Disclaimer: Not mine except new characters.
A/N: My first attempt. Issy is staying but this is the last chapter I have ready so you may have to wait for the next, I look forward to reading your reviews. Sorry I'm not doing a website with pictures, but have emailed my reviewers with a picture of Issy (if I've got your email address).
Many Thanks:
Mel11: That's the idea, but who knows.
Lakergirl08: Glad you approve.
Angel Of Darkness231: I will be when we get to the mission.
Shygirl1: She can't do that yet, watch out for chap.41.
Wildsky: Glad you like the direction.
Darkangelgirl: Sticking with Alec/Issy, but glad you enjoyed.
EminemIsCool: Ben isn't a loser, he's intense and not as empathic as Alec. I'm trying to show differences between their characters, hopefully it will be clearer later.
Who Loves The Teacher?
Chapter Forty: Different Paths
With the meeting over Alec blurred to med bay, he didn't need telling twice that Issy was awake and besides telling Ben was Max's problem.
When he arrived at her room Dage was just unhooking Biggs, who looked like he was about to fall asleep.
"Hey buddy, think you need some down time after this," he whispered, remembering Issy's sensitive hearing.
"Yeah, thought I'd grab a bite to eat before hitting the sack for a couple of hours," Biggs replied. "How did the meeting go?"
"We recruited Jondy to act as spokesperson for their unit."
Biggs raised his eyebrows, "that was quick; I didn't think she'd get round you that easily."
"We got off on the wrong foot because I'd had a run in with Ben and you can guess who she thought I was."
"Ben, but what happened with Ben?"
"He walked into my flat when Max and I were discussing TC and told me it was none of my business what Max was doing; how I managed just reply without hitting him I don't know," Alec explained. "So when Jondy thought I was him I snapped and when she apologised I felt guilty."
"Not like you," Biggs joked.
"Found out why she and the ones you had in cells arrived and she seemed concerned about Ben, so thought she might help integrate the others into TC without the aggro. Of course Max was all protective of Ben, so I suggested that Ben take my place on retrieval."
"I bet that went down like a lead balloon."
"Yeah, then Sandeman came and suggested Max go too."
"Well does this mean Jondy gets promoted to SIC already?"
"No I'm sticking with the tried and trusted, don't want too many changes," Alec replied aghast at the suggestion. He turned to Issy who had been observing the exchange, "so how's the most beautiful woman in the world?"
"I don't know, but tell me her name and I'll try to find out," she replied with a straight face.
"She must be feeling much better because her wits back," he smiled.
"I wondered why you chose Biggs, guess I need to get out of here and calm everyone down," she replied. Looking at him standing several feet away, she added, "it's ok I won't break you can come closer."
As he approached the bed Biggs got up, "I'll leave you two alone for a bit."
"Thanks," Alec replied, "and if you see anyone heading this way tell them to give us thirty."
"Will do boss."
Alec bent over Issy and planted a kiss on her forehead, "are you sure you're feeling better?" he asked.
"I don't feel like moving, but the pains have reduced and the nausea has subsided," Issy answered, "Sandeman says I should be as good as new tomorrow but what about you and Ben?"
"Since we got back it seems he's upset a lot of people over his possessiveness of Max and when he interrupted the conversation I was having with Max, I sort of lost it."
"Yeah he's good at that," she replied. "There's a phrase what you project out comes back, well in Ben's case he's very sensitive to that. If people are aggressive towards him he projects that back on everyone around him times ten."
"So you've been controlling my reactions?"
"No just trying to keep you calm in his presence, but I think you've got the right idea," she replied. "If he and Max sort themselves out, while you get TC running smoothly then we'll be ready to for the next stage when it comes."
"Mysterious as ever," he laughed embracing her carefully.
"That's what you love about me," she replied as they kissed.
Then as he hugged a little tight she pushed him back, when their lips parted she complained, "hey watch it, I'm still a bit fragile."
Embarrassed he replied, "sorry I forgot." Then he remembered the drugged milk, "who's idea was the milk?" He stared at her for a response.
"You know the answer, so why ask?"
"I just wanted you to confirm," he replied. "So when did you tell Dage what to do?"
"Before we left."
Alec looked stunned, "how did you know?"
She laughed, "I didn't, I just thought if anything happened to me someone would have to know what to do."
"Very melodramatic," he laughed. "Thanks, I needed the sleep."
"I know, but where's Alex," seeing the look on his face she added, "don't tell me you forgot about her."
"Of course not, I-I've just been distracted," he stuttered.
"Well make up for that and go find her," she insisted, "I'll still be here when you get back."
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When the meeting was over Max and Jondy went to see the other members of her unit. Max was trying to think how she would explain to them that she and Ben would be leaving soon.
