The worst has happened. Carmen turned evil but Chase won't give up. He'll take her back no matter what.
Chase was devastated. Carmen, his love, his little fox and his angel had been abducted by VILE. It happened right after a meeting with Chief, where she revealed her connection to Dexter Wolfe to her. Sandiego mentioned it to him before that meeting. Devineaux never expected that : that his boss was tracking the daughter of the man she killed, leading her to create ACME. Destiny liked to laugh. He got worried about this, wanted to accompany her. But she refused, arguing she wasn't seeking revenge but would ask her to retrieve her mother, in exchange for what she' been looking for : VILE'S story. Carmen took some time for her, and it happened. Player was the last one who talked to her, who alerted the team.
" What will happen to her ? Will they … kill her ?" he asked to Shadowsan.
That one shook his head.
" VILE does not wish to lose such potential. Thus, they will reprogram her to be their operative. It will be a better revenge to make her commit what she always fought."
This relieved Chase for only a second. Because this familiar fire he got to taste in Bavaria was back one more time.
" I'll find her." he swore.
" We'll tag along." said Ivy.
" No. I'll do it my way, plus I have more reach than you. If I can't retrieve her, I can tell that she will come to me."
Shadowsan wanted to hold him back. This promised to be ugly. Chase left the base, to find an ACME hideout. There, he informed Fraser about the recent event. She got sceptical about this reprograming thing. But he reminded about his own situation when abducted in Poitiers, then Graham's case.
" It's not that he was lying to us, but on the contrary he was persuaded to tell the truth thus him able to dupe our lie detector. When you put that device on his head, you partially broke that lie he was in. I know an Indian expert on this, I'm sure she can confirm my words." explained Chase.
Tamara mused on this. Contrarily to when he was monitored, Calloway had indeed an erratic behaviour, once he tested the memory circle. She suspected some kind of amnesia, and wasn't wrong, except that it was a forced one. She interrogated her agent about his intentions. The darkness on his face surprised her. Chase wanted nothing more than free rein. He demanded everything she had linked to VILE. Fraser never saw him like that. She had a hunch that this was purely formal. He'd do it his way no matter what. Since the case was still ongoing then fine. Devineaux thanked her before leaving the room with a martial step. Before all, he called Dr Kathri. He'll need her knowledge on this.
" I see. Well you did right by calling me. Contrarily to what Saira thinks, no matter how good she is at this, the mind isn't like a dresser of which you can open the drawers as you wish. Just like you can't completely empty them. It's far more complicated than that." began Anu.
" So there is hope of bringing her back." said Chase.
" Naturally. You cannot erase an entire life, it's too difficult and not needed in that case. She'll just have to behave the way they want, meaning they simply manipulated her short-time memory first. Probably did what needed for her to believe she's always been one of them, and certainly assume she'll never question this." continued Anu.
" What can I do ?"
" It's safe bet that VILE don't know your connection to Carmen ?"
" Exactly."
" Perfect. You're an unknown data that will create a conflict. Her memory is certainly full of holes, things that VILE can't possibly be aware of. That's why it's impossible for them to erase everything. Once the doubt inside of Carmen, she won't be able to forget it. The crave to discover the truth will get stronger." assured Kathri.
Humans were always seeking for their origins. If Carmen ever thought that hers weren't clears, she'll want to unravel this. This, will be his opportunity. The seed he needed to plant in her head to divert her from her kidnappers. Chase thanked the doctor for her help. Now, he knew what to do. He then reunited the team to inform about what he learnt. The siblings protested about not being invited to retrieve Carmen.
" I never said you couldn't. You just won't accompany me that's all. I'll keep in touch with you in case I find her first. But if you meet her, be extremely careful : there's high chances she won't remember you and her ties with you." warned Chase.
This idea seemed so hard to believe for them. The young were so used to her being victorious each time, so strong that her being prisoner of VILE had always looked unlikely. She would find a way to escape. But now … Chase was certainly right. They couldn't hope that Carmen would be the same. Not after being in contact with Bellum. Impossible. Shadowsan assured the inspector that they will keep him updated about VILE's moves as well. He asked him to be prudent. Devineaux nodded, then left the place. Shadowsan sighed. He was so sad about what happened to Carmen. He hadn't been here to protect her. When looking for the VILE relic in Sweden, he managed to get out alive only because the entire place collapsed. He was ready to fight until the end, but was aware that Brunt had been near to kill him.
