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Chapter 198: Winter Holiday, Part 1
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2022-06-15 14:06:31Related chapters
FLUX Chapter 199: Winter Holiday, Part 2
Jack opened his eyes. The biome he stood in was covered in snow. The last time he had seen snow was the first time he held Alex in his arms overnight. That pang hit his stomach again. He fixed his frown into a smile and looked at the scene. Lights hung across the top arch. Trees dotted the open area lit in colorful lights and sparkling garland. People milled about in coats and hats as they headed toward a giant glasshouse. It was truly a winter wonderland, but all Jack could do was think of the base where he had left Alex."Do you like it?" Dyna asked.Jack smiled. "Of course I do.""Have you ever seen snow before?"Jack thought it an odd question but then realized that most people in the Undersea hadn't. He shook his head."It's great. You can make snowmen out of it and throw snowballs, just like they do in the movies.""Really?" Jack did his best to fake interest."You've seen this before, haven't you?""Not this one. Show me.""You're a hard one to surprise." She grabbed hi
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 200: Birth
"Come on, you can do it!" Alex held Brooke's hand as she breathed hard.Tom held her other hand. "Come on, honey. One more big push."Brooke's grunts turned to a guttural scream as she pushed hard. The nurse caught the baby as it slid free. Crying filled the room as the newborn was shocked with sudden brightness from the overhead lights."It's a healthy baby girl," the nurse said and set the baby down on Brooke's stomach. "Would you like to do the honors?"Tom accepted the special scissors and clamped the umbilical cord."Let me get her all cleaned up for you. I'll be right back." The nurse took the newborn and disappeared behind the curtain."Good job! She's beautiful," Alex said and squeezed Brooke's hand.Brooke's brow beaded with sweat. Her nightgown was soaked through, but even so, she glowed. Tom glowed, too, for that matter. She'd never seen him look so happy. She knew she had made the right decision all that time ago.When the nurse returned, she gave the newborn over t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 201: Bill/Valentine's Day
Jack looked up from his desk as Henry entered his white marble office."I want you to recommend to veto that bill," Henry said as he entered.Jack frowned as he looked down at the screen with the current bill on it. He flicked and the screen folded down into the table. "I haven't finished reading through it yet, but so far it is the most direct bill I have read since I've started and that includes the ones you've written.""Just veto it.""Normally, you tell me to read over it and think about it carefully. You don't normally order me to do something."Henry put his hands on his hips. "Don't mess with me. Just do what I say."'Jack looked down at the screen in the table and then back up to Henry. "What's in the bill that's so bad? So far it just seems like basic laws and rights for humans.""It's bad for business. Just veto it. It's got loopholes and stuff. You're my friend right?""Well, yeah.""So, listen to me.""I still think I should at least read it first."Henry came u
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 202: Press Conference
Jack finalized his materials for the meeting and waved the save button. He stood and smoothed out his suit, buttoning one button. After one more look at the material, he strode out of his office into the greeting area. A wave at his secretary made him only hesitate a moment as he walked past. There was something new about her today, or was she a different woman? He kept walking and pushed the thought for another time. If she was new, he would introduce himself later.He hurried past Henry's office area and took the elevator down. After the courtyard, he walked to the main meeting building. After a few levels, he reached the press meeting room. It was packed with people already. The chairs were full so he stood in the back with the other displaced people, mostly cameramen who manned their small orbs with tedious fingers.Henry stood on the stage with Zeven at his right and Alexandra at his left. A few others from his office stood behind him, probably just for moral support. Guards and
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 203: Luncheon
Jack led Dyna through the clubhouse restaurant to the private balcony where Henry and Alexandra sat. He pulled out her chair and pushed her in once she sat. She greeted them while Jack took a seat opposite of Henry. The tightness in Jack's belly began. He wondered if just the sight of Henry was subconsciously making him stress out."We've ordered for you," Henry was saying as he flicked the menu off the table screen."Thanks," Jack said and eased back in his chair. He could feel Alexandra's eyes on him."I think I'm going to go powder my nose," Dyna said."I'll join you," Alexandra stood.The two women walked away. Jack watched them go, but his eyes were drawn to the smooth way Alexandra walked. She had gained some weight after all, or at least, filled out. She didn't look as awkward as she had before or maybe he was just getting used to the fake."Looks like the newest problem after last week's fiasco is up."Jack's focus snapped back to the table.Henry folded his hands in fr
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 204: Panic, Part 1
