~then~

Night was falling as the search team scoured the site of the avalanche as darkness set in. They had men still trapped under this mess, and were working hard to either dig them out. Or recovers the bodies, which ever they found first. Mitchell commanded his men to work faster, he wanted a majority found alive if possible. Perez walked up and told him that his team had secured the area, nobody was getting in or out without his permission. “Join in the search,” He told Perez, he nodded and joined one of the three man teams.

This wasn’t supposed to happen, that damn Drakan wasn’t supposed to be able to do this. Heads were going to roll when he found out who was responsible in leaving out that monkey was an explosive expert. He had to watch for his own head when Anderson found out about this. “Mitchell!”, one of his men shouted out. “We found Jones. What’s left of him anyway.”

“Get out of my way,” he ordered as he pushed a person to the side. He knew there was no need to rush, from the sound of things. When he got there Jones wasn’t crushed but he was laying there on the ground, his neck at an unnatural angle. “Damn it,” he muttered. Jones was the best second in command he ever had. This assignment was supposed to be a no brainer, take out the target quickly and silently. “Does any body know if that Drakan was caught up in the blast too?”

“It doesn’t look like it but were going to have the tech analyze the blood samples we recovered so far for Drakan DNA.”

“Right, keep looking you goldbricks. I want you to find as many survivors as you possibly can, now!” They acknowledge him and started to work harder.

“Mitchell!”, Perez called out. “We found somebody!”

“Who is it?”

“I don’t know,” he answered, “it’s a civilian.”

“Son of a bitch,” Mitchell muttered as he ran over. A guy with brown hair was there on the ground, his left arm and legs looked like they were crushed. To Mitchell he looked pale as a ghost and already dead. “And why do you think I want to see this corpse?”

“I’m getting a weak pulse,” Perez informed him. “He’s still alive, barely though.” As soon as he said that Mitchell say the guy right hand moved slightly.

Mitchell looked at the poor bastard under the rubble. From the look of things he didn’t have much longer left to go. He had half a mind to put a bullet through his head and put him out of his misery. But he didn’t because he could just see Anderson get “upset” about him killing a civilian, even if it was a mercy killing. And he had seen what those claws of his can do to a person by accident. Being on the business end of those claws was something he was trying to avoid. “This has to be the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet,” he muttered to himself. To Perez he ordered, “Try to dig him out and get him into one of those tanks the lab had us take with us before he croaks. Anderson not going to like it but it’s better than letting him die out her like this.”

“Right,” Perez answered as he and the others worked to carefully dig him out.

“God, what else are we going find out here,” he muttered to himself. Swinging his light around a new trail of blood caught is attention. He ran over and started moving the boulders as best he could. He found another civilian, this one even more messed up than the other. “What were you idiots doing out here anyway?”

***

Several rows of tubes filled one of the labs in World Inc. medical wing. Most of them were empty. But a few contained an injured human body floating in a dense blue liquid. Various breathing tubes and wires were connected to the individuals to monitor their vital signs. A couple of them stopped what they were doing When Armstrong walked into the room followed by Anderson, Allen and a few others. A few more started looking nervous as Anderson dark eyes surveyed the room. He walked past them and between the rows of tubes containing the injured. He had a dissatisfied look on his face. “Is this all of them?”, he asked.

Allen answered him, “All the ones Mitchell found alive, or still clinging to life.”

They followed Anderson as he examined each occupied tube. Armstrong started talking, “We think a couple of them won’t last through the night.”

“We sent twenty of our men after one rebel,” Anderson stated. “How did we end having this many causalities?”

“This particular Drakan was an expert in explosives according to the report Mitchell filed,” Allen said while rereading the report in his hands. “The rebels seem to be getting desperate if they are resorting to these sort of tactics.”

“The rebels have always been a cowardly lot,” Anderson told them. “Always attacking and pulling back or setting ambushes like this one.”

“And we have to replace an entire team because of it,” Allen said.

“They were only human,” Anderson said, “easily replaceable in the long run.” He came across a tube containing a individual he did not recognized. Most of his body was crushed beyond recognition. The only thing that looked remotely human was his upper torso and chest. Then he saw another one he did not recognized. This one was in slightly better shape as his legs and left arm were crushed. “These are the civilians Mitchell said he brought in?”

“Yes they are Mr. Anderson,” Armstrong said. He tapped the glass of the one in worst shape. “This is one we don’t think is going to last much longer. It’s a miracle he lasted this long.”

“Have their families been notified yet?”, Anderson asked.

“Not yet,” Armstrong answered. “We’re still trying to figure out a convincing cover story to explain all of this.”

“I’ll have our spin people work on it. Either one of their families could be sue happy if they think we had something to do with it. Allen, have them get on that will you?”

“Yes sir,” he took one more look at the tubes before pulling out a cell phone.

Anderson walked away and studied the men in the tube. “Dr. Armstrong, exactly how close are you to being ready for a test subject for the Fusion system?”

“We’ve been ready,” Armstrong answered. “We just needed an appropriate test subject. As much as I hate to say it, the accident has left us with several excellent candidates.”

“Mitchell will be happy,” Allen said. “He wanted this thing to be under him any way.”

“This thing?”, Anderson asked with a raised eyebrow.

“His words not mine,” Allen explained. “Although in my estimation he’s not that far off.”

“Perhaps, but the system was designed to act alone,” Anderson told him. “I’m sure he might think he has some say in it, and I might let him take him out on the first couple of missions. But in the end he will act alone.” Turning to Armstrong he said, “So which one of our men suitable for the process?”

“Well Miller over here…,” he started when a tech shouted something out.

“Tube thirty seven is showing another brain spike!”, somebody shouted.

Anderson looked around until he saw the tube he was talking about. It was the one with a civilian, the one with the crushed legs and arm. Anderson walked over and watched him very closely. This person eyes opened part way before slowly closing. Anderson’s eyebrow rose slightly while he watched.

“Damn it, he’s waking up!,” Allen started to panicked.

“No he isn’t,” Armstrong told them. “That’s the fifth time this one had a spike since he was brought in. It’s almost like he fighting the drugs in the gel. Some of the others say he just too stubborn to rest and let it work.”

“He’s a fighter,’ Anderson mumbled while scratching his chin.

“Several of our men have had several spikes as well,” Armstrong told him. “Miller, as well as Johnson over here, has had a couple.” Anderson paid no attention to the doctor, he just studied this human floating before him. His eyes flickered once more briefly before closing again. This one was a fighter, no question about it in his mind. He made up his mind.

“What is this one’s name?”

“What was that Mr. Anderson?”, Armstrong said, a little confused.

