EPISODE 4.02 - KICKING ASS AND TAKING NAMES

Written by: catherder, Rajana, M/L Only

Lydecker is determined to destroy the Committee for once and for all, but Logan is less than impressed with his methods, causing friction between him and Max. Will Logan be willing to sacrifice his ideals to achieve this end? What other schemes does Lydecker have up his sleeve?

~~~~~~

You have no right to hold me here, Lydecker, McKenzie fumed at him as he approached. I have friends in very high and powerful places wholl...

Who are the other Committee members? Lydecker interrupted him with a total disregard for the other mans blustering.


~~~~~~


This day is a historic one for our fair city, the Mayor began in a dignified voice.

In accordance with the Presidents decree, this day martial law shall be revoked, and the task of keeping the peace shall once again rest firmly upon the shoulders of the local police.

Once again, polite clapping broke out. 

Clemente looked about uneasily and spoke in an undertone to his right hand man, Question is, are the people of this city ready to rule?


~~~~~~


Logan looked at her out of the corner of his eye and his lips twitched as if he were trying to repress a smile. Something lacy, he repeated, the corners of his mouth turning up. And kung pao chicken? How could a man refuse?


~~~~~~


Mole lifted his automatic rifle and, wearing a mirthless smile on his face, peppered the area in front of him, resisting the instinct to duck as a bullet whined perilously close.

Theres too many of them, Dix yelled. 

Mole looked about grimly, quickly analyzing the situation. Theres something strange here. There are enough forces out there to simply rush us. Why are they holding back?


~~~~~~


The prisoner ran his tongue over dry lips, now looking noticeably uneasy as he watched the X5 come forward with cold and calculating purpose.

You ready to die for the cause? Zack asked coldly.

~~~~~~


Max! was all Logan had time to call as a hail of bullets burst from the soldiers M16.


~~~~~~ 

PROLOGUE

Flashbacks:

As produce stalls sold out of fruits and vegetables, people trudged off hungrily, cursing the President and his empty promises. One fruit stand, with plenty of produce still adorning its shelves, was attacked by angry shoppers. 

Whats the use of having fruit available if you cant afford to buy it? a frustrated would-be customer shouted at the vendor, who cowered in the corner of the stall. Where do you get off charging us prices like this?

Its not my fault! the fruit stand owner replied defensively. Everythings expensive these days  fertilizer, fuel for my tractor and my truck to haul produce here, rent for this stall  

At least you have a tractor and a truck! another heckler added.

Yeah, and a job! the first one said.

*****

Logan and Max were eating breakfast, watching the morning news.

Today the President announced the members of his new Law Enforcement Oversight Task Force. I have with me General McKenzie, who has been appointed the new Task Force chairperson, having had a long and illustrious career in the army.

Logan, eventually returning his spoon to the bowl uneaten, mused, Law Enforcement Oversight  and whos gonna oversee them?

*****

That makes $500, Ms McEachin. The woman took Original Cindys piece of paper, looked up the name, and compared it to a list with names she had on her desk. 

Original Cindys eyes grew wide. She raised her eyebrows and looked at the woman in disbelief. Youre kidding me.

*****

Logan inhaled deeply and said firmly. So, when were you planning to tell me this?

Max looked at him, an eyebrow raised. He put up a palm, indicating that he would tell her in a minute.

Dammit, Logan swore. He slammed the phone down into its cradle. 

What? Max asked at last.

Lydecker already knew that McKenzie and Birman were bosom buddies. Apparently he thought we were on a need-to-know basis, and we didn't need to know.

Max sighed. Would it have made any difference? Knowing that, I mean?

I dont know, but thats not the point, is it? Logan replied, explaining it to Max as if she were a small child. The point is that Lydecker withheld information in an investigation  again. 

What did you expect? Lydecker has his own agenda. He always does. And you should know that by now.

*****

Come on, ladies! Thats all? they heard the men shouting. This time Max attacked. She and Ginger continued the punching and kicking for some minutes, until Ginger threw her feet in the direction of Maxs face and made her friend go down to her knees to prevent the collision. In a blur, Max's right leg shot out and kicked Gingers feet. This time Ginger lost her balance, and when Max grabbed her legs to pull them up, she landed hard on her back.

Done! one of the men shouted. Max let go of Ginger and reached out her hand to help her up. The man called out, Thats it. Were done. Testings over. Both men walked out of the gym.

Good thing. If Id wanted to jump through this many hoops, Ida stayed at Manticore, Ginger said, breathing heavily.

*****

Max and Ginger were searching for proof of an employment scam.

Manticore training kicked in as Max and Ginger mounted a two-pronged attack on the beefy guard, kicking and punching from both sides. Whatever his training and background, he wasnt as smart as the X5s and he wasnt as agile either. They poked at his eyes, kicking him, and punching him. Max flipped him over her head by an arm, and he landed on his face, groaning. A couple of shots to the head kept him down long enough for Ginger to rip a printer cord out of the wall and tie him up. 

With both men down, Max and Ginger went back to the files. Lets get out of here as soon as possible, Max said, still breathing hard.

Okay, but Im not finding anything here, Ginger replied, flipping through files.

A quick perusal of the contents of the file cabinet, led Max to admit, Me either.

They shut the file cabinet drawers, and leaving Dumber trussed up on the floor, turned out the light and shut the door. 

*****

Logan leaned closer to the desk and glanced at the monitor. Look, he said, indicating a spot on the screen. The good general is on the Board of Directors of the Transgenic Training Company. And, look here, our friend, Kathryn Birman  and another name that keeps popping up, Harriet Short  are on the board of another company our director fronts. Hmm.

Strange bedfellows?

Very strange. Logan frowned at the screen. Wonder if this company is a front for the Committee?

*****

Putting his hand into his jacket, Logan grasped the handle of his gun, and with a deep breath walked toward the office where presumably his informant would be waiting.

He knocked gently on the door.

You the Eyes Only contact Im supposed to meet? a voice answered.

Yes, Logan answered.

Come on in. 

Logan opened the door warily and stepped inside. He saw neither the gun nor the hand that held it as the butt crashed down on his unprotected head.

******
While Max and Kathryn were fighting, Logan had managed to get his hands free and was working on untying his legs. Working quickly, he undid the intricate knot, freeing the exoskeleton. He rolled out of the way of the fight and attempted to stand up. The exoskeleton creaked and whirred, and as he got to his feet, it shorted out, dropping him to the floor. McKenzie caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and turned the weapon on Logan.

Max, momentarily distracted, took a kick to the jaw from Kathryn. She grabbed Kathryns foot and twisted. Kathryn fell. Max jumped on top of her and delivered a powerful uppercut to the jaw. Kathryn stayed down, knocked out. Max turned to McKenzie, kicking him across the back of the knees. He fell on top of Logan. Logan rolled out from under McKenzies weight, while Max grabbed the general by the collar and hauled him upright. She hit him until he fell again, dropping the gun. Logan picked it up and held it on McKenzie.

Well, what took you so long? Logan asked with a twinkle in his eye.

*****

Kathryn fell sideways, a bullet hole near her ear. Max looked up, puzzled. 

Lydecker stepped out of the shadows, a Ruger in his hand. I couldnt let you come here alone, Max. The two of you had no idea with whom you were dealing.



END OF PROLOGUE

ACT I 

Penthouse  Tuesday, August 30, 2022, 8:30 AM 


Logan was in the office catching up with Sebastian on the webcam. 

Track down any good conspiracy theories lately? Logan asked. 

Sebastians mechanical voice said, Other than the usual stuff  alien abductions and government cover-ups, the French secretly replacing our Cabinet officials with clones  not much. How about you?

Same old, same old. Manticore, the Committee. You know...

Speaking of same old, same old, the tinny voice continued, hows the exoskeleton holding up? The device sat next to Logans desk, an open toolbox nearby.

Old and cranky. It breaks down a lot. One of these days, itll dump me on my ass in public. Logan laughed. On the webcam, Sebastian smiled his crooked smile. 

You know, you really should keep a supply of spare parts available. 

