Maiden A: I thought it was great myself when I came up with it on the spot. Lol.

darkweb47: yeah Gamble's gonna be there for a while, just maybe not in the way you all expected.

Recicup: yeah, I have to disagree….their worse. Lol!

Juli (guest): as much as I had originally thought to do that, my first beta reader highly advised against it stating that not from quote mind you, 'what man in his right mind would hit on and try to take away a pregnant woman from her man that she loves and whom the man loves. Otherwise I'd love to show off a more jealous Alec. Alec doesn't like him but he knows the logistics of it.

Season 4 ep.18

White POV

I ground my teeth in anger over Spencer's undignified lack of respect. The guy may look younger than me – by a few years - but if anything he should be more respectful since he's OLDER than me! Plus the obvious 'diss' as people would term it these days with regards to 452…now admittedly she's an attractive – highly attractive – female, but that alone doesn't excuse where she came from or WHAT she is.

Avoiding crushing yet another cell phone to death as I had been resisting the urge to call the conclave to once again complain about him, but I didn't.

I didn't want to sound like a pestering, petulant child. Slipping it back into my jacket pocket I left the parking level to look for my own vehicle near by. If Spencer wasn't going to do his job right then I'D have to do it for him. I'd had an eye on 452's movement patterns and activities for a while. Staying far enough away to prevent her transgenic senses from kicking in and alerting her.

I knew she'd be at the next event with Spencer. Reportedly it was her last one to. I was grateful to find out that the chief of police's wife was egger to see 494 again. She always was a 'cock – blocker' and a vengeful woman. If she didn't get her way she'd talk your ear to death. If it weren't for the need for appearances I'd have extinguished her months ago. So I was banking on 494 being there. My plan centered on him. He'd already made a fool of me at our last 'meeting'.

My familiar clan looking at me with snips and laughter that I'd fucked up yet again. I had to realize that these transgenics, mainly 452 and 494 were more clever, than I gave them credit for. More credit than I wanted them to have. My conclave snickered at me before shoving a new partner in my direction. I didn't need one. Especially now that he seemed to already be going soft on me. I knew that 452 was easy on the eyes but trouble followed her like 494 did. A lost sick puppy or cat in this case.

494 had made himself a permanent thorn in my side now, same as 452 had, now it would be time for me to collect a marker from him. His own 'litter', to think his 'summer fling' wasn't just a fling after all. Even then he'd protected her by telling me he knew nothing. Obvious he did. But now I had the same curious thoughts and questions Lydecker had in his head in my own.

What was it about 452 that drew people – more specifically men - to her, to trust her, to become loyal to her? She brought something out within them all. Lydecker admitted to not liking it but admiring it at the same time. They created the loyalty with fear and subversion, she created it some other way. It baffled the old man. Maybe when I captured her I could ask her. I'll find out soon enough. 452 here I come…I had to laugh to myself, and then the laughter fell away when I saw McKinnley.

Standing next to my car. My-oh-my how did the tables get turned about in here? After all I did the same thing to Spencer. "Fenostol." I greeted respectfully. This man was responsible for my FBI job still in place so any amount respect I would give to this man right here. "Fenostol." He didn't look happy, "You're aware of Spencer's actions no doubt." He stated. Great…

"I knew he had a plan of attack and he has told me things are progressing." Why am I protecting him? Because he's a member and we cover for our own…my mind supplied. I sighed internally, "It better come forth before these transgenics gain the freedom they've been looking for. If they get their immunity, absolution and their voting rights in then that also means they have legitimate I.D.'s. They could spread like locusts anywhere they wanted to be." He reminded me.

I knew that, though I doubted they would. Terminal City was a community within, they'd never abandon it unless they had a place to go that was reinforced to provide better security and more space. What place had that? "I understand sir. But also remember that since Spencer has been delegating with them my job with the 'transgenic threat' has decreased significantly. One guy is even claiming to date one now and no one raises any eye brows to it." McKinnley didn't look pleased.

"They're showing the public their colors as average citizens. We need to eliminate this. I had thought Spencer's 'game plan' was good in the beginning. Eliminate Preston, delay their right to vote and to have liberal rights for the transgenics indefinitely. I'm wondering if his plan will go through as he suspected." I gave a twitch for a smile. He was now loosing favor within the ranks.

"With Preston under for much longer Spencer Gamble will be the new Mayor of Seattle." He's right the city won't hold that seat for too much longer. Spencer will take it as the new Mayor and not just 'Deputy mayor'. "Do you think his plan will work?" he asked me. I sighed, "I don't have complete faith in a man I'm not very fond of working with, however I cannot logically base my assessment on personal matters alone."

I hated being honest but he would see a lie even from me, "Honestly he hasn't shown any negating factors. I'd like to see where he's going with it." I really would. Maybe he'll fuck up so bad I'll be given the go ahead to eliminate him.

"Be sure you keep an eye on him. If the transgenics gain what they want the days of them being a 'threat' will be gone. The average 'Joe' won't see a 'threat' they'll see another working body to lend a hand. Hospitals will see it as a 'four blood banks' in one. People may even end up living longer with the DNA being used for transfusions. We cannot allow this to happen." I agreed. "452 may have destroyed our plant but she can't hinder this one." no this one was all political.

