Chapter 4

Beware the fools

The nest day Alec was immediately confronted with his most hated task, appeasing the US government.

"Mr. President, I think we've been more than fair. We are not considered to be citizens of the United States, yet we do pay taxes. We pay for access to the closed airfield and we keep on base all as requested. I don't see the problem. But I'll repeat what I've said before. If you want us gone I'm sure we could find a country willing to accept us but that would mean we might be forced to accept orders against this country I really wouldn't want to have to obey those orders. I'm sure you understand."

Alec paced the office again listening to the man's reply and waited for another opportunity to respond. "Yes sir, I understand that you are in a difficult position but I'm afraid I cannot allow a government official to live on base. I would be unable to guarantee his safety. And I cannot inform you when we accept a mission from the UN. That would violate the terms of our agreement with them."

What Alec didn't say was that that particular term had been put in by them and not by the UN. Alec no longer felt any particular loyalties to the US but the Familiar presence was most concentrated here so they wouldn't leave until they had dealt with that threat. Which was the next item on today's agenda. Several familiars had been meeting unfortunate accidents over the last couple of months and Alec was expecting a response from them, having Max back must even speed up that timetable. For some reason the cult had wanted Max alive, and Alec was determined to find out why.

On the other side of the line the president was still talking so Alec took the opportunity to look over several reports. Alec felt fortunate he could multitask because otherwise these weekly talks would take up far too much of his precious time. The only reason he took them was to uncover potential leads on familiars from him. That man was getting his information from somewhere and since Manticore was gone it could only come from the cult.

Suddenly his ears pricked up and he turned his full attention to the conversation.

"… you understand that although I am not convinced this officer has managed to convince most of the DOD to give you a try."

"Let me get this straight, you want us to train your elite forces."

"Yes, Mr. McDowell that is exactly what I'm saying. Even though it is against my better judgment my Defense minister claims it is essential for the protection of our great nation."

"Well, sir we would be more than happy to assist in the defense of this great nation," Alec just about managed to take the sarcasm out of his statement. "Just have someone from DOD come by with some proposals and we'll see what we can do."

Alec rounded off the call with utmost expedience without actually sounding rude. Hitting the disconnect button he headed to Dix's desk and asked him to check on the latest proposal of the US government before the next taskforce meeting.

He then moved to Chat's desk and pulled the psy profile of his last conversations straight from the printer. Although the transgenics from the psy corps had been thoroughly hated under the old regime many were now valued officers. Most had been eager to undo what damage they had inflicted when possible and they had helped Alec immensely during his negotiations with various officials. Although most negotiations were on the level now, Alec hadn't been opposed to a little subterfuge in the early stages.

According to the report in his hand the president had been speaking the truth and there were no hidden agenda's. None that could be credited to the man on the phone anyway, Alec was very familiar with the term plausible deniability. But for now he was content to wait and see their next move. Nagging in the back of his head was the act that he hadn't seen Max yet that day. He hadn't heard anything inside her apartment when he walked by this morning and he had assumed that she would've stopped by command to see what was going on. Still somewhat perturbed about yesterday's events he pushed the thoughts away for the moments and looked over the debrief from Alpha squad.

Since Biggs had been kept in the infirmary all night Jondy had spent most of the night finishing the debrief. Alec was still convinced the girl deserved her own command but he knew it was pointless to suggest it. Whatever was going on between the two of them distance wasn't going to help. Seeing no other points on his agenda for this morning Alec decided to bail early so he could check of his friend at the clinic before going to the training ground for his daily combat lessons.

At the clinic Jondy had just returned to Biggs bedside after having left only long enough to shower and change her clothes. She looked up guiltily when she saw her Co enter the room. Before she could apologize for being there instead of attending her duties Alec held up his hand. She smiled ruefully and almost sighed in relief, if anyone would understand her feelings it was Alec.

"Now that you're here, I think I'm going to find my sis and have breakfast with her. I've waited practically my whole life to see her. Will you..?" Jondy stopped and looked down before tossing her hand up in a never mind gesture. She moved to the door and with a final look at the man in the bed she headed out, in search of her beloved sister for some sisterly advice. Syl had been hopeless in the matter, maybe Max would be more help.

