Author's Note: Okay here the rescue is on and the cyborgs are on the move. I promised a fight between Francoise and Merry and there will be but not to the extent I planned due to the fact that Merry is a developed cyborg assassin and therefore much more powerful. But take heart, Merry does get hers, courtesy of someone else. So read on. Thanks once again for all those reading and all my wonderful reviewers, and to Pupkid the flashback in the previous chapter was my follow up on "City of Wind"
BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
Over on the Dolphin, a strategy meeting was taking place amidships as 004 and Dr. Gilmore mapped out the plan, each members' face set with grim determination, the objective clear…get their commander and friend 009 back. 003 had more at stake, she saw the situation as the saving of her very being, for 009 was the sole possessor of her heart. He had become her life and his rescue was vital to her existence.
GB saw the glint in the French dancer's tropic eyes and said sotto voce to her, "Fear not, my lady. We will bring our noble prince back posthaste."
She awarded his effusive but sweet comment with a tremulous smile.
004 cleared his throat. "Okay everyone, we now know that 009 has been lured here by Black Ghost, his aim clear…to destroy him and subsequently, us."
"Humph!" 002 grunted. "Nothing new there. So let's go and get 'im."
Gilmore scolded, "Not so fast, 002. The device Scarl is using to entrap 009 is blocking out his ability to stay connected with us through his mind and emotions. We must neutralize its effect on him or they will succeed."
"How will we do that?" questioned Pyunma.
Gilmore held up a small device that looked like a digital timer, but had a set of buttons across the bottom. "Last night at the house, 001 picked up some ultra high frequency waves that indicated Black Ghost's involvement. So upon returning to the Dolphin, I developed this wave scrambling device that can shield you all from falling under the same influence and restore 009's facilities. Once we've done that, he will rejoin us and we can defeat these assassins."
"Assassins? But they're 009's old friends," protested Chang.
"006, I heard them and saw them," 003 said softly. "They were communicating with Scarl and they are his assassins which means in all likelihood they are cyborgs like us."
"And they tried to lull us into a sense of false security last night," Jet interjected. He slammed his fist down on the bench in fury. "Damn them!" Then his chocolate eyes widened as he remembered something.
"Hey do you guys remember a few months ago? 009's friends were also used by Black Ghost to try to destroy us and they were blown up in the explosion at their beach house. How is it that they miraculously came back to life?"
Nobody had an answer. Then after pondering that, Gilmore spoke. "My only conclusion is that Black Ghost fabricated these new assassins using the same information from 009's past once again and the fact that the three originally were closest to 009 during his childhood and therefore used that to gain his trust and lure him into a trap."
"But he saw the other assassins that died in the explosion and believed they were his friends," 002 was persistent. "Why would he buy these people as his friends?"
"I believe I can answer that," 003 said in a forlorn tone. "009 is very sensitive and he thought they were his friends because they reached out to him and convinced him. In his recent state of mind, because we had been so secretive around him he figured we were withdrawing from him he was quick to respond to people that he had trusted and cared for because the others he had trusted; us, he thought had betrayed him."
006 said, "But we were just planning his surprise party."
"I know but he had been in a blue mood lately, thinking about the Father and what happened. He still feels terrible about what happened and our avoiding him just added to the problem."
005 asked quietly, "Did he tell you that?"
"Not in so many words but I could see it in his manner. When he was packing, he was torn between leaving and staying with us and I could tell he was acting out of hurt," Francoise replied, her own eyes welling up. Then she added waspishly in a show of Gallic temper, "I had almost reached through to him and then that slut Merry showed up and had him play right into her hand."
"003, I'm shocked! A fine lady like yourself using such vulgar language." 007 said in mock horror as the rest of the team chuckled, expelling the tense atmosphere and 003 blushed, shamed by her own outburst.
"I call them as I see them," she said, tossing her head as the men continued to be amused.
"All right then," 004 said, restoring order. "Let's get back to business. We'll surround the house at a radius of about a mile and a half and slowly approach the house. We'll then sneak inside and surprise them and get 009 back. 003 you stay here with Dr. Gilmore and 001."
Francoise bristled and slammed her hands on the panel they were gathered around. "NO WAY!" she cried her eyes boring into Albert, her passionate rebuttal stunning him. "I'll be damned if you're going to leave me out of this, 004. I'm going with you all."
