Disclaimer: I don't own it, it owns me.

A/N #1: I'm still completely blocked. But im trying to fight it off by writing this chapter. Re-thinking my original plot for this story, and this chapter leans a little into the new one so tell me what you think!

A/N #2 (READ): I just wanted to say this so there wouldn't be any confusion. I figured since Max and the other's didn't escape Lydecker didn't really do anything wrong so he's still in charge or whatever, making him Renfro's boss. - And they're NOT in the manticore that is in Seattle, they're still in Wyoming. Okay you can keep reading now.

Always

Chapter # 10

No shit Sherlock

Total control. Is there really such a thing? He could command his 'children' to do anything he wanted; he had power over them. But total control was a different matter entirely.

Colonel Donald Lydecker sat alone in his office looking over a variety of documents. His feet rested above his desk in a casual fashion. Suddenly, the office door swung open. Lydecker didn't have to look at the door to know who it was. After all, only Madame X would dare to make an entrance like this one.

"We have another problem." she stated dryly. Lydecker chuckled. When didn't they have a problem to deal with.

"What is it now?" he asked, not really caring to hear the answer.

Renfro threw a file into his lap. He carefully opened it and flipped through the pages. "We absolutely cannot risk any more exposure like this."

"Do we know his location?" the Colonel asked.

"Seattle."

Lydecker tossed the thick file onto his desk. He would never know why his female colleague did nothing but panic when these situations arose.

"We'll send a group to terminate him. Problem solved."

"Do you have anyone in mind?"

"X5-599 will do and 452 can go for backup."

Renfro glared at him, obviously very irritated.

"You know 452 is in the program."

"You can spare her," he said calmly.

"That's impossible. Her DNA strands are remarkable."

Lydecker tried unsuccessfully to hide his shock. Madam X knew something about one if his kids that he didn't and had conveniently neglected to tell him.

"Excuse me. What do you mean?" he said, trying to mask his surprise.

"Relax Deck. Her DNA is unique but it's not what we've been looking for."

He sighed in relief.

"Fine, if she's so important just send her partner with them." he suggested.

"494! Are you insane?"

"Why not send him?"

"Can you recollect why he's been in reindoctrination for the past two years?" she asked impatiently, resisting the urge to slap him.

"Berrisford," Lydecker paused. "Well, this is the perfect opportunity to confirm whether or not our methods worked."

"Why do you insist on sending 452?" Renfro asked.

"I have my reasons."

"Fine Deck. You win. 452 is in."

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Max felt someone shake her violently, trying to wake her up. She merely moaned in protest. The last thing she wanted right now was to be pulled away from this bliss. The feel of something tickling her back made Max finally open her eyes.

The first thing she saw were strong arms wrapped around her waist. She swiftly looked up to find Alec staring down at her.

"Sorry" he whispered. "You wouldn't wake up."

"What happened?" she asked, not wanting to move away. For first time in a long while, Max felt warm and safe.

"You had a seizure. It was no big deal and it passed while you were sleeping."

Max moved her lips forming a soundless 'Oh'. Alec got up and helped her do the same. They paused for a moment, staring at each other.

"Thank you," she said shyly. "For not, you know, telling the guards."

"No problem," he responded, not wanting to get into all that emotional stuff with her. The door opened slowly making Alec move away from Max. They stood at attention as Renfro walked in.

"At ease soldiers," she looked around the cell and then back to the pair of X5s.

"Report."

"Successful copulation with X5-494, ma'am," said Max, knowing Renfro wouldn't believe it from Alec.

"Excellent."

"I hope you both enjoyed working together," she stopped to look at Alec. "You have been assigned to a deep-cover mission, along with X5-599. You leave tomorrow for Seattle and will be briefed later on you assignment."

Alec remained expressionless.

"Permission to speak, ma'am" asked Max.

"What is it 452?"

"Who's our target?" Renfro looked from Max to Alec, and back.

"Eyes Only."

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A/N: I know, I know. Kind of obvious! As for the lack of M/A I promise there will be more once I get my muse back! (: