Disclaimer: Not mine except new characters.
A/N: My first attempt.
Who Loves The Teacher?
Chapter Sixty-eight: A Little Subterfuge
TC command team were waiting for Max to arrive at the morning meeting. Alec and Issy were discussing the boat trip with Biggs. Jondy and Mole were discussing TC security with Dix. Generally everyone was talking in anticipation of what Max was going to say. Only Alec and Issy had any idea and they weren't letting on.
When Max entered the room it was as if someone had flicked a switch the silence was instant and complete. Max looked at everyone and motioned for them to sit.
"As you are aware we have been holding some of the familiars as prisoners," she started.
There were nods around the room.
"Detective Clemente has informed us that White is on the war path and wants them back," she paused for effect and was gratified to see the whispering from some. She looked at Alec who grinned back, an act not missed by Jondy.
"So little sister what have you and Super Boy cooked up this time?" Jondy asked.
Max gave a quick glance to Alec and Issy before continuing, "we're going to smuggle the hostages out when we go to collect the supplies today and the supplier is going to drop them off for Clemente to pick up."
Mole whistled, "so the Detective is working with us now, how'd you wrangle that one?"
"Told him who the hostages were," she replied. "He doesn't like White, so he's helping to piss White off."
"Plus he's on the list for the vaccine trial," Alec added.
"Is that why the supplier is helping, a bit of the vaccine?" asked Jondy.
Alec shrugged, "better that than be caught with them, this way Clemente can say he didn't know they we're transgenics."
"But it'll be easy to tell," argued Mole. "They don't have barcodes."
Issy glanced at Max and smiled, "they do now."
Max added, "our parting gift for all their help, they had nice little barcodes tattooed this morning."
Everyone laughed.
"Seriously we need to plan not only how we get them out of here to the meet point, but also what everyone will be doing when White arrives," Max brought their attention back and looked at Alec.
Alec picked up the story, "as far as White is aware there are very few transgenics still alive here, whereas no-one died in his raid and we've increased by a hundred since Max did her freak nation speech."
"White thinks you and Max are dead," laughed Mole. "Instead we've got you twice now."
"Not quite," Max rebuffed, "but yes, he does think we're dead so he can't see us."
"Or the hundred extras, or Biggs and CeCe, or the 09ers," added Alec.
Jondy huffed, "when are you going to stop calling us the 09ers?"
"When it's no longer a useful categorisation to use," he replied easily with a smirk.
Jondy looked hurt and Max sympathised, "Jondy I don't like it, but we'll be here all day if we use everyone's name every time."
"So what are we going to do with you?" the ever practical Mole asked.
"We've already got the basements kitted out for the long haul," Alec stated. "So as many as possible will be housed there as soon as there is word that White is on his way."
"So while you're hiding who's running the place?" Mole quizzed.
"You and Issy," Max replied.
Issy looked at Alec then at Max in shock, "but I can't command TC."
Mole looked at her, "well I'll be helping," he replied miffed.
"So will Max and I," Alec responded, "don't forget that telepathy thingy we've got going. We've got cameras everywhere and monitors down there, so the rest of command will be keeping an eye on things and reporting back what needs doing."
"So you'll still be in charge but Issy will be your voice," Mole sighed. "And to think I actually thought you'd trust us to sort the mess without you."
"The most important thing will be to disguise all the entrances so that White doesn't find us," Max stated. "I also want Greg to work with you."
There were surprised looks from the command team.
"Greg has proved his loyalty and he's a familiar who can say that he hasn't seen any since the attack."
"Have you asked Greg yet?" Issy asked.
"No but I don't anticipate a problem," Max replied.
"You're probably right he'd do anything to keep Dara safe, so she'll need protecting with the rest of you," Issy replied.
"After this meeting we need a group to sort out where everyone will be housed and who camouflages the basement entrances," Max stated. "Those of you involved in the supply run will need to prepare. What time are you going, Alec?"
"We'll leave at 11:00, we'll need lookouts posted for the return route for the suppliers," he replied.
"After this meeting anyone not on duty above ground is to remain in the basements until after White's visit."
"I'll ensure that any trace of NorBAC is removed," Issy suggested. "We don't want White realising that we've got help with the vaccine."
"What about the supply run?" asked Biggs? "How are we going to get the familiars there?"
"Since we can't take them out the front gate," Alec replied, "and they'll be sedated. We need to get them to the boat; the meet is at pier 67. When we get to the pier we can house them in the warehouse until the supplier arrives."
"Anyone going with them to the drop point?" asked CeCe.
"No it's too risky," Max replied. "Clemente is going to pick them up with four of his most trusted men and take them to the airport."
"Why would he do that?" asked Mole.
