Chapter 11: Moving Up
Field B, Manticore
It was their first day going against the X6s, and everyone in Unit 9 was ready, not to mention excited to prove themselves. The X6s seemed equally excited as the same thoughts crossed their minds – it was known that the X5 series were generally better than the X6s. As the TAC Leader explained the drill, the units listened. X5 Unit 9 was going against X6 Unit 3. X5 Unit 9 held eleven members while X6 Unit 3 had 21 members. The odds were stacked against them 2:1.
As X6s, the series following the X5s; they were designed to be faster and stronger than the X5s, so although they were younger, they were almost equally matched in strength and speed. The only thing the X5s had over the X6s was the ability to think independently. After the escape, the X6s spent more time in indoctrination and brainwashing to ensure loyalty to Manticore. Any ounce of independence was shattered. The X6s depended on each other as worker bees depended on their queen. They followed orders and knew only that, which is why Max knew the strategy she developed would work well against them. She wasn't sure about other X5 units though.
The exercise was simple. One member from each side was chosen to be the hostage. Whoever eliminated all enemy units first and secured their hostage would win. The hostage is allowed to attempt escape, but once the hostage escapes, the enemy is allowed to eliminate the hostage. If the hostage is eliminated, the exercise ends and the enemy wins automatically. Every active member is provided with an imitation MP5, containing rubber pellets as ammo. For this exercise, two shots would eliminate the target.
Max elected herself to be the hostage, handing over command to 645, who accepted it without question. This surprised not only the TAC Leader and the X6 Unit, but Unit 9 as well. Although it was their first exercise, Max was showing she had complete trust in 645, and 645 was not planning on letting her down. Unit 9 did not object and was just as ready to follow 645's orders.
Max headed back to the enemy base with the X6 unit while Unit 9 took an X6 back to their base. Both units were given ten minutes to get to their base and devise a plan of action.
645 wasted no time in breaking them down into the predetermined groups. Viper's team was assigned the job of guarding the hostage and base. Nic's team was assigned the job of rescuing Max. Dart's team was assigned the job of eliminating enemy units at the midway point and beyond. 645 would help defend the base. Once the assignments were given, the exercise began.
Viper assigned Cody the job of guarding the hostage. Fin would guard the north and east sides of the base. Viper would cover the south and west sides.
Dart's team advanced towards the enemy base in cooperation with Nic's team. They decided to join forces and collaborate on a plan to defeat the advancing forces, then work together to neutralize enemy defenses. The greater numbers would help against the large offense. Tri had scaled a tree to gather the location of their enemies. One group on her far left had just passed the midway point, so 645 and Base would have to take care of them. A group of 5 X6s could be seen approaching from the far right at a slightly slower pace. Another group of X6s could be seen coming straight towards them, moving at an even slower pace. Dart agreed to take out the X6s on the right while Nic's group would eliminate the X6s approaching them straight ahead. The two groups moved out.
645 hid high in a tree as she waited for the enemy unit to arrive. She had scaled a tree and saw them approaching 50 meters away, so she was ready for them. They had already passed the midway point, so it was up to her to eliminate them. There were roughly 5 in a group. She guessed the X6s divided themselves into 4 groups of 5. One group was probably defending the base and guarding the hostage while the other 3 groups of 5 were sent to retrieve their hostage, with one moving down the center and another group flanking them on the left and right so that they could cover every bit of ground as they advanced. It was an effective plan, but it had its weaknesses. 645 would have no trouble defeating a group of X6s, especially if they didn't know that only one person was out to get them. She crouched down to hide herself better, careful to not make a sound.
Dart blurred ahead, providing a distraction for his group. The X6s took the bait and all opened fired as he blurred in and out between trees, not getting hit even once. Meanwhile, Tri and Gai went behind the X6s and opened fired on them from behind. The X6s didn't even know what hit them when they went down.
Ammo and Joy met the X6s head on, opening fire on them as soon as they were within range. Nic provided cover when an X6 not in the crossfire would attempt to fire back. All the X6s were down within seconds, with none of them able to fire any rounds at Ammo or Joy due to Nic's quick and accurate shots.
