[scikaiju]

<Episode 41>


*Opening theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I Am*


He heard a slow clapping sound and tried to locate it. He found somebody coming toward him in the shadows still clapping his hands. He could tell from where he was he was wearing a World Inc. assault team uniform. “I got to tell you something buddy,� the figure said. “I was worried when I found out you were having problems. But it looks like you actually gained a step or two since I last saw you.�

He stepped into the light and Jack got a good look at him, but he already recognized the voice, “Mitchell.�

“I bet you thought you’d never see me again.� Mitchell started jogging in place, looking pleased, “I was wondering it myself after you paralyzed me that day.� He stared at Jack for a second, losing some of his mirth, “You did know that right? I mean you had to have heard my back snap when I landed on the edge of that van. Yeah, I thought about that for a long time, I still do actually. But you got to love the Fusion system though right? You barely had any legs at all when we found you. Now look at us, on our feet like nothing happened.�

Jack felt a strong urge to back up but he held his ground, “So you guys arranged this little get together for a reunion or something? You could have just sent a postcard.�

“Oh no,� Mitchell quickly dismissed it. “No the plan was to get one of the other cells. When they raided that Trent guy cell a couple of the prisoners who were willing to talk said your group was pretty close to this other one. That was the one we were targeting tonight. The boys back at World Inc. were certain that the rumors we planted would draw them out. The idea was to try to draw you out by holding you for bait actually.� He chuckled a bit, “Imagine my surprise when you showed up instead. So the new plan was to get you away from the others. That idiot knocked you down here instead. I really had to hoof it to find you two.�

“So I forced you to think on the fly?�, Jack commented. “I’d bet that sprained something.�

He chuckled again, “I almost forgot you had a sense of humor. Well you can’t blame me with the look you gave me last time. That entire day was burned in my brain. I can’t tell you how many times I relived it. Hell I probably dreamed about it while I was in that tube being turned into a thing like you. Well not like you exactly,� he corrected himself. “For one I still have all my original parts,� he sneered. “And two I was bonded to the Mark two system.�

“Let me guess,� Jack cut him off, “You’re just dying to show me the difference between the two.�

Mitchell grinned, “Since you insist.�

Jack quickly got his left arm up to materialize the belt. Swinging his arm to the side he raised his right to his left. Shouting, “Henshin!�, he slammed his right hand on top of the belt. It scanned him and he was back in the Fusion armor.

Mitchell raised his left arm, bent at the elbow and his hand balled up in a fist. A familiar looking belt appeared round his waist, except the faceplate was blue. Glaring at him he clenched his fist tighter as he said, “Transform!� He moved his arm to the side and in one motion he swung his right arm up and over before slamming his right hand on top of the belt. Jack watched as he was covered in a black body suit and red armor formed around. He stared into the blue lenses of Mitchells’ helmet. Based on the look Jack guess he was based on a dragonfly too.

Jack snorted as he said, “Transform? Oh that’s real original.�

Mitchell cracked his neck, “At least my word sounds American. I mean hen…shin, what in the hell does that mean any way?�

“Transform you moron.� Jack ran at him and tried to catch him with a flying knee. He missed as Mitchell sidestepped out of the way. He turned toward him quickly as he landed and ducked a punch he barely had any time to react to. He scored a couple punched to Mitchells’ chest and gut but he quickly backed away before any more made any contact. Jack went after him throwing punches and kicks, but Mitchell was able to block or dodge them easily. Jack almost thought he heard him snicker at one point. He went for a haymaker of a right cross that the other man got under and countered with an uppercut that knocked Jack off his feet.

As he tried to get back up Mitchell stood there and actually dusted his hands off. That got on his nerves fast. “Same old Jack,� he said. “Always thinking pound on them until they give. Always looking for that one big hit.� Disdain entered his voice as he added, “Always relying on luck instead of some skill.�

“Sometimes it better to be lucky than good,� Jack said before kicking his foot out at the other man shin. Mitchell stepped back top avoid it and that gave him enough room to get back up. He went for another punch but Mitchell caught him by the wrist and twisted hard. The pain made him drop to a knee and grab at his shoulder as Mitchell continued to apply the pressure, “Ugh,’ he grunted.

“That’s definitely true in your case ‘buddy’,� Mitchell told him. “From what I hear you took out that blind hit man Logan and Kathy. Granted she had her quirks, hell some of the boys called her a psycho dominatrix, but she was one of Anderson’s top assassins. But if you fought them like you’re fighting me right now I’d say luck played a huge part in it.� Jack rolled foreword with the pressure on his arm. As soon as he landed on his back he kicked Mitchell in the head. Shaking his arm slightly as he got up he turned around and kicked him in the gut. He swung a knee in fast and caught Mitchell flush in the face as it forced him back up. Jack finally connected with a punch to the head. God that felt better than it should have. He went for another one but Mitchell caught his fist with his hand. Jacks’ arm was shaking with the effort but it wasn’t going foreword, in fact Mitchell slowly started to push it back.

“There’s a reason why it’s called the Mark two buddy boy,� Mitchell informed him. “They realized all the mistakes they made with you and corrected them. And not only am I stronger than you I’m pretty sure I’m faster too.� He let go of the fist and punched him. Jack was just able to block the next couple of punches and a kick aimed at his head. Then his head snapped back from a straight right. Then several more strikes he couldn’t see coming rocked him. Finally a right cross spun Jack to the ground.

Through the stars he saw the meter start to flash. Mitchells’ must have started doing the same because he heard the pod on his belt click. Jack watched him out of the corner of his eye. A punch or kick was coming, it was just a question of which one. Mitchell raised his foot up for a stomp. Jack quickly rolled foreword as the foot came down hit hard on the floor. As that part of the floor exploded form the charge he twisted his pod up as he got to his feet. As Mitchell turned to face him Jack put everything he had into the punch and nailed him in the chest. “Gotcha,� he grunted as he fell to a knee and Mitchell stumbled back. He lowered his head not rally wanting to see this. Then he heard the turbines in Mitchell belt start to hit hard. An electrical charge ran down his chest armor and into his belt. Jack looked on stunned, “What the hell?�

Mitchell acted as surprised as he was as he patted himself down, “Heh, I didn’t think that was actually going to work when they told me about it.� Then he looked right at him, “Too bad for you.� He pulled Jack to his feet and started unleashing on him before he could react. Holding him against a metal wall Mitchell told him, “Thanks for the recharge by the way.� He twisted the pod up and threw the punch. Jack got out of his grasp and all he got was wall. But Mitchell grabbed him and pulled him back as soon as the wall exploded. A chunk of wall smashed into his head and he fell to the floor dazed. Jack was vaguely aware of Mitchell standing there and deactivating his system. Reaching into a pocket on his vest he pulled out a small flat oval shape device that he slapped onto Jacks’ chest and stepped back.

“ARGH!�, Jack screamed in pain as it felt like a huge electric charge ran through him. As his body arched from the pain as his armor slowly started to disappear. He laid there breathing heavy and clutching his chest as Mitchell hovered over him.

“That looked like it hurt,� Mitchell commented. “Like a real kick in the nuts. Actually…,� he trailed off as he kicked him low. Jack sat up and held himself as a new pain ran through him. “I’m surprised you still had any,� he said while kicking him back down. Standing over him Mitchell looked thoughtful, “This look familiar doesn’t it? What was it you said the last time I saw you? I remember now, you asked me what the biggest difference between you and me was. You said you didn’t enjoy this. Which kind of implied I did. And you know what?� A sick grin grew and he knelt on top of him, reached into the hood and pulled his head up by the hair, “You’re right.�He started punching him in the face again, again and again.

Jack lost track at how many times he was hit and was about to lose consciousness when he heard Sparky shout out, “Jack!� Mitchell let go and looked to his left, then he heard what sounded like those shock sticks being activated.

“We’ll finish this later buddy boy,� Mitchell said as he got off of him and ran. Jack thought he heard multiple footsteps go after him. Rachel knelt down beside him with a horrified look on her face.

“Oh my God,� was all he heard before he finally passed out.

***
Where is he?�, Dusty said as he jumped out of Bessie looking worried when he arrived at the habitat. He must have pushed that old truck to its limits to get here so fast

“They should be here any second now,� Melissa told him. Beside her Lance was kicking himself with guilt. “Lance you didn’t know this was going to happen,� she tried to comfort him. “Emily didn’t even get a notion until they were in the middle of it.�

“I still sent you guys there,� was his only response.

“Two coming in!�, the guard at the door announced. Just like she feared Arron came in riding Jack’s bike. She ran for the van behind him with Lance and Dusty in tow. The door opened up and she felt a wave of relief to seeing Jack sitting up right. His face was battered and bloody. Rachel and Sparky were at his side trying to clean the blood off of him.

“No offence son,� Dusty spoke up, “but you look like hell.�

“You should see the other guys’ fist,� Jack smiled weakly, “I totally messed it up.� Dusty looked away but she was feeling his relief that he was trying to joke about it. It meant he wasn’t hurt that bad. “Just get me a couple of bottles of aspirins, I’ll be fine.�

“I’ll be the judge of that son,� Dusty told him. “Sparky help me get him out of here.�

Jack actually tried to pull away from them, “I can do it.�

“Son, either you let us help you out of this thing or I’m gonna jab a needle into you and knock ya out,� Dusty threatened him.

“Whatever,� he grunted and they eased him out of the van. “But I’m walking on my own.�

“You’re definitely as stubborn as ever,� Dusty told him as he under one of his arms while Sparky did the same on the other side. “Besides we’re not going that far, just to Bessie and my medical bag.�

“Mitchell just hit me in the head,� Jack protested, “nothing important got hurt.�

“Mitchell,� Melissa repeated, “I know that name but I can’t place it.� She looked to Rachel for some help. That’s when she noticed she was sitting in the opening of the van, looking at his blood on her hands and shaking. How did she miss reading that when she was that close? Melissa immediately sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

“How much more crap is he suppose to take?�, she asked to nobody in particular.

“I wish I knew,� Melissa answered her. Hopefully Emily knew something but she didn’t say that out loud. “We’ve seen Jack bounce back from way worse,� she assured her. “Besides he’s too stubborn to let this stop him for long.�

“We just got him fixed mentally,� she said. “Now he comes back and tried to bust Jack up,� she wiped the tears on her face with the clean part of her hand. Closing her eye to compose herself a bit she started talking, “Mitchell was the one in charge of Anderson assault troops while we were there.� That’s why the name sounded familiar but she kept quiet. “The last time we saw him Jack tossed him on top of one of their vans. The way Jack explained it that messed him up enough for them to bond him to a new version of the Fusion system.� Standing up she reached into a pocket and handed Melissa an oval shaped device. “I found this by Jack. He said Mitchell used it to deactivate the systems.� She glanced over to Lance, “Your cell is good at the tech stuff right?�, there was a slight edge to her voice when she said the word cell. Before either of them could respond she walked past hem and over to where Jack was.

Lance took the device and studied it, “I remember them telling us about a device Anderson had that could stop the armor from forming. Looks like they took it a step further.� Melissa didn’t have to read any of his emotions this time around. She knew that look all too well.

“Just give her time to start thinking straight,� she told him. “Emotions are running a little high right now. Trust me I know better than anybody,� she smiled in hopes he would too.

“Nice try kid,� he said instead. “But I know they’re right in being angry with me right now.� He walked away and left her wondering if she had any chance in fixing this any time soon.

***
Rachel watched silently as Dusty finished up stitching one of the bigger gashed on Jack forehead over his eye. As he taped a bandage over it to join the others he placed previously Dusty commented, “I’ll check on that in a couple of days to see how it’s healing. Hopefully that won’t scar up on you.�

“Like one more going to make that much of a difference,� Jack said. Touching the bandage a bit he joked, “At least with this one I can tell people I tried to be like Evel Kinevel.� Something must have shown on her face because he looked at her and went, “Sorry.�

“Don’t be,� she said immediately. “I’m just happy you’re all right.�

“This boys head is harder than granite,� Dusty grinned. “It’s going to take more than a few hits to crack his thing open.�

“It’s not like he didn’t try.� Again he looked at her and said, “Sorry.�

Lance came up to them. Looking uncomfortable he said, “Jack I wanted to…�

“I don’t think now’s a good time,� Rachel quickly said.

“The boy needs his rest,� Dusty said at the same time.

“Guys, it’s alright,� Jack told them. Slowing standing up he looked at Lance. “There’s no need to apologize. Their plan was to get your guys and use them as bait for me. Chances are this was going to happen anyway, we just cut out the middle man.� Seeing the device in Lances hand he said, “I see Rachel gave you my little memento. You probably want to know how that worked. Melissa probably needs to know too so I’ll tell you both at the same time. Just make sure I don’t fall down on the way there.� Jack went off toward Melissa with Lance right behind looking slightly confused.

Rachel and Dusty watched them leave. Dusty looked at her and went, “Was I the only one expecting that boy to rip into him?�

“You’re not the only one,� she remembered how he was acting when they got the job. “I guess it’s a good thing he can still surprise us at times.� He nodded in response. “Are you going to be staying long?�

“At least ‘till morning,� he answered. “Jack’s got no outward signs of a concussion but I just want to make sure. Besides,� he smiled, “it looks like you could use somebody to talk to right about now.�

Feeling grateful she said, “Thanks Dusty.�

***
Anderson got out of his chair immediately as Mitchell and Perez walked into the office. “Mitchell,� he said as he walked over and took his hand, “if I haven’t said it already it is good to have you back.� Remembering Perez was in the room he added, “Not to knock your performance Mr. Perez.�

“Even I knew I had some big boots to fill when I took the job,� Perez said.

“I just wish I was able to bring Jack in to make this particular celebration complete,� Mitchell said.

“No offence Mitchell,� Perez told him, “but Davidson been proven to be a real pain in the ass since you’ve been laid up.�

“Yes,� Anderson agreed, “Mr. Davidson has proven to be a worthy challenge to the men.�

“I think you mean lucky,� Mitchell commented with a smirk. He was still on this particular kick apparently.

“Well if you two will excuse me I’m going to see if I can train the men to be that ‘lucky’,� Perez said before he left the room.�

“I’ll be down there too in a bit,� Mitchell said before the door closed. “I have to head down to R&D first. I owe Armstrong and his team an apology for doubting them about that little surprise for Jack.�

When they were alone Anderson said, “I’m surprised you haven’t taken back total control of them men yet.�

“I was out of the loop longer than anybody anticipated,� Mitchell explained. “Perez made the unit his own in that time. He’s a good man and I don’t want to step on his toes. Besides you were always telling me the Fusion system was designed to be a solo act when Jack was here.�

“Quite right,� Anderson said as he sat back in his chair. “Did Perez tell you that he and the men discovered we have Drakan in the troops?�

“I told him I was aware of it,� he said. “I also told him I kept quiet about it because I didn’t want to prejudice the men and affect the unit. He accepted that answer.�

“Good,� he nodded. “It was a tense couple of days after that bit of information got out. As mad as he was at the time I was surprised Perez was able to calm the situation.� Anderson picked up a particular file off the desk and looked at him, “Now about your proposal.�

“I hurt Jack pretty good,� was his only explanation. “If he’s anything like I remember he’s going to be itching for a shot at some payback.�

“A person can change in the time you were out.�

“I looked him in the eyes, he didn’t change that much. And sometimes the reward is worth the risk.�

Anderson raised an eyebrow,� Quite. I believe I’ve said that on a couple of occasions myself. Or something similar. Work out the basics of the plan with Perez and bring it to me.� He nodded and left the room. Anderson leaned back in his chair a bit, he never realized how much he missed having this particular human around. He was actually happy he graced Mitchell with the red armor.

***
“This is nuts,� Melissa stated as she read the note in his hands. Two days after Jack encounter with Mitchell they get this down the grapevine. Her first instinct was to rip it up, nothing about it felt right. But Emily was there and convinced her to show it to Jack. She had no idea why she listened at this particular time. They found him and Rachel in the gym. Jack face was still bruised and bandaged as he pounded the hell out of the heavy bag. He only stopped when Rachel pointed out they were there.

“You’re holding a piece of paper and that can’t be good,� he commented.

“Mitchell wants you one on one,� she told them. “They talked to their contacts and word just now got to us. He even designated when and where if you can believe it.� Jack took the note without another word.

Dropping the note to the floor he headed for the exit, “It’s tomorrow, I’m there.�

“Are you nuts?�, Rachel asked as she picked up the note and read it for herself. “You’re not even healed from the last time.�

“It’s something I have to do,� was his only explanation as he kept going.

“Do you want me to show you exactly how short that leash is?�, Melissa told him making him stop in his tracks. “I know he hurt you but I’m not going to risk everything because you want revenge. And don’t think a lot of people will be backing you this time around.�

“This isn’t about what he did to me,� he told her.

Apparently Rachel didn’t believe him either, “I’m sorry Jack but even I know better this time around.�

“And he used the word ‘cell’ last time,� Jack told them. “If they didn’t know it before they know now there’s more than one group of rebels out there. And how soon before he goes looking for them if I don’t show up, if he hasn’t already. Those cells will be facing a Drakan Killer who’s going to have no problem killing anybody who get’s in his way. He has to be stopped before he starts living up to the name.�

She looked him in the eyes and read him. Melissa was a bit surprised, there were a couple of things in there that indicated revenge but that wasn’t what was driving his words at the moment. Thinking it over for a moment she slowly said, “I guess we have a day to work it out.� Jack nodded and Rachel just looked at her as they left. Turning toward Emily she said, “One of these days we are going to sit down and you’re going to explain to me exactly what this champion business is you planted in his head.�

“It’s nothing I planted child,� she said, “it was something that was already there. Certain events just brought it out of him, even if he’s still trying to figure it out what it means for him.�

***
The “meeting� place was at the pier, specifically near the area where they rebuilt Richie. Mitchell was definitely trying to push any button he could. Rachel insisted on coming with him saying she wanted to watch his back if he tried anything, despite the fact Sparky, Arron and the others were going to be around to cover the area. He only agreed to let her come this far after making her promise to get out of there if it got violent, which would probably be pretty quick if things went down like he thought they would. When they found him Mitchell was actually leaning against the same building they kept Richie in. “Rachel, long time no see,� he grinned. “Are you making the job of tracking you down easier after I take down Jack?�

“No she just wanted a reminder of what a jackass actually looked like,� Jack said as they got off the bike.

Laughing a bit as he got off the wall he said, “Cute, I hope you’re still this funny while you’re both in a detention cell.� Mitchell started to do his movements. Jack did the same as Rachel quickly backed away. “Transform!�, Mitchell shouted.

“Henshin!�, Jack said at once. Their armor formed around them as that ran. Jack went low at the last second and kicked his legs out from under him. Mitchell quickly kicked him away and got back to his feet. He found himself backing up from Mitchells’ attacks. Then he went in and under a left hook and hit him in the gut as hard he could. Quickly following up with a knee he grabbed him by the head. Mitchell broke his grip and hit several punches to his chest while he was open. Jack was forced to stumble back and fell to a knee. Mitchell took a second to gloat before aiming a kick at his head. He caught the other mans’ foot and pushed him back. Walking into a backhand Jack was grabbed and barely kept up as Mitchell started running. Next thing he knew he was flying in the air.

Landing on a loading he heard Mitchell cry out, “Damn it, I was aiming for a corner.� Jack got to his feet and saw Mitchell come right at him. Diving out of the way he thought fast as he saw a pipe by Mitchell. Jumping for the pipe Jack swung foreword and planted both of his feet in his chest. Jack ran at him and tackled him, crashing through the door behind him. He got in a couple of punches in before getting pushed off. Mitchell went for a back roundhouse that he stepped away from. He went in fast using the other man leg to jump off as he kicked him in the head. Jack got behind him, grabbed him by the waist and threw him. Again Mitchell broke his grip, flipped backwards in the air and landed on his feet. Jack got up and got tagged with a right hook that sent him back top the floor. Mitchell stood over him saying, “I guess that fall took more out of you than I thought. You’re actually putting up a fight this time around. Too bad the end is still going to be the same.� He kicked him in the head before he could to anything.

***
Rachel ran toward the warehouse they crashed into. She didn’t tell Jack but she had another reason for wanting to come with him. When she reached the door she saw Jack on the ground and Mitchell picking his shots. Her hand going for her jean pocket she ran toward them. In her hand was the same device Mitchell used on him, fully recharged. He didn’t see her coming until it was too late and she slapped it on his back. She stepped back as Mitchell did everything not to scream as the charge racked his body. Like she hopped the armor faded away and he fell to his all fours. “Jack are you…,� was all she got out as Mitchell popped back up and hit her with a backhand that had a very audible smack that sent her sprawling to the floor.

Mitchell stood over her and spat, “You stupid bi…*gack*!�. She looked up to see him trying to pry Jack’s hand from around his neck.

“Big mistake,� his voice was dripping with anger as he wouldn’t let up. Mitchell quickly drew his gun. For a brief moment Rachel thought they found a way to turn that metal into bullets shells. Then he pointed it right at her. Jack started to squeeze harder. The muzzle of the gun started shaking slightly but it was still aimed at her and she was too scared to move. Mitchell face was turning a deep red but the gun wouldn’t waiver. It was almost like he was challenging Jack to do it before he could pull the trigger. Jack threw him to the side after a moment. He put his arms around her and forced her head back down to the ground. Rachel felt her heart skipped a beat as she heard the gun fire and the bullets ping off of his armor.

“Jack, Rachel!�, Arron shouted in his wolf form as he lead some of the others into the building. Mitchell fired off a few more rounds to keep them at bay.

“You’re luck going to run out one of these days,� he croaked before running off. Jack got off of her stood there watching Mitchell leave, his fist shaking slightly. He deactivated the armor after it looked like it was clear.

“We found most of the troopers and sent them running,� Arron explained. “We came as soon as we heard the gunfire.� He looked down at her and went to a knee immediately, “Geez Rachel what happened to you? You’re going to have a bit of a mouse under that eye.�

“What?�, Jack turned toward them and hurried over. He knelt down and she looked away not wanting him to see for some reason. Gently he took her by the chin and looked at the damage. She watched the concern in his eyes turn into something colder in a couple of blinks. He grunted, “I’m going to kill him,� as he looked to were Mitchell went and started to get up. Rachel grabbed his arm to stop him.

“I want to go home,� she said.

“Might not be a bad idea,� Arron agreed.

Jack looked at her and his eyes soften again as he softly said, “OK.� Kneeling back down he told Arron, “Let’s give her a few minutes first.� She was going to ask why then she noticed her hands were still shaking. She only been close to dying one other time, and she was unconscious for most of that one. Jack stayed with her rubbing her neck and shoulder until the shaking stopped. Again he took her by the chin and lifted her head up. With that half grin of his on his face he said, “You’re suppose to be the smart one in this duo. Leave the rough stuff to me in the future, ok.�

She grinned back, “I’m not making any promises.�

“Good enough,� he said.

***
Mitchell didn’t go far, only a couple of building away. The mission was blown and Jack got away, again. But he couldn’t stop smiling to himself. Still holding his throat he looked back at where he came from he said out loud, “You shouldn’t have shown me that one Jack.�


*Ending theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve Done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 42>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I Am*


She knew something was wrong when she woke up and nothing happened. Rachel waited a few more minutes, still nothing. Rolling over she saw his cot was empty. He was getting better at hiding the fact those nightmares were still waking him up, but they still happened like clockwork. Getting out of bed and into her jeans she went looking for him. Seeing only one other person in the hallway she asked, “Did you Jack?�.

“I saw him heading for the gym,� she replied.

“Thanks Tina.� She should have guessed that’s were he’d be. It was almost impossible to get him out of there for the past couple of days. As soon as Lance arrived, which was just about every day now, off to the gym they went. Rachel heard him pound on the heavy before she even reached the door. She stood by silently and watched. His face wasn’t as swollen anymore but it was still bandaged and bruised, and she subconsciously rubbed the bruise on her cheek. For several minutes he threw punches at the bag, occasionally mixing in a kick or a knee. He paused only long enough to acknowledge she was there before continuing. “Getting an early jump before Lance arrives,� she joked. She knew what he was doing, he was trying to tire himself out. “So what happened in the nightmare this time?� Jack lost his rhythm for a second and she knew she hit the mark. “You’re supposed to tell me when you have one,� Rachel reminded him.

“I didn’t want to wake you,� he answered. Then he added, “For the forth time this week.�

“That kind of goes against our no more secrets rule,� She informed him. Sitting on the bench she patted the spot next to her to get him to join her. Reluctantly he did so but he was having a hard time looking at her. “Something in that nightmare changed, so what was it?�

Jack waited a few moments before answering, “I finally saw the other person the Drakan were going after.� He closed his eyes and put a hand over them, “They were going after you.�

She wasn’t quite sure what to say to that. “Hey, I’m right here. Nothing happened.�

“I know, I just…,� he trailed off. Opening his eyes again he said, “I wish this nightmare would just go away.�

“So do I,� she rubbed his back. “But Dusty says it’ll go away when it goes away. So is Lance going by again today?� He said he was. “Why have you guys been training so much for the past week?�

“Because Sparky and Arron keep holding back on me.�

“Holding back on you? I don’t get it.�

“Mitchell is stronger and faster than I am,� he said looking serious. “System to system I can’t compete, but maybe I can hold my own if I get better fighting wise. And I can’t do that if people are going to treat me with kid gloves.�

“You seem to be holding your own to me,� Rachel told him.

“I’m basically just a street fighter while he’s been trained,� he continued. “I’m basically fighting on instinct instead of anything else. He mentioned two of the fights I’ve been in, the one with the bat at Dusty’s and the woman we faced when we were forced to move. He was right, I was lucky in both fights.�

“Luck had nothing to do with those fights,� she tried to tell him. “Mitchell doesn’t know…�

“You figured out the bats weakness,� he said. “And if that wasp didn’t get her spike stuck in that pillar I don’t think I would have gotten another opening. I need to get better if I’m going to have a chance when I fight Mitchell again.�

“You’re letting him get to you,� Rachel informed him. “That what he wants, to get in your head. You can’t be listening to what he’s trying to tell you.�

“I can’t help it if he’s right,� he told her.

“Come on,� she said getting up, “we both now you’re better than he thinks you are. Luck only gets you so far and you wouldn’t have lasted this long if that’s all you relied on. But if you insist on doing this you’re going to need your sleep.� Dragging him to his feet she added, “Besides you have another engagement today you have to worry about.� Rachel smiled at how confused he looked.

***
Everybody but Jack apparently knew what that other engagement was. Even Lance said they were going to get in what they could before he had to stop and shower up. Then he found out what it was, he was going to help some of the younger kids learn how to dance. He sat on a box waiting for the kids to show and asked Rachel, “Why am I doing this again?�

“Because you agreed to it,� Rachel said.

“I think you agreed for me,� he commented, “behind my back.�

“They asked you to do this a few weeks ago,� she informed him matter of factly.

