FSE

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formerly SoFurry search engine

They found a few more things to pick up before heading back to the ring store. Sherman tucked the little box in his inner coat pocket. Both were very thankful the stores had someone on hand who could gift wrap the presents. Like cooking, Sherman was a complete failure at wrapping presents. His mother and brother endlessly teased him about it during Christmas time.

The two hopped on a trolley for a ride back to a company shuttle stop. The sun had just sunk below the horizon and snowflakes reflected the last rays of light. Nodrog and Sherman talked about things besides work on the way back.

Stacy was sitting in the cafeteria by herself watching the light snow drift from the sky. She didn't know what to get anyone, especially Randy or Nodrog. This weekend her and Jenny would have the snow board competition and then next weekend was Christmas.

"I am sure your cowboy will make it here in time." Samantha said as she sat down.

Stacy smiled. "I sure hope so. I have never been this excited to see someone before."

"I know how you feel." Samantha said and sipped at her coco.

"I asked Jenny, but she said she was not a good person to ask." Stacy was glad Samantha had sat down with her for dinner.

"I was really mad at Sherman when he left. I hated the way he left us. Jenny convinced me to give him a second chance while we were on a dig. So I did, still a little mad at him, but he is honestly trying to be a better person." Samantha said.

"Are you glad you did?" Stacy asked.

"I am. He changed on the outside, but inside, he is still mostly the same." Samantha said.

"I don't know what I am doing. This is the first time I have ever been in love, I am so worried about messing up." Stacy said and reached for the pepper.

"In that regard, I do not think any of us have the right answer. Just have to follow your heart." Samantha said.

"I suppose so. Have you done any shopping yet? Cause I don't know what to get anyone." Stacy said.

"I haven't started yet either. I guess we should go do that sooner than later." Samantha said.

Jenny pulled their dinner out of the oven. Alice had called her and said she would be up shortly. Nodrog had also spoke to her and said he was on his way home. After Stacy and her finished playing out in the snow the two of them put up and decorated the small little tree Alice and Jenny had.

Right now the only presents under it were from Jenny. She had gotten a little something for most everyone. Jenny smiled as Nodrog came in. "It looks like you found a few things."

"I found something for the two of you, and Stacy. Sherman and I agreed to not get each other anything." Nodrog said as he took off his coat. He set a couple packages under the tree.

"To manly for Christmas presents?" Jenny teased as he came over and put his arms around her.

Nodrog gave he a little squeeze and a kiss. "No, we already got what we wanted."

"Is that so?" Jenny asked.

"It is, well it will be when Samantha says yes." Nodrog said with a chuckle as he walked back to the living room.

"Wait what was that last part?" Jenny asked.

Nodrog only chuckled. "Guess you will just have to wait and see."

"That's no fair!" Jenny said loudly.

"What's not fair?" Alice asked as she came in.

"He said something and I didn't catch it, now he won't tell me." Jenny pouted.

"Okay..." Alice said and took her shoes off by the door. "Hey why didn't you wait for me to put the tree up?"

Jenny finished setting the table. "Since you had that last minute meeting, I thought Stacy and I would put it up. So it would be more festive when you got home. Also dinner is ready."

"That was nice. I see presents under the tree too. I need to wrap both of yours." Alice said as she quickly crossed the apartment to give Jenny a hug and a kiss.

Jenny set down Alice's plate. "So did Sherman get his shopping done?"

"He did. Now we just have to get back before Christmas from our trip next week." Nodrog said.

"Can you tell us, or is it actually a secret this time?" Alice asked.

Nodrog didn't know what to even call it. "Probably best if I did not tell you."

"Are you going to tell us what you got Stacy?" Jenny asked as they sat down for dinner.

"No, neither of you are good at keeping secrets. Sherman and I figured Lucy and Ron might have something going on. But we thought maybe we should have a little party here. Just the seven of us." Nodrog said.

"My parents were going to have a big dinner. I don't see why we couldn't have a little party here." Alice said while she ate at a normal pace. Jenny ate considerably faster.

"Did you ask the twins if they had room for him to tag along?" Jenny asked.

"Yeah, they already know he was going to come with us, why?" Alice asked.

"If need be you could take the Hummer and Stacy and I could borrow Jim's truck." Jenny said.

"Na, we will be fine." Alice said. They had a rather quiet evening for a change.

Since Stacy and Samantha had no work, they went out to do their shopping. With Samantha's help Stacy managed to find something for everyone. Nodrog accompanied Mr. October to the last few things of the week. They were on their way back to headquarters.

"Something on your mind?" Marko asked as they headed back.

"There is, while the last operations have been rather clear. The one next week is not." Nodrog said.

Marko leaned back a little as he gathered his thoughts. "I see your point. I will guess you have a question about my motive behind it. Have you talked to Sherman about it?"

"I did, he got me up to speed on some things. And since experiencing life in a different light after my awakening... He is not sure what to think." Nodrog said with a chuckle.

"It has been enlightening to say the least. Still some of those rumors I might be inclined to rethink them myself." Marko said.

"How do those rumors tie into super soldier programs? Sherman had said he was actually a failure." Nodrog said.

