Author's Note: Finally, I can update! My work is done until December when another book layout will be due so I can concentrate on this, my G-Gundam story and my original anime. I want to thank my new reviewers and my old faithfuls—you guys are terrific and I am humbled by your continued praise of my poor scribbles. Wicked, your May Sue parody is priceless—I despise Mary Sues and yours is just what I would do if I did a Mary Sue parody—excellent!
Well, everyone hope you like this latest chapter—there's one more and the epilogue coming next.
THE FINAL OBJECTIVE
There was a lull in the Black Ghost activity for the last week but the atmosphere around the beach house was tense and unhappy, the separation between 009 and 003 weighing heavy on everyone. The two in question were taking their chastisement by Gilmore and their own painful decision very much to heart, keeping their collective distance from each other, as each agonized inside. The rest of the team was only too aware of the decree passed down by Gilmore but they kept their opinions private, the delicate balance of the team in apparent jeopardy. The mood around the team was reflected in the dreariness of the weather. The sun had made few appearances during the week, as if it had sensed the heaviness of the cyborgs' collective spirits and chose to avoid their general vicinity.
It was another dank day, the beach cold, clammy, and uninviting so after another strained meal Francoise chose to remain in her room away from everybody, behind closed doors. She knelt on the floor and rifled through a collection of compact disks and then making a selection, put it in her player. She then drew her slender knees to her chest as she laid a pillow on them, waiting for the music to weave its tapestry of angst about her. The haunting strains of Satie surrounded her as she allowed the anguish in her heart to burst forth, punctuated by deep sobs. Warm rivulets coursed down her alabaster cheeks and dotted the pink satin of the pillow she had hugged against her chest as she cried.
I miss Joe so! I see him everyday but this iciness, this chasm between us for the good of team unity is killing me. I'm trying to put up a brave front but it's all a farce, a façade that's so contrived and flimsy, I'd laugh if I didn't think I'd burst into hysterical tears. And yet I still ask myself why this has to be, these days are so tortuous and so very lonely, even with the others about. I wonder if he feels the same way as I do, this hollow empty feeling that engulfs me. . . .
Unknown to Francoise, Joe too had sought the sanctuary of his room after the meal, preferring the solitude where his brooding drew no comments or criticism. He had little patience for either lately, snapping irritably when some hapless member of the team ventured to inquire. Even Jet, who was usually fearless, kept his distance from the cyborg commander, remembering all too well the last time Joe had lost his temper, opting to keep his legs intact.
Joe sighed as he morosely watched the clouds scud over the pounding waves out his window, his head hung low and his mood mirroring the drab landscape. He watched as the seagulls fluttered to and fro, their mournful cries echoing in his ear and his heart as he felt the familiar ache of loneliness. He had often felt the same as a child when he'd sit alone after yet another friend had been adopted and walked away to a happy life while he remained behind…again.
He frowned as he felt the same bereft feeling of rejection as he thought of the situation with Francoise and how their decision to distance themselves was shaping up to be no solution after all. If anything, he felt more miserable as he surreptitiously watched her and saw her own unhappiness reflecting his. He yearned to throw away their noble aspirations, just to hold her in his arms again, to taste the sweetness of her lips. Or was he to be denied to ever savor her nearness again?
Francoise, what has happened to us? When I saved you from Black Ghost, I told you what was engraved on my heart, I love you. So why are we apart? I keep asking myself this question, over and over but I can't come up with an answer that makes sense. I know we're separate for the good of the team but I feel like someone's stuck a hot knife in my gut and every time I see you it's like the knife twists. Then I see HIM sitting in the seat that used to be mine next to you and it twists again. I can't help it, koishii, I see the look in his eyes when he stares at you and it makes me want to punch his lights out. But I'm the leader and he's a part of our group now so I have to keep my cool.
Joe's head perked up as he heard the muffled sound of classical music coming from the general direction of 003's room. He recalled that she too had sought solitude after the meal could not suppress a slight ironic grin as he ascertained from the somber music that she, too was grieving the circumstances as he was. . . .
Robespierre slowly and tentatively approached Francoise's closed door. He reached and knocked gently as she sniffled behind the closed door. His heart went out to her as she opened the door to let him in then re-closed the door.
"Hello, petite. I was worried about you and I came to check on you," he said with a smile that faded as he spied the tear tracks on her pink cheeks. "What's wrong, cherie?"
Francoise shook her head as Satie continued to play, encompassing them with sad strings and mournful oboes, creating an atmosphere of melancholia that made his heart constrict in pain for her. She sat disconsolately on her bed as he joined her, wrapping a comforting arm about her shoulders.
