A/n: thanks again for your reviews everyone. This update fast enough for you, Mindy?

I did actually intend my chapter titles to be that way round. 21 contains a nightmare of Max's coming true, but 22 contains a dream that can't be entirely bad because it causes Logan to realise Max isn't a killer. Therefore, not a nightmare. Just wanted to clear that up.

Chapter 23: Girl Talk

Max and Brin sat side by side on the railing of the Lloyd's porch, gazing up at the night sky. Brin was the first to speak.

"You kept your promise, Max."

"My promise?"

"When you and Zack left me on the bench for Lydecker. You said you were going to come for me. And you did."

"No, I didn't. Leaving you there was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do; Zack and I should have gone in to save you months ago."

"You wouldn't have made it into the building and you know it. Then all of us would be back there. But Logan got me away, because he knew you."

"Oh, no, Brin, Logan would have tried to get you out whether he knew me or not. He's just like that."

"He wouldn't have been able to if he hadn't understood who I was and what I needed to hear to break the conditioning. And he knew that from you."

"What did he say?"

"He just told me how he views things. Reminded me what it is to be human, not just a soldier. And then he hinted he could get me in touch with Zack. That was enough. For some reason I trusted him the minute he asked my name."

"Yeah, Logan has that effect on people." Max smiled, remembering her own early experiences with him.

"How do you know him?"

"He's a friend of mine. I broke into his place a while ago and we kind of got talking."

"A friend, right. Then why did you tell him about Manticore?"

"I didn't have to. He already knew most of it; didn't take him long to figure out who I was. We have a quid pro quo. I help him and he helps me."

Brin went for the direct approach. "Help him in what way? What is it he does that's so dangerous?"

Max worded her reply very carefully. "He's a journalist. He researches corrupt businessmen and officials and exposes them. Under aliases, of course, but if anyone works out who did the writing it can be… risky."

"Then why does he do it?"

"Because he can. And because no one else wants to. Anyway, how did you escape?"

Brin noted he swift change of subject, but briefly outlined the events of the day. "…And then as soon as Logan got off the phone to you he passed out."

"Passed out? Why? Is he hurt?"

"As far as we can tell, he only has a minor concussion. It was exhaustion, more than anything else. I was the one who picked him up at 5am this morning and I don't think he went to bed last night."

"Trust Logan. Working himself into the ground as usual."

"No, actually, from what I saw he was just staring out of the window. Looked like he had something on his mind."

"Really? I'd noticed he was acting a little off lately; I just hope it's not…" a sudden image of the photos Max had discovered that morning flashed into her thoughts. "Never mind," she said quickly, seeing Brin staring at her.

"You and Logan are… close?"

"Yeah, I guess so. We've been through a lot together."

"You're lucky to have him there for you."

"Yeah, I know. Did you ever trust anyone with your secret?"

"Never. Zack moved me from city to city every three months; as soon as I started to settle in I had to leave again. What would be the point of forming bonds with a place or people?"

"I was never part of Zack's plans. I've been here in Seattle more than two years now. I have a job, an apartment, friends… and Logan. The only thing I'm missing is contact with my family."

"Not any more. I'm coming to the city with you. I'm going to repay Logan for helping me escape. Lydecker will be after him to try and recapture me; I owe him my protection."

"Really? That's great! I've only seen three of us apart from you since the escape, and I never really got a chance to talk to them."

"Apart from Zack checking up on me, you're the first X5 I've met since '09. He made sure to keep us separated."

"I called his voicemail from the safe house and told him you were out. I don't know if he'll call back or just show up."

"I hope he doesn't come here. Because I'm not leaving Logan, whatever he says."

"Now that will get Zack pissed. Not only does Lydecker know I live in Seattle he now also knows Logan is around somewhere and in contact with you."

"Zack's not in charge of me any more."

"Good for you. Have you rested since you got here?"

"No. I wanted to stand guard over Logan in case a search party arrived."

"Well, I'm here now; I'll watch him. You go get some sleep. You know I have shark DNA."

"You and Jondy never did need as much rest as anyone else. Between us, we can keep a 24-hour guard on Logan."

"I don't want Lydecker getting his hands on him any more than you do. We'll work something out. Go on, take a break. I'll wake you if anything happens."

"Ok, Max." Brin hopped down from the rail and turned to look up at her. "It's good to see you again, my sister," she said. Brin then headed for Maria's room, where a camp bed had been set up for her on the floor.

Max smiled, and returned to Logan's side to just watch him sleep, filled with an immense but unspecific gratitude that he was ok. She gazed fascinated as the moon set and the sun rose, bringing the colours of youth back to his features. He seemed gilded, almost; the returning daylight turned his dark blonde hair into a golden halo.

Shortly after dawn, she noticed the movement of his eyelids and wondered with concern what he was dreaming about. He stirred slightly, and then his stunning crystal blue eyes fluttered open. He squinted up at her, and spoke only one word.

"Max?"

Let me know what you thought. I'll definitely be updating again soon.