Well even after listening to Vivian's recorded message, sleep did not come too easily. In fact, I grew more restless. I ended up in the lab, the place where my brother Tech and his friend Rev spent most of their time creating or improving our various crime-fighting gadgets. Rip spends a lot of time here as well developing new encryption as well as decryption programs. I now had my own little quadrant of the lab. My focus is biotechnology and that's what my section of the lab is centered around. The bulk of my contribution to the team centered on life-support and physiological enhancements, such as the use of electro-stimulation for more efficient combat moves. Even though it is possible in this century, I still shy away from direct genetic modification. It's a moral issue with me. I just don't believe it's right to alter ones' genetic makeup except for extreme cases like severe birth defects. It's funny that, despite my reservations against genetic manipulation, I'm spending this time in the wee early morning hours researching that very topic. I would say that we're three hours or so from sunrise, but that only applies to Acmetropolis time. On planet Blanc, there's near perpetual daylight and so we have special shutters installed to block out the light to simulate night. It sure does make it seem more like the old Loonatics HQ back on Acmetropolis. Anyway, back to the topic of genetic modification. I wasn't looking into it for my own benefit, as a possible cure for my cancer. No…it was something else that had concerned me for some time. I had hoped not to disturb anyone with my early morning research but Rip showed up not long after I began. And I thought my flannel pants only sleepwear was racy. Rip had a shirt, a plain white tank-top to be exact, but he just had on a pair of black and red checkered cotton boxers. He didn't have on any slippers like I did. He held in his had a glass of milk. This told me that he most likely was up because he couldn't sleep either. Before he could ask me why I was in front of a computer screen at about three in the morning, I couldn't resist the urge to ask him a question.
"Hey Rip. What…no red night cap like your brother Rev?"
"What are you kidding me?! I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that dorky thing. Seriously…does anyone even wear those anymore…besides him. Didn't they go out of style somewhere around the mid-20th century?"
"I'm no fashion guru but I think they did make some kind of comeback in the late 24th century but I don't think that lasted very long."
"Whatever…let's just drop it. It's way to early in the morning to be discussing fashion. Besides, the knowledge you and I have combined on the subject is so small, it could probably cover an area occupied by a single bit of digital data," he said laughing at his cleaver analogy.
I must admit it was a pretty good one. Couldn't help but smile after hearing it.
"So what exactly are you doing in here Cobalt? It's usually your brother Tech that does this kinda thing."
"Yeah…I…I just have a lot on my mind and I couldn't sleep."
"Yep…sounds like his usual answer."
"Ok smart guy…so why are you up at this hour?"
"I blame the lack of nutritional intake I had yesterday. I mean the only big meal we had was breakfast, even though it was a late one. We had some sandwiches after getting back from the VSA (Vision Specialists of Acmetropolis) building and then I spent the rest of the day and well into the night helping Tech and Rev sort through the evidence we gathered there."
"Did you find anything of any use to us?"
"There wasn't much physical evidence to go to help identify Dr. Raines' kidnapper. I did manage to pull some information off his computer. It turns out he along with your old flame Vivian has made some great strides in vision restoration technologies."
"Just as I thought…she's working closely with him to help those deprived of the gift of sight. There's no way she could be involved in his disappearance."
"Well Cobalt…there is some mention about her growing a little distance about a week ago. He knew something was bothering her but she never opened up to him about it. He says in one transcript that he overheard Vivian talking something about dark matter."
"Dark matter…what's that supposed to mean? Could that be a code or something?"
"I'm not real sure Cobalt. It appears that it is used as a moniker…a name to put it in laymen's terms. I say that because Dr. Raines mentions in one document his suspicions that a former student and protégé of his, who he and many others thought was dead, was actually alive and going by Dark Matter."
"So we could be dealing with a new villain here but with similar powers and abilities that Vivian had as Black Velvet."
While Rip continues to go over the remaining digital evidence, I've put two and two together and I already know that the student he referred to could only be Harold Sykes. Even though I already knew the answer, I asked the question anyway. I'm not ready to share with the rest of the team the recording Vivian gave me; not while there still exists a level of mistrust toward her by the others.
"So…who is this student that he suspected of being this Dark Matter character?" I asked after Rip finished his assessment. Man I wish I had even a quarter of the memory capacity this guy has.
"Oh right…sorry…I meant to tell ya that but I got a little carried away presenting the rest of the findings but I should've given his name then while on that topic…"
"Whoa…whoa…simmer down Rip. You're beginning to sound like your brother."