"Ma petite, please tell me what is making you so unhappy. If it's in my power to do something, please let me." Robespierre took her chin in his other hand to lift her eyes to his as he continued to cradle her shoulders.
Francoise felt a bit unnerved even amidst her anguish, something about his simple gesture sent an uneasy skitter down her spine and oddly, she felt like recoiling. But what was even more puzzling was the fact that she still felt the familiarity of having known him before, although it was not as strong as it had been initially. She moved away from him, prompting a look of dismay in his sea green eyes.
"Francoise? Petite, have I done something wrong?" Robespierre inquired as he gazed into her aqua orbs looking for an answer.
She rose to her feet and pasted an overly bright smile on her face. "Of course not, Robbie. I'm just in a mood, that's all," she reassured him but he was not convinced as he folded his arms and studied her askance.
"Are you upset by your and 009's estrangement," he asked bluntly as he rose to face her.
At those words, the casual veneer Francoise was trying valiantly to display shattered like fine crystal. Her eyes welled up and she crumpled against the tall French cyborg as she resumed her sobbing.
I-I just don't understand, Robbie. I-I've done nothing to make him so angry with me, but he's just shutting me out, avoiding me as if I had the plague." She gazed up into Robespierre's compassionate visage, her eyes like limpid tropic pools.
He sighed heavily as he tried to offer comfort. "It isn't you, petite. 009 just seems to be put off by our growing closeness. He's jealous, cherie."
Francoise became irked as she responded, "He has no reason to be. You must be mistaken, I told him all about us growing up together, and he said he understood. He should know that it is the truth and that there's nothing between you and me."
At her declaration Robespierre gave her an unreadable look that caused that uneasy feeling she had felt before to return. He gestured for her to sit beside him as he perched on the edge of her bed and she cautiously did as he bade.
"Our esteemed leader is quite astute, cherie. You see, I am feeling quite the same." At her perplexed expression he continued, "When you brought me here after the accident, I was grateful. Having had to escape the clutches of Black Ghost, I was grateful for the haven you offered here for me."
He took her hand and encompassed it in both of his as he went on, "As I became better, you were there, taking care of me and helping me to fit in. And then you became my staunch supporter as you pushed for me to join the team, even amidst the protests of the others. As I tried to prove myself to the rest of the team, you continued to stand by me, and became my advocate. That meant the world to me."
Francoise became dismayed as she heard the next statement. Robespierre stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders. "You are an incredible woman, petite, in every sense. And I find that thoughts of you are quite frequent during the course of the day. What I am saying is that I think I'm falling in love with you."
Her eyes widened like saucers in disbelief as she contemplated what was just said. . . .
In his room, Joe was still standing at the window staring gloomily at the deserted beach as he continued to woolgather about the present situation when he was interrupted by 001's telepathic summons.
**009, gather the rest of the team, I have some information about the Black Ghost operation that you all need to hear. Let's meet in the living room in five minutes.**
Joe was immediately on the alert. "Right away, 001." He strode to the door and wrenched it open to call the troops, starting with the workout room where 008 and 005 were sparring.
"Hey guys, 001 has some information for us. He wants to meet with us in the living room so let's go."
Both cyborgs came forward. "Lead the way, 009," Pyunma said as he and Geromino followed their commander out.
As the three cyborgs made their way to the designated meeting area, they met with 002 and 004 who were in lively debate as they left the game room.
"Look, just admit you cheated, 004 and I'll shut up." 002 urged as he tagged after the ice-eyed German who was trying to ignore the insistent American youth. But he was persistent and soon 004 was fed up with the inquisition so as they reached the living room he whirled to face Jet.
"Why don't you stop making excuses for your lack of skill and take your defeat gracefully," Albert snapped as he stood at Parade Rest against the wall.
Jet leaned on the wall that ran adjacent to him and scoffed, "I saw you cheat, I don't have to make excuses--"
He was cut off by Dr. Gilmore's entering the room carrying 001. "Is everybody gathered?" He glanced about and noticed the absence of a slender blonde. "Where is 003, I need her here."
009 volunteered, "I'll go and get her, doctor. She's in her room." Before anyone else could say or do anything he headed for Francoise's room. . . .
Inside, Francoise sat in stunned silence as Robespierre's confession hung in the hair like thick smoke, making both awkward and silent as the music continued to play. They were both so deep in their reveries as they sat on the bed that they didn't hear the knock on the door so they were startled by the door opening and 009 stepping in.
