"God, how long were you two going at it?
You reek of sexual relations." Jon said as he sipped his coffee as Max and
Logan walked in.
"That's for us to know and you to jerk
off to." Max replied with a look of disgust.
"Very funny, did mommy and daddy at
Manticore throw in that sarcastic sense of humour of yours, or did you pick it
up during the pulse?" Jon shot back.
"Jon, if Max tells you to screw off once,
she's told you fifty times, shut up." Logan said as gave Max a quick kiss.
"I know, or have you forgotten the pipe
wrench in the gut, or any of the other incidents?" Jon said as he leaned
back on his chair.
"It still doesn't seem to making a dent
in your ego or sex-obsessed mind, maybe I should just use heavier objects."
Max said as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
"Still won't do you any good, Logan,
check on Lydecker, I want to know if this Manticore situation has blown over, I
have to make up for lost time with Kendra." Jon said as finished his
coffee.
"I was going to check soon anyways, then
maybe we can all get back to our lives, or in your case a life of drinking,
killing and screwing." Logan said as he sat down with Max.
"Beats Jam Pony messenger service, but I
think I'll show up just to freak out
Normal." Jon replied smiling.
"How did Jon freak him out, not that
there aren't ways, but I'm interested in which one." Logan asked.
"He kicked the shit out of five men
without working up a sweat at Jam Pony who had been hired out on a contract on
Jon, seems he pissed off a few drug lords for screwing with some deals."
Max said, explaining away Jon's short-lived career at Jam Pony.
"That and I don't do the whole messenger
service thing, especially when all your co-workers are afraid you're going to
kill them." Jon finished.
"I see, that reminds me, don't bring
personal problems into my penthouse, I've got enough problems with my job, Max's
search, and Robert's search."
Logan said.
"I'll try and keep that in mind, by the
way, would you happen to have any video footage from your apartment that
involves you and Max, I'll pay good compensation for it�" Jon said,
before Max smacked him upside the head.
"Would you quit doing that?" Jon
asked as he rubbed his head.
"Not until you stop bringing up the
subject." Max replied as she planted a kiss on Logan.
"This ought to be more interesting,
boytoy alert at 7 o'clock." Jon said looking over at Robert and Andrea
walking out of Robert's room, they embraced, shared a quick kiss, and then kept
walking.
"You looking at something?" Robert
said to Jon, who had a huge grin plastered on his face.
"Robert, can the attitude, it's a
turn-off." Andrea said as she kissed him.
"Easy for you to say, I know that tower
of sex drive and adrenaline, just let your knee be the judge, that or a .44
Magnum." Robert said as he pointed at
Jon.
"Is this how you treat all your friends
when you have a girlfriend?" Max asked raising an eyebrow.
"I save it for dick-for-brains, and no
comments from you two either." Robert replied pointing a finger at Max and
Logan.
"Robert?" Andrea said, pulling his
head back to face her.
"Yes?" He inquired as his head
turned.
"Shut up." Andrea said as she
slapped him upside the head.
"I'm just trying to arrange a quiet
morning�" Robert started to protest.
"That's likely to involve blood spilling
and broken bones, can it, you've done enough damage in the past few days, let it
slide." Andrea said reminding him to drop his attitude.
"Alright, a good friend of mine once told
me that never argue with women, it will hurt where it counts." Robert said
as he smiled and bent over and kissed her.
"That is the only advice I gave this man
that he ever took, go figure." Jon mused as he poured himself some more
coffee.
"That's because the rest of it was all
involving sexual relations and books, he gave one of my girlfriends Kama
Sutra as a birthday gift." Robert said pointing at Jon.
"I figured it would help spice things up
for the both of you." Jon replied.
"Why the fuck did I start hanging out
with you back in '93?" Robert asked musing over the fact that he knew Jon.
"No one put a gun to your head, even
though my father had that .22 at the time." Jon said.
"Sometimes I wish someone had, it would
have made so many things make sense." Robert said musing to himself.
"Robert, forgot it, and remember what
you've got now." Andrea said as she pulled him down for another kiss.
"That helped, though I still remember
that I know that lunatic." Robert said smiling and pointing at Jon.
"Hey, what about us? When do we get to
harass you two?" Logan asked patting Max�s shoulder.
"When America pulls itself out of the
festering pile of shit that's it in." Robert fired back.
"That hardly seems fair, Jon already had
first crack." Max said as she came up behind Logan and wrapped her arms
around him.
"Can a man just have some time alone with
his girlfriend anymore, or does it now take a bloody village to make a
relationship go?" Robert asked Andrea.
"Just relax, it's not like they were
taping us or anything." Andrea replied as he pulled her with him onto a
couch.
"That's because the perv knows I can
smell them, otherwise we could have some serious problems." Robert said as
he pulled her around to face him on his lap.
"Great, you're telling me that Jon's been
sneaking in cams on our life, Logan, go get a gun, a big one." Max said
into Logan's ear.
"He hasn't, because I smashed them all,
and told him if I smelt him with anymore, I would give him a hairless chest,
with my amateur shaving skills via my sword." Robert said.
"I don't know what I'd do without you
here to make sure a private life stays private." Max said nodding towards
Robert.
"Just be glad that I don't think like him
when it comes to sex, or we'd probably have several dozen hours of amateur porn
in the back of Jon's ride." Robert replied.
"Back to the focus of all this, I take it
you two are�" Max said pointing to Robert and Andrea, who were cuddled
next to each other on the couch.
"Attached, that we are, after some
pushing by certain parties, and after a certain party realised a few
things." Robert said as he kissed Andrea.
"The same party also needs to lay off the
death threats and physical violence, but keep the muscles, it's nice to have a
chest you can chop wood on." Andrea said as she stroked his chest, his
shirt absent as it was the morning.
"One of the parties that pushed has also
got to take it easy though, or have we forgotten this, this, or even that?"
Robert asked as he tapped her shoulder, arm and leg.
"It's not fair, the towers of adrenaline
shake off getting shot dozens of times like bean bags, and I have go to
down-time after two bullet and one knife wound." Andrea said as she slapped
Robert's chest.
"I'll wait, you're worth it, Jon's the
kind of guy who would run off for a new sex partner after a little injury, me, I
like sticking with a sure thing." Robert said as he kissed her again you're
also the closest thing I've had to a lover
in fifteen years, I'm not losing you now.
