Here at last is the end! I can't thank everyone enough for the reviews and feedback - please be assured that I've read each and every single comment, so if you left an anon review on , "thank you". This started out as just a random idea and grew into this multi-chapter fic and I'm so blown away that people enjoy my fangirl nerdiness.^^ I hope this last chapter was worth the wait. I have a lot of trouble writing action scenes so this took me a bit longer than expected.
I have more Inspector Gadget fics in the works, so keep checking my Tumblr for upcoming fic previews, random headcanons, and just overall geekiness. Also, Happy Easter for those who celebrate the day. :)
5. Questions and Mysteries
"Shots fired, shots fired!"
Quimby finished the radio call and rushed out of his car as several Metro City PD patrol cars screeched to a stop, followed by several unmarked vehicles that were probably the FBI. He raised his gun as two figures staggered out of the warehouse, a familiar canine right behind them.
As they got closer Quimby immediately lowered his gun. "Wha-Penny! What the blazes are you doing here, girl?" he barked.
"No time...we were kidnapped…" wheezed Donovan, managing to straighten despite the two blows to the head he had received. "Quimby, Gadget's still in there!"
"He's right, Chief Quimby! There's another cyborg in there - you've got to help him!"
No sooner had the words left Penny's mouth than several men - at least ten, possibly more - started raining down gunfire as they emerged from the crumbling buildings behind the warehouse.
Quimby fired back several shots before taking cover behind his car where Donovan had already pulled his two charges.
"Where the hell is my backup?" Quimby was roaring into his shoulder radio.
"Right here, Chief!"
All four looked up to see several police officers hurrying towards them, returning fire and forcing their attackers back.
"I swear I'm gettin' tired of savin' your hide, Donovan," a familiar Midwestern drawl said.
Donovan raised his head to smile at Agent Davis. "About time the cavalry got here! What took ya?"
"Shut up," snapped Russo as she thrust a gun and holster at Donovan. "I'm pissed at you."
"Nice to see ya too, Angie," said Donovan, checking the gun before firing off a round.
"Who are these guys?" grunted Davis as he aimed, noting with grim satisfaction when one of the men went down.
Donovan was about to answer when he heard Penny shout, "Uncle Gadget!"
They all turned to watch Gadget rush towards the pier, clearly intent on chasing someone if the determined, furious expression on his face was anything to go by.
"Where's he going?" one of the officers exclaimed. "We need him!"
There were several more exchanges of gunfire, and then all hell broke loose, literally.
A huge explosion suddenly exploded upward through the pier, temporarily blinding everyone.
"Uncle Gadget!" Penny screamed but her cry was drowned out by the blast.
Russo grabbed the girl as she tried to run towards the pier, wincing as flaming debris rained down around them. "Stay here, you'll just get in the way otherwise!"
Quimby and Donovan exchanged horrified looks. There was no way anyone, not even a cyborg, could have survived that blast.
But they didn't have time to think about that. Their attackers had regrouped and were firing off more rounds, but their shots went wide and Quimby smiled grimly. They were getting desperate, which made them stupid.
Between the superior markmanship and combined firepower of the officers and FBI agents the outcome was quickly decided. After another two men had fallen the masked gunmen fled back into the vast woods that covered the east side of the port.
"Let them go," said Quimby. "Secure the area! Call the fire department and have them clear out any residential areas near the blast zone. The rest of you, form a perimeter - no one gets into this crime scene. You three," he pointed to Donovan, Russo, and Davis. "With me! Move, now!"
Penny watched with numb shock, clinging to Brain, as the men and women rushed forward, temporarily forgetting about the girl.
Gadget pulled himself back onto the pier with a gasp, coughing furiously as his pneumatic system forcibly expelled the water from his lungs as it struggled to bring his oxygen levels back up to normal levels.
"Wowsers," he groaned, staggering forward a few steps before falling to his hands and knees. He blinked in surprise as he looked down at his right hand.
He still had his revolver. For some reason - either chance or miracle - his joints had locked when the blast had hit him, ensuring that the gun wasn't lost in the bay.
The sound of gunshots made him jerk his head around. Struggling to his feet, he dashed back towards the warehouse.
Quimby hadn't forgotten about Penny or Gadget but he couldn't worry about them now. He had a major crime scene to secure, as well as a still-missing killer cyborg on the loose. Incredibly none of Metro City officers or FBI agents had been killed, though two officers were definitely going to be out of duty for weeks with injuries.
They had killed three of the gunmen but whether they were M.A.D. agents would have to wait until later.
Quimby and the three FBI agents cautiously entered the warehouse, their weapons drawn. Quimby entered first, Russo on his left and Donovan on his right, each slightly behind him. Davis brought up the rear, holding a long-range rifle.
"Guns don't work on this thing, Chief Quimby," said Donovan.
"Well, that's all we've got right now," grunted Quimby. 'Gadget, where the blazes are you?' he thought.
"You think the cyborg was caught in that blast?" mumbled Donovan, his blue eyes sharp as he scanned the area.
