Roswell Fanatics

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Part 10

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Khivar grinned at him. "Of course...it's Max this time." He shrugged, gesturing to the guards behind him. "For some reason I always seem to forget that." They moved forward, grabbing Max's arms and pulling them behind. Max didn't even try to resist as they pushed him to the floor.

Max nodded, swallowing hard. "Yeah, it's such a hard thing to remember."

Khivar laughed. "That's what I've always enjoyed about humans. Your sense of humour, your sarcasm." Khivar moved closer. "You know maybe if you were a bit more interesting back then I wouldn't have killed you so easily. You may have put up a fight."

Max ignored him, focusing on his appearance. "New body?"

"Yes...the last one was becoming so tiresome." He stared down at Max. "Now...let's get down to business. Where is your son? Where is the Granolith? And where is the traitor?"

Max stared at him, disbelieving. "Nicholas killed my son. He's dead."

Khivar seemed a little surprised and more than a little annoyed. He turned to one of the four guards behind him and said simply. "Kill him." Then turned back to Max. "You just can't get good help these days, have to do everything yourself. Now...Max..." He stated, emphasising his name. "...Where is the Granolith?"

"I don't know." He answered truthfully.

Khivar let his head drop. "All this could be much easier if you'd just cooperate Max."

"I can't tell you what I don’t know."

Again Khivar sighed. "Max..." He stopped. "Max we've been through this before. If you'd just tell me what I need to know then I would end your suffering." Max didn't answer. "I rescued you Max...you were at the bottom of a cliff, you were dying...I saved you Max." He turned away then, looking towards his guards. "You owe me Max...I could have let you die a cowards death." Max couldn’t see what was going on, a part of him didn’t care. He just hoped it would be quick.

“I can’t tell you what I don’t know.”

Khivar turned back to Max, holding the pistol in his hand and shaking his head. "This is a primitive weapon." He pointed it straight at Max. "But effective. Have you ever been shot by a projectile weapon before Max? I've heard it's very painful. Very deadly. Of course you've had experience with the wound they make. Isn't that how you met your mistress?" Max again swallowed, trying his best not to let Khivar get to him. Khivar smiled again. "Sorry...wife." He looked down at the pistol. "We don't have such things on Homeworld of course. Much too civilised." He pointed straight at Max's head. "Where is the Granolith and where is your partner?" Again Max held his composure and grinned. "You do remember what happened the last time we were in this position Max? Vilandra really was a disappointment is this time."

"Isabel." Max ground out.

"Yes, Isabel. What a disappointment." Khivar sighed. "I'm getting impatient Max.”

“I…DON’T…KNOW!”

The pain was there before he realised what had happened. The burning inside his right leg as the bullet went straight through. He cried out as the shock receded.

Khivar still had the pistol pointed at him. Max scowled as he looked up into his face, the pain from his leg overwhelming.

“I was disappointed Max, when they found you. I’d always known you were weak…but still I was hoping for more of a fight. A little bit more action. It would appear that the Tilqutra is not as effective as I was lead to believe.” He kicked the debris around his feet. His voice so cold, so inhuman compared to his body. “But I have other forms of torture Max. Other games for us to play. Where is the Granolith?” he asked slowly.

Max chuckled. “Dantooine.” Spluttering and swallowing as he tried desperately to ignore the pain in his leg. But he couldn’t, it was so strong that even blocking it out didn’t work.

“I don’t believe you’re telling me the truth Max.” He pointed the pistol at his left leg. “Where is it?”

Max stared at him again, the pain making it difficult to breathe. “Come closer and I’ll tell you what I know.”

Khivar smiled. “Finally you see sense.” He moved forward and knelt down in front of Max.

“You know what’s funny Khivar? You are the leader of an army, the ruler of five planets and still you’re the most gullible son of a bitch I’ve ever met.” Max grinned at him. “Now!” He shouted upwards and before Khivar could even move an energy blast hit the guards holding Max and the rolled sideways, kicking the pistol out of Kivar’s hand as he did. Khivar himself simply watched as Serena jumped down from above and before the three other guards could even draw their weapons knocked them out.

He quickly got to his feet, not even looking for the pistol he’d dropped and ran full blast towards the nearest terminal. He’d barely even touched the pad before the blast hit him in the back and he crumpled to the floor.

“Ha! See I can aim!” Serena stated triumphantly, turning back to Max. Who was lying sprawled out on the floor. “You okay?”

“Took you long enough. I got shot you know,” he added, smiling at her. "I thought I was an idiot?"

Serena grinned back at him. "You are. But you're also my King." She looked down at his leg, his pants were covered in blood. His blood. "Can you walk?"

“I don’t know if I can stand let alone walk.”

“Well could you try? Cause we’re kinda in a rush here.” She raised here eyebrow and pointed at their surroundings, especially the six unconscious bodies.

“Well could you help?” Max asked sarcastically.

Serena sighed, holding out her hand and pulling him up. “Can you heal it?”

Max shook his head. “Not for awhile. My powers are practically gone.”

Serena grinned. “Luckily for us…mine aren’t.” She opened her palm towards the door.

“So we’re going out the front door then.”

“Yep.” She struggled to move with him and they stumbled towards the light. It was bright, he’d almost forgotten how bright real sunlight could be. It almost reminded him of the white. They moved to the nearest empty truck, quickly opening the door. “I’ll take you back to the base with me.”

Max shook his head. “I have to get to…”

“I know, I know Piko Dolvar, you already told me,” she stated, helping him into the truck before moving around to the driver’s side, starting it with her powers.

“It’s Pico BolÌvar and it’s very…”

Serena interrupted. “…Important. Yeah I get that.” Serena sighed. “You do know how far we are away from even Mexico? We’re in Clifton, Arizona Max…we’re talking hundreds of miles here.” She stared at him. “I’ll take you as far as Mexico, okay? I have responsibilities. People need me. I can’t just…”

Max interrupted again. “Run away like I did. I understand. You have responsibilities, I get that. Take me as far as you can.” He leaned back in his seat, stretching out his wounded leg. He’d definitely have a limp even if he could heal it. Noticing that the truck wasn’t moving he turned his head to find her staring at him. “Just drive.”

“You should rest.”

Max felt like complaining but he had to admit he felt terrible. Maybe if he slept he’d be able to use his powers again. “Okay…I’ll sleep but you drive. Fast.”

Serena nodded, putting the truck into gear.

Max closed his eyes and dreamed about a perfect world where no one ever got hurt, no one ever died. He dreamed about the world he was going to make. He dreamed about the past and the future. He dreamed about happiness.

~*~*~*~*~


Ethan

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Part 11

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April 7th 2006

“What if it’s a trap?” Michael asked, moving through the room, gathering weapons as he went.

“It’s not.” Max replied, holding the open bag out.

“And you know this how?” he asked, dropping the supplies into Max’s bag.

“I trust our contact.”

“You don’t know our contact,” Michael reminded him.

“Larek trusts him,” Max replied.

“Larek still calls you Zan,” Michael replied, raising his eyebrows.

“Look Michael this is my son okay? You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”

“What does Liz say?” Michael ignored him.

“Liz is fine with it. She wasn’t sure I should have given him up in the first place anyway.”

“What about Isabel?”

“What’s Isabel got to do with it?”

“His mother killed her boyfriend…or have you conveniently forgotten that?”

“Of course I haven’t,” Max replied quickly, annoyed. “You don’t have to come if you don’t want to.”

“I didn’t say that…” Michael sighed. “Do you wanna get Serena?”

“What!” Max asked a little to loudly. He said it again quietly. “What?”

Michael held his hands up in mock surrender. “Hey we might need the firepower.”

“She’s a scientist,” Max argued.

“She’s a hybrid.” Michael returned.

“I don’t trust her,” Max sent back.

“I do,” Michael replied.

Max sighed, staring up at Michael. “We don’t need her, she can’t even shoot straight.”

“You can barely shoot.” Michael shot back.

Max grinned. “Which is why we’re raiding the ammunitions locker.”

“I’d just prefer someone a bit more…” Michael struggled for the word. “…Useful.”

Max rolled his eyes. “You do know I’m King right? Shouldn’t you be bowing to me or something?”

Michael smirked. “I thought you were sick of bowing?”

