72 reviews for a prologue has to be some sort of record—especially when it didn't even star the main characters! Big thanks to all that welcomed me back, Love you all tonnes. Hope that this meets expectations—Enjoy!
To make up for no Max/Alec in the prologue Alec looses his shirt in this part—aren't I good to you?
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Chapter 1- Starting Over Again.
The smoke curled around the darkness making the place even less inviting than before and it hadn't been that enticing then. The acrid smell of sweat, blood, testosterone and spilled beer filled even the most insensitive of noses until the nasal system wanted to close down and admit defeat. The cacophony of sound was deafening as jeers, cheers and screams littered the air like the cigarette butts littered the floor.
The place was a mess, but people didn't come here for the décor. They came for the roar of the crowds, the sound of flesh on flesh and the chance to see someone get battered to unconsciousness. Oh and the chance to win some money on the selfsame someone that they hoped would end up looking like dog-meat.
Max popped her gum and huddled deeper into her jacket, pulling her baseball cap lower on her head and inching closer to Alec.
"Ah, I wondered where the missing links went."
Alec grinned, "Are you kidding Max, this place is great."
Max looked up to see if her partner had indeed gone off the deep end as she suspected.
"Great? Alec, it's a flea-pit in the armpit of the universe."
The disgust showed loud and clear in her voice and Alec shrugged, a smirk evident on his handsome face.
"Sure it's rough, Maxie, but its one place that Manticore won't be looking for us," he peered down at the woman at his side and smiled sincerely at her. "Besides we don't need to be here long."
Anyone looking at the two of the standing together in the shadows would be hard pressed to identify them as two of the most dangerous people in the room. Barely pushing twenty they were both slim and athletic looking. The girl had luscious long dark hair that was shoved unceremoniously under a black baseball cap that had clearly seen better days. Her perfect features were accentuated with big pouty lips and clear oval eyes that a man could drown in. The stubborn set to her chin told of a fiery temper and her folded arms bespoke of a woman that was used to getting her own way. Her stance was one of authority and the very air around her seemed to shimmer with her vitality.
The man with her was taller by a good few inches and capped by thick dark blond hair that slipped into his deep soulful green eyes. His lean frame was hidden under a leather jacket which was scarred and scratched to match his battered denim jeans which hugged his muscles and powerful legs. Both had movie-star good looks and seemed so out of place in the rough-house of a fight club.
No one would ever expect that they were genetically engineered super-soldiers recently escaped from a top-secret military facility that had been destroyed by its superiors. Neither would anyone expect that they were the very best of the facility, the Commanding Officers of the elite force known as Special Operatives.
Max and Alec had been there when the facility had burnt to the ground and they had lost friends and family in the blaze, although thanks to Max's quick use of the PA system to warn everyone, not as many as they would have originally.
It was still a bitter pill to swallow that the people, who had been responsible for their upbringing and training, so readily tried to barbeque them, which was why they had to lay low for now.
It also meant that they needed to find ways of making quick, untraceable cash. Hence the fight club.
Alec had seen the flyers for it all around town and he had finally convinced Max to come with him just to check it out. She hadn't wanted to, but he had pleaded and who was she to resist the puppy dog eyes of her partner.
Now that she was here, she was wondering if she shouldn't have just stayed back in that ramshackle hut they had found in the woods just outside Manticore where they had slept these past few nights.
It had only been less than a week since her home had burned down and she was still filled with the urgency of finding her missing family, this was topped only by the urgency to eat. She was starving.
Her stomach growled at her and she turned to Alec, "Well, go and find out how you sign up to have your ass kicked and I'll… scout."
"Okay, be careful darling—don't break anything we might have to pay for," he leaned down and pressed a kiss to her lips making her close her eyes and lean up on tiptoe to increase contact.
This was so new and delicious, the notion that she could kiss him anytime she wanted and that he wanted to kiss her back. He had professed his love just before the facility blew up and she returned it.
Alec groaned and pulled her closer, feeling her body fit perfectly alongside his. She still tasted of honey and sweet vanilla and it drove him crazy to be close to her and not take her.
Max pulled away reluctantly and smiled at him.
"Go," she whispered and flitted into the crowds making sure that she was unobtrusive a she mingled.
Alec stared after her for a second before shaking himself and heading to the fight arena. He had a job to do.
Max watched him leave for the stage and grinned at the power that she held over him, she just wished that power expanded to the rest of these bums then maybe she'd have some help in finding her family, who she missed desperately. The thought of mischievous Pix, sweet Zan and delectable Dek made her wrap her arms around herself. She missed them so much.
Where were they?
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"Hey,"
The short stocky woman turned around to pin Alec with a stern glare.
