seven jumped forward into the open. Mole intensified his efforts to keep Delta Force back.
Seven scrambled up a debris pile as Alec twisted around in time to fall to his feet, sort of. It was anything but graceful as pain lanced downed his leg and he collapsed. The air rushed from his lungs as he hit the debris. He would have cried out in pain, except the lack of ability to breath hampered him.
Seven grabbed him by the collar, jerking him up and back against his chest. Reaching around Alec's body he deliberately fell back into a roll off the pile. They came to an abrupt stop and Seven could feel Alec struggle beneath him, but there was no time to assess his injuries. Seven pulled him to a standing position and moved them both toward Mole and the others. He could hear Alec strain to get his breath and moved quicker toward their goal. The fire intensified around them and Seven felt the burn of a bullet as it propelled him forward pushing them both to the ground.
Alec pulled air in short gasps trying desperately to keep from passing out. They were so close when unexpectedly the ground came up to meet him. Raising himself to his hands and knees, he could see Mole and the others moving toward them and firing rapidly at the same time. Pooling what strength he had left, he twisted a fist in Sevens shirt and began crawling toward them dragging Seven alongside him.
"Ta…take him," Alec managed to say. Standing on shaky legs Alec followed with Mole's support to cover. He felt Mole lower him gently to the ground and leaned him against the cover wall. They were now just outside the entrance to the sewer.
"You okay?"
"Yeah…ju…just need…to…ca…catch my…breath," came Alec's winded reply, "Seven?"
"Don't know. I'll check on him. Here," Mole dropped a pack down by Alec and moved to check on Seven.
"K"
Alec closed his eyes and concentrated on getting his breathing under control. Taking in a deep breath, the ache he felt on his right side told him some bruised ribs didn't appreciate it. He could feel the warm wetness that was creeping down his leg, so opening his eyes he surveyed the damage caused by the bullet. The blood was flowing freely now, so Alec removed a pressure bandage from the pack. Pressing down hard, he allowed himself the luxury of moaning out loud, which aggravated his ribs, which in turn caused him to lean to the left, which brought to life pain on that side of his body. 'Crap,' he thought to himself, 'I'm becoming a walking wound.' A short laugh escaped his mouth at the absurdity of this, which his ribs further protested.
"Ow."
"You gonna make it?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine…how's Seven?"
Mole turned his head away from Alec as he spoke, "Not good, but he's alive. Took a bullet in the back, high up. If they get him out of here fast he should have a shot at making it."
"Then let's do it."
Mole reached his hand out and helped Alec up, who leaned heavily on him for a moment, his head against Mole's shoulder. Mole could feel it as Alec brought his body under control as the tenseness dissipated.
"You ready?" Asked Mole.
Dark dangerous eyes looked up and met his, "I'm always ready."
Stuffing a now half used cigar in his mouth Mole smiled, "Let's go."
Alec and Mole took over the protective positions held by the X4s and ordered them into the sewers and to what they hoped would be their freedom.
~ ~ ~
One of the Phalanx who had regained consciousness, listened carefully to all that was being said between the Sector Police and 452. Knowing she needed to do something to prevent their premature exposure, she slowly pulled a small caliber gun from her ankle holster. Raising it, she took aim at Cooper, knowing that if the humans died the transgenics would be blamed. Cooper's back was to her talking with Max, so he was unaware. If she moved fast enough, she could get him and his men before anyone knew what happened.
Dalton glanced up from helping Gem with the baby, when he saw the Phalanx raise her gun. Several things happened at once. In a blur of movement he pulled his own gun from his waistband, flipped out in front and fired at the same time. At the sound of gunfire, Max grabbed Cooper and threw him to the ground. Joshua moved to shield Gem and the baby with his body. Bigg's joined Dalton and fired on the Phalanx who fell back dead from the bullets that pierced her head. Cooper wide eyed and in shock stared at the scene before him in disbelief, when a sudden heart-wrenching scream filled the air.
"Aaaah! No, no, no…" Gem shoved Joshua aside, fell to the ground and pulled Dalton into her arms. Her hands moved in a frantic effort to stem the flow of blood coming from his chest. "No, no, no…" she repeated as tears fell unbidden from her eyes.
Cooper stood slowly and watched as Biggs and Max both quickly moved toward the woman and the boy. He started at his own thoughts, a woman and a boy? It was the first time he had thought of the transgenics in that way. But as he looked at the anguish in her face and heard her cries of despair, he knew then that all he'd been told about them was wrong. They weren't unfeeling monsters. They loved, they cared and they felt pain of the worst kind. Cooper stepped closer. 'God, he looks so small.'
"Gem, move your hand, I need to take a look," Biggs asked with a gentle voice. Gem just continued to rock back and forth, clutching Dalton to her, speaking softly to him.
