Roswell Fanatics

For Cherie...


......................

Chapter 31

Connie yawned and rubbed her eyes, trying to push away her fatigue. She hadn’t been this tired since her triage days in Iraq. At least then she was doing what she did best and patching people up. Not like her days now where all she did was run and hide.

Glancing in the rearview mirror, she saw Liz fast asleep in the backseat and the headlights of Alex’s SUV behind her.

A deep sigh escaped her lips catching Max’s attention, who was currently idly watching the road.

“You okay?” He asked. “Do you want me to drive?”

Connie smiled. “Nah, I’m alright. Anyways, you have no idea where we’re going.”

Max rolled his eyes. “Yeah, but I thought I’d offer anyways.”

Connie absently nodded her head. “How chivalrous of you,” she chuckled.

Silence once again blanketed the car. The only sound that could be heard was the friction of the tires against the concrete road. Once again, she thought of what she had seen back at the camp.

She had been idly chatting with Max by the fire when it seemed like his mind had blanked out. At first she thought that maybe he’d grown pensive, hence his silence but when she glanced at him, she saw that his eyes were rapidly moving yet he stared at nothing but the fire. When she turned her eyes back to the fire, it had grown larger and hotter. Flames of blue flicked up into the air. She drew back startled and a moment later, he screamed and drew everyone’s attention.

Connie rested her elbows on the door and leaned her head against her hand. There were just too many strange things that were happening and it all involved Max.

What had the Unit done to him? She wracked her mind for any memory but came up blank. She hadn’t been privy to much information during her days with the Unit, having been near the bottom of the ranks. Questions were discouraged. She had been told to do her job and follow orders and as military personnel, she automatically obeyed.

She wondered if they still conducted tests. She wouldn’t be surprised if they did. After all, there were special interests groups that were invested in the progress of the Special Unit.

Spotting a gas station up ahead, she signaled for the exit and checked the rearview to make sure that Alex was following her.

She needed to call her contact in order to confirm their meeting. She wondered how much information this person would have for her. She didn’t doubt that he would be informative. After all, he was one of Iceman’s men.

As the car slowed to a stop, Liz stirred awake.

“What’s going on?” She asked.

“Just need to make a quick call,” Connie replied. “I’ve got to check in with the new contact.”

Liz nodded her head in understanding and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

Connie stepped out of the car and walked over to the pay phone, checking her pockets for change.

In her mind, she thought about her next move. She needed to leak further information about the Special Unit to press soon; otherwise, she knew that the investigation into the Unit’s activities would stave off and it was pertinent that she kept the public interest growing as she worked to expose the operation. However, she wasn’t quite sure how to go about it since her media contact was currently having an identity crisis.

She picked up the received and cradled it on her neck as she fished around her pocket for the piece of paper that contained her contact’s number. She dialed the number and crossed her fingers.

Maybe she’ll finally get the closure she’s been looking for.


Max rubbed his eyebrow thoughtfully. He couldn’t help but think that Jason Stevens would be missed. He quickly felt the cell phone that rested on his belt holster knowing that the battery had died two days ago and it hadn’t been charged since. He knew Richard Lee would have called to check in on him by now and he was worried about what the veteran editor would do when he couldn’t reach him.

“What do you think is going to happen when we reach Connie’s contact?” Liz asked, leaning forward between the front seats.

Max looked over at her. “I don’t know. I just want some answers.”

Liz looked at him thoughtfully and nodded. “I understand. I feel the same way.”

Max shifted slightly in his seat, leaning his back against the door. He reached out and rubbed his knuckles against Liz’s cheek. This time she didn’t flinch but merely closed her eyes, leaning in to his touch.

“I’ve missed you, Liz,” Max whispered, caressing her face.

Liz swallowed and nodded as a lone tear fell down her cheek.

“It’ll be alright, Liz,” Max assured her, hating to see her cry.

Liz opened her eyes and turned to look at him. “How do you know, Max? How can you be so sure that everything is going to be alright?”

“It has to be,” he answered. “There’s no other option for us. This needs to end once and for all.”

“I wish I had as much faith as you,” Liz whispered.

“Its not faith, Liz, its hope. You just have to believe. It’s the only thing we have left,” he reasoned, leaning forward to meet her eyes.

Their faces were now so close that their breaths mingled. Max could feel her heat against his skin. He closed the gap between them and tentatively touched his lips to hers. He felt her slight intake of breath and a moment later she softened and pressed forward returning his action.

Their kiss was slow and tender, full of longing and comfort but was tinged with sadness. Max felt her hand rest against his cheek as her thumb gently brushed against his skin. She slowly pulled away but kept her hand where it was.

They stared at each other for a heartbeat, remembering the first time they had kissed. The feelings it evoked, the electricity and excitement that they felt. All of it was still there, lying dormant all these years. It was like coming home.

“Liz…,” Max whispered, resting his hand against the nape of her neck, his thumb rubbing soothingly against her jaw.

“I know,” Liz leaned forward and touched her forehead to his, her eyes falling close.

Max’s heart constricted. There was so much he wanted to say but no words could express how he felt about her. The years hadn’t done a thing to diminish the flame of longing he felt. Now that he’d had a taste of her, he wanted more.

He slid his hand from her neck to cup her jaw, tilting her lips to his. He kissed her gently, nibbling on her lower lip, getting reacquainted with her taste. He felt her hand slide up his arm to grasp his wrist. Again, she was the first one to pull away.

He opened his eyes to see that her eyes had remained closed, her lower lip trembling.

“It’s been so long,” she said. “I thought I’d forgotten how to feel.”

“I’m sorry for that, Liz,” Max said sincerely.

“Don’t be,” Liz placed her finger against his lips. “It wasn’t your fault.”

Max nodded, brushing his forehead against hers, sharing the comfort only she could offer.

A light knock on the window grabbed their attention. Max turned to find Michael leaning down gesturing for him to open the window.

“What is it, Michael?” He asked.

“What’s she doing?” Michael pointed to Connie who was currently on the phone.

“She’s checking in with her contact. Why?”

“Just making sure she’s not selling us out, is all,” Michael explained.

“Just give her a break will you?” Max asked, exasperated at Michael’s distrust. “She’s been forthright with us so far. I have no reason to mistrust her.”

“For someone who’s lost ten years of his life, you sure are easy to trust,” Michael commented, bracing his hands against the roof of the car.

Max bristled, taking offense. “Just what are you implying?”

“Nothing,” Michael shrugged.

“It’s fine, Michael,” Liz sighed. “I’ve kept a close eye on her. I don’t think she’s hid anything from us. At least I don’t feel it.”

Michael frowned. “What are you talking about – feeling it?”

“What?” Liz asked unaware that she had voiced that last thought.

“You said you don’t feel it,” Michael clarified. “I’m just wondering what you’re talking about.”

Liz shrugged but was mentally berating herself. “Oh, nothing just that I think she’s being upfront.”

Michael looked at her thoughtfully. “Fine,” he said, effectively dropping the subject. “Just tell her to talk to me when she’s done.” He slapped his hand on the roof of the car and walked away.

Max re-wound the window and turned to face Liz who was staring off into space.

“You okay?” He asked, brushing her hair away from her face.

“Huh?” Liz startled.

“I asked if you’re okay. You looked a little worried,” Max explained.

“I’m fine. Just thinking,” said Liz, leaning back against the seat.

“About what?”

“Everything,” Liz replied. “Like what’s going to happen to us.”

Max looked at her, scratching his eyebrow in thought. When he didn’t speak, Liz continued.

“I mean, how are we supposed to go up against the Special Unit? How are we even supposed to find them?” Liz shook her head, tipping her head up in frustration.

Max took a deep breath before answering her. “It doesn’t matter how we do it. All that matters is that we get it done. Connie had been right in using the media. It helped put the spotlight on the group. I’m sure that the FBI has put sanctions on the Unit. I mean without money, there isn’t much they can do.”

Liz looked at Max. “I really hope you’re right.”

Max smiled and reached out to run his knuckles against her cheek.

Their intimate moment was interrupted when the door opened and Connie got in.

“Okay, I’ve got some good news and some bad news,” she announced turning to face Max and Liz.

“The good news is that we have a location. The bad news is they tightened up security. We’re going to have to figure out a way to get in there without tripping the alarms.”

“Did you speak to Michael yet?” Max asked, glancing at the side-view mirror at Alex’s SUV.

“Not yet,” Connie replied. “But I’m thinking that he won’t be happy with this information.”

Max nodded in agreement. He watched as Connie opened the door and jogged over to where their friends sat waiting in the SUV.

He watched Michael take in the information and say something to Connie before he heard the truck’s engine start up.

A second later, Connie was back in the car turning the ignition.

“Michael says he’s got a plan,” she announced pulling back out onto the road.

Max wasn’t sure whether he should be glad or afraid. After all, Michael wasn’t well known for his plans.

tbc...

Well, I didn't think I would finish this chapter but I guess sometimes I just surprise myself.

_____________________________________

Chapter 32

Michael excused himself from the booth and walked to the bathrooms where a bank of pay phones hung on the wall.

Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out his wallet and rifled through the contents until he came upon a worn piece of paper.

He checked to make sure he was alone before dialing the number. After the third ring, a machine picked up.

“It’s Michael,” he whispered. “We have a situation. I think we need your help on this one. I’ll call again,” and he hung up the phone.

