~Chapter 4:

Coming In On The Professor's Aid~

Laying her head on the desk from her cubical, Kaitlin spent a good portion of her shift taking her mind off of her work. With her eyes closed, the anxiety that stemmed from the simulation had weakened her physical and mental state of being.

"Kaitlin," Spoke a familiar voice. Repeatedly shouting her name, Woody did what he could to awaken his coworker.

"...Kaitlin!" He exclaimed. Pounding his hand on her desk, she immediately awoken from what appeared to be a nightmare gone hay wired. She rubbed the salt from her eyes while regaining consciousness.

"Sorry Woody. I just couldn't get to sleep last night," Kaitlin excused.

"It's not such a good idea to sleep while on the job. You know what happens when a journalist slacks off from their assignment," he backed it up with a response of his own.

"I understand," Kaitlin said following up with a yawn.

"How is the status on the Expo article?" Woody addressed towards the reporter.

"I just had it submitted to you via email," she informed him.

"Now that's what I like to hear from my employee of the month," Woody assured. He leaned on Kaitlin's desk much to her discomfort.

"I don't mean to be ragging on you even despite what you're going through. I figured we could use this time to have a bit of a pep talk," said Woody.

"I appreciate your support and all but I'm sure I can manage," Kaitlin insisted.

"Think about this for one second. How will you go through life without facing everyday problems? We all need a motivation because without it, how will we succeed? How will we take constructive feedback and put it to good use? It is for the simple fact we can improve on our habit by reflecting on our mistakes and grow to learn from them." Woody provided her with some advice.

"I get enough of that Zen advice from my boyfriend," said Kaitlin. "But in all seriousness, I get where you're saying."

Stepping away from the desk of his employer, Woody nodded. "I just got done reading your report on the Crossworld's Gaming Expo. Keep up the great work. There is going to be more topics that will require you to dive deep into numerous perspectives," the chief editor informed her.

"Wait so you already read my article then?" Kaitlin asked somewhat in confusion.

"I had a chance to read it before I realize I needed a drink," Woody told her.

Witnessing his employee on the brink of passing out, he directed her attention to an Espresso coffee machine.

"Do you see that coffee machine over there?" Woody wondered.

"Um, yeah," Kaitlin's eyes remained hazy speaking apathetically in regards to the question being asked.

"While you were busy snoozing on the clock, I was going to pour myself some sip of coffee," he continued. "All of it was spilling out of the dispenser and next thing you know the machine is toast." By unbuttoning his blue suit, Woody unveiled the stained white shirt tucked underneath it.

"I don't normally ask favors but I decide to give you a special assignment. There's a coffee shop just a couple of minutes walk from here. We could each use something to drink and keep us active on duty," he instructed.

"Didn't you have a supply of 5 Hour Energy drinks in your office?" Kaitlin reminded to the newspaper's chief editor.

"I drank the last one yesterday. I had family business to take care of, so I didn't have time to stock up when I was off," Woody answered.

"Well I guess it wouldn't hurt to grab some coffee while we're at it," Kaitlin took into consideration. She pulled out a drawer to retrieve her purse containing beauty makeup and a wallet filled with cash and credit cards.

"Oh snap," Kaitlin checked the email browser on her phone that indicates a scheduled meeting with an acquaintance. "I was scheduled to meet up with Horatio later this afternoon. Where the hell are my interview notes?"

Rhetorically speaking, Kaitlin pulled out her portfolio in search for the material necessary to conduct the upcoming interview.

"Just so you know it is right in front of you." Following Woody's response, Kaitlin spotted her set of index cards piled around with various documents left on her desk.

"I need to learn how to prioritize my stuff." Subsequently, Kaitlin sigh a breath of relief.

"Please order me a cocoa latte with d-calf while you're at it. Thank you," Woody informed her.

"On it," said Kaitlin grabbing the necessary belongings from her cubical before leaving the site.

Dressed formally in a black suit and tie, Ryan stood in front of his father's tombstone at a local cemetery. It had been a rough month that he and his mother had to endure. He took a moment to address his condolence, providing somewhat of an update on how his life has been going since that fateful evening. For Ryan, he tried his best to resist the urgency to weep; a literal cry for help knowing he loved his father as much as he loved his son. All he could do was gaze at the tombstone engraved with his father's full name, birth date, and death.

