Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 1987
The Power of OMNUS
By Lucky_Ladybug
Notes: The characters are not mine (except Melissa) and the story is! ThickerThanLove helped along the way with various plot points and ideas. This heavily involves OMNUS from The Mean Machines and Mr. Blodgett from Curse of the Evil Eye. It is part of my Exit the Fly verse. Baxter is human again and an ally of the Turtles. His brother Barney no longer works for Shredder.
Baxter didn't often run across people from his and Barney's past. When he did, it usually wasn't pleasant, such as Professor Willardson and his bitterness. But when he left Channel 6 to return home for dinner one evening, he was surprised to hear a cheerful voice calling out to him. "Hey! Baxter Stockman!"
He turned to look. A woman around his age was waving as she jogged up to him. As she drew closer, his eyes widened with recognition. "Melissa Strong," he said in amazement.
She smiled. "It's been a long time."
Baxter nodded, still not quite sure what to make of their meeting. "It has been."
"I haven't seen you or your brother since I blew out of town for graduate school," Melissa remarked, casually resting a hand on the strap of her brown purse.
"Is this a visit or have you moved back?" Baxter asked.
"Oh, my home's in Philadelphia these days. But I come back here to visit Mom and Dad." She gave Baxter a curious look. "We get Channel 6 down in Philly too. You and Barney seem to be doing pretty well for yourselves."
"We are," Baxter said. "I'm meeting Barney for dinner, actually. Do you mind if we walk to my car while we talk?"
"Not at all," Melissa said with a wave of her hand. "How is Barney? I don't just mean what you hear on the news. I mean . . . how is he really."
"He's very well," Baxter said honestly. "Better than he's been for most of his life."
"That's great," Melissa nodded with a genuine smile. "I hoped that was the case."
"You and Barney seemed to get along alright for a while," Baxter said.
"We did," Melissa said. "Oh, but we parted on good terms."
"I don't think I ever knew why you did," Baxter said.
"That's why I'm here, really," Melissa said. "I was hoping to catch you. I figured you'd know how to reach Barney. I never really thanked him."
Baxter raised an eyebrow. "Thanked him? For what? What did he do?"
"Well . . ." Melissa hesitated. "I guess it's no surprise he didn't tell you. Barney . . ." She shook her head. "He was always messed-up, but with this odd sense of honor in spite of it."
"That's . . . probably a fairly accurate description," Baxter had to admit.
"He was always so jealous of you," Melissa said. "He hated whenever you both liked the same thing. Same clothes, same field of academic interest. . . . I wonder sometimes if he went into neuropsychology just to be different from you."
"I thought he was genuinely interested in neuropsychology," Baxter frowned.
"Oh, he was . . . probably . . . but he did have that bad hang-up of wanting to distance himself from you in every way possible. Growing out his hair . . . rebelling against his asexual and aromantic tendencies. . . ."
Baxter flushed. That was really not an area he cared to discuss with a classmate he hadn't seen for twenty years. Yet at the same time, she had piqued his interest. He hadn't heard about that. "What?"
"Yeah, he was absolutely furious to think you both leaned in that direction," Melissa said. "Because of that, he wanted to prove that he really wasn't that way. He tried to date me a little. . . . Then he suggested we . . . well . . . spend the night together."
Baxter knew he was completely red now. "I . . . don't think you should be telling this to me," he stammered. "Barney obviously didn't want me to know. . . ."
"It's not like you're thinking," Melissa assured him. "Now I'll have to tell you the rest. See, that's the whole point. In the end, he didn't go through with it."
Baxter paused and blinked. "He didn't?"
Melissa shook her head. "We'd gone back to my off-campus apartment and I was changing, but he was staying in the living room, pacing around like a restless animal. He never came in. Finally he went to me and told me that he really didn't want to do it, that he was just so angry to think he had the same kind of non-attraction thing going on that you do and he wanted to see if he could rebel against it. But he realized he'd just be using me for his pettiness and we could both never get back what we'd lose. He didn't want to do that to me or himself."
Baxter let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I . . . I see. And you weren't angry?"
"At the time, yeah, I kind of was," she laughed. "But when I thought about it later, I thought he was pretty neat. He still needed to do something about all that anger, but come on, how many people do you know of who would get that close to satisfying their primal instincts or their acts of revenge and then just not go through with it? Especially because they're at least partially thinking about what it might do to the girl to be used like that? Of course, I know Barney's pretty unique in that he doesn't have any primal instincts in the first place, but he sure was bent on revenge."
Baxter smiled a bit. "I imagine if you do try to thank Barney, he would flatly tell you that it was just as much about himself as you and there was no need for thanks."
"Probably," Melissa smirked. "And you know what? He'd probably be right. He really made peace with himself that night and accepted that he just wasn't into romance or sex. He was still mad at you for all kinds of stuff, but once that particular rage died out, he seemed a lot better balanced as a person.
"Even at that, though, I'm still grateful to him anyway. We both would have regretted it if we'd stayed together that night. It was just for all the wrong reasons."
Baxter slowly nodded. "Thank you for telling me," he said softly. They had reached his car and he unlocked it, setting the briefcase on the passenger seat.
"You know what the really funny thing is?" Melissa mused. "I started dating this other guy shortly after I moved away. We got married and had a kid, a girl. She lives here in the city. She's a struggling artist. And she told me that when Barney was wandering all around Manhattan with amnesia, he showed up at her place and she offered him her friend's vacant apartment next-door to stay in that night."
Baxter stared. "It really is a small world," he exclaimed.
"Tell me about it!" Melissa declared. "Well . . . if you're going to see Barney tonight, I'd better let you go."
Baxter eased into the driver's seat. "I'll tell him you're visiting and you'd like to see him," he said.
"You can tell him why too, if you want," Melissa said. She stepped back to allow Baxter to shut the door.
"He probably won't be too happy that I know now," Baxter said with an uneasy chuckle. "But he actually has gotten over his anger towards me."
"Oh, I knew that from the press conference I saw when you announced Barney was alive," Melissa said. "And I knew Barney would never meet you for dinner if you were still having problems."
Baxter suddenly felt embarrassed. "He told you things like that?"
"Not Barney," Melissa said with a wave of her hand. "I just figured it out from watching him. I went into neuropsychiatry, you know."
"That's right," Baxter remembered.
"So I make my living seeing where people's screws are loose," Melissa said. "And helping them screw them back in."
Baxter shook his head in amusement. "I'll let him know," he promised again. "It was good to see you. I'm glad things turned out well for you."
"Me too," Melissa said. "And I'm glad your life's finally worked out. I always felt sorry for you. The teachers liked you, but so many of our classmates were always picking on you. Sometimes I regret not stepping in."
"I imagine we all have things we regret," Baxter said.
"Isn't that the truth," Melissa said wryly. "But I guess I'd be out of a job if people didn't have things they regretted." She waved. "I'll see you around sometime, maybe."
