Ollie and TUFF Puppy (c) Butch Hartman
All Other Characters here belong to me.
No matter how many times Ivonne appeared before her boss, she never got use to the cold, tense feeling of his domain. Even the hardest of agents would feel their confidence drop and their legs almost give way under the hard, piercing stare of their leader. She continued walking towards him, with Silas still walking alongside her. Her eyes never left the imposing figure's eyes, as if in a hypnotic trance. Once she was within a few feet of the throne like chair, she stopped and stood straight at attention. The glowing eyes then set their gaze upon Silas.
"Silas, you may stay off to the side," the commanding voice spoke as one used to being in authority.
Silas bowed respectfully and stood off into the shadows. Ivonne could barely make out his silhouette. She was glad that Silas was allowed to stay. After this morning, she wasn't sure if she could handle having to face their boss alone. The watchful eyes once again stared straight at her, betraying no emotion.
"You're late, Ivonne," her boss said, in a matter of fact way. The statement seemed to echo all around her, as if it were the disembodied voice of a specter. She bowed her head in submission.
"I apologize, Sir," she said, trying not to show fear.
"You know I don't approve of tardiness," he continued, "An organization such as this runs on punctuality. I hate to be kept waiting, every hour that ticks by, every minute, every second, could be the determining factor in victory or defeat. And with the instigation of the plan drawing near, time is of the essence. And I won't have all my work, all my careful planning spoiled simply because one of my agents couldn't keep their appointment."
The voice grew harsher at the last sentence. Ivonne could feel her heartbeat quickening a bit. There was a moment of silence as her boss let what he said sink in. Then he spoke, his voice calm once again.
"However," he said contemplatively, "You've always been one of my best, most loyal agents, and this is the first time you've been…tardy, therefore, I will overlook it."
A wave of relief, rushed over Ivonne, but it quickly disappeared as her boss continued.
"Provided it won't happen again," he said in a way that told Ivonne that he didn't expect it to.
"It won't, Sir," Ivonne assured, "I promise."
"And we all know how important it is to keep our promises," her boss replied in a dark jokingly matter that made her shiver. He shifted his position in his chair, crossing one giant leg over the other, looking somewhat casual.
"Now then on to business," he spoke, like the CEO of a company. "I've received the update of our current "alliance" with D.O.O.M.; apparently things couldn't be going smoother. This is good. That idiot Snaptrap doesn't suspect a thing, as I expected. Even more enlightening is that T.U.F.F. doesn't seem to suspect anything either. For all they know, all of you are either new D.O.O.M agents or just some free lance henchmen."
He stroked his chin with his normal hand thoughtfully.
"A rather demeaning appearance for us, I know, but with a plan as devious as this, one must put aside a certain amount of pride."
Underneath the eyes materialized what appeared to be a smug grin, like a demonic cheshire cat.
"Besides, what's a little…humility, compared to the vast reward we shall receive once the plan is carried out?" He said in an eerily gleeful manner. "T.U.F.F. and D.O.O.M. will be no more. There will be no more competition, no more obstacles in our way. Petropolis will be under our control. Even the other villains will be forced to comply. Then…"
He clicked on a button on the control panel that was installed in his chair. The digital map of Petropolis then changed into a map of the world.
"We can move onto bigger goals," he continued, "We'll target T.U.F.F.'s sister agencies around the world: B.U.F.F., G.R.U.F.F., R.U.F.F., all of them. They'll be made into extensions of my organization. Then complete control will be mine."
He turned to Ivonne who had been standing at attention during his monologue.
"Start out small, then work your way up to bigger things, my dear" he said, as if counseling her, "That way they never see you coming…"
His metal claw suddenly clenched itself into a fist, making a sudden metallic clang echo around the room that caused Ivonne to flinch. The smile appeared again, amused to see her reaction.
"Until it's too late," he whispered, "That's how I got where I am today."
"Very clever, Sir," Ivonne complimented.
