Part 47
Alec POV

Biggs, Krit, Zack and I have target practice now so we are heading out to felid A. Once we get there we see 277 and the rest of unit three shooting off an assortment of weapons going down the line. It looks as if they start off with a cross bow and end with a machine gun.

“Soldiers you are late.” The drill sergeant barked at the four of us.

“Sorry sir.” We all yelled jumping to attention.

“Get to your stations. Start at the beginning and work your way down the line of weapons. Some need to be assembled so assemble them. If you miss a target once you will redo that round, and another one as well. When you finish hand me your targets and if I think you need to redo any weapon you do so. The four of you will be staying after for an hour to clean all the weapons as a punishment for your lateness.” The drill sergeant said walking away to check on the progress of the others.

“Let’s get to it then.” I said as I step up to my station. I was right a cross bow is first, but it looks as if I have to assemble seven arrows before I can begin shooting. I make quick work of it and assemble them in five minutes. I shoot my first arrow with surprising accuracy; it has been a while since I had to shoot a crossbow.

“Well done 494, but that last one was slightly off do two more and move on to your next weapon.” The drill sergeant said.

“Sir yes sir.”

“698 you are very wide make adjustments and do two more rounds and hit the center not by the center or around the center hit one of the designated spots.” The drill sergeant said.

“Sir yes sir.”

“Gee Zack it’s almost like you have not shot a weapon in twelve years.” I said smirking as Zack sticks up his middle finger at me. He then shoots the target in an unusual place. He turns and looks at me and smiles.

“Right on target.” Zack said.

“Well if that don’t stop a guy I don’t know what would.” I said looking at the whole in that target that was formerly the targets genital area.

“Nice work as usual 277 you hit all of your targets with pin point accuracy except number six round three of your sniper.” The drill sergeant said as the guy goes back and re does the round and another round after that. He is extremely accurate.

“Nice work 494 your long range is excellent.” The drill sergeant said as I hit the button to change sheets.

“Very good 665 your sniper work is coming along nicely.” 277 said as 665 finishes his last round and switches sheets.

“Do another round like that and move on to your next weapon.” 277 said as he starts to disassemble two of the weapons.

“Hey man watch it!” 665 yelled at Zack who was really wide on his last shot and clipped the side of 665’s sheet.

“Five more rounds for that!” The drill sergeant said to Zack who looked really upset about the shot.

“Okay all who are finished are dismissed you four continue.” The sergeant said looking at us and giving Biggs, Krit, and I a sympathetic look.

“Done.” I said handing him my sheets. He checks them over and then putts them in the stack he has in his hands.

“Good get started on cleaning and dismantling the weapons. The X7’s later today have a speed test to see how fast they can assemble all the weapons so you need to clean and sort the parts.” The drill sergeant said. I salute and get to work making easy work of taking apart the weapons and then cleaning them.

“Wonder what the girls are up to.” Zack said taking my thoughts from the weapon in my hand to Liz.

“I don’t know they have class just like us.” Krit said as he finishes his target practice doing extremely well for being on the outside for as many years as he was. Krit unlike Zack is excellent with weapons and it appears he has practiced some over the years.

“Why do I keep thinking about Isabel?” Zack asked.

“Maybe because you love her.” Biggs said.

“Well man you have to stop thinking about her for a while so you can hit your target for once.” I said with a smile.

“Do you think about 513 I mean Liz all the time?” Biggs asked.

“Yes.”

“How is it that you can be so in control?” Zack asked.

“I think about her and use her as a strength.” I said.

“Obviously, but every time I think about Isabel my mind goes blank its like I forget all of my training.” Zack said defeated.

“Try thinking like this. Isabel is weak and defenseless and it is your job to protect her. Everything you do is for her and that the target is her enemy.” Biggs said giving Zack some good advice.

“I will try it.” Zack said as he picks up his next and final weapon, aims, shoots, and hits the target right in the heart.

“Nice.” I said and Zack smiled.

“Great advice Biggs.” Zack said as he proceeds to finish the clip and re loads another.

“So Biggs why do they call you Biggs?” Krit asked causing me to drop the barrel I was cleaning.

“Well it was on a mission in Montreal and there was this brothel…” Biggs said fully intending to tell these two about it.

“Ah Biggs shut it.” I said sending him a death glare.

“Alec why do I get the feeling you had something to do with this?” Krit asked.

“He did he was in the shack with me, all the ladies loved him and I was so jealous that I told them that I was Biggs if you will.” Biggs said and Zack busted out laughing.

“So Alec does my little sister know you did all of this?” Krit asked sending me a fierce look.

“Well um…you see it was…um it was nothing it was…” I stuttered unable to defend myself. Right now my worst fear is coming true, Zack and Krit the love of my life’s older brothers are finding out about my past and are about to reject me and tell me that they don’t want me near Liz.

“It was a long time ago and I was the one who was dubbed Mr. Biggs not Alec.” Biggs said.

“You do realize I am Max’s older brother right?” Krit asked and Biggs ducked his head sheepishly.

“Well its better to find out about our pasts from us then someone else.” I said and Zack nodded in agreement.

“Your right I would kill you in your sleep if someone else told me that.” Zack said causing me to shudder at the thought knowing he was fully serious.

Michael POV

“Concentrate Michael, tap into your emotions.” Tess said as I raise my hand towards the small rock sitting three feet away.

We are in the desert trying to work on our powers more and all the others have made some progress except for me. I stare at the rock some more seeing the vast desert around it and the sand and desert terrain as fair as the eye can see. The rock looks so small in comparison and yet to me it feels so large.

“Let your mind go blank and only think of the rock.” Tess said her voice having a hypnotizing effect on me.

“Tess I can’t all I can think about is how big the rock is.” I said putting my hand down.

“Michael I want you to think the rock is small. Move farther back so that it looks smaller, but still use the same energy you need to blast it.” Tess said so I back up a few more feet making the rock look even smaller. I close my eyes and concentrate on the rock. I can feel the energy within me building causing the air around me to crackle. I slowly open my eyes and zero in on the rock lifting my hand and aiming at the rock and letting all of the pent up energy go. I see this blue/ green ball go hurtling towards the rock and blowing it to smithereens.

“Wow!” Isabel said her mouth hanging wide open.

“Nice Michael. Now what did that feel like on the inside?” Tess asked.

“It felt warm and kind of like a bunch of water pouring over me.” I said.

“Well think of that feeling every time you need to blast something. Now you see that boulder over there well I want you to blast that.” Tess said as I turn to face the large boulder.

“You can do this Michael you were born to do this.” Isabel said standing next to Tess.

I close my eyes and concentrate on having that same feeling as before except this time I let it intensify more knowing I will need to use more energy. I raise my hand and take aim at the boulder and release the energy and send it towards the boulder. This time though I feel something different like something inside of me opened up it was such a rush. All the sudden instead of a normal blast this red beam comes out of my hand blasting the boulder to kingdom come.
“OMG Michael what the heck was that?” Isabel asked as her and Tess come running up to me. I feel so drained right now that last blast took a great deal of energy.

“Oh I don’t feel so good that took a lot out of me.” I said falling slightly, Tess and Isabel rush to support me.

“I don’t think you were ready for that yet.” Tess said as we sit on the ground and I lean against Isabel.

“Tess how did we really know each other in our past lives? Were we all close?” I asked.

“Rath and Zan were close and Lonnie and Ava were close. Rath and Ava grew up knowing they were going to marry the royal children and through that they were close. Lonnie, Zan, Ava and Rath were more like brothers and sisters then lovers.” Tess said.

“I always thought of Isabel as my sister and now that I have gotten to know you I feel you are like my sister. Max though I never was that close to we just tolerated each other because we were the same over time becoming closer, but now it’s like I don’t even know him. After all that has happened with him and Liz I find myself doing something that I would never do I am taking a humans side over an alien. Over time I have come to think of Liz as a sister after all that she has done for us I just do not want Max to hurt her or for anyone else to hurt her or anyone that I love.” I said opening up to the two girls on each side of me.

“Yeah I feel closer to the two of you Liz and Kyle then anyone ever. The four of you get me and don’t try and change me. I guess it helps that Liz is different like us.” Tess said.

“Yeah the others are cool. I love having friends that will not backstab me for a boy and friends who are like me and get me. Liz, Maria, Max and you Tess are now my best girlfriends so it is all good.” Isabel said smiling.

“I think I am ready to try again now.” I said and the three of us stand up again and get ready.

“Now I want you Michael to try and blast another boulder.” Tess said. I scan the area for another boulder to blast when I spot the perfect one. It is the same size as the previous one and this time I will try a normal blast on it. I raise my hand, but this time I do not close my eyes I just let the energy go. In mere seconds the blue/green energy ball is released blasting the boulder.

“Nicely done Michael.” Tess said as she and Isabel pat me on the back.

“Let’s go guys we have hand to hand training with a group of X8’s in ten minutes.” Isabel said as the three of us head back to the base feeling drained, but up for a challenge.

The three of us enter felid D right on time and line up with the little kids who are more like toddlers. They are all wearing these burlap sack like things that look as though they have seen better days.

“All right fall in place.” The instructor yelled blowing his whistle three times.

“Now I want to work on our basic punches with a few kicks and combinations thrown in. When X5 819 does a move you copy it and be precise.” The other instructor said.

The X5 beings with a solid air punch using his right arm letting out a grunt. We all follow grunt and all.

“Isabel not so stiff.” The instructor said as he walked down the lines and examines all the little soldiers and the three of us.

“Excellent Michael your motions are very fluid I think you have done this before.” The other instructor said as he and the other instructor stop in front of me and examines my punches and kicks.

“Michael I am going to have X5 819 attack you with some basic moves and I want you to block them and defend yourself with some of your own.” The one instructor said as X5 819 comes over and stands in front of me; the others form a circle around us.

The boy starts off easy enough throwing a right hook towards me, which I easily block with my left arm. He tries to sweep my legs out from under me, but I send a kick to his stomach landing solidly sending the X5 backwards. I then send a hand chop towards his neck causing him to fall to his knees because I hit a pressure point. Grabbing his arms I squeeze his arms together picking him up off the floor and then I head butt him causing his eyes to tear up allowing me to land a left kick to his right side, which I follow up with a right punch and left punch making his head snap back and forth. He then sends a left kick my way with a right punch, which I easily block with my right knee and left arm. I quickly push him away and spin up in the air sending a kick towards his stomach, which sends him flying over the little X8’s and he lands a good five feet away.

“Very good I could tell you were holding back as was X5 819, but you held your own. Clearly you are more advanced then we thought. I think you should train with the X7’s. I will tell the Director later right now I want you to go with X5 982 and train.” The instructor said.

“X5 982 get over here now.” The instructor yelled and a girl comes running over.

The girl is a good six feet tall with long brown hair, tan sun kissed skin, and aqua colored eyes. She was in her twenties from the looks of her and she had this presence about her screaming strength. I could tell that she has a great deal of training and has seen more then a normal human ever will.
“Come with me.” She said. I look over my shoulder once more at Tess and Isabel and then follow the X female.

“So what are we going to work on?” I asked taking command. She rolled her eyes at me with her hands on her hips.

“From what I saw you leave your right side open to an attack so we will work on that.” 982 said as she gets into her fighting stance and I do the same.

“Okay let’s do this.” I said and she first sends a powerful kick towards my left side first which I block with my knee causing an enormous amount of pain to shoot through my leg.

“That is your first mistake you doge a kick like that it is too strong to block with your body.” 982 said as she set up again to get ready to fight. This time she starts off whit an upper cut to my jaw landing solidly, but I just brush off the pain. I send a kick to her stomach, but she easily blocked it and grabbed my foot sending a kick to my right side.

“See your right side was open. Now we are going to re do what we just did and this time when I catch your foot I want you to launch yourself into the air and kick me wit the other foot in the face, but make sure you do it quickly.” 982 said. We start off the exact same way as the time before but this time when she catches my leg I jump in the air and kick her, but she accidentally released my other leg and while still in the air I kicked her in the face again getting in a double hit. I land on the floor in a fighting stance.

“That was great I was planning on catching you off guard, but man you wailed on me there. Those moves you did most X7’s are just mastering.” 982 said. We spend the next two hours getting my skills to the point where I can hold my own against an X7. Over time I found out that 982 was nicknamed Jaw Breaker or JB and that it would be alright if I called her that. She is cool she reminds me of Tess and Maria in a lot of ways. She has a ton of energy like Maria, but has this darkness about her like Tess. Also the eyes scream Tess.

“Well it is time for me to get to pool B I have a breath test.” I said and JB gets this knowing look.

“Have fun.” JB said sarcastically

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

“Well have fun being chained under water to see how long you can hold your breath. By the way if you see blood it’s only natural for your ears and nose to bleed for the first few times.” JB said.

“They chain you under water?” I asked panicking I hate water this is just more of a reason to.

“I am not sure. You they might not chain to the bottom of the pool.” JB said this causes a deep pit of dread to settle in my stomach.

Part 48
Liz POV

That was the scariest two hours of my life. They told us about breast-feeding, bottle-feeding, diaper changing, and everything else under the sun. Right about now I am thinking about possibly becoming a nun.

“Hey Liz.” Alec said as he came in form the shooting range. Okay so nun is totally out of the question.

“I am starving.” I said as the two of us head toward the cafeteria for supper.

“Oh there is 666.” Alec said pointing to the teen that is choking down her food.

“Max and I call her Blaze so you can as well. Also her boyfriend is now known as Ice.” I said and Alec laughed. We go through the line and get our food and go and sit with the others who are slowly coming in.

“Hey guys.” I said sitting down. I look at Michael, Isabel, and Tess and see that their hair is wet and they look a little worse for the ware.

“By the way I hate water.” Michael said with a growl.

“Oh poor baby.” Maria said wrapping her arms around Michael who leaned back into her embrace. The two of them are so cute together.

“So you three got introduced to the tank?” I asked and Tess groaned.

“You knew they were going to do that to us and did not warn us?” Michael asked with a growl.

“Dude we all had to go through it.” Krit said.

“Hey Liz what is your record?” Blaze asked as she comes up for air. She is choking down, but from what the others have said she has been this hungry forever and that it is nothing new.

“Ten minutes.” I said and Alec whistles.

“What about you 494 I mean Alec.” Blaze asked.

“Eight minutes.” Alec said and out of the corner of my eye I see 665 shovel his food onto her plate. I had to work really hard not to laugh when her eyes lit up and she dug into her food again.

“What about you Krit?” Alec asked.

“Seven minutes.” Krit said.

“Max?” I asked and she looks funny for a minute.

“Eight minutes.” She said.

“Zack?” I asked and he smirks at the rest of us.

“Seven minutes.” Zack said.

“How long did the three of you hold for?” I asked Michael, Isabel, and Tess.

“Well Isabel held for a minute, Tess for a minute and a half and I held for two minutes.” Michael said proudly.

“Great.” I said as I get up and throw my trash away.

“Um guys I am going to go lift some weights before lights out.” I said heading out.

“Cool can I come with?” Alec asked.

“Yeah.” I said as the two of us leave I hear Blaze mumble something about a whole lot of work getting done there and I get the distinct feeling she is being sarcastic.

The two of us enter the weight room and I stand in the doorway in awe I have never seen so much equipment before. All of the machines look new, it is like heaven.

“This is so great!” Alec said as he runs over to the treadmills.

“All these machines this is great.” I said, running my hand over one of the weights.

The two of begin to work out starting with our legs, then lower abdominal, then the upper body. I was on a crunch machine when Alec started to talk. “So why do you want to do the breeding project?” Alec asked, sitting up from his position on the ground.

“I want a connection to this world.” I said opening up to one of the only people who gets me.

“I get that, but you also have a family and people who care about you.” Alec said.

“True but they are not exactly like me. I am a Familiar and they are not. Also, I am part alien and they are not. If I had a kid they would be like me and I could have someone I could relate to and care for.” I said sitting up and facing him.

“What about you?” I asked.

“I don’t have any real family and the only person I know I am related to I just met and I don’t see Zack and I getting close anytime soon. Besides, it is kind of an instinct like my body is telling me I need a kid.” Alec said.

“I can see that.” I said and I smile.

“The one thing I do want is for our first time not to be about the breeding program and to be about us.” Alec said shocking me.

“Wow can you read minds?” I asked laughing.

“No, but I know you and I know that you have not… you know and it would not be right other wise.” Alec said fidgeting with nervousness.

“That is so cute Alec who has been with scores of women is embarrassed to talk about having sex.” I said laughing as Alec flushed slightly letting down his guard.

“Hey I just do it I don’t talk about it.” Alec said still fidgeting.

“Well us females like to talk about that sort of thing.” I said with a devilish smile.

“Wait you all talk about that?” Alec asked getting even antsier. He got up and started to pace.

“Well have you um had anything to tell them?” Alec asked.

“You know I have not had sex.” I said smirking.

“Yes but have you done other stuff?” Alec asked an odd look on his face. One that I commonly saw on Max’s face when he was jealous.

“No I was never ready for that. I have come very close, but I always stopped things before they got too far.” I said.

“Yes well now you no longer have to stop things. Least of all with me.” Alec said wiggling his eyebrows.

“Come on it will soon be lights out.” I said as the two of us leave the fabulous weight room.

“Ah 494, 513 there you two are.” Renfro said coming up to the two of us who probably looked a mess from our workout.

“Madam Renfro.” I said as Alec and I snap to attention.

“At ease soldiers. So those who are in the breeding program are allowed to sleep together at night. Can we expect you two to be in the same room?” Renfro asked the two of us with a smile, but her blue and gold suit makes it look less then convincing.

“Yes.” Alec said which causes her smile to widen causing an uneasy feeling to settle within me.

“Alright then lights out in ten minutes.” Renfro said walking away.

“Let’s go lover boy.” I said causing Alec to laugh.

“Yes my lady.” Alec said as we enter my room. Before we closed the door we saw Maria enter Michael’s room, which was across from mine; the two were deep in a make out session that was escalating quickly.

“Well looks like those two are having a good ole time.” Alec said as we hear the door slam closed.

“Those two always have fun.” I said with a sly smile.

“Lights out.” Got yelled down the hall as I closed my door. A loud clicking noise could be heard throughout the halls as all the doors were being automatically locked.

“Hey you okay?” Alec asked me as I stand there staring at the locked door.

“No it reminds me of the other base and how they locked us all in sometimes for days.” I said as Alec comes up behind me and puts his arms around me.

“I know it was hell, but it looks as if things have changed some what, although they still lock people in. They are allowing friendship and relationships to form.” Alec said and I nodded.

I feel safe in Alec’s arms and being in his arms feels right almost like it was meant to be. I slowly turn around and face him.

“Why is it that I do not care that our relationship is moving faster then any of the others? Why is it that we have not even been on a date and I am ready to sleep with you?” I asked Alec who moved his arms around my waist pulling me closer.

“Because the two of us have been through the same things, we have grown up in similar environments and have the same fears and dreams. We have gotten closer through our pasts and we are very open with each other making us closer then any of us have ever been with anyone else.” Alec said as he leans down and captures my lips in a tender kiss, which I return. It was gentle at first, but soon turned primal; both of us letting the animal take over.

Alec pushed me against the wall and attacked my lips and neck feverishly. He lets out a small purr, which I return as I nip at his neck and scratch at him.