"Sherman entered the super soldier program my father had started. And still ran after stepping down as the CEO to hand over that position to me. In my father's and the general's eyes they were failures. You are closer to what they wanted than Sherman and the other men. The trauma they wanted the human body to survive, would cause tremendous nervous break downs." Marko said.

"Add in the over stimulation of the subject's senses and the person's mind could not take any more. Insanity quickly took hold driving them to kill anyone close and rip their own bodies apart trying to end the pain." Tabbatha added.

"I have always wondered why they kept pushing that program." Kitty said.

"I have found, humans are determined they can become gods. Be it magic or science that takes them there." Nodrog said.

"That might not be too far from the truth. As intellectual as my father was, he feared death above all things. The super soldier program was a means to increase a person's normal life span." Marko said.

Nodrog watched the city pass as they got on the highway. "Why did you shut the program down?"

"My father and I do things differently, the losses suffered did not bother him as much as it did me. After his death I became aware of a great many more problems than I had been told." Marko said.

"Like venting the moon base's atmosphere to contain a problem?" Nodrog asked.

"Oh god, that would be a horrible way to go..." Kitty said, the mere thought making her nauseous.

"Correct, I did not know he had been covering up so much. The man that left this company worked on that project. The other man worked on similar projects for another company." Marko said.

"I am to believe this is to make sure they do not start anew?" Nodrog asked.

"Competition is good for business, so eliminating them would actually be bad. However, I will not allow them to try and make monsters. Because that is the only thing those programs produce." Marko said firmly.

"Does that mean Nodrog is that programs ideal?" Kitty asked.

"In some ways he is. While I do miss him, I am grateful he is not alive to meet you." Marko said and looked Nodrog in the eye.

"If I may, why is that?" Tabbatha asked.

"While I have asked that he undergo a few tests, dad would have forced him to endure test after test. Which most likely have lead to a rather messy conflict." Marko said.

"I get the feeling that would not have gone well for us." Kitty said and shivered at the thought.

"But he has been very cooperative the entire time." Tabbatha added.

"For somewhat selfish reasons. That and I was a little curious as to what happened to the world after such a long nap." Nodrog said.

"I think we got a little off topic... " Kitty said. They pulled off the highway to turn on the compound's main access road.

"So it seems... I had a gentleman's agreement with other corporations. We had all suffered losses in our super soldier programs and agreed to simply end all pursuit of the matter." Marko said as they stopped at the gate.

"I take it not all of them agreed." Nodrog said.

"Correct. Those two men went to work for the one company that follows no agreements or sanctions. Because unfortunately there are still those in the world who pay money to win no matter the cost. I know their projects can not harm you, I hope Sherman is enough like you he will be safe." Marko said as they pulled up to the building.

"So what exactly are we supposed to do?" Nodrog asked.

"A little recon firstly. See what projects those two men are working on. Sherman has enough background to assess the threat levels and you two will either sabotage the projects, or shut the entire facility down." Marko said as the SUV pulled to a stop and they all got out.

"That sounds better than I had thought you had implied initially. I don't know if he is. Both him and Roslyn should have any extra gear you can provide, just in case. I cannot protect them from everything." Nodrog said as they walked into the building.

"I will see to it they have everything they might need. I also appreciate you taking Catlin's place for the week." Marko said.

"Will she be back next week?" Nodrog asked as they headed up to the elevators.

"No, I told her to just take the rest of the year off. There is little going on next week." Marko said. The elevator stopped to let Nodrog off.

"Have a good weekend." Nodrog said and started to head to their apartment.

Marko caught his arm. "Nodrog, if you and Sherman ever have questions about what I want you to do. Do not hesitate to ask them."

"We will." Nodrog said.

"Good. Have fun at the snow machine race. I would say to tell Alice good luck for me, but we all know she does not need luck." Marko said with a smile.

Nodrog smiled and headed to their apartment. He was a little concerned when he heard yelling again. He opened the door and let out a sigh as he realized the yelling was coming from Alice and Jenny both losing to Roslyn on the video game system. Sherman was also present and sitting safely behind the three women.

"There is something about a man in a suit..." Roslyn said as the three of them eyed him.

"Indeed." Alice and Jenny said as he pulled off his tie.

"Roslyn and I wanted to talk to you about next week. They were not sure what time you would be back so, here we are." Sherman said.

"That works for me. As it so happens Marko and I had a little chat about next week as well. Let me change." Nodrog said as he pulled off his suit coat.

"You don't have to on our account." Jenny said.

"I'm off the clock and suits are too restrictive." Nodrog said and headed back to his room. As the three women giggled and snickered he realized that might have been a poor choice of words. He felt sorry for Sherman having to put up with them. Of course he would rather have been alone with just the three of them.

Alice, Jenny and Roslyn were not necessarily disappointed in his new choice of dress. Since the shirt he put on had no sleeves. "The simulations went rather smoothly. So I am all set to fly you boys in."

"I had expected as much. Monday the two of you will have to go and get proper gear. After being caught up on some things, I expect you both to have equipment for any contingency." Nodrog said.

"All I am doing is flying..." Roslyn had more to say, and was a little torqued he cut her off.

"I can protect you from some things. Like bullets, and poison. Radiation or biological weapons I cannot. It might not effect Sherman or myself, but you could get infected when you pick us up." Nodrog said.

