Absence Makes the Heart...(M/L,MATURE) [WIP]

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Raychelxluscious
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 203
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:15 pm
Location: Started in WV, ending in FL

Post by Raychelxluscious »

Hey guys! I'm back! And lookie!!! I come with a new part! :) *sigh* Part Ten. Now, I feel like an accomplished writer. ;)

Of course, before we begin, I would like to thank all of you for the awesome feedback and support. You guys rock my socks! :) I love you. Also, again, *ginormous* thanks to those of you who nominated me. I can't express how happy that made me. =) Yay! (y3ah@! - hehe, S*M ;))

Oh, and of course a big thanks to my bumpers/stalkers. ;) You guys know who you are.

With this part, some of you are gonna be surprised with who that predatory "someone" is, lurking in the dark. But some of you aren't. Damn those who won't! :-P Here I was trying to be sneaky. :roll: *snaps!* for you all. It appears I can't out-whit you. ;)

Oh, and I have got to say:

cherie wrote:I've had this story reccommended to me by several people, and I can certainly see why. It's absolutely riveting. Your attention to detail is wonderful..and that has got to be the best escape scene I've read in a long time. I'm utterly hooked.
Congrats on your graduation, hope to see you back soon.
Thank you! Because I was *sooo* self-conscious about that part. I worked so hard on it, though. Actually, it was written before the very first part, and since that time I've been tweaking, and adding, and omitting, and re-adding. :roll: It was just difficult all around, so I'm very pleased that you enjoyed it. =) I so appreciate it!
alienmom wrote:
I've been itching
you know, there is medication for that now!! :wink:

woohoo!! on graduating and getting back to writing!! *about darned time*.....oops did i just type that outloud?? :oops: LOL
Hmm...Is there a medicaton now? Because, I gotta say...now I'm getting this rash, and...



O...K! Enough quotage! =) On with the part! ;)


<center>Part Ten</center>

Someone’s there.

Liz was paralyzed by his words; her years of training seemed utterly useless at this point. And for a fleeting moment, she had no idea what to do. The blueprints she had spent hours imprinting to her memory scattered, leaving her defenseless and vulnerable, with nothing to hold on to. She hated that feeling.

Liz, you have to get out of there!” The urgency in Alex’s voice broke her paralysis, and a new dosage of adrenaline surged through her veins.

She turned to face the others behind her, her movement but a sudden blur to their eyes. “Stay close,” She ordered breathlessly, their fear not even registering in her mind as she eyed each of them. “Stay quiet. We have to hurry.”

Her words were short and clipped, and had barely broken through the haze of the aliens’ disbelief before they noticed her jogging down the abandoned hallway. They followed, the sounds of their bare feet padding erratically against the tiled floor.

“Tell me where to go, Alex.” Liz spoke breathlessly as she tried to force the blueprint back to the forefront of her mind. She had no idea where she was going, and with each passing step, her panic heightened.

She could hear the others trotting behind her, struggling to keep up. They didn’t need this; their escape was supposed to have been easy and quick. Running for their lives hadn’t been part of the plan.

Go left,” Alex instructed, his order almost too late. Liz had to swing sharply, gripping the corner of the wall to keep her balance. She glanced, just briefly behind her, to insure that the others were following. Their chests were heaving, both from fear and trying to keep up with her. Liz could feel the exertion of her own hurried frenzy; it pulsed painfully in her midriff, irritating her wound. Instinctively, her hand went to her stomach as if the action would ease her discomfort; she fought to keep the grimace off her face as she continued down the darkened corridor.

“Where is he, Alex?” She asked breathlessly, eyeing the approaching corner just ahead.

He’s…” Alex’s voice broke off. In the van, he stared at the monitors in utter horror. “Shit, Liz. He’s in Corridor L. He’s blocking you in!

Liz halted, her action so quick and unsuspected that someone collided into her from behind. Questions were immediately launched at her, asking why she’d stopped, and she forced herself away from the aliens, pressing her hand to her earpiece. “Alex?” She questioned, her heart galloping in her chest. “What did you say?”

Not bothering to repeat his answer, Alex reached for the blueprints at his side. “You have to get them out of there. Now.” He eyed the monitor, watching the man’s predatory moves. “There has to be somewhere else you can get out.

“What’s going on?” Michael’s gruff voice reached her ears, expressing just how much he disliked being ignored, especially during times such as these.

Slowly, Liz turned and eyed the people she had just rescued – her friends. Salvation was just within their reach, and it seemed like it was being reeled away all over again.

“Someone’s here,” She answered quietly, allowing the weight of her words to settle heavily upon them. “This sector is supposed to be cleared. No one is supposed to be here, but someone is.”

Michael cursed viciously, and the girls – still trembling – whimpered pathetically, still clinging to the men. Max stood before Liz, solid and unwavering, ever the king, but even his expressive topaz eyes revealed his dread.

“Well, what are we going to do?” Michael asked in a fierce whisper. “I’m not going back in there!”

A sob reached Liz’s ears, and she couldn’t tell if it had come from Isabel or Tess. Or if it had come from her.

“I said, what are we –“

“I don’t know!” Liz all but yelled, cutting off Michael’s incessant question. She racked her hands through her hair, pulling a few tendrils free from her ponytail in the process. “I have to think! This wasn’t supposed to happen.” They hadn’t prepared for this…

Liz…I can’t find any other way out.” The defeat in his voice almost cracked her resolve, almost making her fall to her knees to sob brokenly.

Dutifully, Liz forced the blueprints to appear in her mind, hoping she’d find something that Alex couldn’t. She had studied them, but not extensively enough. She couldn’t remember where every exit was located; it was why she needed Alex. But what she did remember was that there definitely was no other exit, no other means of escape. The agent on the floor knew exactly where they were, and was successfully blocking in his prey. She had to do something.

Listen, Liz, you have nine minutes. I’m going to send Kyle and –

“No,” Liz said forcefully. “This is my mess. I’ll fix it.”

And then she saw it. The blueprints in her mind revealed to her a storage closet just around the corner. If she could hide the others there, then she could lurk in the shadows, and maybe catch the agent off guard…

The idea was hastily formed, and didn’t give her much hope of success, but it was all she had.

Liz heard Alex begin to protest, and interjected again. “I’ve got this, Alex. Trust me,” She then directed her attention to the foursome behind her. “C’mon.” Liz muttered, and darted down the hallway, leaving the others no choice but to follow.

She rounded the corner and was rewarded with the storage closet right where she knew it would be. Yanking open the door, Liz turned and waited for the others to catch up. Max was in the lead and when he finally reached her, he stopped – his bare chest heaving erratically, his dark eyes searching hers. Delving deeply into her gaze. Connecting…

Liz averted her gaze, and gestured inside the closet.

“Get in there,” She ordered thickly. The hesitation that crossed Tess and Isabel’s features didn’t go unnoticed. After being locked up in one cell after another for months, being locked in a dark and cold closet didn’t seem all that appealing right now. “Hurry.” Liz added.

After another moment of hesitation, Michael and Max ushered the girls into the room and then followed. They continued all the way inside, obviously leaving room for Liz to enter as well. Instead of doing just that, Liz leaned down and picked up a small fire extinguisher sitting just beside the door.

“Stay here,” She spoke, once she had straightened. “Stay quiet.” Liz didn’t bother with saying that she’d be back, because, frankly, she wasn’t sure if she would be back.

As she was preparing to close the door, Max took a hasty step towards her, his eyes once again boring into hers. “Where are you going?” He asked fretfully, so softly that Liz could barely hear him. “Aren’t you going to stay with us?”

Slowly, Liz shook her head. “I have to take care of this.” As the door began to close, the crack waning slowly, she saw Max lunge towards the door in an attempt to stop her. Quickly, she shut the door completely, and lifted the extinguisher over her head. Using what force she could muster, she struck the bottom edge against the doorknob, creating a sharp clank of metal meeting metal . The knob broke and clattered to the floor at her feet, successfully locking them inside.

Then, Liz quietly pressed herself against the opposite wall, hiding in the shadows. She gently placed the extinguisher at her side and waited. Fearful that the agent may just be around the corner, she remained silent, hoping that Alex would intuitive enough to know to inform her of the agent’s whereabouts.

They were too close for it all to end now.

<center>* * *</center>

“Liz, what are you doing?” Alex’s question remained unanswered, and with a worrisome frown, he continued to stare at the almost imperceptible figure of his friend.

“She’s waiting him out,” Kyle sneered, already pissed that Liz had denied him the access to actually get inside. “Stupid.”

Not wanting her to be caught off guard, Alex kept a steady eye on the intruder. He would relay his approach continuously back to Liz, hoping she could hear him. If for some reason the connection was lost…

“He’s five feet to your right, Liz,” Alex swallowed and sweat beaded across his forehead. He could feel Kyle next to him, tensed and unmovable. “Don’t move.” He whispered, his words barely reaching the microphone.

He blinked his eyes back into focus. Having stared into the shadows for so long it made it difficult for him to see Liz, but he spotted her. She was crouching now, having silently slid down the wall to rest on her haunches. He wasn’t sure, but he thought he’d spotted the soft glint of her gun clutched in both her hands, poised with deadly accuracy.

“She’s gonna get him.” Kyle muttered confidently.

The agent’s fluid, predatory movement continued. He walked right by Liz, his gaze focused on the door with the missing knob. They watched as his hand reached out to touch; they could practically see Liz’s finger tightening on the trigger. The moment would come quickly and it would all be over.

“Do it.” Kyle quietly urged and watched with bated breath.

Suddenly, the van shook violently and the back doors swung open, revealing a breathless and sweaty Maria. The setting sun cast her shadow across the floor of the van, highlighting her form, giving her blonde hair a golden hue. Her green eyes were wide with terror.

Before either Alex or Kyle could question what had happened, she spoke. “Rian’s missing.”

For a split second, Maria’s words didn’t register, and had no effect on them whatsoever. Then, at the exact same moment, realization dawned on the two of them. Rian. They both reached for the mike, but Alex was the first to verbalize the order. His fearful “no” died in mid syllable when the heart-stopping boom of a single shot reached his ears.

<center>* * *</center>

Liz’s breath caught in her throat. Alex’s sharp “no” had just reached her ears as her finger tightened. She couldn’t have prevented the shot even if she wanted to. Now, she remained immovable in her spot, waiting for her eyes to focus and to be able to see whom had she shot, and why Alex had been against it.

The first thing she noticed when her vision cleared was the soft, turquoise glow glittering on her hands. Her eyes slowly lifted and stared through the glimmering haze that served as protection, and into the pair of eyes she immediately recognized.

His hand was before him, palm facing towards her. And from the center of his palm originated the protective force field had he erected just in the nick of time. When he lowered his hand, the field disappeared, and a soft ting followed – the sound of the smashed bullet hitting the floor.

Slowly, Liz stood to her feet, her legs shaky from the knowledge of what she’d just done.

“I almost killed you.”

His eyebrow quirked and the corner of his mouth twitched just slightly. Turquoise eyes sparkled laughingly at her. “Let’s be glad you didn’t,” He gave her a once over, taking in her form and his eyes narrowed at makeshift bandage around her midriff, and the crimson blood that was weeping through it. “You’re bleeding.” He commented almost casually, before motioning her to step forward. Liz did so without hesitation, and watched as he waved his large hand over her middle. She felt a slight sting, and then a warm, spreading sensation throughout her middle. When his hand fell to his side, Liz peeled back the cloth to reveal her unmarred skin.

“Thanks.” She murmured and stared up at him.

He nodded in answer, and then after a moment of silence he motioned his head towards the storage closet. “Shall we get them out?”


Max ceased his adamant struggles to open the door at the bloodcurdling ring of a single gunshot. From behind him, he heard Tess gasp as she cowered ever further behind Michael. Silence fell amongst the group as they waited with the fearful knowledge that this could be it. Within the next few minutes, it would be either Liz who opened the door…Or it wouldn’t be.

Max took an unsteady step back, his stomach contorting painfully at the thought of Liz lying on the floor bleeding from a gaping bullet hole in her body. He had been able to save her once – it had been so long ago – and he would give anything to be able to do it now.

Liz. He had no illusions that she hadn’t risked much in her planning to rescue them. She had risked everything. And though he had questions (the typical how, when, and why) that needed to be answered, at this point in time he was simply grateful she had showed up.

Yet now she may be gone. Had that gunshot been from her? Or intended for her? Max wasn’t sure he wanted to know the answer.

The room was pitch black, with no light at all penetrating the darkness. But not even the strength of the serum they were constantly injected with could deter their senses – only their powers, the powers that he could feel already beginning to rouse into alertness, yet still too weak to use effectively.

Max blinked, urging his eyes to adjust to the darkness, wanting to see the door he had been touching just moments before. His eyes ached, throbbing as they strained to do what they hadn’t done in what seemed like years. Finally, the door, dark and shadowy, appeared before his eyes. Max blinked again, this time to clear the blurriness. When he opened his eyes again, his vision was clearer, and he could see the shape of the doorknob through the obscure darkness.

He watched that knob, hoping he’d be able to detect the slightest movement from it. For certainly, whether it was Liz coming for them or someone else, the door would eventually open. With that would come either their salvation or their imprisonment – again.

From behind him, his named was whispered on a quiet plea. He looked over the shoulder, and through the darkness he could just barely make out the trembling form of sister. She stood behind Michael, just beside of Tess, clutching tightly to his shoulders. On Antar, she had been strong and thriving – so alive. Now, it seemed all of those admirable qualities had disintegrated before his eyes.

“What if she’s not coming back for us?” Isabel whispered, her tone fearful and broken, at a complete loss of hope. “What if they’re waiting for us out there?” It was question they were all about to have answered.

Max didn’t get the chance to answer for himself, however, before the soft squeak of the door’s hinges met their attuned ears. Slowly, he turned his head, and fixated his gaze on the door. The red haze from the hallway barely penetrated the darkness as the door continued to open further. Beside him, Max felt Michael brace himself, preparing to put up a fight. They had gotten this far…

But on the chance it was Liz…They shouldn’t jump the gun. Just wait, see who it is –

The shadowed form loomed over them. Broad shoulders and a bulk of muscles blocked their only exit. And Max felt his heart stop at the knowledge that it wasn’t Liz. She hadn’t returned, which could only mean…

He felt the searing fury as it surged through his veins, mingling with the adrenaline already thriving within him, burning his insides, his heart. Max had no thoughts; his mind barely registered what his intentions were before his body sprung out. His mind ignored the protesting cries from the members of his family from behind him. He outstretched his arms – arms that had at one time been toned with firm muscles that have now begun to atrophy. His hands were to prepared to grasp, pummel, and shred to pieces whatever he could get a hold of. He wanted nothing more than to wrap his hands around the guy’s neck and –

Max suddenly impacted against a hard wall, and fell backwards with a brute force. He placed his arms behind him in an effort to catch himself, causing his wrists to take the brunt of the fall. A painful hiss escaped his lips, and jerked his head up, intent on glaring a hole straight through his attacker’s forehead, when he noticed the soft glow of the glimmering force field before him. The bluish light radiating from the shield offered Max a clearer view of the man before him. His sculpted face the focal point of Max’s stare. The man’s mouth was curved in an arrogant grin; the corner’s of his lips visibly twitching.

“Are you done playing hero now?” The deep voice resonated throughout the tiny closet, his words curling around them in a chilling caress.

Before Max could even formulate a retort in his mind, someone stepped from behind the man’s broad back. Relief flooded him when he finally got an unobstructed view of Liz. She was okay; she was safe.

And she was still avoiding his gaze, instead choosing to stare at the others behind him.

“We don’t have much time,” She informed them authoritatively. “Lets go.” And with that, she turned on her heel and left. The man dropped his hand, and with a quirk of a dark eyebrow, followed suit.

After a moment of stunned stillness, Max felt hard hands grip his arm, and seconds later he was being helped to his feet. Michael stood behind him, his dark eyes peering after the duo that just left the room with unhidden curiosity.

“So,” He finally muttered, and gave Max a pointed stare. “Liz has found some new aliens to hang out with?”

<center>* * *</center>

Liz glanced impatiently over her shoulder to see if they had followed, but all she saw was the satisfied smirk on Rian’s face.

“What are you smirking about?” She asked curiously, and stood on her tiptoes just to peer over the broad shoulders of Rian’s new form. Michael had just exited the closet, followed by Isabel, and then Tess, and finally Max. Each of them regarded the back of Rian’s form warily.

“Nothing.” She answered, though her light colored eyes were twinkling with what oddly resembled amusement.

Resigning with the fact that now was not the time for questioning, Liz glanced at her wristwatch before returning her gaze back to Rian. Time was dwindling, and quickly.

“Lets go.” She muttered again, and broke off into another jog. What she really wanted to do was to break out into a full run, but she sensed that the aliens weren’t in shape for that kind of exertion. She had to set the pace, and right now that pace was slow. Too slow.

Rian seemed to be the only one who could keep up. She jogged in step with her, directly to her left. “We still have to make it down the stairs.” She pointed out.

“And to the south wing.” Liz added. They weren’t exiting the way she had entered. She entered through the loading garage, on the opposite end of the compound was a single fire exit. Their exit.

Six minutes wasn’t enough time, not nearly enough. She had to set a new pace.

“Faster!” Liz yelled over her shoulder as she lengthened her strides, her arms pumping heavily at her sides.

Shit, Liz,” Alex’s voice whispered in her ear. “You’re not gonna make it.

“Shut the hell up, Whitman,” She ordered through gritted teeth. “They’ll make it.”

Finally, the exit via stairway was before them. Liz threw herself against the door, and proceeded to hold it open for the others. Michael ran by her, and when he seemed to hesitate Liz directed him onwards. “To the ground floor. Go!”

Isabel, Tess, and Max followed. Rian motioned Liz on ahead of her, and was right beside her as they practically vaulted down the stairs. The sound of their heavy footsteps echoed throughout the staircase, drifting upwards, high above them to resonate through the upper floors as well.

How much longer, she wondered. For the fear of checking her watch would slow her down, Liz breathlessly asked, “How much time, Alex?” Just as they reached the ground floor; Rian took charge shoved through the heavy door, and led the way through the maze of hallways. Liz took up the rear.

Four in a half minutes.” Alex finally answered through a restricted throat.

“We’re almost there.” She lied, though unnecessarily; Alex could see everything.

I’m gonna lose the feed soon,” He began to explain, softly, slowly, resignedly. “All footage will go back to the control room. But the doors will still be locked for another two minutes – max. If they see you –

“Let me handle that,” She ordered and tried to formulate Plan B in her head. There wasn’t enough time. “Is Kyle and Maria ready?”

Yes.

“Good. Have them start their engines.” Liz informed him without breaking a stride. They had to be close by now. It felt like they’d been running forever; she could feel it in her sides, hear it in her breathing. If she kept up much longer soon her steps would falter and she’d begin slow down. She could already feel the slight twinges of light-headedness. It must have been from the loss of blood…

Finally, Rian called over her shoulder, “We’re almost there,” and Liz nearly dropped to her knees in relief. It would be over soon.

Two minutes.” Alex reminded her ominously.

It was cutting it too close. She needed more time; she should have planned for the unexpected – for Samson and Heitzmann. Liz cursed silently to herself, urging for a plan to formulate within her mind. Alex, Maria, and Kyle wouldn’t be able to drive out fast enough, not with out being detected. She needed to think of something – some diversion – anything to divert attention away from them.

And on to her.

Suddenly, Liz knew what to do, and by that time the others had reached the exit. Their salvation. Rian had stopped them from any further movement, wanting to wait on word from Liz. When she reached them, she stared pointedly at her friend, urging her to understand.

The way in which Rian’s body tensed all over allowed Liz to know that she understood her silent communication. She had even prepared.

“You keep a change of clothes in your office,” Rian said softly, and gave Liz’s attire a once over. “For events like this. You went to your office and changed. I planted your clothes there.” She had added one more detail to Liz’s alibi.

Liz gave a weak smile, reached for her earpiece and tossed it to Rian; she caught it and placed it in her pocket. They didn’t need that kind of discriminating evidence against her. Finally she nodded, signaling for Rian to go ahead. Rian returned the gesture and pushed open the door, and held it. The sun still offered a few weak rays as means of light, and in the distance a van and a SUV awaited.

Tess sobbed at the sight before her – of the outside world, of the sand and sky, and the two vehicles that would undoubtedly take her far away from this place. They drew her to them like a beacon. But for the life of her, she couldn’t force herself to move. She seemed paralyzed and the thought horrified her. All she could do was remained rooted next to Isabel, clutching tightly to her hand. Beneath the thin material of her clothing, she could feel the other woman shaking, just like her.

Liz heaved in a breath, almost weak with relief that it was almost over and soon they’d be safe.

“The cars are waiting for you outside. Go.” She ordered softly..

Instead of racing out the door like she had expected them to do, they remained rooted in their spots. Not even Isabel or Tess budged, whom she had figured would be the first to go, but they seemed to be waiting on Michael and Max.

Or maybe it was her.

As if they had a will of their own, her eyes connected with Max. And for the life of her, she couldn’t pull her gaze away. His eyes sucked her in, holding her captive, willing her to open up to him. But she couldn’t; she couldn’t let him see.

Yet despite that, he still knew. He still knew that she wouldn’t be going with them, that she had to stay.

Max shook his head, almost imperceptibly, and took a step towards her, and Liz arched an eyebrow at him. What did he think? That he could force her out the compound?

At his advance, Liz automatically reached behind her for the gun at her back; it was instinct, but acted as a warning as well. The movement didn’t go unnoticed by him, and Max stopped immediately, his eyes continuing to bore into hers.

She returned his gaze, aware that precious seconds continued to tick by, but he had to see; he had to see that her decision was made and that she was the one in charge. Liz watched as Max's gaze wavered briefly, and then she spoke.

"Hurry," She said softly, her eyes wandering over the group, before she glanced warily at the security camera over their shoulders. "You don't have much time."

Yet Max still didn’t move; he’s just a few steps away from the compound's exit, away from deliverance. Why wasn't he moving?

"How are you going to get out?" Michael voiced the question Max must have been thinking, for his eyes sparked and his form went rigid.

Liz sighed as the lights ahead flickered to life, illuminating them all, removing them from the safety of the darkness. Gone were the red emergency lights. Next would be the cameras. "Leave that to me," She demanded and gave them a forceful shove towards the exit. "You have to leave, and you have to leave now."

When it seemed that her brother was still hesitant, Isabel gripped Max's forearm tightly and looked at the menacing security camera. "Max, please," She pleaded pitifully; tears rolling down her sunken cheeks. "Let's leave, please."

Max glanced at her, before returning his smoky gaze to Liz. She held his stare a moment longer, before she introduced her 9mm to his face. "Go," Her voice was emotionless, ruthless. "Now."

He finally took the hint and followed Michael and Isabel's quick exit. Liz caught Tess by the arm before she was fully able to leave, holding her back so that everyone exited first. The blonde stared briefly at their contact before she gazed questioningly into Liz's face.

"Blast me," Liz ordered once everyone had gone, and sheathed her gun in the waistband of her pants. They hadn’t been injected with the serum. She knew from discussions with Dr. Cornwell that their powers returned quickly and rapidly, which was why the dosage of serum was large and constant. They had to be back now.

Her life depended on it.

Tess's blue eyes widened with fright and incomprehension. "Excuse me?"

The brunette sighed in annoyance, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "You heard me," She said exasperated and removed her grasp from Tess's arm. "Blast me."

"Are you nuts?" Tess exclaimed shakily and glanced over her shoulder and to her exit. For someone who was hell bent on getting them out, Liz sure was wasting a lot of time. Tess bit back the whimper; freedom was just out of her reach. God, she just wanted to leave!

"Oh c'mon, Tess, you know you wanna," Liz teased, trying to make her offer sound enticing, though she knew very well of the seriousness of their current situation.

Tess laughed bitterly. "Oh, now I know you're crazy," She then turned for the exit. Liz automatically grabbed Tess again, her nails digging into her tender flesh, and successfully prevented her from departure.

"Blast me!" Liz yelled again, her eyes fixated on the security camera just overhead. Honed in on the red light as it tried to blink itself to life.

"No!" Tess retorted, and once again savagely ripped her arm from Liz’s grasp. Damn the girl, they'd never been friends, but nor had they been enemies. And even though her offer did sound appealing, Max would rip her knew one if he found out. What the hell was she thinking?

Time was dwindling; Liz removed her gun, and allowed it to hang at her side suggestively as she stepped towards Tess. "I'm not telling you again," Liz said through clenched teeth, her words taking on an intimidating edge. "Blast me."

Tess turned slowly, determinedly, and met the girl head on. "No."

Time was up - gone. The security camera was back on and focused on them, within moments Pierce would have men in her sector.

"Oh, for God's sake, Tess!" Liz boomed with furious ferocity and pointed her gun in the blonde's face, much as she had to Max. "Stop being such a bitch and just-"

Her words fell as her breath was knocked from her lungs in a whoosh. She flew backwards for what seemed like an eternity, until she finally impacted hard against the wall twelve feet away. Tess glanced up at the security camera, it's red light steady, indicating it was on and focused right on her. Then, she ran out of the building.

The sight of Max's stiff figure stalking towards her told Tess he had witnessed everything.

"You fucking-"

Tess snatched his arm and broke out into a dead run, successfully turning him towards the opposite direction. "I had to do it, Max," She tried to reason breathlessly, as she raced with him to the two vehicles just ahead. Salvation.

"Bullshit," Max yelled with frightening fury. He turned to go back but Tess's nails dug in rough.

"Max," She breathed desperately, and faced him determinedly. "Think about it. Liz could have easily faked being unconscious, but she wanted it to be synthetic," He didn't catch on to what she was getting at, and Tess looked longingly at the SUV waiting for them, seeming miles away. It would take them away from here, away from the nightmare. "She knew she couldn’t come with us. She had to save herself Max, and the only way to do that was by having the evidence of an alien attack against her – to divert all blame away from her," She sighed unsteadily as fearful tears blurred her vision. "She wanted me to Max, she told me to. To save us she had to set it up. Please, you have to believe me."

"Are you getting in or not?" Kyle yelled with angry impatience just a few yards away from where he held the back door open for them.

Max looked once more at the facility where they had been kept; now, he could still hear the alarms going off on the inside. Liz. She was in there and hurt.

"Max."

He grabbed Tess's arm and darted towards the vehicle. He crawled into inside with her, unable to do anything else but to believe that Liz had done what she thought was right. Kyle slammed the door shut and pounded the roof twice with his fist, indicating to the driver that they were ready. He climbed into the surveillance van and glanced at Alex’s pallor features. He swallowed convulsively as he put the van into drive.

"Lets roll."


TBC

I apologize for any mistakes. :roll: My dear friend & beta is either preparing to go out of the country, or *is* at this point in time, out of the country. So, this didn't get sent to her first. Straight to post!

Raychel
Last edited by Raychelxluscious on Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:13 pm, edited 3 times in total.
writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

Roswell, New Mexico S1 Watch Party
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Raychelxluscious
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 203
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:15 pm
Location: Started in WV, ending in FL

Post by Raychelxluscious »

Hey guys! I’m a nominee! :) So thank you to all of those who nominated me! I’m so excited! :)

Image

Favorite Supporting Portrayal of Maria Deluca
Favorite Supporting Portrayal of Alex Whitman
Favorite Supporting Portrayal of Kyle Valenti
Favorite Original Character
Riannan Kellar

All right, because I had people yelling at me and threatening me with pitchforks, rakes, whips, and scary smilelys, I have a new part for you.

I warn you now, however, that this is only the first half, and may or may not be what you’ve wanted. It’s definitely not what I wanted, but, alas, this is another transitional piece and is very necessary. I know some of you are perturbed with Riannan for her actions, but that won’t be addressed until the next half.

Also to be addressed in the next half, the aliens and their reactions to being rescued by their long time friends. Sucks that you have to wait – some more – but whatchagonnado? *shrug*

So, I apologize now if you’re disappointed. :roll: It’s been a long ride, and I know now it seems even longer, but just hold out a little while, okay? :) We’re almost there.

Also, I’d like to say how pleased I am that a large majority of you understood Liz’s motives behind coercing Tess to blast her. I wasn’t really worried, but it’s always nice to see for myself that it was clear. Liz’s action was risky, but necessary, and for the most part, you all have understood.

However:

I'm trilled that Liz freed them, but I'm bummed out that she has to stay behind. One good thing about Tess blasting Liz on tape is that if they catch her, no more Tess!
I’d just like to say, Tess isn’t going *anywhere*. She’s part of the group, and she’s here to stay. Yes, Tess was on tape, but Liz and the others have worked far too hard to allow her to be ripped from their grasp again. So, Tess will be with us for the duration of the fic, and I’m not gonna apologize for that.

Anyway. :) Since you all take the time to leave me *tremendous* feedback, I should probably take the time to thank you all, personally. :)

So, *girnormous* thank yours to:
LittleHottie510
Timelord31
Hopeless Romantic
– okay, so I inadvertently lied to you. :roll: The *you know what* will be addressed in the next half of this part. lol. ;)
Emz80m
Grace52373
su-lyn
behrlyliz
– hehe! Thanks! ;)
flyawayraven
orphyfets
Evans3
ms.ava
ABuller
BelevnDreamsToo
I am a dreamer
because there is footage of liz leaving the compound just before the camera's turned off and then when the camera's turned back on, liz is back in the building and supposedly taking on the alien's. so how is she going to explain it all?
Just wanted to let you know that your question will be addressed in this part. ;)

begonia9508
frenchkiss70
Luvya
– awww! Thank you! LOL. I appreciate it anyway. ;)
Behrsgirl77 – hehe! Don’t worry about it, Tanya. ;) Cause you know I suck too! :p Love ya!
cherie
maxluvsliz05
A Rose Is True Blue
– Erin! :) HI! Hehe! Glad you enjoyed it, ;). Anyway, just to answer a question, I’m going to stick close to home, and attend the University that’s only, 40 minutes, maybe?, from my home. :) Thanks again!
83 AlienAngel
janesdilemma
- No, ma’am, you didn’t read wrong about the clothing. She did have something different on, but that’ll be addressed here too. It was slightly mentioned in pt 10, but it’ll be mentioned again here too. :) Thanks!
RoswellDreamer_bb10
DramastarOF06
– hehe! Thanks!

And of course, thanks to everyone who PMed me and Emailed me! I appreciate it! Speaking of emails, I was actually surprised that I got *several* emails asking me to email some of you back whenever I post. I don’t have a problem with that, so I’ll do that for you, but I wanted to see if anyone else was interested. I’ll email you every time I update (even with an A/N, but I’ll put that in the subject line, so you can decide where you want to read the note or not). If any one else is interested, PM me your email addresses and I’ll do that from here on out. :)

Okay…enough stalling! Here’s your first half! :)





<center>Part Eleven A</center>

Maria watched motionlessly as he climbed into the vehicle. Her breathing hitched and her throat tightened painfully as she took in his pitiful form. This was how he’d looked in her dream. Broken and beaten down; no longer the strong and purposeful Second in Command that she remembered.

He didn’t look at her, probably didn’t even see her as he seated himself on the backbench of the spacious SUV. Her gaze followed his every move through the rear view mirror; watching him, yearning for him to look at her…

The sharp pounding coming from the roof of the vehicle alerted Maria out of her reverie. She jerked slightly, realizing the sound was the “go ahead” signal. She hastily put the car into gear, and pressed hard against the accelerator. The SUV lurched with unrestrained power, and was then traveling through the desert at speeds that put Maria at a great discomfort. Why was she driving again?

She glanced over at Rian, still decked out in her “man form”, and wondered why she hadn’t been the one who was the getaway driver. Rian glanced at her then, and flashed her a wide grin. Obviously she was enjoying this.

Wow. Rian really did have a sexy grin…

“Maybe you should watch the road…er, sand.” Rian suggested easily.

Almost too late Maria returned her gaze to where she was going, and nearly collided into a lone cactus. “What the fu-“ She yelped and swerved hastily out of the way. She checked her mirrors and watched the cactus shrank into the distance, before she glanced skeptically at Rian. “What the hell was that doing there?”

“Well,” Rian began slowly, her eyebrow quirking in amusement. “This is a desert. And cacti do much prefer deserts.”

Maria swallowed convulsively and turned her gaze away from her friend. Was it weird that her best girlfriend made a pretty hot guy?

“Maria,” Rian said suddenly, her husky, masculine tone filled with giddiness and astonishment. When Maria looked at her, she could tell by Rian’s expression that whatever was to come out of her mouth next, would not be good. “Do I turn you on?”

Flabbergasted, her mouth fell open, and stayed open for a long time, as she struggled to concoct a retort.

“Maria?” Her name reached her ears, having been carried on the deep resonance of a voice from the back.

She was so surprised to hear her name pass through his lips, that she muttered an excited “what?” and jerked around in her seat to look at him. Never mind that fact that her hands still held firmly onto the steering wheel. Again the SUV swerved sharply to the left, causing startled screams to erupt from the back, and Rian to collide painfully into the door.

