The Iron Man

 Tyler and Brenda were in a subway car making sure that they delivered all the paperwork they were supposed to.  It was one of the rare times they were doing something that was more in line with their official title as interns in The Lab.  They were also selected because they were handing over highly important contracts with other businesses around the city; a task Mr. Smith trusted them with instead of the normal means.  The problem was that they were running late for a meeting back at The Lab.

Tyler texted Jennifer about their date later that night when he thought he saw something at the back of the subway car.  Interestingly, he noticed Brenda saw something too.  Raising an eyebrow, he asked “You notice something as well?”

She looked at him a little too quickly and said “Thought I saw something.  Probably just my imagination.”

“Yeah, maybe.  I just hope we’re not too late for that meeting with Lunar Technologies.” Tyler said and noticed the front page of a newspaper someone was reading.  The headline read ‘New Vigilantes in New York and New Jersey?’.

They rode the subway till they reached their stop talking about Lab work.  They made their way back to The Lab as quickly as possible but made sure to fix each other up before entering.  Walking in they found reception filled with non-Lab employees milling around.  They were dressed in business casual while a large box was loaded onto the elevator.  From the business level, Tyler could hear an excited conversation going on; that’s when Sam appeared from the Secure Lab.  She stopped to talk to the receptionist and waved her partner over as well.

He walked away from Brenda so Betty, the receptionist, to hand him a pamphlet and said “This a briefing on today’s demonstration.  It’s probably a good idea you look over it before noon.”

Sam snatched the pamphlet from his hand and said “Thanks Betty, when that package comes let me know.”  They started walking away and she said “I’m guessing your errands ran longer than expected.  Your father was hoping you would be here when our guests arrived.”

“Some people seem to think that scheduled meetings are flexible.  I’m sure he’ll understand.” Tyler said as he heard people come down from the business level.

Leading the way was his father, who gave him a funny look, and was followed by three others.  The first man was a tall man with black hair in a brand-new suit; he was followed by a shorter woman looking at a tablet and a man in, barely, business casual attire.  Mr. Smith stopped at the bottom of the stairs and made a motion for his son to join the group.  Tyler groaned under his breath, the worst part of being well-known in The Lab, and walked over. 

When he was in earshot, he heard his father saying “Here’s my son.  Like I was saying upstairs, he truly has a knack for Nano-Tech and I think his option is more than invaluable.”

“Well then it’s nice to meet you Mr. Smith.” The man in the new suit puts out his hand.  Tyler shook it as he went to say “I’m Michaele Rodgers and I look forward to your option on my machine.”

He then introduced the people that walked behind him.  The woman was his personal secretary, Mercy Jones, and the other man was the lead engineer and programmer, named Victor Ahmad.  Mercy had a typical business suit while Victor had on a loose blazer and white button-down shirt.  They made small talk but Mr. Rodgers led them away to the elevator.  Mr. Smith turned to talk to his son when their guests were out of sight.

“I’m guessing Mr. Sparks held to his usual style of flexible arranged meetings.  You would think sending over my own son would make him a little more prompt.”  Mr. Smith said taking his son to the side.

“You would think.  Hope that didn’t put anyone out for that first meeting.”  Stopping by the door of the secure lab Tyler asked “What was in that box I saw being moved into the elevator?”

“Haven’t seen it personally but it’s the subject of the demonstration later today.  Lunar Technologies brought pamphlets you could read through.” Mr. Smith said and patted his son on the shoulder.  Tyler handed the various contracts he and Brenda got signed and made his way to Sam standing by the elevator.

He was about to take his pamphlet from her when she said “I’ve got a more interesting way to view all of this.  Besides, she already has some interesting data not on here.”

In Lab 3 Tyler and Sam stood around a wall monitor as Serene was about to explain what the presentation was about.  The computer A.I. started explaining “Today's presentation is about VDN – 016.  It’s a humanoid robot that has Nano-Tech embedded into its outer layer which allows it to change its superficial features.  It also has the ability for full mobility.  However, using facility analysis tools, the actual potential of the VDN-016 appears more advanced than the report states.  I will continue to scan the machine and report anything else I find.”