Max looked a little embarrassed. “It’s not my fault they won't look at my face.”

Michael gave a sigh of resignation. “You know Larek’s gonna kill you if he finds out about this?” Max nodded. “You know this is probably a trap?” Max nodded again. “See this is why I don’t want kids. Come on…Maria will kill me if I’m not back by morning.”

Max grinned. “I knew you’d come around.”

~*~*~*~*~

Amazing.

He was amazing.

Incredible. Fantastic. Brilliant.

Max stared at the sleeping boy.

His son.

His perfect son.

“Are you just gonna stare at him all day?”

Max jumped, holding his hand to his heart. “God Iz…”

“Serena’s been teaching me stealth,” she grinned in reply, before nodding her head to the sleeping child. “He’s not going anywhere you know?”

Max blushed. “It’s just amazing you know? He’s mine.”

“You missed him.” It was a statement, not a question but he answered anyway.

“I don’t think I ever knew how much until today.” He touched Zan’s hair lightly. “I should have never let him go.” He shook his head slightly in disgust. “It’s not like I didn’t have a choice in the matter. But I was scared, I thought he could have a better life. If that spy hadn’t been there…” Isabel put her hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“You thought you were setting him free.” She told him softly. “You had no idea Khivar needed Zan...you had no way of knowing what would happen...”

“I should have known.” Max answered defiantly.

Isabel sighed. “Liz is almost finished. Do you want me to send her in?”

“If you don’t mind.” Isabel nodded, moving towards the door. But then she stopped and spoke again.

“You saved him Max, that’s the important thing.”

Max didn’t answer.

~*~*~*~*~

‘The Rea is the leader of the Antarian High Council. Also known as Dyi or Eio the Rea is the advisor to the King and acts as an emissary to the other four worlds in the Oswb or Wkew.’ He tried to make it go into his head. It wouldn’t.

“Do you think he hates me?” Max asked, sitting up in the bed going over once again the Antarian legal system. It seemed Antar was a complicated place, with complicated rules and complicated regulations. Antar was complicated in general.

Liz rolled her eyes, looking over the plans in front of her. Something was draining the power but she had no idea what. She resolved to speak to Serena about it tomorrow after the raid.

“Who?” She had a fair idea, but needed to be sure.

“Zan.”

“No.” She replied distracted by the plans before her. Maybe if they added another port? No that would decrease the pressure even more. She scribbled out the doodle she’d just made. That was a stupid idea.

“He won't talk to me.”

“He’s four Max.” No that wouldn’t work either. She scratched her ballpoint hard against the plans. Stupid, complicated Antarian technology. Maybe if she could actually do something useful she’d actually fit in here. Maybe if she could just get this the other scientists would actually take her seriously.

“He keeps spending time with Kyle.” Max continued.

“Kyle’s practically a child anyway. They’ve got the same interests.” She sighed, dropping the papers onto her lap. Sometimes she felt completely useless, now was one of those times.

“So you don’t think he blames me for sending him away.”

“No.” Maybe if they used a higher voltage.

“Then why won't he talk to me?”

“Because he has fun with Kyle.” No. Then they’d need a better interface.

“I can be fun.” Liz didn’t reply. “Right?” He persisted.

“Yes sweetie.” She replied distractedly. They just had to increase the power usage. There had to be a way. “I’m a little busy right now…can we talk about this later?” Maybe if they reversed the polarity.

Max kept quiet for a minute. Trying to look over the documents in front of him.

‘The Rea is the leader of the Antarian High Council. Also known as Dyi or Eio the Rea is the advisor to the King and acts as an emissary to the other four worlds in the Oswb or Wkew.

The Oswb or Wkew was formed after the original Pyityo war over 1000 years ago. The Pyityo conflict lasted 12 earth years and resulted in the deaths of over 100 million. The Oswb or Wkew was formed so as to prevent further conflicts between the member planets…’

Max sighed, this just wasn’t working. He couldn’t tell a Rea from an Yhish never mind an Oswb. This was probably why the Antarians were so disappointed in him. That and the fact that he still only knew hello and goodbye in Antarian.

“Then why doesn’t he speak to me?” Max persisted.

Liz dropped her papers onto the bed and turned to face him. She looked annoyed. “Maybe it would help if you didn’t keep calling him Zan? He likes being called Daniel. It’s what he’s used to. Maybe if you spent more time with him doing things he likes? Like watching TV and playing soccer with him and Kyle.” Liz sighed. “We both know a base like this just isn’t the place for a child. He has no one to play with, he has no friends. He’s alone Max.” She smiled softly at him. “Take him to McDonalds for the day, let him go outside the base…take a few guards if you have to. Just be a father to him.”

Max smiled back at her. “You’re amazing.”

Liz rolled her eyes. “I know. Now will you let me get back to work now? I want to get this done before one of the others.”

“Competitive much?”

Liz smirked. “I just want to show them not all humans are idiots. Kyle doesn’t help my plan much though. Don’t tell him I said that,” she added.

“Would I?” He put on his innocent face, the one she always fell for. She looked at him suspiciously before turning back to her project.

Max stared at her for a second before turning back to his papers. Sighing deeply, he tried to concentrate.

‘The Rea is the leader of the Antarian High Council. Also known as Dyi or Eio the Rea is the advisor to the King and acts as an emissary to the other four worlds in the Oswb or Wkew…’

~*~*~*~*~

Looking over at Max, she tried to stop the wave of immediate hatred she felt. She didn’t succeed. Maybe if he’d stayed with them none of this would be happening.

Maybe if Max hadn’t run away Ben and Larek would still be alive.

As she drove down the open highway she tried to remind herself of why she was doing this. Why she was helping him.

Driving down the highway, she remembered Larek.

~*~*~*~*~

She swallowed hard. The room was covered in dust and debris. The rest were checking for survivors. Serena doubted there would be any.

It was a massacre.

“Where is he?” she shouted.

“Infirmary.”

She nodded swiftly, running as fast as her exhausted legs could carry her. When she reached the room and saw him, she closed her eyes to keep the tears from falling.

“Larek…” She said softly, grabbing his blood covered hand.

“You’re okay.” His eyes were closed and his voice weak.

“I’m fine…and so are you.”

He gave a slight smile, his eye’s still closed. “I can feel it Serena, you don’t have to lie.” She swallowed hard. “Did you find him?”

“No,” she replied softly.

“He is very young,” he said simply, moving his hand to her face and opening his eyes, looking straight at her. “You will burn my body to ashes. You will find Zan. You will reclaim our home.”

Serena nodded, her face firm. “I promise.”

He released her then, closing his eyes. “I am sorry shak mi, I tried to stop them, but they entered the laboratory. They took everything of value. The Tilqutra, Jusiti…”

“You have nothing to apologise for,” she interrupted.

“Tyia’s death was in part my fault. You and I both know that.”

“Ben died for what he believed in,” she countered.

“It is my one regret,” he continued as if not hearing her.

“I know,” she nodded, staring down at him hard, knowing what she had to do. “You’ll walk through the valley of Sauil, you will bask in the warmth of the Ulis Sea and you will be received as a hero by the by all that came before us... Say hello to Ben for me.”

“I will,” Larek replied.

When he breathed his last breath hours later, she’d closed his open eyes, burnt his body to ashes.

~*~*~*~*~

Maybe sometime she’d be able to remember Larek and not see his dying body.

Hopefully sometime soon.

But until then... Until she’d done what Larek had asked, she had no choice but to help Max Evans.

But that didn’t mean she had to like it.

~*~*~*~*~


Ethan

New part...thanks to my beta's Lisa and Amy, you guys are great (and yes Amy you were right... )

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Part 12

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The sound of a blasting horn woke him. The continuing sound, he noted. Confused, he opened his eyes, taking in his surroundings. It was dark outside.

“Hey sleeping beauty,” Serena said, smirking at him from the driver’s side of the parked van.

Max rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, stretching out. It was then that he remembered the bullet wound in his leg. Or more accurately, was reminded by the excruciating pain that he’d been shot. He winced, looking down at the wound. It did not look good.

He turned to Serena. “What time is it?”

