s03e19_COME TOGETHER

Logans 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.

Its been too long since weve done that, Logan said.

Max tucked her head into the crook of his neck, nuzzling him. Yeah, it has.

You okay? he asked. You dont hurt or anything?

Nah, its 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. Youre kinda strong, he teased.

Maxs lips curled mischievously. Well, yknow, 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.

Im talking about my legs. This wont 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 well 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 havent fixed the exo yet.

Logan squeezed his eyes shut, rubbing his hand across his forehead before opening them again. Not important right now, Max. Ive 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.

END OF PROLOGUE

Max and Original Cindys 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 aint here right now, Original Cindy called. Sleeping over at rich boys.

Huh, well, I guess shes probably painting his nails pink while he reads her love poems as we speak, he said, setting his bags down. Whats up with you? How come youre not at work? He cocked his head, listening to something that sounded like a sniffle. Sounds like youve got a cold.

Yeah, real sick. Like a dog, she responded from the couch, coughing loudly. Didnt 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 its 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 isnt old, fool, its a classic. Its called Thelma and Louise, she told him, crossing her arms and settling back against the couch again. Whatd you bring over?

Max wanted me to get her some motor oil and milk, he replied distractedly, watching the screen. Theyre 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.

Thats 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 youre looking pretty lack-luster. Youre not sick. Youre moping, he concluded. Sitting in the dark and moping over Ginger.

Im not lackin a damn thing, luster or otherwise. And Original Cindy does not mope.

Alec raised both of his brows disbelievingly. 

Nah, for real. Im 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 youre doin? Dont think that just coz youre all revved up Original Cindy cant put the smack down on yo pretty behind, she warned.

Im getting you out of here. Time for you to stop reflecting, he said, standing and pulling her up. It cant 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 youre 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. 

Its fun.

Yeah, well, I wouldnt 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 bees wax. 

Do you want to try it? 

Try what? Minding my own bees wax? I do it all the time, sugah.

No, I mean cruising. Ill teach you how to drive a bike.

Yeah, Original Cindy said smiling. Sounds like fun, boo.


Logans 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 isnt 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 werent muggers. The X6 said he felt something poke him. Logan ran his hand down Maxs arm, and covered her hand with his.

You think they were trying to kidnap him, Max said softly.

Exactly. Thats why I think its 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 Im thinking theyre part of the Department of Defense.

Max let out a soft whistle. Tryin to reclaim their property.

I dont 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 were 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.


Lydeckers 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 whats 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. Its a converted garage. It smells like diesel and motor oil, and the man calls it the Situation Room. Hes a total whack-job.

Hes also late, Zack said flatly, looking at his watch. He said hed be here ten minutes ago.

Yeah, well, maybe he got lost on his way up from the mess. You know, coz its 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 hes busy contemplating the world navel, Zane contributed.

Whatever, Zack said, looking at his watch again. Ive got too much to do today to let Lydecker keep me waiting. Another two minutes and Im 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 wont 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 whats the Situation that requires a Room? Jondy asked.

The state of California has seceded from the Union, Lydecker informed them. 

Thats hardly news, Zane said, raising his dark brows. Even out here in East Jesus, Nowhere, weve heard about it.

So tell us something we dont know, Zack challenged.

The secession was engineered and inflamed by a group working to further an agenda of their own that Im 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 Zacks attitude. 

Whoa, Jondy said, sitting back. I definitely didnt know that.

How does that affect us, exactly? Zack asked. Californias how many miles from here? Dont know off the top of my head, but Id 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, theyll attempt to establish a strangle-hold of power, Lydecker answered. And it affects you because youre an American. 

Oh, please, spare me the stars and stripes speech, Zack grumbled. I dont 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 dont 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. Id like to know where youre getting all of this information, Lydecker. This group of yours doesnt 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 Im 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, theyre a group of altruistic do-gooders. To these people youre useful tools. Youre merchandise to be auctioned off to the highest bidder  pharmaceutical companies, private armies, medical conglomerates...You name it, theyre not above it.

So what do we do? Go take down their California operation? Zack asked, sitting up. We dont 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. 

Thats 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 well succeed?

If I didnt think the odds were in our favor, Id be telling you to fall back.

All right, then, Zack said with a nod. Im in, but that doesnt mean that I trust you, and it doesnt mean that Im going to take orders without question. Its my command, not yours.

Well 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. Im willing to fight to keep from finding out whats uglier. 

Excellent, Lydecker said, with a decisive nod. Our first order of business is to assess the California situation. Theyve 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.

Theyve got transgenics? Howd 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.

Theyve 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. Shes fine, believe me, he assured them.

Id have to trust you first, Zack said, calmed. 

Jondy studied the map for a second, frowning. Thats not California.

No, its not, Zane agreed, thats Fort Hood, which is in Texas last time I checked.

Its still there, Lydecker confirmed with a hint of grim humor. And if the group were working to combat manages to get a hold of Fort Hood then all of this will be over, because theyll have won. The amount of firepower in Fort Hood could easily decimate the most determined resistance. Ive heard from my source that theyre 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. Id suggest that you leave  he broke off as an agitated X6 entered the room. What is it, soldier?

Sir, we just received word that theres an armed group massing along the northern perimeter of base camp, the young transgenic replied. 

What? How many? Zack asked, standing. 

Its 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 

Dont worry about it, Zack said, walking towards the door. Well take care of it. Zane, Jondy, lets go. Well 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, thats 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. Guards gone. She jumped out of the car in a blur. You comin or you just gonna sit there contemplating the rotation of the earths 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 Im here to see mister big-wig dealio and Ill 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.

Whats 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 mans voice said. Ill go get the Director. Theres 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, Youre supposed to be on lookout.

Yknow, I better get to kick some ass today. This is boring. Why couldnt you just hack in from home?

Whats the fun in that? he teased. Just give me a few more seconds and Ill 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 werent forged. Theyre 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. Lets 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 didnt get to kick any ass, she complained.

The day isnt over yet, Max.


Outside Max and Original Cindys Apartment  3:00 PM 

You sure its cool for us to use Maxs bike? Original Cindy asked, giving Alec a dubious glance. I know my boo, and she dont truck with people messin with her baby.

He rolled his eyes with exasperation. Yeah, yeah, no problem. Trust me, I asked her. My bikes in the shop, and she said I could take hers for a spin tonight if I needed to go anywhere urgent and Id say this counts as urgent. So lets 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 youre sure... her voice trailed off as she settled onto the motorcycle. 

Yes, Im 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. Heres the brake, the gas, the ignition...and here, he said, dangling the key in front of her, is the key.

Lets 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 girls appetite, Max stated, stopping in front of a vegetable vendor.

I didnt 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 youre swooning. He lightly squeezed her upper thigh.

