Author: Synthera

Disclaimer: Standard blah, blah, they're not doing anything good with them so shouldn't I?

Chapter 4: Welcome home

A/N: VanillaAngelCake.. Your email is cut off. If you would like to reach me my email is

The next morning Jaia kicked the door to Alec's room while holding a tray from the breakfast buffet in the lobby. She had not made it back to sleep that night and at six finally decided to rise and get started on the day. Guilt ridden she was trying to make amends for beating on Alec the night before and figured this was as good a way as any.

Alec opened the door wiping sleep from his good eye. Jaia winced as she saw his other eye was still partial swollen. "I brought you some breakfast." She said offering a small smile.

"Thanks." Alec said and took the tray from her. She followed him into his room while he put it on the table.

"I got you a donut and some cereal. I figured you'd like something to eat before we go." She pulled a carton of milk from her jacket pocket and sat it on the table in front of him.

"Oh, almost forgot," She pulled a banana from her other pocket and tossed it at him. "Here."

He caught it and made a face. "Thanks but no thanks." He said tossing it back to her.

"But you like them." She said. A puzzled look crossed her face.

"No I don't." Alec said frowning. Then realization crossed his face. "But he did, didn't he?" He said softly.

Jaia's face flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah. Sorry." She whispered. She left the room without looking back. "Just yell when you're ready to go.

Thirty minutes later they were back in the truck and on the road again. The awkwardness seemed to fill the truck as Jaia drove. "We need gas." She said quietly.

Alec, who was leaning against the door with his eyes closed said "The next sign you see for fuel, pull over."

Miles later Jaia pulled over and got out to pump. Alec got out and stretched yawning. "We should make it there today if we don't stop." He remarked.

Jaia looked over the truck's cab at him. "What's it like, Terminal City?" She asked.

Alec grinned. "Well, it's not the Ritz Carlton but it's home. We've got a good mix of people. X series and Transhumans alike. We have to scrounge for stuff but we make it. Everyone pitches in and does their share."

"Transhumans?" Jaia asked.

"Nomalies." Alec clarified. When he saw the blood drain from her face he quickly added. "Hey they aren't that bad. They just got a bad rep. Once you get past they way they look they are just like us. They want to live and be happy." He grinned again "All except for Mole that is. But you gotta love the big lizard."

"Lizard?" Jaia echoed eyes wide.

"Yeah part lizard. But you will never see anyone who can disassemble and reassemble a gun as fast as him and do it with such loving care." He said chuckling. He found himself missing TC.

Alec paid the man in charge for fuel and they climbed back into the truck. Once they were on the road again Jaia asked. "Would you," She hesitated and looked at him uncertainly.

"Yeah?" Alec prompted.

"Would you tell me about Max? And more about the people where we are going?" She asked.

Alec readjusted himself, turning to face her. "Well, Max is kinda complicated. She had this tough chick exterior, all "I'm so going to kick your ass." But then she has a softer side too." He smiled. "Although I don't get to see that side too often."

"Now let me tell you about Joshua…" he continued settling in.

Max paced TC headquarters raking her hands through her hair. "Where the hell are they?" She growled.

"Even if they drove all night Princess wouldn't make it home yet." Mole said being the voice of reason. At six in the morning he, Max and Dix were the only ones present in HQ. The morning meeting didn't start until eight.

"I know that." Max said sharply then turned to look at him. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried.. You know." She said gesturing helplessly. "I really thought he would call or something."

Mole observed Max contemplatively. He had never seen her this upset. Angry yes, but not this worried fidgety mess. Maybe some of the talk he had heard about her and Alec was right. If it was well, he could think of worse people for Alec to be with. Although Max wasn't his favorite person, he had a grudging respect for her.

"He probably wouldn't get through anyway. You know how the police have been blocking all calls." Dix said helpfully.

Max sighed. "I know."

Mole jerked his chin at her office. "Let's talk a moment."

Max nodded and they went inside leaving Dix to his monitors.

Mole shut the door and turned to look at her carefully. "You didn't sleep last night did you?"

Max shook her head. "Couldn't. Not that it matters."

"You know that Alec would never do what HE did, don't you." Mole asked.

Max looked up sharply. "Of course. How could you even suggest-"

"Just checking." Mole said levelly.

"I'm just worried about them both. Alec, well I don't think he takes being compared to Ben easily. And Jaia, she's probably scared out of her mind."

Mole, having a hard time believing that he was actually agreeing with Max, nodded. "Probably, but you know cupcake. He's strong, for an X5 that is." He joked trying to take some of the tension out of their leader.

Max smiled at him. "You're right, he is." Mole shook his head. She wasn't that bad after all.

They arrived in Seattle late that night. Parking the truck in a warehouse. They walked the six blocks to the TC perimeter. They circled the block where the guard's main station was once casually flashing their barcodes to reveal their identities. A flashlight flickered from the top of the building in quick succession, twice, once, twice. The signal letting them know that it was okay and clear for them to jump the fence. They did so quickly, landing safely on the other side.

Once inside, Alec turned to Jaia and said. "Welcome home."