Chapter 28—Trojan Renamon—

When we got outside, Hudiemon and Lillymon looked around the course I had set up and Lillymon said: "Wooow! What a race course!" and I smiled before I said: "I'm glad you like it." and then I went on: "Seeing as how this is Digimon View though, I made it extra gimmicky, so it'll be one fun race!" "Gimmicky? What did you do, Mark?" Hudiemon asked. "Well there are 5 kinds of things you'll encounter up there—the first are speed rings, which are small rings that give you a short burst of speed if you fly through them. The second are clocks which you can grab that will slow the other Digimon down temporarily—" I began and then Lillymon said: "Wha—really?! How's that fair?" and I said: "Don't worry—a clock won't affect you if you're behind the other Digimon." and then I went on: "There are also floating wave generators, which push you in the direction of the wave as you fly if you make contact with a wave, as well as floral headbands—when you fly into one, it'll fasten itself around your head and nullify the next wave, clock effect or crash you may experience. There are tree branches too—don't worry, the branches are extra thin and won't hurt you. Just a harmless obstacle." "Jeez… this sounds like one pretty cool race course!" Hudiemon said. I smiled and said: "Exactly right, Hudiemon! Now come on, I'll take you to the starting line!"

And I took them all to the left side of the island, which had green flags in the sand and a giant screen set up nearby. I then said: "Alright, this is where the race starts and ends. Whoever crosses these flags first is the winner. You ready?" "Of course! I can't wait to stretch my wings!" Hudiemon said. "You bet! I'm all set to go!" Lillymon said. "Um, one thing… what are we supposed to do? Do we just sit here, waiting for the winner?" BanchoLeomon asked. I laughed and said: "Don't worry, BanchoLeomon! As soon as the race starts, that screen will activate and you can watch Hudiemon on the left side and Lillymon on the right side while they fly around the race track! That way we can see the whole thing!" "How splendid! I didn't want to miss a second, and now I don't have to!" Dianamon said. I smiled and said: "Of course! It has to be fun for everyone after all."

And then I turned to Hudiemon and Lillymon and said: "Alright then ladies… on your mark… get set… FLY!" and then Hudiemon and Lillymon flew off at breakneck speed! The screen also turned on and my Digimon could see Hudiemon and Lillymon racing in more detail! It was fun watching them speed around the island—Lillymon's strategy appeared to be taking the inside track and taking speed rings every chance she got! On the other hand, Hudiemon preferred grabbing every clock she could find, which I found amusing—it seemed reminiscent of her strategy in the card game we had played, where she had used so many program cards to mess with mine. Hudiemon seemed like the sabotaging type.

We continued to watch until soon we saw Lillymon cross the finish line first! She landed and started to pant hard as we all celebrated and I said: "Congratulations, Lillymon!" and Lillymon looked up and smiled as she continued panting before she said: "Thanks everyone! I…" and then she panted again before she said: "…Had to work for everything I got! And I…" and she panted again before she said: "…Loved your little obstacle course, Mark!" And I smiled before Hudiemon came over the finish line too! When she landed (and she was panting too) she said: "It looks like you won! Great job, Lillymon!" and Lillymon panted before she said: "Thanks, Hudiemon! It was a good race!" and then Hudiemon panted before she said: "I thought using the clocks would be a winning strategy, but you really overcame them with your speed-focused strategy." By now, Hudiemon and Lillymon were breathing normally again as Lillymon put her hands on her hips and said: "I'll say that's what you thought! Every time I saw a clock when I was flying by, I always groaned, because I knew I would be slowing down a few seconds later… they were always on the outside track and I knew I couldn't waste a second if I wanted to beat you!"

And then we all laughed before I put one hand on Hudiemon's shoulder and one hand on Lillymon's shoulder and said: "Well I'm so proud of you both—you both did your best, had a race you enjoyed and were good sports, too! This was an all-out success!" and Hudiemon and Lillymon smiled before Hudiemon said: "Aww, thanks Mark! I had a lot of fun back there!" and Lillymon giggled and said: "Exactly! I should thank you too, Mark—that was one amazing obstacle course you made for us." And I smiled again…but then I felt my digivice vibrate! I had checked it and saw I had a message from Irene!