"The lady has spoken," 006 piped up. All the men nodded, not liking it but having no choice, they accepted her declaration.
"Very well, 003." Having no other alternative Albert too acquiesced and then ordered, "Let's move out. . . ."
Outside, the 00 cyborgs all gathered as 004 gave out assignments. He sent 007, 006, and 005 to the house to stake out the dwelling.
"I want you to keep in contact with me through telepathy. The anti-scrambling device Professor Gilmore gave me is activated and the lines of communication between us is open." He patted the device.
"002, 008, and 003 we'll be scouting the perimeter of the woods surrounding the premises. 002 and 008 you two take the south and west, me and 003 will take the north and east and head out to a ten kilometer radius. Any questions?"
Nobody spoke up so 004 nodded and concluded, "Fine. We'll all rendezvous here at the Dolphin in about an hour unless we spot something. Remember to stay in touch and be careful. Now let's go."
The team scattered as they headed off in their assignments. 004 spoke to 008 and 002, "Okay guys, go ahead and keep me posted."
"Will do," 002 said to Albert then turned to 008. "Let's head out, 008."
"Affirmative." And they both set out.
003 turned and was about to do the same but she was detained by a hand on her shoulder. "Not so fast, leibchen. I want you to promise me something," 004 said.
Francoise regarded him with an impatient look. "What?"
Albert continued, "If you see anything promise me you won't try to play hero and tackle these assassins by yourself. Listen to your head, not your heart."
003 sighed in exasperation. Sometimes the men's excessive well-meaning attempts to protect her from harm were annoying to say the least. "004, contrary to everyone's beliefs I can take care of myself and carry out an assignment. I'm a cyborg too, remember?"
004 nodded and scowling, opened his mouth to speak but she pressed on, "I did disable the virus bomb in Egypt, you know."
"Yes, and you very nearly fell to your death. If 009 hadn't accelerated out to catch you, you'd have been a goner." He softened his expression. "Francoise, I know that you're motivated by your love for 009 and I just want to be sure that you keep a cool head. Or Black Ghost will succeed in his quest to destroy at least the two of you."
003 saw the concern in the ice blue depths of his eyes. She laid a hand on his chest reassuring him. "I know and I will be very careful, I promise. So trust me."
"Okay. I'll take you at your word. But if you don't keep your promise, the next time you'll stay back in the Dolphin even if I have to hog-tie you. Is that clear?"
"Crystal." And she sprinted off as 004 went in the opposite direction. . . .
Off into a small clearing about five kilometers to the east-northeast Merry led Joe to a semi secluded area, surrounded by bushes that assured privacy. She sat on a flat rock and patted the place beside her, inviting him to join her. Against his better judgment, he did as she bade.
"Jojo," she began in a husky purr. "I've been thinking about you a lot since that day we saw you at that café."
Joe was fraught with ambivalence and fought a faint but rising sense of unease as he remarked, "Really?"
"Uh-huh." She began to massage his shoulders, and he suddenly felt the slight discomfort fade as a sense of numb detachment along with a pleasurable tingle overcame him. Joe closed his eyes and began to savor the rhythmic stroking as Merry continued to murmur softly in his ear, hypnotizing him. . . .
"I missed you so much all these months after seeing you again."
"You did, huh?" 009 smiled his sweet smile.
"Uh-huh." She began to plant soft kisses on his neck and cheek as her hair tickled his skin, sending jolts through him like electricity.
"Forget about everything, Jojo. Stay by my side and don't leave me," she murmured as her voice and eyes worked in tandem to tantalize 009, blanking out all other thoughts.
Meanwhile, 003 was making her way stealthily through the thick brush and noticed the sky lowering, the clouds becoming gray and ominous. A faint peal of thunder sounded in the distance and she became concerned.
Great, now the weather's going against us. I'd better hurry up so I can meet with the rest of the team before the storm comes. She pushed her way out into a clearing and came to a stop when she spotted two figures, close together and with a pang she recognized both. Joe and Merry were sitting there close together and Francoise felt a chill inside her heart as she saw Merry's tender ministrations and Joe's serene expression.