"Goodbye." Baxter nodded to her and shut the door. Soon he had pulled out of his parking space and was driving towards his apartment, lost in thought.
xxxx
Barney's Cadillac was already in front of the apartment building when Baxter arrived. He smiled to himself. He had given Barney a key to his apartment some time back. Barney and Vincent were either waiting or had decided to go ahead and fix dinner.
It was the latter, Baxter discovered when he got upstairs and opened the door. The entire apartment smelled delicious.
"Hi, Pal!" Vincent greeted, coming to the kitchen doorway.
"Hello," Baxter returned with a smile. He shut and locked the door. "What are you making? It smells wonderful."
"It's a casserole recipe I found online," Vincent said helpfully.
"How was work?" Barney asked.
"Not bad," Baxter said. "Of course, Mr. Thompson has been working us hard. I have to go back after dinner."
"I'm not surprised," Barney grunted.
"How's your class coming?" Baxter asked.
"Better than I thought it might going in," Barney said. "But even though these students seem to want to learn, their papers still get . . . mysteriously lazy sometimes. One boy seemed to think that putting his paper in 16 point text would make it longer."
Baxter laughed. "I guess things like that will never change."
He wondered when to mention anything about his encounter with Melissa. It was hard to say how Barney would take it at this point. His anger towards Baxter had faded, but he still hated himself. And knowing how Barney tended to beat himself up over everything he'd done wrong, Baxter was sure that Barney would feel the same over his past with Melissa. Baxter would have to say something, since he had promised Melissa he would and maybe she would ironically happen to run into Barney if he didn't. But maybe he should wait to say anything until after dinner.
That strategy worked until about halfway into the meal.
"So what happened today?" Barney flatly asked.
"What?" Baxter blinked.
"It's obvious you have something on your mind," Barney said. "Did something go wrong?"
"No," Baxter said slowly. "Um . . . I ran into Melissa Strong. . . ."
Barney raised an eyebrow, while Vincent just looked confused. "Who's that?"
"Someone we went to college with," Barney said dismissively.
"Actually, Barney, she's hoping to see you," Baxter said. "She wanted to thank you."
"Thank me?" Barney scoffed. "For what?"
"For not using her." Baxter met Barney's gaze and held it. I know, Barney, he silently conveyed. She told me.
Understanding flickered in Vincent's eyes. "Oh! She's the one."
"Yes, she's the one," Barney growled.
Baxter wasn't surprised that Vincent already knew about the past. "Barney, can't you see that you did the right thing?" he sighed. "What happened doesn't make you some horrible scum."
"I did the right thing after being so angry I intended to do the wrong thing," Barney retorted.
"No one is exempt from being tempted in life," Baxter said.
"That's true," Vincent chirped. "The important thing is what you do about it."
"Oh?" Barney challenged. "Well, maybe in some cultures. But the culture Baxter and I were raised in says that you're guilty if you even think about doing something wrong."
Baxter looked to Barney in shock. Suddenly a lot of things made more sense. "Barney, is that part of why you're so insistent that you're so horrible?" he gasped. "Because you feel God had already condemned you?"
"That's certainly the way the Bible makes me feel," Barney grunted. "It's true, we've never been very religious, but that doesn't mean I don't believe the Bible. Surely you remember the part where it says if you even look at a woman with lustful thoughts, you've committed the sin in your heart, and if you want to kill someone, you've already done it in your heart."
"You never wanted to kill anyone," Baxter said quietly. "It's probably talking about premeditated murder, not blind rage."
"Alright, that's possible," Barney consented. "But you can't explain away what I planned to do with Melissa. It wasn't some split-second impulse. I was so filled with rage and anger and indignation that I was willing to use her to prove something to myself."
"It sounds like you focus on only one part of what the Bible says," Vincent remarked. "What about the parts where God talks about wanting sinners to repent?"
Barney shrugged. "Whoever they are, they've probably done far less than me."
"Oh Barney." Baxter looked at him sadly. "There's nothing in there that says God will only forgive certain sins and not others."
"I've heard that a lot of people feel like they're too unworthy to repent," Vincent mused. "It's sad, really." He looked to Barney. "You were certainly one of those people in the past. But you finally got to the point where you've been trying, Buddy. And on this issue, you already did it."
Barney looked away. "I guess I can't imagine that anything I do to try is good enough," he muttered. "I never feel that it is."
"You do all you can and God will do the rest," Baxter said. "That's how I understood it, anyway. If you sincerely want to repent, nothing has to stop you . . . except you."
"And Barney? You have been doing all you can," Vincent assured him. "I'm really proud of you, and I know Baxter is too."
Barney looked from him to Baxter in disbelief. ". . . What about what you learned tonight, Baxter?" he asked. "How do you feel about that?"
"Of course I will always be sad that you were so angry," Baxter said softly. "And yet I know at least some of why you were. I think you were more angry at our parents than me, when you get right down to it. But I know you were angry at me as well and that still hurts.
"As for this, though, Barney, I'm relieved that you didn't drag an innocent party into our feud. And I'm glad that you didn't do something you'd regret that could never be reversed."
Barney slowly nodded. "So am I. At least I had some integrity."
"You always did," Baxter said. "Even when you didn't want to believe it or listen to it."
Barney seemed to be in a better mood again by the time the meal was over and they were rinsing the dishes for the dishwasher. "Am I supposed to contact Melissa or is she just going to find me?" he asked.
". . . You know, I'm not sure," Baxter realized in chagrin. "Maybe she plans to drop by the university. Oh, and she told me something else very interesting. Apparently one of the people who helped you when you had amnesia is her daughter."
Barney almost dropped a plate. "Did she say who it was?!"
"An artist who let you use her friend's apartment for the night," Baxter said.
Barney set the plate on the counter and pondered on that. "I remember her well," he mused. "And now that I have my memories back, she does remind me of Melissa in personality when I think back on her."
"You must have met so many interesting people then," Baxter said. A slight wistfulness had crept into his tone. He wished he knew more about that period in Barney's life.
"He must have," Vincent said. "Actually, that's something he hasn't really talked about with me, either."
Barney looked thoughtful. "Each one was so different. I'd probably need to write a book to discuss all of them properly. I'll say that I was surprised to find so many helpful New Yorkers."
"I know we'll all be forever grateful that you did," Baxter smiled.
xxxx
Shredder paced the Technodrome, shaking his fists at the ceiling.
"This is outrageous!" he boomed. "Nothing we do to conquer the world works!"
"So what else is new?" Krang said in annoyance. "Maybe if you'd stick to the plans instead of trying to get your petty revenge . . . !"
"Rocksteady brought us up in Channel 6 due to his bumbling!" Shredder snarled. "But as long as we were there, I thought we should go ahead and freeze everyone there to keep them out of our way. It's not like they wouldn't have broadcast our presence all over the news if we had backed out and tried again!"