Max rolled her eyes in response. Were 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. Youre right, so far weve 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. 

Doesnt 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. Youre the culinary genius, I just pick the stuff. She rolled the avocado in her hands, examining it. I think this ones ready, she remarked. 

Taking it from her, Logan inspected it with a discerning eye, pressing gently into the skin. Not quite yet, Max. Its 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. Its a keeper.

Logan caught the vegetable with one hand, looking at her. Yep, its coming home with us, he agreed, handing over some bills to the man behind the stall. 


Outside Lydeckers 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."

"Thats 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. Were going to see what theyre doing with their troops, and I want to know how theyre 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."

END OF ACT I

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, havent seen you in a while. How are you doing?

Im 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 hadnt 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. Youve got a real junk-food habit, you know that? Keep eating those Lil Debbies by the box and you might end up losing your girlish figure. I thought Id help you out, and eat them before you could get to them. It was a sacrifice on my part, but yknow, we all have to take one for the team from time to time. 

Pig, she said playfully, hitting his arm. 

Its possible. The wild and crazy guys in the Manticore labs werent 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. Theyve got barricades up all over the borders, and theyre conscripting anybody who looks like theyd 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. Shes like a magnet for trouble or something. Its a real phenomenon.

They conscripted me, Asha admitted, ruefully. Couldnt 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 isnt 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 doesnt bother you? That there are transgenics fighting for the secession movement? Youre just, okay with that?

Not particularly bothered, no, he continued.  Asha stared at him, shocked. Look, maybe Id feel differently if it was going on here, but its not, and weve got enough to worry about in Seattle. Thats their problem, and hey, if its voluntary, then whos 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. Havent you been paying attention to whats going on in this country right now? Ill give you a refresher course. Thats a civil war breaking out in California, Alec, and its right on our doorsteps. We cant just look the other way and pretend like its not happening.

Yeah, well, maybe Id have time to worry about that kind of thing if I wasnt busy fishing vigilantes out of cages, carrying them home, and helping them nurse wounds they didnt have to sustain in the first place. 

Asha narrowed her eyes. Im not sorry for what I did. I am sorry that I worried you, and I wont let you change the subject. This a big deal  did you hear me saying war just then?

Yeah, I heard that. Wasnt 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 cant believe youre just dismissing it.

Dont you start lecturing to me about war, little girl, he warned. Youll be way out of your depth.

Then why dont 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 thats what Californias got geared up  a new transgenic army. What if they decide to come after Washington next? Asha said, growing more heated. What then? Maybe Im out of my depth, but youre not and thats why you need to start caring about whats going on in the world around you. You cant 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 Sketchys arm. Time for us to go be somewhere else, boo.

Alec straightened, pulling away from Asha, an inscrutable expression on his face. Lets get out of here, he said brusquely to Original Cindy, making a beeline for the door. 

Late, Sketch, Asha, looks like my rides blazin on out, she said, hurrying to keep up with Alecs rapidly retreating form. 

Asha watched them go with a dazed expression on her face as her fingers rubbed across her lips absently. 


Outside Crash

Didnt 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 didnt 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 Cindys 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 bikes gone.

Yknow, boo, she drawled, Maxll forgive a lot of things, but shell 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 Ill get lucky; maybe shell just strangle me. Alec shook his head as they walked through the streets. Im doomed. Its over. My life is over.

Original Cindy crossed her arms. My girlll 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 aint gonna lie to you, Maxs gonna kick your ass, and thats the real. But she said you could borrow it, so she probably wont go really overboard.

Alec winced. 

She did say you could borrow it, didnt 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 Maxs bike without askin?

You needed cheering up, okay? I was just trying to help...I thought wed 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 thats whats headed your way when Max hears whats the what.

Ill refer you to the previous Im doomed comment, Alec muttered, scowling. 

For real, she said with a shake of her head, before softening. But it was sweet of you. Yknow, to want to cheer me up.

He shrugged. The whole Ginger thing...it kinda sucked for you. Alec slanted her a glance. But since well 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 Cindys 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 whos 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 didnt ever think Id come across somebodyd make me feel like she did. Then Ginger came along, now.... Lightnin dont 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 girls got real problems of her own to deal with, like a miscarriage and Logans legs and all. She dont need to carry Original Cindys lame ass troubles around on her back, too.

Well, Im 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.

Aint nothin truer, boo, and Max is all of that when she knows a friend needs somethin, dont you doubt it. Original Cindy sighed. I just...dont want to be another worry, yknow?

Is she your friend, or is she your friend? Alec asked.

She did a double take. Hows that?

Youre not letting her be there for you. Youre not trusting her, and if thats what friendships about  again, not that Im the expert  then youre not letting her be your friend. He shrugged. But then, what do I know? Im 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? Thatd be a nice, painless way to go... Alec muttered into the silence. 


Logans 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. Cant 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 wouldnt be chivalrous.

I heard all that chivalry stuff was dead, she responded, sauntering through the door he held open. 

Cant always trust what you hear, a male voice piped up from the living room. 

Unless you hear it on television. Then its bound to be true, a female voice responded as Syl and Krit stepped into view. Or it could be an allegory for something else thats 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. Whats 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 isnt much to tell.

Riiight, thats why the air crackles when you two are in the same room. Oh, yeah, Im buyin that, boo. Spill it. How do you feel about the girl?

I like her, but... he trailed off. 

But? 

I dont know, he said, holding up his Jam Pony messenger badge as they reached the police officer. 

Wheres 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. Whered polite, professional, and courteous go?

Probably down the tubes right along with the economy and quality of life.


Logans 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 shed 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 dont think Syls giving her enough credit. Shes got Slayer skills. Thats 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? Whos 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. Im sorry. I wont let it happen again.

A vampire slayer? Max asked, face wrinkling with distaste. Vampires? Thats 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 Maxd lent you her motorcycle.

Im not lying now, and if I was, Id 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.


Logans Penthouse

Max laughed, happily. Its so good to see you guys.

Syl grinned and rushed over to hug her. Good to see you, too, but next time youre coming to us. We always do all the traveling!

Ill 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 Krits hand when it was offered, in turn. 

So what are you guys doing here? Why didnt you go over to my apartment? Max asked.

Krit and Syl exchanged conspiratorial grins. Well...Jondy told us about Logans 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 youve got there. Its mine.

What? This bike? You must be mistaken, he said with an edge to his voice. 

See, heres the thing. I dont make mistakes, not about my Ninja. And that is my Ninja. So why dont 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. Youre the one whos going home.

Ill say it one last time. Get gone, and leave me the bike, Baldie, Alec threatened, lowering his voice.


Logans Penthouse

You guys look like youre doing well.

