After the evaluation Liz was given clearance to the public areas of the base and the guard taken off of her door. It was still locked at lights out but she could leave during the day without restrictions. She was allowed around the other transgenics not that it mattered much. They didn’t talk to her except in short sentences and then not often.
She was still assigned to Alec and Liz couldn’t help but wonder why Lydecker still hadn’t assigned her to a unit. But she had an idea and that idea was that he had planned on making them a team for missions. The type of team that could be sent on undercover assignments, usually infiltration and assignation. That was why he had let Alec help her on the day of her evaluation. Liz figured out of all of the Xs she could have been paired with, Alec was the best choice to keep up her cover.
About a month after the evaluation Liz became depressed because she realized that Christmas was only a week away. She wouldn’t be home that year to celebrate with her family and friends. She told Alec about how they decorated the Café up, her Christmas tree she always had up on her balcony, and the stuff her parents and her did. He had never had a Christmas and didn’t completely understand the appeal but he listened to Liz. She figured he was just humoring her so that she wouldn’t sink back into depression. Regardless Liz was grateful to talk to someone about it.
Liz was surprised on Christmas Eve when she heard a knock on her cell door. There were only a few minutes until lights out and she didn’t usually have visitors then. But she didn’t mind because she had been feeling antsy for the last hour since returning to her quarters She walked over and swung the door open. “Alec? What are you doing here? It’s almost lights out.”
“I just wanted to bring you something.” Alec said before handing her a large candy bar. “I know it’s not the same as ice-cream or something like that but I thought you might like some candy for Christmas.”
Liz’s face lit up as she grabbed the candy bar from his hand. “Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“You better hurry up and hide it though before someone sees you with it.” Alec said. Liz hurried over to her cot and stashed it under her pillow. She turned around and went back to where Alec had come up and sat down on her cot. Before she thought about what she was doing she hugged him. It felt so good to be in his arms and felt her body starting to respond.
Although unexpected Alec enjoyed the hug. That was before her scent hit him like a punch in the face. She must have been downwind up until that point because he hadn’t detected anything but now he was overcome by her pheromones. He pulled away to say something but lost all thought when he saw the desire in her eyes. They leaned in at the same time for a heated and hungry kiss. They devoured each other desperately, tongues and lips moving seeking out the other. She moved toward him and brought her hands up around his neck; he took hold of her waist and pulled her on top of him, so as to straddle him. The sensations were sharp and powerful; each time a tongue swept through a mouth, dizzying jolts shot through each of them and exploded.
Then suddenly she was gone and only cold air hit him. He opened his eyes to see several guards restraining Liz. Not thinking about anything but getting back to where they were, he knew he had to help her. But before even he could do anything, he felt a taser hit from the side followed by another. It was on a high setting and he dropped to the floor. He could see Liz still struggling and winning against her captors until she too was stunned.
When they were both incapacitated one of the guards radioed in, “They are subdued.”
But the walkie talkie was not needed because just then Lydecker came around the door, “Why were you unprepared for this?”
“There had been no prior signs that 435 was entering her heat cycle sir.” One of the guards stated.
Lydecker nodded, “I want 494 taken back to his cell immediately. 435 is to be kept here in solitary until all signs are gone and we can determine that the cycle is over. Provisions will be delivered three times a day by a female of the X5 series only.”
“Yes sir.” The guards all said before several picked up Alec and helped him out of the room. One of the other guards picked Liz up and dropped her on her cot. She fell on it and didn’t move as the guards and Lydecker left her cell. Once they were gone she fell asleep.
After several hours of sleep, Liz woke up with the feelings of her heat coming on full blast. She rolled over and heard a crunch underneath her. Reaching under the pillow she retrieved the candy bar stashed there. She had read that chocolate was a good substitute for sex so she started eating it hoping that it would help. By the time it was done, she realized it hadn’t. She hopped up and paced trying to work off some of the energy she had. But there was only one thing that her body wanted to do with that energy, mate.
Remembering her kiss with Alec earlier didn’t help her inflated hormones one bit. It had been a very heated, passionate, animalistic kiss. Full of need, so much so that they practically consumed each other. She remembered everything so clearly. The feel of his hands and lips, how his tongue dominated hers. And she had loved every minute of it. The guys she had kissed before Kyle, Max, Sean had always treated her like she would break but Alec hadn’t. He hadn’t because he had known she could handle it, that she was tougher than glass.
