�Do what?� Andrea asked back.
�Fall in love with me, why did you nearly
break your own damn heart twice because of me? I nearly blew you off twice,
broke your heart both of those times, didn�t you ask yourself at any time,
�is this guy worth it?� Or were you overconfident that you could win me
over, that you could bring me back out of the shadows. � Robert answered.
�I thought that there was a spark of who you
were before you turned into a ruthless death machine, I wanted to know that
man.� Andrea said as she laid her head on his shoulder.
�You took big risk in trying to drag that
man back out, what would you have done had I not realised what I felt for
you?� Robert asked as he gently stroked her dark hair.
�I don�t know, I just wanted someone to be
with, growing up in Manticore, they made us tough, but I left that eleven years
ago, I needed someone.� Andrea replied.
�I�ve been the worst possible
boyfriend that you could ask for, I nearly broke your heart twice, why do you
keep coming back?� Robert asked looking at her.
�Because I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I don�t want any loser in a bar, I want you, I want the man that saved me from Manticore twice.� Andrea said as she came up and gazed into his eyes.
�That man came close to destroying your heart, why me?� Robert asked again.
�You�re handsome, you�re available, you can protect me, what else do I need?� Andrea replied smiling.
�You need more than that, we need to have common ground, interests, a way to connect, fights that nearly rip us apart do not fill that last category as well.� Robert said voicing the groundwork for a relationship that would work.
�We can figure that out, I like the music I�ve heard you play while you work on your bike, explosives and working out, I like you, I just need to see who you were before your problems.� Andrea replied.
�You will, just remember, that I can�t risk breaking your heart again, if my actions tear us apart, I will leave, I can�t stand to see you bite and teeth to put us back together.� Robert said as he stroked her back.
�I can�t stand to see you refuse to commit yourself to me, we�re even.� Andrea said as she laid her head on his chest.
�It�s serious here Andrea, I truly love you, I mean that with all my heart, or at least what�s left of it, but why did you throw yourself into the tortures of trying to be with me was 99.99% chance of heartbreak?� Robert said as he turned her head to face his.
�I thought you might be worth it.� Andrea replied as she gazed back.
�Was it, what would you have done had I kept walking when I blew you off and turned my back on you?� Robert asked reminding her of the first time she tried to move their relationship along.
�I don�t know, I was just so sure that I could be with you I didn�t even consider it.� Andrea replied.
�There�s the problem, the reason I turned back was because I realised I had wounded an X5, what I had sworn not to do. It brought what I felt for you to the surface, my mind snapped into the mission, and all variables surrounding it, which meant turning my heart back on. You�ve taken far too much of a risk with me already, we have to agree as of right now, should anything rip us apart in the following two weeks, we have to let it go.� Robert said as he traced a finger across her chin.
�I will agree to that on one and only one condition.� Andrea replied.
�What would that be?� Robert asked.
�That if your arrogant male pride or the mission breaks us up, I get to kick your sorry ass from here to Manticore without retaliation.� Andrea replied.
�I deserve that and more, I do for what I�ve put you through, I want to know as of right now what I can do to make it up to you.� Robert said as he massaged her shoulders.
�You can not stop what you�re doing now, but shut up about us breaking up, it�s not happening, we have come to far now to lose what we have.� Andrea said as she let out a gentle ah as he worked his strong hands across her body.
�I�ll do you one better than that.� Robert said as his hands danced across her body, and he leaned over and kissed her.
�You had better not stop now.� Andrea said as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down on her.
�I thought that we agreed it just wasn�t about sex anymore last night.� Robert said as he gazed into her eyes.
�It isn�t, but it doesn�t mean we can�t do it when we feel like it.� Andrea said as she pulled his head and down and kissed him passionately.
�If you say so, I�m just going to follow some advice a friend gave me once about arguing with a woman.� Robert said as he pulled her on top of him and ran his hands all across her body, getting a new feel for the soft and smooth flesh.
�See that you do, I want to experience what
I felt yesterday, today, no restrictions, because today my love you are whole
again.� Andrea said as she tapped his chest, the wound was gone, fresh skin
replaced it, not even a hint of a scar showed.
�Damn right I�m back, let�s see what we
can do now.� Robert said as the two erupted anew into a period of lovemaking,
it continued for some time, until a shocking call on the phone distracted them.
�This is not fucking happening.� Robert
yelled out when he heard the news, he knew that he would have to postpone what
he was doing and the situation was urgent.
*******
�Why do you have to be so damn beautiful?� Logan asked as he looked at her while they were in bed.
�Why do you have to make me melt with that
grin of yours, or those incredible eyes?� Max responded guess I know why
he�s got the spiked hair, head�s always muffled in the pillow.
�Let�s just say that we intoxicate each
other on a level that denies description.� Logan said as he gently touched her
as she came over and kissed him lightly.
�I can agree to that one.� Max said
playfully as she massaged his chest.
�I was so sure when we first gave into the
feelings we held for each other it was nothing but one of my fantasies.� Logan
said as he ran his hand through her hair, playing with the silky curls.
�I was sure of it too, but when I first felt
our contact, you touching me, I knew it was real.� Max said as she lay next to
him.
�So did I, you are the best thing that ever
happened to me Max, I mean it, I love you, I want to spend the rest of my life
with you, that�s all there is too it.� Logan said as he brought her head up
and kissed her passionately.
�I want to do spend my life with you as
well, there is nothing more than I want every morning than to wake up next to
you and say I love you.� Max said as she returned the kiss with equal
intensity.
�To think that all it took to push us
together was Robert�s nose.� Logan said as he pulled her up to him so her
head lay on his shoulder whilst he massaged her shoulders.
�The tension was building up Logan, it was
only a matter of time until we did something and Robert just exploded that
pressure.� Max replied as she reached up and stroked his spiked hair.
�I guess he did, I can�t say I can
complain.� Logan said as he continued to work his hands over her body.
�I�m not complaining either, we�ve been
through too much now to let go, and that�s the end of it.� Max said as she
pulled herself up and lay herself across Logan partially.
