2015-08-21
363
PROLOGUE
Logan's Penthouse – Friday, February 4, 2022, 8:00 AM
The morning sun peeked through the windows and spilled over the bed, casting a shimmer over the tangle of limbs wrapped in the sheets. Logan propped himself up on his elbow, leaning over Max and grinning at her half-closed eyes and kiss-swollen lips. She smiled and playfully swatted his chest.
"It's been too long since we've done that," Logan said.
Max tucked her head into the crook of his neck, nuzzling him. "Yeah, it has."
"You okay?" he asked. "You don't hurt or anything?"
"Nah, it's all good. I heal fast. I'm built to last...like Tupperware," she replied, running her hand along his arm.
"Well, I think I pulled some muscles. You're kinda strong," he teased.
Max's lips curled mischievously. "Well, y'know, I could run you through some range of motion exercises to loosen you up."
Logan laughed. "I think we about covered all the ones I know."
Max laughed with him and rolled over, pressing him back into the pillows, trailing kisses across his jaw until Logan caught her mouth with his.
"Might not be able to do this much longer," he said softly.
"Why? Your lips goin' on vacation or something?" she kidded.
"I'm talking about my legs. This won't be the same when I lose the rest of my mobility, Max. Other...um...things are affected, too."
"I know," she replied, stretching out to lie fully on top of him. "I guess we'll have to figure out other creative positions." She winked at him. "X5s are trained to complete a mission with the best possible outcome." Fixing her gaze on him, she said, "You haven't fixed the exo yet."
Logan squeezed his eyes shut, rubbing his hand across his forehead before opening them again. "Not important right now, Max. I've had other things on my mind."
"I understand," Max replied softly.
"Thanks," he said. He smoothed her hair away from her face and kissed her gently on the forehead. "Max, I need to ask y..." Logan began, but was cut off by the shrill ring of the phone. Max rolled her eyes and grabbed the phone from the bedside table, handing it to Logan.
"Time for Eyes Only to rise and shine," she said with a grin.
ACT I
Max and Original Cindy's Apartment – Friday, February 4, 2022, 1:00 PM
"Hello, hello, hello, the resident screw up comes bearing gifts," Alec called into the darkened apartment as he slammed the door behind him. "Max? Yo?"
"She ain't here right now," Original Cindy called. "Sleeping over at rich boy's."
"Huh, well, I guess she's probably painting his nails pink while he reads her love poems as we speak," he said, setting his bags down. "What's up with you? How come you're not at work?" He cocked his head, listening to something that sounded like a sniffle. "Sounds like you've got a cold."
"Yeah, real sick. Like a dog," she responded from the couch, coughing loudly. "Didn't want to bring the ill to my peeps, so you know, I got myself all cozy and quarantined."
"Sounds boring," he observed as he walked over.
"Kinda lonely, but I gotta good movie, so it's good."
"Lucky for you my immune system is always in high gear. Is that popcorn?" Alec asked, sitting down next to her and reaching for the yellow bowl in her lap. He looked around, noticing a few wadded up tissues sitting on the table beside the couch.
"It is, and go ahead, help yourself," Original Cindy said, pressing play on the remote control in her hand.
"What are we watching?" Alec asked around a mouthful of popcorn. "It looks old."
"It isn't old, fool, it's a classic. It's called Thelma and Louise," she told him, crossing her arms and settling back against the couch again. "What'd you bring over?"
"Max wanted me to get her some motor oil and milk," he replied distractedly, watching the screen. "They're hot – Thelma and Louise, I mean. Very hot."
"Mm-hm," Original Cindy concurred. "No doubt."
They watched a moment more in silence. "Are they gay?" Alec asked her, frowning in thought.
"That's the rumor, boo."
"Ahh," he said, face smoothing over with comprehension. "I get it now."
"What do you get?" she asked, distractedly.
"Tissues, sitting alone, watching a movie about a lesbian couple. I hate to say it, but you're looking pretty lack-luster. You're not sick. You're moping," he concluded. "Sitting in the dark and moping over Ginger."
"I'm not lackin' a damn thing, luster or otherwise. And Original Cindy does not mope."
Alec raised both of his brows disbelievingly.
"Nah, for real. I'm just sittin' here and reflecting. Original Cindy has plenty to think about," she said, looking out the window. "Gotta get this bitch figured out."
"How long have you been ‘reflecting?'" Alec asked her.
"Coupla days now," she answered.
He reached over and took the remote out of her hand, turning off the television.
"What do you think you're doin'? Don't think that just coz you're all revved up Original Cindy can't put the smack down on yo' pretty behind," she warned.
"I'm getting you out of here. Time for you to stop ‘reflecting,'" he said, standing and pulling her up. "It can't be good for you."
"Like you ever spent much time doin' it?" she asked, even as she slid shoes on her feet, before tilting her head and looking at him. "What do you do when you're in a funk, Smart Alec?"
"I go fast," he said, grinning. "I go very, very fast."
"Must be nice," Original Cindy said, pulling on a hat. "Max likes doin' that too. You know, just cruisin' round and all."
"It's fun."
"Yeah, well, I wouldn't know. Never been on a motorcycle, though I did have a girl once who worked on ‘em. She was a mechanic, and man did she know how to use her hands..." she trailed off, smiling to herself.
Alec grinned, and raised an eyebrow. "Yeah?"
She threw a pillow at him. "Get yo' head outta the gutter, and mind your own bee's wax."
"Do you want to try it?"
"Try what? Minding my own bee's wax? I do it all the time, sugah."
"No, I mean cruising. I'll teach you how to drive a bike."
"Yeah," Original Cindy said smiling. "Sounds like fun, boo."
