Evans' Eight - (All CC, Adult) - COMPLETED

[Tharos]

Evans’ Eight

Disclaimer: I don’t own these characters

Rating: Adult - What else did you expect?

Couples: All CC

Summery: After having to flee Roswell, the gang knows that they won’t be able to last long on the money they took with them. They settle on letting the government bankroll their lives. Oh and I’ve rewritten the history a little.

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Chapter 1

For three years times had been interesting in the small New Mexico town, although the vast majority of the population knew nothing about it. It all began in a small diner with a pair of idiots having an argument and shooting a waitress. Little did anyone know that the high school student that rushed to her aid actually healed her injury and brought her back from the brink of death. After that they were the most on and off couple in the town due to their undeniable chemistry and the constant barrage from everything else.

Tess’s history with Max was the worst of it. Her arrival caused problems but not so much as the message from Max’s birth mother that she was actually his wife. From that moment on she was intent on getting him back despite her growing attraction to Kyle once she moved into his place when Nacedo was killed. However, Max continually denied her. He couldn’t deny what was going on in his own heart and that was Liz. Max simply couldn’t accept Tess as anything but a close friend and that was the way it stayed.

It was the night of the Prom when Liz accepted her role in Max’s life. Tess had gone to find Max when she saw them talking and then as Max moved in quickly to kiss Liz. Tess knew then that Max would never kiss her like that but her eyes went wide as she watched Liz’s hand slip down and find it’s way into Max’s pants. The blonde knew what was going to happen next as the two of them disappeared. She went walking down the hall and came across Kyle. Then they spent the night together, that night she went into it with lust and desire and came away from it with feelings she didn’t expect, among them was an overwhelming need to have Kyle in her bed...well for him to be back in his bed along with her.

Two days later was the accident. Travelling along a dark road in order to visit his own girlfriend, Alex Whitman’s car went head first into an on coming truck. The explosion should have killed him, it would have if the initial impact didn’t throw him clear however it did leave him in a coma. For three weeks he was hooked up to tubes and machines in a hospital room with no sign of life what so ever. Everyday after school Isabel was by his side, reading to him, telling him about how things were around the town. She was always joined my Liz and Maria, while Max was always there for her.

Max had tried to heal him. One night, the day after Alex was admitted, Max sneaked into the hospital with Michael’s help and went to Alex’s room. The teenage alien looked down at the bruised and battered body of his friend, he rested one hand on his chest and the other on his forehead. Max closed his eyes and focused but he couldn’t form a connection, he couldn’t see anything but darkness in Alex’s mind and without that connection he couldn’t heal damage this extensive. When he told the others, he could see a little of them die but Isabel refused to accept it and spent whatever time she could by Alex’s side.

It was coming into the fourth week when Alex took a turn for the worse, the machines could keep him alive but the doctors didn’t believe there was anything left inside. They told his parent’s that much and while they weren’t even going to consider the notion, the idea of terminating life support was there. That night Tess decided to act, she didn’t have Max’s ability to completely heal but she did have something he didn’t have - to make a connection without touch, to see deeper into the mind than the others had experience with thanks to being raised by Nacedo. She crept into his room and looked into his mind, Tess looked at him, she looked through the darkness in his mind, searched on and on and knew that she would go all night if she had to. After the initial problems she was eventually made to feel welcome and now she was going to give something back.

As the hour-approached midnight Tess saw a little glimmer. A single light in the dark that was bright although fading. Tess could see all of Alex’s life in that one spark and it was all being holding onto one single image - Isabel. Her face was standing over everything, a barrier between his mind and whatever lay beyond the darkness. Tess’s gifts lay with her mind, understanding it, knowing how it works and what to do. She focused on that light, feeding her energy into it and expanding it. Tess worked to enhance that spark and turn it into a blazing, glorious light as bright was the sun. Unfortunately she couldn’t get what she wanted, but it was enough.

As her control and energy ran out she fell to the floor just as she heard him take a long and very deep breath on his own. Alex filled his lungs with much needed air, more than was being provided by the machines. Slowly she moved up and smiled, he wasn’t awake but she could see that she’d done enough for him to wake up soon. After that Max could heal him over time so that they didn’t raise suspicion. When he did wake up, he and Isabel were practically inseparable.

Everyday they were together, Alex worked like hell to catch up on his schoolwork. Eventually and quite quickly he reached his old grades and along with Isabel, graduated early. They liked having all that free time together and then several months later, much to the surprise of everyone and the impending heart attacks of their parents Alex and Isabel eloped. It was as though it was destiny that Isabel was to be married on that day, that no matter what universe, what situation or who she was with, she felt that that day was hers and she was filled beyond capacity that she was sharing it with Alex.

For the fact that they were so young and other things, their parents were pissed but they couldn’t get in the way of what their children were feeling or the fact that they knew they couldn’t do better, and so they helped. The two got a nice little apartment and waited for college to start, their decision to take a year off before going resulted in them both getting work. There was always someone looking for someone good with computers and in Roswell, Alex was by far the best for his age. Isabel hooked up with the new representative for the local Congressional seat to replace Whitaker. One reason she did it was because she wanted to keep an eye on him in case he was another skin and another was because she wanted to.

It was the end of the third year that their lives were turned completely upside down. They were discovered. A video camera left on by Diane accidentally caught Isabel using her powers, unfortunately it was at the same time a meteor reportedly crashed nearby. Everyone in the town thought it was suss, the military doesn’t get involved with space rocks and it was fairly convenient that terrorists would choose that exact same moment to be in town. Not even the teenagers suspected that it was simply Cal hitching a lift off of Earth.

However, as that happened, the military’s K-9 units picked up the alien scent and was running through town. Max and Isabel told their parents the truth just as the men with guns showed up, they bagged the camera and the secret was blown to the wrong people. It was on Graduation that Liz’s own burgeoning talents jumped to a new level and glimpsed what was going to happen. On that day a sniper was going to carry a gun into a school and take out a bunch of teenagers...so they left. They said goodbye to their parents, piled into a minibus that Valenti was able to get and they drove out of town together and disappeared, but not before Max and Liz tied the knot themselves.

Cloud 9 Motel, Dallas, Texas, 2 Months Later

There was no path to their journey, no plan. Plans meant patterns and patterns were predictable, the last thing they wanted was for someone to know where they were going next. To that end they were being as random as possible, from Roswell they went north, then darted south west, jumped up to San Francisco and then darted across to Texas. They never stayed anywhere long and what little money they drained from their bank accounts and what their parents gave them on their leaving day was running out.

They had restricted their spending, changing $1 bills to $10 and then up to $100. They changed them here and there as often as they could, they binned their credit cards for fear of them being tracked and so cash was all they had but it wasn’t going to be enough to last. Then on the night they were due to head out and leave Texas, Michael and Tess walked into the room Max and Liz had and where the others were all sitting and talking away. Maria had wondered where Michael had run off to so quickly earlier and watched as he approached Max. Michael dumped a bundle of cash in front of his leader before he and Tess sat down.

“What’s this?” Max asked

“$100,000.” Michael said

“What?” Liz asked

“I took a little trip to the bank with Tess.” Michael said

“It’s 10 at night, the bank’s clos...you stole this?” Maria asked

“Michael!” Max warned, “We talked about this.”

“Yes we did. But we’re nearly broke and that one bundle can keep the minibus on the road and get us across the border.” Michael said

“Michael, we’re not going to become criminals.” Liz said

“Oh yeah, what about the soldiers who tried to kill us? You think they wont shot us if we tell them we’ve been good little green men. They didn’t care about that before.” Michael said

“I’m with Michael guys.” Tess said, “This is about survival and despite us doing nothing they were going to kill us without a second thought.”

None of them could deny that. “You robbed a bank.” Max said

“Yes. And given the fact I could have walked out with 20 times as much I think I did pretty good. Look, it was a federal bank. Last I heard they have insurance from the government and I have no problem with them helping us live comfortably...not excessively, comfortably.” Michael said

Max and Liz looked at each other before Max reached down and picked up the big bundle of cash. Even if they didn’t want to, they knew that they wouldn’t have lasted much longer with what they had left. Michael and Tess took the step that they were afraid to do, as a result they had a chance.

“Did anyone see you?” Kyle asked

“No. That’s the best part. I fried the security system while Tess made them think they were still seeing things on the security cameras. We even walked right by them and she covered us.” Michael said

“And it hurt.” Tess said, “If we’d been in there much longer it might not have turned out so good.”

“What about the safe?” Max asked

“I...eh...well I kinda melted it.” Michael said, “I took the cash and left.”

“After which we removed any trace of us. Anything we touched, we washed with energy. No hair, no fingerprints, no skin cells...no trace.” Tess said

“When we got back into the car, Tess stopped the mindwarp and the alarm went off. They thought it had just started but we were already gone.” Michael said

“Uh, could we not get cocky here?” Isabel said, “You didn’t get caught...good thing but let’s not forget the fact you might have missed something in there.”

“We didn’t.” Tess said

“But you might have.” Isabel said

“Maybe we should leave town tonight?” Maria asked

Max looked around at the others and nodded once he saw the agreement in their eyes, “Right. Uh...I’ll be outside changing the licence plate and the minibus colour.”

“Oh wait.” Alex called out and pulled out a book, “I’ve finished with these. Ladies and gentlemen, our new IDs.” Alex handed out the driver’s licences and passports. Each one was with new names, birth dates and other details. It was the fifth time in the last couple of months that he’d done it and done a little tinkering with his laptop, hacking into one or two networks to plant the right information into them.

“Mrs Louisa Hawke.” Isabel said, “Well, it’s better than Kelly Mutt.”

“I’m never going to hear the end of that am I?” Alex asked

“No.” Isabel said before kissing her husband, “And it’s fun when you make it up to me.”

“Oh Isabel, please. We can’t exactly go to therapy anymore now can we.” Max said, “Okay...wait...Peter Peters? Who names their kid like that?”

“Your mother.” Alex said with a smile

“You and me are gonna have words.” Max said as he headed out

“Okay, time to start packing.” Kyle said, “Uh...maybe we should divide that up and burn that binding.”

“Yeah.” Maria said, “No evidence.”

“Good point.” Tess said as she removed the wrapping from around the middle of the bundle and held it in the palm of her hand as it caught fire and incinerated into ashes in less than a second.

Michael then proceeded to divide up the money equally. They knew there was every possibility that one day they could be separated, despite their best efforts it could happen so everything they had was split so that they all had a chance and that hopefully they’d meet up again. To that end, if they did have a problem, on the 25th to the 28th of each month they would have a town and a landmark to meet at, and each month it was different. Three days to meet up and head out, a narrow window but it was safer that way.

The 1st National, Salt Lake City, Utah, 3 Weeks Later

Heading across the border didn’t exactly happen the way they intended, they did go across but they couldn’t stay across for long. It eventually hit them that the military would think to look for them in Mexico, they weren’t originally that far from the border in the first place and then one day they saw someone who screamed military at them. He could have been there on vacation but they didn’t want to take the chance, bought a boat and headed up the east coast. After picking up another vehicle they headed inland.

They soon found themselves in Utah and needing more money. That boat and fuel cost them dearly and it was decided that they at least had a couple of good weeks thanks to their ill-gotten gains. By the time they reached the bank they had come to the conclusion that they weren’t hurting anyone. The money was in the vault, it was the banks and their insurance would cover it and by the time they would be walking out there would not be a single injury to the guards.

So, come one in the morning, the eight teenagers pulled up in a side street a block away. They had checked it out the day before and when they arrived the local cameras pointed to where they parked their car were all suddenly on the fritz. After that they simply walked up to the back of the bank. Each of them was on the look out, they were nervous, scared but determined as the reached the reinforced door. Michael reached out and placed his palm against the wall. Instantly the entire building’s electricity was shut off but as Isabel placed her hand next to his she used her power to maintain a continual supply to the company monitoring the alarms. Isabel built up enough of a charge in the building’s structure to last at least half an hour and that was more than enough time.

Tess unlocked the door and together they slipped inside and she locked the door again, there was no point in allowing a passing security guard to find it open. After that point on, she focused all her energy on connecting her mind to the people in the bank. For one brief second she could see through their eyes and knew what they were supposed to see and she made them see it. With all her focus on that, walking was not an option. Kyle helped her behind a desk in the corner and sheltered her there as he kept a cupboard door open. He kept a look out for her and needed somewhere to hide in a hurry if someone came.

That left the others. The remaining six walked as silently as cats down the halls, being careful not to touch anything, not even the walls. They paused and stuck to the shadows whenever a guard walked nearby and moved as fast as they could dare to the stairs to the vault. Isabel’s charge provided enough power to illuminate the little red light on the cameras and allowed them to move back and forth but no pictures were being sent to the monitors. The power wasn’t enough to carry the signal that far.

Michael and Maria stayed close to each other, they always were close to each other. Only once did their relationship hit a snag after they started sleeping together, a little reminder about her dreams from the past but it was just a little hiccup. Being on the run together had brought them even closer and the others were soon very eager to buy earplugs for sleeping. One thing about Michael and Maria, they could be exceptionally loud when they want to be and that was every night. Of course they all had very large appetites in that regard, especially the married ones but some peoples vocals often got comments from other guests at the motels they stayed at.

Right now, the two of them were both nervous and holding each other’s hands. Together the took up a position at the corner of the steps, using the domed mirror held in the corner to look around the corner. Opening the safe could be a little noisy and if anyone was going to come round that corner then he was going to temporally blind them with an intense pulse of light from his hand. It would be more than enough to incapacitate them for an hour or two.

Down the stairs, Max melted the outer surface of a patch on the safe door. Once they could see inside, he and Isabel used their powers to open the large slab of metal. Instantly they had access to all the contents, the cash, the deposit boxes and everything else. All they could do was stare at what was around them.

“Wow.” Alex said quietly

“Uh, I’m guessing we’re not going to go crazy.” Liz said

“No. We’re not being greedy. Just what we need for a while.” Max said

“Yeah, but then wont we have to do this again?” Isabel asked

Max looked around and nodded. Together they bundled up some cash, a total of half a million, more money than any of them had seen in their lives and given the fact that they were sticking to cheap motels it should last them a long time. Of course, constant spending as a result from a life on the run would drain it eventually. They grabbed the bag and as Isabel used her powers to sterilise the vault, Max did the same with the door. It was what Michael and Tess during their first little robbery - no evidence. By the time they were done there wasn’t even going to be a single speck of dust.

Soon they met back up with Michael and Maria and found them binding up a guard. He had walked in on them and as he planned, Michael blinded him just as Maria pressed her hand over his mouth to muffle his cries. Soon he was all tied up. Michael waved his hand over him and when the others came up they all headed back to the back door where they came in. Together, the four aliens combined their powers and sent a wall of blue light along the halls they travelled down and it eradicated whatever trace they left behind. Each walked out of the bank and Max relocked the door.

Upon reaching their vehicle and driving off and a nice relaxed pace, Isabel’s charge in the building ran out. In less than ten minutes the building was surrounded by police, their flashing blue and red lights illuminated the nearby structures but by that time everything was over with. Soon they were back at their motel and disguised the money by reducing the values to one-dollar bills and dividing it up among them. Salt Lake City wasn’t going to be a safe place for a while so that very night they drove out of the city and decided that Seattle might be nice this time of year.

News Report~~

“5 robberies of banks across the states has resulted in the formation of an FBI taskforce. Although no evidence has been discovered at the locations of each robbery, that fact has been determined to be the gang’s calling card. Each theft individually totalled between $100,000 and $500,000 has resulted in massive increases of security however, without knowing who is next it is difficult for some small branches to afford the increases. So far it is all completely random with no clue as where the gang will strike next...”

New York, 4 Months Later

They had arrived three months ago and each of them was scared to do it. They could always feel their enemies at their backs, always at their backs. Each knew that those that hunted them wouldn’t stop, aliens were among them and that couldn’t be allowed as far as they were concerned. However, Kyle quickly grew tired of running and that was quickly becoming the opinion of them all. They had the choice to stop, but at what cost. Standing still made them an easy target unless they planned and planned well.

They spent their time in one motel or another, moving around and looking for what they needed. They had hit four banks in locations that were near New York and one inside the city limits. Max wanted the FBI taskforce looking for them as the bank robbers to think they were continually moving before they ended up inside the city limits and set up base there. However, Max and the others were in the heart of the city living as quietly as possible until they reached their final decision.

Then one day 5 people came walking through a run down hotel near the financial heart of the city. One was a real estate agent, a woman in her 40s representing the owner of the building who was looking for someone to take over management, to build it up and do something with it. She was showing off the old place’s attributes, it may look shabby but she knew the high points to sell it on. Her prospective investors were a couple of Oriental businessman from Japan along with their advisor and a young woman who was their assistant.

In reality, that young woman was making her believe that. The businessmen were Max and Michael who were disguised by Tess’s mindwarp with Alex nearby and looking over everything to see if they could use it. He was taking notes on everything he saw but he was also there to make sure Tess didn’t strain herself too much.

“The windows on the middle floors do need a little replacing but the classic architectural designs are in high demand. There are many carved statues built into the structure’s roof at the corners that date back to the early days of the civil war.” the woman said

“Mr Wilson?” Max asked Alex

“The wiring is a little below our needs, phone lines are outdated and the plumbing needs looked at but on the whole...I think this place can work.” Alex said

“What about stability, this place is a little old?” Michael asked

“I have concerns about the 15th floor but nothing that cant be taken care of with the right money.” Alex said

Max nodded, they’d spent weeks looking for this place. Something new never seemed to last long, in the old days they built these places to last. The building was strong, it may need work but it could serve their purpose well. “Good, I think our clients will take it.”

“I’m sorry?” the woman asked

“Our clients aren’t looking to simply invest money.” Max said, “They wish to buy this hotel out right. This would be the first time they do business in the U.S and are interested in testing the waters so to speak. They see this as an excellent test. After all business is like politics, it’s the same everywhere you go.”

“But my client...”

“Please call him. Ask him how much, and from what I understand...your commission will be quite high.”

In a heartbeat she pulled out her cell phone and called her client. They four of them watched as she moved away to a corner of the room and talked into her phone. She spoke to at least 10 minutes before she held the phone away from her ear. “I’m sorry but my client isn’t wishing to sell right now. If your clients are still interested in leasing the property...”

“No, I’m afraid they’re not. Please tell your client, $99,000,000. Payable in gold, transferred immediately to his own bank upon signing over the papers.”

“Gold?” the woman asked

“My clients are a little eccentric. They prefer all large transactions like this to be done with gold.” Michael said, wondering where they were going to get the 99 million, let alone in gold.

The women nodded and spoke into the phone for a few minutes, “$120 million.” she said

Max shook his head, “The wiring, plumbing, phone systems, redoing all the floors and probably extra work on the 15th. Replacing all windows and furnishing every room including staff areas. Ninety nine.” he said as his only price, “And I suspect that the reason your client has been looking for an investor so long was because no one wants to take the risk. We are offering to take all the risk from him.”

Once more she spoke into her phone, “Can you guarantee full payment?”

“The gold is already in the country.” Michael said

“If we meet by the end of the day tomorrow for a simple transfer of the deeds we will gladly be with him to watch the gold go from our safes to his bank...or how own vaults if he prefers.” Max said

“Tomorrow? Tomorrow.” she said and then spoke to her client. “He would like one of his people to examine the gold. If it is pure then he will agree.”

“Have his lawyer draw up the papers.” Max said with confidence, “Mr Wilson will meet the person here and escort him to where it is stored.”

“In that case, if he receives a good report he will meet you at his offices...when...noon tomorrow?”

Max nodded. The real estate agent had never been apart of anything like it and was going to love telling her co-workers about it. Come 1 in the afternoon, Max and his family broke into a supplier and made off with a ton of lead in a dump truck. Heavy bricks of a soft metal that was almost identical to gold on a molecular level, they were but one proton apart. Alchemists for centuries had been working on turning lead into gold but with the powers at the disposal of Max and the others it was a simple matter of adding that single proton.

Later that day as the sun was setting, Alex kept his appointment and took the analyst to where the brand new gold was. It was a metal container in an abandoned warehouse. No one ever went there anymore except for the homeless looking for a night’s shelter but the man’s eyes saw so much more. Tess’s mindwarp overcame him the second he was close enough to her and he saw a grand building at the edge of the city near the docks. He never knew there was a bank there but he was left satisfied. The next day the papers were signed, and eight people not even out of their teenage years became the owners of a hotel a few blocks from Wall Street.

Everyone believed the true owners were Japanese, although no one ever met them. As far as anyone knew, they sent representatives to control their interests in the city. Using the vast among of money they had gained in recent months and started fixing up the building. They use contractors galore to bring the hotel to its former glory staying out of sight of all. The only time they went out was a few at a time with Tess to mask their appearance and she was always there to hide them whenever someone came with papers to sign.

In less than 6 months the hotel was open for business. It was just the way they wanted, they were in the middle of the public and if those after them wanted to try something then they would risk exposure on a massive scale. That and they installed one or two booby traps. Nothing could be attempted without a lot of collateral damage, the teenagers didn’t like it but there wasn’t much choice in keeping invaders at bay. In the meantime, they made that hotel their home.

They took the top four floors and made it their own. Each one took a corner and divided the floors equally into separate little apartments for themselves. It was fully equipped with bathrooms, kitchens, libraries and whatever else they might one day need. Even building in secret doors that concealed escape chutes that would allow them to slide down the 30 stories of building and into an abandoned and sealed subway station that just so confidently was beneath the street they were on.

They had made themselves a home that was as secure as they could make it. The press was dealt with through Isabel’s dreamwalking. She made them satisfied with what little they were able to get and made sure that no one in the city minded that there were no photographs of anyone in their little group, as far as anyone was concerned they simply liked their privacy.

In the meantime, they always got a message home. It was simple matter of putting all their letters into one envelope and adding markings that made it look like it had been posted out of some other location, a different town or city each month. Then they simply added it to the post that was going out of the city each month by sneaking into the central post office each time.

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[Tharos]

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Backroom, Local Bar, The Bronx, New York, 2 Days Later

The activities of the group got more than the attention of the police and FBI, while no one knew anything about them, not even if there was only 2 of them or sixteen, the fact they were so good and apparently came out of nowhere had those that’s business it was in criminal sense of the word a little nervous. To that end the leading people in the city came out and ended up gathered together in the most seediest and grubbiest dive and neighbourhood of the city. Normally these people who made their fortunes from criminal activities would be sticking to a higher class of restaurant for their meetings but things had changed.

“Glad you could make it Mr Provolone.”

“Mr Krosilev. Ms Chan, Mr Greenberg, Mr Shrub and Ms Longberg...I heard you had a little trouble this morning.”

“Yes, one of my business ventures burnt down today. You wouldn’t know anything about that?”

“How could I?” he asked with a smile, “I understand we all have the same problem.”

“It’s why we’re all here.” Ms Chan said

“Surveillance on all of us has been increased. I can’t take a leak without 15 reports being filed on how, when and where.” Provolone said

“Well they seem to think that one of us is sponsoring this new crew.” Greenberg said

“One of us usually is. Especially since they’ve hit a few places in town and haven’t moved on yet.” Shrub said

“So which of you is it?” Krosilev said, “And could we cut the bull. I’ve got a shipment due in and I would like this over with before then.”

“Oh really? When?” Chan asked

“You really don’t expect me to answer that?”

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Chan said

“Yes you can.” Provolone said

“That’s not what you dad said.” Chan said

“Oh yeah, when?”

“The night I fucked him. Funny, he died the next day didn’t he? Hmm, pity that. He was really good. But then too much X can be bad for someone that age.” Chan said with a smile

Provolone lost his smile, his family never told anyone that his dad overdosed on ecstasy and here was someone who did know all to easily. “You’re dead.”

“Oh come on, I did you a favour. You’re in charge now aren’t you and he was loosing money. Beside he ordered a hit on my brother, I was entitled.” Chan said

Krosilev slammed his fist into the table they were sitting around and got their attention back. “Could we stop the domestics right now. You two broke up at least 2 years ago and you’re worse now than when you were together. None of us thought that was possible. Right now, we have a problem.”

“Well, I’m not responsible for it.” Provolone said

“Neither am I.” Chan said and all the others agreed

“So if it’s not us, then we do have a problem.”

“These new players in town are really making us look bad.” Longberg said

“Then since they’re not working for any of us, no one would mind them being killed.” Provolone said

“We have to find them first.” Greenberg said, “And I’ve tried. None of my people have heard anything, not even a name.”

“Same for me.” Krosilev said, “I assume that everyone’s in the same boat?”

They all nodded, “It is a pity, if we could get our hands on them we could make a lot of money. They’re resourcefulness is quite exceptional.” Provolone said

“Yes but if we don’t kill them we’d never get rid of the increased surveillance.” Shrub said

Just then Provolone’s bodyguard came walking in and whispered in his ear. Then he started to get up a put his jacket back on.

“What?” Chan asked

“The Feds know where I am. If they find us all in here it would be bad. And I think we’ve used the friendly poker game excuse more than enough. We’ll finish this later.” Provolone said before heading out. Soon the others followed him, each taking a different route back to their own homes.

High-rise Building, Downtown Manhattan, Same Time

Across town, in the upper most office, a lone man sat and looked at a wall of television screens. Each one was filled with reports from stock markets, commodities markets, political appointments, all information in the globe was his to look through at the flick of a switch. His name was Martin Franks and he through a nice little program he wrote one day, he owned the Internet.