"Mark? Did you get a call?" BanchoLeomon asked. "No. It's a message from Irene. Let's see…" I said as I checked it… it said: "I'm ready to make my move now. I'm in Plumeria Island right now. Where are you?" I then sent a reply that said: "I'm on Aloe Island. Should I come to you?" and I looked up before I said: "It sounds like Irene's finally ready… we'll need to get ready soon." and my Digimon all looked at each other before Sakuyamon said: "So do you know where she is?" and I said: "Yes. She's on Plumeria Island—"

But then I got another reply! I checked and Irene said: "No, that won't be necessary. I'm on my way now—go to the docks and wait for me there." and I sent her a reply saying: "You got it. I'm on my way." and then I looked up at my Digimon and said: "We're going to have to wait for Irene in the harbor. We'll need to leave soon." and then I went on: "Hudiemon and Lillymon… why don't you stay here? You should rest after going all out in that race." and then Hudiemon said: "Sounds good to me! I don't mind the thought of a break, either!" and Lillymon said: "Alright. But Mark?" and I said: "Yes?" and she said: "Be careful out there… and come back safe." I smiled before I said: "Of course I will. I always have after all!" and we all smiled before I left the Digihome.

I then went to the harbor, checked the ships' schedules and waited with my Digimon for a while… eventually, Irene's ship came in and when she saw me, she came up to me and I said: "Welcome, Irene! I'm glad to see you made it!" and she smiled and said: "I'm glad you did too, Mark. Thank you for coming out to meet me."

And then we walked off further into the harbor before I said: "So where are we going to meet?" and Irene said: "Your Digihome. Are you available to go there now, Mark?" and I said: "Of course! Gather 'round and we'll be there in no time!" and Irene got next to me (as did my Digimon) and we returned to the Digihome.

When we arrived, I saw Hudiemon and Lillymon sitting underneath a palm tree, talking to each other. I smiled and then said: "Alright, we're back!" and then Hudiemon and Lillymon looked up before they flew over and when they arrived, Hudiemon giggled and said: "Well that was certainly fast! It's good to see you back!" and Lillymon said: "Yes, that was unexpectedly quick… and welcome, Irene. It's been a little while." Irene chuckled before she said: "Your Digimon are as well-behaved as ever, Mark." and we all laughed together before I said: "So now that everyone's here, let's get down to business. How are we going to go about this, Irene?"

"Well first, let me give you this." Irene said as she handed me a laptop. I was confused and said: "A laptop? Is this yours?" "No. My superiors gave it to me; it's for you to use for the duration of this mission. It's programmed to be able to do everything you'll need it to and nothing more." Irene replied. I nodded as Irene went on: "You'll be using that from here to assist me as I infiltrate the restricted area—" and then Mastemon said: "And how will he do that, exactly?

"Well here's how it will work: I'll put on my disguise and then have Mark send me to the target location—I have a program installed on that laptop to transport me to Ikaruga City in a virtually no traffic area. When I arrive, I'll go to their headquarters and claim I'm an orphaned Digimon and they'll allow me into the restricted area. Then I'll sneak off and head to their computers, using them to access the confidential data. My disguise has a program installed in it that allows it to record whatever I see—" Irene began and then ShineGreymon asked: "But how are you expecting to sneak up to their computers? I mean, there are going to be security guards and employees there."

"That's where Mark comes in. I have a headpiece that I'll use to relay instructions to him in real time." Irene replied and then she looked at me and said: "Those instructions are going to be the names of one of 3 security codes that will tell you what I need you to do and don't worry—I'll show you how to use them. Those codes are abbreviated by a letter that will let you know what function to use. And here they are… are you ready?" "Of course! What are they?" I asked. "The first one is code H for 'hide'. When I say 'H', I want you to execute the function to make me invisible. That'll play a big part in me sneaking around." Irene said. "Wow, splendid! To think humans can program such powerful technology…" Dianamon said. "Alright, so that's 'h'. What's next?" I asked. "Code R, for 'reveal'. Because of limitations on the disguise, I can't touch things while I'm concealed… that's why I'll need you to make me visible again so I can use anything." Irene said. "Okay, that's 'r'… what's the last one?" I asked. "Code E, for 'escape'—that's my last line of defense. If I'm in an emergency and I need to get away right then and there, I'll say that code and you will transport me back here directly." Irene said.

