Mass Malfunction
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�������Intruder Alert,� The newly activated A.I computer system rang out through the empty halls of the Guardian�s Headquarters and home. �Intruder Alert on sublevel 2.�
������Renegade looked at Simon. They were in the Hanger awaiting the field team�s arrival from their mission in Japan.
�������What the? Genesis, she better not be talkin� bout us.� The shorter man warned.
������Genesis looked around as the protective barrier fell about the Hanger at the same time the self defense system lasers came out of their hiding places and were aimed at the pair.
�������My friend, I believe she is talking about us.� Genesis said as he looked around.
������Renegade shot Genesis a look that could kill. �I thought you said it was working.�
�������It was.�
�������Then it stopped!� Renegade yelled before doing a back flip out of the way of a firing laser. Genesis instinctively raised his arm as it turned into a shield. �Zen! We have to take out the lasers! If we do that we�ll have five minutes before a new set immerges. That should give us enough time to break out of here.�
�������Then what? I�m betting that the whole house is on alert!�
�������We�ll deal with that later, right now, we�re sitting ducks.� With his other hand Simon formed a laser cannon and fired it at various lasers around the Hanger deck.
������With a sigh Renegade created six ER knives in each hand and flung them around the room; all but one hit its mark. It continued in that fashion until they managed to make their way over to the control panel next to the door.
�������Two minutes.� Renegade warned while Simon was typing keys.
�������Got it.� Genesis said in triumph as the door slid open revealing the locker room. �After you my dear good man.�
������Renegade created six more knives before entering the locker room. It was dark with flashing red lights giving the only illumination. Since it was the same in the Hanger, Zen guessed that it would be like that throughout the floor.
������He moved silently to the door of the locker room, his black eyes probing the darkness that surrounded him. He motioned for Simon to come up beside him.
�������Our safest bet,� Simon said in a whisper, �Is to head to the Primary Computer Systems. There we can turn off the security systems.�
������Renegade nodded. �Good idea, but one problem.�
�������What?�
�������There are no short cuts between here an� there. Meaning we have to go out into the hall. And upon last upgrade there were over thirty lasers between here and the shaft. An� seven-teen in the shaft itself. I have a feelin� that we ain�t gonna make it.�
������Genesis looked around the locker room before smiling. Renegade followed his gaze to an air vent.
�������What are you thinking?� Renegade asked, not liking the options, especially if Genesis was suggesting that they squeeze through a hole that size.
�������There is a control in there that allows a air venation. The chemicals in the air will disrupt the lasers targeting sensors; they�ll be shooting blind. There are masks in one of the lockers. I�ll get them while you work on the venting process. This way and we�ll at least have a fighting chance until we get to the first sub level.�

������Cell looked over to Kai. �Call HQ. Tell Genesis that we�ll be there within the hour.�
������Kai nodded and moved into the passenger area. She sat behind the COM consul and typed a few keys. The screen was black with a flashing �access denied� in red letters that filled the screen.
�������What the?�
�������What?� Cell asked as Ruse walked up behind Kismet.
�������The computer won�t make the connection.� She looked back to the screen. �On what grounds?� She asked the COM consul at the same time she pressed the appropriate keys. �Security breach?�
������Her gaze immediately sought Cell. �Try again. Serenity, Ruse sit down. We�re going to get there ahead of schedule.�

