Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: Characters portrayed in the following work belong to creative geniuses: Metz, Katims and the WB. No Name Face and all songs included therein belong to Lifehouse. No infringement was intended.
Rating: NC-17
Category: My own special blend Liz/Zanimax, Michael/Samantha
Summary: The ship arrived at long last.
Notes: Title is from Lifehouse. I like to think that No Name Face is the soundtrack to this story as well as Secret of Zan.
Somewhere in Between
Prologue - 2006
The rumble was short but was felt through every inch of his body. Max reached for the hand of his wife and found hers to be shaking as badly as his was. The elevator feeling was making him nauseous.
He surveyed the contents of the lift off chamber. All non-essential crewmembers and passengers were strapped in for lift off. Apparently some vast improvements had been made since the crash of 1947.
The Parkers were across the way. They had sold the Crashdown to Larry and Jen, alien fanatics. The Guerins were strapped in next to them. Michael and his wife, Samantha, and their son, Erik. Max shook his head. The poor kid was only two years old and he was going to travel across the universe.
That was as far as his vision went. He couldn't even see Liz beside him. She was scared and squeezing the life out of his hand. The fear was suffocating. It was rolling off of every Expatriate in the lift-off chamber. He had to do something.
�Desperate for changing, Starving for truth.� Max started off shaky but Michael heard him and picked up on the song as well. �Closer to where I started, Chasing after you.�
Liz started singing with them, her voice shaky but loud enough for Max to hear. �I'm falling even more in love with you, Letting go of all I've held onto.� Sam took up with them, releasing some of the grip she had on Michael. �I'm standing here until you make me move, I'm hanging my a moment here with you.�
�Forgetting all I'm lacking, Completely incomplete.� Even the Parkers joined in. �I'll take your invitation, You take all of me, now I'm falling even more in love with you, Letting go of all I've held onto.�
The lift-off chamber was filled with voices becoming stronger with each passing word and phrase. �I'm standing here until you make me move, I'm hanging my a moment here with you.� Max could feel the fear dissipate. �I'm living for the only thing I know. I'm running and not quite sure where to go. I don't know what I'm diving into. I'm hanging by a moment here with you�
�There is nothing else to lose, There is nothing else to find, There is nothing in the world, That could change my mind.� The elevator feeling faded away. �There is nothing else.�
�Desperate for changing, Starving for truth, Closer to where I started, Chasing after you.� Max squeezed Liz's hand as the voices rose in triumph.
�I'm falling even more in love with you, Letting go of all I've held onto, I'm standing here until you make me move, I'm hanging my a moment here with you.�
�I'm living for the only thing I know, I'm running and not quite sure where to go, I don't know what I'm diving into, I'm hanging by a moment here with you.� A cheering went up as the passengers realized that the lift-off process was complete and they had to be somewhere near Mars.
�Good going, your highness.� Liz whispered to him, the smile he couldn't see evident in her voice. �I think you saved our sanity.�
�And my own in the process.� Max let out a breath. �I don't know about you but I am dying to check out this ship and the view.�
Part 1
Max stood in front of a large window and watched as the blue speck disappeared and sped away. They were going so fast but it would probably take five years to get to Antar, not four as they originally thought. The ships had been a year late in coming to pick them up. Sure, it gave Max and Liz time to finish college but it distracted them that last semester, wondering when exactly they were leaving.
Saying goodbye to everyone had broken his heart. Isabel hung onto him until the absolute last minute. He told her that it was better that she didn't go. If anything happened to him, she'd still be alive to take the throne. His parents wished him well and shed their tears. Alex and Maria had made it just in time to see them off.
Six ships had made the trip. The first held the King and his bride as well as the royal court. The other five would house the others on the long trip. Five years before he could do anything that would make a real difference.
Max was so deep in thought that he would have missed the arm around his middle if the attached hand hadn't pulled on his nipple ring through his shirt. He wore the very outfit the Granilith had given him five years ago just so his people would recognize him when they landed. He was fully yanked from his thoughts when her hands roamed into dangerous territory. �Liz... have you been playing with Erik again?�
�You said after graduation and we graduated ten hours ago.� Liz pouted and wrapped her arms around him. �I think we're late getting started.�
�You want to conceive a child while we're hurtling through space at near the speed of light?� Amusement filled his eyes as he looked down on her.
�First you said after high school. So we waited. Then we graduated and you wanted to get settled into our apartment. Then came school. Then it was after the wedding and then after we graduated for good. Now it's we're hurtling through space, next you'll say no because we're on an alien planet.� She poked him in the ribs. �I've waited five years, you'll ask me to wait another five, who knows how long we'll be on Antar then you'll want to wait the trip back, five more years. By the time you'll be ready to conceive, we'll need a surrogate.�
�Are you finished?� He tilted her face up to his. Her eyes ran over the white wisps of hair on his forehead, then the piercings: his eyebrow, lower lip, earrings. Liz's eyes returned to the white locks. They couldn't be dyed by any means, human or alien, cutting them only made them grow longer faster. Max had to grow out his hair so it would look alright. It barely came to a short ponytail on the back of his head.
�I suppose.�
�Ok.� Max pressed a kiss to her forehead. �You know, I always wondered what it would be like to make love in space.�
�Don't tease.� She growled.
�Well, it's not like we can just do it here.� He chided her, hugging her against him as he returned his gaze to the stars. �We don't even know where our quarters are.�
�Then ask somebody.� Liz rested her head on his chest and watched the Earth Solar System become just a speck.
�Excuse me, King Zan?� One of the crewmembers had poked his head into the observation deck.
