Author's Note: Sorry this update's been so long in coming, I had a lot of work to get done for my job and had to put aside my writing to get it done. And my G-Gundam story needed to be updated but that's taking longer than I thought. Anyway, to Golden Feather Dragon I will have the summary for Satan of the Deep Sea done and out to you this weekend. I have taped all but Operation Auroras so if you need any other, let me know. I'll be getting the rest of the series on import DVD in the next two weeks.

SEEDS OF DISCORD

The ride back to the beach house was lighthearted and filled with chatter, mostly from the most garrulous cyborgs, 007 and 006, both of whom were gushing over the heroics of 0017.

"That was the most incredible thing I have ever seen," Chang said in awe. "0017, how did you cause the tornado to disappear?"

0017 replied modestly, "I have been equipped with the ability to rearrange the molecular structure of the elements of nature. I simply open my mouth and the extreme low air pressure of the whirlwind triggers the device that reverses the pressure so the whirlwind disappears. The high pressure then causes the storm to dissipate."

007 was wide-eyed as he responded, "Amazing, utterly amazing. I had no idea that cybernetics could be designed to do that."

"Yeah, that's pretty spectacular," Albert admitted as his ice blue eyes trained on the Frenchman. "But I wonder if tampering with the balance of nature is wise."

"I agree," 005 said quietly. "Nature is a powerful force and it is not wise to try to upset her fragile balance. She can retaliate and strike out with great fury."

0017 studied both cyborgs intently as he defended himself. "I agree, gentlemen. Which is why I escaped and ran from Black Ghost. To tamper with nature is courting disaster."

002 turned from his front seat and spoke, "Well, that may be so but you sure saved our butts out there today."

0017 gave a Gallic shrug. "When I was in the French army, I learned that teamwork leads to victory. And I'd like to be part of this team."

"Well that's up to Dr. Gilmore but I don't see why we shouldn't consider you part of our team after today," 008 stated reasonably. "I'm sure once we brief him on the mission, he'll agree."

"Yeah, welcome to the team, 0017," 004 said as the entire team, sans 009 gathered about Robespierre to clap him on the back in acceptance. The latter, however, sat apart, sullen and uncommunicative, staring out the screen as the Dolphin streaked toward home.

His self-imposed isolation from the group didn't go unnoticed by 003 who approached him with trepidation. "009? Is everything all right?"

The unresponsive Japanese youth nodded woodenly as he kept to himself, not showing any signs of receptiveness or willingness to speak to her so hurt, she backed off, with a pang in her heart. She felt like their close friendship was in deep trouble and she had no reason why. With her head down, 003 turned and walked across the bridge to her station but she was stopped by a beefy redskinned hand on her shoulder.

"I'm sure it's nothing," 005 said in a gentle, reassuring tone. "He's probably weary."

003 managed a weak smile and nodded as she squeezed Geronimo's hand and then resumed her trek to her seat. Picking up on the tension from 009 and 003, the rest of the team was silent as they continued heading home to Japan.

In less than an hour, the Dolphin was submerging into the bay as it headed to the cave by Professor Kezumi's beach house. 008 and 002 both expertly maneuvered the large craft into its makeshift dock and everyone began to disembark and troop into the house. They all entered the living room and took seats, and for once, 009 stood as far away from 003 as he could which gave her another chill in her heart.

Once inside, Dr. Gilmore met them as he held a sleeping 001. "Well, team how did everything go?" the diminutive scientist asked as he sat down on the sofa next to 003.

002 spoke with alacrity. "Dr. Gilmore, you should've seen what 0017 did. He saved us from being blown to bits by a twister."

Gilmore's onyx eyes widened as he answered, "Indeed? And how did this come to pass? 004?"

Albert's customary impassive expression took on the look of one who had made a pleasant discovery. "He's not exaggerating, doctor. 0017 really did cause the tornado to disappear as well as the rest of the storm." He backtracked, "When we arrived at the Key Lake area, a severe thunderstorm was taking place. It had disrupted the attack by Black Ghost so we sent them into retreat but it had also disrupted our rescue of the mineworkers. That is until 0017 intervened."