"Excuse me, 003 but the doctor wants to meet with--," Joe began as he spied the two French cyborgs sitting on the bed, shoulder to shoulder. He stopped and stood there as he viewed what appeared to be a very intimate scene as he felt a pang of jealousy.
Both turned around and Francoise shot to her feet as she saw disapproval on Joe's sculptured features. The Japanese cyborg turned his head and said brusquely over his shoulder. "There's a team meeting in the living room and you both need to come now." He whirled on his heel and left.
Francoise sighed as she said in a hollow tone, "We'd better get to the living room for the meeting."
Robespierre nodded and the two exited to join the rest of the team.
As 009 re-entered the living room with and inscrutable expression Gilmore asked, "Is 003 coming, 009?"
He grunted and nodded in the affirmative as 003 and 0017 both entered the room to take empty seats on the loveseat.
002 smirked knowingly as he insinuated, "We didn't mean to interrupt anything--," but was cut off by the murderous glare he received from 009 as he stood leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Jet then sheepishly lowered his head.
Gilmore cleared his throat, "Ahem, let's get down to business everybody. 001 has some new information about the covert operation of Black Ghost building a nuclear reactor. Go ahead, 001."
Ivan began, **I have been monitoring communiqués between black Ghost and his main factions and have found out that the reactor is being built somewhere in the Mongolian wilderness. They are far more advanced as we had originally thought and have a reactor that is nearly operational.**
The team sat in quiet contemplation as he continued, **It appears that their capabilities to build nuclear warheads is near to being a reality.**
"Well, what are we waiting for, let's go," 002 said as he made to rush forward but Gilmore laid a restraining hand on the impetuous youth.
"002, please. We have to get in there undetected so that we can destroy the structure but we need to be very careful. So we need a team to go undercover in a reconnaissance mission to scope out the situation and then we can go in to destroy it. So here is the plan, first I'm sending 008, 007, 003, and since you have recently defected from Black Ghost, 0017. You four will go undercover and find the weak areas to attack and plant explosives. And then once a beachhead is established, the rest of the team will follow to complete the mission."
009 spoke up, "Dr. Gilmore, I'd like to go along with the first group, I can make sure that I can help to get in and help with the demolition," but Gilmore waved him off.
"No, 009, I need you to remain with the second group. That is when the team will need the strength and speed you can provide. All right everybody, to the Dolphin!"
The team dispersed without another word.
In the Mongolian wilderness, a clearing bore the busy site of a nuclear reactor plant under construction. A cement container that was being constructed for fusion purposes was in the final stages as lab coated technicians bustled about, taking readings. A very official looking group was gathered at the main infrastructure.
Scarl, the ominous leader of the death merchant organization known as Black Ghost addressed a distinguished group of dignitaries, his cape fluttering about.
"My dear ladies and gentlemen and future clients. I, Black Ghost welcome you to our facility where in just weeks we will be producing state-of-the-art weapons for your disposal. And we here at Black Ghost will provide the very best for your arsenals." He was the ultimate salesman as the group watched him, mesmerized.
He continued his greeting, "So without further ado, I leave you in the very capable hands of Dr. Schemer, one of my top scientists to conduct the tour. He will be happy to answer any questions you may have."
Schemer stepped over and nodded a salutation at the group. "If you'll give me a few minutes ladies and gentlemen, I shall be with you promptly." He drew Black Ghost aside and asked sotto voce, "Where's Baruku? I thought he was to conduct this tour."
Scarl replied tersely, "Baruku is detained elsewhere. You are to lead the tour, he will join you later." Without another word, he whirled from the dismayed scientist who covered his displeasure with an obsequious smile.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, if you'll step this way," he said, leading them to the first facility.
As the tour progressed, Dr. Schemer was leading the group of dignitaries to the main reactor as he intoned matter-of-factly, "This is our main reactor where the fission warheads will be developed and then sent to our silos where they will be loaded on ICBMs. And if you'll follow Dr. Baruku, he will conduct the next part of the tour." He gestured to a man that was just joining them.
The group of scientists all glanced around and marveled as they made individual notations in notebooks. The man in the lead, a bald-headed, imperious gentleman with a monocle in his left eye peered at the entourage and addressed them haughtily.
"Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll just follow me, I will be happy to show you the pinnacle of Black Ghost weapons technology." He gestured with his arm extended as the group passed to the right of him save for three, two men and a woman.
"Excuse me, I need a moment," he requested laconically as the rest of the party went ahead. He pushed his middle abdomen and a smiling visage appeared where there once was a scowl. "How are my esteemed colleagues?"
Pyunma raised a finger to his lips. "Shhh, 007. We just got in, don't blow our cover."