"Yeah?" her voice was coarse from a mixture of cigarettes and screaming and it matched the worn look that she sported. Her vibrant orange hair was as frightening as her demeanour and her strong forearms yelled that she could take care of herself in a tough situation. Her thick chambray shirt was rolled up above her elbows and was creased from the muggy heat that swamped the club. Her dark eyes glittered dangerously and Alec turned on his most charming smile.
"I'd like to fight," he got straight to the point knowing full well that his charms would only work so far on this hardened woman.
"So go call some wrestler a fag," she dismissed him. "Be easier to head back to the fancy boy bar you walked from."
Alec grinned, "Aw thanks, ma'am, but I was a pro-wrestler back home and a cage fighter up in Canada. I know I don't look much but if you give me a shot I can guarantee you won't be disappointed."
The woman turned back to him, her eyebrow raised high. She raked her eyes over him in scrutiny. "They'll kill ya. You're too scrawny."
"I'm too fast for them to do that," Alec played his cards well. "If nothing else think of the additional girl fees when I take off my shirt."
The woman barked out a laugh, "You got guts anyhow. I guess I can afford to give ya shot. Nothing fancy." She turned to her clipboard. "Freddy Fists is up next, you can fight him."
Alec nodded, "Thanks ma'am."
"It's Annie, and don't thank me," she barked out. "We don't have insurance."
Alec chuckled as she stormed off and his hands went to the hem of his shirt as the bell clanged signalling the end of the round.
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Max sighed and rolled her eyes not sure that she even wanted to be here. There were guys all over the place and all of them seemed way to drunk and way too affectionate for her liking. If one more guy tried to pinch her ass she wouldn't be held accountable for her actions.
"Hey baby, can I buy you a drink?"
"I'd prefer the cash," Max muttered and spun, grabbing his hand just before it connected with her ass. "Now would be nice."
"Ah!" the man grunted as she squeezed and his bones squeaked. "W-what?"
"Wallet?" Max asked with a pseudo pleasant grin as she exerted more pressure. "Penance for assaulting a lady."
"You ain't no lady you psycho bitch!" he hissed as he bent his knees with the pain. Max ignored the attention they were getting from his drunken friends and reached into his pocket, pulling out his wallet.
She grabbed a few bills before tucking it back into his pants and letting go of his hand.
He stumbled away from her and she beamed.
"Thanks."
He snarled but was smart enough, or not drunk enough, to go after a girl who could cause that much pain with one hand.
Max glanced around to see Alec step into the ring, she giggled and walked over to one of the men shouting for bets in the corner.
"Hi, I'd like to put three hundred dollars on the good looking one."
The tall bookie stared down at the slight girl who was out of place in this rough establishment. He, however, fit in perfectly as his white wife-beater was grubby and his jeans torn almost beyond recognition. His tiny eyes squinted at her and he shrugged. "It's long odds sweetheart, I mean Freddy Fists is a pro, the pretty boy ain't even bloodied yet."
Max smirked and fluttered her eyes, "I like… long odds."
The bookie chuckled and took her cash, "All right, sweetheart."
Max rolled her eyes and turned back to the cage catching Alec's eye with a smirk.
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Alec heard the cat-calls and wolf-whistles as he stepped into the grungy cage. He smirked and cracked his neck muscles trying to loosen up for the fight ahead. It was less than a week ago that he was fighting against Max so it wasn't like he was out of shape. But the very idea of running away—strategic retreat—filled him with an unsoldierly feeling of cowardliness and he hated that edginess inside him. He needed to work it off and this would be the perfect way of doing that.
Annie, the ring lady, walked into the ring and grabbed the overhead mike. Alec grinned as made contact with Max whose eyes rolled in bemusement. He shrugged.
Annie leaned over to him, "Okay pretty boy, what do you wanna be called?"
Alec thought for a second, "Monty Cora."
Static burst into the air as the mike switched on and Annie stood tall, "Attention, now for the next fight we have a new challenger!"
Boos and hisses accompanied that statement and Alec just kept grinning. He'd show them.
"First the champion, with a mean 12 wins and only two losses in his fight career, weighing in at 212 pounds; Freddy Fists!"
Alec looked up as a tall broad man in striped silk boxer shorts sauntered into the ring to the cheers, his bald head glistening with sweat and the stench of stale beer hanging off him. Alec grimaced.
"Now the challenger, his first time in the ring, this pretty boy hails from parts unknown, weighing in at," Annie eyed him, "178 pounds I give you Monty Cora!"
There was polite applause and not so polite laughter and Alec jumped on the spot a few times to psyche himself up.
"Aww you so cute, I don't wanna mess up your pretty face," Freddy Fists leered.
"Sorry dude, but I already have a girlfriend," Alec said sarcastically.
Freddy lost his smile and aimed a roundhouse punch at Alec, who dodged quickly and was back to his original position before Freddy knew what had happened.
He blinked as if confused and Alec shrugged. Freddy swung at him again… and missed. And again.