As soon as Jondy was out of earshot Alec sat down in the chair and grinned at his friend.

"She's gone, you can wake up now."

As if on cue Biggs' heart rate accelerated and he opened his eyes.

"How'd you know?"

"Please man, we trained for this together. She's gonna figure it out soon you know. And then you'll really be in for it."

"Yeah well, it's worked so far. Besides she should've gone straight to work this morning. It's bad enough that I have to be here. No need for my SiC to be stuck here as well."

Alec was shaking his head "When will you accept that the woman worries about you?"

The pointed look Biggs directed at the blonde man sitting beside him told Alec to change the subject pronto. Capitulating for the moment, Alec leaned forward and looked more closely at his friend.

"Did you hear anything about who they were planning to sell you too?"

"Nah, they were smart enough to put the double whammy on my instantly, drugs and tazers still make a bad combo. Didn't seem like they had a transport prepared though, the place we were holding us was obviously intended for longer stays. I'm thinking we should focus more on them, they seem to be getting more muscle and firepower than they need for their regular deals."

"Hmm, I'd agree with you there. Any good gossip while on vacation?" Alec was relaxing back in his chair, saving refugees was more a PR assignment than anything else. Most squads therefore considered it vacation duty but it occasionally gave them some good intel from foreign nations willing to share.

"Nothing in particular, just the usual offers to change sides."

With that Alec stood up, he needed to head for the training ground. He shook his friends hand and promised to buy him a drink later that night with his squad. Despite himself Alec secretly hoping Max would come to observe his class again. It had been nice to see Max so obviously support and approve some of the things he did.

When the lesson was over Alec was inherently disappointed that she hadn't come but berated himself for hoping she would. With his hair still wet from the shower Alec went to the mess hall to catch Joshua for lunch. When he walked through the doors he saw Joshua and Jondy sharing a table but no Max. Heading over he could see Joshua had already gotten him some food and he slid in beside Jondy. Jondy immediately put her hand in her pocket and slid him something under her hand. Covering her hand with his he waited with looking till she had removed hers. Taking a peek he saw real Belgian chocolates under his hand. Slipping them in his pocket, he stole a glance around to make sure no one had seen the exchange them briefly hugged Jondy as thanks.

Jondy whispered softly "I thought some things wouldn't change, I still remember every piece I got back then."

Alec nodded but refrained from answered for fear someone would overhear. Chocolate was still difficult to come by these days, especially the good stuff. Any chocolates that made it on base were eagerly traded for ridiculous amounts of money. Alec decided he wanted to save them for a special time, although his inner voice chided him for wanting to wait till he could share them with Max. Somehow he knew Max would be more inclined to share if chocolate was involved.

Alec wanted to ask Jondy whether she had seen Max but he didn't, his ego wouldn't allow it. Lucky for him Joshua had no such qualms and asked Jondy for him.

"Jondy have you seen Max? She was going to come see new paintings for art show, but she never came."

"I've been looking for her too Joshua but I haven't seen her anywhere, and her cell is turned off. I was going to check her apartment next. Didn't you tell her we were coming today Alec?"

"I did tell her; maybe she's got food poisoning from her dinner yesterday." Alec couldn't help the face he made at his comment.

"We don't get sick sweetie, remember?" Jondy smiled at the man next to her. She felt a bond with both the men at her table. Both had told her many stories about her sister when she asked and they had become good friends. Jondy could really see why her sister had fallen for this man, Joshua had told her as much with his paintings even though Alec seemed not to want to know.

Jondy pushed her plate away, "I'm going to track down my sis. I'll see you boys later, play nice."

Alec and Joshua both watched the fiery redhead sway out of the mess hall. Joshua cocked his head at her retreating back and looked at his best friend with a question in is eyes.

"Hit me Josh, what's on your mind?"

"Why Jondy and Biggs not together? Why Alec and Max not together?"

Alec held his head in his hands and couldn't answer his friend. He knew his buddy wasn't expecting to answer but he couldn't help wonder about the same thing. Now that she was back he desperately wanted to show Max how he felt. As for Biggs, his friend could get his head and his heart to agree on his favorite 'niner'. Across the table Joshua held out his hand and comforted his friend. Alec had come a long way since Manticore burned. Alec no longer tried to outsmart Alec, he now accepted the darkness in his soul as a part of his being and spend every day making up for it.

