So… I've been away for a while. Why? Well, I've been handling Doctor Who feels, that's what. Anyways, enjoy this tedious little chapter!
Rogue: Define "tedious".
RR: Shut your trap!
There's a slight based-on-a-Doctor-Who-episode here… Whovians, can you guess which episode is this? Hint: Christopher Eccleston.
Chapter 10: Artificial Earthquakes
7 months later. November 17, 2008. PSA Hangar 5, Club People Island
Rogue stepped off the sleek black jet. She wore a white dress, where the skirt has black vertical stripes on it. She also wore a black, long-sleeved cardigan with her black flats.
"For a field agent, you suddenly became girly."
She snapped her head to the direction of the voice to see Peter Simmons.
"Simmons. Nice to see you." Rogue said, walking across the asphalt and to her old batch mate.
"Same to you, Tvarkov." Peter smiled.
"I've been called in by G. What's the situation?" Rogue asked.
"I believe you'd want to find out yourself." Peter said.
As if on cue, a sudden shook caused Rogue to grip Peter's wrist.
"What was that?" she asked once it ended.
"An earthquake." Peter said.
"… This wasn't how our Science teacher described it." Rogue said, "Nonetheless, this is much more worst."
"I know, right?" Peter said, "Now let's go."
While they were walking to the awaiting jeep, Rogue suddenly went askew.
"What's your rank now?" she asked.
"First Lieutenant." He said, beaming happily.
"What? Unfair! I'm still a Second Lieutenant!" Rogue pouted.
"Soon, little girl. Soon." He said, patting her head.
Rogue just growled at him.
"Ah, Lieutenant Tvarkov. Lieutenant Simmons. You are dismissed, Simmons. I can handle Tvarkov, alone."
Peter nodded and left in an instant.
"Why do you need me back in here, G?" Rogue asked, "And since when are we called lieutenants?"
"Apologies," Gary said, "Junior Agent Tvarkov."
"Whatever." Rogue rolled her eyes, "Back to the topic. What's going on?"
"There are mysterious tremors occurring all over the Island. There are no fault lines, for all I know. It's suspicious…" Gary said, "Though, we don't want to cause panic among the public. We keep this intel top-secret."
"Alright." Rogue said, "What squad has the honor to work with me?"
"Your original squad," Gary said, "Squad 14."
"Alright." Rogue said, and was about to walk off.
"Rogue?"
"Yeah?"
"Nice dress."
"… Thanks."
A knock came on the door.
"Who is it?" Piri asked while running to it.
"I can see a mother caressing her baby by the beaches." Rogue deadpanned, remembering the incident back in Russia.
Piri swung open the door and dragged the Russian in.
"Sanguine!" Atom swung his arms around the Russian's neck.
"Good to see you too, Ferret." Rogue smiled.
"Piri and Keith have new call signs here." Atom said, "Piri is Sage. Keith is Lance."
"Alright." Rogue smirked.
"Great to see you back." Keith said, "With curves, that is."
"Shut your British trap!" Piri laughed, slapping Keith in the arm.
"What? I'm just being honest." Keith shrugged.
"You crazy little…" Piri mumbled something Rogue didn't catch.
"Well, let's start, eh?" Atom asked.
The earth suddenly quaked, making Rogue grip the nearby chair.
"That was worse compared to what happened a while ago." Piri said.
"I know right?" Rogue said.
"Come, let's go. If I heard right, the Mayor of Club People Island's spokesperson will be having a conference." Atom said.
"CPI's got a Mayor?" Piri and Rogue raised an eyebrow.
"Well look at that, new knowledge everyday." Keith said.
"We need to look unsuspicious. I think I'd like to keep my professionalism while going to a stupid political conference."
Rogue glared at Atom, hard.
"What's wrong? Never tried the journalist disguise?" Atom asked while looking her head-to-toe.
Rogue wore a red jacket that was half-zipped. She also wore a white t-shirt and pink leggings. Finally, she wore aqua flats. She was forced to transform herself into a blonde, where her hair was pulled back to a ponytail. She wore geeky glasses that she had to push up her nose bridge several times.
"I look like Rose Tyler, minus the curly hair, and plus the glasses." Rogue rolled her eyes.
"I found you another Whovian, G." Atom mumbled.
"Now, you'll be going under the alias Juliet Pennington. You'll be with Ms. Arctic, who will also be covering the conference." Atom said.
"I hate you. You're leaving me alone with a woman who can't even keep her puffles in line?" Rogue asked.
"She's a busy woman. It's forgivable." Atom said, "Besides, your fellow 'journalists' will be there."
"Oh joy. Get me a freaking AP Stylebook, for all I care." Rogue rolled her eyes once more.
"Shut up! You can mess up your makeup, okay?" Atom said.
"I'm not getting paid enough to do this…" Rogue mumbled.
"That's more like it! Mumble that some more, and you'll be the perfect journalist!"
"Whatever." Rogue mumbled.
"Why hello, are you Agent Sanguine?" Ava asked.