"I resent that, I give all sexual
partners the standard 168 hours to recover, it's all in the contract." Jon
fired back.
"Such a paragon of chivalry, virtues, in
a body controlled by a dick, I'd hate to see this guy in a heat cycle." Max
said shuddering at the thought of Jon in true sex drive.
"Just stay away from Max and Andrea while
they're in heat my friend, and nobody gets hurt, though I think they'll find
somewhere to use up all that sexual energy." Robert said smiling as Andrea
sank her head into his shoulder.
"I'll keep that in mind, once I get to
spend some quality time with Kendra." Jon replied with a mischievous grin.
"Good, now that's that, I just want to
remind you Robert, you break my sisters heart, I slice your balls out. I knew
you almost walked out on her yesterday, don't even think about it, other than
that, I wish you two well on your lives together, and realising what the way to
go was." Max said eyeing Robert.
"Great, I know that Jon knew, is any
conversation or action amongst this group of superhumans that is secret?"
Robert mused to himself.
"No, but thanks for trying." Jon
said as he eyed his best friend who had finally gotten himself a girlfriend.
"You two as well, man I need to find my
own girlfriend." Bling said as he walked in.
"Ignore them, and let's enjoy the
day." Andrea said, stroking Robert's crew-cut brown hair.
"With this crowd, I doubt it, Max and
Logan have had their problems with being harangued about a relationship, they
want some payback." Bling said nodding at Max and Logan.
"I will, provided these four peeping
tom's clear out, I want some privacy around here." Robert said as he pulled
her over and kissed her deeply, forgetting that there were other's present, but
then raised one hand, and ushered everyone to leave.
"Come on dick-for-brains, show's
over." Max said as she yanked Jon's shirt and hauled him with her as she,
Logan, Bling and Jon went out of the ratty kitchen.
"Check on Lydecker, I have a feeling if
one more day goes by, someone's going to kill Normal at your family
cottage." Max said to Logan.
"I will, I have a feeling we'd all like
to get back to our regular lives." Logan said as he pulled Max into one
last kiss before he set off towards his computers.
"Then who will I take a shower
with?" Max asked cocking an eyebrow at him.
"I can provide that ser�OW!" Jon
yelled as Max kneed him hard in the groin.
"Reel it in dick-for-brains, you're
knocking up my roommate, and I expect celibacy, despite the nature of your
relationship." Max said as he she grabbed Jon and hauled him close.
"Understood." Jon said as he forced
himself to shunt the pain away.
"Good, then just remember that you're
bumping with Kendra, and no one else." Max said as she walked off.
"Woman can never take sex jokes."
Jon mused to himself.
********
"I told you before, I want to go really
fast." Andrea said to Robert as he massaged her shoulders with strong
fingers and avoiding the wound on her right shoulder as she poured herself some
coffee.
"Going fast maybe, but we're banging
gongs, chimes, triangles, drums, or anything else until those wounds heal up, I
don't want any of those wounds to rip open again." Robert said as he kissed
her neck.
"Would you quit worrying about me, why
can't I worry about you for once?" Andrea asked as she turned around and
kissed him full on the lips.
"Because Manticore eggheads made me so no
one would have to worry about me getting hurt, and since you aren't worrying
about you, I have to, I'm not losing you." Robert said as he wrapped one
arm around her waist and gathered her close to him.
"You're not losing me, I'm not losing
you, what's there to worry about?" Andrea asked as she looked straight up
into his eyes.
"I worry because you're the closest I've
gotten in fifteen years, four months and eighteen days." Robert replied as
he gently stroked her back.
"Just try and enjoy the day, we've got
each other, what more do you need?" Andrea asked as Robert brushed a lock
of hair away from her face.
"America to pull itself out of the
shithole that it's in, Manticore to be burnt to the ground, Lydecker six feet
under and a bottle of Southern Comfort." Robert replied.
"That's kind of a tall order for one man,
even you, just be happy with what you have." Andrea said flashing him a
smile.
�I guess I can work with that for the time
being.� Robert said concurring as he gently stroked her dark hair.
*******
"Military convoys are heading out of the
city, the fort has reverted to standard operations, looks like we're in the
clear." Logan said as he checked his hacks, Lydecker had pulled out, and
from the look of it, was not coming back.
"Good, now can we go pick up Kendra and
everyone else, they're going to wonder if we're dead sooner or later." Jon
said as he sat back.
"I was thinking about it, I arranged for
all the stuff to be moved back to our respective homes, they'll move while we
are gone." Logan said.
"Good, now that leaves only one problem
when we pick them up." Max said as she plopped into Logan�s lap and
wrapped her arms around him and kissed him.
"What would that be?" Logan asked
puzzled.
"The explanation of what happened."
Max replied reminding Logan of what was really happening.
"We're going to have to tell them the
truth." Jon said analysing the situation.
"Are you crazy?" Logan asked staring
at Jon questioning his motives.
"Realistic, we need to give them a
reason, the truth is one, we give them
some background, an explanation, and the
threat of death if any of this is revealed." Jon replied voicing his
reasons.
"He's right, they're not going to buy any
bullshit this time, unless we give them a good explanation, they're going to
wonder, make inquiries, and get us in shit." Max said agreeing with Jon.
"I guess we might as well get started,
the story takes a while, as does the ride there, I'll get Robert, Andrea and
Bling." Max said as she hopped off Logan's lap and started walking away.
"You realise of course, you are one of
the luckiest men alive for scoring a babe like that." Jon said patting
Logan�s shoulder.
"I realise, now keep every other thought
you've got in that twisted mind of yours to yourself, I want to enjoy my
thoughts of Max without your intrusions." Logan replied.
"Get dressed you two, it's time we picked
up the Jam Pony crew and my roommate." Max said as she looked into the
kitchen, where Robert and Andrea were enjoying each other's company.
"I knew it, a day all to ourselves my
ass." Robert said as he got up.
"We need you two for explanations, we're
going to drop the truth on my friends, we need you two there for evidence in
this, and I imagine Robert could help spin the tale." Max said.
"Fine, but you owe us some time to
ourselves." Andrea said as she got up as well, and wrapped her arms around
Robert.
"I'll keep that in mind, just get
dressed, not undressed." Max said raising an eyebrow at the two.