�You�ve got that right, I�m not letting
go of you, come here and I want to show you why you should never leave.� Logan
said with the grin he knew Max melted with.
�I�ll give you some reasons of your
own!� Max said laughing as she pounced on him and kissed him fiercely, until
the phone rang.
�Let it ring, it�s probably Bling
rescheduling.� Logan said as they broke the kiss.
�Fine, then don�t stop.� Max said as she
pressed her lips against his chest and worked her way across it, as Logan kissed
her neck and worked his lips around the soft flesh on her ear.
�Hey Logan, It�s Jon, I�m sure Max is
with you, I just got to Jam Pony, the place has been bombed.� Jon�s voice
echoed from the answering machine.
�This is not happening.� Logan said as Max continued to caress his body and he caressed hers.
�I don�t believe this, can I have one time
with you when the city isn�t in goddamn jeopardy.� Max said as she threw her
head up.
�I think we have to go, find out what
happened, your friends might have gotten hurt.� Logan said as he brought
himself up to a sitting position.
�You�re right, let�s just take a shower
and get dressed, we�ll find out what�s going on.� Max said as she pulled
herself off of Logan and headed towards the bathroom. �Coming?� Max asked
smiling seductively at him.
�Let�s not take too long Max, we should
find out what happened.� Logan said as he followed her.
�I know, I just want to have a day where we
don�t have to worry about saving the world or Manticore hauling me away.�
Max replied.
�The day will come soon enough, just
wait.� Logan said as he gently kissed her on the lips.
�It�s not coming fast enough dammit, I
don�t want to have to wait so long.� Max said as she wrapped her arms around
him.
�If you don�t let go Jam Pony is going to
be an archaeological dig when we get out of here.� Logan said prying her
fingers off.
�Not my fault that your smiles drive me
wild.� Max shot back.
�Your face and body aren�t exactly making
me want to hold back either.� Logan replied.
�Let�s just take a shower already.� Max
said as she switched the shower on, checked the water and then pulled Logan in
with her. About twenty minutes later the two managed to get back out, very
satisfied and ready for the day.
*******
�I was getting some, and some jackass decided to blow the shit out of Jam Pony, why does this have to interrupt my sex life?� Robert asked vexingly as he and Andrea walked into a bombed-out Jam Pony.
�Robert�� Andrea said staring coldly at
him.
�What?� He replied with a grin.
�Because you�re the only person I know
that can identify bomb materials and substances.� Jon replied as he got his
hands under a row of fallen lockers, and pushed them back up.
�So what, couldn�t this have waited a few
hours?� Robert shot back as he looked at where the source of the blast had
erupted from, the dispatch desk.
�No, I blew off some morning sex with Kendra
to come here, and you know how much I enjoy sex, so if I can tear myself away,
so can you.� Jon shot back as he inspected a damaged structural pillar.
�Fine, let�s start analysing what happened
here, when did the bomb explode?� Robert asked as he looked for what was left
of the original explosive.
�About 4:30 AM, no one was around, Normal
came in at 6:30, and called employees like a madman, we�re the first to show
so far.� Jon said as he cleared away debris.
�I can tell you this, the bomb was not that
good, a homemade piece of shit explosive, that�s for sure. The blast
originated from here, and was linked to a detonator, I can�t smell any of the
standard components for a timer charge. I recognise another scent though, and
it�s not a bomb.� Robert said as he sniffed the air.
�I smelt it too, it�s an X4 isn�t it?�
Jon said as he picked up what was left of the cage door for important packages,
and cast it aside.
�It is, but why?� Robert replied as he
inspected a bomb fragment.
�Because the Locust Syndicate launched five
bomb attacks as a threat to Eyes Only, if anything concerning them is released
by one of my broadcasts, ten bomb attacks happen.� Logan said as he came in
with Max.
�Five, where were the other five?� Jon
asked coming up from moving debris out of the way.
�Three municipal buildings, and a liquor
store.� Logan said bitterly.
�A liquor store, oh the humanity!� Jon
said out loud.
�It wasn�t your fault Logan, they decided
to make sure that Eyes Only would not stop them by threatening you like this, I
can stop this.� Robert said as he rose up, his eyes blazing with fire.
�What are you going to do, grease my
parents?� Andrea said staring at him.
�I will find them, I know they are still in
the city, I can smell them now, I will end this, how many people died from these
bomb attacks Logan?� Robert asked.
�Six, including two police officers.�
Logan responded.
�I�m not wasting anyone�s ass, with all
the gunfights and explosions a few dead bodies in a pool of blood would tip
anyone off, I�m just going to crack their skulls together and put them on ice
for a while.� Robert said as his hands formed into fists.
�I�m coming with you, I want to be sure of
that.� Andrea said as she followed him.
�Jon, you coming, I could use another nose
out there.� Robert said to his friend.
�Sure, we need to stop this before anyone
else gets killed.� Jon said as he followed.
�You two, try and help out here, it would
not do well if Jam Pony were to shut down from a low-grade bomb like that, my
explosives would have levelled the place.� Robert said as the trio started to
leave.
�What a comforting thought, when can we
expect these mad bombers to be stopped?� Max said.
�Give us an hour, the scent is fresh, I
think we can find them fast enough, Logan, suppose we catch them, where can we
stick them whilst the deal goes down?� Robert replied.
�There�s a safe house in East Village,
take them there, we have a cell you can stick them in.� Logan said.
�We�ll take them there, I need to borrow
your Aztek though, someone might notice a couple of people slung over one�s
back whilst walking down the street.
�Here� Logan said as he tossed the keys to
Robert.
�Thanks, now if you excuse me, we have to
stop Max and Andrea�s parents from blasting the shit out of Seattle.� Jon
said as the trio got into Logan�s Aztek and took off.
�Think we can count on those two not to
crack the skulls of mom and pop on the sidewalk when they find them?� Logan
asked.