Well no I can't say ALL political. That comet coming down to earth isn't political but what's inside of it is – supposed to be – a 'political warfare agent'. If what's in that comet is what we think it is it will end the transgenics and transhumans directly. Then, little by little we can take out the humans. Our water trick can still work, just as long as there aren't any trans – ANYTHING around to stop it. "I agree." He nodded, "Fe'nostol." "Fe'nostol." I smiled as he left…Fe'nostol 452…now and forever…

Max POV

This last dinner party to go to had me begging for it to already be over with. I wore the dark red number that I had from Logan's cousins wedding party. Alec hadn't seen me in it for the longest amount of time. I had just grabbed up some fake red studs hoping no one would see them to be the fakes they were. After all who could afford red rubies in this economy?

Slipping on the four-inch peep toed suede red pumps, l was glad that I at least used some dark nail polish with a red tint to it. I then threw back my slightly still damp hair into a black clip encrusted with small fake crystal studs, while letting the rest float, which ended up being a good inch and a half of thickness down the back of my neck. The strands long enough to cover and hid my barcode without worry that movement would set off alarm bells while we were there.

All anyone knew at this point was that we were working to support the cause, not that I was a transgenic myself. Alec on the other hand had wanted to just pop up the collar on the back of his tux but seeing as how no other tux would be like that he had to break down and let me put make up on the back of his neck. Grumbling the whole time I might add…but hey if I were a manly man…so would I.

"This is bull…" he muttered a few other choice words before looking at his reflection from behind, trying to see the back of his neck in vain. "Funny." I remarked. He shot his eyes to me, "What?" he grouched. "It's usually me that tried to look back behind me." he quirked his brow. "You know…" I walked forward tracing the lines of his chest with my fingers, making him loose his focus on the back of his neck, "Just to see that look on your face, the one that says 'you're the only one I want or care about."

Make up forgotten he makes a grab for my bum. Stepping outside his reach I tell him, "Play nice tonight and you'll get your hearts desire." I offered, "I've already got that." He smiled. I raised my brow, "I've already got your love, that and you in my bed." I smacked him lightly, "Dick…" smack turned caress he used it to pull me into an embrace, which I groaned out, "We need to go." He leaned down making me wonder what his intent was.

"We need to make you look ready." Completely befuddled I wondered what he meant till he started to hike my dress up. The fabric ridding up my legs fast, so I grabbed his hands before they could pull it further up my thighs, he was ready to protest, "Hey! I am ready now let's go so were not late!" "Were a young couple I'm sure they'd understand." He tried protesting, his hands slipping from mine.

I grabbed them again and pulled him towards the door. I didn't want him to try and protest again as we left the apartment. I was just thankful that I had grabbed my little dark red beaded purse on the way out. My tinted lip gloss was in there. Running by Gem's place to make sure the girls were safe and sound as they always were.

We told Gem we'd take all the girls off her hands the rest of the week if this night went well. She agreed to the time off and we left. Riding there in the car and parking a half a block away to avoid people viewing us in the wrong light – like we needed it – we arrived only ten minutes late. "Welcome to the 'Salute to…" the rest of what Gamble had said I retained in my memory for future use.

I examined the large expansion of the room we were in. Its décor was of old money mixed with new exuberance for its collection. I noticed that due to the old fashioned twin light, old bronze sconces that were hanging sporadically throughout the room giving it this touching historical feel to it while the paints on the walls held that old museum quality to it.

Gamble didn't tell me this old mansion was also used as an 'art museum'. Peaking down the hallway directly past Gamble I saw a small wooden floor set and very few people dancing on it. I briefly heard Alec whisper, "How about later on we dance?" I smiled. I looked in comparison from the insides of this spacious room to the outside of where we walked in. Nothing like the outside where the high rise sector was as modern as it could look in the crumbling city of Seattle.

The room's spacious design however was enough to house more than two to three dozen people. Even enough have strategically placed two guards at the set of double doors we came through, and a few other guards posted at the windows. I noticed a few security cameras, mostly in the corners and one facing the doorway, perfect for capturing images of guests arriving. Alec noticing my perusal said, "You just can't help it can you?" his tone was slightly mocking, "And you can?" I retorted back.

He smiled, "I wouldn't be me if I didn't spot every camera, guard, entrance or exit once I enter a room. Neither would you." I smiled. His words rang true. It ran with who we were. We couldn't help but take notice of all that. Looking around the room I briefly muttered, "Keep Gamble occupied." I was seeing something strange for tonight. Otto was here. "Excuse me." I muttered loud enough for Gamble to hear, as he had been talking between us and another associate.

He nodded though I barely gave it though as I left Alec to talk to him. Making sure White was nowhere near or in sight I made eye contact before telling him to see me privately in the secondary hallway. He agreed. Walking up the hallway I confronted him. "What in the hell are you doing here?" I always connected him to being in White's vicinity. He looked almost scared, "Knew I had to get you to take to me somehow. I had to loose your cell number when White did personal raids on our phones." I was stunned.

