A Place in the Sun

Summary: Sequel to 'How to Save A Life' and 'Topsy Turvy.' Jade and Linksano are living a happy life with their friends and family. But when SOI and Charlene are kidnapped by a shady government agency, their fathers undertake a perilous journey to get them back.

Warnings: Torture, Strong Language

Pairings: Linksano/OC, SOI/OC Friendship.

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I only own my .

Spoony was editing his latest video when Insano came barreling into his room and threw open the closet doors. The gamer watched in bewilderment as t shirts and jeans were torn off their hangers and tossed around. "Insano?"

"Don't you own anything that's not a t shirt and jeans?"

"Umm..."

"And no, your many numerous costumes do not count! I need a suit!"

Spoony blinked. "Why?"

Insano stopped manhandling the clothes and turned to face Spoony. "I need to look like a credible scientist. Someone other scientists would trust, and I can't exactly do it in this." He indicated his scrubs.

Spoony was still a bit lost. "What, did you get invited to speak somewhere?" Insano stepped forward, fists clenched.

"No, I did not! Do you have a fucking suit or don't you?!"

"I might. Tell me why you need one."

Insano shuddered, then sank onto the bed. "We...found them."

"Found who...oh my God." Spoony's jaw dropped. "When? Where?"

Insano took a deep breath. "Charlene found a way of contacting her father. They're being held at this underground facility. Linksano and I were going to disguise ourselves as legit scientists and see if we could bluff our way in, and Linkara and the others were going to look for the kids."

"My suit's in the very back. Is there anything else you need?"

Insano nodded, grinning. "I need to borrow your surname."

Jade tugged on Linksano's tie. "You know, without your trench coat and gloves, you bear a remarkable resemblance to Harvey."

"I don't know if I should be flattered or slightly insulted."

Harvey chuckled from his spot on the couch. "I'd take it as a compliment, Doc. All you're missing is the fedora."

Linksano rolled his eyes. "I told you, I hate wearing hats. Though I do thank you for having a suit I could borrow." He examined himself in the hallway mirror. Jade stood next to him.

"You should wear suits more often. You look downright fuckable in that." Linksano grinned at her, and she kissed his cheek. "Though there is one thing. Lose the goggles."

"But Jade...!"

Jade glared at him. "Don't 'but Jade' me, Mister. Name one scientist besides Insano that goes around wearing goggles. Take 'em off."

With a long suffering sigh, Linksano removed his goggles. "There. Better?"

"Much."

Linkara and 90's Kid came into the living room. Linkara blinked. "Am I seeing double? Which one's Harvey?" Linksano glared at him, and he laughed. "Relax, I'm kidding. Though seeing you in something besides that trench coat and black shirt and pants is a little odd. Spoony just called, Insano's going to meet us there. You guys ready?"

Everyone nodded, and Linkara pulled out his teleporter. "Grab hands and hang on."

When they arrived, Insano was waiting. Linkara blinked, and he rolled his eyes. "Spare me the lecture about how much I resemble Spoony. We've got more important things to do."

Linkara nodded. "Right. So, what now?"

"Now, hero, we go in the front door."

SOI was feeling nervous and excited. There was a change in the air that he couldn't quite understand, but something was telling him that today was going to be very different from the days before. He floated over to a still sleeping Charlene and nudged her until she opened her eyes. "What?"

"Riki. Riki."

Charlene yawned and sat up. "What's going to happen?"

SOI shrugged as best as he could, and Charlene rolled her eyes. "Thanks for telling me about it. When is it going to happen?"

"Riki."

"Soon, huh? Well..." the door to their cell opened. Reed stepped in, smiling at them. "Oh, it's you."

"Come on, Dr. Merkle wants you in the Common Room. Seems there's a couple big shot scientists that want to have a look at the place."

Charlene sighed. "Great, more sadistic asses masquerading as scientists." SOI giggled and followed Charlene into the Common Room. Holly waved them over.

"Did you hear?"

"Yeah, I heard. I wonder what these scientists will want to use us for. No doubt something nefarious."

Merkle couldn't believe his luck. After years of trying to be taken seriously in his admittedly unorthodox research, at last he was beginning to get the recognition he deserved. He tried not to skip down the hall as he approached the two scientists that were waiting in the lobby. "Drs. Antwiler and Schlumper? I'm Dr. Merkle, the head of the project."

Linksano had to resist the urge to use his fingerbeams right there. He looked over and noticed Insano was clenching his gloved hands. He turned back to Merkle. "I'm Dr. Oscar Schlumper, and this is my colleague.." he paused, realizing that he didn't even know if Insano had a real name. Fortunately, Insano was quick on the ball.

"Dr. Nicolas Antwiler."

Merkle shook hands with both of them, grinning. "Welcome, welcome. I must ask, how did you find out about my humble facility?"