Hi Dad, I just thought I come by to see how you were doing. I asked a request for some vacation off to clear out the air. It can be stressful being an adult and all, not that I expected to be easy to begin with. Mom and I are doing okay. She's been really preoccupied with work. I guess that's what happens when you're positioned at a higher ranking in the police department.

In the midst of the confession, Rebecca chimed in from behind as she confronts with Ryan.

"Ryan, I figured I'd see you here," she said.

"Mom, are you off from work?" Ryan asked.

"Well I managed to finish off my shift for awhile. I am on temporary leave as of now," Rebecca explained. "I haven't had the chance to come by to speak to your father, so I thought I used this time to do so."

"I supposed it's been rough back in the office?" Ryan wondered looking to make progression with their conversation.

"Paper work and reporters just finding the inside scoop. You guessed it," she said. "Sometimes I wonder why I commit to my duties the way I have been for as long as I've been working at the police station."

"Mom, you're great at what you do. Don't let the press get in the way of your job," Ryan assured. Did you happen to have any leads that may have led to the fire at Dad's lab?"

Rebecca shook her head.

"All we know so far is the laboratory had been breached at the time of the fire. The intruder had escaped by the time we arrived that night." She sighed. "Your father was a gifted person who loved us and supported us every step of the way. I would give anything to see his face again."

"I miss him too," Ryan said. As they continued their discussion, each of them took a moment to reflect on some fond memories of their time with Tyler. In the midst of their conversation, Karl Ziktor arrived in his black trench coat soon approaching the survived members of the Steele Family.

"It's good to see you two. How are we doing this afternoon?" He confronted with Ryan and Rebecca.

"Mister Ziktor. We weren't expecting you to drop on by," Rebecca said.

"Always expect the unexpected as cliché as it sounds," Ziktor replied to her comment. "I figured I utilize this time of day to mourn for a fellow colleague. He was a bright determined man and a creative thinker. It's with those traits that any person could strive to achieve their goal."

Ryan responded. "He was also a man that genuinely cared for his family. My father meant so much for the both of us."

With a straight face, it was no holds barred for Ziktor as he did not hold back any feelings that calibrated between him and Tyler had. "I know your father and I weren't necessarily on good terms. It doesn't change the fact how close of friends we were at one point."

"We offered you an invitation to attend his ceremony yet you no showed," Ryan wondered what unfortunate circumstance would prevent the businessman from attending his father's funeral.

"Well to be honest. I intended to but my work phone wouldn't operate and my cell phone was crushed by a car when it slipped from my hands. Because of that, I had no way of contacting you or your son," Ziktor explained.

"Where were you at the time the lab was being breached?" Rebecca interrogated.

"My wife and I were dining at a buffet when it happened," he said. "When I overheard the news surrounding the fire, I was devastated to hear the turmoil that went down. I can't imagine what the employees went through including your father," Ziktor empathized on the matter. "I'm not making any excuses. If it wasn't for Tyler, I wouldn't have become the successful businessperson I ended up being. Even the smallest amount of influence towards people could motivate those to take action and strive to achieve bigger in the long haul. For that I owe it to him."

With the conversation in progress, it was that instant in which Rebecca's mind began to spiral. A callback of events transpiring from the night of the lab began to flash from one instant to another.

"...Mom?" The concern expression on Ryan's face became apparent.

"I'm sorry. I must have blacked out for a moment," she said taking this time to draw herself back to reality.

"I don't blame her. You guys have been through enough grief as it is," Ziktor assured.

"I've been reading up online that your company had a hand in funding a project that my father had been conducting. What do you plan on doing now that my father is," Ryan stammered still denying the acceptance behind Tyler's untimely fate, "Not here with us?"

Ziktor spoke up. "I don't have all the exact details at the moment. We'll have an announcement on the air to determine what we will do with your father's lab."

Given a straight face, the grudge continued to fume within Rebecca.

"My husband should still be here. You don't realize how difficult it can be when work and personal life mingle between one another," she scolded much to Ziktor's offense.