"That must have been who Gadget was chasing," added Davis.
"I think - Mike, behind you!"
Donovan instinctively whirled around at Russo's shout, once again coming face to face with the dark cyborg. Or what was left of him.
"Jesus," he rasped.
The cyborg's skin (if it had even been skin) was burned away, some of the trailing edges still glowing red from the blast. Underneath they could see a gruesome array of both bone and circuitry, sparks shooting outwards from the burns and wounds. What little hair the cyborg had once was now burned away.
"Where's Gadget?" demanded Quimby, keeping his gun trained on the cyborg despite knowing it was pointless.
"Dead," the cyborg said, his mouth fixed in a permanent gruesome smile. "And you all can join him."
Gadget heard the shots and increased his pace, his heart hammering and breath escaping in huge puffs of steam. As he approached he nearly stumbled in relief to see Penny and Brain huddled against a police car, white-faced but unharmed.
"Penny!" he shouted, "Brain! Where's Chief Quimby?"
"Uncle, in there!" said Penny, pointing towards the warehouse at the same time gunshots rang out.
Gadget nodded and paused, glancing down at his revolver. He needed a weapon, but not this one. He looked at the nearest car that had its driver's side door open.
Quickly shoving his revolver back into its holster, Gadget ran over to the car and gripped the door.
Penny and Brain watched in awe as Gadget ripped the door off, hoisting it like a shield before pounding towards the warehouse.
Quimby fired off shots as the cyborg stalked towards them, the three FBI agents following his lead. If this thing had killed one of his best men and left Penny alone then he was going to take it down or die trying.
Laughing, the cyborg tore Quimby's revolver out of his grip and crushed it like tinfoil. He swung out with his arm, sending Quimby and Russo clear across the room. Donovan and Davis managed to dodge the swing and darted in opposite directions.
"It's just like cat and mouse," the cyborg chuckled. Quimby was certain the thing was insane. It's movements were jerky and unsteady and seemed hellbent on destroying anything and everyone in its path.
"Donovan, move!" the chief shouted as the FBI agent scrambled to reload his gun.
The cyborg raised his arm again, something that looked like a cross between a gun and laser rising out of it.
Donovan's face paled.
Davis saw a figure rushing towards them and raised his rifle - he was the best shot of the three - and fired. The bullet bounced off of the cyborg though it did distract him momentarily, which was exactly what Davis had wanted.
"You might wanna move," Davis told the cyborg.
The cyborg looked to his right just in time to see Gadget, running at full speed, slam into the cyborg, battering at him with his makeshift shield as he pushed the cyborg away from Donovan and the others.
Stunned by the sheer ferocity of the attack, the cyborg stumbled backwards as Gadget used his superior height to pummel at his opponent.
Quimby gaped. "What the...Gadget!" He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
"Why won't you just die?" snarled the cyborg, finally managing to sidestep another blow and slamming his arm, now converted into an enormous metallic club, against the car door.
Gadget grunted at the impact and dug his feet in. "You'll...have to...do better than...that," he said, pushing back with every ounce of strength he had. Sweat was dripping down his face but this was one fight he was determined to win.
Gritting his teeth, Gadget gripped the door handle with both hands and swung upward, ramming the edge of the door into the cyborg's chin with enough force that would have instantly killed a normal man.
The dark cyborg's head snapped back and he snarled as he stumbled backwards, clearly not expecting Gadget to have put up such a fight. The two circled each other, Gadget keeping himself between the cyborg and the humans behind him.
The officers who were outside rushed to the entrance of the warehouse, followed by several FBI agents. Penny managed to shove her way to the front of the crowd with Brain's help, watching in a mixture of fear and awe as her uncle exchanged blows with the dark cyborg.
"Hold your fire! Your guns won't work!" Donovan shouted to the crowd.
To Penny's surprise, several of the officers and FBI agents began to shout encouragement at Gadget since they couldn't do anything else to help him. Some even took out their nightsticks and beat them against the wall in encouragement as they hollered and cheered.
"That's it, Gadget, you show that walking tin can what for!"
"Give him hell, Inspector!"
"Go, Gadget, go!"
"Ruff! Ruff ruff!"
Enraged, the dark cyborg charged at Gadget, grabbing onto the door. They spun around before the door was ripped from Gadget's hands.
Gadget pulled his revolver out.
The cyborg sneered, bloodlust clear in his eyes. "I told you before, that gun won't-"
Before he could finish Gadget pulled back his fist, still wrapped around his revolver, and punched the cyborg squarely in the jaw.
The cyborg crumpled to the ground, momentarily stunned.
"Inspector!" shouted an officer, flinging a pair of cuffs to Gadget who caught them. Bending down, Gadget quickly rolled the cyborg over, keeping a knee planted between his shoulders as he snapped on the cuffs before rolling his opponent onto his back. He knew the cyborg could easily snap the cuffs but Gadget was a police officer - some habits never faded.