Well, looks like this is where I came in 003 said in disgust to herself. Her temper rose and her hands balled into fists as she watched the affectionate actions and crept closer, her objective clear as she totally forgot 004's admonition to her. From her vantagepoint 003 felt her heart constrict again as like with Ishkik she sensed 009 slipping away. With a determined glint in her tropic eyes, she inched forward.
Sorry 004, but I'll be damned if I let that witch take his life. He's mine and I won't let her have him. 003 vowed fiercely as she grasped her blaster and got behind them in position to ambush. . .
At the same time, 007, 006, and 005 came to the outside of the house and hid themselves in the bushes along the sides, peering into the dwelling and seeing it appeared for the most part, deserted.
007 turned to his comrades. "Well, looks like nobody's home but looks can be deceiving, especially if Black Ghost is orchestrating this."
005 nodded, "We need to determine what exactly is happening. My instincts are telling me that 009 is in clear and immediate danger."
"My sentiments exactly." 007 pushed his bellybutton and morphed into a gray field mouse and squeaked, "I'll head inside and take a look around, then I'll come back to report."
006 reminded him, "Be careful, 007. Make sure you don't get caught yourself."
007 scoffed, "Not to worry. I doubt if there's any Greek god hippos in there." He referred to the mission on Mythos Island. "And from what I saw last night, they don't have a cat."
"That's so," 005 intoned. "But there are such things as mousetraps, especially in a house this deep in the woods."
"Fear not my friends. I will return unscathed and with information as to where our missing leader is." And with those words, he scurried off.
006 sighed as he said to 005, "We'd better just lay low and wait for him."
005 nodded as they both crouched in the bush, concealing themselves. . . .
Out in the woods, 003 was about 25 feet from where Joe and Merry sat and she pitched her ears to hear the softly spoken words between them. Her heart gave a lurch when she heard 009 use the same tender tone with Merry that he had used many times with her.
"Merry," Joe said as if in another world. "Thank you for caring for me so much. You're still a special girl, bunny."
"And you're a very special man, Jojo." Merry's eyes were forest pools drawing him like a siren's song, the Lorelei luring him to his death.
He wrapped his arms around her and she snuggled close, her hands resting on his chest sliding slowly up to his shoulder. She edged toward the tiny device lodged on his nape beneath his mahogany mane and as her fingers lit on it to activate the destruction device a soft firm voice sounded and a click of a weapon cocked interrupted her.
"Let go of him or I'll blast you to nothing," snapped Francoise, her eyes aqua slits as she leveled the ray gun at Merry. A wind blew her golden tresses and they danced about behind her as she stood there in livid glory, looking savagely beautiful.
Both Joe and Merry got to their feet as Joe stared at the French cyborg and his heart began to pound at the sight of the one who truly owned it. But he was beset with conflicting emotions as he tried to discern Francoise's hostility. "003, why are you doing this?" he asked, honestly perplexed.
"Joe," she said quietly as her expression softened. "Are you okay? What did she do to you?"
He looked at her blankly. "Do to me? What do you mean?"
"She's delusional." Merry glared at Francoise as she retorted, "I've done nothing but care for him which is more than what you've done!"
"How dare you!" Francoise said, eyes flashing. "I'm on to you and your plan to destroy Joe and I'm here to tell you that there's about a snowball's chance in hell that I'll let you do it. So prepare yourself!" And she aimed the blaster at the assassin.
"003!" Joe yelled over the wind but to no avail as the battle line was drawn.
Merry pushed him aside as she faced her adversary squarely and snarled, "You really think that toy gun of yours will affect me? You're a fool, 003!" She tossed her head back and laughed as a flash of lightning engulfed them turning them into three silhouettes against the pink flash. . . .
The crash of thunder rumbled outside and rattled the windows of the house as 007 in the form a mouse scampered into the game room and stopped to perk his head up and listen.
"Man, this is one time I wish I had 003's abilities to hear and see everything," he lamented as he leaned in and heard nothing but total silence. He then scooted over to a far wall and brightened as he heard some faint muffled sounds like talking.
"Hmmm, sounds like there's somebody behind this wall." He glanced around and saw the hole for the heater vent and scooted over to jump in.
