~Chapter 8:
Declaration of War~
During a weekend dine in at the Crossworld Café Ryan entered the restaurant that evening looking for an empty place to sit. He secured a stool by the beverage bar just before ordering a glass cup of root beer from the bartender. In the meantime, Ryan took a glimpse over at the television to monitor some local baseball coverage in progress.
As his eyes remained glued to the screen, J.B arrived by the entrance to notice his friend hanging around by the bar.
"Ryan!" He shouted. "How is it going?"
"It's about time you came," Ryan replied exchanging high fives with one another.
"Well I just got done teaching for the day. At a time like this, I could sure use something to keep me energized," J.B explained grabbing a stool that was next to Ryan's.
"The last thing you would turn towards is bar food?" Ryan took into assumption.
"Granted but I try not to order any meals that have high calories or cholesterol whatsoever. It's one of those habits I get sometimes but I can manage," J.B spoke in his defense.
"What could I get from you today?" The bartender wondered directing the customer his undivided attention.
"I'll have some lemon ice tea," J.B requested. Subsequently, the bartender proceeded to make preparations to help concoct his drink.
"So how have you and Kaitlin been getting along? Has she thought about signing up with your class?" Ryan asked curiously.
"We've been in talks about it. I agreed to lend her some of my books that could help educate her in the art, and it seems like it's paying off in the long haul," said J.B.
"Ah how sweet. If only I had kept a steady relationship with my girlfriend by doing precious favors like that," Ryan responded regretfully.
As the bartender finished pouring the tea along with the ice cubes to a glass cup, they handed J.B with the beverage along with a straw on the table.
"Thank you much," said J.B taking this time to sip his tea. "How have you been lately?"
"It seems like everything is slowly getting back on track. I got to spend time with my mother. We even got to play some board games along the way. It's something we haven't done since I was little," Ryan told him.
"Family game night I see," J.B replied.
Ryan smiled. "My dad would always win at Monopoly. To this day I cannot remember what his strategy was if he had one. Pure luck would be an appropriate pun to describe it."
"Man I haven't played a board game in years. With the way technology has evolved, it's gotten to the point where we're relying on our mobile devices for entertainment," he said.
"Just because most people are on their phones or I-Pads don't mean these kinds of activities are passé," Ryan defended.
"I didn't mean that as an insult," J.B said. "Anytime I'm babysitting with my cousins, I would get them to create some sort of fun activity. I make sure they aren't on their devices so I tend to hide it in a secured place they won't be able to find. "
"Hey nothing wrong with kids. No matter how annoying they can be at times, they still bring a lot of joy to the party," Ryan said taking a sip from his Coke.
"Ryan, please," J.B cringed in response to his friend's comment.
"I'm serious it's true," Ryan told him.
"You're beginning to sounding like our Kindergarten teacher," J.B alluded. "In all seriousness, there is truth to that statement. They're great kids even if I don't want to admit it."
As J.B continued to consume his beverage, Ryan noticed the tiresome gape coming from the bloodshot eyes of his best friend.
"I guess all of that training with your students really worn you out?" He assumed.
"I've just been having a bit of trouble sleeping lately," J.B confessed. "Ever since the expo, I've been getting all of these nightmares from the simulation Grimlord tampered with. Every snippet I can remember, we were no match against his army. I can't believe I'm saying this but it's been haunting me nonstop, and I don't even know if there is a way to get it out of my head."
"Come to think of it, I've been getting that exact dream also," said Ryan. "Do you think Kaitlin may have had one similar to what we've been experiencing?"
J.B sighed leaving with no response on the matter.
"I figured you two would've talked this out already," Ryan took into account in acknowledging their relationship.
"With everything that's been going on since then, the thought of that discussion never occurred to me," J.B defended. "Seeing Kaitlin and the professor getting mugged by those Skugs from an alleyway was intense enough. If they are able to cross over into our world, what are the chances that the rest of his mutants could do the same? Whatever Grimlord is plotting may be a start of things to come."
As J.B started to panic, Ryan proceeded to encourage him to take some deep breaths.
"Calm down J.B. Let's not get down on ourselves," he said. From J.B's phone, Ryan took notice at a background image of the couple displayed on the screen. It was that instant when all of J.B's concerns were placed on hold.