�������Here,� Genesis said as he threw Renegade a gas mask. �Put this on before you vent the steam. Who knows what chemicals are in the air.�
������Renegade had put the mask on before turning on the steam. He jumped down beside Simon as the gas filled the room. They moved towards the door together. Genesis knelt down and hacked into the computer systems after he realized that his codes would not compute. The door slid open. Renegade nodded to Genesis before running into the hall. It was much like the Hanger and the Locker Room, with the lights. A constant �Intruder Alert� drummed in the background.
������Renegade expertly dodged from the stray laser fire, just before he threw an ER knife in its direction. Once he was situated he signaled to Genesis to go ahead of him. They proceeded in that leapfrog fashion until they reached the hall that lead to the ladder shaft.
�������I hate to say this, but I wish Cell was here.� Renegade said breathing slightly harder than normal. �He could just shut down all the point defense systems and what not from right here.�
�������And not let the perfect man have another chance to rub his superior fitness level and durability in James� face? You�re loosing your touch Zenny.�
�������Simon, don�t call me that, or you�ll be buried six feet under. Does that compute with your monster of a mind?�
������Genesis began to smile. �Not only does that compute my genetic breakthrough of a friend, but that also gives me a great idea.�
�������What?�
������Genesis looked at the floor then the ceiling. �Can you get one of those ER blasts strong enough to take out the lasers and what not in the general area without hurting the rest of the implements of importance.�
������Renegade nodded. �I should.�
�������Great. Get it ready.� He said as his arm formed into the largest laser cannon it could. He pointed it to the ceiling and with full power, blasted a whole in the barrier.
������Renegade then, at Genesis�s command, threw up the ER knife into the created hole before leaning against the wall beside Genesis.
�������3� 2� 1, now.� On his word there was an explosion that blew dust back into the hole.
�������Well, lets see how that worked.� Genesis said as he moved under the hole and cupped his hands to give Zen a flying boost up. �After you fly boy.�
������Using Genesis�s boost, Renegade gained enough altitude to reach the next level. He did a flip and landed in a graceful crouch, with six ER knives between his fingers. He looked around through the smoggy dark air. The flashing red lights allowed Renegade to see his position in the upper sub level. He was between the briefing room and the main computer systems.
�������������It�s all clear Simon.� Renegade said as he leaned over the hole and gave his giant comrade the necessary hand up. �You get us in an� I�ll hold off the new rounds.�

�������Fifteen minutes and counting,� Cell announced. �Any luck with the communication link?�
������Hope shook her head. �That�s a big fat negative Cell. Neither Kai nor I could get through. I�m about to give up. What do you think they�re doing down there?�
������Jacob shrugged. �Maybe they�re throwing us a surprise party.� They looked at him curiously. He shrugged. �Well, I don�t hear you guys coming up with any possibilities.�

�������Come on Genesis,� Renegade prodded through gritted teeth. The defense systems were back online and Zen was blowing them up and deflecting the laser fire from Simon, �I thought you were suppose to he the genius here.�
������Just then Genesis stood up as the door to the primary computer systems slid open. �Bingo.�
������After Simon walked into the room Renegade back in behind him, �Sorry,� Renegade said when he backed into the giant.
������Genesis shook his head as he turned his attention to the main computer consul. �Come on fingers do your stuff.� He wiggled his oversized digits before going to work.

������Meanwhile in a lab some distance away a man paced across an elevated platform. His black combat boots heavily fell on the metal mesh as he looked out over the lab that lay beneath him. Strapped down to a metal table that stood at a 60 degree angle to the floor was a woman. She was stripped naked and her head was lowered. From her position and the numerous tubes and cords running from different machines into her it was difficult to tell if she was alive under her own power or his. He glanced at an approaching man wearing a lab coat.
�������What is it?� His voice was eerily familiar and the gray bulk of his cloak that added unnecessary mass to his frame seemed to swallow the other man whole.
�������������I have the latest update on the specimen.�
������The man smiled evilly; his tattooed face showed no sign of emotion. �Let�s hear it.�
������The man picked up his clipboard. �She no longer responds to electric shocks, that is a good sign sir, she can no longer resist further testing. We have altered her DNA yet again. Her blood type is now AB positive and the possible amount of muscle tone and flexibility has been increased.�
������The cloaked man looked at his assistant. �I hope that you are not altering her for your personal pleasure Dr. Armand. She is set to die.�
�������I am aware of that sir, but until we get the results from her mutant power suppression we dare not do anything that could trigger them.�
������The man nodded. �Perhaps. But I don�t care about how many men you loose Dr. Armand. I only want my success.�
������The man, Dr. Armand, nodded. �We�ll begin with the harder tests in the morning sir.�
������The cloaked man snickered at the thought of his upcoming victory over the powerful team known as the Guardians.