She shrugged. “God knows and as I’m not a God…I don’t know.” She sighed, yawning. “It could be dark because it’s night. Or it could be dark because we’re in a nuclear winter. I don’t know.” She rubbed her eyes. “I contacted the other’s, they’re already leaving…”

Max interrupted her. “What about you?”

Serena turned away from him. “They’ll pick me up in Colombia.”

“Not Mexico?” Max asked, raising his eyebrows, smiling slightly.

“We’re already in Mexico.” Max raised his eyebrows in surprise. That was quicker than he’d expected. “Well… I’m doing this for Larek, not for you.”

“I never doubted that,” Max replied honestly.

“Your betrayal hurt him, Max.” Her voice was oddly calm as she said it.

“I didn’t betray him!” he insisted.

“What else would you call it? You left when we needed you the most.”

“I’m not a leader Serena. I never claimed to be your saviour.”

“We didn’t need a saviour and we certainly didn’t need a leader. Larek had done a good enough job for 50 years.” She turned towards him and the fire he saw in her eyes made him flinch. “We needed a figurehead. We needed a reason to fight.”

Max didn’t reply. Instead it was him who turned away this time. Looking down at his bloody thigh. He tried to heal it, tried to ignore the stare he felt from her. The bullet had gone straight though and he’d stemmed the bleeding before. Still, it was a complicated process.

“Don’t like the truth much, do you?”

“I never asked to be King,” he threw back, still concentrating on his leg.

“But you were. Billions of people needed you and you never even tried.” Her hands were white from gripping the steering wheel so tightly.

Max closed his eyes, the healing almost done. “I lost everyone,” he ground out.

“So what? Other people did too. You know what happened to my parents. You know what happened to Ben. Lots of people lose people Max. It’s the nature of war. But we stay and fight because we know our responsibilities.” When he didn’t reply she continued. “It’s not like you’re the only one who ever lost someone. What about Maria? When Michael was lost she worked twice as hard. Or Kyle? When his father was murdered?”

“That was different!” he shouted at her. Throwing his hands up in frustration, his leg forgotten.

“Why? What makes you so special?” He didn’t reply, he didn’t know how to. He just stared at her fiercely. “Truth hurts, doesn’t it Max?” Again he just stared at her. “I’m taking you to this Diko Dolvar place because it’s what Larek would have done. He believed in you. And when you’re done with whatever idiotic plan you’ve got, you better not come begging for our help.”

“I thought you wanted me back.”

“Things changed, turns out the others weren’t that keen on having you back, at all,” she smirked at him. “You’re lucky they agreed to change the pick-up point or you’d have been screwed.”

“Thanks,” he replied sarcastically. “Wouldn’t it have been easier for them to pick us up and just drop me off there?”

“They don’t want to be even on the same planet as you, Max,” she replied. Max turned away from her, looking out at the open road in front of them, illuminated by the headlights. They were in Mexico, which meant they were hundreds of miles away from Venezuela. Hundreds of miles away from meeting Alex.

“Where’s this Fico place, anyway?”

“Pico BolÌvar. All I know is it’s in Venezuela and I need to get to its north side,” Max relayed, still not looking at her.

“Nice and vague.”

“It’s all I know.”

Serena sighed. “Well, I’ve got nothing better to do.”

“I’ll drive if you want,” Max offered, pointing down at his leg. “I fixed it.”

“You’re going to have a limp,” she responded.

Max shrugged. “It’s not important.”

She continued as if she hadn’t heard him. “We’ll take shifts. Six-hour shifts, and sleep while the other drives.”

“Okay,” Max replied simply. Still they didn’t look at each other.

“Good,” she sighed, reaching for the door handle. “You first. I got some maps,” she added, pointing at the glove compartment as she opened the door.

“Thanks,” Max replied, sighing as he crawled into the driver's side.

This was going to be a long journey.

~*~*~*~*~

They were almost at the Venezuelan border. Which also meant the journey was almost over. No more sniping. No more petty arguments. Just peace and quiet. Sadly he didn’t have quiet because Serena was currently repeating what she’d been telling him ever since she’d woken up that morning.

“Okay…Merida is pretty close to Pico BolÌvar, and if you follow this highway you’ll get close to Merida…”

Max stopped her. “I know Serena.”

“I just want to make sure.”

“I can read a map.”

“Can you?” was her sarcastic reply.

“Yes,” he growled, silence followed. “We’re almost at Cucuta.”

“Good,” she replied, sighing.

“Will you be okay?” he asked. “What I mean is… can they find you out in this?” He waved his hand at the surrounding darkness.

“It’s not a problem,” she replied. Actually she wasn’t sure either way but there was no way she was going to tell him that. She turned to look at him then, saying the first thing that came into her mind. “Seven years, Max. Seven years and then you were gone…”

“I didn’t plan it…” he reminded her. Serena just laughed. “I really didn’t… I just couldn’t handle it anymore.” He shook his head. “I wouldn’t have been any use anyway. I was…” He searched for the word. “…Lost.”

“And now you’re found?” Serena asked, raising her eyebrows.

Max gave a slight smile, looking straight at her. “No… but I’ve got a map.” He gestured to the papers she was holding.

“Well… then you should probably look where you’re going,” she replied, pointing to the road.

Turning his head quickly, he managed to get the truck back onto a straight line. “Thanks,” Max replied, breathing a sigh of relief.

“No problem.”

~*~*~*~*~

“I won't see you again, will I?” she asked him.

They were standing in the middle of a deserted city. Neither wanted to even contemplate why the city was deserted. The sky was dark, but neither knew if it was meant to be. Saying goodbye in a place like this wasn’t what either of them had expected.

But then again, what hadn’t been unexpected in either of their lives?

“I’m guessing no,” was Max’s reply.

“I would come for you…”

“Thanks for the offer, but I’ll be fine.” They were both quiet for a moment, unsure of what to say. “Do you want me to wait? Or…”

“You’re not exactly popular at the moment. It might be best if you get out while you still can.” She stopped before continuing. “You might be an idiot, but I’ll miss you,” Serena conceded.

“Me too.” He replied, leaning forward to give her an awkward hug. “I should have been a better friend,” he whispered into her ear before pulling away.

“Yeah,” she said quietly.

“Kick Khivar’s ass for me?”

“That’s a given,” she replied, smiling at him. “Goodbye Max.”

“Goodbye Serena.” With one final look he turned away from her, walking back to the truck. He started the engine with his powers.

When he looked back she was gone.

~*~*~*~*~


Ethan

New part... again thanks to my beta's Lisa (I still can't believe I forgot his name) and Amy. Oh and Simon...

~*~*~*~*~

Part 13

~*~*~*~*~

Max drove silently down the open highway towards Merida, crossing the border into Venezuela.

Pico BolÌvar.

60 miles.

He’d make it there in about an hour. He just hoped this was the hard part.

But then it happened.

“Hey Max.” The voice came from beside him.

Max jumped, letting out a small yelp and quickly turned his head towards the voice as he slammed on the brakes.

“Jesus Alex!” He stared wide-eyed at the man before him, steadying his frayed nerves with deep breaths.

Alex didn’t answer instead he was looking at Max’s head, or more specifically his hair. “You make an awful blonde.” He stated screwing his face up in disgust.

Max’s eyes went upwards. Huh, he’d actually forgotten about that. “I thought you liked blondes?” He replied, smirking.

“Funny.”

Max smiled. “I thought so.” Still breathing deeply, he closed his eyes to compose himself. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought you could use the company,” Alex smiled in reply.

“Warning, Alex! Next time give me some warning!” Max practically growled, resting his head on the steering wheel.

“Well if you’re this ungrateful maybe there won’t be a next time.” Max was almost certain he was joking. Almost.

Max lifted his head up, looking straight at Alex. “Wait… how did you get here?” Alex simply raised his eyebrows. “Right… stupid question.” Max rubbed his forehead. “I was starting to wonder if you were a figment of my imagination.” He practically whispered.

“You look tired.” Alex observed, looking at Max in slight concern.

“I am tired,” Max corrected, still rubbing his face.

“Good trip Max?” Alex enquired, a slight smile on his face.

“Great… Been tortured, shot, fallen though a floor, had my brain invaded by an alien… Oh, and Serena’s gone back to Antar… so it hasn’t been the best week for me, Alex.” He looked at Alex. “So… you have to want something… what’s going on?”