When he got back to the booth, an uneasy silence had settled over the table. Michael looked at each one of them trying to guess what was going on, but everyone was too busy staring at their food.

He nudged Maria and she made room for him beside her. “What’s going on?” He whispered.

She looked over at him, placing her fork down on her plate. “Connie’s contact was supposed to meet us here. She says he’s late.”

Michael frowned not liking what he just heard. He knew that Connie wasn’t as untrustworthy as Liz and Max believed her to be.

His eyes darted around the small diner, thinking of a plan. However, before he could open his mouth, a man stepped up to their table.

He was well-built and dressed all in black – black t-shirt and black cargo pants. A pair of Ray Ban sunglasses shielded his eyes.

“Are you Connie?” He asked, leaning towards their companion. Michael noticed that he spoke with a slight Latino accent.

“Yeah,” Connie acknowledge her chin jutting up defiantly.

“I’m Carlos. Iceman sent me.”

Michael noticed that Connie sat up at the mention of Iceman’s name.

“What do you have?” Connie asked, waiting expectantly.

Carlos looked around at the crowd at the table.

“They’re cool,” Connie said tipped her head in acknowledgement.

“Alright,” Carlos pulled up a chair and straddled it. From his back pocket he produced a hand-drawn map.

“We found the base of operations,” he explained.

“It must be high-priority since we had a tough time finding a satellite image map,” he said off-handedly.

“It’s located in the Nevada desert. 115 west by 38 north. The area is quite rocky. The only way you get there is through a service road. I’m not sure if that service road is fenced in. Hard to tell from this image.

“The only problem is the security encryption. They’re using biological identifiers now, retina scanners to be more specific. It’s going to take us some time to get a hold of someone’s eye print.”

Connie leaned back and groaned. Michael looked around the table and saw that everyone wore the same expression as Connie – disappointment.

Carlos looked at his watch. “Listen, Connie, I’ve got to go but here,” he pulled a business card from his pocket and handed it to Connie. “Give me a call later on in the day. Let me know what you want to do.”

He waved goodbye and left.

“Great,” Connie said sullenly, “another fucking setback.”

“What are we going to do?” Max asked.

“Get a hold of one of the people that work on base and get a scan of their retina,” Connie stated.

“Um, isn’t that kind of difficult?” Liz asked. “I mean even if we get a hold of someone, how are we supposed to take an imprint of their retina?”

“Actually,” Alex piped in, “it’s not that hard, the retina scanning, I mean.”

Everyone’s heads swiveled to face him.

“Well, during my research at the museum, I came across some kick-ass security equipment,” he explained.

“How do you suppose we get a hold of this equipment? Are we just supposed to walk into Best Buy and pick it off the shelf?” Maria asked skeptically. “And anyways, wouldn’t it cost an arm and a leg to buy it?”

Alex shrugged. “We wouldn’t have to buy it. We could just borrow it.”

Max leaned forward. “How long will this take?”

“Well, I su—”

“Leave it to me,” said Michael interrupting Alex.

“What are you talking about?” Connie asked.

“I told you I had a plan,” Michael replied.

“What do you plan to do?” Isabel asked.

Michael crossed his arms and leaned back. “Don’t worry, I’ve already done it. I’ve contacted Nasedo.”

<center>* * *</center>

Liz held the wheel tightly, her mind returning to the incident at the diner that morning. After Michael’s bombshell announcement, Liz was the first one to say no. She refused to accept any help from Nasedo. After all, if it wasn’t for him, they wouldn’t be in this mess. Liz didn’t trust him then and she still didn’t trust him now.

However, Michael was insistent and he made a good argument, which Liz found surprising. After everyone reluctantly agreed to his plan, he contacted Nasedo and set up a meeting.

Which was why they were currently headed for the Nevada border.

Liz wanted to know what Nasedo had been doing for the past decade. If he indeed was one of them, shouldn’t he have looked for Max like the rest of them? How could he abandon them like that?

Shaking the thoughts from her mind, she flicked her eyes to the rearview mirror and saw Isabel eyeing her curiously from the back seat.

After breakfast, Isabel wanted to spend some quality time with her brother and had insisted on riding with them in Connie’s car.

Liz cleared her throat. “Are you feeling okay, Iz?”

“I’m fine,” Isabel smiled.

Liz quickly glanced at Max who slept fitfully beside his sister with his head resting against the window. Meanwhile, Connie was busy reading the newspaper, looking for any articles about the Special Unit.

After a moment, Liz asked the question that had been bothering her since Michael’s announcement.

“So, did you know that Michael had been in contact with Nasedo all this time?”

Isabel looked taken aback. “No, he never said a word to any of us. Did he say anything to you?”

“No,” Liz replied.

“Who is this Nasedo person?” Connie asked, putting down the paper.

It was Isabel who spoke first. “He’s a…friend of the family from long ago,” she answered cryptically.

Liz caught Connie’s suspicious frown.

“And do you…trust him?” Connie asked.

“Yes,” Isabel replied.

Liz kept quiet. Although, she wanted to dispute Isabel’s answer, she didn’t think it would help their cause to do it in front of her. She would have to pull Connie aside later and express her concern.

“Does he know what we’re up against?” Connie prodded.

“I’m sure Michael’s told him,” Isabel assured. “Nasedo is familiar with the military. I think he worked for them as some sort of consultant.”

Liz wanted to scoff. She didn’t think that Isabel still actually believed that story, especially after they discovered Tess’ and Nasedo’s alien status.

Liz heard a bit of shuffling and a second later, Isabel poked her head in between her and Connie.

“I’ve got something to ask you, Liz,” Isabel whispered.

“What do you want to know?” Liz asked carefully.

She heard the hesitation in Isabel’s voice. “When Max first came to you a week ago, how did you know it was him?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I know he does resemble the old Max, but none of us could really tell. However, you could. How?”

Liz paused and thought about her answer. How did she really know it was him? She supposed that she’d known this whole time and she was only in denial. After all, how could she explain her attraction to him? She’d tried to rationalize it but it still didn’t add up. There was just something about Jason that called out to her. Plus, the incident with their powers in the desert and their connection just confirmed her thoughts.

“I guess, it was him,” Liz answered cryptically. “I can’t really explain it, Isabel. He just felt…familiar.”

Isabel seemed to accept Liz’s answer because she was silent for the rest of the trip. As for Max, fatigue appeared to have gotten to him since he slept most of the way, leaving the three women alone with their thoughts.

Liz noticed Alex’s SUV signal towards an exit. Michael had insisted on driving stating that Nasedo had given him instructions as to where to meet. Liz followed suit and exited the freeway. The truck stopped at a gas station and Michael got out. Liz watched him walk towards a black new model sedan. As he approached, the door opened and a man stepped out.

It was Nasedo.


tbc...

Welcome ultimatepickupline! Clever name by the way.

So folks, in exactly 4 weeks from today I shall be a married woman! Squee!

(p.s. So now those of you who thought I was a guy have been corrected. )
___________________

Chapter 33

Max woke up with a kink in his neck. He noticed that they had stopped moving and were now parked at a gas station. The sun was just beginning to set, illuminating the desert with an intense rosy hue.

He was alone except for Liz who sat back watching the others across the lot.

“What’s going on, Liz?” Max mumbled sleepily.

Liz turned as if startled. “Oh…um…they’re speaking to someone.”

“Who?” Max asked.

Liz hesitated. “…Nasedo.”

“Oh, okay,” Max sat up and stretched his back. He noticed Liz watching him curiously.

“What?” He asked.

“Nothing,” she replied. “Just wondering how you can be so nonchalant about this whole thing.”

Max frowned in irritation. “I’m not being nonchalant. I just don’t see the need to panic at this very moment. I mean they’re just talking to him.”

Liz sat up and looked at him incredulously. “Are you kidding me? Have you forgotten what Nasedo did?”

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

“Don’t you remember the deception and the fact that he kidnapped me and used you for bait to lure the FBI out?” Liz scoffed. “I mean if it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t have lost ten years of your life. He didn’t help us look for you. Aren’t you curious to find out where he’s been for the past ten years?”

Max let her words sink in. She was right of course. However, there was a much bigger issue at hand and Michael might have been right to call on Nasedo for help.

“I haven’t forgotten, Liz. But I also know that we’re going to need his help if we hope to get through this. After all, he’s had experience with the FBI in the past,” Max explained. “Besides, when everything is done and over with, we can ask him then.”

He felt her gaze on him and he shifted in discomfort. Despite being apart for the past decade, he still knew most of Liz’s subtle expressions. Like, right now he knew that she was probably thinking that he was out of his mind. She didn’t understand why he trusted Nasedo, but in truth, he actually didn’t. He just knew that Nasedo would be valuable in their fight.

Leaning forward, he tucked a stray hair behind her ear and dropped his voice, trying to soothe away her worries.

“Do you trust me, Liz?”

“Yes, of course I do.”

“Then please understand that we need Nasedo. He’s the only one who knows what the Special Unit is capable of. He’s the only one strong enough to help us fight them.”

He watched as Liz looked out at their friends before shifting her gaze back to him. She sighed and nodded.

“Fine. I’ll give him a chance but that doesn’t mean I’ll trust him,” she warned.

Max smiled and dropped a kiss on her forehead.

