Disclaimer: Dark Angel and its characters obviously do not belong to me. I am writing this purely for non-profit entertainment. Yada, yada! No infringement intended, so don't sue me!
A/N: I can definitely hear the sounds of joy in the last lot of reviews from you all! Gosh, didn't know Gab found himself so many fans! And I really appreciate all your reviews – very much! Can't wipe the grin off my face when I read them. So, I decided to write a longer chapter this time…just for you!
Mel11 – Yup…you are right! I wasn't going to kill him off! ;P The anomalies kind of freaked Matt out, poor guy! Thanks for reviewing.
Kungfuchick – Thanks for your review. Glad you liked Kelpy. I might have to write him in more often then! About the fight, you will find out the results soon…
Angel of Darkness231 – Hehe! Come on, the ending is not so bad ;P ! I took your advice and added '1 year later' to the last chapter. Gosh, I don't even know what is a HTML code. Good luck with the site and thanks for reviewing.
Claire (anon) – Thanks for reviewing. Yeah, it would have been cruel to kill Gab. Max would be so devastated. As for 494, he will improve, no doubt about that! The question is – when! (grins)
Nina26 – Oops…I did not deliberately make Max popular with the males, but now that you pointed it out, it does appear that way! Lol! Thanks for your review.
Cora (anon) – Thanks for reviewing. Hope you like this chapter!
Kelzaa – Ha! Yes, I guess you could say that… But jealousy comes in many shapes and forms (winks). Thanks for reviewing!
Eva (anon) – Thanks for your review and I am so happy that you think the story is original. Yup… Due to popular demand, Gab is alive and kicking, not that I would really kill him anyway – I value my life too much!
HoneyX5-452 – Thanks for reviewing. I see you are another Gab fan. So glad I did not disappoint you all! Erm…I think I better warn you in advance – this chapter is much longer than the usual ;P
Alana84– Thanks for your review. You guessed it right in your last review, I had to try so hard not to let the cat out of the bag! Gab is sexy in my mind! Lol! Read on and tell me what you think.
Gamegirl452 – Oh, yeah! It's further along here because I am hopeless at websites! I am happy that you like the story. It's my first full-blown series and it's quite close to my heart! Argh! Enough sappiness from me! Thanks for reviewing!
X5-459 (anon) – Thanks for your review. I hope Gab coming back was a good surprise (grins)! About the MA moments; we'll get more eventually, I promise! It's after all, supposed to be a MA fic!
Angelofdarkness78 – I'm beginning to realise that some of you out there know the story better than I do! Lol! And I was trying so hard to make it seem like Gab's really gone. About your question; right now, it is the latter. Thanks for reviewing.
NoAngell – Oops…sorry about the 'x years later' thing. Try to make it more subtle next time! Hard to say who's going to win…Anyway, you'll find out soon (winks). Thanks for reviewing.
Iridescent Twilight – I laughed when I read your review. Lol! Thanks for brightening up my day! Unfortunately I was at work when I read it, so my colleagues were giving me funny looks. So I know how you feel! Hmm…now that you mentioned it…killing Max or Alec… (grins evilly!)
GuestTypePerson – Gosh, you figured it out as well! You guys know the story better than I do! Nah, no more cart-accident-inducing moments; my 'suspense' muse decided to move to my other story, Remember. But still, I have to persevere in getting it back into the next few chapters! Just to keep you on your toes! Thanks for the review.
Lin (anon) – Thanks for reviewing. Hehe! I guess you another fan of Gab's!
Now on with the story….
RETRIEVED - Chapter 9 – Alpha Selection
Her jaw dropped as she took in the sight that greeted her entrance.
Max could not believe her eyes. Recently, there was a surge in the numbers of unsanctioned fights between the male transgenics, particularly amongst the X5s. All units had been warned by Sergeant Hales to keep the discipline, or face punishment. Just last week, Matt had a tussle with another transgenic from unit 5 over something so inane; she couldn't even remember what it was all about. The result of that, apart from the extensive injuries, was three days of punishment for each of them.
Now it was Gab and 494, of all people. She noted that although they looked as if they were evenly matched, Gab was worn out. After training for so long with her friend, she recognised the signs. 494 was not in a much better shape, though he looked as if he could go on longer. She knew that she needed to stop them before it was too late. Her eyebrows furrowed as she strode towards them, her lips set in a grim line. She was furious at the thoughtlessness of the two male transgenics. Are they asking to be punished? Don't they know better than to do this? WHY are they doing this anyway? She thought, irritated.