He got lucky back then. His daughter had fallen into their enemies' hands. She had certainly been reprogrammed to be evil, everything she always hated. The man was feeling powerless. Chase went back to say goodbye. He added that he would bring her back. Once again, Shadowsan got impressed by the flame of determination in his eyes. Even as a cat he had it. The Japanese felt a wave of hope. Chase woulddo it. He would succeed. He was their best hope as of now. So Shadowsan nodded with a deep look. Bring her back. The door closed on that silent promise. Chase began by coming back to ACME's headquarters. As he was equipping, he heard a knock. Julia and Zari entered. Chase showed surprise. What was bringing them ?
" I'm coming with you." announced Julia.
" No."
" Please ! I want to help miss Sandiego, I want to rescue her just like she did for me ! Why can't I come ?!" exclaimed Julia.
Chase stared at her, before his expression soften.
" Because it will be ugly. Thus quite dangerous."
" So ? We're ACME agents, danger is our everyday batch."
" No, not everyone."
" What are you implying ?!" insisted Julia.
" He means he doesn't want you to see that. He's going to dirty his hands, to spread blood. Agent Devineaux don't want you to witness this side of him." translated Zari.
Argent blinked, before turning to Devineaux. That one was staring at Zari. She perfectly understood his feeling. By the shade in her eyes, he guessed that at some point, the woman had to go through the same as him. Her almost invisible nod confirmed it.
" Bu-but … I-I come from Interpol too. I'm prepared for this kind of things." continued Julia.
Chase had a smile, then shook his head.
" I doubt it. Your eyes are still clear, you hadn't seen the ugly side of our job yet."
" But your motive isn't ugly. And I'm not made of cotton. Sooner or later, I'll have to face this part of our work." objected Julia, on a low tone.
True, he granted. She'll have to go through that eventually. That's why she should have stayed in that university. Devineaux interrogated Zari about her presence. Did Chief ordered to monitor him ?
" You know, I still have my own will. I think you'll need assistance on that one. Going alone is too reckless." she said.
Hmm, Zari got a point. He couldn't take any chance if he wanted to succeed. Plus they were both smart, their strategy would certainly be very useful. So after some minutes, Chase finally agreed. While they were getting ready, he explained what he got in mind. The three agents disappeared.
A few days later. In a back store.
SLAM !
" Wha …what do you want ?" asked a man to three persons in front of him.
He'd been brutally slammed against a wall after those people entered his shop. One turned the sign on his door, indicating he was now closed, while a petite one and a taller one grabbed him. They knew his shop was a cover for a traffic, and who were his employers.
" Who are your contacts ?" asked Julia.
" Huh ?"
" Speak, or I'll break you." threatened a male voice, who slammed him against the wall.
His eyes were partially hidden by tinted glasses, however once close the murder intent was obvious. The shopkeeper denied. Breaking it was then. After some punches, flights across the place, objects broken on his head, the merchant yielded. He indicated a secret register hidden in his back store. Zari went to collect it. Chase gave one last warning about being silent, then left. The three agents went to visit each contact.
" Speak, or I'll break you."
Little by little, they went up the chain. And the more they went higher, the more violent it became. With dead people. The questions changed, too.
" I want to know where is Carmen Sandiego."
Of course, most have no idea. Didn't matter, all of this would reach VILE's ears soon. And more importantly, hers. Chase regularly gave news to Player, that he was fine and slowly approaching. Them on their side, were waiting for a move on her part. This was about to happen. The Faculty got a report about losing some facilities, business and merchandises. The ACME agents were supported by their agency to arrest staff, which boss was only too happy to collect all this. But above all … someone was looking for Carmen. They exchanged looks.
" What do you think we should do ?" asked Cleo.
" Think it's one of her teammates ?" said Brunt.
" Well, considering she was allied with that ACME thing, it's highly possible. Which pose quite a problem." replied Gunnar.
Given what was happening, that sounded more like them to do this.
" Indeed. If they were to capture Carrmen, they could make her retrieve her memory. We don't know about their means." said Bellum.
" Then let's keep her away from this. We'll send the Cleaners." decided Maelstrom.
Boris and Vlad were called. Already on a mission to clean after the operatives passage, they took the call right when two persons were approaching them to deliver loots.
" Fine. We'll go eliminate those searching miss Sandiego."
Carmen and Graham looked at each other. Who was looking for her ?
" That's certainly the police, who else could it be ?" said Graham, shrugging.
