The Fall Of Gemini

[Flash_Guardian ] The lights to the computer interface chamber slowly flicker on, and the hatch opens. In steps the familiar form of Flash, red cape, spiky hair and all. A bit of a serious frown marks his face as he continues what must have been an earlier conversation with someone. "... so the modifications are in place?" A familiar female voice sounds over some kind of speaker behind Flash, just as the drone Lydia hovers into the room just behind Flash. "Everything you've asked for has been prepared. Triad and I have run a couple of trial runs, and so far everything seems to be working."

Devaine_Hawk lies near comatose in one of the interface chairs , every so often a finger twitches , or a brief flash of light is seen behind his eye lids as his enhanced mind tries in vain to fight off the artificial induced slumber .

Flash_Guardian sighs, quickly making his way over to one of the other chairs and sitting himself down, preparing to strap himself in. Lydia looks between Devaine and Flash before she speaks again. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Flash tightens one of the leather-like straps over his wrist. "Unless you have any better ideas, I don't think we have much choice." He stares at the other leather strap, unable to tighten it himself. "Can you get that?" Lydia hesitates for a moment, then hovers closer, extending one of her many mechanical arms to grab hold of the strap and pull it tight, locking it into place.

Flash_Guardian takes a deep, steadying breath, closing his eyes and leaning back in the chair, focussing a bit and ticking off his mental plans one by one, making sure he doesn't overlook anything. The basic idea is to link Devaine's mind with a partition of Triad's memory, and with Flash's mind. Since the space is partitioned, neither Dev nor Flash will have any access to any vital functions of the ship, or any ship functions whatsoever. Triad will have written a specific program to be placed inside this partition before either of them link in. Flash will link into this partition first to gain control of the program, then Dev's mind will be connected as well. From there, whatever happens happens.

[Glyniss_McMasters ] "Wai'....yer mea' yer agonna plu' yersel' inter agai'?" obviously not very happy with the idea of having both men plugged into the machine after the last time any tried this.

Devaine_Hawk twitches in his chair , some where in his mind he hears familiar voices , even if he can t respond

Flash_Guardian opens his eyes now, seeing Glyniss nearby, wondering if she followed them in or was here to begin with. Seems she hardly left Devaine's side during his stay here. He tries to give her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Glyniss. I have a pretty good idea of what I'll be up against. I'm just going to go in with my weapon and try to negotiate. And if worse comes to worse, well ..." Flash shrugs. "Let's just say I have a little surprise or two as backup." Flash seems a little nervous. In all his years, he's never attempted something like this. Flash has been around a lot, too, so that's saying something. "Everything ready?" he says, looking back to Lydia.

[Flash_Guardian ] The drone's scanner dish orients itself up and away, through the ceiling for a moment. Seconds later, the air nearby seems to fizzle with a digital splay of gray, white, and peach colored hues, eventually solidifying into the form of a small white-haired boy clad in grey dress clothing, arms clasped in front of him. His big eyes look upon Flash with worry. "Be careful, Flash," the boy says.

Flash_Guardian nods to Triad and Lydia, then looks once more to Glyniss. "Any last thoughts before we get underway?"

Glyniss_McMasters frowns shaking her head not liking this one bit..." An' wha' ifna yer get abeatin'.....emm....Ba' enoug' him" nodding to Dev" is in ter dam' thin'..." she flops into a nearby chair knowing no matter what she says is gonna be any good so shakes her head..." Jus' get bac' her' in on' peic' ter pai' of yer"

Devaine_Hawk tenses in the chair as even in his unconscious state his senses register the energy used in Triad s appearance

Flash_Guardian really isn't certain what's going to happen, so he simply bites his lip nervously and nods to Glyniss. "Dev might be able to hear you, even while our minds are linked inside the computer. If things get rough, just ... talk to him, or something. You can watch what happens on the monitors overhead to keep track of us. Anything funny starts to happen, just shut it down, alright Triad?" The boy nods, his normally unemotional face seeming rather timid at the moment. Flash takes another steadying breath before leaning his head back and closing his eyes. His fingers are crossed as the metal harness slowly descends over Flash's head. Soon afterward, his mind is elsewhere, inside the computer.

Glyniss_McMasters sighs positioning herself so she can easily see the monitor.....and close enough to hold Dev's hand just as she has been doing since he was put into the chair....rubbing her thumb over the back of his hand...

Devaine_Hawk flexes and un flexes his hand under her touch , the only sign he knows she or Flash is there

[Flash_Guardian ] Up above, two of the monitors blink into operation, both of them showing the same pictorial representation of what is happening inside the partitioned space specifically created for this purpose. The monitors show the image of Flash as he is now, clad in his typical garb, golden bracers, red cape, tabi boots and all, standing amidst an endless field of light grey space. Slowly Flash opens his eyes and looks around at his surroundings, eventually spotting something laying on 'the ground' nearby. He smiles, slowly walking over to pick up the small object, which appears to be some form of computer diskette at the moment ... a rather harmless looking thing. He takes it in his right hand, turning it over and tossing it up in the air lightly a few times, appraising it a moment. He seems satisfied after a time, smiling and looking away, nodding. "That's the signal," Lydia interprets. "Link Devaine's mind into the partition now, Triad." Triad narrows his eyes as if concentrating ... >

[Flash_Guardian ] ... and moments later, the mental block that has been holding Devaine in his slumber for so long is released, allowing his mind to link directly to the currently null and empty space inside the computer.