�They had damn well better, my parents may be selling Manticore tech abroad, but they don�t deserve to die like that, we�ll deal with them when the time comes.� Max said as she looked at the remnants from the dispatch desk, somehow the hard drive that held all Jam Pony information was still there, thankfully, god knows what would happen to the operation should that thing be destroyed.
�You�re the only one out of these shiftless bums that has bothered to show up, everyone else is treating the bomb attack like a day off.� Normal said as he came back into Jam Pony.
�Give me an hour and I�ll have some people in here, see what you can salvage from the packages, maybe we can still have something delivered around here.� Max said as she went to the one surviving phone in Jam Pony and started dialling up numbers.
After calling enough people in and reminding
them that if they don�t get this place back together they have no jobs
anymore, Max worked with people to put the place back together.
�I thought you said you had no interest as
field commander of the Logan Cale brigade for the defence of the downtrodden.�
Logan said as he came behind Max.
�Someone helped me into getting a change of
heart.� Max replied as she turned around and wrapped her arms around his neck.
�Really, does that mean I no longer have to
pay you off with Manticore info for the jobs I send you out on?� Logan asked.
�Yep, when Manticore�s burnt to the ground
and all my brothers and sisters are living in mansions in Tahiti.� Max replied
with a grin.
�Why do I bother?� Logan asked vexingly.
�Because you know I think it�s cute when
you express that hope that you�ve rubbed off some of that save-the-world stuff
on me.� Max said as she perched up on her toes and kissed him.
�I know that, but really, can you blame a
guy for trying?� Logan asked as they broke off the kiss.
�Actually I can, but since it�s you I�ll
let you off with a warning.� Max said as she smiled devilishly at him.
�Hey how bout bringin� some of that over
here?� Asked Eric, one of the most pompous Jam Pony messengers there was.
�How bout I bring your ass down?� Max
replied as she threw a pipe left from the blast right at him and caught him in
the gut, he grunted and fell over.
�I wasn�t expecting that to go away,
that�s for sure.� Logan commented.
�Logan, the minute I give up my attitude is
the day that you give up Eyes Only.� Max said as she brushed her hands off
from the dust on the rubble.
�I think we both can agree on that one,
regardless, let�s go shopping.� Logan replied.
�What for?� Max asked curiously.
�Max, we�re going to be representing a
shadowy corporation that has the money to bid on Manticore tech, we should dress
the part.� Logan said raising an eyebrow.
�Does this mean I get to tempt you for hours
on end wearing an outfit that leaves nothing to the imagination?� Max asked,
her seductive smile in full view.
�It figures, a mission that will help get
the city back under control and stop a clandestine Manticore equipment deal, I
knew it couldn�t all be good.� Logan said looking up and making a fake
lord-why-do-you-mock-me look.
�Relax Logan, I�m sure we can find
something to do after the job is done.� Max said again smiling.
�Hold on the gas there, remember, we have to
take care of the deal first, then we can worry about other activities.� Logan
said going into a tone of voice meaning he was dead serious.
�Spoilsport.� Max said with a grin.
�I seem to recall you not making a move
until a few nights ago, if we want to talk torture we can discuss you waving
that amazing body of yours in front of my face for nearly four months.� Logan
replied.
�You were flashing that smile and those nice
sexy eyes at me for four months as well, you know just as much about torturing
me as I you.� Max said as she pulled him down on an intact couch.
�I had to keep you interested did I not?�
Logan said grinning as he pulled her over.
�You always find some way to.� Max
responded as she pulled herself onto his lap and encircled his neck with her
arms.
�If you�re not too busy with your
sugardaddy, help me lift this up boo.� Original Cindy called from the
overturned freezer to Max.
�I�m coming, and don�t call Logan
that.� Max shot back as she came over with Original Cindy and used her
Manticore-given power to lift the unit back up.
�Fine, your rich boyfriend.� Original
Cindy replied with a smirk.
�Don�t call me that either, I have a
name!� Logan called from the couch as he mused over Max�s friends harassing
him and Max about their newfound status as a couple.
�Yea, and Original Cindy will call your rich
ass whatever she damn well want for playing with my boo for so long, Mr.
Moneybags, rich boyfriend, sugardaddy, and whatever else I can think off.�
Original Cindy shot back at Logan casting him a look sideways.
�Can�t you do anything about this?� Logan asked as he rose up and crossed
the distance between him and Max, standing tall over Max as he gently tucked a
lock of hair dangling over Max�s face behind her ear.
�Trying to shut Original Cindy up is like
trying to pry you away from your machines, don�t even think about it.� Max
answered admonishing Logan as she patted his cheek.
�Then let us vacate the premises and get
some other things done.� Logan said as he slid one arm around her slender
waist and pulled her close.
�You read my mind.� Max whispered as she
pressed a gentle kiss to Logan�s lips before Logan let go and they moved to
leave Jam Pony.
�Boo, when you come around again, you are
going to tell Original Cindy every last detail about this little romance of
yours!� Original Cindy called after Max as she departed with Logan.
********
�Do you two even know where you�re going?� Andrea asked from the back of the Aztek as they rode through Seattle.
�Of course, we just have to find the scent
of your parents first, then stop them from launching another series of bombing
attacks.� Robert said as he tapped his nose.
�Then why haven�t we found them yet, I
thought you could find anything within ten miles of yourself.� Andrea asked.
�For all purposes I can, but it�s hard
sometimes with all these mingling scents, the bomb explosion fucked with their
particular scent a bit, it�s not always easy.� Jon said as he drove.
�Hold it, I think I have something.�
Robert said as he took a deep inhalation.
�Got it, six blocks east of here, lets
roll.� Jon said as he turned the Aztek and headed to their new destination.
�What�s the plan Rambos?� Andrea asked
mockingly.
�You can start by stop referring us to as
Rambo, towers of adrenaline, or any over derogatory terms for soldiers.� Jon
replied.
�But it�s so fun watching you two get
peeved over it!� Andrea said grinning.
�Break it up you two, it�s simple, in that
alley over there are two X4�s planting a bomb that will blow open that food
market, beat on the X4�s, throw �em into the Aztek and we put them on ice
for a day or two.� Robert said as he cracked his knuckles.