So what did that mean? Did she like Alec or was it the hormones reacting? Was it because he was like her, a transgenic? After all she still loved Max. Despite the hurt that he had caused her and everything that had tried to keep them apart she still loved him. But what if love wasn’t enough? What if the kiss was someway of telling her to move on with her life? Or maybe she was over reacting to all of it and it was just a physical thing like animal magnetism.
Liz just shook her head. Right now with her hormones in overload was not the time to figure out her love life. She dropped to the floor and started doing pushups and hoping that the next forty-eight hours hurried up.
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After being drug out of Liz’s cell, it had taken about ten minutes for Alec to come out of the sexual haze that Liz’s pheromones had put him in. He never felt the effects directly of a female’s heat only seen them from a distance. And now he could definitely see why they were all put on mandatory forced birth control. If those guards hadn’t come in when they did, nothing would have stopped him from ripping Liz’s clothes off and having sex with her. Something he knew that they would regret when they came out of the effects of the heat. At least he thought he would.
He knew that he and Liz were more than just comrades. He figured they had become friends as well. He wondered if things would be weird the next day that they saw each other. He would just have to wait and find out when she came out of heat. In the meantime he had a few days off of his mission. Might as well get some business done.
Part 11
Forty eight hours later all constraints on Liz due to her heat were lifted when the cycle was determined to be over. Alec found out first thing since he was her CO so he went to talk to her before daily routines begun. He wanted to talk to her without other ears around and figured her quarters were the best place. As he approached her door he knocked twice then entered when he heard permission. When he got inside he saw her standing in the middle of the room looking anxious.
“Morning.” Liz said greeting him. She wasn’t sure what to say after what had happened.
“You, too. Feeling better?” Alec asked.
“I feel back to myself again.”
“Good, the effects of a heat can make you feel out of the ordinary and effect the others around you so I’m glad you’re back to yourself.”
“Yeah, sorry you were effected by it.” Liz said apologizing.
“No problem, I know you have as much control over it as I did. Just forget about it.” Alec said trying to make her feel more comfortable.
But Liz didn’t take his statement that way and thought he meant to just forget what happened. “You’re right and I hate being out of control. Let’s just forget about all of it, at least after you gave me the candy bar.”
“Right.” Alec said before changing the conversation. “Um, there’s been a development since you were inactive for the last few days. X5-734 was captured and brought in last night.”
“Brin?” Liz asked eyes wide. “What do you know about it?”
“According to my sources Lydecker got a lead about a mercenary group in Seattle trying to sell her. She got a way from them with some other X5s.”
“Do you know which ones?” Liz asked. She couldn’t believe that so many of her family members had been in one city.
“No, the guard didn’t know.” Alec answered. “But they ended up giving her up because she is in the late stages of degenerative progeria. She’s in the infirmary being treated.”
“Alec, do you think…” But before Liz could get the question out Alec motioned with his finger for her to follow him. “Already got it worked out. I can get you in for a few minutes and that’s it. Lydecker’s still in Seattle trying to catch the others so you’ll be under his radar.”
“Thank you.” Liz said exasperated. They made their way over to the infirmary and Alec led her past the exam rooms she had previously been in to a private treatment room. Once there Alec talked to a guard, slipped him something and then turned back to Liz. “You’ve got three minutes before the doctor comes back.”
Liz nodded as she slipped into the room. Inside she saw a figure on the nearby bed that she assumed was her sister Brin but it was difficult to recognize her. Although she was only a year older than Liz, the way her haired had grayed and her face aged she looked a lot older. Plus she was hooked up with a bunch of tubes to different machines that partially hid her. Liz felt a lump in her throat at the sight, her sibling was very sick.
She moved to sit on the side of the bed and as she lowered herself, Brin opened her eyes. She might have looked different, but her eyes were the same. She looked at Liz for a minute before Liz saw recognition in her eyes, “Liz?”
“Yeah, it’s me.” Liz said softer than she meant to. She brushed Brin’s long gray hair away from her face, “How are you?”
“I feel better than I have, wish I wasn’t in here though.” Brin explained. It was obvious she was weak by the way she spoke. Like just talking was wearing her out.
“What happened? I heard that someone gave you up so you could get better?”
“Wasn’t their fault, I didn’t want to die.” Brin said.
“Who, who was it Brin?” Liz asked. She wasn’t sure if her sister would be able to answer though because she looked to be falling asleep.
