Author's Note: Sorry this took so long, I had the worst writer's block as to how I wanted this chapter to go. It's exceptionally long due to the elements included to build the plot and keep the story line intact as to what happens with Robespierre and his infiltration into the group. And I see Joe's jealousy as a characteristic that in the next chapters unwittingly brings him back to his days with the Father, where like other kids he felt he had to compete for attention. I see this especially since he has deep feelings for Francoise because she cared so for him since he came to join the team. So if he seems a bit OCC it's the way I perceive him after growing up in an orphanage, he's bound to have issues.
DRAWN IN
The sense of unease continued among the 00 cyborgs as 001 and 005's impulses continued and increased in intensity and frequency. But Dr. Gilmore persisted in directing the team in leading their human lives yet encouraged them to remain aware and be in a state of readiness. He had no doubt that Black Ghost was planning something so he continued monitoring his computer, his visage a study in concentration. He leaned back and pinched the bridge of his nose in weariness, as there was a knock on his study.
"Come in."
"Dr. Gilmore?" 009 asked hesitantly as he peered into the doctor's study.
"Huh? Oh 009, come in," Gilmore said tiredly as he gestured to a chair.
"I brought you some coffee. I figured you might want some." He set the tray with coffee carafe, mugs, sugar and cream down.
"Ahh thank you, Joe. Would you like to join me?"
"If it's okay," 009 said as he sat and fixed the coffee for them both. "You still like it black, right?" he said as he held a mug out.
Gilmore nodded as he gratefully took the proffered mug and sipped it with eyes closed. He glanced at the earnest expression on the handsome young cyborg and ascertained another reason for the visit. "You have something to discuss with me, 009?"
009 shifted uncomfortably as he lowered his head, his long mahogany hair hiding his face. "I-I was just wondering about something, doctor."
At his tone, Gilmore lowered his mug and examined the Japanese youth closely. "Yes, 009?"
Joe continued to study the carpet intently. "What do you think of 0017?"
Gilmore leaned back with eyes closed and pondered the question. He sighed deeply as he tried to speak his mind without adding to the cyborg's obvious distress. "Well, I'm wondering about him. Truthfully, I never knew of a secret cyborg project that was apart from the one I had been assigned to.
But--," he continued at the spark of triumph in Joe's cinnamon eyes. "That doesn't mean that the project didn't exist. Black Ghost had several projects going during its inception so it is quite likely that 0017's story is legitimate."
Joe sighed as he got to his feet and walked over to the window to stare out at the night. "So it is possible that he is 003's childhood friend," he asked resignedly.
Gilmore spoke candidly, "It is. At that time Black Ghost was very involved in the European theatre of World War II and reporting pilots missing was a typical device of subterfuge for their capture." He took a sip of his coffee as he allowed his words to settle in the young man's mind. He faced 009's back and asked, "Is 003 still tending to him?"
Joe did not turn around as he replied dourly, "Night and day since we brought him here." From the tone of his voice he was none too happy about the circumstance.
Gilmore put down his cup and joined the young man at the window. He clapped his shoulder in a fatherly fashion as he assured 009, "I know you're worried about her. I am too, but if this Robespierre is truly someone from her past that Black Ghost had captured at the same time, there's no doubt that she is feeling as if the past that was torn from her is being returned. And that, my boy, will ensure that she will cling to him as such."
Joe sighed again as he added, "Plus her compassion and sensitivity might make her vulnerable if he isn't what he seems and has ulterior motives, doctor." His eyes narrowed as he contemplated the notion of 003 being drawn into something that was a cleverly designed façade and he became angry in spite of himself.
Gilmore answered, "Well, now let's not let our concern for 003 allow us to jump to conclusions, 009. Where is she now?"
He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. "Still in the infirmary on the ship. He's been drifting in and out since we brought him there. 003 said his fever is coming back."
"His fever is coming back? Why didn't anyone tell me?" Gilmore became annoyed as he grabbed his jacket and headed to the study door. "I'll be in the infirmary if anyone needs me."
Joe watched as the scientist exited swiftly and then shrugged and followed.
In the infirmary, Francoise was continuing to sponge Robespierre's fevered brow, the skin hot and sweaty as he tossed and turned in his delirium, murmuring incoherently. She was deeply worried and was about to leave to fetch Dr. Gilmore when she heard him enter the Dolphin and scurried down to the room, 009 on his heels.
