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The Broken Silence
Chapter 59
Spider's Web
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Michael couldn't get his father out of his mind. He replayed the hour they'd spent together in his mind over and over and he was completely embarrassed. He'd treated the man like a servant, and he hadn't been corrected. His father hadn't said a single word to him at all, and Michael felt completely ashamed. What kind of first impression was that? He could only imagine the disappointment the other man felt at the sight of him. Michael glanced down at his missing limbs and slowly raised his hand to his face.
Michael had thought his biological father was dead all these years, and when he was young he'd longed to meet him. He used to stare up at the family portraits and wonder what life would be like with a father who actually loved him. He'd made up hundreds of fake scenarios where he lived in a happy family with both of his parents. He'd been young and foolish and he'd been reaching for something that was impossible.
Michael was twenty-three years old now and it was far too late for his father to suddenly appear in his life. He knew Dmitry was likely curious of him, and Michael knew he had not given a very good first impression.
Letting out an angry curse, he glanced across the room at the person who was guarding him. They were pointedly ignoring him as they played on their phone and Michael knew it was almost time for Sebastian to switch with them. Tiger edged over and laid her head on his lap and he absentmindedly petted her, feeling angry and tired. He'd barely slept all night and he knew he had a lecture from his grandfather to look forward to.
His grandfather had informed him they were going to discuss the betrayal this morning, and Michael would rather die than face that. Tiger could sense how upset he was and kept nudging him with her nose, trying to make him feel better. Michael glanced down at her and saw she was looking up at him with big sad brown eyes, and he let out a sigh. Maybe this dog wasn't so bad after all… He could always train her to be mean. She wouldn't be as awesome as a tiger, but she could still attack people on command. She seemed docile now, but maybe he could make a killer out of her?
A few minutes later, the bedroom door opened and Sebastian quietly slipped in. When he saw Michael was already awake, he approached the bed.
"Good morning, master Michael, you're up early this morning."
Michael scowled at him. "Fuck off, penguin!"
Sebastian rolled his eyes. "Since you're awake with plenty of time to spare, I'm going to take you to the large bathroom to get cleaned up. You could use a good shower, and you're healed enough now that it should be fine."
"Should be?" Michael repeated.
"Just be careful in there and you'll be fine," Sebastian replied, "The shower is large enough that you should be able to wheel your chair in with no issue. I'll be there to help you if you have any problems."
"I don't need you to watch me shower, you perv," Michael snapped, "I don't need you at all!"
Sebastian rolled his eyes again and then pushed the chair over next to the bed. Michael glared up at him and shifted off the bed into the chair without assistance. Sebastian picked out a clean outfit for him and then approached to push the wheelchair.
"Someone is going to be meeting with your grandparents today to discuss prosthetic limbs," Sebastian informed him.
Michael glanced at his missing arm and wasn't sure how to feel about this. "What kind of fake limbs?" he demanded, "Can I get a gun put in them like in Planet Terror?"
"I find it unlikely," Sebastian replied, pushing him towards the door.
"What about something badass like a sword or a hook? Anyone fucks with me and I can hack out their throat!"
Michael made an overexaggerated clawing motion with his arm and Sebastian rolled his eyes. This now seemed a lot more like the old Michael, and Sebastian knew Mikhael and Annika would be pleased.
When Michael was around thirteen or fourteen he'd become absolutely obsessed with violent horror movies, and Sebastian had had to sit through countless disgusting and cheesy movies. No one had suspected that Michael would someday replicate the things he saw on real people. Sebastian had seen the crime scene photos of Yu Yan Devineaux and they had turned his stomach. It was clear Michael needed a lot of help, and the Volkovs had obtained a therapist who specialized in cases like this.
"Your grandfather will likely speak to you about it this morning," Sebastian informed him, "Your limbs are healing well, and soon you'll be able to get fitted for whatever prostheses they decide on."
"Why do they get to decide?" Michael grumbled, "It's my limbs."
"Because they're paying for it," Sebastian responded impatiently.
Sebastian entered the bathroom with Michael and positioned the chair so the boy could easily get into the shower.
"Are you certain you don't need help?"
Michael glared at him.
"Alright, I won't help you unless you ask for it," Sebastian informed him, taking a seat on a chair in the corner of the bathroom.
Sebastian's back was now to him, but Michael still resented his presence. It was clear everyone still believed he was a suicide risk, and he wasn't going to be left alone for even a moment. The pain of losing Vess burned within him like a deep chasm, and he tried not to think about it. The emptiness inside him felt endless and he could feel it trying to pull him in every time he thought about it. He tried to concentrate on anything else, feeling like he was trying to claw his way up a slick and rainy hillside. He felt like he could slide down at any moment and so he steeled himself and glanced down at Tiger. She had her chin resting on his knee, and he patted her head and then reached out and turned on the shower.