�Who beat�s on them?� Jon asked.
�You and Andrea, Andrea, you approach them,
and keep them interested, I think you can handle that, Jon you will scale the
building and jump down and bash one of them, Andrea, you brain the other with
your foot.� Robert said as he got out of the car and walked over to the
drivers side.
�Why do I have to play the distraction while
Jon does the hero stuff?� Andrea asked pouting.
�If you can survive a nine-story drop and
immediately bash a head upon your landing I�d like to know about it, you can
still deal with the other one.� Robert said as he gave her a quick kiss as she
got out.
�But still, do I really have to work with
that guy, he reminds me of something that got stuck on my boot a while ago.�
Andrea said pointing at Jon.
�Take it in good stride, and if he tries
anything, make him soprano, I think you can handle that.� Robert said as he
got into the Aztek again.
�If you�ve finished talking about
mutilating my sexual organs, we have a pair of bombers to stop, lets go
people.� Jon said as he started off in a run to the nearby building he was set
to scale, he jumped up, and moved quickly on the fire escape, then reached the
roof in less than a minute.
�You two boys looking for some
entertainment?� Andrea asked as she came up behind the two X4�s.
�Go away, we�re busy.� One of them
grunted while they tried to conceal a large explosive.
�Come on boys, all work and no play make you
two dickless fucks.� Andrea said as she idly brushed one of them with her
hand.
�I said go away bitch.� As one of them
raised a pistol, she moved fast, kicking the gun out of their hand before either
of them could act, she followed up quickly with a high kick that knocked him
down. His partner was moving to assist him, but was slapped down as Jon leapt
down from the building right in front of him. He was obviously well-trained from
Manticore, he didn�t even blink and attempted to land a pair of fists that
would have mashed Jon�s lips and broken his nose, but Jon let it roll off like
water as he caught the man�s next blow, and returned with his own that smashed
him against the wall.
�Come on, you can do better than that.�
Andrea said as she danced away from the X4�s return blow, and leapt toward him
in a matrix-style kick that sent him flying.
�You could do better than this as well.�
Jon said as the X4 leapt at him and delivered both fists into Jon�s gut, but
the strong muscle there absorbed the blow, and Jon returned the favor with a
blow to the back of the head that knocked the X4 out.
�No wonder Deckster told you all to piss off
when we came along.� Andrea said as artfully dodged another charge and leapt
up with a kick that smashed the X4 down, she immediately brought her fist down
and ended it, leaving the second X4 unconscious.
The Aztek screeched up and the back was facing
the alley, Jon picked up both bodies and tossed them into the back as it popped
open, Andrea and Jon shut the back, got back into the car, and Robert hit the
gas and they sped off.
�That was easy enough, I didn�t know that
the X4 generation was that far below mine.� Andrea said as they drove.
�It�s because that the recombinant DNA
techniques experienced a revolution when you were made, that allowed them to
make a much better prototype. These two are still good though, they can�t
match your speed or strength, but they can still do some damage, I seem to
recall that this generation regenerates faster than you do, some cock-up along
the line I guess.� Robert said as they drove to the safehouse.
�No pursuit, no tracking or communication
devices on these two, but they are packing a kilogram of C4.� Jon said as he
sniffed the air, his ultra-heightened senses detecting the presence of a large
block of explosives.
�Ouch, take it, we could use that later, I
take it there is no permanent damage inflicted however?� Robert said as he
imagined what a kilogram of C4 could have done in that location.
�No, the two will wake up with headaches in
an hour or so, but beyond that not that much damage.� Jon replied.
�Alright, I just wanted to make sure we
hadn�t greased them, we should try and interrogate them though.� Robert said
as he turned.
�You�re not going to starve and beat them
are you?� Andrea asked with concern.
�Scratch plan A then, you�re no fun.�
Robert said with a grin.
�Why do you need to torture and beat them,
don�t you have some sort of elegant psychoactives?� Andrea asked.
�No, I bash heads together when I want info,
but using my sense of smell, I can act as a lie detector, we�ll know what we
want soon enough from them.� Robert said as they turned into the garage of a
small safehouse.
�Let�s just unload these assholes and find
out what they know about Locust.� Jon said as they got out and he popped up
the hood of the Aztek, and saw one of them coming around, �take a nap� Jon
said as he delivered a blow that knocked the X4 out.
�The cell�s over there, let�s go.�
Robert said as he picked one of them up with little effort and rested them on
his shoulder and walked to the cell.
�Not this time.� The X4 on his shoulder
said as he delivered to fists into the small of Robert�s back, and jumped off
landing on his feet in a combat-ready stance.
�I don�t have time for this.� Robert
mumbled as he approached the X4.
�You�re out of time.� The X4 said as he
withdrew a small knife and threw it Robert. It buried itself into his chest, Jon
moved fast and delivered a solid blow that smacked the X4 down, Robert yanked
the knife out and let it drop to the ground, the wound bound itself in seconds
as usual.
�Son of a bitch, that little bastard is
going to pay for ruining this shirt.� Robert said as he checked the wound, it
had already closed, his body had regenerated itself.
�Let�s just haul them in for
interrogation.� Jon said as Robert picked the X4 back up, the two walked over
with their loads, and put them in the cell on two metal chairs.
�Find something to restrain them with, I
have a feeling that they�re going to be hostile when they wake up.� Andrea
said as she started to look through a nearby closet. �Got some, try these.�
Andrea said as she tossed some thick restraints that shut and closed like an old
set of stocks, perfect for keeping arms immobile.
�This should work, I�ll get some cabling
or something for the feet.� Robert said as he brushed through some stacks of
junk. �Got it� Robert said as he pulled them out and started to use pieces
of cable to tie each leg to a chair leg, while Jon locked the arms in the
restraints and tied a piece of thick cable to hold them in their seats. Robert
tore off pieces of cloth from the shirts of the two X4�s and blindfolded them,
then took out a large bottle of water from the back of the Aztek and splashed
the two with the water.
