GenRex - Six's Survival pt1

This has been written as a follow-up to "Lone Wolf" and "Rollarcoaster", sorry for the confusion.

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Prelude to a Nightmare..

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Holiday knew half the female workforce would explode in jealousy if they knew she'd not only seen the famous Agent Six without the glasses, but snogged the guy too..

It had all started on  trip to a theme park. Rex had persuaded her and Six to come with them. Holiday had towed Six with her on several rides, somehow getting away with grabbing his hand. That alone had been amazing enough for her, But to then be rescued from a damaged rollercoaster, and carried to safety by him, she'd been in heaven. NOW she thought about it, it was probably the shock that gave her the guts to finally explain how she felt. Or demonstrate anyway. She'd told him she thought he was amazing, then smooch.

She'd been in an agony of worry the next day, fearing he'd never talk to her, that shed ruined the tentative friendship they'd had before. But after fixing a broken bracelet for her, he'd assured her "nothings broken". Then returned the kiss from the previous day.

Their work mostly kept them separate, but sometimes they'd end up in the kitchen, sharing a cup of coffee after work.

It was total bliss. They hadn't done much aside from the occasional moment together when they had the time, but she delighted in the few times they managed to share. The kissing inevitably wound up being a part of it too.

He had a slight naivety to him. All-star martial artist he may have been, but he was utterly clueless about getting close to anyone it seemed. Shed never seen him act awkward and unsure before, but it was oddly endearing. He'd learn fast, she was sure..

But something was about to get in the way of their still-growing bond.

It began on a Monday morning. Six had spared Rex his training as he had to go on an errand to pick up supplies in town. So he drove off, the cloudless blue sky above him, the heat blasting down.

He darted from store to store, picking up what he needed, then halted. In a book store display window he seen a book whose title he recognised. He recalled Holiday mentioning she'd been trying to find a copy for months, but due to its rarity, it was hard to get. With a shrug he nipped in and bagged it. He figured it make her smile.

He'd been utterly confused when she'd first kissed him. Not used to close contact, or indeed the concept of real affection or love, it was hard for him to sort it out. But those times when he and Holiday...no, Rebecca, just sat around talking, or watching the TV, were a break from his usually hectic day. One evening they'd just sat for two hours on the couch, her head resting on his shoulder, just watching TV, closely cosied up together.

Now, without even realising, he was getting the concept of "buying surprise gifts".

He was about to hit another obstacle thought before long.

He actually ran into it on his way home. He was tearing along a deserted road, heading back to Providence, when he seen something, a flash of movement. Parking the car he ran to the embankment. On the road running parallel below him, EVOs were converging on an open-top sports car. A blonde woman was screaming and waving them away, but they just advanced.

--Never a quiet day...-- he thought, unsnapping the twin katanas and leaping off the embankment with ease...

He landed on the hood of the car, one sword raised to deflect a set of nasty claws.

He heard the woman stop screaming, but say "what the-?"

"Get back," he told her, still locking eyes with the EVO.

It didn't take long, once they seen Six incapacitate their pack leader, the rest took flight. Six wanted to pursue them, but knew the woman's safety was a higher priority.

Jumping down from the car he turned to look for her. And got a surprise hug. But unlike when Holiday had hugged him, this only made him feel awkward, and uncomfortable. In short, how he normally felt around clingy people.

"Oh thank god, I was terrified.." she babbled then let him go. Offering her rescuer a winning smile, she noted he was pretty damn good-looking, albeit rather serious.

-Impeccable dress sense, good looks.....not bad..-- she smiled "I'm Adelaide Summers..."

"Where were you headed Ms Summers?" he asked, never mentioning his name.

"To Providence, I was due to start today..." she blinked as he raised an eyebrow.

"You're not far, we can call a team to have the car towed, I can give you a lift there.."

Did he work for them? Adelaide wondered, but he said no more, just helped her up the bank, sending a message on his cell phone. A recovery team would be there in minutes to recover the EVO and the car. Six had tied the EVO up to ensure it wouldn't get away.

Sure enough, they'd just gotten into the car when they seen a jump jet approaching.

"They'll handle it", Six said, flooring the engine and tearing off towards Providence.

Adelaide could only sit and stare at him. He was odd, but most guys were. Not talkative, but hey, she could work on that.

They pulled up at the entrance checkpoint.

"I think I have ID," she rummage din her bag "they might not let us-"

She heard one of the guards speak a second later.