Panting like a bellows, Gadget looked up as Quimby, Donovan, Russo, and Davis rushed forward.
"Who are you? Who sent you?" demanded Quimby. He leaned down and gripped the cyborg's tattered shirt, shaking him hard. "Answer me, damn you!"
Command not recognized...repeat instructions...
The voice was hollow and mechanical. The four looked at each other in confusion and then back down at the cyborg
Security breach recognized…The voice was coming from the cyborg.
"I've had enough of this," snarled Donovan. He stood and raised his gun again. "Bullets may not work against this thing's body, but I bet one to the head will!"
Gadget tensed. Shooting an unarmed and restrained prisoner was appalling, even if said prisoner was a psychotic cyborg. He started to rise to his feet when a young voice suddenly rang out.
"Don't!"
Donovan gaped as Penny put herself between the dark cyborg and the FBI agent. "Mr. Donovan, don't!"
"Penny, this, this...thing nearly killed you, and your uncle!"
"I know," the girl gasped, "I know. But he was, is, a man, Mr. Donovan!"
"He's a monster!"
"He deserves a fair trial!"
"He deserves a bullet in the brain!" Donovan raised his pistol again. "Step aside, Penny." The young man's face hardened. "Now!"
"No! He's still a man as much as my uncle! Does the FBI now gun down men without the right to trial? Is he less a human being worthy of dignity because of what was done to him?"
Donovan gaped at the girl, floored by the passion in her voice. He stared at Penny, uncertain.
"Do as she says," said Gadget as he put himself between Penny and Donovan.
"Inspector..."
"Lower your weapon, Agent Donovan," said Gadget, his tone calm but steely. "She's right. I'll take him in - I want him to go to trial."
"Too late, Inspector."
All three turned just in time to see the cyborg's eyes go dim. "Memory wipe complete...self destruct initiated."
Penny watched as the red light faded from the cyborg's eyes to reveal that the cyborg's, no, man's eyes were blue.
Those eyes swiveled toward Penny and Gadget. The girl thought she saw something like regret in the cyborg's eyes before he jerked and then went still.
Penny covered her mouth with her hands. Gadget pulled her close and she pressed her face against his shoulder.
"He was a man, Uncle," she gulped. "What they did to him...it wasn't fair."
Gadget closed his eyes. "I know, my dearest," he whispered so that only she could hear. "But you're safe and that's all that matters."
Penny nodded and Gadget held her close for a moment longer before pulling back enough so that he could see his niece's face.
"Are you alright? How did you get here?" he asked, still a bit winded from the fight.
"Uncle, I'm sorry! I don't know what happened...I was checking the mail, and then...I'm so sorry," Penny gasped.
"It's alright, hush...none of this is your fault. Shh," Gadget soothed, pulling her close again.
Quimby looked towards the crowd of FBI agents and police officers and caught Davis' eye. The FBI agent nodded and turned towards the crowd.
"C'mon, folks," said Davis, his stern face daring anyone to argue with him. "Let's get this crime scene organized so we can all go home."
"What in God's name was that?" muttered Russo, her green eyes still staring in horrified fascination at the cyborg's still body that Brain was (very carefully) sniffing.
"God had nothing to do with that," said Quimby, yanking out his pipe and chewing on it. "More like Frankenstein's monster."
Russo's eyes finally shifted from the cyborg to Gadget and Penny.
"You really sure about that guy?" she muttered.
"He's one of my best men," grunted Quimby. "And that's all I'm going to say on the matter, Agent Russo."
She nodded, her lips pressed in a thin line but knowing better than to argue.
Satisfied, the chief turned as something caught his eye. It was the makeshift door Gadget had used as a weapon...wait a minute...
"Gadget," he said slowly. "Was that the door to my car?"
"Er," Gadget finally stood but kept his arm firmly around Penny, his other hand rubbing the back of his head. "I'm not sure...maybe? I wasn't, ah...really paying attention, Chief."
"GADGET!"
One hour later…
Quimby walked slowly towards Gadget and Penny, relieved to finally be going home. The two were sitting huddled close to each other, Penny leaning heavily against her uncle's side, Brain pressed against her other side.
"You need medical?" he asked softly as he finally got a good look at them both. Penny had already given her statement but Quimby could tell she was rapidly reaching the end of her reserves, Gadget not far behind.
"No," said Penny before Gadget could answer. "No, no more doctors - no more questions from strangers. Please, Uncle. I just want to go home."
Gadget hesitated but then nodded. "No, I think we just need a good night's sleep, Chief," he said before yawning heavily.
"Come on," said Quimby. "I'll drive you home."
Gadget nodded and gently herded Penny and Brain into the back seat of a (remarkably undamaged) police car. He watched as Gadget climbed in after them and as soon as he was settled Penny stretched out on the seat and rested her head in Gadget's lap. Brain carefully climbed over his mistress and laid down on Gadget's other side, nosing at his arm until the inspector obligingly lifted it so Brain could curl up against him.