Alex looked aggrieved, lifting his hands in an exaggerated motion. “What, I’m not allowed to visit?”

Max sighed and turned back to the road, starting up the car with his powers. “Not while I’m driving.”

“Look… I just thought I’d come by to say hi… make sure you were on the right continent… excetra excetra…”

“Now?”

“Yes now…” Alex shot back quickly before adding. “You’re really welcoming… you know that Max?”

“Well maybe I’m not in the welcoming dead people mood Alex.” Max replied, putting emphasis on his name.

“Why is that?”

“Well… where have you been for the last 5 days?”

“Around.”

Max shook his head, a disbelieving smile on his face. “Nice and vague… I’ve been risking my life…”

Alex interrupted. “Driving… you’ve been driving, sleeping and arguing with Serena.”

“Yeah, well being in the same car as Serena is tantamount to a death wish for most people… but that’s beside the point… I want to know what the hell is going on and I want to know now!” He practically shouted… but Alex didn’t reply. So Max continued. “You’re out of excuses, Alex. My brains not in a blender, Khivar isn’t playing around inside my mind… There is no reason you can’t tell me everything…”

“I can’t.”

“Why?” Max shouted, losing his limited control.

“I’m not allowed.”

“Say’s who? You’re boss? You’re dead Alex you don’t answer to anyone.”

“I’d be stopped. You’d be compromised if you knew everything…”

“Who? Who’d stop you?”

“Don’t you get it Max? I’m dead… I’m not alive anymore, I might feel like Alex Whitman, I might have his memories and feelings but the fact is his body died along time ago… he died along time ago… but this isn’t about me…” He stared directly at Max, who’s eyes flickered between him and the road. “I couldn’t come before because… because you were out of range.”

It was as if a light bulb had suddenly gone off in Max’s head. “The Granolith… of course…” He whispered it out and saw Alex nod in reply.

“It’s sentient… alive… and it exists…” Alex struggled to explain. “… Outside of time… it’s why you can use it to go back, it’s how it can transport people across the galaxy… it’s how I can be here…”

“It controls you,” Max guessed.

Alex shook his head. “No… it saved me… when Tess…” He stuttered as if unable to say the words. “… you know… my essence was so screwed up… I don’t know if there’s an afterlife or anything but I wasn’t strong enough to even make it there. So I latched onto the most powerful thing I could find… at least my essence did and by the time I realised what was happening everyone was out of reach… I didn’t have to power to reach you, not even Isabel… not until Khivar…” Alex trailed off.

“Tortured me… you can say it, you know. It’s not like I’ve never been tortured before.” He said it awkwardly and Alex knew he was avoiding it. His next statement only confirmed it. “Do you forgive her?”

“Who?” Alex asked, even though he knew the answer. “Tess or Isabel?” He added, attempting a smile.

“Tess… do you forgive her?”

Alex turned away, looking out at the scenery. “No… I don’t think that’s possible…” He stopped and Max wasn’t sure if he was going to continue, he did but his voice was much more strained. “I understand her reasons… I understand why she did what she did and I… accept that. But that doesn’t change the fact that she’s the reason I’m dead… she was selfish and stupid and the fact that she won’t always be that way doesn’t change what she did.” He paused again, holding back from Max. “Maybe sometime… but not now and if you do this right none of this will have even happened… so it doesn’t really make a difference…”

“And Isabel?”

Alex smiled, a wry smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Isabel has nothing to forgive.”

“You’re not angry at her?”

“We’ve been over this,” Alex reminded him.

“And you skirted around the question then, too… a straight answer to a straight question…”

“I never expected Isabel to stay celibate for the rest of her life… that said it would have been a nice gesture.” Max looked at Alex, he was smiling but there was something there behind the smile that he recognized and Max couldn’t help but feel that there was more truth in that statement than Alex wanted to admit, but Max knew better than to say anything more so when he spoke again he pretended he hadn’t seen it.

“You still want to save her? Tess, I mean?”

“It’s not about saving Tess… it’s not about any one person… it’s about saving the maximum number of people… It’s about saving the world…”

“No pressure.”

“None at all,” Alex replied, grinning. “You just have to make sure I don’t die a virgin again.”

“So you and Isabel didn’t…” Max trailed off looking pointedly at Alex, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“I wish… maybe next time.” Alex grinned at Max’s discomfort.

“That’s my sister, you know?” Max told him; he really wasn’t particularly happy with the conversation.

“You brought it up, not me,” Alex replied, putting his arms up in mock surrender.

Max shuddered and decided to change tactics. “So you didn’t choose me then?”

Alex looked confused for a moment before shaking his head. “I didn’t have a choice, you were the only viable candidate… but there are worse people to choose. It’s the end of the world Max. You can save it.”

“Like I did last time?” he asked sarcastically.

“Third time's a charm… third lifetime's a charm, I guess… you’ll do it this time…”

“Granolith tell you that?”

“Maybe… or maybe I just have more faith in you than you have in yourself.”

Max wasn’t really sure what to say. Alex’s faith in him was… nice, but he wasn’t sure he deserved it. At least not yet anyway. So instead he concentrated on the dark, open road and kept driving.

~*~*~*~*~


Thanks for reading

Ethan

New part (finally), have recovered (kinda ) from annoyance at most of the England players (Beckham :mad: and Heskey :mad: I'm looking at you)... so... here's part 14.
Special thanks to Amy (Did you see Sweden/Italy match? Best goal I've seen so far, we are gonna miss Henke so much next season...) and Lisa (Thanks for putting up with my continuous procrastination).


~*~*~*~*~

Part 14

~*~*~*~*~

“Okay, turn left here…” Alex said as they passed through the final deserted streets of Merida. It really gave “ghost town” a new meaning. Alex relaxed back into his seat and watched Max out of the corner of his eye. “You look nervous,” he observed.

“Wouldn’t you be?”

“Who says I’m not? Don’t assume anything, Max…” Max didn’t reply, instead he continued to stare at the open road. It seemed different now it was light outside. “You really think too much,” Alex continued.

Max rolled his eyes. “Do you like insulting me?”

Alex shrugged. “It has its moments.”

“Thanks,” Max said sarcastically. “Don’t you find this bizarre?” he added, gesturing to the empty road. “Do I even want to know how he did it?”

“Yes I do, and no, you really don’t.” Alex replied, looking back at him.

“I’ve got a pretty good idea anyway,” Max said softly before taking a deep breath. “Is it over?”

Alex took his time before replying. “Khivar’s done what he came here to do. There’s no one left…”

“Is that why the sun's back? Why it’s light again?” Max asked.

Alex shrugged. “I guess.”

“At least it’s not endless night anymore.” Max sighed. “It’s our fault.”

“Maybe…” Alex conceded. There was no point trying to deny it, Khivar had done it out of anger against Max. “But it wasn’t your decision to come here.”

Max slammed on the breaks, and twisted round to face Alex, his anger boiling over. “There were almost seven billion people on Earth… seven billion and he can just make them disappear? How do you even compete against that?”

“I don’t know... It’s not our problem, it’s not our job.”

“How can you say that?”

“We can’t do anything about it.”

“Which is exactly my point! Why do you think I jumped, Alex? I was scared… Terrified. I knew what was coming and I knew I couldn’t do a thing… So you tell me how killing Nasedo will change all that? I understand that everything will be better… I get that, but how much better? I want to know if this will happen again!”

“I can’t tell you that… I don’t know that…”

Max let his head drop forward against the steering wheel, closing his eyes, completely drained. “I can feel it... I feel it more than the death… it’s like it’s pulling me towards it.”

“I know,” Alex replied, his voice soft.

“I never used to be able to feel it,” Max stated, still leaning forward.

“You’re stronger now,” Alex replied, staring at Max.

“I don’t like it… it makes me feel…” He searched for the word. “Power… powerful…”

Alex sighed, still watching Max. “The Granolith is an immense power.”

“I don’t like feeling it.” Max stated again, lifting his head to look at Alex. “It’s too… powerful.” Max rolled his eyes at himself, knowing he wasn’t expressing himself how he’d wanted, but Alex seemed to understand what he was getting at.