"He has a point Roslyn. If they release something while we are inside..." Sherman said.

Roslyn wasn't thrilled, but Nodrog had a point. "All right fair enough. So what exactly are we doing?"

"A little bit of everything. We start out on recon and depending on what we find... Sabotage to total facility shut down." Nodrog said.

"So what about those two guys?" Sherman asked.

"Just points of interest." Nodrog said with his usual fang baring grin.

"So what do you do if you don't find anything?" Jenny asked.

"I guess sneak back out and leave." Sherman said.

Roslyn set the game controller on the coffee table. "The plane can stay in the air a lengthy time, but I don't know how long it will take to get there. Or how long you will need to be on the ground."

"Have to go over that Monday. We should get a layout of the building or facility so we know where to look." Sherman said and leaned back.

"Well at least I have a better idea. I will see you boys on Monday." Roslyn said as she stood up. "Also good luck to the two of you this weekend."

"Thanks." Jenny and Alice said with a smile.

Roslyn pulled on her coat and headed out for home.

"I never would have thought she was as bad as Jenny." Sherman said and slumped in the chair he was sitting in.

"Now I know why Jenny liked her so much. I bet my mom, Amber and her would get along great." Alice said.

"I am sure they would love it, we however most likely would not." Sherman chuckled.

"I am tempted to get them together just to find out." Jenny said.

"Did you have a chance to talk about the other thing?" Sherman asked as he got up to put his glass by the sink.

"We did. I am all for it." Alice said.

"I hate to leave all the planning to you, but it might be easier since we don't know when we will be back." Sherman said.

"Don't worry, we will have it all worked out." Jenny teased.

Sherman smiled as he walked to the door. "I am sure you will. Plus I am sure Samantha has something she wants to show you."

With that he pulled the door behind him.

"Hey, that's twice now." Jenny said and slumped on the couch.

Nodrog moved over to sit with them on the couch. He pulled them both over to him. "Sherman asked Samantha to marry him."

Alice and Jenny both squealed in glee. "We should probably not goof off any more and go to bed. We need to be up early." Alice said.

"Yup, we are going to kick some ass." Jenny said as her and Alice got up.

Nodrog's eyes followed both of them. "Mmmm... Speaking of ass..."

Jenny and Alice laughed and took off for their bedroom at a sprint. While Jenny had closed the door they both giggled even more when he picked them up. "Hey teleporting is cheating!" Alice squeaked as she and Jenny were set on their bed.

"I know. Night loves." Nodrog said and kissed them both before teleporting back out to the living room. He turned off the TV and went back to his room to shower and change for the night.

Nodrog had turned on the coffee pot for them the first time their alarm went off. It went off two more times before he heard them actually get up. He sat near the bar while reading the paper.

Alice came out first and dug out a cup to pour herself her morning coffee. "Morning, thanks for making us a pot."

"Not a problem, I thought the two of you were going to bed and not playing around?" Nodrog said with a knowing little smile.

"Well..." Alice said and smiled herself.

"I just couldn't help myself." Jenny teased as she came out partly dressed.

"At least that is a believable reason." Nodrog turned his attention back to the paper. He only laughed when Jenny threw a bagel at him.

"Since you are fully dressed, how about you get the door?" Alice said. Neither her or Jenny made any move to cover up.

Nodrog walked over and cracked the door open. "I am guessing you are not the least bit excited are you?"

"Not in the slightest." Stacy beamed from the hall. All of her gear in tow.

"They are partly dressed." Nodrog said and let her into the apartment.

Alice and Jenny were in the kitchen, in varying degrees of dress. They waved to her as she drug her stuff in. "Gee I already ate even."

"I did tell you to come over when you were ready... I forgot you get up early every day." Jenny said and put her bagel in the toaster. She did have to retrieve it after she threw it at Nodrog.

Stacy pulled her coat off and set it with her board and helmet. She went over and sat at the tall counter next to Nodrog. "It helps not having depression any more. I used to have to force myself out of bed early. Now with the new me, I can't wait to face each day."

"I didn't know you had depression." Alice said.

"I just figured it was you being shy." Jenny said.

Stacy pulled the comics out of a part of the paper, she hoped Nodrog had already read. "Doesn't matter now. It was one of the apparently many things that potion fixed about me."

"That is good to hear." Alice said as she finished making her own breakfast.

"Is he ignoring you, or do you both spend that much time partly naked, it is normal?" Stacy asked. Alice had a loose top on and clearly no panties, while Jenny was topless.

"It is more common than you think." Nodrog said with a smile.

"Actually before he moved in with us, we wore even less more often." Jenny said.

Alice nodded in agreement. "After we got serious, it was hard to keep my clothes on around her. So I quit trying."

"I wasn't that bad... was I?" Jenny asked and jumped as the toaster popped. Which caused Stacy and Nodrog to laugh at her.

"We are going to have a little party here Christmas eve. I know it is still up in the air if Randy will make it, but either way we want you to come." Alice said.

"Sure, I even found each of you something." Stacy said.

"Samantha will be here for sure. Hopefully Nodrog and Sherman make it back in time as well." Jenny said.

"Depends on how fast Roslyn gets us there and back." Nodrog said.