"Is that another new dress?" Jack asked Dyna while they sat in his pod zooming to another event."Of course. You can't wear the same dress to more than one event. The media will have a hay day.""Are those real diamonds? How much did this one cost?" Jack looked her red dress up and down. It was overlaid in lace and embroidered with diamond flowers."Of course they're real. And what does it matter what it cost?" She gave him an irritated look. "It's always the same thing with you. Money isn't a problem.""It just seems like a cycle. Get invited to a party, buy a new dress, or a new car, or whatever, go to the event and spend a bunch there, too." Jack said as he leaned back in the pod's seat. "Don't you get tired of these fundraisers?""Is the high life finally getting to you?" Dyna asked.Jack shrugged. "It just seems like it's the only thing we ever do with our money.""What else are you going to do with your money? I don't see you spending it on anything. Even your house. You t
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 205: Panic, Part 2
He looked up to find found Alexandra patiently waiting for him, her white-gloved fingers still held loosely in his hand. She gave him a sympathetic smile. For some reason that made him feel strange. She felt more- authentic? He pushed it from his mind and followed after her as she continued to lead him to the center of the sphere.The back of her navy gown displayed black lace over bare skin all the way from the top of her exposed back to just above her hips in the shape of a V. The navy satin clung to her figure. It flared out where the slit started at the top of her left thigh. She looked like she was ready to dance the tango rather than a mundane waltz.She stopped and spun towards him as the next song started. Her navy eyes were striking against her strapless dress and her creamy skin. She set her free hand on his shoulder and began to lead him through the music. His hand came to her side. He could feel the ripple of muscle beneath it. She didn't feel as frail as she had the firs
Last Updated : 2022-06-15FLUX Chapter 206: Vacation
Jack sat in his third unmarked pod as it wandered through the dark depths of the inlet. He finally found the lit ring and maneuvered the pod towards it. It docked successfully. Slowly it reeled him in up the dimly lit tunnel into the docking ports. Water rushed out from around the pod as the conveyer belt kept it moving. The tunnel opened up into a large room with hundreds of pods parked in the slips.He stepped out onto the metal floor. This was unlike any other Sanctuary he had seen before. He just hoped the rest of them had made it. He walked down the aisle of pods toward what he assumed was the entrance to the rest of the base.A guard working the security station stepped out. "Can I help you?""Jack Swift. Here to see Janice or Jimmy Swift.""You're human?" The guard gestured to his own ears.Jack pressed his hand to his ear. "Yes. These are synthetic. I'm undercover."The guard flicked on his tablet. "The General is on level 30. So is Jimmy." He disappeared back to the guar
Last Updated : 2022-06-15
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FLUX Chapter 232: Brothers/Set Right
Jack woke with a splitting headache. The white tile ceiling above him looked like that of a hospital room. He gave an inward sigh. The last time had been three months. He wondered how long it had been this time.His fingers felt tight and his hand cramped. He looked over to see they were taped together with someone else's hand. He blinked the sleep from his eyes. As his vision cleared, he saw Alex lying on the cot next to him. Their tactical suits had been removed but the tech suit remained. Both of them were layered in blankets strapped to wires. He racked his brain and remembered the nova they had set off. The third one in a row must have taken its toll.He sent heat into Alex's hand. Her eyes blinked opened. She pulled at her taped hand and then used her free hand to rub her eyes. She looked around. "What's going on?""Wish I knew," Jack answered.She quirked a smile, then pushed the covers back. "It's kind of hot in here, isn't it?""Is it? I can't really tell." Jack sat up, l
FLUX Chapter 231: It Only Seems Right
The rumbling throughout the Sanctuary stilled as the battle above drew silent. Tom turned to Jimmy. Jimmy nodded and the team climbed to the Surface.After the light, the tunnel, and the door, they emptied out onto the street. Their men looked tired but had smiles on their faces. The team leaders directed them on searches to find any survivors, whether they were friend or foe."Has anyone seen Alex?" Jimmy shouted.Several people shook their heads.Jimmy turned to his team. "Let's spread out. Knowing them, they'll be up somewhere high."The team diverged. Tom searched on his own, always keeping at least his pistol at the ready. The sun slipped over the horizon casting the buildings in a deep twilight glow. Tom climbed the stairs on several buildings to the top but didn't find anything except dead bodies and empty bullet casings. After five buildings, the night settled in. The tanks disappeared back down into the tunnel. Jimmy recruited more people to help search. Armor-clad bodies
FLUX Chapter 230: Heat/Last One
Someone was calling his name. At least he thought. There it was again. Tom blinked. The room was black and hazy."Tom?" Jimmy's face loomed above him."What happened?""A fireman got to you. Are you alright?"Tom wiggled his fingers. He could feel the skin pulling across his arm as he moved. "I'll be okay, just a few blisters." He pushed back to his feet, climbing up over the top of the dead Alphas.Their power suit clad soldiers surrounded the room with guns drawn. Bullets covered the floor along with bodies of the Alphas and a few of his team members. His stomach twisted at the loss of good men.Jimmy put a hand on the shoulder of his power armor. "They died saving us. We need to get moving. We've gotten ten so far. We'll finish a sweep and then start clearing the level below."Tom nodded. "Let's go."Jimmy led the way. His team fell in behind him as they jogged down the streets checking building to building. The battle had tightened in around the Sanctuary. The noise of it s
FLUX Chapter 229: Fire and Ice
