Chapter 7: Daring Rescue Mission

'The team has out run two angry mobs and Motherboard has been deleted from Control Central. Things are looking pretty grim for Cyberspace and could get worse unless Terra-byte is stopped!'

Control Central

The gang now returns to control central, docking the cyber coupe in the bay. Jumping out, everyone rushes to the main room where they notice Dr. Marbles at Motherboard's control panel typing away. The main computer screen that Motherboard is typically on now is full of static.

"This reboot is worthless." Dr. Marbles says, hanging his head down in defeat. "Motherboard is gone, this time for good."

"We got your transmission and headed back as soon as we could." Matt speaks up getting the Dr.'s attention. "Tell us that Terra-byte's virus didn't completely destroy motherboard."

"I'm afraid so." Dr. Marbles replies, overcome by sadness. "The virus that he sent was too powerful to counter. Even her firewall and antivirus software couldn't stop it. I have tried rebooting motherboard's systems several times and each time, they crashed. The virus has worked its way too far deep into the executable files in motherboard's programming, not allowing me to save any of them or what's left of her programming. At least when Hacker took over cyberspace for the time that he did, he just over rode Motherboard's programming, not deleting her all together. Let's face it, Terra-byte has won."

"Say it isn't so doc!" Digit cries. "This can't be the end!"

"Is there a way to track the virus's origin?" Inez asks, doing her best to remain calm. "If Terra-byte sent the virus to motherboard, he had a clear cut pathway straight to her systems."

"I'm glad that you mentioned that Inez." Dr. Marbles says as he walks over to the left monitor and types in a command. "While I was trying to fend off the virus, I was able to track the IP address in which the infection streamed from. The IP address is 267.3482. That infection was streamed from Jackie's SKWAK pad. In finding that out, I was able to go a step further and track Jackie's SKWAK pad's IP address from a Cyber network known as cyber site 286KGS, otherwise known as control central's sister network, Central Control."

"If the virus was streamed from that site and from Jackie's SKWAK pad, then that's where we'll find Jackie with Terra-byte." Slide says with happiness in his voice.

"Wait, time out." Matt begins. "If that cyber network is a part of control central, how come you nor motherboard weren't able to detect it before now?

"Because that cyber network has the ability to hide its location even on a map, which also includes hiding any radio and transmission signals that streams directly from there, while here, we're not so lucky." Dr. Marbles answers. "Besides, Central Control really wasn't functional at the time of its creation and wasn't really considered apart of control central, so I nor Motherboard really considered it to be a connection to us in any way, but now that we know it is functional, Terra-byte has found a way to use it as his own hide out, knowing that the site has the capability to hide its location."

"But he didn't really keep the location a secret if you were able to detect Jackie's SKWAK pad's address." Inez adds in.

"Right you are Inez." Dr. Marbles continues. "The site may be able to hide any signals coming from the site itself, but the SKWAK pad IP address/signals can be picked up from anywhere due to its universal programming. Terra-byte wasn't thinking when he used Jackie's pad to send the infection to Motherboard. He knows that the pad has a connection to Motherboard, but wasn't thinking about who or what could detect the IP address once he sent the virus so he risked it."

"Now that we know where Terra-byte is hiding, there is no reason for us to stand around here feeling sorry for ourselves." Slider says with encouragement. "Let's go rescue my Jackie, I mean our Jackie!"

"Slider's right." Matt agrees. "Cybersquad, let's move out!"

Everyone's mini victory is cut short when a sudden blast knocks them off of their feet and to the ground.

"What was that?" Future Matt asks as he props himself up on his left arm.

"Does that answer your question?" Wicked answers, pointing to the dome windows above.

Everyone looks up to see the citizens of Mount Olympus, Frog Snorts and many other cyber citizens from other sites. Matt has never seen Shari Spotter that angry before. As a matter of fact, no one really has.

"You thought that you could run without the almighty god of Olympus finding you?" Zeus roars as he throws another lightning bolt at the dome. "Fools!"

The bolt strikes the dome, making a small crack in one of its windows.

"What are they doing here?!" Slider asks, becoming frustrated with the frequent attacks. "And attacking us here I might add?! Wasn't it enough that they nearly killed us on Mount Olympus and Happily Ever After?!"