“Watch the fucking road, Maria!” Rian boomed and reached a hand out to straighten the wheel for her obviously driving-impaired friend. “What the hell are you doing driving?”

“I was thinking the same thing,” She murmured quietly as she continued to straighten the wheel out, and wisely began to reduce her speed. When all was right in the vehicle again, Maria swiped the hair from her face and risked a glance in the rear view mirror.

Michael stared right back at her.

His gaze was so intense and so captivating that, once again, Rian had to make her focus on the road. Maria swallowed convulsively as sweat popped out along her forehead due to the heat of his stare. Oh, God, she couldn’t function like this.

“Chill out.” Rian ordered softly, having picked up on her vibes. Then, she tossed an intimidating glare over her shoulder, promptly causing Michael to divert his gaze.

Maria glanced over at Rian, and gave a short nod in understanding. Then, she stared straight ahead, taking in everything that was in front of her, focusing on her job. And she fought not to feel Michael’s gaze return to her.

<center>* * *</center>

“What the-“ Infuriated at her rapid decrease in speed, Kyle laid his hand down hard on the horn. “What the hell is she doing, driving Miss Daisy? Hurry the hell up, Maria!”

From beside him, Alex cleared his throat and gestured warily to the car beginning to pick up speed in front of them. The car that carried very precious cargo. “Are you sure that’s a good idea? Didn’t you see how well she does not drive when reaching speeds 75 and higher?”

“Hey, dude,” Kyle muttered and wound down the window to create a cool breeze. The cab of the van had suddenly become unbearably hot. “She was the one who drew the straw. It’s kind of like the short bus; no one likes to ride it, but someone has to.”

Alex blinked, and stared at his friend for a long moment. “Articulate, Kyle,” He responded sardonically. “Really.”

Kyle lifted a shoulder nonchalantly. “I try.”

Silence fell uncomfortably over the duo then. Undoubtedly both of their minds were relaying the too fresh images of all that Liz had went through to get the aliens out. It was as if they had been with her every step of the way, yet helpless to do anything.

As they neared the exit of the compound, it had been then that Liz began to ignore the incessant calls Alex made to her. When he watched her remove the earpiece, his blood ran cold, and goose bumps pebbled over his body. And then he watched, he watched up until the very last second, as Liz coaxed Tess into doing something she obviously didn’t want to do.

The last thing he saw was Liz draw her gun, and allow it to hang heavily at her side before he lost all feed. He never felt so helpless in his life. And he didn’t like it at all.

There were only five people who exited the building, when six of them had gone in. Alex never expected Liz would be the one to not return.

“She’ll be all right.” Kyle uttered quietly; his attempt at being reassuring admirable. Yet Alex had the sneaking suspicion that he hadn’t said the words any louder because he knew his voice would break.

Alex shook his head, before he allowed it to lull back against his seat, and his eyes to close. “What was she thinking?” He mumbled rhetorically.

For a moment, gained no response, not that he had needed one. The whooshing sound of the air coming in through the window and circulating through out the vehicle was all that met his ears. Then, “She did what she thought she had to.” Kyle finally replied, softly and matter-of-factly.

His answer caused Alex to lift his head and regard Kyle incredulously. “Are you freakin’ serious?” He demanded. When his friend had no retort, other than to sigh and flex his hand on the steering wheel, Alex shook his head. “No. No. We agree on everything first. We discuss things, we plan, we plot. We don’t just fly by the seat of our asses to be a fucking hero, Kyle. I –“ Alex forced himself to break off and scoff in order to cover up the choking sob that wanted to erupt from his throat. He closed his eyes again. Willing his emotions under control. “We didn’t agree on that. I – I just don’t understand what it is with these girls. They need to get over their hero complexes, or whatever it is they’ve got going on.”

Kyle was wise enough to give Alex a few moments to calm down before he replied. “This has been all Liz from the start,” He said evenly, and tossed a pointed look in Alex’s direction. “We didn’t even believe her in the beginning. You still didn’t believe her up until a week ago. She’s the brain behind this operation. We need to just let it go.”

“Okay, so it was her idea,” Alex conceded with a nod, his rage still bubbling inside of him. “And that makes it okay for her to get all G.I. Jane on us? I don’t think so.”

“And what would have had her do?” Kyle asked, suddenly angry at all the heat that Alex was putting on Liz. After all, it wasn’t her fault. “We wouldn’t have gotten out of here without an ass load of FEDs following us right now if it weren’t for her. She did what she had to do, end of story.”

Alex remained silent, allowing Kyle’s words to sink in. Deep down he knew Kyle was right; Liz didn’t have a choice. By staying behind she had diverted all attention away from them and on to her. Liz – ever the noble one. He didn’t like it, and he didn’t have to. It still happened.

Yet even that knowledge couldn’t taper his anger. “Fucking Rian.” He cursed heatedly.

Kyle sighed, and looked over at Alex. “Now what?”

“It’s her fault!” He yelled, incredulously wondering how Kyle didn’t see that. “She screwed up the plan; she was supposed to stay out and wait. Just like the rest of us. But did she? Noooo. Cause she has the fuckin’ hero complex going on too.”

“Alex, she didn’t mean to. Try to chill out.” Kyle explained softly, trying to calm him down. He understood Alex’s position, but he knew from experience that Rian couldn’t be approached with a temper. It’ll only piss her off.

“I don’t care if she meant to or not, and I’m not going to chill out,” Alex said stiffly. “Riannan screwed up. And I’m gonna be the one tell her.”

<center>* * *</center>

”Are you okay?”

Liz jerked her head in the direction of the muffled voice, and her eyes connected with her own reflection. Behind the protective mask, she knew that Dr. Cornwell was studying her carefully, sizing her up and wondering if she had been a good choice after all.

“Elizabeth?” He said, somewhat breathily, making her think of the infamous Dark Vadar.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Liz finally answered before he could question her again. “I’m just a little hot, is all.”

Philip nodded, seeming to understand. “Yes, of course. The suits are rather stuffy,” He agreed and plucked at the fabric sticking to his chest for effect. “It does take some getting use to.”

Instead of agreeing verbally, Liz opted to nod her head instead. She doubted she’d ever get use to it, though. She didn’t want to be here now; she didn’t want to be here, ever.

She found herself stuck in the same situation she was forced to endure a few days ago. Waiting for the next specimen to be brought in, and hoping with everything she had that it wasn’t Max. Liz was not so deluded that she thought she could actually avoid being in the same room with Max forever; in fact, she relished the day she’d be near him again, just to know he was okay. But she never wanted it to be like this, not under these circumstances.

Liz stared warily at the large, metal tub filled with chilling ice water. She had a general idea as to what it would be used for.


Experimentation. Pierce’s words rang loudly in her ears, causing her jaw to grind convulsively as she fought to restrain her anger. This wasn’t experimentation; this was torture.

And she was quickly becoming a key part of it.

Liz’s hands clenched at her sides, as she fought to keep herself from swaying, to refrain from running out of the room, and smashing everyone’s heads in as she went. It would be over soon. She knew that. She repeated it to herself every morning like a mantra.

But the end still couldn’t come soon enough.

The doors to the cell opened then. And it was actually quite amazing how it happened. The wall in front of them shifted just slightly. Moving forward, creating a soft humming noise as the white fabric covering the walls rubbed together, successfully muffling the sound of the underlying metal as it ground together. Then, the doors shifted again, this time sliding to the left. Liz found herself wondering about the architectural work done on the building in an effort to keep her mind from the inevitable.

The doors opened further, and Liz caught a glimpse of a white suit that matched her own. Quickly, she shut her eyes. It had become habit for her to shield herself from whatever she was about to witness. She didn’t want to see who was on the other side. She didn’t want to know who she was going to hurt this time.

“Specimen number 243.”

Like a tidal wave, Liz was assaulted with the details from the file Kyle and Rian had stolen from Eagle Rock. The words swirled throughout her mind, echoing and repeating. Driving her crazy.


“Two males, two females,” She heard herself say. Specimen numbers 243 and 242 were classified as male; 426 and 429 were female.

Specimen number 242 had been Michael.

Liz’s eyes snapped open, and her breath left her lungs. It had been different before, gazing at him from behind the glass, but now he was standing right in front of her, flanked by two men in white ready to protect themselves at any moment.

Max.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” Liz jerked her head towards Dr. Cornwell. She shook her head, before returning her gaze back to Max.

He looked so tired, ready to collapse at any moment.

Liz’s first instinct was to run to him, to wrap her arms around him and allow his weight to sag against her. But she couldn’t do that, for the obvious reasons. She’d get him out soon, and he’d be safe again.

She closed her eyes again, this time to gain her bearings, to make sure that she had their connection successfully buried deep into the back of her subconscious. He couldn’t know that she was here, or that she was the one doing things to him. Now, she was almost certain his reaction when she had first seen him through the plane of glass had been triggered by their connection. It had awoken from its dormant state the moment he was transferred to her facility. She knew it; maybe she’d always known it.

But in an effort to protect herself, and more importantly him, she had to keep it tethered

“Ah, there we are,” Dr. Cornwell said gleefully, as the men shuffled Max further into the room. Liz opened her eyes and watched Cornwell’s every move as he began to inspect his specimen. “He seems to have slimmed down a bit,” He mused and ran a glove sheathed finger down Max’s withering biceps. “I’m not quite sure if that’s good or bad. What do you think, Agent?”

Liz swallowed and prayed that it was a rhetorical question, that he didn’t really need an answer. The mask only muffled her voice so much, if Max recognized it at all…

“I want to review his diet,” He went on, and Liz inwardly sighed with relief. Philip looked towards the two who had escorted Max into the cell. “You’ll draw up his menu for me, won’t you?”

They uttered a quiet “yes, sir,” revealing themselves to Liz as being Samson and Heitzmann. As was becoming habit every time she was in the same vicinity as them, her hands clenched angrily at her sides. She couldn’t wait to give them what they deserved…

“Agent?” Liz again averted her attention back to her supervisor. If she didn’t get her act together, Dr. Cornwell may request her removal from the case, and Pierce would certainly hold his opinion in high regard. She had to stay on; she had to focus.

“Shall we begin?” He inquired, and Liz nodded jerkily in response.

She watched as Philip curled his hands around Max’s arm. Max’s bowed head, over grown with dark, shaggy hair, jerked just slightly at the unwelcome touch, and he moaned meekly in protest.

“Now, now,” Philip crooned, almost reassuringly. “We’re just going to give you a bath.”

Liz almost choked on the bile rising in her throat as her gaze fell, once again, on the tub of ice water. She bit her lip to keep a whimper from escaping, and blinked her eyes to remove the blur of tears filling at the rims.

“I’m going to need your assistance, Agent.” He called to her, his tone gruff as he tried to force Max’s heavy weight across the room. Samson and Heitzmann were in the corner, not permitted to intercede unless verbally authorized.

Slowly enough to be labeled as hesitant, Liz took a step towards Dr. Cornwell and Max. Her eyes roamed over the deplorable shape his body was in. He looked so frail and weak that the tears started to build all over again. He was naked from the waist up; his only clothing a pair of thin scrub pants. Liz could see the delicate ladder of his ribs. He had lost the muscle tone in his abdomen, no longer trim and hard like she remembered. His long arms, one clutched tightly in Philip’s hand while the other hung heavily at his side, looked as if the muscles were deteriorating there as well.

Finally, Liz’s eyes reached his face. His jaw had never been so prominent before, and his cheekbones and never been as noticeable. His face was so deeply sunken in that he almost looked dead. The shadows beneath his closed eyes expressed just how fatigued he really was.

Liz almost faltered in step, until she recalled that nagging threat in the back of her mind. She had to stay focused and on task. She couldn’t get pulled now, not when she was so close.

She had reached him; she was just a breath away. If he’d just lift his head and look over, he could gaze right at her. Or, her mask at least.

Focused on the task at hand, Liz reached up and curled her hands around Max’s other arm. They burned from his touch, thriving with life, almost causing her to release her grip immediately. Even through the thick gloves on her hand, Liz could feel the warmth of his body, allowing her to know with complete certainty that he was here. He was alive. Her heart swelled to incredible proportions with the knowledge.

“All right,” Philip began, and gave Max’s arm another tug. “To the tub, Agent.”

And together they pulled. With each tug from them, Liz could feel Max resisting more. His moans of protests grew louder as they neared the tub, and his head lifted, his eyes opened. Blurred from fatigue, the serum, or maybe both, his eyes widened when they fell onto the tub. The incoherent sounds emerging from his throat morphed into one recognizable syllable.

“No.”

“Did you give him the serum?” Cornwell asked suddenly, and looked over his shoulder at Samson and Heitzmann.

Liz didn’t know why it mattered. All it did was eradicate the powers, not the will.

“Hold tight, Agent.” He urged her, and Liz instinctively tightened her grip.

When Max tried to jerk his arm from her grasp, her face crumbled from behind the mask and tears spilled over her face. His objections were becoming more forceful, and heartbreakingly potent. Liz had to hold her breath to keep a sob from escaping her lips. She just wanted to let go.

“Grab his legs!” Cornwell was beginning to see the urgency of the matter when he called out the order. Liz almost dropped her hold on Max, until she noticed Samson and Heitzmann dart across the room to attend to Philip’s request themselves.

Then, Max began kicking, grappling against the new set of hands trying to apprehend him. When they finally did get a hold of his legs and lifted his quivering appendages in the air, Liz nearly toppled over with the force of his weight. She hadn’t been expecting it, and involuntarily dug her grip deeper into Max’s arm.

“Get him in the water!” Cornwell barked over the ceaseless cries from Max, and in unison, they all began to move towards the tub. Max continued to fight, valiantly flailing in their grips. His voice was becoming hoarse, due to the incessant yells erupting from his throat.

Liz bit hard onto her lip to keep from calling out along with him. She continued to move with the men around her, when all she wanted to do was drop her grip and retreat.

Suddenly, they had his body hovering just above the frigid water, and a sense of dread succumbed her.

“Let him go.” The moment the command escaped Philip’s lips, Max began to drop. Yet Liz kept her hold, ironically doing the opposite of what she had wanted the entire time. Her hands remained locked on his arm, as if she alone could hold him above the water and away from pain.

But he fell anyway. And she fell with him.

Liz wasn’t sure which was louder, the splash or Max’s cries of torment. He fought against the water and ice as he sank farther into the tub. Just as Liz was about to release him, Cornwell was there, pushing heavily at his shoulder to keep him from emerging to the surface.

“Hold him down!”

This time Liz did sob out loud, but the hoarse cries of agony coming from Max, and the splashing of water successfully muffled her sound of weakness. She couldn’t bring herself to do it. How was she supposed to keep him submerged beneath the water?

She couldn’t. She let go.

Just as her hands released him, Max bolted upright in the water, sputtering from the cold. His head turned and pinned Liz with an intense glare. He suddenly didn’t look so tired anymore. Rather, he looked dangerous, ready to kill.

Her initial thought was to move, to get out of the way. She had just begun to move away when she saw his freed arm lift from the tub, water dripping from his paling skin in rivulets. For whatever reason, Liz was frozen; she couldn’t move. So she watched as Max thrust his elbow out and directly into her face.

Pain exploded in her nose like a starburst. The force of his thrust caused the plastic of her mask to dent inwards and impact sharply with her face. Liz fell backwards, the back of her head colliding with the hard floor, and a groan rumbled from her throat. She could feel the thick blood gushing from her nose; hear the roaring of it in her ears, nearly muffling the orders to detain Max barked out by Cornwell.

Her nose burned.

“Is she all right?”

Liz fought to keep her eyes opened. Or maybe they were closed, and she was fighting to open them. She couldn’t tell. Her head was pounding so violently, but the burning sting in her nose was beginning to dissipate.

“Liz?”

Panic surged through her, and her eyes snapped open. He said her name…What if Max heard?

Max.


“Is she coming to?”

Liz jerked, her eyes snapping open and then immediately shut again. She groaned at the light that assaulted her eyes, causing her headache to strengthen.

“Liz?”

She grunted, this time peaking just slightly through her lids. A blurred figure was hovering above her, yet doing damn little to block out the light. Liz groaned again, more forcefully this time, and turned her head slightly, hoping that whoever was hovering over her would get the hint.

Liz vaguely wondered what had happened to her. Why was her head pounding like she had a hangover? Had she been out with the gang? Had Kyle once again coerced her into drinking one too many Coronas? And why the hell did her nose burn? Since when did she do coke?

“She’s awake damnit! Get the damn ammonia stick out of her face!” Liz nearly jerked at the force of the man’s order, and for a moment, she had no idea who it was. And then it dawned on her.

“Pierce.” She hadn’t meant to say his name out loud, and immediately regretted it. Not only did the action cause her dry throat to protest painfully, but also it encouraged him to place his ugly mug in view.

“I’m here,” He crooned reassuringly, and swept a hand over her forehead. “Are you all right? Can you sit up?”

Liz didn’t think she could do anything that required actual movement, so instead she remained motionless, allowing her eyes to drift shut.

What happened?

Liz struggled to recall what had happened. Something must have caused her to go unconscious, but she couldn’t remember. She knew it was there; she could feel it tickling the deepest part of her subconscious, but she couldn’t reach it.

“Liz,” Pierce’s voice penetrated her thoughts, and the darkness. “I need you to tell me what happened.”

Her eyes fluttered opened, and this time was rewarded with no pain. The room seemed dimmer now, the light not as violent. She met his eyes, and she squinted. Whether it was an effort to remember or because he was too close to her, she didn’t know.

“What happened?” Pierce asked again, a bit more forcefully this time, the urgency of the matter evident in his tone.

Liz licked her lips before answering. “I don’t know.”

She heard him curse, and saw him straighten and then disappear from her sight, only to return a moment later. “Sit up,” He urged, and assisted her with a hand beneath her back, pushing. “Drink this.”

She felt moisture at her lips, and with no regards to what it might be she drank greedily. Water flooded her mouth and she nearly moaned in ecstasy. She flowed down her throat, her parched membranes absorbing the liquid immediately.

“Not so fast,” Pierce said gently, and cut off her source of water. “You’ll make yourself sick.”

Liz didn’t care. She felt like she was dying. Instinctively, she latched onto his wrist and forced the bottle back to her lips. Their gazes locked as she continued to drink in earnest. Only when the bottle was depleted did she release her hold on him.

Daniel smiled softly and stroked her cheek his thumb. “Better?” He asked.

Liz nodded slightly, still feeling the sharp pains in her skull. Daniel’s hand threaded through her hair until he cupped the back of her head. “You took quite a hit to the head. Which could be why you can’t remember anything.”

She frowned and struggled again to recall what she couldn’t remember. It wasn’t coming…

“They escaped, Liz.” Daniel said softly, hoping his statement would jar her memory.

They? For a moment, Liz had no idea who he was referring to, and then it hit her. Everything. It all dropped on her like a ton of bricks.

The planning, the escape. Riannan. Alex talking in her ear. Michael. Isabel. Tess. Max. Butterflies as she soared through the air. Tess standing in front of her, her hand outstretched, growing smaller, and smaller. The very breath being knocked from her. Intense pain in her skull. And then the all too welcomed blackness.

Liz was careful to mask her features. She couldn’t let it show by her expression that she knew what he was talking about. For as long as possible, she had to play dumb - to insure that she had to story straight.

Intent on playing the part, she lifted a hand to her temple, applying gentle ministrations as if to draw out the memory. She frowned again, feigning frustration as she continued to appear pensive.

“I can’t remember anything,” She muttered, her tone making her seem disgusted with herself. “Like, I know what happened, but I can’t remember. It’s there; it’s teasing me.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Liz saw Pierce turn and look over his shoulder. She followed his line of sight, and in the corner of the room stood a man, who Liz was beginning to think was Pierce’s personal minion. He had been there when it all started for Liz; he had escorted her to Pierce’s office the day she was assigned to the new case. She didn’t even know his name.

Liz glanced around the room then, quickly assessing her surroundings. She was in Pierce’s office. She had been laid in his chaise. A medic bag was on the floor beside; the cover unzipped and the contents spewed from inside. Outside it was night. She could see the ominous darkness through the windows, and it made her wonder how long she’d been unconscious.

Liz bit back a wry smirk, as she tenderly touched her fingers to the back of her head. It had taken some quick and hard coercing on her part, but she had finally – obviously – gotten Tess to do as she had asked. She hadn’t expected it to work so well. A thank you was probably in order; that would have to come later though.

“Liz,” Pierce turned back to her then, and she was put at immediate disconcertment when she saw his face. Gone were the soft and worried features that he’d shown her just moments before. Now he looked upon her impassively, untouched, ready for answers. “Someone breeched out security system. I’ve reviewed the first few minutes of footage before we lost feed, and then what footage we had when we gained it back.”

Liz swallowed, and nodded her head, encouraging him to continue. She put on her best confused face as she listened intently.

“The camera has you leaving. And then coming back,” He gave her an inquisitive look. “Did you forget something?”

“I don’t-” She frowned again, and averted her gaze elsewhere. “I don’t remember.”

Daniel nodded, seemingly ill pleased with her answer. “Before the security breech we have you re-entering the parking garage. You got out of your car and headed toward the elevator. At that point, we lost the cameras,” He paused then and took a step away from her. He continued to place distance between them until he was behind his desk, where he stared out the window and into the impenetrable darkness. “When we once again obtained the footage, you were there again. In the clothing you’re dressed in now.”

Liz head jerked down so suddenly that her world did a slow revolution. Once it settled, however, she was offered a clear view of her clothing. Her black tank top - perfect and unmarred, thanks to Rian’s touch - her pants, her boot; it wasn’t your typical work uniform. For a fleeting moment, panic succumbed her.

”You keep clothing in your office, for events like this. You went to your office and changed. I planted your clothes there”

Riannan’s words rang loudly in her head as she gave details of the alibi Liz was to use. She swallowed.

“I changed my clothes.” Liz muttered meekly, almost uncertainly.

It was an answer Pierce hadn’t expected, for he whirled around, his face showing his startled expression. He stepped from around his desk then, and continued to approach her. When he was just in front of her, he crouched to a squatting position and pinned him with his gaze.

“Why did you change your clothes, Liz?”

His question was an important one; the answer she gave would determine whether she lived or died. Liz licked her lips, instantly wishing for another bottle of that blessed water. Her mind churned with detailed excuses.

“I forgot my notes,” Liz began, and a frown once again pleated her brow, adding to her performance. “I was going to do some work at home. I re-entered the building and made it to my office. I had just reached my door when the lights when out, and the emergency lights came on,” She paused and swallowed, hoping that there hadn’t been any searches through her office that she hadn’t been aware of. Otherwise, it would ruin her cover. “I leave a change of clothes in my office, just in case anything like this, like a breech in security, should happen.”

She didn’t convey any more information, but looked Pierce in his eye, daring him not to believe her. He stared right back, struggling with whether or not to hold the validity of her story to heart.

“So, you changed clothes, and then what?”

“I went to where they were being held.” Liz replied, as if it were the most obvious answer.

“Why?” He questioned further.

“Why not?” She fired back with her own. “The specimens were our most precious possession. If the breech in security weren’t for them, then what else would it be for? I went where I thought I was needed.”

Pierce continued the questioning without pause. “I couldn’t send my men down there, Agent Parker, the doors were all locked and impenetrable. Yet you got there before any of them, from your office no less. How can that be?”

For a fleeting moment, Liz didn’t know how that could have been possible. And then she remembered. There was a delay in the lockdown to insure that all personnel left the floor. Between the short interval of time, Samson and Heitzmann evidently had gotten through, so it wasn’t so unbelievable that she could have as well.

Yet she couldn’t tell him that, not with out offering too much of an explanation. So instead, she replied with, “The doors were unlocked when I went through. I can’t explain why they locked before your men could penetrate.” It was the only answer she could give without making her explanation sound too planned, too fake. He would either accept it, or he wouldn’t.

Daniel seemed to contemplating that very action. His eyes bore into her, as if he believed if he stared deep enough, long enough, he could find out the truth. Liz wasn’t betting on it.

“And then what, Liz?” He finally prodded, urging her forward.

“And then, I prowled,” Liz allowed the corner of her mouth to twitch just slightly. She wanted him to think that the moment had thrilled her. The chase, the hunt. She wanted to appear as cold hearted and monstrous as he. Then, she stared through him, not allowing her gaze to really focus, but making them seem as if she were reminiscing. “My clothes helped me blend in with the shadows, and I had been counting on it. I stayed close the wall; it was hard to see. The emergency lights didn’t offer me much help.” No, it had been Alex the whole time.

“I reached the cell where I knew they were being held.” She recalled the four of them being placed in the same cell, all part Pierce’s teasing little game. He would allow them a few hours together, before he separated them once again. He liked to torment; he liked their pain.

Liz bit back her anger; she didn’t need to lose control. Not here. Not now.

“The cell was empty.”

Except for Samson’s body.

“There was a body, but I didn’t check to see who it was. I left and searched the entire floor. I checked every lab, every cell. When I reached the supply room, there was another body there. It looked like Heitzmann.”

“How did you leave the floor?” Pierce asked, after a moment of contemplative silence. “Were the doors locked?”

Alex would have unlocked the doors to the staircase, but again, that wasn’t information she could divulge. “No, sir, not all of them,” She settled for saying cryptically, before she continued with what she hoped was a believable performance. “I took the stairs; I was going to search every floor if I had to, but the each door I tried was locked. Except for the one leading to the ground floor, in fact, it was wide opened.”

Liz knew what seed of possibility she had just planted in Daniel’s head, and she hoped that he allowed it to flourish. “When I reached the grounds, I heard what sounded like footsteps. So, I ran.”

“Who was it, Liz?” Daniel asked, all but panting for the new information. He was so tightly wound in the web of lies she was stringing that he had forgotten professional and impassive protocol, and called her by her given name.

“The specimens,” She finally answered, so softly that Pierce strained to hear her. “All four of them, and someone else,” Liz allowed another frown to cross her features. “I can’t recall who it was, or what they looked like.” She shook her head as if it didn’t matter.

Liz met his gaze, allowing her eyes to focus on his. Hoping that she could manipulate his unfortunate feelings for her just by a look. “I was too late,” Her voice took on a defeated tone, and her eyes fell downcast. Pierce would either have sympathy for her, or be royally pissed that on of his “best” agents had allowed them to “slip through their fingers”. “They were just exiting via the fire door. I drew my weapon and ordered them to stop. I…” Liz paused, and once again met Pierce’s gaze. “I don’t remember anything after that.”

Silence met her ears, as Daniel stared hard at her. She prayed fiercely that he didn’t find any holes in her alibi, that her performance is rewarding, and that she make it out alive.

He had to believe her. There wasn’t any discriminating evidence against her; there couldn’t be. If what she’d said coincided with the little footage they had obtained, then it would prove her innocence.

Daniel’s hand gently cupped the back of Liz’s head again, his strong fingers gently caressing the pulsating contusion at the back of her skull. “How’s your head?” He asked tenderly.

She uttered a meek “fine”, wondering if it were okay for her to feel that sense of relief that so desperately wanted to bubble forth. Liz watched as Pierce looked over his shoulder and at the man in the corner.

“Agent Sykes,” He barked, and the suited man straightened in acknowledged attention. “Have one of the men outside escort Agent Parker to the restroom so she can wash up,” Without a word, Sykes went to the door to do just that. Pierce turned to her then, his hand wandering around to cup her cheek. “I need you to stay here for a little longer, just in case anything comes back to you. You’ll have to walk to the floors with me, and help with the impending investigation.”

Liz nodded, not even going to feign disorientation or fatigue; she knew there would be now way to get out of it. She just wanted to get away from him.

The door opened again, revealing to them another agent. Pierce helped her to her feet and quietly ushered her out the door. When the door closed on its hinges behind her, Pierce turned slowly, his eyes zoning in on Sykes.

“So,” Daniel began, his voice deep and resonant, as he returned to his desk. “What do you think?”

Sykes stepped from his post in the corner, emerging from the shadows. He was six-foot-four-inches of bulky muscles and a mean disposition. It was why he had been dubbed Daniel’s unofficial right hand man.

He grunted in response to the question and glared at the closed door, before he sneered, “You had to walk her through her memory. Convenient.”

“From what we know right now, everything she says checks out.” Daniel pointed out.

“It could have been planned.”

It was a possibility Daniel didn’t want to admit; yet he was not willing to let it slide either. “She’ll remain under strict surveillance,” He decided, making eye contact with Sykes before continuing. “As will every other personnel in the building. Give me a list of each of their names. No one leaves this building with out being questioned first.”

“Yes, sir.” Sykes said obediently.

Daniel could feel his blood boiling in his veins. “I want a full fledged investigation,” He growled with contained ferocity. He could feel the vein in his forehead bulging. “Get the forensics lab up here immediately.”

“We don’t have a forensics lab,” Sykes pointed out a bit wryly. “We only have biologists.”

This tidbit of information was icing on the cake for Pierce. “We’re the fuckin’ Special Unit and we don’t even have a forensics lab?” He demanded stonily. Sykes remained aloof, and merely arched an eyebrow in response. “Then get me any God damned forensic lab up here. FBI affiliated.”

Again, Sykes muttered a compliant, “Yes, sir.”

The anger he’d been holding at bay for so long finally bubbled over the edge, and with unrestrained fury he swept all the contents from his desk. Papers billowed into the air, files of documented cases fell to the floor in a heap. Pens, containers, paperweights, and a stapler all clattered noisily to the ground. He gripped the edge of his desk so tightly that expensive wood nearly snapped beneath his pressure. Daniel all but growled at the knowledge that everything he had worked so hard to achieve could be lost.

Through clenched teeth he uttered his most deadly order.

“And find those damned aliens.”



TBC

Again, I apologize for the mistakes. :roll: I *think* I read over this, but after having my arm twisted by J, cause I made her cry :( I posted this part a lil earlier than I intended.

Raychel
writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

Roswell, New Mexico S1 Watch Party
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Raychelxluscious
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 203
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:15 pm
Location: Started in WV, ending in FL

Post by Raychelxluscious »

Hey all. I’m back! Thank goodness! I know it’s been forever, but that part was a killer getting’ out. :roll: But it’s finally here! *Ginormous* thanks to, Nichole, my temp beta. :) She's awesome.

Now, I wanna thank all of you who nominated and voted for me this round. :) I am honored to be your Favorite Newcomer, and of course, for getting Runner up for Best Supporting Portrayal of… Maria and Kyle, and Best Original Character – Riannan. :D I never even thought I’d get Runner Up for any of those, so I’m so excited and proud. :) Thank you!

And now, thank you to:

LittleHottie510 –hehe- I *love* you too…Sarums….No, it doesn’t work. *shrug* ;)
Luvya – Thanks for you awesome words about Tess. I’m really glad you enjoy reading her, because I enjoy writing her. :roll: She had so much potential on the show, and then the writer’s had to go and damn it all to hell and back. So, I’m fixing it! ;) Okay, now I’m getting off *my* Tess rant. ;)
I am a dreamer
BelevnDreamsToo
– J!! -lol- you crack me up! I love reading you FB because you talk about every angle of my story! It’s always interesting to read what you’re thinking – with Jon and Sykes and Pierce – it’s awesome. ;) Unfortunately, you won’t know much – for sure – until later. *shrug* That’s just the way it goes. But hopefully, with this part, you’ll understand Rian’s motives. Love ya! :)
tequathisy
DramastarOF06
Emz80m
Begonia9508
Timelord31
Evans3
– You’re right about Liz not being able to see the podsters for a long time. ;) But Alex, Kyle, and Maria will get their reunion. I hope this will suffice. ;)
su-lyn
alienmom
– MOM! :D -hehe- Just love callin’ ya that. ;)
orphyfets
lazza
VivaLasVegas
–lol!- Thank you!
frenchkiss
sam_me
Michelle
WildSphinx
cherie
-lol!- Well, Alex does ream Rian’s ass in here, so I hope it will suffice. ;)
nayney
janesdilemma
Hopeless Romantic
– ALEX! :D *sigh* We gotta get you a nickname, girl. Of course, if you were online anymore, maybe that would happen….*glare* Okay, you know I love you. ;)
roni230
behrlyliz
– thanks hon! :)
LandyInfamous
Buffsteraddict
2004
paper
I totally can see how Rian tried to joke with Maria, just to cover up her own insecurity about her place now that r4 has returned to the lives of her friend. I know she won't take it too kindly if Alex goes off on her.
-hehe- It’s awesome that you caught on to that! ;) Riannan is a hardass, but she’s got a rather insecure and sensitive side too. :roll: Of course, she’s one of those types who doesn’t like it to be known. Thanks for the fb!


Finally, I just wanted to say that the dream sequence Liz had after Tess knocked her out, was indeed a flashback. Y’all knew that, of course, but just in case anyone was confuzzled. ;) Now, on with the story…


Dedicated to the most awesomest Alex - cause she knows why. ;)

<center>Part Eleven B</center>

The plan called for immediate departure from the site. They were not to stop; they were not to look back. Their orders were to simply drive far and away. And they did just that.

