Dangerous Intelligence
Chapter Six: Loss And Safety
Don't stop reading, there's still one more chapter after this one! And as soon as I'm done here, I already have an idea for a new plot, so expect no rest from me! Ough, insomnia.
Cybersix, distraught and at the end of her wits, leaped down onto the boardwalk, throwing down the bags of money she held. All right, James, where are you? Tell the world if you want, I won't do it again!
A very faint voice sounded from beneath the planks. Here. I'm down here. Help me! Confused, Cybersix headed to the edge of the docks. James was looking up at her, fear plain on his face. I was trying to hide...I'm slipping!
Even as he spoke, she could see that James would fall to his death if she didn't help him. Still...if he dies, there'll be no one to control me...but I can't let it happen. Cybersix reached down and gripped James' left wrist, but as she moved to catch his other wrist, his fingers lost their hold. Caught off guard, Cybersix tumbled off the edge.
She grasped the edge of the boardwalk with her elbow, biting her lip against the sharp pain. James was completely underwater, his wrist slipping away from her hand in the rough waters. she called, unwilling to let go. However, a large wave crashed over them, and his wrist was torn away.
Cybersix surfaced from the wave, coughing. Gripping the boardwalk, she attemped to pull herself to safety, but the waves clung to her, making it impossible. Oh, no... She could swim, certainly, but the water was getting choppier by the second. Not even a Cyber like herself could survive if she was pulled out. Someone, help...Brother, Julian....Lucas...help me!
Data 7 whined in annoyance at the urchin on his back.
Stop it, Data 7! Julian said, pointing. Look, there she is! I can see her hat.
Data 7 knew something was wrong when the sirens started to go off, so, naturally, he'd gone for help. Following his sister's orders, he did not go to Lucas, but instead to Julian. Communication barriers prevented him from telling the child much more than Cybersix was in trouble, but that was enough for Julian.
The panther leaped to the boardwalk with a growl, signifying to Julian that he'd better get off. No barriers stood in the way this time; Julian rolled off Data 7's back and ran to the dock where Cybersix clung to the wood for her life. Julian looked frantically for a rope, but there was none in sight. Data 7, can you help her?
Don't bother. she shook her head. Without opposable thumbs, brother, I doubt you'll be able to do much. I won't lose you a second time.
Then I'll help! Julian knelt down and took hold of her wrist in both hands.
No, Julian! If I can't get myself up, don't you try. I won't lose YOU, either. There was a moment's silence, during which Cybersix attempted once more to lift herself from the water, to no avail. All right, Data 7. Go get Lucas.
A growl. But, sister, you said-
Never mind what I said earlier. Go. Get. Lucas!
Her brother turned to leave, but stopped in his tracks. He glanced back at his sister, a Cheshire cat grin on his face. Hey sis, someone followed us.
Lucas ran out of the alley, saw the situation, and immediately got down by the edge. taking Cybersix by a wrist and an arm. Stand back, you two.
Data 7 voiced his disapproval of the command as Julian tugged him backwards.
Lucas, meanwhile, slowly but surely eased Cybersix onto the docks. He helped her to her feet, but she was still too shaky to stand on her own-or so he gathered as she leaned against him, making no move to hide her gratitude.
Lucas...I want to explain...
You don't have to. It's all right, really.
No, no it isn't. Cybersix sighed and shook her head. I can't tell you everything, but all you need to know is that...I was being blackmailed. That's why I broke into the bank...
And the gun store.
I didn't want anyone to get hurt. Lucas, I hate guns. I wouldn't have done anything if I had had a choice, but... She trailed off, catching her breath.
Julian hugged her around the waist. I'm glad you're okay. Jeez, I thought for sure we wouldn't get you back!
Cybersix smiled at him and knelt beside him, wrapping him in a hug. I'm all right, Julian. I'm all right.
Data 7 proceeded to nuzzle his sister. Hey, don't I get a hug?
She laughed. Okay, brother, you too!