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 Chapter 18 

�Let�s see if you bleed.� Robert said as he opened up with his H&K UMP .45 submachine gun and tagged Kane with a fierce volley. Jon fired off his own UMP .45, and sighted in on Kane.

Kane knew what to do, he charged dodging the flying rounds, plenty of shots tagged him, but he easily absorbed them. He leapt forward and placed a high kick that caught Robert�s left temple and knocked Robert down, Jon kicked out as Kane landed and knocked Kane down as well, and poured the remainder of his submachine gun magazine into Kane.

�You two are good, but I�m spectacular.� Kane said as he leapt to his feet and brought his fist around in a move that smashed Jon�s head around.

�We�ll agree to disagree on this one Goliath, eat shit.� Robert said as he picked his submachine gun back up and emptied the clip into Kane�s back. Jon leapt to his feet and delivered a kick that drove Kane back, Robert quick-drew his sword and sliced open Kane�s chest, Kane�s wounds bound themselves, but Robert and Jon had a plan. Robert kicked out and drove Kane down with all the strength he could muster, as he and Jon leapt onto Kane and withdrew P14-45�s and pressed them into Kane�s eyes.

�Say goodnight asshole!� Jon yelled as his finger closed on the trigger.

It never happened, Kane threw Robert and Jon off of him like a couple of rag dolls, he went over to Robert, picked him up, and slammed a fist into his rib cage, ribs cracked and Robert gritted his teeth against the pain.

�Pathetic, you two just don�t know when to quit.� Kane said as he threw Robert down and kicked him hard in the face.

�You should know when to die.� Jon said as he ripped out his USAS-12 and fired four times into Kane. The heavy slugs ripped open deep holes in Kane�s back, but Kane absorbed the fire and came up to face Jon.

�Forget about me fuckhead?� Robert said as he grabbed Kane from behind, withdrew a knife and tore open Kane�s throat, hoping to slow him down. Robert cursed, the healing abilities were already closing the wound, Kane elbowed Robert and knocked him down, Kane took the knife out of Robert�s hand and threw it at Jon, knocking his shotgun out of his hands, Jon replied with a heavy blow that smacked Kane�s head around, but Kane simply responded with a return blow that smashed Jon to the floor.

�You two should just give up now!� Kane said smirking as he kicked Robert over.

�Not while we�re still breathing.� Robert snapped as he picked his sword back up and sliced open Kane�s chest in a trio of cuts.

�Allow me to help you in that regard.� Kane said as he lifted Robert up and threw him flying into the far wall of the warehouse, Robert turned direction in mid-air and planted his feet against the wall, pushed off under his own force, and flew back to Kane. Kane was ready, he dodged the attack with ease and swatted Robert down with a fist, smiling at the ease of which he was winning the fight. Jon retrieved his submachine gun and changed the magazine and pumped a new volume of fire into Kane, but Kane absorbed the volley with ease once again, and attacked Jon while Robert fought to get back up again.

Jon tried to respond with one of his usual graceful athletic manuvers but Kane moved more than twice as fast as Jon, a right, a left, a high kick, and Jon was on the floor. Jon leapt to his feet and was about to deliver a blow that would have rocked Kane across the warehouse, but Kane was already in action and delivered a blow that knocked Jon down again, and broke Jon�s left arm.

�You�re not even giving it all you�ve got, try and fight back wimps.� Kane said as he hauled Jon to his feet and threw him to collide into Robert who was just recovering from his injuries.

�We�ll show you giving it all we�ve got.� Robert and Jon said in unison as they picked up their fallen shotguns and took aim. They fired a total of twelve slugs into Kane, he staggered and fell, but Robert and Jon kept firing, emptying their magazines.

�That felt ticklish, my turn.� Kane said as he rose back up, he ripped off his tattered jacket and shirt, his chest was massively muscled and the shotgun wounds bound themselves as he attacked. Kane attacked at a speed only Robert and Jon dreamed of as he ran behind both of them and smashed the both in the back of the head, driving them forward, leaping around in a roundhouse kick that smashed Jon�s head in while Robert attacked. He swung his sword once again trying to injure Kane, but Kane back peddled and dodged the blade, reached out with a long arm, grabbed Robert�s wrist and broke it, then threw him flying into the side of Jon�s SUV.

�You two don�t get it, you can�t win!� Kane yelled as he grabbed Robert�s fallen sword and threw it right at Robert with deadly accuracy, it impaled itself through Robert�s chest, pinning him to the SUV.

�I guess we�re slow learners.� Jon said as he pulled up his UMP .45 once again, loaded a fresh magazine, and fired at Kane. Kane wasn�t even humouring Jon anymore, he dodged the fire and closed, grabbing the UMP .45 out of his hands and turning it against Jon. The bullets tore away at Jon, but his bullet jacket absorbed what was left in the magazine as it emptied, Jon returned a blow that was all he could muster, it connected with Kane�s face and blasted him down. Jon wasted no time and kicked hard into Kane�s rib cage, he heard the satisfying crack as two ribs broke, but Kane hooked his legs up and sent Jon flying across the warehouse yet again.

�You�re just making it hard on yourselves, submit now.� Kane said as he went over to Jon, kicked him hard, and sent him rolling.

�When that day comes the devil will be taking ice skating lessons asshole.� Robert said as he yanked the sword out of his chest and pulled himself up, his body repaired the shredded organs and arteries, his strength returned again.

�You can�t beat me, I am superior to you in every way.� Kane said as he looked away from beating Jon�s body.

�We�re still standing, and you haven�t even come close to killing us, we also outnumber you.� Robert said as he swung his sword into line with Kane.

�Irrelevant, I cannot be defeated, you two can.� Kane replied as he started towards Robert.

�It�s not over yet, you still haven�t killed us.� Robert said as he swung his sword around in a loop.

�That�s because I haven�t finished having fun yet, the minute I feel like it you two are dead.� Kane replied with a smug grin as he continued to approach Robert.

�You made your mistake.� Robert said with a grin.

�I have made no mistake except wasting my time on such inferior warriors.�

Kane responded.

�Then why are you about to die?� Robert said as he used the extreme strength that lay in his long legs and leapt over Kane, slashing Kane�s forehead as he leapt over spilling blood over Kane�s eyes that blinded him, he landed next to Jon. Robert and Jon retrieved their UMP .45�s and slid home fresh magazines and fired. Both magazines emptied as the bullets ripped through Kane�s body, tearing it open, shell casings fell to the floor, the magazines drew empty, but Robert and Jon did not stop. They withdrew their shotguns and fired slug after slug draining their magazines dry, dropping their shotguns. Robert and Jon withdrew the last weapons of their arsenals, their P14-45�s, and emptied their clips, firing round after round into Kane, who slumped over.

�Not so tough now are you fuckhead, a load of lead sure changes a man.� Jon said kicking Kane�s bloody form.

�You two don�t get it, I am indestructible!� Kane yelled as the grabbed Jon�s leg and broke it, Kane leapt to his feet and attacked with a roundhouse kick that smashed Jon to the floor.

Robert kicked out with all his might, his foot came down on Kane�s femur, snapping it like a twig, he grinned at the satisfaction of bringing down Kane as he collapsed on the broken leg.

�You made a mistake Kane, you thought because you didn�t burn that you would be able to defeat us without risking yourself, but you forgot one thing, if we push you long and hard enough, it works just like a healing depletion from a burn, slower, but it works.� Robert said as he smashed Kane in the face with a fist.

�I can still kill both of you before that ever happens.� Kane said deflecting Robert�s next blow and smashing him back with a meaty thunk as it smashed his head around.

�You�re sure as hell taking your time doing it though.� Jon said as he rose and smashed Kane with a kick in the small of his back, knocking him down.

�I was just toying with you two, now it ends.� Kane said as he planted both hands on the ground, kicked out with both feet and sent Jon flying to the other side of the warehouse. Getting to his feet, Kane grabbed Robert�s arm as he swung for his next attack, lifted him up, and swung him flying into Jon�s recovering form.

�We�re pushing ourselves too much, the last week is catching up on us, we�ll burn out before he does, he�s too fucking good at kicking our asses.� Jon said as they pulled themselves back up.

�I know, go, now.� Robert said as he struggled to his feet, his injuries healing at a slower ate.

�I�m not going anywhere until you come along, you�re not dieing as a martyr for any cause.� Jon replied as he pulled himself up.

�I don�t have anything left, you can protect the X5, I�ll tie him up while the bomb detonates.� Robert said grimly.

�No fucking way in hell, I�m not losing my best friend and my ride in one goddamn day.� Jon snapped at him.

�I didn�t say I was giving you a choice, just take care of Andrea for me, she deserves it, even though we didn�t part on the best of terms, I owe this to her.� Robert said as he pushed him away.

�You�re not leaving her high and dry because you feel noble about sacrificing yourself, I can�t do the mission on my own, don�t do this!� Jon snapped at him.

�I said I wasn�t giving you a choice.� Robert said as he activated the detonator on his watch for a sixty-second countdown.

�You�re leaving, now.� Robert said as he picked Jon up and hurled him with all his strength out a high window in the warehouse, Jon fell down on the hard pavement and fought to get back up.

�It�s just you and me now, let�s rock.� Robert said as he charged Kane, Kane swung and knocked Robert down, but Robert leapt to his feet and swept Kane�s legs out from under him.

Thirty-five seconds Robert thought as he tried to smash Kane down again, but Kane moved in a blur and smashed him in his rib cage and face, cracking ribs and breaking his nose. My system�s taking too much already, can�t hold! Robert thought as Kane kicked him hard and smashed him down.

�You�re losing, you shouldn�t have sent your partner away.� Kane said as he pulled Robert to his feet only to smash him across the face, Robert slumped to the floor again.

�You�re dead too.� Robert said as he kicked out with his own legs and smashed Kane down. Fifteen seconds got to slow him down some more! Robert thought as Kane grabbed one of Robert�s legs and swung him into a wall, leaving a deep impression from Robert�s own form.