"Hey!" She tried to gain their attention unsuccessfully. Then louder, she yelled, "HEY!"
Her voice managed to distract 494; his eyes flicked momentarily in her direction. Too late, he realised how much that split second of distraction costed him as Gab's fist connected forcefully. His head snapped to the side. Damn, he's got a helluva punch, 494 thought grudgingly. Scowling in anger, 494 focused his attention and advanced purposefully towards Gab. Gab stood, prepared in a fight stance as he anticipated his attacker's moves.
As Max noticed 494's intent, she decided that she needed to physically interrupt to stop the fight. Steeling herself, she launched herself in front of 494, blocking the punch meant for Gab.
494, surprised at the rude interruption, tried to shove her to the side as he said, "Stay out of it, 452!"
Max barely avoided his hand but stubbornly remained in front of him. Her eyes relayed her furyGlaring sideways to and from the two male transgenics, she said, "Stop it, you two! You are going to alert the guards!"
As Gab registered the near-miss Max had with 494's hand, he hissed at her, "Get out of the way Max. This is between me and the jerk over there," He was worried that Max may get hurt in the midst of his and 494's fight.
494's ire rose as he heard the other transgenic's words. "Who are you calling a jerk!" 494 spat out as he tried to advance again to find himself restrained by a small hand. He flung the offending hand away, shoving the owner in the process. This time his shove found its target, throwing Max to the floor. Unrestrained now, 494 barely spared her a glance before he swung a kick at Gab.
As he saw Max fall, Gab started towards her with concern. Distracted, he did not see the kick which was coming his way. 494's kick threw him painfully across the room. He slammed onto the wall head first with a loud thud. The plaster on the wall cracked at the impact.
Pissed at being dumped so unceremoniously on the floor, Max jumped to her feet just as Gab hit the wall. When she saw her friend slide unconscious down the wall, she felt her temper reach its boiling point. Turning towards 494, she snarled threateningly, "You got it coming, ass-hole!" Her small foot snapped up in a graceful arc, aimed at 494.
Surprised at her unexpected attack, 494 ducked just in time to avoid her kick to his head. As he lowered his head, Max brought up her other knee and slammed it into his face. He jerked and staggered back, but he remained on his feet. Winded, he swayed for a moment before shaking his head in an attempt to clear it. Moving his head side to side, he cracked his neck back into a more comfortable position. Well, as comfortable as he could get considering the pounding pain in his head. He realised that he had underestimated her. That knee bash would have done him in if he hadn't had such a hard skull. No holding back, he told himself.
Eyeing Max carefully, he blurred the short distance towards her. Feigning a move, he distracted her enough to swipe her feet from under her.
Max let herself fall. Once she hit the floor, she rolled immediately to the side to avoid 494's foot coming down on her. His foot missed her chest by only a fraction of an inch. She flipped herself up. She stared at him warily, realising that he was a tougher opponent than she expected.
The two of them circled each other slowly, each trying to find an opening.
Tired of the cat and mouse game, Max attacked, aiming her punches at his chest. 494 appeared to have the same thoughts. They clashed in a flurry of punches. They each got in a few punches. Max could felt a bruise forming on her cheeks and her midsection. 494 knew that his entire chest would be blue-black tomorrow, not to mention his forehead. And yet they carried on.
Taking advantage of his larger size, 494 decided to just use his brute strength. When he detected an opening, he grabbed her, pinning her arms down. Max bent her leg and tried to kick backwards at him, but 494 was prepared. Her legs did not find their target.
494 held her struggling body against his until she stilled. They were both breathing hard. As he calmed, he started to feel her soft curves of her back pressed against his front. Intimately. He knew that he needed to release her soon before he embarrassed himself. Especially as he had not been able to get her out of his mind lately.
He wondered if she had the same problem. As that thought passed through his mind, he smirked and said, "I know you are just impatient for a chance to touch me after what happened in the woods. If you want to be near me, all you have to do is tell me. I'll be happy to accommodate your wishes,"
Incredulous at what she just heard, Max's eyes rounded. Who the hell does he think he is? And what is he playing at now! Gritting her teeth, she retorted, "Just in case my struggles escaped your notice, I actually am trying to get away from you. So what do you say you let me loose, huh? Being near you makes me slightly ill. Unless you want me to hurl all over you,"
Chuckling as he shook his head, 494 said mischievously, "Aw, come on. I have sacrificed myself for your heat that day. The least you can do is to thank me for it. Its only polite," He grinned as he felt her stiffen in his arms.