All information on it came through his computers before it went out into cyberspace and he could choose what goes out and what got relegated to the shadows. His existence was in those shadows, no one knew about him and he liked people thinking that no one controlled the information that appeared on their screens. Once upon a time, he gave an order and a concrete wall came tumbling down in Germany.

It was through his program that he found his destiny, a little legacy of which there was only one mention of in the entire global database and he promptly made it disappear. From that one sentence he tracked down what he needed but he couldn’t quite get his hands on it all. However, he was a very patient man, he could wait as long as he needed to. As he pressed a button and scribbled on his PDA, he watched as the FTSE and Dow went up a few points, earning his a cool million in less than a second. Then his elevator opened and his chief researcher came out.

“Mr Lyle?”

“Sir, we’ve failed to get access. We’ve tried everything, escape artists, safecrackers...the best we could find and pull out of prisons or security companies. They just can’t do it.”

“That is our 15th attempt on this Mr Lyle.”

“Yes sir, I know but the stone is very well secured.” Lyle said

“Idiots don’t even know what they have, but it is the key...the location of the others locked at the bottom of a museum. But someone does know. No one puts that kind of security for what’s in that safe. It’ll take someone very good to get in there.”

“I have heard some rumours...”

“Yes, yes, yes, this new group. They sound promising but they are amateurs. What I am looking for requires subtlety, delicateness and a pure skill. We will watch these people, let them grow a little before bringing them in.”

“You’ll need to find them first sir. How can you?”

Franks smiled, “I already have.” he said, “It was quite simple, they took what they needed. The amounts suggested that they were quite needful and on the run from something they are very afraid of. But it’s all quite simple to put it all together if you know what to look for and right now they look like they would like a little peace. I will give them that.”

“Very good sir.” Lyle said

“Mr Lyle, you have taken care of the failures correct?” Franks asked

“Yes Mr Franks, they were placed in the oil drums and your tanker will throw them over board once they are half way across the Atlantic.” Lyle said

“Good.” Franks said, “Now leave me, I have work to do.”

“Of course sir.” Lyle said as he returned to the elevator and left.

Then his intercom beeped and he pressed the button on it, “Madeline, I thought I told you to hold all calls.”

“Yes sir but...”

“But?”

“It’s your private line sir. He is holding sir.”

Franks’ head darted around and looked at the intercom, “I...eh...yes, of course.” He pressed the button that shut off the intercom and pressed a button that was situated under the tabletop of his desk and all his monitors blanked out. In the place of all the information was a silhouetted figure.

“Martin.”

“Hello sir.”

“And how is my student today?”

“Very well sir, thank you.”

“I knew you had such potential when I first found you, but you have been having some problems of late.”

“My search does not go well. I know the location of the Key Stone but my attempts to secure it have been less than fruitful.” Franks said

“Well I am sure that you will find away, however I have a favour to ask of you.”

“Anything sir.”

“Recent actions by some people in the military have caused me some problems. My people have lost track of 8 people. I would like to track them down.”

“Of course. You have the information?”

“Their names, where they were last seen. It isn’t much. Downloading it into your system now.”

“I’ve worked with less. I’m sure I will have something for you soon. Hmmm, last location Roswell, New Mexico.”

“Something Martin?”

“Just a coincidence, a report that came through my system a while back concerning that little town.” Franks said, “I will contact you as soon as I have something.”

With that the screens returned to the old configuration and displayed the information. Franks smiled, things were running through his head over and over again as his analytical mind put pieces together in his mind. He picked up his PDA and accessed every amount of data he had on Roswell, and that was everything. His screens were full of it as his eyes shinned with the light from the screens his pupils darted back and forth all through the information.

“Oh my god.” he said before he started laughing, “It’s actually all true. Well, well, well. And you have an interest in them my teacher...I need to find more...there must be something...ah, yes, here. FBI Special Unit, disbanded...well you might not be around but your records are here somewhere. I wonder what else is out there that I can use?”

The Manchester Building, 5 Month Later

Over the months everything had been set up. A little alien magic helped take the more severe construction work off their to do list. A few financial needs resulted in them taking on a robbery or five in order to pay the bills and make sure that everything was going well. Before long everything was built they way they wanted it and that left the hiring of staff, they knew they’d need a lot and Isabel & Tess made sure that they got “safe” people for them to be around. Then, not to long afterward, the bookings started coming in and the hotel started doing business.

It helped when you had someone who could hack computers to find out who was going to take a vacation to the city and another who could enter their dreams to leave a little suggestion about where to stay. It was nothing much more than a post hypnotic suggestion but it got the job done. Before long they decided on a little something else that could be useful to them. Maria always loved to sing and in that respect they opened a couple of little offices, one of which was dedicated to receive bookings for Maria’s talents.

Like with the hotel, Isabel helped to get her first gigs or they ones that they needed her to get but before long Maria was kept busy and Michael helped by keeping track of everything for her. Next to that office was Kyle’s; it was a simple matter of making sure that they got high quality employees, or at least ones where they could remove their little flaws that caused problems. As a result there were some requests coming in for the hotel chef to cater some local events and again with a little help from Isabel they just so happened to be with wealth clients. Along with the chef went Kyle along with him went several waiters and waitresses.

Tonight was one of their fund seeking jobs. Alex managed to track down several businessmen who provided some covert funding to an FBI unit that was thankfully no longer in operation. It was their hope to learn a little from what the Special Unit managed to gather in the way of hardware. Walter Manchester was one such businessman and tonight he was throwing a massive party to celebrate his successful and very hostile takeover of another company. Maria’s services were engaged as was that of Kyle’s waiting staff. They had come to the building a few times before, both saying that they wanted to look over the layout of the rooms that were being used but in truth they were looking over the location of every security camera, guard location and the exits as well as many other details as they could cram in their minds.

Maria was singing away as Kyle did his job and directed his employees around. Tess was in attendance, staying behind the bar and mixing up some cocktails and other drinks. Isabel was also there, helping her friends didn’t mean she couldn’t help herself. By the time she was done Isabel was well known as a popular model in town for store catalogues. She kept it simple, not that any pictures were actually taken of her but when someone she needed to she her, they did. It landed her several opportunities, all of which she refused. They may have been hiding in plain sight but the last thing she wanted was for someone in the military units looking for them to see her picture in some magazine. At the very least it made her a desirable guest at parties.

Outside, in a room across the street, Alex sat in a room with his laptop and pressing away at the keys with Max and Michael on the roof above the party. Liz was also there, walking around the block and checking everything out as she made sure nothing happened to their getaway car. All worked together smoothly in order to get things done, however Alex wasn’t being as successful as he usually was and pressed his earpiece that allowed them all to speak and hear each other – just a little something that they had picked up on Ebay and tinkered with.

“Okay, everyone. I have their security cameras on a loop, but I can’t get through the doors.” Alex said

“What will that do to us?” Max said through his communications unit

“Well we can’t exact melt the locks. A party like this, someone will see. We’ll need a security key card.” Alex said

Isabel closed her eyes as she help up a champagne glass to her mouth; a second of a glow and the alcohol was gone. “I guess that’s my job then.” She said with a whisper as she watched Maria sing softly to the music

“Yeah. Sorry Honey.” Alex said

Isabel looked around the room and spotted someone suitable, a young vice president of Manchester’s company and by the look of his eyes he didn’t get out to play much. She looked at Kyle and nodded before putting down her glass.

“She’s got someone.” Kyle said quietly and watched as Isabel moved over to her mark.

Isabel moved over to a table with snacks on it, where he was standing and then she put on a seductive smile. “Hi. I’m Alyssa.”

“Frank…wait, I know your face from somewhere.”

“I’m a model.” Isabel said, making sure she showed some cleavage. “What about you?”

“Junior Vice President.”

“Hmm, not a bad job for someone your age.” Isabel said flirtatiously before she reached out and brushed his hand. There was a little charge of energy from her into him and instantly he wanted her more than he already did, a woman looking like she did coming on to him, he would have been a fool to pass it up. “Do you want to go somewhere?”

“Seriously?” he asked

Isabel nodded as she took his hand and led him away. Kyle smiled, “Hook, line and sinker.” He said

A Closet Down the Hall…

Isabel pulled him into a nearby closet, she never kissed these people but his lips were on her neck as his hands moved over her. It made her sick to her stomach but it would only last a few more seconds as she reached to the back of his neck and pressed on his spine. There was a little spark of energy and it acted quite well as an off switch. She overloaded his brain and he was knocked out in less time than it took for his heart to beat. Quickly she searched him and found his wallet along with his pass card that let him open the doors in the building.

She slipped the card into her purse and then placed her palm over his forehead. Her hand glowed as she accessed his memories and then she smiled, this part she did like. “You just had the most incredible screw of your life, you just don’t know who with. You’ll go out, try to find someone as great as what you just had and relax…oh and forget about work for a while, find a nice lady, settle down and have some kids.”

Isabel then left the sleeping man, sorted her appearance and walked out of the room, “At least one of us can have a normal life like that.” She said solemnly.

Back in the Party…

Isabel came in, the card securely in her palm as she walked up to the bar. She ordered a drink from Tess and as she reached out to pick it up Tess swiped her drying rag over the counter, she covered the card in the blink of an eye she swept it down into her own hand. She prepared more drinks, one of which went to a table near Kyle and as he took the tray from the waitress he palmed the card.

At the same time, Isabel was making her departure saying that she had an early job in the morning. She left and made her way to the elevator as she wished everyone luck and before long she was in her car driving away. When she was gone it was safe for Kyle to make his move. Through the mass of people, Kyle slipped out without being noticed thanks in part to Tess’s talents. He was able to use the card to unlock a secured door, go in and open a window just a crack before he left and returned to the party but left the card on the table. As far as anyone was aware he left to go to the bathroom and his 2-minute absence was the end of his role.

He stayed only to maintain his role and that was a job he licked doing, it wasn’t everyday that he got to boss people around. It was the same for Maria who continued to sink and rest when the opportunity raised itself. Tess only remained for another 5 minutes after which a waitress, another blonde around the same height and similar appearance, replaced her. A mindwarp made sure that she thought she’d been manning the bar all night. Before long, both Tess and Isabel were will Alex across the street.

After they were gone, Michael and Max made their move. They had been waiting above the window Kyle opened, they had climbed down ropes that they hung down from the side of the impressively tall building and climbed down to the window. They pushed it open with their powers, making sure that they touched nothing as they climbed inside. Once there, secure in the knowledge that the cameras weren’t seeing them, they picked up the access card Kyle left and slipped out of the room. They studied the building plan; they knew the main office was right across the hall from the one they entered. However, the junior VP didn’t have access to this room, only Manchester did and they weren’t likely to get a hold of his card.

Max waved his hand over the lock and then over the card. He inserted it and the lock opened easily, both headed inside as fast as they could. Michael stayed by the door, ready just in case their host decided to come to his office. It left Max searching for the safe but that didn’t take long; it actually took longer to open the safe than to find it.

“Why is it always behind the self portraits?” Max whispered

“Max, shhh.” Michael said

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Max said as he used his powers on the safe door. His hand stayed an inch from the metal surface as he melted his way through the thick door. “Ooh.”

“What?” Michael asked as he looked over and saw the contents, “Double ooh. That is a really big diamond.”

“What’s a guy like this keeping a diamond like that in an office safe?” Max asked as he grabbed the bundles of cash.

“Loosing it now that we’re here.” Michael said

“Michael.” Max warned, “We can’t sell this thing.”

“We can if we break it up into lots of smaller stones.” Michael said

“Good point.” Max said as he slipped it into his pocket.

The two of them left the files in the safe, they didn’t have any interest in them but they managed to drain whatever currency he kept in the office. Max sealed the safe and covered it once more. Everything was dumped into a backpack and he tossed it to Michael who put it on his back. By opening the door open just a crack they made sure the way was clear and both darted across to the other office. Michael held the access card in his hand and focused on it, the plastic started to shrivel up and melt until it was nothing but a crumpled little ball that he dropped out of the high up window. It fell through the air and landed perfectly through a street drain.

“3 points.” Michael said

“Show off.” Max said

Both climbed out of the window and closed it, together the climbed down the side of the building and into an alley. At that time of night there were very few people on the streets and they were able to slip away. Together they met up with Alex, Isabel and Tess who were already packing up. Now that Max and Michael were out, Alex returned the security cameras to normal and before long they were all in their vehicle and heading back to their hotel.

1 Hour Later...

The party was still going on when the robbery was discovered. It was expected, it had happened before when they targeted events like this. As a result, Maria and Kyle were stuck in with the patrons when the alarm was raised. Neither of them could exactly leave, they were there for the duration of the party as part of their cover and they couldn’t leave without a lot of questions being raised.

As a result, when the police were called, along came an FBI agent who was apart of the taskforce. He checked out every high profile theft that had the profile of the group and had the distinct problem of their being a lack of evidence.

“Agent Kendal. Good to see you again.” Maria said

“Melissa Deltorro, you at another of these things?” Kendal said

“Will I am the best entertainment in town...short of celebrities and hookers, which I am neither.” Maria said

“That you are and I bet that boyfriend of yours is thankful about the hooker part. He hasn’t proposed yet?”

“Marcus, hell no. So how about you let me go this time?” Maria asked

“How about us both.” Kyle said

“Mr Bent. Why am I not surprised?”

“Because people pay for what’s really good and my people are really good at waiting on these people.” Kyle said

“You both know I can’t let you go.”

“Oh come on. You’ve investigated us. You did it the first time.” Maria said

“Then the second.” Kyle said

“And then you got really suspicious at number three and went all out. We’re onto number 6. We’re really nice people and not involved.” Maria said

“That and there have been at least another 3 robberies that we haven’t been at.” Kyle said

“Well, yes but there are still some people who think you do know something.”

“Hey, you’ve gone through us and our families and everyone that works for us. You do know that you’re the only one ever to step foot in our homes. We like our privacy...well at least you asked nicely. Someone else would probably have gone and got a warrant first.” Maria said

“That’s because I am a nice guy. Okay, well how about I take your statements first. I get confirmation from people here that you were all where you said you were and then I let you go.”

“Fair enough.” Kyle said

To Be Continued...

[Tharos]

Chapter 2

The Hotel, New York, Midnight

In their library, Alex sat working on his computer with everyone around him as they waited for Maria and Kyle to come home. They knew they would probably be the last ones to come back from their latest job, it happened from time to time but it didn’t stop Michael and Tess from worrying. Each of them would often check their watch as they looked at the bank of monitors that Alex had hooked up to security cameras that surrounded the hotel; they always kept a lookout for their lovers.

“Okay…done.” Alex said, “It took me a few months but it is finally done. I’ve got dirt on politicians, military generals, FBI, NSA, CIA…I’ve got things from hiring hookers, covered up deaths, black projects, illegal arms sales…everything I could find. I’ve got enough dirt to bring down the government 5 times over.”

“You know, I don’t get how people can get to that level of power and be so stupid?” Michael asked

“Just because they got that far doesn’t mean they stop being morons.” Alex said, “Anyway, I’ve focused on people connected in one way or another to the Special Unit. Everything from morally questionable to out right illegal, which most of this is, is now on 15 random servers around the planet. Each day at 9:00 in the morning and at night, one of us has to enter the code or it’ll all be emailed to every newspaper and news program throughout the planet.”

“A dead-man’s switch.” Max said

“Exactly.” Alex said, “Oh, and I put our story out there as well. If we don’t put in the code then it’s a safe bet that there is a very good reason for it. We wont be too worried about people knowing about us at that point but I have a feeling that if the people knew there would be a little bit of an outcry.”

“If they don’t twist it all around.” Liz said

“No, there’s too much here for them to try that.” Alex said

“Try what?” Maria asked as she and Kyle came into the room

“We’ll tell you later.” Isabel said, “How’d it go?”

“Same as usual.” Kyle said

“So we can expect some company in the morning then?” Max said

“Possibly. You never know they might leave us alone this time.”

“They better. Tomorrow is not a day I’m willing to play around with.” Liz said

“I never liked taking that risk. Letting the Feds in here was a bad idea.” Max said

“It would have raised too much suspicion if we didn’t.” Michael said, “It’s not like they’ve got anything to compare it to us. And if our plan works, they’ll never look at us again.”

“Well, at the very least you all did very well tonight.” Liz said as she brought over a bottle of wine that had been stripped of alcohol. She poured out eight glasses of the red liquid and they all held up their glasses, “Too our last ever, unofficial, job.”

“Here, here.” Max said and all drank.

“Thank god we don’t have to break into anymore places.” Isabel said

“Yeah, as of tonight we’ve got enough money to spend on a nice little plot of land we can escape to if we ever need to run again without anyone noticing a drop in our bank accounts.” Kyle said

“This is going to be weird. I kinda got used to being nefarious.” Michael said

“I’m sure the press will continue to call you that Michael.” Tess said

“Really? You promise?” Michael asked

Everyone smiled and shook their head, “At least from now on all we have to do is worry about being discovered as aliens again, not as master thieves of the 21st century.”

“Lets know go overboard with the ego.” Max said

“How is the hotel doing this month anyway?” Michael asked

“We’re making a sizable profit.” Alex said, “More than enough to keep us comfortable and secure.”

“Well that deserves another drink doesn’t it?” Michael asked

Liz promptly poured out more of the wine, which without the alcohol was effectively grape juice. Each spent another hour celebrating that their life of crime was over as far as they were concerned. They had stashed the money, and the rather sizable diamond, that they had acquired in a hiding place that could only be opened with the hand of an alien. Before long they all headed off to bed and quickly fell asleep, this evening’s antics had exhausted them.

Crashdown, Roswell, 08:00 The Next Morning

In their hometown, things were proceeding normally but not for the parents of the teenagers who all but vanished. Things just weren’t right for them anymore and there was nothing that they could do about it, their day to day tasks, their jobs and everything around them just seemed so meaningless that each of them considered packing it all up and go in search of their absent family members. The only thing that stopped them was knowing that they were okay.

The way they found that out was that once a month they received letters. The army was quietly screening their mail was it was going through. Anything that looked like a letter or a card opened and resealed once they were satisfied that it wasn’t from the aliens. However, Max knew how to get things through. His father regularly bought DVDs over the Internet and that was their way in. They packed their letters to their parents inside the DVD case, wrapped it up in a suitable posting envelope and sent it out with the correct markings to make it look like it came from the right places. Another month had passed and Philip received another package. He and Diane had become frequent visitors at the Crashdown along with Alex’s parents, Amy and Valenti. Each gathered together every week and just be with each other. They were the only ones who knew the truth and they were the only ones they could each speak with. It was probably one of the few comforts they had left. Max and Isabel’s parents came into the Crash after slipping the DVD into his jacket. He often swept for bugs in his home and found several cameras that often found their way back but he’d learned to be very careful.

The Crash was another place that had a bug problem but exterminators couldn’t help with this. It was just something they learned to live with and often managed to remove many, watching TV helped them come up with one or two counter measures like turning on the shower, putting music up loud and switching on the microwave. It was enough to cause a little interference. However, it still pissed them off and swore that if they ever found a soldier in plain clothes keeping an eye on them, they’d make him pay. When Philip and Diane entered, he nodded to Jeff indicating that he’d received more letters. It was before many people would come into the café except for people coming in for early morning coffee. It gave them all a chance to sit down and read their letters before they held them over the flames of the Crash’s gas powered hob. Each time they read the letters there was a pain inside them that it was causing it, it was simply about their days minus their extra curricular activities but it caused pain because they weren’t hearing about it from the lips of their children.

“At least they’re safe.” Jeff said

“They should be home with us.” Nancy said

“I’d rather have them out there alive than being here and constantly spied on…or worse.” Charles said

“There has to be something we can do about this?” Amy said, “It’s been one year since they left.”

“I know. But if we do anything to try and get at these bastards…it could expose the kids and cause dozens of crazies to go after them.” Philip said

“I want my daughter back home Philip.” Amy said

“So do I Amy. If I knew of a way, I’d take it. As it is half the tourists that come in this place could be exactly who we’re looking for and we’d never know it.” Philip said

“Out there somewhere there is a general who ordered our kids to be shot and put them on the run. If I ever meet him…” Nancy said but left it trailing

“They probably didn’t even bother investigating. Saw something that scared them and out came the guns.” Jeff said shaking his head.

“If they had just even tried, they could have still been here.” Diane said

“I know.” Philip said as he took his wife’s hand. Before long and before anyone came in, each letter was burned in fire until the ashes that were left were only tiny and crumpled shard of paper that couldn’t be used by anyone that might be going through their trash to the location of the aliens.

Max and Liz’s Bedroom, Upper Floor Apartments, The Hotel, Same Time

Living a life of luxury was never their intent or what they wanted in case they had to leave in a hurry, but they made sure they gave off the appearance of wealth to anyone that came into their home as to not raise suspicions. To that end, they treated themselves from time to time and one day Max changed the linen on the bed he shared with Liz into the purest white silk that was unnaturally soft and inviting. Liz loved sleeping in that bed, or any other so long as Max was there with her but the fact that the silk sheets were made by him added something more. Today, it was a very special day for the young husband and wife. She slept with her arm across his chest, his hand was resting on her upper arm and gently caressing her up and down in small circles. He was completely unaware he was doing it as he watched her sleep but soon enough she woke up. Liz looked up into his eyes and smiled brightly despite being a little groggy.

“Good morning.” Liz said

“Morning.” Max said as he leaned down and kissed her forehead, “And happy anniversary.”

Liz’s smile increased as she snuggled into her soul mate, “It is isn’t it. One year today.”

“First year of many.” Max said

“Very, very many.” Liz said, “And as it is our anniversary, I have a very special present for you tonight.”

“Oh?” Max asked

Liz reached under the silken sheet and wrapped her hand around Max’s morning hard-on, “Something tells me you want to open your present right now.”

“You know me.” Max said

“Uh huh, you bet I do.” Liz said as she moved her head closer to Max’s and the two kissed as Max eased his wife onto her back. She wrapped her arms around him as his hands glided up her side and up to her breast. Liz could feel his erection pressing into her thigh. Max reached in between her thighs and found her wet, she’d been having some very pleasant dreams during the night and was eager to have her husband back inside her, to have their bodies moving and writhing together as they brought each other intense pleasure as they always did.

“Make love to me Max.” Liz quietly begged

“I love you so much Liz. Have a very happy anniversary.” Max stated as he parted her legs and moved between them.

As Liz ran her hand over Max’s chest, “You too my love.” She said as her free hand reached down to hold Max’s hard length and positioned at her slit. Max silently asked the question with a look and Liz nodded. They never lost eye contact as Max slowly pushed his cock into Liz.

“God Liz, your so…tight.” Max gasped, he could and never would get over the exquisite sensations he felt every time he slid his penis into his lover.

“Please Max.” Liz begged, eager for more and more

Max slowly pulled out and quickly thrust back in hard, pushing his cock in an inch at a time and burying his dick deep within his love. Liz moaned deeply and smiled warmly as Max remained still as they both moved their hands and caressed each other’s bodies. Max used one hand to caress the side of her face with his fingers and as he moved them over to her lips she playfully nipped at them with her teeth before sucking one finger into her mouth. Liz felt a warm glow fill her body and felt it intensify as Max gently began to move inside her.

“Max…” Liz gasped as she began to move her hips in time with Max’s

“Li…Liz…you feel so good.” Max groaned as he began to take long strokes

Liz lifted her legs up and moved them behind his muscular thighs, caressing his skin with her feet; her hands were on his head as their bodies glided against each other. Liz’s breasts were crushed against Max’s hard chest, her nipples scrapped against his as they made love. They tried not to break their eye contact but as the pleasure wracked through their bodies, sometimes they just had to close them and gasp loudly.

“Yes…oh god…MAX…YESSS.” Liz cried out as her body became coated with a fine layer of sweat.

“Uh…Ugh…Ughhhh…oh god Liz.” Max groaned before capturing her lips with his

Their kiss was frenzied, just like the movement of their hands as they explored each other. Liz was screaming into his mouth, her hips rocked back and forth as Max thrust into her. Over and over again, the lovers glided their bodies together and loved the sensation of full body contact. It made them want more and more, again and again. They thrust together, grinding and moaning as they poured their love for each other into their carnal activities. Both arched their backs, pressing themselves against each other.

“YES…GOD…YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS...” Liz screamed

“LIZZZZZZZZZZZ.” Max called out and shot his semen deep into Liz’s womb.

The lover’s collapsed back down onto the bed. Liz’s legs were like jelly and limply splayed out to the sides of Max. Slowly Max withdrew of cock from Liz and rolled over beside her, he wanted to remove his weight from her and make her as comfortable as possible. Liz rolled over and rested her head on Max’s chest, he used his powers to lift the sheet up over their bodies and it was that way that they remained for a while before they decided to get the day started.

Main Lounge, 09:00

While each of the couples had their own apartments with separate rooms, there were some that were shared when they wanted to spend time together and that happened quite often. They liked spending time together as it gave them all a sense of security especially since they had to stay away from the rest of their family in case they were still being watched. They didn’t want to be the ones to bring harm to their parents. Max and Liz soon came out of their bedroom wearing long silk robes as they sought out the kitchen for breakfast. This morning they were being very expressive of their love for each other as they constantly kissed and touched each other. It was when they were passing through the lounge that they all shared when they spotted Alex sleeping on the couch with his arm hanging off and touching the floor. It may have been the comfiest couch in the whole building but he definitely didn’t belong there so they both moved over.

