Music – Hybrid – We Are In Control

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The malice that fumed off the advancing robots practically buffeted an apprehensive Peggy. It was almost as thick as the wisps of smoke that drifted from whatever was left of their charred plastic flesh.

Studying the two badly damaged robots, Peggy realized that the male one had difficulty walking. She hoped that the intense fire had weakened the machine to the point that it could be stopped easily. However, the less impaired one-handed female was faster as it shuffled purposely past its partner toward her.

Peggy quickly looked for any exposed wires so she could short-circuit them, but none could be seen. Sneering, she figured they were housed within the metal skeleton itself.

The tourists crowded in front of Peggy were taking snapshots of what they witnessed. Too intent on getting a fantastic image on print, they were clueless about the approaching danger.

Peggy shoved them out of the way just in time. For her troubles, she nearly got raked by the metal claw-like hand of the female robot. Sidestepping the swipe, Peggy continued to backpedal, doing her best to dodge its deadly range.

Dmitri was suddenly beside her. He had somehow procured a dirty dish towel and held it tightly clenched between his hands at the ready. Peggy had no idea what he planned on doing with something so benign against these accursed machines but more power to him.

At least the male robot jerked toward him and away from her.

As Peggy retreated, she noticed that Jarvis shadowed the female robot. The SSR Agent was unsure how he planned to help and quickly motioned him to stay clear.

While Dmitri lunged back and forth at the male robot, trying to get past its defenses, Zdenka threw a rock, striking its metal head.

Grinning, Zdenka yelled in Greek to those around her, "Come, let us be done with these demons!"

Seeing that this was the safest form of an attack, the locals in the crowd soon joined her in chucking rubble at it. Their aim was not as good as hers, and Dmitri had to duck a few of the ill-thrown debris. One or two did get past his defenses, and soon his scalp was bloodied.

But the continuous hits and yells from the crowd caused the weakened male robot to become disoriented, and it stopped advancing. Using this distraction, Dmitri was able to bind the towel around one of its metallic wrists. Just as quickly, Dmitri wrapped the middle portion around its exposed skeletal neck. As the automaton flailed, it tried to reach the Russian with its free hand.

Ducking around behind the robot, Dmitri leaped onto its back. He then shoved his knee against the machine's torso and jerked the towel with all his might. This caused the robot to punch itself in the face inadvertently.

When the robot went to grab the Russian, Dmitri tied the loose end of the towel around that skeletal hand as well.

Frustrated that it could not get free, it began to tug the towel back and forth. As the automaton sawed faster, smoke started to billow from its damaged neck joints.

Soon its frantic motions to get untangled became even more extreme. In one last desperate act to extricate itself, the robot yanked downwards, and this violent motion snapped off its metal head.

After the sputter and sizzle, the robot's body collapsed and lay on the ground, twitching. The surprised tourists then suddenly cheered and slapped a grinning Dmitri on the back.

Triumphant, he turned and saw that Peggy was still battling the female machine. Well, more like avoiding the robot's brutal hits. He went to help but was cut off by the exuberant crowd.

While he attempted to shove his way toward Peggy, she in turn, jumped back from another close punch from the one-handed robot. This unrelenting assault had forced her to retreat toward the tall white retaining wall.

Quickly she danced away after another jab, which caused her to fall back more. Suddenly she found herself pressed against the retaining wall. Beside her, Peggy heard the roar of the crashing waves below and felt the cool ocean breeze from the large square-shaped opening.

She quickly tore her gaze from the advancing robot and glanced to her left. The gap revealed a perfectly picturesque view of the azure sea and the rocky shoreline below. Though the scenery was breathtaking, Peggy knew it would be considered a more tragic than a romantic way to go if she fell from this height.

During all this, Jarvis had been trying to draw the robot's attention away from its dogged pursuit, but the determined machine ignored him.

Then noticing that a local vendor had stopped sweeping up the debris to watch the fight, Jarvis sprang into action. After rushing toward the merchant, he snatched the broom from him.

Dashing back to Peggy, Jarvis watched as the robot swung at her again. Peggy barely ducked in time. She dodged to the left and stood in front of the spectacular panorama sea view.