�Wake up bomber boys.� Robert said.
�Who the hell are you and what the fuck do
you want?� Snapped the first X4.
�Do you want to have a long day? I can
arrange that, tell us why two Manticore prototypes are putting the technology
that made them up for auction.� Robert said as he paced back and forth through
the cell, Andrea and Jon just watched.
�I don�t know what the hell you are
talking about, I�m walking along one minute, than this bitch and her boyfriend
bash my head in, what gives?� The second one said.
�You were planting a one-kilo charge of C4
explosives, a charge powerful enough to blow up the apartment buildings it was
between. You are one of four X4�s that stole Manticore technology and traded
it to the Locust Syndicate in exchange for a cut of the profits. You are selling
Manticore technology to foreign countries because you�re pissed that you�re
no longer No. 1 when it comes to fighting at Manticore, so you just decided to
make a little money instead.� Robert snapped at them in a booming voice.
�I don�t know what you�re talking about,
let us go now, we didn�t do shit.� The first one said.
�You�re lying your asses off, either start
talking or I start beating.� Robert snapped at them.
�You�re making a mistake, we don�t know
what you�re talking about.� The first X4 said.
�Shut up X4s, I know who you are, I saw your
barcodes, I also imagine Lydecker would love to get his hands on you for
stealing his stuff, either spill or I tip off Lydecker about you two.� Robert
said.
�What do you want from us?� The second X4
asked.
�Shut up, do you want us to land in shit
with the others?� The first X4 yelled.
�Better that than Lydecker, or have you
forgotten what he does with traitors?� The second one replied.
�If you don�t shut up and start spilling,
you�ll beg to go back to Manticore.� Robert snapped, to further his point he
landed a savage punch that rocked the first X4�s face back, his lips were
mashed together, he spat out blood.
Andrea looked shocked and started to walk over
to Robert to stop him, but he held up his hand and she paused, the second X4 was
about to talk.
�We were sick of seeing the X5�s get raved
as a superwarrior that made us look pathetic, we wanted out, and we wanted
repayment, the Locust Syndicate offered us an option. We raided the labs at
Manticore one night, loaded up two trucks with as much info and equipment as we
could store, we turned it over to them, we get 50% of the deal, we�re free and
clear for the rest of our lives living the high life in Europe.� The second X4
said, he was shuddering from the idea of going back to Manticore can�t say
I blame him, I don�t even want to know what they would do to him Robert
thought.
�Shut up man, what do you think this guy�s
going do to us when we�ve finished talking anyways?� The first X4 said.
�I�m giving you the opportunity to fill us
in on the location of the Manticore technology and information, and get out of
all of this with your lives.� Robert replied.
�What do you want?� The second X4 asked.
�The location of all the Manticore
technology, all the information you stole, and the security involved.� Robert
replied.
�What guarantee do I have that you won�t
trade me back to Manticore for some extra dough?� The first one asked.
�You have my word, the word of someone who
is from Manticore, but was not Manticore-borne, I
was still made who I am there, you can be sure
of that.� Robert replied again.
�The equipment is in a warehouse guarded by
about thirty men in a warehouse on the east side, they keep a close watch on
that stuff, they�re loaded in two trucks. The information is stored at the
main facility; the information will be handed out once the auctions over, while
the transfer is set up for the equipment. Trying to take anything from the main
base is suicide, there�s over 100 guards there, all packing heavy, with
snipers on the roof at all times, no one could get out of that.� The second X4
said, starting to spill out.
�Good, now where is the exact location of
this warehouse, I can deal with any security.� Robert said.
�Twenty-second and Rose, buildings got a
loading dock in back, with two steel doors for the garage, the trucks are in
there, but at least fifteen men are on guard at all times.� The first X4 said,
now speaking realising that Robert could deal out a lot more punishment than
what he had just received.
�I�m glad you decided to be cooperative,
now I don�t have to break out my sword or whip.� Robert said as he stalked
off to talk with Andrea and Jon.
�You think you played the Grand Inquisitor a
bit too much here? I was a bit worried that you would follow up with a few more
blows if they didn�t start talking.� Andrea asked glazing at Robert.
�I delivered the first blow the way I was
taught to in interrogation 101, if you deliver the first blow and blood
splatters and something is torn, he�s got a good idea of what�s coming next,
slaps on the face do shit-all.� Robert explained.
�Would you have continued with the beating
had he not relented information?� Andrea asked.
�No, I would have delivered a blow to put
the first one out, and shot off my gun, and tell the second one that he�s next
if he doesn�t give in fast.� Robert replied.
�Next time, I do interrogation, I was ready
to stop you after you landed that first blow.� Jon said.
�I told you two before, just because
you�ve managed to drag me back into the light doesn�t mean I won�t retain
my old techniques, this was simply a method of extracting information
quickly.� Robert shot back.
�You would think that they would have
decided to hold out longer from interrogation, surely Manticore training
didn�t wear off on them that easily.� Andrea said glancing at the two
prisoners.
�It didn�t, they decided why get the shit
kicked out of them when all they need to do is reveal a bit of information, they
can hide after this is over, not right now.� Jon said pointing at the two.
�So what now, do we just leave them here
like this until it�s all over, or do we pack them in a bus heading for
Canada?� Andrea asked.
�We leave them here for now, the cell is
secure and the door is one-way access, no way to take it take if off it�s
hinges without a bomb, which we relieved them off. We�ll toss some food in
there and leave them be for now, after tomorrow they can go about their
business.� Robert said as he grabbed a sack of food and drinks out of the back
of the Aztek and put it in the cell.
�We�re leaving you two to your own devices
for the next day, don�t try and escape and warn your friends, you can�t.�
Robert said as he unlatched their arm restraints and shut the cell door and set
down a heavy metal bar to block it and turned a crank to lock it.
�You really don�t get along with people do
you?� Andrea asked slapping Robert�s shoulder.
�I get along with certain people quite well
as I recall.� Robert said as he pulled her over and kissed her.