“We better get out there and find out what’s going on,” he advised, pushing the car door open. He waited until Liz was out before the two of them made their way over.

“…So Connie’s contact explained that they’ve changed all the security functions at the facility. We now need someone’s retina imprint to bypass all the restricted doors,” Michael explained.

Max saw that Nasedo stood there rigidly, raptly listening to Michael. He noticed that the alien still took on the appearance of Ed Harding and it didn’t look like he’d aged a bit.

As he came closer, Max saw that Nasedo was now looking directly at him. He stopped and stared back at the older man.

He felt Isabel come up beside him and place her hand on his shoulder.

“You’re alive,” Nasedo said, looking over Max.

“Yes, I am,” Max replied.

Nasedo looked like he wanted to say more but instead he chose to just nod his head in response. “Good.”

“Now as I was saying,” Michael interrupted drawing everyone’s attention back to him. “We’re gonna need your help. We don’t have the capability of bypassing the retina scanners and I was hoping that you’d be able to.”

Nasedo turned his gaze away from Max and focused back on the conversation at hand.

“Do you have all the details?” Nasedo asked stepping towards Michael.

“Yes. Connie’s contact gave us a map and schematics,” Michael looked to Connie, who unfolded the map from her back pocket.

Nasedo looked over the hand-drawn map and details of the base. “Give me until tomorrow to find someone on staff. I’ll contact you when I’m ready.”

Connie leaned over to Alex and whispered, “Just what is he planning on doing? How does he expect to bypass the biological locks?”

Alex shoved his hands in his pockets and fidgeted. “Um…Nasedo’s real good at…um…disguises and…techonology,” he lied.

If Connie didn’t believe him, she didn’t show it. She just nodded her head and turned her attention back to the conversation at hand.

Nasedo handed Michael a cell phone. “Keep this phone with you at all times. This line’s secure.”

After a few minutes, they decided to part for the night.

That evening, Max was unable to sleep. He couldn’t keep his mind of what they were about to do. He didn’t want to be pessimistic but he couldn’t imagine how they were going to penetrate such a clandestine organization. All he knew was he needed answers.

He wanted to understand what had happened to him during his time in captivity. He also wanted to know why the Unit gave him the life he’s had for the past decade. What was their motivation?

Max turned over and kneaded his pillow trying to gain some sense of comfort. It seemed that he just couldn’t turn his mind off to get some decent sleep. He opened his eyes and was met with the sight of Liz sleeping just as fitfully on the couch.

Despite the darkness of the room, his eyes feasted on her silhouette. The gentle curve of her body and the swell of her breast as it rose and fell with her every breath. The deep longing he felt unfurled in his belly and he itched to touch her – to feel her skin against his and marvel at its silky softness.

As if she was reading his thoughts, she turned over and faced him and in the dark, the two lovers connected despite the physical distance between them.

A minute later, Liz slowly pushed herself up and off the couch. She made her way to the door and quietly opened it, taking care not to wake anyone inside.

Max followed suit and gingerly stepped his way around the sleeping bodies on the floor.

Liz turned her head at the sound of the motel room door being opened and closed. She leaned her lithe body against the wall and stared at the quiet courtyard below.

“Couldn’t sleep either?” She said laconically.

“No,” Max shook his head and sat down on the floor beside where she stood.

For a while they both just stared out at the quiet courtyard, not wanting to break the comfortable silence around them.

Despite the years they spent apart, Max and Liz were still strangely attuned to one another. They knew that they each needed the time and space to sort out their thoughts.

“What do you think Nasedo is planning on doing?”

“I’m not sure,” Max replied thoughtfully. “I just hope that whatever it is, it gets us inside the compound.”

Liz nodded her head in understanding. “I…I’m…afraid.”

Max looked up at her in concern. He noted her features as she sightlessly stared ahead. He reached his hand out to her, which she accepted without hesitation.

Max pulled her down beside him and reveled in the warmth he felt from her as she settled comfortably by his side.

His thumb brushed the back of her hand in soothing strokes.

“I’m scared too,” he whispered. “It’s okay to be, you know.”

He felt her nod.

“Should we trust him?” Liz asked before resting her head against his shoulder.

“We don’t have much of a choice, do we?” Max replied, the irony thick in his voice.

Liz straightened and turned to face him. “I don’t think I can. I want to know why he just left the way he did? I mean it was his fault that they took you!” She hissed.

Max heard the conviction in her voice and saw that her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. He shifted and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into him.

Liz buried her face into his chest, refusing to shed her tears. Instead, she focused on the comfort and peace she felt as he silently stroke her hair.

Max kissed the soft skin at her temple and inhaled her sweet scent. His heart thudded in his chest and heat spread throughout his body at the nearness of her.

The moment she looked up at him, he was struck at how beautiful Liz truly was. And the best part was…

She loved him.

He could see that in her eyes. At the way they roamed over his face and connected with his own.

“I…love yo— ,” he began to say but was silenced when Liz placed her finger against his lips.

“I know,” she whispered, her breath tickling his chin.

Her eyes increased their intensity as they drifted down to his mouth. She slowly closed the gap between them and touched her lips to his.

Max held his breath and closed his eyes and just…felt.

Liz softly rubbed her lips against his, slowly, savoring the moment between them. However, this proved to be too much for Max who let out a moan before cupping the back of her head to deepen their kiss.

He nibbled on her lower lip, enjoying the breathy sounds she made and the way her fingers clutched at his shirt.

His lips trailed a path along her jaw, his tongue brushing erotically against her skin.

She moaned his name as his hands slid down her arms and came to rest against her back.

His lips found their way back to her mouth, and like a dam being broken, Liz’s emotions came pouring forth.

It was like a home movie being played behind his closed lids. He saw her frantic search for him. Her sleepless nights spent looking over clues and following dead-end leads.

His heart broke at the deep sadness he felt from her. He clutched her closer to him, wanting ease the pain in her heart.

He tasted the salt from her tears and felt the silent sobs that wracked her body.

She broke their kiss and buried her face against his neck as she began to cry. She clung to him almost desperately as if she was afraid he would vanish at any minute.

“Oh God, Max,” she sobbed.

“Shhh…,” he soothed, rubbing his jaw against her hair.

“Promise me you’ll never leave,” she begged. “Please, promise.”

Although, she knew the absurdness of her plea, she just couldn’t help herself. She needed to hear the words. She needed the assurance that only he could give her.

Max pulled back and cupped her face between his hands. He stared deep into her dark eyes, willing her to feel his devotion to her.

“I promise you, Liz Parker. Not even death will separate me from you.”


tbc...

Chapter 34

Dr. Brown tore his eyes away from the microscope and removed his glasses. He massaged the bridge of his nose and squeezed his eyes shut trying to ward off the fatigue from staring at the samples for the past couple of hours.

Since arriving at the base five days before, he’d been working non-stop. After viewing the video of Dr. Hunt, he’d asked for any and all data the other scientists had on this glowing crystal-like specimen. Every day he found himself drawn to it, as if it was silently calling him like a siren’s song.

There had even been times when he was tempted to lift the glass dome and touch it himself.

The crystal seemed almost…magical, hypnotizing.

Yet despite all the hours he spent researching the mysterious crystal, he was no closer to understanding it than he was when he had first arrived.

He couldn’t rule out that it was terrestrial; after all it had some common elements as earth-based crystals. However, that was one main difference. The glowing crystal was not carbon-based. Dr. Brown deduced that its low amount of carbon was the main reason for its radiance.

The sudden whoosh of the sliding glass door caught his attention and he pivoted to see who it was. He was mildly surprised to find Daniel Pierce standing at the threshold.

“Hello Robert. Still fascinated by the rock, I see,” Pierce smirked.

Dr. Brown cleared his throat, covering the blush the stained his cheeks. “W-what brings you by, Agent Pierce?”

Pierce looked around the room, noting all the equipment on the tables. He loved technology. He loved the versatility of it. How it can be used to save lives and how it can also be used to end them.

He ran his hands down the cold metallic surface of the spectrum analyzer. “Do you know how much all this equipment cost?”

Dr. Brown figuring that it was a rhetorical question kept his mouth shut. Instead, he waited for Pierce to give him the answer.

“One point five million. That was how much all of this,” he swept his hands grandly throughout the room, “cost. It took us years to accumulate everything.”

Pierced cocked his head to the side and surveyed Dr. Brown. “The only thing I want to know is…why despite all this technology, we still haven’t figured out what this piece of shit is!” Pierce roared, pointing to the specimen in the microscope.

“I have a dead scientist and Schumaker breathing down my neck and I still don’t have any answers.”

However, Dr. Brown was a smart man. He knew that Pierce wasn’t really looking for answers. All he wanted was someone to blame and Dr. Brown knew that if he kept his mouth shut, Pierce would eventually walk off in a rage and leave him alone to continue his research.

Just as easily as his anger flared, Pierce once again composed himself, his face a mask of pure control.

“I brought you here for another reason,” Pierce began, “I don’t know if you’re aware but there has been a leak within this organization.”

Dr. Brown looked alarmed. “I hope you’re not insinuating that I disclosed classified information. Because if you are – ”

“No, I’m not,” Pierce interrupted. Because you’ve been under surveillance for the past year, was what he didn’t say.

Pierce paused and thought for a moment. “There’s something I want you to see. Follow me.” He pivoted and walked out the doors. Dr. Brown had no choice but to follow him.

