Thanks again to all who've read and reviewed—hope you enjoy this chapter
ECHOS OF THE PAST
It was nearly dark when the red Karmann Ghia pulled into the circular drive in front of the elegant façade of Professor Kezumi's beachfront property. Joe killed the motor and as soon as he turned the key Francoise jumped out and pushed the seat back to attend to Robespierre, who was beginning to come to.
She leaned in, concern etched across her delicate features. "Robespierre, are you all right?"
The man's sea-green eyes fluttered then opened as he tried to focus. "F-Francoise? Is that really you?" he rasped as he tried to rise. "What happened?"
"Shhh, yes it's me. You had a bad accident and we brought you home."
"We?" Robespierre glanced around and looked at Joe standing there with a staid expression on his attractive face.
Francoise nodded, "My friend Joe and I were the ones who brought you here. Your motorcycle crashed and a friend we live with is a doctor so we brought you home with us."
Robespierre nodded weakly as he tried to digest the information. Francoise and Joe exchanged glances and moved forward.
"Take it easy, we're going to get you inside," Joe said as he reached and assisted the groggy man as he helped him to his feet. "Can you walk?"
"I-I think so," Robespierre said as he was flanked by the two cyborgs, wrapping his arms around their shoulders as the three made their way slowly to the house.
Once inside Joe and Francoise led the man carefully to the living room where 007, 004, and 002 shot to their feet, curious.
"Who the hell is that," Jet asked in his usual gracious manner.
Francoise glared at him and answered in a clipped manner. "He's an old friend of mine who's had an accident." She and Joe laid the man gingerly on the sofa, swinging his legs up to induce him to lie down as she spoke softly and soothingly to the man.
"So why bring him here?" Albert asked as Joe stepped back and watched the scene with a veiled expression.
"Francoise thought Dr. Gilmore could take care of him in the Dolphin's infirmary," he replied laconically, his emotions hooded.
"Hmmm, I don't know if that was wise," Great Britain said, doubtful. He whispered to Joe conspiratorially, "You took a chance bringing him here, suppose he finds out we're cyborgs?"
Joe snapped at him, "It wasn't my idea, but we couldn't just leave him. He cracked up his motorcycle and we got him in the car and brought him here."
The commotion drew 005, 008, and 006 into the room to see what was going on. Gilmore then entered the room carrying a sleeping 001. He glanced at the prone figure on the sofa with 003 kneeling beside him brushing the dark curls back from his eyes.
"Hmm, what do we have here?" the doctor asked as he placed Ivan in his bassinet and then came forward to lean down near Robespierre.
"Oh Dr. Gilmore, he's an old friend of mine, Robespierre DuBois and he's been in a bad accident. Joe and I brought him here to see if you could help him in the Dolphin. Please?" she beseeched him with her eyes wide.
Dr. Gilmore replied kindly, "My dear girl, I would like to help him but as you know our facilities are equipped to repair and heal cyborg beings, not humans."
"B-but I am a cyborg," Robespierre answered as he rose to a sitting position slowly.
Everyone looked at the man incredulously. "Huh?"
"Robespierre, what are you saying?" Francoise asked softly.
He smiled at her and replied, "It's true, ma petite. I was taken and made into a cyborg by the Black Ghost organization, just like you." He studied her intently. "Surely you wondered how I could be alive now."
Francoise nodded as she realized the practical truth. In the heat of the moment, she had not thought of that fact and her usual common sense had flown. Her eyes widened in shock. "B-but how did you know about my being taken by Black Ghost?"
Robespierre managed a weak smile. "Your disappearance caused quite a ruckus, with your family and with the ballet school. Even the French government became involved and uncovered the covert operations of the Black Ghost organization. After it was discovered that they had taken you, the government was trying to put together a commando raid to rescue you when they captured me during the war while the Black Ghost was working out an alliance with Hitler and the Axis powers. I was in Jean Paul's squadron."
At the mention of her brother, 003 burst into tears. "W-what happened to Jean Paul?"
Robespierre reached and brushed the crystal rivulets away. "He didn't make it, ma petite. I'm sorry."
003 turned away in anguish and 009 knelt down and placed his hands on her shoulders to comfort her. "I'm sorry too, koishii," he whispered as she looked back at him in gratitude.
Gilmore pursed his lips in thought. Although the explanations appeared plausible and the young man seemed to be genuine, there was something troubling him, something he could not put his finger on but he decided to dismiss it for the time being. He sighed and said, "Well since you are a cyborg, I can have you brought to our lab for tests and needed treatments or repairs. 009, 004 please take him out to the Dolphin and to the lab/infirmary."