�Yes?� Max and Liz turned, still holding on to each other.
�The captain would like to meet you... that is... if it doesn't displease your highness.�
�Lead the way.� Max answered, ignoring the snickers coming from his wife.
�And if it's alright. The captain would like to make a proper introduction to the crew.� The servant couldn't stop looking at Max although it looked as if he wasn't sure if he should be looking at the king.
�That's fine.� Max nodded and followed the servant through the corridors of the ship.
�Thank you, your highness.�
�Your highness, if it pleases you. I would like to service you later.� Liz whispered, giggling.
�Hush you. Or you won't be getting serviced at all.� He whispered back to her.
�Tyrant.�
---------------
�Maxwell... this is ridiculous.� Michael hissed. He had Sam glued to one side and Erik clinging to his leg. All the strangers were making them all nervous but they kept staring. It was very uncomfortable.
�How do you think I feel? They keep bowing to me.� Max gritted through a forced smile. He had lost track of the names after the first 30 or so. The introduction had turned out to be of every crewmember and their family as well as the Expatriates from the royal court.
�Ask for the tour.� Liz continued to smile brightly at Max's side. She tossed a strained look at her parents then looked back up at her husband. �Find us some alone time.�
�Oh, is the queen a little antsy?� Michael snorted and his wife smacked him.
�Michael Guerin, be nice.� She glared at him.
�You've known her for three years and you think you can defend her. I've known her since the 10th grade. I've earned the right to be rude to her.� Michael countered.
�Shove it.� Max warned. Liz was in a horrible mood and only Max knew the exact reason why. If he had it calculated right, conception would be perfect in the now time frame. If this took much longer, they'd have to wait until next time, which Liz would definitely find upsetting.
�And I believe that is everyone.� The captain turned to them. �Um, who are you?�
�Oh.� Liz spoke up and motioned her parents closer. �These are my parents, Jeff and Nancy. My father is Clada's son.�
�Oh! Welcome.� The captain made a gesture of salute to the Parkers.
�I hate to cut this short but my wife and I are very tired. It has been a very long and exciting day.� Max cut in.
�Of course. I apologize, King Zan. Deina! Escort the King and his party to their room.�
'Room? Singular?' Liz and Michael mouthed to each other.
---------------
Deina turned out to be a young girl who led them wordlessly to a rather large room. She turned to them and focused in on Max. �Permission to speak, King Zan?�
�Um, permission granted?� Max managed a small smile at the girl. Liz poked him in the ribs, giggling. Michael snorted.
�This is the common room to the royal suite. There are four rooms. We didn't know who to expect so we arranged for each to have their own room.� Deina stopped and addressed Max again. �We'll leave it up to you where who will sleep.�
�Okay. Liz and I will stay there. Jeff and Nancy there... Michael and Sam there... The fourth room could be a nursery and Erik could sleep there.� Max shrugged.
�Nursery?� Jeff and Michael asked at the same time, arms crossed.
�Hey, cool it. Nearing anniversary three here. I can have children.� Liz glared at them.
�Um, if I may be so bold as to speak freely. I would suggest that the young one stay with his parents until he gets his bearings. I can still remember getting lost at night.� Deina blushed at the admission.
�How old are you?� Liz noticed for the first time that she was quite young.
�15. I was nine when I came aboard. I just turned 15 today, actually.� She held her head up high. They all wished her a happy birthday, to which she blushed. Then she cleared her throat and continued, occasionally glancing at Max. �All the rooms can be... adjusted to accommodate any new additions to the royal family.�
�Stop it.� Liz sighed when her parents and Michael ganged up on her with a stern stare. �Not you, Deina. Please continue.�
�All rooms have their own facilities... which we've tried to replicate from what we know of Earth... latrines.� She whispered the last word with a blush.
�She's got a crush on an Antarian King.� Liz hissed to Max, who rolled his eyes.
�If you get hungry, hit this button and rations will be brought up at the nearest possible moment.� Deina finished the tour.
Sam pinched her husband. �Think you can remember that I'm no longer responsible for fixing your meals?�
�Hey, calm down. I'll still let you push the button.� Michael shot back and dodged a swat.
�Night.� Jeff called out and led Nancy to their room.
�Night.� Liz called after them.
�Ok, we'll get some rest too.� Michael nodded. �Hey Erik. Bedtime.�
�Nooo.� Erik shook his head even as he was picked up and carried away.
�Yes. Bedtime.� Michael repeated to the squirming little boy.
�Nooo! Ma!�
�Night guys.� Sam smiled and winked at Liz. �Have fun.�
Max opened his mouth to say something but noticed Deina standing quietly, waiting to be dismissed. �Deina, happy 15th. Have a nice evening.�
�Thank you... King Zan.� She smiled, blushed, bowed and exited the suite.
Liz stared at the Guerin room until the door shut, concealing the two-year-old that fascinated her so much. �Can we go make one now?�
�Liz. Are we ready?� Max asked her softly.
�Max, Michael and Sam were ready right away. We've been married for almost four years now. I am ready. In fact I am as ready as I can get.� She pulled him in the direction of their room. �Erik loves us.�
�Okay, so we're good as aunt and uncle but mom and dad?� It wasn't that Max didn't want a child but he was concerned.
�You are going to make a wonderful father.�
�Michael was so ready. He knew he was going to have a family of his own. He got a job and took care of everything. He let Sam go to school. He was in control.� He leaned his forehead against hers.
