"I can't get into any of the files on Project Onyx."

I sighed at Drew's admission. There had to be something there. The more I thought about it the more it was driving me crazy. There had to be a reason why Renegade wanted me know about Project Onyx.

"Everything I've tried leads me back to Department Omega," Drew continued. "I don't' have that kind of security clearance."

"This is really getting to me," I said.

"What's the big deal though?" Drew asked. "You're awfully insistent that I find something. I know this isn't just because Sam mentioned it."

"Why do you always have to look deeper into everything?"

Drew snorted. "Big brother's prerogative."

"Don't even start pulling that card," I grumbled. "You don't have to remind me that you're older."

"And bigger, smarter, and--."

"Alright already," I cut him off. Drew laughed. "You pretty much raised me, Drew. I think I figured all of this out the night you caught me trying to sneak out."

"You're avoiding the subject. Don't think a trip down memory lane is gonna fool me Little Hawk."

I froze and my breath caught in my throat. Little Hawk. He called me Little Hawk just like Renegade did. "Drew, has anyone else ever called me Little Hawk?"

"Not that I can remember, why?"

I didn't really want to tell him about Renegade. I didn't want him to worry about me anymore than he already was. But after the last encounter I wasn't too sure Renegade was really a threat to me. Sure he pissed me off, but he didn't really go out of his way to try and hurt me.

"Drew I--um--I haven't been completely honest with you," I admitted. "Sam didn't say anything about Project Onyx."

"What?"

I then went on to tell him everything that had happened with Renegade. I told him everything Renegade had said and made sure to explain how he said it, especially the cryptic things. Drew listened quietly the whole time and I knew he was absorbing everything I was saying, picturing the scenarios in his mind and picking them apart. My older brother was really good at reading people and determining hidden motives.

"Zach," I jumped when he said my name, having been lost in my own thoughts. "I was visited by someone in black armor with a very simple message. All he said was Project Onyx holds the keys."

"What is this guy's obsession with Project Onyx?" I exclaimed in frustration. "And what does it have to do with us?"

"I don't know," Drew said quietly. "But I feel like I have to find out and not just because that guy has been bothering you about it. I have a feeling that there's a good reason why we should find out about it."

"I'm starting to wonder if I want to find out," I replied. "And I want to know how Sam knows Renegade. There's obvious hatred there."

"And Sam wouldn't tell either of us the truth," Drew mused.

"No, but…I know someone who might be able to find out. It'll probably take some time though."

"Just be careful Zach. People stand to be hurt if things go wrong."

"Trust me, I know."

xxxx

Working for Mr. Lee was a great thing. He provided me with money for necessities and gave me a great job. Testing all his awesome inventions was a dream job not to mention a blast. However, there was a really, really good reason why I didn't let my real last name be known. My father, Trevor Landon, was the CEO of Wingstar Inc. He oversaw the development of offensive and defensive weaponry. Most of his work was for the military, but he did commissions as well. And he was fiercely competitive with other technological corporations, but none more furiously than Lee Industries.

If Mr. Lee found out that one of Trevor Landon's sons was working for him I would be fired for sure. Mr. Lee would think I was just spying for my father. I was sure I would never be able to convince Mr. Lee otherwise. And I really couldn't afford to lose my job. That's why when he called us into his office and told us about the Prometheus Convention I almost panicked.

"The Prometheus Convention is an annual event to showcase exceptional inventions. Like every year I will be taking part and I would like you all to attend," Mr. Lee said. "With all the criminals that have been running loose I think it would be prudent to have extra security."

"Sure thing Mr. Lee," Axel agreed.

I tried desperately to control my adverse reaction, but something must have shown on my face because Shark shot me a curious look. "You okay, dude?"

"Course I am," I shot back quickly. "So when is the Convention?"

"In two days," Mr. Lee replied. He then looked at me. "Sam is welcome to attend as well."

I wanted to tell him how much of a mistake that would be. I wanted to tell him that if anyone was a danger to the secret of his inventions Sam was it, but I kept my mouth closed. Telling him about Sam would reveal me and I really didn't want that to happen. I was really beginning to get tired of all the lies and charades I had to keep going.

I was quiet the rest of the time Mr. Lee explained what was going to happen. I earned curious or worried looks from the rest of my teammates at my unusual silence. By the time we were excused I knew I was in for a major grilling. And I decided that I needed them on my side for what was coming. I needed my friends if I was going to face my father again.

"Okay Hawk, spill. You've been quiet since Mr. Lee mentioned the convention," Lioness said as soon as we were in the car.

I was quiet for a moment, trying to decide where to start. "Doesn't the name Landon sound familiar to you guys at all?"

"Nope," three voices answered instantly.

"King," I questioned.

My friend was quiet for a moment longer before he snapped his fingers. "Landon, Trevor Landon, the CEO of Wingstar Inc?"

"That's him."

"That's your father?" King asked in surprise.

"Unfortunately," I confirmed. "and he's going to be at the convention. He never, ever misses a chance to one-up Lee Industries."

"Wait, you're working for the rival of your father's business?" Axel asked.

