The Loch Ness Syndrome: Zed's Fishing Trip

Part 7: Troubled Waters

A few flowers drifted out into the loch, the still waters seemed so peaceful now. It was hard to believe that just a short while ago they had consumed one of the fine MIB, and now they served as her grave.

"She was one of the finest scientists that I've ever had the privilege of knowing," Zed spoke softly, "She knew it was a dangerous job when she took it. But she had guts, skills, and dedication. That's what made her one of the best of the best. Dr. Yazmine will be surely be missed. But her memory will be carried on with us, in our hearts, and in our minds."

Zeeltor broke down at this last part, everyone was a little surprised. Delia put her arm around his shoulders and gently hugged him. "Ah Zeeltor, please don't cry."

Jay felt awful, he'd NEVER seen Zeeltor cry before. He hadn't even been sure that someone as cheery and loony as the good doctor was capable of tears.

"We should probably let him have the rest of the day to cope," Kay suggested to Zed.

Zed agreed, "Uh, Dr. Zeeltor, we can always resume this mission tomorrow. I don't think Flippy will pose a threat for the remainder of today at least. And you look like you could use some time alone. I know you two were close."

"And don't worry about that overgrown alien lizard," Jay added, "when we catch him, he'll wish he'd never heard of the MIB."

"Thanks Agent Jay," Zeeltor forced a grin. "I think Yazmine would appreciate that."

"I'll help you with the equipment tomorrow if you'd like," R offered, "I hope you have spares to replace what got lost when that monster overturned us."

Zeeltor nodded. He knew everyone was doing their best to cheer him up, but right now he just wanted to be alone. Slowly he followed the others back to the hotel, although his human suit was drenched it was still in tact, so they were able to take a cab.

A young woman in a torn human suit stared at the group as they sped away. "Alright missy," Flint smirked behind her, "it's up to you to follow them and collect our hostage."

Yazmine nodded, conceiving the order, the rest of her mind blank. Her wings were nearly dry, that would permit her fast travel. The only thought in her mind, 'Capture Zed and bring him to the cave.'

******

Back at the hotel the sun was sitting and everyone was gloomily preparing for another day out on that all so miserable loch. But now it was going to be far worse searching for Flippy. Now they had lost one of their own and would be searching through her murky resting place for the heartless fiend.

Zeeltor drew the curtain closed on the small window of the hotel room that he and Yazmine were meant to share. He lied across the bed that she would've slept on that night clutching one of her spare lab coats. She'd never wear it again…never help him in the lab…make him chuckle at the odd human music she'd always enjoy listening to while she worked…

How would he tell Blitz? Even Lucy was going to take this hard.

Yazmine had been dear to all of them. Oh what he wouldn't give to see her again?!

He stopped wallowing in self pity and remorse long enough to recognize the familiar sounds of her wings beatings. At first he thought it too good to be true, then he realized that his ears weren't playing tricks on him after all.

Hurrying out of the hotel room he glanced up to where he'd last heard the sound. There was the faint sound of knocking on the door above.

Kay and Jay had heard the sound as well and rushed out to join the doctor. "Did you hear?" Zeeltor exclaimed happily, "That HAS to be Yazmine!"

"But what's she doing at Zed's room?" Kay remarked.

Zed was a little depressed at the loss of one of his employees. He sadly put away his fishing gear. This was no time to go on a vacation. He had more important things to do. His concentration was broken by a knock at his door.

Thinking it might be a disheartened Zeeltor or perhaps another of his agents he went to the door and opened it gently. The sight of Yazmine was enough to catch the trained former agent off guard. "Dr. Yazmine?!? But how??"

Instead of replying she grabbed her boss by his tie, jerking him forward and out of the room.

"What's the meaning of this?" Zed demanded. "Dr. Yazmine I realize that you must've been through a great deal but this sort of behavior is entirely uncalled for!"

"You're coming with me," she said in a flat tone of voice.

Zed stared at her for a moment. Her eyes seemed glazed over, like someone who had just been neuralyzed. "Mind control." he muttered.

R emerged from the room he shared with Delia at the far side of the second floor where Zed was staying. He glanced over at the strange scene, dropping the ice bucket and darted back inside the room.

"R what is with you?!" Delia snapped as he dragged her out. He pointed to where Yazmine stood holding Zed by the tie so tightly that he was nearly choking. "Oh."

Kay and Jay watched the scene in disbelief. Zeeltor tried to call out to her but his words fell on deaf ears.

"Dr. Yazmine I strongly suggest that you let me go." Zed tried to reason with her but her trance was too deep.

Kay pulled out his icer and took aim at the scientist.

Jay noticed this and screamed, "KAY?! What do you think you're doing?? That's Yazmine! You can't ice the doc!"

"Got to do it." he muttered, pulling the trigger.

"NO!" Zeeltor shouted and knocked Kay's shot off coarse.

Jay glanced up to see where it had hit and burst out laughing when saw that Delia and R had been frozen together from the shoulders down.

"JAY!" Delia shrieked, "IF YOU DON'T GET UP HERE RIGHT NOW AND CHIESEL ME OUT I'M GONNA PERSONALLY SEE TO IT THAT YOU'RE NEXT ON THE EXPERIMENTAL CHOPPING BLOCK!"

"Time to go." Yazmine stated grabbing Zed's shoulders with her clawed hands. He cringed a bit as they dug into his flesh.

"Dr. Yazmine, I'm telling you. You're under some sort of mind control. You have to fight it." Zed desperately tried to explain.

Yazmine paid him no attention as she leapt to the banister, spread her wings, and took off with the head of the MIB in her claws.

The others watched helplessly as the two MIBs went out of sight towards the loch.

"What do we do now?" Jay asked.

"The only thing we can do Slick," Kay answered firmly, "go after them."

"Uh, h-hello!" Delia's annoyed voice called.

Shivering R yelled, "C-could someone g-get us out of here?"

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