“Alex.” Liz whispered as she prodded him with her finger but got no response so with a loud voice out came, “ALEX!”

Alex’s eyes shot open and he darted up, “WHAT…EH…OH…oh, guys don’t do that. You scared the crap out of me.”

“Yeah well, you were pretty much fast asleep.”

“And speaking of being asleep, what’s wrong with your bed?”

“Hmm? Oh, uh Isabel’s there.”

“Yes, you’re wife. Who I might add you eloped with and got hitched without telling your friends and her brother.” Max said

“You’re never gonna forgive us for that are you?” Alex asked

“Maybe in our next lifetime…ah, who am I kidding? You’re right, never.” Max said, “So what’s going on?”

“You two aren’t having problems are you?” Liz asked

“I don’t know what’s going on but when we’re alone…Isabel’s been a little moody.”

“Moody?” Max asked

“That’s the only way I can put it. For about a week or two now, one minute she’s Isabel and the next…”

“Christmas Nazi?” Liz asked

“One ready to rip my head off and painfully stitch it back on up side down.” Alex said

“Did she kick you out?” Max asked

“No, I thought I’d just give her some space last night. She was being a little snappy.” Alex said

“Uh huh.” Max said

“Hey, this is me…believe me, your sister is being weird.”

“Maybe the girls and I should have a little chat with her.” Liz suggested.

“Could be a good idea but…”

“Nah, trust me we’ll get it out of her, at the very least we’ll get her to talk to you.” Liz said to Alex

“Good.” Alex said, “Of course it sucks that she can’t talk to me about it in the first place.”

“Maybe she just needed time.” Max said, “But leave it to those three, they’ll get it out of her.”

“Now you, go shower.” Liz said to Alex, “We’ll make breakfast. How do you want your eggs?”

“Uh, boiled. Yeah, boiled with a nice runny yoke and toast so that I can dunk into it.” Alex said, licking his lips. Alex soon disappeared to his bathroom for his shower as Max and Liz disappeared into the kitchen. Together they mixed up enough food for everyone and eventually the smell drew in their extended family.

Private Swimming Pool, Top Floor of the Hotel, 09:50

A little later, the girls got their bathing suits and headed up to the roof for their usual early morning swim. One of the upgrades they made to the hotel was to enclose the roof under a massive glass pyramid; they never saw any sense in letting the bad guys have easy access if they ever found their location. Inside they built their own swimming pool, the one for the ever-growing clientele was on a lower floor but this one was solely for the use of the hotel owners. This morning the guys were spending just laying around and watching television at least for a little while before they got on with their day. After having a successful night, they wanted to spend a little time relaxing so that they could put their illegal life behind them and settle down into just hiding from the men with big guns who’d take them to the men in white lab coats. It left the girls enjoying their swim, gliding through the water up and down the length of the pool.

They spent a lot of time enjoying the feel of the water around their bodies before they decided to take a little break. Soon they were simply sitting on the edge of the pool with their feet dangling in the water. Liz had talked to Maria and Tess but as they looked over to Isabel, they could see she was a million miles away as she stared blankly into the waters beneath her. They had seen that look a couple of times before in the last week or so bit but just put it down to other reasons, none of them had any idea there was anything wrong until Liz spoke with Alex earlier.

“So, Isabel, how’s married life.” Maria asked

“Fine…fine.” Isabel said, not really registering the question.

“And the modelling job?” Maria asked

“Fine.”

“You know, I’d love to do that. I bet Michael would really get off on me modelling some underwear for him.”

“Fine.” Isabel said blankly again

“Did I mention he screwed me in your bed?” Maria said

“Hmmm.” Isabel mulled

“And that he wore some of your dresses.” Maria said, “Also that he ate the sun before putting a thousand ants down his pants?”

“Hmm, wait…what?” Isabel asked

“Yeah, Earth to Isabel.” Tess said, “What planet were you on?”

“Isabel, is everything okay?” Liz asked

“Yeah, it’s fine.” Isabel said

“Come on Isabel, it’s us. Alex said something’s been bothering you for a while now.”

“I…eh, it’s…” Isabel paused and took a deep breath as she closed her eyes.

The three other girls moved over to her and each sat next to her, “You know you can tell us.” Tess said

“Is it Alex?” Maria asked, “Not that I can see that given that he’s completely devoted to you.”

“It’s not Alex…well it is and it isn’t. Something’s happened, and it’s got me a little nervous.” Isabel said

“Should you talk to Alex about this?”

“Oh yeah.” Isabel said, “But I…I don’t think he’ll react well, actually I don’t know how he’ll react. I mean I’m like this and I’m the one…”

“The one what?” Liz asked

“The one whose…” Isabel said but stopped dead and looked at her friends before looking down

“Isabel, look at me?” Liz said and she did, “Go and talk to Alex.”

Isabel smiled, looked around for her robe and when she found it she picked it up before heading toward the stairs that lead back into the apartments.

...
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[Tharos]

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Lounge, Alex and Isabel’s Apartment, 10:30

Isabel found Alex in their private lounge where they had both spent many nights just sitting in each other’s arms and staring at the open fire before them. Alex was in their now, just sitting there and mulling over everything when Isabel walked in with her robe hanging open to expose her swimwear beneath as she dried her hair with a towel. She’d looked in a number of rooms searching for her husband but when she found him she dropped her towel and sat next to him.

“Hey.” Isabel said

“Hey, are you okay?” Alex asked

“I am…kind of.” Isabel said, “Alex, listen I’m sorry about the way I’ve been around you lately. It wasn’t you, I love you more than anything.”

“I love you too.” Alex said as he held her hand, “So, what’s wrong?”

“I just didn’t know how to react so I’ve been a little…”

“Moody?” Alex asked

“Not moody…just scared.” Isabel said, “A lot scared.”

“Why?”

“I…am pregnant.”

Alex blinked and gulped hard, “Did you just say…?” Isabel nodded and he smiled widely, “Well that’s great…isn’t it?”.

“Before we were on the run, yes. But now, what if they get their hands on our baby. If we have to run again or gets hurt, if I end up in hospital and its born with something obviously alien. What if it’s at school one day and blows up a wall or something? Living in a fortress.” Isabel ranted on going through every one of her fears.

Alex moved closer and wrapped her up in a reassuring hug, “Hey, hey, hey. It’ll be okay. We’ll find our way through this, together.” Alex said as he cupped the side of her face, “And if anyone tries to hurt our baby then I will make them wish they were dead, you know Michael, Max and Kyle could do a things a thousand time worse if anyone would try.”

Isabel melted into his arms and sighed deeply, “And there’s a good chance of a New York accent.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Alex asked

“Nothing, I’m just saying.” Isabel said causing Alex to chuckle slightly

“Are you sure you are? I mean it’s not like you can go to a doctor?” Alex asked

“I felt it happen. Last Monday, when your condom tore.”

“Yeah, I thought it might have been then since we always use them. But you felt it?”

“I can’t explain it, I just felt it happen. A sense of life inside me that wasn’t there before we made love.” Isabel said

“Isabel, why didn’t you tell me? You know that starting a family was something we both wanted if it was possible.” Alex said

“That was before we left Roswell. Things are very different for us now.” Isabel said

“I know. But so long as we’re together, all that doesn’t matter. Like you said, we’ve built this place to be a fortress. We’re safe in here and if someone tries to get in, there is enough escape points around this place to get us out before they even get through the roof.” Alex said

“Down a slide that takes us into the sewers. Hardly a place to go when you’re pregnant or take a small child.”

“Ah, not the sewers. An abandoned subway station, no one’s gonna know about that until we’re out of the city. It may not be, well any sense of the word healthy but it’ll be enough.” Alex said before he kissed his wife, “Now, are we okay?” Isabel nodded and leaned against Alex as he sat back on their couch, their thoughts drifted to the unborn child growing in Isabel’s womb. More than a few times their minds had linked, Isabel had bonded her mind to his without realising she had done it but it only made them closer. They could feel each other forming together inside her and it made them happy; all of her fears, their fears, they could and would deal with them if the situation presented themselves.

“We’re going to need a nursery.” Alex said

“Yeah.” Isabel said

FBI New York Field Office, Noon

In the main office of the FBI in New York, the task force had set up their operations for tracking down the perpetrators they were looking for. They had a massive stack of files on each robbery along with files on everyone in the country that had the skill to pull off each one. Unfortunately they had files on them because they were already caught and thrown behind bars. The ones that were out for whatever reasons were nowhere the locations at the time of the robberies. Agent Kendal was sitting at the long desk, looking through every one of their case notes as he and the other agents looked for a clue that would point them anywhere.

“Whose turn is it to get lunch?”

“Mitchell I think, why?” Kendal said

“Where is he?” Agent Elliot asked

“On his way to the deli place. Call him, tell him to pick me up a muffin as well as my usual order could you? Choc chip, no double choc chip.” Elliot said

“Okay.” Kendal said as he texted Mitchell with their superior agent’s order.

“Good, now where are we?”

“I hear Melissa Deltorro and Neil Bent were at that party last night working. As was that model…eh…Alyssa Judge.” One agent said

“Kendal? What about this?”

“They were there. Young Mrs Judge left between 30 minutes to one hour before we believe the robbery occurred. It was discovered close to 2 hours after that. Ms Deltorro and Mr Bent were both in plain view of everyone in that room the whole time. According to statements, Mr Bent left to take a leak but he was gone no more than five minutes.” Kendal said

“So you don’t thing they were involved?”

“It’s hard to see them doing it. They’re hotel is really taking off, the have no immediate need for money and are pretty well off. Unless they’re doing this for cheap thrills, I just can’t figure them being complicate.” Kendal said

“Give me the stories of these guys.”

“Uh, okay. Might as well start at the top, Jason Roberts and his sister Alyssa. They’re parents started a company in Japan with some friends, quickly made a lot of money and they knew how to use it and make more. Roughly a year and a half ago their parents were killed in a car accident and didn’t take it too well. They didn’t want to stay in Japan so they signed over their company to their parent’s partners and used that money to buy their hotel. Jason married a girl he was involved with a year ago, her name is Sharon Applegate, they met 4 years ago when her father started working for the company. Then there is David Judge, husband of Alyssa. Apparently they eloped, he is a computer expert but he wont go as far as saying he’s a genius with them.”

“And the other four?”

“Uh, Marcus Ford, best friend of Jason Roberts. He came along for the ride, the son of one of the business partners and came along with Melissa Deltorro. They met a while ago while she was backpacking across Asia. Tracey Thomson, former girlfriend of Jason, broke up amicably years ago, another business connection. She came along because she wanted to see the old country, she was born in the US but hasn’t actually any memory of here. Along with her came Neil Bent who was also on vacation when they met. Each of them is close, almost like family and customs documents supports their claim of when they arrived in the country.”

“What about their fingerprints, anything on that?”

“We haven’t taken their fingerprints.” Kendal said

“Why not?”

“Because, thanks to the press saying that we have been unable to find any trace their lawyers say we have no reason to request it. Nothing to compare it to from the scenes of the crimes. Lawyers, go figure. Anyway, there isn’t a judge who’d sign an order to force them to do it given everything. I’ve already tried and them being there a few times at the New York hits could simply be coincidence. Deltorro is a popular singer and Bent’s staff for waiting on people are among the best in town for parties like this. Every search we’ve done of their residence as turned up nothing, granted they could hide 20 tons of gold in the building and we’d never find it but Judge Henry is getting tired of signing search warrants for that hotel that continually turn up nothing. Honestly, I don’t think it’s them.”

“I see. Okay, this is a dead end for now. Right now we’ve got better leads and they’re becoming a waste of manpower. Who’s next?”

“Let’s see, Ms Chan. No first name on file. Believed to have connections to the Chinese Triad but she swears she’s never heard of them…” The agents continued to talk, ate their lunch when it arrived and went through their files to look for some link that would spark their synapses into action. It was getting tiresome looking for these people, no one was that good, no matter how quickly the move or cautious the person it was impossible not to leave so much as a skin cell behind, or even a hair yet these people managed it every single time. More than a few of the taskforce began to doubt whether they would ever catch them.

Dinning Room, 25th Floor, The Hotel, 18:30

The 25th floor, the hotel’s public dinning area for the guests looked out over the city and across Central Park. Max and the others always kept a table in reserve that was just for them, however they rarely used it. Only on occasions like a birthday or like tonight an anniversary did the group ever come down. As much as Max and Liz would have loved to have their parents there, they were more than happy that they had the rest of their family there. They all came down into the dinning room, Tess had made all of the arrangements and as they arrived there was already a large cake in the centre of the table. It wasn’t exactly a low profile but it wasn’t like anyone was going to take a picture. Isabel saw to that. However, there was a photographer there who was not affected. The four couples wanted to remember and look fondly back, having a photo album would help and so Isabel often arranged for someone who’d hand over the photos without any question of them ever landing in someone else’s hands.

Each had always gotten a preview of the night’s menu and pre-ordered what they wanted to eat. Each was having a great time and it was always times like this that helped relax them. Before long they were all reminiscing and talking away about their last three years in Roswell. Not that they ever mentioned the town’s name but they didn’t need to. They were all having a great time in honouring the end of Max and Liz’s first year of marriage. Soon Max stood up and brought his present out for Liz, he presented her with a gold necklace with a single diamond. It was nothing too lavish but it was from the heart. Liz had brought Max a watch, but not just any watch, it was one that was identical to the one his father owned and he instantly loved it. It may not have been the real one but it was a welcome reminder of fond memories. It was half way through the evening when Alex stood up.

“Well, you two, who would have thought that you would have actually made it this far…” Alex said

“Uh, we did.” Tess said

“Yeah, us too.” Michael said

“Uh…yeah, okay me too.” Alex said, “But you did and we’re all happy. Of course, there are a few people present who prefer…oh how should I put it…to live in sin?” Maria, Michael, Tess and Kyle all smiled, “Well sooner or later you’ll come around. After all it’s fun. Now, Max and Liz, here’s to another year…and plenty more after that.”

“Here, here.” Maria said

“Max and Liz.” They all said together, of course Tess made a little mindwarp to make sure no one heard their true names.

“And while we’re on the subject of it being fun. Isabel and I have something to tell you all.” Alex said

“Oh?” Max asked

“Well, you see the thing of it is, I…that is we are going to have a baby.” Isabel said

Everyone looked around at each other as they all waited for the punch line to the joke but as they looked at Alex and Isabel as they held each other’s hands they knew that it wasn’t. “Oh my god.” Liz said as she moved up and hugged her sister in-law before moving on to Alex. “Congratulations.”

“Damn man, this is a surprise.” Max said as he shook his hand and kissed his sisters forehead before hugging her.

“You’re telling me.” Alex and Isabel said together before smiling. Just as quickly the other were all hugging and congratulating.

“How long? I mean are you sure?” Maria asked with surprise and shock in her eyes

“We’re sure and it’s over a week now.” Isabel said

“And this was the cause of all the moodiness?” Tess asked

“Yip.” Alex said

“Not moodiness, just…” Isabel said

“Scared. I know honey.” Alex said

“I didn’t even think this would have been possible?” Kyle said

“Oh it’s possible. “We are after all half hu…well 50/50.” Tess said

“Actually I was told that it wasn’t possible.” Liz said, “By, em…Future M.”

“Maybe he wasn’t talking biology.” Max said, “We…well they were supposed to be on the run like us but maybe things were so different that they didn’t want to risk it.”

“Either way, this is great news you guys.” Tess said

“Incredible news.” Michael said, “But…well…”

“Relax Michael you won’t be roped into baby sitting.” Isabel said

“Thank and a very big you.” Michael said

“Helping to build the nursery, that you don’t have a choice in.” Alex said

“Ah, that I can handle.” Michael said, hammering a few nails he could handle, a crying child sent chills up his spine and froze his soul.

“Hm, maybe we should consider a little but of sound proofing.” Isabel said, “Given our situation I doubt we’ll be short of baby monitors.”

“Or letting it out of our sight.” Alex said, “Do we know if it’s a boy or girl yet?”

“Not yet. I think it still needs a little more growing time before we find that out.” Isabel said. Everyone continued to enjoy their evening, talking away and considering the little changes that would have to be made if they were going to have a child wondering around. Despite everything that was going on around them, each felt that this infant would only be the first that would be brought into this neck of the universe.

Main Lounge, Upper Floors, 20:00

Much later after their very satisfying meal, they all returned upstairs in their private elevator and sat with cups of coffee and tea as they all kept talking away and joking about their past. While they may have an uncertain future with a lot of fear mixed into it, it was that they were together that brought it into a little more focus. A little later as Alex and Isabel were off in their own little world and already talking about what colour to paint the nursery, there came a rapid succession of beeps from a buzzer in the corner of the room that got everyone’s attention. It was their little alarm that meant that someone had pressed the button to their private elevator. “Feds.” Everyone said together

“What’s up with the night time visit? They usually pull off the dawn raids.” Kyle said

“Aghh, and here it was being a good night.” Max said, “Alex, is everything…”

“Yeah the computer’s all ready. If we’re stopped, it’ll all go out.” Alex said

“I’ll get it.” Michael said. He got up and moved through the hall down to the golden elevator doors. While people could get into the elevator, no one could get out of it without the groups’ say so. Unfortunately they still had to set up a security camera in the box itself but Alex did have it scheduled to happen soon. However, as Michael waited at the doors and ready to activate the intercom he heard the elevator pulled to a halt but was surprised as the doors started to open. “What the hell?” he said and then his mouth dropped when he saw who was inside. “Lau…”

Michael never got the chance to finish as he got a slap on the back of his head. Their guest came out and stood in front of him. “That was for skipping town and not telling me what was going on.”

“God Laurie; that hurt.” Michael said, she had been wearing a ring and he caught the brunt of it.

“It was supposed to.” Laurie said

“What the hell are you doing here?” Michael asked

“That’s it? That’s all you’ve got to say to your sister?” Laurie asked

“Uh…yeah, I’m sure there are other things but right now that’s it.”

“Well first things first, are you going to invite me in?” Laurie said

“Yeah, sure, come on.” Michael said as he showed his sister to where the others were.

“Laurie?” Maria said

“Hi guys, long time no see.” Laurie said

Maria looked at Michael as he rubbed the back of his head, “Uh, what did you do to my boyfriend?”

“Hit his head.”

“Painfully.” Michael added

“Laurie? What are you doing here…how the hell did you find us?” Max asked, now getting very worried about who else could find them

“Well, after getting one letter a week from Michael for the last 2 years and then to have them suddenly stop, it kinda raised a red flag or two. So I go to Roswell and find you’re all gone. Since I know the Sheriff was in on all this, I paid him a visit and he refused to talk. He had to slip me a note to meet him out in the woods where I…well where I was buried that time. He told me you guys were on the run and what happened. You should have told me, you know…that little thing called a phone.” Laurie said

“Sorry, we couldn’t risk it. We just had to leave.” Michael said

“I know.” Laurie said, “And your parents are really, really pissed about it.”

“How are they?” Liz quickly asked

“All right. They miss you and want to rip the heads of everyone involved in this. They’re being watched but nothing overt.” Laurie said

“Thank god.”

“Oh and they get your letters. Believe me they help.” Laurie said

“Okay, so how did you find us?” Kyle asked, “Cause I thought we were doing pretty good at covering our tracks.”

“Oh yeah but I’m really determined. Let’s see, you get forced out on the run with limited money and then suddenly there’s a spat of robberies…melting the safe doors was really cool by the way. Put two and two together.” Laurie said

“You followed each robbery until you reached here.” Isabel said

“Yeah, after that it was just a matter of looking. I kinda figured you’d set yourself up where you could cause a lot of problems if someone tries to get to you. And low and behold, eight people set up a hotel and it quickly starts to get a lot of guests almost as though they were being, oh it don’t know, drawn here?” Laurie said

“But how did you get through the doors just now?” Michael asked

“Simple.” She said as she pulled out a plastic card with a magnetic strip on it. “Granddad made this, this thing opens any door with a security card reader.”

“Yeah but we also have alphanumerical access panel.” Alex said, “And one that can’t be hacked. I’m fairly proud of it even if I do say so myself.”

“Yes but my brother dearest here is easy.” Laurie said

“Oh yeah?” Michael said

“Yeah.” Laurie said, “Please, you really need to do better than Maria’s birthday.” Then she took a deep breath and looked around, “I’ve been looking a long time.”

Michael smiled, “I’m glad you did.” He said before hugging her

“Yeah, me too. So, what’s new with you guys?” Laurie asked

“Uh yes, we have a lot to tell you.” Isabel said. They told Laurie everything that’s happened to them in the last year and when that was done they treated her to dinner and luckily they had plenty of spare rooms in their floors of the hotel.

Alex & Isabel’s Bedroom, 23:00

Everyone had gone to bed, Laurie practically fell asleep the second her head hit the pillow. She had been travelling long and hard but she had found her goal and zonked out completely. In their bedroom, Alex and Isabel were together and sleeping deeply but for Isabel it wasn’t very soundly. Her mind was very active in her dream state…

…In her dream Isabel was walking, she in the middle of the street and walking through the city although it was deserted. There were no cars, no people, not even a pigeon flew in the skies that were dark and turbulent with rolling clouds. She herself was wearing a red silk nighty and her feet were bare. All around her she could hear whispering, constant whispering that was so low and in such multitude that she could hear what was being said. Just then all the whispering stopped and Isabel turned around and saw her husband standing there. Alex looked at her and smiled as he moved up to her.

“Alex?” she said, her voice echoing slightly off the walls.

“Hello.”

He looked up and down her body and what she wore, through all the times that Alex had looked at her, that they had sex she had never felt as uncomfortable as she did right now. Alex moved closer, inching up to her as she took steps back until she was pressed back against a wall.

“Alex, what’s going on?” Isabel said

“Everything.” Alex said as he placed his hand on her thigh and slid it up. Isabel, out of instinct, slapped it away. She’d never done that since they got together and then she knew that something was very wrong. Isabel tried to push Alex away from her but he moved in, clawing and grabbing at her clothing in an attempt to get it off. “Give yourself to me.”

“NO.” Isabel said as she slapped his face and pushed him away. In her mind she rejected him but as he looked up again, his eyes had changed so that they were jet black. Not even a trace of white remained in them but Isabel also saw that all his teeth was razor sharp and slightly spread apart. He looked viscous and dark. “You’re not Alex. Who are you?”

“No but his image was needed to get close, to make the connection. You may have been able to reject me this time, but you will always be mine…Vilandra.” He said. Isabel quickly raised her hand and pushed all her power out. She focused and destroyed the image before shattering the dream.

2am The Next Morning…

Isabel woke up with a start and looked around. She found herself surrounded by trees and plants and realised that she was in Central park. Isabel looked around and then down at her body, she was naked but shielded from outside observers by the bushes not that there were people nearby. She had no memory of coming here but everything nearby was glowing. There was a light bouncing off everything that was gentle yet unearthly. Then she found that she was the one glowing, the light was coming from her skin and as she looked into a nearby pool of water she saw that her eyes were black. The blonde became scared and did everything she could to hide further in the little secluded spot but in her mind she started calling out to Alex. He heard her almost instantly and headed out to find her.

To Be Continued…

[Tharos]

Sorry for no chapter last week, things got hectic.

Chapter 3

Main Lounge, Upper Floors, The Hotel, 10 Minutes Later

Luckily the hotel was overlooking Central Park and that it was very early in the A.M. as Alex went running out in search of his wife. He had found her and was a little taken back by just how radiant her skin was but he quickly covered her with her robe that he brought down with him. The second he held her hand and helped her back up, her glowing stopped and the headed back up. Together they walked back in through one of their concealed private entrances in an alley to the side of the building. Soon they came back in and everyone was up and waiting for them.

“Hey, are you okay? What happened?” Max asked

“I wish I knew.” Isabel said, “One minute I’m in bed and the next I’m out in the park…naked.”

“Well…that…we…uh…” Michael stammered

“Really didn’t need to know.” Max said

“This could be a problem. If someone saw…” Maria said

“They didn’t.” Liz said as she looked up from the computer, “I’ve looked over the security cameras and I can’t see Isabel on any of them except in the service areas. No one was in there. As for out on the street, our cameras out there…it looks like it was a quiet night. No one was out there.”

“Well that’s good timing.” Kyle said

“I’ll say.” Michael said

“Yes, but what happened?” Alex asked

“Nesting instincts.” Tess said as she came in, “Never been so glad I was raised by Nacedo.”

“Excuse me?” Max asked

“It’s here in the destiny book and Nacedo filled me in a little on it, enough to know where to look.” Tess said as she flicked through the metal pages of the book

“Tess, what are you taking about?” Kyle asked

“If we were raised on Antar as Antarians we would have known and you would have enough conscious thought over it to stop it but because we we’re you weren’t able to. Last night, you got tapped into your Antarian side a little. Actually if you were fully Antarian you would have had that dream the night you and Alex…well.” She stopped when she felt Max’s eyes on her, almost begging her not to say it. Our ancestors, like caveman type ancestors were always drawn to specific locations to give birth. Near water, surrounded by trees…sound familiar?

“The park.” Isabel said, “So because I’m half Antarian I’m drawn to the park. Something tells me that isn’t going to fly with a lot of people, especially if something weird happens.”