Linksano grinned. "We have our sources in the government just as you have yours, Doctor. I trust you'll allow us some measure of confidentiality."

"Of course, of course. Well, come along, and I'll show you what I'm doing here."

He led them off, not noticing when Insano waved at a waiting Linkara. The hero nodded, then motioned over Harvey and 90's Kid. "Remember the plan. You both have to be extra quiet, or we'll get caught. I've had Nimue disable the cameras, but there's still a risk."

90's Kid looked solemn. "Dude, that's my little sister and SOI in there. There's no way I'm messing this up. You can count on me."

Harvey nodded in agreement. "Same here, Kid. We're with ya. Now, how do we get in?"

Linkara grinned and walked to the back of the warehouse. He placed his hand on the rusted metal and shoved gently. 90's Kid and Harvey blinked as a portion of the wall slid open, revealing a set of stairs that descended into darkness. "It's amazing what Nimue is capable of. I had her do a complete scan of this place, and there were some...interesting items. Such as these back stairs."

90's Kid wrinkled his nose. "Pretty dark down there, dude. Anyone remember to bring a flashlight?"

Linkara spoke an incantation, and a small but very bright light appeared. "Will that work?"

"Dude, that's some awesome magic!"

Harvey whistled,impressed. "Gotta say, Kid, that's a pretty neat trick."

"Thanks. Now, shall we?"

With the light to guide them, the three made their way down the stairs. They ended at a fork. Harvey sighed. "Great, which way do we go?"

Linkara looked down both halls, then pointed to the one branching off to the right. "This way."

"You sure?" 90's Kid whispered. Linkara nodded.

"I'm sure."

They followed the hall until it ended at a door. Linkara tried the knob, and to his relief it opened. "OK, come on."

The room they entered was large, and very cold. Linkara shivered, pulling his coat tighter around his body. 90's Kid rubbed his bare arms. "Dude, where are we?"

Harvey gulped. "I..think we're in a morgue." He walked over to a wall and found a light switch, flipping it on. "Yep, it's a morgue." He made a face. "Looks like it's occupied, too."

Linkara shuddered in disgust. "Ugh. Let's not stay here. 90's Kid, come on." The teen didn't answer, and Linkara bit back a curse. "90's Kid!"

The teen was staring at a figure on one of the slabs. Linkara sighed in annoyance. "God, don't tell me you're getting weirded out." He stomped over. "You know, I'd never imagine that the oh so tough 90's Kid would be creeped out by a dead...body." Linkara's hand flew to his mouth when he saw what lay on the slab. "Oh my God."

90's Kid gulped. "It's a kid. He looks..."

Linkara nodded, feeling ill. "Yeah."

Harvey came forward, eyes going wide when he saw. "Jesus fucking Christ. What kind of sick fuck would do this?"

The body was mangled, with holes of varying sizes everywhere. Linkara closed his eyes, rage building inside him. "I don't know, but if he's hurt anyone else, I'll make him pay. Come on, we've got work to do."

"And this is what we call the Room. It's specially designed for each gifted child. For example, if one is telekinetic, then they are given the chance to play with physical objects."

Insano nodded. "I see. And is there any risk of injury?"

Merkle waved a hand in dismissal. "Slight risk, but we have an Infirmary on site. Now, would you like to meet the children?"

Linksano smiled. "We'd love to. Both Dr. Antwiler and myself are quite fond of children."

SOI was putting together a puzzle with Adam when he heard whispering coming from nearby. He tilted to the side in curiosity before floating over to the bookshelf up against the back wall. The whispering was a bit clearer now. "Damn it, I can't open the door."

SOI's eyes went wide, and he flew over to Charlene. "Riki, Riki Riki!" She blinked at him, then ran to the shelf. He bounced up and down in the air. "Riki!"

"Sophia, can you move the bookshelf?"

Sophia nodded, and waved her hand. The bookshelf moved aside, revealing a door. "I didn't know that was there!"

Charlene took a deep breath and placed her hand on the knob. It turned, and she opened the door. Linkara came through and scooped her up, hugging her tight. SOI trilled in glee. "Oh, thank God you're both OK."

Charlene clung to him, crying. "Where's..."

Harvey spoke in a choked voice. "They're here, too. They bluffed their way in." Charlene grinned.

Just then, the sound of voices came from the corridor. "As I said, I have quite the crème de le crème here."

Charlene growled. "Merkle. You guys had better hide, or he'll know something's up." Linkara, Harvey, and 90's Kid hid behind the door, SOI and Charlene went back to the puzzle, and Sophia replaced the bookshelf just as Merkle opened the door.

"This is the Common Area, or the Gathering Area."

Insano and Linksano had spotted their children. Insano turned to Merkle, smiling. "Thank you for the tour, Doctor. I have one thing to say. Goodnight."

Merkle blinked, confused. "Good..." Insano placed his hand on Merkle's neck, pressing gently. Merkle crumpled to the floor. Linksano whistled, impressed. "Nice."

