Chapter 11: Subtle
"So. I'm curious. Does this mean you do want me?" Alec asks as he tosses his wet leather jacket across the room and plops himself into a recliner, raising an eyebrow at me and looking mischievous.
Things are definitely back on track. I smile, glad that things are back to normal, whatever that is.
"Well, I wouldn't go that far." I reply.
Alec's mischievous grin transforms into a happy smile.
"I'm glad we're still..." he trails off and just gestures between us, obviously unsure how to describe how we are.
"Yeah." I nod, saving him the trouble of finishing the sentence. I glance around the room, "Hey, you took the only place to sit."
The grin is back.
"You could always sit in my lap." he offers.
"I'll pass." I drawl back at him, glancing from his cargo-covered lap up to his face.
"It's comfy. Or so I've been told. Of course, they were dancing at the time."
"You're such an ass." I say, resisting the urge to grin.
"And a damn fine one, too." he nods.
I circle his chair and lean against the back of it, resting my arms across the top. Alec leans his head back to see me.
"No fair. I can't keep an eye on you back there." he frowns.
"Too bad. That's what you get for taking the chair. Turn on the TV."
Alec complies, digging a remote from out of the side of the cushion. I reach down and muss his damp hair as he turns on the TV, enjoying being able to casually touch him. Between my heat and our misunderstanding, it feels like it's been forever. But then again, most of the physical contact between us has been far from casual since the beginning.
"Hey! Don't touch the..." he complains, then stops abruptly as he sees what's on the TV.
A dark-haired reporter in a red business suit is giving a report. In the right corner of the screen a video plays of a transgenic fighting some policemen. The headline across the screen reads, "Updates on the Transgenic Problem."
"It's common knowledge in the city of Seattle that transgenics are hiding out in Terminal City." the reporter says, "However, little has been done about the situation except for police patrols of the perimeter of the area. Growing unrest in the streets about the transgenic problem, as well as the recent hostage situation at the Soto Motel in which transgenics managed to secure a police vehicle and smuggle out the perpetrators, has forced government officials to change this policy of inaction. Volunteer members of the police, military, FBI, and other agencies have stepped up to form CAT, the Coalition Against Transgenics. This new division has begun an extensive training program to prepare its members and hopes to be deployed to Terminal City shortly."
The corner picture grows to encompass the whole screen as footage of the training plays. It shows a man in camouflage running an obstacle course in which boards pop up periodically. The trainee shoots at anything that can be positively identified as a transgenic. A shiver runs down my spine. The tape then cuts to an interview with the man who ran the course.
"I just want to make this world safe for my kids again." he says, still panting from his exertion but emphatic in his sentiment.
The TV suddenly goes blank and I look down to see Alec has shut it off, a look of disgust on his face. He throws the remote across the room and it shatters against the wall. Clearly not satisfied, he springs from his seat and stalks over to punch a hole in the same wall.
"Alec." I venture, trying to think of the best way to stop him from destroying the rest of his apartment.
"What about our kids, huh? What's to keep our kids safe from them? You know what? Those assholes want to come in here after us? Let 'em try. They won't know what fucking hit them."
I've never seen him so angry. It's frightening to witness, but I don't blame him. He's right, about everything, but we need a plan.
"Calm down, Alec. We need to keep cool and figure out the best way to deal with this." I remind him, biting my tongue to keep from telling him not to let his emotions cloud his judgment. I won't repeat that phrase from Manticore, "We need to go talk to Max."
Alec takes a deep breath and nods.
"You're right. Come on." he hurries towards the door, grabbing my hand and pulling me after him, not even pausing long enough to grab his jacket again.
We run through the rain towards HQ. I can tell that we're not the only ones who saw the broadcast by the chaos that's unfolding in the streets as we pass. I see a female X4 clutching a child in her arms, trying to shield it from the rain while she speaks worriedly to another X4, and feel anger rising in me. This place was supposed to be a haven. A place we could finally be free. Whoever tries to storm this place, to take that from us, will pay dearly for the stupidity of their actions.
We soon reach our destination, Alec shoving the doors open so hard that they slam against the wall. The loud bang that accompanies this alerts everyone inside of our arrival. Alec blows through the open doors, soaked to the bone, but eyes flashing fury like he's the storm itself. I follow in his wake and I feel a little shiver run down my spine as the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. I know it has nothing to do with the cool rain soaking through my own clothes despite the hood that I pulled up over my head and everything to do with the powerful energy I can practically feel radiating from him.
