"I still can't believe that I can control my new Turbo power." I said as we walked towards the cafeteria. We had started heading here after I complained about being hungry. Well 'starving' may have been the exact word I used.
"Yeah it is pretty unbelievable." Shock said and I turned my head to stare at him. "Just kidding Jessie."
"Whatever. I'm just glad I won't go boom again." I replied as I walked next to Berto and Shock.
"I second that Jessie. Not something I wanted to happen either." Berto agreed as we walked. When we reached the cafeteria he took me aside for a moment.
"I'll wait inside for you two." Shock said before he left us alone.
"Is something wrong?" I asked Berto and that's when I got the shock of my life when he asked if I would spar with him. "No offence but you don't fight…do you?" I said. "I mean I will but can you fight?"
"I haven't actually fought anyone before but I thought it'd be a good idea. I mean you can say no if you don't want to." Berto replied and I shook my head. "Is that okay with you?" When I nodded he gave me a grin.
"Okay I'll spar with you but don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're my boyfriend." I told him, smiling.
"Yo no quiero quo. Fight like you usually do just without using your Turbo modes. Except Base mode of course." Berto told me and when I tilted my head to one side, he shrugged. "Then the fight will be over before it begins."
"Okay I promise to only stay in Base Mode. Just don't expect me to be a pushover." I told him as we walked into the cafeteria.
Just over an hour later we were standing inside one of the Training Rooms, me in my Base Mode minus the helmet and Berto minus his lab coat. Standing a few feet away Shock looked on, arms folded against his chest as he asked us for the millionth time if we were sure about this.
"We'll be fine. I'm not using my powers so it's just a physical fight between the two of us. Plus we won't really hurt each other and I'm interested to see how well you can fight, Berto." I said and he smiled at me.
"I have some moves." He commented and I smiled back. "Whenever you're ready." As soon as he finished speaking I ran at him and he managed to dodge, surprising me.
"Whoa I've never seen you move like that." I said staring at him and he shrugged. This time he ran after me and I dodged the punch he aimed at my face, only to realize it was a bluff when he kicked my legs out from under me. "Ow!" I yelped as I ended up on my back and he grinned down at me.
"I'm just full of surprises." He told me as I jumped to my feet. Embarrassed at being caught off-guard I kicked out at him but he dodged and we ended up trading blows. I tried to use my arms to knock him down but Berto blocked every blow I aimed at him, leaving me wide open. Grabbing my arm he threw me and I righted myself in midair, landing on my feet.
"You really are." I had to agree before I changed tactics. This time I circled around and he did the same. Then as he went to charge in I stepped to one side and, holding my arm out he ran right into it. Ending up on the floor he stared up at me, slightly winded.
"Where'd you learn that move?" He gasped as he climbed to his feet.
"Wrestling." I replied and he chuckled. "I did have moves before I became a Turbo user. Use to watch it when I was a kid."
"Impressive." Berto answered. For the next half an hour we kept trying to knock each other down but every time I thought I could Berto would dodge. He had the same trouble and eventually we were gasping.
"Wow…this is pretty cool." I said as I stood there, trying to get my breath back and Berto gave me a nod. Again we ran at each other and this time I ducked Berto's arm and grabbed his, stopping his attack and then kicking at his chest. He fell backwards and as he did I forgot to let go of his arm. Completely off balance I fell over and landed on top of Berto, winding him. "Umm…this wasn't what I meant to do." I muttered. As I went to stand up he wrapped his legs around both of mine and before I had time to react he rolled and I ended up lying on the ground. With Berto now sitting on top of my chest I couldn't help blushing.
"I bet you weren't expecting that." Berto said and when I didn't answer he laughed. "Didn't think so."
"That…was unexpected." I finally said as I stared up at my boyfriend. "Are you going to let me up or should I just stay where I am?" I asked him and he grinned down at me. When he didn't answer I raised an eyebrow.
"Hang on I'm still thinking." Berto replied and I giggled, only for Shock to fly over and ruin the moment.
"Are you two done or should I leave?" Shock asked and I pretended to consider the question, making Berto laugh. "You're as bad as him."
Sighing Berto stood and helped me to my feet. After dusting myself off I looked at Shock as Berto gave me a grin.
"So how did we do?" I asked my partner.
"Pretty impressive I have to say." Shock told us and I couldn't help the smile that appeared on my face. Even Berto looked pretty happy. "How did you learn to fight like that?" He asked Berto this time.