They passed through the teams of scientists working looking at different specimens and microscopes. They walked through the warehouse where evidence from different findings where kept – some dating as far back as 1939.

Dr. Brown watched as Pierce stopped and moved over a panel on the wall. He stooped slightly as a laser shot out and scanned his eye. A second later, an audible click was heard before Pierce pushed open the door.

They walked through an area Dr. Brown had never been through before but he remembered something similar from ten years ago. The hallways were white, sterile, and brightly lit. The doors where soundproof, some of them contained small rectangular windows letting the person walking by glimpse at the rooms inside.

He remembered that facility from a decade ago. He remembered what went on inside, particularly a young man, probably no older than sixteen. He hadn’t been privy to any information about the boy other than his medical history. Pierce had informed him that the young man was dangerous, careful of killing with his bare hands. However, Dr. Brown had a hard time believing that. When he looked at the boy, he didn’t see a cold-blooded murderer. Instead, he saw a young man whose life lay ahead of him. Was he the captain of the basketball team? Perhaps an honor roll student, anything but the violent picture that Pierce had painted.

However, Dr. Brown knew that it was stupid to get attached to a patient for a man in his position. So he focused on the technical information and proceeded with the surgery.

“The work that we do here is very important. Not only to our country but to our planet,” Pierce explained causing Dr. Brown to frown in confusion.

Pierce opened a door revealing a large, almost cavernous room. It was dimly lit, casting everything in a slightly green glow. The air was humid and warm and the only sound that could be heard was a gentle, muted pulsing.

Dr. Brown looked around and his eyes were immediately drawn to a structure attached to cement wall to the back of the room. Four large, oval objects protruded from the wall. It was covered in what looked to be stringy vines. Unconsciously, Dr. Brown moved toward it captivated by the yellow-green glow it emitted. However, the closer to got to it, the stranger it looked. Inside the object was a silhouette of what looked like a human being.

Could it really be? he asked himself. Could the Special Unit be experimenting with cloning?

Dr. Brown reached out and touched the object, realizing that it was actually a thin membrane and the whole contraption acted as some sort of incubation pod.

He whipped his head around and stared at Pierce questioningly. “What is this?”

Pierce confidently strode up to the pods and gazed at them proudly. “This, Dr. Brown, is part of what we’ve been looking for. This holds the key to a very powerful weapon.”

Dr. Brown gazed back to the green colored pods on the wall but failed to see how these objects could be used as weapons.

“Are you referring to biological warfare?” Dr. Brown asked.

Pierce didn’t reply. He merely smirked as he continued to gaze in fascination at the pods hanging on the wall.

Dr. Brown once again reached out and felt one of the tendrils that hung off the pods. It was smooth and thick, like finely braided rope.

“Wh-where did you find them?”

Pierce turned his eyes back towards Dr. Brown. “They were found underground, near Manhattan. A few years ago, the city was blasting to create new tunnels for the subway when these were found. It was buried in some sort of underground cavern.”

“How old are they?” Dr. Brown asked.

“Approximately sixty-three years old,” Pierce replied.

Dr. Brown couldn’t believe his ears. Sixty-three years old, yet the samples looked fresh. “Have they been carbon-dated?”

Pierce shook his head. “They have remained untouched since they were found. Only a select few know of their existence.”

“What do you plan on doing with them?”

Pierce turned his cold, gray eyes towards the ageing doctor. “Why study them of course, Doctor. Why do you think you’re here?”

And with those words, Dr. Brown felt his world freeze.


<center>* * *</center>


Somewhere in a dark, smoky bar in the deserts of Nevada sat a tall, fair-haired man. He sipped his beer slowly as he watched the leggy red-head with the large breasts, gyrate her hips on stage. She placed her hands on the brass pole and hoisted herself up before slowly twirling down.

He made eye contact with her and she caught his hungry gaze. She got down on all fours and slithered sensually across the stage towards where he sat at the table below. She stopped in front of him and caressed the sides of her firm, naked breasts as she thrust her hips forward presenting him with her red, sequined thong. The man reached into his shirt pocket and produced a stack of one dollar bills. He folded a couple in half and slipped it into the straps of her thong, making sure to graze her skin in the process.

She flashed him her most seductive smile as she continued to gyrate her hips and run her hands up and down her body, enticing him with her sensuality. She watched as he sat transfixed, his eyes focusing on her jiggling breasts.

The music slowed to a stop and the announcer came on the mic.

“Gentlemen, let’s hear it for Lolita Del Mar!”

A loud cheer erupted from the men on the floor as the stripper made her way off the stage.

However, as she passed by the same fair-haired man, his hand shot out grasping her by the wrist.

“Care for a private show?” He leered. “I’ll make it worth your while.” He fingered the stack of bills in his hand revealing several $100 notes.

The stripper’s stance relaxed and she smiled at the man. “Sure. Meet me in booth number five in the back,” and with that she walked away.

The man quickly stood up and made his way towards the back of the club to the aforementioned room. He quickly adjusted himself in his pants, not caring if the other patrons saw his action. The red-head was hot. She had a nice pair of tits and a nice tight ass. He wondered what it would feel like under his hand. Would her breasts jiggle as he pumped furiously into her?

He felt the tightness of his pants as he pushed open the door to the private booths. He hoped that he would get lucky tonight and that it wouldn’t cost him an arm and a leg. After all, he would be back on duty the day after tomorrow, meaning that he would have to sleep at the quarters they provided on base. As one of the security officers on Area 9, he was expected to be on base 24 hours for all the days he was on duty. As a reward, he was granted three days off every two weeks.

The door to the private booths opened and he looked up and saw his red-head walking towards him in nothing more than a matching black thong and bra. On her feet she wore a pair of black, stiletto-heeled knee boots. Once again, the man felt the material of his jeans tighten just a little bit more.

“So, what did you have in mind, honey?” The stripper asked, her voice a throaty, alluring sound.

“How about you give me the deluxe package…plus a little something special,” he alluded, knowing that she would fill in the blanks.

The stripper looked him over and smiled. She walked up to him and straddled his lap, bracing her knees on either side of his thighs. She started gyrating in tune to the song on the speakers as she rhythmically thrust her pelvis towards him.

He stared at the red-head as she squirmed in his lap in mock ecstasy and he felt lust spike through his blood.

He wanted her.

He wanted her bad.

He watched her hand sneak around her back and slowly she slid her bra off, one cup at a time. A second later, he was presented with her creamy, round breasts, just inches off from his mouth. He could smell her musky scent and it drove him even more insane.

Unconsciously, his hands crept up her thighs and caressed the sides of her trim waist. However, she showed no signs of stopping him as his hands continued their journey upwards. He licked his lips and slowly his hands slid to feel the gentle sway of her breasts before he closed his palms over them.

The stripper, ever mindful of the camera, urged him to slide over to where the blind spot lay.

“Do you want to taste me?” She asked seductively.

She felt him nod his head and a moment later, she felt the wetness of his tongue taste her skin.

She looked down at him as he suckled her breast. “Look at me,” she commanded. “I want to see you.”

He abided her command and looked up into her crystal, blue eyes. He felt her fingers creep along his torso as she slowly unbuttoned his shirt. He felt the soft swirls she traced along his collarbone as she watched him lick her breast.

“Do you want more of me, baby?” She purred.

He moved his mouth off her and panted, “Yes, oh god yes.”

“My car is outside. We can leave by the back door. Follow me.” She moved off his lap and picked up her bra. She fastened it back on before making her way out of the club.

The man followed her out the door and into the dimly-lit parking lot. She turned and smiled at him, knowing that he was thinking only of one thing at the moment.

When she stopped at her car and turned to put the key in the lock she felt him press his body against her. He wrapped his arms around her and his hand cupped her mound. She smiled victoriously and turned around to face him. She tipped his head with one hand, making sure to make eye contact, as her other hand ventured down to cup him in his jeans.

He moaned and leaned forward to attack her mouth. He felt her fingers as they once again began to unbutton his shirt. He felt her splay her hand against his torso as she responded to his kiss. His heartbeat sped up and his breath came out in pants. Despite the lust coursing through his blood, he noticed that the breast that he had been kneading beneath his hand seemed to change in shape. Where it once was round, it seemed to shrink in size, until he felt nothing but lean muscle beneath his palm.

Confused, he reared back and gasped as he saw that the woman he was kissing was no longer. Instead, a familiar face gazed back at him.

The constriction he felt in his chest increased and he looked down to see a glow emanating from his partner’s hand.

His expression was that of horror as the last face that he saw before his last breath was that of his own, smiling in malevolence.


tbc...

Thanks for your patience, everyone!

Chapter 35

Michael slammed the truck’s door and stormed his way towards Nasedo.

“About time that you called!” Michael said irately. “I was starting to wonder what the hell happened to you.”

“You’d do well to watch how you speak,” Nasedo advised.

Michael huffed but backed down, knowing that there was no point in arguing with Nasedo.

“Where’s Connie?” Nasedo asked looking around.

“I’m here,” Connie replied, coming up behind the old protector.

“Good,” Nasedo said. “Do you have the map with you?”

Connie pulled the folded paper out from her pocket and handed it to him. Nasedo perused the map for a moment before folding it back up.

“We’re going to go check it out tonight. We’ll do a little reconnaissance before going in tomorrow night. I want to get the lay of the land first.”