"Hmmm," Gilmore expostulated. "0017, how were you able to do that?"

0017 replied evenly, "I have the capability to rearrange the molecular structure of natural elements. Especially when they are unstable, like that in a severe thunderstorm."

"That was amazing, doctor, especially since if he hadn't 003 could have been killed by the tornado," 006 piped up as 007 nodded in agreement.

003 spoke softly with her head down. "0017 came to save me just as the cyclone was upon me." She snuck a glance not at 0017 but at 009 who was standing, back against the wall, with his unruly mahogany bangs covering both eyes as he too had his head down.

Gilmore stood to his feet as he noticed the almost imperceptible tenseness between 003 and 009, who had remained quiet during the entire debriefing. He frowned slightly as he addressed Robespierre, "Well, 0017, it appears we owe you a great thanks. 003 is very valuable to us and we could ill afford to lose her. Thank you and if you're still interested in being a member of our team, I want to welcome you aboard." He offered his hand and the Frenchman took it and shook it with gratitude.

"Merci, monsieur docteur," Robespierre said humbly. "I will do my best to assure you of my worthiness."

"I have no doubt. 004, will you please find a uniform for 0017 and fill him in on procedure? If there is nothing else everybody, that is all," Gilmore dismissed. As they all filed out gathered around the new team member, he called, "009, I'd like to speak to you, if I may."

The Japanese youth turned and replied politely, "Yes, sir?"

Gilmore studied 009 intently. "Is everything all right, 009? You seem preoccupied."

009 pasted a half-hearted smile on his face. "I'm fine, doctor." He turned again to leave but the good doctor detained him.

"009, I have my doubts about 0017 as well but if what the others say is true he has certainly proven his worth to the team."

"Yes, sir," 009 said automatically as he turned again to leave and headed down the hall. He was weary and wanted nothing more than to be alone in his room but it was not meant to be as he was confronted by 003.

She approached him tentatively. "Joe, are you all right?"

He regarded her with a veiled expression. "I'm fine, 003. You don't have to concern yourself with me. Now if you'll excuse me." He made to walk past her but she laid a gentle hand on his arm.

She gazed at him, her limpid aqua orbs working their spell on him but with steely resolve he ignored the thrill that went through him at her butterfly touch as she softly inquired, "Joe, have I done something wrong? Why won't you talk to me?"

He sighed deeply as he slowly removed his arm from her grasp. "It's nothing, Francoise. I just want to be alone, I'm tired." He tried once more to head to his quarters but she was undaunted.

"Joe, I know something's wrong. Please, I'm worried about you, you haven't been yourself for days now," Francoise probed as she took hold of his arms and looked straight into his face. "Please talk to me."

Joe lost his temper then as he wrenched himself free from her. "You know I'm tired of everybody sticking their nose in my life! What is it, am I not allowed to have a bad mood without getting the third degree? First it's Gilmore now it's you!" He glared at her shocked expression as he continued, "Okay, you want to know? I have a bad feeling about your friend 0017. Everything about him just isn't right and I wonder why I seem to be the only one that feels this way."

Francoise flinched defensively at his inflection on the word friend. She turned and raised her head with a sniff. "You have no cause to feel that way about him. He has been through the same thing we all have, you should have sympathy for him!"

"Yeah, right," Joe scoffed. "Like you do."

She snapped, "And what's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing," he said sullenly as he turned away but she got up into his face and railed, "Joe Shimamura, what is the matter with you? Why are you so suspicious of Robbie?"

He spat back, "Because him and his story are both as phony as a three dollar bill. If he's really a first generation cyborg like you, why wasn't he with you guys when Dr. Gilmore set you free?"

She stammered, "B-because he said so."

Joe laughed scornfully, "And you believe him."

Francoise bristled as she shot back. "I have no reason not to."