"Oh, Agent Six, Dr. Holiday was looking for you."

"I'll see her shortly,"

"Of course sir,"

She stared. This guy WAS Providence, she'd figured he was a security guard or something. But an Agent? Wow, she hit jackpot.

She finally found her ID, showing the document to the guards. It had only arrived in the post the day before, just in time.

Six parked the car and the new worker followed him to the main admin area. There he somehow slipped off as she was being welcomed by the induction personnel.

--Oh well, he works here, I'll see him soon.-- she hoped, smirking to herself. She was not a woman accustomed to being rejected. Shed set her eyes on her mysterious rescuer, and she aimed to get him!

She was shown to the medical area, where she got a surprise.

"Rebecca?" she said at last.

Holiday did a double take, her heat sinking a little "Adelaide Summers, long time no see.."

She and Adelaide had gone to college together, and although they'd been work partners, they'd fought a lot. Adelaide had tried to steal a guy from her, and had been furious when she'd failed.

"I finally got a decent job with Providence," Summers smiled falsely "how'd you get here?"

"The usual way," Holiday snarked "applied for a job and got one."

"Well, its good to see you doing so well, id lost track of you. Still with Darren?"

"No, we split a long time ago, too possessive." Holiday wanted to throw a book at her head. "Got someone else now, much more...mature."

"I see," Adelaide smirked "ah well, im sure you'll be able to keep this feller." She preened "As it happens, I ran into a gorgeous one on the way here. My car got attacked by those dreadful EVOs, and he just fell out of the sky and saved me."

"Riight," Holiday said at last.

"I'm serious, jumped off the road above and landed on the car. All butt-kicking and attitude," she smiled to herself "turns out he works here.."

Holiday groaned, this was all she needed. Adelaide was terrible for gabbing on about herself. She was a good worker, but a tad shallow at times.

"Doctor Holiday?" a querying voice from behind her rival. Holiday looked past Adelaide's shoulder, to where Six had just walked in. He had something under his arm, a package.

"Oh!" she felt a surge of relief "Six~"

"Did you say-" Adelaide turned, seeing her rescuer there. "Its you!" she smiled.

"Huh?" Both Six and Holiday made confused noises. Six because he'd forgotten about her entirely, and Holiday because she had no clue what was going on.

"Thanks again for saving me from those...things," Adelaide shivered "those EVOs.."

Holiday put two and two together "ohh, I see." she looked at Six "roadside rescues?"

He shrugged faintly "a team would've been too slow, so I intervened." he held out the package to her "I found this in town,"

Holiday blinked, unravelling the paper from the book shed sought for so long. Her eyes were on stalks as she read the title.

"Where...where'd you get this? I've been searching for ages!"

"A bookstore, just the usual kind, guess it must've been new stock." he shrugged.

She hugged the book tightly, beaming at him "you're a lifesaver, I need this for my research paper!"

He smiled, that faint gentle smile "Not a problem."

Adelaide was also putting two and two together, and she wasn't happy. Holiday was already muscling in on her rescuer. And judging by the fact he smiled at her like that, chances were THIS was her new guy.

--Not for long...a guy THAT good is wasted on you..-- she thought.

"You two know each other?" she said cheerily, hiding her resentment.

"We work together," Holidays turn to preen now "with Rex,"

"Oh, right, that's the EVO kid. I seen him on TV a few times...."

"Who's seen what on TV?" speak of the devil.

"Hey Rex," Holiday smiled "we have someone new joining us today," she introduced him to the pretty blonde dr. Summers.

Rex grinned, shaking her hand, then turning to Six "what we doing today?"

"Just the usual, unless there's an emergency."

"Right-on," Rex nodded "training centre it is then.."

The two doctors followed Rex and Six to the training area. It was split into separate areas depending on expertise.."

A staff worker came over to Six as Rex sidled into an empty area.

"We have the new scenario up, the new adjustments you specified have been implemented."

This caught Six's attention. With nothing else to do today it sounded good.

"Dr. Holiday, can I leave you monitor Rex for a while?"

"Sure, no problem," she smiled as he darted off.

She and Adelaide went up to the room that overseen the training area. Rex was in one of the open-top areas, and in one across the wide hall, a rather dangerous looking scenario was set up.

It was into this scenario Six wandered a second later. A chime sounded in the earpiece he wore, signalling its beginning.