It was too risky for them to drive straight to the safe house. So, instead Maria guided them through a two hour long detour, cutting through the city, taking the back roads through the countryside, only to emerge from the dusty roads and into town once again. All the while she kept a close eye behind them, watching and waiting for any suspicious vehicles to move in and take them by surprise.

It didn’t happen. They weren’t being a followed. Thank God.

Maria finally allowed her sigh to expel and she sagged heavily into her seat, the tension immediately leaving her body. She glanced curiously over at her friend, gauging her reaction. Riannan stared in the rearview mirror a moment longer, before she finally gave a nod of encouragement. Eagerly, Maria set off in the direction of the safe house, relief flooding her, silence surrounding her.

She glanced in her rearview mirror to find her precious passengers slumbering peacefully. Max and Tess were asleep slumped in the cramped second bench. Tess’s head had rolled until it rested against Max’s high shoulder, her neck bent at an odd angle. Yet she slept on, seemingly oblivious to the discomfort.

Maria glanced back to the road; just to be sure that there weren’t any stray cows or cacti or whatever that might suddenly jump out in front of her. Satisfied that she wouldn’t cause any immediate damage to the vehicle, or those inside, her gaze went back to the rearview mirror. This time, she took in the sleeping figures of Isabel and Michael.

Isabel Evans had once been a raving beauty. She was the eye candy of Roswell, New Mexico. She was lusted after and envied for years. Maria fleetingly wondered what the members of the small town would think of her now. Her blonde hair was still long, as it was draped unkempt over her shoulder and down Michael’s arm. It had lost its golden luster, and matted strands could be seen through the masses. Her skin was sickeningly pale, her face thin. Gone was the beauty pageant type; in her place was a broken young woman who had barely survived.

Maria had to tear her gaze away, only to land on Michael. He looked marginally better. His hair was darker, shaggier. The ends had curled and now tickle his neck and bare shoulders. Unlike Max, his torso is slightly more defined and his muscles are still visible underneath his skin. His arms had become larger as well, as if he had spent time in his cell training instead of prowling and waiting.

Finally, Maria returned her sight to the road. She gripped the steering wheel tightly knowing that they still had quite a few miles to go, but they’d get there soon.

She could still feel that way Michael had looked at her. His heated gaze was shocked and confused. He didn’t know what she was doing there, but surely, he was happy to see her… wasn’t he?

Maria didn’t know what she’d do if Michael turned her away. So many years have passed; they were both different now, but she still loved him. So very much. Her arms ached to hold him, to feel his skin alive and warm beneath her touch. She didn’t ever want to let him go, not now that she finally had him back.

<center>* * *</center>

When the headlights of the van illuminated the front of the house, Kyle sighed heavily. With a quick glance in his mirror for final proof that they weren’t followed, he nearly toppled over with relief.

It was over.

The van stopped, the engine died, yet both he and Alex remained in their seats. They watched the SUV in front of them, waiting for the doors to open and the passengers to safely exit. They only had the briefest glimpse as their rescued aliens piled into the vehicle and now, they were anxiously awaiting another sight.

The front doors opened first, and Maria and Rian exited from their respective sides. Maria rounded the hood of the car and joined Rian as she opened the back door. Kyle tensed, and knew instinctively that Alex had done the same. There was a brief glance of dark hair before it disappeared behind the barricade the opened car door created. Yet, only another moment passed before Max Evans stepped away from the two women, and into the pale moonlight.

The corner of Kyle’s lip quirked. He should have figured Max to be the first to exit. He was the King after all.

His eyes darted back to the vehicle just in time to see the moonbeams reflect off pale yellow tresses. His breath hitched and his body grew taunt, as Tess stepped into view and reached Max’s side.

The Queen.

The systematic exit of Michael and Isabel went completely unnoticed to Kyle; his gaze remained on Tess. She stood next to Max, his tall form towering over her, but offering little comfort. Her arms were folded over her torso; her hands were gripping her elbows. Even with the little light the moon offered him, he could see the slight tremors of her body.

Without another thought, Kyle threw open his door and jumped out of the van. He advanced on the group, his movements deliberate, swift. Tess’s head jerked in his direction, and she startled. Her entire body tensed as she took an instinctive step back, wanting to get away from whomever it was approaching her.

And then Kyle stepped into the moonlight, the beams casting his recognizable face into a pale glow. He stopped, his dark eyes narrowing and boring into hers. He’d missed her eyes; he hadn’t noticed before, but he really did miss them. He missed the color and the way they always gave him cold chills. They were such an interesting shade of blue, and at that moment, with the moonlight shining down on them he could see that they’d gone misty.

The urge to draw Tess into his arms was powerful, yet at the same time, the fear of her rejection prevailed. He didn’t know if she needed time for absorption, or if she had the uncontrollable urge to run into his arms. He didn’t know what she felt for him when she left Earth, or if she’d feel anything now that she’d safely returned.

But he wanted to find out so badly.

The two groups remained silent, each member taking in the presence of their old friends, and the newest being who undoubtedly would play an important role in their lives. Emotions were on high; adrenaline was still surging. The entire situation was just too overwhelming. No one said anything; no one dared move. To an outsider, the scene would look like a standoff, but in reality, no one knew what to do.

“Go inside,” Alex’s calm and low voice broke the night silence. His eyes were downcast, not looking at anyone in particular, but everyone knew who the comment was directed to. “Make yourselves at home; we’ll be inside in a few minutes.”

Alex could feel Isabel’s gaze on him, and he fought valiantly to keep his eyes away from her. If he looked at her now, if he saw into those broken brown eyes, he’d lose his tether and go to her. He wanted to go to her anyway; he’d been yearning for it since he’d first gotten that tiny glimpse of her. But, there was something he had to do first.

Only when the sound of the screen door shutting reverberated throughout the night did he turn. And he gaze immediately zoned in on Rian.

She leaned easily against the closed passenger door of the SUV. The long, powerful legs of the man she still posed as were crossed at the ankles. Large, bulky arms were folded over an equally massive chest. Her chiseled masculine face was broken with a bright grin.

“Well, that was a rush, wasn’t it?”

Alex had been raised to never hit a woman, but he figured, since Rian had shape shifted into a man it wouldn’t count. So, he did.

Rian moved with the force of the blow; she lost her balance and toppled sideways, colliding into the vehicle with a resounding thud. She reached up, cupped her throbbing cheek, and released a throaty “Fuck!”

Alex shook his pulsating fist, and couldn’t contain the “Son of a bitch!” that spewed from his mouth, followed by a low moan.

Kyle and Maria remained rooted in their spots, too shocked to move despite the fact they both wanted to intercede to prevent any further damage from occurring. Instinctively they knew there was no preventing what was about to unfold. So, they watched on as Rian whirled around, her eyes dark and furious.

“What the fuck was that for?!” She demanded, her hand still cupping her stunned cheek.

“Cause you’re a screw up!” Alex responded baldly, vehemently. “What the hell were you thinking?”

Completely oblivious to what he was alluding to; Rian threw her hands to the side in exasperation. “What are you talking about?” She hissed and finally allowed her hand to drop to her side. “What the hell has gotten into you?”

“I should be asking you that,” Alex retorted, and wisely remained where he stood. He knew Riannan, and he knew he wouldn’t be as lucky to get another swing in, though he really wanted to. Instead, he fought for calm, belatedly listening to Kyle’s words from the drive. “What were you thinking?” He asked again, wanting to know what had been going through that mind of hers.

Rian shook her head in exasperation, and raked her thick fingers through the short crop of her hair, shadowed by the night. “Alex, I have no fuckin’ clue what you’re talking about.”

“The plan, Rian,” He elaborated, his voice still holding that frenzied edge. “You know, the one we mapped out for months? The one that didn’t include you going in and fucking it all up? That one!”

“Alex.” Maria’s quiet voice broke through his angry haze; she had said his name so softly that it had been barely audible and he jerked his head to the side to regard her. She took a step forward, effectively placing herself between her two, fuming friends, her intentions evident.

Oblivious of Maria’s defensive stance, Rian stepped forward, her dark brows furrowed. “What?” She asked calmly, genuinely confused. “What did I do?”

“You ruined everything,” Alex’s voice quivered with restrained fury, and he feared that he still might be unable to keep complete control. “With that stunt of yours, you could have cost us our lives. And Liz’s as well.”

Rian opened her mouth, whether to protest or argue her case, Alex didn’t know, but he didn’t care. He wasn’t about to give her a chance.

“No,” He said evenly, successfully preventing her from speaking. “You screwed up, Riannan, you know that. By going in there, you wasted the already limited time Liz had to get out. It’s your fault she’s there now.”

Rian folded her arms together, and Alex could tell his words had pissed her off. Yet she remained tall, immovable. “I couldn’t just sit there,” Her face was impassive. “I couldn’t not go in. Admit it, you wanted to go in after her just as badly as I did.”

Alex shook his head and, with no regards to Maria’s positioning, took a step forward. “I never said I didn’t want to go in, Rian. Hell yes, I wanted to go in, or I wanted Kyle to go in. I would have wanted you to go in, because you were the most capable of us all. But I wanted to know that you were in there I didn’t want to be surprised to see some guy on my monitors, wandering halls that were supposed to be empty.” Again, he shook his head, his eyes narrowed at her, and it was almost as if he was looking through her instead of at her; the notion unnerved Rian. “That’s where you screwed up, Rian, by not telling me.”

Rian gave a dramatic sigh, and rolled her eyes. “Okay, so you’ve reprimanded me,” She snarled sarcastically, and dropped her arms to her sides. “I’m sorry, okay? she apologized. Is it all better now?”

Alex remained quiet for a moment, before he made a sound of disbelief. “No, it’s not,” He answered her evenly. “Sorry doesn’t cut it. Not this time, Rian.” And with that, he turned on his heel and approached the house.

Maria looked at her sadly, almost sympathetically, before she turned and followed Alex. Kyle was the only one who approached Rian, his hand out stretched to touch her, and offer the comfort that he knew she needed. He sometimes thought he knew her better than anyone else did. He knew what she was thinking, he understood her motives, and he wished she could just explain it to the others, so that they’d understand too.

His hand was just inches from the muscled bulk of her back, when she flinched away. “Don’t touch me.” She demanded heatedly, and then stormed into the house.

<center>* * *</center>

They all heard the springs of the screen door creak gently, and turned from where they had collectively gathered in the living room to await the appearance of the others.

Alex came into view a moment later, his head low, his hand rubbing at the back of his neck gingerly, almost as if it hurt him. Then he stopped just over the threshold of the living room’s entrance, and raised his head.

It was strange seeing him now after all these years. They had left remembering him as a lanky youth, so goofy and full of humor. And they carried that image with them, never thinking of who he might have grown into. Though he still looked the same, so tall and slim, it was evident that he’d become someone else – someone more serious and thoughtful. Someone who was always looking over his shoulder. Their departure had molded him into that man.

Alex allowed his hand to drop from his neck to dangle at his side, and he smiled sheepishly at them. He opened his mouth to speak, when the front door to his left opened and in stepped Maria. She joined his side a moment later, and touched his arm reassuringly. He gave her a tiny smile, before looking back at the four aliens standing together, yet so alone in the living room.

“I bet you have a lot of questions for us, huh?” He asked unnecessarily. His cheek protruded considerably as he blew air out of his mouth nervously. “I, um, I don’t know –“

The screen door snapped closed again, and everyone looked to see Rian’s manly form stomp past Alex and Maria, and down the hallway to the bathroom. The door slammed shut, and all was silent once again.

“Okay,” Michael finally said after a moment, his voice gruff and almost hoarse. “Who was that?”

“That was just Rian,” Maria answered quickly, her eyes fused with Michael’s. “She’s with us, so there’s no need to worry.”

Isabel swallowed, her shaking hands chafing at her arms to bring some warmth. “She?” She questioned, and momentarily wondered if they were talking about the same person.

“Rian’s a shape shifter,” Kyle answered and finally came into view. He stopped just between Alex and Maria, his hands delved deeply into his pockets. “We call her Rian, but her name’s Riannan,” He offered a slight shrug. “It’s a long story.”

Once again, the group fell quiet. Plenty needed to be said, but it was as if they were all hesitant to be the first to speak. There were questions to be asked, and answers to be given. Yet as it was, they were all just content enough to remain silent for a few moments, absorbing each other’s presences. Relishing in the moment they were finally reunited.

The silence lasted maybe thirty more seconds.

“How did you guys know we were being held there?” Michael asked, intent on pumping information out of them. Very little of him has changed over years; it seemed business was still his first priority and it showed. No matter how badly he yearned to enclose Maria in his arms, and feel her pressed up against him. First things first.

“Liz works for the Special Unit now,” Again, Kyle took the liberty of answering. “She’s been an FBI agent for years, but has only been an agent of the Unit for a matter of months.”

“She knew you’d come back,” Maria immediately added, her soft green eyes sparkling as she eyed each of the aliens in turn – the friends she thought she’d lost. “She actually thought you guys had been captured from the beginning, but even when she realized that wasn’t the case she kept preparing. She was certain that you’d need her help one day and for a long time she was the only one who believed that we’d ever see you again.”

“I still can’t believe this happened,” Alex commented as he entered the living room fully, and collapsed into the cushions of the couch, as if his legs could no longer hold him up right. “How did this happen?” He asked, and scrubbed his rough hands against his face. “How’d they find you?”

Tension fell over the group in wake of the question. It appeared that none of the four aliens were prepared to talk about what was supposed to be the happiest day of their existence – their return home. Instead, it had turned into a nightmare, one that none of them wanted to relive.

Yet, they deserved to know.

“It was like they were waiting for us,” Max said, speaking for the first time since they’d entered the house. His voice was low and husky, thick with fatigue. “When we decided it was time to go home, they took us to this machine called the Granolith.”

It didn’t take long for Alex, Maria, and Kyle to deduce that the “they” Max was referring to was their people. Intrigued, they gave Max their undivided attention. Alex shifted on the couch until he was able to see Max as he spoke. Kyle leaned against the wall with his legs and arms crossed, and Maria remained standing in her original spot.

“They said it would take us to where the other Granolith was located here on Earth,” Max went on, stepping away from the group. He paused just beside the window and peered out – looking for Liz. “That Granolith was located in the Pod Chamber just outside of Roswell.”

It had been dark outside when they’d left the confines of the mountainous chamber; it had been quiet too. They hadn’t been worried about being discovered; they had been confident in the knowledge that they were safe. All they could focus on was getting back to town, and finding the others. Re-establishing the connection with their counterparts that had seemingly died out all those years ago held precedence to their own safety.

When they made it down the rocky slope of the mountain, they hadn’t noticed the figures waiting for them at first. The dark coloring of their suits blended them in perfectly with the night. It was too late for them to react when they finally did take notice; they were on them.

Max remembered fighting them off one by one, an all-encompassing fear succumbing him. Maybe it would have been okay, maybe they would have just questioned them instead of taking them into custody, and maybe they wouldn’t have spent those long months in the Unit if he hadn’t used his powers.

When that first surge of power rushed from the palm of his hand and impacted hard into the chest of one of the agents, Max knew he had made a mistake. With that one, thoughtless action, he had revealed themselves to their enemies.

Despite his shock, he had found the frame of mind to tell the others to run, wanting them to get as far away as they could. Then his world went black. When he woke up he was in a cell, his powers eradicated, and his connection to his sister and friends stanched.

Later, he was awoken by the sound of the door opening. Men entered, subdued him, and once again knocked him unconscious.

The rest was a disjointed blur of the jolting ride to the next compound, hearing Michael, Isabel, and Tess calling his name, and then the feel of the cold hard floor beneath his naked body.

All memories he didn’t want to relive.

Max gave himself a mental shake, remembering that he was supposed to be relaying to the others what had happened that night. He frowned, and turned away from the window to face his companions.

“Anyway, they were waiting for us when we left the mountain. Just standing there waiting, as if they had known all along.” The crease in his brow deepened.

“But how could they have known?” Kyle demanded, his own frown pleating his forehead.

Alex stood from the couch and came to stand next to Maria and Kyle. “Maybe you guys showed up on radar or something?” He shrugged, wondering if it had been possible for them to be picked up on screen. “It doesn’t matter anymore, because you’re out of there now. And we’re not going to let them take you back.”

His vow was reassuring, but the four of them remained tense. It would be a while for them to be able to relax, but it would happen eventually.

Riannan chose to make her entrance at that time. She strolled into the living room after having shape shifted in the bathroom to her original form. She donned a pair of sweats, and her auburn locks were swept back into a loose ponytail. The light fixture from above highlighted the many red strains in her hair for all to see. She sighed, grateful to be out of the man’s body. She even took a moment to peel back the waistline of her sweat pants and peer inside.

“Transformation complete,” She announced satisfactorily. No unwanted appendages remaining. Then, she looked up and faced the others that same easy smile on her face. “What’d I miss?”

“Nothing.” Alex promptly retorted.

Rian rolled her eyes as she walked past him. “Whatever.” She murmured and then vaulted over the back of the couch, and landed comfortably atop the cushions. She reached over and grabbed the television remote from the coffee table and turned on the TV. American Wedding, a movie she’d seen a dozen times during the past week was playing. Grinning, she lounged contentedly into the cushions and watched – she couldn’t get enough of that movie!

Everyone gawked after Riannan when she whooped with laughter, as Stifler’s exuberant ”Fuckin’ right, doggy! That’s good cake!” boomed from the television’s speakers.

“I love this movie!” She declared, as tears of mirth clouded her vision and she laughed some more, completely oblivious to everyone’s stares. “Whoo! That’s a knee-slapper, right there.”

There was a moment when all that could be head was Rian’s tiny chuckles, before Maria decided to intercede.

“Okay,” She said and garnered everyone’s attention with a brisk clap of her hands. With a pointed look at the aliens, she jerked a thumb over her shoulder. “Who’s hungry?”

When no one responded, Maria nervously wiped her hands on her jean-clad thighs. Her eyes shifted and were immediately penetrated by Michael’s intense gaze. She opened her mouth, trying to force the next words from her mouth, but they failed to pass. With her stomach knotting, she cleared her throat, and tried again.

“I can fix something up real quick,” She went on, trying to remain unfazed while under Michael’s scrutiny. “You guys have lost some weight, so you’ll need to be consuming some carbs right now,” With another jerk of her thumb over her shoulder, and a quick intake of breath, Maria went on. “Why don’t I just see what I can do, okay? I’ll be right back.”

She had just turned her back when she was effectively halted by the sound of his voice.

“Maria.”

Her eyes fluttered closed at the sound, so low and soft yet hoarse, as if his voice had broke. Maria turned to face him then, allowing her eyes to open. He was closer, obviously having taken a step towards her. His chest was heaving, as if it was a struggle to take in breaths, and his hands were clenched tightly at his sides.

His current state promptly made her concerned. “Michael?” She asked hesitantly.

And then he was there. He had advanced on her so quickly that she took an automatic step in retreat. She stopped though, when his hand slowly reached up and combed through her hair. The action was so unexpected that it provoked a gasp from Maria’s lips. She stared at him, watched as he followed the movement of his hand exploring the silky softness of her tresses reverently.

His dark eyes then shifted to hers, and Maria saw the moisture pooling in them. “Maria.” Michael whispered again before hauling her to his chest.

Maria’s breath rushed from her lungs as his strong arms crushed her to him. He held her tightly, leaving no room for her to move – not that she wanted to. Her arms automatically rose to splay across his broad back as she returned the hug. Valiantly, she fought against the tears that were threatening to spill. But when she felt Michael bury his face against the curve her neck and felt the puff of his warm breath and the heated moisture of his tears against her skin, she lost it.

The sob escaped her so violently that her entire body shook with the force of it. Michael squeezed her tighter to him in response, as he too fought the urge to moan. It’s been too long…

Another muffled sob was heard, this time from across the room. Isabel stood with her back to the wall, tears spilling openly down her cheeks, and one hand fisted in her mouth as she watched the scene unfold before her. Her chest constricted painfully as she watched Michael break down right in front of her.

Having heard the sound pass Isabel’s lips, Alex immediately crossed the room. Her watery brown eyes shifted when she noticed his movement, and she stared unabashedly at him until he stopped just in front of her. He remained motionless for several long, heart-wrenching moments. When he finally opened his arms to her, Isabel didn’t hesitate to hurl herself into his embrace. With another heart felt sob, she buried her face against his chest and cried.

Kyle and Tess were not immune to the emotional scenes that unfurled in front of them. They stared at each other for long moments. Tess was too afraid to move, so she lingered in her spot with her arms folded over her torso and her hands cupping her elbows. It was a defensive stance that she’d become quite accustom to. Kyle, on the other hand, couldn’t hold out anymore. And as the corners of his lips quirked into a grin, he too crossed the room and enclosed Tess into his arms. With a tearful sigh, Tess nestled her head beneath his chin and hugged him back.

When her friends had first begun to pair off, Rian had swiftly lost interest in Stifler’s antics and turned her head to watch. A peculiar sensation in her chest made her frown, when moments before a smile was threatening to grace her features. She didn’t know what it was, but she knew right away she didn’t like it.

Then, she met Max’s gaze from across the room. The wounded, lonely look that haunted his expression did little to improve her mood. Instead of speaking, Rian arched an eyebrow at him, silently informing him that he shouldn’t expect a hug from her by any means.

Max stared back for a moment, before turning his back and he continued to stare out the window and into the ominous darkness. He watched ceaselessly with a pathetically lost expression on his face, waiting for Liz to arrive.

<center>* * *</center>

His hand was firm at her elbow. She didn’t know if he was holding onto her out of courtesy, meaning only to be of assistance in case she were to collapse, or if he was assuring himself that she wouldn’t try to escape. Either way, his touch was unwelcome.

Liz adjusted her stride to keep up with Daniel Pierce’s brisk and hurried pace, obviously wanted to get to the cell as soon as possible. She wasn’t exactly looking forward to it.

Liz fought to control the urge to glance over her shoulder. She could feel his presence behind her. Agent Sykes was a big man, and easily made her uncomfortable. She remembered the feeling of his intense gaze on her as Pierce was drilling her for information. It worried her that maybe he could see through her lies, and if he did he would surely express his opinion to Pierce himself. That would prove to be very bad.

Finally, they approached the cell. Two uniformed guards stood at the door, effectively preventing any unauthorized personnel from entering. Pierce’s angry glare encouraged the two guards to step aside and allow them admittance. When Daniel ushered her inside, the first thing Liz noticed was the prone body of Bruce Samson, lying face down on the floor. The second thing she noticed was the back of a female agent – or so she assumed – crouching over the body.

“Sir,” Sykes deep voice resonated through out the room. He brushed past Liz, his large body nearly toppling her over as he moved to stand across from Daniel. “This is Agent Dawson. She’s a member of the forensics team.”

The Agent turned, and revealed a beautiful, ebony skinned young woman. Her straight, glossy black hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, adding to the professionalism of her black suit. She smiled benignly in greeting, but didn’t offer her hand for a shake because they were gloved with protective latex.

“Where’s the rest of the team?” Pierce demanded roughly, and his hand, thankfully, left Liz’s elbow.

“They’re investigating the body found in the storage closet, Sir.” Dawson answered obediently.

Daniel’s eyes flew to Sykes’, prompting an answer from him. “Heitzmann, Sir.” The frighteningly larger man explained.

With a muffled curse, Daniel returned his gaze to Agent Dawson. “Tell me exactly what happened here.”

It was a command, and left no room for the agent to falter. If she knew what was good for her, she’d better give him the answers that he wanted. Agent Dawson wasn’t a member of the FBI’s forensics team by accident; she was good at what she did.

“Yes, sir,” She began, her eyes flitting from Liz, to Sykes, before landing back on Pierce. Then, she turned and stepped into the center of the room, confident in what she already knew that she wouldn’t be tampering with any evidence. “The victim has been identified as Bruce Samson; the attendant of Dr. Cornwell. The cause of death was a lethal injection of a substance that has yet to be determined. With the use of your labs, Sir, we will be able to identify the substance and –“

“No, need,” Pierce immediately interrupted. “I’m positive I know what it is. Just tell me who did it.”

Dawson nodded briskly, before swallowing. “That is a bit more difficult to answer,” She replied carefully. “From the positioning of the body, it’s safe to say he was attacked from behind. My theory,” She went on, and took a short step to the right. “Is that whoever attacked Mr. Samson killed Ethan Heitzmann, and used his suit as a disguise.”

“Really?” Daniel sneered, and crossed his arms over his chest. “How enlightening. Anything else you’d like to inform me?”

His foul disposition did nothing to waver Agent Dawson. She went on without a hitch. “Now, while incognito, the perpetrator entered the cell, wheeling in this cart,” She stepped forward and placed her gloved hands on the metal cart before her. Some of the equipment that should have been on the cart’s surface littered the floor. “At some point in time, Samson somehow realized that the perp behind the mask was not Heitzmann, and a scuffle ensued. One of them ran into this cart.”

Liz remembered with absolute clarity the sound and sight of Samson colliding into the very cart. He had lunged out of the way from her first attack just in time, and backed into the cart. The force of her attack and the fact that she missed had nearly caused her to fall to the floor. As she gathered her bearings, she turned her head and watched as Samson blindly searched amongst the cluttered surface for a weapon to use against her. The scalpel.

And with that single thought, Liz’s world crumbled around her and a spine-tingling fear washed over her. The scalpel – she hadn’t picked up, hadn’t thought to. She broke out into a cold sweat, her hands beginning tremble, and she tucked them under her arms in an effort to disguise them.

If it were found –

“Samson would have looked for an object to defend himself with,” Dawson went on, oblivious to Liz’s turmoil. “The cart was right behind him, he’d search, grab, and the attack,” The agent pivoted to the left, eerily mimicking the Samson’s position before he had taken the initial lunge at Liz. Dawson took another step forward, her hand outstretched, pretending to hold an object in her hand. A scalpel. “He would have kept advancing on his attacker, and with every attack he made he would grow more confident, cocky even. But the assailant catches him off guard,” Liz swallowed convulsively, and watched Dawson’s movement as she continued to portray what happened in the room. “He goes in for another lunge, but this time he misses, and leaves himself open for a final attack. He’s caught from behind, and is stabbed in the chest with the syringe.” Dawson takes her final step and stands over Samson’s cold body, her dark eyes focused on Daniel.

Liz turned to look, and noticed the dark expression in his eyes as he mulled over the scene that Agent Dawson just described for them. Finally, he nodded, but his facial features revealed that he wasn’t entirely impressed.

“So, how do we know who did it?”

The corner of Dawson’s lips quirked into a tiny smile, and Liz fought to keep her eyes from closing. The urge to pass out was intense, and the pounding in her head was becoming more incessant.

Where was the scalpel? Maybe Michael had thought to dispose of it; maybe he put it in the pack. Liz’s stomach lurched. Where was the scalpel??

Dawson’s movement caused Liz to refocus her attention. The agent moved back to the cart, a satisfied smile on her lips. They all watched as she reached for the shiny, metal lid to one of the containers. Liz’s world slowed as the lid was lifted. All was quiet except for the ponderous pounding of the blood in her ears. She couldn’t see what was inside of the container being revealed to them, and the smile on the woman’s face didn’t offer her any assurance. Her hand dipped inside, and pulled out a single zip-lock bag.

Inside was a bloody scalpel.

Her blood rushed to her stomach, giving her that butterfly effect that was most unwelcome during this moment in time. She felt dizzy, and wanted to lie down. She wanted to close her eyes and never open them again.

“We found the scalpel underneath the cart,” Dawson explained. “There are no incisions on Samson’s person; we’re confident that this is the weapon he used against the intruder. If we can match the DNA on the scalpel, and any that may be on Heitzmann’s body, we should be able to search through the database for a match.”

And this time, Daniel did smile. For the first time since the horrendous ordeal had transpired, his eyes sparkled. “Magnificent!” He exclaimed, and with a clap of his hands, he applauded her. “Excellent work. When will we get the results?”

“I can get them for you now, Sir.”

<center>* * *</center>

Kyle shuffled into the kitchen, drawn in by the delicious aroma of bacon, eggs, and coffee. Maria stood at the stove, diligently preparing breakfast, her blonde hair mused and her pajamas wrinkled.

With a grin, Kyle came up behind her and grasped her shoulders in his large hands. Then, he bent his head and smacked his lips against her cheek in a loud kiss. “Morning, honey.” He cooed, before trudging towards the coffee maker.

Maria glared at him as she wiped her cheek. “Try morning breath, Kyle.” She muttered.

“Sleep well?” Kyle asked instead of addressing her comment about his breath, as he poured the smoldering black coffee into a large mug. He leaned against the counter and watched as she nodded in response. “I don’t know how you could sleep with Guerin snoring in your ear; I could hear him through the freakin’ walls,” He went on with a grin even as he brought the mug to his lips to blow. “You must have worn him out last night, huh DeLuca?”

Again Maria shot him a glare, the spatula in her hand dripping grease. “We didn’t do any thing, Valenti,” She seethed. “We just slept.”

“Hey, hey, no need to be embarrassed,” Kyle told her. “One of us has to get some.”

That unexpected response caused her to turn and regard him with an arched eyebrow. “You mean to tell me that Studly Valenti isn’t getting any?” She tsk’d. “For shame.”

Kyle shrugged, and gave her another morning kiss on the cheek knowing that it would annoy her. This time, Maria grimaced at the strong smell of coffee. “I’ll be outside,” He said. “Call me when breakfast’s ready.”

Without another word, he exited the kitchen and made his way to the front door. His mouth opened wide as he yawned. He snaked hand beneath the loose cotton of his t-shirt and scratched sleepily at his abdomen.

The front door was already open, and Kyle assumed Maria had left it open to allow some fresh air to circulate throughout the house. He shoved through the screen door, stepped on the porch, and promptly narrowed his eyes.

Riannan sat on the front stoop, her knees drawn up to her chest with her long arms wrapped around them. She had pulled the pant legs of her sweat up and past her calves because of the morning heat, and she had shed the sweatshirt for a white tank top. Though he knew she could sense his presence, Rian didn’t turn around to regard him.

Kyle crossed the porch and seated himself Rian’s right. Their shoulders brushed, and he gave her a gentle, playful nudge.

“Sleep well?” He found himself asking, and then took a rather dainty sip of his coffee.

He felt her shrug beside him, and then the next thing he knew the coffee mug was absent from his hand. Kyle looked over just in time to see Rian take a big gulp from the cup, before she handed it back to him. If the liquid hot beverage burned her tongue, she masked it well.

“I didn’t sleep much.” She finally verbalized, her gaze straight ahead.

“Oh,” Kyle murmured, and followed her line of sight. She was staring at the road in the distance intently. He didn’t bother to ask why, because he already knew and instead focused on her previous answer. “Why?”

Again, she shrugged, reluctantly to share. “Just couldn’t, I guess.” Her tone was different, not terse to the point of her being rude. It was more like she just didn’t have much to say. But Kyle knew better.

“So, what’s up?”

“Kyle,” Rian sighed, but didn’t look at him. She knew what his intentions were. “I don’t want to talk about it, okay?”

“Is it Alex?” He pressed, having no regards to her previous statement.

“Kyle.”

“Rian,” He mimicked with a grin, and slung an arm over her shoulders. “Let’s chat.”

She shrugged him off with a scowl. “Let’s not.”

“Rian.” This time he used a disapproving, motherly tone and watched as she rolled her eyes.

“Kyle.”

“Y’know, we can play this game for a long time.” He pointed out with a chuckle.

“Yeah, and I’m gonna win, so just give it a rest, will you?” Rian asked in exasperation, feeling the subtle intensity of his stare on her. She rolled her eyes again, and hugged her knees tightly, intent on ignoring him. Yet he continued to stare at her, and it became increasingly obvious he wasn’t going to relent; no matter how long she tries to ignore him, he’ll keep pushing. With an exaggerated sigh, Rian finally asked, “You’re not going to let it go, are you?” and turned her head to glare at him.

Kyle took another sip of his coffee to hide his smile. “Nope,” He informed her, and averted his gaze. “So, you might as well start talking.”

“Can I just say that I don’t like ‘talking’ about my ‘feelings’ and all that other rot you humans do?” She muttered sarcastically, and dropped her chin on her knees with a huff.

“Noted,” Kyle retorted and gave her another shoulder nudge. “Start talking anyway.”

Rian sighed again, hands sliding down her legs to grasp her slender ankles. She remained silent, battling internally with what she didn’t want to talk about. Expressing herself had never been one of her strong suits, and it often irked her to no end that Kyle was so adamant about her being expressive. She was a simple creature really, just leave her alone, let her stew for a while, and then she’d be going about her business in no time. Being pressured only served to piss her –

“Is it about Alex?” He asked again.

This time, Rian smirked. “Who knew that Alex Whitman could throw a punch like that?” She asked pensively, and Kyle knew she was still trying to evade the conversation.