Jarvis raised the wooden broom handle and prepared to whack the robot over the head with the makeshift weapon.

Recalling how tough they were to hurt, Peggy shouted, "No, not that way!" And she indicated for Jarvis to throw it to her instead.

Nodding, he tossed the broom to her, and Peggy snatched it from the air. Twirling it around so that the bristle end was thrust outwards, she shoved it against the robot's chest in the nick of time. It worked perfectly to keep the female robot's long reach at bay.

Still, its unyielding progression slid Peggy backward, and she soon found herself leaning out of the scenic opening. Grimly, she looked below and saw the sharp rocks of the craggy shoreline. With the necessity of not falling to her death, Peggy dropped the bristle end of the broom.

Now with nothing holding it back, the overcompensating robot stumbled forward.

Instantly, Peggy dipped out of the way and sidestepped the off-balanced robot. Much to her consternation, the machine stopped just before it could plunge to its destruction.

The SSR Agent then attempted to use the broom to shove the automaton through the charming view in the wall, but the robot was too heavy. In no time, it had recovered, and the machine spun around to face Peggy.

This time instead of pushing the bristled end against its metal torso, Peggy shoved it under the robot's feet. If only she had a fulcrum to help lever this heavy object out of the opening. Instead, she'd have to do it the hard way. Hoping that the broom was strong enough, she pushed upward.

Realizing what Peggy was attempting to do, Jarvis raced to her side and helped her lift the broom's handled end.

By working together, they hoisted the machine up high enough so that its upper body was through the hole. The robot tried to grab the side of the wall one-handed, but its metallic fingers were too slick. Before it could sink its sharp nails into the brick's surface to gain purchase, Peggy and Jarvis shoved the bristled end against the machine's torso with all their might.

Brute force worked, and the robot was pushed out of the opening. In seconds it fell into the churning ocean below.

After hearing the loud splash, the tourists cheered. The locals, though, were a different story. Side eyeing Peggy and Jarvis, the townspeople grumbled and stared at all the damage around them. The area was a mess, and the ancient tree had a large scorch mark on it.

Before they could demand retribution, Jarvis quickly handed out money, and it seemed to appease them.

Peggy looked at him quizzically, and he shrugged, "Mr. Stark always makes sure I have enough money in case any of his… indiscretions need to be bought off."

As the crowd dispersed, Dmitri rode on a donkey. Riding behind him on the other one was Zdenka.

Looking down at Peggy, Dmitri nodded, pleased, "Well done, comrade."

After Peggy caught her breath, she said, "Thanks, and nice fighting skills."

Since there was a break in the action, Peggy automatically did a quick visual summary of all their injuries. Zdenka was still tenderly cradling her hurt arm. Dmitri had a bleeding scalp wound, and Jarvis had a cut lip. For Peggy, her poor back had gotten aggravated again, and she stretched it gingerly.

None were at their finest, and she had a feeling that all of them would be using Howard's jet spa tonight.

As Peggy rubbed her aching muscles, she tracked the route that they still needed to go. Past all the tourist spots and homes, she noticed an empty stretch of road that had dried brush and a few scattered trees on either side. Thankfully, after that, it would not be long until they reached their final destination.

Painfully Peggy and Jarvis hobbled toward the two donkeys, and soon the four of them cantered onwards.

After a bit, they were close to the base of the Castle of Lindos. That was when the donkeys abruptly stopped and refused to budge any further. It seemed they were conditioned that this was as far as they would go. Sighing, Peggy figured they were lucky to have them haul her party as far as they had.

She then joined the others in dismounting. After sliding off the saddle, Jarvis tugged on his trousers and winced in relief.

Around them, tourists milled about. They were either taking pictures or eating meat wrapped in a pita that local vendors were selling. Peggy's stomach grumbled again, and she patted it in sympathy. She had certainly worked up an appetite.

Glancing above at the Lindos Castle, Peggy noted the sheer vertical mountain it rested upon. With a resigned exhale, she realized they still had not yet reached their goal.