“Do you have a way of getting in?” Max asked.

“Yes, I have access,” Nasedo replied ambiguously, making sure to give Max a pointed look.

“Fine,” Michael interrupted. “What time are we supposed to meet you?”

“I’ll pick you up. Be ready by eight o’clock,” Nasedo advised.

“Great,” said Liz. She stood off to the side clutching Max’s hand as she watched the interaction.

Nasedo looked at her as if seeing her for the first time. “You’re not coming.”

Liz stiffened. Taking offense at the older alien’s comment, she replied, “I don’t think so. Wherever Max goes, I go.”

“We don’t need you or the other humans there,” Nasedo said, crossing his arms.

“Wait a minute,” Connie interrupted. She held up a hand and shook her head. “What the hell is he talking about?”

Michael knew what was coming and wanting to stave off the questions that were sure to follow, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

“Everyone will come. Isabel, Max, Liz, Connie, Alex and I will come in with you. Maria will stay with the cars and act as a lookout,” he explained.

Nasedo looked as if he was about to protest. “That’s fine. Just make sure that they stay out of the way.”

The older alien turned and walked to his car, leaving the gang behind.

“He’s so warm and fuzzy,” Connie said sarcastically. “Where the hell did you dig this guy up, Michael?”

“Uh, he’s an old friend of the family,” Michael replied, caught off-guard by Connie’s question.

“I guess we better get going,” said Max, moving towards their parked cars. He looked towards Liz who held up a hand asking him to wait.

“Michael can I speak to you for a second?” Liz asked motioning for Michael to follow her.

When they were far enough away from the group, Liz voiced her thoughts. “Just how do you expect Connie not to freak out when she sees Nasedo change shapes?”

“She’s not going to see him change,” Michael explained. “We’ll just tell her that he used to work for some secret government agency and he’s really good with disguises.”

“Oh, come on, Michael! You don’t expect her to swallow that bull do you?” Liz scoffed.

“Why shouldn’t she?” Michael shrugged. “After all, she worked for the Special Unit and they functioned under the radar.”

Liz mulled over his answer. Michael did have a point. However, she knew from experience that Connie was a control freak. She knew that they would have to tell her about their origins soon.

“You’re not planning on doing something stupid, like telling her are you?” Michael accused.

“How dumb do you think I am?” Liz charged. “Of course I’m not going to say anything.”

Michael crossed his arms in satisfaction. “Good. The less people know about us, the better.”

Liz glared at Michael one last time before storming off to follow Connie.

On the ride back to the motel, Liz tried to ignore the probing looks Max threw her way. She knew that she should tell him what was going on but she just didn’t have the energy in her to explain.

She knew that the odds were stacked against them and try as she might she just didn’t have any confidence in her burgeoning powers. They were still somewhat dormant and unpredictable. As for Max, she hadn’t seen him exhibit any special abilities since the incident in the desert. She doubted that he would be able to fire on command. As for weapons, other than Connie’s two guns, they had nothing.

For the first time in a long time, she was scared.

She heaved a sigh and leaned her head against the seat. Closing her eyes, she wished for the night to be over.


<center>* * *</center>


Pierce sat in the dark, staring at the television screen unblinking. He flicked through channels rapidly not really seeing what was on the screen. However, a news report flashed on screen catching his attention.

“…it’s been five days since anyone has seen this woman. If anyone has any information on the whereabouts of Liz Parker, please call the Roswell Sheriff’s department at…”

“Damn it!” Pierce swore under his breath. They were supposed to be flying under the radar but with this current development that was going to be tough to do. He was going to have to pull most of his team out of Roswell in order to avoid drawing the suspicion of the local cops.

Ten years had passed since his last experience with the Roswell P.D. It hadn’t been too difficult back then to mix in with the ‘crowd’ so to speak. The Sheriff hadn’t been too suspicious of his presence then but he doubted that would be the case now.

He hastily reached out a hand to the table beside him and grabbed his cell phone.

“Have you found any new information on the Parker girl, Agent Hunter?” Pierce said calmly. He listened to the voice on the other line as the agent gave him an answer that he didn’t want to hear.

“…I need the situation resolved as soon as possible, do you understand?” Pierce hung up the phone, not bothering to wait for an answer and reached for his scotch, downing it in one quick gulp.

Flipping his gaze back to the television, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to sleep again tonight.

<center>* * *</center>


Connie crossed her arms across her chest, hugging herself to keep warm. She hated the desert at night. It was cold and barren and dark. It didn’t help any that everyone was on edge tonight.

She didn’t blame them. What they were about to do could be considered really brave or very stupid.

Their reconnaissance mission the night before revealed the map that Iceman procured was accurate, and from what they saw, the guards shift changed at eleven o’clock on the dot. They had agreed on a rough plan on how to get into the complex. Connie was still irritated at the way Nasedo seemed to take charge and how Michael acted as his second-in-command.

She remembered the way Nasedo had spoken, as if he’d had first hand experience with this sort of operation. Once again, Connie wondered who Nasedo really was, and why the hell Michael had so much trust in him. However, she didn’t have to wonder much longer when she saw a pair of headlights flash in their direction.

“He’s here,” Michael announced, pushing himself away from the car.

She watched as a tall, unfamiliar man stepped out of the car. She quickly reached for weapon but stopped short of pulling it out when she felt Isabel’s hand on her arm.

“It’s Nasedo,” the tall blonde whispered.

“How do you know?” Connie asked still eyeing the stranger suspiciously.

“Trust me, I know,” Isabel assured.

Connie grumbled in frustration. It seemed like there was no way of getting straight answers out of these people. No matter, she trusted herself and she was confident that she knew enough about the Special Unit to protect herself.

“We’re using the van,” Nasedo announced, stepping out of the vehicle. “I’ve got equipment in there that we’ll need.”

“What should we do with our cars?” Maria asked.

“You’re going to park it at the gas station half a mile back. That way it’ll be less obvious to anyone tracking us,” he replied.

Everyone nodded silently and got into their respective vehicles. When they reached the gas station, everyone piled into the back of the van. However, it seemed Connie and Michael had the same idea when they both reached for the handle of the door to the front passenger seat.

“Hold up there, Mike. I’m sitting here,” Connie said, blocking Michael.

“I don’t think so,” Michael replied. “I get the front since I’m the one organizing this operation.”

Connie narrowed her eyes in irritation. “You know what. Fuck you, Michael! If it wasn’t for me you’re two friends over there would be dead by now. And if it wasn’t for me, you and your Scooby gang wouldn’t be here.”

“Listen,” Michael said with barely restrained anger. “You don’t have much pull here. I don’t know if you’ve forgotten but you’re not in the army anymore. No one has to listen to what you say. So you can just fu– ”

“Enough!” Nasedo yelled, interrupting their verbal standoff. “No one is sitting in the front. It will look suspicious if either one of you were caught sitting up here with me.

“So both of you get in the back with everyone else. Once everyone is here, we can go.”

“Uh, what are you talking about? Everyone is here,” Michael said confused.

Just then, a white hatchback pulled up beside the van and a familiar blonde stepped out.

It was Tess.


tbc...


__________________

Is anyone else as intrigued by the new season of LOST as I am? I wonder what the heck the Others want with Kate, Sawyer and Jack.

Chapter 36

“What the hell is she doing here?” Liz exclaimed.

Michael crossed his arms and flicked his gaze from Tess to Nasedo, waiting for an explanation.

“Well, nice to see all of you too,” Tess bit out, making her way towards their protector.

“Who invited you?” Maria spat.

Tess in response rolled her eyes and looked towards Nasedo.

“I asked Tess to come,” Nasedo explained. “I don’t know if you’ve forgotten how invaluable she is to the Royal Four. How else do you expect to get past the guards and into the base?”

“We don’t need her,” said Michael, “there are three of us and Connie knows the lay of the land.”

“Okay, wait a minute,” Connie interrupted, holding up a hand. “What is this Royal Four you’re spouting about?”

Nasedo turned and glared at Michael and Max. “See this is exactly why I cautioned you not to involved humans.”

Michael ignored Connie. “I know you’ve had a lot of experience with these people Nasedo but I don’t know if you realize that there’s more of them than there are of us.”

Nasedo waved his hand dismissively. “No matter. We’re wasting time here. Everyone get in. We’ve only got another forty minutes before the shift change.”

By the time they arrived at the base, a tenuous hush had fallen over the occupants of the van. Tension was high and everyone was anxious. Nasedo parked the van far enough away not to arouse suspicion but still close enough for them to get away.

“Is everyone wearing a watch?” Nasedo asked, turning to address the vehicle’s occupants. “We have less than an hour to get in and out.”

Opening the glove compartment, he pulled out the blueprints, spreading it open for all to see.

“We’re going to go in teams of four. Michael, Isabel, Connie, and Tess, you’ll take this corridor and search sublevels 5 to 8. Max, Liz, Alex, and I will take the rest. I want you only to gather any evidence of our existence and leave the rest up to me.”

“What about the stones?” Michael asked.

“Find them. I don’t care how you get to them but find them,” Nasedo ordered. “Remember you only have an hour.”

Everyone nodded solemnly.

“Wait, what am I doing?” Maria asked, clearly not liking the arrangement.

“You’re staying here,” Michael answered.

“Why do you guys get to go and I have to stay here?” Maria complained.