Yeah, well, the occasional crisis rears its ugly head, but we get along, Max said, shrugging off Syls 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. Jondys busy making sure everyone gets fed, clothed, bathed, and Zanes 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 Zacks going to kill us when we get back.

Why? Max asked.

Hes 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. Id say I didnt 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, its done, he responded, watching as the men retreated.

Somebody up there loves you, sugah, and thats 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. Doesnt look like theres 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 Alecs face. Whats 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 armys stakin out a coupla black helicopters for my girl now?

Maybe, Alec said, but I think we should go see Logan. Dont want to take any chances.

Boo, thats the best idea youve had all night. 


Logans 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. Thats the pleasure part.

And whats the business part? Max crossed her arms. 

Lydecker says you got conscripted in California, Krit said, running a hand through his hair. 

Didnt stay that way for long, she said, glancing at Logan. I had great back up.

Were going there, on a mission. All of us, to go see what theyve got, and where its going. Will you help us? 

Theyve got a voluntary transgenic army, Max said shaking her head. Getting through state borders is hard enough with two people, but a group? Its risky and for what? Satisfying good ol Donalds curiosity? I dont think so. Theyre in California, and Im 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 isnt just bent on keeping California free of feds, but that its 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 theyre headed toward Texas, Krit stated matter of factly.

Logan let out a long, low whistle. Texas, as in Fort Hood, Texas?

Its where Lydecker says hed go if he had the troops and a maniacal plan to take over everything, the other man confirmed. 

Max frowned. Let me guess, Fort Hoods got some kind of end the world machine?

Well, its where Pantex is located, Logan told her, brows drawing together over his glasses in a worried expression. And Pantex manufactures all the nuclear armaments. Theres a huge military presence there. Max, if someone was to take control of that area, theyd 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. 

Well help you.

 

Logans 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 Cindy grabbed Alec by the shoulders and held him still while rolling her eyes at Max. "Seriously, sugah, men are such babies. Now, Alec, do you have something you want to say to Max?"

"Yes, I want to say that I found this on your bike, today." He handed her the device. "It looks like a tracking device, and we don't know who put it there. So. There you go. You're debugged. No need to thank me."

"I wasn't going to," Max said, still watching him suspiciously as she took the bug. "What were you doing touching my bike?"

"Oh, that...long story. Complicated," Alec said waving it away, "and I never did quite say hello to you, Syl. Hi. You look great also today. I love the...fatigues. They look really nice on you. Very...militaristic."

"Thanks," Syl said, amused, as she peered over Max's shoulder at the device in her hands. "He was right though, when he said debugged...that's a bug, not just a tracking device," she pointed. "Someone wanted to know what you were saying and where you were going."

"You should let Logan get a look at that. He loves that kind of thing, don't you Logan?" Alec called, desperation tingeing his voice. "Logan? You wanna come out here and give us a hand, techno-wiz?" 

"Yeah, he does, but the part I'm still not getting is the part that involves you touching my bike," Max replied, crossing her arms. "You have any kind of explanation for that?"

Original Cindy rolled her eyes. "Since all pretty boy here seems like he can do is flap his lips, I'll lay it down for you, boo. Alec made a lil' mistake with your baby  now, don't go flippin' out, cuz it's all better and shiny clean, but...well, he kinda borrowed the bike for a ride or two and it fell into the hands of a coupla no-goods."

Alec held up placating hands. "But it's back, Max, it's back. Let's focus on that. It's back. And, hey, she rode on it, too!" He pointed at Original Cindy, who shrugged.

Only coz he told me it was square with my boo, which it wasnt, she defended herself. And Id never have touched it without hearin some kind of okay, from you, Max, and you know it.

Max nodded, glaring angrily at Alec who stepped away from her, toward the door, falling back on his original statement. No harm no foul, right? The bikes back, Max, and no worse for the wear, right?

"And that is the only reason I'm not going to kill you right here and now, Alec," Max hissed at him. "'Course that doesn't mean you don't deserve it, which you do!"

"Max, is everything okay?" Logan asked, wheeling into the hallway with Krit right behind him. 

"Logan! I'm so glad to see you!" Alec said, happily.

"Alec," Logan nodded by way of greeting. "What's going on?"

"He stole her bike, lost it, got it back, and found a tracking device on it," Syl explained, shooting a glance at Original Cindy. "That about sum it up?"

"More or less, sugah," she agreed. 

"What she left out is that Alec is going to be paying for this for the rest of his life!" Max bit off, glaring. 

Syl laughed. Yeah, I did forget that part.

But, Syl, thats the best part, Krit said, smothering a grin.

I think so too, Max agreed, crossing her arms. 

I told you I should have just made something up, Alec muttered to Original Cindy, whose only answer was a smack to the back of his head.

 

Logans Penthouse - 10:00 PM

"So whaddya got?" Max asked, leaning against the desk and looking down at Logan, who was still inspecting the device Alec had found on her bike. 

"Syl's right...it's a bug and a tracking device. Neat little gizmo...satellite operated so whoever put this there can just hone in whenever they want to and locate you to within ten feet. Works a little bit like GPS, but with the extra added advantage of relaying everything you say along with your coordinates." 

"Great, but who put it there and why? I'm betting it wasn't my fan club or anything." 

"I can't tell you who put it there yet, but what I can tell you is that there are probably very few companies in the world who make these," he said, gesturing toward the metal on his desk, "so I'll probably be able figure out where it came from pretty quickly. The why's pretty obvious, I'd say." Logan sobered, turning towards her again. "Someone's after you."

"Again," Max said, rolling her eyes. "It must be Tuesday. I know, I know, watch my back." She smiled tenderly. "I always do. So you ready to go?"

"Max, I think I should stay and figure this out..." he said, gesturing toward the desk. "I don't want our newest bad guy to get ahead of me."

"I figured you'd say as much," she said with a shrug, "especially when you didn't start packing everything in sight an hour and a half ago. It's okay, Syl, Krit, and I can handle it."

"Hey now," Logan said, smiling as he reached around behind himself to grasp a file, "you promised that we would help them, and we are going to." 

An answering smile wreathing her features, Max took the folder. "What's this?"

"Passes to get you past state lines and into California. Until you get there you're a news team from Vancouver going to cover the story. There's also a graph of the rebel army's recent movements, so you should be able to plot a pretty stress-free drive to their headquarters." 

She grinned, holding up a yellow sticky note. "And there's a reminder for me to drink more water, too."

"Sometimes you forget," Logan said with a sheepish shrug. 

Max leaned down to kiss him, even as she mussed his hair playfully. "I'll see you tomorrow, and don't worry, I'll be sure to keep hydrated."

Hey, Max...? Logan called after her.

What?

I was wondering... he started, before shaking his head, smiling. Never mind. Just be...