Once they were settled Quimby climbed into the driver's seat and shut the door as softly as he could as Penny had already fallen asleep.
The chief paused in fastening his seat belt as he looked in the rearview mirror at his passengers. Gadget was gazing down at Penny's face, his expression tender as he carefully ran a gloved hand through her tousled mane of golden hair. His other hand rested on Brain's head, gently rubbing the dog's ears.
As he took in the scene Quimby suddenly remembered something his father had once told him. 'You want to know the measure of a man, son, look at who loves him best.'
"I'm getting too old for this," he sighed as he put the car into gear.
Later that night (or rather, early the next morning)...
It was just after one o'clock in the morning when Gadget gently closed the door to his niece's room. Penny hadn't woken once on the drive back home and Gadget had been more than happy to carry his niece upstairs and settle her in her bed. Penny was normally a light sleeper and the fact that she hadn't stirred once told Gadget just how exhausted she was, and that she still had a ways to go before she was back to her usual vivacious self.
After changing into his sleep clothes he lay in bed for some time, staring at the ceiling as he waited for sleep to come to him. After two hours he sighed and threw back the covers. Maybe a book or movie would help distract him from his racing thoughts.
He pulled on his robe and stepped into the dark, quiet hallway, his keen senses automatically checking for anything out of the ordinary, a habit that had started once Penny had come into his life and one he had never been able (nor willing) to break.
His ears caught the ticking of the grandfather clock downstairs in the den, the soft pattern of a light rainstorm against the windows, and Brain's soft snores from where he had taken up his post in front of the entryway.
The house was safe and still. They were all safe, he reassured himself.
He paused as he passed Penny's room, unable to resist checking on her. He carefully opened the door, easily able to discern his niece's sleeping form as he approached and knelt by the bed. She was resting on her side facing the door, one hand resting on her pillow, her other arm stretched out in front of her. Her hair, now long enough that it hung just past her shoulders, was strewn about her face in mussed locks.
Unable to help himself, he carefully stroked the dark golden strands before a memory of him ripping the steel beam in the warehouse came back to him. He drew his hand away, feeling the old fear rising up in his chest.
Gadget gazed for several moments at Penny's face, noticing with a pang how the soft roundness of childhood was beginning to fade as her features grew into that of a young woman.
He wasn't ready for this. Not at all. An entire contingent of M.A.D. agents was an easier challenge than watching his niece grow up.
But he couldn't stop that, Gadget told himself. Hadn't he told Penny himself that growing up was natural, that it wasn't meant to be frightening? He'd just have to do as he had promised Mrs. Quimby and be there for Penny during these next few years.
As if sensing her uncle's gaze Penny shifted, mumbling something in her sleep. Gadget froze but she quickly settled again with a soft sigh.
Worried that he might wake her with his moping, Gadget stood and carefully pulled the covers back up to her shoulders before leaving.
He then went downstairs and into the small half bathroom, splashing some cold water on his face in an effort to clear his head. As he was drying his face he caught sight of his reflection in the mirror and paused.
His thoughts drifted back to what the dark cyborg had said on the docks.
"Ask Quimby about what really happened that night...you know you haven't been quite right since that night, don't you?"
Yes, he did know that. Deep down, Gadget knew that there was something Very Wrong with him.
He knew he wasn't the same as before the operations that had saved his life, but he couldn't place exactly what was wrong. Every time he tried to think on it he hit a mental wall, unable to push past it no matter how hard he tried. The few times he had pushed himself Gadget had ended up with a crushing headache and nightmares. The nightmares had been enough to rob him of three nights' sleep and he had eventually stopped trying to remember.
Part of Gadget was desperate for answers, while the other part was terrified of what answers he might get.
"Haven't you ever wondered why you can barely remember anything from before that night?"
Yes, he had wondered, more often in the past few years. He remembered his past, or at least most of it. He remembered his early years as a constable, his promotions over the years to Detective Inspector...he vaguely remembered his older brother...but not his parents, or any other extended family he might have had.
And Penny...Gadget's earlier suspicion that there was something vitally important he was missing that had to do with Penny had only grown in the past few weeks.
But what?
What could possibly trouble his niece so deeply that she thought he would leave her, hate her?
Gadget stared at the haggard face in the mirror, taking in the tousled waves of black hair, the angular features and Roman nose. He noted with wry amusement that there were a few more faint streaks of grey in his hair near his temples than six months ago.
Who was he?
Who was the man looking back at him?
Could he even be called a man anymore?
He shuddered as he recalled Agent Donovan's words. "He's a monster!"
Gadget knew Donovan had only been referring to the dark cyborg, but still...
"Ruff!"
Startled out of his thoughts, Gadget looked down to see Brain watching him worriedly.
Giving the dog a reassuring smile (at least he hoped it passed as reassuring), Gadget switched off the light and headed into the den.
"Don't worry about me, Brain," he said as he sat down on the sofa. "I'll be just fine. I was just...thinking."