“Was I in my right mind then? Because I don’t think I was.�

She didn’t miss a beat, “I don’t think you’ve ever been in your right mind. And you’re not getting out of this, you promised you’d do it. The kids have been looking foreword to this.�

“They just want to see if I’ll fall on my face.�

“Behave yourself,� she told him as the teacher brought the kids in. Jennifer, who was still holding on to Polly, was in the group and waved at him. Jack found himself smiling and waving back. Rachel made him get on his feet.

“Alright children,� the teacher said, “today we’re going to learn a basic dance. Jack and Rachel have agreed to help us out.� He snorted and Rachel shot him a quick look. “Now before we get started perhaps Rachel and Jack will show us how it’s done.� They turned toward each other Jack put one hand on her back and took her hand with his other while Rachel put her free hand on his shoulder. One more time he worried about how hard he was holding her hand and lightened his grip up a little.

“Ew,� a little boy said, “we have to touch them?�

“Wait until you get older kid,� Jack told him. With a smile he added, “Then they get really icky.�

“Don’t put thoughts like that in their heads,� Rachel chided him.

“Sparky lives down here and you’re worried about me?�

The teacher coughed, “Alright then, if you two are willing to show them what the dance is suppose to look like.� She put on some music and they started dancing. Every so often the teacher would explain what they were doing. After awhile she remained quiet and continued dancing.

“You’re better than I thought you’d be,� Rachel commented.

“I’m not a total klutz now,� he said.

“Did you mom teach you to dance?�

“Actually it was my uncle.�

“That seems a little… weird,� she said.

“You’re telling me,� he a greed. “There were a couple of times I think he got a wo…�

“Jack,� Rachel quickly cut him off.

“Right,� he said a she looked around and felt a little embarrassed. “I forgot the kids were here.�

They danced for a few more minutes before the teacher stopped the music. “Alright kids you saw how it was done so let’s give it a go. Rachel, do you two want to stay and dance with them?�. Rachel looked his way and they both agreed. Jennifer ran up to him and took his hand. “That’s the spirit,� the teacher said. “Come on now, the rest of you don’t have to be shy.� Slowly they partnered up and the music started.

“Ok kid,� Jack aid to Jennifer, who was still holding her bear, “tell Polly I’m leading.� Jennifer wasn’t sure what to do at first, especially with the height difference. He told her to step on his toes and let him to the work. That did the trick as she was excited she was dancing. Jack just happened to look up and saw that Rachel was smiling at them. He started to smile back.

After about a half hour, and several stepped on toes, Melissa came in and watched them for a minute. Rachel saw her and said, “It’s time to go already?�

“Afraid so,� she answered, “the van waiting for you in the garage.�

“Where are you going?�, Jack asked.

“Lances’ cell needed some help moving some things,� Rachel answered. “Melissa said it was getting pretty crowded the last time she was there and we have a few empty safe houses they can use. I figured I’d give them a hand. I mean after everything Lance and his cell has done for us it’s the least I can do.�

“I’ll help out too,� Jack said.

“That’s ok Jack,� she replied, “I think it would be better if I go alone this time.�

“Why? Are these safe houses in the middle of the city or something?�

“No, they’re in a secluded area,� she said, “but… Do you want to take this one?�, she asked Melissa.

“From what I understand a good chunk of his cell knows about you living here,� Melissa said, “mainly from those he took him while we moved. We’re just not sure if they’re ready for you yet.�

“You can’t keep hiding me forever,� Jack told them.

“Next time,� Rachel said, “I promise, but I really have to go.�

“Rachel,� Jack said as she reached the door, “be careful.�

“I always am,� she said, “unlike some people I could mention.�

Jack watched her leave and kept looking. Jennifer kind of giggled as she said, “You like her.�

He just looked at her, “Don’t start kid.�

***
Mitchell hated playing catch up, but being out of it as long as he was he really didn’t have much of a choice in the matter. One of the first things he asked about was that new metal a couple of the guys mentioned. The one that could apparently pierce or slice through his and Jacks’ armor. Armstrong explained that it needed a slight electric charge running through it in order to be one hundred percent effective. They only thing keeping them from turning it into a bullet was the fact they couldn’t find a way to charge the bullet and maintain its durability. The first couple of attempts the internal generator was so big it made the shell so thin it shattered on impact during the first couple of experiments. And the process to refine the metal was a long one so any weapon production was limited at them moment.

So Jack’s “luck� saved his bacon one more time.

The next thing he learned about was this new scanner. They could detect Jack’s chip no matter what he did to cover it as long as he was in twenty feet of it. They scattered them throughout the city, just far enough apart that he could walk into any of them. The only problem with that was he stayed out of the city as much as possible. Even when he did those scanners mysteriously went down or gave a negative reading. So he and the rebels had to know about them. Mitchell was surprised nobody made a move to disguise them or move them to another location when that happened, at least put a couple under surveillance. That would have been the first thing he would have done when that happened.

Then there was the most interesting piece of news he heard, they had captured a cell. And some where willing to talk to save their own skin. Not that it did them any good but they talked. This particular cell was the quote unquote quick hit espionage cell, and they knew things. Like the location of several safe houses the main group was known to use. Right now they were empty but under constant surveillance. And he raced over in a hurry to a particular watch station when he got the word. He quickly met with the surveillance team that was stationed in a wooden shack not far from the house. “Are you sure it’s her?�

“See for yourself,� his man said while handing him the binoculars. He scanned every inch of that house. There where people coming in and out of it and it took a couple of minutes but he spotted a head of blond hair. That was Rachel alright. “Can you imagine what the boss is going to say when we bring her in?�

“Yeah I can,� Mitchell said not taking his eyes off of her. They were making this just too easy. “But who says it has to be right away.�

His man started smiling, “You thinking about calling an audible?�

“The thought crossed my mind.�

“You thinking about getting a little extra payback for zapping you?�

“Not exactly,� he said. Oh he remembered her slapping that armor disruptor on his back. But more importantly he remembered Jack’s reaction when he hit her. “No, I’m going to see exactly how big of a chink she is in his armor.�

***
Melissa found it pretty easy to get into a new routine for her “strolls� as Rachel often called them. She had too otherwise she would have gotten lost pretty fast. Finding herself in the common area she found Jack hanging around the comm. area, leaning against the wall, arm crossed and tapping his fingers against his arm. Looking up at her he asked, “How much stuff did Lance want to move?�

“You’re acting like an old mother hen,� she joked. He looked back at the comm. area. Melissa didn’t want to say it out loud but she was surprised they haven’t heard anything yet too. But she decided not to add to his worry. “If Rachel is acting anything like she did when we had to move than she doing everything to maximize the space.�

“And he wasn’t out there either,� he said absentmindedly. The “he� being Mitchell of course. If she had to be honest it was a little weird seeing him acting this spooked. It wasn’t even like when he had his breakdown, the threat was in his mind then. Now that a ghost from his past popped back up he was just on edge. “And why didn’t Freidman tell us about it?�, she lost count at how many times he’d asked that one.

The only thing she could do was repeat what she told him before, “Because Anderson entrusted Mitchell to a specialist in spinal injuries. From what I understand he personally flew the guy in. I never thought my cousin would do that for any human.�

“I guess he appreciates a good suck up,� Jack commented dryly.

“Who would have guessed,� she laughed. The comm. started buzzing and his head snapped toward it. “See, I bet that’s them now.� She went over and put the call on speaker to calm his nerves if nothing else. “Did you guys get lost or something?�, she joked.

“Yeah, I like to speak to Jack please,� replied a voice she didn’t recognize.

“Who is…,� she started ask. The sharp spike of anger she got from Jack followed by the cold spot growing in her stomach gave her a clue.

“What did you do to her you son of a bitch!�, Jack shouted as he grabbed the microphone.

“Rachel’s fine buddy boy,� Mitchell responded. Melissa could almost see the smirk on his face. “You would have been proud of her man. She was able to get away and hide from us for a couple of hours. Too bad for her one of the guys is part bloodhound, literally.�

“If you hurt her,� Jack threatened.

“She’s fine Jack.� Then he added, “For now any way. Say in another hour and a half and who knows.�

“Mitchell I am going to…,� he started.

“Calm down,� Melissa whispered to him. “You’re giving him what he wants.�

“But I’m willing to give you a chance to come get her,� Mitchell continued. “Right now we’re on top of the Goldcup building. It apparently went out of business while I was out so nobody’s around. I even deactivated the scanners around the building for a couple of blocks around the building so it’ll just be the two of us. If you can get past me you can have her. Scouts honor. Times ticking away Jack, she’s waiting for you.� Mitchell cut off the transmission before he could respond.

Before anybody could say anything to him Jack turned around and punched a crate. “It has to be a trap,� Melissa said without thinking.

“Of course it’s a trap,� he snapped. “But I can’t…,� he couldn’t finish as he ran a hand over his face. “I can’t just leave her in their hands. Not after all we’ve been through.�

“We’re not,� she assured him as she walked over to him “We’ll think of a plan and get there before she knows it.�

Jack looked up and saw Sparky come in to see what the commotion was all about. Melissa watched as an idea seem to occur to him. Through the despair she got a glimmer of hope from him. She watched with a bit of wonder as she studied his face. She’d seem him react to a situation, she’d seen him jump in without question and she’d even seen him try to laugh things off. But this was the first time that she had ever seen him look like he was trying to form a plan. “Sparky,� he called out after several moments, “find Arron and Angie and meet me in the garage. I’ll explain once you guys get there.�

Jack started for the garage before Melissa could question him. “Angie doesn’t know how to fight,� she informed him.

He turned around but kept moving for the garage, “If this works she won’t have to.� Turning back around he ran for the garage.

She watched him for a second before turning toward to the guys manning the comm., “I know we have some people around that building. Tell them to look for those scanners and find out if they are deactivated or not. And if they’re not to turn them off or reroute the signal. Anything to help him out.� They went to work calling and she looked toward the garage. Despite her worry a small smile graced her lips, “And I thought love made you stop thinking.�

***
The trip to the building was uneventful, although he kept looking over his shoulder for an assault team van to come at him. It took a while when he reached the building but he found a way to get to the roof from the outside, of course it was guarded. He knew Mitchell wouldn’t make this easy. Carefully he approached the shock trooper and squeezed the boomstick to pop the electrode. Turning the ring just slightly Jack grabbed him from behind and jabbed him in the back. The trooper jolted for a second before dropping to the ground. For something he hadn’t used before the stun setting been coming pretty handy tonight, that was the fifth guard he had to take care of so far. Making sure nobody else was around he started to climb the fire escape, somewhat surprised there was no other guards station on it.

Jack slowed his pace as he neared the roof, peering over the side to check out the situation. His heart nearly stopped when he saw Rachel gagged with her hands tied over her head to a support pole for the Goldcup sign. Mitchell stood right in front of her. She recoiled as best she could as he reached out and stroked her bruised cheek, “That wouldn’t have happen to you if you didn’t interfere. Tell me, did Jack try to kiss it and make it feel better? I had the feeling he was into you before you guys cut and ran. So did you guys ever…?�, he made particular motion with his fingers. “Can he even do it?�, Mitchell laughed. Rachel looked like she as about to kill him herself, and probably had a few French words floating around in her head at the moment.

His first instinct was to smash his head in, but he was doing everything possible to ignore it. He was trying to stay focused on the scanner attached to his belt. Jack had about twenty feet before it went off from the chip in his head. He had to chance it. Guessing there was about thirty between them that gave him ten to figure out how to distract him long enough. Slowly he made his way toward Mitchell. Things were going good until some birds got startled and flew out of their nest. Mitchell heard it and turned around as he ran full speed. Mitchell got an arm up and the belt appeared but Jack tackled him before he could finish the sequence. Despite the wind being knocked out of him Mitchell was able to force Jack off of him. He got to his feet faster than Jack expected and started after him. They were on more even footing this time around and Jack was still barely able to keep up with him. Then Mitchell threw a straight right that Jack caught with his hand. It took a little effort but Jack was able to slowly push it back as Mitchell looked confused. A smirk grew into a smile as he said, “I’m guessing since they corrected all of the mistakes you can’t throw a one sixty fastball.� Before Mitchell could react Jack let go and punched him with everything he had.

Mitchell tried to get away but Jack stayed on top of him hammering away. He trapped one of Jacks legs between his and turned making him fall. Jack got up waiting for something to come at him, it didn’t. Instead Mitchell ran toward Rachel, jumped up and kicked the pole she was bound to. It fell backwards startling her. “Rachel,� he cried out. He didn’t see the fist coming.

“Transform!�, he said and finished the activation sequence. “You took you eyes off the ball Jack.� Mitchell punched at him full force and Jack barely rolled out of the way. “A rookie mistake.� Well this part of the plan just went to hell.

He threw the boomstick at Mitchell who blocked it and let it fall to his feet. It was enough of a distraction to let Jack activate his system, “Henshin!� Jack forced himself to calm down, Lance said loosing it or getting angry wasn’t going to help in this situation. Mitchell waved him on but Jack stood his ground. He tilted his head slightly, in confusion or amusement Jack couldn’t tell, then he came at him. Jack was doing a little better at defending himself this time around, but he was still lagging behind. He knew that was going to happen the moment the systems got activated. Too late to do anything about it now. Jack was able to get under a swing and deck him with an uppercut. Mitchell expected for him to follow up on it. Instead he ran for the staff and snapped it to its full length. Then he looked at the dial then at the meter, maybe…

He knew Mitchell taught him the basics of staff fighting, but probably still knew more than Jack did. Hopefully he didn’t know about this little trick. He went in fast attacking with the ends of the staff at any point he could. Like he thought Mitchell blocked them with ease, now if he didn’t see this one coming. Twisting the ring to full charge he was able to jam the end into his gut. While he appeared confused Jack used that second he had to pop the electrode and sent the charge into Mitchell.

He backed up a few steps and one more time the turbines in his belt started to spin as they absorbed the charge.�I thought you would have learned last time,� Mitchell sneered. Jack was counting on that as he backed away and moved to the side. Mitchell twisted the left pod down Jack didn’t see that upgrade coming, but he set his surprise aside as Mitchell jumped up. He jumped out of the way but he realized too late he was too close to Rachel. Mitchell landed a couple of feet in front of her and after a moment that part of the roof exploded. The pole she was tied to fell back even more, he scream was muffled by the gag.

“Rachel!�, Jack went for her. Mitchell pulled him back and punched him down. OK, screw the plan he had a new goal now. Jack went in hard and fast, catching the other man off guard at how viscous he was being. He didn’t care if he had a superior system Jack was not going to let him stop him. He racked Mitchell with punches and knees. Rachel muffled scream caught his attention again. The pole fell even more and it look like she was going to slide off and fall. Again Mitchell picked that moment to attack him.

He knocked Jack to the ground after several punches. Before he could do anything else a green wolf and a blue eel came out of hiding and attacked Mitchell. “Go!� both of them yelled.

Jack didn’t need any more encouragement as he ran toward Rachel. She started slipping more as the pole bent further and he ran faster. Jack jumped for it the same time she fell. He grabbed the rope binding her wrist with one hand as the grabbed the ledge of the roof with his other arm, “Gotcha!� He looked back to see Mitchell keep Arron and Sparky at bay. Then he looked across the street and shouted, “Anytime Angie!� Within moments a blue Drakan dove with dyed red and purple feathers on her head flew over.

“Don’t worry, I got her,� Angie said as she grabbed Rachel around the waist. They flew back with her saying, “Geez Rachel, you’re heavier than you look.�

Jack turned back to see Mitchell knock both of his friends away and look in his direction. He saw the meter start to flash in his visor as he pulled himself up. Mitchell ran at him as he got a foot on the ledge. Then he jumped, flipping over Mitchell and kicking him in the head to knock him foreword. As he landed he twisted the pod up and turned around to see Mitchell grab on to the ledge to keep from falling. Jack punched the slab between his hands and backed up. Mitchell looked at where he punched then at him, Jack raised up his hand and wiggled his fingers goodbye right before it exploded. Mitchell fell to the street and right into a passing garbage truck that kept on going. “I didn’t know they made night runs� Arron commented as he and Sparky walked up and watched the truck with him.

Sparky asked as they returned to their human forms, “Would that be considered ironic?�

“I don’t know,� Jack said, “but it sure is appropriate.�

***
Angie helped her untie her wrist and get the gag off. Then she flew her back over when they got the all clear from Arron. Jack ran over and wrapped his arms around her she put her feet on the roof, “Thank God you’re all right.�

She put her arms around him just grateful to be there. But she still had to say, “Don’t cut it so close next time.�

“There’s not going to be a next time but I’ll work on it.� He looked aver to Angie, “Thank you.�

“What are friends for?�, Angie said as she made her way toward Sparky. For some reason she felt him loosen his grip but his arms were still around her. So she tightened her grip around him.

After a few more moments Sparky asked, “You two want to get a room or something?� Angie elbowed him in the ribs.

“Shut up Sparky,� Rachel told him.

***
When they got back everybody crowded them. Melissa pulled Rachel away from him almost as soon as they got there. Rachel didn’t look like she wanted to go but he was quickly surrounded by people telling good job and couldn’t follow. About an hour later he caught up with her in an empty hallway. He walked up to her saying, “I thought I told you to leave the rough stuff to me.�

“Well you weren’t there to do anything,� she told him.

“You’re the one who told me not to go,� he shot back

“You choose then to listen to me?�, she said.

“I didn’t want to make a scene in front of the kids.� Both of them kind of laughed. She started off as he thought about that moment. He grabbed her arm saying, “Wait a sec, I never dipped you.�

“You never what?�, she asked confused.

“While we were dancing,� he explained, “I never dipped you.�

“It’s not that important.�

“Are you kidding?�, he said as he took her hand and held her close. “My dipping gets raves.�

“You’re crazy,� she laughed again.

“You know it.� Jack tried to imitate the music and they started dancing. After a few moments Jack bent her backwards and quickly brought her back up. She laughed despite herself, “See.�

“OK, I’ll admit it that was kind of fun.�

“Told ya.� It took a moment but Jack realized he wasn’t letting go of her.

“Yeah… you did,� she said looking him in the eyes. She wasn’t exactly pulling away either.

“Yeah… I… uh,� Jack found his head leaning toward her and hers lifting up to meet him. They almost kissed before a noise startled them. When they looked back they noticed both of them took two steps back.

The moment broken Rachel looked unsure as she said, “Dusty coming over to check me out. I told everybody I was fine, but you know how he is.�

“Yeah,� Jack said feeling nervous for some reason. “I better go find Sparky and them and thank them again for helping out.� They both headed in different directions. After a few minutes Jack was talking to himself, “I love you. I love you. Why can’t I say it when she’s around?�

***
Rachel ducked into the nearest women restroom and locked the door. Leaning against the sink she stared at her reflection in the dirty mirror. After awhile she said, “Just tell him you love him already you moron.�


*Ending Theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 43>


*Opening theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I Am*


Anderson stared a hole into Mitchell as he stood in front of the desk. Part of him had to give the human credit, he wasn’t withering from the gaze. He personally knew of a couple of greens who would have begun sweating right about now. It was one of the reasons why he was usually proud to be associated with this particular human. Then last night happened. Evenly he spoke, “I am extremely disappointed with you Mitchell.�

“I know sir,� Mitchell replied while staying attention and staring straight ahead.

“We had Haily,� he was having a hard time keeping his temper under control. “She was captured and in our custody. Half of the job was already done. She was Davidson’s support system, without her he would have been easier to deal with if not captured out right.� Slowly he stood and stared him in the eyes. “Then you decided to play a game.� Slapping his hand on the desk he demanded, “Why would you think that would be even remotely acceptable?�

“I was testing out something I discovered during a previous encounter with Jack,� was his only explanation.

“And what was that?�

“That Rachel was a hole in personal armor. I was trying to exploit it.� Many men would have started making excuses why the plan didn’t work. Mitchell left it there apparently realizing there was nobody to blame but himself.

“So you had her play the damsel in distress against her will.� Anderson dropped back into his chair. “And the reason why you didn’t think you could test this,� he searched for the right word, “experiment here was?�

“I didn’t think he’d come. We have captured rebels before and brought them here and not once have they made an attempt to rescue any of them.�

“That maybe Mitchell but in this case your estimate was wrong.� Anderson studied his face for any hint of a reaction but that poker face of his was as strong as ever. “You see Mitchell while you just saw a man relaying on his luck as you put it, I watched him while he was still here and read the reports of how he was acting after he left. I do believe I can safely say that with or without the rebels consent Davidson would have found a way to make an attempt.� Again the human said nothing. “Instead of following procedure you went out on your own and ended up with the garbage. Dismissed!� Mitchell saluted, turned around sharply and exited the office. Anderson sat back and tried to get himself under control, slamming his fist on the desk when he could not do so right away.

***
It had been a week since anything had happened. Melissa knew it was the build up until something big happened, but she didn’t have the heart to dampen the relaxed vibe she had been getting around the habitat. Actually it was nice to get that vibe again. Some of the adults were playing ball with the children. A lot of people were sitting around and shooting the breeze. Even Jason seemed less grumpy than usual. Then there was Jack and Rachel. He was sitting on a crate and she was standing against it looking in a particular direction. Staying behind them she leaned against it and asked, “So what are we looking at?�

“The new hot item underground,� Rachel answered. Looking between them she saw Sparky and Angie across the room doing the couple thing, holding hands and looking happy to be together.

“Ah, young love in bloom,� she glanced at both of them to gauge their reaction to her choice of words.

Dense as ever Jack said, “I don’t know if I should be happy Sparky found somebody or sad Angie apparently settled at a young age.�

“Now don’t talk like that,� Rachel told, oblivious to what she said as well. “We should be happy they found some happiness in all of this mess. Some people don’t know what they have until they lose it.�

“No kidding,� he agreed. “I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen people have it right under their nose and not realize it.� Silently Melissa watched them as an awkward silence grew between them. Rachel turned her head and started to say something but quickly found something else completely interesting. Jack pulled back the sleeve of his jacket than glanced at her before looking in another reaction. Melissa dropped her head in frustration. What she really wanted to do was reach out and crack their heads together, but she was afraid that would hurt Rachel more than anything. Looking back up she silently urged one of them to make the first move already.

Resisting a very strong urge to shout out, “one of you say I love you already,� she said out loud, “It’s probably a good thing nobody else thinks like you do Jack. Otherwise they wouldn’t stand a chance.�

She got something weird from him right before he said, “Then you might want to have a little discussion with Arron, he’s taking bets on how long they’re going to last.�

“You’re kidding?� One look from Rachel gave her the answer, “You’re not kidding.�

“This idiot put in five bucks,� Rachel informed her.

Jack tried to defend himself, “I gave then four years, that’s a lot longer than anybody else gave them. Arron was saying six months tops. I probably won’t even remember if I won or lost money on that bet.�

“That’s not the point,� Rachel told him. “You’re betting on your best friend’s love life. That’s like them betting on us for some reason.� Melissa didn’t have the heart to tell them there was a wager going on for when they would actually “do it�. Then again she hadn’t lost the bet yet so there was no point really. Come to think of it Arron started that bet too. Melissa was going to have a talk with him one of these days.

“My best friend is standing right here,� Jack said pointing right at Rachel. That took Melissa a bit by surprise. “I though we had this discussion already.�

“I though you were trying o make me feel better,� Rachel told him.

“Have I ever done or said anything to make you feel better?� Jack looked confused for a moment, “Wait, that didn’t sound right.�

Behind them Melissa started smirking, best friend wasn’t an “I love you� but it was a step in the right direction. At least for these two.

***
“Is that all you got Jack?�, Lance told him. Once again they were in the gym and everybody gave them some space. Lance held up the padded gloves in front of him and insisted, “Come on show me a combo.� Jack threw three punches and finished with a knee. Lance absorbed each one with the gloves. “I saw that knee coming a mile away. Mix it up Jack.� He threw another punch combo and a knee but finished up with a spinning backhand. “That’s better, you almost caught me sleeping with that one.� After a few more combos he said, “Alright let’s take a break.�

“I can still go,� Jack protested.

“And there’s no point in fighting Mitchell if you’re just going to drop from exhaustion.�

“And I told you I didn’t want anybody to hold back on me.�

“There’s holding back on you and then there’s trying to smarting you up,� Lance told him. “Tiring yourself out is not the way to get you any better. Hell I’m surprised you picked up anything during this crash course we got going.� Taking the gloves off he went, “Come on sit, the water is on me.�

Reluctantly Jack did so, although he gratefully took the offered water. “It’s just frustrating you know. When we’re both in our armor I’m barely able to keep my head from getting knocked off. But the one time I had the advantage he was holding his own without any problem.�

“Yeah, and he and every single one of Anderson’s shock troopers is a trained fighter. Mitchell has years of experience and training over you Jack,� Lance told him, how he could make a lecture not sound like one amazed Jack to no end. “You can’t expect to close that gap in this short of time.� That was not what he wanted to hear right about now. “Look Jack I’ve seen you fight a few times, and from what I can tell you have some pretty good instincts. But you have to fight a little smarter too.�

“You say that every freaking day,� he groaned. He knew it was true but he was getting sick of hearing it.

“And you know you can do it too. Arron and Sparky both told me how you outsmarted him last time.�

Jack turned away, “I just got lucky.� He nearly fell off the bench when Lance punched him in the arm. “OW, what the hell?�

“New rule, “Lance pointed a finger in his face, “any time you put anything you’ve done down as luck you’re getting punched.� Snorting a bit he added, “Rachel told me I’d have to whack you in the head to get you to listen but I didn’t think she was serious.�

Rubbing his shoulder he asked, “And what would you call what happened?�

“Thinking on your feet,� Lance answered plainly. “That’s the one real advantage you have.� Jack wasn’t convinced and apparently it showed. “Look Rachel told me about this luck thing Mitchell apparently stuck on. And maybe in a couple of the fights you’ve been in you did get lucky. But I sincerely doubt luck played a factor in all of them.� Lance looked around then leaned in, “like I said I’ve seen you fight. I even talked to Sparky, Rachel, Arron anybody who had ever seen you throw down with a Drakan. And I’ve got the same thing from all of them. When you think you have a purpose you’re a totally different person. Even if you don’t realize you had one at the moment.�

Jack eyes narrowed a bit as he looked at him, “Who told you about the champion crap?�

Hesitating a bit he eventually answered, “Melissa. She didn’t know what to make of it either. But I think I have an idea though.�

“Do you want to clue me in then? I kinda like to know what in the hell I’m supposed to be doing.�

“I don’t think it’s my place to say.�

“Damn it,� Jack blurted as he got up. “I’ve been wrapping my head around thing crap for weeks trying to figure what it’s supposed to mean. Do I hang back and wait for them to do something? Or do I go after them before they get a chance to do anything?�

Lance waited until Jack sat back down before saying anything, “This is one of those things you’re going to have to figure out for yourself. But from the way people are talking you’re close to figuring it out.� Putting a hand on his shoulder he said, “When you do figure it out my gut’s telling me Anderson better watch out because his days are going to be numbered.�

“Thanks Lance,� Jack eventually said.

