At a reviewer's request, here is a brief reminder of the characters (for a more detailed list, visit chapter 10).

X5-134

Alias: Gai (from the word 'guide')

Gender: Male

Specialties: tracking, navigation, and communications

Physical Characteristics: Blue eyes, blond hair, light weight with toned muscles, peachy complexion

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X5-157

Alias: Cody (from the word 'code')

Gender: Male

Specialties: encryption, computer/software programming, hacking, coding, hardware, engineering

Physical Characteristics: Green eyes, brown hair, medium build, tanned complexion

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X5-863

Alias: Viper

Gender: Female

Specialties: weapons (particularly guns), general combat, tracking

Physical Characteristics: Blue eyes, black hair, light build, peachy complexion

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X5-729

Alias: Tri (from the word 'tree')

Gender: Female

Specialties: stealth, recon, combat

Physical Characteristics: Brown eyes, brown hair, light build, lightly tanned complexion

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X5-645

Alias: Kev

Gender: Female

Specialties: stealth, recon, tactical analysis

Physical Characteristics: Dark brown eyes, black hair, average build, light complexion

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X5-536

Alias: Dart (from his fast track record, like a flying 'dart')

Gender: Male

Specialties: combat, weapons, stealth & recon, track

Physical Characteristics: Brown eyes, dirty blond hair, medium build, light complexion

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X5-428

Alias: Fin (from specialty in marine operations)

Gender: Female

Specialties: aquatics (highest scores), engineering, underwater demolitions, field med

Physical Characteristics: Hazel eyes, blond hair, light build, short from pale skin

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X5-261

Alias: Joy (from her cheerful personality)

Gender: Female

Specialties: field med, communications, general technology

Physical Characteristics: Dark brown eyes, black hair, medium build, dark complexion

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X5-321

Alias: Nic (according to Max, because Nic thinks no one can 'nick' him during field operations)

Gender: Male

Specialties: stealth, recon, sniping (perfect marksmanship score)

Physical Characteristics: Green eyes, black hair, light weight, tanned complexion

Other: Sent to solitary numerous times for pulling pranks on Manticore personnel as well as fellow soldiers

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X5-409

Alias: Ammo (from his liking for Ammo)

Gender: Male

Specialties: demolitions, combat, vehicles

Physical Characteristics: Green eyes, brown hair, medium build with well-toned muscles, light brown complexion

GROUPS for Field Exercises

Group 1: Dart, Tri, Gai

Group 2: Viper, Cody, Fin

Group 3: Nic, Ammo, Joy


Chapter 17: Trapped

Rec Room, Manticore

As predicted, Unit 9 managed to last throughout the final half hour left in their exercise, with none of them getting caught. There were plenty of close calls, but somehow someone managed to come to the rescue and provide the much-needed distraction to allow them to escape. Excellent teamwork was the main reason for their success, but so was endurance. Had the exercise gone on for an hour more, Unit 9 may not have been successful.

"We totally kicked ass last night!" Dart exclaimed as they entered the rec room the following morning. They were given the morning off to make up for the sleep lost during their night exercise. It was also considered a reward for doing so well – much to the disappointment of their opponents.

"Yeah, but we would have been smoked had they extended that exercise," Joy noted. "They were closing in on us more and more frequently. There were so many of them. I don't even know how we managed to last five hours."

"It's called luck," Gai grinned.

"There's no such thing as luck," Viper muttered. "Success is based on a --"

"Yeah, we know, we know, but I still like to think we were just lucky. I don't ever want to have to do that again. I'm tired," Fin complained.

"Well, five hours of nonstop running will do that to a person," Nic commented.

"What the hell were they thinking anyway?" Ammo inquired. "That couldn't have been random."

"They were testing us," Kev said quietly. "You know...they're always testing us."