The businessman went on for the record. "Like I said, I may not have seen eye to eye with him. I just wish to lord I'd give anything to patch up any differences that have severed our partnership together," he concluded.

While sandwiched in between with the two parties, he extended out his arms restraining them from any ensuing altercation.

"This isn't the right place to argue about the matter," Ryan chimed in. He and Rebecca took a moment to ponder in regards to Ziktor's perspective. How would they be certain of what the businessman had to say was indeed legit? As Crossworld City's Police Chief, Rebecca maintained her sanity just before tensions were ready to boil.

Rebecca continued to glare sternly at the eyes of Ziktor.

"We should better be going. I think the tension is starting to get humid around here," Ryan insisted his mother. Without uttering a single word, Rebecca responded with a frown that intimidated the founder of Ziktor Industries.

"I wish things would be different between us. Drive safely out there," Ziktor's final words were spoken as their conversation came to a close. As they were exiting the grave site, Ziktor turned his attention towards the tombstone engraved with Tyler Steele's full name.

I know our friendship has soured the past few years. But I can assure you I'll take good care of your company now with your shares in the palm of my hands. Steele Labs will live on in spirit. When it's all said and done, Ziktor Industries can go forth with the Psycon project your team has been developing. I am definitely looking forward to seeing your displays." Ziktor continued to belittle the seemingly deceased scientist. Underneath his dark fur coat, he pulled out a flower to send his condolence placing it beside Tyler's grave.

He muttered a single prayer shortly before leaving the cemetery.

Inside of a local coffee restaurant, Professor Hart spent the day arranging planned notes for today's lecture material. With his Dell laptop plugged to an outlet, he also took an additional moment looking up an article surrounding the history of virtual reality and the profound impact it has made throughout the media. Such tabs that appeared on his internet browser include its demonstration on brain functioning utilized by highly trained doctors. Another notable tab comprise of a group of scientists conducting bio engineering on robotic technology. Such of these topics combined caught the professor's attention as well as Tyler's inspiration to devise an ambitious project that incorporates their respective interests.

Kaitlin entered through the door carrying a binder filled with paper work. Around her neck contained an ID badge that indicates her employment and occupation at the Crossworld City's newspaper site.

"Excuse me. You must be Professor Horatio Hart. I'm Kaitlin Star, reporter at the Crossworld Chronicle," she said greeting him with a handshake.

"Ah, you must be Kaitlin. It's so good to have you here." Welcoming her with open arms, the professor responded as he immediately accepted the handshake offered to him. "Please, have a seat."

Taking a moment to get settled, Kaitlin pulled up an empty chair from the opposite side of the same table where the professor is sitting.

"Sorry for the delay. For a second, I thought I lost all of the notes I needed for today's meeting," Kaitlin said seemingly relieved from a panicking moment that could have jeopardized her assignment. "I can assure you this isn't always the case."

The professor smiled. "We get all of that once in awhile. It is part of the human cycle we tend to go through."

Kaitlin blushed with her face blemishing red. "All it matters now is we're here and getting our interview underway."

Professor Hart took notice of the blood shot vessels circulating Kaitlin's eyes.

"You could certainly use something to drink. It wouldn't be a good idea if you're not fully energized to engage in our formal discussion," he assured to her.

"Now that's a psychology professor I wish I had in my college years," Kaitlin said. "Would you like anything from the menu?"

"Its pass morning but I could use some latte at this time of hour," the professor told her.

"Great it's settled. I'll be back in a flash," she replied.

The journalist spent the next few minutes waiting in line to take her order. Shortly after her order was ready, she returned from the counter of the register with a cup holder tray of coffees along with some sweetening pouches and napkins. She sat at a squared table just beside the windows in which the professor was located.

"Here is your cocoa latte that you asked. Careful holding it," Kaitlin placed the professor's coffee on the table that he was sitting by.

"I appreciate it very much Kaitlin," Professor Hart thanked her. He took a moment to blow the steam coming out of his coffee. With a single sip he could enjoy the taste of non fattening coconut cream brewing in his cup.

"It was a pain going through the process to get my security clearance. I was looking forward to our visit at the lab until what happened," Kaitlin told him. "How have you been?"

