Chapter 2

A glance at Cabe's stoic face when he arrived at the garage that morning was all Walter needed to know: Homeland had taken the decision he has been anticipating since Scorpion's implosion. Scorpion 2.0 wasn't a government contractor anymore. It wasn't really a surprise but he braced himself anyway to hear what the agent had to say.

- "I'm sorry, Son, those idiots decided that we were finished. It seems that we're not a team of geniuses anymore…

- They're right, you know. One genius and two normal humans doesn't constitute a team of geniuses.

- If you say so… But there's more … They want me to try and see if Team Centipede would consider working for Homeland, for a smaller fee, of course. I'd like to tell them to go to hell but…

- You need your job… I understand. You're not supposed to pay for my mistakes.

- You're not the only one to blame in that mess and if you don't want me to go, I'll find a way…

- No, do what you're asked. I'll be fine.

- Son, I'm so sorry. I wish there was another way…

- Well, we both know there isn't. Wishing that's things were different is a waste of time. When are you meeting with Centipede?

- I figured that I'll go there now. I was supposed to go and see them just after my meeting with Carson but I had to tell you in person.

- I appreciate that…"

With those words, Walter turned his attention back to his computer screen, typing a few lines of code. He looked deadly calm, as emotionless as a statue and the Homeland agent didn't like that at all. Since Paige's departure, Walter had slowly grown more withdrawn, immersing himself in his work. During jobs he didn't take the time to explain his reasoning anymore, he simply dictated a few orders, expecting that Florence and Cabe would follow his lead without question. With clients, he was also returning to his old habits, and they had lost a few contracts due to Walter's arrogance and high handed manners. The agent cleared his throat:

- "Well… I'll be seeing you, I guess…

- About that… I.. I'd prefer if you were not to come back." The genius looked at his mentor and added in a rush "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid it would be to painful. Knowing that you'll be seeing them everyday, when I'm not allowed to… I mi-miss them so much, Cabe, I didn't know you could miss someone that much. I will miss you too, a-a lot, obviously, but..." The Homeland agent had to acknowledge that he had been wrong : the genius wasn't impassive at all. The eyes that were fixing the older man face were incredibly sad and suspiciously bright. Cabe put a comforting hand on the younger man shoulder.

- "I know, Son, I know… Don't worry, I understand. I'll gather my things, then, and be on my way."

Moving with military efficiency, the agent made short work of assembling the few items he had in the garage and he was storing them in a cardboard box when a cheerful Florence, carrying a beaker full of a greenish liquid, came through the door. She walked past the agent, directly to Walter's desk and declared triumphantly:

- "I've got it this time! This compound is exactly what you asked for! It will react with the lead of the pipe, producing a green smoke and allowing us to find the leak without digging..." She then seemed to notice the Homeland handler and his cardboard box. "Are you spring cleaning, Cabe? It's true that this place could do with a good tidying up."

The agent answered gruffly "I'm not tidying up, I'm leaving. Homeland is sending me on another assignment."He then turned to Walter who stood up, opening one drawer of his desk and picking an envelope from it. "Good Bye, then! Take care;

- Good Bye, Cabe. I've already said that… but it has really been a pleasure to work with you..." He handed the agent the envelope "Here you are and, please, Cabe..." He trailed off, unsure how to finish his sentence. The older man nodded and suddenly drawn the genius in a quick hug. "I will, Son, I promise I will..." The agent then turned, picked up his box and, with a nod in Florence direction, he was gone.

Shocked, the chemist looked at Walter who was already seating back in his chair. "Well, what was that about ?"

- He told you. He has been reassigned. To Centipede. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to be alone. We'll discuss the future of Scorpion 2.0 later." As the chemist was heading to the door, he added as an afterthought "Have a good day", in the same mechanic voice, before burying his face in his hands.

Cabe arrived at Centipede's headquarters, a former recording studio to find Paige alone. Before he had time to explain his presence, she invited him to follow her in the meeting room. On their way to the room, she explained to the agent that this room used to be the "live room" of the studio. By the door of the room, on a table was a plastic box. Paige put her phone in the box and asked Cabe to do the same with his. She explained "This room is soundproof and no phones or electronic devices are allowed in it. That way we're sure no-one, even a genius, will be able to spy on us and steal our clients"

- "You know that Walter would never do that!

- He might not but other wouldn't be so considerate." She closed the door. "It's nice to see you. Why are you here ?

- Homeland would like to negotiate a contract with Centipede. You'll work for them the same way Scorpion used to.

- And Scorpion…?

-It's not a Government's contractor anymore. Carson thinks that's it's best to stick with the team with more geniuses. I'll be your handler. Obviously, you wouldn't be paid as much, but…" Astounded, the agent suddenly stopped speaking. Paige was looking at him, white with fury.

"So you abandoned him too. How could you? You were supposed to watch over him, to take care of him and you just go and leave him alone..." With every word, the ex-waitress was advancing toward him, fists closed and eyes shooting daggers and the ex- marine was slowly backing away.