"Thank you." Insano stepped into the room, and was immediately bowled over by SOI.

"RIIIIIIIIIKKKKIIIIIII!"

Insano clung to his son, sobbing. "Oh, thank god. Thank god you're safe."

"DADDDDDDDDDYYY!" Charlene shot out of her chair and ran into her father's waiting arms. Linksano clung to her, sobs of relief overwhelming him. "My little one...my angel.." He kissed her over and over. "Thank god."

Adam was the first to speak. "Charlene, is that your Daddy?"

Charlene nodded. "Yeah. Daddy, what about everyone else? They can't stay here."

Insano sighed. "She's right, you know." A loud knocking made him look around, startled. "What in the name of Science is that?"

Sophia moved the bookshelf, and Linkara's team tumbled into the room. Insano blinked, then shrugged. "A telekinetic child. Of course. Well hero, what do you propose we do about these other kids?"

Linkara shrugged. "I've got enough room. We can give them a place to stay until we find out if they have any family."

Linksano frowned. "And if they don't?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meanwhile, what do you want to do with him?" He pointed to Merkle, and the scientists exchanged wicked smiles.

"Leave him to us, hero." Insano replied. "We'll take care of him." The mad grins on both left no doubt in Linkara's mind what 'take care of him' meant, but this was one time where he was all for it.

"Have fun."

SOI and Charlene gave them one last hug before Linkara led the children back the way he and his team had come.

Insano and Linksano grabbed Merkle and beamed to Insano's lab. They manhandled the still unconscious 'scientist' into a chair, strapping him in. "Now..." Insano smacked Merkle hard. "Wakey wakey."

Merkle opened his eyes, staring in confusion at the two. "What's going on?"

Insano grinned, and the madness in it made Merkle whimper. "What's going on, Merkle, is that you kidnapped our children. You were going to hurt them. So, we're going to hurt you."

Linksano cackled. "Oh, come now, Insano, don't hold back. Hurt isn't the word for what we're going to do to him. I prefer...torture. Nice, slow, and painful. Also very scientific, if it's done right. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Well said, Linksano. Now, since you're a guest here, I think you should get first choice."

Linksano picked up a scalpel and walked over to Merkle, placing it against his forehead. "I think I'll carve your face off, one..tiny...strip at a time." He said softly, drawing the scalpel down Merkle's face. Blood flowed, and Merkle screamed. Linksano giggled. "Scream all you please. Insano had this place soundproofed. Now, where was I? Oh yes..." he placed the scalpel behind Merkle's ear, slicing downward.

Insano tilted his head, grinning as he watched. "You're quite the artist with that scalpel. Now..." He picked up a small wrench and walked over. "As for me, I tend to be a bit more...blunt." With that, he brought the wrench down on Merkle's hand as hard as he could. Merkle screamed as his bones shattered. Insano laughed in insane glee and smashed Merkle's fingers one by one.

"YOU'RE BOTH CRAZY!"

Linksano leaned in."Yep. And you're the one that pissed off the crazy scientists by kidnapping our children. Not too bright, are ya?" He pulled off a strip of skin, grinning. "Insano, I need someplace to put this."

Insano replaced the wrench and returned with scissors and a taser. "Garbage can is to your left." He sliced Merkle's shirt open, not even bothering to avoid cutting the skin. "Ever been tased?" Merkle shook his head. "I have. Hurts like a son of a bitch, let me tell you. Your body jerks, and after you can't move for hours. And that's just with a normal, every day taser that you can get online. This taser...is special." He flicked it on, pressing it against Merkle's chest. Merkle bucked and spasmed as he was electrocuted. Insano giggled. "I amped this up to 100 volts."

Linksano sighed. "As much as I'm enjoying his screams, it's very hard to do this while he's moving."

"Oh, of course. My apologies." Insano tossed the taser aside and pressed the scissors into Merkle's chest. "I haven't performed surgery since Med School, and that was on a cadaver. And with sterile tools. Oh well."

Linksano placed the scalpel against Merkle's lips. "It's like riding a bike. You never really forget." He dug in, slicing Merkle's lips off. "There, now. Much better."

With that, they began to work in earnest. After a while, Merkle couldn't scream anymore, and by the time the sun went down, what had once been a person was a wet mass of red flesh. Insano provided the final touch, drawing the scalpel across Merkle's ruined throat. "A good day's work, wouldn't you agree?"

Linksano nodded. "Yes, and now what do we tell our kids?"

Insano sighed. "That Merkle won't be able to hurt them anymore. That we gave in to our dark side to save them. Charlene will understand, and so will Jade. They love you, just as SOI loves me. And right now, we need to be with our families. I'll get rid of...that. You go see your wife and daughter, and then I'm going to go see my son."

Linksano smiled in relief and gratitude at his friend before beaming out.