“This civilian doctor, what is his name?”

Armstrong flipped through the list of names on his clipboard until he found what he was looking for, “The identification we found on him says he a Mr. Jack Davidson.”

Anderson clasped his hands behind his back, “Mr. Allen, a slight change of plans. Find out who his closest living relative is and inform them that Mr. Davidson has passed on,” he walked around the tube. “Caught in a freak avalanche while hiking or whatever he was doing out there. Body was horrible mangled, or something to that effect.”

“Why are we doing this sir?”, Allen asked, totally bewildered.

“I thought would be obvious Mr. Allen,” he looked this Davidson in the face before pointing at the tube, “we have our first volunteer.”

“We now absolutely nothing about this man!”, Allen exploded. “He could be a psychotic killer for all we know! Or he could run away from a battle we sent him to.”

“I’ll admit it is a bit of a risk.” He looked over to Allen with a slightly humorous look, “Although a psychotic killer might be an advantage for us. Even if he did run away the systems built in tracker will let us know where he is at all times. And I’m sure Mitchell will jump at a chance to toughen him up in that case.”

“But why him?”, Allen demanded. He changed the tone of his voice after the look Anderson gave him. “We have several qualified candidates who work for us and we know what they’re capable of. Why choose an outsider we know nothing about?

A good question, he had to admit. “Call it a feeling if you want. If he’s fighting here then he won’t run from one. Like I said the Fusion system was designed to act alone. Who better than an outsider to be bonded with the system.”

“No offence but that’s one hell of a risk you’re taking, just on a feeling of all things.”

“I am well aware of that Mr. Allen. And it is one I will take personal responsibility for if it does not work out. The decision has been made in any case and I will not hear any more arguments on the matter. Mr. Allen contacts General Rhodes and Senator Henning and let them know the Fusion system has a test subject now. I’ll tell Mitchell what is happening and what I expect from him on the matter. Dr. Armstrong, Mr. Davidson is now in your and you’re staff capable hands.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Anderson,” Armstrong replied as Allen walked off saying nothing. “Tim, Mike, ready tube thirty seven for prep. The Fusion system has just been green lighted for stage two.” He turned to Anderson, “I’ll send the appropriate paperwork to your office.”

He nodded and left him to start the process. As he exited Anderson wondered why he did choose this Davidson as well. A feeling was one thing but for something like this? Well when he did listen to his gut it never failed him, yet. If he didn’t listen he never would have challenged the senior Allen for control of this company. No, he was confident Davidson was the right choice in the long run. It was just a matter of finding the right way of controlling him. And there was no doubt in his mind that he would find that way.

***

Allen was still fuming about the decision, even hours later. How dare he just put a nobody into the program like that? This company invested a small fortune into the Fusion project, his fathers company. What should be his company if it wasn’t for his father blind loyalty to tradition. And Anderson underhanded treachery in using those same traditions to kill his father in front of him and the others and get away with it.

But thanks to Anderson he now had a plan of his own. Perhaps one that would eliminate Anderson and give him control of the company. He spent hours getting a copy of the forms Armstrong had sent Anderson. With one slight difference, he had another tube in mind. But tube thirty seven would have been the perfect choice for this plan. But Anderson had to follow his “feeling”. Now his options were much more limited. Everybody else was well known around here, and the other one, nobody was sure how much longer he was going to hold on.

Making his choice he quickly forged Anderson’s name on his copy of the form. He done it before several times, he doubted Anderson himself would be able to tell the difference.

Now he needed somebody to do the actual work. Armstrong was out of the question, he was so loyal to Anderson it was sickening. But there was another option. Anderson had his head so far up his ass he didn’t even see the conflicts in R&D that was right under his nose.

Allen tucked the papers into a file and quickly headed for the medical wing. But in the R&D itself, no who he was looking for was usually somewhere else this time of night. Unlike Anderson he kept a personal eye on who went where in this building. In one of the storage rooms he found Parker taking a long drink from the metal flask he kept hidden in his coat. He coughed, to announce his presence and saw Parker half spit half swallow what was in his mouth. “What are you trying to do?,” he demanded, “Scare me out of my bloody skin?”

“Taking a bit of a late night nip Dr. Parker?”, he asked.

“None of your business Allen, and why are you slumming down here anyway?”

“Looking for you actually,” he handed him the folder. “Mr. Anderson has a special assignment for you.”

Parker flipped through the file, “So there actually daft enough to go ahead with this Fusion nonsense. So where did they dig up this poor bastard then?”

“It doesn’t matter,” he told him. “Were going off site for the program…”

“Bloody hell,” Parker interrupted, “why do we got to leave the building? Everything to transform this git is right here.”

“Yes,” he thought quickly, “Anderson is afraid of rebel spies finding out. We have this warehouse, it’s out of the way so it won’t be easily found.”

“That’s a pretty far fetched for this thing.”

“You know how paranoid he is about this thing.”

Parker read the file a little more, “Bloody hell, what with this kick weapon nonsense?”

“Hell if I know, some geek in R&D pushed for it. So can we count on you for the job?”

The other man snorted, “So why me and not Anderson chosen one? I figure Armstrong would be all over this thing he need a cigarette afterwards.”

Allen faked a laugh, “Yes, well we decided that you would be the perfect person for the job. Armstrong is a little too… dependant on his staff. A project of this status is going to need somebody a little more discrete for the operation.”

“That has to be the biggest bunch of bull I ever heard. But I’m not going to blow off a chance to show up the green bastard.”

“Good Dr. Parker, I’ll make the arrangement and get you what you need after you inspect the sight. And don’t worry, you have my word Dr. Armstrong will not interfere with your operation.” He shaked his hand, then wiped it off as soon as he turned his back to him. Shaking hands with a red, how low had he fallen? But at least his plans were in motion now.

*six months later*

Anderson walked down the hall, all the waiting had finally paid off. He hoped it did at any rate. He was putting a lot of faith in this one individual who he did not know. And into a person he barely knew. But Williams had a lot of faith in this woman, and she hadn’t given him any reason to doubt her judgment. She had good instincts, for a human. He read the file they had on this Haily, nothing in it went against Williams’s estimation of the woman so he agreed to go with her.

An elevator opened up and a blond haired woman with green eyes walked out. As the humans say, speak of the devil. She seemed as surprised to seem him there as she was. “Mr. Anderson,” she was able to get out.

“Miss Haily,” he nodded toward her. “I assume you are heading in the same direction I am.”

“Yes sir,” she told him, “I got word as soon as there were starting the process. By my estimation he should be awake by the time we get there.”