Thanks for the tip. Any ideas on where I might find these spare parts?

I can put the word out with some of my contacts and find you places where you can get them. 

Fine. Do that. And how much is it gonna cost me? 

Logan, Im not talking about places where youd have to pay for parts. A corner of Sebastians mouth curled up into a smile. 

Oh, okay, Logan laughed. Get me the list and Ill see what I can do. Ill catch you later. Logan hung up just as Max wandered in from the bedroom and into the kitchen to grab a cup of coffee and a piece of toast. She looked at him quizzically through the doorway. 

Whatcha up to? 

Just hooking up with Sebastian, Logan replied, opening a search engine. We hadnt talked in a while.

Hows he doin? Max asked.

Not bad, considering. He also offered to help track down parts for the exoskeleton, Logan continued. 

Max made a face. Are you ever gonna just let that thing die? 

Probably not. Why would I? 

Logan. Max sounded exasperated. It doesnt matter to me one way or the other. How many times do I have to tell you that? 

What doesnt matter? Logan asked, looking up from the computer. 

Whether you can walk or not. I barely knew you...before. She sat down next to him in the office chair and carefully put the cup of coffee on the desk. 

Before...I got my ass shot off? 

Yeah, before that. I didnt even like the cocky, arrogant Logan I first met  I was attracted to that Logan, but I didnt like him much. 

Really? was all Logan said. He looked hurt, his eyes cast down. Then he looked up at her again. So, you thought I was cocky and arrogant? 

Yeah. When you came sauntering into Crash like you owned the place, I wondered what I was getting into, Max admitted. And then when you played me in front of that mirror... 

Logan looked thoughtful, then let out a little rueful laugh. Yeah, I guess I was. And I guess it took a bullet in the back to cure me of it. 

Well, I wouldnt say that....Anyway, gotta blaze before Normal has a hissy. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. Later. 

Max got up from the chair, grabbed her backpack, and steered her bike out the door. Logan tinkered with the exoskeleton, but a few minutes later, he put down the tools and packed up the project with a sigh. 

 

Lydeckers HQ  8:45 AM 


Donald Lydecker thoughtfully walked down the wooden steps that led to a small, wet, dimly lit basement and considered the man bound to an uncomfortable looking wooden chair, his arms held fast to the chair arms with leather straps. 

A little different from what youre used to, he told his guest abruptly, looking down at one of the murky, pools of water that lay trapped on the basement floor. Lets hope your stay wont be a long one. 

You have no right to hold me here, Lydecker, McKenzie fumed at him as he approached. I have friends in very high and powerful places wholl... 

Who are the other Committee members? Lydecker interrupted him with a total disregard for the other mans blustering. 

McKenzie snorted, Hah! You think youll get me to expose them? 

Lydecker studied him with a calm arrogance. I only need one of you to break  the rest of you will fold like a pack of cards. 

Lydeckers ice blue eyes held the other mans for a moment longer, then he abruptly turned and walked over to the nearby workbench where McKenzie could clearly see a small box.

Silently, in full view of McKenzie, Lydecker lifted the lid and withdrew a long, thin object and a small bottle.

McKenzies eyes widened a little as he saw the syringe his interrogator was preparing, a thin sheen of sweat starting to break out on his flabby face. 

Pentothal, Lydecker murmured in his gravelly voice. Best I could do at short notice. 

McKenzie swallowed hard and then managed to snarl with contempt, Surely Manticore taught you better than that. 

Lydecker permitted himself something that passed for a smile. Manticore? he queried with irony. You think Manticore taught me? 

McKenzie set his face. I have nothing to tell you. However, he blanched noticeably as Lydecker pulled his sleeve up and inserted the syringe into his arm.

Then I suggest... he paused while he went over to the table, that you think hard. When Lydecker turned around, he held a metal rod that was attached to the power socket by an electrical cable. ...And find something. 

A short while later, Lydecker left the room in search of Zack. 

Prepare for mobilization. Its only a matter of time, Lydecker said curtly to the X5. 

The Committee? asked Zack with a frown. 

Would I provide you with anything less? 

 

Mayors Office  9:00 AM

You ready to roll? The Mayors due out in five, the harried sound technician said to his cameraman.

Im good, was the confident reply as the cameraman double-checked his shot. 

At that moment, the assembled audience of reporters and selected guests broke into polite applause as the Mayor, resplendent in his immaculate suit, took his place at the dais where the Chief of Police and General Light, head of the military in Seattle, awaited the commencement of the ceremony that would officially signify the end of martial law.

Flanking the group on their respective sides stood several rows of army personnel and a few rows of police officers, all standing at attention with solemn faces, pressed uniforms and highly polished boots.

Clemente looked at the assembled crowd with interest from his vantage point where he stood with the other members of his force flanking the dais.

This day is a historic one for our fair city, the Mayor began in a dignified voice.

In accordance with the Presidents decree, this day martial law shall be revoked, and the task of keeping the peace shall once again rest firmly upon the shoulders of the local police.

Once again, polite clapping broke out. 

Clemente looked about uneasily and spoke in an undertone to his right hand man, Question is, are the people of this city ready to rule?


Jam Pony  9:05 AM

Max approached Jam Ponys locker area where Original Cindy had already changed into her bike pants. Hey, OC!

Morning, boo. How's things?

Max rolled her eyes but didnt answer the question. OC grinned at her and asked, Logan?

Yeah, Logan.

Men, Original Cindy said and laughed. Speaking of the Great One... did your boy find a legitimate job training program for me? There must be someone training beauticians in this city.

Scratching her head uncomfortably, Max answered, Im sorry, but Logan has been so busy lately trying to figure out whos behind that job training scam and why and...

...and he didnt have a chance to look for other training programs. I understand, Original Cindy finished the sentence. Dont worry, its all good...

...all the time, Max interrupted laughing and grabbed her backpack, indicating that she was ready to leave. I promise hell look into it as soon as he can.

Together they walked toward Normals desk and Cindy said, I guess when you been doing it this long, working for Normal one week more or less wont make a difference. They had reached the desk and she added in Normals direction, Hear that, Normal?

Their boss held out a package for each of them, muttering, Im so glad Ill be enjoying your company a bit longer. He added, his voice rising, Are you two chatterboxes gonna deliver some packages or keep talking or what?

Max and Cindy exchanged a look, took the packages, and turned to leave.


Penthouse  11:00 AM 

Logan was typing furiously on his keyboard, groaning in frustration every once in a while, when the phone rang. He pushed the button that activated the speaker, and without really interrupting his typing, he said, Yeah?

This is Lydecker.

Logan stopped typing for a moment then asked, What do you want?

Any luck finding out the identities of the rest of the Committee? 

Logan clicked open two files, each of which had a photo and what looked like a short CV beneath it. One file was titled Lang, the other, Selkirk. 

Why do you want to know? And what have you done with McKenzie? he asked.

Im only communicating my plans with those who need to know, and Im afraid youre not on that list, son. Same goes for McKenzie, Im afraid.

Logan shrugged, closing the files and said, Im afraid, he repeated Lydeckers words, emphasizing them, in that case, Im not gonna be able to help you.

Lydeckers voice turned even colder than it had been before. So you have found them.

I have no idea what you're talking about, Logan answered evasively. 

Okay, your choice. But Id like to remind you that you might regret this decision. This is the chance for all of us to finally solve this problem.

Its not on us to find the final solution for this problem, Logan explained. 

Whatever you say, Lydecker said. But you know that those people are above the law. This might be our last chance to get rid of them.

Logan shrugged. Theres always another chance. You don't always have to take the easy way out. Bye, Deck. 

Without waiting for an answer he again pushed the button, breaking the phone connection.


Streets of Seattle  11:45 AM

The military convoy slowly made its way down the barricaded street in Sector 3 on its way out of the city. In front of the barricades, Clemente and a couple of dozen heavily armed police stood watch for any disturbance. Behind the barrier, a mob had gathered, jeering and taunting the soldiers. Every so often, someone flung a piece of rotten fruit at the troops, who, tight-jawed, maintained their order stoically. 