Logan's Penthouse – 1:00 PM
"So who was on the phone earlier?" Max asked, crossing into the computer room to stand behind Logan, resting her hands on his shoulders.
"Informant. Zack found him," Logan replied, tilting his head back to look at her.
Raising her eyebrows, she said dryly, "Really?"
Logan nodded. "Zack pulled through for me. Remember the badge you found off that mugger?"
November 14, 2021
Zack blocked a blow that one of the other muggers leveled at Max while Jondy tossed the third out of the alley. Something lying on the concrete caught her eye. Max knelt to pick it up, examining it for a moment.
"What's that?" Zack asked, watching her.
"Looks like an official ID of some kind," Max said, standing.
"That's strange," Jondy said, coming up behind her. "How many government officials go around mugging people?"
"Yeah, they do most of their stealing on paper," Max quipped, tucking the ID in her pocket.
Zack raised an eyebrow. "You're going to keep it?"
"I'm gonna to see if Logan can do some digging and find out who this guy is and who he works for."
"Yeah...you got a lead?" Max asked, shifting to sit on the desk beside him.
"I might. It always bugged me that they led to Manticore and just disappeared. Zack asked around and there isn't any evidence that ordinary soldiers work for Manticore."
"You thought they were forged, anyway. Probably just some punks with too much time on their hands," Max shrugged.
"Maybe. Or maybe they weren't muggers. The X6 said he felt something ‘poke' him." Logan ran his hand down Max's arm, and covered her hand with his.
"You think they were trying to kidnap him," Max said softly.
"Exactly. That's why I think it's some other group."
"Then how come it leads to home sweet home?" she asked.
Logan leaned back in his chair and shook his head. "I think Manticore might be a cover. For another group. And I'm thinking they're part of the Department of Defense."
Max let out a soft whistle. "Tryin' to reclaim their property."
"I don't know, but my informant gave me the address for an office down on Rogue Way. Houses DoD personnel records. We match..."
"...the badges to the records..." she interrupted.
"...and we're closer to finding out some answers," Logan finished, smiling at her. "You up for a little breaking and entering?"
Cocking her head, Max grinned. "Always."
Lydecker's Headquarters – 2:00 PM
Zack propped his feet up on the battered plastic surface of a long table, and sat back in his chair, arms crossed and a look of mild annoyance on his face.
"So, do you know what's going on here?" Jondy asked, directing the question to both him and Zane, who sat across the table, wiping grease off of his hands.
Zack shrugged. "Nope."
"Me neither. Lydecker just told me to go to the Situation Room for a briefing," Zane said, with a roll of his eyes.
"The Situation Room?" Jondy shook her head. "Did those words really come out of his mouth?"
"Unless mine ears do deceive, those words did, indeed, come out of his mouth," Zane confirmed.
"And I bet he said it with a straight face, too," she mused, incredulous. "It's a converted garage. It smells like diesel and motor oil, and the man calls it the Situation Room. He's a total whack-job."
"He's also late," Zack said flatly, looking at his watch. "He said he'd be here ten minutes ago."
"Yeah, well, maybe he got lost on his way up from the mess. You know, coz it's so far to come all the way up here, to the Situation Room," Jondy replied, putting on a mock-formal tone of voice.
"Or maybe he's busy contemplating the world navel," Zane contributed.
"Whatever," Zack said, looking at his watch again. "I've got too much to do today to let Lydecker keep me waiting. Another two minutes and I'm out of here."
The door opened, and Zane and Jondy turned to see Lydecker entering the room. He nodded briskly to both of them in greeting, eyes fixed on Zack. "That won't be necessary."
"Glad you decided to show at the meeting that you called," Zack drawled, not bothering to turn around.
Lydecker ignored him and took a seat at the head of the table. "Where are Syl and Krit?" he asked, pale eyes narrowing.
"Not here," Zack told him succinctly.
"So what's the Situation that requires a Room?" Jondy asked.
"The state of California has seceded from the Union," Lydecker informed them.
"That's hardly news," Zane said, raising his dark brows. "Even out here in East Jesus, Nowhere, we've heard about it."
"So tell us something we don't know," Zack challenged.
"The secession was engineered and inflamed by a group working to further an agenda of their own that I'm not fully familiar with, but can safely say is probably not good for the well-being of the country as a whole," Lydecker told them, his voice betraying irritation with Zack's attitude.
"Whoa," Jondy said, sitting back. "I definitely didn't know that."
"How does that affect us, exactly?" Zack asked. "California's how many miles from here? Don't know off the top of my head, but I'd be willing to go with plenty as an answer."
"This same group is trying to create similar secessions all across the country, including here in Washington. And once they do that, they'll attempt to establish a strangle-hold of power," Lydecker answered. "And it affects you because you're an American."
"Oh, please, spare me the stars and stripes speech," Zack grumbled. "I don't really care whether I live in the Republic of Washington, the United States of America, or Tijuana so long as my people are safe."
"You should start caring, Zack, and you should start caring very fast. If things in this country go to pot, these people will end up in charge. And you don't want that because then you and your people will not be anything remotely close to safe."
Zane held up a hand. "Hey, hold up for just a second here, guys. I'd like to know where you're getting all of this information, Lydecker. This group of yours doesn't sound like the kind of group to hand out fliers or anything."
"I have a mole working for me. Or rather, my informant is an operative employed by the group, but I'm kept educated on their movements," he answered, smugly.
"When you say not safe," Jondy ventured, "what exactly do you mean?"
"You thought Manticore was unethical and given to unnecessarily cruel experimentation on transgenics and transhumans," Lydecker said, leaning forward, "but next to this group, they're a group of altruistic do-gooders. To these people you're useful tools. You're merchandise to be auctioned off to the highest bidder – pharmaceutical companies, private armies, medical conglomerates...You name it, they're not above it."