"That's sure a great countermeasure to have, especially on such a dangerous mission…" BanchoLeomon said. Irene looked at him and said: "Exactly. It would be nice if I could get in and out with the other 2 codes alone… but I'm convinced that I will have to use code E… it's inevitable." Then she turned back to me and went on: "Understand that—due to these circumstances—I'm going to be whispering these codes, so it will be imperative that you listen and pay attention the entire time, until it's over. Of course, I may shout the code E if it's an emergency." "Alright, so is there anything else I need to know?" I asked. "No. That's it." Irene said. "Wow… so I just stay here, executing functions while you're infiltrating a restricted area and breaching security… I have a much easier job than you do." I said. "Yes you do, but you're still important to this mission, Mark." Irene said.

And we smiled before I said: "Okay, so how do I use the functions for the security codes?" "I'll show you right now…" Irene said. And then she booted the laptop up and logged in (while making sure I couldn't see what she was typing) and then she went into a program before she taught me the functions. Irene made sure to do it really slowly and check for my understanding several times… as she told me, she didn't want me having any questions in the heat of the moment when she couldn't answer them. When Irene was confident that I knew how to use it, she said: "Alright, now I'll get my disguise on. Wait here…"

And then she went around the back of the house before she came back in a Renamon's body. Gryphonmon laughed and said: "Just like last time, eh? You sure know how to pull a trick!" "But… didn't you say you were going to have a headpiece? Where is it?" Sakuyamon asked. "I made it invisible, for obvious reasons—anyone who saw a Renamon with a headpiece would surely raise an eyebrow." Irene said. "Well that was a good precaution to take! Not bad!" Hudiemon said. "Just be sure to keep your wits about you, Irene… besides you, we—and Mark—are counting on you." Lillymon said. "I know. Don't worry—I'm ready for this." Irene said. And then she turned to me and said: "And now it's about time to start. Go on and send me to Ikaruga City, Mark." and I nodded before I used the function to teleport Irene away.

From there, I had to wait for a quite a while until Irene started whispering security codes… she alternated between code H and code R a lot, so I had no idea what was going on… eventually, I heard Lillymon say: "How's the mission going, Mark? Has Irene found the data yet?" "Please don't talk to me right now, Lillymon. Irene says the codes quietly and I need to hear them—" I began, but then I heard Irene say: "EEEEEEEE!" and my head shot up as I said: "Okay, it's over! Now it's time to get her out of there!"

And then I used the function to teleport Irene back and in a few seconds, she returned! I gave a sigh of relief before I said: "Welcome back, Irene." and she nodded before she said: "Thank you, Mark. It's nice to see a friendly face again…" and then I said: "So how'd it go? Did you get the information?" and Irene smiled before she said: "I sure did! The mission was a success!" and I gave a sigh of relief before I said: "So what was in it? Anything useful?" "You want to know? Well I suppose that's fair… you did help me get it, after all." Irene said.

And then she went on: "Well understand that I only saw a small amount, but of what I saw—" and then I said: "Of what you saw? What does that mean?" "Well the program that was installed in my disguise both records what I read and scans further ahead into the file and records those contents simultaneously, so it's copied more information than I've read yet." Irene said. "Wow… what sophisticated programming…" Mastemon said. Irene nodded and said: "It is going to prove very useful. It shouldn't be long before the entire files will be recorded, which will be of great use to my superiors."

