1.44

Warnings: Nudity, language

"Son of a-"

Kaylee stumbled backward as Kava's feet of fury connected with her chest and chin in rapid succession. Spitting out blood she watched as Kava landed in a crouch, glaring when she grinned happily up at her.

"You have to watch all body movement Kaylee. Just because I used my hands last time doesn't mean that I will use them again. Every body part can become a weapon if used correctly."

Standing, Kava dusted off her hands then motioned her closer. "How many times must I tell you not to become distracted by the things around you. In battle the enemy will use anything at their disposal to end your life. You must do the same. Understood?"

Absently rubbing at her chest she nodded. "I understand." And she did. She just couldn't follow through. They had been training for weeks and while she was learning different moves her focus wasn't-

(There's more...)

1.43

She couldn't sleep. Carefully easing Ty's arm from around her waist Kaylee pushed back the covers.
"Babe? What's going on?"
"Go back to sleep," she whispered as she eased her legs over the side of the bed. "I'm just going to get something to drink."
"'kay." Giving her a sleepy smile he touched her arm before drifting back to sleep.
Smiling softly Kaylee stretched then rubbed at the tension in her neck. Since that conversation with Hunter all she could think about was Hannah.
The woman was insane. Literally insane. She'd already killed countless people, started a chemical epidemic on her own planet and now she was coming after her.
When she had said she would stay and fight she hadn't imagined that the fight would be coming so soon. Sighing, she headed out of the room but froze when an ominous glow started in the corner of the room.

(There's more...)

1.42

"What are you doing? You're supposed to be helping me in the kitchen remember?"
"As if you need my help. You can cook circles around me," Kaylee said lightly as Ty wrapped his arms around her and rested his chin on her shoulder.
"True, but I like looking at your ass when you bend down to put something in the oven."
Laughing she reached up and lightly pinched his forearm before leaning back against him. "I've known that for years," she said slyly. Her smile widened when his laugh vibrated through her.
"And I was watching your dad."
"What are you looking at?"
"His ass in those swimming trunks!" She shrieked with laughter when he tickled her sides in retaliation.
"Uncle! Uncle!"
She closed her eyes when he wrapped his arms around her again and pressed a kiss to her neck. "I love you."
"I love you too but that's not going to help you get out of KP duty."
"Slave driver. Your parents still love each other after all their years together. They like being around each other."
"Yeah, it still stumps me sometimes. They're so different but at the same time I think that's what draws them together. What's going on in your head?" he asked as he brushed a strand of hair off of her face.
Shrugging, she turned around in his arms and inhaled his familiar scent. "Nothing. Come on, let's go make your mom her birthday cake. Those two should be busy for awhile."
"Yeah," Ty said as he threaded his fingers through hers. "Dad said he'd keep her busy." He winked down at her when she looked up at him. When she looked away a worried look crossed his face as he allowed her to tug him down the hall.




"Hold that pose right there. Riiight there!" He grinned when she crossed her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him. "Perfect!"
"You're a fool!" she said with a laugh as she trailed her hand in the sand.
"A fool in love. And you'll want to keep this portrait somewhere you can look at and tell Gabe and the twins how hot you used to be. You'll need proof 'cause they won't believe you when you start sagging!"
"Oh!"
He ducked behind the canvas with a chuckle when she flung sand in his direction. "I'll have you know that I will not be sagging anytime soon."
"Not soon, no."
"You're looking to get punched!"
"Yeah, yeah! I should have this finished today...in time to give to you for a birthday present."
"Perish the thought. You know I hate celebrating my birthday."
"You say that every year but you always ask what I got you," he said absently as he painted the curve of her breast.
"Giving me presents isn't the same as celebrating." Reaching up Fran wiped at a bead of sweat on her upper lip then fanned her face.
"Damon, it's getting hot out here. And you know how much I dislike the heat."
"I know, I know," he mumbled and she grinned.
Damon shared his love of art with Ty and the two of them had spent countless hours in front of canvases drawing silly pictures or pictures so stunning they made her catch her breath and brought tears to her eyes. But for them it was just a past time. Damon was more interested in corporate things and Ty was into sports. Damon had tried to teach her one time but they ended up with more paint on them than on the canvas.
"And what's that smile for?"
Opening her eyes to looked up to see Damon leaning over her. "I was just thinking of something."
"Yeah? What?" Reaching down he swept her into his arms. Grinning she placed her hands on his broad shoulders.
"You and Ty. When you used to paint together."
"Yeah, that boy has talent."
"So do you. You'll have to paint a portrait of all of them together. You know, before things get too hectic."
Damon slowly put her down and steady her as she found her footing in the sand. Placing a huge hand under her chin he tilted her her head up until she was looking at him. "What are you talking about?"
Fran gnawed on her lip then shrugged. "This is just the calm before the storm. With Kaylee deciding that she's going to stay and fight Hannah is going to throw everything she has at her. And-"
"And Kaylee's not alone."
"I know and that's eating the girl up. I think she'd rather face this alone then have us with her."
"She doesn't want to see us get hurt."
"I know. I know. And I know that we won't come out of this unscathed."
Bending down Damon pressed a kiss to her lips then pressed his forehead to hers. "Those are dreary thoughts to have on your birthday. Don't think about the future. The present-"
"Is a gift. Who came up with that corny shit?"
Laughing Damon swung her back up into her arms and cradled her to his chest. "There's my woman. Now, how about I help you wash your back?"
Fran slanted a look up at him and then grinned when she felt his heart rate speed up against her arm. She tugged at the short hairs near his nape.
"Only if I get to help you wash your front."