"Oh man you're right. I better get some sleep before my brain gets even further scrambled. Anyway…the name of the student in question was one Harold Sykes. Not much details giving about him. Look Cobalt…it's been nice chatting with ya but I think we really need to try and get some more sleep. Lack of sleep can't be good for your condition. If you have anymore questions, we can discuss it over breakfast. We'll find Dr. Raines…don't worry."
"You're right Rip. Thanks for filling me in on the latest information. See you at breakfast Rip."
"Same to you Cobalt"
As we part company and I head back to my room, I can't help but add under my breath 'we're definitely gonna need all the rest we can get'. I have a feeling we'll be visiting me and Tech's ole alma mater Acme Tech sometime in the near future. I have a feeling I know what particular theft we'll be responding to.
Well despite my 3:00 a.m. research session, I actually woke up moderately refreshed. It helped that not everyone had woken up till about 11:00 a.m. I'm starting to wander if they had always slept in this late or…if they were all still trying to get use to being on Planet Blanc. Most of the others are already lounging around the dining area when I walk in. Slam is in the kitchen about to prepare breakfast…or more appropriately brunch at this point. I decide to lend him a hand since do have some culinary talent. I show him a recipe for a breakfast casserole that Cassandra made for me at times. She helped teach me the best way to prepare it and I caught on pretty fast. She's always been an excellent teacher. As for Slam…the big guy is totally awesome in the kitchen. He sure taught me a thing or two about preparing a meal for a group of folks. Yeah…his verbal communications skills may not be the best in the world but that doesn't keep him from being a helpful instructor. Tech and the others have learned to understand him well enough to get by, even Rip. If I spend enough time with him in the kitchen, I might be able to as well. Perhaps Duck could give me some pointers since he seems to be the one who best understands Slam. I wander how that is since Duck seems to be one of those guys who's so self-absorbed with themselves that they don't bother to even listen to others…let alone understand them. Once the meal is ready, I go to the table with the others while Slam follows behind with the delicious amalgamation of eggs, bacon, sausage, chili peppers, and melted cheddar that is the breakfast casserole. It brought tears to my eyes as I thought back to the time Cassandra would make it. I miss her so. I don't see Tech and I start to think he hasn't woken up yet. Then I hear his protests as he's physically dragged from the lab and into the dining area by the Runner brothers.
"Fine…fine…I'll sit and eat only because…it smells so…heavenly. Wow! This must be that Cassandra's breakfast casserole that you always bragged about Cobalt," he said with his mouth beginning to water from the pleasant aroma.
"Why yes it is Tech. I gave Slam the recipe and helped him prepare it. And Slam…Cassandra would be proud of your work. Heck…the several generations of her family that passed down that recipe would approve."
"(unintelligible Slam speak)…taste," he spoke while blushing from my rave review.
"He's right you know," Duck added. "You haven't even tasted it yet before giving that glowing review."
"O come on Duck," Rip chimed in. "How could anything that smells that good not taste as good as well?"
"There's only one way to find out…let's dig in," Lexi added enthusiastically.
Well…as momma always said. You know the food is good when everyone just shuts-up and eats. I'm pleased to say that it tasted just as good as I remembered. Also the caffeine from the coffee has gone a long way to help wake me up. Unfortunately it also helped Rev get up to full speed.
"So Tech…what were you working on back their in the lab?" I asked my younger brother.
"Well you see Cobalt, Tech had always wanted to find away to make our constant wormhole travels a little smoother since the internal vibrations that they cause can lead to some severe nausea in isolated cases as illustrated by frequently by Rip thanks to his motion sickness issues but now Tech thinks he's come a cross a way to virtual eliminate the vibrations via a countervibrational mechanism which he just had a breakthrough for right before me and Rip dragged him here to get the much needed nutrition…(breathes)….he so greatly needs."
Poor Rev. If looks could kill, he'd be six feet under right now. He just received a blank stare from me as I couldn't really understand him. All the others besides Rip and Tech showed blank looks too. Rip just looked annoyed and Tech…Tech had a very angry scowl on his face.
"You know Rev…I can speak for myself," Tech said almost yelling.
"Ooops…sorry guys and especially you Tech. I couldn't help it…I get so carried away sometimes."
"Sometimes!?" Rip grumbled.
"Hey no problem Rev," I reply though I'm still trying to internalize all he just said. Something about wormhole vibration corrections or something. "You can fill me in on all the details a little later. Hey Ace," I said as I turned to face our team leader. "I haven't heard much from you yet. I take it you're not as much a morning person as Rev here."
