Many Thanks to:
AngelofDarkness231: glad you like the OC/Issy piece.
Loralee X5-214: hope you get to this soon, glad you liked the early chapters.
Angelofdarkness78: glad you liked Normal
Lakergirl08: who's showdown, if it's the one I think you mean it doesn't turn out like that.
Crazy4Cocopuffs: Normal's car, I was thinking old beetle with fuzzy dice and fluffy seat covers.
Maria656: Nice to have a new reviewer, but as an M/L fan you may be in for some disappointments. This is primarily an Alec fic, even Alex is incidental, but there will be further moments.
Disclaimer: Not mine except new characters
A/N : My first attempt.
Who loves the teacher?
Chapter Eighteen : Don't Shoot the Messenger
Issy had spent the day analysing the samples and thought she had got somewhere, but the equipment couldn't produce the results she needed quick enough.
CeCe and Biggs had gone out that night using a tracker they found the car. Then watching each others back they had changed the signal to look for the bug that Issy had planted on Sandeman. When they had found the apartment they used their enhanced hearing to confirm that Lydecker was there before setting two spy cameras, one through a vent into the apartment and one to monitor the front door. Then they returned to TC with the address for the package.
At the morning meeting they discussed where the computer link would be setup and what they wanted answering before Sandeman and Lydecker would be allowed in TC.
At 10:00 Max rang OC with the address.
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OC cycled to the apartment block in sector 3 and knocked on the door. "Jam Pony messenger," she called.
Sandeman answered the door, "I'm sorry I think you must have the wrong address, we're not expecting anything."
"You Sandeman?" asked OC. The man nodded. "Well it says here Sandeman and I need a signature, else I don't get paid," she said as she handed him the package.
Looking at the return address on the package he understood, "Do you know who this is from?" he questioned, as he signed her sheet.
"Hey don't shoot the messenger, I just delivering for Jam Pony," Cindy replied, thinking it wise not to acknowledge any links to Max and her friends.
"Thank you and this is for you," he said handing her a couple of notes.
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Max was pacing her office; OC should have delivered their package by now. Why hadn't she phoned yet? Had she been kidnapped? Was it a trap?
Just then her cell rang and in her haste to answer it, she dropped it. Retrieving it from the bin she answered the call, "Max here."
"Hey Boo, yer sound worried," commented OC, "just rang to say package delivered, an' he's a good tipper"
"I'm alright, thanks for the news," replied Max, tension easing from her voice, "catch you later OC."
"Damn right yer will Boo."
Putting her phone away Max went to tell the others that they were on count down to the computer link with Sandeman and Lydecker.
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Dix, Luke and Alec had a team sorting out the class room ready for the meeting, when Max entered. "Looking good," she said, a smile forming.
"It's taken a bit of organising, but the plain board behind gives a good background and tells them nothing about our facilities," replied Alec.
"That the tactician in you talking?" Max laughed. "Anyway we need to get the directions sorted for that plan, so can I steal you for a bit."
"Sure we're about done here," he drawled, following her over to HQ.
As they walked through the compound Max let her curiosity get the better of her, "How's it going with Issy?" She was hoping things weren't going well, but he's body language seemed to indicate differently.
"Why? You still hoping you got a chance, you always had a thing about my ass," he teased.
"Course not," she replied, too fast, slightly embarrassed, "just making conversation."
"That's not like you, interested in my well being," he laughed, "but as you asked, it's going well. It's nice to be with a beautiful woman and not worry about my body aching after, at least not from physical violence."
Max wondered if he meant he'd liked her company before Issy arrived, but still gave him a punch on the shoulder. What was it OC said, he wouldn't wait forever for her to make up her mind. She'd never really thought of him like that before Issy arrived, but things weren't going well with Logan and it was all her fault. He wanted to go back to how they had been, but she'd moved on, had responsibilities, she couldn't relax so easily.
"Hey Maxie you alright?" asked Alec, rubbing his shoulder and cutting into her thoughts, "you seem distracted, even the punch was weak."