Brain sat down in front of his master, head cocked to the side. Gadget laughed softly and reached out to pat his head.
"Do you know, Brain, that sometimes I think you can truly understand me?"
The dog whuffed softly and nosed at Gadget's hand. "I don't know how you knew Penny had been captured, but I'm glad you were there. You're a good boy, Brain," he added softly.
Brain stood and nudged Gadget's knee with his head before looking up at him with a worried expression (or at least, as much worry as a dog could convey).
Gadget sighed as he continued to absently pet Brain. "I feel so confused sometimes," he said quietly, staring at the empty fireplace. "Like there's too much going on up here," he said, tapping a finger against his temple.
His thoughts were interrupted by a huge yawn. He felt a tug at his pant leg and smiled at Brain before standing and stretching.
"Yes, I guess you're right, Brain," said Gadget as the dog nudged the back of his knees, pushing him towards the stairs. "A good night's sleep should do the trick. Good night!"
Brain watched his master go up the stairs before slowly returning to his post in front of the door, flopping down with a yawn. Soon he was snoring away, joining his humans in a peaceful slumber.
The next day…
28 February, 1986
When Gadget stumbled down the stairs later that morning, lured by the smell of coffee, eggs, and bacon he was surprised to find Penny already up and dressed. She was busy at the kitchen stove and turned to smile at Gadget as he stood in the entryway, blinking owlishly. She had to stifle a giggle at the sight of his wavy dark hair that was sticking up in every direction.
"Good morning, Uncle," she said. "There's coffee ready."
"Good morning, Penny," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. He was a bit alarmed to see it was nearly ten. He was always an early riser. "How long have you been up?"
"Not long," said Penny as she brought a plate of scrambled eggs to the table, where a plate of toast and bacon already sat. "Here Uncle, eat up!"
"Thank you," said Gadget. "But you didn't have to do all this by yourself, you should have woken me," he chided gently.
"I know," said Penny. "But you looked so tired when I checked on you earlier that I wanted to let you sleep some more." She paused and giggled. "You snore awfully loud, Uncle!"
Gadget blushed at that but his growling stomach distracted him and suddenly he realized that he wasn't just hungry, but starving. "Wowsers, this smells good!"
Without thinking he automatically used a gadget to grab the coffee pot. "Go go Gadget hand."
To his surprise and relief the hand immediately popped out and grabbed hold of the coffee pot, setting it down in front of Gadget.
"Uncle Gadget, your gadgets are working again!"
"Thank goodness," said Gadget in relief before taking a long sip of coffee.
Penny filled a plate for Brain and set it on the floor before joining her uncle at the table. Gadget was happy to see Penny eating with her usual healthy appetite and between the three of them they made short work of the food.
After they had cleaned and tidied the kitchen Penny went upstairs to catch up on some schoolwork while Gadget went into the den.
Once more he called up Von Slickstein to tell him the good news about his gadgets working again.
"I'm certainly glad to hear that, Gadget," said the old man, smiling at his friend. "Can you recall the exact circumstances that occurred when you first realized your gadgets had stopped operating? I ask because I'd like to prevent this from happening again in the future, if possible."
Gadget blushed and looked away. He did remember - the image of Penny huddled on the bathroom floor with blood staining her skin and his fear and worry wouldn't soon leave his memory - but he wouldn't violate his niece's privacy by saying so.
"Er, yes," he said, glancing back at the video screen. "But I'd rather not go into details."
"I understand," said the professor easily. "But is there anything you can share? You mentioned that Penny has been ill with the flu - I daresay that contributed to the stress. Is she better now?"
"Yes, much better," said Gadget. "I...I think I might have a theory as to what happened."
Von Slickstein immediately perked up. "Excellent! I've alway encouraged you to explore your bionic systems to their full potential, Gadget. Please tell me your thoughts."
"I, er, well…" he paused and took a deep breath. "I think my concern over Penny somehow...overrode my voice commands."
"Very good, Gadget," said Von Slickstein with a smile and proud nod. "I came to a similar conclusion. The stress of recent events, combined with your concern over Penny's welfare, must have triggered some sort of subconscious reaction in your brainwave activity."
Gadget nodded and the professor continued. "In brief, your brain picked up on your anxiety and stress and overrode your system's voice commands. Your worry for Penny must have somehow been recognized by your internal processors and thus your gadgets didn't respond to vocal commands."
Von Slickstein paused in thought before adding, "Did you know that recent studies have found that human heartbeats can synchronize with each other? Especially among friends and loved ones?"
"Synchronize?" repeated Gadget, confused by the change in topic.
"Yes," said the old man. "The human heart generates an electromagnetic field - that was what originally interested me in the field of bionics, you know. It wouldn't surprise me if I took a reading of your organic and electrical systems and found that they matched perfectly with Penny's biorhythms, right down to your heartbeats."
Gadget leaned back in his chair, unsure whether to be fascinated or worried at that revelation. Seeing his anxious expression, Von Slickstein was quick to reassure him.