“Because,” Michael glared at her pointedly while pointing to his hand.

Understanding but not liking the answer, Maria huffed. “You guys think you’re the Justice League,” she grumbled. “Fine. I’ll stay. Make sure you don’t get yourselves killed in there.”

The eight of them set off towards the perimeter fence, using the moonless night to cloak their approach.

“Connie, I don’t know how to say this but you’re going to see some things tonight that are going to be unexplainable,” Liz hedge, unsure of how to proceed. “We just need you to trust us, and know that we’re the good guys.”

Connie looked at Liz and frowned. “First off, I trust no one. Secondly, I’ve dealt with weird shit all of my adult life. As long as you guys don’t get us captured or killed then I’m cool with whatever you have to do.”

Liz nodded in relief. She was glad that there wouldn’t be any more obstacles on their mission. She just hoped that Connie was true to her word.

As they approached the perimeter fence, Nasedo stopped and motioned to Tess, who in turn stood still and closed her eyes. Michael, Liz, Max, Connie, and Alex watched in fascination as the guards seemed to have a one-sided conversation before the gates slid open. They all looked to Nasedo in question who nodded his head indicating for them to pass through.

Quickly, the group ran through the gate, making sure to stay on guard. Liz glanced back at Tess who, although was walking, carried a blank look in her eyes.

She should have known that Tess would mindwarp the guards. After all, she was the only one of the foursquare that had that power.

Quickly shrugging off her sudden grateful feeling towards Tess, Liz followed Connie through the alcove and stood waiting at the doors.

“What are we waiting for?” Liz asked.

“It’s bio-coded,” Connie whispered.

“Step aside,” Nasedo ordered before bending down to the scanner. A green laser scanned his retina and they heard the tell-tale click of the lock being disengaged.

Connie looked over at Liz and raised an eyebrow. Liz only shrugged her shoulders in response.

Nasedo lead the group through the first set of doors, immediately waving his hand in the direction of the security cameras.

“What’s he doing?” Connie asked.

“Disabling the CCTV,” Max said, looking around cautiously.

“This must be the weird shit you were referring to,” Connie whispered to Liz.

As they came around the corner, Nasedo stopped and raised a hand, signaling for the others to do the same.

They all held their breaths as they heard footsteps approaching.

Quick as lighting, Nasedo reached out and grabbed the guard, twisting his neck before he could scream.

Liz gasped in horror at what the protector had done. She had never seen anyone killed before. She looked up and saw that Nasedo was dragging the body into an alcove signaling for Michael to follow him.

A moment later, the two men came out with Michael dressed in the army fatigues that the guard had previously worn.

“Oh my god!” Liz exclaimed. “You killed him!”

Nasedo ignored Liz’s outburst and signaled for everyone to divide into the two agreed-upon groups and investigate the sections they were assigned. Everyone complied, even Liz despite her protest.

Nasedo led his group through the myriad of well-lit halls, making sure to stop at every corner to disable any cameras along the way.

“We have to find the control room first,” Nasedo ordered. “We must disable any surveillance they have. It’ll also help us search for evidence faster.”

Liz and Max nodded, while Alex whipped out his handheld device.

“Is that a Blackberry?” Max asked, staring at the electronic equipment in Alex’s hand.

“Yeah, something like it. It’s a PDA. I’ve downloaded the map into it and it’ll help us search for the rooms faster,” Alex replied as he tapped the screen.

“We don’t have time for this,” Nasedo snapped.

Alex looked up and frowned at Nasedo in irritation. “The control room is two halls down that way,” he pointed to their left. “It’s the third door down on the right.”

Alex led the way, quickly navigating down the hall. When they reached the control room door everyone paused with baited breath. As their protector, Nasedo went first, pushing Alex aside and swiping his ID card through the panel on the wall. As soon as the door opened, Nasedo burst in, raising his hand to fire off shots, instantly killing the two guards in the room.

Liz cautiously followed staring at the carnage that Nasedo caused. Both bodies contained large burn marks still sizzling on their chests. The odor of burnt skin wafted through the room causing Liz and Alex to gag.

Max covered his mouth and nose, looking at Liz in concern. He bent down to wrap his arm around her but she held her hand up, stopping him.

“I’ll be fine,” she heaved, resting a hand on her knee while her other arm covered her nose.

Max nodded and looked toward Alex who looked like he was coping better than Liz with the smell.

“Alex, find the switch for the cameras in sublevel 5 to 8 and turn it off,” Nasedo ordered pushing one of the bodies aside to get to the control panel.

“We need to get to here,” Nasedo pointed to a screen. It looks like this is where they kept some of the artifacts.

“Wait! What’s this?” Liz asked staring at another screen. It featured a large darkened room covered in what looked like ivy. As the camera swept the room, Liz was taken aback by what appeared to be four large glowing objects attached to the wall. Suddenly, she was pushed and was blocked was Nasedo.

“Damn it!” He swore, whirling around and heading back out the door.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Alex asked charging after Nasedo. Liz and Max followed suit, chasing the older alien down the hallway.

“Where’s he going?” Max panted as they ran after Nasedo.

“I think he’s going to the room that was on that screen,” Liz replied, trying hard to keep up the pace.

They followed Nasedo down three flights of stairs before he abruptly stopped at the door to Sublevel 3.

He quickly looked around and spotted a guard stationed at a door at the end of the corridor. He signaled for the others to stay put while he walked towards the oblivious guard.

“Bradley! What are you doing here?” The guard asked. “I thought you were assigned to sublevel 6.”

Nasedo (Bradley) smiled. “Sorry bud. They changed it up on us. I was just told that I’m to be up here.”

“Huh,” the guard grunted in disbelief. “Let me just check on that.” He unclipped the two-way radio on his belt and held it up to his mouth. However, before he could press the button to talk, he felt a burning sensation on his back so intense that he started to scream.


<center>* * *</center>


“Are you sure it’s safe for us to take the elevator?” Isabel asked nervously, as she stared at the numbers above the lift doors.

“It’s fine. You guys can disable the camera, right?” Connie watched the numbers rise up as the elevator approached their floor.

A moment later, the doors opened and she stepped aside to let Michael step in.

“The camera is off,” Michael announced. “Looks like Nasedo managed to disable the CCTV after all.”

When they reached sublevel six, the four of them stepped off the elevator and headed north.

“Where are we going?” Tess asked, jogging to keep up with Connie.

“To the archive warehouse. It’s where they keep all evidence of past case files,” Connie explained.

“What exactly are we looking for?” Isabel asked.

“Any boxes containing evidence from your friend, Max’s disappearance,” Connie instructed.

When they reached the warehouse door, Michael held his hand to the card panel. Connie watched in shock as his hand briefly glowed before he pushed open the door. Isabel and Tess slipped past her completely oblivious to what had just transpired, while all she could do was stare.

Isabel paused, holding the door open. “Are you coming?”

Connie blinked and nodded, following Isabel into the warehouse. What kind of shit was she in now? Liz and Max owed her an explanation once they get out of here and she wasn’t taking no for an answer.

“Woah,” Isabel breathed overwhelmed by the stacks of boxes perched on top of shelves around the room. “Where do we start?”

“Each section should be labeled by years. You just have to find the boxes labeled Roswell, New Mexico,” Connie explained.

They each took a row and started searching the box labels. Finally, after fifteen minutes Tess struck gold.

“Hey, I think I found something,” Tess called, running to the next aisle to grab Michael.

“It’s up there,” Tess pointed to a group of boxes sitting on the third shelf.

Isabel and Connie came around the corner just in time to see Michael grab one of the boxes and bring it down.

“What is it?” Isabel asked crouching down to one of the boxes.

Michael pulled the plastic-wrapped object out of the box and held it up.

“It’s Liz’s dress.”


tbc...


_______________

p.s. I hate the women I work with. They are petty and exhausting. You ask a simple question and they always give a complicated answer. Sometimes I feel like saying, "just give me the fucking info I'm looking for. I don't need to know how to find it!" Grr!

Glad you like the title of my Supernatural fanfic, Scottie. Fear not, I will continue this story until the end. Just how it ends is the question.

___________________

Chapter 37

“How did they get a hold of it?” Isabel asked worried.

“I have no idea!” Michael exclaimed. He stood up and ran his hand through his hair, anxiety seeping through his every pore.

“If Max would have just been smart enough to have left things alone, we wouldn’t be in this mess,” Tess said irritably.

Isabel shot Tess a look. “Look, it’s too late to point fingers now. We just have to find as many things we can that has anything to do with us.”

Michael suddenly stopped his agitated pacing and whirled on Connie.

“Did you know anything about this?” He asked getting in her face.

“First of all, get your finger out of my face,” Connie slapped Michael’s hand away. “Secondly, the only thing I did was work on biological material. I was a med tech remember.”

“Well, there’s blood on this dress,” Isabel held up the bag containing the uniform.

Connie crossed her arms across her chest defensively. “No, I’ve never seen it before.”

Michael stared at Connie trying to discern if she was telling the truth. Finally, he sighed and crouched back down to the box.

“We need to bring down all those boxes to see what’s in there,” he instructed, staring up at the shelves.

Connie looked down at her watch. “We’ve got to hurry. We don’t have a lot of time.”

The four of them moved quickly to bring down the remaining boxes. Each box they found contained documents rather than the alien artifacts that they were seeking.