Both men entered as Francoise got to her feet. Dr. Gilmore pushed her aside and approached the delirious cyborg as he glanced at the monitors. "003, I'll take over now. You should have told me about his fever," he admonished.
"I was just about to do that," she said but the doctor ushered her out. Sighing, she leaned against the hallway wall as she noticed 009 standing there with a concerned expression on his even features.
"Are you all right, Francoise?" he asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. Her pale cheeks and dark circles under her lackluster aqua eyes alarmed him.
She managed a tired smile "I'm okay. Just worried about Robbie's fever. I thought it had broken last night but it came back and got worse. I was just about to come to get Dr. Gilmore to bring him here. How did he find out?"
"I told him what you told me earlier, that his fever returned. The doctor appeared concerned so he decided to come and see for himself."
"Thanks for doing that," Francoise said distractedly as she glanced in the window of the closed infirmary door.
Joe sighed and inquired, "Have you eaten at all since I brought breakfast yesterday?"
"I'm not hungry."
"You have to eat," he insisted. "You'll make yourself sick, koishii."
She turned and smiled at him. "Thank you for caring but I'll be just fine. I want to make sure Robbie is all right." Francoise turned back but swayed, as she became lightheaded.
Joe lunged forward to catch her and he scooped her in his arms. He cradled her and said firmly, "I'm taking you to your room at the house to rest and that's final."
"B-but--" she began feebly but 009 placed a finger on her lips.
"No ands, ifs, or buts," he said stubbornly. "I'm taking you to your room now." He clicked his tooth and said, "Acceleration!" and they were up in her room. He gently lay Francoise on the frilly pink bed and then covered her with a soft pink afghan as he slipped her shoes off.
Joe stepped back as he gazed at her, his heart catching at her loveliness. She looked so innocent in repose, her brow smooth and untroubled, she resembled a child untouched by the cruelties of life. He was then filled with rage again at Black Ghost for stripping them all from normal human lives and was especially incensed for her as now thanks to that evil organization she had to deal with someone from her past that appeared to return to her life. He saw her distress in her tender heart as she grasped the probability of Black Ghost having destroyed yet another life, one that belonged to someone that she knew.
Joe sighed and kissed his fingertips laying them on her forehead as he said, "Sweet dreams, tenshi." He then turned and left, closing the door softly as not to awaken her.
Later, after her rest, Francoise arose and headed back to the Dolphin infirmary to check on Robespierre. Chang had relieved her of helping at the restaurant for the time being as he had recruited Jet albeit unwillingly to work with Joe to wait and run errands. So with everyone but Ivan and Dr. Gilmore out, she made her way over to tend to her childhood friend.
Robespierre was dozing lightly when Francoise entered the infirmary with a tray of food. She tiptoed in and placed the tray on a side table and then took a seat as the dark-haired Frenchman opened his green eyes and smiled as he spotted her.
"Bon jour, ma petite," he said softly as he reached for her hand.
"Bon jour, Robbie," Francoise replied amiably. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better. The fever's gone now and the pain in my ribs is almost gone. And where did you disappear to?" Robespierre wanted to know.
Francoise lowered her head and replied, "I-I was resting. J-Everyone insisted that I rest so I slept for a while." She picked nervously at the cover as she avoided his intense gaze.
"I'm glad. I was worried about you and I'm happy to see that you are surrounded by those who care for you and look out for you. Especially that tall fellow with the long hair that hides one of his eyes."
At the mention of Joe, a slight blush colored her ivory cheeks as Francoise nodded. "Yes, we're all very close to each other. We are a team but we're a family, too."
Robespierre studied her with his unwavering green eyes, "But this Joe is closer than family, eh?"
Francoise's blush deepened as she quickly changed the subject. "Are you able to get up and around?"
"Yes, I think so. Why?" he inquired, curious.
"I thought that maybe you'd like to get a look around. You've been cooped up here and I thought you'd like to get out for a while," she suggested brightly.
Robespierre smiled, "That would be fine, petite. I would like some fresh air."
"Okay then let's go." She jumped to her feet and assisted the tall man to his feet then they headed out.
Francoise guided Robespierre out of the Dolphin and toward the beach house. She took him into the dwelling and gave him the grand tour. Professor Kezumi had given them free rein of the place after it was rebuilt and he had a game room and several sleeping quarters and bathrooms put in. He also had fully refurbished the kitchen to indulge Chang's desire to create culinary masterpieces.
