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Orderly Development

Tyler didn’t often bring Susie to The Lab with him; if so, it was to get some option on something he was close to finishing.  Mr. Smith noticed that Tyler was spending a lot of time in Lab 3 the last two weeks actually.  Tyler knew he wasn’t actually responsible for producing results; however, it was nice to see them.  Whatever the reason, today was convenient because today he was going to formally introduce the two Jones to the whole staff of The Lab.

Tyler, Susie, and Sam were standing around one of the interactive wall screens that showed off all the data from the recovered tablet.  The three of them, with help from Serene, had managed to finally get all the data from it; this was the first opportunity to look at it as a whole.

Pressing a button on the corner of the wall screen, Sam said “Serene please give a short summary of what we recovered from the tablet.”

An indicator light turned on the screen and the voice of Serene came out a speaker.  She said “The data from the tablet was limited and has all the indications of periodic data wipes.  While we could not discern the exact meaning of the serial numbers on the various lists, we can follow their headings to get an idea.  Based on the lists we found it is most probable that these people deal with energy weapons and their manufacturing.  There is also geographic location stored on the device which indicates different bases these people use.  A more detailed report of all this can be found in a separate report I generated.”

A different wall screen already was displaying four locations that could be bases on a map of New York City.  They didn’t seem to have an apparent meaning to their location and didn’t have access to the subway or sewer system.  One location was close to the shipping yard in Brooklyn; it seemed like the obvious starting point.  Of course, the obvious problem was that they had to know the tablet was taken and could have cleared from these places already.

A beep from a computer terminal, from across the room, caught their attention.  Tyler dashed across the room as Sam turned off both wall screens.  Both women looked over his shoulders as the simulation program displayed its data.  Sam had set up several different simulations to try and figure out how much material they would need to make a new suit for Tyler; something that wasn’t overly bulky.  This last simulation modeled ideas where all the major areas of the body were made up of Compressed Tech while the rest was filled in Nano Tech.  The materials for a whole suit would definitely raise questions they didn’t want asked.

As Tyler walked away from the computer Sam looked over it. Focusing on the gauntlets, she said “While I don’t think we can make the whole suit at once we might be able to make it one piece at a time.”

Looking over the details on just making the gauntlets, Susie said “I don’t think anyone would ask questions with just this.  You guys are always working with this stuff.”

Tyler was going to look over what they meant when they heard someone approaching their Lab.  Sam closed the detailed as Mr. Smith opened the door; Susie and Tyler both looked like they were discussing a new NanoTech ball.  Looking in he announced “I’m about ready to introduce the new members of the team.  Tyler, you ready?”

“Yeah, just like we talked about dad.  We’ll all be there in a moment.” Tyler said giving a thumbs up.  When he left Tyler continued with “Sam, see if you can get what we need to make just the gauntlets.”

The three of them went up to the first floor where the lobby had a few platters of snacks around the room.  Over the reception desk was a sign that read ‘Welcome to the Team’.  Most of the staff was milling around, making small talk with each other and their new college.  Tyler noticed no one was talking to Brenda; Tyler nudged Susie, indicating they should go talk to her.  She looked over at her, recognizing a similar look she often had at Convergence Industries parties, and followed his lead.

Brenda had on an outfit for this gathering: a light blue top, a knee-length black skirt, and black flats.  They sat next to her as Tyler said “I hope I’m not the first to welcome you to the team.”

Giving him a slight smile, she answered with “No, I got a few of those already.  Glad to hear it from the only person here my age.  I’ll be downstairs with you, not the same Lab though.”

“You’ll do fine.  Something I wish someone told me when I got here; until you’re hired here, in earnest, you aren’t responsible to actually produce results.  I’ll be happy to help the only other R.I.T. here.” Tyler said trying to look as engaged as possible.

The three carried on with small talk until Mrs. Smith came up to them.  She told Tyler that he was needed to welcome the new members.  Brenda followed him, her instructions unspoken, as the two stood next to their respective fathers.  Mr. Smith talked for a minute and then introduced Mr. Jones properly.  After a short applause, he indicated for his son to say something.

Tyler cleared his throat and said “I feel like I must say, both, more and less than my father.  I’ll do my best not to drone on.”  Pausing for a moment he continued with “It takes a special type of person to pass the multiple tests and interviews to get into the Researcher in Training group; some of my fathers’ own colleges jumped through fewer hurdles.  Nevertheless, I welcome Miss Brenda Jones to the third floor and hope I can be as much help to her as she will be to us all.”

