3.03.03

[virtualda]

episode: Virtual Dark Angel episode 3.03

season: Virtual Dark Angel season 3





ACT III



Jam Pony – afternoon

"Eww, what is that smell?" Normal looked around for the source and saw Original Cindy and Sketchy coming in the door. His face lit up like a beacon, but he quickly changed it to a scowl. "And to what do I owe the honor of a visit from you miscreants?"

Original Cindy, knowing the game and playing along, said, "Wasn't no need for us there no more. 'Sides, Original Cindy ain't about glowin' in the dark, so it was time to bounce. Not to mention there ain't no place there for Sketchy to get his drink on."

"Yeah, besides, some of them are really scary. Man, they gave me the creeps," Sketchy chimed in. "They wouldn't let me interview them or anything."

"Get out of my sight. You're an affront to my olfactory senses. Don't come near me until you smell better, idiot." Normal grimaced, then whispered, "Get back here soon. We need to talk."

Sketchy grinned. "Sure, Normal, and I'm glad to see you too." He headed back to his locker, encountering Sky on the way. "Sky, my man, what's happening?"

Sky wrinkled his nose in disgust and said, "Man, you smell like you've been rolling around in a sewer. I've gotta jet, hot run. Good to see you. I'll talk to you more when you smell better." Sky took off with a speed no one would have believed he was capable of.

"Man, what is with you people?" Sketchy asked as he continued to his locker.

Normal looked after Sketchy, shook his head, and turned back to Original Cindy. "Well, how is she?" he asked.

"Max is doing fine," she replied.

"No, no, no, not Max. She can take care of herself. I meant the baby." Normal looked at Original Cindy expectantly.

Original Cindy grinned. "Normal! You mean you're all worked up 'bout a little baby?" she teased. "Elfie is one fine baby girl. She owns Terminal City."

"Elfie? Gem named my godchild Elfie?"

"No, Normal. She named her Elefteria, but that's too hard to get your tongue 'round every day, so we call her Elfie, and she is one beautiful little boo. You did good, helping her into this world."

"Elefteria, Greek for 'freedom.'" Normal sighed happily. His smile sagged as he saw Andy watching him and Original Cindy.

Andy looked at Normal in a speculative way and then he glanced toward the stairs leading to the loft above. He rode his bike slowly out of Jam Pony.



Infirmary, Terminal City

Aveta and Logan were in the infirmary, taking inventory of the meager medical supplies. "We have eleven bags of fluid: eight normal saline and three lactated ringers," Aveta said. "There are only enough dressings for three major casualties, and not much in the way of antibiotics. There are plenty of IV catheters, but tubing is scarce. We have enough to start six, maybe seven, IVs. There's not enough here to make an impact in a firefight."

Logan looked up from writing. "We'll be OK. My sources are very reliable." "I hope that's true. I wonder how soon it'll be before something happens. Will I be prepared?" Aveta wondered out loud. Her eyes took on a distant stare as she remembered the night Manticore went down.

She and her sisters were working in the infirmary. The patients were nomlies, less than human, just experiments gone terribly wrong. It was the job of the medics to keep them alive. Aveta watched as her sisters tried to calm one horribly maimed patient. He was covered with tumors; some were open, oozing blood. He kept screaming in agony. Tia and Ave's best efforts were not calming him. Aveta was trying to keep the rest of the room calm, and she was being taxed beyond her ability.

The explosions started. She didn't realize what was happening at first. Surely help would come. They wouldn't leave them here to die. Time passed. Aveta came to the realization that no help was coming. She made the only decision she could. Turning to her sisters, she gave the order. Quickly and efficiently they killed all the patients. They wouldn't leave them to burn. Upon completing their job, they went into the chaos. They were separated quickly…

"Aveta, are you OK?" Logan asked, concern evident in his voice.

She came to herself with a start. "I'm OK. Just thinking about my sisters."

"Aveta…Who…" Logan looked at her and said, "Never mind. This isn't the time."

Aveta smiled at Logan. "I know you'll get the supplies we need. I didn't mean to sound ungrateful earlier."

"No problem." Logan smiled at Aveta and turned to leave. "Take care, Aveta."

"You too, Logan Cale." Aveta turned back to her inventory.



Jam Pony - late afternoon

Normal, Original Cindy, and Sketchy were deep in conversation in a corner of Jam Pony.

"We can't keep them here much longer. We need to move and soon. We have some serious hate going on here. Andy and some of the others are beginning to get suspicious. They would be happy to see all the transgenics dead." Normal spoke with none of his usual sarcasm. He was being very careful not to be overheard.

"Normal! We got the 411 on that. Don't get your freak on. A plan is working. My boo and her squeeze will get them into Terminal City; don't you worry none." Original Cindy spoke with more assurance than she felt.