Alex stayed silent for a moment, considering his next words carefully. “You’ll need it against Nasedo… you’ll use that power against him.”

“I’ve killed shifters before,” Max stated, sounding almost proud.

Alex shook his head in a dismissive gesture. “Nasedo was on you’re ship because he was the best your mother had to offer. He won’t be an easy target, you need to be quick. He’s not stupid.”

Max nodded, his eyes focused on the empty highway. “I understand.”

“Good… because you’ll only get one chance at this,” Alex reminded him.

“I know,” Max replied softly. His eyes still focused, his jaw clenched as he started the engine again and pressed the accelerator. “That I understand.”

Alex relaxed back into his seat again as Max started to drive again. “Thinking about Liz and Zan?”

“All the time.”

Alex nodded, his reply soft. “I know exactly what you mean.” He looked sideways at Max. “Are you worried?”

“About what?” Alex raised his eyebrows, and he continued. “I’m not worried… more…” He searched for the word. “Conflicted… I want Liz… but then I can’t have Zan…”

“He can’t,” Alex interrupted.

“What?” Max asked, looking at Alex, confusion etched on his face.

“You said I… he’s not you Max.”

Max looked at Alex. “I suppose not.” He conceded.

“He won’t be you… and I wont be me.” Alex shrugged. “We had our lives… they’ll have there’s and they wont be the same… similar but not the same.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing.”

“Maybe,” Alex agreed, giving a slight smile.

“You don’t have to worry or anything, Alex. I’m gonna do it… I just… I just wish there was another way.”

Alex nodded. “Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I’d gone with Liz and Maria that day. I know in here…” he touched his head, “…that you couldn’t have healed me…” He touched his chest. “But in here I can’t help but wonder if you would have. I can’t help it.” He looked out at their surroundings, at the mountains coming into view. “A part of me wants you to go back to then… or to the before then… before Tess came… but that wouldn’t solve anything. This way, even if things are completely different… or if things stay mostly the same… I know that we… that you can beat Khivar… and that’s worth it.”

“I know…” Max whispered, watching the mountains.

“I know it’s not easy… but I know you, and I know you can do it,” Alex said quietly.

“I guess your blind faith in me makes us friends then?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t go that far.”

Max smiled, giving Alex a quick look. “So…” He dragged the word out, his smile turning into a grin. “How come you don’t fall through the floor?”

~*~*~*~*~

Max’s lungs were burning as he walked slowly along the rocky path. He’d had to leave the truck a few hours ago and had been walking upwards ever since. He was almost certain that Alex was taking him the long way around. He was exhausted, breathing heavily, and Alex’s continual interruptions to his concentration were not helping.

Max had realised a couple of things over the past two hours, the first being he was completely out of shape, and the second was that Alex liked to talk. A lot.

He was particularly fond of talking about the numerous things he’d missed while dead… specifically films—Spider-man, Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.

Max wasn’t really much of a talker. Also, he was almost too exhausted to speak, and really wasn’t in the mood to talk incessantly about George Lucas and Peter Parker.

But that didn’t stop Alex.

After the first hour of babbling about why Gwen Stacy had been merged with Mary Jane Watson—Who was Gwen Stacy anyway?— and why they’d completely changed Boba Fett’s back story in Episode 2—Who was Boba Fett?—Max had kinda tuned him out and was simply concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other.

“Max, are you listening to me?”

It was quite difficult when completely exhausted to even get your feet to move, never mind in a specific direction.

“Nope,” Max admitted, still concentrating on his feet. Left. Right. Left. Right, he repeated over and in his head.

“I just asked you to stop.”

“Yeah, I agree.” Max said nodding his head, continuing walking. Then he stopped, turning back to Alex who had a grin on his face that made Max want to hit him. “Thank God,” he replied, dropping down onto the rocky path, his legs feeling like jelly. “Don’t you ever get tired?”

“Nope.” Max rolled his eyes as Alex continued to grin at him. “One of the few perks to being dead.” Max raised his eyebrows in admonishment. “Okay one of the few perks to being permanently attached to an alien supercomputer then.”

Max gave a slight smile, looking out at their surroundings. “It’s beautiful up here… Zan would’ve loved it.”

“He liked walking?” Alex asked, kneeling beside Max.

“Loved it… He was a real sporty kid… soccer and football… baseball and basketball… he loved them all.” Max smiled wistfully. “He just loved the outside… he loved to play… Kyle was great with him.”

Alex nodded in understanding. “You felt disconnected?”

Max open his mouth to protest but then reconsidered. When he replied he spoke slower, considering his words carefully. “Sometimes,” he conceded. “I didn’t know how to be a father… he’d lived so long without me. Sometimes I didn’t feel like his father. But not all the time… sometimes we just clicked, you know? I felt guilty for missing so much of his life,” he added, looking out at the view. It was incredible.

“You loved him, that was the most important thing,” Alex reminded him.

Max continued to look out at the scenery. “I couldn’t save him then, I can’t save him now… I couldn’t save Liz…” He kicked the rocks beneath his feet. “Isabel… Ben… the list’s endless.”

“You can’t save everyone,” Alex stated beginning to stand.

Max stood too, dusting off his leg. He noted that Alex didn’t do the same. He guessed that was another perk of being dead. “That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try.” His legs still felt like jelly.

Alex sighed. “Just don’t to anything stupid.”

“Me? I’m the responsible one,” Max said, raising he eyebrows and grinning.

“Yeah, like I believe that.” Alex smiled back before continuing. “You can feel it?” he enquired.

Max nodded. “We’re close.”

“We’re more than close,” Alex said, moving towards the rock outcropping in front of them and stepping straight through the stone.

Max swallowed, closing his eyes as he did the same, and bracing himself for an impact that never came.

Instead, when he opened his eyes he’d walked straight though the rock and in front of him, lighting up the room with a soft luminescent glow, was something he hadn’t seen in years.

The Granolith.

~*~*~*~*~


Ethan

WooHoo I am on such a high right now... anyway here a new part, sorry it's been a bit longer than usual but I've had a bit of writers block and been more interested in Euro 2004 and Wimbledon... and thanks as usual to my beta's Amy and Lisa and to Molly for being Molly...

~*~*~*~*~

Part 15

~*~*~*~*~

Max sat on the floor of the chamber as he watched Alex work. He could feel the connection between Alex and the Granolith. Actually he could barely tell where one ended and the other began. It was as if they were one. It was unnerving.

As Alex’s eyes opened Max spoke.

“You lied to me.”

“What?” Alex asked in confusion.

Max smiled slightly. “You said you hadn’t talked to Isabel… that it wasn’t you. But it was, wasn’t it? If you could reach me in Merida then you could definitely reach Isabel from the cave. You were in range until Tess left… that was plenty of time.”

“Don’t you think I would’ve said something about Tess to her?” Alex reminded him.

Max shook his head. “I don’t think so… you said it yourself. Sacrifices are necessary and you were more than willing to let things play out differently.”

Alex looked towards the Granolith quickly and Max wondered if they were communicating even now. “Three times,” Alex whispered.

Max nodded, standing up and moving closer. “I thought so.”

“Then I was out of range and I couldn’t speak to her anymore. Our connection just wasn’t strong enough to last.”

“Thank you for telling me the truth.” Alex nodded in reply, and Max looked at the Granolith before he continued. “Liz would have loved this.”

“Yeah, she would have,” Alex replied, looking at the Granolith. “She had a good life… you know that right?”

Max nodded. “I know… we were happy… it just wasn’t meant to be and at least this way… at least this way all our lives will be better…”

Alex nodded. “I know… you ready to defy time and space?”

Max nodded. “So… how do we do this?” Max asked, the glow of the Granolith lighting up his face. “How do… I do this? Where’s the crystal?” He walked away from Alex and around the Granolith. His fingers brushed the surface.

“You don’t need a crystal,” Alex stated, again closing his eyes in concentration.

“Why not?” Max moved his hand slowly downwards, tracing his fingers around the markings.

“You’ve got me and I’ve set everything up for you.”

“Good to know,” Max replied, turning back towards Alex.

Alex opened his eyes. “Okay… touch it.”

“Touch it?”

Alex gestured towards the Granolith. “Yeah… touch it.” He gestured again when Max didn’t do as he’d asked. “You know… with your hand,” he added sarcastically.