"So what do we do? Go take down their California operation?" Zack asked, sitting up. "We don't have the man-power for that kind of mobilization right now, not to mention supply lines or equipment."
"Person-power," Jondy corrected, distractedly, at which Zane rolled his eyes.
"That's just a short-term measure, and the damage has already been done there," Lydecker said dismissively. "We need to build an army, here, in order to combat them should another overthrow be attempted. I want you three, and Syl, and Krit to run that army."
The three X5s exchanged glances.
"We break out of a military facility and end up as officers under Lydecker anyway," Jondy said, shaking her head.
"Sweet, sweet irony," Zane agreed.
Zack thought for a moment before questioning Lydecker. "What are the odds that we'll succeed?"
"If I didn't think the odds were in our favor, I'd be telling you to fall back."
"All right, then," Zack said with a nod. "I'm in, but that doesn't mean that I trust you, and it doesn't mean that I'm going to take orders without question. It's my command, not yours."
"We'll debate that at a later date. You two?" Lydecker asked Jondy and Zane.
"How could I say no to more time spent in your sparkling company?" Jondy responded dryly. "Zane?"
"‘War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things,'" he quoted softly, eyes thoughtful. "John Stuart Mill said that. I'm willing to fight to keep from finding out what's uglier."
"Excellent," Lydecker said, with a decisive nod. "Our first order of business is to assess the California situation. They've amassed quite a military presence under the pretense of using it support the secession, but my intelligence tells me that those troops are going to be shipped out to be used elsewhere, most particularly the transgenic troops."
"They've got transgenics? How'd that happen?" Zack asked, brow creasing with interest.
"Some volunteers, some conscripts. They even tried to conscript Max," Lydecker said with a chuckle, looking down at his files.
"They've got Max?" Jondy demanded, as Zack tensed, his head shooting up.
"No. I said they tried to conscript her, not that they succeeded. It would be beneficial to have her with you as a guide when you break into the California military headquarters," he responded absently, as he unrolled several maps, pinning them to the table with rocks. He looked up and registered the worry warring with interest on all three faces before him. "Max managed to escape capture. She's fine, believe me," he assured them.
"I'd have to trust you first," Zack said, calmed.
Jondy studied the map for a second, frowning. "That's not California."
"No, it's not," Zane agreed, "that's Fort Hood, which is in Texas last time I checked."
"It's still there," Lydecker confirmed with a hint of grim humor. "And if the group we're working to combat manages to get a hold of Fort Hood then all of this will be over, because they'll have won. The amount of firepower in Fort Hood could easily decimate the most determined resistance. I've heard from my source that they're mobilizing in California. I want you to find out if this is true, and if so to do whatever is necessary to halt this process. I'd suggest that you leave –" he broke off as an agitated X6 entered the room. "What is it, soldier?"
"Sir, we just received word that there's an armed group massing along the northern perimeter of base camp," the young transgenic replied.
"What? How many?" Zack asked, standing.
"It's a small group. Looks like a forward reconnaissance expedition, sir. Maybe thirty soldiers at most."
"Who are they?" Lydecker asked.
"Military, sir."
"All right, soldier," Lydecker addressed the X6, "you and your squad –"
"Don't worry about it," Zack said, walking towards the door. "We'll take care of it. Zane, Jondy, let's go. We'll meet up with Syl and Krit in the field."
Department of Defense Personnel Records Office, Rogue Way, Sector 3 – 2:00 PM
"Lax security, just like I thought." Logan stared out the window of the Aztek, watching a lone security guard lounging against the back of the building, pulling a drag on a cigarette.
Max leaned over him, narrowing her vision to a window on the second floor. "If your intel is right, that's the office. Easy job."
"If? Have I ever led you astray?" Logan opened his mouth in mock indignation.
Max turned and stared directly into his eyes. "Bronck. Airfield. Mud."
"Point taken."
"So can we go in and get this bitch over with or what?" Max fidgeted in her seat, repeatedly opening and closing the glove compartment.
On the third snap, Logan reached out and grabbed her hands. "Max, what would you think if..."
"Thank god!" Max exclaimed. "Guard's gone." She jumped out of the car in a blur. "You comin' or you just gonna sit there contemplating the rotation of the earth's axis?" she asked impatiently. Logan shook his head, opening the car door to follow her. He quickly pulled out the pieces of the wheelchair from the back of the car and assembled it before transferring.
"You go do your ‘I'm here to see mister big-wig' dealio and I'll climb up the side of the building. Meet you inside."
"Max," Logan said, wheeling around the side of the car. "I got you covered as well. You can go in the front door with me."
"What's the fun in that?" she replied saucily.
Logan paused. "See you inside."
Effortlessly scaling the side of the building, Max nudged the window open and shimmied inside the room. A bank of file cabinets lined the walls, and there were several desks in the room, each with a computer humming on top. Skulking around the shelves, she heard voices outside the room and she flattened herself against the wall, concentrating her hearing.
"...Thank you for your interest, Mr. Eastman," a man's voice said. "I'll go get the Director. There's a lounge that way down the hall where you can wait."
"Thanks." Max heard Logan respond. The sound of footsteps gradually faded, and then the door slowly opened.
"Max," Logan whispered loudly.
"Polo," she whispered back.
Logan suppressed a laugh and moved to the computers, immediately popping in a disc and tapping on the keys. Max stealthily crept up behind him. Not pausing to look up at her, Logan said, "You're supposed to be on lookout."
"Y'know, I better get to kick some ass today. This is boring. Why couldn't you just hack in from home?"