"He thinks there's a leak in the departments that's helping the transgenics. He already found a suspicious one with Detective Sung. Guy had connections to a reporter, rose some eye brows." I was worried now. Sung was a good man, "Sung's a good guy." I told him, "We get that, and he has a good record. The only reason White's doing this is to not only striking fear into us about where our so called 'loyalty' lies but because our jobs as 'transgenic hunters' is about to be expunged."

Wait…what? That's a good thing…sorta. "So you'll just go back to your old FBI job." I remarked, "That maybe but White's going on a warpath. He's determined to show that Terminal City is just a front. He's got a massive hard on for wanting you to suffer and die." Tell me about it! "Everybody on his team right now that steps out of line gets a death glare. Were on pins and needles around him." he's riled up and backed into a corner…he's scared.

I actually smiled, "He's running scared Otto. His 'freaky breeding cult' members must be putting the shake down on him. Gamble's working with us, were going to be citizens pretty soon, we've already opened up several shops, were just waiting on the permit for the nursery – day care place to open up. He's got nothing else to grab onto to state that were the enemy. And he knows it." Otto saw my line of though, "Which means the blow up will be bad." He surmised.

I shook my head, "I don't think their will be one." he looked to me funny, "He got assigned this by the department BUT he got the position through his 'snake cult' and yeah I know you're on the fence with it believe me anybody would be but…" I held up my hands to let me finish off, "If things and I hope they do come off as planned, we'll be citizens soon, like less than a few months soon and White's little mission to get rid of us will have failed." Still not seeing my point he sighed.

"How does that relate?" he asked, "His cult will take him off the assignment and possibly more harm than ever we can just by failing. Were everything the cult wants to destroy and their so-called 'deliverer of the transgenic threat' couldn't take us down. They'll take him down first. Hence he's running around like a mad man." He finally got it. "You think they'll kill him?" he asked finally.

I didn't know… "No way to tell right now. He could high tail it and run. It's what I'd do if I had people gunning for me, either that or…" wait he had other options. "Or what?" Otto asked me. I looked up to see White himself. He hadn't spotted me as of yet. I pulled Otto into a corner to avoid being spotted. "Or he could either B take them out before they take him out or C…" I look up to him briefly, "Take out those he feels responsible for ruining his life." He finally saw where I was going with it.

"Take you and Alec out," he confirmed. Yep…I had to signal to Alec. Spotting him I signaled lightning fast 'who and what' was possibly to go down. Manticore game face on he politely ditched Gamble and slid over to us. "We need a plan of escape. Max how about you gain a headache and - " turns out the latter was the more probably one now. I heard gunfire along with Alec and Otto.

Looking to him I shouted through a whisper, "Go now!" he looked off as if I should have been the one running. "Just go!" I shoved him as he ran for safety. Hopefully to get some back up. We heard them pulling the safeties off their semi automatics before they even came in. it gave us enough time to turn in their direction and zoom in our eye sights to I.D. the guns and the movement patterns of them.

Definitely familiars, with their 'better than thou' style etched into their movements. The gunfire came from a very well built and professional looking group. The security that was there was taken down in under a minute by the barrage of well-placed bullets. I closed my eyes for a moment hearing the two security men going down, their cries of sudden pain too much for my sensitive ears.

They knew exactly where every guard was. Over half of them never even had a chance to reach down for their own side arms. These security men that you could tell weren't just security, were cops that were moonlighting as security for the night had no chance. "Well judging by their uniforms and movement patterns I'll pick 'familiars' as my answer Mr. Trebeck." Alec pointed out nonetheless sarcastically.

They as several started to shot at the ceiling, gaining every last guests attention, also making them duck down and want to hide, two of them shot out the security cameras in place. This was strategic, surgical, professional, "Damn it…" I cursed in futility. "Don't move! Hold it right there!" they yelled out. "We can't take them out without being discovered and taken either way. One by one, we pull them out and take 'em out." I surmised the plan for him.

I saw the supposed ring leader demand, "Where's the security office?" from the now stunned Gamble, "Why? You took out all the cameras already. We have no camera's else where in the building." His voice took on a note of confusion rather than fear. The ringleader dismissed him. Something about the way he did it… "On the ground NOW!" he shouted. Everyone who wasn't already was now down.

He nodded. Looking around to survey his surroundings he stated, "Now we just need to draw them away from the crowd to us." He stated dryly. I rolled my eyes, "Just don't go easy on your girlfriend." He frowned, "My what?" his expression of befuddlement turned to facing me, "You know the big red headed bitch that's taking up the rear." His eyes shot to her and he groaned.

"What is up with that lumber jacking bitch? Every time." He muttered under his breath. I patted his shoulder, "Think you can attract her away so we can set up trap to take her out." not really a question but a knowing answer the whole time anyways. "Of course. Bitch needs a lesson in manners." Then he turned and flattened his hand out as if to make a point, "And in sportsmanship." I nearly snorted.

We only used 'sportsmanship' around each other. Familiars we knew would only use dirty tricks in the end it's why we did the same thing. Only with us we at least left them alive. It's why we weren't being blamed for everything negative in Seattle anymore left and right. McKinnley still tried but once the newspapers got more involve with the cause thanks to friends Sketchy had made they showed that the majority of the crime rate was not all our fault.