Ty started prepping the pork chops as soon as he heard the bedroom door close. He knew his mom and and dad would be in there for awhile. When he was growing up he used to wonder what kept them in their bedroom so often and now...he glanced over as Kaylee grabbed a slice of cheesecake from the fridge. Now he knew. Sure, they didn't have sex as often as they had before the kids came along but sometimes just cuddling with his wife got him through the day.
"What are you doing?" he demanded as he went to the sink and started to rinse off the veggies.
"Umm...what does it look like? Oh god! This is delicious!" she moaned as she slipped the fork out of her mouth. Closing his eyes Ty swallowed dryly and counted backward from ten. Then did it again when Kaylee let out an even longer moan on her second mouthful.
"She's killin' me!" Between work, practice and taking care of the kids they had sex once a day. ONCE a day!
"What are you over there muttering?"
"Nothing. Why are you eating when we're getting ready to eat in a few hours?"
"Because I was hungry now."
He couldn't tell if she was being a smart ass or not. Shaking his head he turned the water back on and started to scrub at the broccoli.
"I'll get that. You make the chops." Leaning up she pressed a sticky kiss to his cheek before nudging him out of the way. "I checked on Nana and the kids a little while ago. The twins are asleep, Gabe's playing with the jack-in-the box your mom had laying around and Nana is having a field day peeking into all the rooms."
"I know. It's insane how many rooms they have in the house that they don't use."
"Did you see the rooms they converted for Dani and Isaac?"
"Yeah, dad was telling me about them a few weeks back."
They worked around each other effortlessly and in a way that showed how well each knew the other and by the time they heard Damon's voice everything was all set up.



"Yeah, I threw on some pork chops when I got out of the shower. I figured you'd be famished from all the lovin'!" Damon said loudly as he walked around the corner. He winked at them.
"They smell good! I just wish Ty were here! He really knows how to make the perfect pork chop," Fran yelled from the bedroom.
Damon popped Ty lightly on the back of the head when Ty did a funky little dance in front of the oven.
"Well, maybe I'll just put these up and we can go out and get something to eat."
"No, no! It's fine."
At hearing Fran's voice Kiki came into the kitchen with Gabe following after her. He headed straight for Damon who quickly scooped him up before Gabe screeched for him.
"How's my grandson?" Damon asked in a whisper.
"Fine," Gabe said in the same tones. He'd taken to imitating people recently and everyone was flabbergasted at how well he did it.
"No, I want to eat in. All that rich food makes me have to work out and you know I hate working out."
Fran's voice was coming down the hall and everyone scurried to get into position.
"Besides, I don' want any sagging before-oh!"




"What's all this?" Fran asked as she looked wide eyed around the small kitchen.



"Surprise!!!!" everyone shouted.
"OPRISE!!!!" Gabe screeched as he wiggled his little butt on the floor.
"Oh! Oh!" Fran blinked rapidly then cleared her throat. "I wasn't expecting this."
"Which is why it's called a surprise mom," Ty said as he went and gave her a kiss. She tugged at his ear before she grinned.
"You always were a smart one."
"Don't tell Dad," Ty said in a fake whisper, "But I think I get that from you."
"Cake! Cake!"
Laughing Fran bent down and ruffled Gabe's hair. "First food then cake, little man"
"Okay!"
"But first you have to blow out your candles Fran!" Kaylee exclaimed as she finished lighting the candles.
Fran's eyes widened when she saw all the flickering lights. "Seriously? Is there any cake under all those candles?"
"Uhh...I guess I did get carried away."
"Yeah, just a little." Laughing Fran gave Kaylee a quick hug.



"Kaylee, you toot that horn any louder and I'm going to be deaf."
"Oh! Sorry! I just get all excited. I love celebrating birthdays and everything."
"I can tell," Fran said with a grin as she studied her cake before closing her eyes, whispering something beneath her breath and then blew out the candles.
"First time and with no help!" she said as she watched the smoke curl upward then then disappear. She was surprised that it didn't start the fire alarm. No lie Kaylee had probably put, at least, twenty five candles on the cake.
"We brought that cake and then made another. I know Damon doesn't do chocolate and you don't really do vanilla but that cake was just too pretty to pass up."
Turning Fran studied Kaylee. She looked so nervous. Most of her birthdays had passed with her and Damon being out of the country but she had opted to just stay at home this year.
"Everything is perfect except..."
"What? What's wrong?"
Fran shrugged and tried to look serious but she couldn't. "Where are my presents?"