Max sighed. “Then what?”

“The Granolith works on thought control. So if you think of the date and simply repeat it over and over in your mind it’ll follow your instructions. Just chant it over and over.”

“And it follows Earth dates?”

Alex rolled his eyes. “It’s sentient Max… of course it knows our calendar.”

“You’re sure? Because I just don’t want to end up in the dark ages or anything.” Alex just stared at him. “I’m serious.”

“Yes I’m sure… it’s attuned to you, that’s what I’ve been doing for the past hour and it’ll follow your commands.”

Max turned to the Granolith. “Okay, here goes nothing.” He reached forward, held his right palm against the glassy surface and closed his eyes.

Over and over in his mind her repeated the date.

May 6th 1970. May 6th 1970. May 6th 1970. May 6th 1970.

~*~*~*~*~

The dizziness was overwhelming; it felt like he was on the worst fairground ride ever. His stomach was doing summersaults, and not in a good way.

Colors flashed before his eyes creating a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows and blues.

It was the most amazing feeling he’d ever felt. Adrenaline rushed through him.

It was incredible.

Then he was there, solid ground was beneath his feet again.

But the world kept spinning. It was spinning so fast he had no choice but to sit down before he fell down.

Breathing deeply, trying to control the dizziness he looked upwards at his surroundings.

He was in an alleyway. It didn’t seem very familiar but then he hadn’t ever been in an alleyway in 1970 before. It was also daytime, he could tell that because the sun was glaring right into his eyes.

Alex appeared in front of him. “You know what I’ve always liked about the 60’s and 70’s?”

“Can’t say that I do.” Max replied, a slight smile on his lips.

“The sense of style… I would have made such a good hippy… that and John Lennon’s still alive.” He smiled, looking down on Max. “I’d help you up but I’m dead you know…”

Max nodded. “I did remember that small fact.”

“Good, then you’re not as stupid as you look.”

“Nice… Insult the guy who’s saving the world,” Max replied, standing up and brushing the dust off his clothes.

Alex grinned. “What are you gonna do? Not save the world?”

Max smiled back. “Maybe.”

“Yeah.” Alex rolled his eyes and began walking forward. “Come on Maxie boy, let's get this party started.”

~*~*~*~*~

“Timing is everything Max,” Alex said as they walked down the sidewalk.

“Are you gonna start preaching to me again?” Max whispered under his breath. He tried not to look like he was talking to anyone but he’d begun to receive some very strange looks from people as he talked to his imaginary friend.

“Why preach to the converted? That said it would probably be a very good idea if you were selling fireworks in around 20 minutes.”

“Where from?”

Alex pointed past him towards the old Indian man standing at the side of the road, a small stall in front of him. “What do you want me to do? Knock the old guy out?” Max started to chuckle but when Alex didn’t join in he looked at him in shock. “You can’t be serious.” He said louder than he’d intended and the people around him began to look at him. Smiling awkwardly, Max pointed to the florist behind him. “Ridicules prices.” The shoppers seemed to accept that but still looked at Max slightly suspiciously.

Max started walking, Alex following close behind. “Just knock him out for a couple of minutes,” Alex said, trying to justify himself.

“He’s an old man!” Max replied.

“If you’ve got a better idea I’d love to hear it.” Alex raised his eyebrows, waiting for Max’s answer.

Max looked over towards the Indian, weighing up his options. “Fine…

“Fireworks?” The old man asked as Max walked towards him

Max took a deep breath. “Not really interested… do you have matches?”

“Not for sale.”

Max opened his wallet. It has the grand total of one dollar. Quickly Max passed his hand over the bill and changed it to a 20. “I’ll give you 20 dollars for the matches.” He passed the bill towards the man.

The Indian’s eyes practically popped out of his head at the suggestion. “That’s far too much.”

“I insist.”

The Indian might have been an honest man but he also wasn’t stupid, 20 dollars for a 10 cents box of matches wasn’t a deal you refused. So he reached into his pocket and passed Max the matches, taking the 20 dollars too.

“Sorry about this.”

The old Indian looked confused. “About wh…” The old man trailed off as his eyes rolled back in his head. Max’s looked around for anyone who could have seen but there was no one close by who was looking in the right direction. He quickly moved around to the other side of the small stall, checking the old man’s pulse which was thankfully pumping strongly despite his unconscious state.

15 minutes later Everett Hubble arrived to buy fireworks.

~*~*~*~*~


Ethan

New part... bla bla bla... Molly, Amy and Lisa... bla bla bla... etcetc... I'm really really tired right now so I'm gonna go... thats for reading etc and feeding etc so... I'm gonna go to bed... enjoy ...

~*~*~*~*~

Part 16

~*~*~*~*~

“Okay this is Hubble.” Alex’s voice whispered quietly in his ear as the man walked towards them.

He was younger than Max remembered. A lot younger. That was to be expected obviously, as the Everett Hubble he’d met had been 30 years older. Still there was something else that Max recognised, he knew it well. This Hubble had a spring in his step as he walked, he didn’t have the darkness the older Hubble had had. This Hubble reminded Max of himself almost; himself before everything had gone to hell.

This Everett Hubble was young and in love. But that didn’t mean the very fact that he was around didn’t give Max chills. This was the man who’d almost killed him. He took a deep breath as Hubble came closer, trying to control his heavily beating heart.

“What happened to the Indian guy?”

“He’s on a break.” Hubble looked skeptical so Max continued. “I’m his… grandson.” That seemed kinda plausible.

Hubble didn’t seem convinced. “You don’t look very Indian.”

“I’m adopted.” Max replied quickly.

Hubble seemed to accept the explanation but he still looked at Max slightly suspiciously. “Oh… how much?”

Max had no idea. “Umm… 20,” he guessed. The sooner he could get Hubble away from him, the better. It was difficult to feel comfortable around a man who’d tried to kill him.

Hubble’s forehead knitted together in confusion and he quickly replied. “The sign says 15.”

Max could feel his ears growing red with embarrassment. He tried to sound confident. “Yeah that’s what I said… 15.”

Hubble looked at him in suspicion. “You said 20.”

“Well, I meant 15,” Max replied quickly, trying not to get angry.

Hubble still looked at him suspiciously before continuing. “Is that for the box?”

“Yep.”

“Okay…” Hubble replied, drawing out the word slowly.

“You got matches?”

“Umm… no.”

“Here, on the house.”

“Thanks bud.” He picked up the box and started to walk away.

“No problem… have a nice anniversary.”

Hubble stopped and turned back to Max. “How’d you know that?”

Max gritted his teeth, silently kicking himself for being so stupid. “You told me. Wouldn’t want to keep the lady waiting would you?”

“Yeah…” Hubble stared at him for a second before turning and walking silently away.

Max leaned forward onto the stall, his grin coming out as more of a grimace. “Thank you… please come again.” He looked upwards, towards the clear blue sky. “Don’t say anything Alex… just don’t say a thing.” As usual Alex didn’t listen to him.

~*~*~*~*~

“You really know how to scare a guy Max,” Alex told him, a slight smirk playing over his face.

“So you’ve said…” Max replied, quickly looking back over his shoulder as they walked along the street. “Should we have just left him there?”

Alex didn’t answer straight away. “He’ll be fine… plus you made the 5’s into 20’s so everyone’s happy. You get to save the world and he gets a huge tip… what’s not to like?”

Max looked uncomfortable. “Still…”

“Yeah I know.” Alex agreed.

Max took a breath. “One down and one to go I guess.”

Alex nodded. "Just... you know..." Alex waved his arms, trying to communicate.

Max understood what he was getting at and nodded. "Kill him," he said simply.

"That's not a problem is it?" Alex asked, looking slightly wary.

Max smiled darkly. "Not at all, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time."

Alex paused, looking at Max slightly uncomfortably. “Good.”

“So where will he be?”

“The pod chamber,” Alex replied.

Max looked confused. “But that was basically destroyed when Tess took the Granolith… it was just a pile of rubble.”

Alex shook his head. “Nothing’s changed here Max… just because in your time the Granolith was at Pico BolÌvar doesn’t mean that’s where it is here.”

