Legacy

By Shikasta

Spoilers: Anything's fair game in my view although this is an AU

Disclaimer: The characters of Dark Angel are owned by Twentieth Century Fox Television and Cameron Eglee productions. In laymen's terms: Don't own them but by god I wish I did.

This story is the third part in the Fable universe and follows on from Alec's War.

Chapter Six – Anything but Ordinary

The sunrise was raggedly creeping up over the rubble of Seattle creating an indescribable hue. Alec kneeled resting his palm on the dirt which now belonged to his people. He remembered a story he once overheard in some bar before all this happened, a guy telling a barman between gulps how important it had been, in his grandfather's day, to own land. Only now does Alec understand, only now could he appreciate all that he has and understand all that he had accomplished. In the beginning, for him it was a means to remain close to the only bright light that had resonated through his dark surroundings. Alec had once read that a "hero is when an ordinary man does extraordinary things during extraordinary times" or something like that he couldn't quite remember.

Had he wanted this?

Had he wanted any of it?

No.

But he needed it. He needed the approval of others, that was how he had been designed, and that is what had defined him for so long and in some small way still did.

Seattle was his home, he had fought for that right along with the rest of his people and now he looked out over it with a heavy heart. "All victories are bittersweet" he whispered under his breathe. Alec was tired, so very tired and relief but a twinkle in the distance, and he wondered if he would ever look out upon this city and not have a single thing to do but enjoy being free.

"I'll never be free" he reaffirmed as he dusted the specks of dirt off his hand and then he rose in a weary fashion, ready to face the jubilated crowd and rebuild.

In awe, Max watched as the twins slept. She had missed out on this little adventure when Hope and Faith had been born. Dirty diapers, sleepless nights and the crying were all foreign to her. Give her twenty bad guys and she was like a lion ready for the kill, but two screaming babies made her want to cower in a corner.

She touched the soft hair on her son's head, his fragility felt through the sensitivity of her skin. Unable to help it she withdrew her hand, fearful that he might break. She found herself counting their little fingers and toes again.

"How human they look, the Colonel would have been ecstatic" Max muttered with a wry smile.

"Who was the Colonel" Fizz asked as he entered the room.

"Shhh!" Max cautioned "I don't want them woken up."

Fizz shrugged an apology and Max whispered "The Colonel is of little consequence now. What can I do for you Fizz?"

"Bindi just arrived from Seattle."

"Any news?"

"Alec is still in the Capital."

Max slouched with a heavy heart, the separation was becoming a strain and she was beginning to fear that the memory of him was starting to warp.

"Your message has been entrusted with Luke until Alec's return." Fizz continued.

"Were they able to provide any kind of ETA?"

"According to Bindi, communication between Seattle and the Capital has also been limited. We're all very much in the dark."

"Eight months we've been waiting, how long does it take for Alec to broker a peace?" Max whispered humorously with a tinge of anger.

"So what do you suppose we do now Senator?" An angry voice shouted.

"Why wewait, of course!"

Alec hushed the crowd that had gathered before him. News of his impending arrival had spread fast across Seattle, and those living amongst her rubble had converged on what had once been Command during the conflict.

"Now is a time for great celebration." Alec boomed over the crowd as it cheered.

"We have peace!"

And the uproar was deafening.

Alec entered command, away from his people and their jubilation, he had never been much on ceremony but this auspicious occasion had called for it.

How he longed for a beer.

A cool, tantalizing beer, that would help him forget.

He looked around at the rooms of command that had demanded so much of his time.

"I see you've spruced the place up a bit."

"Nothing like a coat of paint to hale in a new era" Mole grunted.

"Any news from Logan's Legacy" Alec asked a little too offhandedly.

"Not much except that you're a dad again" Mole returned the favour.

"Mole, I was supposed to tell him that!"

"Come on Luke, my way was priceless, look at him he's stunned!"

Alec stood there, the news sinking in, he had been aware that the time was close but Mole had still managed to give him a reality check.

"Are they fine?" He managed to ask finally.

"Mother and babies are both well" Luke informed.

"Babies?" Alec exclaimed.

"Yes sir, twins" Luke added causing Alec to sharply drop to the floor in bewildered glee.

After five minutes of silence and back and forth looks between each other Alec announced "I have to go!"

"Figured as much" Mole agreed chomping his cigar.

"We have transportation on standby" Luke added.

"I'll be a few days."

"I'm sure we can survive a few more days with out your pretty ass hindering the important work I've been doing" Mole chuckled as Alec rushed out of the building to the awaiting vehicle.

"For how long" the mysterious voice asked.

"As long as it takes" the Senator replied.

"We just tied a ribbon round Seattle and gave it to them."

"Nothing is free, you have to spend a little to make a lot, and on this occasion the cost was Seattle."

"The cost was too high Senator."

"The price they paid was even higher Mr. President."

Thaddeus was so close now.

The truth would not elude him.

TBC