As the enemy unit approached, 645 launched herself from the treetops, opening fire on the group of X6s below, taking out three of the five. They only realized where the shots came from when she landed right on top of them, tossing aside their weapons and neutralizing them by knocking them out.
Max waited patiently inside the enemy base. She tried to make some small talk with the X6s to cure her boredom, but they refused to say anything. So she resorted to playing with the knot they had used to tie her hands together. It was an effective knot, but if you knew how to get out of it, you could. Of course she knew, but she was more interested in seeing how well her unit would do without her assistance.
Dart and Nic's groups regrouped and grinned when they realized they were no casualties. Gai scouted ahead towards the enemy base to find out how many troops they had posted outside. He came back and reported that only two were posted outside. With the six of them remaining, this was going to be an easy victory.
Dart's group eliminated the outer defenses, providing cover for Nic's team as they infiltrated the base.
Max smiled as she heard them enter the base. She was just about to untie herself when the door burst open and in came Ammo and Joy, followed by Nic. The two guards opened fired as soon as they entered. Ammo and Joy blurred to the side, avoiding the line of bullets and knocking the X6s out with several physical blows.
"Nic is here to save the day!" Nic declared as Max untied herself. "See, it's true that the worst people can do is nick me. I am unharmed."
"Watch out!" Joy shouted as an X6 who just appeared in the doorway opened fired at Nic. Ammo was quick enough to push Nic out of the way so that only one bullet hit him, which allowed him active status, while Joy eliminated the last standing X6.
"I would consider that bullet more than a nick," Max teased as they left the enemy base together.
Nic groaned. "You're mean," he told Max.
Ammo and Joy just laughed as Max replied, "Do you want more push ups?"
Nic was silent after that, but far from happy. The bell rang, signaling the end of the mission. Viper's team returned the hostage they held to her unit as the units gathered themselves at the center of the field. The TAC Leader congratulated Unit 9, praising them for having no casualties and ending the exercise in a timely manner. He dismissed them early and discussed what went wrong with the X6 unit.
The group leaders debriefed both Max and 645 on what happened to paint a picture for how they achieved victory on their own. 645 relayed her part as well. Viper complained about being bored that round. Babysitting just wasn't her thing.
"Considering it was our first time, you all did really well. No casualties – I'm impressed," Max complimented. "Although Nic needs to be more careful if he doesn't want to become a casualty next time."
Nic turned a slight shade of red.
"I'm also glad you discovered that collaboration between the groups can be beneficial to mission success. That's always important to remember. Although I have given group leaders control over their own groups, there is strength in numbers as well. Viper, 645 and I will ensure that you will have more action in the next exercise, right 645?"
645 just nodded.
"Give yourselves a pat on the back. You all aced this exercise without my help. You guys don't even need me."
Max then realized she could have put that in better words when everyone grew silent. She knew the thought on their minds, so she reassured them - "I'm not leaving you all behind. We've got one victory today, but let's not get too confident. I would like to see the following exercises like a repeat of today's – no casualties. After today's performance, I have a goal for you all," she paused to make sure she had everyone's full attention. "This may seem like a far reach for some of you, but the next Skills Assessment Period is coming up. I want you all to aim for Class Alpha. Some of you were already in it, but all of you have the potential to be in it. I say this because I have seen what you can do, and I have been in Class Alpha myself. I know you all are capable of getting there if you set your heart to it.
Unit 9 exchanged uncertain glances between themselves. The silence was finally broken when Joy cheered, "Class Alpha it is!"
The rest of the unit erupted into cheers as they all repeated Joy's chant – all except for 645, who remained silent and merely observed.
"Go get cleaned up and we'll go celebrate together in the cafeteria," Max dismissed.
Unit 9 scattered and headed inside. 645 treaded behind them, taking her time.
Director's Office, Manticore
Renfro listened intently as the TAC Leader gave his report on Unit 9.
"Ma'am, Unit 9 completely crushed the X6 Unit. Although they were outnumbered two to one, none of them were eliminated. 321 was hit once, but it was determined that two bullets would be required to eliminate the target. They finished the exercise in record time. But that's not all. What was most impressive was that they did it without 452's assistance."
"Explain."
"452 opted to be the one taken hostage. She left command to 645."
"452 must have been pretty confident of 645's abilities to give her so much responsibility."