Alec held back his laughter and this time danced a bit further back so that when Freddy swung for him his centre of balance was off and he lurched forward like a drunken scarecrow.
----
Max rolled her eyes again at the obvious enjoyment Alec had as he led the man into a bizarre dance around the ring. People were laughing as Freddy looked more and more bewildered and were yelling for Alec to just hit him already.
Alec looked up and Max nodded so he went on the offensive. His arm swung out to snap Freddy's head back. The swift back hand left a trail of blood and saliva hanging from his mouth.
"Careful," Max hissed, more to herself than to him. "He isn't transgenic, you could kill him."
Alec dodged Freddy's furious fists and sucker-punched him in the gut. Freddy bent double with a gasp and the crowd cheered madly.
Max stepped back as hoards of men rushed forward to see the action and Alec was obscured from her view.
The men rose up in a roar of sound and the ebb of testosterone as the fight played on made Max uneasy.
It sent her back, back too far into her memories of Wyoming and the young boy who had made her life a misery laughing and joking with this fellow bullies as he beat her. The hysterical laughter as they hit each other for entertainment echoed Bulli's snickers as she lay bleeding at his feet.
The smell of blood and the sound of flesh on flesh was all at once too familiar and Max scampered back into the shadows suddenly not wanting to be seen.
She watched, her face no longer lit up, as Alec fought back and quickly and efficiently took down Freddy Fists.
The crowds pounded their enthusiasm into the hardwood floor slick with its spillages and the sound spun Max's senses.
As the orange haired harridan lifted Alec's arm in triumph and his eyes searched for hers in the crowd, Max allowed herself to step into the light again hand give him an approving smile knowing that he would feel it.
He turned to her and his eyes lit up, the expression of pride that slid across his face made that much sweeter because she was there to share it with him. She felt her own sombre mood dissipate and she smiled back at him; his chest gleaming with sweat and his hair ruffled like he'd just climbed out of bed, it was adorable and Max knew that he was all hers.
That man up there that they all idolised was in love with her. He loved her.
And she loved him, of course.
They hadn't consummated that love yet, it was kind of hard to do so when you are the run for your life and Max had emphasised the need for constant vigilance as opposed to the relaxation of having the one you loved cradled in your arms and Alec had seen the point, he wasn't pleased, but he saw the point.
But maybe now that he had some money, they could find a place and she could finally be with him. She could touch him the way she had wanted to since Manticore and before the whole thing with Ben… Ben!
Max's face lit up as she realised that she now had two sets of family that she could look for. The 09ers, whist harder to find, would also welcome a visit from little Maxie and the sooner she found the X5s the better. She hugged herself in delight as she thought of hugging Jondy, having a high-five with Zack and talking with Ben all night.
She would find them, find them all and she could finally be content. All she needed was some cash to get started. Speaking of cash she had a bet to cash in.
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"Sir, we want you to hear this."
"I thought I told you I didn't want to be disturbed?" White glared at the hapless man as he shuffled his feet. White had been in one of the canvas tents going through his fitness regime a serious regime that he adamantly maintained shouldn't be disrupted by anyone. He had lost his shirt and leather jacket and was just in his vest which wasn't even slightly ruffled with his exertion.
"Yes, sir, but you also wanted to be informed when we found something."
White put the weights down and walked after the lowly tech, inclining his eyebrows at those who stopped in deference to him.
He entered the canvas tent that teamed with people on computers or at radios diligently tapping away like good little automatons.
"What do you have?" he ordered and felt a perverse kind of glee as they jumped at his tone.
Antonio Mendez, the tall Hispanic was the only one brave enough approached him.
He directed White over to a large black radio system with reels of tape spooled on cassette heads. It looked like a prop from a 50s' spy movie and White grimaced.
"We managed to pull off the unscheduled announcement from the PA system. Now, part of the tape was corroded in the fire and we are attempting to clear it up some, but auditory have told me that this is probably the best we are going to get." Mendez sucked in a breath and pressed play.
"Hal… not panic, this …452 … Code…. Listen to…You… betrayed by your command; Manticore… under attack…. by… superiors….go to ground…This... not … drill. …not accept… than… coded, do not trust… Wait for my signal … Repeat. You are … command; re—ploy… your unit …go … g—nd ...49— …luck."
White stared in disbelief at the tape, "What the hell was that?"
Mendez bit his lip and rewound the tape, "It's a partial. As far as it stands this… 452 announced to the transgenics that they were being betrayed by command and that they should go to ground and not accept any correspondence than a coded one from her."
"Yeah, I got that," White snapped.
"It would explain why we haven't had more than a handful at the rendezvous point."
White glared at the black reels as if they were personally responsible for his current bad temper. "So in order to get these filthy freaks to congregate together we have to get this 452 to tell us the code word."
