CHAPTER 5

Disclaimer: I don't own Dark Angel or any of it's characters.

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When Max awoke the next morning she never felt more rested and more fulfilled in her whole life.

"Morning, beautiful." Logan smiled.

Max found herself lying beside him, sheet at her feet and her entire body exposed, normally she'd blush, but this time she simply smiled touching her cheek.

"Feeling better?" He asked?

She nodded shyly staring into them blue alluring eyes, how could she have been more lucky than to have found Logan?

"Good. Remember much?" His grin was devilish and concealing.

"No, not all of it," She said slowly and grabbed the sheets to cover herself.

"You were..." he grabbed her hand to stop the attempt to hide her body from him, "finally your self."

Her eyes questioned him, and his fingers trailed her curves, "That's not me." She dropped her eyes from him as the pink blush rose in her cheeks, "That's just something Manticore messed up in me that I have to live with. I hate it."

"I beg to differ." Logan smiled, "I have to say, you are very attractive, and to see you not afraid to get what you want..." He trailed off staring into them beautiful eyes of hers, "You are so damn sexy at times, and for once I'm not afraid to tell you it. I love you Max, I wish you knew how much."

He leaned in and kissed her, and the butterflies floating around in her stomach fluttered now and a tear slipped unexpectedly from her. Truth was, she did know how much he loved her because that's exactly how she felt for him, maybe more so. She never knew just how much she could ever love someone until she met Logan, and it scared her. Manticore training taught her nothing of love or feelings, that sort of stuff got in the way of missions and her duty, but since the escape she knew that it was needed for a person to be happy, for her to be happy. Now here she was, Logan and her wrapped up in his bed sheets and in perfect bliss, how could she ask for more?

"Logan, I'm sorry." She said between their kisses, "For the past year, I just want you to know that I love you. I love you a lot, as much as-"

"Max," he said looking at her, "You don't have to do this, I know, I understand who you are. Don't you see? I accept you Max, I accept all of you, I know you can be frustrating at times, and difficult, but hey, so can I. I have never met anyone more perfect and more amazing than you, and yes- that scares me too. I have almost lost you more times than I'd like to have, and for me that's more than enough of a hint for me to tell you how I feel, because I don't know when's the next time I will."

Tears had welled in her eyes, and she nodded unable to speak, he just had that effect on her.

"Come on," he said slipping on a pair of boxers and grabbing a t shirt and pajama pants, "I'll make us some breakfast before you go to work."

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Alec knew what he was doing, and Seth stood right beside him, although Seth looked at Alec as almost an impostor of Ben he now accepted him into their group. Not that Alec cared much about being apart of the 09 escapees, I mean, they did cause some brutal after affects after they left, especially for the clones, but the ones that fled were the strongest of them all, they were the true meaning of what an X5 soldier was all about. He figured if Zach was so good like everyone boasted about, then Seth should come in second... he was their XO, and a good Commanding Officer and Executive Officer could come up with a mean battle plan. Seth was already in the leadership position, and he handled it well, the plan was set for the battle and he was surprised to see that no objected to him.

"Alec, since you and Max are so close," Seth said this almost sarcastically, "You bring her back here right now, make up an excuse like you did from work. We need her, I found out some things yesterday that I wish I didn't. Go, now."

Alec gave him a look, he was not the one to just take orders, but he thought of Max and sucked up his pride, the only sign that he disapproved of anything was a small sigh he emitted right before he left.

It wasn't hard to find Max, she was just leaving Logan's apartment, and he knew he was right on time, she was usually almost two hours late for work most of the time.

"Max!" He yelled and she looked in his direction and a looked of dislike crossed her face, he smiled.

"It's too early, Alec." she sighed.

He smiled, "So... how was your night last night?" He asked tauntingly.

If looks could kill... she fixed him with a stare that made him shut up about the events from yesterday, but he didn't drop the coy smile from his lips.

"Hey, come on I'm just joking here. Look, Seth told me to come and get you, he found out something that has your name written all over it."

"Great." She revved up her bike and he did as well.

By the time they got to the meeting room, Alec had already called Original Cindy and told her to tell Normal Max was sick from the virus he had called out with earlier on that day. They entered the room and Alec took a seat were he could while Max went over to sit with Jondy, they shared the same smile. Something told him they were quite close, too bad, he really wanted to talk to her- but then again she didn't see Alec, only her brother Ben, which made things a little complicated.

"Good, we're all here," Seth began, Coran was sitting right next to him.

"Are we going to discuss the battle plan?" Vic asked.

"We'll get to that," He said simply, "Right now we will discuss why this Ames White guy wants to kill us so badly. I went to find out as much as possible on him and this family he has called the Familiars and I found that his true purpose is to get Max."

All eyes fell on her and he could see the discomfort in her eyes.

"She apparently took his son, to save him I'm guessing, from a life of torture with this whole cult thing."

"He killed his mother- his wife," she cried suddenly, "We couldn't let him go through their rituals!"