"Ma'am, I'm not exactly sure how they succeeded the way they did, but 452 must be trying something different. In the past, only Unit 6 has achieved similar outcomes, but 494 was present to command his unit."
Renfro nodded as she absorbed the information. "Keep an eye on 452 for me this coming week. Make sure she's not trying to hand over her position to 645, and change the requirements. One bullet to eliminate the target. Find out what they are doing that is different and allowing them this success."
"Yes ma'am," the TAC Leader affirmed before leaving. The change would work two ways, however. Since the X6s were in greater numbers, it would be easier for the X5s to take them out as long as they had good aim. On the same token, if the X5s are hit, they would be out of the game faster. Yet, the TAC Leader felt this change would only make this easier for the X5s, after all, the X6s couldn't even land a shot until the very end, which may have just been a fluke.
Renfro saved the notes she had from the TAC Leader's report. She had not expected Unit 9 to do so well. This changes things a bit. She had expected Unit 9 to beat the X6s, but just barely. That was what her staff told her after a thorough analysis of Unit 9 soldiers and those of the X6 unit. No one would ever imagine a wipeout. Of course, until she knew exactly what was going on, she couldn't act on it. She could only wait anxiously to see if 452 had other plans in mind.
Gymnasium, Manticore
"Congratulations 645," Max began as she took a seat next to 645. Max had found 645 atop the climbing wall once again staring into the night sky. By now, Max knew where to look for 645 when she wanted to find her.
"Thank you, ma'am."
"What did you think of today's exercise?"
"It was too predictable. The X6s practically followed the book. The X5 units won't be like that."
"Then maybe we'll have to think of something else, hmm?"
"Maybe."
The two watched the stars in silence for a while before 645 spoke.
"Ma'am, may I ask a question?"
"Sure."
"What's it like...outside?"
Max sighed, recalling the scattered memories from another lifetime. "It's...free. You've been on missions, haven't you?"
"A long time ago," 645 replied. Max was surprised she could hear a sadness underlying the girl's usual monotonous voice. "I only went on one. It was a few years ago. I was 15 at the time. Our mission was to obtain an artifact kept in a science museum. Our cover, as you may guess, was school children visiting the museum. Only the best from my unit were selected to go on that mission since it was an early mission. It was an honor to be able to go. Things went as planned and the artifact was retrieved with little trouble. We had some time to kill before our transport would arrive, so we wandered around the city." 645 paused, as if trying to remember what happened. "I accidentally got separated from the group when we went through a crowd of people. As I wandered around on my own, I met a girl who reminded me of some things in life. Her name was Kev. I realized then that I didn't want to go back to Manticore, but eventually, my CO found me and realized my intentions." She paused, trying to suppress the emotions that were attempting to surface. "They knocked me out and took me back anyway, reporting I fell and hit my head. I guess my CO knew if I ran, all of Unit 5 would be checked into psy-ops."
Max listened in stunned silence as the girl beside her revealed an untold secret.
"My CO never reported me, but he kept a watchful eye on me ever since. He never allowed me to do anything risky, anything that would cost us the mission. When another mission came up, I was no longer chosen to come along, and it's been that way since. He isolated me from my own unit. I no longer cared – what I wanted had been taken from me. He never really understood me anyway. So I then focused on not being noticed, so that if the opportunity came, I could leave, and no one would remember me."
Max finally understood why 645's record was spotless after her childhood years. She even understood why she had taken an interest in 645 when they first met. They had a similar goal.
Max sighed, unsure of what to say. "645, maybe someday we'll be able to leave...together. We just can't leave the rest of Unit 9 behind."
645 nodded in understanding. "Ma'am, ever since I've joined Unit 9, I've felt a part of me come to life. You're a great leader...Max," 645 tested the name, acknowledging her personality for the first time. "You've helped me feel like I am a part of something for once in my life, and I really appreciate that. My desire to leave was great while I was in Unit 5; I felt worthless. But since I've joined Unit 9...I like Unit 9. I'm not ready to leave yet."
Max let out a small smile, but it was unseen as the two continued star gazing. "You know, 645, you'll really like it outside, but I think we both can wait a while longer."