The exhausted party then headed to where a large group of tourists stood. Pushing past the jovial crowd, Peggy looked for a way up. Turning to the right, she saw some steep stairs that led to the entrance to the Castle. The others joined in her groan at the multitude of steps before them.

Then Zdenka gasped and pointed to the carved relief in the rock face beside them.

Studying it, Zdenka's nodded, pleased and mumbled, "It is amazing how well preserved it is." She then explained, "This relief depicts an ancient Rhodian warship called a trireme that boasted of the Lindians' former maritime might. Due to its link to the water, I know we have made the right choice to come here."

The discovery seemed to renew her strength, and the Russian woman began to stride up the steps.

After a glance at the others, Peggy began the arduous climb with Dmitri and Jarvis trudging up behind her.

A quarter of the way up from the mountain's base, Agent Smith studied the strewn and crushed fruit. Around him, he heard the angry mutters of the vendor who was still cleaning up the mess left in Peggy's wake.

Arms crossed defensively over his chest, Professor Spencer looked about the carnage, peeved. He huffed irritated, "I tell you, this is a mistake. We are wasting valuable time."

Smith nodded disinterested, his expert gaze scanning the continuing path upwards. Well past the halfway mark, he saw smoke pluming above the white buildings. His stare stopped at the top of the mountain. "And I find Professor that where there is smoke, there is Carter. It looks like they are heading for the Castle. Let's go."

As he began to lead his team back down the cobbled path to the road, Spencer grabbed his arm, "And I am telling you that damn woman is wrong. The clue is in the harbor."

Smith's eyes stared coolly into the Professor's. Gulping, the older man quickly let go of the agent's arm. Calmly, Smith reiterated, "We have tried it your way. Now I suggest we try it theirs. If anything, this might afford us a chance to get rid of Carter and that pesky Russian agent for good."

Spencer protested, "Well, I'm not climbing up that—"

"You won't need to. Agent Jones is procuring us transport." Smith nodded behind him, and Spencer turned around.

Brakes squealing, Hodge's 'borrowed' car stopped in front of them.

Grinning, Smith asked his second in command, "Any trouble?"

With a cruel smile, Hodge drawled, "Nah, the rental agent was more than happy to let me take his ride."

Smith turned to the Professor and growled, "Get in the back with the others, Spencer."

Without another word, the three agents and the disgruntled Professor crammed into the vehicle's rear seat. Smirking, Smith got in front with Hodge.

Since the vehicle would not fit up the tight pedestrian path, Hodge spun the steering wheel and then drove them toward the paved road that wound its way up to the Castle.

The heat was murder, and Peggy's group could not find much reprieve once they slogged up the steep steps to the Castle's entrance. Once inside the imposing structure, Zdenka explained, "Since there has been so much renovation done to the castle itself, I suggest we start outside in the courtyard first."

She continued to lead them through the tall stone-arched corridor that went outside to the vast grounds.

Surveying the large expanse before them, Peggy asked, "So, where do we go from here?"

As Zdenka got her bearings, Peggy continued looking around. She noted that to the north was a wide staircase that led up to a flat foundation where a few traditional Doric columns stood tall. Past that were additional stairs that led to a higher platform.

Below to the south were more stairs that led down to a small expanse. Peggy saw that this lower area did not have any foundations as the other levels had. Instead, there were multiple pieces of fallen walls and columns. The debris was dispersed on a slant that continued downhill. Regardless of wherever they went, It would be out in the brutal sun.

After glancing around, Zdenka began, "The Castle itself was from the Byzantine era. These tall walls surrounding us encompass the acropolis ruins which are to our right," she pointed to where the stone remains were strewn about. "That is one of the few sections that has never changed over the centuries, so it is our best bet for finding the next clue."

Once they were at the bottom of the stairs, Peggy tilted her head and studied the stone debris scattered about the ground. "So, look for the giant hand then, right?"

Thinking, Zdenka pursed her lips and then suggested, "Since it should be from the Colossus statue, I would look for something made of brass or iron."

Dmitri's foot brushed the low-growing weeds that stuck out from under a cracked stone block, "Not much here could hide a clue that size."

Jarvis wondered aloud, "Perhaps it was buried like the statue of Zeus had been?"