Same thing with the viral agent in Portland where China Town was for us. Another of White's massive 'kill everyone in his way' attempts to kill us. His little experiment killed 39 reported people. I was just thankful that Cindy and Sketchy weren't hurt during that. I don't know what I would have done to White if they were harmed or worse. But the press went from naming us 'freaks' to pushing some articles about us saving lives.

Namely because several people thanks to Sketchy using his journalism to out betterment, found them, told them what was happening. They decided to help us out. The positive publicity wasn't strong BUT it was filtering through out there. People were seeing the truth now and apparently it was pissing White off to no end. It meant we were winning our little battle with White and his band of 'cult freaks'. But back to the issue at hand here, can't get to side tracked.

Before I had a chance to say anything more I felt a presence behind me. I lashed out in time to catch Otto barely blocking my swing. "What in the hell are you doing?!" I barely retained the presence of mind to keep my voice low. After all there were familiars all around. From what I could tell they were blocking the double doors we came in through and the windows.

"I can be of use." He was one of the good guys, he was NOT – "It's not your decision to make." He took the step forward near Alec ignoring my angered look. Not needing to waist time in talking him out of it, nor wanting to expose where we all were, cowered over in the corner hallway, less than fifty feet from White and the majority of his cult freaks, I let it go.

"We need to weed out as many of these guys as we can without it being obvious." It was redundant to say but considering Otto was with us, maybe not. He looked to me with an 'I didn't join the force YESTERDAY' look on his face. I conceded before using hand signals to wait for my command. "I need you both within the next two – three minutes to be in those two spots." I described the spots in low tones.

Both Alec and Otto's spots would be somewhat together. I needed Otto to lure White then fake being taken down with him, something I figured would be better than White finding out his 'second' is working for the good guys, while Alec would lure 'lumber bitch' out. Both would use the same hallway but at different intervals. Plus once we'd taken down enough familiars Otto could use the time to call in for squad cars.

White would either have no choice but to leave as he always does or somehow come up with a reason why he's aiding in a hostel take over. Unless…I wonder if White's playing a victim as well. Before giving the final order I look over to White's position, nope his not a victim as per say but he is trying to act in the 'best interest' of the party goers. Zooming in on my eyesight I see the faintest hints of a glint in his eyes. He ordered this to weed us out, he knows were here.

But how? Better time to answer that later. "We need to move fast. White's 'patriotic hero act' is gaining favor. I wonder…" what if the party goers saw us as being the 'patriotic types'? "Wonder what?" Alec whispered, "What if the party goers here see the transgenics acting in their favor? Taking down the bad guys and such." Alec looked sketchy at best about it. "Won't work." Way to help out Otto!

I shot him a look, "White has top brass behind him. He won't let this be a 'transgenic saves…' story, he'll turn it around. It'll be transgenic history that never happened. Go with your original plan cause White won't let you have your day in the sun." Otto confirmed, "I gotta say Max, he's right." I looked over to Alec. "White will never let us win fair and square, its not how he roles." I sighed in near defeat. White can't win!

"I don't know about you guys but I'm going to do whatever it takes to get one over on him." Alec grabbed me before I could dart off, "Max, listen to me. None of us want him to win, but if we go about our original plan the right way we can." I turn my head trying to understand where he's coming from. "If he fails enough in front of his own men he looses trust, respect, loyalty." Otto nodded his head in agreement.

I barely saw it with my head turned though. "The familiars above him will see it as a failing man willing to do anything out of desperation." I sighed, "Yeah but - " he waves his hand in front of me, "You disrespect him enough times in front of his own men, its gets to the big boys upstairs. They might kill him for lack of success for us." Seeing his point I smiled, "Then let's let him fail…again."

Now back on track, if we could take them out one by one we could take back the place, or at least deal with fewer familiars in the end. I briefly heard Otto ask Alec, "Is she always this bossy?" Alec merely chuckled, "Yeah, but it's worth it." I looked back for a second feeling his eyes on me. He smirked then winked, before getting his own head in the game. On my way down the hallway I saw a few security cameras that hadn't been shot out. Didn't matter though, the light next to it wasn't even on.

Fake outs for guests. Local shopping areas did the same thing to prevent shoplifters. I booked it down the hallway, passed double doors into what looked to be a 'club lounge'. Alec and Otto had been right behind me and before going down the other hallway the first, along with me secured the emergency exit and the hallway at the other end. If anything we could use it to get people out and on their way to freedom. But for now the doors were secured.

Making sure that we'd get no surprises behind us Alec went down the hallway first as Otto and I waited at the end. Alec's lure was easy to spot. I had gone down part way myself just to see when I saw him grabbing a empty wine glass then with as little sound as possible hurled it at 'lumber jack bitch'. It hit her in the back of the head causing her to turn around.

Alec ducked further back to avoid being truly spotted as we used our hearing to hear from her com piece "Suspected intruder alert, sending two patrols to go check on it." Using transgenic hearing even further we heard the response White's voice, "Be quick." She rolled her eyes and signaled for two more people to go check it out. They slowly walked back towards us with their semis.