“I guess we’ll see if you’re right then.” She walked beside him as they headed for the medical wing of the building. After a moment she spoke up again, “Did you get my request sir?”

“Request?”, he thought it over for a moment before remembering. “Yes I did, it was rather unusual. Is there a particular reason why you want to accompany him in the field on the mission instead of monitoring them from here?”

“Well,” she began, “we’re not sure were his priorities are. I know the system was designed to act alone, but I’m thinking of the field report. He may leave out details that he might not think were important but could have led us to the rebel.”

“A valid concern Miss Haily. And I agree, another set of eyes would be useful. So consider you’re request approved.” Allen passed them and he looked at the young woman for a bit, “Now I have a question for you, are you ready for this?”

She wisely took a few moments before answering, “I’m as ready as I’m ever going to be.”

“Good,” he stood in front of another elevator. “Destiny, as they say, awaits. After you,” he said after the elevator door opened. She thanked him as she entered. As the doors closed he thought he heard Allen yell at somebody over his cell phone. Something about it not being ready yet. Allen was harmless, but something told him to remember to check into that later. He looked at Haily one more time, with any luck she’ll help him find a way to control this Davidson person. It should be an interesting to see where it all leads them.

~now~

It was near dusk, most people were on there way home, off to work or heading elsewhere. In a darken alley was an individual wearing sneakers, blue jeans, a black t-shirt and a denim jacket. The built in sweatshirt hood was pulled over his head in order to hide his features, while the small glint of foil lining the hood meant to hide him from something else. Most of his attention was across the street in a store front window, a news report about him was being played. He could barely read the headlines from where he was at but he knew what they were saying, still wanted by the authorities. His life couldn’t get any worse.

Beside him a blond woman was listening to an earpiece. When he first meat her she was wearing a business suit. Now she wore a plain button up white shirt, black jean and shoes. And quickly became one of his closest friends, for a while there his only friend. She nodded and said something to the person connected to the piece. Turning to him she said, “They’re heading in this direction.”

“Like they herd him any where else,” he muttered darkly. God he hated these plans with a passion. But he said he do what was necessary to help Melissa and the others out. He stepped out into the empty street and waited. And as luck would have it he was upwind. So whoever it was would get a good whiff of Drakan blood before he got too close. Looking out of the corner of his eye at Rachel he said, “Watch your back this time would ya.”

She looked annoyed, “I can take care of myself Jack.” He did notice she said that while touching that small scar on her still slightly bruised neck. He felt a small wave of guilt when she did that, one of the few times he wasn’t good enough. And he was going to be damned if this one got any where near her.

“Just humor me,” he told her. She said nothing, but she did get a little further back into the alley. He was grateful for it too, now he had to wait. It wasn’t long before a guy wearing jeans and sport coat came running in his direction. He stopped short a few yards from him and acted like he didn’t see him right away. He sniffed the air a few times and Jack knew this was the right one as he looked in his direction. The guy hunched over slightly as a cracked shell formed on his back and he turned into a red turtle, a “knight” instead of a warrior king he was expecting.

Jack raised his left arm across his chest and a grey metal belt appeared around his waist. It had an oval device in front with a red faceplate. Two pods were on either side of the belt. He swung his left arm to the side and brought his right up to his face. “Henshin!”, he shouted and slammed his hand on top of the belt. The belt scanned him and he was covered in a black body suit. Blue armor formed around his feet, chest and on top of his shins and forearms. A blue insect style helmet with red eye formed around his head.

***

“Henshin!”, a male voice shouted. He was covered in a black body suit as a belt with a green faceplate scanned him.. Blue armor formed around his feet, chest and on top of his shins and forearms. An insect style helmet with green eyes covered his head. He took a moment to look himself over before returning his attention to his situation. He was in a garage of some sort facing down a red piranha with pointy little teeth. A few moments ago it was a human looking janitor. He could not believe what he was seeing. With a bit of trepidation he went after the piranha.

***

Jack ran at the turtle without hesitation. Just like he thought the thing was slow, but judging from it thick arms and legs it looked powerful too. He jumped and flipped over the turtle and kicked it in the back. It stumbled foreword a bit. The Drakan swung backwards that he easily dodged and countered with a right hook to its gut. It bent over slightly as Jack grabbed it by the shell and threw it to the ground.

***

He could not believe he was fighting a freaking monster. He was jumping and rolling out of the way as it tried to hit him. Actually he was amazed at how flexible the armor was despite how bulky it looked. Testing something out he jumped up and flipped over the piranha. When he landed he celebrated a bit too long as the monster grabbed him by the neck and threw him.

***

Jack was caught be a wicked backhand that forced him into a wall. The turtle took advantaged of his dazed states to toss him in the air. Jack landed on a hood of a near by car. Yeah, this thing was a powerhouse alright. Grunting as he peeled himself off the car the red Drakan raised its’ fist above its head and ran at him. Jack was able to roll out of the way but the hood was toast. The turtle kicked him away as it freed its hands. He tried punching at his head but the turtle caught his fist and forced him to his knees.

***

The piranha threw him into another pillar. It was hard to even think straight at this point he was so rattled. He was held in place against the pillar and the monster started punching him repeatedly. This was how it was going to end? He came back to life only to die to this thing? Getting angry he punched it at the same time it reared back his head to bit him. It looked like scales flew off of it as his fist hit his nose. Damn that felt good.

***

Jack was pounded down to his knees again. The turtle was caught off guard as he popped right back up and picked it up off his feet. He rammed it into the wall in font of him and started pounding away with body blows. Jack grabbed it by the back of the head and started throwing knees into its’ face. The turtle swung widely catching him in the side of the head making him see stars momentarily. He cleared his head fast enough duck another one and counter with an uppercut.

***

He found his rhythm pretty quick after he was able to get some space between them. He jump in and get in a kick or a punch before jumping back out of range. Keeping it off guard he jumped in and instead of jumping away he spun around and kicked the piranha in the head, then he spun again with another kick and did it a third time. He back flipped out of the way when it tired to kick him back. It came at him so he jumped out of the way and kicked it in the back of the head. He was starting to enjoy himself when a meter in his vision started flashing.

***

Jack rolled out of the way as it tried to stomp on him. He kicked its’ legs out from under it and it landed on it’s back. Surprisingly it was able to turn over to its’ stomach rather quickly. He opened his mouth to say something when the meter started flashing.

***

“I think I got a problem,” he said as he avoided the blows coming at him.

“Is a meter flashing?,” a male voice said from behind a car. An Asian man, what was his name again, Andy Chen that was it, looked desperate as he watched. When he said there was he was told. “You have an excess energy build up. Use it to defeat the rebel.”