"Shouldn't Kaitlin be here by now?" Ryan wondered.
J.B took a glimpse at the text messages. "Funny thing you ask because she just sent me a text. Apparently, Kate's stuck in traffic so she'll let us know when she gets here."
Ryan nodded his head while continuing with their discussion.
"Listen I know you, Kaitlin, and me go way back. I never thought I wake up one day to find that you two have found your way together. But what traits can you describe about Kaitlin that stands out? I mean, besides her looks?" He spoke with curiosity.
The expression on J.B's face blemished red.
"Come on don't be embarrassed. It's a guy to guy talk," Ryan continued.
"I don't know where to begin," J.B said buying some time to respond to his question.
"We're buds. You could tell me anything," Ryan insisted to his friend.
"Alright, alright," After a bit of hesitance, J.B proceeded to respond to Ryan's comments. "When Kaitlin and I had our first kiss, there was some sort of flare that ignited between the both of us. The way I looked into her eyes, I realized what it is I like about her. She's smart, fearless, someone who I can have a genuine conversation with. Even when she has to face a tough situation, she is not going to back down. It's something both of us can relate to. Something I admired deeply about her."
Placing a hand on J.B's shoulder, Ryan faked cried. "My best friend has grown up to wear a pair of big pants."
"Ryan," J.B said feeling somewhat humiliated from his friend's behavior.
"I know I tend to kid around at times but I'm happy for you J.B. I wouldn't want to do anything to take that away. Treat her with the most upmost respect a person should be. Show how much you care about her, and cherish every moment with each other as much as possible. At the end of the day, I believe that love conquers all," Ryan spoke wholeheartedly in regards to his companionship with the Karate Instructor of Tao Dojo.
"You're so full of cheese," J.B unwillingly admitted. They chuckled at one another in response to the way they interacted with each others' remarks. To that end, Ryan raised his glass drink reaching out for a toast.
"Cheers to my lifelong friend who I consider to be a brother of mine," Ryan offered.
"Cheers," J.B spoke with enthusiasm as their glass cups collided with one another.
As the staff members prepared to close operations for the night, it wouldn't be for long when Rebecca made her way inside the lobby of Ziktor Industries. She stormed through the main entrance while approaching towards the reception desk. After finishing up her call, the receptionist hung up their phone directing attention towards Rebecca.
Excuse me may I help you with something?
"I just stopped by to see if Karl Ziktor is in his office. I thought I come by and speak to him," said Rebecca.
"I'm sorry. Ziktor just left for the day. Perhaps I could leave a message and let him know to contact you soon," the receptionist assured.
"I haven't been able to get in touch with him lately. He hasn't responded to my emails or my phone calls. I was hoping to have a word with him," Rebecca explained.
Before the receptionist could respond to the matter, Juliet arrived from the elevator to discover the commissioner's startling visit.
"So you must be Rebecca Steele. I'm Juliet Quartette, the Chief Executive of Ziktor Industries," she extended out her hand looking to greet with a visitor.
"Juliet, I was wondering if you have seen Ziktor the past couple of days," said Rebecca refusing to accept the handshake.
"Ziktor has been very busy as of late. He and our team are already in the working stages to build a power plant that will require the deconstruction of your husband's worksite," Juliet informed her.
"It's really hard to even buy the fact that you guys would go out your way and take advantage of a facility that Tyler devoted his career towards," Rebecca said. "But to put Steele Labs out of business especially not long after his death is selfish and a disservice to all the people that worked there. You ought to be ashamed for what your company is doing."
As the conversation became a face to face confrontation, Juliet ordered for the receptionist to leave the desk.
"Coming from an experienced police worker like yourself, you sure know how to undermine your interrogators. When it comes to Ziktor Industries, we do what is best for business," Juliet replied. She circled around Rebecca in a mysterious manner looking to set the record straight. "Don't get me wrong though. Your husband made a sacrifice in saving the lives of his coworkers. I know what it is like to witness a beloved one being taken away from this world. Karma can be a stubborn son of a gun as far as we know. One thing is for sure. We should cherish with the people we love. One day they will be gone and you will have no alternative to reach out to them other than a prayer."