Dr. Marbles' explanation about their SKWAK pads' ability to give off a signal does a rewind in Inez's mind. Noticing the green light blinking on Matt's SKWAK pad, she brings hers into view and notices the same green light blinking on hers.

"Our SKWAK pads." Inez speaks up, answering Slider's question. "Our SKWAK pads are giving off a signal that allowed them to follow us back here."

"How so?" Future Matt asks in confusion.

"Do you remember how Dr. Marbles was able to locate the location of Terra-byte's hideout using Jackie's SKWAK pad's IP address?" Inez begins. "That's how the cyber citizens were able to follow us back here and that would also explain those attacks we experienced back on Mount Olympus and Happily Ever After. Terra-byte must have been picked up on our pads' signals and were able to track our every move. Since he'd know where we would be, he was able to turn the citizens of cyberspace against us. If we turn off our SKWAK's, then he will lose our location and will no longer be able to track us. We can go undetected and unseen when we go to rescue Jackie. So turn off your SKWAK pads so he will lose us." (You go Nezzie!)

Everyone does just that.

"So everyone was brain washed!" Slider says. "I knew it!"

"Will you quit it with the brain washing already?!" Matt says with irritation.

"So what are we going to do about them Doc?" Future Matt asks Dr. Marbles.

Before Dr. Marbles is able to answer, another blast hits control central, which came from Shari.

"Matthew, you are to come out here and face me at once or are you a coward?!" Shari challenges.

"Man, talk about a fatal attraction." Slider jokes.

"She is talking about you right?" Future Matt asks his present self. "Because I have never seen that girl before in my life."

"Sadly, yes." Matt answers with a sigh.

"Don't worry about them." Dr. Marbles says to the group. "I'll deal with the cyber citizens while you kids are to go to central control and rescue Jackie."

"But we can't just leave you here." Inez says. "This whole place is under attack, you'll never make it."

"Yes he will because I will stay behind with him while you guys go get Jackie." Digit speaks up.

"Digit, are you sure?" Matt asks. "We are a team and it wouldn't be right if we left you two to deal with this angry mob by yourselves."

"I'm positive." Digit answers. "You guys go on ahead without us. We will handle things here."

"But.." Inez begins.

"GO!" Digit demands.

Without an argument, the kids, Wicked, and Future Matt head for the coupe and boards the cyber vehicle. They make their escape complication free as Matt sets the co-ordinates for Control Central's sister network, Central Control.

Terra-Byte's Control Central

Having sent the virus to Motherboard, Terra-byte unplugs Jackie's SKWAK pad from the control panel.

"I did what Hacker thought was impossible." Terra-byte says, being extremely pleased with himself. "It was as easy as taking a hard drive from a new CPU unit."

A disc now ejects from the control panel's disk drive. Noticing this, Terra-byte removes the disk.

"I don't know why this override disk was created." Terra-byte says. "I have no intentions of using it, especially not to bring Motherboard back!"

Setting the disk to aside, Terra-byte stands and leaves the control room. Entering the main room, Terra-byte notices an exhausted Jackie along with Buzz and Delete, who are sitting at the main room's computer.

"Congratulate me." Terra-byte speaks, getting everyone's attention. "Motherboard is no more and I am now the official ruler of Cyberspace!"

"If this is your idea of a sick joke, I'm not impressed!" Jackie snaps, extreme anger entering her tone.

"I take my accomplishments very seriously and never joke about them my dear." Terra-byte replies with a grin. "I mean what I said and that means your precious Motherboard is no more!"

Getting to her feet, Jackie begins fighting against her bonds once again.

"You monster!" Jackie growls. "You will never get away with this!"

"Correction, I already have gotten away with it and the even sweeter part about all of this is that there is nothing that you or your little friends can do about it." Terra-byte gloats. "Buzz! Delete! Take her to the holding room. I want no interruptions as I have Cyberspace to conquer!"

Buzz and Delete do as their told and escorts Jackie out of the main room.

"Just play along." Delete whispers to Jackie as he and Buzz begin escorting her to the holding room.

"What?" Jackie questions in confusion.

"We'll explain everything in a moment." Buzz replies in a whisper.

"Wait, what is going on?" Jackie questions once more.

