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Authors Notes: Email me even if you thought it sucked, I always like to know what people think of this stuff

...::Chapter 1::...

I entered the coffee snack bar, Chaz greeted me by tossing a cup at me; I caught it easily and then tossed it back. I cringed as he dropped it. "Chaz!" bellowed his boss Sheila but then she saw me and waved half heartedly, "Long time no see, and what the hell have you done to your hair young lady!" "I let the dye go out," "And that's your natural colour?" "Hmm... Oh, Yeah, course it is" I replied and then pulled the scrunchie out of my hair and combed my hair with my fingers and grabbed an apron washing my hands. I quickly approached the counter; "Can I get you anything?" "Ahem" said Sheila. "Sir" I said sending her a Look. "A cup of coffee and a chicken sandwich please" "Ok" I assembled it and then the lunch rush came in.

I started clearing the tables, "Are you finished?" I asked a blonde man but he didn't seem to hear me, I was almost afraid to reach out and touch him, I had no idea why, usually if Sheila was in a good mood I would've shoved him out of his seat, then repeated the question. Gathering my courage I tapped him on the shoulder, he started and looked up at me with glazed eyes. "Can I take your plate?" "Sure" he said still studying me and I frowned slightly and took the plates, I took them back to the kitchen and then my cellphone rang, I flipped open the speaker and pressed talk. "Hello?" "Jade, help me" whispered a terrified voice in my ear, "Who is this?" "It's me, Danny." "What are you doing calling me here, you know it dangerous" I whispered, "The red's got Jo, they nearly got me too." "What about Ari?" "I don't know, please" "Aiight, I'm on my way" I hung up and tossed my apron to Chaz. "Gotta blaze" "Kay" "Tell Sheila?" "Yep" I heard as I was out the door already.

I saw a black van cruising down the street and quickly ducked into an alley, "Excuse me, but can you tell me where the Morton hotel is?" asked someone I passed. I lazily pointed in the general direction and then bumped into someone so forcefully I toppled over landing on the person. "Long time no see" smirked Marc grabbing my wrists and twisting them as he pulled me to my feet. "Marc, what the hell are you doing here" "Same thing as you. Running away" "I'm not running away" I bit off and started walking and then he rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say Jade, just remember. Your going to run out of places one day" "So are you" I replied and we split ways as quickly as they'd crossed.

I tossed my keys onto the dresser and then yawned looking around at my apartment; I had a place in my favourite cities. I saw my answering machine light blinking and then pressed it quickly and pulled off my long sleeved top and tied my hair up messily before opening my wardrobe searching for a new top as the other one felt horrible in the humid night air. I pulled a black tank top on and then looked in the mirror at myself, I really had changed, I had kept dying my hair but still it was as healthy as ever, must be my DNA, I had to laugh at that one. My DNA is carefully structured so I'm perfect. What a joke, I heard a noise coming from outside the door and yanked it open. "Danny!" I let out a cry as he tumbled into my arms and I tugged him into the appartment and then his head crack on the floor, I'd completely forgotten about him and then he lifted his head..."I decided not to wait. They are looking for me" "Danny, what am I supposed to do, I would help if it was for just the salvaging thing but you killed innocent people. They want to see inside you and see what's happening" "Wow, I had no idea you were so serious." he said coughing weakly and I shoved him onto the couch, "You have no idea." I spoke and then went back to my room and then closed the door quietly behind me. I quickly grabbed a bag knowing it was only a matter of time before Danny burst in with his gun and told me I was going back to Manticore. I slid up the window and was gone before he tried to see if I was awake.

...::Chapter 2::...

I picked up the payphone and started dialling quickly, "Hello?" "Bic, is that you?" "Jade? Why the hell are you calling me? Have I been..." she trailed off and I sighed looking around again. "No, I need your help" "What? I can't just..." "NOW Bic, Danny's back" "Your fucking kidding me" "No" I managed before the phonebooth was opened and Danny grabbed me by the hair and tossed me against the wall temporarily winding and dazing me. He then grabbed a gun from his belt but after a few good kicks I kicked his wrist so hard you could hear the crack vividly. I flipped up onto the fire escape and he leapt to join me but I gave his head a vicious kick and he fell not before managing to bring me with him. "Games are not appreciated" he snarled and I looked steadily at him, deviously sneaking my leg and then kicked him off and leapt to my feet setting myself in a fighting stance. "Give it up, your fighting with emotion" "I'll give you emotion!" I exclaimed and brought up boot up and kicked him where it hurt so hard his eyes rolled back into his head and he fell to the ground. I thudded my boot against his head and then turned him over, I could see the implant beneath his skin, and then I got up and started to walk away but then rushed back to where he lay. Grabbed my pocketknife and messily cut out of implant and then crushed it under my foot.