“Zack and….Maxie.” Brin finally managed to say before succumbing to sleep. Liz wanted to shake her, wake her up and talk to her. But she could see that Brin was not up for it. Liz stayed where she was, just watching Brin sleep until she heard the door open and Alec’s voice. “Time’s up.”
Liz nodded and got up then left. She followed Alec out of the infirmary and medical wing without really noticing where they were going. When they stopped she finally took in their surroundings and noticed they were outside in a small secluded spot.
“Alec, is she going to make it?” Liz asked.
“This isn’t the first time they’ve had to treat progeria so she’s got a good chance, it depends on how she responds to the treatment.” Alec answered. “What happened in there?”
“I only got a few sentences out of her, she told me which of the X5s she was with. After that she fell asleep. I should be able to talk more to her when she’s better.” Liz explained.
“Liz, when she gets out of there she’s going straight to Psy-Ops.” Alec stated.
Liz closed her eyes tightly not wanting to think about it. “She’s not going to be her anymore will she?”
“Unless she has the same abnormal brain waves as you, yes she’ll be different.”
“She doesn’t have them.” Liz said more to herself than to Alec.
“How do you know that? Maybe that was why you all thought differently then us, you all had different brainwaves.” Alec stated trying to get an answer out of her. An answer he knew she had.
“I know because I’m the only X5 like that.” Liz answered. She hadn’t meant to say that much but Alec wouldn’t let up and she had dropped her guard since she was upset about her sister.
“So you were lying and you do know. So tell me.” Alec stated.
Liz looked at him for a minute before answering, “I can’t.”
“Can’t or won’t?” Alec asked angrily. He felt hurt that Liz hadn’t told him the truth when it was obvious that she did. He couldn’t blame her for not telling him the first time he had asked, he wouldn’t have either. But knowing that she didn’t trust him now made him angry. He had stuck his neck out for her, he could get in serious trouble if Lydecker knew he was hiding the fact that she hadn’t been completely reindoctored, he would be terminated as quickly as she would.
“Both.” Liz snapped. “I’m sorry Alec. But I can’t, it would endanger too many lives. “
“I can’t believe that you would think that I would rat on you.” Alec said stunned.
Liz knew he was right. He had kept secrets for her when she had never asked him to, only because he had wanted to. But could she trust him with the whole alien secret? Deciding to compromise, she said, “I don’t know anything concrete but I can tell you the theory I have.”
Alec was surprised at the fact that he had won the argument and said, “I’m all ears.”
“When I lived in Roswell, I was exposed to an unknown element. Possibly a type of radiation from what the military was doing out in the desert in the forties and fifties. Somehow it changed me, altered me and affected my brain waves. I don’t know if that’s what it was or not but it’s my theory.” Liz explained. It wasn’t a complete lie. She had been exposed to an unknown element, alien powers. And Congresswoman Whitacker said that Cadmium X was a radioactive isotope, not to mention that the military had been in charge of covering up the crash in the forties out in the desert. So although it was rather vague, it was the truth. From a certain point of view.
“And how does that endanger other s lives?” Alec asked.
“Well of course I’m not the only one affected. And I don’t want the people who were picked up and treated like lab rats to the US government.” Liz stated. “So there’s the explanation I have, can we drop it now?”
“Sure,” Alec said not sure if he bought that she was telling him everything but decided he could dig more later. After all if you solve a mystery all at once, where was the fun?
Part 12
Over the week following Brin’s return to Manticore, Alec kept Liz up to date on her progress. She was unable to make any more visits to see her so she found comfort in at least knowing her status. Within four days of her being admitted into the infirmary she was cured of the progeria that had racked her body, almost to the point of death. She was healthy again but in a state of weakness when they took her to Psy-Ops. Liz wondered what she would or could tell them. Were they going to find out nothing about the others as they had with her? Or did Brin know or at least seen the others?
Liz thought that they might have found something out when she received a summons for her to Lydecker's office. Not her and Alec like the other time but just her. Why else but finding out something about her family would have Lydecker calling for her.
Lydecker looked up as she entered his office, his expression was hard to read. She moved to stand at attention in front of his desk, “435, reporting as ordered sir.”
“You followed the order in quick and efficient manner, 435.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“I called you here to speak to you on a matter concerning your former unit.” Lydecker stated as he rose from his desk and stood in front of her. “Follow me.”