Entering a narrow hallway, the three travels a short distance and now reach the holding room.

"Do you two want to tell me what it is I am playing along with?" Jackie asks.

"We're going to bust you out." Delete simply states. "Me and Buzzy can't let you stay here to keep enduring what Terra-byte is putting you through."

"But we haven't figured out a way yet as to how we are going to get you out." Buzz says. "We're still working on it."

"Once we figure out a way to contact your friends, then we'll make our way back here and fill you in." Delete informs her.

"Something about the two of you wanting to help doesn't seem right." Jackie says, eyeing the two suspiciously. "How do I know that once you come up with this little plan of yours that you won't turn me back over to Terra-byte?"

"You have to trust us." Buzz pleads to Jackie. "You have our word that we are going to bust you out, but for now, you have to play along with believing that we are still on Terra-byte's side."

Continuing to eye the two robots, Jackie notices a look of sincerity on their metal faces.

"Alright, but if this plan of your turns out like I think it might, I'll turn you into scrap metal myself." Jackie warns the two.

"You have our word that it won't." Buzz says as he opens the door to the holding room. "Once we think of something, we'll be back to get you."

Jackie nods as she walks into the room. Delete closes the door behind her as the two robot walk off.

Jackie still can't register the thought of Buzz and Delete wanting to help her out. These were the same two robots who heartless captured her right in front of her friends and turned her over to a ruthless cyborg and now they want to help her out? What about all of this doesn't make sense?

Taking a seat on the bench in the room, Jackie hangs her head down as sadness comes over her, thinking about what Terra-byte said about Motherboard being gone for good.

"I just can't believe it." Jackie says to herself, trying to fight back the oncoming tears. "Motherboard is gone for good and Terra-byte is going to take over cyberspace and enslave everyone. Cyberspace is done for."

"A soul as beautiful as yours should never shed a tear." A familiar voice says from behind Jackie.

Hearing the voice, Jackie turns around and spots Slider in the window. Her expression instantly brightens.

"I thought I'd never see any of you ever again!" Jackie says with overwhelming happiness. "Especially you."

"I never gave up worrying about your safety and I couldn't rest until I knew that you were unharmed." Slider says with a smile.

Jackie nods as she sheds a few tears, tears of joy.

"Now stand back, I'm busting you out." Slider instructs.

Jackie does just that and moves away from the window. Taking a pen like device out of his sweat shirt pocket, Slider presses the button on the top of it, which in turn, produces a laser. Pointing it towards the window frame, Slider begins burning the bars in the shape of the window frame. Now burning the last bar, he knocks in the bars. Slider climbs in the window and immediately embraces Jackie in a hug.

"With each passing moment, you were on my mind and I couldn't rest until I knew that you were alright." Slider whispers, continuing to embrace Jackie. "Now that I know that you are ok, I can rest easy knowing that you will soon be back with everyone, back with me."

Releasing Jackie from his embrace, Slider catches with Jackie's gaze.

"You're with me now and that's all that matters." Slider continues.

"I'm glad to be back with you." Jackie replies.

With their gazes locked, Slider leans in and kisses Jackie, planting one right on her lips. Breaking the kiss, Slider catches with Jackie's gaze again.

"I don't want to see you sad again." Slider gently speaks to Jackie with a smile.

"As long as I am with you, I won't have a reason to be." Jackie replies, returning the smile.

"Now that I know you're safe, I have a lot to fill you in on." Slider says to Jackie.

"Before you go on, can you give me a hand?" Jackie asks as she turns around, showing Slider the bonds that are holding her wrists together. Slider undoes the bonds as Jackie begins rubbing her wrists.

"Ok, what did you want to tell me?" Jackie questions.

"Terra-byte sent Motherboard a virus that completely wiped her out." Slider explains.

"I know, Terra-byte announced it." Jackie replies, feeling herself become overwhelmed with sadness once more.

"Dr. Marbles was doing everything he could to reboot her, but nothing was working." Slider continues. "The virus was a powerful one and it seems like Terra-byte got what he wanted."

"Maybe not." Jackie says, a thought suddenly hitting her. "I overheard Terra-byte mention an override disk, just before he came into the main room. It has to be related to the virus he sent Motherboard and if we can get a hold of that, then there is a chance that we can bring her back. The disk is in the control room."