As Juliet took one step closer towards Rebecca, she got into her face in this sort of confrontation in progress.
"All I ask is to speak with Karl Ziktor, and to look into his availability so I can meet with him," Rebecca intended to clarify.
"Fair enough," Juliet took some constructive feedback to heart. "I'll go ahead and spill out the beans as you requested. I was being told Ziktor is at the site of where Steele Labs used to be. He was there that day when the building first opened its doors. Whatever questions you have with him, you may find your answers right there."
With their conversation winding down, Rebecca followed it up with a formal conclusion to their meeting.
"I look forward to having a word with him when I get there," she said formally thanking her for the directory.
"Oh and there is one other thing." Juliet brought up much to Rebecca's curiosity. "Let me just warn you that when it comes to those folks that meet up with Mister Ziktor, he doesn't like it when people get in his face. For all the flack he gets in the media, there is no denying how much of an impact he has made to his city," Juliet convinced to her.
"It was very flattering of him to present our vows the day my husband and I were married. He and Tyler were so close. I wanted to believe he is not the bad guy we make him out to be," Rebecca stated. "But lately his judgment calls haven't been quite honest for a lack of a better word. Not only does he intend to tear down my husband's workplace but to selfishly buy out Steele Labs without consent? With all due respect, this is pure asinine on your company's part."
"I don't understand your hatred toward the guy," Juliet argued. "Whatever grudge you have with Ziktor, it's not worth the trouble. We at Ziktor Industries vow to put forth the effort necessary to make our city a better place to live. I believe in our boss's vision and I can assure that we will live up to that promise."
Rebecca confessed. "It's not easy being a widower. Yet I'm fighting through every day and night, week after week to pull myself from the dirt piling over me. You're right about one thing though. Taking all of my frustrations on a person will only leave a short life in of itself. I'm not going to let that get the better of me no matter how stressful it gets. Whether I'm on duty or living my life as a middle class mom, I'm going to fight through this until the day I die."
Juliet spoke up. "As Chief Executive, let's say I also have a load of responsibilities to keep this place afloat." By glancing at the clock on her phone, her eyes sparkled with awe. "Well would you look at the time. It's a pleasure we had this chat. I hope that whatever struggles you are going through, don't let your bitterness consume you. There's no bouncing back from that dark hole some folks tend to fall into."
"I won't hesitate than to take your word," Rebecca said.
"I suppose now that's being settled, I suppose I could happily escort you out," Juliet concluded in response.
"Where can I find the nearest restroom?" Rebecca asked politely.
"It's down to the hall just make two blocks right," Juliet answered.
With the conversation adjourned, Rebecca navigated towards the direction that the Chief Executive of Ziktor Industries pointed towards. As Rebecca grew further distant, Juliet went through her headset to make contact with her boss.
"Ziktor, everything is going according to plan," she provided him with an update from her headset.
"Well done. I'll be sure to have a nice one-on-one meeting with Ms. Steele. I may as well be ready to provide an update to my fellow mutants in the Virtual Dungeon."
"Remember to remind Grimlord to take his medication. He can be pretty stubborn when it comes to handling his commanding duties," Juliet said.
"I'll make sure he listens," Ziktor assured.
"Very well," Juliet affirmed.
Meanwhile, Ziktor removed the ear phone that had been wired from his two way radio set. Placing his hand on the orb, he began to utter the necessary phrases used to transform into his mutant counterpart.
Forces of darkness empower me. Take me back to my Virtual Reality!
In this subsequent phase, Ziktor began to feel a surge of green energy envelope throughout his body. When the transformation was complete, any trace of his human skin became unapparent. With his demeaning red eyes, Grimlord arrived at the throne room of his dungeon.
"Servants, bow before me!" He exclaimed.
"Hail Grimlord, master of the Virtual World," spoke his army of robots in unison.
"Thank you all for coming. As we gather around at this time, I have summoned all of you here for an announcement I have to make," said Grimlord.
"A pleasure to have you back sire. We were determining an interim commander to lead the charge in your absence," General Ivar replied.