I signaled to Alec "Disarm, knock out." he rolled his eyes, "How's that any different from before?" he asked. I opened my mouth to retort but found I had none, he was right. I always say that. "Shut up." I sign back as the two guys walk into the room. Alec covers with Otto behind him as I take the lead. Breaking off a piece of metal piping that had been used as display purposes along the side of the bar, I blurred stead fast to avoid them shooting me before I could get to them.

Blocking the one gun man's gun with the pipe he went to hit it away so I shoved it towards him causing him to loose momentum, the other guy backed up a few feet to avoid being hit but I threw the piping at him. The force knocking him back too. I knew I had to use full transgenic strength when dealing with these familiars. They would offer me no 'sportsmanship' so why should I? Other than not killing them. Both men grunted but otherwise started to get back up as if they hadn't been hit.

I punched one in the face with my fist gaining a grunt, kicked the pipe out of the hand the one grabbed up to more than likely hit me with, grabbed it from its aerial position, then hit him under the neck with it. His grunt was mostly from nearly having his larynx crushed with the force I used. Unable to keep away from the action, Alec jump out from his spot.

Otto staying behind for obvious 'can't fight familiar' safety reasons, watched as Alec punched one in the kidney, took his gun from him, knocked him out with it lightning fast, then with aim born from a trained sniper, aimed it at the guy whom had had his gun intended at me. "You don't want to do that." Alec growled at him. His face angered but calm, the barrel of the gun pointing dead center of the familiar's chest. Nodding I went for the gun, knocking it from him before using it to knock him out.

Throwing the gun to Otto I saw the gold and red curtains at the side with the thick rope keeping the curtains in place. Facing him I directed, "Otto use the curtain rope over there to tie them up. Then drag them behind the bar's counter." he nodded and went for the golden ropes. "We still have to get her." Alec indicated to the bitch. He walked down the hallway…again.

Having a brainstorm idea I gave the coms to Otto, "Pretend to be one of them and tell the leader 'all clear, checking the perimeter'." Hopefully it would work. Pulling Dix on the phone I had him patch through a rough over of a voice. That way Otto wouldn't get caught. Patch over voice done Otto delivered the status. For a moment nothing but static was heard. "Team Leader here…" White's voice, "Copy that check the perimeter then return to 'lounge'. Over and out."

I saw Otto having a hard time with it so I took the coms piece form him. He looked to me and I said, "It'll take time." His face was hard edges now. Once Alec got back from yet another thrown wine glass, I gave him a signal to wait till he took the bitch down. Bringing out my cell I went into my audios so I could hit record. Waiting till she came to the 'club lounge' where I'm sure when all the firing started everyone in this room vacated immediately. Seeing nothing was out of place she radioed in while I recorded.

"Team leader this is Thula, everything is clear. Our men must be checking the outside perimeter. Over and out." recording completed Alec blurred out from his hiding spot behind the thick red and gold curtains and with a golden rope he'd gotten from them, threw it around her neck, turned, pulled her over his shoulder, then used it to secure her arms and feet in seconds.

I had made sure Otto stayed out of her sight, not wanting her to recognize White's 'second' working with us. Alec's speed, dexterity and strength had been too much for Thula's strength and over all wrestlers' weight. "Bitch." He spat at her. She smiled, "494 how nice to see - " Alec smashed his fist into her face, "Consider that a token of my affection you skiving, deceiving, brutish looking bitch." She did not like his word choice, "We will end you and yours." She promised.

"Not before you." I promised back. She shot her eyes to me, "452…" looked me up and down, "NO longer pregnant I see." How'd – "I do read the crappier papers every now and then." then she looked to me in disgust…well more than usual, "What kind of a mother and I use that term lightly with you…" my eyes narrow at her, "Leaves her new born in someone else's care so little time after giving birth?"

Not wanting to give her satisfaction I fire back, "What kind of mother and I to use that term lightly when it comes to you and yours…" she narrowed her eyes at me, "Lets the man she loves or in this case takes her own first two born children and kills them moments after giving birth?" I saw the fire burning behind her eyes. Oh yeah she was pissed off, but it wasn't anything short of what she deserved.

I ended with, "Before you try to pull the mother bull on me remember that I would give up my life for any child that I'd have. You…" I sneered while looking down at her, "You would put your kid on the chopping block, so really whose the worse mother in this category?" not that I knew if she had any, I would be in fear for any child in her care. She shook her head, "You can't possibly understand our ways." She was right.

"I've got to agree with you there." Her features spoke of confusion. She couldn't figure out why I was agreeing with her, even if she was right. I figured to explain it to her. "I can't image or comprehend why you familiars would kill off two newborn babies just because a thousand or so years ago a small group of 'fur traders' did it to quote 'ensure they got the best and the brightest' for their group."

Now her eyes cleared from the confusion, "So yeah you're right I can't imagine doing such a horrid thing to a child." By this point she turned her head away unable to look at me. I nearly smirked…yeah try retorting after that…bitch…I heard a "Good God!" from Otto's corner. Seeing her eyes go there I blocked her view path when I confronted Otto and lead him out of her view. "I don't understand. Why?" it was a long history that I would be telling Otto about…but not tonight.

