Lost in the Crowd (CC,AU,Mature) Pro-pt.5 6/9 (WIP)
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 6:09 pm
Lost in The Crowd
By Darkstar aka Tyler Berube
FYI: I’m a die hard rock fan, so I’ll be using a lot of music throughout this fic. You can expect to see songs or get mentions about bands like Crossfade, Velvet Revolver, Breaking Point, Shinedown, Revis, Audioslave, and Mudvayne, along with many others The song exerpt below is from Shinedown’s ‘Lost in the Crowd’ which is the inspiration for the title. After Michael leaves, it’s Seven by Revis. And at the beginning of Part I is Scott Stapp’s The Great Divide. Also, I forgot to put this in the preview; Kyle, Liz, and Alex can all do that Molecular Manipulation thingy. And Max has already proposed to Liz.
The Pairings will be: Max/Liz, Michael/Maria, Alex/Isabel, Kyle/Tess, and Oz/Serena
The first couple of parts will be mainly to introduce Serena, and then Oz into the story. Then the action will really start up in Part V or so.
A/N: I know that this should probably be in the crossover sect. for using Oz but he’s the only character I plan to use from any other TV show. He’ll come in at some point in Part II or Part III. There might be a vamp or demon or two along the way, but for the most part our ten heroes will just be on the run from the FBI.
Author’s Note 2: I’ve never been out of New England, except for two one week long trips to Florida, and once to California, but I was too young to remember that trip, so I’ll be making up street names and places that the gang stops at, but the town names will be real. Oh yeah, and Jim Valenti will be back eventually. Remember that he has been changed too. Everyone in the gang knows about Future Max and The End of The World.
In Part II, the signifigance of the names on the ids of Kyle, Tess, Alex, Isabel, Max, and Michael are the real names of wrestlers Edge, Lita, Kane, Trish Stratus, Sabu and Tazz respectively. Liz, Maria, and Serena just have the names of the first three actresses that came into my mind, which happen to be my three favorite…go figure.
Finally, I didn’t like the way that Max and Michael couldn’t hold their booze. (See Blind Date and A Tale of Two Parties) So I have destroyed that fact. Aliens can get drunk, and it takes the normal amount of consumption.
For The Sake of Credits here’s the list of actors who will be main characters for my attempt at fourth season (I Could Use A Banner) :
Main
Shiri Appleby as Liz Parker
Jason Behr as Max Evans
Lindy Booth as Serena Crowley
Majandro Delfino as Maria Deluca
Brendon Fehr as Michael Guerin
Seth Green as Daniel Osbourne
Colin Hanks as Alex Whitman
Katherine Heigl as Isabel Evans
Emilie de Ravin as Tess Harding
And
Nick Wechsler as Kyle Valenti
Here Goes Nothing…
Prologue: Graduation
Should I offer up my hand
And save a wish for once
For all of us
And should I offer up my hand
And lay the guilt on myself
So it’s easier, to not stay, to not stay
Tess Voice Over: “I’ve never been one for reflection, but I do know right from wrong. I know it’s not right to benefit over someone else’s passing, but I won’t deny that Kilan’s death has freed me. He was the last person alive that was hellbent on me following destiny. With him gone, Nasedo and Kivar dead, I can finally walk my own roads, forge my own destiny. And it feels so right.”
Graduation- 2 Days and Counting
May 30th, 2002
Crashdown
Liz and Maria are working, Michael is working at the grill, and Kyle is having lunch at the counter.
“So tell me, my precognitive friend, do you think you can tell me what’s going to happen between me and spaceboy?” Maria asks Liz.
“Maria, I can’t get visions on command, so it’s prob’ly beyond my capabilities.” Liz replies.
“Can you at least tell me that we’ll always have each other?” Maria asks, seriously.
“Yeah, of course we will.” Liz says, but is worried at Maria’s serious expression.
Liz walks over to Kyle and hands him a glass of cherry coke. She sniffs the air.
“Ewww..” Liz exclaims in disgust. “What is that?”
Kyle gives his ex a wry grin. “It’s called working for the man.”
“In a sewer?” Liz asks, wrinkling her nose again.
“Close. Been flushing septic lines for a 1975 RV.” Kyle answers.
Suddenly Tess comes running into the Crashdown, a letter in her hand.
“I got into Boston University!” Tess exclaims, throwing herself into Kyle’s arms. He laughs and spins her around in a hug. Liz gives Tess a hug too. Tess goes to show Michael.
Just then, Mr. Parker comes in from the back room holding a letter in his hand as well.
“From Yale.” He says simply and Liz takes the letter. She looks at the envelop for a moment and gets a flash. It’s an acceptance letter.
“I did it, I got in!” Liz says.
“Honey, you haven’t even opened it yet.” Her father says, amused. Liz gives Kyle a nervous glance. She opens the letter and looks at it. After a moment she grins.
“I’m in!” Liz says and gives he father a tight hug as he whoops for joy. Maria looks at Liz forlornly. Kyle claps halfheartedly, realizing that both his girlfriend and his best friend were going to be in college on the other side of the country. He looks away from the group, and says whats on his mind aloud. “I gotta do something with my life.”
Valenti Household
Kyle and his boss Sonny are sitting in the living room.
“Anyways, thanks for taking this meeting.” Kyle says.
“Meeting? You said you were just springing for lunch.” Sonny says, somewhat defensively
“Right, but…. I thought that we could talk a little.” Kyle corrects.
“Are you going to complain? Look trailer sewage is just part of the job buddy.”
“It’s not about that. I’ve just been thinking about my future, and I think that I have a lot to offer” Kyle says as Jim moves to come into the room, but hangs back, unseen by either Kyle or Sonny. “Maybe we could expand…. Maybe even one day…. Open up a new…uh…garage. Anyway, I was wondering if you would consider… taking on a partner.”
Sonny looks at Kyle for a moment, a confused look crosses his face. “…Partner… Look, I’m sorry but that’s not the way things work. You’re a kid. You’re not even my mechanic. You’re an assistant.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s just drop it.” Kyle says disappointedly.
“Partner?” Sonny scoffs. “Sounds a little crazy.”
Jim is still watching from the door, and looks sad.
Unknown Motel in Roswell
Three men are standing around a table. One is in uniform, and the other two are dressed normally, one of them is bald, and the other has short black hair. They are watching a videotape. It’s of Isabel using her powers to make things fly around the room in a whirlwind.
“Is she the…. Thing that destroyed my base?” The man in uniform asks
“There are several candidates.” The bald man says
“Can the Special Unit deal with this?” The general asks.
“The Special Unit no longer exists.” The dark haired man replies.
“Neither does this meeting….” The balding man continues.
“Right.” The general says with a smile.
“However, the members of the unit do keep in contact with one another.” The dark haired man says.
“Then you can take care of…” The general asks, trailing off into silence.
“That is why you contacted us, is it not General?”
The general nods.
Michael and Max’s apartment
Max and Liz are sitting on the couch making out.
“Congratulations.” Max says in between kisses.
“Hehe, you said that already.” Liz admonishes playfully.
“Oh, right.” Max says in mock shame.
“But I love it when you say it.” Liz says playfully and kisses him again
“You ‘College Girls’.” Max jibes.
“Hey we want to be loved for our minds, not our bodies.” Liz says. “Were you serious about wanting to come with me to Yale?”
“I’ve never been more serious.” Max answers, kissing Liz’s neck. “What a great mind… you have…”
“Ohh, I don’t think that’s my mind, but keep looking and you’ll find it.” Liz assures him.
“Really?” Max asks, with a wide grin.
“Uhm hum.” Liz replies. “I can see the future, remember. And right now your future is looking very… very bright.”
Liz is suddenly shocked by a series of flashes. Alex laying dead on a sidewalk, surrounded by a pool of blood. Tess huddling behind a shelf hiding, then a man comes into view and shoots her three times. Kyle running from something, then getting run down by a black car. Isabel sitting in a chair, then getting thrown back as a volley of bullets pierce her chest. Michael falling to his knees, a growing red stain on his shirt. Max putting up his shield, but getting shot from the back. Maria screaming and crying as she gets trampled to death by people trying to get away. Liz herself, falling to the ground, blood pouring from a bullet hole in her neck. Finally, Jim Valenti, Amy Deluca, The Evans, The Parkers, Mr. Whitman and several other parents at the scene, looking down at twelve nondescript body bags, and crying.
She snaps out of it and looks at Max, an expression of horror and shock on her face.
“What is it?” He asks, deeply concerned at the sudden change of her demeanor.
“We’re all going to be killed.” Liz replies, in a whisper.
Later- Michael’s Apartment
Max, Liz, Michael, Isabel, Alex, Tess, Maria, Kyle and Jim Valenti are all standing around the apartment.
“It was terrible. We were killed.” Liz chokes out.
“We as in everyone?” Maria asks, knowing that she is the only one on the room that hasn’t been changed.
“Max, Michael, Isabel, Kyle, Tess, Alex and I were murdered, your death was an accident, and so were several other people who got trampled as well. Jim you didn’t get killed, as far as I saw.” Liz told them.
“So what, I have dreams of us getting whacked all the time.” Michael reasoned.
“It wasn’t a dream, I had another vision.” Liz counters.
“In the four visions she’s had, they’ve all happened.” Max says. “We’ve gotta believe that this will happen too.”
“We’re gonna need more information. Can you give me anything on where this is supposed to happen, so I can warn Hanson.” Jim says, but Liz shakes her head.
“It was too impressionistic to get a place or time.”
“So what are we supposed to do in the meantime?” Kyle asks.
“We stay on guard, No one is to use their powers in public, recreationally or otherwise.” Max says.
Tess looks thoughtfully at Max. “It’s because of Kilan. The army needs someone to blame for Rogers.”
Isabel’s face suddenly darkens. “Mom hasn’t been able to find the videotape she made of me using my powers.”
“And didn’t Brody say that someone ransacked the security room of the UFO Center and stole the security logs from his computer?” Alex asks.
The whole gang shared an uneasy silence. They all knew that they were screwed, all of the hybrids had used their powers in the center at least once.
May 31st, 2002
Graduation- 1 Day and Counting
Madame Vivian’s Tarot House
“So what d’you want out of this relationship? I mean where do the two of you see yourselves in say five years from now?” Madame Vivian asks.
“Well the current theory is that I’m gonna be dust.” Michael replies flippantly.
“Dust?” Madame Vivian asks confused.
“You know Dead, kaput, finito, michelito. No offence, but can we hurry up with the part when you get out your crystal ball and tell us whats going to happen? I wanna get back in time for WWF.” Michael says.
“I apologize for him, Michael please. I really need…. I need for you to try ‘n help me to figure this out, alright?” Maria pleaded.
“You’re the one who broke up with me, two seconds after you sucked face with your ex-boyfriend.” Michael snapped.
“What about that thing with Courtney last year.” Maria replied scathingly.
“Those were extenuating circumstances- she was a Michael worshipper.”
“There are always extenuating circumastances, aren’t there? You know what? I’m just so sick of this. I’m sick of it, Michael.”
They both turn to look at Madame Vivian.
“Uhm, I apologize. See, we’re hopeless.” Maria says sullenly.
“Maria… Would you mind if I speak to Michael for a few moments alone?” Madame Vivian asks.
“Why? I wanna hear everything you have to say though.” Maria insists.
“This is not about you and Michael. This is much bigger than your relationship.” Madame Vivian says.
“Of course it is. Everything always is, isn’t it?” Okay.” Maria says, then gets up and leaves.
Madame Vivian turns to Michael as he glances at her skeptically.
“Michael, Something bad is about to happen. Very bad. And there’s only one way to keep it from happening—You must believe in the love.” Vivian says.
“Believe in the love? I have no idea what that means.” Michael says annoyed.
“I know that you don’t. But try to. It could save your life, and others. I see death all around you.” Vivian says.