"Alec!" Max calls.
"Did you see the fucking news?" Alec demands as he marches over to her.
"Of course." Max says quickly.
"What are we going to do?" I ask.
Max glances around. Everyone in HQ has gathered around her, waiting for her orders.
"We're going to do what we were trained to do. We're going to kick some ass." she replies, giving everyone a nervous grin, "So Mole, I'm going to need you to see what kind of weapons we have. We need to fortify this place. Zoe, I need you to see how much food we have. I don't want them to be able to starve us while we wait."
Max continues to dole out orders quickly until everyone in HQ has a mission except Alec and I. Max smiles sadly at Alec.
"Looks like we might have to go on that raid of yours after all." she says finally, her voice now lacking the commanding tone it had moments before. With just Alec and I to witness it, she lets the fear and uncertainty show on her face.
"It'll be alright, Maxie." Alec assures her, putting an arm around her shoulders and squeezing gently.
"Ugh, you're soaked." Max grumbles, making a face at him. But she doesn't push him away. Instead, she sighs and fidgets anxiously, "I don't know, Alec. You know that White's going to have his men all over that CAT patrol or whatever they are."
I make a mental note of the fact that despite what Max told Kira about Alec and all his faults, she clearly trusts him enough to let down her guard around him and show weakness. A CO wouldn't do that with just anyone.
"Max. Everything will be fine. This is what we were made for. Besides, we've got a better looking CO." Alec finishes, flashing her a teasing grin.
Max slips out from under his arm and turns around to slug him in the shoulder, but without any real force. She smiles at Alec and straightens her posture, composing herself.
"I want you to have a team ready to make a raid for whatever supplies we're going to need. X-series, only. I heard some rumblings that you had a plan in the works, but try to be subtle about it. We don't need people to panic any more than they already are." she gives Alec his orders finally.
"I know, Max." Alec nods, "We'll be ready before nightfall so that we can go tonight. I'll meet you back here at 1900."
"Okay." Max nods.
Alec turns to leave and I follow him.
"Alec!" Max's voice stops him.
"What's up, Maxie?" he asks, looking back over his shoulder.
"Thanks." she says quietly, a small grateful smile on her lips.
Alec smiles back at her.
"Anytime, Maxie. I got your back." he replies.
She nods mutely and Alec turns to go again. I follow him back into the rain, touched by what I just saw him do. Kira has him all wrong. That's absolutely for certain. Max doesn't even seem to like him very much, but he's there for her, at her side when she needs him. And despite what Max told Kira about him being unreliable, she's relying on him quite heavily now, when things are tough.
"Where do you think we'll be able to get all the supplies we need?" I ask as we walk back down the street.
Alec glances over at me. His hair is soaked, water streaming down his face. My fingers practically itch to push that wet hair out of his face, but I curl my hands into fists instead to control myself. Now is not the time.
"You're not going." he says bluntly.
I stop walking, immediately forgetting about the rain and everything else. He can't be serious.
"Yes, I am." I insist.
"No, you're not."
"Why not?" I demand, folding my arms across my chest.
"You're not fast enough."
I actually gasp. How dare he use that against me! How dare he use the injury he caused me as a reason to leave me behind! I'm suddenly so furious, I'm shaking. Before I even know what I'm doing, I slap him. The sound of skin hitting skin is startling loud, since his face is wet. Alec winces, but doesn't move otherwise, just taking the blow. I glower at him. For some reason his lack of a reaction makes me even angrier.
"I can't believe you..." I begin.
"It's true. You'd be a liability, Jess. I'm sorry, but I've got to think of the mission." he says, staring fixedly at a point just to the left of me, refusing to look me in the eye.
A huge lump forms suddenly in my throat that prevents me from making any reply so I simply remain silent, still shaking with fury. Alec finally slides his gaze over, his eyes locking with mine. He sighs heavily and the Manticore mask falls away.
"Look. I'm sorry, Jess. But you just can't come." he takes a step towards me and I'm surprised when he raises his hand to gently touch my cheek with his fingers, "I don't want to lose you."