Almost instantly a trap sprung beneath his feet. He back flipped smartly from it, swinging the sword and defusing another barely had his feet touched the floor. Projectiles fired from the walls, sharp and potentially deadly. Once he settled into a set frame of mind, it was easy. Watch for the slightest sign of movement and keep alert. Destroy all targets. It was hard work, but for someone in good shape like he was, it no more taxing then running a mile.

After several minutes a buzzer signalled the end of it. He smirked, he'd barely broken a sweat.

Up in the control room, both Doctors were staring at the readout.

"Wow," Holiday said at last "100% accuracy.."

Adelaide was even more determined to get him, so she couldn't help waiting until the agent walked back in.

"I've never seen anything like that, where did you learn to DO that sort of thing?" she gushed, using her best smile.

But it just bounced off the stoic agent "I was specially trained, that's all."

Adelaide glowered at his back as he stood beside Holiday, looking at the screens monitoring Rex's nanites.

"He's doing fine," Holiday smiled at him "everything's stable."

"Good," Six nodded.

Deciding she needed to distract Six's attention from Holiday, Adelaide spoke up.

"Are you applying for the science paper competition too, did you say?"

Holiday blinked "Yeah, I have a good plan this time."

"The what-now?" Six asked Holiday.

"Its a scientific journal paper, they award a massive cash prize to the winner," she explained "I think this years got to be worth a go.."

"I see.."

Adelaide smirked "im almost done with mine," she lied.

Holiday sighed, so much for having a chance..

Six frowned, seeing how suddenly down she looked. He got the feeling the two women didn't exactly get along as well as they were pretending to.

Adelaide tailed Holiday the rest of that day, under the pretence of learning her way around. She noticed Holiday putting the book in a desk drawer, and resolved to come back there later.

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When she was sure Holiday was asleep, she went to the medical bay on the pretence of needing some pain killers. But she crept over to the desk, and rummaged in the drawer. there! She spied some loose-leaf notes, on nanites conversion theory, and determined to make use of the suggestion. If she beat Holiday, maybe that agent would put off by how hopeless she was, and then she could..

It was an idiotic plan by a very silly woman. One who was used to getting her way, regardless of the consequences.

She memorized the notes, then put them away again. She was just slipping along the hallway when someone called her name.

"Dr. Summers? What're you doing?"

"Huh?" she jumped, seeing it was Agent Six.

She beamed, doing her innocent-little-girl act. "I couldn't sleep, I get so nervous starting a new job you know.."

He raised one eyebrow but said nothing.

"Cant sleep either?" she asked.

"Haven't BEEN to sleep yet. I was working." he said blankly.

"Maybe some coffee would be good," she suggested in a flirty voice, hoping he'd join her.

"I wouldn't recommend it, you won't sleep that way." he said, then he was off down the hall.

--God he's DENSE..-- Adelaide fumed.

Still, she wad determined to win him, one way or another.

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The next morning she had written the majority of a paper, using mostly Holidays notes, but using her expertise to make it almost 99% obvious she hadn't totally cheated.

Holiday seen the paper when Adelaide was off getting lunch. Her heart sank. It couldn't be...how did she have the same idea...unless..?

She figured out Adelaide had gone through her research drawer and was furious. but she couldn't prove it, even to her it was obvious the whole thing had been re-written cleverly enough to make it almost foolproof.

--People will just say she had the same idea....after all it IS Providence research...-- but she felt miserable all the same.

She was still pretty unhappy when she went to her room that afternoon.

There was a knock on the door.

"Who is it?" she sighed.

"Its me," she recognised Six's voice and her heart leapt a little.

Glad of a comforting presence she let him in. He instantly noticed her morose expression.

"What's wrong?" he frowned.

"It's...oh, nothing," she sighed, where to start.

Sensing she was lying, he hugged her gently.

At last she spoke "I'm giving up on that research paper thing.."

"Why?" he asked.

"Because. Because....it's her, that lying-" Holiday shook her head, instead burrowing further into his arms, "her." she finished.

"Dr. Summers?" he prompted.

"Yeah.." she sighed "she's been through my notes I'm sure. I didn't figure to lock the drawer, I never did, nobody else here was going for it, so I got careless.."

"Why don't you tell someone? If she's stealing documents-"

"It doesn't work that way Six, she's devious...ive seen the paper, she's used the concepts id outlined, but the written report is WAY different, even if I could prove it, shed just say I'M copying her.."