�What are you talking about?� Kane said puzzled.

�A ten-kilo charge of C4 explosives is in that SUV, we�re both dead men.� Robert replied as he pushed out and knocked Kane down.

�I can still escape, you will die.� Kane said as he shoved Robert into a far wall, and broke for the door.

�Not so fast, we go together.� Robert said as he picked up his fallen sword and threw it with all his might into Kane�s leg, slicing through thick muscle and tendons, and pinning the leg to a large metal crate. Robert knew Kane would break away, so he pulled out two long knives and threw them at Kane, both sliced deep into his other leg and pinned it to the metal crate as well, knowing all he needed to do was buy a few more seconds.

*********

Blast, I can�t believe Robert did that, you made the ultimate sacrifice my friend, trading your life for the mission, just because you fucked up with Andrea and thought it was all your fault.

 Jon thought as he saw the warehouse go up in a fiery explosion that tore it apart, he sniffed the air, but all he got was burnt flesh and burning rubble, no scent of Robert, or Kane.

�Time to dole out the bad news.� Jon said as he walked away, knowing that if he tried to search the rubble for Robert�s remains, a cadre of policemen and soldiers would find him, and he did not want to be found at this point, he was all the X5�s had left as a protector. You may have found your peace in death you son of a bitch, but all you did was run from your problems. You�ve left Andrea, she may toast your death, or it could devastate her, I can�t believe you decided that when it came down to it, you fucked it up because of your death grip on your old life. Jon thought as he continued to walk until he found suitable transportation, a Black Lincoln Navigator that was left unattended. Jon knew a lot about cars, including how to jack even the most sophisticated ones with all their anti-theft equipment. After working for a minute or two, he disabled the car�s security, got in, and drove back to the cabin where Max, Logan and Andrea were holed up.

**********

That worked, now only if this didn�t hurt so fucking much. Robert thought as he pulled himself from the rubble, at the last minute he had shielded himself behind some metal crates and smashed down the wall in front of him, but the blast had been powerful enough to wipe out everything there, he was badly wounded. My healing has been pushed too far and too long, I�m barely regenerating, I�m never going to make it. Robert thought as he struggled and slumped against an alley wall. A dozen wounds in his chest were evident, cuts and scrapes were everywhere, shrapnel from the blast was embedded in his legs, his arms were weary, he was approaching the end of his life and he knew it. I tried to die, I wanted it to be over, no more pain, but that damn mission clicked inside of my head, and I forced myself out, now I get to die a slow humiliating death. Robert thought as he pulled himself along, hoping to find somewhere half-decent to die.

*********

�He�s dead, they�re both dead, I hope you�re fucking happy, he died making sure you would live.� Jon snapped at Andrea as he walked in, he still had some wounds that were binding, but he focused the pain away and concentrated on what was happening.

�Robert�s dead? How?� Max asked shocked that Robert had finally died.

�We were wearing down the TX5, or Kane as he called himself, but we were wearing down faster, the last week has been hard on our systems and our healing abilities were dwindling, we needed to rest, but we didn�t stop. Robert knew Kane would beat us before he was even close to losing, so he threw me out of there and detonated the bomb, neither of them survived.� Jon said recounting the tale of how he and Robert had defeated their ultimate opponent, but Robert had sacrificed himself doing it.

�Serves the son of a bitch right.� Andrea mumbled, but Jon picked it up.

�Shut the fucking hell up, before he died he asked me to make sure you were taken care of, but I don�t think I should give you time of the day, he sacrificed his life making sure you lived.� Jon yelled at her, his eyes were blazing.

�So why should I care, all he did was look for some easy sex from me.� Andrea replied hatefully.

�I�m not even going to fucking debate this with you, you can deny it all you like, but you two loved each other and you both fucked it up, the minute you drop dead the two of you will spend eternity hating each other. I know what Robert felt, it was love, he made his mistakes in all of this, but so did you.� Jon snapped back glaring at her.

�What mistakes, I tried to help him and all he did was push me away.� Andrea snapped.

�You pushed him, you pushed an ex Delta Force operative that was extremely violent several times, he wasn�t ready, you acted to hastily figuring you could fix it all.� Jon replied through gritted teeth.

�I was just being stupid figuring it could work.� Andrea replied.

�No, you fell in love with him, I can detect the pheromones you two released about each other, you just thought that you could just mold him into a man he hasn't been for over twenty years in a few days, he needed time to stabilize himself first.� Jon said shutting her up as she continued.

�So what, he could have told me that he needed time.� Andrea replied as Jon sat down across from her, his body tense.

�He was too arrogant that he could hold himself under control and become his old self in such a short period of time, all you did was reinforce that arrogance.� Jon said cutting off her argument.

�I don�t give a flying fuck about what you say, that son of a bitch toyed with my emotions and now he is dead, end of story.� Andrea snapped.

�Deny all you like, but I know you hurt about this more than you�re letting on, but let�s go back to the city, Logan has some work to do.� Jon replied nodding to Logan.

�What work?� Logan asked surprised.

�You�re going to use an Eyes Only hack and give Robert a coast-to-coast memorial service, he deserves such for his services both for his country and the protection of X5.� Jon answered.

�Are you insane? Announcing that Eyes Only knows stuff about Manticore is not a wise idea, Logan doesn�t need any more enemies!� Max yelled out.

�You�ll do it, he sacrificed his fucking life and he�s had no recognition for his actions to save the X5�s, either you do this or I do it for you.� Jon snapped.

�I will, I owe it to Robert for all he�s done for Max and I over the past while, when do we do it?� Logan asked.

�Right now, the sooner the better, I want the country to know what Manticore does to good men.� Jon answered as he got up.

�Then let�s do it.� Max said as she, Logan and Andrea got up.

�I don�t see why you should even bother, if we find his body we should just toss it in a fucking ditch.� Andrea commented, Jon turned around, grabbed her neck, and hauled her up against the wall, her fingers grasping his strong arm.

�Listen to me, you can dump on Robert all you want about it being his fault you to broke off, that�s fine by me. But that man deserves a fucking military burial with full honours for risking his life to save you kids time and again with absolutely no thanks, he served his country well while in the military, he sacrificed his life to save yours, shut the fuck up.� Jon said as he let go of her and she slid to the floor, Andrea coughed once, than got back up.

He wants to see his friend die with a good face on, can�t say I blame him. Logan thought as he imagined what Jon felt about losing someone who was practically his brother, Jon had lost his best friend, can�t blame him for being pissed Logan thought as they left the cabin.

**********

�You alright man?� A kid, about ten years old, asked Robert as Robert staggered through the alley using the wall as support.

�Just got beat up a bit, I�ll be fine.� Robert replied as he winced with pain as his body fought to keep him alive.

�Should I get some help?� the boy asked.

�No, I just need to get home, run along.� Robert snapped at the kid as he kept moving slowly as his body seized from his wounds, which were binding slowly, too slowly for him to live.

�You look pretty bad, sure I shouldn�t call an ambulance or something?� The kid asked curiously.

�I�ll survive kid, go home, all I bring around most places is trouble, the guys who did this to me may come back, if they can do this to me, you don�t want to think what they might do to you.� Robert replied as he made it to the end of the alley.

The kid ran away scared, Robert grinned weakly and held up a hand to raise a taxi, one pulled over, he handed a fistful of bills to the driver, and said to just get him to Fogle towers.

*********

�This is a streaming freedom video bulletin, it cannot be traced, it cannot be stopped, this cable hack is being beamed across the country and will tell the tale of a man who sacrificed his life.� Logan said into the video monitor as he initiated his cable hack.

�Robert Rice was an accomplished soldier and statesmen, he defended his country with pride for eight years in the army, and was selected to become a member of Delta Force for his actions. During one of his missions he suffered a crippling spinal injury that paralysed him below the waist, a government agency known as Manticore offered to cure him, but abused his trust. He was treated like a lab rat as they experimented on him, modifying his genes, trying to make him a superior warrior, they were successful, but Robert resented this. He vowed vengeance against Manticore, it became all-consuming task for him, he dedicated his life to destroying Manticore and the evils it represented, they tried to kill him more than once, but their prot�g� was outwitting them. They came up with a new soldier, Robert was protecting another Manticore project that escaped the clandestine lab, Robert sacrificed his life defending the group known as X5 from this soldier, but gave his life in the process.� Logan said, he paused, and Jon nodded to him.

�The evil that killed Robert and made him in the end a killing machine after being pushed so far and so hard, a man named Donald Lydecker perpetrated. He is the head of Manticore, he creates project after project of genetically modified humans altered to be warriors, he ordered this man�s death, this cannot be allowed to continue, do not allow Manticore to live, this has been a streaming freedom video bulletin via the Eyes Only informant.� Logan finished and cancelled the hack.

�It�s done, now can I leave, I have to purge that fuck�s memory out of my mind with some alcohol.� Andrea said as she turned away.

�Not yet, we still have Robert�s last will and testament to see, and I want to see what he has to say.� Jon said as he pulled out the DVD Robert had recorded in the event that he should die.

�I can�t stand to see his face once more, let me know if that asshole left me anything later.� Andrea shot back.

�You will watch it, we all will, give him that much, he saved your life four times now, give him a chance to say goodbye.� Jon said grabbing her arm.

�Let go!� Andrea yelled.

�Not until you sit down and watch this.� Jon replied as he took a step to block her path out of the apartment.

�Fine, but I�m out of here the minute this is over, out of Seattle, I don�t ever want to deal with anything related to Robert ever again.� Andrea said as she slumped down into a chair in front of the TV. Logan loaded the DVD into the player and selected Robert�s last will and testament from the menu.

Robert appeared on the screen, he was sitting on his bed, leaning back partially, a bottle of whiskey next to him.