A couple images appeared on the monitor that showed a bald, fair-skin-toned, robot that had generic features.  Serene then showed images of the robot being loaded into a room on the second level and it appeared to be inside a thick metal box to prevent access.  Some other details appeared, like height and weight, when there was a sudden knock on the door.

Serene quickly shut off the monitor as Brenda walked into the room; looking over the pamphlet as she let herself in.  Looking at the two, she presented one of the pamphlets in triumph and said ‘Had to talk Betty letting me into the meeting.  This is really something don’t you think?”

“Yeah, apparently my father talked me up so much Mr. Rodgers wants my input personally.  Where did you slip off to after we got back here by the way?” Tyler asked, changing the subject.

“Off to talk my way into the meeting of course.  I mean this might be one of the biggest breakthroughs in Nano-Tech application.” She said with an exaggerated arm movement.  She put her arms down at her sides and added “Anyway, I’ve got work I need to get to.  See you guys at the demonstration.

After Brenda left, Sam started up a computer terminal and said “Our shipment is supposed to be in today but it might be delayed so I just wanted to make sure that our measurements are correct.  We have extra material coming but I would rather not waste any.”

Tyler crossed the room to the wall monitor and said “Alright Serene, startup suit simulation twenty-three from our latest body measurements.”  The monitor came to life and displayed a full suit, lovingly duded the “Hero Suit,” and ran through the measurement again.

The demonstration started just after a luncheon for the Lunar Technologies people and a selection of Lab employees.  The event took place in one of the rooms on the second floor and had a separate security check on the door.  In the corner of the room was the large metal box connected to a makeshift computer setup.  Victor sat at the setup while Mercy stood up and got everyone’s attention.  The small crowd fell into silence as she gave a passing glance to Victor.

“Ladies and gentlemen of Convergence Industries as a humble representative of Lunar Technologies I appreciate your presence here.  We’ve made great strides on our own but we now think it’s time to get some options from other people working on the cutting edge.  At this point, I’ll turn you over to my boss. “Mercy explained and gestured to the metal box.

Mr. Rodgers stepped out from behind the box and took the spot she was standing in; Mercy taking a seat next to Victor.  Tyler noticed her say something to him as Mr. Rodgers started talking.  “Hello my newfound friends and colleagues, I hope this demonstration convinces you of the ability of our machine.  Now, let’s introduce him.”

The metal box opened with a puff of smoke and out strode a human-shaped robot that was, mostly, bare.  After taking a few steps in stood a foot or two from Mr. Rodgers and it was here Tyler got a better look at it.  The facial features were plain but he could see how they could be molded into, almost, any change desired.  The body was sleek and looked as if it would feel cold.  While it only took a few steps the motion was very smooth and could fool somebody if they weren’t paying close attention.

“This represents millions of dollars of research and development and I think it shows.  It’s got all the mechanical guts of a robot man but that’s not where the money went.  Acting as a layer of skin is Nano-Tech which allows it to copy the features of other people.  Allow me to show you.”

A moment passed and the VDN-016 changed its facial features to look just like their presenter.  What freaked Tyler out was the way the machine's smile went from a blank expression to one of smug self-satisfaction.  Looking at the audience the machine said “Hello everyone, so nice to meet you.”

“No one be alarmed that it sounded like me; that was set up for the demonstration today.  I do say that if you put a hat and clothes on it, I doubt you’d be able to tell the difference.” Mr. Rodgers said with a laugh to himself.

Tyler and Sam watched the rest of the presentation, the robot showing half a dozen different faces, in relative silence.  They looked around their colleges to see if they could try and gleam what they thought.  When the whole thing was over, and the robot was back to a blank expression, it walked back into the metal box with ease.  He saw Brenda and her father walking out ahead of the group, deep in conversation. 

Mr. Rodgers approached them and asked what they thought.  Keeping focused, Tyler answered “I think it has a lot of potential but I would like to see some of the raw data from the machine before I have a formal option.”

Victor quickly stepped into their conversation with “I’m afraid I can’t let you directly see the machine's raw data.  Without getting into the specifics, private company data.  I’m sure you understand.”