Michael undressed awkwardly and his gaze settled on his missing limbs. Unraveling the bandages, he stared at the stitches and saw they were indeed healing well. Remembering the agony of having his limbs ripped off, he felt his stomach turn and he clapped his hand to his mouth as he fought back the nausea.
Taking a few deep breaths, he reached out towards the water to see if it was hot enough. It was steaming hot the way he liked it and he awkwardly wheeled into the large shower.
"Use soap," Sebastian ordered from the other side of the room, "You smell like a dead rat."
Michael glowered at him and wondered how long it would take to train Tiger to attack Sebastian on command.
Without saying a word, Michael washed his hair and body thoroughly. His limbs were still incredibly sensitive to the touch and so he avoided washing too close to the stitches. Once he was done, he whipped the bar of soap at Sebastian but missed by several feet, shattering the mirror instead. Sebastian turned and gave him an exasperated look, but he didn't comment.
Michael pushed the wheelchair out of the shower and reached for a towel.
"Do you need help getting dressed?" Sebastian demanded.
"You're such a pervert," Michael snapped, "Keep your eyes away from me."
Sebastian heaved a deep sigh and said nothing more. Michael dried himself and the wheelchair off the best he could and then turned his attention to the pile of clothes sitting on the counter. Reaching over he picked them up and then began struggling to dress himself. He managed to get his underwear on fine, but the pants were a different story. They were incredibly difficult to pull on with one arm, and he could not button them no matter how much he struggled to do it. Getting frustrated, he dropped his shirt on the floor and couldn't reach it. Michael was starting to get angry, but then to his surprise Tiger picked up the shirt and dropped it back onto his lap.
"Oh...good boy," Michael complemented.
"Tiger is female," Sebastian pointed out.
Michael scowled. "Fine, good girl then," he snapped.
Leaving his pants unbuttoned, he slipped the shirt over his head and then began struggling to put on his sock. Tiger once again helped him and pulled it up for him as he scratched her on the head gratefully.
"Done," Michael announced.
Sebastian turned around and he looked him up and down critically. His gaze fell on the unbuttoned pants and he without a word, he knelt down and clasped the button for him. He then rolled up Michael's pantleg so he could help rebandage the wound. Michael allowed it since he knew he couldn't do it himself and he watched as Sebastian carefully tied off the bandages and then moved on to bandage the arm. When he was done, he looked Michael up and down once again and gave a satisfied nod.
"Very good, master Michael, now your grandfather would like to speak with you this morning. I'll bring you to his office and inform him you're ready."
Michael immediately squirmed nervously. This was not a conversation he was looking forward to and he averted his gaze.
"I'm hungry, I want breakfast first."
Sebastian shook his head. "No, you can have breakfast afterwards. I was given strict orders that you meet with your grandfather as soon as you wake up."
Michael said nothing more and Sebastain pushed the wheelchair out of the bathroom and down the hallway in the direction of Mikhael's office. Sebastian knocked on the office door and Michael tensed as they waited. No reply came and so Sebastian opened the door and peered in. Mikhael wasn't there and so Sebastian pushed the wheelchair inside.
"Stay here and don't you dare move," Sebastian said firmly, turning to leave the room.
Michael watched him leave and was immediately feeling anxious. The only time he was ever invited into his grandfather's office was when the other man was really going to lecture him about something. His grandparents put up with a lot, but he could only push them so far before Mikhael knocked him down a peg.
Tiger placed her chin on his lap and Michael absentmindedly ran his fingers through her fur as he waited. He glanced around the office and his gaze fell on an open folder on the desk. Craning his neck to see what it was, he saw it was a file all about him. Reaching for the folder, he was too far away and he glanced down at Tiger.
"Fetch!" he ordered, pointing to the folder, "Go get it!"
Tiger immediately bounded over to the desk and picked up the folder. Michael was surprised nothing fell out and a moment later, she plopped it onto his lap proudly. Michael began to flip through the pages in the folder, curious to see what his grandfather knew of him. His stomach dropped at the sight of dozens of crime-scene photos of Yu Yan Devineaux. The pictures were truly horrendous and he was horrified that his grandparents knew about it. He flipped through several other pages and found endless reports of his whereabouts for the past few years and every criminal activity he'd taken part in. He paused on the medical pictures of Mime Bomb, staring at the stitches and bruises that covered every inch of the boy.
Michael now felt certain he was going to be disowned. They knew all of the terrible things he'd done, and he had betrayed his own family. Michael threw the folder across the room and it hit the wall in a shower of papers.