GB grinned airily as he said, "Not to worry, I've done my homework. Baruku is one of their most respected scientists and his presence here at the site is like royalty is around them. No one will suspect a thing."
"Yeah well don't get overconfident. We need to start scanning for weak areas in the structure," 008 reminded. He turned to the blonde. "003, what can you tell us?"
003 placed her fingertips to her temple as she made the scan. "It appears that there is some weakness in the structure of the main container core. Fortunately for us, there's no radioactive material in there yet, the structure is not yet complete so destroying it will not cause an ecological disaster."
008 nodded in satisfaction. "Okay let's get going. 0017, have you the plastic explosives? 0017?" he asked again as the French cyborg appeared distracted.
"Huh? Oh yes, I have them right here," he replied as he patted his lab coat.
Pyunma eyed the dark-haired man askance. "Is everything okay?"
Robespierre became non-plussed. "Of course it is! Why would it not be?" he countered defensively.
008 studied the Frenchman warily. "Nothing. Let's go." He followed the other three with a thoughtful frown and glint in his chocolate eyes. Something seemed strange, though he could not put his finger on it.
The cyborgs approached the large cement enclosure, its cylindrical shape standing stark against the azure backdrop of the afternoon sky. It loomed before them like Shangri-La.
008 turned to 003. "Where specifically are the weak points?"
She scanned the structure and replied, "The structure is supported with steel at about every 75 feet and the framework is weak at each section, at the bottom. It appears that they cut costs by skimping on materials for the foundation."
008 smirked as he reached in his pockets and pulled out the explosives. He answered, "Well, a little plastic explosive will teach them not to cut corners. 003, you and I will take the west side, 007, you and 0017 take the east. We'll meet back here when it's done."
Back at the main structure, a Black Ghost soldier came scurrying to the darkly clad figure and addressed him, "Black Ghost, sir, this just came for you." He held out a missive that the latter snatched and then dismissed the underling with a regal wave of his hand.
Scarl skimmed the contents and then summoned Schemer. When the scientist approached him he informed, "Schemer, it appears Baruku is tied up and cannot relieve you so you must continue leading the tour. Who have you left them with?"
Schemer did a double take. "A-are you sure, sir? I just left the group with him."
Scarl leaned into the scientist's face. "Are you calling me a liar, Schemer?"
"N-no sir, of course not! I-I'm just saying that he was at the group at the halfway point and took over the group for me."
Scarl moved back. "Hmmm. And were exactly in the complex did he take over for you?" he asked curiously.
"At the enclosed reactor that's nearly finished," Schemer replied.
"Go over there immediately!" Scarl barked as he pointed with his finger "I'll be right there." He silently called for troops and then fled to the reactor. . . .
Over there, 007 and 0017 were finishing laying down the last charge when 007 got to his feet. "Whew! That ought to do it." He wiped his brow and then was face to face with the skull like visage of the leader of Black Ghost. His eyes widened in dismay.
"Yes, indeed it will, Baruku. Or should I say Cyborg 007?" Scarl said silkily as he bade the Black Ghost troops to surround the shapeshifter.
Over on the west side, 008 and 003 had just completed their task when both were jabbed in the back by the laser rifles being pointed by Black Ghost troops that had surrounded them.
"Okay you two cyborgs, get up slowly with your hands up!"
Pyunma and Francoise exchanged glances and then slowly did as they were told. Unknown to their captors, they activated a silent alarm to the Dolphin . . .
On the Dolphin, 002 was pacing nervously as Gilmore and the rest just sat at their stations anxiously waiting for word from their comrades. 009 sat staring at his controls and more specifically at the speaker that would sound with the voices of his teammates that was eerily silent as the minutes ticked by. He could not help but worry about them, especially 003. The more time that went by without any word, the more worried he became.
"Ahhgh, I can't take this much longer!" Jet growled as he continued his pacing like a caged tiger. Dr. Gilmore, we need to head out there now!"
The scientist frowned as he cradled the infant 001 in his arms. "002, please. We need to wait a bit longer before we go charging in there."
"Dr. Gilmore's right, we need to be cautious," Albert agreed.
"But what if we don't hear from them," 009 said softly as the rest of the cyborgs whirled to view their leader. "This time I think 002's right."
Gilmore sighed deeply as he nodded. "Very well then--," but he was cut off by the alarm scramble that sounded on the bridge. It was a device worn by the others that enabled them to contact the Dolphin without making a sound.
"Their cover's blown, let's move!" 009 bellowed as he and the rest headed for the amphibious vehicle below.
NEXT----AU REVOIR ROBESPIERRE