Broots' Area
The computer tech hit the send button on the email and hoped Jarod would find it quickly. Miss Parker had left in a huff, without saying where she was going, nor was she picking up her cell phone. Broots knew they shouldn't wait if they were going to track Sydney. He knew from searching for Jarod that the more time they allowed to pass, the harder it was to pick up a trail. And Sydney had been missing for almost twelve hours; the path was getting colder by the minute.
Still, there was another option. It wasn't one that Broots felt very comfortable with, but nonetheless, it was one he was going to have to consider. Somewhere in Angelo's head was the answer to this puzzle, if only Broots could coax it out of him. Answers about Parker's clone and SL-24, might lead them to Sydney. Broots checked his inbox, but it was empty. He couldn't stand sitting and waiting. He needed to do something.
Broots stood up and headed for the bowels of the Centre. Angelo might be able to shed some light on the situation, and then again it could be a colossal waste of time. In either case, at least he would be doing something, and that was a lot better than waiting.
*********
Mr. Parker's House
Miss Parker paced the length of the living room, and Mr. Parker sat calmly on the sofa. He had seen it before. It was her nature, exploding. He knew he had to just sit quietly and wait.
I can't believe you didn't tell me there was another me. What were you thinking? You, Raines, and Sydneyyou're all a bunch of sick bastards, aren't you?
Parker stood up, Hey, Angel..come on.calm down.
She glared at him, Bite me.
**********
Sydney's Lab
Cautiously Broots entered the darkened laboratory. It was always eerie after hours with only the night lights casting a blue glow across everything. He walked further into the room, and then stopped in the middle. His voice was a mere whisper.
Angelo? Are you around?
There was no answer. Broots swallowed hard and tried it again.
Angelo? Are you there?
Still nothing.
Broots turned for the exit and almost bumped into Angelo, who stood before him with a lopsided grin on his face. Broots screamed.
Angelo! What are you doing? Did you have to sneak up on me like that?
The red-haired empath shrank away from the tech, and Broots knew he had to be softer, less threatening.
I'm sorry, Angelo. It's just that you startled me, that's all.
You look for questions.
Actually Angelo, I was looking for answers to my questions.
Yes, questions.
Tell me abou two not one.
The empath frowned at him. Broots tried again.
Two not one, Angelo. Two Miss Parkers, that's what you meant, isn't it?
Two lambs.
Then it hit him, the nickname Sydney had used in the DSA, Yes, Angelo, that's right, two lambs. What happened to the second one? Can you tell me?
Angelo's face crinkled up in pain, Fire, bad. Fire! Dead but not dead.
Dead but alive....what does that mean? Broots stared at Angelo, who was not forthcoming. Angelo...what do you mean?
Not dead.
Broots realized he would get nothing more from the empath. He exhaled a slow breath of air.
Okay, the clone was presumed killed in the fire on SL-24, but she isn't dead. But what else? I wish you could tell me more, Angelo.
The empath stared at him, brows furrowed. Then a slow smile spread across his face.
Broots looked up, his eyes filling with hope, What pictures, Angelo?
The blue eyes sparkled as Angelo reached into a back pocket, pulling out a DSA. He handed the disk to Broots.
Wow. Thanks Ang--
But the empath was already gone. Broots shrugged and made a quick exit, heading back to his area. Maybe the DSA would supply him with some answers....
*********
Basement
Wake up. Come on old man, wake up.
Sydney could hear the voice, but it sounded so far away. And so familiar.
I said wake up.
A pointed shoe jabbed at his ribs, Sydney cried out in pain.
Get up.
The doctor tried to move, but his whole body ached. He groaned.
She smiled, Yes, I suppose I am.
Sydney's foggy brain was confused, Parker...what are you doing? Help me.....
I don't think so.
She kicked him again, and Sydney felt a rib crack. He screamed in pain. She wondered what he'd do if the other Miss Parker was there and he had to choose between them. The clone's smile faded slightly, as a memory from her childhood flooded her mind......
The young girl tried to keep the tears at bay, but she couldn't.
Raines screamed at her again, I said choose.
The tears ran faster down her cheeks, But....but I can't.
Raines leaned into her face, I said, choose.
The little girl looked toward the sim screen. One picture was a city full of people, enjoying their day, and another picture was a litter of tiny kittens. The girl shattered into sobs.
I told you to make a choice. One lives, one dies. You are the person who decides. You have to be able to make difficult choices. Which will it be? Press a button.
She buried her face into her hands.
Fine then, they will both be extinguished.
Raines hit two buttons on the sim panel, and both screens exploded. The little girl screamed in terror. Raines was disgusted.
It was just a simulation, you stupid girl. You simply don't have what it takes to be a pretender.....
Raines exited the room, slamming the door, a moment later, the door quietly opened, and she heard soft footsteps coming toward her. She cowered away.
It's okay, lamb. It's just me.
She looked up into the kind face, and reached out for him. Sydney pulled her into his arms, and held her close.
Shhhh, darling, it's all right.
The clone sobbed into his chest, and Sydney rubbed the back of her head. After awhile, she fell asleep in his arms....
Her eyes filled with silent tears, suddenly unsure of her own mind. She looked down at the man contracted in pain, and found it difficult to separate him from the man who was her only comfort as a child. But then she remembered: of all of them, he was the worst; for he was the one with a conscience, the one who should have known better. Hate filled her heart, and she held onto it as though it were her very life.
Sydney looked up at her, the pain flooding his eyes, Why, Parker? Why?
Because I hate you.
The hurt clouding the swirls of chestnut filled her with a mix of satisfaction and guilt. But the former was predominant. She knelt down next to him, and tenderly stroked his forehead.
I've hated you for so long, it's like breathing to me.
The soft hand soothing him, turned ugly as it curled into a fist, slamming into his jaw. Sydney lost consciousness, as the clone stood.
You'll pay, Sydney, but not before you kill Miss Parker for me.
The sound of her laughter rippled through the basement.
