Project Earthbound part 10

"The Mission,"

Ness sits on the couch of his hotel room with a slight frown on his face. He wasn't happy at the moment, and he was even unhappier about being unhappy when he shouldn't be. He was upset about things he couldn't control, but things like that shouldn't be new to him. The moment his powers awoken, control was an option he lost. In his younger years he had been so well adjusted with rolling with the punches life tended to throw. It was easy, but now, now it wasn't as easy. He hated to admit it, but some of his spirit has faded away over the years, the worst part is knowing why but not being able to do anything about it. He supposed that after introducing so much structure to his rather lofty lifestyle has left him rather stiff. He frowns at this realization, he has become the type of adult he really never wanted to be. Not to say he isn't happy with his life, but he's disappointed on how he handles his decisions now.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Paula asks leaning on her husband as if to reaffirm her existence next to him. Honestly, he had almost forgotten that Paula was next to him as they are watching a show on TV. He perks his ears a bit to hear that the kids were in the other room watching TV as well, rather loudly as he could hardly pick out words being said between the two of them.

"I've become a stiff," Ness groans.

"Well, whose fault is that?"

"I don't know, it ain't mine I know that much," Ness said with a half lidded stare toward the TV.

"Something big is going to happen, if what Jeff told us is true. I mean if it is true since he's discovered a way to lie straight to our faces now,"

"He's always been able to do that, but I think it was fair. Being the only non-psychic in a group of psychics meant he needed to come up with some ways to limit our influence over him,"

"Yeah, but he's never been this good at it before. Having a son…with PSI no less. That kid…I'm really worried about him Ness,"

"Why?" Ness questions looking at his wife.

"He's…so lost. Like he's struggling to come to grips with his life as is and I don't think Jeff will be enough to pull him out of this dark place he's trapped in," Paula looks at Ness. "It reminds me, a lot of how he was….but much worse," Ness looks at Paula a little wide eyed then blinking a few times. He had not really noticed how off Luke was, but obviously the kid was off. But he chalked it up for being adopted, exposed to a new environment, and from simply being Jeff's kid. To think though, that Luke might be actually depressed or even worse.

"What makes you say he's worse?" Ness asks.

"I think…" Paula pauses as if uncomfortable with her next statement. "I think he harms himself…" Ness blinks a few times at Paula unsure if he'd heard right. He lowers the volume on the TV to pay her full attention.

"What makes you think that?"

"Earlier…he went to the bathroom in such a rush. Then when he came out his forehead was bleeding. He said he fell…but the wound was much worse then what a simple fall could cause. Like someone smashed a baseball bat against his forehead. He was so calmed by it to, hardly even bothered with it. He…might be used to that kind of trauma which may be why his healing abilities are so good,"

"Paula, this is really serious if what you're saying is true. Are you sure?"

"I…poked in the bathroom later…the floor was smashed a slight bit. He hit that floor, and he hit it hard…"

"Do you think Jeff knows?" Ness asks. They both look at each other a few moments before both standing at the same time. They knew the answer to this question already. Jeff could be rather oblivious if he isn't looking for something specifically. Both adults exit the room in a rush ignoring the confused stares of their kids from the other room. They briskly walk down the hall then knock on the door. They wait a few moments before Paula knocks again louder. They both knew Jeff was in there, they could feel him inside, and sense his agitation. After a few moments Jeff answers the door with a half lidded stare.

"You two just can't seem to stay away can you?" Jeff questions.

"We need to talk to you about Luke," Ness says seriously. Jeff blanches and the two PSI users can read his feelings. Complete and utter fear over takes his heart, but he somehow manages to reign the emotion back as if realizing he let it slip. Both PSI users raise an eyebrow at Jeff.

"W-What about him?" Jeff responds. He couldn't let his emotions run wild, and just because those are the exact words he feared Ness saying the context may be different.

"Send Luke to our room so we can talk," Paula says.

"Well come on in, he's not here right now anyway,"

"What do you mean he isn't here!?" Paula exclaims.

"He does that, he tends to go off on his own for an hour or so. He only left ten minutes ago, so I'd imagine he'd be back before it gets too late,"

"How are you not concerned, Jeff that boy is out there, and could be causing himself all kinds of trouble?" Ness demands. Jeff looks at Ness confused but before answering gestures for them to enter his room before the conversation moves forward. Upon entering both PSI users turned heated looks at Jeff.

"Now what are you two talking about?"

"You both were just kidnapped hardly 24 hours ago, and you're letting him go off alone," Paula points out with a rather disapproving head shake.