Stacy turned and looked at Nodrog when Jenny yawned and reached down her pants to scratch herself. "What are you doing this time?"

Nodrog glanced over the top of the paper at the little lion. "As near as I can tell, stopping humans from making more monsters."

"Oh. Monsters like you, or monsters like in the movies?" Stacy asked.

"Like in the movies. Thankfully those who knew how to make monsters like me are long dead." Nodrog said.

Jenny had finally finished getting dressed and rounded up her equipment. Alice was getting her boots laced up when the twins knocked at the door. With everyone ready they headed out for a day in the snow.

Stacy loaded up their boards while Jenny cleared the dusting of snow off the windows as the Hummer warmed up. Alice loaded up her sled on the trailer the twins had with their machines. With everything loaded they hit the road.

"I thought the race was at a different park?" Stacy asked as Jenny followed the twins' pickup truck and trailer.

"They are, but they are on the same mountain." Jenny said.

"I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be your teammate." Stacy said and waved to the others as they pulled off the highway to head up to the race.

"I am pretty amped up myself. I have a good feeling about this." Jenny said as they headed farther up the mountain.

"How did you get Jenny interested in cars? That Hummer is sweet." DJ said. Thankfully she and Alice were not too cramped in the back seat of the extended cab truck.

"Well she had asked for me to teach her a little. The hummer she got from a little expedition earlier in the year. The boss let her keep it." Alice said as TJ turned up the winding road to the park.

"Speaking of bosses, ours was a little surprised you haven't had to put new tires on the Viper yet." TJ said.

"Once it gets nice you both will have to take a turn riding shotgun. It is hard to break those tires loose, it just goes." Alice said.

"I know Little Joe spent hours upon hours programming the computer. I understand it, but he was working on a whole other level." DJ said.

"I get the feeling you are the hardest person they do work for." Nodrog said as TJ pulled to a stop at the gate.

"That is because for a few of us in the shop, Alice is the reason we work on cars. Alice inspired us, and though we can't drive like her. We can use our skills to make her faster." DJ said.

"I overheard Little Joe, Joe and Wes talking a couple nights after the track day. Wes and Joe, want Little Joe to make a new tune for the Viper, put racing compound tires on it and set you loose with no limits." TJ said and pulled them into a parking spot next to the other racers. "I had a better thought."

"What's that?" Alice asked as they climbed out of the truck.

"I don't want to know what you can do in a street car. I want to wipe the dust off your dad's race car and see what you can do with a purpose built race car." TJ said.

Alice blushed. "I'm not that special. Just lucky most days."

Nodrog was surprised again by how many people knew Alice. They were walking over to register and Alice always stopped and talked to those who asked her too. Embarrassed by the praise and never bragging or acting big headed. Even with all of her accomplishments, she was still humble.

Which was not the case with Jenny as Stacy was finding out. And while Jenny did do a bit of bragging and taunting, it was clear she did it for jest and fun. Jenny's enthusiasm was contagious and with her new found confidence, Stacy quickly got swept up in it. Much like meeting Wes, Stacy was a little star struck as Jenny introduced her to some rather prominent female snow boarders.

They all had a little waiting as they had showed up nearly when the gates first opened. Alice and the twins had a little longer wait since they were running in the second qualifying heat of the day.

Stacy and Jenny ended up on the giant half pipe in line as the third team to go. Stacy was a little nervous as she stood across from Jenny. They started on opposite sides of the half pipe and would cross paths several times during their run. To help they each had their portable music player cued to play the same song.

Stacy looked down the course and back to Jenny who just gave her a thumbs up and the official told her they were next. "I am good to go."

The buzzer sounded and Stacy and Jenny jumped off the edge. "West side is counter clockwise..." Stacy said to herself as they crossed the first time and she knelt down a little to get a good push off the top. The point was to do the same trick at the same time, however for a fun little twist, they would rotate opposite of each other. Might not be original, but the first two teams didn't do it.

Stacy concentrated on her own line and as they crossed for the third time, they were still as even as they could be. Stacy smiled as she arched her back to start her rotation, the nervousness all gone. They crossed once more and threw their last trick. With her heart pounding from adrenaline Stacy rode right up to Jenny and gave her a hug.

"That was awesome." Jenny said over the cheering crowd. They unhooked the boards from their feet and stood waiting for their score.

"So close..." Stacy said, a few tenths off from second place.

"Still, those are some high scores." Jenny said. They headed off to sit with the other competitors and watch the other teams make their first runs. Each team got three runs, their best score determined if they advanced to the finals.

"Has Alice ran yet?" Stacy asked as she heard Jenny talking to herself very quietly.

Jenny blushed. "Funny you should ask, Nodrog said Alice and the twins are lining up to start right now."

"Matching helmets even?" Nodrog asked.

"Well yeah. It intimidates the boys." TJ said.

"Cause our mad skills aren't enough?" DJ asked.

"I just liked the irony of a mouse having sharp teeth." Alice said with a smile before pulling on her helmet. Counting the three of them, there were nine women racing out of twenty three racers in this class. First through third advanced each of the three rounds. With those nine racing a final, winner take all.

Due to the twins' and Alice's light weight, when the green flag dropped they had a slight advantage on the open straight to the first corner. The hole shot going to TJ who happened to start closer to the inside of the first corner.