He was silent, running this barmy scenario through his head. Then had an idea.

"So, come up with a new idea?"

She gave him a funny look "I'd love to, but what? The theory on nanite conversion I came up with, on studying Rex, was my work.."

He thought again, then shrugged "so, study someone else." the implication was obvious.

She stared at him, wondering if he meant what she thought he did?

Some months before, Six had been on a mission with Rex. Van Clyse had tried to catch Rex out with a dart full of a substance called "EVO-Booster". Meant to turn any subject into a mindless, raging EVO, Six had intercepted the dart instead of Rex. He'd turned into a massive, incredibly strong wolf-EVO. But unlike the darts intention, he'd retained enough of his humanity and memory to save Rex and Providence. He'd gotten gravely injured in the process, but Rex had been able to turn him back to his human self.

Shed been amazed at how human he'd stayed despite the strength of the EVO-booster. But she figured the transformation had been traumatic enough, he didn't need to be poked, prodded and examined at the same time.

"You'd allow that, I wouldn't think you'd want to remember..."

"Well I CAN remember it, and that's what's so unusual, right?" he smiled slightly "I cant stand liars any more then you can, so why not try it? That way you have something better then her lazy method."

The next second he was glomped by a VERY pleased Holiday. They toppled over onto her couch, where she happily snuggled up to him.

He had to laugh, and they simply stayed that way, tangled up on the couch.

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The next day, she suggested they start working on it. The deadline was in a week, so they didn't have long.

She started by finding out what sort of training he'd done, postulating his superior training, both mental AND physical, had to have something to do with it.

Some of what he told her made her eyes widen. All-day training, fighting with the others he lived with, as a training method. By the sound sof it he'd been pretty secluded, his potential friends also competitors.

She wrote everything down, locking the notes in her private drawer in her room. Once the backhistorory of the Providence agent had been detailed, she quizzed him on the tougher part, the EVO memories.

She listened in astonishment at the tale he told her. Operating as an EVO had been like wading through treacle, he'd had to fight with the nanites primal urges just to think straight. But memories of Rex, of Providence, had stayed intact. It was by focusing solely on those memories, and the thoughts attached to them, that he'd navigated his return to Providence.

Protect Rex, protect Providence...home. She could see how he'd managed it, by prioritizing.

"Wasn't it a bit...scary?" she asked.

He fell silent, a steaming mug of coffee clutched in pale, slender hands. His sunglasses rested on the table next to him, she could see the way his expression clouded a little as he remembered it all.

"In a way. Yes." he sighed "I honestly thought id have to give in sooner or later. By the point you seen me, I was rapidly losing my grip. That's why I took the survivors to you, not the medic van. I figured a familiar face, more memories. As it was, you stopped me losing total focus.."


Holiday blushed faintly. Shed been a little scared of the wolf-EVO at first. But recalling who it really truly was, shed reached out and brushed its soft fur for just a second...

"Anything else?" she asked.

"Not really, other then it wasn't easy. I remembered being told never to lose focus, to always keep your goal in sight. One's advice..." he laughed faintly "I remember thinking id probably get shot at if I showed up at Providence, but I couldn't just run away. I guess," another short sigh "I was foolishly relying on Rex being able to cure me, I didn't want to end up what van kliess intended, a crazy mad EVO.."

"I doubt that. Even as a massive 8-or-9 foot wolf, you'd STILL find a way to make Rex behave.."

He snickered at the idea "yeah, by sitting on him probably! No doubt. But," he frowned "I often wonder if that was the only one of those booster things...the thought of anyone else experiencing that, makes me feel a bit sick. To be honest."

She nodded, putting the pen down. "That's perfect, we can leave it at that, I hope I didn't dredge up any unpleasant memories.."

He shook his head "I can deal with them easily."

"More training?"

"Yeah, never let nightmares become a fixation." he nodded.

She smiled, hugging the notebook "you'll be the first to see this once I write it."

"I cant wait," he smiled, that rare, real smile.

"I'll get started on it now, I got a few hours to spare...do you have to work..?"

A reluctant nod "uh-huh, meeting Rex in half an hour."

She sighed "dang, I was going to ditch the writing if you had the morning free."

He chuckled "don't get distracted.."

"I know!" she nodded, and bustled out the door. As she passed, she leaned down and lightly kissed his cheek. Just a brief touch, then she was out the door, grinning to herself.