The cops shifted nervously from foot to foot, weapons cocked, ready for anything. It was obvious that their trigger fingers were itchy. Clemente looked around at them and saw the tension. He reassured them in a quiet voice. Remember your orders. Ignore the garbage. As long as theyre not tossing grenades, leave them alone. If they try to break through the barricade, fire into the air. Do you understand? Into the air!

The police all shouted, Yes sir! and resumed their vigilant postures.

***********

In Sector 3, a few of the Jam Pony messengers cooled their heels at a checkpoint and watched through the barbed wire fence as the convoy from Sector 4 lumbered by. Sketchy commented to Original Cindy, Now I have an idea of how the people of Paris felt when the Allied tanks rumbled down the Champs-Elysees. 

Cindy elbowed him in the ribs. Wiggy, you been watchin too many old movies! You aint got no idea what you talkin about. That theres no Allied tanks. Thats the military pullin out of Seattle. And right behind em to take their place will be the Sector Police. Just tradin one set of repressive thugs for another. Thats all.

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

In a parking space at the market in Sector 9, Logan was waiting for Matt Sung to pick up the phone. He observed with interest as the military police contingent at the nearby checkpoint moved through it with precision. 

Hey, Matt, Logan said. I wanted to see if you had any more information on that job training scam my friend uncovered. He waited patiently as the detective described what he had found. Great! Ill get on that as soon as I get home. Thanks, Matt. 

Logan hung up and noted that the transfer of authority at the checkpoint was finished. He watched as the police reestablished the checkpoint, setting up their own weapons and guards, then he drove away with a smile on his face. 


Penthouse  4:15 PM

Hey you, whatcha doin?

Logan turned in surprise from the window of his living room where hed been staring with unseeing eyes at the other high rises surrounding him.

Had a drop close by. Thought Id say hi, smiled Max.

Hi, he smiled a little distractedly.

That the best you can do for a girl? she teased lightly. Getting no response, her smile slipped a little. Okay, spill it. Whats up?

Frowning a little, Logan told her, I had a call from Lydecker today. Seems like hes bent on becoming judge, jury, and executioner all bound into one. 

Max raised her eyebrows questioningly as she came around to lean against the back of the couch.

I suspect hes doin a number on McKenzie, trying to find the other Committee members.

And thats a bad thing? she commented. 

If hes planning on handing them over to the right authorities, no.

Yeah, and if he does that, theyll languish in some five-star prison for all of five minutes. You know how it works, Logan.

Thats not the point, Max. We make ourselves as bad as them if we stoop to their level. You think assassination ever changed a society for the better? Its just the easy way out, he finished with disgust.

Max shrugged. Hey, cant you just be happy for once that theyre caught! Who cares what happens to em  as long as theyre out of our hair. I dont care if Lydecker kills em all off. Itd make life a bit quieter around here for a while, she added with a provocative smile.

Yeah, well it doesnt do a whole lot for me, Logan said sarcastically, releasing his brakes to turn around.

Whatever. Max snapped back. I gotta blaze or Ill have Normal on my ass.

As his front door banged shut, the sudden sound of an email alert had Logan hurrying to his computer.

Within minutes he was smiling at the information in front of him with satisfaction.

Well, Harriet, he murmured as he prepared for an Eyes Only hack, lets see how above the law you are when it comes to irrefutable evidence.



END OF ACT I 

ACT II 

Jam Pony  Wednesday, August 31, 9:00 AM

The locker door clanged loudly as Max slammed it shut.

That locker didnt do anything wrong, Original Cindy scolded her, so dont kill it.

Better the locker than somebody else, Max commented grimly.

Whats eating you? her friend asked, then before she got an answer, she added, No, wait. Lemme guess. Logan?

Ive never met anybody so damn obsessed with his work.

Ah, ah, Original Cindy said, raising her hand to touch her forehead like a woman in an old movie pretending to faint. I think Im having a deja vu moment: Max complaining about her boys work.

Its not funny.

Original Cindy rolled her eyes. Yes, boo, it is. You should see yourself. You found yourself a good specimen of the male species, somebody whos actually tryin to do the right thing, and still youre complaining.

But hes doing too much. Hes working so much. You know, the Committee, the job training, the military withdrawal. He cant let it slide! Nothing! Not once, Max protested.

Give your man a break. Dont you see that hes doing it all for you? The Committee, the job training scam...thats all for you.

And I told him to let it slide. But no, of course he didnt. When I left for work, he didnt even have the time to say goodbye. How could he? He got an e-mail.

Maybe he was waitin on something really important.

Original Cindy didnt finish her sentence, because the pop music that was coming from the TV station suddenly stopped, replaced by the familiar sound that signaled the beginning of an Eyes Only cable hack.

Do not attempt to adjust your set. This is a Streaming Freedom video bulletin. The cable hack will last exactly sixty seconds. It cannot be traced, it cannot be stopped, and it is the only free voice left in this city. Youve heard about the job training programs in the news and youve probably also heard that not all of them live up to their promises. If youve been scammed by a bogus job training organization, you can be sure that this woman was behind it."

Max and Original Cindy stepped closer in order to see the photo of the woman displayed in the middle of the Eyes Only mask on the TV screen.

Harriet Short is responsible for many of the so-called job training schemes that misled aspiring trainees into believing they were being offered training for free, but which then demanded a large fee upon registration. Her aim is to discredit the President and undermine his authority. This must come to an end. Eyes Only will forward his information to the responsible authorities and make sure that appropriate measures are taken. This has been a Streaming Freedom video bulletin. Peace. Out. 

See? Thats what I meant. He found the woman behind the job training scam. Hes helping all of us. 

And I still tell you that hes obsessed. For him, its not just about helping others, its... Max couldnt finish because Normal approached them with a bunch of packages. 

Hey, ladies. Ready to do some actual work? If so, it would be appreciated if you could deliver these packages. If not, it would be appreciated if youd get out so I can hire someone who will actually work. So hurry up. Bip bip bip.

See you at Crash after work? Original Cindy asked, rolling her eyes.

Max shook her head. Nah, I should try figuring out Logan instead... 

Maybe you two just need to bang the gong, OC commented, a naughty grin on her face. 

Sounds like a plan, Max answered dryly.

Cindy shrugged. What about tomorrow night?

Yeah, why not? See ya. Max answered over her shoulder, already pedaling away.


Lydeckers Permanent HQ, northern Washington State  9:10 AM

Donald Lydecker, a satisfied smile on his face, watched the Eyes Only hack. When the hack was over, he left the common room and returned to his office. On the way, he tapped Zack on the shoulder and motioned for him to follow. Lydecker whispered something in Zacks ear. The X5 nodded. Lydecker continued to his office, while his second-in-command headed off in the opposite direction. 

Outside the building, Zack met up with Zane. 

Wassup, brother? Zane asked by way of greeting.

Not much, Zack replied, shaking his head.

Yeah, not much is right. Zane agreed, as they walked together down the sidewalk. How boring is this? What happens when the rest of the Committee is taken down? Then who do we fight?

Dont know. Whod have thought that one day Manticore would be gone and the Committee on the short list to oblivion? Zack thoughtfully kicked a stone into the grass.

You planning to stay with Lydecker? Zane eyed his older sibling with curiosity.

Dont know yet. Every other day I want to frag the bastard, Zack answered plainly. But hes a good commander. I thought about hiring myself out, but...

...But Lydecker is the only commander weve ever had, Zane finished for him. 

Yeah. I dont even know if Ill stay in Seattle. That wasnt in my original plan. Zack kicked another stone.

Hey, none of this was in your plan. But stuff happens. I wasnt planning to stick around either. I liked where I was, but this area is kinda growing on me. Maybe Ill stay - find a place of my own  not here in the barracks like a soldier. Maybe Ill find something else to do, too. 

They turned and walked into a plain, concrete building with rows of windows. As they parted in the doorway, Zack put his hand on Zanes shoulder and said, You know, little brother, whatever happens and wherever we end up, Ill always have your back.

And Ill have yours. They parted, each going in the opposite direction from the other.