It was then that the door opened and Mikahel stepped inside, observing the fluttering papers. He gave his grandson a disapproving look and then let out a deep sigh as he closed the door behind him.
"Yes, Michael, I know about everything," he stated, "and you and I need to have a long talk."
Michael was instantly defensive, knowing what was coming and not wanting to be hurt by it. "What's there to talk about?" he snapped, "Just get it fucking over with, old man!"
Mikhael was instantly furious and he slammed his cane down on the desk beside Michael. "You will show me the respect I deserve! I am your grandfather!" he boomed angrily, "Do you have any idea what you've put this family through?! What you put me through?!"
Michael shrank back in his chair and didn't answer.
Mikhael took a step closer to him. "We took you in and raised you when you needed us and you betrayed us in return! How could you, Michael? How could you do this to us? Do you really hate us that much?"
Michael still said nothing, keeping his gaze on the floor.
"I know you didn't have a very good life when you lived with the Finnegans, but we always treated you fairly! I thought you were happy here, and I thought you loved us! I never would have thought you were capable of such evil things! Look at what you did to that poor woman, and to your own cousin! You tortured them! What happened to you, Michael? What happened to the sweet little boy I first met all those years ago? How did you become this?"
Michael remained silent, not trusting himself to speak. He'd expected to live the rest of his life with Vess and hadn't thought about anyone else.
"We spoiled you, and that was clearly a mistake! We thought if we gave you as much attention as possible and everything you could want, you would forget about the past. You're selfish, Michael, and you have no consideration for anyone but yourself. I will not allow you to keep hurting this family!"
"Then just fucking kick me out of the family!" Michael snarled angrily.
Mikhael slammed the cane against the desk again and then raised it to give a second slam. Michael gave a violent flinch and raised his arm to cover his face. Mikhael paused and then slowly lowered the cane.
"Michael, do think I'm going to hit you?" he demanded in surprise.
Michael gave a shrug and didn't lower his arm.
Mikhael softened his tone. "Michael, look at me for a second."
Michael peeked around his arm and then slowly lowered it so he could see his grandfather.
"Have I ever hit you?" Mikhael demanded.
Michael hesitated and then shook his head.
"Has your grandmother ever hit you?"
Another shake of the head.
"Have any of the servants ever hit you?"
Michael shook his head for a third time.
"That's right, Michael, we have never raised a hand to you and I don't intend on starting now. I would never hurt you because you don't hurt the ones you love."
Michael felt his eyes blur with tears and he quickly looked away again. Mikhael tipped his chin so they were making eye contact and then he pulled his grandson in for a tight hug.
"I didn't mean to scare you, but I'm just incredibly angry and disappointed in you right now," Mikhael informed him, "I never would have thought you'd do something like this. Where did we go wrong? Did we give you too much freedom? Not enough? I honestly feel like I've failed you..."
Michael was ashamed at the raw pain he could hear in his grandfather's voice. He knew they never would have accepted his marriage, and that was all he'd cared about at the time. Vess was now dead and the family had been splintered all for nothing. Tears fell from Michael's eyes as he struggled to get his emotions under control. His grandfather hugged him even tighter when he remained silent, and Michael wondered where they intended on sending him. Would they send him back to Ireland? Would they throw him into some sort of prison?
"What did we do wrong? Why did you do this to us?" Mikhael asked softly, "Please just talk to me, Michael."
"...I loved him," Michael whispered, "I loved him more than anything…"
Mikhael grimaced but he didn't comment. Instead he just ran his hand through his grandson's hair to comfort him as he cried.
"I was going to marry him…" Michael said in despair, "He was perfect and I loved him."
"I know you loved him," Mikhael said quietly, "I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you. We should have discussed things immediately that night so you would understand why we disapproved of Numa Quederi. I still believe that he wasn't good for you, but I'm sorry I dismissed your feelings. None of us handled the situation properly."
Michael was angry and frustrated but he didn't know how to express this without yelling. The feeling of loss consumed his thoughts every day, and he knew no one would understand.
"You're disowning me."
Mikhael pulled away from Michael so he could look at him directly. "We will never disown you, Michael, and we aren't sending you anywhere. You need help and you'll be speaking with your therapist every single day until he assures us you're going to be alright. All that I ask is you try."
Michael buried his fingers in Tiger's fur and looked away.
"You need to learn to get along with your cousins, and to control your impulses. Your cousins aren't going anywhere and they'll be visiting the manor frequently. You are going to make peace with them and apologize for everything you've put them through. Until you can be trusted, you're not allowed off the Volkov estate."
"So I'm a prisoner?" Michael demanded.
"No, I'd throw a prisoner in the dungeon. You can consider yourself grounded until you grow up a bit more."
Michael quickly looked up. "We have a dungeon?!"