Careful, I know, she said, grinning. Dont worry; Ill come home, safe and sound.

Yeah, he murmured, watching her go. Come home.

END OF ACT II

Portland, Oregon  Saturday, February 5, 2022, noon

Rain poured down onto the hood of the van, and Max stretched her legs in the passenger seat. "When are they going to get here?"

Syl shrugged. "Zack said we'd meet up here at noon, so he should be here any minute."

"Well, I'd say that he's a little late," Max noted, glancing at the clock on the dashboard, which read 12:05. "But that would disrupt the universe and go against all that is Zack."

"Syl, you don't think that...?" Krit said from the back seat.

"No...I'm sure Zane was able to..." Syl answered, dismay evident.

Max looked from Syl to Krit, confused. "Wanna clue me in on that subtext?"

"It's all you, Krit," Syl said with a smirk.

"Before we left for Seattle I sort of...locked Zack into a closet."

"With Jondy," Syl clarified. 

"You were right," Max said after a long, astonished moment. "He is going to kill you, and Jondy'll help."

"I hadn't even thought of that..." Krit said, blanching. 

"Well, you better start thinking about it, coz here they come," she replied, watching as three figures made their way toward the van.

"Do they look angry?"

"I can't really tell through the pouring rain," Max answered, covering a smile. 

Krit flopped himself back against the seat with a sigh. "Damn."

Zane opened the door to the van and crawled into the seat behind Krit, whispering, "Run," in his ear as he did so.

"Can't," Krit replied as Zack pinned him with a glare. "Big Brother is watching."

Zack ignored him. "Hey, Max," he said, following Zane. 

"Hey, Zack, Zane," she called, smiling at them in the rearview mirror as Jondy sat next to Krit. "Hi, Jondy."

"Hi, Max," she said distractedly, punching Krit in the shoulder, hard. 

"Ouch!" he yelped. "That hurt!"

"Jondy," Zack growled, "not before the mission. Later. After I get him."

Syl grinned. "You owe me two Russian explosives, Krit."

"Don't mind them," Zane said to Max, "they're always like this."

"Yeah?" Max asked softly, an almost wistful expression on her face. "Must be crazy."

"Total asylum," Jondy agreed, still glaring at Krit. "Complete with self-destructive psychos."

"Let's get this loony bin on the road and roll out," said Max.


Outside Military Headquarters, California  7:30 PM

Max slunk along the chain link fence, followed by the other X5s. She motioned to Zack for a pair of clippers, and he handed them to her. After cutting through the fence, she held it back, and made her way inside the perimeter. 

"Where to next?" Zane asked in a whisper after they'd all made it through. 

She squinted at the buildings around them, and then nodded decisively. "That one," she said, pointing. "That's where I was held, and their head honcho-type, General Turner, was there, too. Gotta figure thats where the command center is."

Then that's where we're headed," Zack said. "We'll follow you, Maxie."

The group of transgenics made their way cautiously to the building, using lengthening shadows to their advantage, and reached the door to the building without incident. "The question is, do we go up or through?" she asked her companions, grinning saucily and gesturing toward a window a story up. 

"Through," Jondy said, reaching into her back pocket and kneeling in front of the door. "I've never met the lock I couldn't pick, and I'm not in the mood for a climb."

Krit nodded. "I'll second that. I hate climbing. Do your thing, Jondy."

"Pretty slipshod defenses theyve got here," Zack commented, looking around. 

"Gift horse, mouth, Zack," Zane said with a shake of his head. 

"All I'm saying is that they don't have nearly enough sentries, and the spotlight sweeps of the courtyard are too irregular to show any intruders. Besides, there should be someone standing guard by this door," Zack said with professional disdain. 

Max laughed. "Do you ever stop waiting for the other shoe to drop?"

"No, he doesn't," Jondy said with a smile as she pushed the door open, but all of them froze at the sound of sirens. 

"Thing is, he's usually right," Syl said grimly.

"I knew it was too easy," Zack cursed. "Max, you take Jondy and Zane and find the command center. We need to know where the troops are, and how many theyve got. And if there are any conscripts 

Well take care of it, Zack, Max promised.

He nodded. Good. Syl, Krit, you stay with me, and we'll distract the soldiers. Now!"


Logans Penthouse  7:30 PM

Need any help over there? Alec called out. 

Logan looked up from his computer to see Alec sprawled on the sofa, beer in one hand and what appeared to be a bowl of Jell-O in the other. Raising an eyebrow, he smirked. Wouldnt want to disturb you.

Nah, its okay, man, Alec replied, sauntering into the computer room. He placed the Jell-O on the desk next to Logans keyboard. Watcha got so far?

You mind moving that, Alec? Logan looked pointedly at the bowl. Gelatin... he muttered. Clearing his throat, he continued. After you and the others left last night, I ran a trace on the tracking devices serial number and found out its made by a company called Laughlin Summers, Ltd.

Lemme guess. Now youre hacking into their files to see what you can find out. Alec grabbed a nearby chair and plopped it beside Logan, straddling it and leaning his arms on the back. 

Something like that. Logan continued tapping on the keyboard, files whizzing by on the screen. This is going to take awhile, he mumbled. 

Alec nodded, watching the computer intently. So it looks like you cleaned up the place, he offered. When Logan didnt respond, he tried again. Half your closet is empty.

Why were you in the closet, Alec?

I got bored.

If youre so bored, then whyve you been hanging out here for the last two hours? Logan asked, pushing back from the desk and going into the kitchen. And stay out of my bedroom.

Alec threw up his hands, following Logan. Sorry, man, just tryin to find a way to pass the time.

And that wouldnt involve being at your own place?

Too quiet, Alec admitted. 

Opening the refrigerator door, Logan pulled out the salad he had made earlier. Well, since youre here, you want some dinner?

You mean Im actually going to get to experience...what is it? A Cale Culinary Miracle? No way Im gonna pass that opportunity up.


Military Headquarters, California

Max watched from behind the corner as a uniformed guard leaned against the wall, relaxing. Using her telescopic vision, Max checked that the room was empty. She turned to Jondy and Zane and with a series of hand gestures she signaled for them to follow her lead. They nodded and she slipped along the corridor, quietly.

The guard didnt even notice her until she was standing right in front of him. Confusion flitted across his features. What...who are you? What are you doing here? he sputtered.

Max smiled brightly in response. Hi, she said cheerfully, you know, maybe if you werent standing in front of that door we could have a long and fulfilling conversation about the merits of military conscription and how much it sucked that your bosses tried to put a bomb in the back of my head. But, you are, so I guess I just have no choice. Sorry. 

She felled him with a left hook to the jaw, before turning and signaling Jondy and Zane to join her.