"Hmm, yes," her boss, chuckled. His demeanor became serious. "But I didn't just call you here just so I could boast of my plans; I have an important job that I can entrust to only my best agents. And the one I choose is you."
Ivonne's eyes widened.
"Me, Sir?" She asked. She knew she was regarded amongst the organization as one of the best, but she never thought her boss thought so highly of her…and that worried her.
"Of course," he said in a disturbingly cheerful way, "You've never failed me before, Ivonne. I need an agent who I can trust will get the job done, in and out like that."
He emphasized the last word with a snap of his claws. He then leaned forward in his chair.
"Can I trust you, my dear?" He said, his eyes narrowing.
Ivonne always shuddered inwardly at the way her called her dear, nor did she know why he sometimes referred to her as that, but she wasn't about to correct him, and she certainly didn't want to know why he did it. Regardless, she nodded obediently.
"Yes, Sir," she said, confidently, "Just tell me what the task is, and I'll carry it out as quickly as possible."
Her boss sat back in his chair, nodding approvingly. He then gently held up a small computer disk with his metal claw.
"Good," he replied, "You'll need this for your assignment. I want you to take this computer disk to D.O.O.M. Headquarters tonight. Tell Snaptrap that we've been working on improving our computer systems and, and since our companies are…"partners," D.O.O.M.'s computers should have the same upgrade. If I know that fool, he'll agree to anything that'll give D.O.O.M. an advantage. Have it installed in their laptops too, if they have any. If they even have the internet on their cell phones, connect them to the computers to have the upgrade. Nothing must be overlooked. "
He leaned forward again with the same piercing gaze he had earlier.
"Do you know why, Ivonne?" He asked, his voice sounding deeper. "Do you know why this little disk is so important?"
Ivonne nodded gravely. It was what they had been planning for this whole time.
"The worm," she said in a whisper. Her boss grinned evily.
"Yes," he hissed, delightfully, "The worm, a worm capable of shutting down any computer, any device, any form of technology.. That's the backbone of society today, my dear, technology. Without it, society will crumble. Just look at the panic that folks had about the Y2K bug before the new century. That alone is proof of my theory. Everything will shut down, phones, traffic signals, even the signals for cell phones will be blocked. Right now, as we speak, many of Petropolis' major corporations are having their computer systems silently infected. Soon we'll move onto the other targets, including T.U.F.F. Best of all, my technological wizards have made it possible for the worm to remain undetected. Oh it's there, imbedded in the systems, but right now it's deactivated, hibernating you might say, but when the hour has come and I press the activation button…"
He stood up slowly, his giant imposing figure casting a dark shadow over Ivonne that nearly made her cower.
"I'll send out a signal that'll awaken it! At that hour, at that very moment, all technology will shut down. Panic and chaos will rain in the streets! Practically nothing will work!"
His voice calmed down a bit as he smiled evilly.
"Except for my organization, and D.O.O.M, of course," He said, "That's what this little disk is for, to give D.O.O.M. the antiworm protection, though they don't know about that detail. They'll just think we're making their technology better. That will draw suspicion on them when the plan is put into action. We're well hidden, not even T.U.F.F. really knows much about us. When everything shuts down, they'll immediately suspect D.O.O.M. is behind it and go after them. Seeing D.O.O.M.'s technology still working will only confirm they're suspicions. Soon they'll both be too busy fighting and arguing like fools to notice that my agents will have surrounded both T.U.F.F. and D.O.O.M.. However, D.O.O.M. won't be untouched for long. The antiworm we're giving them is only temporary. Once the signal is sent out, the timer for it will be activated, and then…"
He pounded his fist on the arm of his chair.
"That's when we'll strike!" He growled triumphantly, "My agents will then attack from their positions over Petropolis. When D.O.O.M.'s technology shuts down, my agents that'll be with them will turn on them and subdue them and any T.U.F.F. agents that are there. By the time T.U.F.F. realizes what's going on, it'll be too late. We'll be able to overtake both organizations! Then I can take over!"