�Get a room, or get in the back of the car,
I don�t care which, we�ve done our job, now let�s give Logan his ride
back.� Jon said from the driver�s seat of the Aztek.
�You�re no fun when it comes to anyone
else having sex but you.� Robert said as he broke off from Andrea and the two
started walking to the Aztek.
�If you two would do it in the back while I
watched, I would have no problems.� Jon replied with his usual grin.
�Shut up dick-for-brains, I told you that my
sex life is not for your personal viewing pleasure, Andrea and I believe in
privacy.� Robert said smacking Jon upside the head as he got in and ducked his
head, cursing the small size of the vehicle compared to his enormous frame.
�Would you just consider the possibility
that Andrea might enjoy it?� Jon asked, and then Andrea smacked him upside the
head.
�Does that answer your question pervert?�
Robert asked back as he smiled at Andrea definitely my kind of girl,
doesn�t mind inflicting suffering upon Jon for lewd remarks.
�Yea, I�m surrounded by a bunch of spoilsports and conservative pricks.� Jon shot back.
�Just shut up and drive, we�re not here
for your sexual studies or pleasures.� Robert replied.
�Fine, just don�t expect me to lend you
any of my sex books or give any advice now that you�ve taken all the fun
away.� Jon said with a smirk.
�I wouldn�t touch your sex manuals cause
you probably yank them out on the spot and start experimenting, I�ll pass on
the foamy books.� Robert said, his face contorting into a disgusted
expression.
�I�m not that sex-crazed, oh wait I am,
never mind.� Jon said with a shocked-to-smiling expression.
�Why do I have put up with this guy when
you�re around? You�re worth it and all, but this is walking the line.�
Robert said looking at the back towards Andrea.
�Because you�re going to find out you have
better things to do with your time than utter death threats and blow stuff up,
or did you forgot yesterday?� Andrea asked smiling back at Robert.
�Not forgotten, just having a hard time
focusing out the mental pictures that Jon is giving me.� Robert replied as
they drove on.
*******
�I just realized you�re going to kill me when I�m 48.� Logan said as he looked at Max.
�Why�s that?� Max asked as she looked
back at him as he sat down, they had returned to his apartment after a brief
shopping trip to what was left of the pricey clothing shops.
�Because woman hit their sexual peak at 35,
and once you go into heat, I am going to die of over-exertion or a heart
attack.� Logan replied.
�Oh come on, you managed to keep up before,
why would now be any different?� Max asked as she plopped in Logan�s lap.
�Because you�ll still have the energy of a
twenty-five year old and I�ll need a cane to get to bed.� Logan replied.
�Oh come on, quit acting so depressed about
the fact that your girlfriend is transgenic and can kick your ass, maybe this
will lighten your mood.� Max said as he pulled Logan into a passionate kiss.
�That helped a lot, but did I mention that
about every time you came over I thought you were trying to kill me the way you
dressed?� Logan asked as he stroked her back.
�What a coincidence, I thought you were
trying to kill me with pleasure overload from those meals you whipped up when I
came over.� Max said as she stroked his spiked hair.
�I think we can both agree we�ve
absent-mindedly baited each other far too long.� Logan replied as he kissed
her.
�Either stop or let me get a camcorder,
we�ve got news.� Jon said as he walked in with Robert and Andrea.
�Do you people ever knock, we�d like some
time alone!� Max said as she got off of Logan�s lap and stared at them.
�You can bang later, we�ve got news on the
Manticore transfer.� Robert said.
�You of all people should understand that a
man and a woman need time alone, or are you buying into Jon�s train of
thought?� Logan asked looking at Robert.
�Not in this lifetime, or the next, I just
think that this could be more important, our plans just changed, a lot.�
Robert replied.
�What�s the problem? I want to know why I
had to drag myself off of Logan when you three saunter in unwarranted and
unauthorized.� Max asked putting her hands on her hips.
�The problem is that the Manticore
technology is under guard in a separate location, but all the info on the
technology is stored at the Locust main base, we�ll have to split up to make
this work.� Jon explained.
�Two teams I guess, who�s who?� Logan
asked standing up.
�I will go with Andrea and secure the
equipment, the three of you can go to the mansion and continue the deal.�
Robert said.
�Why do you go with your girlfriend and save
the technology while we simply have to steal some shit and walk off?� Jon
asked accusingly.
�Because you�re faster than I am, you can
neutralize any security before I can, the alarm raised there will bring down a
lot of firepower fast.� Robert replied simply.
�Damn right I�m faster, now what to do, is
the deal still on for tomorrow?� Jon said.
�Yes, that�s when it�s going up, you two
will probably be excused while the actual explanation and bidding is being done,
in which time the two of you will nab the stuff quietly, then we leave.� Logan
said nodding to Jon and Max.
�Sounds easy enough, now what else do we
have to worry about?� Max asked.
�There is the possibility of an alarm being tripped, there is split-second timing required for this operation to work, and the communication system between the organization and the warehouse.� Robert fired off.
�I suppose we do have in that regard, when
does the auction thing happen anyways?� Jon asked looking at Logan.
�Three PM tomorrow is when the bidding
starts, guests will arrive at 1 PM, some of them want to do some other deals
with these guys as well while they are there.� Logan replied.
�So we time the operation to start at say
3:15, we nab the info, you two grab the equipment, and by 4:00 we�re all back
home shagging.� Jon said.
�This won�t be easy, if Andrea and I
don�t work fast enough to take out the guards at that facility then we�re in
deep shit. The guards will call it in, the information we want to grab will
immediately be secured with heavy guard, and you there will not be able to
spirit it away quietly.� Robert said as he analysed the possible outcomes of
the mission.
�What�s the risk that you three will be
able to get out of there, they said there would be a massive guard force at the
base.� Andrea said.
�That will conviently come running to deal
with an explosion in the main dining hall, I will plant a charge set up to a
remote detonator while the operation goes down, it�s easy enough, I know my
way around a plastique charge.� Jon replied.
�Than the only problem is that of getting
Logan out should things go wrong, I don�t want to see him get his ass shot up
while we kick some ass.� Max said, putting her hand on Logan�s shoulder.