Left with his coffee, Six chuckled to himself. Rebecca seemed to really enjoy being around him. He'd never thought he'd feel comfortable with someone getting THIS close. But the unexpected introduction into affection at the theme park had brought an alternative to simply working his butt off in solitude. Never the most friendly of people, he never bothered to make friends. He'd been fixated on his training, then his job, from an early age. The concept of friends and loved ones hadn't been on One's syllabus. Holiday had said she was happy to teach him.

Deciding to take a short walk before meeting Rex, Six got up from his seat, wandering out of the room.

There was a rustle, and Bobo popped out of one of the cupboards. He'd gone fridge raiding that morning, then fallen asleep in an empty cupboard. He'd woken up right about when Holiday had started quizzing Six about his EVO state. In time to peep out of a crack in the door and see them talking. Green man had his glasses off again. Oddly, he never did this around anyone else, the monkey noticed. Since that first day shed gotten them off him, Holiday hadn't boasted about it at all, despite the fact it'd been a longstanding question amongst the female staff, what did he look like properly?

THEN he'd seen her get up, move a little closer and...smooch.

Bobos head practically popped. This was a turn-up for the books. Mr "im-so-emotioanlly-dEVOid", smiling at Holiday as she left.

Wait until Rex heard this! Sniggering the monkey crept from his hiding place, into the empty corridor.

"Oi, furball." he froze.

Crap. Six was standing behind him, somehow he'd crept back without the monkeys hearing picking it up.

"Geez, Rex was right, that IS creepy, don't sneak up on a guy like that."

"Says the monkey who eavesdrops on peoples conversations."

"You heard me?!"

Six growled under his breath "I could've heard you if you were on MARS."

Bobo groaned. That was the problem with this guy. He was too quick, you couldn't play any sort of joke no him. Barring that one time Rex had managed to lock him in a storeroom then steal a spare suit, nobody had never been able to get one over on him.

But to his surprise what Six was scolding him about had nothing to do with the monkey witnessing him and Holiday.

"That was Holidays personal project she wad discussing, she's had enough problems getting it started, id appreciate if you didn't repeat Anything from that conversation." Something about the tone of Six's voice made Bobo realise he'd better keep schtum.

"What conversation?" he said at last. Six nodded, approving the answer, then spinning on his heel, walked away.

"So what about the bit at the end?" Bobo couldn't help it "do I get free dibs on that-OW!"

In one swift movement Six had launched an elastic band at him, flicking the monkey between the eyes. Then he turned and walked doff.

"Alright, not that bit either! Sheesh.." the chimp grumbled.

Rex stared at the chimps cross expression as he ambled into the training hall.

"What hit ya?" he asked.

"Green bean pranged me with an a rubber band.."

"Why?" Rex sniggered.

"He caught me eavesdropping on someone's date. In a kitchen. Its public space if ya ask me.."

"Well, you wouldn't want someone staring at you if you were with a sweet girl.." Rex said at last, his lingo reflecting the TV shows he and Noah watched.

"Eh, it isn't important ta me, but I guess not...humans are weird.."

"Most of 'em," Rex agreed.

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Rex and Six were busy the following few days, but eventually the flood of EVOs emergencies sdied down, and they had a spare day to do a bit of light training. Rex had had the odd idea of sparring his handler. If anyone could push his reflexes, it had to be Six. A martial arts expert, his sword-wielding tactics versus Rex's machines, should be fun.

It was, but tough. Rex had to marvel at the speed Six moved at. For his part he used everything he could think of. The slam cannon, but the ninja-swords shredded the projectiles with ease. The sword was an even match, but Rex discovered a bigger sword may have been more useful against a big EVO, but a fast-moving human? A little trickier..

It ended with Six doing an easy flip over Rex's big mecha fist, and landing square in front of the boy, sword raised to swat him back. Needless to say, he didn't, but Rex knew if he'd been an EVO, he'd have been seeing stars.

"You win," he squeaked, dropping the machine state, reverting to normal.

"Its not a contest Rex," Six reminded him "but you're no easy feat, that much I will allow."

Rex grinned. Six looked a little dishevelled. He'd given the man a good run for his money, that much Six knew. Rex was learning fast.

Then they spotted Holiday waving at them from the obs room above.

Holiday was like a kid on too much sugar. Rex soon realised she wanted Six attention first and foremost.

"Its finished!" she grinned, handing him a sheaf of papers.

"Already? That was fast.."