And then she went on: "But there were 3 pieces of big news: first—and most prominently—from what I've seen, the developers of Digimon View are apparently trying to find a way to bring Digimon to Earth—" Irene began and then Hudiemon said: "ALRIGHT! I wouldn't mind if that happened!" but then Irene said: "Well I'm not quite so sure about that …" and then Hudiemon said: "Huh? What do you mean?" "I think they're planning to start a war… in the plan, I saw there were references to what they actually called: 'secret weapons', and I think I discovered one of them—" Irene replied and I said: "WHAT? What do you mean? What was it?!" "That's the second piece of news… it was a Digimon. Tell me Mark…" Irene said before she went on: "Do you remember the Digimon that Tanemon described for us in that forest? The one that was like a floating, pale purple snake that had 2 arms and a rounded head with 2 backwards antennae?" "Yeah… why?" I asked.

"That's the Digimon. It turns out it does exist and the developers didn't want anyone to know about him. His name is Keramon—he's what prompted me to cue you for a code E." Irene said. "Oh man… he tried to attack you? You're lucky to be alive!" I said. "Well no, he didn't try to, or at least, not at first… he started by hitting on me, but I did get a clue out of him before I brushed him off—he was saying something about: 'the prism'. The other secret weapon might be related to that…" Irene said. "A prism?" I echoed. "Yes… it's hard to envision how such a thing could be threatening… but don't worry. We'll get to the bottom of it in time." Irene said.

"Wow… so what was the third piece of news?" I asked. "That one was fascinating, even with the last 2 revelations… apparently Digimon are not manmade programs… they were imported from a place called the 'Digital World'…" Irene said. "WHAT?!" We all said. "So we weren't made by humans?" Lillymon asked. "No. Apparently Digimon View's developers stumbled across the Digital World in an accident… and then found a way to bring some Digimon here. The first Digimon were in training level Digimon that they analyzed and tried to find a way to create more of them… but they failed. Even the lowest level Digimon had programming that was too complicated to be reproduced by humans—" Irene said before Sakuyamon said: "But the site has so many Digimon… how did the population grow if humans couldn't make more Digimon?"

"In the end, all the humans could do to increase the Digimon population was to clone the Digimon that they brought along, which is what happens when a tamer provides the necessary scan data for digiconverting… in order to make digiconversion a reality, they had to have one of each Digimon for each kind to be cloned so they can be digiconverted. It took time—initially the developers could only start with in training Digimon, but they cloned those, digivolved them and cloned them again until they had one of each. But that doesn't mean that each clone was completely the same…" Irene began and then Gryphonmon then said: "Huh? What does that mean?" "They created a personality randomizer that they use on every Digimon before it's completely cloned… it assigns characteristics to the Digimon's personality, overwriting the data from the original, so the Digimon will seem different from each other, even though they are only being cloned… the fact that Digimon can digivolve in different ways from one another only helped the developers make it look like they were genius programmers who made the Digimon, when in reality, it only looked that way…" Irene said.

"Jeez… that's incredible… so we aren't made by humans…" Lillymon said. "Still, that's interesting… if we came from another world… I can't help but wonder what it's like…" BanchoLeomon said. "I understand, BanchoLeomon… I would love to see this Digital World too…" Dianamon said. "Yeah! Can you imagine what an adventure it would be?" ShineGreymon asked. I smiled before I said: "Wow… that's incredible. Thank you for sharing that with me and risking so much, Irene—I promise I won't share the information with anyone." and Irene nodded before she said: "That all comes with the territory when you have a job like mine. It's all part of the business, even though it wasn't easy getting my paws on this!" "Your what?" I asked.

"Ah?" Irene said before she went on: "I've been like this for too long! I need to change back!" and we all laughed as she ran over behind the house. Soon she came back, back to her human self and said: "But I owe you a great deal of credit as well, Mark—because of you, this war will be prevented and no one will be hurt. That alone makes you a hero, of sorts." And I smiled before she said: "Well I'm going to log out now… but first, I'll be taking that laptop back." and I nodded and said: "You don't have to tell me twice. Here…" and I handed it to her and she said: "Thank you, Mark. See you again." and she left my Digihome.