Good thing you dont hold a grudge, Jondy said wryly, looking at the man on the floor. 

Max shrugged in response, a small smile on her face.

Zane smiled, amused, and held the door open. After you, he said, waving the women into the room before him. 

The room was filled with maps and computers, and the desks were littered with printouts. Max surveyed the room before nodding, This has got to be the place. Only a command center could look quite this hectic with no one in it.

Experience? Jondy asked as Max settled in behind one of the computers. 

Max nodded. More than I wanted, she responded, typing quickly and then frowning as the computer beeped its displeasure loudly. Damn it, this is password protected. I knew it was too much to hope it wouldnt be.

Too bad its not like a safe where you can hear the click as you get to the right numbers, Zane complained as he pulled up a chair beside her. Whats the name of the Senator who proposed the bill to secede? he asked.

Beats me, Max replied, biting her lower lip in thought. I wonder...

What? Jondy asked, glancing from the screen to Max as Maxs fingers flew over the keyboard again. This time access was granted. How did you know that?

I was wondering if Turner was as much of an egotistical jerk as he seemed like, and turns out he is, Max said, smiling smugly. The passwords his name.

Well, heres to General Turner, Zane quipped, grinning, may he live long and prosper.

Max typed for several seconds more, and entry and exit records came up on the screen before her. A couple of convoys left early this afternoon, headed northeast...doesnt make any sense if theyre going to Texas.

Good news, Jondy agreed, before reaching out to touch the screen. But it looks like theyre getting ready to send out a new convoy, through the southern exits, here and here, she pointed. Could be trouble.

Especially coz almost everyone in those convoys is a transgenic, Max agreed, grimly. 

Look here, though, Zane said leaning in. Theyre mostly conscripts  see? He pointed at the records. I still dont get how theyre getting the conscripts to do things against their will, unless theyve got some PSYOPs staff here. 

No, they dont have PSYOPs but they do have another toy from good ol Manticore, Max said, lips twisting. They use these mini-bombs. They put them right at the base of your skull, and tell you that if you don't do what they say they'll make your head go kabluey.

Jondys eyes met hers as sudden understanding washed over both of them, and Max nodded slowly, starting to smile as she continued. So we destroy the detonation device, and they don't have a leg to stand on, threat wise. We let this convoy know the threat's gone, and we get the hell out of Dodge and return to our regularly scheduled programming." 

"But that leaves those mini-bombs inside of them!" Zane protested. "Am I the only one who doesn't think that sounds wise?"

"What else are we going to do, Zane?" Jondy asked him. "Once theyre free, they'll find someone to take care of it."

"It's not like we've got a whole lot of options," Max agreed, continuing, "I don't like it either, though."

"As long as we're all in agreement," Zane muttered, holding open the door to the second story. "Let's go break some detonators."

"Amen, my brutha," Max said, standing. As they stepped over the passed-out guard in the hallway, she grabbed his walkie-talkie and the three transgenics crept stealthily toward the lab.

"How'd you get out of here when they conscripted you, Max?" Jondy asked her as they proceeded along the hallway. 

"Logan," Max said with a private smile. "He saved my ass."

"Seems like a good guy," Jondy observed, noting Max's expression. 

"The best," Max agreed, her smile growing a little. "The lab's up here, on the right."


Logans Penthouse 

So why is this place so tidy? 

Shouldnt you be out finding a way to make it up to Max that you got her bike stolen? Logan asked in exasperation. 

You think flowersll do?

Youre just lucky she didnt kill you on the spot, Logan replied, wheeling away from the table. Im going to check those files.

So what are we looking for? Alec asked, walking up behind Logan and leaning over to get a better view of the monitor.

Logan shook his head. Not really sure. But Ill know it when I see it. He began scrolling quickly through the Laughlin Summers Ltd. files, his fingers flying over the keyboard.

Whoa. Go back, Alec said suddenly. There, open that one. He pointed to a file labeled Neural Implants. Logan clicked it open, and names and numbers rapidly rolled down the screen. 

They turned to each other, mouths hanging open. Logan was the first to break the silence.

Oh my God.


Military Headquarters, California

Zane crunched the last detonation device beneath the heel of his boot, and grinned up at Max and Jondy. One freed convoy, coming up, he said.

Max nodded, smiling as she lifted the walkie-talkie to her lips. This is a message for the convoys currently leaving base, do you read me?

There was a moment of static before a deep masculine voice answered her. We read you, base. Over.

This is X5-452, Max said, with a message for all the conscripts. The bombs they used to coerce you into fighting have been disabled, repeat, the bombs are disabled. Youre free. Do you copy?

The static lasted longer this time, before the voice returned. How do I know youre telling the truth?

Max clenched her jaw for a moment, thinking before going to reply and another message came crackling over the air. All units to lab, ordered the irate voice of General Turner, intruders!

Before Max could say anything, the convoys voice reappeared. Theres my answer...Thank you, and then the line went dead, except for Turners orders. 

"Mission accomplished, Zane said, as they re-entered the hallway and rushed toward the stairwell. Lets just skip to the get the hell out of Dodge part of the plan and be on our merry way, because unless my ears are playing tricks, I think I hear the pitter patter of booted feet."

"Too late," Jondy said, looking down the stairs at the approaching soldiers. "Company's here."

Max grabbed the banister and flipped across the stairway to kick two soldiers, knocking them to the ground. She elbowed another man in the head, and finished him off with a roundhouse kick to the chest. 

Jondy engaged another of the soldiers, kicking his gun out of his hand and scooping it up in her own with one smooth motion before using the butt of it to knock him out.

"Guess you boys heard about the party down here," Max said with a coy smile as she aimed a couple of quick kicks at the ribs of another soldier, before whirling and head butting the next man. He struggled to stand, but she lifted him easily and tossed him at the wall. "Uh-uh. Once youre down, you stay down. Them's the rules."

Zane waded through the fight, simply tossing offending soldiers at the wall hard enough to disable them, throwing a punch only when a man shot off a round at Zane, who ducked and broke the mans arm. "Not very sporting. I was unarmed. You're lucky I'm the forgiving type."

"I'm not," Jondy said, hitting the last standing soldier in the head with the butt of the Kalashnikov she'd stolen. 

"Let's get out of here," Max said, pushing hair out of her face. The three ran out of the complex at top speed, and outside several Humvees filled with transgenics changed course and sped away from the Army of California. 

************

"What took you?" Zack asked as they got into the car. 

"Ran into a welcoming party," Max responded, slamming the door. 

"What happened in there?" Syl asked, raising both brows. 

Not really anything to work up a sweat over, Zane assured her. Three squads had already set out, but they werent headed anywhere toward Texas.

"Do you know where they were going? Zacks brow wrinkled with his frown. 