"She'd have to impart the code herself, according to the file we were sent by Colonel Lydecker, the transgenics were taught to respond a certain voice pattern as well. It has to be 452."
"X5-452?"
White turned to the hesitant voice in the corner, an unwelcoming expression on his face. "What?"
The man was one that had been assigned to him from the bureau as his aide. Some guy called Otto Gottlieb who was another generic Hispanic with dark hair and piercing eyes. He wore his tailored suit well but with an air of naivety.
"Otto?" White prompted as the man flicked through a Manila file.
"X5-452 was the designation of the C.O. of Special Ops."
"Special Ops?"
Otto cleared his throat and looked at White without flinching—a major feat for most, "Special Operatives, sort of the best of Manticore's best. Black Ops, assassinations, long term, decoys and spies."
"So 452 is the best of the best of the best?" White replied sardonically.
"Yes, Sir, it would appear so," Otto replied evenly.
White rubbed his hands together thinking deeply about this unexpected turn of events. Why go chasing all over the damn country for these freaks of nature? All he needed was to get this 452 and make her give the code for them to reconvene and they would come to him. In droves.
A small smirk lit his stern face.
"Very well, I want all the information you can find on this 452. I want her mission specs, her training schedule, her kill record, her specialised training; everything down to her shoe size."
The drones hurried to do his bidding, "And for God's sake someone get me a picture of this bitch!"
White walked out of the tent, leaving them bustling as he headed back to the training tent to pick up his jacket and shirt and head home for the day. He wanted to spend some time with his son and wife before he had to report to the Elders. If he could get hold of this freak, all his problems would clear up soon. She was just one freak—how hard could it be?
----
"How hard could it be, it's just a fight club?" Max mocked as she folded her arms over her chest and glared at Alec.
He held his hands up sheepishly and gave her his best little boy smile.
"Sorry Maxie," he shoved his hands into his pockets and pulled out a wad of cash. "But look, I made a killing tonight."
"Was it worth every piece of filth in the place hitting on me and trying to cop a feel, all night?" she asked archly.
Alec's eyes darkened as he pulled her closer. "They touched you?"
Max shrugged and smiled slyly, "I broke their fingers. But it's the thought that counts."
"Well, it got us this place," Alec gestured around to the small two bed-roomed apartment that he managed to find this morning after spending all last night in the club. They had quit the dirty smelly place around 3am and had walked all night, hand in hand through the streets of Seattle looking for a place to stay.
As soon as dawn rose they found a pretty little apartment that was big enough to suit both their budget and their needs. It wasn't very big or luxurious, but it was clean and tidy with enough exit points that made them feel safe. After his brief stay in Psy- Ops Alec had started placing money on one side from his missions and from tips that Mr. Berrisford's associates had let slip about the stock market and shares. Most of it was tied up in a bank and couldn't be accessed just yet—hence the need for immediate cash—but that also meant that in time he could afford somewhere nicer for him and Max to stay. Not that this place wasn't nice in itself. It was a second storey apartment with two bedrooms and adjoining bathroom. There was a living room and a kitchen and that was really all that was needed… except for Alec's TV with cable, of course.
The décor was tastefully done in cream and green and although Max protested that it would show the blood, she had been pleased with her first "house", a place that she could call her own.
Max smiled in appreciation as she shut the door behind her and walked into the apartment, just looking around.
"That it did," she said and nodded. "In that case you are forgiven."
Alec grabbed her hand, pulling her back against him with a small squeal on her part, and he grinned and ducked his head pressing his lips to hers, revelling in his newfound freedom to kiss her whenever he wanted.
His fingers ran through her hair and he pulled her head closer deepening the kiss.
Max sighed deep in her chest as she tangled her hands in his dark blue shirt, pulling him closer. Their tongues danced and duelled as they fought for command but relinquished control. Alec pulled away gasping heavily and leaned his forehead against hers.
"I love you," he whispered hoarsely so ecstatic that he could verbalise that now without worrying that she'd leave or laugh at him.
"Good," she smirked and pulled his mouth back to hers. This time it was Max that led the dance, her hands making their way to his shirt and slowly unbuttoning it. Her hands traced circles on his chest as it was revealed to her delicate fingers and Alec shivered.
"Mm, Max that tickles," he breathed against her lips.
"Ticklish?" her eyes gleamed as filed that away for later use. "I'm kissing you, shut up."
Alec's lips twitched, "Yes, ma'am."
They kissed for several seconds before he couldn't resist anymore, "Did anyone ever tell you that you were hot when you got all authoritarian?"
Max pulled away and glared at him, "Yes, Dek, now I believe I told you to shut up!"
Alec growled and pulled her back, possessiveness ruling his passion as he devoured her.