“What the hell is this?” Michael demanded, kicking at the boxes angrily. “Papers, documents?”

“It’s evidence, Michael,” Connie explained. “I’m going to need these if I ever plan on regaining my freedom back.”

“What are you talking about?” Isabel asked puzzled.

“For the past two years I’ve been on the run,” Connie ran her hand through her hair. “I’ve barely kept myself alive. I’m tired of running. This needs to stop. They need to pay for the lives that they’ve destroyed.”

Michael stared at her, assessing. “How do you propose we cart these out of here?” he asked.

Connie poked at the documents in the box. “I just need financial statements and correspondence. The rest of these should just be lab results. I don’t need those.”

“What about my brother?” Isabel looked at Connie in question.

“What about him?” Connie replied.

Isabel looked at the contents of the box. “Well if these are lab results, something in here has to have something to do with Max.”

Connie paused for a minute staring at the contents of the box. “Fine. If you see something relevant to him, set it aside. But we don’t have a lot of time. We need to do this fast.”

The four of them set to work dumping out the contents of one box and using it to cart the papers that they needed. They needed to hurry because time was running out.


<center>* * *</center>


“What are you doing?” Max exclaimed, his eyes wide with fear.

“I’m doing my job,” Nasedo replied. He placed his hand on the security panel to the right of the door, disengaging the lock with his powers.

“But you’re killing people,” Liz said, trailing behind them.

Nasedo didn’t reply. He pushed the door open and stood at the threshold, his eyes scanning the room.

“Oh my –” Liz breathed. The room was huge. The ceilings high and the floors bare. The air was warm and humid, like that of a rainforest, but that wasn’t what had caught Max and Liz’s eyes. What got their attention was the four pods protruding from the wall.

“What is that?” Liz asked in awe, moving towards the objects. She reached out to touch the thin membrane.

“Don’t touch it!” Nasedo yelled, but he didn’t get a chance to explain because at the same time, the hammer of a gun was cocked, causing Nasedo and Liz to whip their heads around to the door.

“Hello,” Pierce greeted holding the barrel of the gun to Max’s temple. “So nice of all of you to drop by.”

Nasedo and Liz whirled to face him. Almost immediately, Nasedo tried to spring into action but the jerk of Pierce’s arm stopped him.

“Make a move and he ends up with a bullet in his brain,” Pierce warned. “And his alien power isn’t going to do a thing to stop him from dying.”

Max struggled against Pierce but the older man had a firm hold on him and the gun against his temple wasn’t budging. Quickly, he thought about the possibilities of escape now that they’d been discovered but he kept coming up blank.

His eyes darted to Liz and saw the fear in her eyes. As much as Max wanted to reassure her that everything would be fine, he couldn’t. He too was afraid. Their current situation looked bleak.

“There’s no escape for you,” Pierce said, jerking his hold on Max. “In a matter of moments this place will be surrounded. I guess it’ll be just like old times, eh Max?”

Max felt Pierce’s hot breath against his skin and shuddered in repulsion. “Just let them go,” Max pleaded. “You’ve got me. Just let them go.”

Pierce laughed. “You’ve got some ego on you, kid. Do you think that this is just about you? Don’t you remember I’ve got plans for your little girlfriend over there?”

“Shut up! Leave her alone!” Max exclaimed, struggling against his captor.

“Max!” Liz yelled when she saw Pierce jam the gun barrel against Max’s head.

All of a sudden the glow from one of the hanging pods intensified and began to pulsate. All four pairs of eyes suddenly flashed to the wall and they watched as a small tear appeared on one of the pods and fluid began to leak out of it.

“It’s happening,” Pierce whispered in awe. “After years of waiting, it’s finally happening.” His eyes widened and he began to move toward it, dragging Max along.

Max’s eyes were riveted to the pods. He wasn’t completely sure what was happening but he was afraid he had an idea.

The tear began to enlarge and a hand poked through the opening followed by a shoulder. The dripping of fluid became heavier until the bottom of the pod tore open and a body fell through.

Pierce quickly forgot about Max and strode towards the crumpled naked body on the floor. He crouched down and began to reach for it but was stopped when a beam of light shot out of Nasedo’s hand knocking the veteran agent against the wall. Pierce, who was taken by surprise, crumpled to the floor unconscious.

Nasedo reached the podling first, bending down to flip it onto its back.

It was a girl, a small woman with blonde hair and pale almost translucent skin, who bore a striking resemblance to Tess. Her eyes were closed and from the lack of movement to her chest, it appeared that she wasn’t breathing.

“Oh God she’s dead,” Liz gasped fearfully. She dropped to her knees beside the woman and looked up at Max. “Do something!”

“Move,” Max ordered, pushing Nasedo aside before bending down to perform CPR.

“What are you doing?” Nasedo asked incredulously.

“What does it look like?” Max asked in between puffs of breath. “I’m trying to save her life.”

Nasedo frowned in confusion. “Heal her,” he barked, standing over them.

Max looked up confused. “What are you talking about?” He looked to Liz to see if she had any idea what the older alien meant but one look in her eyes told him that she was thinking the same thing.

“You can heal, Max,” Liz said calmly.

Max shook his head. “I don’t know how.”

Liz was quiet for a moment. “Yes, you do. Just put your hand on her chest and concentrate.”

He looked to her for help and she answered him with a look of encouragement. He looked down at the woman and tentatively placed his hands above her chest and closed his eyes. He scrunched his face in concentration and beads of sweat began to form on his skin. However, the moment was broken by a loud bang and Max opened his eyes just in time to see Nasedo fall to reveal Pierce slumped down behind him holding a smoking gun in his hand.

Max and Liz stared at Pierce in shock and once again Pierce raised his gun and fired, the barrel aimed at Max’s head.

Max closed his eyes and braced himself but was surprised to feel nothing. He opened his eyes to see the bullet twirling, suspended in mid-air with Pierce gaping him. He looked over at Liz and saw her frozen, staring in concentration at the bullet in front of him.

“What the hell,” he heard Pierce whisper before he a blast of white hot energy zip past him hitting Pierce right on his chest. Max whirled around to see Michael, arm raised, standing at the threshold.

The small movement was all Liz was waiting for. She let her concentration drop and fell to the floor, setting the bullet back in motion barely missing Max’s head and implanting itself into the wall.

“Liz!” Max yelled as he watched her crumple to the ground.

The bullet hit an electrical outlet and sparks shot out from the wall catching the hanging vines scattered throughout the room.

“C’mon let’s go!” Michael yelled, running into the room to grab Nasedo.

Max scrambled along the floor gathering Liz in his arms. He looked down and fear gripped his heart when he saw that she was unconscious and with blood coming out of her nose.

Michael slung Nasedo’s arm around his shoulders and dragged the older alien out of the room. “Max!” Michael barked gesturing for Max to follow him.

The fire began to spread triggering the alarm. Within seconds, the sprinklers overhead burst to life, soaking everyone in the room.

Max looked at Pierce before pushing himself to his feet with Liz lying prone in his arms.

“The guards are coming! Let’s go!” Michael began moving towards the stairs, his movements slowed by the wet, slippery floor and Nasedo’s unconscious form.

Max looked back at Pierce, staring at the man who had taken away a decade of his life, before following Michael down the hall.

tbc

Thanks coloradogal, flamehair, clari, lou & french dreamer. Thanks for coming out you lurkers!

Scottie, Ken r & Alien614, thanks for remembering and bumping.

Holy moley! Phew! I finally finished this chapter and boy was it ever hard to complete. As I said before I'm trying to wrap it up and it's getting a little harder to churn it out. Plus I've kind of stumbled along to writing other fanfics such as one for LOST (Jack/Juliet) and Supernatural (Dean/Jo) - which I wrote under my other screen name . So thanks everyone for your patience.

----------------

Part 38

Liz awoke disoriented and groggy. She could hear voices and a strange ringing echoing around her. She felt like she was being dragged. Her chin bounced against her chest as her head hung low. She tried to move her limbs but it was like something was pulling her down. She felt weak and tired. She could hear the urgency in the voices as they moved but she couldn’t do a thing about it. She could feel her fingertips tingling like every nerve ending she had was awake and alert.

She felt strange, like she had been drugged, but she couldn’t recall any such thing. All she knew was that she had to wake up. She had to get her faculties back. Their lives depended on it.

Suddenly, as if she was being pulled, her mind cleared and feeling returned to her limbs. Her eyes popped open and she was blinded by the white light that lit the hallway. She slowly raised her arms and covered her ears against the noise.

“What’s going on?” Liz yelled against the din.

“Thank God you’re okay,” Max exclaimed, stopping in his tracks. He quickly ran his hands over her face and body and Liz was forced to look into his worried eyes.

“I’m alright, Max,” she assured him. She looked around and caught Michael gesturing at them to keep following him.

“C’mon you two,” Michael snapped. “We don’t have time for this. We’ve got to get out of here.”

Liz looked over at Max who nodded his head. He stepped back from her but grasped her hand firmly in his.

“We have to go, Liz,” Max advised and started to move forward, but Liz stood rooted on the spot as she stared at Nasedo’s inert form.

“Is he…? Is he dead?” She asked.

“I don’t know,” Max replied. “C’mon we have to keep moving.”

Liz seemed to accept his reply and they soon found themselves running blindly around the wet, darkened hallways.