"Can I go too," Francoise asked, hope radiating in her aqua orbs as she shot to her feet. 009 and 004 each hoisted Robespierre up and began to head down to the underground passage that led to the cave that hid the Dolphin and 009 glanced at her as he went along.
Gilmore sighed again, resigned, "Very well, 003. You go ahead with 009 and 004 and I'll join you presently."
She flashed a smile at him and hurried after the departing trio.
Gilmore shook his head as the other cyborgs stood around words at a loss but for 005's usual stoic expression, which showed a flicker of unease in his almond eyes.
The group of cyborgs entered the Dolphin without a sound save the occasional grunt of pain from Robespierre as Joe and Albert carried him with Francoise trailing them as she offered the man pats of comfort. They entered the ship's bridge then headed to the back of the craft and the lab. They stepped into the lab and placed him carefully on the bed as Francoise began to scan him for damage and vital signs, entering the data into a computer terminal as 009 and 004 looked dourly on.
Robespierre gazed feebly at the cyborgs. "So all of you are cyborgs?"
Albert nodded, "Uh-huh. All of us were engineered by Black Ghost to be high performance weapons. I was one of the first generation with 003, 002, and 001."
"I guess that's what I am." He gestured to Joe. "And what about you, are you first generation too?"
Joe responded, "No, I was the most recent cyborg created by Black Ghost. Everyone here helped me to escape before they could use me." His eyes softly rested on Francoise, a gesture not unnoticed by Robespierre whose eyes narrowed slightly. He continued probing.
"Why do you go by numbers?"
"Black Ghost renamed us when the re-created us," 009 replied flatly. "Dr. Gilmore has us refer to each other that way to keep our identities secret. But we do refer to each other by our own names privately. We still try to hang on to our humanity when we can."
"So what are your real names?"
004 spoke first, "I'm Albert Heinrich, from Germany. My number is 004."
009 replied, "I'm Joe Shimamura, I was born here in Japan. I'm code numbered 009"
Robespierre addressed Francoise gently, "And what's your number, petite?"
She blushed at the endearment as Joe's eyes narrowed. "I'm known as 003. What about you, do you have a number from him?"
"Oui, Black Ghost issued me a number. They called me 0017."
They all digested the information as Robespierre continued the inquiry. "So what kind of abilities did they give you?"
Albert replied ruefully, "I have been turned into a walking arsenal. My right hand is actually five machine gun barrels and my legs carry warheads." He held up the member in question to illustrate the point.
Robespierre's eyes widened in admiration. He glanced at Joe and asked him, "What about you, 009?"
He answered cryptically, "Black Ghost tried to make me into the ultimate cyborg. I have super strength and the ability to accelerate the speed of light by clicking my back teeth."
Robespierre nodded and again asked the pretty blonde, "And you?"
She answered, "I have super sonic hearing and telescopic x-ray vision. What about you?"
Robespierre sighed and he informed them. "My capabilities are my ability to change the molecular structure of the elements. I can stop storms and create lightning bolts. I also can breathe wind gusts of high velocity and whirlwinds."
"Ohh!" All three cyborgs were flabbergasted then startled as the door opened.
Dr. Gilmore made his appearance and he donned a surgical gown as he inquired of the prone man, "So would you like to tell us a little something about yourself? Besides being an old friend of 003's."
Robespierre took a deep breath as he began, "My full name is Robespierre Antoine Dubois and I was drafted by the French military during World War II. As I was a pilot with Francoise's brother, Jean Paul Arnoul, I was assigned to his squadron after training to be a meteorologist. When our plane was shot down, I was the only survivor." He glanced at Francoise, who had her head down and continued, "Black Ghost captured me behind enemy lines."
"And how did you become a cyborg? I don't remember you as part of the project," Dr. Gilmore remarked.
"Dr. Gilmore was one of the original scientists working on the cyborg project for Black Ghost," Albert said, eyes studying the Frenchman. Joe also stood there with a dubious look, arms folded on his chest.
Robespierre didn't bat an eye. "I was a secret project apart from the other cyborgs. The scientists who engineered me were sworn to secrecy because they were planning to market me to Hitler. I was cryogenically frozen when the war took a different turn and the Third Reich toppled. I was frozen until recently when I was thawed accidentally and I made my escape. I've been running from them ever since."
Francoise said sympathetically, "It must have been so hard, running all this time."
Joe spoke up, demanding, "So why were you trying to make us crash earlier?"
Francoise glared at Joe but Robespierre lowered his eyes, "I'm really sorry about that. I had a problem with the throttle sticking and as I was trying to unstick it, I lost control."
Francoise said with a reassuring pat, "That's okay. You're the one who got hurt."