"Eh…something like that. I'm just trying to piece together this whole situation. I can't shake the feeling that Dr. Raines' kidnapping is part of something much bigger. I've been going over the data that Rip uploaded to my wrist computer and…(sighs) I was so hoping we'd seen the last of the supervillians…at least in Acmetropolis. Unfortunately we might be dealing with a new one. As much as I know you hate to hear it, your old flame Vivian a.k.a. Black Velvet is connected somehow. It's possible she's not involved in anyway with this current crime but…something links her with this Dark Matter character."
"I don't deny that Ace. You'd have to be a fool not to see that there's something similar about these two. If only you knew just how connected they were," I thought to myself as I began to grasp the reality that Vivian was directly responsible for Harold Sykes transformation to Dark Matter. At this point I'm more than 100% convinced that Harold and Dark Matter are one in the same. I won't let all this be known just yet. Knowing the possible details of Dark Matter's origin want make finding him and Dr. Raines any easier.
"By the way Cobalt," Tech said, breaking my current train of thought. "You left your computer on in the lab. I hope you were not up late researching something. A lack of adequate sleep is not going to help that cancer of yours much."
"I know Tech…sheesh…I'm the older brother. I'm the one that should be the one making sure you behave."
"Well I don't have as much need for sleep as everyone else thanks to my regenerative abilities. Oh and I hope you weren't planning on using genetic modification techniques to try and beat your cancer. We've already established that they can't be used with aggressive cancers like pancreatic cancer."
"Hehe…guess I left that last site up too," I chuckle nervously. "No Tech…it wasn't for my benefit. I was just wandering if…maybe I could get an idea for the possible genetic mutations behind Drake and Paula's criminal insanity. They had changed so drastically in their behaviors after the meteor strike. It must have triggered some kind of mutation. Maybe if I can isolate it…I…"
"Cobalt…I know you won't to do everything you can to help your old friends but this…genetic modification stuff is still not practical. They may be some success in remote cases but for the most part, the overall success rate is less than 40%. You stand a better chance of just causing more harm to them."
"The same thing could be said for your precious oh velvety one too," Duck added.
"Duck!" Lexi yelled smacking him on the back of the head.
"What!? I'm just stating an obvious fact."
"I'd agree with you Duck," Tech added. "Except Vivian's old powers were not brought on by genetic mutation."
"And you know this how exactly Tech?" Ace asked puzzled.
"It's simple…before her shadow curse completely took over my mind, I was able to identify the energy signature on it. It wasn't biological in nature. It was definitely an external energy source that was powering that shadow curse of hers. It may seem strange but…the energy seemed to be coming from…her cloak."
"So that would explain why she was able to regain her memory of me as well as of events in her past once the cloak was gone. It's as if it had its own shadow curse over her," I added feeling relieve by the news that she was permanently altered by the meteor radiation."
"That's a strong possibility if all this is true," Ace added . "Hey Tech…why didn't you mention this earlier? That whole Black Velvet ordeal was about two years ago."
"Guess it just slipped my mind chief. Didn't seem like too relevant a fact till now."
"Well it's the best news I could have gotten bro," I add. There's still a lot of questions to be answered. I say we go back to Acmetropolis, specifically to Acme Tech. I think we're all pretty sure what this Dark Matter guy's next move will be."
As if on cue, Ace's wrist computer sprang to life.
"Well if that don't beat all," Ace said as he glanced over the news. "It appears that Acme Tech has been put on high alert. It says a credible threat exist against Acme Technical Institute property sometime this evening. Someone calling himself Dark Matter claims to have developed a method to utilize the BDCE (Black Diamond Crystal Engine) from the Light Wave Eliminator to blanket the entire planet in complete and permanent darkness. Why in the world would this guy announce his theft? It's like he wants to draw someone out in the open…maybe us."
"Maybe," I added then I said under my breath "or maybe Vivian."
"This is big guys," Ace added with some urgency in his voice. "We're facing another supervillian that, except the fact that his powers are a lot like Black Velvets', we don't know much about. I think all of us need to do some extensive training in Tech's holographic training room. We'll follow that up with some dinner and then head down to Acme Tech. If Dark Matter wants us to come out and play, we'll be more than happy to."
"Alright!" Duck exclaimed. "Yet another chance at a new high score."
"Duck it's not a…oh never mind," Tech sighed, conceding to Duck's ego. At least this way Duck got the most out of his training.
"You all can get started on the training without me," Tech said dashing for his lab. "It's time to make my new babies…the self-regulating wormhole stabilizers…ready for their debut.