"I've had a lot on my mind lately," Horatio said, "Just grading exam papers for my students and research. Then you factor in Tyler's funeral, the past couple of weeks have been hectic," the professor explained to her.

"I don't blame you," Kaitlin empathized. "I'm very close friends with his son. He was family to me even if we weren't blood related. If there is one thing we have in common, we both have a shared connection to Tyler."

Horatio further interrogated. "Have you spoken to his family members?"

"Ryan and Rebecca seem to be doing okay but I don't blame them for enduring the amount of grief," said Kaitlin. She would soon change the subject when she brought up the purpose of their meeting.

"While I was on the way here, I just got done listening to your podcast on my app. You two announced an upcoming project yet to be tested in the VR market," Kaitlin continued. "At the time when the fire occurred, what were you guys discussing about at Steele Labs that evening?"

The professor removed his glasses as he prepared to give out his perspective on the situation.

"I came by to pick up some equipment necessary to continue engineering the model design for the Trooper suit. During our conversation, we overheard a distress signal echoing the entire building. We speculated that there may have been a visitor bypassing the facility without a security clearance. What little would we realize that minor breach turned into a tragedy that cost the life of a close friend?"

With his laptop, he opened up a slideshow of information pertaining to an experiment Steele Labs had been conducting.

"Early on in development, Tyler and I hoped to keep this project confidential as possible. These suits were designed to protect military soldiers as well as law enforcement officials in their line of duty. They are known to be made bulletproof that comprises of titanium based armor with each suit distinguished in a variety of colors."

The professor allowed for Kaitlin to glance at the diagram as displayed on the monitor screen. Her eyes sparked with incredible fascination behind the time and effort it took to create the experiment come to life.

"I've read plenty of sci-fi books growing up. But the thought about all of these advanced robotics coming to life shows how far we've come as a society," Kaitlin said.

"I couldn't believe it myself," Horatio commented on the matter. "Even though I had a hand in co-creating the blueprint to the suits, it was the team at Steele Labs that contributed to constructing the machine parts."

"I don't understand," Kaitlin said somewhat puzzled by the professor's response.

"Ziktor would come in from time to time to get an update on how we were progressing. His company provided funds necessary to move forth with the project," Horatio continued. "As time went on, I spent a majority of teaching as a psychology professor at Crossworld University. It got to the point in which I started to contribute less in the creation of these robots. Because of my commitments, I wasn't able to juggle between that and assisting with my colleague."

Kaitlin glanced at each slide in which further details the diagram for each part of the suit.

"It's surreal to think what's believed to be a myth may turn out to be an actual phenomenon," she observed. "I mean these designs look well detailed."

"In order for the suits to be activated, it requires a specific device used to undergo the transformation process," Professor Hart explained. On the next slideshow contains two columns divided each projecting different images as displayed. One image is shaped of a rectangular cuboid whereas in the second column, the lid from the said cuboid lifts open to unveil an expensive gold key engraved with a blue gem made of sapphire.

"I can't stress enough to describe how unique they are," Kaitlin said much in awe to the material she had been seeing.

"The development team at Steele Labs poured valuable time and energy to produce these specially enhanced armor suits. Tyler and his team have done a number of test runs but they still need fine tuning," the professor informed. While in the middle of their meeting, the Skugs stood outside from the window eavesdropping on the conversation.

Horatio noticed suspicion behind the foot soldiers lurking outside of the restaurant. He checked the clock on his computer to indicate his cue to leave.

"I sincerely apologize but I'm afraid we are running out of time," said Horatio bringing up the bearer of bad news.

"Is everything okay?" Kaitlin wondered signifying her concern with a puzzled expression on her face.

"I have a class to teach soon. If you're interested to learn more, feel free to keep in touch." Horatio reached inside the shirt pocket of his business suit to hand her a copy of his business card. Kaitlin grabbed hold of the card glancing at the contact information provided.

Concluding their meeting on such short notice, Kaitlin and Horatio topped it off with an exchanging handshake. Gathering the rest of his belongings, the professor exited from the restaurant thereafter. Kaitlin gathered her personal belongings upon her departure. As she prepared to leave, she began to recall a favor her boss instructed her from earlier ago.