The group glanced at Kev, knowing she was not telling them something. They didn't push her though – she would tell if she wanted to tell them. Kev just shrugged dismissively, not wanting to dwell into the issue, but she had noticed Lydecker's presence during the exercise. He had disappeared before they officially lined up to be dismissed, but Kev saw him earlier in the Command tent. She knew he was watching them – and if he was watching them, then what they had just undergone was important. The question is – why?

"Well, that's 'cus they think we can be one of their best units!" Nic exclaimed cheerfully. "Come on guys, isn't that right?"

Everyone grinned and nodded in agreement.

"Is Max still out?" Tri wondered aloud.

Everyone looked around, realizing their CO was still missing. "Good question. Where has she been?" Cody asked.

"They didn't tell me anything except that she was expected to be gone for three days," Kev informed.

"Gone? Why would she be...gone?" Dart asked, intrigued.

"You don't think it's something bad, do you?" Tri asked.

"Maybe she's on a mission," Joy suggested.

"As good as she is, she's still an 09'er. I don't think they'll let her go so easily," Cody reasoned.

"What if it's because she's a flight risk?" Gai pondered.

Everyone was silent at that. While they knew Max wouldn't abandon them, Manticore certainly wasn't sure. Kev's thoughts drifted back to the exercise they had just completed. Had it been a test to see how well they would do in an escape? The thought of it made her uneasy as they certainly did quite well...what if Manticore thought they were a flight risk as well?

"Nah, they wouldn't do that," Fin said dismissively, but even she doubted her words.

"We can't be sure. I mean, isn't it kind of weird that Lydecker suddenly showed up? He was in charge of the escapees. What if he's here because of Max?" Viper suggested.

Unit 9 was silent as they pondered that. It did sound quite plausible. Hopefully nothing bad was happening to Max.

"Let's not think about this," Kev declared. "Who's supposed to choose a movie?"

Unit 9 looked at Kev in surprise as she spoke up.

Kev gave a small smile as she tried to reassure her unit. She loved the looks on their faces though. Surprises certainly were fun.

Joy finally spoke up. "Well, we've all chosen a movie at least once...why don't you choose one?"

Kev was about to shake her head and suggest someone else pick one – she wasn't a fan of movies, but seeing their faces, she knew it was the least she could do. She shrugged and announced, "I'm not exactly a movie fanatic like Gai over there, so don't hate me if I choose a boring movie."

They all laughed and cheered as she inserted a Disney movie – Ratatouille. She smiled to herself as she found a place to sit and watched the movie with her unit. For once, she really felt she belonged, and it was a nice feeling.

Las Vegas, Nevada

After the bars, Max, Krit, and Syl spent plenty of time together hitting the other casinos in Vegas to get some more cash – not that they really needed any, but while in Vegas, what else was there to do? Max managed to fence the goods she stole from the casino for thousands, which was more than enough to keep them going.

"Man, this food just can't compare to the souped-up slop they serve at Manticore," Max announced as she downed some pizza, and later a burger. "Food's just one of the few things worth enjoying while outside – I mean, it's a bit hard to sneak stuff back in, so it's not like I can go on a shopping spree."

"Please tell me you're at least getting enough to eat there?" Syl asked as she watched Max finish up some fries.

Max shrugged. "Yeah, you do, unless they're not happy with you. Same old punishments," Max informed with a sigh. "I don't eat as much in there, but the food out here's just too good to pass up."

"You still should slow down Max," Krit reminded. "You don't want to be throwing all that up later."

Max grinned as she started on some ice cream. "I'll be fine."

"Why don't you sneak in some candy or something for your unit?" Krit suggested as he watched his sister finish her ice cream.

"Good idea, Krit. Now to find candy..."

Syl and Krit just exchanged amused looks as they followed Max into the crowded streets, searching for a candy shop. Max had told them not to talk too much about their lives, just in case Lydecker would betray her, so most of their time together involved Max talking about what was going on at Manticore. She also told them of the life she had before Manticore, with Logan and her friends at Jam Pony.

Each time she would recall a memory, it became harder and harder to accept that she would return to Manticore – willingly. The free life just called out to her too much.

