Disclaimer: I do not own Danger Mouse (2015) or any canon characters featured within. They are the property of Brian Cosgrove, Mark Hall, Fremantle Media, CBBC and Boulder Media. I do own Emma White, Dr. Kirkland, Ms. Anderson and Jonathan Baker, among other OCs.
DMEP
Professor Professor Squawkencluck, yes that is her name, had just stored away a new invention when she heard pounding at the door. "At least he knocked this time," she muttered as she watched the door open. "Danger Mouse, I didn't say you could come in, did I?"
Danger Mouse wasn't in a good mood. "Oh, spare me the lecture, Professor, we have a crisis!"
She blinked twice and prepared to open her beak.
"What DM means is that we're sorry we came in like that, but we really need your help with something serious," Penfold piped up, hoping to placate the situation before things escalated.
"Only if Danger Mouse apologises for being so rude right now."
The mouse sighed. "You're right, that was terribly uncouth of me. I'm sorry I addressed you in such a manner, Professor."
She nodded. "You're forgiven. So, what's this urgent crisis?"
"Do you remember Emma?"
"That wee orphan lass? How can I forget?"
"Danger Moth found her in a bad way last night. The one who adopted her maltreated her in a grievous manner and she's now in hospital fighting for her life."
"What...?"
"She's not the only one. The same individual has done the same to many orphaned children he adopted."
A look of determination covered her features. "What do you need?"
"I'd like for you to hack into the database for a male named Mr. Joseph Cartwright, he's a wolf."
"I must ask why you can't do it."
"You're more proficient with technology than I am. You can get deeper into the database than I ever could, even with my access."
"Alright, I'll do it. In the meantime, I have a gadget that could help expediate the investigation." She made her way to her private locker.
"What is it?" Penfold questioned, glad his friends hadn't completely shattered their cameraderie.
"It can download a person's memories."
"...eh?"
She opened the locker and brought out a helmet. "It's exactly as I said. Whoever wears this can have their memories downloaded without actually causing the individual to relive the memories themselves. This will allow you to see what Emma remembers. You can set it to a specific time so you can focus on the correct memories."
"This does sound like it would be handy for law enforcement and therapists to have, especially for victims of trauma who'd prefer not to remember everything at such a great detail," Danger Mouse remarked, accepting the helmet. "How does it work?"
The professor almost fainted in shock at those words. "Did...did you just ask...how it works...?"
"I did and I will pay attention. I can't stuff around this time, children are in danger."
"Right. You're right. Alright, this is how it works."
DMEP
The pair were at the hospital, arranging with the doctor in charge of taking care of Emma to download her memories.
"You're certain this won't cause lasting damage?"
"All of the professor's gadgets work as they should provided they're used correctly. She instructed me on how to use it."
Dr. Kirkland nodded. "Very well then, but I must be with you to monitor her condition."
"Agreed." He turned to Penfold. "Will you be alright coming in? Or would you prefer waiting out here?"
"I'll come in," Penfold decided.
"This way then, gentlemen." Dr. Kirkland led the pair into the room.
The only sounds that could be heard were beeps, whirrs and pumping from the numerous machines surrounding the kitten. She appeared much smaller in that bed and it was an upsetting sight for Danger Mouse and Penfold. They noted with relief that Emma's doll Lucy was still with her, knowing it would cause her great distress if she didn't have her last physical memento of her deceased father.
"Take care with the cords when you place it on her head. How long does it take?"
"No more than a minute," Danger Mouse responded in a hushed voice. He made his way to her bedside. Taking great care not to disturb any tubes or wires, he placed the helmet on Emma's head. He set the timer to the last three months and flipped the switch. He watched as the helmet lit up and heard its gentle whirring. He kept watch over Emma's features; though concerned at how blank she appeared, he was also relieved the helmet really wasn't causing the memories to come to the forefront of her mind. She was still in a frail state, panicking could only cause more damage. A quiet ding! sounded and the lights died down. He flicked the switch again, tenderly removed the helmet and gave the girl a tender kiss on her forehead. "Don't worry, Emma, he won't get away with it." He joined Penfold and Dr. Kirkland. "It's done now."
"Can...can I...?" Penfold asked the doctor.
Dr. Kirkland nodded. "Of course."
"Thank you." He stepped over to the bed, also being mindful. "Emma, I'm sorry this had to happen to you. But, we will get whoever did this to you and ensure you stay safe." Just as Danger Mouse had, he gave her a kiss on her forehead. "We both still love you very much, please fight to come back to us."
Dr. Kirkland turned to Danger Mouse. "I don't quite understand."
"A few months ago, we were charged with protecting Emma from Greenback. In the time she was in our custody, we came to love her as if she was our own daughter," the mouse responded.
"This must be hard for both of you then."
"It is, but it's hardest on Emma. She had to go through everything."
Penfold joined them. "I'm ready, DM."
"Right. Let's go." He turned to the rabbit. "Thank you for allowing us this time."
"Just get that monster. In all my thirty years in practice, I had never seen someone in such a devastating condition, let alone one so young. I'll continue to do all I can to help her, but please understand I am not a miracle worker," Dr. Kirkland responded.
"Understood. Come along, Penfold, let's get this back to the professor."
DMEP
The door opened. "You're back? I expected you to take longer."
"She's not exactly in the best shape for visitors. It was a surprise we could be granted even that small window," Danger Mouse responded. "I did as you instructed." He handed her the helmet.
"How far back did you go?"
"Three months. It corresponds with the information I gathered from the adoption papers."
"Alright. Now, I must ask both of you this. Will you watch it? Or would you prefer someone else does and relays the details to you? The memories might be very graphic and I know how much you care about her. What you see might cause you much distress."
"I'll watch it. Seeing it as an outsider is nothing compared to having experienced it like Emma had."
Penfold nodded. "I...I'll watch it too..."
"Don't force yourself, Penfold."
"I have to, DM. I have to know what happened to bring Emma..."
"Alright. If it gets too distressing for you, let me know and I'll pause it. This is all being seen outside of Emma's viewpoint so you can witness everything. It is similar to an out-of-body nightmare. I would say dream, but nightmare is far more appropriate. I have to prepare it, so come back in half an hour," the professor stated.
"Right. How is it going with the database?" Danger Mouse asked.
"Still scanning."
"Good. We'll be back in half an hour."
"Okay. Take this time to steel yourself for what you'll likely be seeing." She watched them leave the lab and sighed. "I probably should too."