Devaine_Hawk tenses in the chair , and Glyniss might see a bright flash behind his closed eye lids as his mind comes on line so to speak .

Glyniss_McMasters smiles feeling Dev's hand flexing......eyes on the monitors as she sees Flash unsure what his doing but trusting him ....sideglancing Dev to see his reaction....her hand tightening just a little her hold on his hand

Devaine_Hawk appears on a shiny metal table , in some sort of medical facility, surrounded by both medical personal and government agents . The men move around his prone body on the table , making incisions , taking readings and speaking softly amongst them selves . One word seems to be repeated , Gemini, and a lot of talk about expectations and potential .

Glyniss_McMasters blinks...jerking back just a tad at the pic on Dev's moitor......why it's not as if Dev hadnt told her about this...but the shock of it suddenly appearing wasnt pleasant...

Flash_Guardian keeps his mental eyes and ears open as the scenery changes, becoming more of a figurative representation of Devaine's mind. After all, in the realm of the mind, everything is figurative. Flash seems to be in a distant, unoccupied corner of some sort of scientific medical lab. He whirls around, taking in every sight of this new medical room with interest. Taking a step further into the room, he sees Devaine laying on the medical table now, looking him up and down, eyes wide as he takes in such a disturbing sight. He watches the men and women moving about, performing their tasks dutifully and with silent commentary. Flash sets his sights on one of them who has moved himself away from the table for a moment, perhaps to retrieve some necessary tool or information, taking the opportunity to approach him. "Excuse me," Flash asks the man politely. "May I ask what's going on here?" Flash jerks a thumb in Devaine's direction where he lays on the table, motionless.

[Devaine_Hawk ] The men start to inject various tubes and needles into the man on the table . One turns to the rest as he plunges a syringe right into a bone on his arm . this should increase the density of his bones , make them harder and more resilient he repeats the painful process all over the man s body, he won t be unbreakable , but he ll be tougher than most

Glyniss_McMasters frowns deeply watching the screen now intensly disliking what she's seeing...

Flash_Guardian stands there for a moment looking rather confused, wondering if the man he had addressed had actually heard him or not.

[Devaine_Hawk ] The man turns to Flash , a unsure look on his face , are you cleared to be in here , let s see your papers Over at the table , another physician steps up and begins to place some sort of sheet thin plait metal substance all over Dev s splayed open muscle system , laying it right against the exposed tissue . Name technological fiber , it wills peed u his motor skills , and make his response and nerve to brain transmission a lot quicker than the average soldier he tells the others . On the table Dev winces and squirms as even the powerful anesthetic can t block our the pain of having some thing bonded straight to exposed nerves and muscles .

[Devaine_Hawk ] The same man actually begins to slice open Dev s lungs on the table . with the Nano tech fibers in his lung lining , he won t be able to breath under water , or in a vacuum , but he will be able to hold his breath for about nine to eleven minutes , where the average man can go the most four he tells the others .

Flash_Guardian 's face contorts in sympathetic pain as he watches the scientists perform their augmentations upon their patient. Flash realizes this must be some sort of memory of Devaine's past, when the government was ... augmenting him. Flash holds up his hands in a peaceful gesture. "I'm just here to see my friend Devaine over there," Flash tells the man, nodding in Dev's direction once more, trying to hide the horror which threatens to show on his face. "And I'd appreciate knowing just what it is you're doing to him."

[Devaine_Hawk ] The man give Flash a Dubois look . well if you made it this far you must belong here or the guards and security would have shot you , or worse . he laughs Turning to look at the table he grins him, we re going to make his dream come true, make him all he can be then some the perfect solider , that s why the young gung ho leather neck joined the Corps and the Company, right? he ask.

[Devaine_Hawk ] At the table , another man steps to the front with an object that looks like a cross between 3D glasses , and a beer hat with tubes and various buttons all over it . you make him tough, we make him smart , he tells the surgeon .

Flash_Guardian blinks, bringing a hand up to rub at the base of his neck uneasily. "Err ... right. Of course," he bumbles, playing along. He swallows something as he continues to watch the others perform their surgery. "So ... he volunteered for this proceedure, right?" Flash eyes the strange looking hat warily. "What's that one supposed to do?"

Glyniss_McMasters keeps watching the screen...at least now both her and Flash will find out a lot of stuff behind Dev......

[Devaine_Hawk ] The man slips the strange goggles and apparatus over Dev s head , needles sliding right into his skull where it s shaved bald . this will allow us to enlighten him , so to speak . It boost his reasoning , deductive , and memory ..we hope never tried it on a human before he chuckles nervous ly before the needles retract, and new ones puncture Dev s skull again . and of course the controller chip is being program as we speak, he leans forward with a scalpel and begins to skillfully graft some thing right into the gray tissue . what good is are weapon if we can t aim it ? he ask .

[Devaine_Hawk ] The man laughs again at Flash and his naive question . sure he did he wants to make mamma and his Uncle Sam proud , but he might not have read all the fine print

[Devaine_Hawk ] At the table the last person steps forward , replacing the hat with a small camera like device , this one is a woman . you made him bright but he still has to be taught . she tells the man . Dresses in what looks almost like a med evil priestess out fit she places the device and turns it on , before resting her hands on his bare chest and starts to chant in a strange tongue .