Mikhael smiled at him. "Well...no, we had it converted into extra storage decades ago, but technically it's still down there."
"Did you ever use it?"
Mikhael frowned at him. "Let's not change the subject. I want you to know that we've forgiven you for what you've done, but we're not going to allow it to happen again. You need to work to gain our trust, and your therapist will help with that."
Michael scowled. "I'm not crazy, why do I need a therapist?"
Mikhael reached down and picked up a disturbing picture off the floor. "And this looks like something a normal person would do?"
Michael went silent and looked away.
Mikhael took a deep breath and then dropped the photo. "This isn't going to be easy for any of us, but we'll get through it. You'll get better and our family will be stronger than ever."
"You told me my father was dead," Michael stated, clenching his hand into a fist.
"No, we told you he was missing," Mikhael corrected, "Dmitry ran from this home the moment he turned eighteen and we haven't seen him since. I'd hoped he was safe with Alexandria all this time and I was right. We haven't seen Dmitry in nearly two decades and had no way to get in contact with him."
There were so many questions Michael wanted to ask about his father, but he found the words wouldn't leave his mouth. He was worried about the answers he'd receive and so instead, he simply nodded and said nothing more on the subject.
Mikhael crossed the room to his desk and pulled out another folder. He then passed it over to Michael who hesitantly opened it. He met with the pictures of artificial limbs of every variety. He stared for a moment and then glanced up at his grandfather.
"I'll make my own recommendations, but I'm going to leave the final decision to you," he informed him, "Take a look at this later and read the information. I'll arrange to have someone speak to you about any that catch your interest."
Michael gave another glance through the folder and saw that there were huge price differences between the different prosthetic limbs. Some were only a few thousand dollars while others were in the millions.
"I can choose anything at all?" Michael asked.
Mikhael nodded. "Choose whichever ones feel right to you."
"Can I have weapons in them?" Michael demanded eagerly, "Like a sword or gun or something?"
"Not a chance."
Michael sighed and closed the folder, having every intention of pouring over the contents later. He didn't read very well and didn't want anyone watching him as he tried to make sense of the information.
"...thank you, gramps."
Mikhael nodded and patted his grandson on the back reassuringly. "Do you want to join us for breakfast or do you want to eat in your room?"
"My room," Michael replied, "I want to read this while eating."
Mikhael gave another nod. "Your therapist will be here in an hour and they'll come to your room."
"Joy."
"Be nice to him," Mikhael ordered, "I don't want him reporting that you're being uncooperative, is that clear?"
Michael sighed but didn't say anything.
Mikhael mirrored the sigh and then turned towards the door. "I'll be back to speak to you later," he promised, "I'll let Sebastian know to take you back to your room."
Mikhael left the office and Michael could hear a muffled conversation with Sebastian in Russian. A few seconds later Sebastian opened the door and gave Michael a somewhat searching look. Michael frowned back at him, not quite understanding the look. Had Sebastian been worried about him for some reason?
"Ready, master Michael?" Sebastian asked, approaching the wheelchair.
Michael nodded silently, and Sebastian wheeled him out of the room without another word.
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The moment the van came to a stop, Team Shadow sprang out of the vehicle gasping for breath. The smell of Earwig had been so strong and foul that even having the windows down hadn't helped much. Spinkick was clutching his stomach and gagging on his knees on the ground and the others weren't faring much better. Every member of Team Shadow had stepped far away from the van as they fought for fresh air.
Earwig slowly slipped out of the van and stood nearby silently watching the others. She didn't seem embarrassed, but her gaze was sharp as she observed her new teammates.
Lady Dokuso was watching the scene the others were making and although her own stomach was rolling, she remained as dignified as possible. She turned a withering glare on Earwig and crossed her arms.
"You are to take a shower immediately," she ordered, "And then we're burning those clothes!"
Earwig simply stared at her and said nothing.
"This is where you're staying tonight and from here, you're being moved to San Diego," Troll stated over their coms, "Someone will be meeting you guys tonight to discuss the plans. I'll be part of the meeting and so once inside, I need you to link me to a camera so i can take part."
"I have regrets…" Spinkick whined, glaring over at Earwig.
"I have questions of my own about this...team," Rhino commented with a frown, "It doesn't make sense to me."
"Make sense?" Driver repeated, "What do you mean?"
Rhino rubbed the back of his head and glanced around at his teammates. "Let's be honest here. None of us are overly remarkable. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out why we were chosen out of thousands of other criminals. What about us makes us stand out?"
"Because we're awesome, duh," Spinkick said dismissively, "We're obviously the best V.I.L.E has to offer."