I saw Mikey in the shop and then strode in, he looked a bit fearful as the last time I'd been there he tried to feel me up and I nearly broke his arm. "Hello Mikey, Cano! My baby ready?" I asked trying to see my motorbike. "Just about, just gotta polish it" Cano said and I nodded "You learn quick" I smiled and sat on the counter watching as it began to rain. "You be ok?" "Yeah, I'll be fine you sleaze, now hurry up" I joked and he laughed quickly rubbing the motorbike down with a rag and then wheeled it over to me, "There ya go," "How much is that?" "You leaving town again?" "Yep, may as well settle debts" I said pushing some of my hair away from my face and then tied it up, he calculated in out loud, I was already getting the money out when he had finished and then he nodded and I wheeled her to the door, "See you!" "Maybe" I replied and kick started her and felt the rain pattering on my leather jacket.

I was driving along at a fast enough speed to prevent anyone from getting a good look at the bike but also was slow enough so I wouldn't get pulled over. I suddenly was pulled back into a memory of Manticore...

...:Flashback:...~"Now you will all stay like this until I relieve you! Is that clear?!" barked Rarg and the 12 children answered with a resounding "Sir, yes sir!" "Good, your learning well" Rarg prowled up and down until he came to a stop in front of Eva..."You don't look too good soldier" he threatened, I dared to glance sideways as he half circled Eva like she was fresh meat being the vulture that he was. "What's your problem soldier? Go on, spill your guts" I mentally warned her against it. 'Eva no' I heard reverberating around in my head, "Well? Soldier. I'm waiting" "Rarg...your relieved." Lydecker's voice echoed over the speaker and I dared to slightly turn my head to look at Eva who was shaking to keep herself in check. "X5-526 - Look straight" he barked and I whipped back into position staring ahead, looking at the back of X5-599's head and took in his barcode. The door opened and two army men came marching in and looked on the back of our necks and then suddenly one paused and barked for the other one. I was suddenly seized by the arms and marched out.~ ...:End Flashback:... My memory was interrupted as I drew to a sector check and slowly stopped and smiled falsely at the officer. "Details please" he said and I dug them out, they were fake of course. "Visiting?" "Leaving" I said and he stamped the papers and held them out. I took them and then accelatared off into the street. As I rode along, I pulled out my walkman and then put the ear plug-phones in and turned on my cd...Silverchairs album came blasting out and that combined with the wind in my hair, riding my baby again...I felt free.

...::Chapter 3::...

"Welcome to Seattle" "Thanks...I think" I added the uncertain part under my breath and took the papers back, I saw yet another hovercraft and pulled a hat over my face and then vowed to get some more clothes. My bag had fallen off while I was going and now I only had my backpack and then money I'd stolen...all a good cause I assure you. I pulled my baby into a snack bar and got off and took my backpack in, I couldn't afford to loose this stuff. I idly looked up at the t.v and frowned in confusion. "Your new here?" asked a friendly looking girl, I nodded laughing slightly, "Is it that obvious?" "Well, everyone around here know what Eyes Only are...kind of" "What?" "The t.v" she indicated and I looked back up at the television, "Oh, does that happen often?" "Yep, but lately theres been really weird stuff" "Like what?" I asked warming to the subject as I cradled a cup of coffee in my freezing hands. "Like X5's...nobody seems to understand it...hey you ok?" "Yeah, someone just walked over my grave" I replied shaking off the weird feeling I had and then a broadcast came over.

~"Attention...this is a Eyes Only streaming...Do not attempt to adjust the settings on your television. All those known as X5's...If you have been compromised. Move"~

"Strange huh?" "Yeah, strange" I muttered and sipped my coffee, she kept up a friendly chatter while telling me about Seattle and then asked me some questions that couldn't be prevented. "Where are you from?" "I'm from New York, well, that's where I was before this" "Wow" she looked impressed, "I'm Andi by the way" she smiled extending her hand, "Jade" I smiled and shook her hand, I couldn't believe I gave her my proper name and then she was called into back and I looked outside checking my bike was still there. Definitely there and then another three bikes pulled up and their owners came into the diner. "I better serve the drones...you can watch reruns of Passions" joked Andi and I rolled my eyes and then finished my coffee, putting down the money, I grabbed my jacket, "Hold it" a hand clamped on my shoulder, "Do I know you?" I asked annoyed and then effortlessly pulled the fingers off my shoulder. "Does this ring a bell?" he said holding up a poster. I snatched it and pushed him off balance while reading it. "Your her?" asked Andi frowning, "No, it doesn't even look like me" I rolled my eyes as I stared at a picture taken before my hair was back to normal and when I wore contacts. I tossed the paper at the guy who was still on the floor. "Get your facts right" I said and went to my bike and started it.