"Thanks, petite," the handsome dark-haired French cyborg said gratefully as exhausted, his eyes fluttered closed. Joe was getting incensed by the constant use of the endearment as he and Albert stood watching the man with mixed emotions.
Dr. Gilmore digested all that was said with a thoughtful frown. He addressed the cyborgs crisply, "I'll take care of everything from here, you three can go."
Francoise rose from the side of the bed. "Dr. Gilmore, if you don't mind, I'd like to stay," she said as she stared down at the still form of Robespierre who drifted into unconsciousness again.
"003, you've had a long day and I can tell you're still upset. Go and get some rest, I'll take care of him."
"Dr. Gilmore's right, Francoise," Joe's soft voice was firm as he put a hand on her shoulder. "C'mon, koishii," he cajoled but she shook his hand away.
"I said I'm staying here." The blonde cyborg's soft voice was tempered with steel.
Joe felt a pang of hurt at her slight rejection but he hid his emotions and withdrew. 004 took his hand and laid it on the Japanese youth's shoulder. "C'mon 009, let's leave them here, it's late." They both took off.
Gilmore sighed as he viewed the data on the screen, "As you wish, 003." She nodded and resumed her vigil.
Out in the hall, 009 assured 004 he was coming then lingered and watched as 003 wiped Robespierre's brow with the same gentle hands she had once used on him. He turned away, feeling unexplainably angry. He strode to the bridge and exited the craft with a scowl marring his usually serene features.
The next morning, the cyborgs minus 003 were gathered about the breakfast table as usual every morning but the mood was quiet and subdued as they were aware of the presence in their midst of someone new. They all were deep in meditation individually about the events of the past night making the air tense and heavy. 009 especially sat there staring morosely at his plate barely touching his food, the unoccupied space beside him conspicuous in its emptiness.
006 entered the room and said, exasperated, "Goodness me, I've slaved over a hot stove and set out this breakfast feast and nobody is eating. I'm beginning to feel unappreciated."
007 eyed the rotund chef askance and retorted, "006, when are you going to realize that there are other things in life than a full belly."
004 sighed, "Look if you two are going to start sniping at each other again, do us a favor and do it somewhere else."
"Yeah, give it a rest, will ya?" 002 piped in as he glared at the pair.
"You should talk! You're always picking a fight with someone. And over silly things like games. The other day you wanted to take 009's head off just because he beat you at ping-pong," 008 reminded the surly flame-headed cyborg who rewarded Pyunma with a glare.
002 opened his mouth to counter but 009 rose to his feet and barked, "That's enough! We're a team and we need to stop fighting among ourselves and act like one. Now."
"I agree," 005 said softly as he gazed at the others.
The rest of the cyborgs looked down shamefaced, afraid to look at their commander. 009 stepped over to Chang and asked, "006, has 003 come up to get something to eat at all?"
006 shook his head, "Not since I got up to make breakfast. Dr. Gilmore came in for a cup of tea and then went to bed about two hours ago, but she hasn't come up. And I've been keeping a plate hot for her and the other fellow." He brought forward a covered tray. "See?"
Joe examined the tray and then took it. "I'll go and bring it to her. She has to eat." He whirled around, tray in hand and left the dining room.
The other cyborgs watched except for 005, who suddenly felt the same shudder that he felt last night. There's a stirring in the elements, I can feel it. He frowned as he pondered what the reason might be.
Meantime, 003 was sitting at Robespierre's bedside, her head resting on the mattress as she dozed fitfully, not really getting any rest. She was in that position when he opened his eyes and noticed her there. With a weak smile, he lifted his hand and began stroking her downy gold curls.
Her eyes fluttered open at the contact and he said softly, "Forgive me, ma petite. I didn't mean to wake you."
Francoise yawned and stretched her arms above as she responded, "No, Robbie, it's my fault, I shouldn't have fallen asleep on your bed. I was tired because yesterday had been a big day."
"Ah yes, you had been out with that fellow, Joe is it?"
She smiled as she replied, "Yes, we went on a picnic and that's how we ran into you." She leaned closer in concern. "How are you feeling, Robbie?"
He smiled at the nickname and said, "It's been a long time since I heard anyone call me that." He tried to shift in the bed but fell back in pain. "I'm okay, just my ribs are really sore."
"It's no wonder. You were thrown from the motorcycle about twenty feet." Francoise rose and went to the sink to wet the cloth that had fallen from his head. "You were also running a fever so I stayed to help bring it down." She replaced the cloth on his forehead as he studied her intently, making her blush.
"So are you telling me you've been here all night?"
"Uh-huh. I didn't want to leave you alone in a strange place." She turned away shyly as he regarded her fondly.