No, Max told him, but they were headed north and east.

They might just have been going to fortify the border, Jondy offered optimistically. 

Yeah, Max said, looking out the window, maybe they were, but I wish we knew for sure.


Logans Penthouse

Look at all this! Logan exclaimed, letting out a low whistle. Laughlin Summers Ltd. is involved in developing neural implant technology.

So they make those gizmos that block pain. You stick em in your neck and bam, youre a super soldier, Alec stated. 

Thatd be the ones. Logan looked at Alec. And who uses them?

A grin spread across Alecs face. Now I do believe that answer would be the South Africans. The Reds vs. the Transgenics, current score oh-for-two. Do I get a prize?

I think theres a rubber chicken around here somewhere.

Laughing loudly, Alec dropped into his chair. How does this get us any closer to finding out who put the bug on Maxs ride?

Gimme a sec, and I might just have that answer, Logan answered, clicking around some more. Bingo. Purchase records. And would you look at that?

What?

It appears they are stored in a warehouse down by the waterfront. Logan turned to Alec. Would a little burglary add some spice to your night?

Logan, buddy, you ju... Alec was interrupted by the ringing of a phone. 

Not mine, Logan stated. Alec got up and fished his phone out of his jacket pocket.

Yeah? he answered. "Hey...Nah, I'm not busy...Talk? Alec glanced furtively in Logans direction. Do we have to?...Fine. Ten minutes. See ya then. Alec snapped his phone shut. Uh, Logan, my good man, I gotta blaze. 

Woman trouble? Logan asked, his mouth curling into a grin.

You could say that, Alec responded sheepishly. He shuffled his feet, looking around the room, and then sighed. Asha, he confessed. 

Logans eyebrows shot up. Youve got your hands full with that one.

Youre one to talk, Alec snorted, then paused. So, um, can this wait until tomorrow?

Go on. Max and the others should be on their way back by now. Im sure they wont mind swinging by there on their way home.

Alec clapped Logan on the back. Then Im out. Later.

Picking up his phone to dial Max, Logan was surprised when it rang in his hand. Hello?...Hey yourself. Hows my favorite cat burglar?...Mission go all right?...Well, at least its something...So you guys tired?...Thats good, because I have a favor to ask...

END OF ACT III

Seattle Waterfront, Sector 9  Sunday, February 6, 2022, 3:00 AM

"I really hate boats. There's all that water, and the swaying, and the waves. Not a good scene," Syl muttered to Max as the group of X5s parked the van outside of the harbor and got out, creeping along the asphalt. "We're not going to have to get on any boats, are we?"

"Nope. We're just looking for the Laughlin Summers Ltd. warehouse, down by the loading docks where the foreign ships come in," Max responded. "Then we sneak in, around a couple dozen sailors and whatever security they may have, steal a few records, and sneak out."

"No boats," Krit said encouragingly, squeezing Syl's shoulder. "Just fighting."

"And Max isn't a fan of firepower, so it's going to be hand-to-hand, too, isn't that right, Maxie?" Zack asked, a faintly teasing tone to his voice.

"Straight up ass-kicking on dry land," Max confirmed. 

"I can do that," Syl said, nodding. "Ass-kicking is always okay."

"Atta girl." Zane wrapped an arm around Syl, smiling broadly.

Jondy turned toward Max, questioningly. "So where's the ship's home port?"

"South Africa, I guess." Max shrugged. "That's where the company's based, anyway. Ready for a good fence jumping, guys?"

"Always," Jondy replied, grinning and leaping over the barbed wire, straightening, and then turning to Max, who had followed her over. "That's so much fun."

The others landed quietly. 

"Does this count as 'skulking,' Zane?" Krit asked as they walked through the shadows. "Coz I feel like I'm skulking."

"Yeah, I'm getting a skulk vibe, too," Syl concurred.

"Oh, this is a definite skulk, all right," Zane responded, teeth flashing in the dark. "No two ways about it."

"What?" Max laughed. "What are you two talking about?"

"Zane's been trying to improve our vocabularies," Zack told her, sounding exasperated. "Says all of us need to expand our literary horizons, or something like that." 

"He's into teaching by example. Every time we do something, he points out a few choice words to describe it," Jondy expanded, rolling her eyes. "It's...informative."

"It's annoying," Zack clarified. 

"I'll bet," Max said, shaking her head and pausing as she caught sight of a large warehouse up ahead. She zoomed in on the lettering on the side of building with her telescopic vision. It read Laughlin Summers Ltd. "Damn," she muttered, as she noted the men loitering around the exits, and entering the building. "The place is crawling."

"I see about...twenty men outside. Figure there's probably about twenty more inside. We could take them all, among the six of us," Zack observed.

"Yeah, but that's the hard way," Max responded. "And I think I know what the easy way might be.

************

Two men leaned against the wall by the door to the warehouse, smoking cigarettes and talking while three others sat around a folding card table, drinking coffee. Max, hiding behind a pile of wooden crates, turned and gave Krit a nod. He turned and signaled to Zack and within seconds, Jondy's scream filled the night.

At the noise, the men stood, alarmed. She screamed again, yelling desperately for help, and all the men outside abandoned the warehouse in an attempt to find her. Max turned to Krit and Syl and smiled. "Let's go steal some records."

"Lead on, cowgirl," Krit said with a gesture towards the warehouse. "We'll just mosey on after you."

Syl rolled her eyes, and followed as they slunk into the building. 

"Where are the records, Max?" Syl asked as they ducked into an empty room to avoid notice as a group of employees walked through the hall.

"Third floor, by a window, so we can get out and break up the little 'lover's spat' going on by the loading docks."

How do you know that? Syl asked, intrigued. Did Logan get all of that off of his computer?

Nope, Max replied, hes got a friend whos been there before. A guy named Sebastian.

Krit grinned. "This whole diversion was a classic idea, by the way, Maxie. Zane, the jealous husband, Jondy the adulterous wife, and Zack, the cabana boy. Sounds like something off a pre-Pulse talk show."

"You watch too much TV, Krit," Max said with a shake of her head, "but thanks. I liked it. The coast is clear...let's get this bitch on."

They slipped back into the corridor and edged along cautiously, until they reached the stairs. 

"Third floor?" Krit asked, looking up. "And we're not taking the elevator?"

"You're a genetically engineered couch potato, you know that?" Syl said disgustedly.

"C'mon, lazybones," Max said, smiling. "Whatever happened to duty, mission, discipline?"

"I chucked that motto. The new one is 'use the elevator,'" Krit told her jokingly as they headed up the stairs.

"I'll stay outside and stand watch," Krit said as they neared the room. "If I see anyone, I'll tap on the glass."