A similar amount of applause came from the small crowd as Tyler looked through it.  His father put his hand on his shoulder, his mother gave an approving nod, and Susie gave a thumbs up.  He looked back at his new colleagues as they both flashed a smile of appreciation.  After a moment where they had their photo taken, they went back to going around and talking to people.  This only lasted so long, for the Smith family anyway, because they had a rare family night planned.

Tyler didn’t go out as The Mirage that night; actually, taking time to get a full night’s sleep.  It was the kind of thing that Susie kept telling him he needed to do more often; if not for his sake than for hers.  The next day was a Saturday, Tyler and Jennifer had their second date planned for that afternoon.  They met at a Bryant Park Café and, each, ordered the cheapest options.  While they were eating their conversation was, mostly, kept to school topics.

While picking at her food, Jenifer said “So you’ve never met my parents have you.”

“I don’t like where this is going.” Tyler said looking at her a little closer.

“It’s just that we’ve been friends for a long time and now we’re dating.  I was thinking that you should do that at this point.” Jennifer said, lightly swirling her drink straw.

Leaning back in his chair he said “Fine, that makes sense.  You have a family dinner Sunday nights, right?”

“Yeah, but tomorrow won’t be ideal.  I’ll let you know when they say is good.  I guess I’ll have to do the same for you.”

He leaned back in his seat and said “You have it easier, you’ve already met them.”

The two finished their meal and went on a walk back up to Central Park.  They walked around the Central Park Zoo and, then, Tyler walked her back home.  Before Jennifer went inside, she looked back at him.  She looked like she wanted to say, or do, something but a slight blush overcame her cheeks, and she went inside quickly.  Not sure what that was about Tyler turned back to Central Park and started for home.

Along the way, he bumped into his sister talking to one of her friends.  She introduced her as Julie and the three made small talk.  After a short while, the two siblings started their walk home when Sam called.

“So, we got approved for the order of parts needed for phase one.” She said sounding excited.

“That’s great, as soon as it’s in we need to get working on the fabrication process.” Tyler said holding the phone between him and his sister.

Hearing Sam move on the other end she said “I would like to double check that your measurements are accurate.  I’ll be sure to schedule the use of the scanners on the second floor.”

“You’re a lifesaver.  I’ll stop in on Monday for the measurement checks.” Tyler said and hung up the phone.

Susie nudged his shoulder and said “You would not get very far without her.”

He agreed with her and as the two walked up their front stairs and inside.  Tyler spent the rest of the day getting familiar with the locations from the tablet; three of the warehouses were owned by completely different businesses.  One location, however, was owned by Convergence Industries and had a similar function as The Lab.  He decided to look into that one as himself, with the grace of his father, as an “expanding of the businesses different ventures”.

The night came and it was time for Tyler to head out and see what the location at Brooklyn Heights was about.  He headed directly there, relying on the rocket boosters more than he normally would, only stopping on a couple of rooftops.  Susie didn’t bother watching the police scanner as they had a singular goal tonight.  Tyler stopped a block away from the building and wanted more sensory information about their target.

The building was a concrete warehouse in a modern design.  It had a few entrances, for both people and vehicles, and had windows along the middle of the wall.  There seemed to be sections of window on the roof; a dim light emanating from the building but there were no cars parked close by.  Tyler scoped out the building for about twenty minutes; finally seeing enough activity to justify him moving onto the building.

As he landed on the building Serene said “The odds of you not getting useful information are low Sir.”

Tyler peered down one of the windows and saw people moving around creates and boxes.  It looked like the place was fuller recently; possibly being emptied out because of him.  Susie echoed his thoughts and he replied with “I was just thinking the same thing.  I plan to go in, invisible, and get more information.”

He could feel her roll her eyes as she said “Alright, just be careful.  I’ll be here the whole time; as I always am.”

He turned invisible and lifted open one of the roof windows.  Taking a deep breath, he grabbed the ledge and allowed himself to fall.  Falling, for only a moment, he used the grappling hook to ease his way down.  He looked around to make sure that none of the people around him hadn’t noticed him; the two moving boxes never even turned their heads.  He moved around them quietly and took a short walk around the building; making sure to capture as much video as possible.

After about ten minutes of snooping around the place, he grappled on top of a high shelve.  He noticed an office in the back of the building and saw the door open.  From the office walked out the businessman that was at the dock followed by a woman.  She was taller than average, had jet black hair, a black padded uniform, and had a pair of goggles on.  The two shook hands and someone escorted the man to a nearby door.

Serene couldn’t identify the woman and Susie said “Looks like the person in charge here.”