"But we're not," Rhino insisted, "I'm strong, but there are dozens of strong operatives just like me. It's the same with all of you. I've been researching us, and none of us are unique in any way I can ascertain. There's something we haven't been told…"
"Did it ever occur to you that perhaps this is something that will be explained in tonight's meeting?" Dokuso pointed out.
Rhino crossed his arms and didn't look convinced. "Everyone always assumes I'm stupid because I'm strong, but something definitely doesn't smell right to me. What do we even know about this mysterious Spider person?"
"I agree," Driver responded, glaring at Earwig as she stepped around her, "What use is Earwig to our team?"
"Well, you could try asking…?" Troll suggested condescendingly.
"Right!" Spinkick said, stepping forward to take charge, "Earwig!"
Earwig glanced over at him.
"What's your schtick? Do you have any talents?"
Earwig averted her gaze and seemed a bit embarrassed.
"See, she can't do anything!" Rhino pointed out, "I think we're being set up for failure!"
"Stop speculating," Dokuso ordered, "Let's give our superiors the opportunity to explain before we make assumptions. Everyone in the house before we attract any attention."
Everyone carried their bags inside and Earwig trailed after them.
"Go find the bathroom and wash up," Dokuso ordered her, "Don't come back until you're clean."
Earwig wandered into the house away from everyone else presumably to look for the bathroom and everyone let out a breath of relief.
"I'm starving, can we order food?" Spinkick demanded.
"I already ordered Chinese for everyone," Troll informed them.
"You didn't even ask us!" Spinkick snapped, "What if I felt like pizza?"
"Then it sucks to be you," Troll responded dismissively, "I've been put in charge of this team's finances and so I get to decide how it's spent."
"What kind of bullshit is this?!" Spinkick snarled.
"Control yourself," Dokuso scolded him, "Considering the history with Carmen Sandiego and Team Crackle, it makes sense that they're limiting our funds."
Flytrap crossed her arms. "We're not going to betray them!"
"Yeah!" Spinkick agreed, "We're loyal!"
"They don't know that and they're clearly not taking a chance. The Troll will make sure we're taken care of."
"Someone still needs to give me access to a house camera," Troll commented, It's kinda hard to be part of the team when I can't see you."
"Does that mean we'll be able to see you too?" Driver demanded, her lip curling in disgust.
"Why? You want to see me, babe?" Troll teased, "I should have known. No one can resist a hot Korean."
"Well, when one comes by, let me know," Driver retorted.
Dokuso rolled her eyes and then turned to Rhino. "You're tall and so you hook up the camera for The Troll."
Rhino sighed and gave a nod, glancing around until his eyes fell on a camera in the corner of the room. The others left the room to claim a bedroom and by the time they returned the camera was set up and the food had arrived.
"Earwig, food!" Rhino bellowed out.
There was no answer and Earwig remained in the bathroom. Dokuso frowned and then let out a deep sigh, getting up from the table. She made her way down the hall to the bathroom, and she gave a loud knock to the door. There was no answer and so she opened the door and glanced inside.
The shower was running hot water down the drain and Earwig was standing in the middle of the bathroom simply staring at it, just as dirty as ever.
"I did not sign up for this!" Dokuso snarled, reaching out and grabbing Earwig by the elbow, "If you can't clean yourself like a civilized person then you can just stay outside like an animal!"
Earwig offered no resistance and the others simply watched as Dokusi marched her to the door and then roughly shoved her out.
"When you're willing to take a shower then you can come back in!" Dokuso stated, closing the door in her face.
"That girl ain't right," Rhino stated, popping a piece of chicken into his mouth.
The nearby television flickered for a moment and then Troll appeared on the screen. "Well, she's certainly interesting," he commented.
Driver glared at him and then pointedly looked away.
"What about Earwig's food?" Flytrap asked, glancing towards the closed door.
"She can eat on the porch," Dokuso replied, "She is not coming into this house until she agrees to a shower!"
"I'll bring her food to her," Flytrap volunteered.
"No, no!" Spinkick cut in, reaching for the styrofoam container, "Let me do it!"
"Why?" Driver asked.
Spinkick grinned cruelly and then stood up and headed for the door. When he opened the door, Earwig was sitting on the porch watching the traffic drive by.
"Here's your food!" Spinkick announced.
When Earwig turned to look up at him, he whipped it at her as hard as he could, causing the container to burst, sending food flying everywhere. Spinkick then began to laugh and he closed the door without another word. Earwig stared for a moment and then began scraping the spilled food back into the container.
When Spinkick took his seat back at the table, Flytrap gave him an unimpressed look. "That was mean," she commented.
"No, it was funny," Spinkick responded.
"Did you find out anything about that Earwig creature yet?" Dokuso demanded, turning her gaze to Troll.