Rogue stood in front of Ava Arctic, in her office. The former Principal and now Editor-in-Chief glared at the agent in front of her.
"The PSA remains in contact with me, though. No worries." Ava said.
"Ah right. Yes, yes I am Agent Sanguine." Rogue said.
"Ferret did well. I believe you have the tech Lance has given you?" Ava asked.
"Why yes, yes I do." Rogue said, showing the bracelet she was given.
"Alright. Now, just carry my stuff, wear the lanyard, and you'll be fine, Ms. Sanguine." Ava said.
"Yes ma'am." Rogue said.
"Honestly, Ms. Sanguine. You seem familiar. In any way, do I know you?" Ava asked.
"That's your choice to make, Ms. Arctic." Rogue said.
"I'm q-quite antsy today, M-Ms. Arctic." Rogue stuttered.
They were now seated in the conference room. No one stood on the podium.
"What makes you say that, Juliet?" Ava asked.
Ava wore a shirt with black and white circles with a black suit jacket. She also wore black dress pants with white high heels.
"I-I've never seen you n-not in g-green, Ms. A-A-Arctic." Rogue's act seemed to be working. People didn't give her a second look.
"Of course, Juliet. This is a professional thing." Ava said.
Suddenly, someone's footsteps silenced the journalists. Rogue glanced "nervously" at the back of the room, where several PSA agents stood on guard. She saw Atom wink at her, and she only looked back to Ms. Arctic.
"Easy on the heartbeat, Ms. Sanguine." She heard Keith mumble into her earpiece, "It's quick."
"S-Sorry, a-adrenaline." Rogue said.
"Did you say something, dearie?" Ava asked.
"N-Nothing ma'am. J-Just c-calming myself d-d-down." Rogue said.
"Well, just watch and learn, and maybe you'll become like me someday." Ava said.
"Y-Y-Yes ma-ma-ma'am." Rogue said.
"Good morning everyone, I am Herbert P. Bear, Esquire here to tell you all that these earthquakes are due to the tectonic plates here in the north. The government of America is trying their best to help us, such as sending in their experts." Herbert the Spokesperson said.
"Experts?" Ava mumbled, raising an eyebrow.
"How they sent that message without us knowing is a mystery…" Keith mumbled.
"Agreed." Piri said.
"There is no need to panic, as we are doing our best. Well, I believe that is all." Herbert said, "Any questions?"
There was a clamor in the crowd as the journalists strained for answers. Rogue acted interested, as if she was paying attention. Mentally, she wondered.
"What experts?"
"We're being called in."
The three looked up to see Atom holding four white envelopes.
"We're the experts?" Piri asked.
"Us, and several other squads." Atom said.
"We'll be seen, I mean, the media will be bound to hang out at Flurry Boulevard." Rogue said, "I skimmed through Ms. Arctic's notebook. Not only is her handwriting sloppy, I saw that she wrote the Island Hall's address."
"The plan?" Piri asked.
"Only one of us is going." Atom said, "In case this is a trap, we let one go. What I mean is, this is our case. If they get us all, who'll do the case? We took it, so we'll have to finish it."
"I volunteer." Rogue said, standing up, "Sure, I could get myself killed, but hey. I'll take one for the team."
"Alright." Atom said, "Let's go to the Armory. I'm in a good mood to do weapons-hunting."
Rogue only smirked, and held up her ID.
"We are currently seeing cars pulling up in Flurry Boulevard. And this is… Island-wide famous Gary the Gadget Guy!"
Gary, being claustrophobic, quickly walked to the Island Hall.
"Next, we have… well who is this? We are currently seeing some civilian experts coming in."
Rogue, along with several other PSA agents, walked to the Island Hall, ignoring the questions they were being asked by the journalists.
"Ma'am! Who may you be?"
"What can you say about the tremors?"
"Sir! Are we all safe?"
Before anyone can ask another question, the ground shook once more. There were screams of surprise as the PSA agents held their ground.
"Let's go." Their team leader, a Technological agent named Oliver, said.
They all nodded and hastily walked into the Island Hall.
"No threats, over." Rogue mumbled into her earpiece.
"No suspicious activity, over." Ria mumbled behind her.
"We're still in one piece, over." Oliver mumbled.
"Copy that, Waddle Squad." Piri said, "Please keep radio chatter to a minimum."
The only response was silence.
"Are you wearing the new tie I gave you, Mr. Mayor?" Herbert asked.
The two were in a room, preparing themselves.
"Why yes, I am wearing it, Charles." The mayor said.
Charles. That was Herbert's second name.
"It looks good on you. Rich red suits you." Herbert said.
"Thanks." The mayor said, "Now, let's go to those experts."
"Yes." Herbert said, "Yes, we must."
"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen."
Rogue looked around. She was now a brunette, hair pulled back to a ponytail. She wore a white blouse with her black skirt and black high heels. She also wore red earrings, and the geeky glasses. She, along with the other experts, wore IDs given by the Island Hall.