The three transgenics spent the afternoon shopping – well Krit and Syl went shopping while Max just tagged along looking for anything that would be interesting. They did cross a prank store, however, and Max decided to stock up a bit there. Nic would be in for a surprise if he tried something on her, she thought with a grin.

Gym, Manticore

As Unit 9 went back to training the following morning, their trainers worked them harder than ever, making sure they would make up for any lost time from their "reward". There were only a few days remaining till the Skills Assessment Period, and their trainers were not relenting until they did things perfectly.

As they started some new forms, Dart and Tri exchanged glances, recognizing the techniques from Class Alpha. They discreetly spread the word about where the forms were from. Unit 9 knew they had a chance to take the lead – that was enough motivation for them to ignore the pain they felt from their intense training and work even harder.

During their rec hour that night, they all even agreed to practice some more, except for Nic, who regrettably informed them he had time in solitary for trying to prank Max in front of Lydecker. Everyone worked together in the gymnasium as they improved their forms and techniques. They wanted to make it out on top, and they were going to try their damn hardest to do so. Max would be proud.

"It's easier if you throw your punch this way so that when you kick, you can easily move your body to kick like this," Kev explained as she showed them a technique they had just learned earlier that day.

They had broken down into smaller groups as Kev, Dart and Tri went to help others who were still trying to get a hold of their newest forms.

"536,"Alec stated as of greeting.

Dart turned around and smiled at his former CO,"494." Dart nodded in acknowledgment.

Alec smiled, "Why don't you call me Alec?"

Dart nodded. "I'm Dart then."

"Dart..." Alec said, testing the name. "Suits you."

Aside from the occasional matches Max had set up with Unit 6, the two groups rarely came in contact with one another. After their defeat of Unit 2, rumors quickly spread about the rising unit. Unit 9 was no longer the laughing stock, but very few were friendly towards them. Of course, very few of the members of Unit 9 were close to anyone in their former units, so it didn't really make too big of a difference.

"Looks like we've got competition," Alec observed as he watched them going over some advanced techniques.

Dart smiled, "You can count on it."

"You like your new unit?" Alec asked.

Dart shrugged, "No fights here, so I guess so."

"That's good. You seem to be doing fine here, just the same."

"You were right about...Max, about giving her a chance. She's...a great leader."

Alec grinned cheekily. "Well, maybe I was just trying to save you from an ass kicking. Ever think about that?" he replied with a smirk.

Dart laughed. "She sure can fight. You should have seen her take on six of them."

"Yeah, she told me about that. It must have been quite a show. Not many girls can do that around here."

Dart eyed him suspiciously. "You didn't come here looking for me, did you? You came here looking for her, huh?"

Alec's features slightly reddened as Dart made his accusation. "Just wanted to see what Unit 9 was up to," he said, slightly defensive.

Dart tried not to laugh as he informed, "Max isn't here. She's been missing since yesterday. Kev...err 645, was assigned to take her place until she returned. No one knows where she's been."

Alec scratched his head, dumbfounded. "That's strange. Manticore knows though?"

Dart nodded. "It seems so. Max should be back by tomorrow though, if things go as expected. Don't worry, your girlfriend will be back before you know it," Dart added teasingly.

Alec scowled. "Not funny Dart. You of all people know we're not like that."

Dart shrugged. "Say what you like Alec, but it's pretty obvious you two like each other...at least to everyone else. And I'm not just saying that because of the rumors. Max is almost always with you when we have free time. She's been with us for a while now, and we know her just as well as she knows us. You two just can't admit it to each other."

Alec sighed. "It's complicated. Besides, I doubt she's interested. We're in Manticore for crying out loud. They don't want us to have relationships."

"Manticore or not, others have gotten away with it. You two wouldn't be the first...or last at that. There's a lot of relationships starting to blossom," Dart stated as he thought back to Viper and Nic. "I can't imagine how she would have been had she not met you during the breeding program...probably more bitter."

Alec glared at him now. "You'd better watch what you say Dart." Alec turned and left, leaving the other X5 confused.