Max did not know if she should feel more embarrassed or get more furious. She settled for her usual sharp retort, "Shut up, smart-ass!" Max decided that the sooner she stopped responding to his remarks, the faster he would be bored of whatever sick game he was playing. Then maybe he would let her go. She forced herself to relax subtly, knowing that with his enhanced perception, he would detect the change.
494 felt the resistance against his arm lessen. Confident that he has won the fight, 494 leaned down closer to whisper in her ears, "Cut your losses. Say you surrender and I'll let you go," He smiled in amusement and anticipation of her retort to that.
She felt goosebumps rise on her skin as his breath caressed her ears. Max could not believe his nerve. Did he really think I was going to give in so soon? He has another think coming! Her thoughts ran furiously in her head. Embarrassed, angry and not to mention disconcerted at being held so close by 494, she hissed, "Bite me!" And promptly smashed the back of her head against his face.
CRACK!
As the pain exploded in his face, 494 loosened his arm, releasing her. Biting back a groan, he brought his hands up to his face to find blood trickling freely from his nose and lips. "Shit!" he swore out loud through his split lips. He looked up from his hands to glare disbelievingly at the violent transgenic standing a few feet away from him. He could not believe she just did that. He was no longer amused. His temper rising now, he wiped his bloody hands over his trousers and stalked towards her angrily, intent on revenge.
Max did not wait for him to make the first move; she advanced as well, eyes flashing in challenge. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Gab moving. She pushed down the urge to go to her friend; focusing her attention on the other transgenic instead.
"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?"
The two transgenics froze in their tracks at the familiar voice. Both thinking the same thing, Oh shit!
They turned slowly to face a very angry Lydecker.
494 sat down on the cold concrete floor as the door slammed shut. He looked around him, taking in the small box in the basement which was to be his home for the next two days. Grey concrete walls surrounded him.
Resigned to his fate, he closed his eyes in an attempt to sleep.
'Great going, 494. You wanted to release some tension. You got it. In spades,' an annoying voice in his head told him sarcastically.
494 snapped open his eyes. Now he has an imaginary friend in his head. He let out a short bark of laughter, wincing as his head protested. Damn, 452's hits were no laughing matter, he thought grumpily. For someone so small, she sure knew how to pack a punch. And he had obviously pissed her off by fighting with her 547. He winced as he thought of the one particularly painful punch 547 landed in his gut.
He had not intended to goad 547 into a fight, but that transgenic was so prickly when it came to 452. 547 had obviously taken his words about 452 much too personally. 494 realised that he probably interrupted something they had going on when he entered the gym as he did. 494 frowned at the implication of his thoughts. Intimate relationships were forbidden in Manticore. What did 452 and 547 think they were doing?
Ignoring the sudden discomfort produced by the metal image of 452 and 547 together, 494 decided to lie down to catch up on his sleep. He had not felt comfortable enough during his mission to allow himself to sleep soundly. As he yawned, he decided that it was probably the only thing he could do in this cell anyway.
494 was dozing off when sudden clank from the door roused him. Instantly alert, he stood up and walked towards the cell door. He almost jumped back when the hatch on the steel door lifted from outside.
494's eyes narrowed as the opening in the hatch revealed a grinning 452. How…? She's out already! So soon!
Interrupting his thoughts, 452 said with a mocking grin, "Not so tough now huh, 494?"
494 walked towards her until they were only separated by the steel bars in the opening. As he got closer, he noticed that bruises were starting to form around her left eyes and her right jaw. He squashed down the feeling of guilt that suddenly appeared. He was suffering from no fewer bruises, so she deserved it. As he looked past her, he saw a bruised 547 leaning against the wall, eyeing him suspiciously through the bars. No doubt he is standing guard over 452. Well, let's give him something to see, 494 thought. Forcing a grin onto his face, he drawled softly, "Missed me already, 452? Can't keep away?"
452 snorted, "As if! I am just here to gloat. I am out here…" she pointed to herself, "…and you are still in there," she pointed mockingly at him. He could see her eyes dancing with glee as she said that. A quick glance at 547 revealed a smirk from the other transgenic at 452's retort.