“Yes but that can be taken care of. Antarians became big on gardens so all we need to do it put some stuff on the roof. Trees, flowerbeds…just something to give it that outdoor feel.” Tess said

“There is also something else.” Isabel said, “I had a visitor in my dreams last night before I woke up…Kivar.”

“What?” They all asked with concern

“He tried to…he wanted to make sure that I knew he was his. He appeared like Alex but I knew it wasn’t right and rejected him, that brought him out.” Isabel said

“Oh.” Tess said

“What?” Alex asked

“Kivar lost track of us. So long as we were in Roswell, we were more or less okay. He knew where we were and he didn’t care too much but then we left and since he knew that we were out and about thanks to meeting the Skins, he didn’t like that. Kivar always wants Vilandra, he’d never stop so he tried to make a connection. Doing it without physical contact is difficult for a male Antarian, he’d have to make you reach out…to make a connection with you by you believing that he’s making a very intimate touch with you.” Tess said

“And here I was thinking we’d left the weird stuff behind.” Liz said

“Yeah.” Alex said

“At least he wont try it that way again. You’ll be expecting it, your mind wont let him through.” Tess said, “But he wont stop looking for us.”

“So, just to keep me straight here: we have the military, the FBI taskforce for our robberies, probably some remnants of the Special Unit and now aliens again who are all after us.” Kyle asked

“Uh, yeah that sounds about right.” Max said

“And those are only the ones we know about.” Liz said

“That’s the most depressing thing I think I’ve hear tonight.” Maria said

“I don’t think I’m going back to sleep tonight.” Isabel said, “Not with even my dreams bringing me problems.”

“I doubt I could go to sleep anyway, I’m too wired.” Max said

“Well, I have an idea how we can spend our time. Might even tire us out.” Michael said

“Whatever it is, I’m game.” Isabel said. Anything to get her mind off what happened.

Same Place, 06:50am

A few hours later, Laurie was on the verge of waking up but it happened faster than usual when she heard rustling around going on outside. She got out of bed and put on her robe before she walked out to the shared areas of their apartments. When she got there she found each of them kneeling with backpacks before them, all opened and surrounded by clothes, tinned or preserved foods, matches and some rolled up blankets. Enough to fill one bag a piece; travelling light was a must for the purpose of their gear.

“Uh, what cha doing?” Laurie asked

“Checking our emergency “we’re running from everyone” gear.” Tess said

“Okay. Why?” Laurie asked

“Well, Isabel had a nightmare about Kivar.” Alex said

“And you finding us might not have been so good.” Michael said, earning a slap on the back of his head.

“What your brother means to say as that it’s not a good sign. If you can find us then anyone can.” Maria said

“Yes, that is what I mean.” Michael said

“I’m glad. Otherwise some people might think you don’t want them around.” Laurie said

Michael sighed, “There’s going to be a little guilt trip for a while isn’t there?” he asked

“Oh yeah.” Max said with a smile

“Anyway, you know those military intelligence types. They’ll be looking through records for weird things that look like something alien. You’ve covered that. All the records on you guys look normal. I knew you and I knew what to look for.”

“Yes but you don’t know that for sure. For all you know they are one keystroke away from this building being brought up on their screen.” Kyle said

“True.” Laurie said, “Okay through me a bag and I’ll check through it.”

Michael smiled and tossed his sister a nearby bag that had a few camping knickknacks in it. Laurie settled down with the others and started searching through the bag with a checklist and making sure that it had everything that it was supposed to have. All during it, Laurie asked them questions about the last year; she wanted to know everything about how they got themselves set up and how they were doing. It didn’t take them much longer and soon the bags were back hanging on their hooks behind the hidden doors into their escape route.

Sub-Level 5, The Pentagon, Same Time

The room was enclosed, sealed by half a dozen different locking mechanisms. It was no one in, no one out during the shift. For the “Fallen Angel Project”, to track down all earth bound alien life forms, each officer and soldier were trained and virtually brainwashed so that they never uttered a word about their work outside of the room. The room itself was filled with screens, radar, thermal, satellite observations, police reports and everything from the Federal Agencies. It was a lot of data to sift through and they were tracking all events in the country. They had suspected that the aliens’ proximity to the Mexican border allowed them to slip across and were continuing to scan everything in Latin American. After a month they couldn’t get anything, not a blip so they returned their attention to the US. They looked for anything odd, sudden healing, unidentified lights, people vanishing, the same vehicle turning up in various towns or cities. They found one or two, there were always reports of something strange and paranormal just as there were people out on road trips.

“Sir, we’ve finished our scan of Kansas.”

“Anything?”

“No, a few strange things in a small town…started with some kind of meteor event about 15 years ago but pretty quiet, nothing matching our target.”

“No, no, no…stay away from small towns. They’d stick out like a sore thumb, focus on major cities. Millions of people, yes, it would make it easier for them to hide. What about their collaborators?”

“Still nothing unusual from our taps on their homes. They’ve had no direct with the aliens.”

“I think it’s time we bring them in. Wait some time, if there’s nothing by the end of the week we’ll move…let’s see if that will bring them out.”

“I’ll have our people standing by.”

Swimming Pool, Roof of the Hotel, 11:00

In the glass-enclosed roof that housed their swimming pool, Liz, Alex, Maria, Kyle and Laurie sat on deckchairs as they watched Max, Michael and Isabel move around Tess. Each of the aliens held hands and focused their power together before letting it all go into Tess. She needed the extra power for what they were doing today but they were just hoping that it would work the way they wanted. As Tess felt her body surge with the power of the others, she reached out with her mind. With all the others Tess was able to spread her thoughts across the country, briefly invading the minds of every last person in the US. She felt the thoughts of a garbage man in Oklahoma, the general in charge of their capture and even the president. However, she couldn’t influence them. Not by a long shot. At this distance the most she could do was feel them but it was enough to find what she wanted. Tess was able to lock onto several people, criminals that were real scum of the Earth type, people that some police would kill to lock them up for just 5 minutes.

It was then that the additional power came into play. Tess was able to plant a series of commands in each person; in reality they had no more potency than hypnotic suggestions. They couldn’t make a person do something they wouldn’t do in reality but in this case it was definitely something they would do if they had the chance. Tess made sure that they would meet up, rob a place just as they would have done and then meet up. This would only come with one difference. Without the powers of the aliens, there wouldn’t be any sterilisation of the crime scene. Evidence would undoubtedly be found. Even if they weren’t caught, what Tess was commanding them to do was some distance away.

10 minutes later Tess opened her eyes, “It’s done. Whether or not it works…”

“Hey since when is there a guarantee in our life?” Max asked.

“Question. How are you going to get them to melt door? I mean that is what you usually do isn’t it?” Laurie asked

“Usually.” Max said

“I’ve got them using Thermite.” Tess said

“Thermite?”

“Yeah, it’s a powder. Equal parts of Iron Oxide and powdered aluminium, easy to get and easy to make. That stuff will melt through a tank.” Alex said

“Do I want to know how you guys know that?” Laurie asked

“Not so much, no.” Liz said

“Yeah…” Laurie trailed out, “I think you better tell me.”

“We’ve lined the walls and floor of the lower level of our apartments with it.” Michael said

“You’ve what?”

“If we get attacked, we trigger the fire alarm. Everyone downstairs will have time to evacuate but given what the people who’ll be attacking us would be after, they wont be scared off by that. Everyone downstairs will be safe but when this building goes up, whoever comes here will be incinerated, the hotel will collapse in on itself and they wont know who is who.” Kyle said

“And you’re all okay with that?” Laurie asked

“No of course we’re not okay with it.” Max said

“Even me.” Michael said, “But given the choice of us being dissected in a lab or them being dead and stopping hunting us…”

“We don’t like it but it’s either that or take the fight to them and cause a lot of damage. These guys don’t know just how much power they’re dealing with. It’s the lesser of two evils.”

“Wait, just how much power?”

“A couple of years ago when the Skins raided Roswell, I tapped into something…big. I haven’t used it again but if I need to it would be bad.”

“How bad?” Laurie asked

“Nuclear bad.” Tess said, “But I would be dead as well but even if I didn’t go that far, a lot of people would be dead…in the thousand range.”

Laurie’s eyes were wide, “Yeah, Thermite option is best.”

“We thought so.” Max said, “And if this worked today, the FBI will get the impression that we are moving on from New York.”

“Here’s hoping.” Liz said

Private Elevator, Heading Down, A Little Later

Despite everything going on, they still had a hotel to run and for today that was left to Michael, Maria was with him in their elevator. She had to check in with her own office to see if she had any bookings for her singing talents. Their elevator itself was lined on the inside with panels of mahogany wood with half a foot thick borders of polished brass that gave the small box a slight golden glow. The two of them stood side by side as the elevator slowly started to descend.

“We should really get someone to speed this up.” Michael said

“You never did have much patience.” Maria said

“I just think this thing should go faster.” Michael said

“We like it going slow. If people who are bad get the blueprints they’ll think it’s a very slow escape for us.” Maria said

“Yeah, I get the theory, in the meantime we take an hour to get down to the first floor.” Michael said

“Michael please, it’s an extra 2 minutes.” Maria said

“Still seems like an hour.”

“You really do need to get laid.” Maria said

“Didn’t we do that last night?”

“Hmmm, every night.” Maria said with a smile

“In every room of our apartment.” Michael said, feeling just a hint of pride in it

Then Maria quickly reached out and pressed the stop button on the elevator control panel. Michael looked at her questioningly but she simply put her hands on his chest and started moving them in small circles as she looked with fire into his eyes, “Not every room. We kinda missed one.”

Michael thought for a second and then looked around, she was right, they had never done it in the elevator. He grabbed onto the sides of Maria’s arms and pulled her in quickly for a searing kiss that she put her full soul into. Maria pressed her body tightly against Michael’s as she reached down and cupped his manhood through his pants. She moved her palm in tight circles, feeling the length of flaccid flesh behind the fabric swelling and becoming harder. Maria smiled through the kiss, her tongue snaking into Michael’s mouth and entwining with his own.

Then they both came up for air, “I’m really glad Alex never got around to installing the camera in here.” Michael said

“Uh huh.” Maria said as their lips fused together again.

Maria could feel Michael’s hands move around to her ass, lifting the hem of her skirt up to that he could caress the flesh beneath. Michael groaned as he touched the skin of her butt and released that it was one of her tiny thongs that she was wearing. Immediately Michael let go and pushed Maria up to the back of the box, he moved his hands up to under her skirt and pulled her thong down her legs. Michael moved down with them before he sent his hands back up and exposed her pussy to him. With relish Michael darted in and latched his mouth onto her. At first he sucked on her clit a little before he started licking her out. Maria sucked in the air around her with every breath as she put one leg over his shoulder and tipped her head back. Her blond hair cascaded back as her hand stretched out and grabbed onto a brass railing that ran at waist height around the elevator. She gripped it tightly as her body convulsed with each flick of Michael’s tongue up the length of her slit and brushing over her clit. Then he reached up, moved his hand over her belly to her blouse and cupped her breast. Michael squeezed the pliant mound of flesh through the cotton; he could feel the slight protrusion of her nipple and moved his thumb back and forth across the bump.

“Ughnnn…yess…Michael…ughnnn…eat me…oh god don’t stop.” Maria moaned over and over again. What Michael was doing was making her wet and ready for him, not that he ever needed to do much work to get her like that. Her body was sensitive to his touch to the point that the slightest of his caresses could make her need him like nothing else on the planet. If it was because he was alien, then she was truly ruined for any other man not that she ever considered any circumstances in which they would part.

Michael hummed against her slit, sending waved of vibrations through her that sparked the pleasure centres of her brain to delirious levels. It was all Maria could do just to hold on to the railing. She moved her hips in continuous circles, grinding herself against Michael’s face. Michael was enjoying himself immensely, her taste, her moans, the feel of her skin made him hotter than the sun and was getting desperate to slide his cock into her very willing body. Maria felt it as well, every time she was with him she could almost feel the primal emotions boiling inside him and she couldn’t deny that she longed for his hard dick to fill her up.

With that she reached down and cupped his cheek in her hand. Maria pulled him away from her pussy and he moved up to his feet. The two looked into each other’s eyes and a split second later Michael reached out and ripped her shirt open to expose her lace bra enclosed breasts as Maria worked on his belt and opened up his pants. Michael pulled down one of the cups and he leaned forward to suck on her bare nipple for a minute before Maria decided to rip his shirt open. Soon most of their buttons were mixed up on the floor, they’d have to get them fixed before they left the elevator but they didn’t care about that now. Michael moved in, inching closer to his lover who remained backed up against the corner of the box.

Michael slid his arms around her waist before moving them around to her back, his rock hard cock jutted out from his pants and as he lifted her up. Instinctively she wrapped her legs around his body as he lowered her down. Maria felt the tip of his dick press against her pussy and then enter her body. She held onto Michael tightly as millimetre by millimetre their bodies joined as one and her pussy engulfed his engorged manhood.

“Ghnnnnnn…” both lovers sighed out deeply with utter contentment.

For a couple of minutes neither moved, they simply let themselves enjoy the sensations of their coupling. Then Maria reached up and unclipped the front clasp of her bra and let the cup hang away from her breasts. With them bared, her skin was pressed blissfully against Michael’s chest and he started to move. He moved his hips back and forth gently; sliding his penis in and out of her just a little, just enough to build up a friction that caused them both to give off little gasps of pleasure.

Maria moved her hips just as gently but in time with Michael’s slow thrusts into her body. As they looked into each other’s eyes Maria moved one hand behind his head and pulled him closer to her head. She licked his lower lip with the tip of her tongue before she kissed him again; their bodies moved together as they breathed heavily and shared the very air from their lungs. Michael was in heaven as he slid one hand up the length of Maria’s thigh and up under her skirt. He held her hip and felt the smooth skin, the heat from her body was radiating into his own and Maria felt the heat from his warming her, even more so when his soft thrusts picked up in pace.

The two of them rocked and rotated their pelvises together, sliding against one another as sweat started to form on their skin. They slid as they thrust, Michael’s dick was throbbing inside her convulsing pussy and every muscle inside her was quivering with delight. She could feel Michael press against the utter most depths of her body with each powerful plunge into her. Her legs were locked tightly behind his butt and as he moved faster and faster his pants began to fall down his legs. The two of them worked their bodies together, bringing each of them to the heights of pleasure they knew themselves capable of and brought themselves to as often as possible.

Over and over again Michael thrust himself into her body, thrusting in and out while moving faster and harder as their bodies cried out. The sensations of Michael so deep inside her sparked over every inch of her body and created storms of fire throughout her veins that were filling her soul to capacity. She met her mate’s thrusts, baring down upon him each and every time and cried out in rapture. Being between floors was a godsend as they would have hated anyone outside the doors hearing their passion.

“UGHNnnnnn…MICHAEL…FUCK ME MICHAEL, FUCK ME.” Maria begged as she could sense her body being sent to their heavens.

Michael complied all to eagerly and did fuck her, moving like a set of pistons in an old style engine room. He moved inside her rapidly and they both held on to each other for dear life. Michael cupped one breast and squeezed her nipple, “Uhghhn…god baby, you feel so good…AGH….UGHHHH…cum for me…UGHNNNNNNNNN…FUCKKKKK MARIA…”

“UGHNN…YESSS…MICHAEL…HMMMMMMM…UhHHHHHH…GODDDDDD!” Maria gasped.

Michael’s dick began to swell even more and he could feel his seed churning in his balls, eagerly awaiting their escape into Maria’s body. Maria was wracked with fire, every muscle in her body convulsed over and over again as she felt her own impending orgasm was ready to overcome her. They moaned and pounded their sweat soaked and flushed bodies together. It was only a matter of time and neither could wait for that final glorious feeling that they both sought to give each other.

“YESSS…UHGHHHHNNNN…YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS…FUCK YESSSSSSSSSS!” Maria cried out

“UH…UGH…UGHNN…UGHNNNNNNN…MARIA…UGHNNNNNNNNNNNN!” Michael cried out

Then they felt it, with one resounding declaration Michael and Maria cried out…”UGHNNNNNN…I LOVE YOU!” Michael poured his seed into Maria’s pussy and the muscles inside her seized up and quivered over his length as they both froze, then they collapsed to the floor of the box.

The two of them were panting desperately as they held each other close. Michael reached up and brushed a clump of damp hair from across Maria’s face as his softening cock slipped out from her body. Both groaned at the loss of contact but the way they held each other right now was no less intimate. It was a few more minutes before they could even think of moving but when they did it was only to kiss each other. After that they managed to work themselves to their feet and then Michael used his expanding powers to clean them both up and removed the sweat from them. Maria pulled her thong back on and then refastened her bra clasp as Michael pulled his pants back up and zipped them up. After that they remembered the fast that their buttons were all over the floor and Michael took great delight in reattaching each one of hers slowly, trailing his fingertip over her skin as he fixed and then fasted her buttons from the bottom of her blouse to the top. He was a lot faster with his own but soon Maria restarted the elevator and continued down to the office.

Franks Building, Downtown, Manhattan, 15:00

In his office, Franks continued his little manipulations. Today he was bored so he decided to mess around with the upcoming elections in a few eastern European countries, it would be enough to cause no end of chaos in the region. It always gave him a little chuckle to see some nutcase come to power and try to grab what was around him, of course he always was the first to make large anonymous donations to clean up the mess.

Soon his chief researcher came in with a metal briefcase, “Sir, we have it.” He said as he placed the case on the desk and opened it. “You’re information to them was spot on.”

“Ah yes…perfect.” Franks said as he looked over each of the devices and pulled one out. “I’ll say this for the Special Unit, the craftsmanship of their scientists was excellent.”

“They certainly had the budget for it.”

“I don’t see the drug.” Franks said

“They didn’t keep a sample at their storage unit. However, your team did locate records indicating the formula for the compound.”

“And it works?”

“According to their records it worked on a subject a few years ago. It interferes with the neural transfers in the areas of the brain that were specified in the medical information.”

“Excellent. Now, this one, this is the sensor device?” Franks asked

“Yes sir.”

Franks smiled, “And the explosive?”

“I was able to get five samples, roughly 5miligrams a piece.”

“Good. You have the specifics of what I want, make the item and have it to me as soon as possible.” Franks said

“Normally that would take me a month but with the additional records we were able to secure I should have it quite soon, by the end of the day.”

“Excellent. Proceed.” Franks said

His researcher then left with the equipment and headed off down to his laboratory to begin work. Franks then turned to his screens and brought up the information, it took five months to track down the warehouse for the Special Unit’s little toys and in that time he had made a little discovery – the thieves he had tracked and those that his mentor sought were actually the same people. Now he could utilise everything he had learned and then brought up each of the group’s biographies on eight of the monitors.

“Now. Which one of you…” Franks said, “Ah, yes.” He flipped the switch and Isabel’s face was magnified and filled all the screens. “You’ll be perfect my dear. I doubt you’re little talents wont be necessary for what I have planned.” With that Franks set out working on how to get her close enough to do what he wanted to do.

Agent Kendal’s Hotel Room, Midnight

One thing about the FBI, when putting up agents for potential long-term assignments comfort wasn’t high on the priority list. The hotel was barely a 2 star but it served its purpose, it had a bed and a working shower. Beyond that the agents could eat out of as many junk food restaurants as they liked. Kendal was in his room, sleeping away as the sounds of the city outside his window echoed away. He was dead to the world until his phone started ringing. Clumsily the agent stretched out his arm and patted around for his phone, when he found it, he picked it up and held it to his head without opening his eyes.

“Ghnnn…Agent Kendal.”

“Kendal, it’s Mitchell. We’ve got another hit on our little thief group…in Washington.”

“What? They’ve left the city?”

“It’s definitely their profile.”

“Okay. I’ll be down ASAP.” Kendall said

“Oh and get this, forensics thinks that they’ve got some evidence this time.”

“Well then it’s not our guys then.”

“Unless they missed something.”

“After so many hits?”

“It only takes one to screw up.”

“Right.” Kendall said, “On my way.”

Quickly the agent jumped out of his bed and headed to the bathroom. He cleaned himself up, gave himself a quick shave and jumped into the shower. In ten minutes he was heading out of the room and down to the street where he caught himself a cab to his office. Once there he met up with the other members of the taskforce, a few agents had been sent out to Washington to coordinate with the onsite agents already there and the phones were busy as they kept speaking back and forth. A flight was booked and come the morning the agents would be flying out.

Krosilev’s Night Club, HQ for the Russian Mafia, Same Time

While Krosilev owned a lot of businesses for his operations but he controlled everything from his office in his nightclub. As people danced and grinded their bodies together out on the floor; he watched as drugs, drinks and money passed hands, money that was going to be in his pockets. Of course what most of his patrons didn’t know that counterfeit money was being handed out in change, not all of it, but enough so that it wouldn’t be noticed too quickly. In his office, Krosilev picked up the phone and was told about another robbery. This time it was one of his colleagues complaining to him instead of a competitor in this city. He would have hoped that once they were out of the city they wouldn’t be his radar but not being able to do anything about it for so many months proved to be unpopular with the people he worked with. Unfortunately it would appear that it was still his problem.

“Ughnnn.” He groaned as he put the phone down, “I’m really starting to hate these people.”

“If they’ve gone to D.C. what to the want us to do?”

“Kill them as painfully as possible. Or they’re going to do that to us.”

“We haven’t even been able to find out so much as a name.”

“Well then we better or we’re going to have holes in our heads.” Krosilev said

“What if we put out bait, something they can’t resist.”

“Like what? They rip off what they want and never take everything that’s there even though they could take more than what they do. We’ve found no connection to the private people they’ve done except for government contracts and there this no way we can know what it is that they do want.”

“Well, we’re screwed. The only way we’re going to get them is if we get a look at them at least once but none of our people know anything. It’s like these people dropped from the sky or something.”

“Put the word out. $50,000 to the first person to bring me a viable lead.”

Franks Building, Downtown, Manhattan, 00:20

It may have been past midnight but all staff for Franks was on call 24hours a day just as he was. To that end he had a floor filled with cots so that his people could catch a few winks of sleep and even he had a room. Family life wasn’t high on the company agenda for catering to. Franks was still in his office, standing at his window and looking at the lights of the city down below him.

Soon his elevator doors opened up and his researcher came back in and moved over to his employer’s desk. “Sir, I’ve finished.”

“Good.” Franks said as he turned and moved over to his desk, “Show me.”

The researcher placed a tray on his desk and removed the white cloth covering it. Franks smiled as he picked up a necklace; it was golden with ruby studs and a single diamond in the centre. Franks ran his hand over it, tracing the exquisite detail. “Very fine work indeed. And it works?”

“Well without a subject there really is no way to tell but the technology is functional, whether or not it does what the files say…”

“Yes, I understand. I just hope our soon to be friends decide to make the right choice and help me.” He said as he placed the necklace back down before he locked it in his private safe.

“Sir there is one other thing.”

“Yes?”

“I have reason to believe that Walter Manchester has found one of the stones.”

“Excuse me?” Franks said

“One of his archaeological digs that he sponsored found a shrine in north west India with identical markings to the Key Stone we’ve been trying to get.”

“And?”

“And that’s it. Manchester cancelled the dig, packed up everything and moved it over to here. Your system has tapped into his and according to it he knew the stone was different, put it in his safe and left it there.”

“Then I think it’s about time I paid a visit to my dear friend…oh, if he decides not to cooperate start proceedings to buy out his company.”

“Yes sir but…”

“I hate buts.” Franks said, “But?”

“It’s missing.”

“I really hate buts. Okay, missing?”

“It’s gone. All I know is that it isn’t in his safe anymore and he never reported it missing after his little robbery. It’s possible he moved it to another location or it has become misplaced.”

“That’s all I need. I don’t think he would loose something like that, the India stone was described as the greatest of diamonds. What if it went missing during the robbery?”

“Then the ones who robbed him would have it and they…”

“They are the very ones I’m about to make an invitation to. And now I think I know exactly how to get this done.” Franks said as he used his PDA and brought up information on his screens and focused in on a phone number. He then picked up his phone and dialled, “Hello, am I speaking to Josef Krosilev?…Good, Mr Krosilev I have information that might interest you…”

Alex & Isabel’s Bedroom, The Hotel, 01:00

In their bedroom, Isabel was tossing and turning. No matter what she did she just couldn’t get to sleep. She was afraid, terrified of what might happen to her in her dreams and her husband knew it. Her emotions were becoming more and more open to him and it was happening by the second. He knew it was happening, 2 years of marriage and nothing overwhelmingly odd happened but then she got pregnant. It was as if the mixing of their blood in her womb had opened a gate between them. Because of it Alex couldn’t sleep. He was worried for her and it was killing him that if Kivar ever did show up there was little he could do to protect her. For that he had to rely on her skills as well as that of her brother, Michael and Tess. It wasn’t so much that it was an ego problem for it but he felt that he needed to especially now that she was pregnant.

Alex gently reached out and caressed Isabel’s face; she opened her eyes and looked into his eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked

“No. I keep thinking that he’ll…”

“No he wont. Tess said that he wont try again so soon, you’ll be expecting it and you can stop him.” Alex said

“But what if he does something…I don’t think he knows about our baby, if he tries something and…”

“Hey, he wont.” Alex said reassuringly but it didn’t help much and he could sense it. He took her hand with one of his and held her close with the other, all the while he stared into her eyes, “Take me into your dreams. We’ll look out for each other if he tries anything.”