"No, there's nothing about her at all, but I'll do some more digging," Troll promised, taking a sip from an enormous takeout cup, "I have plans soon and so it will have to wait."
Dokuso narrowed her eyes. "Plans? What plans?"
"Personal business," Troll responded cryptically, "I do have a life outside of V.I.L.E, you know?"
Dokuso stared at him long and hard, not trusting him for an instant. "And what happens if something comes up and you're nowhere to be found?"
Troll rolled his eyes. "Relax, you old biddy, I'll still be here in my lair, I'll just be focusing on something else. I'll still be listening in and keeping an eye on things."
Dokuso sucked in a sharp breath. "What did you just call me?"
Troll simply stared at her.
Dokuso clenched her fists, wishing the young man was there in person. "I am the leader of this team and you will act like it! I was put in charge of all of you, and you have no right to speak to me that way! Any more disrespect and I will report you!"
Troll didn't look overly worried. "Ugh, boomers," he muttered quietly to himself.
Dokuso was about to respond to that angrily when there was a loud knock at the door.
"Maybe Earwig is cold?" Rhino guessed.
Before anyone had the chance to answer the door, it swung open and a large man entered without permission. He was wearing body armour and a helmet and none of his face could be seen. He waved a hand and two dozen men swarmed in after him. Assault rifles were immediately pointed straight at Team Shadows' heads and they froze in place, having no idea what was happening.
"Team Shadow?" the man in the helmet demanded.
Dokuso nodded, her hand slowly reaching into her pocket for her weapon.
"We are here on behalf of Spider. I will need all of you to line up in a row so we can complete our mission."
"What's going on?!" Spinkick demanded in alarm.
"We didn't do anything wrong!" Flytrap protested, "Why are you aiming guns at us?!"
"I have been tasked with ensuring your cooperation with what happens next," the man explained.
Earwig was shoved through the crowd to stand with the others and having no choice, Team Shadow lined up side by side. Troll was watching all of this with wide eyes and he said nothing at all, clearly speechless for once.
"What are you talking about?" Dokuso demanded, "Explain yourself at once!"
The man didn't say anything and instead turned to his men. "Do it," he ordered.
Before anyone had a chance to react, they were seized and disarmed of all weapons. Spinkick was then shoved face-down across the kitchen table, sending the food sliding off to the floor.
Flytrap fought to get free but she could do nothing with so many people holding her back. "Let him go!" she snarled, "What are you doing to him?!"
The back of Spinkick's shirt was pulled away exposing his neck and upper back. Two men approached and as one held his head down, the other pulled out a sharp knife. Without a single word of warning, the man sliced a small but deep wound into the base of Spinkick's neck. He screamed in pain and struggled, but he was easily held in place. Everyone watched in horror as a tiny metal device was placed inside the hole and then sewn up. The wound was disinfected and then a bandage was placed over it. Spinkick was then released and Flytrap was next.
"What was that?!" Rhino roared, fighting to free himself from the six men holding him, "What did you do to him?!"
Flytrap screamed as the same thing was done to her, and Spinkick bellowed in fury, unable to help his best friend. One by one, the devices were implanted inside them, and the only one who remained silent was Earwig. She didn't so much as flinch as they sliced into her and she offered no resistance. Once everyone had been done, the man glanced down at his tablet and then pressed a few buttons. There was instantly a fiery burning sensation in everyone's necks and they screamed in agony. Earwig didn't seem to notice and the man frowned at her and then checked his com. Raising the com towards her, it let out a beep and he seemed confused. He pressed a few buttons and then raised it to her again and it beeped again. He stared at her for a moment, shrugged and then pocketed the tablet.
"Alright, Team Shadow, I will now explain to you how this is going to work…"
Spinkick snarled several foul curses at him but the man pretended not to hear.
"You have each been implanted with a special device of Spider's creation. Your every movement is now monitored and we will know where you are at all times. If we even suspect you're not where you're supposed to be, the device will release sulphuric acid and melt through your spine killing you in the most agonizing way possible."
"Are you serious?!" Driver yelled out.
"You can't do this!" Flytrap snarled, "We haven't done anything!"
"And you won't get the opportunity to," the man replied with a careless shrug, "Spider is not taking any chances with your team. You will follow all orders without question or you will be disposed of. For your own sakes, you'd better be absolute model operatives."
"This is insulting and degrading!" Dokuso hissed, straining against the men holding her, "I've been with V.I.L.E for decades!"
"You're not with V.I.L.E anymore and things are run differently," the man informed her, "I suggest you get used to it or you will be replaced with someone who can."
Dokuso glowered at him but she did go quiet.
"Any attempt to remove or tamper with the devices will result in them immediately releasing their acid and killing you. I doubt you'll believe me however, and we're fully expecting one of you to die from this. Normally it takes seeing one of their teammate's neck melting off before new operatives begin to cooperate. It will be interesting to see which one of you it will be."
