Disclaimer: I don't own Dark Angel or any characters featured in either of the seasons.

With Ben In Between

"Alec! Ben! Report to the living area!" Set of identical hazel eyes opened wide from their deep sleep, seconds after that the sound of running feet could be heard tumbling down the wooden stairs. Both boys immediately stood at attention in front of their father who was dressed head to toe in his training fatigues. "Your letters from the Academy have arrived," he said in a stern, commanding voice. Pulling out two basic manila envelopes he handed each of the boys their respective one. Before they were instructed to open them, the tore into the paper and quickly scanned the letters. Seeing their reactions, the General cracked a smile that only a proud father and commanding officer could wear. "Congratulations, I'm very proud you both!"

Alec stared at the letter; he was accepted to the academy, to Manticore. This was what his entire life had been centered around, this one moment. So why didn't it feel like that? Looking out of the corner of his eye he saw his brother wearing the biggest grin he had ever seen. This was Ben's moment to shine, he was the future military prodigy of their family, everyone knew that. But because of their father's involvement in the Manticore project, Alec had to automatically apply to the academy for schooling; If he didn't then he would continue his education elsewhere, where he wanted to be. Taking in a deep breath, he put on the face of an excited teenager, the mask he had mastered.

Clapping Ben on the back Alec gave off his cocky smirk when his twin faced him, again, this was Ben's moment.

"So what do you want to do after graduation?" Ben asked Alec as they dressed in their Manticore ceremonial suits.

"I don't know, something away from the military. Maybe boxing professionally, I always did kick ass at that." Alec replied with a smirk as his brother checked every thread of his suit, to make sure he was impeccable. "You applying for field?"

"Best place to show you're a solider," Ben replied confidently. Looking his twin he smiled, of the two he had been the nerdy and shy, while Alec had been the jock and social one. The military scene had never been Alec's wish, he knew that and so did their family. That was fine, as long as General McDowell had a heir to his empire of military history.

"Captain McDowell?" A voice from behind Alec called him. Turning around he was faced with his father's secretary Lucy.

"Yes?"

"The General would like a word with you in his office, now." Blinking in confusion he followed her through the halls for the final time. He was done with Manticore. When Lucy knocked on the door, Alec stared 3 feet behind her to wait to be told to go in. "Sir, Captain Alec McDowell to see you," Lucy said into the office. Hearing a gruff response, Alec waited for Lucy to open the door more so he could pass. "Go right in," she instructed moving away from the door and Alec.

"Alec, sit," The General instructed before he was even in the door. Something was up, his father looked exhausted and worried.

"What's the problem, sir?"

"It's Ben."

"What about Ben?"

"As you know your brother applied to be a field operative immediately after graduation." Alec nodded, "the results came back today. They were given to me before officially sent off. Look at them." Alec took the out stretched packet of papers from his father. Looking at the weathered look on the elder's face, Alec turned his attention to the papers. As he expected, Ben was an outstanding candidate, scores perfect and beyond. So what was the problem? Flipping through some of the papers he came across the health pages. He wasn't eligible.

Alec felt his heart stop and a pounding sound erupt in his head. He couldn't breathe or move, his entire world had just shattered in billions of shards.

'Captain B. McDowell meets all the listed physical requirements expected of a field operative. However the matter of a psychological capacity is not completely met. It seems that Cap. B. McDowell suffers from the psychological disorder known as Bi-Polar, a.k.a. depression. This would make him dependent on drugs, therefore un-able to become a field operative of Manticore Military.

Request for Field Operative status: DENIED'

Alec collapsed into a chair behind him when seeing the word 'denied.' The bold red letters stuck out from the page and held so much meaning. Not only the end of his brothers dreams and plan, but his as well. He knew why his father was showing him the report, he wanted him to take Ben's place. Keep the family face up. Closing the report brokenly, Alec stared at his father with a broken look.

Whether his father understood what he was feeling or even cared, Alec didn't know. What he did know what that all his father cared about, at this moment, was keeping the family reputation in the highest standards. And when family comes first, it doesn't matter what your plans were before that very moment because they no longer held any value, especially when Manticore is involved.' When you sign up for Manticore, they have you sign in your blood, for life.' Alec thought tossing the report on his father's desk and walking out of the office without being dismissed or acknowledging his father's words.