������Cell adjusted a few controls as he neared the entrance of the Hanger. �Five minutes and counting. Kismet, run over the pre landing systems check.�
������She nodded and moved to sit in the co-pilots seat.
������Serenity stood between the two chairs. �Still no answer. Ruse�s trying now.�
������Cell shook his head as he went over the numerous possibilities for them not answering. They might have been ambushed, or sent out on an emergency mission. He only hoped that they were safe.

�������Would you hurry up?� Renegade demanded as he brought his head in from the hall. The door was open and they were again being fired upon. Renegade had more knives made and ready but he was getting annoyed with their defense systems. �I can�t keep them gone forever.�
������Simon clenched his teeth. Renegade was beginning to get under his skin more than the security problem was. �I�m almost done. I�m disconnecting the A.I system from the main data bank, including security. It should take only another thirty seconds.�
�������I�m holding you to that.� Renegade mumbled as he looked at his watch, he was keeping time. �Ten seconds old man. 9� 8� 7� 6� 5� 4� 3� 2��
������Just then the sound of the systems shutting down could be heard as the lights came back on.
�������Done.� Genesis informed the younger man with a smug smile that was hidden under the mask. �Now go and vent this air.�
������Renegade mumbled something inaudible as he left the room and jumped down the hole in the floor. Genesis shook his head as he turned back around to face the consul.
������The incoming message button flashed. �Hello.� He greeted as he pushed the button.
������Jacob�s face filled the screen. �What took you?� He looked towards the cockpit. �I got through.� He looked back at Simon. �We�re coming in. Prepare the Hanger.�
�������Right.� Simon said as he shut off the link without so much as a goodbye.
������He pushed his intercom button. �Genesis to Renegade.�
�������What now?�
�������Get that air vented then get the Hanger doors open. I�ll meet you there once I get the main systems back on line.�
�������Is there anything else you want me to do? Bake you a cake maybe?�
�������You can bake?� Genesis seemed slightly surprised.
�������Renegade out.�

�������What the?� Jacob muttered when the screen went blank.
�������What?� Hope asked as she moved to stand behind him. Ruse shrugged. �I don�t know. Genesis just left, but he had a goofy mask on, and he looked like he was in a fight; the background seemed like a smoldering and holy version of the hall outside the primary computer systems.�
������Kai and Hope met eyes. �Do you think Zen�� she began.
������Kai held up a hand to stop her friend mid sentence. �Don�t blame this on Zen. We don�t know anything for sure.�
�������We�re going to find out soon enough anyhow.� Cell said as the Hanger door came into his sights. �Prepare for landing.�

������Renegade just got the Hanger doors open in time for the Custodian to enter. The last of the stream left through the giant door making the Custodian�s entrance look like something from a dream. He removed the gas mask as the Custodian�s ramp lowered into place and the door slid open.
������Genesis entered the Hanger at the same moment the field team met up with Renegade.
������Cell looked around the damaged room. �What the hell happened?�
������Zen shrugged. �A computer glitch.�
������Hope looked down into the hall. �Oh my God.� Her almond eyes were the size of saucers.
������Renegade followed her gaze. �That�s nothing, just wait until you see the new entrance to the first sub level. That�s something else.�
������Cell was about to ask what had happened when Sampson�s voice echoed through the damaged halls.
�������Attention all Guardians. Report to the Briefing Room at once.�
������Jacob sighed. �What now.�
�������At least we�ll have an extra way of getting there.� Genesis said with a shrug as he followed Hope and Renegade from the Hanger.
�������Come on Ruse,� Kai said in a defeated tone. �The sooner we get there the sooner we get to relax.�

�������I�m glad you all made it.� Sampson�s form said as he gazed over those in attendance. �And I sincerely hope that fixing the damages is on the top of your to do list, Simon.�
�������Yes Sir.�
�������Good; now to the matter at hand. Cell, I heard that your mission was a success. I am proud of your team. However there is no time for relaxing.� The holographic image projector above the table came to life and showed a 3-Dimensional figure of a bald man with a menacing appearance wearing a cloak and black pants with army boots. On his chest, neck, face and arms were tattoos. There were many and all were varied in design, from bared wire to swords, to bombs and lightning.
�������There is a new threat.� Sampson told them, �Tell me, team, does this man seem familiar?�
������Kismet nodded. �He appears to be the man who killed Ace, if he had the hood raised.�
�������He is the man who confronted Ace. His name is Rancor and he is a deadly mutant about who very little is known. He is dangerous and from what is known he is a diagnosed sociopath.�
�������A what?� Jacob asked.
������Genesis looked at him. �A sociopathic person is someone with very little regard to other people. They�ll do whatever it takes to get what they want. And to make it worse, they feel no guilt and care about nothing but themselves.�
�������And what this sociopath wishes is to bring the Guardians down. He has somehow gained information about the team and found out that Ace was our strongest team member.�
������Cell rested his chin in his hand. �Most likely to set an example. To show us that if he can bring down her he can do the same to each of us.�
������Renegade clenched his fist. �Then what do we do about it?�
�������For the time being nothing. I must find out more about him first. You have the evening to yourselves. Tomorrow you will begin the repairs on the sub levels. Dismissed.�

������The six Guardians sat down in the den, ready for their long awaited down time.
�������I don�t think I�ll ever get up again.� Ruse said as he spread out in his chair. �So, what�re we watching?�
������Kai was about to make a selection when Sampson�s shadowed face appeared on the wall monitor. �Renegade, report to my office immediately.�
�������Busted,� Jacob said with a grin, �So Zen, whad�ya do this time?�
�������I banged your mother.� He jeered as he walked past the young mutant.
�������Funny, but you apparently haven�t seen my mother.� Jacob called as Renegade left the room. �She�s a cow.� He explained to the others.

������Renegade silently made his way to the office. He didn�t know the reason for the call and he wondered why he was summoned as he closed the office door behind him before looking at the active screen.
�������I�m here.� He said, crossing his arms.
�������I can see that.�
�������Then maybe you can tell me exactly why I�m here.�
�������I want you to leave.�
�������What? You don�t love me anymore?� His voice was filled with mock betrayal and hurt.
�������Don�t play sweet Renegade, it isn�t you.�
�������So what? You want me to take a vacation? Thanks, but no thanks.� He moved towards the door.
�������I want you to retrieve Ace.�
������Renegade had been about to open the door but stopped short when he heard what Sampson had said. �What? Ace is dead, Samp, why can�t you just leave her there?�
�������If you leave her where she is, she will indeed die, Zen. So, please stay and hear what I want you to do, because, believe me, you are going.�
������Renegade, with a sigh, sat on the couch. �Fine, tell me if you must.�
�������I have reason to believe that Ace was not killed in the blast but merely transported to a lab within Rancor�s base of operation. I want you to break in and break her out. You will then flee into the states until she is strong enough to return to the team. I have already made the reservations at a motel near the boarder for a Mr. And Mrs. Zen Jones. You will leave at once and will not tell the others of your mission. They will think that you have gone renegade for a time, pardon the pun.�
�������Whatever.�
�������Do you have any questions?�
�������Yeah, why me? Out of all the goody two shoes in this outfit, why me?�
�������Because, out of this so called �outfit� only you have the knowledge of labs, the skills needed to break in and out and the know how to fix any injuries, to an extent, that Ace or yourself might have acquired. Plus out of everyone, you are the only one presently expendable.�
������Renegade rolled his eyes. �Thanks Samp, glad ta know I�m loved.�
�������For someone who has missed Ace, you don�t seem too happy about the possibility of getting her back.�
�������What if I find her and she�s dead?�
�������Then we bury her. I have the spot already picked out.�
������Renegade shook his head. �You�ve thought of everything.� He paused to mutter a curse. �One more thing.�
�������What?�
�������When do I leave?�
�������Immediately.�
������
      Next Issue ~ The Return Of Ace plus, The Guardians vs. Rancor. Be here. 1