“Let it out Liz let the kitty come and play.” Alec whispered in my ear. I let out a growl and hurl him across the small room; he lands with ease on the bed and lets out a delighted growl. I blur the short distance to the bed and I am on top of him clawing at him again. Alec let out a growl and flipped us over so he was on top. He pulled off his shirt quickly and went back to biting me. My shirt was next to come off. All reason went out the window when the cool air of the base met my bare skin.

I always thought my first time would be slow, sweet and perfect. The thought was pleasing, but did not take care of the part of me that wanted someone who could match my power and love me hard and rough like the animal within me. Alec is that person it is almost as if he knows what I want. I feel his mouth on my chest and I cannot stop the half moan half purr that escapes my lips. His response was a contented purr as well. I trail my hands down his stomach and chiseled abs toward the button on his issued clothes. I get his pants off with perfection if I do say so myself, but the barrier of my pants is overwhelming and I welcome the loss of my pants as Alec takes them off. He stops his movements for a moment and looks me in my eyes before he joins with me and takes my innocence and fully releases the animal. Things were slow at first and soon were out of control I could feel him digging into my sides and thighs as he slams into me. I meet him thrust for thrust growling with pleasure and excitement. I felt this winding within me and then Alec looked into my eyes again and it happened. I was crashing into earth and things went hurtling by.

“Wow.” Alec said into my neck I can feel his warm cum dripping from my thighs.

“Definitely.” I said as he removes himself from me and pulls me onto him. I burred my face into his neck as he started purring causing me to purr back out of instinct. It was comforting and loving.

“Sorry I was so rough, but I could not control it.” Alec said and I hear guilt in his voice. I prop myself up on my elbow and look at him he turned to look at me looking so vulnerable.

“Alec you knew I could take it and to me it was perfect. It was loving pleasing the human in me, and rough like the animal in me. You have nothing to be sorry about.” I said causing Alec to smile a genuine smile.

“Where did you learn to throw people onto beds? That was great.” Alec said and I pinch his side causing him to laugh. I could not help the yawn that escaped and it only made Alec laugh louder.

“Looks like I finally did what no other has done I made you sleepy.” Alec said with a triumphant smile before he yawned as well.

“Night Alec.” I said as I curled into his side.

“Night baby.” Alec said wrapping his arms around me.

Guest POV

“That was wow.” The man sitting next to me in the visual room. There are hundreds of TV screens of black and white along the wall each with a different part of the base showing. The largest TV had 513’s room on it as three people had just watched with bated breath the animal mating that went on. At first they watched the alien and human Michael and Maria, but soon found 513 and 494 much more interesting.

“That was amazing.” Renfro said in an airy voice.

“Was that normal?” I asked.

“For transgenic males and females yes they tend to let the animal needs take over, but wow did you see the sheer force they possessed.” Renfro said with something similar to perverted pleasure.

“She was a virgin.” I said causing the small blonde guy to look at me funny.

“How could you tell?” He asked.

“Her blood. When 494 exited 513 her virgin blood came dripping down her thighs.” Renfro said with a sick smile. Her comment made me feel uncomfortable and uneasy, but happy.

“Well Lisimba it looks as if you were right. 513 and 494 are perfect they will produce exactly what we want.” Renfro said causing me to smile.

“Ah yes my little Liz is going to make an interesting mommy.” I said with a smirk. I see the blonde man flinch.

“Well let’s go, Donald will be missing me shortly.” Renfro said.

“So are the rumours true? Are you and Donald an item?” I asked using the term I knew would get to her.

“You know perfectly well we are not like that.” Renfro said.

“Well that is what the others are saying. I mean what other reason would there be for you to leave the largest facility to come out here to the middle of nowhere with Lydecker?” I asked.

“The most powerful beings are out here and where there is power I will be there to harness it.” Renfro said with a cold, evil smile.

“Yes my dear I know.” I said with a laugh as we leave the security room

Part 49
Maria POV

There is no better feeling then to wake up in the arms of the man you love. I feel so safe here with Michael and after last night I never want to leave his arms again. I thought I saw Liz and Alec last night before lights out, but I was too caught up with Michael to be sure of what I saw. All I remember is slamming the door closed then hearing the doors throughout the building lock.

“Morning.” I said when I felt Michael stir from his peaceful slumber.

“Umahvh.” He said before pulling me closer to him; I could feel his breath on my neck and knew form the shortness of them that he was awake. I hear this tapping noise on the COM and then a bugle sending out the wake up call.

“You mean they actually do that?” Michael asked annoyed as the doors throughout the building unlocked. The sound of kids stirring and talking could be heard. Then I heard the distinct laugh of Liz and Alec causing me to stumble out of bed and put on my clothes. I turn and see Michael doing the same. We both walk out into the hall the same time as the others.

“Well look who it is.” Kyle said coming out of his room. I noticed Alec had his arm around Liz who was leaning on him.

“This surprises you?” Isabel asked laughing.

“Let’s go guys we only have fifteen minutes to shower.” Liz said causing me to groan.

“Later boys we will see you at breakfast.” Isabel said as the guys’ head to the male showers and us girls to the female showers.

“So Maria did you have a good night?” Liz asked with a very Alec like smirk as she shampoos her hair.

“I thought I say you and Alec outside your room. Did the two of you have a good night?” I asked. I see Blaze and the other females from her unit enter the showers.

“Yeah Liz how was it?” Blaze asked with a devilish smile sending chills down my back. I don’t know how Max and Liz can stand her she gives me the creeps.

“Well gals I am not one to kiss and tell.” Liz said causing Isabel, Tess, Max, and I to squeal. The other hundred some girls looked at us waywardly. Blaze stepped forward.

“It’s an outside expression of happiness.” She said and a look of understanding crosses the others faces as they go back to what they were doing.

“From what I saw you had a good night as well.” Liz said causing me to smile.

“So Blaze how did it go?” Max asked quietly even though the others could still hear, but they appeared un interested.

“Well let’s just say he screamed, then he hyperventilated, screamed again, laughed, cried, apologized, paced, and then hugged me.” Blaze said with a roll of her eyes and a smile hinting that more then a hug happened.

“So your younger then me and have had more of a sex life then me man do I feel grand.” I said laughing. Blaze laughed as well causing her gray eyes to shimmer with laughter making them look like sparkling gems. For the first time since I met the girl I felt at ease with her.

“666 did you hear that jerk who has a thing for you is back.” A girl with long platinum blonde hair said. She looked a great deal like Ice as Liz and Max dubbed the X5 so I am assuming the two are related.

“They are brother and sister.” Blaze said it was like she could read my mind. The other girl seemed to know what we were talking about.

“I am the same age as 666.” The blonde girl said.

“Is he really back?” Blaze asked a look of fear on her face.

“Yes I saw him with Renfro who looked less then pleased to see him.” The blonde girl said.

“Who?” Liz asked.

“Lisimba.” Blaze said with a venomous growl.

“No.” Liz said a terrified look on her face.

“I guess he has the same obsession with you as he does me.” Blaze said with a sad look. I look over at Liz who nodded her head.

“Who is this guy?” I asked.

“A perverted freak who has a thing for us transgenic females.” Another girl said. This girl is tall like Blaze; with long raven hair and yellow eyes one can really see the cat in her.

“Cool eyes.” Tess said causing the girl to smile.

“Thanks I love freaking the norms out with them they get all scared or unnerved and run away.” The girl said with a laugh making her sound like a hyena.

“Are you hyena?” I asked not thinking. Isabel shot me a look telling me what I said was on the rude side.

“Yes I am hyena, canine and feline. After all a hyena is a mix of a cat and dog.” The girl said with a smile causing her eyes to flash.

“I thought hyenas were supposed to be an impure mix. I thought other animals hated them.” Tess said.

“They do, but I have cat and dog in me and the others choose to pick up on that and not the evil.” The other girl said.

“Time for breakfast lets go people.” Blaze yelled causing the other girls to scatter quickly.

“Are you two going to be okay with this guy around?” I asked with worry.

“As long as Alec and…Ice around Liz and I should be fine, but please don’t leave us alone ever.” Blaze said looking really sacred. We are finally dressed in clean clothes and I go over and hug Blaze.

“Honey we will make sure he never harms either you or Liz or anyone else for that matter. We will make sure Ice knows that he needs to be on the lookout and Alec will stay with Liz all the time although I don’t think he would let her out of sight anyway.” I said and Blaze nodded. She unconsciously put her hands over her stomach protectively.

“Let’s go before our men start to look for us.” Isabel said putting her arm around Liz and Tess as Max put her arm around Blaze and I. The six of us walked into the cafeteria and over to the table were unit three and the others were. It looked as if Alec and Ice were in some kind of intense conversation.

“No way rockets are useless when having to deal with them laser point machine guns are so much better you can see when you hit the target.” Alec said.

“Yes but a rocket takes out more and you take less of a risk of losing your own men.” Ice said.

“Yeah but they draw more attention because they are louder.” Alec said.

“Hey guys having fun?” Liz asked sitting down next to Alec. Blaze sits next to Ice who puts a protective arm around her while I sit down next to Michael.

“Took you fems long enough.” Kyle said laughing until Tess hit upside the head stopping his laughter.

“So I take it you ladies know who is back.” 665 said and Blaze nodded her head. I look and see both Alec and Ice tighten their grips on Liz and Blaze. I look and see that 665 looks worried as well. He like his sister scared me, but now I see that his gray eyes are warmer then I thought and he looks scared for his twin sister.

“Well everyone stay on the lookout don’t leave a female alone got it.” Ice said to everyone at the table. The males all nodded their heads.

“Liz, Alec, Lydecker and Renfro talked with Blaze and I last night as well as the rest of unit three and we came to the decision that the two of you will be in our unit.” Ice said

“Are you serious?” Liz asked with excitement and I cannot help but smile at her I like seeing her happy.

“Yes as well as Max.” Blaze said causing Max to choke on her juice.

“Me?” Max asked with wide eyes.

“Yes so the three of you will be pushed harder then you have ever been pushed.” Ice said causing 665 to laugh.

“I get the feeling they will not have a problem after what they did yesterday.” 665 said smiling.

“You know what you remind me of my cousin Ryan so I think I will call you Ryan.” I blurted out causing the others at the table to stare at me making me feel self-conscious.

“Is that a good thing?” 665 asked Liz and Liz nodded her head and 665 nodded his head.

“Ryan I like it.” 665 now Ryan said.

“Can we have names too?” 294 asked looking interested.

“Of course.” Liz said with a smile.

“You 293 bring a great deal to the unit when we were out on the course I saw you motivating the others, which is why I came up with the name Faith for you.” Max said causing 293 to smile and look at her twin 294 happily.

“You 294 remind me of a hawk so I am going to call you Hawk.” Liz said.

“362 you remind me of me of my foster mom Sara Guerin before she passed away so I think you should be called Sara.” Michael said.

“299 you remind me of a rabbit so I think you should be called Jack.” I said.

“332 your eyes remind me of crystals so I think your name should be crystal.” Kyle said causing the girl to blush.

“Cool now we can use our names around each other in privet, but in front of the others we use our designations.” Blaze said and the rest of us nodded in agreement.

“But wait I thought Alec and Zack were to be the heads of units and that Liz and Max would be their seconds.” I said.

“Originally that was the plan, but after yesterday things changed.” Ice said and the others nodded in understanding.

“So when do you all leave?” Hawk asked looking sad.

“After we do a little training I wanted to work on my hand to hand more.” Zack said.

“Yes, but don’t worry love we will be back.” Max said patting Hawk on the back.

“Are you going to spend time with Biggs?” Alec asked with his trademark smirk.

“Yes.” Max said her cheeks turning red.

“How sweet.” Hawk said receiving a hit from Faith.

“Well let’s get started guys we have to take advantage of our time here.” Liz said as the table got up.

“Unit three we are in the tank first.” Ice said as Liz, Max, and Alec followed their new unit.

“I am going to the weight room.” I said.

“Cool I am coming with.” Kyle said and I nodded as the two of us head toward the room.

“So did you hear your mom and my dad are dating again.” Kyle said causing me to smile.

“Yes I heard. The weird part is this time I am not freaked out by it I am actually happy because I know your dad makes my mom happy.” I said and Kyle nodded his head.

“Its weird, but I kind of get the feeling that you and I are going to end up more then just brother and sister in spirit.” Kyle said.

“Yeah like our parents will actually get married.” I said being serious because like Kyle I had that same feeling and I liked it.

“So sis what do you want to do first?” Kyle asked as we enter the weight room where another unit was working out. Kyle and I were not officially assigned a unit yet so until then we just mingle and train.

“Bicycle’s”, we both said at the same time. We ran over to them and climbed on and set them to up hill. Ever since we were little Kyle and I have loved to ride our bikes together. Up until high school it had been a weekly thing were Alex, Liz, Kyle and I would go for a ride out to the desert where we would bike up to the cliffs.

“You two are good at that.” Lydecker said startling us both, but Kyle and I have enough sense not to show it.

“Thanks sir we are used to riding through the desert.” Kyle said.

“Good that is useful. When you two come back tomorrow we will have to sit down and assign the two of you a unit. Right now Renfro and I are working on a possible one for the two of you.” Lydecker said leaning on the bike I am using.

“Well I will let the two of you get back to work. If I don’t see you before you leave good bye and be careful.” Lydecker said before leaving.

“Wow Kyle how many miles does your bike say?” I asked with worry.

“Well this can’t be right it says ten and we have only been on for ten minuets.” Kyle said. We both stop and look around.

“You forgot to clear it.” The blonde girl from the showers earlier said.

“Hey I am sorry I did not get your designation.” I admitted feeling guilty. The girl just chuckled as she walked away her blonde hair swishing as she glided away.

Part 50
Liz POV

“Where have you been?” Logan asked calmly.

“We were at Manticore.” Zack said sitting at the counter.

“Well all of you failed to tell me this so I was stuck here worried that Manticore had re captured you. Now I find out they did and I think I could have been of some help to you. Alright let us start to form a plan on how to take the base down.” Logan said pulling out a notebook and paper.

“Ah Logan we were there willingly.” I said as I go to sit next to Zack at the counter. Logan looked at me and rolled his eyes.

“Figures they would get to the ones who were there the longest first.” Logan says. I look and see Alec is ready to pounce on Logan and is being held back by Krit, Michael, Kyle, and Tess; Logan seems unaware that his comment made more then a few of us upset.

“No Logan we were there working with them to train and they will back us up when we need them.” Max said.

“Yes well obviously there brain washing has gotten better. Max you hate Manticore they are evil.” Logan said to Max as if he were talking to a child causing me to groan at how thick this guy was.

“No Logan we spent the night in beds sleeping and we trained with our friends the rest of the time.” Maria said talking to Logan in the same tone he used on Max only moments ago.

“Maria don’t talk to me like that I am older and I have more insight into these things. Obviously they brain washed you as well, but that should not have been too hard after all you are a weak minded little girl.” Logan said standing up.

I get up off the stool and go and stand in front of Logan. He went to far insulting my best friend like that. I can take the spite, but when he turned on Maria then he had to pay.

“Logan sit down.” I commanded crossing my arms over my chest in a no nonsense way.

“No.” Logan said crossing his arms in defiance.

“Sit down.” I said feeling my blood boil.

“What the heck?” Logan asked backing away from me.

“What?” Zack asked standing next to Logan to see if he could see what Logan was seeing.

“Liz your eyes.” Zack said.

“Excuse me?” I asked not understanding what my brother was talking about.

“Your eyes are red again.” Zack said causing me to look down at the ground willing them to go back to normal.

“See that is Manticore people they are using some new mind control thing on Liz and it looks as if this is a side affect.” Logan said causing Tess to laugh.

“Logan you saw her eyes change before we went to the base.” Tess said shaking her head making her blonde curls bounce.

“Oh yeah.” Logan said.

“Besides Manticore can’t cause a change like that only Liz can.” A man said. I turn around towards the front door and see Kal standing there with Ava. Ava’s hair was longer and only had pink highlights this time, but the curls were there and you could tell she was an exact copy of Tess.

“Ava!” I yelled running up to the dupe and hugging her. Tess runs up to her clone and does the same.

“Hey cornballs.” Ava said in her New York accent.

“There are two of them.” Max said.

“Am I not like the luckiest guy?” Kyle asked.

“Dude you are anything but lucky there are two of your girlfriend.” Zack said.

“There are two of yours as well.” Michael said causing Zack smirk.

“Yeah, but I hear she is a real rough one and is nothing like my Isabel.” Zack said causing Isabel to smile.

“Aw how sweet.” Maria said.

“Yous is makin my teeth hurt.” Ava said plopping down in a booth.

“So?” Tess asked looking at Kal for an explanation.

“When I saw Liz’s eyes I realized I would need to look into a few things and on my way I ran into Ava and asked her to come along. She said okay.” Kal said.

“When did you get back?” Tess asked Ava.

“Round seven yesterday.” Ava said and Tess nodded her head.

“Why are there two Tess’s?” Logan asked.

“Yo I aient Tess!” Ava yelled her long curly blond hair flying wildly as she turned. Her movements perfectly accented by the black jeans and blue top she was wearing giving her and icy edge.

“She just looks like me we are not the same by a long shot.” Tess said and the rest of us nodded our heads. The two really are different. Ava is the fire of the two with her quick wit and tongue where Tess is the ice cool and calm.

“Kal what did you need to check out?” I asked changing the subject.

“Well your eyes reminded me of a man I met once who told me about this cult called Familiars and that one of their leaders in something called the conclave had red eyes. The red eyes were supposed to be the eyes of Asclepius. Whom ever had the eyes also had the power of the god himself. When I saw your eyes change today and your scar too got me thinking that maybe there is more going on then we are being told so I went to see this guy. I told him about your eyes changing and he got all scared and went to rambling about some prophecy and some girl who was going to save them all, the man who would father the new kind, and the girl who would rule them all.” Kal said waving his hands around as if it was just a bunch of nothingness.

“Wait that sounds similar to something I heard on Antar except there was something about us in there and our aid to the three it even mentioned two humans.” Tess said and Ava nodded.

“Yeah I remember Tara showed us the scroll.” Ava said.

“Tara?” I asked.

“She is the high priestess at the capitals temple.” Tess said and Isabel’s eyes lit up.

“She has purple eyes, and a golden aura. She was just a few years older then us and she was Amy’s sister.” Isabel said.

“Who is Amy?” I asked.

“Amy was Nicholas’s wife.” Tess said.

“Nicholas is married?” Maria asked shocked.

“Was.” Kal said looking sad.

“She was killed in a freak accident involving an Antrian battle curser.” Ava said in a sad voice.

“When?” Kyle asked.

“About a year after the war started. She was so nice and sweet it was so tragic to loose her and the others.” Kal said with something close to an emotion.

“What others?” I asked.

“There were eight on the ship Amy, Damon, Darth, Listo, Bernadette, Harmon, Niko, and Leigh. They were Antrian advisors and that is how Nicholas met Amy. Sadly Nicholas has always blamed Rath for her death because it was Rath’s ship, but we always blamed Khivar.” Kal said.

“So I don’t believe we have met my name is Logan.” Logan said sticking his hand out in front of Kal’s face not pleasing the shape shifter.

“Kal Langley Hollywood producer and Antrian royal protector.” Kal said not taking Logan’s hand.

“Would you mind checking their brains I think they have been brainwashed.” Logan said in a whisper like it was some big secret. Kal stared at Logan for a moment and then turned to me.


“Is he serious?” Kal asked.

“Sadly yes. Before you and Ava came we were trying to get him to believe that Manticore did not turn us into mindless drones.” I said rolling my eyes.