“I think you’re a fraud.” Michael tells her. He gets up to leave. Vivian grabs his arm as he passes and dramatically passes him a card.
“Remember the love. Believe in the Love.” Vivian says and Michael looks at the card, then pockets it.
Liz’z Bedroom
Max and Liz are on Liz’s bed, kissing passionately and trying to spark another of Liz’s visions.
“Tough Job.” Liz remarks, playfully.
“Yeah, but someone has to do it.” Max replies.
Liz goes to say something else, but is assaulted by the visions again. Alex laying dead on a sidewalk, surrounded by a pool of blood. Tess huddling behind a shelf hiding, then a man comes into view and shoots her three times. Kyle running from something, then getting run down by a black car. Isabel sitting in a chair, then getting thrown back as a bullet pierces her forehead. Michael falling to his knees, a growing red stain on his shirt. Max putting up his shield, but getting shot from the back. Maria screaming and crying as she gets trampled to death by people trying to get away. Liz herself, falling to the ground, blood pouring from a bullet hole in her neck. Jim Valenti, Amy Deluca, The Evans, The Parkers, Mr. Whitman and several other parents at the scene, looking down at twelve nondescript body bags, and crying. A middle aged balding man is standing at a podium talking. Then the flashes end again.
“I saw it again. It was more this time. God Max, I could feel Tess’s fear as they cornered her, the impact of the car running Kyle down, Isabel’s shock as they shot her. It was so real.” Liz whimpered and Max pulled her into a tight hug. “I saw someone else. I know I’ve seen him before. Hold on.” Liz gets up and walks over to her desk, picking up a book. She opens the back cover and nods.
“He was there when we got shot.” Liz says, showing the picture to Max.
“Bryce McCain? He’s going to be the guest of honor at the UFO convention. We die June 12th.” Max states.
“So we have twelve days to figure out how it happens. Not even two weeks to live.” Liz says in a whisper.
June 1st, 2002
Morning of Graduation
Pod Chamber Ruins
The gangs has all gathered by the ruins.
“So who’s this Bryce McCain?” Michael asks sharply.
“He’s a science fiction author.” Tess answers. “I’ve read some of his work. He’s good.”
“He’s going to be at the UFO convention on June 12th. We have less then two weeks before we’re all killed.” Max tells the group.
“How does It happen?” Maria asks, but then shakes her head. “Forget I don’t want to know.”
“It has to be the videotape of Isabel.” Michael says.
“Oh so know it’s my fault?” Isabel demands angrily, and Alex puts an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close.
“I’m sure Michael didn’t mean that.” Alex assures her.
“I’m just saying that they put it together really quick.” Michael tells them.
“Look, It’s not going to help by pointing fingers here.” Kyle cuts in.
“He’s right.” Jim agrees. “We need to come up with a plan as a team.”
“A team?” Michael scoffs. “Look at us, It’s ridiculous.”
“Michael, you’re not helping.” Maria says.
“She’s right. Michael” Max says.
“Okay fine, so whats the plan?” Michael asks bitterly.
Max stays where he is seated on a rock next to Liz. “I won’t make this decision for everyone. I’m giving up the throne.” He says, then rises and addresses Michael, Isabel and Tess. “I’m not a king. You’re not my queen. You’re not my second in command. And you’re not a princess. We’re all just fighting for our lives here.”
“Well then, We’ll need to start planning on how we’re gonna fight back.” Alex says as Isabel leans further into his embrace.
“I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we get the hell out of dodge before they land on us. We leave.” Michael says.
“And where do we go?” Kyle and Tess ask simulatiously.
“Anywhere but here. Let’s face it.. they know who we are. It’s over. We leave Roswell, we leave fast and we leave as quietly as we can. We all go separately.” Michael says, looking at Maria, a troubled look on his face.
“Seperately?” Maria demands.
“Right now we’re safer as individuals than we are as a group. I mean what’re we gonna do if we’re all together? Get a Van? ….We go quietly into the night, each of us on our own…. If they get some of us… maybe they don’t get all of us.” Michael says
“So we all leave?” Jim asks.
Michael shakes his head. “According to Liz, Maria’s death was an accident, and from what she said, I think Kyle’s was too. The only ones we know for sure that they’re after are me, Max, Isabel, Tess, Liz and Alex. The rest of you could stay here, and you’ll probably be fine.”
“So wait, now I’m not invited?” Maria asks agitated and angry.
“Maria….” Michael starts.
“No you know what? This is perfect. This is just a perfect way to end this entire… stupid thing. Forget it. Fine, goodbye, good luck.” Maria says and walks off toward the desert. Michael starts to follow, but Liz stops him.
“Hey, let me.” Liz says and hurries after her best friend.
After a moment, Max begins speaking again. “If we’re going to go, we shouldn’t hesitate. We should start leaving after graduation. One at a time. And we don’t look back.”
Liz hurries to catch up to Maria before she reaches her Jetta.
“Maria…” Liz says.
“What!” Maria snaps.
“No, wait. Wait- Maria, what is your problem?” Liz demands.
“I have risked my life! I have given up everything! I mean every other friend I’ve ever had, I’ve completely blown off. Even Sean left cause we treated him like crap. My mother doesn’t even know me anymore! And now that it’s all over, You are one of them. Alex and Kyle too. You’re part of it and you’re gonna go with them and just gonna leave me here. I’m gonna be stuck as a waitress in Roswell for my whole life-“
“Maria! Can you really look at me and say that. I am most likely about to get killed in twelve days, and what are you saying? That you’re upset that your death was an accident and with the rest of us gone, you won’t get killed.” Liz asks shocked.
“I know that I sound crazy right now, but I am falling apart here Liz. I just.. I don’t…”
“Maria, all I’ve heard for the past five months is that you want out of all of the alien chaos. And now… You want back in? Maria- which one is it? Do you want in, or do you want out?”
“I don’t know? Which one is better for me? Liz, please, just tell me, hold my hand.. maybe you’ll have a flash…Just tell me… which one is better?” Maria stammered.
“Maria. Maria…. Maria…. You need to stop.” Liz says, taking Maria’s hand. “Who knows? I can see the future and even I have no idea. Look, maybe you just need to try and decide what you want and then go get it.” Liz says, pulling Maria in for a hug and kisses her on the forehead.
Kyle, Tess and Jim are walking back to Jim’s truck. Kyle and Tess are hand in hand.
“So it’s just going to be the six of you that leave then? Even though they probably know about me?” Kyle asks Tess, slightly hurt.
Tess looks at him. “That was what Max said, but I don’t plan on going anywhere unless you’re with me Kyle.”
“That makes me feel a whole of a lot better.” Kyle said, planting a kiss on her cheek. The two hybrids turned to look at Jim who was pulling something out of his jacket pocket. “Whats that dad?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Jim says, letting the deputy badge slip out of his fingers and back into the pocket. Kyle shrugs and the three of them head to where the group is meeting again.
Isabel and Alex are sitting on the hood of Alex’s car. “I can’t believe it’s all ending like this.” She mutters and Alex hugs her tightly.
Michael is sitting on his motorcycle, looking at the rest of the group.
“Well, I’m not graduating so I guess I’ll be the first to leave.” Michael says, and Max starts toward him.
“Michael… Look.” Max starts but Michael cuts him off.
“Ahhh… I’m traveling light, so you can have my Metallica CDs.” Michael says.
“Listen, I know that things between us have been a little, uh.” Max starts, but Michael interrupts him again.
Yeah, well, Maxwell… Don’t… ‘cause…. I can’t.” Michael says and he and Max embrace. When they pull apart, Michael revs his engine and speeds away.
‘It’s all over,
It’s all over now.
The Seal is broken
Creatures spoken now
I hope you come up
To heaven right now
It’s all over
It’s all over now
Can I be changed
Or am I the same
It’s all over
It’s all over now
No room for hiding
We’re children fighting now
The stars on his right
Holding seven right now
The rain is falling
The rain is falling now
Can I be changed
Or am I the same
Unknown Motel Room
The two men who had been with the general earlier are back. They are now talking to the woman who Max and Liz saved when Liz got her first vision.
“The sooner who help us Mrs. Mills, the sooner you can go home.” The balding man says.
“….They helped me… They saved my life.” Mrs. Mills stutters.
“And I’m sure that your two children will be happy to see you. It’s getting late.” The dark haired man says and Mrs. Mills looks at him, obviously intimidated by the underlined threat. After a few moments, she turned and pointed to a picture of Liz, then Max and finally Kyle.
“Thank you.” The balding man says jovially.
“Can I go now?” Mrs. Mills asks.
“You were never here. You never saw us.” The balding man informs her, and she nods shakily and leaves.
The two men look at the photos they have arranged and block together seven- Max. Liz. Isabel. Alex. Michael. Tess. Kyle.
“These seven. That’s everyone. Now we can move.” The dark haired man says and the balding man nods.
“Where?”
“Some place where they’re all together. A facility that we can lock down. Someplace that they won’t expect it to happen.”
Maria’s House
Maria is standing outside as Michael pulls up on his motorcycle. She walks over to him.
“I thought you were leaving?” Maria asks.
“I am…. But I just wanted…. I dunno” Michael says
“T’say goodbye?” Maria asks.
“……I wanted to say that this whole thing has been screwed up from the beginning. You and Me. Us. Just the whole, long stupid story.” Michael tells her.
“Thanks, I guess.” Maria says.
“But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s meant so much to me, y’know. From day one, from the moment I kidnapped you and stole your car… I knew that you were the girl for me. I never wanted anyone else.” Michael tells her.
“Michael…” Maria starts sadly.
“I still don’t. Just…. Wherever I’m going, whatever I’m doing, Just know that I’ll always love you.”
He starts up the engine and puts on his helmet.
“No wait, you can’t just say something like that and just leave!” Maria cries, but Michael drives off, leaving her stunned and lost on the side of the street.
West Roswell High- Auditorium
Liz, Max, Maria, Kyle, Alex, Tess, and Isabel all walk in dressed in their robes. They take their respective seats among the rest of the class of 2002. The pricinpal stands at the podium.
“Congradulations… Congradulations… And as we continue to honor our senior class, we’d like to give them a few of our own words of wisdom… before we send them off into the world as High School graduates.” Principal Forrester says, causing both Maria and Tess to roll their eyes. “So now, it’s time to introduce our special guest for the evening. A three-time Hugo Award winner for excellence in science fiction, and an international best selling author… Bryce McCain!”
Max, Liz, Maria, Isabel, Tess, Kyle and Alex exchange panicked looks at one another. Max gets up, and heads for the podium. He meets Bryce just as Bryce is about to start talking. The others look around, trying to see where the shooters are, but are unable to see them. Max looks at McCain with a serious look on his face.
“You need to leave the building right now.” Max says.
“What!” McCain asks, confused.
“It’s for your own safety.” Max tells him, waving his hand over the typed speech that McCain had prepared, changing the text to say ‘Leave now for your own safety.’
McCain looks at the speech, then at Max. “Just walk away.” Max tells him and McCain leaves flabberghasted. Max turns to the students who are all facing the stage. Isabel gets up and moves to where Mr. and Mrs. Evans are standing.
“Hi. I’m, ah, Max Evans. I’d like to take this opportunity to, ah… say a few thing on behalf of myself, and the graduating class.” As Max talks, his hand drifts to the microphone connector, and uses his powers to send a jolt of energy though the generator, shorting out the lights, and throwing the room into blackness except for a spotlight centered on him.
“Some of us are here tonight to walk down the aisle and receive our hard earned diplomas and toss our caps into the air. But theres another group here… tonight… a group of people who are here for another reason altogether. They’re here to say goodbye. Goodbye to their high school lives….”
As he is speaking, Liz, Maria, Tess, Alex and Kyle get up and start to head out to the back. Jeff Parker strains in his seat, seeing Liz leaving and trying to figure out what is going on. Isabel stays with her parents. Liz throws a look back at Max as she ushers Maria, Kyle, Alex and Tess out of the Auditorium.