He stood up triumphantly.
"Not even the outside world will be able to help," he continued, "Because at the moment, my inventors are working on an electrical shield, a shield that will cover all of Petropolis and keep any signals from coming in or going out!"
He calmed down and stroked his chin in sinister contemplation.
"As for what I will do with those fools from T.U.F.F. and D.O.O.M., well, let's just say that I've been making special plans for them."
Ivonne didn't even want to consider what her boss' "plans" were. She stood in frozen fear as he lumbered down the mound steps and walked slowly towards her. She tried her best to keep a calm appearance, though her hands were quivering. Once in front of her, he leaned towards her till his face was directly in front of hers, his warm, sour breath blowing against her face.
"That's why it's important that all of D.O.O.M.'s computers receive the upgrade," he said in a thick dark tone, "If even the smallest computer is overlooked, the whole plan could be ruined."
His eyes widened in an almost insane manner. Ivonne's heartbeat was racing.
"I do not want my plan to be ruined, Ivonne," he hissed, "You understand, don't you?"
Ivonne nodded meekly. Her boss stood up straight, with a satisfied look on his face. He placed his normal hand heavily on her shoulder.
"Good," he said happily, "Try not to make your visit too quick. Otherwise you'll draw suspicion. Make pleasant conversation, that sort of thing." He smiled coldly. "After all, it may be the last conversation you'll be able to have with our… 'friends'."
He laughed at his morbid joke. Ivonne tried to smile, but inside she was starting to panic. Her boss then dismissed her with a wave of his metal claw.
"You may go now, Ivonne," he said, "Take any supplies you think you'll need. You can head for D.O.O.M. when it gets dark. Oh, and take this." He placed another different colored disk into her hand. "This is the special virus protection that I'm having installed into our computers. It'll guard us against the worm. I want all my agents to have them install it into their laptops."
Ivonne stared curiously at the small disk in her hand, as her boss continued.
"I'll have Silas let D.O.O.M. know you'll be coming. Don't fail me."
He fixed his piercing eyes on her. Ivonne just stared back, unable to move.
"This assignment is of key importance to the plan," he said in a low menacing tone, "I would hate for it to be…jeopardized."
Ivonne nodded dumbly, feeling the full impact of her boss' words. She bowed respectfully and walked out as fast as she could, still feeling her boss' gaze at her back. He watched her as the panel doors closed behind her, then casually walked back to his chair. Setting down comfortably he began tapping his claws together in eager anticipation.
"Soon, Silas," he said with a sinister smile, "Very soon."
Silas only nodded in reply.
Ivonne speed walked down the halls, avoiding eye contact with anyone who came her way, lest they see her grief stricken face. All she wanted to do at that moment was to retrieve the items she needed for her mission and head straight for home. She felt as if the entire world had been suddenly dropped onto her shoulders. The meeting with her boss left her feeling more anxious, stressed, confused, and crestfallen than she'd ever felt. After what happened at the park earlier, the last thing she wanted to do that day was to see Ollie again. How could she face him after she broke his heart? Even worst, now her boss expected her to install a system at D.O.O.M. that would aid in leading them to their destruction. Therefore, she was destroying them…destroying him, the only guy who made her feel truly happy… the only guy who ever made her feel anything. She was so busy focused on her problem that she wasn't paying attention to what was ahead of her. She gave a little gasp of shock as she found herself walking right into Terrence. He steadied her with both hands, giving her a sly smile.
"I knew I'd get you into my arms eventually," he said jokingly.
Ivonne blushed as she saw that he had both his hands firmly on her shoulders. She quickly backed out of his grasped. Terrence casually leaned against the wall, eyeing her admiringly.
"So, where're you off too in a hurry?"
Ivonne nervously brushed her hair away from her eyes. She was still greatly troubled by her meeting with the boss.
"Um, I'm…I'm off to do stuff," she answered vaguely. She was about to walk past him when he blocked her way.
