Author's Note: Here's chapter 5 and again I'd like to thank those who have read and reviewed this—I appreciate each and every one of you, some of you are exceptional scribes yourselves and I am pleased and honored by your approval.
TANGLED WEB
The ride back to Kezumi's on the Dolphin was cloyingly heavy and sullen, silence being the key note as the cyborgs all were aware of the disruption of the theme of teamwork that had been their bulwark since they began. All were effected by the earlier skirmish between 009 and 002 as both men were stoic and brooding, both wearing dark scowls. The other cyborgs were quiet, deeming that discretion was the better part of valor, even the usually combative 006 and 007 were docile and wordless.
003 snuck periodic surreptitious glances at 009 as she pondered what could be troubling him. Of late she had noticed that the Japanese cyborg's customary placid manner was replaced by a dour brooding that was so unlike anything she had ever seen from him since he had first joined the team. But even then, their growing friendship had broken through to a sensitive compassion that he had and that drew her to him. They were kindred spirits in that respect as they became even closer, sharing parcels of their lives with each other as mutual care and concern came out. All though their backgrounds were different and generations apart, their sensitivity, desire for justice and outrage at the cruelties of life mirrored each other and a deep affection had developed between them. When he had pushed her away before the battle, she had been hurt at the rejection, because he had never openly refused her advice, always respecting what she had to say. 003 was on the horns of a dilemma, torn half wanting to approach him to determine what was bothering him and the other, shy part of her demurred, afraid of another rejection. She felt the unmistakable chill of a breach beginning between them.
In his seat, 009 was also thinking along the same lines as 003 was, that he had caused a breach in communications between himself and the former dancer that effected the cherished closeness between them. He was grudgingly admitting that his forcing of his flawed plan was a way to show her that he was still in control and that he wanted to impress her with that. He mentally lambasted himself, realizing that he had a sinking feeling of déjà vu and the emotions he had when he was younger. . . .
Flashback:
Growing up in the orphanage was no picnic. From the time he was a toddler, Joe felt the feelings of inadequacy that came with being unwanted, having been given up by his mother who bore him in disgrace as the illegitimate son of an American, she being Japanese. Hearing of her pregnancy, the man abandoned her; the strict social caste system in Japan that existed for centuries had then declared her an outsider guilty by association, as family and friends alike shunned her. Completely shamed, she saw no other alternative than to give her child up and try to salvage what she could of her son's life, aware that he too would be shunned. She left the tiny squalling bundle that was her son on the steps of the Catholic church as the snow fell and she collapsed, her heart breaking.
End Flashback
It was the beginning of a life that would serve to give Joe an underlying inferiority that he covered up with an assumed toughness that made him appear to be the quintessential delinquent and now, the tenacious leader of the 00 cyborg team. As a boy he was constantly in trouble as he and the other kids ran about the town. The Father had named him Joseph, after the man in the Bible who was betrayed by his brothers and through his faith in adversity, became a high ranking officer to Pharaoh in Egypt but he had kept his mother's family name of Shimamura. Like his namesake, he too tried to overcome adversity by carving his own niche in the surrogate family, and the other kids had gravitated to him for leadership. So they all banded together and when not in school, they wreaked their own form of havoc especially when the town bullies would jeer at them. Joe would often lead them in victory as they would outsmart the toughs and be victorious.
Joe's veneer of resiliency would shatter, however when couples would come to the church to adopt children and each time they would leave with some other child. His looks bespoke of his mixed parentage with round wide eyes, and deep brown unruly hair and those factors contributed to him remaining unaccepted. But the Father, a kind and compassionate man, had taken a special liking to the youngster and had spent extra time with the youth, making himself a hero in Joe's eyes. It was the Father that taught him about compassion, integrity and justice, virtues that he now, as an adult, held dear. But even in spite of the attention of the Father, Joe still felt resentful and envious at not having a real family as time and time again, he would be left behind. So feeling inferior he would hang on for dear life to his position with the Father, protective and possessive of what little he could claim as his.