Not 10 minutes later Jondy came back to the mess hall, bursting through the doors. She stood at the table panting for breath. Alec was surprised, for a transgenic to be out of breath she must've blurred right across the base without stopping. Looking at the redhead in front of him curiously he wanted for her to take a deep breath.

Jondy spoke in a rush, never stopping to take breath. "Alec, Max is gone, her bed isn't slept in. I went to the guardhouse but she never signed out last night, but Logan did and he never signed back in. The guard was about to report it. Alec, something has happened to her, something must've. Why would her bed be unslept if she didn't go out for dinner? Alec I can't find her! We have to find her!" Jondy's voice grew louder; she practically screamed the last sentence.

Normally Alec would've considered Jondy to be one of the most levelheaded people around but seeing her this distraught he quickly stood and put his arm around her to help her calm down. Feeling his touch she came back to herself, and looked up at his face. Precisely at that moment Biggs decided to walk in.

Taking in the scene in front of him he felt the anger rise from deep with in him. Alec had no right to touch her like that. He was about to launch himself at his friend when Joshua stepped in between them and pointed at Jondy. Biggs took the opportunity to look again he saw she was upset. She was upset and she was getting comfort from Alec. Unable to blame his friend he shifted the blame, to where it came naturally for him namely Jondy. He turned on his heels and marched out with a scowl on his face that bode ill for anyone whoever met him next.

Alec immediately dialed Chat and ordered him to search for Max in last night's security tapes. Hopefully that would give them a clue where she had gone. Alec didn't think Max would be foolish enough to go off base on her own, she had been briefed on the dangers. Too many foreign agents were looking for a piece of a genetically engineered weapon, normally this wouldn't pose that much of a risk. After all Max knew how to take care of herself. But most agents had gotten real good at disabling transgenics with a mixture of drugs and tazers. Alec was worried she would be shipped off to god knows where before they could get to her, that is what had him worried. They had just gotten her back, they needed more time, time to sort everything out between them.

Alec made a promise to himself right then and there, as soon as he saw Max there would be no more beating around the bush. She needed to know she had a choice and that Logan was the wrong one in his opinion. No matter what would happen after, he owed them both that much.

When Chat called back two minutes later Joshua was cradling Jondy who was still not completely recovered. She had been ecstatic to know her sister was still alive, to lose her again before having even seen her was too much for her fragile emotions. Despite looking impressive Joshua kind nature en empathic skills helped him see emotions that people wanted to hide from other and from themselves.

As Alec got off the phone he face looked like thunder.

"She's not one any of the security cameras leaving the base. According to the feeds she should be here but Chat has asked around and no one has seen her since yesterday." Alec was not looking forward to what he needed to do next but he took his phone in hand and dialed another number. No answer, that left him with no other option. He didn't want to intrude in Max's privacy but he needed to locate her pronto.

"Chat, proceed with the cloning and prepare the retrieval van. If Biggs is out of the clinic I want the rest of Alpha squad to move of active status. If her location shows up outside the base I want to be able to displace in 5 minutes."

Jondy managed to pull herself together and gratefully hugged Joshua, thanking him his support. She moved next to Alec and together they headed out. Alec stopped right before leaving the mess hall and turned to face Joshua.

"Big guy, you got any plans this afternoon?"

"Joshua's not busy at all."

"Then come with us, we could use your help."

Hearing that Jondy stared at him with a curious look in her eyes. Then she nodded and motioned for Joshua to come over extending her hand so he could take it. If Max was upset who better to comfort her then her 'big fella'. And his bulk would protect her during extraction. However much Jondy wanted to be the one comforting Max she knew that while out there she couldn't step away from her responsibilities, even if she wanted to.

The three of them walked to command where Chat was already waiting for him with most of the Alpha squad surrounding the retrieval van. Alec stopped to hear Chat's report and Jondy moved to her squad unconsciously taking her natural spot next to Biggs.

"We've activated her cell phone and pinpointed her location." Chat looked over at Biggs and waited for him to continue.

Between clenched teeth Biggs gave his report. "Alpha squad ready for deployement."