�If you�re watching this, I must be dead, otherwise I would tell you in person what I was leaving you. I guess Manticore finally developed a soldier that could kill me, or I finally developed a cock-up in my genetic code, guess perfect health doesn�t last forever or I wouldn�t be recording this.� Robert paused and drank some of the whiskey, and then continued.

�I once heard that death smiles at us all, all we can do is smile back, I guess I shot death the finger one time too many. For a funeral I request a simple soldier�s burial, but I also want an Eyes Only broadcast about this, the world must know about Manticore, I can�t abide Manticore staying quiet, I know if I died it is because of Manticore. I guess I should get on with things though, there's no point in slowing it down any more, so here�s my will as things go. The numbers flashing below are a numbered Swiss bank account and key code, in there you will find forty million in British Pounds.� Robert said as two pairs of numbers flashed on the screen.

�This money was gathered for a long time, every time I shut down a drug operation, any money I could grab was put here, I�ve been building it up for some time. I really don�t have much else to offer, I imagine my cycle is long gone, my sword was probably destroyed, I imagine all my equipment is gone too, but if any of that stuff is left, you�re free to divvy it up amongst yourselves.� Robert said as he took another sip of whiskey on the video screen.

*********

Guess they thought I was dead, can�t blame them though, that explosion has kind of killed me, it�s just taking a while to get here. Robert thought as he heard his will being played out in Logan�s apartment, his advanced hearing picking up the monologue. No point in bothering them with my presence, I guess staying dead would be best for all concerns, I�ll just fuck up again if I see and talk to them. Robert thought as he staggered back to the elevator.

********

�Jon, you�ve been my best friend for over twenty-five years, you�ve been a good friend throughout that time, we�ve had our share of good and hard times, but the last few years leaned on the latter. I can�t imagine how I would have managed to get through my life without you as a friend, I know I hung on borderline a lot, but imagine what could have resulted had I not had a friend like you to keep me in line. I know we just got fighting about me hanging onto my past again, but I hope you can put that behind you, it�s all up to you now my old friend, protect X5.� Robert said on the video screen as he ran his hands through his short hair.

�I owe Logan and Max a great debt as well, you allowed me a chance to help stop Manticore from ending my mission, the alliance was short lived, but the results were well worth the effort.� Robert continued as he leaned back on the bed again.

�The rest of this message is for Andrea alone, and I would appreciate it if the rest of you would vacate the room, you have sixty seconds.� Robert said rather blankly.

�We�ll leave you, just watch it, give him this as a last favour.� Jon said as he, Max, and Logan got up.

�I�ll still use this damn DVD for kindling later.� Andrea said bitterly as the video resumed.

�I know my fucking with your emotions has been unforgivable, even maniacal, but hear me out now. I love you, I mean that, I�m not just some soldier looking for some tail while on leave, that�s Jon�s style if anything. It is in no way your fault that we broke up, me being a fucking moron was what made it happen, I broke your heart, I clung to my past, I made you feel unwanted, you deserve far better than I can ever give. You thought it could work, I thought it could too, but this is the real world, reality just ripped us apart because I couldn�t change who I was. I imagine that if you�re seeing this, and I died fighting Manticore, I died trying to save your life, just remember that. I can�t offer you comfort from beyond the grave, but I do promise you that I will love you always in eternity. But realistically, find someone new, find someone who can love you and take care of you, be with you always, find the man you really need and don�t look back even if I miraculously survive my death and come back.� Robert said finishing up his speech to Andrea as the video feed shut off.

So what if he loves me, loved me, he�s dead now and told me himself that I should forget about him, guess that settles that, this was before Jon beat the shit out of him about me, but he probably just said that to make Jon stop. But why would he take it so long before he fed out BS to Jon? Just stop thinking about it, he�s dead, it�s over. Andrea thought as she got up and walked out of the apartment, not even stopping to talk to Max, Logan or Jon about the money or Robert�s last words.

�Reports of my death �were greatly �exaggerated, to quote Mark Twain, or perhaps �not.� Robert said as he leaned against the side of the elevator, and then collapsed in front of Andrea.

�Shit, everyone get over here!� Andrea screamed as she looked at Robert�s bloodied and unconscious form.

�Holy shit, I knew Robert was too tough to take down, but to humour him let�s get him someplace comfortable.� Jon said as he burst over and was not amazed at all that Robert had managed to find some way to survive the bomb.

�He�s still got a pulse, but it�s a bit faint.� Max said as she checked Robert�s wrist.

�Then let�s get him somewhere else.� Jon said as he picked up Robert�s collapsed form and carried him into Logan�s workout room, and set him down on the PT bench.

�Fuck he looks like a train wreck, I can�t even see where blood is coming from.� Jon said as he removed Robert�s bloodied bullet jacket.

�Why is he taking so long to heal?� Max asked wondering why Robert�s wounds hadn�t closed with Robert leaping back on his feet in the usual manner.

�He pushed himself far too hard over the past couple of weeks, its burning out his system all this constant damage, his system can barely keep him alive, he needs time for his body to regenerate the healing process.� Jon explained as he tore off what was left of Robert�s shirt and underneath were fourteen wounds, each very bloody and two of them very large.

�How are we supposed to help him, this kind of goes beyond my first aid experience, and a hospital would just be worse, there would be red flags all over the place once they took a blood test.� Logan asked as Jon checked each of the wounds for shrapnel.

�Let�s just patch him up as best we can and see how he does, his body managed to consume the shrapnel and other things that got stuck in him, let�s just hope it can keep him going.� Jon said as he started to stitch up Robert�s wounds.

�That�s a matter of opinion.� Andrea mumbled.

�That�s nice, a man is on his death bed and all you can say is good riddance, man you�d be a fucking riot working the cancer wards.� Jon snapped at Andrea with fury in his eyes and expression. How dare you dump on the man that saved your life so many times and is my best friend!

�I don�t see why I should care whether or not he lives or dies, it�s over between us, and I don�t give a shit.� Andrea replied, her face remaining blank, but her body was tensing up.

�He�s going to die without help, my blood would do nothing for him because my system is just as strained as Robert�s is, we just have to patch him up as best we can and wait for his system to bring itself back.� Jon said as finished applying a dressing to a nasty shrapnel wound.

�How long could it take for his system to recover, hours, days, weeks?� Logan asked as he passed Jon more bandaging for Robert�s tattered form.

�It could take as long as two weeks, we�ve never been injured and in a state like this before, with his wounds, his body is fighting to keep itself alive, his body will gain regenerative capacities slowly at best.� Jon said as he stitched up a large tear over Robert�s rib cage.

�While Lydecker comes up with a new TX5, we�re screwed, you two nearly died stopping that thing.� Max said imagining an army of TX5�s emerging from Manticore, destroying anything in their path.

�It won�t happen again, Lydecker has lost four of his best creations trying to stop us, that committee that oversees the Deckster is going to be curious about what is going on. Lydecker is going to have a considerable drop-off in funds for failing to handle his own projects, or he may even be replaced.� Jon responded as he patched another of the shrapnel wounds on Robert�s chest.

�Even if, if Robert fails to pull through then it�s up to you, if Lydecker dispatches enough men we�ve lost you too, we�re out of protectors, they�ll catch up to us sooner or later.� Max commented.

�Robert isn�t going to die, he�s too tough for that, just give him time to heal.� Jon said as he covered another of Robert�s wounds, but Robert�s tattooed right arm caught Jon�s.

�Too late this time my friend, too much damage, not enough time, but just fucking bag Lydecker�s ass for me, that fuck has it coming.� Robert croaked out weakly, somewhat coming out of his unconscious state.

�You�re not dying, your body will save you we both know it always does.� Jon replied as he pulled away Robert�s arm.

�I lose this time, the wounds win, just forget it, and give me your damn gun, let me end it fast.� Robert croaked out as he grabbed Jon�s arm.

�You�re not going to die, your body is recovering.� Jon snapped at him and threw off Robert�s hand.

�I�m just dying slowly, my body is acting like a life support machine and just let me fucking end this, give me your fucking gun now.� Robert said groaning as a new wave of pain hit him, making him convulse a bit.

�You never lost a war to live since you were changed at Manticore, don�t tell me you�re going suicidal now.� Jon said as he finished patching Robert�s chest wounds.

�I am dying, nothing can save me, just let me go out without a slow humiliating death, let me die, give me a fucking gun.� Robert said reaching for an FN Five-seveN that was stuck in the back of his shredded bullet jacket that lay on the floor.

�You�re not doing that, take a nap.� Jon said as he slammed a tranquilliser needle into the exposed veins on Robert�s right arm.

�Quit fucking doing that while I�m �down jackass.� Robert said as he fell back into sleep.

�He�s going to hate you when he wakes up you realise.� Logan mentioned as Jon pulled off what was left of Robert�s cargo pants and started tending the various wounds that had ripped through his legs.

�I don�t give a damn, because he�s going to be too damn sore and weak when he does wake up to even try attacking me, just make sure he doesn�t get any sharp objects in hand when he does.� Jon said as he stitched up another wound.

�He must know there�s a chance that he�ll pull through, why is he so intent on dying?� Max asked, wondering why one of the two most powerful men alive was so convinced of his own demise.

�He sees an image in his mind of nothing to live for, the pain makes him feel like he is dying, he can�t discern the possibilities, he sees an empty existence, suicide seems like an easy option.� Jon explained as he finished patching Robert�s leg wounds up, blood was splashed all over Robert�s body, but as far as Jon could tell Robert�s body could still reproduce blood at a high rate.

�What�s the short-term prognosis, does he have a chance in hell of surviving the night?� Logan asked looking at Robert�s battered body.

�It will take several days to see if his wounds are winning the war or his healing abilities, I suggest we let him alone, he needs to regenerate himself.� Jon said as he picked up Robert�s two-meter broken body and brought it into the guest bedroom and set it down on the bed.

�Is there anything we can do for him besides patch his wounds together?� Logan asked, wondering if there was anything else they could do.