Joe sighed as he realized that Robespierre's entrance into the team had brought those feelings back, making him feel threatened and fearful of losing what was precious to him which was now 003. Since he rescued her from 0010 it was unspoken but widely known among the team that they belonged to each other, although at times 002 would show some slight resentment. The resurgence of those feelings from his childhood had contributed to the poor judgment on his part and the near defeat of the team at the plutonium storage structure. He felt a myriad of emotions and an inadequacy that had him questioning his position as 002 ever so bluntly had pointed out.
The Dolphin neared the cove that the was near Professor Kezumi's beach house and 008 prepared for descent, to go underwater and into the cave the ship was housed in. He expertly maneuvered the craft to submerge and the rest of the cyborgs prepared for disembarking as the ship resurfaced in the cave.
002 undid his belt, turned and broke the silence, "Well, here we are home. I don't know about all of you but I'm starved."
Chang responded, "No sooner said than done. Sumptuous feast for eleven coming up." The jovial flame-thrower jumped to his feet and exited the bridge first, bringing amused smiles to the serious countenances of his teammates.
007 grinned and shrugged as he said, "I'll go and give him a hand. Many hands make light work." He too exited as the others stood up and began to leave as well. All except 009 who sat frozen, emotionless like a stone.
003 was about to leave when she noticed the way Joe sat, staring out at nothing like he was in another world. Concerned, she turned and gazed at him, her heart constricting in pain at his withdrawal.
On his way out 0017 turned and asked, "Aren't you coming, Francoise?"
"You go ahead. I'll be along soon." She dismissed him with a wave of her hand as she approached an oblivious 009 who was so lost in his reverie he was unaware that the rest of the team had jettisoned.
She sat down in a seat beside him as she studied his haunted expression, her heart pounding in trepidation. "Joe?" she said softly as she reached a caring hand on his shoulder. "Are you okay?"
He nodded woodenly as he continued his intense study of nothing. "I'll be fine. You just go ahead up to the house, I'll be there in a bit. I just want to be alone now." He turned his back and pulled himself away from her touch, causing her to feel a twinge of disappointment.
"Oh, okay," 003 said as she got to her feet. "If you need or want to talk later I'll be--"
"I know. Now if you'll please just leave, I'd appreciate it." Joe enforced the statement by turning completely away from her, his shame and wounded pride making him coldly snub her.
She sighed as she turned to leave, her heart heavy as she felt the breach between them widen.
Back at the beach house, the rest of the cyborgs were gathered around in the dining room getting ready to consume the plentiful repast that 006 whipped up for them when Dr. Gilmore carrying 001 came in with a grim expression.
"I know that you all just returned and are hungry but 001 has something to tell us that's of the utmost urgency." He glanced around the table and frowned. "Where's 009?"
Francoise opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted with the smooth tenor saying calmly, "I'm right here, doctor. What's up?" as Joe strolled into the room and leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"Glad you could join us, 009. I was just saying to the rest that 001 has picked up something from Black Ghost that you should all be aware of. 001?"
**I have picked up some encoded messages that have been sent by Black Ghost to his operatives abroad and they have revealed that the organization has been constructing a nuclear reactor in an undisclosed area for the purpose of building and selling nuclear arms to the countries who don't have them and who can pay the right price,** the infant telepathically communicated to the group.
002 made a long low whistle. "Leave it to Black Ghost to try to corner the illegal nuclear arms market. So what else do you have?"
**Nothing else but that we need to stay on the alert. No doubt they will try again to acquire the necessary chemical elements to build their weapons.**
Gilmore's face bore a gravely concerned look as he intoned, "I agree with 001. 009, 008, and 004 please come with me. We need to plan our strategy." He turned to leave the room and the three cyborgs wordlessly followed him. The rest of the team sat at the table stunned and staring at their untouched plates growing cold before them as the grim news hung about them like a miasma.
The silence was heavy as the remaining cyborgs sat in contemplation of what possibly could lay ahead. Then 003 broke the silence as she got to her feet and cleared her throat.