Alec nodded at them both. " Let's move out!"

In a singular motion everyone filed into their positions. Alec took up the map to study their target area. In the other van Jondy was seated face to face with Biggs waiting for Alec to begin planning the op. She stole a look at Biggs and was hurt by the soldier mask he had put up. She wondered what had caused his retreat this time and felt her hard fought maks slip from her features. Hiding her pain at his refusal she bent her head over the intel that had been gathered and pretended to study them. Opposite her Biggs looked at the beautiful redhead sitting across from him and his features softened. Now that he knew she couldn't see he let himself go and wanted to comfort her. He knew Alec was too much in love with Max to see anyone else but Jondy was so much like her sister that he was still afraid. Afraid that, she would pick him.

He leaned backward and relished for a moment in his favorite pastime, watching Jondy. He did it all the time now, content to watch her from a distance when she relaxed, when she sparred, hell whenever he could get away with it. Jondy really was exceptionally beautiful with her flaming red hair. She was nothing like …. Biggs cringed when the memory of his beloved Cece flooded his mind. He chastised himself for thinking of her, comparing both women. Because he couldn't deal with his feelings he went to what came easier, he got angry, and he got angry with Jondy. She had no right to replace Cece in his mind.

Biggs took a couple of deep breaths to help calm him down and heard he the radio crackle inside his ear. That brought him back into reality and he was back, his full attention on the mission at hand. The next few minutes were spent trying to figure out mission specs, although the details were left open till they had some visual of the structure. For the remaining drive Biggs and Jondy refrained from looking each other in the eye. In the back of the van several squad members were quietly rolling their eyes at each other. They knew better than voicing their opinions but all had to smile at the antics of their CO and SiC. They were not at all worried because they knew that once things came to a head a personal animosity would be shed. Both their commanders always had the squad's best interests at heart.

Meanwhile in the other van Alec was trying to work out how Max could've left the base without appearing on any of the cameras. He was relatively sure there were no security breaches on base and there hadn't been any non-transgenics on base other than Logan and Original Cindy. Alec was wrecking his brain while everyone on the base was sifting through the security footage trying to find evidence of tampering. Whatever had happened, Alec was going to make sure I wasn't going to happen again.

Arriving at the location Biggs send out Zane and Jondy for recon while he sought refuge in the command van where he found Alec and Joshua in deep conversation.

"Josh listen to me, why would Logan take Max here? He knows how dangerous it is for us out here."

"Alec, Joshua doesn't know but I smell him. He here and Max too."

Biggs shook his head at Alec's shortsightedness, even though Alec knew Joshua was probably right he still tried to make sense of the ordinaries actions. Biggs had given that up as soon as he saw the man's ridiculous actions during the siege in TC. The man wasn't rational, at least not to their standards, he had his priorities all wrong and he didn't understand them at all.

That's when Jondy came across the wire, sounding nothing like herself. "uhm guys, I'm gonna need uhg.." She was cut-off and the radio went dead. Then Zane came with his report.

"Mayday, need assistance. Wow Maxie, remember me…… Ma…." With a thump his radio went dead as well. All 3 transgenics froze at the sounds coming from the wire and sprinted towards the building. Biggs called up backup from his squad and was about to order them to move in when Chat's report halted them.

"Wait, according to the thermal scanner there's 3 transgenics inside, one moving and one stationary signal from an ordinary."

Renewing their efforts both X5's blurred to the front door with Joshua on their heels. Bursting through the door Biggs' progress was halted when he was clothes-lined by Max's arm shooting out from the doorframe. As he doubled over to the floor, temporarily incapacitated with trying to get air to flow in his lungs again, Max turned her attention to the other intruder. Alec came in with more care but he was unprepared for the sight that greeted him. Max had completely retreated into her instincts. A quick glance around the room told him why. He could see the dark room that had obviously housed her for the night. Judging by the way the door hung askew from its hinges she hadn't taken to isolation well.