"The sun is still up, I told him not to go too far, and I trust his judgment. He's never given me cause for concern before,"

Ness and Paula trade glances before Ness speaks, "Jeff…do you notice any faded injuries on Luke?" Jeff raises an eyebrow at the question but answers nonetheless.

"What kind of injuries?" Jeff asked rather confused since whatever injury they may've saw was probably already healed. They both seem a little stiff in responding possibly because they didn't know how to word what they wanted to say.

Ness gives it a try anyway, "Paula, earlier today, said Luke harmed himself. He smashed his forehead into the bathroom floor causing it to bleed," Jeff's shock was completely genuine at this news. "Paula thinks that…maybe the boy harms himself purposely when no one is around,"

"What?" Jeff questions feeling tension knot up his stomach as a slight panic works its way into his system. Luke couldn't possibly be self-inflicting injuries on himself could he? But then who would know, his healing factor coupled with his PSI healing skills make scarring impossible and he can't be killed. The levels of pain he can sustain are extremely high. However, shockingly enough he could believe it. He thought it was odd why the General scanned Luke with that device to see when his skin had been healed.

"Do you have any idea why he might do that?" Paula asks.

"I don't know," Jeff responds dryly rubbing his scalp. "Oh dear lord…how had I not noticed he was this upset?" Jeff looks at his friends as he lets out a sigh. "Thank you both for telling me this, when he gets back I'll talk with him about this,"

"I don't think confronting him upfront is the best way to do it Jeff,"

"If I don't say anything, then he never will," Jeff knew that for a fact. Confronting Luke is less desirable but would be the only way to get answers. Jeff again thanks his friends as he motions if he could have some time alone. Ness and Paula decide that they'd allow this time between the two and catch up with them tomorrow. Once they leave Jeff lets out a sigh then walks back over to the desk on the other side of the room. His laptop sat open with a headset sitting next to the computer. He slips on the headset then takes the computer off screen saver. It shows a live time feed of the outside of the streets of Summers. "Luke?"

"Yes sir, is everything alright?"

"It was only Ness and Paula,"

"Did something happen?" Luke asks with a slight hint of curiosity.

"I'll tell you about it when you get back," Jeff says with a slight hint of frustration. Luke doesn't respond as the feed stays on the streets.

"You haven't been spotted yet right?"

"No, I'm in camouflage mode at the moment,"

"Good, so where is the target now?"

"Still in the bar having a meeting with a man. It seems rather business oriented they're talking in a code that seems casual. I haven't quite cracked it yet,"

"What have they said so far?"

"The man is named Paul. I doubt that his actual name since he called the target out of name that we have on record but one of his aliases. Paul says, 'It is really great to finally catch up with again Samuel, it's no wonder we ended up in town at the same time' and the target responds, 'Yeah, but come on with such a big year approaching how could I not be in town. I'm sure all the big wigs will be here. You know anything about the event?' I'm guessing the intel of a deal going down is accurate,"

"Seems so, see if you can omit the superficial information and take note of certain phrases that may be repeated, also subtle gestures,"

"Understood," Luke responds staring into the bar. His hearing couldn't hear a word even if they weren't covered by his mask the sounds of the city would distort everything. He has become skilled in lip reading though allowing him to still keep up with the conversation. He had to learn especially when others would always be whispering around him or when he couldn't hear what people were saying which is rare. These things made him virtually able to listen on any conversation from practically multiple points of views. It was a very invaluable skill that he used to its full extent when on covert intel gathering. As he was asked to he started seeing if he could sift through the information to pick out what may be the true meaning behind their words. However, Luke did notice that his target Knowles was rather tense, as if on edge about something. His eyes kept glancing out the window as if expecting to see someone, though he must've not have shown his nervousness in his tone because his comrade seemed none the wiser. Knowles did mention something about 'retire from running his long distant races' as if he was some accountant which Luke knew obviously hinted at something important because Paul seemed rather shocked. After that it seemed Knowles could take no more of the conversation as Paul seemed trying to convince him to change his mind about the idea. "Target is on the move, methods of interrogation?"

"I'll leave it up to your imagination, you have free reign. But make sure to isolate the subject first,"

"Roger," Luke responds remaining in camouflage mode as he moves to follow Knowles. He was aware that camouflage was not invisibility so too much movement would attract attention. He moved only the necessary amount always keeping the subject within range. He notices that the target is moving toward a more sparsely populated portion of the city, possibly part of the night life scene that is usually rather dead during the day. Knowles suddenly takes a sharp turn down heading for the beach. Luke follows curious as Knowles casually strolls toward the more deserted part of the beach or as deserted a summer resort could be during this time of year. He stood in what is a beach of rock and boulders just off the shore. It was still rather early and most people tended to sleep in, the important thing though was that no one would be in the way.

