"It's time."
Blue flames illuminated unremarkable stone hiding the way to the ultimate power. The four locks stood primed for four keys. Now to get the fourth key to cooperate. Phase watched as Zero approached the squirming prisoner, pinned to the wall by Diesel. [I can't believe I failed at the last minute.]
"Recovering nicely from our latest day out I presume? Apologies, I didn't plan for the extra baggage."
"So I know it's hard for you nutjobs to get, but I'm not gonna help you take over the world or whatever stupid thing you're doing."
"I don't think you comprehend your situation. The Ultimate Power is within my reach. Now is your last chance. Help me shape the universe or perish."
"Ultimate Power, shaping the universe, what the fuck does that even mean?"
"It's the ultimate source of power in the universe. Whoever wields it will be unstoppable."
"So a lot of words for I'm full of shit."
"I only acknowledge those more powerful than me. So, I answer to no one."
[Why does he need more power at all? You guys already wrecked everyone's shit without it.] Doesn't matter, we need him, he's given us everything. [No, he gave you everything. I could have kept running.]
"Phase!"
"Oh, yes sir!"
"I need you to show what happens if he doesn't cooperate by the count of three. And it would help if you'd listen the first time around."
Phase felt a mix of things, some emotions not entirely hers, as she stepped towards Tucker. [What, no more sexual quips?]. She braced her knife.
"Three."
"You know you guys are super fucking dead right? Wash, Carolina, and I? Yeah we're kind of big deal save-the-world celebrities. Let alone the rest of my friends. Look up some articles by Dylan Andrews."
"Two."
"Who's paying you for this? Hoping to get a TV the size of a billboard? Or is this some stupid revenge quest? Boo-hoo the military sucks, news flash dumbasses, we all got fucked. Bow-Chicka-Bow-Wow."
"One."
Phase angled her blade, considering the best position. Obviously not anything preventing him from unlocking the door, unless Zero expected her to finish him off here and now? But they still weren't sure if one person could have two keys, hell it was a gamble to let East try hoping she alone counted. God it would be so much easier if they could teleport in.
"Zero."
With the countdown finished, Diesel chortled merrily as both looked to her expectantly. Tucker was still squirming, attempting to wriggle free before any blows came. The movement would likely make any cut messier, a fair punishment for disobedience.
…So why…? Memories that weren't hers whispered at her, not quite legible, but she could guess based on what East said earlier. ("I thought he would bring me into the plane...but he stayed. He doesn't know most of us...why?")
She was trying her team's patience, she knew. Desperate not to lose who she had left, she finally pointed her blade where she figured Mr. Sex Jokes would most fear. His new attempt to kick at her seemed proof enough.
Before a proper incision could be made, he finally yelled out, "Alright alright! I'll open the door". Phase looked to Zero, who nodded. Diesel dropped Tucker, but not before punching him in the stomach anyway. In between his groans, she could hear a sad muttering of, "Sorry guys…"
Before he could recover enough to attack or flee, Diesel dragged him roughly across the ground and up the steps before tossing him at the door. Zero kept his gun trained on Tucker as all three put their keys in the correct slot. Tucker stared down the barrel of Zero's gun before slowly finishing the unlocking process.
"What now assholes?"
"Now, I must contact some old acquaintances. The final showdown is about to begin."
"Wait are you fucking emailing Shatter Squad? God you're such a tool."
"Phase, Diesel. Take care of our prisoner however you like. Just get him out of here," Zero commanded as he walked further inside.
With Zero preoccupied and ample warning, Tucker pulled the sword out of the open door and shanked Diesel's side. He giggled at the pain. [Your friend's a freak.] Tucker dodged under Diesel's arms, coming face-to-face with Phase. Phase swung broadly, but if she managed any hits Tucker didn't stop. Parting shots were exchanged on both sides as Tucker fled across the entrance bridge.
Diesel aimed to teleport after him, but Phase held him back. "Hold it, you big goon. We have to get the Ultimate Power before Shatter Squad arrives, and there'll likely be alien guards inside. You're already stabbed, we can't have you dying before we even get inside."
"Spoilsport," grunted Diesel, but they walked back towards the temple anyway.
"You can't leave! What happened to working together?"
"Apologies Agent One, but the stakes are too high now. We've already wasted enough time not pursuing them immediately."
Carolina gathered the last of her preparations with Wash, barely acknowledging the pleading dark blue soldier.
"You don't even know where the temple is!"
"And do you expect Zero to leave us the coordinates on voicemail?"
"He could…"
Carolina shook her head, but One hadn't given up her persuasion yet, "Give me half an hour to try and round everyone up. Tucker might be your teammate but East is our asshole."
Carolina opened her mouth to rebuke One, but Wash cut her off, "Carolina, I know Tucker is in danger, but we can't turn our backs on Shatter Squad. Besides, we could use all the help we could get."
"Wash, half of them are rookies. Viper have professional skillsets and they're done toying with us. Tucker's life is at stake, I'm not going to get some kids killed too."
"Listen grandma, I'm not some kid! I'm number One! And Axe and West are like, as old and experienced as you two. Alright Raymond probably still sucks but-"
"This is exactly what I'm talking about! You have barely any idea of the real world-"
"Carolina! Can you excuse us Agent One? Hurry and grab the others in um…"
"Thirty minutes exactly right?"
"Sure. But if you're not ready by then…"
One didn't need to be told twice, scampering off to rally the others with sappy speeches and other immature ideas.
"Wash we don't have time for this. I swear if those Viper bastards hurt him…."
"I know, you think I'm not terrified too? But Tucker is resilient. And One wasn't wrong, East is their teammate. I'm sure…," a pause, "...West is extremely upset by all this. Doesn't he deserve to come?"
"Even if he does, do you think Shatter Squad can work together well enough to succeed? They don't exactly have a stellar track record in either practice or action."
"I don't know, but if the Reds and Blues could succeed in the craziest scenarios, I have to believe Shatter Squad can too."
Carolina finished the last gathering of ammunition and paced nervously, itching to leave. Some logical part of her from years of having it drilled in knew she should wait. The numbers advantage was always a positive, and perhaps West could talk some sense into East. But the emotional part…
"Maybe I should leave now. You and the others can catch up."
"Absolutely not. We're in this together."
There was a tense pause and then, "Carolina, we talked about this…you know I still have your back even after…?"
"...I'm sorry Wash. I know I already made you feel like shit back when I lied to you about your injury, but I was so worried and sometimes I still am. And I know it's stupid, you're not an invalid, you're the strongest guy I ever met. But I-"
She was cut off by Wash's hug, and she returned it immediately.
"Carolina, I meant what I said. I'm not mad anymore. In fact, part of me wants to tease you a bit from how soft you got," she lightly punched his arm and he laughed, "But seriously. You're one of my best friends. I think I'd be more upset if you didn't care at all."
"But sometimes I doubt you. I mean, I let Diesel blow up the others to save you from Phase when you could have escaped yourself…"
"Then promise me something."
"Anything."
He backed out of the hug to look at her in the visor, hands still gripping her shoulders, "When we all stop Viper, don't give me any special focus over the others. I'm just one of your teammates okay? Like Tucker and Shatter Squad."
An agreeable nod, "I'll do my best."
The two fully separated at a cough from a returned One, who lingered in the entranceway, "Didn't realize the best of the best meant Freelancers were a bunch of emotional dorks. Anyway, I rounded up everyone and I heard Tiny got a message from our enemies. What did I tell you? Mr. Narcissist couldn't resist a final showdown."
"You've got to be kidding."
