Disclaimer – Still own nothing

AN – So this chapter takes place in 3x10, after they get back from destroying the tower in Boston. In this version, the Volm are not trying to transport them to Brazil, and are willing to work with them if it works in their favor. This chapter is shorter than the rest.

Enjoy!

Hal laid on the bed beside Maggie, her back up against his chest and his arms wrapped tightly around her. Ever since that day when his Dad told him about the deal, he hadn't been able to stop thinking about it. What was Karen up to? Why did she want him?

"Hal?" Hal jumped a little at the sound of Maggie's voice. He had thought she was asleep.

"Yeah?" Hal said.

"Are you alright?" She asked, turning around in his arms to face him.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Hal told her, moving his arm so he could rub her shoulder.

"Are you sure? You've been acting a little weird ever since the explosion." Maggie pressed.

"I'm just worried about Anne and Lexi." Hal answered. It wasn't the whole truth, but it was enough for Maggie. She nodded, then looked up at him.

"Don't worry, we'll find them."

"I know." Hal responded, and gave her a peck on her forehead before asking, "You know I love you, right?" Maggie suddenly looked concerned and confused.

"Yeah, I know. Are you sure everything's alright?" Maggie questioned. Hal smiled at her.

"Everything's fine. I promise." Hal pressed his lips against hers, and pulled her closer to him. He needed to put her mind at ease, and wanted the last memory she might have of him to be a good one, not of them fighting. And wanted to remember the feeling of her in his arms.

He had made his decision almost immediately after his Dad confessed about what happened when Karen captured him. There was no way he was going to let Karen have Anne and his little sister. They were part of his family, and he would do whatever it would take to find them.

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Hal waited until Maggie's breathing evened out before he pushed himself off the bed as gently as he could. He didn't want to risk waking her. As he put his shirt on, and his boots, his eyes found his jacket. He picked it up, remembering when he had first gotten it.

"Hal, Hal wake up." Hal opened his eyes to see his Mom kneeling beside where he laid on the floor in the basement.

"Hey, what's up?" Hal asked.

"Happy birthday." His Mom said with a smile, and handed him a gift bag, "You didn't think we'd forget, did you?"

"Well, considering our planet was invaded by aliens three days ago, I didn't think it was important." Hal told her as he pushed himself into a sitting position. Rebecca placed the gift on his lap, and waited for him to open it.

"It's important to me, and your Dad, and your brothers." She told him, and Hal noticed that they were the only people in the basement.

"Where is everyone?" Hal questioned.

"Your Dad is making a food run. Thought the sooner we stock up the better, and he's picking up something. Ben took Matt upstairs to get their gift for you, though with the power out, I don't think you'll be able to enjoy it. Now, are you going to open your gift, or not?" Rebecca asked.

Hal stuck his hand through the paper wrap and grabbed something that was sitting at the bottom of the bag. He pulled it out, and saw it was a jacket, the camo jacket that he had been wanting for over a month, as his old jacket was falling apart.

"This is awesome. Thanks Mom." Hal thanked as he slid the coat on, "Fits perfectly."

Hal put the coat back down on the chair. That coat was the last thing he had gotten from his Mom. He didn't want to risk anything happening to it, and if Maggie woke up and saw it gone, she would definitely get suspicious.

So, Hal left the room without his jacket, without a word, or a second look. He didn't look at anyone, didn't say anything as he made his way out the building, out of the city and into the woods.

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Hal found himself in the woods a few minutes later, in the same spot where he had met with Karen in his dreams, or at least, what he thought were dreams. He didn't have to wait very long. She appeared as though she had been expecting him.

"Hello Hal. I was wondering how long it would take for you, or you father to come and look for me." Karen said as she walked away from the tree that she had been hiding behind.

"You had to know my Dad would never have taken that deal." Hal insisted, trying to keep from attacking, even though he wasn't armed. Karen took a few steps closer, then started to walk around him, circling him.

"I know. But I also knew it wouldn't be long until you found out about my offer, and come and meet me yourself. I trust no one is with you?" Karen didn't give him a chance to answer before she continued, "Of course you're here alone. There is no way you would risk Anne's and your sister's life by trying to ambush me."

"I'll go with you, but only if you let Anne and Lexi go free." Hal told her. Karen stopped walking, and turned to face him.

"That was the deal I offered. I am a woman of my word. Come with me." The human Overlord turned on her heel and started walking in the direction away from Charleston. Hal hesitated for a moment, then followed her.

He followed her to a large clearing where an Espheni spaceship was waiting. Hal continued walking behind Karen until they reached the ramp that provided a way to get to the door. As she was about to step onto the ramp, Hal stopped in his tracks. Karen turned to look at him, a confused look on her face.

"You bring Anne and Lexi out, and let them go. Then, and only then, will I go with you." Hal explained to her. She looked somewhat annoyed, but nodded.

It didn't take five minutes before a skitter appeared at the top of the ramp with Anne, and a little girl, probably only about six years old. Hal stared as the three of them walked down towards them, Anne holding the child's hand. Hal remembered Kadar telling them all about Lexi's DNA, and that if what Anne had been saying was true, then it was possible that Lexi could be aging at a faster rate. A much faster rate apparently.

"Hal? What are you doing here?" Anne was obviously not expecting him, nor did she understand what was going on. Lexi was clinging to her mother's side and looked at him, as though she was also trying to understand what was happening.

"I'm here for you guys." Hal said, "Made a deal. Charleston is just down that way," Hal pointed to the direction where they came from, "Go."

"What about you?" Anne asked.

"Don't worry about me. Just go, both of you." Hal told her. Anne looked like she wanted to argue, but turned her gaze to the little girl. She looked back at Hal, then started walking away, pulling Lexi along with her.

"Anne?" Hal called out. Anne stopped and turned back to Hal.

"Tell my Dad that this was my choice, that it wasn't his fault." Anne looked confused, but nodded and the two continued on their way.

Karen waited until Anne and Lexi were out of sight before she turned her attention back to Hal.

"I have kept my end of the deal. Are you ready to keep yours?" Karen asked. Hal looked up at her, and nodded. She held out her hand, and he took it, flinching at how cold it was. But he followed her up the ramp towards the ship without looking back.