645 let out a rare smile, but it was unseen by Max, yet Max could feel it, and so she smiled too. The two continued star gazing in silence. The gap that had been between them was now closed, and a new connection created and strengthened by the same desire to be outside was formed.
As their rec hour ended, 645 asked Max, "Just out of curiosity, what did you name me?"
"I didn't, to be honest. I couldn't think of a good name for you." Max paused before continuing, "But I think you already have a name, Kev."
Kev was silent, surprised by Max's guess. But after the shock passed, she smiled again. Max was right. The girl she discovered that day on the mission was her own identity, an identity that was long forgotten. Yet as she watched the people around her in the open market place that day, a switch was pushed, causing the personality she had locked away to keep herself out of trouble at Manticore to resurface. It was the identity Manticore had taken away at an early age through their rigorous brainwashing programs and harsh punishments, but it was finally back, and she had no intention of losing it. Upon returning to base and adopting the "outcast" status, she named herself Kev, short for Kevalini, a name of Indian origins meaning "alone". She kept her personality in check when around her unit, but their was no doubt that they noticed a change in her, which only helped to further isolate her from her unit.
Max looked over to Kev, noticing she was deep in thought, but smiling. "So can I call you that now?" Max asked casually.
"Only if I can call you Max," Kev replied, turning her head to meet Max's stare.
Max smiled. "Welcome to the club, Kev."
Kev smiled slightly and nodded in acknowledgment but said nothing more and returned to star gazing.
Director's Office, Manticore
"Ma'am, as you requested, I have watched 452 throughout the week. Unit 9 has continued with sweeping victories over the X6 units, whether 452 is in command or not. Unit 9 takes orders from 452 without problems just as easily as they take orders from 645. The unit has united as one. I've been tracking Unit 9's movement on the radar during the exercise, but I haven't quite figured out what strategy they are using yet, as it doesn't seem to ever be the same. The movements of the dispatched X5s are in no particular pattern, at least none of those that were taught to them. The only thing that remains consistent is that the unit is divided into 3 groups of three while 645 and 452 go their separate ways. Occasionally the groups regroup to form larger groups in order to accomplish a task, but then they redivide themselves to accomplish smaller objectives."
Renfro pondered for a moment before continuing. "Well, since we can't figure it out, I guess I'll just have to go to the source."
She dismissed the TAC Leader and summoned some guards to find 452. She then took a sip of her coffee and instantly spat it out. She quickly called the guards back and told them to find 321 first, then 452.
A few minutes later, 321 was standing at attention in front of the Director.
"321, do you mind telling me why my coffee tasted a bit salty today?"
"Ma'am, perhaps you accidentally put salt instead of sugar by accident, ma'am?" he offered politely.
"So I'm not going to find you on the security cameras this morning then?"
"Ma'am, I do not know, ma'am."
Renfro played back the security cameras in the hallway and froze it when a still of 321 entering her office was found. "And how do you explain this 321?" she asked, trying to keep her temper in check.
"Ma'am, I thought I saw a rat. I felt it my duty to eliminate it from office spaces for respected personnel as yourself, ma'am."
"Very funny, 321. I hope you see the humor in this situation a few days later. Take him away," she told the guards.
"No need. I know the way to solitary," 321 mumbled, but the guards took him by both arms and dragged him away to an isolation cell.
Renfro poured out her coffee and poured herself a new cup, careful to make sure it was sugar that she put in the coffee and not salt. Shortly afterwards, her second guest arrived.
Max stood at attention. So much had happened since the last time she was summoned to the Director's office. She wondered what this meeting would be about.
"I've been hearing reports of your training exercises against the X6s, 452. I must say, I'm impressed."
Max said nothing, but she wondered if the Director was being serious with that compliment.
"4 days in a row, Unit 9 crushes its opponent, a different X6 unit each day. Each victory there are no casualties. You may not be aware, but only Unit 6 and occasionally Unit 4 have had such an impressive record. If you keep this up, you'll be setting up your unit for Class Alpha."
Max still said nothing. Clearly Renfro had a point. She was just taking forever to get to it, as she always did. Drawing things out seemed to give the woman an illusion she had some sort of power, but it simply just bored Max. At least she was complimenting them – that was unexpected.
"Is that your goal, 452? To be in Class Alpha? With Unit 6?"