"All of you, I haven't told you all the cyborg abilities that Robiespierre has. Or maybe he should tell you." She smiled at the handsome Frenchman, encouraging him.
Nonplussed, he got to his feet and replied, "My abilities that Black Ghost gave me are lightning speed."
"Just like me and 009," Jet said smugly.
"There's more. I also can control the elements," Robespierre stated. "I have the ability to halt storms and create winds."
"Hmmm. That explains why I've felt a stirring of the elements of late," 005 remarked.
Robespierre eyed the gargantuan Native American in surprise. "You can sense the elements?"
"005 is very attuned to the earth, air and water." 003 replied. "He can sense any change or disturbance."
"And what about the rest of you, if you don't mind my asking?"
006 rose and said, "I can throw flames from my mouth in temperatures of the surface of the sun."
007 piped up, "I can change to any shape or form, animal, vegetable, or mineral by pressing my bellybutton." To illustrate he pushed his middle and changed to a perfect replica of a rhododendron that was hanging at the window. He then switched back and grinned at the group, taking a theatrical bow.
"I see," the Frenchman said nodding. "And what about the tiny infant? What is his role?"
003 answered as she scooped the now sleeping baby in her arms, "001 has psychic powers and can feel and hear things in all realms. He also communicates with us through telepathy. We all can communicate with each other the same way when audible communication can't be done. It comes in handy when we are on a mission and can't speak to each other or want to remain undercover."
Robespierre was digesting the information as he inquired, "And being a cyborg, can I do the same?"
"I don't know. Why don't you try it?" she suggested.
Robespierre concentrated a random thought to the team and they all responded telepathically back. He grinned in pleased amazement as he spoke, "I guess I can communicate telepathically as well." Fact was he knew he could, it was just another way to gain the trust and acceptance of the 00 cyborgs.
Francoise smiled and addressed her teammates, "Well, everyone don't you all think that 0017 would make a great addition to our team?"
They all nodded with mixed reactions. 002 said, "That would be up to Dr. Gilmore, 003."
"I know but what do all of you think?" she pressed.
The cyborgs all exchanged glances. Finally GB spoke, "Well, I guess it would help to have someone with his abilities." He shrugged, "I'm okay with it, how about you guys?"
The rest of the 00 team all nodded reluctantly as 002 reiterated, "Still, it's up to Gilmore. And I wouldn't bother him about it now. He's busy with 009, 008, and 004 planning our next move."
Robespierre grinned. This was turning out better than he had hoped, Black Ghost would be very pleased . . .
In the study, Gilmore had gathered 009, 008, and 004 around some files he had purloined from Black Ghost when he defected from the organization. He pulled a sheaf of documents from one file and began, "This really should come as no surprise. Black Ghost has been in the business as a death merchant since its inception, it's to be expected that they would want to manufacture their own nuclear weapons. And with the fanatical factions out in the world today, deep-pocketed ones would be more than willing to purchase weapons outright. They then would have no need for the technology."
004 made a long low whistle as he perused through the documents. "They really are that close to making megaton power weapons of mass destruction?"
"Yes, 004 I'm afraid so. The materials are relatively easy to get and they as you know have no qualms about stealing them if need be."
009 shook his head unbelievingly as he remarked, "And it wouldn't matter to them that the fanatics out there would snuff out the lives of innocent people to reach their objectives by using these weapons."
008 added in bitter irony, "They wouldn't hesitate. Believe me I know."
"So we need to stop Black Ghost by cutting off their supply then find the reactor and destroy it," Gilmore stated. "Before they can manufacture any weapons."
"But how can we do that? We don't even know where they're building the thing or how far along they are," Albert pointed out.
I'll have 001 monitor any communiqués coming from Black Ghost. In the meantime, we are on extra alert," Gilmore said. He turned to 009 and said, "Make sure the team's ready to go at a moment's notice and all of you stay close."
"Yes, sir," the three cyborgs said in unison.