"Max I know you've always cared about Ben, but the way he acts around you isn't good," Jondy said quietly.
"What do you know?" Max snapped. "The only thing you were thinking about in there was how nice Alec was, admit it?"
"Max listen to yourself," Jondy pleaded, "Yeah Alec's alright, but I don't think any female stands a chance with him, the speed he left the room when that man said Issy wanted to see him, I've never had a man do that for me. It's not me with that problem but you, and Ben is jealous."
"Don't be silly, why should he be jealous?"
"Because you were always so close, now he sees someone else is that close," she answered. "Whether he knew what he was doing or not I think Alec suggesting Ben going on the retrieval missions was so you would go and sort out your relationship. Once that's done maybe we can work together as a team."
"What if it doesn't work?"
"Then you will have to decide what to do. On your own, away from your responsibilities," Jondy finished as they reached the door of Max's apartment.
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As he left med bay for the nursery Alec bumped into Joshua. "Hey medium fella, why rush?"
"Oh hi Josh, Issy wants to see Alex," he beamed.
"Issy ok."
"Still weak but back with us," he replied, "Thanks for asking, why don't you go and see her while I get Alex."
"Can I?" Joshua seemed to be looking for assurances that Alec didn't mind.
"Of course," he replied touched and amused by the big man's need for approval. "She'd have a fit if I said no," he joked as he continued on his way.
He hadn't gone very far when Mole intercepted him. "Ok, Princess what you thinking of?" Mole asked.
"I'm thinking about collecting Alex and taking her back to Issy," Alec replied confused.
"I mean about that stunt you pulled at the meeting," Mole snarled.
"Which bit didn't you like?"
"Bringing a stranger in to spy," he started, "and getting our illustrious leader to go off with psycho boy."
"So you'd rather Issy and I went with 'Deck, leaving Max and Ben here?" Alec was confused the words didn't match the attitude. "As for Jondy I thought she might help not spy."
"It was a work of genius to get rid of psycho boy, but not sure about the bit of skirt," Mole replied.
"Look when Max and Ben have sorted themselves out they'll be back," Alec replied, "in the meantime her unit will be here and we need to work together, Jondy sounded like she wanted to help so she was the obvious choice."
"You sure they'll be back?"
"Yeah can't see Max giving up yet, besides Sandeman has her on a string to return."
"You mean this Lady Jesus thing?"
"Yeah, so much has happened in the last few months, it sometimes feels like years," Alec replied. "Catch you later for dinner."
Alec hurried on towards the nursery thinking this was the longest short walk he'd ever done. Having collected Alex without any trouble he considered blurring back to med bay, but didn't consider it a good example to set Alex.
So he set off back only to be stopped by CeCe, Mitch and Biggs. "Before you make any complaints, give Jondy a chance and we'll deal with Ben when he comes back," he snapped.
"What's that all about, we were just going to say we'll meet you for dinner at 18:00," replied a surprised Biggs.
"Oh sorry."
"That's ok, I presume everyone wants to talk," Biggs replied realising where Alec was going. "We'll see you later."
"Yeah said I'd catch up with Mole as well," Alec replied, then went on his way.
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In Max's apartment her siblings were waiting for the return of Jondy to find out what had happened at the meeting. Syl, Krit, Zane and Seth were discussing how they had managed on the outside, while Ben was just observing.
When Max and Jondy entered the room went silent and everyone looked in their direction.
"So what happened Jondy?" demanded Ben.
"After a moments confusion I was asked to join the team as a unit representative," she replied simply with a grin.
"And you didn't think we'd want to be consulted?" he snapped.
"Why? Do you think you would've been welcomed to the meeting?" she replied.
"So what have you agreed on our behalf?" he replied surly.
"That most of us will remain here and help prepare for whatever it is we're preparing for," she started.
"Most! So what happens to the others?" snapped Ben.
"That would be just you and I," Max interrupted. "We will be going with 'Deck to retrieve the other units."
"And what if I want to stay?" asked Ben belligerently.
"Then they'll probably find a nice cell for you until you stop being a complete moron," snapped Zane.
"You mean you'd side with them?" accused Ben.
"I think we all would with the attitude you've shown since we got here," Krit agreed. "Jondy you say they want us to work with them, how?"
"First they need to find our strengths and then assign us to work within our area of expertise," she replied.
"You sound impressed?"
"Yeah I met Alec and he seems to have his finger on the pulse better than our Max."
"Gee thanks," Max replied sarcastically. "I've been leader here since we decided to stop running and fight back, Alec just followed my lead."
"Yeah, that might be true but, I tend to agree with the attitude I've heard around," Jondy replied. "Alec was the first person to organise a meeting; that should have been you as leader, especially since Issy was in med bay."
"Don't you lecture Max on her responsibilities," Ben threatened.