�Not really, just make sure he doesn�t try and end his life himself, let him rest, but keep one eye on the door at all times, is there anything he could slash himself with or any hidden guns?� Jon responded looking around the room.

�No, I try and keep weapons in only a couple of places, and I don�t leave sharp objects lying around, he�ll be safe from suicide.� Logan replied.

�Good, remember the minute he wakes up he�s going to try and find a weapon, and he can smell them, put all your guns where you can get to them in three seconds, he�s suicidal.� Jon remarked as they left Robert to rest, or die slowly.

�I don�t see how any of this involves me, he decides to blast his ass off with a gun, that isn't my problem, I�m leaving.� Andrea said turning to the door.

�How nice, the man who nearly gave his life because he loved you is on his death bed, you must be the life of a Manticore party.� Jon commented as she walked off.

�I am fucking tired of that piece of shit jerking my chain around for some easy sex, I�ll see him in hell.� Andrea replied as she stormed out of the apartment.

�Fuck I didn�t think it was that much of a split between those two, how the hell do we get them to reconnect without it being in the afterlife?� Jon asked as he ran a hand through his hair.

�You can detect pheromones, what did those two release when they saw each other?� Max asked.

�Andrea was shocked, I thought I sensed relief and hope, but it came apart rather quickly, she reeled it all in fast, Robert was expending hope, but all I pick up now is suicidal urges.� Jon responded as he took another whiff of fleeting pheromones.

�So how do we go about this, is there any way Max and I can return the favour of Robert pushing us together, or is it too late?� Logan asked, wondering when he gets to settle his account with Robert for preserving the life of his beloved over the past while.

�We�ll have to act fast, Max, do you think you can work on Andrea a bit?� Jon asked looking at Max who was absently twirling a dark curl of her hair on her finger.

�I think so, but can you two work on Robert?� Max asked back staring at Jon and Logan.

�Leave that to us, just make sure your sister doesn�t leave, those two need each other, whether they realise it or not.� Jon replied as he paced back and forth through the living room.

�What makes you think they won�t land at each other�s throats the minute we leave them alone?� Max asked.

�I know Robert, if we set this up it can work, it would have worked when I beat the shit out of him before, but Andrea decided enough was enough, just make sure she doesn�t tell him off, or he will blow his brains out.� Jon answered as he continued to pace.

�That is provided we can even get them together again, or Robert survives.� Logan finished up.

�If he doesn�t survive, he�ll come back from the grave to kick my ass for hitting on Max and Andrea, that man doesn�t die.� Jon responded, taking a deep interest in making sure his friend survived.

�Then let�s do this, I don�t want to see my sister�s heart broken, or Robert�s guts all over the walls.� Max said as she got up from her sitting position on the couch, curled up to Logan.

**********

�So you�re just leaving?� Max asked as she caught up to Andrea on the street outside Logan�s apartment building.

�I don�t have anything here for me, except a dying ex-boyfriend who told me in a message he left that we were wrong for each other.� Andrea replied as she walked along carrying her bag.

�He was saying that out of desperation after the apartment fiasco, he was sure he had lost you, that he couldn�t be the man you wanted. Both of you love each other, a lot, I can tell, it�s just like Logan and I before Robert pushed us, we were spiralling towards a break-up because of our conflicting emotions.� Max said keeping up with Andrea�s ever-increasing pace.

�It�s nothing like you two, Logan was a cyber journalist who believed in protecting the downtrodden, Robert kills people for a living and takes any opportunity he can to fight.� Andrea snapped back.

�Let�s just go into that caf� over there and discuss this, if you aren�t convinced in twenty minutes, you can leave, just hear me out for those twenty minutes.� Max said catching Andrea�s shoulder.

�Twenty minutes, then I�m gone, forever.� Andrea said as she turned with Max towards the caf�.

�Fine, then let�s discuss this before you make the mistake of your goddamn life.� Max said as they walked in and ordered some coffee.

**********

�Don�t try and move, all you�re going to do is rip your wounds back open.� Jon said as Robert opened his eyes and started to lift his right arm to push himself up.

�So what?� Robert remarked as he braced to push himself up as pain wracked through his body, but he pushed it out of his mind.

�You�re going to kill yourself if you keep that up, just lay down and relax.� Jon said coming over and pushing Robert down.

�Your point being?� Robert replied sarcastically as he pushed himself up.

�You�re not leaving Andrea without the man she loves, I told you that before.� Jon said pushing Robert down again.

�She told me to fuck off, my chances are torpedoed and C4ed of getting back together with her.� Robert answered as he yanked Jon�s arm off and pulled himself up a third time.

�You always had a chance with her, you either take this opportunity and go to her this time, and you do the talking, or it is over.� Jon replied.

�If you haven�t noticed I�ve been bombed, my body is repairing at a slow rate, by the time I found her I�d be in a body bag.� Robert shot back as he looked up at Jon.

�You�re getting better, an hour ago you could barely talk without tearing your throat apart, perhaps your system is better off then you thought.� Jon mentioned as he checked several open cuts on Robert�s arm, the wounds were closing quickly.

�I could heal every wound right now, but it doesn�t matter, I can�t have her, she told me to fuck off, that opportunity is dead in the water.� Robert replied as he cursed as another wave of pain ran through his chest.

�Alright, analyse this mission Delta Force boy, you must attract a mate, you�ve found the target, but you don�t know how to win her over, what are your options?� Jon asked as Robert stared back blankly wondering what Jon was talking about.

�What the fuck are you talking about?� Robert asked puzzled at Jon�s statement.

�Since you won�t let go of Delta Force, let�s use your old skills to analyse your situation, how do you acquire the target and complete the objective?� Jon asked his tone changing from normal to a cold tone he rarely used, Robert remembered Jon using it to grill out some people back when they were in the marines.

�I attempt standard operations at first, but if fail attempt corrective measures, terminate the mission. Should the target advance me first, I accept advances while keeping focused on my primary target, should said relations interfere with the objective, terminate the relations and focus on more important directives.� Robert responded, until Jon�s fist made contact with his head and rocked his head about.

�Incorrect, should you refuse the target, you will use all means necessary to make amends, should such amends fail, you will terminate, you still haven�t tried hard to put it back together.� Jon said as Robert rubbed his cheek.

�Hey, I�m half-dead here, what right do you have beating up on me?� Robert snapped at Jon.

�You are failing the mission, you must re-establish contact with your target and resume, do not even think of terminating until the objective is met.� Jon replied as his hands knotted into fists.

�So what am I supposed to say? I�m sorry that I�ve broken her heart three times now? That�s not going to work, I can�t make amends for what I�ve done, me saying that I love her and I�m sorry two hundred times won�t make shit-all of a difference.� Robert snapped at Jon as he strained, he felt sensations in his legs, the wounds were binding themselves my system must have just been temporarily shocked by the bomb, I may just live yet. Robert thought as he felt wounds tighten together as the flesh bound itself together the way it was meant to be.

�Andrea has been the one that has been doing all of the work in your relationship, you�ve just been acting like you always do, either drop your past or drop her, your choice.� Jon snapped at Robert, he sniffed the air fear, he�s worried about losing her, good.

�I can�t forget about protecting the X5, or my vow to destroy Manticore, you know that.� Robert replied as he felt a satisfying sensation that his legs were continuing to regenerate themselves.

�I�m not asking you to, just let go of all that black helicopter shit and the rest, it�s what is dragging you down.� Jon responded as he noticed Robert�s minor wounds starting to close his system must have just had shell shock from the bomb, its coming back after all, good.

�It�s keeping me alive, the minute I forget my past, I lose my ability to fight and do what I do.� Robert said as he pushed himself up, his chest felt like someone was stabbing it with an ice pick, but he stayed up.

�I still have my skills intact, and I�m nothing like you when it comes down to it, what�s the problem, running out of excuses?� Jon said mockingly, which brought a fierce glare from Robert.

�I won�t get myself involved with her again, all I�ll do is fuck up big-time, I can�t suppress who I am, a violent self-destructive asshole.� Robert said as he strained again, his body was fighting to restore his torso to its regular form.

�Then why is it that you were ready to give it all up for her after I beat the shit out of you, don�t tell me you forgot about that already.� Jon commented as he stood facing Robert, his expression not changing a fraction either way.

�I was being optimistic, I can�t just face her and give it all up, it�s not that fucking easy.� Robert snapped back.

�You can, all you have to do is find the reason why you hold onto it, is it an excuse for your violent behaviour, or your way of sheltering yourself from an unknown way of life?� Jon asked, keeping the tone of a federal prosecutor in a murder case.

�My fucking problem, is that I don�t know what the fuck to do, this is a totally alien thing to me, all I�ve known for twenty-odd years is fighting, my life never approached comfortable and you know it, I have no fucking idea what to do.� Robert replied, burying his face in his hands.

�Just go to her, or see her the next time she comes by, do what you can, and this will all be over.� Jon mentioned as he lightly patted Robert�s shoulder.

�I guess that�s my only choice.� Robert mumbled.

�Either you hit on her or I will ask her to join Kendra and I in a threesome, she might be open to the idea, the whole get revenge on you thing that woman go through.� Jon said.

�You lay a hand on my girl and I break it, rip it off, then make you eat it.� Robert replied.

�See, you�re already considering Andrea to be with you again, all it takes is a little motivation, just lay off the whole death threat policy, that�s what scares her the most about you.� Jon mentioned.

�I know that, I�m just not sure about this, if I blow an assassination I can try again in a few months, this is a now-or-never job, I�m just worried that I�ll fuck it up and lose her.� Robert said as he ran a hand through his short hair.

�You�re not going to fuck up unless you keep that attitude up, if you two aren�t in a normal relationship by the end of week you�ll wish you were at the epicenter of that bomb blast, cause I�ll beating on your ass all over again.� Jon said reassuringly.