"While you were unconscious I asked if Max and Steel could train me." Berto explained and when I stared at him, eyes wide, he shrugged. "That's the same look Max gave me. Anyway I wanted to be able to protect you and that was the best way. But believe me at first I had no idea what I'd gotten myself into. Still it was worth all the bruises and embarrassment to finally be a match for you." He added and I smiled at him.
"So you learned to fight to protect me? Aww that's so sweet." I said and Berto blushed which made me start laughing. Rolling his eye at me, Shock asked what we planned on doing next.
"I'm not sure actually. When Jessie decides to stop laughing at me, I'll ask her." Berto replied as they both stared at me. Within a minute or so I had stopped laughing and I tried to think of something.
"I'm not really sure myself. Any ideas guys?" I said and as I watched on I saw Berto give me a quick smile, making me wonder what he had planned.
"I have an idea." Berto said and when he told us I had grinned. A few hours later we were walking around Copper Canyon and I had to admit that the fresh air felt amazing. Of course Shock made sure I didn't accidentally go outside before changing into my Camo mode.
"It feels awesome being outside." I commented and Berto smiled at me, reaching over and taking my hand. "And that's pretty nice too." I added as I squeezed his hand.
"Making me gag now." Shock said and Berto and I laughed as we headed for the park. Of course he couldn't really throw up so he started making coughing noises instead.
"Very funny Shock." I said as we reached the park. "It's pretty quiet."
"A little too quiet if you ask me." Shock said apparently finished making fun of us. Rolling my eyes I asked how it could be too quiet. "Something might happen." He added as he flew out of my bag.
"Seems pretty safe to me. Quit being a killjoy." I told him and a question mark appeared on his face. "It means that you're spoiling the mood. We're outside and having fun."
"Doesn't mean that something won't happen to us." Shock pointed out and I face palmed.
"If you're that worried about someone attacking us, why don't you take a look around?" Berto suggested and I grinned. Taking his advice Shock flew away and left us to explore the park. Taking my hand I let Berto lead me around the park and as we walked he asked me something. "So how are you feeling?"
"Pretty good actually. Even after our sparring session and testing out my new mode I still feel good. How about you?" I said and he smiled at me before pulling me into his arms. "I'm guessing pretty good."
"Buena suposicion." He replied before he leant down. Knowing what he was doing I smiled briefly before I felt Berto's lips on mine. As we kissed we were completely obvious to anything around us except each other. At the same time Dredd and Naught were working on something that involved Turbo energy, well Naught had been ordered to find out what he could about the missile Agent Claire had created.
"I don't get why it's so important. The missile was destroyed along with that N-Tek agent so why keep looking?" He said out aloud just as Dredd walked in and he cringed.
"It's important because I know she would have left blueprints if something happened to her. So keep looking. If N-Tek does build another missile it could mean the end for the invasion and Lord Makino." Dredd told him and Naught went back to his searching, thankful that he wasn't punished for speaking out. Unknown to them I had a copy of the blueprint stored on my computer; I just didn't know it yet. Back in the park we were still locked in a kiss when Shock zoomed in and almost collided with the both of us. Startled we broke apart and stared at the Ultralink who eyed us for a moment before he spoke.
"I hate to break up your make out session but we have to return to N-Tek. Right now." He said and I frowned.
"What's going on?" I asked him and when he didn't tell me I sighed in frustration. "If its urgent then why aren't you telling us what it's about?"
"It's about Makino and the Turbo missile." Shock finally told me and my eyes went wide. "You okay?"
"Let's go." I replied and Berto nodded. By the time we arrived back at N-Tek, Forge and Kat were already in the Com Room. As soon as the three of us rushed in Forge stared at us.
"Where did you three disappear to?" Forge asked and was more than a little surprised when I frowned at him.
"Makino's an alien isn't he?" I asked, ignoring the question. "Tell me the truth." I growled and both Forge and Kat exchanged a look of disbelief.
"Where did you hear that name?" Forge asked, completely ignoring my question and I glared at him. I wanted to ask again but Berto put a hand on my shoulder and shook his head at me so I kept quiet.
"I decoded the last part of that file at Agent Claire left and I found out that the missile was designed to destroy an alien that's targeted Earth." Shock said as we looked on. "You knew that didn't you?"