"I'll tell you in due time. Right now though we need to save these people and get rid of those familiars out there without getting anyone killed." He agreed. "I have a plan for White." He spoke low. I listened in on it. Despite our initial plan to take them out even if not too actually kill them, after hearing what White himself must have done to his own two children before Ray was born helped to inflame the sense of taking him down. I let him have his moment.

Grabbing another rope from the other end of the curtains I wasn't going to take my chances either. These fuckers couldn't feel pain and we didn't have any of Alec's dubbed 'familiar elixir' to knock them out on us. Then again we weren't counting on White or any of his pals to show up here. Go figure it's our last event to! I knew I had to let Otto lure White but it didn't stop me from worrying about him.

Last minute thoughts went through my head I stopped Otto, "Wait, did you call in for back up?" he nodded, "Do you have your radio? Does White have one?" I didn't want to get on a party line. "I used my cell to call in our superior. His name is Hendricks'." he handed me the phone. I called the last number while he waited, "Otto what do you have for me?" he asked.

"Not Otto but I'm eyes on the inside as well, listen I'm assuming Otto gave you the rough estimation of 'canaries' versus 'crows' in the main 'lounge' area along with weapons count for the 'crows'." He replied back, "Yes." I think he was a little stunned. "I hope he also told you that these men and women are very dangerous, and very well trained. You don't want your people tangling with them." he huffed, "I know all this, what do they want?" hearing the agitation I educated him.

"Innocents dead. But we've already taken out several of their men and woman." He cut me off before I could finish, "And what do you want?" I smirked, "I want you to back off, those men will go back the way they came once they get the signal from their team leader. You do not want to engage these people." More bodies… "I think we can - " I cut him off, "You can't. Just trust me. The gunmen will recognize the failed situation for what it is and leave out the way they came."

"A tactical retreat is what they've been trained to do. It's the smart thing to do." I surmised. "You think I'm going to take orders from - " not caring to hear it I cut him off, "No, but unless you want the squad and your snipers you send to be dead before midnight tonight you better follow my advice." I tossed the phone back to Otto. "Show time." I smiled in sarcasm. I saw the way he looked over at Thula.

Guy may have grown to have a renewing hatred for the man but I didn't want his newly developed anger to take away from the mission at hand. Surprisingly he remained calm and cool as he walked down the hallway. Once he saw White I saw him steel himself for this encounter. He signaled to White, sure enough the prevalent familiar came down the hallway within step of Otto, "Sir might I ask whom it is out there?" White looked on upset, "Otto…" but Otto didn't let him finish.

"I recognize them from the attack on Jam Pony." Now White had to do some quick thinking, "What agency were they on loan from and why are they here now, holding the place up. It's as if their awaiting orders, but from who?" Otto demanded. White looked on calmly now, "Remember what I told you then when you asked me who they were?" Otto swallowed. Only a trained eye could see it. "I remember. 'Walk away'." White nodded before making to leave.

"But how can I when there are dozens of innocent lives at stake? Why are they here acting as the aggressors? Are they NOT on OUR side?" Otto's request had White stopping in his tracks. "Don't question me Otto. Just walk away." If I didn't know any better I'd say White actually cared about what happened to Otto when and if he had the chance to get him to safety. "Why are you not answering me sir? Or is it not a 'why not' but a 'will not'?" oh boy.

White faced him, "Leave now Otto. I can't help you out later." lure him Otto, we need to do this in the other room! White turned back around, towards the familiars, I tapped the wall to gain Otto's attention. Seeing what I was asking for he called out in low tones, "Wait sir!" White ran back to him. "There's a woman back here. She needs help. But I don't speak her language." White rolled his eyes.

He grunted a few choice words under his breath as he came our way. Scenario working White saw Thula, apparently while Otto lured Alec had used the time to gag her. "White turned around in time to feel a gold chalice hit him on the back of the head, courtesy of me. He grunted in astonishment before opening his eyes. During that Otto gave a grunt himself, a fake one, meant to act as an, 'I got hit too' act. White saw him on the floor, not knowing the real deal behind his laying there.

"Otto…?" he asked. I hit him again, this time with nearly full transgenic strength to knock him out. The said questionee, got back up after a few moments of White being down for the count and straightened himself out, "Where'd you get the chalice?" he asked looking at the gold piece in my hands. I pointed to the table we passed that Alec had grabbed the wine glass from. "Ran for it while White walked up." not to hard since I can blur around.

"Let's not forget our goal here." Alec stated as he tied White up as well, "Assuming White is their ring leader we need to work on a voice copy over to get them to leave." I motioned to Alec to give me my purse, "I hardy think now is the time for – oh…" I pulled out my phone, "Dix it's me I need you to pull up a recording of White's voice and sync it the words that will come from my mouth. Can you do that?" it was a stretch to hope it would work.