"Then we're going to get that disk and bring back the rightful ruler of Cyberspace." Slider says with determination.

Pulling out the pen device, Slider uses the laser to burn a hole in the door knob's lock. The knob falls off as the door creeks open.

"Ladies first." Slider motions.

"Wait, where are the others?" Jackie questions.

"Outside with Wicked Witch." Slider answers. "They're waiting for me to give them the signal. When I do, they will meet us out front to ensure that we get out safe, even if it means taking Terra-byte head on."

"Why is Wicked with you guys?" Jackie asks once more.

"It's a long story." Slider answers. "Motherboard said that she'd be a big help to us."

"Ok, fill me in on that later, but for right now follow me." Jackie instructs. "I know where the control room is."

The two begins making their way down the hall towards the control room. Now reaching the end of the narrow hallway, Jackie and Slider look ahead to see Buzz, Delete and Terra-byte in the main room with their backs turned and their attention focused on the main computer. Tip-toeing past them, Jackie and Slider make their way into the control room safely. The two begin looking around for the override disk.

"If I were an override disk, where would I be?" Slider asks, continuing his search.

Jackie continues her search and now spots a disk laying face up on the room's control panel.

"I found the disk Slider." Jackie informs the teen borg, grabbing the disk.

"And I found your SKWAK pad." Slider announces, with good news of his own as he makes his way over to Jackie.

"Good job Slider." Jackie congratulates him. "Now signal the others so we can get out of here."

Pulling out his SKWAK, Slider establishes a connection to Matt's pad and hits the number two key.

Outside of Central Control, Matt has received the signal and motions for everyone to follow him in. Entering, Matt and the others make their way down the hallway leading to the main room. Reaching the hallway's end, the main room's doorway, everyone stops short, making sure that they aren't spotted. Peeking out from the control room, Jackie spots Matt and the others across the way.

"They're here." Jackie whispers to Slider. "How are we going to get past Terra-byte so we can make an escape?"

"I have an idea." Slider whispers back. "Just follow my lead."

Before Slider is able to execute his plan, Buzz and Delete now enter the control room and spots Slider with Jackie. Slider eyes the two robots angrily.

"What do you two want?" Slider hisses. "And just so we're clear, Jackie is leaving here with me and don't try to stop us!"

"It's ok Slider, they have been trying to help me bust out of here." Jackie informs slider. "What's up guys?"

"We were coming in here to try to contact your friends, but I guess we don't have to now." Delete replies. "How were you able to contact them?"

"She didn't." Slider sternly speaks, answering delete's question. "We were told where to find Terra-byte."

"Is there a way that we can escape without Terra-byte discovering us?" Jackie asks the two robots.

"Yes there is." Buzz answers. "There is a trap door in the hallway leading to the holding room that leads to the outside. There is a series of ducts that you have to travel through first, but it will get you to the outside safely."

"Great, that's a lot of help." Slider says. "Just let me contact the others, telling them about the change of plans."

"Ok, but hurry before Terra-byte finds us." Delete panics.

Just as Slider is about to contact Matt, Terra-byte enters the control room, giving the kids and the two robots his famous fear inducing glare.

"You might want to rethink your next move you insulate brat!" Terra-byte warns.

Slider narrows his eyes at Terra-byte as he places Jackie behind him.

Matt and the others are watching what is going on, seeing their plan fall apart right in front of them.

"They've been caught!" Inez whispers in a panic. "Now what are we going to do?!"

"Stay here." Wicked orders. "I have a plan."

Taking out another wand, Wicked proceeds into the main room.

"You made a big mistake by stepping foot on my grounds boy!" Terra-byte sternly speaks to Slider. "And as for you two, you will pay for your betrayal!"

"They were doing the right thing by trying to get Jackie away from you." Slider counters. "They are on our side now. So, who is on yours?"

Terra-byte growls as he raises his right hand to Slider.

"You will wish you were never born brat!" Terra-byte roars as his hand begins to glow.

"Still picking on those smaller then you Terra-byte?" Wicked's voice booms out. "You haven't changed one bit!"

