Let's Call it a Truce
Max sat and watched as Tess slept. He couldn't believe she was here. All types of emotions crossed him, anger, happiness and confusion. He was mad at her for killing Alex and yet someone or something that looked like Alex was asleep in Isabel's room. ALEX! Tess yelled as she sat up. Where is Alex? She said looking at Max as she stood up. He walked over to her. He is in Isabel's room. Is that really him? Max asked looking at her intensely. Yes, it is him. She answered sitting down. But how? I saw his dead body and we all watched as he was buried. He said and sat beside her. He is like us. Not an alien but a recreation of himself with his essence. She said and looked at him with her soft eyes. So he is a clone. Max stated and returned her look. She smiled and he touched her face. Aren't you mad at me? She asked surprised at his tender touch. Yes I' am. But I missed you. He began to lean in for a kiss when the door opened.
Isabel and Michael stood at the door; they looked at the scene with confusion. Tess you need to explain what that is that looks like Alex because it's starting to seem like some kind of sick joke. Isabel said with anger in her tone. It's Alex. More like a new Alex with his essence. Max responded for Tess. They stayed quiet for a brief moment. Well, just because you brought him back doesn't mean you are going to get away with what you did. Isabel made clear and approached Tess in a menacing manner. Max stood protectively in front of Tess. What are you doing Max? Isabel said feeling offended. What are you going to do? He retorted. I'm not sure but she deserves to be punished. It was true she didn't know what she wanted to do but all she could think of was hurting her. Michael watched the scene and had no idea who to side with, his princess or his king. Look, we can decide what to do about her later. Michael spoke out.
The phone in Max's room rang and he answered it. Max? Asked an agitated voice. Kyle is that you? Asked Max. Listen the military police is all over the town looking for someone. I over heard some people talking about something that fell in the dessert, on top of that I think it might be alien cause something left a huge hole in my room and it definitely was not made by humans. He rambled nervously in his manner. Kyle it's Tess. Max simply said. She's back? Kyle asked completely confused. Yes. Max answered. Well you better mover her cause they are going to start searching houses. Suddenly he saw an MP jeep approach. He got to one side of the payphone trying to hide. Max I have to go before they stop me to ask me questions. He said. Go to Michael's house. Max said and hung up.
Michael had walked away and now returned with an unconscious Alex over his shoulder. One step ahead of you man. He said looking at Max. It's too dangerous to move them now, what if they see you? Isabel asked annoyed. Staying here is dangerous. Smith knows where we live and he will be by sooner or later to check if we had anything to do with that crash. He grabbed Tess by the arm and walked out, Michael followed. Where are you going? Phillip asked stopping his children. We are going to Michael's house to leave Tess and Alex. Max answered. No you are not. Not unless you explain where she has been and how Alex is here when he has been dead for almost a year. They aliens saw no way of explaining this. Mom, dad. Isabel started. Max, Michael and I are aliens. She said. Is this some kind of joke? Diane said angrily. No it isn't. Tess is an alien as well. People that want to hurt us are coming here and unless we go they will. They all nodded reassuring them that it was the truth. How? Phillip asked still believing it to be a lie. When we were found in the dessert we had just come out of pods that had landed 40 years ago. They gasped realizing the crash was a real thing. But you look just like humans. Their mother said with tears. Part of us is human but as you saw on that tape we have alien powers. She concluded. About Alex. Tess spoke out. He is like a clone. She said not getting into further details. I see. Was all Phillip could say. Dad I promise I will explain everything later, but we should go now.
They left through the back and drove fast to Michael's house. No sooner had they left when a knock came from the door. Phillip opened it to find 2 MP and Agent Smith standing in front of them. Good evening Sir. Smith said very politely. We are currently in search of 2 very dangerous criminals. May we please search your home to insure your safety? He asked with a smile. I assure you Sir that no criminals are hiding here, thank you for your concern. Phillip answered and began to close the door. Smith held the door and now spoke seriously. I'm afraid I must insist you let me in or I will have these fine gentlemen do it by force. His expression had instantly changed. Unless you have a search warrant I'm not obligated to let you in. He spat out. This is official FBI business and I don't need a search warrant. He motioned for the MP, they pushed the door open and began to search. Phillip stood very upset. Smith entered and smiled again. Thank you for your cooperation. He said sarcastically.