I stop shaking abruptly, frozen by the feel of his hand on my cheek. I look up at him, taking in his face. His bruises are mostly faded, healing rapidly, but his eyes look pained. I realize that he took such a cheap shot at me because he wants so badly for me to stay. I close my eyes and sigh, as well.
"Alright. I'll stay." I agree, eyes still shut, already feeling sick to my stomach at the thought of sitting this mission out.
I feel Alec's lips press softly against mine, almost like the ghost of a kiss. I try to shake that thought. It feels like a bad omen.
"Thank you." he whispers.
I sigh again and slowly open my eyes, but Alec is already gone. Not knowing what else to do, I wander back to Kira and my quarters. By the time I get there, I'm completely soaked, more waterlogged clothing than girl, but that's the least of my concerns.
I have never been good at being left behind. Much as I know how my shortcomings might jeopardize the mission and that they're safer without me, I still can't stand the agonizing waiting and wondering.
I listened intently for a moment and when I was satisfied that no tac leaders were anywhere nearby, I loosened my resolve and fidgeted anxiously on my cot.
"What's the matter?" 202 asked.
I glanced at the other X5. She was lying straight on her bed, propped up slightly on one elbow. Her bright blue eyes watched me curiously.
"I want to know what's happening." I told her.
"We'll know when they get back." she said, obviously confused by my concern.
"I know." I agreed, keeping myself from elaborating any further.
I couldn't tell her that I didn't want to wait, because we'd been trained to be patient. I couldn't tell her that I was worried, because we weren't supposed to feel concern for our unit mates. I didn't want her to report me to a tac leader or to 857, like she would be obligated to do if I let her see my weakness.
I forced myself to stop fidgeting, reminding myself that my worrying about the unit wouldn't help it any.
Worrying about Alec won't help him any either, but I worry anyway. I try to distract myself by changing into dry clothes and drying off my hair, but it doesn't help. Finally, I can't stand staying inside the confines of my quarters any longer. It's nearing 1900, I know. I can at least see him off.
Hurrying back through Terminal City, the rain has paused at least momentarily but the tension is palpable. Even a stranger would know that something is about to happen on this gloomy, Seattle night. When I enter HQ, Alec is already there, talking to Max. An unusually large number of X-series are also in the building, obviously Alec's team.
"Your girl's here." I hear Max inform Alec.
He looks up and sees me.
He mutters something back at Max that sounds vaguely like "she's not my girl," before heading towards me.
"Look, Jess. I told you..." he begins warily.
I shake my head, "No, I just wanted to see you before you left."
"Oh."
I shift my weight to the other foot, suddenly feeling awkward and at a loss for what I should say to him.
"So, are you ready?" I ask lamely.
"I'd say born that way, but you know." Alec jokes with a shrug, evidently also feeling the awkwardness of the moment.
A sudden thought fills my head. I can't stand to live without his jokes, his grin, his presence. I spring to him and hug him tightly.
"Please, be careful." I whisper.
"I will." he promises.
Satisfied at least slightly by his promise, I tear myself away from him. He doesn't need sentimentality to mess with his head right now. He needs to be focused on his mission. Especially since I don't want him to pick up on the plan I've just devised.
I notice Max smirking in Alec's direction and so does he.
"Shut up, Max." he warns before she can say anything.
"Who me?" Max asks innocently as she strides over.
Alec rolls his eyes.
"Troops, fall in!" he orders, deciding to ignore Max.
Most of the X-series in the room hurry to form a line in front of us, standing at attention.
"Six?" Max questions, looking down the line.
"I figured too many people would be too conspicuous." Alec explains.
"Alright. Here's the list of supplies we need. And here's the place you can get them. Switch did some computer work and she says this is the best place to hit. They generally do business as a Black Market General Store. No one will be surprised if they get ripped off. But that also means security who have guns and know how to use them. I know you're feeling all badass, but try not to do something stupid." Max says gazing evenly at Alec as she hands him some papers.
"Me? Never." Alec replies immediately with a slight grin. He sobers and turns to his troops, "You guys got that?"
"Yes, sir!" they reply automatically.
"Good. Let's move out."
Obediently, Alec's team heads for the door.
"Expect us back by 0100 at the latest." Alec tells Max as he looks over the papers she gave him.
She nods.
"And Max," Alec says, pausing to look up at her, his face uncharacteristically serious, "If we're late...don't come after us."
Max looks upset, but nods again stiffly. I can tell she doesn't want to lose Alec any more than I do.