“How?”, he said right before stepping away from a kick that nearly took his head off.

“The pods on your side, twist them up or down.”

***

Jack twisted the right pod down. The twin mini turbines behind the faceplate started spinning, redirecting the energy build up. The charge quickly ran down his right leg as he ran at the turtle. He jumped up and aimed his right foot at it. Hitting it in the chest Jack landed as the charge made it fly back. The turtle exploded a moment later.

***

Not sure what else to do he grabbed the right pod and twisted it down. He heard the turbines hmm as they spun inside the belt. Looking down at his right leg he was surprised as he felt the charge go down it. “Yes,” he said pumping his fist slightly. He backed up a bit before kneeling down and jumping up. He somersaulted foreword into the air and extended his right foot. “Rider kick!”, he shouted right before his foot hit the piranha in the head. It flew back and exploded. “Oh hell yeah!,” he said jumping into the air.

***

Jack hit the top of the belt again and deactivated the armor. Looking around for any witnesses he headed back for the alley where Rachel was still hiding. “You all right?”, she asked him. “You took a few hard hits.”

“Good thing my head harder,” he joked. She barely smiled, “I’m fine, just get me some aspirins when we get back.”

“I’ll let them know you got the job done.” He nodded, but held his back when she wasn’t looking. Damn it, his back stopped hurting last week too. When Rachel gave the ok they got his motorcycle, it looked like a Kawasaki Ninja that was blue with red and black stripes to the normal eye. But he knew of an extra feature that was built in. Bringing the engine to life they rode into the night.

***

He stood there and watched the burning remains. He was still in disbelief, did that actually happened? The remains and the armor around him told him it was real but it was still so surreal. Chen came up with a satisfied look on his face. “An excellent job Mr. Kingstone. Mr. Anderson will be pleased you did so well. If I had to be honest I thought you weren’t going to be able to pull it out.”

“Yeah thanks,” he said absentmindedly. Realizing he was still in the armor he looked at him, “Ah, how do I…?”

“Just hit the top of the belt again Mr. Kingstone,” he told him.

“Thanks,” he said again as he did so. The armor faded away and he was back in the gray sweatpants and T-shirt they gave him after he woke up. Looking at his scarred arms for a second, he ran his hands over his dark curly hair. Looking at Chen, he grinned and said, “And please, call me Richie.”

***

Under the city streets, under the sewers an underground community acted like every thing was normal. For them it was, being forced to live in this place because they “rebelled” against the normal views of their society. Forced into hiding because one of them was basically hunting them down. The hiding they were used too, they’ve been hiding among the humans for centuries. Even though they lived underground they staid in their human forms. They had one motto down here, nobody knows what class you were if you looked human. And this was his home for the past few months.

Jack walked the hallways of the habitat, mostly lost in his own head. Being down here among them for as long as he had he recognized most of them. Some greeted him with a friendly look, others were still a bit nervous around him. Not because he was human, but because he was the Drakan Killer. A myth that formed around him after he woke up in World Inc. and started doing Anderson dirty work. Things went south real fast after he found out Anderson was a Drakan himself. Being wanted by every law enforcement agency in the country, more of Anderson doing, gave him very few options. Luckily he found a place to stay and try to rest for a bit.

He passed a group that looked like they were new around here. Five of them just looked back at him. The redheaded male looked like he was trying to hide behind his buddy. The lone woman of the group looked at him cautiously but held her ground. There was a guy in the back but he couldn’t see what he really look like because he had his green hoodie pulled over his face. The apparent leader of the group, a blond guy in a bomber jacket stared at him. They gave each other a small heads up as he passed.

With nothing else to do for the night he headed for the workout room they had set up. As usual anybody in there gave him a wide space as he looked over what was free. As luck would have it the heavy bag was open. Taking off his jacket Jack started throwing a few punches. In the back of his head he could hear Rachel tell him he should train more, he was fighting a lot more reds now. They’ve been trained to fight at a young age. Not that some of the blues he went up against were exactly pushovers. And he didn’t even want to think about the warrior kings some of the greens were suppose to be. He noticed a couple of the others stopped what they were doing so he looked by the doorway. A woman with long brown hair, blue eyes and a very tired look about her walked in. She was looking right at him, “There you are, Rachel thought you might be in here.”

“So what did I do now?”, he asked in a joking manner. “The chimp couldn’t have found that little surprise I left for him already.”

“I’m sure the whole habitat would have heard it if you did anything,” she said smiling slightly. Melissa was used to his humor by now. Besides she would have known if he was telling the truth or not. At least he thought she would, being able to feel his emotions and all. Although he was not sure if they were exactly friends, they had an understanding now. “I just wanted to make sure you were ok.”

“Rachel put you up to this didn’t she?”

“No, I just wanted to see for myself. It’s something my brother used to do when he sent a group on a mission like this. I think he wanted to make sure he didn’t do anything that harmed the ones on the mission in any way.”

“Well as you can see I’m fine,” he held his arms out wide. “No harm no foul.” She looked at him funny, like she was sensing something. “Have I ever told you how much I hate it when you do that?”

“Sorry, I can’t exactly turn it off,” she told him. “I can ignore it most of the time, but sometimes things gets my attention if I want it to or not.”

“Try a little harder,” he said as he returned his attention to the heavy bag. It wasn’t long before he realized she wasn’t exactly leaving. “Was there something else?”

“No, I just noticed you seem to be taking out your frustrations out on that bag.” She laughed a bit, “I do the same thing, although I’m usually cussing out whoever caused it while I’m doing it.”

Jack smiled a bit, “Not my style.”

“I’ve noticed,” she sat on the bench near the bag. “I guess we all do things in own way. I know Emily likes to lock herself in her room and meditate while she works through whatever is bothering her.” There was an uncomfortable silence for a bit. There may have been an understanding between them now, but he was still the one who killed her brother. She broke the silence, “I’m not sure how more missions like that we can send you on.”

“Won’t here me complaining,” Jack said without thinking. She nodded in understanding, Melissa wasn’t a big supporter of those type of missions either. But both of them realized it was necessary if the rebels had a chance of surviving this thing. “I’m guessing it has something to do with the eggheads you got around here.”

“Yeah,” she answered. “They’re not sure how much longer they can trick the trackers into not reading your signal before World Inc. notices. Hell we’re not even sure if we’re finding them all,” she hung her head slightly. “Dusty helping us out were we can, but…”

“Anderson is a tricky bastard,” he said. “You don’t have to tell me that.”

“I know I don’t, it just frustrating at times,” she said. “You’re doing everything you can to help us. Yet I can’t say for certain if we’re doing the same for you two.”