“Yeah,” He finally answered, remembering vividly the way Rian had impacted the side of the SUV, or the look of intense fury on Alex’s face. “He surprised all of us, I think.”

Rian grunted in agreement, and lifted a hand to tenderly touch her left cheek. “I was still feeling it this morning.”

Her words immediately made Kyle frown. Wordlessly, he gripped her chin gently between his thumb and index finger, and turned her face towards him. His scowled deeply when he noticed the slight, purple discoloration marring the pale features of her cheek.

“Why didn’t you heal it?” He asked quietly, and gently touched the bruise with his first two fingers.

Rian permitted his touch for about two seconds, before she shrugged away from him. “Because I guess I deserve it.”

Kyle instinctively knew that it was the closest she’d ever come to admitting her guilt, so he didn’t reply right away. He allowed her admission to settle between them, allowed her to gather her thoughts, before he continued on with his questioning.

His hand settled on her slim back, and rubbed up and down a few times in reassurance before he curved it over her shoulder. “Why’d you go in, Rian?” He inquired softly.

Another dejected sigh escaped her lips, and once again, Rian rested her chin on her knees. And in that moment, she looked more human than Kyle had ever seen her to be before. “I don’t know,” She finally murmured. “I just couldn’t stand being out side of there any longer, not with the knowledge that she was in there alone. Logically, I knew that you and Alex were watching her back, but still I felt…” She trailed off, nibbling on the corner of her bottom lip as she contemplated the emotion. “I felt like if I didn’t do something, I’d explode. I felt like my skin was pulling me into a dozen different directions and I just couldn’t handle it anymore. I just felt -”

“Anxious?” Kyle supplied for her, and she shrugged indecisively. Then he returned to the soothing ministrations of rubbing her back. He softly encouraged her to go on.

“And the longer I sat there doing nothing, the worse the feeling got. My hands started to get clammy, and I was sweating,” She turned to pin Kyle with a stare. “And you know that the heat doesn’t affect me all that much, but I was sweating like a polar bear in the tropics just waiting out there. Then my stomach started to feel funny – not like it hurt or anything – just weird.”

“You were worried.”

Rian rolled her eyes, obviously not liking that the feeling had a name, and she leaned back placing her elbows on the boards of the porch to support her weight. “Okay, so I was anxious and worried,” She muttered disconcertedly. “And because of that I momentarily lost touch with reality and did a dumb ass thing, okay?”

“Okay.” Kyle replied.

Rian sat back up again, hugging her knees, obviously not finding a comfortable position. “I just – I don’t know why,” She muttered, her brows furrowed in a troubled expression. “I don’t normally lose control like that; I’m always level-headed. Liz taught me that,” Her tone softened then at the mention of their absent friend. “But it was Liz. She was in there alone, and it made all the difference.”

She turned her head to regard Kyle solemnly then. “I am who I am today because of Liz. You all, individually, have taught me so much, but it was Liz I felt most comfortable with in the beginning,” Rian shifted her body until she was facing Kyle more, and their knees brushed. “I mean, I had always sensed that in the beginning you, and Alex and Maria were reluctant to let another alien in. But I didn’t sense that from Liz. I –“

“We were just scared, Rian,” Kyle immediately defended, fearful that she thought they didn’t trust her. “You came seemingly so soon after they left that it was just hard, you know?”

“I do,” Rian agreed with a slight nod. “But still. Liz has protected me all of these years, and so have the rest of you. I guess I just wanted to be the one doing the protecting,” With another indecisive shrug, she turned away. “I would have done the same thing for any one of you.”

For several moments Kyle studied her profile, seeing the toll the entire situation had taken on her. Instead of saying a word, he leaned in and kissed her temple. She smiled and reached up to grip his hand where it rested on the curve of her shoulder.

“Breakfast is ready.”

They both jumped at the soft voice that had penetrated the silence from behind them. They turned and saw Tess standing over the threshold of the doorway, her eyes riveted on the two of them. After a moment of tense silence, Tess turned and quietly entered the house.

<center>* * *</center>

He tripped over his own feet, and lurched to the side relying on the wall to keep him upright. It did so successfully, but it also jarred his body so that his steaming hot coffee spilled over the brim of his mug and scalded his hand. He cursed viciously and gripped the mug in his left hand, while he wiped his burned right on his sleeve.

“Damn it.” He cursed again, and stared down at the angry red splotch on the back of his hand. The urge to put it under cool and wet was intense, but that wouldn’t look very manly, so he chalked it up and carried on.


He couldn’t suppress the yawn as he entered the office and sat carefully in his chair. Gently, he placed his coffee on the desk, and reached for the yellow note pad and a pen. Every morning he reviewed the recordings from the house in hopes of finding something incriminating. It was just like every other morning, hoping that he’d have something concrete, but suspecting that he didn’t.

With another yawn, Jonaphan placed some headphones over his ears and grabbed a small device that looked deceptively like a tape recorder. Then, with a press of a button, he was listening to silence.

“Great.” He muttered to no one. Still nothing.

Protocol was to review the whole tape. He wasn’t comfortable enough with fast-forwarding, fearful that he may miss something soft but crucial amongst the silence. So, he sat back, propped his feet up on the desk, and delicately sipped his coffee.

Four hours later, a forgotten mug of cold coffee, and twenty-three games of solitaire later, Jon was getting hungry. He really needed to get some nourishment otherwise he’d –

He froze. The sound had been so soft that he was momentarily unsure if he had heard it, but the prickles at the back of his neck told him he had. Quickly, he turned up the volume and pressed the headphones more firmly to his ears. He listened. Several minutes of silence followed, but he was certain that he had heard something. What had it been?

Then he heard it again. This time he hadn’t been caught off guard so he easily recognized the noise as the screen door slamming. Someone had entered the house. He grabbed his pen, glanced at the numbers depicting the time it had been during the recording, and he made a note on his legal pad. Then, with his pen poised for action, he listened on.

Several more moments of silence cause Jon to hastily increase the volume some more. He could hear the subtle hints of breathing now, but he couldn’t distinguish how many people were in the room. Excitement coursed through him; this was it.

”I bet you have a lot of questions for us, huh?”

Jon frowned. Was that Alex or Kyle? He decided on Alex and jotted his name down on the legal pad.

‘Alex’ started to speak again, when the screen door sounded again. He heard the telltale sounds of footsteps and then – static.

Jonaphan cursed, wondering what the hell had interfered with the bug he’d planted and waited for it to subside. It didn’t, and he was forced to strain to hear the fragmented conversation.

He made out another voice. He voice he couldn’t recognize, but he was fairly certain it wasn’t Kyle. Jon made a note suggesting that there was an unknown subject in the room. There was another unrecognizable voice then, but he could easily distinguish that this voice belonged to a female. He made another note.

”….shape…..Riann-“

Riannan? Jonaphan wrote down her name, and underlined it.

Jon listened on, and was awarded with approximately thirty seconds of silence before a voice broke through.

”..ow…know…being held?”

Jonaphan cursed the static, but jotted down what he could make out, and labeled it as possibly being spoken by UIS1 – Unidentified Subject 1.

Kyle spoke next. ”Liz…Unit…for years…agent…mon-“

Another feminine voice spoke after Kyle, and Jon almost mistook her as the woman from earlier, but finally identified the voice as belonging to Maria.

”…back…thou-…captured…prepare…see you again.”

He was beginning to get frustrated with the fragments of the conversation, and wondered if the bug had been a dud to begin with. But he diligently took his required notes.

”how…find you?”

”…waiting for us.” – another unidentified voice. Jon made a note.

”…Gran..th…here…Gran…Chamber…of Roswell”

The conversation carried on, and Jonaphan made notes of words that he could clearly make out, and even words he couldn’t but what he suspected may have been said. “Radar.” “…take you back”

Suddenly, the static stopped. Everything sounded so clear that Jonaphan was momentarily concerned that maybe the feed and died all together, until he heard her voice.

”Transformation complete.” Riannan. Jon underlined her name again.

Alex responded to a question she posed, to which she flippantly replied “whatever”. Jonaphan listened on for several minutes, hearing everything that was said so clearly. A man called out to Maria, and he wondered which voice it belonged to – he’d have to go back and listen again.

”Michael?” Jon wrote down the name.

After that point, there was a moment of quiet and then the distinct sound of sobbing was heard. Jon frowned but listened on, determined to get every detail he could. He listened to the soft cries until someone suggested they go to the kitchen for something to eat, and a thunder of footsteps followed. The bug wouldn’t receive sound from the kitchen, so he paused it, content with what he had for now. He’d review the rest of the recording in a few minutes – maybe after he ate – for it’s possible they all filed back into the living room. If they did, he’d get more out of them for sure.

Jon leaned back in his chair, his pad of notes in his hand. As he studied them, he tapped the end of his pen against his thigh, reading and re-reading until he had every detail memorized. Finally, he sighed and sought out Liz’s name.

He pressed his pen to the pad and circled it.


TBC

For those of you reading, Coffee… will be updated next. Not right-this-second “next, but the hopefully-sooner-than-later next. ;) Keep an eye out for it.

Oh, and just a note for those who PMed me their email addresses for updates, I just want y’all to be sure that you’re getting them. Cause they could end up in your spam/junk mail folder. I *am* sending ‘em. ;)

Hope you enjoyed!!

Raychel
writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

Roswell, New Mexico S1 Watch Party
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Raychelxluscious
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Post by Raychelxluscious »

Hey guys! I just wanted to pop in and let y'all know that part 12 is in my beta's mail box, so you should be getting an update soon! :) Yay!

Also, I just wanted to drop off the results of the First Round of awards at Memories. :) Thank you all who nominated and voted for me. I very much appreciate it! -hehe-

Hopefully I'll be back soon. :)

Raych


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Best Supporting Character - Riannan Kellar
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writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

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Raychelxluscious
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Post by Raychelxluscious »

Hey guys! Here’s the new part! *BIG* thanks to Nichole for beta-ing this part for me – so, if there’s any mistakes, they’re *her* fault! ;) Just joshin’.

Thank you all for the tremendous feedback! :) It’s greatly appreciated. :D


Coley422
2004
Timelord31
BelevnDreamsToo
– LMAO! Have I told you how much your feedback, KILLS me? -hehe- But I’m glad you enjoyed the Alex/Rian scene, then the Kyle/Rian, and now you can understand Rian’s perspective. I’ve tried it again in this part (Kyle’s explaining this time), and I think I confused myself. :roll: We’ll see. :) Thanks!
begonia9508
Luvya
– Thanks…Rach. ;)
behrlyliz
su-lyn
orphyfets
flyawayraven
cherie
83 AlienAngel
Hopeless Romantic
– hehe!! LOVE YA!
I am a dreamer – Gah! :shock: *very* good! You hit the nail right on the head. ;) Good job.
frenchkiss70
A Rose Is True Blue
–teehee- *mmuah!*
lazza
Scottie
– welcome back! :) And thank you for the great feedback. *sigh* I enjoyed writing the Michael/Maria moment – I was kind of touched by it too. –hehe- So, thank you again!
Sarah_Helen – LMAO. That has to be one of the most *intimidating* threats I’ve ever heard. –lol- You won’t have to use it though. ;)
VivaLasVegas –hehe!!- Hope you enjoy! ;)
Briness

Now, without further ado…

<center>Part Twelve</center>

She didn’t know how she was still moving. Her mind was too numb for her to function. How was it that her brain was sending messages to her legs? Yet they were, and though her strides were short and timidly slow, she was getting somewhere.

Just not nearly fast enough.

She could feel him beside her, touching her. She kept her gaze straight ahead; she didn’t dare look at him for she was afraid of what she might see. His strong hand gripped her upper arm so firmly, so fiercely that it bordered on pain. Yet she remained silent. She knew he wasn’t aware of the force of his grasp. It would be easy to voice her discomfort, and she knew he’d promptly relinquish his hold on her. But she didn’t. The feel of his hand around her, his fingers digging into her flesh served as reminder. It was a reminder that she was still alive.

“Sykes!”

Liz startled at the sound of Daniel’s sharp bark. She looked up and peered into the frozen, blue eyes of the man who had such a firm hold on her, as they came to an abrupt halt. He studied her narrowed, wary eyes before he turned his head and regarded his minion.

“Find someone to follow Liz home,” He ordered and then shifted his gaze back to Liz, his eyes sharp. “I want her to get home safely.”

Liz only offered him a small smile at his request. She knew that it was futile for her to protest. She could get home by herself, she knew that, but Daniel Pierce always got what he wanted.

His hand lifted to gingerly cup the side of her face, and his thumb stroked her cheek tenderly before his entire hand curved around to the base of her skull. Liz winced at the feel of hand bumping against the throbbing knot there. She needed a painkiller.

“Are you okay?” He whispered worriedly. Liz managed a faint nod, and valiantly fought to remain still when he leaned in to press his lips against her forehead. “It will all be over soon, love.”

Liz winced again, this time at the unwanted endearment he had given her. But she remained pliant beneath his touch, as his hand slide from the base of her skull and down her back. Through the layer of her clothing she could feel his fingers trailing down the indention of her spine. Helpless to stop herself, she shivered.

Daniel smiled at her reaction, and tipped her head back to meet the firm press of his lips. She was so tired, so drained, that her defenses were down and she could barely control her answering whimper. It was a sound of distress, yet Daniel misread that signal as well.

At the first teasing foray of his tongue, Liz braced her hands against the broad plain of his torso and pushed. She kept pushing until she was able to wretch her mouth away and gasp for breath, her chest heaving.

His arms were around her then, crushing her body to his and her lungs protested desperately as she struggled to gulp in air. But at least he didn’t have her mouth on her any longer.

Her face was pressed into his shoulder, and his mouth nuzzled her temple planting fleeting kisses there. Reflexively, Liz gripped the rough fabric of his jacket in her hands.

“I want you to take this next week off, Liz,” He said to her, his voice soft but reeking of authority. “That’s an order.” He added as an after thought.

“Yes, sir.” Came her meek reply.

Daniel chuckled and leaned back so that he could peer into her pallor colored face. His hands once again lifted to cup her cheeks, his thumbs stroking. His eyes bore into hers, conveying a wealth of emotion; the most prominent being concern.

Liz was almost touched.

“Stay there,” He ordered quietly. “I’ll come to you when I can.”

The meaning of his words had only just registered in her mind when a throat was cleared from behind them. Daniel took a professional step away from her, though his eyes remained locked on hers. Then, with a pivot of the heel, he turned and walked down the corridor. Liz stared after him, not knowing if her horror was masked or not.

Daniel Pierce always got what he wanted.

<center>* * *</center>

Riannan and Kyle huddled frozenly together on the stoop of the porch. The screen door and slapped noisily shut just moments before, making Kyle cringe. His arm was still draped across Rian’s shoulder, and her hand still rested over his. He could only imagine what the scene looked like.

“You should go to her,” Rian spoke, and tilted her head at an angle where she could peer into his face. “Let her know nothings going on.”

Kyle groaned and buried his face in his hands, successfully relinquishing Rian from his embrace. “Does it matter?” He asked bitterly. “She didn’t want me when she was here; why would she want me now that she’s back?”

Rian thwacked him hard over the head, the assault earning a fierce curse to pass from his lips. “Don’t be stupid.” And without another word she stood and entered the house.

It was cooler inside, and not as bright, but her metabolism promptly adjusted. Her flesh didn’t pebble with goose bumps, and she could see as clearly as if there wasn’t a difference in the brightness. She could smell the scrumptious aroma of Maria’s breakfast, and her stomach grumbled in anticipation.

Before she could even enter the kitchen, the source of the delicious smell, a hand snaked out and gripped her upper arm. Rian’s first animalistic instinct was to turn and attack – turn she did, attack she did not. And thankfully so, for she found herself peering into the topaz colored eyes of Max Evans.

“Where’s Liz?” The words came out harsh and demanding; there was nothing soft about the way he spoke, not like he had last night. He was rested now, no longer fatigued, and he mistakenly thought he could slip into his role as King.

Well, Rian would have to nip that thought right in the bud. There was no way in hell he’d hold the same status here on Earth.

She glared pointedly at his hand where it gripped the pale flesh of her arm, and then her eyes glided back up to meet with his. Max took the hint, and relinquished his hold on her, but his eyes remained hard and demanding. “Where’s Liz?”

“Working.” Rian said blandly.

“On what?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” She murmured in an annoyed tone and pretended to think about the question for a moment. “On keeping you safe? Hidden? Maybe even alive?” Rian turned to face him full on then, despite the few inches he had over her, she easily stared him in the eye. “Don’t expect to see her anytime soon, Max. She has to keep her head down for a while before she can even think about coming here. She saved your neck, and now she has to focus on saving hers.”

Rian struggled to ignore the way in which Max’s face fell. It was difficult for her to offer comfort to her own friends; a chore she was fighting to become more accustomed to. She didn’t want to have to deal with someone she barely knew. Quietly, Rian turned on her heel and entered the kitchen.

Since the partition separating kitchen and dining room had been knocked down, Rian could easily see inside. Tess was sitting idly at the table, a plate of bacon and eggs placed in front of her. Her blue eyes darted up to look at Riannan, before she hastily averted her gaze. Her slender hand lifted from her lap and gripped her fork, and then she began the process of eating her breakfast.

“You going to eat?” Maria asked from her designated place at the stove. The spatula was still in her hand, and in her other, she held a plate already filled with heaping amounts of food.

Michael was already sitting at the table. He shoveled food into his mouth like it was his last meal. Isabel was there too, and she ate her food with slightly more decorum. Alex sat across from Isabel, and his gaze had risen just once to peer irritably at Rian before he continued to munch on his toast. There was an empty seat to his right, just beside of Tess.

Rian definitely had no intention of sitting there, especially considering that Kyle still hadn’t come in yet. Max brushed passed her and took his place beside of Isabel, which left three empty seats.

Finally, Rian looked back at Maria, who stared at her expectantly, the plate still in her hand like an offering.

“No, thanks.” She said quietly, and exited the kitchen.

Kyle entered the house a moment later. He saw Rian sitting in the living room, her bare feet propped up on the coffee table and her hand pressing random buttons on the television remote. He knew she was still upset, and he was torn between comforting his current friend and rekindling the relationship with an old one.

Defeated, Kyle wordlessly entered the kitchen and took the plate Maria offered him. He gathered by her expression that she was concerned about Riannan, and he quickly prevented her from asking with a quick shake of his head.

It was an easy decision for Kyle to choose his seat. He didn’t want to sit at the head of the table, and, though he really didn’t have anything against Max, he’d much rather seat himself next to Tess. So, he did.

He wasn’t oblivious to the way she immediately tensed, and Kyle immediately recalled to how at ease she had been when he’d held her in his arms just the night before. The embrace had only lasted as long as it took for Maria to quit crying and usher everyone into the kitchen to eat. But, those blessed moments had been the best in his life.

She was withdrawing from him now; he could feel the subtle changes in her. And he didn’t like it a bit.

Before she’d left with the others, she had spent three years keeping him at bay, never allowing their relationship to go past friendship. Especially not after the night she discovered what a low tolerance of alcohol she actually had.

Of course, Kyle remembered the time he had inadvertently gotten Max drunk, but he hadn’t been privy to his alien status then and, at the time, had no idea about the low alcohol tolerance. So, being such a good buddy to Tess, he didn’t take advantage of her drunken state. Still to this day, he maintains that Tess kissed him. Sure, he could have stopped the kiss, but why would have wanted to do that? He’d been dying for Tess to kiss him for months, and finally she did. There was no way in hell that he was going to shove her away. Where was the harm in a few innocent kisses anyway?

Warning signs had started going off in his head when Tess Harding had crawled into his lap, her mouth still slanted over his. He had known that things could escalate further, but he felt powerless to stop it. Hands had skimmed over flesh beneath the confines of their clothing on their own volition. And then, all of a sudden, Tess regained her bearings. She had lurched away from him so quickly that Kyle felt as if he had been slapped.

He’d never forget the shameful expression that clouded her blue eyes, or the way her blonde curls bounced against her cheeks as she shook her head, apologies spewing from her swollen, pink lips. Then, she ran from him.

Kyle couldn’t remember how long he just sat there, his body still humming with warmth from her body. He vaguely remembers thinking that the sensation had to be an alien effect, for he’d surely never felt anything like it before. And then, he began to curse himself. He shouldn’t have allowed their kisses to continue, but he couldn’t bring up the strength to regret it.

Then, she began to withdraw from him – just like she was trying to do now. He tsk-d to himself; they couldn’t have that.

He watched out of the corner of his eye as Tess pushed at her food with her fork, rather than consuming it. Kyle popped a piece of bacon into his mouth and chewed quietly as he contemplated his plan of attack. He was well aware that she was currently building a wall around herself to keep him out, and he wanted to snort with laughter. Yeah, as if that would stop him.

Kyle picked up his fork and speared some of his eggs. If he knew Tess – which, he felt he still did despite the years that have gone by – then the way to break down those walls she’s erecting was simple. He’d just have to smother her. He’d be there whenever she turned around; he wouldn’t let her distance herself from him. She’d just have to get used to his proximity all over again, because there was no way in hell that he was letting her pull away from him again.

He turned his head to look at her full on, and fought to keep a grin from spreading when she tensed even more. She had stopped pushing her food around, as if she thought that by remaining perfectly still he wouldn’t notice her. Again, Kyle suppressed the urge to laugh – not likely.

Kyle brushed the back of one finger over her soft cheek, and was awarded with a startled jump. “You need to eat.” He told her in a tone that told him he was indifferent to her reaction. Then, he returned to his own meal just as Tess whirled her head around to stare at him.

Kyle wiped at his mouth with his hand, more to cover up his smile than anything else.

<center>* * *</center>

The moment Liz finally let herself into her house, the fatigue that she had been valiantly trying to hold at bay completely washed over her. She shoved past the inquisitive nudges Mulder and Scully gave her, and collapsed face first into the soft cushions of her couch.

Her eyes drifted shut, as she willed her world to stop spinning, and the fuzziness in her head to dissipate. She knew she needed a shower; she could feel the grim all over her body, but she couldn’t muster the strength to move. Her hand remained motionless at her side instead of lifting to wipe at the doggy kisses that were being swiped across her face.

Liz mumbled a weak, “no” but her dogs kept at it. So, she laid there, too tired to move or even turn her head to the side to avoid the saliva, and waited for sleep to snatch her.

Distantly, her mind yelled for her to pick up the phone and call Riannan, just to let her know she was home, she was safe, and that she was alive. But even that simple task seemed to require too much effort.

Gradually, her muscles grew heavier, and she sank deeper into the plush cushions of the couch. Her mind began to go blank, and then finally, blessed darkness befell her…


She stood silently in one corner of the spacious lab, fighting to control the tremors coursing through her body. Thankfully, no one seemed to be paying much attention to her, as they were all preparing the equipment to evaluate the blood smear they’d gotten from the blade of the scalpel. Once they had that, they’d do a run-through of the database until they found a match. The process could take anywhere from five minutes to five hours, but it didn’t matter. They probably wouldn’t permit her to leave until they found out, and even if they did it’s not like she’d get very far.

This was the end. For some reason Liz hadn’t expected for it all to end here. She should have – she should have been prepared for something like this, but for whatever reason she thought she could out smart the Special Unit. She thought she’d be able to go home, and just lie low until it all blew over and she was off the suspects list. She thought she’d see her friends again. Isabel. Tess. Michael.

Max.

She was wrong, apparently. She’d never see them again.

Liz closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her lungs straining to admit the oxygen. She felt so tired. When she finally opened her eyes again, she met the dark, intense gaze of Agent Sykes from across the room. His jaw was clenched tightly, his brow furrowed as he scrutinized her. And for a fleeting moment, Liz thought that he already knew…

“Agent Parker,” Liz nearly jumped at the sound of Daniel’s voice drawing her from her reverie. She gazed across the room at him where he stood next to Dr. Cornwell. He wanted to be around when they found the assailant as well, so Pierce had immediately paged him to the lab. Daniel studied her for a moment longer, but didn’t say anything else. Instead, he turned to Philip and placed a companionable hand on the man’s back. “Be my guest, Dr. Cornwell.”

Philip smiled inanely and bent over the microscope. Liz closed her eyes, and tensed. She half expected the name
PARKER to jump out at, her blood cells having joined together to out her.

“Oh, my God.”

Liz’s eyes snapped open.

“What?” Daniel demanded, taken off guard by Philip’s outburst. He didn’t know whether to be worried or excited. “What is it?”

“Elizabeth,” Philip barked, and she nearly jumped again. He lifted his head just slightly and turned to look at her. She noticed a large grin spread across his face. “Come look at this!”

After a moment of paralyzing fear, Liz finally regained her mobility and slowly crossed the room. She noticed that Daniel was getting anxious, wanting to have a look himself, but for whatever reason Philip wanted her to have a look first. At last, she reached the two men, and Philip slowly tore himself from the microscope his grin still present. “Take a look.”

Liz took her place in front of the microscope, and placed her hands on the surface of the lab desk. Her fingers were trembling slightly, and she fisted them together to cease the action. She bent her head, but before she could even catch a glimpse of the slide her eyes fluttered shut on their own volition. She paused and forced another deep inhalation, trying to calm her nerves. When she opened her eyes, she had to blink several times to focus. And then she saw.

The air squeezed from her lungs so suddenly that it sounded deceivingly like a gasp. She jerked upright, and took an unsteady step back, her eyes focused on the microscope as the distance increased.

“Liz?” Daniel asked and reached out to grab her hand. Liz didn’t respond. Her mind revolved around a single thought.

The cells were inhuman.


<center>* * *</center>

Max had taken up his post by the window. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his eyes, darkened by painful shadows, gazed out through the glass – watching and waiting.

Riannan watched him through the reflection of the mirror that hung on the wall just above the television. Every so often, she would return her gaze to the movie on screen, but moments later she’d once again eye Max skeptically.

He was brooding. No doubt because Rian hadn’t relinquished any information on Liz when he’d cornered her again after lunch. She didn’t know what it would take to get it through his skull that Liz was a little preoccupied at the moment, but she knew that if he asked her one more time where she was, she’d snap.

Like a hawk, she continued to watch him. She wondered what he was thinking, and the temptation to peek inside his mind was all to alluring. But she didn’t, because she knew that her friends frowned upon that sort of violation of privacy. Personally, she didn’t see what the big deal was; if humans had the ability to read minds then there would be considerably less insecure house wives, wondering where their husbands were. Men would know what women really wanted, and the law enforcement would know whether or not a suspect was lying. All in all, the ability to hear thoughts was a definite plus. Too bad she didn’t get to use it often.

But, the temptation was there – oh, was it ever. With just a quick, undetectable peak, she could easily discover what made the man – or King, whatever – tick. And, if she delved just a smidge deeper, she’d undoubtedly be able to uncover why he’d left Liz.

Blindly, Rian flipped through the channels hoping that something would catch her attention. She hadn’t known why they were leaving to pick up the Royal Four; all she’d known was that the ship was leaving Antar and heading to Earth. She also knew that Antar had currently been labeled as unstable, and she didn’t particularly want to hang around for when it exploded. There had been nice stories floating among the people about what Earth was like. She had no way of knowing if any of the stories were true, but the tales woven were too alluring to pass up. So, she’d snuck aboard the ship and hid until they landed. Quickly, she’d exited, but opted to stay close, just in case she didn’t immediately like the feel the planet exuded and she changed her mind.

But she hadn’t changed her mind – especially not after she’d seen her first human.

“Hey.” Rian almost startled, but at the last moment, composed herself and tilted her head up and to the side to regard Kyle. She grinned.

“Hey.” She didn’t bother to drop her legs from the coffee table; if he wanted through, he could step over them. Involuntarily, her eyes drifted to the mirror and to Max’s reflection. He hadn’t moved.

American Wedding?” Kyle asked, his tone reeking with incredulity. “Again, Rian?”

“What?” She asked, slightly affronted. “This is a great movie, Kyle. Has some real great one-liners: It’s on like Donkey Kong, beeyotch!” She quoted, as she began to count them off with her fingers. “Hang out with my wang out. Rock out with my cock out.

“Hey!” Kyle exclaimed with a hoot of laughter. “That one is actually kind of funny, especially considering you really did have a coc- whoof.” The elbow in his gut had been expected, but still managed to knock the breath out of him. He recovered shortly, and commenced with the laughter.

“What was that, Valenti?” Rian prodded with a dangerous tone in her voice.

Kyle managed another chuckle, before he slung his arm over the back of the couch, and gave her a large grin. “Nothing, Kellar.”

Rian eyed him, before she changed the channel to… the Disney Channel.

“Oh!” Kyle exclaimed suddenly, and wretched the remote from Rian’s hand. “Lizzie McGuire!”

Rian’s mouth fell agape, and she stared at Kyle for several moments, unsure if he was serious. “Are you for real?” She finally asked, a bit tentatively.

“What?” Kyle asked, slightly affronted. “Granted, this is no Even Stevens, but it’s a damn good show. Too bad it got cancelled.”

With a deep sigh, and a shake of her head, Rian conceded. “Whatever, dude,” However, she could only tolerate .2 seconds of the kiddie show, before she couldn’t take it anymore. “Yeah, I think I’m going to go find something better to do.” And with that, she stood from the couch and began to exit the living room – where she almost collided with Alex.

After giving her a chilling gaze that packed as big of a punch as Alex’s fist connecting with her jaw, she sidestepped him to allow him to pass. Without a word, Alex brushed passed her and seated himself next to Kyle on the couch.

Kyle craned his head to peer over the back of the couch. Rian stood motionlessly in spot, her back to them. Then, without another word or a glance in their direction, she disappeared from view. A few short moments later, Kyle heard the slamming of the screen door shut.

He turned his attention back to the TV, very aware of his brooding friend next to him. He was also aware that it wouldn’t be smart to indulge in the conversation he wanted to with Alex, with Max just a few feet away. With that in mind, Kyle shifted on the couch until he could see the broad back of the alien king clearly.

“Hey, Max, you need to stop staring out that window like a lost puppy, buddy. Why don’t you sit down and watch Lizzie McGuire with us?” Kyle offered enticingly, though he knew Max wouldn’t accept his offer. Right on cue, Max shook his head in protest.

He sighed then, and turned from the window. Dark bruises accentuated the undersides of his eyes, and his face will still drawn taunt. The guy didn’t look good.

With one final, longing glance out the window, Max trudged quietly down the hallway and into his bedroom. When the quiet click of the door closing shut sounded, Kyle focused his gaze on Alex.

“Okay, don’t you think this has gone on long enough?”

Alex spared Kyle a fleeting glance before he returned his attention to the television; he pretended to be enraptured. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Kyle snorted. “This guilt trip you’re still putting Riannan, through,” He stated, and then clapped Alex on the back. “Why not give it a rest already, man. She’s suffering enough.”

This caused Alex to whip his head around. “She’s suffered?” He inquired with an incredulous snort of his own. “How the hell do you figure?” But, before Kyle could even open his mouth, Alex answered for him. “Rian doesn’t suffer. She doesn’t even feel, remember?” Then he settled deeper into the cushions of the couch, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. “She’s said so herself.”

Kyle was quiet for a split second. “And you believe her?” He questioned softly. “You can’t tell me that you actually believe that Rian is an emotional retard.”

In answer to his question, Alex shot his friend a heated glare. “Okay, so maybe you can believe it,” Kyle conceded. “But that’s not the case. Trust me.”

“She’s an alien, Kyle,” Alex murmured. “Not like Isabel, or Max, or Michael, or Tess. She’s alien through and through. Emotions aren’t part of the package for her. She’s said so.”

Kyle leaned back into the couch, mimicking Alex’s position. Though he no longer paid attention to what was on screen, he stared blankly at the television. He was aware of his friend’s tense posture beside him, and he racked his mind for anything that would help Alex see what he did.

“Do you remember,” He finally began, quietly and hesitantly. “The first couple of weeks with Riannan?” Kyle lolled his head over to peer at Alex. The grim expression on his face answered his question. “And remember how she had the look of perpetual confusion on her face? She said that it was because of the varying emotions we had. She didn’t know what they meant or how to deal, remember?”

Alex nodded just slightly.

Kyle was silent for a moment, before he finished. “Rian’s like a sponge, Whitman. She soaks everything up, and doesn’t let any of it out unless you literally squeeze it out of her. That’s why she was so confused, so unsettled those first few weeks she was around us, y’know? Cause she was soaking up all of our feelings, and it had to be exhausting. But she acclimated, right?” Again, Alex nodded. “Yeah. She’s still a sponge, though. She’s still soaking everything up, but now she knows how to deal. She knows how to set the emotions we’re feeling apart from the ones she’s feeling.” Kyle watched as Alex’s gaze flickered in his direction, but he didn’t say anything.

“She’s still struggling though; she’s still trying to understand all these emotions, but what makes it all the more difficult for her, Alex,” He pinned him with a pointed stare. “Is the fact that, now, it’s gotten to the point where she doesn’t know that the emotions she’s feeling are actually hers. Yeah, she’s still feeling ours, but for the most part she can just shove those to the side. But she doesn’t know how to do that with her emotions – not yet.”