"Max," he said simply raising his hand, "I didn't say you did anything wrong, I'm just saying why he's after you. But that's not the only reason now is it? It seems to be that Max here, is perfect."

Everyone looked at her questionably, but no one said a word.

"I myself can't really explain what that means, but someone else here can." Seth said looking towards a door a few feet away beside him.

In walked a man, young looking, but Alec knew he had to have been maybe in his fifties. He was tall with graying hair and he held a briefcase. He looked very much in charge, and looked around the room with almost a smile.

Alec was unaware why his side jumped to the next side with a look of fear on their faces, even Max's eyes were wide. X5s afraid of one ordinary man? Who was he? He stood where he was, the only one left standing on his side, causing the man to look at him and ask Seth,

"That must be 493, what's his name out here now?"

"Alec," he said simply.

"What are you doing?" Zane asked.

"Are you crazy?" Jondy jumped in.

"No," Krit turned to the others, "It's ok guys, really."

"Yeah, he's helped us before," Syl jumped in.

The others seemed to sigh a relief a little but kept their eyes trained on him, different memories playing out before them.

"Lydecker?" Max said, "But I thought you were dead?"

"Max," Lydecker smiled, "I had to hide out for a while, they were on my trail, what was I going to do? I found out about you and them, and I even found the pictures of the markings on your body. Now I'm here to help all of you bring them down. But... there's a catch."

"A catch?" Jondy asked. "What do you mean a catch?"

"I don't care what Seth and Coran say," Zane jumped in, "I still don't trust you."

"Jondy... Zane." Lydecker said sternly, "I know how you feel,"

"Like Eva?" Jondy asked evenly, "Or how about Jack?"

"Maybe like Tim after he shot Wil in the woods that day," Zane jumped in.

Alec had no idea who these people were but obviously they were a big influence on these escapees. They all shared the same solemn look.

"Maybe they forgot, but I won't," Zane said angrily.

"Me neither," Jondy said, her beautiful face now angry and dangerous.

"Zane," Lydecker said, "you think I don't understand? I knew who to pair you up during missions. You and Krit worked together like pro's, Zack and Seth were in charge because they had the best leadership skills together, they knew their roles and they played them well. Jondy, Max... you two were one of a kind together, it was almost like you read each other's thoughts at times. Tinga and Brin were the same way. Syl... is surprised me to see that Jace didn't leave with you, you two were a team also. With all of you kids you all had your equals out there, and as a team you stuck together and accomplished the missions at hand. I admit though that you were too attached, Zack cared deeply for all of you too much, and that caused the escape. But you did what was necessary to survive out here, and that's what matters. I do regret what I did to Eva, and what happened to Jack. Wil was an accident, I taught you kids to be watchful and mindful of each other, Tim knew what the rifle could do, and when he pulled the trigger he knew what the consequences of his actions was. All of you are highly trained professionals, and knowing this is what will get you to beat the Familiars. Now, Max I know everything, I know about your perfect DNA, I know about Sandeman, and I know about the cure."

"Perfect DNA?" Jondy said looking at her.

"Cure?" Max asked looking at Lydecker.

Lydecker looked at Alec for a moment, looked at the floor and continued, "Yes, there is a cure in your blood, an undetectable antigen that can only be read through mixes of a certain serum. There is something coming that will kill every ordinary on the face of the earth leaving only the Familiars and transgenics. That's why White is so ambitious on killing all of you, because he wants him and his little clan to walk the face of the earth solo. If he kills Max, the human race as we know it will become extinct, Sandeman knew this and ingrained in her genetic code the cure to save mankind. I didn't believe this at first but I got to thinking about the Pulse and the events that followed, if White wasn't so motivated to kill her than maybe I would have kept my doubts."

"We won't lose Max," Seth said sternly.

"What do we have to do?" Zane sighed.

"Max will have to leave the state for a while and go to ground and hide. Once we start the battle White will stop at nothing to get to her." Lydecker informed.

"No!" Max cried, "I don't have to hide, I can fight too. I made it this long out here, I can keep this up." She pleaded.

"Until how long?" Lydecker asked. "Until you get yourself or someone else killed? How about Logan? How long do you think this will last without him being killed? By you staying here you're endangering yourself and the ones you love. You're being selfish."

"Shut up." She said dangerously.

"Maxie, we have to look out for each other," Seth said softly, "I have to admit that I don't have any ordinaries that I care about, but I don't know what I'd do if I lost you or Jondy, or Syl... or any of us. We have to make the biggest sacrifices for the ones we love."

Max's eyes were brimming with tears that she refused to shed, Jondy stroked her hair and looked at her almost helplessly.

"There has to be another way!" Jondy said not being able to stand the sight of her sister so heart broken. "She can go into hiding here!"

"Jondy," Coran said, "They found her here at Terminal City, they followed her. They almost found Logan, he risked his life for her, he could've been killed testing out a cure for the virus she had, and for rescuing her, but he did it anyway- because he loves her. They could've found out where he lived and killed him there like they found him once before and shot up the place, but they didn't. Terminal City isn't safe, Seattle itself isn't safe. She needs to go far for a while until the situation is under control. No contact what so ever. Let her start a new life and build from there. When things are settled here we'll call her back home, but for now, she must go."