Well that training session was something else. I don't believe I've ever trained that hard before a big basherball game. At least dinner was big and very filling. Man that Slam can make veal parmesan that'll knock your socks out…providing of course you're wearing any in the first place. We arrived at Acme Tech around 5:00 p.m., just as the sun began to set over Acmetropolis. We've been given permission to scout out the campus for potential places that Dark Matter will make his entrance. It still feels all wrong to me. The whole situation just screams trap. Why else would any self-respecting villain make known the exact date and time of his plans. Well…there's arrogance but still…I don't like this and Rip senses this from me very quickly. We teamed up to scout out the east wing of the main floor, where the labs were.
"I take it you're just as uncomfortable with this whole thing as I am," he said matter-of-factly.
"You could say that," I added, confirming his suspicions.
"You know…there's something I wanted to tell you last night that I forgot to do. I was reminded when you were talking about your old friends this morning. I just wanted to say that I think it's very noble how you still care for them despite what they've become. That sense of loyalty you have is so refreshing and I wanted to let you know that I appreciate that about you. You're a great guy Cobalt."
"Well now I wouldn't admit to all that," I said blushing a little. "It's just that…they were there for me during some tough times and I just want to be sure that I can be there for them when possible, nothing too earth-shattering about that really. Hey Rip," I said, changing the subject. "Do me a favor and continue scouting this hall without me. There's an old utility room right here that I'd like to check out. Could be a possible covert entry point plus it's also a special place to me. Please indulge me while I take some time to reminisce."
"Oh why the heck not…I'm a little confused about what would be so special about a utility room unless that's where you…oh I get it, you and Vivian spent some…private time in that room back when you two were dating. That's a classic man. Take your time and get lost in the past as long as you'd like. Just don't get too lost. We've got to be ready when Dark Matter arrives on the scene."
I nod in appreciation and understanding and head off to the utility room. As she had promised, Vivian had left me another recording. I'm glad to see she remembered the times we spent in here…to ourselves. I'm once again swept away by her voice as she tells me in her words about the night she lost her site.
A young, black couple is seen running along the pedestrian walk that overlooks the bay. Their destination is the convention center and both stop to catch their breath once they reach their destination. The man is an intimidating-ly muscular guy standing about a full foot taller than the young lady, Ms. Vivian Summers. His name is Luther Fitzgerald, but she simply calls him Massive.
"Well so much for that short cut Massive baby," she teases. "We almost didn't get here in time."
"But we did get here in time. Now isn't that all that matters?"
"I guess but it sure took a work-out to haul tail over here. You have to forgive me sweetie but…I promised Cobalt I'd be here for his signing. We may not be an item anymore but he's still a good friend and I know it'd mean a lot to him if I was here for him."
"I'm still trying to process the fact that you actually dated a mangy coyote…"
"Hey now…don't be calling him mangy…"
"Sorry…sorry, I can't believe I let that slip. Look I'm not trying to put your friend down or anything. In fact I'm looking forward to meeting the guy…er…coyote that first captured your heart. It's just…I guess I'm letting my jealous boyfriend side come out."
"You have no need to be jealous honey. I have to admit…you are cute when you're all jealous like that."
"In you're so fine when you get all riled up."
Even thought the time is drawing near for the ceremony, Luther and Vivian are too busy holding on to each other and kissing passionately. She has her right arm draped around his back, his back facing the expanse of the bay as it sparkles in the sunlight. Vivian's attention is caught by the sound of what she first thinks to be an aircraft flying low. As she looks over Luther's left shoulder, her eyes go wide with fear as they focus on the meteor as it crashes down into the bay. Before either can react, they are enveloped by the intense light of the resulting fireball and for Vivian…all went dark.
So that's how it exactly happened. She was coming to see me on my big day. She didn't have to do that. She shouldn't have since now it led to…no…can't blame yourself Cobalt. Well at least she was happy up to the point of the meteor strike. It sounds like she found herself a good man. She called him Massive…where have I heard that befo…of course…Massive is the name of one of the super villains the Loonatics have had to deal with in the past. Could this be the same guy? If so, then it looks like yet another criminally insane villain was spawned after that darn meteor. So this guy Luther a.k.a. Massive possessed a great deal of muscle mass. That's probably what ended up saving both him and Vivian. It's amazing he survived if it is the same guy I'm thinking of. He took the brunt of the radiation and in the process spared Vivian of its incriminating effects. Still something helped drive Vivian to the brink of insanity back then. I have my suspicions it's Dark Matter. Hmmm…I wish she would've have left me a little more clues. She could've at least listed another drop zone for a new recording. Maybe I'm supposed to go directly to her for the final chapter of her story. I have a feeling I know where and when. Before I could finish the thought, Ace's frantic voice came through the radio alerting everyone to gather at the lobby. The shadowmen had arrived. Dark Matter could not be far behind.