Flash_Guardian begins searching his mind, trying to remember anything and everything he's learned of Devaine's past ... though there isn't much there. Devaine didn't speak about his past much, and Flash had always been content to leave him be ... until now, when such knowledge could prove vital. Flash sighs, seeming to grow impatient over something, and his opinion of the scientists and medical workers seems to be dropping by the minute. With a frown, Flash turns to regard the assembled personnel surrounding the table, calling loudly and commandingly. "I want to speak with Devaine. Now." If this was indeed a memory, Flash will perhaps just need to let it run its course. If not, then Flash should have some ability to affect what is going on in this metaphysical world.

Flash_Guardian eyes this new woman strangely, quirking an eyebrow most curiously. Her work seems completely out of place among the workings of science and biology, seeming more like spellcraft of a sort. He watches her hand motions with keen interest and listens to her words, wondering if his own knowledge of magic would grant him any insight to what she is trying to accomplish.

[Devaine_Hawk ] Lights flicker , and Flash would feel a cold wind cross the room . The woman speaks as she steps away from the table . He can see both worlds now on the table a familiar flash of blue to Glyniss or Flash would spark behind Dev s closed eyes

Glyniss_McMasters by now is sitting on the edge of the chair chewing her bottom lip a little glancing to Dev as all this is played by...

[Flash_Guardian ] Outside the computer, Triad and Lydia seem to exchange glances with one another, seeming most confused by the images shown on the screen. They would both look to Glyniss, trying to see if she understands what is happening any better.

Flash_Guardian shivers, drawing his shoulders up slightly, his neck hairs standing up. "Freaky," Flash whispers to himself. "Sorcery and science. A dangerous mix."

[Devaine_Hawk ] One of the technicians looks up from is screen on a monitor across the room Don t ask me how , but that S.O.B. is awake ! he shouts . On the table Dev sits up , eyes still closed , Flash? he asks . Then amazingly snaps the leather restraints on his wrists and ankles like tissue .

Flash_Guardian shudders harshly as Devaine suddenly sits up, his flesh still open from the ongoing surgery. If Flash wasn't horrified before, he is now ... completely so. Flash takes a blind step backward, bumping into some sort of medical tray covered with metal utensils, sending them crashing to the ground noisily. A glance is shot behind him quickly, lasting only a half second before Flash's head once again whips in Devaine's direction, holding an arm up in front of himself for protection. "De ... Dev?" Flash's breath comes quickly now, adrenaline surging though his body outside the computer. Steeling himself, Flash says the words he has been practicing over and over for the last few days in preparation for this moment. "Devaine, I'm here to help you. But I need your help."

[Devaine_Hawk ] One guard looks to the other , then approaches the table , easy, easy, he tells the subject . But Dev is already moving . Lashing out his hand in a claw like motion , when he pulls it back he hold s the guard s wind pipe I it , ands the man falls to the ground . One of the other guards shouts Plan B now!! a doctor reels away the adrenaline increasers work like a charm ! he tells another . Two guards shove past him with long wicked looking stick like objects that crackle

Glyniss_McMasters jerks back as Dev sits up and speaks Flash's name.....was this the first sign of things going wrong....damn she wished she knew better what was going on

[Devaine_Hawk ] The guards quickly use the prods to subdue Devaine , and the doctors look from their guinea pig to the dead man on the floor , then back again . I would say phase one is a success the woman speaks up. Then Dev tries one last time to rise off the floor , and looks right at his friend , eyes open and flashing now , Flash before they shock him again and he collapse . The screen goes black, Flash is standing alone for the time in cyber space .

Flash_Guardian isn't about to let anyone attack Devaine, especially in his present condition. His earlier look of horror steels into a look of defiant confidence, a look only seen when Flash is preparing to fight. Flash's arm moves out to the side, his hand clenching around the disk-like object which he's been carrying for some time now withing the mainframe. A single word of command is uttered. "Stop." All at once, the object flickers and flashes, changing in form and appearance to some sort of strange futuristic gun-like device. Flash quickly aims and points it at one of the guards ... just as the world around him fades away to nothingness, leaving him alone once more. "Devaine!!" he calls out into the emptiness, eyes searching all around for something or someone. He had gotten too close to be thwarted now.

[Devaine_Hawk ] The next scene slowly fades in around Flash . This time he finds Dev clothed , shackled and in what is a cross between a cell and a study of sorts .

Flash_Guardian thinks quickly now, brow furrowed and eyes blinking uncertainly. Maybe he was seeing things, but was there in fact ... two Devaines he saw just now? One on the table ... and one on the floor? At last, a new scene forms, that of a sort of well furnished prison. Still holding the gun in his hand, Flash drops his arm to his side, turning to face Devaine now. "Dev," he calls to his friend, trying to keep his mind open to everything that he is percieving. Mentally conjured images weren't always the easiest things to interpret, and sometimes two minds can see the same thing differently.

[Devaine_Hawk ] Soon Flash would witness a succession of teachers , scientists , and others as they enter and leave the room . Each bring books and videos , all different subjects . Every thing from hard theological science , to the art of an assassin , to politics ,, and theology . Dev is some times strapped in a chair with devices holding his head in place and his eyes open as they force him to watch videos detailing all sorts o procedures . Again from they use of poisons , weapons conventional and other wise , to emergency field medical training . This too ends with the strange woman teaching him wit very old books , leather bound tombs , how to combat , recognize , and deal with sipper natural threats .

Devaine_Hawk seems to catch on to it all with amazing understanding even if it is unwillingly. Every so often he looks over to where Flash is in the room almost like he can see him , but not speaking . The blue white flashes in his eyes becoming more frequent and brighter as the training goes on and on .