I walked inside a messenger service place and walked up to a guy at the desk and then he gave me a look like he thought I was dirty and spoke... "Can I help you?" "Do you have any job offerings?" "Depends" "On what exactly?" "Normal, don't be so damn hard on the newbies, give her the damn form. You know we all understaffed,� said a curly hair female with an attitude. "So I can have to job can I?" I smiled sweetly and then took the form; I quickly filled it out with the help of a pretty cute guy. "I'm Sketchy" "Jade" I said shaking his hand and then got introduced to the others. I glanced at the time, "Oh man, I better go... gotta make contact" I said guiltily and wondered if Bic had thought anything had gone wrong. "Hang on, you�re coming to Crash?" "What?" "Aah, pay up Herb" "Ok, you have lost me" I confessed with a quick grin, "I thought you were a Seattle newbie and Herbal here didn't" "Ya'll are crazy...in a good way" I added and slung my backpack onto my shoulder and left quickly.

"Wow, only 10 minutes late on the first day" "What?" I said glancing down at my watch, "Normal, give the girl a break" "Bip, bip, bip" he said in response and Original Cindy showed me to a locker and then a girl turned, "Newbie?" "Newbie" OC spoke, "I'm Jade" "Max" I shook her hand and heard Normal bipping away at some people. "Is he always like this?" "Yep, you'll get used to it" "I hope" I said and then went over to where my new bike was and then took a package from him. "Where you goin?" Herbal asked, "Over on South" "Ya sure man? It's dangerous" "I'm sure I can handle it" I assured him with a laugh and mounted the bike and rode out. "No riding inside!" shouted Normal but I ignored him.

I pushed my bike into the hanger place and then went to my room; Andi had actually followed and offered for me to stay with her until I got on my feet again. I accepted of course insisted on rent paying and all that. "Is that you Jade?" "Nope, just a friendly neighbourhood robber!" I called back and she laughed and I entered the kitchen, "Oh, damn, looks like the other robbers got to the merchandise first" I said seeing her cookies gone. "Heads up" Andi said and I caught it, "Visitors?" "Nosiness?" "Of course." I replied opening the fridge and hunted for some more snack food, "Jade, Oi, scavenger... meet our guest" I straighted up and brushed some hair off my face and then shook her hand. "I'm Kerry" "Jade, as you know" I replied and then went back to the fridge. "It's your turn to go shopping" Andi reminded me and I sighed taking the money.

"Jade?" asked a unfamiliar voice; I turned and then saw a couple of freaky dudes, commonly known as bad guys. "Yes? Can I help you?" "We'd like to talk to you about something" "Like...?" "Just...Hey! Come back here!" I grabbed the moment and ran towards my bike, starting it; I looked behind me as they got into a car. I quickly lost them for a couple of precious moments as I hide my bike and then looked around the corner; someone grabbed me by the arm and slammed into the wall covering my mouth with the other hand. I bit down hard before I knew what was going on and escaped halfway down the alley before I was blindsided by another attacker and I went down unable to fight back when they'd made my limbs immobile. I squirmed trying to get free but found it was useless and wondered if it was Danny caught up to me with a brand new implant. "Stop moving" hissed a voice in my ear; I ceased struggling and then listened for any others of them as I was pulled to my feet.

...::Chapter 4::...

"Who the hell are you!" I managed as a blindfold was placed over my eyes, I kicked and struggled vainly, until I nearly got free but another pair of hands held me down. "We won't hurt you" "Oh, yeah...I've heard that one before" "Just calm down" "I don't think so, there's a little something called claustrophobia you know" I said bitterly and then I was tossed into a car. "You wouldn't know about it Jade" I fell silent contemplating the situation, after a while the car stopped and hands pulled me out, "Will somebody tell me what's going on?!" "Good, you found her" I froze back stepping to no avail as someone pushed me into a chair, I blinked against sudden light as the blindfold was slowly taken off. "Is this such a good idea...oh my god" I looked up as Max walked into the warehouse.