"I've got it all under control Ivar," Grimlord assured to his servants. "As far as I am concerned, Tyler Steele's laboratory is in terrible shape. Ziktor and his company are planning to construct a power plant that will be in place. But in order for us to proceed, we must initiate the deconstruction mechanism. With Steele Labs damaged beyond repair, everything that Tyler and his team worked hard to build will become nothing but a distant memory."
"I am more than glad to help configure the time bomb," Colonel Icebot volunteered.
"Before we proceed, there is one more thing I have to address." Following Grimlord's comment, a projected image of Rebecca Steele is displayed on the satellite monitor. "It should come to no surprise that the wife of Tyler Steele has been going through the motions as of late. My Skug beauties have since made adjustments to one of the Immersion Helmets that belonged to Strickland. This device has the capability to alter the psyche of the human brain. Rather than wiping out the human race with force, I began to realize there is another way to expand our Mutant Empire."
"What do you suppose that is?" General Ivar questioned.
"Allow me General," said Grimlord. By pounding his staff on the ground, a pair of Skug soldiers escorted Strickland into the center of the throne oblivious to the assembly unfolding.
"Mister Ziktor, I have to say I'm very impressed with how your team managed to reinvent my company's equipment," he complimented.
"The Karl Ziktor you speak of is not with us. Secondly I have a special task at hand for you. This will require your presence for this to work. I can assure you that this experiment will turn your life around at an instant."
"What do you plan on insinuating?" Strickland asked.
"I can guarantee that you will not regret this," said Grimlord. The Skugs strapped Strickland onto a reclining chair filled with cable cords hooked onto the Immersion helmet. With the equipment clipped over to his head, Strickland's heart pounded in horror leaving the president of a video gaming company unable to defend himself in this situation.
What are you doing? Please no. Don't do this!
Grimlord gave his minions the go ahead to initiate the brainwashing process. Fearing for his life, it was that instant in which Strickland began to experience the effects originating from the cortex of his brain. With the process completed, the Skugs proceeded to remove the immersion helmet equipped from his head. The pupils of Strickland's eyes remain dilated showing minimal facial expression. His body stood with not a single twitch of movement.
"I don't believe it," said General Ivar speechless over what he had just witnessed.
"This just goes to show you how innovative Ziktor Industries are as a high tech company," Grimlord told him. "How are you feeling?"
Now under mind control, the President of Strickland Gaming responded to Grimlord in a monotone voice.
"I could not have felt any better Grimlord. I will guide all of you in our quest to enslave the humans and convert them into mutants," said Strickland.
"Excellent work my soldiers. Strickland, do me a favor and help Colonel Icebot finish assembling the detonator," Grimlord commanded.
"As you may my master," Strickland complied. He followed the colonel over to the dungeon's lab center to prepare with the objective.
"Decimator," Grimlord ordered his key enforcing lieutenant to the front of the stage. However, there was no trace of the swordsman. "What is his location?"
"It appears our surveillance footage has detected him by a restaurant." Zelton directed the army over to a viewing monitor is displayed on the screen to spot footage of Decimator standing on a rooftop building.
Outside of the Cafe, an associate exited out of their car dressed in a buttoned down red uniform containing a logo affiliated with the Crossworld Cafe. Ready to work the remaining night shift, they would soon overhear the sound of a garbage disposal tipping over.
"Hello, is anybody there?" They wondered. Such superstition brought enough intrigue for the associate to investigate on the unusual activity that just unfolded. By the time they approached the dumpster bin, there stood no one in sight. Shortly not for long, a familiar swordsman ambushed the restaurant associate from behind sending them flying against the bin.
"Now that's what I like to call a warm up exercise," Decimator mumbled.
"Decimator, what in the world is going on?" Grimlord communicated with him by the viewing satellite.
"My sensors detect Ryan Steele's is inside that very building. My body is thirsty for a grudge match," Decimator said.
"Next time you plan on bailing, notify me ahead of time before you're out looking for competition," Grimlord warned him. "Luckily, you're just at the right place at the right time. Make sure you distract him as long as possible. While Rebecca Steele will be at the site of Steele Labs, our Skug soldiers will volunteer to orchestrate with the kidnapping. Not only will you get to teach a lesson to her son but make sure to defeat him in battle."
"As you shall desire my lord," said Decimator.