Flash_Guardian watches the assembly of instructors and images flooding through the chamber, nodding as realization floods into Flash's own mind. "Training the perfect weapon, of course." As the woman instructs him, Flash looks over some of the books and recognizes some of the teachings. Near the end of it all, Flash seems to chuckle, looking around. "Mojo shit," he says to the air around him, knowing that Devaine could hear him to at least some extent. "Isn't that what you always called it, Dev?"

Devaine_Hawk looks to the sound of the voice , eyes alight . you ain t seen nothing yet boy scout he smiles before the scene fades and leaves Flash alone again .

[Devaine_Hawk ] The next scene shows Dev standing at attention in the center of a shadowed room Across the room , behind a two way mirror a voice is heard from a speaker . Agent Gemini, congratulations , today you graduate to your first field test .

Flash_Guardian smiles a little as the scene fades once more, though a bit of frustration seems to show through it all. Flash isn't feeling like he's getting any closer to his goal. Certainly he wasn't expecting any of this. But again, what's to be expected of another's mind? Flash simply waits patiently for the next scene to appear, letting out a sharp breath of expectation.

Flash_Guardian watches patiently while the current scene plays out.

[Devaine_Hawk ] The scene moves quicker to a night time out side what appears to be a prison of some sort . Flash would see an amphibious craft deposit Dev on the shore close to the structure . The same voice comes from inside the craft before it pulls back out to sea. Gemini, inside that prison , a group of terrorists consisting of Russian rogue agents , and other worldly agents hold a very important person hostage . This person possesses knowledge they must not have . You are to either free , or eliminate the hostage , and do not be captured under cost .

Flash_Guardian shakes his head a little, starting to feel like he's outside looking in, watching the show from beyond or above. "Alright, alright ... so you were some kind of bionically enhanced secret agent sent to perform difficult missions for the government," Flash says aloud. "Built to be the perfect killer and strategist, I'm sure. Project Gemini, right?"

[Devaine_Hawk ] The next part plays out as Flash would expect it , Dev scaling the fortress wall , and encountering the human guards act direst . When he reaches the inner sanctum he finds the same strange woman who had taught him before in a cell with a creature half man , half snake, a Nagga , or some thing close . He slowly slips close to hear the broken woman sobbing information to this creature . Dev goes into action , pulling a very old and odd knife from his clothing and slipping behind the thing , he proceeds to engage it in vicious combat . When he wins , he turns to the woman , you have jeopardized the program he tells her in a cold voice . He looks to Flash , I didn t want to he whispers before slitting his former teachers throat with the knife .

[Devaine_Hawk ] This time the scene doesn t so much change or fade , as break down into clips of Dev s life . Flash sees dozens of similar missions and scenarios , each time Dev struggles and fails to over come the training , looking to his friend and whispering the same sad words I didn t want to do it, Gemini made me

[Devaine_Hawk ] The next scene starts with Flash in a plane over mountains with Dev , who looks at him this is how I came to be in the keep

Flash_Guardian continues to watch, seemingly always a step or two behind Dev, watching from over his shoulder or beside him as the mission progresses. Upon seeing the woman, Devaine's former teacher, Flash is a bit startled, not having expected it. He watches tensely, flinching as Devaine ends the life of his former teacher, looking away and closing his eyes. "By the gods," he mutters quietly. "Glyniss, I hope you're watching this." He turns back to face Devaine. "Gemini ... each time, you were forced to, against your will ... you didn't have any control whatsoever?"

Flash_Guardian nods to Devaine. "You came to the Keep by plane? Were you being brought here for a mission?"

Devaine_Hawk would see Dev parachute out of the crashing and burning plane , and find him self with chute of his own to follow

Flash_Guardian simply leaps out of the plane after Devaine, free-falling through the air with arms spread out to either side, his cape quickly catching the air rushing past and filling out like some kind of sail. He follows Devaine down through the air to the earth below.

[Devaine_Hawk ] Dev lands in a frozen stream , in what if Flash or Glyniss knew what they where is the Tibetan mountains he was flying over on the mission that brought him to them and the Keep . Hitting his head against his rocks in the water he floats down the stream to a bank more dead than alive . Soon Flash would see a group of monks find Dev , and if he follows they take him to a monetary hidden in the mountains

Flash_Guardian doesn't seem to recognize the mountains at all. For convenience's sake, Flash trades away his red cape with a thought and semi-instantly sprouts a pair of bright reddish wings that look very much like the ones that Devaine may have seen him with earlier. He follows Devaine on the wing downstream, landing on the embankment. Upon seeing the monks, Flash instantly seems to recognize them for what they are, being a monk of sorts himself. He most certainly follows, not wanting to let Devaine out of his sight. "So this is taking place in the Keep now?"

[Devaine_Hawk ] Months pass by , and the monks care for and teach Dev , some where along the way , either from the rocks , or their healing and meditation , the controller chip in Dev s head is destroyed , or at least shut off . Even more months flash past showing him as he tries to deal withal the guilt of what he has done . Then it happens , the government finds him even here, and a ferric battle erupts between Dev and the monks against the troops that come for him . It all ends with the elder sensei leading Dev far below the monetary to a glowing portal in a cavern, and with the help of others shoving Dev through it , and into the keep.

[Devaine_Hawk ] The next series of scenes are familiar to Flash for the most part . A few show Dev with a dark haired woman, in the pub , then the night LoX found and helped him there . The comes all of the adventures them and the others have shared .