"Ok, somebody better explain right now" I said angrily, "You... what?" "Someone had better" said Max agreeing, I refused to look at her. "Jade," Lydecker sat in the chair across from me; I refused to listen until he addressed the reason I'd been rudely mollycoddled. "The reason we brought you here, is because Manticore is on full alert trying to find you" "Why" "That is what I'd like to find out, do you have any idea why?" "If you think I'm going to let any of you near her you sorely mistaken" I bit off testing my hand ropes and then glared at Max who looked guilty. "Jade, I didn't know it was you" "Save it, now you either let me go or-" "Or what, empty threats" said a blonde guy sitting in a chair. "Couldn't have something to do with this guy here? Could it Jade?" Deck showed me a photograph and I could fell my face changing into confusion then horror seeing the next photo was of a barcode on the back of his neck. "Where's the child Jade" "What?" I said trying to sound confused, "Don't play games with me Jade" "I don't know! Alright, another one of my group took her for me" I admitted angrily, "It's ok" "No it's not, alright, half my group is either captured or gone over to YOUR side, and your telling me it's ok?!" I said angrily and fell silent again.

"Jade, Manticore will be all over you if you go out there" Max said. "Well, that'll just be a consequence won't it, I did it, now I have to face it" I said emotionlessly. I held out my hands and Max cut the ropes, "Lydecker's going to be so pissed" she said and I laughed, "That's the beauty of it, like the angry parent I never had" I said dryly and grabbed my jacket, "Will you be at Jamy?" "I don't know, either I will or I won't" "What the hells going on here?" "I'm going home" I said simply, "We need to put out a search for your offspring." "Offspring, that's so typical. Can't you say child?" Max beat me to it; I shared a look with her, "Child then. Does you child have a name?" "Ari" I replied coolly, he nodded and wrote it down, "Do you know who she's with?" "Of course I do,� I said grimly, "Who" "Danny should be around somewhere looking for her. I put her in a nursery" "No questions?" "No, she's one for those blah, blah, I can't cope at the moment" "Things" "Yeah" I replied, "Are you staying with anyone?" "Andi" "From the diner? She seems nice" "She is." I replied and then gathered my composure before nodding at Max and left out the back door.

"Man, we thought you'd skipped,� said Original Cindy, I shook my head distracted and then saw Max coming in, "You find out?" "Yeah she's still there" "Ok, you can like talkin in your own language now." Sketchy protested and we both looked at him, "Ssh man" Herbal said as a warning and they went off, Max motioned for Original Cindy to come over, I shot her a look of confusion before getting ready to go. "You�re all souped up like my girl here?" "Er...?" "She means soldierised" "Well...yeah" "Wow, you are everywhere you people" "Erm... Thanks?" I said and took the package from Normal and he bipped at me, "Sheesh" I wheeled my bike outside and then hopped on, "See you later!" I called and rode off, while riding in and out between people I thought about Max being my sibling; it was strange seeing some of them again, I braked going to the address. I went up the rotted stairs carefully making sure I didn't step wrong and fall through.

I knocked on the door, "Package, from the Jam Pony" I called out. The door opened and I stepped back... Zack looked sleepily at me "Sign here" I said shocked, "Is there a problem?" "No... of course not" I said and then he signed taking the package all the while acting as if nothing was wrong... the people going past were going slow so it didn't look like we were gonna talk, "Have a nice day" I muttered and turned to go but he pulled me into the appartment. "Jade...what the hell are you doing here?!" "I work at Max's work" I said startled, he released his grip on my arms and went to the kitchen. I glanced around, it was quite messy for an appartment, of a soldier at least, I made my way over to the window and then peered out gently pushing aside the curtain gently.

He handed me a cup of coffee and then sat on the couch studying me curiously, "You can hardly tell I've had a kid can you. A good thing about Manticore you don't have to have liposuction after a term." I said dryly without looking at him, I turned my gaze in his direction and he looked away slightly unnerved. "I didn't plan to have a kid you know." "It was careless." "You wouldn't understand" I said sitting on the other end of the couch and stared into the mug in my hands, wondering why I was still here...sitting with practically a stranger, unarmed and. I made a decision, standing I took the cup to the kitchen and then rinsed it quickly, "I should probably, go, Normal will be bipping his way to madness" I said wryly and saw a small smirk curl onto his face, I lightly hit him on the back of the head and then grabbed my trusty jacket, "Bye" I said and closed the door behind me.

...::Chapter 5::...

"Jaaaade" whispered a voice behind me, I turned and Marc was standing behind me smirking. "Don't do that" I said gritting my teeth, "Ok darling" "Shut up" I rolled my eyes and then he wheeled his motorbike out. "You know, nearly all of us have a motorbike" he mused, "That's because they are the best transport" I rubbed the surface of mine proudly, "Damn straight" he agreed and I kick started mine, "Where you going?" he inquired, "For a cruise" I replied and he had an evil glint in his eyes. "Wanna race?" "Where, there's no open flat for ages?" "We'll go on the bridge, they closed it...they can't catch us" "Aiight" I agreed and we turned around heading for the bridge.