�He was such a nervous wreck when he met Sam. He threw himself into work so he could keep his head straight. Max, Michael made it work. Sam made it work. We don't have any of those worries they did. We're pretty much set no matter what planet we're on.�
�Have I told you how much I love you, today?�
�No but you will.�
Part 2
Max and Liz stood in the middle of their room, shaking uncontrollably with soundless laughter. Deina had said they tried to provide Earth-like accommodations but this... Who did the research?
�Who... (snort)... Who did they think was coming?� Liz barely managed to get the words out. �Do I look like a Las Vegas showgirl?�
�Just please... please don't tell me the bed vibrates.� Max stepped forward and collapsed on the bed. �We'll need to talk to the royal decorators.�
Liz cocked an eyebrow up at him as she sauntered over and tickled his knees. �Max...�
�What?� He murmured, his eyes closed.
�Max...� She whispered again, climbing onto the bed, dragging her nails up his legs and across his stomach. When he didn't respond, she pushed his shirt up his chest and nuzzled his stomach. �Max...�
�What?� Max clenched his teeth to keep his smirk from giving away his teasing. He loved making her work for what she wanted. Forcing himself to relax, he endured her kisses to his abs and her tongue pulling at his belly button ring.
�Come on... play with me.� Liz pleaded, unfastening his leather pants. She pressed her mouth to the tight skin right under the top of the pants, running her tongue along the curves of his flesh. She knew exactly how to get the reaction she needed from him. This was something he couldn't hide from her if he tried. Blowing on his wet flesh, she sat up at looked him over. �Well?�
�Well, I suppose we can't stop now.� He let out a moan and propped himself up on his elbows. A wave of his hand and both their clothes disappeared. Another gesture and they reformed on the floor.
Liz moved up his body, straddling his hips. �Promise me, you're going to do this with me.�
�You're really serious, aren't you?� He couldn't help but be in awe of her. The prospect of being a parent scared him to death but this was obviously what she wanted.
�I am. Ever since we got married in the park five years ago... I've just wanted to have a baby. Once we were actually married, I figured we could start... but...�
�I wanted to wait.� Max closed his eyes.
�Don't you want Max, Jr. or Zan, Jr. ... whatever it is that you're going to call him?� Liz whispered.
�Yes! I mean, I do but this is just... a big step. I am just so scared that I'm going to mess up.� He ran a hand through his hair. �I've never had children... even...�
�As the original Zan.� She finished. �He's going to love you... no matter what. Erik loves Michael... as much as anyone loves Michael. Max... is this all that's bothering you?�
�Yeah.� He nodded, sheepishly. When he caught her smile, he got defensive. �What's funny?�
�You are. I think about this stuff too. There's only one way to find out if it'll work. I mean, we have to occupy ourselves somehow on this very long trip and if we're successful right away. He'll be old enough that you won't have to worry too much when we get there.� Liz kissed his nose and then his cheek, chin and neck.
�You seem fairly certain that we're about to make a boy.� Max turned his face to catch her lips. Her hands slid through his hair, pulling out the rubber band and letting the short strands fall around his face.
�Well, we aren't going to know until we try. So, are we going to do this?� She repeated her earlier question. He responded by throwing them both over so he was on top. �I'm taking this as a yes.�
�Good.� Max began running his mouth over her neck and shoulders, his body finally allowing itself to become hard. His hands ran up her sides and up to her breasts, kneading and teasing. His eager fingers found the little silver hoop and pulled gently, drawing a moan out of her. �And you didn't want it...�
Liz threw her weight against him, rolling him beneath her. �Do you have to remind me every time? I love it, alright?�
�Yes, ma'am.� He bit back a smile.
�Let's get back to business please.� She ducked her head to taste the skin on his chest. Max closed his eyes against the sensations she caused in him. His hands found her legs and massaged them from her knees up her thighs to her hips before moving between her legs to rub her wet folds.
Liz continued her kisses down his chest, nipping at his nipples before moving down his stomach, hands caressing his ribs and hips. She ignored his imploring fingers and slid down his legs, taking his cock into her mouth. Max nearly leapt off the bed when her hot mouth covered him. The tongue stud ran up his length, making him shiver in absolute pleasure. She teased and tortured him with her mouth.
Finally, Max grabbed her beneath her arms and pulled her up his body before pinning her to the bed. �That is not how you make a baby.�
Before she could respond, he took her pierced nipple into his mouth. Savoring the metallic sweetness of her body, he resumed his earlier torture of lightly running his fingers between her legs, brushing against the tiny nub.
�Max...� Answering her plea, he shifted and lifted his head from her breast, he slid inside her, making a connection. All their sensations were felt as one. Unintelligible sounds and words tumbled from their lips as they moved at a swift pace.
Her legs wrapped around him, drawing him deeper inside her. The incredible feelings and sensations he gave her, combined with the thrill of the knowledge they were hurtling through space at incredible speeds and the thought of the baby they were trying to create... it all overwhelmed her.
Liz grasped his arms tightly as her body arched in ultimate pleasure. Feeling her convulsions around him, Max followed her over the edge and into ecstasy. She gasped as she felt him come inside her, filling her with the promise of new life.
Moving off her, Max settled himself next to her heaving body and draped an arm over her. Liz curled up into him, pressing kisses to his neck. He kissed her forehead and hugged her to him. �Get some sleep. I know you didn't sleep last night.�
�I was too excited. Knowing the ship was almost here and the ceremony, making sure we got our diplomas...� Liz sighed happily. �Love you.�
�Love you.� Max let go of her just long enough to pull the blankets from the foot of the bed to cover them both.
�Think it worked?� Liz whispered, yawning.