“Hey, me and Rachel take a big risk every time we step out into public. Even before we took you up on that offer we took a risk.” He stopped, held the bag steady and looked at her, “Besides you gave us a place to stay and gave me a chance to make up some of the crap I’ve done to you guys.”

“It doesn’t seem like enough at times,” she said. Jack took her by the hand and made her stand up and face the bag. “What are you doing?”

“It sounds like you need to hit this thing more than me right now.” He walked around the bag, put an arm around it then gave her a small half smile, “I can probably talk Rachel into teaching you to curse in French so nobody knows what you’re saying.”

Melissa had to return the smile, “I start talking in another language and everybody going to have to know what I’m saying.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take.” She said nothing but quickly hit the bag by his head. She was so fast Jack reacted after it happen. Melissa smirked a bit as his eyes went wide momentarily. “Yeah, I think I’ll be going now.”

***

Anderson waited patiently while Chen brought their newest operative to him, looking out the window at the city below. His city. Like with Davidson he went over the footage from the garage before hand. This one does seem to have more of a, if a somewhat unique, fighting background. He couldn’t help but to think what Mitchell would have thought of this one. Although going over Chen report, he a little surprised this one said the words “rider kick” as well. Hopefully not a sign of things to come, considering the last one to say that went rouge.

Perez stood by quietly as they waited. Not a very talkative man, but he didn’t put his nose were it didn’t belong. But he would be glad when Mitchell was activated, for a human he could be rather insightful at times. And seeing how he knew the truth Anderson could relax a little more than he could around Perez. “So Mr. Perez,” he said wanting to break the silence, turning around in his chair to face him, “what is your opinion of Mr. Kingstones’ performance.”

“I’ll just be happy if we don’t have a repeat of Davidson,” he replied. A common statement among those under him. “You sure you can trust this Chen character sir? My background check could barely find anything on the man.”

“I think you’ll find Mr. Chen a bit more trustworthy than Miss Haily.” One of the mistakes he made sure to rectify this time around. He was having one of his own watch over this one.

“I hope you’re right sir,” he didn’t look that convinced.

“As they say Mr. Perez, time will tell.” A light on the intercom on his desk started to blink, “Yes Terry?”

“Mr. Taylor, Chen and Kingstone are here sir.”

“Please send them in.” He got up and glanced over to Perez before walking around his desk to stand in front of it. The door opened and the three entered. “Getting a head start on the meeting Mr. Taylor?”, Anderson said with a bit of humor.

“No sir,” he replied, “I meet them on the way up here.” Kingstone, who came in smiling, and Chen took the couch as Taylor stood by him. “Although I must say Mr. Kingstone enthusiasm is a tad catchy.”

“I told you to call me Richie,” he said. “I’m having a hard enough time getting Andy here to call me that.” Chen looked annoyed, but he also looked like he was tolerating it.

“So…,” Anderson paused, “Richard, I assume Mr. Chen has gotten you up to date on the situation.”

“Yeah, he did,” he said losing the smile. “It blew my mind when I found out there’s an another species on the planet.” He looked at his hands, a grin returning, “Of course it wouldn’t be the first time this info blew me away.” Perfect, another joker to listen too. Kingstone apparently felt they’re discomfort, “Sorry, just happy to be alive.” And under his breath where he thought nobody could here it, “And a Rider to boot.”

“Well I am certain all of us can understand that feeling.” Anderson made a mental note to check into this “rider” business. Back to the matter at hand, “Did Mr. Chen explain the main purpose of the Fusion system?”

Kingstone nodded, “I need some time to wrap my head around that one. I mean I’m grateful you guys brought me back to life and all, but I’m not sure I can do something like this.”

“You had no problem in the garage,” Perez told him. Kingstone hanged his head slightly.

“More than likely he got caught up in the rush of the moment, if you will,” Taylor spoke up.

“Perhaps,” Anderson agreed.

“I just don’t understand why you’re at war with these,” he looked at Chen, “what did you call them? Oh yeah, Drakans.”

“We are not at war with the Drakans Mr. Kingstone,” he told him, “my apologies, Richard.” He went up to him, “Well not all of them. There is a rather violent minority that we took it upon ourselves to, and I hate to use this word, handle.”

“And who asked you to handle them?”, he demanded.

“The Drakan asked for our assistance,” Anderson said. He learned form his mistakes with Davidson. After all half a truth was better than no truth at all. “We are some of the few humans who are actually aware of the Drakan existence. My company has some very good relations their community. If fact we have Drakan working for us. I usually don’t know who for the most part, I don’t want that information to color my judgment.”

“And do you get anything out of this?”, Kingstone asked.

“Just doing out part to help keep the peace in the Drakan community. Their only condition was that we handle things they’re way. The Drakan have a some what barbaric way of doing things. Their traditions demand that these rebels be terminated on the spot.” He cleared his throat, “I find the practice distasteful myself. But when we’re dealing with a species that on average is three to four times stronger than humans, well I find it’s not wise to argue.”

“I suppose, but this still doesn’t feel right.”

Anderson knew he word this very carefully. “These rebels have proven to be a rather deceitful lot. They have gone so far as to attack me on one occasion.”

“And you guys didn’t have one of me around to handle things?”, he said, mainly as a joke.

“Actually we did,” Anderson walked back to his desk and hit a switch. The painting behind the couch slid away revealing a screen. Kingstone got up whistling. Hitting another control an image of Davidson’s security photo appeared. “This was our last operative….”

“Jack?”, Kingstone said in disbelief. Anderson had a feeling they knew each other. Why else would they have been found in such close proximity to each other? Still he acted surprised.

“Did you know Mr. Davidson?”

“He’s my best friend. I don’t understand,” he looked at Chen, “is this why you wanted to wait and tell me what happened to him?”

“I realize this is quite a shock Mr. Kingstone.” He thought quickly, he needed to be careful here, one wrong word or phrase and he could set this one on a similar path as Davidson. “Mr. Davidson was a fine fighter, if not a bit strong willed.”

“Actually I think that’s one of the nicest way I ever heard anyone describe Jack,” Kingstone smirked. “So what happened, is he…?”

“No, Mr. Kingstone, which makes this all the harder.” He looked out the window and put his hands behind his back. “I’m afraid he had gone rouge some time ago.”

“What the hell are you talking about?”, he demanded.

“Mr. Davidson joined the rebels. He even went so far as to attack me and my men.”

Kingstone shook his head, “No, the Jack I knew would never do anything like that.”

