Chapter 2

Instincts revealed

Max knew her pursuers were closing in on her but she needed to know that there was still a reason to fight. Seeing Original Cindy with whoever helped her translate the message would tell her what she needed to know. Max circled the perimeter but stayed well away from the proposed meeting location. If there were any sentries she would have her answer, if Original Cindy didn't show she would have her answer as well.

Max was really hoping Original Cindy would show. Making another round along the perimeter Max noted the hover drone that had been following her was getting closer, more open in it's chase. She nodded; they must be getting ready to pick her up. She was surprised they had let her get this far. It was time to throw them off the trail for a moment. She pulled out her pocketknife and a piece of aluminum foil. Reaching behind her she started carving a line in the back of her neck right above her barcode. Craning her neck forward she opened the gap a little wider and removed a rectangular device from her neck that she deposited in the package of aluminum foil in one flowed motion.

Applying pressure to the small wound she tucked the package in her pocket and made her way to the building that had housed the maternity ward. She had picked that building because O.C. would know it best and it was close to the entry of TC her friend would be most comfortable to use. After thoroughly checking the surroundings to make sure there were no hidden traps Max moved into a window where she had a good vantage point of all the access roads to the old maternity building.

Original Cindy felt some hesitation when she crossed the perimeter into TC, partly because it had been months since she'd been here. In part it was also due to the nature of the meeting, she had always hoped her best friend would turn up alive. After all she had done it before. But Original Cindy was very much aware of exactly how much had changed for the transgenics since their leaders disappearance. As for what had happened to Max while she was gone, Original Cindy barely dared to think about that, she could only hope that Max's experience hadn't changed her too much. Her talk with Alec on the phone earlier had prepared her somewhat for what was ahead but she was still apprehensive of what her friend would be like.

Meanwhile Max slowly exhaled and allowed her to feel a moment of relief when she saw her oldest friend in this world pass the fence. This meant all was not lost. A thought made her frown though, this meant she would have to deal with her tail first. Tucking her hair in a ponytail she strode purposefully in the opposite direction of where Original Cindy was headed.

Right after she turned the corner a figure emerged from the shadows nodded and followed Original Cindy's tracks.

Max headed to TC's former headquarters and pulled the aluminum package out of her pocket. Placing it on one of the tables in the center of the room she tore open one corner and left the device exposed. With one jump she was on the iron landing, another landed her in the structure that had previously held up various computer and TV screens and nestled in the shadows.

She didn't have to wait long, straining her hearing Max heard several heartbeats approaching. Some waited outside while others made their way into the building she was hiding in. Max sniffed the air experimentally and a feral smile marked her features again. It seemed to transform the young woman in to a hunter, a predator. Max felt her humanity fade into the background as her instincts took over and she welcomed it.

Over the last year she had come to understand why Alec hadn't wanted to blend in and be normal. It was simply impossible to do. Now that Max had reawakened her instincts she couldn't for the life of her remember why she had ever strived to be normal. Her year in solitude had taught her the difference between Manticore's teachings and her transgenic nature. Though she still despised the first she accepted and even embraced the latter.

Max's enhanced vision showed her 4 familiars entering the room, her nose and hearing told her this was the complete advance team and that there were three others outside ready to come in if summoned. Ordinarily one transgenic wouldn't stand a chance against two familiars or more but Max was no longer a normal transgenic. She was a predator, something beyond any training Manticore could have given her. Max could smell their fear despite the overwhelming numbers. It was that smell that kept her smile firmly in place as she moved without making a sound to the window. As the familiars crossed the threshold Max dove out the window headfirst, her black figure going unnoticed against the black sky.

Max landed in a crouch and proceeded to stalk her prey, in this case the three familiars standing near the van they had brought for transportation. Moving around the van she picked them off one at a time by showing up right behind them and with an expert snap twisted their necks. Assuring her of an immediate and silent result. Picking up a sidearm from the last guard without even making a face. Her human fears were not a factor when her instincts were in charge. Drawing also the gun she still had from the small of her back she moved back into the building both guns pointed ahead of her.

The advance team was on their way back out of the building, moving hastily as they had lost contact with their support team. They were confident that they were still holding the advantage because they outnumbered their target. They had always been able to return with the target suitably subdued with minimal effort. Off coarse before they would come for her while she had no cover and no guns to help her even the odds.

Max met them in a narrow hallway and immediately emptied both guns in the first two attackers to even out the odds in her favour. As the guns ran empty she instantly dropped them and blurred to the third familiar knocking the gun from his hand with a swift kick to the wrist. To her content she could hear the joint snap beneath her foot. Turning she went immediately to a roundhouse kick to disarm the fourth man as well.

