Prophecy -- Chapter 10b

Disclaimer:  The TV shows Dark Angel and Supernatural, all of the characters that appeared on them, and everything else that has to do with the shows belong to their respective owners, not to me.  No money is being made off of this fic.  I only own the original characters (Dylan/X6-175, etc.).

Notes:  Takes place alongside chapter 10a.  Italics in this chapter are not only for thoughts, but are also, when indicated, for the points when the transgenics are exchanging words or orders while making hand signals/gestures.

“Okay, looks like we’re here,” Max said quietly as the van that she, Audrey, and six other X-series transgenics were riding in pulled to a stop.  “Let’s go over this one last time.  We approach the building by way of the alley running along its west side, and from there myself, Audrey, Mike, and Tank enter using the fourth floor windows while the rest of you stand guard outside of the building.  Dan stays here with the van in case we need to make a hot exit.  Myself and the inside crew take care of any remaining security measures in the building, locate and grab the stash of supplies, and then we haul ass back to Terminal City.  Radios in?”  Max waited for the confirmation that the others had their earpieces in and ready to use before she nodded.  “Good.  Any questions before we get this show on the road?”

One of the men in the van raised his hand.  “What about the possible guard dog situation?  Has there been any last-minute changes with regard to that?”

“No, Mike.  I haven’t heard a peep about that since we last went over these plans back at Terminal City,” Max answered.  “I’d say stick with the ‘just because the 411 we got said there weren’t any guard dogs, still prepare as if they’ve got them’ plan.  If the dogs that they had when I last broke into this place solo almost two years ago were something to go by, then I’d say the building would be more secure without ‘em.”

“Somebody’s still afraid of Rottweilers?” another one of the guys teased.  “Big, bad Mikey’s scared he’ll meet Cujo’s bastard son in there?”

“Shut up, numbnuts,” Mike replied.  “First of all, I am not scared of Rottweilers.  All of us have some feline DNA and that could bring with it a dislike of at least some things canine.  I would also like to point out that when we went on that mission down in Texas three years ago, the dogs were not in the plans that we’d gotten and I ended up getting surrounded by five of Cujo’s freak cousins and not only did I get away with my ass intact, but I still managed to complete my part of the assignment.  Furthermore…”

“Mike, Coop, shut up,” Max hissed.  She fought the urge to roll her eyes.  And these guys had been at Manticore for their entire lives until a year ago.  They’re being worse than two-year-olds!  “Last call for questions.  Anybody?”  Max waited, but nobody raised their hands or spoke up so she reached over and opened the door.  “Good.  Move out.”

The eight transgenics in the back of the van slipped out of the van silently.  They edged alongside a building, staying in the shadows, until they reached an alley.  Max held up a hand and made a gesture and one of the group members moved forward, assessing the area before turning back to Max and shaking her head.  “I don’t know, Max.  I’m hearing something, but it’s pretty faint.  I can’t make it out.”

“Damn,” Max swore softly.  She began to make gestures.  Silence from here on in.  Everybody check the area and report.  She looked around the area and listened carefully, but did not hear or see anything unusual and once the others had given similar reports, waved them on into the alley.  Max once again signaled to the others to check their surroundings and one more time, none of them found anything.  Max sighed and began to give more hand gestures.  Okay, we’re a go.  Audrey, Mike, Tank, follow me.  Coop, Patti, Cade, and Denise, spread out.  If you see--  Max suddenly stopped when a large group, also clad in black, but wearing masks, burst in on the transgenics and attacked.

“What the hell is this shit?” Coop yelled as he grabbed his pistols out of their holsters and began firing.

“What does it look like?” one of the attackers sneered as he fired a shot at Coop’s head at point-blank range.

“Coop!” Mike screamed.

“Keep it together!” Max yelled.  “Team up and cover each other’s backs.”

“Like this?” Audrey asked as she swung a right hook at one of the attackers, knocking the enemy out cold.

“Exact—Audrey, look out!” Max shouted.  Audrey tried to dive out of the way, but was only partially successful and the bullet tore through her leg instead of her chest.  Max tried to make her way to her sister, who had managed to struggle back to her feet and was even drawing her guns.  Damnit, Audrey’s a sitting duck injured like that!  We’re all screwed to hell if--  Max suddenly looked up and grinned as a large group of transgenics, led by Alec and Dylan, burst into the alley.

“Excuse us,” Alec said as he quickly made some gestures before he and Dylan went right into the center of the fighting, where Max and Audrey were.  He fought his way to the two women before barely ducking a punch thrown by one of the enemies.  “Whoops.”

“494.  I should have figured you would show your freak head.”

“Ah, White.  You never liked missing a ‘kill transgenics’ party, huh?” Alec remarked.  He began circling the Familiar.  “Of course, I never liked to missing ruining your fun.”

White narrowed his eyes and started to step towards Max, who was helping Audrey get away, but his path was quickly blocked by Alec.  “Get out of my way, 494.  Now.”

“I don’t think so,” Alec told him.  White moved forward, but paused as he noticed out of the corner of his eye Dylan sneaking around behind him.  White turned around to attack the X6, allowing Alec to make his move and knock out the Familiar.

“Let them go,” Max shouted as she saw the Familiars that could still walk retreating after picking up their injured and dead comrades.  “We need to get out of here ourselves.  Anybody aside from Audrey need medical help?”  She saw two hands go up before she looked down at where Coop’s body lay and sighed.  “Damn.”

“It could have been a lot worse,” Alec said.

“I know,” Max conceded.  “I hate losing people, Alec.  I—we’ve all lost too many.”

“Too true,” Audrey agreed, wincing.  She looked up at Dylan, who had made his way over to them.  “Hey.  Are you okay?”

“I should be asking you that question,” Dylan said.  He looked worried.  “Are you all right?”

“I’ll be fine,” Audrey assured him.  “The bullet just clipped my leg.  Give me a few days and I’ll be as good as new.”  She saw the worried look that Max was giving her and smiled patiently.  “Maxie, I’ll be okay.”

Max nodded.  “I know you’ll be good, but I almost…you were nearly killed, Audrey.”

Dylan shuddered at Max’s words as he reached over to put an arm around Audrey to support her.  I hear you, Max.  His gaze drifted over to where Coop’s body was lying…in the exact same location and in the identical position as it had been in his nightmares.  Dylan looked around and realized to his horror that he was, in fact, standing in the same alley that had been in his nightmares.  Oh, my God.  It almost happened.  I really almost happened.  They were nearly…it wasn’t just a dream!  This can’t be real.  I wish it wasn’t real.  His mind was miles away as he tightened his grip around Audrey’s shoulders and helped her over to one of the vans.  Oh, my God.

TBC