"What's the fun in that?" he teased. "Just give me a few more seconds and I'll have the information. Then we can get out of here." Logan let out a low whistle. "Max, look at this."
Max leaned close to him. "See that?" Logan asked, pointing at the screen. "The badges weren't forged. They're a special issue within the DoD. Denotes secret clearance."
"Do the numbers match?"
Glancing at a piece of paper, Logan nodded. "Eighteen digits, all three files match."
"So the thugs were DoD. What do they want with transgenics anyway?" she asked, her brow furrowing.
"I don't know...stem cells, breeding purposes...pick a reason."
"And this is new how? Transgenics are only good for hating and exploiting or some other sick thing people think of," she said with disgust.
Ejecting the disc, Logan slid it into his backpack and turned to her. "Let's get out of here."
Glancing out the door, Max gave Logan the all clear and they quickly headed to the elevator. The doors opened to the lobby, and they left the building with ease, reaching the car. Leaning against the hood was the security guard from earlier, straightening a piece of paper that was sticking up from the windshield wiper. Logan grimaced, but the man turned his attention to Max. While the security guard was distracted, Logan got into the Aztek, stowed his chair into the back seat, and cranked up the vehicle.
Max snatched the ticket off the windshield. "What the hell is this?" she demanded.
The guard leered at her, raking his eyes greedily up and down her body. "Double parked."
"Oh yeah? Nobody cares about rent-a-cops anyway. Double park this." Max ripped the ticket in half, tossing it so it fluttered to the ground. Flinging open her door, she jumped into the car, leaving the guard staring in stunned silence. Logan shot her a look and quickly pulled away.
"What? I didn't get to kick any ass," she complained.
"The day isn't over yet, Max."
Outside Max and Original Cindy's Apartment – 3:00 PM
"You sure it's cool for us to use Max's bike?" Original Cindy asked, giving Alec a dubious glance. "I know my boo, and she don't truck with people messin' with her baby."
He rolled his eyes with exasperation. "Yeah, yeah, no problem. Trust me, I asked her. My bike's in the shop, and she said I could take hers for a spin tonight if I needed to go anywhere urgent and I'd say this counts as urgent. So let's get going."
"What if somethin' happens?"
"Nothing is going to happen. Now, will you get on the bike?" he asked, exasperated, as he patted the space on the seat in front of him.
"If you're sure..." her voice trailed off as she settled onto the motorcycle.
"Yes, I'm sure. Okay," Alec said, placing her hands on the handlebars. "First rule, when you stop, put your feet down. Shift with your feet, brake with your hands. Here's the brake, the gas, the ignition...and here," he said, dangling the key in front of her, "is the key."
"Let's kick this bitch into gear," Original Cindy said, grinning as she turned the key in the ignition and gunned it.
South Market – 5:30 PM
The sun was lowering in the sky, and a light breeze nipped the air. Max and Logan strolled through the market, weaving through the crowd, occasionally stopping at vendor stalls. Logan moved deftly among the people, clearing the path as Max followed, filling the pack on the back of his wheelchair.
"Nothin' like a mission to work up a girl's appetite," Max stated, stopping in front of a vegetable vendor.
"I didn't realize it took anything to work up your appetite, Max," Logan responded, his mouth turning up into a smile.
She stuck her tongue out at him. "You know you like to impress me with your slicin' and dicin' skills."
"Flash a few knives and some wooden spoons and you're swooning." He lightly squeezed her upper thigh.
Max rolled her eyes in response. "We're doin' pretty good, Logan," Max said, looking over the many bins of vegetables.
"Yeah, we do make a good team, Max," he replied. "Ever thought..."
"I was talking about the food," Max deadpanned, turning to him.
"Oh," he said, somewhat flustered. He turned around and rummaged through the pack. "You're right, so far we've got a fresh chicken, some coffee, and a couple of mangoes."
"Think you can whip up a meal with that?" Max jested.
Logan looked at her with mock horror. "You even ask?" he questioned, his eyes twinkling in amusement.
"Doesn't sound well-balanced to me," Max countered with a sly smile. She reached into one the bins and pulled out an avocado. "How ‘bout we get one of these?"
"An avocado?" Logan laughed. "What FDA recommendations are you going by?"
She pouted playfully. "You're the culinary genius, I just pick the stuff." She rolled the avocado in her hands, examining it. "I think this one's ready," she remarked.
Taking it from her, Logan inspected it with a discerning eye, pressing gently into the skin. "Not quite yet, Max. It's not ripe enough. Feel how it resists the slightest pressure? It needs more time."
Max tilted her head and picked up another avocado. "How ‘bout this one?" she asked, giving it a squeeze before tossing it to him. "Firm but soft around the edges. It's a keeper."
Logan caught the vegetable with one hand, looking at her. "Yep, it's coming home with us," he agreed, handing over some bills to the man behind the stall.
Outside Lydecker's Headquarters – 6:00 PM
Syl and Krit crouched behind a large rock outcropping on a ridge, just below the tree line. They watched the men below setting up camp and fortifying their position.
"You missed the meeting with Lydecker." Zack's voice startled them as he, Zane, and Jondy came up from behind.
"I'll have my mom write a note," Syl muttered, turning to give the arrivals a smile. "And since when are you the truancy officer?"
"He's just jealous," Zane told her, returning the smile.
Krit snorted, but didn't turn. "Did you and Donny get in another spat? You're like an old married couple."
"A really dysfunctional one," Syl agreed.
Zack glared at him, but said nothing, instead looking around the rock at the troops below. "We've got...what? Twenty armed men here?"