"Now you're taking all the fun out of it,
thanks." Robert said as he smiled and took Andrea with him.
After exchanging a few embraces, the two got
dressed and walked out of their room. Everyone else was setting up to go, Jon
was loading equipment once again into his BMW X5, Robert stuffed a few choice
weapons and items into his Harley-Davidson T-Sport.
"Want to go for a ride?" Robert
asked as he mounted his motorcycle and looking at Andrea.
"You read my mind." Andrea said as
she got on the back of the bike and wrapped her arms around his chest to keep
steady.
"Let's go people, I've got some sexual
endurance records to break with Kendra." Jon said as he got into his SUV.
"Shut your mouth, and let's ride."
Max said as she revved up her Ninja, Robert revved his T-Sport with Andrea on
it, Jon revved his BMW, and Logan his Aztek with Bling in it.
The group took off on their requisite
vehicles, they rode until they reached Logan's cabin, and dismounted from their
vehicles.
Robert got off his bike, then wrapped one arm
around Andrea�s waist and drew her close once again.
"Cool it you two, we've got to look
serious for all of this." Max said pushing the two apart.
"Fine, just don't let me catch you with
Logan either, I can't have fun, neither can you." Andrea shot back.
"Where the hell have all of you been at,
Original Cindy is about to lay the smackdown on your ass for leaving us all
alone up here!" Original Cindy said as Max's friends and one less-than
cheerful boss came out of the cabin.
"We've been the target of a South African
group wanting to harvest Max's genetic code, a clandestine government project
made three abduction attempts on her and two others. The second attempt
succeeded which involved Jon and I breaking into a heavily armed fort and
rescuing Max and two others from interrogation and torture, while suffering from
dozens of bullet wounds." Robert said.
"What the hell are you talking about, and
why did you let that man over there abduct us from our homes and put us here
with no communication tools?" Normal asked.
"It's called what will be a very long
explanation, so let's get back into the cabin, and go over it bit by bit, I need
to sit down to tell the whole story." Jon said as he caught Kendra's eyes
and gave her a wink.
"The lord say that dark men are not to be
trusted, what sins have you two committed that you hide from da man?"
Herbal asked.
"If you would all just shut up and get
back in the cabin, I will explain all of it, you'll all want to sit down for
this, so just go back in there, and let us explain." Robert said as he cut
off Sketchy with a glare that would have melted steel.
"Listen to him, he knows more about
what's happened than anyone else here, I'm going to explain too, just hear him
out first." Max said as she walked up beside Robert, with Logan, Bling and
Andrea following in her wake.
"Fine, but this damn well better be good
boo, I don't like being shoved up with Normal in a cabin for days, hell I can
hardly stand him at work." Original Cindy said.
"I want to know how you intend to
compensate me for Jam Pony being closed for days, including lost contacts,
wages, and variable costs." Normal asked.
"You can shut up now and listen to the
explanation, you will be paid 20 thousand in compensation afterwards, or you can
take it up with me right now." Robert said as he drew a holstered P14-45
and twirled it on his finger.
"We'll go in now." Were the
group�s words as they all filed back into the cabin.
"Do you have to do that, no wonder you
haven't been able to get a girlfriend until now." Andrea said as she
slapped his chest.
"It got them going didn't it?"
Robert said smiling.
"Just reel it in, I don't want to have to
worry about some guy hitting on me and you slicing his arms off." Andrea
said.
"How about a few fingers?" Robert
asked smiling.
"No, just remember this while you're in
there." Andrea said as she pulled him into a kiss.
"I think I can remember that, now let's
go and freak some innocent people out folks." Robert said as he ushered
Jon, Andrea, Logan, Max and Bling into the cabin.
"This is all very complicated, so I'll
start you all with a history lesson. Starting at the beginning of the
millennium, a government research facility known as Manticore was created. It
was experimenting with genetically enhanced humans, one batch in particular, the
group known as X5, was of particular interest. This group was created to be the
ultimate soldiers, fast enough to dodge bullets, stronger than any normal human,
animal-like senses, and highly intelligent. This group was trained to be
soldiers when they were children, their handlers were astounded with their
skills, they could hold their breath for minutes, outfight people four times
their size. These children were sick of it, they wanted out, they planned an
escape, and in 2009, they did, breaking out of the lab, they were nine years
old, but twelve of the group escaped the lab that night. Several months later
these kids caught a break, the pulse happened, it was easy for them to
disappear, they are still being hunted by Manticore today, six have been
captured, but six are still free." Robert began, giving a background on
Manticore.
"So what does any of this have to with
what has happened lately, that's a fine tale of science fiction and all, but
what's your point?" Normal asked.
"Because it's real shithead, Max and
Andrea here are X5, genetically enhanced human prototypes." Robert snapped
back.
"You're putting us on, my boo ain't no
genetically whatayacallit." Original Cindy said.
"Will you people listen to me, Max, stand
up, let's demonstrate for these mere mortals." Robert said, and Max stood
up. "Now pay attention here people." Robert said as he withdrew a
P14-45 and fired.
"What the hell are you doing!"
Sketchy yelled, but suddenly Max was behind him, fifteen feet away from the wall
Robert had hit, in the blink of an eye.
"That's impressive, any more proof?"
Normal asked.
"Try this." Max said as she walked
over and lifted him up with one arm, until his head touched the ceiling.
"Put him down, I think everyone here gets
the picture." Robert said as he put his sidearm back in it's holster.
"If my homegirl is so advanced, what in
hell is wrong with her and those seizures of her's?" Original Cindy asked.
"You try using recombinant DNA techniques
to create the ultimate human prototype, glitches happen, faulty genes fall
through the cracks, other illnesses could occur though." Jon said.
"Such as?" Kendra asked.
"Hyper-ageing, a seizure so bad that it
blows out her nervous system, organ failure, we have friends at a genetics lab
working on correcting these flaws as of right now." Jon answered.
"So what you're telling us that Max and
Andrea are the most advanced humans on the face of the planet?" Sketchy
asked.
"Basically, the X5 group is safe for the
present time, Jon and I sent Manticore packing from here, the South Africans had
their asses kicked as well. These two are the most advanced humans, but beyond
their abilities, they're just like any of you." Robert replied.