�I won�t, you two are going to get in and
out of that office in five minutes, then come back, I�ll walk off, they�ll
expect people too when the bidding gets to high, you detonate the bomb, we hop
in the Aztek and go like hell. Remember, we either take the information and
technology or destroy it, we can�t let this sort of thing get out in the open,
it�s too valuable, and I�d hate to have E5 start off with a loss.� Logan
said patting Max�s arm.
�It all happens tomorrow, get some food into
you, get some rest, practice your fighting skills if you have too, or learn some
new tricks, you know where to find Jon and I.� Robert said putting out his
thoughts for a standard operation.
�Hey Rob, shut up, this isn�t Delta Force,
we have lives, we�re superhumans, we don�t need to worry about that sort of
thing, just relax for once.� Jon said as he smacked his compatriot across the
head.
�Well put for once, listen to your friend,
you have to start thinking normally.� Andrea said slapping Robert�s back.
�That�s what the unit�s shrink said till
I fed him combat rations, the latrine light was on for quite some time
afterwards, he left me alone on that issue for awhile.� Robert replied.
�What did I tell you about shutting up and
not being a soldier anymore?� Andrea asked.
�I was told that I should drop it I recall,
but I never remembered frivolous orders anyways.� Robert replied.
�Here�s a memory aid on what you can lose
if you don�t snap out of it.� Andrea said as she pulled his head down and
kissed him fiercely.
�That helped a bit, but what about when
you�re not around?� Robert asked, pulling her close to him.
�Hey, either boink in the guest room or go
home, we don�t need that here.� Max said.
�I told you Rob, these people are no fun
whatsoever.� Jon said as the three left the apartment.
�I was wondering if they would ever
leave.� Max said as she stretched out on the couch and laid her head on
Logan�s chest as he stretched out as well.
�I prepped a movie for us to watch, a
pre-pulse DVD for a film called Gladiator, a historical movie of
the Roman Empire, I think you might like it.� Logan said as he pulled his
remote out and flicked on the TV and DVD player.
�Alright, but just remember, no playing with
the remote, I�ve seen you fool around with that thing before, just watch the
movie.� Max said plucking the remote out of his hands and tossing it onto a
nearby chair.
�You didn�t have to take it out of my
hands.� Logan said as he looked down at her face.
�I think you can put your hands to a better
use.� Max said as she guided his hands down her body.
�You�re right, but let�s try and focus
on the film here.� Logan said as he gently caressed Max�s body as the movie
played out.
*********
�You two never stop at this do you?�
Andrea asked as Robert and Jon set up for another bout of fierce hand-to-hand
combat, their muscles tensed.
�Not for a minute, it allows us to get our
rage out in a bout of combat where we can�t kill each other, it�s just
better this way.� Robert said as he assumed his standard combat stance.
�That and Robert is pissed about never
landing a crushing blow on me because he can�t hit me before I dodge it,
he�s hoping this time he gets lucky.� Jon said as he prepared himself.
�Not this time dick-for-brains, just watch
me.� Robert said as he began.
�Watch you miss.� Jon said as Robert
attacked.
The two agreed to play some music as they
fought, and decided on a Metallica CD, with the starting song known as
�Battery�
Weak
are ripped and torn away
Hypnotizing
power, crushing all that cower
Battery
is here to stay
It was a mechanical dance the two wove as they fought, the initial exchange was fast-paced and every initial hit was weak or hit hard muscle. Robert attacked with a right jab, but Jon caught the blow at the elbow and deflected it and returned with his own right, but was similarly blocked. The next hit was that of a high kick, but Robert caught the blow and Robert tossed Jon to the side, but Jon used his excellent agility to land on his feet.
Smashing
through the boundaries
Lunacy
has found me
Cannot
stop the Battery
Pounding
out aggression
Turns
into obsession
Cannot
kill the Battery
Cannot
kill the family
Battery
is found in me
Battery
Robert charged again, but Jon dodged to the side and hit Robert in the back of the head, the blow drove him forward, Jon followed up with a leap that brought him down on Robert knocking him down. Attempting to evoke a fiercer response, Jon brought out a knife and was about to bring it down when Robert�s hand came up, grabbed Jon�s arm, and rocked the arm back so the pommel of the knife smashed Jon in the face.
Crushing
all deceivers, mashing non-believers
Never
ending potency
Hungry
violent seeker, feeding off the weaker
Breeding
on insanity
Smashing
through the boundaries
Lunacy
has found me
Cannot
stop the Battery
Pounding
out aggression
Turns
into obsession
Cannot
kill the Battery
Cannot
kill the family
Battery
is found in me
Battery
The knife fell, but Robert picked it up and threw it to the far wall, it buried itself in a piece of wood leftover from some forgotten building project, and Jon attacked. A fierce series of exchanges ensued as the two blocked or dodged every blow, but Jon finally landed a right fist that blasted Robert across the sparring mat. He leapt towards Robert with a foot aimed, but Robert snapped his long legs up and kicked Jon behind him, and leapt up to face him. Jon was faster and had better agility than Robert, as was demonstrated in his next move.
Circle
of destruction, hammer comes crushing
Powerhouse
of energy
Whipping
up a fury, dominating flurry
We
create the battery
His hands hit the mat and pushed himself up, and twirled himself in a motion that brought a foot around and clipped Robert�s right temple, under the same momentum he pushed the mat again and flipped to a standing position, where his next kick blasted Robert to the far wall. Robert hit with an impact, leaving a dent in the wall, but he still had a few advantages over Jon. Jon went in with a right, but the blow was blocked and Robert used his long arms to bring a fist around that smashed Jon in the side of the head, knocking him down. Jon reached out with his arms and tried to pull Robert down, but he might as well have grabbed onto an aircraft carrier for all the good it would do him.