"That goes for you, too." Alec says, turning to me.
I make no reply and luckily he doesn't press me. Instead, he turns and heads out after his team. I wait for a few moments before turning to head towards the door, as well.
"Well, I'm going after him." I announce. I know I promised him I would stay, but I just can't stand the thought of losing him anymore than he wants to lose me.
Max appears in front of me, barring my way.
"This mission's invite only." she informs me sternly.
"I don't do staying behind." I reply, just as determined.
"I promised Alec I wouldn't let you go."
"I don't care."
"Don't make me kick your ass." she threatens.
"You're going to have to because I'm not staying here without a fight." I declare.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Max says, raising her hands and shifting into a fighting stance.
"Max!"
We both turn towards Dix who's gesturing frantically at a police scanner. I concentrate my hearing on the crackling noises coming from the piece of equipment, trying to hear what's caused his alarm.
"...backup. Repeat, we have two transgenics ID-ed and request backup. They're X-series, sir. Caught them on the body heat scanner."
"Shit." Max swears, "Can't I ever catch a break?"
"White's men will have heard that, too, Max." Dix reminds her.
"I know." Max nods, "And he won't be fashionably late either."
She looks at me, her eyes wide and pleading.
"I need your help."
I glance at the door, then back at her, feeling torn. I can either go after Alec or help Max save some transgenics I don't even know. I sigh, knowing that I have to do the right thing. It's what Alec would do, I know it.
"What's the location?" I finally ask.
Max smiles at me gratefully a second before her game-face returns and she turns back to Dix for the info.
"Sector Five. 25th and Dekko." he says quickly.
"Max, I'm coming, too!"
I feel like kicking myself for not noticing Kira sooner. She was sitting with Mole in the far corner of the building, cleaning weapons. She runs over, tossing me a handgun as she reaches us. I check the clip quickly, then stuff the weapon into my waistband. Kira offers one to Max who shakes her head and motions for us to follow her. Kira shrugs, tucking the gun into her own clothing, and we both follow.
Moments later, the three of us are speeding towards Sector Five. Max hooked us up with two motorcycles that are apparently either the property of Terminal City in general or that Max somehow has the keys to. We speak little, knowing what to do without having to be told.
It's clear that we've reached the scene of the incident even before we spot any cops. There's a huge mob forming in the intersection, blocking our view of the activity. And the mob is angry.
Max gestures for us to try and get a closer look. We ditch the motorcycles, leaving them on the side of the street and squeezing our way into the crowd. After a lot of pushing and shoving, we can finally see what's going on.
A short female X-series with long blonde hair is fighting back-to-back with a much taller dark-haired male. They've already dispatched the police officers who made the call for backup and are now currently dealing with the bravest members of the mob. We have a limited time window to help them before more police and White arrive, probably only seconds. I look to Max for orders, but see that she's staring at the two transgenics, a look of recognition on her face.
"We've got to get them out of here." she breathes so that only someone with enhanced hearing could detect her words, "Fast."
"What do we do?" Kira asks at the same volume.
Max retreats back through the crowd, a look of grim determination on her face. Kira and I hurry after.
"Max?" I question as she returns to the bikes.
Max turns the bike on and revs the engine.
"We're going to be subtle." Max deadpans.
I nod quickly and mount my own bike. With Max in the lead, we all speed towards the rear of the crowd. Max pops a wheelie and revs her engine again to get attention. Screams alert those in our path of our pending arrival and everyone scatters. Max swerves, swinging the back of her bike into the blonde transgenic's opponent. Kira kicks the other transgenic's adversary away, pulling up in front of him. I circle them all at high speed, forcing the rest of the mob to keep a distance.
The squeal of tires draws my attention. I look and see White getting out of a car. He pulls a gun out of his suit jacket. I know he has to be aiming at me. When I hear the gunfire, I duck low to my bike, pressing for more speed, but the bullet strikes me in the leg. I cry out and struggle not to lose control of my bike.
I'm concentrating so hard on controlling my bike and ignoring the pain that I almost don't notice Max and Kira zoom past me, heading through the other side of the ring of screaming people. I grit my teeth and turn to follow them. A second shot rings out and I feel it whiz past me, barely missing catching me in the shoulder. I hear someone shouting at White to hold his fire because he might hit a civilian before we're out of earshot.