“You kidding, I should still be thanking you. I though Dusty was going to kill me the other day for accidently ripping those stitches over your eye.�

“I was more worried about Rachel ripping you a new one,� Jack laughed. “Me and Dusty just got in each others way.�

“Come on break time’s over,� Lance said. “Let’s spar for awhile.� They got on the mat and started circling each other, throwing a kick or a punch to test the others defenses. Almost casually Lance said, “Speaking of Rachel, when are the two of you going to stop beating around the bush and make it official?�

Stopping what he was doing Jack exclaimed, “You to?� Next thing he knew Lance grabbed him by the arm and he went flying over his shoulder and crashing into the mat. And judging from the smirk on Lance’s face that was a lesson on being prepared for anything. Jack pointed a finger up at him, “That was low.�

***
“How are the canned goods?� Michelle asked Rachel. It was time to do inventory of the supplies. Usually she wanted to do this by herself so she would get some time alone to think. But every so often it was good to have someone to talk to. It defiantly made the job go by quicker.

“Looks like we’re a little low on green beans and corn,� she replied. “Sparky said he has them growing the green beans so we should be good there.� Rachel paused for a moment, “That still doesn’t sound right for some reason.�

Melissa grinned, “No it doesn’t.� She wrote something down on the clipboard, “So how are you doing?�

“Outside of trying not to go out of my mind I’m doing ok.�

“Anything bothering you?�

“Just going a little stir crazy, that’s all,� she explained. “And it’s not like I can step outside to get a walk for a change of scenery.�

“I hear you,� Melissa told her. “It’s kind of hard to keep yourself entertained when the TV only gets two channels and you’ve done everything there is to do about twenty times. I’ve done the puzzles we have so many times I can do them without looking at the picture on the box.�

“I never watched that much television,� Rachel said. “And I can deal with the long stretches of boredom. It’s the sudden spikes of excitement that we don’t know that are going to hit or how bad that gets to me.�

“Welcome to rebel life Rachel,� Melissa said. “I’m afraid to ask but how’s the bread?�

“Ew,� Rachel looked as she crinkled her nose. “One loaf and it’s green.�

“Yuck,� Melissa stuck out her tongue. “We’ll give it to Dusty, he’s been saying he’s looking for some penicillin. This way he can make his own.� Both of them chuckled a bit. But she did get something from Rachel when she said rebel life. “So what is bothering you?�

“I hate it when you do that,� she told her.

“Sorry but it doesn’t come with an off switch,� Melissa said. “I can ignore it for the most part but every so often something slips through. So spill it.� She wondered how much she was going to have to prod her before she actually talked.

Thankfully not much. “I just feel a little guilty at times. I mean I was helping World Inc. track you guys down and take you out. I never knew I was on the wrong side of this thing.�

“I’m sure my cousin thinks he’s solely in the right in this situation,� Melissa said. “But as somebody once said this is a war, there no such thing as a good guy or a bad guy. Just two sides that think they’re right and the other side is wrong.�

Rachel just looked at her, “Didn’t Jack say that?�

Melissa just shrugged, “I never said it was a smart person who said it.� Rachel kept looking at her and she couldn’t help put laugh. Eventually she joined in. “Don’t sweat it Rachel, you were just doing your job, just like we were. I know Chris kept himself up at nights wondering if he made the right decision or not. I’m still amazed he never got an ulcer. And if he did he did a great job of hiding it. I wish I could ask him what his secret was because I feel like one is coming on every so often.�

“I think my aunt had a remedy for that, “Rachel said trying to remember. “I’ll see if we have the stuff to make it for you.�

Smiling to herself Melissa said, “Does it involve stopping a gator with a look?�

There was a brief flash of annoyance from Rachel’s direction, “That really happened.�

“If you say so,� she replied causally. Like she thought there was another flash of annoyance.

***
Emily walked the halls trying to find Lance. He had received a call from his people not that long ago. They discovered something but didn’t want to check it out in fear of being caught. Of course Melissa said that they would check it out and Lance said he’d go along since it was suppose to be his cell’s job. Jack, Rachel, Sparky and Arron all agreed to go along. That was why she had to talk to him about it. Finally she found him, “Lance.�

“Oh hi Emily,� he said, “sorry but I can’t really talk now, the others are waiting for me.�

“That’s why I have to talk to you.�

“What’s wrong Emily? Is Mitchell going to show up or something?�

“It’s possible but I can’t say for sure,� she answered. “But Anderson has been targeting your cell lately.�

“Don’t remind me,� Lance grimaced. “I want to yell at my guys for dropping this in Melissa’s lap but I can’t really blame them either. Besides if Mitchell does show up Jack can hold him off.�

“I’m not so sure child,� Emily said.

“You don’t think Jack can do it?� Lance looked like he could believe what he was hearing. “You’re the one who got this whole champion thing going. Besides Jack’s gone one on one with him a few times now.�

“And what happened in those encounters child?�, Emily asked, urgency at the edge of her voice. “The first time if the others did not get to him in time we would have lost him. The second time Rachel interfered. Last time he had Arron and Sparky with him. There has not been a time where he has faced him totally alone. I know there will be a time when Jack will be able to face him one on one with no interference. Now is not that time.� She clutched his arm surprising him, “Please child, we need Jack if we are to finish this. I ask of you, please don’t let him face him alone.�

Lance looked unsure of what to do, “I’ll do what I can,� and he left. Emily hoped it would be enough to bring them all home safe.

***
How did he just know this thing was going to be in the middle of nowhere? They had passed nothing but trees for the last twenty minutes or so. At least it was night so they’d be able to see any headlights coming their way. Rachel grip around him got a little tighter and Jack smiled under the helmet. If it wasn’t for the fact this was an actual job this would have been fun. “Hey,� he called back to her, “want to try and beat them to our destination?�

“Save it for the track ‘Masked Rider’,� Rachel told him. Despite hating that tag Sparky stuck on him he grinned even more. “Besides they got he map, we could get lost out here.�

“You make that sound like a bad thing.�

“Just keep you eyes on the road,�

“Yeah,� he deadpanned, “I don’t want to miss a different shape of rock.� After a few more moments Sparky’s hand came out of the driver side window single them to stop. They jumped out of the van while Jack and Rachel took of their helmets. “What’s up, are we there?�

“I thought I saw something,� Arron said while looking into the woods around them.

“Am I the only one who gets a bad feeling every time somebody says that?�, he asked.

“No your not,� Rachel said as she got off the bike. “So how big was this something?�

“I really don’t want to know,� Jack muttered.

Arron answered anyway, “I really didn’t get a good look I just saw a flash of something.�

“I think that would be me,� Mitchell said as he came out of the tree line in front of them and stepped into the beams of the van headlights. Jack got in front of the group before anybody could stop him. “You see there’s a bunch of guys up there waiting to ambush you, but you probably already knew that before I even showed up. Now the rest of you can keep on going and fall into it, I really don’t care one way or another. But I want you,� he pointed right at Jack, a particular hatred in his eyes, “right here.�

Reaching behind him he pushed Rachel toward the others, “Get her out of here.� Stepping foreword he stared at the other man, “Alright Mitchell let’s finish this here and now.� Doing the movements to activate his system he got out, “Hen…!�, then something crashed into the back of the head and everything went black.

***
“What the hell?!�, the one with the blue dreads cried out. Rachel and the boy immediately checked on Jack and tried to wake him up. Mitchell was scratching the back of head too, he did not see that one coming. The blond haired one just stood there with the fist he used to knock out Jack still clenched. He didn’t look happy with himself, almost ashamed with himself. The blue haired one pushed him, “What the hell Lance?!�

“Get Jack out of here,� was all he said. The others weren’t letting up. “It’s something Emily told me before we left. She hasn’t been wrong yet. I’ll hold him off.� The others looked unsure. “I got no plans on dying, I’ll meet up with you later. Now hurry up and get him out of here.� He stepped foreword and got between them. After a few more seconds the blue haired one and the youth picked up Jack and put him in the van. Rachel got in with him as the youth got on the KR-1000 and they got out of there.

“Lance,� Mitchell said slowly, “you’re the guy in charge of the cell that’s super friendly with theirs aren’t you.� Bowing with a sarcastic smile he said, “I am honored. We’ve been after you guys for a while now�

“Don’t be,� was all he said.

Pointing to the retreating vehicles he said, “You do realize you’re just delaying the inevitable right? I’m going to get him all by his lonesome sooner or later.�

“Emily said he needed more time before then, so I’m giving it to him.� Before his eye Lance turned into a red wolverine.

“Whatever,� he told him. He did the movements for his activation sequence, “Transform!� The black body suit and red armor formed around him. They wasted no time at starting things either. Mitchell was mildly impressed with that. He knew the reds were trained fighters, but after fighting Jack it was great to go up against somebody who could give him a workout. Still he was surprised when the Drakan caught him and sent him flying. “Oh this is going to be fun,� he laughed.

“You have a weird definition of fun,� the rebel told him. Mitchell jumped to his feet and went after him again. This time Lance took the fight to him. He was forced to back up from the Drakan’s attacks. Lance started turning around and unleashing a kick with each spin. Mitchell went low and tried to sweep his legs out from under him but he jumped over it. As he landed the Drakan slashed his claws at his head. He could see the sparks fly through the blue lenses of his helmet. He forced him away and got under one of the Drakan kicks and popped back up with an uppercut. Lance head snapped back and he looked dazed. Mitchell charged and he was caught again. His head smashed into a tree and he saw stars as the blackness almost took him. “I’m out of here,� Lance said as he went to leave.

“Not yet,� Mitchell said as he lunged for the Drakan. Grabbing him by the leg he tripped him up. “It’s over once I say it’s over!�, getting up he tried to cave in the Drakan’s head with a vicious kick. Lance tried to kick at him again. Mitchell caught it. With a quick snap he broke the Drakans’ leg and he screamed in pain. But he kept trying to fight from his back despite the new handicap. Begrudgingly Mitchell gave him some respect for that. Lance was still able block some of the strikes being thrown at him but more than few were getting through and making contact. One punch landed right on the rebel shoulder, he felt it dislocate from the socket. Behind the helmet he grinned like a maniac at the pain he was causing, picturing that was Jack clutching at his shoulder in his mind. Kicking him in the side Lance rolled over and tried to crawl away. The meter started to flash. Four limbs one choice, decisions, decisions. “Now it’s over,� he followed the Drakan, “time to put you down.� Grabbing the right pod he twisted it down, “You’re luck just ran out, just like Jack’s will.� He stomped him in the back and walked away.

***
“Two coming in!� Melissa heard the guard shout as she waited. She was wondering what was going on since Lances’ cell said he hadn’t shown up yet. That was the plan, they would check out what was going on and after it was over they’d drop Lance off on their way back. So what changed? Before she saw any of them she was getting an almost overwhelming mixture of emotions, it was staggering. But the one who was angry quickly became apparent when Jack got of his motorcycle and threw his helmet across the room. “What the hell is going on?�, she demanded.

“Lance knocked me out!�, Jack snapped at her. Then he immediately regretted his tone of voice as soon as he said it.

Her mind was refusing to recognize the words he said,� What… wait? Lance did what? Where is he?� She tried to look into the van as the others came out. She wasn’t seeing him.

“We ran into Mitchell,� Rachel explained trying to stay under control. “He informed us we were heading into a trap.�

“He really didn’t care about us,� Arron continued when she couldn’t.

“All he wanted was Jack,� Sparky said.

“Jack was going to fight him and let us get away,� Rachel spoke back up. “Before he could Lance punched him in the back of the head.�

“Where is Lance?�, she demanded again.

“He took Jack’s place,� Rachel told her. “He told us to take Jack and get out of there.� Starting to tear up she continued, “When Jack came to and figured out what was going on he demanded we turn around and head back.� Jack sat down as she continued, “When we got there Sparky…,� she couldn’t continue.

“Sparky said he smelled Drakan blood,� Jack voice cracked as he put a hand over his mouth.

Michelle knees gave out before she knew what was happening, “No.� Rachel was immediately at her side with her arms around her. Jack couldn’t stop the tears from falling as he sat there in silence. Sparky and Arron looked too stunned to do or say anything. Everyone around them was quiet. She kept thinking about Lance, she knew him since she was a girl He was one of the few people who genuinely believed she could do this. Now he was… gone? “NO!�



*Ending Theme – Linking Park – What I’ve Done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 44>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul –Who I am*


Word about Lance got to his cell faster than she expected. Melissa half expected them to blame her for what happened. But there were as stunned as she was. They got there quickly in order to perform the ceremony. Unfortunately as the, technically, highest ranked person there she was the one who had to lead it. She really didn’t want to be doing this but she knew it was her duty. Her and Lance’s cell crowded into the main living area of the habitat as she broke away and stood in front of them. Melissa was grateful when she turned around and saw Rachel standing right up front. Jack was standing behind her with his arms wrapped round her, both looking to the other for support.

“We lost a good man today,� she began. It was against protocol but right now she didn’t give a damn. “The life we chose to lead, we knew it was going to be rough. We knew there would be losses. But some losses are harder than others,� her voice cracked a little. Pausing for a moment she forced her way through it. “Lance was one of the best of us. He tried his best to make everybody he worked with better. Some of us kicking and screaming.� She knew she was supposed to be smiling there but it wasn’t coming because she wasn’t feeling it. “He did what he did because he believed in the cause and more importantly he believed in each and every person he worked with. And because he believed in us I know he would want us to go on.� She closed her eyes to get herself under control. Damn it she as not going to lose it before this was over. She owed him that much. “So let us herald him to the after life and make sure his ancestors know he is more than worthy to join them.� She changed into her green tiger form and the other did the same. Almost as one the Drakans in the room raised their head and howled at the ceiling.

Melissa only got half the howl out before her knees failed her again. The tears started to fall freely and she didn’t even try to stop them this time as she sat there crying in front of everybody. She knew they expected her to be the strong one but damn it she lost somebody important too. Rachel was by her side in no time holding her, “It’s ok,� she whispered, “we’re here for you.�

It took a few minutes but Melissa was finally able to change back into her human form and get back to her feet. A few from her cell came foreword and echoed what Rachel had said. Before long somebody from Lance’s cell came forward and said, “Melissa.�

She looked up and remembered seeing the red haired man in front of her from the few times she visited his cell, “Jaime.�

“I wanted you to know we’ve talked on the way here.� She braced herself for the worse, seeing a replay of what happened with Trent after Drake died. “And no matter what you decide we’ll back you one hundred percent. You’re right, Lance would want us to go on.�

“Thank you,� she wanted to feel relieved but her voice sounded a little hollow. This was still the same cell that didn’t want to do that last job because they were scared.

“I’m more than aware that we messed up big time. And because of it Lance is dead. I’ll know we’ll never make that up but that’s not going to stop us from trying. I’ll even pick up where he left off in training Jack if I have to.�

“You would actually work with the Drakan Killer?�, Jason asked.

“Lance was against him helping us at first,� Jaime said. “But he ended up believing we need him if we’re going to have a chance against Anderson. That’s good enough for me.

Rachel said nothing as she looked around. Looking a bit confused she ended up saying, “Where did Jack go?�

“I saw him leave,� Arron said. “About the same time I noticed Emily was gone.�

“Uh-oh,� Sparky muttered. With everyone looking at him he admitted, “I kinda let it slip that Lance stopping Jack was Emily’s idea.�

Knowing what kind of emotion was flowing threw him at the moment Melissa told them, “Find him.�

***
Emily wanted to get away from the gathering as fast as possible. This was not what she had in mind when she warned Lance. The guilt was almost overpowering. So deep in thought she almost ran into the person in front of her. Before she was even aware of who it was she instinctively knew it was Jack. There was an anger that was foreign to his eyes while he stared at her. “What did you say to him?�, he demanded.

“This outcome was not my intention child,� she tried to tell him.

“What did you say to him?�, he repeated a little more forcibly

Sighing a bit she answered, “That you were not ready to face Mitchell alone.�

“You said I was supposed to be their champion,� he snapped. “How can I do that if you don’t think I can protect them?�

“It wasn’t a lack of faith in you…,� she started to tell him but he cut her off.

“Then what was it?! What was so dangerous about that situation that I couldn’t handle it? What was it about because Lance is dead because of it?!�

“I didn’t send Lance to die,� she told him, almost shouting. “I was expecting him to face Mitchell with you not to take him on by himself. You are too important to us to lose. Lance knew that. You will be ready to face Mitchell in time. Please believe me, I had your best interest in mind.� She reached out to him but he backed away.

He hurt her more than he would ever realize by saying, “I guess you can’t see everything then huh?� Walking past her he added, “You still put the idea in his head and I don’t think my best interest is you had in mind.�

Melissa and Arron came around the corner. “Jack wait a moment,� she grabbed his arm. He pulled away and kept on walking. Then Melissa went to her, “Emily are all right? Jack didn’t saying anything did he?�

“It was nothing I didn’t deserve,� she told her and walked away in the other direction. She knew he was right, she did have more than his best interest at heart.

***
It had been a week since Mitchell had put down that rebel and no sight of Jack any where. He was more than ready to take another crack at him but apparently Jack decided to go into hiding. So this group of rebels that he, Perez and an assault team had surrounded and ready to take down would have to do. Sucks to be them. “Transform!�, he shouted as Perez gave to go sign. Breaking away from the group he zeroed in on a blue dragonfly. Oh the irony. Although part of him did feel sorry for the poor bastard, but not by much. Landing a solid punch to his face the Drakan crumpled to the ground. “Get up!�, he shouted at the Drakan in frustration. A red hand grabbed his shoulder. Mitchell didn’t care what it was as he turned around and clocked it.

Around him the men were containing what rebels they could. Double and triple teaming where they had to. So that left several Drakan more or less free. That just meant there was more for him to pound. He picked the closest one and went to work. Red, blue he didn’t care what color it was just as long as it was a Drakan in his way. He caught glimpse of a green bee trying to get away and knocking down a few of the men in the process. He just went to the top of the list. An overweight blue grizzly bear tried to get in his way. After a brief tussle Mitchell was able to snap his neck and continued after his target. The moment he got to him the dragonfly got back in his face. Now it decided to put up a fight? In fact it fought a little like Jack. Maybe with a little more control and a little more technique but there was a strong resemblance. Picturing Jack in his mind he broke the Drakan defenses and quickly pounded him into the ground. The bee threw him off and dragged the dragonfly with him. Mitchell got to a knee and watched them for a moment then at the meter. “Run, run as fast as you can,� he mumbled, smiling behind the helmet. Chasing after them he twisted the right pod up and the left pod down. Catching up he punched the dragonfly in the side of the head and the bee kicked the bee in the ribs.

As they both recoiled from the impact of the charge and exploded Mitchell stood there. Did Jack ever enjoy the feeling of power the system gave him? Did he ever get lost in the fear in their eyes when they saw him? Probably not, he was too busy feeling sorry for himself or some crap. Turning back to the conflict behind him he saw a couple of the Drakan were still fighting. “The fun’s not over yet.�

***
Anderson read over the mission report of the strike last night. For the most part things went according to plan. The rebels were captured and were currently being interrogated. Those that were captured alive that is. There were three unexpected causalities from the raid, and one man was responsible. That man was currently standing in front of his desk. “Mitchell,� he said leaning back in his chair, “I realize that in combat plans can change on a moments notice depending on the situation. But I did give specific instructions that the leader of this particular group of rebels was to be brought in alive.�

“I realize that sir,� he said, “but I wasn’t sure which one was the leader.�

“The reports said there was a green Drakan in their midst.�

“That wouldn’t necessarily make him the leader,� Mitchell countered. “If they are trying to live up to that all classes are equal crap then chance are the green Drakan was following orders from somebody else.�

He hated to admit it but Mitchell had a point. It was hard to imagine a green taking orders from a lower class, but the rebels were obviously doing just that. It made him sick. But there was still a question left, “Then how do you explain that the ones we captured are claiming the Drakan Killer murdered their leader?�

“Well there was the bear and the dragonfly,� Mitchell looked almost casually as he thought it over. “The bee looked like he was trying to get the dragonfly out of there so it could have been him.�

“And yet he’s dead,� he reminded him. Mitchell just shrugged his shoulders. Anderson raised an eyebrow slightly. “Despite the fact we lost the leader we did get a majority of the group. So I would say mission accomplished. Let Perez and the other know I said good job.�

“Right away,� Mitchell gave him a quick salute. “I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear it,� and with that he left.

“Quite,� Anderson responded as the door closed. There was no doubt about it in his eyes, there was something different about Mitchell. Ever since Davidson got the best of him that one time there was something in his eyes. He had known this particular human for years and he had never seen that particular look in his eyes before. No, he did see that look before, when Davidson paralyzed him. The fact he actually lost to Davidson. That ate at him for those first few days while he was waiting to be bonded to the mark two. Now that he had the superior system Davidson still found a way to outsmart him, it was eating at him even more. Anderson could see it. He would have to tell Perez, secretly of course, to keep a close eye on him. The last thing they needed was for Mitchell to become a loose cannon. He could become a bigger threat than Davidson ever was.

***
Rachel spent the next week trying to play peacemaker. After the ceremony for Lance Jack and Melissa started shouting at each other. All over how Jack was talking to Emily. Things got so heated he went so far as to dare her to throw him out after she brought up the leash he was apparently on. As much as she wanted to take a side she saw both of their arguments. It was Lance’s choice to do what he did, but would he had made it if Emily didn’t say anything. Although this champion thing Jack kept bringing up was new to her.

So they spent most of the next week avoiding each other as much as possible. Melissa more or less threw herself into her duties. Jack pretty much increased his training time, sometimes with Sparky, Arron or that Jamie guy. But mostly he trained alone. Well not alone, she stood by and watched him. Just wanting to be there incase he wanted to talk.

And eventually he did, going so far as to explain this whole champion thing. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. Lance said he had an idea but he wouldn’t say anything. He told me it was something I figure out on my own.�

“How come you never told me about it before now?�, she asked.

Dropping his head a bit he answered, “Because I’m still not sure if I even believe it. How can I be anybody champion if I don’t think I have it in me?�

“It might be one of those ‘the person who doesn’t want it is the person who deserves it’ type of things,� she offered. It didn’t look like he was buying it. She thought it was kind of lame too but it was all she had at the moment. “I wish I had something better for you but I don’t. I just wish you told me about this sooner. We could have figured it out by now.�

“I don’t know, maybe,� he said. After a moment he went, “Rachel, am I really that different when I think I have a purpose?�

“Who told you that?�

“Lance did during our last training session.�

“Oh,� that caught her off guard. “I wouldn’t say different. More focused than you usually are maybe. Not that you lose focus.� She smiled a bit, “Well there was that first time you activated the system and you stopped what you were doing when you saw what you look liked.�

“I wasn’t expecting to look like a bug,� he said quickly. Apparently finished training for the day Jack took a quick shower while she waited. As hard as she tried she couldn’t make heads or tails of this champion thing they put on him either. It wasn’t exactly a role she could see him in. Then again there were moments… No, she was thinking about it too much. Jack came out of the shower room with his jacket slung over his shoulder saying, “Want to get some dinner?�

“I’d love to,� she replied. On the way to the cafeteria Melissa came around the corner. “Play nice,� she warned him. He grunted in response. Melissa looked unsure too but came toward them. Something about the way she was looking told Rachel this wasn’t going to be good news.

“We just got word Mitchell and an assault team attacked one of the smaller cells last night.� Jack turned away swearing. “A couple were able to get away and Lan…,� she corrected herself, “Jamie’s cell took them in. But from the sound of things Mitchell is living up to the Drakan Killer legend.�

“We have got to stop him,� Jack said, “and now.�

“But how?�, Rachel asked. “We never know where he is until he shows up or finds a way to pull your strings.�

“Then we pull his strings for a change,� Jack told her. “We fight him on our terms.�

“And how do we do that?�, Melissa asked. “They can cover things pretty good if you haven’t noticed.�

Jack thought it over for a bit, “The old habitat.�

“They’ll have the place guarded,� Melissa argued. “The moment we get there they’ll be on us.�

“Yeah but they had it for what a couple of months?�, he countered. “You guys were living there for years. You know the ins and outs of that place better than they ever will.�

“They’ll have some sort of alarm in place at the entrances,� Rachel said. A group of kids ran by. Jack gave her a particular look and she remembered the whole incident with Jennifer. “But maybe they don’t know all the ways in and out of it.�

“But how do you get Mitchell there?�, Melissa asked. “As much as I want to take Mitchell down I am not going to risk Freidman’s safety.�

“Neither do I,� Jack admitted. “We got to iron out this part of the plan and fast before Mitchell decides to go hunting again.�

An idea came to Rachel. It was so absurd she almost didn’t say anything. But it was a long shot and it was the only idea she had. “I wonder if they still have that phone he took from me?�

***
Anderson met Mitchell on the way to R&D. He looked as surprised as he was when Armstrong called him in. When they got here Armstrong and his workers where hovering around an ordinary looking cell phone. “Why are they using it now?� he asked.

“I’m not sure,� Armstrong replied. “I as so positive they were going to drop it from their system I forgot we had it until it started ringing. We’re ready to trace it but I doubt he’s dumb enough to do it anywhere near their current hideout.�

“Did he say when he’ll call back?�

“Should be any time now.� After a few seconds it started beeping. Armstrong answered it and quickly attached it to a speaker.

“Hello?�, Davidson voice came through. He saw Mitchell tense up slightly. “Hello? Seriously you guys are eating up my minutes here.�

“Mr. Davidson,� Anderson said. “It’s a pleasure to hear from you again.�

“Oh it’s you,� he sounded a little disappointed. “Is Mitchell any where close?�

“Right here buddy,� Mitchell answered.

“What, am I on speaker? Hey, did Tim ever get a life? I was wondering about that the other day.�

“Some how I doubt you took the trouble in calling in just to play catch up. And didn’t you take quite a risk in calling this phone? How would you have known if we didn’t dismantle it?�

“It was either this or tie a note to a rock and chuck it through a window. To be honest the rock sounded like more fun but they insisted I try the phone first.� Any doubts he had this was actually Davidson were quickly put to rest.

“What do you want Jack?�, Mitchell demanded.

“I want to finish it,� he told them. “Just you and me, no backup and no BS.�

“Just say when and where Jack.�

“The place you ran the group of rebels I’m with out of,� he answered. “As for when, how fast can you get there?�

“Faster than you think ‘buddy’,� Mitchell sneered.

“I’ll be waiting.� The call ended before anybody could say anything else. Anderson looked over to Mitchell, he looked like he already won.

“He’s trying to get me on what he thinks is going to be home field advantage for him. I’m going to show him how wrong he actually is,� Mitchell looked way too pleased with the situation.