“Goodbye to their family… and friends.” Max continues.
“What’s going on?” Phillip asks Isabel.
“Max and I have to leave. There’s no time to explain, but Valenti will give you the details.” Isabel told him and her mother.
“Oh, Isabel, no.” Diane cries softly.
“Mom and Dad, I love you so much! …I am so grateful that you know the truth.” Isabel says, crying as she hugs her parents.
“We love you.” Phillip tells her. They let go of Isabel and she leaves with Liz.
“You see this…. This group has been through a lot… and tonight is the night they’ve decided to call it quits. It’s been a long…. Hard road for them. They have a lot of wounds… They’ve lost people…. People that were close to them. They’ve had eachother to cling to, but tonight that’s all coming to an end. I’m a member of this group of….. outsiders. I always knew that I was different…. And for a long time, all I wanted was to be another face in the crowd…. But in the end….. it just wasn’t possible……. I guess it never was. So from now on, I’ll just concentrate on being who I really am….. Some of you might not like that….. some of you might even……. Find that frightening. But that’s not my problem anymore. I have to be who I really am…. And let fate take care of the rest. So thank you Roswell…. Thank you for…. For letting me live among you. Thank you for giving me a family. Thank you for giving me a home… My only request is that you remember this group. Kyle Valenti. Tess Harding. Alex Whitman. Maria Deluca. Michael Guerin. My sister Isabel Evans. Elizabeth Parker. And me, Max Evans…. Thank you and congradulations to the class of 2002. Thank you and goodbye.” Max finishes just as the special unit bursts in. Michael bursts in right after, and knocks down the members of the unit with his motorcycle. He roars up the aisle and up onto the stage. Max jumps onto the back and Michael floors it, just as the sniper takes a shot and misses them by mere centimeters. Michael and Max roar out of the building, leaving a stunned faculty, parents and the remainder of the Class of 2002 behind.
Ruins of the Pod Chamber
Kyle, Tess, Isabel, Liz, Alex and Maria are all gathered around, waiting. Tess’s SUV, and Alex’s van are nearby. They look over as Max and Michael pull up on the motorcycle. They smile, knowing that they have a real shot that all of them make it out alive.
Max and Michael get off the bike and walk over to the group.
“Modesty prevents me from taking a bow.” Michael quips with a smirk. Max, Isabel and Liz grin at him. Liz turns to Kyle.
“They probably don’t know anything about you Kyle, you can still stay.” Liz says.
Kyle shakes his head. “Even if by some miracle, they haven’t put me together with the rest of you guys, Theres still the fact that I don’t have my powers completely under control yet. Plus I don’t want to leave Tess.” Kyle said.
“I’m not going back either.” Maria says.
“No..?” Liz asks with a curious smile.
“No, my future’s here.” Maria says resolutely.
“Maria, think about what you’re saying…” Michael starts, but is cut off by Maria.
“I have…. And…. This is my choice. This is what I want. And…. Whatever that is in the end, that’s what it’ll be…. But we’re doing it together.” Maria insists.
“So now we’re eight.” Tess comments.
“Like I said, We’re gonna need a van.” Michael quipped.
Suddenly a twenty-eight foot Motorhome comes roaring into view. Max, Isabel, Michael, and Tess raise the hands to protect the other four. Phillip and Diane Evans rush out of the motorhome, waving their hands.
“Wait! Don’t blast, or shoot or whatever it is that you do!” Phillip says hurridly. Max and Isabel rush over and embrace their parents.
“We’re coming with you.” Diane says. Both Max and Isabel shake their heads vehemently.
“You can’t.” Isabel says, tearfully. “It’s too dangerous, and we may never even be able to come back.”
“We know you’d say that, so we’re gonna give you the RV as a farewell gift.” Phillip says. “We got it so you and your friends could take a road trip as a graduation gift, but it looks like you’re gonna be on an extended roadtrip. Here are the keys.” Phillip says, handing Max a ring of keys. “Its moderately stocked with food and clothes, although your friends are gonna need some new stuff. We also put the alien artifacts you had in the compartment under the sofa bed. Theres about seven grand in a bag under the passenger seat as well. That should be enough to keep you going for a month or two.”
Max nodded and he and Isabel said goodbye again. Diane also hugs Liz, Tess and Maria as they pass to get in the RV. She gives Alex a quick hug as Phillip shakes hands with Kyle and Michael. When everyone is on the RV, they find that they each have a backpack filled with personal effects lying on the long couch, as well as Kyle’s Buddha Statue, Maria’s songbook, Alex’s guitar, Michael’s Cd collection and a crate of Snapple, Tess’s books, Liz’s diary, Isabel’s jewelry and stereo system, and Max’s laptop computer.
Max gets into the driver’s seat and starts the RV up. All eight of them wave goodbye to the Evans as they drive away.
Ten minutes later
As they drive down the dirt road away from Roswell, they are stopped by a police car blocking the road, the officer leaning against the hood of the car. Max puts the RV in neutral and Kyle slowly gets out of the RV, and hesitantly walks toward the police car. As he gets close the officer tips his hat and Kyle can know see that it’s Jim.
“I hear I missed quite a ceremony.” Jim says.
Kyle scratches his head. “Yeah. I don’t…. think they’ll ever….. forget….. the class of 2002… That’s a nice outfit…. Deputy.”
Jim looks at his outfit. “Yeah well when you’re starting over, you gotta start somewhere.”
At this point, Tess has seen that it is Jim and has come over to say goodbye to her foster dad as well.
“Hey.” Tess says and gives Jim a hug.
“I, ah….. I won’t ask where you’re goin’ so I can honestly say that I don’t know… but I can tell you that there are a lot of people out there looking for you… An’ right now they think that you’re heading south to Mexico.” Jim informs Kyle and Tess.
“Why would they think that?” Tess asks, a wry grin on her face.
“I guess they got an anomynous tip.” Jim says with a smile. “I can get you to Arizona, but after that you’re on your own.” Kyle and Tess nod. “I mean you’re really on your own.”
Kyle looks choked up. “Thanks dad.” He says, and Tess quickly repeats his sentiments. Jim pulls the two of the in for what will probably the last time he ever hugs his kids.
“It’s the least I could do.” Jim says.
“I mean… thanks for…” Kyle cannot find the words. “Just thanks.”
Jim nods and pulls the two of them into another tight hug.
“I love you…. Dad.” Tess says, tears flowing freely.
“I love you too, dad.” Kyle quickly mirrors what Tess said.
“I love you both.” Jim kisses both his kids, then allows them to get back onto the RV. Jim gets back into his cruiser and leads the way for the Arizona border.
Crashdown- some time later
Jeff Parker is sitting at the gang’s usual booth, looking through Liz’s diary.
“I can’t tell you much more than that. It wouldn’t be safe, for you or for us…. I can tell you that we’re all still together, and we’re far away, trying to avoid the law and do good in the world. Michael and Maria aren’t fighting as much anymore and Isabel, Alex, Kyle and Tess are as happy as I’ve ever seen them. Oh and I guess that I should tell you that Max and I did tie the knot. Give my love to Mom, and let her read this journal too. Then give it to Maria’s mom, and then Alex’s dad. Then take it and burn it out by the ruins of the pod chamber, where my husband was born.” We can hear Liz say. As she’s talking we see Max and Liz come out of a small church, the rest of the gang waiting for them. Isabel hugs Max and Alex and Maria hug Liz. Then Kyle and Tess congradulate the newlyweds as Michael watches. The eight of them get onto the RV again and begin to drive off. Liz continues her voice over. “So that’s the end. Our life in Roswell. What a long strange trip it’s been. Will we ever go back? ….I don’t know…. Even I can’t see everything in the future. All I know… is that I’m Liz Parker…. And I’m happy.”
Part I: Serena
Three Days after Graduation
Sedona, Arizona
A bright red Honda Civic pulls into the parking lot of Manzanita Campground. It pulls to a stop, and a tall redhaired girl, about nineteen years of age gets out. She looks around and nods.
“Seems as good a place as any to hide out for a while.” The girl says and heads for the lodge to get a campsite for the night.
Phoenix, Arizona
Mid-Morning
Kyle drives the RV into the parking lot of Lisa’s Diner, and pulls the vehicle to a stop. He looks over at Tess, who is sleeping in the passenger seat. Trying not to wake her, He brushes a few strands of her curly red hair out of her face and tucks it behind her ear. She stirs and slowly opens her eyes. She looks around drowsily.
“S’not my room?” She slurs sleepily.
Kyle grins. “Tess. We left Roswell, remember?”
Tess blinks her eyes, then smiles sheepishly. “Oh… right. Where are we?”
“Phoenix. Some little dig diner owned by someone named, uh…. Lisa.” Kyle says, glancing at the sign.
“’S anyone else up yet?” Tess asks, glancing to the back. Michael and Maria are sprawled out on the sofa bed, Isabel is sitting at the table, looking out the window, and Alex is leaning against the wall on the bench opposite her, still sleeping, and the bedroom door is still closed. Kyle and Tess get up and walk into the back. Isabel gets up and the three of them leave the RV, heading into the diner to get some breakfast. They enter the diner and take a large booth in the corner so that the other five can have a place to sit if they come in.
“We really should get a second vehicle. We can’t go everywhere in the RV without arousing suspicion. It was stupid to leave all our cars behind. My SUV would be really handy right now.” Tess comments.
“We could always steal a car and change the color and the plates.” Kyle suggests. “We’d have no problem forging documentation for it.”
“We should start coming up with places to go. Places that we can be safe.” Isabel says.
“Well there’s people all over the country who know our secret. Laurie Dupree, Cal Langley, Hal Carver, Agent Duff.” Kyle says.
“Didn’t Cal say he didn’t want to see Max again?” Tess asks.
“Yeah, We’re not going to Cal’s and we don’t know how to contact Duff.” Max says as he, Liz and Alex enter the diner and sit down.
“Well, what about Milton, or Sean?” Isabel asks.
“Sean’s in Atlanta.” Liz says. “Or at least he was the last time he called Maria.”
“Milton is in Connecticutt.” Max said. “He’s got an estate up there and he has all of his research up there too.”
“So where are we gonna go then, el presidente?” Kyle asks jokingly using his old nickname for Max.
“We could head to Vegas for a while, make some money.” Tess suggests. “We did pretty good last time. And I doubt they’d be looking there for us.”
Max nods. “We can do that for a while. We just gotta hope that Michael doesn’t punch out another manager.”
“Funny Maxwell.” Michael says dryly as he and Maria finally join the others.
“So where are we going from here?” Maria asks.
“I was thinking about heading up route 17 to Sedona.” Max says. “We spend a couple days there, then head for Vegas.”
“What the hell are we going to do in Sedona?” Michael asks.
“Well, there will be a lot of people up there partying.” Max tells them. “It’ll be easy to get lost in the crowd.”
The other seven friends nod. They get their breakfasts, and eat quickly. Then they get back on the RV and Michael takes the driver’s seat with Maria riding shotgun and Kyle claims the couch to get some sleep, as he had been driving since ten last night. Tess, Isabel and Alex sat on the sofa, Alex fooling around with his guitar, and Max and Liz were in the back counting the money they had left, as well as making a shopping list for when they reached Sedona that evening.
2 P.M.
Prescott, Arizona
Michael was still driving the RV. Maria had moved to the back, and was now talking with Liz, who was in the process of changing the color of Maria’s hair from blonde to light brown.
“So Sedona. That should be fun.” Maria commented.
“Yeah. Hey remember when the whole thing with Laurie went down last year and your mom thought that you and Michael went up there to ‘Have sex and get stoned in the hills’?” Liz said using her best impression of Amy Deluca.
“Oh yeah!” Maria remembered, laughing. Liz started laughing too.
