The following chapter was co-authored by fellow author zcross1997. Ownership of the character Mr Cross also belongs to zcross1997.
Sorry for the wait. I hope you enjoy the chapter.
The rest of the day was uneventful. After witnessing Sector V return to get supplies, the spectators saw no action for the rest of the day. They were hoping some contestant might try their luck for a sneak attack during the night, but everyone seemed to be laying low to be prepared for such an attack. Due to the lack of action most of the spectators decided to leave so they could take care of other business.
Back at the hotel, Sonya, Maurice, and Cree were eating dinner together. Having to just sit and watch the game had been difficult for them. They wanted to help their friends so badly, but there was nothing they could do.
This had been most difficult for Sonya. She and Lee had been really close during their time as KND operatives and it hurt to see how far her old comrade had fallen from grace. Ever since Lee had fought Abigail, Sonya had barely said a word. Maurice could tell something was wrong, but whenever he asked Sonya if she was ok she nodded and said she was 'fine'. Maurice knew this wasn't true as there had been a constant look of sadness on her face. Even now as they sat at the dinner table together, Sonya still looked close to crying. Maurice couldn't take it anymore.
"Sonya are you sure you're alright?" asked Maurice.
"For the tenth time Maurice, I'm fine," said Sonya.
"Sonya don't lie to us," said Cree.
Tears streamed down Sonya's face as she spoke.
"Why did I have to be a contestant last year?" asked Sonya.
"What do you mean?" asked Maurice.
"If I had been a contestant this year, I'd be out there with him. Maybe I could've convinced him to help us. He would've listened to me. No matter what's he's been through he would've listened to me," said Sonya.
"Sonya you don't know that," said Cree.
"YES I DO," yelled Sonya.
"Sonya shush don't draw attention to us," said Maurice.
Thankfully the dining area was fairly empty, and no one seemed to care about Sonya's outburst.
"I'm sorry I just know I could've helped him if I was competing. I don't know how but I just could've. I accepted long ago that he'd have to be defeated for our plan to work, but watching it has been so much harder then I thought it would be," cried Sonya.
Cree and Maurice felt for Sonya. Seeing her old teammate at such a low point had been more difficult for her than being forced to compete in the Games at the tender age of twelve. Sonya let all her emotions out and broke down crying. Cree went over to comfort her. They had to remember that unlike the rest of them Sonya was only a young teenager, so despite the world they lived in she probably wasn't ready to grow up just yet.
At that moment Fanny arrived so they could discuss everything that had happened. Needless to say she was a little surprised by what she saw.
"What's wrong with her?" asked Fanny.
"Don't ask," said Maurice.
"Alright," said Fanny taking a seat at the table.
"Where's Chad?" asked Maurice.
"Ah don't know. When we left the theatre, he said he had to go talk to an old friend," said Fanny.
Maurice didn't like the sound of that.
"Do you know what he's talking about?" asked Fanny.
"Unfortunately, I do and believe me it's not gonna be pretty," said Maurice.
Meanwhile, Mr Cross was looking over some documents in his office. In the years since the villains took over, he had built up quite the reputation as a 'villain'. He was known for leading people into a false sense of security, only to backstab them when he felt they had outlived their usefulness. He had also accumulated quite a bit of wealth from gambling on the Games, which allowed him to afford a rather luxurious house for him and his family. This wasn't the only reason for his vast wealth. There were a number of other villains who could accuse him of gaining his wealth through questionable means, even by the standards of villains. He knew they weren't going to say anything however, because he had dirt on them that could land them in just as much trouble. This had been how he managed to sponsor Sector V through Chester's name. He was now looking through his papers trying to see what other villains he could blackmail into sponsoring Sector V. He knew that if he made too many sponsors through Chester's name people may start getting suspicious. There was also only so much rare candy he could bribe Sticky Beard with.