"Yeah, just wondered why everything got so messed up," she replied.
"That would probably be when you made your speech," he replied, then smiling, "but speak for yourself I've never been happier."
That's true she thought he's happy and I want him to be miserable like me. It's his fault I feel like this, why should he be happy.
"Maxie you sure there's nothing wrong," he interrupted her thoughts again.
A smile appeared on her face as she remembered what he'd say, "Yeah, I'm alright, I'm always alright," she said.
Now he knew something was wrong, but if she didn't want to say that was her problem. He was done taking shit from her, just because she was in a bad mood. He was happy and she had nothing to do with it.
Entering HQ they went straight to her office to check the plans for the grand detour that would get Sandeman and Lydecker to TC.
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There were thirteen in the command team now, not that superstition worried them. Alec had even joked they were like Lady Jesus and her twelve disciples, until someone reminded him that two of them ended up dead and another denied them.
Now they were getting settled behind the camera so that they could all be seen, but with only Max seated. This would enable them to change places if it became necessary.
The link was opened to Sandeman and Lydecker.
"So pleased you could understand our instructions," Max started, "behind me are the members of TC command."
"I see you've tainted the command structure with nomalies and transhumans," sneered Lydecker.
"I see it as enhanced our capabilities," she replied easily, "but I thought we were here to discuss how we can mutually benefit from joining forces. If you have something else on your mind then we can conclude these proceedings."
"Don't be so hasty my child," said Sandeman softly, "There are many ways we can help you."
"I don't think you're that magnanimous, you want something from us," she replied.
"Yes, I want you to fulfil your destiny," he replied.
"You mean your twisted plan," she complained.
"It may seem twisted to you, but I think when we meet and talk properly you'll understand."
Max grabbed the chance, "so you want to meet face to face."
"Of course my child," he replied.
"Well I need assurances that you really are going to help. We've got several trucks of things we need," seeing their faces she continued, "its ok not weapons, just basic stuff to make life a little easier. You bring it safety through the gates, no shooting, no soldiers and we can talk," she finished.
"It might take a little time," he hesitated.
"I'm sure Lydecker will help, let us know when you decide," she replied ready to close the link.
"I might be able to get them through the gates, but I can only drive one," Lydecker cut in quickly.
"No problem, we've got drivers, but you've gotta get them through as well," she replied.
"But where do we meet them?"
"We'll give you directions to the storage depot, then some of our people will meet you. Bring military uniforms, just the uniforms. But any sign of a double cross and you're on your own," Max informed them, "You have 24 hours, then we'll contact you again," this time she broke the link.
Turning to the team she said, "Do you think they'll go for it?"
"Yeah, did you see Lydecker's face," replied Alec, "They'll go for it."
"Great, but have we sorted the drivers, lookout and security?" she asked.
Alec laid out the map and those involved gathered round, whilst everyone else went back to work.
"We'll have lookouts posted here, here and here," Mole said pointing to the map, "They'll be able to watch them leave and whether they are followed, but be high enough not to be caught."
"Good and they'll report back in time for the turns," said Max.
"We've got four X5's for the drivers, Biggs, Hampton, Mitch and Rob, but thought Mole, Joshua and I plus three others should be there to meet them," Alec confirmed.
"Why are you going?" Max was indignant at being left behind.
"I'll be paying for the goods, making sure its all there and getting rid of the ordinaries before the show begins, and helping secure the area," he replied, as if it should be obvious.
"What about Mole and Joshua?"
"We want to present a united transgenic front, how can we be united if only the X series are seen on first contact?" was she born stupid, he thought.
"And I'm left here because?"
"Because if they only want you, you'd be in danger and TC needs you," this is like pulling teeth, he thought. "Anyway we need you here to give directions and co-ordinate."
Max wasn't happy about not being involved, she was an action girl and didn't like being side lined when there could be a fight. But he was right and the way Mole and Biggs were looking it seemed this had been agreed when they had been working this out. "So when did I agree to this, all plans were supposed to be ok'd by me," she blasted.