Joe snorted in derision. "Yeah well why did he suddenly come out of nowhere and attach himself to us? Or more importantly to you?"

Realization lit up her tropic eyes as she replied, "Oh, I see now. Joe Shimamura, you're jealous!"

He shook his head at her accusation and said defensively, "I'm not jealous. I'm just not ready to believe him as easily as the rest of you are." It was a half-truth, he was jealous but he also felt that everything about 0017 was not on the up and up.

Francoise threw up her hands in exasperation. "You just don't want to believe that Robbie can be genuine do you? It killed you to see him save me instead of it being you."

The barb hit its mark as Joe's cinnamon eyes narrowed and darkened. Curtly he said, "I'm going to my room, 003 so please excuse me." He whirled and strode angrily away to his room and once inside slammed the door. Francoise's heart plummeted at the abrupt action from the cyborg who just days ago kissed her tenderly beneath the sakura tree at the park. Sighing deeply and fighting tears, she headed for the beach to collect her thoughts. . . .

In his room, Joe sighed as he closed his eyes, feeling the impotency of the circumstances grip him in a vice that had him teeming with frustration. He strode to his dresser and spotting a photo of the entire team that had 003 by his side, smiling at him, took the photo and hurled it at the opposite wall, shattering it to pieces. He grunted as he plopped on his bed, staring morosely at nothing as his mind filled with dark thoughts of despair well if I hadn't lost her before, I sure did now he brooded. . . .

Unknown to the two they had been observed surreptitiously by the subject of their disagreement as they bickered. 0017 smirked as he slipped into the vacant training room and slid a microscopic transmitter out of his sleeve. He spoke softly into it.

"Assassin 0017 calling Black Ghost. Come in, sir."

The unmistakable baritone that oozed evil responded, "Well, it's about time, 0017. After your performance at Key Lake I was waiting for a progress report."

"I know, sir. I just got finished being formally made a part of the 00 cyborg team. This was my first opportunity to get away."

"Spare me the excuses and fill me in on your progress," Black Ghost retorted.

"Right away, sir. As I said, the infiltration is nearly complete, I am now almost an official member of the 00 cyborgs. I have gained the trust of everyone, no one suspects a thing, but--,"

"Yes, 0017?"

0017 took a deep breath. "It appears that 009 is not as accepting of me as everyone else."

Scarl snorted, "009. The ever present and persistent thorn in my side. I should have destroyed him when I had the chance. Well, why is he so reluctant to accept you?"

0017 smirked as he replied, "It appears that he's quite resentful of the time 003 has been spending with me. She's completely convinced that I'm her long lost brother's best friend and 009 has been quite jealous."

"Yes, 009's Achilles heel of sorts. His feelings for the girl are well known. Excellent, it appears that our plan to destroy the cohesiveness of the team will commence."

"Indeed, sir," 0017 said in smug satisfaction. "I can assure you that the seeds of discord have been sown and are taking root. 009 and 003 just had quite a quarrel and they are far apart, it's only a matter of time when their attitudes will affect the rest of the team."

"Wonderful. Carry on and keep me informed, 0017," Scarl ordered as the transmitter fell silent.

0017 placed the tiny transmitter back in the concealed compartment of his sleeve and then peeked out into the deserted hall. He crept out and made his way to the living room and peered out at the beach where Francoise was sitting on a flat rock close to the waves. He admired the way the soft salty breeze caused her golden locks to dance and sparkle as if they had a life of their own. She was indeed a lovely creature, with a heart and mind to match and graceful as a butterfly. 0017 felt the one scrap of humanity still in him respond to the beautiful golden-haired ballerina as she sat like a nymph at the ocean's side, the waves lapping at her dainty feet. . . .

There had been one other spectator to Joe and Francoise's falling out and that had been Dr. Gilmore who watched the rancorous exchange with a heavy heart. He had silently retreated back into his study when the two separated and sighed as he pondered a difficult but necessary decision. He had known all along when it was discovered that 003 and 009 were getting emotionally close that he might have to do what was now inevitable, given the tension and friction between them. He sighed as one with a heavy burden of having to do something that was difficult but unavoidable. . . .