"Here, hot run, you slacker!" Normal tossed a package at Andy, who was hovering too close for comfort. Andy grabbed it and rode out the door.

"Man, we need to blow this joint. That guy's trouble." Sketchy was worried.

"Get on upstairs. We gonna bounce soon." Original Cindy was already heading for the stairs, with Normal and Sketchy close behind.

Sketchy pushed past Cindy on the way up the stairs, and as he emerged, he saw Andy's head appearing in one of the windows. "Hey," he yelled, sprinting toward the window. At Sketchy's cry, Andy dropped to the ground below. Sketchy, without thinking, dove out the window after him.

Sketchy landed on Andy, throwing him off balance. Getting to his feet, Andy threw a punch and caught Sketchy square in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

"Transgenic-loving scum!"

Sketchy, gasping for breath, still managed to grab Andy around the waist, and they began to wrestle. Original Cindy, curious as to what had sent Sketchy diving through the window, stuck her head through it and saw Andy and Sketchy wrestling.

She called, "Sketchy, you fool! Just what you think you doin'?" Sketchy was distracted and looked toward her voice just as Andy pushed him hard, sending him stumbling backward through Normal's new safety glass window. Andy jumped on his bike and took off.

"Uh oh, Normal, that rat's blazin' straight to the po-pos," Original Cindy exclaimed.

Upstairs, Normal groaned as he heard the sound. "Oh God, my new window. Girly girl, you need to get on the horn to Max and now. Our time has just run out."



Command Center, Terminal City

"You're up."

Max slid into a chair next to Logan in the Command Center. He placed a comm unit on the counter in front of her so that she could communicate with Original Cindy, who was awaiting instructions at Jam Pony. Max took a deep breath as she placed the earpiece in her ear.

"Boo? You readin' me over there?"

"Damn, girl!" Original Cindy exclaimed. "Don't be scarin' Original Cindy like that!"

Max had to laugh. "Sorry."

"Forgot Logan rigged me up with this comm thingy," Cindy replied.

"You ready for this?"

"Ready as I'm gonna be," her friend replied.

"How's it lookin'?" Max asked, looking at Logan, who nodded in confirmation that he was listening in.

At Jam Pony, Original Cindy surveyed the scene. "We're upstairs. Normal's pacing. Sky and them are wishin' you'd let them go to Terminal City, but Original Cindy told them all about latrine duty and they changed their tune faster than a drag queen changes her make-up." She chuckled. "As for your fam, they're all about your age, give or take. 'Cept they got a little girl with 'em. Says her name is Reggie."

"X8," Max murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "Is she about ten years old?"

"I guess," Original Cindy said with a shrug. "And my fool Sketchy's taking interviews like the village idiot he is."

"He doesn't quit," Max replied. "But tell him he's gonna hafta stay at Jam Pony this time. I don't need to worry about the both of you out there."

"Well, thanks, " Cindy said sarcastically. "Good to know I'm more expendable than our boy, Sketchy."

"Don't go wiggin' on me, girl," Max said. "You know it's that I trust you more than Sketchy."

"And you know I'm just playin' with ya. Did Mole tell ya how homeboy nearly screwed up the walk back to Jam Pony?" Cindy asked.

"Hey!" Max heard Sketchy call. "I didn't screw it up…I was sight-seeing."

"You trippin', homeboy," Cindy responded. "So what's the dealio, boo? What am I doin' now?"

"You've got X-series only, so it shouldn't be too hard for you to stay above ground. Try not to walk as a pack, since there's so many of you, but stay close, stay quiet, and stay as out-of-sight as you can. There's gonna be street cops looking out for any suspicious behavior, so try to be as inconspicuous as possible," Max told her, her tone very matter-of-fact, as she slipped into battle mode.

"Original Cindy has never been one for the quiet life, but this time she'll try to stay low-profile," Cindy replied.

"Good, boo," Max said. "Logan's gonna send a rendezvous team to escort them here."

"How these people gettin' in? Isn't it gonna look whacked if a bunch o' normal-lookin' peeps go crawling down a manhole?"

"There's an access tunnel," Logan added in. "Fortunately it isn't too heavily guarded, so there shouldn't be too much of a problem getting back in."

"Thanks, Richie Rich. I'm glad you've got my girl's back, and ours," she said, smiling.

"Anytime," Logan replied, glancing at Max out of the corner of his eye. "Your rendezvous point is 4th and Seneca. There'll be a couple of our Xs there to bring yours home."

"OC, once you meet up with our guys at the rendezvous point, I want you to go home," Max said. "Don't come back in here."

"I know," her friend said. "Original Cindy ain't all about this rash she's been gettin' in there. How am I supposed to meet myself a hot new lickety-boo if I'm walking around glowin' and lookin' like a leper?"