"That information's classified and you have no right to…" Forge began, clearly angry with the three of us, before I spoke up.
"I have a right to know why my mom died. And all this time you've kept me in the dark when you knew that an alien from another world was targeting this planet. Why does he or it want Earth? Is it really an invasion or something more?" I said as I stepped forward, my anger growing. But Forge stepped forward until he was face to face with me.
"You don't have clearance to know that information." He growled at me and I shocked everyone when my eyes glowed green briefly.
"I lost my mom and no one will give me a reason other than 'its classified' or 'I don't have clearance'. I'm sick of it! I have a right to know what's going on!" I shouted and everyone stared at me. "I barely remember her and its driving me crazy! My Ultralink doesn't even know where he's from and frankly that's something I bet you know too." When Forge's eyes went wide for a split second something occurred to me. "Is he an alien?"
"You're in over your head." Forge said his voice even though I could sense he was only just keeping his temper in check. "Stand down."
"I won't! I'm part of N-Tek and you're keeping secrets from me. What kind of people keep an amnestic from the truth about herself and her family?" I shouted and to my horror I felt tears well up in my eyes. "It's frustrating enough not knowing who I am but to have people who I thought were my friends keep something so important from me…well I don't know who to trust. That's it…I'm done here." I finished as I felt the first few tears running down my face. Spinning around I stormed out, not even sure where I was going but knowing I didn't want to stay here. The moment I left Berto glared at Forge.
"How could you do this to her? I know she doesn't have clearance but you could have at least told her something. She's desperate to know who she is and I want to help her but I don't know how." Berto said and he saw Kat give him a sad look.
"I know that but it's to protect her. There's a lot she's not ready to know now. I'm not doing this to hurt her. Even if she thinks otherwise." Forge told him and Berto sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Go after her."
"I always do." Berto said. "Let's go find her Shock." He said and the Ultralink gave him a quick nod before they left the room.
"I want to tell her about Makino and her Ultralink but that would put her in more danger." Forge said to Kat who gave him a nod.
"And I think she's been put in harm's way too much lately." Kat said and Forge had to agree with that.
As I walked through the hallway, wiping my eyes with one hand, I silently wondered why everyone was being so cruel to me. Not Max and Steel, obviously not Berto or Shock and not Molly I thought to myself. Then there's Sydney and Kirby, I thought and managed a sad smile when I realized they had no idea that I was a Turbo user. I guess that leaves Forge, Kat and Jefferson. Stopping for a moment I crossed Kat and Jefferson off the list too when I knew that Forge was the only one who was completely in charge.
"So I can stay mad at him." I muttered to myself as I continued walking. Soon I was joined by Berto and Shock who asked me to stop. When I did I waited for the both of them to speak as I wiped at my eyes again.
"Before you say anything we're on your side. You have a right to know." Berto said and when I didn't answer he continued. "So we want to do whatever we can to help."
"I don't want anyone to get into trouble. It's my responsibility to find out what I can about Makino and I won't let you or Shock get the blame if anything goes wrong." I said and they both exchanged a look of pity. Before I could react Berto pulled me into his arms and I tried to push him away, still angry at Forge. But he only tightened his grip on me and even though I knew it would be easy to break free I didn't. After a few seconds I retuned the hug and as he held me I began to shake. Soon my legs gave out and I almost fell to the floor only to be lowered gently to the floor. "Can you hear me?" Berto asked as he reached over and stroked my cheek. When I didn't answer he took my hand and helped me to my feet before wordlessly leading me down the corridor as Shock followed, glancing down at his friend. When he finally stopped, still leading me, I glanced slightly upwards as I tried to work out where I was. Then I realized I didn't really care and resumed staring straight ahead as my mind tried to make sense of why everyone was keeping secrets from me. For the third time today I felt Berto take my arm and lead me inside.
"Have a seat." He said and when I just stood there he sighed and gently helped me onto the bed. Now sitting I continued to feel sorry for myself. "What's wrong?" He asked me and, getting no answer, he walked into my line of sight.
"What do you want from me?" I asked as Berto sat beside me.
"We want to help you." Shock told me as Berto wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Just tell us what you want us to do." Sitting there for a full minute I finally came up with an answer.
"I want to know who 'Makino' is and what he plans to do with Earth." I told them, more determined than ever to find out what Commander Forge was keeping from me. "I want the truth and I'm not going to take no for an answer."