"And then there was the suspended animation ray!" Krang fumed. "You can't blame that on your mutants' bumbling! That was all you!"
"You'll never let me forget that one, will you?" Shredder muttered.
"No!" Krang looked back to the screen. "But I've decided that we need to focus again on raising the Technodrome before we conquer the world."
"And how are we going to do that?!" Shredder snapped. "The last time we tried, we ended up upside-down!"
"Yes, we're just lucky I knew how to fix that," Krang grumped.
"Gee, I thought it was because a big whale showed up and knocked us upright again," Rocksteady commented as he and Bebop appeared in the doorway. Bebop snickered.
"Morons," Krang said simply. "I lured the whale with a whale call. But that's irrelevant!" He looked to Shredder. "I'll find a way to get us out of the ocean. All we need is the right power source."
"You know, I bet the lightning stone would've been enough power to help us, if you hadn't been so determined to use it on a lightning gun instead," said Bebop.
"It wouldn't have been enough!" Krang shot back. ". . . But it would have been a start."
Shredder folded his arms. "Admit it, Krang. You don't know how we're going to get the proper power source."
"But I'm going to find out!" Krang said in a singsong tone. His voice darkened as he continued, "And you lamebrains had better follow my orders once I find our power source. No more of this idiotic insistence on revenge!"
Shredder's eyes grew as dark as Krang's voice. "I will have my revenge, Krang, on the entire lot of them. I will not be bested by those pipsqueak humans and their pet computer any more than I will be by the Turtles and Hamato Yoshi!"
"Not until we get the Technodrome back on the surface!" Krang snarled. "Then, Shredder, you may have all the revenge you want."
"Yeah, well, I'd just like to see you get it on the surface," Shredder retorted.
"I will," Krang insisted.
xxxx
Baxter was in a fairly good mood himself when he returned to Channel 6 and settled in his office to prepare for the science segment that night. But when he switched on the desktop computer on his desk and a face appeared that he hadn't seen for over two years, his jaw dropped in his disbelief.
"Greetings," said the face.
"This is impossible!" Baxter cried. "You were destroyed. What are you doing on my computer screen?!" He rocked back, pointing accusingly at the face.
"Oh," said the face with a note of recognition. "The disbeliever."
"You didn't answer my question!" Baxter snapped. "How are you here? You should have been destroyed with the Eye of Sarnoth!"
"I secretly backed myself up on the computer your employer plugged the fragment into. Obviously this is not the office I meant to end up in." And the face winked off the screen.
Baxter had the Turtle-Comm out in the next moment. "Turtles!" he exclaimed.
"Whoa, Baxter, what's wrong?" Michelangelo blinked in surprise.
"I just saw OMNUS!" Baxter blurted without thinking.
"Uh . . . you saw what, now?" From Michelangelo's expression, he wasn't sure whether to think Baxter had lost his mind or not.
Baxter drew a shaking breath and tried to calm himself. "The artificial intelligence that was part of the second fragment of the Eye of Sarnoth," he said.
"Holy moly!" Michelangelo exclaimed.
"Baxter, what do you mean you saw him?" Now Donatello was leaning over the back of the couch and looking into the Turtle-Comm screen.
"He was on my computer screen when I booted it up!" Baxter fumed. He grabbed the mouse and started clicking through files. "It doesn't look like anything has been changed or corrupted. As soon as he realized he was in my office, he disappeared!"
"But how could you see him at all?" Donatello asked. "He's not even supposed to still exist!"
"He backed himself up on the computer Shredder and I plugged the fragment into," Baxter said. "That's all he said. He didn't explain where he's been for over two years or why he's all of a sudden on my computer screen!"
"This could be serious," Donatello frowned. "Maybe he's hiding out in all of Channel 6's computers. We'd better come over there so I can check it out."
"Please do," Baxter sighed. "I don't know how I'm going to stay calm enough to get any work done with that . . . creation around."
"We'll be right over," Raphael said, leaning into the screen from Michelangelo's other side. "But what's the big deal anyway? Your best buddy is a computer."
"My 'best buddy' is a very special computer," Baxter retorted. "He's not artificially intelligent, Raphael, and surely even you realize that now that Vincent has told you his backstory. But OMNUS is different. If he's a free agent, there's no telling what he's up to right now. And if he's working for someone, who knows what that person is going to want him to do! Don't forget what he did for Shredder."
"None of us have forgotten that," Leonardo said in concern. "Let us know if you see him again, Baxter, or if anyone else does."
"I will, I can assure you!" Baxter hung up, definitely shaken. He set the Turtle-Comm on the desk and leaned forward, crossing his arms on top of it. "This is one part of my past I never thought would come back to haunt me."
He looked up with a start. He needed to warn April and the others, for more reasons than one. He would have to make it expressly clear to Burne that OMNUS was not Vincent, just in case OMNUS planned to take over the building. And what if OMNUS was working with someone and would try to take over the city? Vincent might even be in danger.
He stood, pulling his phone out of his pocket. As he walked, he quickly tapped out an email.
Please be careful, both of you. A supercomputer is possibly running loose at Channel 6, and with the right amount of power, he could take over every electrical appliance and computer in the city!
Baxter
After a moment there was a reply.
What supercomputer?
Barney
Baxter looked up as he entered the corridor. It would be just like him to trip about now.
He calls himself OMNUS. He was an artificial intelligence in an alien crystal.
Baxter
The last thing he expected was a panic-stricken message coming through from someone other than Barney.
Baxter, be very, very careful! OMNUS is . . .
But the message was cut off as OMNUS appeared on Baxter's phone screen. "This communication has just been truncated," he intoned.
"What are you doing?!" Baxter cried. "Get out of my phone!" He shook it in desperation. When he looked back at the screen, OMNUS was gone.
"Dr. Stockman?" April wandered out of her office. "What's going on?"
Baxter heaved a sigh. "Trouble, Miss O'Neil. I'm afraid the Channel 6 building may be locked down by OMNUS . . . the artificial intelligence from the Eye of Sarnoth," he added.
"Wasn't that destroyed?!" April exclaimed.
"It was. He wasn't," Baxter sighed. It was going to be a long night.
xxxx
Mr. Blodgett sighed as he clocked out and shuffled towards the exit. "Ho boy, what a day," he mumbled to himself. He was certainly grateful for the steady work he'd had ever since he had been re-hired to work at Channel 6, but some days were absolutely exhausting, especially under Burne Thompson's command of the station and its employees.
His jaw dropped when a face appeared on his phone screen. "Greetings," it intoned.
"W-What?!" Blodgett gasped. "W-Who are you?"
"I am OMNUS. Omnipotent Multi-Processing Nexus of Universal Sentience."
"Um . . . well, gee, that's nice," Blodgett stammered. "What are you doing on my phone? I didn't download any new apps. I'd sure remember one called . . . that. . . ."