Checkpoint, Sector 3  11:00 AM

The police at the Sector 3 checkpoint were reinforcing the barricades that had been set up when the transfer of power took place. They were still being heckled by mobs of people behind the barricades. Several cops patrolled the checkpoint, rifles loaded. They glared at an unkempt, middle-aged man who kept shouting about replacing one repressive group with another. 

Hey, lets show these jokers that were not repressive, one of the patrol cops said in a joking tone of voice.

How? his partner replied.

Open the barricades.

Are you nuts? That mob will trample us.

Maybe theyll try. But weve got the weapons. Go ahead, open it. The two of them pulled back the wooden barriers and barbed wire that constituted the barricade and opened it. 

Things quickly got out of hand as the mob flowed through, pushing and shoving each other as well as the police. Several people were knocked down. A couple of them were trampled as the mob thrust through the checkpoint. The cops, who hadnt yet been manhandled by the crowd, cocked their weapons and took aim. One of them radioed for help.

This is what happens when you give the masses too much freedom, the first cop said, aiming his rifle. 

A voice over a bullhorn shouted, Put down your weapons! The voice repeated a moment later, I said, put down your weapons! 

The cops put down their weapons as a police car pulled up. That made the mob pull back a little. Clemente unfolded himself from the front seat of the car and stood up. Dammit! What is wrong with you people? The mob dropped back, quiet. The cops looked at their feet. I cant leave you guys alone for a second without you wreaking havoc!

And you people! he shouted at the mob. Dont press your luck! Give us a while to get the situation under control before you try stupid stuff like this again. A lot of you could have been killed. Take care of your injured and dont try it again!

As the crowd dispersed, some tending to the wounded, Max rode by on her way from Jam Pony. She observed the aftermath of the short-lived riot, saw Clemente standing by his car, bullhorn still in hand, and smiled.

Clemente saw her and nodded and Max waved back at him. The police were replacing the wooden barriers to close the barricade. Max stopped, waiting for the checkpoint to be reestablished. Clemente stopped the set-up and waved Max through the checkpoint with a smile.


Penthouse  6:00 PM

Max walked her bicycle into the elevator and pressed the button to go up to the penthouse. As usual, Logan was at his computer banks, deep in research. Max parked the bike out of the way, threw her backpack on the sofa and went over to him. She leaned over and said softly, Hey, congratulations on your hack. I guess you heard they arrested Harriet Short. Its been on the news all day long. Three down, two to go.

Logan looked up at her. Yeah, and those two are proving to be hard nuts to crack. Ive been working all day on trying to track Lang and Selkirk down, but theyre really under the radar. Logan shook his head and pushed himself away from the desk. Damn, I need coffee.

You need a break, Max said. 

Right. Logan headed toward the kitchen.

You do. Youve been working on this all day.

Well, Ill never find those guys if I dont keep at it. Logan was adamant.

Come on, Logan. Ill order Chinese. Ill even pay for it.

Max   Logan began. He turned around and looked up at her with a you know Ive gotta do this expression on his face. 

Max rolled her eyes. Logan, lets just order Chinese. Light some candles, douse the lights, and have a romantic evening, just the two of us. No Lang, no Selkirk...

Max... Logan protested. I really think Im on to something. Im this close... He held up his thumb and index finger, almost touching. Matt Sung gave me some good information today. Ive gotta finish checking it out.

Max pouted prettily. It can wait. Neither of those guys is going anywhere. Not with Eyes Only on their tails. I want to spend the evening with you and a big plate of kung pao chicken. Ill even put on something lacy... 

Logan looked at her out of the corner of his eye and his lips twitched as if he were trying to repress a smile. Something lacy, he repeated, the corners of his mouth turning up. And kung pao chicken? How could a man refuse?


Undisclosed Location - 8:00 PM

Rex Selkirk paced unhappily, his military bearing not giving way to the stress he was so obviously under.

The other occupant of the expensively furnished hotel room, a thin elderly man with a bent nose and a head of white hair, sat hunched over his laptop, anxiously scanning the information he found there.

Its bad. Harriet arrested...McKenzie missing. Were being picked off one by one, he told the other man, nervously running a hand over his mouth. Now that weve lost control over the transgenics, we need to exterminate the wretched things once and for all. 

Selkirk stopped his pacing and gave him an impatient glare. Dont be an idiot, Lang. Its that damned Eyes Only and his self-righteous crusade whos the biggest threat to you and me.

Lang shook his head a little. Its dangerous to go after him. A man with a crusade ...

Makes himself vulnerable, finished Selkirk promptly, because hell take unnecessary risks to achieve his aims.

How does that help us? asked the other, still unconvinced.

Vulnerability is what this is all about, Selkirk murmured thoughtfully, his eyes taking on a distant look as the germ of an idea began to take hold.

What are you talking about? Lang asked irritably.

We know that Eyes Only has a link to the X5 Max...

Lang nodded impatiently. 

How interested would you be in a plan that would lead to the extermination of many of the transgenics, the capture of Max, and ultimately, the end of Eyes Only?

The white-headed man looked thoughtful, then a slow smile began to spread across his thin lips.

Id say Id be very interested.


END OF ACT II 

ACT III 

Run-down Apartment Block, Sector 5  Thursday, September 1, 1:00 PM

Max pressed the buzzer of Apartment 409. Hearing nothing, she rapped loudly on the door.

Jam Pony Messenger, she called out loudly, pulling a large manila envelope out of her backpack, instinctively scanning either end of the depressing hallway as she waited.

Will you get the damned door! she heard a mans voice yell with an ugly anger.

A few seconds later, a harassed-looking woman in her early thirties opened the door.

Jam Pony Messenger, Max told her politely. Will you sign for this, please?

The womans face lit up when she saw the package.

John, its your delivery, she turned and called back into the room, her face now wreathed in smiles.

Must be something special, huh, Max murmured as she handed her the pen and showed her where to sign.

Its the only thing that makes life bearable around here, the woman admitted with quiet frankness. 

Max raised her eyebrows slightly. Wow, I wish a package could do that for me, she remarked ironically.

Yeah, he lives for his comics. These are some rare editions hes been waiting on. All hes been worried about lately is that theyd be stolen before they were delivered. 

No fear of that, Maam, Max replied promptly, doing her best for Jam Pony customer relations.

Well, I wish he had your confidence.

The obsessive type, Max said wryly, giving her an understanding look. 

At that point John came through himself, and wordlessly snatched the parcel from the womans hand.

Max watched, hiding her surprise, as the man wheeled back through the apartment.


Crash  5:30 PM 

Max stared into her beer, vaguely aware of the news broadcast in the background still reporting the arrest of Harriet Short.

Original Cindy scanned the early evening crowd at Crash for Max.

Hey, boo, she called across to her as she saw Max sitting at the bar. So, howd your day go? she asked, giving Max a quick, discerning look.

It was okay, Max murmured, sounding a little preoccupied. 

OC just looked at her. Sugah, dont even start to tell me you had another fight with your boy, cause Original Cindys gonna have ta put the smack down on you if you do.

Max looked at her friends serious face. Ya know, Logans pretty special, isnt he? she asked quietly.

Well, I thought you knew that already, girl. Isnt that why the two of you hooked up? Seeing something in Maxs eyes she added quietly, Yeah, boo, he sure is. 


Terminal City - Friday, September 2, 6:45 PM

Mole lifted his automatic rifle and, wearing a mirthless smile on his face, peppered the area in front of him, resisting the instinct to duck as a bullet whined perilously close.

Theres too many of them, Dix yelled. 

Mole looked about grimly, quickly analyzing the situation. Theres something strange here. There are enough forces out there to simply rush us. Why are they holding back?

Who cares, so long as they are, Dix shrugged irrepressibly, quickly firing off a shot at one of the attacking soldiers who had foolishly exposed his body in order to fire his weapon. Got him, he grunted with satisfaction.

Mole!

They turned to see Aveta running toward them, her face serene in spite of the mayhem about her.

We have five wounded to tend to already. 

Her eyes swept the outer perimeter of Terminal City where the soldiers had launched their attack. 