Liz was confused as Lydecker led her out of his office and in the direction of Psy-Ops. Once there she was even further surprised when she was led into another office or more precisely a viewing room. One wall was a one way mirror but at the moment the lights didn’t allow anyone to see on the other side. Lydecker spoke then, “I’m sure you are aware that when you were confined to your quarters last week that X5-734 was recaptured.”
“Yes, sir. I am aware of that 734 was captured.” Liz stated.
“But her recapture is not the only one in weeks passed we have also recaptured your former Commanding Officer, 599.” Lydecker informed her. Whether for drama or just his natural irony, Lydecker flipped off the lights and Liz could see the person on the other side.
It was indeed Zack who was strapped to a chair. Her oldest brother had been captured. Although Liz kept her face impassive, her head and stomach were rolling with the emotions churning inside. Of all of them, Zack was the last one she ever thought would be caught but there he was. She had thought over the years that she had seen him around but when she turned around he was gone. She had liked to think that he was checking on her, taking care of her like he always took care of all of them.
She studied her brother trying to commit to memory everything. She could see some bruises and cuts on him that had already begun to heal. From the looks and the multitude of them, he had fought hard against his captors. He looked tired and Liz figured that the last few days had been strenuous. She could see by the instruments in the room that they had already interrogated him and were not going to give up any time soon. She wondered how long they had already been at it. They probably figured that if Brin and her didn’t know anything then their CO would. After all it had been his job to look after them when he had been in command.
Lydecker got her attention drawn to a monitor off to the side and saw him start a program. Then to her revulsion the monitor showed what she assumed was when Zack was brought in. She saw him being drug but half a dozen transgenic into the room and tied to the chair. She saw them leave and about ten minutes later Lydecker and a Psy-Op doctor enter. But what Liz saw happen in those ten minutes made her want to smile. Lydecker had made a big mistake, he had given Zack those ten minutes.
In those ten minutes she watched as Zack closed his eyes and seemed to rest. At least to others. But she knew he was initiating a technique that was taught to them that would make him forget everything. Even his own barcode. Lydecker had taught it to them and Liz didn’t understand why he hadn’t figured it out. But she didn’t really care why he hadn’t, only that he hadn’t. It was keeping her family safe.
“As soon as I find out the locations of the other escapees I plan to dispatch units of X5s to capture them. I will assign you and your CO to go with one of these units.” Lydecker stated.
“Yes, sir.” Liz said already figuring out a way to get away and warn the family member, whoever it was, that Manticore was on their tails. She would not turn traitor on her family.
“I will keep you informed of both 599s and 734s status. Dismissed.”
Liz nodded before leaving. Lydecker turned back towards the window once again and his back towards Liz. She stood only for a few seconds as she looked towards Zack. She needed to talk to him, if only to reassure him. She left and sought out Alec. She found him in the cafeteria talking with a few other X5s. He finished up his conversation before turning towards Liz. “So what did Lydecker want?”
“To confirm that I knew about Brin’s capture and another one of my siblings.” Liz said studying Alec’s face to see if he had known. By the surprise registered there, he didn’t. “Who?”
“Zack. He was the oldest.”
“I didn’t hear anything about him being caught.” Alec bemused.
“Alec I know that it’s asking a lot but I need to get into see him. Do you think you could get me in?” Liz asked.
Alec thought about it for a minute. “I can try but I don’t know if I can swing it.”
Liz raised an eyebrow, “When have you ever not been able to get what you wanted in here?”
‘If you only knew.’ Alec thought. “Since I didn’t already know about his capture it means that ordinary guards aren’t in on the deal. Which means the security around him is higher. That’s why I might have a problem, but I’ll see what I can do “
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Days passed into weeks and still Alec couldn’t get Liz into see Zack. He had bribed every guard he could think of but there was no getting around Lydecker and security this time. He couldn’t even get a lead on his condition or any information he might have let slip. Liz said that she knew that he had forced himself to forget everything but it was still possible for forgotten things to float back to the surface. But since Zack hadn’t been released, they figured nothing had been divulged.
Alec and Liz were in one of the training rooms watching some of the X8s who had just started physical training when Alec told her they were due at the shooting range. As they went down the corridors something caught Liz’s eye in one of the doorway windows. It was one of the smaller training rooms and inside there were two figures sparing. One had there back to them but Liz could tell it was a female by the long black hair pulled back into a ponytail. They watched on as the two fought hard and decided to go get a closer look. Liz studied them and thought that the female one fought in way that was familiar. The fight ended then with the unknown landing on the ground and that was when Liz figured out who it was. “Brin.”