“How did the visit go?” Kal asked us.

“Pretty well we signed up for a breeding program.” Isabel said proudly. I swear I think Kal is going to have an aneurysm.

“You what?!” He asked yelling.

“Well we singed up for a breeding program.” Tess said shyly.

“Nice going.” Ava said high fiveing her clone.

“Why, why would you do this? Are you trying to kill me?” Kal asked.

“No we each did this for our own reasons.” Michael said.

“Okay well just be careful having a kid around can cause complications.” Kal said sitting down in a booth.

“Kal we know that having kids around will cause problems, but it’s what we want to do.” Isabel said.

“See what I mean they are under the evil influence of Manticore.” Logan said stomping on the ground as spit hurtled out of his mouth with each word.

“Wow man takes a chill pill.” Alec said.

“No. Wait did you say that all of you are in the breeding program?” Logan asked us looking directly at Max.

“Yeah man Michael with Maria, Alec with Liz, Zack with Isabel, Me with Tess, and Max with Biggs. Krit is the only one that does not have a partner.”
Kyle said. Logan turned furious eyes on Max who looked like a deer caught in headlights my poor sister.

“You had sex with another man?” Logan asked his face turning red.

“No Kyle got it wrong Biggs is just an option.” Max said.

“That we hope she will take.” I said under my breath.

“Why you little brat Max will do no such thing!” Logan yelled turning furiously toward me the vain in his forehead popping out.

“Calm down.” Kal said standing up.

“I will do no such thing.” Logan yelled turning back to me. He walked toward me and then leapt at me tackling me to the ground.

“Hey get off her.” Alec and the others yelled running towards the two of us. I am trying so hard not to fight back knowing one punch of mine could kill him, but he was kicking and punching me repeatedly that if I did not do something soon he could seriously hurt me.

“Get off her now!” I heard Kal yell.

“No! You can not tell me Logan Cale what to do you alien freak.” Logan said getting off me. I look up and see Kal extend his hand and watch in shock as Kal sends some blue gob at Logan. The blue goo hits Logan effectively enabling him to move and forcing him onto the ground in convulsions.

“What did you do?” Max asked fearfully.

“I just stunned him. It is apparent that he has snapped if you will. Liz why did you not fight back?” Kal asked as Max whom was closest to me helped me up.

“I did not want to hurt him.” I said quietly the pain I am feeling is overwhelming.

“Here let me.” Kal said coming up to me.

“No it will make your human senses decrease or something like that.” I said not really sure what happens to him when he uses his powers.

“Its okay Liz, Max made me use my powers and already rid me of the little human pleasure I had I have nothing left to loose. Besides you are pretty badly off and need healing please let me help you.” Kal said. I nodded and he made the connection to me and began healing the damage Logan did to my body.

“Wow he did a lot of damage.” Kal said wiping the sweat from his forehead as he stumbled into a seat.

“Yeah.” I said quietly as Zack came up and hugged me.

“Your body had already started to repair the damage done and my healing probably only speed things up.” Kal said sounding tired.

“Thanks for healing her.” Alec said and I smile causing the others to give me small smiles.

“Thanks for not fighting back. Even though he did deserve it I can’t help but feel that you fighting back would have only made things worse.” Max said. I can sense the guilt in her voice so I got up and hugged her.

“Max I am too human still.” I said and Max nodded her head in understanding.

“What did you see?” I turned and asked Kal who quickly looked away.

“Things from your past that Max never would have been able to see and if he did he would never understand them.” Kal said and I nodded in understanding.

“So what are we going to do with him?” Alec asked with anger looking at the unconscious Logan who was drooling on the floor.

“I have an idea.” Ava said a wicked look on her face. I look over at Tess and see a similar look.

“Oh this is going to be good.”

Part 51
Logan POV

I hear a strange steady beeping in the background and I can smell bleach in all of its glory. I slowly open my eyes and I am startled by the blinding white that is the room I am in. I blink several times and gain some of my vision.

“Welcome back to the land of the living Mr. Cale.” I heard a familiar voice say. I tried to sit up only to find that I am unable to because my arms and legs are tied down to whatever I am laying on.

“Where am I?” I asked starting to panic.

“Oh you are at Manticore.” The familiar voice said. I hear the clanking of shoes and see Donald Lydecker standing next to my bed.

“Why and how?” I asked pulling at my restraints.

“Well that Antrian protector brought you in. It seems that you attacked one of our X5’s.” Lydecker said.

“She had it coming and you have it coming as well. You brainwashed Max and the others and poisoned them against me.” I said pulling at my restraints.

“No Logan you did that yourself.” Lydecker said.

“Let me see Max she has to know that I was just looking out for her well being and that it meant nothing. She will come and get me out of this I know she will because she loves me.” I said.

“Really did you realize that Max has a breeding partner?” Lydecker asked me with a smile.

“She has a breeding partner?” I asked apprehensively.

“Yes he is 566 or as the kids like to call him Biggs.” Lydecker said and the name sounds familiar like a name Max or one of the others has mentioned.

“You are lying.” I said. There is a knocking at the door and in walks a tall brunette man.

“Ah 566 just the one I was looking for. 566 this is Logan Cale, Max’s former boyfriend and the one who claims that Max loves him.” Lydecker said mocking me.

“Ah so this is Logan I always thought you would be cuter or taller or well just different.” Biggs said standing over me. I can see that he is a tall man and obviously good looking.

“You can’t have her I will not allow it and I know Max loves me and not you.” I said gritting my teeth.

“Why don’t we let Max maker her own choices I do not feel comfortable talking about her love life without her here to defend herself.” Biggs said before nodding at Lydecker and leaving what I now know to be a hospital room.

“Mark my words Max will come and rescue me.” I said causing Lydecker to laugh.

“We will see Mr. Cale we will see.” Lydecker said leaving the room.

Krit POV

I am currently on the couch watching TV with Zack who keeps flipping the channel every three seconds and it is driving me mad. Kyle is asleep in the Parker’s bedroom and Alec is asleep in Liz’s much to the anger of Alec who is just now realizing that Liz and Alec’s relationship has become physical. Although I don’t know why it surprises him I mean everyone could see how close the two were becoming it was only a matter of time before they would take their relationship to the next level. I think it just upsets him knowing that someone dared to touch our sweet and innocent baby sister who in Zack’s mind is supposed to stay sweet and pure the rest of her life never touching boys.

“I’m bored.” Michael said in a huff in one of the armchairs.

“Same here.” I said.

“Guys I hate to say this but it is not any fun here without the girls.” Zack said.

“Yes it is. Why did the girls have to leave?” I asked in a whiney voice.

“They wanted to take a walk.” Michael said making his voice high like a girl.

“They should be back soon.” Zack said.

“Yes, but I am hungry.” Michael whined kicking his feet.

“We could go and get some food.” I said and Michael perked up at this.

“Krit go and wake Kyle and Alec up and tell them we are going to eat.” Zack said and I got up to wake Kyle up first knowing he will be the harder of the two. I walk into the Parker’s bedroom and see Kyle face down in the bed softly snoring.

“Hey Kyle wake up.” I said gently shaking the guy, but he would not budge.

“Hey Kyle, Tess is stripping.” I said trying to wake him up and it does because Kyle bolted upright in bed.

“Where?” Kyle asked franticly looking around before shooting me a dirty look.

“We are going for food want to come?” I asked causing Kyle to perk up again.

“You know I am there.” Kyle said getting out of bed. I leave the room and head over to Liz’s room to wake Alec up. When I enter the room I enter carefully making sure to make enough noise so as not to make him feel threatened.

“Hey Alec man we are all going for food want to come?” I asked.

“Yes.” Alec said sitting up. I knew he had heard me the second I opened the door.

“So where are we going exactly?” I asked grabbing my jacket as we head out the door.

“Well there is this place out on the edge of town about ten minutes away from the school where Max, Isabel and I would go for lunch. The food is good there, but we would have to walk there.” Michael said.

“Oh yeah Chow their food is pretty good there.” Kyle said.

“Okay so Chow’s it is. Do you think we should go find the girls and ask them if they want to come with?” Zack asked.

“Sure.” I said as we all start walking toward the school where the girls said they were headed. It did not take us to long to get to the school only about a half hour and sure enough the girls were sitting on the bike racks talking.

“Hey ladies want to come with us and get food?” Alec asked putting his arms around Liz.

“Where?” Tess asked.

“Chow’s.” Michael and Kyle said causing Isabel to jump off the bike rack and jump up and down.

“Oh I am so there.” Isabel said smiling.

“Yeah I love their food.” Liz said. Tess and Maria nodded in agreement.

“Taco’s, nachos, pretzels, corndogs, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, and the worlds best pizza.” Isabel said still jumping up and down.

“I guess Isabel really loves this place.” I said.

“Are you kidding if we did not spend all of our time at the CrashDown we would be at Chow’s.” Liz said.

“So are we walking?” Tess asked and I nodded.

“Cool lets go.” Michael said as our group headed off. We did not get halfway down the block before we noticed three men in black suits leaning up against a car.

“Well it is about time you all got here we have been waiting for half an hour.” Ames White said standing up and pulling off his sunglasses. I quickly move to a fighting stance, as do the others, well except Liz. Ames is just standing there laughing at us.

“So Liz I was wondering if you would be interested in training with me?” Ames asked bluntly.

“Liz be careful he is evil and would kill any of us in a second.” Zack said. I looked over at Max and see her really looking at Ames White. She then turns to us and smiles.

“Don’t worry he will not harm Liz he just wants to protect her like we would. Now us on the other hand that is a different story he would so do us in if he got the chance.” Max said and Ames nodded his head in agreement.

“Hey boys, go for a walk and be back in ten.” Ames said and the other two guys walk a way the one guy grumbling about stupid bosses thinking they were all high and mighty. If the poor guy only knew that his boss was the product of superior genetic breeding that has been going on for thousands of years.

“So what can you teach my sister that she does not already know or will not be taught at Manticore?” I asked folding my arms across my chest.

“I can teach her the ways of our people. All of our chants, curses, magic’s, powers, and I can teach her to block pain. That is if Liz is willing to learn.” Ames said looking at Liz who is studying him closely.

“I want to learn, but only if you promise to lay off my family and friends.” Liz said turning White’s passive face into one of utter horror.

“Oh come on please let me mess with them a little I just want to poke and prod a little.” Ames said sounding like a little boy who was just told he could not have a new toy that he wanted.

“I mean it leave them alone.” Liz said sounding very much like the scolding mother.

“Oh fine.” Ames said pouting.

“Okay come by the apartment around seven and pick me up we can go out to the desert and train.” Liz said and I jerked my head in agreement even though I feel funny about leaving her alone with this guy.

“Okay see you then.” Ames said as his two buddies come back and they all get into the black car and drive away.

“Well now that, that is over with can we please go and get some food?” Kyle asked whining. We all laugh and continue on our way. Soon Ava and I were bringing up the rear of the group silently.

“So is it just me or are you depressed about something?” Ava asked in her Brooklyn accent.

“I miss Syl and I want to get back to Manticore. As awful as it sounds I missed the place…it was the only true home I have ever had where my family was all there and others who would not judge me and were like me were there.” I said feeling guilty.

“Hey there is nothing wrong with that and I get ya.” Ava said.

“Figured you would. So are you coming with us to Manticore tomorrow?” I asked.

“Yeah I figured I could use the practice and I could be of use to the others with their training. So how long are we going to be staying there?” Ava asked.

“I don’t know about the others, but I was thinking I would spend the rest of the week up there. I found some great friends and Biggs and I get along great so it will be nice to train and hang out.”

“Wow you like ta train never thought I would see the day when a person actually likes getten tortured.” Ava said pulling her long blonde and pink hair into a ponytail.

“See I used to hate it, but ever since I have been on the outside I can see how much training calmed me down and released all of my pent up energy. I have missed it. Now it is about pushing myself to achieve new goals and become a better solider. Also, they are not as strict on the older transgenics as they are on the young ones who are still impressionable.” I said.

“Cool and if ya don’t mind I would like to stay there that long with ya.” Ava said.

“No that is fine.” I said as we came to a stand out in the middle of nowhere, but it was surprisingly busy with families and other teens. Isabel walked up to the window and poked her head inside.

“Hey Dean can we have four of everything please?” Isabel asked.

“Sure thing Evans.” Dean said. Dean is a large man in his mid forties from the looks. He was wearing a white apron covered in grease. We all walk over to the tables and put two picnic tables together.

“So ladies what did you do while on your walk?” Alec asked the question we were all dieing to know.

“Well we started off talking about our first orgasms then we moved onto how we get off faster.” Max said smiling at the other girls and I think I am the only one who saw this so I wink at her and play along knowing there was some point to this.

“Oh yeah I personally like to use the old triple fingers and slight curl.” I said and the guys whip around to stare at me none of them seeing the giddy smiles on the girl’s faces.

“No see that is okay once in a while, but it is so much better when you wiggle your fingers faster with no curl.” Liz said causing Alec to choke on the soda that was just delivered to the table along with the rest of our food.

“Oh that is good, but I found that Michael is the best he does this thing with his powers where he makes his fingers like ice and oh my that is heaven.” Maria said causing Michael to blush.

“Now see Max would always warm his hands up and I hated that.” Liz said with a pout.

“I know there is just something about the cold hitting your hot flesh that feels so good.” Tess said and Ava nodded in agreement.

“Oh but the tongue is by far the best.” Isabel said and Max gives her a high five in total agreement.

“Kyle now he is the master he does this combination that is great. Liz you know what I am talking about.” Tess said and Kyle’s eyes bugged out of his head and he looked at Alec fearfully. Alec looked ready to pound Kyle into a gooey paste at the moment and it looked to be getting worse.

“Oh I know I remember this time we went to the pool and we were the only ones there. Kyle thought it would be cool to experiment so he tried a whole bunch of stuff on me until I found one I liked. Of course I was in heat so anything would have pleased me.” Liz said causing Alec to growl. Okay now I know we went too far and I shoot a look at all the girls who quickly survey the damage. Zack looks between livid and sick where Kyle looks scared to death. Michael looks extremely embarrassed and upset at the same time and Alec is by far the worse off he looks murderess and is growling at Kyle who is slowly inching away from the transgenic male who was just told that another guy had touched his mate.

“Well this would have been a very tense situation if we were not messing with ya.” Ava said causing the other males at the table to look at her dumbly.

“Guys the girls were just messing with ya.” I said laughing.

“Really?” Alec asked a puppy dog look on his face.

“Yes Kyle and Max never touched me only Michael.” Liz said causing Alec to turn furious eyes on Michael who looked like he was panicking.

“Maria I swear I…” Maria quickly shushed Michael.

“Oh she is kidding Michael god we wanted to make all of you squirm.” Maria said and Liz nodded. Alec put his arms around Liz and growled at the rest of us.

“Hey man none of them are going to touch her and I certainly will not because eww sister.” I said causing the others to laugh.

“So why torture us like that?” Michael asked eating a piece of pizza.

“Well we were bored so we decided to mess with you.” Max said shoving a whole taco in her mouth.

“How do you do that?” I asked in amassment my sister sure did have a talent there.

“Practice.” She said taking a big gulp of her Coke.

“My kind of woman.” Kyle said receiving a playful smack from Tess. It did not take our group long to eat all that food and soon we had to order more. About three hours later our group was sluggishly getting up and heading home.

Part 52

Liz POV

It took us forever to get back to town we all were sluggish and stumbled a great deal due to our over eating. We all staggered up the steps to my home and then fell on the floor, couch, or a chair. I was currently lying on Alec’s legs knowing that his stomach hurt. Maria was laying on my legs and Michael on Maria’s legs. Krit was draped in a chair with Ava leaning against it. Kyle lying across Tess’s lap while Tess was sitting on the couch next to Zack who had Isabel lying in his lap. We looked funny and normally I would have taken a picture, but I was too full and tired to move. It was not long before I heard Kyle snoring and Michael grunting every so often.

“Hey Liz wake up Ames will be here shortly.” I heara Alec mumble as I woke up. I looked at the clock and saw that I was asleep for four hours, which is unusual for me. I sit up slowly and look around the room. Alec is the only one up besides me at the moment. He is sitting in the kitchen reading a book, which shocked me to say the least. I saw that the others were still in the same positions that they were four hours ago brining a smile to my face at how serene they all looked.

“Hey what are you reading?” I asked Alec quietly knowing if I speak two loudly that the other transgenics’ would hear and wake up.

“The Great Gatsby by- F.S. Fitzgerald. I brought it with me from Seattle after all it is my favorite.” Alec said closing the book and rubbing his eyes.

“How long have you been up?” I asked him worried that he was board.

“Not long. I had slept a little earlier so I was not as tired as the rest of you.” Alec said with his usual smirk.

“Yeah I guess.” I said rubbing my temples for some odd reason my head is killing me right now.

“You okay?” Alec asked his concern showing in his hazel eyes.

“I don’t know I think I am getting a head ache.” I said as the pressure behind my eyes increases.

“Liz we are not supposed to get headaches.” Alec said worriedly.

“I know, but from time to time I get them.” I said groaning when my ears start to ring.

“Okay I am waking the others something is wrong.” Alec said running into the other room. I stand up and run over to the sink to splash water on my face, but it does not help.

“Ah!” I yelled when the sink in front of me becomes blurry. Alec and the others come running into the kitchen having heard my yelp.

“Liz what is it? Is it a vision?” Maria asked as Alec pulled me into a chair. I can make out their bodies, but no face they are all just blurs; the ringing in my ears increases to a high-pitched tone.

“Ah it hurts.” I whispered, but to me it sounds like a yell.

“Liz…” Kyle begins, but I cut him off.

“Please not so loud.” I said when the light bulbs suddenly burst and these green streaks appear all over my body dancing creating a light show for the other occupants of the room.

“Michael what is going on?” Maria asked panicking.

“I think Liz is getting her other powers.” Ava said causing me to look up.

“My skin feels like it is on fire.” I yelled.

“That is because your body is on overload. All that green stuff on you Liz is energy.” Tess said and I see Ava nod.

“Tess call Kal and get him over here he will know what to do.” Ava said as Tess picked up the kitchen phone.

“Liz?” Alec asked his face panicked.

“It hurts.” I whimpered.

“Kal is on his way he was in the car when I called. He said to make sure no one touches her or else they could get electrocuted.” Tess said. A few seconds later there is a banging on the apartment door making my head hurt even worse then before.

“Can someone please get that?” I asked and Tess ran to the door.

“Thanks for getting here so…you are not Kal.” I heard Tess say.

“How observant.” I heard a familiar voice say causing me to groan. I see a dark blur in front of me already knowing who it is.

“What is wrong with her?” Ames asked. I can hear the concern in his voice.

“Our protector is on his way to find out for sure, but we think it has something to do with her changing.” Ava said when there is another pounding on the door.

“Ah GAH!” I screamed my head feels like it is being ripped apart. I suddenly feel the need to let all of this pent up energy go, I throw my arms up in the air sending out a powerful electrical stream. My sight instantly clears up and I see the current hit the wall causing it to catch fire and explode sending all the apartments occupants flying in different directions. We all lay still on the ground for a moment afraid to move and wanting to let the smoke settle a little. I look up and see Kal wave his hand and the wall and apartment go back to normal.

“What just happened?” Maria asked as Ames who fell next to me helped me up.