The three of them sat dressed in black tactical gear layered over Alpha tech suits. Alex's dirty face watched Jack as he tightened down the straps on her suit."We stick together, okay. No running off and playing hero on your own," Jack warned. He looked at Lexi while he said it."I thought you were going to make me stay in the pod," Lexi said."I would but it won't be safe there.""I don't think it will be any safer with us," Alex said in a low tone.Jack turned to Alex. "At least we will be able to keep an eye on her. She tends to always find trouble when I tell her to stay put."Alex's eyes flashed to Lexi. "Don't I know it."Lexi rolled her eyes. "If it weren't for me, you guys wouldn't be together, or maybe you'd even be dead.""Watch your tone young lady," Alex warned.Lexi grinned. "I know you're trying to be all tough, but it's really good to hear you say that." She stepped forward and gave Alex a hug.Alex melted. She laid her head against Lexi's cheek. "You're so ta
FLUX Chapter 228: Swift
Jack reached over and touched Alex's shoulder. "Wake up, love."Alex squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed at them with the back of her hands smearing the soot across her face. "How long has it been?" She looked over at Lexi sleeping in a reclined chair.He reached his hand out and wiped at a smudge with his thumb. It only made it worse but she smiled at the touch. "About six hours," he said."You shouldn't have let me sleep so long. You need rest, too.""I got a few hours. Don't worry so much."Alex looked out the pod screen. "I can't help it. I'm finally free of Henry's terror, but now I feel like we're on the verge of losing it all."Jack's mouth drew down in a frown. "It's not going to be pretty. Ellie messaged me before we left her range. Looks like the Alphas are ahead of us by a few hours. When we get there, we will have to fight through them to get to the base."Alex nodded. "Did you see much of it when you visited? It's huge.""No, I only really had one thing on my mind at
FLUX Chapter 227: Oncoming
Tom sat at the table drumming his fingers. "Does anyone actually know how to work these computers other than Ellie?"The five people working the screen didn't look up.Jimmy crossed his arms over his chest. "Just give them time.""General, the ships are in place.""Good," Janice said, leaning over the tech's workstation. "Anyone have a status on the Alphas?""They're closing in. The ships are taking them out now.""It looks like they are floating topside. Orders?""There's nothing the ships can do up there. Tell them to concentrate on as many darts as they can. Send runners topside and tell them to prepare." Janice turned to Jimmy and Tom. "That's your cue. Do your best."Tom saluted and Jimmy nodded. They turned out into the hall. Their teams waited for them, strapped with weapons and power armor. Tom donned the power armor helmet, gave a nod to Jimmy, and led his team away.As they walked down the halls, they passed locked doors to apartments. Their people, the ones that wer
FLUX Chapter 226: Supernova, Part 2
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly to him as the gunfire continued to rain down on them. She lifted her chin up. Her eyes connected with his and she smiled.He smiled back. They were going to make it. Somehow, they were going to make it. He tilted his face down and pressed his lips to hers. The liquid electricity filled him. He could feel the energy building in them. He held on to it as he kissed her. She parted her soft lips and he slid his tongue inside. Her tongue moved along his, soft, slow, and passionate. He pressed her against him, gathering the energy they created. He could feel the energy sparkling on his fingertips, asking to be released. He held it back until they vibrated. Finally, he let it go.The white-hot fire burst from them. In his mind, he could feel it like an extra sense. He coated the stadium with it. He could tell it what to touch and what not to. Screams of Alphas pierced the gunshots as the white fire flashed into a nova. He could feel the en
FLUX Chapter 225: Supernova, Part 1
Jack turned to Lexi. "You have to stay here. Got it?""But, Dad-""No. Stay. Promise me that you will stay?""Please let me help."Jack shook his head. "There is nothing you can do, muffin. Please. I don't want to worry about you. I have to get your mother and I need you to be safe. So take the pod and go. I will catch up as soon as I can." Jack flicked at the controls, locking them in place.He held his arms out for a hug. She stepped into it, burying her face in his shoulder. He held her tightly."I love you," he whispered. "You've grown into a fine young lady. I couldn't be more proud of you.""Please don't leave me again," she whispered.His heart sank and he hugged her even tighter. "It will be the last time. When this is all over, I will always be at your side. I promise.""You better."He stroked the back of her head. "Please be safe." He stepped back to look at her."Wait." She pulled the sapphire ring off her finger and stuffed it in his shoulder pocket."What's th
FLUX Chapter 224: Set-up
Alex stood locked in a small empty room the size of a utility closet. The walls lay bare except for the light switch. She flicked at the walls, but the screens were disabled and didn't respond.She paced back and forth, rubbing the Vice at her neck. Her bare feet didn't make a sound as they worked the white tile of the floor. She had to figure a way out of here. She needed to find Brooke and Tom. They had to be free. They were only here because of her. This was her problem, her world, not theirs. She flicked her palm open and drew a fireball. Her insides were still hot, but the pull of energy from just one fireball was tremendous. The amount of focus it took to wield it was much harder than it had been when she was pregnant.Alex pressed her ear to the door. Two heartbeats from the other side. She had no weapons other than the fire. She may be able to take out one Alpha, but not two. She sighed, then moved to another wall. There was no sound coming from that side. She tapped on it. S