The kissing continued on and soon they lay together on the couch, half undressed and hands skimming over exposed skin. Alec laid kisses across Max's collarbone, his lips tickling her sensitive skin as she threw her head back to allow him better access. Max yanked at Alec's shirt and pulled it out of his jeans, grimacing at the blood spatters that were reminders of the night's activities.
She pulled away with the shirt in her hands, her throat working hard as she stared at the blood, her mind running away with her.
Dammit, why can't we have one day without the blood? All the fighting and where has it got us to? I'm so damn tired of fighting. Max sagged. So, so tired of all the blood.
Alec grabbed her hands, "Maxie?"
"I'm sorry," she sighed, rubbing her face. "I can't relax."
Alec sighed and raked his hand through his hair. "No, its okay, I understand. I mean we only kissed a week ago."
Max handed him back his shirt and wrapped her arms around herself, "Sorry."
"Hey, now," Alec dropped the shirt and hurried forward, wrapping his arms around her. "Its okay, Maxie."
Max turned in his arms and felt the familiarity surround her. No matter what was going on in her head she knew that this was Alec and he would never push or pressure into something that she just wasn't ready for, either mentally or emotionally. He kissed the top of her head as he cradled her to him and she snuggled closer to him. She was just so sick and tired of everything, her brain was on 24 hours a day and all she wanted to do was to switch off for a while and not think. Not have to think about how to hide or where to run, or wonder how to get her family back or how to stay off the radar or where to get money. Not have to wonder whether they were going to have more trouble on the outside than in. Not wondering why Manticore suddenly decided to torch them or if they were being hunted and if she and Alec had left tracks. Not have to think about sex with Alec and their new relationship or how to deal with those feeling things that she and Drew had such issues with. Her head hurt with all the things that she didn't know and it was driving her crazy trying to keep everything straight. She just wanted to stop thinking for a while.
Alec started to sway with her in his arms and her cheek rubbed against the soft sating skin of his chest.
"I love you, Max."
Her lips curved into a smile at those whispered words and her hands tightened, pulling him closer to her hoping he could block these unwanted thoughts and make her feel.
"Love you too."
Alec picked her up and carried her to the couch, dragging her into his lap and cradling her in his strong arms.
"Talk to me."
Where to start?
"I'm scar—anxious," the words bubbled from her lips unbidden. "I lost one family and descended into hell for ten years. Now it feels that I have lost another family and I … I … I don't think I have it in me to wait another ten years. I can't lose them again." she looked up at him. "They mean too much for me to do that."
Alec bit his lip, "You miss them."
"Always. I know we've been on missions without them that lasted longer than this but without Manticore there for us to go back to, without a place for us all to call home and all be, I'm scared that we'll never all be together again. That's if they all made it out anyway." She closed her eyes. Her breathing sped up and her hands grasped tightly at him before tears started to fall. "God, Alec, who died?"
Alec hauled her closer, "No, no, no, don't think that, baby, no. Just think, Pix would have moved heaven and earth to make sure Chance got out and there is no way Biggs would let him leave with his baby sister. And he'd take Sunny so that's four," he grinned. "Knowing Biggs they probably hit Vegas and ordering strippers, having a blast."
Max chuckled as was his intention.
"Then Feen would drag Techie's ass away kicking and screaming and sequester him away in a cabin to truly terrify him."
Max nodded, tucking herself closer to him and trailing circles on his arm, "Carrot would rather die than let anything happen to Tara, and Zan was with Emma and there was no way he'd let any harm come to her. In fact he'd take her and find some of the others… maybe Aiden and Anna."
"As long as Anna wasn't with B.J. or neither of them would have made it out," he chuckled and she poked him, her lips curving in amusement. Her eyes glinted in mischief. "I hope Dek made it out okay."
Alec mock glared at her, "Damn pretty boy probably dragged Drew out with one arm whilst protecting his hair with the other."
"Fended Mets off more like!" Max slapped him and he grinned at getting her to loosen up and not be so scared of what had happened to her family.
"Hmm, yeah Drew, Dek and Mets all together. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on that wall."
"Yeah?" Max giggled. "What about Steve, Skye and Flex?"
Alec choked at the thought of placid Steve being forced to deal with Flex on a daily basis. He had Alec's sympathy.
"Coco can take care of herself," Max finished. "And Cece would be looking for you." She teased.
Alec blushed, "I can't help it if I am irresistible, Maxie!"
Max scoffed and he raised an eyebrow, "I am too!"
"Whatever you say, Monty Cora!"
He chuckled, "Oh c'mon Max, that name was stroke of genius!"
"It's drawing the wrong kind of attention, that's what it is," she said disapprovingly.
"Whose? Renfro's?"
Max shuddered at the name and turned her face away from Alec. She may be trying to get used to the more physical and tactile facet of their relationship but she didn't think she would ever be comfortable with talking about her emotions and the can of worms that the mention of Renfro opened was just too much.
The memory played as Max stiffened in Alec's lap.