“When Max healed Liz for the first time he changed her even more then she already was and slowly her body has started to change. Earlier when I healed her I must have kick started her powers and her body was not ready for that yet and the energy built up too much and just exploded. From Liz’s display I think it is safe to assume Liz’s power is zapping.” Kal said.

“That is one of them anyway.” Ames said.

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

“Well among our people there are different breeding lines there are normal Familiars, telepathic, warrior and so on. Liz and me are part of the warrior breeding line and with that comes certain abilities.” Ames said.

“Like?” I asked.

“Like the ability to heal ones self, pain resistance and all other abilities are increased.” Ames said.

“So that is why you could move like us and in some ways out smart us?” Max asked.

“Yes. Unlike you I have a tolerance for pain. I can fight with a shattered leg, broken ribs and gun shot wounds. All of you on the other hand can’t. Also there are some poisons I am immune to that the rest of you are not. Well Liz might be but we will soon find that out.” Ames said.

“We were created to be immune to toxins and other harmful agents.” Max said.

“Not the kind I am talking about. Part of our initiation into the cult is being poisoned with snake venom.” Ames said causing Max to hiss at him.
“That explains so much. Like why you are so…” I ran and put my hand over my sister’s mouth knowing what she was about to say would more then likely cause a fight.

“Not another word.” I said and she grudgingly nodded.

“So…Kal is it. I think you and I should work together to train Liz in our area of expertise and leave Manticore with the rest sound good?” Ames asked the movie producer.

“Perfect.” Kal said.

“Well Liz if you feel up to it we can go out to the desert and do a few small exercises nothing to large after all you just used an enormous amount of energy. What do you say?” Ames asked me. I quickly look at Alec and then the others and nod my head yes and the two of us leave.

“So you and 494 are an item.” Ames said with a chuckle. We are in his black Mountaineer driving out to the desert. He is quiet for the most part, but when he talks it has the same comforting effect on me that listening to Krit and Max does.

“Yes. How did you know?” I asked smiling causing him to laugh.

“Well the murderous looks he was sending me were a big hint.” Ames said causing me to laugh. It is scaring me how at ease I am with him when I know he is a cold-blooded killer.

“You know I am not as bad as you think I am.” Ames said startling me from my thoughts.

“What makes you think I was thinking about you?” I asked still looking out the window.

“Liz whether you like it or not we are related and for some odd reason I am drawn to you. I am going to open up right here and right now an tell you that I would rather die then let some scum bag get a hold of my little sister got that?” Ames asked.

“Got it.” I said. As weird as it sounds it was then that Ames and I came to the agreement that we have each other’s backs. Like the saying I heard when I was little. Blood is eternal and is forever and so shall the bond of the chosen ones be…forever bound. I guess Ames and I will be forever bound together trough our blood.

“Ames, why are you helping me when your people are the bad guys that want to kill us all?” I just had to ask.

“You see that is a funny thing. I was brought up to believe that the cult is always right and then when my father started Manticore and abandoned me and my brother I started to see people for what they really were. The cult is evil yes, but I have seen more then you know Liz to know that they are the lesser of two evils.” He said, I got the feeling that this evil he spoke of was pretty kick ass if the big bad cult was scared of them.

“Who are they?” I asked I see him let out a great sigh.

“I am not sure, they are a whole new thing for me, something I hope you and my son never have to face.” He said and the topic was dropped. I did not want to share this with the others at least not until our problems with Max Evans, the skins, and the Familiars are taken care of. I had too many enemies already no need to go and add one more.

Logan POV

I am here all alone with no one but these psychos to talk to. It has been a few hours since Biggs left and Lydecker left shortly there after. Seeing Biggs was hard and painful, he is gorgeous and perfect and everything I am not. Unlike me his muscles were visible beneath his shirt, a strong chiseled jaw, deep brown eyes and everything else that is perfect. I hate the way he kept looking at me as if I was nothing but dirt on his shoes. He even had the nerve to laugh at me when I told him he could never have Max. His exact words were she is not an object to be possessed and that she has free will to choose whom ever she wants.

“So Logan how are you holding up?” Lydecker asked coming into my room. I remain silent not giving him the satisfaction of getting a rise out of me.
“Well since you are so chatty at the moment I decided it was time for you to be properly introduced to my colleague Madam Renfro.” Lydecker said as a skinny blonde woman walked into the room and when she did I swear the temperature dropped several degrees.

“So this is Logan Cale the infamous Eyes Only. Well I have to admit you are far less attractive then I had hoped I mean after all you were dating one of our alpha females.” Renfro said smiling. Her gray pantsuit matching her soul; gray and evil. I look back and forth between the two Manticore head honchos and notice they are silently communicating.

“Well it seems that you have not eaten in a while so why don’t you join the others and us in the mess hall for some lunch.” Renfro said as she un-strapped me.

“Be warned if you even try to escape from us we will sick every transgenic in this place on you and several of them are more then willing to take you out.” Lydecker said. I look over at Renfro to see if he was serious and I see her smiling. I have no choice but to behave with them and hope that Max and the others come and save me.

The two wordlessly escorted me out of the hospital room and we made our way down a bunch of winding corridors. At first I tried to keep track of where we were going so I might be able to escape, but after the twelfth turn and the hundred something hall I was lost. I could hear the loud noise of people talking in the distance, which was the only indication I received that we were close to our desired destination. Soon the three of us stood in front of a large mess hall swarming with kids ranging from toddlers to people slightly older then Zack.

“Welcome Mr. Cale to the Manticore mess hall.” Renfro said as we step into the loud room. When we did an instant hush went through the room. I saw Biggs out of the corner of my eye and I watched him walk over to a table of older males and females. The table seemed different from the others and the occupants seemed to be older then usual, well except for a boy and a girl sitting across from each other and they were the ones Biggs was talking to. The young girl suddenly turned to look at us and I felt her eyes on me, it was like she was looking through me. The girl was beautiful, but I knew from experience that she still was a killer at heart. She soon became board with looking at me and turned back to her food.

“Everyone I would like you all to meet Logan Cale.” Lydecker said. I look around the mess hall hoping to find a somewhat friendly face and see none.

Renfro puts her hand on the small of my back and steers me over to the table where the pretty girl is sitting. When I reach the table I see that an older man has his arm securely around the young girl.

“Logan this is 277 one of the alpha males here at Manticore and the young lady next to him is his mate 666. These two head the unit Max belongs to.” Lydecker said as some of the occupants of the table give me a feral grin as if my presence delights them some how.

“Oh you all work with Max? She has great training and knows her stuff.” I said feeling more comfortable with these people because they are friends with Max.

“Well Logan we will leave you here with Max’s unit. They will gladly look after you.” Renfro said grinning. 666 moved over and I slowly sit down feeling better already. I look up and see Renfro and Lydecker leave the mess hall.

“So Logan what brings you to Manticore?” the young boy asked.

“Oh well I had a slight misunderstanding with Liz and I roughed her up a bit. See I thought she was brainwashed, but no one will believe me. I am starting to believe that they are all brainwashed. You all have to help me undo the damage.” I said causing 666 to laugh.

“You hear that brother dear Liz and the others have been brainwashed.” 666 said laughing causing the boy sitting across from her to laugh.

“How interesting. If he only knew the truth.” The boy said smiling.

“What?” I asked suddenly feeling uneasy.

“Max is hardly brainwashed she has not even had a psy-ops treatment.” 666 said.

“Well how else can you explain her resent actions. I mean come on she let that alien freak take me here something is seriously wrong.” I said slamming my fist on the mess hall table catching the attention of several other units in the mess hall.

“So Biggs tells us that you have a thing for Max still.” A boy around Alec’s age said. His features remind me of a hawk.

“I am in love with Max and she is in love with me if that is what you mean.”

“Really because the last time we had a talk with her she had made it clear to us that she no longer had intimate feelings for you only loath and hate. Also, if you attacked her little sister I doubt she will want to talk to you anytime soon.” The hawk like boy said.

“Hey Blaze what time will the others get here tomorrow?” The young boy that is 666’s brother asked. Although I have no idea who Blaze is.

“They said shortly after breakfast. Liz hinted at possibly staying here longer then a day she was thinking about staying here longer.” 666 said, I guess the others call her Blaze.

“Why would Liz want to stay here longer?” I asked.

“Because she feels safe here and knows she will not get judged by some high and mighty norm.” Blaze snapped at me throwing down her fork and stomping out of the mess hall. Many units turn and watch her with interest and then they turn and look at our table. 277 stands up and does a series of hand motions to the mess hall before he leaves the mess hall as well. When he leaves the mess hall is completely silent and everyone is staring at our table. I turn to look at the other occupants of the table to see what the problem is only to find them staring at me. Then it suddenly dawns on me that the mess halls occupants were not staring at the table, but at me.

“You know we were trying to be civil towards you because Max still has a soft spot for you, but when you upset Blaze you went too far.” The boy with the hawk like features said.

“Hawk lets go and check on her.” The young boy said. I finally have a name for the other guy.

“I don’t know Ryan she was really upset why don’t we let Ice calm her down a little before we go in there and say anything to her. I don’t want to make the situation worse then it already is.” Hawk said and the young boy named Ryan nodded his head in agreement.

“When did I insult your home?” I asked.

“When you asked why would Liz want to stay here longer. You made her staying here sound like a bad thing.” Ryan said.

“It is a bad thing because this place is evil. This is not a home it is a prison and all of you are just to dumb and will not open your eyes and see that this place is trapping all of you. I know you all can escape from this place because a bunch of kids already have.” I said standing up not realizing that I was gaining an audience. The rest of the table stands up with me looking spitting mad.

“And yet all of them keep coming back.” A teenage girl said from behind me. She had long platinum blonde hair and aqua eyes and a tall girl with raven hair, and yellow eyes was beside her.

“Well maybe that is because your bosses keep capturing them.” I said advancing on the two females, but neither of them backed down. I know I must look silly advancing on two X5’s in black fatigues when I am in hospital scrubs.

“If I remember correctly they came back here all on their own this time.” The raven-haired girl said taking a step towards me.

“Oh what do you know.” I said, which makes the girl laugh a spine-chilling laugh. She sounds like a hyena.

“I know more then you think human.” The girl said as the blonde girl started to circle me her aqua eyes flashing every so often.

“What is going on here?” Lydecker asked.

“Nothing sir just letting Logan here know where he stands in the ranks.” The blonde girl said with an innocent smile.

“Very well, but sadly I need to take Logan back to the medical wing. Come with me Logan.” Lydecker said leaving me no choice but to follow him. After we get a good distance away from the mess hall Lydecker stopped.

“That was stupid of you. Messing with a Lynx one of the most dangerous felines is one thing but a hyena is another. The two girls you were in a dispute with are two of our most treacherous females. They have no problem killing someone whom they deem a threat.” Lydecker said.

“I did not start anything that 277 riled everyone up with a bunch of hand motions and then everyone started to attack me claming I had insulted their home.” I said getting frustrated.

“You need to understand this place is all that these kids have ever known and to them this is their home and they are family. You upset an alpha female who is easily upset at the moment. Upsetting her upset her mate and her brother, which upset their unit and the other units. Already the people here were not fans of yours and when they found out you were 566’s competition your popularity went down to even more despised then Renfro and me, which is saying something.”

“Lydecker sir.” The older blonde man from before saids running up to the two of us.

“What is it 277?” Lydecker asked sounding worried. I look at the man who is just slightly younger then I am and see the panic in his eyes.

“She will not stop crying sir and none of us know what to do.” 277 said sounding terrified.

“What is she saying?” Lydecker asked.

“Nothing much just things like what is so wrong with my home and who does he think he is. Other then that she is just sobbing uncontrollably is she ill?” 277 asked.

“No I believe 666 is just suffering from an early hormone problem. Most humans do not have mood swings for a while, but with her unusual DNA it will be different. Logan must have just set her off now getting her to calm down will be a challenge but you can do it.” Lydecker said and I see the man visibly relax.

“What should I do?” 277 asked.

“Just say gentle soothing words and try rubbing her back.” Lydecker said and 277 nodded running away.

“What was that about?” Renfro asked coming up to the two of us.

“Oh Logan upset 666 and her hormones are running wild and she will not stop crying.” Lydecker said.

“She must be bad, I have never seen 277 upset.” Renfro said.

“Well I don’t think he has ever seen her cry before which spooked him.” Lydecker said.

“Oh well we have a board meeting in five.” Renfro said.

“Okay I am going to take Logan back to his room I will be there shortly.” Lydecker said. We continue on our way until we reach my room where Lydecker pushed me in and locked the door.

“It would do you some good if you were to remember that these kids are all trained killers and that you are on their turf now.” Lydecker said before he walked away the clanking of his shoes echoing throughout the halls. I get the feeling that I am going to be here for a while.

Part 53

Kyle POV

Well this day cannot get anymore weird and I am beet even though I just woke up. Then there was Liz’s little let’s blow the house up and send your friends flying through the air.

“Kyle are we going home tonight?” Tess asked me as we sit in the kitchen waiting for Liz to come back. She left six hours ago and we are getting impatient.

“Yeah when Liz gets back we will take Ava go back to our place and meet back here early tomorrow.” I said and Tess nodded making her blonde curls bob up and down. I look over at Ava who is talking to Krit and I can truly see the differences between Ava and Tess.

“No I do not!” I heard a male voice yell.

“Yes you do!” I heard Liz yell.

“I do not grunt when I kick.” I heard Ames White yell as the two come storming into the Parkers apartment. Liz looked like crap and Ames looked like he was run over by a truck.

“What happened to the two of you?” Max asked when she spotted her little sister and I see Krit laughing his head off.

“Ames here thought it would be a good idea to show me how great his pain resistance is so he jumped off the pod chamber and took me with him.” Liz said shooting her brother a look of contempt.

“It was and accident I did not mean to catch your leg when I fell.” Ames said shooting Liz an annoyed look.

“Well at least you taught me some of the basics of falling.” Liz said sarcastically.

“Why you little…” Ames took off charging at Liz who looked less then scared.

“Hey I am Ames White I think I am all tough” Liz said grunting the whole time.

“I am Liz Parker and I dated an alien.” Ames said in a girlish high voice causing Liz to pounce on him.

“Hi I am Ames White and I killed my wife.” Liz said. Man this is like a deranged tennis match.

“Hi I am Liz Parker and I couldn’t doge a stupid bullet.” Ames said in the same mocking voice.

“Hi I am Ames White and I am in love with my partner Otto.” Liz said causing the older man to roll her over and start to strangle her.

“Oh really then you and Maria are goners.” Ames said. Man the two of them have a tense relationship. Finally the two stop their arguing and hug much to our surprise.

“What?” Liz asked seeing our shocked looks.

“You two just hashed it out in front of us then made up as if nothing happened.” I said feeling a little slow.

“So we were just trying to prove my points that when you hit home on touchy subjects you fight worse because you are not thinking clearly.” Ames said.

“So do you really have a thing for your partner?” I asked laughing.

“No but someone once asked Otto and me that and we kind of had a weird period up until we found out that it was stupid because hey I have a kid and he is married so it was just stupid to think that.” Ames said laughing.

“Yeah Ray is so cute he has my cheeks.” Liz said causing Ames to laugh.

“Yeah and he also has your stubborn side.” Ames said causing a collective aww to erupt from all the females in the room.

“Well I must be going Liz I will see you all when you get back just give me a call.” Ames said before departing.

“I hate to leave, but Tess, Ava and I should be getting on home now. What time do you want us here in the morning?” I asked standing up.

“Ah around seven.” Alec said wrapping his arms around Liz as usual. It seemed as if lately those two can’t stop touching each other.

“Cool later guys.” I said as the three of us left the Parker apartment.

“So is your place far from here?” Ava asked when we started walking down Main Street.

“Not too far, Tess and I usually walked to the CrashDown.” I said as we turned off onto the second side street.

“Wow this town sure is small.” Ava said and I nodded in agreement, she hit it right on the nail head on that one.

“So the others are planning on staying at Manticore for a couple days this time what about the two of you?” Ava asked Tess and me.

“I was planning on staying there for the week like the others. Maria and I were going to join a unit and get used to their training. Besides how would we get back if we did not stay I mean the others have the cars.” I said.

“Yeah besides Michael and Isabel were making some real progress and I am afraid that since we did not train today that all their progress will be lost.” Tess said as we continue down the street my house is on.

“Hey do you guys get the feeling we are being followed?” Ava asked in a whisper.

“Yes I have sensed it since a little after we left the CrashDown.” Tess said in a whisper.

“Do you know who it is?” I asked in a whisper getting freaked out.

“I can’t tell, but when we get to the house we can see.” Tess said as we walked a little faster. I hate that someone is following us it gives me the creeps and makes me want my daddy to protect us. Oh well the girls will protect me. We run into the house and quickly lock all the doors.

“Hey Kyle something wrong?” My dad asked. He is sitting on the couch in his jeans and a white wife beater, watching the television, eating a bowl of Coco puffs.

“We are being followed.” I said starting to panic. My dad quickly stands up and looks out the window discreetly.

“Oh no. It’s Evan’s.” My dad said quickly backing away from the window. He points to the tree and I quickly look up and see Evan’s looking at us through binoculars.

“Oh how weird and disturbing.” Tess said shivering. We pretend not to be looking out the window, but we cannot help it the guy is a freak.

“Okay how are we going to get rid of him?” I asked not wanting to go to bed with him watching us. Just the thought spooked me.

“I am going to call Liz and see if Krit maybe can come over and catch Max in the tree and scare him away.” Ava said going into the kitchen with Tess to use the phone.

“What happened to him to make him resort to spying on all of us?” My dad asked as we sat on the couch.

“Liz did not want to get back with him, he turned into a freak, he got angry, threatened us, spied on us, got jealous of Alec, mad at me because I am with Tess and he can’t have either her or Liz now. Then a whole lot more and he just will not give up on the idea that we have all moved on and that he is no longer welcome in our group.” I said and my dad nodded his head in understanding trying not to look too suspicious.

“Here is the snack and Krit is on his way.” Tess said setting the plates on the coffee table.

“What is with the food?” I asked.

“Well it would look weird if the two of us went to the kitchen and came back with nothing so we brought a snack.” Tess said as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.

“So what exactly did Krit say?” I asked.

“Well when we told him our situation he freaked out and quickly told the others and took off. Then Zack took the phone and told us to pretend nothing is wrong and watch TV or something. He said that Krit will see Max and will improvise from there.” Ava said twirling a piece of her hair.

Krit POV

When Ava called I blurred all the way to Kyle’s house thanks to Liz’s quick directions. I slowed down at the end of the block and walked normally the rest of the way. I was three houses down from Kyle’s house when I saw Max leaning in a tree branch with binoculars in his hands. Slowly I approached the house being sure to make noise and I tried to make it look like I was heading for the door. I saw Max look at me from the tree making a small rustling sound. Now was the time for me to play.

“Hey who is there?” I asked and out of the corner of my eye I saw Max press further against the tree. I can sense fear coming from him. I went to knock on the door when Max made a rustling noise again.

“Who is there? Come out before I am forced to hunt you down.” I yelled, my voice echoing in the night. I see Max still in the tree so I decide to play with him a little because I am so fed up with the guy. Gradually I made my way over to the tree where Max is perched. Then I slowly began to climb the tree with no effort and without using any branches making me look like a spider crawling up a tree.

When I got to the area Max is at I paused and turned towards him.

“Boo.” I said clinging to the tree trunk not holding any branch. From the look on Max’s face I must look pretty creepy.