Mole gave her a quick glance before getting back to the job at hand, the sound of his own weapon echoing deafeningly around the walls of the old building.

It wasnt long before he turned back around to face the field medics intense blue eyes.

What is it? he yelled back irritably before firing another rapid spray of gunfire. Im kinda busy here.

Avetas words rang clearly above the din. 

We need to call Max. 


Penthouse  6:50 PM

Max was sitting in the living room, idly glancing at a magazine and Logan was working in his office when the telephone rang.

Logan answered it. Aveta!, he said, surprised. How are you?

Logan, I need to talk to Max. Its urgent.

Surprised at the tone of her voice, Logan held the phone close to his chest to muffle his voice and shouted, Max?! Phones for you! 

Max approached him and took the phone he handed her.

Hey, Aveta! she answered the phone, proving to Logan that shed overheard him.

Logan watched as she listened to Aveta on the other end of the line and then suddenly turned pale.

Theyre attacking Terminal City? she asked with a tense voice. 

Aveta seemed to confirm, because Max wanted to know, How many of you are there? Armed? ...How many attackers? ...X-series? ...What weapons? ...Okay, stay where you are and take cover. Well help you; just hold the line til we get there.

She put the phone down and looked at Logan, the paleness gone. Furiously she shook her head. Terminal City is under attack. 

Logan raised his brows. What are you going to do?

Call Alec. We need as many transgenics as possible, and hes got the best connections.

She dialed a number and Logan heard her shouting into the receiver, Alec, shut up and let me get a word in edgewise! Weve got a situation. Terminal City is being attacked. I need you there with as many armed transgenics as you can find as soon as possible. Hurry up, Ill meet you there!

Putting the phone down she looked at Logan and said, I have to go.

He smiled weakly. I know. Be careful.

She forced out smile and rushed off through the door.


Lydeckers HQ  7:05 PM

Lydecker looked up quickly. Go ahead, soldier.

Apparently the transgenics in Terminal City are under attack from unknown sources. They contacted 452 to apprise her of the situation.

Lydecker stared at the X5 intently. I wonder... he murmured eventually.

Pardon, sir?

Lydecker brought his gaze back into focus.

Mobilize Bravo team, he ordered succinctly.


Terminal City  7:45 PM

When Max neared Terminal City, she hid her motorbike behind a rusting train. Just as she started through a hidden entrance on the west side of the fence, she heard someone approaching. She hid in the shadows until she recognized who it was. 

Alec! she whispered furiously and motioned him and his six companions to come closer. 

Max, hey! Alec greeted her. He pointed at the group of transgenics behind him. Hope there are enough of us. Your instructions werent exactly precise.

She shrugged. Itll have to be enough. You got weapons?

Alec nodded. Want one? he asked in a provocative tone. 

Rolling her eyes, but otherwise ignoring his question, Max turned and hissed over her shoulder, Follow me!

Silently they sneaked along the line of warehouses, hiding in the shadows of the buildings. When they had almost reached the building that had housed the Last Stop Bar, they came across several young men in camouflage, carrying M-16s.

Max motioned to the other transgenics to split up in groups and, followed by her group, approached the soldier shed seen. Unfortunately, hed just been talking on the radio, and even though his scream was muffled through Maxs hand on his mouth, it was enough to warn his comrades before he went down. Another four soldiers suddenly surrounded Max, Alec and the others.

After making sure that her fellow fighters could handle their opponents, she took care of the last two. With one smooth turn kick, she unarmed the attackers and placed her fist in the first ones face before hed even realized what was happening to him. He stumbled back and Max jumped around just in time to dodge the second soldiers punch. She kicked his legs from beneath him and he fell down. She took her chance to knock him out, and then kicked the first soldier in the stomach before he had the chance to completely recover from her punch.

The accompanying transgenics had threatened their opponents with their weapons and were chasing them north. Max followed them, again hiding in the shadows of the buildings, and stopped where she could see the main fight. The transgenics and transhumans around Mole and Aveta were clearly outnumbered, and even though Alec and his team had joined the fight, it was obvious that they were going to lose it.

When Max stepped forward to help one of the transhumans in the hand-to-hand combat, she heard a soldier shouting, Thats her!

She looked in his direction and saw that he was pointing his finger at her. Great, she muttered.

Go get her! another soldier shouted and suddenly she was surrounded by even more opponents. 

While Max was busy handling the one in front of her, she lost balance when another soldier kicked her in the hollow of her knee. She threatened to fall backward, tried to compensate and looked like she was going to manage until she took her chance to pull the first opponents feet from the ground. She overcompensated, which made her fall flat on her stomach. Her opponent went to the ground with her, unknowingly breaking the cell phone in her front pocket. A smile of satisfaction crossed her lips. Shrugging, she jumped up and continued fighting, keeping up, but not able to overpower her attackers. 

She looked around to see if anyone could offer help, but it was clear that everyone on her side was already occupied. 

The fighting continued until Max heard shots from one of the buildings close by and two of her opponents went down. She looked up at the shooter and saw Lydecker with one of his X-series there. In the corner of her eye she saw more people approaching the hand-to-hand fight and recognized her siblings. 

Great timing, Deck, she muttered and was relieved to see more and more soldiers going down, until one of them shouted, Fall back! Fall back!

The others seemed to listen to him, although one asked, What about the girl?

Forget about her. Fall back! Fall back!

Astonished, Max watched the soldiers leave and was soon surrounded by Zack, Zane, Jondy and Alec. One more minute and youd have had to use a shovel to clean up the place! she told them. 

Zane grinned at her. For you or for them? 

Zack, grim as usual, asked, Why were those guys after you? Any ideas?

Max shrugged. I guess the Committee sent them. Or whoever the villain of the month is.

I agree, Lydecker, walking up to them, said. Its clear the attack was a trap.

Still... Max began, as the transgenics started to gather. You should really think about giving up Terminal City. There arent enough of you any more to defend it and yourselves.

Aveta, Mole, and some others nodded. Youre right, the medic said, But where are we supposed to go? she asked.

Max frowned. I dont know. Yet.


Lydeckers HQ  Saturday, September 3, 7:00 PM

The prisoner, whod been so ignominiously abandoned when the soldiers had withdrawn from Terminal City, hung limply in his bonds, his face bloodied, sides heaving as he tried to focus on the intimidating features only inches away from his own. 

Ill give you one more chance, soldier, and then the fun really begins. Ive been gentle on you, but an X5 wont be quite so considerate. They tend to get kind of upset when someone attacks their friends.

Lydecker paused a moment for his words to sink in, then he turned and signaled for Zack to come forward.

The prisoner ran his tongue over dry lips, now looking noticeably uneasy as he watched the X5 come forward with cold and calculating purpose.

You ready to die for the cause? Zack asked coldly.

The man swallowed hard. I dont know much, he got out quickly.

All right, all right, he added as Zack kept advancing, Our orders were to capture the X5, Max. The attack on Terminal City was just a front to draw her out.

The prisoner tensed instinctively as he saw Zacks hand reaching out. The iron grip at his throat was agonizing and the only thing he could see through the mists that were starting to blur his vision was a pair of intense blue eyes. 

And? Zack asked menacingly.

Word is she was bait to draw out Eyes Only, the man managed to gasp out. A paroxysm of coughing overtook him as the pressure on his throat was suddenly relieved.

The room went suddenly quiet.

I swear thats all I know, the prisoner choked out desperately. 

Zack looked at him contemptuously. You may have just saved your miserable life.

Lydecker looked up quickly from his desk as his best hacker entered the room. 

Sir, I believe Ive got a definite name.

Give it to me. 

Rex Selkirk, the hacker answered. 

Lydecker smiled as he reached for the phone. Good work soldier. Dismissed.

Selkirk? Donald Lydecker here.

He wasnt surprised by the sudden silence at the other end of the line.

I take it this is a secure line? Lydecker continued.

It is. The reply was abrupt.

I believe I may have a solution to a problem that may prove equally advantageous for both of us.

After a pause, Selkirk answered briefly, Go on.