"Whoever is following me, show yourself," Knowles states sternly with a slight growl in his throat. Luke was surprised, but not astounded. He had suspected that Knowles was aware of a presence he couldn't explain. The only way he could know is if he had PSI powers. It was the only signal Luke couldn't hide unless he switched his symbiont into Anti-PSI mode.

"Felix Knowles," Luke responds sharply as he drops his camouflage to reveal his position of standing on a rock right in front of Knowles. "Otherwise known as Spark,"

"So, you know who I am, what I look like, and I'm guessing I may've given away my little secret as well,"

"You're a natural born PSI user," Luke states observantly, he found it odd though seeing one this old. "The drug must enhance your abilities,"

"Why do you call it that, a drug, I like to think of it as a vitamin. Give strength to those who would be otherwise unable to defend themselves. So what if the decisions they make with them be poor, it is and will always be there decisions. I can guess who you are and who you work for," Spark frowns at Ghost with distaste. "Just as you have information channels so do I. I hear you're some trained PSI assassin who goes around trying to suppress the PSI Movement,"

"PSI Movement?" Ghost questions. "You mean, the illegal selling of dangerous narcotics that have killed just about every single person who doesn't get a constant dosage, and that is quickly turning into a pandemic, is that the movement you're talking about? If so, yes I am against that, but can you blame me?"

"You neglect to mention the good it has done too. Some are aware of the dangers the PSI Vitality Capsule gives, but choose to accept that wager. You call me Spark, why, because I sparked a civil war or two. Okay, but maybe you didn't realize the war was going to happen weather I intervened or not. Or maybe you didn't realize one side was being oppressed while the oppressor goes unpunished. With these powers the scale can finally be tipped for illustrating the strength of the weak, and revealing the weakness of the strong,"

"Very pretty words, what is the point you're trying to make to me?"

"As soon as I realized I was being followed I flipped this on," Spark reaches into his pocket to reveal a small black box with a blinking green light. "A scrambler, in tiny size, something I came across while trying to get my hands on some handy toys overseas. With this, your communicator should be out for a little while. So whoever monitors you, whoever you get your orders from won't hear this conversation. So speak freely,"

Luke had noted that Jeff had been unusually quieted. Though he doubts the scrambler would last much longer since he's sure Jeff would find some way around the scrambler or boost the strength of his signal, "Again, I ask, what is your point?"

"Is this what you want your existence to be. Going out to hunt your own kind?"

"Only the ones who don't use their powers right,"

"That's lie and you know it Ghost," Spark frowns only making the scar on his face stand out more. "We are to be used for the selfish purpose of humanity. The world is only upset because official government sources hadn't patented PSI powers themselves, lord knows they've spilt a lot of blood," Luke tilts his head at him. "Ah, I see I need to explain. Well Ghost, it's simple. You know those kids that saved the world a couple times a while back, well those guys are the most powerful people on the planet. If they wanted to destroy the world, who could stop them? That was always the question up in the air. Then when natural born PSI users began showing themselves in the world, well, that just wouldn't do. If the world leaders didn't take action, they'd have even more people who could grow up to be just as powerful as those Chosen guys. They needed to bite the bullet with them for a while, they were untouchable politically speaking, but all others were fair game,"

"Where are you getting this information from?"

"Ya think this scar came from a bad shaving accident," Spark says gesturing to his face. Ghost hardly reacts to this revelation but Spark presses on. "Many have died and they are using you to carry on the killing. Surely you can search your humanity and realize I am not your enemy little brother. You can have a place with those who see you just as another human being, not a monster,"

"Well…I'm afraid you're wrong Spark. I am a monster. I have no doubt what you're saying may have some truth in it, maybe all of it is true. But despite what you say, your group is human too. With or without PSI, you're all just humans in my eyes. Every single human is evil, humanity is evil. One evil human with powers and one evil human without them, it makes little difference to me. You all love the idea of winning a war, but hardly any of you have what it takes to fight it. The weak only become the oppressors until mass chaos ensues, those who are weak lack the qualities to know what strength really is, so they deserve what they get,"

Felix flinches at those words surprised, "Humanity is not perfect, but not everyone is misguided,"

"You're wrong, every human being on this planet is evil, its just delivered in different doses depending on the person. There is no good, humanity must be evil, because they created me," Suddenly black tendrils spring from his back to rise into the air. "And I exist to kill," Spark was quick to react as he quickly dodges Luke's opening assault of tendrils as he dives to the side. Felix points his hand to yell out a PK Flash. Luke quickly switches his tendril to their white form as the tendrils turn into flaps to try and contain the light. The explosion of power was contained surprising Spark but not making him surrender. He points his hand out to unleash a PSI Beam. Ghost jerks his torso out the path of the beam as he rushes forward toward his target. Ghost reaches behind his back to pull out his gun to open fire upon Felix.