Tess looked over at them from over the top of her magazine she was reading as she sat next to the still sleeping Kyle. She sighed and glanced out the window. It had been over two years since she had come to Roswell, and still Liz and Maria did not accept her, even though she had given up on Max a long time ago. And no matter how much Tess hid it, deep down she was still hurting over it. She made a resolution right then and there. As soon as they reached Sedona, she was going to confront both Liz and Maria and try to get a friendship out of the two of them. They were stuck with eachother, so they might as well be friends. Besides she didn’t want destiny anymore, she wanted Kyle. Tess suddenly moved with a start as Kyle awoke and rolled off the couch and started doing pushups. After about five, he realized that Tess, Isabel, and Alex were staring at him.
“Uhhhh. Old habit.” Kyle explained hastily.
“Riiightttt.” Isabel and Tess chorused, giggling. Alex just shrugged and looked out the window, fingering his guitar lightly.
Max came out of the back room and took the passenger seat.
“Where exactly are we?” He asked Michael.
“About ten minutes past Prescott.” Michael answers. “We should be in Sedona in four hours or so.”
Max nods. “Want me to take over?” Max offes and Michael nods, pulling over to the side of the road. He vacates the driver’s seat and Max sits down and pulls out of the breakdown lane and back onto the highway.
Four hours later, Max pulled the RV to a stop at the Manzanita Campground lodge in Sedona. Everyone gets out to stretch, and Max and Liz take a couple hundred dollars out of the bag and head into the lodge to secure a couple of campsites for the week. Ten minutes later they came back out carrying several tents, a map of the campground, and some brochures for local attractions in their arms. They load the tents into the RV and start driving down the dirt road towards their campsites. Eight minutes later, they’re all outside the RV again, setting up their tents. Kyle walks over to the fire pit with a pile of brush in his arms, dumping it in, and after taking a good look around, he sends a small fireball into the pile, setting it ablaze. He steps back pleased at his control.
Tess sees Maria and Liz standing off to the side, talking quietly. She hesitates for a moment, then walks over to the two.
“Can we talk?” Tess asks, a serious look on her face. Maria and Liz both nod. “I know you both hate me for trying to steal Max away last year and for the whole destiny thing. But I gave up on the whole deal over year ago, and I don’t want to be with Max anymore.’
Tess pauses for a moment. “Now the eight of us are most likely going to be stuck together for a very long time, and I think that it would be best if we decided to co-exist as friends rather than ex-rivals. I mean, Kyle and Max are friends, why can’t we do the same?”
Tess now had tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. Maria and Liz both looked shocked that Tess had actually broken down her steel defences and was allowing them to see real human emotion. They nodded, pulling the petite former blonde into a hug. Thus a new friendship was forged, but it wouldn’t be the last new friendship that was made that day.
When Tess, Liz and Maria returned to the group, Michael and Kyle were already discussing how they would get another vehicle.
“On the way over to the campsite, I saw a party going on. It’s probably a five minute walk from here. We could easily jack a car, change the color and the plates and get it back here with nobody the wiser.” Michael suggested, but Kyle shook his head.
“We wait until we reach Vegas. If we steal a car out here, it will be all over the newspapers. We’re in too small of a town, in Vegas a car gets stolen at least once every twenty minutes. That’s something like ninety cars a day.” Kyle said. “I like the odds of us getting away with it there as opposed to doing it here.”
“Kyle’s right, Michael.” Alex agreed. “It’s too risky. The party idea sounds good though. We should go.”
Isabel, Kyle, Maria and Tess nod in agreement. After a moment, Max nods and Michael throws his hands up in defeat.
“Fine. Let’s go then.” Michael says, and Tess, Kyle, Isabel and Maria let out a whoop of joy.
Twelve minutes later, the gang walked over to where Michael had seen the party, and found that it was a huge afterparty for a Crossfade concert. They break up into the throngs of people partying.
Max and Liz went out to where a bunch of people were dancing, and joined in, gyrating wildly together.
Alex and Isabel went off to talk in a more secluded and private spot.
Michael went off to find some beer, Maria following behind after a moment.
Tess kissed Kyle, then slipped away to go get them drinks.
Tess walked over to the minibar and got a cherry coke, then leaned up against a tree, sipping on the coke and bobbing her head in rhythm to the music. She glanced around the crowds, her gaze eventually falling on a tall redhaired girl, who was staring directly back at her. Slightly perturbed at the intensity of the girl’s look, Tess moves away from the tree and starts walking through the crowds. The redhaired girl follows quickly after her. Tess makes her way to the other end of the crowd and starts into the woods. Tess quickly ducks behind a tree and closes her eyes in concentration. The girl comes out and see Tess standing in the woods about fifteen feet away from where Tess is hiding. The girl walks over to the fake Tess, a big smile on her face.
“Ava? Is that you?” the girl asks, and Tess drops the mindwarp in shock, and the fake Tess disappears infront of the girl. The girl jumps back in surprise, then looks around frantically and sees the real Tess leaning against the tree she was hiding behind. She walked over slowly. “You’re not Ava… are you?” The girl asks softly, and Tess shakes her head.
“It’s Tess.” Tess tells her. “How do you know Ava?” She asks suspiciously. “And how well do you know her?”
“I know what she is, and by the sound of it,and by the way you look, so do you. You’re her twin aren’t you?” the girl asks.
“Just leave me alone. I’ve already been driven out of one town for what I am. I need to go.” Tess says, pushing past the girl. The girl sighs, closing her eyes.
‘I’m the last person that you need to be afraid of. We’re not so different.’ The girl says and Tess stops in her tracks, slowly turning around to face the girl.
“How did you…. She healed you, didn’t she?” Tess stated, already knowing the answer to her question.
“Yes. About a year and a half ago.” The girl replies. “I’m Serena.”
Tess’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Oh my god.”
“I won’t say anything, and I’ll leave you alone.” Serena said dejectedly, and started to walk away.
Tess grabbed her arm. “Don’t go, I know some people that will want to meet you.”
Serena looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “They’re like you?” She asks and Tess nods.
“Six out of seven anyways.” Tess replied. “Come on, let’s go find them.”
Tess and Serena head back to the party and upon spotting Liz, Max and Kyle standing by the bar, she tells Serena to hang back for a moment. Tess walks over to Liz, Max and Kyle and gets their attention.
“Hey, Liz. You remember last year when Future Max came and mentioned someone named Serena being your friend in the future?” Tess asked shyly.
Liz nodded. “Yeah, why?” she asks slowly, curious as to why Tess would be thinking about that at this time.
“Uhm… I think I found her… er, she found me.” Tess says.
“What! She’s here?” Liz exclaims looking around.
“Yeah, she thought I was Ava, I thought she was Special Unit and she followed me in to the woods and confronted me.” Tess informs them.
“Where is she?” Liz asks. Tess hesitated, then turned in the direction where she left Serena. The redhead is still standing there, looking somewhat unsure and hesitant but starts toward them when Tess waves her over. Serena was standing in front of them a few moments later.
“Guys, this is Serena…” Tess pauses.
“Crowley.” Serena says.
“Serena Crowley, this is Max Evans, Liz Parker, and my boyfriend, Kyle Valenti.” Tess introduces, and Liz extends her hand to Serena who takes it, and the second new friendship of the night is forged. “Does anyone know where Michael, Isabel, Alex and Maria are? They’ll want to know about this. Ava healed Serena and she’s like us now.”
“How did it happen?” Liz asks, knowing that it must have been serious.
“I got mugged one night out in LA, and ended up getting stabbed. My attacker dragged me into an alleyway and left me for dead. Ava came out from behind a dumpster, saw me lying there and then she healed me. About five months ago, I found out that I could communicate telepathically, and I could also fire bursts of what I believe is plasma.”
Max glanced past Serena and paled at what he saw.
“Kyle, could you go find the others and tell them to meet us back at the RV. We’re leaving.” Max says calmly.
“Max, what’s going on?” Tess asks. “We can trust her.”
“It’s not her. I don’t know how they found us so fast, but they’re here.” Max says, and both Liz and Tess get frightened expressions on their faces. Kyle looks angry, and Serena just looks confused. “Don’t call any attention to yourself, just go find the others and have them meet us at the RV. Go now.” Max says and Kyle goes to warn the others.
“What’s going on?” Serena asks, confused.
“We have to leave.” Max tells her. “It was nice to meet you, but we have to go. If they talk to you, you don’t know anything about us. It’s safer for you that way.” Max says and walks away, Liz and Tess following behind. Serena stared at their retreating backs for a moment, then at the men from the Special Unit coming towards her. Making up her mind, she walked in the direction of her car.
Back at the RV
Max, Liz and Tess are already waiting for others, packing up the tents as Michael, Kyle, Alex, Isabel and Maria come running over. The eight of them get into the RV. Alex gets in the drivers seat and turns on the engine. The headlights come on and illuminate three black cars parked about fifteen feet in front of the RV, that had been previously shrouded in darkness. Alex looks at them in terror.
“Guys, we’re not going to be able to outrun them. Not in this.” Alex said. “What are we going to do?”
Everyone looked at Max for an answer.
“We turn ourselves in. If we do try and get away, innocent people are liable to… get….killed.” Max says slowing down at the end, when a bright red Honda Civic roars to a stop in between them and the three black cars. They all watch in surprise as three bright white bursts of energy fly out of the window and hit each of the three cars, blowing up the engines, and knocking out the agents inside the car from the forces of the individual explosions . The driver turns to look at the eight fugitives in the RV holding their gaze for only a moment, then peels off down the dirt road. They watch in stunned shock until the car turns a corner and disappears from view.
After a moment, Maria regains her wits. “Okay, who the hell was that?” She demanded.
“That….” Tess started. “Was Serena….”
A few moments pass before Alex steps on the gas and pulls out of the campsite, heading for the highway.
Highway 179- On Ramp
Alex drives the RV up the on-ramp to get onto the highway. Just as he pulls onto the main road, Tess grabs his arm and points out a familiar Honda Civic parked on the side of the breakdown lane, and a redhaired woman is leaning against the hood.
“Pull the car over, Alex.” Tess instructs him, and he looks to Max who nods. Alex moves into the breakdown lane and pulls to a stop about twenty feet in front of Serena’s car. Max and Tess get out of the RV, and walk towards where Serena is leaning against the hood of her car. She looks over as they approach.
“Hey.” She says.
“We just wanted to say thank you.” Tess says. “You have no idea how much you just helped us back there.”
“I’ve got a few notions. Those guys were FBI or CIA or NSA. The kind of guys who always have security cameras in their cars in case something goes wrong. They’ll have my face, my licence plate, and the whole display of what I can do on film. I can’t go home.” Serena says.
“No that, would not be a good idea.” Max says, waving his hand over Serena’s licence plate, and changing it, as Tess changes the color of the car from bright red to teal green.
“Wow.” Serena gasps in shock.
“I know that you still can’t go home, but now you should be able to make a clean getaway. They won’t be looking for a green Civic from Nebraska.” Max says.
“Actually, I was kind of hoping I could go with you. I tried to get in touch with Ava after I developed powers, but her cell phone had been deactivated for behind payments, and when I saw Tess here, I thought I had finally found….. people who were like me…… who might be able to help.” Serena says. “You don’t have to let me come, but I really don’t have anywhere else to go or turn to.”
Tess and Max look at eachother for a moment.
“We’d only have to steal one car instead of two.” Tess reasons.
Max thinks about it, and finally he nods. “You can come. I think we might actually be needing you at somepoint down the road, if what he said is still in effect.”
Serena looks confused.
“It’s a long story. I’ll have Liz tell you it sometime.” Max explained. “We’re heading to Los Vegas.”
Tess looks at Serena’s car. “If you want, we can hitch that to the back of the RV and you can ride with us.”
Serena thinks for a moment, then nods. “I’d like that.”
Ten minutes later, the gang which had added yet another member, got back on the road, this time bound for Viva Los Vegas.
