Freedom on the inside
Disclaimer: Unfortunately I don't own anything to do with Dark Angel. They apparently belong to some guy who is most definitely in need of a brain check. What was he thinking when he decided to axe the show? Oh well, I guess when I'm rich enough I'll just have to buy the rights to the programme and then we'll finally get a third season. I wouldn't count on it though.
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: M/A (eventually!)
Summary: What if Max never escaped Manticore in 'Designate This' and didn't get the chance to infect Logan? Logan and everyone else in Seattle thinks she's dead and Renfro's still alive?
Author's Note: I know there's been a lot of 'what if she never escaped stories?' but this is my shot at what could have happened. Please read and review!
Chapter Thirteen
Differences in Wants
Crap. Crap. Crap.
Max looked up at the man she supposedly loved and felt extremely uncomfortable. Of all times Logan had to appear, it had to be while she was in this unimaginable position. Getting off Alec faster than you could say her name, she stood to face him.
"Uh hi"
Logan just looked from Max to Alec then back at Max again, "So what are you guys up to?"
"We were playing chess," Max answered far too quickly.
"Right."
"Well we were playing chess but then we were just trying out some moves."
Logan said nothing.
"As in combat moves."
Logan nodded, his face still sceptical, "Oh ok, well anyway, I really need to talk to you."
"Uh now?"
"Yeah now."
"Oh ok," Max nodded walking straight out of the room. Logan looked back down at Alec, who was still sitting on the floor. His face was impassive but Alec knew full well what was going through his mind. And yes, he felt guilty, but only very slightly. Logan turned quickly and left the room just a few paces behind Max.
Max shut the door after Logan stepped out on to the corridor and leant up against it.
"What do you need to talk about?"
"They showed me the photographs and explained all about the familiars."
"So what do they want from you?"
"They want me to work with them against this breeding cult."
"And you said?"
"I said yes but only on two conditions: that I'm allowed to work from Seattle and that you're set free."
Max stared at him with her mouth gaping open in shock, "And w-what did they say?"
"They're still thinking about it, but I have a really good feeling about this Max. I think they're going to let you come home, isn't it great?"
Max said nothing.
"Max?" Logan asked momentarily stepping out of his euphoria.
"W-who are you to negotiate over my future and . . . and what I want?"
"Max . . ."
"Did it ever occur to you Logan that you might want to consult me first before making a deal on my life!"
"Max, I thought you'd be happy to get out of this place. I mean what about Cindy, Sketchy or me for that matter; don't you miss us at all?"
"Logan I'm not saying that. Course I miss you guys but I want to be in control of my own life and make my own choices."
"Yeah but you're not. Manticore controls you and it always will!"
Max glared at him; her mask now fully in place.
"Oh god Max, I never meant it like that!"
"No you're right, I am a freak and I always will be!"
"Max . . ."
"I'll see you later Logan."
"Max, come on!"
Logan moved forward towards Max to try and at least re arrange his words and formulate a proper apology, but all he was met with was a slammed door.
All the transgenics that had been in the recreation room at the time, looked quickly away from the door as soon as she re-entered, all except Ginger and Alec who were still watching her closely.
"Did all you guys hear that?"
None of them spoke.
"Yeah well I guess its better that you heard it all that way. Wouldn't want you to go thinking I bailed on you again. I mean, I'm an 09'er, I'm gonna have a tendency to keep running away, right?"
A small X6 sitting in the far corner of the room, spoke out, "We don't think that, you're not just an 09'er, you're Max now."
Max smiled gratefully at the little boy before turning to Ginger who had come to stand beside her,
"Whatever you do Max, this time we know that you're not running away, right everyone?"
The whole room murmured in agreement, except for Alec who sat on the table staring at his army boots.
"Right Alec?" Ginger asked noticing the fact that he hadn't said anything.
Alec looked up. Nodding slowly at Ginger, he turned to look at Max, "Right."
Max knew full well that he didn't mean it; his expressive hazel-green eyes gave it away. What did surprise her however, was that it wasn't anger she was seeing, but an emotion she couldn't quite define.
As the transgenics got back to their games and socialising Max attempted to get behind Alec's mask.
"Would you mind if I did go?"
"It's not for me to mind Max."
"But you'd be angry?"
"Oh Maxie look, it's not about us, it's not about me or Logan; this is about you. Do you want to leave here and fight these loonies from the outside? Because Max, you can fight them from anywhere."