"Well ive got to send it off tomorrow, so read it quick and tell me if it needs correcting!" then she was babbling to Rex about nanites levels.

Six smiled, looking at the paperwork in his hands.

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He read it all the way through lunch, and finished it just after afternoon training. While Rex cleared off to have a game of basketball with Noah and Bobo, he went to find Holiday.

As soon as he said he finished it she looked anxious, waiting to hear the verdict,.

"I'd say its a winner.." he smiled.

She cheered, hugging him briefly before sitting back in her chair "lets hope so!"

"Well aren't you two happy?" they turned to face the doorway. Just as Adelaide wandered in. She drifted over to the table.

"You still have me to beat," she smirked, letting her eyes take in Holiday's handsome companion.

--And not just for the paper!-- she thought, smirking.

Six frowned. Uncomfortable with the way she was grinning like that. He got the feeling part of her vendetta was against HIM. He didn't understand why. He barely even KNEW this woman. He had saved her from those EVOs, but only because it was shis job. This woman's clingy tactics caused a different set of reactions to when Holiday did it.

"Well," Holiday glowered at Adelaide "we'll see when the results come next week then wont we!"

But as Adelaide turned and left, Holiday winked at Six. Little did Adelaide know, Holiday had a whole NEW paper.

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Adelaide ran the length of the hallway. Shed been in the reference library, picking through journals to see what style of writing won previous awards in the same paper.

She was grinning, it was in the BAG-

Then, whoops-

She ran smack into someone, knocking them both flat on the floor.

"Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry.." she lifted her head, to see who she was pinning to the floor....

Her face reddened as she seen it was Agent Six. This close she thought she seen a glimpse of unusually green eyes behind those glasses. Then he was pushing them back up his nose, frowning at her stunned silence.

"Could you get off me please?" he said calmly.

She scuttled back, clambering to her feet as he carefully stood up, then spoke at last.

"In a hurry? The post leaves at 7." his words made her jump. How did he know what she was up to?

Judging from her expression, Six knew he'd hit jackpot.

Adelaide glowered at him. How could he be so obtuse? She knew for a fact she was pretty, yet this guy wasn't batting an eyelid, not even as shed worn her low-cut top that morning. If she hadn't noticed his devotion to Holiday, shed have thought him a total ice prince.

"I'm fine by the way!" she snapped.

"I figured you would be, you landed on me." was his reply as he walked away.

Her hands clenched "ooh, you are such a jerk!" she hissed.

"Like I care." he called back. She jumped again, he'd heard her?!

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Another science worker, Liz, sniggered at Adelaide's annoyed face as she stalked into the post room an hour later.

"What's with you?" she asked.

"I ran into Agent Six earlier. Well, ran him over is more like it." she recanted the incident "how rude!"

Liz laughed her head off "that's what he's always like!"

"I don't see why everyone fancies him so much," Adelaide complained, although she knew full why.

"He's got looks, brains, and I bet he'd go to any length to protect whatever lucky woman eventually manages to wrangle a date.." Liz nodded, sighing sadly "I wish I knew what his type is. Rebecca's so LUCKY, she's on permanent assignment with him, and that kid, Rex.."

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The rest of that week Six started to feel decidedly uncomfortable when he was in the same room as the two of them. They reminded him of two rival cats facing off over territory. He mentioned this to Holiday, and after she hit him on the head with a couch cushion, she laughed.

"Well, female cats ARE territorial, we hate anyone stealing our stuff!" she chuckled.

"All this over the paper?" Six frowned. She patted his shoulder, snuggling back up to him again on the couch in her quarters.

--Not just the papers doofus,-- she thought with a barely concealed giggle --I know for one thing I'm NOT the only person who thinks your gorgeous..--

But Six just remained din his usual state of blissful ignorance...

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The day of the postal delivery, both women were on edge. It had turned from scientific paper into a vendetta. Adelaide had started it, but Holiday was determined to finish it.

But there were delays with the post, so the two had no alternative but to go to lunch still waiting.

The other girls at the table felt like they were in a war zone. Holiday on one side, Adelaide Summers on the other. Both glaring at each other.

"We need a mediator," one whispered.

"Pfft, tell me about it," the second girl hissed back.

Lucky for them..

Six was heading towards said canteen, daydreaming idly, when someone ran up to him.

"Sir, this came for the nanite science dept, I think Holiday and her co-worker were anxious to see it. Could you give it to them?"