"Gadget, I know you fear somehow hurting your niece," he said gently. "But my dear boy, life is far too short and precious to live in fear. You needn't worry about being a danger to her, or anyone. Remember, as long as you still have your conscience and heart, then all will be well."
Gadget nodded.
Von Slickstein smiled again before his face grew serious. "Now, tell me everything about this dark cyborg you fought. This is a serious business...a dark business…"
Later that day...
Gadget and Penny were engrossed in a game of checkers (with Brain watching) when the phone rang, the former standing to answer it.
"Hello, this is Inspector Gadget speaking."
"Gadget, it's Quimby. I have something you might be interested in. Come down to the station whenever you're ready."
"Is everything okay, Uncle?" Penny asked worriedly as Gadget hung up the phone and reached for his coat.
"I think so, Penny," Gadget reassured his niece. "The chief didn't sound too worried - I'll be back soon. Save a game for me!"
One hour later…
Metro City PD Central Station
When Gadget entered Quimby's office Agents Donovan, Russo, and Davis were already there, as well as an older, distinguished-looking gentleman in a suit that Gadget didn't know.
"Gadget, this is James Buchanan, the director of the Toronto child welfare branch."
Gadget immediately tensed but before he could speak Quimby held up a hand.
"Relax, Inspector. You know the Bernardino case we've been looking into?"
Gadget nodded, confused. "Yes, but what does that have to do with-"
"Mr. Bernardino was involved in an elaborate blackmail scheme, Inspector Gadget," said Buchanan quickly, sensing Gadget's impatience. "One that, I'm ashamed to say, involved my agency."
"Blackmail? For what?" said Russo.
Buchanan's mouth thinned. "Falsifying child welfare reports - apparently he was using his legal background and connections to blackmail people. He had a scheme set up where his 'clients' for his side business would use Bernardino to get back at people in the worst way, by threatening to take their children away."
"Bloody hell, that's low," growled Donovan.
Buchanan nodded. "When Chief Quimby informed me about the complaint against you, Inspector, I thought it sounded suspicious given the lack of concrete evidence. The more I looked into it, and other reports filed in the past eighteen months, the more concerned I became. That's when the Metro City PD stepped in. They eventually found out the whole thing."
Gadget was silent, fury like that he had felt in the warehouse burning in his chest and throat. He thought back to that day in the hospital and Penny's distress at being taken away from him.
Davis shook his head. "Bernardino got off easy - a nice quick death was too good for him," the older man bit out.
"Yes, I agree," said Gadget shortly, not trusting himself to say more, his fists clenched at his sides.
Russo glanced uneasily at Gadget before turning to Quimby. "So you think this scum was murdered by someone he had tried to blackmail?"
Quimby shook his head. "That was my initial suspicion - blackmail's a dangerous game, after all - but the manner of his death matched with that of the security officer at near the U.S. border. I think it more likely Bernardino was hired by that cyborg, or whoever the cyborg was working for, to get Gadget's personal information."
"That's how they found my home, and Penny," said Gadget, still struggling to remain calm.
Quimby nodded. "Once the cyborg had what he needed Bernardino was a liability rather than an asset, and so he got rid of him to hide his trail."
There was a moment of heavy silence before Buchanan turned back to Gadget. "I am very sorry this happened, Inspector Gadget. I can't imagine the kind of stress this must have put you and your niece under."
Gadget nodded, anger and relief that he wasn't going to lose Penny making his throat tight. The director added, "I'll be sure to notify your niece's school immediately." He then turned back to Quimby. "I need to go back to my office, Chief Quimby. I have a huge mess to sort out. If there's nothing else?"
Quimby nodded and shook the man's hand. "Let me know if you need any help with the media, James," he said.
The director nodded and quickly left the office. Once he was gone Quimby turned towards the two FBI agents.
"You're looking better," he said to Donovan. "Any updates from Boston on the fugitive's identity?"
"No, none," sighed Donovan. "Russo and I have been completely stonewalled - whatever they've done with the cyborg's remains, it's classified."
Quimby frowned but wasn't surprised. "Well, that's that then," he said.
"We'd better head back to the hotel," said Russo. It was painfully evident that she was uneasy around Gadget and doing her best to hide it. "We're flying back to Boston tomorrow."
The three agents excused themselves and once the door was closed Gadget sank down into a chair with a weary sigh.
He wasn't going to lose Penny.
Quimby lit his pipe and puffed at it as he studied Gadget. "Edith wanted me to ask you if you and Penny, and Brain too, wanted to come over for brunch next week," he said a bit gruffly.
Gadget looked up, surprised at the invitation. "I, yes, thank you," he said after a moment. "That would be nice."
"Edith's pretty much adopted Penny, just so you know," said Quimby. "Sorry about that," he added with a wry smile. "But I've learned over the years that once Edie's set her mind to something, it's best to get out of her way."
Gadget shook his head. "I don't mind. I'm glad she has an older woman to talk to about, well…you know. Things."