A few days later, Francoise had stolen a moment and went to her favorite spot on the beach to watch the sunset. The sky was painted in muted hues of gold, red, and orange, with the sun a pale peach semi-circle dipping below the lapping waves, reflecting the rays in sparking dashes of light. Her hair, the same color as the golden clouds, danced on the salty breeze as she sat before the waning day and her eyes closed as she savored the way it caressed her face. Of late, it seemed only the wind and sun would give her caresses, she was missing the touch of 009 who had a way of being so gentle with her in spite of the fact that he had the physical strength of a thousand.
The former ballerina sighed as she mulled over the situation. Since he had sent her away from himself when they returned from their mission, Joe had avoided her, keeping his distance pointedly. But she discovered that he still would gaze at her with an almost sad yearning until she returned the gaze. He would then make his visage bear an inscrutable expression before he would turn away or stalk off. She was in a quandary, having absolutely no idea what she had done to make him act so. It appeared to her with much regret, the memory of their picnic at Fujiyama was a far away dream, considering the present circumstances existing between them, maybe never to happen again. And yet she had not a clue as to why.
At that moment, the subject of her musings was standing on the deck watching her, his thoughts almost mirroring hers. There was tension between them but Joe had no idea why or why he was so filled with resentment at Francoise spending so much time with her childhood friend.
How can I come to terms with this? he silently raged. This man is a part of her past, a past that unlike mine had happy memories, memories of being loved and wanted, of belonging. So why do I feel so threatened? When Carl Ekamen was the computer Sphinx and was trying to take her away, it made me angry but I didn't feel like this, so helpless. Yet it's more than that, I just can't stop feeling like this Robespierre isn't leveling with us and especially her.
Joe sighed heavily as he continued his one-sided debate as he pondered what to say to Francoise. I have to go and talk to her, she's alone and it's the perfect time. Considering the way I've been acting, she probably thinks I'm mad at her.
He slowly made his way to where Francoise was perched, bathed in the myriad of gold and red of the sunset, making her appear like sea sprite, lovely and temporal as if she could vanish in thin air. His heart was pounding as he soundlessly drew up to her.
"Hi Francoise."
She whirled around, startled at first then her face brightened to a bright welcoming smile. "I heard someone coming but I wasn't sure." She lowered her head shyly. "You and I have been keeping our distance lately."
Joe sat beside her with his head down as well. "I'm sorry that I've been so distant. I-I just didn't know what to say since it was my fault we almost were defeated on our mission. I'm sorry that I didn't listen to you, I was wrong."
Francoise heart caught at his self-recrimination. "Joe, we all make mistakes. Didn't you say to me once that we all have flaws and weaknesses, that they're what makes us who we are? Are you exempt from your own words?"
Joe chuckled in irony, "No I'm not. Thanks for pointing that out to me." He gazed at her almost reluctantly as he said the next thing. "Everyone told me that you were very convincing in your reasons to have Robespierre join the team."
Francoise's gentle smile faded as she became defensive. "I think that his being part of the team has merit. He has capabilities as a cyborg that would add to our effectiveness."
"That may be true but is that the only reason?" he probed with a steady gaze.
Francoise turned away as she studied the fading sunset in the distance. "I don't know what you mean, Joe." She got up and faced the crashing surf, her back to him.
Joe sighed heavily as he too rose. "Look, if you don't want to talk about it, it's okay. I just wanted to tell you that Dr. Gilmore said he's considering it and he'll let 0017 know his decision." He turned to leave.
"Joe," Francoise called to the retreating youth. "Thank you."
He didn't turn or reply just nodded and then made his way back to the beach house. Joe was just to the steps of the deck when he heard her voice greeting someone so he turned to see who it was. That figures he said resentfully as he spotted Robespierre striding over to where Francoise was standing. Morbidly curious, he watched the exchange and felt sick when the two embraced.