“I’m afraid so Richard, it’s been a long time since you had seen him as you know. A lot can happen to a person in that time to change them. Especially if they are helped along the way.” He nodded to Taylor who changed the image to Haily’s security photo. “We assigned her to be his mission operator, unknowingly we set him up with a rebel sympathizer. During their time together she warped his perceptions of thing. She even got him believing that I was a Drakan.”

“No, Jack’s not that gullible. He would have seen through it.”

“If he was in his right mind, perhaps.” Kingstone turned his head sharply toward him. He was dangerously close to being pushed in the wrong direction. Anderson took a moment to continue. “Part of the blame lie on our shoulders for that. We sent him on so many mission he was becoming rather frazzled. Haily used that state to poison his mind. I personally blame myself for this happening. Perhaps if we paid closer attention to the situation this wouldn’t have happen.”

“I… I need to think,” Kingstone ran his hand over his hair.

“Of course, Mr. Chen could you please escort Richard back to his room. We’ll talk about this later when he has thought things over. And I’ll have my man bring you a fresh set of clothes, something a little more comfortable than what you have now.” Chen nodded and escorted a still stunned Kingstone out of the room. Anderson returned his attention to the city below, “This could be a problem.”

“If he’s as close as he says they were we might want to think of eliminating him now,” Perez offered.

“Maybe we shouldn’t be so hasty,” Taylor piped up. “There has to be away to salvage this before it goes the way we’re afraid it will.”

“The best way for that to happen is to make sure he believes what we told him.” Anderson turned around, “Do we have any footage of Davidson fighting our men?”

Perez thought it over, “I think we might have the security video from the warehouse incident a while back.”

“Is that all we have?” Taylor confirmed that it was, this was going to be more difficult than he thought. “Let Kingstone see that footage, make sure it looks like he was the aggressor. And if possible try to arrange a live demonstration.”

“I’ll look for some available targets,” Taylor said.

“I’ll make sure the men know what to do,” Perez added. Anderson nodded and dismissed them. This was going to be tricky, and knowing Davidson temperament, they should be able to pull it off. They just have to reinforce the idea that he changed over the months until then.

***

Rachel smiled at children as they started getting it. Melissa asked her to help with their makeshift school. Although she wasn’t sure she said yes when Melissa told what the teacher need some help on. Her time was soon up and she waved at the kids as she left the room. She didn’t go far before she found Jack leaning against a wall with his arms crossed. “Why do I not like that look you’re giving me?”

“I’m just wondering,” he said, “what their parents are going to think when they find out you’re teaching them to curse like a French sailor.”

“I know more French than that,” she informed him as she walked past him. He got off the wall and hurried up to walk beside her.

“Really?,” he looked confused. “I never heard you say anything else.”

“You weren’t worth anything else.” He clutched his chest and acted hurt by the statement. “I’m not exactly fluent, but I know enough to help them get started on the basics. Besides, it feels good to help the kids out, teach them something. You should give it a try.”

“And what am I going to teach them?”, he asked. “How to pick a lock in under ten seconds.”

“Some of the older kids are part of a shop class,” she offered. “You could show them how to work on an engine.”

“Oh yeah, a bunch of teenagers just standing around the Drakan killer with a bunch of heavy objects around. Yeah, I can see how nothing bad can come out of that one,” he said sarcastically.

She looked around as she added, “Well it’s either you or Sparky for the job.”

Just like she thought that did the trick. Jack told her, “I’m in. God only knows what Sparky would teach them. So how much time to I get to warp their minds?”, he gave her that stupid half grin of his.

“Actually the class is Dusty’s,” she informed him. “It’s on when he get’s a chance to get away from the auto yard for a bit. He figured with a bunch of teenagers he going to need an extra set of eyes to watch them all. And who better than somebody still in that mindset.”

Jack stopped in his tracks and stared at her, “You already volunteered me, didn’t you?”

“Me no, Dusty yes,” she corrected him. “Actually he was pushing for you for a while now. I told him I’d talk you into it.”

“Sparky’s name never even came up did it?”

“I’m pretty sure Dusty thought the same way you did.” She turned to walk away. She went a few steps before he spoke again.

“That’s something I would do you know.”

Now it was her turn to stop in her tracks and faced him, “That hitting a little low.” She tried her best to sound annoyed with him, of course it was never that hard to do to begin with.

“Then you shouldn’t have tricked me like that,” he said with a smirk. He looked around for a bit before saying, “So, do you want to grab some lunch?”

“I can’t,” she said. “I told Melissa I meet her in the garden center after I was done with the class.”

“Oh,” he said. He had a weird look on his face for a brief moment before returning to normal, “Probably a good thing, I just remembered Arron said he needed some help moving some boxes in storage. I should probably go give him a hand.” He pointed a finger at her and looked serious, “Now I don’t want Frank tracking me down saying you caused a scene, so you behave yourself.”

“Anybody causing a scene down there was poor Sparky after you tricked him down there.”

“Hey,” he quickly interjected, “that wasn’t my fault. I didn’t know Frank was actually gonna cut off one of his dreads.”

‘That’s not the way Sparky tells it,” she teased.

“Sparky says a lot of things,” he said quickly, “doesn’t mean all of it’s true.”

She laughed at him. “How about I catch you for dinner later on?”

Jack nodded a bit, “Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you then.” She waved and headed off for the center. As she turned a corner she glanced back and saw him still standing there. He sighed before going in another direction. Rachel kicked herself a bit, she should have went to lunch.

***

Richie sat there as the video ended and took off the glasses they gave him. There was no doubt about it that was definitely Jack in the video. And he had similar armor too. But it still didn’t explain why Jack apparently went loco. He knew Jack didn’t have the best influence growing up with his uncle but he was always a good guy. Chen came in and handed him a cup of coffee. He looked sympathetic as he said, “I know that was hard to watch.”

“You have no idea,” he said as he cupped his face in his hands. Putting the glasses back on he asked, “Did you know Jack while he was here?”

“No,” he answered, “I only transferred to this branch just recently. I asked around though, those who knew said he was quite the character. They were just as stunned as you were that this happened.”

“Something else must have happened,” Richie said. “I know Jack, no mater how much they said he changed he wouldn’t do anything like this.”

“Maybe you can try to talk some sense into him,” Chen offered. “Chances are good you’re going to run into him more than once. You could get through to him. Hopefully sooner than later.”

Richie snorted, “Not without a couple of two by fours handy. Jack pretty stubborn once he get’s an idea in his head. Sometimes even his mom couldn’t knock any sense into him, and that’s one lady you didn’t want to mess with. Trust me, I know,” he rubbed the top of his head from the memory, several of them.