“I must agree with my top programmer.  I can, however, send you segments of raw data by tomorrow.  I look forward to getting your opinion.”  Mr. Rodgers and gently patted Tyler on the back.

He understood that he was being too told to leave and started to the door.  Sam followed behind him as he heard the two men talking.  Once in the hallway, Sam said “I look forward to that raw data you’re going to get.”

That night, Tyler donned his usual gear and started heading for The Lab.  As he crossed over Central Park, Susie said “Getting up close and personal with that thing is going to be surprisingly easy.  Security is all aromatic and personal seems to be at a minimum.  Overall, kind of lax for such a cutting-edge machine.”

“Serene indicated that its power capabilities might let it do more than we’ve been told.  Besides, I found both Mr. Roders and that Victor guy to be a little sketchy about not letting me into the data.  I know there’s protecting company secrets but they were a little too quick to tell me that.” Tyler said as The Lab came into view.

He landed at the back of the facility and let himself in through a shipping door.  He made his way to the second level, only having to avoid one person, and found the room housing VDN-016.  The door was slightly open so slipped in and looked around the room.  Noting was moved since the presentation but the computer terminal was lit up.  He walked up to it and plugged a USB that connected Serne to the terminal.

“I’m connected, Sir.  There’s a large amount of data I could try and collect but that would take time.” Serne said.

“Just try and collect the data from today’s presentation and announce when you’re done.  Soothsayer, keep a close eye on the security cameras for the floor.” Tyler said feeling like he wasn’t alone.

Suddenly the door was swung completely open and shut.  Before he could say anything, Susie said “Don’t worry I saw that.  Looks like the door of the stairwell opened on its own as well.”  She was quiet for a minute, keyboard typing audible, and said “Looks like you weren’t the only one interested in that data.  The short version is The Agent was in that room with, and before, you.  I’ll copy any footage where both of your actions are seen and delete it.”

Another two minutes passed before Serene was done making a copy of the data.  He left the moment he could to prevent further complications at The Lab and to go about his nightly rounds.  Nothing of note happened but he knew he would have more to worry about the next day with the information from the terminal connected to VDN-016.

The school day came to an end and Tyler headed directly to The Lab.  The package he was waiting on showed up during the day and Sam already moved it to Lab 3.  He got to his workspace and found her talking on the lab phone.  She made a movement with her hand as he turned on the wall monitor.

“Serene, have you finished understanding that code from yesterday?” Tyler asked.

“Apologies sir, but I have encountered a situation.  Once the code left the initial architecture it became heavily encrypted.  I am currently employing all decryption abilities short of using the military decryption programs made by Convergence Industries.” The A.I. announced.

“You can access such programs without raising alarm if I’m not mistaken.” Tyler thought aloud.  She said she could so he said “Use any and all decryption programs at your disposal then.”

Handing up the phone, Sam turned to him and said “That was cyber security calling to inform me that there was a cyber-attack on The Labs server.  Just wanted to assure me that none of our research seemed to have been affected.”

Tyler understood what she was saying and took a deep breath.  Looking at the hilt of the plasma sword he said “While I hope our cyber security team is good at their job, I hope we are better at hiding our other research from their prying eyes.”

Sam typed away at the Fabricator and loaded a whole lot of material into the machine.  She pressed the ‘GO’ button and said “This whole process is a lot more complicated than what we’ve done so far.  Let’s hope Serene’s calculations are correct.”

The first attempt at the ‘Hero Suit’ took several hours but failed in its connecting architecture.  They would’ve had to start again tomorrow, with the adjusted architecture.  The next attempt was successful in connecting to all the other parts of the suit but it would be a few days before Sam would let him take it out to the streets.  She wanted to make sure the kinks would be worked out first.  Finally, after a week of testing, she felt comfortable letting him take it out for the first time.

The lack of a new suit wasn’t his top concern though.  Firstly, Serene worked through the encryption at the same time Tyler was handed a sample code from the presentation.  Secondly, there was a string of robberies that ranged from jewelry stores to high-end technology.  There were more attempts at cyber-attacks, both at Convergence Industries and other companies, during the same timeframe.  More worryingly evidence was starting to point to Lunar Technologies being behind the cyber-attacks and at least one robbery.