Im willing to give you the identity of Eyes Only in exchange for your promise to leave the transgenics alone.

You think Id trust you in that? Selkirk snorted bitterly.

I guess that depends how desperate you are. Birman dead, McKenzie gone, Harriet Short in custody...its not looking too good for the Committee right now.

Why would you do this? Selkirk asked suspiciously.

We both want to protect our interests. Eyes Only means nothing to me personally. Hes served his purpose.

The pause was a little longer this time.

Im not a patient man, Lydecker finally told him.

All right. Ill agree to this scheme of yours, but only if you agree to meet me alone. Considering the delicate nature of our transaction, I dont trust other methods of communication.

Alone? Lydecker queried. Of course.

Ill give you the address of a building I own. Well meet there.


Penthouse  8:30 PM 

Logan leaned closer to the computer screen, looking for anything that would definitively connect Lang and Selkirk to the Committee. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. Hed been trying to find the connection for days, only to be thwarted at every turn. 

Okay, okay, he muttered. I give up. He closed out the search and turned instead to a report on a building in Sector 12 owned by a dummy corporation headed by Harriet Short in the hope that it might lead him somewhere. A few keystrokes later, he hit the ENTER key and ran the data. Here goes nothing, he said cynically.

A minute later, as he looked at the display on the monitor, and realizing what he had uncovered, his eyes widened. Bingo! 

There on the screen was the tax record for the property where the building was located. The real owner was Rex Selkirk. Finally, Logan had found a real connection between Harriet Short and Rex Selkirk, one that tied him directly to the Committee. Excited, Logan dialed Maxs cell phone number to ask her to do some onsite snooping. The number rang and rang, but no one answered and no voice mail engaged.

Damn, he swore. He turned to the computer screen once more to do some follow-up. Everything he found in the tax records indicated that it hadnt been occupied in years  since before the Pulse, in fact. That was odd, but not unheard of, since plenty of warehouses and other large buildings had been abandoned during the post-Pulse economic downturn. 

Logan jotted down the address and closed the program. He wheeled to the bedroom and took the exoskeleton out of the closet. Well, he sighed, if I cant get hold of Max, Ill just check it out myself. May be some records stored there.

Logan strapped himself into the exoskeleton, stood up, and walked into the office, where he got his gun from the desk drawer. Making sure it was loaded, he jammed it into his jacket pocket, grabbed his keys, and left the penthouse.

As Logans Aztek headed out of the garage, Max approached on her motorcycle. When she caught sight of the dusty SUV, she stopped short, her head swiveling to follow its path out of the garage. After a second, she smiled and headed off after it.


END OF ACT III 

ACT IV 

Building Next Door to Committee HQ  9:05 PM

Lydecker stood on the roof of a building adjacent to the site of the planned meet with Selkirk, night vision binoculars to his eyes, carefully surveying the deployment of his troops.

In front of him sat an X5 with a laptop displaying a concise map of the area, which he now replaced with a layout of the building next to them.

We need another four men here, Lydecker told Zack, pointing to the back entrance on the screen. I dont trust Selkirk for a minute.

Im sure the feelings mutual, Zack remarked ironically, as he watched Lydecker relay instructions to the X5s over comms.


Seattle Street  9:05 PM

Max waited impatiently at the cross road for the light to turn green.

Her previous grin of anticipation at the thought of catching up with Logan and surprising him had slowly been replaced by a thoughtful frown as his car gradually wound its way into the industrial area of Sector 12, which was virtually deserted at this time of night.

Well, he sure as hell doesnt look like hes out shopping for groceries, she told a stray cat that had paused to stare at her.

As the light turned green she roared across the intersection.

But I got a feeling hes out shopping for something, she murmured thoughtfully into the night.


Committee HQ, Sector 12  9:10 PM

Logan parked the Aztek in a seedy lot next to a seemingly vacant plant in Sector 12 and got out of the car. He looked around to make sure no one had been following him before taking a flashlight from the side pocket on the door. With his gun in the other hand, he cautiously made his way to a back door in the building. There were no guards and no security equipment that he could discern. Logan tried the door and found that it was, not surprisingly, locked. He crept around the building, trying the windows until he found one that was loose. He pried it open and climbed through.

As Logan disappeared into the building, Max pulled up on her motorcycle. She parked behind a shed, where she would be hidden from view, should Logan emerge from the plant. Quickly, she tiptoed toward the building, searching for security cameras and guards. Her supersensitive hearing picked up no breathing other than her own and Logans, and her telescopic sight found the window where Logan had entered. 

Logan shone his flashlight around the room. It looked like a storeroom full of broken pieces of manufacturing equipment, boxes of overstock, brooms, mops, and miscellaneous debris. There didnt seem to be anything in the room of interest to him, so he made his way into the next room. His flashlight shone on a stack of copy paper boxes that looked like they were being used to store something other than copy paper. Curious, he approached the stack and took the lid off the top box. 

The box was full of unlabeled manila file folders. Logan pulled one out and perused it. It contained deeds and tax records for property in Sector 4. Other folders contained similar papers for other properties. He continued to pull out and quickly scan the folders. One in particular grabbed his interest, and he leaned against the stack of boxes to read it. The folder contained papers for the property he was standing in. 

There was a deed showing that the building had housed an old steel plant, long since shut down. The name on the deed was Rex Selkirk, but another owners name turned up  General McKenzies. There were contracts from 2010 that showed extensive remodeling of the building  steel doors, concrete reinforcement, soundproofing. Logan smiled as he slipped the folder into his jacket and went in search of the remodeled section of the building.


Building Next Door to Committee HQ  9:10 PM

Lydecker watched from the roof of an old warehouse as his X5s swiftly deployed to surround the building next door. All seemed quiet, with only the streetlights illuminating the scene. Suddenly, the comm in his ear crackled. 

Lydecker! said Zack.

Lydecker sighed. Report! 

Logan Cale just pulled up on the north side of the building.

Whats he doing? Lydecker asked through gritted teeth.

Looks like hes breaking into the building, Zack replied as he watched Logan open the window in the rear of the building and climb in.

Lydecker spun around in frustration and swore again quietly. It seems the missions been compromised. Pull your men back. 

Theres another complication, sir.

Lydecker growled.

Its Max. Shes here too. On the north side of the building, against the wall. Theres an open window where Cale went in. Shes just standing there, like a lookout.

Should have known. When one appears, the other can't be far behind.

Orders? The others have deployed into position. Zack looked around and saw that the rest of the X5s were ready to secure the building. 

Do we know where Cale is in the building? Can we get to him? If anything happens to him, Ill never hear the end of it from Max, and neither will you.

He cant have gotten very far.

Ill be right down. Well intercept him when we go after Selkirk. Ill do the honors myself, Lydecker said. 

He left the roof and ran down the stairs. Once out the door, he cautiously made his way across the asphalt parking lot that separated the two buildings until he approached Zacks position. They conferred for a minute, then Lydecker gave the order to attack.


Committee HQ  9:15 PM

Logan, hurry up, Max murmured under her breath as the first rumblings of her stomach told her it was well past her dinner time. Thrusting her hands into her pockets, she leaned back against the wall and let her eyes continue their systematic probing of the surrounding area.

Damn, she said under her breath, her dark eyes widening slightly as she caught the definite movement of a darkly clad figure on one of the adjacent roofs. Scanning the area carefully, she noted another two figures and there was no doubt that they were both armed.

Without hesitation she turned and slipped through the window Logan had entered, scanning the storeroom for his presence with a hopeful look on her face. To her disappointment, the room was clearly empty, so she opened the only door that faced her, slipped out of the storeroom, and found herself in a narrow hallway with doors off it that led to what was obviously some type of loading bay.

Stilling her quickened breathing, she listened carefully for any noise that would indicate where Logan could possibly be.

In that instant, the narrow light from a flashlight broke through the gloom, momentarily blinding her as the beam caught her in the eyes. 

Dont move, a voice behind the beam spoke in a low whisper. The owner of the flashlight kept the beam directed in her face.