Max nodded in understanding. “So it’s still in the desert… because Tess hasn’t stolen it yet…” Everything would be so much easier if it was, so much simpler.

“Exactly… and if you do this right she probably never will…”

“Probably?” Max asked, raising his eyebrows slightly.

Alex shrugged. “Like I said… the future’s never certain.”

“So I have to get out into the desert… any ideas how?”

Alex looked slightly uncomfortable. “One… possibility,” he replied, pointing nervously behind Max.

Max turned, looked, and sighed in disbelief, because there in front of him was a young boy, no older than 15 and beside him was a worn old bicycle. He opened his mouth to protest but Alex interrupted.

“You gotta do what you gotta do Max,” Alex reminded him.

Max sighed. “I swear if you weren’t dead right now I’d kill you.”

Alex dismissed him with a wave of his hand. “Just get the bike.”

Max sighed and quickly crossed the street. When he reached the other sidewalk he quickly looked back at Alex who just gave him a thumbs up as encouragement. Sighing heavily, Max cautiously approached the teenager. “Hi… I’m sorry but I really need to borrow this…”

~*~*~*~*~


Ethan

New part... not much left now.... anyway thanks to the usual suspects (you know who you are) and the unusual ones (Frankie and Emma)... and on with the part...

~*~*~*~*~

Part 17

~*~*~*~*~

“You know, this has completely ruined my reputation as the good one…” Max stated, as he stopped near the rocky structure he recognized as where the pod chamber was. It had taken awhile to reach it, especially as he was using an old bicycle, but at least he was there now.

“Yeah whatever…” Alex replied dismissively, he looked upwards towards where he knew the pod chamber was. “It feels weird to be back here again.”

“Yeah…” Max agreed. “So I guess I’m up there right now…”

Alex nodded. “Yep… you, Isabel, Michael and Tess. You’re up there right now just…” he struggled for the word. “Sleeping away, growing inside your pods.” He turned towards Max and gave a slight smile. “Weird, huh?”

“Definitely,” Max replied.

“Well I haven’t even been born yet…” he paused, thinking. “Actually, I don’t think my parents have even met yet.”

Max screwed up his forehead in thought. “Mine neither… I mean the Evans’ by the way… not…” He pointed upwards.

Alex smiled. “I gotcha.”

“So you’re sure he’ll come here? Nasedo I mean…”

“I’m 100% sure…” Max raised his eyebrows and Alex sighed. “Okay, I’m 99% sure he’ll be here.”

“Any idea when?”

Alex didn’t answer immediately, and Max wasn’t sure if that was because he was asking the Granolith or because he hadn’t actually heard the question. He was about to repeat the question when Alex finally answered. “Soon…”

“How soon?”

“Very soon… I don’t know precise times or anything just that he’ll be here…”

“Soon,” Max interrupted

“Very soon,” Alex added. “And after you’re done I need you to do me a favour…”

~*~*~*~*~

Max took a deep breath when he first saw the figure. He needed to keep control… but all he felt was anger. Anger and fear.

Saving Shelia Hubble has been easier that he’d expected. Nasedo hadn’t had the chance to kill her and her unborn child. Max was halfway there.

Maybe it was because Nasedo wasn’t expecting anyone to be in the chamber, or maybe it was because Larek had taught him cloaking and he’d actually learned it, but Nasedo didn’t even look in Max’s direction; he obviously didn’t feel anything was wrong.

He knew his real name now, of course. But to Max he would always be Nasedo, whether it just meant ‘visitor’ or not.

Now he’d never get the chance to disrupt everything. More anger swept over Max as Nasedo neared Michael’s pod. Michael, the one person who’d believed and needed Nasedo more than anyone. Nasedo had ruined everything for Michael. He’d ruined it for everyone.

It made Max hate him even more.

But not this time. This time everything would be different.

Better.

He stepped out of the shadows and into the light, illuminated by the glow from the pods. Nasedo moved away from Michael’s pod. He’d done what he’s wanted to.

But then he paused, turning swiftly around. Immediately Max erected his shield. Not even Nasedo could get passed that.

“Who are you?” The confusion was evident in his voice but Max stayed quiet, staring straight at Nasedo. “Irah? Dyani?” The names meant nothing to Max. But he didn’t care that they didn’t, it wasn’t important. So he simply shook his head.

“I’m an old friend.” Max glanced at his own pod. He could see the small body inside. His body. He gave Nasedo a wry smile. “Or a young one.” He moved the shield then, advancing it towards Nasedo. Making sure he was blocked from the exit. Max used all his power to surround him.

Nasedo stared at the shield, moving backwards into the closest wall. But it wasn’t a wall, it was the shield. It was surrounding him. “What are you doing?”

Max ignored him. He didn’t care what Nasedo had to say. But he spoke to him, calmly, resolutely. He spoke like the leader he was. Like the King he should have been. “I won’t let you hurt my family Nasedo. Not this time.” Nasedo’s eyes widened in both shock and confusion. “I think you should bow, Nasedo.” Max smiled coldly at him. “Bow before your King.”

“Who are you?”

Max smiled. A true smile. “My name is Max Evans and I’m the man who kills you.” He focused then, on the Granolith and on Nasedo’s heart, or rather what he assumed was his heart.

Then he pushed.

He pushed hard. With everything he had, every scrap of pain and anger he had inside, he used every last bit of it. But it wasn’t the hate or anger he finally used. He used the love he had. Every bit of love and happiness he’d ever felt. For Liz, for Zan, for Isabel, for Michael… for his friends, his parents. His family.

He focused everything he had and when he was finished he collapsed to the ground, Nasedo’s body beside him.

~*~*~*~*~

He didn’t know how long had passed but when he awoke he was lying on the floor of the cave. It was dark, the only light coming from the pods behind him.

Nasedo’s body was beside him. His eyes were open, his body prone, his arms and legs at an unnatural angle.

He was dead.

Max knew he should have felt something, anything. Maybe even pity. But he didn’t. He was a killer, that it was necessary was unimportant. He didn’t feel happy, he didn’t feel triumphant.

He felt nothing.

Except… he felt relief.

It was almost over, the long nightmare was almost over.

He just had one more thing to do.

Then this future would be perfect.

Then everything would be perfect.

~*~*~*~*~


Thanks for reading and I'll see you soon...

Ethan

New part... still tired... thanks to people... thanks for reading... umm... only 2 parts left... okay on with the part

Dedication... umm... well... the people of Spira... you're time consuming but you're so much fun...

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Part 18

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“Did you reverse the damage to Michael’s pod?” Were Alex’s first words when Max entered the Granolith chamber.

“I did exactly what you said.” He pointed behind him. “Here’s what’s left of him… I did exactly what you said.” He offered the container to Alex, then realised his mistake. Alex couldn’t touch them. Alex couldn’t touch anything.

That would make everything much easier.

Max looked up at the Granolith, moving forward to touch it.

“Max… Max what are you doing?” Alex voice was alarmed but Max barely heard him. Instead his was concentrating. Alex moved forwards, trying to grab Max and pull him back but his hand went straight through. He couldn’t stop him. “Max… Max don’t…”

But he couldn’t hear Alex anymore. He was inside the Granolith again. Chanting the date and place over and over in his mind, just as Alex had told him.

He watched Alex’s frantic movements as he tried to stop it from working… tried to do something. But he couldn’t. In a final frantic movement Alex flung himself forward… but Max didn’t see what happened next.

Because then Alex wasn’t there anymore.

Max wasn’t even in Roswell anymore.

He was in San Antonio.

He was in 1988.

Now he just had to find a way into the hospital.

~*~*~*~*~

Annabelle Whitman

It had taken him almost an hour to find her, to get the lab coat and get to her room. But now he was there.

She looked just the same as she had in the glimpse. A sweet little thing. She deserved a life.

So slowly, Max opened the door and let himself in. He’d sent her parents upstairs, to give them a break. He’d promised to take good care of their little boy who was asleep in the corner. He smiled looking at Alex; he knew this would make things better for him, too. It would stop his parents from withdrawing. It would give him a better childhood.

It would give him his sister back.

Max knew what it was like to lose a child… no one should ever have to outlive their own child. It just wasn’t natural. This was natural.

Inching closer to the bed he moved the covers off the sleeping child, drawing power to himself. He knew this would be hard, difficult to do.