"Gem…Gem…come on honey."
His voice finally penetrated her mind and she stopped rocking, letting Dalton roll away from her a bit. She watched her mind in a daze, as he checked his pulse, then looked at the wound. Most of all she watched his face for any sign of hope. It was a bad wound, high on the right side of his chest. She could tell from his breathing that it had damaged his lung. She knew…she knew, but she still looked into his face for a sign. There was none. There was no hope. Her lips quivered, her vision blurred as she pulled him close to her bosom once again and resumed rocking.
Biggs stood abruptly and stepped away. His head down, his hands clenched in tight fists. Max followed.
"What are you doing? He needs attention."
"We can't save him Max."
"No! I won't accept that. We have to try."
Biggs turned to her. "He needs more than just a bandage, Max. There's damage to his lung. I could hear it. We're not equipped to save him."
"No, he can't die. No…"
"Take him back," Joshua's voice interrupted, "Take him back. To hospital. To Shankar. She can save him."
"We can't. It's too dangerous. They know us now."
"Take him back Max."
Max, Joshua and Biggs began to discuss the possibility. If they could get him to Shankar, maybe, just maybe he'd live. Cooper watched. He wasn't sure what to do. He needed to report in to Lt. Clemente. Let him know what was happening, but he couldn't just let them go. Could he? And the boy, what would happen to him? Even he could see the boy was going to die. Cooper was startled from his thoughts.
"Please?"
No one had seen when Gem stood up, holding her brother. Or when she walked up to Cooper. Her eyes implored him, begged him. Her voice too strangled to speak more than one word.
"Please?"
No one spoke. All eyes turned to him…waiting. His mind was in turmoil. He had a job to do. What she was asking him to do was dangerous. If they found out he could lose his job. Worse yet people might turn on him. Two of his men had walked up to stand beside him. His eyes went to each man looking for an answer. What he saw was complete support in them. He avoided looking back at her for a moment. Instead he looked at the boy, this boy who had saved his life. His breathing was labored and his eyes…God his eyes were so frightened. He reminded himself that this was not a boy. He was a soldier trained to kill…right? Cooper moved forward reaching up without really thinking about it and brushed sweat soaked hair off the boy's face. Judging from his size, he couldn't be any older than his own son.
Cooper turned abruptly from the boy to his men. Without pausing he issued a command.
"Get the Van ready, break out the first aid kit and bring me a blanket!"
Gem couldn't stop the short sob that escaped her lips or the weakness she felt in her knees at his words, but before she could fall he was there and gave her support. Then with a gentleness she had never experienced from a human before, he took Dalton into his arms.
Max stepped up, "Ask for Dr. Shankar. She's familiar with our physiology. She'll know what to do."
"Right."
Turning her attention to Dalton Gem caressed his cheek and with a smile gave him a command, "You do exactly as this man tells you." Dalton barely nodded, unable to speak from the pain and need to breathe, then turned his head into the man's chest and clenched his eyes shut.
"I'll do the best I can to protect him. You know he might not…" he couldn't finish, he couldn't bring himself to say it.
"I know," Gem replied. Stepping up on her toes, she kissed his cheek, "Thank you."
~ ~ ~
Mole and Alec stopped when they reached what they knew to be the south end of TC. They knew soldiers were coming toward them from at least three different directions. Ahead of them, the sewer was completely blocked by fallen debris. Getting through it would take time they didn't have.
"So that's it then, we're sunk," Mole said, "Hell I never expected to be around this long," cocking his gun, he continued, "I'm not goin' easy."
Alec stood listening, with his shoulder against the wall for support, his breathing hard. Looking up at Mole, he smirked.
"Oh I wouldn't say that," Alec replied.
Mole's narrowed his eyes at Alec's words, "What are you talkin' about?"
Reaching into his pocket, Alec retrieved a detonator and held it out.
Mole took the detonator from his hand.
"Plan B," Alec announced casually, "It's a false wall," he continued, "We'll wait till we're on the other side."
"When did you have time to get this ready?" eying him suspiciously.
"I started a contingency plan the day after I found Joshua here. Took about a week to get it worked out and set up. It's been here waiting ever since."
Alec couldn't help but laugh at the look on Mole's face. The opened mouthed guppy look just didn't go far on a lizard man.
Mole closed his mouth, finally shaking his head. Turning the detonator over in his hand, he noted the delay.
"Just how big an explosion is Plan B, and how much time do we have?"
"Big enough to pull down a whole city block. There's a ten second delay. "
Mole's eyes shot up to Alec's. "Ten seconds? For a healthy transgenic, ten seconds is plenty of time, but you're not a healthy transgenic."
"I can make it."
"I told you before this isn't just your life here."
"Don't make me have to hurt you again, Mole," Alec smiled.