"Okay," Max nodded, as she punched the password that Logan had provided her into the keypad and opened the door. "You take that filing cabinet, I'll take this one," Max said to Syl, who nodded.

They rifled through the files for a few silent minutes until Max grinned. "Gotcha. Let's get out of here."

"Sounds good to me," Syl said, opening the door, only to have Krit fall into the room. "Trouble?" she asked mildly, raising her brows.

"Sorry, I was going to knock on the window. People are headed up the stairs, and they'll be here any minute. Out that window, ladies."

Max looked out the window, and swore. "We've gotta go back the way we came," she told the other two grimly. "Unless you two really feel like jumping into a glass compactor."

"I think I'll take a pass on that." Syl frowned. "Guess it's time for the ass-kicking you mentioned before."

"Guess so," Max nodded. 

There were three security guards waiting for them in the hallway. Max took the first one out with a roundhouse kick to the stomach, twisting and delivering a hook to the guard on his right as she did so. Krit lifted the last man and slammed him into the wall.

Max, Krit, and Syl wasted no time after that, blurring down the stairwell, out the front door, and into the cover of darkness. 

"Got the files?" Krit asked, as they signaled Zane. 

"You even have to ask?" Max said, pulling the folder out of her jacket. "I'm a pro at this kind of thing."

"So you do this often?" Syl asked, watching as Jondy, Zack, and Zane walked toward them.

Max laughed. "You could say that."

Where to next? Jondy asked brightly as they approached. Any more adventures up your sleeve, Maxie?

Zane groaned. Not all of us can stay up all night and smile about it, J, he complained. 

Max laughed, watching as Krit rubbed tiredly at his eyes, and Syl slumped against him. You guys just dont have any stamina.

Well make it back to headquarters without a problem, Zack said. We can switch off driving.

Why bother? Max asked. You can just go ahead and crash at Logans when we bring him the stuff we found. Im sure he wont mind.

I dont think that  Zack began, but Krit cut him off.

Logans my new hero. Can we go right now? The idea of a bed sounds incredibly appealing.

Cmon, Max said, gesturing toward the van with a smile. Itll be like a slumber party, except Jondy and I wont sleep.

Well go out and paint the town while you four snore away, Jondy teased, linking arms with Max.


Logans Penthouse  10:00 AM

Logan looked up, surprised when he heard the click of the door opening. He leaned back in his chair, and caught a glimpse of a smiling Max and Jondy slipping into the penthouse. 

"Hey," he called quietly to the pair. 

"Hey yourself," Max answered, turning toward him. 

"Hi," Jondy echoed, with a small wave. "Where should I put these?" she asked, lifting a bag.

"I don't know, what are they?" Logan asked.

"We managed to score a couple dozen eggs and some mushrooms," Max told him happily. "We're thinkin' omelets for breakfast, and Jondy'll even make them. Where's everyone else?"

"Still sleeping. Those can go in the refrigerator. You cook?" Logan asked Jondy.

She laughed. "Not really, but I slice really well. Ill do all of that.

"And then you'll make Krit and Zane take over, right?" Max grinned. 

"It's an equal opportunity kitchen," Jondy responded with a sly smile. "And Krit's in the doghouse."

"You sure it's a good idea to let him loose around food?" Logan asked. "If he's anything like this one, he pointed to Max, then we're more likely to get burnt egg than anything edible."

"Oh, it'll be edible. That's what Zane's for," Jondy called over her shoulder, walking into the kitchen.

"Hey!" Max protested, smacking him lightly on the shoulder. "I made you pasta tricolore once upon a time. Well, okay, I boiled the water for it, but thats really the important part. Not that you bothered to try it. You were too busy with saving the world and all." She nodded toward the desk. "So what are you up to so early in the morning, Mr. Cale?"

"Why, looking at the records you procured for me last night, Ms. Guevara," Logan answered flirtatiously. 

"Anything helpful?"

"Actually, yes...I only just started looking at these but, Max, that tracking device that was on your bike was part of a very large wholesale purchase." 

"Yeah?" she asked, leaning over his shoulder to look down at the file. "What else was in that purchase?"

"More tracking devices, ammunition, artillery...and enough for a private army," he muttered, head shooting up as his eyes went wide with realization, and he turned toward Max. "A private army like the Army of the Republic of California."

"What's the name of the purchaser?" she asked, urgently.

"Doesn't list a name, just an account number," he said, turning toward the computer. "So it's got to be a long standing customer, one that's bought things on the books, not just off the books, like the tracking device."

"What does that mean?" 

"It means that if I can just get into the client list for Laughlin Summers, Ltd., then I should be able to get a name," Logan told her distractedly as he pounded away on his keyboard. "Bingo, I'm in...now...read me the account number? It's on the upper left hand side of the first page."

"84224," Max read. 

"84224...here we go." Logan froze. "You're not going to believe this."

"What? Who is it, Logan?" 

He turned toward her, a tight half-smile on his face. "All checks for account 84224 are signed by the Defense Department."

"You know, I think I've heard the words Department of Defense more in the past couple of days than I have in six months. They've just got their fingers in everything these days, don't they?" she asked sourly. "First they put a pair of eyes and ears on my bike, and now this. You think that, somehow, they're behind the rebels in California? Do you think the two could be connected? I mean, I did get co-opted into the whole Army of Whatever they've got going on down there."

"I don't know if there's a connection. I don't even know if they're involved in the uprising. In fact, there's only one way to know that at all." Logan turned back to his computer. "All of the purchases are listed by serial number here, so I'd have to have something to compare against."

"Hang on a minute," Max told him, walking into the kitchen where Jondy was cutting mushrooms. "The gun you took last night, when we were in California, where is it?"

"I think it's in the guest bedroom, propped against the wall," she responded, confused, calling, "Why?" after Max, but she was ignored. 

Max burst into the room without any care for the sleeping Syl, who sat up, blinking, as Max tossed clothing around the room, looking for the gun. 

"Wha's goin' on?" Syl asked, rubbing her eyes. 

"Nothing, go back to sleep," Max responded absently, before grinning with triumph. "Found it." She strode back into the office, Kalashnikov in hand. "Check the serial number on this one, Logan."

He did so without asking why, or where the gun had come from. "It matches," he told her, looking up in surprise.

"Figured," Max said, shaking her head. 

"What's going on?" Jondy asked from the doorway into the kitchen, Syl trailing behind her, just as Zack, Zane, and Krit appeared in the other doorway. 

"What is going on?" Krit asked, rubbing a hand over his eyes. "And do I smell food?"

"Yeah, you do, and you're finishing making it," Jondy informed him, "but not until Max and Logan explain what the deal with the gun is."

That gun you took from the Army of the Republic of California was bought by the Department of Defense, and so were hundreds of other arms that Id be pretty willing to guess are being used down there in defense of the secession as well, Logan stated.