"It might. If your phone let's the connection sync." Please sync, "How long will it take?" we heard his fingers typing, "A minute, maybe more. Remember our computers aren't as updated as Logan's were." Dix responded, "I know but Logan isn't a genius transhuman with specialty skills in computers either." I retort. He conceded the point. A long minute later with Alec at the hallway doors, White's concealed side arm in his hands my phone came to life with the syncing.

Putting White earpiece to my other ear and my phone back to its ear I waited for Dix's beeping signal that the sync was finished. Alec must have spotted something cause he moved to close the doors. Sealing them shut I put the clamps down at the bottom and at the top. He moved to the hallway we had come down and did the same there. It only left one hallway open. "Alec!" I called out. "Get the people out, we've taken them down so there's not much left with the cream of the crop."

Nodding he had Otto leave with him to get the hostages out of the area. I put the coms back into my ear that White had, as the sync was finished and just in time to, "Team leader, what is your status over." Another familiar. I saw White's face in the angered outrage of ME faking out his men and commanding them, "This mission has become a wash. 494 and 452 escaped from the building." I spoke.

White tried to muffle out a threat but it went unheard, "Without them here there's not even a worthy chance to place blame. Fall back and leave out." silence for a moment, "Fe'nostol my brother, "Sensing it was a feminine voice I replied back, "Fe'nostol my sister." White's eyes narrowed in untold anger. Again he got fucked over. I smiled as I ended the link.

Making sure it was off I broke it in two pieces as I said, "Damn you must be getting tired of getting your ass handed to you by a transgenic pain in the ass." He blinked in anger, then he grunted something that sounded like "I'll kill you, you transgenic bitch!" before I made sure his bonds were secure and with one more hit to the head, it was lights out for his ass.

Just in time for Otto to lead the hostages out the back door with Alec. I myself saw that the other doors were being hit against…probably more hostages…I unlocked them, letting myself be hidden by the big door as people ran out. Alec might have spotted a familiar coming to the door but it was the hostages that would be using it moments later.

Letting them pass I slipped back through after they left out to be sure all the hostages had gone. Seeing back in the regular room Gamble had been hit going down I went to his side to help him up. "You okay?" I asked. He grabbed onto me in support a wound on his head with only minor bleeding. "You should get that checked out." he moved to walked but stumbled in his efforts. I grabbed onto his arm to help support him but all it ended up doing was placing us in a compromising position.

A position that Alec stumbled in on, "The hostages are safe and secured, and apparently so are you." I wasn't sure whom he was talking too since I had my face going in between both him and Gamble. Somehow Gamble's arm during his stumble wound itself around my lower waist, while his other arm grabbed my opposing shoulder for support. Or what I assumed was for support. Trying to see this from Alec's point of view I could see how this MIGHT look.

"His head's bleeding and for someone who's never had a head wound before – at least not to my knowledge – doesn't have the best coordination skills." I explained. Alec walked forward. His Manticore mask in place making me wonder if he was upset, "Let me guide him back inside. Our friend could use some help." He gave me a restrained look that I didn't bother to argue with.

He was slightly upset but I didn't want to show that in front of Gamble. What struck me was that Gamble himself had told me he didn't want to ruin our 'testy' friendship by making any forward attempts on me. I'm sure he was just completely uncoordinated from the blow to his head…right?

Alec's POV

The night had not even come close to going as planned and the end was proving to be pulling at my heartstrings in the wrong ways. I ran back in to find Max helping a head wounded Gamble. Something I was sure was bound to happen at some point. But what I hadn't expected was the nature in Gamble's next moves. Only a trained mated transgenic eye could spot the creeping arms or the precise placement of them as they wound about my mate's form.

To the normal viewer it would seem as though the man had truly stumbled into her arms because of his head injury, even to a transgenic whom was to close to see the precision of the movements, to close and to concerned about the injuries right in front of them (or her) to noticed the hint of glint in his eyes. He did it on purpose. It dawned on me what Gamble had done.

He'd made a precision made move on my mate, and she was too worried about his head wound to notice the precarious position she'd placed herself in. I shook my head at her 'chumpiness' to be blunt about it. She was a previous 'chump' when it came to her views on Logan and Asha's 'relationship'. We weren't designed to be chumps Max…Then truths came out and that was a whole nother story. Now she was unknowingly playing that role again. I knew I'd have to put a stop to it.

Her explanation was valid, had I not seen the look in Gamble's eyes for that briefest of moments I would have left it alone, but I had and I wouldn't. Don't get me wrong I trusted Max with everything, with my life, but I didn't trust Gamble as nearly as much and now I had less reason to trust him. Watching her walk out I stepped up and noticed he wasn't leaning as heavily as he was now. "Are you natural born or were you trained this way?" I asked.

Feigning innocence or ignorance he merely shrugged, "I know nothing of what you're speaking of. Now I think it'd be in the best interest of Terminal City for you to walk away from what you think you saw." I clenched my jaw in righteous anger, "She's mine you know, MY mate, the mother of MY daughters. Why would you even presume to make a move?" I had to ask.

He smiled, "Without admitting to making a move on a taken woman…" he looked in the direction she left off in, "Mate, mother, whatever, she's a commodity. Sides last I heard the twins she was pregnant with were somehow mine." He hadn't had a retraction printed that was for sure. I went to snap back when he slapped a hand on my arm that I so wanted to break, "Joke, Alec, joke. And as a matter of fact the retraction will be printed…in a week." That long?