Alex remained in contemplative silence for several moments, before he took a deep breath. “So, what you’re saying is that Riannan has suddenly developed emotions?” He asked. “And she’s told you this?”

“Not suddenly, no,” Kyle corrected. “And she hasn’t told me in so many words, no. She still maintains that she has no feelings. She’s just – “ As his hands scrubbed his face, he sighed, not knowing which way to go with this. Then, he settled for the moment when he’d first realized that Rian wasn’t as immune to emotions as she thought. “Rian was shot. At Eagle Rock – when we were searching through that doctor’s files.”

Again, Alex’s head whipped around to pin Kyle with his gaze, and this time, his gaze held fury; Kyle knew he was in hot water for keeping that tidbit of information from Alex.

“She healed herself, obviously, but she made me promise not to tell,” He waved his hand dismissively. “But that’s neither here nor there. It’s just, when she was shot, I knew she was scared. Maybe not for herself, but probably for me, y’know? I mean, what would have happened if she had died or something, and I’d been left by myself? That’s what she was scared of.”

Kyle shook his head at the memory, and he knew now, with absolute clarity that Rian was definitely scared in that moment. “Anyway, so, the next morning we’re in Roswell. We stayed the night at my dad’s, and then stopped at the Crashdown to eat before we left. We talked. She told me that she’s still struggling with recognizing feelings – meaning ours. And she tries to empathize, and sometimes she feels like she does, but most of the time she doesn’t,” He gave Alex a pleading look. “But she’s just confused man. Cause it’s her feelings she’s trying to cope with and identify, not ours.

“Listen, there is one feeling she knows belongs to her. Love. She loves us, man. She’s told me, and we can’t question that. She doesn’t realize it yet, but she’s dealing with a shit-load of other emotions rolling around inside of her too. And it has to be driving her crazy,” Kyle empathized, remembering his conversation with her earlier. “We all know what we were feeling when Liz was in that building. Alone. Riannan had no idea what the hell it was she was feeling, so she acted on impulse.”

”Okay, so I was anxious and worried, and because of that I momentarily lost touch with reality and did a dumb ass thing, okay?”

Kyle sighed. “Just talk to her. I can’t explain it, and I sure as hell know that she can’t explain it, but maybe you’ll understand anyway. Okay?” Hoping he’d gotten through, he finished with, “It doesn’t make it right, but maybe it’ll help.”

<center>* * *</center>

Liz jerked awake to the incessant ringing of her house phone. Her eyes blinked open, but were completely unfocused as the lassitude of sleep robbed her body of pliancy. Her mind still felt fuzzy from fatigue as she struggled to sit up. Just as a trembling hand reached out to grab the phone, the ringing ceased. With a groan, Liz collapsed back into the cushions of the couch intend on falling back to sleep. But then she heard her outgoing message, the beep, and then his voice.

Betsy-Ann,” Jonaphan Calder’s slow drawl enticed her slumberous gaze to drift to the phone. “Just checkin’ in, darlin’. I haven’t talked to you in ages, and I wanted to see what’s been keeping you. Call me, sweetheart. Bye.

With another groan, Liz forced herself into a sitting position, and gripped the phone in her hand. She wasn’t going to call Jon, not yet, but his message has successfully gave her a hard mental shake, and reminded her that she had a phone call to make.

It would be the only phone call she’d be able to make to them from this phone, for she was certain that the next time she set foot out of her house, it would be invaded by the FBI. Her privacy would be violated, and her phones tapped. It was to be expected, and there was no way around it. The only thing that kept her from hanging up right then was that she knew they wouldn’t have tapped her phones so quickly. At the moment, Pierce had all of his manpower focused on the investigation.

A tired yawn escaped her lips as she dialed the number. Then, she leaned back in the couch and closed her eyes. Riannan answered on the first ring.

You okay?” She immediately asked, before Liz could even get a word out.

“Tired,” Liz responded, and she knew that her voice conveyed her feelings perfectly. “But I’m fine. My head is sore too, but it worked. After an initial suspicion of me, for the most part, I’m cleared.” And she had to tell her the real reason she was cleared; the idea made her sick.

Good. Everyone here has been worried about you,” Rian went on, and was careful not to mention how worried she had been as well. “One guy in particular.

“Mm,” was the only response Liz could muster. “So everyone is settled in nicely?”

Yep. Safe and sound.

Good. She opened her mouth to mention the real reason she had called, when Rian quietly uttered Liz’s name.

“Yeah?” She prompted, when Rian made no other effort to continue. Her breathing was soft on the other end of the line, so Liz knew the connection hadn’t been lost. She waited.

I’m sorry,” She whispered almost inaudibly. It was on the tip of Liz’s tongue to ask “for what,” when Riannan answered for her. “For just rushing into the compound like that without telling Alex or Kyle, and for scaring you.

Liz was silent for a moment, honestly feeling as if Rian had nothing to apologize for, but she knew that an apology from her was difficult to achieve, so she quietly accepted the apology and left it at that.

“Listen,” Liz began after another moment of silence spanned between them. “I think you need to come over here. Bring Maria.”

Why?” Came Rian’s cautious inquiry.

Liz squeezed her eyes shut and pinched the bridge of her nose. Finally, she heaved a deep breath into her lungs.

“They found the scalpel with my blood on it. The cells –“ Her whispered explanation halted, and she swallowed convulsively, but hadn’t needed to say any more. Rian already knew.

We’ll be right there.

TBC.

Now, some of you are gonna be disappointed because there wasn’t much on Max, but we’ll get to him later. I had to clear up this stuff first. ;) Hope you enjoyed!

Hopefully I’ll be updating Coffee… soon. :)

Raych
writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

Roswell, New Mexico S1 Watch Party
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Raychelxluscious
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Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:15 pm
Location: Started in WV, ending in FL

Post by Raychelxluscious »

I’m *so* sorry about the long wait. I’m a student, so things have been hectic, but hopefully I’ll be able to get back into the writing swing of things. I just ask you all to be patient.

At any rate, thank you *all* so much for your support and friendly little bumps. :) I appreciate it.

And, of course, thank you for the feedback! :)

ms.ava
Luvya
frenchkiss70
su-lyn
begonia9508
tequasthisy
Maxsgurl
Itzstacie
– Stacie! :) I LOVE you! I hope everything is well! :( If I didn’t live a gazillion miles away (and if I still didn’t live with the rents) you could TOTALLY come and live with me if need be. ;) We’d have good times! :) Take care!!
BelevnDreamsToo
alienmom
Evans3
cherie
Scottie
A Rose Is True Blue
roni230
RoswellDreamer_bb10
Buffsteraddict
Timelord31
Michelle
neck
83 AlienAngel
orphyfets
behrlyliz
VivaLasVegas
Blink1lit
guelbebek
Antarian Chick
Lazza


Again, thank you *all* so very much! :) You guys are so greatly appreciated!

As you all know, Round 8 Nominations are under way, and Absence… has already received two much appreciated nominations. :) *yay!* So, big thanks to Hopeless Romantic for the noms!

Best Villian
Pierce

Best Original Character
Riannan Kellar

Again, *yay!!* As some of you may know, Rian won Runner Up for Best Original Character last round, so that’s very exciting! But she’s got some competition, because the *Twins* - Tristan and Tyler Julian are too awesome for their own good! Eek! ;) Good luck to Sarah*Marie on that one.

Any enough stalling… ;)


<center>Part Thirteen</center>

Alex ventured outside in search of Riannan, with Kyle’s words resounding in his head. Kyle was right; the entire situation had gone on long enough. Now was not the time for any strain to befall the group, and Rian was part of the team; she didn’t need to be alienated (pardon the pun) from the rest of the group. No matter how frustrated Alex was with her, and the actions she had initiated.

Once he stepped from the shadowy safety of the porch, the afternoon sun immediately caused a sheen of perspiration to dapple his forehead. Alex didn’t bother to wipe it away only to have it return later, and so trudged on. The heat of the sun’s rays warmed his skin – the skin that had darkened over the weeks due to the labor he’d endured outside.

Around him the yard was barren with only a few patches of green grass poking up through the dirt. Before their priorities had revolved around the preparation of the house; they hadn’t paid much attention to the land itself for it hadn’t held any precedence. They weren’t trying to advertise it for the Home and Garden magazine after all, so it didn’t seem to be such a significant attribute. Now, as he looked around Alex thought differently. He made a mental note to do whatever means necessary to get some grass to grow to add some color to the place. With thoughts milling around in his head, Alex lifted his gaze from the ugly ground below him, and stopped in his tracks.

Riannan stood alongside the back of the house, as she regarded the dust beneath her feet with a thoughtful expression. Apparently Alex wasn’t the only one dissatisfied with the yard.

She hadn’t heard his approach, and he opted to keep it that way for just a few more minutes yet. From where he stood, Alex could see the gleam of her pale, smooth cheek in the sunlight, and the tinge of blue and purple that marred it.

Vaguely he recalled the painful yet satisfying way in which his fist connected with her cheek. The remembrance immediately caused him to cringe, and he felt ashamed. But in his defense, at that point in time she had been in a different from, a different body. She had been a man, and that had been the only reason he’d hit her…him. Alex would never have raised a hand to any woman, no matter how angry he was. And he hadn’t really touched heranyway; it wasn’t her body – not her real body, anyway. With that in mind, why did she have a bruise on her person?

Immediately, Alex deduced that it was a Rian’s own form of punishing herself. And he didn’t like it.

Because he didn’t know what to do or to say Alex relished in the silence, and waited until she turned and noticed him. It only took a few brief moments for it to happen, and once she did her face flashed with surprise before her expression carefully became blank.

“Hey.” He murmured uncertainly after a minute or two went by, and she made no effort to speak.

Rian squinted against the sun as she looked at him, and resisted the urge to lift a hand to her forehead to shield the glare. “Hey.” She didn’t say anything else.

Alex toed the ground with his retro black sneakers, before he ended up kicking a pebble across the lawn. Now that she was standing right in front of him, he didn’t know what to say. Truthfully, he hadn’t even contemplated what he should say. Talking really wasn’t his strong suit. When he glanced up, he noticed the way she had folded her arms together; her stance had become defensive and closed off. Typical for her.

Rian had changed out of the sweats she’d worn that morning, and into a pair of light blue jeans and a red t-shirt. Alex smirked as he took notice of the green alien, Marvin the Martian, and the white lettering that ordered, “You! Off my planet!” He’d gotten it for her as a Christmas gift a year or two before.

Her laughter rang in his ears, and the corners of his lips twitched threateningly into a smile as he reminisced. She had been surprisingly excited by the simple gift, where Alex had expected a polite giggle from her and a nice hug as thanks. It wasn’t the most original gift after all. Yet instead, she had laughed to the point that she’d gotten the hiccups, and she planted a moist kiss on his cheek, thanking him in between giggles. Then she’d told him she loved it, and thought it to be a clever Christmas gift. He had beamed with satisfaction the rest of the night.

Curiously, Alex wondered if she’d intentionally worn the shirt due to the rift that had fallen between them, as a peace offering of sorts, or if it had been an unconscious action. He didn’t dwell on it for long, as he realized it didn’t matter.

It took only seven steps for Alex to reach her, and less than a second to pull her tense form into his arms. Whenever he hugged Liz or Maria the tops of their heads would brush the underside of his chin, and his arms could possibly wrap around them twice. Though one difference with Rian was that her head came level with his, which caused their cheeks to brush against one another, the contrasting textures of their skin evident.

When she remained rigid in his embrace, Alex tightened his hold on her and turned his head to speak into her hair. “I love you, Rian,” he whispered, and, just as he knew she would, she stiffened even more. “We’re okay.” He added after a moment.

Riannan remained silent, and she barely seemed to move save the unsteady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. But finally, though it seemed to take a small eternity, her arms lifted to return the hug. Alex breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’m sorry.” She whispered back, the way in which her words caught in her throat was unmistakable. He squeezed her to him and pressed a sweet kiss to her temple.

“We’re okay.” He said again, wanting her to be reassured. He wanted her to know for sure, because Alex instinctively knew she’d question it over and over again and never let it go.

There was a beat of silence, and he felt the twitch in her cheek as she fought to smile. “I’m glad.”

With a grin, Alex set her away from him, his hands clasping her shoulders. “Me too,” He added with a wry smile. Gently his hand reached up to thumb the bruise on her cheek. “It’s no fun when we fight.”

“No kidding.” Rian agreed, and barely contained the shiver that wanted to course down her spine as she remembered Alex’s rage the other night. Though slightly scrawny, especially in the arms, the guy threw quite a punch.

The way in which he narrowed her eyes at her just then told her he had a serious matter to discuss. “Are you going to heal this now?” He asked, and prodded lightly at her flesh before he allowed his hand to drop.

Rian gave a noncommittal shrug. “I thought I’d let it heal on it’s own.”

Alex nodded as he recognized the duality of the situation, and turned his head just slightly, so as she couldn’t read his expression. He knew that she was still rebelling as a way to punish herself, but he wondered if she realized that her desired action was successfully making her more human. It was better to keep it to himself, he knew, for Rian wouldn’t be open to the fact that she’s becoming more and more like a human each day - not yet anyway.

When he turned back to her he grinned. And as a “just because” he pulled her into another hug, squeezing her to the point that he forced a girlish giggle out of her. Glad to have the quarrel between them over with, Alex was content with just hugging her for a while, and he did just that.

“Alex?”

Both Alex and Rian looked to see Isabel standing a few feet away, a peculiar look on her face as she studied the two of them.

As if he’d shocked her, Rian shoved herself from his embrace and put several feet between them. With a panicked look at Isabel, she quickly declared, “There’s nothing between us!” She stuttered over her next words. “As in, I mean, we’re not…Alex and I, we aren’t together. Like that.”

Now Alex was the one who held the peculiar look on his face, as he warily scrutinized Rian’s odd reaction. Maybe he’d punched her just a little too hard.

“O…kay,” Isabel murmured, and narrowed a curious eye in Rian’s direction. Then, she regarded Alex with a shy, and timidly sweet smile. “We were about to put in a movie, and I thought maybe you’d like to watch it with me. Us!” She quickly amended, a flush coloring her cheeks.

That dopey grin that Rian had seen many times before spread across his face, and his eyes lit up like candles. “Sure. Yeah, of course,” He agreed eagerly, and cleared the distance between them. Once he reached Isabel’s side, he smiled down at her, and then looked over his shoulder at Rian. “You coming?”

After a brief moment of hesitation, she opened her mouth to respond when her cell phone chirped from her pocket. Hurriedly, Rian retrieved the device from her pocket, and with one glance at the caller ID her face flooded with relief.

“You okay?”

<center>* * *</center>

The opening previews of whatever movie Kyle had decided to put in next, drifted loudly from the living room and into the kitchen. Maria resisted the urge to roll her eyes and yell for the volume to be reduced a considerable amount for she knew her request would fall on deaf ears. So instead, she sighed and smiled apologetically at Michael, who sat across from her, his long hair falling adorably across his forehead.

Just as she’d done many times before, she reached a hand out and gently swept the locks aside, not that the disarray look detracted from his handsome features, but because the gesture brought comfort to her. It soothed the nerves raging inside of her that hadn’t quite calmed yet, and it proved, yet again, that he really was sitting right across from her. Alive and well – or getting there.

“You hungry?”

Michael smiled softly, and he breathed out of his nose in such a way that it could have been a laugh, tiny as it was. In answer to her question, he shook his head.

“Are you sure?” Maria pressed, and gestured into the kitchen with her left hand. “I can heat up some Ramen noodles for you –“

“Ramen.”

Confused, Maria tilted her head as she regarded him curiously. “What?”

“Ramen,” Michael said again, the corner of his mouth lifting into another half smile. “You pronounced it Ray-men. It’s Rah-men.”

She rolled her eyes skyward and huffed a bit indignantly. “Ray-men, rah-men. Ta-may-toe, ta-mah-to,” She quipped. “What’s it matter? You hungry or not?” She asked again, even as she began to lift herself from the chair.

With a quick movement of his hand, Michael steadily gripped Maria’s wrist and prevented her from going anywhere. His eyes were pleading as he said, “No, I’m not hungry, Maria. I swear,” He tried to smile again. “Can we just sit here, please?”

Wordlessly, Maria sank back into the chair, her left hand dropping to rest on Michael’s where he covered her right wrist. Her thumb stroked over the back of his hand, soothing them both.

“Okay.” She finally responded, her eyes gazing into his.

Not quite yet satisfied with their current position, Michael lifted his other hand to settle over top both of theirs. He stared down at them as he mimicked the caress on hers that she delivered to his. Her hands were so delicately soft and smooth, so very pale, whereas his were dark and marred with scars from deep cuts and burns. Not for the first time in his life, Michael felt unworthy the privilege of her touch – to be touched by her, to touch her in return.

As if reading his thoughts, Maria gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. When he lifted his gaze, her green eyes sparkled brilliantly and she smiled at him. As his chest grew tight, Michael returned the smile with a shaky one of his own, and then pressed his forehead against their hands, relishing in the feeling of her surrounding him. Her touch and scent embraced him, and he sighed tiredly.

Finally, he was home.

He felt her forehead connect with the crown of his head. Through the curtain of his dark hair that had grown too long for his liking, he caught a glimpse of gold. His fingers itched to reach out and touch the delicate tresses, much like he’d done the other night when she’d turned away from him. He’d dreamed of that shade of gold for nights on end, dreamed of its silky softness and sweet smell.

Blindly, Michael reached a hand out and cupped the back of her neck. His fingers delved into the hair at the nape of her neck, and he closed his eyes in bliss.

Last night, he’d asked her to sleep with him, to just lay beside him, in his arms – to surround him with everything about her as means of reassurance. He’d spent most of the night lying awake with Maria in his arms and her hot tears dotting the skin of his flesh. They’d practically curled into each other, as they held tight. Finally, he’d fallen asleep with his face pressed into her hair.

And when he’d woken up she was gone. For a moment the panic set in, but then quickly dissipated. The walls weren’t white, but a welcoming pale yellow. And it wasn’t a floor that he’d slept on, but a cushy mattress with linens and a warm comforter that smelled of the scent that was exclusively Maria.

“Maria.”

Yes, he was most definitely home.

She lifted her head, and Michael followed suit. One hand still griped the nape of her neck, while the other closed over her fingers tightly. His gaze penetrated hers, and his mouth opened to say the words that had been plaguing him for years. He’d said them before, had [said](not send) them before he left, but he never fathomed how they’d haunt him or how he’d yearn to say them again.

“I –“

“Maria!”

Startled, Maria jerked her gaze away from Michael’s as Riannan flounced into the kitchen. But Michael’s reaction was quicker, and unmistakably hostile.

The chair clattered backwards and to the floor due to the force in which he’d risen to a stand. His body positioning effectively shielded Maria from any danger that would present itself, his hand was raised in a threatening manner, and his previously dormant powers quivered to life beneath his palms.

An annoyed expression passed over Rian’s features as she regarded Michael’s body language with minimal interest. Her attention was focused on Maria.

“Hey,” She spoke. Her brow arched as she waited for Maria to take notice, as it was the blonde was staring quite bemusedly at Michael. “We gotta go.”

“Go where?”

Alex’s sudden materialization from behind Rian caused Michael to tense again. Maria placed a reassuring hand on his arm, though her attention was focused on her friends. “What’s wrong?”

“Liz is home,” Rian stated briefly. Then, as an after thought, she quickly added, “She’s fine. She just wanted Maria and I to head to her place is all.”

Fearful concern immediately pooled in the pit of Alex’s stomach, and his face paled at the thought of Liz in trouble. “Why? What’s wrong?” He eagerly demanded; he gripped Rian’s arm and turned her around to face him. “Is something wrong?”

“Liz didn’t say,” Rian murmured. She hated to lie to him, but this was something Liz would have to tell Alex and Kyle on her own. Rian wasn’t going to play the messenger this time. But when the fear didn’t recede from his gaze, she gently squeezed his hand. “She’s fine, Alex. Really. She’ll call later, okay?”

Her statement didn’t offer Alex any inner assurance, but he nodded his head anyway and gently released his grip. If something was wrong with Liz, and she needed Riannan, it was best that he didn’t interfere. He trusted Rian; Liz was in good hands.

Maria stepped away from Michael then, who had intelligently lowered his hand, and offered him an apologetic smile over her shoulder. Her gaze promised that she’d return soon. He nodded, before his gaze pierced Rian’s. Silently he told her to watch out of her. The taller woman’s head lifted – just once and so imperceptible that Michael almost didn’t catch the answer. Maria was in good hands as well.

“Lets go.” Rian ordered softly, and began to lead the way out of the kitchen.

When she turned and saw Kyle leaning easily against the hallway wall, his arms crossed loosely over his chest. Out of the corner of her eye, Rian saw Tess shift deeper into the living room as if she were trying to hide from sight.

“Be careful, Kellar.” Was all he had to offer.

With another “message received” nod, Rian continued on her way. Maria struggled to keep up with her lengthy stride as they walked through the front door and crossed the porch.

Maria’s white sneakers, still speckled with the blood that she had long ago forgotten to remove, had just hit the dirt of the yard when a hand snaked out and gripped her tightly on the forearm. Her world did a quick revolution as she was whirled around and almost collided into a broad chest.

“Take me with you.”

Her eyes hadn’t quite adjusted and her head was still reeling when the voice reached her ears, but it was unmistakable whom it belonged to.

“Max?”

“Hey!”

Max spared Rian no heed as the menacingly taller woman began to retrace her steps, glints of green appearing angrily in her eyes.

“Please, Maria,” Max begged, his voice taking on a mewling tone. “If she’s hurt she’ll need me.”

And for the second time in less than twenty-four hours, Maria’s heart shattered into itsy pieces. “Aw, Max.”

At the last minute Rian decide to maintain the distance between Max and herself, and instead decided upon a death glare. “You won’t be able to do anything for her, Max. Just let her go.”

Max’s head jerked up, his eyes wide and alert as he penetrated Rian’s gaze. He wasn’t certain who she had requested he let go of – Maria or Liz? As his fingers unfurled themselves from around Maria’s tender flesh, Max knew it would be easy to release his physical hold on Maria’s person, but impossible to sever any sort of connection with Liz.

Ignoring Rian’s huff of impatient irritation, Maria lightly cupped Max’s cheeks and pulls his head down until her lips met his forehead in a reassuringly, sweet kiss. “She’ll be all right, Max,” Maria told him once he rose to his full height. She prayed her promise was sincere. “You’ll see.”

As Rian and Maria drove away, Max felt his heart being ripped out of his chest. For whatever reason Riannan Kellar – the shape shifter that had gained the trust of the humans – wanted him to stay away from Liz. And the determination he’d seen in her face told him she’d do anything in her power to make sure it happened.

But the tightening in his chest told him it just wasn’t possible.

<center>* * *</center>

“I don’t know why you called us out here to confirm something you already knew,” Maria pointed out incredulously, as she regarded Liz with a carefully scrutinized gaze. “Your cells definitely aren’t human.”

Rian pinned Liz with an “I could have told you that” look, as she leaned against the kitchen counter; the look caused Liz to groan aloud. She’d been hoping it was all a dream that her cells hadn’t morphed into something inhuman, that she was still normal. But the blood sample, found both on the scalpel at the compound, and what had been painlessly extracted from her finger shattered any illusion she had otherwise.

Terrific.

“So,” Rian puffed air through her cheeks, and crossed her long legs at the ankles. Maria began to neatly replace Liz’s microscope. “You’re an ali-“

“Don’t,” Liz hissed and whirled around to glare menacingly at Rian, and instantly became annoyed by the playful expression that had stretched across her friend’s face. “Just don’t say it.”

“Well, if you want to get technical,” Maria began, still engrossed in the process of replacing the tools and equipment in which she used to sample Liz’s DNA. “Just because she’s an alie–“ She swallowed, and wisely reconsidered her words. “Because she’s going through a little – “

“Metamorphosis?” Rian offered slyly. Liz flipped her off.

“Change,” Maria amended quickly. “Doesn’t mean she’s – I’m sorry, Liz – an alien,” She smiled reassuringly at Liz, her green eyes sparkling. “It’s okay, Liz. You can’t fight genetics. You were born human; you still are human. Max just made you a little quirky is all, but essentially you’re still the same.”

Rian crossed her arms. “Try telling a man who went through seven surgeries to get a vagina that he isn’t a woman, and see what he has to say about your genetics.”

Maria froze, and then swiftly swung her head around to glare at Riannan. “That’s different.”

Appalled, Liz gave Rian an affronted look. “You’re seriously using that comparison?” Before Rian could say anything in response, Liz shook her head. “Let’s just drop it, okay?”

Despite the grin on her face, Rian raised in hands in surrender. “Consider it dropped.” And with that, she pushed herself away from the counter and wandered into the living room.

Liz watched briefly as Rian made another, unnecessary, sweep of her living room. Though she was grateful that Rian thought enough of her well-being to want to make sure there were no trace devices – detectable or otherwise – the fifth or so bout of searching really irked her.

Just as Rian began to glide her fingers gently across the underside of the fireplace mantle, Liz turned her head away and allowed her eyes to drift slowly shut. The urge to curl up in bed and fall asleep was still demanding, but she valiantly resisted. The warm, forty-minute shower she’d taken to rid her of the grim of the day had only made her more lethargic, and she’d nearly stumbled right out of the shower and into bed. Only the knowledge that Rian and Maria were on their way, that she’d be able to see for herself that they’d made it out all right, had kept her from collapsing into a deep sleep.

With a tired groan, she scrubbed at her face with her hands. Her eyes felt dry and heavy behind her closed lids. Finally, Liz allowed her eyes to flutter open, immediately meeting Maria’s green gaze. It was obvious to Liz that she was being examined carefully, and she resisted the urge to smile.

“You look about ready to collapse.” Maria pointed out, her eyes narrowing just slightly.

This time, Liz did smile just slightly. “I feel ready to collapse.”

Maria nodded briskly. “Then we’ll go.”

Liz arched an eyebrow and then tossed a meaningful glance in Rian’s direction, before her gaze returned to Maria’s. “Somehow I think you’ll be here for a while yet.”

Maria sighed when she took notice of Rian’s crouched figure examining the inside of the chimney. The expression on the alien’s face gave away her intention of trying to fit inside for a better look.

“Rian, give it a rest,” Maria ordered, and was ignored. “If she gets stuck in there, you’re keeping her. She’s gets in almost as much trouble as Kyle,” With another sigh she pulled out a kitchen chair. “Sit. I’ll make you some soup.”

“I couldn’t eat anything.” Liz protested, but seated herself in the chair nevertheless. She resisted the desire to drop her head in her folded arms and go to sleep. Instead, she yawned widely and propped her chin in her palm.

“You need to eat something,” Came Maria’s motherly response. “You’ve lost weight. It’s contributing to your exhaustion. That and what happened last night.”

Liz vaguely recalled stumbling through the front door and falling to the couch. She also remembered getting her face licked by two very excited dogs. “I don’t even remember what time I came home,” She murmured inanely. “Sun was up.”

Maria mumbled something in response as she flittered around the kitchen like Suzy Homemaker. As Liz watched her crouch down for a pan from beneath the stove, she realized that Maria was more of a housewife than a forensic pathologist. Looking at dead bodies and picking up microscopic evidence wasn’t Maria; cooking and baking, and seeing to the comfort of others – that’s who she was.

Liz hoped she’d get to lead that life one day – hopefully with Michael.

Before she even realized she’d thought it, the question was out of her mouth.

“How are they?”

Despite how softly the inquiry was voiced Maria heard it, and glanced over her shoulder at Liz. She was only awarded the back of her head; the ceiling light cast a bright gleam over the dark, mused locks of hair. Quietly, she grabbed a can of soup.

“They’re, um,” She paused to clear her throat, and reached for the wooden spoon from the drying rack beside the sink. “Okay, I guess. I mean, they’re adjusting, and all of them are kind of skittish at this point. But they’re doing okay.”

Liz nodded; though in her heart the answer wasn’t quite suffice enough; it would have to do. Then, she looked over her shoulder. Rian had moved from the fireplace to the lamps on either side of the couch.

“And how are they taking Riannan?”

Maria grinned and poured the chicken and rice soup into the pan. “I think they’re scared of her,” She answered. “We’ve told her she can be trusted, but Rian doesn’t necessarily make it easy for them.”

Liz nodded, for she knew Rian’s motives. “She’s holding a grudge against them for us.”

Maria snorted. “You can say that again. There’s a lot of hostility between her and Max. You can’t be in the same room with them without feeling the tension.”

Liz carefully remained silent. She had no response to Maria’s declaration; she didn’t even want to think about. Her temples began to pound and her ears began to ring. The urge to crawl into bed and sleep for hours was undeniable.

“He misses you, you know,” Maria stated softly. Liz’s hands clenched into fists. “When he’s not moping around the house he’s standing at the window watching for you to come down the drive. He barely eats because he’s worried about you.”

“Tell him I’m fine.” Liz told her, as she rose gingerly from the table.

Maria turned away from the stove and gave Liz her best pleading look. “Maybe you could call him?” She suggested hopefully. “Just to let him know you’re okay.”

“Can you please just tell him for me? I’m really tired. I’m just going to go upstairs –“

Hurriedly, Maria stepped towards her. “What about your soup? You need to eat, Liz.”

“I’ll eat when I get up, I promise,” Impatience was creeping into her voice. Liz kissed Maria on the cheek. “Thanks. Tell Rian to be careful when you guys leave. I don’t think Pierce has sent anyone yet, but I’m going to be surveillance for a while...”

“Liz –“

“So, just make sure no one sees you leave, okay?” She kissed her cheek again. “I love you. Activate the code when you leave.”

She didn’t bother to wait for Maria’s response. She climbed the stairs and silently crept into her bedroom. As she stripped down to her underwear, the stinging of her eyes became more intense. The tears threatened to brim over the rims of her eyes, her throat clogged, and her stomach clenched. She sank weakly into the mattress and buried her face in her hands, urging the tears to remain at bay.

Desperately she evened her breathing, as it became more labored with the sobs that threatened to escape. Slowly, her eyes dried, her throat cleared, and the knots unfurled themselves inside her stomach. Confident she had some semblance of composure, Liz finally crawled beneath the sheets and fell into a dreamless sleep.

TBC

Eventually, Coffee... will be updated. :)

Raychel
writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

Roswell, New Mexico S1 Watch Party
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Raychelxluscious
Addicted Roswellian
Posts: 203
Joined: Tue Nov 23, 2004 11:15 pm
Location: Started in WV, ending in FL

Post by Raychelxluscious »

All righty! Here we go with the next part! :) :)

*BIG* thanks to Nichole for being an excellent beta. :)

Also, thank you once again for the nominations. :) I love y’all sooo!

And the feedback has been wonderful! Thank you! (I took the time to answer some of your questions. Feel free to skip over it if you want. )

lazza
Hopeless Romantic
– yeah! You only *wish* you had that many nicknames! LMAO. Love you! ;) (Retarded Tinkler)
begonia9508
BelevnDreamsToo
– J! I LOVE YOU! -lol- I especially love being your “big college girl cherub” – wow, that’s a mouthful! LOL. ;)
tequathisy – Good question. ;) Remember, Rian had no reason to believe that any agent would be scooping out an old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, Arizona. So, her search of the house wouldn’t have been needed. She only checked Liz’s house because of what they were talking about at that time. She didn’t want to jeopardize Liz further (or Maria, for being there as well) by *not* searching for any bugs. But I can assure you, she didn’t miss anything at Liz’s place. ;) Thanks for the FB!
Timelord31
Antarian Chick
Can't wait for the next part. How long do you plan it to be? I mean how many parts more till the end
Oh, GOODNESS! LOL. It’s going be a while yet before there’s even a *hint* of an ending approaching. :roll: This fic just won’t stop! Thanks for the FB!
behrlyliz – aww! Thanks, hon! ;) :kiss!: As for Rian’s reaction towards Isabel, if you remember, Tess walked in on Kyle and Rian during a similar moment and the hurt was evident in Tess’ face. Rian knows how the humans feel about their alien counterparts, so when she noticed Isabel – and the fact that she and Alex were hugging each other right in the open – Rian just wanted to make it clear that there was *nothing* going on between her and Alex. ;) Thanks for the FB!! :)
frenchkiss70
Emz80m
Heavenli24
Scottie
guelbebek
orphyfets
RoswellDreamer_bb10
Grace52373
2004
su-lyn
cherie
Buffsteraddict
xirredeemablex
Itzstacie
neck
roni230
– Thank you! -hehe-
sam_me
Evans3
– aww, thanks! ;)

There!

Now, without delaying it any longer….Here’s the new part! :) I hope you enjoy!!


<center>Part Fourteen</center>

They called her Vilandra. Sometimes they’d switch it up a bit and identify her as Princess Vilandra. Other times they would simply drop the name and address her by Princess.