As Francoise showed Robespierre around he was entranced by the way she had adjusted to her life as a cyborg and the way the entire team seemed to be adjusted as well. He idly wondered if he would ever be as accepting or content as the 00 team appeared.
After the tour of the beach house, Francoise took Robespierre for a walk on the private beach and the two reminisced some more.
Francoise giggled as she continued, "Jean Paul used to take me to the whirligig and the two of you spun me around until I was dizzy."
Robespierre chuckled, "Yes, we loved it when you couldn't even stand. You were so funny, it used to crack me up."
Francoise sniffed, "Yes, very funny. I thought I was going to fall and never walk again while you two laughed like fools at me." She turned away in mock anger, arms folded.
Robespierre was immediately contrite. "Forgive me, ma petite. We were just children and you know that boys are always teasing girls. Besides, Jean was the one who wanted to make you so dizzy that you'd get sick."
At the mention of her brother, the French cyborg's aqua eyes welled up with tears as she sniffled, "J-Jean P-Paul. Oh how I wish I had seen him one more time!" she moaned softly as she sobbed, prompting the tall Frenchman to take hold of her shoulders . . . .
Meantime, the red Karmann Ghia pulled up and 009 and 002 exited and went into the beach house.
"Well, that was a busy morning!" Jet huffed as he plopped down into an easy chair in the living room. "006 sure loves to run us ragged."
"It wasn't that bad," 009 said amiably as he strolled to the glass door leading to the deck. "He just wants the best for 'Chang's Magic Pan'. He has a reputation to uphold." His benign smile faded as he spotted 003 and 0017 on the beach together.
"Yeah, well making us go all over town to get everything is overdoing it," the flame haired American youth groused as he noticed he had lost his audience. "Hey, 009 are you listening?"
"Huh?" Joe whirled around and glanced at Jet. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say." He continued to watch the two on the beach as if he were transfixed.
With an annoyed sigh 002 got up and joined his Japanese comrade at the door. Joe's face was in a dark scowl as he observed the scene on the beach that appeared as if the two walking there were intimately involved, their close proximity lending to that very notion, at least to 009's impression. Jet smirked at the obvious discomfort on his commander's handsome face.
"Well, they look kind of chummy, huh?" he insinuated airily as he watched the two.
Joe grunted in response as he turned from the door and his mouth twisted in a deep frown. He planted himself in an easy chair, staring at the carpet. "They're probably just talking over old times" he replied glumly trying to convince himself of the fact. . . .
On the beach, Robespierre turned Francoise around to gaze into her beautiful eyes that were still teary. He gently brushed the warm rivulets away as he spoke to her almost caressingly.
"Don't cry, ma petite. I have a confession to make to you."
She sniffled, "A-a confession?"
Robespierre nodded. "When Jean Paul and I were in the Air Force training, I had asked him who the beautiful blonde ballerina in the picture in his wallet was because I had never seen such a radiant creature in my life."
"But Robbie, we grew up together. Surely you knew it was me," Francoise pointed out.
"Yes but as you recall, my family moved us to Orleans when I was 11. Remember?"
"Oh yes, come to think of it. I do remember that you did move because Jean was so despondent. Then you met again in the service?"
Robespierre nodded, "Indeed. It was quite a reunion. We were on a leave and went to a café for lunch and were talking about the good times. He took his wallet out to pay the bill and I asked who the ballerina in his wallet was and he told me it was his petite soeur. I said no, it can't be, not the little firebrand that used to pummel me when she was angry." He grinned down at her and added, "And such a beauty she had grown into." He cupped her face with his hands as Francoise felt a shiver of unease. . .
Jet noticed the gentle exchange. He glanced at Joe's downtrodden manner and his chance for revenge for his bitter defeat in ping-pong at the Japanese cyborg's hands the other day rose like the midday sun. He grinned wickedly then cleared his throat and began.
"Well seems like old friends are getting friendlier," 002 commented evenly as if he were making conversation.
009 looked up and shot to his feet then unable to keep away he rushed to the glass door. He stared out at the view and his hands balled into fists as his scowl deepened.
"Yeah, looks mighty cozy out there," Jet said conversationally. "I wonder how--"
He wasn't able to finish his sentence because he suddenly found himself prone, his feet knocked right out from under him and 009 standing above him, one leg planted firmly on both of Jet's.