"When would you agree to a plan that didn't have you take a leading role?" he teased lightly, trying not to rile her further.
Realising their discomfort she turned to leave, "well just don't screw it up, any of you," she warned over her shoulder with a smirk.
"Do you think she believed your reasons?" asked Mole.
"Yes, but she's not happy so I guess I'll get my ass kicked whether it works or not," replied Alec.
"What is it about your ass that the women love?" asked Biggs.
"What's not to like?" Alec laughed.
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24 hours later Max was again sat in front of the computer in the classroom. Dix had set up the link and was listening for the lookouts.
CeCe was watching the apartment block where OC had delivered the package.
Alec, Mole, Joshua and seven others were at the depot checking that all the goods had been delivered and paying the contact. "Ok we're clear everything ready for operation father," Alec said into his coms. link. When thinking what to call the mission Joshua had said father, so they agreed.
Max opened the link to Sandeman, "Glad you were waiting for our call," she started, "If you go to your car now and drive south on Broadway, we'll contact you with turns, so keep the line open."
"What makes you think we're ready," replied Lydecker.
"Because you want this to happen and we've been watching, now go," she answered.
CeCe watched the men get into their car and start off, no-one was following. "All clear at check point alpha, eye ball two only, returning to base." CeCe left her position and headed back to TC over the rooftops avoiding the drones.
"Base to Hawk," Dix called, "we are a go, rabbit on the run."
"Why are we using the silly names?" asked Max.
"Alec's idea."
"Figures, he has got to stop watching so much TV," she replied.
So it continued, until they were sure that it was safe, then Sandeman and Lydecker were directed to the dock where Alec and his crew were waiting.
Alec had already positioned Mike and Rob as lookouts, with instructions to follow the car to block any retreat.
The car approached the dock and Alec and Mole stepped from the shadows to signal them to stop.
Mole stood with a newly lit cigar in his mouth and shot gun aimed at the passenger ready to fire.
"Get out of the car so we can see your hands," Alec ordered, his glock aimed at the driver.
Sandeman and Lydecker compiled. "Thought you'd have better security than this," Lydecker challenged.
"Just 'cause you don't see it doesn't mean it isn't there," Alec replied, he'd never liked or trusted the guy at Manticore, that wasn't going to change this easily. "Hands on the car and spread them."
As the older men did so Alec motioned to Biggs and Hampton to search them. Biggs found a gun on Lydecker, but nothing was found on Sandeman.
"Never did trust you 'Deck, seems I was right," Alec laughed with contempt, "Right the drivers get the stuff and get changed, we've got ten minutes to get this show back on the road, the rest of you keep alert."
"So you work with transhumans, thought you had more pride than that 494," Lydecker jeered.
"Thing about you 'deck is you never understood any of us."
"What's to know, you're soldiers gone AWOL, difference being that you were made, so you can be terminated," the colonel replied.
"Do we shoot him now or later?" Mole asked Alec.
"Later, when they've finished this job for us," Alec drawled, then turning to Lydecker, "You're in the first truck with Biggs, Sandeman you're in the last truck with Hampton."
"So which one are you in?"
"I'm not, we said you'd have drivers for the trucks, so you got four drivers, now go," Alec warned.
Sandeman just seemed to be taking it all in his stride, until he noticed Joshua. "Joshua, is that really you?"
"Yes father, I am here. Why it take you so long to find us?" the dog-man asked.
"I –I had to sort some things first, we must talk," the old man said.
"Yeah well its time to roll so talking will have to wait," Alec snapped impatient to get out of this exposed place. Daylight was not the best time to be a transgenic outside TC.
The trucks left and Alec called base. "Hawk bringing rabbit to nest," he said.
"I presume that means their on their way," smiled Max to Dix.
"Seems so," he replied.
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A/N Sorry it's long wanted to fit so much in. Next few are long too.
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