"Woody," she alluded to her chat with the chief editor earlier. As Kaitlin took out her purse, she waited in line once more to order some coffee for her supervisor at the Chronicle.

With his keys, Horatio approached his car unlocking the door leading into the driver's seat. Upon entering, a pair of thugs shoved the middle aged man against a parked vehicle. This would soon escalate this sudden confrontation as a means of verbal assault.

"Where is it?"

"What do you mean? If you want cash, go ahead. Take my wallet!" He exclaimed.

"I didn't come here to collect your money or credit cards. All we want is to gather some Intel from your handy dandy laptop," the civilian demanded while being accompanied by a group of thugs carrying some two by four and baseball bats. Under pressure, Horatio backed himself into a corner unsure where he stood in this life threatening situation.

Back inside, Kaitlin received the coffee her boss had requested. When she arrived outside, she overheard the echoing sound of garbage cans and pallet crates being tossed along the alleyway.

"What the Hell?" She wondered. Kaitlin hurried over to the location of the activity taking place. Navigating her way through the alley, her eyes sparked with concern in the midst of a beat down received by the professor.

"It's like I thought. You don't learn when to quit do you?" The thugs cackled with joy leaving no remorse over the bruises the professor had to endure.

"Leave him alone!" Making her presence known, Kaitlin chimed in as the local gang turned their attention over to the blonde haired woman.

"It looks like we've got ourselves another volunteer. This guy over here just couldn't accept defeat," the thug said much to Kaitlin's chagrin. "I suggest you run off before we prey on our next victim."

The rest of the gang continued to assault Horatio stomping away on the defenseless man. As he spots his glasses lying on the ground, he extended his hand looking to retrieve them. As they lay him a mud hole, Kaitlin could not tolerate the beat down for much long. Resorting to physicality, she extended her right arm with a fiery fist that sent the attacker staggering on his feet. He wiped the minor blood spill pouring from his lip seemingly amused by the woman's fortitude.

"I asked you nicely but you really made a big mistake," the thug's cackle turned into an immediate display of offense. As his friends lined up in soldier form, they began to undergo a familiar transformation sequence that left the journalist stunned beyond belief. In shape shifting fashion, the Skugs have unveiled their presence in the real world.

It was this instance in which Kaitlin's suspicion proved not to be a figment of her imagination. An overwhelming sense of a numbers' game began to bestow upon her; each soldier circled around the journalist. Utilizing the self defense techniques she learned at the dojo, she fought off the Skugs one by one. Ranging from basic shin kicks to Karate thrust chops, Kaitlin pulled out all the stops to not only guard the professor but also factoring in her well being. Despite her efforts, the increasing army of Skugs would be an obstacle not even she could bounce back from.

Kaitlin landed hard against the building brick wall. As she slid to the ground, the Skugs began to taunt the two preying victims involved in this impeccable onslaught. With her "never say die" attitude, she pulled herself back to her feet looking to resume the fight in progress.

Elsewhere, J.B arrived at the restaurant waiting in a line filled with customers to take their orders. As he looked around, he overheard some thuds banging from the wall close to him. This unusual sounding left him suspicious behind what was happening. J.B exited from the restaurant utilizing his sensitivity to navigate the location of the sound.

Kaitlin wiped the bloodstain from the upper left corner of her lip. Struggling to thwart off the foot soldiers, she could only embrace herself for a certain period of time. Stomach first on the ground, Kaitlin slowly crouched towards the fallen Horatio. Out of nowhere, one of the Skugs delivered a soccer kick to the gut of the defenseless journalist.

Professor...

Uttering out a single cry for his name, she refused to leave him lying helplessly at the hands of these infidels. Even with her will intact, it became clear she had very minimal energy to turn the tide in their favor.

The Skugs gathered once more surrounding their victim. As one of them prepared to lunge an enclosed fist on Kaitlin, the tossing of a trash can lid knocked out the gold headed soldier from the back of its neck. Other Skugs took notice when another lid took out each individually. J.B launched off with a series of tornado kicks to fend off the army surrounding the couple. While the Skugs took a moment to regroup, J.B approached towards Kaitlin to check on her condition.

"Kaitlin, are you alright?" He wondered.