Max laughed. Sobering, she said, "Okay, this is it for now. Good luck. Be safe."

"Love you, boo," Cindy said.

"Back atcha," Max replied, as Logan reached out with his glove-covered hand and squeezed her forearm.

"Good luck, " he said.

"I'm out," Original Cindy replied as the comm line went silent. Turning to the assembled in the upper room of Jam Pony, she yelled, "Aiight, people, let's bounce!"



The Last Stop Bar, Terminal City

Max was working off her pent-up energy by stalking through Terminal City. "When I find him, his head's going to be on a stake. You're supposed to be in the Command Center, Alec," she muttered angrily.

Her unwitting prey was sitting with Mole, drinking beer and kicking back. "Mole, we need to get some better beer. This tastes like horse piss. Maybe I can get some imported stuff from Logan's supplier," he mused out loud. "Screw Logan," Mole said angrily. "He doesn't belong here. He's not one of us." Mole rose and began to pace back and forth. "The only reason he's not gone is because Max is protecting him. He's no use to us." "Not so sure about that," Alec looked up at Mole. "Can't find computer skills like his just anywhere. And he's got the supply lines to keep us going. Wouldn't exactly call that useless." The other transgenics in the Last Stop Bar looked curiously at the two men, thinking this might get interesting. They began to gather around.

"Hey, boys, what's goin' on?" Max asked sweetly. The gathered transgenics began to scatter. Something in Max's voice told them they didn't want to be on the receiving end of her wrath. "Mole, Alec, neither one of you is at your post. You want to tell me why?"

"Hey, Max, uh, well, Mole and I were just having a discussion." Alec was trying to avoid the topic of conversation.

"About what?" Max snapped.

Mole spoke up. "We were talking about whether Logan could get us some imported beer for the bar."

"Beer. We're in a crisis situation, we have twelve transgenics who need to get to Terminal City, and you're talking about beer? What is wrong with you? You idiots. Alec, report to the Command Center. Mole, I need you to back up the rescue group. When you finish, you're both going to walk the pipes for the next week. We need to make sure our water supply is safe and the sewer pipes are intact. We can't let them know we have running water here."

"Max! No way! I've already done my housekeeping duty," Alec protested.

"Well, Alec, maybe you won't leave your post next time," Max said sweetly.

"What if I refuse?" Mole stretched to tower over Max.

"Are you challenging me, Mole?" Max asked. Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at the transhuman.

Mole thought about it and then backed down. "No, no challenge, Max." He muttered under his breath as he turned away, "...yet."

"What did you say, soldier?" Max barked.

"Yes, ma'am, orders received."

"Back to your posts, both of you. Now." Max walked away.



Jam Pony

"Listen up, people, we've got to move now." Normal was surprisingly calm and collected. He went to the door, opened it, and called down the stairs to his riders. "Sky, Lane, see if you can catch that hooligan, Andy, and when you catch him, tell him he's fired. Sketchy, are you OK? You idiot, you're going to have to pay for that window."

Sketchy came dragging up the stairs, holding his bleeding arm. "Normal, I'm hurt. Cut me some slack."

"For the love of Mike, get up here. How bad is it?"

"Let me take a look. I'm a medic. I can help." The tall redhead came up to Normal and Sketchy. "The cut isn't deep, just long. Do you have any type of dressing? I also need some magazines if you have them, and tape." She began to give orders as though she expected to be obeyed.

"Normal! Where's that first-aid kit?" Original Cindy was already heading down the stairs. "Damn," she said to herself, "that's one fine female!"

"Here's the plan." Cain began to speak rapidly. "We were planning to go out in two groups. That's no longer an option; we have to leave together and soon. Kara!" he said, pointing to a female transgenic. "Take point; I'll bring up the rear. Trice, keep everyone close. Tia, stay close to Reggie; she has a broken arm. People, get ready. You've got five minutes."

Tia spoke up. "I've got two injured people I have to take care of before we can leave. Where is that first-aid kit? You, come here and sit down." She pointed to Sketchy. He quickly complied and sat next to her. Tia took his shirt and ripped it to get a better look at the wound. "Good, no veins or arteries compromised." She gently explored the wound with her hands after removing her gloves. "Just needs minor closure. Where is that first-aid kit?" she said distractedly.

"Right here, sugah. Normal keeps everything hidden, bless his raggedy white ass." Original Cindy looked at Normal as he paced back and forth, chewing his nonexistent fingernails. "I got some packing tape and magazines too. I hope you're into Glamour and Time." She handed the supplies over to Tia.