The day Tyler was going to take the new suit home he brought Susie with him.  When they walked into The Lab, they found a couple police officers milling about the lobby.  As officers came down from the Business level Mr. Rodgers followed them but didn’t follow them out.  The officers in the lobby followed their coworkers out as they tucked themselves into a corner.

Brenda was suddenly next to them and said “Missed all the action when they showed up.  Detective Lin got here about a half-hour ago and walked to talk to him and his top engineer.”

“Do you know about what?” Susie asked.

“I can only assume it’s about the fact his company seems to be responsible for some recent criminal activity.” Brenda said and glanced down at her phone.

The siblings heard someone else coming down from the Business Level and saw their father talking with Detective Lin.  They made their way over to the elevator but before it opened Brenda tapped their shoulders and said “I’ll let you know if anything else interesting happens.”

They were able to get the new part of the ‘Hero Suit’ out of The Lab without anyone else noticing them.  Before leaving they did take a detour to check out the room holding VDN-016.  Victor was showing the detective the machine, while still in its box, but they got out of sight before being seen.  More importantly, they were able to avoid their father and Brenda, though they felt bad about not checking in on him.

That night at dinner, Mr. Smith told his children about how the ECU came and asked a few questions.  He didn’t seem worried anything else would happen regarding the cyber-attacks but Detective Lin assured him they would investigate it if they continued.  Tonight, was the big night however, Tyler would take the, now full, ‘Hero Suit’ out on his nightly rounds of stopping crime and investigating The Order.

The new, and currently final, part of the suit would replace the huddle he’s been using.  It was compressed into a T shape that had slightly bent points that lined up with his shoulder blades.  It decompressed out to cover his shoulders, back and torso with a stylized purple lightning bold in the center of the chest.  Nano-Tech filled in the gaps between the Compressed Tech and the fully formed metal suit was complete.

Tyler took a moment to admire the completed suit in a full-length mirror.  Looking over to the robot plush on his bed he said “Mom would’ve don’t you think.”

He heard his sister turn on her comm and say “Suit’s readouts are normal and holding a steady charge.  Does it feel comfortable?”

“On the whole, lighter than you’d expect.  Getting out of here to start my rounds.” He said and headed out his window.

After an hour he was taking a moment to relax by sitting on top of the stone arches of the Brooklyn Bridge by the Financial District.  As he stood up Serene said “Sir, there was a break-in at a bank not far from you.  Immediate security camera coverage suggests it was a single person using explosives.”

Tyler was already on his way there as he asked “Is anyone still inside the bank?”

“Shouldn’t be too many, just janitorial is typically staffed around this hour.” Susie said.

He found the bank and the hole used to enter the building.  He turned invisible and entered through the hole.  He found himself in offices but quickly heard voices talking and followed them.  He followed the voices to a bank vault and saw someone pointing a hand NRG blaster at a woman in a business suit and a man dressed for cleaning.

“Faster, and no tricks.” The person holding the blaster said.  They were clearly a man and sounded familiar.

It was at this point that Tyler made himself visible and commanded “Stop right there and put down the blaster.”

The woman stopped what she was doing and the man held his hands up, still holding the blaster.  In a moment he turned around and fired at him; Tyler dodged and fired at the man.  He shrugged off the blast like it didn’t even hit him and continued to fire at him.  Tyer was only able to barely dodge most of the shots but a couple handed squarely on his chest.  The blasts also hit with more power than he expected but the new suit held up.  He kicked out a nearby table and used it as a cover.

The blaster fire stopped and the table was, suddenly, smashed in half.  Tyler took the moment to knock the blaster out of his hand and punch him in the chest.  The problem was, the man only moved a few inches and it felt like he punched solid metal.  Tyler quickly followed up with a sweep to his opponent’s legs and he fell with a loud thud.  He heard more people enter the bank, presumably the police, but he took his eyes off the man.  It was at that moment, Tyler was kicked in the chest and sent flying through the wall and landing in the lobby.

He heard an explosion as he got back to his feet.  Running back into the other room, the vault door was open and a hole that led outside.  It took enough time to gather all that for the police to enter the room.  All Tyler did was say “Evening officers.  While I would love to stay and explain what happened here, I think the two witnesses would do a much better job of that.”