"When you say recombinant DNA techniques,
what do you mean?" Original Cindy asked.
"Manticore scientists used animal DNA to
enhance their kids for extra speed, strength, senses and the like, they also
fashioned that barcode on the back of their necks." Jon replied.
"What barcode? I've been Max's roommate a
long time, I've never seen any barcode on her." Asked Kendra.
"That's because either she wears a jacket
to cover it or her hair is covering it, show them." Robert said, Max and
Andrea drew the hair from the back of their necks, and there they were, two
barcode tattoos.
"That is some weirdass shit, are you
telling me that my homegirl isn't human?" Original Cindy said.
"Max and Andrea are very human, just more
enhanced than your normal human, Max is same the still girl you knew last
week." Jon said, cutting off the doubt starting to flow into the room.
"What about you two, da man says that men
like you are the devil." Herbal said.
"We are another group, but we were made
Manticore projects while we were still alive. Jon and I belonged to the elite
group of soldiers known as Delta Force, we both suffered crippling spinal
injuries that paralysed us from the waist down. We were offered a treatment by
Manticore, get our legs back, become more powerful than ever before." Jon
began.
"So, what happened, they make you up like
my homegirl?" Original Cindy asked.
"No, far from it, they made us to find
her. They introduced new genes into us that modified our body to absorb
anything, and heal from anything. Our bones cannot be broken, they are stronger
than Titanium, and we can absorb massive amounts of gunfire and punishment, and
keep going. Our strength levels put Max and Andrea to shame, I can lift up 7.5
tons if I feel like it. Our senses are also superior, with my sense of smell, I
can remember any scent for the rest of my life, and I can smell you from thirty
miles away, easy for tracking a target. My eyes, I can see perfectly from half a
mile away when it's pitch black. My hearing, I can hear any conversation a
crowded bar word for word, or ten miles away, as long as I know which way to
listen. My speed and agility got amped up, but Max or Andrea can run circles
around me, I can't move like they can, but I could still kill the rest of you
before you ever got halfway out of your seats." Robert continued the story.
"We are highly trained in multiple forms
of hand to hand combat that make us unparalleled in that field, we know knife
fighting and are marksmen with any weapon. We were created in 2007, we are the
only living successes of what they call the 'Tracker' program, we attempted to
liberate X5 group the night we escaped, but failed. We have made it our duty to
defend X5 group from the attempts by Manticore to capture them, we have failed
in fifty percent of the mission so far, but six are still under our protection.
Robert and I executed an operation two days ago that liberated Max, Andrea, and
one other from Manticore, we could have been killed, but we succeeded in the
endeavour. I am not going to go into much further detail, but remember this,
share the information we have just shared with no one, not wives, husbands,
family, no one, or we will kill you, in protection of the X5 group and our
identities. We have one last effect on us, we age slowly, very slowly, Robert
and I are thirty nine years old" Jon finished up, telling the tale of
Manticore�s deadliest creations.
"So what you're telling us is that you
two guys are walking tanks that can't be killed?" Sketchy asked, his face
drained of colour.
"Basically, I was shot with 83 9-mm
Parabellum rounds during that particular operation, I survived, and now tell you
the tale of two Manticore projects." Robert replied.
"I see, my homegirl can kick the
Terminator's ass, you two are tanks with legs, and you expect us not to be a
little scared?" Original Cindy asked.
"I'm not expecting you all to warm up to
this right away, but Mr. Logan Cale here has warmed up to Max, he's known for
months, and those two are banging the gong as of right now." Robert said.
"Robert!" Max yelled at him.
"Come on man, that's the kind of thing I
would say." Jon said, chastising his friend over his comment.
"I needed an example of a normal person
accepting an X5, I had one, that's all." Robert replied.
"Da man says nothing about human hand
taking over creation, I be lost." Herbal said.
"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do
right now." Sketchy said, still looking pale.
"That's quite a little bombshell to drop
on us, I'm not sure what to make of it." Original Cindy said.
"It seems that I've been a little harsh
in my judgement of some of you." Normal said.
"Great, my boyfriend is a killing machine
that can't be killed, what the hell
am I supposed to do now?" Kendra said.
"You can shut your fucking mouths and
listen up." Logan yelled.
"Uh Logan, what are you doing?" Max
asked.
"Setting the record straight love, I'll
explain later." He said. "Put yourself in their shoes for a moment
people, Max has worked for nearly eleven years now to build a life, a life that
involves all of you, she know she is different. Max knows that for the first
time in her life she has people in her life that care about her, she doesn't
want to lose it now that her secret is out. Andrea had to turn herself in to
protect people she cared about, to make sure they didn't get hurt because of
her. Andrea made that sacrifice to save people, Robert and Max saved her before
she was sent to Manticore, next time she might not be that lucky, and could turn
herself in to save all your lives. Robert has only had Jon for a friend for
thirteen years now, he is a quiet man, he enjoyed his life in his earlier years,
he lost a woman he loved in 2005. In 2007 Manticore happened to him, that drove
him further into his violent world, this man has only now started to pull
himself back into a real life, with friends, he doesn't want to lose it, not
again. Jon's life may be dedicated to drinking, fighting and sex, but he still
appreciates having friends, he's not going to appreciate being turned down
because of something that was done to him. Bling and I have accepted these
people as friends despite who they are, and what they are capable of, I knew
what Max was from the beginning, but that never stopped us from becoming what we
are now." Logan finished, to which Robert and Jon applauded.
"About time someone explained this for us
in English, I don't care what you are Max, or any of you, just don't bring your
black helicopter shit down on me." Original Cindy said.
"We won't, it's our problems, but they
are fading, because we kicked some major ass as of late." Robert said.
"I don't see why this changes anything
for me if it didn�t change anything for Logan or Bling, just don't hurt
me." Sketchy said.
"I think I can handle that." Jon
said.
"Da man says love your fellow man, I
accept you all as brothers and sisters." Herbal said.
"I don't care if you bums are the second
coming of Jesus Christ as long as you don't get me killed with your stuff."
Normal said.
"We'll keep that in mind, and that 20k
comes with a price tag however, Max, Sketchy, Original Cindy, Herbal, Andrea,
Jon and I have employment at Jam Pony guaranteed for the next four years."
Robert said.