She had barely whispered it but Alec was still next to her and had heard her. He looked at the X5 that looked nothing like her sister. “Must have started her training.”
“Yeah, must have.” Liz muttered. Brin looked towards the door right at her just then and it sent a chill down Liz’s spine. There was recognition there but nothing else. No happiness, no hope and no love. She had been reindoctored like Alec had said. Brin was gone leaving 734 in her place. Liz wondered if Brin had reported her visit or not but considering she had not been reprimanded for it yet, she guessed not. She wondered why. “Who’s her CO?”
“392, he’s not bad. Good soldier but not much of a leader. Looks like Lydecker plans on her to be part of a bigger unit instead of a pair like he is obviously doing with us.” Alec explained. Him and Liz had both came to the same conclusion that they were still paired up because they were to work as partners instead of being assigned to a large squadron. Alec didn’t mind, he had usually worked by himself on missions so working with Liz outside of Manticore wouldn’t be much different.
392 and Brin must have finished for the moment because they were suddenly in front of them. Brin nodded at her in greeting, “435.”
“734. Good to see that you have fully recovered and are back in training.”
“Yes, I am fully recovered. Both from my illness and my disloyal state of mind. ” Brin reinstated.
Liz nodded, “Good to know.”
Alec saw how uncomfortable Liz was and wanted to get her out of there, “435, we are running behind schedule.”
“Yes, sir.” Liz said before turning to follow him. But Brin grabbed her arm and said, “I know that you were sent in while I was sick in the attempt to extract information about the other escapees and wanted to let you know that while the effort was exceptional, there was nothing to expose because I did not know any of the others locations. I just wanted to make you aware that you did not fail in your assignment.”
Liz nodded again in acknowledgement before hurrying after Alec. Once they were outside Alec pulled her to the side where they wouldn’t be seen. He knew she needed a moment to compose herself. When he saw her close eyes and lean back against the wall, he knew he’d been right. “You okay?”
Liz just shook her head, not opening her eyes. “The look in her eyes, the blankness.”
“You knew what was going to happen.” Alec stated.
“I know but seeing it is a different story.” Liz explained. “And she thinks I’m the same as her. That I had forgotten all of the things that made me who I am and became a tool for Manticore to use for their advantage.”
Liz finally opened her eyes and looked right into Alec’s. “She thought that my sneaking in to see her was to try and get information out of her instead of just wanting to find out the welfare of my sister.”
Before he realized what he was doing, Alec moved forward and wrapped his arms around her to try and comfort her. He was glad that she didn’t pull away and even felt Liz relax against him. They were like that for a few minutes or so before breaking apart, “Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” Alec said as they left. When they finally made their way to the firing range they were only there for around five minutes before another X5 came up to them. “Colonel Lydecker wants to see you, both of you.”
Part 13
Liz felt it was starting to be a regular occurrence for her and Alec to report to Lydecker’s office. She didn’t like that thought and hoped she was wrong. She wanted to get his attention off of her and her siblings so that she could find a way for them to escape without him watching her every move. She just had to play along for a little while long, she hoped. She without looking at Alec she asked, “Do you know what this is about?”
“Nope.” Alec said only half telling the truth. He had an idea but he wasn’t sure so he didn’t tell her. They would find out soon enough. They entered a half minute later and saw that Lydecker was waiting for them. They moved to stand in front of his desk at attention only this time he didn’t not give the order to stand at ease so they stayed at attention. “I’ve called you here to give you orders for 435s first mission since her return.”
They were sending her on a mission, here was Liz’s chance to escape, and she could barely contain her excitement as Lydecker went on. He turned his computer monitor in their direction and said, “Your target’s name is Richard Strole. He has become a security risk to Manticore and Manticore can not allow the risk to continue. So you’re mission is to make sure that the risk is eliminated by terminating him.”
“He is heavily guarded and his security is just as tight, but our investigating has informed us that tomorrow night he is having a party. It is this party that you are to slip through security and eliminate him. You are both excused from training for the rest of the day to prepare. You will leave this evening on a military aircraft to an airport just outside of New Orleans. Since this is 435s first mission, you will be accompanied by a surveillance team to verify when the mission is completed as well as survey your progress and track you.” Lydecker explained. “Follow me to Op-Tech for all of your necessary gear. Any questions?”