"So, just how old are you Fran?" Kiki asked as they sat down to eat.
"Twenty-two!" Ty called from the kitchen.
"Nineteen," Damon said.
"Twenty-five," Fran said at the same time. There was a beat of silence and then everyone broke into laughter.
"When I used to ask mom how old she was," Ty explained as he came to the table, "she always used to say twenty-two."
"I met Fran when she was nineteen. She still looks the same to me."
"Says the man who was talking about me sagging earlier."
"Oh please! None of you know a thing about sagging!" Kiki waved her hand dismissively then grinned when everyone else chuckled.
Fran was just tearing into her presents when the doorbell rang. Damon stood. "I'll get it. Wait for me for the ice cream and cake though."
"You butter hurry your butt up-oh Kaylee! A Dooney and Burke purse! Oh my god! Oh my god!!"
Damon rolled his eyes. As if the woman didn't have enough purses.



He paused when he got to the door and saw a man standing on the porch. His back was toward the door and it looked as if he was scanning the street for something. Damon couldn't make out who it was until the man turned and he saw his profile. Growling deep in his chest he twisted the doorknob hard and yanked open the door. At the last minute he remembered not to slam the door. He didn't want to wake up the kids or alert the family. He stalked out onto the shaded porch.



"What the fuck are you doing here?"
"Damon," Hunter said calmly. "You look well."
Was he fucking kidding him? This son of bitch was standing on his porch trading pleasantries with him as if he was welcome. As if the very thought of him didn't make a red haze cloud Damon's vision.
Damon clenched his fists and took deep breaths. Violence never solved anything. That's the mantra he had taken up when he had left the life behind. Violence only caused you to constantly look over your shoulder for the retaliation. Violence-



The only response he got from Hunter when his fist connected with his face was a stumbling step backward. The man calmly wiped at the blood seeping from the cut and made a motion toward the car sitting at the curb.
Come on you sonofabitch, Damon silently urged. Come on, just hit me one time.
"Alright, I deserved that," Hunter said as he spit blood over the side of the railing.
"You deserve more than that you mother-"
"Let's not bring my mom into this. She's not here to defend herself." Hunter caught Damon's flying fist in his hand.
"I said I deserved that one. I'm not here to fight with you Damon." The men realized they were evenly matched as Damon struggled to release his fist and Hunter struggled to keep hold of it. The breaker came when the door flew open and a fist flew past Damon's face and connected with Hunter's mouth once again.
"Motherfucker!" Hunter snapped as he stumbled once again.



Fran jumped on Hunter's back and wrapping her arms around his neck began to squeeze. "Make one wrong move and not only will I try to choke you I will Mike Tyson the mess out of your ear!"
"Jesus! I didn't come here to fight with you people."
"Then what did you come here for?"
"I was trying to explain-" He coughed when Fran tightened her arms.
"Don't you know people who know how to get rid of a body baby?" Fran asked casually.
Damon leaned against railing. "Sure do."
"I mean, no one would miss this piece of trash would they?"
"Nah, I don't think so," Damon drawled.
"Fiona might have something...to say...about that," Hunter gasped out.
Damon looked behind him then turned around with a grin. "Nah, I think we have that covered...but I am interested in what you think is so important you came here."
"Damn it!" Fran snapped as she loosened her grasp and hopped off of his back.



"Just what do you think you're doing?"
Fiona froze half way out of the car. There had been no one standing there a few seconds ago. Just where had the woman come from? Looking to her left she saw a woman, a R'ouglian from the looks of her, leaning causally against the car with a slight smile curving her lips.
"Just getting some air," Fi said casually as she tucked the gun back into the holster on her leg.
"Really? You could have rolled down your window for that."
"I needed to stretch my legs as well. Mr. Hunter and I have been driving for a long time."
"Is that right? And just why have you been driving for so long little girl?"
Fi stiffened before getting all the way out of the car and slamming the door. "I don't think that's any of your business."
The woman's eyebrows flew up. "Huh. When you bring that man here and have a gun drawn when you're getting out of the vehicle I think that it is my business."
Fi didn't even see the woman move but she felt the pain that burst along her spine as her back met the hood of the car.



"Now, I ask again," the woman said with a pleasant smile on her face, "Just what are you doing here?"



"Hey! What are you guys doing? The ice cream's melting and Gabe's yelling the top of his head off because he was promised cake after he finished eating."
She stopped when she cleared the door. There was a tension on the porch that was almost palpable.
"Umm...guys?"
Suddenly Gabe stopped babbling and tightened his arms around her. She saw a shadow move around the corner of the porch and she took an unconscious step backward when she saw the figure. Damon stepped between her and Hunter. He wiped at the blood on his face before his eyes met hers over Damon's shoulder.