"I let you win" he called "Yeah, whatever you say" I tossed off as we rode back across the bridge. "Stop where you are!" said sector police, "Oh shit" Marc cursed at the prospect of a fight. Luckily it was dark, so I looked straight down and saw a familiar police. "What's the problem?" "The bridge is closed!" "Oh, shit...is it?" I asked innocently and there was a pause. "Yes, now get outta here" I quickly zoomed past. "You idiot!" exclaimed Marc, "What?!" "They can I.D your voice now...since did you stop acting like a..." "Like a soldier?! In case you hadn't notice we escaped more than ten years ago!" I retorted feeling fury beginning to throttle my common sense, when Marc got like this there was only one thing to do, I gave him a solid punch to the jaw, he backed away cradling his jaw looking at me sullenly. "Once a soldier always a soldier, even if you did abandon your kid" I almost gave him the satisfaction of a fight but knew it wasn't worth it.

...:Flashback:... ~"You...X5-526 and X5-476, on the floor." Rarg said deadpanned but I could see the malicious intentions behind his impassive expression. "You won't stop until I tell you too" Rarg added and I set in a stance staring dead at my sparring partner, he looked uneasy, I'd just come off Isolation for stepping out of line, "Start!" bellowed Rarg and I noticed Lydecker sitting and watching as I took the first move snapping the small boys head back and he retaliated by trying to sweep my legs out from under me, I jumped and then kicked him in the neck, I landed gently and circled him again. He looked wary as I exploded with my own routine I'd made up in Isolation and then he fell onto the floor unconscious with a bloody nose, a split lip and possibly cracked ribs. "Stop" Rarg said finally I heard Lydecker clapping slowly and looked at him.~ ...:End Flashback:...

Thinking about that day when I'd beaten Marc to the ground and seeing the respect in Lydecker's eyes was almost too much. Marc was supposed to be a soldier, he should've got right back up. "Jade?" asked Max coming out onto Logan's balcony. "Yeah?" "Coming in?" "In a sec" I replied softly looking up at the stars hoping that Ari was ok, I hadn't been allowing myself to think about her much, I would've had a breakdown otherwise. I slowly got up and entered his appartment again through the window. "We need to do recon. See if Manticore's tracked Ari yet" Zack said as I leant against the wall, "You up for it?" he asked glancing at me, "Razor" I said quietly and looked at Logan who looked a bit unnerved by Zack's presence, "Someone needs to find a map." "What do you mean? We lived there" Max said confused, I shot her a look, "They reconstructed it" "Why would they do that" "Because there was a raid" I replied flatly and her eyes widened slightly in understanding, "Zack and someone else." said a girl with a guy dropping in the window, I hadn't seen them from the escape so I didn't know who they were. 

...::Chapter 6::...

"Jade, this is Syl and Krit" Max said softly and I looked at them, they looked at me and then Syn's eyes narrowed slightly, I wondered what was wrong. Then in a blur of motion she threw a knife at my head. I grabbed it by the handle just before it sliced into my face and tossed it back, "Just checking." "Nice to see you too" I said sarcastically, she tucked it away and diverted her eyes, I was guessing she hadn't quite remembered who I was, I got over it in a matter of seconds. "What's the recon for" "Jade, and some business" "I think we have a right to know-" "Look, Syl, I know you don't like me and you don't have to help me but don't ask any questions" "Why?" "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies" I said locking into a staring contest with her. "Jade and Zack will go find them" Max decided and I shrugged breaking the stare easily, "Come on, we better hurry" Zack said leaving by window, "There is such a thing as a door" I mumbled climbing out after him and quickly jumped from balcony to balcony following him quickly. "This alright?" He asked, the last jump was pretty high, "I'm from your group, I think I can handle it" I smirked and leapt, I landed on my feet but stumbled slightly as the effects of the fight with Danny had set in for a while and he caught me, "Right?" "Yeah, let's get this over with" I said and we both moved silently going towards our destination.

