Chapter Two: The Final Problem
-the Rainbow Parakeet's point of view
It appeared to be an ordinary day for the Yard. "Good morning Chelmy, Grosky," I said in greeting as two officers made their way to the archives. I was on my way to my office myself, where many documents demanded my attention. Dr. Winston had already gone ahead to the medic's office, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
Unfortunately, my musing took away from my ability to concentrate on the world around me. Preoccupied with my thoughts, I found myself walking into young Ellie, or Miss Durand, as she preferred to be called. "Pardon me, young lady," I said, nodding my head in apology.
"It's quite alright," she squeaked, teal eyes widening. She scurried off like a frightened field mouse. I watched her as she disappeared down the hall. Poor girl. She was quite the smart, outspoken young lady around others, but around me- well, she seemed nervous, to say the least. However, the girl was not really of any consequence to me. I continued my way down the hall.
"Holmespan." I turned to see Chief Eyre standing in the doorway to his office. He beckoned to me, than disappeared through the doorway. Ever obedient to my superiors, I followed him. The chief rarely wished to speak to me in private, and I was curious to see what this was all about.
"Close the door, Holmespan, than have a seat," said the chief as I entered his office. "I'd like a word with you."
"Yes, sir," I said. I sat down on one side of Chief Eyre's desk, opposite from the chief.
"As you may know, England is playing host to a visiting dignitary from Japan, one Myles Takahashi," Chief Eyre said, his voice a confidential whisper. "However, the young man hasn't shown up to any of his scheduled meetings or events. His embassy was worried about it, and, two days ago, asked us to look into the matter. Yesterday, we received a call from the terrorist group, Toxin. The group told us that they'd kidnapped the boy, and were holding him prisoner. They dared us to come send a rescue party, but they didn't tell us where he was being held. However, the call was traced to an old warehouse outside of town."
"Toxin, eh?" I mused. "That's the organization that uses a coiled serpent as it's symbol, correct?"
"That's right," nodded the chief. "As you'll remember, they were the ones who who attacked young Ellie's high school. After you disarmed the bomb, we searched the school for any further threats. That's when we found their 'calling card,' as it were: a small figurine, carved in the image of a coiled snake."
"What motive could Toxin have for kidnapping Mr. Takahashi?" I asked.
"It could possibly be some kind of religious dispute, though I believe it's unlikely," replied the chief. "I believe that it's much more likely that it could, in fact, be political. Toxin is known for its vigilance against environmentalism and robots with powerful A.I. Myles Takahashi is is a pivotal member of the Council in Metro City, and speaks with famous roboticists and scientists, such as Dr. Tenma, on a regular basis. It's all part of his job. My guess is that Toxin recognizes this, and plans to force Mr. Takahashi to use his influence in the Council to affect robticists and environmentalists the world over."
"Is that so?" I said to myself. This certainly was a great deal of information to receive at once. Of course, much of Chief Eyre's speech had been mere speculation. All the same, his words rang true. "What would you have me do, sir?"
"As a matter of fact," the chief began, leaning back in his chair, "I would like you to go rescue that young man. You are a man of many talents, and I believe that you can sneak into that warehouse without being seen. Once you're in there, grab the boy and dash! The Yard will deal with Toxin in the future."
"Yes sir, with pleasure," I said, rising from the chair.
"Just a moment, Holmespan," said the chief, raising his hand. "I expect it to be dangerous, and I want you to take every precaution. Take young Ellie with you. She can watch you do the job from afar, and she can call the Yard if things get out of hand."
"Certainly sir. I'll report back as soon as the job's done," I said, walking out of the office.
"Holmespan!"
I sighed. "Yes, sir?"
"Good luck, my boy."
"Thank you, sir."
I walked down the hall away from the chief's office, once again alone with my thoughts. I thought carefully about the mission ahead of me. This job, although dangerous, surely was nothing to worry about. After all, I already knew this organization's tricks. No doubt about it-this mission would surely be a success.
References:
Astro Boy(1980): The Man-made Solar Sphere