Max froze. What the hell was that supposed to mean?! But Max knew where this was going, and it made her uneasy.
"There's been rumors floating around, 452. Rumors I know aren't true, I hope."
Max still said nothing, careful to keep a straight face.
"But don't worry 452. Right now, I'm not concerned if that is indeed your goal. In fact, right now, I don't even care if you and 494 are really together. Perhaps you'll finally complete the mission you were assigned a while back and give Manticore a new generation soldier. What matters to me right now is that you're taking a group of outcasts and bringing them together to form one hell of a unit. So my question is, 452, how did you do it?"
Max had to try hard to suppress a laugh as she realized what had just happened. Now how should she word her answer...
"Ma'am, I simply maximized the resources available." Max knew Renfro would want all the juicy details, but she was not going to give them to her that easily.
"You and I both know the answers I'm looking for. Don't play games with me 452."
"Or what? You'll take me away from them?" she taunted. "I'm sure you know by now they don't need me. They're quite capable of handling things without me. But that would defeat the purpose of this CO assignment for me, wouldn't it?"
Renfro clenched a fist to maintain her temper. "I'll be watching you 452. We'll get to the bottom of this." She smiled as she said, "I'm glad you're working with Manticore again, 452. Welcome back."
The color from Max's face drained at those words. "You haven't won me back yet."
"Not completely, 452. But I would say we're making good progress. Look at what you've done for Unit 9. You can't undo that now. And I'll find what you're not telling me, 452. If I'm lucky, you'll tell me what I'm looking for someday. Then, 452, you will be back home where you belong. But I have other ways of finding out, and I'll use them if you force me to. If what you're doing can help Manticore units improve, we're going to find out, 452, whether you want us to or not. I don't have to play nice," Renfro threatened.
Max scoffed. "You can try whatever stunt you want, but sending me to psy-ops or torturing me won't exactly get you what you want."
"What makes you so sure, 452?"
"I was in there for seven months before I was ready to begin training again, and what good did that do?"
"I could make it eight months. After all, you did say your unit doesn't need you."
"Would you really remove a good, hardworking soldier from active duty to find out something you could merely discover from observation and analysis?" Max questioned.
"No, I probably wouldn't. But observation and analysis are not working right now. It saves a lot of time if you simply tell me what I'm looking for 452."
Max just smiled politely. "Perhaps you should have more people observing and analyzing then. You gave me the position of a commanding officer. I'm doing what I must to ensure my unit will still have an advantage when we go against the other units, because maybe our goal is to join Class Alpha."
Renfro sighed, knowing she was defeated this round. She should have known 452 would not be cooperative.
"Very well then. You are dismissed 452."
Max gave a half-assed salute – not that the Director would notice, before heading out.
"Good luck achieving victory a member down, 452. 321 got himself put in isolation. My coffee was salty this morning."
Max rolled her eyes and promised to...talk...to Nic later.
"Keep in mind, your unit reflects on you as well, 452. You should tell them to mind their manners."
Max said nothing as she left. She was thinking of how to make things work with Nic gone. He was a group leader after all. Perhaps reverting to the standard Manticore ways would work and fool Renfro's analysts.
Renfro thought to herself as she watched 452 leave. She was letting 452 get away with more than the average soldier just because of who she was. Handling things with 452 was a delicate matter, and one wrong step could end in disaster. 452's years of experience on the outside gave her knowledge of the way things work and the way people think. It gave her the chance to question and seek answers instead of blindly following orders. At Manticore, things are just the opposite. Everything is done in secrecy, and blind obedience is demanded. 452 obviously doesn't like it, and she would not hesitate to escape to freedom if nothing held her back.
Renfro frowned slightly as 452 took the leadership role a lot better than anticipated. It was quite possible, based on the results of their training exercises, that Unit 9 would become qualified to be one of the top units. That would do well for her standing with the Committee – bringing in an escapee to work for Manticore not only as a standard soldier, but as a leader to one of the best units. Still, the Director knew 452 was looking for a way out, and she must stop her before she finds one.
Mess Hall, Manticore
"Rumor has it you guys are shutting out the X6s," Alec said as he seated himself next to Max. "Not a single casualty. No wonder the X6s are looking so down." Alec gestured over to the somber looking X6 units in the far corner.