Alec's stomach turned the look on Max's face pained him deeply. He realized what he kept denying over and over again, he loved Max... He felt like a brother, in a very annoying sort of way, but he still loved her. He never knew the feeling of loving a family member until her and Joshua entered his life. He stepped up to her and put his hand on her knee,

"Max, what should I do?"

"I need to find Joshua," She sighed and turned and hugged Jondy thanking her.

Max left the room and Alec stepped up to Lydecker,

"There has to be another way." He said almost angrily, "She has a life here now, friends, family..."

"Look son," Lydecker said, "I want to help Max, and by doing that I need for her to follow orders for once. She has her own mind and she does what she wants to but this time, any ordinary person she cares about, their life is in danger. Do you want to lose the people you care about? She has to leave for hers and everyone else's safety. If she loves Logan like I know she does, then she'll do the right thing, either way, she leaves tonight the plane boards in three hours. When she gets back hopefully she'll have a welcome home party by the whole city."

"This is bullshit." Alec said.

He grabbed his jacket from the box he sat on and went to walk out the door, until a hand grabbed his arm,

"I'm going with you." Jondy said.

"I'm going to to Logan's, he needs to be informed of this," Alec said removing his arm.

"I know, and I wasn't asking you anything." She said snottily and walked out the door contemptuously.

He was taken aback by her manner but then smiled to himself, she had that same attitude Max had when her mind was set, what a coincidence...

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"Joshua!" Max called running through the "office" Dix and Luke set up.

"Max, what's wrong?" Mole asked surprised there was concern in his voice.

Her eyes were red, she knew, and her voice shook fiercely, "Joshua?"

He came up the stairs unaware of her frantic state, "Yes, Max?"

She knocked him back a step with the strong hug she gave him, and shocked him even further by soaking his shirt with her fresh, hot tears. "Please, Joshua don't let them."

Joshua looked just a little more shocked than the rest of them and after a moment, when she calmed down some, he took her over to a worn sofa and sat her down.

"Calm down little fella, it's ok," Joshua tried as Mole and Luke came over, Dix had to keep an eye on the monitors.

"No, it's not." She breathed looking at the floor. "They're making me leave, to save Logan and the rest of the regular people out there. Lydecker, he said-"

"Lydecker?" Mole said, "Donald Lydecker is out there?"

She nodded.

Mole grunted, "I never liked that guy."

"Join the club." She snorted. "What should I do? I can't leave Logan, we just got together, but I don't want to end up killing him, Original Cindy, Sketchy or anyone else I know, or even don't know. Why does it seem that when I'm finally happy things just get so messed up afterwards? I don't want to go. Please, help me." She hugged herself to stop the shaking, and Joshua put his arms around her for support but looked helplessly over at Mole and Luke, who bore the same expressions he did.

"Max," Came Lydecker's voice, "We need to go. Now."

She stood up instantly and wide eyed at him and looked over at Joshua.

"No, wait" Joshua said angrily "There has to be another way, she doesn't have to go."

"Yes, she does." Coran said. "It's for the best, and she knows it."

"Guys," Syl spoke up, "Is this really the only way?" She looked sadly at Max.

"If she doesn't go she risks being killed in this battle and if she dies, then so does the rest of us, and probably you." Lydecker said. "Max, I'm asking you to come willingly."

She took a step back defiantly, almost challengingly, "And if I don't?"

He took out a silver gun and shot it before she had the chance to move, he knew better than to move slow, and giving her a chance to calculate the position of the dart. Her eyes went wide with shock and the last thing she was able to do before she lost consciousness was stare over at Joshua who looked at her helplessly. He caught her in his arms before she hit the floor, and the tears and anger in his eyes was evident.

"I won't let you." He choked.

"Do you want to kill millions of people?" Lydecker asked. "Because if she dies-"

"What about Max?" He said angrily. "What about what she wants?"

"Wait," Mole interrupted, "Joshua, if she is killed Logan would have went through everything he did for them in vain. Not only that but what about all of the humans?"

Joshua stayed silent for a moment and looked at Max who laid in his arms unconscious, the memories of their meeting and friendship played through his mind. He remembered her heartache of not being able to be with Logan and trying to obtain as normal life as possible even with the weight of the transgenics she set loose in the world. He thought just maybe even though she might pained for a while that in the end she might get a normal life and be happy.

He looked down at her, "I'm sorry Max. I want you to be happy. I hope you are happier." He kissed her forehead.

Seth stepped up to him and motioned for Zane to grab her.

"This is the best way." He said.

"There has to be another," Syl said angrily, "This isn't right!"

Seth looked around sternly, "Tonight, 2100, rally point, mandatory. No one better be late."

Syl stormed out angrily and Coran went to comfort her. Zane took her out to the van along with Seth and Lydecker. He knew she wouldn't remember a thing but the ride to her new destination. Maybe, just maybe Max would understand, but he doubted it.