Kira joined me later that day and informed me that we both needed to get our barcodes removed. Max wanted our help with something and to do the job we needed to be barcode free.

494 hadn’t lied. It hurt like a bitch. But it wasn’t too bad. I’d been through worse. Soon it was over and the pain quickly began to fade.

“Max wants us once we’re done.” Kira reminded me as she took her turn under the laser, “She said she’ll explain our mission objective then.”

“Okay.” I acknowledged as I carefully began the process of erasing her designation.

Soon, we were both clear of our barcodes and headed back to HQ. Max was waiting for us when we arrived.

“You’re here. Great.” she said, motioning for us to follow her, “We’ve got a problem. I know you guys are new here and all, but we need all the X’s we can get on this one.”

“What’s up?” Kira asked, sensing that this was serious.

Max motioned for her to wait a minute and opened a door. Inside were a dozen X-series, waiting in various positions of repose around a large desk. Kira and I entered and Max closed the door behind us.

“Okay. Here’s the problem, people.” Max began, “We’ve got a hostage situation. Kind of like the one we got stuck in at Jam Pony for those of you who remember. We’ve got a unit of X-6’s holed up in a motel. They’re scared and panicked. The only thing keeping the cops off of them are a few hostages. White’s men are on his way. We have to get there first.”

“And how do you plan on getting them out without having a shoot out?”

My eyes snapped to 494/Alec. I had seen him before when I walked in, but had been able to pretend like I hadn’t noticed until now when he’d spoken.

“I’ve got a plan.” Max said.

My sensitive hearing picked up on a faint groan from Alec. Max glared at him and I realized that I was starting to really think of him as Alec and not a simple designation.

“Shut up and pay attention.” she snapped, “We don’t have much time.”

Her urgency reminded me of my own when Kira and I attempted our escape from Manticore.

“Come on, 772. We don’t have much time.” I urged.

“Alright, let’s go, people.” Max concluded and everyone moved out.

I blinked and followed suit. Alec appeared next to me.

“She’s crazy. This isn’t going to work.” he looked to me for confirmation.

“We’ll make it work.” I replied firmly and increased my pace in an attempt to leave him behind and catch up with Kira.

Alec increased his own pace to match mine. I sighed in defeat. I wasn’t sure why I was avoiding him, but it was hard to act like nothing had happened this morning. Maybe he didn’t feel the same way, but that morning had been a revelation for me. I couldn’t just pretend everything was the same.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, as if sensing my thoughts.

“Nothing.” I lied.

“Don’t lie to me.” he said harshly.

I looked at him in surprise. I hadn’t known a simple lie would upset him so much.

“Look, let’s talk about this later. We’ve got enough to worry about right now.” I leveled with him.

He nodded, visibly going into mission mode. I did the same. I had only been here a couple days and they were already trusting me with a mission. I would not screw it up.

Kira was holding the door of a van open for me and I hopped inside. It was crowded inside with fourteen X-series inside. I pulled my knees into my chest and leaned back against the door, trying to take up the least space possible. I reviewed the plan in my head, over and over, making sure I knew exactly what I had to do. Suddenly, the van stopped.

“It’s three blocks to the motel. You all know what you have to do.” Max said as she opened the side door for us to get out.

I nodded. I waited for Kira to join me before we headed off towards the motel. We were stealthy and silent as we traveled, stopping only when we had reached the building across the street from our destination.

Police swarmed around the building which was good and bad for us. There was no sign of the unmarked black vehicles that Max said would signal White’s arrival.

I singled out two officers that were walking our way, coming to retrieve something from their squad car. I pointed them out to Kira who nodded. We waited for them to come closer, then quickly made our move, snatching both men and dragging them quickly back into the shadows between the buildings. We rendered them unconscious, bound, gagged, and stripped them of their uniforms. Moments later, Kira and I were dressed as police officers and cautiously approaching the scene.

Max’s plan was to assume the attire of a police unit so we could try to inconspicuously infiltrate the building. Once we were on the inside we could attempt to get the X-6’s out under the guise of being our prisoners. Then, it would all be a matter of timing and luck. A lot of this relied on luck, actually. We would be lucky if we weren’t made before the plan was executed. I hoped this would be our lucky night.

We remained on the outskirts of the police, using all our skills to be inconspicuous. I noticed Max and Alec on the other side of the perimeter the police had erected using their squad cars. I watched Max closely, waiting for her to make her move.

Kira and I were supposed to keep track of the movements of the Alpha team, the team Max would lead inside. We were backup incase things went sideways. Somewhere on the other side of the building were two more X’s with the same job. The four of us plus another two watching from a nearby rooftop were Beta team.