Peggy mentioned, "Nothing looks disturbed, but you never know. I best call Howard. Maybe his more precise scanners can pick out what our eyes cannot."

After rummaging in the bag, Jarvis handed her the walkie-talkie.

Speaking into the receiver, she called, "Howard, Howard do you read me?"

Howard's boisterous voice boomed through the communication device, making her wince. Quickly she adjusted the volume to a more manageable level.

"Ah, there you are, Peggy. Just a heads up, Smith's warship pulled up about 20 minutes ago. Now don't worry about me. I know what you are thinking, but we have already moved outside St. Paul's bay, far from their artillery range. We're near you to the east."

Picturing his current location in her mind, Peggy figured the yacht would be anchored on the northern side close to where those tall Doric columns stood.

Addressing her group, she ordered, "Alright, then we best hurry this along."

After Jarvis had handed Dmitri the larger version of the scanner, he removed the miniature one. Quickly they both aimed the devices at a columns broken base.

Speaking into her two-way radio, Peggy asked, "Can you see both our scanner displays, Howard?"

Howard sounded all business, "Yup, got 'em both on-screen, Peg."

Nodding, Peggy signaled her small group, and they hurriedly paired up.

Zdenka suggested, "Dmitri and I will take the lower quadrant while you two take the middle and work your way up."

"Sounds good," Peggy agreed.

All four walked to the middle of the hill, and then Zdenka and Dmitri began to work their way downwards.

While they did so, Peggy and Jarvis started to scan the area around them. With the sunlight's glare bouncing off the small monitor, Peggy made it her job to follow alongside Jarvis in hopes of shielding the screen from the bright sheen as best she could.

Though they were rushing, they still made sure to scan everything. Peggy and Jarvis made good time and soon had hiked close to where they had started.

As Jarvis scanned the remaining area, Peggy noticed that under the staircase that led to the upper foundation, there were some open archways.

Looking within the recessed alcove were two old circular water wells. Peggy pointed the large cisterns out to Jarvis, and they hurried up to them.

So to keep any curious tourists from stumbling or climbing within, each reservoir was capped over with a large flat stone. It was a prudent choice because each hole was certainly big enough to fit a person.

Aiming the scanner at the base of the stone capped well, they had begun to walk past the first of the two cisterns when Howard's excited voice exclaimed over the walkie-talkie, "Wait, there. It's very faint, but—" Jarvis moved the scanner closer to that covered reservoir, "Yes, it looks just like that Helios sun emblem carved on Zeus' crown."

Peggy did not even have to call the Russians over. Having seen their rapt attention, an intrigued Zdenka and Dmitri raced over. Peggy's wide grin had Zdenka stooping over to examine the large capping stone.

As Zdenka ran her fingers over the smooth rock, she muttered, "That can't be right. Our clue is actually in an old cistern?"

Howard broke through, "Hey, from where I am, I can see a cave below you. It has a rather big entrance."

Imagining the possibilities, Jarvis sounded downright cheerful, "A cave? Perhaps this cistern leads directly down to where the statue is."

"Actually, the cave is under the northern side of the Castle, not this middle section," Zdenka corrected.

Hopeful, Howard said, "Well, maybe this drops down into an undiscovered cavern."

Peggy nodded and rolled up her sleeves, "Right, well, we won't find out unless we look."

Between the four of them, they were able to shove the heavy stone cap off. Underneath was the darkened pit of the disused cistern.

Jarvis muttered, "How do we go down it? I left the rope back on the yacht."

Leaning over the edge, Peggy shined her flashlight into it, "Maybe there are handholds." Her voice petered out in surprise. The well did not go straight down but instead curved slightly to the right.

Ducking her head inside for a closer inspection, she yelled in amazement, "There's a bottom about 5 feet in." Surprisingly, her voice echoed back as if she was in a bell. Frowning, she rapped her knuckles against the cistern wall, making an odd hollow ringing sound.

"Is that some sort of metal?" Jarvis looked at the others, confused, "Aren't wells normally made of stone and dirt?"

An ecstatic Zdenka practically pushed Peggy out of her way, "Yes, it usually is!"