Alec didn't want to tell him that nothing happened. He didn't trust Dart enough yet. He also didn't like being reminded that all of it had just been a mission to get Max to stay...and it had worked. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty for his part in it, even though he knew it was his duty as a Manticore soldier to do what he did. Yet, he felt as if he had taken away something from Max...something that if Max ever found out, she would never forgive him. Perhaps that was why he was so cautious of their friendship. He really didn't want to lose her...

Las Vegas, Nevada

During her final day in Las Vegas, Max and her siblings did some sight seeing, not really caring too much for the sights, but just happy to be together. They had considered going white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, but Max said she would being do plenty of similar activities in Manticore and would rather spend her time just relaxing. So that's what they did – they relaxed until it was time to leave.

"So I guess we really can't talk you out of going back to Alec, hmm?" Syl asked as they neared the airport.

The three had avoided the topic until now, none of them daring to disrupt the peace.

"He's not the only reason I'm going back!" Max replied defensively. "I can't just abandon my unit. You guys understand."

Syl grinned, "I'm just teasing you, Maxie."

Max crossed her arms, pretending to be angry.

"Max...just promise us you'll come back to us some day," Krit said as they arrived to the appropriate terminal.

Max nodded reassuringly. "I'll be back someday, Krit. Don't worry about me. You know I can take care of myself."

"And she has Alec now," Syl added. "She doesn't need us."

"Syl, are you ever going to stop?" Max questioned, rolling her eyes.

"Maybe after you bring him back with you," Syl replied with a smirk.

Max sighed and went to get her bags.

"Max, just be careful. This is Manticore we're talking about. Lydecker may have his own agenda. You can't trust him," Krit reminded.

Max nodded. "I know, Krit. I know. We grew up with the man – I know what he's capable of, and I won't ever forget it. That's why wherever you two go next, I don't want to know. Not until I'm out of Manticore for good."

"We'll find you Max," Syl promised. "Just don't forget who you are..."

Max smiled slightly, but she knew Syl was referring to Brin. "Don't worry – they can't make me forget. They've already tried and failed."

"Yeah, but that was before Lydecker returned..." Krit stated. "Lydecker knows how to find our weaknesses..."

"Don't remind me," Max frowned. "But don't worry about me. You two worry about each other and enjoy the life you have. Take care of each other, OK? I promise we'll see each other again."

Max hugged Krit and Syl before heading into the airport. She sighed as she made her way back to hell, but Syl had one thing right – at least there was Alec.

Lydecker's Office, Manticore

Lydecker leaned back in his chair, smiling to himself over his small victory. He was watching the airport security feed he had hacked, and Max had just arrived. It was nice to see that Krit had made it out OK, and that Syl was there with them, but the two rogues weren't his goal – not anymore.

His goal was bringing Max back to Manticore, to ensure Max would be loyal to her unit, and most importantly, to know Max would be ready to serve Manticore, not just in any ordinary unit, but as one of their best. Lydecker was certain by now that Unit 9 would easily rise in the ranks during the Skills Assessment Period. The reports the trainers were giving suggested no alternative. As he watched Max leave Syl and Krit behind, he knew he had succeeded – Max was returning of her own free will, even after the extended time he had given her to give her a good taste of freedom. He had done his job well.

He would look forward to hearing her mission report. Although he had no intention of giving the Reds what they wanted, he did have a promise to keep.

Mess Hall, Manticore

Unit 9 spent the day on the Obstacle Course, perfecting their overall times – not that they were poor to begin with. The obstacle course was a fine maze of...well, obstacles. One by one, they dashed over the hurdles, sped through the mazes, swung from rope to rope, climbed the cargo net, jumped from great heights, dodged rubber bullets, crawled under barbwire, swam through rivers, hopped through rectangular frames, went over and under logs, and crossed the finish line with a cheer from their unit.