Joe was beset by abject misery, almost overwhelmed with the feeling of dread that comes with the intangible knowledge of something precious slipping away, coupled with the helplessness that accompanies such feelings. And he was frustrated by the fact that there was nothing he could do to shake the feeling that the situation was not what it seemed. He felt as if he had drifted back in time when as a child he felt the insecurities and hopelessness of never truly belonging to anyone. Head down, he entered into the dwelling and then went to his room.
Outside, by a copse of trees, 005 was sitting and meditating as was his wont in the fading light of the day. He felt a slight tingle, a chill almost as he sensed a strong disturbance in nature. He glanced up and spotted 0017 walking along the seashore with 003. He frowned deeply as he realized that the vibrations had intensified since 0017's appearance. Getting up from his seat on the ground, Geronimo made his way to the beach house.
He knocked on the study door. "Dr. Gilmore, if I may have a word with you?"
Gilmore looked up from his desk. "Yes. 005?"
The enormous Native American entered the room with a concerned frown on his usually impassive features. "Dr. Gilmore, I have been sensing a stirring in the elements for a while now and the impulses have intensified recently."
The scientist leaned back and rubbed his eyes wearily as he pondered what 005 said. Finally he spoke, "You are sure about this, 005?"
005 nodded, "Yes, I am." He stared intently at the diminutive scientist.
Gilmore felt unnerved as he determined the quiet giant was not finished. "And?"
005 continued, "The vibrations began getting stronger when 0017 came here."
"Hmmm," Gilmore responded. "I don't want to appear suspicious but I do see a connection. But before I make any accusation I want to be sure so I'll do some research about it." He turned back to his computer and dismissed the large man. "Thank you, 005."
The large Native American nodded and stepped out, closing the study door. Gilmore then brought up the files he had copied and studied the contents, meticulously poring through document after document as he searched for any sign of a secret cyborg created outside of the four first generation cyborgs. He perused database after database, using a little known password that enabled him to enter into top secret Black Ghost files. He retrieved the earliest information on the cyborg project including potential clients for the finished units which had the Axis powers all mentioned.
"Aha! Just as I thought, there was no other cyborg developed at that time outside of the four originals. But I wonder what reason an alleged runaway cyborg would suddenly turn up and want to get so close to us." Gilmore frowned as he pondered the problem. . . .
Out on the beach, the sun had finally completed its descent and the moon was rising in the eastern sky making the beach and its surrounding area a silvery landscape, brushed with a gentle zephyr. The two figures sitting and conversing there were so engrossed that they did not even notice.
Robespierre shook his head. "I still can't believe the fact that I'm no longer a real man. Black Ghost tore that away from me. Everything I ever wanted in life is now denied me," he lamented.
Francoise reached and took his hand in both of hers to comfort him. "Oh Robbie, don't say that. You're still every inch a man. And we are all the same, all of us. We all do everything we can to cling to our humanity."
He nodded sadly and said, "Yes, but you all have come together, not just as a team but as a family. You all care for each other and look after each other. But I'm a hunted cyborg, on the run by myself until Black Ghost catches up to me." He pulled his hand out of hers and got to his feet sighing deeply. "And I must be on my way lest I lead Black Ghost right to all of you and put you in more danger. Especially you, petite."
Francoise shot to her feet and entreated him, "Oh Robbie you can't mean that! You're here with us and you can join the team."
"A lovely gesture, petite but I don't think so. I saw that the team was not very impressed with me." He stared out at the rhythmic beat of the surf. "No, it's best now that I'm fully recovered to go."
"You listen to me! I intend to talk to Dr. Gilmore about having you join us. He's the one that makes the decisions concerning us. And besides, Joe told me he said that he's considering it. So don't leave, please." The pretty cyborg leaned her head against his chest as her eyes filled with tears. "You're the last part of my former life now that I know Jean Paul is gone."
Robespierre took her face in his hands and with his thumbs gently brushed the warm rivulets away. "Oh Francoise, if it could be possible, I would like nothing better than to be part of this group with you." He held her close as she returned the hug, both unaware of the cinnamon eyes watching from a bedroom window, one obstructed by an unruly mahogany mane.
NEXT---IN THE MIDST OF THE VORTEX