Team Shadow exchanged alarmed looks with one another.
"Keep the wound dry and clean until the stitches heal," the man warned them, "Once it heals you shouldn't even be able to feel that it's there."
"You had no right!" Driver snarled, "We never would have agreed to this! You can't put implants in people!"
The man didn't even bother to respond to her. "Tomorrow you will catch the 7:15am flight to San Diego and you will stay there unless otherwise instructed. The Troll will be in charge of explaining your day to day movements and so you'd better hope he doesn't forget to tell us about a trip to the mall or park."
Everyone turned to stare at the screen where Troll was still watching, his expression slightly dumbstruck.
"If you happen to spot any members of Team Crackle or Carmen Sandiego's team you're to report it immediately, but you're to take no action. The final member of your team will be joining you in San Diego in a few days."
Every member of Team Shadow glared at him hatefully, but no one dared say a word.
"My business here is concluded, and I suggest you tread carefully from now on. Good luck, Team Shadow."
The man then turned and left the house without so much as a backwards glance at them. Once he was gone, the men released Team Shadow and then turned to follow him.
Spinkick immediately lunged at one of the men the moment he was loose, but Flytrap quickly grabbed hold of him and held him back.
"Let me go!" he snarled, "I'm gonna kill 'em all!"
"No, you're going to get yourself killed!" Flytrap hissed, "Stay still, Kit!"
"No!" Spinkick snapped, "I'm going to-"
"Still yourself!" Dokuso boomed out, her tone like ice.
Spinkick went quiet and gave Dokuso a defeated look, before he turned mournful eyes to Flytrap. Without a word, he turned and wrapped his arms around his partner in a tight hug.
"Wow, sucks to be you guys," Troll commented, "That looked like it really hurt."
"Shut it, fatty!" Spinkick snarled, instantly angry again.
"Don't body shame," Driver scolded, raising a hand to gently touch the back of her neck.
Troll smirked at them, and then leaned back into his chair comfortably. "I'm definitely glad I'm not a field agent right now," he stated, "I rather like dealing with the world from my lair."
Rhino glared at him, but knew the other man really was lucky.
"Since I'm the only one who doesn't have an acid pellet in my neck, does that make me in charge now?" Troll questioned with an infuriating smirk, "It would be oh-so-easy for me to make negative reports about all of you after all…"
"You asshole!" Spinkick yelled out, taking a step towards the screen.
"You can't do that!" Driver protested, "You'd be killing us all!"
"You'd better be nice to me then," Troll replied, his smirk growing even wider.
"You're lucky you're hiding in China you dweeb, or I'd bust your face in!" Rhino growled.
Troll blinked. "I'm...I'm not Chinese…" he commented in confusion.
"Whatever," Rhino responded, narrowing his eyes, "I'd still break your nose!"
Troll rolled his eyes. "A threat against my safety? Oh my, maybe I'd better report that?"
"Don't you dare!" Rhino yelled, slamming his fist against the table.
"Troll, that is enough !" Dokuso ordered, "You do not get to boss this team around!"
"Oh?" Troll challenged, "And who's going to stop me?"
There was suddenly a loud crash from over the coms and Troll turned around to look behind him with a surprised expression on his face. Several men could be seen swarming into the room, and Troll tried to scramble away as he was tackled. Team Shadow saw a purple sneaker fly off as Troll hit the floor and then they could hear him screaming and crying off camera. Just a couple minutes later, the men left without ever saying a word and Troll remained off camera.
After several long minutes, he dragged himself back into his computer chair silently. A bit of blood could be seen on his collar and it was clear what had happened. Troll wiped at his eyes without a word and Spinkick burst out laughing.
"Well, guess you're in the same boat as us after all!"
Troll simply reached out and turned his camera off, going completely silent.
Team Shadow exchanged looks and knew failure was not going to be an option for them. If they didn't succeed, Spider would likely kill them all and start again with a new team. There was a rather somber feeling that filled the room and no one commented on the fact Earwig was eating the spilled food off the floor.
Everything was now different, and they were terrified. How long would it be before someone made a mistake?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Michael glared at the closed door, wishing he could just leave. He didn't need a therapist and this was just plain ridiculous. A therapist couldn't bring Vess back and there was nothing they could do to make him feel any better about the situation. If he had two arms, he would have been sitting there arms-crossed, but instead he had to settle for an unfriendly glower.
Glancing at the nearby clock he saw the therapist should be arriving any moment. Tiger was pressed up close beside him, and he patted her just wanting to get this over with. Michael didn't have to wait long and just a few minutes later, a knock came to the door.