As they hit the first jump, TJ still held the lead with Alice second and DJ fifth. Alice explained they needed to get out front and get as much lead as possible. Because as the race got into the later laps, their small size turned to a disadvantage. The sleds themselves were heavy and their small size made it harder to keep the same pace the entire race.

Nodrog had a hard time believing it as the race progressed because TJ and Alice had ran away with it so far. DJ was stuck in traffic, but by lap seven of fourteen she had moved to fourth. He had expected Alice to overtake TJ, but as the checkered flag dropped, she had stayed in second.

The three little racers pulled up to TJ's trailer and shut their machines off. "I don't know if I made it or not." DJ said after pulling her helmet off.

"I couldn't tell from here." Nodrog said.

Alice and TJ pulled their helmets off. "Since we have a big strong guy to help refuel our sleds, run over and double check."

"Okay. I'll do that." DJ set her helmet down and jogged over to one of the closest officials with a radio.

Nodrog refueled all three while Alice and TJ checked them over. While any of them could pick up the fuel jugs and do it themselves, they were not above asking the guy to do it for them. DJ did not return as quickly as she had left.

"I am guessing you didn't make it." Alice asked.

DJ shrugged. "It is still up in the air. He beat me, but apparently something is wrong with his sled. If they can't fix it, I am in."

"Just have to see how things play out." TJ said.

Now they had time to wait while Jenny and Stacy headed back to the top for their second run.

Chapter.

"Nodrog said TJ finished first and Alice took second. DJ might make the final if the guy in third can't get his machine fixed." Jenny said as they jammed to the music playing over the PA system.

"Someone beat Alice?" Stacy giggled.

"Alice knows how to race smart. Second gets her in the final, so why risk taking herself and possibly TJ out to win the qualifier. Me. I jump in both feet every time." Jenny said.

Stacy laughed. "I have noticed."

"The only thing that did not work with was music." Jenny said.

"What did you want to play?" Stacy asked.

"Anything... It really didn't matter what instrument. No matter how hard I tried, I was never any good. But put me in any athletic sport and I could master it in a very short time." Jenny said.

"I always wondered why you went into science. You always just stomped my sister at shooting, soccer or anything else you played." One of the other snow boarders said.

"I think that went for a lot of us. I lost to her team in volleyball most of the time." A different girl said.

"I had good teammates, and I do today too." Jenny said with a smile and put an arm around Stacy. They all talked as the last of the teams made their runs. The big difference between Jenny and Alice was, Jenny knew she excelled at her chosen sports. Alice did not think highly of her abilities. Jenny knew Alice was the best, but like Alice's good looks... Jenny could never get Alice to see it for herself.

Stacy pointed to the leader board as they headed up. "Tied for third at the moment."

"I can't believe how close the top five scores are. This will be fun." Jenny said. They watched the first two teams throw down another set of good scores. It was time for their second run.

Jenny pulled on her goggles and Stacy gave her a thumbs up. She could have seen the girl's smile a mile away. It was a immediately noticeable change in Stacy after he became a she. Jenny smiled as they jumped down to start their run. Earlier in the year Jenny wondered why she wasn't happy. She realized that helping her friends be happy, made her happy.

As the two caught huge air for their second trick. Jenny focused solely on doing everything perfect. She wanted to end the year on a very high note, considering how well the year had gone. They crossed the line at the same time and Jenny spun around to collide with Stacy and pick the girl off the ground in a hug.

The two of them screamed as they now posted the highest score of the day thus far. With that run they wouldn't need to run a third time. Basically you could run three and throw away the worst score of the three. They would have a hard time beating a nearly perfect score. To say the pair were excited now, would be a gross understatement.

Since Nodrog had kept them connected he instantly knew how well they did. Alice and the twins had gone over to the lodge to warm up and get a little something to eat. A short conversation with one of the officials, let him know DJ was in the final. As it stood one other female advanced, meaning the final was four women up against five guys.

"I guess I need to wish the two of you good luck." DJ said as they walked over to their sleds.

"Actually, you are in the final. They can't fix the transmission in the other guy's machine." Nodrog said and handed DJ her helmet.

"When did they make the call?" Alice asked.

"Not sure, but one of the guys came over and let me know a little before you three got back." Nodrog said.

"Awesome!" TJ yelled.

"Hell yeah!" DJ yelled.

"Any word from Jenny?" Alice asked.

Nodrog smiled. "They are sitting first."

Alice smiled as she pulled on her helmet. The three fired up their sleds and headed over to the starting line with everyone else. Knowing Jenny and Stacy were doing well got her own adrenaline going. She revved the sled's engine as did everyone, her smile only grew as she gave the sled full throttle and let out the clutch.

Once more her small size helping get out in front right on TJ and DJ's heals. The twins cut a good line through the first corner and Alice followed. Alice stood up slightly as the trio cleared the first table top jump. She cut the twins a little slack... but that was not going to be the case on the final few laps.

A quick look over her shoulder to see where fourth was and back on the throttle after a very tight left hand turn. Alice was thankful she had done some strength training over the summer as the track was chewed up rather bad after the three qualifying heats.