Isabel smiled as she held his hand back, gently she kissed him before their eyes closed and they fell asleep together. Tess was right, Kivar didn’t come that night and together the young couple shared a dream of the first time Isabel dreamwalked him when they shared a dance. It made them both feel a thousand times better as they relived that one moment.

To Be Continued…

[Tharos]

I hope every one had a good new year and well, i hope the year itself doesn't suck...at least too badly. Have fun everyone, oh and ignore those silly New Years resolutions...you know you wont get them done anyway

Chapter 4

Max/Liz’s Bedroom, The Hotel, 08:30 2 Days Later

Things had quietened down a little; Isabel was able to keep Kivar out of her dreams, not that she even knew if he was trying. Alex was always there, beside her, helping her always as they had gotten into the habit of automatically dreaming with each other. Maria had a couple of jobs that she sang her heart out at and the others were keeping busy. However, most of them had good nights sleep, all but one. Liz, just as she had in the past couple of mornings was squirming in bed, tossing back and forth until she shot up with her eyes wide open.

“Oh my god.” Liz signed deeply

Max quickly opened his eyes and looked at the naked back of his wife as she ran her fingers through her hair, “Liz? You okay?”

“No.” Liz said as Max moved up onto his knees next to her.

“That nightmare again?”

Liz nodded, “This doesn’t feel right Max. Something’s wrong at home.”

“Liz…aside from that little bit before we left, you haven’t had use of any powers.”

“I know, but I can’t shake this feeling that there is more to it than a nightmare. We’ve been worrying about this all year and now I have nightmares about something happening to our parents?”

“I know. We need to tell the others.” Max said

“Yes.” Liz said as both moved out of bed and grabbed their robes before pulling them on.

Max then pressed a red button on their intercom, it was just another little add on feature that they put in, Kyle’s idea in case they needed to quickly call everyone together in a hurry. As they did, they could already predict the groans they would get when they looked at their clock. Sleeping in on Saturday and Sunday was one of their vices and hated to wake up early for any reason.

The Lounge, A Few Minutes Later

Max and Liz were already sitting as the rest came in and as predicted they were not happy. Michael was busy wiping sleep from his eyes as Maria went straight for their espresso machine that was in the corner of the room. Before long there were cups being handed out and practically gulped down.

“You know, you should be making these.” Maria said as Kyle and Tess came in

“What kept you?” Max asked, knowing the answer as he saw a bulge under Kyle’s robe.

Kyle just smiled as he sat down.

“Uh…Kyle.” Maria said as she got a clear view under his robe.

Kyle covered himself before Tess jumped in his lap and aided in the concealment. Tess smiled, “So what’s up? Some of us were a little busy.” She said

“Apparently so.” Alex said

“Hey, where’s Isabel.” Max asked, noticing that his sister wasn’t anywhere to be seen.

“She’s headed down to the shops early. Thought she might be able to pick up a few things that would make her feel better.” Alex said

“Okay, we’ll fill her in when she gets back.” Max said

“Fill her in on what? What is going on?” Maria asked

“I’ve been having nightmares the past couple of nights.” Liz said

“Kivar’s not after you now too?” Tess asked with concern

“No, it’s…uh, I keep seeing our houses back home being attacked and our parents being dragged out into cars in handcuffs.” Liz said

“All of them?” Maria asked

“Including the sheriff.” Liz said, “I thought it was just a nightmare…I was hoping it was just that but I have this feeling that it’s not.”

“How could they arrest them? They don’t know anything.” Kyle asked

“Yeah but they don’t know that.” Michael said, “They could be held under a ton of trumped up charges…was it FBI or soldiers?”

“They weren’t wearing uniforms but they could easily end up in military custody.” Liz said, “I take it you’re all thinking this was real?”

“Do we really want to take the chance?” Kyle asked

“So what do we do?” Liz asked

“We get them out, that’s what we do.” Tess said

“How? It’s not like we can pick up the phone and tell them.” Alex said

“What about our little message service?” Kyle asked

“For all we know this could happen tomorrow, we don’t have that kind of time.” Max said

“Actually…I think we can pick up the phone.” Michael said

“How?” Liz asked, “They’re under constant surveillance. Any message we send will be heard.”

“Exactly.” Michael said, “I mean they’ll be suspicious but if we can give them just a little lead…”

“Michael, what the hell are you talking about?” Maria asked

“Getting your folks out of town.” Michael said

“By doing?” Max asked

“We run a competition.” Michael said, “Over the radio, something like win a vacation for two.”

“You’re not suggesting we put a room up in the hotel? That’ll lead them right to us.”

“No of course not. We set it up for maybe somewhere like Las Vegas, we do what we did to get the Feds of our back and get Tess to mindwarp someone to help them. Set up a car and directions to us through other places like a paper chase only with their lives on the line.” Michael said

“Michael, no one runs a holiday for that many people. 4 maybe but not 8 and it would raise alarm bells.” Alex said

“Yeah. Okay.” Michael said, “And there would be no guarantee that they would take the prize and get out.”

“Unless we send them a message.” Liz said, “Something simple like a word they’ll recognise like Granolith or pods, something that points to us and buried in the prize announcement. That’ll get their attention but to get them all out?”

“That I think I can do.” Tess said

“How?” Kyle asked

“Another mindwarp like Michael said before. Only this time I can influence your parents maybe get them to think that they need a vacation and all head out.” Tess said

Max and Liz looked at each other and the rest of their family. It was certainly viable since they knew that the FBI looking for them as the bank robbers had left town with the exception of a few agents who were lingering and looking into the cases in the city. “How soon can you…?” he asked

“Hmmm…I’ll work fast.” Michael said, “Uh, Alex, I think I might need your help on this and Tess…better get some rest in for that brain of yours.”

“Uh, no. Kyle and I have…stuff to do.” Tess said with a very sly smile as she felt his erection against her butt.

“Tess…” Max said

“Okay, I’ll rest…in an hour.” Tess said as she jumped up off of Kyle and pulled him up, dragging him to their quarter of the upper floors.

Alex smiled and shook his head, “Let’s get to it.” He and Michael then went off and started making arrangements.

Franks Building, Manhattan, 08:50

Martin Franks stood at his window, looking out upon the city from one of the highest points in the area and it made him feel powerful. Not that having control over the incontrollable wasn’t enough but seeing everything from his window was one hell of an ego stroke. It always served to calm him, especially since he was so far above the noise of the city that even if it could get in through the glass he never heard a thing. The ringing of his private phone drew him out of his calm. Franks took a deep sigh and moved to the box on his desk and pressed the button to activate his speakerphone.

“Speak.” Franks said

“It’s me.” A voice came over the speaker with a distinct and heavy Russian accent

“Your status Mr Krosilev?”

“My people have one of them insight.”

“Remember our deal. I will give them to you once I am finished with them but you will not harm her or any of them until then.” Franks said, “You have the location of the transfer point?”

“Sewage treatment works to the north of the city.” Krosilev said

“My people are waiting. Remember, unharmed.” Franks said, “Do not try to deal with them now or you will loose everything.”

“I don’t know how you managed to blow up my little factory, but it did get your point across.” Krosilev said, “I will deliver the girl to you unhurt but my associates will…”

“Your associates need not know. The ones you are looking for will be in your hands shortly and you can do whatever you like to them.” Franks said and then pressed the button to hang-up.

Outside Bloomingdale’s, Immediately Following

In a white truck that looked like it was simply there for deliveries, Krosilev sat in the back and hung up his phone when the line went dead. “One of these days I’m going to find out who that guy is and put a bullet in his head. Okay, let’s do this.”

Outside the van, Isabel had been out buying a few extras in case they needed to run, which was always a constant possibility and something that always weighed on their minds. She was walking down the street, bags in hand and avoiding the people on the streets. Just then the white van moved away from where it was parked and drove off down the street.

Isabel never knew it was coming but suddenly the van swerved in and parked along side her. Two men instantly jumped out and before Isabel could react her mouth was covered with a cloth laced with chloroform. The second she was grabbed she was already being pulled back through the side door of the van and it was speeding away as she succumbed to sleep.

The Lounge, Same Time

In the lounge, Alex was working on his computer to help in Michael’s plan. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain in his mind and he turned his head quickly to look out of the window. Across the room, Max was looking over a map of the states and trying to pick a place to run to if they needed. In his mind he felt the same thing and looked up. Michael looked between them both and then they suddenly looked at each other.

“Isabel.” They said together

Franks’ Private Room, The Franks Building, 11:00

Franks kept a room in his office block, just in case he ever needed to rest or if he just couldn’t be bothered going home at night. He made sure that he had all the comforts of home right here and that room was where he was keeping Isabel. The second his people picked her up from the Russians they had brought her here and she was locked up. The door had a very good lock on it and the windows were all sealed, they had turned the room into a cell, a lavish cell but a cell no less.

Isabel woke up on the bed, on top of the covers but when her eyes opened she darted up and remembered what happened to her…well, a little of it. All she really did remember was a rag over her face and being pulled backwards into darkness. The blonde instantly wanted to kick herself for being stupid enough to go out alone but she could do that later, right now she had to get out of here.

After looking around and seeing the door, Isabel ran over to it. She put her hand on the handle but found that it wouldn’t budge. Isabel smiled, thinking that the person who had her didn’t know what he had…if he were military or the FBI she would have expected a White Room or being strapped to a surgical table for dissection, not a bed with silk sheets. She then rested her hand over the lock and focused but nothing happened. Isabel tried again, and again. However, it was fruitless. Now she was even more afraid. Isabel headed for the windows and tried to move them but there didn’t even appear to be a latch, besides she was very high up without a ledge on the other side of the glass.

Just then the door opened and Franks came in while holding a silver tray with a glass bottle of water and a crystal glass on it. He moved into the room and the door sealed behind him before he placed the tray on the desk in the room. “Hello my dear, you must be thirsty.”

“Who are you…what have you done to me?” Isabel asked as she looked around for something to use as a weapon

“My name is Martin. Martin Franks. And you…you are Isabel Whitman. Married to Alexander Whitman for the past 2 years and formally of Roswell, New Mexico. As you can see, I know a lot about you. Including the fact that while you were unconscious I injected you with a drug that I obtained from the Special Unit of the FBI.”

“What?” Isabel asked, her fear peaking and suddenly worried about what that drug could do to her unborn child

“I have to admit, I never thought I would have the pleasure of meeting an actual alien. You should have seen my face when I found out.” Franks said

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Isabel said

“Oh please. Let’s not play that game.” Franks said, “A friend of mine asked me to look into some people he had lost track of and sent me the information on you. Of course I didn’t understand his interest until I used my resources to dig a little deeper into…shall we say, some unauthorised activities of the army in your home town.”

“A friend?”

“Yes, he found me when I was a teenager and helped expand my little talent with computers. Now, I have no interest in harming you or turning you over to the authorities that are after you for being alien…or for your extra curricular activities but you have some queries about why you’re here.”

“You could say that?” Isabel said

“Quiet simply, I’ve sent your family an invitation to dinner this evening. You are here because I needed to give them an incentive to come.”

“You could have just asked.” Isabel said

“With your level of paranoia about things? No, this way was best. Besides, you really have no idea about the amount of people after you. The Russian Mafia for one, as well as another half dozen or so of the criminal organisations in this city…you and your friends have been making them look bad with your robberies.” Franks said, “Add the military, FBI, my teacher and for whatever reason you are Earth to begin with.”

“His name is Kivar.” Isabel said

“Kivar?” Franks said with a hint of recognition

“You know it?”

“The name is a little familiar. I probably just heard something similar at some point.” Franks said, “It’s not important. What is important is that you wont be going anywhere for sometime. Your family will arrive in a few hours so in the meantime I suggest you make yourself comfortable.”

“I’ll find a way out.” Isabel said flatly

“Oh your welcome to try. But the windows and door are sealed, if your abilities that I’ve read about were intact then no doubt you would be able to unlock at least one of them which is why I’ve dosed you up a bit. The air-vent is far too small for you and contains security features along the length of it. The floor and ceiling are lined with 5 inch thick steel plates and if you do get out of the room there are guards everywhere and 5 right out side that door. So, good luck.” Franks said with a smile.

“Why are you doing this? We never wanted any trouble.” Isabel said

“Simple, I am in need of your skills.” Franks said as he approached the door and it opened.

All through their conversation, Isabel had moved around the room and gotten her hands on a small statuette. When Franks turned his back to her to leave, she grasped it tightly and ran for Franks, lifting it high over her head to bash it onto the top of his head. Franks knew it was coming, he may have been the ultimate computer geek but years of being bullied at school over his intelligence taught him the need for self-defence and his teacher saw to it. Quickly he span around, blocked Isabel’s attack with one hand and sent the statuette flying across the room while with his other hand he grabbed her throat. Franks just smiled as he released her and stepped through the door and it closed and sealed.

Franks’ Office…

Franks moved into his office and switched on his screens. “Kivar.” He said as he sat in his leather chair and tapped his finger on the desk. “Kane Ivar…K. Ivar.” His teacher’s name and took out his PDA, “I think it’s time I look into your secrets my old teacher.”

Entry Hall to the Apartments, The Hotel, Same Time

In the hotel lobby a delivery was made, a single brown envelope was handed over to the hotel manager with specific instructions that it was urgent and must be delivered immediately. Anything small like this, it was a pleasure to hand deliver to his generous employers but anything very large he turned over to a bellhop to take upstairs. The envelope was simple and addressed to the family of Isabel’s alias name with her real one being written in small letters on the right hand corner to get the attention needed.

When the manager handed the package over to Kyle, Kyle went running into the lounge where the others sat waiting for word. Alex had been going out of his mind, trying to do whatever he could to search for Isabel in his mind but he couldn’t sense anything of her. She was completely cut off from him and Alex couldn’t help but think that she was gone but the others wouldn’t let him go that way.

“Max, this just got here.” Kyle said and handed it over.

Max looked at it and opened the envelope, out slide a small plastic box containing a CD with the words “Play Me” written on it. Max quickly put it into their DVD player and after a second of the machine reading the contents of the disc Franks’ face appeared on the screen.

“Greetings Mr Roberts…or should I say Evans? First know that your sister is alive and well. She is completely unharmed and my guest.” Franks said as the image briefly switched to show a security camera image of Isabel in the room. Then it changed back to his face, “Mr Evans, I request that you and your family join us for dinner. We shall discuss everything then, my limousine will arrive to pick you all up at five this evening. Oh and dress appropriately, I’m sure you ladies and gentlemen have suitable dresses and tuxedos. This is, after all, a very special night. Have no fear, it is your skills, as thieves that I have become interested in I couldn’t care less who is after you. Personally speaking I think they missed an incredible opportunity a year ago. They could no doubt have learned a lot from you, instead they tried to put a bullet in you and made an enemy…I think I might have something to say on that subject alone that would interest you in itself.”

Then the image switched off, leaving the family standing around and looking at the empty screen before anyone spoke.

“What do we do?” Liz asked

“We go to dinner.” Max said, “But Michael, I want you to…”

Then the image came back on, “Oh and I want you all present where I can see you. If any of you are absent then the good Mrs Whitman will also not be there and might meet with an accident.” Franks said before he disappeared for a second time.

Max sighed, “Never mind.” He said

“Anyone recognise that guy?” Tess asked

“No.” Maria said and the others agreed

“So, another bad guy added to the list.” Michael said

“And one that we know nothing about. This isn’t one that our little blackmail threat wont have an effect on. If we go down because of him then no one will know how or why…the government and military will still be screwed but he could get away with it.” Alex said as his fear for his wife’s safety made him very on edge. Instantly he headed off to his bedroom to get ready, he wasn’t going to be late or do anything that would cause Franks to harm his beloved.

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[Tharos]

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Franks Private Room, The Franks Building, 17:00

Just because something was supposed to be secure didn’t mean that it was, at least that was the theory Isabel was going by since she had no intention of staying put. She was looking for an escape, looking behind cabinets for concealed vents, tapping the walls for weak spots and even throwing a chair as hard as she could against the window…unfortunately it didn’t even crack. Isabel could only figure that it was bulletproofed.

Isabel then figured on picking the lock on the door, there was just one problem – there wasn’t any opening on the door to give her access to the door’s locking mechanism. She really wanted to hurt herself right now, Isabel had no idea how much she relied on her powers to get her out of scrapes but right now she really wished she had picked up a few other things during her time. Well, if she didn’t have a hole she’d have to make one.

“I might not be Michael, but I know how to cause damage.” Isabel said to herself as she looked around the room for a tool to use. They had brought her lunch a little while ago and got the knife and fork off of it. She broke one of the prongs from the fork; a short, flat piece of metal would be very useful in messing with the lock. The knife she used to start chiselling away at the wood of the door near the handle.

She was only at it for a few minutes when she heard a noise outside and knew that someone was coming. Quickly she hid her cutlery under the mattress of the bed she woke up on and moved to sit near the window. Seconds later the door opened and Franks came in with a security guard at his back, both carrying boxes although Franks’ one was a lot smaller. When the guard placed his box on the bed he left and as the door closed Franks saw the damage to the door and smiled, he would have been disappointed if she didn’t try.

“I assure you that wont get you anyway. Everything here is quite secure.” Franks said

“Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Isabel said

“Indeed.” Franks said, “But…it is nearly time for dinner and your family have gotten into the limousine I sent for them.”

“You wont hurt them?” Isabel asked with concern

“No of course not, I need them intact.” Franks said, “Now I believe that red is your favourite colour and I believe this is in your size.” Franks opened the larger box to reveal a very elegant and expensive red dress before he opened the smaller box revealing the necklace.

“Very nice.” Isabel said looking at them. “I wont wear them.”

“Oh come my dear. That would ruin the evening.” Franks said

“Yeah, like kidnapping me didn’t do that already.” Isabel said

“Isabel please…”

“Like hell you son of a bitch. When my family gets here they will kick your ass.” Isabel said

“Oh they are welcome to try but you will wear the dress and necklace.” Franks said, loosing his smile and looking a lot meaner

“Or what?”

“Or your husband will have a bullet in his head in less that 10 minutes. I’ll show you his body right before I have the others of your family terminated.”

“You said you needed us?” Isabel said

“Indeed but one way or the other I will eventually succeed with or without you. I would prefer with you. But then I could always just hold Alex and do a little experimentation on him. I have medical connections that would love to see how his contact with you has affected his biology. It would be more or less…relatively painless. Of course he is liable to struggle so that would make it incredibly painful.”

Isabel looked from the man holding her to the boxes and shook her head before relenting and pulling the box to her. Franks smiled and placed the necklace box down next to the bed. He stood there and looked at her but Isabel eventually shrugged her shoulders.

“Hello, don’t I get even a little privacy.” Isabel complained

“Oh of course.” Franks said as he turned to leave, “Be sure to be ready in half an hour. There is some makeup in the bathroom if you feel obliged.”

He left. Isabel had already found the concealed camera in the room and promptly used a pillowcase to cover it before she started to undress. Isabel wasn’t going to take any chances with her family and did the full works on herself before she pulled the dress over her body. Just as a guard was coming to get her, she reached out and picked up the necklace. She had no idea what it really was as she placed it around her neck and clipped it in place, completing the circuit and activating the device inside.

Franks’ Dinning Room, 1 Floor Down, 30 Minutes Later

Everyone arrived and were instantly shown to the private elevator to the top floor to where Franks was waiting for them. He was sitting at the head of the table with Isabel sitting at the seat next to him. The second Alex and Isabel saw each other, their eyes locked and Isabel moved up to go and hug him.

“Stay seated.” Franks said sternly and Isabel sat back down

“Are you okay?” Alex asked

“I’m fine.” Isabel said

“Mr Evans…can I call you Max? Hmm, anyway, Max, Michael, Tess, Liz, Maria, Kyle and Alex why don’t you all have a seat.” Franks said

They all looked at each other but Isabel looked over and said, “He knows everything, it’s how he found us.”

“Please, sit down…now.” Franks said. They didn’t see much of a choice in the matter and they wanted Isabel out. Michael was about to take a little initiative when Franks decided to make sure they all understood their position. “Before you try anything to free Isabel, you should all know that there is a bomb wrapped around her neck.”

“What?” Isabel practically yelled

“Iz?” Alex said as he moved over

“Oh I wouldn’t Mr Whitman.” Franks said as he pulled out a small remote control, “This is for my personal use, I can set it off anytime. You see I’m quite impressed with this little wonder. I had it put together with materials from the Special Unit. The gold nothing more than a conduit for the signals, but it is the gems that are the real beauty in the piece. The rubies are the explosive, small but it’s enough to blow her pretty little head off…oh and it’s made of a chemical that has a unique reaction. During the explosion droplets fly off and act like a cluster bomb. Those droplets explode seconds later and will cause severe burns on those nearby who are of the other worldly persuasion. If the catch on the back is separated, it explodes. If it comes away from her skin, it explodes. And then there is that diamond. It’s a sensor designed to detect your particular brand of energy. If it detects your powers being used on it to the least degree…well you get the picture. Consider it my insurance policy.”

“You’re insane.” Maria said

Franks chuckled, “Yeah, I could be…but I don’t mind so much.” Everyone freaked and sat down at the table. They were not going to play with this guy, not while he had a button. Just then Franks’ personal staff brought in their meal. Each plate was well presented and lavish just like the table and the room. “I hope you all like Fillet Mignon, it’s my chef’s specialty.”

“What is it you want?” Max asked

“Right down to business I see.” Franks said, “Well, okay. I want you to use your skills to liberate a certain artefact from a nearby museum.”

“You want us to hit a place? I’m sure you could afford to hire some people to do that.” Michael said

“I have, and they’ve all failed. The security system is a little unique and much more than can be afforded by the museum. I suspect there is more of a government connection and that the only reason that the item is there is because Dr Atherton, the foremost expert on ancient texts and lore is there and wouldn’t be able to make a discrete exit without a lot of questions being asked by his colleagues.” Franks said

“I take it if we don’t…” Liz started

“Oh don’t go there.” Franks said, “It’s a simple matter, go in, do your thing and I remove the necklace from Isabel.”

“What’s the item?” Max asked

“A stone, a key stone to be exact. A slab of granite, three feet by one, the edges are engraved with glyphs and the surface has similar texts and numerals that describe locations.” Franks said

“Locations of what?” Tess asked, “What’s so important…this isn’t about money to you is it?”

“Oh I can make money at the flick of a switch. This is about power, nothing less.”

“Power?” Isabel asked

“Yes, similar to yours but only in the usage. It’s their levels that are what I am after. Tell me, have you ever heard of Ra, Hathor, Zeus, Loki?”

“Gods.” Kyle said

“Yes…they were real…after a fashion. They weren’t exactly gods, not even close to it but they did have power and a few thousand years ago they would have been seen as such, hell you would have been seen as such. Once upon a time I found a little information that described a quest of young individual 5000 years ago who ascended to godhood.”

“Yeah, that’s called Dungeons and Dragons.” Alex said

Franks smiled, “Cute. Oh it was real. My team eventually found his tomb and discovered some unusual cellular mutations in what was left of him. He was human but went through some sort of process that involved stones scattered across the planet. It was his quest, along with several others to find certain gemstones once every century from hidden and very secure temples. The best of the best would only survive and only they were chosen to go through this trial. Each would gather one stone and they would take them to another place and undergo this change, and all stones present is the only way of securing their ascension. Now no one has undergone this in quiet sometime and their temples have been lost and buried, I intend on going through it and the Key Stone I want you to obtain for me is the only item that has the locations of those stones.”

“You really are insane.” Isabel said

“Oh come now. Like I’m not the only one on the planet that would go for this.” Franks said, “Besides, all I want from you is that one stone and maybe a little help in getting the gems. But on the whole, it’s in and out and you are done. And Isabel here get to keep her head on her shoulders.”

“Which is the only reason why I’m even thinking about it.” Max said

“I assure you Max, there is no way for you to remove it without significant loss of…well…her life.” Franks said with a smile, “And maybe you all as well.”

“Does Isabel get to come home with us?” Alex asked

“I don’t see why not, the range of my transmitter covers the whole north east of the country. Yes, she can go. Just by wearing that necklace she is still a hostage and that little drug I gave you should wear off in about 3 or 4 hours…just be sure not to direct your powers to the necklace.” Franks said

“You know that if we ever get the chance…”

“Oh yes, I’m sure at some point you will try to make me pay for this but then I know you all have a slight fear of certain people in green fatigues?” Franks said, “I wouldn’t hesitate to turn you all over. Just like that little system you have that will transmit your whole story as well as blackmail material on a lot of the power in the country…smart and inventive on how you got that material by the way.”

Max looked at the others and then to Isabel and the necklace around her neck, “Give us the information on the thing, everything you’re people have tried and spotted.”

Franks leaned down under the table and pulled out a file that he slid across the desk to Max. The alien lifted it up and looked inside. “Oh by the way. One of the stones I am looking for was recently found in India and was kept in the safe of someone you recently had an interest in. Walter Manchester. He kept the stone in his safe, a diamond, about the size of a fist.”

“Something like that I think we would remember.” Kyle said

“Your sure?”