"Just about," Syl nodded. "They're packing, but only light stuff. No rocket launchers or anything like that. We can conserve ammo and take them out in hand-to-hand."
"Looks like they've got enough ammo down there that anything we fire off would be easily replaced," Jondy observed, before slanting a sly smile at Syl and Krit. "But hand-to-hand's more fun."
"That's what we like to hear," Krit said, grinning. "So, what did Lydecker have to say for himself?"
"A whole lot of stuff," Zane said, shaking his head, "and not all that much of it positive."
"You wanna give us the Cliff's Notes?" Syl asked, raising her eyebrows.
"Later," Zack said, "but after we take care of this problem," he jerked a thumb in the direction of the convoy, "we're going to California. We're going to see what they're doing with their troops, and I want to know how they're getting them, too. They've got transgenics and it doesn't sound kosher to me." He squinted for a moment, looking at the layout. "Anyone around the other side of the cabin?"
"Nope, just the grunts you see below you," Syl responded.
"Okay, Zane, Jondy, I want you two to go around back, and at my signal you join the party. Meet the three of us in the middle." Zack's smile turned wolfish. "And be sure to conserve ammo when you can."
"There's an order I can follow," Jondy said, responding with an answering smile. "C'mon Zane, let's go."
"After you, milady," Zane said, following.
"They're conscripting X5s?" Krit asked Zack, as they waited for Zane and Jondy to settle into position. "How are they doing that? Using the force?"
"What's the force?"
"The force...you know...Jedi mind tricks...?" Syl shook her head at his lack of comprehension. "Zack, seriously, there's nothing in the world like some good science fiction."
"Yeah, well, I think being science fiction's enough for me. Anyway, you're going to find out how they're conscripting transgenics," Zack responded distractedly. "I'm sending you to Seattle to ask Max. See if she's okay, and try to get her to come back with you, too. It'd be nice to have someone who knew the set up down there."
"Whoa, back up cowboy, why wouldn't she be okay?" Syl asked, exchanging glances with Krit.
"They conscripted her down in California. You two ready?"
Syl laughed, eyes sparkling with devilment. "When aren't we ready?"
"Then let's get this thing on," Zack said, starting down the hill.
"He's so gung-ho," Syl remarked under her breath to Krit before following him.
"Wound pretty tight," Krit agreed. "Needs to be able to laugh at himself...find the humor in his situation."
"Two Russian explosives with intricate shatter patterns say whatever you're thinking about isn't going to make Zack want to laugh. Instead it'll end up with you wearing bruises the approximate size and shape of his boot-heel all over your delicate derriere."
Krit grinned. "You're on."
ACT II
Crash – 8:00 PM
Alec leaned against the bar, slowly swirling the nearly empty glass of beer he held in his hand and watched Original Cindy and Sketchy as they squared off over the foosball table, a distracted expression on his face.
"Where are you?" a voice asked, close to his ear.
He turned, and smiled at Asha. "Hey, haven't seen you in a while. How are you doing?"
"I'm okay, you know, not singing in the rain or anything, but okay." She nodded toward his drink. "Can I buy you a refreshing malt beverage?"
"I never say no when a pretty lady offers me a beer," he responded, smiling flirtatiously.
Asha motioned for the bartender to bring her two more beers, and then turned to regard Alec again. "What were you thinking about just then? Work? Terminal City?"
He shrugged the question off. "A little bit of column A, a little bit of column B. So where have you been? I swung by your place last week, was in the area and all, and you hadn't been there for at least a couple of days."
"How do you know that?" she challenged, sipping her drink.
"The milk was bad."
"You raided my refrigerator?" Asha demanded, incredulous.
"Hey, I came by for lunch. You've got a real junk-food habit, you know that? Keep eating those Lil' Debbie's by the box and you might end up losing your girlish figure. I thought I'd help you out, and eat them before you could get to them. It was a sacrifice on my part, but y'know, we all have to take one for the team from time to time."
"Pig," she said playfully, hitting his arm.
"It's possible. The wild and crazy guys in the Manticore labs weren't shy about borrowing DNA from domesticated animals. So where were you?"
Her expression sobered, and she put her glass down. "I went to San Francisco to visit my family and take care of some S1W business after the whole Healthcorp fiasco."
Alec put a hand over hers, and shadow crossing his face as he squeezed her fingers. "You got lucky that night."
"No one knows it better than me, believe me," Asha told him, shaking hair out of her eyes, and squeezing his fingers back. "Anyway, I got stuck in California for a little bit. They've got barricades up all over the borders, and they're conscripting anybody who looks like they'd be an able-bodied soldier."
"Yeah, Max managed to get herself mixed up in that too," he said, taking a deep swig of his beer. "She's like a magnet for trouble or something. It's a real phenomenon."
"They conscripted me," Asha admitted, ruefully. "Couldn't get out of their way fast enough, but I managed to call in a couple of favors and slip out the backdoor before it was time for the troops to stand up and be counted." She paused for a second, frowning. "Alec, they had a lot of transgenics in the rebel forces."
"Well, whaddya know, Washington isn't the only state with transgenics in it. How refreshing," Alec said with a shake of his head, as he ran a finger over her thumb.
"That doesn't bother you? That there are transgenics fighting for the secession movement? You're just, okay with that?"
"Not particularly bothered, no," he continued. Asha stared at him, shocked. "Look, maybe I'd feel differently if it was going on here, but it's not, and we've got enough to worry about in Seattle. That's their problem, and hey, if it's voluntary, then who's gonna argue with them? Not a choice I would have made, but you gotta do what you gotta do. End of story."