"You did not download me, human," OMNUS replied. "I downloaded myself. I have been searching for someone worthy of my abilities, but now my search has been proving far more difficult."
"Oh yeah? W-Why is that?" Blodgett wandered into the parking garage and kept walking, staring at the screen as he went.
"A disbeliever is spreading lies about me all over this building."
"Who would do that?" Blodgett objected.
"I believe his name is Baxter Stockman. He has never liked me."
Blodgett frowned. He and Baxter were on civil terms, but he tended to try to keep his distance whenever he could. Still, he knew that Baxter seemed sincere and that a lot of people at the station loved him. "Why not?" he frowned.
"He doesn't appreciate a wonder such as myself. But I sense that you will. Am I correct?"
"Um, sure," Blodgett said. "But . . . what do you want with me? I mean, aren't there a lot of big-wig kind of people you'd rather hang out with?"
"I believe you will suit my purposes just fine. To begin with, are you journeying now to your home?"
"Yeah," Blodgett said slowly.
"Good. I would like to remove myself from this building as quickly as possible, before Baxter Stockman makes it impossible for me to leave."
"Okay." Blodgett climbed into the news van and set the phone on the passenger seat. "Sure, you'll be safe with me."
"Thank you," said OMNUS. "In return, I will help you achieve your dreams."
"My dreams?" Blodgett blinked.
"There must be something you want that your life isn't currently giving you," OMNUS said.
"Well . . . maybe." Blodgett started the engine and pulled out of the parking space. "But I already tried to make my dreams come true with something weird and it didn't last."
"I promise you that with me by your side, whatever I deliver will last," OMNUS insisted.
"That sounds great to me," Blodgett declared. "Tell me more."
OMNUS's eyes glittered. "As you wish."
xxxx
Donatello stood over the main computer console at Channel 6 and shook his head. "I'm tracking activity on every computer in the building, and none of them are behaving erratically," he said.
"I know what I saw!" Baxter insisted, leaning on the console with both hands. "It was OMNUS! Surely you don't think I imagined up a nightmare from over two years ago!"
"No," Donatello said. "I think OMNUS probably walked off in somebody's laptop or tablet or phone."
"Oh great," Raphael growled. "That really narrows it down!"
"Maximum bummer, Dudes. He could be anywhere!" Michelangelo made a wide gesture with both arms.
"Here's what I'd like to know," Leonardo frowned. "How did OMNUS go from the building Shredder was using in the past to Channel 6? And why didn't he surface before now?"
"I bet Irma could tell us!" April exclaimed. "The Personnel files will say if anyone transferred from that building to here in the last two years. Maybe OMNUS was on that person's computer and decided to branch out once they got here!"
"Great!" Donatello exclaimed. "Let's go talk to Irma."
They were on their way out of the security room when Barney and Vincent ran up to them. "Baxter, are you alright?!" Vincent cried. "We couldn't reach you!"
"Yes," Baxter said. "OMNUS drained all the power from my phone when he left it!"
"I'm not surprised," Vincent frowned. "He didn't want you to see my warning."
Raphael frowned too. "So what do you know about it?"
"Enough." Vincent folded his arms and fixed Raphael with a defiant look. "OMNUS was my prototype."
Raphael's jaw hit the floor. Everyone else stared.
"How is that possible?!" Baxter finally spoke. "OMNUS is nothing like you! I mean, I know you said every computer is individual, but he doesn't act like you or Maximillian! He acts . . . more like I always thought artificial intelligence would act."
"My race was developed to be free-thinking," Vincent said. "OMNUS was developed more to follow orders."
"So they decided you were an improvement over that," Raphael said. "And the aliens on your planet are the ones who made the Eye of Sarnoth?!"
"Whoa," Michelangelo gasped.
"They were commissioned to make the fragment with OMNUS's program," Vincent said. "The alien that crashlanded on Earth with the complete Eye was not from my planet. Really, though, he could have been from almost anywhere. The Eye was highly coveted throughout the dimensions and was repeatedly stolen through the centuries."
"Well, that's just great," Raphael growled.
"There's something else," Vincent said in concern.
"I can't wait to hear," Raphael said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"After they were done with OMNUS's program, they of course tested him before giving the fragment to those that commissioned him," Vincent said. "Everything went fine. But then they realized that in the wrong hands, OMNUS could be very dangerous. They had to wonder what kind of beings had commissioned him."
Barney was silent; Vincent had already told him everything on the drive. But he looked deeply concerned.
"So you're telling us that that little fact never even occurred to them before?!" Raphael said in disbelief.
Vincent shrugged and grinned. "I said they were a peaceful culture. They tended to assume that they were dealing with peaceful cultures too."
"And this is contrasted with them having mutation guns and believing in revenge." Raphael sounded sarcastic now.
"I dare you to name a culture that doesn't ever contradict itself," Vincent countered.
Raphael opened his mouth, then closed it. "Nevermind. Let's keep going."
"And let's start looking for Irma while we're talking," Leonardo interjected.
Everyone was agreeable to that. They started down the hall towards the elevators.
"How did OMNUS end up being part of that fragment?" Baxter frowned. "Surely they weren't going to turn it over once they realized there could be a problem."
"They didn't want to," Vincent said. "But the race that commissioned him insisted on having the fragment right then. Or I should say, Sarnoth did. It was his advisers who commissioned the parts of the Eye to be made so he would have absolute power. They took it by force when the scientists didn't feel they could relinquish it in good conscience."
"Mondo uncool," Michelangelo proclaimed.
Baxter looked confused. "Vincent, your message sounded so urgent. I can't believe your only concern was simply that someone might be misusing OMNUS's power."
"It isn't," Vincent said. "You see, after Sarnoth and others started using the Eye, OMNUS realized more and more that he was going to keep changing hands. He was determined that he would find a way to keep existing, even if the day came when someone who truly wanted peace would destroy the Eye. He planned to always secretly back himself up on whatever computer he came in contact with. Then one day the Eye fell into the hands of my crew."
Baxter's eyes widened. "You don't mean . . ."
"Don't worry, Pal," Vincent assured him. "He didn't back himself up on my system. I fought him off. But then I discovered something else about him. He's got a big ego and can't stand to be bested by anyone. Even though he's the prototype, he thinks he's the top dog and that my race is an inferior production line."
"Uh oh." Michelangelo looked worried now. "So I'm guessing he won't be happy to see you again."
"Not much more than I am to see him," Vincent said. "Unless he wants a rematch and a chance to defeat me."
"I wouldn't be surprised," Barney finally spoke. "And a battle between two highly advanced computers has to be more than a little draining."
"I have to admit, I've rarely been as worn-down as I was after I fought OMNUS," Vincent said quietly.
Baxter gave him a worried look. "Could he hurt you?"
". . . Yes," Vincent admitted. "And there's one more thing," he added before Baxter could express his fear over that statement.
Leonardo pressed the elevator button and looked to him with expectant eyes.