“Could be, at least she looks like the person in charge the apparent move.” Tyler said noticing the woman looking straight at him.

A smile spread across her face and he knew he had to get out of there.  Moving to another shelve he saw her track his location and make a small arm movement.  Someone quickly walked over to her and hand her a glove of some kind.  In a swift motion, she pointed it at him and an energy pulse fired.  He dodged the first shot but a second shot landed its mark.  His invisibility was disrupted as he tumbled to the floor and, tried to, quickly get back up.

Before he could do anything, Tyler was surrounded; by six people pointing Model 397s squarely at him.  He looked around a couple times, trying to see any means of escape when the woman spoke “So you must be The Mirage.  I’ve known you were here the moment you let yourself in.”

Tyler could hear Susie watching his video feed, anxiety rising every second.  He decided to try and not look like he was working out escape solutions and relaxed his posture.  The woman continued with “I’ll let you go but first I have an offer for you.  Leave us alone and we don’t bother you.  The Order has no need to quarrel with you.”

Keeping his voice calm, he said “So you’re called The Order.  Are you some kind of experimental weapons dealer?”

The woman made a hand movement and the six people lowered their weapons.  Keeping her voice in a soft, almost dismissive, tone she said “Something like that.  Now, do we have a deal?”

Taking a moment to pause, sensing the anticipation form his sister, he let out a sigh.  “I can’t do that.  I highly suspect what you’re doing is legal and I can’t just turn a blind eye.”

The woman gave him a disappointed look, like his mother might give, and said “Very well then.  Allow me to show you what you’re pitting yourself up against.”  She snapped her fingers and a person walked to her side.  They were dressed the same as the rest but didn’t have energy guns on them.  Putting a hand on their shoulder continuing with “This is our newest recruit.  Find out what power even our lowest has.”

She patted the person, telling them to engage him.  The six people moved out of their way completely, as if they were never there.  This person was a woman, about his height and build.  She put herself in a fighting stance waiting for her opponent to show he was ready.

In his ear, Susie said “I don’t recommend this; she’s different from the others here.  She has energy pulser gantlets and, what looks like, energy boosters.  It looks like they styled her after you.”

He could see Serene mapping out different escape routes across his internal display.  Thinking he could get more information out of this he said “Let’s see what The Order has to show.”

With that Tyler dropped into a battle stance, indicating his readiness.  The woman came at him with a running start, a hand at her right side.    He shot a few energy blasts at her but they didn’t seem to do much.  Taking a quick step to the side she went right past him.  He shot a grappling hook at her back, reeling her toward him, and fired a few more shots.  Apparently unfazed, she spun herself around and grabbed his hook line.  She activated her boosters and tried to drag him into the air.

He let the line go slack and fired his other grappling hook at her helmet.  It didn’t come off but it did send her tumbling to the ground.  She landed just in front of a shelf and Tyler brought the thing down on her.  The boxes shifted, some violently, and the woman was up again.  She paused for a moment, likely a little dazed, and reached for her belt line.  Pulling out a small rod she pressed a button and it ignited into a purple energy sword.

She came at him fast and shot her own grappling hook at him.  She closed the distance even more by dragging him closer.  She brought down her sword but missed ripping into him by an inch or two.  She didn’t miss a beat and kicked him in the stomach.  It knocked the wind out of him but she didn’t let up.  Another hit or two knocked him into a shelf and she pointed her sword at him.

Taking beep breaths he looked around trying to find some way to get out of this.  Looking up he saw some boxes held in a, not very sturdy looking, net.  Thinking fast, he grappled the energy sword from her hand while shooting at the net.  Its contents came crashing down while the rod landed in his hand.  The boxes crashed down on the two of them; for a moment both laying motionless.  The world didn’t quite make sense anymore but he used the energy sword to make an opening.

Not wanting any more of this he turned invisible and rocketed away as fast as he could.  He flew through a glass panel in the ceiling, not looking to see if the woman was back on her feet.  He flew further away than was probably necessary, feeling a little dazed still.  He was pretty sure that Susie was trying to talk to him but he couldn’t focus.  Landing on a building, not even sure what kind, he stumbled his landing.  He laid flat out on the ground, still holding the rod, and finally focused.

“Tyler please tell me you’re with me.” He finally heard Susie say, panic heavy in her voice.

“I’m here, I’m here.  It was all just a bit overwhelming being crushed by boxes and all.” He said the world making more sense every passing moment.  Looking at the rod in his hand he said “We’ll have to get this analyzed."

Susie let out a sigh of relief and said “We’ll worry about that later, just come home.”

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