Pushing off she landed on the man's chest and together they went through the wall. The familiar beneath her broke her fall as the wall gave way behind them she took the opportunity to grab his arm with both arms and broke his elbow. Grabbing his head between her hands she pounded on the concrete, once, twice and a third time for good measure to crack the man's cranium. Still crouched low on the man's chest she turned with a snap focused on the last man still standing, all the while emanating a loud growl from the back of her throat. Before she could pounce the man doubled over, a neat hole between his eyes. Behind the man another stood and Max found herself staring at a pair of very familiar hazel eyes and below the nozzle of a gun.

Alec stared at the scene in front of him, momentarily stunned. There she was, gorgeously alive with a vicious look burning in her yes still crouched over her last victim. Alec knew the signs; he would need to convince her he wasn't a target before she would pounce on him. Shocked he could hear her growl, meant to strike fear into the hearts of her enemies, change and soften to a soft purr of welcome. And he could hear himself returning the purr with one of him own.

Max slowly stood and swayed to where Alec was standing, she still had the look of a predator but with a different kind of prey in mind. She walked a circle around Alec performing a visual inspection, occasionally sniffing the air around him. His eyes followed her every move captivated by her intent gaze and catlike grace. Max stopped directly in front of him and stepped closer, intentionally invading his personal space.

Suddenly a strategic cough resounded in the silence followed by a chuckle.

"For a second there Original Cindy thought she was going to have to brake a nail but you seem to have everything under control."

Alec snapped back into reality and grinned, his eyes leaving the slender figure in front of him.

"I'm afraid I missed out on most of the fun too. Maxie must've wanted to come back from the dead with a bang."

Alec could see the feral glint slip from Max's eyes, returning her face to a more human state, although he could still see a trace of the animal contained inside her in her eyes. He knew Max had come back different, as he was mulling over just how different Max stepped aside and past him to hug Original Cindy without uttering a single word.

" Ok now boo, I have to say coming back from the dead twice is more than this girl can handle. How's about this time you just stay alive and close by so I can keep an eye on you."

Max drew back from the embrace and simply nodded at her friend. Original Cindy put her hand on Max's face as if to convince herself that Max was all here before she continued.

" But she's mighty glad to see ya. Come on let's get out of here and get you cleaned up."

Original Cindy put her arm around her friend's shoulders and let the girl away from the devastating scene. As Alec fell into step behind them vacating the building Max halted a step and reached back for him. As she grabbed his hand and entwined her fingers with his all he could do was look on in amazement. Looking up he could feel Original Cindy staring at him. Meeting her gaze he shrugged as she smiled and together they led the brunette out of TC and to the van they had waiting.

All the way back to base Max refused to speak about what had happened to her over the last year. Instead she asked Original Cindy a string of questions about what had transpired in TC during their absence.

" In short your boy managed to play them both against each other and won. Now all the transgenics live together, which is where we're headed now."

During Cindy's speech Max got more and more impressed with everything Alec had managed to achieve for all of them. Max just nodded in response but the glances and soft smiles directed at Alec's back told Original Cindy everything she needed to know. Whatever else happened to Max, Original Cindy was confident that her boo had come correct on her boy. To Original Cindy that meant at least that part of the future looked good, but Original Cindy didn't realize just what had happened at TC before.

In the front seat Alec was more concerned since he did know the truth. Before, Max had always been more inclined to incapacitate then to kill. What worried him the most though was that Max had voluntarily fired a weapon, and had used it most expertly to kill two men in cold blood. The Max he knew and l…. Woah Alec shook his head, the Max he knew and cared for much better would never have touched a gun. Not even to save her own life, let alone use it unprovoked, he could only speculate what had caused this miraculous transformation.

In the backseat Mac could tell from the drop in adrenaline and testosterone emanating from the males in front that they were coming closer to safe territory. With a slight movement of her hand she got Alec's attention.

"I have new runes, you'll probably want Luke and/or Dix to check them out. Assuming…"

"Yes Max, both are doing fine and we'll get them on it …"

" …as soon as I come out of my checkup and debrief."

Max interrupted before he could finish, seeing his surprise Max gave him a slow smile.

" Don't worry, I do remember some things form our training. Please tell me you have hot water and real soap to go with the poking and prodding session."

Eager to please the legendary leader of TC the young X6 that was driving nodded vigorously, So forcefully was the bobbing of his head that Alec was momentarily worried his head would dislocate itself from the rest of him. Leaning back into the seat his trademark smirk dropped firmly in place he quipped.

" I'm sure everyone at base will eagerly give up anything they have to make you feel right at home. The fabled leader coming back from the dead isn't an everyday occurrence, even for us."