“So are you going alone?�, Anderson inquired.

“Of course not,� he said with a smirk. “Do you think I believe that no back up no BS crap? His friends are going to be there because they know he can’t beat me one on one. That’s why that one sacrificed himself the last time. I’ll bring a couple of teams with to take care of them. Then Jack is all mine.�

“I want Davidson alive,� Anderson told him. Mitchell protested and after a few moments of that he simply said, “Just think of what it will be like for Davidson behind bars. Knowing he can’t get out. Knowing if his friends try to rescue him they will be right there next to him.� That appeared to appeal to him. More than likely the idea of being able to taunt Davidson for his failure being the biggest draw. Despite his concern for his mental state, Anderson still knew how to appeal to his human ego.

***
“He’s here,� Arron announced as he came through the tunnel. It was connected to an old factory, and it was so small a child had to hunch over to navigate it but they got back into the old habitat. It was really strange to see something most of them still considered home so quiet and empty. Too bad it wouldn’t be quiet for long. They had a small group, just large enough to cause a distraction if needed. Of course the one person who wanted to be wasn’t. Luckily Melissa agreed with Jack about the danger and forced Rachel to stay behind. He was going to have to find a way to make up to her later. If there was a later.

Do not be thinking like that. “I called him twenty minutes ago,� Jack exclaimed. “Either he booked it here or this place was closer to Anderson than I thought.�

“A little bit from column A and a little bit from column B,� Sparky joked.

“He’d bring company with him?�, Jack asked.

“Was there any doubt?�, Arron asked in return. “We’re set to go in here and Jamie has his group outside ready to sandwich them as soon as they get inside.�

“Right,� Jack nodded. “Remember, make sure Mitchell gets to me and nobody else. I’m going to have a hard enough time as it is without any extra surprises.�

“You still haven’t told us how you’re going to get Mitchell to come to you,� Arron said.

All he said was, “I got an idea how.�

“You’re going to do something stupid, aren’t you?�, Sparky quipped.

“Yup,� he told them as he walked away. As soon as he turned the corner and was out of sight he reached up and pulled back the foil lined hood covering his head.

***
“What do you mean he’s inside?!�, Mitchell demanded. Anderson had guards and cameras on this place the moment they capture it. None of the surveillance teams had seen anything and none of the sensors had been tripped.

“The signal from his tracking chip just popped up a few moments ago,� Perez told him. “It took a few moments for the guys to recognize it as Davidson’s signal. He’s in there and he’s going deeper inside.�

“They must have had a few entrances we didn’t know about,� he muttered. “I’m taking a team inside,� he told Perez as he went into the van and took one of the handheld scanners. It picked up his and Jacks’ signal as soon as he turned it on. “Keep an eye on things out here just in case there are any other surprises.�

“I’ll get a hold of HQ and let them know what’s going on.� Mitchell said nothing as he rushed in. Studying the scanner he could tell Jack was still on the move. They didn’t get far before they heard fighting going on outside. He paused to look back, but only for a moment. His only concern was Jack. Every so often he would motion for some of his men to split off and take a hallway. Again it wasn’t long before he heard some conflict behind him but he stayed his course. It wasn’t long before he was actually alone but he had Jack’s location, he finally stopped moving and he quickened his pace. Not even looking for traps he followed a particular hallway. He started hearing water and his nose was assaulted by the smell of rotting vegetables. He kept on going and found Jack standing in the middle of what looked like a farm, or an attempt at one.

“It took you long enough,� he said.

“It’s a pretty out of the way place,� Mitchell said as he dropped the scanner. “So why did you pick this hole any way?�

“I don’t really know,� he said looking around. “I could say it was because it is a pretty isolated place with only one way in or out. But this is also where I started to find myself again.� He looked over to a particular hole in the ground, “It’s where I started helping something live instead of die.�

“Touching,� Mitchell snorted, “doesn’t mean anything to be but touching.� Neither said anything for a moment then both of them moved at once. Jack got his left arm across his chest. Mitchell got his left arm up and bent, “Transform!�

***
“Henshin!�, Jack slammed his right hand on top of the belt. The armor formed around both of them as they ran. Both threw a punch that connected with the other jaw. Mitchell took a step back from the impact but Jack took several steps back. Some of the training started to pay as he was able to keep up with Mitchell’s attacks. Mitchell may have been faster but he was better at avoiding some of it. Unfortunately a few of his strikes got through, a knee to the gut in particular dropped Jack to a knee, but he popped back up with and uppercut that caught Mitchell flush. He jumped up a bit and surprised him with an elbow strike on the way down. He swung his leg for a kick, Mitchell ducked it then caught Jack in the side with a kick of his own. He grunted in pain but tried to make sure he didn’t leave himself open for anything else. That was something Lance drilled into his head over and over.

Mitchell did just that going at him full force. Jack was forced to back up from the assault as he kept up his guard. Seeing an opening he threw a punch that Mitchell caught, again. Thinking quickly he pushed foreword a bit to make Mitchell push back. Falling back suddenly he got his foot up as the other man came foreword and flipped Mitchell over. Both of them got to their feet and Jack struck first with a right cross. He went for another one that Mitchell caught and threw him. Jack twisted in the air and landed on his feet. Grabbing Mitchell by the back of the head he started throwing knees. Mitchell quickly broke the hold and in matter of moments had him on the ground. He stood there looking at him instead of following up, “What the hell got into you?�

“When you think you have a purpose you’re a totally different person,� those words of Lance ran through his head as he got to a knee.

“I don’t know,� Jack grunted, “but I think I like it.� He jumped foreword without warning, caught Mitchell around the waist and charged foreword yelling. Slamming him against the wall Jack backed away just enough to start pounding away at him with everything he had. Mitchell got his hands up and pushed him away. Jack fell and rolled backwards to his feet and ran in again. Using the wall to jump up he slammed his knee into Mitchell’s face. His head was forced into the wall behind him cracking it. Falling back Jack grabbed onto his head to make sure Mitchell face slammed into his knee again on the way down. While Mitchell was still stunned Jack pushed him to his back and got on top of him and pounded away at his head.

The meter started flashing but he held off on grabbing the pod. He had an idea that hit him a few days ago, try and overload that redirecting system he had. It was a slim chance but it was still all he had. He got rocked by a straight punch to the face that got through his attack. Jack was stunned just long enough for Mitchell to push him off and throw him into retaining pond by the field. Jack heard a click as he got up and saw Mitchell’s reflection come up behind him. Rolling out of the way Mitchell’s fist hit the water. There was an explosion almost immediately as Mitchell pulled away with a smoking hand and shouted in pain, “Goddamn it!�

Jack went on the attack almost immediately, it was now or never if he was going to take him down. Mitchell fought back despite the handicap as the fight disintegrated into a slugfest. They pounded away at each other for several minutes. Both men had tunnel vision as they saw nothing but each other. Mitchell spun around and kicked him in the head. Then he did it again and again and again making Jack drop his guard and fall backwards. He used the wall he fell against to get up in pain, but not from the assault. The inside of his gut was hurting as the meter was almost one continuous flash. Now or never. Mitchell came at him at a run. Jack got out of the way, gritted his teeth and twisted the pod down. Electrical arcs traveled down the outside of the armor as he clutched at his leg. He was cooking the inside of his leg again but it was his only his only chance. Jack turned slightly as Mitchell whipped around and pinned him to the wall with a kick at the waist. His foot was on the faceplate of the belt as the full charge hit it. Mitchell was covered in electricity as the turbines started spinning. He grabbed Jack by the back of the head and threw him against the wall as little arcs of electricity danced around his helmet. He slumped to the ground feeling like something in his head was on fire.

Mitchell stumbled foreword holding his gut as his armor went back to normal. Jack lay against the wall totally helpless as Mitchell faced him. “You thought that would work huh?!�, he taunted. “You luck just ran out. I don’t care what Anderson wants you’re dead!� He twisted the right pod down. There was a brief whirling sound right before the belt started to spark. Mitchell looked down and saw some of the cracked faceplate fall off. The visible turbine looked damaged and barely moving, like it was stuck in place. He backed away as his belt started to spark more violently. He looked at Jack and shouted, “You lucky son of a bitch!�, right before the belt exploded and various parts of his armor erupted in sparks as he fell to the ground.

Jack watched him, barely able to move. Mitchell wasn’t getting back up, he was just smoking there on the ground. It took him a bit to realize he actually won. He tried to get back up but he couldn’t move. OK, he was just tired and needed a moment. But nothing was moving when he was trying to deactivate the armor. His fingers were barely twitching on his hand. If his head would stop killing him maybe he could figure this out. Wait a second… that burning sensation in his head. He started to have a hard time breathing. Oh God… the chip in his head…

Rachel…


*Ending theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve Done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 45>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I am*


He felt himself floating. He had no idea which way was up or down. All he knew he was in some blue stuff that was slowing his movements slightly. His hand hit something metallic. His eyes opened wide as memories flooded his head. He had to get out of there and he had to get out of there now. Thrashing around a bit he felt wire attached him that he quickly pulled off. Reaching out toward the light in front of him he found a barrier blocking his way. He started pounding away with all he had, he had to get out of there. Shadows suddenly hovered in front of him. He stopped pounding and tried to get away from them. Another barrier behind him blocked any chance of escape. The barrier in front of him lifted away and several hands started reaching for him. He resisted as hard as he could but the got a grip on him and hauled him toward the light.

He hit cold air almost immediately. He heard a jumble of voices and tried to yell at them but something nasty spilled out of his mouth instead. He still struggled as they got him out of the goop he was floating in. There was only one group who could have brought him back and he would be damned if he was going to let them have him without a fight. He almost broke away but somebody grabbed him from behind. A voice with a familiar drawl spoke into his ear, “Easy son easy.�

“Dusty?�, Jack coughed. He wasn’t sure what was going on but he gripped the old man’s arm with all he had. He tried to focus his eyes but everything was still one big blur, “I can’t see!�

“It’s ok son,� he tried to calm him down. “You opened your eyes in that goop and it affected them.� He felt somebody else grab him and heard Dusty say, “Help me get him on the table.� Jack let them guide him to the table and help him get on it. As he sat there somebody wrapped a blanket around him that he closed around his frame. “Your sight should clear up soon. You gave us one hell of a scare son. And waking up ahead of schedule isn’t doing this old man’s ticker any favors either.�

“You never were any good at keeping a schedule,� another familiar voice said.

“Rachel,� he reached out for her. She gripped his hand tightly. “You playing nurse again?�, he joked.

“No that was me and Sparky,� a third voice he recognized as Freidman said.

“I was an assistant, not a nurse,� Sparky protested. “Arron was a nurse when it was his shift.�

Like Dusty said his vision was slowly getting better. Now he could make out man shape blurs in the big blur he was seeing. “How did you bring me back? The chip in my head was fried.�

“It was on the fritz son not fried,� Dusty told him. “It was flickering on and off but it let enough juice through that it kept you alive until they got you here.�

“But the chip…�

“We took it out son.�

“I thought you said you couldn’t bypass it unless you were at World Inc.?�, he started to get an uneasy feeling about this.

“We had to improvise,� Freidman said. “Unfortunately with Mitchell at hand as the only thing compatible we had to cannibalize his…�

Jack blinked a few times and stared at the blob he thought said that, “You ate him?�

After an uncomfortable moment of silence Dusty said, “I’m going to put that down to the fact he’s still a little groggy.�

Rachel squeezed his hand, “He means they used him for spare parts.�

Tightening the blanket around him he said, “One of those ideas is a little more disgusting than the other, I’m just not sure which.�

“Any way we had to implant Mitchell’s chip into your head,� Dusty went on to explain. “I think I modified it enough but you’ll probably want to still wear the foil in that hood just in case.�

“I hope you don’t mind Jack,� Freidman spoke up again, “But when we replaced the chip we noticed the old one shorting out damaged some of your other systems. We were able to use some of Mitchell’s system to replace them, but I’m not sure how it’s going to affect you.�

“How long was I out this time?�

“All in good time son,� Dusty told him.

“How long?�, he demanded.

“Another six months,� Rachel said.

“I spent over a year floating in goop,� he said to nobody in particular.

“Maybe we should give Jack some time to take all of this in,� Dusty said.

“Well be in the next room Jack,� Rachel patted his hand and let go of it.

“Rachel could you stay for a moment?�

“Sure Jack, what is it?�, she asked.

“I know this is going to sound a little weird,� he started, “but I could really use a warm body next to me right now.�

“No problem,� she said. Jumping on the bed she sat next to him. He waved his hand in front of his face as his vision started to clear. He was right he was in Dusty operating room. Out of no where Rachel wrapped her arms around him, “Thank God you’re all right!�

Reaching up he patted her arm, “I’m kinda happy about it too.� Finally his vision cleared that he could almost see normally. Rachel still didn’t let him go. Tell her before you lose your nerve. “Rachel I h…� he looked at her and stopped. Her hair which did go past her shoulder was now hanging above her neck and styled differently. “When did you cut your hair?�

She blushed a bit, “Melissa dragged Angie up here last week and talked me into it. She told me the change would do me good. I hate it personally and can’t wait for it to grow back out.�

“It... it looks good,� he said more or less automatically.

“Now you’re just being nice,� she said with a smile. “I’ll go find your clothes, I know Dusty washed them while you were out. You’re probably freezing.� She hopped off the table and went into the next room to talk to Dusty. The things you get lost on when you’re out half a year.

***
Although she was glad he was finally coming home Melissa was still a little apprehensive. She wasn’t sure how Jack was going to react when he saw her, or more importantly Emily. They may have gotten over things in the past six months but Jack, more or less, was still there in his head. Either way you look at it things could get a little uncomfortable. It was probably why Emily decided to stay in her room right about now. Well they couldn’t put it off forever, and this way she could judge how he was going to react.

Looking down the way to the garage she saw Rachel and Jack enter. Everybody else noticed them a moment later. She felt the mixed emotions coming from the group around the same time. Most either didn’t or were pretending they didn’t care. The rest were happy to see him and weren’t ashamed to show it. While a few came up to him Jack looked like he was looking for somebody in particular. Melissa finally decided to walk over to him when he found who he was searching for. He broke through the crowd and walked over to little Jennifer. “Hey kid you’re getting big.� He kneeled down and handed her bear Polly back to her. “I’m happy Polly gave me some company while I was out, but I think she’s really happy to come back to you.� Jennifer grabbed bear and gave it and him a big hug. “See you around kid,� he said as she went off.

“Well somebody’s in good spirits,� Melissa said. She saw Jack tense up a bit, yeah he was still there alright.

“I’m still walking so why wouldn’t I be?�, he said. Well, at least he was trying to act like he wasn’t still sore about what happened. Rachel was watching him intently as well. “So what have I missed since I’ve been out?�

“Jack there’s plenty of time for that,� Melissa told him.

“I know Anderson had to be pissed I was able to take out Mitchell,� he said. “So what happened?�

Eventually Melissa admitted, “There was an initial outburst. A couple of the cells had to relocate. The rest of us more or less went into hiding. None of us had seen anything like it. The closest anybody could match it with was Anderson’s original push against us. Things have calmed down a bit but we’re still a little on edge. But that’s the least of our worries.�

“What could be worse?� Jack started to look worried, “Did something happened to my mom?�

“No she’s fine,� Rachel assured him. “I would have told you that first thing. You,� she looked over toward Melissa then answered any way, “got outed.�

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,� he told her.

“The other cells know about you now,� Melissa said. “Dusty was working on somebody when they brought you in. You were still in your armor and they couldn’t make up anything to cover it.�

Jack looked guilty after he heard that, “How much trouble did I cause you?�

“Outside of Jaime nobody would have anything to do with us. Officially that is. Behind the scenes a couple of them asked me what in the hell I was thinking. Things aren’t so bad now, thanks to Jaime and a couple of the others we’re on talking terms at least. But they still don’t understand why I decided to house the Drakan Killer after what happened.�

“She even told them Emily’s vision was the main reason why and they still refused to understand,� Rachel added. “I even tried talking to them to explain what was going on, but I don’t think my word goes a long way.�

“You talked to the other cells?�, Jack said in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind?�

“I made sure they talked to her here,� Melissa assured him.�It was the only time we got her away from Dusty’s while you were healing up. Outside of that she never left your side.�

“That’s a real bad habit you’re falling into,� Jack told her. “People are going to think you don’t have a life or something.�

“I had nothing better to do,� she told him. “I hate to run but I told Amber I’d help out with the French lesson again as soon as I got back.� With that she left the both of them alone. This could get awkward.

Jack watched Rachel leave before he said, “She says her new do was your idea.�

Melissa smiled a bit, she knew he could be dense but he would have to be blind not to notice it. “It looked like she was ready for a change. So what do you think?� He didn’t answer right away, then again he didn’t have to. “You don’t like it?�

He quickly said, “I didn’t say that.�

“No but you were feeling it.� Crossing her arms Melissa narrowed her eyes a bit, “Please tell me you’re not one of those guys who think women should only have long hair.�

“What… no,� he was telling the truth, he was lucky. “I’ve seen some women who looked absolutely smoking with short hair. Rachel…,� he trailed off. “It’s not a big deal, I’ll get used to it.� Without another word he walked away.

“Not one of my best plans to get one of them to admit it,� Melissa said to herself. Hell if Jack was a different type of guy that could have backfired. Then she would’ve been forced to hurt him.

***
The class went smoother than she thought it would. She was a little worried since it was a larger class than she was expecting. But it went like they always did. After talking with Arron for a bit she started looking for Jack. He wasn’t in his usual haunts so that just left one more place. Opening the door to their room she found him sitting on his cot studying his arm. “They did a pretty good job,� she said. “I doubt you can tell where they cut into you.�

“Here, here and here,� he quickly pointed out two spots on his forearm and one on the back of his hand. “I’ve been living with these for a long time now. I should know when there some new ones or not.�

Not sure what else to say she attempted to joke, “I didn’t want you to worry about your warranty.�

It was a lame one but he smiled anyway, “I think Anderson voided that out a long time ago. Who’s been taking care of my plant since you’ve been with me?�

“Emily volunteered,� she said. Rachel watched him. While Angie was cutting her hair Melissa and her talked about what to do about Jack and Emily. They weren’t on the best of terms before he had his final fight with Mitchell. They both agreed to stay out of it for the moment and let them work it out.

“I’m going to have to remember to thank her,� he said, “eventually.�

“I’m sure you have time for that,� she said. Sitting next to him she added, “So how are you holding up?�

“I’ve spent over a year in goop,� he said. “That’s time I’m not getting back.�

“You haven’t missed much,� Rachel told him. “But I’m betting a couple of those cells were wishing that had you watching their back after Anderson came after them.�

“I missed more than that. Things changed in that time. They always do, and I’m stuck playing catch up for a week, if I’m lucky.�

“I’ll help you out,� Rachel told him, “you’ll be caught up in three days tops.� He laughed a bit. “Come on,� she said getting up and pulling on his arm, “I need to get you to the garage. Dusty setting something up down there that he needs you for.�

“What could he want me for?�

“I don’t know,� she answered, “Arron didn’t say.�

Grabbing his jacket they walked to the garage. True to her word Rachel told him what she knew about what was going on for the past six months. Of course most of her information was second hand but it was all she had. Getting to the garage she found Dusty as he waved them over. As they got closer they noticed the contraption he had set up on the far wall. A pad was hanging between two poles. Wires from the pad connected it to a series on computers nearby. A line on the ground and a basket of baseball was there as well. “You have got to be kidding me,â€� Jack muttered. Rachel was getting a sense of déjÃ* vu herself.

“Hey there son, little lady,� he greeted them. “I thought you might want to throw a few to pass the time.�

“Last time I threw a few I got news I didn’t like,� Jack said. “So how did you come up with this?�

“I remember you and Rachel telling me about it,� the old Drakan answered. “I had a good idea of what they used. Harry confirmed most of it.� Jack continued to look at it with a dubious look. “Come on son, just one to see if it’ll work. You’ll make this old man happy.�

“The things I do,� he mumbled as he took a ball. Like he did back at World Inc. he juggled the ball a few times before throwing it with all he had.

He turned away not wanting to see the results. Rachel saw them and immediately said, “Jack.� Turning around he saw the numbers flashing on the screen, ninety-five. Dumbfounded he grabbed another and threw it, ninety-four.

Dusty watched with a smirk on his face, “Never send a technician to do a mechanics job. A little surprise on my part,� he told them. “I figured since we were in there anyway replacing and upgrading stuff I figured I’d tweak that ratio thing they were talking about.� Turning to Arron he said, “Talking about him like he was a car, if I was that boy I’d been insulted.�

Jack said nothing as he stared at his hand. Rachel smiled at him, “Looks like you’re going to have to get used to not compensating for everything again.�

“That’s one thing I’m not going to have a problem getting used to,� he said smiling back. “Dusty…�

“No words needed son,� Dusty told him. “Just think of it as a welcome back present. And trust me Jack it is good to have you back.� Rachel definitely seconded that sentiment.

***
Closing the door behind her Melissa watched Emily tend to her plants. Too be honest she wasn’t that surprised when people still told her they haven’t seen her all day. “So who’s avoiding who in this situation exactly?�

“I think you already know the answer to that child,� was her reply. “He still needs time to adjust before we have our confrontation.�

“And you used to say Chris had a way to make things sound overly dramatic,� she smiled. “I was talking to Jack and Melissa a while ago. He wants to try and talk to the other cell leaders now. I think he wants to convince them we’re all on the same side.�

“Perhaps he wants to show them the man behind the legend.� Finally facing her she asked, “Do you think it’s a good idea?�

“Part of me does,� she admitted. “The other part thinks it’s going to be a disaster in the making. I have to know, is this part of that whole champion thing?�

“I think he’s still trying to figure out what it means to him.� Turning back to her plants Emily added, “It is a difficult role to define for oneself. But I’m sure he can do it.�

She could only nod. “So how long are you planning on staying in here?� she asked.

Emily was quiet for a moment, “When it is time for both of us to speak we will.�

“Well that’s the closest thing I’m going to get to an answer,� she said to herself. Melissa’s hand was on the door knob when Emily said something else.

“When you arrange the meeting child perhaps it would be best to keep the fact Jack was the one who wanted a chance to speak to them from them.�

Just what she needed, more lies. But she couldn’t disagree with Emily’s logic. More of them might show up if they didn’t know Jack was the one who wanted the meeting. “I’ll do it if Jack thinks it’s a good idea.�

***
Jack wasn’t thrilled about the idea but he had to admit it made sense. Rachel suggested they let Jaime in on it to see what he thought. He agreed it was a good idea too. He and Melissa contacted the other cell leader to arrange it. To help sooth things over he suggested someplace neutral. Arron suggested that campsite he and the other kids were using that one time. With that set they all agreed to meet in a couple of days. Jack rode his bike while Melissa, Rachel and then others rode in the van. Like he and Rachel learned that one time, and that seemed like it’s been forever, they made the rest of the way on foot. About halfway Melissa stopped them, “Me and Jack should take it from here.�

“I think Rachel should come too,� he said. “They know her at least.�

“True, but I don’t think having two people who represented World Inc in the past would be a good idea.�

Looking at Rachel Jack said, “Man, getting typecast does suck.�

“You’ll get used to it,� she said plainly. “I know I did.�

“I am never gonna live that down.�

“Watch the perimeter,� Melissa told the others. “They shouldn’t be planning anything but you never know.� The group told them good luck as they headed off toward the lighted campsite and the other cell leaders. They did talk about him holding back a bit and letting Melissa ease him into the conversation first. But with the winds at their backs they probably already knew he was there. “I see them,� Melissa said. Both of them took a deep breath and stepped into the clearing. Nine other cell leaders were staring at them and Jaime was the only friendly face. This might be a long night.

“What in the hell is he doing here?� a red headed woman demanded. At Jaime he said, “You knew about this didn’t you?�

“I guess you all know this is Jack Davidson,� Melissa started to say.

“You mean the Drakan Killer,� another one cut in.

“I answer better to Jack,� he said. They kept staring at him, “I get it, you thought I’d be taller.�

“Why are you here?�, another one asked, this one a bald headed heavy set man.

“I had the idiot notion I could convince you were on the same side,� he told them. There was no point in beating around the bush now.

“Why should we believe you?�, the woman demanded. “You hunted us down and killed us.�

“Do you really think I’m proud of that fact?�, Jack asked her. “Because I’m not. I’m know I’m not going to be forgiven for what I did back then. And I’m not asking for it either.� That caught a couple of them off guard, including Melissa but she nodded in understanding. But a few of them still looked furious.

“Why did you do it then?�, the woman demanded.

“I was going on what I was told and what I personally experienced.� Melissa took over them telling them about how he came to be like this. Even mentioning the fact they were partially responsible for the birth of the Drakan Killer. That went over about as well as they expected as chaos more or less broke loose. They yelled over the top of each other and barely heard Melissa pleas to calm down so they could discuss it. After several minutes of this Jack let out a sigh and looked around. He was really hoping they weren’t going to need Rachel and the others help in getting out of here. One more time he studied the group, and one more time he noticed something was off. One petit woman with brown hair kept fidgeting and looking into the forest. At first he thought she brought some of her crew too. But as much as she was looking around she must have brought the entire cell with her. Looking over to Melissa she was shooting the woman some looks too, and looking worried.

“Are you all right Paula?�, she asked.

“What…?�, she acted startled. “I’m… I’m fine. I’m just nervous he’s here.� Jack offered to leave, it seemed like the simplest solution. “NO!�, she quickly said. “I mean… I…�

“You were acting nervous before they got here,� the red headed woman said with a little suspicion.

She tried to talk but eventually dropped to her knees. “Oh God what did I do?� Jaime and a couple of others looked around as Melissa immediately went to her. “They captured my cell. You have to get out of here.�

Sparky ran into the clearing followed by the others yelling, “We got company!� Arron shot through on his bike as spot lights flooded the area. World Inc. Shock Troopers walked out of hiding. All the Drakan dropped their human form, well except for the petit woman, and got into a defensive position. Jack did the movements that activated the system.