"You're still the shy little rabbit aren't you?" he said in a teasing manner.
Francoise turned back but lowered her head, her blush deepening. "I am still a bit bashful, it's true but I do stand up for myself and others. Especially on the team."
He chuckled, "I have no doubt. You always defended Jean when we mixed it up. Just like a little dynamo. I used to have quite a few bruises from you."
She sniffed, "Well, you deserved it. Sometimes you went a little too far."
"Yeah, but Jean was a big boy and could take care of himself. You came to his rescue a lot." He sighed, "I used to envy the closeness in your family."
Francoise bit her lip as she thought of her dear maman and papa and the tragic way they died, in a train accident leaving her and Jean Paul to fend for themselves when she was 15 and Jean was 18. A tear slid down her ivory cheek, leaving a trail.
Robespierre was contrite as he leaned forward to wipe away the tear. "I'm sorry, petite. I always seem to make you cry."
She smiled tremulously at him. "Don't worry about it, please. I cry at just about anything, I'm just a weepy little girl still."
Robespierre continued to study her. "That may be, but you really have blossomed into a very beautiful woman, petite. And do you still dance?"
Francoise smiled and responded, "I dance on the beach when I can. We have some free time between missions and I go to the beach at sunset and dance."
He gazed warmly at her as he captured her hand in both of his. "I'm glad that you do. You dance like an angel and I'd hate to see you giving that up now that you're a cyborg."
Francoise blushed wildly under his penetrating gaze and was startled by the rustling sound of someone approaching. She pulled away from Robespierre's bed and shot to her feet just as Joe entered the lab/infirmary with the tray.
He smiled at the two and his gaze warmed as his eyes alit on the blonde cyborg. "Morning you guys. We thought that you'd be hungry so I brought you breakfast." He set the tray down and then scrutinized the two carefully. "I didn't interrupt anything did I?" he directed at Francoise as she lowered her eyes and averted her head.
"Ah—no, not at all," she hastened to reassure him. "We were just reminiscing."
Robespierre sat up and eyed Joe speculatively as the latter did the same. The two men seemed to be sizing each other up as he added, "That's right. Just talking about old times."
Joe tried to read the French cyborg's expression but it became impassive and inscrutable. Shrugging, he went and removed the cover of the tray for the two. "Well, go ahead and dig in, I'm sure you're hungry." He turned his attention to 003. "And I know you haven't eaten since our picnic yesterday, koishii."
Francoise became nervous at the endearment as she responded shakily, "Thank you for bringing it, 009."
He was a bit put off by her formality. "Sure, no problem." Feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden, 009 added in a shy manner, "Well, I guess I'll head back." He glanced at Robespierre who had lain back and was observing him in a strange way. "Glad you're feeling better, 0017."
Thank you, 009," Robespierre responded. "And thanks for the breakfast."
009 nodded and exited. 003 watched and then rising said to Robespierre, "Excuse me, Robbie, I'll be right back." She hastened through the door and caught 009 by the arm.
"Joe, is there something wrong?" she asked worriedly.
"No," he said in a low tone averting her questioning eyes.
"Sorry, I don't believe you," Francoise insisted. "Why did you have to take off so soon?"
He didn't turn but replied glumly, "I just felt that I was in the way. After all he's an old friend and I'm sure you want to catch up on things now that he's awake."
Francoise could feel his gloomy mood and she got in front of him as he kept his head down, still avoiding her eyes. She reached to brush his bangs back so she could speak earnestly to him.
"Joe, listen to me. Robespierre is an old friend and at one time I did have a crush on him, when I was younger but that was then. I'm just concerned for an old friend, someone from my past life is all, you have nothing to worry about, cherie." She stretched on her toes to kiss him, a butterfly touch to his lips that broke the ice and with a groan he wrapped his arms around her as he deepened the kiss.
They were entwined for a quite a few minutes and then drew apart. Joe sighed and said huskily, "I'm sorry, koishii. I was just surprised by the way you seemed in there, like you wanted me to go. Forgive me?"
His eyes were soft and pleading and her heart pounded as the tall cyborg commander appeared like a little boy. She smiled sweetly at him as she replied, "Of course I forgive you, silly."
He grinned at her as he stole another kiss and they became swept away by the passions pulsating beneath their collective surfaces. As always, they became oblivious to anything but themselves.
Neither noticed as Robespierre watched the tender exchange from his bed in the lab with a scowl. He then touched a button on his shirt and said sotto voce, "Infiltration is nearly complete. Will report back soon." He watched the embrace between 009 and 003 with an oily smile.
NEXT----DRAWN IN