Michael said nothing and a moment later a man opened the door. The man was tall with dark skin and piercing blue eyes and he offered Michael a friendly smile.
"Ah, MJ, right?" the man questioned in an accent Michael couldn't place.
Michael remained silent and simply glared at him.
The man shut the door and approached to take a seat in the chair across from him. "My name is Dr. Roger Bigirimana and I'm going to be your doctor for the next few months."
Michael snorted. "Roger?" he mocked, "I'm not having a doctor named Roger."
Roger didn't seem bothered by this and simply opened his notebook and began writing something down. Michael eyed him suspiciously, and after several minutes of silent writing he couldn't stand it any longer.
"What are you writing about?" he demanded, "I haven't even told you anything yet!"
"Just making some notes," Roger assured him, "Nothing to be worried about."
"Notes about what?"
"Just a few observations," Roger said evasively, finally setting his pen down, "Now, MJ, I understand your grandparents have a few concerns about you."
Michael shrugged.
"I want to start out strong today so I can get a good feel for the issues we're facing," Roger explained, "I want you to talk to me about the death of Numa Quederi."
Michael pulled back like he'd been struck and a dozen emotions hit him all at once. He felt his breathing speed up as the sound of Vess' screams filled his mind, and he began to shake.
"Mj? Are you still with me?" Roger asked.
Michael placed his hand to his face and closed his eyes, feeling like his chest was being squeezed. Tiger was barking and nosing at him desperately but he didn't react. He couldn't breathe and he felt a cold sweat sheening on his face.
"The pain you're feeling right now is normal and expected," Roger told him, "You loved him and he was taken from you."
Michael wasn't expecting that and slowly opened his eyes.
"Embrace that pain, and know that it means you're a normal human being," Roger said, "It's normal to feel anger and loss after your loved one was murdered. You have the right to feel this way and I won't be telling you any different."
Michael lowered his hand and stared at the doctor in disbelief.
Roger smiled at him encouragingly. "Don't worry, I'm going to help you get through this. There is nothing wrong with you, MJ, and I'm completely on your side."
"Everyone but me hated him…" Michael said in a small voice, "No one supported our marriage."
"I understand that you tried to hurt yourself recently?"
Michael averted his gaze and shrugged.
"That won't fix anything," Roger informed him, "Do you think Numa wants you to die? Do you think he gave his life for you to just throw it away?"
Michael flushed.
"That's right, you'd be wasting his sacrifice. You owe him MJ, and you need to get your act together."
Roger stared long and hard at Michael for a moment and then made a few more notes. When he looked up, he was giving Michael a somewhat thoughtful look.
"Do you believe you were in the wrong for what you did?" he asked, "Do you believe you were wrong to side with Numa?"
Michael hesitated. He thought of the betrayal, the people he'd hurt, but none of it seemed important compared to Vess.
"No."
Roger smiled like this was what he was hoping to hear. The look confused Michael and he frowned, pretty sure this wasn't how therapy was supposed to work.
"You gonna tell me I'm wrong?" Michael demanded, "Tell me how much I fucked everything up?"
Roger shook his head. "I know everything, MJ, and I know you did what you had to do. I was originally going to work up to a certain conversation over a few sessions, but you actually seem ready to hear what I have to say right now."
"Oh?" Michael demanded suspiciously.
"Love is important, and I'm not going to tell you otherwise," Roger stated, "I'm going to help you recover so you can do what's right."
"I miss him…" Michael whispered, looking away.
"Then honour his sacrifice and do what he'd want you to!" Roger stated firmly.
Michael glanced back at him. "And what would that be?"
"Avenge him, Michael! Show Numa how much you loved him by making those responsible pay!"
Michael's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Are you going to let them get away with it? Don't you love Numa? It's your duty to avenge your lover and make Numa's sacrifice matter!"
"I...I don't understand…" Michael replied, feeling like he'd fallen into the twilight zone.
Roger let out a deep sigh and then met Michael's gaze directly. "It was very difficult for me to get in here to see you. I hope that you will listen to what I have to say."
Michael blinked in confusion. "You're not really my therapist...are you?"
Roger smiled. "I am known as codename Scorpion and I unfortunately had to make the real Roger Bigirimana disappear. I work for an incredibly powerful person, and she's taken an interest in you. I have a proposition for you if you'd care to listen."
Michael narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Oh?"
"My boss is willing to help you get your revenge and to claim the heirship of Volkov."
Michael frowned. "And why would she do that?"
"In exchange for her help, you will kill Carmen Sandiego."
Michael was silent as he stared at Scorpion, the loss of Vess still feeling raw. "You'll help me kill Siren and get my revenge?"
Scorpion nodded.
Michael returned the nod. "I'm listening."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
TBC