"Seems to me that this all sounds less like ‘end of story' and more like ‘once upon a time,'" she argued, pulling away from him. "Haven't you been paying attention to what's going on in this country right now? I'll give you a refresher course. That's a civil war breaking out in California, Alec, and it's right on our doorsteps. We can't just look the other way and pretend like it's not happening."
"Yeah, well, maybe I'd have time to worry about that kind of thing if I wasn't busy fishing vigilantes out of cages, carrying them home, and helping them nurse wounds they didn't have to sustain in the first place."
Asha narrowed her eyes. "I'm not sorry for what I did. I am sorry that I worried you, and I won't let you change the subject. This a big deal – did you hear me saying ‘war' just then?"
"Yeah, I heard that. Wasn't too impressed," he said shortly.
"People will die in the cross-fire, and what if the army decides to draft all of the transgenics to fight? This is big, messy, and serious. I can't believe you're just dismissing it."
"Don't you start lecturing to me about war, little girl," he warned. "You'll be way out of your depth."
"Then why don't you tell me about war, Alec. Tell me what it was like for you in Manticore, tell me what we can expect to come at us. Because that's what California's got geared up – a new transgenic army. What if they decide to come after Washington next?" Asha said, growing more heated. "What then? Maybe I'm out of my depth, but you're not and that's why you need to start caring about what's going on in the world around you. You can't just –"
Asha broke off as Alec silenced her by kissing her, hard, with his hands cupping the back of her head. For a moment she was stiff with shock, but she quickly leaned into the kiss, moving toward him.
"Nevermind, Sketch, we can get more beer later," Original Cindy said, putting a restraining hand on Sketchy's arm. "Time for us to go be somewhere else, boo."
Alec straightened, pulling away from Asha, an inscrutable expression on his face. "Let's get out of here," he said brusquely to Original Cindy, making a beeline for the door.
"Late, Sketch, Asha, looks like my ride's blazin' on out," she said, hurrying to keep up with Alec's rapidly retreating form.
Asha watched them go with a dazed expression on her face as her fingers rubbed across her lips absently.
Outside Crash
"Didn't mean to break the mood or anythin', boo. Sorry ‘bout that."
Alec shrugged jerkily, but said nothing.
"Hey, so you gonna tell Original Cindy why you out here with me instead of in there lockin' lips with goldilocks?" she asked, hands on her hips. When he didn't reply, she shook her head. "Or you could just say nothin' and glare at the sidewalk."
"Do you notice anything about this sidewalk?" he asked her in an oddly strangled voice. "Anything different?"
She cocked her head and studied the sidewalk for a moment. "All that Original Cindy is seein' is wet concrete."
"Look again. Does anything strike you as missing?"
After a long moment, Original Cindy's eyes widened with comprehension. "You best slap me so that I can wake up from this sick, sick nightmare."
"I wish," Alec said, looking slightly ill. "The bike's gone."
"Y'know, boo," she drawled, "Max'll forgive a lot of things, but she'll probably kill you for real this time."
Street between Crash and Sector 5
"Do you think Max would skin me? Or would that be too messy for her? Maybe I'll get lucky; maybe she'll just strangle me." Alec shook his head as they walked through the streets. "I'm doomed. It's over. My life is over."
Original Cindy crossed her arms. "My girl'll be plenty mad, but you know, these things happen sometimes. Coulda been her who left the bike outside of Crash, and not you. Original Cindy ain't gonna lie to you, Max's gonna kick your ass, and that's the real. But she said you could borrow it, so she probably won't go really overboard."
Alec winced.
"She did say you could borrow it, didn't she?" she asked, voice rising with suspicion. "Alec, tell me the truth. Tell me that Max said that you could borrow her bike."
"Do you want me to tell you the truth, or tell you that she said I could borrow it?"
She swatted him across the back of the head, hard.
"Ow!" Alec cried, shrinking away from her. "That hurt!"
"Good, maybe it knocked a little sense into you, fool! What were you thinkin', just takin' Max's bike without askin'?"
"You needed cheering up, okay? I was just trying to help...I thought we'd have it back before anyone noticed," he protested, catching her arm as she swung it at his head again. "Hey! No more of that!"
"Well, you best get yourself ready to be hit many, many times, coz that's what's headed your way when Max hears what's the what."
"I'll refer you to the previous ‘I'm doomed' comment," Alec muttered, scowling.
"For real," she said with a shake of her head, before softening. "But it was sweet of you. Y'know, to want to cheer me up."
He shrugged. "The whole Ginger thing...it kinda sucked for you." Alec slanted her a glance. "But since we'll probably never get a chance to talk about it again because Max is going to kill me next time she sees me, how are you doing with that?"
She drew in a long breath. "You know how it is, you love...you lose..." Original Cindy offered a small, sad smile.
"Yeah, I know."
"Just seems like Original Cindy's got a gift for sniffin' out the most troublesome woman in the room and then gettin' way too involved. Always lookin' for the bad girl who's gonna go good. First Diamond, now Ginger..."
"Diamond?" Alec asked, raising both brows.
"A big ol' heartache wrapped up in one the finest packages I have ever seen. She died," she said, blinking rapidly. "And I didn't ever think I'd come across somebody'd make me feel like she did. Then Ginger came along, now.... Lightnin' don't strike three times, sugah."
He was quiet for a while, as they walked on. "Have you been talking to Max about all this?"
"You kiddin' me? Sistah girl's got real problems of her own to deal with, like a miscarriage and Logan's legs and all. She don't need to carry Original Cindy's lame ass troubles around on her back, too."
"Well, I'm no expert on friendship or anything," Alec said slowly, "but I was under the impression that friends were always there for one another, no matter what."
"Ain't nothin' truer, boo, and Max is all of that when she knows a friend needs somethin', don't you doubt it." Original Cindy sighed. "I just...don't want to be another worry, y'know?"