"I wonder how you're gonna get up if I break your legs," Joe said mildly, his eyes dark with fury.
"Hey, what's the idea?" the American demanded as Joe glared down at him.
"You seemed like you were having a bit too much fun at my expense. But you're not having fun any more, are you?"
Jet's eyes narrowed but he knew better than to push 009 when he lost his temper. The tall former delinquent had a high boiling point temper-wise but when he reached it, he was dangerous. And of late he was especially touchy where 003 was concerned. 002 tried to reason with his commander.
"Look, 009 I didn't mean to say--" he began but he was cut off.
"Save it! Just do yourself a favor and don't say another word to me," he ordered as he removed his foot and allowed Jet to get a sitting position. The former New Yorker got to his feet with a peevish look and watched as Joe turned his back and stalked from the room.
A general alarm broke out as Dr. Gilmore carrying 001 came out followed by 005, 008, and 004. He looked at the flame-haired churlish cyborg and shook his head as he opened his mouth to explain and announced, "I don't have time, we have a mission to fly."
The glass door slid open and 003 and 0017 walked in. "Dr. Gilmore, I heard you say that we have a mission?" 003 asked curiously as 009 re-entered the room. 003 exchanged glances briefly with him but then he turned his attention to the doctor.
"I've contacted 006 and 007. They will be joining us shortly," Gilmore informed the team. "We'll bring them up to speed when they get here but 001 will tell you what is happening." He held the infant before the perplexed group gathered.
**I have picked up some vibrations indicating a Black Ghost operation taking place at a plutonium plant in the southwestern United States. They have been engaging the American military in battle but the troops are being overpowered.**
At that moment 006 and 007 strolled in and GB addressed crowd in his typical insouciant manner, interrupting Ivan's communication, "Greetings, team. We've,---"
"Shhh! 007 please," 003 said annoyed. "001 is telling us what is happening."
"Continue 001," Gilmore directed.
**I've also discovered that the attempt at the plutonium plant is just a part of a bigger picture, a picture I haven't yet figured out but I do know that the plutonium is important. We have to keep them from getting it.**
"You heard him team. Let's go to the Dolphin!" 009 ordered and they all began to file out but 003 who approached Gilmore with 0017 in tow. 009 stopped his exit and turned to listen.
"Dr. Gilmore what about 0017? If he's joining us, shouldn't he come with us?" she entreated as 0017 looked on expectantly.
Dr. Gilmore peered at the two French cyborgs over his spectacles. He sighed, "It has not been decided as yet that he's ready. Besides, he's still recuperating, he should probably stay put."
"With all due respect, sir, I am feeling just fine and would like to accompany the team on this mission," Robespierre insisted.
Gilmore sighed again. They needed to depart immediately for time was a factor so arguing with a determined 003 would be pointless. "Very well, both of you get to the Dolphin right away!" Both turned and fled
009 had heard the doctor's words and before he could be detected he clicked his tooth and accelerated to the Dolphin, scowling darkly. He had a bad feeling about the decision and could not shake it.
The plutonium manufacturing plant nestled in the desert of the southwestern United States was isolated and surrounded with electrified wire, like any other restricted government facility. The only difference being that anti-aircraft weapons had been dispatched to fight against the onslaught of fire emitting from waves of Black Ghost forces that were barraging the installation in a relentless aerial and land attack.
008 and 002 piloted the Dolphin to land in an area of 10 miles from the installation, undetected by the enemy for the moment.
"The soldiers at the plant are holding the Black Ghost fighters off but I see that they are running out of ammunition," 003 informed them matter-of-factly as she studied the view through the screen, seeing deep into the bowels of the installation.
"Trying to shoot them down won't stop Black Ghost. Not when they're on the take," 002 growled. "So let's get going."
"Hold it," 009 directed. "We need to approach this carefully. As it appears, Black Ghost is attacking from the air as well as the ground and we need to scatter our forces and converge on them from all sides."
"I agree," 004 said. "Like lightening warfare, come from all directions."
The rest of the 00 cyborgs agreed and then 009 spoke, "002, I want you to use the new laser weapon to shoot the planes down from the west. 004 and 008 you'll take some fighters and advance from the east. 007, I want you to get close to the installation undetected and get us a way into the plant. 006, 005, 003 and myself will then get into the installation to take out the enemy forces within."
"What about me?" 0017 asked, eager to help.