“No sir.” They both answered. The room that held all of the mission equipment was heavily guarded and secured so that no one with out clearance could get in. And only Lydecker and TAC officers had that clearance. Manticore wanted to make sure that the transgenics didn’t have easy access just in case there was a revolt. Plus it was connected to a lab where technicians invented the newest gadgets to be used in the field. Liz watched as a retinal scan was performed on Lydecker before the door would even open and they could enter.
A blonde female technician saw them and motioned them over to an area that she guessed held their equipment already laid out. Liz noticed a beautiful looking silver and onyx cross lying out and wondered if it was for her to wear. The tech walked up then and picked it up, “The Colonel said that it was likely that you would not be able to get a gun passed security and you don’t want to draw attention by using hand to hand so this is to execute the target.” As she finished the last statement she unscrewed the top and illustrated that it was hollow inside. “They’ll be enough cyanide in here to take him out. After ingestion you’ll have anywhere from thirty to sixty seconds depending on how much he consumes. But even a tenth of what is in here will kill him.” The tech handed Liz the necklace who took it, all the while trying not to show her hands shaking. There was no mistaking that she was the one to complete the mission. It was probably a test to see if she was rehabilitated.
The irony of the necklace was not lost on Alec. That something so beautiful could be so deadly, much like Liz herself. She was beauty and grace even if she didn't know it, and she didn't. She had the kind of beauty and sexuality that goes blissfully unaware by the owner. Alec shook his head slightly wondering where the last thoughts had come from. “I’m primarily back up on this mission, sir?”
Lydecker nodded, “Yes, you are to offer assistance as well as aid in 435s cover. An invitation has been secured under your aliases, and the two of you will go with each other, maintain the illusion of a couple enjoying the party. 435 will then get close to the target, drop the cyanide, confirm that target has been eliminated and withdraw.”
“Both of you have comlinks inside your mask that is sensitive enough that you won’t have to have it pulled over your face to be heard by the other.”
“Masks?” Alec asked, he had never had a mission where he had to wear a mask of any kind.
“The party that you are going to is a Mardi Gras Masque Ball. Part of you gear is going to be costumes that will allow you to merge with the other guests. They have been fitted for your size.” The tech said before showing them the garment bags that contained the costumes.
“A small room has been secured across the street from Strole’s building where you will be able to prepare and keep surveillance.” Lydecker explained.
The tech continued to brief them on all of the equipment before Lydecker led them to the infirmary. Liz managed to glance at Alec in question who only shook his head. This was not standard procedure. Once inside Lydecker ordered them to sit on two of the exam tables while a doctor and assistant came up to them with pressure syringes. “These injections will substitute for the meds that you two will missing while on assignment.”
After the doctor explained, Lydecker stated. “You two are dismissed until 1800 hours when you will report to leave. Dismissed.”
Liz and Alec left just then and headed for outside. It was one of the safest places to talk without having to worry about people overhearing, or the cameras watching them. They went to the same spot that earlier Alec had comforted Liz. Once there Liz was the first to speak, “Well it’s a sure thing that Lydecker wants this mission to be a test for me. He wants to make sure I’m what I appear to be.”
“Considering you’re the one whose supposed to drop the toxin, I think that’s a far assessment. What do you think about that?” Alec asked.
“Doesn’t matter since I’m not going to do it. As soon as we hit the air strip, I’ll lose the surveillance team and escape.” Liz said matter of factly.
“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy.”
“What are you talking about?” Liz asked just before a guard came up and motioned to Alec. Liz watched as Alec chatted with the guard but didn’t listen figuring that it was just Alec giving the guard something from one of his deals. But once Alec was done Liz was surprised when the guard didn’t take his prize and leave. “435, I want you to go with him, he’s going to take you to see 599.”
Liz couldn’t help the surprise come over her face. She had almost given up hope that she would be able to see Zack. Alec leaned in and whispered low enough that only she could hear, “Hurry up, Lydecker is busy finalizing our mission and you don’t have much time.”
Liz nodded and quickly started to follow the guard. They moved quickly and carefully through the corridors, corridors that were usually only used by Manticore staff until they reached the room Zack was held in. “You have five minutes. I’ll knock when there is only thirty seconds left. If you get caught in there…”
“I snuck in on my own.” Liz stated. He opened up the door and she slipped in. She turned around and saw Zack.