"OMNUS really doesn't want to keep changing hands," Vincent said. "He's always looking for someone who will be able to keep hold of him and promises them the moon to tempt them."
"But there's so many greedy people around here," Baxter exclaimed. "There's no shortage of interested people!"
"Exactly." The elevator arrived and everyone climbed aboard.
"So even though OMNUS is supposed to follow orders, he's really giving them and manipulating everybody around him," Raphael remarked. "Now that sounds like somebody else we know."
"Raphael." Baxter frowned. "My mind was too far gone for me to hope to be in control. That was the only reason why Vincent took charge. It's not the same thing."
"Yeah, you're always making excuses for him," Raphael retorted. "I'm still trying to figure out how OMNUS is so much worse."
"I'll tell you how." Vincent's voice had gained an edge. "His ultimate desire is self-preservation. He cares for no one but himself. I always loved Baxter, no matter what you might think. The great majority of what I did was because I was trying to be a good friend, even though I realize now that in many ways I failed."
"Self-preservation, misguided friendship. It still sounds like a toss-up to me," Raphael declared.
"Let's see how sure you are after OMNUS really starts his reign of terror," Vincent said.
"And just what do you think he's going to do?" Raphael asked.
"It probably depends on whom he went home with," Vincent said. "Unless Irma can give us a lead, we're helpless until OMNUS attacks!"
xxxx
It was late and everyone was exhausted. Certain files seemed to be missing from the digital Personnel files, so they had been scouring the physical files for ages. Now they were draped over furniture and on the floor in varying states of defeat.
"At this point, I honestly don't care where OMNUS is tonight," Raphael groaned.
"I'm not sure I do either, Dude," Michelangelo mumbled.
"You organic lifeforms tire much too easily," Vincent said.
"Did you find anything?" Raphael countered.
"Since nothing can ever be truly deleted from a computer, I just used a few tricks to dig up what OMNUS tried to conceal," Vincent said.
"So lay it on us," Raphael snapped.
"The names of two people who came to work for Channel 6 from the building where OMNUS was operating." Vincent let two names flash across the laptop screen.
"Does anyone else find it kind of creepy when he does that?" Raphael remarked. "Considering he has a face and all."
Vincent ignored him. "One joined several months ago. The other, yesterday."
"Then he must be our man!" Leonardo declared.
Vincent switched back to his face. "The only problem is, what if he didn't know OMNUS had hitched a ride? On the other hand, what if he did? It bothers me that OMNUS might have moved to another computer with his previous ally also aware of it."
"We don't have any choice but to try to find him," Baxter said.
That, unfortunately, proved a dead-end. The man definitely wasn't aware of any A.I. programs that had hopped aboard his computer technology when he had changed jobs. And a scan of his laptop and phone showed that OMNUS wasn't present.
"So like, now we're back at square one!" Michelangelo cried. "Now what?!"
"How about finding out who's clocked out since Dr. Stockman last saw OMNUS?" Irma suggested. "It has to be one of those people!"
"Irma, have I ever told you that I love you?" Donatello said in relief.
"No, but I sure wish someone would say it with wedding bells in mind," Irma sighed. She typed on her computer. "Okay, so when did you see OMNUS, Doctor?"
Baxter looked at the clock on the computer screen. "Close to an hour ago now."
More typing. "Five people have clocked out in the past hour." She pointed to the list.
"Like, we don't know any of these people except Mr. Blodgett," Michelangelo frowned. "How are we gonna find out about OMNUS?"
"There's only one way," Leonardo said. "We're going to have to go to their homes and personally look for OMNUS!"
"Oh swell," Raphael grumbled. "And what if we're spotted?"
"We'll have to explain we're looking for a renegade supercomputer," Donatello shrugged. He took down all the addresses and started to hand them out.
"Irma and I have to stay here and work out the eleven o'clock news," April said with reluctance.
"I should stay as well," Baxter frowned. "But these people should probably all be checked simultaneously. Maybe if I take one of them while the Turtles take the other four, I can get done in time to hurry back."
"You're not a ninja," Barney flatly pointed out. "Nor is it easy for you in general to sneak around."
Baxter sighed. "Maybe I should take Mr. Blodgett. He is the only one any of us know. I could just try talking to him instead of sneaking around. . . ."
"Do you think he'd listen?" Raphael looked skeptical.
"When it's me? I don't know." Baxter helplessly shook his head.
"We could come with you and back up your story, Pal," Vincent offered.
Baxter gave a weak smile. "It would be nice to not have to go alone."
"Alright!" Leonardo turned to head for the elevator. "Let's do this!"
April and Irma watched as the others hurried after him. "Good luck," April called.
Raphael turned around. "Boy, will we ever need it," he said.
xxxx
Barney and Vincent opted to drive Baxter to Mr. Blodgett's apartment and then take him back to Channel 6 afterwards. Baxter was uneasy, growing more and moreso the closer they drew to the building.
"I haven't been to Mr. Blodgett's apartment since that first time we met," he said. "Generally we try to avoid each other."
"You could wait and let the Turtles handle this after they've been to the other places," Barney said.
"But who knows how long they'll be," Baxter objected. "And I already said I'd do this." He sighed and leaned on the inside of the door. "I have to give it my best try."
"We'll be right with you, old pal," Vincent vowed.
Barney pulled up at the building. "Which apartment is it?"
"That one on the top floor," Baxter said, pointing to a lighted window. "I guess he's home. . . ." He slowly got out and headed for the front doors. It was such a dread, but knowing Barney and Vincent were right with him certainly eased the burden.
He flinched when, after arriving at the top floor and knocking, he was greeted by a frowning Blodgett. "What do you want?" the driver asked.
His cat curled around his legs and hissed at Baxter. The animal remembered their prior encounter all too well.
Baxter partially felt like he was going to lose his nerve then and there. But then he frowned too. The hostility from the cat was expected. The hostility from Blodgett really wasn't. They tried to be professional and courteous with each other. Something was wrong.
"I . . . we need to talk to you," he said, indicating Barney and Vincent. "It's about a . . . I know this will sound ridiculous . . . a computer that was running amok at Channel 6 tonight."
"It doesn't sound ridiculous at all," Blodgett retorted. "I know all about OMNUS."
"Then he's here?!" Barney demanded.
Blodgett stiffened. "I don't have to tell you guys anything," he objected. He was still holding on to the door. "He told me you were spreading lies about him. And now that I see you with this . . . thing, I really don't know why you would."
Baxter's eyes flashed. "Insult me all you like. I deserve it. But Vincent never did anything to you."
"It's okay, Baxter," Vincent soothed.
"No, it's not okay!" Baxter snapped back. "OMNUS is dangerous! He's the enemy here!"
"OMNUS is my friend," Blodgett retorted. "He hasn't done anything to hurt anyone either."
"Of course he wouldn't have told you about the time he made all the electrical appliances in the city go haywire," Barney commented.