"Huh? Sure." Six blinked at the package as the delivery boy raced off. Recognising the logo he realised it was THE paper, the one he and Holiday had submitted their paper to.

Smiling slightly he resolved to drop it off after lunch.

But as it was, he didn't get that far. He walked in, and seen Holiday and Summers having a stare-down at the table a few meters to his left. Recalling his angry cats metaphor he crossed over to the table.

All he had to was cough, and they all looked at him.

Holiday and Adelaide both spotted the logo on the envelope at the same time.

"Hah, now you'll see!" Summers boasted "I did try to warn you.."

"Oh shut up," Holiday snapped "stop talking about yourself for five seconds please!!"

While they bickered, the bemused, silent Six shrugged, and opened the paper himself.

He had time to read the covering letter quickly, then flick to the corresponding page.

Both women realised he'd already read it and stopped mid-snark, looking at him.

Six was suddenly aware of the whole tables gazes boring into him. geez, this was weird.
Calmly adjusting his glasses over his nose he flipped the journal....at Holiday.

"Yours I believe," he said, smiling ever-so-ever-so slightly. Then he was gone, making a beeline for the lunch line.

He jumped when he heard the cheers a second later. Glancing over he seen Holiday being hugged by her exuberant friends. She caught his gaze and mouthed "thank you". Adelaide looked pissed.

"What was it on?"

Holiday held the paper out to them.

""Memory processes and human recognition in full-EVO state". Wow, sounds heavy.."

"Wait...memory. You mean like...how much a person remembers from being an EVO? Awesome!"

"How'd you get this kind of info?"

Holiday smiled "from a friend.."

"Yeah, the wise-ass in the suit!" Adelaide snarked. She'd heard about the whole Six-gone-EVO thing. Put that together with the title of Holidays paper, and wham, instant answer.

Holiday glared at her.

"Huh?" the other girls glanced over at the suit wearer in question, who was halfway out the door.

"You mean.." a brunette, Carly, stared at the vanishing Six, then, at Holiday, "It was about...when he, ya know..." she mimed fangs and claws.

Deciding honesty was the best policy, Holiday nodded.

"Wow," Carly shrugged "I'm surprised he'd even talk about it."

"Well, as a scientific idea, I really wanted to delve deeper. No EVO has ever displayed behaviour like that." she tried not to blush "I was gobsmacked when he said yes.." she decided not to tell them it'd been Six's idea.

Carly gaped, then gleefully hugged Holiday "you lucky girl! You got ta talk to him properly!"

Holiday decided DEFINATLY not to mention she'd also kissed him and then some.

"Pfft, only cos she's got a crush on him!" Adelaide snapped crossly.

"Pfft, half the damn BASE has a crush on the guy," Carly rebuked "and why not?" she mimed swooning "he's gorgeous!"

Everyone else gathered at the table nodded. Holiday giggled, her cover was intact.

Adelaide was fuming. They'd never believe her if she told them now...

She got up and stalked off, she got halfway down the empty hallway when a voice spoke from behind her.

"I know what's going on. Your childish vendetta against Holiday wont serve you well, in the end it'll end badly."

She jumped a mile in the air, whipping round to see a cross-looking Six leaning against the wall.

"God your lucky you're not right next to me, you'd get smacked for sure! Don't. Sneak. Up. On. Me" she glared at him. "besides, what're you going to use as proof?"

"Nothing, but rest assured of this. If any further upset is caused, I WILL protect her." that said, he stalked off.

Adelaide shivered. Even with those glasses on, shed felt the fury of his gaze, the steel anger in his tone.

--Perhaps we'd better leave 'em be..-- the common sense part of he mind offered.

----------------------------------

Six didn't mention the incident to Holiday later that evening when she popped over for a secret dinner. She was so happy over winning the paper he didn't want to ruin her mood.

"Guess what else?" she grinned once dinner was over.

"What?"

"I got a call from the editor a few hours ago, they're doing a televised conference, and they want me to do a presentation based on my report!"

"Really?" he smiled gently at her beaming face "that's brilliant."

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him happily.

"I know, but it wouldn't be so brilliant without your help~" she smiled, taking those glasses off him "Adelaide was so cheesed off!"

--Don't I know it..-- Six sighed inwardly, but smiled at Holiday "seems like she's got a real vindictive streak against you.."

"Ah, she's always been competitive, she's hated me since college. All because the guy she fancied asked me out instead!"