"How many are we dealing with?" I yelled as I activated my night vision and joined the on-going struggle.
"Well for now I've picked up at least 20 with the help of my GPS capability but just as I get a fix on a few, (roundhouse kicked four shadowmen approaching him), more seem to pop up. It's getting hard to keep up with even for ME," he began screaming as he was overtaken by a group of six or so shadowmen.
I ran to Rev's aid and landed a few karate kicks on the unsuspecting shadow minions. Rip had also dashed to our aid. Ace and Lexi were handling themselves will. Ace has really mastered that guardian strike sword of his. Duck was having a blast annoying a few of the dark thugs with his constant quaking in and out. Tech used this distraction to pull down a railing from a set of catwalks above with his electromagnetic powers and tied them up securely. Just as it looked like we were getting the upper hand in this battle, who should show up but Dark Matter himself. He was completely dark as night with a matching black cloak. Tech pointed out how he looked just like Black Velvet did; only it was clear this wasn't Black Velvet when he started to speak.
"Well…well…well…what have we here? Why it's the famous Loonatics, the finest eight superheroes in the whole universe," he laughed mockingly. "Oh wait…actually it's just six superheroes and two super zeroes. Cobalt…older brother of Tech and former boyfriend of my good friend Ms. Vivian Summers, I've never got the chance to meet you in person till now. You may have some awesome karate skills and biotechnical savvy but you're no match for me without any powers. As for you Rip Runner, how cute of you to follow in your older brother Rev's footsteps. You may be super when it comes to numbers and digital security, but not where it counts I'm afraid. Still, it's those skills that make you the most sought-after…at least by me that is."
With his last sentence came a pulse of energy that disabled our night vision. Rev was in a panic as his internal GPS revealed that Dark Matter had just imprisoned Rip in a dark orb and that another one of those orbs was heading his way. I'm not quite sure how but I was able to focus my eyes well enough to make out the outline of the orb as it approached. There wasn't much time to think…so without thinking…I grabbed Rev and pushed him out of the way and then all went dark for me after that.
Once Dark Matter departed with his two prisoners, the emergency lights were restored and the other Loonatics began to look around in a complete daze.
"What in the…oh no…they're gone," said Ace as he gingerly got to his feet. "Rev run and see if the light wave eli…."
"The light wave eliminator is still present and accounted for except something has been removed from it most likely its BDCE or Black Diamond Crystal Engine. Also missing are Cobalt and OH NO RIP IS GONE TOO," he blurted out. "Ok…got to remember…let's see. I remember Dark Matter casting some kind of orb over Rip probably much like the time Black Velvet captured Tech in that orb…it's the same type of orb I'm sure. He had one with my name on it too but Cobalt…oh geez Ace what is going on here?"
"I'm not quite sure Rev," Ace admitted looking somewhat defeated.
"Oh man…I'm such a pee-brain," Tech whined. "It all makes perfect sense now that I think of it."
"Well care to enlighten the rest of us pee-brain," Duck added.
"It was Rip he was after the whole time. This was all a plan to get Rip and the BDCE."
"But why Rip?" Lexi asked. "What could he possibly need him for except…there must be some kind of security deal he needs to get past and he knows how quickly Rip can circumnavigate something like that."
"Right," Tech said as he thought the whole thing out in his head. "So his plan was to kidnap and possibly torture Rip for his assistance and if that wasn't going fast enough, he would torture his brother Rev to make him comply. The only thing is he didn't grab Rev…he ended up…grabbing Cobalt. Oh…no…he's going to…"
"That's what we have to assume," Ace said as he patted Tech's shoulder for comfort. "If Rip won't cooperate with Dark Matter then we have to assume he will torture Cobalt to make Rip comply. Of course, we have other plans. Don't worry Tech…Rev…we'll find them and will put a stop to whatever Dark Matter has planned. I just wish I knew whether or not time was on our side.
Author's Note: Well…this looks like as good a suspenseful place to end this chapter as any. What perils await Cobalt and Rip? What is it that Dark Matter wants with Rip and most importantly, with the BDCE? Is Vivian's last boyfriend before the meteor strike truly the Massive we all know as a supervillian? (y'all probably already know the answer to that one) please stay tuned for the exciting conclusion of "A Dark Matter." My apologies for posting this one so late in the day (at least by my time zone). I had just about forgotten that I was giving blood today so that was a slight delay. Oh well…better late than never. I hope this has been enjoyed by all up to this point.