Michael's apartment…
Alex still unconscious was now in Michael's room. The four aliens stood in the living room talking. Max we need to get out of Roswell before this ends up in all of us dying. Michael threw out as if that would fix the already horrible situation. I say we give them Tess and hide Alex until this thing blows over. Isabel added. She thought she could forgive Tess but seeing her made her blood boil. Neither idea will work out, especially not yours Isabel. Max said looking at his sister. Out of nowhere Tess flew and hit the wall. They looked at the direction of the attack and there was Liz. Get up bitch! You're dead! Max stood in front of Tess. Liz you need to stop or you'll force me to attack you. Maria and Kyle, who were behind Liz, could not believe Max. Sean had also come. What is wrong with you Max? Move! Liz demanded. No, not unless you agree not to hurt her. Max yelled. Isabel and Michael said nothing. How can you ask me not to hurt her when she killed one of my best friends. She yelled in frustration. Move Max! Her anger rose even more. Tess was completely shocked to see Liz's powers so developed. He simply stood. Fine Liz, go ahead attack again but I'm not moving. Everyone was surprised on how intent he was to protect Tess. Suddenly the door knob of Michael's room began to move and everyone turned to see who was coming out.
Evan's Residence…
The house had been turned up side down but nothing suggested any strange alien activity had occurred. Smith stood in the living room upset. I don't know where they went but be sure that I will find them. He spat out. You know where the door is. Phillip said angrily pointing to it. Smith and the MP began to walk towards it, suddenly Smith realized and tape on the coffee table and quickly took it before anyone noticed.
Michael's apartment…
Everyone but the aliens stared at the door wondering who else could possibly be there. Could you guys be anymore loud? Alex asked with his hair a mess and rubbing his eyes. The humans looked to him in shock. OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! Maria repeated as the panic attack rose. Kyle held her to calm her but felt himself about to flip out. WHAT KIND OF SICK JOKE IS THIS! Maria let go of Kyle and yelled. Are you mind warping us? She pointed at Tess. Are you trying to calm us by making us think Alex is alive? You sick bitch. She said as she charged at her. Liz held her back. Why aren't you frying her Liz? Maria asked. Because this isn't a mind warp. She stated in a numb tone. Are you a shape shifter? She calmly asked a confused Alex. Uhhm…no, I'm Alex. He said realizing that to his friends he was dead. Liz nodded with a blank expression. Her anger had reached it's maximum capacity and yet nothing was coming out of her. Isabel…Michael please explain to me who this is. She said looking at both aliens. Liz you are asking the wrong people, he came here with Tess. Michael said. Liz looked upon Tess with all the hate in the world. She said nothing but it was clear she expected an answer. Sean and Kyle finally entered completely and closed the door, Liz let go of Maria and they all sat.
So Tess began her story. When Liz came to me that night to ask me about mind control powers I understood that she would eventually find out what I had done. I waited for a couple nights to pass and when they did I broke into Alex's room and stole hairs from his brush, I figured that I would make things right. Tess turned to Alex who stood next to her. Contrary to what everyone believed to be the truth I never knew about Nassedo's pact with Kivar or that I would be in anyway part of it. Liz smirked not believing that she didn't know. Please spare us the sad story, Max didn't want you so you decided it would be better for him to die. She threw out. That isn't true! All I wanted was for Max and the others to accept me and love me like I loved them. That doesn't mean I excuse what I did! She confessed loudly to the alien's surprise. I went to Antar I gave those hairs to the people that brought us back and asked them to do the same for him. I suffered things I can't even explain just to bring you happiness and if you ask me to, if it will make you happy. She said looking at the other aliens. I will go outside and offer myself to the military. But this person next to me is Alex Whitman. The aliens said nothing, but felt guilt for the way they had treated her. Maria ran to Alex and hugged him tightly as the tears ran. I missed you so much. Alex hugged her back. Kyle walked over and joined the hug. Sean just watched not understanding anything. We have to do decide something now. Liz said as she stood up. What do you suggest? Max asked in an annoyed tone. I say we take a vote on what to do about Tess. She said without hesitation. Why do we need to decide anything? Alex said breaking free from the hug. For all intents and purposes you are Alex but the one that we grew up with was killed by this heartless alien who never deserved to be part of us. Liz at this point had stopped caring about what she said.