“How did you do that?” Max asked backing away on the branch. The horror just seeping out of his every fiber. I swung onto the branch he was on and approached him slowly like a predator to its prey.

“You are not normal.” Max said out of breath.

“Just figuring that out.” I said in a singsong voice, this guy was way to easy to get a rise out of. I could hear his heart beat increasing and I could not help the smirk that spread across my face.

“So you really are not Liz’s brother.” Max said sounding pleased.

“Oh no I really am her brother I just am not normal.” I said when I was standing right over the scared boy.

“So why are you spying on Kyle and his family?” I asked causing Max to inhale sharply.

“Well I wanted to make sure that everything was okay and to see if they were hiding something.” Max said.

“Really?”

“So who is that blonde girl with Tess?” Max asked trying to sound all brave and at the same time trying to take control of the situation away from me, so not going to happen.

“Max that would be Ava you dim wit.” I said. I looked down and saw we were not too high off the ground I had an idea and quickly pushed Max out of the tree and jumped down off the branch and landed on my feet. Max looked at me in anger and then fear seeing my graceful landing.

“Listen Max. Do yourself a favor and leave. As a matter of fact leave all of us alone, my sister, your sister and all the others. We don’t want you anywhere near us so stay away because next time we catch you spying on any of us I can’t say the others will be as forgiving as I am and let you walk away breathing.” I said as Max quickly scurried off the ground and ran away. I walked over to the door and knocked Ava answered the door.

“He is gone.” I said leaning against the door-jam.

“Cool thanks Krit.” Ava said her accent slipping slightly so she sounded more Midwestern then a girl from the streets of New York.

“No problem. See the three of you bright and early tomorrow.” I said turning and leaving and making my way leisurely back to the CrashDown. When I get back there I see Max, Liz, Zack, and Alec all sitting in the family room.

“Hey guys where is Isabel, Maria, and Michael?” I asked plopping down next to Max laying my head in her lap. She gently stroked my head in a loving way.

“They all went to stay at Maria’s they thought it would get to crowded here with all of us.” Liz said stretching out across Alec and Zack.

“Yes so it is us transgenic folk left.” Alec said rubbing Liz’s back.

“Hey it is a first.” Zack said tickling Liz who let out a girlish squeal.

“I have missed all of you so much it is great that it is just us right now.” I said curling up into my little sister more. Right now we all look like a pack of lions curled up like we are.

“So we really are staying there for the rest of the week?” Zack asked.

“Yes.” Liz said.

“The place has changed.” Alec said.

“I think they need our help and need their soldiers to be willing to help and in order for that to happen they need to be a little nicer. Also they needed their favorite soldiers back and in order for that to happen they needed to be less oppressive.” I said.

“So Zack how are things with Isabel?” Alec asked with a smirk.

“Oh very well thank you.” Zack said with a wide smile.

“Krit what is up with you and Ava you two seem to get along well.” Max said wiggling her eyebrows at me.

“She is interesting and from an area I am used to after all we both lived in New York and frequented many of the same places.” I said. It was surprising to know that Ava and I knew many of the same people and haunted the same places and it surprised me even more that I had never met her because I pride myself on knowing everyone I hang around and the people they hang around.

“So have you heard from Syl?” Liz asked me.

“No not yet she probably will call later on in the week.” I said looking over at the youngest of my sisters.

“Love ya Krit.” Liz said kissing me on the forehead.

“Love ya two Liz.” I said kissing her nose. We all get up and head to our designated rooms. Alec started to head into Liz’s room when Zack and I grabbed him and pulled him with us and pushed Max into Liz’s room.

“You Alec are sleeping with us tonight and not our baby sister.” I said pushing the blonde boy onto a sleeping bag on the floor next to the one I am sleeping in.

“Hey how come Zack gets the bed?” Alec asked pouting.

“Because I am the oldest.” Zack said as if it is the most obvious thing in the world.

“Night big brother night Alec.” I said before letting sleep take over.

“Night Krit.” I heard the other two mumble.

“Hey Krit man time to get up.” I heard Alec mumble. I opened my eyes and quickly assessed my surroundings remembering that I am in the Parker’s bedroom on the floor.

“Ah time to get up?” I asked Alec.

“Yes Zack said he heard the girls thumping around and figured we should get up as well.” Alec said stretching like a cat. The three of us head out to the kitchen where Liz and Max are dancing around cooking breakfast.

“Well look Max it is our shirtless brothers and my boyfriend how nice.” Liz said wiggling her eyebrows.

“Nice one Liz and by the way I love the purple hot pants and braw.” I said receiving a grunt from Alec in agreement. Then I heard him mumble something about if I liked that I should see her naked but I did my best to ignore that comment.

“So when will the others be here?” Alec asked pouring a glass of milk for himself as well as for Zack and me.

“In about two hours so we should start the showers.” Liz said.

“Well Liz and I can double up if necessary.” Max said playing with Alec a little.

“No I will be doubling up with Liz if necessary.” Alec said standing up and slinging Liz over his shoulder.

“No see I would prefer to share with my brothers or sister because I know they will not try anything.” Liz said receiving a swat on the butt from Alec.

“Oh please Krit and Zack would so rather shower with me.” Alec said.

“Really because with me they could ogle my girl parts.” Liz said making me slap my hands over my ears.

“Okay any conversations with my sisters and girl parts are conversations I do not want to hear.” I said and Zack nodded in agreement.

“Oh fine party pooper.” Max said as she serves us pumpkin pancakes.

“What are these?” Zack asked.

“My moms secret recipe trust me they taste divine.” Liz said so we all dig in and are pleasantly surprised by the breakfast food. It was warm, fluffy, tasted like pumpkin pie with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon.

“Oh my Liz these rock.” Alec said with his mouth full.

“Ah gross.” Max said.

“By the way Max love the red panties and braw so hot.” Alec said receiving a slap from Liz who has a mock pout on her face.

“Don’t worry honey you are still my favorite.” Alec said giving Liz a charming smile.

“Okay this is making me sick just listening let alone watching.” Zack said his nose wrinkled in disgust.

“Okay I call shower first.” Max said putting her dishes in the sink and running to the bathroom.

“I call second.” Liz said.

“Me third.” Alec said.

“Me fourth.” I said knowing there was little chance I was going to get hot water let alone poor Zack.

“Oh great I am last and with no hot water. Love you guys so very much.” Zack said.

“We will save you some.” Liz said as she cleared the table with Alec’s help.
“Oh I cannot wait to see how Blaze and the babies are doing and to see if she needs anything.” Liz said.

“Yeah twins mean she will get big fast.” Alec said getting a glare from Liz.

“I agree she is so young I want to make sure she is okay.” I said remembering the spirited girl who almost kicked my sister’s ass.

“Okay I am done.” Max said coming into the kitchen fully dressed in her baby blue fatigues.

“That was quick.” Liz said shocked.

“Well I wanted Zack to have some hot water.” Max said as Liz headed towards the bathroom. Soon all of showered and got dressed in record time and not long after the others showed up.

“Hey guys lets go.” Liz yelled to all the occupants of the room as we piled into three cars.

“Manticore here we come.” I said receiving a slap from my sisters.

Part 54

Liz POV

We are just pulling into the base when I spot my unit coming in from their morning aerobics to wake them up. Max, Alec, and I quickly yelled goodbye to the others and caught up to our unit.

“Hey guys miss us?” I asked only to barley have time to steady myself before Blaze jumped into my arms and squealed.

“Okay I have never heard her do that before.” Ryan said looking scared.

“She just missed them that’s all.” Faith said and Crystal and Sara nodded in agreement.

“Okay so what is next?” Max asked as Alec and I stretched a little.

“We are on our way to the pool to do our morning laps and pool exercises.” Ice said leading the way to our designated area.

“Everyone listen up I want three laps warm up but first I want you to treed water for three minutes. GO!” the Commander yelled blowing his whistle. We all begin treading water making the pool look like a sea of white foam. I look around and see that Max is less then thrilled I know that she like me hates the water. I look over at Blaze and see she is less then thrilled at being in the water. All of the sudden Blaze’s eyes get red and then she starts sniffling loudly.

“Oh no.” I said which got Ice’s attention. He turned and looked at Blaze then back at the other girls and me and started to panic.

“What is wrong with her?” He asked Sara who is closest to him.

“How would I know?” Sara asked a fearful look on her face. Then all of the sudden Blaze stopped and went back to normal. I think it really spooked the others because not a one of the have taken their eyes off her since.

“Okay three laps go!” The Commander yelled blowing his whistle. I do have to admit that swimming is one of the best workouts because you use all of your muscles. I have not done this in ages and it feels good.

“Okay now that you have completed those we are going to do three laps breath stroke, three backstroke, three butterfly, three freestyle, three backstroke, three butterfly, and three breath stroke. GO!” The Commander yelled and we are off. I can feel the water rushing past me in splashes from the others around me. In front of me I can see Blaze already doing the backstroke and getting ready to start the butterfly. When I was going on lap eighteen I started to get tired and cramp like, which was not fun. Eventually though I did get done and the rest of the unit congratulated Max and I for it.

“Not many can have been gone for so long and then come back and do all those laps let alone in the time you did them. Nicely done.” Ice said as we all jumped back in the water.

“Okay as many of you have found out on missions fighting does occur in the water so we need to train you all to stay strong and deadly in the water like you are on land. Now I want you all to pair up male and female. And no 277 and 666 you can’t be paired together.” The Commander said much to Blaze’s dislike.

“Okay Liz go with Ice and Max with me.” Blaze said her eyes getting red again much to Ice’s horror.

“What is wrong with her?” Ice asked. I look over at Blaze who whiped furiously towards Ice.

“THE CHLORINE IS BOTHERING MY EYES!” Blaze yelled getting everyone’s attention.

“Oh.” Ice said before the two of us being sparing. I looked over at Max quickly and saw her getting wailed on by Blaze who seemed to be releasing some of her anger on my sister.

“Stupid males they think they are so special.” I heard Blaze mutter sending a look of fear onto Max’s face as Blaze sends her flying towards the other end of the pool. All of the transgenic folk in the pool, and the trainers, we all just stared at Blaze who looked scared and at Max who slowly got up shocked that Blaze had done that.

“452 are you alright?” Blaze asked swimming quickly towards Max.

“Yes thanks. Gee that was powerful. How did you do that?” Max asked as all of us piled out of the pool.

“I don’t know I just reacted it was an instinct.” Blaze said. Ice came behind her and hovered protectively. He actually growled at one of the trainers who were coming to check on her to see if she was all right. The guard persisted not getting the fact that when you approach a female cat you should make sure that your approach is not seen as a threat to his mate and given the current situation his babies. Ice not liking how close this stranger was to his mate lunged at the trainer. I growled out of frustration causing the other trainers to back away out of fear knowing from their training that when a transgenic is riled up enough they are extremely dangerous and that a growl is a good warning to back off.

“Hey!” I yelled coming up to the pair fighting. More like Ice sitting on the trainer and pounding him into a sticky paste.

“He is new 277 and did not know he was threatening her.” I said not so loudly, but I knew it would catch his attention; Max is standing next to me worried about Ice. He must have really thought that the trainer was a threat to Blaze to go off and pulverize him the way he is.

Ice reluctantly backed off the trainer and allowed the other trainers to take the wounded man to the medical center. Silently Ice walked over to Blaze and she wrapped her arms around him and he almost seemed to melt into her. It was so sweet to watch, but I soon turned away like the others feeling like I was invading a personal moment. Not many have seen them intimate with each other I remember Blaze telling me that they are not ones for PDA’s but I guess Ice felt strongly enough to let his emotions show in front of the others. Suddenly Donald Lydecker and Renfro walked into the room looking worried.

“Are you alright 666?” Renfro asked looking genuinely worried.

“Yes ma’em just got a little spooked when the trainer did not stay away. Sorry.” Blaze said.

“No need to apologize 666 actually we need to apologize to all of you. The trainer Tom is new and we had not sat him down yet and told him not to approach a transgenic like that or how to back away when one growls. 277 I am sorry that he threatened your mate and all of us do realize that you just reacted. Please try not to get carried away again.” Lydecker said.

“Yes sir.” Ice said. This entire conversation feels odd to me like Lydecker and Renfro are being a little too nice. When Lydecker and Renfro left the units started to leave to go to their other classes.

“Why did Lydecker let you off the hook?” Max asked.

“He and Renfro are worried about the babies safety and well being. I mean all the children that are created especially the ones between transgenics’ they realize just how dangerous the situation is. They realize that when they allowed us to breed that their would be certain effects to go along with it like the extreme possessiveness, the protective instincts, and the general want for all others to leave the others mate alone.” Hawk said and I nodded starting to get why the big bad directors are suddenly letting all of us get away with murder.

“When you and Alec keep at it for a while you will experience this as well. It only increases when offspring are involved then everything multiplies tenfold.” Sara said.

“So why did Ice feel like Blaze was threatened?” I asked.

“I don’t know.” Hawk said as Blaze and Ice rejoin the group. Ryan quickly hugged his twin sister. I steal a quick glance at Ice and see he is still not too sure about leaving Blaze alone. Alec looked slightly worried as well but I did not know if it was for Blaze, the situation or if he was worried that with time that might be us.

“Ice what set you off?” I asked blurting out the question I am dying to know the answer to. Ice looked startled for a second before it suddenly dawned on him what I am asking.

“I know everyone around here and their scent this guy was un-familiar to me and was approaching Blaze fast and would not give me time to process him. I wanted to check on Blaze as well, but he was getting too close and I did not know him so I just reacted.” Ice said a sheepish look on his face. Hawk comes up to Ice and pats him on the back laughing before shaking his head sending beads of water everywhere and getting us all wet, Ice seemed to find this funny so Crystal went up to him and looked at Blaze quickly who only nodded; before Ice knew what hit him he was back in the water as the rest of us walked away. Hawk stood there laughing at his CO only for Sara to come up behind him and push him in as well. Alec I could tell wanted to stay and laugh but quickly left with us not wanting that to happen to him.

Next up was another master class, but this time it was outside in the stifling hot desert and with all series there. The poor X8’s looked so lost, but I know that they have to learn some way even if it seems cruel to me. It pains me to know I am starting to think like the monsters.

“Left kick!” The commander yelled as a collective yell riped through the lines of transgenics who all flexed their left leg.

“Left leg and right combo!” The trainer yelled. After about twenty minutes of this, each time the combinations getting more complex, eventually we did a long series of maneuvers and had to perform them one by one in front of the thousands of others before we were allowed to break off into spring partners. I remember Alec up there and how swift and deadly his motions were and how he just glided through them. Maria was surprisingly good, but she did mess up once and had to start from the begging. Michael did extremely well as did Ava, but the others who were not transgenic need a great deal of work. As we were all sparing I noticed that Max choose to pair up with Biggs much to my delight. I really like Biggs he is so great from what I have seen and heard and I know he will be great for my sister and on the plus side I can see Max is warming up to him even more.

“Ow hey watch it.” X5 716 said as Hawk landed an bizarre hit to her hip. X5 716 is the blonde from the showers yesterday and it was only a few moments ago when I found out her designation. Apparently she is in Biggs and Krit’s unit and is the 2IC seeing as how Biggs is the CO. She is an amazing fighter but she does not have the precision that Biggs does which is why she is below him.

Part 55

Max POV

“Well why don’t you come to my room tonight and find out.” I said.

Knowing my words was having the desired effect when Biggs gulped. I have been thinking about Biggs a great deal the last couple of days and I am finding I like him a lot. I did mean it when I said he was going to be the father of my children because he will! Not only is he genetically perfect for me, but also he has so much that I desire in a guy, and he is everything Logan is not.

“Oh you know I will be there.” Biggs said. Suddenly I hear Liz talking and Biggs and I turn and listen.

“Yeah there is this girl at school, whom the others have met, Pam Troy and she has danced on my last nerve and I want to do something that will put her in her place.” Liz said getting my full attention.

“Oh do I sense a plan baby sister?” I asked with a wicked smile, which was eagerly returned by the other females even Blaze and the other female members of our unit.

“Well I will need all of you to help, but yes I do have something in mind.” Liz said with a lethal look in her eyes. Many people on the outside think my sister is just some door mat that they can walk all over, but if they only knew how vengeful she was they would think twice about messing with her, and with my help they will never think of messing with my baby sister again.

By the end of lunch all of us had it worked out to a T and we were going to put it into action when school started again. I was pleasantly surprised at how vindictive 716, now known as Petal, was. Ice said that when someone messed with a person that his sister cared about that they would be on the receiving end of her rage.

“Thanks for the help guys when we go back to school Pam will not know what hit her.” Liz said smiling. It was not going to physically harm Pam because Liz could never do that, but it would mess the girl up for a while and make her regret ever-thinking mean thoughts about Liz.

“Well we have to go do the obstacle course.” Liz said I hug Biggs and whisper goodbye in his ear. We all say good-bye to the others and head out with our separate units. Blaze was just filling the rest of us in on her latest baby news.

“Renfro wants me to get a check up everyday because of the physical work I need to do and since I am having twins the stress on my body will be greater.” Blaze said causing Ice to suddenly stop making a few of the unit members run into him.

“What will you be okay will they be okay? Do you need to cut out some physical excursive? Do you want to tone things down?” Ice kept firing questions at the poor girl who looked lost.

“I am fine, they are fine, no, and no.” Blaze said as she continues to walk shaking her head at her mate. Ryan looked at Blaze worried; he is a really protective brother, but I guess he is closer to her then normal because she is his twin and in the same unit as him making them closer.

“Are you sure? Just incase can you take it easy?” Ryan asked.

“Sure I will not try and push myself overly hard.” Blaze said with a huff.
Ice suddenly pulled Blaze down the hall and away from us; I shoot the others a questioning look.

“Oh that is Ice’s room.” Faith said as we all head out to the course a while. I hope everything is all right with those two.

“Don’t worry Max he is probably just giving her a lecture or she is probably yelling at him not a lot of damage will be done, I hope.” Hawk said.

“Either that or they are having sex.” Alec said making the unit groan not wanting to think of their leaders that way. I do have to admit though I was thinking the exact same thing.

“Okay guys let’s stretch again while we wait for the other two to get here.” Jack said as he lead us through the stretches. About ten minutes later Ice came back out alone and looking worried.

“Hey man what is it?” Hawk asked and Ryan looked antsy.

“Its Blaze something is wrong and I had to rush her to the medical wing. One minute she was laughing and the next she was doubled over in pain.” Ice said. Suddenly we all dart to the medical wing knowing it was where we were needed. When we got there we saw Blaze sitting on an exam table looking like she wanted to cry, but we knew she would not because she never has. Ice ran to her and engulfed her in his arms.

“Blaze?” Faith asked worried.

“The doctors say that there was some minor problem and that I need to stay here the rest of the day. That my age is causing problems for the pregnancy because even though I am more developed anatomy wise then most fifteen year olds that my body is still only about that of an eighteen year olds and that it was risky. Apparently my blood vessels are getting blocked or something like that because of the babies and my body is not handling the pregnancy well. ” Blaze said looking extremely close to crying.

“Why did they not say anything before?” I asked as Blaze clutched Ice who looked scared which scared the rest of us.

“They did not think it was a problem before.” Blaze said before kicking the tray holding a bunch of instruments sending razorblades and clamps everywhere.

“Once again my age gets in the way!” Blaze yelled only for Ice to hiss at her to calm down.