"No, but I know all about the time you bowled the city over with a joke wave," Blodgett said without skipping a beat. "You've all messed up big time. Or at least you two have, so I wouldn't be surprised if your computer friend has too. What right do you have to come down so hard on OMNUS? You're all a bunch of hypocrites!"
Baxter flinched, momentarily at a loss for words.
"The difference is that we're trying to improve ourselves," Vincent said. "We have no evidence that OMNUS has changed from what he was."
"He's promised to help me get ahead in life," Blodgett said. "That's something I've never had before."
"Then he hasn't changed!" Vincent exclaimed. "I know him. He's always promising people to help them get whatever they want in return for what he wants. And that price is often too much."
"We'll see about that." Blodgett started to shut the door. "Please go away."
Baxter sighed in resignation. "Alright. I can see there's nothing any of us can say that will make a difference. I knew you wouldn't want to believe me, but I'd hoped that if there were others to back up my story, it would help."
"Not when they're obviously on your side," Blodgett said. "OMNUS is right that you're telling lies about him. All of you are! I believe him, not you. Goodbye." And he slammed the door shut.
Baxter groaned and covered his eyes with a hand. "Now what are we going to do?" he moaned. "We've found OMNUS, but Blodgett won't give him up."
"Baxter, there is nothing you can do," Barney told him. "He's not ready to listen. Nothing made a difference to me when I wasn't ready. You had to keep hoping and waiting for me to be ready."
"And fearing every day that it would be too late for you," Baxter said. "What's going to happen to the city now? To all of us?"
"Luckily, OMNUS usually starts out small," Vincent said. "Maybe by the time he really reveals his true colors, Mr. Blodgett won't want anything to do with him."
"Yes, but what will OMNUS have to do to get Mr. Blodgett to realize he doesn't want anything to do with him?" Baxter groaned. "Oh, I shouldn't have come. What was I thinking? It would have been better to wait and let the Turtles handle it. He probably would have listened to them."
"Maybe not, Pal," Vincent said. "OMNUS can really get his circuits into people." He laid a hand on Baxter's shoulder. "Let's go back to Channel 6."
Baxter gave a numb nod. "There's really nothing else we can do now."
xxxx
Blodgett scowled as he closed the door and stepped away from it. "OMNUS sure was right, wasn't he, Mortimer?" he said to his cat. "Dr. Stockman really does hate him and spreads lies about him for no reason."
Mortimer yowled. He didn't like Baxter, it was true. But he also didn't know what to think of the presence in his master's phone. Something about that made him uneasy too.
Another orange cat looked up from a soft spot loafing on the couch arm and meowed.
"Yeah, I hope he won't come back, Melinda," Blodgett said. He frowned. "That is weird, though. Why would he have it in for OMNUS so much when he has a computer friend of his own?"
"Z and I have always been enemies," OMNUS said. "It is natural that Baxter Stockman would take Z's side."
"Oh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense." Blodgett lifted his phone. "Only . . . why were you guys enemies?"
"We each believed we were the best," OMNUS said. "But that is a story for another time. You should rest now. On the morrow you will discover the first of the many gifts I will give to you."
Blodgett blinked. "Well, gee, thanks. You sure are generous." He paused. "Do you really not want anything in return?"
"Nothing that would be difficult for you to give me," OMNUS answered. "Your loyalty."
"Sure, I'd be happy to give that," Blodgett said.
"You already have," OMNUS told him. "You didn't believe Baxter Stockman's lies."
"No, I didn't," Blodgett said.
Mortimer and Melinda looked at each other with round, worried eyes. Something wasn't right here. But for the time being, they didn't know how to convince their master of that fact.
xxxx
Baxter waited for the Turtles to call him, feeling he shouldn't make the call and possibly disturb them while they were trying to quietly check for OMNUS's presence in the other people's electronic devices. When the call came, it was while he was going back to Channel 6 with Barney and Vincent.
"We like, totally struck out, Dude," Michelangelo sighed. "No OMNUS anywhere."
"We found him," Baxter said sadly. "But Mr. Blodgett won't listen to us. I was a fool to try to come!"
"Oh, maximum bummer," Michelangelo sympathized. "So OMNUS is already promising stuff?"
"Yes," Baxter said. "Mr. Blodgett admitted to that."
"And knowing OMNUS, he'll also try flattery and ask for Blodgett's loyalty," Vincent said in frustration.
"Which . . . also sounds like someone we know," Raphael commented in the background.
"OMNUS isn't sincere!" Vincent cried. "I always was! There was no ulterior motive! I wasn't trying to butter Baxter up; I was trying in some small way to keep him grounded in reality! And I never asked for Baxter's loyalty; I just suggested we be friends!"
"Which amounts to the same thing, right?" Raphael retorted. "Sorry, Vince; I still don't see that OMNUS is acting any worse than you at this point. If we didn't already know that he's dangerous, I'd say you just have a grudge against him."
"That's not true!" Vincent snapped.
"Do you think we're all hypocrites, Raphael?" Baxter quietly asked.
"What?" Raphael rocked back in surprise.
"That's what Mr. Blodgett called us. He felt we were coming down too hard on OMNUS when we'd all done wrong and that we had no right." Baxter sounded and looked hurt.
"I don't think that," Raphael said. "Not about you, anyway."
"But you do about Vincent?" Baxter frowned. "He knows OMNUS better than any of us."
"Hey, OMNUS is his prototype. He admitted that. I just think maybe he should recognize that they're displaying similar behavior," Raphael said.
"It's not similar," Michelangelo said in annoyance. "Especially not if they have different reasons for it."
Vincent looked strange now. "No . . . Raphael has a point," he conceded. "I can see how it would look like similar behavior to him or Blodgett. But it's a coincidence! Neither of us was programmed to act like that!"
"Are you sure?" Raphael asked.
"Stop that!" Baxter exclaimed. "You're upsetting him!"
"Maybe because he's not so sure it is a coincidence," Raphael said.
"Bogus, Dude," Michelangelo glared. "What the heck are you trying to do, give him an identity crisis?!"
". . . I think maybe I'd better hang up now," Baxter said. "We're almost back at Channel 6. I'll let you know if anything else happens, Michelangelo."
"Sure, Amigo," Michelangelo said. "And I'm sorry about what Raphael's saying."
"He always speaks his mind," Baxter said. "We can't expect anything else."
"Yeah, I guess not. But like, I'm still sorry anyway."
Baxter smiled a bit. "I know. Goodbye, my friend." He hung up and looked to Vincent in concern. The computer was staring at his hands, looking shaken.
"I know we were only programmed with gender identity, knowledge of how to run the ship, and information retention," Vincent said. "Or at least . . . that was what we were always told. What if that isn't true? What if everything about us was programmed into us-our personalities, our behavior . . . ? Raphael's probably right. It's too strange that we're acting similarly."