Max and Alec began to move, circling to the side of the building, speaking into her radio, quickly moving in. The rest of Alpha team followed suit. Two followed Max and Alec. Two took the direct opposite side of the building. Two came in from the roof of the motel. That made all eight. The rest of the police force visibly tensed as Alpha team moved in. I couldn’t tell if it was because they weren’t sure what was going on and were suspicious or if it was because they were nervous about what would happen with the trapped transgenics inside. I prayed for the second.

Kira tapped my arm for attention and nodded up at the pair on the nearby rooftop. I focused my eyesight in on X6-356/Bryan. He was giving the all clear signal, but warned that the rear side perimeter was tightening. The police were getting anxious.

“Hurry up, Max.” I muttered, turning back to the motel.

I could see through the glass doors into the main lobby, but couldn’t see anyone. The X-6’s were too smart to stand in such an exposed area. The rest of the windows were either boarded up or had curtains pulled shut over them. We were pretty blind for the time being, but Alpha team knew to send us a signal if they were in trouble.

However, that did nothing to calm my nerves any. I forced myself not to fidget, but couldn’t keep from biting my lip. My eyes darted everywhere, trying to keep track of everything. I listened carefully for any bad noises. Like a scream or the sound of a gun being caulked. All I could hear was the sound of nervous cops talking, the crackling orders coming through the radio, and the voice of the police man talking through a megaphone to the transgenics inside. So far, so good.

The minutes passed with agonizing slowness. The police were demanding that Max tell them what was going on inside. She was making no reply. The police were starting to wonder if they should send someone else in.

Suddenly, the radio crackled to life with Alec’s voice.

“It’s okay. We got them. Repeat, situation all clear. Stand down. Sending out the hostages, then we‘ll bring out the prisoners.”

I almost sighed with relief, but I knew that we weren’t safe yet. I watched as people appeared in the lobby. The hostages burst through the doors and ran to the safety afforded them by the sector police.

That’s when I was distracted by the sound of vehicles. Lots of them. I turned and saw numerous black vehicles pull up.

“Agent White and his men have arrived.” I reported through my radio, trying to keep my voice level.

This was bad. Very bad. We had to get out of here before he recognized one of our team.

“Requesting prisoner transport to back up to lobby doors.” Alec said.

“Why? What’s going on in there?” demanded the police man who’d been talking on the megaphone.

“Just don’t want to risk any problems with the prisoners, sir. You know what they are.” Alec responded with the appropriate amount of disdain in his voice.

But underneath that I could detect the urgency he was feeling. I felt it, too. Just give him the damn transport already!

“Alright. Hang tight in there.” the man that must be the police chief agreed finally.

Agonizingly slowly, a prisoner transport vehicle was back towards the door. At the same time, White was making his way towards the police chief, his men in tow.

Alpha team and the X-6’s piled into the vehicle with amazing speed. Max appeared in the driver seat and I saw White’s eyes narrow. Max stamped down on the gas just as White raised the alarm. Max barreled her way through the police barricade as the police fired frantically at the vehicle. White swore loudly as the vehicle disappeared down the street and quickly hurried back to his car to follow. Kira and I quickly withdrew.

Once we were out of plain sight, we ran as fast as we could back to the van. Bryan and his partner, an X-5 named Kiley were already there. A moment later and the last two members of Beta team arrived. We quickly piled in and headed at breakneck speed back to Terminal City. What happened to Max, Alec, the X-6’s, and the others was out of our hands now. All we could do was hope that Max was able to lose White and meet them back at Terminal City.

The only problem was that we had to make sure we got to Terminal City first. If Max beat us there then White would be waiting outside the gates for us. That was why Kiley was driving so fast.

“Look! It’s Max!” Del, another X-5, said, pointing out the window.

I looked and saw that sure enough, Max had just pulled out onto the street behind us. And right on her tail was White.

“Hurry up, Kiley!” Bryan urged.

“This is as fast as this stupid thing can go!” Kiley snapped back in frustration, “What do you want me to do? Get out and push?”

“Just shut up and drive.” Bryan ordered, “We’ve only got 2.4 miles left to TC.”

“What’s up, Beta team?”

I jumped in surprise. I had forgotten we still had radios. I grabbed mine in order to reply to Alec.

“Just wishing you could’ve lost that guy for us.” I replied.

“Not that easy. White’s not the kinda guy to just let us skip on home. Got to ask you. You feel like doing something kinda risky?”

“What?”

“You guys armed?”

“Of course.”

“How good’s your aim?”

“Tell him not to worry about it.” Del replied, already readying a weapon.

“What do you want us to do?” I asked.

“Drop back and take out White’s tires. It probably won’t stop him, but it’ll take him a minute to regain control of the car at this speed. Should give us enough time to get the hell out of here. Problem is, you miss and he’ll have you. He’s armed, too, you know. I don’t think he knows you guys are with us just yet. Bring him down with your first shot or you’re screwed.” Alec warned.

