The Replacements II: Part 1
Anderson ignored Jason's outburst and dimmed the lights. He turned on a slide projector and slid in the first slide. It appeared to be a photo of a Petri dish.
"This is the single embryonic cell we used to create Keyop. He is a marvel of modern technology." He began.
"So, he's some kind of robot, then?" Tiny asked.
"No. He's completely human. But he has been genetically manufactured for the team." Anderson replied as he slid in another slide. "Here he is as a baby. Anyone notice anything different about him?"
"How cute!" I exclaimed. "But isn't he a bit too young to be walking? I mean, he is awfully small…"
"Yes, he is. Most babies start walking at nine months at the earliest. Keyop was walking around at six months." Anderson continued. "Keyop's abilities go far beyond any other child his age."
"So he was made specifically with the exact abilities he would need to participate in the G-Force program?" Mark stared at the screen, astounded. "Why are you allowing him to join the team at such a young age?"
"Simply because he is ready." Anderson gazed at all four of us through his thick glasses. The light from the projector reflected off of his lenses as he continued to change slides, showing Keyop in various stages of growth and during training sessions, showing off for the scientists. "Even at the tender age of eight years old, Keyop matches each one of you in agility and stamina. He also offers the added bonus of being small in stature, which may come in handy in a tight spot." Anderson smiled. He seemed proud of his accomplishment.
The Chief's smile faded a bit as he began to give us more information. "However, when we put in the implants, we encountered a small problem."
"What's that, Chief?" Even in the dark, I could see the concerned look on Mark's face as he leaned forward and spoke.
"Keyop's speech was altered severely, causing a sort of stuttering speech impediment that we cannot seem to fix. Unfortunately, we'll just have to wait and see if it goes away on its own." Anderson took his handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his forehead. He looked worried.
"That was the reason I had to be excused from the dinner table on the first night Princess was here at Center Neptune. We had hoped to find a solution."
"Poor kid, he has a lot to overcome…" Tiny sighed.
"So when do we get to see him in action, Chief?" Jason remarked, as the Chief turned the lights back on.
"I planned a training session for all of you this afternoon," Anderson replied, as he sat back down behind his desk. "I had hoped that you would use this morning to get to know him, and make him feel a little more comfortable." The Chief glared at Jason, sending an unspoken message to the Condor.
Mark stood up. "Ok, Chief. We'll go talk to him now." He motioned for the rest of us to follow him. "Let's go, team." He ordered. We all sprinted out of Anderson's office and proceeded to the Cafeteria.
I could just make out the top of Keyop's head in the corner booth of the cafeteria. I walked over with the others and sat next to him in the booth.
"Whatcha eatin', short stuff?" Tiny teased.
"Fruit Loops." Keyop answered, without looking up. He looked nervous.
"Keyop, we're looking forward to training with you. The Chief told us how talented you are." I began, hoping to gain his trust.
"That's what they…broot…tell me…" He chewed his cereal and looked up at me, with an awkward grin on his face.
"How'd you like to fight in the simulator with us, after breakfast?" Mark asked.
"Sounds…swell…" Keyop finally looked Mark in the eyes, with the silly grin still smeared across his face.
"Yeah, we'll see what the little bird can do against a legion of Spectran goons." Jason remarked sarcastically.
I kicked him under the table, causing him to double over and slam his head on the table.
"Ignore Jason." I declared to Keyop. "He doesn't play well with others."