Broots' Area

Broots almost jumped out of his chair when the hand touched his shoulder. He let out a short scream, and turned.

Jarod! What the hell are you--

--Shhh....Mr. Broots, keep your voice down, or everyone at the Centre will know I'm here.

S-sorry, Jarod, it's just that you startled me.

I got your email. Have you heard from her?

No, not a word. And she's not picking up her cell phone....I'm really getting worried.

Jarod pursed his lips, thinking.

What about Sydney? Any word?

Not a peep, but I did get this DSA in the meantime.

What's on it?

Don't know yet, I was just about to watch it. Angelo gave it to me.

Well, if there's anyone who knows the secrets of the Centre, it's him.

The computer tech slipped the DSA into the player and together, Broots and Jarod watched as a scene unfolded before them....

The pretender cell on SL-24 was burnt almost beyond recognition. A sweeper team was going over the area picking up anything that looked like it might be evidence, stuffing it into plastic bags. Parker entered the room, a sullen look on his face.

Where is the body?

A sweeper responded, Look at this place, sir, it's burnt to a crisp. If we're lucky, we might find dental traces, but I doubt it....

Sydney rushed into the room, his face filled with horror.

Oh my God..... His eyes filled with tears, and he moved toward Parker, Where is she?

Parker shook his head, She didn't make it out, Sydney.

Sydney's eyes fell to the ground, then a moment later he grabbed Parker hard by the lapel.

Where is Raines? This is his doing. I told him not to conduct experiments down here, but he wouldn't listen. Where is he?

Parker took ahold of Sydney's hands, pulling them off of him.

Raines is barely alive. He's been taken to the med lab, badly burnt. His lungs are damaged from all the smoke; the doctors think it might be permanent.

Sydney's eyes were filled with a mixture of sadness and anger, I wish I could say I felt something about Raines. But I don't.... actually, I do. I'm glad. He deserves to suffer after what he's done....

Parker squeezed Sydney's shoulders, Take it easy, Sydney--

Once again the Belgian's dark eyes filled with barely contained anger, --Take it easy? A little girl is dead, Parker. For all intents and purposes, your daughter--

Sydney was cut off by Parker slamming him into a wall with tremendous force, No, Sydney. She was not my daughter. She was an experiment of DNA. A clone. Nothing more.

The doctor's eyes show his disgust, So she wasn't a real person? She was a little girl. With feelings, hopes and dreams. Sydney swallowed hard, then whispered, Where is the body?

Look around you, Sydney, there's nothing left.

Sydney felt sick, You know the worst part? Parker shook his head, and Sydney continued, We're really the ones to blame, you and me.

How do you figure?

Raines may have done this, but we did nothing to stop him. We should have taken the child from him as soon as we discovered her existence.

You know Sydney, you sound as if you are becoming far too emotionally involved with the pretenders. You're supposed to remain clinically detached. I might have to recommend that--

--No, no, Mr. Parker. Sydney shoved his feelings down and looked Parker in the eye, There is no need to recommend a replacement. I am quite capable of remaining detached.

Parker smiled like a shark, I knew you'd see it my way, Sydney. Now, if you'll excuse me, there is work to be done.

Feeling his stomach churning at his own lack of spine, Sydney walked out of the cell, leaving Mr. Parker to watch over the sweeper team.....

Well, isn't this charming? Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum go to the movies....

The snarl in the voice was immediately recognizable to both Broots and Jarod. They turned to find Miss Parker standing behind them, gun drawn; but she looked almost 15 years younger than the last time either man had seen her.

Miss Parker, Broots said, you look.....different.

Jarod's voice was smooth, Yes Miss Parker, you look a lot....younger than the last time we met.

I'll take that DSA.

Neither man moved to give it to her, so she cocked the gun.



Give her the DSA, Mr. Broots.

Broots pulled the DSA from the player and handed it to Parker.

Very good. Now get into the closet. Broots hesitated, and Parker put the gun in his face, That means put one foot in front of the other gnat brain, and move.

Broots looked to Jarod, who smiled with a confidence he did not feel, It's probably safer in there, Broots. Don't worry, I'll be fine.

Reluctantly, Broots got up and got into the closet. The young Miss Parker locked him inside. Jarod and the clone stared at each other.

What now?

You're coming with me.

What makes you think I'll do that?

I know you might be willing to give up your own life as opposed to being captured, but do you feel as bold with Sydney's life?

What have you done with him?

Nothing. Yet.

What do you want from me?

All in good time, Jarod. For now, just consider it in the best interest of Sydney's health that you follow my instructions.

I don't see that I really have a choice.

No, you don't.

Jarod and the clone quietly slipped out of the Centre, unnoticed.

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