She’d always preferred it that way, not because she had been known as “Princess” on Earth, or that she felt she were royalty by any means. The fact was, to her, Vilandra was someone she’d never be. That may have been her given name in the past, on a planet she’d never known existed, but now she wanted to be known as Isabel. Isabel Evans.

They had relayed stories to her about her past life as often as they could, and she couldn’t remember ever being interested in the tales – not even in the beginning. But she’d forced herself to listen anyway. The stories were tales of her beauty and her cunningness, of her loyalty to her family and friends. Those attributes were something she’d found easy to associate with who she knew herself to be.

But then, there had also been stories of her deception and manipulation. She’d betrayed her brother for her lover, Kivar, and later had betrayed him when her guilty conscience finally caught up with her. In the end, she didn’t have anybody, and the sense of loneliness had consumed her. In that moment she resented knowing what her past transgressions had been. She didn’t want to hear the murmurings of her people saying she’d do it again.

At first, she only shared the details of what she knew with one person. Michael. The fear of what Max’s reaction to her the news would be prevented her from sharing that part of herself with him. She also feared what Tess would do if she ever found out, so Michael had been her only choice – and the right one. He had helped put aside her feelings; he helped her forget, as much as she could, about her past. He had trusted her, and because of that their bond had strengthened.

Michael had become her confidant, and sometimes she felt as if he were her only friend. Max had his own guilt to suffer with, and Tess was often times tending to his needs.

In the beginning, Isabel thought Tess had finally gotten what she wanted. She’d taken Max as far away from Liz as she possibly could – into another solar system. She was Queen and Max her King. The resentment Isabel often felt towards her had been overpowering. All she could think about was that Tess Harding must have been loving the life of luxury.

And then, one late night, she’d heard the mournful sobbing of the repressible young Queen in her bedroom. The sobs had been of such gut-wrenching proportions that no one could have faked them. They were sobs of despair and loneliness, and just listening to them had broken down Isabel’s icy façade.

When she’d approached Tess, the young woman hadn’t even tried to disguise her feelings or the moisture brimming over her eyes. She’d simply curled herself into Isabel’s opened arms and mewled pathetically, “I want to go home.”

And thus began her newly developed friendship with Tess Harding. She wasn’t Queen Ava anymore, and would always correct someone when they called her by the title.

“My name’s Tess.”

Though her voice would be soft as she spoke the words, the meaning was loud and clear. She wasn’t the Queen of Antar. She was just a small town girl – average or not - from Roswell, New Mexico…Planet Earth. Home.

The timidly soft tapping on the bathroom door caused Isabel to leave her reverie just as the door began to creep open. A brief moment later and Tess’s bountiful, curly locks appeared. When their eyes met, Isabel noticed the questioning look in her bright blue depths, and the curious smile on her lips.

“I was just making sure you were okay.” Tess stated softly, her obvious concern touching.

Silent for a moment, Isabel turned her gaze back to the mirror and her reflection. She sighed in obvious distaste. “Yeah. I’m fine,” She answered a bit dejectedly. Then, when she noticed Tess’s hesitation to either leave or enter she smiled welcomingly. “C’mon in. Maybe you can help me with something.”

Tess’s brows furrowed together in curiosity, and she nibbled on her bottom lip, but finally, she entered the bathroom fully and shut the door behind her with a quiet click. “Is anything wrong?” She inquired, as she worried her bottom lip.

“No, not really. I just need your opinion, I think.”

Relieved, Tess nodded and then seated herself on the lid of the toilet. She smiled readily at Isabel and waited.

With a pondering look in the mirror, the taller, bustier, blonde pursed her lips together and sifted her hands through her bright gold locks. Her hair was wavy, very heavy and, when let loose, almost reached to her waist. It was time for a change.

As Tess watched, she noticed that with every run of Isabel’s fingers the hair was changing color and length. Astonished, he watched on until Isabel’s hair was a rich brown shade, and the ends curled just under her chin.

“So?” Isabel prompted, after she’d finished, and gave her new hair an experimental toss. “What do you think?”

Instead of commenting on Isabel’s hair, Tess immediately launched into a field of questions. “When did you get your powers back?” She started, her voice expressing just how surprised she’d been to see her friend using them. “Have they fully returned or are they only partially recovered? How long have you –“

“Tess, chill,” Isabel laughed, her gaze still locked on her reflection. She sighed as she examined her new hair color and style; she wasn’t totally sure if she liked it. “I’ve felt my powers coming back little by little. I think it only takes a few hours for them to come back, which is why they –“ She trailed off as met Tess’s sad gaze in the mirror, and knew no elaboration was need. Immediately, she trudged on. “Well, you know. I’ve been practicing a little bit, just every couple of hours, so that the strength could return. I don’t think I’m at my full capacity yet, but I’ll get there.”

Tess averted her gaze to her hands, disconcerted by the answer. She wrung her fingers together in a nervous gesture that had become habitual for her, and she inanely noticed the ragged condition her nails were in. “I don’t know if my powers have returned yet,” She remarked softly. “I’m not sure if I want them to.”

Her whole life she had been defined as being different. Because of what she was she’d constantly be separated by the people around her. For the most part, she had been the one doing the separating, distancing herself from the humans, never allowing them to get close. She’d never allowed anyone to get close enough to her, not even when she’d finally been reunited with the others – her own species. The distance had been placed, and seemed unable to be closed.

And now she wanted all of that to change. She’d already formed an unbreakable bond with Isabel, Michael, and Max. They’d be there for her until the end, but now she wanted to be closer with those she’d left behind. And she didn’t want her powers to be a differing barrier between them.

She just wanted to be normal. For the first time in her life, she wanted to be more human than she felt. Living life as a hybrid was something she didn’t want, and she wasn’t so sure she’d wanted it in the beginning either.

Finally, she lifted her eyes, and met Isabel’s understanding, brown gaze. The only offer of comfort she gave was a tiny, empathetic smile, but it was enough.

Tess stood and considered Isabel’s new hair with a serious eye. “I like it,” She finally settled for saying, though she nibbled on her bottom lip uncertainly. “But I think I like you better as a blonde.”

Isabel turned back to the mirror and studied her reflection; she tried to see herself as Tess saw her. Personally, she loved her new hair color – the length was something for her to consider - but the need to value what the people around her thought was engrained in her mind. She sighed again.

“Do you think Alex will like it?” She blurted.

For a moment, Tess was taken aback by her question; she had no idea how to respond, or what had even possessed Isabel to say such a thing. And then it hit her. She was finally seeing Alex the way he’d wanted her to. He was no longer the tall, lanky goofball of the group, with the irrevocable infatuation with the Ice Princess. Isabel saw him as the man he’d become, and denying her feelings now were impossible.

Tess understood. Once you’ve lost something, you never quite realize how much you’ll miss it.

She smiled widely, hoping that Isabel meant to allow Alex completely into her life. They all knew she deserved happiness, and Alex would be the one to give it to her.

“I think he’ll love it,” Tess answered at last, her grin seemingly permanent on her face. The top of her head only came to her friend’s shoulder, and she could barely see her own reflection in the mirror, but Tess gave a firm nod. “You’ll definitely blow him away.”

Isabel bit her bottom lip to keep from smiling too widely. She fluffed her hair one last time, before she nodded in agreement. Then, she turned to Tess with a determined glint in her eyes.

“And now it’s your turn.”

Blue eyes widened abruptly. Tess’s hair, which had grown out to flirt with the middle of her back, swayed with the rapid shaking of her head. “Oh, I don’t think that’s – “

“It’s a great idea!” Isabel supplied for her happily, even as she narrowed her eyes, daring Tess to say differently. “We want our men to find us attractive don’t we?”

Tess barely contained the appalled gasp that valiantly wanted to emit itself from her throat. Her eyes widened even more and her mouth fell agape in shock. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She declared, and was awarded with a dramatic roll of Isabel’s eyes.

“You’re a horrible liar,” She pointed out even as she grabbed onto Tess’s thin arm and pulled her in front of the mirror. “If you don’t want to use your powers, that’s fine. I’ll do it for you,” And with that, Isabel scooped up handfuls of Tess’s thick, curly locks and piled them on top of her head. “Tell me what you want.”

Moodily, Tess swatted at the hands delved deeply into her tresses. “I want you to leave my hair alone,” She demanded, no matter how weakly. “I like my hair fine, thank you.”

Isabel’s brows arched. “No you don’t. I know you don’t. You want to change your image just like I do.” She released the strands of hair, and they glided down around her face like a curtain. Tess huffed and blew them away to glare into the mirror once more.

“Don’t you want to leave it behind?” Isabel inquired softly, slowly. “The way I see it, it’ll be a like a fresh start for us. I don’t want any reminders of who we were before or what we’ve been through. I want to give Isabel Evans a clean slate. Don’t you want the same for Tess Harding?”

Her words struck deep, and a defeated sigh passed through Tess’s lips as her shoulders sagged. At that moment, Isabel knew she had her, and she fought the triumphant grin. Quietly, Tess studied her appearance, wondering what Isabel had in mind, wondering – albeit reluctantly – if Kyle would like it.

“Fine,” Came Tess’s meek acquiescence. “Do with me what you will.”

Isabel giggled gleefully and clapped her hands together once. She narrowed a speculative eye as she studied Tess’s reflection.

“Hmm, where to start?”

<center>* * *</center>

“Wanna play Monopoly?”

Rian’s brows furrowed together as she briefly wondered if the question had been directed to her. When she heard no one else respond, she turned her head and noticed the inquisitive raise of Kyle’s dark eyebrows, as he waited for her answer.

“Oh, um,” She scrunched her face up in mild disgust, and gently shook her head. “Not really, but thanks.”

“Why not?” Kyle prodded with a grin, obviously trying to entice her into playing. “Afraid you’ll lose?”

“Board games really aren’t my thing, Kyle.” She answered and tried to return her attention to the TV Guide in her lap. Ooh, Snatch was coming on tonight at nine. She couldn’t miss that.

“Twister then,” He suggested. When Rian gave him an exasperated look, he shrugged and feigned ignorance. “What? It’s not a board game!”

“Why don’t you go outside and play, hmm?”

Kyle crossed his arms and pouted. “There’s nothing to do outside,” He propped his feet up on the coffee table. “And it’s too hot!”

She tried to contain the smile that threatened to creep over her lips by shaking her head in admonishment. “You’re like a child,” Rian pointed out in disdain, and tossed him an annoyed look. “One of those little infuriating ones that you wanna run over with your shopping cart.”

The appalled frown that crossed over Kyle’s face was almost laughable and he gasped. “I’m not that bad!”

“Are too.”

“Am not!”

Maria’s voice called from the kitchen. “Lunch is ready.”

“Oooh!” This got his attention for his eyes lit up, and his face beamed. “Race you to the kitchen!” Kyle challenged and then vaulted off the back of the couch and sprinted out of the living room.

As Rian leaned back into the cushions, TV Guide in hand, she heard the loud crashing of metal hitting the floor, and Maria’s enraged, “Damnit, Kyle!” followed by a loud, pained, “Son of a bitch!” that could only have belonged to Michael. A split second later, Kyle softly responded with, “Oops.”

Now, Rian did chuckle quietly to herself and flipped the page. “Dumbass.”

As she finished reading an article on a new television sitcom debuting in a few weeks, Kyle re-entered the living room and quietly seated himself on the couch. When she turned to look at him, he awarded her with a sheepish smile. “Lunch is gonna be a little delayed today.”

Rian nodded, fighting the urge to twist her lips into a smile. “What she make?”

“Grilled cheese sandwiches,” He answered, childishly. “And tomato soup.”

“Did you spill the soup on Michael?”

“Just a little bit of it,” Kyle worried his bottom lip, and then whispered, “I think he’s mad at me.”

Again, Rian nodded, and leaned in slightly. “I think so, too. You better steer clear of him for a while.”

Kyle silently agreed, and intended to do just that. Rian was offered a few moments of blissful silence to review her TV Guide, until Alex entered the living room, a peculiar look on his face.

“What happened to the van?” He questioned, and jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “And where’d the two-door come from?”

Rian leaned her head back to peer at the upside down image of Alex. “I took care of it.” She answered vaguely.

Confused by her response, Alex rounds the couch to stand in front of her. Rian adjusts her head accordingly. “What do you mean, ‘you took care of it’?” He questioned cautiously.

Giving up, Rian closed the TV Guide and tossed it carelessly onto the coffee table with a defeated sigh. She clasped her hands together and rested them on her abdomen. “It occurred to me that there’s a chance that the FBI saw one or both of the vehicles we used. The possibility is slim, but it’s still there,” She explained. “With that in mind, it’s possible that they’ll be doing aerial searches for a utility van and an SUV. Being as the SUV is safely stowed in the shed we had no place to put the van. So, I took care of it.”

Alex gazed at her for a moment longer, still not quite following what she’s saying. “Wait a minute,” He muttered, as a scenario formed itself in his mind. His eyes immediately narrowed. “Are you saying that little two-door sedan out there is really the van?”

Rian raised her eyebrows at him, wondering why he found that so hard to believe. “Yeah.” She finally affirmed.

“And what about the equipment?”

“It’s part of the sedan,” When Alex’s face visibly paled, no doubt concerned about the expensive electronics, Rian sighed. “It’s fine. Everything will return to normal once I change it back. Don’t worry about it.”

This did not seem to sooth him for he raked his hands through his already mused hair. “And when are you going to change it back?”

“Well, I can’t do it now,” She immediately put that idea right out of his head. It had taken her way too long to change it in the first place. “We’ll have to wait until I can get it to a location where we won’t be seen, where we can transport the equipment into another vehicle and ditch the van. But right now, we need to just lay low and not do anything that might compromise all that we’ve achieved thus far.”

Speaking for the first time since Alex entered, Kyle agreed. “Rian’s right. We lie low for a while and just wait things out. Don’t worry about your stuff, Alex, I’m sure it’s fine.”

Alex sighed and finally stuffed his hands into his pockets to keep from running them through his hair again. He nodded. “All right. I’m sure you’re right. My stuff is fine,” He murmured, more to himself than anyone else. Then frowned. “Right?” He added uncertainly.

Rian smiled despite herself. “You have nothing to worry about, Alex. Trust me,” Then, she cleared her throat and prepared to broach another subject. “When do you guys have to return to work?”

At the mere mention of returning to everyday life, they groaned. Kyle tossed his head back against the couch and scrubbed at his face. “I have to be back by Monday.” He answered unhappily.

“Me too.”

“What about Maria?” Rian asked. “Do you know when she has to be back?”

Neither of them knew, and shook their head in answer. Rian sighed. “Well, I have to be back by the end of the week,” She mused, more to herself than to Alex and Kyle. “I can get stuff done before then.”

Obviously perplexed by Rian’s comment, Kyle frowned. “What stuff?”

“Just stuff I’ve been thinking about. Stuff I’ve been meaning to get done.” She didn’t elaborate any further on the subject, and neither Kyle nor Alex had the chance to press for more information, as they were stunned into silence a moment later.

That silence lasted maybe a beat.

“Holy shit.”

Kyle swallowed hard, his eyes trained on the two women who had just strolled out of the hallway and into the living room. More specifically, his eyes were focused on the petite blonde that could only be Tess.

“Woah.” He breathed again, suddenly at a loss for words – well, intelligent words.

Alex gulped audibly, his pockets unexpectedly becoming unbearably hot. He removed his hands from their denim sheaths and wiped them on his outer thighs. His tongue felt like sand paper as he tried to form a coherent sentence.

“Wow. Um, you ladies look,” He cleared his throat, and lifted a hand to scratch behind his ear nervously. “You look, well. Wow.”

Kyle nodded rapidly and pointed in Alex’s direction, his eyes still locked on Tess. “I second that. What happened?” He inquired. “I never come out of the bathroom looking that good. All I get is an unzipped fly and toilet paper hanging out of the back of my jeans.”

Rian choked on her laughter, and quickly disguised it as a cough. Then, she stood, trying to hide her grin behind her fisted hand. “I’m just gonna go see if they need any help with lunch.” She explained, not that she was entirely sure her words had reached anyone’s ears. Then she silently left the room.

“So, you approve?” Isabel asked as she gently touched her fingers to the ends of her hair. Her smile was unmistakably flirtatious and directed towards Alex.

The sound that passed from Alex’s throat was unintelligible, and caused Isabel’s smile to widen. Mentally, she gave herself a pat on the back as risked a glance in Tess’s direction.

And resisted the urge to glower. Tess stood motionless beside of her, her hands clasped submissively in front of her body, her head bowed. She’d been unsure about the entire “change” – as Isabel liked to call it – from the beginning. No matter how much she reassured her, Tess was just too self-conscience.

Which was a mystery to Isabel. They looked hot, if she did say so herself. Tess fretted over what drastic transformation Isabel would put over her, and quietly requested that she keep it tame as possible. It was only because Isabel respected Tess did she abide by her friend’s wishes.

Tess’s hair was in a sore need of a good cut. So, Isabel used her powers to shorten it until the ends flirted with her slender shoulders, and easily removed any and all split ends. Initially, she had intended to darken her hair, hoping that they could be brunettes together, but she was mindful of Tess’s plea and only added a subtlety of red amongst her gold tresses. Now, her hair shone with health and vibrancy.

It was a job well done. And she was going to be damned sure that Tess appreciated it.

Isabel promptly rushed to Alex’s side and looped her slender arm though his. She gave him a shy smile, knowing full and well that he definitely approved of her new look. Then, she turned her attention to Kyle, her gaze piercing.

“Kyle,” His blue eyes jerked quickly in her direction, before flitting once more back to Tess. “Well, doesn’t she look stunning?” Isabel felt the icy glare her friend sent her, but chose to ignore it. It was for her own good.

“Well, yeah.” Kyle muttered, as he shoved himself to his feet. His eyes never strayed from Tess’s features. Not only was her hair pleasantly different, but her face was too. It seemed healthier. Her cheeks weren’t as sunken in; there were no circles under her eyes. The color had returned to her cheeks, giving them a healthy blush. She looked absolutely beautiful. Stunning, as Isabel had pointed out.

“She looks amazing,” He whispered, and then quickly amended his statement so that it was directed to Tess, instead of Isabel. “You look, yeah…You look amazing, Tess. Really. I like your hair.”

Tess’s only response was a small smile, but Kyle knew it was a start. Maybe next he could actually get her to laugh.

“Lunch is ready. Again,” Michael came from the kitchen to announce. Then, he looked pointedly at Kyle. “You watch it this time, or I’ll kick your ass.”

Kyle grinned, and gave him a mock salute.

When Michael moved to turn back towards the kitchen, Isabel cleared her throat expectantly. He circled back, and caught Isabel’s gaze. His arched eyebrow disappeared under his mop of shaggy dark hair that kissed his forehead. “What?” He prompted.

Affronted, her mouth fell open and she unlinked her arm with Alex to fold them over her chest; it was a gesture that Michael knew well. “What do you mean, ‘what’? Are you seriously that dense?”

“Oh, God,” Michael groaned, and rubbed his hands over his face. “Just tell me what I did wrong now, so I can go ahead and apologize, and get it out of the way.”

“Hey, guys, hurry up. The soup is going to get co –“ Maria stopped in mid sentence once she caught a glimpse of the girls. Immediately, her face broke into a smile of approval, and she nodded accordingly. “Wow! Great hair, girls!”

At this, Isabel beamed brightly and a satisfied smile graced her lips. “Thank you, Maria, how kind of you,” She emphasized even as she glared at Michael venomously, “To notice.”

Maria caught the exchange and she smirked. “Leave it to Michael to miss the obvious.”

Upon hearing Maria’s sarcastic response, Michael turned to face her. “Really?” He questioned and gestured between them with the spatula in his hand. “Are you really starting this? So soon?”

Maria simply smiled and blew him a kiss in retort. Then, she looked to the other occupants in the room and winked. “Lunch. Get it while it’s hot.”

Michael sent Isabel and Tess a pointed look. “One of you get Max. He needs to eat.”

“I’ll get him.” Tess whispered quietly and then disappeared in the direction of the stairs.

Not liking the fact she was so quick to run to Max, Kyle trudged into the kitchen, murmuring something under his breath, and followed Michael and Maria. Alex smiled down at Isabel, his eyes sparkling with delight. “Shall we, my lady?”

Isabel returned the gesture, and for the first time felt like she was on the road to recovery. “We shall.”

<center>* * *</center>

The soup had sit on the stove for so long, that a film of skin had solidified over the surface. There was no way in hell she was going to eat it now, and she doubted her companions would either.

Liz glanced over her shoulder at Mulder and Scully, as they munched happily on some kibble. She finally rolled out of bed to fill their bowls, which had been empty since the dogs had finished their supper the night before. She smiled, even though guilt swarmed her. The dogs loved her unconditionally and showed it everyday, but she hasn’t been around enough to return the favor. Hopefully, that would all change.

With a distasteful expression, Liz poured the globs of what used to be soup down the kitchen sink, and turned on the garbage disposal.

She wasn’t all that hungry anyway.

Stifling a yawn, she picked up the glass of water she’d filled, and headed into the living room. She’d gotten plenty of hours of sleep, but still felt so lethargic that it was difficult for her to deny the temptation to just curl up on the couch and take a little nap. But she would persevere. Instead of napping, Liz turned on the television and decided to watch whatever was on. Which happened to be the Home Shopping Network.

At the moment they were trying to sell some new clothing line created by Suzanne Somers. Liz’s face crinkled in disgust, and she promptly turned the channel.

And then changed it again when she saw that Napoleon Dynamite was on. Now, it was a funny movie – the first time she watched it. But after Alex and Kyle made her sit down and endure the comedy for the fourth, fifth, and sixth time…A girl can only take so much.

Liz flipped through one hundred and odd some channels, not really paying attention to what she passed. Her mind was running rampant. It seemed that she couldn’t go two minutes without thinking about them, worrying about them. Logically, she knew that they were safest right where they are. The safe house was over an hours drive from the facility. Though, Liz wasn’t ignorant to the fact that the FBI would comb every inch they thought of, she still felt that the house Maria had picked was their best choice.

Besides, even if the FBI did catch their scent, Alex’s electronical equipment would alert them to their approach, giving them enough time to get under the house. She had nothing to worry about.

With that in mind, Liz shut off the television and picked up the phone. It was time she made that phone call.

She dialed the number she knew by heart, and waited for the line to pick up. After several unanswered rings, Liz was finally met with the answering machine:

”You’ve reached Jonaphan Calder, I can’t come to the phone right now, but – “

With a frown, Liz disconnected the call before the message could complete itself. It was an odd occurrence for Jon to not answer his phone.

Liz tried again, but this time she dialed his cell phone number, and he answered on the second ring.

Calder.”

“Hey,” Liz greeted with a smile. She was beginning to feel better all ready. “I’m finally returning your call.”

Parker?” His tone held a hint of surprise. “Well, it seems to me I haven’t talked to you in ages. Where have you been?

Liz settled deeper into the cushions of the couch, hoping that despite her comfort she wouldn’t fall asleep in the middle of the conversation. “Oh, just…” She broke off to cover up another yawn. “Work.” She finally managed to force out.

Work been rough, sweetheart?

“Just a little,” She smiled at the concern in his voice. “Nothing I can’t handle though.”

Jon chuckled. “Atta girl!

The smile still etched on her face, Liz moved on. “So, where are you? I tried your house phone first, but you didn’t answer.”

Well, I’m out in the stables, darling,” He answered. “I have other stuff to do around this old place too. Always have my cell phone with me, though. Whenever you need to reach me.

Liz knew it was ridiculous, but just knowing that he was, indeed, there whenever she needed him soothed her nerves. It was absurd because she knew there would be nothing he could do to help her. Ever.

Nevertheless, she replied with a grateful, “Good to know,” and left it at that. To insure that Jon didn’t press for anything to be elaborated on, Liz broached a subject that was sure to get all attention off of her. “So, what’s new with you?”

It was a casual statement, one that was most commonly used to keep the small talk going, and to prevent any lags in the conversation. It was also a statement to use when one had no idea what to ask next. Whatever the reason, Liz found that the result was always the same. All attention would be diverted away from her, and onto something – or someone – else.

Well,” Jon hedged. “I’ve started a new…project, or case, I suppose. It’s been a mite interesting thus far.

She knew to not even bother asking for details; they were both very well aware that neither could divulge on any going-ons of each other’s cases. It had been different when they were partners. They could talk about whatever they were working on until they were blue in the face. Now that they no longer worked together, and the fact they were now employed in different branches of the bureau all detailed conversations was taboo.

“Interesting?” Liz smiled fondly as she reminisced. “We’ve had plenty of interesting cases in the past, haven’t we?”

The deep timbre of Jon’s chuckle drifted over the phone lines, and sang into her ear. Her smile widened. “That we have, Betsy-Ann,” He sighed, a sound of regret evident in the tone. “I do miss those times, don’t you darlin’?” Liz had no idea why he even bothered to ask; he knew the answer.

“I do,” Liz shared a dejected sigh with him, her fingers twirling around the twine of her afghan. “Those were some good times. We made a great team.”

We truly did,” His tone morphed into a saddened quality, which caused Liz to frown. “You were a good agent, sweetheart. You are a good agent. I know that.

Unsure of how to respond, she remained quiet for a moment, contemplating his words. Finally, she licked her lips and spoke, “Thank you.” It was a weak retort, but words failed her at the moment.

Jon cleared his throat. “Well, darlin’, I’m sorry to have to cut this short,” He sounded truly apologetic. “But there’s work here that won’t complete itself, so I need to be going.

“I understand,” Liz murmured, though she felt upset to have to end the conversation so soon. She missed talking to him, and right now, she really need to hear another person’s voice. Anyone’s. “We’ll talk soon?”

Of course, sweetheart. Call me anytime. Use the cell,” He quickly added. “You never can tell where I’ll be nowadays.

It was true. The details of Jon’s profession often required him to travel all over; it wasn’t an odd occurrence for him to receive a phone call, giving him only hours to get packed and ready for an impending flight.

“All right,” Liz conceded. “Take care.” It had become habitual for them to casually express their concern for each other – both when they’d work together and after they’d split.

Always, Liz,” The smile was evident in his voice, and proved to soothe Liz’s nerves. “We’ll talk again soon, darlin’. Bye.

Several moments later, Liz disconnected the conversation with a soft press of a button. And the isolation she felt was immediate. The silence deafening.

And at that moment Liz wished she could be anywhere that where she was. She needed to be surrounded by people, and at this point she could care less who the company was. The need, the yearning, to not be alone was overpowering, weakening. And Liz hated herself for it.

The solitary location of the house and land was what drew her in. She relished in the silence and the remoteness, especially after being surrounded by people all day.

It pissed her off that all the comfort she found in it has now been striped away. Vulnerability was something the old Liz Parker had been accustomed to. Now, ten years have passed and that aspect of Liz would remain buried forever. It had to.

Mindful of the fact that her stomach has been running on empty for longer than what was merited healthy, Liz stood from the couch and headed for the kitchen. It was time that she try and force something down. She could practically feel herself weakening, and that was definitely something she couldn’t afford.

She had just passed over the threshold of the kitchen, when the tale-tell beeping of someone passing over the driveway perimeter sounded from the living room. Immediately, Liz did an about-face and returned to the living room. The remote control for the television laid in its respective place on the coffee table. Quickly, she reached for it and flipped on the security channel. An ominous black vehicle drove across screen until it slowed to a stop.

Liz’s eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the vehicle. It was a company car. A four door. Sleek. She recognized it, and cursed herself for her inability of placing the owner.

And then the door opened.

And out stepped Pierce.

The remote fell from her grasp, hitting the wooden floor with a force that knocked the batteries from it’s back. Liz’s heart stopped as his words echoed mockingly in her ears.

”I’ll come to you when I can.”

How Liz could have taken Daniel’s vow lightly was beyond her. He was here, and he was heading for the front door. Her stomach clenched, revolting any thought of food, and a single thought rang in her mind.

“Holy shit.”

TBC

Keep your eyes peeled for Coffee... ;)

Love y'all!

Raychel
writing is a socially accepted form of schizophrenia

Roswell, New Mexico S1 Watch Party
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Raychelxluscious
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Post by Raychelxluscious »

All right guys. My beta was super fast at getting this back to me, so everyone give her a hug! :) Thanks, Kaela! :D

Ok! Now, I'm posting this on my way out the door...So, if I missed any of the mistakes that Kaela advised me to correct, I'm sorry! But I wanted this posted as soon as possible. I feel awful that it's been so long.

But I hope y'all enjoy it nevertheless!

Thanks again!


Part Fifteen

“Holy shit.”

Liz wasn’t aware how long she stood rooted in place. She was unable to move; her appendages appeared paralyzed, too heavy to lift, too numb to function. They were completely unresponsive to her brainwaves. Her mind began racing, conjuring up all sorts of sickening scenarios that could transpire within the next few agonizing moments. Her stomach knotted painfully, her palms began to sweat; she could hear the rapid thump of her pulse in her ears.

And for the first time in years, her first impulse was to run.

But she had no place to go. Daniel was already on the front porch...

The ding of the doorbell pealed throughout the house, startling Liz into cognition. She was suddenly aware of the distressed barking of her dogs, and the beeping of her security panel mounted on the wall. It was set off the moment Daniel’s vehicle set wheel on her property, and had been sounding ever since.

On trembling legs, Liz crossed the room and hurriedly punched her code; the beeping stopped. She knew she needed to go to the door next, to open it and allow Daniel Pierce entrance. Maybe he just wanted to check on her, and then he’d leave soon after. But the quivering of her limbs, the unsteady pulsation of her heart, the gut-wrenching fear inside of her begged for her to not open that door.

This time, he knocked. “Liz?”

She nearly whimpered at the sound of his voice, and she rested her forehead against the wall. It was an impossibility for her to handle him right now, to remain aloof and untouched by his every advance. She has reached the emotional point where she feared she might shatter, and leave herself open and vulnerable to his every whim. And that was something Liz just couldn’t allow.

Scully nudged her leg with her muzzle, another distressed mewl grumbling from her throat. Mulder remained poised at the door, his muscular physique tensed. As if he’d already decided he didn’t like the visitor, he flattened his ears to the side of his head, and bared his teeth in a ferocious snarl.

Pierce knocked again, a palpable urgency behind the action. “Liz? Open the door.”

The sound of his voice launched both the dogs into a frenzy of growls and barks. Mulder began pawing at the door, trying to dig his way through to confront this intruder, and Scully immediately followed suit. All the while they continued to vocalize a warning. Stay away. You’re not welcome here.

“Shhh,” Liz finally had the strength to utter. The calm that normally resided in her voice was absent, and offered no assurance to her companions. Her voice quaked and showed just how weak she was at this point, and for the life of her she couldn’t control it.

The tears that stung her eyes couldn’t be blinked away. They continued to well until the moisture brimmed over and trickled down her pallor cheeks. The tears curved into the corners of her mouth, dampening her dry lips. She tasted the salt immediately.

The dogs continued to bark, scratching restlessly at the door. Daniel continued to knock, his husky voice urging her to answer the door. Liz shielded her ears with her hands, her eyes closing tightly as she wished it all away. But even through her hands she heard him call.

“Liz!” His voice held anger now, maybe even a hint of concern. “Answer the God damn door!”

She didn’t know how she’d garnered the strength or where it had come from, but the next thing Liz knew, she was unlocking the door and twisting the knob. The moment the door cracked open, Mulder was shoving his way through, growling wildly. Liz’s fingers almost missed as she reached to grip his collar and keep him at bay. It was difficult to hold him back; he was a powerful animal and at her weakened condition the fight was draining her, yet she ground her jaw and held firm.

Scully tried to wedge herself between Liz and her brother, whether to turn Liz’s grip loose or to get to Pierce herself, Liz wasn’t sure, but she was immediately aware that she had trouble on her hands. Grunting from the exertion, she positioned her body to block Scully’s attempt for the doorway.

“Jesus Christ!” Pierce’s astonished outburst rang loudly in her ears, and for a terrifying moment Liz was fearful that he might shoot her dogs. Desperately, she tugged on Mulder, trying to force him back.

“Just give me a minute, Daniel,” she pleaded brokenly, breathlessly, and fisted her other hand around Scully’s collar. “They don’t like strangers, just let me –“

“Why don’t I help you?” Daniel took a step towards Liz, his hand out stretched to assist her when Mulder lunged. His incisors just barely missed the meaty flesh of Pierce’s arm. Daniel yelped with surprise, and wisely took another step back.

“Mulder!” Liz struggled to maintain an admonishing tone in her voice, but she knew she was failing. “Stop it! Scully!”

With waning strength, she began to drag her dogs across the wood floor, their claws scratching at the surface as they went. At this point, the last thing she needed was for them to bite her superior, no matter how tempting it may seem. Daniel Pierce didn’t have much respect for anything that wasn’t human, and Liz was almost certain that his degrading opinion didn’t exclude canines.

She put enough distance between the dogs and Daniel that she was fairly certain that they were all safe. “Come in,” she panted. Her legs burned from being in her crouched position for so long, and her lungs heaved with effort. “If you’ll please hold the door open, I’ll get these two out of here for the time being.”