After the obstacle course, Unit 9 was led to the rifle range to practice their marksmanship. The whole day was full of review on things they hadn't done in a long time – demolitions, parachute drops, piloting, etc. It was a relatively easy day after a hard day of work. Unit 9 all wondered when their CO would return, however. It was already lunchtime and there was still no sign of her.

"Isn't Max supposed to be back today? She's missing a lot of review..." Tri noted.

"Yeah, she is," Cody agreed. "But she probably doesn't need it," he said as an afterthought.

"True...but it doesn't hurt," Ammo stated.

"Well, she should be back by today...if she isn't then maybe something went wrong," Joy theorized.

"She'll be back," Kev reassured, ending the conversation.

Lydecker's Office, Manticore

A knock on the door signaled Max's arrival.

"Come in," he replied casually.

Max walked in, gave him the standard salute and remained at attention.

"At ease. Take a seat, Max."

Max pulled up a chair and relaxed.

"Report?" Lydecker asked, watching Max's features for any sign of emotion. He had taught her too well, however, for she revealed nothing of what she thought or felt.

"Mission was successful, sir." She added the 'sir' as an afterthought, uncertain as to how informal she should be since he had done her a favor, in a sense. "I ran into some unexpected complications, as some of the security personnel on staff were actually Red Series Soldiers, but I easily worked around it and managed to complete the mission objective," Max answered vaguely, wanting to leave Syl's presence out of the mission to keep Lydecker from asking too many questions. As much as the mission seemed like a favor, she didn't know if Lydecker had other plans, and she wasn't planning on giving him a load of information to help him, just to be on the safe side.

Lydecker nodded in acceptance of her explanation. He wasn't too concerned with the details of this mission, really. Just that she had returned. "Did anyone see you?"

"The security system was out when I went in, so I don't believe anyone noticed me. Only the Red soldiers, but I'm sure they're quite familiar with Manticore already," she reported, knowing full well that Lydecker was aware of that as well, since he had asked for their assistance in tracking her down last year.

Lydecker merely nodded, showing no acknowledgment of what happened last year. "Unit 9 has missed your presence, but they've done rather well without you just the same. You've taught them well, Max. They learned a lot of new techniques yesterday – the early ones from Class Alpha. Today was mostly just review. From tomorrow onward, I've informed the trainers to really push you all." Lydecker was careful to omit the night exercise he had given Unit 9. He looked at Max and made eye contact to emphasize his next words, "I expect Unit 9 to place into Class Alpha, Max, and I expect that you will make sure you all are ready for it. Your unit is a powerful unit, Max. Because Unit 9 is smaller than most units, you have certain advantages, as well as some disadvantages, but I do have great hopes for you. I hope you do not let me down, Max."

Max was stunned into silence. In all her years at Manticore, she had rarely heard the man give a compliment. The best you could get from him was silence, but that was even rare, since he always thought it was possible to do better. He always pushed them to do better, and as she sat in front of him now, he was still doing that, pushing her to do better. He just did it in a more...compassionate...way?

Lydecker chuckled a bit, as Max said nothing, knowing he had done something unexpected. "You have nothing to say to that, soldier?"

Max eyed him suspiciously. "We will do our best, sir."

"I expect nothing less," Lydecker nodded in approval. "Is there anything else I should know about the mission?"

"No, sir."

"Well, I guess we're done then. You know where to find your unit," Lydecker waved dismissively, not even bothering with the formal military dismissal.

Max stood and gave a quick salute before heading towards the door. Lydecker always seemed to like to throw in a question around that time, for some reason.

"I forgot to ask...how's Krit doing?"

Max groaned inwardly, hoping not to discuss this. The man's unusual behavior was just too much for her, and she had no idea what he was thinking, or planning for that matter.

"He's doing well – he's enjoying life, making a living and all," Max explained, giving enough details so that he wouldn't ask, but still remaining as vague as possible.

"That's good to hear. I hope you enjoyed your time together."

Max nodded and looked back at the colonel before replying, "I did...thanks."

Lydecker smiled briefly. "It's good to have you back," he said sincerely.