“Henshin!�, the armor formed around him in moments. He looked back when he realized the cell leaders were staring at him. Those who were seeing him for the first time live had had a mixture of fear, awe and hatred in their eyes. “One problem at a time,� he told himself, then he ran toward the closest set of troopers. Tackling a group of them to the ground he quickly popped back up and planted a forearm into one dumb enough to come at him. “You must be a new guy,� he commented. Hearing a crack he turned and saw a shock stick coming at him a little too late as it jammed into his side. Gritting his teeth in pain he grabbed the guy by the uniform and threw him. He went further then Jack was expecting. Looks like that upgrade Dusty was talking about increased his strength a bit when he powered up the system, sweet. The group he tackled started to run away so he turned toward the rest of the group who decided to rush the rebels, “Next.�

Jack plowed through the troopers getting them off the rebels and buying them some breathing room. He still had no clue about this champion thing, but this had to be part of it. Every so often he caught a glimpse of the woman still kneeling on the ground. She still refused to drop her human form. Her only movement was when she looked up to see a trooper come toward her. Organic looking armor started to form as he changed into a red armadillo. He grabbed her by the neck and held her in the air. Before anybody could stop him he snapped her neck in one quick motion and let her drop to the ground. Feeling a fury he only felt a couple of times before Jack ran through the troopers and bowled the Drakan over. Pounding on the armadillo a trooper got on his back and tried to pry him off. Jack stood and threw him off. The armadillo was able to kick a leg up and hit him in the back to make him fall foreword. The Drakan jumped on his back and started pounding at his head. Muscling out of it Jack quickly turned around and kicked him in the head.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw Sparky and Arron of other try and head for something while the troopers held them back. Looking in that direction he saw a few of them had Melissa cornered. The armadillo could wait. Getting an idea he ran for the bike and tried not to think what this was going to do to the suspension. Bringing it to life he raced it toward Melissa and through any trooper dumb enough to get in his way. He leaned over and scooped Melissa up and sat her in front of him. He continued speeding off as the green tiger looked back at him, “Are we running away?�

“Not exactly,� he said as he turned the bike around. The meter started to flash as he pointed the front tire at the armadillo. “You think you can handle the bike?�

She quickly understood his plan, “You’re crazy.�

“It helps,� he said as he sped foreword. She took the handle bars as he adjusted himself so his left foot was on the seat. He twisted the right pod up. The charge ran up his side and down the outside of his armor focusing in his right fist. When they got close enough to the armadillo he tapped her on the shoulder. She quickly turned the bike to the left and he jumped off. Looking like he was hanging in mid air for a second he launched his fist foreword as he landed. The red Drakan flew back hard, knocking over a couple of shock troops before exploding. Jack looked at his fist. That was the same effect as when he fired his leg those two times but nothing felt fried this time around. Melissa yelled at him and threw him his staff. Grabbing it he snapped it to it’s full length and started toward the remaining troopers. Somebody ordered a retreat and those who could got the hell out of there. Waiting a moment he deactivated the systems and turned around. None of the rebel leaders said anything, they just stared at him. Letting out another sigh Jack said, “You’re welcome,� and walked away.

***
“Are you sure?�, Anderson asked. Taylor confirmed the report. They had seen Davidson during that ambush. The men who came back had no doubt about it. Anderson stared out the window and smiled to himself. Apparently the rumors of his demise were a tad premature.

***
Jack sat on the ground and looked at the night sky through the grating overhead. Dusty explained to him that when they upgraded his systems they enhanced the shielding around the conduits as well since more power was going to be running through it. “I thought I’d find you here,� Rachel said as she walked over and sat next to him. “Melissa’s still on speaking terms with the other cell leaders from the sound of thing. They’re agreeing taking out the armadillo was the right thing to do. And none of them are thinking ill of the woman who told World Inc. about the meeting. Melissa said she did it out of fear for her cell and not spite like Trent did. They’re still not sure what to make of you though.� He grunted in response. “So what’s going through your head?�, she said with a yawn. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.�

Looking at his right hand Jack flexed his fingers a few times. “When Emily told me my upcoming battles would forge me into something stronger I assumed she meant mentally.�

“It can’t be that much of a bad thing,� she said. “I mean you don’t have that little problem any more so that has to be a good thing.� Yawning again she looked a little embarrassed, “I must be more tired than I thought. It must the adrenaline coming down or something.�

“I guess so,� he agreed, “I know I could crash for a week right about now.� She rested her head on his shoulder and watched the stars with him. After a few minutes she was asleep. Jack watched her, remembering the times similar things happened when they were on the run. Taking shelter in anything they could find, from an abandon building to a sewer drain. Even when she was sleeping on the ground he was amazed at how peaceful she looked. Looking so… Looking at her for a long time he softly said, “I love you Rachel.�

A moment later she woke up looking embarrassed again, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to doze off like that. You didn’t say anything did you?�

They made each other a promise, no more secrets. “Nope, didn’t say a word.�


*Ending Theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve Done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 46>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I Am*


Lunch time was it’s usual controlled chaos. Despite her limited insight into human, and Drakan, nature Emily was still surprised at how often somebody wanted to fight over the last bit of whatever they wanted. It must have happened more times than she was aware of seeing how Melissa would catch the eyes of whoever was involved and get them to stop in their tracks. On more than one occasion she heard the child utter, “How did we get so many Alpha males?� Living underground was rough enough as it was, but being in a war at a same time, well she was just grateful emotions didn’t explode more often. When they got their food, Melissa always insisted on waiting in line with the others, so much like her brother, the child stop as she saw something, “When did that happen?�

“When did what happen?�, Emily asked. Holding both of their trays Melissa gestured as best she could to the other side of the room. Emily looked in that direction and saw Rachel and Jack sitting next to each other. Jack leaned in and said something to Rachel that made her laugh. Emily wasn’t seeing anything out of the ordinary. “They always sit together child. They have done so ever since they started living with us.�

“I know that,� Melissa informed her. “But they always sat across from one another in here. This is the first time I have ever seen them sit next to each other.� Watching them a bit longer she started smiling, “You’d almost think they were a couple or something.�

“Well don’t push them child,� Emily told her. “It will happen if it’s going to happen.�

“I know but the will they or won’t they crap is getting on my nerves.� Melissa headed over there, “Come on let’s see if we can join them.� Emily hesitated for a second trying to think of an excuse. “You can’t keep avoiding him forever. Look Jack’s even been asking about you. I’m getting genuine concern from him when he does. I think he wants to bury the hatchet.�

“It’s not wise to open old wounds child.�

“Emily,� she said firmly, “what would you be telling me to do in this situation?�

“I do believe that is what they call dirty pool,� she said but she headed over there with her. Rachel smiled as she saw them, as did Jack. Although to be totally honest she was watching for any sign of the anger he showed before his final confrontation with Mitchell.

“I was wondering where they were hiding you,� Jack said. “I’ve been meaning to talk with you.�

“No better time than the present,� Rachel said. Melissa quickly agreed. Emily eyed the both of them, almost thinking this was a set up. If it was both of them was going to feel her cane.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about what happened,� Jack began. “I’m still angry about what happened, but I think I was more freaked out that somebody died for me more than anything. I’m not used to having that hanging over my head.�

“Maybe if I had worded things different Lance would still be with us,� Emily admitted

“I think Lance would have done it any way,� Melissa said remembering him.

“I can’t take back what I said,� Jack continued. “We might not have been the closest of friends but I hate to think that ended it.�

“I hate to think our friendship ended as well,� Emily admitted.

“See,� Melissa said, “I told you this wasn’t going to be as bad as you thought.�

“Fortunately Jack’s grown up a bit,� Rachel joked. Jack looked in another direction entirely. “Are you actually getting embarrassed? Mark the date down because I never thought I see the day.�

“Leave him alone child,� Emily told her. “It’s hard enough for one to admit their maturing without somebody rubbing it in.�

***
Over the next couple of days Jack and Emily talked more and more. Before long things were close to back to normal as they got around here. Which made Melissa’s job a little easier without that potential powder keg hanging over their heads. Personally it was great to see Emily back to her old self and not see her watch which way Jack was going. Walking into the common area Jason stormed past her in a huff and then she saw Jack with a satisfied smirk on his face. Yeah things were back to normal alright. “Do I want to know?�

“It would probably be better if you didn’t,� Rachel said shooting an annoyed glance toward Jack. He tried to look innocent.

“I’ll hear about it later more than likely,� Melissa sighed. She looked around the room, she was getting something from somewhere she just couldn’t place it. She knew she felt this before she just couldn’t remember what it was. Jack turned his attention back to a group that was trying to fix this old radio that hadn’t worked for awhile.

“I think I almost got it,� one of them said. “All we need is an antenna and we should be set.�

“I think I saw an old television with some rabbit ears in that closest over there,� Rachel offered.

“It’s worth a shot, I think I might be able to jury rig something. I’ll go get it.�

“I’m right here,� jack said. “I’ll go get it.�

He went over to the door as Melissa watched. The moment he put a hand on the doorknob she suddenly realized where the source was coming from. And more importantly what it was. “Jack wait…�

She was too late as he already opened it. Everybody saw him pale. “Whoa!�, he quickly slammed the door shut and pressed his back against the wall his eyes as big as saucers.

“Jack what is it?�, Rachel asked as she hurried over to him.

Pointing a shaky finger toward the door all he said was, “Old people doing it.�

Dusty rushed out of the closest cramming his shirt back into his pants. Closing the door before anybody could see inside he looked at Jack and snapped, “Boy have you ever heard of knocking?!�

“It’s a closest, you ever heard of a lock?!� he shot back. He looked Dusty in the eyes then his gaze went south before quickly turning away. Grinding the heel of his hands into his eyes he said, “That’s going to give me a whole new set of nightmares.�

“Oh grow up son,� Dusty said getting defensive. “That was a beautiful act.�

“There nothing beautiful about your old wrinkly ass!� Jack walked away saying, “I have to go bleach my eyeballs.�

“Would you go talk some sense into that boy,� Dusty told Rachel. She muttered something but stayed where she was. In fact everybody was looking at the closest door with some interest. Dusty noticed and got a little huffy, “Don’t y’all have anything better to do than just stand there?�

“No not really,� somebody answered back.

Looking defeated Dusty opened the door a crack and told the person inside, “You might as well come on out. I don’t think these perverts are leaving until you do.� Melissa walked foreword and joined the rest as they waited. She knew she should get them out of there, just for the other person’s dignity if nothing else. But she was too curious to do anything. Eventually the door opened and the other person came out.

“Emily?� Melissa and Rachel both cried out.

“I have needs too,� was her only explanation before walking off. Dusty started to say something before thinking better of it and following her.

Everybody was stunned for a few long moments. Breaking the silence Rachel said, “I have got to tell his to Jack,� and went to find him.

“Emily?�, Melissa repeated, still not believing she just saw that.

“It’s kind sad those two,� the guy working on the radio gestured toward the retreating Dusty and Emily, “are getting more action than those two,� he pointed in the direction Jack and Rachel went.

“Don’t push them,� she said without thinking. But the more she thought about it the more she had to admit, it was really sad.

***
After an awkward couple of hour that whole situation with Emily and Dusty finally blew over. But Rachel still couldn’t get that image out of her head, and she didn’t even see them. At the moment she found herself without anything to do. Anderson was keeping quiet for some reason, and that made everybody a little nervous. They had more than enough people in the garden center at the moment and they really didn’t need her. She really didn’t feel like hanging out in the cafeteria or the common area. So she headed for her room.

When she got there Jack was sitting on his cot talking on the phone. Rachel knew who it was so she kept quiet while she entered, only waving a greeting when he did. “Yeah Mom everything is fine now. Now when have I ever done anything stupid? I didn’t ask for a list.� He listened for a few more minutes before saying, “OK Mom, I love you too. Bye.� Hanging up he smiled a bit.

“How is she doing?�, Rachel asked as she sat on her bed.

“She’s doing great,� He answered. “She says hello by the way. Thanks for keeping her updated on things while I was out of commission.�

“I didn’t want to keep her in the dark,� Rachel said. “Especially after going through everything to get you back in contact with each other.�

“Yeah she still gives me an earful about that every so often.� Rachel watched the expression on his face then looked down a bit. Jack noticed looking confused, “Is anything wrong?�

“No, I’m fine,� she quickly said. “Why would you ask?�

“You look a little down about something.�

“Jack nothing’s wrong,� she told him, hoping he’d drop it.

“And I’ve seen that look one too many times in the mirror.� He got up and sat next to her on the bed. Putting an arm around her he said, “Come on now, tell you buddy Jack what’s the matter.�

“It’s stupid,� was all she said.

“It’s not stupid if it’s bothering you like this. That no more secrets thing works both ways you know.�

Reluctantly she told him, “Sometimes I get a little jealous of you and your Mom.�

“Ok I wasn’t expecting that one.�

“I told you it was stupid.� She really wanted to drop the subject but he encouraged her to keep going. “I’m just amazed at how close you and your Mom are. Even after everything you’ve been through. I thought me and my parents were that close. But I don’t think we ever were.�

“Have you called them?�, he asked. When she didn’t reply right away he held out the phone in his hand. “Give them a ring. I’m sure they’d loved to hear from you again.�

“I did,� she finally admitted, “a little while after we got your mom safe. It didn’t exactly go like I thought it would.� He kept quiet so she could continue. “I got a hold of my Mom. She called me a disgrace to the family. I tried to tell her what was going on. She wouldn’t listen, she kept saying innocent people don’t run.� Her voice started to crack a bit, “She said I was a whore for hanging round a known criminal.�

“You should have told me,� Jack said holding her close as he tried to comfort her. Out of the blue he said, “Give me their number.�

“What?�, she asked.

“Give me their number,� he repeated. “If you got a way to get a direct line to your mom tell me now ‘cause I’m going to give her a piece of my mind. Who in the hell does she think she is talking to you like that?�

“Jack no,� she said trying to get the phone out of his hands. He stood up and walked to the other side of the room.

“Is there a memory function on this thing? How long ago was it?�

“Jack just drop it,� she told him. “I know my Mother and it would only make things worse.�

“Alright I’ll do something better then,� he started dialing a number. She started to protest but he held up a finger while he held the phone to his ear. “Hey Mom, sorry to call again so soon but I need some help here. I don’t want to impose or anything but Rachel having some family problems and it’s a little out of my league.� Rachel hid her face in her hands from the embarrassment. “Yeah she’s right here. Rachel Mom wants to talk to you.� She mouthed the word no. “Come on you need to talk to somebody who knows what their talking about.� Again she mouthed the word no. “Sorry mom,� he sighed, “apparently I jumped the gun, so you can add it to the list.�

Looking at her funny he turned around, “Mom I’m not saying that to her. Mom… Mom would you listen… Mom… Mom… All right.� Turning back around he said, “Rachel, Mom said if you don’t take this phone right now she’s going to come down here, drag you in front of everybody and beat you.�

“She wouldn’t… would she?� Jack nodded. Thinking it over she held out a hand.

Putting the phone in her hand he told her, “You’re lucky she considers you to be like family. Otherwise she would have just hung up on me and not even bother with that threat.�

***
How did he let Sparky talk him into this again? That thought raced through Jack’s head more than once as he sat in the chair while Angie carefully applied the scar make up to his face. It was more elaborate this time around since Sparky explained his absence as him traveling around and getting into another accident apparently. After his breakdown and his six month goop nap Jack really hoped he was done with the underground racing circuit. But Sparky mentioned they were a little low on hard cash and could use the funds. Trying to convince himself that it was all part of the whole champion thing he reluctantly agreed to go another round. Angie stepped back to admire her work, “I don’t usually blow my own horn, but this is the best job I’ve done so far.�

“You won’t hear me complain,� he told her.

“Jack what in the hell is going on?�, Rachel demanded as she came into the room.

“I’m just doing a couple of races to get us some money,� he said. “I’ve done it before.

“And what’s this crap about an after party?�

“I’ll leave you too alone,� Angie said.

“Thanks a lot,� Jack said as she left the room. “Sparky said this set of races was different. They’re only going to give the winners their money if they attend the party. I don’t like it either but Sparky said that’s how this one was done.�

“Then don’t go,� Rachel told him.

“If they really didn’t need the money I wouldn’t even think twice about it.�

“It’s too big a risk,� she persisted. “You’re still a wanted man, somebody could recognize you.�

“I’m going to have Sparky watching my back.�

“Then I’m going too,� she informed him. Jack stuck a finger in his ear trying to clean it out. There was no way he heard that right and said as much. “If you’re going to be an idiot you’re going to need all the eyes you got watching your back.�

“You’re going to go to an underground bike race?�, he asked.

Getting a weird look in her eyes as she rethought the things she said, “Maybe I should get Arron to go instead.�

“Too late you already volunteered.� Jack grabbed her before she could run. “Angie!�, he called out. When she came back he pointed right at Rachel, “Slut her up.�

***
She had never been so embarrassed in her life, and she was going to make Jack pay if it was the last thing she did. The “outfit�, if you could call it that, Angie came up for her was nothing like she usually wore. A pair of leather shorts, stockings, knee high boot, a tight shirt and a vest to go over it. Not once did Jack say they went a little over board with it. She was going to kill him. At least Angie found her a brown haired wig to go along with Jack’s blond one. So she could at least pretend she was a different person. She was so going to kill him.

When they got to the races she saw other dressed like she was. So maybe he knew what he was doing. But she was still going to kill him. Jack looked around as he took his helmet off. They both got off the motorcycle as Sparky took a deep breath and took it all in looking totally in his element. “I think we’re early for a change, now we can relax a bit before racing.�

“Oh joy,� Jack deadpanned. “I just want get the money and get the hell out.�

“Dude would you chill out, we got this.� Sparky patted him on the shoulder as he passed him, “I’ll go get you set up. And don’t blow any races this time.�

“And they’re going to ask questions if I win them all,� he said to his back. Looking back at her he said, “You’re standing out a bit and not in the good way. I know the first time the hardest because of the nerves. But you have got to try and relax and not look quite so guilty.�

“I am really uncomfortable right now,� she said. “It’s bad enough I look like this, I don’t need any extra help from you.� Not to mention she was cold. Jack tried talking to her, tried cracking a few jokes to get her to relax a bit. It worked a little but she still hated the fact she was dressed like this. They settled into some crowd watching where Jack pointed out a couple of people that the “Masked Rider� beat. She barely paid them any attention. On the other hand she was paying very close attention to how some of the other riders were treating the women with them. Especially this one particular act and how Jack reacted to it. She was going to put a stop to this before it even got started. Standing right in front of him with her arms crossed and giving him her sternest look she told him, “You even think about slapping my ass and I will wring your neck.�

He looked slightly insulted, “That never crossed my mind thank you very much.�

Feeling satisfied she told him, “As long as we understand each other.�

Jack walked past her and didn’t see the smile cross his face. “But now the thought’s in my head.�

“What?� Rachel jumped foreword a bit as his hand popped her on the butt. He wisely started running for his life. She quickly gave chase, “You are SO dead!�

Hours later the races were over and everybody moved to this huge mansion where the after party started. Jack ended up being in eight races, winning six and losing two by close margins from where she was. That caused Sparky to drop a few choice words. But she just wanted this night to be over with already. During the party itself a couple of guys tried to get her away from Jack if not feel her up right then and there. Jack immediately put a stop to it, almost getting into a fight a couple of times. After awhile she found an open and empty balcony and decided to hide out there to get away from the chaos inside. “There you are.� She turned around and saw Jack join her out there. “What are you doing out here? We got a cover to keep,� he put his arms around her but Rachel pushed him away.

“Don’t touch me,� she said turning around.

“You’re still not mad about that little pat on the butt are you?�

“That wasn’t a pat Mr. One Sixty fastball.� Rachel knew he couldn’t do that anymore but damn it she was getting groped tonight and didn’t care anymore.

He looked apologetic as he told her, “I held back.�

“It still hurt.�

Giving her that stupid half grin of his that she missed while he was out he said, “Want me to kiss it and make it better?� She pushed him a bit but ended up smiling back any way. Putting his hand on her hips he pulled her closer. “We’re supposed to be a couple, can we at least try and act like it?�

Rachel grabbed his hands and slid them up her sides, “Keep them above the Equator and below the Tropics.�

“You’re no fun.� He said faking a pout. They could hear the music from the party in the background and slowly started to dance in place. Out of the blue Jack said, “It just occurred to me, I think I missed your birthday again

“It’s not that important,� she told him

“It’s the day you were born of course it’s important,� he told her. “The entire time I’ve known you and I’ve only given you half a muffin that you gave me.�

“I got the present I really wanted,� she said with a smile. He smiled back, maybe that half grin of his wasn’t that stupid looking. She looked behind him and she panic a bit and pulled him close so her mouth was by her ear. “I think we’re being watched.�

“Bald headed guy, tattoo over his right eye and uglier than sin?� She confirmed it was the same guy. “Dude’s been eyeballing me all night. I already got my winnings so let’s get the hell out of here.�

“That’s the best idea you ever had.� Going back into the house they made their way through the crowd to the first floor and the door. Along the way Jack got Sparky attention as they passed and said they were leaving. Taking longer than either of them would have liked they finally made it outside. Heading to where all the motorcycles were parked they both stopped and looked between them when they realized something was different. When did they start holding hands? Both looked confused and a little embarrassed as Rachel said, “We’re staying in character, right?�

“Yeah,� Jack quickly agreed. Rachel started to head for his bike again but he held on to her hand. “Wait no… I have to tell you something.�

“Jack it can wait until we get back,� she told him.

“No I have to tell you now while I still have the nerve. Rachel I…,� he wasn’t sure where to go. “I’ve been… I…� Lowering his head a bit he said, “This shouldn’t be this hard. I’m really grateful for the friendship we have, in fact you are my best friend and I’m afraid if I say this it’s going to ruin it. I’ve done it before. But I have to say it. Rachel I…�, he stopped again. Without any warning he reached up and took the wig off her head. She protested but he wasn’t hearing any of it. “It’s bad enough I have to look like this while I’m trying to tell you, I need you to look like you.� He lowered his head again before taking both her hands, “Rachel I nearly died…�

“Jack,� she tried to stop him, but the look in his eyes when he looked up stopped her.

“I nearly died,� he repeated. “And the last thought I remember having was about you. How I never told you. How I’d never get a chance to tell you.� His head went down again before looking her straight in the eyes, “Rachel I’m in love with you.� Rachel’s heart nearly stopped. Jack… loved her, actually loved her. Her mind was reeling so much she couldn’t speak. “I’ve been in love with you for a long time now. You don’t have to feel the same way. But I had to tell you before I never get another chance to.� She wanted her mouth to move, to say what she really wanted to say. But nothing was working the way she wanted it to. A shout of pain that sounded like Sparky’s voice caught his attention and he ran for the source. It took Rachel a couple of seconds to get her legs to work so she could follow.

The source was on the other side of the garage. The bald guy she saw watching them stood in front of Sparky while two of his friends held him up while he pounded on him. “Why are you hanging around the Killer?! Why did you bring him here?!�

“Henshin!� Jack activated the system as he ran toward them. Some of the fingers on the bald one’s hand fused into flippers as tusks grew out of his mouth as he changed into a blue walrus. Jumping up at the last second Jack smashed his knee into his face. It recoiled from the blow as Jack came in swinging his elbow into the side of it’s head. He ran in again and was caught off guard as the walrus bent down and flipped him over it’s head. He was surprised again when it jumped up and plopped right down onto his chest a couple of times. As he shakily got to his feet the walrus ran for one of the bikes and took a long length of chain from one of the compartments and started swinging it around. Jack tried to avoid the end being whipped at him as best he could.

Rachel looked around and saw the KR-1000 close by and ran for it. Grabbing the staff from it’s holder she ran back. “Jack catch!� she shouted as she threw it. He caught it and snapped it to it’s full length. He tried blocking the chain with the staff but the walrus was just too quick with it. Suddenly it ran in and hit him with a shoulder that knocked him up against a wall. The chain came at him again and he got his left arm. It wrapped around his forearm, Jack grabbed it and they both started pulling. Rachel heard a humming in the air right before seeing him pop the electrode on the end. He swung the staff around and nailed part of the wall behind his head with the electrode. With one more pull of the chain he got the walrus staggering foreword, he swung the other end of the staff into the back of the Drakan’s head making it stumble foreword more. Part of the wall exploded and a sizeable chunk nailed the walrus between the eyes, stunning it long enough for Jack to unleash a haymaker of a right hook that knocked it out. He turned to the ones holding Sparky, who promptly let him drop to the ground and ran for the hills.

“That was faster than usual,� Jack commented as he deactivated his armor. Going to Sparky he asked, “You all right?�

“Am I still pretty?�, he asked as Jack helped him back to his feet.

“They can’t make you any uglier,� he said getting under his arm. “Do you think you can ride your bike back?�

“Give me a little time, I’ll be good to go.�

“I hope we get that time,� Rachel said looking where they went. Sparky looked up and asked where her wig was. “It’s a long story.� She and Jack looked at each other briefly. Why wasn’t her voice coming out of her mouth?

***
When they got back to the habitat Jack tore the wig and makeup off his face almost immediately. Between that, getting Sparky some medical help and telling Melissa what happened he lost track of Rachel. He got back into some normal clothes and headed for their room. He stood in front of their door for a long time silently debating to himself. Finally making up his mind he walked into the room. Rachel was already in bed, and facing the wall. After a bit of waiting he started getting ready for bed himself when she finally said, “What did Melissa have to say about what happened?�

“I think I scored some points back with her when I was able to save Sparky without killing anybody.�

“That’s good,� was all she said. Rachel didn’t even turn around to look at him. Jack kicked himself, it looked like he ruined a perfectly good friendship by putting that out there. Getting in his cot he wondered if either Sparky or Arron wanted a roommate. After a few minutes he heard movement and looked over to see her sitting on the edge of her bed. He sat up and faced her. Neither of them said anything before she said, “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?�

“I was afraid,� he told her honestly. “I threw a one sixty two fastball and I was scared that if I ever got lost in the moment I’d accidently hurt you. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I did that.� He looked at the scars on his arms and legs, “I’m not even totally human and you deserve better than this.�

“I told you you’re the most human person I know,� she said.

“I know.� They were quiet again for a moment before Jack asked, “So where do we go from here? I can’t put this genie back in it’s bottle and forget it happened.�

Rachel didn’t say a word. She got up and walked over to him. Jack watched her wondering how much this was going to hurt. She grabbed his head, leaned in and kissed him. He was stunned but only for a moment before he started kissing her back. Jack gently pulled her down until she was sitting on his lap. He didn’t want this moment to end. She finally pulled away resting her forehead on his. She told him, “I’m in love with you too.�

“Why didn’t you tell me?�

“Because I was afraid part of you still saw me as part of World Inc.�

“Oh Rachel I’m so sorry,� he said holding her tight. “I never wanted you to think that. They are the farthest thing on my mind when I look and think about you.� He kissed her again, he‘d been wanting this for so long he couldn’t believe it was actually happening. If this was a dream he didn’t want it to end.

“So what do we do now?�

“This might sound a bit strange,� he began. “Considering the position we’re in and especially how I don’t want to let you go. But maybe we should take things a little slow. I know we’ve been through a lot but…�

“But you don’t want us to rush into anything just yet,� Rachel finished for him. He nodded. Caressing his check she said, “I guess we’ll know when the time is right.�

“Yeah,� he agreed. He got off his lap and sat next to him. They stayed there talking for hours, almost until the sun came up. They both told each other they confided in Melissa about how they felt. Neither wanted time to move forward at that moment. They just wanted to stay in this moment for as long as they could. It almost felt like this huge weight had been lifted from their shoulders. A new chapter in their life had started and they didn’t care what the future was going to bring. Right now they had what both of them really wanted, each other.