Hey, I just came in here to look for my cat, Max explained with her most innocent look. Dont sppose you saw a grey Persian around here anywhere?

A sudden movement behind the owner of the flashlight made the man half-turn, but he was too slow. The gun butt caught him at the base of his neck and he dropped to the ground.

Guess not, murmured Max as she stepped over him.

Max, what are you doing here? Logan asked her as he changed the hold on his gun to a more conventional one, only to suddenly raise it as another voice said, Thats exactly what I was about to ask the both of you.

Max spun around.

What the hell are you doin here? she asked Lydecker with a distinct lack of warmth.

No time to explain. Its imperative you get Logan outta here.

Before she had a chance to reply, the loading bay was suddenly filled with a burst of light as the overhead lights flashed to life.

Max instinctively took a step closer to Logan as she looked up to see the two men she recognized from photos as Selkirk and Lang now approaching, each armed with a gun and flanked by six soldiers.

My, my. This is even better than Id hoped for, Lydecker. Youve outdone yourself, Selkirk congratulated him.

Max shot an angry look at Lydecker. You set us up!

Its not what it seems, Lydecker murmured back, apparently unperturbed. 

Pity I cant uphold my end of the bargain, Selkirk smiled apologetically. Drop your guns, he added with a sudden edge to his voice. 

Logan hesitated, glancing toward Lydecker for his reaction, but when they threatened to shoot Max unless the order was obeyed, he let it drop carefully to the floor with an expression of frustration that hed somehow led both him and Max into a trap.

Do it, Logan urged Lydecker as the older man made no move to obey.

My thoughts exactly, Lydecker told him, bringing his gun up with surprising speed and aiming it with precision to fire a bullet directly into Selkirks brain.

Almost simultaneously, the lights went out and gunfire erupted all over the building.

Logan, drop! called Max, knowing that only the X5s would be able to see in the dark. She half turned to see that hed followed her order then ran forward to take on some of the Committee soldiers who were attempting to retreat behind some wooden crates.

She ran at the first man, somersaulting into the air as she neared him with gymnastic precision to plant a booted heel cruelly in the small of his back. The force of the blow sent the man reeling face first into the crate and he didnt get up.

The man immediately beside him, hearing his comrades grunt of pain, foolishly raised his weapon in a vain attempt to shoot a black-clad figure in a darkened room. 

A shaft of light appeared from a side door, its wan light just enough for Logan to pick out his gun a few feet in front of him where hed dropped it. Grabbing onto the crate next to him, he was pulling himself to his feet to get the gun when he saw the sudden advantage that Maxs opponent now held over her.

Max! was all he had time to call as a hail of bullets burst from the soldiers M16.

Max, whod already realized her danger, hit the deck in a tight roll, catching the soldier completely by surprise as she landed at his feet. Before the soldier had even a chance to look down, shed grabbed him by the legs, upending him with an ominous crack as his head hit the concrete floor.

Straightening quickly, Max looked up to see Jondy delivering the final blow to her opponent and Krit and Zane cautiously coming out from behind some packing crates on the other side of the loading bay to check the bodies of the Committee soldiers that lay strewn across the floor.

Another sudden stream of gunfire suddenly erupted behind her, and the final soldier left standing jerked to the ground in a grotesque fashion as bullets from Zacks weapon cut through him.

For a brief moment, silence reigned as Max surveyed the carnage in front of her and in other parts of the loading bay, where apparently most of the fighting had erupted.

Max!

Something in Zacks tone of voice made her turn quickly.

Zack was kneeling over a body. 

Oh God, Logan, she whispered, running forward.

With a shock she saw his face was covered with blood.

Do something! she called frantically.

I got it, Max, Zack told her calmly, removing a small kit from his belt.

Max, meanwhile, checked Logans neck for a pulse, then with a sense of relief, put her ear to his chest. The heartbeat was strong, steady.

Max?

Turning her head she looked into Logans confused eyes.

I thought I told you to drop! she told him with more than a hint of anger as she took the cloth from Zacks hand and began wiping away most of the blood to reveal an ugly gash along his left temple.

As I recall, someone was about to shoot you, he retorted weakly, grimacing a little as she probed at the wound.

Max shrugged. I had moves. 

They both looked up as a pair of legs came to stand by them.

Well, not quite how I planned it, but all in all, not a bad nights work, Lydecker told them with a hint of satisfaction.

Logan struggled up on his elbows to look about, pausing a moment as the room careened before his eyes.

Lang and Selkirk? he asked Lydecker abruptly as he saw the pile of bodies.

They wont trouble us anymore.


Penthouse  Sunday September 4, 11:00 PM

When Max walked in she found the apartment full of joking X5s, with the exception of Zack. Several of them were in the kitchen raiding Logans first-aid kit to patch up some minor wounds. She walked into the living room to find Lydecker staring fixedly out the huge windows at the scene before him, then she turned wordlessly back to the kitchen.

Zane saw her and motioned with his thumb. In the bedroom, he mouthed to her.

Max found Logan coming out of their room. Hed swapped the exoskeleton for his chair and changed out of his bloodstained clothes.

She frowned a little as she noticed the paleness of his face. 

Hey. How ya doin?

Wheeling toward her, he gave her a smile that was half a grimace. Heads a bit sore, he admitted.

Just as well its so thick, she told him with emphasis, stepping back a little to let him enter the kitchen first.

Logan, you got some scissors? called Krit, only to say, Hey! as Max pushed though the other three X5s gathered around the first-aid box and picked it up, carrying it through to the dining table.

Logan first, she informed them bluntly. After all, it is his kit, she pointed out, cutting through their good-natured protestations.

Here, Krit, you can make yourself useful with this, Logan told him with a grin, handing him the kettle before heading through to Max.

Max cleaned the graze with an antiseptic that made Logan wince.

Stay still, she told him unsympathetically, her mouth tight as she tended the wound. 

Another half an inch... she told him grimly.

And it would have missed me completely, Logan finished for her, looking up as Lydecker came and stood near them.

You got a knack for putting yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, he told Logan.

And you have a knack for playing your cards way too close to your chest.

Lydecker shrugged at that. It may be possible for the leopard to change his spots, he replied cryptically, picking up a roll of bandage and handing it to Max.

She looked at him stonily then eventually took it from him with a look of contempt.

I think you already showed us tonight that thats not the case, she told him in a voice only the three of them could hear.

I told you, Logan was not part of my plan.

Max shrugged. Sure. You told me  she began with derision as she unrolled the bandage. 

Max, I dont need that, Logan remonstrated. Its a small cut.

Its a nasty graze, she corrected him, standing a little back from him with one hand on her hip, her eyes meeting his.

Go ahead, he finally agreed ungraciously.

Hey, Max! Zane called out at that moment, above the noise of Jondy, Krit, Syl and two other X5s who were all gathered in the kitchen. We figure we want something stronger than coffee to celebrate the end o the Committee. What about heading down to Crash?

Max looked across at their jubilant faces and smiled back, Sounds good, but...

I dont mind if you go, Logan told her at once.

She looked down at him while she finished putting the bandage in place.

You dont wanna come?

Logan shook his head, wincing a little as he did, his gaze resting on the noisy troop in the kitchen, completely unaffected by the various wounds and bruises theyd suffered during the brief fight.

I guess unlike you superheroes, we mere mortals need some good old-fashioned rest and recuperation. 

Yeah, probably, Max agreed reluctantly. Ill stay here for a while to make sure youre OK. 


Crash  Monday, September, 5, 12:30 AM

Max came down the stairs at Crash and scanned the crowd. She spotted Zane, Jondy, Krit, and Syl at a table near the back. Zack was nowhere to be seen. 

Hey, my brothers and sisters, how goes it? she asked, pulling up a chair.

Krit responded by holding up a half-full pitcher. He found an unused glass and poured a generous amount into it. Max took it from his hand. 

Thanks. Heres to the downfall of the Committee! Max toasted. Drink up, my peeps! 

They raised their glasses.

Now what? Jondy said. What are we going to do now that the Committee is gone? I mean, do we even know how to live in a world where we're not being hunted down?