"Quickly" Zack said in a hushed voice glancing around, we were in the old library, I nodded from the other door and then moved in holding a gun cocked if necessary, and this was a library, I didn't want to find out what would happen if we had to storm Manticore, "You there?" asked Logan's voice in my ear, "Just in" I replied softly moving through, this was an old Manticore library, they had to have blue prints somewhere. Suddenly I felt Zack's presence going further away, No sound now, I moved quickly feeling fear building in my heart and reaching for my panic nerve. I shoved it away mentally and felt another few presences pattering through the library. "Logan, what's going on!?" I demanded, "The cameras gone, but.." that was all I heard as someone turned the corner, I felt the blood rushing to my head as I brought the gun half up, Danny hadn't even seen me, "Danny" I whispered, "Why hello there...what's wrong? Why so sad?" I brought the gun up the rest of the way and shot him twice, once in the stomach and once in the shoulder, he fell and then I leapt over his bleeding and broken body and then started running towards where I'd felt Zack last... of course he wasn't there but it was a start. Moving swiftly I was aware of other Manticore cronies tracking my every move. "Get out of there!" Max and Logan's voice exploded in my ear, "Not until I get the map" I said back fiercely and saw the compartment, "Zack, wherever you are cover me!" I yelled into the black and jumped up onto the wall and started to open it, then below me a bullet fray exploded, I grabbed the map and then looked around, "All clear!" I jumped down and then ran towards the exit.

"Where's Jade?" asked Max as Zack came in the window, he shook his head, "We got separated." "How do you know she wasn't one of them" "Because she shot one" "Did she kill him?" "Yes" Zack answered, "Did she get hurt? Is she ok?" "I think she's ok" "Did you get the map" "No, she did." I landed on the balcony silently and made a quiet motion at Logan, true to form he didn't give any indication of seeing me, I could always not be detected by my fellow X5's, my gift, I snuck in and then smirked to myself, "Boo" I said digging my fingers into the sides of Max's stomach, "Oh my god, you are evil" "I know" I grinned impishly and handed Logan the map, "You saw her didn't you" Max said mock annoyed, "Get over it" I said at the same time as Syl, we shared a glance and then smirked at each other. "So this is the.." Logan began explaining, "Hope we aren't interrupting anything" Tinga and Jace dropped in the window and then Tinga let out a cry seeing me, she wrapped me in a hug and laughing, I hugged her back then Jace, we had been the closest three at Manticore, mainly cause we were indebted to each other in a way. 

...::Chapter 7::...

...:Flashback:... ~"Stand up straight soldier!" yelled Rarg to Tinga, she had tears in her eyes but was desperately trying to hide them, we weren't allowed to show emotion, it was forbidden. 'A good soldier fights with strength, not emotion' that's what Lydecker said to us today. "Don't move until I relieve you" That sounds familiar, he says it everyday, if one of us move, we all have to pretend like it never happened. Until one day, Tinga fell and Jace beside me moved to help, Jace was punched down by Rarg...we weren't allowed to touch him, then he grabbed his gun and I was across the room in a split second and punched him so hard blood spurted out of his nose, then the room exploded into activity.~ ...:End Flashback:...

"Are you sure you�re ready for this?" asked Lydecker as I got the transmitter in my ear and a microphone secured. "No, but I'm not backing out now" I said determined, I caught Syl's gaze and nodded slightly before moving to help Zack with hooking up the microphone to the earpiece. "Stop moving" I said exasperated and punched him lightly in the side, "This is too dangerous you know." "What? Breaking into Manticore? You don't say?" I had to laugh, "That too, us being all together" "Not everyone�s here" I said softly remembering Danny falling to the floor and Zack sighed, "You did what you had to do" Zack said and I turned away going to the bathroom, I put some water over my way and dried my face then adjusted the microphone again. I stared in the mirror psyching myself out, I washed my hands and then ran my hands through my hair, I pulled out a photo from my jacket and stared at it feeling tears rushing to my eyes, I choked them back as quietly as possible and heard a knock on the door and hurriedly wiped my eyes, "Who is it?" "It's me, Syl" "Come in" I allowed and put the photo down, "I'm sorry about before..." "Max put you up to it?" "Partly, I am sorry" "Accepted" I said and she saw the photo and picked it up before I could snatch it off the counter. "Is this her? Is this Ari?" "Yeah" I said averting my eyes and she nodded.

"Have you got a photo or something?" asked Zack unknowing what Syl had just seen, I shared a look with her and dug it out of my jacket which was now on the couch, I handed it to him and he studied it, "Is this recent?" "Nearly a year off, it's the most recent I have" I said staring off into space, "Ok, let's go" Zack said after passing it around. We made our way towards the facility, "Go in pairs, I'll go with Tinga" Max said, I paired up with Jace, Zack went with Syl and Krit had found Zane on the way, I looked over at Max and she nodded encouragingly, "If you find Ari, bring her back to Logan's, do not stop" Zack briefed and then the clock struck one am, and Tinga nodded, silently Zack and Syl went then, Tinga and Max, Jace and I then Krit and Zane followed, we leapt over the fence and then split up looking all over.