Back inside J.B and Ryan continued to socialize by the juice bar. In the midst of their chat, a waiter working at the Café rushed inside to notify their manager regarding an assault that ensued from outside. Along with the bartender, Ryan and J.B hurried out the back of the restaurant to spot the sighting of the victimized employer.
"Are you alright?" In the event of this untimely incident, the bartender took a moment to evaluate the coworker's condition.
I think I fractured the triceps from my right arm.
"What kind of moron would be going out their way to do such a thing?" Ryan wondered. Just before he could dial the emergency number on his phone, he felt a sense of cold breeze that swept by his radar. From his instinct alone, things weren't looking too good.
Well who do we have here?
A familiar voice startled the curious Ryan. He soon turned around to discover the presence of a wielding swordsman he immediately recognized.
"It seems we have ourselves a familiar face out here. How fortunate of me to spot you here," Decimator said.
From his expression alone, Ryan stood frozen in awe.
"Does it come to any surprise? You had to know what Grimlord did by severing the barrier between two worlds. Now us army of robots are able to cross over from our world into yours," the swordsman bantered.
"Decimator," J.B mumbled.
"How did you find us here?" Ryan asked him.
"It's a pleasure to be crossing paths at this time," Decimator replied. "As far as I'm concerned, I've got a score to settle with you Ryan Steele."
It was that instant to which Ryan realized drastic measures had to be taken.
"J.B, go ahead and call an ambulance. I'm going to take matters into my own hands," he instructed. While J.B returned to the crime scene, he phoned in the 9-1-1 emergency call to contact the nearest hospital.
"Let's take our matters someplace where no one else can get hurt," Ryan insisted for the record. The two parties agreed as they circled around the parking lot.
"I am very much looking forward to all of this," the swordsman said. He pulled out the sword from his holster as he positioned himself into combat. Decimator started on the offense swinging his sword towards Ryan. The twenty-something male dodged each swing directed towards him. He pulled out all the stops necessary to defend himself in this intense situation. Despite his fortitude, a successful attack by Decimator resulted in a scar of blood clotting from Ryan's face.
"Give it up human. Just like our last encounter, you don't stand a chance against an experienced swordsman," Decimator urged.
Ryan wiped off the blood smear shrugging off even the slightest pain he had to endure. As he leaned against the door of a vacant car, Ryan countered once more as Decimator's failed sword strike against the window sent pieces of shattered glass piling throughout the driver's seat. Utilizing this opportunity, Ryan laid out a series of roundhouse kicks to wear down the swordsman. While their pacing had been on par with one another, it was a matter of time before Decimator regained the advantage. Resorting to a dirty tactic, a spinning back elbow to the jaw by Decimator caused for Ryan to stumble followed up by a sword slash that tore the cotton off from his shirt.
"Don't insist I told you so," Decimator cackled. Ryan clutched onto his arm to conceal the amount of blood clotting out from his skin.
"Back in your world, you said yourself you would fight with honor. It doesn't seem fair not to have a weapon of my own," Ryan insinuated.
"Ah yes that's a very valid point. I would be doing a disservice to defeat you this way in our battle. Allow me to provide you with the tool," the swordsman stated. Reaching into another holster from his inventory, Decimator pulled out an extra sword tossing it over for Ryan to retrieve.
"Last time I went easy on you. But in this world, I won't be holding back," Decimator assured.
"I have to admit. I haven't done any fencing since I was a kid in summer camp. Even if I'm a bit rusty, you're not going to be harming any more people," Ryan vented. The fight resumed as it transitioned into a fencing duel between two opposing combatants. Neither one were willing to back down. Ryan demonstrated his rudimentary swordsmanship skills while standing his ground.
With their swords remained intact, Ryan and Decimator continued to do battle within the perimeter surrounding the Crossworld Cafe. An exchanging sound of clings echoed as two combatants waged in a duel for survival; a duel between human and robot. Ryan poured out every ounce of effort in his body to hold his own. However, he would be outmatched by the swiftness of the wielding swordsman. Before Ryan could pull off on the offense, Decimator retaliated using his respective weapon that knocked the sword out of Ryan's grasps.
"You would be better off than to accept your defeat this instant," said Decimator placing his sword back into his holster. Stepping back against the back of a caravan, Ryan could feel the excessive amount of agony enveloping from his body.