But Carmen heard the conversation. Apparently, it was three persons causing damages to VILE. They were to every place connected to the organization. Sandiego knocked at the van's door. She delivered her loot, then got away.
" Hey Carmen ! What's wrong ? Being searched by the police is part of the job." reminded Graham.
" That's not the cops, Gray. They only visited places owned by VILE, meaning they know us." corrected Carmen.
" So what ? The Cleaners are gonna deal with them."
" But why are they asking for me in particular ?" insisted Carmen.
" I don't know." lied Crackle.
This was bad. He couldn't tell her it was because she was well known as a thief not so long ago.
Carmen believed she had always been part of VILE, her being famous shouldn't be possible. Meaning nobody should even be aware of her existence. No one should be looking for her. Graham tried to reassure her, it wasn't her problem right now and they had to focus on their caper in Vienna. Carmen glanced at him. So that was all ? This didn't even surprise him ? How come someone was searching for her ? This was weird. Something was fishy here, and Graham should be curious. Carmen flashed a smile and agreed. However, Graham would keep an eye on her. They reunite with the rest of their crew, to prepare the heist.
Player got wind of the event, and immediately informed everyone. Chase's heart beat fast. He was about to see her again. He was about to play his role as the grain of sand which will foil VILE action. He updated his teammates about their next destination. During the trip, Julia approached him, wondering how he was feeling.
" Glad to know I'll see her soon. I miss her so much. But also … worry."
" That's understandable. Imagining her being evil is frightening." said Julia.
Chase sighed. There wasn't a single moment when he wasn't thinking about her. He longed for her smiles, her love, her presence. Facing her while she wouldn't remember him, see him as an enemy ached his heart and made him shiver. Her sole coldness toward him would be enough to defeat the inspector. Chase had to be strong, like she'd been when he got transformed. He made a promise, to him, to her, to her team.
" And what about you, miss Argent ?"
" Well … that sure was something."
Chase's face went dark. He tortured people to obtain intel.
" I'm sorry." he said low voice.
" I forbid you to be ! You're doing this for the woman you love, on bad persons who certainly did the same or worse ! Plus, it was my choice to tag along and I was completely aware where I was going to !" protested Julia.
Chase had a little smile. The plane was now landing. He went serious. Vienna. Carmen was in here.
Her team located her after a heist. She was in a fair. Devineaux spotted the siblings.
" Player ?"
" Yes Chase ?"
" Please tell Zack and Ivy to not come in contact with Carmen. We do not know how she'll react, and I'm pretty sure it won't be friendly."
Player agreed. Alas, when Ivy got the information Zack was already gone. The courant got cut for an instant. Chase, who was heading where is girlfriend was supposed to be, froze. It was pitch black… he activated the night vision of his glasses. Where was she ? Devineaux heard Ivy's shout. Damn what was happening ? He noticed Shadowsan, then Carmen's glider. Glancing to his other team, he noticed that they were fine. On the meantime, electricity was back. Zari informed her that they located Carmen landing outside the fair. He ran. He had to see her before she could disappear.
Carmen folded her glider pretty satisfied. Her crew would join her in an instant. She called Graham with her ear com. There. As she turned to wait on a bench, she spotted someone. A man, leaned on a tree and staring at her.
" ?"
What did he want, her photo ?
" Well hello, miss Sandiego."
The latter widened eyes. It was him. The one looking for her. Who was he ? How could he know her ? Chase straightened, then turned his back.
" No wait !"
She heard steps. Her team was here. They joined, before leaving.
" And now ?" asked Zari.
" Now we wait. She'll come to us." replied Chase.
Three hours later, Carmen was indeed back to the fair. She sneaked out of her hotel. She had to know. Maybe that man wasn't here anymore, but she felt drawn here. Chase talked to team Red right after she attacked Zack and left. Poor boy was traumatized : he nearly died and to top it all because of someone he considered family, someone he cared about. Devineaux took him by the shoulders : he made a promise. To bring Carmen back. Zack tried on his own, and at least it confirmed what they thought : she'd been reprogrammed. The young man didn't do anything wrong, it was only natural to try. Shadowsan let things in the inspector's hands.
" There he is." thought Carmen.
She observed him an instant. He was sat alone at a table just like her earlier. In plain view ? Was he expecting her ? Carmen walked. She sat in front of him. Chase lifted his eyes a few seconds after from his drink, he was making turn in his glass.