...::Chapter 8::...

"There should be some nursery, or room." "They're probably down in the center more" Jace said looking around with soldierised eyes and that made me look down at the gun I was carrying on my belt. Jace moved first and then I covered her back and we passed a room full of little kids, I looked in and gasped, they looked like us, partially. I saw one that stood out, She sat up rammod straight in bed and looked at me with ice blue eyes. "Go!" I whispered to Jace and she pushed me ahead and then resounding bangs came from the dorms around us. I froze those noises echoing around my heart and mind, terror kept me in place until "RUN! RUN!!" screamed Jace and I burst into full speed, "What the hells going on?!" asked Lydecker's voice, I didn't reply and then I saw a rail and then jumped grabbing it and swung up, I found the opening and slammed it shut after me and started crawling down the shaft quickly, I saw another door and then took a risk and opened it silently, I looked out quickly and then saw no one coming, I jumped down and then looked left then right, suddenly Manticore looked much bigger and more like I remembered now that I was alone without anyone to boost me up, I ran down the corridor and then turned the corner almost stumbling over a trap obviously set by someone before me, I jumped and rolled as I wasn�t going to be able to stop in time. �Jade, what�s going on?� asked Logan, I jumped, I�d nearly forgotten he was there. �I lost Jace, I don�t know where I am, I went through a vent, there�s a whole lot of genetically engineered kids running around and I don�t mean us� I whispered filling him in and I looked up and down the corridor wondering how long it would be before Logan figured out where I was, �Ok, describe where you are�� �I�m in a long corridor, hang on, I�ll look in some windows, well, I�m around my old classroom,� �Ok, I�m putting you on a microphone link with Zack ok?� �Ok� I replied still on the lookout, listening for any signs of anyone coming my way.

�Jade, where are you?� �Outside our old classroom.� I said quickly, �Ok, I�m coming, Syl�s gone to get Jace� �Ok� I grabbed onto a bar above me and swung up while propping my legs on another so I wouldn�t be to startled, when he finally appeared I swung down and landed behind him, he turned and then urged me to hurry. �Logan, has anyone reported back yet?� I asked frantically, �Not yet, there should be a isolated room to your left in about� fine doors from the classroom.� He said and then Zack kicked it open, a little girl who didn�t look like Ari at all was fast asleep, I slowly advanced, and shook her awake, �Mummy?� she asked sleepily and I stared at her in shock, after a year of not seeing her. She leant over and hugged me, after a moment of hesitation thinking it wasn�t real I hugged her back, �Come on� Zack spoke and Ari sobbed �they won�t let me leave�� �Yes they will, come on� �They said they�d come and get me, and t-the blue lady would come and get me� she started seizing. �Zack! What�s wrong with her?!� I got out before she punched me in the jaw and sent me flying across the room. I landed with a thump, �I challenge you Mother.� She stood glowering, her red hair smooth as silk. �Ari?� I asked horrified and she lunged at me but I sidestepped easily, Zack grabbed me and started pulling me out, �No! Zack, I can�t just leave her there!� I yelled angrily and tried to pull away from his grip, I threw a punch at his face but he easily caught it and then pushed me against the wall, �She�s not your little girl anymore, we have to go� �No, I refuse to believe that they turned her so easily.� �Well, it wasn�t that hard with her daddy being evil now was it� Renfro stood with soldiers at the ready. �What are you talking about?!� I whispered feeling pain shooting through my heart, �Oh? Didn�t you hear? Just turned,� she snapped her fingers and continued, �Just like that� the blood started to rush to my head and then I swallowed 

...::Chapter 9::...

"I have to go away for a while," "What about Ari? You can't just leave us" "I would stay if there was any other way, I'm sorry...but my CO's called us all together for a meeting." I just looked at him, "Your lying, no CO would do that, they would be going on about the dangers" "I'll be back" he said again reassuring me and then Ari waved smiling toothlessly, he made his way to the car and then started it waving before zooming off down the road.

�Oh, I�m sure he died painlessly� Renfro added smirking, Zack saw I was about to lunge at her and rip her apart and held me back, �Let me go! I�m going to kill you!� �Like Lydecker killed your child�s father?� I froze hearing those words, �What?� I asked hardly daring to believe it as Ari pushed past us and then joined Renfro with a blank face, I could feel my heart break into little pieces seeing what had happened to her. �Now, X5�s have use now, the breeding process had very good results.� �Breeding process?� �I believe you�ve already meet X10-472� Renfro gestured as the girl I�d seen earlier stepped forward on command and remembered what had seemed so familiar, she had my bone structure and form and had Zack�s eyes, probably his hair too. �Your sick� I said bitterly and then she laughed, �I�ll give you a head start� she smirked and then Zack yanked me into a run, I don�t think I�ve ever ran so fast in my life.