"All this power and you rely on cheap toys?" He questions raising a PSI barrier as the psychic energy bullets bounce off and reflect back to Ghost. He dives behind a rock taking cover. Felix summons energy into his hands but is startled when the boulder Ghost uses for cover comes flying toward him. He quickly extends his hands out to blast the rock to pieces scattering debris and smoke all around him. Suddenly, his wrists are wrapped up in a synthetic like substance. His arms are pulled to the side to guide him toward for Ghost to deliver a crippling blow right into Felix's temple. Felix crashes to the ground motionless. Ghost stares down at the man then wraps his hands in his white symbiont. By the time the dust clears both Ghost and Felix are gone.

Felix's eyes open sharply as a crippling headache sets into his mind. He groans as he winces at the light pouring in through his eyes. He blinks a few times for recollection to set in until finally he can fully see where he is. He takes in the sharp smell to wince again as a foul odor assaults his nostrils. With the sound of dripping water in the background compounded with the smell he could make a good guess of where he is.

"Good, you're awake now," Ghost states stepping forward. Felix notices that Ghost is upside down, but that's impossible. It takes a moment to realize his vertical plane was now flipped. He stares at Ghost annoyed. "Your signal blocking device is quite interesting," Ghost says holding up the small black box and turning it over in his hand. He places the item in his vest pocket before turning his attention back to Felix.

"Who are you?"

"Someone who wants information, now tell me what I want to know,"

"Let me ask something first. Through all the information I've gathered on you, I hear you work alone. You never have any backup at all,"

"Don't need it,"

"I can see why, but is it because no one can keep up with you, or is it simply because what they see you as?" Ghost tilts his head. "You really don't understand do you?"

"I don't care about that, just give me information on where I can find the supplier for this PSI Vitality," Felix only grins at him unthreatened. Ghost clenches his fist as his jaw tightens in anger. "How could someone like you have a family?" The man seemed to give Ghost a startled look at this information.

"What are you talking about?"

"How can someone like you have a family!?" Ghost demands angrily. "You've caused unspeakable tragedies, instigated the murders and mass killings of hundreds. So how, can a monster like you have people that love you and care about you?"

"…Honestly…I think that myself sometimes," Felix admits rather stoically. Felix doesn't say anything clearly uncomfortable with the subject and not wanting to delve into it. He honestly was greatly disturbed that Ghost even knew the existence of his family. It is one of his most closely guarded secrets, there was a reason his name was so hard to figure out in the first place. Felix looked ready to deny their existence till Ghost pressed on.

"I saw your family vacationing here. They love you, I could sense it and I could see it. They cared for you, despite the atrocities you've caused. Weather they know of those things or not I don't know, but the fact that you can do the things you do and still have those who love you…." Ghost's claws sharpen as he holds them in front of the man's face. "It's like some fucken cosmic punchline!" Ghost then gently places his claws directly on Felix's skin, lightly so he could just feel the sharpness of the points. "But that's what'll make it hurt more if something were to happen to them,"

"YOU FUCKING-," Ghost applies slight pressure on his cheek but he still drew a little blood.

"I won't touch your family, as far as it goes with me, they are innocent of all this and I see no reason to bring them into it. I won't harm them, and as far as I know Spark doesn't have a family," the man is clearly startled by this tactic. "But understand," Ghost says bringing his face closer to Felix's. "If you don't talk, if you don't tell me what I want to hear. I will involve them. I will slice them open, one by one, and I will make you watch. I will reach into your mind and make you relive the memory over and over again," Ghost pauses allowing that information and allowing Felix's thoughts to run wild with that. He waits a few more moments before he asks his first question, starting off with something easy that he already knew the answer to. "The PSI Vitality Vitamin, we've learned a lot about it so far, but the science of it seems to escape us. How does it give people powers?"

"…"

"I shall ask again, how does it give people powers?"

"It doesn't give people powers, from what I'm told, human beings are naturally inclined to learn the ability of PSI," Spark speaks. This was information that Ghost was aware of that he learned from Jeff, but how others knew this information was a slight bit disturbing. "I couldn't tell you the details of how it's manufactured at all, but I do they mix in this type of radiation in the capsule that has the appearance of an element known as Mentonium," So that was the unknown element that was laced in the drug.