He's so whipped! 494 thought silently as he rolled his eyes. Out loud, he said, "No doubt you attended the lesson on Breaking and Entering religiously, or should I say 'Breaking and Escaping'?" 494 taunted. He was still wondering how she got out. She couldn't have possibly picked the lock. He did not notice any of those kits on her when they were dragged down to the basement by the guards. The guards had searched them anyway. He wanted to ask her but he doubted that she will let him in on her secret. She would probably be more than happy to see me rot in here, he thought.
"What can I say? I had plenty of practice," 452 said, waving a dismissive hand.
He knew he was going to regret it, but he decided to ask anyway, "So, you want to tell me how you did it? You know, shared the knowledge a bit,"
Not surprisingly, 452 stared at him incredulously. One corner or her mouth lifted before she answered, "You didn't really think I would tell you, did you?" She broke into another grin.
That's twice now, 494 thought as he counted the number of times 452 grinned. He decided that he liked this cheerful side of 452 much more than the vicious one. As soon as the idea crossed his mind, he clamped it down with a frown. No, he did not just associate the word 'like' with 452, did he? His frown deepened. Must have got hit too hard on the head, he thought.
547 was still propped against the wall, silent all these time. 494 flicked another glance at him. As he caught 547's eyes, he noted the unmasked look of warning in the other transgenic's eyes. Irritated with the look, 494 decide that he would give 547 something to worry about.
"Oh come on 452, what's wrong with a bit of sharing, huh? Anyway, you owe me. Think of it as payment for that kiss you stole off me. And it was my first kiss too. I was saving it up for a special occasion," 494 shook his head slowly in apparent sorrow, clutching his hands over his heart. He grinned inwardly as he saw 547 tense visibly. Maybe he could rile one of them up enough for them to come get him. And to get him, they would have to open the door.
Apart from the slight tensing, 547 showed no other reaction. Obviously he had been paying attention in class, 494 thought. 494 looked at 452, hoping that she would bite the bait.
Unfortunately 452 was sharp enough to not fall for the oldest trick in the book. But she was riled alright. Her grin faded from her face as she snapped at him through the bars, "As sad as it may be for you, it was even sadder for me. Revolting, actually. So do me a favour and don't mention it again. It makes me feel depressed when I think about it!"
"So you do think about it then," 494 could not help saying. He grinned.
That was apparently too much for 452. She frowned as bit out, "You wouldn't like to know my thoughts right now. And I am trying very hard to stop myself from doing I might regret," Giving him the sickly sweet smile that he had come to recognise as a warning that she was about to say or do something he would not like, she slammed down the hatch to the opening.
"Hey! Come back!" 494 hissed at the closed hatch. Silence greeted him.
I must learn to shut-up sometimes, 494 thought.
It was a sunny summer day when unit 4 was assigned to the new assault course.
Somewhere the middle of the course, Max was shimmying forward using her arms and knees as fast as she could under a net of barb-wire, trying to avoid catching herself on the wire. Beside her 735 was doing the same. Once they reached the end of the net of wires, Max and 735 bounced up, blurring towards the concrete structure built to resemble a 40 feet high rock formation.
Max bent her knees and leapt, flying up the air. She reached out her hands as she smacked into the rock, gripping the rock for a second to steady herself before continuing to scramble nimbly upwards, intent on getting to the other side. She could hear 735 as her CO moved not far behind her. Max had gained on 735 when she jumped. She reached the top. Without a moment's hesitation, she jumped down, bending her legs to lessen the impact. She hit the ground and rolled forward to a standing position.
In front of her, she could see a long pool with timber planks floating everywhere on its surface except the two ends of the pool. Entry and exit points, she thought. She took a deep breath and dived in.
The water was murky. With her enhanced eyesight, she made out the faint ray of light at other the end of the pool. Shouldn't be too hard, she thought. She had started swimming towards the other end when she felt something catching her around her legs. Looking down, arms brushing against her legs, she found her legs entangled in series of fibrous strings.
Damn, knew it was too good to be true! She swore silently.
Still holding her breath and trying not to move excessively lest she entangled herself further, she carefully extracted herself from the strings. It took a few minutes to unravel the strings. Once free, she propelled herself forward in the water, looking out for more of the strings. She did not want to be caught in it again; she was running out of air. The narrow gaps between the planks were nowhere near big enough for her to surface for air.