He was just about to connect when he heard the noise from behind him. Turning quickly he saw the eyes on him, the curious gaze, the protective gaze.

“Who are you?” Alex asked, looking suspicious.

Max felt himself grin. “A doctor. I’m just checking on your sister. I’m making her better.” He tried to keep his voice calm and controlled but in reality he was far from that.

“She’s not gonna get better, she’s not gonna wake up.” He stated stubbornly, even as his eyes betrayed his sadness.

“Well… I’m gonna make her better. I’ll make everything better. Now go back to sleep…” He turned away from Alex, concentrating on Annie again.

But instead of going to sleep the boy got up from his chair. He walked towards the other side of the bed and stared at Max before speaking.

“You can’t do that, Max.” The voice was a little boy's but there was something different about it. Something stronger.

“Of course I can.” Max dismissed him. Trying again to concentrate. To connect. But then he realized and stopped, turning to the little boy who was staring straight at him. “How did you know my name, Alex?”

“How did you know mine?” Again it was a child’s voice, a child’s body but Max knew it wasn’t a boy talking. He knew the tone. “You can’t save her Max. She’s not supposed to be saved.”

“Anyone can be saved.” Max’s reply was stilted. “I can heal for a reason.”

“You don’t understand fate, Max.” Alex smiled at him, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “Annabelle Whitman was never supposed to live longer than 5 years. She wasn’t meant to. If you saved her… it wouldn’t be right. It would change everything.”

“I thought that was the point?”

“Not to change this.”

“She’s your sister,” Max persisted

“I know.” The tears were falling now. “I know Max. but if she’d lived I would have been a different person. Her death shaped my life. My parents came to Roswell to get over her death… without that… everything would change.”

“I… I understand…” Max shook his head. “…it’s just… I wanted it to be a perfect world this time.” Max stared at Alex. He was staring straight at his sister.

“There’s no such thing as a perfect world. Death's a part of life.” Alex looked at Max then. Actually he was staring, really staring. It was unsettling to see a child stare in such a way. “I love my sister. But sacrifices are necessary. Because she died my parents are in the desert outside Roswell in 10 months time. Because of her they find two children on the side of the road. Because she dies my parents adopt them. They don’t replace her, they never could… but they help with the pain.”

Max closed his eyes. “Me and Isabel come out in February.” He opened his eyes and smiled at Alex. “Michael and Tess. That’s why you stopped Nasedo tampering with Michael’s pod. That’s how you know Tess will be good.”

Alex looked about down at his sister. “Tess has a family. So does Michael.” Alex shrugged. “It’s a strange feeling… Tess caused my death. I…” Alex stalled, having trouble getting out the words. “…Hate her for that. But I also remember her as my sister. I remember putting cling film on her toilet and her turning my hair green.” He grinned. “If you want to help people… become a doctor… it’s what you were meant to do. I’ll see you in Roswell.” The little boys eyes rolled back in his head and for a moment Max thought he was going to collapse, but he simply shook his head and stared suspiciously at Max once again. “Who are you?”

Max almost laughed at the accusation in his tone before replying simply. “I’m no one.” He took one look at Annie, smiling sadly. It wasn’t fair… but sometimes life wasn’t fair. He knew it had to happen. Then an idea came to him. Touching the side of her head lightly he concentrated and her eyes opened. He smiled, looking at Alex’s shocked face. Moving away from the bed as Alex started to talk to his sister Max whispered. “See you later, Alex.” Then he left the room.

He had to get to Roswell.

He had an appointment to keep.

~*~*~*~*~


Thanks for reading

Ethan

Hey peeps and peepettes... this was deleted with the board changes but expect the epi on Sunday or Monday (probably Sunday). I can't remember the people I dedicated this part to before but well... thanks to all readers, lurkers, beta's, friends, wives and family... you're probably in there somewhere.

Oh and after ATE's finished posting expect my new fic... it's called Pheonix Rising - Cast No Shadow and get this... people are actually ALIVE (shock horror) in it ...

There's not gonna be a sequal to ATE... but there may be a few pregual one parters... theres a few things I left out of this that just wont get out of my head... but there will definately be no sequal...

Anyway... Part 19 reposted...

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Part 19

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He was lying on his back, watching the sunset and the sky above him. It was beautiful.

Max felt the presence before he saw the face. “I was wondering when you’d get here. I was worried.” He smiled as Alex sat down beside him, laughing.

“You’re lucky Maxie boy, I didn’t think you were in range. But even I’m wrong occasionally.”

Max lifted himself up onto his elbows. “What happens now?”

Alex shrugged. “I’m not entirely sure… that in itself should scare you.” Alex paused and Max turned to look at him. “But… hopefully we’ll just go… poof.” He made a slight hand movement to try and illustrate, Max looked on amused.

“Poof?”

“We'll disappear, I guess… the future we’re from won't exist so…” Alex shrugged again. “Neither will we.”

Max nodded, accepting Alex’s explanation. “When?”

“I’m not really sure, we just wait, I guess… anytime now.”

“Okay.” Max looked outwards at the quarry, not really having anything else to say.

“You did well,” Alex added.

“Yeah… you too.” It was awkward, strange to be here with Alex. Strange to be waiting for… nothing.

“Thank you,” Alex said suddenly, and Max was caught off guard.

“For what?”

“Annie… it was good to say goodbye.”

Max’s eyes widened in surprise, smiling slightly. “You remember.”

Alex nodded. “I doubt this me will remember you… but I do. It helps… to say goodbye.”

Max nodded. “I know.” He paused, thinking of Liz and Zan. Saying goodbye to both of them was the hardest thing he’d ever had to do but he was thankful that he’d had the chance. He thought back to the glimpse of the future, he knew it was worth it even if he and Liz weren’t together… but still he regretted it. He looked down at his wedding ring, glinting in the evening.

Alex interrupted his trail of thought. “She’s not yours.”

Max didn’t look at him, instead he kept his focus on his left hand, on his ring. “What do you mean?”

Alex paused before answering. “It isn’t our lives… it’s their’s… I might have the memories, but that doesn’t make it mine. I didn’t live it. This isn’t your Liz, not anymore… not really.”

Max nodded. “Yeah… she died a long time ago.”

“Doing what was right,” Alex reminded him.

Max’s voice grew soft and wistful. “We had a good life together… we all did.” He let out a half laugh as he remembered. “Our last Christmas altogether… it was Zan’s first with us and Isabel… well you know what Isabel’s like around Christmas… but Liz… Liz was so calm…” He stopped as he felt the tears come. “I miss them so much…”

“Me too… strange for a ghost huh?”

Max shook his head, turning to look at Alex. “You’re not a ghost.”

Alex raised his eyebrows. “No?”

“No… you’re a memory, a good memory.”

Alex mouth twitched but he kept a straight face. “Yeah?”

“Definitely… I’ve got more good memories than bad…” Max shrugged. “… You just remember the bad more, I guess.”

“That’s true,” Alex nodded, sighing.

“But I had a good life…”

“And Zan?”

Max paused before answering. “Zan was my son… not this Max’s… mine… and even if no one remembers him… the Granolith will.”

Alex smiled softly. “…And the Granolith is around for eternity.”

Max grinned. “So Michael Whitman… bet that was fun.”

Alex laughed, a true laugh. “Yeah it is.” He got an almost wistful look in his eye. “I remember everything you know? From all three lifetimes. I remember you and Liz getting married in Vegas… I remember taking Isabel to prom… and I remember finding out my brother and sister were aliens.”

Max’s grin widened. “You remember everything?”

“The important stuff… this is the best world Max. It might not be perfect but it’s close enough.”

Max nodded in acceptance and even though there were tears in his eyes he was smiling. He knew Alex was right. He could feel it.

There was silence then as they waited. But for once the silence wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable, but calm. It was Alex that broke it.

“You’re not asking me any questions,” Alex observed, closing his eyes and lying back on the ground.

Max shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, does it? None of it matters now… all that matters is that… we did it Alex.” Max grinned, looking outwards at the setting sun. “We saved the world.”

And as he looked outwards at the sunset, with Alex lying back beside him, for the first time in years he finally felt happy.

He actually felt happ---

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Thanks for reading

Ethan