Both men sat in awkward silence for a moment before Quimby spoke up again. "Gadget, you know if...if anything did happen, Edith and I...well, we'd look after Penny."
Gadget smiled, a real smile that Quimby hadn't seen in weeks.
"Thank you, Chief."
1 March, 1986
Metro City Regional Airport
"Well, it's been fun, Inspector," drawled Davis and he, Donovan, and Russo got ready to board their flight. The three FBI agents had been pleasantly surprised when Gadget, Penny, and Brain had met them at the gate to see them off.
"Man or machine, you saved my life twice. I owe ya one, Inspector," said Donovan, holding out his hand to Gadget.
Looking a bit startled, Gadget shook Donovan's hand.
"It's been an honor working with you, sir," said the younger man. "If ya ever need anything from the FBI, or happen to be in Boston, call me, yeah?"
Gadget nodded. Agents Davis and Russo also shook Gadget's hand, the latter a bit hesitantly. Donovan then turned to Penny, handing her his business card. "Here's my office number. If you ever need help, call this number. Tell them Agent Michael Donovan gave it to ya."
"I will," said Penny, tucking the card safely into her pocket. "Thank you," she said, impulsively stepping forward and giving Donovan a hug around the waist.
Donovan blushed a bit and awkwardly patted the girl on the head. Smiling, Penny stepped back, resting against her uncle's side.
"Have a safe flight back to Boston," said Gadget, slipping his arm around Penny's shoulders.
Before Donovan could reply Russo swatted him on the back of his head.
"Ow! Jeez, Angie, what did you do that for? I'm still injured, ya know!" Donovan exclaimed, rubbing his head.
"For scaring the sh-er, crap out of me," she hissed, quickly catching herself at Gadget's pointed look. "Don't ever do that again!"
"Aw, Angie, you do care."
"Yeah, care about filing the paperwork over your corpse," she sniped back.
"Ooh, you know I love it when you talk dirty - OW!"
This time it was Davis who swatted the younger man's head. "Watch your language in front of the lady," he warned, gesturing towards Penny, who by this time was trying hard not to laugh.
"What about me? I'm a lady too," huffed Russo.
"I thought you were one of the boys, Angie."
This time both Russo and Davis swatted Donovan.
"OK, first thing when I get back to Boston, I'm getting a new partner," huffed Donovan as he turned and walked towards the terminal, Russo right next to him.
"Yeah, right, good luck with that!"
Agent Davis gave Gadget a long-suffering look as the two agents continued to bicker before nodding to Penny. "You take care now, miss," he said in his thick midwestern drawl, tipping his hat to the girl. "Inspector," he added, nodding to Gadget before turning to follow his coworkers towards the waiting plane.
After they had gone Penny looked up at her uncle.
"Uncle Gadget?"
"Yes, Penny?"
"Let's go home."
3 March, 1986
When Penny arrived at school the following Monday she wasn't too surprised to learn that the assistant principal wanted to meet with her before classes started. The incident at the docks had been plastered all over the news for days now and once again her uncle was front and center, but Penny was glad that he was receiving some well-deserved praise. He had earned it.
Once she was seated next to Mrs. Devereaux's desk the older woman reassured her that she wasn't in trouble, she only wanted to provide Penny with some important information. Mrs. Johnson had been given notice and was no longer working with the school. After learning that she had attempted to go to the media in her misguided attempts to "help" Penny, the school had dismissed her for threatening the confidentiality of a student.
"Oh," said Penny, unsure of how to feel. She was glad Mrs. Johnson wasn't going to be constantly spying on her anymore, but neither did she want the poor woman to be unemployed. Penny wasn't vindictive by nature and more than anything she felt sorry for the woman.
Mrs. Devereaux smiled reassuringly at Penny. "Mrs. Johnson has a reference so she can find another job, preferably in another state." The assistant principal's face grew serious. "That is, so long as she keeps her mouth shut and doesn't talk to the media about recent events."
Penny nodded. "Thank you, ma'am."
"You're welcome, Penny. Now go on, I'm sure you won't want to be late to your first class."
Three weeks later…
Penny finally gave up on sleep and quietly walked down the hall, careful to avoid the floorboards that creaked. Her uncle was a light sleeper and she didn't want to disturb him. He had done more than enough for her the past month and deserved some rest.
She stopped short as she passed the den on her way to the kitchen, surprised to see her uncle stretched out on the sofa. He was watching some movie and was wearing his usual sleep clothes of sweatpants and a t-shirt. His gaze was distant and Penny was pretty certain he was seeing something other than what was on the TV screen.
More and more Penny was beginning to wonder what had caused her uncle to be so bumbling and oblivious. She had heard stories from some of the older officers about what Gadget had been like before becoming a cyborg. She couldn't reconcile her uncle as she knew him now with the stories of the bold, confident and capable man he had been in another life.
"If you touch my niece again, I'll tear you apart."
Penny shivered as she recalled the fury in Gadget's voice when the dark cyborg had been threatening her, the raw strength he had shown.