�I guess I would deserve that and a lot more, but I don�t think Andrea is going to come back here, or let me talk to her no matter what I have to say, we didn�t exactly part on good terms.� Robert said, his tone of voice sounding submissive again.

�It�s already been taken care of, Max has decided to settle the account of you hooking her up with Logan, Max is talking to Andrea on your behalf as we speak.� Jon said giving his friend some relief from a fate that would rip him apart internally.

�So this is it, the next few hours could decide how I live the rest of my near-eternal existence?� Robert asked.

�If it�s any conciliation, I envy you on this one, I don�t know what I�ve got going with Kendra, but you�ve got something far better going for you. Provided you don�t manage to patch it up with Andrea, I�m going to ask her out myself, I�m not sure if I have a future with Kendra or what.� Jon commented.

�I don�t think you and Andrea would hit it off.� Robert replied, trying to picture Jon and Andrea dating.

�Can�t blame a guy for trying can you?� Jon replied with his usual smirk.

�I would except that I�m trying to avoid this, if I want to have a chance with that woman.� Robert replied tapping his head, reminding Jon that he was thinking it out.

�You had better take this chance, I�m not going to see you as a remorseless killing machine for another thirteen years, can you do this?� Jon asked staring directly into Robert�s eyes.

�The day I turn down a mission is the day I let you give me advice on sex, I�m going in.� Robert said as he got up, but gripped his chest as he tore open one of his binding wounds with the movement.

�Whoa, take it easy there tough guy.� Jon said as Robert sat back down on the bed.

�I think my healing system is going into slowdown, it stabilized me, but this slowdown is not shell shock, I think Andrea will need to come here, I�m not exactly fit for walking.� Robert remarked as he felt two leg wounds tear back open.

�I can handle that, you just prepare yourself for what you�re going to say, I�ll bring her here, you take care of the rest.� Jon said as he got up to call Max�s pager, hoping Max was doing equally well with Andrea.

***********

�I don�t see why I should even bother, he�s either going to die, or he�s going to survive and go back to snapping necks and blowing shit up, why should I bother?� Andrea asked as soon as they sat down.

�You�re going to tell me what Robert admitted to Jon earlier and what you heard, let�s hear it, I want to know.� Max replied staring Andrea down.

�It doesn�t matter.� Andrea grunted out.

�It concerned you, and from the way you�re dismissing it, I would imagine Robert was getting his ass kicked around until he fessed up a bit about you, he was ready to give it up, but you blew him off.� Max said analysing Andrea�s reaction.

�So what, I don�t need to get fucked with anymore by him than he needs to get shot up, it�s over.� Andrea replied in a hateful tone.

�You really think that you should give it all up now?� Max asked.

�Yes for fuck�s sake! That son of a bitch has done nothing but toy with my emotions, he deserves to die for what he fucking pulled on me three times now.� Andrea snapped, but Max cut her off.

�That man has risked his life to save yours more than once, not always because he wanted you, but just because he knew it was the right thing. He saved you before you two even met, he has saved you five times since then, he has done it three times out of those six efforts because he loved you and was ready to give his life to save your own. He has risked his life to have his chance with you, he has used his past knowledge to save your life, his old way of life is all he knows, you have to understand that you two getting it on a bit and a few I love you�s spoken won�t make him let go of it all, he needs time.� Max said bringing out all Jon had told her, and what she knew of Robert herself.

�I�m going to be nothing but dust when he figures out his life and throws it back in order, the day he lets go of it, that�ll be the day that Lydecker starts handing out toys and candy in the barracks of the X groups.� Andrea replied, her voice furious with emotion.

�Open your eyes, he wants to be with you, you want to be with him, the only thing that will hold you two apart is if you two let it disintegrate, are you going to let that happen?� Max asked staring into Andrea�s eyes, which were smouldering with hatred.

�He started it all, he blew me off three times too many, but I just kept going back for punishment, I learned my lesson, there will never be a fourth, ever.� Andrea replied, her tone or expression not changing, it was hateful, and directed towards Robert.

�You pushed him too hard on it, you can�t expect someone who has only known a cold existence that contains nothing but violence to just put it all away for you, he fell to far to be pulled out that easily.� Max said, knowing she was getting to Andrea, you can�t hide behind a hateful mask forever sis, I know you far too well.

�So what, do I just wait until I�m eighty-something while Robert still passes for someone in his mid-twenties? I have better things to do than wait for him to work through all of his shit!� Andrea replied, why should I wait, all he ever did was push me off. But then why are you even thinking about him? You want him, only problem is that he�s got more skeletons in his closet and bodies in his backyard than he knows what to do with, so he stays a simple soldier, unrelenting, never thinking about anything but killing. You�ve seen a lighter side of him, question is that will that side stay if you take him back?

�He�s more ready than he�ll ever be, he needs someone now to see him through surviving his wounds, someone to love, if you reject him now, I don�t know who he�ll be when he�s back to optimal performance again.� Max replied come on, I know you�re still in love with him, you were never that good at hiding anything back at Manticore, I can tell that you want him.

�You�re working under the assumption that he won�t resume to full military styling after he comes out of it, what makes you think that he won�t throw me off?� Andrea asked, he won�t and you know it, you just want an excuse not to do this.

�Jon reassured me that he can work on Robert, those two go way back, if Jon can�t talk Robert out of a self-destructive existence, then it is over, but I have confidence in dick-for-brains.� Max replied, reassuring her sister that it would wok out.

*Beep*

�Hmm, wonder what Jon wants.� Max said as she got up and went over to the nearby phone.

�What�s up?� Max asked as Jon picked up.

�Robert is quite receptive, and his regeneration is working better, seems his system got a type of shell-shock from the bomb, he�s conscious and he�s healing. His body to fix what it did, his system is at a low regenerative speed, he�s still beat up pretty bad, but isn�t at death�s door, he just needs time to heal up. How is it going with Andrea, or should I just hand Robert my .45 so he can end it?� Jon responded over the phone, delivering news that he was very pleased to report.

�Give me a little more time, but I think we may be able to pull this off yet, those two need each other whether they realise it or not, just make sure Robert can tell Andrea what he needs to tell her if I can get her over there.� Max said as she took a look back at Andrea who was silently sipping her coffee, but unknown to Max she was using her advanced hearing to pick up the conversation. Good to see that he�s not a corpse, but the question is, do I want to fall in love with him again? You felt so safe in his arms, you knew he would never let anything happen to you, but he also broke your heart with his rejections, but you have to give it this last shot, could you live with yourself otherwise? Could you live with yourself if he just lost it again and told you to go away and it was over?

�Lost in thought?� Max asked as she sat back down, Andrea realised she had barely sipped her coffee despite that fact that it was two inches from her lips.

�Just thinking about what you said.� Andrea replied, but she knew Max had caught her in another lie.

�You were listening in on my conversation, did that help you along any?� Max asked staring Andrea right in the eyes.

�I think it did, I�m just worried, what happens if he loses it again? What happens if something happens to me? I don�t even want to think about what might result.� Andrea replied, doing her best not to fall apart.

�Just take the chance, I would never have forgiven myself if I hadn�t taken Robert�s advice on seeing what was going on between Logan and I, you don�t want to blow this either.� Max said reassuringly, guess that balances the account out on romantic frontiers with Robert, but I still owe him a few in the lifesaving department.

�Then let�s do this, I have a feeling I�ll be sorry if I don�t give this the last chance it deserves.� Andrea said as she set down her coffee and Max slapped down a few bills on the table to pay, then the two left the small caf�, heading back to Logan�s penthouse.

************

�I hoped I would never have to sit in one of these damn things again as long as I lived, guess I couldn�t avoid it forever, but it still fucking sucks.� Robert remarked as he pushed himself from the bed into the wheelchair. After he and Jon realised that walking would most likely rip things open, and since his arms were uninjured, Robert would best be suited moving about in a spare wheelchair Logan kept around his apartment.

�Andrea won�t care, this is temporary, not permanent, you just need to remember what to do when you�re alone with her, I nearly let a chair split Max and I up, don�t do the same.� Logan commented as Robert pushed the wheels on the chair, testing out his mobility.

�Max isn�t my type Logan.� Robert replied grinning.

�You know what I meant, don�t let it screw the thing you have with Andrea up is what I mean.� Logan said, cutting Robert off from future comments, and he knew Jon would love to hassle Max about Logan trying to get her into a threesome.

�Jon, before you go off anywhere, catch.� Robert said as he reached into the side pocket of the wheelchair, he withdrew a smashed camera, and tossed it to Jon.

�If I catch another one of those things around during a time like this, you�re going to have a chronic pain below the belt, because every time I see you I�m going to shoot you in the nuts.� Robert said as Jon turned the camera over and then dropped it into a trash bin.

�Just remember to forget all of that when she comes in, otherwise it will all be for naught if you screw this up.� Jon remarked as Robert pushed himself along.

�I know, I know, just clear out of here, I doubt she�s going to feel comfortable if everyone is around to watch it unfold.� Robert said as he wheeled himself to look out the window down to the streets below no wonder Logan likes this place, he can look straight down and see how the downtrodden are doing.

�We know, we�ll be leaving as soon as Max comes back with Andrea, you just do what you need to do, we�ll be long gone.� Logan responded.

�With that being said, I detect the tell-tale scent of our two favourite X5�s, I think it�s time we left you alone, just don�t fuck this up.� Jon said as he patted Robert�s shoulder than nodded to Logan that it was time to leave.

�We�ll leave you two alone.� Logan said to Andrea as he opened the door, he shuffled out with Logan to join Max, and the three rode down the elevator leaving Andrea and Robert alone.

�Since we have some time on our hands, how about I interest you two in a�� Jon started, until he received a rather cold stare from Max.

�Can�t have any fun around here.� Jon mumbled as they rode down to the lobby.

�We�ll see you later, go home and do something, but don�t come back up there until we say you can, I know you far too well.� Max said as they exited the elevator.