Max didn't disappoint. "What pretty boy, no near-misses, death-defying leaps or otherwise from you on a regular basis"

"Not a scratch on me, but please don't take my word for it Maxie, feel free to check me out yourself."

"In your dreams, stud." The comeback was to be expected but somehow it didn't have the venom it had always been laced with before. Now it almost sounded affectionate. Max returned to looking out the window, the surroundings were starting to look vaguely familiar but she couldn't place it exactly. Then it hit her, though she hadn't been her in over a decade she knew these woods extremely well. Alec could hear the small voice laced with a steel band coming from behind him

"We're going back there, aren't we Alec?"

"Yes, Max, but it's different now very different."

" Yes Ma'am, it's very cool there now. We make our own decisions. No ordinary can tell us what to do. And we have real houses and everything." The young driver piped up, then suddenly fell silent and looked at Alec with a look of shame on his face.

Alec just grinned, they weren't on a real mission and he could understand the youngsters feelings. "Max, let me introduce you to our driver, this is Chat. Chat meet Max, Chat here was named by Mole…."

" And why is that Chat?" Max interrupted.

" Well, Ma'am…"

"It's Max!"

"Right well, uhm Max, Commander Mole seemed to think I talked to much. According to him I talk even more than sir, uhm Alec here and erm Commander Mole didn't think that was possible. Or so he said, then he said I resembled a chatterbox. Well, I'm not sure exactly what that is but somehow my squad mates found out about it and the name sorto stuck. The short version, anyways. I still don't know exactly how they found out, although news does travel fast around the base. Like thing one time when ……" A pause. "I'm doing it again aren't I. I'm sorry sir erm Alec."

All the while he'd been talking his entire body moved with his mouth to highlight certain points. Max could help but smile at Chats antics. Some things hadn't changed at all, Alec was still worshipped by the younger series. She was happy he still inspired such loyalty and devotion from his troops even though Alec was probably embarrassed by it. She was grateful for his foresight in bringing the kid along. Alec must've understood she'd be apprehensive about coming back here. Facing the memories she had tried to bury for most of her life.

"How is Mole? And Joshua.. is he.. there too?"

" Yes Max, you'll be surprised how many of your family are there waiting for you."

Max was curious about the change in his tone of voice, something was going on. Suddenly suspicious she stiffened slightly and put her senses on full alert to find out what was going on. Her senses didn't pick up any danger or threats though. All she got from the people surrounding her were positive vibes and elation at her return. Slowly relaxing back in her seat Max decided to let this one slide. She felt weary but she knew her instincts wouldn't let her sleep anytime soon. Not without protection.

She couldn't ask for what she really needed so she made due and asked to borrow Alec's jacket feigning feeling cold. She was hoping his smell and the warmth from his jacket would fool her senses into letting her sleep, if only for an hour. She draped the jacket around her and tried her best.

After 15 minutes she realized the effort was futile, sighed and started to sit up straight. Suddenly she could feel a tentative touch on her right knee. Alec had stretched his hand between his chair and the door and was trying to comfort her. Max felt the warmth of his touch spreading and moved her leg closer to the seat to give him better access. Extending her hand under the cover of his jacket she placed her hand over his to keep it in place. Leaning her head back against the headrest, feeling the warmth of his hand, and his smell in her nose, Max drifted off into her first peaceful sleep in more than a year.

An hour later they were getting close to their destination, without making a sound Alec motioned for Chat to slow down. They had gotten the all-clear sign from base indicating their entryway was free and that they weren't being followed. Chat took one look at the 2 women in the back seat and slowed down considerably. Alec doubted the 30 minutes would make a difference in the grand scheme of things and Max really needed the rest. Off coarse the fact that she was holding on to his hand as though it was her lifeline didn't factor in the decision at all. The next 30 minutes passed in a comfortable silence, much as the hour before that had done as well.

As the van approached the main gate Alec nudged his hand lightly. Max's eyes snapped open; her senses on full alert immediately while a sense of dread nestled in the pit of her stomach. Looking out of the window as the van crept forward Max could see all the differences in the compound.

Chat drove the car straight to the clinic, wanting to spare Max the mass of people that probably awaited her at Command. Standing at the steps of the clinic however stood Joshua. The big guy could barely contain his happiness at Max's return and enveloped her in a hug even before she completely emerged from the vehicle.

"Easy Big Fella, I'm happy to see you too."

" Little fella found her way back. I'm so happy." The big lug had tears in his eyes as he nearly barked with glee. He then took Max by the hand and Original Cindy with the other and started pulling them inside.

" Come on, Max back is a secret, Joshua didn't tell anyone but people will see."