"It's Hannah. Winston was finally able to make what she was after. A fetus for her to feed off of. And not only has she done that she's learned how to clone it. She's making an army Kaylee..."
"W-what? How do you know-?"
"She's coming after you...and you don't have much time."

1.41

Four Months Later...

Kaylee's hand hover over Ty's shoulder as she stood beside the bed. She felt bad for waking him up since she knew that he'd been up and down with the babies all night and he looked so peaceful curled up like that but he was the one who had insisted that she wake him up before she left. Shifting she debated before blowing out a breath and shaking him gently on the shoulder.
"Ty?"
He mumbled something incoherent before he rolled over and reached over on her side of the bed. His face creased in a puzzled frown before he groaned.
"Come back to bed. The sun's not even out yet."
"How do you know? You're eyes aren't even open yet."
"Just do. Come on babe. It can't be time already."
"It's not. I just couldn't sleep and I need your help with something."
"What?"
"Help picking out an outfit."
There was a silence and it stretched so long she had just started to lean toward him once again when he stirred. The sheets rustled as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed.


"Just what time is it?" he demanded, his voice gruff from sleep.
"Umm...a little after four."
He groaned. "Kaylee, you don't have to leave until at least six."
"I know, I know! But, like I said, I couldn't sleep and then the outfit I thought I was going to wear just didn't look right and-"
"Okay, okay! Stop talking."
"I remember you being a lot more chipper in college when you woke up."
"In college I didn't have two crying babies intent on keeping me awake."
"I told you that I would stay up with them."
"You have to leave earlier then me."
He stretched and she could hear bones cracking as she watched his skin stretch taunt over muscles. She hummed in appreciation and he winked at her before scratching at his chest as he got off the bed. She took a step back.

"So, what do you think?" she demanded as she held her arms out at her side. She stiffened when Ty rubbed at his neck. She knew what that motion meant. He had something to say but just didn't know how to say it.
"Spit it out Ty."
"Well, don't you think the top is a little too low for work? I mean, you can see your titty tat and your breasts look big. Bigger then usual." He tilted his head and studied her breasts.
"What are you staring at? I'm breast feeding. Of course they're still going to be big!" she snapped.
He shook his head. "No, it's not that. It's like they've gotten bigger. Not that I'm complaining. I'm a breast man...and an ass man. Hell, I'm just a Kaylee fan all the way around. Are you sure-"

Kaylee crossed her arms over her chest. "Am I sure what?"
Ty shook his head. "Nothing, nothing. Look babe," he said, placing his hands on her forearms. "You look like a million bucks in this outfit but I know half way down the road you'll start freaking out about it so why don't you show me what else you have?"
"Fine," she snapped. Ty reared back.
"You don't have to get pissy with me. You asked for my help remember?"
"I know, I know. Thank you!" She spun on her heel and headed toward the bathroom to change into another outfit she had hanging on the back of the door.
For the next fifteen minutes she tried on outfit after outfit. Ty vetoed one after the other. It was either to revealing or too spinsterish. His word not hers. Finally she stood in the bathroom in nothing but her bra and panties. She stabbed a finger in his direction.
"Now what?"
He grinned at her.

"Now," he said as he lifted her in his arms and stripped her of her bra and panties. Spinning around he turned on the shower. "Now I'm awake."

After deciding on one of the first outfits that Ty had decided against Kaylee went to check on the kids. This would be the first time that she would be away from them for such a long time. Granted, it wasn't that long but she was used to be around her babies night and day. And they were used to her. Hopefully they wouldn't cause Nana any trouble.
"Hello my angels. Be good for gran okay?" she whispered as she looked from one to the other. Bending down she pressed a gentle kiss to their foreheads and breathed in their scent. Dani stirred and Kaylee quietly exited the room.

After their shower gymnastics Ty had tossed on some clothes and went to cook breakfast. As she passed the kitchen he whistled at her under his breath.
"Looking good babe."
She flipped him off which only made him laugh. Smiling she gently pushed up the door to Gabe's room. He was curled up on his side snoring softly. Reaching down she ran her fingers through his hair. He shifted and she froze. After a moment his snored could be heard again and she breathed a silently sigh of relief.
Gabe was like the energizer bunny. It seemed as if all he needed was a quick nap and he was ready to go all over again. But he was coming out of his shell. He didn't track her or Ty with his eyes anymore. And he didn't come searching for them if they left the room for more than five minutes. He was just like any other toddler now. And for that she was grateful. Bending down she pressed a kiss to his cheek and a small smile bloomed on his lips before he shifted away from her.
"I'll see you when I get home little brother," she whispered.