" Hello again, miss Sandiego."
" Who are you ?" replied Carmen.
Ouch. Very ouch. So much ouch. Daring to touch her was already quite a mistake, but turning her in an operative, erasing their love from her brain … death wish. He tightened jaws.
" So you don't remember me. It's true then."
" No why ? Should I ? And what is true ?" insisted Carmen.
" Yes you should. What VILE did to you is true."
She remained silent while he took a sip.
" How can you know about VILE ?"
" Do you want a drink ?" kindly asked Chase.
" I want answers, and fast."
" Or what ? You'll wipe my memories like Bellum did with you ?" dared Devineaux.
Sandiego stayed mouth opened. That was too much information here, too to be a coincidence. Chase made a sign to a waitress. Then, he reported his attention on his girlfriend. Aaaah, he was so glad to see her and talk to her again. She was so beautiful, he wanted nothing than to cover her sweet face in kisses.
" She … didn't wipe my memories. And how can you even know her ? Who are you ?!"
" I'm your boyfriend."
GWAH ? That was the word written all over her face. Chase almost laughed, her expression was priceless. Carmen shook her head.
" Excuse me ?!"
Her what ? This guy got some nerves, daring to say that. She would remember if she had a boyfriend. Even if she had to admit he was quite attractive.
" You're all excused. I can prove every sentence I've said. The real question here, is will you have the courage to find out ?" continued Chase.
The waitress brought a glass she put before the thief. She shivered once her eyes on the liquid.
" That's your favourite, am I wrong ?"
She looked at him and gulped.
" I'm listening." she said between her teeth.
" What was your twelfth caper ?"
Carmen had this time an ironic smile, leaned on her hand.
" You reeeaaally believe I'd confess something like that ?"
" No, because you can't remember nor what it was, or where. I even bet … you can't remember you were looking for your parents, who never abandoned you by the way." casually said Chase.
As used as she was to hide most of her emotions, Carmen couldn't prevent herself from displaying shock. How ? How could he possibly be aware of such personal details ? Sandiego was considering VILE as her family alright, but she always had this question in the back of her mind. Like every abandoned child, there was this why ? surfacing from time to time. She was no exception. Her eyes fell on her drink. This man said it was her favourite, and he was right. Who could have tell him that ? All of this was spinning in her mind. Her memory wasn't hollow. Right, her twelfth caper was … was … it happened in … wait. Why nothing came to her ? What was it ? She remembered the one in Morocco, her studies in the academy … Shadowsan's betrayal that fateful night, where she chased after him to understand his motives.
Chase was attentively observing her reactions. Carmen was preoccupied. She surely realized there was details she couldn't recall, thus something was wrong. Good. The seed of doubt was planted, and he was about to add oil on the fire. Her throat dry, Carmen took a sip. Her heart was beating. There were other capers she should have done since her graduation. It was four years ago, so why … why some details if not the whole case were absent from her mind ?
" She didn't dare … I've .. I've done nothing wrong to be mind-wiped."
He was lying. That's it, that man was trying to set her, to make turn and betray her family.
" Nice try. But I know what you're trying to do. But let me warn you …" she said angrily.
" Really ?" cut Chase.
He tended his hand, opening to reveal a golden medallion. A click later it was opened, displaying a photo.
" That's Dexter Wolfe. I surmise you recognize the baby ?" he made.
It was her. No doubt about this.
" Where did you get this ?!" exclaimed Carmen.
She had a move to take the jewel, but Devineaux took it back.
" You had it on you the day you were abducted by the Cleaners."
" No. This is a fake, and you're simply trying to obtain intel from me. Well listen closely sweet face, I …" tried Carmen again, standing up.
" Then how about something impossible to fake ? An undeniable proof about our relation ?"
She blinked. She shouldn't listen to him any longer. She should ran, warn the Faculty about this man so they could dispose of him. He knew too much. This last thought echoed in her head. He knew too much. That was precisely what disturbed the thief, as well as instantly calming her down. The fact that he could be aware of such details, albeit VILE being unknown to the world, being so careful to never let any tracks or witnesses. This wasn't normal. An undeniable proof … her mind was unable to stop reflecting on this. If, like he said, he really was her boyfriend then … then … She gulped again.
Then everything else is true.
