Many thanks to my reviewers
Angelofdarkeness78:
Crazy4Cocopuffs: Hope you liked the explanation
Darkangelgirl: New reviewer, welcome to my world
Elle6778: with 2 days in 5 chapters, hopefully by chapter 24 things will be clearer.
Maria656: Glad you liked the twist
Loralee X5-214: Still not MA, but glad you're still with me
Honey X5-452: Thanks reviews 14-19 so had to put this out before bed. Sorry A/I missing but had t get other things in.
Disclaimer: Not mine except new characters
A/N : My first attempt.
Who loves the teacher?
Chapter Twenty: Joining Forces
Back in the classroom.
"When we broke up we were discussing leadership of TC. The command structure has been me in command and Alec as SIC since TC became a nation. Personally I met Logan before and Alec now has Issy, so whatever you've got planned had better work with the situation," Max started. "So where do you fit in with this," she asked the two men.
"Well," started Sandeman, but Max cut him off.
"Seems we need protection from the trannie bashers, but still get in and out to eliminate the familiars threat," Max continued, "So what you gonna do to help that."
"That may be," he tried again, but Max hadn't finished.
"Finally for some reason our blood will help fight an epidemic, supposing we agree, how much blood, how often, to whom does it go and how does the vaccine reach the ordinaries?" Max stopped, looking at Sandeman for a response.
The old man waited for Max to continue, when she didn't he said, "Although you have decipher some of the runes, I believe you are behind in establishing exactly what was encoded in your DNA. Unfortunately the coming events have not been delayed, so I am here to make sure that you are ready in time. Colonel Lydecker is here at my request to help in the preparations and as a government liaison officer to ensure you freedom of movement." All the transgenics gasped for them that meant one thing and they didn't like the sound of that.
Sandeman continued, "As for the blood, yes some will be required from everyone, but in small quantities, just like blood donors. I would think that Issy has probably started work on the analysis," she nodded, "but I have contacts with Norbac, who with progress the work more quickly and have the serum ready in weeks."
"So what is happening is imminent?" queried Max.
"No, not that soon, but to create enough vaccine for the whole planet will take time and it will need to be distributed," he replied.
"But even if enough is created many governments are not in control and terrorists will attempt to destroy or prevent supplies reaching the general population. How are we expected to prevent that?" asked Alec.
"And how are we going to protect it against the familiars?" asked Max, "They have influence in too many government departments."
"Since 'Eyes Only' is a friend of Logan's, I was hoping he could do a piece on the familiars and their trademark brand. Worded correctly it could have public opinion divided over who the villains are," he suggested, "As for Alec's question it may need you to deliver the vaccine."
"So what about Lydecker, I'll be damned if I or any of the people here will take orders from him?" spat Max to a chorus of 'yeah' and nods.
"I wasn't envisaging him taking over, but more as an intermediary with the US government and security services," the tension seemed to reduce within the room. "I know you don't trust Lydecker."
"Too true he killed too many of us," interrupted Luke, with agreement from the others.
"Yes I know that, but would you trust any other military officer?" the old man concluded.
Everyone looked at one another, then at Lydecker, "As they say better the devil you know," quipped Mole, "That ain't saying I trust him, but at least I know what I don't trust."
"Yeah, at least the feelings mutual," replied Lydecker.
"Enough bickering," Sandeman said. "When Manticore went down there were several X5's in the field in deep cover missions that believe Manticore still exists. Lydecker has been in contact with them, but we need them to return. I want to bring them here but their debriefing will require that they accept that Manticore has gone. They may believe you are traitors, at first."
"Great, not only Lydecker but a company of Manticore's finest ready to shoot to kill, who needs the familiars," Alec commented sarcastically.
"I suppose you think that psy-ops and I can convert then to the cause overnight," Issy questioned Sandeman.
"I thought you would have the means set-up by now," he replied.
"So that's another reason the chair was here and the request to let in psy-ops X series," Max challenged.
"I set it up thinking we may need it for our enemies, but never our own. It is possible to reprogram a willing subject in a short time, but they have to be willing without using the laser," Issy replied.
Alec realised Issy was feeling uncomfortable but didn't know why, so he changed the subject. "So how do you see your role 'Deck?" he asked.
"My immediate role would be to assess the situation here and pass on assurance to defence high command that you pose no threat and that your services would be available if the need arose."
"That sounds very like you taking charge," replied Mole whilst lighting another cigar.