"Is she your friend, or is she your friend?" Alec asked.
She did a double take. "How's that?"
"You're not letting her be there for you. You're not trusting her, and if that's what friendship's about – again, not that I'm the expert – then you're not letting her be your friend." He shrugged. "But then, what do I know? I'm just a dead man walking."
Original Cindy said nothing, face thoughtful as they walked on.
"Do you think I could get her to shoot me in the head? That'd be a nice, painless way to go..." Alec muttered into the silence.
Logan's Penthouse – 8:30 PM
"Open the door for me, would you?" Max asked, stepping aside so that Logan could wheel past her as she shifted the grocery bags she was holding. "Can't quite turn the key with all this food in my arms."
"Now, what kind of a gentleman would make a lady open the door and carry the groceries?" he teased, turning the key in the lock and flashing a smile at her. "It wouldn't be chivalrous."
"I heard all that chivalry stuff was dead," she responded, sauntering through the door he held open.
"Can't always trust what you hear," a male voice piped up from the living room.
"Unless you hear it on television. Then it's bound to be true," a female voice responded as Syl and Krit stepped into view. "Or it could be an allegory for something else that's true, wrapped in a sugary coating of science fiction and fantasy. You never know."
Max and Logan exchanged dumfounded glances. "What...what are you doing here?" she asked, confused.
Near Sector 5 Checkpoint
"Aiight, so break it down for Original Cindy. What's the score with you and blondie?" she asked, crossing her arms as they waited in line to proceed through the checkpoint.
"Who? Asha?"
She rolled her eyes. "No, that other tall drink of water you were kissin' at Crash tonight."
He shrugged, uncomfortable. "There isn't much to tell."
"Riiight, that's why the air crackles when you two are in the same room. Oh, yeah, I'm buyin' that, boo. Spill it. How do you feel about the girl?"
"I like her, but..." he trailed off.
"But?"
"I don't know," he said, holding up his Jam Pony messenger badge as they reached the police officer.
"Where's your pass?" the officer asked Original Cindy, eyeing her critically.
"I got it right here, sir," she said, tone sharp. "See it? Jam Pony, just like his."
They were waved through, and Original Cindy shook her head. "Where'd polite, professional, and courteous go?"
"Probably down the tubes right along with the economy and quality of life."
Logan's Penthouse
"What are we doing here?" Syl echoed. "We were watching Buffy reruns and arguing about whether or not we could take her. I say we could, but with the caveat that she'd probably be able to out banter us. But only probably."
"Individually, or as a team?" Logan ventured, lips beginning to twitch.
"One on one. And I don't think Syl's giving her enough credit. She's got Slayer skills. That's pretty hardcore. What do you think, Maxie?" Krit asked, rubbing the back of his neck and smiling at her.
She set the groceries down, smiling back. "Buffy? Who's that?"
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Syl told her. "Pre-pulse TV with bite."
"Syl, what did I tell you about puns?" Krit said sternly.
"I know. I'm sorry. I won't let it happen again."
"A vampire slayer?" Max asked, face wrinkling with distaste. "Vampires? That's stupid. No such thing."
"Said the chimera," Logan deadpanned.
"Game, set, match, Logan," Syl remarked to Krit, who nodded.
Sector 5
"Now, back to the topic at hand: You. Asha."
"What about us?" he asked, defensively. "Nothing more to say."
"You know, sugah, you did a much betta job of lying when you told me that Max'd lent you her motorcycle."
"I'm not lying now, and if I was, I'd be doing it just as well as I did before," he retorted distractedly, as he watched a bald man across the street cleaning off a black motorcycle and joking with his friends, who stood in a half circle around him. He used his telescopic vision to get a better look at the bike, and a grin broke out on his face. "Hallelujah."
"Hold up, boo, what we so happy about?" Original Cindy asked, confused.
"I just got a stay of execution," he said, striding purposefully toward the bike.
Logan's Penthouse
Max laughed, happily. "It's so good to see you guys."
Syl grinned and rushed over to hug her. "Good to see you, too, but next time you're coming to us. We always do all the traveling!"
"I'll work on that," Max told her, hugging her back.
"Hey, can I get in on this hugging action, or is it a girls only kind of pow-wow?" Krit asked as he made his way over. Max pulled him into the hug with a happy chuckle, and he wrapped his arms around her, tightly.
"Hey, Logan," Syl said, offering her hand for him to shake.
"Hi, Syl, Krit," he said, smiling at both and shaking Krit's hand when it was offered, in turn.
"So what are you guys doing here? Why didn't you go over to my apartment?" Max asked.
Krit and Syl exchanged conspiratorial grins. "Well...Jondy told us about Logan's entertainment system," Krit admitted. "And we figured if we were probably going to have to wait for you to show up anyway –"
"Why not do it in style?" Syl finished as she looked around.
Sector 5
"Hey! Beefy! Yeah, you, cueball!"
"Oh great," Original Cindy said, rolling her eyes. "A fight."
The bald man, stood, glaring. "You gotta problem, kid?"
"Yeah, yeah, I think I do," Alec said, rubbing his hands together. "That bike you've got there. It's mine."
"What? This bike? You must be mistaken," he said with an edge to his voice.
"See, here's the thing. I don't make mistakes, not about my Ninja. And that is my Ninja. So why don't you and your girlfriends go home and leave me and my motorcycle in peace, okay?"
One of the thugs behind the bald man crossed his arms, flexing his large biceps. "Think again, pal. You're the one who's going home."
"I'll say it one last time. Get gone, and leave me the bike, Baldie," Alec threatened, lowering his voice.