�We'll find out, now won't we.� Max let his eyes close. He hadn't gotten much sleep since the signal that the ship was going to land on Earth. Time to catch up. They were both asleep in moments.
---------------
Michael stared around the room with its gaudy decorations and then let his gaze fall back on his wife. He brushed her black hair out of her face and stroked her cheek lightly. He always enjoyed these moments as much as he could. It wouldn't be long before Erik was awake and demanding their attention.
Michael remembered the day he met her. Senior year at West Roswell. It was one of those senior meetings. He was feeling antsy because the meeting was going overtime and they were late for training sessions out in the soap factory, newly converted for their purposes after obtaining ownership from the city.
He hadn't even known when the strange girl had sat next to him. She nudged him and whispered. �Are you the Second?�
�Who wants to know?� Michael narrowed his eyes at her. Maria, sitting beside him, heard his tone and turned to see who he was talking to.
�Samantha Orozco. Great-granddaughter of Juvnori.� She leaned in closer, sensing that Maria was human and not wanting her to hear. �I just moved here with my parents. I know that he,� She pointed down the aisle where Max and Liz were pretending to listen to the speakers. �... is Zan. Are you Rathard?�
�Michael.� He corrected. �You looking for us for a reason?�
�Chill.� She spat at him. �Look, Michael. I'm only looking to train because if what my parents were told is correct... I'm going back to Antar.�
Then she had gotten up and left. Michael muttered to himself about women and faced forward. Maria had stared at him for a minute until he'd had enough. �What?�
�God, Michael. She's new here, she's one of you and you just treated her like the enemy. You could have at least told her how to get to the old soap factory... or told her that's where you were going right after this.� Maria hissed. �Do you always have to be such a... bastard?�
After that day, Michael would see her in the halls but wouldn't talk to her. He remembered who Juvnori was but couldn't bring himself to talk to her. Finally, he left a note in her locker. It told her where and when they met for training and who to talk to. It also expressed how sorry they were that Juvnori had died but that he died at the hands of the enemy while protecting the royal four. He died an honorable death.
Michael hadn't really expected a response from her but she approached him after training one night. �You knew my great-grandfather?�
�Yeah.� He had nodded and gone back to putting away their things.
�When... when did he die?� Samantha had whispered. Maria strolled up to them but stopped when she heard that question.
�Last August.�
�Really?�
�Yeah. We were hiding evidence from the Feds and one of the Skins got him. He managed to make it to Max before he died... or else we would have never known that the Skins existed.� Michael nodded slowly.
�I never knew that he was a protector.� Samantha shook her head.
�Orozco, right?�
�Call me Sam.�
�Sam. Why didn't your parents tell you any of this?� He just had to know. Nasedo's great-granddaughter was standing right in front of them and looking for answers.
�From what I've gathered, my real parents gave me up. I never knew them. My adoptive parents did know what I was, they just never told me. Then last December... and now I can suddenly do things that scare the shit out of me. I didn't ask for this but I got it.� Sam blinked back tears. �I was told that my family was against Zan. I wasn't supposed to seek you guys out but I did and now I can see that I should be on your side.�
There was silence for a moment before she spoke again. �Why didn't he ever look for us? Or me?�
�Look Sam. I didn't know the guy well or anything. I met him about two years ago and we thought he was the enemy. Apparently he lost us and then found us. We didn't like him too much at the time. Then we found out that we were fighting an intergalactic battle. Believe me, knowing all these years that I was something different... I didn't ask for this either.� Michael stopped. �He probably never even knew that you were here. If he was a loyalist, he probably disowned your grandparents for being Expatriates or thought they died in the crash on Antar. We don't know a whole lot but we're learning.�
Maria had watched the whole exchange. Michael had never told her these things before. Why was he telling them to a complete stranger? �Michael, you ready? Max and Liz are waiting for us.�
It was still another year before the two really spoke again... in public.
Sam opened her eyes to find her husband staring at her. Yawning and stretching she eyed him. �What?�
�I didn't say anything.� Michael whispered, running his hand down her arm.
�What are you thinking about?� She asked warily.
�You.� Before she could respond and kiss him...
�Daddy...� Erik climbed onto Michael and fell between his parents. �Ma!�
�Morning, kiddo.� Sam kissed his spiky little head.
�Ah papa.� Erik pursed his little mouth. �Eet.�
�Okay, okay. We get it. You're hungry.� Michael sat up and let Erik climb onto his back. �Sam?�
�Let me know when the food gets here.� She snuggled back under the covers. �Check on Liz for me, ya?�
�Ok.�
---------------
Liz rolled over when the door slid open. Her blurry eyes made out someone standing there. It took a minute for her morning vision to clear. Deina. Liz yanked the blanket up to cover herself. �Morning.�
Max nuzzled her back in his sleep. Deina looked uncomfortable standing in the doorway. Liz waited for the girl to acknowledge her then suddenly realized that the girl had never spoken directly to her. So she repeated her salutation louder. �Morning, Deina.�
�Um... am I allowed to speak to you?� Deina shifted from foot to foot.
�Of course, why wouldn't you be?� Liz tried to sit up but Max had a firm grasp on her middle.
�I was told I needed King Zan's permission before I addressed anyone.�
�Well, he's asleep. Why don't you wait in the common room and I'll see if I can wake him.� The girl nodded and stepped back, allowing the door to close. Liz nudged Max. �Wake up.�
He grumbled and grunted before finally waking up. �Did you say something?�
�Wake up. Deina wants to talk to you apparently. We need to get the rules down. She thinks she needs your permission to talk to me.� Liz rolled over and kissed his nose. �I'm gonna go and see if I can figure out the bathroom.�
�Kay.� He nodded and fell back on the bed, ready to go back to sleep.