Mole laughed and shook his head. "No, no, I don't need another demonstration. What about human fatalities?"
Alec's voice hardened, "That's up to them. I'll give them fair warning. Their choice to move to safety."
"Let's do this then."
Mole stepped up to the wall and started moving some of the debris. Alec pushed away from the wall and groaned. Everything hurt. He looked down at his blood soaked pant leg.
"There's not much you can do about the bleeding right now," Mole revealed.
"I know."
"It's really high up there. A tourniquet wouldn't work."
"I know."
"No exit wound, huh? Bullet's still in there."
"I…know."
"Gonna have to wait to do anything about it."
"I kno…Are you deliberately trying to annoy me?"
Mole smirked at Alec's question. He glanced over at him momentarily. Alec was trying to put something over the wound to slow the bleeding down.
"You know if that had hit you a little more over, you'd be singing soprano."
"Good thing I didn't park it to the right, huh?"
Mole couldn't help the snort that escape his mouth. "Well when you're finished playing with yourself, get in position, they're coming."
"You know, you're such a funny man…uh…mutant…freak…whatever."
Alec gave up trying to stem the flow of blood. Closing his eyes a moment, he waited for the pain to subside. Everything hurt, more than he was willing to admit. Loss of blood had weakened him considerably. He didn't know if he could make it out in time or not, but he wasn't going to let his being hurt hinder Mole's escape. Closing his eyes, he listened. He could hear the soldiers clearly now moving at a steady pace. Not much time left.
He pushed off the wall and limped back to a position about 50 feet from Mole. Still able to see him, but far enough to keep the soldiers at bay, where they couldn't see what Mole was doing. He knew that they would have to converge on this position. He'd hoped to keep them from getting this far, but what happened next would be up to the Colonel. Foster seemed reasonable and Alec was about to find out how much he valued his men's lives. Carefully settling himself down behind some fallen cement blocks, he failed to stop the groan that escaped his lips. He closed his eyes, taking in deep breaths trying to control the pain. Opening his eyes he looked ahead of him. This position afforded him good cover and view of the junction they would be coming through, if they made it this far. With a heavy sigh he reached up to activate his com link.
"Colonel. This is 494. Do you read me?"
~ ~ ~
The Colonel looked up from the maps. Clemente came in closer.
"Colonel, sir, this is 494, respond."
"This is Colonel Foster," he answered, sitting back. His eyes darted to Clemente.
"Sir, you need to move your men out of the sewer."
"I don't think so, 494."
"Sir, we've been able to avoid fatalities so far. If your men continue forward, there'll be nothing I can do to stop that. You need to know I have enough C-4 planted to bring down a City block. You have two minutes to comply."
Colonel Foster shut his eyes in contemplation. He was right. 494 had plenty of opportunity to take out some of his men. Instead of killing them, they had been incapacitated, but alive and able to walk away. Foster didn't want to start having unnecessary fatalities now, but did not want 494 to be a fatality either.
"494, I'm ordering you to surrender."
"Sorry sir, but I don't answer to you. At one time maybe, but not now. Sir, order your men back now."
"It doesn't have to be like this. You can come in."
"I don't have a choice. You have one minute left."
Colonel Foster signaled Gamble to order the teams to retreat.
"You were the sharpshooter in your unit, weren't you, when you worked with a team?"
There was no reply, Colonel Foster continued. "I know it was your job to protect your unit going in and coming out. That's what you're doing now isn't it? Protecting your unit?"
"No, Sir. I'm protecting my family. Thirty seconds."
"Tell me you're name, Son."
"Colonel, just remember what I told you before. It's not us you have to worry about…Goodbye Colonel."
~ ~ ~
Alec sat back hard in thought. He didn't want to get personal with this man, yet he knew that a man like Foster might make a difference for his people. Standing, Alec moved in Mole's direction. Mole was already through. Pulling the detonator from his pocket he started to move faster. Jumping he dove through the opening and pressed the button to the detonator. He tucked and rolled into a standing run and blurred forward. Mole was just ahead of him. They were nearing a junction that would afford them some protection, when Alec's leg betrayed him. He tried to tuck as he fell, but only succeeded in slamming his shoulder hard on the concrete floor. "Ugh," Quickly he scrambled to rise, but his leg refused to work. Pain radiated down his whole side paralyzing his movements and he fell in a heap.
"Ahh!" screaming in frustration, he pounded the ground and rolled onto his back. His breathing came in deep gasps and he stared up at nothing as a shaky hand reached up to activate his com link one more time.
"Alec," he rasped, "My name…is Alec."
End of Chapter 7
A/N: Yes another one. This was an incredibly difficult chapter for me to write. I really would love to get feedback on what you think worked and what didn't or just if you like it. Thank ya. BHG