“Well you do know him better than anybody,” Chen patted him on the shoulder as he stood up, “if anybody can get through to him it’ll be you.” His cell phone started going off, “excuse for a couple of moments, will you?”

“Sure thing Andy,” He returned his attention to the screen before him. He rewound the footage until he got to an image of Jack and paused it. There was something different about him, something about his eyes. They seemed harder than they were before, but it was hard to tell with the video footage.

“Alright we’re on it,” Chen said after a moment. He sat back in the chair as he folded up his phone. “That was the Command Center, we have an assignment.”

“You don’t give a guy much of a chance to get used to things around here.”

“Occupational hazard I’m afraid,” he told him. “They tried to keep this one simple for you though. We tracked down somebody high up in the rebel hierarchy. A teams been dispatched to apprehend him. You been asked to watch their back and lend a hand if they need it.”

“Wait a minute,” Richie stood up looking confused. “Didn’t Anderson say the Drakan wanted the rebels killed on sight? Why are we capturing this one?”

“Usually that’s true,” he admitted. “But when we locate one as high up as this one we try to capture him alive.”

“Then grill them for information,” he finished. Chen nodded for an answer. “Somebody as big as he sound has to know something. How hard is to get information out of one of these Drakans any way?”, he asked curiosity getting the better of him.

“I haven’t witness an interrogation personally,” Chen answered. “But I hear it can get rather… intense. If you feel you’re not up to it just yet I can make up an excuse for you.”

Richie seriously thought about taking him up on it. “No, I can do it. Besides Jack might show up, and I want to get that over with as soon as possible.” Chen nodded in understanding and led the way out. But he was really hoping Jack didn’t show up.

***

While she didn’t want admit it Rachel was looking foreword to dinner that night. Yeah they ate together before, hell they did it that morning. But for some reason this time felt different. Melissa, of course, felt it from her. Seeing how she knew how she felt about Jack, Rachel was glad she kept what ever she was thinking to herself.

Jack was already waiting at the table when she got her food. The one that was unofficially designated as theirs seeing how nobody else would touch after they got there. She sat down across from him like usual. Jack made attempted a joke about her taking her time but she ignored it. They sat there a talked about their day for a bit when Sparky and Arron decided to join them. From the look on Jack’s face told her he wasn’t expecting the two of them either. “What in the hell are you two doing?”, he asked them.

“Somebody has to chaperone you two, “Arron told them.

“Yeah,” the blue haired one added, “nobody wants to see the two of you get all freaky on the table.”

“Do you want me to stab them with my fork or do you want to do the honor?”, Jack asked her.

“I eating, do what you want.” Like she expected he reached for her fork. She pulled it away in time and told him, “That wasn’t an option.”

He pointed at Sparky, “I’ve know where he’s been, there’s no way I poking him with mine.”

“I think I was just insulted,” Sparky said sounding a little annoyed.

“It wasn’t hidden or anything there Sparky,” Jack told him.

“Hey is that Frank with his knife over there?”, Arron said looking in a direction.

“What?!”, Sparky shot and looked around widely almost knocking over the table. “Where?!”

“Hey!,” Rachel grabbed her plate. “Arron that was not cool.”

“I’ll give you props for the attempt Fido,” Jack said. “But you gotta work on that follow through.”

“It’s official,” she said as she put her plate down, “you two have officially corrupted this kid.”

“He was hanging around Sparky longer than he’s been around me,” Jack tried to defend himself.

“Which say a lot about you doesn’t it,” she said.

“Do I have to separate the four of you,” Melissa said as she walked up to the table with Emily right behind her. “You’re starting to make a scene.”

“We were minding our own business when these two bozos showed up,” Jack said.

“As much as I hate to agree with him,” Rachel added, “Jack’s right.” He stuck his tongue out at her. She looked at Melissa and recognized that look in her eyes. “I’m guessing this isn’t just a behave yourself type of thing.”

“And you’d be right,” she and Emily joined them at the table. “Friedman and our other mole haven’t been able to hear much lately and that’s had all of us worried. Friedman heard something about this supposed second mark one but he hasn’t been able to find anything concrete about that yet.”

“It would be nice to know how far they’re on that one,” Rachel said and Jack nodded in agreement.

“But he was able to find out about something. A couple of the guys in Anderson troops were talking about an ambush of a leader of one of the cells.”

“Which one?”, Arron asked.

“Drake,” she informed him. “Not exactly my favorite person in the world. But he’s one of us, and nobody wants him taken alive or killed. We’re going to shadow his route to watch his back. None of the other knows you’re with us Jack, but if World Inc. get’s involved he’s going to need the extra muscle.”

Sparky laughed, “Can’t wait to see his face when the Drakan Killer saves his ass.”

“You won’t be going this time around,” Melissa told him. “I need you’re help in obtaining an generator. Another cell has a spare but they’re not going to let it go for free.”

“Looks like it just the three of us,” Rachel said as they started to get up.

“I think,” Emily spoke for the first time, “that Rachel should stay here for this one.”

“Why?”, Rachel asked.

“I have my reason child,” was all she said.

Jack didn’t look at her as he said, “Maybe you should do as she said this time around.”

She felt betrayed, “Jack I’m your mission operator remember.”

“I know, I know,” he said looking her in the eyes, or at least he tried to. “Look I don’t believe in that future seeing mumbo jumbo either, ah… no offence.” Emily said nothing but Jack got out of range of her cane just in case. “But if she said you should stay maybe we shouldn’t argue.’

She knew where this was coming from. He didn’t want her to get hurt behind his back again and was probably looking for any excuse to cling on too. “I’m sorry but I’m going along.”

“Jack, Arron and the other will meet you in the garage,” Melissa said. She waited a bit before adding, “Rachel I’m going to need you to stay here and help me with the generator too.” She protested but Jack and Arron were already up and heading out the closest door. “Sorry but I had to go with Emily.”

“I don’t now what she saw, but if I know whatever it is coming then shouldn’t I be able to watch for it,” she argued.

“I never said you were in danger child,” Emily told her.

“Then why shouldn’t I go with them?”

“Something big is about to happen,” she answered. “I’m not sure what it is or when it exactly going to happen but it will be soon. Jack will need us later but right now he has to confront this one on his own first before he gets his head straight.” She got up and left leaving the two of them confused.

***

This Drake guy was easy enough to spot, he was the only one with his hair slicked back. Based on the few stories Arron told him abut this guy Jack thought he be forced to hurt him if they met in real life. But a job was a job, and this one he had no problem with. If he had any luck nobody show up then he could head back. But it seemed like his luck was on the thin side ever since the avalanche. Case in point Drake decided to stop and stretch his legs a bit, in a perfect ambush spot too. Jack stopped his bike and the guys in the van behind him pulled up beside as the looked around. “How did this idiot last this long?”