To Be Continued....
By Darkstar aka Tyler Berube
FYI: I’m a die hard rock fan, so I’ll be using a lot of music throughout this fic. You can expect to see songs or get mentions about bands like Crossfade, Velvet Revolver, Breaking Point, Shinedown, Revis, Audioslave, and Mudvayne, along with many others The song exerpt below is from Shinedown’s ‘Lost in the Crowd’ which is the inspiration for the title. After Michael leaves, it’s Seven by Revis. And at the beginning of Part I is Scott Stapp’s The Great Divide. Also, I forgot to put this in the preview; Kyle, Liz, and Alex can all do that Molecular Manipulation thingy. And Max has already proposed to Liz.
The Pairings will be: Max/Liz, Michael/Maria, Alex/Isabel, Kyle/Tess, and Oz/Serena
The first couple of parts will be mainly to introduce Serena, and then Oz into the story. Then the action will really start up in Part V or so.
A/N: I know that this should probably be in the crossover sect. for using Oz but he’s the only character I plan to use from any other TV show. He’ll come in at some point in Part II or Part III. There might be a vamp or demon or two along the way, but for the most part our ten heroes will just be on the run from the FBI.
Author’s Note 2: I’ve never been out of New England, except for two one week long trips to Florida, and once to California, but I was too young to remember that trip, so I’ll be making up street names and places that the gang stops at, but the town names will be real. Oh yeah, and Jim Valenti will be back eventually. Remember that he has been changed too. Everyone in the gang knows about Future Max and The End of The World.
In Part II, the signifigance of the names on the ids of Kyle, Tess, Alex, Isabel, Max, and Michael are the real names of wrestlers Edge, Lita, Kane, Trish Stratus, Sabu and Tazz respectively. Liz, Maria, and Serena just have the names of the first three actresses that came into my mind, which happen to be my three favorite…go figure.
Finally, I didn’t like the way that Max and Michael couldn’t hold their booze. (See Blind Date and A Tale of Two Parties) So I have destroyed that fact. Aliens can get drunk, and it takes the normal amount of consumption.
For The Sake of Credits here’s the list of actors who will be main characters for my attempt at fourth season (I Could Use A Banner) :
Main
Shiri Appleby as Liz Parker
Jason Behr as Max Evans
Lindy Booth as Serena Crowley
Majandro Delfino as Maria Deluca
Brendon Fehr as Michael Guerin
Seth Green as Daniel Osbourne
Colin Hanks as Alex Whitman
Katherine Heigl as Isabel Evans
Emilie de Ravin as Tess Harding
And
Nick Wechsler as Kyle Valenti
Here Goes Nothing…
Prologue: Graduation
Should I offer up my hand
And save a wish for once
For all of us
And should I offer up my hand
And lay the guilt on myself
So it’s easier, to not stay, to not stay
Tess Voice Over: “I’ve never been one for reflection, but I do know right from wrong. I know it’s not right to benefit over someone else’s passing, but I won’t deny that Kilan’s death has freed me. He was the last person alive that was hellbent on me following destiny. With him gone, Nasedo and Kivar dead, I can finally walk my own roads, forge my own destiny. And it feels so right.”
Graduation- 2 Days and Counting
May 30th, 2002
Crashdown
Liz and Maria are working, Michael is working at the grill, and Kyle is having lunch at the counter.
“So tell me, my precognitive friend, do you think you can tell me what’s going to happen between me and spaceboy?” Maria asks Liz.
“Maria, I can’t get visions on command, so it’s prob’ly beyond my capabilities.” Liz replies.
“Can you at least tell me that we’ll always have each other?” Maria asks, seriously.
“Yeah, of course we will.” Liz says, but is worried at Maria’s serious expression.
Liz walks over to Kyle and hands him a glass of cherry coke. She sniffs the air.
“Ewww..” Liz exclaims in disgust. “What is that?”
Kyle gives his ex a wry grin. “It’s called working for the man.”
“In a sewer?” Liz asks, wrinkling her nose again.
“Close. Been flushing septic lines for a 1975 RV.” Kyle answers.
Suddenly Tess comes running into the Crashdown, a letter in her hand.
“I got into Boston University!” Tess exclaims, throwing herself into Kyle’s arms. He laughs and spins her around in a hug. Liz gives Tess a hug too. Tess goes to show Michael.
Just then, Mr. Parker comes in from the back room holding a letter in his hand as well.
“From Yale.” He says simply and Liz takes the letter. She looks at the envelop for a moment and gets a flash. It’s an acceptance letter.
“I did it, I got in!” Liz says.
“Honey, you haven’t even opened it yet.” Her father says, amused. Liz gives Kyle a nervous glance. She opens the letter and looks at it. After a moment she grins.
“I’m in!” Liz says and gives he father a tight hug as he whoops for joy. Maria looks at Liz forlornly. Kyle claps halfheartedly, realizing that both his girlfriend and his best friend were going to be in college on the other side of the country. He looks away from the group, and says whats on his mind aloud. “I gotta do something with my life.”
Valenti Household
Kyle and his boss Sonny are sitting in the living room.
“Anyways, thanks for taking this meeting.” Kyle says.
“Meeting? You said you were just springing for lunch.” Sonny says, somewhat defensively
“Right, but…. I thought that we could talk a little.” Kyle corrects.
“Are you going to complain? Look trailer sewage is just part of the job buddy.”
“It’s not about that. I’ve just been thinking about my future, and I think that I have a lot to offer” Kyle says as Jim moves to come into the room, but hangs back, unseen by either Kyle or Sonny. “Maybe we could expand…. Maybe even one day…. Open up a new…uh…garage. Anyway, I was wondering if you would consider… taking on a partner.”
Sonny looks at Kyle for a moment, a confused look crosses his face. “…Partner… Look, I’m sorry but that’s not the way things work. You’re a kid. You’re not even my mechanic. You’re an assistant.”
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s just drop it.” Kyle says disappointedly.
“Partner?” Sonny scoffs. “Sounds a little crazy.”
Jim is still watching from the door, and looks sad.
Unknown Motel in Roswell
Three men are standing around a table. One is in uniform, and the other two are dressed normally, one of them is bald, and the other has short black hair. They are watching a videotape. It’s of Isabel using her powers to make things fly around the room in a whirlwind.
“Is she the…. Thing that destroyed my base?” The man in uniform asks
“There are several candidates.” The bald man says
“Can the Special Unit deal with this?” The general asks.
“The Special Unit no longer exists.” The dark haired man replies.
“Neither does this meeting….” The balding man continues.
“Right.” The general says with a smile.
“However, the members of the unit do keep in contact with one another.” The dark haired man says.
“Then you can take care of…” The general asks, trailing off into silence.
“That is why you contacted us, is it not General?”
The general nods.
Michael and Max’s apartment
Max and Liz are sitting on the couch making out.
“Congratulations.” Max says in between kisses.
“Hehe, you said that already.” Liz admonishes playfully.
“Oh, right.” Max says in mock shame.
“But I love it when you say it.” Liz says playfully and kisses him again
“You ‘College Girls’.” Max jibes.
“Hey we want to be loved for our minds, not our bodies.” Liz says. “Were you serious about wanting to come with me to Yale?”
“I’ve never been more serious.” Max answers, kissing Liz’s neck. “What a great mind… you have…”
“Ohh, I don’t think that’s my mind, but keep looking and you’ll find it.” Liz assures him.
“Really?” Max asks, with a wide grin.
“Uhm hum.” Liz replies. “I can see the future, remember. And right now your future is looking very… very bright.”
Liz is suddenly shocked by a series of flashes. Alex laying dead on a sidewalk, surrounded by a pool of blood. Tess huddling behind a shelf hiding, then a man comes into view and shoots her three times. Kyle running from something, then getting run down by a black car. Isabel sitting in a chair, then getting thrown back as a volley of bullets pierce her chest. Michael falling to his knees, a growing red stain on his shirt. Max putting up his shield, but getting shot from the back. Maria screaming and crying as she gets trampled to death by people trying to get away. Liz herself, falling to the ground, blood pouring from a bullet hole in her neck. Finally, Jim Valenti, Amy Deluca, The Evans, The Parkers, Mr. Whitman and several other parents at the scene, looking down at twelve nondescript body bags, and crying.
She snaps out of it and looks at Max, an expression of horror and shock on her face.
“What is it?” He asks, deeply concerned at the sudden change of her demeanor.
“We’re all going to be killed.” Liz replies, in a whisper.
Later- Michael’s Apartment
Max, Liz, Michael, Isabel, Alex, Tess, Maria, Kyle and Jim Valenti are all standing around the apartment.
“It was terrible. We were killed.” Liz chokes out.
“We as in everyone?” Maria asks, knowing that she is the only one on the room that hasn’t been changed.
“Max, Michael, Isabel, Kyle, Tess, Alex and I were murdered, your death was an accident, and so were several other people who got trampled as well. Jim you didn’t get killed, as far as I saw.” Liz told them.
“So what, I have dreams of us getting whacked all the time.” Michael reasoned.
“It wasn’t a dream, I had another vision.” Liz counters.
“In the four visions she’s had, they’ve all happened.” Max says. “We’ve gotta believe that this will happen too.”
“We’re gonna need more information. Can you give me anything on where this is supposed to happen, so I can warn Hanson.” Jim says, but Liz shakes her head.
“It was too impressionistic to get a place or time.”
“So what are we supposed to do in the meantime?” Kyle asks.
“We stay on guard, No one is to use their powers in public, recreationally or otherwise.” Max says.
Tess looks thoughtfully at Max. “It’s because of Kilan. The army needs someone to blame for Rogers.”
Isabel’s face suddenly darkens. “Mom hasn’t been able to find the videotape she made of me using my powers.”
“And didn’t Brody say that someone ransacked the security room of the UFO Center and stole the security logs from his computer?” Alex asks.
The whole gang shared an uneasy silence. They all knew that they were screwed, all of the hybrids had used their powers in the center at least once.
May 31st, 2002
Graduation- 1 Day and Counting
Madame Vivian’s Tarot House
“So what d’you want out of this relationship? I mean where do the two of you see yourselves in say five years from now?” Madame Vivian asks.
“Well the current theory is that I’m gonna be dust.” Michael replies flippantly.
“Dust?” Madame Vivian asks confused.
“You know Dead, kaput, finito, michelito. No offence, but can we hurry up with the part when you get out your crystal ball and tell us whats going to happen? I wanna get back in time for WWF.” Michael says.
“I apologize for him, Michael please. I really need…. I need for you to try ‘n help me to figure this out, alright?” Maria pleaded.
“You’re the one who broke up with me, two seconds after you sucked face with your ex-boyfriend.” Michael snapped.
“What about that thing with Courtney last year.” Maria replied scathingly.
“Those were extenuating circumstances- she was a Michael worshipper.”
“There are always extenuating circumastances, aren’t there? You know what? I’m just so sick of this. I’m sick of it, Michael.”
They both turn to look at Madame Vivian.
“Uhm, I apologize. See, we’re hopeless.” Maria says sullenly.
“Maria… Would you mind if I speak to Michael for a few moments alone?” Madame Vivian asks.
“Why? I wanna hear everything you have to say though.” Maria insists.
“This is not about you and Michael. This is much bigger than your relationship.” Madame Vivian says.
“Of course it is. Everything always is, isn’t it?” Okay.” Maria says, then gets up and leaves.
Madame Vivian turns to Michael as he glances at her skeptically.
“Michael, Something bad is about to happen. Very bad. And there’s only one way to keep it from happening—You must believe in the love.” Vivian says.
“Believe in the love? I have no idea what that means.” Michael says annoyed.
“I know that you don’t. But try to. It could save your life, and others. I see death all around you.” Vivian says.
“I think you’re a fraud.” Michael tells her. He gets up to leave. Vivian grabs his arm as he passes and dramatically passes him a card.