"Over that?" he asked baffled.

"Seems daft I know...but she's used to getting her own way is Adelaide.." Holiday frowned "I bet..."

"Bet what?" he asked.

She looked up at him, looking a mix of triumphant and bemused "THATS why she's doing all this! She's jealous!"

"Over WHAT?" he stressed, still not getting it. She chuckled and poked his nose fondly.

"You, doofus."

"ME?!" he sounded totally baffled.

She smacked her forehead with one hand. How to explain this?

She grabbed a sheet of paper and drew a little diagram. Then she sat him on the couch and scooched up to him to explain.

"See, this is the approximate amount of the female staff that fancy you, ergo, the level of jealousy directed at whatever woman gets lucky enough to even stay this close for 60 seconds. Get it?" she giggled "Adelaide set her eyes on you the second you landed on the hood of that car to fight those EVOs. When she cant get what she wants, she gets prissy.."

His face was priceless, bright red. He'd never even THOUGHT people might look at him that way. It'd taken him long enough to figure out Holidays affections.

She smiled, and looked at those green eyes. "you seriously never realised?"

"Wha...well, no!" he shook his head "didn't seem important exactly...I mean," he frowned "most women here act like giggly little kids whenever I have to talk to them, I found it annoying.." he looked at her "never had that problem with you."

She blushed now "really? I did my fare share of staring at you when you weren't paying attention. Figured you thought I was silly.."

Now she got a surprise kiss.

"Nope." he said bluntly, wrapping his arms around her. She'd always talked to him without any silly flirting. That was part of why he'd felt so comfortable around her, even if he'd never given it thought until the theme park trip. She was level-headed, patient, and pretty, even if it taken a long time to fully see the third one.

Holiday squeaked as he tweaked the bun of hair atop her head. The whole getup came loose, her hair falling loose around her shoulders.

"Looks nice," he said shortly.

She blushed "well, I may just wear it to work like this one day..." she grinned "so pay attention~"

He smiled, and she felt giddy again. Having seen him so emotionless and blank for the last few years, seeing him smile was amazing. Shed spent so long wishing she could get closer, actually being there was bliss...

--Its just a shame we cant act like this in public..-- she sighed softly --but its tricky..--

For now she just contented herself with being snuggled up in his warm embrace, resting her head on his chest, listening to the soft sound of his heartbeat.

------------------------------------------

Two days later Six and Rex were off to another EVO sighting. It had sounded normal enough, but then the Pack, well, some of them, showed up. Biowulf, Skalamander and Breach anyway.

Six and Biowulf instantly lunged at each other. Swords versus claws. Sparks flew as their respective weapons made contact.

Rex meanwhile was giving skalamander a little taster of his nanite machines, swords, slam cannon, the lizard was not having a fun day. Breach was busy, using her portals to steal some top secret gear from the nearby lab. The scuffle with Rex and his trainer was simply a diversion, although she wanted to take a shot at the man in the suit. Van Clyse was still pissed at how Six had managed to control the EVO booster all that time ago.

She'd suggested simply kidnapping the human next time they ran afoul of him, but Van Clyse had just laughed "I don't have the resources yet to study that little idiot. But rest assured, I'll get him eventually."

"Move!" she popped out of a portal to warn the other two. With a swift nod they bounded towards the portals. Sharing a glance six and Rex both dove for the edge of the portal...

With that slight delay, they teleported somewhat off course from the others. While the Pack members arrived at Van Clyse's side, Rex and Six were deposited some way away. A few floors and several rooms away in fact.

"Oww..." Rex groaned.

Six just used a series of words Rex hadn't heard before.

"What was that? you speaking German now?" he asked.

"Russian, and never mind.."

They haltingly got to their feet, quashing their nausea and examing the room they were in.

"Lets split up," Six said, as they crept into the hall "chances are were in the Packs lair.."

"This isn't Abysus.." Rex commented "or at least...no bit I've ever seen!"

"Then we need to find a way out...if they catch us both it'll be trouble...separate, we can give them the run around.."

"Want me to cause chaos?" Rex grinned. Six thought about it.

"No, you find a computer, or something, download whatever you can get.." he chucked  a small flash drive at the teen "I'll smash a few cameras, cause a fuss..."

"Can you contact Providence?" Rex asked. Six tried, shaking his head "were either way out of range, or something's blocking the satellite.."

"Right, ill see what I can do.."

Then they parted ways..