"You seem to have forgotten. Given my experience as a sword fighter, you are nowhere, and I mean nowhere in my league," Decimator sneered.
Without the needed bantering, Ryan looked to bounce back on the offense. He attempted to lay out a stiff right towards his opponent but Decimator countered before tossing him through the hood of a car. Approaching the Cafe, Ryan grabbed a hold onto the handrails pulling himself back to his feet.
"Give it up Ryan Steele. You aren't going to beat me in this condition," Decimator taunted. In an attempt for cover, Ryan sneaked behind the dumpster bins looking to buy some breathing room.
Decimator looked over his surroundings to detect his opponent.
"You cannot escape me. The worst fighters I have fought are ones who choose to cower in fear," the swordsman shouted.
Ryan panted. Drenched in sweat, it became evident even in civilian form he was no match against the sword wielding robot. Just when it seemed hope seemed lost, Ryan peered at the catwalk above him. Ensuring that the coast was clear, Ryan proceeded up the staircase of the catwalk that led him towards the café's rooftop. Ryan crouched beneath the ledge positioning his target towards Decimator. With his knees tucked between his legs, he waited with anticipation to time his sequence of ambush.
"You can come out now," he taunted. After temporary silence, Ryan leaped off from the rooftop tackling Decimator to the ground. Ryan stood in his fighting pose waiting for the swordsman to return to his feet.
"Impressive I must say," Decimator admitted while clutching onto his arm. "But there is plenty of juice where that came from."
Putting their sword fencing on hold, the two competitors resumed hands on combat. Ryan went in on the offense. Kick after kick, knee strike after knee strike. The result coming from his stealth attack may have been the tactic necessary to change the tide. After a few striking combinations, Ryan capped it off with a Spinning Jump Kick to the head of Decimator.
"You may have had plenty of experience. But you're not taking into account I've been training in the arts my whole life," Ryan stated.
Decimator cackled doing his best to wave off the pain he had to endure. "I'm no Grimlord but as his loyal servant, it'll take more than brute force to wear me down."
As Ryan went for a right hook, Decimator dodged each swing that came towards him. The swordsman bounced back on the advantage delivering a knee to the head of Ryan. A series of back chops ensues as the excessive blows to his body began to take its toll. Scorches were left scattered throughout his foe's face. With Ryan at his most vulnerable state, Decimator grabbed the defenseless human by the collar of his shirt.
"And you thought for a second you were making a comeback? Confidence is brilliant but overconfidence? Think again." Following his comment, he sent Ryan flying against the wall of the cafe. Ryan screamed in pain struggling to move an inch from his muscle. Decimator approached the wounded man with no remorse over his opponent's well being.
"I have to give credit where credit is due. You may have put one hell of a fight. But when it's all said and done, I'm just one step ahead in every way imaginable." Taking out his sword once again, Decimator prepared to deliver the final blow to claim his stake described in one word: Victory.
"It's been a pleasure doing battle. But there can only be one fighter standing tall, and you know who that is," Decimator said. As he prepares to plunge his sword on Ryan, the sounding of an emergency siren began to echo close by.
"You've just got off the hook on this one. Until we meet again," the swordsman stated. To that end, an instant flash of light left no trace of Decimator in sight. A horde of police cars and ambulance vehicles surveyed the parking lot. Ryan's face remained battered and bruised with scars on his face. What appeared to have been a near death experience became his life saving moment.
Karl Ziktor stood beside the fence that surrounded the border of what remained of Steele Labs. He leaned his back against the door of his vehicle, taking a smoke with a cigarette in hand. He pulled up a physical photo of him standing alongside with Tyler on the grand opening of the laboratory. By tossing the cigarette aside, he glanced at the image for the final time before taking out his lighter to burn the photo from his grasp.
Meanwhile, Rebecca pulled over to the side of the road next to another black vehicle in front of her. She exited out of her car looking to have a word with the chairman.
"It shouldn't be any surprise seeing you out here alone this evening," she said. Upon overhearing the police commissioner's voice, Ziktor turned around to spot Rebecca standing behind him.
"Rebecca, you're the last person I would expect to see here," he said.