Part 3
When Max finally made it out of the room, he found a circus in the common room. Liz was perched on Michael's back and Erik was screaming at Michael's feet.
�No. Aunt Lizzie is mine.� Michael shook his head at Erik.
�Meen!� Erik hopped up and down trying helplessly to reach for his 'Aunt' Liz. Suddenly the toddler spotted Max. �Maz!�
Max reached down just in time to catch the speeding Erik. �Morning, buddy.�
Erik held his head up triumphantly at his father. He didn't need Aunt Liz when he had Uncle Max. Liz hopped off Michael and smacked him when he made a show of clutching his 'aching' back. Poor Deina stood with her hands behind her back, not knowing what to do with the strange people in the room.
�Morning, sleepyhead.� Liz kissed her husband around the squirming two-year-old. �Bout time you got up.�
�How do you feel?� He whispered, pressing his forehead against hers. �Different?�
�No.� She closed her eyes. �We'll have to wait for next time.�
�Sorry.� Max sighed heavily. �Meet me in two months?�
�It's a date. We'll just have to practice in the meantime.� Liz nodded. �So, let's get you something to eat.�
Handing Erik off to Michael, Max sat at the table with what looked like wafers and pudding. �What's this?�
�Rations.� Deina stepped forward, ready to explain the food again. �We had to store enough to make it through the eight year trip, which has turned out to be a 10 year trip... so we packed essentials. We apologize for not having fresh food but this is the best we have.�
�It actually doesn't taste too bad.� Michael commented.
�Put the pudding on the wafers and it's alright.� Liz nodded. �Tastes kinda like banana pudding and Tabasco sauce.�
�I'm just going to take some to Sam. I don't know why she hasn't come out yet.� Michael let Erik go explore the common room. �Watch him?�
�Sure.� Liz nodded and watched her cousin disappear into his room. �I hope she's not sick.�
�Me either.� Max nodded and put the strange concoction in his mouth. They were right, it didn't taste nearly as bad as it looked. �So, Deina, what do you do on the ship all day?�
�Well, I used to study or watch after some of the smaller children.� She stayed right where she was on the far side of the room. Liz sat next to Max and took a drink of something that looked alot like soda but tasted more like V8. Deina continued to speak. �Now, I'm here to do whatever you need me to.�
�You really don't need to. We'll manage but we'll need a tour of the ship before we let you go.� Max motioned for her to come closer.
�Alright. I could give you the tour whenever you are ready... but I'm supposed to stay and look to your needs.� Deina nodded slowly and stepped forward until she was a few feet away. Liz was again struck by how Deina seemed to be only addressing Max.
�If that's what you're supposed to do.� He shrugged and kept eating. Then he turned to Liz, glancing around before speaking. �Where are your parents?�
�They already took off to talk to the others. I just want to go back to bed, myself.� She yawned. �Maybe not being able to work out in the past few weeks has caught up to me.�
�Or maybe you exhausted yourself last night?� He smirked at her.
�Max...� Liz blushed. She tossed him a meaningful look, glanced at Deina, then lowered her voice. �She got an eyeful this morning, she doesn't need to hear it too.�
�Sorry. I'll behave myself.� Max turned to Deina and motioned for her to sit. �Deina, tell me all about Antar... or what you remember before you left.�
Liz kept an eye on the wandering toddler while holding Max's hand and listening to Deina's splotchy memories of Antar's dark age.
--
Michael watched Sam eat. She picked at her 'pudding' and nibbled at her wafers. His Sam was never one to pick at her food. That was one of the reasons they got along so well. She tended to be as much of a pig as he was, so she couldn't gripe at him. �Hey, what's wrong?�
�I'm just tired.� She shrugged and pushed away her food. �Where's my baby?�
�Probably driving Max and Liz up the wall.� Michael smirked. He loved his little boy. Erik had his mother's black hair, his father's skin tone and the brown eyes could have come from either.
�I think I'm just like... air sick or something. Space sick?� Sam chuckled to herself. �Come here.�
Michael set her food on the night-table-thing and laid down beside her, pulling her into his arms. �What do you need me to do?�
�Just hold me. Maybe I'll go back to sleep.� Her eyes fluttered closed as she laid her head on his chest. Michael stroked her hair and remembered when it started.
Michael flipped his last burger of the night and found himself staying at the Crashdown anyway to hang with the gang. He rolled his eyes as Maria glared at him from across the table. They had been in the out phase of their relationship for over a month already. After he had refused to go to Senior Homecoming, she had just backed off. Not like they had been together much since the Christmas after Max and Zan had merged.
�Mom. I swear.� A voice carried over from the doorway. �I'm not joining a gang. I don't care what the counselor told you. It's just a thing... to you know... fit in.�
�Samantha Irene Orozco, you listen to me. We are going to sit down and have dinner like a normal family. Honestly... I don't know what to do with you anymore.� A man griped at his daughter.
�Honey, we just don't want you getting into trouble here. We're only here until the end of next semester and then we're back in Chaparral.� The mother spoke.
�By the Light... you aren't even my real parents...� Samantha trailed off when her eyes fell on Michael. She suddenly realized that the whole table was staring at them. �See what you did? You had to make a scene.� She pushed passed her parents and made her way to the bathroom.
�Hey Michael...� Maria hissed. �Isn't that Nasedo's granddaughter?�
�What?� Max leaned forward.