"Here goes nothing." And he slid down through the vent, scurrying down the long aluminum pipe until he reached another vent where the voices were louder. 007 made his way to the vent grate and peered in at 009's childhood buddies Jan and Sam, clad in the royal blue jumpsuits that were regulation Black Ghost uniforms. They were sitting before a control board and screen and as they spoke, the black skull appeared and the unmistakable bass of Scarl boomed and echoed in the room.
"I hope there is good news, there better be for me to tolerate this interruption."
Sam saluted as he replied, "The mission is nearly complete, Black Ghost."
"So are you saying that destruction of prototype Cyborg 009 is imminent?"
"Yes sir. Merry is carrying out the task now as we speak. And the other 00 cyborgs have yet to return."
"Yes, Monstore informed me that they dropped in on you last evening and are nearby. The two of you go out and head toward the Dolphin and I will send a troop of men to assist with their capture. Then when they are all rounded up, contact me. I want to be present to witness you three as you carry out their destruction."
"Yes sir," both said in unison as the screen went black.
Bingo! We KNEW it was Black Ghost 007 was exultant. We have a winner, now I better get back to 006 and 005 then contact the others. A crash of thunder sounded and reverberated in the aluminum vent. Sounds like quite a storm out there, I hope everyone's all right. . . .
Out by the Dolphin 002 and 008 met up with 004 who was approaching from the north. They congregated as the lightning flashed about them.
"Whoo this is some storm blowin' up," 002 commented as he cast an uneasy eye to the sky.
Pyunma nodded as he inquired of Albert, "Any luck finding anything?"
004 shook his head. "Nothing from what I saw." He glanced around and frowned as he noticed one of their team missing. "Anybody see 003 come back?"
002 narrowed his eyes and stated, "We thought she was with you."
004 shook his head. "We split up and went looking around." He pounded his fist in his palm. "Damnit, I told her t stay in touch, we gotta go looking for her."
"She hasn't kept in touch telepathically?" 008 asked.
"No," Albert said flatly. "I have a feeling she found 009 and decided to handle things alone so enough chit chat, let's go." And the three of then took off in a dead sprint toward the east. . . .
In the clearing, there was a textbook standoff with Merry and 003 and with 009 still under the mental limbo that the scrambler had him under. He watched, strangely detached as the two female cyborgs squared off, ready to do battle as the lightning flashes became frequent and strobed about them.
Merry's going to fight Francoise? She never was much of a fighter, something's not right. What the hell's going on? "Huh?"
Francoise fired her blaster at Merry but she ducked and then to 009's surprise she accelerated and the ray pulverized the rock behind her.
"You really have no idea what you're up against," Merry snapped. "Why don't you just give up now and save us both some time. You're going to die soon, anyway."
"If I do I'm taking you with me!" Francoise railed as she took aim again but Merry easily dodged it by accelerating. Merde, she's got an accelerator! 003 said to herself.
Another flash of lightning lit up the clearing and the energy surged into Merry as she became infused with an eerie glow, her eyes green fire. She laughed again then said scornfully, "Little cyborg, prepare to meet your demise!" She then raised her hand and a ball of blue white energy appeared as she flung her arm toward 003 and hurled the ball of energy at her.
The bolt hit Francoise at point blank range and she screamed as her slender body arced and was suspended, shuddering with the immense shock, her head thrown back in sheer agony. But the sight of his beloved in such terrifying pain acted as a wedge to crack his mental and emotional block as 009's eyes widened in horror.
"003!" he screamed as he whirled and saw the assassin smirking. How dare she! His body began quaking with rage and he swung his right leg in all his strength behind it with a vicious roundhouse kick that sent Merry to the ground, stunned.
"Acceleration!" He then clicked his tooth and rushed to 003 who was writhing in agony. Joe knelt by her and ignoring the electrical arcs dancing about her, cradled her still form in his arms. "Francoise, koishii, speak to me, please." he cried.
Meanwhile Merry moaned and rose slowly, her head still spinning from Joe's blow and she shook it to try to clear it. She staggered to her feet, trying to focus on the two 00 cyborgs on the ground. With a cruel smirk she raised her arm to act as a lightning rod and a bolt flowed into her, powering her up for another assault as another orb of electricity formed.
"How sweet," she mocked as she prepared for the next attack. "Now die together!" And as she made to shoot the ball, three simultaneous rays of laser energy hit her causing her to shriek.