"Mentonium is not an element on the periodic table,"

"It isn't, apparently the source comes from outer space or something. Really hard to say how this thing is made, all I know is the ruler of Nefatria is the main supplier,"

"You realize this isn't just some arms smuggling, if the government of another country is involved then this consists as an act of war,"

"I'm already a war criminal in other countries, it's just business,"

"Of course, so Nefatria is involved as the manufacturers?"

"Not exactly, I mean everyone knows how dirty that country is, they sneeze in the wrong direction and the whole world comes down on them. But Nefatria has a pretty powerful military presence so it is discouraged to just take out the entire country since it's economy and citizens seem to be flourishing. So anything underhanded they'd have to do outside their borders,"

"I assume the partnership between Ravenland and Nefatria meets this goal,"

"Ravenland is an older and much larger country so they have more wealth possibility to contribute to the research of these powers. Despite what you may think they have actually been quite humane with the test from what I hear, not unlike the government you serve. The only one in this country who would know how to even give human beings PSI powers would be Jeff Andonuts but he's too self-righteous to pass out that information. The Ravenland monarch, King Leonardo Conti II, seems to have a thriving relationship with the monarch of Nefartia, whoever that is since information on them is so scarce, though I hear King Leonardo is only but a boy. Though the similarities between the countries serves as both still have absolute monarchs which has become all but outdated in this day in age, but honestly there are some pros with just having one person in charge,"

"When I want your political opinion I will be sure to ask for it," Ghost responds sharply. He takes in the information realizing that everything that they have so far has been confirmed. Ravenland and Nefartia are indeed both subjects of interest. However, this also means that what these countries are doing could be seen as a preemptive strike for war, and he knows Eagleland wouldn't want that. It would be a war of PSI users and that could easily destroy the planet, especially since the two opposing countries and patent the ability now. He can gather from what Spark has told him so far that the operation seems to be going well. These answer brought more questions. "Okay, so Ravenland is in cahoots with Nefartia, that's believable intel, after all other countries pretty much ostracized them and Nefartia is in the same boat too. Though I find it hard to understand, given the harsh policies both countries share, but why go to all this trouble? Why sell this on the black market when they could easily use it to beef up their armies?"

"A question you'll have to ask them, I'm the Arms Dealer remember. I only know how the product works and the history. Everything else is not my problem,"

"Fair enough,"

"If I had to guess though, probably to test it out, use other people as lab monkeys. If a person needs a constant dosage then there wouldn't be anyway they could constantly shift this stuff out fast enough. It's unstable,"

"Yes, that's right, that would be an extreme risk to take if you gave it to their men prematurely," Ghost realizes surprised that Felix was now starting to become more cooperative but figured the blood rushing to his head might be doing it. "Now, what of this convention that is happening, tonight I believe?"

Felix groans. "You know about that huh," Ghost was happy to see he gave up on trying to be deceitful or lie. Felix must've figured that he had no idea how strong Ghost was, so he probably assumed he was skilled in telepathy. Truthful Ghost was the only problem was he left his victims who he props in a near vegetable state because of the overwhelming power he unleashes unknowingly when he enters a person's mind. "Think you can cut me down, at least so my head doesn't explode," Ghost supposes he'd reward him for his cooperation. He slashes his binds to drop him to the floor. However he did not unbound his hands which Spark notes with an eye roll. "You've already proven I can't take you even on my best day,"

"And you'd never be able run far away enough fast enough that I can't catch you, but I don't want to tempt you," Ghost said plainly as he leans against a wall close to him. "Now the convention, what is it?"

"It's like…a little sampling of the new stuff, this time it should be perfect, supposedly. These guys are so eager to get it out there their holding a convention of Arms Dealers, I'm surprised everyone doesn't know about it they did everything but put it in the newspaper,"

"They don't care who knows at this point, it's not only a showcasing it's a challenge to the government. Where is this showcasing going to be at?" Ghost asks to which Felix could only shrug his shoulders while shaking his head.

"I don't know, no one knows, they just gave us a time. Tonight, 9:00 pm, and they gave us specific directions to not be outside at that time," Ghost holds up his arm to look at his watch, it read 5:56, so something was going to happen in about three hours and four minutes from now.

"That's it?"

