Rick and Grant arrived at the mansion and hurried inside. The two had been picking up electronic components for Alex's NOR. Jess's call had surprised them, and she'd told them everything as they raced out of the store. This was huge. The FBI was willing to work with them to stop this threat. That meant it was beyond even them. The two men followed by a confused and curious Penny entered the office like a whirlwind. Alex caught Penny and told her to go play upstairs. "Yes, Aunt Alex." She replied. She knew what was going on for the most part, and that she didn't need to be listening to everything.
Rick stood in the corner. He wanted to listen and watch. From his vantage point he could watch the eyes of most everyone. Of course Alex, Jess, and Grant weren't the ones he was focused on.
Davidson began once everyone had settled down. "The Claw is a mysterious phantom leader of a terrorist organization that has no discernable name. We're not even sure he's a singular leader. What we do know is that these terrorists are spread across the US and other countries as well. We found the fresh DNA of Charles Abernathy at one of the crime scenes belonging to this organization."
"Abernathy? Isn't he a dead international terrorist?"
"Obviously not. He's alive and we believe he is behind some of the design of the NOD. He once came to McDowell for help once right?" Davidson remained stone faced as he spoke unlike Alex who looked rather surprised.
"He did. He stole some designs from McDowell. We were told the blueprints were destroyed in a fire." Alex frowned.
"So you do know who he is?" Davidson asked.
"Yes."
"Enough about Abernathy." Davidson continued, "We know that they are moving six months ahead of the schedule we pumped out of a captured member. In light of this extreme case we are willing to continue a partnership with Dr. Lawrence, Dr. Grant, and Detective Barnes."
This wasn't as surprising as it could have been. Alex was prepared for such an alliance. "To ensure that you have access to files pertaining to this organization and so that we can keep up on any technological advancements you create, Agent Riggs is asking if he may stay as a guest in your house. He will follow all rules when it comes to your lab and property. Also we would like him to work in partnership with Barnes on any cases involving the explosion or the terrorists themselves."
Rick and Walter looked at each other. Davidson hadn't told his partner that. Rick didn't like the setup. Both seemed to find a common ground in not wanting to work with each other.
"That sounds good." Alex replied. "It's a reasonable way to work."
Walter decided he'd better say something before Davidson stepped on his toes. "Thank you Dr. Lawrence, I will be a respectful house guest." He caught the approving nod from his partner and relaxed.
"It is my pleasure to host you." Alex replied. "Now if you'll excuse me I have an NOR to complete and a test to conduct for everyone to see."
They left Alex in her office. Jess noticed the dour look on her fiancé's face. "Something wrong?"
"I just don't like the idea of working with Riggs. I know he's got some kind of grudge against me."
"I know, but we're all making compromises here. This is for the good of our city, our nation, and quite possibly the world. Besides, you're immune to the NODs." She whispered.
"Immune?" Rick asked.
"Because a part of your brain is computerized and can rely on digital pathways to connect to the body the NOD can't take hold of your will power. It's designed to control the normal human brain. You're brain is better than that." Jess reminded him.
"That's reassuring." Rick replied.
A couple hours later Jessica sat in a chair stock still as the first test run of the NOR was about to begin. Alex had retrofitted a microchip gun to properly attach the NOD to her sister's neck.
Everyone watched silently from afar except for Rick who was right next to her. She was holding his hand tightly.
"Jessica relax." Alex scolded quietly.
"Sorry, I'm just a little nervous here."
"You'll be fine. I have the kill switch ready if the NOR fails." She reassured in a confident tone.
Jessica nodded for the test to continue. She looked at Rick and tried to smile. Alex looked at Grant. "Camera ready?" He nodded. "Start recording."
She brought the gun up to Jess's neck behind her ear and pressed the trigger. Jess gasped and cringed as the NOD's small metal teeth went into her skin. For a moment she was in pain, then confused, and then her face went blank.
Alex turned to the laptop facing the agents and the video camera. She typed in a command.
C: Walk to the window.
C: Place hand on window.
Jessica stood and walked to the window and placed her hand on it. Everyone watched in awed silence.
C: Walk to Rick.
Jessica walked over to Rick.
C: Act natural.
Jessica's face went from aloof to a bright countenance. Rick watched quietly. He had already seen the NOD at work. It wasn't surprising, but the fact that it was so easy to control a person scared him.
C: Throw a punch at Rick.
Jessica pulled her right arm back and made to hit Rick in the face. He grabbed her fist with his hand gently and held it. Jessica struggled briefly before Alex typed in a new command.
C: Stop fighting.
At this point Alex pulled out her NOR in front of the camera.. She turned it on and waited.
C: Look at Grant.
Jessica's eyes clouded and she seemed to try to obey the command, but she also fought the urge to turn her head.
"The scrambler signal is working." Alex said. She watched the NOR and waited. After about thirty seconds a light on the phone-like invention flashed red. A moment later the NOD fell from Jessica's neck. She shook her head as her will power returned fully.
"That hurts." She said rubbing behind her left ear. Alex laughed.
"How do you feel?" Grant asked.
"I feel fine, except for a headache." Jessica replied.
"I still want to run a quick scan." Alex said. Jessica nodded and the two sisters left the room.