I felt a squeeze on my shoulder and looked over at Shark. My friend gave me an encouraging smile. The look in his eyes spoke volumes. Trust them his eyes said. I knew he was right. It was time I trusted them with at least a little bit of the truth, at least where my mother and father were concerned.

"My father disowned me when I was fifteen. He threw me out of the house, literally, and gave legal guardianship to Drew," I told. No use sugar coating the truth. "I have no loyalty to that man."

"What about your mother?" Lioness asked, though she sounded as if she was in a little shock.

"She never really gave a damn. Besides, she wouldn't dare go against my father. No one in their right mind would," I replied. "He's always got hidden agendas in everything he does and his damn business means more to him than anything in the world. His family is more for appearance than anything else."

"Wait a minute, wait are you talking about the same parents who came to Christmas?" Axel asked, his concentration split between me and the road.

I ducked my head sheepishly and felt Shark squeeze my shoulder. "Those were actors."

"You paid actors to play your parents? Why? Why not tell us the truth?" Lioness asked. I could tell by the edge in her voice that she wasn't happy about being lied to and deceived.

"Because it would raise questions I wasn't prepared to answer," I admitted. "I wasn't sure how you all would react to the truth."

"You thought we'd be bothered by the fact that your parents disowned you?" King sounded mildly offended.

I sighed in frustration. Sometimes I wondered just how thick headed some of my teammates were. "No, I was more concerned with the why he disowned me."

"Because you're gay?"

At my shocked expression Lioness elbowed me in the side. "I told you that you didn't have to hide and I told you that we aren't as closed minded as you think."

"You're not as good of an actor either," Axel said in a voice filled with amusement. "We just let you keep your act going since it seemed like you needed it."

"You--I--How long have you all known this?" I stuttered.

"What, that you're gay? Kinda pieced it together by evidence. You try way, way too hard to get the girls. You seemed like you were trying to convince everyone else that you were straight," Lioness replied.

"As for the whole arrogant act, well, there have been moments of sincerity that showed who you really are," Shark spoke up.

I was torn from being grateful that my friends had bothered to look below the surface of that act I had put up and being annoyed that my acting wasn't as good as I thought. I let those thoughts go as my mind returned to my problem.

"The point of this whole story is that when we got to the Prometheus Convention my father is going to be there and there's no way I'll escape that place without him gleefully pointing out to Mr. Lee who I really am. I'm going to lose my job for sure," I explained. "And if my father doesn't blow it, Sam will." And he'll do it with a big innocent grin.

"You could pretend to be sick and not go," Shark suggested. "Not like there aren't enough of us for security."

"It doesn't matter, Sam will still go and whether I'm there or not he's going to reveal the truth to Mr. Lee," I replied. "There's no getting around it. If Sam goes I'm screwed."

Shark squeezed my shoulder again and I looked over at him only to see a big mischievous grin on his face. "Then maybe we should make sure Sam doesn't go."

"Or better yet, why don't you just ask Sam to avoid your father?" Lioness suggested. "I'm sure he would agree."

I wanted to tell her the truth right then and there, but I was sure that would ruin any chances of finding out what Sam was up to. I was pretty sure he wanted the Razorwing, probably for my father, but had to be sure. And that meant keeping three of my friends in the dark.

"I'll talk to him," I said with no real intention of doing so. "but I need to plan for the worst."

"Hawk, if Mr. Lee does fire you that doesn't mean you can't still live with us," Axel said, his eyes shifting to look at me through the rearview mirror. The other three nodded in agreement. "And we'll help you get another job if it comes to that."

"Whatever happens, dude, we'll be right by your side," Shark added.

"And since you're being so open right now, why don't you tell us about that green eyed stalker of yours," Lioness said.

Well, there was something I hadn't explained to Shark yet. All we talked about was my poor family life. I wasn't sure how to explain Renegade to them. I still wasn't sure where that guy stood. But Lioness had a point. I was being open and it wasn't like Renegade was some kind of dirty secret. Plus, I didn't particularly feel like facing him alone anymore. It felt too good to have the real support of my teammates. So I started from the first encounter, including how the night started with a rumble with Spydah and ended with me limping home.

"Why didn't you tell us about any of this?" Lioness asked. I could tell she was angry that I had kept something like that from her.

"I guess I got too used to keeping secrets," I replied. Time to see if my acting skills really suck. "Besides, I didn't want Sam to worry about me."

"I don't think Sam worries about anyone but himself," King muttered.

Lioness shot him a look. "Why would you say that? He's done nothing but be a supportive brother."

"Whatever you say," King shrugged it off. "I just know I don't trust the guy. No offense Hawk."

"None taken," I replied easily. "Sam has that effect on some people." With good reason.

Axel must have decided not to touch on the subject of my brother and focus on the two other problems. I smiled and relaxed. I felt like a big weight had been lifted from my chest. My most shameful secret had been revealed and despite my worries my friends had stuck by me. I still had one little secret to share with Axel, King, and Lioness but for that moment I was content to sit back and really be myself for a little while. I listened as they planned how to deal with whatever came our way and sighed happily. Who could ask for better friends?