Suddenly he heard the buzzing of his doorbell. He looked at some nearby monitors to see who was waiting outside. He was unsurprised to see that it was Chad. He pressed an intercom so Chad could hear him.
"Come in," said Mr Cross.
Knowing this would be a long conversation, Mr Cross pulled a cigar out of his desk and lit it.
"Chad Dixon. Welcome," said Mr Cross politely.
"Cut the crap Zack you know why I'm here," said Chad.
"Do I? Please elaborate," said Mr Cross, blowing smoke in Chad's face, much to his annoyance.
"I'm not in the mood for jokes," snapped Chad.
"Neither am I. I'm a busy man and you're intruding on my time," said Mr Cross.
Chad decided to just cut to the chase.
"I know it's you who's been sponsoring the contestants from Districts Ten through Twelve," said Chad.
"Did you not see the announcements, those 'sponsors' were made by Stickybeard and Chester," said Mr Cross.
"Oh, come on even they're not stupid enough to sponsor Sector V," said Chad.
"Normally that would be true. But every corrupt individual has their breaking point," said Mr Cross.
This confirmed Chad's suspicious.
"Whatever you're doing I need you to stop," said Chad.
"I'm afraid I can't do that Mr Dixon," said Mr Cross. "I have a lot of money riding on them making it to the top six. Having them make it to the top six was deemed a million to one bet."
"Look those six contestants are doing something really important and we can't risk them being sabotaged just so you can win a little money," said Chad.
Mr Cross sat back in his chair looking like he'd been expecting Chad to say this.
"And what could this really important thing be?" asked Mr Cross.
"That's classified," said Chad.
"I don't think you're in a position to be keeping secrets," said Mr Cross.
"Well, I don't think you understand how serious this is," stated Chad.
"I know this is serious," said Mr Cross calmly, "I just want to know what these six contestants are up to."
"All you need to know is that its important they win," said Chad.
"Then you should be thanking me. I've ensured they'll live to fight another day," said Mr Cross.
"Ok fine. I'll admit you've been a great asset in helping them. But what if you're caught?" asked Chad. "We have a long history, meaning they might suspect me as an accomplish, which would destroy everything Fanny and I have tried to accomplish."
Mr Cross stood up.
"Mr Dixon, who knows about our history besides you and I? Few in your little group even know we're acquainted," said Mr Cross.
"That doesn't change the fact that your actions put all of us at risk," said Chad.
"I don't think there is any physical evidence that we even know each other. For as long as I can remember, I've kept my head down and operated from the shadows. Not once have the villains suspected what my intentions were. As far as they know, I'm just another loyal soldier in their army," said Mr Cross.
"Ok, I'll admit your exceptional. So exceptional that you could do anything you want, but there's only one thing you want isn't there?" asked Chad.
"I just want to help those who fight the good fight. Which is what I'm trying to do now. So please, what are these contestants up to?" asked Mr Cross.
Despite Mr Cross' reputation as a backstabber, Chad knew he was someone they could trust. He told Mr Cross everything. How Sector V were working together to make it to the final six, at which point they would refuse to fight each other, as their friendship was more important than a competition. Chad also explained how this might help show the world that the KND wasn't a mistake.
After hearing what Chad had said Mr Cross sat back down.
"Just as I suspected," said Mr Cross, taking another puff.
"How did you know about this?" asked Chad.
Mr Cross pulled out a file that read 'Abigail Lincoln'.
"Maurice always said Cree's little sister was a smart and clever operative, so I had a feeling that if anyone was to start a rebellion it was her."
"It wasn't just her. Nigel was the real mastermind behind this," said Chad.
"Yes, yes. I've read all about Sector V. A truly exceptional team. One of the best I've ever seen. I've also done my research on Supreme Leader 362. Even if she hadn't confessed her feelings for Nigel on live television, I still wouldn't have been surprised that she was a part of this rebellion. And honestly, I can't think of a better team for it. Very few have shown what it means to be a KND operative like they have."