“Remember the love. Believe in the Love.” Vivian says and Michael looks at the card, then pockets it.
Liz’z Bedroom
Max and Liz are on Liz’s bed, kissing passionately and trying to spark another of Liz’s visions.
“Tough Job.” Liz remarks, playfully.
“Yeah, but someone has to do it.” Max replies.
Liz goes to say something else, but is assaulted by the visions again. Alex laying dead on a sidewalk, surrounded by a pool of blood. Tess huddling behind a shelf hiding, then a man comes into view and shoots her three times. Kyle running from something, then getting run down by a black car. Isabel sitting in a chair, then getting thrown back as a bullet pierces her forehead. Michael falling to his knees, a growing red stain on his shirt. Max putting up his shield, but getting shot from the back. Maria screaming and crying as she gets trampled to death by people trying to get away. Liz herself, falling to the ground, blood pouring from a bullet hole in her neck. Jim Valenti, Amy Deluca, The Evans, The Parkers, Mr. Whitman and several other parents at the scene, looking down at twelve nondescript body bags, and crying. A middle aged balding man is standing at a podium talking. Then the flashes end again.
“I saw it again. It was more this time. God Max, I could feel Tess’s fear as they cornered her, the impact of the car running Kyle down, Isabel’s shock as they shot her. It was so real.” Liz whimpered and Max pulled her into a tight hug. “I saw someone else. I know I’ve seen him before. Hold on.” Liz gets up and walks over to her desk, picking up a book. She opens the back cover and nods.
“He was there when we got shot.” Liz says, showing the picture to Max.
“Bryce McCain? He’s going to be the guest of honor at the UFO convention. We die June 12th.” Max states.
“So we have twelve days to figure out how it happens. Not even two weeks to live.” Liz says in a whisper.
June 1st, 2002
Morning of Graduation
Pod Chamber Ruins
The gangs has all gathered by the ruins.
“So who’s this Bryce McCain?” Michael asks sharply.
“He’s a science fiction author.” Tess answers. “I’ve read some of his work. He’s good.”
“He’s going to be at the UFO convention on June 12th. We have less then two weeks before we’re all killed.” Max tells the group.
“How does It happen?” Maria asks, but then shakes her head. “Forget I don’t want to know.”
“It has to be the videotape of Isabel.” Michael says.
“Oh so know it’s my fault?” Isabel demands angrily, and Alex puts an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close.
“I’m sure Michael didn’t mean that.” Alex assures her.
“I’m just saying that they put it together really quick.” Michael tells them.
“Look, It’s not going to help by pointing fingers here.” Kyle cuts in.
“He’s right.” Jim agrees. “We need to come up with a plan as a team.”
“A team?” Michael scoffs. “Look at us, It’s ridiculous.”
“Michael, you’re not helping.” Maria says.
“She’s right. Michael” Max says.
“Okay fine, so whats the plan?” Michael asks bitterly.
Max stays where he is seated on a rock next to Liz. “I won’t make this decision for everyone. I’m giving up the throne.” He says, then rises and addresses Michael, Isabel and Tess. “I’m not a king. You’re not my queen. You’re not my second in command. And you’re not a princess. We’re all just fighting for our lives here.”
“Well then, We’ll need to start planning on how we’re gonna fight back.” Alex says as Isabel leans further into his embrace.
“I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we get the hell out of dodge before they land on us. We leave.” Michael says.
“And where do we go?” Kyle and Tess ask simulatiously.
“Anywhere but here. Let’s face it.. they know who we are. It’s over. We leave Roswell, we leave fast and we leave as quietly as we can. We all go separately.” Michael says, looking at Maria, a troubled look on his face.
“Seperately?” Maria demands.
“Right now we’re safer as individuals than we are as a group. I mean what’re we gonna do if we’re all together? Get a Van? ….We go quietly into the night, each of us on our own…. If they get some of us… maybe they don’t get all of us.” Michael says
“So we all leave?” Jim asks.
Michael shakes his head. “According to Liz, Maria’s death was an accident, and from what she said, I think Kyle’s was too. The only ones we know for sure that they’re after are me, Max, Isabel, Tess, Liz and Alex. The rest of you could stay here, and you’ll probably be fine.”
“So wait, now I’m not invited?” Maria asks agitated and angry.
“Maria….” Michael starts.
“No you know what? This is perfect. This is just a perfect way to end this entire… stupid thing. Forget it. Fine, goodbye, good luck.” Maria says and walks off toward the desert. Michael starts to follow, but Liz stops him.
“Hey, let me.” Liz says and hurries after her best friend.
After a moment, Max begins speaking again. “If we’re going to go, we shouldn’t hesitate. We should start leaving after graduation. One at a time. And we don’t look back.”
Liz hurries to catch up to Maria before she reaches her Jetta.
“Maria…” Liz says.
“What!” Maria snaps.
“No, wait. Wait- Maria, what is your problem?” Liz demands.
“I have risked my life! I have given up everything! I mean every other friend I’ve ever had, I’ve completely blown off. Even Sean left cause we treated him like crap. My mother doesn’t even know me anymore! And now that it’s all over, You are one of them. Alex and Kyle too. You’re part of it and you’re gonna go with them and just gonna leave me here. I’m gonna be stuck as a waitress in Roswell for my whole life-“
“Maria! Can you really look at me and say that. I am most likely about to get killed in twelve days, and what are you saying? That you’re upset that your death was an accident and with the rest of us gone, you won’t get killed.” Liz asks shocked.
“I know that I sound crazy right now, but I am falling apart here Liz. I just.. I don’t…”
“Maria, all I’ve heard for the past five months is that you want out of all of the alien chaos. And now… You want back in? Maria- which one is it? Do you want in, or do you want out?”
“I don’t know? Which one is better for me? Liz, please, just tell me, hold my hand.. maybe you’ll have a flash…Just tell me… which one is better?” Maria stammered.
“Maria. Maria…. Maria…. You need to stop.” Liz says, taking Maria’s hand. “Who knows? I can see the future and even I have no idea. Look, maybe you just need to try and decide what you want and then go get it.” Liz says, pulling Maria in for a hug and kisses her on the forehead.
Kyle, Tess and Jim are walking back to Jim’s truck. Kyle and Tess are hand in hand.
“So it’s just going to be the six of you that leave then? Even though they probably know about me?” Kyle asks Tess, slightly hurt.
Tess looks at him. “That was what Max said, but I don’t plan on going anywhere unless you’re with me Kyle.”
“That makes me feel a whole of a lot better.” Kyle said, planting a kiss on her cheek. The two hybrids turned to look at Jim who was pulling something out of his jacket pocket. “Whats that dad?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” Jim says, letting the deputy badge slip out of his fingers and back into the pocket. Kyle shrugs and the three of them head to where the group is meeting again.
Isabel and Alex are sitting on the hood of Alex’s car. “I can’t believe it’s all ending like this.” She mutters and Alex hugs her tightly.
Michael is sitting on his motorcycle, looking at the rest of the group.
“Well, I’m not graduating so I guess I’ll be the first to leave.” Michael says, and Max starts toward him.
“Michael… Look.” Max starts but Michael cuts him off.
“Ahhh… I’m traveling light, so you can have my Metallica CDs.” Michael says.
“Listen, I know that things between us have been a little, uh.” Max starts, but Michael interrupts him again.
Yeah, well, Maxwell… Don’t… ‘cause…. I can’t.” Michael says and he and Max embrace. When they pull apart, Michael revs his engine and speeds away.
‘It’s all over,
It’s all over now.
The Seal is broken
Creatures spoken now
I hope you come up
To heaven right now
It’s all over
It’s all over now
Can I be changed
Or am I the same
It’s all over
It’s all over now
No room for hiding
We’re children fighting now
The stars on his right
Holding seven right now
The rain is falling
The rain is falling now
Can I be changed
Or am I the same
Unknown Motel Room
The two men who had been with the general earlier are back. They are now talking to the woman who Max and Liz saved when Liz got her first vision.
“The sooner who help us Mrs. Mills, the sooner you can go home.” The balding man says.
“….They helped me… They saved my life.” Mrs. Mills stutters.
“And I’m sure that your two children will be happy to see you. It’s getting late.” The dark haired man says and Mrs. Mills looks at him, obviously intimidated by the underlined threat. After a few moments, she turned and pointed to a picture of Liz, then Max and finally Kyle.
“Thank you.” The balding man says jovially.
“Can I go now?” Mrs. Mills asks.
“You were never here. You never saw us.” The balding man informs her, and she nods shakily and leaves.
The two men look at the photos they have arranged and block together seven- Max. Liz. Isabel. Alex. Michael. Tess. Kyle.
“These seven. That’s everyone. Now we can move.” The dark haired man says and the balding man nods.
“Where?”
“Some place where they’re all together. A facility that we can lock down. Someplace that they won’t expect it to happen.”
Maria’s House
Maria is standing outside as Michael pulls up on his motorcycle. She walks over to him.
“I thought you were leaving?” Maria asks.
“I am…. But I just wanted…. I dunno” Michael says
“T’say goodbye?” Maria asks.
“……I wanted to say that this whole thing has been screwed up from the beginning. You and Me. Us. Just the whole, long stupid story.” Michael tells her.
“Thanks, I guess.” Maria says.
“But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s meant so much to me, y’know. From day one, from the moment I kidnapped you and stole your car… I knew that you were the girl for me. I never wanted anyone else.” Michael tells her.
“Michael…” Maria starts sadly.
“I still don’t. Just…. Wherever I’m going, whatever I’m doing, Just know that I’ll always love you.”
He starts up the engine and puts on his helmet.
“No wait, you can’t just say something like that and just leave!” Maria cries, but Michael drives off, leaving her stunned and lost on the side of the street.
West Roswell High- Auditorium
Liz, Max, Maria, Kyle, Alex, Tess, and Isabel all walk in dressed in their robes. They take their respective seats among the rest of the class of 2002. The pricinpal stands at the podium.
“Congradulations… Congradulations… And as we continue to honor our senior class, we’d like to give them a few of our own words of wisdom… before we send them off into the world as High School graduates.” Principal Forrester says, causing both Maria and Tess to roll their eyes. “So now, it’s time to introduce our special guest for the evening. A three-time Hugo Award winner for excellence in science fiction, and an international best selling author… Bryce McCain!”
Max, Liz, Maria, Isabel, Tess, Kyle and Alex exchange panicked looks at one another. Max gets up, and heads for the podium. He meets Bryce just as Bryce is about to start talking. The others look around, trying to see where the shooters are, but are unable to see them. Max looks at McCain with a serious look on his face.
“You need to leave the building right now.” Max says.
“What!” McCain asks, confused.
“It’s for your own safety.” Max tells him, waving his hand over the typed speech that McCain had prepared, changing the text to say ‘Leave now for your own safety.’
McCain looks at the speech, then at Max. “Just walk away.” Max tells him and McCain leaves flabberghasted. Max turns to the students who are all facing the stage. Isabel gets up and moves to where Mr. and Mrs. Evans are standing.
“Hi. I’m, ah, Max Evans. I’d like to take this opportunity to, ah… say a few thing on behalf of myself, and the graduating class.” As Max talks, his hand drifts to the microphone connector, and uses his powers to send a jolt of energy though the generator, shorting out the lights, and throwing the room into blackness except for a spotlight centered on him.
“Some of us are here tonight to walk down the aisle and receive our hard earned diplomas and toss our caps into the air. But theres another group here… tonight… a group of people who are here for another reason altogether. They’re here to say goodbye. Goodbye to their high school lives….”
As he is speaking, Liz, Maria, Tess, Alex and Kyle get up and start to head out to the back. Jeff Parker strains in his seat, seeing Liz leaving and trying to figure out what is going on. Isabel stays with her parents. Liz throws a look back at Max as she ushers Maria, Kyle, Alex and Tess out of the Auditorium.