Food for thought, Jondy, Max replied. Any ideas?

Well, I was thinking of moving back to San Francisco. I like the place, especially the Golden Gate Bridge. Im sure I can think of something to do there, now that I dont have to look over my shoulder all the time, Jondy said.

Gotta tell you, I always thought youd be a fashion photographer. Thats what I fantasized when I was up on the Space Needle, Max admitted.

I love it! I always wanted to try photography. 

They both laughed. What about you guys? Max said.

Krit smiled. I have no idea. I may stay with Lydecker for now. At least its steady employment. His cell phone rang and he answered it, Were at Crash. Drop on by. As he hung up, he commented, Zack.

Yeah, for now, I stick with Lydecker. That will give me time to make some contacts and see where I go from there, Zane said. Maybe Ill go back to being an auto mechanic. I kinda liked that. And I miss having a dog. 

He got up with the now-empty pitcher in hand to get a refill. He walked over to the bar and plunked the pitcher down, indicating a fill-up. He turned around as he noticed Zack enter and come to the bar to join him. 

Hey, little brother, Zack said by way of greeting. They shook hands and embraced.

Howd it go? 

Mission accomplished. Just thought Id drop by to join the celebration. Zack smiled grimly.

Excellent! Zane picked up the new pitcher and another glass and indicated to Zack that he should join the rest of them. The two X5s strolled over to the table.

So what are you going to do now? Jondy was saying to Syl.

Im gonna kick back and relax for a change. Then Ill think about what else Im going to do, the blonde X5 replied. Who knows, maybe Ill settle down somewhere. She looked up at Zack and smiled as he sat down next to her. He scowled back at her.

We all know what Max is gonna do, Jondy said with a sly smile on her face.

Yeah, go back to the penthouse and take care of Logan, Zack commented under his breath, but they all heard him.

Speaking of which, Max said, draining her glass of beer and glaring good-naturedly at her brother, I'll catch you guys later.

She got up, and hugged Syl, Jondy, Krit, and Zane. However, when she leaned over to hug Zack too, he shook his head, so she backed off.

Late, my peeps. She waved as she took her leave. 


Penthouse - 1:45 AM

Max silently opened the door to the penthouse, not wishing to disturb Logan. Most of the lights were out, but she did not need to turn them on to see where she was going. To her surprise, while the computer room was dark, there was a light on in the living room. She heard voices  Logan, of course, and Lydecker. Her instincts led her to tiptoe down the hall, unobserved, until she could see both men. 

Now that the Committees out of the way, Lydecker was saying, Id like to restart Project Manticore, only on my own terms. He was facing the windows, looking out on the twinkling cityscape. Logan was on his way to the kitchen. 

And what would those terms be? Logan asked, spinning his wheelchair around to look up at Lydecker. Max noticed that the dressing shed so carefully applied was now nowhere to be seen.

Military operation only, like the original mission. Develop the perfect soldier without the interference of bean counters and bureaucrats.

Right, Logan commented in a cynical tone. And what makes you think you can do that? Even if you could get funding, youd have to put up with the so-called bean counters. Government oversight...

No government oversight. Thats how Manticore got screwed up in the first place, Lydecker said adamantly. Just me, Sandeman, and a group of hand-picked scientists and trainers.

Sandeman? Youve been in touch with Sandeman? Logan inquired, his eyebrows raised.

No, thats where you come into it   Lydecker looked at Logan as if he were tracking prey.

Me? What do you want from me? Logan asked defensively. 

I want to know where Sandeman is.

Logan didnt respond. He looked at Lydecker out of the corner of his eye. What makes you think I know where he is? Or if I did, that I would tell you?

Because I can get you another exoskeleton  one that works, Lydecker replied, nodding in the direction of the tool kit Logan had left on the desk. Quid pro quo.

Logan looked stunned. Max closed her eyes briefly, then crept back down the hall. Once again, she silently opened the front door, and left, fuming. 


Streets of Seattle  3:00 AM

Max rode through the darkened streets of Seattle, barely noticing the light rain that had begun to fall, even though it was slowly obscuring her glasses.

Her frown deepened for the moment as the word betrayed flashed into her consciousness. Unconsciously her hand tightened on the accelerator and she sped through the night, barely aware of the unpleasantly fierce wind that brought a grim smile to her face as it whipped at her hair.

You plannin on heading outta town this time of night? the sector cop asked her suspiciously.

His words brought her up short. The sign in front of her read, You are now leaving Seattle.

So. You goin? he prodded her impatiently again with a surreptitious glance toward his warm control booth.

Max looked at him, her eyes widening as she realized what hed just said. Why, you wanna come with me? 

The cop, with a leer said, Sure, why not.

Max looked up at him. Then no, thanks, Im staying.

Finally, after a few moments she turned her bike around, and with a gritty determination, she headed back to Sector 9.

Logan, we gotta talk.


Penthouse  4:00 AM

Max slammed the door behind her. She noted that the living room lights were on, so she knew that Logan would be up. She found him staring out the windows at the Seattle skyline. He appeared to be deep in thought, but turned his chair to face her as she stalked in the room. 

Logan, we have to talk, she declared, walking over to stand in front of him, one hand on her hip. 

Max, whats wrong?

She paused for the moment, looking down at him, finally lifting one hand and letting it drop to her side with exasperation.

You gotta stop almost getting yourself killed. She looked at him with barely concealed frustration. You promised that youd let me be involved, but you went off on your own again and almost got the rest of your ass shot off 

Max, I tried to call you. And I didnt think it would be dangerous. I thought it would just be a routine search...

Well, it wasnt, was it? Max snapped back at him. And guess what? It never is!

Max  Logan began, but Max cut him off.

And after all the terrible things the Committees done to me...to you... to all of us, why do you care what Lydecker does to them? Why do you care that he got rid of them for us?

Max, we keep having this argument, Logan protested. I wanted the Committee out of the way as badly as you did, but I wanted the justice system, not Lydecker, to do it. He cant arbitrarily act as judge, jury, and executioner. 

Oh, I get it. So Lydecker is a black hat when he's offing the Committee, but you hand him a big white Stetson the minute he dangles a new exoskeleton in front of you...is that it? Max asked angrily.

Logan looked up at her, surprised. Apparently you didnt stick around long enough to hear my answer, Max, he replied coolly. I told him no.

Logan   Maxs lip trembled suddenly, then she regained her composure and shrugged. I woulda thought youd sell your soul to stay on your feet.

Maybe you dont know me as well as you thought. Logans anger melted away. Max, I know I put us both in danger, he said contritely. Im sorry. Even though you were mad, you still came to rescue the rest of my ass. His tone brightened as he tentatively reached out and took hold of her hand, pulling her a little closer. Her brown eyes looked into his green eyes. She reached out and let one cool finger trace a line beneath the ugly graze on his temple. 

Max knelt down next to the chair and put her arms around him. I'm not letting anyone steal my meal ticket. When are you gonna figure that out? 

Logan smiled at her. I guess I have. Thanks.

My pleasure.


END OF ACT IV 

EPILOGUE 

Space Needle  Monday, September 5, 8:00 AM

So, we finally take down Manticore and now our good friend Lydecker wants to start another one. Is that whack or what?

Kinda strange in the streets now that martial laws been lifted  I figure everything's relative. I mean, you never realize how bad things really are...until they get better. 

Maybe one day Ill even figure out Logan.


Streets of Seattle  8:30 AM

The baseball hit the window with a deafening sound and shards of glass scattered over the few electrical items that were on display in the dusty shop front.

An elderly man ran to the door, fist raised in frustration at the local children.

Behind him, the TV showed a picture of a jail cell at the municipal center, the camera zooming in with graphic clarity on the blood-soaked body of a woman awkwardly spread-eagled on the floor, while an impersonal voice reported the facts.

Harriet Short, the woman exposed in an Eyes Only broadcast for her part in a transgenic job training scam, was today brutally shot down by an unknown assailant inside the Seattle Municipal Building, where she was being held before being arraigned. Seattle Police are still investigating. There is no suspect at this time.


END OF EPISODE 4.02 