�You hear what she said? 'By the Light'... I thought only Max said that.� Isabel breathed.
�Michael?� Liz turned to him. �You know her?�
�I talked to her once or twice.� Michael scratched the back of his neck. �She doesn't know a whole lot. Her parents are human but they know who she is... or what she is. Juvnori was her great-grandfather and that's all I know.�
�Is she training?� Max stared at the bathroom door.
�She comes by like everyone else.� Michael shrugged again.
�I want to look after her. I think we owe it to Nasedo.� Max turned back to the table. �Michael, talk to her.�
�Why me?�
�Yeah, why Michael?� Maria spat out before she could check herself. She had caught Michael looking at the girl at school but knew nothing would happen if they didn't interact.
�Because she knows who he is.� Max pointed out. �She'll probably be more comfortable talking to him than any of us.�
�Fine.� Michael shoved himself away from the table. �I'll do it later.�
�Michael.� Isabel snapped but he was already out the front doors and making his way around to his bike. Michael started up his bike and let it warm up a little.
When the backdoor opened, he thought it was Liz coming to gripe him out. �Forget it. I'm not doing it.�
�Doing what?� The unfamiliar voice asked.
With a slight turn, he found it to be Samantha and not Liz. He shrugged. �Sorry, thought you were my bossy cousin.�
�Nope, I don't believe we're related. I�m just hiding from my parents for a bit.� She smirked at him. �Is um... that girl... your girlfriend? The short blonde one?�
�To tell the truth... I don't know what the hell she is anymore.� He rolled his eyes. He looked her over for a minute. Long black hair, dark brown eyes, tanned skin (year-round tan that is), nice figure and dark threads. �How come I don't see you around school? Last time was at that senior meeting back in August.�
�Yeah, well... I snuck in... I'm a junior. I see you, though. You and Zan are really tight, huh?� She made her way over and sat on the bike after he shut off the engine. He turned slightly to look at her.
�Max. He likes to be called Max.�
�Right. You're Michael, your fianc� is Isabel and the bride is Ava.� Sam nodded to be sure that she had it straight.
�Just don't go around saying stuff like that.� Michael chuckled. �Liz would get pissed if Ava was the bride. Liz and Max are married by Antarian standards. Isabel is not my fianc�e by the way. She's like a sister to me.�
�Oh.�
�Your parents not dealing with the Antarian teenager too well?�
�No. It scares them. I'm only a fourth but I can still do stuff. I just need practice... or else I'll blow up the microwave again.�
�I used to do that. Don't feel bad about your parents. Liz's dad is half and still goes crazy when Liz expresses her wild side.�
�I'd better get inside before El Hefe comes looking for me. Wouldn't want him to break out the belt or anything.� Samantha hopped off the bike to go back inside the restaurant. �I'll catch you around Michael.�
�Later Sam.� Michael started up the engine and sped off. That was in November. They ran into each other again over Christmas break. Michael was hunting down presents for all his friends and learned that he had too many friends for his budget. He was trying to jam all the bags into a box that he could strap to his bike but it wasn't working.
�Need some help?� Sam's eyes twinkled watching him struggle.
�You think you could do better?� Michael glared at her.
�No. It won't work like that. You'd have to have another arm to make sure you didn't lose anything... or at least a backpack.� She commented as she started putting things in her backpack.
�How does you putting my gifts in your backpack work for me?� He crossed his arms.
�Simple. We'll stop by your house, drop off the presents... and then you give me a ride home.� She grinned at him. �Well?�
�Fine. If I don't, then you'll hold my things for ransom.� He handed her the extra helmet.
�You're probably right.� Sam blew him a kiss before hopping on behind him.
�Hang on.� He called back. She slipped her arms through the straps of her backpack and then reached her arms around him, not really sure where she should put her hands. Finally, Michael grabbed her hands and put them on his belt. �Hang on to this... tight.�
Her little fingers curled around the strap of leather and gripped tight when the bike took off. They appeared at his place in no time. Samantha followed Michael to his apartment and looked around while he hid the presents he would wrap later. �Where are your parents?�
�Don't have any.� Michael shrugged. �Lived with a drunk once. Used to beat the shit out of me. I live on my own now.�
�Oh. Yeah, kinda know how that goes... My dad sometimes doesn't know the line between discipline and...� She shook her head.
�Wanna hang out here?� Michael offered and then gathered the dirty clothes from the floor and tossed them into a basket in the bathroom. �I got soda, Tabasco... chocolate. TV with three channels. You don't have to go home.�
�Thanks.� She nodded. �Just a coke.�
�Hope you like hockey.� He sat next to her after retrieving cokes and Tabasco for them both. She rolled her eyes at him.
�Guys and jockstraps... couldn't you watch like football? Then I could enjoy the view. Hockey gear doesn't give anything away.� She whined.
�I like hockey.� Michael flipped on the TV with his little remote. They watched in silence for a moment. Then he felt he had to say something. �You don't have to stay with them. There are ways to get out... legally.�
�That's sweet... but no. I've got a year and a half and then I can leave for good.� Sam kept her eyes on the TV but could feel him staring at her. �I'll keep it in mind... You know. I think I'll just head home, now.�
�Come on...� He sat up to protest. Before he could react, Sam had pressed her lips to his and made it to the door. When the door shut, words finally formed. �Later.�
�Michael...� Samantha sighed in her sleep. �Love you.�
�I love you, Sam.� Michael kissed her forehead lightly. He felt someone enter the room. Liz. �What?�
�She's asleep?� Liz sat next to Michael.
�She's not feeling too good.� He shook his head in apparent disinterest but Liz knew better.