Everything looked the same to her. It was like they were trapped in a maze. Despite having studied the maps, Liz’s memory was failing her. She couldn’t remember where they where and how they could get out.

“Michael!” Max yelled above the din of the alarm. “We need to get out!”

“What do you think I’ve been trying to do?” Michael snapped. Liz could see the wild panic in his eyes.

“Where are the others, Michael?” Liz asked, running hard to keep up with the two taller men.

“They’re making their own way out,” he said. “I had to find you guys first.”

As they rounded the corner, they heard shouts echoing down the hallway.

“Oh my God!” Liz exclaimed. “They’re coming! What are we going to do?”

The three of them looked at each other with blind panic behind their eyes. They were trapped and their only hope of escape was currently sporting a bullet hole in his chest.

Michael looked around him and spotted a door leading to a stairwell.

“C’mon,” he urged bypassing the security lock with his powers and opening the door. Liz led the way as he and Max carried Nasedo down the dimly lit stairs.

“I can’t see anything!” Liz exclaimed.

“Just get down to the next level!” Michael advised.

Three of them struggled down the stairs until they reached the next level below. Liz carefully opened the door, checking the hallways for guards. When she found that the coast was clear, she waived the three men through and they ran down the hall.

“We’re going the wrong way, Michael,” Max said worriedly. “We should be going up not down.”

“I know okay!” Michael snapped. “Don’t you think they’d have guards watching the exits?”

With their footsteps echoing around them they failed to hear the sound of approaching boots.

“Stop! Don’t move!” A voice barked behind them.

Liz stopped dead in her tracks and turned her eyes growing wide when she saw a soldier holding his rifle up and aiming right at her.

“Shit,” Michael swore beneath his breath.

Liz and Max held their hands up while Michael tried his best while holding an unconscious Nasedo at his side.

The guard kept his eyes trained on them while he fumbled for the radio that hung on his belt.

“Don’t move,” he warned them as he slowly unclipped the walkie.

Liz could feel the knot of dread in her stomach. She wanted to close her eyes in despair. Images suddenly flashed into her mind and she felt like she was going to be sick. They were images of pain and torture, of loneliness and despair. She looked over at Max and could see the color drain from his face.

A loud thump had her looking back up only to see that the guard was lying unconscious on the ground and an older, dark-skinned man with silver hair was holding a metal rod over him.

“Follow me,” he instructed.

Liz, Michael, and Max stood rooted on the spot, shocked and confused as to who the man was.

“You can either stand there and be caught or you can all follow me to safety,” he said.

Liz looked to Max then Michael for a decision. Michael’s features hardened while Max grabbed her hand.

“Let’s go,” Max said authoritatively and began to follow the old man.

“You’re lucky that I found you,” the old man said, huffing. “Any minute longer and five marines would have been on you like flies to honey.”

“Who are you?” Michael barked, trying hard to keep up while dragging Nasedo’s limp form beside him.

“My name is Dr. Robert Brown,” said the older man. “I’m a researcher at this facility.”

His last sentence instantly made the three of them stop in their tracks.

Michael held up a hand and so did Liz.

“We’re not going anywhere with you,” Michael announced.

Dr. Brown stopped and pivoted. He held up his hands in reaction to Liz and Michael’s stance. “I swear I’m not here to hurt you. I’m risking my life to save you.”

“How do we know you are who you say you are?” Max asked, taking a step closer to Liz.

“I’m not lying to you. But if you don’t believe me…I know who you are. Your name is Jason Stevens but that wasn’t always your name. I know what happened to you. I know that you have a lot of questions and that there are things that you’re starting to remember that frighten you. I can tell you more but you have to follow me. We can’t stay here. We have to go,” Dr. Brown said.

Liz looked over at Max and saw him wrinkle his brow. He leaned down towards her and whispered, “I think we should follow him.”

“Are you sure, Max?” Liz asked. He nodded his head in response.

Max looked over at Michael and nodded his head indicating that they should follow the doctor but Michael wasn’t as easy to convince.

“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” He demanded his posture rigid.

“You don’t unfortunately,” Dr. Brown shrugged. “But as you can see, I’m unarmed and I know how to get out of this place. But if you’d rather take your chances, then that’s your choice.” He pivoted and began jogging down the hallway.

“C’mon you guys,” Liz pleaded, her eyes darting back and forth between the doctor and the area behind them.

“Fine,” Michael agreed, gritting his teeth. He grabbed hold of Nasedo’s arm and began following Dr. Brown.

They ran through the facility in great haste, fully aware of the marines that were on their tail. Max hoped that Isabel, Tess, Alex and Connie made it outside safe. He didn’t know what he would do if any of them were captured. As it was, he was starting to get flashes of his time in captivity and although none of it was coherent he knew that none of it had been pleasant.

They followed the doctor through rooms and stairwells until they had reached the ground floor.

As they approached another door, the doctor stopped holding up his hand to indicate they do the same.

“It’s crawling with soldiers out there. It’ll be hard to get past them to get outside,” Dr. Brown said in between breaths.

“I say we go out there and shoot,” Michael announced.

“Are you crazy, Michael?” Liz asked in disbelief. “We’re outnumbered three-to-one. What do you think our chances are coming out alive?”

“Fine,” Michael ground out. “Do you have any better ideas?”

As Michael and Liz continued to exchange heated whispers, Max crept up to the rectangular window on the door and took a peek. He saw soldiers – marines holding up their weapons and standing guard at the exit door, while another handful came in and out from other doors.

Suddenly, Max was taken aback when he saw a wisp of blonde hair peeking out from between the military fatigues.

It was Tess.

She had her eyes closed in concentration, while behind her Alex, Isabel, and Connie followed along. He saw the guards speaking to someone who wasn’t there before jogging off to another corridor. Max saw this as an opportunity for them to escape.

“Guys, shut up,” he ordered. “We have to go.” He reached out and grabbed the handle on the door but Michael’s hand on his shoulder quickly stopped him.

“Are you crazy?” Michael asked, his eyes wild. “There are guards out there.”

“I know,” Max nodded. “But it’s okay. Tess is taking care of it.”

“Tess?” Michael stepped around Max to look through the window and saw that the rest of his friends were creeping their way out the door. Satisfied, he pulled Nasedo closer and quickly shuffled out the door with his arm out for protection, ready to blast whoever tried to stop them.

Max and Liz did the same. They thought it strange that these soldiers were moving around them and would look right at them, yet they showed no signs of actually seeing them. Despite her misgivings, Liz was glad that that Michael had brought Nasedo and in turn Tess into the fold. If it wasn’t for them she didn’t think that they would be able to get out of the facility alive.

As soon as Michael pushed the doors open, revealing the vast open space outside, Liz felt someone tugging on her hand.

“Please take me with you,” Dr. Brown begged.

Liz looked at him in confusion and panic. She didn’t know what to do. Her gaze shifted to Max then Michael who shook his head.

She looked at the doctor one more time, scrutinizing his features. Finally, she nodded her head and turned to move forward.

“This is a mistake,” Michael hissed as they crept along the walls, avoiding the flashing spotlights that swept the grounds.

Liz ignored Michael as her eyes swept the perimeter looking for the rest of their group. She saw Tess collapse into Isabel’s arms and all hell broke loose.

Like a finger being snapped, the guards suddenly became aware of their presence and gunshots rang out. Liz was propelled to action by Max suddenly tugging on her hand. Within seconds they were ducking behind trucks and barrels, trying to inch their way off the property. She saw the doctor stealing glances at the doors behind them and she instantly knew what he was worried about.

She turned and saw Michael firing out a blast through his palm hitting a guard squarely in the chest and knocking him out. She saw Isabel do the same, while Connie was firing shots from her gun.

“Let’s go!” Michael barked struggling with his load.

Liz let go of Max’s hand and ran over to Michael to help with Nasedo when suddenly a guard appeared from their right and fired his gun.

A bright green light unexpectedly flared up illuminating all five of them. Liz’s eyes widened in awe and Michael stood rooted on the spot.

It was like time had frozen. Everyone stood still and stared at the green shield that surrounded them. Even the guards were shocked frozen.

Liz looked over at Max and saw his hand out projecting the shield that protected them. “Let’s move,” he said, the muscles in his face strained. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he concentrated on projecting the shield.

“Holy mother of….,” Dr. Brown gasped as he stared first at the shield then at Max.

“Max? How….what….?” Liz trailed off, unable to comprehend what was happening.

Michael was the first to snap out of shock. “Come on! We have to move!”

Liz shook her head as did the doctor and they followed closely behind Michael and Max.

As they began to move, the guards once again began firing but the shield protected them from being harmed, but Liz could see the toll it took on Max. By the time they escaped to the desert and met up with the rest of the group, Max had all but collapsed from exhaustion.

“Max!” Isabel rushed up to her brother and pulled him into a tight hug.

“I’m okay, Iz,” Max replied, happy to see that his sister was alright.

“What happened to him?” Isabel asked, running over to help Michael with Nasedo.

“He was shot by Pierce,” Michael explained.

“Stop!” Connie ordered drawing her gun and aiming it at them.

“Connie! What are you doing?” Liz asked.

“I told you she couldn’t be trusted,” Michael spat, glaring at Liz.

She looked over at Connie and saw the fierce look in her eyes and hoped that she hadn’t been wrong all along.


tbc...