Flash_Guardian stays with Devaine during the training, watching as the battle breaks out and following him underneath the monastery. As Devaine is shoved through the portal, Flash braces himself ... and hurls himself through, following after Dev into the Keep. More memories fly past, some of which Devaine is actually familiar with. He sees himself during the time when LoX was helping Devaine, before Flash actually knew either of them, chuckling to himself at watching a shared memory from a different angle. More and more Flash feels as if he's becoming a part of the action, and not just a bystander, as Devaine's memories quickly catch up to the present.

[Devaine_Hawk ] Now Flash sees the time Dev spent in custody, and his escape ,. Next comes the night with Dev and the kidnapping , Flash would see an almost ghost Dev in his normal clothes , behind what he must see as Gemini in commando gear , trying to stop him , hold him back , the same thing is scene from the night on the island that lead top now , the two Devs fighting for control all the time .

[Devaine_Hawk ] Then the scene goes blank one last time before the end game

Flash_Guardian nods as he watches the final scene, indeed seeing two images of Devaine as before. Flash simply nods, closing his eyes solemnly and speaking in a cryptic voice. "I understand now." He inhales deeply, letting his thoughts come out in words for the benefit of Glyniss, who is no doubt still watching. "Gemini is back. Whether it's manifested directly as a part of Devaine's mind, or it has something to do with the control chip. In any case, there are now two psyches battling for dominancy over Devaine's consciousness." His eyes at last open, a fierce look of determination in them as he speaks not to Glyniss, but to Devaine and the other presence ... perhaps it would call itself Gemini. "One of you doesn't belong here. And after I am through, only one shall remain."

[Devaine_Hawk ] This scene might be the most disturbing of all in it s own way , Dev appears , beaten and bloody facing a mirror . In the mirror is not Dev , per say , but Gemini , wearing the commando gear, and in similar but not as bad condition . They both stare long and hard at the other , then Dev speaks you heard the man , your not leaving here again , he taps his head , then flips the dark reflection of him self off . Gemini answer then let s dance, you wash out , defective has been so I can get on with MY life be fore stepping out of the mirror. Soon the two close , and what appears to be closely matched mortal combat begins between them.

Flash_Guardian isn't about to sit idly by and wait while Devaine's mind is crushed under the heel of its opressor. He quickly flicks his hand out to one side, and the gun Flash had been wielding quickly vanishes from sight. Without waiting a moment longer, Flash moves to mentally engage the sentience known as Gemini. At first, Flash simply lashes out with a barrage of four punches and open hand strikes to various areas of Gemini's torso. The blows, however, merely serve as a bit of diversion to distract Gemini from his current target for a moment, allowing Devaine a chance to regroup. "Devaine! Let me mind be your strength! Seek refuge in my defenses!"

Devaine_Hawk looks to Flash as he forces Gemini back . I can t go with out him , he s part of me , and I don t know if I can beat him he wheezes , before launching him self back at Gemini. If Flash looks close he ll see bruises appear on both Dev and Gemini where he strikes , and where Flash him self had hit Gemini, it s clear the two are killing one another or trying to, and Gemini has the upper hand right now.

Flash_Guardian continues to do his best to divert Gemini's attention with precision strikes wherever he can get past Gemini's mental defenses. All at once, the scenery begins to waver and change, seeming to fuzz out entirely as if overcome by some sort of static interference. Flash grins, knowing that the background process is working. Now as long as Flash can keep Gemini's attention for just a little longer ... this just might work. "You didn't always have Gemini as a part of you, Devaine. Before he came you got along just fine with your own consciousness. As much as you don't want to admit it, Gemini is an addition. It's external, and not a part of you. It was put into your mind, and can therefore be taken out!"

[Flash_Guardian ] At the fringes of Devaine and Flash's consciousness, they both think they can hear a familiar voice singing somewhere distantly ... it must be Glyniss. Her song reaches out to give Devaine strength and encouragement.

Devaine_Hawk stumbles back as Gemini kicks him in the chest , then Gemini grunts him self , turning to Flash with a sick grin . the only place I ll be taking is over . he snarls . Dev uses this chance to land a solid right hook on Gemini s jaw. New strength coming from some where .

Flash_Guardian glares back at Gemini. "Not on my watch." Flash proceeds to duck low, leaning forward and slashing low to the ground with his leg, attempting to trip Gemini up, just as the scenery at last begins to solidify ... it's Devaine's office, or more specifically the secret lab behind his office. "Do you remember this place? This is a place that you had, a life that you chose. You Devaine, and not this invader. Know thyself, Devaine, and know your opponent," Flash tells him. "You're fighting with that chip in your head, or some sort of after-effect caused by its presence. Hold true to yourself, the person that Glyniss and I know you as!"

[Devaine_Hawk ] Both men stumble , and seem startled at the change of back ground . Dev recovers first and pulls some thing from a pocket . Lunging he wraps the braided dental floss around Gemini s throat from behind . ball game he wheezes as he locks the hold in and wraps his legs around Gemini pulling him down . Flash would see both men start to turn blue after time .

Flash_Guardian watches closely, disturbed to see that what happens to Gemini seems to happen to Devaine, yet not vice versa. "So that's your game," Flash mutters to the strangling pair, walking quickly up to them. Flash places one foot on Gemini's side, then looks down at Devaine. "Let go, Devaine. If you kill him now, he's going to take you with him."

Devaine_Hawk let s go . Rolling weakly to one side , how then? he wheezes .Gemini lies still for the time being .