"Thanks." Tia turned her attention back to Sketchy. She quickly closed his wound with dressings from the kit. "You'll need to rest. Don't stress the wound." She turned her attention to Reggie. She touched Reggie's forehead and saw the young X8 relax. "Reggie, I'm going to move your arm. It will hurt a little."

"OK." Reggie's voice was distant, her eyes unfocused. Tia took Reggie's left arm and quickly manipulated it. With a sickening crunch, she moved the broken bones into place. Reggie groaned once and was still. Tia took the magazines and made a splint, taping the magazines around Reggie's arm. She then took the tape and made a sling. With the last of the tape, she taped Reggie's arm close to her body to prevent movement. Tia looked around at the group. They were all watching her, in awe of her skill.

"Wow, could I interview you? That was amazing." Sketchy said, ever hopeful.

"Sketchy, fool, we don't have time for that. We need to leave now!" Original Cindy said sharply.

Normal checked down the stairs and saw only sympathetic faces. Sky and Lane came in, looked up at Normal, and shook their heads. "OK, let's go. Bip bip bip. Move it, people. We have packages to deliver. Pam, Sky, Lane, you create a diversion so we can get our 'packages' out of here safely."

"Sure, Normal, no prob!" Pam was eager to help. She, Sky and Lane took off quickly.

"Go. Kara, guide the first group out. Tia, take Reggie and go in the first group. Groups of four..." Cain was all business. "Mingle with the crowds; that way they won't be able to get a good shot at us if they see us. Trice, bring up the middle group. I'll bring out the third group. Who's leading us all out?"

Original Cindy put up her hand. "That's me, sugah. You ready to get this rollin'?" She moved next to Kara and led the first group out the door. They moved quickly and efficiently down the street, followed closely by groups two and three.

Three blocks from Jam Pony, two sector police stopped Kara. "Turn around and show your neck," they demanded. "We have a report of transgenics in the area."

As Kara began to turn, the cops were distracted by a voice saying, "I'll race you." They turned around to see three Jam Pony riders coming full-tilt toward them. One seemed to lose control ofhis bike and went into a slide, heading directly toward the cops. The cops scattered to get out of the way.

Kara called, "Go now!" and the transgenics in her group began to run.

"Stop or we shoot!"

The transgenics ignored the order. They kept running, blurs of motion to the human eye.

Unnoticed in the confusion, Original Cindy and groups two and three slipped quietly past, as the police spoke frantically into their comm units. "Unit 645 calling for backup. Transgenics on 5th and University, heading southwest."



Jam Pony

Normal was watching the news from the desk, as usual. Suddenly, he yelled, "Everyone shut up!"

"This is Melissa Michelle, live from Terminal City with breaking news. We've received reports that police and National Guard are pursuing a group of transgenics, who are possibly accompanied by some human Seattle residents. According to reports, this group was sighted near Jam Pony, the site of the hostage crisis that began this siege. By all estimates, the group is headed for Terminal City, which had become Transgenic Central even before the standoff began over a month ago. Police and National Guard have made it clear that no one is allowed to enter or leave Terminal City. If captured, the transgenics will be turned over to military control."

Someone switched the channel.

"Hey!" Normal yelled. "What the fire truck do you think you're doing?"

"Channel 9 always has hoverdrone footage!" Sketchy yelled back.

"Police hoverdrone footage shows the group of transgenics several blocks from Jam Pony, the site of the hostage crisis that marked the beginning of the Terminal City siege. No reports on whether these transgenics came from Jam Pony or were merely passing by as they made t heir way toward what one can assume is their final destination-Terminal City. Police and National Guard are in pursuit, hoping to catch them and turn them over to military officials. No word yet on what the military plans to do once they have these or any of the transgenics in custody."

"Oh, for the love of Mike!" Normal hollered. "You!" he pointed to Sky. "No reporters are allowed in here! Close the gate halfway!"

Sky ran up the ramp, hurriedly ushering several returning messengers inside. As he brought the security gate down halfway, he saw reporters already rushing Jam Pony.

"Normal!" he yelled. "We've got visitors!"

Normal ran to the gate, stuck his head under it, and yelled, "We have no comment! Jam Pony has no comment at this time regarding the latest transgenic pursuit. Now get off my property before I have you arrested for trespassing!"

As he returned his attention to the television, he heard a reporter say, "…may have to use force to capture the transgenics."



Command Center, Terminal City

Max, Logan, Alec, and the others were watching the news broadcasts as well.

"Damn it," Max said, slamming her palm against the table.

"What do you wanna do, Max?" Alec asked.

Max didn't waste a beat. "Let's go get 'em. Mobilize."

Logan, Alec, and Mole nodded. "All right, people, let's rock and roll!" Mole bellowed, running off toward Munitions to outfit the TAC team Alec had already begun assembling.


END OF ACT III

Act IV