Zane whistled. "Wheels within wheels...but you know, before we left, Lydecker said something about somebody trying to inflame the war."

"He did?" Logan asked, raising brows with interest. "What did he say?"

"A lot of stuff, mostly just paranoid, patriotic type ramblings," Zack cut in. "But we're going to want to get back soon, and tell him about this. There might have been something to what he was saying after all."

"Yeah, I should head home after breakfast, too," Max said, nodding. 

"No, don't leave." Logan impulsively reached out, grabbing her hand. "I mean, I... he looked toward the amassed X5s. Can we...can we have a moment?

Jondy smiled, even as her troubled eyes noted the stiffening of Zack's shoulders, and she gestured toward the kitchen, "C'mon, Krit and Zane are making omelets. The news seemed to energize Syl, who headed enthusiastically toward the promised food. The others followed less eagerly.

Logan, is everything okay? Max asked as he continued to fidget nervously. Are you alright?

Yeah, yeah, nothing like that...I just... Logan took a deep breath before continuing on. I just think that perhaps it would be better for you if we...you know, consolidated. Residences, I mean. He winced.

What are you talking about? Her face crinkled with confusion. 

Max, I want you to move in with me, he burst out. Ive been trying to ask you all week.

Maxs expression softened, and she smiled, fully. Yeah?

Yeah, Logan said, smiling back. So? What do you think? Want to consolidate?

Sounds pretty complicated, she teased. I might need to think about it.

He laughed, and ducked his head. I did a pretty bad job, huh?

"Kinda," she told him, "but I think I'm going to go ahead and say yes anyway."

"I must have been nervous," Logan said, pulling her toward him for a tender kiss. 

"Yeah, well, I guess Im just a soft touch, coz it worked anyway," she murmured against his lips.

You? A soft touch? Never. Girls kick ass, right? Logan laughed. 

Damn straight.


Max and Original Cindys Apartment  2:00 PM

"Mornin'," Original Cindy said, tying the sash on her kimono and yawning. "You are just way too chipper for this hour of day." 

"Morning? Its two in the afternoon! Max protested.

Original Cindy shrugged. Its my day off. The whole damn day is morning if I say so.

Whatever, Max laughed, tossing clothing into a box. Hey, have you seen my blue shirt? You know the one with the zipper? I've been looking for it for days."

"It's over here on the clothesline, dryin' off," Original Cindy said, leaning against the doorframe. "You're goin', ain't you? Movin' the little bit of stuff you have left here over to your Logans place, am I right?"

Max turned, a slight smile on her face. "Yeah, he asked me to move in with him. I was going to tell you when you woke up."

"Congratulations, girl. I'm happy for you, but if it doesn't work out up there, you know that Original Cindy's always got your back, and this is your home whenever you want it to be, aiight?" 

"I hear you, I hear you," Max said, smiling again. "I know you've got my back."

"Always, sugah, and don't you go forgettin' it, neither. So things with you and Logan are back on track?" 

"Yeah, after everything it looks like we're finally getting things together, you know? Getting the chance to be normal people." Max laughed and amended her statement. "Well, you know, as close as it gets for us. But, yeah everything's finally...in place." Max turned, and gave her friend a searching glance. "What about you? How are you doing?"

"You know me, I bounce back," Original Cindy shrugged, but stopped, dropping the brave face. "It's hard. She's out there somewhere, and she's thinkin' about me, and I'm thinkin' about her, and we can't have one another coz of somebody I don't even know. I'm angry, but I don't know who to be angry with, and it don't matter anyway, coz I'm still gonna be all alone."

Max hugged her, tightly. "You're not all alone. You've got me, always, boo. I know it's not the same, but..."

"I know you're here, and it means more than you know. More than you know," she said, hugging Max back. 

"Do you want me to stay?" Max asked, concerned. "Maybe you shouldn't be alone right now..."

Original Cindy pulled back, and put her hands on her hips. "Max Guevara, don't you dare be an idiot. You been waitin' too long for things between you and Logan to sort themselves out.  You deserve this happiness more than anybody I know. So you go out there, and you grab it, y'hear me?"

"I just want you to know that I'm there for you, whenever you need me. Just coz I don't live here anymore, doesn't mean that you can't come to me whenever. I don't sleep, remember?" Max's eyes were still dark with worry, but her lips had started to curve upward. "I've got your back too, right?"

"I remember. It just took me a lil' while this time around," Original Cindy replied, smiling. "And you know I'm gonna take you up on that."

"I wouldn't expect anything different," Max laughed.

"Good, now that that's settled, let's get you packed."

END OF ACT IV

Logan and Maxs Penthouse  7:00 PM

So you really think the DoD is tryin to inflame a war?

Logan glanced up from his plate. Somethings going on there, Max. 

Yeah, Max sighed. Its just...we werent at war in Terminal City, but thats what California was. War. And if its gonna get bigger, then I gotta start thinkin about me and mine.

Logan nodded. One thing I still dont get. Why track and bug you? What did they want to find out?

I dunno. Max shook her head. Maybe they wanted to see what my daysre like? 

Your days are certainly more interesting than most peoples.

Straight up, she laughed. Eyes Only and the Chimera. We could have our own TV show or something.

Fighting crime, protecting the downtrodden? he joked.

She lifted her wine glass and leaned over to clink his. To us.

Logan smiled, pushing back from the table. So how did Original Cindy take the news? 

Shes cool with it. Said something bout Sugar Daddy best be makin sure my boo is on time to work.

Well, you know. If you do your chores the night before, that wont be a problem.

Chores! Max exclaimed. 

Chores, Logan repeated, biting his lower lip in an attempt to keep from laughing. So youre going to do all the laundry, right?

Max balled up her linen napkin and threw it across the table at him. Only if you want pink underwear! But I might consider trading if you scrub the toilet.

Hey, I already do all the cooking.

And I fix the vehicles, Max countered. So were even. She stood up, taking her wine with her. Im going back to the bedroom, she grinned. You comin?

He watched as she sauntered down the hall, and then wheeled into the computer room and picked up a large box, balancing it on his lap, before following her down the hall. 

This is the last one, Max, Logan said, setting the box in the corner with the others. 

How come I only get two drawers? she pouted playfully.

Logan tugged her into his lap. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her lips gently, pulling away to run the back of his hand across her cheek. You can take as many as you need. But dont forget, you get half the closet as well.

Im gonna need all that room for my bike, she teased.

He shook his head and grinned. You know, there is a parking garage downstairs. 

Yeah, but I dont trust our neighbors. She cocked her head and winked at him. 

Logan laughed. Welcome home, Max. 


END OF EPISODE 3.19