Flash_Guardian seems to stop and ponder for a moment, reassessing the situation. "Give me a moment." Keeping one foot upon Gemini's chest, he leans forward, exerting enough pressure to pin Gemini to the floor and make it uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Flash leans forward, his eyes glaring down at Gemini, gazing deeper as he tries to get a better picture of just what it is he's looking at, Flash's mind probing deep within Devaine's consciousness, searching for the root of his foe. 'If it's a computer chip, it may take a bit of juice to fry the circuitry ... or maybe the pathways of Devaine's mind can be overridden and directed around the chip ...'

[Devaine_Hawk ] Gemini glares back up at Flash , and it s almost like he reads his thoughts when he speaks . but what will that do to Dev ? he ask in a mocking voice .

[Flash_Guardian ] Meanwhile, a secondary presence in the connection seems to respond to Flash's thoughts. Out of nowhere, trails of bright orange light seem to snake and writhe along the floor around the fallen form of Gemini, slowly creeping around in circular motions to surround him. In mere seconds, the connections are made, as the secondary presence somehow manages to isolate and contain the foreign presence within a powerful mental blockade ... a mental barrier backed by all the force that the Triad's primary power core can muster.

[Devaine_Hawk ] Gemini thrashes and struggles in vain against the barrier as Dev makes it to his feet , walking over to glare at him self . let me see he whispers to him self , visualizing some thing .

Flash_Guardian grins as the entrapment seems to have been successful. "Gotcha," he smirks. "Alright, Devaine ... take a good long look. Is this thing really something that you want to have running around in your head? You and I both have seen what it can do, the damage that it's caused. It's still got a hold on you, though, for some reason. You've got to break that hold, or weaken its grip somehow ... let it go, Devaine."

Devaine_Hawk grins as what he was picturing becomes solid in his hand . A two by four wrapped in barb wire soaked in gas oline . He pulls his Zippo from a pocket and strikes it . I can do that he tells Flash lighting the weapon .

Flash_Guardian looks between Devaine and Gemini for a moment, shaking his head. "That's not what I mean, Devaine ..." Flash ponders a moment. "What do you see when you look at it?" Flash asks, pointing to the entity trapped behind the mental barrier.

Devaine_Hawk lowers the flaming weapon , thinking . I see every bad thing I ever had , every killing , all of it he tells Flash.

[Devaine_Hawk ] Gemini glares up at both of them I see a weak fool , when you had that cord wrapped around my neck for a seconding thought you had it in you there was hope for you yet he laughs.

Flash_Guardian groans. "No, Devaine. You can't kill the bad memories and the feelings ... you'll only end up hurting yourself. You're still seeing the effect ... you've got to start focussing on the cause. Gemini is fighting to regain control. Push your hurt feelings aside, you can come to grips with your pain later. You've got to force Gemini from your mind."

Devaine_Hawk looks back to Flash how ? he ask before brandishing the weapon at Gemini again , shut up or so help me I ll scramble both our brains just to get you

Flash_Guardian ponders for a moment, rethinking things. 'Unless this thing actually IS Devaine's memories ...' Flash suddenly looks over to one side, speaking to someone who isn't there. "Flash, what's the status of the chip implanted in Devaine's mind? Is it currently active or not?"

[Flash_Guardian ] And suddenly, another image of Flash seems to walk in from the side, holding some sort of hand-held computer device consisting of a monitor and built-in keyboard. "Yup. The chip is working alright. As far as I've been able to tell," the other Flash says, gesturing to the being behind the barrier, "you're looking at it." The first Flash nods, turning to look back at Devaine. "So it is the chip that's the problem, at least at present. Until you can look at that thing," Flash says, indicating the entity behind the barrier, "and see it for what it really is, a computer chip in your mind, trying to hurt it will just hurt you. See past the image it's trying to hide behind, Devaine. It's just a shell, a projected image of you. It's not really you." Both Flashes now wait and watch to see what Devaine does next.

Devaine_Hawk looks at Gemini, behind his cage , staring deep and long . you look right at home in a cage he tells it Turning back to the two flashes he asks , ok, now that I know it has to go, how do I kick it out ?

[Flash_Guardian ] The second Flash now steps forward, offering the handheld computer datapad to Devaine. Currently all manner of imagery and information regarding the current situation is being displayed upon the datapad, including a mapout of Devaine's brainwave patterns, a detailed image of Devaine's brain including mental activity shown as brief flashes of light in places, as well as a bright orange box that seems to be surrounding the chip. The second Flash quickly explains. "While the first Flash served as a distraction, I managed to use the Triad's specially prepared program to detect, isolate, and contain the chip. All that's left is to amplify the containment energy and direct it inward. The resulting electronic overload should fry the chip completely and melt down the circuitry." The first Flash looks over to the second Flash, grinning. "Good work, Flash." The second Flash just looks bashful, batting a hand in return. "Awww, it was nothing."

Devaine_Hawk nods to both Flashes , so what are you waiting on , fry the bastard he says in a calm tone , already at peace with what ever it might do to him .

Glyniss_McMasters guesses she goes back to what she was doing....sitting in one of the chairs.....watching and listening to whats going on

[Flash_Guardian ] Both Flashes shake their heads in unison, once again offering Devaine the computer console. They both start to speak at once, then quickly stop and look at each other, glaring. At length, they both turn back to regard Devaine once more, the second one offering the datapad and the first speaking. "We think you should have the honors, Dev, seeing how you feel about what this thing has done to you for so long."