009 regarded the French cyborg with a veiled expression. He then replied in an emotionless tone, "We have no need for your assistance, thank you. You're not officially a part of the team and you're still recovering from your accident." He put a slight sarcastic accent on the word. "You'll stay here."
003 came up to her commander and demanded, "Why can't he come with us? We can give him a laser gun, we do have extras. And he was in the French military, he can fight."
"She's right, 009. I was trained in hand to hand combat and I know I can assist you," 0017 stated evenly.
009 turned away with a scowl. It rankled him to have 003 pleading 0017's cause so vehemently and he was about to refuse but he saw the pleading look in her tropical eyes. Those eyes as always were his undoing. "All right then. Get him a laser and he'll come with us. Let's move!" he barked, his ire rising.
The cyborgs all took off to their assignments as the battle raged on above them, Black Ghost aircraft dotting the blue sky like flies. 002 took off from the deck of the Dolphin, laser cannon in hand. Then from the hatch in the rear the two fighter jets blasted off and toward the east. The bottom hatch then opened and the land vehicle crept out as a large vulture swooped up into the atmosphere and raced to the complex.
009 stared dourly ahead as he maneuvered the vehicle along the desert floor, throwing up clouds of dust as it cruised along. His mind tried to remain focused on the battle ahead but his emotions invaded his thoughts as he contemplated the situation between 003 and 0017. Usually seated beside him, she had chosen to ride seated next to 0017 at the rear of the vehicle while 006 sat chattering inanely in the seat opposite him. 009 listened with one ear as he tried to savagely quash his feelings and concentrate on the mission.
They pulled up to a secluded area just a few yards from the southern quadrant. 009 killed the motor and regarded his companions with authority.
"Okay everyone, here's the plan. While the others are occupying the fighters in the air, we'll scale the fence and then take the enemies that are inside. 006, I want you to cause a diversion with a flame that will draw the enemy while 005, 003, 0017 and I get to the plutonium stores."
"Okay, 009 I'm off," the diminutive Chinese chef headed out the door shooting flames as he went.
009 studied his companions and said, "Okay everybody else, let's go."
009, 005, 003, and 0017 all approached the fence and stared up at the encumbrance. They took note of the electrified wires at the top and hesitated as they discussed strategy.
"I can just pull the entire thing down," 005 said as he surveyed the fence.
003 scanned the fence and said, "That will do no good. It's buried underground about ten feet and hooked up to an electrical transformer. I can see the current running through it right now."
The large black vulture that had exited their vehicle earlier hovered above and then came to a landing. 007's smiling bald head materialized as he announced, "Follow me. 006 has gotten an opening for us." He flew off to the right and the group of cyborgs followed as they came to an area where the fence was melted to a lump, allowing for a way into the installation. They met a triumphant 006 standing with his arms akimbo, looking very pleased.
"Well, I've been waiting for you," the rotund man chortled. "We haven't a moment to spare. There are Black Ghost soldiers in here. I've been vaporizing as many as I can but their numbers are great. They are close to capturing the plutonium stores."
009 nodded as he commanded, "Let's split up and surround the complex. 005 you go to the east, 006 take the west, 007 the north, and me, 003, and 0017 will take the south. Set your guns for ultimate laser and be careful."
Everyone took off leaving 009, 003 and 0017. 009 said to the two French cyborgs, "To the south is the building where they keep the main plutonium stores. We're going to get in there and make sure the Black Ghost soldiers don't get them."
The cyborgs made their way stealthily to the building where the plutonium stores were kept and noticed that the building had been left unattended, the Black Ghost invaders busying themselves with the air assault from the U.S. military and the 00 cyborgs. 009 and the two others surveyed the situation.
003 examined the building and scoped out the interior, scanning the contents and entrance points. "It appears to be impenetrable save for the one entrance, but it does have a weakened area to the north of the building. The building itself is made of steel-enforced concrete, but the one entrance is surrounded with infrared beams that make breaking in impossible."
009 studied the building with a frown. "Hmmm. So there's only one entrance. Makes sense, it is a storage facility for radioactive materials."
"So how can we get in?"
0017 spoke up, "If I may make a suggestion. The best way to approach this is to try to enter from the roof. There has to be an air vent up there we can go through."
009 ignored him and addressed 003, "You said that there's a weakened area in the building, 003? Where is it?"