“It wasn’t in the safe when we hit.” Max said convincingly

Franks looked at the alien, he could normally spot it when someone was lying to him but right now he wasn’t sure. In his experience the only ones who could do that were politicians who had taken the talent of concealing the truth to entirely knew levels. Of course these people had been doing that for most of their lives. “Hmm, well I guess that was Manchester’s good fortune then. I’ll have to find out what he did with it.”

They all had the feeling that Franks wasn’t going to let them leave until their meal was over and so they sat there but the second they could, they all left. They took the file with them but as their limo took them away, Franks watched from the window with a very smug looking smile on his face.

Sitting Room, Alex/Isabel’s Apartment, Sunset

All through the drive home Alex and Isabel sat quietly and held hands in the back seat. Her head was resting on his shoulder and they just enjoyed being back together. No one said anything but all were afraid of that thing wrapped around her neck, one wrong move, one mistake and the next time they would be seeing each other would be at the Pearly Gates. Soon they got back to their home and as much as Max wanted to spend time with his sister making sure that she was okay, that wasn’t his job anymore, it was her husbands. They all separated and Alex took Isabel back to their apartment. Once inside the two of them couldn’t help but embrace each other.

“I thought it might have been the military that got you.” Alex said

“Me too…until the silk bedding.” Isabel said, “I’m just so glad I’m home.”

“We’ll work on a way of getting this thing off.” Alex said

“I know you will.” Isabel said, “But we should just do this job. If he keeps his end of the bargain.”

“He will.” Alex said, “The second we hand that tablet over, if he doesn’t…”
Isabel smiled. She looked at her husband as he caressed her cheek, they had missed each other for the past several hours and immediately Isabel leaned in and kissed him. Both melted into it and each other as they wrapped their arms around each other.

“Are you sure?” Alex asked as they parted for a second

Isabel nodded, “I need you.” She said

Alex kissed her passionately. Their arms wrapped around each other as Alex pulled off Isabel’s top as she raised her arms up to help him and as soon as it was tossed off to the side, she pulled off his shirt and tie. The two pressed together again, Isabel’s hands glided over Alex’s arms as she looked with heat into his eyes. Alex gently touched her breast above her white lace bra, he felt the soft skin before he cupped the large mound and they kissed again. He could feel what Isabel was asking of him, he could feel her fear that this could be their last time together if that thing around her neck activated and he was afraid of it as well. Both lovers wanted each other, they always did but with fear looming over them it made their actions a thousand times more intimate and tender.

Isabel reached to her side and pulled down the zip of her dress, it became loose enough to fall right off her body and pool at her ankles. It left her in her underwear and that necklace, although it did look beautiful on her they couldn’t get past what it actually was. Slowly the two parted and moved behind his love. Gently he kissed her shoulders and she could feel her skin tremble with delight under the touch of his soft lips. Alex reached down as Isabel pulled her long silken hair out of the way. He gulped with pain as he looked of the metal catch at the back of her neck. Alex wanted nothing more than to rip it off her but if he did that…quickly he turned his attention back to the most pleasurable task at hand and reached out. He traced her skin along her back, right above the strap of her bra before he unhooked the garment. Then Alex ran his hands up her back and slid her bra off until it fell to the floor.

She was left in a pair of panties that matched her bra. Isabel knelt before Alex, her hands run up and down his thighs and their breathing became heavier. She reached for the front of his pants and undid them, slowly pulling the zip down before unbuttoning them and undoing his leather belt. Isabel pulled his trousers down, taking his boxers with them and his hard cock twitched at the sudden exposure to the air but all Isabel could do was lick her lips. Alex could feel her breasts press against his thighs as she knelt before him, then Isabel reached out and pressed her palm against the dick she knew all too well. At the same time Alex took the side of her head in his palm, her fingers wrapped around his length and she stroked up and down, her hand was moving and releasing wave after wave of sensual energy through the body of her husband. Alex closed his eyes tightly but when he opened them he looked down as she looked up and their eyes locked together, their lusts clearly reflected in them.

“Oh god…Isssabel.” Alex hissed as she continued to move her hand in light strokes

Then Isabel leaned forward and kissed the tip of his cock eliciting a sigh from Alex, both gave themselves over to their emotions and each other. She licked the length of his dick before taking it into her mouth. As her head bobbed up and down slowly, Isabel began to suck and twirl her tongue, swivelling it over Alex’s length. Alex groaned over and over again as his beloved wife took his entire length into his mouth, her head continued to move up and down, gently sucking on it and sending wave after wave of pleasure into him that cause his toes to curl back.

“I…Izzzzzz…oh fuuuuuuuuu…” Alex groaned

Isabel moaned contentedly, the vibrations adding to the sensations already tingling over Alex’s erection. Her own skin was tingling at the anticipation of what their bodies were going to be feeling over the next hour…or three. Alex pulled Isabel’s head from his lap, she looked at him with a little concern but he just smiled seductively and took her hands in hers. With gentle indication from Alex, Isabel moved back slightly and stood up. Alex placed his hand on the small of Isabel’s back and guided her over to their leather sofa where she sat down. This time it was he who ran his hands over her luxuriously smooth thighs, his fingers teasing her naked flesh as he crept up to her lace panties. He hooked his fingers over the waistband and started to pull them off of her, she rose up and then rested back down to help Alex and in seconds both were naked. Alex parted her legs and moved in, only breaking eye contact at the last possible second as he kissed his way up her inner thighs.

Isabel bit her lip to keep from crying out, her flesh was so sensitive and after two years of marriage Alex knew just exactly how and where to touch her…of course after constant and unrelenting passion on their one month honeymoon and the weeks afterward Alex had it down, they both did. She brought her legs up and placed them on Alex’s shoulders. Soon he reached her sex and licked the length of her lower lips with his tongue and she gasped out for air. Isabel’s back arched as she gripped the sofa, her nipples became harder and her breasts heaved as Alex continued to work her pussy with his tongue. Each touch brought Isabel’s back off of the leather and as she lowered it she licked again, causing the same reaction until her body was writhing. He ran it over and over her lips in one continuing circle. On every pass he pressed his tongue against her clit.

“Aghhhhhh…Oh…ughhhhhhhh…yesss…yesssss…ughnnnnnnnnn…” Isabel moaned to the delight of Alex’s ears

His hands continued to hold her thighs but then one snaked up her body, caressing every inch between her thighs and her breasts. He moved his hand up and cupped a large heaving mound. Alex played with the nipple; Isabel pressed her chest harder into Alex’s grip. Alex’s tongue darted in and out of her pussy, going as deep as possible and all the while he was feeling her in his mind and began feeling her. They’d never felt this before they were pregnant and now they did, it was as though the baby was making them closer. While they couldn’t prove it, they liked to believe that. Whether it was or wasn’t, it increased the fire within her each time he hit the right spots with his touch.

Alex kept going and going, sending his tongue deep into her and then sucked on her clit. Her body writhed and twisted under his touch until she grabbed hold oh his arms and pulled his body up and away from her cunt. There were beads of sweat on both their bodies and as soon as their faces were aligned, they kissed each other. Both could feel that his dick was close to her pussy, they were aroused and desperate to feel their bodies connect. He didn’t move from being between her legs and they stared into each other’s eyes as Isabel reached down between them. She took hold of his hard cock and pulled him in closer until his cock at her wet core. Isabel let go and Alex sank into her, both opened their mouths and sighed the further he pushed in. Alex pulled back slightly and then pushed back in, Isabel wrapped her arms around him before he pulled back again. Alex thrust in, using his whole body as he slid over Isabel’s, feeling her nipples scrape his hard chest. Isabel’s legs were spread wide and cradled his body, her inner thighs pressing against him as he moved between them.

“Al…Alex…oh god…so…good…I need you…ughnn I love you…Ughnnnnnnnnn.” Isabel moaned

“Gnnnn…you feel wonderful…uhhhhh…baby…oh yeah…ughnnnnnnn…IZ…” Alex sighed. His dick sawed in and out of Isabel, their bodies moving together perfectly in time with each other. As their hands moved over each other, their skin quivered in delight from the sensation as they pleasured each other with their bodies, hearts and minds. Each caress sent a torrent of pleasure into the other and caused a loud moan of bliss from deep inside them.

“UGHNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!”

“GRHNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!”

“OH YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

“GODDDDDDDDDDD!”

In and out, his hips circled around and around pushing deeper and deeper into Isabel. They kissed between cries and moans; Alex ran his hand up from Isabel’s breast, across her shoulder and down her arm. Their hands clasped tightly as he continued to thrust, Isabel pushed her hips down and clenched her inner muscles tightly each time he buried himself completely inside.

“UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!”

“AGHNNNNNNNNNNNN!”

Every thrust brought a new cry of bliss; they loved how they made each other feel when they were together. Their flesh caressed as they slid their bodies together, both moving to pleasure the other in incredible ways as their hands gripped together tighter and tighter each time Alex filled her pussy with his dick.

“Oh god…ughhhhhh…ALEX…ughnnnnnnnn…say it Alex.” Isabel growled out, scraping her fingernails down his back and leaving long red trails

“Uhnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn…”

“Please Alex…Ughnnnnnn. Aghnnnn…I want you…uhmmmmmm…hmmm…cum in me.” Isabel sighed.

“Ughnnnn…oh god…Isabel…ugnnnnnn…ISABEL…so good. Soooo…goooooood.” Alex grunted knowing that he was close

“Ughnnnnn…Alex…yes…” Isabel cried.

“Ugnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn…yessssssssssssssss…Izzzzzzzzzzzzzz!” Alex cried as his thrusts became harder. He knew he wouldn’t last much longer and from the feel it Isabel was close as well.

“Ughnnnnnn…right there…ughnhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…yessssss…Al…Ale…Alex…”

“That’s it baby…uhgnnnnnnn…YESSSSSS…UGHNNNN…YESSSS…”

“UGHHHHHHHH…ALEXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX!”

“ISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSABEL!”

The two lovers came together. Their bodies stiffened as Alex buried himself in her on his last thrust and let his seed pour into Isabel’s body as every one of her muscles trembled with bliss. Her lower lip shook until Alex kissed her tenderly. The kiss was almost unending as they held each other. They stayed together like that, neither moving and holding onto each other while ignoring the necklace she didn’t dare take off. They wrapped themselves up in each other’s arms as Alex moved his hand down to her abdomen were their child was growing. “We’ll get that thing off…for both of you.” He said before kissing her again. It was like that that both fell asleep, cradled by each other and warmed by their body heat…and the gas fire burning in front of their sofa.

Museum of Natural History, 01:00 Monday Morning

They weren’t wasting time, they wanted that necklace off of Isabel’s neck and the only way to do that was to get that stone to Franks as soon as possible. The diamond they had gotten from their last job was hidden with their other takings in a safe in the abandoned subway station beneath their hotel. Since no one knew about it anymore, they figured that their escape route was the best place to hide it all. It didn’t take much to get into the museum. Their security was good; they had a lot of valuable displays however it was no match to their alien powers.

Eventually they got their way through the corridors and into the basement. The safe was a real pain in the butt, it was thicker and stronger than any safe door they had encountered to date and they spent at least 15 minutes just trying to melt their way through it. It took a while but they started to focus on the hinges and the door came slamming down to the floor with a resounding thud. Thankfully Tess had the guards locked in a mindwarp and they didn’t know a thing. Inside, wasn’t a vault, instead they found a set of steps that led down – way down. Beneath the museum, they entire substructure was converted into a lab. Computers and equipment covered the room and white lights illuminated the room from both the ceiling and the floor. In the centre was the Key Stone, propped up on a stand upon a table.

“Something tells me there’s something about this stone that people want.” Kyle said

Then they all stepped forward to get the stone but the second they did they felt vibrations through the room. It caused them to stop and look at each other, but soon Max had to move forward. With each step the vibrations increased until he was a few feet from it, then the engravings started to glow with a yellow light. Then he touched it. They room suddenly filled with a blinding light and everything instantly shut down, the lights and the computers…everything. That wasn’t all, with the museum as the epicentre; everything electrical started shutting down from watches and car engines right up to the power stations. In his room, Franks watched as everything in his office suddenly blinked off and those orbiting the earth in the shuttle watched as an ever-expanding circle of darkness covered the north east of America and into Canada.

The only thing the group could do was stand still looking at the stone, “You know, aside from Kivar’s little dream trip to Isabel, I kinda figured we were done with the Sci-Fi stuff.” Alex said

To Be Continued…

[Tharos]

Chapter 5

Hidden Lab, Museum of Natural History, Immediately Following

As a full quarter of the country was entering a severe blackout, the stone tablet before them radiated enough light to fill the room. They were all stunned but not even remotely close to their feelings when the image of a twelve-armed reptilian appeared above the tablet. It just floated there until Max reached out and passed his hand through the hologram.

“Data record: 354. A meteor storm has crippled our vessel, the crew has escaped on the pods but the ship will not survive entry into the third planet’s atmosphere. However we have scanned the biologics present, we have determined that the Platricite crystals from our engine core will have a mutant effect on the population. It would spark evolutionary advancement and last for approximately 100 years with a residual addiction requiring the user to get another dose of the energy at that time. I have ejected the core and scattered them across this planet, this data log contains the locations of each crystal. This had identified you as not of this world and so while I hope you are of my race, it is more than likely you are not. Either way, under directive 938 of the proclamations regarding developing worlds it is essential that you recover these crystals and take them off world.”

“Well, he’s in for a disappointment.” Liz said

“Actually, if these stones have been around as long as we think they have been, he’s long dead.” Tess said

“What was that thing about the proclamations?” Kyle asked

“Intergalactic laws. Every race that gets beyond their star system is bound by them and the enforcers of it are not people who are to be messed with…if you can call them people. Anyway, if these stones that Franks is after are the ones reptile face there is talking about then we can’t give that tablet over to him.” Tess said

“No kidding.” Max said, “But what about Isabel…her necklace?”

It was then that Michael came running back down the steps, “Guys, the whole city is dark. Everything is out, cars, lights…everything.”

“EMP.” Alex said

“What?” Maria asked

“Electro magnetic pulse. It’s what happens when a nuke goes off, whatever runs on electricity and his switched on gets…fried.”

“What?” Max asked as he saw Alex looking at Isabel.

“Hmm.” Alex said as he moved forward to his wife and reached behind her neck

“ALEX!” Isabel practically screamed as Alex unclipped the bomb around her neck but it slipped off and fell to the floor, “No boom?”

“No boom.” Alex said, “This thing may have been designed to detect Antarian powers but its still human tech and all human tech runs on electricity. So right now, I’ve never been so glad for that.” He said while pointing to the tablet before picking up the necklace

“What about Franks’ controller?” Isabel asked

“It should be wiped too but just in case he has a spare we should drop this thing into the Hudson in case it fixes itself.” Alex said

“Okay, so good news but we all know how badly this city reacted the last time there was a blackout. We should get that tablet out of here.” Kyle said

“Right. Come on.” Max said as he picked up the Key Stone, “Oh, this is gonna break my back.”

“Oh wait.” Michael said. He promptly waved his hands over the computers that lines the walls and erased any data on the hard drives just in case there was even the slightest hint of the word ‘alien’, given this room there chances weren’t exactly remote.

Soon Max and Michael were both carrying the tablet up the stairs and out the side of the museum before Tess released the security guards from her mindwarp. When they got out, it was difficult but they put the tablet in a big enough suitcase with wheels and rolled it through the city.

Sub-Level 5, The Pentagon, Same Time

Everything was black that deep underground, even the emergency lighting was out and this place was supposed to be shielded against such things. Their systems were completely dark, just like Washington across the river from them and far beyond. Everyone was working like mad to get back up and running but their backup generators were dampened as well.

“What the hell is going on?” the general yelled when he came in to the secured bunker

“Sir, everything’s shut down. Phone lines, cell phones…everything that runs on electricity is dead, even our flashlights and we cant get our systems to reboot.”

“What about the backups?”

“They didn’t come on line, whatever hit us is persistent.”

“This building, this bunker is shielded. We have enough protection to withstand an EMP from a nuclear blast.”

“Sir whatever this is…its more power than we’ve ever seen. We can’t get through to any of the resources needed to track this thing. We don’t know if it’s just Washington or anything beyond that.”

“Is it them?” the general asked

“There’s no way to know, but based on our information to date they don’t have the technological resources needed for something like this. Unless our assumption on them being stranded here was incorrect.”

“No, they’re stuck here. Otherwise they would have left the planet and not just Roswell. Besides, we have their ship locked up in Nevada and last I heard their security hadn’t been breached. Very well, I want this place up and running ASAP and I want the source of this tracked back to its centre.”

“Yes sir.”

The General left, he was hoping that the engineers at least had managed to get the elevators back up and he knew it was doubtful. He was thankful that he kept a bunk down here in case he had to spend the night.

Abandoned Subway Station, Beneath the Hotel, 01:50

Max and the others were walking through the darkened streets. The only light were coming from people who had cobbled together some fuel and dumped it in old oil drums before setting them on fire. They were everywhere and the police were already out on force trying to deal with the chaos that was beginning to build. Looting, small riots, people taking advantage of the situation…it was starting and the authorities weren’t going to take any chances.

At the very least they still had their abilities and were able to defend themselves from anyone they came across but it was difficult getting the heavy tablet back to the hotel. Soon they came across a subway entrance and headed into the underground. They knew there would be an intersection with their abandoned line that they found, even if it was bricked up they knew the old maps off by heart and it was a simply matter of finding the point to get into the station.

Eventually they got to their station under the hotel and it was then that they spotted it. It was down here that they stored the proceeds from their ill gotten gains, including the diamond. It was all stored in a safe but that safe now had gaping holes all over it that were lined with blistered and melted metal with the door hanging open as it’s lock had been melted clean off. The diamond itself was still there, sitting peacefully as though nothing had happened.

“Why do I have the feeling that no-one’s tried to rob us?” Kyle asked as he stared at the stone

Then Michael unzipped the suitcase and exposed the Key Stone to the air, the second he did so both the Key Stone and Diamond started to pulse with an inner yellow glow that were both in time with the other. “I’m guessing the damage happened when you touched this thing the first time.” Michael said

“Yeah.” Max said before looking over to his wife. Liz had been feeling strange since she got near that tablet and now that she was in proximity to one of the stones there was a distinct tingling throughout her body and her hands here shaking. She could feel the pulse of the stones throb inside her mind. “Liz?” Max asked with concern. Suddenly she looked up to answer him but as she did so her eyes crackled with green energy and everyone in the room went flying across it before they crashed into walls.

“Ugrrrrr…that sucks.” Kyle groaned in pain

All of a sudden random things in the room started lifting up off of the ground as Liz collapsed to the floor clutching her head in pain and trying to make it stop. “How do you shut the damn thing off?” Liz cried out as the levitating objects started spinning around

“Liz, just focus.” Max yelled out

“If you don’t want it to happen it wont.” Tess said

“You think I want this?” Liz said

Max looked, he saw that the diamond and the stone were both pulsing faster and quickly waved his hands. The safe and the suitcase were sent sliding across the floor as far as they could go in the room. Suddenly Liz was able to focus and everything fell to the floor before she fell to her side. Max was up in a heartbeat and over by her side to help her up.

“Liz?”

“I’m okay.” She answered

“Okay.” Alex said as he stood up and moved his way over to Isabel. She was okay and told him so with a gentle nod. “So, I guess not all the stones are needed to cause a mutation?”

“Or maybe one’s enough for someone that’s already been changed.” Max said

“Well that settles it. We cant give either of these over to Franks, but if we don’t he could expose us, turn of over to any of the groups that are after us or find away to capture us and keep us for himself.” Isabel said

“There would be a ton of cash coming his way from learning just a little from you guys and finding away to put it to use.” Kyle said as he looked at Tess, there was no way he was going to allow her to be a lab rat, to be poked, prodded and cut up like an experiment.

“Then what are our options? Run again?” Liz asked

“We sent our parents that little prize and the urge to take it. They could be on their way already.” Maria said

“And something tells me that New York being in a black out is going to get attention.” Kyle said

“That sounds like another vote to go.” Max said

“The last thing I want is for our parents to walk into a trap but if we don’t get out…” Kyle said

“If we stay…we still have all the things we’ve set up and we’ve turned this place into a fort. No one can get in unless we want them to.” Michael said

“Your sister did.” Max said

“She wouldn’t have if we locked everything down.” Michael said

“That would turn us into prisoners, in our own home.” Tess said

“What would you prefer?” Michael asked

“Oh god.” Alex said

“What?”

“Some of the servers I used to hold the information if we got caught are in Europe, China and Canada. They wouldn’t be affected by the blackout, unless I put in the code everything will be broadcast over the Internet in a few hours.” Alex said, “If we do leave…even if I do put in the code now, it’ll go out a little later.”

“So we’re damned if we stay and damned if we go.” Liz said

“I can tell you right now, I don’t want to raise my baby moving from motel to motel like before. We have that place in the mountains but sooner or later we’ll get hunted down.” Isabel said

“So?” Max asked

“So I say we kicked ass and end this.” Isabel said

Alex nodded, “I’m in.” He said

“Question is…how?” Maria asked

“Right now our problem is Franks. The others are still on our radar but if we can take care of him…” Max said

“No, it’s not just Franks. He told me. Apparently our little antics got the attention of some local mob bosses who want us dead.” Isabel said

“Oh.” Liz said, “Great.”

A few minutes later the glowing stopped and everything looked to be dead. Max wasn’t going to be tempting fate by touching the tablet again.

The Lounge, 3 Hours Later

Much later everyone was back upstairs and had informed Laurie about the situation. It wasn’t the best news but she understood their decision to want to stay and fight for their lives, someone could only run for so long. Outside, things were not getting better. It was then that Michael had an idea and ran over to the television.

“Michael, all the power is fried.” Alex said

“Not all the power.” Michael said as he yanked the plug out and held the prongs between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.

Suddenly the television switched on, Michael fed his energy through all the wires and powered up everything including the satellite dish on the roof. It was enough to pick up the signals being beamed from the areas of the country that weren’t affected by the blackout, they had no idea how many places were until they switched on the news from a station on the west coast.

“With over 12 states affected, no word has been released from government officials. FEMA has been mobilised but so far their efforts have been hampered. For one hour after the event all vehicles entering the area stopped working. Medical staff in hospitals are overwhelmed but emergency generator are now functioning. Experts have no explanation but believe the cause to now be over however power stations within the region have been unable to come back online. Emergency containment procedures at the nuclear facilities are in operation and officials say that there is no immediate danger…This just in, NASA has confirmed that the effected area extended into space. Orbiting satellites in the area are now falling back to earth uncontrolled, NASA has plotted their courses to impact regions in remote areas but the damaged satellites is expected to total in the hundreds of millions of dollars.”

“Well…shit.” Kyle said, “That’s a new record on our damage costs.”

“Good thing no one knows we’re responsible.” Michael said as he let go of the plug

“Hey, we’re not responsible. We didn’t know and besides, it was Franks that blackmailed up into it.” Maria said

“Yeah…let’s blame him. I like that.” Max said

“At least they’ve got backup generators working at the hospitals now.” Isabel said

“Well at this time in the day I doubt they would be doing operations but anyone on life support…” Liz said, “Let’s hope no one died because of this.”

“Hell traffic accidents alone because of traffic lights being out…” Kyle started and then looked at Liz, “…uh, yeah, let’s hope.”

A little later, Michael did the same thing and powered up Alex’s computer. The phone lines weren’t carrying any power anymore so Max moved over to another phone port and powered it up. The exchange system lit up like a Christmas tree as Max’s power flowed right through the system and allowed Alex to dial the Internet and put in his code. At least by doing that it gave them another day to think of what to do without spreading a lot of news over the planet that would bring down a government or two. As soon as they were done everything died again.

Out in the Desert, Roswell, New Mexico, 09:00

In the wide open space that the desert provided, the parents of the Pod Squad met to discuss a few things. When they had arrived, the Sheriff climbed his way up onto the roof of his SUV and used a pair of binoculars to scan the horizon. He did so thoroughly, he wanted to make sure there wasn’t another living soul anywhere near them to listen in on their conversation, there may have been nothing he could do about any satellites above them but they could only look straight down and didn’t have the ability to read lips.

“Okay. It looks clear. I don’t think anyone followed us out but we shouldn’t stay long just in case.” Jim said as he jumped down

“Look, I just think it’s a little odd. We win a prize and then suddenly we get the urge to take it with everything that’s going on?” Jeff said

“If that was all it was I would just say you were being paranoid.” Philip said

“Did something happen?” Nancy asked

“Well it’s just that when you told us about it, the second I got home I picked up the phone and booked to trip to Vegas. I didn’t even think about it, I just did it.” Philip said

“Same thing happened to us.” Charles said

“And me.” Amy said before looking over to Jim, “Care to make it unanimous?”

Jim could only nod.

“Well then…what’s going on?” Diane asked

“The only person I know who could do something like this is Tess.” Jim said

“So you so think its the kids?” Philip asked

“Getting into peoples heads is what she does. But after all this time, why now?” Jim pondered

“What if they found out something? They want us to get out?” Amy said

“Then we should go…as soon as possible.” Jeff said, “We shouldn’t take the risk on delaying this.”

“But the army?” Charles asked

“We have to assume that Max would have taken care of that or he wouldn’t have risked this.” Diane said

“Protecting himself and the others from them is number one on his priorities.” Philip said

“Okay, so we head back to town and pack a couple of bags. We travel light just in case.” Jeff said, “The businesses can wait but we should leave our credit cards.”