�Bunch of conservative whiners, I�m out of here.� Jon commented as he went to the front of the building and took his stolen black Lincoln Navigator and drove off.

�As I recall we haven�t had some time to ourselves in a little while now, what say we go somewhere where we can unwind?� Logan asked Max as he caught a finger under her chin and lifted her head up to face him.

�I can go with that, but as I recall, we have few options of where to go.� Max replied with her usual smile.

�Let�s just go for a walk, maybe we can find someplace to be later, but for now let�s just walk.� Logan answered as he wrapped one arm around her waist and pulled her close.

�That would require us moving.� Max remarked as his hand brought her head up and she looked straight into his clear blue eyes.

�We are moving, somewhat.� Logan said as he dipped his head and kissed her on the lips.

�Easy there, we�ve got time, let�s try that walk first.� Max said as they broke off the kiss.

�And you said I was no fun.� Logan said in a fake pouting expression.

�You�re trying too hard to compensate for all the down time in a wheelchair, let�s just take this a bit slower, we can now.� Max said as she drew a finger across Logan�s right cheek.

�Let�s just hope it stays that way, I�ve had about all I can take of South African death machines and the Manticore gang for a lifetime.� Logan replied as his arm became uncoiled from her waist and they broke off.

�I�ll second that motion, let�s just enjoy this day.� Max said as she and Logan walked out of the building, into what was soon becoming an amazingly good day for the two of them.

**********

�Robert? Are you here?� Andrea asked as she crept into the apartment, wondering where he was.

�Right here, turn around.� Robert said as he came up behind Andrea.

�Whoa, that�s new.� Andrea said as she turned around and saw Robert wheeling up to her in a wheelchair, he was looking quite uncomfortable sitting in it.

�It is, after realising that walking around would pretty much rip open every damn wound in my body, Logan pulled out a wheelchair he kept around so I could at least be somewhat mobile.� Robert said as he pointed at the wheels of his chair.

�You going to be in that thing for awhile, or is the fabled Tracker healing abilities coming back together to get you together?� Andrea asked like you care if this could work out.

�I�m not sure at what rate my body is recovering, but I may be this way for a few days, but I�ve been stuck in one of these things for longer periods than that, I�ll survive.� Robert responded as he tapped the wheels on his chair idly.

�You always find some way to.� Andrea commented as he wheeled towards the living room.

�That�s the trick, not surviving, but how you survive, it can often make a great difference in the rest of your life.� Robert replied as he continued to push himself along.

�You would know.� Andrea commented, but the minute she said it she knew it was a mistake.

�What�s that supposed to mean?� Robert asked wheeling his chair around and staring at her.

�Nothing, I just made an observation.� Andrea replied, hoping to deflect the topic off her mistake.

�I know what I heard, what did you mean by that?� Robert continued, not giving up his interrogative technique on her.

�Absolutely nothing, you�re the one blowing my poor choice of words out of proportion, it�s nothing more than me just saying that you have a talent for surviving most things in your life.� Andrea responded, don�t get hung up on it, if you do all we�re going to do is blow up at each other.

�Most things, not everything, we all have our weaknesses, it�s just that some of us are better at handling them.� Robert said as he wheeled back towards the living room, Andrea crept along slowly following him.

�Does any of it hurt?� Andrea asked as they continued towards the living room.

�Most of it, but physical pain is one thing you can learn to overcome after you�re shot, stabbed, detonated, punched, kicked and generally beaten, its a survival trait. There are other types of pain that never seem to fade, but you can never know if it�s there as a warning, or there as punishment.� Robert replied as he felt a painful sensation over his rib cage.

�You seem to have it under control.� Andrea said as Robert wheeled himself up to the couch, got off the wheelchair and then immediately sat back down.

�Thank the eggheads at Manticore, for making a soldier who can�t be killed.� Robert remarked as Andrea sat down across from him on a nearby chair.

�You seem to be getting along fine with your �adjustments, or are you experiencing some regret?� Andrea asked as she ran a hand through her hair, tucking a lock behind her ear.

�That�s a subject I would not rather discuss, I�m always in the mix about my feelings about them. I would rather discuss why you are here, now, and what brought you hear, I know you just didn�t come over for the view.� Robert said nodding towards the windows.

�I came by to see how you were doing.� Andrea replied, but she knew that Robert�s acute senses would easily pick up on such a transparent lie.

�That is the most transparent lie I have heard in a long time, we didn�t part on good terms the last time I checked, either you�ve had a change of heart or you�re taking pity on me, which one is it?� Robert asked, continuing in a tone and manner that could have been mistaken for him questioning a witness in court.

�What do you want to hear?� Andrea replied.

�What I want to hear is irrelevant, what you want to say to me is the point.� Robert said in a matter-as-fact tone of voice.

�I came back because of you, is that what you wanted to know?� Andrea said.

�That�s what I wanted to hear, but what brought this about, I thought I was a black hole that was dragging you down and you didn�t want to have anything to do with someone like me.� Robert replied, please for the fucking love of fucking god let this be the truth!

�I realised I pushed you a bit hard on coming together, you�ve risked your neck more than once because you fell in love with me, I knew you loved me, I couldn�t forget that, ever.� Andrea said as she shifted in her seat.

�But didn�t I also play you for a fool and toy with your emotions, have you managed to take that into account?� Robert asked are you trying to make her not want you?

�Max told me that if you hadn�t instigated that little push that brought her and Logan together, she would never have forgiven herself for not going for it, she told me I�d look back and regret turning you away one day as well.� Andrea replied quickly. Just face facts you hulking tower of adrenaline the fact is that I want you!

�So after all I�ve put you through, all the misery I inflicted on you, you really want to give me a fourth chance I never had coming to me?� Robert asked for fuck�s sake quit trying to turn her away from you! Do you want to die lonely?

�Do you have a hearing problem? Yes! You�ve earned what I�m giving you, dedicating thirteen years of your life to saving a bunch of kids you barely knew, you�ve risked your life to save mine six times, I know what I want, and that is you.� Andrea yelled at him, her eyes bore right into his, they were filled with emotion.

�Jon told me that I was using the past thirteen years of my existence to justify living alone, not giving a shit about anything but the mission. I have not known love in fifteen years, I have known little else but violence in thirteen years, I know nothing and fear what is coming out now, I just don�t know what I should do with myself anymore. On one hand I have my mission to protect the X5 group at all costs, on the other I have you and a new life that is nothing like my old, I just don�t know which hand will wash the other.� Robert said slowly, choosing his words, making sure he didn�t sound like a complete fool.

�Make a decision, you�ve decided who lives and who dies, why should this be any different?� Andrea said, pushing him towards his decision.

�I�m not sure because I never had to make a decision like this before, I never altered my own life like I am about to do, but I think I know one way out, come here.� Robert said motioning to Andrea to come over to him.

�What?� Andrea asked confused.

�Do you have a hearing problem of your own? Just come here, I want to try something.� Robert said still motioning her over.

�This had better be on the level.� Andrea said as she got up and walked over slowly.

�It is, now just sit down, and look towards me.� Robert said as he moved his legs off the couch and she sat down next to him, she looked towards him, and his eyes sharpened. Just look into her eyes, its not that hard, just do it! Robert thought as he focused only on her eyes, and drew in a deep breath. There is your reason, her eyes tell it all, she wants you, you want her, focus now, let it all flow away, let it be filled by her, don�t let the hate remain. Robert thought to himself as his eyes carefully bore into Andrea�s, letting all the hate and rage he had built up and released only in small doses in his actions flow away like a river.

�What are you doing?� Andrea asked as she lightly tapped his shoulder.
Robert snapped out of it, he had realised he had lost the anger he had been possessed of a minute ago, he was just simply lost in her eyes as he opened his mouth.

�Dumping a lot of shit I should have lost a long time ago, and finding a better use for the space it vacated.� Robert replied as he lightly wrapped one arm around her waist and drew her close.

�So what does this mean for us?� Andrea asked could you sound any more like a dumbass? That man has just dropped a hint even a rock would pick up on.

�It means that I�m washing my hand of all the rage, hatred, and blood that�s plagued it for so many years, I want you, that�s what I made room for.� Robert said as he raised his free hand and lightly caressed her face.

�Hold on there, what makes you so sure I�m taking you back?� Andrea replied holding up a hand.

�This is all I need to know, you can�t hide anything from me.� Robert said tapping his nose.

�Just promise me one thing.� Andrea said as she relaxed into his arms, her head finding comfort in the curve of Robert�s right shoulder, carefully avoiding his wounds.

�You know I�m good on my word, what is it?� Robert asked as he lightly stroked her dark hair.

�Don�t let go, ever.� Andrea replied as her hands travelled lightly across his face, one gently running through his crew-cut hair.

�You know I won�t.� Robert said as both their hands ran across each other�s chests, they both hit each other�s wounds at the exact same time. While Andrea was healing up nicely from the slices on her chest from Kane�s vicious attack, they were still aching, and Robert had taken quite a pounding from the bomb blast. They both laughed at the same time and apologized at the exact same time, drawing more laughter, until they just decided to lie there together, whispering, �I love you� as they slowly drifted off to sleep.

**********

�This is Lydecker.� Lydecker said into his phone as he picked it up.

�Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated to quote Mark Twain.� Robert remarked casually on the other end of the line.

�Don�t bother even trying for a trace, this is a scrambled cell, you can�t find me, and even if you did, what do you have to use against me, your wonder kid is splattered all over a square kilometre.� Robert snapped cutting Lydecker off from a response.

�You know the minute I get another TX5 ready you will be dead.� Lydecker responded, furious that those two meddlesome Trackers were impossible to stop no matter what he used against them.

�I have a message for you Lydecker, pay it careful consideration. The X5 group is to be left alone, you will leave us alone, should you even consider hostile action against us, you will regret it. Manticore is fast coming to an end, your X5�s are useless against me, and a computer virus has just been uploaded to your Tracker/TX5 database, say goodbye to fourteen years of hard research.� Robert said coldly, his hatred for Manticore spilling into his voice.