*Ending Theme –Linkin Park – What I’ve done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 47>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I am*


The day felt like it was taking forever to finish. Jack and Rachel tried not to let anything on while they were out working with the others. Finding a moment here and there to be alone was the only thing that made it bearable. Finally the day was over and they had the evening to themselves, just as long as Sparky, Arron or somebody didn’t walk in on them. Good thing Jack knew a pretty good spot when he wanted to be alone. Of course she knew where it was, but Rachel was the only one he didn’t mind knowing about it. They sat there looking up through the grating at the darkening sky. It was something hey done before but tonight was different. Rachel snuggled up against him instead of closing the jacket she had around her, “Most people wouldn’t think this is the perfect spot for a first date, but I love it,� she said.

“Are you kidding?�, he asked. “We’re underground looking at the through a street grate. All we need is some Barry White playing and a box of wine and this is my ideal date.�

Rachel smiled, “You are a very weird person.�

“You’re just now figuring this out,� he smiled back. Giving her a quick kiss he held her tighter,� I wish I could’ve done better for you though.�

“I got you right here and right now. That’s all I need,� she assured him. Biting her lip a bit she went, “Jack, how many times have you tried going past the just friends thing?�

“Let’s not go there.�

“Come on Jack tell me.�

“I might be a bit dense at times but even I know better than to talk about past relationships with the current girlfriend.�

“I just want to avoid some of the blunders you made before. I won’t think any different of you, I promise,� she actually crossed her heart.

Eventually Jack relented, “It happened twice. There was this one time in high school I started dating this girl I liked hanging around with named Amber. Things were cool until she became a tad possessive.�

“Define possessive.�

“Well if she ever found me talking to a another girl, even if it was somebody we both knew, she would get angry and start claiming I was going to cheat on her or she was trying to steal me away from her. I tried breaking up with her but it took three times before she got the hint.�

“I think I would have called her psycho.�

“I was trying to be nice,� he said. “Then I tried it again with a girl named Mattie. We got along great, we even liked a lot of the same thing that’s why we started dating.�

“What happened there?�

“It turned out we were too much alike and started to get on each other nerves. Things went to hell in a hand basket before either of us knew it. We didn’t talk to each other for a long time after that. We did start talking again and salvaged the friendship but it wasn’t the same.� Looking out the grating again he said, “She always said she’d sing at either my wedding or my funeral. I wonder if she did.�

“Now there’s a lovely thought,� she said.

“Why do you think I never asked Mom about it? Alright, your turn. Did you ever go beyond just friends?�

“Once,� she admitted. “A guy I knew named Greg. Fortunately we both realized we weren’t right for each other and broke it off.�

“And that’s why you’re the smart one,� he said. “I still wish I could take you someplace better than this.�

“We have to make do with what we have,� she told him. Getting up she faced him and pulled out an old walkman radio with some ear bud speakers out of her pocket. “Take this for example, I found it in a closest and it still works.� Grinning a bit she told him, “Maybe if you’re lucky we can work on the Barry White part of your ideal date.�

“Works for me,� he said standing up. Putting one of the buds in his ear she did the same while looking for a station. After a bit she found a slow song they could dance to. Putting his hands on her sides he raised an eyebrow when she took his hands and slid them down to her waist.

“You’re the boyfriend now, you can keep them around the Equator,� was all she said.

“I’m liking the perks so far,� he said, she smiled in response. After a couple of songs Jack went, “I have to know, when did you know how you felt about me?�

“Honestly I’m not sure,� she admitted. “Although when I was watching you float in that tank after Allen broke your arm I was starting to realize my feelings for you were starting to be a little more than professional. I convinced myself it was nothing more than friendship. Then Dusty made that sharing he bed comment. Somebody else was voicing how I feeling and I was never so freaked out in my life.�

“You too huh?�, he said.

“Your turn.�

“I’ll be honest, I thought you were hot when I first saw you. Then I got to know you a little better. I was finding I cared about you and wanted to find out more about you.�

“Is that why you hung around World Inc. all the time?�, she joked.

“Well it definitely wasn’t the party atmosphere,� he chuckled. “But what really pounded it home,� he reached up and traced the faint scar on her neck, “was when you got hurt. I was suddenly picturing my life without you in it and I couldn’t stand it the thought of it.�

“Well you’re stuck with me for the long haul,� she told him. “Or until you do something incredibly stupid. Whichever comes first.�

“Well I’m due for something incredibly stupid,� he joked. Rachel slapped him lightly on the back of the head. Resting her head on his shoulder Jack held her tight while they danced. Then there was a slight buzzing that he couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. Rachel reached into a pocket and pulled out a cell phone Melissa gave her. “Don’t answer it,� he pleaded with her, “don’t answer it, don’t answer it.� She flipped it open, “Oh my God she’s answering it.�

“It might be important,� she told him. “Hello? Yeah I know where Jack is.� She held up a finger to keep him quiet. “A meeting in ten minutes? We can be there, bye.�

“Oh that sounded real important,� he commented as she shut off the phone.

“You never know,� she told him. “Besides if it turns out to be a really boring meeting and if, IF you behave yourself I might find a way to make it up to you.� She smiled and walked past him. Jack glanced at her butt then at his hand. Almost as if she was reading his mind she spun around and pointed a finger at him, “Don’t you even think about it.�

“What?�

***
“Alright people listen up,� Melissa said to the group. “We got word of something major about Anderson and World Inc. Jaime knows most of it so I’ll let him talk.�

“Friedman set us on the trail,� he said as he stepped toward the map. “Anderson is shipping some major medical equipment and other things, but mostly medical. But it’s not going to any of his known warehouses, factories or buildings. As best we can tell he’s shipping it in here,� he gestured at the forest outside the city. “Apparently this has been going on for a few months now. And we just now found out about it, so we’re really behind the curve here.�

Melissa said nothing while he talked. There was something different about this room, she just couldn’t place it. Positive it wasn’t Dusty and Emily this time around she silently glanced around the room. Whatever it was it was coming from the direction Jack and Rachel were. He was sitting on a crate and she was standing next to him, nothing unusual there. But something kept her looking in their direction. Was she leaning toward him a little? Was his hand just squeezing her’s? Melissa had to turn away for a moment as she figured it out.

Realizing she was supposed to be talking now she said, “I know it’s not much. But when my cousin starts moving a large amount of equipment and nobody knows where it’s going my gut says something is up. I wanted to give you guys a heads up before it hits the fan and we’re caught with our pants down. So those of you who have contacts in the city keep your ears and eyes open. The rest of you try and make sure rumors don’t get out of control down here. This is going to get out and we don’t need a widespread panic until we know for certain we know what it is.� With the meeting over everybody started to pile out, she needed to get this out in the open first. “Rachel, Jack I need to talk to the two of you.�

Rachel turned toward him, “What did you get us into now?�

“Why is it automatically my fault?�, he asked.

“Because it’s usually is your fault,� she shot back. They walked toward her and she remained quiet until the room was empty of everybody else. “So what’s up?�

Crossing her arms she just looked at them. Before long she started smiling and said, “It’s about damn time you two.�

“What are you talking about?�, Jack asked.

“Jack it’s no use,� Rachel told him. “She’s going to know before anybody else.�

“I know I was just playing the odds,� he informed her.

Melissa went on, “I swear I was getting ready to put one of you in a hammerlock until you admitted it. But you’re not going to find anybody happier for you two than me right now.�

“Would you mind keeping a lid on it for now?�, Jack asked her. “We’re trying to keep things quiet for the time being. Sparky been making comments like ‘get a room’ and ‘lover’s spat’ before this. I might be forced to hurt him if finds out.�

“He won’t hear it from me,� she assured him. “Or anybody else for that matter.�

“That’s one person we don’t have to worry about,� Rachel said. “Otherwise we’ll know who to go to first if it does get out.� She looked between them for a moment. “Jack, can we…?�

“I’m guessing some girl talk is about to happen,� he said. “You want to meet at the cafeteria later for a late dinner?�

“Love too.� He gave her a quick kiss before walking away. Rachel gave him a quick slap on the butt the moment he turned around. When he looked at her all she said was, “Let’s see how much you like it.�

“I’m not even going to ask,� Melissa said. Once they were alone she didn’t need her gift to know what was coming. Rachel turned toward her and smacked her on the arm. She couldn’t help but laugh, “Ow.�

“Why didn’t you tell me he was in love with me?�, she demanded. “We told you on the same freaking day.�

“I could have told him how you felt just as easily,� Melissa said rubbing her arm. “And I figured one of you would have broken down and said it before now. I know you two are stubborn but damn. So who broke down first?�

“You hold out on me and you expect me to tell you now?�

“Oh come on Rachel,� she pleaded. “You two put me in the middle of this, don’t be holding back on me now.�

She sighed, “Fine if you must know. Jack said it first I told him later. I might have said it sooner if my friend gave me a hint or two before hand.�

“Do you have any idea how many times I implied it when we talked?�, Melissa informed her. “I know Jack is pretty dense about this stuff but I’d figured you get the hint before now. So, have you two, let’s say, consummated this particular relationship yet?�

Rachel gave her a look but answered anyway, “Jack wants us to wait a bit. I think he wants our first time to be special or something.�

“That’s… sweet,� she said. Turning away and acted like she was looking at something Melissa muttered, “Damn it I’m going to lose the bet.�

“What was that?�

“You can’t wait I’d bet,� Melissa quickly said. Then she winced when she realized what came out of her mouth.

“Ok,� Rachel sad slowly. “I’m going to find Angie and see if she burnt that outfit they stuck me in last night yet.�

“You sure you don’t want to save it for a special night with Jack?� she asked as Rachel headed for the door.

“Don’t give him any ideas,� she said without turning around.

“Like I need to give him any ideas,� she shot back. Alone Melissa started mentally kicking herself. “You can’t wait I’d bet? I’m usually better at thinking on my feet than that.�

***
R&D was quieter than usual as Anderson walked round. Part of the reason was at least half the staff was relocated to the new complex. As well as most of the equipment and a good chunk of the ongoing projects that used to be housed in the building. It was more of a strategic move than anything. And he had the late Mr. Allen to thank for it. Times like these Anderson felt he didn’t give the man enough credit. It was something he had gotten started while the senior Allen was still in power. It only went to the wayside after Davidson killed him. The door open and the person he was waiting for walked in. “Dr. Armstrong,� he greeted him, “I assume things are going to your specifications?�

“It’s going slower than I’d like,� he said. “But ever since we got the entire facility fully powered things are going a lot faster. Although I was surprised you were able to get military support to help us out.�

“Oh it wasn’t easy,� Anderson said. “Rhodes was very hesitant at first to let us use any of the troops under him. When I told him what we could give him he decided to lead the detail himself. In fact he practically insisted on the matter.�

“Well you better remind him who’s the one in charge,� Armstrong told him. “We butted heads a couple of times already.�

“You know how these army types are,� he chuckled. “Give them an inch and they think they control the entire complex.� Sighing when Armstrong wasn’t laughing as well he continued, “I’ll talk to the good general tomorrow and remind him you are the one on charge of the complex. If that doesn’t work I’ll head up there and remind him in person.�

“It might take just that,� Armstrong said. Looking around the half empty room he slowly started shaking his head, “I still don’t see how Allen kept that place quiet for this long.�

“They say every man is good at least one thing,� Anderson mused. “Mr. Allen was apparently extremely good at keeping secrets. He just couldn’t handle it when they came out in the open.� Both of them stopped when Taylor entered the room.

“We may have a problem,� was all he said as he handed over a thick file.

Anderson read through it for a few minutes before looking back up, “Is Mr. Perez sure about this?�

“He tripled check everything before handing me the information.�

“Hmm,� Anderson muttered before handing the file over to Armstrong. “Apparently the late Mr. Allen isn’t the only person good at keeping secrets.�

“Harry?�, he said in shock. “I’ve known him ever since he joined the medical wing. I can’t believe he’d be a mole. I mean I’ve seen him at the loading docks going over the inventory list but I’ve done that too.�

“We’re about to find out,� Anderson said. “Is Dr. Friedman still in the building?�

“It’s his day off,� Taylor told him.

“Have Perez and his men find him and bring him in for questioning.�

***
Rachel and Arron were having a hard time holding Jack back while a couple of others were trying to restrain Jason. “Just give a couple of minutes,� Jack begged. “That’s all I’m going to need.� Although she was glad Dusty was able to fix his strength problem she figured he was going to need it if she did let him go.

“Anytime bug!�, Jason spat as they drugged him away from the scene. It took some doing but they were able to do the same with Jack.

When they got to a secluded hallway he broke away from them and kicked a bucket on the floor. “I should have blown his sorry ass up when I had the chance!�

“What set them off this time?� Arron asked.

“They were in ten feet from each other,� she said. “I’ll calm him down, just make sure we don’t get a repeat performance anytime soon.�

“I’m on it,� he told her.

Jack was still seething as he sat on top of another crate. She sat next to him. “You can’t keep doing this Jack. You’ve been able to get along with just about every Drakan down here but him.�

“If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be like this,� he told her. Like she needed to be reminded of that.

“And if you weren’t like this we never would’ve met,� she countered. He got off the crate and went to the other side of the hall. “You have to make peace with him at some point. He can’t be on some imaginary kill list forever you know.�

“Fine,� he said after a moment. “I’ll make peace with him the moment you start saying I had a breakdown.�

“I’ve said that.�

“No you said I was having an ‘episode’,� he made quote marks in the air. “Rachel I love you but do you have any idea how much that annoyed me?� He came back over and grabbed her shoulders, “It’s not going to happen to me again if you say it if that’s what you’re worried about. Just say I broke, I went nuts, I flipped my lid something.�

“Jack I can’t,� she told him. “If I say it I’m going to start thinking about how you were like then and I’m going to start crying again because it tore me up inside.� Her eyes started to tear up as thoughts of that time entered her head.

“Ok ok ok,� he said quickly while he out his arms around her. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push it like that.�

“Just because Jason riles you up doesn’t mean you can take some of it out on me,� she told him.

“I didn’t mean to direct it toward you,� he said. “You know I’d never do anything to hurt you like that.� Rubbing her back he asked, “So was that incredibly stupid or is that still coming?�

“Trust me,� she said, “if it was the whole place would now about it. Now never do anything that stupid again.� Resting her head on his shoulder she said, “I guess we got that first bump out of the way.�

“I guess so.� He gave her one last squeeze before letting go. They started to head back for the main area when Sparky just about ran into them. “Whoa, easy there.�

“Jack!�, he said. “We gotta go. They’re after Friedman.�

“Who’s after Friedman?�

“Anderson’s troopers.� Before she knew it Jack was already racing around the corner with her and Sparky close behind.

***
This was bad, this was really bad. Friedman called in a few minutes prior saying somebody called him and warned him. His secret was out. He was currently at one of the safe houses but he didn’t know if he was able to lose them. Jack remembered how wired Anderson had this city and didn’t know if losing them would help. For the first time ever he wished this bike could go faster. He pulled up to the safe house with the van right behind him. “We’re clear, move!� he said after looking around and Rachel and the others jumped out. Sparky kept a look out behind them as she ran for the door.

“Dr. Friedman!� she said banging on the door. After what seemed like an eternity it opened and he came out. “Come on,� she said pulling him toward the van.

“How much time do you think we have?�, he asked looking extremely scared.

“Hopefully more than I think,� Jack mumbled. Putting a finger under the helmet he touched the foil lining the inside of his hood. Melissa said they were going to try and deactivate the scanners in the area, but given how fast they had to leave she wasn’t sure they were going to be able to be fast enough. As it was Jack felt like they were transmitting their location like a lighthouse on a foggy night. “Let’s go! The meter’s running!�

“My house,� he said as they tried to get him into the van. “I still have stuff in my house I wasn’t able to get.�

“We’ll worry about it later,� Rachel grunted as she struggled with him.

“All I have is the shirt of my back!� Oh yeah, he was starting to panic big time.

“We’ll find you something,� Rachel told him.

“I’ll let you borrow something of mine,� Jack put in when he looked back.

That bad feeling that was attacking his insides got worse when Sparky shouted, “We got company!� All of them looked back and saw a pair of black vans block off the way they came. Jack had every intention of turning the bike around and buying Rachel and the others some time to get away. Then he looked in front of them and saw two more trying to do the same. He activated the laser and started shooting the one directly in front of him. It took a few shots but he was finally able to kill the engine. The driver had to stop sooner than he was planning on before he lost control and the other van kept going.

“There’s your opening! Go!�, he shouted as he got off the bike. He ran toward the other van as he activated the system, “Henshin!� His speed increased he caught up with the van when the driver realized what happened and tried to throw it in reverse to close the gap. Jumping on the side he forced the door open. “Hey there, how you doing?�, Jack said right before throwing him out of the vehicle. Grabbing the wheel he turned the van so the opening would be wider. “What are you waiting for? Go!� Their van finally got going as Jack ran toward the troopers getting out of the back to stop any interference with the fleeing vehicle. Taking care of the one on this side he turned toward the ones on the end of the street. Heading for them he took a moment to punch into the van by the engine. Pulling out some wires and cable he said, “You might want to get that fixed.�

Out of the other group a lone figure walked toward him. The trooper changed as a pair of pinchers grew out of his mouth and a red shell formed around him, “You’re done Davidson,� the stag beetle said.

“Did I mention I hate talkers,� Jack grabbed the staff and snapped it to it’s full length. One of the troopers tossed the beetle a shock stick. At least he thought it was a shock stick, a spike popped out instead of an electrode. “I hate surprises too, you might want to take a memo.� The stag beetle came at him and tried to stab him with the spike. Something told him to avoid it at all cost. Jack used the staff to deflect what blows he couldn’t dodge and found himself slowly backing up. Remembering a trick Lance and Jaime showed him he spun out of the way of a hit at his gut and swung the staff behind it’s leg. It went down to the ground and he turned the staff around to jab the end into it’s chest. It got out of the way and kicked his legs out from under hm. Jack rolled out of the way as the spike impaled the ground.

Dropping the staff he rocked the Drakan with a right then a left. It flipped over him when he went for another right and kicked him in back of the head. Stopping himself from falling he turned around right into a tackle. The stag beetle started pounding his head. Jack was so stunned he didn’t fell himself being dragged to his feet before being turned around with another punch. It tried to choke him out by jumping on his back and wrapping it’s arms around his head. The armor was giving him just enough protection but he was still feeling it. Dropping to his knees suddenly he was able to surprise it enough to flip the Drakan off of him. Going toward the Drakan it kicked it’s leg out catching him under the chin. A spin kicked while he was still dazed sent him the pavement. He felt the staff by his hand and grabbed it as he got to a knee. He looked back as he twisted the dial and saw the Drakan jump at him. Quickly he turned around and jammed the end into the beetle’s gut. Squeezing the middle the electrode popped out and sent the entire charge into the Drakan. It was forced back a couple of steps back before exploding.

Then the other troopers started to feel a little brave as they came at him as one. And all of them had the new stick. Jack decided to follow the better part of valor and ran for the bike. Along the way he grabbed the stick the stag beetle dropped and jumped on his bike. “Tell Anderson I said hi,� he said right before revving the engine and ran through any trooper dumb enough to get in his way as he got the hell out of there.

***
Over the next couple of days they were able to sneak into Friedman’s house, after taking care of the surveillance teams, and get the stuff he needed. Dusty agreed to let him stay at his place as soon as he heard what happened. Rachel, Jack and a few of the others were there to help him move and settle in. As the day went on even Dusty eventually backed off as Rachel figured out where everything should go as they got the boxes out of the trailer. “Hey,� he said as Sparky put a box down on a barrel, “that’s not supposed to go there.�

“Come on man,� he whined, “my back is killing me.�

Passing by with a bigger box Jack said, “And your front’s killing me. You don’t hear me complaining about it.� After awhile Rachel started wondering around the auto yard lost in memories. Dusty still had that car that looked like her dad’s. Jack found her and asked, “What are you doing over here when the work’s over there?�

“Just thinking,� she said. “I never realized how much this place felt like home until after we left. We should really find a way to visit more than we have. Well more than coming in so Dusty can fix you up.�

“Speaking of,� he said as he walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist, “we apparently suck at keeping things quiet.�

“Dusty figured it out?�

“I’m not sure what gave it away. But he looked at me few minutes ago and I quote,� he started mimicking a southern drawl, “Son, it’s about time you got it through that hunk of granite you call a head.�

“That sounds like him.� Rachel started smiling, “But your Cajun accent still stinks.�

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,� he quickly said remembering the moment. “At least my drawl is decent according to Dusty.�

“He was just showing you some pity,� she told him. “Do you think Sparky knows?�

“I wouldn’t be hearing the end of it if he did. Then I’d be forced to hurt him. Then I’d be hiding from Angie.�

“I’ll protect you from her,� she said. “Come on, let’s head back before somebody else figures it out.� Rachel took his hand as they headed back only to let go when they saw Dusty and the others. This was going to be hard but it’d be worth it when they were able to get another moment to be alone.


*Ending Theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 48>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I Am*


With Freidman outed as a mole they had to rely on other means to discover what Anderson was doing. One of the first orders of business was discovering where World Inc. was getting their information from. Back when they had a man on the inside it didn’t matter all that much. Now that they were practically blind no one wanted Anderson to have an advantage. The various cells got together and put out some false information. Working in tandem they were able to find, what they hoped at least, a majority of Anderson’s informants. From there they squeezed them for any information they had, which wasn’t much. Which took them to part two of the operation, surveillance. There they discovered one thing right away. People who worked in the building now had run an ID card to get past the main lobby. And more than likely other parts of the building as well.

Which brought Jack to his current situation. A week of wire tapping and watching lead them to one Marcus Van Haden. He looked liked a college professor who would call you a stupid, blundering idiot even if you did everything right to boot. He also carried important information from his company to World Inc. on a regular basis, usually stopping off at home first. Supposedly tonight was one of those nights. He was currently on his way to World Inc., Jack was heading in the opposite direction with him in his sights.

He had the hood pulled over his head as far as it could go. With the rain currently falling nobody was paying him any attention, fortunate for him. At least the foil lining his hood had an extra benefit, his head was staying dryer than what it would have been. Which was also good for the piece in his ear. He didn’t particularly want his ear burning in case it shorted out. “What’s you status Tin Man?�, Jaime said over the piece.

“Thinking of the ways I can kick the butt of the person who gave me that stupid code name,� he answered, low enough so nobody passing by could hear him. “And I’m going to do it too, the moment I can prove this person did it.�

“How are you going to prove it was me?�, Rachel asked him over the line.

“There’s a start,� he quipped.

“Geez Rachel,� Sparky cut in, “Don’t make it obvious or anything.�

“I was trying to throw him off the trail of the person who did it,� she quickly explained.

“Cut the chatter,� Jaime ordered. “Tin Man do you see the target?�

Looking up the street he saw Van Haden bundled up in a trench coat, an umbrella in one hand and his briefcase the other. “I see him.�

“Now that we have that covered,� Sparky said, “do we have any idea how exactly we’re going to get that briefcase away from him?�

“I’m working on it,� was all he said.

“Jack we don’t need any work in progress plans right now,� Rachel told him. “We need an actual plan.�

“We got a problem,� Arron said from his position on the rooftops, “I’m seeing bracelets.� As in handcuffs attaching his wrists to the briefcase. There was something good in there alright.

“I see it,� Jack said as he continued toward him.

“We have abort,� Rachel said.

Jaime spoke next. “I agree. Tin Man turn down an alley. We’ll pick you up on the other side of the block.� Sparky, who watching him from the rear, reported he was still heading for Van Haden.

“Jack, don’t even think about it,� Rachel said. “I don’t care what you’re Uncle showed you, nobody is that good. Do you hear me?�

He kept on walking toward Van Haden. When they were a few yards from each other Jack lowered his head and kept on going, praying this guy wasn’t a Drakan or carrying a scanner. Ignoring Rachel and Jaime yelling in his ear he waited for it. Jack bumped into him and kept on walking, not even attempting to go for the briefcase. “Watch it you stupid punk,� Van Haden snapped. He checked himself for his wallet, only continuing on when he was satisfied it was still there. “Damn punks have no manners what so ever,� he continued grumbling.

Making his way toward the plain blue van, the side door snapped open as Rachel nearly jumped out at him, “Are you out of your mind?!�, she demanded. “What if he recognized you or decided to go after you?�

“Or he had a hand scanner with him?�, Jaime put in.

“Then he would have known it was me before I even got that close,� he said.

“So what was the point of all that any way?�, Rachel asked him.

“I was a little curious about how tight that new rule is,� he pulled Van Haden ID out of his pocket. They stared at him. “Uncle Petey showed me a lot before Mom found out.�

***
Rachel was more than a little nervous. She’d never broken into another person home before. She never did a lot of things before being forced to go on the run. If her parents weren’t disappointed in her before they would have been if they found this out. Despite the darkness she could tell Jack was a little jumpy as well, that made her feel a little better. Him reaching out and giving her hand a quick squeeze went a long way in keeping her calm too. Her nerves started jumping up again when the front door started to unlock. Van Haden came in muttering, “I must be going senile. I was positive I had it with me.�

Jack waited until the door was closed and he walked a few feet into his house before making his move. From where see was Rachel could see him jab the end of the boomstick into the small of his back, “No lights.� Van Haden started to move but he jabbed him again, “You really don’t want to do that.�

“You’re not going to get any money out of me,� he said definitely.

“Then it’s a good thing we don’t want any money.� Sparky and Rachel came out of the shadows. Sparky grabbed the briefcase out of his hand. Before Van Haden could protest Rachel cut the cuff with some wire cutters.

“You can’t take that,� he stated to say. Rachel heard a very faint hum right before Jack squeezed the boomstick. Van Haden jolted for a bit, Arron was there to catch him before he hit the ground.

“Can we go now?�, she whispered despite the fact nobody outside could hear her. God her heart felt like it was going to burst out of her chest. Apparently her nervousness was showing in the darkness because she could feel Sparky smile at her.

“First time jitters?�, he joked as he took the briefcase.

“Only time jitters,� Jack quickly answered for her. They held back a bit as the others headed for the window they came in. “I know, I know I over stepped things when I answered for you. It won’t happen again.�

“I’ll forgive you this one time because I was thinking the same thing.� Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek she added, “Next time you won’t be so lucky.� She went out the window first while Jack looked back to make sure Van Haden was still out. Jumping out the window himself they headed for the van, trying to make sure they didn’t look like they were rushing. “Remind me to thank you later going through this before because I have no idea what I’m doing.�

“I can’t really blame my Uncle here,� he said. “Me and Richie used to get into our fair share of trouble.�

“Knowing you it was probably more than your fair share,� she said with a grin. As soon as they reached the van both of them hurried in and it sped off. “Any luck getting it open.�

“Working on it,� Sparky grunted as he and Arron argued over what number to use for the combination. She glanced over to Jack looking hopeful.