�I know. I feel like I could sleep for a week myself. I'll just tell Max to go ahead. We'll take Erik with us for the tour. You stay with her.� She whispered. �We'll be back soon enough.�
�Hey thanks. Um... Liz?� Michael took a deep breath. She stopped her move to get up. �I know that Jeff and I have been a little resistant to the idea of you having a kid already--�
�It's not your decision. This is what I want. So what... not only do I have to convince Max that's it's a good idea... I have to run it by all of you too?� Liz huffed.
�This isn't Max's idea?� He asked slowly.
�No.� She shook her head, slowly. �This is what I want. How can it be too soon for me and yet you and Sam... like right after she graduated.�
�You think we planned Erik?� Michael's eyes got wide. �It was an accident, Liz. You know that I have no control over any aspect of my alien side.�
�But you told Max.� Liz straightened up and tilted her head at her cousin.
�Could you imagine how hard Max would have come down on me if he knew? I love Erik, I wouldn't give him up for the world.� Michael sighed and laid back. �Liz, we've only been together four years and half of them have been with a kid.�
�Not to mention the parts where you were together in secret...� Liz caught the question in his eyes. �No, Maria didn't give me a message to relay. She's still not talking about you.� He nodded. �We'll let you rest then.�
Part 4
Max held onto Liz's hand as Deina showed them all over the ship. �And this, King Zan, is our gymnasium.�
�This is perfect. I was a little worried that we would get lazy and fat on the trip.� Max kissed Liz's forehead.
�You might have gotten fat but I... would still be as beautiful as ever.� Liz turned her nose up at him. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Deina watching them. �Maybe you should talk to Deina.� she whispered.
�About what?� A look of utter confusion crossed his face.
�If you hadn't noticed, she only talks to me when you're asleep. Everything she says is addressed to you. This morning, she said she didn't think she was allowed to talk to me.� Liz shook her head meaningfully. �I have a feeling that we're going to see alot of her... so...�
�Okay. I get it.� Max kissed her forehead again. He turned to Deina. �So, is this it? Are there any rules we need to learn?�
Liz scooted away to set the squirming Erik down to play. She kept an ear out for Max's conversation.
�Well, King Zan... You make the rules.� Deina gave him a little smile.
�Right. Well, Liz told me that you didn't think you were allowed to speak to her.� Max cast a glance to where Liz and Erik were playing with a couple of balls.
�I'm your servant, King Zan.�
�Why wouldn't you be able to speak to anyone else?�
�I'm your servant, King Zan.� Deina pressed with a light blush. �When I come of age... I will be able to see to all of your needs.�
Slowly, very slowly, this knowledge sank into Max's brain. �Oh. Oh! No! No.�
�Have I displeased you, King Zan?� Deina hung her head.
�No... No. No.� Max struggled for the words. He gave himself a mental shake. �It's just that... I've found my Queen. I love her very much. I don't need anyone else. I'm sure that you're a great girl and there is probably some lucky Antarian who will have the pleasure of falling head over heels in love with you someday.�
She nodded stiffly. Max felt really bad.
�On Earth, we don't have things like this.�
�Isn't your current wife a replacement for the one that died? She is the granddaughter of Clada, the surrogate you were to have had before.� Deina pointed out.
�Here's the thing. I fell in love with Liz before I knew about any of that... including my former wife. I didn't marry her because she was supposed to be mine. I married her because she let me be hers.� Max saw that he was getting through to the girl. �Now. To make things official, you have my permission to speak to anyone you'd like to. Liz, Michael, Sam, Jeff, Nancy and I'm sure you can play with little Erik if you want to. Don't feel you need my permission or approval to do anything.�
�Thank you, King Zan.�
�We'll find our own way back to the room. Thank you for the tour.� Max watched as the girl walked off before turning to where Liz and Erik were laughing and tossing balls against the wall.
�Max.� Liz turned with a smile. �I think you handled that very well.�
�You know what?� Max plopped down on the floor. �I think we need to start calling me Zan. Everyone's getting confused.�
�Oooh. Are the other personalities coming back?� Liz grinned wickedly at him.
�No.� He glared at her.
�I kinda liked Zan reincarnated. He's an animal in the sack.� She snuck her hands around Max's waist, fingers slipping into his waistband.
�Cut it out.� He mumbled.
�Aw. Did I hurt the ego?� Liz murmured against his neck.
�We're the same person, Liz. I am not a split personality.� Max protested. Max spun around and picked up Erik before the kid could run off. �Let's go see how Mommy and Daddy are doing.�
--
Erik squealed as Max tossed him up in the air. Liz followed them into the common room and plopped down on a couch. �I think it's time for someone's nap.�
�Noooo.� Erik shook his head.
�How about a pamper change? Whoo! Smell that!� Max scrunched up his face. �Michael!�
�Hey. Keep it down, will you?� Michael hissed as he emerged from his room. �I think she's just tired but I really want to let her sleep.�
�Well, your kid stinks.� Max handed the small boy over.
�Michael, let Max change him.� Liz snickered. �I want him to get used to it.�
�Here you go.� Michael handed his child back over. �I'll supervise.�
�Liz... Are you sure you want one of these?� Max took the pamper with a wary eye on the full one in front of him. �They can really reek sometimes. I've seen this kid spit up on clean clothes across the room.�
�Max. It's not that bad, really.� Liz laughed at him.