“Goodbye to their family… and friends.” Max continues.
“What’s going on?” Phillip asks Isabel.
“Max and I have to leave. There’s no time to explain, but Valenti will give you the details.” Isabel told him and her mother.
“Oh, Isabel, no.” Diane cries softly.
“Mom and Dad, I love you so much! …I am so grateful that you know the truth.” Isabel says, crying as she hugs her parents.
“We love you.” Phillip tells her. They let go of Isabel and she leaves with Liz.
“You see this…. This group has been through a lot… and tonight is the night they’ve decided to call it quits. It’s been a long…. Hard road for them. They have a lot of wounds… They’ve lost people…. People that were close to them. They’ve had eachother to cling to, but tonight that’s all coming to an end. I’m a member of this group of….. outsiders. I always knew that I was different…. And for a long time, all I wanted was to be another face in the crowd…. But in the end….. it just wasn’t possible……. I guess it never was. So from now on, I’ll just concentrate on being who I really am….. Some of you might not like that….. some of you might even……. Find that frightening. But that’s not my problem anymore. I have to be who I really am…. And let fate take care of the rest. So thank you Roswell…. Thank you for…. For letting me live among you. Thank you for giving me a family. Thank you for giving me a home… My only request is that you remember this group. Kyle Valenti. Tess Harding. Alex Whitman. Maria Deluca. Michael Guerin. My sister Isabel Evans. Elizabeth Parker. And me, Max Evans…. Thank you and congradulations to the class of 2002. Thank you and goodbye.” Max finishes just as the special unit bursts in. Michael bursts in right after, and knocks down the members of the unit with his motorcycle. He roars up the aisle and up onto the stage. Max jumps onto the back and Michael floors it, just as the sniper takes a shot and misses them by mere centimeters. Michael and Max roar out of the building, leaving a stunned faculty, parents and the remainder of the Class of 2002 behind.
Ruins of the Pod Chamber
Kyle, Tess, Isabel, Liz, Alex and Maria are all gathered around, waiting. Tess’s SUV, and Alex’s van are nearby. They look over as Max and Michael pull up on the motorcycle. They smile, knowing that they have a real shot that all of them make it out alive.
Max and Michael get off the bike and walk over to the group.
“Modesty prevents me from taking a bow.” Michael quips with a smirk. Max, Isabel and Liz grin at him. Liz turns to Kyle.
“They probably don’t know anything about you Kyle, you can still stay.” Liz says.
Kyle shakes his head. “Even if by some miracle, they haven’t put me together with the rest of you guys, Theres still the fact that I don’t have my powers completely under control yet. Plus I don’t want to leave Tess.” Kyle said.
“I’m not going back either.” Maria says.
“No..?” Liz asks with a curious smile.
“No, my future’s here.” Maria says resolutely.
“Maria, think about what you’re saying…” Michael starts, but is cut off by Maria.
“I have…. And…. This is my choice. This is what I want. And…. Whatever that is in the end, that’s what it’ll be…. But we’re doing it together.” Maria insists.
“So now we’re eight.” Tess comments.
“Like I said, We’re gonna need a van.” Michael quipped.
Suddenly a twenty-eight foot Motorhome comes roaring into view. Max, Isabel, Michael, and Tess raise the hands to protect the other four. Phillip and Diane Evans rush out of the motorhome, waving their hands.
“Wait! Don’t blast, or shoot or whatever it is that you do!” Phillip says hurridly. Max and Isabel rush over and embrace their parents.
“We’re coming with you.” Diane says. Both Max and Isabel shake their heads vehemently.
“You can’t.” Isabel says, tearfully. “It’s too dangerous, and we may never even be able to come back.”
“We know you’d say that, so we’re gonna give you the RV as a farewell gift.” Phillip says. “We got it so you and your friends could take a road trip as a graduation gift, but it looks like you’re gonna be on an extended roadtrip. Here are the keys.” Phillip says, handing Max a ring of keys. “Its moderately stocked with food and clothes, although your friends are gonna need some new stuff. We also put the alien artifacts you had in the compartment under the sofa bed. Theres about seven grand in a bag under the passenger seat as well. That should be enough to keep you going for a month or two.”
Max nodded and he and Isabel said goodbye again. Diane also hugs Liz, Tess and Maria as they pass to get in the RV. She gives Alex a quick hug as Phillip shakes hands with Kyle and Michael. When everyone is on the RV, they find that they each have a backpack filled with personal effects lying on the long couch, as well as Kyle’s Buddha Statue, Maria’s songbook, Alex’s guitar, Michael’s Cd collection and a crate of Snapple, Tess’s books, Liz’s diary, Isabel’s jewelry and stereo system, and Max’s laptop computer.
Max gets into the driver’s seat and starts the RV up. All eight of them wave goodbye to the Evans as they drive away.
Ten minutes later
As they drive down the dirt road away from Roswell, they are stopped by a police car blocking the road, the officer leaning against the hood of the car. Max puts the RV in neutral and Kyle slowly gets out of the RV, and hesitantly walks toward the police car. As he gets close the officer tips his hat and Kyle can know see that it’s Jim.
“I hear I missed quite a ceremony.” Jim says.
Kyle scratches his head. “Yeah. I don’t…. think they’ll ever….. forget….. the class of 2002… That’s a nice outfit…. Deputy.”
Jim looks at his outfit. “Yeah well when you’re starting over, you gotta start somewhere.”
At this point, Tess has seen that it is Jim and has come over to say goodbye to her foster dad as well.
“Hey.” Tess says and gives Jim a hug.
“I, ah….. I won’t ask where you’re goin’ so I can honestly say that I don’t know… but I can tell you that there are a lot of people out there looking for you… An’ right now they think that you’re heading south to Mexico.” Jim informs Kyle and Tess.
“Why would they think that?” Tess asks, a wry grin on her face.
“I guess they got an anomynous tip.” Jim says with a smile. “I can get you to Arizona, but after that you’re on your own.” Kyle and Tess nod. “I mean you’re really on your own.”
Kyle looks choked up. “Thanks dad.” He says, and Tess quickly repeats his sentiments. Jim pulls the two of the in for what will probably the last time he ever hugs his kids.
“It’s the least I could do.” Jim says.
“I mean… thanks for…” Kyle cannot find the words. “Just thanks.”
Jim nods and pulls the two of them into another tight hug.
“I love you…. Dad.” Tess says, tears flowing freely.
“I love you too, dad.” Kyle quickly mirrors what Tess said.
“I love you both.” Jim kisses both his kids, then allows them to get back onto the RV. Jim gets back into his cruiser and leads the way for the Arizona border.
Crashdown- some time later
Jeff Parker is sitting at the gang’s usual booth, looking through Liz’s diary.
“I can’t tell you much more than that. It wouldn’t be safe, for you or for us…. I can tell you that we’re all still together, and we’re far away, trying to avoid the law and do good in the world. Michael and Maria aren’t fighting as much anymore and Isabel, Alex, Kyle and Tess are as happy as I’ve ever seen them. Oh and I guess that I should tell you that Max and I did tie the knot. Give my love to Mom, and let her read this journal too. Then give it to Maria’s mom, and then Alex’s dad. Then take it and burn it out by the ruins of the pod chamber, where my husband was born.” We can hear Liz say. As she’s talking we see Max and Liz come out of a small church, the rest of the gang waiting for them. Isabel hugs Max and Alex and Maria hug Liz. Then Kyle and Tess congradulate the newlyweds as Michael watches. The eight of them get onto the RV again and begin to drive off. Liz continues her voice over. “So that’s the end. Our life in Roswell. What a long strange trip it’s been. Will we ever go back? ….I don’t know…. Even I can’t see everything in the future. All I know… is that I’m Liz Parker…. And I’m happy.”
Part I: Serena
Three Days after Graduation
Sedona, Arizona
A bright red Honda Civic pulls into the parking lot of Manzanita Campground. It pulls to a stop, and a tall redhaired girl, about nineteen years of age gets out. She looks around and nods.
“Seems as good a place as any to hide out for a while.” The girl says and heads for the lodge to get a campsite for the night.
Phoenix, Arizona
Mid-Morning
Kyle drives the RV into the parking lot of Lisa’s Diner, and pulls the vehicle to a stop. He looks over at Tess, who is sleeping in the passenger seat. Trying not to wake her, He brushes a few strands of her curly red hair out of her face and tucks it behind her ear. She stirs and slowly opens her eyes. She looks around drowsily.
“S’not my room?” She slurs sleepily.
Kyle grins. “Tess. We left Roswell, remember?”
Tess blinks her eyes, then smiles sheepishly. “Oh… right. Where are we?”
“Phoenix. Some little dig diner owned by someone named, uh…. Lisa.” Kyle says, glancing at the sign.
“’S anyone else up yet?” Tess asks, glancing to the back. Michael and Maria are sprawled out on the sofa bed, Isabel is sitting at the table, looking out the window, and Alex is leaning against the wall on the bench opposite her, still sleeping, and the bedroom door is still closed. Kyle and Tess get up and walk into the back. Isabel gets up and the three of them leave the RV, heading into the diner to get some breakfast. They enter the diner and take a large booth in the corner so that the other five can have a place to sit if they come in.
“We really should get a second vehicle. We can’t go everywhere in the RV without arousing suspicion. It was stupid to leave all our cars behind. My SUV would be really handy right now.” Tess comments.
“We could always steal a car and change the color and the plates.” Kyle suggests. “We’d have no problem forging documentation for it.”
“We should start coming up with places to go. Places that we can be safe.” Isabel says.
“Well there’s people all over the country who know our secret. Laurie Dupree, Cal Langley, Hal Carver, Agent Duff.” Kyle says.
“Didn’t Cal say he didn’t want to see Max again?” Tess asks.
“Yeah, We’re not going to Cal’s and we don’t know how to contact Duff.” Max says as he, Liz and Alex enter the diner and sit down.
“Well, what about Milton, or Sean?” Isabel asks.
“Sean’s in Atlanta.” Liz says. “Or at least he was the last time he called Maria.”
“Milton is in Connecticutt.” Max said. “He’s got an estate up there and he has all of his research up there too.”
“So where are we gonna go then, el presidente?” Kyle asks jokingly using his old nickname for Max.
“We could head to Vegas for a while, make some money.” Tess suggests. “We did pretty good last time. And I doubt they’d be looking there for us.”
Max nods. “We can do that for a while. We just gotta hope that Michael doesn’t punch out another manager.”
“Funny Maxwell.” Michael says dryly as he and Maria finally join the others.
“So where are we going from here?” Maria asks.
“I was thinking about heading up route 17 to Sedona.” Max says. “We spend a couple days there, then head for Vegas.”
“What the hell are we going to do in Sedona?” Michael asks.
“Well, there will be a lot of people up there partying.” Max tells them. “It’ll be easy to get lost in the crowd.”
The other seven friends nod. They get their breakfasts, and eat quickly. Then they get back on the RV and Michael takes the driver’s seat with Maria riding shotgun and Kyle claims the couch to get some sleep, as he had been driving since ten last night. Tess, Isabel and Alex sat on the sofa, Alex fooling around with his guitar, and Max and Liz were in the back counting the money they had left, as well as making a shopping list for when they reached Sedona that evening.
2 P.M.
Prescott, Arizona
Michael was still driving the RV. Maria had moved to the back, and was now talking with Liz, who was in the process of changing the color of Maria’s hair from blonde to light brown.
“So Sedona. That should be fun.” Maria commented.
“Yeah. Hey remember when the whole thing with Laurie went down last year and your mom thought that you and Michael went up there to ‘Have sex and get stoned in the hills’?” Liz said using her best impression of Amy Deluca.
“Oh yeah!” Maria remembered, laughing. Liz started laughing too.