That night the meal was consumed in relative quiet as the cyborgs all picked up on the hostility between 003 and 009. Both sat apart from each other as each picked at their food, barely eating at all. Thankfully the meal was over and as all the cyborgs got up to head out to train, Dr. Gilmore held up his hand to detain two of the cybernetic soldiers, 009 and 003.

"009, 003. A word please," the fatherly scientist asked as he led the two perplexed cyborgs to the living room. "Please, have a seat."

When both had seated in chairs he addressed them, "Joe, Francoise, I have something to say that I hope won't offend or upset either of you." At their expectant looks he continued, "I and the rest of the team have noticed that there has been some eh…tension between the two of you."

Both cyborgs had their heads down, avoiding the doctor's kind but penetrating gaze. Neither felt compelled to respond so Gilmore continued, "So the situation being such, I've been forced to make a difficult decision for the benefit of the entire team. Until further notice, you both are to work separately from each other during missions."

Both heads shot up and gaped at the scientist. "Dr. Gilmore, is that really necessary?" Joe asked as he felt his heart shudder in dread and he peeked at Francoise who sat there in stunned shock.

"I'm afraid it is. You see, I was apprehensive when I saw how close the two of you had become, and was fearing that your deepening personal feelings for each other would cause problems. And up to now, you both had been handling the situation quite well. But your argument before has solidified my earlier fears and so for the good of team unity I had to make that decision. I'm truly sorry."

Without a word, 009 rose and strode from the room. A door slammed a few moments later, echoing into the living room, displaying his reaction.

A crystal tear formed in the corner of Francoise's eye as she said, full of shame, "I-I'm sorry you feel that you had to do that, doctor."

Gilmore saw how upset the young woman had become and came to put a comforting hand on her slender shoulder. "There, there now my dear. You both need to realize that it's of the utmost importance that the team remains bonded together. A house divided cannot stand."

She responded in a faraway cold tone, "Please spare me the empty platitude, doctor," as she got to her feet and headed out once again to the beach.

Gilmore sighed deeply as he sat heavily down and pondered over the meeting. It was not his choice of alternatives but the argument between 009 and 003 left him no choice. He had to remind himself that for all their advanced technological capabilities that they were, in fact, still very human. He then mused at the irony of the situation that the very essence that he had fought so hard to keep in the cyborgs, their humanity, might be the device that could destroy them. 009 and 003 were still in reality, a young man and woman who were at the age that young men and women are drawn to each other. From the time 009 was rescued and brought into the team, it was common knowledge that he had been attracted to 003 and they both were sensitive, kind and caring people. Their close friendship was only natural and quite inevitable.

Meantime, Joe was in his room and staring bleakly out his window at Francoise who, in turn was sitting dejectedly on the beach and his heart constricted in pain as he mulled over the idea of working separate from her. He had never considered that they could be separated and the thought of it was upsetting to say the least.

Joe then became incensed as he spotted 0017 walking over to apparently console 003 on the beach and he was filled with an overwhelming dislike for the Frenchman. Everything was fine until HE showed up, and I don't care but I still think he's conned everybody. He has an ulterior motive, I know it!

With a snort of disgust, Joe whirled from the window then made a decision. As the leader of the 00 cyborgs, he felt a responsibility to do what was best for the team and so with that resolve, he opened the door and headed out toward the beach. . . .

Outside, Robespierre walked up to Francoise as she stared glumly at the crashing surf, her thoughts and emotions as restless as the teeming foam. He sat beside her and gently tapped her shoulder.

"What is wrong, cherie?"

She glanced at him with a sad smile. "Oh it's nothing important," she lied.

"Then why the long face? You are a terrible liar, petite, I know something is wrong, I heard you and 009 arguing." He turned his head from her and lowered it as he added, "I know he's not happy about me being on the team."

"Oh no, Robbie, it's not that, it's just that as our leader he's naturally cautious," Francoise hastened to reassure him but her words were correctly ascertained as contrived as 0017 shook his head.

