Disclaimer: I don't own beast Wars.
Part seven
"The operation was successful! We split its spark! You do realize that this opens a whole new world of possibilities."
"Indeed. Such a wonderful idea from such a simple bot. I wonder how he came up with it. Or perhaps I'm underestimating him."
"He knows about the project. Don't we need to dispose of him?"
"Maybe we do. But unlike poor treacherous doctor Static, Depth Charge is Chief of security. There will be an investigation if he suddenly disappears. Besides, we might find another use for him."
"Stunner won't be pleased that you let him live."
"Stunner is simply far too arrogant. He thinks he can deal with any situation by using either brutal force or his given status. I prefer not to depend on such things.
As for the possibilities the Protoform's split spark opens, I'd like to explore one of them as soon as possible. The only problem is, we don't have a test subject. We need either a bot who would not be missed or a bot whose disappearance could be easily explained…"
Lost in his own plans, Depth Charge had at first failed to notice that Mind Game was becoming increasingly frustrated the last few days. And when he finally did notice all he could do was constantly ask if she was all right while he knew very well that she wasn't and he also knew the reason. He truly felt like a clumsy idiot, not knowing what to say or do.
"No, I'm not all right!" she had finally burst the previous day. "My daughter is dying and I can't help her! I know she doesn't want to die! She's not ready! I'm not ready!"
For a moment he had thought that she would burst in tears but she quickly regained her self-control, which made it even harder for him to think of anything to say.
"I'm sorry." He had whispered lamely, knowing that it sounded pathetic.
He knew the child would die. He even knew the date and it was close. Oh, how he hated being helpless!
But the femme seemed a bit more cheerful today.
"Is Starlet better?" he asked carefully.
"She might be soon." the psychiatrist answered with a hesitant smile. "A doctor contacted me and said they might have found a way to help her. It's risky but she doesn't have anything to loose by trying. I know I shouldn't hope but..."
Depth Charge frowned. He didn't remember such a thing happening. But then again, he might have missed it. He really hadn't paid that much attention to Mind Game in the old past.
"A doctor? What doctor? Who was he?"
"Actually, it was a "she". She said that they have developed a new operation that might save Starlet's life. They led her down to the labs this morning."
Depth Charge's spark gave a painful jolt and he felt like all of his insides were freezing.
"To the labs?"
I hate you, Depth Charge, I hate you so much! I never hated you like this before! I only just got the rest of my spark back to have it split again.
While these thoughts ran trough his head, the experiment known as Protoform X screamed in agony, unable to help it anymore. He was sure his shrieks would have reached the security chief's office if the whole level hadn't been soundproofed. His violated spark throbbed inside his chest and he shuddered and writhed despite the wedges that made every movement a living hell.
But even worse was the understanding that his original escape could not occur under these circumstances.
Screaming was humiliating but he didn't care anymore. What dignity did he have in front of these bots anyway? They regarded him as a mindless freak at best.
And Depth Charge? He truly hadn't expected such a move from him. The maximal hated him beyond measure, yes, but… He had been foolish enough to expect that his old fr…
No, using that word wasn't fun anymore. While he had toyed with the bot it had seemed amusing but now he realized he had unconsciously given some meaning to it, in his own sick way. His relationship with Depth Charge was based on hatred but at least it was some relationship.
He had been foolish enough to believe that the hunter would realize the similarities between them, one day, and maybe even join him. Now it had backfired. Depth Charge could be that cruel… towards him.
Well, he had underestimated him and the Guardian had gained a small victory. He had altered the course of events and there was no telling what could happen now. And Rampage had a feeling that whatever happened would cause him more suffering.
And so he screamed in pain, rage and… something else. Something, perhaps, resembling betrayal…