“Guys go run the course I am going to stay here with Blaze.” Ice said we all nodded and left. On the way out I hear Blaze crying and Ice purring to her. For the first time I fear for the twins, before I thought they would be safe and now I can only hope and pray to the blue lady.

We ran the course and completed the obstacles with a record speed and precision. Before we had started Jack told us that we had to work hard so as not to worry our CO and 2IC and do the course like it would make all of the trouble go away. Naturally we all tried our hardest and broke records. Hawk and Liz did the best in the swimming department much to our surprise. The unit was heading to the weight room when we ran into Ice.

“Hey Ice is Blaze alright?” Ryan asked. Ice smiles brightly startling all of us.

“The doctor who looked Blaze over was an idiot and got fired for scaring an X5 mother. Apparently Blaze’s age will not affect her pregnancy too much just slightly and now her age is not a factor.” Ice said happily.

“That is great, but what caused her pain?” Sara asked.

“Heart burn.” Ice said walking with us to the gym.

“Oh thank the stars.” Faith said leaning against the gray wall in relief.

“Yes the two of us were happy about that or more like I was, where Blaze was upset that her eating would cause her pain.” Ice said.

“Just like every other pregnant chick then.” Alec said as Liz swiftly smacked him upside the head making me proud. Ice did not seem to mind though because he just laughed and agreed with the blonde lady killer.

“So are you doing the weight room with us?” Liz asked.

“Yes Blaze nearly threw me out of the hospital room and told me that I had a choice I could either be with all of you or that she would injure me and give me a good reason to be in the medical wing.” Ice said with a shudder leading me to believe Blaze had been more specific with what she would break.

“Hey guys. Where is Blaze?” Biggs asked as our unit entered the weight room only to find Biggs unit in there. He looked amazing with this thin sheen of sweat on him making his golden skin shine.

“She is in the medical wing for a while.” Sara said unfortunately what happens in the unit stays in the unit no matter how much I want to tell Biggs.

“Oh no is she okay?” Biggs asked sending me a worried look, which I try to disarm.

“She is fine just a little worry, but Lydecker wants her to stay in there just to be on the safe side.” Ice said as we all start off on a machine. Biggs’s unit soon left and another unit joined ours, and much to my surprise Michael was in that unit. He came in with Ava and Tess laughing about something and Isabel came in behind giggling.

“Hey all.” Isabel said stepping onto a treadmill and punching in her program code.

“Hey Isabel how goes the work out?” Liz asked laughing.

“Very funny Liz, but I just got done swimming thirty laps so please excuse me I am in a bad mood.” Isabel said with a scowl.

“Oh sorry Iz, but you will get used to it soon. Just drink lots of fluids to get the acid out of your muscles and the muscles will heal faster. In time your body will be used to healing and be able to repair the damage faster.” Liz said with a sympathetic look.

“I know it’s just that I hate the water.” Isabel said making the rest of us laugh.

“We are with you on that one after all we are more cat then anything.” I said and the others nodded in agreement.

“Oh yeah I forgot about that.” Isabel said with a loud laugh.

“So I heard about Blaze when will she get released?” Ava asked.

“Tomorrow morning.” Ice said as he lifted the dumbbell up again and again. He is really strong not that, that is surprising it is just neat to see. I guess all X series are stronger then normal it is just that now I am noticing it. After twenty minutes on the stair master I am really starting to feel the burn and I can see Tess is as well because she is really huffing and puffing.

“Alec how goes the rope?” Hawk asked seeing the blonde nearly four stories up.

“It sucks I have a burn already.” He grumbled.

As my unit was on its way to the track we passed by the medical wing again to check in on Blaze, but what we were not expecting was to run into Logan who was occupying the room next to Blaze’s. It was as we were about to turn into Blaze’s room when Liz suddenly stopped and jumped away from the cell door on the left. I looked at her oddly for a second before she pointed to the window on the cell door where Logan’s old face was looking out the circular window.

“How creepy is that?” I asked Sara who is looking at the cell door in disgust. The others apparently had a previous run in with Logan and he left a really bad taste in their mouths especially because he upset Blaze.

“I knew they were keeping him somewhere in the base I was just not expecting him to be right here.” Hawk said looking as Logan recognized that there were people in front of his cell door; the window was too small for him to be able to make out whom anyone was.

“Hey can somebody please let me out of here? I am being held in here against my will. Please someone go and get my girlfriend and tell her where I am so she can come and get me out her name is Max. Also tell her I love her and that I forgive her for her demented state of mind I know she wants me to be the father of her children.” Logan said causing me to growl out of anger because he is really going to far this time.

“He just called me crazy!” I whispered loudly.

“What a basket case.” Liz said and the others nodded in agreement.

“Hey Logan old buddy how are you doing in there?” Hawk asks.

“Hey who is there?” Logan asked.

“I am a member of Max’s unit. The X7’s said they heard you and called me to check things out. What do you want?” Hawk asked putting his hand over his mouth to stifle his laugh like the rest of us.

“Please get Max and have her let me out of here!” Logan yelled hitting the door for emphasis.

“I am afraid I cannot do that Logan you see she is a little busy at the moment.” Hawk said controlling his voice so that he did not let on that he found the whole situation funny.

“Doing what? I am sure that if you told her I was in need of some help she would gladly stop what she was doing and come and help me.” Logan said in a serious tone.

“Can you believe him?” I asked Liz in a whisper that only another transgenic could hear.

“He is so out of it.” Liz said.

“Acutely she is with 566.” Hawk said trying desperately to not laugh when he sees my mortified face.

“Who is that?” Logan asked in an angry voice.

“Ah you probably know him as Biggs you know Max’s breeding partner.” Hawk said his face now beat red from holding in his laughter.

“Her what?” Logan asked in a yell causing a few of the passing doctors to give us questioning looks.

“You know the guy who will father her offspring. The seed to her egg.” Hawk said getting crude enough that Sara hit him in the arm. Hawk turned to me with puppy dog eyes asking for permission to continue.

“Hey guys what is with all the yelling?” Blaze asked coming out of her room. Ice points to the window and pulls her to him. Blaze then looks on interested.

“He will not touch her she is mine and only loves me!” Logan spit out with venom.

“Oh really because when I went by there cell on my way here all I heard was loud moaning and a bunch of oh Max’s.” Hawk said the last part and octave higher then his usual voice trying unsuccessfully to sound like Biggs who had a somewhat deep voice.

“You are lying.” Logan yelled ramming up against the door.

“No man I wish I was because I am going to have bad dreams now of Max riding Biggs.” Hawk said and I slap him in the arm. I look to my right and see Blaze is practically on the ground laughing hysterically with no sound. Seeing her red face made me laugh and I hand to slap a hand over my mouth so Logan would not hear me. Then out of nowhere Ice waves his hands getting Hawk’s attention and after several hand signals Ice gets across the message that he wants to play as well.

“Solider what are you doing inside I had the unit wait twenty minutes for you and you never came they are now thirty laps behind and to make up for your behavior you will be running an extra thirty!” Ice yelled with a smile on his face.

“Sorry sir! Sir detainee Logan sir is asking for 452 sir! I thought I would straighten him out sir!” Hawk yelled in an official manner. If I did not see their faces I would have thought the two were serious, but the two looked ready to bust out laughing.

“Very good solider I will take it from here.” Ice said with a sinful tone of voice.

“Mr. Cale what seems to be the problem?” Ice drawled in a slow manner. Blaze is watching the whole exchange with a smirk, I guess she finds the whole situation funny and who can blame her because even I find it funny.

“That little brat will not get Max for me.” Logan said in a calm voice sensing that he was talking to a person of much higher rank then the man he was previously talking with.

“Ah yes 452 is currently other wise occupied and has been told that under no circumstance is she to be anywhere near you unless I or another commanding officer is present with her.” Ice said with an eye roll.

“Well can you please get her because I really need to talk with her.” Logan said his voice laced with desperation.

“I am sorry, but I do not believe I can pull her away at the moment and I feel her breeding partner would not be to happy if I did.” Ice said with a smirk knowing that the term breeding partner that was being continuously used was getting to the man on the other side of the door.

“Well try dang it!” Logan yelled clearly getting fed up with all the pleasantries.

“Sir what is the problem?” I asked pretending I just came up. I did a bunch of hand motions trying to get across what I wanted to happen. The others seemed to understand and all relayed that they understood.

“Nothing 452 I was just on my way to see 666 who is in the next room over.” Ice said leaning against the wall.

“Max hey Max it’s me Logan help!” Logan yelled banging against the door.

“What was that?” I asked pretending I could not clearly hear Logan banging on his cell door.

“Oh just some loony they captured and locked up. So how were things with 566?” Ice asked with a smirk.

“Oh you know the best. I am pretty sure that this time I am pregnant for sure. Biggs was really excited at the thought so I came down here to schedule a test.” I said hearing the smack on the other side of the door and the now shallow breathing. Ice slowly opens the door to reveal Logan passed out on the floor.

“Nice.” Liz said smiling.

“Good work everyone.” I said as Ice closed the cell door and we all headed into Blaze’s hospital room where Ice ordered her back into bed much to her displeasure. I have found that Blaze hates getting ordered around and that one of the only reasons she worked so hard to be 2IC was so that she would give out more orders then receive.

“So what brings you all by other then to torture Logan?” Blaze asked popping herself up on the hospital bed looking really bummed about being cooped up in the sickbay.

“Well we came to see you of course.” Sara said sitting on the hospital bed and pushing Ryan off who had been previously sitting by his sister.

“Ah gee thanks, but sadly all of you get to be outside running while I have to sit here with all of this pent up energy.” Blaze griped causing Crystal to laugh.

“Leave it to you to rather be running laps then sitting in a bed relaxing.” Crystal said poking Blaze in the side.

“Well you would feel the same way if you had the energy of a Duracell battery and were kept off the entire time.” Blaze said using a funny analogy that would surely stick in my head now.

“Well I hate to say it but we have laps to run so see you later.” Ice said as we all piled out of the room.

“Max baby its me Logan please answer me I love you baby answer me I know you are out there and I forgive you.” Logan said rambling on. Jack motions for us to hide around the corner and he opened up the cell door.

“Dude what is your problem this hall has been deserted for the past ten minutes and you have yet to stop your annoying chatter. Shut up!” Jack yelled before slamming the cell door shut.

“Love you.” I said slapping the older boy in the back as we head out to the track.

“Did you see his face he actually thought you were going to be on the other side of the door. No wonder they have him locked up.” Jack said laughing. Alec and Liz were clutching each other they were laughing so hard at the end of the hall out of Logan’s range of hearing. I looked at Sara and saw she had tears running down her cheeks from laughing so hard. It was moments like this when all of my friends were laughing and acting carefree that just for a moment I forget that we are in the middle of a military base and on the brink of war.

It took us until dinnertime to finish all of our laps, when we showed up almost an hour late the senior officer in charge yelled at us and gave us each fifty extra laps much to our displeasure. After lap seventy I was ready to pass out, but I knew I had to keep going. By the end I was so thirsty and tired that I thought I would die and the only reason I made it into the mess hall was the thought of seeing Biggs and the others.

“What happened to all of you?” Biggs asked as Liz crashed into the seat next to Alec and I plop into the seat next to Biggs who looked at me worried and I cannot blame him because I probably look like crap. Man my throat feels like it is on fire.

“Well we visited Blaze in the medical wing, had fun playing with Logan and showed up about an hour late for the track.” Liz said.

“Oh bad luck guys, how many extra laps did you have to run?” Petal asked.

“Fifty and that was on top of the fifty we already had to do.” I said groaning.

“Yeah commander Brings can be a pain in the butt.” Biggs said putting his arm around me as I lean into him from exhaustion.

“Finally humanity.” Blaze said running over to our table.

“Hey hun what are you doing here?” I asked as she plopped down next to me and not Ice, which surprised me.

“The doctor who was in charge of me told me that since I was such a good little X5 that I could come to dinner but right afterward I have to go back to the hospital bed of doom.” Blaze said before she dug into her massive plate of food that was chalked full of vitamins.

“That is good.” Liz said patting Blaze on the back while we all ate. I do not know why it surprises me but after eating I now have more energy. I guess it really is all the vitamins in the food that Manticore serves us. After I was done I curled into Biggs side further knowing I still had target practice before I was allowed to turn in for the night.

“Well I am off to the medical wing bye.” Blaze said quickly rushing away.

“That is one weird girl.” Krit said laughing.

“You get used to her after awhile and come to love her corks.” Ryan said popping a carrot into his mouth.

“She seems to have multiple personalities.” Zack said laughing as he too popped a carrot into his mouth.

“Yeah that is something new, normally she is more laid back and less…perky.” Ice said looking confused.

“Hey big man what is it?” I asked startling him.

“She did not sit by me.” Ice said sounding even more confused.

“And this is why you look all put off.” Alec said not understanding, but I could not blame him because I am confused as well.

“What our CO is trying to say is that it is just unusual for her to not sit by him, she always has.” Ryan said as he ate his lime Jell-O.

“Well maybe she felt like a change.” I offered trying to be helpful.

“Yeah maybe, but I don’t like it.” Ice said whining.

“Oh poor baby.” Liz said in a baby talk voice.

“Hey I just don’t like my mate not sitting by me.” Ice said pouting.

“Well why don’t you stop by her hospital room tonight and make sure she is comfy.” I said.

“Good idea Max. Okay guys lets go out to the shooting range the sooner we get out there the sooner we can get done and the sooner I can get to Blaze’s hospital room.” Ice said as he hurried us out of the mess hall.

“Well Biggs see you at my room when you are done.” I said leaving with my unit.

“Oh yeah she wants me.” I heard Biggs tell Alec as Alec got up to follow us.

Part 56

Maria POV

Target practice the part of the day I loathe the most; I hate weapons they are the root of all evil. I know that they are a valuable tool in protecting oneself from danger because unlike my friends I am not genetically engendered or some alien hybrid. No I am just normal and sometimes it really bites the big one knowing that I can contribute nothing valuable to the group and that all I am good for is a good rant and an oh Maria shut up once in a while. Opposing what people commonly believe about me I do realize that I am a motor mouth and that I do tend to get carried away when discussing topics I feel strongly about.

“Hey Ria you okay?” Kyle asked as we walked to the target range.

“I don’t know. Kyle am I good at anything?” I asked causing Kyle to falter for a second.

“Maria of course you are good at something actually you are great at many things like singing, dancing, talking, comforting friends, waiting tables, controlling Michael, hand to hand combat, and a great deal of other things Maria. Where is this all coming from?” Kyle asked standing still for a minute. He is looking at me with concern, which is unusual normally he is so in control and cocky.

“I cannot help but feel that I am of no use to the group like I am a burden and that I only get in the way. I mean I don’t have any neat powers or abilities all I do is take up space and make lame comments.” I said leaning against the wall and boy is this deep stuff making me feel like crap.

“Maria incase you have forgotten I too have no powers or special abilities and like you I feel useless at times, but I know I also contribute to the group. Face it Maria we are normal, but without us the group would be lost and I know that Michael would be lost with out you.” Kyle said as we start walking again.

“Okay I guess you are right and thanks Kyle I really needed the cheering up.” I said. We enter the target range and see six other units out there including Liz’. Kyle and I walk over to our unit who was waiting for the open spaces.

“Hey guys.” X6 223 said as Kyle and I came up to them.

“Hi, so what are we doing?” Kyle asked.

“Three clips each gun. The last gun we have to put together ourselves before we do the clips, and plans are provided.” X6 223 said as the spots clear and we begin. I guess it is a good thing that the bullets are fake and not real and that the rubber bullets can be re used.

“Nice Maria just a little off keep up the good work.” My Co said as he made the rounds checking up on all of the members of the unit. He is a cool Co and does not play favorites. I like that he is trying to make sure that Kyle and I are caught up and even though it is sometimes weird having a twelve year old boss you around I am getting used to it. Besides it was even worse when I found out that next year when most of the X6’s turn fifteen that they will start the breeding program as well. These guys in my unit are all ten to thirteen which when thinking about them in a breeding program well it makes me sick. These kids are the age of people I baby-sit in Roswell and the thought of them having kids makes my stomach turn and not in a good way.

“Come on Maria you can do this you are a little to the left fix it.” My Co said. Soon I got the shots closer to the desired point and then I moved onto putting the final gun together. I quickly found that putting a gun together is much harder then it looks in the movies and that it can sometimes even hurt, but eventually I did it.

“Oh I am done finally.” Kyle said coming up to me as I was cleaning up the guns I used.

“I know I cannot wait to get to my room.” I said as I put the guns on the rack.

“Hey guys.” Liz said as she walked with Kyle and me.

“Hi Liz, wait are you still here? I saw you guys were here even before my unit started as a matter of fact your unit was here when other units were still eating” I said.

“Yeah we just got done. I was off by a millimeter and had to do three extra clips on that gun and then we had to test this new gun to see how well we can handle it and well lets just say it took me at least twelve clips before I got a good feel for the gun and then I was off considerably on aim so I had to do six extra clips and that is what took us so long.” Liz said as we enter the hall leading to our rooms.

“Night Liz, night Kyle.” I said heading into my room as they both say goodnight to me. When I closed the door I saw Michael laying in bed waiting for me and he looked worn out.

“Rough day?” I asked and he just grunted. I quickly undress and get into bed next to him even though the bunk really is only big enough for one person. Michael put his arm around me and I snuggled in close.

“You okay spaceboy?” I asked getting worried when all he did is burry his head into my neck.

“Yes just missed you.” He said showing a rare moment of affection. He never does in front of the others, but when we are alone sometimes he lets go and shows me what he is really feeling; like now.

“Michael do you really want kids?” I asked scooting down on the bed so I could look him in the eyes.

“Promise not to tell the others?” He asked.

“Promise I will not blab.” I said causing him to laugh.

“Yes I want kids Maria it’s just that before I never thought it was going to happen. I always thought that someday I would have to leave, or that it was not possible physically because I am an alien, and because I thought no one loved me enough to give me the chance to be a father.” Michael said.

“You know I love you right?” I asked him.

“Yes I know that and I also know that with you I can have kids and yes Maria I want kids…with you.” Michael said kissing me softly.

“You know that goes both ways right. Before you I thought I would never settle down because I have seen too many people get their hearts broken and I never wanted that to be me. When I thought you were going to leave me and go to Antar my heart broke and then when you came back to me it was well indescribable.” I said curling into Michael and resting my head on his chest. Sometimes I just want to melt into him and be as close as possible to him. Michael wraps his arms around me tighter bring me closer to him. I turn my face into his chest and breath his sent in, all I can say is that it is unique and very Michael. He always smells like peaches with a hint of cinnamon and spice and I have no idea why he smells this way.

“Night Maria.” Michael said.

“Night Michael.” I said as sleep soon engulfs us.

Max POV

I am not as worn out as I was earlier but I am still a bit sleepy. When I enter my room the first thing I notice is Biggs in the corner looking worse for wear.

“Hey you okay?” I asked plopping down next to him. All he does is rest his head on my shoulder.

“No I have to go to school.” He said making me laugh.

“Wait how old are you?” I asked trying not to laugh.

“Twenty-seven.” Biggs said startling me he does not look a day over twenty.

“Then why would you have to go to school?” I asked confused.

“Lydecker wants me to pose as a teacher so that I can keep an eye on the others and make sure that no harm comes to them. They are also thinking about having Hawk, Sara, and a few other X5’s pose as members of the faculty.” Biggs said.

“Oh tough break you get to deal with moody teenagers all day.” I said laughing.