It must have shown on my face due to his own reaction, "I have many responsibilities around the office. I couldn't afford with everything we had going on this week to call them up. Relax, I won't try and take your 'mate' from you." He started to walk away when I grabbed him, and shoved him into the nearest wall. "Make a move on her again and I'll show you what a transgenic is really capable of." I threatened.

He merely smiled, "And risk demoralizing Terminal City. I think not." He shoved me from him with more force than I knew a human had. I was highly tempted to look for a snake symbol on his arm, "Relax Alec, I told Max that I want nothing more than a friendship, so my hands slipped today. I have a head wound." He pointed out. "Yeah a head wound that seems to have gone away the moment Max left the room." I pointed back to him.

He smiled, "A mild concuss - " he however didn't get to complete his sentence for he literally and for real, passed out. Seeing the minor indent in the wall I cursed myself a little for my roughness in his condition. He couldn't be a familiar if he passed out from just that…right? Hauling him up over my shoulder I carried his ass out of the 'lounge', down the hallway and out the door to where Otto was standing with Max.

The outside was full of the guests still in their eveningwear talking to the sector cops as they took down statements. Two ambulances were there as they loaded up someone whom had apparently been hit in the head, probably with the butt of a gun. Many however were on the phones with either loved ones or business representatives for whatever reasons.

I walked up past a few sector cops making sure to keep my head down so they wouldn't see me. The night air was now full of blinking red and blue lights from the half dozen squad cars surrounding the big place. Could have used you guys about 30 fucking minutes ago…more or less in the sense of less exposure risk to use but in the end it was probably for the best. Who knows what White's men would have done to the sector cops if they tried to storm the place.

"He passed out. Must have been from the blood loss. Need to get him to a hospital." I told the paramedic. He nodded. I looked over to find Otto on his phone, "He's talking to his bosses boss." Max supplied from behind. I took Gamble's body off my shoulder and onto the gurney the ambulance provided. "He called them up once we got the majority of the hostages out." I nodded.

Looking back to her I saw her hand was still smeared with blood, "Its his." She told me. I knew she didn't like to have blood on her hands, hated having innocent blood spilled. She saw Gamble as innocent if she felt this bad…or maybe she just didn't want to have the blood of the man who has been helping us on her hands. "You know thinking back on it, I really want to believe that he's innocent but maybe…" well at least she was seeing it from my point of view.

"Maybe he's not the good guy you thought he was." I finished for her. I met her eyes, as she spoke, "Maybe he's not as innocent as he states not that he's ever stated but you'd think actions prove better than words." I silently agreed. Feeling a buzz within my jacket pocket I grabbed it to answer, "Alec here." "Hey Alec we've got some bad news for you." Shit… "I've already had a bad evening so lay it on me." I stated, sarcasm leaking into my voice along with fatigue.

"That video camera you placed in Preston's hospital room. We got the person. It wasn't a nurse or doctor, and he came in from the window." He?! "Whose 'he'?" I demanded, he stuttered. "Just tell him!" I heard Mole's urgent voice in the back round, "It's Gamble, Alec, it's been Gamble the whole time. He must be doing it so he can take over the mayor position in Seattle." I pinched the bridge of my nose in anger before I heard the doors of the ambulance close up.

I turned around fast seeing a sector cop hit the side of the vehicle to send them off to the hospital. "I'll pass it onto Max." there was no chance of catching up to the ambulance without alerting everyone around us that I was a transgenic. Fuck! "We've got a problem." I stand behind her. She'd only taken a blanket from the paramedics for show in front of the others outside. It was a windy night and anyone without sleeves on would be cold…if they weren't transgenic.

"What more could be added to tonight?" she bit out. She was rightfully upset by the night as was I, even without Gamble's revelation even if it was through a middleman of ours wasn't the start of the bad shit that went down, it was White's interference with the dinner that was. "That was Dix on the line. We have an I.D. on whose been keeping Preston under." her shoulders sagged in relief.

God I hated to make her tense up again. I tried to ease the tension I was about to put in there by wrapping my arms around her from behind. She settled into my embrace losing even more tension from the night, "It's Gamble." I whispered defeated. Tension back though not at full force as it was before she stated was renewed sagginess as she looked at the ambulance now disappeared into the night, "Of course."

Hey believe it or not I didn't want him to be the enemy either. What he could and would do for us was all good but here it was the price was Preston's life in a coma for as long as Gamble deemed it. "Story of my life. Can't anything go good tonight?" she asked with a tinge of desperation in her voice. I turned her around. "We never did get to dance." She looked all around us, "Are you kidding?" I pulled her back in my arms and held her, gently weaving around.

I don't think she realized we were dancing till a few minutes into the swaying when she pulled back and called me "Dick" under her breath. But there was no real bite to it. She buried her head in my chest. What I really wanted to know was, what was his plan…other than taking the mayor's place? To be setting everything up with us…it was very befuddling to grasp his motives. What are you really up to Gamble…?