She could hear and feel the waves of water pushing against her as more of her unit jumped into the pool behind her. And more waves when they tried to disentangle themselves. She reached the end in just less than 5 minutes. Almost as challenging as the tank, she thought. Pushing herself up, she got out of the pool and gasped in lungfuls of air. Once she has satisfied her thirst for air, she sprinted toward the next obstacle. She could hear someone running close behind her. She glanced over her shoulders quickly, not wanting to lose her advantage. It was Gab; his usually easygoing expression was serious in concentration as he focussed on completing the exercise.
They approached the next obstacle.
It was a pit full of glass and nails.
Lydecker stood in the observation deck, his gaze intent on the many screens in front of him. Unit 4 was undergoing an assault course exercise. He smiled as he thought about the assault course. It has been designed specifically for these genetically enhanced soldiers. A normal military assault course would not be anywhere near challenging enough for his kids.
He observed as 452 and 735 ran towards the rock formation, head to head at the front of the unit. 452 sprang up in an impressive leap, leaving 735 behind.
Smile still on his face, Lydecker turned around to face the visitor beside him. They were the only two in the room. The visitor had specifically requested privacy.
"So?" Lydecker queried, raising his eyebrows in question. The visitor was here because he wanted to see how the transgenics were performing. Or rather, a select few transgenics.
"She has improved since the last time I saw her. Well done," the visitor commented, nodding at Lydecker. He continued watching 452. She just landed gracefully after jumping off the rock formation.
"She would be much better than this if she hadn't miss 3 years of training. Thankfully she's caught up," Lydecker said. This was the third time the visitor came him since 452's capture. The last two times, the visitor has also enquired about 452's progress. Lydecker was beginning to feel curious about the visitor's particular interest in 452.
"How is she apart from the regular training? Have you been keeping an eye on her?" the visitor asked, unaware of Lydecker's thoughts.
Lydecker recalled the incident in the gym a few months ago, "She got into a fight with the CO of another unit a while back. Another member of her unit was there too, but knocked unconscious. They were sent to Punishment,"
The visitor raised his eyebrows in surprise, "She took on a CO?"
Lydecker nodded, "And from the looks of it, she wasn't doing to badly. 494 was pretty beaten up," Now that he thought back, it was quite an amusing sight. The twin looks of horror on the two transgenics face were priceless when they saw him standing there. Of course, he did not find it amusing at all at that time.
Shaking his head, the visitor chuckled, "494, if I recalled correctly is one of the more promising ones. I am surprised she managed to hold her own against him. What explanation did they give you?"
"That they were practicing their sparring techniques," Lydecker snorted. He did not believe it for a moment. He continued, "There were spates of fights going around the facility amongst the X5 males. All of them claimed the same thing. Training for sparring. What surprised me was that she was the only female involved so far,"
The visitor said, "I think it's the age and the teenage hormones. 452 is about fifteen this year and the rest of them are around the same age. I don't think it is anything to worry about. Perhaps it is just restlessness. I think it is time to send her out on missions. This one would be ideal, as she wouldn't be by herself. I want to see how she copes,"
Lydecker was surprised at the visitor's words. He did not think that 452 was ready to be deployed in the field. Yet. "Sir, no disrespect, but she is still considered a flight risk. She may not be in the correct state of mind for away missions yet," Lydecker said, frowning. Tracking 452 down had not been easy. Capturing her was a fluke, he knew. Her capture has appeased the Committee slightly, but he knew that he would face their full wrath if he let her escape again.
"Well, we will not know till we try. She's been back for around 3 years now, correct? If we don't send her out now, when will we do it? Comparing her performance with her peers, she is more than capable of going out on missions. We need to know where she stands. Here, guarded day and night, she will be on her best behaviour, and no one can tell where her loyalty lies. And I am sure you remembered the discussion we had after the 09 escape. We need their trust," the visitor stated cryptically.
Lydecker nodded as he recalled their conversation almost six years ago. Knowing that walls have ears, he decided that this was probably not the best place to discuss it. A look of concern crossed his face as he considered the visitor's demands." Sir, any of the other X5s will do. And there are no such flight risks with the others. We had made sure of that after the '09 incident. So, why her specifically?" He was confused. The visitor's behaviour was strange to say the least when it comes to 452. Lydecker had found out just recently that 452's extended Interrogation period was all due to another of the visitor's demands. Renfro just carried out his orders.