“Got it.” Del nodded.

“We’ve got it, Alec.” I relayed.

“See you back home, guys. Out.” Alec said and his end of the radio clicked off.

I switched of my end as well. That was a risky conversation. Police probably heard it all. But, on second thought, it wasn’t like it changed anything. The police already knew that we’d played them. We’d have to ditch the van anyway. The only problem would be if the police tried to warn White. Uh oh.

“Come on. We’ve got to do this before the police give White the head’s up!” I warned.

The others instantly realized what I had. Kiley slammed on the brakes, then released them, almost instantly dropping us back behind Max. A few seconds later and we were even with White.

Del punched out the van window and took aim through it. I could see his eyes focused in on White’s front tire, his gun trained on the target.

Then, I saw the guy next to White spot Del aiming his gun.

“Now!” I yelled.

Del fired. The tire exploded just as the guy next to White was pulling out a gun of his own. White’s car swerved out of control and Kiley had to swerve to avoid being hit by it. We were quickly past White and out of range before he got control of the car. I grinned, feeling the adrenaline pumping through me.

“Nice shot.” I congratulated Del.

“Yeah, nice work, partner.” the X-4 who accompanied him, Tern agreed.

“Celebrate later. We’re not home yet.” Kiley silenced us as she whipped around a turn.

But soon we arrived back at Terminal City. The main gates opened to let us through and slammed shut as soon as we were past. Max was just opening the back doors for the Alpha team to get out as we pulled up behind her. She smiled brightly at us and gave us a thumbs up.

I jumped out of the van and took stock of all the gun shot marks on the police vehicle we had stolen. Good thing it was an armored vehicle.

“Knew I could count on you guys.” Alec said as he jumped out of the back of the vehicle.

“We had your back.” I nodded, still smiling from our successful completion of the mission.

“Care for a celebratory drink? My treat.”

I shot him a look. He held up his hands and grinned.

“Nothing alcoholic, I swear.” he added.

“Well, okay...but only if you’re buying for everyone. We are a team after all.”

Alec groaned.

“You sure are a pain in the wallet.” he said.

“I have expensive tastes.” I offered.

“Whatever. We’ll just say that you owe me some assistance when it comes time for me to supplement my income.” he said.

I rolled my eyes and ignored him.

“Hey, guys! Successful mission drinks are on Alec!” I called to everybody.

That comment managed to get eleven of our team headed towards the bar. Max stayed behind, talking to the newest inhabitants of Terminal City, the four X-6’s we had rescued. Kira stood with her back resting against the van as she waited for me. I motioned for her to come with as Alec and I headed off.

“Coming Maxie?” Alec called.

“Rain check. Let’s just say you owe me one.” she replied.

Alec rolled his eyes and jerked a thumb back towards Max.

“That’s Max for you. I swear, she’s getting as bad as Logan. Never has any fun.” he turned to me and grinned, “So, how do you feel about guys in uniform?”

I looked him up and down, taking in the sight of Alec in a police uniform.

“Doesn’t suit you.” I said finally, “Maybe you should try something more...janitorial?”

I smirked as he shot me an outraged look. I even heard Kira snort at my remark. I grinned at her.

“We look like we’re going to a police bar, don’t we?” I asked, noting that the whole team was still in stolen uniforms as I walked into the bar.

“Nah. More like a costume party. None of us would really work for the long arm of the law.” Kira replied.

I was pleased to see she was lightening up in Alec’s company.

“Could be a smart idea. Pretend you’re tracking down burglars when you’re really making the robberies yourself.” Alec mused.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if half the cops are pulling that already.” Kira sniffed in reply.

Kira had never liked the police. She had said once they reminded her of Manticore, but were much too sloppy to deserve any of the respect she had for the military operation.

“What’ll you girls have?” Alec asked.

“Water’s alright.” Kira shrugged.

“Got any soda?” I asked.

“Not much, but I’ll see what I can do.” Alec nodded.

He left to go get our drinks from the bar.

“Not letting him get you drunk again?” Kira asked coldly.

I frowned. Apparently her previous attitude had been an act.

“I got myself drunk, thank you. And no, I don’t care for another hang over. Especially not this early.”

“I’m still not too sure about him, Jess.”

“I know. But if you could just give him a chance.” I pleaded.

It was so hard not to have her approval. I could deal with everyone else thinking I was wrong, I was used to that, but to have my best friend disapprove was really a blow.

She sighed heavily.

“I’ll try.”

I smiled. I knew that if she would just give Alec the chance, he would show her that he wasn’t the heartless, arrogant bastard she thought he was. I just knew it.