"No, no I can see that he doesn't want me on the team," Robespierre insisted.

"That is incorrect," a soft tenor voice spoke, startling both of them. Both Francoise and Robespierre whirled and saw the tall lean form of 009 standing before them, his face expressionless and as always, one eye obstructed by his long mahogany hair, blowing in the brisk offshore breeze.

"009!" Francoise said in amazement. "I didn't hear you come."

He grunted noncommittally and requested, "003, I need to speak to you privately so if you wouldn't mind 0017?" He gave a dismissive gesture that appeared uncharacteristically arrogant.

Francoise was becoming irritated and wanted to say something but something about Joe's demeanor warned her to hold her tongue. Robespierre rose to his feet and addressed the 00 cyborg leader, "As you wish." He turned and left.

Francoise kept her back turned as she gazed out into the bay. "We are alone. What is it you want to discuss?" she asked coolly.

Joe took a deep breath as he kept his tone clipped and businesslike. "I've been thinking about what the doctor said to us and he's right. For us to work apart may be the best thing all around, for the benefit of the team. It's that or working to put our personal feelings aside. If we can," he said doubtfully.

Francoise eyed him dubiously over her shoulder. "Do you think we can, Joe?"

He sighed and replied, "It's no longer a question if we can, Francoise, we have to. For the sake of the team."

Francoise turned around and regarded him in resignation. "If you think so, 009 of course. I'll do what is best for the team." She turned and clutched her slim shoulders. "So we're through." It was a statement that had a final ring to it as she then gazed expectantly over her shoulder at him for his response. He made an almost imperceptible nod and she reacted by turning her head back around and walking away.

Joe watched her forlorn expression and fought the urge to trash his resolve, crush her in his arms and beg her forgiveness but Gilmore's words stuck in his head, echoing and spurring him to stick to his role as commander. "Thank you, 003. I appreciate your cooperation." He turned on his heel and left as she turned her attention back to the rushing waves.

With his head down and his hands shoved in his pockets, Joe headed back in but did not notice that Robespierre had hidden in the rushes by the far end of deck, just within hearing distance of where he and Francoise had their short meeting. He had heard the exchange and noticed the cool atmosphere between the two and smirking he snuck off to the wooded area surrounding the dwelling. When assured that he was out of 003's super sonic hearing range, he reached in for his communicator and contacted Black Ghost.

"0017 to Black Ghost. Come in," Robespierre urged.

The ominous rumble that was Scarl answered brusquely, "Yes, 0017."

"I have something to report, sir."

"This had better be important, 0017," the malevolent entity growled. "Proceed."

Robespierre continued, "I am officially a part of the 00 cyborg team. Gilmore just made it so."

"And no one suspects anything?"

The Frenchman gloated, "No sir. I've won the trust of them all, and especially 003."

"Splendid! Good work, 0017, now comes the real task, to destroy all of them from the inside out. This should be easy especially with the female, she'll be led like a lamb to the slaughter."

At those words, Robespierre felt a chill of unease that puzzled him. For some reason, the thought of destroying 003 was repugnant to him. But he mentally shook himself as Scarl demanded his attention.

"0017, are you there?" he bellowed as the Frenchman was deep in reverie. He immediately snapped out of it at the angry summons.

""Y-yes, sir," he stammered.

"Make sure you carry on your duties, 0017," Scarl ordered. "Your duty is first the destruction of the 00 cyborgs. Destroy them or I'll destroy you. That is all."

The communicator went silent as Robespierre returned it to its spot in his sleeve. He ran a nervous hand through his dark hair as he began heading back to Kezumi's. As he got to the clearing, he noticed 003 was still sitting on the beach appearing glum in spite of the bright late afternoon sun. He again felt a shudder in his heart as he heard Scarl's order echoing in his head. The thought was so hideous to him that he pushed it away and made his way over to the beach to her.

NEXT----THE FINAL OBJECTIVE