TJ could not resist pulling a trick as she caught massive air across what would be the finish line in thirteen more laps. DJ and Alice did not follow suit, but a few others did. Alice had told her and DJ a while back, that those who could have fun and relax in a race usually did better. No matter how poorly Alice did in a race she still enjoyed racing.

Alice did not hesitate when DJ cut a little wide on the third lap and let Alice squeeze by to take second. She was not going to push the issue, but when given an opening, Alice was certainly not going to let it go. She shifted her weight to her right and cut hard on the handle bars to get the heavy machine to pull a very tight line around a corner to get a good run at a set of doubles.

DJ cursed under her breath for giving Alice enough room to pull past. Still, to even be able to race with one of the people she looked up to... Was freaking sweet. And as Wes had told her, DJ stuck to Alice's line, it was an easy way to learn the quickest route. Wes said Alice always found the fastest line on a track. Alice won't give her an opening, but she might follow the mouse right past her sister. Which would be as good as winning.

Because of the terrain and the vast handling difference between a car and the snow machine Alice hung back a little. It was still early to push TJ more, who was doing a very good job of not letting Alice past. There were a few places Alice could have stuck her nose in and forced the issue, but she as always would wait for the best time to pass.

TJ glanced back as they crossed the line again. Alice as she expected was patiently waiting for her to give an opening. DJ was a little farther back in a three way fight for third place. TJ got back into the throttle as soon as she touched back down. Using her legs to absorb some of the landing. With only three laps to go, she hoped she could hold Alice off, but she was getting tired.

Nodrog had a rather good vantage point since the pit area was higher than the track itself. He and a number of pit crew stood on a high embankment by the fourth to last corner. On the last lap, Alice stuck the nose of her sled inside of TJ and pulled out the lead with just three turns to go.

One of the guys or girls DJ was fending off collided with the twin while they were in mid air coming down to land and make the corner. It upset both machines enough neither landed in a way they could save and Nodrog had began to head down the slope just as DJ's machine rolled over her.

By the time he reached her she had narrowly been missed three other times. Nodrog would get to her before the medics, which raised a small problem. With this many people around could he chance healing her and being found out? Alice would ask him to later, but that might raise even more questions.

DJ hurt, it wasn't the landing but having her own sled roll over her and a second machine stopping on her leg. The dragon knelt down next to her and asked if she was all right. He placed a hand on her shoulder and something weird happened... She didn't hurt any more. She was more astonished by the fact he could move one of the other rider's sled off her leg with one hand.

"Is she alright?" A medic asked as he slid to a stop next to DJ on her left side. Nodrog was on her right side.

"Seems to be." Nodrog said. "Her leg was pinned when I got here."

Her leg had been broke. DJ had broken bones before and knew she had broken her leg. But as the medic slowly moved her leg around nothing hurt and nothing was broke. Nodrog didn't say anything as the medic checked her out.

"I would expect you to be a little sore after that, but looks like you got lucky." The medic said as Nodrog helped her stand up.

One of the other medics came over. No one was seriously hurt, just beat up machines. DJ was still a little hesitant to put weight on her leg. Something told her not to, but something else said it was fine. She took a few hesitant steps and it didn't hurt.

"Up you go." Nodrog said and picked her up effortlessly. "I'll come back for your sled after I take you to the truck."

Alice and TJ ran over to them as he carried her over to the truck. Both were worried she had been seriously hurt but as Nodrog set her on her own feet, they knew she was okay. A little embarrassed from being carried and still a little shocked from having her own sled roll over her as she had tumbled to a stop.

"I was so worried." TJ said as she hugged her sister. "I thought for sure you had been hurt."

"So did I..." DJ said. She walked over to the trailer and sat down on the side. "Alice?"

Alice turned and walked over to DJ. "That was a close one. At least you are okay."

DJ didn't know what to say. "Yeah."

"Don't be afraid to ask me something. I'm always here for the both of you." Alice said.

They watched as Nodrog pulled the damaged sled behind him with just one arm. Most people were a little alarmed with how easily he drug it. "Is it all true... about him?" DJ asked.

Alice looked back down at her. "Every word."

DJ looked down at her leg. Why would he do that for her? They grew up in the school of hard knocks, just like Wes. They had been lucky, because like Wes, they just did what they had to do to get by. Where was Nodrog when they needed someone to save their father from illness?

TJ and Alice strapped down the three sleds while Nodrog loaded up the other misalliance stuff into the bed of the truck. They headed over to watch a little more racing and so Alice and TJ could get their trophies for first and second.

For their last run Stacy and Jenny stood on the same side of the half pipe. Both of their hearts were racing from a number of things. The thrill and the excitement being more substantial then the nervousness. Still the half pipe looked a little more ominous and foreboding then it had.

Jenny held out her fist. "Ready to kick it?"

Stacy smiled and tapped her fist on top of Jenny's. "Lets do it."

They rolled off the same edge. This was going to be their hardest since they were so close. If Jenny didn't land right, there was no way Stacy could avoid hitting her. They should get more points for being so close and the increased difficulty that came from it. Still as they managed to get nearly equal height off the first jump, it did not guaranty anything.

This being the first time Stacy had competed in anything, the euphoria she was feeling was a rush. Then there was the shear adrenaline high from chasing Jenny down the course, it was incredible. She really felt alive and actually living life, instead of just suffering through it. Every trick and jump was better than the last. Actually the finish line came too soon.