"If that's how you're going to be, I'll be glad when you're gone," retorted Syl. "At least we'll be able to relax and be ourselves then."
"What do you mean?" Max snapped.
"Max we all love you, but Ben seems intent on picking a fight with someone," Syl replied. "And there're several here who would like that."
"Who?" Max retorted.
"Where shall we start," Seth started. "First there's Alec's unit, then the command team, then anyone else who has set up home here and lastly us. I'm just surprised Alec didn't save us all the trouble."
"Alec wouldn't," replied Max.
"Alec knows his place," sneered Ben, "controlled by two women."
"It's about time someone put a leash on you," Syl rebuked.
Seeing that this could end badly for all of them Max decided to take Ben away from the apartment, "Ben let's visit 'Deck and get started," she said. "We need to find out where he's planning on retrieving these units."
She got Ben out quickly and they went to find Lydecker. Max was in turmoil she had been overjoyed at finding Ben, now he seemed to be causing problems and Sandeman wanted them to be partners. How was that going to work if Ben aggravated everyone in TC?
She was so wrapped up in her thoughts she didn't realise Ben was talking to her.
"Maxie I'm sorry, I don't mean to upset everyone, I just…" he was saying. "I just feel so… I don't know what it is but I want to protect you from everyone and I get so jealous of anyone who comes near you."
"So going off with 'Deck, might not be such a bad idea," Max said with a grin, "so long as you don't decide to kill him."
"I'll try not to," he smirked.
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As Alec neared med bay he looked closely at Alex and said, "I want you on your best behaviour Mummy's not very well and I don't want you jumping all over her."
Alex looked up at him with her big blue eyes and replied, "Ok Daddy," as innocently as any young child.
"Don't look at me like that," he felt that he was being manipulated. "Ok if you behave then you can have ice cream at dinner," he continued, hoping there was some in the canteen.
Alex smiled, she would have behaved but despite being only eighteen months she already knew how to wind Daddy round her little finger. She had practised on all the males while Mummy and Daddy were away and now had almost perfected her technique.
As they neared Issy's room Alec again warned Alex to be quiet and not run around only to look into the innocent eyes again.
As they entered the room Issy was lying back against the pillows and Joshua sat in a chair facing her, they were oblivious to Alec standing at the door with Alex. Then Alec put Alex down and she ran across crying, "Mummy."
Issy looked up and Joshua turned round to look, just as Alex remembered her promise and stopped turned to look at Alec and put her finger to her lips; Alec laughed as he leaned on the doorpost.
"I suppose you told her to be quiet," Issy smiled.
"Yeah even offered her ice cream as a bribe," he replied waving Alex to carry on walking.
"Just as well my headache has nearly gone," she replied as Joshua got up to leave.
"See you later Alec," he said as he walked towards the door.
"Yeah seems I've got some people expecting to see me in the canteen at 18:00," Alec replied. "Any chance of saving two bowls of chocolate ice cream for me and my girl," he cajoled.
"No problem," Joshua replied and left.
Alex had climbed onto the bed and was sat next to Issy. "I suppose I should cancel one of those bowls of ice cream," Alec said to his daughter. She pouted so well he added, "you did break your promise."
She managed to make the pout bigger until Alec laughed and said, "well next time you won't get away with it."
"Of course she will," replied Issy. "She's got you wound tighter than you got me." Alec looked upset and began to pout, "Yeah same pout," she laughed.
Alec's mind wandered to their earlier conversation, "so how come Ben has upset everyone here; I mean out in the woods we all seemed to be getting along ok."
"In the woods there were so few, here there are hundreds, do you think I was only calming you?" she asked.
"God I hate psy-ops and when you do that," he replied. "So you were busy controlling all of us."
"You make it sound like I turned you into robots," she accused. "All I did was feel for aggression and calm it out."
"Sometimes we need to feel aggression," he replied getting angry.
Knowing what was happening she ignored it, "yes I know, but it doesn't help build trust; especially when you've no reason to trust somebody."
"So why did it fall down so quickly here," he replied calming himself down.
"You mean aside from me not having enough strength for myself without trying to keep half of TC in check?" he nodded. "The main problem is Ben, he still feels ostracised by society and can feel slighted by an innocent action. He's jealous of your relationship with Max."
Alec snorted, "what relationship? I've been the bad guy in her life, caused all her problems, even when you and I got together it became me trying to hurt her."
"Yeah but however many times she blamed you, you still managed to work together become her SIC," Issy explained. "Sending her and Ben away will either make or break their relationship."
"So long as they don't kill each other and 'Deck while they're at it," he replied. "So how much control are you going to exert when you get out of here?" he smiled.
"Less than either of you," Issy replied looking at Alex and Alec.
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A/N: 236 reviews before the next.
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