"Sit down and eat before your breakfast gets cold," Ty said as soon as she came around the corner. As soon as the smell of the omelets hit her nose her stomach lurched in protest. Shaking her head she pulled out her chair. She loved cheese omelets. She must be nervous or something, she thought absently as she sat down. Ty sat across from her and dug into his food while she only picked at hers.
"Babe, you'll do fine. What are you stressing for?"
"It's different working for someone and being the one people work for."
Ty shrugged. "You should be used to bossing people around. You've done it for years."
"Shut it you," she said with a laugh.

Under the table he nudged her foot with his. "I like these pumps. Where'd you get them?"
"Your mom brought them back from Italy with her. She said she liked them but they didn't fit her. Go figure," Kaylee said with a roll of her eyes.
"Mom knew you wouldn't take them any other way."
"Of course I wouldn't! I looked these shoes up on line. Do you know how much these things cost?"
He shrugged. "Don't care. Think you'd model them for me sometime. Sans outfit...or underwear?"
"You're an idiot!"
"And you're beautiful and competent. Stop stressing Kaylee. Besides it'll make your milk go sour."
"Where do you get these things?"
He shrugged and nudging at her foot again pointed at her plate. "Around. You gonna eat that or mangle it?"
She tugged her plate closer to her. "I'm going to eat it. Go get another plate you vulture."
"Cruel woman."

They ate in silence for awhile before Kaylee sighed. Without saying a word Ty reached out and gripped her hand in his. "You'll do great. Besides, they all love you."
"I haven't spoken to them in forever Ty."
"What does that matter? They know how crazy things have been around here. Or they know some of the reason it's been so crazy. Just make sure you take some baby pictures. If they start getting too nosy just shove them under their noses. You women go all melty at the picture of a baby."
"Says the man who spends hours staring at his kids."
"Hey, that's the fruit of my loins. I can admire my own handiwork."
Laughing she glanced at the clock. "Time for me to go. Thanks for breakfast Ty...and for helping me relax."
He waggled his eyebrows and she threw her napkin at him. "I meant for the conversation."
"What? So did I!"

Grinning, she spun on her heel and headed toward the door. This was the start of something new. The reason why she had moved to Serenity Cove. She was going to be able to realize her dreams and hopefully be able to help others achieve theirs. There was so much she couldn't wait to do and see. It was as if the last two years hadn't happened. Her dream was on the horizon and all she had to do was reach out and grab it.
The creaking of the porch seats brought her back to reality. Two figures stepped out of the shadows and flanked her.

But the last two years had happened. And there was more then just opportunity on her horizon. A storm was brewing and she was in the middle of it. But she wasn't alone.
"I thought I told you two to come into the house when you got here."
"We've only just arrived. We had some things to discuss with The Wise before we made it here."
"Have they found her yet?"
"No. Where ever she has gone she has her own ways of hiding it from them. But ever do they search for her."
"I know they do," Kaylee said as she went down the stairs. Kava and the Guardian followed silently after her.

Hannah had disappeared after she had murdered Winston. And apparently several important files and experiments had went with her. The Bio-Aquarium had been thrown in an uproar and the community had thrown a party. An investigation had been launched into all the employees both past and present. Only then had they thought about reopening the building. And the powers that be had come to Kaylee with a proposition that she would never have thought about refusing a year ago. But at that point in time she had immediately refused. It had taken a lot of cajoling from Ty and Nana, not to mention The Wise and everyone else, to even get her to give the idea a second thought. So now, she stood in front of what had once been immaculate grounds and prepared to walk into the door of the Bio-Aquarium as head researcher.
It had taken them nearly an hour to get here though. A trip that took her only fifteen minutes before had stretched as Kava had taken every turn and back alley known to man. To see if anyone was following them, she had stated as she kept darting glances in the rear view mirror. Even now she knew they were looking up and down the street.
"Guys, you have to look casual if this is going to work," she hissed.
"We are causal."
"No, no you're not. You're blatantly obvious is what you are. If something was going to happen it would have happened already."
"That sort of complacency is why your people speak of global warming now. And why our people are searching for a livable planet. Let us do our duty Kaylee and you do yours."
"Fine, fine."

Straightening her shoulders she walked up the stairs and pushing open the door walked into Aquarium. Standing in the doorway she looked around. Everything was still the same. And yet everything had changed.
"Kaylee!!! Girl, you're back!!!"
She felt Kava and the Guardian shift behind her and quickly shook her head. "Pat is a friend," she said as she watched Pat racing toward her with a huge grin on her face.
"How are you? How are those babies? And that hunky husband of yours? Girl, it's been forever. It's like you just dropped off the face of the earth after you stopped working here."
"Hey Pat. I missed you too." And she had. She had missed Pat's easy camaraderie and her wacky, off colored jokes. It was just that she didn't want to involve more people into this thing then she already had.

"You look good. You don't even have any baby fat left on you. How is that possibly? I hate you!"
She laughed with Pat and let herself be engulfed in a hug. Looking over Pat's shoulder she saw everyone else gathered behind her. She grinned.
"Hey guys. How are you?"