Max had screeched into the psych room, skidding on the shiny floor. She'd reached for the controls to open the basement doors. She flicked the switch and heaved a sigh when she saw the panel light up as the door bolts unlocked. She spun and turned to leave when she caught someone moving from the corner of her eye.
She edged forward ready to tell whoever was there that they needed to get out, the facility was on fire and they needed to escape, when the door swung open.
Max gasped in horror.
"Director?"
Renfro smirked at her in pure loathing, "Well, well, my own little traitor 452, I caught your show!" She pulled a gun from her back pocket and aimed it at Max who took a step back. "Nice piece of work, destroying their faith in command and ensuring that recapture would be impossible. I knew when you first showed that the '09er would be trouble."
Max eyed the gun in disgust, her hatred of the things not lessened by her arguments with Alec, "I was never a traitor."
"Oh really, 452?" Renfro laughed haughtily, "You instigated the biggest revolution and ruined decades of scientific research, you are a picture of allegiance."
"Lady, you're tripping!" Max held her hands up, "You are the one blowing the place up."
"It's your fault!" Renfro yelled, "You and your stupid Unit. Animals!" She shook the gun at Max, "I worked hard to get here 452, damn hard!"
Max had enough, "Oh, I'm sure that torturing kids was so rewarding, you psychopath!"
"I made you better soldiers!" Renfro insisted, "You are alive because of me."
"We were in hell because of you!" Max screamed it was so true and Renfro was making her blood boil, talking about torturing kids for a good cause.
Was it right for them to break a five year old's legs just to see how quickly they heal? Was it right to make them crawl through the forest in a thin nightgown to see if the y could? Was it right that they were forced to have sex with people that they didn't want to, just in case it happened in the field? Was any of this fair?
"If we were so god-damned important why the hell are you torching the place?"
"It's the data that's important!" Renfro yelled, "You are just meat to me 452," she pulled a computer disk out of her pocket, "This is what is important, with this I can start over anywhere."
Her tone made Max swallow hard, she wanted to throw up. They were just meat?
"Then what did you need us for?" Alec said distracting her and Max took the advantage to twist the gun out of her hands.
Renfro gaped as the tables were neatly turned on her. "Now, now, 452, you won't get anywhere with this!"
"It's Max, you bitch!" Max hissed furious beyond expression; the word Meat dancing in her brain. "I'm just meat to you, what the hell should I care what I do now. According to you we're animals."
Renfro swallowed, "You don't understand. It was his idea, Sandeman. He needed to do this to prove to them."
"Uh, not to break a good soliloquy but we have to go unless we want to be char-grilled," Alec insisted.
Max glared at the woman who had been responsible for so much suffering, from sending Alec to Psy-Ops and ordering him to kill Rachel down to the sadistic seduction program. Her eyes had glittered in triumph as her chosen victims had to kiss and caress. She had mocked as they came out of Psy-Ops and had gloated when they completed missions. She had lorded herself over them at every opportunity and she had revelled in her power over them. To her they were meat. Pix's jokes were legendary but he was meat. Sunny's mommy-ing was comfort but she was meat. Flex's teasing, Cece's complaining, Dek's bad boy persona, Chance's insecurities… they were all just meat.
Max had always thought that Lydecker was the devil, but he, at least, wanted them safe. She was, if not evil, then pretty close Max had never hated anyone as much as she hated Renfro.
She had flipped the switch to kill them all without blinking an eyelid.
Alec twitched, "Max?"
"What are you going to do, 452?" Renfro smirked, "Shoot first and ask questions later?"
"There was nothing I wanted to ask."
One shot.
Renfro's face went slack as she'd fallen to the floor, blood seeping from her temple, pooling around her head like a macabre halo.
Max still couldn't believe that it had been her who had pulled the trigger, no matter how much she hated that bitch.
Max's hang-up about guns had never really gone away and she didn't like the thought that, soldier or not, she could so callously kill an unarmed woman. Then, of course, she would remember that Renfro wasn't some helpless woman but a heartless bitch in need of a reality check and the unease would fade—slightly.
"Maxie?" Alec was looking intently at her again and she returned to the conversation.
"No, I know that Renfro can't get to us, but that doesn't mean that the rest of them aren't out to get us, Alec. Manticore wasn't run by that heinous bitch and there are more demons in hell than just her. Plus what about those others that got out, Joshua isn't going to be able to walk into a restaurant and get a job as a waitress. How is he and some of the others—the nomalies—supposed to eat and survive. Sooner or later they'll get exposed and then we have humans after us."
"Big deal," Alec smirked. "We're stronger than they are."
"But there are more of them," she pointed out soberly.