�I'm serious. You remember those curtains that Sam had a couple of years ago that suddenly disappeared?� She nodded at him. Max shuddered. �This kid has incredible aim. He took them out from the changing table. I mean right over Michael's head and onto the curtains.�
�Enough. This is what you're gonna do.� Michael handed him a package of wipes. �You're gonna open that bad boy up and clean him off with these. Then you're gonna slide the dirty pamper out from under him and contain the toxic matter.� Michael chuckled at Max's apprehensive glance at Erik. �Then you're gonna put the new one on him and put his pants back on. It's simple.�
�Says the man who's not going to do it himself.� Max took a deep breath then opened the Velcro tabs on Erik's pamper.
�Hey guys.� Sam stumbled out of her room. �What's going on?�
�Max is changing his first dirty diaper.� Liz announced.
�You were successful in last night's endeavors, then?� Sam crossed the room to sit next to Liz.
�No.�
�Two months then.� Mrs. Guerin nodded. �Just keep riding him... no pun.� She covered her smirk and shrugged.
�Hush, girl.� Liz swatted her.
�Michael, Sam, what in the world are you feeding this kid?� Max cried out.
�I can see it now. Meet King Zan, the man who can take down entire armies but gags at the thought of a dirty diaper.� Michael started laughing and took over for Max.
�Hey, I got it. You bottle that scent and we'll be able to take down any army without even lifting a hand.� Max nodded sincerely and joined his wife on the couch. �Hey Sam, how you feelin'?�
�Tired. I wonder if this is like Space sickness. I've never gotten sick... well for two years I haven't gotten sick. Junior year, Senior year, half of my first year married.� Sam sighed and reached out for her son. �What's my baby been doing?�
�He uh... ran around the bridge for about twenty minutes. Then he got all the women in a fuss down in the court. That kid's gonna have them ladies pantin' after him in about 15 years. Then he got scared of the deck where they was makin' them... bomb, I guess, yo.� Max cleared his throat and kept talking. �Then him and Liz hung out in the gym. He had a blast.�
�Hey Zan.� Sam winked at him. �Are we going to go through this again?�
�Go through what?� He shook his head at her.
Liz pleaded with Max to ask for another day to do his presentation but he wouldn't listen to her. With a hand over her eyes, she waited. She wasn't disappointed but the other students in their class were stunned.
�Yo, so this guy tries to tell me that I ain't good enough for his fuckin' loan.� Max stroked his goatee and kept on. �No fuckin' way. I got all the things they ask for. I got good credit, I got some fool to co-sign, I got collateral but no. The assholes still didn't give me the loan...�
�I think that's enough, Mr. Evans.� The professor interrupted.
�Hold on. I'm talkin'. I'm gonna finish my damn report.� Max looked back to his notes.
�That is all, Mr. Evans.� The professor stood. �Next time, clean up your language, your clothes and maybe I'll consider giving you another chance.�
�I wasn't finished.�
�Mrs. Evans. May I talk to you?� Liz made her way up to the professor�s desk. �I know that your husband is not usually this way. I suggest you take him to a doctor immediately. He may be bipolar.�
�I promise I will try to keep him from interrupting class while he's like this.� Liz nodded vigorously.
�I would hope so. You and your husband are my best students. Take him out and make him better, Mrs. Evans. Try not to fall behind while you do so.�
�Yes sir.� Liz nodded and went to Max. �Come on. We're going home.�
�What for?�
�Special break.� Liz whispered as they gathered their things and left class. �We gotta find a way to get the Max personality back.�
�I don't know what the fuck is wrong with everyone all of a sudden.�
�Oh but I do... We're calling Michael when we get home.�
�It's okay, baby, never mind.� Liz kissed his cheek and then turned back to Samantha. �He still doesn't know that he does this.�
�Mama. Ah bal. Ah pay. Ah whooa!� Erik clapped his hands and hugged.
�Wow. You played with the balls and Uncle Max swung you around? Sounds like you've been busy.� Sam kissed his head and held him still. �It's naptime.�
�Nooo.� He whined and kicked.
�Sh...� Sam whispered and started humming. Everyone was quiet and waited the two minutes it took for Erik to fall asleep. Two minutes of quiet and not moving and the kid lost the interest in fighting sleep. �Michael?�
�Yeah.� Michael scooped up his son and went to lay him on the bed. He came back shaking his head. �One good thing about these beds. No chance of him rolling off.�
�I'm a talk to these guys about them rooms. This shit is cheesy.� Max shook his head. Michael and Sam looked to Liz.
�We're going to call him Zan now. That way the crew stops getting confused.� Liz explained quickly. �I actually like it when his personality swings.�
�I ain't no split personality, Liz.� Zan chewed on his lip piercing.
�Whatever you say, sir.� Michael saluted.
�Yo, some respect or what?� Zan sat up, arms out. Michael sat back, hands up in surrender. �What I thought.�
�Okay. I think my husband is cranky.� Liz stood and pulled him to his feet. �I don't think I'm going to get used to being out here anytime soon.�
�I think that goes for all of us.� Sam whispered and leaned back against Michael. �I know I just woke up but I hadn't been sleeping well for a while before we left.�
�I think we could all go for some sleep. First one to wake up hit the food button.� Liz called over her shoulder.
--
Deina barely raised her head to look at her guardian, the Captain. He was just staring at her. �I tried to explain to him... I did.�
�It's okay. He's been raised among the humans. Don't worry about it. Either he'll come around or eventually order you to get married. You have a year yet before you come of age... or three years if the King decides to use Earth standards.�
�I've always been told that this is what I was born for.�
�Destinies change. Our prophecies never mentioned that our King would be hallowed by the Light. Now he is more important than ever.�
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DMartinez