"I'm a little banged up but I'll be okay," she answered. As they checked on the professor, the Skugs resumed battle doing everything in their power to get a hold of his laptop.

"Professor, are you alright?" Kaitlin took a moment to observe any bruises he may have sustained.

"I'll be alright," he said. Kaitlin assisted Horatio up from the ground looking to leave the site altogether.

"Here!" J.B exclaimed tossing his car keys over for her to retrieve. "My car is parked not too far from the coffee house. Just sound the alarm in case you don't spot it."

"Got it," Kaitlin approved. Doing as advised, she assisted the professor while navigating their way back from the trail they came from. In the meantime, J.B distracted the Skugs to the best of his ability fending off each one that laid a hand on him.

Arriving back along the busy streets of the borough, Kaitlin and Horatio continued to escape from the danger that loomed them. Kaitlin's eyes sparkled eagerly with anticipation. Doing what she could to protect the professor, it wouldn't be long when she spotted J.B's blue Honda Civic parked alongside of the road. Utilizing his keys, a simple push of a button allowed the doors in his car to unlock. Kaitlin further helped Horatio inside the back seat before strapping him with a safety belt. As she reentered through the driver's seat, Kaitlin's heart raced upon waiting for the arrival of her boyfriend.

J.B rushed his way out of the alleyway. With an army of Skugs in pursuit, it was a matter of kill or not be killed. Arriving at the site of his car, he was just a mere foot away from reaching his destination. As Kaitlin opened the door of the front passenger's seat, a Skug soldier managed to grab J.B by the ankle. In a tug of war situation, Kaitlin held onto his hand reeling him in like a fishing rod on a pond.

"J.B, hang on," Kaitlin cried. The Skugs ganged up on J.B enhancing the difficulty for Kaitlin to get a hold of him. Unbuckling his belt, Horatio channeled every fiber in his body while lending Kaitlin with the assist. Despite their teamwork, the problem continued to escalate. The Skugs' immense strength would surpass the partnership effort from the two civilians. With the situation becoming dire, desperate times come desperate measures. Kaitlin pulled out a laser pistol from the storage cabinet as she prepares to intimidate her foes.

"Bozos, heads up!" With the pulling of a trigger, Kaitlin fired each blast at the Skugs that sent them flying against the walls. J.B hopped onto the passenger's seat closing the door behind him. By turning on the ignition, Kaitlin placed her foot on the accelerator as they immediately drove off from the area.

"Whew that was a close call," J.B said still exhausted after having to thwart off of the foot soldiers.

"I wanted to believe that the Skugs we saw were just a bunch of idiots cos-playing," Kaitlin replied.

"Thank you guys for your help. They nearly had me back there," the professor said wincing from the bruises he had sustained.

"Sir, how are you holding up? We should probably take you to a nearby hospital," J.B wondered in regards to the third passenger's well being.

"I appreciate your support but I should be fine," Horatio declined after thanking him for the offer. He glanced over at his watch as his eyes widen in astonishment. "Go ahead and drop me off at Crossworld University."

From that point onward, the conversation remained silent. Using the phone provided from Kaitlin's GPS, they continue to ride along the highway in hopes of arriving at their destination. When making their arrival to the college site, Kaitlin parked along the drop off site near the main entrance to the campus building.

"It's been a long day," said Horatio grabbing his belongings upon exiting the vehicle. "I appreciate the ride you two. I couldn't thank you enough."

"Anytime Professor," Kaitlin assured. "I'm sure we can use some relief from everything that's been happening to us."

"I couldn't agree more," Horatio replied. "You two take care of yourselves. Drive safely out there."

Subsequently, Professor Hart bid his goodbyes towards the couple that provided him with the transportation. J.B and Kaitlin responded with a wave of their hands respectively.

"I hate to say but these past couple of weeks have been surreal," said Kaitlin.

"What are you getting at?" J.B spoke with curiosity.

"Ever since we played the demo at the convention, it's like Grimlord's creatures suddenly hopped over from the video gaming realm into our world. I'm afraid that what he said in his monologue might not be farther from the truth," Kaitlin further continued to support her claim.

"I don't know what kind of ability he has to even warrant that," J.B wondered. "With what I saw, it's very clear he wasn't blushing."