"What kind of stuff?" He asked.
"Assignment stuff," she said, starting to get annoyed.
"Ah, yes, your meeting with the boss," Terrence said, "Actually, that's why I was just on my way to look for you. I got a little something for you. "
Before Ivonne could say anything, Terrence pulled out from his jacket: a bouquet of a dozen red roses. Ivonne was too shocked to say anything as he handed them to her. He smiled handsomely.
"I thought you'd need some cheering up after having to talk with the boss," he explained, "I know how…unsettling he can make one feel. "
Ivonne looked at Terrence, still a bit stunned. His smile widened, obviously pleased with her reaction. "Happy Valentine's Day," he said suavely.
Ivonne blushed again. She had certainly not expected this.
"Um, I…it's…thank you?" She stuttered.
Terrence chuckled. "Surprised, huh? I knew you'd be." He winked at her. "A woman like you deserves the very best."
Ivonne ran her hand throughout the roses, each one as red as the next. They were beautiful. She looked up and found herself staring right into Terrence's eyes. They looked so gentle that for one brief moment, she became flustered. He spoke softly.
"Maybe, tomorrow I can treat you to lunch," he suggested, "Consider it a late Valentine's gift."
Ivonne stared at the ground in uncertainty. It wasn't like her to be like this. Terrence caught her at a moment when she was unsure and vulnerable.
"That does sound nice," she admitted a bit hesitantly. Terrence moved in closer. He whipped his long tail gracefully around and gently lifted her chin with the tip of it.
"We could even see a movie if you like," he continued, "You look like you've been having a hard time. You need to have a little fun, loosen up, get your mind off things."
Ivonne stared at him, her mind all a big muddle. Fun. She hadn't had that in a while. Her mind had been feeling so clouded lately with her problems. She wanted to forget them…to forget these emotions that seemed to be overtaking her. Choosing to be with Terrence…it would be the easy way out of this whole mess.
"I'll…I'll think about it," she replied walking off. Terrence watched her leave, admiring how graceful her walk was. Two figures soon walked up behind him. It was his friends: K.O., a kangaroo who was a fist fighting champ, and Steeltusk, an elephant whose long ivory tusks had been replaced with two steel metallic ones. The two had been watching the scene from around a corner.
"Think she was interested?" K.O. asked.
"Of course," Terrence said confidently, "I saw the expression on her face. She's longing for a break, for some relaxation."
"You sure it was smart to give her the roses after that D.O.O.M. agent tried the same thing?" Steeltusk asked.
Terrence shrugged, unconcerned. "It's just my subtle way of showing her who's the better guy," he answered.
K.O. stared at him in surprise. "Don't tell me you actually see that English possum as competition?" He asked.
Terrence smirked at the idea. "Course not," he scoffed, "But why take any chances? I know she told me there's nothing between them but, still…it pays to have some insurance."
He started to walk off, his hands in his pockets. "Ivonne and I have worked together a lot of times. She's mentioned before what a great partner I am. We're a perfect team. I just need to keep reminding her of that." He chuckled mockingly. "Besides what amazing things can that D.O.O.M. possum do? Make her a cup of tea? Ha! He's no competition, believe me."
Terrence's face then became grim, his eyes narrowing. "But he better not try anything funny," he growled, "And if he does…"
He gave his tail a quick flick, making a threatening cracking sound at the air that echoed throughout the halls.
"I'll just have to…give him a fair warning."
K.O. chuckled. "You're a sly one, Terrence."
Terrence walked off with his friends, smiling triumphantly.
"And that's why there's no way I can lose," he said smugly.
Oooo, romantic competition...what would a story be without it? Well, Ivonne certainly had a pleasant meeting. Now you see why she's so afraid of her boss? But what kind of animal is he? You'll find out soon.
Poor Ivonne, having to be the one to doom the man she loves. Things just keep getting worse for her. Don't worry, Ollie will appear in the next chapter as will Francisco.;) More to come!