“That is right and from what I have been told they are nothing like teens here at Manticore, here the teens are not overly moody, but on the outside world they are.” Biggs said with a shudder.

“Well look on the bright side you will most likely have Liz, Kyle, Maria, Tess, Ava, Michael, Isabel, Blaze and Petal in your classes.” I offered hoping to make him feel better.

“Well that might be a perk although from what I hear Michael is a less then stellar student.” Biggs said with a pout causing me to laugh.

“Well you could just pull him aside and tell him that if he does not pass your class and show to every class that you will whip his butt and then feed him to the transgenic folk in the basement and for the added affect take him to the basement and show him.” I said.

“Oh great idea Max I think I will.” Biggs said.

“Now about earlier, yes I was serious when I said I wanted you to be the father of my little hellions but the question is do you want to be?” I asked him turning to face him better.

“Yes.”

“Really?” I asked uncertainly.

“Yes Max, when I first saw you I fell hard for you…literally.” Biggs said making me laugh.

“Too much information.” I said laughing.

“Well come on how was I supposed to react to you and then on top of you being well hot I found out you were my breeding partner well lets just say my sex drive went on overload.” Biggs said making me giggle yes actually giggle.

“Well in that case what do you say we actually make you my breeding partner and let us get right down to business?” I asked slowly crawling around him on the floor like a predator circling their pray.

“I say giddy up.” Biggs said as I launch myself at him only for him to flip us so that he is on top, and has my arms pinned above my head.

“Wow Biggs I take it you have had practice doing that move.” I said as I wiggle under him causing him to groan.

“Sure, but you know that was just practice for you.” Biggs said with a smirk when he bites the column of my throat leaving a mark.

“Oh sure.” I said flipping us over so that now I am on top and I can have my fun now.

I rip off Biggs black shirt and start kissing my way up his chest and I am pleased when he growls in response. I get up to his mouth and he captures my lips in a fierce kiss unlike anything I have ever had before. Our positions change again and I am back on the bottom and I guess this is where Biggs wants me I think it is the whole alpha male thing. He kisses his way down my neck to my chest, he has my shirt off and is about to take my braw off when…

“452, 566 come out here quick we have an emergency.” Renfro said on the other side of the door causing Biggs and I both to growl as we slowly get up. I swing the door open and I see the others coming out of their rooms looking less then thrilled.

“Sorry to interrupt all of you but we have a situation come with me.” Renfro said as we all follow her to a conference room where Maria’s unit is, Biggs’ unit, and my unit are all waiting. We all sit down waiting for the explanation. Suddenly the doors burst open and in come Blaze and Ice who seem a little ticked off and I feel like shouting I feel your pain.

“Okay good everyone is here.” Renfro said as Lydecker took over.

“As you all know 513 has been on the outside world for a long time and while on the outside she had a fling with a boy named Max Evens who like Michael, Isabel, Ava, and Tess is an alien hybrid. Unfortunately when Liz broke the relationship off Max turned and now has taken to stalking her.” Lydecker said making Alec growl and Ice and other male members of our unit look pissed as well as every other male in the room.

“He has been parked out front of the base all day with binoculars and we feel he has seen too much and is sticking his nose where it does not belong.” Renfro said.

“What do you want us to do?” Biggs asked it looked as if all of the males in the room wanted to make it clear that Liz was their territory and that she was mated with Alec and not Max Evan’s.

“Madam Renfro and I want you to mess with him and teach him a lesson about what happens when he plays with the big dogs.” Lydecker said.

“He already thinks 666 is agent Pierce’s little sister and this can work to our advantage.” Renfro said.

“Isabel, Michael, Tess, and Ava we do not expect you to participate in this because he is your family.” Lydecker said.

“I will participate it is time Maxi boy learned his lesson.” Michael said.

“Yo I am in.” Ava said.

“Same here.” Tess said.

“I guess I will help as well although I do not want to directly confront him.” Isabel said and I can not blame the girl after all it is her brother we are messing with and no matter how close all of us get to each other we are not her blood like Max is.

“Fair enough.” Renfro said with a smile.

“So what do we need to do first?” I asked with a cat like grin.

“We need to put on a show of course.” Liz said and Renfro nodded evilly.

“Oh let the fun begin.” Alec said with a growl baring his teeth.

“What do you mean?” Maria asked.

“Tell her madam Renfro I think I know what you have in mind.” Alec said with a smirk. Renfro smirked back giving me the creeps because I even think I know what she has in mind and that scares me.

“Well Max seems to think he has some claim on 513 and I want to get rid of that and Alec I need Liz to give off the impression that she is with child.” Renfro said with an evil smirk, I hear Biggs gulp beside me knowing that the worse has yet to come.

Part 57

Liz POV

Oh no why do I suddenly get a very bad feeling about all of this. I look at Alec to see what he thinks of all this only to see a wicked smile on his face leading me to believe he is all for this.

“Well that will not be a problem seeing as how we have several belly suits from the mommy training class we have here. We have one for each stage of the pregnancy.” Lydecker said and I get a funny feeling that the two of them are enjoying this.

“At first Liz will not need to wear anything but after about two months we want you to show a little not too much, but enough to get his attention. No one will tell him about Liz’s supposed pregnancy, but let him put the pieces together on his own it will be more fun for us this way.” Renfro said.

“Now as for 666’s part in all of this you will be attending school with Max and I want you to make comments to716 when Max is around about missing your older brother and about how you are sad about his sudden
disappearance and that you believe he was murdered.” Lydecker said.

“Are you okay with this Michael?” Renfro asked.

“Yes ma’em.” Michael said.

“Also I want to introduce 665 into this after all the two of you are twins.” Renfro said.

“It can be done.” 665 said with a laugh full of malevolence.

“Good, but when 666 starts showing we will have problems.” Lydecker said.

“We can work with it.” Max said.

“What about 513 showing during school it could pose problems.” Biggs said.

“Good point, 513 would you be willing to ruin your reputation for this?” Lydecker asked I actually had to think about this one for a second. I grew up in this town and it still upset me that I was going to disappoint the people I had come to love in my life such as teachers and parents as well as school friends, but I knew that in order for me to finally be rid of Max and to please my unit that I had to do this.

“I am willing.”

“Good. We need to put on a show let him believe that this really is a military base, which should not be to hard.” Renfro said.

“We can make it look like 513 and the others turned on him and are now working with the special unit.” Ice said.

“That should not be too hard because my brother really is the head of the special unit.” I said giving the others a start.

“Ames White is the head of the special unit?” Renfro asked.

“Yes ma’em and he is in Roswell where they are setting up.” Max said.

“Oh dear a Familiar in the special unit this could work very well for us. With his strength and other abilities we will have no problem putting Max Evens in his place.” Renfro said with a dreamy smile.

“Max is deeply afraid of the FBI.” Isabel said giving more useful information.

“He scares easily and has this obsession with thinking he can have both Tess and Liz and with Tess and Ava being clones we can use this to our advantage.” Maria said shocking me at how good she is with planning. I always knew she was smart, but it is cool to see her using her brain in front of other people besides me.

“Very good.” Lydecker said.

“Is he still outside?” I asked worried. Alec and I were in the middle of something and I really want to get back to my fun, but the thought of him outside thinking of me is ruining my fun.

“Yes he has been camped out there all day the X7’s saw him and reported it to us.” Lydecker said.

“Gee that is creepy.” Krit said and the rest of us nodded.

“If you want a couple of us can make the rounds and do a few things to spook him.” One of the X6’s said and they have a very mischievous look on their faces.

“What exactly are you thinking 223?” Renfro asked.

“Well the X7’s have whacked out eyes that can scare the best of us what better way to mess with the guy then to show him what kind of beasts are pent up here.” 223 said.

“Good.” Renfro said.

“So when do we being?” Ice asked.

“How about now?” Lydecker asked.

“Great just tell us what we need to do.” Isabel said.

“Well first I need unit seven.” Lydecker said.

The unit of X6’s was instructed to take the back way out of the base and come up behind Max’s Jeep. From there they would casually walk toward the base acting like they were coming back from a mission, and they would be standing close enough to Max to let him hear all that they were saying. Those of us not out there will be watching the whole skit from the security room where we could get the visual and sound of all the action.
“Hey did you check out that hot new alien?” X6 169 asked with a laugh as the small group approached the jeep, I can see Max duck low in the seat so no one will see him.

The group stops just in front of the jeep.
“Oh yeah that one alien called her Ava and man oh man is she fine. I am going to talk to one of the guards to see if he can get me some time with her.” Another X6 male said. This all sounds so funny coming from a bunch of twelve year old kids.

“Dude you know Alec will not let you near her.” X6 223 said.

“So he has Liz let us have some fun.” X6 169 said pushing the other girl slightly.

“Well none of us will be having any fun if we do not report back to Colonel Lydecker and Madam Renfro with our data.” X6 223 said.

“Yeah when those two are mad they sure do let it be known. I remember last time we all got into trouble we had to spend a week in solitary and that is an experience I do not want to relive.” Another X6 said with a grumble.

“The sad part is they were actually in solitary last month.” Lydecker said. The rest of us just stare at him in shock.

“What?” He asked.

“Why were they there?” I asked feeling bold and hoping I will not get punished for being bold.

“They failed to complete a mission and then a few of them refused to take orders.” Renfo said and can it be…no I think I sense remorse in her voice.

“What are they supposed to do next?” I asked.

“You will see.” Lydecker said as we all re-focus our attention on the screen.

“So did you hear the latest news?” another X6 female asked sounding excited.

“No what?” 223 asked sounding equally as excited.

“Well it seems the special unit is up and running again and that they have recruited several people from our base and our sister bases.” The other female said.

“Really like who?” 223 asked.

“Well the commanders are not letting out many names, but I have a feeling Major Liz Parker might be one of them and General Alec McDonald.” The other female said shocking me…they called me Major.

“That is so cool Liz is one of the best after all she did bring in the aliens.” 223 said proudly.

“Stop your gabbing you two we need to get back.” 169 said as the small group heads back into the base. When the group is a safe distance away we see Max slowly sit up looking frightened.

“I think we did a good job.” I said when Max starts to mutter to himself. I really like Blaze’s idea of putting microphones in the Jeep so we can hear what all he is saying.

“What is he mumbling? Biggs please turn up the volume.” Alec said.

“She loves me I know she does those kids have no idea what they were talking about. Alec is responsible for all of this he took away my Lizzie oh how I love my Liz she is so perfect.” Max said causing Krit to laugh as well as my sister and I hit them both.

“What? Oh come on Liz the guy is like three notches away from going completely around the bend.” Max said laughing.

“Still I like that he thinks I am perfect.” I said knowing it will get to Alec.

“Sure, but you are mine not his.” Alec said kissing my forehead.

“That is a given.”

“Okay guys back to your rooms tomorrow we will work out a surveillance schedule that we have been slacking on sine we set up shop here. We have several transgenics’ that specialize in surveillance and this will give them something to do.” Lydecker said as we all piled out of the room.

All of us head back to our receptive corroders and I had to laugh at Blaze who was yelling at Ice to put her down. Apparently he did not want her to walk around at the moment and endanger her and his kids to which she replied she was a revved up super freak, who was capable of walking, but then he whispered something in her ear and she let him carry her. Also, I was happy to see Biggs go back into Max’s room with her and I know Alec was as well. It was so good to get back into bed with Alec and to let him wash over me.

“Hey Liz you okay?” Alec asked, in the dark I can see the concern in his eyes.

“No, I keep thinking of Max and how deluded he is. Then there is me wanting you like crazy and too grossed out about Max sitting outside to act on my want.” I said snuggling closer to him.

“Yeah well the guy has lost it.” Alec said still hovering above me looking me in the eye.

“So where did we leave off?” I asked with a very Alec like smirk.

“Well you were calling out my name when Renfro pounded on the door.” Alec said kissing my neck.

“Oh really and what were we doing that would make me call out your name like that?” I asked playing with him as I nipped at his ear knowing he loved when I did that and if his growl is any indication he did love it.

“Oh a little of this and a little of that mostly me getting you off.” Alec said which earned him a bite in the neck.

“That is right now is it not your turn?” I asked turning over so that I was now on top. I looked down at Alec and I could see his desire and I know by now he can smell mine. Slowly I kiss my way down his chest and across his hard stomach muscles and running my nails across his chest and stomach making him hiss. I had quick work of his pants and was soon nipping my way across his thighs.

“You know for someone who is so new at this you sure are good at it.” Alec said before groaning as I touch him where he has desired me. At first I hold him in my hands working him in a fast pace, but I soon replace my hands with my mouth apparently much to his delight because I can feel a small amount of liquid on his tip. Soon Alec comes in my mouth and after a second of recovery Alec has me on my back again with my arms pinned above my head. He has an animal look in his eyes that I love.

“So you still thinking of Max?” Alec asked kissing me and I know he can taste himself when he massages my tongue with his.

“No, but then again would you want me to?” I challenged making him growl.

“No, but it was me you were thinking about earlier when I was getting you off right?” Alec asked some of the animal gone. I can see in his eyes that he has doubts as to whether I am completely his or not and I want to do something fast to take away those doubts.

“Alec do you see me with Max? I am here with you and I only want to be here with you. Of course I was thinking about you how could I not, besides Max will never give me kids and I never would want him to because seriously the thought grosses me out.” I said making him laugh.

“So what do you say we seriously get started on that kids thing?” Alec asked.

“Well I say that we better start thinking about what we are going to tell my parents when they find out they are going to be grandparents.” I said when Alec claimed again and again what is his. I could have sworn that at one point I heard him mumble, “I would like to see Max do this.” Which is funny too think about.

I can hear the bugle over the intercom and I feel like shoving it up the poor kids butt. Slowly Alec and I get out of bed and clumsily we make our way into the hall where the others are. The other girls and I make our way to the female showers. I look over at my sister and see she is walking funny.

“You okay there Max?” I asked with a smile.

“Yes but man Biggs has a sexual appetite that rivals a female transgenic in heat.” Max said stepping under the warm spray.

“Wow Liz love the love bites.” Tess said making me look down at my body. All over me I see purple marks and I mean all over they start and my ankles and go over my thighs to my neck.

“Well looks like Liz had fun.” Maria said.

“Oh and look who is talking Maria there are several on you looks like Michael had a good ole time.” I said smirking as my best friend flushed slightly.

“So Max can I expect nieces or nephews any time soon and please say yes.” I asked.

“I hope so and boy when Biggs wants something he works for it.” Max said with a purr when Blaze stumbled into the showers walking funnier then the rest of us.

“Have a good night?” I asked with a giggle.

“That man can go forever and never stops!” Blaze exclaimed stepping under the showers spray and letting out a contented sigh when the heat of the water sooths her sore muscles.

“Oh we feel your pain.” Max said and I nodded knowing exactly how my sister and friend felt.

“Hey Blaze.” Petal said coming in and greeting the rest of us and she too has a slight limp.

“Was there something in the air last night because all of us are walking funny?” I asked laughing.

“No it’s just my breeding partner decided to have a little fun.” Petal said.

“Who is your breeding partner?” Max asked.

“My brother.” Blaze said laughing and I have to say I did not see that one coming.

“Oh that is odd no matter what you and Ice are going to have a niece or nephew because your brothers breeding partner is your breeding partners sister.” I said laughing.

“Well it is rather odd but what can I say we like keeping it all in the family.” Blaze said making the rest of us laugh.

“Oh this water feels so good.” I said.

“I don’t feel so good.” Blaze said leaning against the tile wall of the shower. I go over to her to see what the problem is when she goes running towards the toilets and several of us run with her only to hear her loosing the contents of her stomach.

“Hey Blaze you okay?” Max asked.

“Do I…” Blaze stopped talking because she was throwing up. “Sound Okay?” She asked.

“Um no.” Tess said.

“Do you think we should get someone?” I asked.

“No just let her be we can tell Renfro and she will be excused from her morning activates and she can join in when she feels better.” Petal said.

“Oh should we tell Ice?” I asked.

“That would be the safest rout because if we don’t and he finds out we knew she was in here heaving then we would pay big time.” Petal said with a shudder.

“So he has always been protective?” Isabel asked.

“Yes especially of those in his unit, her and me. He is an alpha male and makes others aware of it and if you mess with anything that is his you can be sure you will pay oh so dearly.” Petal said as we get changed into our clean fatigues. As we enter the mess hall I noticed that all of the guys have silly grins on their faces and I have a feeling that last nights activates are responsible for them.

“Hey Ice, Blaze is in the girls bathroom heaving.” Petal said and Ice quickly got up and left without another word.

“Is she okay?” Ryan asked. When I look closer at Ryan’s actions toward Petal it is blindingly apparent that they are mates and I have no idea why I did not notice it sooner. The two always send each other these looks or find some reason to touch it is so cute.

“Just morning sickness it is rare in a transgenic, but happens.” Petal said.

“Well good morning all.” Krit said making his entrance.

“Hey big brother what have you been up to on this fine morning?” I asked.

“Well baby sis I stopped by the surveillance room and guess what I saw and believe me it was enough to make me heave.” Krit said.

“What?” We all asked simultaneously.

“Max Evens in the Jeep getting friendly with his hand.” Krit said laughing.

“Ewe that is my brother and I am never going in that Jeep again.” Isabel said a sour look on her face.

“Why do we need to know this?” I asked feeling entirely grossed out.

“Well thanks to the microphones in the Jeep I was able to hear what he was saying and it was a Liz oh Liz baby that feels so good kind of thing and let me say for the record I wanted to rip his head off for thinking those thoughts about my little sister.” Krit said and I heard Alec growl next to me. I turn around and hugged him letting him know that he is the one who has me and not Max.

“Will he ever get the fact that Liz is not his?” Zack asked sounding disgusted.

“It is creepy to think that he is thinking of me that way.” I said shuddering.

“Guys I think we have a problem on our hands I think it might be at the point where Max might actually hurt Liz.” Krit said making my stomach drop. Alec put his arms around me and held me close making me feel safer.

“Don’t worry baby I will not let him touch you, you are mine and not his.” Alec said kissing the top of my head.

“Krit do you really think Max would hurt Liz?” Tess asked sounding scared and I for one cannot blame her.

“He has this image in his head that Liz should be his and his alone and he is willing to do anything to make sure that it happens. If Max were to find out that Liz was no longer his and that she was physically claimed by another then there is a good chance he will get upset and take his anger out on Liz.” Krit said making me sick.

“Krit is right and there is always the possibility that he might try and forcefully take what he wants.” Zack said making me burrow into Alec farther. Alec pulled me into his lap and purred in my ear to calm me down.

“I will not let him touch you.” Alec whispered in my ear so that only I can hear him.

“What can we do about this I mean Liz can take care of herself?” Hawk asked.

“Well don’t forget Max has powers and he has already proven he will use them on Liz if it will get him what he wants.” Michael said.

“So we keep a close eye on him and when school starts up the two of you are not to be in a room alone together.” Maria said sounding very military in that moment.

“I agree and I think I will talk to Lydecker and Renfro about having the shadows follow Max.” Alec said sending a shiver down my spine at the thought of those people.

The shadows are trangenics’ with the ability to go unnoticed by everyone. They are commonly used for data retrieval or assassinations where there will be a great deal of people around. They all have very distinct features like the eyes that glow in the dark and the extra pointy teeth because they are cannibals.

“Do you really think that is necessary?” I asked Alec.

“At this point I do not know, but I am not going to risk the fact that he might try something with you so I rather be safe then sorry later.” Alec said.