"AHHH!" Merry wailed as 004, 002 and 008 came rushing into the clearing, firing their blasters at full power at the assassin. She shuddered at the onslaught of the laser causing a meltdown of her circuitry and she exploded, sending both flesh and machinery in a macabre shower of shrapnel.
"Bullseye!" Jet crowed as he, Pyunma, and Albert all came to where their comrades were. They encircled the two and gazed down in concern.
009's eyes were filled with tears as he kept murmuring to 003, patting her cheeks to try to bring her around. "Please talk to me, 003, please!" he said as he lowered his head and laid it on her still chest sobbing. "After all this I can't lose you!"
Don't fret 009 001 telepathically communicated solace to the distraught cyborg. 003 will be fine, I sent a force field around her to shield her before the attack but I couldn't completely protect her. Just get her back on the Dolphin ASAP so Dr. Gilmore can treat her.
The other three cyborgs had heard the psychic infant's message and 004 placed his hand on 009's slumped shoulder. "C'mon my friend, let's get her back to the Dolphin." He rose and 009 scooped up the unconscious 003 and followed suit.
As they made their way to the Dolphin through the waning storm, 008 commented, "I wonder how everyone else is doing."
"Where are they?" 009 asked.
"They were to search the house but we've yet to hear from them, I hope they're all right," 004 said with a touch of worry.
002 and 008 nodded. "Uh-huh. . ."
In the house, Jan and Sam were checking their weapons, high power blasters that they were readying for the battle as Jan noticed that it had been some time since they had heard from Merry.
"I'm worried, Sam. Merry should've been done taking care of Shimamura and back by now."
Sam scoffed, "It's probably taking longer then she thought. And with the way she's been hanging on him, she's probably dragging it out so she can have some fun with him." He grinned lasciviously as he added, "Maybe I can do the same with Francoise when we nab the others."
Jan nodded and said, "Let's head over to the clearing and see for ourselves." He picked up the communicator and made to push the button. "I'll signal Black Ghost to send reinforcements."
A deep bass growl interrupted him accompanied by three clicks as blasters were cocked. "Freeze and drop your weapons, now!"
Startled, Jan and Sam turned around and saw the gargantuan figure of 005 flanked by 006 and 007 all scowling as they aimed their blaster at the pair. They froze in place, their eyes fixed on the enormous Native American still holding their blasters.
"I said drop them!" 005 barked.
006 chuckled as he said, "I think they took your first order too seriously. They're like statues."
"I suggest you don't move," 007 said silkily as he and 006 came and relieved the pair of their weapons. "Our friend has a tendency to break one's bones if he isn't immediately obeyed."
006 grabbed Sam while 007 grasped Jan by the arm. 005 covered them with his weapon and ordered brusquely, "Okay, now move!" The captive would be assassins meekly complied as the cyborgs hustled them out. . . .
On the Dolphin, Dr Gilmore met the returning 002, 004, 008 and 009 carrying the lifeless form of 003. He hustled them down to the infirmary laboratory and Joe laid her gently on the examining platform as Gilmore pushed him out protesting.
The door to the room closed as the men all gathered quietly outside, surrounding the forlorn 009.
"Don't worry, 009. Dr Gilmore will get her to come around. 001 saved her life so be thankful for that," Albert reassured him.
"Yeah she'll be fine," 002 seconded.
"We got you back, that's the important thing," Pyunma said. "Have faith in 001's abilities and Dr. Gilmore's skill, 003 will be all right."
"He's right. Good to have you back, buddy," Jet said, patting Joe on the back as he turned and headed up to the bridge.
"Ditto," 008 said as he followed Jet.
Albert then turned to 009 and did something very unexpected. He embraced the Japanese youth like a long lost son. "Welcome home, 009."
Overcome by worry and stress of the past two days happenings Joe broke down at the heartfelt statement and openly wept in Albert's arms. 004 comforted the distressed cyborg leader for an indeterminate time until the lab door finally opened and Dr. Gilmore stepped out. He addressed the tall young man that turned and waited anxiously for news.
"003 is awake and asking for you, 009."
Joe needed no further prompting and he rushed into the lab as Albert and Gilmore exchanged knowing glances. . . .
NEXT---EPILOGUE---SURPRISE 009!