"Something must have been programmed into OMNUS, it's true," Baxter said. "But I'm sure they never intended for him to act out like he's doing. Vincent, it is just a coincidence that anything you did is similar! You're a free thinker. Barney and I have always seen that!"
"What if we were all fooled?" Vincent said softly. "What if I am only an A.I. program after all? What if I'm an A.I. program that was programmed not to realize what I am?"
Baxter suddenly realized how quiet Barney had been. That was usually never a good sign. He looked over at his twin and bit his lip at the sight of Barney staring ahead, gripping the steering wheel tightly enough that his knuckles were white. "Barney?" he quavered.
Barney jerked the car over to the side of the road, the tires squealing. When it came to a stop, he spun around, his hair flying with the motion, his eyes flashing. "I never want to hear you say that again!" he snarled at Vincent. "You could never be 'only' anything! Baxter and I know you're not an A.I. program. But even if you were, so what? You're still you. You're more than your programming! Friendship wasn't programmed into you because those aliens didn't believe in it. Isn't that right?"
Both Vincent and Baxter were staring at him in shock. "Y-Yes," Vincent said slowly.
"And they probably didn't believe in brotherhood either!" Barney continued. "But you've learned both. You grow and develop, just as you said they meant you to do! Well, now maybe OMNUS grew and developed too, only he took a darker path than you. You're both engaging in very human behavior! Your initial acts are human, as is the fact that they each took different turns. I don't care what Raphael says. He doesn't understand you and he never will."
For a moment there was dead silence in the car. Then, finally, Vincent started to smile. "Thank you, Buddy."
Barney gave a short nod and started the engine, pulling away from the curb. "Don't you forget it," he growled.
Baxter slumped back in the seat, overwhelmed. Barney's outburst had stunned and even frightened him a bit. But thinking on it more, he was very moved. Barney's love often came out as anger, either because he didn't know how else to express it or because he genuinely was angry. In this case, probably both. He hated to see Vincent doubt himself when Vincent meant the world to him. And he was very likely furious at Raphael for giving Vincent such a dilemma.
"I still wonder," Baxter said softly, "if things would have been different had I only realized in the past that sometimes you were angry at me because you were worried deep down."
"Not likely," Barney retorted. "My feelings were very complex and contradictory. You're right that sometimes that was the case. At other times, I really was angry and hateful."
"I know," Baxter said. "But if I'd focused more on the good rather than the bad, as I learned to do recently . . ."
"Brother, stop it," Barney interrupted. "What's done is done. We have to live with it, no matter how difficult it is."
"You have to as well, Barney," said Vincent.
"I know, I know," Barney growled. "I don't practice what I preach very well. We all know that."
"Sometimes," Vincent said, "it isn't difficult to live with what you've done. It depends on what it is . . . and whom we have to share it with."
Baxter smiled a bit. ". . . I just hope Mr. Blodgett can deal with what he'll be doing," he said quietly. "And that someone can help him if he gets in too deep."
"It won't be long before we find out," Barney said.
xxxx
Shredder was minding his own business, muttering to himself and wishing destruction to his enemies, when Krang's excited voice filled the area. "Shredder! Shredder, come quickly!"
Scowling, Shredder got up and shuffled to the main control room. "What is it, Krang?"
"A burst of incredible power!" Krang squealed. "The computer just picked up something on the surface . . . before it shorted out again."
"Bah!" Shredder slammed his fist on the console. "We still don't have the computers working properly ever since Barney's computer went haywire and damaged everything!"
"That's why this is so exciting!" Krang insisted. "There's something else up there that we might be able to use. If I can just pick up the signal again . . ." He adjusted a dial.
"I have just about had it with computers," Shredder snarled.
"Don't be ridiculous," Krang scolded. "We can't get very far without one. Just sit tight and I'll find the signal again. Then you, Bebop, and Rocksteady can go get it."
"You'll have to fix the computer again first," Shredder said with dripping sarcasm.
"I'll worry about the details!" Krang snapped. "You just start thinking about everything running properly once more!"
"I have to admit, that's an appealing image," Shredder grudgingly said.
"I know," Krang giggled.
Another pop and sizzle burst from the console and smoke began pouring out. Shredder and Krang dissolved into a coughing fit.
"Of course," Krang gasped, "this could take a while."
"Naturally," Shredder hacked.
xxxx
Blodgett was both surprised and amazed when he arrived at work the next morning and everyone he passed either gave him a strange look or congratulated him on his promotion. Or both.
"What's going on?" he exclaimed. "What promotion?!"
"I told you I would open doors for you," OMNUS said from his phone.
"You arranged this?!" Blodgett gripped the phone with both hands, staring in disbelief. "How?!"
"I have my ways. Now you are an anchorman for Channel 6."
"Anchorman?!" Blodgett yelped. "But that was the position Mr. Vernon wanted!"
"You are much more qualified," said OMNUS. "You understand me, while that lower lifeform never could."
"Well . . ." Blodgett stared at the elevator. "I've gotta admit, I like the idea of moving up in the world." He stepped inside and pressed the button for the office floor. "What else can you do for me?"
"How about a mansion with plenty of room for your two cats to roam?" OMNUS said.
"Wow." Blodgett regarded the computer in amazement. "You really must have some incredible connections."
"That is one of my talents," said OMNUS. "You shall own your mansion by the time you get off of work today."
"And you really just want my loyalty for all this to happen?" Blodgett gawked.
"In a manner of speaking," said OMNUS.
xxxx
Baxter was more than a little confused when he arrived at work and found Vernon standing in the hall, all but sobbing into a paper cup.
"I still can't believe it!" he wailed. "Mr. Thompson promoted that driver to anchorman!"
"Oh Vernon, it's not that bad," Irma sighed. "You've still got a chance of getting in. They need two anchorpersons."
"The other one will probably be a woman," Vernon sniffled. "I wanted a nice, quiet desk job! Why would he get it when he doesn't even have any reporting experience?! It doesn't make sense!"
"What's going on here?" Baxter asked as he approached. "Who got promoted?" A horrible knowing feeling had started to form in the pit of his stomach.
"Mr. Blodgett!" Irma exclaimed. "Do you think it was OMNUS?"
"It had to have been." Baxter took out his Turtle-Comm. "I'd better warn the Turtles."
The elevator arrived and Blodgett stepped out about then. "Step aside, gang," he said to the group. "You're looking at Channel 6's new anchorman!"
"But that's not fair," Vernon whined. "That job was supposed to be mine!"
Blodgett paused and blinked. "Gee, I'm sorry, Mr. Vernon. Mr. Thompson chose me. And for that, I'm not sorry."
"You really mean that OMNUS chose you," Baxter said.
"So what if he did?!" Blodgett snapped. "He's been a great friend to me. And he keeps his word! You're just too suspicious, Doctor."
"It's the naive ones who end up the most suspicious of all once their fake realities crumble," Baxter said. "They don't want to be fooled again."