"That's it," the man responds. Ghost nods. He reaches into his pocket to pull out a recorder that seemed to have been on the entire time, though Felix didn't seem surprised to see it. Ghost turned the recorder off now that he got what he needed. He look at the man to speak again, now off the record. "Listen Knowles, though I doubt that may be your real name. I know your family exists, but I will be the only one who does, that I swear. This deal tonight whatever it may be, is your last deal, as this moment on you are my informer. You will give me intel when I ask for it, I will contact you, and in return I will offer you protection. I know, if I was an official agent of the government there could be no way I can ignore your crimes. What I am doing, is strictly my decision, your past will catch up with you eventually, but until that time I will make sure no harm comes to you or your loved ones in exchange for your help. When the deal is done, you leave the city immediately, you slipped away from me, that is your story. Do you understand?"

Felix stares at Ghost somewhat perplexed before nodding his head. "Yes, I know a good deal when I hear it. So what now?" Ghost slashes the bounds on his hands to set him free.

"Contact information," Ghost says holding out his hand. "I'm sure you must have a card, you eccentric types always do," Felix frowns at the insinuation…before begrudgingly pulling out a business card. "Thank you," He slips it into his vest before turning to leave. Felix is startled. "Were in the sewers just climb your way back up," Ghosts says just before vanishing.

"Come on, come on, Come on…" Jeff groans in slight irritation as concern works it's way through his body. He was becoming agitated and unnerved with the lost of communication with Luke. He was trying to strengthen the signal but there was only so much you could do against a scrambler. He didn't even know what was causing it, but he was think Luke would take care of any jamming devices. His instruments were adept at locating such things so it should be impossible for him to not know. Luke has been gone far longer then what he should've and he knew that Ness and Paula would eventually grow concerned too. After all they went out a while ago and if they got back and Luke was still gone he'd never hear the end of it, and if he didn't than neither will Luke. Suddenly the connection is reestablished as his live feed returns as well. "Luke! Where are you what happened!"

"Professor, I apologize for the lost connection. Apparently Spark kept a pocket sized scrambler that seemed to work quite well. I got rid of it, but it seemed to still affect my communications. I only now got them back,"

"Well hurry back here so you can report on what happened. Where is Spark now?"

"I let him go, allowing him to live as they eyes and ears of the convention that is happening tonight,"

"Convention, you mean what Spark was speaking about earlier?"

"Yes, but it seems rather unconventional for a convention. He was given no place, only a time, 9 o'clock,"

"Odd, such information wouldn't be withheld from someone of Spark's caliber, something must be going on. What's your ETA?" Suddenly his door is opened and closed making him jump as his eyes dart back to see Luke walking wearing normal all black clothing with a hood on. "You got here fast,"

"I knew you would be concerned, so I tried to hurry back," Luke says pulling out the container for the symbiont. After a brief blast of electricity the symbiont is placed back in containment. Jeff notices that Luke hardly even winced at the pain that should be considerable even to him. Luke tosses it aside to reveal his normal clothes underneath. He slips his shoes off before stepping forward to stand at attention in front of Jeff. At that point Jeff pays full attention as Luke gives the details of his entire conversation. He handed Jeff the recorder he'd used while his communicator was down. Jeff took the device but decided to listen to it later before turning his attention back on Luke. He stared at his forehead noting that there seemed to be a slight red tint to it, possibly a slight bruise that hasn't fully healed. Luke stares at Jeff with a hint of confusion pooling into his bright red eyes but he dare not say anything. Jeff reaches out to brush some of Luke's black hair out of the way to see his forehead clearer. Clearly, something had happened there.

"How is your body doing?" Jeff ask casually. This makes Luke appear quite self-conscious but he stays at attention.

"Better sir, still slightly weak, while fighting Felix I felt a bit slower," Jeff raises an eyebrow. "It turns he actually has PSI, naturally born,"

"Wow, that man is full of surprises, I never thought there were any naturally born PSI users around our age range,"

"Yes, it seems he uses the drug as an enhancer of sorts. Usually I can react faster than a thought, or I had not fought someone as skilled as Felix, though that isn't saying much,"

"He put up a fight huh, we're you hit?"

"No, he's not experienced in fighting other PSI users,"

"I see," Jeff pauses looking Luke in the eyes as Luke stares back unsure what was happening. "Luke relax it's just me," Luke relaxes his stance but says nothing else. "Luke, tell me something…do you hurt yourself?" Luke blinks at the question Jeff is asking him.

"Do I hurt myself?" Luke echoes the question.

"Yes, do you cause yourself injuries or let yourself get hurt?"

"Why should that matter sir if I can heal from anything?" Jeff's eyebrows raise at Luke's defensive response.