Smashing
through the boundaries
Lunacy
has found me
Cannot
stop the Battery
Pounding
out aggression
Turns
into obsession
Cannot
kill the Battery
Cannot
kill the family
Battery
is found in me
Battery
Robert jumped up and brought his foot down and smashed Jon down on the mat, Jon rolled away as Robert brought his fist down and hit the mat instead of Jon. The two exchanged blows for a few more minutes until at one point, Robert�s fist connected at what was most likely half of his maximum strength, which was far more than what he usually used. The blow sent Jon flying, he hit the far wall and Jon grunted and gripped his chest from the impact, but absorbed it as Robert came to attack and sidestepped the attack and kicked back and nailed Robert in the small of his back, it drove him forward, and Jon followed up with a high kick that smashed his face into the wall. The two came to blows again until the timer went off, indicating their ten-minute bout was up.
�Fuck you�ve been working on some new
moves, I haven�t seen some of that stuff pulled, nice recovery from the kick
that was supposed to smack you down, I�ve never seen anything like that.�
Robert said as he wiped some sweat off his brow.
�Damn right I�m good, if you didn�t have
five inches of height and that extra muscle I would kick your ass every time.�
Jon said to Robert as he ran a hand through his sweat-soaked hair.
�Try it, we�ve fought before and it�s
always turns into a stalemate because we are too close in abilities, we�ve
just got strengths in different areas.� Robert said as he pulled out a beer
from a cooler and tossed one to Jon.
�Yep, it�s always been the same thing, but
I�ve kicked your ass pretty bad in some fights before if you don�t
recall.� Jon said as he twisted the cap off his beer.
�So did I, I�d hate to be the guy who has
to fight us next though, those moves you were doing with those Trackers, I�ll
never match that though.� Robert said as he took a sip of his beer.
�I can�t match your strength, or the way
you control that sword or your knives, I don�t know how you do it.� Jon said
as he similarly took a sip of his beer.
�Practice and making mistakes, believe me
that regeneration ability comes in handy when you screw up working with a
razor-sharp titanium blade.� Robert replied as he remembered all the injuries
he had taken when working with his sword in his practice sessions.
�I would imagine.� Jon said imagining the
searing pain of a well-forged sword tearing through his flesh.
�You two finished playing around yet?�
Andrea asked coming in with a cup of coffee.
�After kicking your boyfriend�s ass and
some verbal bantering after the fight, yes we are done, I guess you want to play
around with your boytoy? Or have you decided to move up to my class?� Jon said
smirking as he finished his beer in one long pull.
�Why don�t you go find Kendra and set an
endurance record or something, I have better things to do than listen to you
prattle on about sex and insulting me.� Robert said as he threw a towel at Jon
and took Andrea�s hand and started walking away.
�You two are no fun, that camera in there is
completely ruined, can�t I ever got a good porno vid filmed around here?�
Jon asked as he came back from the shower, he looked at two pairs of extremely
cold eyes. � At least Kendra is open to a good idea, I�ll see you tomorrow
morning.� Jon said as he found the two in the kitchen having coffee after
showering off from the fight.
�Good riddance, I don�t need to hear any
recommendations or suggestions from you two today.� Robert said as Jon walked
over to his BMW X5, got in, and drove off.
�Forgot him, I think it�s time you took a
shower as well, you have a bit of blood and sweat on you.� Andrea said as they
sat there.
�I guess I do, will I have some help in
cleaning off such things?� Robert said as he stood up and held out a hand to
Andrea.
�Only if you promise that we don�t go to
bed afterwards, I need more than sex these days from you.� Andrea said as she
stood up and took his hand.
�Relax, I don�t live on sex either, I have
a DVD player and a collection of DVD�s, I think you�ll like tonight�s
feature, Blade.� Robert replied as he pulled her towards the bathroom.
�I think I saw part of it once, as I recall
Blade reminds me of you, a remorseless killing machine.� Andrea said.
�Ouch, you got me, but as I recall, Blade
never gets any.� Robert said as he shut the door to the bathroom.
�If you don�t stop acting like him more
often you won�t either.� Andrea said as she came over and pulled off his
shirt.
�Would you relax, I�ll prove it to you,
now let�s see what we can do about washing each other up.� Robert said as he
started to pull of Andrea�s jacket.
�One thing though, the minute if I catch you
trying anything other than standard sexual relations, I bitchslap your ass.�
Andrea said as she unzipped his pants.
�Do I look or sound like Jon?� Robert said
aghast.
�You don�t, just keep it that way.�
Andrea said as she pulled off her tight T-shirt and leaned up and kissed Robert.
�Now this I could get used too, now let�s
see about that shower.� Robert said as he turned the shower on, and pulled
Andrea over as she undid her bra clasp.
�Not so fast, I want to get a good feel for
you.� Andrea said as she ran her hands across his chest.
�We�ve got time.� Robert replied as he
gently fondled one of her breasts.
�That we do, now let�s forget about
Lydecker, Manticore, and all the injustices in the world, you�ve been doing
too much overtime.� Andrea said as he unzipped her pants and they puddled at
her feet then she kicked them off.
�I�d say so, now let�s make up for lost
time.� Robert said as he pulled her into a passionate kiss as the two fought
to remove each other�s undergarments, then some time later the shower finally
stopped.
*******
�How is the subject?� Lydecker asked a scientist.
�Denying all logic, he is surviving, he
could be operational tommorow!� The scientist replied as he ran through a
computer list of genetic encoding keys.
�Just do it and then adapt this to create a
new generation of Manticore prototypes, we will have the ultimate weapon with
what you are doing here.� Lydecker said as he looked in on the operating room.
�It�s still a risk, he has taken too much
already.� The scientist said as he pointed into the chamber where the
scientists and doctors worked.
�I don�t care what it takes, just do it, I
need this creation to make sure Manticore is kept alive, just do it, and do it
now.� Lydecker said as he stalked off.
When
that Manticore weapon goes active, nothing will stop it, not even those
meddlesome Trackers, I underestimated them once, but this, this is perfection
they are creating, Stage 3 will give this country power that will be feared the
world over. Lydecker
thought as he sat down in his office and went through field reports and genetic
testing results from his batch of X5�s, identifying possible future genetic
errors.