“Taking a lot of money from the savings will get their attention.” Jim said, “They’re probably watching the accounts.”

“That doesn’t matter. We all go in at the same time and withdraw a few hundred a piece and then we go.” Philip said

Everyone nodded, and then Jim looked around, “We should go before anyone sees our tracks out here and I think I’ve overdone my little coffee break today.”

“Yeah, okay, I’ll head over to your place and pack up some stuff. I’ll have a bag ready by the time you finish your shift.” Amy said

“Thanks.” Jim said, “Listen, I finish at 4. The bank closes soon after than so, I’ll meet you all down at the UFO Museum when…at ten past?”

“That’ll do.” Philip said

“In fact…listen, we should stay close. Taking a car a piece isn’t going to work and one will be too small. Okay, everyone park your cars around the street we’ll pick two when we leave.” Jeff said

“Right. And everyone make sure you the gas tanks are all full.” Jeff said

“Hey, what about that blackout on the news?” Amy asked

“Actually sounds like Michael’s work.” Jim said, “If he was there.”

“I don’t know. I think Max had a hand in it.” Philip said

Everyone got into their cars and before long they were back on the highway heading back into town. On the way they stopped by the local station and filled up on petrol. When they were back at their homes they packed up the essentials.

Living Room, Kyle/Tess’s Apartment, Noon

It had been a busy night for them last night and as a result they were late to rise. The sun was at his peak and Kyle & Tess came out of their bedroom while rubbing their eyes of the sleep. They couldn’t be bothered by doing anything, so they just slumped themselves down on to the sofa. Their hotel had an isolated generator, it was intended for an emergency and this certainly qualified although somehow envisioned the military cutting the power on them. However, even having that, they knew that many places wouldn’t and that there wont be a lot on the television.

“Last night sucked.” Kyle said

“This week has sucked, but I think Isabel got the brunt of it.” Tess said

“Yeah. Any ideas on how we can deal with Franks?”

“Hmmm, not now babe.” Tess said as she slumped her head back on the top of the sofa and closed her eyes

“Still tired?”

“Hmmm.” She nodded, “I know we don’t need as much sleep but last night…”

“Well you just relax and lie down, I’ll go make you breakfast.” Kyle said

Tess reached out and grabbed his hand, preventing him from going, “Stay here with me.” She asked quietly

Kyle smiled and eased back into the chair before he cradled her head. He helped her around until she was lying lengthways with her head resting on his lap. Kyle smiled as he looked down at his lover. Gently he stroked her forehead, brushing aside some stands of hair.

“What are you looking at?” she asked without opening her eyes, she could always feel it when his eyes were locked on her.

“Only the most beautiful woman in the world.” Kyle said

“Hmm, your such a smooth talker.” Tess said with a smile

“Will you marry me?” Kyle asked

That caused Tess to wake fully up, her eyes shot open and she moved up onto her knees beside him. “Did you just…”

“Yes.” Kyle said

“Did you mean…”

Kyle nodded and in seconds Tess smiled brightly before she jumped against him, wrapping her arms and legs around his body while kissing the life out of Kyle. All Kyle could do was reciprocate as he eased her down onto her back, never letting their lips break contact until they needed to come back up for air. “Is that a yes?”

“You better believe that’s a yes.” Tess said as she gazed up into his eyes, “I guess Liz owes Isabel 50 bucks.”

“Come again?” Kyle asked

“They kinda had a standing bet to see which one of you guys would propose first.” Tess said

“Uh huh, well I’ll be having a little chat with them later.” Kyle said before he looked over Tess’s soft lips and captured them again with his own.

Tess wrapped her arms around him, she raised one leg slightly, bending it at the knee and caused the hem of her robe to fall down to expose the flesh of her hip and thigh. As Kyle moved his lips from hers to her neck, his hand moved down to her left thigh. He revelled in the feel of her silken skin, Kyle loved every inch of her and every time he made sure she knew it with each caress and kiss. The blonde could feel her body becoming hotter with each tickle of his fingertips and her breathing became deeper.

Her lover smiled as he heard each hitched gasp of air. He brought up his head and both looked at each other, he was between her legs and through the thin silk material of their robes they could feel the body heat from each other. Both smiled widely, reached between them to their sashes and quickly pulled them open. Instantly their bodies touched, skin-to-skin and Kyle felt the crests of her breasts against his chest. Kyle planted and kiss on her lips and then started to move lower. His hands move over breasts, circling around them with gentle strokes before moving inward to her hard nipples. Tess squirmed beneath him.

Kyle started planting kisses over her breasts, sucking one of her nipples into his mouth and bathing it with his tongue. Tess continued to moan away, she swore she could have an orgasm from him lavishing her breasts alone, then Tess bit her lower lip in anticipation as she felt Kyle slide down her body, stoking every inch of her exposed body. As he left a trail of kisses heading down, Kyle quickly shirted off his robe and tossed it to the floor as he got to his slit. Looking up into Tess’s eyes, Kyle licked his lips and deeply inhaled her scent. He moved his face closer to the apex of her thighs while moving her legs a little further apart. Tess threw her head back, pressing it hard into the cushion beneath her head as Kyle made contact with her flesh; her right leg involuntary moved up and rested on upon the back of the couch. Her hands moved over her breasts and she started to massage them as Kyle ate her, adding to the pleasure.

“Eat me Kyle, Please…” she trailed of as her lover, her fiancé, stroked his tongue over her slit again and again. Her hips started to buckle against his mouth; she was desperate for more contact, desperate to climax into his mouth. Soon Kyle’s tongue found its goal; slowly he circled her clit and plunged his tongue into her pussy with short, hard stabs bringing her ever closer to the edge.

Kyle returned his tongue to the knob of pleasure again and again within her soft folds while stick two finger up into her. Thrusting in and out, Tess moaned and shook her head from side to side. She shot one hand down and held her hand to his head she pushed him in closer. Kyle moved his hand up and joined her other hand, their fingers interlocked.

“Oh ffuuuuuck, Kyle. I…eat me…I’m coming…I’m commmiiinggg!!” Kyle covered her core with his mouth and drank in all of her juices as they poured forth from her. As Kyle released her leg, she slid down the wall, her face flushed and covered with sweat.

“OHMYGODYESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!” Tess cried out as her legs fell to his head. The grip happened so quickly and the intensity of her orgasm caused both lovers to fall from the couch laughing.

“Oh my god, that was incredible.” Tess laughed

“Thank you. Up for a little more?” Kyle asked

Tess looked at his hard and proud dick from between his legs, “You better believe it babe.” Tess said as she took off her robe.

Kyle practically pounced on her; they wrapped their arms around each other and kissing again. Tess could feel his erection press against her belly, it was squeezed between them and she moved her body just enough to put pressure on the swollen length. It caused Kyle to start humping her body slightly in an attempt to get more friction but he wanted to be inside her, not that Tess minded since she wanted to have that meat filling her. Instantly they started a little playful wrestling, both pushing and pulling at the other in an attempt to get the other on the ground.

After a little while Tess decided to let Kyle win this one, she was too desperate for him to start screwing her to put up too much of a fight. Kyle’s body completely engulfed her smaller one, Kyle latched his mouth onto hers for a fierce and primal kiss that made Tess hot. It was then that Kyle backed up a little and flipped his new fiancé over so that she was resting on her front. Tess looked over her shoulder and watched as Kyle ran his hands up her legs and stroked her ass. Kyle smiled at her as he moved over her again and she spread her legs just enough to give him access to her pussy. Kyle was fully over her, his lips close to her ears.

“Do you want me?” Kyle whispered.

“Yes.” Tess hissed

“Tell me what you want.”

“I want you Kyle.”

“Uh huh, say it baby.” Kyle said before nibbling on her ear

“Ghnnn…fuck me Kyle, fuck my pussy.” Tess sighed with heat

Kyle’s dick rubbed against the cleavage of her butt cheeks before he reached down and aimed his cock. With a single fluid stroke he pushed forward and got past her outer lips before sinking in deep into her pussy. Both groaned as Kyle started with short stabs, he thrust into her body and made hers jerk forward with each one. He had propped himself up on his hands but as he saw Tess grab hold of the edge of the rug under them he moved each one to grasp hers. His fingers moved in between each of hers and their hands locked together tightly.

Over and over their bodies fused together with gasps and moans continuing to come forth from both of them, their pleasure centres stimulated to breaking point. They were red with flushed skin and dripping with sweat from their exertions. Kyle knew Tess’s body, after the quick and deep, almost violent thrusts he slowed up and pulled back out but then slammed back into her. He built up a slow rhythm, his hips smacked against her ass and sweat began to fall from their foreheads to the rug.

“Do you like this Tess…tell me how you like it.” grunted Kyle

“Ughnnn…I…ohh god. I love it Kyle! I want…ummmmm more. Give it to me…ahhhh…harder, please.” Tess moaned and groaned, over and over. The throbbing length in her was sliding back and forth, touching her most sensitive skin as she mated with her lover.

Kyle was more than willing to give Tess what she wanted, the one thing that remained the same throughout their time together was to give Tess what pleased her most. If she wanted it harder then that’s what she got. Kyle didn’t care about all the people after them, here and now he was Tess Harding’s willing sex slave. Of course the same was true for Tess, she’d do anything for Kyle; all he had to do was but ask and cum for her. Both were more than willing to surrender themselves to each other’s desires. Kyle rocked his hips back and forth, his sweat dripped from his brow and onto her back where it pooled in the curve of her spine. Her own sweat ran down to the same spot where it mixed. Kyle brought his erection out and slid it back in deeply to her soaked pussy, he was pushing himself to the limit, his face was contorted in pleasure, his eyes scrunched up and his balls churning with the need to eject their seed into her.

“Oh god baby...uhnnn…you’re so good.” Yelled Kyle

Tess loved hearing him groan during sex. Her head was always looking over her shoulders to look at her lover; her hair was moist from her sweat and was hanging evenly over her head. The sight of her fiancé behind her and rutting against her body inspired her to take a little more action and give Kyle a little help. Tess then started grinding her hips back against him, meeting Kyle’s thrusts with her own, their speed increased and she could swear that he was going deeper than he had before.

“UHHNNNNNNNNNN, GOD…please, Kyle make me cum!” she hollered.

“Do it Tess, cum for me Honey…FUCKKKKKKKK…god, let it go.” Kyle yelled back

“OHHHH, UGNNNN, FFFFuck ME Kyle. Let me feel you inside me!”

Kyle gave in. He couldn’t have lasted much longer anyway as the stimulating sensations on his cock had reached its end. Kyle gave a single sharp thrust into her and held himself there as he spurted his semen into Tess’s body. Tess felt him cum and she was close to her own climax, after an hour and a half she was finally ready. She continued to thrust back and forth, Tess use her powers to hold Kyle in position and wouldn’t let him leave her. Kyle didn’t mind one bit so long as his beloved let loose with her orgasm and felt the pleasure she gave to him. Tess worked her way up to her hands and knees as he leaned down onto her body, wrapping his arms around her. One across her breasts to tease them and another went up under her arm to hold her head as he kissed her passionately. He may have been done but Tess wasn’t and he couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her, long and hard, as she continued to move her body.

Tess broke off the kiss but continued to stare into the eyes of her lover. With one last thrust back she came hard and loudly. Her back arched and her tits pointed forward, Kyle grabbed each one with his hands. He held her naked body close to his; his dick slipped out and began to lose its erection but soon both collapsed to the floor and both snuggled up into each other’s bodies before he wrapped his arm around her. Kyle smiled as he looked into her eyes.

“What?” Tess asked

“Just trying to decide what ring would look best on your finger.” Kyle said

“Well, we’ll just have to take care of that problem later.” Tess said

After a little while they eventually got up off the floor and headed off to find their shower. They bathed together, washing the exertions of their bodies from each other before they got dressed and made an appearance to the other.

Sub-Level 5, The Pentagon, 14:00

When the field stopped dampening power, the Pentagon’s independent power systems came back online but the damage was done. Everyone was working on the problem but they were continually met with others. “It’s no good General, our systems are completely scrubbed.”

“What about the backups?”

“We were in the middle of updating the backups…the disks were in the system at the time of the event.”

“They are gone as well.” The general said

“Yes sir.”

“We have an unknown number of biologics running around this country, I refuse to allow that to go unchecked.”

“Sir, we can’t track them. All data to date is lost. We weren’t close before, now…we’ll have to start from scratch.”

“Perhaps. But, this blackout, the aliens we’re hunting might not have the resources to pull it off but there might be others here. It’s not something we can ignore…as soon as this computer is back online.”

“I can put in a call to Nevada. Their central computer utilises some of the same programs, but general power is still out. Nothing is getting into the phone lines so it’ll be a while. Even military channels are still out. Short range to the White House is up and we have lost a number of our birds in orbit.”

“This could set us back years of our research. Is there any word on the source of this thing?”

“NORAD sent word to through a currier to Washington. They tracked it to New York. It hit to fast to get an accurate epicentre, they can still work it out but…”

“It’ll take time. I’m hearing that too much Captain. Time is a luxury we don’t have.” The general said

Abandoned Subway, Beneath the Hotel, 14:20

Liz walked into the station just as a train was tearing through the nearby active line, it caused the entire area to shake but Liz kept a straight light toward the tablet. She had felt something the last time, not the swelling of power that caused her to levitate half the room but it was something in the background. It was there, she knew it, she could feel it and all through the day she couldn’t stop thinking on it. She hadn’t told Max or any of the others, Liz knew they would worry and oppose her coming down here given when happened last time but she had to find out if it was something or just her mind playing tricks on her. Liz approached the safe, Isabel had repaired the damage to it that occurred when Max touched the Key Stone. She opened it easily and pulled out the diamond. The second it touched her skin it started to glow, feeding on the energy in Liz and reflecting it back inside her. Liz moved away from the safe and gazed into the crystalline structure, then it floated up a few inches from her palm and the diamond became the source of the most intense light she had ever seen, a light that beamed into her eyes.

In her mind she started seeing images. They replayed in her mind over and over again, each time she saw a distant gleaming planet going dark before a streak of light crashing into the New Mexico desert. Then she saw Franks standing high in his tower with a dark shadow standing behind him. It was working him, a dark hand over his head like a puppeteer holding the strings of the puppet. From the tower there was a dark mass spreading out until it was engulfing their hotel and from there everything changed into ruins of smouldering rubble. Soldiers ran through the streets shooting everything on sight with devices in their hands that resembled the diamond from the necklace. The shadow laughed as he watched as they used those scanners to detect what they thought was alien energy. All the while their scanners were being manipulated, their thoughts limited through the brainwashing already implemented by the alien hunting army branch. If they saw the signature of an alien they were to fire and they saw it everywhere.

Then the dark eyes of the shadow turned to her, it was as though it was watching her before it suddenly ran toward her. Liz felt a searing pain crash through her, casting her out of the vision state and causing her to scream as she fell to the floor. The diamond fell to the floor along with her as blood started to flow from her nose. Suddenly the tablet gave off a single pulse of light that cut into the power lines.

Upstairs…

In the room, everyone felt the vibrations. Suddenly everything switched back on, televisions, lights, watches, cars, planes…all that was shut off now had their power back on in an instant.

“What the hell?” Michael said

“They must have fixed the power stations.” Kyle said

“No, the clocks are back on too.” Tess said as she looked at Max

“What?” Max asked

“Your nose…it’s bleeding.” Tess said

Max reached up to his nose and then withdrew it, looking at his blood on it. He got a chill throughout his entire body. “Liz…oh god.” Max ran to one of their concealed doors and opened it. Quickly he headed down into the Subway and was followed by the others.

In the Subway…

Max arrived to find Liz out cold on the floor with a pool of blood forming around her head. In a second he was by her side, he place one hand on her forehead and another on the side of her head and gave her his energy to regenerate the damage.

“Liz, what did you do?” Max asked

“I had to know…Kivar.”

“Come on, we’ll get you upstairs.” Max said

“No…Kivar, Max, he’s here on Earth…he always has been.” Liz said

“What?” Max asked

“He came here with you. He’s been waiting on you hatching for years Max, you’re his weapons.”

To Be Continued…

[Tharos]

Chapter 6

Library, Top Floor, 14:30

Everyone brought Liz up to the library where her favourite chair was. It was nice, big and plush so that she could just sink herself into it. Max never left her side, always holding her hand. After her incident Liz was looking a little pale from the amount of blood she lost, Max healing her helped but she was still exhausted from it. Soon Maria brought in a cup of tea and give it to Liz who took a sip of it.

“Just how you like it.” Maria said but Liz recoiled from it

“Oh that’s not nice.” Liz said

“Hmm.” Tess said and then took the cup, “I’ll fix it.” She left and came back a couple of minutes later.

Liz took another sip and began drinking the tea.

“What did you do to it?” Maria asked

“Added Tabasco.” Tess said

Everyone looked up at her and then at Liz, “Well, like that wasn’t unexpected.” Michael said

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. But what about this vision thing you had?” Kyle asked

“Right.” Liz said, “Uh, okay, where to start.”

“The beginning usually helps.” Max said while stroking her hand in a way that always relaxed her

“The first time I was near the crystal I felt something, so I went again to make sure…Kivar screwed up.”

“Like we don’t already know that.” Tess said

“No, I mean he really screwed up. Antar is dying, some of the weapons he used…Kivar is here to arrange an invasion. He’s going to abandon most of the population, he’s setting Earth up for his own followers.” Liz said, “From what I saw, at first he didn’t realise it but then he found out your ship was heading here and he intercepted it. Then he got the idea.”

“To use us as weapons? How?” Isabel asked

“Psychological warfare on humans. He didn’t know when you’d hatch but when you did you would have remained hidden for as long as possible. You were set up with certain instincts to protect yourselves but Kivar knew that you’d have your powers and at some point. For decades he’s been manipulating everything, the media, television shows, politicians…whatever you can think of he’s got his hands on it. Kivar wants people afraid, paranoid. He is behind half the shows out there that have tons of alien bad guys.”

“Oh god.” Isabel said

“What?” Max asked

“Aliens that look like humans…disguised as humans.” Isabel said

“He wants people to think that we’re here as some sort of scouting party?” Max said

“He set things up, made a few conspiracy theories by influencing the original military team to cover up the crash. Every thing we watch, listen to…it’s all geared up to do one thing, when the time came, if someone suspected you, it would set a series of events in motion. He didn’t plan on Kyle’s dad not following through and exposing us. Kivar figured that when he got what he was looking for he would have let people know but that didn’t happen. Kivar’s been behind the FBI Special Unit, the military after us. Whenever you use your powers to defend yourselves it could be seen as threatening to everyone else. Basically Kivar’s endgame is to make it look like there is already a mass invasion underway, multiple countries with masquerading aliens set up in positions of power.”

“Oh that’s not good.” Tess said

“Hm?” Isabel asked

“Antar has the technology to regenerate a planet in the middle of a nuclear winter.” Tess said

“All Kivar needs to do is push enough buttons and he can start Armageddon.” Liz said, “Given how things are now, he’ll need to find you, push you into a situation in which you’ll use your powers and then capture you. You’ll be all the proof he’ll need.”

“No doubt he’ll also have a few mind games to play.” Tess said, “He could bring out whatever emotion he wants to in the people with the power.”

Everyone sat and listened but couldn’t believe it. Their entire life had just been a set up for Kivar to wipe out the inhabitants of Earth and let his people take over. With them using their powers to stay alive and one step ahead has only added more ammunition. “Kivar is using us to wipe out Earth.” Max said

Liz nodded, “Someday he’ll activate you…well that’s the wrong term, he hasn’t programmed you or anything but he’ll do something that will force you into the open. At least enough to make people start asking questions. From what I can tell he’s even behind Franks. Teaching him, pointing him in right directions. Controlling aspects of the military has been part of the set up, when the time comes Kivar will take control and hand out units to detect aliens. He’ll have the soldiers seeing aliens everywhere.”

“They’ll go from street to street killing everyone they see.” Isabel said

“So what do we do?” Liz asked

“Kivar’s out there, there’s nothing we can do about that now. But we need to start correcting a few things out there…and we can start with Franks.” Max said

Franks’ Building, 15:00

In his office overlooking the city beneath him, Franks watched as people bustled around the city streets. From this altitude they looked like nothing more than small ants. His systems came back online a little while ago but all he could do was look at the chaos and he was pissed. Franks preferred to be the one causing these problems and he preferred it to well away from him. As he looked out he could see smoke rising from fires started by rioters and he could only guess at the damage elsewhere within the blackout area.

Then his researcher came in through the elevator doors, “Status.” Franks said

“Sir, we’ve estimated losses at over 20 million due to the blackout.”

“We can get that back when things get sorted. What about our friends?”

“We’ve had no word from the 8 but based on what’s happening at the museum this morning then it’s a safe bet that they have the Key Stone.”

“I’m surprised. With my little gift around her neck, I thought she or her husband would have at least picked up the phone.” Franks said

“Well something could be of more interest to them.”

“What do you mean?” Franks asked

“We downloaded some photos from our satellite in orbit above the city before it’s orbit began to decay. I think I’ve identified the flash point of the blackout…it was the museum.”

Franks looked at him, “They’ve triggered something?”

“Yes sir but we haven’t been able to determine what. There is nothing in our records to indicate they have this level of ability or anything to cause it in the museum.”

“Then I think I better give them a call.” Franks said as he looked up the number in the database, Then he dialled. “Mr Evans, I believe you have something for me.”

“Mr Franks, sorry, I thought the phone lines were still down.” Max said

“Well they are not. You have the stone?”

“Yes, we have it.” Max said after waiting for a moment

“When can I expect delivery?” Franks asked, “Remember, I still have my controller. Isabel’s life is in my hand.”

“We remember.” Max said, “However, given what’s going on out there we think it’s best that you come here. You don’t want the tablet damaged while it’s out there.”

“Of course. I will be with you shortly.” Franks said as he closed the line.

“Sir, do you think it’s wise to go to their home? They will have undoubtedly secured the building to their advantage.”

“Oh no doubt, but while I hold this, I have the edge.” Franks said as he held up his remote to Isabel’s necklace. Little did he know that it was already off her neck. Quickly he called for his car to be ready and waiting down on the ground. He headed off and soon was driving through the streets toward the hotel.

FBI Field Office, New York, Same Time

One of the first things that happened when communications came back online, aside from a mass of people checking in on their stocks, was that practically every FBI agent in the region was redeployed. Many were sent to Washington to head up what was quickly becoming a massive investigation but they had already determined that it was New York that was the source of the problem. Their plan was to check out the power company workers, look for sabotage in the stations and on the line but each of them knew that they were looking for something more.

Shutting down vehicles, watching and isolated generators was no easy task and there were very little resources that could pull it off. There were several projects in labs for universities and for the military in developing such devices. As such each of those places around the country were going to be paid a visit. However, their task was much more complex – track down where the device is now. In a city the size of New York that would be next to impossible and they knew it but they had to try, letting a weapon like that stay loose on the streets could cause incalculable damage the next time it was used.

Many of the agents brought in were already running after the people that caused the blackout, not that they knew it but their diversion to Washington was cancelled and they were returned to the city on what was considered a much more important case. One of those agent was Kendal who was feeling like he had just cleared out his desk here but now he was putting everything back.

“No place like home.” Kendal said

“Yeah if it was only better circumstances.” Mitchell said as he planted his box next to his

“Any word on the damage?”

“No, they’ll be working that out for months. Forget the problems on the markets, one night of riots trashed a lot of buildings. The insurance companies are going to have a fit.”

“Anything on the cause yet? Accident, terrorists?”

“Well no one’s taken credit for it but we’re not ruling out terrorists. For all we know this could be a test of one of their little toys they got a hold of.”

“Still, something like this you’d think someone would have come forward. Even if it was an accident, keeping quiet is only going to make the situation worse for them and increase panic out there.”

“Yeah but they’re probably afraid of the lawsuits that’ll hit them…if it was an accident.”

“You don’t think so.” Kendal said

“You don’t set off something like this by accident. If it was, so be it but I have a bad feeling about this.”

“If it was deliberate, these people will not go easily. We’ll need to terminate them before they get a chance to do this again.” Kendal said

“That’s the thinking among the Joint Chiefs. They cant risk another situation like this. An EMP lasts for seconds before you can start thinks up again that have been shutdown before hand, this thing lasted hours.”

Just then one of the junior agents in the case came running up, “Hey did you hear?”

“What?” Kendal asked

“The museum of natural history was robbed last night. Someone broke into a safe and found some sort of hidden lab.”

“Uh, we kind of have some bigger things to worry about.” Kendal said

“No, you don’t get it. The Whitehouse just called the Director; they’ve tracked the initial flashpoint. They got it within a 50 feet radius of the museum.”

“What the hell would be in a museum that could cause this? What kind of lab?”

“Don’t know. All the hard drives on the computers were wiped. Our tech guys are looking into it now.”

Mitchell and Kendal looked at each other, their curiosity was more than peaked and before they pulled another things out of their boxes, they grabbed their jackets and headed out.

Main Lounge, The Hotel, 17:00

Crossing the city was normally the easiest thing for his limo but today, all day, was infinitely worse than the worst case of rush hour traffic. Franks had been stuck in his car for hours before he arrived. When he got there he gladly stepped out to stretch his legs before he headed inside. The elevator doors opened for him without him even calling for the car and he smiled before looking around for the security camera that was probably watching his every move.