Max looked at Alec briefly before being ushered inside by Joshua. Alec lingered at the steps a little longer. Running his other hand through his hair he let himself remember how good it felt to be able to touch her. Then he turned on his heels, he soldier face firmly in place and headed for Command. He needed to prepare for Max's debrief, considering their ability to retain information there would be a lot to cover.

When Max walked through the doors of Command a little later she was completely unprepared for the deafening roar of clapping and cheers coming from the occupants. The story of her escape from capture by the familiars had spread like wildfire all over the base. As she slowly made her way across the large room everyone in the area came over to offer their congratulations and best wishes. Although she welcomed the feeling of being welcomed back with people she considered her family Max was no longer used to be near so many people. She felt her instincts climb to the surface inside her and struggled to remain in control of her reactions. As the bodies pressed closer to her she was overwhelmed by their attentions.

Some of the transgenics in the room more apt at reading others were recognizing her struggle and tried to back away accordingly. Unfortunately Max was unaccustomed to fighting her instincts for control and the urge quickly spiraled out of her control. Her instincts were screaming at her to be heard and she let out a loud growl intended to intimidate and display her alpha status for all around.

Everyone instantly froze at the sound coming form the slender brunette in the middle of the room. The transgenics gathered around her quickly bowed their heads in submission and slowly moved away. Moving into an offensive stance Max let her gave circle the room, pivoting on her heels. She fixed everyone with a stare checking their assertion that she was alpha to them. Most might consider her inferior in training but all could tell the signs of an alpha asserting herself.

Precisely at that moment entered the room right on the heels of Dix and Luke. Both nomalies instantly adopted a submissive stance as well and halted their progress into the room. Noting their odd behavior Logan frowned but he could see no reason for their odd behavior. He shrugged their odd behavior off and looked around when he noticed others doing the same.

Mid-swing his gaze caught on the slender figure standing in the middle of the room. Exited to see her he took two large steps forward in her direction but faltered slightly when Max's body snapped around and fixed him with a pointed stare. Logan again shrugged away his uneasiness and wanted to move forward further, but he was halted by Luke who pulled him so he couldn't move. At his slight movement, Max's growl had become slightly louder, Logan couldn't believe the sight before him. He stood slack jawed staring at the ferocious creature that now consciously tried to scare him. He couldn't match her with the woman he knew as his cat burglar and possible girlfriend, the woman that had stolen his heart.

Presented with the terrified ordinary in front of her Max's instincts were howling at her to teach him a lesson about respect but her humanity was also screaming in her mind. The Brunette stood in conflict. Alec chose that time to merge from the shadows where he had been watching. He knew that what he needed to do now would hurt the old man standing below. He was sure that Logan wouldn't understand but Alec wasn't sure whether Max could contain her anger much longer. No matter how confident she looked now, if she acted on her impulse she would kill Logan and that would kill her as soon as she came back from her instincts.

Although he didn't want to do so, the animal within him was overjoyed at the opportunity to acknowledge Max in front of Logan. Alec took another step forward until he was clearly visible for everyone, including Max. She turned to face him, keeping the ordinary in her peripheral vision. Max cocked her head and sniffed the air. Slowly the growl died down as Alec sauntered closer to her catching her gaze and keeping it directed at him. As he came closer he made soothing noises, Max could feel her anger and irritation dissipate at the sight of him coming over to her. She could feel her humanity returning. Alec held out his hand to her and she placed her smaller hand in his, interlacing their fingers. Taking a couple of deep breaths Max could feel the predator in her coming to rest and relaxed her stance.

The entire room exhaled in relief and returned to their greetings, though they were more guarded about it. Max remained at the spot waiting for Logan to greet her as well but the old man was clearly keeping his distance. He was having a hard time coming to terms with what he just saw. It reminded him vividly of the pictures Lydecker had sent him, pictures he had tried so hard to forget.

Max could feel his rejection coming off him in waves from across the room and her shoulders slumped a little. This just confirmed for her that she and her kind would never be accepted, would never fit in. Hardening herself she looked up and around the room and found everyone looking at her with jubilation written all over their faces. She instantly felt better; her family accepted her, for now that was enough.

She looked over at her hand still locked inside his and scooted closer to his side. She was done feeling sorry for herself, she had friends and family that cared about her. Alec looked at the brunette by his side and smiled, considering himself extremely lucky for finding her and bringing her home. He could hear Logan recovering and moving over to them. Wanting to spare her the pain of his disapproval Alec pulled her towards the offices and to his surprise Max followed him without a sound of protest.

All was right in the universe of the transgenics, their leaders were reunited and had just confirmed their status for all to see.

TBC

A/N: Just to let you know, this chapter was not beta'd so all mistakes are my own responsibility. I was so happy to get it finished that I wanted to get it out there immediately. Please let me know if there are any blatant mistakes