Tess had had enough of Liz's angry rambling. So, now you think you are part of the Royal Four? She asked with a sarcastic expression. Now that you have powers you think you can replace me? Her need to defend herself was ending; it was time to make clear who the queen was. I might have left and you might have acquired powers but you will never be the queen. Everyone was confused by the words. I've done more for them than you ever cared to do. You are so pathetic that not even the FBI thought to consider you as the queen. Enlighten us Tess…how many people did you kill tonight so you wouldn't be caught? No one had thought to ask how she had escaped. Did you kill anyone? Max asked fearing the answer. Actually, no I didn't. I mind warped all the people that surrounded the ship. If you don't believe me ask Alex, he was still pretty conscious. Now the fight was becoming more confusing. Enough! Isabel cut the stupid fight. Tess you hurt us and that isn't easily forgotten. Tess looked away from her once sister-in-law. We took you in and treated you like family; and you used me to carry his dead body! I loved you but you didn't care about that. Kyle said; the hurt showing. She couldn't bring herself to look at him either.
Max realized that everyone deserved to vote on what they thought would be best. All those who think we should give her over raise your hand. Maria, Isabel and Liz did. All those against the idea. Michael, Kyle, Max and Alex opposed. Sean had not voted because he barely knew anything about the situation.
This is ridiculous! Liz let out. Whether you want to see it or not she has to pay. It was slowly becoming obvious to everyone that Liz was losing it. Liz you need to calm down. Maria said and she waved Alex over. Look sweety it's our third musketeer. Liz hesitated but all she wanted to do was hug him. Come on now, you can't resist my charm forever. She laughed between now flowing tears and hugged him. Tess stood back without saying a word but her mind was filled with worry about the growing powers Liz had and Kyle would eventually develop. What's wrong? Max had approached. Nothing, well besides the fact that everyone hates me. She lied and didn't know why. That's not true but I can tell by your face that that isn't what you were thinking. She smiled slightly. I will talk at the right moment. He nodded and let the issue go.
Time went by and everyone had fallen asleep. Tess walked over to Liz and quietly woke her. What do you want? Liz asked her sleepiness to powerful for her to be angry. Can we talk please? Tess asked kindly. Liz saw her sad expression and felt an ounce of pity.
Maria's car…somewhere in the dessert
They had been sitting silently for a while and it was beginning to test Liz's patience. Well what did you want to talk about? Or did you bring me here to kill me? She asked seriously. I know you hate me for everything that happened last year. Tess started. But I never came to Roswell with the intention of hurting anyone. I woke up in my pod alone and fully aware that I was suppose to be with my family. Then came Nassedo who took me away and never explained to me why I couldn't see them. Liz just listened for once. When I saw them for the first time, it was at your diner, they looked so happy and all I could think about was being there in that booth laughing with them. She reminisced and smiled not worrying about Liz. I didn't want to steal your boyfriend and when we were together all he did was think of you. Tess laughed and tears fell. I was born to love him, I was born to miss him if he was somewhere else and I was born to live for him. I'm so sorry for what I did to you. She began to sob. I should have known better. Liz began to speak. That day when you found out about who you were and who you were meant to be with I should have known to go and stay away. But I just couldn't. He healed me and I saw into his soul and from that moment I couldn't detach myself from him even when destiny itself told me to step back. Both girls looked at each other and somehow understood and respected each others pain. Let's just call it a truce for now. Liz said to Tess' surprise. I don't like you and I know the feeling is mutual, but right now we need to stick together or else we will all die. She turned the ignition and began to drive back.
As they drove, Liz let Tess know all that had happened, well only about Smith and the vision she had seen. Tess just listened and wondered why this man was so intent on killing them without even wanting to poke them around in some lab. Liz. Tess said. What? Liz asked now more relaxed. I know how we can relieve you of the powers. She said turning to Liz. Max already tried, why do you care anyways? The brunette asked suspiciously. I was told on my planet that if the four of us use the stones we can change you back to a regular human. It's a burden you shouldn't have to bare with. Tess expressed with all honesty. Liz silently thought about it.