Reading her mind he said, “Mom caught and stopped us before he went over that. Besides I don’t think there are a lot of ways to beat that lock outside a whole lot of patience.�

“I was afraid you were going to say that,� she said while trying not to look like she was leaning against him as they sat there.

***
Anderson sat there at his desk in a very mixed state. On one hand he was furious that the rebels had gotten a hold of World Inc. property. This was exactly why he didn’t want to entrust a human with that type of information. On the other hand he was amazed the rebels were able to pull off that type of operation. They had come a long way since they first started. He would applaud them if they weren’t trying to bring down their way of life. Taylor stood before him looking rather anxious at how he was going to react to the news. “Exactly how much can these documents hurt us?�

“We’re not sure,� he answered hesitantly. “As an extra precaution the document themselves were encoded. This code was created by one of our subsidiaries. So unless they have the key to uncode it should take them awhile to decipher it.�

Touching his fingertips together Anderson went, “Why am I sensing a ‘but’ in this explanation?�

“But,� Taylor continued, “the only information encoded in the documents are things that are considered absolutely vital. Information such as timetables and delivery schedules… it depends on what being delivered and where. While the rebels won’t know what’s being transported…�

“They might be able to figure out where,� Anderson finished for him. Taylor flinched a bit as he nodded, expecting him to blow him up. In any other situation he would have. But right now he needed to remain calm. “Depending on how well their network is they may be able to pinpoint their locations before we know it. I want security increased around the shipments. Not so much that they will attract attention, but enough to provide the appropriate support in case it’s needed.�

“At once sir,� Taylor said. “If I may suggest perhaps we should increase the security around the building Van Haden worked at. If they knew about him…�

“They might know about it as well. An excellent suggestion Mr. Taylor, have Perez get some of his men on it. In fact have him increase security around all of our subsidiaries. We’re a little too far along to leave a back door open for the rebels now.�

“Yes sir.� After Taylor left Anderson slowly spun his chair around so he looked out the window behind him. They were in too crucial a spot to get sloppy now. He was going to have the others breathing down his neck as it is once they found out. He smiled to himself, let them come. Once the project was complete he would finally have the army he needed to finish off this rebellion once and for all.

***
She should have been happy they were able to complete the operation with a minimum of violence. Outside of that little stunt Jack pulled it went just about perfect. Now if only they could use the information they were able to get hold of. Melissa felt her migraine grow when they told her half of those papers was written in gobbily gook. Not their exact words but that’s what it looked like to her when she looked it over. “Now this is just going overboard,� she muttered to herself. Obviously it was a code of some sort so she called the closest thing she had to an expert.

Before her both Jaime and Friedman looked the papers over. Friedman in particular was scratching his head as he tried to read it. “Sorry Melissa,� he said putting it down, “but I can’t make heads or tails of this thing. We didn’t get a whole lot of coded paperwork in the medical wing.�

“I figured as much but it was worth a shot,� Melissa sighed.

“It’s not in any key we know of,� Jaime said rubbing his eyes. “Did you run it by Rachel? She might have an idea at how to decode it.�

“She already looked it over,� she said getting up to stretch a bit. “She was in the same boat as Freidman. I’m halfway tempted to give them to Emily on the slight chance she’d see something.�

“I hate to say it but this is where Drake and his group would have come in handy,� Jaime said. She nodded in agreement. “Hell I might have gone to Trent if he didn’t turn out to be such a bastard.�

“Maybe somebody in what’s left of their cell has an idea how this was coded,� she mused. “Do you know where any of that cell is now?�

“No clue,� he admitted. “Shortly after their cell was attacked they disappeared with the wind. Even the couple we were housing disappeared without a trace. Rumors have it they gave up and went into hiding.�

“I heard that rumor too,� she said sadly. That was a blow they didn’t need. She couldn’t help but think Chris could have kept them together, but there was no use in thinking like that. What done was done and she’d have to make do with what she had.

“Melissa I think I might have something,� Freidman spoke up.

“What is it?�, she asked as he laid down a paper highlighting a schedule of some sort.

“It’s not much but you said this came from the company uptown?�. She nodded. “Do you see this time here, here and here? I’m pretty sure this is the time they deliver things to the main World Inc. building.�

“How positive are you?�, she asked.

“I say about seventy percent,� he admitted.

“That’s not as confident as I’d like it to be,� Jaime said.

“I know,� Freidman said, “but I spent a lot of time in delivery. More than I should of. It might be the thing that finally tipped them off about me.�

“We’ll I’m desperate enough to take it,� Melissa said feeling his pain. “So if this is the World Inc deliveries,� she said studying the paper intently looking at the different symbols. “These must be the deliveries to the other locations. We need to watch the other buildings and see which ones corresponds with the ones listed here. Once we figured that out maybe we can figure out how to use that to decode the rest of this.� Why did that sound easier than it would actually be?

***
The green queen had them on surveillance duty for a couple of weeks. The human’s hunch was correct and they were able to match each coded name to an actual location. Except for one, and that alone made Jason consider this operation a failure. But she continued on anyway with the information they had anyway. In that way she reminded him of her brother, it was sickening. Especially when she decided to focus on a location they already knew about instead of trying to find out where that last location was.

So she went over what she knew with the other cell leaders. Jason still couldn’t believe they would still give her any kind of authority after they discovered she was working with the accursed bug. Oh they were angry at first but like a bunch of sheep they bowed down to the almighty green one. Even after she admitted what they discovered didn’t help decode the rest of the documents. They didn’t even know the exact route the trucks were coming from. God it made his sick to his stomach. But still they were able to use what they had to plan their next target. A small compound on the outskirts of town was receiving a large number of deliveries for some reason.

Naturally they dismissed his idea to blow it up. Again they said they needed to get into it so they could get what they needed. Again he argued they needed to make a statement. One more time they told him they didn’t need to hand Anderson anything else to vilify them even more. Nobody in this rebellion had the guts to do what was necessary. No they rather rely on that damned metal bug, and that made him sicker than bowing down to the green queen. So he wasn’t that surprised when they decided to send him in with his usual bunch of misfits. To make matters worse Jaime, a man he used to respect, said he would go along with some of his people.

Jason couldn’t help but smile at the opportunity they gave him. He and the bug had an agreement to wait and finish their fight until Anderson was taken down. Oh they have come close to breaking that loose agreement on more than one occasion. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t send in another body himself. Above ground he found a secluded spot and made a simple phone call, “Hector, you still want to get another shot at the Killer?�

***
Pulling up beside the van Jack took off his helmet as he surveyed the area. They might have told him outskirts but this looked like the middle of nowhere to him. Rachel and the others came out of the van and joined him. “So what’s the plan of attack?�, he asked Jaime. He kneeled down as he studied the mall area of buildings. Holding out a hand one of his men gave him some binoculars. To Rachel he asked, “Is it bad I’m not seeing hat as a good thing?�

“It could be worse,� she said.

“I’m seeing scanners around the base,� Jaime told them. “Around the perimeter. Looks like they’re about twenty feet apart.�

“And I had to say something,� she said dropping her head.

Jack muttered something in French. Rachel snapped her head toward him in total surprise. He was caught a little off guard by her reaction, “What? I can’t pick anything up?�

“No I’m shocked you used it correctly.�

“I’ve heard you swear enough times I should know by now.�

“It was usually directed at you to begin with,� she shot back. Jamie glanced their way and coughed. “Don’t worry we’re focused on the mission.�

“He’s not mad,� Jack said. “Trust me I’ve seen mad, that’s just mildly irritated by most standards.�

“All of the scanners are in a well lit area,� Jaime continued. “Anderson not taking any chances.�

“Here comes the truck,� Arron announced. “Now what do we do?�

Sparky studied Jack face, “You got that ‘I got an idea’ look again.�

“Trust me,� was all he said as he got back on the bike. Nobody looked like they were going to do anything until he explained what plan was forming in his head. “Me, and maybe a couple of others, will head down there and distract them while Jaime and the rest take the truck.�

“This is stupid,� Jaime said. He looked at the truck coming closer. “But it’s the only plan we have at the moment.� Sparky, Arron and a couple from Jaime’s cell volunteered to come with him. Jack looked over to Rachel, he could tell she wanted to go with him. But fortunately she said she’d stay with Jaime. “Alright people, we don’t have much time so let’s do this.�

Jack took her hand before she entered the van and whispered, “The moment I hear gunshots in your direction I’ll be there as fast as I can.�

“You worry about those new sticks they have,� she told him. “Freidman confirmed it was the same metal that bitch mentioned.� Giving his hand a quick squeeze Rachel let go and got back in the van.

“Showtime,� Jack said. Doing the movements to activate the system he said, “Henshin.� The armor formed around him as he revved the engine. Leading the charge down the hill he got close to the nearest sensor before the alarm went off. By the time he passed it World Inc. security and soldiers started to pour out of the various building. Skidding to a stop he got off the bike and waited for them to circle him a bit. “Alright show of hands. How many of you are dumb enough to actually think I came alone?� About then a green wolf leaped on one of the soldiers back and knocked him to the ground. Sparky and the rest caught some more by surprise while their attention was toward him.

Jack saw a guy come at him with one of those sticks. He charged and decked him before he could do anything with it. Crushing it beneath his foot a couple of more came at him. He kicked one in the chest while grabbing the other by the front of the shirt. With one hand Jack picked him up and slammed him to the ground. He wasn’t aware that someone was behind him and grabbing the back of his armor until a second before it happened. He went flying backwards in the air. Slamming into a wall he tried to keep standing, “I was wondering when the resident Drakan was showing up.�

The trooper who tossed him slowly turned around to face him. About then Arron and another soldier crashed through a door next to him. “I’ll take care of him later,� the trooper grunted. A shell formed on his back and these antenna looking things grew out of his forehead as he turned into a red snail.

“In your dreams,� Jack launched himself at the Drakan. It dodged him easily enough and was attacking faster than he was expecting. “I thought,� he began as it took another swing at him, “you guys�, he ducked, “were supposed to be,� he tried kicking it’s legs out, “slow,� it leaped over the kick. A split second later a knee hit him under the chin. The snail took the moment he was dazed and slammed a fist repeatedly into his head. Jack caught the fist mid punch and twisted, causing it to grunt in pain. A straight right to the face knocked it back. About then he noticed the slime on his fist and tried to shake it off, “Ew.�

The Drakan came at him again after it stopped seeing stars. Jack had a good idea at how it fought now. He was able to keep up with it as they exchanged blows and counters. Jack was able to grab it’s arm and twist making it bend with the pain. “Killer!� Jack looked up and saw a man an extremely ugly man with a tattoo on his face come at him transforming to a blue walrus.

“Ah hell,� he got out right before the walrus punched him. He let go of the snail who promptly pushed the newcomer out of the way. The walrus grabbed the snail, turned it around and punched it. Sparky looked up and pointed in their direction. He was about to say something before a couple of guards tackle the eel to the ground. “Sparky you need a new set of friends,� he said to nobody in particular. Jack got up and jumped on the snail back while the walrus took a couple of free shots. The snail kicked the knee out from under the blue one and reached back throwing him on top of the walrus. Jack popped right back up but the blue Drakan tripped him up. “Oh come on!�, he shouted at the walrus.

“Out of my way lower class filth,� the red one said as it battered the walrus away. Jack grabbed the snail around the waist and threw him to the ground while a couple form Jaime’s cell tried to grab the Walrus and drag him out of there. He got away from them and jumped on Jack while he was pounding on the snail.

He fought him off saying, “This is not the three way I usually go for!� And he was so glad Rachel wasn’t there to hear that one. The snail pushed him off while he was distracted. All three of them started to stand when a plan came to him. Waiting for the right moment he fought off both of them until he was able to get behind the snail and grabbed it’s shell. Looking around it at the walrus he started taunting the Drakan, “Come on ugly, try and get me.� The snail tried to get out of the way of the onslaught but Jack held him place by the shell and let him take the full brunt of it. Finally letting the snail go he reached for the blue Drakan’s head and started throwing knees into it’s face. Hearing the snail get back up he rammed the walrus into it’s gut. The red Drakan bent over from the blow and backed up while Jack did the same thing as the meter flashed. He twisted the pod down and ran foreword, jumping off the walrus’ shoulder with his left foot. Kicking the snail with his right it flew back and exploded. Jack turned to the Walrus and as menacing as he could said one word, “Run.� The walrus didn’t need to hear it again as it ran for the hills.

“Let’s go!� Arron said finally coming out of the building he crashed into. He didn’t need to tell Jack or anybody else twice. Jack ran and jumped on the bike. Spinning it in a few circles to keep the guards back he ran through them as he made a hole for the others. The van pulled up a second later and they leaped in as it sped off with Jack in the lead. After a few miles they pulled into a rest stop after they were sure they weren’t being followed.

“The truck was a bust,� Rachel said after they caught their breaths. “It was just filing equipment and some new computers. Nothing was on them, we checked.�

“This might be worth something,� Arron said pulling a CD case out of his coat. “It looked like it was the same code as the ones on the documents.� They all looked at him. Embarrassed he continued, “I noticed I crashed into a computer room. After I took care of that guard I figured why not take a look around.�

“It’s probably encrypted,� Jaime said taking the case. “Luckily I have a couple of guys who are good at breaking them.�

“Nice going Fido,� Jack said rubbing the top of his head. Arron knocked his hand away, but he looked pleased he made the right choice.

***
“Oh my God,� Rachel moaned. She sat on Jack’s cot as he stood behind her massaging her shoulder. She could feel the tension just melt away under his grip. Hell she felt so relaxed she could have fallen asleep right there. He stopped way too soon as he rubbed her arms and kissed the top of her head. “Why didn’t you tell me you could do that?�

“I figured you think I was trying to cop a feel or something,� he said as she got up. “And I figured since I was the boyfriend now it’d be a little more appropriate.�

“You can do that any time you want as far as I’m concerned,� she told him while stretching out her neck. Speaking of sleep, “I think I’ll get ready for bed.�

“I guess I better leave for a couple of minutes then,� Jack said heading for the door. She stopped him and guided him back on to the cot.

“For doing wonders for my neck and shoulders, just this one time, I’m going to give you a little treat.� She walked backwards unbuttoning her shirt and had Jack’s full attention. As she took her shirt off she took a good look at his face. “Not a word out of you mister.�

Holding up his hands he said, “Of course not. But if I was that word would have to be ‘wow’.� She smiled at him as she took her jeans off. Standing there in her bra and panties for a little longer than necessary, just long enough to give him a good look, she put on the oversized T-shirt she used. It took Jack a moment to stand up and get dressed into his sweats himself as she got her bed ready. She looked back at him and bit her lip.

“Jack I was wondering,� she began as he started to get in his cot. “I mean I was thinking that maybe you’d want to sleep over here tonight.�

He looked at her with slight surprise, “Are you sure?�

“We could just, you know, ‘sleep’ sleep not sleep… you know.�

“I think we can manage that,� he said with a smile. Both of them stared at the bed, “So… which side of it do you want?�

“I need the outside side of the bed. I don’t know why, it’s just something in my head.�

“I got no problem with that.� Jack got into the bed and held the covers open for her. She got in and snuggled next to him as he put an arm around her. “Night Rachel.�

“Good night,� she said and gave him a kiss. She never realized how right this was going to feel as they both drifted off to sleep.


*Ending Theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve Done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 49>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I am*


Jack sat up with a start. With more practice than he wanted to admit he was able to keep himself from screaming out loud. Going into one of the breathing exercises Emily taught him he sat there until his heartbeat was back under control. After a few moments of silence he lay back down and stared at the ceiling totally disgusted with himself. One night, just one lousy night. Why was one night of totally uninterrupted sleep too much to ask for? Especially tonight of all nights. He glanced over at Rachel sleeping next to him, her bare shoulder and back not covered by the sheet. Yeah tonight would have been the perfect night not to have one of those damn nightmares.

“You had another one,� she spoke up.

“Sorry,� he said softly, “I didn’t mean to wake you.�

“I was already up. For somebody who can keep me guessing,� she turned around, getting under his arm and rested her head on his shoulder, “your nightmares run surprisingly like clockwork. So what happened in this one?�

“Not a whole lot changed from last time,� he told her. Rubbing her arm lightly he added, “Richie looked a little apologetic this time around though.�

“That something at least,� she said. “It might be a step in the right direction.�

“Maybe. I just want this nightmare to stop already.�

“I know you do, and so do I. but Dusty and Emily both said it’ll go away when it goes away.�

“I know it’s just frustrating,� he admitted. “I’m almost thirty and a nightmare is kicking my ass and keeping me up at night.�

“Jack we’ll beat this,� Rachel assured him. “If I can promise you anything I will promise you that.�

“Sounds like a lost cause to me,� he joked. Giving her a quick squeeze he told her, “Go back to sleep, there’s no point in both of us staying up all night.�

“You know,� she said as she lightly traced one of the longer scars on his chest with a fingernail, “I might have a way to help you to go back to sleep.�

“Oh really?�

“Yes really,� she said smiling at him. Jack started to say something but she quieted him with a kiss. He didn’t resist as she moved on top of him.

***
She knew the alarm clock was a few minutes away from going off. Normally waking up before the alarm would have annoyed her to no end. But right now she couldn’t really complain. In fact she could get used to waking up like this. She tried to remain quiet as Jack lightly kissed her on the neck and shoulder. Trying hard not to smile, and failing, she asked, “What do you think you’re doing?� She wanted to sound annoyed but it wasn’t happening.

“Nothing,� was all he said. “But since you’re up you wanna go for round three?�

“Any other day and I might think about it,� she said getting out of his grip and turned off the alarm. Holding the sheet against her chest she sat up, “But Melissa needed to see me early this morning.�

Jack lay back down saying, “The moment she smells me on you she’s going to know what we did.� With a half grin he added, “Twice.�

“Which is why I want to get to the shower before there’s a line. Do you have any idea where my nightgown went?�

“No idea,� he told her. “I wasn’t exactly paying attention all that much when things went flying.� Sitting up he looked around, “It’s on the other side of the dresser.�

“Thanks.� She reached out and grabbed it. Out of habit she stood up as she put it on. Realizing what she did she looked back and saw Jack grinning, “Enjoying the view?�

“I got no reason to complain.�

“Smart man,� she told him as she pulled it on. Going over to the dresser she picked out a fresh batch of clothes. Jack started to get out of bed as well but she stopped him. “Lie back down and get some rest, you got nothing important to do this morning. Try and get some more sleep if you can.�

“I’ll meet you later in the cafeteria if I can’t.�

“Sounds like a plan to me.� Leaning down she gave him another kiss, “I love you.�

“I love you too,� he said in return as he lay back down. Luckily their room was close to the shower and there wasn’t a line. Rachel wasn’t sure how keen the average Drakan sense of smell was but they were still trying to keep their relationship quiet. And she did not want to give anybody any extra hints than necessary.

***
“Oh my God,� Melissa said the moment she looked at Rachel. Her friend looked really annoyed real quick but she didn’t care. “You two…�

“Have I told you how much I hate it when you read me like that,� Rachel quickly said.

“I didn’t read you,� she informed her. “In fact I didn’t need to.�

“I ticked off a couple of people already taking an extra long shower.�

“That’s not how I knew either, although,� she sniffed the air a couple of times, “that would explain the aroma I’m starting to pick up.�

“Oh grow up,� Rachel said sharply. Melissa started laughing, partially because she realized she just won the bet. God she was glad everybody agreed to move their target dates after Jack was of commission for a few months. Oh great how was she supposed to prove it. “Alright if it wasn’t either of those then what was it?�, Rachel demanded.

“You got a little extra bounce in your step,� Melissa explained. “So either you found one of the hidden liquor stashes around here or…�

“Alright, alright,� Rachel cut her off. “So much for trying to keep things quiet.�

“Hey I’m the only one around here who knows you guys are a couple now. So I know the meaning behind the act. Everybody else…,� she trailed off.

“Just shoot me now,� she said hanging her head. Trying to get things back on track she said, “So has Jaime’s guys broken the encryption on that disc yet?�

“Not fully,� she said. “According to him there’s a couple of different files on that thing. They were able to crack a couple of them so far, but it’s nothing but minor things. Schedules, work rotations stuff like that. The other information on the disc has a tougher encryption program that’s proving harder to crack.�

Rachel nodded, “Jack’s Uncle Petey’s first rule of locks: the more elaborate the lock the better the prize inside.�

“That’s what we’re hoping,� she said. “But right now I’m not keeping my hopes up. It could be somebody’s diary for all we know.�

“Then I guess we’re no closer to finding that secret base then,� Rachel said.

“Actually I think we’re closer than we think,� Melissa said. “Using some of the information we gathered so far we were able to pick up a convoy here and there heading into the mountains where we think it is. Unfortunately we lose sight of them by the time we hit the mountains.�

“Well I doubt whatever he’s using is going to be in plain sight.�

“I know. Every cell we have has been climbing over each other trying to find it. However he’s hiding it he’s getting his money’s worth. God this is driving me nuts. Something in my guts is telling me this is going to be big, whatever it is, and we can’t even find it.�

“I’m just hoping we’ll catch a break before it’s too late,� Rachel admitted.

“So do I, so do I.� Melissa guided her toward the cafeteria, “Come on, let’s get some breakfast. I can’t think right on an empty stomach.� When they got there Jack already had a tray and was heading toward their table. He saw them and waved, Rachel waved back. Melissa on the other hand noticed how Sparky and Arron were looking at him.

Following him to the table Sparky said, “Dude did you two…?�

“Shut up Sparky,� Jack warned him.

“You and Rachel…�

Jack hand shot out and grabbed him around the collar of his shirt. Pulling him close Jack looked him right in the eyes. “I am in no mood to be hiding from Angie. So don’t do or say anything that would make me hurt you.�

“Wasn’t going to say a word,� Sparky gulped. Arron quickly backed away with his hands in the air when Jack shot that gaze toward him.

Rachel buried her face in her hands, “We never stood a chance.�

“Nope,� Melissa told her. She tried not to smile but she finally had the proof she needed to claim the prize money. She was going to have to find a way to thank them without letting on why.

***
“The rebels are getting bolder,� Taylor said from behind him. Anderson stood by as Armstrong and his team tried to get their demonstration ready. This was the third time he had visited the complex, he was hoping this one was going to be fruitful. “They seem to be attacking our convoys at will.�

“Was Davidson with them?�, he asked only partially paying attention to him.

“For a couple of them,� he answered. “But that’s not the point sir. Their attacks are getting closer and closer to this location.�

“It was bound to happen sooner or later Mr. Taylor. The rebels know something is out here, naturally they are going to investigate. Personally, given their track record, I’m surprised it’s taking them this long.�

“I don’t know how you can be this calm,� Taylor told him. “We’re not ready to defend this place if they decide to go on a major offensive.�

“Trust me Mr. Taylor that thought is first and foremost on my mind. But I have a company to run, a million different things a day vie for my attention. One has to learn to be calm and prioritize. But if it makes you feel any better…� Waiting to catch the scientist in a calmer state of chaos he continued, “Dr. Armstrong, do we have an estimate for when the subjects are going to be ready for duty?�

“The first batch won’t be ready for another couple of weeks yet.�

“Somehow I doubt we have that much time,� Anderson commented, amused at Taylor reaction. “Which is why I do not like to rely on one thing at a time. That is something I should have remembered when we activated Davidson.�

“We’re ready to begin the test Mr. Anderson,� Armstrong announced.

“Excellent, you may begin Dr. Armstrong.� Anderson put his hands behind his back and waited. Armstrong directed his men as he stood by a diamond shaped device suspended in a crystal column. Giving the word a man by a set of computers punched in a command and the device emitted a multilayered squeal. After a few moments Armstrong ordered to shut the device down.

Anderson walked past the device and to a bare mannequin in the center of the room. As he looked it over Armstrong asked, “What do you think?�

He started smiling, “I am officially impressed Doctor. An excellent job. Install these around the complex. I do believe you are aware of where the more vital areas are.� Armstrong nodded and had two of his men unhook the device and move it elsewhere. Sometimes you had to know how to head off some of the things vying for your attention before it becomes too problematic.

***
“So what are we hitting this time?�, Sparky asked as they piled into the war room. Melissa waited a few more moments so everyone was inside before starting. Sparky turned toward Arron saying,� Five bucks says it’s another truck.�

“Now there’s a sucker bet if I ever heard one,� the youth commented.

“Smart move Arron,� she told him. “I know you guys are tired of hitting these trucks left and right. But we’re no closer to finding this hidden base of my cousins.�

“So they have nothing new from that disc,� Jack spoke up.

“So much for the ‘great’ find,� Jason sneered.

“At least he’s doing something a little more useful than whining about not being to be able to blow things up,� Jack shot back. Rachel hushed him while a couple of others were giving Jason the eye.

Ignoring the two of them Melissa went on, “But we finally have a good lead this time around. A lone truck with a two car escort is hitting the mountain trail this evening. Normally I wouldn’t bring this to your attention, but thanks to our wire taps we learned this man is in charge of the run.� At her direction Nathan activated a projector. By her an image of a portly, young man appeared.

Jack’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor, “Holy crap it’s Tim.�

“This is just a shot in the dark,� Arron said, “but I’m guessing you know him.�

“He worked in R&D,� Rachel said. “He was one of the scientists who developed the Fusion system. In fact he was the one who pushed for Jack’s particular weapons.�

“That’s why you don’t have a geek on the team,� Jack said dryly while he flexed his right hand.

“Quiet,� Rachel told him. “When we were there he wasn’t that high up the ladder.�

“He’s apparently rose in the ranks since then,� Melissa said. “He’s as high you can get in World Inc. and still be human.� For some reason Jack looked happy to hear that. “And personal that high up don’t do milk runs. You’re priority is going to be stopping that truck. If you can, question the people in the convoy. I don’t think you’ll be able to so don’t go out of your way to do so.�

“Are we going to meet up with Jaime’s cell on the way there?�, Rachel asked.

“They can’t make it for this one,� she informed them. “They’re following their own leads and I don’t want to stretch them too thin. So we’re going to go with a smaller strike team.� She listed off the names of the people she had in mind. Melissa pretty much guessed the reaction when she named the last two, “Jason and Jack.�

“What?!�, Jason exploded.

“Well this mission just went down the crapper,� Jack commented. Rachel wisely got him out of there. Sparky and the other soon followed, making sure Jack and Jason went in opposite directions.

Arron stayed behind to ask, “You sure putting the two of them on the same team is a good idea?�

“Why do you think I waited this long?�, she answered. “Right now I don’t have a choice in the matter. I just hope it doesn’t blow up in my face.�

***
The rain wasn’t helping the mood any. Despite the downpour Jack insisted on riding his bike to the ambush point. The funny part was nobody really argued with him. Although he thought she was crazy Rachel rode behind him on the bike. “You’d be dryer in the van,� he had argued.