"Because Lydecker will be waiting to take them to a secret facility until after the date that the High Priest gave us," Max snapped.
"Thus foiling their attempt at world domination," laughed Mole.
"Not quite, but halfway there," she replied. "Ok its 10:00 those of you going on the run better get started. Dix help with the monitoring. I'm going to see Greg. Issy you get med bay and the labs sorted. Mole you sort those staying above ground and Joshua you start sorting everyone who will be below ground. Meeting finished."
With no time for talking everyone set to work quickly.
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Max got out of TC and knocked at the door, not sure how Greg would react to her proposal.
The door opened. "Why, hello Max what you doing here?" Greg asked smiling. "It's not like you to wait at the door." He gestured for her to enter.
Walking into the apartment Max felt unsure of his reaction. "Greg we need your help in TC."
He smiled, "what, I know Dara isn't causing problems and the familiars are secured. Don't tell me, White has decided to look for them?"
"Our friendly detective warned me that White wants to come and search TC for them," she replied. "But that isn't the problem; they will be long gone when he arrives."
Greg was confused, "so why do you need me?"
"Because Alec's stunt has convinced White that we're dead, so we need someone to convince him not to look too hard for the prisoners."
"In case he finds your hiding place," Greg finished for her.
"Precisely. He thinks that his raid decreased our numbers and killed the leaders, but we haven't given up yet, which must confuse him."
"So you want me helping the new leaders? Who are?"
"Issy and Mole," she replied, "Although we'll be backing them through Issy's link with Alec. We need you there to stop Mole shooting anyone and act like you're helping because of Issy."
"Whoa, Issy and I might be friends but we've both got partners. Have you even discussed this with Alec and her?"
"Not yet," she admitted. "Dara will be safe with us in hiding, but White will need convincing that everything is above board. How better to convince him than you consoling and falling for the partner of one of the leaders after their death?"
"Piece of cake if Alec doesn't decide to kill me," he grinned.
"Yeah, well when you're ready we'll see Issy," she responded. "Then when Alec gets back from the supply run we'll talk to him."
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When Biggs went to get the hostages Thula hadn't received her sedative. "So now you've decided to get us out of here, what happened to the great 494."
"Thought you would've heard by now," Biggs replied. "Between White and the High Priest he died about a week ago, Max too."
Thula grinned, "serves them right transgenic filth." She thought for a second, "although he was quite cute."
Alec was listening to the conversation on his comms unit and wanted to gag, she thought he was cute, yuk. 'Just get her out of there and to the boat.'
When they were all stowed on the boat Alec approached, wearing a black hoodie and sun glasses. His hands were in his pockets and he acted like he was taking orders from Biggs.
They got to pier 67 the familiars were transferred to the warehouse, but Alec stayed out of the way, hoping that they didn't recognise him.
Fifteen minutes later Jake and his men arrived in two trucks.
Jake looked around and was about to leave when Alec stepped out of the shadows. The hoodie and sun glasses had gone. "Sorry to keep you waiting Jake," he smiled holding his hand out.
"Why are you hiding and why was your call so late?" Jake replied gruffly.
"Let's just say even transgenics bleed," Alec replied.
"What's going on, first you're late calling; then you want me to handle your trash?"
Alec put his arm around Jake and started walking as they talked, "I'm sorry Jake, we had a little action at TC recently."
"The bombing," Jake responded. "Could hear that all over the place, heard that they'd killed some transgenics and others."
"Yeah well yours truly is among the dead," Alec looked at Jake. "So that's why the call took a little longer than expected." Alec grinned at the surprise on Jake's face, "and if you know what's good for you, you'll keep that info to yourself."
"Sure Alec," Jake was more scared of crossing the transgenic than he'd ever been. Alec had always been a good customer and he didn't want to lose that. "What's this other cargo and payment?" he thought changing the subject would be safer.
"Some members of a cult that want to take over the world," Alec responded. "They're strong but have been sedated, don't worry about using tazars on them if you need to. The payment is five doses of a prototype vaccine against the disease that these freaks hope will kill the rest of you."
"When do we get payment?"
"As soon as it arrives in TC, I'll call you."
By this time they had rejoined the others who had finished unloading and loading cargo. The familiars didn't see or hear Alec talking to Jake.
"Just one thing," Jake asked. "Where are we dropping them?"
"The back of sector 9 police station."
Jake looked at him to see if he was joking, when there was no reaction he asked. "You sure?"
"Yeah our friend Detective Clemente is expecting them." Then Alec and transgenics were gone as Jake climbed into the truck.
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A/N Please review I know this has been a long time coming, but I do need some encouragement; neither this nor my SN fic have had many reviews lately. I am hoping to finish this in about five more chapters.
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