Z came over and stuck out her hand. "I gotta say you got some style while you were away."
"Thanks Z. I like the new hair cut."
"Yeah, I ditched the streaks and the dye jobs and just decided to go with my natural hair. James likes it this way."
Kaylee's eyes eyed as they flew from a grinning Z to a sheepishly looking James. Kaylee leaned forward. "But I thought you thought that James was gay?"
"I was wrong," Z said with a shrug then a shit eating grin spread across her face. "Boy was I ever wrong."
"Gina's not wearing any shoes."
"She forgot them."
"Figured as much."
They shared a look before breaking out into a fit of laughter.

Z took a step back and tapped at her chin. "There's something different about you. I don't know. You seem to have this glow around you."
Kaylee shrugged. "I don't know."
"Hmm...anyways those shoes are fabulous. You've got to let me borrow them."
"Those shoes are too small for you Z," Pat pointed out. Z shrugged.
"Being fashionable always comes with a price. So, who are your two shadows?"
"Oh! This is Kava and Gary. They're researchers too." That was the story that they had concocted. Something short and simple. Everyone would take it at face value.
"Well, welcome back. And welcome aboard."

Kaylee detached herself from the crowd as the conversation turned from science to speculation. They wanted to know just how mangled Winston's body had been, what information had Hannah taken with her when she left and why would she kill the man who followed blindly after her?
Walking down the hall she peered into Hannah's old office. It was still the same. Nothing had been moved. It was almost as if she'd just called in sick and would be returning to work tomorrow. Kaylee couldn't force herself to go into that room. Not after she knew from first hand experience how evil that woman had been. What had done and what she still intended to do. She knew all those things and she couldn't say anything to anyone outside their small circle. Turning she slipped outside.

Her heels sank into the sand as she walked aimlessly before coming to a stop a small distance away from the water. She could still feel the spray of the water and hear the crashing of the waves. She had had so many dreams and ideas when she and Ty had first arrived here in Serenity Cove. She had thought she was going to change the world. Discover ways to help humans and animals co-exist. Discover new aquatic life. Save near extinct species. But that wasn't what she had been brought her for.
She had been a pawn in a war waged long before she had even been born and now her every step was shadowed and her life was no longer her own.
But she couldn't turn her back on it. Her ideals, hopes and dreams had just taken a different form now. She was going to change the world. She was going to find a way for humans and aliens to co-exist. Discover new ways to bridge xenophobic gaps.
She inhaled deeply. Everything was so calm and peaceful now. "Like the calm before the storm," she whispered to the ocean.
"Kaylee! Kaylee! What are you doing?"
She heard the Guardian's roar over the ocean surf and turned.

Reaching up she wiped at the tears she hadn't even realized she's been crying as she walked away from what could have been...and walked toward what was.

1.40{Part II}

Warnings: Nudity, language

As he stood over the tank with Hunter's eyes stared sightlessly up at him, he was suddenly overcome with an urge. Right now Hunter was defenseless. Sure, if he did kill Hunter he wouldn't get out of here alive but just the thought. He could wrap his hands around his thick neck and just squeeze until what was just a human in stasis would turn into just another lifeless corpse.
He didn't realize that his hands had risen to open the tank until he looked down to see Hunter staring at him. Really staring at him.
"You know you wouldn't have gotten out of here alive."

Taking a step back as the lid opened, Winston frowned.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"The hell you don't. There was murder in your eyes. Or at least the thought of murder. Don't know if you would have actually went through with it though. You don't look like that kind of guy."
Winston's frown was real this time. "What kind of man do you think that I am?"
Hunter smirked as he sat up. "The guy that would purposely drop his soap on a rope. Glad that you could make it Winston. Sorry I'm not properly dressed. I...was more tired then I realized."
A man that would purposely drop the soap? Drop the soap?! Winston didn't know what to say to that statement so he wisely kept silently.

Groaning, Hunter climbed out of the tank. He chuckled when he noticed Winston look hastily away. "Sorry old boy. Don't mean to point out your own short comings."
"Anyone ever tell you how much of a prick you are?"
"Of course. Usually right as I'm pointing my gun at their head. But, that doesn't concern us does it Winston? You have something that you think will be useful to me. And in return you want what? We never got around to that part of the deal."
"Protection. The last few weeks Hannah has become...unstable. Something happened that night that she went to see that bitch."
"Which bitch are we talking about?" Hunter asked.
"Kaylee. Kaylee Ravensworth-Jameson."
"Ah."

They stared at each other for several moments before Winston cleared his throat and shuffled his feet. His boots made clanking sounds on the aluminum flooring.
"Is that all you have to say?"
"I could say that if you call that girl a bitch again I'll slit your throat but that would just muddy the waters."
"W-what?"
"Look, Kaylee is raising my son. She's doing a better job of it then I could ever do. To say that I left my son in less than capable hands is calling into question my judgment. And we don't want to do that do we Winston?"
A thread of steel had entered his voice causing Winston to swallow dryly. "Of course not."
"Thought not." Spinning on his heel Hunter walked across the room and stepped behind an old dresser.