"That's not enough." Normal said,
but retracted it as Robert began to withdraw his sword again.
"Jon, as long as you don't get your
business involved, I'm cool with our thing, Max, I don't care, the rest of you,
I'm OK I guess with all of it." Kendra said, completing the circle.
"Good, now that we're all understood,
just remember, should you ever tell anyone of what we have just
discussed�" Robert said as he quick drew his long sword and sliced a
plant in half with deadly precision.
"One last thing, when did you start
walking?" Original Cindy asked Logan.
"Let's just say that my possibilities
were expanded since when I was first injured, and leave it at that." Logan
replied.
"Let's go home, Jon, I believe we have
some things to attend to tonight." Kendra said with a devilish grin as she
came up to Jon and gave him a kiss.
"I'm looking forward too it, let's go for
the Guinness book of records tonight." Jon said with the same grin and
returned the kiss.
"Why is it that all the good ones play
for the other team?" Original Cindy said as she saw Robert and Andrea
sharing an embrace and a long kiss.
"Patience is a virtue, I waited 15 years
for someone like her, get in line." Robert shot back.
"Break it up people, no point in spilling
blood, let's just go back home." Max said as everyone started to file back
out of the cabin. Max hopped onto her
Ninja, Robert and Andrea mounted Robert's
T-Sport, Jon and Kendra got into his BMW X5, with Original Cindy in back. Logan,
Bling, Normal and Sketchy got into the Aztek, and they all took off again,
riding back to the city.
After some riding and an informal race between
Robert and Max, they began to arrive back at their respective homes. Jon dropped
off Kendra and Max got off her Ninja, she asked Andrea if she wanted to join
her, but she gave Max a smile and tapped Robert. Everyone else was dropped off
at his or her respective homes, Robert, Jon and Andrea arrived back at their
converted garage, with Robert reminding Jon that the penalty for peeping on
Andrea was death. Logan and Bling arrived back at his penthouse, he had some
friends sweep the place for bugs and such, check for bombs, and then move all of
his computer equipment back in. The day was not so early that Jam Pony would be
closed again, Normal happily received the 20 thousand that Robert had promised,
and got back to his routine of snapping out runs to the Jam Pony crew, which now
also employed Jon and Andrea.
"This is Jam Pony, Max, surely you can do
better than this." Andrea said as she looked around.
"It's called a depression, you take what
you can get, it's low profile, and you get lot's of exercise from it, I doubt
you're into prostitution, so live with it."
Max replied.
"Why do these two even have to work, its
not like they can't just steal it or something." Andrea said pointing at
Robert and Jon.
"It covers our bar tabs, we get to keep
an eye on the local X5 kids, and there's nothing else to do." Jon said.
"Hey, this isn't a social club, hot run,
6th street!" Normal said as he tossed a package at Max.
"I've got lots of lonely packages here
waiting for a home, would you people move it!" Normal said as he handed
packages to Robert, Jon and Andrea.
"Ah yes, a few days here and I'm going to
miss violent hand-to-hand combat." Robert mused to himself as he took off.
"Leave it a man like Normal to turn a
business into the gulag." Jon said as he rode off, peddling hard.
"C'mon, we've got runs in the same
area." Max said tapping Andrea's shoulder.
"Okay, let's ride, should I be warned
about anything for where we are going?" Andrea asked as they started to
ride away.
"Don't piss off the Sector Police,
They're starting to ask for bigger and bigger bribes these days." Max
replied.
"I'll try to keep that in mind, what
about Jam Pony people, are any of them perverts or anything?" Andrea asked.
"Keep your eye on the guys at all times,
I've had to do some knee and groin work after catching them peeping on me while
I change sometimes." Max replied as they rode.
"Nice to see that the pulse has brought
out the peeping population at low-pay institutions like that, any other
worries?" Andrea said as they wound through the alleys to avoid the
traffic.
"Whatever scheme Sketchy tries to get you
into, turn it down, he's the obsessive get-rich-real-fast schemer of Jam
Pony." Max replied.
"Good to know, I think they'll have
enough problems though with Robert kicking their asses before I get to them
though if they are caught peeping." Andrea said, remembering the tower of
adrenaline and muscles that was her boyfriend.
"Just be glad he doesn't pack while he's
at Jam Pony, he said it would be a good way to guarantee a signature, but I
convinced him otherwise." Max replied.
"Good, I don't think dead customers will
get Jam Pony much repeat business, even with things as they are." Andrea
said as they turned up the street.
"Just keep him reeled in, I don't want to
find customers or Normal in a pool of blood." Max replied.
"I can handle that, just give me some
time." Andrea said smiling.
********
"Jam Pony messenger, need a
signature." Robert said as the door opened, it was a gang member, one
more run down here and I'll have a bullet hole in my jacket for sure.
"Give me the package." He said.
"Not without a signature from a Mr.
Jefferson, the signature, than the package." Robert replied.
"Give me the package, then you get your
signature." He said.
"Forgot it, I didn't get signatures the
last two times I did runs, if I don't get one here I'm going to kill someone,
cause I won't have a paycheque." Robert replied, he set his bike against
the wall and drew himself to his full height, standing seven inches taller than
the other man.
"Give me the package, now." He said
and withdrew a switchblade.
"Only four inches, come on, you can do
better than that." Robert said, baiting him.
"The package now." He said, Robert
just stood there, the man then lunged. Robert moved fast, ducking behind the man
and catching the arm with the knife in it, he smashed the arm down on his right
knee, knocking the knife out of his hand. He withdrew his own knife, a
seven-inch serrated blade, and pressed it against the assailant's neck.
"I asked you for a fucking signature
shithead, or do I have to get one in blood." Robert said into the man's
ear.
"What the hell is going on here?"
Said another man who was now coming out.
"I'm delivering a package, and I asked
for a fucking signature before I handed anything over, your boy tried to take
it, I stopped him." Robert said as he shoved the man he was holding down to
the ground.
"Most people know better than to try that
shit, what is this package?" The man asked.
"A delivery from Jam Pony messenger
service, if you are Mr. Jefferson, than sign this, then you can have it,
otherwise I get a signature in blood." Robert said as he tossed his knife
to his right hand.
"You've got balls for a messenger boy,
ever thought about moving up to a more profitable career?" The man asked as
he signed the package.