"Ah man... are we done already?" Stacy asked as Jenny came over.

"Fraid so. That was awesome none the less." Jenny said.

Jenny and Stacy walked over to were the others sat waiting. They were still in first, but there was some strong teams waiting to run. Stacy glanced over at Jenny as the emerald seemed to glow a little brighter.

"Alice took first and TJ took second. DJ got wrecked on the last lap. But she is okay." Jenny said after Nodrog told her.

"At least she is okay." Stacy said. Randy had sent her a little text saying they had made it out of one little town only to be stopped in another little town because of an avalanche. Still if he ever got east of Denver he would have clean roads most of the way and could make up a little time... provided the highway patrol was not out in force. Apparently Alice's family did not have a problem driving fast.

They had a long wait before they would know the final standings. Stacy didn't mind since there were plenty of people to talk to and things to watch. She found Jenny's growing impatience a little funny.

"What are you giggling about over there?" Jenny asked.

Stacy tried to stop. "Nothing."

"I don't believe you..." Jenny teased.

"Hey the last score got posted." Stacy said excitedly and pointed to one of the screens showing the final standing.

"I'll take third for our first year out." Jenny said and grabbed Stacy and pulled her close.

"Agreed." Stacy said and blushed when Jenny kissed her cheek in front of everybody.

"I think another party is in order." Jenny said as they headed to the main lodge building for the awards.

Jenny and Stacy had a rather noisy ride back down to the city. The others had a quieter ride down from the sled race. Actually DJ did not say much of anything until they were most of the way down.

"Nodrog..." DJ said quietly.

Nodrog turned to look back at her. "Yes."

DJ looked in his eyes, and she somehow knew, he already knew what she was going to say. "I know I got hurt, and I know you did something to me. We don't know each other very well, so why would you?"

Nodrog smiled. "Simply because I could. Plus Alice would have asked me too later."

"So what did you do?" Alice asked.

"Fix a small fracture in her leg." Nodrog said.

"How did you do that?" TJ asked.

"The same way I do lots of things, magic." Nodrog said.

"Why not help other people like that all the time? Like the guy in one of the other races?" DJ asked a little frustration clear in her voice.

"It would never be enough. Once word spread, that is all I would be asked to do around the clock." Nodrog said.

"That seems a bit selfish." DJ said.

"It might be, but I have been a slave once before... I will not be one again, no matter the cause." Nodrog said and looked out the window as they came out of a valley and the city lay before them.

"I never thought of it that way. I suppose even super heroes need time off." TJ said.

"Everyone needs time for them self. Both to recover physically and mentally. Even Alice needs a break from work and racing." Nodrog said.

"Our Alice? Never." TJ teased.

"That's why I work and race. The one gets my mind off the other for a little while." Alice said.

"Do we know how Jenny and Stacy did?" DJ asked. She still thought it was selfish not to do more. It wasn't that she was ungrateful, but why not do so much more?

"They managed third." Alice said.

"Always the next event." TJ said.

"Leave your sled with me DJ. I will get Jim to check it out for you." Alice said.

"Are you sure?" DJ asked as her sister pulled off the highway to head to the compound Alice lived and worked at.

"It will be fine, besides he volunteers me for extra work all the time." Alice said. She was glad Nodrog had his ID to let them in. Alice had forgot hers up in her room. She had called down to the guard house to let them know to let the twins in.

TJ pulled around to the garage they kept the sleds in. Alice quickly unloaded hers and Nodrog pushed DJ's next to Alice's.

"Are you going to see your mom this weekend?" Alice asked as Nodrog raised the trailer ramp.

"Yeah we are heading out Thursday." TJ said.

"Have a safe trip, and tell her I say hello." Alice said as they climbed back into the truck.

Alice and Nodrog headed up to their apartment. They met Jenny and Stacy in the elevator. "So did you have fun Stacy?" Alice asked.

"I had tons of fun." Stacy said with a big smile.

"That's good to hear." Nodrog said.

"I had hoped you would. I know I had a great time." Jenny said.

"Let me take a quick shower and I will come back down so we can get dinner." Stacy said and got off on the first floor of living quarters.

"See you in a little bit." Alice said.

"Actually I could use a quick shower myself." Jenny said as they got off on their floor.

"I do too. But I am starving, so if it is alright I will use his." Alice said.

"Doesn't bother me in the least." Nodrog said and opened the door.

"We could take one together..." Jenny said and leaned closer to Alice.

"We could, but it would take longer and I am hungry." Alice said.

Nodrog looked down at Jenny as Alice headed back to their room. "You don't have to look that pitifully disappointed."

"Well, I like taking showers with her." Jenny said and headed back after taking her boots off.

Stacy wasn't lying about taking a quick shower. She had made it up to their apartment before Alice and Jenny had finished drying off. Still it didn't take long for the two of them to get dressed because during her shower, Jenny realized she was really hungry as well.

They went down to the lounge so those who wanted a drink could have one. Which was just Nodrog and Jenny. Alice and Stacy had virgin drinks, which Jenny teased them about. It only mildly bugged Alice, Stacy thought it was funny.