Ignoring any of their warnings, she hopped into the hole.

"Let me get out of your way," a bemused Peggy stated, and Jarvis helped her to her feet.

While they all looked down at Zdenka curiously, she gently scrubbed her shirt sleeve against the interior side of the hole. Smiling, she confirmed, "We found the clue."

Perplexed, Dmitri asked, "What? Are you sure that's it? It seems rather small to be Colossus' hand. Maybe we should remove this blockage and check the well below it instead."

Zdenka patted the rim of the metal hole for emphasis as she explained, "Don't you get it? What else is in hand?"

Peggy suddenly beamed, "A thumb. You are standing inside Colossus' hollow brass thumb."

The female Russian nodded, pleased, "Yes, and the clue must have been originally etched inside it, so they only needed to hide this one broken-off piece."

Peggy exchanged delighted grins with the others.

Howard's voice came through the walkie-talkie, "Well, don't keep me in suspense? Where to now? There are only three places left."

Ignoring his inquiry, Zdenka removed a folded-up piece of paper from the small buckskin pouch that also carried her prized notebook. Unfolding it, she placed it against the curved wall and then rubbed a stubbed pencil over it. While she worked, she read out loud, "The archaic Greek wording says to 'Visit the site of the dead.'"

Jarvis asked, perplexed, "Dead?"

Stopping her work, Zdenka nodded, "That would be the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus."

"Does it say exactly where we should look for the clue there?" Peggy asked.

Zdenka was frowning when she looked up at Peggy, "'Find support in ancient arms.'"

Grinning, Peggy murmured, "Weaponry? Now that's interesting."

As the others thought about this, Zdenka went back to work.

"There are also more hatch marks!" Concentrating, she rubbed these engravings onto her paper. Finished, an excited Zdenka began to move around the center of the hollow thumb, looking for any additional clues. Her erratic actions caused the vessel to shift dangerously about.

Jarvis had a nasty thought, "Wait, how is this thing secured?"

"I think you best finish now," Dmitri warned his friend.

After a nod, Zdenka raised her good arm and was pulled out. Her abrupt exit caused the thumb to tilt precariously. Though it stayed where it was, it did not look safe anymore.

Howard's urgent voice came over the speaker, "Um, are you guys done yet? You might want to hurry up now."

Frowning, Peggy depressed the walkie-talkie button and asked, "Why, what is it, Howard?"

His voice sounded worried as he explained, "The Steward James just saw a car pull up to the Castle's parking lot and guess who was just seen getting out. Sorry gang, the jig is up. Smith found you. Better run."

Exhaling, Peggy replied, "Understood, Howard. We are almost done here." She looked to the others, "But first, we best get rid of this clue." She raised her foot to stomp down on the edge of the cistern. She planned to jar the heavy hollow thumb loose so it would crash below.

Dmitri went to join her when Zdenka yelled, "Stop!" She then blocked their attempt.

Shaking her head, Peggy cautioned, "Zdenka, I understand its historical importance, but this cannot fall into the enemy's hands."

Zdenka spat, "There is more to this test than our perceived belief of who is good and evil. It is available to all for a reason."

"Hydra is beyond immoral, and Smith is not too far below that spectrum, either," Peggy argued.

"Peggy," Zdenka protested, "what right do we have to make that judgment call? Who's to say that we would also be considered worthy of this trial?"

Running her fingers through her hair in frustration, Peggy relented, "Fine. We'll argue semantics later. Now can we at least cover it back up then? It would be an unfair advantage after all."

Ignoring Peggy's sarcastic tone, Zdenka nodded in acquiescence.

After they had struggled to put the capstone back on, Jarvis stated, "It won't stop them from eventually finding it."

Exhaling, Peggy stated, "Then we need to lead them away from here. Come on, follow me to the Castle."

Peggy jogged up the stairs.

Abruptly she stopped when Hodge raced onto the courtyard grounds. Suddenly spotting Peggy and the others, he pointed them out to the CIA agents behind him. Their loud yells of discovery made her wince.

Peggy mumbled, "I was afraid of this." Louder, she instructed, "Alright, time for plan B."