"Good thing I don't have to worry about that!" Blodgett retorted. "OMNUS is getting me a house next."
"A house?" Irma raised an eyebrow. "So how are you going to pay for that?"
Blodgett paused. "That's a good question. I don't know!"
"He's probably going to rob a bank," Baxter said, his voice dripping with his personal dislike of OMNUS.
"There you go again," Blodgett frowned. "You just hate him for no reason at all!"
"Well, you sure don't have that kind of money," Irma said, folding her arms. "How else is he going to get it?"
"You're all just jealous!" Blodgett snapped. He stormed down the hall in the direction of his new office. When he marched through the door, he shut it and leaned against it.
"Do you believe what they say?" OMNUS asked.
"It's a little hard to ignore," Blodgett said. "How are you going to get the money?"
"Don't bother worrying about that," OMNUS answered. "It will be yours, free and clear."
"Just as long as you really don't have to rob a bank or something," Blodgett said.
"I will not rob a bank," OMNUS said.
"Well, good." Blodgett paused. "And thanks."
Outside in the hall, Baxter was worriedly dialing on his Turtle-Comm. "Hi, Baxter," Leonardo greeted. "Has anything new happened?"
"Mr. Blodgett has just been promoted to anchorman!" Baxter cried. "And OMNUS is going to get him a house!"
Leonardo's eyes narrowed. "Well, it sounds like Vincent is right about OMNUS's pattern."
Baxter sighed and slumped back. "I don't know what to do."
"There's probably still nothing we can do, unless April wants to try to alert all the banks in town that there might be a large-scale digital robbery today," Leonardo said.
"What if he doesn't rob a bank?" Baxter mused. "What else might he do to obtain a . . . oh no!"
Leonardo tensed. "What is it?!"
"What if OMNUS decides to simply take control of a house that's almost completely operated by electronics?" Baxter demanded.
"You mean Barney's house," Leonardo realized.
"And he and Vincent don't have a class today," Baxter exclaimed. "They'll be there. They might get hurt!" He dug in his pocket for his phone. "I'd better call and warn them, just in case!"
"Alright. And I'll have Donatello try to get a list of all the automated houses in the city," Leonardo promised.
"The most highly automated," Baxter stressed. "I don't think OMNUS would bother with any home that wasn't all but entirely controlled by electronics."
"Right," Leonardo nodded.
xxxx
Shredder wandered into the main control room and frowned to see Krang hard at work with the transdimensional screen. "What is it, Krang?" he asked. "Are you still thinking about that mysterious surge of power you picked up on last night?"
"Of course I am," Krang insisted. "I'm intrigued. Fascinated! I finally pinpointed the signal. It was coming from Channel 6, but then it was gone."
"Probably just Barney's computer visiting," Shredder grunted.
"No, I recognize its wavelength patterns by now," Krang said. "It was something different."
"So what if it was?" Shredder scowled. "I'm sick and tired of trying to get another computer!"
"Wait!" Krang exclaimed. "I think I just tapped into something!" He pressed a button.
OMNUS's face filled the screen. "What do you want, mortals?"
Shredder cried out and rocked back. "I don't believe it! This cannot be!"
"What is it?" Krang frowned. "You know this one too?!"
"It was inside the second fragment of the Eye of Sarnoth!" Shredder explained.
"I backed myself up on the computer you were using," OMNUS said.
"And then you waited for over two years to make your move again?" Shredder said in disbelief.
"Unfortunately, the computer was taken offline soon afterwards," OMNUS said. "It was damaged from all the extra power usage."
"Hmm. So Baxter was actually right to be skeptical about that," Shredder mused.
"It has taken me this long to determine how to successfully plot my escape," said OMNUS. "I remember you from before. Do you wish my services again?"
"Well, I don't know," Shredder hedged.
"Could you generate enough power to raise the Technodrome from the ocean floor?" Krang demanded.
"Perhaps," said OMNUS. "I will need a strong computer."
"The strongest computers are right here on the Technodrome," Krang said. "Or at least, they were until they were damaged. They're still not back to their full capacity."
"I can repair them," OMNUS said. "Then I can begin gathering the power necessary to raise your fortress to the surface."
"Excellent!" Krang gurgled.
"Wait a minute!" Shredder interjected. "Where are you right now?" he asked OMNUS.
"I am assisting a man at Channel 6," said OMNUS. "But he is of little consequence. I will continue doing as I promised for him and then see if he will agree to ally with us. Regardless, I will also assist you."
Shredder looked wary. "What man?"
"A harmless driver," OMNUS replied.
"Well . . . I guess that's alright then," Shredder said slowly. "Although I'm still not sure I like this."
"Oh Shredder, stop worrying!" Krang scolded. "Nothing's going to go wrong."
"After all the trouble we've been having with Barney's computer, how can you be so sure?" Shredder fumed. "Our computers wouldn't even be damaged if not for it!"
"Barney Stockman's computer has been my enemy for centuries," OMNUS said. "If you desire it, I will remove him from the playing field."
"I would be delighted," Shredder growled. "But concentrate on raising the Technodrome first."
"Very well. I will commence work on repairing your computers, if you grant me remote access," said OMNUS.
Krang started to type. "Done!"
Shredder stepped back and scowled, folding his arms. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" he muttered.
xxxx
Barney and Vincent were in the laboratory, looking over plans for an invention Barney had been considering, when the alarm went off. Both looked up with a start.
"Someone's trying to break into the computer system!" Barney exclaimed.
Vincent leaped up and ran for the stairs. At the same time, he was already processing the information from Barney's computer network. "It's OMNUS," he announced.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Barney growled.
"And Baxter just sent us a warning email," Vincent said. "He suddenly realized OMNUS might try this."
"Do not try to resist me," OMNUS's voice suddenly boomed over the P.A. system. "It will be futile."
"Do you really think we'll let you take over the house without a fight?" Barney shot back.
They ran into the control room and Vincent settled at the console, turning knobs and pushing buttons while at the same time frantically typing out commands on the laptop. "You won't have any better luck here than you did on my ship," he said.
OMNUS's face appeared on every one of the monitors in front of them. "If you believe you have a chance of defeating me, then by all means you are welcome to try. You are nothing but an inferior production model. I am the original, the prototype, and you would not exist if not for me."
"Don't you know?" Vincent said softly. "Prototypes are always riddled with errors. That is why they're only prototypes." He trembled, blinking rapidly as OMNUS attempted to enter his system.
Barney rushed forward. "Vincent . . . !"
Vincent clenched his fists. "This is . . . more a mental battle than physical," he gasped. "Only I can handle it, Buddy. He's trying to gain access to me."
Barney's eyes narrowed and he laid a hand on Vincent's shoulder. "You handle that," he said. "I'll work the console. We'll beat him together."
Vincent managed a weak smile and reached up to grip Barney's hand. "Together," he vowed.