She focused her eyes on the structure. "About eight feet from the corner of the building. But, 009 that's also where a squad of Black Ghost soldiers are flanked, with their backs to the building, I think it might be risky to try to break in that way, 0017's idea sounds better." She gazed at 0017 with a slight smile that served to infuriate 009 though he hid the feeling behind a hooded expression.
"You two will cover me with your lasers and I'll break through the wall to get us in," he said in a steely tone.
003 and 0017 exchanged glances and then both stared incredulously at 009. Always the soul of caution and care, this plan was so foolhardy and risky, it was completely unlike him. 003 placed a hand on his shoulder and tried to reason with him.
" I think that 0017's plan is better," she said reasonably but he shrugged her hand away abruptly, making her feel a bit hurt by his attitude.
009's eyes narrowed at her as he snapped, "We'll break into the weak side. I'll smash a hole while you two cover me with your lasers. That's an order! Acceleration!" He took off allowing for no further discussion while 003 and 0017 shrugged and followed at their own pace.
When he got to the north side of the building, Joe flattened himself to the side to remain undetected in the shadow. He glanced at the far side and saw 003 and 0017 heading toward the opposite side, 0017 grasping 003's hand as they scurried over to draw the attention of the Black Ghost troops. He became even more incensed as he made his way to the weak area and by the time he got to the spot, he was furious, it had always been his job and pleasure to protect her during missions and now he was being usurped. He took his fist and slammed it into the wall, smashing a hole into the structure. But he had not paid heed to the lull in the fighting and the sound of concrete crumbling drew the attention of the enemy as they whirled and saw him, training their weapons on him. This happened while some had spotted the advance of 003 and 0017 and commenced to firing upon them.
"The 00 cyborgs are trying to break into the plutonium storage shed. Seize them!" Blakke, the commanding officer of the enemy barked.
The Black Ghost troops whirled and began to sprint to the building where 009 was shooting his laser at them but there were too many and he could barely hold them off. 009 was surrounded and grabbed by enemy troops then he was horrified to see that 003 and 0017 had been ambushed from behind and were being captured.
"Give it up, cyborg. You haven't a chance against Black Ghost," the commander sneered as he strode up to the 00 cyborg commander to gloat but his action was thwarted by a powerful laser blast from above that caused his troops to scatter. The same blasts were destroying the tanks that the rest of the Black Ghost troops were using to further their invasion.
Alarmed, Blakke bellowed, "Retreat immediately!" He glowered at 009 and growled, "Next time, cyborg, that's a promise!" He scampered to an armed jeep that wheeled around and tore out with the rest of the enemy at a full retreat.
009 took his laser and aimed at the fleeing Black Ghost soldiers as did 003 and 0017 but they were gone. As they regrouped, Jet had hovered above them and landed, hoisting the laser cannon on his shoulder.
Oozing bravado he addressed the group airily, "Well, looks like you folks needed the cavalry to come, it was beginning to look like Custer's last stand down here. What happened?"
"We were trying to get to the plutonium but the plan was a bomb and we almost got captured," 009 said laconically as 002 snorted in derision.
"A bomb? That's putting it lightly, from what I saw you almost blew the mission big time," he pointed out with alacrity as 009 lowered his head in shame and 003 glared at him.
"009 did what he thought was best!" she snapped. "And you coming to help is just being part of the team. Last I heard that's what we are, 002." 003 punctuated her statement by getting right into Jet's face.
The tense air was broken by the rest of the 00 cyborgs joining the agitated group. 004 gauged the situation and took over the role of peacemaker for the gathering storm between 009 and 002.
"Well, we can have this discussion back home. Let's all get back to the Dolphin, shall we?"
"That's right, the battle's been won, let's go home," 003 reiterated as she looked at 009 with compassion in her eyes but in his state of lost face he saw it as pity and turned away, heading toward the vehicle that brought them to the installation. . . .
Unknown to the team, they were being and had been monitored by Scarl who was laughing in fiendish delight, having seen and heard the battle and the squabbling from his screen.
"Oh this is priceless, absolutely priceless! Is it my imagination or do I feel there's dissention in the ranks? What a pity, it looks like the iron-clad all-for-one theory for the 00 cyborgs is starting to crack." He laughed again, thoroughly enjoying the situation.
"Well, 0017 it looks like you may accomplish what your predecessors failed, to divide and finally conquer the rebel 00 cyborgs once and for all." He laughed maniacally as he rubbed his hands together in vile anticipation.
NEXT---TANGLED WEB