A/N: Hey guys. ^^; I know you're probably annoyed at me, but sorry, I was pretty busy with school and stuff. You guys caught me at the end of the year with projects, reports, tests, finals. Wouldn't believe the stress. Anyways, it's summer now, so I can keep writing! I hope you guys aren't too mad.

Struggles

Chapter 5: News from the Front

It simply wasn't enough. I was becoming quickly frustrated with the few materials I had. The only thing in the room was the small cot they'd provided and a pillow. Not even a thorough search had brought me up with so much as a loose nut. I'm starting to grow restless, pacing in my cell.

It will only be a matter of time before the issue is addressed. I've met the officials that made these decisions, and I was almost positive the vote would end badly for us monsters.

"Dr. Cockroach, we'd like to ask you a few more questions."

My antennae twitch and I look up, still not entirely sure where Monger's voice is coming from, seeing as there isn't a speaker anywhere in sight. "Rest assured I'll do my best to answer," I respond, keeping myself calm, at least on the outside.

The door to my cell slid open and a pair of agents don't hesitate to grab me forcefully by the shoulders, leading me back into the interrogation room. I don't bother struggling, though when they release me, I make a point of brushing off my clothing and sending them dirty looks.

Turning my attention ahead, seeing Monger already sitting at the rickety old table. "You rang, General?" I ask, taking a seat at the table across from him and folding my hands neatly on my lap.

He looks me over closely, checking to make sure I'm lying though I haven't even answered a question. Finally, "You know those monsters better than anyone."

"Of course."

"What are they planning?"

I raise a dubious eyebrow at him, and a brief silence stretches throughout the room. I know he doesn't honestly believe I would just give them away like that.

Finally, "The longer you wait, the more likely they are to get hurt."

I falter a little under that thought. They have no idea about the possible use of those weapons… "I don't know." Monger narrows his eyes, obviously not believing me. I shake my head, "I honestly don't, General. We never planned out anything."

There's another long silence before quietly, I speak up again. "General, you know them. All four of them," I point out. "You know they wouldn't harm a single innocent person." Alien invaders were another story, of course.

Monger crosses his arms over his chest. "It doesn't matter, Dr. Cockroach. If things got out of hand-"

"Of course it matters!" I raise my voice, finally a little too irritated to hold my temper. And to think I've kept it for so long. It even seems to surprise the General, at least enough to earn a raised eyebrow. "The only reason things will get out of hand is because the government does nothing to ease people's feelings about us!"

"Calm down, Doctor-"

"I will not!" I stand up from my seat, my hands pressed into the table.

Monger stands up, and though I trump him in height, I'm still slightly intimidated. "Dr. Cockroach, if you think-"

"General! We just got news! There's a huge disturbance in New York City!"

Both of us pause, exchanging glances. Finally, Monger speaks, "And?"

"Monsters, sir."

No. They wouldn't. My stomach twists painfully and I shake my head. What are they thinking? I know as well as Monger that this will only provoke trouble. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, he seems unsure exactly of what to do. But he has a job to do, and we both know it.

"Start up the aircrafts," he ordered to the man over the PA system. "And return Dr. Cockroach to his cell."

I remain silent as a pair of agents burst in, dragging me back to my little prison. I turn around in time to see the door slam shut. All I can hope is that, if there is trouble, the others will be smart enough to just give in.