"Plan B, what is plan B?" Jarvis whispered worriedly.

Instead of answering him, she spoke into the radio, "Howard, you best start up the engine. It seems that we will have to make a rather dramatic exit."

Jarvis visibly gulped when he took in her meaning. He managed, "You can't be implying—"

She nodded wearily as she handed the walkie-talkie back to him, "Yes, but on the bright side, we can now finally cool off." At her affirmation, Jarvis visibly paled.

Clapping her hand on his shoulder as if it would lend him strength, she urged, "Come on, Mr. Jarvis." She quickly climbed up the stairs to the platform with the Doric columns, and the others hustled behind her.

Seconds later, they were past the decorative pillars and were taking the steps that went to the final upper section on the north side of the Castle two at a time. Ignoring the sweat trickling down her back, Peggy shoved through a throng of irate tourists.

Stopping at the short wall that faced the open sea, Peggy looked over the edge and grimaced. It was a long way down. Even worse, some rocks jutted from the Castle's side, thus making any leap of faith a possible last one.

She spotted Howard's yacht cruising closer in the deep azure sea just outside of the nearby St. Paul's Bay. Howard had already gotten into his speedboat and was zooming toward their direction.

Behind her, she heard Smith and the other agents charging after them. In moments they would be upon her group. The sound of stampeding footsteps nearing had her turning to face her foe.

Over the tourist's heads, Peggy spied Professor Spencer slowing down and staring in the direction they had just come from. Instantly she worried that it would take them no time to discover the clue they had found within the cistern.

Desperate, she looked around. Peggy then noticed that multiple rocks and other small pieces of debris from the ruins were lined up along the base of the stout wall. Hoping that it wasn't of any archeological importance, she picked up a misshapen medium-sized stone.

Just then, Smith and his underlings broke through the crowd and stopped. Hodge grinned evilly at Peggy, his fist lightly thumping into the palm of his other hand.

Smith warned, "Give up, Carter. There's nowhere for you to go now."

Staring at the out-of-breath Smith, Peggy shakily raised the heavy object over her head.

Sneering, she yelled, "You'll never get this clue. It needs to go back to the bottom of the ocean like all the other pieces."

Horrified, Smith yelled, "No, stop, don't!"

But too late, Peggy chucked the heavy rock over the side, and it splashed loudly into the water below. At least she was now certain her group could land without hitting any rocks. As for how deep down it went, they would just have to make sure to jump far enough away.

"That was a very dumb thing to do, Carter," Smith showed her his holstered gun. "Now tell us what it said."

Peggy was banking that he wouldn't dare shoot her in front of so many witnesses.

"Never!" She yelled and then nodded to Jarvis, who gulped. Together they clambered up onto the short wall. Leaving the screams of the shocked tourists behind, they leaped over the side. Thankfully, they easily cleared the rocks below.

Among the crowd's cries of despair, Dmitri and Zdenka looked at each other worriedly. Did their new allies survive?

Smith rounded on them and then focused on Zdenka, "Do you think they could survive such a fall, Dr. Ruzena? Why don't you come over here to where it is safe?"

He took in her surprised expression and grinned. Assuredly he replied, "Professor Spencer informed me of who you are. Now don't be a fool, and join us. I promise we won't hurt you."

From down below, they heard Peggy's faint call over the crowd's wails to, "Jump!"

Ignoring Smith's angry sneer, Zdenka quickly ensured that her notebook and recent rubbings were safely tucked inside the waterproof buckskin. She then followed Peggy's example and jumped off the wall.

While the male tourists continued to yell, more women screamed or swooned at the sight of another person leaping to their death.

After glancing over the wall to verify that his friend had made it, Dmitri tipped an imaginary cap at Smith, "Till the next time, comrade."

And then he, too, bounded over the side.

Shoving past the throng of horrified onlookers, Smith nearly swallowed his unlit cigar when he saw they had all survived. Already Howard's small speed boat was picking them up.

Outraged, Smith watched as the speed boat soon raced back to the opulent yacht. Then, barely holding in his anger, he stepped back and let the crowd surge past him.