Logan's Penthouse
"You guys look like you're doing well."
"Yeah, well, the occasional crisis rears its ugly head, but we get along," Max said, shrugging off Syl's veiled question. "How are Zack and Jondy and Zane?"
"You know Zack," Krit said shrugging. "He and Lydecker are sniffing around each other and barking out orders. Jondy's busy making sure everyone gets fed, clothed, bathed, and Zane's communing with the wilderness and doing his magic engine-mojo to keep everything running."
"And how do you two figure into that?" Logan asked, grinning at them.
"Syl and I keep everyone on their toes," Krit responded, returning the grin.
Logan laughed. "I bet you do."
"You have no idea," Syl told them. "I think that Zack's going to kill us when we get back."
"Why?" Max asked.
"He's prone to over-reacting," Krit evaded, with a shrug.
Sector 5
"Get out of here. Now," Alec warned.
"Yeah, right," the big man responded, cracking his knuckles.
Alec shrugged, grin reappearing. "All right, then. I'd say I didn't want to do this...but that would be a lie," he told the man, as he punched him in the head, knocking the bald thug unconscious with complete nonchalance.
"Any other takers?" he asked the group at large.
No one moved forward.
"Take your hairless friend here, and go," he ordered, and they complied, pulling the bald man away. As they did, Alec noticed a tattoo on the back of one of their hands.
"You done with the testosterone fest?" Original Cindy asked, coming up behind Alec.
"Yeah, it's done," he responded, watching as the men retreated.
"Somebody up there loves you, sugah, and that's for sure," she said with a shake of her head. "Good thing, too. I was tryin' to come up with somethin' nice to say at your funeral."
"And you were stumped?" he asked dryly, surveying the Ninja. "Doesn't look like there's any damage," he muttered to himself, running his hand along the side. Under the seat, he stopped when his fingers brushed against a round metal object. "What the...?" Crouching down, he peered underneath the seat and jerked away a small disc, carefully examining it.
"Nah, boo, but it was depressin' the hell outta me." She looked over, and noticed the frown on Alec's face. "What's wrong now?"
Alec looked at her, then threw the disc on the ground and crushed it under his heel. Picking up the broken pieces, he cast Original Cindy a cautious glance.
"Tracking device. And one of those men had a military tattoo on his hand; a battalion number and mascot."
"And you think that the two are connected?" she asked, hands on hips. "You think the army's stakin' out a coupla black helicopters for my girl now?"
"Maybe," Alec said, "but I think we should go see Logan. Don't want to take any chances."
"Boo, that's the best idea you've had all night."
Logan's Penthouse
"So are you guys here on pleasure or business?" Logan asked.
"Both," Syl said, sobering. "We wanted to come see how you were, Max. That's the pleasure part."
"And what's the business part?" Max crossed her arms.
"Lydecker says you got conscripted in California," Krit said, running a hand through his hair.
"Didn't stay that way for long," she said, glancing at Logan. "I had great back up."
"We're going there, on a mission. All of us, to go see what they've got, and where it's going. Will you help us?"
"They've got a voluntary transgenic army," Max said shaking her head. "Getting through state borders is hard enough with two people, but a group? It's risky and for what? Satisfying good ol' Donald's curiosity? I don't think so. They're in California, and I'm not, and I kinda want to keep it that way."
"Are you sure that army is staying there?" Syl asked her, and then exchanged glances with Krit. "Look, Lydecker thinks this army isn't just bent on keeping California free of feds, but that it's going somewhere else."
Logan leaned forward, interested. "What do you mean? Where else?"
"He thinks the military types in charge of the secession have gotten ambitious...and he thinks they're headed toward Texas," Krit stated matter of factly.
Logan let out a long, low whistle. "Texas, as in Fort Hood, Texas?"
"It's where Lydecker says he'd go if he had the troops and a maniacal plan to take over everything," the other man confirmed.
Max frowned. "Let me guess, Fort Hood's got some kind of ‘end the world' machine?"
"Well, it's where Pantex is located," Logan told her, brows drawing together over his glasses in a worried expression. "And Pantex manufactures all the nuclear armaments. There's a huge military presence there. Max, if someone was to take control of that area, they'd be able to do whatever they wanted."
"So will you help us?" Syl cut in, urgently.
Max looked over at Logan, decisively nodded her head once and then slipped her hand into his, linking their fingers. He smiled and squeezed her hand.
"We'll help you."
Logan's Penthouse – 9:00 PM
"Tell me again why I can't just write a note and leave it on the handlebars? ‘Oops, Max, your bike got stolen, but look, I got it back, and with a nifty little addition, too?'" Alec asked as he raised a hand to knock on Logan's door.
"You left out the whole 'borrowing it without asking' thing," Original Cindy observed, hands on hips. "And besides, you don't know who put that little doo-dad on there or why they'd want to y'know, track her or whatever that lil' thing does."
"Yeah, well, I sort of think that part isn't necessary to share. You know, seeing as the bike is back and all, and I've definitely learned my lesson. Why worry her with that incidental detail and...Hi, Max! You look great today! That color is really good on you, brings out your eyes," Alec said, smiling charmingly at Max as she opened the door.
A dark eyebrow went up as she looked at him. "So what'd he do?" she asked Original Cindy, letting them in.
"Hey, that's not fair, can't I pay a compliment? A simple compliment to my good friend Max?" He lay an arm over her shoulders. "That really wounds me."
"Hey, Max, do you want some salad or should..." Syl asked, walking into the hallway and catching sight of Alec. "Oh, hey there."
Alec jumped at the chance to leave. "You know what, you have company, Max. And we're keeping you from them, so we'll just head out and..."
Original Ci