Not daring to keep his sight away from her too long he focused back on Max eyeing her with wary intent. The woman before him was all fury, her hair flung from her face her teeth bare and she was growling. Growling at him, the noise was terrifying to others but Alec knew he could show no fear or she would pounce. He saw she was poised for attack her weight on the balls of her feet, her head cocked to one side, she seemed to eye him with curiosity. He slowly raised his hand and although she watched his every move wearily, she made no move to attack. He signaled for the others to keep their distance while he looked for an opening to return her to Max. Before she had responded merely to his presence ad let him approach him but now when she approached her she growled louder.

Alec desperately wanted to avoid a fight, he didn't want to hurt her but he knew Max would have no qualms about hurting him when she was like this. He knew she wouldn't kill him, the heartbeats of her unconscious siblings were testament of that but he couldn't risk it. He needed to reach her, but he had no idea how. To his surprise Joshua appeared through the door and kept moving. Alec wanted to stop him but Joshua pretended not to hear him and walked straight up to Max. He took her in his arms and started humming the way he did to Sam when the little guy was having a nightmare.

Biggs was making sure he seemed non-threatening while he was slowly making his way to his squad mates lying in a corner, as though they had been tossed there. Checking both of them he was relieved to find them breathing. Taking Jondy's head in his lap he began softly stroking her head to comfort her. He kept one eye directed at the scene in front of him though, poised to defend his fallen mates should the need arise. At the moment Joshua seemed to have everything under control while Alec was looking on with concern etched on his face.

Joshua was still holding Max and the brunette was no longer growling, but Alec could still see the predator in her eyes. Joshua motioned for Alec to come closer but when he stepped forward, Max placed herself between Joshua and Alec and growled at him again. Patiently Johsua took her hand and looked at Max, his eyes filled with compassion.

" No little fella, Alec is good, here smell him he smell just like Joshua." Joshua grabbed Alec's hand and held it out for Max to smell. Max leaned forward to hesitantly smell the hand offered to her then quickly retreated and looked up a Joshua. Joshua just nodded encouragingly and motioned her to sniff again, this time he let go of Alec's hand. Max sniffed his hand again and using one finger she turned his hand over to smell the inside. Alec strained to keep his hadn perfectly still while Max inspected him. She looked back at Joshua who nodded again. She placed her cheek in Alec's hand and rubbed quickly the way a cat would trying to spread it's scent.

Although it was killing him Alec still stood perfectly motionless, while Max crept in closer still sniffing the air. She moved with such grace and fluency that Alec flet like he was watching a puma or a mountain cat in the small woman now trailing him. He felt like she had never looked more beautiful, or dangerous before and his heart yearned for her to touch him again. Almost like she knew what he was thinking she touched his other arm with one finger, nudging it. He lifted his hand a little and Max rubbed her face in the inside of his hand. Then almost startled by her own bravery the scooted back to Joshua.

It didn't take her long however to regain her composure and she surveid the room again paying axtra attention to the blonde X5 standing beside Joshua looking like the Alpha male he was. Alec was riveted by the actions of the beautiful woman surveying her surroundings, he had always been aware of the animal instincts inside him. Although he'd learned to make the most of his enhanced abilities, his training had suppressed most of the animal urges and instincts that came with his abilities. Most of the transgenics had used the past year to experiment with the instincts but they had been afraid of what happened when they weren't in control. To see them so publicly displayed was mind-blowing, especially since Mac hadn't once apologized for them. Max the same woman who had once wanted to be normal so badly she'd turned her back on her own kind in her struggle. Now however she was more in tune with them and she acted more like a true transgenic than him in some ways.

Hearing a muffled groan coming from the other room Alec's attention shifted to the door. Max visibly stiffened, her entire body language shifting from relaxed to tense and poised for attack. Alec couldn't be more surprised when he saw Logan appear with torn clothes, clutching his head and ribs while trying to get up. Biggs leaned closer to the door without letting go of Jondy and hissed.

"Are you nuts? Stay down man, or lose your life."

Logan shook his head to lose the cobwebs and made another attempt to regain his footing. Seeing Max at the point of letting loose her fury. Biggs dropped his jacket under Jondy head and blurred over to the door. Without pause he drew back a fist and knocked the man out cold with one punch. He immediately lowered his head and exposed his neck to show his submission to the alpha pair. Max stalked over in a predatory sway and purred encouragingly as she moved. She extended her hand and Biggs scooted in closer to her touch, accepting her muted thank you.

TBC