"You don't understand, I left behind so many people I care about."
"Then you should go."
"But . . ."
"But what?"
"But Manticore's changed."
"Well I've been here all my life; nothing's changed."
"It's more bearable. Renfro's got it in her head that I'm special, hence her not being so tough on me. I have friends now too, Joshua, Ginger, the rest of our unit . . . you."
"Me?" Alec laughed, "Max, I'm just your ever dependable pain in the ass!"
"Yeah well, I never had one of those before," Max smiled.
"Look Max, if you're worried you're gonna hurt your new 'friends' by leaving Manticore, then don't. You heard them all."
Max nodded, "In that case, I guess its back to Seattle and delivering packages."
"I guess it is."
Alec smiled; his acting brilliant. Max couldn't tell a thing. Walking past her, he quickly exited the room.
Max stood there staring at the spot he had been in, still undecided about what to do. She felt more dejected than anything. What had she expected? Alec to be grovelling for her to stay? She had hoped for some sort of reaction. Why? She had no idea, but she was more than disheartened when she received nothing from him. It seemed that by not really saying anything at all, Alec had been the one that had finally made up Max's mind.
"Ah, take a seat Mr. Cale."
Logan took the seat offered.
"We've made our decision."
"Um, about that," Logan interrupted, "I don't actually know whether or not Max would like to go ahead with it. I haven't had the chance to ask her."
"That's ok Logan," Lydecker said, "We're expecting her any-"
A loud knock on the door interrupted him.
"And here she is right on cue, come in."
The door opened and in walked Max in her usual t-shirt and army pants combination. Not giving Logan a single glance, she came to stand next to him.
"Sit down 452," Renfro ordered. Max did as she was told.
"We've agreed to let you go."
Max was stunned; she had known it was a likely possibility, but for them to actually confirm she was free from Manticore was another story altogether.
"But we have a condition of our own, Mr. Cale."
"Yes?" Logan asked.
"We would like to send another transgenic with Max."
Max's eyes opened in yet more surprise.
"You've already met him Mr. Cale; X5-494."
Logan instantly went to object on hearing the last three digits, "I said that letting Max go would be enough to persuade me into believing you. I also assured you that Max wouldn't be running off. Surely it doesn't make sense to lose two of your best soldiers?"
"494's second-in-command can easily take over. We also have two new X5s looking to join a new unit. They will be perfect as temporary stand-ins."
"Permission to speak."
"Yes 452?"
"Does 494 agree with all of this?"
"We don't know yet, we haven't asked him. But I remind you again 452, 494 is a soldier, he doesn't have to agree with us, he just has to obey us."
Lydecker looked to Logan, "So are we in agreement?"
Logan looked at Max, but she gave him no help. He turned back to Lydecker's outstretched hand and realised he was alone in this decision. Telling himself that it wouldn't be a problem, he took his left hand and gave it one firm shake,
"Yes we are."
A/N 2 – So how did you guys find that? Most of you had guessed that Alec would be going with her but that was pretty obvious since this will turn out to be M/A. Anyways, thank you for reading and please let me know what you thought.
Massive thank you to my reviewers:
Chaosti – lol! Love your reviews! Really make me laugh. Am very glad that you liked the ending!
Lolitaro – don't worry, her and Logan won't be together for much longer. Glad you liked and I hope you feel the same bout this chap.
Chainedreamer – hehe! So I take it you're happy, Alec's going as well?!
XxInsanityxX – thank you, hope you liked this chap. Will continue to update, so no worries.
RPGirl – am very glad you found my story and am very very glad u liked it! Hope you liked this chap too.
Lakergirl – well I hoped you liked it since Alec's gonna go with her now! Don't worry, will definitely be M/A!
Lynsi – No problem. Lol, yeah well guessing what's coming next is the fun of it! Hope u liked this chap, even though Max isn't staying in Manticore.
JeNsEnS wifey ChAdZ lover – lol! Thanks for updating! About Max and Logan: I am really sorry but I'm gonna have to wean her off him slowly, so bear with me!
Aotearoa Hiphop Grl – Yay! Glad u liked the chess game. I personally love chess, anyway, thanks for reviewing and hope u liked.
Nelita – Thank you! Hope u liked this chap! Waiting for your update.
ellenemi – hey there! Thanks for reviewing, glad you're lovin' it!
SmilinStar xxx