Tess looked over at them from over the top of her magazine she was reading as she sat next to the still sleeping Kyle. She sighed and glanced out the window. It had been over two years since she had come to Roswell, and still Liz and Maria did not accept her, even though she had given up on Max a long time ago. And no matter how much Tess hid it, deep down she was still hurting over it. She made a resolution right then and there. As soon as they reached Sedona, she was going to confront both Liz and Maria and try to get a friendship out of the two of them. They were stuck with eachother, so they might as well be friends. Besides she didn’t want destiny anymore, she wanted Kyle. Tess suddenly moved with a start as Kyle awoke and rolled off the couch and started doing pushups. After about five, he realized that Tess, Isabel, and Alex were staring at him.
“Uhhhh. Old habit.” Kyle explained hastily.
“Riiightttt.” Isabel and Tess chorused, giggling. Alex just shrugged and looked out the window, fingering his guitar lightly.
Max came out of the back room and took the passenger seat.
“Where exactly are we?” He asked Michael.
“About ten minutes past Prescott.” Michael answers. “We should be in Sedona in four hours or so.”
Max nods. “Want me to take over?” Max offes and Michael nods, pulling over to the side of the road. He vacates the driver’s seat and Max sits down and pulls out of the breakdown lane and back onto the highway.
Four hours later, Max pulled the RV to a stop at the Manzanita Campground lodge in Sedona. Everyone gets out to stretch, and Max and Liz take a couple hundred dollars out of the bag and head into the lodge to secure a couple of campsites for the week. Ten minutes later they came back out carrying several tents, a map of the campground, and some brochures for local attractions in their arms. They load the tents into the RV and start driving down the dirt road towards their campsites. Eight minutes later, they’re all outside the RV again, setting up their tents. Kyle walks over to the fire pit with a pile of brush in his arms, dumping it in, and after taking a good look around, he sends a small fireball into the pile, setting it ablaze. He steps back pleased at his control.
Tess sees Maria and Liz standing off to the side, talking quietly. She hesitates for a moment, then walks over to the two.
“Can we talk?” Tess asks, a serious look on her face. Maria and Liz both nod. “I know you both hate me for trying to steal Max away last year and for the whole destiny thing. But I gave up on the whole deal over year ago, and I don’t want to be with Max anymore.’
Tess pauses for a moment. “Now the eight of us are most likely going to be stuck together for a very long time, and I think that it would be best if we decided to co-exist as friends rather than ex-rivals. I mean, Kyle and Max are friends, why can’t we do the same?”
Tess now had tears pooling in the corners of her eyes. Maria and Liz both looked shocked that Tess had actually broken down her steel defences and was allowing them to see real human emotion. They nodded, pulling the petite former blonde into a hug. Thus a new friendship was forged, but it wouldn’t be the last new friendship that was made that day.
When Tess, Liz and Maria returned to the group, Michael and Kyle were already discussing how they would get another vehicle.
“On the way over to the campsite, I saw a party going on. It’s probably a five minute walk from here. We could easily jack a car, change the color and the plates and get it back here with nobody the wiser.” Michael suggested, but Kyle shook his head.
“We wait until we reach Vegas. If we steal a car out here, it will be all over the newspapers. We’re in too small of a town, in Vegas a car gets stolen at least once every twenty minutes. That’s something like ninety cars a day.” Kyle said. “I like the odds of us getting away with it there as opposed to doing it here.”
“Kyle’s right, Michael.” Alex agreed. “It’s too risky. The party idea sounds good though. We should go.”
Isabel, Kyle, Maria and Tess nod in agreement. After a moment, Max nods and Michael throws his hands up in defeat.
“Fine. Let’s go then.” Michael says, and Tess, Kyle, Isabel and Maria let out a whoop of joy.
Twelve minutes later, the gang walked over to where Michael had seen the party, and found that it was a huge afterparty for a Crossfade concert. They break up into the throngs of people partying.
Max and Liz went out to where a bunch of people were dancing, and joined in, gyrating wildly together.
Alex and Isabel went off to talk in a more secluded and private spot.
Michael went off to find some beer, Maria following behind after a moment.
Tess kissed Kyle, then slipped away to go get them drinks.
Tess walked over to the minibar and got a cherry coke, then leaned up against a tree, sipping on the coke and bobbing her head in rhythm to the music. She glanced around the crowds, her gaze eventually falling on a tall redhaired girl, who was staring directly back at her. Slightly perturbed at the intensity of the girl’s look, Tess moves away from the tree and starts walking through the crowds. The redhaired girl follows quickly after her. Tess makes her way to the other end of the crowd and starts into the woods. Tess quickly ducks behind a tree and closes her eyes in concentration. The girl comes out and see Tess standing in the woods about fifteen feet away from where Tess is hiding. The girl walks over to the fake Tess, a big smile on her face.
“Ava? Is that you?” the girl asks, and Tess drops the mindwarp in shock, and the fake Tess disappears infront of the girl. The girl jumps back in surprise, then looks around frantically and sees the real Tess leaning against the tree she was hiding behind. She walked over slowly. “You’re not Ava… are you?” The girl asks softly, and Tess shakes her head.
“It’s Tess.” Tess tells her. “How do you know Ava?” She asks suspiciously. “And how well do you know her?”
“I know what she is, and by the sound of it,and by the way you look, so do you. You’re her twin aren’t you?” the girl asks.
“Just leave me alone. I’ve already been driven out of one town for what I am. I need to go.” Tess says, pushing past the girl. The girl sighs, closing her eyes.
‘I’m the last person that you need to be afraid of. We’re not so different.’ The girl says and Tess stops in her tracks, slowly turning around to face the girl.
“How did you…. She healed you, didn’t she?” Tess stated, already knowing the answer to her question.
“Yes. About a year and a half ago.” The girl replies. “I’m Serena.”
Tess’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Oh my god.”
“I won’t say anything, and I’ll leave you alone.” Serena said dejectedly, and started to walk away.
Tess grabbed her arm. “Don’t go, I know some people that will want to meet you.”
Serena looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “They’re like you?” She asks and Tess nods.
“Six out of seven anyways.” Tess replied. “Come on, let’s go find them.”
Tess and Serena head back to the party and upon spotting Liz, Max and Kyle standing by the bar, she tells Serena to hang back for a moment. Tess walks over to Liz, Max and Kyle and gets their attention.
“Hey, Liz. You remember last year when Future Max came and mentioned someone named Serena being your friend in the future?” Tess asked shyly.
Liz nodded. “Yeah, why?” she asks slowly, curious as to why Tess would be thinking about that at this time.
“Uhm… I think I found her… er, she found me.” Tess says.
“What! She’s here?” Liz exclaims looking around.
“Yeah, she thought I was Ava, I thought she was Special Unit and she followed me in to the woods and confronted me.” Tess informs them.
“Where is she?” Liz asks. Tess hesitated, then turned in the direction where she left Serena. The redhead is still standing there, looking somewhat unsure and hesitant but starts toward them when Tess waves her over. Serena was standing in front of them a few moments later.
“Guys, this is Serena…” Tess pauses.
“Crowley.” Serena says.
“Serena Crowley, this is Max Evans, Liz Parker, and my boyfriend, Kyle Valenti.” Tess introduces, and Liz extends her hand to Serena who takes it, and the second new friendship of the night is forged. “Does anyone know where Michael, Isabel, Alex and Maria are? They’ll want to know about this. Ava healed Serena and she’s like us now.”
“How did it happen?” Liz asks, knowing that it must have been serious.
“I got mugged one night out in LA, and ended up getting stabbed. My attacker dragged me into an alleyway and left me for dead. Ava came out from behind a dumpster, saw me lying there and then she healed me. About five months ago, I found out that I could communicate telepathically, and I could also fire bursts of what I believe is plasma.”
Max glanced past Serena and paled at what he saw.
“Kyle, could you go find the others and tell them to meet us back at the RV. We’re leaving.” Max says calmly.
“Max, what’s going on?” Tess asks. “We can trust her.”
“It’s not her. I don’t know how they found us so fast, but they’re here.” Max says, and both Liz and Tess get frightened expressions on their faces. Kyle looks angry, and Serena just looks confused. “Don’t call any attention to yourself, just go find the others and have them meet us at the RV. Go now.” Max says and Kyle goes to warn the others.
“What’s going on?” Serena asks, confused.
“We have to leave.” Max tells her. “It was nice to meet you, but we have to go. If they talk to you, you don’t know anything about us. It’s safer for you that way.” Max says and walks away, Liz and Tess following behind. Serena stared at their retreating backs for a moment, then at the men from the Special Unit coming towards her. Making up her mind, she walked in the direction of her car.
Back at the RV
Max, Liz and Tess are already waiting for others, packing up the tents as Michael, Kyle, Alex, Isabel and Maria come running over. The eight of them get into the RV. Alex gets in the drivers seat and turns on the engine. The headlights come on and illuminate three black cars parked about fifteen feet in front of the RV, that had been previously shrouded in darkness. Alex looks at them in terror.
“Guys, we’re not going to be able to outrun them. Not in this.” Alex said. “What are we going to do?”
Everyone looked at Max for an answer.
“We turn ourselves in. If we do try and get away, innocent people are liable to… get….killed.” Max says slowing down at the end, when a bright red Honda Civic roars to a stop in between them and the three black cars. They all watch in surprise as three bright white bursts of energy fly out of the window and hit each of the three cars, blowing up the engines, and knocking out the agents inside the car from the forces of the individual explosions . The driver turns to look at the eight fugitives in the RV holding their gaze for only a moment, then peels off down the dirt road. They watch in stunned shock until the car turns a corner and disappears from view.
After a moment, Maria regains her wits. “Okay, who the hell was that?” She demanded.
“That….” Tess started. “Was Serena….”
A few moments pass before Alex steps on the gas and pulls out of the campsite, heading for the highway.
Highway 179- On Ramp
Alex drives the RV up the on-ramp to get onto the highway. Just as he pulls onto the main road, Tess grabs his arm and points out a familiar Honda Civic parked on the side of the breakdown lane, and a redhaired woman is leaning against the hood.
“Pull the car over, Alex.” Tess instructs him, and he looks to Max who nods. Alex moves into the breakdown lane and pulls to a stop about twenty feet in front of Serena’s car. Max and Tess get out of the RV, and walk towards where Serena is leaning against the hood of her car. She looks over as they approach.
“Hey.” She says.
“We just wanted to say thank you.” Tess says. “You have no idea how much you just helped us back there.”
“I’ve got a few notions. Those guys were FBI or CIA or NSA. The kind of guys who always have security cameras in their cars in case something goes wrong. They’ll have my face, my licence plate, and the whole display of what I can do on film. I can’t go home.” Serena says.
“No that, would not be a good idea.” Max says, waving his hand over Serena’s licence plate, and changing it, as Tess changes the color of the car from bright red to teal green.
“Wow.” Serena gasps in shock.
“I know that you still can’t go home, but now you should be able to make a clean getaway. They won’t be looking for a green Civic from Nebraska.” Max says.
“Actually, I was kind of hoping I could go with you. I tried to get in touch with Ava after I developed powers, but her cell phone had been deactivated for behind payments, and when I saw Tess here, I thought I had finally found….. people who were like me…… who might be able to help.” Serena says. “You don’t have to let me come, but I really don’t have anywhere else to go or turn to.”
Tess and Max look at eachother for a moment.
“We’d only have to steal one car instead of two.” Tess reasons.
Max thinks about it, and finally he nods. “You can come. I think we might actually be needing you at somepoint down the road, if what he said is still in effect.”
Serena looks confused.
“It’s a long story. I’ll have Liz tell you it sometime.” Max explained. “We’re heading to Los Vegas.”
Tess looks at Serena’s car. “If you want, we can hitch that to the back of the RV and you can ride with us.”
Serena thinks for a moment, then nods. “I’d like that.”
Ten minutes later, the gang which had added yet another member, got back on the road, this time bound for Viva Los Vegas.
To Be Continued....