Max smiled, "Yep. And you guys are next."
Alec grinned, "I wouldn't be so sure about that Max. The X6s are annoying little buggers, but they're nothing compared to us."
"We'll see about that."
"So I guess things are sorted out, eh? No more pranks, no more jeers about you being a traitor?"
Max nodded as she thought back on their past two weeks together. They had formed some sort of bond as a unit. "Yeah, I guess so. I still think 321 is out to get me, but I doubt he'll stop until he succeeds. I think it's a pride issue now though and not so much about me being a traitor. You know, he just got himself sent to isolation for putting salt in Renfro's coffee this morning. Can you believe that? He must have been looking for an easier target." She shook her head in disappointment before continuing. "He missed our last exercise with the X6s. We still won, but it was a tad bit more difficult a man down. All in all though, I would say the unit has become pretty close over the past few weeks. We've learned each other's strengths and weakness. They can operate fine without me too, and they all have names, Alec."
"Aww, guess that means I'm not so special anymore."
Max rolled her eyes. "You were never special."
"Why do you always have to put me down, Max?" Alec pouted.
"To make sure your big ego doesn't explode."
"It's not going to explode."
"I just saw it expand. Are you sure?"
Alec decided to change the topic. He wasn't winning this round. "See, being a CO isn't so bad now."
"Yeah." Max sighed. Alec could see how training her unit for the past two weeks had tired her. He could also see the sadness in her eyes.
"Hey, it's going to be alright," he said reassuringly.
Max nodded, but it was evident she did not really believe it. "Alec, it's just not easy...wanting two conflicting things."
"Hmm?"
"You know...to be here, with Unit 9...and...to be out there, with my friends."
"I know...it's never easy," he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "But you'll find a way. And you know, I'm always here, if you need me," Alec said with a grin.
Max punched him playfully. "You're here even if I don't need you, being a pain in the ass."
Alec frowned. "Now that's harsh. I'm not that annoying, am I?"
"I already answered that," Max replied, grinning.
Alec sighed. "Anyway, do you think you'll be interested in catching a movie in the rec room with me later tonight during rec hour?"
"Depends. What movie?"
"A good pre-pulse one. Manticore's stocked up on a few, surprisingly."
"Are you asking me out on a date?" Max asked, an eyebrow raised.
"Depends. Would you say yes?"
Max thought for a moment before replying, "I do need a break."
Undisclosed Location, Seattle, Washington
Lydecker picked up the pay phone and dialed the contact number he had been given. It took them weeks to track him down; he had always been one step ahead of them, but they finally found him. Yet instead of killing him as he thought they would, they made him an offer he couldn't refuse.
Lydecker waited patiently as the phone rang until an answering machine finally picked up. He dialed the ten digit code and was immediately transferred to another line.
"It's Lydecker. I'll agree to your terms, but we have a deal, and as soon as I even think that deal is being broken, I'll do worse than destroy the DNA lab."
He paused and listened to the voice on the other line.
"I'm glad we have that clear. Has Renfro been informed?"
He waited for an answer before replying, "Keep it that way. I'll inform her myself," he smiled wryly. "Just forward me the appropriate documents."
He hung up and disappeared once again into the crowded streets of Seattle.
A/N: And now I'm off to Hong Kong. I wanted to have this chapter up before I left because of Lydecker. :P I prefer Lydecker over Renfro...so I just had to bring him back. Let's see what else...everyone finally has a name. Hopefully it'll be easier to remember. This chapter is sort of setting things up for the next chapter. You can bet that there will be another MA scene in the next chapter, and much more...
Thoughts, comments, suggestions, criticism, etc. welcomed. Please read and review! You know I'll reply.
If things go according to plan, the next update will be before September 3rd, pending I settle down and such by that time...I may upload some standalones as well if I end up writing any during my long flight.
P.S. Again, for those who care, 3 new DA fan videos up, posted on my profile. Comments/ratings/etc. appreciated...
For my anonymous reviewers:
Kayla: Hmm...Max and Alec's units will eventually do a mission together, but it won't be for a while...Thanks for reading and reviewing; I hope you enjoyed this update!
random person: Glad you're still enjoying this! Thanks for reading and reviewing; I hope you enjoyed this update.