Devaine_Hawk grins , taking the device , and then looks down to Gemini. so long sucker he tells it , before pushing the correct button, He winces , and crumples , fading from the screen ,,

[Flash_Guardian ] ((In fact, Triad is probably hovering near the beach of Redfang Island, if that makes things more convenient. An airship of the Triad's size would be very easy to spot from the beaches nearby or the land bridge. Perhaps Kade spots the Triad on his way there? And depending what Kade has heard, he may have found out that Devaine was being held on board the Triad ...))

Kade is then standing on the beach of Redfang Island, looking up at whatever it is that seems to have appeared with one hand shading his eyes. He'd come out there seeing if Flash had needed any help with construction, and was now worried something was amiss.

Devaine_Hawk convulses in the chair where his body is , a wisp of smoke curls up from his scalp, a red spot glowing briefly under the skin

[Flash_Guardian ] The Flashes watch as the overload commences, shielding their eyes from the resulting backlash of energy that surges across memory. When all is said and done, both Gemini and Devaine are gone, leaving the pair standing amidst the mental image of Devaine's original secret lab back at the third floor. The two Flashes look at each other now, seeming rather disappointed. The first Flash speaks to the second, "Well, crud. How's it look now?" The second Flash walks over and picks up the fallen datapad, looking over the numbers and trying to get an idea of what's happened to Devaine's mind, its current status, the chip's status, etc.

Glyniss_McMasters blinks smelling the stink of burnt hair....jumping up one limping step towards Dev....eyes and fingers checking unsure about unhooking him now.....how the friiging hell is she supposed to know when to do that or not

[Flash_Guardian ] Outside the computer, the boy known as Triad tilts his head to one side, looking over to Glyniss and Lydia curiously. "Someone is standing outside on the island watching me," he says, turning his gaze to one of the many other computer monitors lining the walls. It lights up, displaying a clear view of Kade standing there on the beach looking right up into the camera.

Glyniss_McMasters frowns a little stepping closer to Dev....a finger going under his chin to lift his head up a little....studying his face a little...machines and computers wasnt in her realm of knowledge....." Is it aoka' ter ge' him outta thi; thin'.." a couple of fingers moving to one temple urging his hand away as she rubs it gently

[Devaine_Hawk ] grips her hand a smile across his lips as he opens his eyes , and she sees that one is solid black , the right ,while the left one glows a solid electric blue now . it s ok , it s over he whispers .

Glyniss_McMasters looks into his eyes seeing no flashes....no seeping electric currents of the other.....a smile slowly forming upon her lips as she lets out a gently sigh....glancing at his hand....." I' agla' ter hav' yer bac' Dev..." kissing his cheek lightly

Devaine_Hawk hugs her , and groans as he stands looking around . He feels stiff and sore from all the inactivity over the time he spent asleep, and the mental beating he took .

Glyniss_McMasters smiles broadly now....hugging back her arm going around him helping him first up and then to stand..." Yer shoul' tak' thing' eas' lik' ter yer ge' yer strengt' bac'"

Devaine_Hawk grins and picks her up with one arm slightly off the ground , I heal quick , now if I member , this place has a bar before setting her down , that is if she lets him lift her to begin with

[Flash_Guardian ] The second Flash, after examining the datapad, looks to the first and says quickly, "He's either gone ... or out. The program isn't reading his presence in the computer anymore." First Flash nods. "Well, let's get out of here and make sure he's okay!" The second Flash nods and replies. "Right." Shortly afterward, both Flashes wink out of existence from the computer screen, and the monitor fades to black.

Glyniss_McMasters blinks....no way is she letting him lift her...hug yes...not bloody likely a lift......" Yer ma' do bu' yer asti' got ter tak' thing' eas' ...geez Dev"

Devaine_Hawk grins and looks around to Flash thanks , couldn t have done it with out you

Flash_Guardian groans, at last coming around as his eyes open, the mental harness and leather restraints at last loosening as he leans forward to hold his head. "Wow, I hope I never have to do that again." In spite of it all, he chuckles. "Glad to hear you made it out okay, Dev," he beams, smiling proudly at the man. Seeing the difference in Dev's eyes, he tilts his head and blinks. "Hey, you're only half-sighted now!"

Glyniss_McMasters smiles watching Flash stumble back to them....eyes quickly darting over him mostly to satisfy herself visually that he was okay...sideglancing to Dev now as her smile broadens glad that the two men have come outta it fairly okay by the look of things

Devaine_Hawk winks . The left eye flaring when he opens it . I can see than you might think he laughs , looking around . so where did you put my stuff ? he asks

Glyniss_McMasters coughs hearing Dev and knowing his not going to like a certain ...emm.....she takes a limping step back away from the two men....maybe this is a good time for her to slip away

[Flash_Guardian ] Lydia pipes up at that moment. "We've been keeping it in one of the storage bins, tucked into the wall back in the hangar," she explains. "Oh, and I'm supposed to apologize to you for something ... what was it again?" Lydia seems to ponder for a moment. As she does, Triad peers over at her. After a wordless exchange between the two, Lydia pipes up. "Oh, yeah! Your handheld projectile launchers are resting on the workbench at the moment, as they had to be repaired after they were damaged by Cannon. Apparently the firing mechanisms had been melted off and needed to be replaced."

Flash_Guardian shifts slightly away from Dev, eyeing him cautiously. "Uh-oh ..."