"Besides, her mother was the bitch. A nice piece of ass but a bitch nonetheless. Though I know why she was a bitch to me." He rolled his shoulders in a nonchalant shrug before he rummaged around for some clothing. Winston heard him curse underneath of his breath.
"I keep telling them to keep a stack of clean clothes down here. Damn it!"
Winston rubbed at his chin when Hunter stepped out in a pair of tight boxer briefs.
"Don't even give me any shit about these," Hunter snapped as he strolled out of the room.

"-and I asked him what the fuck he thought he was doing eyeballing my girl. And I says to him: "Yo! Unless you want me knocking your teeth down your throat you'll look at-"
"Any reason why everyone is just sitting around, talking shit, instead of patrolling the area?"
"Mr. Hunter! Sir, we-"
"And if you weren't patrolling the area at least you could do is protect my back. When I woke up this asshat here," he jerked his thumb in the direction of Winston who froze mid-step, "was thinking about murdering me. Now tell me why shouldn't I just fire all of you and be done with it?"
"Mr. Hunter-"
"Sir, I-"
"We didn't-"
"Enough. Do your patrols. Winston and I will be upstairs."
"Sir, did you want one of us to stay near you? Just in case." Sean glared at Winston.
"To do what? Shoot the shit? I can take care of myself. Fiona, take the dogs and patrol the front, take the roof Corey and Sean you finish counting my money and then patrol inside."

"Do you think it's a good idea to leave him alone with that dude?" Sean asked as the two disappeared upstairs.
"If he makes one wrong move toward Hunter I'll have his head...regardless of how some of us in this room feel."
Fiona clicked her tongue and the dogs followed after her.

Walking into the top floor of the run down building was like walking into another place altogether. This was more like a penthouse.
"I brought this building and renovated it to exactly what I need it. Few people would expect to find me here. It's one of the many places I have when I need to get off the radar."
"Why are you laying low Hunter? It's not like anyone's after you."
Hunter cocked an eyebrow as he punched in a security code. "People are always after me. And that's just not paranoia. It's a simple fact. There are people that you can't even imagine gunning for me. Trust me when I say you wouldn't want to run into them. You think Hannah is bad? She's fucking Tinkerbell compared to them."

"Anyways, I have to clean up. Get comfortable. Pour yourself a drink. I'll be out in a few minutes."
"Hannah has that same poster," Winston said as he looked around the room.
"I know. I've been in the Bio-Aquarium before."
"When?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Hunter asked as he headed toward the bathroom door.

"Hey, who are you taking to the ball? This dress is real old school. Looks like something that a debutante would wear."
Reaching out he had barely started to finger the fabric before his hand was yanked behind his back and his arm twisted sharply upward.

"Don't you ever, ever," Hunter twisted his arm up even higher, "touch that dress. Do I make myself clear? Do I?"
Winston threw his other hand up in the air as he winced.
"Jesus Hunter! What the hell? I didn't know."
"I asked you a question Winston. Answer me!" he snarled.
"Alright, alright! I won't touch the stupid dress."
"That dress...you-" Releasing his arm Hunter stepped away. Out the corner of his eye Winston could see him reach out and touch the skirt of the dress before he headed into the bathroom. The door shut silently behind him.
"Motherfucker!" Winston rubbed at his arm as he danced around the room to ease the pain. After the pain dulled a bit he found himself by the bar.
"What the hell," he muttered.

Okay, he thought as the burn of the White Russian numbed the ache in his arm. These were the things that he knew. One, Hunter wanted revenge for the murder of his fiancee. Two, he wanted the same aging rate as Hannah and the rest of the R'ouglians. Three, the man was a cold blooded killer. He didn't need to screw up right now. Not when he nearly had the protection he needed to get out from under Hannah's thumb. He was so close.
Swirling the liquid in the bottom of his glass he glanced around the room once again. His eyes stopped at the computer. Drumming his fingers on the edge of the bar he tilted his head. He could still hear the shower running. And what could it hurt to have a quick look see at the computer?
Tossing back the rest of his drink he quickly walked across the room and sat down in front of the desk.

Hunter gripped the razor blade in his hand as he stared at himself in the mirror. He was meticulous about his appearance. Having grown up dirt poor he knew how it was to be looked down on for something that he couldn't help. Maybe that's why he surrounded himself with the same kind of people regardless of the fact that he was now worth millions. And he had overreacted with Winston.
At any time that man could walk out the door and not look back. For whatever reason he wanted to get out from Hannah. Not that he could blame him . Hannah would bleed someone dry and then toss them aside like yesterday's trash. But Winston had been with her a long time. Fi had told him that he had been thirty something when she had known him. But she didn't know if he had been involved with Hannah around that time.
Shaking his head he brought the razor to his face. There were so many unanswered questions that he couldn't wait to hear the answers to. Sooner rather than later.