Michael's apartment…
Both girls entered and were immediately greeted by a nervous Max. Were where you? He asked with a mix of concern and anger in his tone. We just went for a ride. Tess answered with a smile. Are you out of your minds? You could have been caught! Max exclaimed. Since when are you two so chummy? Michael questioned while he munched on some cereal. We aren't. Liz gave him a "shut up stare". We agreed to tolerate each other for the safety of the group. Tess nodded in agreement. That's great. Alex said as he walked into the room with Maria clinging to him like a kid. Maria if you let me go I promise I won't go anywhere. She looked at him with a childish smile and complied. You better not go anywhere; I've missed you too much. She said with a fake frown. Daylight had come and they all sat around the living room once again. None of us can stay here forever. Sean finally spoke. Everyone except Liz looked at him like he had appeared from out of thin air. Hold the phone! Maria let out. You never explained to us why my stupid cousin is here or how he found out. The group turned to Liz. Look to make a long story short, Sean saw me use my powers and I had to tell him, now he is one of us. She stated. Welcome to the "I know an alien" club. Kyle said in his silly way. Thanks, I guess. Sean answered. Isabel rolled her eyes. Now that we have another person to worry about, lets all agree not to bring more people in. No one said a word. We should be worrying about Agent Smith. Max said. Let's be honest there is nothing we can do. We don't even know why he wants us dead, well besides the fact that we are aliens and you are our accomplices. Michael spoke honestly to the group. Most people that have come after us always have the intention of taking us in and playing doctor with our guts, but he isn't the same. The smart thing would be to gather what we need and leave Roswell. He concluded and they all pondered. Wouldn't that just give him the proof he needs? Sean asked. If we all bail at the same time Smith won't hesitate to go after us for the rest of our lives. It would be better to stick around and try to hide these two until he gets bored. His point was also taken into consideration.
Crappy motel…
Smith had suffered another restless night. He was aware that if he didn't complete his objective he would be terminated for requesting an assignment he could not handle. A knock came from the door and he yelled for whoever it was to come in. You humans really become filthy when you are depressed. A young male spoke as he mockingly smiled at Smith. What are you doing here? He asked not even turning. The clock is ticking and here you are socking in your own pity. He shut the door and took a seat. We had an agreement and we expect you to keep your end. The young man said now seriously. I can't just kill them for no reason; I'll be put away and then killed. Smith said as he slightly turned. Now, now William, we promised to give you your family back and you promised to exterminate our little problem. Remember you came to me and you willingly agreed to the terms. If it is too much we will simply end this now and you can suffer the consequences. The young man stood and walked to the door. You aliens are such cynical and arrogant bastards. I know what I sold my soul for and up to this moment I have done what I need. I got permission to pursue these "kids" even after the case was closed and I will kill them when the time is right. But you and your "king" forgot to mention the other two who showed up last night. I will tell you again just so you can understand, unless I see that they are in fact aliens I can't touch them, after all I' am a man of the law. The young man smirked at the last part. Those two are an inconvenience we did not foresee none the less you have to take care of them as well. William you are a smart man and you know they will eventually find themselves in a situation where they will have to use their powers or else you would have given up already. Now, I have to go; this filth is too much for me. He opened the door to leave. Nikolas? Smith said. What? He responded. Don't come here again. Smith said. William do what you are suppose to and I won't. And just so you understand, we aren't friends or co-workers, watch how you speak to me. With that last exchange Nikolas left.
Smith rested his forehead in his hands and shut his eyes. What have I gotten myself into? He asked himself mentally. He opened his eyes and they fell to the tape he had taken. Maybe you will have answers. He said out loud.
To be continued…
And the plot thickens. I want to thank everyone who has reviewed my story during these new chapters. It really encourages me to continue. I wanted to give a special thanks to ParkerEvanss for really pondering my twist and turns in this story. Ironically I was going to explain (as you saw in this chapter) were Agent Smith is coming from and why he is doing what he is doing. In the next chapter I will get more in depth, just in case anyone is still confused. About Tess referring to herself or letting others refer to her as Ava is simple. It was to make them feel comfortable with her and to show that she didn't deny who she was and is. I hope that helps. Please continue to Review!