Despite not seeing it he knew it was there so he stepped into the elevator and as the doors closed he was instantly heading up. He arrived in the uppermost floors and followed the hall to the main lounge where they were all waiting for him in the middle of the room. Franks saw Isabel and smiled inwardly as he saw his necklace around his neck, not knowing that Max had put together a replica that Isabel was now wearing while the real explosive was in Alex’s pocket…a fact that he was very nervous about.

As he looked around more, he couldn’t see the tablet anywhere in the room, “My property?”

“It’s safe, nearby.” Max said

Franks just shook his head, reached into his pocket and pulled out his remote to the bomb, “My property?” He asked again

“We’ll take you too it soon.” Alex said

“But first we wanted to talk to you about something.” Liz said, “Kivar.”

“Who?” Franks asked

“You know who we’re talking about. You’ve had dealings with him and I told you about him.” Isabel said

He smiled, “Yes, I’ve only known about it recently. I’ve known him as Kane Ivar, but I didn’t put the pieces together until we met. Actually I’m fairly disappointed in myself in not seeing that he was like you.”

“He is nothing like us.” Tess said

“Well you say potato.” Franks said

“He’s using you.” Max said

“Really, and how is my old teacher doing that?” Franks asked

“Making contacts for him, putting together a few things here and there as he needs them and recently, tracking us down.” Liz said

“Hmm, and what’s wrong with that my dear? He has always been very beneficial to me.”

“He wants to wipe out all life on this planet so that his people can colonise.” Michael said

“Ah, now that could be a problem.” Franks said, “But then that’s not much of a concern to me.”

“Uh…psycho man, all life includes you and any little psycho juniors that are running around.” Alex said

“That wont happen. You seen to forget, my tablet. The Key Stone will give me the locations of all stones and my power will increase to protect whoever I choose from anything.”

“Yeah, you believe what you want to. It wont do you much good.” Max said

“We’ll see. Just as soon as I get what’s mine.” Franks said

“It’s downstairs, but Kivar is stronger than you think.”

“Where as you are made helpless by a single injection and one that would probably work on him as well. But you’re little shield, I’m fairly interested in that. I think I might even be able to create my own.”

“You’re really a nutcase aren’t you?” Liz asked

“Oh I may enjoy starting the odd war, one or two little genocides here and there but really what’s the point of playing these games if you can’t ascend to greater power?” Franks said, “My intent is to gain power and after what you’ve just told me it would seem that that power would be need. Your Kivar can have this planet, I’ll create a little island somewhere out of the way…a colony of humans safe from anything. After all, the ancients who went through this were seen as gods. Who am I to break from tradition?” Franks said

“Oh hell no, there is no way you’re for real.” Maria said

“And it scares you to death that I might just be. Mr Ivar has taught me well, nurtured me through many difficulties and helping me understand many little facets in my life.” Franks said, “Now, where is my item?”

Max stared into the man’s eyes and nodded, “We’ll take you to it.” He said. They didn’t like showing their escape route to anyone but bringing the stone up here was out of the question should anyone else come calling. Besides, down there it was like space. No one could here anything outside the chamber.

Abandoned Subway, Immediately Following

Franks came in and used a handkerchief to cover his mouth, the room was old and covered with dust. It was falling from the beams and cracks in the roof and as a result he found it difficult to breath. They others had been down enough times to become as used to it as possible but at the end of the day it was only a temporary discomfort. The light was dim but it was enough for Franks to see a lump hidden beneath a tarp.

Kyle and Michael hid their safe earlier but it was the tablet that Franks came here for and that was where his attention was. He was practically drooling and even more so when Alex moved up to the tarp and pulled it off. Franks’ eyes went wide as he gleamed over the ancient inscriptions.

“My god…yes…after all this time.” Franks said as he moved closer to the tablet. All of a sudden Max waved his hand and the Key Stone went flying away from Franks. “What is this?” He yelled angrily.

“Before, we were willing to hand this over. Then we saw its power.” Liz said

“So, this caused the blackout.”

“Yeah, good catch. But the fact that you’d probably turn us over or try to detonate that bomb…that really kinda sealed the deal with us.”

“Try to detonate it?” Franks said as he held up his remote and pressed the button on it.

Nothing. He looked at Isabel and pressed the button again, then again and then a fourth time but Isabel just stood there smiling with her arms crossed. Then she reached up behind her neck and unclipped the catch. “The good thing about us is, faking things is really easy.”

Alex looked up, “Should I be concerned about that comment?”

“Relax Honey, some things don’t need to be faked.” Isabel said

“And some things I don’t need to hear…ever.” Max said

Alex then threw the real necklace to Michael who forcibly put the necklace on him. “Funny thing about that blackout, it wiped out all power including that little trinket but we were able to power it back up again. So, now that the connection has been completed again, you have an active bomb on your neck. I would be careful with that little toy of yours.”

Franks looked at his remote and quickly placed it in his pocket after closing the covering on it, he didn’t want to accidentally fall against something and have the button pressed. “What do you want?”

“Trying this on us was a really, really big mistake.” Max said, “And god knows what you planned to do with us after that. There was never any guarantee that you’d take off that bomb or if you’d turn us over. Aside from that, letting someone like you getting power like this…that isn’t going to happen.”

“You can’t stop me. Unless you plan to kill me which from your file you’ve only done once, when you were under fire from Special Agent Pierce.”

“Who said anything about killing you. Making you forget…that’s going to be fun.” Tess said

“You wouldn’t do that. This Kivar who is hunting you, I haven’t told him I located you. This happening to me will alert him.” Franks said

“Actually.” Michael said, “You’re probably right.” With that Michael smashed his elbow into the back of Franks’ head. In seconds he was out cold and he fell to the floor. Michael detached the necklace, they lied about powering it back up but it made Franks afraid and that was enough. He made sure that he was unconscious and then nodded to Tess. Tess knelt by his side, put her hands on either side of his head and started to work her magic. She linked deeply into his mind and looked for all the information she could get while doing what she needed to do. Performing a mindrape was hardly something she imagined herself doing but he had things they needed to know. The program that he used to control the Internet she was sure Alex would love to get his hands on.

“So what exactly is the plan here?” Kyle asked

“He was right. Making him forget things would draw attention but with a night of rioting and people out there still causing problems…accidents happen. He wont be waking up anytime soon and if he does total amnesia, Tess is putting in blocks to his memory that no one would get through. As far as anyone would be concerned the memories are still there with no obstructions of they do an MRI on him.”

“What if it’s Kivar? Could he heal him?” Liz asked

“Kivar cant heal.” Tess said as she let go of Franks’ head, “Killing he’s got down but healing not so much. Anyway he’s done.”

“How do you know that anyway?” Michael asked

“Nacedo. He wanted me to be aware of a few things about him if we ever crossed paths...which I can’t believe I’m just getting now. Nacedo knew Kivar was on that ship, he would have had to.” Tess said

“You think they were working together?” Max asked

“From the way Nacedo raised me, I don’t doubt it. He wanted us to have distance from humans, no relationships, no empathy to them…as little as contact as possible. He made me believe that Max was mine without exception. I guess he never figured on Kyle.” Tess said as she smiled at him

“Ah well, I do have a way with beautiful women.” Kyle said

“Uh, babe, that should be woman…singular not plural. You’re getting married now so don’t forget that.” Tess said

“Yes my dear.” Kyle said

“UH wait a second. Did you just say married?” Maria asked

Tess cringed but then she and Kyle held hands as they faced their friends, “We were going to tell you all later.” She said

“You’re actually doing it?” Max asked with a smile

“As soon as possible.” Kyle said

After a few seconds of being frozen in shock congratulations were exchanged. Eventually they dragged Franks back up to the parking lot for the hotel where Franks’ car was waiting. Tess mindwarped the driver, making him think that they were driving through an area of the city when a riot suddenly sprung up and attacked them. Franks was hurt and the driver was to head out to the nearest hospital. After sticking Franks in the backseat, the car took off and headed.

“You know, the only downside to what I just did, Franks didn’t have any idea how to find Kivar.” Tess said

“So we still don’t know where he is.” Liz said

...
..
.

[Tharos]

.
..
...

Over the Next 24 Hours - Fox News Headquarters…

With several security in tow a man walked through the halls of the news network with a cane slamming into the floor with every other step. His suit was of the most expensive variety yet he always wore shade over his eyes. Each step into the offices caused the people in the room to stop what they were doing and look up for a second. They had seen this guest frequently but knew nothing about him, no matter what it was they did to find out. He headed straight through until he reached the editor’s office. He didn’t knock, he never did, he just opened the door and walked inside. His security closed the door and stood guard outside.

“Ah, Mr Ivar. It’s been a while.”

“Yes it has been…and do I have a story for you.”

Script Writers Meeting, Warner Brothers Studios, Los Angeles…

In a smoke filled room a bunch of smoking people worked to create their latest villain for their show when in walked the same man.

“Hello gentlemen. Having problems?”

“Mr Ivar. Unfortunately yes, it’s becoming an issue.”

“Well I think I can help you. A new enemy, an alien that looks human but is not, raised as human to act, think and be human and hidden until its time. And then…well I’m sure your imagination will get the better of you.”

“I’m sure it will, thank you Mr Ivar.”

“My pleasure, gentlemen.” He said with a smile as he left

Oxford University, Britain…

“Mr Ivar. Welcome back to Oxford.”

“It’s good to be back. I assume your putting my research grants to excellent use?”

“Oh yes sir. We’ve isolated several talented young students who are advancing our work quite well.”

“Good. So tell me, how are those young minds we’re moulding shaping up?”

Back Room, Bar in the Bronx…

Mr Provolone, Mr Krosilev, Ms Chan, Mr Greenberg, Mr Shrub and Ms Longberg. The heads of the most powerful criminal organisations in the area had all gathered once more. They had been called by Krosilev who was there to report that he had identified the identities of the people they were looking for, of course he wasn’t going to tell them how he found out. As they sat and drank to discuss the situation and how to effectively deal with the situation that wouldn’t draw anymore attention down upon them. They were thankful for the blackout, it would divert attention but they knew that taking down the owners of a hotel that was popular would be problematic if they didn’t act decisively. Just then they heard a familiar sound, a regular beat as the metal base of a cane hit the floor and instantly they all stood up as the door opened.

“Mr Ivar.” They all greeted him respectfully

“Ladies, gentlemen. It sounds like you were having a heated discussion.”

“A little sir, yes. We’ve been having a few problems and cant quite decide how to deal with it.”

“Ah yes, your little thieves. Must be embarrassing to you all to have such people do such daring acts and take so little. They have the potential to take so much more.”

“Mr Ivar, if you don’t mind…” Provolone started but was stopped mid sentence when the person before them lifted his cane and slammed it into the desk. The result was that a crack formed along it before it suddenly split and broke in two.

“Do not speak to me in such a way. Remember, your families owe their power to my own.” He wasn’t about to tell them that he was the very person who set up their grandfathers in their various business endeavours. “Now, I do not care for this situation. It is distracting you. The best way for you do deal with this is to take advantage of the situation out there. If you know where they are then go there and eliminate them. Quickly, without hesitation.”

“Yes Mr Ivar.” Krosilev said

Oval Office, The Whitehouse…

“Mr President.”

“General Ivar, how goes your research project?”

“I’m afraid it is confirmed sir. There is no longer any doubt.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Oh I’m afraid this is very believable sir. They are responsible for shutting down the Special Unit but that was strictly an act of payback for what they tried to do to them, however their final plan and intent…”

“Do you have the resources to equip our troops should the need arise?”

“Thanks to our corporate contacts, yes sir. Everything shall be prepared when the time comes. For our future I will make sure everything is the best we can get…after all, I don’t want my race to become extinct.” He said with a smile

“Of course not.” The president said, “Good luck General Ivar.”

“To all of us Mr President.”

The Vatican, Rome…

Another seat of power and one among many of the religious factions that he had paid a visit to, oh how he loved the simplicity of manipulating them. Quote their scriptures, point out that which was hidden in plain sight and their connection to the quotes and before long the fear was upon them of what was to come. He didn’t wear a suit this time, this time it was the robes of a cardinal just like he wore a general’s uniform or clerics robes or the clothes of a Rabbi when the need arose.

“Eminence.” He said with a bow before kissing the ring on the pope’s finger. He would never have bowed to another living being but to play the part and influence the people he needed to in the way he wanted to, he had to do it.

“Ivar. Welcome back home.”

“Thank you. Father, I fear we must speak.”

“You have spent much time in the libraries of the world, may I assume that you have found what you sought?”

“Unfortunately yes. The demons for lack of a better term, have come. God created this world for us but the devil created a world for his subjects and now Hell is upon us. These dark creatures walk among us, blaspheming against our lord by taking the form of us. It was in his own image that he made us and it’s that image they now take. They have no soul, save for their dark hearts. They have come to fulfil the prophecy.”

“The apocalypse.” The pope said

“They number eight but it is their leader, the seventh that holds the power. They come from above like angels but they are not. And the Seventh Angel poured forth from the bowl and said ‘It Is Done’.”

“What can be done to stop them?”

“Their numbers are spreading. More and more will come to the Earth like a plague and spread their evil among the nations of our world that are impure. Holy pillars of fire must come forth as the cleansing hand of our lord.”

“There is nothing in the holy bible that speaks of this.”

“No Eminence, not in the bible but the tomes locked in the very archives of this holy place. The Dead Sea Scrolls that have not been revealed to the world. The very words written by the Apostils for this very occasion.”

“So be it.” The pope said

*_*_*_*_*_*

They were but a mere handful of the people Kivar visited in a single day but with his resources he could cover the globe three times in a single hour. Not that any of the people he spoke to had any idea of his true identity or the fact that each time he spoke to them he influenced them with his own thoughts and energy. With each talk he left smiling, building up his plan since the day he arrived on Earth with a crash in Roswell. From that day on he worked with those of his race while sacrificing some.

The Skins of Copper Summit didn’t even know he was on the planet, their soul purpose was to aid in getting the four to expose themselves while simultaneously being cannon fodder. It didn’t matter who killed them off, human or Antarian, the only thing that mattered was the fact that eventually people would see an entire town of people who were eliminated and replaced by an alien invasion force. With everything that happened it was just a matter of time before someone saw what was going on there now that the town was suddenly deserted. However, this all was only a small section of the greater plan and a puzzle that he had to put together very carefully or he be exposed and his entire work could be destroyed.

Max & Liz’s Bedroom, 19:00

In their bedroom Max was helping Liz getting a handle on what was happening to her. Throughout the day more than a few knickknacks around their home had suddenly started lifted off the ground, and Tess was not amused when it happened to her but the others did their best to contain their laughter. However, when it happened they all decided that Liz needed to get control before the glass pyramid on their roof lifted off and falls to the streets. It brought the young couple to the privacy of their bedroom with Max sitting on the chair by their desk and Liz sitting with her legs crossed on the bed. She had been attempting to move several items that were laid out on their bed but no matter how hard she couldn’t quite get it.

“I don’t get it. I walk through a room and Tess ends up hanging upside down and I can’t move a thimble when I want to.” Liz said

“You’re trying to force it. Just relax.” Max said

“I am relaxed.”

“No, not so much.” Max said

“I am.”

“Liz I can feel it. Your neck is as tight as…well it’s tight. Look, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Let everything go, nothing matters.”

“Like military, FBI, psycho egomaniacs looking for godhood.”

“Yeah, all that. It doesn’t matter. Just look inside you, feel the power inside you and let it flow out.”

Liz took a deep breath and did what Max asked of her, she let her powers out and imagined herself lifting the objects before her. Max felt her body relax just a little and watched as the objects started shaking back and forth before the lifted up a little. Liz then opened her eyes and saw that they were all bobbing about 8 inches from the duvet.

“Yes!” Liz yelled out in celebration, “Finally, it only took an hour. Kinda anticlimactic though.”

“Anticlimactic?”

“Well, yeah. I’ve been spinning things around all day, dropped Tess on her ass…which was fun by the way, and don’t tell her that and I’ve seen the future.” Liz said

“Yes but you weren’t trying then. That was your powers coming out uncontrollably. You didn’t know it was happening so you couldn’t guard against it. Now you’re trying to consciously do it with direction. That’ll take some time.” Max said as he came over and sat on the bed by her side while watching her handiwork float before them

Then they all dropped to the floor and Liz looked at Max, she was so pleased with herself that he leaned over and kissed her husband with such intensity and surprise that left him gasping for air. “You do know you shouldn’t have come over to the bed?”

“Can’t I congratulate my beautiful wife?”

“Max, when was the last time the two of us were on a bed and didn’t make love to each other?” Liz asked

“Ah…hmmm?” Max started thinking

“See.”

“Now hang on. I’m sure…oh Roswell, ha. About a month before we left.”

“Max, that was about a year and a half ago. Every time since then?”

“Hmm, I guess coming over to the bed was a mistake then.” Max said as his inched closer to her face

“You know, mistakes like that land people in trouble.” Liz said huskily

“Lots of trouble.” Max said before he claimed her mouth with his own.

The two lovers kissed passionately as they wrapped their arms around each other and leaned back onto their bed. Max ran his fingers through her soft brown hair, it was then he looked into her eyes and leaned in to kiss her. She moaned into the kiss as left her wanting mouth and started to kiss down he neck. Max’s hands slowly glided down her sleeveless t-shirt and lifted the hem, resting his palms on the now exposed flesh. As they stopped they looked into each others inviting eyes, the electricity between them intensified as it always did. Liz reached down and rapidly pulled of his sweater and just as quickly she reached down and cupped his crotch. Max groaned at the contact and couldn’t help but cup Liz’s sweet face and kiss her. Liz pulled him closer, never letting her grip on his sensitive flesh go but Max had become filled with lust and grabbed on to her top and ripped it open, pushing Liz back down onto their bed.

Liz wasn’t a bra and Max started kissing down her front, pausing on her breasts as he caressed and kissed them. He slowly and gently bit into each soft mound but licked and sucked each nipple as though he were a starved man. All though this Liz was busy unzipping his jeans and pushed them and his boxers down to his ankles – she too was like a ravenous animal at the moment, she would not be denied the intimate touch of her soul mate any longer, it had been a good 9 hours since their last primal rut together. Soon she started to undo the fastening on her own jeans but Max decided to make her just that little but hotter by running his finger around her bellybutton.

Max moved up onto his knees and both were gasping for breath as he pulled her tight, black jeans down her legs. Within seconds she was naked except for her blue, silk panties covering his goal. He pulled her legs slightly apart and pushed her panties to on side as he put is face millimetres away from her. Liz’s whole body quivered as she felt his hot breath between her legs. Max opened his mouth and let his extended tongue have its way with her. Liz desperately tried to spread her legs further from him but was restricted; she kicked her left foot free from her jeans and raised it so that it was resting on Max’s shoulder giving him all the access he wanted to her.

“Hmmmm…Max...ooooooooooohh…Hmmmmmmmmm.”

Moving and writhing against the soft materials covering their bed aided in the sensations moving through her body but soon she pushed Max away. Max fell backwards onto the floor, leaving them both surprised but then Liz’s instincts to let her body meld with Max’s always sparked a little bit of extra strength. He looked up at Liz to see what he had done wrong but she smiled and the look in her eyes showed him that everything was okay, she was just taking control for a little while and Max was more than willing to let himself submit to her desires. As she slowly and sexily slipped off the bed, she walked over to his position and slid her hands down to her waist where she pushed her silken underwear from her body, inch by inch and as teasingly as she could. Max loved watching his beloved eagerly embrace her sexual side, he quickly looked around and found his own jeans and reached into the back pocket and pulled out a condom. Liz quickly reached out and grabbed his wrist, he looked at her and she shook her head.

“We’ve never really talked about this.” Max said

Liz smiled, “Yes we have…in our own way. We both want it.”

“Yes.” Max said, “But only if you’re sure?”

“Who’s the one stopping you from putting the condom on?” Liz asked

“Are you…is it…you know…your time?” Max asked

“Not yet, but I think we should enjoy yourselves while we get in a little practice.” Liz said as she kissed him before tracing his lips with her finger.

Max looked at the wrapper contained condom and then to Liz, there wasn’t much of a choice there as they both wanted it to happen eventually and thanks to Isabel and Alex’s surprise pregnancy they knew it was possible. With a simple toss backward Max threw the condom away and it landed in the trashcan. Liz only smiled harder at his action before she moved into position by kneeling over his waist, Max ran his hands up the sides of her legs as she descended upon him but then he watched as she was inches from his throbbing erection. Liz grabbed on to him causing him to moan and gasp as she gently stroked his manhood, she didn’t want him to simply moan, she wanted him to cry out loud. The privacy of their bedroom, in their apartment, certainly gave them the option of being as vocal was they liked and they took advantage of that often. Liz looked into his eyes as she raised her hips and moved his penis in to position and sat back down on to it.

Liz had discovered a new side to herself long ago when Max had first lay upon her body and pushed into her. From that point on both young lovers had dramatically given themselves over to primal lusts that brought them no end of pleasure. She enjoyed control in many of their trysts as did Max but both would gladly give it up to the other depending on their mood at the time but right here, right now she was controlling every contact the two of them shared and she revelled in it. Liz had let her body sink down onto his dick and completely engulf him as his hands started to caress her warm body that was only getting hotter. Slowly Liz started to move, lifting and lowering herself on his meat.

“Hmmm, ahhhhh…Max…ughnnnnn…Max…hmmmmmmmmm…” Liz moaned as she continually but her lower lip

“GHNNnnnn…LIZ…So tight…UGHNNNN….yesss…Hmmmmm…ughnnnnn…” Max groaned as he watched her body slide up and down above his.

Soon her pace quickened and their breathing got deeper and more passionate. Sweat started to form on her brow and her skin glistened in the light. Max reached up to caress her breasts, he cupped the mounds of flesh and squeezed, Liz reached her hands up and rested them over Max’s for a while before she moved them from her chest. Their fingers interlocked and Liz pressed down upon them to increase her movements through the added leverage as she continued to push up and down, letting his cock slide in and out of her enflamed body. The only movement Max was capable of was to thrust upward to meet Liz as she came down, both were going slowly, Liz grinding her hips and undulating them back and forth; this had become an act of pure love as it always was when they had sex and neither wanted to end.

“Ugh…ugh…UGHNNNN…YESSS…OH GOD BABY…UGHNNNNN!”

“Oh god…yesss…yessssss…YESSSSSS…YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

“Liz…so…cloooooseeee…”

“Give it to me Max…ugnnnnn…please….”

“Ughnnnn…”

“Ohhhhh…yesss…”

“Ughnnnn…”

“UGHNNNNN...”

“UGHNNNNNNNNN YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!” They cried together over and over again

Soon they couldn’t help themselves and the pace of their lovemaking had increased quite a bit, both were moaning and grunting and both were on the verge of collapse. Liz moved upon his body so wildly that it had caused them to move, Max was sure that he would end up with a carpet burn but then it wouldn’t have been the first for either of them and it was handy that he could heal any injury. Each time his hard penis was swallowed up by her body, they both moaned as they felt him reach her depths and couldn’t go any further. Then Max stopped thrusting up and Liz soon leaned over his body, desperate to feel his lips against hers again, she merely began to rock her hips back and forth, both wanted to cum badly so each one was deep yet sharp and quick.

“URGHHHHHH…ARHHHHHHHHHH.”

“Aghhhhh…Ughnnnn…jeez. UGHN…Ughnnnnn…” Max groaned out

“Hmmm…ghhnnnn…ghnnn…ghnnnnnnnnnn…”

“HMMMMMMmmmmmmm…” Max moaned

“OHHH YEAAAHHHH. UHMMM, GOD…MAXXXXXXXX.” Liz screamed as her body reached the end.

Within seconds Max could take no more, he sat up and keeping Liz where she was he nibbled on a nipple while Liz continued to move back and forth and then they both came. The quivering sensations of each muscle contracting within her pussy set off his own blinding orgasm and shot his potent seed into her body again and again as they held each other through it. Although both were spent Max continued to gently thrust up into Liz’s waiting hole and her abdomen still convulsed since her climax had not yet subsided. She wrapped her legs and arms around him, keeping him close and he wrapped his arms around her bringing her even closer. Both panting for each breath, they never said a word they didn’t need to. The connection allowed them to experience the others pleasure, love and let them say it to each other in private. They kissed as Max ran one hand over her sweat soaked face and moved it through her wet hair. When that kiss broke, Liz couldn’t help herself and started kissing wherever she could, her lips moved over his muscular shoulders & neck and tasted his own sweat on his flesh. Before long they both fell to the floor and stayed their until they could move again.

Lobby, The Hotel, 2 Hours Later

Three cars pulled up outside at varying times, each moved around the inside and outside of the hotel waiting for the others until they were all gathered. They moved into the hotel, moving as inconspicuously as possible. Hit men, each gathered from the best available to the several criminal syndicates and now sent to take care of their problem. Each got to the destination without incident and walked inside with their weapons concealed. They got to the elevator and all got inside, only when the doors were closed did they pull out their guns. They ejected their clips of ammo one last time to make sure they were fully loaded before putting it back and removing the safety catch. Each were ready, cool and calm. Their bosses had given them a target and not one minded ending their lives, it certainly wasn’t the first time.

Slowly the elevator pulled to a halt on the top floor, and then the doors opened…

To Be Continued…