Max just nodded in acknowledgment and left. As she headed out of his office, she couldn't help but feel she had just walked into another trap.

Mess Hall, Manticore

"Max still isn't back," Gai stated dully.

"Yeah, it's too bad. I had a prank ready and all too," Nic complained.

The others snickered. "Max already caught you on your last one. Why do you keep at it Nic?" Ammo asked.

Nic grinned. "Lydecker made me a deal."

Everyone turned their attention to Nic. "A deal?" Tri inquired.

"Yep. He said if I could prank Max successfully, then I would lose an hour off my sentence," Nic explained.

"And if you don't?" Joy asked.

"I gain a day," Nic muttered.

The others laughed, knowing he would be more likely to gain a day than lose an hour.

"Aww...come on guys! I can do it."

"Well, you better hope Lydecker sees it when you pull it off then," Cody suggested.

Nic sighed. "Right...well, I'll be ready when Max gets back. You'll see."

"Ready for what?" a voice at the door inquired.

Everyone turned their attention to the direction of the voice, recognizing it instantly.

"MAX!" several voices greeted at once.

Nic suddenly wished he were really small. "How long have you been waiting there?" he asked, turning pale.

Everyone just laughed upon seeing Nic's reaction.

Max looked at her wrist, pretending to look at a watch she wasn't wearing. "Long enough to know that you won't be ready," she replied. "You still owe me a spar, Nic."

"Aww...but Max...Lydecker is already punishing me for it. Come on, Max?" he pleaded.

"No buts, Nic. Besides, I'm sure you can always use some practice before SAP. We've only got a few days left. I hear you all have been doing well and working hard though."

Several members blushed at the praise.

"We always work hard," Dart grinned.

"So where were you Max?" Tri asked curiously.

The others nodded along, also wanting an answer.

"I had some things I had to do – nothing bad, if that's what you're wondering about. It was not a big deal," she replied dismissively.

No one else asked questions though, taking the hint.

"Well, I'm going to grab some grub and join you all soon," she said as she headed to the food lines.


A/N: Well, finally back home in the US. At school now and classes start tomorrow, as well as my internship, so I will be very busy! -sighs- Anyway, I hope you all had an awesome holiday season. I certainly did! And before I end this note, I will include a brief note of my travels to those interested. (If not interested, skip ahead to the little button and review please! )

Thanks to all who have reviewed chapter 15 and 16. I hope I have replied to all reviews by now. Special thanks to my beta, mars494, who has found time to edit these chapters during the busy holiday season! Unfortunately, I'm afraid the next update will not be for another month, but I promise that when it comes, it will be the chapter many of you have been waiting for...but you didn't hear that from me. That would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it? heh. Anyway, please review. Reviews make the world a happier place!

China (Yunnan Province, Shanghai and neighboring cities):

The places we went to in Yunnan province were rather scenic in nature, and the province itself provides a nice contrast to the more modernized city of Shanghai. We joined a tour and went to Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Most of our visits were to mountain scenes, river scenes, and cavern scenes. Pretty peaceful and nice. Shanghai tour went to mostly culture sites, visiting libraries, river towns, and the night scene of Shanghai. There's the brief overview. Pictures below are of places (no pics of me, heh.) If you want the full story, go to my blog.

Shanghai and neighboring cities: gwu(dot)facebook(dot)com/album(dot)php?aid2171638&l8f3d6&id23919136

Yunnan Province: gwu(dot)facebook(dot)com/album(dot)php?aid2171371&l31f47&id23919136

Blog: hktravels(dot)awardspace(dot)com

For my anonymous reviewers (chapter 15 and 16):

blackrose9: Thanks for your reviews (ch. 15,16)! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Random person: Thanks for coming back to read and review. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!

Llboo: Glad you like this so far. Hope you like the new chapter as well!

GambinosBambino: Who knows...maybe Krit and Syl will work with Manticore one day. -shrugs- You brought an interesting idea to work with. :-) Thanks for reading and reviewing! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!