It was frightening. She wanted to fight this truth, this reality. She was already struggling on the inside. A part claiming it had to be fake, a lie, another bumping against the terribly truthfulness of Chase's words. That one might be looking peaceful, but he knew their conversation had reached its climax. Maybe she'll refuse to hear that last argument. Was what he disclose enough to disturb her, to instil the doubt which would act like a snowball ?
" Well ? Want to know or are you scared ?" he pushed.
" What ?"
" You heard me, little girl. Go hide under your bed if you don't want to know. Just leave, that's simple."
Wargh, that was bold. But Devineaux had to tickle her ego, to provoke her so she would listen until the end. Carmen enraged before those words. She tightened her fists. Right now she was about to jump at his throat. That sure would lure unwanted attention. However, her body was unable to move. Sandiego was like nailed to the ground, like a rabbit caught in a car's lights. Like asking somehow for a thing that she knew it would hurt. Or rather her ego was asking for it. He had no serious proof. It was all a lie. Well played by the way. He pushed where it could hurt the most. Worth praising. She crossed her arms, adopting a defying posture.
" What is it then ?"
" It's on your own body. The proof that you've known a man. Check for yourself if you dare." revealed Chase, pointing her.
Carmen realized he wasn't pointing her head, but a specific part. Her belly. No. Lower than that. What could that mean ? Chase got up too.
" I'll let you muse on that, miss Sandiego. And it's useless to ask your littles comrades about you, because they already know. They're not your friends, they won't hesitate to report your conversations. See you soon." concluded Devineaux.
He turned heels, paid the drinks before leaving the fair behind and most of all, Carmen. But he did what he came for. Now, he had to wait for the result which should be soon. On her side, the young woman remained still for a while. This night had been rich in emotions. She too left the place, disturbed as never. During the whole way back to her room this meeting obsessed her. She entered in silence. The thief was unable to sleep. The following morning the crew was about to leave the country. Carmen laid eyes on them. They certainly teamed up from time to time. Like for example … hmmm oh yes, when she stole that stamp with Tigress. Kinda blur for a memory. She could only see herself waiting with Tigress on top of a bridge, while the Cleaner's chopper was on the verge of collecting them. But … if she tried to remember more, it was blank.
" You okay Carmen ?" wondered Crackle.
" Yeah, just tired. This goddamn jetlag kept me awake all night."
" Don't mention it." complained La Chèvre.
They all started whining about that. Carmen looked at Gray. They must have done lots of capers together. That was their main topic when on the campus. That was something she would never forget. Not that. Just like El Topo and La Chèvre, Carmen and Crackle were a pair. He was her brother, they were inseparable. Right ? As she was about to recall heists done with him, she suddenly felt a blocking.
" Huh ?"
No, a fear. Because of what she learnt yesterday night. Fear that there will be no recollection. Nothing. A blank. She tried to reassure herself. Of course there was ! But an inner voice said what if not ? She got up to embark. Why were all the others memories were nor dull, incomplete, or simply missing ? Carmen lifted eyes to the plane. She was now dreading to find out. She couldn't decide to check her memory.
Carmen and co arrived in England. They were to stay here while waiting for the Faculty to call. She isolated herself in her room, to take a good shower. She spotted her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes lowered.
It's on your own body. The proof that you've known a man.
She had to know. Once and for all. Grabbing a tablet, she opened Internet. Hm, knowing the thing better be precise about what she was looking for. Carmen clicked on an article. She frowned upon reading. That … She swallowed. Time for her shower. The thief entered with apprehension.
Five minutes later.
Sandiego pulled the curtain brutally. Shock was all over her face. Without taking a towel, she staggered until the wash basin, on which she leaned, eyes wide opened. She hesitated, almost finished her shower before finding the courage to check.
It's true. It is all true.
Her heart beat so fast, she had trouble to breath.
He told me the truth. It wasn't a lie !
Her legs shook. Carmen slid on the floor. Still wet, she was cold now.
I have been reprogramed.
They all lied to her, they were keeping lying. Her teammates' faces danced before her eyes. Their smiles … they were fake. Even … even Gray's ones. He knew. Yet he was acting in front of her. And what about the ones she viewed as parents ? Such as Coach Brunt, who despised betrayal more than anything ? The one who was a mother?
She lied to me. She's pretending. I'm their puppet !
Carmen lifted her eyes, now burning. Well guess what, the puppet was about to cut her ties. They wanted to play with her ? Fine. Two could play that game. She'll show them what it meant to toy with her. Carmen straightened. Her eyes were absolutely dark.
She WILL destroy VILE !