He watched her eyes as they regarded him sincerely. When Max had been declared CO he had been slightly jealous and resentful at having to follow her, after all he was just as good as her in most subjects and even excelled in some, what was so special about her leadership? But in time he had seen the way her mind worked, the way she calculated every instance to come up with the best plan, not just for command and the mission but for her soldiers too. She was the best kind of CO the one who cared for those under her as much as those handing her the orders. She garnered respect through her actions and Alec knew that she would always make the right choice at the right time. Breaking out of Manticore had been the right choice and letting the others loose was something that should have been done, including those in the basement, even if they were scared of them. he knew Max, respected her and understood her and knew that what she was going through was just insecurities borne out of being in a new situation. All she needed was his understanding and his support.
Alec shook his head, "All the 'what ifs' in the world won't help. We are soldiers first and foremost, we plan and we execute and we survive. That's what we do. That's what you do." he leaned down to look into her eyes. "You make the plan, Max, I'll follow you. Whatever you do, whatever you want, whatever you need. I'll follow you."
Max felt her heart swell as her breath caught in her throat. He trusted her and he believed in her and her choices. She couldn't find the words and so she leaned up, pouring her emotions into the kiss that made their toes curl and their breaths hitch.
Max drew away slightly and rested her forehead against his, "Thank you."
"Any time."
Max pulled back further and stared into the distance for a moment. Alec quietly waiting for her to decided what to do.
"Find them," she said quietly. Decisively. "We can go to the club and use part of the money that we both make, you fighting and me betting on you, and we can find them."
Max stood up and began to pace, her mind working as she thought up a plan. "They'll come when we give the code word but we need someplace secure, someplace where we can all be together without fear or prejudice. We need to find somewhere big enough for us all."
"A city?" Alec chuckled dryly and Max nodded.
"An apartment complex or an abandoned part of the world, anywhere. But first we find those who are in Seattle, some are bound to have stayed. We get those and they help to make more money. We can then go further a field in finding somewhere secure."
Alec grinned as her eyes sparkled with her plan. It was a good idea for them to have that, somewhere they could call home and it was good for Max to have something to focus on.
"So we need money, does that mean that I get to stay in the cage fighting business?"
Max felt her lips curve at his innocent tone, "Yes." His eyes danced with childish glee and he pulled her down into his lap for another lingering kiss.
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aleclovemax- Shaking with happiness?? Wow go me!
Ellenemi- maybe you should seek counselling for your new addiction… or give in and read more fic.
Aisling- Yeah I was getting way too many death threats and pleading letters to let my break be too long! Oh yeah it is driving me crazy- easier to remember being called Pressing Onwards though!
Kat461- Probably as long as I have been writing it! White is delicious isn't he?
Sigma1- Part 3 of a series… part 3a I suppose then—that works for me. Thank you!
GivenAlias- Sequel to sequel… I so need my head examining. I think objectively that White really was good looking.
Ronda TIW- I like to start as I meant to go on! Thank you for joining the Dadiscussion board and feel free to offer constructive criticism!
Angel of Darkness- Thank you, I seriously have to remember to update there more often! I'll update faster now that I am home again.
Geminangel- Here they are and ooh Alec looses his shirt aren't I good to you?
Restive nature- he makes the perfect villain doesn't he? glad that it feels similar without actually being boring, the new feel I hope will continue here.
Mrs- I said that who wants an email for the new story should send me an email with their address on it. If you sent me one and I didn't reply then sorry!
Annabelle- LOL, please don't wet yourself! Don't want much do ya? I'll see what I can do.
Alexceasar- are you happy by any chance? J so glad that I could make your day. Wow you must have read them all so fast, more soon for you!
Feenian- what do you mean finally? It hasn't been that long surely!
Amanda- Aw thank you pet, glad that you enjoyed it so much, sorta sorry for making you cry but not really as that was my intention. More soon.
Lynn- I take that hug and give you one back. I adore White as a bad guy and think that he makes a great addition to the story. Hope you like it.
Bluejean452- Yep here they are in all their glory Max and Alec!
Tiffany- Wow, all in one sitting? I bet you had a headache but I am glad that you joined us in this. Please continue and enjoy this and its parallel.
Ang1-0 Cheers pet, so glad that you liked it.
Maxie- Get some sleep now and I'll post again soon. I wouldn't let you down like that, I had to do a new story!
Aur- Thank you very much, see this one had M/A in it.
Volleyball- setter- LOL, I take it that you are impressed then? It was a gentle segue into the full story but everyone has to love White. Who is your friend? Does he/she review too? Love your happy dance and hope to see you soon.
Lozz422- Oh yeah Max and Alec had better watch out because White is coming to get 'em.
Crimsonshadoe- I don't think this will be updated as fast and as often but I will try to post at least once a fortnight. The MAL sequel is called Pressing Onwards, mainly because having MAH and MAL I got confused so SF and PO is so much easier.
Snortablesniffy- You're welcome darlin', so glad that it inspires this kind of reaction still! I hope you enjoy it!