"I am Mayor Aldrich Henry Chilton. I am here with Spokesperson Herbert Charles P. Bear Esquire. You may read the dossiers we have prepared for you."
"I don't know what is it about this Herbert guy… his name is familiar…" Tina mumbled in the channel.
"Quiet, Snowflake. It's just the concussion at it." Gary mumbled.
Tina nodded. She just came back from her mission, where she had to track one of the suspects of the avalanche. She got hit hard in the head, and had a concussion and loss of memory.
"It's scary, I must say." Ria said, catching everyone's attention, "The Island doesn't have any fault lines. Yet, we're experiencing tremors every now and then."
Suddenly, the earth shook again.
"Like that." Ria said, "It seems to go harder after every tremor."
"It's like there are multiple epicenters." Gary mused.
"I just realized, mates." Rory said, "Those tremors remind of how the ground shakes every time I use a jackhammer in a construction site."
"How?" Oliver raised an eyebrow.
"Well," all ears were on Rory, "The ground shakes. Depending on where you are, there are different intensities. If you're in the epicenter, you feel it the most. If you're far off, you'd feel little to nothing at all."
"So you're saying," Rogue asked, "We are currently looking at artificial earthquakes?"
There was a clamor within the experts.
"Why would someone want to make artificial earthquakes?" Ria asked.
"What is this madness?" Gary gasped.
"Yeah. You're… that just sounds scary." Rory mumbled.
There was suddenly a low laugh from the front. Everyone turned to look at Herbert, who was laughing.
"Very good!" he said, "You did well!"
"What…?" Gary said, confused.
"You just fell right into my trap." Herbert smirked as he pressed a button on his watch.
All of a sudden, the door was locked, and their IDs glowed red.
"What is going on, Charles?" Chilton asked, turning to look at Herbert.
"Politics." He said while he shot Chilton in the head. Many gasped.
"Code 13! We have a Code 13!" Oliver yelled.
"Yellow! Code Yellow!" Ria yelled.
"Get him!" Rogue yelled.
As everyone charged to get the already fleeting albino, there was a sudden shock to everyone. Their IDs were made so that when Herbert needed to neutralize them, he had to press another button, and they were electrocuted. All those who stood fell to the ground. Cries of pain were heard.
"Sayonara!" Herbert yelled as he closed the door.
As green smoke slowly came into the room, Rogue gasped, feeling pain all over her body. She reached for her earpiece, which fell to the ground.
"He-Herbert… is… a suspect." She gasped before passing out.
Atom stared at the heart monitor. It was the only thing that confirmed that Rogue was still alive.
"She'll be okay." Keith kept on reassuring him, "It's a simple electrocution. Then she was just chloroformed."
"You're not helping." Atom growled as he ran a hand through his hair.
"We need to go. We can't let Herbert win." Piri said.
"Squad 8, my squad, managed to get the Gift Shop back in its original position. We only got a few injured people, but they've all been treated." Tina said, "I knew he was familiar."
"Alright." Atom said, "What's the plan?"
"We need you to go in." Tina said, "The thing lead to the Boiler Room. Someone was there; we know it. You guys better do it."
"Deal." Atom said, "Piri, you go there. Keith will monitor you. Bring the Camera Headband 3000."
"On it." Piri said.
"I'll wait for Rogue to wake up." Atom said.
"You do that." Tina said.
"Squad 8 and Squad 14, teaming up." Atom said, smiling wanly, "Well isn't that awesome."
Piri walked through the drilled hole.
"Boy, Rory would be having a field day here." Piri said, looking at the large hole.
"I said monkey wrench, Klutzy! Monkey wrench!" Herbert yelled.
Piri stopped to see the albino man toying with the boiler.
"Stop! Herbert!" Piri yelled, taking out her gun.
"Oh, hello little agent." Herbert said, smiling a toothy grin.
"You aren't getting away with this!" Piri yelled, "My friend is in the hospital because of you!"
"Which one?" Herbert said, pretending to be concerned, "The Scottish? The Australian? Is it Code 13 guy? Yellow gal? Or the artificial girl?"
"She has a name, y'know." Piri said.
"That would be?" Herbert raised an eyebrow.
"Sanguine. Sanguine Helada." Piri said slowly.
"Whatever. Klutzy, start the drill!" Herbert said.
Klutzy nodded, and started it. Before Piri could blink, Herbert was already at the drill, and was escaping.
"Lance!" Piri yelled into her earpiece, "I need you here!"
It's been two hours since Keith fixed the boiler.
"It's suspicious. Rogue isn't awake yet." Atom said, "She also looks paler."
Keith and Piri glanced at each other nervously. Should they tell him?
"Atom?" Piri placed a hand on his shoulder, "We need to tell you something."
"It's Rogue." Keith choked, "She's in a coma."
Atom only looked at them, then stood up and walked out of the room.
COMA?! COMA YOU SAY?!
Oh, I am oh-so cruel, aren't I? Haha, catch you guys later!