And yet...those same arms that had ripped away a steel beam had held her so gently that night in the bathroom. Penny still remembered how it felt to have her uncle's tall, powerful frame bent protectively over her. She had felt so safe, like nothing could ever hurt her again.
'What did they do to him? Why hasn't Professor Von Slickstein ever been able to fix him?'
The floorboards creaked under her bare feet and Gadget's enhanced hearing immediately caught the sound. She saw the blue glimmer of his bionic eyes as they swiveled towards her.
"Penny? What are you doing up?"
"Couldn't sleep," she said with a shrug as she stepped further into the den, not wanting to go into further details.
Gadget sat up, a concerned look on his face, but Penny quickly waved at him not to get up.
"I'm fine, Uncle. Just...waiting for the aspirin to kick in," she added. It was still a bit embarrassing to discuss this sort of thing with her uncle.
A look of understanding passed over Gadget's face and he nodded as Penny sat next to him, curling her legs under her as she leaned against his side. Gadget stretched out his arm over the back of the sofa but made no move to pull her closer.
He was doing it again, she thought sadly. Avoiding physical touch.
Penny sighed and decided to bring up something that had been on her mind for a while now.
"He's right, you know," she said softly when the next commercial came on.
"Who?" Gadget asked, blinking down at here in confusion.
"Professor Von Slickstein. You're not a machine, Uncle Gadget."
"You heard all that?"
"Yes. I'm sorry, Uncle, I promise I wasn't trying to eavesdrop…"
"It's alright, Penny."
Penny hesitated and then pressed on, determined to get this out. She reached up and gently tugged Gadget's arm down so she could clasp his hand between her own.
"I know how strong you are," she said softly. "But you're strong in so many other ways too, Uncle."
Seeing his confused look Penny smiled and squeezed his hand. "Yes, you can twist metal with your bare hands, but that means you can also protect people with that same strength." She brought his hand up as she spoke and kissed the back of it.
She heard him draw in a deep breath and looked up in concern, wondering if she had made him uncomfortable. Gadget was watching her with a rare look of unfettered emotion but made no move to pull away.
Feeling a bit more confident, Penny laced her fingers through Gadget's long ones, smiling when she felt him gently squeeze her hand in return. "You're also strong because of who you are, Uncle, not just because you're a cyborg. You're so determined and never give up, no matter how bad things are," she said, pressing more kisses against the back of his hand.
"Penny…"
"No, really, Uncle. You're also strong because you're kind to everyone you meet - well, except M.A.D. agents," she added with a giggle. Gadget smiled.
"But that's another thing that makes you strong - even when dealing with bad guys you're always fair and don't abuse your rank."
"And…" Penny paused and took a deep breath. "You're strong because you make me feel strong and brave, even when I don't always feel that way myself."
"Oh, Penny…"
"I know that I'm safe with you, Uncle, because you're strong enough for both of us."
Gadget couldn't speak. His niece had never been so open with him before. He tried to think of something to say but couldn't find any words. But Penny seemed satisfied with that and didn't press him for more, instead turning her attention back to the TV. She still held his hand and Gadget found he couldn't bring himself to pull away.
They sat in comfortable silence for a while before Penny noticed something about the movie.
"Wait, is this...a romance film?"
"Er, I don't know," said Gadget. "I just turned it on, and…"
"Uncle Gadget," drawled Penny, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Yes, Penny?"
"This movie wouldn't happen to feature Lana Lamour, would it?"
She smiled as Gadget blushed and spluttered.
"My interest in Ms. Lamour was strictly professional, Penny!"
"Of course, Uncle," said Penny with a smile, resting her head against his shoulder. She felt his arm come up and lightly wrap around her shoulders, holding her close. "Of course."
3 March, 1986
Metro City PD Central Station
Chief Quimby had always considered himself a principled man, and yet he was also a realist.
Sighing heavily, feeling as though the weight of the world was on his shoulders, Quimby picked up the phone and called a number.
"It's me. I think he might be starting to remember some things."
He listened for a moment before answering. "I've no idea why he would start remembering now after over a decade of being completely oblivious! I thought you said that his memories and mental processes were permanently damaged!"
Quimby rolled his eyes as the caller on the other line responded. "Don't give me any of that tripe about 'mysteries of the mind'! I need answers - what am I supposed to tell him if he does remember?"
He paused, breathing hard as the caller answered.
"The truth?" laughed Quimby scornfully. "Right, that's very reassuring." He ran a hand down his face, drawing in a steadying breath. "So, what do you suggest?"
He frowned at the answer he got. "Wait and see? That's it?"
"Right, I'll be in touch. Thanks," he said shortly before the other caller hung up.
Quimby quietly set the phone back in its cradle, suddenly feeling very old. Being a police chief meant making hard decisions and Quimby had always been proud of the fact that his conscience had remained clear throughout his long career.
At least, it had been up until about ten years ago. He had a lot to answer for.
"Damn," he said.