“He’s got good people,” Arron said. “Anytime we need a fast strike type of operation he’s the one they go to.”

“I’m surprised they didn’t send him after me.”

“I’m sure they wanted too,” Arron told him. “But nobody knew when you were going to pop up. And after that ambush at the safe house they planned for you failed I heard they had to really rethink things.”

“I think I got something,” one of the guys in the Van said. Jack paid really close attention to the area around Drake. He wasn’t seeing or hearing anything. Then again he didn’t know what that guy turned into so he could have hearing like a dog for all he knew.

“I think I see something to the west,” Arron said stepping out of the van. At the same time Jack saw Drake look in the same direction. That was good enough for him. He raced toward Drake as Anderson’s shock troops came out of nowhere, outnumbering Drake by three to one.

Jack did his pose on his bike and shouted out, “Henshin!”, before activating the system. Drake reverted to a red zebra with darker red stripes as those around him dropped their human disguise. Jack rode in fast, a shock troop turned around and saw him. Before the guy could react Jack stuck out his arm and hit him with clothesline as he rode past. Skidding the bike to a stop he jumped off and turned around quickly. For some reason nobody was coming at him. That was a first usually there be a couple of these freaks trying to take a shot at him.

He saw Drake get jump on by four of the shock troops. He ran over, grabbed the closest two by the back of their uniforms and tossed them away. The other two tried activated the electric prods on their batons and came at him. Jack ducked the first swing and blocked the second one. Kicking the first guy he then grabbed the second one by the collar, picked him up and slammed him down to the ground. He turned around and saw Drake sitting there staring at him with fear in his eyes. The guy wasn’t even trying to move. He didn’t have time for this, “Stop pissing yourself and start running away.”

Arron and the others caught up in their Drakan forms and took on the rest of the shock troops. Then Drake decided to run away to the trees. Jack watched the ones that was left, which one of these guys was the Drakan in disguise. And why was it none of them were still not coming at him? Well if they weren’t going to come to him he might as well go to them. Jack charged them, most tried to defend themselves but they couldn’t do much against him.

Drake came flying back into field surprising everybody. They looked in the direction he was came from. Out of the trees came somebody else wearing armor just like his, except the eyes and the plate on the belt were green instead of red. The second mark one, no doubt about it. “There’s another Drakan Killer?”, somebody said.

“They were right about you,” was all he said. Now things were clicking together. That’s why nobody was coming at him, Anderson set him up, again. And he walked into it just like a sucker. The second mark one charged him.

“Whoa, wait a sec,” Jack tried to stop him but the other one bowled him over. The second one started punching him in the head. Jack caught the fist and forced him off. “This isn’t what it looks like.”

“You’re attacking these men and protecting a rebel. How is that suppose to look?” He jumped and flipped over him. He kicked out both feet and hit Jack in the back. He fell foreword to the ground and quickly got up. There was something about this guy that was bugging him, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He’d worry about it later.

“That’s it, I’m going to kick the crap out of you before I try to talk some sense into you,” he told him.

“Just what I was thinking,” he said as they circled each other. Jack looked and saw that Arron and the other were handling the troops at the moment. Without warning the second one flipped foreword and started throwing kicks at him then surprised him with a right cross. Jack turned around and hit a kick to his gut. The second one took a step back then back flipped out of the way as Jack tried to follow up with an uppercut. Then he floored him with a spinning jump kick. He stood over Jack and said. “Do yourself a favor and give up.”

“Then you don’t know me all that well,” Jack said as he kicked his legs out from under him.

The second mark hit the ground, rolled to his feet and hit Jack in the head with a knee. “I know you better than you think.”

“Yeah right.” Jack caught him as he tried to jump again and slammed him to the ground. Hauling him to his feet Jack started striking away at his gut with his fist. The second mark one blocked and spun around to clock him with a forearm. He flipped foreword again and dropkicked him in the chest. Jack rolled backwards as he hit the ground and rammed his shoulder into him as he got up. “Now why don’t you give up?”

“Not until I stop you.” The second mark one tackled him into a tree. Jack felt the wind leave him momentarily from the impact and saw stars. The second one kneed him in the gut repeatedly before grabbing him by the shoulders and throwing him over head. His head cleared when the other one jumped up and was aiming his right foot at his head. He rolled out of the way, grabbed his ankles and tripped him. Jack got to his feet but was met with a foot to the face any way. The second one got up saying, “I have to stop you here, I’m Kamen Rider Fusion.”

“Oh God, don’t tell me Tim talked you into using that,” Jack said.

“Nobody talked me into using anything,” he answered. He charged, Jack ducked and grabbed him by the waist and legs. He spun around and planted him into the ground. Seeing the other guys was stunned he quickly got into position and raised his fist aiming for his head. Then the second one said, “And I told you that you didn’t know quality programming when you saw it.”

“What are you talking about?” Then a memory hit him and Jack felt a cold spot quickly growing in his stomach. The last time he heard that was when… he was back in the mountains before the accident. He wasn’t in the best of moods and his best friend told him that. His heart started pounding and his fist started shaking as in a small voice he croaked out, “Ri…Richie?”

“Hi Jack,” he said as he punched him in the face. Jack was too stunned to defend himself and just fell off of him. Richie didn’t let up as he attacked him without mercy. He finally tried to get his arms up to defend himself but he couldn’t get past it. This was his best friend, somebody he was told was dead. Richie jumped up and hit with a spin kick that knocked him on his butt. He barely registered it. “Now if you’ll excuse me I have a job to do.” He walked off and headed for Drake as he slowly sat on his knees.

A group tried to surround Arron, but the green wolf fought them off and saw what was happening. “Jack get a move on!”

Jack looked up and saw Richie reach for the right pod on the belt and twist it down. He had a job to do too, that fact alone snapped him back to his senses. Both of them started running. Richie jumped up and somersaulted forward as he pushed his limit and leap toward Drake trying to knock him away. Richie extended his right foot and yelled out “Rider kick!”. His foot hit Drake a split second before Jack reached him. Drake flew back and exploded as Jack crashed on the ground. Richie turned toward him, ”Now for you.”

“No you don’t!”, Arron said as he rammed into him. Instead of fighting he grabbed Jack as they and the other headed back for the van. Arron helped them load him into the back and jumped on the bike as they got out of there. Jack deactivated the armor and looked out the window and saw him standing there. He slumped back down and held his head, his best friend was alive and he should be jumping for joy at the idea, but he couldn’t even think straight.