Devaine_Hawk looks to Lydia , then back over to Glyniss , stop. he tells the later , then looks to Lydia . he melted my guns ? he ask . He seems way to calm about it .

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow....one foot rised to step back.......blinking as she slowly lowers it to the ground.....and stops......standing there as she glances over to Lydia back to Dev

Devaine_Hawk stands there , looking all three of them over in turn . wel?

[Flash_Guardian ] Triad proceeds to explain, seeing as he was there. "Originally, Glyniss had possession of your projectile launchers when Flash first brought himself, you, Glyniss, and Cannon here," he explains flatly. "Flash and Glyniss placed you into the mental harness for your own safety. After that, they both proceeded to fall asleep in another pair of chairs. Cannon thought that it was dangerous for Glyniss to sleep while holding such dangerous objects, so he utilized some sort of localized, concentrated heat energy bursts to melt off the triggers of your projectile launchers, effectively disarming the weapons before returning them to Glyniss's possession." Triad blinks happily, hoping his description of what happened was informative.

Flash_Guardian just shakes his head. "So that's how Dev's handguns got like that ... Cannon, you're an enigma and a half." Flash sighs.

Glyniss_McMasters nods slowly remembered falling asleep with them on her lap like her life depended on them and emm finding them disabled when she wake up....

Devaine_Hawk lowers his head , rubbing his temples , then looks back up at the other . well, there s only one answer to all of this , right ? I mean .. I am going to kill him he says still in that calm , too calm tone .

[Glyniss_McMasters ] " Hey....no' hol' on ter....he id' it fer my safte' ter's anyon' yer agonn' kil' it ain' Canno'"

Flash_Guardian sighs, turning to Devaine. "Well, I guess if you have to ... but can it wait until he's done helping me build my dojo first?" Flash laughs, shaking his head. "Seriously, though, Glyniss is right. Cannon didn't know any better, and it was in Glyniss's best interests. And like Lydia said, the guns have been repaired." Lydia nods. "Yep. I admit, they weren't able to forge new 'triggers' from the original material, so they had to utilize something else to reconstruct them with. I hope you don't mind platinum?" Lydia offers, her voice full of hopeful uncertainty.

Devaine_Hawk tries real hard to keep it in , he realy does . But in time the grin split his face , and he doubles over in laughter , a joke people a joke there just guns realy lighten up !! he gasps .

Devaine_Hawk looks to Flash , I ll help build it too, then turns to Lydia , that s just great , then looks around at all of them . you all are way too serious

Flash_Guardian looks between Devaine, Lydia, and Glyniss ... then echoes Devaine's laughter with a bit of his own. After a few moments, though, his mirth seems to fade into a bit of concern. "Look, Dev ... I'm feeling kinda out of it after all that mind-work. I think I should get some rest. Just ... tell me one thing." Flash swallows, timidly looking over to Dev. "How do you feel? Are you going to be okay? I mean, are there any gaps in your memory or holes in your mind where there shouldn't be?"

Glyniss_McMasters eyes widen a tad....her jaw dropping slightly as Dev's seroius expression suddenly burst into one of a joke....it takes her a while to realise that Dev was actually laughing....her mouth shutting quick like.....a broad grin replacing the shocked look

Devaine_Hawk looks to Flash . feel, I feel like a vacation .. A break .. We re on a island right what s the worst thing could happen , LoX shows up and kills me ? he laughs again . He holds his hands up , I ll help build , fish , drink, fish some more drink some more .. Build some more just live he tells them all

Glyniss_McMasters laughs reaching up as she swoops off her stetson and slaps at Dev playfully that wide grin plastered across her face

Devaine_Hawk swats back playfully , and what are you grinning so much about ? he laughs

[Glyniss_McMasters ] " Sur' gla' yer lik' fis' the......." chuckling at Flash " Yer go' tem in thi' her' wate'" eeping as Dev swats back trying to dodge...." Yer me frien' sur' is grea' ter hav yer "

Flash_Guardian nods happily. "I'll be more than happy to have another set of hands to work on my project," he says joyfully, smiling. "You should see it now, things are really taking shape." At last, Flash pushes himself up out of his seat. "But for now, I'm off to rest. I just finished laying the final magic enchantments on that gong today, along with assembling the remaining wooden roof frameworks and destroying an evil computer chip that threatened to overtake a friend's brain. Magically, physically, and mentally ... I'm exhausted." With that, Flash wearily drags himself out, offering a wave for the other two as he steps out into the main corridor of the Triad.

Devaine_Hawk laughs again yeah fishing fishing even might get me a great white shark yeah

[Flash_Guardian ] Triad pipes up at that. "I will lower the boarding platform momentarily. You are all welcome to stay on board as long as you like."

Devaine_Hawk calls out to Flash s back laughing wimp

[Flash_Guardian ] Shortly afterward, the boarding platform for the Triad opens up, a long metallic landing slowly folding down and making contact with the sandy beach below. Anyone may now move from the Triad to the beach of Redfang Island freely, or vice versa.

Glyniss_McMasters laughs she aint having seen a great white anything let alone a shark....."Kee' yersel' saf' hea'"

Devaine_Hawk has Lydia or Triad synthesize him a bamboo spear to fish with , before starting to the ramp, headed for the beach him self . They say a great white can smell a drop of blood from over ten miles away in water he announces at random . It seems he is dead serious about spear fishing for one off the reefs of the

Flash_Guardian grumbles back at Devaine playfully. "Just for that, no fish for you." With that, Flash takes his leave.