"My job has a longer lifespan that what
you offer, you might want to check for ticking, beeping, and bubbling noises
before you open this, it's an occupational hazard for you people." Robert
said as handed the package over and took his signature sheet back, then rode
off.
"I can't believe what I have to put up
for in this job, that's my last gang territory run for today." Robert mused
to himself as he rode on. He pulled out his cell phone, and dialled in a number
as he rode.
"Logan Cale." Logan said as he
picked up the phone.
"Hey Logan, it's Robert, what's up?"
Robert said.
"Hi, Just got moved back in, is there are
a problem or something?" Logan asked.
"Not really, but I think you should come
down to Crash tonight, everyone is getting together to share a few pitchers, I
think it's time you showed Max that you are willing to hang around her
friends." Robert said.
"I'll think about it, I have some things
to take care of tonight though." Logan replied.
"Cancel them, you need to show Max you
can hang with her friends and not get weirded out by them, hell, I'm going, if I
show up, you look even more secluded than me." Robert said into his cell
phone.
"Point well taken, what time should I
show up?" Logan asked.
"Try at around 7:30, and bring money,
you're expected to pay for a few rounds." Robert said.
"I will, no point in being involved with
Max if I can't show her I can have a good time with her friends." Logan
said we get along fine alone, but that's
another story.
"I'll see you there, I have to go, I've
got more runs to do, and more signatures to force out of people." Robert
said into his phone.
"Just don't do any permanent damage to
those clients, see you tonight." Logan said as Robert hung up, after a few
more minutes he rode into Jam Pony.
"Normal, no more runs into gang territory
for me today, I just got a knife pulled on me when I asked for a
signature." Robert said as he handed over the signature sheet.
"You got the signature at least, you'll
get paid for that run, here, hot run to the Farmers market." Normal said as
handed him another package.
"Finally, something normal." Robert
muttered under his breath, shot a smile at Andrea as she rode in, then took off.
After a long day of runs, yelling by Normal,
dodging Sector checkpoints and police, avoiding other vehicles, the group came
into Crash, the designated hangout of Max's friends.
*********
"That was boring, annoying, and downright
a pain in the ass, remind me why I joined Jam Pony?" Robert asked as he
racked up the balls on the pool table.
"So you could keep an eye on us."
Max said from the fooze ball table.
"Right, now lets play pool for the next
round dick-for-brains." Robert said to Jon as he lined up his pool cue for
the break.
"Would you quit calling him that?"
Kendra said, rising to Jon's defence.
"Fine, Jon has now been upgraded to
shithead." Robert said as he broke and sank a striped ball.
"Lucky shot, and I resent you calling me
shithead as well." Jon said, cursing his friend's luck.
"It's called skill my friend, while you
were getting high at bong parties, I was playing pool, going to Metallica
concerts, playing pool. You were losing your virginity on prom night, I was
playing pool, flunking out of college before joining me in the army, playing
pool." Robert said as he potted another ball.
"When did you have fun?" Andrea
asked from the fooze ball table.
"When I was playing pool, drinking and
fighting, why?" Robert said as he set up for his next shot.
"As a result of the ten thousand hours
Robert has spent in front of a pool table, I can't beat this lucky son of a
bitch." Jon said as Robert chalked his cue.
"Shut up, it's skill, striped maroon,
side pocket." Robert said as he potted it with precision skill with a
backspin that lined him up perfectly for a shot at striped purple.
"Striped purple, corner pocket."
Robert said as he potted it, but cursed
himself, he had potted the cue ball along with
it, which meant the ball went right back out, and was now Jon's turn.
"About damn time, I was getting bored
over here, hey Andrea, watch your boyfriend about to get his ass kicked."
Jon said as he potted the green ball.
"It's far from over my friend, I'm still
two ahead." Robert said as he walked around the table.
"Watch this." Jon said as he potted
blue, then yellow, then purple, with clear precise shots. His next shot failed
to impress, as he fired the cue ball right at the maroon, but missed it clearly
and had set Robert up perfectly for a shot at the orange striped ball.
"Thanks, now here's where I pot the last
four balls followed up by the eight and you go home crying." Robert said as
he potted the ball, then continued with the green stripe, followed immediately
by the purple.
"You haven't won yet my friend, still two
left to pot." Jon said, but cursed as Robert potted the red striped ball
with a perfect shot, then started to line up for the eight ball.
"I think we can all agree that the next
pitcher is on Jon." Robert said smiling as he chalked up his cue for the
final shot.
"You still have to sink it, and you're
not exactly lined up." Jon said, the eight ball was at the side of the pool
table, as was Robert's, but on the opposite side.
"It's called bounce my friend, eight ball
in the corner pocket, two bounces." Robert said as he fired the cue ball
rolling, it smacked into the eight ball, which bounced and rolled back to the
other side of the table, then struck the other side of the table again, then
settled in the corner pocket.
"Lucky son of a bitch, you were lucky on
that shot." Jon said, refusing to admit defeat.
"Just be a good little loser and go get a
pitcher of beer, I've done that shot fifty times, you know that, I seem to
recall we ran a scam back home in that bar if you recall." Robert said as
he set his cue down.
"What scam, what did you two do?"
Max asked.
"I'm damn good at what I do, Jon would
promise ten to one odds that I could beat any man in the house at pool, thing
was, no one ever beat me." Robert said.
"Didn't people warn your challengers that
you were going to kick their ass at the game?" Andrea asked.
"Andrea, it's called half-drunk losers
thinking they can do anything, when a guy has had one too many, he thinks he's
on top. Some guys think that they are the best all the time, I made four hundred
a week on that, I only lost twice." Robert said, explaining away his and
Jon's talent for separating gamblers from their money.
"Any other talents I should know about,
or is pool your only skill?" Max asked.
"You haven't seen me in a poker game, I
can bluff a guy with a straight flush to fold, I actually did it a couple
times." Robert replied.
"Besides pool and cards, any talent in
other pastimes, I think we can all guess how you would do in sports." Max
asked.
"Not really, I enjoy pool because of the
skill it takes to angle and pot a shot. The thing is with poker is that any fool
can pull a full house, but it takes even more skill to make him think you've got
one better even when you've got a pair of deuces." Robert said as Jon came
back with a pitcher of beer.