"Because, psychologically it does more damage then you realize, but I want to hear it from you. Do you hurt yourself?"

Luke's body starts to shake as an emotion he suspects is anger, but it feels so much stronger than any anger he's ever felt. "Sir, I must ask, why do you do this?"

"Do what?"

"This act of caring. I thought you being my parent was just a rouse to fool others. Why do you do this then, the act of caring and compassion towards me when others are not around? Why is it you-," Luke stops himself as his body goes tense as he slides back a few steps. Clearly, Ness had been right, the upfront approach was a strategy that does not work on Luke no matter what the topic. Jeff was just slightly annoyed that he was right before reaching for Luke to approach.

"Don't stop talking, tell me how you feel,"

"Don't you see, I don't know how I feel, I don't know what it is to really feel anything. Pain is the only thing I understand, I understand how to hurt and destroy. I know what it is to hurt, I have to, how else will I know…"

"How else will you know what?"

Luke is silent

"Please Luke, tell me,"

"What does it matter, one word, and my entire being is altered. What does it matter what I feel or what I think when the next second my thoughts aren't my own anymore. Explain to me father, why you created me with the ability to think for myself but I am not allowed to do so!" Luke's eyes started shining bright red as rage was starting to show on his features. This made Jeff almost fearful of what they boy may do next. "I'm sure you have a code word to shut me off too right! This little act of defiance can be snuffed out with only a word!"

"Luke…I…"

"You never wanted me to exist either…" Luke says as his arms drops to his sides. "The only ones who did, just wanted me to kill for them. You hate me too…it only hurts more the way you pretend, so just stop it," Luke eyes started to get watery as tears fall from his eyes. Luke pauses in surprise as he rubs a finger under his eyes to see that water was leaking out of his eyes.

"Luke," Jeff says slowly putting the boy on edge he takes a hesitant step back as he tries to cover his ears as if that may block the word. "Luke please, relax, I…know what I did was wrong. But I want you to know, I've never made a habit of using those words. I'd never abuse that or you," Jeff reaches out to Luke but the boy flinches back. "Please, Luke, I won't hurt you. You don't have to hurt, you can have feelings that don't have to hurt,"

"…"

"I'm sorry…I ruined your trust in me," Jeff eyes drop to the floor. "I admit…I didn't want to bring you into this world…" Luke fist tighten. "Because I knew you would suffer," Luke's fists open as his eyes stare up at Jeff. Jeff places his hands on Luke's shoulders as Luke doesn't flinch away. "I knew you would suffer a great deal. You're the only one of your kind, totally isolated from your own kind, a black sheep among the human race. No human being alive could comprehend how you feel or how lonely that is. I helped bring you into this world only to suffer, for that, I am sorry Luke,"

"Professor…" Luke's mouth hangs open unsure of what he should say next.

"I haven't been honest with you either, but one day I will tell you the truth, the whole truth. But you have to understand, the truth can be dangerous, it can be unbearable, and it may make you suffer even greater then right now. You're not ready for that yet, but you will be. Now don't make any mistake, I may be upset with you, I may try and keep things from you, but know that it's too protect you. That's all I want, I will always have your best interest at heart, I helped bring you into this world, the very least I can do is love you like my own," Jeff smiles warmly as he holds Luke tight. "It's what your dad would do…"

Luke trembles in fear, but he sensed no ill intent. That's impossible though, humans are evil, and they had no goodness in them. But he felt only good vibes from Jeff. It rocked everything he knew but he slowly raises his hands to return the hug. He squeezes hard which made Jeff coughs in surprise and at the grip but smiles none the less as he gently rubs the boys head. Jeff looks at his watch to see the time is 6:30.

"We have some time before nine, Nicky and Lauren are out with their parents. How about a game of chess?" Luke looks up at Jeff with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh think you'll win huh?"

"I am the intellectual superior of your entire species," Luke says with a slight smirk.

"Oh well we'll see who the intellectual superior is then,"

"Man, that was a great dinner!" Ness says with a smile saying that for probably the fifth time as his family exits the elevator to walk toward their room.

"Eh, B+," Paula responds.

"Don't be such a food snub, you picked the place,"

"Yeah, because everywhere else would suck,"

"By your sharp critic standards,"

"I thought most places sucked when we went here before I was a chef,"

"But it was good, plus that carnival on the boardwalk was cool," Lauren says.

"What are we doing tonight?" Nicky asks.

"We, as in the adults of this trip, are going out a little later. You, as the children of this trip will be at the hotel keeping Luke company while we take Jeff out," Ness explains placing a heavy hand on Nicholas' head.