Using hand gesture, Kaitlin instructed, "J.B could you hand me the band aid?"

J.B nodded taking out a single wrapped bandage inside the carton box. She took a brief moment to place one over on the targeted wound.

"I don't understand how these Skugs made it out from the game. I would like to think I'm hallucinating," said Kaitlin. She glossed over at her phone to find an unread text message sent by Woody as displayed on the screen.

"Oh no, Woody is going to freaking kill me," she panicked. "And it's a thirty minute drive away to my workplace."

"Kaitlin, turn on your GPS. I could give you a short cut on how to get back in a snap," J.B told her.

"Look I am so against taking back roads," Kaitlin sighed subsequently.

"I would hate for you to lose your job," J.B further insisted. Given little alternative, Kaitlin made a decision to go along with his order.

"Fine," she said. As the couple continued on with the discussion, J.B went along to provide her with the directions necessary to alleviate Kaitlin's panicking.

Sitting on his throne inside the Virtual Dungeon, Grimlord monitored the activity on his projector.

"Imbeciles we had them. Those Skugs came THIS close to obtaining his data files. Yet somehow they failed to take out those pesky humans," he let in on a banter.

"Master Grimlord. What is it with the tirade?" Emerging from the shadows, Decimator came forth to inquire his sense of bitterness.

"I summoned out the Skug soldiers on an objective to retrieve some information regarding Tyler and Horatio's work. This matter involves the development of a highly skilled team of war soldiers assembled," Grimlord explained.

"What I don't understand is how come you did not inform us of this issue in advance?" Decimator further questioned his strategy.

"I entrusted the Skugs knowing how intimidating they can be as a unit. With their immense brute and ability to outsmart their enemies, they should have been able to carry out the objective accordingly," said Grimlord. He slammed his fist on the side of the chair in frustration on the overall execution that backfired in the long run.

"We overheard some yelling from our dorms. Is everything the matter sire?" Colonel Icebot chimed in on the conversation in progress.

"I have my fair share of gripes," Grimlord said. "But now that I look back, I am more than willing to owe up to my mistakes. The Skugs may be powerful but it's also going to take a particular leader that will help rally our beloved foot soldiers. I believe the way to achieve our objective is for those who don't talk about it but be about it."

Grimlord stood up from his seat taking a step down from the mini staircase while being surrounded by an army of robots that stood by. The Wizard of Darkness took a glance at everyone around him knowing confidently that when a plan backfires, there was always going to be more back up in handy.

"Excellent," he said. "Rest assured we will continue to keep on fighting. No matter the odds stacked among us, these obstacles will not deprive any possibility when we eradicate all of humanity. Only then will we mutants not only be victorious. But our reign as the dominant species in both virtual reality and the living world will be more than a dream."

"But the question is where do we begin?" Decimator asked.

"Allow me to demonstrate. Icebot, display the viewing monitor for us," Grimlord instructed. With the push of a button, the Colonel projected footage of Professor Hart in the middle of his lecture, standing in front of a row of students willing to learn.

"It appears Horatio won't have any one to save him when night fall occurs," said Decimator.

"We begin the onslaught tonight. A strategy will be devised that will trick the professor into lending us the files with relative ease. Let me start off by having the Skugs in on the plan," Grimlord cackled. The foot soldiers listened to their direct order given leaving Icebot and Decimator awaiting an update on their roles. As their private chatter came to a conclusion, the Skugs nodded their heads in going forth with a playbook by Grimlord.

"Master, what do you suppose Decimator and I have in store for this 'plan' of yours?" Colonel Icebot wondered.

"Icebot, deploy a Skug soldier and have them disguise as a cab driver. Sent out a drone of yours and monitor the professor's every move. Decimator, keep a look out on everyone in the Virtual Dungeon while I meet up with the professor. I'll have a fellow human companion by my side to ensure nobody on campus suspects your presence," Grimlord said.

"Affirmative," the two servants complied in unison.

"Carry on my mutants," Grimlord further coincided with a set strategy in mind.

"Soon Horatio you will learn to realize that your contribution to Psycon will be the key to kick start our mutant expansion here in the real world. Mark my words!" He cackled.