�We can start again, sooner or later, Manticore will catch up with you two, you can�t live forever.� Lydecker replied, his voice was furious, he was looking at what was happening to the Tracker/TX5 program�s files, one by one, they were being destroyed.

�Wrong, you made us that way, we�ll catch up with Manticore sooner or later and your facility is approaching its expiration date.� Robert said cutting off Lydecker from delivering another threat.

�These kids will to, how long do you think it will take before they start developing a genetic defect that kills them?� Lydecker replied, reminding Robert that X5 isn�t blessed with his healing capabilities.

�You�re not the only one who can cure genetic defaults, there are other labs that can do the work, especially when they can work with Tracker DNA to fix the problems.� Robert said cutting Lydecker off from lecturing him on the vulnerabilities of the X5 group.

�This is simply a message, either let the X5�s go or I�ll let go off the trigger on a H&K PSG-1 that�s aimed at your ugly face, remember this.� Robert said as he hung up on Lydecker.

�I would give my Ninja away to get a look at Lydecker�s expression right now.� Max said as Robert set the phone down and wheeled back from Logan�s computer desk.

�That computer virus out to infuriate Lydecker a bit, nice work there.� Robert said complimenting Logan as Logan logged off his network.

�I figured that it was the least I could do for you saving Max�s life three times.� Logan replied as he shut down his computers.

�One of these days we are going to have to deal with that place you realise.� Jon remarked as he leaned against the wall.

�Of course, but not today, today is a day to relax and forget about all the troubles that have afflicted us for the past while, a day where everyone here can relax and forget that we live in a broken world.� Max declared, staring at the group assembled there.

�I�ll second that motion.� Andrea said who was sitting down in a chair next to Robert.

�This is crazy though.� Logan commented as he stood up.

�What is?� Jon asked as he turned to face Logan.

�If someone had told me that inside of two weeks I would admit my feelings for Max and she would admit that she shared the same feelings for me, I would have laughed. If someone had told me that two men that are capable of surviving multiple bullet wounds and explosions would save all our lives, I�d tell them they read too much science fiction. If someone had told me that I would be walking again, I would have told them to quit fucking around with me on that issue. Then finally had that same person told me that another of Max�s siblings would also appear, and the five of us would unite to create E5, I would tell them that they should check into a mental hospital.� Logan said, telling a tale that would seem impossible, but in fact it had all played out, and everyone there realised it would sound absurd if any of them had been told that story.

�It is quite remarkable, but let�s get off the facts of what we do for a living, and get into the pure enjoyment that we find in our personal lives, I�m sure we all have plans on how to spend the rest of our day.� Jon remarked as he stretched and felt several of his joints pop back into place as he did. As Robert, Jon and Andrea left the apartment, Logan started another computer program, smiling to himself at what it would result in.

**********

�Hey Jon, going already?� Robert asked as Jon walked towards his black Lincoln Navigator, loading his arsenal into it.

�I have to take care of some things of my own, I�ll be back soon enough.� Jon replied as he loaded it up.

�You�ve been a good friend through all of this, I don�t know what I would have done without you for this past while.� Robert said as Jon loaded up some more equipment.

�Don�t tell me you�re going to get all sappy on me, I don�t need that stuff, I have an image to maintain.� Jon remarked as he checked a case, and then put it in his SUV.

�I�m just thanking you for your help in doing the mission, and helping me get off the mission and into a thing with Andrea.� Robert replied matter-as-fact.

�So what was the likely scenario had I not shown up?� Jon asked wondering what Robert would have done. Even though I knew how things would precede, I saw Andrea, I knew she was what Robert needed, I knew she would be caught, I just made sure Robert would be in place to intercept her capture.

�Bleak, very very bleak, let�s not think about it, the loss of Andrea alone is turning my stomach.� Robert said as he wheeled up to Jon as he shut the back of his SUV.

�I trust you are going to remember that you owe me one for putting you and Andrea together?� Jon asked looking at Robert.

�I will, but whatever you need to take care of, just take of yourself out there, Lydecker still has his hit squads romping around the country.� Robert replied as Jon went up to face Robert.

�The day they can my ass is the day you are called shorty, just take care of yourself too, you�re still a bit sore there.� Jon said pointing to a bandaged wound over his forehead.

�Nothing I can�t handle, it�s been a good thing having you around my friend, I�ll see you around.� Robert said as his right arm grabbed Jon and pulled him down into a backslapping bear hug.

�Am I interrupting a male bonding ritual or something?� Andrea said as she walked in on the two.

�If you ever wonder about why you exist, think of her, and all your doubts will start to clear up.� Jon said as he and Robert broke off.

�Max asked me to deliver a message, if you bang anyone other than Kendra while you�re on the road, she�s going to make you a soprano.� Andrea said as Jon got into his SUV.

�That sounds like her, see you around guys, and Andrea, should you get tired of waiting for Robert to get out of the chair, I�m around 24/7 for some good sex.� Jon said smirking as he started the SUV and drove off.

�He�ll be back.� Robert said as he turned his wheelchair around and started wheeling away as Andrea walked with him, they both shared a smile, knowing that they would find plenty of things to do while Jon was away.

Keep it together Rob, I can�t cover your as 24/7, I have to cover Kendra�s ass a lot more. Jon thought to himself as he drove off.

*********

�Dinner was wonderful, as usual, I don�t know how you do it.� Max said as she finished the last bite of her dinner, Logan had performed another of his culinary miracles and fed her a delicious filet mignon.

�Call it a gift.� Logan replied as he finished his dinner and wiped away small bits of food out of his stubble with his napkin.

�I�d call it divine intervention, you wouldn�t believe what passes for food in my old place.� Max remarked as she drank from her glass of wine, Logan had pulled out all the stops and acquired a pre-pulse bottle of what was proving to be very delicious wine.

�Which reminds me, there is one more surprise I have for you tonight, go turn on the TV, and select channel forty-seven, and wait.� Logan said as he got up from the table and went towards his den.

�What�s the surprise?� Max asked curiously.

�You�ll see soon enough.� Logan replied with a sly smile.

�Alright then, let�s see this great big surprise.� Max said as she walked over and sat down in front of the TV, turned it on and selected the channel Logan had selected.

�This is a streaming freedom video bulletin, this cable hack is being beamed to this apartment and this apartment only, and is directed to Max Guevara by the Eyes Only informant. Max you are the most amazing, beautiful, funny and intelligent woman I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, you are the reason I have removed myself from my obsession of Eyes Only. I don�t know what my life would be like if I had never caught you trying to toss to apartment. I have only one question left to ask you however, and your answer will decide the fate of two people and how their lives will go on for the rest of their existence.� Logan�s voice echoed as the familiar banner of the Eyes Only cable hack displayed across the screen.

�Logan Cale, if you�re suggesting what I think you are�� Max said getting up and turning around, only to find that Logan was right behind her, kneeling on one knee with a smile on his face that he knew she melted with.

**********

I couldn�t believe Logan proposed the way he did that night, using the thing that he used for so long to stay distant from others, to propose to me. I couldn�t have exactly said no, it would have crushed both of us, I said yes as he flashed a high-priced diamond in front of me that could have been seen from a space shuttle with it�s glitter. I guess things have worked out pretty well for the two of us, we found each other, we found out that a human/X5 combination of genetics would be fine if we used a small gene sequence that fixed a few problems, thank god for Robert�s connection to that high-tech gene lab. Good thing we checked that out, I was terrified that if I went into heat and we did it unprotected, we�d have some freakish child that would have a lion�s head and a fin on it�s back, and die in the womb. Logan and I have agreed to hold off on kids until I get the rest of my body fixed up, we�re both worried that if I were to suffer a seizure, it would kill our child. I managed to drag Logan up here after all, after I threatened to put him back in the chair if he didn�t come up with me on the space needle, he was petrified at first, even with the safety line I put on him. It�s so much more peaceful and comfortable with Logan up here with me, the views better than ever before.

 Max thought as she half-sat, half-lay on the top of the space needle with Logan�s arms wrapped around her from behind, his breathing still a bit rapid from being up there, but he was getting better since this was his fourth visit. Max leaned back a bit and let her head rest on Logan�s shoulder as he gently stroked her dark hair as she thought about what�s been going on ever since Robert leapt down from that building and kicked the ass of the Red�s that were after her.

Robert�s been doing pretty damn good as well, he was up and about three days after the bomb, about two days after that he was in his usual perfect form. Andrea was pretty comfortable with him as well, those two were just as bad as Logan and I were when it came to wanting each other, I hope they�re doing all right. I remember about two weeks ago when the two took off on Robert�s new Harley-Davidson Buell X1 to that genetics lab that Robert had connections with. Apparently the lab had some new ideas on how to help combat the seizures and any other potential genetics mishaps, and the two decided that they needed a vacation, after all that�s been going on around here. I wasn�t any more happier for those two when Logan and I crept back into the apartment and those two were just holding each other, relaxed in the comfort that they had in each other. Robert�s gotten pretty good in his usual manner and disposition since then, he�s more like Jon if you count out the sex obsession. Ah yes, Jon, who could forget that sex-crazed tower of adrenaline? He did pretty good, got Robert to come out of what was consuming him, got the two back together, and amazingly he and Kendra are hanging in there together, those two actually went out for dinner instead of just skipping to banging the gong last night. Max thought to herself as she thought about her sister and their super-human protectors who were the equivalent of tanks when it came to soaking up punishment.

�What are you thinking about?� Logan whispered into her ear.

�Just what�s been going on, you were right when you said if someone told us what was to come a month ago, we would have laughed in their faces.� Max replied simply as Logan�s fingers danced across her body, easily manipulating the nerves beneath her cat suit.