Zack was still strapped to the examine chair that he had been in the first time she had seen him. According to his clothes and the state he was in, it looked like he hadn’t been out of the chair since they brought him in. His face was unshaven and ragged looking. She could see fresh bruises and needle punctures on his body from the torture and interrogation they had put him through. She couldn’t help herself as she reached over and brushed the matted hair off his forehead.
Liz almost jumped out of her skin when she felt him grab her arm. His restraints gave him enough leeway to get a crushing grip on her arm. She tried to pull away from him but he had her too tightly. She looked up and their eyes locked. “Zack, it’s me. It’s Liz.”
His eyes moved over her face, studying her. She finally saw his eyes recognize her and he let her go. “I found out about your capture too late, you were already here. Are you okay?”
Zack’s statement confirmed what Liz had thought before, he had been keeping an eye on her. “I’m fine, hanging in there. They tried to reindoctor me but it didn’t work. How about you? You don’t look so hot.”
“I don’t feel so hot. But I won’t let them break me.” Zack hissed out.
“I know you won’t.” Liz said. “I’ve been trying to find a way to get us out of here but only managed one for myself. Lydecker's sending me on a mission. The X5 assigned with me is cool and helping me out.”
“Take it. Take it and get out of here.” Zack stated.
“But…”
“That’s an order. Get out of here.” Zack said. “I’ll figure out a way to get me and Brin out.”
“I don’t know if she’ll go, she’s not her anymore.” Liz explained.
“I’m not leaving her, we already left too many behind.” Zack declared.
“I know.” Liz said. She barely got the words out when she heard a faint knock at the door. “Zack, I’ve got to go before I’m caught.”
“Follow my order, use your mission to escape.” Zack ordered again.
“I will. But I don’t want to leave you here.” Liz said, she could feel the tears in her eyes. She couldn’t leave him there. She just couldn’t. They would keep questioning him until they found out what they wanted to know possibly killing him in the process.
“It won’t help if you get caught.” Zack said. “And it’ll help me if I know you are safe.”
“Okay. I’ll go.” Liz said. The door opened just then, Liz kissed Zack’s forehead and left. She nodded to the guard and went out to the yard. She looked around but couldn’t find Alec anywhere. He wasn’t anywhere she expected him to be nor had any of the other Xs seen him. She finally headed towards their quarters where she ran into him. “Hey, I’ve been looking for you.”
Alec didn’t say anything, only pulled her into his quarters and shut the door. His actions confused her but her curiosity got the better of her. She had never been in Alec’s quarters and gave it a quick look around. Although there were no decorations or anything of that sort, the room seemed like Alec. His clothes and few personal items were strung out haphazardly and she could tell that he didn’t have regular inspections. “What’s going on? Why did you drag me in here?”
“I found out some stuff I wanted to tell you while you were off on your visit. How was it by the way?” Alec asked.
“He looks like someone dragged him behind a car but he’s still got his spirit. They haven’t broken him yet. It helped to see him, thanks. I don’t know how to thank you for it.”
“No big deal.”
“Well it is to me, you’ve helped me over and over and I owe you a lot, thank you Alec.” Liz said gratefully. “I won’t forget when I’m gone.”
“I don’t think you’ll be getting out of here as easy as you think.” Alec said not happy that he had to put a damper on her good mood.
Liz saw his grave expression and asked, “That’s the second time you’ve said that, why?”
“I knew something was up when they gave us that injection, I’ve never been given one when going on a mission. So I did some checking and found the real reason why they gave it to us. It’s not our meds, but a neurological toxin that if not counteracted with the antidote within 72 hours will attack our nervous system eventually putting us into a coma and killing us. According to my source we’ll be administered the antidote when we both return.” Alec explained.
“Oh my god.” Liz gasped. She should have known this would be too easy, then another thought hit her. “So if I escape, it doesn’t matter because I’ll be dead in a few days. And not just me but you too.”
“That about sums it up. Listen, I know how badly you want out of here but I would appreciate you not going just yet, I don’t really feel like dying.” Alec said trying to sound casual.
“You don’t have to worry,” Liz said defeated. “We’ll complete the mission.”
“We’ve got a few hours until we leave, what do you want to do?” Alec asked.
Liz looked up at him and suddenly felt very aware of their surroundings. They were alone in his quarters, and she felt slightly uncomfortable. “I think I’m going to head back to my cell see you shortly.”
Before Alec could say anything she was scurrying out of his room and he stood there confused.
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