Hearing her voice, Terra-byte turns around to see Wicked Witch with her arms folded. Buzz and Delete now run behind Jackie, not wanting to be caught in the cross fire between the two.

"Wicked?" Terra-byte asks in disbelief.

"What's wrong Terra-byte? Don't remember the one that you dumped at the R-Fair City Halloween party some years back?" Wicked asks. "You maybe a cyborg, but even your memory isn't that scrapped!"

"Wicked?" Terra-byte asks again, not believe that the witch is standing in front of him.

"Is there an echo in the room Terra-byte?" Wicked snaps. "We've already established that it's me, Wicked Witch."

While Wicked has Terra-byte's attention, Slider takes Jackie's hand and makes a clean escape. Safely reaching the others, Inez embraces Jackie in a hug.

"I'm so glad you're back with us Jackie." Inez says with glee as she continues hugging her best friend.

"I'm glad to be back with you guys as well." Jackie replies, returning the hug.

"Wicked, we have what we came for, we can go." Slider calls out to Wicked.

"Go on without me." Wicked replies to Slider, not taking her eyes off of Terra-byte. "I have an old score to settle. I'll meet you all back at control central."

"What makes you think that you will be the one settling the score?" Terra-byte challenges.

"Because I'm the Wicked Witch!" Wicked replies as she wields her wand. "I never lose!"

"And we will see to it that you don't lose." Delete says as he and Buzz pair up with Wicked.

"You traitors!" Terra-byte yells.

"Looks like you're out numbered Terra-byte." Wicked states. "So, still thinking that I won't be the one to settle the score?"

"I think we better make a break for it." Future Matt suggests. "Something tells me that this is about to get nasty."

"Agreed." Jackie agrees. "Let's go."

The group makes tracks to the coupe. Reaching it, everyone climbs in and takes off, leaving Wicked to settle her score with Terra-byte.

Wicked and Terra-byte are exchanging evil glares. The tension between them is so thick, that you can cut it with a knife.

Control Central

The dome of control central has undergone significant damage, but has not cracked thoroughly. Digit and Widget has been trying to hold off the angry crowd as much as possible while Dr. Marbles has been put in the sick bay. Zeus throws another lightning bolt towards the dome. The bolt impacts the dome, making the tiles in the ceiling fall. Widget flees, making sure that he is not hit by the falling tiles.

"Come on kids." Digit panics. "Where are ya? I don't know how much longer I can hold off this crowd."

The kids now arrive back at control central, parking the coupe. Jumping out, they make their way to the main room and upon entering, take notice of the amount of damage that has taken place in their absence.

"Looks like we made it back here just in time." Matt says, getting the cybird's attention.

"Easy for you to say." Digit replies. "You weren't here to deal with this crowd. Have you seen Shari spotter beyond angry? It aint pretty let me tell you!"

"I have the answers to all of our problems right here." Jackie says, pulling the override disk out of her skirt pocket.

"What's that?" Digit asks.

"It's the override disk that will reverse the virus that Terra-byte sent to Motherboard." Slider informs the confused cybird.

"That's the best piece good news that I've heard all day!" Digit replies, almost in tears. "You two get to work with recovering motherboard."

Jackie and Slider nod as they head over to Motherboard's main frame with Jackie popping in the disk.

"Where is Dr. Marbles Dig?" Inez inquires.

"He's in the sick bay." Digit answers. "All of this excitement was too much for him."

"I'll go check on him." Inez says.

"I'll go with you." Matt chimes in.

He and Inez now head off for the sick bay, leaving just Future Matt and Digit together.

"While those two check on Marbles and Jackie and Slider do what they can to bring back motherboard, you are going to help me fend off this crowd on the observation deck." Digit says to the time traveler. "Let's try to talk some sense into them."

"Sure thing Digit." Future agrees.

The time traveler and the cybird now head for the observation deck to try to calm the angry citizens of Cyberspace.

A/N: Ok end of chapter 7 and yes, I know it was long, but yet, hoped you all liked it all the same. I said that this chapter would reveal a lot about the story until this point. So now you know. Anyway, no flames and if anything is confusing, please let me know and I will fix it in the editing. Chapter 8 will be out next week as planned. We're almost to the end of the fic. Sad? I know, but it's not over yet, so enjoy. If nothing else, review please.

Please Review!