“Somebody needs to keep an eye on you,� she shot back.

Fortunately the rain started to let up a bit when they reached the point, but it was still coming down pretty good. Arron hopped out of the van saying, “I think we’re a few minutes early.�

“It’s better than being a few minutes late,� Sparky quipped. Jack and Jason caught a quick glimpse of each other before he moved further inside the van. Sparky saw it and quickly told Jack, “Dude don’t start anything.�

“Tell it to the chimp,� he mumbled. Rachel slapped his arm. Jack couldn’t help but noticed that the others started to form a buffer zone between them. At least he wasn’t the only one expecting this to get ugly. Well on top of the usual fight with the World Inc. assault troopers. “Anybody have any idea what kind of security this convoy is going to have? If Tim is as high up as they think he should have a ton of guards.�

“We got a plan,� Arron told him.

“Does it involve what’s in the chimp’s bag?�, he asked.

“Keep your nose out of my belongings bug,� Jason warned form the van.

“Dude we all know what you brought,� Sparky informed him. “We worked out the plan on the way here. There should be a car in the front of the truck and one behind it. Arron figured our best bet would be to use the laser on your bike to take out the lead car. That should stop the truck, at least cause it to slow down.�

“That’s a pretty big ‘should’,� he said.

“It’s the best we got,� the blue haired Drakan told him.

Jack nodded, then he looked behind him, “Rachel…�

“Get in the van until you take out the lead car,� she said for him. She surprised him by getting off the back of the bike, “Sounds like a plan to me.�

“You’re not going to argue?�, Jack asked as she took off her helmet and tossed it in the van. “You always argue when I try to keep you safe.�

“Because I realize the guards might have guns and you’re the only one who’s actually bulletproof,� she told him. Before getting in the van she whispered in his ear, “Don’t get used to it, I’ll be disagreeing with you again before you know it.�

“I’m not betting against it,� he told her. Sparky grinned and was about to say something until a look from both of them shut him up. Very aware of the empty space behind him Jack waited for the convoy to show up. The rain was still going strong when Arron spotted it. Jack activated the system before jumpstarting the bike, “Henshin!� The armor formed around him as he speed down to the road. The van waited a bit before following him down. Once on the roads he headed straight for the lead car. Flipping a switch on the control two panels on either side of the headlight slid away and two laser emitters popped out. Hitting the triggers on the handlebars the lasers fired at the grill of the lead car. It took several shots but he was able to kill the engine. Like they hoped the truck stopped. World Inc. soldiers piled out of the cab, the trailers and the cars as he came to a stop. The van pulled up behind him as they got out and reverted to their Drakan forms.

“Let’s do this,� Sparky said as they charged toward them. Jack took the lead as he targeted the first trooper with a gun he saw. Dropping him with a punch he looked around and saw several troopers with the spike from their sticks already out.

“Oy,� he grunted. They came at him at once. Jack did everything he could to avoid those spikes coming at him. A couple tried to get behind him and he did everything to stop them. “I don’t need any more holes!�, he said out of frustration. Arron and Sparky were able to break away from their fights and tackle a couple of them. That distraction allowed him to punch out one and floor another with a kick to the chest. Tossing another one he saw the last one standing there with a smile on his face. “You ready to go smiley?�

“Like you wouldn’t believe,� his face extended into a snout and he grew red fur as he turned into a hyena, a smile still plastered on his lips. It dropped the stick and came at him. Jack was ready for him easily blocking or dodging what he could. Ducking under a lunge he turned around into a kick to the chest that knocked him back. That’s when he hit something and it took him a second to realize it wasn’t one of the vehicles. The hyena started laughing as it turned around and started fighting with Sparky. Jack slowly turned around to see he was eye level with some guy’s chest, some guy’s massive chest. Then he looked up to see a guy who had to be at least eight foot glare down at him.

“You’re a big sumbitch ain’t you?�, Jack said in amazement. Without a word he grabbed him by the throat and picked him off the ground before throwing him with all his might. Making a dent in the trailer as he hit it Jack plopped to the ground. “Oh yeah,� he grunted as he struggled to get up, “I felt that one.� The giant hunched over and flicked a forked tongue as his finger tips became claws and grew red scales as he changed into a komodo dragon. Getting to his feet he was swatted back down by a massive backhand. The dragon picked him back up and swiped it’s claws against his chest. Avoiding another grab Jack got to his feet and started attacking. Punches, kicks, elbows, knees anything he could think of. The giant Drakan just stood there and took it all without batting an eye. Jack stopped and looked at the dragon in disbelief, “Where in the hell was Anderson hiding you?�

The Drakan answer was to grab him by the throat again and pick him up. Holding him there Jack started getting desperate and started throwing knees at it’s head. One finally affected the dragon as it let go and grabbed at it’s mouth. Jack tried to tackle the Drakan to the ground after getting a running start. It didn’t budge. Instead the dragon reached down and grabbed him around the waist and easily picked him up. Squirming out of it’s grip Jack landed behind, turned around and quickly rammed his shoulder behind it’s knee. The Drakan toppled to the ground. Jack tried to get on top of the dragon but a massive hand pushed him away. Rolling backwards with the momentum he twisted the pod up. The mini turbines in his belt started spinning and a charge went up his side and down his right arm. Running at the Drakan he punched it with everything he had as he aimed for it’s chest. The dragon took exactly one step back before exploding. “Son of a bitch,� Jack moaned as he tried to catch a breather.

“We got to get out of here!� Tim yelled from the back seat of the rear car. One of the troopers broke away and jumped into the driver seat.

“You don’t have to tell me twice,� the hyena said as he got into the truck cab. Getting the truck going it pushed the lead car out of the way before turning to the other side of the road with the rear car following.

“We got to stop that truck!� Sparky said as he had a trooper in a headlock.

“This is going to suck,� Jack muttered as he got an idea. Running for the van he shouted, “Give me the bag!� Rachel tossed it to him and he changed direction to his bike.

“Let go of my bag!� Jason yelled as he punched out a trooper.

Jack ignored him as he slung the bag over his shoulder. Turning the bike around he raced off after the truck. Catching up to it he sped up and tried to pass it. The hyena tried to run him off the road but he was finally able to get in front of it. Twisting the accelerator as far as it could go he sped ahead. Getting a good stretch of road between them Jack turned the bike around and faced the truck as he took the bag off his shoulder. Patting the side of the bike he said, “I’m sorry baby,� before reaching into the bag. Pulling out some explosives with a timer he slapped it on the gas tank. Dumping the bag he set the timer for thirty seconds and hoped it was long enough. Waiting a bit he peeled out and raced for the truck, activating the timer. As they got closer to each other Jack grabbed the staff from it’s holder and positioned himself to jump. At the last second he jumped off and the truck crashed into the bike, getting it stuck under the bumper.

Jack flipped over the cab and landed on the trailer. The wet surface from the rain made him slip as he landed. Finding his footing he extended one half of the staff as he ran for the other end of it. Near the end he twisted the dial all the way and jumped off. With a scream he raised the staff over his head and plunged the end of the staff through the hood of the car as he landed. Squeezing his end he sent the full charge into the engine destroying it and making the car grind to a halt. A few seconds later the charge went off blowing up his bike and taking the truck cab with it.

Tim scrambled out of the back seat as Jack pulled the staff out of the hood. The driver came out and tried to attack him but Jack quickly took care of him. Trying to get away as Jack stalked him Tim fell in the mud. He was on top of him the next second. Twisting the dial he held the electrode over his chest and demanded, “Where are you going?!� When he didn’t answer Jack held it higher like he was going to jab it down and yelled, “Talk!�

“Anderson has a base in the mountains,� he quickly said. “There’s a hidden entrance, disguised as a closed road. It’s the first one you see, I swear!�

“Now what are you carrying?!�

“Equipment and plans.� Tim reached into his coat and pulled out another computer disc. “The code is E-11. Type that in and it’ll decrypt itself. I swear to God I’m telling you the truth.�

“If you’re telling the truth then so will I,� Jack told him. “This thing is set on stun.� Tim jolted a bit as he jammed it into his chest and passed out. Jack got up and looked around to see Arron staring at him. He looked at what was left of the truck and looked at him, “Don’t remind me.�

“So you let him live?�, he asked gesturing toward Tim.

Shrugging a bit he told him, “I’ve gave him a lot of crap back then but I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for him. He always how I thought Richie would be like if I wasn’t around. What about the truck?�

“You’re not going to like it,� he said. Deactivating the armor Jack followed him. The back of the trailer was open and the others were still looking inside. Rachel bit her lip as he walked up and looked inside. Among the various pieces of equipment that were thrown about he recognized one thing right away. He was in one of them more times than he cared to remember. While a few were broken five complete human sized tubes stood there. Jack was for a loss of words.


*Ending Theme – Linkin Park – What I’ve Done*

[scikaiju]

<Episode 50>


*Opening Theme – Smile Empty Soul – Who I Am*


Walking into the garage Rachel could feel a slight change in the air. Most of the people there kept looking over to one particular area. She was heading over there anyway so she really didn’t need to look. Walking up behind Jack she wrapped her arms around his waist and looked with him. He was there for who knows how long staring at the empty space his motorcycle used to occupy. After a while he said, “It was for the good of the cause. We had to do what we had to do to stop the truck.�

Squeezing him a little tighter she said, “You don’t believe a word of what you just said.�

“Nope,� he replied. “I know it was just a machine. Hell I’m mostly machine.�

“Let’s not go into this again.� She told him. “How many times do I have to tell you you’re the most human guy I know?� Looking at the empty space and sighing a bit she added, “But I’ll admit it’s weird not seeing it here. It seems like you had that thing forever. Even if you were driving like a mad man the first time you rode it.�

She looked up at him, like she hoped Jack started smiling a bit, “That never stopped you from riding with me again.�

“It was either ride with you or walk.�

“One coming in,� the guard at the door announced. In moments the door opened up to let in a rusted out old truck, affectionately known as Bessie. When it came to a stop Sparky stood up in the truck bed while Dusty and Arron came out of the cab.

“Hey there son, little lady,� Dusty greeted them as they walked up.

“Hi Dusty,� Rachel waved in return. “What’s going on?�

“Well I heard about what happened,� Dusty explained. “I came in earlier and picked up these two to show me where it happened. I had the damn fool notion we could salvage some of it.�

Sparky bent down and pulled up a burnt rubber and steel wheel that Arron took and put on the ground. Sparky looked at him saying, “We’re pretty sure that’s the back tire.� Looking back into the bed he added, “I think we found what was left of the exhaust pipe but… ah… it’s a little too mangled to be sure.�

“I don’t know what I was thinking,� Dusty said.

“I tried to tell you it was a lost cause,� Arron told him.

“I didn’t think it was going to be that bad,� the old Drakan said.

“Explosive on the gas tank,� the youth said. “How bad did you think it was going to be?�

While they argued Jack walked up to the tire and stated rolling it back and forth slightly. He looked extremely sad for a moment. “Maybe we can turn it into a souvenir or something,� Sparky offered. “Maybe a table.�

“Junk it,� Jack told him. “It wasn’t even my bike, just something I stole from World Inc. when I went on the run.� He walked away from the group.

Rachel looked over to Dusty saying, “Hang on to that for the time being.� He nodded and motioned for Arron to put it back on the truck while she followed Jack out the door. Catching up and walking next to him she had to ask, “Did you believe anything that you just said?�

“Not a word,� he answered.

“Well start, I hate seeing you like this.�

“I’ll try,� he told her. She doubted it but didn’t say anything.

Instead Rachel said, “Maybe we can head over to Dusty’s one of these days. I’m sure he has a motorcycle or two in his auto yard you can rebuild. It’ll give you guys something to do.�

“You’re trying to talk me into getting another bike? I figured you’d try and convince me to stick with the van or something.�

“Well,� she said taking his hand, “I never told you this but I’ve always loved hanging on to you while I rode behind you.�

***
“Come on Jack,� Jaime said while he held the practice pad in front of him, “don’t start slacking on me now.� He pounded a few more combinations into the bag. “One more time Jack, come on.� He threw a few punched before jumping up and coming down with an elbow strike. Jaime barely got the pad up in time. Looking at him he commented, “I didn’t see that one coming.�

Shrugging Jack told him, “I like to finish with a bang.�

“Let’s call it a day here,� Jaime said throwing the pad at him.

“If you really need the break.� Heading over to a cooler Jack took a bottled water for himself and tossed one to Jaime. Taking a drink he asked, “Did that code I forced out of Tim work?�

“Yeah,� he answered. “It even worked for that other disc too.�

“So what’s on it?�

“Melissa’s still going over it,� he said while not looking at him. “She wants to go over everything before letting the rest of you know.�

“Sounds big,� Jack commented.

“It is,� Jaime said. “She sworn me to secrecy you know, I can’t say anything until she’s ready.�

“Fair enough,� was his response.

“That’s it?�, he asked stunned. “You’re not going to ask, pry or beg? You’re not going to force it out of me?�

“Nope,� he said taking another drink.

“Why not?�

“Because it looks like you’re dying to tell me somebody and it’s more fun to see you suffer like this.� Jaime threw his towel at him. “Thank you,� he said while wiping off his face.

“I swear Lance didn’t even scratch the surface when he described you.�

“I can’t even count the times I’ve heard that.� Then again he wasn’t in a real rush to find out what Anderson was planning now. His gut was telling him whatever it was, it was going to be big. Of course the fact he was remembering more and more of his conversation with Richie wasn’t helping things any.

“Yeah, well maybe you should take the hint,� Jaime told him.

“Now where’s the fun in that?�

***
This was not going to go over with them rest of them. Hell rumors were already starting to spread after they stopped the truck. Melissa wanted to bash her head into the wall when Jaime handed her the data they decoded. Unfortunately she knew exactly what they had to do. The other cell leaders agreed with her. That was the easy part, the hard part was coming up. She arrived late to the war room trying to put this off, everybody watched her. “Sorry I’m a little late.�

“We didn’t have anything better to do,� Jack said.

“Speak for yourself bug,� Jason spat.

“So what is Anderson doing now?�, Rachel asked cutting off Jacks response.

“First thing first,� Melissa told them. “Apparently this Tim person was telling the truth about this mysterious compound. We found the closed off road he was talking about and followed it as best we could.� She nodded and the lights went out. A second later a mountain entrance was projected on the wall beside her. “As you can see the guards are wearing World Inc. uniforms and it’s heavily guarded. But a little searching around the area let us discover a couple of vents we think we can use to get in.�

“But is the prize worth getting in?�, Sparky asked.

“That’s going to depend on the lock,� Rachel told him.

“That’s my line,� Jack said. She elbowed him in the side.

“Unfortunately it’s a prize we may not want.� Bracing herself she nodded again and the image changed. The mixture of emotion that came at her almost knocked her for a loop. Beside her a schematic drawing stared back at them. Jack stood up and slowly walked foreword, disbelief etched on his face. She gave him a sympathetic look as she glanced down at the words on the lower right corner. The words said “Fusion system�. “As you can see there’s a possibility Anderson is starting again.�

Jack just stared at the image, “Damn it.�

Rachel joined him looking at the image. “I remember seeing the schematics for Jack’s system. It didn’t look anything like this.�

“Maybe it’s for the Mark 2 system,� Sparky offered.

“We barely survived Mitchell,� Arron told him.

“Damn it,� Jack repeated.

“The other cell leaders and myself have a plan. The basic idea is we’re going to take it out before he can activate this one.�

“How are we supposed to do that?�, Sparky asked.

“It’s going to be a two prong attack,� she explained. “Most of the cells are going to attack the main gate head on. We’re hoping this will distract them enough so a smaller group can get in and disable the life support system.� Knowing what the next question was going to be before it was asked she answered, “Jaime’s and a couple of other cells are working on an EMP device to disrupt the life support tube. The range won’t be all that great but it should do the job.�

“How do you know it’s going to work?�, Rachel asked.

“We don’t,� she admitted. “But going by what we know of the tubes they used before we think it will. We’re hoping this is going to affect other systems they have there.�

“You do realize,� Nathan spoke up from the back, “the inside unit is going on what’s basically a suicide run.�

“I know,� she said, “which is why I’m asking for volunteers.�

Jack raised his hand, to the shock of Rachel and everybody else, “I’m in.�

“We could use you on the outside,� Nathan commented.

“I’ll be more useful on the inside,� he told him. “Not all the guards are going to be heading for the front door.�

“If Jack’s going in then I’m going in,� Arron spoke up. He looked over to Sparky who said nothing, he wasn’t even looking at him.

The point of an elbow right in the side made him say, “I guess I’m in too.�

“I’m letting the bug take credit for all of this,� Jason said. “Even if it is a fools goal.�

Nobody else spoke up so Melissa said, “Thank you. For those of you who didn’t say anything I don’t blame you. Jaime volunteered to go with you. I’ll find out how many he was able to get to go in with him.� Without a word they all piled out of the room. The somberness of their mood echoed what she was feeling.

***
“Are you nuts!�, Angie yelled at Sparky. Emily and Melissa past them as they walked the halls. Sparky tried to explain his side of things but she was barely letting him get a word in edgewise. She wished she could tell them he was going to be alright. But truthfully, much like Jack’s confrontation with Christopher the future was cloudy, she had no idea what was going to happen.

Melissa stopped and went back to them. She said a few words to them. Angie still didn’t seem happy but she hugged Sparky around the neck and told him to be careful. Melissa rejoined her and they continued on their way. She did that with Jason and Arron so far, that just left one other person.

They found him in his room sitting alone. That surprised Emily a little. Then again right now it was probably for the best. Jack barely acknowledged their presence as he watered his plant. The yellow petals seemed to perk up slightly as the roots drank it up. “I still can’t believe this was in the middle of a bunch of weeds,� He said. “I still can’t believe I haven’t killed them yet.�

“You were determined to help them live,� Emily told him. “I would have been surprised if they weren’t surviving in this environment under your care.�

“So how loped sided is this going to be?�, he asked. Both of them knew what he meant.

“Jaime has a couple of guys to go in with him,� Melissa answered, “so seven of you will be going in.� He nodded. “So where’s Rachel? I’d figured she be in here.�

“She said she needed to think,� he replied. “I didn’t want to distract her.�

“I’ll talk to her later,� she said. “But I really wanted to talk to you for a moment.�

“About what?�, he asked. “About how I apparently lost my marbles?�

“Something like that,� she said with a small smile. “I already talked to the others. Look Jack I know we always haven’t been the best of friends. And we’ve had our ups and downs. Most times I trusted your judgment, although there were a few times I thought you were off your rocker…�

“No offense but this is sounding more and more like a good-bye speech by the second,� he commented.

“I know, I’ve said it three times so far and it sucked each time,� she tried to laugh. “But I do care about you as a friend Jack. And more people than me want you to come back in one piece. One person in particular really wants you to come back alive.�

“I’ll do my best,� he said a little half heartedly.

“Also I thought I should tell you this in person. From the look of things Anderson is spending less and less time at the main World Inc. building. Chances are he’s spending that time at this complex.�

Emily silently watched as Jack looked right at her. She knew what he was thinking. Finally he said, “If he’s there take him out.�

Melissa sighed, “That’s not what I’m saying. If he is there be careful. They’re going to guard him as much as they’ll guard this other Fusion.�

“If there’s just the one,� Jack said darkly.

“Let’s not go making this bigger than necessary child,� Emily spoke up.

“She’s right,� Melissa agreed. “It’s going to be rough enough as it is.�

“Right,� he said, “so when are we leaving?�

“As soon as Jaime says the device is ready.� Not sure of what else to say Melissa went, “I better find Rachel and see how she’s doing.�

“Melissa,� Jack said as she went to the door. “I know I’m going to see you again, but I’m glad I took you up on that offer.�

“I’m glad you took it too Jack,� she hugged him. “You better come back.�

“Like I said I’ll do my best. And I’ll do everything to get the rest of them home too, even the chimp. I am the champion after all.� Emily stayed behind while she left. After a moment Jack asked her, “So what are my odds exactly?�

“I don’t know child,� she answered. “The future is branching out in too many directions to know for sure. But I can tell you this, he will give you an opening to finish it. If you don’t take it then I don’t know if you can beat him. And that the decisions you make during this will determine your final fate.�

“That’s not as comforting as I was hoping it would be.�

“It’s the best I can do for you child.�

***
After a little searching she found Rachel by herself in a supply room sitting on a crate. It was a quiet area with nobody else around. Melissa used this place a few times herself when she needed to think. Rachel said nothing as she sat next to her. Just sitting in silence for awhile she eventually asked, “How are you doing?�

“I don’t want him to go in,� she said, “but I know he has too. I just get the feeling I’m never going to see him again.�

“You can’t think like that,� Melissa told her. “Beside you and I both know he’s just stubborn enough to come out of this in one piece and then some.�

“I really hate this champion thing he’s supposed to be,� she admitted. “I don’t know what it means. Jack still doesn’t know what it’s supposed to mean. But he’s letting it drive him. From staying behind when we had to move to facing Mitchell to this.�

“Emily said it was something that was already in him,� she said. “Circumstances just forced it out of him.�

“I just don’t want to lose him. I almost lost him once, I don’t want to go through that again.�

“Maybe you should tell him this,� Melissa told her. “It could give him an extra incentive to come back.� Rachel said nothing right away. “I think it’ll have a lot more weight to it if you told him what you told me.�

“He has too many things on his mind right now as it is. I don’t want to add to it.�

“You’d be surprised what I’d make room for,� Jack surprised them both by appearing in the doorway.

“I’ll leave the two of you alone.� Pausing just long enough for Jack to enter she left. Looking back Melissa saw him sit next to her and take her hand.

***
It seemed like forever before Jaime said the device was ready. And she spent all the time she could with Jack before then. It still didn’t seem like it was long enough. He left for the garage to go over the final plans with Melissa. In that time alone Rachel made up her mind. Passing everybody in the hallways she made her way to the garage. Luckily they were still there so she wasn’t too late. Melissa was talking about where they were going to meet up with the other cells when Jack noticed her walk foreword, “Come to see us off?�

“Not exactly,� she said. Ignoring the look Melissa was giving her she continued, “I’m going with you.�

“Yeah, we’ll be over here,� Sparky said as they walked away from the two of them. Despite that Jack took her by the arm and pulled her in the other direction.

“You’re not going,� he told her.

“Yes I am,� she said firmly. “I’m still your mission operator. Or did you forget that already?�

“No I didn’t forget and this is a hell of a time to bring it back up now. You heard them, there’s no guarantee we’re coming out of this one alive.�

“We started this together Jack,� she said, “and you told me we’re going to finish this together.�

“This is different,� he started to say.

“Rachel listen to reason,� Melissa tried to tell her.

“Stay out of this,� Rachel snapped.

“Talk some sense into her,� Arron told Jack.

“Arron,� he pointed at him without looking in his direction. To Rachel he said, “Do you have any idea how dangerous this is going to be?�

“All the more reason you need all the eyes you can get watching your back.�

“I got plenty of eyes watching my back already. Why are you pushing this so hard?�

“Why are you fighting so hard against it?� she shot back.

“Because I care about you and I don’t want you getting hurt.�

“And I care about you too you big moron.�

“Young love,� Sparky quipped, “it’s a beautiful thing.�

Neither taking their eyes off the other both of them shouted, “Shut up Sparky!�

“See they’re even speaking at the same time now,� he continued.

“Do you treat all your girlfriends this way?�, Rachel demanded.

“You’re the only one who went out of her damned mind,� Jack said letting his temper get the best of him.

“Whoa… girlfriend?�, Sparky said stunned.

“That’s right she said girlfriend,� he snapped as he turned toward the rest of them. “Unless your ear’s been surgically removed from the grapevine we are officially a couple.� Everybody but Melissa just looked at him. Melissa, on the other hand, was burying her face in her hand. “Don’t just stand there gawking, exchange money or something?� His shoulders slumped when Sparky handed Arron a twenty, a few more bills exchanged hands with the others. “Are your lives really that empty?�

“Don’t change the subject,� Rachel told him as she turned him back around. Jack put his hand on his head as he looked around. He looked like he got an idea. Reaching out he grabbed her by the back of the head, pulled her close and kissed her. He kissed her for a long time. She struggled at first, only to partially kiss him back. She did not want that to be their last one. When he pulled away she asked, “Was that supposed to convince me to stay here?�

“No,� he looked upset with himself, “It’s something incredibly stupid.� There was a hum in the air right before she felt something against her stomach. Then she felt nothing.

***
Feeling himself be torn apart he watched as Rachel jolted for what seemed like an eternity. Dropping the staff he caught her as she started to fall. Holding her limp form in his arm he held her close. Whispering in her ear he told her, “I’ll find a way to make this up to you. I love you Rachel, never forget that.� Picking her up in his arms Jack carried her to a bench and carefully set her down on top of it. Gently pushing the hair from her face he kissed her on the cheek. Before leaving her he took off the jacket and used it to cover her.

When he turned around he saw Melissa standing behind him. Instead of looking angry she nodded in understanding and handed the staff back to him. Without a word he took the foil out of the hood and headed to the van with the others. “You guys are a couple?�, Sparky asked as he passed. “I thought you two were just having sex.�

“Shut up Sparky,� he snapped as he entered the van. Sitting near the back Jack didn’t look at any of them as they got in. The chimp said something but he wasn’t listening. Right now all he was seeing was the hurt and betrayal in her eyes right before she passed out.

***
In the halls of the complex Anderson walked with Taylor, Armstrong and Gen. Rhodes right behind him. Of the four he was the only one who looked like it was still business as usual. “I still can’t believe Tim caved like that,� Armstrong said.

“According to him,� Rhodes said, “he was positive Davidson was going to kill him. It must have been one hell of a performance.

“Desperate times my good General,� Anderson spoke up. “The rebels are starting to feel the pressure of the situation and they intend to go out swinging. I would be surprised if they did anything else.�

“It doesn’t change the fact they know where we are now,� Taylor told him.

“As I told you before Mr. Taylor it was bound to happen sooner or later.� Continuing walking Anderson added, “Now is as good as time as any.�

“Except I don’t know if I can get any more soldiers here before then, “Rhodes said. “I had to send most of the ones we had here back to their bases because their COs were starting to complain about how long I was keeping them.�

“Oh I’m sure Mr. Perez and his men are more than ready for the rebels,� Anderson told him. “I for one can’t wait to see how they are going to respond to the information they acquired. In fact I hope some of them make it this far.� A door opened up that allowed them to enter. “I want them to see what the ultimate goal of the Fusion system actually was.� They passed a couple of tubes that turned into a row of tubes that turned into several rows of tubes. Each was filled with the blue liquid, each one had a person floating inside. “I want them to see,� Anderson continued, “exactly how futile their little rebellion is.�

*Ending Theme – Linkin Park –What I’ve Done*