There was nothing on this computer, Winston thought as he clicked around in the files that were buried deep on the hard drive. Absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact it looked as if Hunter really hadn't even used this computer. With all the updates he had to ignore when he logged on it was apparent that this computer was just used for personal purposes.
"The man doesn't even have the computer encrypted."
"Don't need to. I don't even know how to work that stupid thing. Besides, computers leave behind evidence. Don't you watch TV?"
Winston jumped guilty and his eyes shot across the room to where Hunter was opening a bottle of water.

"Where did-? How did you get out of the bathroom so quietly?"
Hunter wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm a killer. It would be kind of pointless to go stomping around everywhere letting your enemies know where you are. Anyway, there's nothing on there. Figured I'd use it as a decoy. Let some idiot spend time digging around for something that isn't there. Fi installed a worm on there that transfer to their computer if anyone tries to download the hard drive. She said it would wipe their entire system in less then two minutes. She seemed sort of excited about that."
"Fi always did love technology." A small smile twisted Winston's lips as he got up from the desk.
"Hmm..."

"Have a seat. Let's talk business," Hunter said as he sat behind his desk. He waited for Winston to get comfortable on the couch then crossed his leg.
"So, what brings you all the way here Winston? You haven't been out of Serenity Cove for what? Thirty? Forty years?"
"It's been about that long yeah. I mean it's not good for me to be seen outside the Cove. Someone might recognize me. I can't do the whole skinwalker thing like the R'ouglians can do. Not one of the attributes of having mated with one of them."
"You mated with Hannah?"
Winston absently scratched his arm. "Yeah. One of the worst mistakes of my life. I forced her to. I was an idiot. Still drinking and still looking for a fix. I had dreams of living the good life forever. My life is nothing like that now. I'm pretty much just a hired lackey who is sometimes her blood bank."
"Her blood bank?"
Winston sighed. "You know Hannah is an abomination to her people. She shouldn't be alive as it is. Somehow, some way, she gets her energy from feeding off of people. Specifically, for her, it's babies."
"What is she? Vampire?"
"No, she hides behind their shadows. Covers up the deaths well. The people in the Cove hate her. Hate the whole Bio-Aquarium actually."
"So, why did she want Kaylee there?"
"As much as it pains me to say it Kaylee is at the top of her field. Hannah was going to woo her over to her side. Have her genetically make what she needs."
"And what does she need?"
"What she's always wanted. What she continually talks about. Being in charge. Being the savior so everyone will bow down to her. She wants to be-"
"Like me."
"And you want to be like her."

Getting up Hunter walked across the room and sat down next to him. He smirked when Winston shifted away.
"Don't worry Winston. I don't swing that way. Although I have the feeling you do. Have an eye on someone in the office do you? Don't want Hannah to get jealous huh? Don't know what she'll do."
"What the hell are you talking about?"
"Look, it doesn't matter what side your swinging for. Or is the saying pitching? Either way it doesn't have anything to do with our arrangement. So, you want my protection? What's in it for me?"
"I've bio-engineered the very thing she wants. It's taken me longer than she would have liked but it's done."
"And that is?"
"I want your word that you'll protect me. Nothing fishy. Just straight up."

Rising, Hunter walked back to his desk and motioned to the picture that was there.
"I was going to go straight you know. We were going to get married, settle down with the whole fucking American family image and be happy. And then one night it was all ripped away from me. I said I was going to get my revenge and I plan to. I'm nothing if not straight forward. If I say I'll protect you I'll protect you. But you have to show me some sort of proof and if you even think of double crossing me I'll kill you without a second thought. Are we clear?"

"Yeah. Yeah, I think we are."

"Did he leave?"
Hunter didn't know how long he had been sitting in the chair going over the entire night. Winston had questioned him extensively on his own cryogenics chamber and he had questioned him on his own engineering techniques. There was something in the pit of his stomach that told him he shouldn't have let Winston go.
"Sir?"
"Yeah, he's gone."
There was a pause and then Fi cleared her throat. "Then we should go as well, sir. This place has been compromised. We can't come back here for awhile...if ever."
"Yeah, yeah you're right. I just need to do one more thing."
"Of course."

"Hey babe. It might be awhile before I can come back and see you but you know that you're not far from my thoughts right? God, I miss your smile, your voice. I just miss you. You have no idea how much. It was good between us. I was a better man then wasn't I? But I'm glad I got to walk with an angel before I danced with the devil. I love you Abagail."
Touching the edge of the headstone Hunter stood and, without looking back, walked away.

"Oh Winston! It's what I've always wanted. And you kept it a secret from me? And it's not even my birthday. I didn't know you cared. How long have you been working on this?"

"Winston? Winston?"

"Oh Winston! What have you done to yourself?"