"I am not in the position right now to explain the reasoning behind my request. For security reasons, you understand," The visitor answered with a small smile, getting up. He laid his hand on one of Lydecker's shoulders to soften his words. He continued, "I trust that you and our intelligent scientists and lab techs would be able to come up with something for the flight risk problem,"
"I have to go now. Let me know of her progress, and also those other ones," the visitor said, keeping his eyes on Max as she crossed the line on the screen in front of them.
Lydecker nodded, "Yes, sir,"
Oh hell, Max thought. She and Gab looked around the pit, looking for a way to get across. She spotted the ropes hanging off the trees over the pit. Aha! Just what we needed! Max backed up and sprinted towards the pit. Understanding her intent as usual, Gab followed close behind. She leapt towards a dangling rope and grabbed it, her momentum swinging her back and forth. She angled her body, forcing the rope to swing her to the other end of the pit. Once she reached the required angle, she released the rope and flew through the air. She landed just at the edge of the pit. Gab landed a couple of seconds after her. She looked back at the pit to see their CO and 2IC not far behind them.
Grinning at each other, they blurred forward towards the line that signalled the end of the course.
And were stopped in their tracks.
Six X6s came out of nowhere to stand between them and the line, in a fighting stance, staring at Max and Gab.
Max and Gab exchanged a look. Max signalled for him to move to her left to take on the three X6s, leaving her to take care of the other three. Max ran towards them, ducking their blows. She slammed her knees into their chest hard enough to wind them, but not seriously hurt them. One by one, Max and Gab took the X6s down. By this time, some of their unit has arrived to be met with their own X6 welcome party.
Not looking back, Max blurred to the finish line, Gab very close behind her.
As they passed the line, Hales pressed the digital reader. He read aloud, knowing that the monitors in the observation deck would record the results accordingly.
"452, 15 minutes 27 seconds,"
"547, 15 minutes 31 seconds,"
The following morning, Lydecker walked out into the balmy air of the training grounds where only the X5s were standing at attention. The rest of the X-series had been allocated their assignments for the day.
"At ease, soldier" Lydecker rapped out, casting his eyes over the rows of teenage soldiers in front of him.
"All of you have been through the assault course yesterday. As you know, we recorded your performance, for evaluation. The fastest record was 15 minutes 27 seconds, shared by X5-494, X5-511 and X5-452. What you don't know was that this evaluation was being carried out as a selection process for a mission," he paused, "Previously, your missions had been carried out with your own unit, your closeness enabling you to work well together. However, after viewing the result of your performance yesterday, we have decided that it would be more beneficial to the mission to change this - for this particular mission,"
Although most of the X5s remained silent as expected, some started glancing surreptitiously to the side. They were not too comfortable with the idea of losing the security and comfort provided by their own units.
Lydecker noticed their eyes.
"Eyes front!" he snapped. Satisfied that he now had their full attention, he continued, "You are soldiers. You are expected to work in any condition, however unfamiliar. And that includes working as a team with other soldiers – whether or not they are in your unit. Understood?"
"Sir, yes, sir!" the X5s shouted in unison.
"Good. Now, as I call out your designation, fall out and proceed to the Briefing Room 2 with Sergeant Hales. The rest of you will continue with your assigned tasks as briefed by Sergeant Rhys," Lydecker looked down at the list in his hand, "735, 547, 511…"
Max heard her CO's and Gab's designation being called. No surprise over there. They were part of the unofficial elite in Manticore. The Alpha ones.
"…501, 494…"
She looked up momentarily as 494's designation was called out. I suppose he is good too. He is a CO after all, she thought grudgingly. She suddenly wondered, Hmm, isn't it a bad idea to send two CO's out at the same time? On the other hand, if one is down, the other can take over.
"…480, 422…" Max's eyes lit up momentarily at Val's designation, pleased for her friend. She knew Val had wanted to go on another mission.
Max was getting bored. She itched to tap her foot. She wanted to get out of this line up, out of the baking hot sun. She could almost feel her dark hair sizzle as it absorbed the heat from the sun. She forced herself not to fidget. She squinted as the gun glared into her eyes.
"…and 452,"
Max's eyes snapped wide open, suddenly alert.
t.b.c.
A/N: Tell me what you think! And oh, just out of curiosity, I would like to do a poll. Mel11's review got me wondering! Please vote your favourite three characters in order of preference (grins!). Looking forward to your reviews.