"I sent you an email over a week ago yet not a single response. I even tried to leave a voice mail but nothing. Who would've thought you'd be standing here without authorization from the PD?" Rebecca stated in regards to Ziktor's suspicions.
"Who is to say I'm trespassing? If I sneak beyond this fence, you would have made a valid point," Ziktor defended his reasoning.
"Fair enough," said Rebecca resisting the temptation to relive the trauma she endured at the time of the fire.
"I never thought I'd be stepping foot at the site where I lost my husband. No matter how haunting they can be, those memories have been ingrained in my head since that night," the chief continued.
"You're not the only one coping with the loss. I was here the day the laboratory opened up on its first day. Your husband was devoted in his work that he wasn't going to abandon all of that time and energy he poured into. It's unfortunate to witness everything he helped built crumble with him," said Ziktor providing his perspective on the situation.
"Tell me something Karl. How would you feel if someone were to breach into your workplace and harming the lives of innocent employees at the expense of their grudge towards you?" Rebecca asked.
"That's a good question now you mention it," Ziktor told her. "If I had been placed in Tyler's shoes, I'd do what many other companies would do in that scenario - putting our entire building on lock down. Say what you will about me. Just because outside factors prevented me from attending the funeral doesn't mean I hold out a grudge towards you or your son. I'm sure you have heard this phrase time and again but the truth is out there. Who could be the suspect that had it in for the murder of Tyler Steele at the time the fire let loose?"
Rebecca and Ziktor proceeded to prolong their conversation. Both parties intended to get to the bottom of the case. But the more chatter that went on, the clearer their disdain for one another intensified.
Close by a group of Skug soldiers eavesdrop on the two civilians. They gathered in a circle to coordinate their game plan in capturing the police chief.
"I haven't heard any updates on the case. But you better believe I'm going to find out one way or the other," said Rebecca.
After much anticipation, a group of construction workers made their presence known in front of them.
"Excuse me you two but you are standing on a restricted area. We advise you leave now before we alert the authorities," spoke one of the workers.
"It's okay. I'm Rebecca Steele of the CCPD," she said flashing her police badge for them to observe.
"We've been waiting for you Rebecca." Following that comment, Ziktor endured a steel shovel to the back of his head falling face first to the ground. As she went to check on his condition, she could feel the slow pulse beating from the chairman's neck.
"I'm afraid you're under arrest, all of you!" She exclaimed taking out her handgun from the pocket of her trench coat. The construction workers aligned with their feet tucked together as they unveiled their original form as Skugs. Rebecca stood in awe of the superstition she witnessed.
"You're going to pay for what you did." As Rebecca prepared to shoot, a Skug managed to swipe the gun out from her clutches. The police chief retaliated taking out the foot soldier with a Judo throw to the ground.
"What on Earth?" Rebecca mumbled. Another one of the Skugs avenged their fallen teammate but was met with a kick to the gut by the commissioner. Afterward, the remaining Skug army surrounded Rebecca as she was positioned into a corner of incredible odds. Doing what she could to defend herself, it was all a matter of plowing through her adversaries. From a series of roundhouse kicks to a set of takedown maneuvers, it seemed the battle complexion was strongly in her favor. Despite having the advantage, the burning fortitude that fumed within the Skugs would contribute in altering the course of their bout. Suddenly, an individual Skug stunned the chief with its stun gun paralyzing her body from the weight down. The intensity she endured from the shock wave left her lying defenseless like a wounded animal. It was that instant in which the complexion of the bout had altered in a short span of time.
"No," Rebecca cried out in desperation. In an attempt to reach over for her handgun, one of the Skugs swept the weapon away for her to retrieve. With one final shock, Rebecca passed out on the ground rendering her unconscious in the process.
Suddenly, emerging from a blue flash of light, Colonel Icebot arrived on the scene to congratulate a job well done.
"Excellent. Soon we will be able to start the brainwashing process," he said. Subsequently, Ziktor crawled back to his feet to find Rebecca incapacitated in front of him.
"One of you Skugs didn't need to hit me that hard," spoke the chairman clutching onto the back of his neck. "Let's bring her over to the lab. I hope you have that power generator ready because we've got work to do."
The stone cold eyes of Karl Ziktor remained glued towards a vulnerable Rebecca.