"Sounds like an excuse to ditch us," Nicky says making a face at his father.

"Potato, potato," Ness responds. Suddenly, the Shorts family hear something odd coming from the Andonuts room. They all instinctively pause as the stop to listen hearing…laughter. Paula's face lights up possibly as bright as a sun as she smiles her biggest smile.

"I. Have. To. See," Paula says walking over to the door.

"Now honey," Ness says grabbing her by the waist to lead her away back to their room. "Let's let them have their moment," Ness always herds his kids with him even though he himself had a curious look in his eyes. Inside, the room Luke was laughing at Jeff's expense as he was struggling to make his next move on the computer playing computer chess. Jeff had been trying to think of a proper response, but it's difficult especially when Luke responds to his carefully and long thought out moves with only a glance at the computer to make his move the next second after. Luke playfully swings his legs smiling. Jeff finally makes his move which makes Luke seem surprised.

"Wow professor," Luke responds surprised as he stares at the computer. "That was a nice move," Luke then makes his next move and suddenly the screen lights up saying checkmate. "I had to end it then or else you would've be in position to take my favorite knight,"

"Your favorite knight huh," Jeff frowns before knowing his perfect revenge. "Well here's your reward," Jeff reaches over to begin tickling Luke's sides, the boy had never encountered such a sensation so he bursts out laughing. He gasps for breath as he struggles to slip away trying to slip away from the torture. Jeff stops to snicker at Luke as he gasps for breath trying to regain his composure.

"I'd rather you just say one word…"

"Maybe that should teach you not be such a show off," Jeff glances at his watch. "Well we killed some time, about eight now. I suppose you should start prepping," Luke nods as he jumps to his feet to go to his suitcase to check on his equipment.

"Oh, The Shorts are back too," Luke says over his shoulder placing on his bucket hat before he retrieves his symbiont, his guns, his mask, and vest. He tosses each item on the bed in that order.

"Oh good, they're probably gonna try and kidnap me. Listen, if they do pawn off Nicky and Lauren on you-,"

"I can just shut them down like last time. Make it seem like they feel asleep,"

"Oh, you've advanced enough to do that huh, impressive,"

Luke sort of lit up at the small praise, he didn't know why but he did. The two spend only thirty minutes prepping before a knock comes to their door. Luke slips on his hood as Jeff stands to answer it seeing Ness and Paula. Jeff didn't even bother trying to resists he saw them then immediately turned around to tell Luke he was going out then put his shoes on as the two wait by the open doo. Paula tells Luke that Nick and Lauren are waiting for him back at their room. He nods in confirmation as he watches them take Jeff away as he voices his goodbye. Luke takes his stuff and exits his room to join Nicky and Lauren who are mindlessly staring at the TV as he enters. Both kids see him and greet him in the same tone of voice. Luke responds to them politely before checking his watch. Spark was given instructions to stay off the streets after nine, and currently it was eight thirty-two. Clearly, waiting is the worst part.

"What's with you?" Nicky asks glancing over at him.

"What?"

"You look anxious, like something is about to happen," Lauren explains.

"Is something about to happen?" Nicky asks with a hint of excitement in his tone.

"Not sure, we'll see in twenty-eight minutes," Luke responds.

"Wow such a tease," Nicholas says as seems to already be charged up for a fight. Lauren rolls her eyes before looking to see Luke suit up. He already put on his symbiont so with a simple thought his clothes changed to a jumpsuit with boots. She and Nicholas stare at this as they watch him put his gear on. "Secret Agent, still cool,"

"Yeah, that's some look,"

"I'd prefer if you guys did not get involved otherwise my cover with your parents may be blown," Luke says.

"That's a good point...but depending on what you're doing it might be better if you had backup," Lauren says. "Just to be sure you'll be alright since you were hurt before,"

Luke is annoyed to admit that he was still not at full strength. "It depends on what happens," After that statement, they fell into silence for a straight twenty minutes not saying much. Luke looks at Lauren surprised she had not ask any questions since he's sure Nicky told her by now. Lauren glances at him out the corner of her eyes catching him staring at her.

"I won't ask you anything unless you want to answer them," She responds as if reading his mind. Luke blinks at her a few times before looking back at the television. That answered his question, but he honestly was not prepared to answer any questions beyond what Nicky already knows. It would be too uncomfortable. He decides to go back over his gear when something grabs his attention, that something being the deafening sound of thunder. Suddenly, the lights go out. Luke looks at his watch to see ten seconds before nine, and when the second hand finally hit…all hell broke loose.