Melys the name- yup had to, was going crazy and so now I can share the madness!
Babygrl35- of course they are, I would do that to you twice J
Natacup82- What's life without a challenge?
Lynn- I rock! Yay me!
XxInsanityxX- Sorry you had a bad week, hope this one will be better.
Nevanroy- Thank you! Much excitement on its way and more fun.
Raven- prompt… possibly not but damn lengthy—yes!
Ting- wait no longer, here is more.
Tiggi- sorry you are so worried about Drew, read the other story to make sure that she is okay! And yes two more stories (what am I doing?)
Fangedangel- I know! Can you believe it! And that was for a short piece that didn't even have M/A in it! sheepish you can probably tell that I have a soft spot for Ames White huh?
Anon- thank you very much.
Poo- yeah I have to keep my fans and devoted cult members happy! Max and White action???
Natasgi- How do you think I felt? YAY more Max/Alec, NO I have to write them, YAY two stories… what do I mean Yay? I'm going to go crazy.
Melinda- that they are! How are your exams going? Aw bless ya that is so sweet of you to say! I promise I wont leave this for a year--- I wouldn't do that to you she says ignoring cries of 'Coming to terms'
Ricter- that she is and raring to go… sort of. Enjoy!
Black Rose9- if you can't believe it and I can't believe it then what I am I doing??
Moonangel18- well done you. Ooh the plot twists and mixed signal and subterfuge, additional characters and all... wait and see!
Lynsi- Thanks for the dance! Wow great praise thank you very much. It is a huge series and I am so jazzed that you like it as much as the actual show. More soon so you can catch up with them all.
FaerieSaga- Won't have to wait long, love.
Nora- LOL, you are most welcome pet.
Honey00- close, Max and Alec are having fun but not dancing. luckily I'm not making you decide as I am writing them both- look for updates soon.
Kristibella- Eesh my sister has just done her A levels and she is glad that they are over… so am I, it means I can get back to my computer. White is a great bad guy isn't he? I always adored him! Oh I granted your wish too… somewhere in chapter 2 I think.
Cesium- yup sequel. Gone crazy… back soon
Shyleigh3- I am back and love to hear from you, thanks for the review!
ontheDL- wow that is a lot of reading! I always see it as a motion picture in my head and am glad that it was that vivid for you too. I love White- I think that is going to become apparent too!
Lor- aww don't worry, I wouldn't let you down.
Cece- thank you sweetie, hope that it meets expectations!
Lyndsay- sorry you had a crappy day honey, hope that things have gotten better.
Messymissy- I know, I can't believe it! I am so grateful that people love this story that much, I am so privileged! Lol, hopefully this won't go into the 30 odd chapters!!
Elfie- I couldn't stay away long. Yep Otto is in there too but if you check out Designate this, White spent most of the first ep talking to another guy. I haven't decided about the personnel yet, I have enough characters with the X's! I'll have an in-depth look into White physiology just for you… ahem. More very soon.
Stormvind- hey babe- love you too, glad that you like it1
Miasalter- he does make sense doesn't he? and so cute at the same time.
Talichernin- that I am and so is he, say hi to Ames.
Kim- hehe 72 for a prologue- that is kinda neat! Ames has a huge role- coz I like the guy.
Moonlite star- yup sequelised myself again! hey another White fan- go us!
Arwen-amy- that's okay pet, how is school? What year are you in now?
Laure- aww thank you very much. I know I have at least 72! grin
SGOU- that you did and wow, thank you for the long review I am so glad that I am able to illicit responses like that in people. I know how much I enjoy writing and that it can make someone else feel that good is a great buzz.
Crazy- Vampire Slayer- I hope so too! Thank you for the review pet. (lemme guess, big Buffy fan?)
Em- I know I teased but I wont do it again, please keep reading and I'll make it worth your while—see naked Alec!
Senorita DHL- always glad to make someone's day! Both sides of the story is hard but fun to do!
Faith Spencer- thanks darlin' hope you like the next part too.
Lotamoxie- more soon, thank you.
Ganko- Long awaited, aww you made me blush! Big ass bear hug back atcha!!
Guest Type Person- Hey there welcome to the sequel of the.. yes we get that part already. Hope that you like Moving Alongside as well as Moving Ahead and get to love the other characters as much as we did.
La Vito- I am evil, we established this when I killed certain people off at the end of the last story. Its fun to do that.
adoraia- Thank you very much, i am so glad that you are enjoying the series, it is hard to write that much and often but worthwhile when people let me know that they genuinely like what it is that i am writing about. Thank you again.
ALSO VIA EMAIL-
Sylvia- thank you pet for that great long email- you rock!
Choasti- as always my faithful reviewer who lets me know what is what. More than 100 needed methinks although the quote for the day was sweet.
Suzanne Ackerly- once again thank you sweetheart-