“Well we will discuss this more later right now we need to get started with our classes.” Jack said making me groan knowing that first up was geography, which I loathed.

“Hey guys.” Ice said sitting down behind Max, Alec and I, I look back and see Blaze is sitting next to him looking really pale.

“You doing better?” I asked and she shakes her head no. The teacher came in and began the dull lesson or was about to any way when she saw Blaze looking ready to die.

“666 is something wrong?” the teacher asked worried.

“Yes.” Blaze said running from the room only for Ice to go running after her.

“What is going on?” The teacher asked looking upset. She is a nice enough lady, but clearly un-informed.

“Morning sickness.” We all said and the teacher nodded then began the tedious lesson. Three hours we all spent in that small classroom looking at map after map after map and the worst part is that after the three hours we got tested to see if we have been paying attention and if we got one wrong we had to sit through the entire lesson again.

“Alright now here is the test.” The teacher said passing out the packet of paper. “There are a hundred questions and on the multiple choice questions you need to pick the answer that is right or as close to the right answer as possible. Now I will have these tests graded by next class session and if you miss one you will stay after for a repeat of this class. Now 294 and 293 please stay after today for a repeat of the last class because you both missed a question.” The teacher said before going back to her desk.

The test is long and it all has to do with maps and the relationships geographically that places share. We had to know what every city in Mongolia was called, their location, temperature, rainy season, and the reason for certain population spurts in certain areas we had to know main crops and soil analysis. It was a challenging test and made all the tests I have taken at Roswell High School look like first grade work. It took me an hour to do the stupid test and that was as long as we were aloud to take. Poor Blaze has to sit though this lesson all alone, Ice came right back when he left at the beginning of the class.

“Alright the three of you stay behind and I will see the rest of you later.” The teacher said before she pulled down the map and goes into her lesson again for Blaze.

“I thought I was going to cry I was so board.” Max said as we made our way to our next class.

“I know and that test was hard.” I said groaning as we came to the math class we all have to take. It is a combination of the math divisions so that we can figure out the best way to get to our target and when under cover at some geek convention we can be smart enough to fit in. Today was three hours of calculus, which I know is no fun.

“Take notes and study them outside of class because they test you on the same things.” Ryan said.

“Okay you do realize you are like the only fifteen year old I know who is actually good at calculus.” I said looking at Ryan’s papers; they are so neat and organized.

“I hate you.” I said looking at his work, which only makes him laugh fueling my anger towards the boy.

“Now Liz be nice I know Ryan is a neat freak but he is helpful on missions.” Sara said slapping Ryan on the back.

“You are just saying that because my math skills saved your ass on a mission once.” Ryan said.

“You bet.” Sara said smiling.

“Wow there is a story there and I want to hear it later.” I said, making Ryan laugh and Sara blush.

The math class, much like the geography class, went by excruciatingly slow and when it was done it was time for lunch. When we got to the mess hall the others are there waiting for us talking heatedly.

“No the poison goes through the digestive tract leaking into the blood stream through the walls of the stomach I mean the poison can get through the thin mucus membrane.” Zack argued slamming his fist on the table.

“No it is an inhalant.” Krit said.

“You guys are both right it can be taken orally or sniffed, but it still gets the job done. You need to use more when you sniff but less when you swallow.” Biggs said letting out an exasperated sigh.

“So what are you three talking about?” I asked sitting down.

“Oh do not even get them started they have been going at it since the medical class about poisons.” Biggs said.

“Was it as boring as geography and math?” Max asked.

“Oh you had those already? Tough break those classes can bore a person to death.” Biggs said as Blaze came in looking worn out.

“That had to be the worst test ever.” Blaze said hitting her head on the table repeatedly.

“Oh I feel your pain.” I said patting her on the back.

“Hey Ryan can I borrow your math notes please? I have to take the test after my last class today.” Blaze asked.

“Sure.” Ryan said handing them over.

“Hey you feeling any better?” Maria asked Blaze.

“Not really, but I am not going to let heaving my intestines up prevent me from completing to days tasks.” Blaze said looking over the math notes.

“That right there ladies and gentlemen is why Blaze is in the top unit.” Alec said laughing.

“Well she does tend to over achieve.” Ice said laughing, which got him a hit in the stomach making him double over.

“Hey what is that smell?” Biggs asked and the rest of us sniffed the air.

“Oh no.” Blaze said when we all recognize the sent some female in heat.

“Do we have anything to worry about?” Zack asked looking panicked.

“You all don’t, but Krit does he is the only one without a mate present.” Sara said. I look around the mess hall and see several of the males reacting to the pheromones, but none of the guys at the table are.

“Wait why is Krit not acting like the others?” I asked and we all look at Krit.

“Okay I give I have a mate now please help find the girl before something goes bad.” Krit said.

“Fine but we are talking later.” I said leaving no room to argue. All of us use our noses and found that it was an X5 at the table across from ours. The females of the table all get up and run over to her as the non-mated males begin to fight each other.

“Grab her!” I yelled as we come up to her. She sees us coming and uses the table as leverage to flip over to us to our table where the guys are standing dumbfounded.

“Hey there.” The X5 said to Ice who is looking at her confused.

“Oh hell no!” Blaze yelled blurring over to the table where she stands in front of Ice only making Ice more confused.

“Do you really want to fight me little girl?” The other X5 asked making me laugh when I finally catch on to what is happening. Apparently this girl wants to fight Blaze for Ice, which is not a smart thing.

“No the question should be are YOU ready to fight her?” I asked as the other females in the mess hall break apart the males, some having to use trank guns. The other X5 female lunges at Blaze who with no trouble throws the other girl to the ground. Blaze quickly pins the girls’ hands behind her back and sits on her legs making it so the other girl could not move.

“Okay ladies lets get her to solitary, grab tranquilizer guns.” Blaze said as I help Blaze pick the girl up as about twelve other females pick up guns. I look around the mess hall and see around twenty X5 males unconscious on the ground, several still fighting and many just looking confused.

“What just happened?” Alec asked.

“Ice’s mate just staked her claim.” Krit said laughing at the dumbfounded look on Ice’s face.

As we approach solitary the female in heat decides to do some more damage.

“You are not good enough for him you are to young he needs a woman and not some kid.” The stupid X5 said. I did not like the girl messing with Blaze’s emotions so I decided to put her in her place.

“First off 666 is in the top unit and not you, second did you not notice how 277 did not fight for you? Also 666 is the one carrying 277’s offspring not you.” I said throwing the girl in solitary and slamming the door shut.

“Thanks Liz.” Blaze said smiling.

“No problem.” I said putting my arm around her and leading the way back to the mess hall to clean up the chaos.

Part 58

Ava POV

This is some messed up shit gonin on around here. That one girl just went physco and then Blaze knocked her right out of the air it was sweet. Poor Ice man has no idea what just went on and it took him until the other girls got back that he figured it all out. All of us look at the returning females in question.

“We put her in her place.” Liz said going over to an unconscious male and smacking him awake before going over to the next one.

“Is Liz okay?” I asked seeing her kick a guy when he would not wake up it was so…not Liz.

“She is just a little mad, but it is not her you need to worry about.” Petal said when I hear flesh hitting flesh and I look to see Blaze punch a guy in the gut that had just woken up.

“Oh she looks mad.” I said laughing when the guy started to argue with her about being abused when he saw Blaze’s glare and quickly shut up.

“Go to medical I cracked a rib.” Blaze snapped before moving on to the next person. This one she was much gentler with that was until they started moaning and that is when she slapped them, effectively waking them up.

“Uh Blaze why are you hitting them?” Kyle asked as Liz shook another guy awake.

“Because they are stupid and forgot their training and because that witch was stupid and she forgot her training.” Blaze said shaking another male awake, but this time she only shook.

“What is she talking about?” I asked Krit.

“We were taught early on that if you are around a female in heat and she is not your mate run as fast and as far away as possible before you are affected. Also the females are taught to notice the symptoms so that they can go into isolation.” Krit said.

“Blaze maybe you should take it easy.” Liz said as the fifteen year old pregnant girl carried a full grown X5 over to one of the stretchers brought in.

“NO!” Blaze yelled defiantly.

“Was she an insubordinate child?” Alec asked laughing as Blaze gingerly placed the guy on the stretcher.

“Oh yeah!” Her unit all yelled and several others.

“Man when she was five a commander would not let her use one of the big guns because he thought she would hurt herself. To get back at him she rigged this booby trap and let’s just say the guy ended up in medical for a month.” Biggs said laughing so hard tears were leaking out the corners of his eyes.

“So do you think yous kids are gonna be like dat?” I asked Ice who shuddered.

“Most likely.” He said.

“Oh and like you were a perfect child.” Blaze said coming up to our table.

“I did not get into nearly as much trouble as you did.” Ice said with a smirk.

“Is that a nice way of saying you jus didn’t get caught?” I asked.

“Are you kidding?” Ryan asked.

“Where do you think I got the idea to rig those doors the way I did?” Blaze asked.

“That was you?” Sara asked laughing as Ice nodded.

“He even helped Ryan and I build it.” Blaze said.

“Yeah he got all the supplies we could not get without getting into trouble.” Ran said.

“Oh like the barbed wire.” Blaze said laughing.

“Just what exactly was the booby trap?” Liz asked.

“Well we were at the Michigan base at the time and we decided to use our barracks as the location. In front of the doors we had placed a line of fishing wire about a meter off the ground. When the commander opened the doors he was greeted by a spray of extremely diluted hydrochloric acid so that the only damage it would do was burn him slightly. As he stumbled around he hit the wire that released a net made of barbed wire.” Blaze said proudly.

“Oh yeah that had Ice written all over it.” Hawk said laughing.

“Face it we all pulled pranks and still do.” Ice said.

“Of course my favorite pass time is pin the tale on the guard and then run away so he will not know who did it.” Ryan said.

“Yeah too bad we always get caught.” Petal said.

“What did you expect this place is loaded with cameras?” I asked.

“Well it never used to be. They only put the cameras in recently because we were all playing nasty pranks.” Faith said.

“Yeah Lydecker got tired of replacing the guards because they were too scared to work here anymore so they put harsh punishments in place and started training the guards.” Jack said.

“Ah now the rest of us can’t have fun.” Liz said with a pout.

“Oh Tess and I can let you all have fun.” I said looking at Tess who nodded with a smile.

“Really?” Blaze asked looking hopeful.

“Really we just recently learned we can warp cameras to make them see what we want.” I said grinning at the thought of having some fun. My old crew and I used to pull all kinds of shit…well that was before my brother and best friend killed my boyfriend and king. The thought of having fun with my new family was great and I knew with all the abilities of this group combined we could get into some serious shit…bring it on!

“We are so going to have fun.” Liz said squealing making Alec do a double take.

“Also, this allows us to play with my brother.” Isabel said a vengeful smile on her face much like Lonies when she was about to pull something.

“I know dat look Iz what are yous thinking?” I asked.

“Well it would be a waste of resources if we did not use what skills we all have.” Isabel said sounding innocent when I know from experience that the evil was brewing.

“So what is the plan?” I asked

Isabel told us in detail what she has planned for us and we are to put the plan into action tonight and according to Liz it was originally part of the trouble some triplets plan, but it now works so much better with others to help. Sadly the fun will have to wait because right now I have a level one geography class. After the first half hour of the class I felt like crying because one it was boring and two I did not know most of it. I look over at Michael and see he is just as lost as I am. Oh this really bites I need this to be over soon before I die from being bored.

“Finally the torture ends!” Maria yelled as we exit the class.

“I just about cried when dat twerp went on about how fascinating the physical characteristics of Afghanistan were.” I said laughing.

“I know god I did not know a person could talk so much.” Isabel said. We are all happy to be out of that class because it was so dull and dry.

“So where to next?” I asked dreading the answer.

The end of the day was a welcome event for all of us after the long torturous classes we had to suffer through. See this crap was the reason I never went to school because all you do is sit there and learn about really boring garbage that I will never use. Zan used to say that someday the information would help us out and to that Rath always said we didn’t need to learn about some planet that we don’t belong on seeing as how we would get off the rock the first chance we got.

“So about earlier Ava who do you think Krit’s mate is?” Maria asked making me laugh even though I secretly want to breakdown and tell her.

“I have no idea.” I said.

“I thought he was with Syl?” Isabel asked.

“He was.” Maria said.

“So who is this new girl and why is he not with Syl?” Tess asked.

“That my dear is something we must find out.” Maria said with a mock evil laugh. I really want to tell them but I know I cannot, at least not yet.

Krit POV

I know that my family and friends were shocked earlier when I said I had a mate and that some of them assumed it was Syl, but it is not. The sad thing is, is that I have not told them about Syl dumping me and running off with a stockbroker to Germany. It hurts still, but I know that the two of us were not really in love it was more out of convenience that we were together. Syl was cruel in the way she called our relationship off, she sent me a dear John letter saying she was in love with this other guy and was going away with him.

“Hey Krit.” Liz said sitting down next to me for dinner.

“Hey babe.” I said putting my arm around my sister, that is until Alec came in shooting death glares at me for touching Liz even though she is my sister, but I guess that is what saved me from getting killed because if I was not family I would be dead right now.

“Krit don’t touch my woman.” Alec said.

“She is my sister.” I pointed out.

“So?” Alec asked.

“So I have had rights to touch her long before you.” I said laughing when Alec stuck his tongue out at me.

“Gee I feel loved you two are fighting over who can touch me.” Liz said smiling. Eventually the others had trickled in and we were all sitting down and I was just waiting for the inevitable question.

“So Krit who is your mate and if it is not Syl what happened to her?” Zack asked and there is the question.

“Well Syl sent me a letter telling me she was running away to Germany with her new boyfriend effectively ending our relationship.” I said.

“Oh Krit why did you not say anything?” Max asked looking hurt.

“Because I did not want to deal with it and eventually I came to realize that I was not making a big deal about it because I was not in love with her. At one time I think I was but she soon lost her appeal when she turned out to be snotty and stuck on herself, not to mention the constant cheating I mean come on she would have to be stupid not to think that I could not smell the other guys on her.” I said.

“I cannot believe she would do that to you, well I guess that shows how well I knew Syl.” Liz said and I pat her on the back knowing what I said was shocking and possibly running the image of her older sister that she held.

“So who is your new mate?” Zack asked his face a mask not showing any emotion.

“Ava.” I said causing my friends and family to just stare at me and Blaze to laugh.

“What?” Liz asked.

“I knew it.” Blaze said when the other members of her unit including Max, Alec and Liz all fork over cash or a possession.

“How?” I asked.

“I could smell you on her.” Blaze said counting her profits to make sure they were all there.

“What?” Ava asked looking freaked.

“Pregnancy increases the sense of smell and honey mine was already good and add the new boost and I can smell everything. Speaking of Kyle I love the new aftershave.” Blaze said making Kyle blush before muttering a thanks.

“So why did you not tell me?” Tess asked her twin with a hurt frown.

“Sorry hun but I did not know where it was going originally and then it was just about waiting for the right time to tell the rest of yous.” Ava said making me smile.

“Okay forgiven, but no more secrets from your favorite twin.” Tess said.

“You know we are much closer then twins Tess we are clones.” Ava said.

“Wait so the two of you are exact replicas?” Sara asked.

“Yup right down to the fingerprints.” Ava said.

“Neat are our clone’s like that?” Blaze asked and Ice nodded his head.

“Wait you all have clones?” Michael asked.

“Yes, see right there that was what I looked like when I was five.” Blaze said pointing to an X7 who was eating soup and laughing their head off about something one of the members of her unit said. She had the same hair color as Blaze, but the little one had curly hair.

“Her hair is curly.” Michael said.

“Mine is too, but my hair is so thick and long it weighs the curls down.” Blaze said eating her soup like her clone and smiling exactly like the little girl.

“Okay so we all have clones except for Maria and Kyle.” I said making the others laugh.

“For that I am thankful because one Maria is a handful let alone two.” Kyle said shivering.

“Hey!” Maria yelled.

“See over there next to the small blonde is my clone, is he not the cutest.” I said.

“Hey that small blonde is my clone!” Zack yelled.

“Awe look how cute Zack and Krit are.” Isabel said as the two little boys laughed about something.

“Look there is my clone next to Sara’s clone.” Ryan said and I do have to admit that Ryan’s clone is rather adorable. Sara’s clone is staring down at her food not looking at anyone.

“Hey is she okay?” I asked Sara figuring she would know.

“Oh she is just shy and quiet she will open up eventually.” Sara said and sure enough when Ryan’s clone started talking to her she spoke back and then some.

“Oh Max there is your clone.” Liz said pointing to a twelve-year old girl who just walked in.

“Nice.” Max said.

“Hey where is yours Liz?” I asked.

“I don’t think I have one.” Liz said.

“Yes you do she just does not have the same abilities as you and won’t, see she is over there next to Alec’s clone.” Ice said pointing to a little blonde boy and brunette girl who just walked in.

“Hey give it back!” Blaze’s clone yelled suddenly when a fifteen-year old boy dangled a spoon high above the little girls head.

“Hey why is your clone harassing my clone?” Blaze asked Ice angry.

“What?” Ice asked laughing when Blaze suddenly got up followed by Ice.
Blaze grabbed the spoon out of the guys hand even though he is the same age as her, she gave the spoon back to the little girl.

“Well look it is my mate.” Ice’s clone said.

“That would be my mate.” Ice said from behind the boy.

“Well she should be mine.” Ice’s clone said and gosh it is creepy to watch.

“No 277 is the best and my clone is the second best so she belongs with him.” Blaze’s clone said and that’s when I noticed she is missing her two front teeth.

“So she should be with me!” Ice’s clone yelled at Blaze’s clone.

“Dude we are not even the same series, but you two are.” Blaze said with a wink before she returned to the table followed by Ice who looked mad.

“You wouldn’t have ended up with him right?” Ice asked.

“No like I said different series are not allowed to breed together.” Blaze said and Ice nodded happy with the answer.

“So you two could have ended up together even if you were not in the same unit?” I asked.

“It is a possibility, but the age difference would have been a factor unlike now. Also there is still a great chance we would have been paired together because of our genes and the compatibility the two of us have a strange DNA makeup and since we are similar we would be put together most likely.” Ice said.

“So is there a chance your clones will be placed together?” Liz asked.

“No because they switched abilities when they did the clones and my clone has different ones then Ice’s clone.” Blaze said.

“So the stupid boy was way off thinking that the two of you would get together?” Maria asked.

“Basically and over there I just told him that our clones could end up together just to shut him up but really it could never happen.” Blaze said eyeing my pickle.

“Want it?” I asked and she dived for it mumbling thanks as she wolfed down the salty treat.

“She likes pickles?” Ava asked.

“She likes the salt in them.” I said and Ava nodded.

“Why?” Kyle asked.

“Something about pregnant woman liking it.” Ice said.

“The docs all say it is just a phase, but I cannot see my thing for salt going away anytime soon.” Blaze said as she ate Liz’s pickle as well.

“So that is why they started serving pickles.” Ryan said and Blaze nodded.

“That and strawberries.” Ice said.

The tables short bliss was shattered when Renfro came running into the mess hall and ran over to our table.

“566 and 277 get your units and meet me in conference room A we have a situation.” Renfro said and suddenly it was like auto pilot Biggs and Ice yelled to the others and we all move out blurring, feeling like we had to get there fast.

“Sit down quickly.” Lydecker said as all of us rush to a seat.