Daniel acted quickly, and Liz noticed the fluid grace in which he moved. Years of federal training assured that; he was quiet, effective. Dangerous. Even so, she still gained some kind of mundane satisfaction to see him blockading himself behind her door.

Finally mustering enough strength, Liz shoved her dogs out of the house and slammed the door shut behind them.

And the peril of her situation flooded her. The protection her dogs had brought her was now nonexistent, and the resentment of her action was intense. The pitiful whines and relentless clawing at her door broke her heart and was almost enough for her to let them back in, but she knew she couldn’t. With a defeated sigh, Liz leaned her forehead against the door and closed her eyes, drowning everything out – searching for that ever-elusive moment of peace.

The silence was blissful, the darkness welcomed. At this point, all she wanted to do was curl up into a ball, go to sleep and never wake up again. Eternal sleep had to be better than what she’s going through. Better than what she’s gone through, and what she’s about go through again.

The hand between her shoulder blades was an unwelcome touch, and the shiver that coursed down her spine expressed it. But of course, Daniel Pierce would never read the reaction as such. His hand ran up and down her back in slow ministrations that he had to think of as soothing. Liz thought of it as revolting.

“Look at me.”

The tone in his voice left little to be imagined. It was an order, no matter how softly it was uttered.

Liz clenched her eyes tightly before she heaved a deep breath and lifted her head. Finally, she opened her eyes and turned to meet his gaze.

His hand left her back and slowly rose to grip her chin lightly between his fingers. His thumb nearly stroked her bottom lip; his eyes bore insistently into hers. “Are you sick?”

If she said yes, would he leave? Probably not. And with that knowledge, Liz knew that however she answered the result would be the same. Daniel was staying.

“I’m fine,” she finally answered, and swallowed past the dry membranes in her throat. She needed water. “Just tired.”

He regarded her for a moment longer, and Liz knew by the look in his eyes that he didn’t believe her. Not that it mattered, anyway. Finally, Daniel allowed his hands to travel down her arms until they clasped her hands. “Come,” he ordered, and began to tug her into the living room. He maneuvered her to the couch and saw her seated. “Have you eaten?”

It was on the tip of her tongue to lie, but she knew, deep down that her depletion in strength was mainly due to her lack of nutrition. She couldn’t count how many days she’d gone without sustenance. The fact was she needed to eat, or to at least try and force something down. Whether or not her stomach would revolt against the nutrition would have to be determined.

“No.” She finally answered, and watched Daniel’s brow furrow into a disapproving frown. Yet he remained silent, regarding her with an intensity that always made her uncomfortable.

“I’ll make you some soup,” he finally spoke, but instead of walking away and into the kitchen, he crouched down in front of her. His hands cupped her knees before gently sliding over her thighs, his fingers pressing. “Are you okay?” He whispered softly.

Liz had to clear her throat to prevent her voice from becoming tremulous. She wanted his hands off of her; she wanted him out of her home. She didn’t want her belongings to be contaminated by his malicious touch.

“I’m fine,” she answered once more, a bit more forcefully this time. “I’m tired.”

Daniel seemed to accept her answer, for he stood and then made his way silently into the kitchen. A sigh of relief passed through her lips as the distance he had created gave her the chance to breathe. Every time he came near he seemed to smother her. The air grew thick with a tension that only she seemed to sense. But with the distance between him – no matter that he was but in the other room – Liz felt relief. She couldn’t smell his scent, couldn’t feel the piercing gaze of his eyes, or the brisk touch of his fingertips.

The pathetic howls of her dogs reached Liz’s ears, and she clenched her eyes tightly shut as she blocked the sounds with her hands. The urge to let them in was so strong, but she knew only one of two things would happen. Pierce would feel he’d be forced to kill the dogs. Or the dogs would rip him to shreds.

That latter had an appeal all it’s own. But the raging hot venom that coursed through Liz’s veins beckoned to her – she wanted to be the one to kill him.

Finally, Liz dropped her hands and focused on the quiet noise that emanated from the kitchen. Cupboards creaked open, metal clashed against metal as Daniel searched for an appropriate saucepan, those were the only sounds to be heard from him. He moved with utter silence. His steps were always softly placed to reduce the chance of him being heard. Not even the soft rustling of his clothing were audible. His quiet grace was something to be envied, and yes, even admired.

It’s what made him so dangerous. Year after year of FBI training and molded him into a silent predator, one that Liz knew she’d have difficulty defeating.

But she knew, with stark clarity, that Daniel Pierce would pay for all that he had done to Max and the others. For what he did to her.

“Liz?” He called from the kitchen. “Don’t you have any chicken noodle soup?”

Yeah, but she had poured it down the drain prior to his arrival. There might be a can left…

“Try the cabinet beside the fridge.”

Liz’s shoulder sagged and she listened silently for a few more moments to the sounds of Daniel moving about in her kitchen. She heard the cabinets open and the sounds of him rummaging through the contents inside.

She had to think of a way to keep his stay as short a possible. The longer he stayed the more danger she’d be in. Oh, he wouldn’t kill her – he had little reason to do that, yet – but if he came for the reason she thought he had… Well, Liz may have to kill herself.

She pressed her face into her hands, scrubbing with her fingertips. She wasn’t strong enough to be dealing with him right now. But then again, he probably knew that didn’t he? Daniel was well aware of her policy on relationships with superiors, but that didn’t seem to deter his advances. What better time to make his approach than when she’s at her most vulnerable?

Nibbling on the corner of her lip, Liz risked a glance over her shoulder. Daniel’s back was to her as he continued his valiant search for the soup. He had removed packages from the cabinet and placed them on the counter, and she could hear his indistinct mumbling he removed more products.

His back was to her. Liz’s gaze darted to her cell phone sitting on the coffee table. Maybe he’d remain occupied long enough to make a phone call. No, not a phone call, really. She just needed dial, let it ring once or twice, and then hang up. Riannan would call her back, and with only a few choice words Liz could have her speeding over here in minutes.

With a final glance over her shoulder, Liz snaked a hand out and snatched the cell phone. The keys were silent as pressed the speed dial to Rian’s cell. She watched the tiny screen with an avid expression, waited for the call to connect, and then held her breath as she heard the soft brrr of the connecting ring. After the second ring she quickly disconnected the line and returned the cell to the coffee table, just as Daniel let out a wail of triumph.

“Found it!”

Shakily, Liz turned at the waist to award him with a smile. “Oh, good,” she was grateful that he couldn’t see her ring her hands together. “I really do appreciate you making me some soup, Sir.” Keep it professional.

“My pleasure.” And the purr in his voice reiterated his statement.

The shrill chirp of her phone caused her to jump, her hand flittering to her chest as if she could physically keep her heart from pounding out of her chest. That was fast.

Her hand darted out and she grasped her cell phone, relief flooding her for she knew she’d gotten a reprieve.

Liz stared down at the call I.D.

She wasn’t aware at how long she just stared at the name and number displayed across the screen. The phone continued to ring, wanting insistently to be answered. And it must have been gone on enough to annoy Pierce.

“Do you want me to get that?”

His question startled her, and she chastised herself for being so jumpy. Liz turned to see him take a step out of the kitchen, and she immediately halted him with a shake of her head. “No, I’ll get it,” she answered quickly, relieved when he took a step back. “I just spaced out, I guess.”

He nodded but stood in place, waiting her to her answer the call.

Finally, Liz shifted returned her gaze back to the caller I.D. It was Jon. A frown pleated her brow as she mouthed his name. Why was he calling?

“Hello?” She voiced softly, not wanting Daniel to hear.

Hey, Darlin’. You called?” The inflection in his voice always let her know that he was happy to hear her voice, never mind the fact that they’d just spoken. A chill ran through her when she realized she’d hit the wrong speed dial. “What’s up, sweetheart?

Liz’s face twisted into a grimace, and she silently cursed herself for her stupidity. It was a simple mistake, but one that was going to cost her. She couldn’t call Rian if she hung up with Jon. It would draw Pierce’s attention if her friend was to just show up, and it was something she couldn’t afford to happen. Oh, no. Liz had royally blown it.

Liz?” She could tell by his voice that her silence had caused him to grow wary.

She didn’t know why she did it. She knew that by uttering those words she’d involve Jon to the point where he wouldn’t ever back down. He was like a bulldog sometimes. Tenacious. Once he sunk his teeth into something he’d never let go.

Liz, are you there? Is the connection ba-

“I’m fine.” The words immediately halted whatever was about to pass between Jon’s lips. It wasn’t the sequence in which she said them – after all, he hadn’t even asked how she was doing – instead, it was what the words implied.

While they’d been partners, Jon had devised a sequence of code words to allow each other to know when it was safe to talk. It was the same sequence in which she had adopted for the others to use as well. The same code she was going to use on Rian had she not called Jonaphan instead.

Pretty good. is the “all clear” code. I’m doing well. is the “I have company” code – which also meant, “talk carefully”. And, finally, [/I]I’m fine.[/I] relays the fact that she’s in potentially hostile situation. The code had had its desired effect. She had Jon’s attention

After he had been promoted there was no need for it to be used. There was nothing he could do to aide her, but she had said them anyway.

And, ridiculously, she felt better.

“I’m fine.” She repeated softly, just in case he hadn’t heard her.

I heard you,” he voice was even, and Liz could hear him grinding her jaw through the phone. “It’s all right, darlin’. Is someone there with you?

His concern made her want to weep all over again. Why had she said it? There’s nothing he could do to help her!

Can you say?” Jonaphan pressed once he was met with silence.

“No.” She answered meekly, and struggled to think of a way to tell him who she was with. She listened for a moment, and heard the rhythmic stirring of her wooden spoon in the saucepan. Pierce had returned to the kitchen. She shifted again so she could see him, and his iced gaze met hers. It was blatantly obvious he was aware of her, and the fact she was talking to some unidentified person on the telephone. Someone he didn’t know. And probably, someone he didn’t trust. His gaze was calculating, inquisitive, and chilled Liz to the bone.

Yet she plastered on a tired smile and tried to appear aloof. “Daniel?” She hedged, shifting the phone so that there was a small distance between her mouth and the receiver. Jonaphan had to be able to hear, yet at the same time Daniel had to believe it was just an innocent conversation. “Can you put some Tabasco sauce in my soup? I like it a little on the spicy side.”

He nodded, his the corners of his lips twitching as he went to retrieve the condiment. “Thank you.” She called after him, and then returned her attention to the phone call.

Jon’s breathing was deep. “Pierce?” He questioned, the tone of his voice professionally disguised so not just anyone could hear his tone. But Liz could, and it clearly displayed his incredulity. “He’s there with you?

“Yes,” she answered, and then clarified as best she could. “I haven’t been feeling well, so a friend came over to make me some soup. Isn’t that sweet?”

Jonaphan grunted in response, and remained silent for a few moments, until a sneering “bastard” that escaped his lips.

The whooshing sound of his breath brushing against the receiver met her ears. She closed her eyes, once against belittling herself for her mistake. There was nothing that could be done, and they both knew it.

Are you sure there’s a need to be worried, honey?” He questioned, and Liz nearly bristled at his inquiry, for he knew that she’d never utter those words if she didn’t believe, without a doubt, that she was in danger. But she also knew that Jon was just as frustrated as she was; he was thousands of miles away and unable to help.

She heard him sigh, and could practically see him rubbing a hand over his tired face. It was a gesture she’d seen before, one she could empathize with. And for a fleeting moment she was sorry for dragging him into this mess.

I really want to believe that he’s just there to make sure you’re okay, sweetheart,” he tried to rationalize. “Is that what you think?”

Liz had to clear her throat once, to insure that her voice didn’t quake. “No.”

His deep, shaky sigh went from worrisome to tired. “All right, darlin’, I’m going to stay on the line with you, okay?” And that simple statement eased the constriction in her chest. “And maybe this asshole will get the hint and leave you alone. Just pretend like I’m an annoying best friend who would be peeved if you were to hang up on me. Okay? I’ll be here with you, sweetie.

“Okay.” Liz felt a smile tugging on her face. It would be okay. It had to be okay.

And just like that, he made everything seem all right. It was a trait that he always honed, and one that she was envious of. With a single smile or word, Jonaphan Calder made the world appear perfect.

If he wasn’t one of her best friends, Liz knew that it would be devastatingly easy for her to fall in love with him.

And if a certain alien still didn’t hold her heart in the palm of his hand, it would be a whole lot easier still.

“Liz,” she startled at the sound of Daniel’s voice. Frozen for the briefest of seconds, Liz held her breath as she turned, yet again, to regard Pierce. In her ear, Jon’s incessant questions were vaguely heard. “The soup is done,” he waited a beat, his gaze intense. “You should get off the phone.”

No!” Liz could barely control the grimace as her eardrum throbbed sullenly. “Stay on the phone with me, Liz. Okay?

She offered Pierce a helpless look and then rolled her eyes for good measure. Into the receiver she said, “I know,” in a soothing manner. Maybe Pierce would take the bait and leave sooner rather than later. When she looked at him next, she offered him a smile. Daniel’s brow furrowed into an almost imperceptible scowl as he exited the kitchen.

Liz’s breath hitched as every step brought him closer and closer to her. And for the umpteenth time, she resented the fact that Jonaphan was so far away.

Just stay calm. The words rang out in her mind, and it took her a moment to realize that it was Jon speaking to her. “It’s all right, darlin’. I’m here with you, okay? I’m going to stay with you until –

“Liz,” the tone in his voice made her swallow convulsively, and she subconsciously held her breath. His blue eyes were like as he penetrated Liz’s gaze. “Get off the phone.”

They stared at one another for several moments. Jon kept talking in her ear, urging her to stay on the phone with him, and Liz wanted too. She desperately wanted too; it was safe with him there. Yet she knew that if she continued to subtly defy Daniel Pierce she’d get more than she bargained for.

She almost said his name, almost out-ed him in front of Pierce. She couldn’t do that to Jon. Now she didn’t have the lives for five aliens and three humans in her hands, she had the life of her best friend, and ex-partner as well. “I have to go.” She murmured. His voice was a distant sound as she terminated the connection.

And her world went cold. Again.

Daniel’s brow smoothened, pleased that she had followed his orders. “Now,” he began, his tone softer and much gentler. “Your soup.”

* * *

“I want to talk to Liz.”

Maria and Riannan looked up from their magazines where they had been enthralled in the latest juicy information on the infamous Brad and Jen break-up. The two women had agreed beforehand – they were definitely Team-Aniston. Jolie was beautiful but entirely too weird. The moment Brad starts wearing a vial of blood – anyone’s blood – around his neck will be the moment he loses some serious Hottie Points.

Max stood before them, his hair disheveled from where he’d slept through lunch. Maria glanced at the clock and noticed wryly, almost dinner.

It was the first time in days that she’d heard him speak, and she was so shocked that she barely noticed the way in which Rian tensed beside her, immediately preparing to jump to Liz’s defense. Maria placed a soothing arm on Rian’s shoulder and pleaded to her with her eyes.

Rian sighed and then stood from the couch. Her hands dug into her pocket until she gripped her keys. “I’m going head into town. Run some errands. Feed Snuffy.”

At the name of Maria’s cat, a pang of guilt scorched through her, even as she offered Rian an appreciative smile. None of them had wanted to leave the house and their newly found counterparts behind. Least of all Maria, who had finally found the solace she hadn’t known, was missing within Michael’s arm.

So, Rian had been running back and forth almost daily to attend to the everyday errands. She picked up their mail, checked their apartments for bugs, and she even fed and spent some quality time with her cat.

And Maria knew that all too soon she’d have to go home.

She sighed and watched as Rian exited the living room, before she turned to Max. His face was sunken in; he hasn’t been eating. Yet behind his sickly appearance, she could see the determination etched in his face. He wanted to talk to Liz.

And so did Maria. More than anything she wanted to call up her best friend and tell her how much she loved her, and ask if she’s all right. But she also knew it wasn’t safe. Not yet.

Maria patted the cushion beside of her, still warm from when Rian had vacated. “Max,” she spoke. “Sit down.”

“I want to talk to Liz.” He said again, more forcefully this time.

“I know you do, sweetie,” she reached out and gripped his hand, tugging him towards the couch. He didn’t resist as she urged him to sit. He was tired. “Max,” she brushed a strand of his wayward hair from his forehead. He needed it cut. “It’s not safe yet. You have to be patient.”

His eyes turned to hers and Maria recalled all the times in which Liz had described them as soulful. Beautiful. Captivating. And her heart broke to look at them now.

They were empty.

“I need to speak to her, Maria,” his tone had taken on a begging inflection. “I have to know.”

“She’s fine, Max. I promise,” and she hoped that she wasn’t voicing a lie. She’d been fine when she and Rian had left her, but she hadn’t heard from her since. And probably wouldn’t hear from her until it was clear. “Just give her some time. She did this for you, honey. For all of you. And now she has to lie low until people stop suspecting her.”

“I want her out of there,” Max breathed, and Maria didn’t miss the way in which his hands clenched. “I don’t want her working there anymore. It’s not safe.”

“I know,” Maria ran a soothing hand up and down his back. His muscles were tense to the point they were trembling, and she knew without a doubt that she was watching Max Evans deteriorate right before her eyes. “And she will. We’ve discussed this at length. We’re all going to get out of here. We’re going to leave Arizona, maybe head back to California and live normal, healthy lives.”

There was a brief light that shone in Max’s eyes. “Is that where we are?” He questioned softly. “Arizona?” And Maria could hear the longing in his voice.

So close to Roswell – the home that had never been.

Maria’s heart clenched. The Evans’ and Parkers’ had practically disowned their children once they found out about their wedding. The Evans’ had been the first to reach out and try to mend fences, yet they were years too late. Isabel and Max had already gone, and Liz was still fighting to heal her broken heart.

They all knew they couldn’t tell Philip and Diane where Max and Isabel really were, so Riannan had used her innate powers to fabricate phone calls between parents and children. And when they asked for them to come in and visit, they had all listened with heavy hearts as Rian systematically, stoically told them no.

And soon, after every time they were shot down, the phone calls became less and less, before they stopped all together.

Now, Maria vaguely wondered if they had ruined Max and Isabel’s relationship with their parents.

“Yes,” Maria finally answered. “But after this is through, we can’t stay here,” she informed him, and her stomach clenched at the thought of leaving the place that had grown to be her home. “And we probably can’t go back to Roswell, either.”

Max nodded, his shoulders sagging and his muscles relaxing. “I know.” He whispered. It didn’t matter where they went from here, so long as he was with Liz he could make a home anywhere.

“Will you do me a favor?” He softly asked of Maria. When she nodded, he closed his eyes and breathed deep. “When she calls will you try and get her to talk to me? There are things that I need to say.”

Maria was silent for a moment, her heart breaking just a little bit more. Then finally, she managed a strained smile and nodded. “Of course,” she answered. “I’ll try my hardest.” And she intended to also. Whether Liz wanted to or not she had to talk to Max. It’s the only way either of them will be able to move on – with or without each other.

After giving Max another hair tousle Maria stood. “I’m not taking no for an answer,” she immediately cut to the chase. “Get up, wash your face, maybe comb your hair or something,” the suggestion came with a disgusted scrunch of her face, which – miraculously – earned her a smile from Max, “and then meet me in the kitchen. I’m going to make you a buffet, and you’re going to eat all of it. You’re wasting away, Max Evans.”

The tiny smile still in place, Max stood, standing taller than she’d ever seen him. He didn’t slouch any longer, nor did his shoulders sag. And the determined glint in his eyes told Maria that he was going to piece himself back together again. But not for him. It would be for Liz.

“Thanks, Maria.” He whispered as he bent his head and kissed her cheek.

Shocked at the fact that tears were springing to her eyes, Maria playfully swatted him away. “Cut the theatrics, Max,” she ordered him in a mock drill-sergeant commanding tone. “Just do as I say.”

The corners of his lips lifted a centimeter more, before he nodded and left to follow orders. With another weary sigh, Maria turned and headed towards the kitchen.

Once she entered, she smiled at the sight of Michael donned in a blue checkered apron, standing by the stove with his head bent over a Betty Crocker’s Cookbook. She covered her mouth to stifle the giggle that wanted to erupt.

And then she noticed the wooden spoon, suspended in air, slowly stirring the contents inside of the large pot on the stove.

Maria took a moment to swallow, as she continued to study the spoon circle lazily with no physical assistance. Finally, she arched cleared her throat expectantly.

Michael whirled around, the apron fluttering in motion, and he smiled sheepishly when he saw her. “I thought I’d help with dinner.” Came his hesitant response.

Maria’s lips quirked, and she averted a pointed stare in the spoon’s direction. He immediately caught her drift. “I’m just trying to exercise my powers.” He answered a bit guiltily even as he reached a hand out to cease the spoon’s movement.

“That’s cheating,” she murmured and advanced on him until she could pull the spoon from his grasp. “If you’re going to cook, no powers allowed.”

He noted the humor in her tone, and followed her with his gaze as she took over the stirring. “What’s the use of having powers if I don’t get to use them?”

Instead of answering his question, Maria posed one of her own. “Are you back to your full strength?”

“Not yet,” he answered quietly. His fingers played with the dog-eared pages of the cookbook. “The more I use them, though, the faster I’ll recuperate.”

The spices were beginning to drift to her nose in an enticing aroma, yet she maintained the thread of the conversation. “What about the others?”

He shrugged, his attention no longer focused on the meal he was so diligently trying to create. “I know for a fact that Isabel and Tess practice daily, but Max,” Michael paused. “I don’t think he’s even aware that his powers are back.”

“Maybe they aren’t.” Maria ventured.

Michael shook his head adamantly. “No, they are. I can sense it, but he’s holding back.”

It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know why.

“Liz.”

Maria heard his sigh. When he lifted his hand to lace his fingers with hers her heart fluttered once, twice, within her chest. “Have you heard from her?” The concern was detectable in his voice, and it made her smile. When she remembered the blatant hostility Michael had held towards Liz in the beginning of their young lives, she became humbled as she watched a friendship bloom between her boyfriend and her life-long friend. Now that he held the same unyielding concern for Liz nearly brought a tear to Maria’s eye.

“Not since the other day,” she tried valiantly to keep the wariness out of her voice. “But I don’t really expect to hear from her within such short intervals. She has a cover to uphold, and if she blows it –“ Maria stopped, and swallowed hard. “She’ll find away to let us know how she is. Liz is resourceful like that.”

Because being busy kept her mind off of worse matters, Maria took the preparation of the meal into her own hands. She had turned towards the demanding needs of a pathologist in order to keep her mind off of Michael – where he was, who he might be with. Was he alive or dead? Now that she knew the truth, could feel the life coursing vibrantly just through the brush of his arm against hers, she didn’t need to shelter her mind from him. However, Liz was a different story. Soon, Maria would return to work, and she hoped – prayed – that it would ease her mind the same way it had for Michael.

Companionable silence fell among the duo. Michael had – without a word from Maria – quietly began to set the table. As he began to lay the silverware down, he stared at Maria’s back.

“What happens after?” At the hesitant tone of his voice, she turned and regarded him inquisitively. He stepped towards her, his eyes shimmering with guarded hope. “I mean, after Liz has done everything she needs to do,” Whatever that is, he thought grimly. “What happens? Do we stay here for the rest of our lives and cross our fingers and hope they won’t find us again?”

Maria promptly shook her head. “No,” they could never live in this part of the country again. And for the first time, she wondered if it would be safe for them to even return to California. “We’d just pick up and leave,” she finally settled for saying. “Start a new life. All of us.”

A sardonic smile played his lips. “That easy?”

No reverberated with a foreboding clarity within Maria’s mind. Nothing was ever that easy.

* * *

“Liz?”

She blinked; the bowl of soup that had gone cold several minutes ago came into focus. When she lifted her head, Daniel was watching the way in which Liz imagined a vulture might eye its prey. Her throat constricted and her stomach coiled, painfully informing her that she wouldn’t be able to force down another bite.

Knowing that it would only make things worse if she were even to try and finish the bowl, Liz removed her spoon and placed it decisively on the table. Then, she politely folded her hands on her lap and gazed tiredly at the surface.

“I’m full.” She murmured.

Daniel looked from the bowl to Liz, quietly assessing each bite she’d taken. The grim expression on his face told her that he wasn’t happy, but his silence said he wasn’t about to argue. Without another word, he stood, picked up her dish, and carried it to the sink. Liz prayed that this was the beginning of the end of his visit.

“I have it so that you’re on leave for the rest of the week,” his voice was quiet beneath the sound of the running water, but his tone firm – leaving no room for her to argue. “If by the end of the week I feel you’ve reestablished your strength, you can return to work. If not…” He left the rest unsaid.

“Thank you.” There was no point in her trying to argue her health. In all honestly, Liz was beginning to look forward to some time off. She could catch up on some sleep, and allow the stress of the past month or two slowly elapse from her body. Some time to her self sounded heavenly.

Now, if only he’d leave so she could head down the road of recovery.

Dutifully, Daniel dried the dish and then placed it neatly in the cupboard. With that finished, he turned and regarded her with a speculative gleam in his eye. She just wanted him to leave – to disappear. Mustering up what little energy she sustained from her small meal, Liz stood, her head lifted to show her determination.

If he were going to take a hint, she’d have to make it as abundantly clear as possible.

“I appreciate you stopping by, Sir,” again, she used the title deliberately. “And it was very kind of you to make a bowl of soup for me, but if you don’t mind, I’d really like to go to bed now.”

The corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. “No, I don’t mind at all.”

Before she could even blink, he was there. His rough hands curled around her neck, his thumbs curving beneath her jaw. The forceful intent in his eyes was undeniable, and before she could so much as draw in a breath, his mouth was crashing against hers.

And it was the vilest experience she’d ever had to go through.

Her hands curled into tight fists; her nails digging into the sensitive skin of her palms. Liz’s first impulse was to swing, and swing hard. The harder she hit him, the longer he’d stay dazed, and the faster she could get away. Yet even as she began to raise her fist – whether she really intended to strike or not – his hands were traveling down her shoulders until they stopped at her elbows, effectively locking her arms to her sides.

Liz wretched her mouth away, drawing in the breath that she had been denied. He left a trail of repulsive, wet kisses down her neck and she shivered despite herself. And as layer after layer of her control began to crumble, her eyes began to swim with the tears that she’d thought had dried.

“No.” Her whispered plea fell on deaf ears. She felt his rough hands graze the smooth skin of her stomach, traveling higher with increasing purpose.

Her left arm was freed due to the determined questing of his right hand, and she pressed her hand hard against the hard planes of his chest. Even as Liz shoved with all of her might against him, he still over powered her and she felt the hard edge of the table biting into the back of her thighs.

Liz’s world began to spin dizzily on its axis. Her head grew fuzzy and she couldn’t focus on any one thing in particular – her mind went blank. Her hand no longer gave resistance against his advancing body. But when she felt the surface of the table come in contact with her back everything settled into place.

As she felt his unwanted kisses traveling back up the curve of her neck, the tears began to spill. This can’t be happening. She didn’t want this to be happening. She didn’t want it to be him.

And suddenly, his searching lips ceased and his body grew tense. For several anxious moments neither of them moved, saved the labored rise and fall of chests. Liz’s eyes had closed, and she didn’t dare open them. She didn’t want to see his face or read his expression, which she could only assume held restrained violence. Undoubtedly she hadn’t responded the way in which he’d anticipated, and that definitely wouldn’t settle well with him.

Then, she heard it. The steady shrill beep of his pager as it called out its cry from his belt. Knowing what the sound meant, Liz’s body sagged with exhaustion. And relief.

With a curse, Daniel heaved his body off of hers and viciously snatched at the offending object at his waste. He read the numbers and cursed again. With her eyes still closed, Liz couldn’t see him watching her, but she definitely felt his gaze on her. Still, she refused to open her eyes.

For another tense moment all she could hear was his breathing before – finally – the blessed sound of his retreating footsteps reached her ears.

When she heard the decisive click of the door shutting behind him, Liz rolled onto her side and curled into herself. The hard wood of the table bit uncomfortably into her arm and hip, but she hugged tight to herself as if she intended to stay that way forever.

And she cried.

TBC

Raychel :)
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Raychelxluscious
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Post by Raychelxluscious »

Hi...

Um, I know that I have totally been gone for much longer than meritted. And I apologize profusely for that. I've been busy, but even when I haven't been busy I haven't been writing for this. And I don't have an excuse, other than I just couldn't get into it.

And tonight, about an hour ago, I opened up my word document, read the 4 pages I had completed, and then I started writing.

And now I've stopped...

Because I have a new part for you.

The long awaited part 16.

It's absolutely nothing. It's transitional, way too sci-fi, and it opens more questions and resolves nothing. But it's completed. And I hope that'll be enough for you now.

I don't know when I'll get another part out. It could be next week...it could be longer. But I feel just sooo accomplished to have gotten this part to you now that I'm not really gonna worry about. lol. (that's probably the type of attitude that got me into this whole.)

I started this fic two years (and a few days) ago...and I intend to see it through.

Thank you all...so much for you abundant support, encouragement, and above all else, patience. You guys are amazing and I've taken you for granted, thinking you will always be waiting for me to update.

So, for those of you still waiting...thank you. :)

Okay...now, moving on.

Big thank you to Sarah*Marie for looking over this when she really needed to passout. She was my fill-in beta, because she signed on just as I finished...and I'm too anxious to send it to my original (and amazing) beta. (my sorries kaela)

So, it's here for you now...

I hope you enjoy.

<center>Part Sixteen</center>

Rian glanced around Maria’s apartment a final time as she reached for the door handle. She noticed that Snuffy was happily snoozing atop the entertainment center, her tail twitching back in forth in rhythm to the tick-tocks of the clock. Her litter box was freshly changed and her dishes filled with food and clean water, therefore the princess had no reason for complaint. Furthermore, the temperature had been set so as not to melt Snuffy’s sugary-sweetness as well as to keep the apartment cool. The lights were turned off, save for the single lamp next to the window. The soft glow should discourage any hasty intruders from poking around.

With a nod of approval that everything was as Maria would want it, Rian stepped over the threshold and locked the door behind her. As she fished her car keys out of her pocket she made a mental note to remember to pick up Maria’s mail. As well as Alex and Kyle’s.

She rolled her neck and pushed her way into the stairwell. Her boot heels echoed on the steps as she began to descend the two flights to the parking lot. She truly didn’t mind running the errands and sweeping their apartments for bugs. It was a tedious job but just knowing that her friends appreciated her efforts made worth it. Ultimately, it gave them more time with the others.

And time was something they definitely didn’t have a lot of. As far as she knew the others had only requested a weeks worth of time off work. And that would come to an end very soon. They’d have to return to their everyday routine, which meant less time for them to spend at the safe house with their alien counterparts.

It was going to be rough on all of them. A separation so soon after a reunion would be a difficult pill to swallow. Rian wasn’t sure who it would be more difficult on – the aliens or the humans? Additionally, there was the concern of the aliens being rediscovered by the FBI while no one was around. Though, that’s the least of Rian’s concerns.

The surveillance equipment Alex set up in the house was state-of-the-art. Max, Michael, Isabel, and Tess would be able to detect if anyone showed up unannounced. Furthermore, Rian trusted that the cellar was a perfect hideaway, and the escape would be easy if necessary.

But she doubted a quick exit would be required. They had worked too hard and had planned at length how it was going to work for it all to end here. And besides, what better place to hide some aliens than right under the bad guys’ noses?

Rian shoved through the exit and hit the open evening air. She breathed deep and made a steady walk to her car. Her keys jangled in her hand. Her skin began to cool from the sweet breeze. She loved Earth.

She had just reached her car – hand poised to open – when her cell phone chirped anxiously from her hip. She filched it from her pocket and stared in confusion at the unfamiliar number. A frown pleated her brows as she brought the phone to her ear.

“Kellar.”

Get to Liz’s.” Instantly the hairs on the back of Rian’s neck stood at attention. The voice was familiar but it didn’t produce a face to go along with it, so there was no way to identify the caller. Though, that wasn’t the main concern at this point. This unknown caller knew Liz, and the sound of his voice told her something was wrong. Very wrong.

“Who the hell is this?”

It’s Jon,” Jon? Rian’s mouth fell open as she tried to force out some kind of response, but he silenced her with another angry command. “Just don’t say anything. Drop what you’re doing and go to Liz. Now.

Rian threw open the door and hurled herself into the car. The ignition roared as she turned it over. Using two hands – the cell phone cradled between her shoulder – Rian sped out into oncoming traffic. Horns blared and birds were undoubtedly flipped.

“What’s wrong? Is she all right?”

I don’t know. She’s not answering her phone. How long will it take you to get there?

Rian flipped on her police lights and clenched her fists.

“Twenty minutes.”

<center>* * *</center>

“I want that plate licked clean, Max Evans.”