"Then surely you can see how important it is that they succeed?" asked Chad.
Mr Cross nodded before saying.
"Which is why I don't understand why you want me to stop sending sponsors. Without me both Wally and Hoagie would be sitting ducks," said Mr Cross. "You need me just as much as I need you."
"You're right and I should thank you for that," said Chad. "I'm just worried that if they're sent too many supplies President Father might get suspicious. Not only about this rebellion, but that they have people on the inside helping them. The first people they're likely to suspect are Fanny and I, because not only are we 'reformed' KND personal, but we were also closely acquainted with the members of Sector V and Numbuh 362."
"Yes, that could be a problem," said Mr Cross taking a puff. "Even with no evidence, they'll likely suspect I've played a part in this as well. Especially when taking my history into consideration."
"What should we do?" asked Chad.
"I'll continue to send the care packages, but I'll make the sponsors seem less extravagant," said Mr Cross.
"Sounds good. Only send them enough to survive, not so much that they have a huge advantage," said Chad.
"Deal," said Mr Cross and the two shook hands.
"Furthermore, I'm willing to help you as much as I can, so long as you can extend me the same courtesy. But I won't lie I DESPISE the way you've built yourself up. Especially with regards to the dishonest way you pose yourself as a family man,' said Chad.
"Chad… we're both guilty of the same sins. But don't think for one minute that my family has anything to do with what I've done here," Mr Cross calmly threatened as he took another puff and blew towards Chad.
Chad had one more thing he needed to ask.
"Before I go, I was wondering if you could do something else for me?" asked Chad.
"Yes?" asked Mr Cross.
"You keep pretty detailed files right? And not just on the villains, but also the contestants?" asked Chad.
"A mastermind keeps both friends and enemy's close," said Mr Cross.
Chad took that as a yes.
"Do you have any background information on the contestant Lee Harper, formally known as Numbuh 84?" asked Chad.
Mr Cross put his cigar down.
"I think I know where this is going and believe me you won't blame him for turning," said Mr Cross.
Mr Cross reached into his desk and pulled out a folder with Lee's name.
"I hope this puts everything into perspective."
Chad took the folder and looked through it. A look of horror appeared on Chad's face.
"Oh my God."
"I know, its despicable," said Mr Cross, before pulling out another folder that had Sonya's name. "I also believe there's a member of your little group who deserves to read that file."
"No, I can't show this to Sonya, it would destroy her," said Chad.
"Keeping secrets can be more painful than the truth," advised Mr Cross.
"You're right. I'll show her, but after the Games. Having to watch Lee be taken down for the sake of a rebellion is hurting her enough," said Chad.
"Very well," said Mr Cross.
"There's just one more thing I don't understand," said Chad.
"What's that?" asked Mr Cross.
"They've all said on live TV that they're planning a rebellion and the villains aren't doing anything about it. I'm amazed this hasn't caused an uproar," said Chad.
Mr Cross started puffing again.
"From what I heard, everyone thinks this is just a strategy of theirs to gain the trust of other contestants before taking them out when they least suspect it," said Mr Cross.
"That sounds like something you would do," said Chad.
"Who do you think started the rumour?" asked Mr Cross.
This caused Chad to laugh.
"I hate to admit it, but you might be the best at what you do," said Chad.
"Thank you," said Mr Cross.
Chad looked at his watch and started to panic.
"Look I gotta go, my parents have me on a curfew," said Chad.
"Aren't you like nineteen?" asked Mr Cross.
"Yes, unfortunately I have to give the appearance of a loyal son or my whole cover could be blown," said Chad.
"Well, we wouldn't want that now would we," said Mr Cross.
"Thanks for the information. Good Luck," said Chad.
"Chad," said Mr Cross. "If you're so worried about being discovered, I'd advise you don't come back here again."
"Understood."
And with that Chad left.
"We're all gonna need a lot of luck to get through this," said Mr Cross.