"You haven't seen Jon's real talent yet,
his brand of music is not known much anymore, but he used to be quite a hot hand
with a guitar, specifically with heavy metal." Robert said pointing at Jon.
"That is one thing always bothered me
about the pulse, the music industry died, leaving us with not much to go with,
my hand is wasted in this age." Jon said waving his left hand.
"I was quite pissed when I found out that
Rob Zombie's latest album was going to postponed most likely until 2040."
Robert said reminicising back to the days when music was universal when it came
to getting it, available anywhere and everywhere.
"It didn't exactly do much for the press
either, we're lucky if we can publish a crooked cop story and still be alive in
the morning." Logan said as he walked in on the group.
"Of course, that sucks too, but when they
don't know who you are, what's the problem?" Robert said as he racked up
the balls for another game.
"The problem is that decent reporters
can't report the injustices that are going on in this country, they don�t all
lead a life of privilege like I do." Logan said through gritted teeth.
"I believe I invited you here so you
could cool off and socialise, not drop a crusade on our asses. I've been shot,
stabbed, kicked, punched and generally beaten as of late, let's try and enjoy
the night." Robert said as Jon broke, he didn't sink anything, but Robert
was in a horrible position to set up for a shot.
"Thanks jackass, could you screw me over
anymore?" Robert said as he lined up to break the balls up some more.
"I'll try, thanks for asking." Jon
replied sarcastically.
"Logan, listen to Robert and relax, let's
try and enjoy the night." Max said as she came up behind him and gave him a
quick kiss.
"Lucky bastard." Jon said, Robert
had broken the balls up, but also sank a solid as a result of that shot.
"I'll take it when I can get it, now
observe my skill come into play." Robert said as he potted another ball.
"Are you two playing for money or
what?" Logan asked, new to the scene of the pool table.
"These two are playing over drinks, the
second game now, Robert trumped Jon in the first, and is setting up for it
again." Andrea said informing Logan of the stakes as Robert potted yet
another ball.
"I'll take the winner on, I recall there
being a pool table at the bar near where my pre-pulse job was." Logan said
as Robert potted another.
"It's not over yet, the tower just missed
one." Jon said as he set up for a shot after Robert failed to pot his next
shot.
"I don't see any of your balls in the
holes yet." Robert said standing there, but took it back as Jon potted his
first ball.
"You may just win yet." Robert said
as Jon potted another two balls with precision shots.
"Damn right, get out your wallet, cause
here goes your lead." Jon said as he potted another striped ball.
"Take that cue off the table, you just
lost it." Robert said as Jon missed his shot.
"Now observe skill, the twelve to tap the
six into the corner." Robert said as he delivered a shot that pulled the
exact move he called.
"That was sloppy and you know that."
Jon said.
"Are you just saying that because you're
pissed that Robert is kicking your ass." Andrea asked.
"Damn right, this son of a bitch spent
many hours in a pool hall, how am I supposed to measure up to that?" Jon
shot back.
"Quit screwing anything with a hole
between its legs and hang out around here instead." Robert said as he
potted another shot.
"I'll try and keep that in mind."
Jon said as Robert potted the last of the solid coloured balls, leaving the
eight ball for him to pot.
"It's not over yet, you still have a
chance that he'll miss." Kendra said patting Jon's shoulder, but as she
reassured him Robert potted the eight.
"Or not, I think we both know they're
something that you can do better than him though." Kendra said smiling.
"Yea, but with all these public indecency
acts and statutes, I can't show that off for everyone to see, unless any of you
would care to join Kendra and I in a�" Jon stopped as he looked down four
pairs of extremely cold eyes.
Logan and Robert played, but without much
surprise on either side, Robert won, which excused him from buying another
round. Max took him on next, who proved to be quite good, but Robert's sense of
shooting at a pool table allowed him to win out, though in the end only one of
Max's balls were still on the table. Jon took Robert on in another match, and
managed to win, after Robert screwed up a shot and potted the eight ball early
on in the game, to which Jon laughed at.
"Where's Sketchy, Cindy, Herbal and Bling?"
Robert asked.
"In the bar on their third pitcher, let's
join them, I think we've had enough wars between the superhumans for one
night." Andrea said, pulling him away from the pool table.
"I don't seem to recall playing you
yet." Robert said.
"You will, just not at pool, or
poker." She said smiling.
"That idea I can get behind, just provide
a time and place." Robert said as he pulled her into a kiss.
"I'll see to arranging that, just sweep
for Jon's cameras and mikes first." Andrea replied.
"I will, then I will make him eat them if
I find any." Robert said as she returned the kiss.
"What is it with you people and
inflicting pain and suffering upon me?" Jon asked accusingly.
"Because you give us due cause, that's
why." Robert replied.
"Let's just put down a few pitchers and
toss around any raging drunks." Jon said as he sat down and poured himself
a drink.
"You people all finished with your little
war at the pool table, I was wondering if you were going to use those pool cues
on each other sometimes." Original Cindy said.
"Jon here just hates the fact that my
shots are all based on skill and the only one's he gets in are blind luck."
Robert said as he sat down.
"I resent that, some of my shots were all
skill." Jon said.
"You would have to be blind to miss the
shots that weren't a result of luck, drop it, let's just drink." Robert
said as he downed half of his beer.
"Come on baby, come over to our table,
we'll show you a good time." One man said to Andrea, putting his hand on
her. She grabbed it and twisted it, and wrenched two of his fingers, pulling him
down in a painful grip.
"Bug off, your buddy Weiser has a bit to
much of a grip on you." Andrea said as she shoved him back to his table.
"I said it before, I'll say it again,
you're my kind of girl." Robert said as he kissed her.
"I can't stand a drunk, remember
that." Andrea replied tapping his head.
"Not a problem for me, I'm incapable of
getting drunk, one of the little by-products of a perfect body." Robert
said tapping his gut.
"Good, I don't want you coming home and
crawling into bed drunk looking for some loving like certain parties would if
they could get drunk." Andrea replied as she eyed Jon.
"Thankfully he can't get drunk either, or
we could have some real problems on our hands." Robert said as he finished
his beer.
"Can we all shut up about Jon's lesser
points and try and enjoy the night?"
Max asked trying to force Robert off the
subject of trashing Jon.
"But he's so easy to make fun of!"
Robert shot back.