Nodrog did not have to carry any of them too bed, which he found a little disappointing. Jenny was out cold rather quickly with Alice not too far behind. DJ's reaction was a little unexpected, though some have raised similar questions in the past.

He knew how humans thought and they would not expect him to do anything but kill or heal for them endlessly. He would be expected to stop whatever he was doing to go heal an injury with no regard to his own interests or privacy. Marko was an oddity in that respect because he preferred to have him do as little of both as possible. Secure a dig or help with archaeology was what Marko wanted him to do. He obviously knew the human mind very well, too come to the conclusions he has.

Marko must know the cost of sending Sherman and himself out into the field. If they acted too much it would start raising questions, Nodrog and Marko did not want to answer. Which was why Nodrog was hesitant to fix DJ's leg in the first place. He knew she was not ungrateful he had, but just confused by his motive behind it. She was not used to strangers being kind to her or her sister.

Monday came rather quickly. Roslyn met Sherman and Nodrog in the cafeteria for breakfast. "Morning boys." She said as she sat down with them.

"Morning." Sherman and Nodrog said. The dull gray overcast morning already looking a little better as soon as she sat down.

"I see where that little cross dresser signed up for flight lessons." Roslyn said with a little smile.

"Except he is not cross dressing... or is a he anymore." Nodrog said with a chuckle.

Roslyn's eyes got a little big. "So he went under the knife then?"

"Something like that, so she is fully a she." Sherman said.

"That's good to know, I would hate to say something to hurt his. I mean her feelings." Roslyn said before sipping on her coffee.

"Like that?" Sherman asked.

"Exactly like that. Anyways I haven't taught in a while, it will be fun." Roslyn said.

"Hopefully this little trip will not be too bad." Sherman said.

Roslyn smiled. "I certainly will not complain about the company."

Sherman blushed a little while Nodrog just laughed. The three finished breakfast and headed up to the penthouse. While he kept his office secure, Marko kept his home even more so.

"Good morning." Marko said as they walked in.

They replied in kind and were a little surprised he was by himself. Even Tabbatha was absent this morning.

"Is everything alright?" Sherman asked.

"Yes, why do you ask?" Marko asked.

"It is unusual to see you without Tabbatha or Kitty and Catlin." Roslyn sat down on one of the couches. It was one of the things she did, the three women always with Marko did not care for. Interrupting him, and flat out arguing were some others.

"Catlin's mother passed away, so she has the rest of the year off. The other two I asked come up later. Blinds close and bring up file recon." Marko said. The window blinds closed and the coffee table between the two couches lit up and projected a 3D image of a facility.

"Okay, that is cool." Sherman said.

"This is the facility in question, and about all the information I have found. As you can see it is rather well defended." Marko said.

"Christ I will say so. Triple A and missiles on the outskirts and guns surrounding the heli pad on the roof." Roslyn said as she eyed the facility.

"Looks solid. I don't see a way in." Sherman said as he looked down on the image.

"We could jump in from high altitude. Complete our objective then override the security so she could pick us up." Nodrog said.

"Why not just teleport the two of you back?" Roslyn asked.

"Because I really do not like doing that." Sherman grumbled.

"You big baby." Roslyn scoffed.

Marko and Nodrog could only laugh at the childish remark.

Nodrog managed to not laugh more when Sherman gave him the finger. "What about electronic countermeasures?"

Marko scratched his chin. "We produce some, and they will get you in. However while they will blind the facility security, that in itself will raise an alarm."

"Looks like there are just two roof access points. If we jam the hell out of them, take out one of the two entrances. I can guard the other with the guns onboard while still giving the two of you ingress to the building." Roslyn said and pointed to the areas she was talking about.

"Not very quiet, but I think that will have to work." Nodrog said.

"Or we jump out with air tanks and hope you don't show up on radar plummeting to their facility, and override the security so she can pick us up..." Sherman said and crossed his arms.

"That one does have some merit too it." Roslyn said and leaned back.

"And that would be?" Marko asked.

"Less likely to get me and the plane shot full of holes." Roslyn chuckled.

Now it was Sherman's turn to laugh. "I thought you said safe would be boring?"

"True. I could jam the hell out of them, launch a few missiles to spread some fires and confusion. Pause long enough to let you hop out then leave." Roslyn said.

"Then how do we get out?" Sherman asked.

"The same way you got in." Roslyn said.

Marko checked his watch. "End program and open blinds."

The facility vanished as the windows opened just before Tabatha and Kitty got off the elevator and walked over to them. They exchanged greetings as Marko put on his sport coat.

"You will have to excuse me, I have other things to check on." Marko said.

Nodrog held out a hand to help Roslyn get up off the couch. "I think we will have it worked out. An early departure tomorrow, correct?"

Marko smiled. "That will work. Have a good day and a safe trip."

Sherman and Roslyn followed Nodrog out to the elevator and they did not speak again until the doors closed. "Alright, you boys have done this a few more times than me. However you want to do it, will be fine with me." Roslyn said.

"Where are we going?" Sherman asked.

"Your office of course." Nodrog chuckled.

Once there, Sherman let them in and Nodrog closed the door behind them. Sherman turned on the lights and sat down in his chair so he could turn on his computer. "Okay. I suppose we should figure out what we can and cannot arm the plane with before we settle on the how."