"Actually I would like you to tell me what you would be willing to do, so that I can get the blockade to be for your protection only. Then when the people realise that you are helping protect them the blockade could be removed," Lydecker tried to sound placatory. "That might mean you undertaking missions to take out a hostile force, be it familiar or terrorist. I would act as your government go between bringing suggestions of missions suited to your abilities. Contrary to popular belief, I've only ever wanted you to reach your potential, not to be put down like rabid dogs."
"That sounded almost conciliatory, unlike before the break. I think you'd better explain," said Max.
"While you were otherwise occupied Sandeman and I had a discussion with Mole, Dix, Biggs and CeCe. They explained a lot that has happened and been achieved," he replied, "I realised that aspects that had seemed to be flaws for Manticore had actually enabled you to survive without a command structure, but that some of you may still be interested in completing missions if you are involved in the planning and have more say in the execution. So I decided that we will achieve more by working together than by fighting. It will take sometime to convince others and I will need your help to do that."
"You mean that you will give us the mission parameters, we will plan it and then come to you, so you can get approval for equipment and the go ahead?" asked Max a little shocked by the turn around.
"Don't sound so surprised, I'm beginning to see past my training that you're a bunch of advanced bio-weapons and start considering you as sentient beings."
"You mean you consider some of us to be almost human," replied Max, "and I suppose these missions will be confined to them."
"In the first instance the X5's will be used, but once you're abilities and loyalties have been proven. I would expect to use any of you where your skills re best suited."
"So when are you expecting to start these missions?" asked Max.
"As soon as possible, from what Sandeman has told me we need to take out some of the familiars. First on the list is McKinley, after Eyes Only has outed him as one and their plan," he replied.
For a while there was silence as everyone considered what had been said. Then Mole piped-up "That seems reasonable, but who you thinking of using."
"Hey don't forget it was him who sounded off after my execution, I'd like to take out the bastard," Biggs responded.
"Not without back-up," said Alec, "CeCe and I have got that."
"Wait we need to discuss this rationally, not like this," shouted Max.
"I agree with Max, but you have illustrated my point," finished Lydecker.
"Yeah, you've turned them into savage animals in one go," snapped Logan.
"No, revenge is a human trait," replied Max. She was starting to tire of Logan's constant belittling of her family. Their relationship was fine when she was away from TC, but whenever he came to 'help' he always acted so superior. She resented him coming into her world, where she felt comfortable and could laugh and have fun, but only when he wasn't around. "Deck you seem to have changed your opinion since you go here, I'm glad to see. I think we need to continue in smaller groups and concentrate our discussions. Sandeman, Logan, Dix, Alec and I need to discuss the message for Eyes Only. Sandeman, Issy, Dage, Alec and I need to discuss the vaccine and disease. Lydecker, Mole, Biggs, Alec and I need to discuss the military issues, including missions and security. Lydecker, Issy, Alec and I need to discuss the Manticore operatives in the field. Everyone else is to continue with them normal duties until called for. All TC personnel clear?" Max asked, pointedly leaving out Logan. There were no questions. Max thought this could be seen as progress and if they could get rid of the blockade and trannie bashers by co-operating it would all be to the good.
"I would like a private meeting with Sandeman, Lydecker, Alec and Issy in my office after dinner. The meetings will start in the morning, the times of which will be posted at 22:00. Since I want the meetings to start at 9:00, Joshua could you find beds for Sandeman and Lydecker?" Max asked her friend.
"Sure thing Little Fella," he replied.
"So you're going to trust us to stay here?" queried Lydecker.
"Since you need more sleep than some of us, I think we'll be safe," Max replied, "Any questions?"
"What if Eyes Only won't help?" asked Logan.
"We'll find someone who will, at far less cost," replied Max.
Logan realised that one wrong step and he would lose Max forever, the signs had been there, but he had ignored them. Now that Alec wasn't a threat we wondered who could come between them, but he noticed that Alec was at all the meetings (he was only at one). Once upon a time she would have always included him, valued his opinion, but now he wasn't required.
"Ok we break now for dinner, can you make sure our guests are at my office for 22:00 Joshua, thank you?" Max ended what seemed like a long, but productive session.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
"So Joshua, what have you been doing since the escape?" asked Sandeman.
"Found father's home and been painting," the dog man replied.
"I'm sorry I had to leave you behind, but I was on the run and it wouldn't have been safe, I hope you will forgive me," the old man said softly.
"Joshua always forgive father," replied Joshua.
"Please, can you two have this conversation when I'm not around," Lydecker complained.
"Of course, Joshua and I can talk when you're in your meetings, what do you say Joshua," Sandeman replied.
"Joshua do as father wants," was the reply.
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A/N Reference to Norbac (Re-Genesis) does not make this a cross over, as names used here will not be from program, could not think of a realistic sounding research facility.
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