He swallowed as Maria used another scoop of rich spaghetti sauce to saturate his noodles. He lifted his head to look at her. She had such a motherly expression that Max couldn’t help but smile. Obediently, he picked up his fork and twirled some noodles. When he brought the fork to his mouth for a bite, he was awarded with a congenial pat on the head.

“Good boy,” she murmured and moved on to her next victim. He half expected a cookie as a reward and was disappointed when the pat on the head was all he received.

Max chewed pensively as Maria bestowed the same treatment upon Tess. She too had little else to do but to smile up at Maria and begin to eat. It had become apparent early on that if you crossed Maria, if you even thought about making some kind of quip about her food, there would be some sort of punishment.

Kyle had been the leading example for the discovery. “This is just fowl!” had been his ingenious wisecrack in regards to her chicken casserole. His forehead swiftly became personal friends with a wooden spoon.

If Max squinted he could still see the red mark.
He reached for a slice of garlic bread and brought it to his mouth. For the past couple of minutes, while he had been waiting for Maria to reach his plate, Max had been making notations of subtle changes in his friends.

His eyes darted back to Maria as she stuffed a napkin down the front of Michael’s shirt like a bib. He grinned.

And some not-so subtle.

Maria. She was a forensic pathologist. Who would have thought? For years she had complained about science courses throughout high school, and he had never thought of her as one to pay attention to details. But obviously she had changed. From what he’d heard from Alex and Kyle she’d come out top in her class and was very successful in her department.

They’d also told him it was a way for her to forget – to forget that Michael had left her. So, she had dived head first into her schoolwork and then her career in a vain effort not to think about it.

Max’s gaze shifted to his second in command. An insurmountable bout of regret plagued him. He had always known that Michael’s feelings on “home” were changing. Earth had become more and more welcoming to him, and his desire to see where he came from became less and less significant. That was due to Maria. She had changed him in ways that no one else could, and in ways that no one else would be able to comprehend. She’d taught him to live and laugh; his eyes had been alit whenever he was with her. And the moment they stepped onto that craft the light had gone out.

In an effort to get away from the guilt Max dropped his gaze to his plate and chewed furiously on his piece of bread.

He’d seen another pair of eyes missing that same glint of light – of life.

Liz had changed most of all. He had sensed it the moment she walked into the cell the night of their escape. He hadn’t been able to see her due to the reflective mask of her disguise; his body hadn’t been able to recognize her as Liz. At one time his cells had been attracted to her like a beacon. Yet there had been no recognition that night.

And when he looked into her eyes he hadn’t felt the warmth and vitality that always dwelled inside. Instead her beautiful, expressive dark eyes were cold and filled with shadows.

And Max would give anything to chase those shadows away.

“So, you guys want to hear what I’ve been thinking?” Maria piped up from the end of the table.

“Will it stop you if we say no?” Kyle earned himself a glare from Maria but a chuckle out of everyone else.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve all been together,” Maria decided not to address Kyle’s response. “We’ve missed a lot of holidays together. So, I was thinking that maybe – once everything has settled down – we could all get together and kind of have it all at once you know?”

Once everything settled down was equivalent to once Liz returned to the group.

Alex sipped thoughtfully from his tall glass of tea. “So, what you’re saying is that you want to cram ten years worth of major holidays –”

“And minor holidays,” Maria added on an afterthought.

Alex continued, “—into one night. Am I right?”

Maria looked towards the ceiling, debating on whether or not there was another way she could voice her intentions. She shrugged. “Pretty much. What do ya say?”

“Hey, if we get presents and pumpkin pie,” Kyle rubbed his stomach in anticipation, his face taking on a blissful expression. “I am game, baby.”

The kitchen erupted into a low roar to agreement. Max couldn’t really distinguish the words over so many voices. He didn’t hear Isabel exclamation on how much she missed planning for Christmas. He missed Tess’s low confession on how she had enjoyed the unique holiday traditions with the Valenti’s. He completely missed the question posed by Michael – as he stared at Maria – on how they were supposed to go about getting gifts. Likewise, he missed her response – that he was the only gift she would ever need.

As the voices continued to morph into indistinct noise a smile began to form on Max’s face. Because making up for all the holidays he had ever missed seemed like a brilliant idea.

And he knew it would give him the chance to finally bridge the gap that had formed between he and Liz.

<center>* * *</center>

Another horn blared as Riannan swerved to miss oncoming traffic. She had been forced to pass another car not traveling at her speed of choice. Despite the fact that her siren was calling and her lights flashing, today seemed to be the day that the other drivers simply didn’t give a damn.

She pressed the pedal to the floor and the engine roared.

Jon’s words still rang loudly in her head. How does he know she’s in trouble? She could be asleep and thus the reason she’s not answering the phone. But something innate inside of Riannan told her he was right. Something was wrong – terribly so. And she was the only one who could help.

How had he gotten her number?

It didn’t matter. Rian had to force herself not to think about him or what his phone call meant or didn’t mean.

A number of questions circled her mind, but she couldn’t focus on them. Liz’s house was approaching and with it an incredible sense of dread.

Rock and dust shot from beneath her tires as she fish-tailed into the driveway. She barely had the car in park before she jumped out of the vehicle, leaving the door swinging wide open.

Mulder and Scully mewled helplessly on the front porch, their massive paws digging at the door, trying to get in.

She swiped a hand over the alarm system, inputting the codes without pressing the numbers. The locks released. The door swung open.

Oh, fuck.

Rian threaded her fingers through her hair as she stared down at Liz’s crumpled form, and her stomach clenched.

Her mind kept shouting for her to do something, but she didn’t know what. She didn’t know how to take care of humans. It was impossible for her to heal this hurt. It went too deep.

The dogs crowded her, nuzzling their master and whimpering in distress. She cowered.

“Liz,” Rian ignored the pain in her chest when Liz jerked violently from her touch. “It’s me. Riannan. You know me.”

The muffled whimper from her friend did terrible things to her. The terrified no, no, no! that resounded in her head had Liz’s voice. Rian closed her eyes and tried to separate herself. It wouldn’t help that she could hear Liz’s thoughts or feel her emotions so strongly. She had to separate herself from the situation. It was the only way that she could work.

But a panic so intense almost caused her to flee. She wanted to run. She wanted to shape shift into an organism that couldn’t feel and therefore she wouldn’t have to know what her friend was going through.

Rian’s jaw clenched and she wrapped her arms around Liz’s body, mustering all of her strength and then pulling until Liz’s back was flush with her front. Liz struggled and began to gag, but Rian held on.

“Liz! Listen to me! You’re all right. It’s me. I’m not going to hurt you!”

“No!”

Holy shit!

An image of Daniel Pierce hovering over top of her, his body pressed intimately against hers flashed before Rian’s eyes.

She blinked, shook her head, anything to clear the image, and then gasped. What the hell was going on?

Liz’s flesh was becoming increasingly moist by the second. It was growing warm beneath her touch.

Another image flashed, then. Pierce’s hard grip on her face, his lips on hers. Rian gagged then for she could feel his tongue in her mouth!

She heard a distinct crackle, felt a slight tingle beneath her fingertips, and then the keening cry that came from Liz. And in that second Rian knew what was happening.

Liz’s body lurched forward as she vomited. Rian released her and scurried backwards and away. Her palms burned from the touch of Liz’s skin. Her mind still played copies of what Liz had just endured.

Rian closed her eyes and cleared her mind, focusing on calming herself before she could calm Liz.

Her friend’s deterioration in health wasn’t due to just stress, though it attributed greatly. Rian could hear the sizzle in the air, as it grew fainter. Liz was changing. With her human side in such a weakened state the alien cells were beginning to take over and making the necessary changes.

It was why Rian was hearing her thoughts and feeling her emotions so clearly. It was why her skin was hot to the touch and perspiring. Liz was on her last leg and she was getting ready to fall.

Steadied, Rian crawled back over to Liz and rolled her onto her back. Her eyes were lolling into the back of her head. The hair at her temples was matted to her skin with sweat. Rian pressed her hands to the side of Liz’s face, tightening when she tried to jerk away.

Rian’s presence only fueled the war raging on within Liz. A certain amount of energy was needed for this change to be less shattering and Liz’s state right now severely hindered that. The energy emitting from Rian was just a taste of what Liz’s body needed, and now they were fighting to get more of it.

Rian closed her eyes.

A stinging sensation traveled down her arms and into her palms as she offered her friend the strength that she possessed. She was doing the opposite of what had happened the night she’d been shot at Eagle Summit. She had taken from Kyle to heal herself. Now, she was giving to Liz.

Her fingers burned. The cells were starving. Had Liz taken more care of herself this change would have happened without her having to know about it. It would have progressed slowly and quietly – unlike now – rapidly and painfully.

She could feel it…It was like a feeding, and she struggled to contain the shudder of discomfort.

Liz’s mind screamed a protest; Rian blocked it out. Liz’s memories surfaced; she blocked those as well. Instead she focused on the changing, and then the subsequent healing.

She was becoming malnourished, which was starving her the foreign cells and making them crave Rian’s vibrant, healthy ones. The stronger cells would feast, and Rian would heal the dilapidated ones, until they became stronger within themselves.

Rian continued the sequence of feeding and healing until Liz’s cries of protests died away, until her body grew lax, and her breathing more even. Beneath her fingertips, Liz’s skin still crackled with alien life and power, but the heat had cooled and the perspiration was beginning to dry.

Finally, when Liz’s head lolled to the side with exhaustion Rian sat back, and nearly collapsed into the back of the couch. Her head was pounding from exertion and her hands burned from the heat that had emanated from her friend’s body, but still she felt relieved.

It was done.

Even the few feet that separated them, Rian could still sense – not so much hear, any longer – the sizzle of Liz’s powers. With time it would become less noticeable. When she learned of her powers and how to control them the tell-tale beacon would lessen, but it would always be there.

For Liz Parker was forever changed.

<center>* * *</center>

Rian’s hands shook as she dialed. He answered before the first ring had completed.

“Is she all right?”

It came as a shock to Riannan that she would find such relief in hearing his voice. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Yeah. I’ve got her calmed down. She’s asleep now.” Her voice was utterly steady.

There was a pause on Jon’s end. The only thing that assured her that he was still on the line was the sound of his deep breathing. Rian imagined his face in her mind.

“What did he do to her?”

Rian rubbed her temples, wishing that images of what she’d witnessed in Liz’s subconscious away. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words wouldn’t come forth. She couldn’t voice what Liz had been forced to endure. So, she remained silent.

And it was answer enough.

“Take care of her.”



He flipped shut his cell phone and placed it on the dashboard. His heart was racing and his palms were sweating. His eyes remained fixated on the house just before him. Liz’s house.

He wanted to go in. He wanted to offer strength and comfort to his friend, but he knew he couldn’t. Not until he knew….

Jonaphan leaned his head against the head rest and closed his eyes; not wanting to think about what Pierce had done to her. How far had it gone? How much further would it have gone had Jon not placed that phone call?

It had been a risk. A big risk. If the mole is traced back to him….

With steady and decisive movements, Jon opened his eyes and started the car. As he slowly made his way down the street, Liz’s house shrinking in the background, Jon vowed to himself – and her – that it would all end soon.



TBC
Raychel
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Raychelxluscious
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Post by Raychelxluscious »

Here it is.

In a hurry.

Thanks for the bumps and feedback.

Is appreciated.

Sorry about the mistakes.

Enjoy.






Part Seventeen

“Here, drink this.”

Liz blindly accepted the mug from Rian’s steady hand, and had to use two hands to keep the liquid from sloshing over the rim. The light blanket that seemed to weigh heavily upon her shoulders produced little warmth. Her teeth continued to chatter together with every shudder that racked her body.

It wasn’t as if she were cold. She didn’t feel cold, anyway – on the contrary, she felt feverish, like a virus was raging a war inside of her body. Yet she continued to shiver, her muscles continued to contract, her skin continued to pebble. She was powerless to stop it.

Rian said it was normal. That it would stop within time.

It didn’t feel normal. It felt alarming, and she huddled deeper into the cushions of the couch, seeking solace and warmth, yearning for a pair of imaginary arms to wrap around her. She drew her knees up to her chest, and tucked her feet – cold from the hardwood flooring – beneath the soothing warmth of Mulder’s underbelly.

Her companions gentle presence and searching eyes calmed her. Their fierce protectiveness washed over her.

Liz took tentative sip of her tea and then finally focused her attention on Rian, who had seated herself across the room in an oversized chair. Her arms were braced on her thighs, her gaze unfocused and her expression troubled.

“We should probably keep this just between us,” Liz spoke softly, as she stared down at her pale hands encompassing the dark coffee mug.

Rian lifted her head, her turquoise colored eyes piercing and in control. “No,” she vowed emphatically. “No more secrets. The others have the right to know, Liz.”

She breathed in the sweet sent of her honey-coated tea, her lungs expanding; warmth spread through her body. Then she brought creamy, dark liquid to her mouth and took another drink. Deeper this time, hoping that it would absorb the shudders that still persisted. It helped a little.

Now, if only the tea could erase her memories of the horrible night as well. She closed her eyes.

Liz vaguely remembered falling from the kitchen table to the floor. She hardly remembered clawing her way to the living room, or trying to reach for the phone. She did remember, with excellent clarity, however, the terrifying entrapment she felt when Pierce subdued her to the table. The way his body was pressed so intimately against hers. The taste of his mouth lingered, causing her to take another full gulp. The rough rasp of his calloused hands on her soft flesh felt real even now, and another shiver racked her shoulders. Her hands began to tremble.

She had felt paralyzed, utterly unable to defend herself. She had felt weak. Her limbs had been like lead. All the training she had experienced, all the defense classes she had enrolled in had been utterly useless. The one time she had truly been in peril and she couldn’t react.

Her hand snaked from beneath the blanket in search for the smooth warmth of Mulder’s coat. The feel of his coat calmed her. His slender head rested against her knees. His big, brown eyes peered up at her. If a dog had an expression of concern, Liz would bet that was it. He was so attentive, watching her every move, nuzzling her hand or thigh whenever he sensed her drifting to that place again. Scully was curled at the other end of the couch, watching diligently for anyone who may be of harm to her master. Liz was grateful for them now.

Rian had said her inability to defend herself was due to the change, that it had weakened her, but also that she would grow stronger now that it was finished.

Things would be different now.

“Did you hear me?”

Rian’s question jerked Liz back to reality, and she lifted her head. She sighed, “Yes, I heard you.”

“We have to tell them,” Rian insisted, her tone soft by implacable. “Soon.”

Liz nodded in agreement, her eyes darting down to stare at her tea. “But we don’t tell the others.” She trusted that Rian knew whom she was referring to.

Her friend stood and crossed the room to perch herself on the edge of the coffee table directly in front of Liz. “You can’t hide it from them forever, Liz,” she said sympathetically. “They’ll know. They’ll sense it.”

“They didn’t sense Tess when she arrived,” Liz pointed out, hope evident in her tone.

“Tess hid it from them. And she was more powerful. But you’re like a beacon, Liz. This change in you...you can’t hide it easily. I promise you, they’ll know.”

Liz was quiet for a moment, her eyes staring unseeingly over Rian’s shoulder as she mumbled her next words, “Then you have to show me how to hide it,” Rian heaved a sigh at her demand, reluctant to consent, ready to protest, but Liz continued in a desperate hurry, “You’ll have to help me control…whatever it is that’s going on inside of me, Rian. You’re the only one who can. You’re the only one I can trust.”

Rian shoved herself to her feet, and wandered into the kitchen – desperate to put distance between herself and the situation once more. This time she poured herself a cup of tea, substituting the honey for a liberal amount of mustard. She took a gulp, ignored the third-degree burns she acquired to her tongue, and contemplated Liz’s statement.

Her powers wouldn’t remain dormant for long. The sooner Liz got a reign over them the better. Rian placed her mug on the counter and closed her eyes.

“You’ll be stronger,” Liz shifted on the couch when Rian’s quietly uttered words reached her ears. Her friend’s head was down, her eyes shut. Finally, she lifted her head and pinned Liz with an intense and focused stare. “You’ll recover faster from injury. You’ll have more energy,” Rian reentered the living room and stopped in front of the couch. Her tall, lithe form towered over Liz. “You’ll only require five hours of sleep, but you’ll be functional with only two.”

Rian crossed her arms, her chin lifting. “We’ll have to practice daily, exercise your powers and your mind until you can suppress them,” she frowned, as if she finally saw Liz and her meager form. “You’ll have to eat more. No more skipping meals. I know that was mainly attributed to stress,” she tacked on before Liz could defend herself, unnecessarily. “But that doesn’t negate the fact that this happened to you so violently because of your weakened physical state. We can’t let that happen again.”

Liz nodded, as one final shudder coursed through her body. She took a deep breath, set the mug on the coffee table, and squared her shoulders. Her gaze was hard and resolute, and Rian knew she would be fine.

“What now?”

<center>* * * </center>

Liz stepped off the treadmill with a sigh. She used the plush white cotton towel to dry her moistened face, and then slung the towel over her shoulder. Water bottle in hand, she exited the small workout room, which only harbored a treadmill and a bowflex. Her leg muscles quivered like jell-o, and threatened to give out of her at any moment. But the feeling was welcomed. She hadn’t worked out that hard in weeks, and just the fact that she was still standing gave Liz a new resolve.

She took a deep swig of water as she walked down the long hallway and into the kitchen. Mulder and Scully immediately jumped to their feet; their stubby tails beating back and forth eagerly as they waited for their breakfast.

It’s been two weeks since she’d been back to work. After the first week Pierce had demanded she take off, Liz put in for her vacation – needing more time to recoup. She didn’t care what Daniel thought about that.

She needed the extra time away to build herself back up. After Riannan had explained her deplorable condition, Liz vowed to never get that way again.

And she wouldn’t. Not ever.

Thankfully, the time spent away from Pierce had helped immensely. Her years of training had never prepared her for a man as intimidating and overpowering as Daniel. And that was where she had gone wrong. He would be her biggest obstacle. Since that night, he hadn’t returned to her doorstep, but he had called regularly, apologizing profusely for not being there for her, but the ranks above him were putting on the pressure. He had to see that the job gets done.

No skin off her nose. In fact, she’d prefer if she never saw him again.

However, that was an impossibility. Her first day back started in two hours.

Liz filled her dogs’ dishes, gave them their morning kisses, and popped a few poptarts into the toaster before she headed upstairs for her shower. Rian made her promise that she’d start eating meals more regularly. She’d probably have to snack frequently throughout the day as well. Maybe she’d pack some carrots or celery, or some other form of rabbit food to munch on at odd hours. It would keep her energy up.

Apparently having alien cells was very tiring on a human body.

After a three-minute shower, Liz stepped out, wrapped herself in a lush, pink robe and then stared at her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t look any different, but on the inside she could feel the constant flow of energy. Sometimes the feeling was like a quiet hum in her ears – always there, but never overwhelming. But other times it would grow so intense that it felt like her skin was being pricked with needles.

Rian had given her simple exercises to practice. She told her to concentrate on something small and subtle to ease the prickling sensation. Re-heating her cold coffee as it sat on her desk was one exercise. Unfortunately the after taste was disgusting. Another was the change the color of an object; Liz had opted for the ink in her pens. Blues changed to pinks, and reds changed to yellows so bright it made her eyes bleed. Each time she exercised the sensation would lesson considerably.

Liz recalled the time she had wanted to practice something that required a little more energy and control. Rian hadn’t been around, wouldn’t have been until later that evening, and the urge to test it out was too alluring to wait. After her morning shower, she had wanted to lesson the time in which it took her to blow dry her hair.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t one of her best ideas, and she was forced to take another shower to wash away the putrid stench of burned hair.

Liz popped her toothbrush into her mouth and began to scrub rigorously. As she did so, she began to rummage through her clothing in her expansive walk-in closet.

All of her uniforms were the mandated black. Black slacks and skirts. Black jacket. Black pumps. Always a white blouse worn beneath. The idea was to not draw attention to yourself, but with an outfit as rigid as hers it was kind of hard not to be conspicuous.

Liz laid the outfit she had chosen across her bed, and then re-entered the bathroom to finish brushing her teeth. Then, she reached for the hair dryer and began to blow-dry her hair.

Fifteen minutes later, she was dressed and ready to go. Her hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail. Her make up was minimal. It was as if nothing had changed.

On her way out, she grabbed her poptarts, and a baggy of carrots and exited the house. The outer layer of the poptart was cold, but the strawberry goo on the inside was warm. It wasn’t a terrible breakfast.

The drive through main street was easy. Merging into traffic on the high way was simple. Even when she noticed the black sedan that stayed on her from three cars behind didn’t fill her with unease. She had expected it, and expected to find other cars following her for more time to come.

By the time Liz swiped her card at the parking garage and the gates lifted her palms were sweating. When she pulled into her designated parking space her pulse was thumping a heady taboo in her ears. And when it was time to leave the safety of her vehicle her mental process shut down. Her brain told her hand to reach for the handle and to open her door, but it remained clenched on the steering wheel.

Liz stared frozenly ahead, waging an inner war with herself. She didn’t need to be here. She could run. She could get to Max and the others and just run – never look back. They could begin new lives, and she could forget all about this one.

But if she left now the suspicion would be too intense. Pierce would look for her. And he wouldn’t stop until he found her.

And until she was dead..

Liz tightened her immense grip on the steering wheel until her knuckles turned a ghastly white. As much as her stomach recoiled at the thought, despite the fact her heart felt as if it would beat out of her chest, she had to continue. She couldn’t stop now. She – they – had come too far.

In fact, she had to take it a step further, to ensure everyone’s safety.

She had to make sure that Special Unit collapsed. And with it, Daniel Pierce.

<center>* * *</center>

“It’s good to see you back, Elizabeth.”

She hadn’t missed his voice at all. The slightly too-highly pitched timbre made her skin prickle with irritation. “Good afternoon, Dr. Cornwell,” she murmured. “Thank you.”

At the sound of her voice, and the mention of her name, Daniel pivoted from his place at the computer. A smile spread across his face and he allowed the pleasure of seeing her to be conveyed through his light-colored eyes. Liz ignored him.

Instead she focused on the surveillance room Sykes had been ordered to escort her to. Wall-to-wall monitors stood high before her. They were all blank, except one in the lower right corner, which surfed through different ports at five-second intervals. An expansive board of buttons and instruments illustrated the complicity of the security personnel’s job.

Liz had been elbow deep in paper work when the large, Vin Diesel looking man had intruded in her office. Pierce wanted her in on the investigation. She was to drop what she was doing and come with Sykes now. Liz’s heart had sunk. To think, she had gone five hours of her twelve-hour shift without seeing him.

“Liz,” his voice dripped with husky desire. She shivered, and her hands curled into fists behind her back. “You’re looking well.”

Her response was clipped, “Thank you.”

He was silent for a moment, seemingly surprised by the nature of her response, “You remember Agent Dawson?” Much to her relief, Daniel’s voice took on a more professional tone.

Liz met the dark gaze of the agent standing to Pierce’s left. She stood tall and lithe, professional and deadly. Her dark hair was pulled back into a strict ponytail, and her ebony skin was void of makeup. Liz knew she was the forensics specialist who had investigated the holding area of the specimens. She was also the same agent who had discovered the scalpel dripping with Liz’s blood, and had nearly given Liz a coronary.

Dawson gave her an assessing once over. “Nice to see you again, Agent Parker.”

Liz nodded in return, but said nothing.

“Well, now that we’ve got pleasantries out of the way, let’s get back to business.” Pierce’s hard tone left no room for argument. Everyone stilled, awaiting for his further instructions, but he said nothing. Instead, he continued to stare at Liz, his gaze hard as if he angry at her.

Liz took a deep breath. His anger she should handle. She felt an irrational sense of relief at the fact that he may be angered with her blasé reaction to seeing him after two weeks; especially after what had nearly transpired between them at her home.

Oh, yes, his anger would be no problem for her to handle at all. It was his unsolicited affection, and unshielded desire that – for reasons unknown to her – made her completely incapable of handling herself.

She offered him a brief, sly smirk, hoping that it would anger him further.

“We were just reviewing the surveillance footage, though all feed was conveniently sabotaged while the escape was being made,” Daniel spit the words out as if they left a bitter taste in his mouth. “We’re about to review footage up to two weeks prior to the breech.”

Again, Liz nodded, waiting for the part where she came in. She wasn’t looking forward to endless ours of endless footage. She wanted to go back to her desk, and her silly paper work. She wanted to sit in her drab, quiet office with her fake plant and relish in the silence.

She wanted to think about Max, and how glad she was that he was no longer in this building. Under their control. Fighting for his life.

She wanted to pretend to not think about Max, and pretend to focus on her work.

She wanted to be anywhere, but right here, right now.

“I was hoping you and Agent Dawson could review some of the evidence discovered,” Daniel went on. “I’m afraid that after two weeks we still haven’t gotten very far,” a scowl pleated his forehead at the fact. “We could use your expertise to speed up the process.”

Dawson frowned at this, but said nothing.

Relieved that she wouldn’t have to sit in front of a dozen or more monitors, Liz nodded. However, at the same time, she wasn’t looking forward to going back to the cell. She resisted the urge to close her eyes, and fought against the image of Sampson – the man she had killed – writhing in agony from forming before her eyes anyway.

She took a deep breath, held it.

And then finally, “Yes, sir.”

<center>* * *</center>

Liz released a sigh at the fact that Pierce had been right. They hadn’t gotten very far. All they had in their disposal were fibers that that she had transferred from the storage room to the cell when she had jumped Heitzmann, DNA belonging to the four aliens, Sampson, and Heitzmann, and of course, her own DNA that had been declared inconclusive.

Inconclusive based on the fact that they were inhuman. Alien to be exact, and didn’t match that of the other four specimens. Which to them meant that there was another alien who had entered the building using shady, alien means and rescued his or her buddies.

And Liz was hoping that notion remained intact.

Hell, at the rate that Dawson was meticulously searching, Liz was certain the agent would eventually find some miniscule dirt particle that had been, at one time, attached to Liz’s shoe. And from that tiny bit of evidence, determine just how she had entered the building, which was through the garage. Which, because her blood had changed, would only determine that an “alien” had gotten inside, and hadn’t already been on the inside, so there would be no need to investigate the agents.

Which, of course, meant her ass was safe. For now.

And she intended to keep it that way, so Liz continued to do a half ass job of searching for clues as if she were the fucking Watson to Dawson’s Sherlock Holmes.

She felt a headache coming on.

And then her stomach chose that moment to grumble embarrassingly loud, causing Dawson look up from the doorknob she was dusting for prints.

Liz ducked her head and pretended to find a fiber from the ground. She plucked it up and placed it in her handy-dandy zip-lock baggy. Not at all concerned by the fact that Dawson would undoubtedly find her fingerprints on the knob, Liz tried to ignore the fact that she was hungry, again.

The baggy of carrots she had brought with her had lasted her until lunch. In a desperate search for more sustenance, she had raided her desk and found a stale box of Teddy Grahams and a brown-but-could-have-been-blue M&M. She ate both.

And was still hungry.

“I don’t know about you, but I could use a snack break.” The words were out of her mouth before Liz could stop them. Usually, she was good at preventing the first thought that fluttered behind her eyes from falling from her mouth, but her stomach had effectively cut off her brain’s control of her mouth. Liz suspected she’d become uncharacteristically verbose until her stomach’s demands were met.

Dawson’s gaze didn’t stray from the task at hand. “So, take a break.”

So, she did. Liz set aside her instruments and leaned against the wall, stretching her legs out before her. Her calves tingled from the amount of time she had been crouching, and she resisted the need to rub her muscles out of their slumber.

Dejectedly, she realized she didn’t have anything on her to put the “snack” in her snack break. As far as she knew, the wing they were currently in didn’t even have a snack machine. Which meant she was going to go hungry until she got home; Liz glance at her watch. Home wasn’t for another three hours.

Her stomach whimpered.

“There are some peanut butter crackers in my bag,” Dawson’s voice nearly startled her. “Help yourself.”

“You’re not going to eat them?” Liz ignored the anxious note in her voice; her stomach was eating her backbone. It was an intense moment.

With one hand the agent slid the black bag down the corridor towards her. It came to an abrupt halt three feet away, and Liz couldn’t scramble fast enough to get to it. “Side pocket,” Dawson instructed.

Not inside the body portion of the bag, where all her identification would be. Liz tried to tell herself that she wasn’t disappointed by the fact that she wouldn’t be able to snoop around in this agent’s personals in her mad attempt to find food. There was just something about this agent – the way she looked at her, the way she studied her. She was way too focused. And seemed way too intent on appeasing Pierce. And the look in her eye that said she knew…something. It all made Liz very uneasy.

“Thanks,” Liz stated and lifted the packet from the pocket. She immediately tore it open and popped the cracker square into her mouth.

And nearly moaned with bliss. Damn, she was starving.

Dawson’s casual comment reached her, “So, you’re sleeping with the boss.”

A chunk of peanut-y goodness came very close to becoming peanut-y badness when Liz couldn’t dislodge it from her throat. Finally, she swallowed, quite painfully and regarded Dawson through bleary eyes.

“Excuse me,” she croaked, a hand to her throat.

Dawson reached for some tape to lift the prints she had found. She offered Liz a quick glance and a smirk. “Please, it’s evident that you guys are getting it on. I see the way he looks at you.”

Liz saw it, too and stifled the shudder of revulsion. “We are not sleeping together,” she answered emphatically.

One delicately formed eyebrow raised, and Liz knew that she had been labeled as a liar, but to her relief, Dawson didn’t press the subject. And Liz ate another cracker. Her stomach was beginning to calm.

Now, if only the annoying tingling sensation in her arms would abate, as well. She wanted to use her powers just enough to calm down, and had the opportunity to do so in the privacy of her office, but the fear that it was tapped with video surveillance deterred her. It wasn’t a risk she was going to take.

So, until she could get home she’d have to tough it out.

Dawson picked the moment to speak again, “What video feed we do have confirms your showdown with that blonde alien,” she didn’t look up as she documented the prints for study. “That was very heroic of you.”

Liz hadn’t felt heroic when she’d asked Tess to use her powers against her. She had wanted to run right along with Tess and the others. To forgo the safe house and just keep driving. Because as long as they were together nothing else mattered.

She grimaced at the words that rang so close to the ones Max had spoken to her over ten years before. How naïve she had been. How naïve she still was thinking that it was a possibility.

When Liz hadn’t offered the type of response that the agent had been expecting, the woman stood, her form towering over her despite the distance that separated them. Liz swallowed another bit of cracker as she stared remotely at the agent before her, keeping her features schooled and revealing nothing.

But when Dawson only smiled, an then turned to walk away, Liz was left with the feeling that the agent had found exactly what she had been looking for.

<center>* * *</center>

They had been reviewing footage up to two weeks prior to the breech for nearly three hours. Dr. Cornwell had long since gone home, for this wasn’t his area of expertise, with the instructions to call him with any new developments.

The only personnel who remained were the security technicians, Sykes, who towered in the shadowed corner, and Pierce who paced the length of the room like a caged animal.

“Wait, go back,” an anxious voice said from in front of the monitors to his partner. “Slow it down.”

Immediately, Pierce stalked over to the men and leaned down between their seats. “What did you find?” He barked.

“We don’t know,” McQuade murmured as he rotated the dial to smooth the tracking. “Just something that looked a little suspicious…There!”

He paused the footage, revealing three individuals standing in a corridor. One was security guard Ernie Murphy, the other two were identified as maintenance crew from the security company called in to fix the camera.

“You,” Pierce’s hand curled around the back of the man’s neck like a vice. “I want documented information on that maintenance team. Now.”

Harold scrambled to his feet and darted across the room to the filing cabinet.

“You,” Pierce went on, directing his demand to McQuade, “can tell me why the hell you think a maintenance team, I hired, is so damn important to investigate.”

Obviously, he thought it was important as well, otherwise he wouldn’t have ordered information on him.

“Sir, this camera is down the hall from their location, and the only working camera on that floor at the time,” McQuade explained. “If you look at the woman, and the way she is monopolizing Murphy’s attention, it seems kind of suspicious.”

“So, she’s a whore. Who gives a flying fuck?” Pierce’s growl raised the hair on the back of McQuade’s neck.

“Of course, sir, but if I can just…” he took the initiative and zoomed in the frozen image. Slowly, the image began to dissolve little by little, taking on a pixilated effect, but McQuade stopped just before the image turned unrecognizable.

Pierce leaned down and stared hard at the image that the man obviously wanted him to study. He snarled, “Just the what in the hell am I looking at, McQuade.”

“His hand, sir,” he whispered tremulously. “He’s tampering with the wires.”

Pierce’s blood ran cold. His fingers curled into a dangerous fist as he contained himself from throwing his fist into the nearest object.

“Got you, you son of a bitch,” he whispered.

“Sir!” Harold called from somewhere behind him. “I have the names of the two – ”

Pierce seized the file out of his hands and scanned the contents. His lips curled into a sinister snarl as he read the names aloud.

“Kate Marlow. Alex Whitman.”

TBC
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