�I can�t believe one bit of what�s been going on either, the question is, if this kind of crazy shit can happen inside of a month, what the hell is going to happen inside of a year?� Logan asked as he gently ran his fingers across Max�s stomach.

�Let�s not worry about that until it gets to that point, we have nothing to do right now, after all the mayhem that we�ve managed to generate, criminals are running scared, and the officials are cutting down on the corruption, they�re scared shitless.� Max replied as she her head around kissed Logan.

�There�s always someone foolhardy enough to try and take advantage of the people of Seattle, but we�ll be there to stop them, always.� Logan replied as he pulled her head closer and returned the kiss.

�You can be assured of that, provided you keep feeding me.� Max replied pressing a finger to his lips.

�Do I ever get off of K.P. duty in this relationship or what?� Logan said looking up at the sky vexingly.

�Not until you can�t cook anymore.� Max replied tapping his chest.

�Why can�t you cook for once?� Logan asked as his fingers played with the silky curls of Max�s hair.

�Because beyond boiling the water for your fabulous pasta tricole I�m not that much use. I can calculate the velocity of that scrap of metal that just fell of the Space needle just by looking at it, can rattle of a complete history of gene sequencing research, but don�t look to me for help in that department. I don�t see why we need two cooks anyways, you�re all we need.� Max said as she nodded to a small scrap that had just fallen off the Space Needle where they were perched.

�What happens should I fall ill?� Logan replied.

�Perish the thought, I don�t think I could go back to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Kraft dinner, by the way, have you been feeding me all that food so you could fatten me up to make sure I never ran away?� Max asked as she gazed back into Logan�s eyes.

��Maybe.� Logan said with a smile.

�All you need to do is feed me and keep on doing those wild things you do with your hands, you know I would never leave you.� Max said as her hands travelled up Logan�s body and encircled his neck.

�That�s reassuring, but what happens if I break both my hands?� Logan asked curiously.

�I�ll commission Manticore to grow you two new ones to make up for the lost work, then we can hack �em off later.� Max replied with a grin.

�Good to see that you�re always looking out for your own best interests.� Logan remarked as he pulled her close, their faces mere centimetres from each other.

�I�m looking out for you too, otherwise I would up and leave Seattle.� Max replied, her brown eyes piercing into his clear blue ones.

�You�re looking out for me? Then why in hell did you drag me up here?� Logan asked pointing around them, as they sat at the top of the Space Needle.

�You�ve got a safety line, and I�m not letting go of you, I�ve already taken a header once off a building to save your ass, I�ll go for another in a second.� Max answered as she tapped the belt that had a thick cable that Logan wore.

�Tell me that we�re not going to try anything up here, as comfortable as I feel about your abilities, let�s just keep some things to the safety and privacy of a bed.� Logan asked as Max kissed him full on the lips.

�Only Jon would be foolhardy enough for that kind of stunt with his ego. I think we can blaze now, I have a feeling if you stay up here any longer you�re going to need a change of underwear, it figures, a man can deliver cable hacks to millions of people and risk his life for his cyber journalism, but ask him to stay up on the Space Needle for a half hour�� Max started until Logan put a finger to her lips as the two steadily got off the roof of the Space Needle and traversed back down to Max�s Ninja, she had been showing him how to ride it, and he admitted it was a lot more fun than his Aztek.

�I still don�t believe it, all this crazy stuff that�s happened, I thought my life was weird before Robert, Jon and Andrea came to town.� Max said as she got onto her Ninja and started the engine.

�Would you have tried to stop it?� Logan asked.

�Not a chance in hell, I wouldn�t have it any or over way, or you.� Max said with a smile as she looked back at Logan.

�You�re not raising any argument with me, as far as I�m concerned things couldn�t have turned out better for any of us.� Logan replied as he got on the bike and clutched onto Max for support.

*********

Here I am, a man who one month ago was just going to show up in Seattle, crack some heads together, and leave again without ever doing shit about anything else. I know I can�t change who I am, but I can leave behind what made me this way, my world was rocked around in the past month like no one would ever believe. Alex finally gave me some good news on those genetic tests he ran on the Tracker/X5 combination for breeding, if Andrea and I were to have children, we would produce TX5, no one would ever be able to lay a finger on our kids. The best part of that news is that Alex can insert a suppression gene that is bound to key hormones that start puberty, at age fifteen or sixteen, so our kids will not start to age like Dick Clark until in their later years, or lift up any Buicks.

 Robert thought as he looked at Andrea�s sleeping form who was curled up next to him, her head resting in it�s usual place, his shoulder with one arm laying across his chest, a slight smile on her lips.

Thank god for Jon, if that sex-crazed drinker hadn�t kicked my ass out of my old way I don�t know where I�d be, probably roaming the country saving X5�s, while all the time I�m lonely as hell. Manticore made me to take back the X5 group, their mistake, they made me a Tracker, but they also made me their worse enemy. Andrea still wakes up in the middle of the night sometimes from nightmares about Manticore, she always relaxes when I hold her and listen to her, but I know she will always hurt from a traumatic childhood like she had. It�s quite amusing, on one hand now I�m one of two of the deadliest men alive who can put his abilities and training to what could easily be lethal use. On the other hand I�m in love with the girl of my dreams and I�ve made friends and established a life beyond killing. But I still wonder, what happens if TX5 is made again? Will I have the power necessary to protect Andrea, to make sure I never lose her to Manticore? Stop thinking about it, just relax, you�re here on vacation, not a philosophical journey. Robert thought as Andrea stirred and opened her eyes.

�Lost in thought?� Andrea asked as she gazed at him through brilliant green eyes.

�Just thinking, just thinking.� Robert replied as he gently stroked her black hair.

�You�re thinking about what�s happened in your life haven�t you?� Andrea asked inquisitively still glaring into his eyes.

�Just the good parts, and what my life has turned into, I�m still having trouble with how I came to where I am now.� Robert replied as his hands started to gently massage her shoulders.

�I believe we had dinner, then watched a movie, then you started unfastening my dress�� Andrea said smiling.

�You know what I mean.� Robert replied, but cracked a smile of his own.

�What your life has become is what you�ve been denied for so long, quit thinking about it.� Andrea said as she turned over and her hands gently danced across his chest.

�I can�t help but not think about it, me laying here right now with you seemed like a laughable concept, there I go for thirteen years with absolutely no change in my lifestyle, than bang you come along and it all gets twisted six ways from Sunday.� Robert remarked as his hands danced across Andrea�s body caressing the smooth flesh.

�Have you ever heard the phrase never look a gift horse in the mouth?� Andrea asked meeting his gaze.

�I believe my old squad�s equivalent was don�t ask why the enemy surrendered, just be happy and get blind drunk about it later.� Robert replied with a grin.

�Interesting turn of phrase, but that�s off the baseline anyways, are you going to sleep or pull a Socrates all night long?� Andrea asked as she pushed him down from his sitting position and kissed him.

�I�m going to sleep, you worry too much.� Robert replied as he kissed collarbone, working his lips from there to her neck, then to her lips, then wrapped his lips around the soft flesh of her ear.

�I worry for good reason, you�d stay up all night for a week if I wasn�t around to get you to relax, I don�t know why you do it, I never pictured anyone from the military as a midnight philosopher.� Andrea said as she eased into the comfort of Robert�s scent and presence as she tucked her head under his chin.

�It just bothers me sometimes how this all played out, it�s almost as if someone wrote a script and we followed it to the most minute detail.� Robert replied as one hand stroked her silky black hair, his other hand stroking the small of her back.

�It would seem that way sometimes, it almost seems too coincidental for me when I think about it.� Andrea commented as she yawned.

�It is, perhaps Jon set this all up, dropped hints that he might be in Seattle so that I�d come looking for him, so I would meet Max and Logan and put them together. Perhaps he even arranged for you to be transported along a route to Manticore that I could intercept with ease. Maybe Jon was a master planner behind all these events that transpired.� Robert started, but he realised that his ramblings had just dropped his love into a deep sleep, bored with his thoughts about how it all transpired.

Guess I can�t blame her for falling asleep, my musing over all of this is a bit over the top, Manticore may be reeling, the South Africans may be running away, but there will always be someone trying for the X5. I am a Tracker, nothing will ever change that, but I don�t have to be a violent bloodthirsty death machine, I can still live a life with Andrea. There will always be someone left to fight, but I don�t need to sweat it, I�m a Tracker, nothing stops my breed. Quit doing it again, you�re thinking like your old self, just bring it out when the X5�s are in trouble, not before, not after. I am Robert Rice, I have a lover and her name is Andrea, I have friends in Jon, Logan and Max, nothing can change that, I will stop Manticore, but not yet, not yet, every dog will have his day, and the dogs of war always find their way to me. Robert thought as he fell asleep, knowing that the peace he has found would not last forever, for all good things must come to an end at one point. 

That�s it guys, this was my final installation of the fabled saga of Trackers, with my modified content for the �Titanium Edition� fully in place. I have found this writing project very enriching for my skills as a writer, and I had a good deal of fun writing it. I promise that there will be side works of Trackers, possibilities include the destruction of Manticore and a far future perspective. I thank my fans for their support in their reviews, I would like to thank Ozzy Osbourne, Finger Eleven, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Rob Zombie and KoRn for the inspiration I received from listening to their music as I worked. Special thanks go to my good friend Silverfang for hassling me about making new segments and being a good friend throughout all of this, Nyles for giving me some top-notch gun info and my dog for being a great pet. Medusa, you inspired me to start my own fanfic, Shortstuffks, Aimee, Lenkid, Silverfang, Medusa, once again you people were my most supportive fans in all of this, I thank you for taking an interest in my work. I�d also like to thank the voices in my head for suggesting I redo this! I thought that this fanfic deserved better explanation, dialogue and actions at some points, while putting in stuff that I think belonged here that I never put in! If you are reading this, you are one of my most dedicated fans for Rereading all of his, I thought that you all deserved an updated version, so I did one!