"She's right, drop it, and enjoy the
night." Andrea said looking at Robert.
"I think I'll take the one piece of
advice Jon dished out that was good on this subject." Robert said.
"Good move." Max replied.
The group talked and laughed after a dozen
pitchers were emptied, but they began to agree to call it a night as the bar
began to close.
"Bling, take the Aztek back to your
place, Max will be giving me a ride back." Logan said to Bling as he and
Max got up.
"I think it's about time Logan learned
how to ride a motorcycle." Max explained.
"Good luck in that endeavour, just make
sure to remember that he's got work in the morning, don't keep him up."
Bling replied.
"I've got work too, I've got to make sure
he doesn't keep me up." Max shot back.
"By the time you're finished here it will
be morning, Kendra, come on, we've got to make up for lost time." Jon said
as he and Kendra got up, kissed, then walked out the door.
"Ten bucks says he's grinning like a
hyena when he comes into work tomorrow." Robert said as he and Andrea got
up as well.
"Twenty bucks says he keeps the grin for
two hours straight." Andrea said.
"I'll take that bet, for three hours, I
know him too well." Robert said as he gave her a quick kiss then they
started walking.
"Catch you all later." The couples
said as they walked off, leaving Original
Cindy, Herbal and Bling to haul Sketchy's
drunken body out of Crash.
********
"That was amazing, I never imagined that
motorcycle riding was so exhilarating." Logan said as he and Max walked
into his apartment.
"Now you know why I treasure that thing
like a close friend, though I think you make a worthy substitute." Max said
as she pushed him against the wall and kissed him hard.
"You definitely could be worth giving up
my baby for, but I'm not sure yet." Max said until Logan pulled her into a
fierce kiss.
"That help?" Logan asked smiling.
"A bit, let's explore that option a bit
more first, I need to be sure." Max said as she pushed him towards the
bedroom.
"If you need more reassuring, I know how
to provide it." Logan said as he caught her and pulled her into the bedroom
and kissed her.
"Good, now let's just remember the ground
rules, if you mention any other name than mine during our relations I snap your
neck, same thing if you try any of the kinky stuff." Max said as he pulled
her onto the bed.
"I'll keep that in mind, what's your
middle name, I need a safety net." Logan said as he kissed her.
"Nice try, I ought to punish you with
hours of fantastic sex for that one." Max said as she removed his shirt.
"I can get behind that idea, just let me
know when the punishment is over." Logan said as he pulled off her tank
top.
"I think we can figure that one out
together, in a while�" Max said as she pulled him into a passionate kiss
as the two fumbled to remove each other�s clothes.
********
"Just remember dick-for-brains, I don�t
want to hear any animal screams, dildos going off, or anything like that, some
of us don't make sex a three-ring circus." Robert said as he got off his
T-Sport, Andrea got off with him, while Jon and Kendra got out of his SUV.
"I'm not into that kind of thing, it's
the kind of thing that takes away the pleasures of sex, I realised that a few
years ago." Jon shot back.
"Good, now make sure you remember."
Robert said.
"Robert, take it easy, let's just go get
some sleep." Andrea said pulling him to what was now their shared bedroom.
"I will remember, come on Kendra, we have
some serious time to make up for." Jon said as he pulled Kendra towards his
bedroom.
"Can't bang the gong for twelve hours
straight my ass, Max doesn't know what she's talking about." Kendra added.
"She's got that right, now let's see,
where were we before I left last time?" Jon said as he shut his door.
"I just wish he would have some shame for
once in his life." Robert said to Andrea as they entered his room.
"Just forgot it, and remember this."
She said as she pulled his head down and kissed him passionately.
"Hold on, before you even start anything,
take off your shirt and pants." Robert said breaking of.
"How is that holding things up?"
Andrea asked crossing her arms.
"I want to check your bandages, see if
anything ripped or is bleeding out."
Robert said as she pulled off her T-shirt.
"You worry to much about my
well-being." Andrea said as she turned around for him to check her shoulder
and arm.
"With good reason, nothing seems ripped,
no bleed out, you should be fine by the morning, good thing those Manticore
doctors decided to amp up your healing rates." Robert said as he checked
her shoulder and arm.
"What about my leg?" Andrea asked as
she pulled off her pants, leaving her standing in just her undergarments.
"Seems fine as well, same healing rate,
just relax, they will be gone soon enough." Robert said as he checked her
leg.
"I don't want to wait, I want to speed it
up, or have you forgotten about going fast?" Andrea said as he bent over
and kissed her as she lay down on the bed.
"I haven't forgotten, I just don't want
to leave a pool of blood on the bed after a little session of lovemaking rips
something open." Robert said as she stroked her hair.
"Fine, then let's just keep it PG-13 for
now." Andrea said as she pulled him down into a prolonged kiss as he
massaged her body with strong hands.
"It'll be NC-17 soon enough, just
wait." Robert said as he lay down on the bed with her and they curled up
together.
"They say good things come to those who
wait." Robert said as he lay next to her as she lay her head on his chest.
"You had damn well better prove that to
me tomorrow." Andrea said.
"I intend to, through a very long and
strenuous process." Robert said as he brought her head up to face him and
kissed her.
"God, you're the most beautiful woman
I've ever seen in my life." Robert said as he kissed her again.
"A girl likes to hear that now and
then." Andrea said smiling as she kissed him back.
"You'll hear it more than once from my
mouth, I love you Andrea." He said as he pulled her into a passionate kiss.
"I love you too." She said as she
stroked his chest as he pulled his shirt off.
"Just remember, tomorrow, we can still
enjoy each others company." Robert said as he caressed her body.
"I think we can." Andrea said as she
kissed him.
"If Lydecker even sends one lackey after
us in the next twenty-four hours I'm going to rip his head off and mount it on a
pike and fly his skin from a flag pole." Robert said as he stroked her back
while she kissed him.
"The motion is seconded." Andrea
said smiling as he smiled and they both knew they had finally found who they
were looking for in their lives.
You're
still fucked my friend, she'll be dead and you'll still pass for thirty-five
when the time comes. Ah fuck that for now, just enjoy the moment, maybe Alex can
see to amping her up with your shit in a few years, there's no way I'm losing
her. Robert
thought to himself as he covered her mouth with his and kissed her again as she
massaged his chest.