"Tell everyone to get out now" said Lydecker to Logan and then Max and Tinga jumped through the window, "Thank god your alright" said Logan and Max nodded before getting the first aid kit for Tinga's arm, it had a long gash from her clone run in and then they both paced restlessly. "They should be back" "Somethings wrong, Jade's radars gone and Zack's is stationary" "What could be wrong?" wondered Tinga

"I can't let you do this alone" Zack said as I crushed the radar pin under my foot and sighed, "Zack, please, I have to do this...I can't let her get out alive, she's far too dangerous" I said, "I'm not letting you do this alone" Zack grabbed my arm and held me in place just before I was about to go and then start my mission, "You don't have a choice, well, maybe, you can either let go or I'll be forced to kick your ass, which will it be?" I asked innocently and then he let go sighing, "Keep in touch" "Ok," I paused looking at him and then got up, I leant down at kissed him, "What was that for?" "In case I don't come back" I said and then moved off silently.

...::Chapter 10::...

"Come out, come out wherever you are" I mumured to myself and then swung around in a quick circle and came to a small opening and then walked down silently, it was very unnerving the silence, it made you wonder if anything was out there, and if anything was, it was deadly silent as if it knew I was coming. "Mother" said Ari standing in the training room, "Ari, what did they do to you?" I asked pulling a defensive stance and she started circling me, I did the same watching her moving quickly and then detected the Manticore pattern showing strongly and whipped out with my fist nearly shattering her nose, she fell back gingerly touching it and it didn't seem to bother her. I felt my eyes widening and then she attacked.

"Zack?" Max's voice came through on his ear peice and he put a hand up to his ear all the while looking around carefully. "Yeah?" "Where's Jade?" "She's gone to get Ari..." "But..Ari's been" "I know, she's going to kill her.." "Why aren't you with her then?" asked Logan and Zack detected a slight note of accusatory confusion, "I'm tracking now, she wanted to go alone." "You have changed" Max's voice came through and Zack shrugged to himself, he moved silently through the halls avoiding the dorms and then heard a yell of pain and broke into a fast sprint, he heard another muffled sound and then followed it until he came across a group of X7's, "YAH!" came the defensive sound and they began to surround him, then a piercing noise broke through the cellar type hallway and they scattered holding their heads in agony, he turned and saw Brin standing there, "Brin" "Time for that later, help me open the door" she ordered and speechless Zack obeyed and then the door slid open and the two X5's stood there, in complete and utter shock.

"I couldn't stop her" I whispered and then looked down at Ari's crumpled form, the neck was at a strange angle and then someone helped me to my feet, "Who are you?" I asked confused staring into a pair of female oriental eyes, a chill went down my spine but her eyes softened seeing the terror that was obviously reflecting from my eyes and then I stumbled as Zack armed my other side and they helped me towards the door, "Wait" I rasped and cleared my throat as I gently took the necklace from Ari's pocket, it was in her pocket because Manticore wouldn't allow her to have it on her neck, sentimental attachments, Lydecker called them when we were back at Manticore, joining the other two with a limp, I concealed the agony in my ankle, I figured it was broken, as I was bundled out of the camp I felt a heavy burden settling on my heart and then as the two on each side hustled me through the forest, small silvers of agony attacked my head and then I stumbled falling to my knees, "Come on Jade! Get up" barked Zack yanking me to my feet as the Manticore sirens went up, I saw other forms moving and forced myself to keep moving.

More agony spilled over as I felt myself falling and then clutched a hand to my heart, I could feel something not right, an exit wound, blood gushed from the wound and small prinpricks in my eyes told me I was crying at the same time which sapped all my strength, then I coughed violently, my shoulders shaking with the effort of staying conscious. I felt movement beside me and stared into Zack's green eyes, vaugely I saw Brin standing as a lookout. "Where's the wound" he asked, I moved my hand slightly fighting to control the pain that happened, it was too much and I clamped my hand over the wound again. "Logan will know what to do" he said carefully taking my other hand not jolting me, "Just go, I'll be fine" I said firmly feeling numbness settling in my bones, "Zack, if we're moving, we have to do it fast" Brin warned her brown, nearly black eyes roamed the forest before firing in a different direction to off balance the other Manticore children, "Go you idiot!" I said rasping for breath, Zack nodded slowly and leant forward kissing my forehead and then gently closed my eyes and then the world faded away slowly, whispering a final goodbye the light dancing behind my eyelids faded into darkness.