He turned invisible as a cop started saying something and dashed through the hole the man-made.  Susie was typing away when she said “I followed that guy to a getaway car but it got completely lost in a sudden burst of traffic.  However, he did have a rather large bag of money in hand.”

“It was like punching a brick wall.  Do you think it could’ve been some sort of new Order armor?” Tyler pondered out loud.

“The odds of that being the case are not high sir.  For that to be the case the person would have had on armor like yours.” Serene said as Tyler cut across another neighborhood.  After a moment she continued with “However, I propose a different situation.  The voice pattern from your opponent was a nearly identical match to Michaele Rodgers.  I was also picking up energy levels similar to that of the VDN-016.”

Tyler could already hear his sister typing and her chair creaking.  Tyler landed on a building as she said “Serene’s right as usual.  Outside security cameras from The Lab show the man you were fighting entering through a back door as we speak.”

Tyler didn’t stay out a lot longer that night, after making a quick stop at The Lab to see if the machine was there.  Upon a short inspection of it, he found a slight indent in the chest where he punched it not even an hour ago.  He headed back home to mull over this new information and get some sleep, both of which were much needed.  Serene would work through the night to try and track where the machine went after it got into the getaway car.

The next day wasn’t much better for finding the machine after seeing that it left The Lab again.  The following day, police showed up at The Lab again and had a warrant to arrest Mr. Rodgers.  Tyler started bringing Susie to the facility as a second pair of eyes and ears but also as an extra person to help try and make sense of the situation.  She’s the one who was in the lobby when Detective Lin showed up and walked Micheal Rodgers out.

 That night, Tyler made the obvious conclusion that the first person who would have access to the machine’s operation was Victor.  Serene found his address was a small apartment, on the fourth floor, in Harlem.  He made his way there and let himself in through a window.  What he didn’t expect to see was The Agent already interrogating the man.

He became visible and pointed his right gauntlet at her.  She hadn’t noticed him yet but Victor had; he raised his one hand and said “I think we have company.”

She quickly spun around and pointed her right gauntlet at him but took a moment to take in his updated armer.  In that moment Tyler asked “What are you doing here Agent?”

“She was interrogating me about how I controlled VDN-016 recently.  I thought she meant the recent crimes it’s been committing.” Victor said as he stood up and put a hand on each of their arms.

They both, hesitantly, lowered their weapons as The Agent said “Not that it’s your business why I’m here but that was the way our conversation was going.  Why are you here?”

“I figured he would be the one behind setting up Michaele Rodgers.  Your presence here doesn’t exactly help that option.  I imagine his skills would be a major asset for The Order.” Tyler said taking a keen look around the apartment.

Victor got huffy and declared “I’m not the one behind those robberies and cyber-attacks.  I was just telling your friend this when you showed up.  I can prove it as well.”

Tyler could hear his sister relaying the situation to Detective Lin and he knew he just had to keep these two here long enough.  Looking at The Agent, he said “She’s not my friend but if what you're saying is true who is behind the attacks?”

“Mercy Jones is.  She made me show her how to make it do her bidding or she would reveal parts of my past I’m not as proud of.” The man said looking defeated.

He slumped into a chair as Tyler heard a car screech to a halt in front of the building.  The Agent must have heard it as well because she suddenly seemed flighty.  He pointed the gauntlet at her again and said “You’re not going anywhere.  You’re either helping me or turning yourself in.”

The door to the apartment was flung open and Detective Lin, as well as another cop, burst through.  They pointed their guns at Victor and The Agent as she said “Freeze all of you.  John, take Mr. Ahmad to the squad car and keep him there.  I’ll talk to these two a moment.”

Tyler expected The Agent to take her leave but didn’t.  Instead, she sat down trying to not look bothered.  Detective Lin turned her attention to the two again and said “Now, I should be arresting one of you without a second thought but she’s getting a pass for the sake of the situation.  Mirage, your option on the matter?”

“I’m willing to believe him about him being setup, if that’s the appropriate phrase.  Her however...” Tyler said, purposely leaving the sentence unfinished.

The Agent raised her hands slightly and said “Total honesty, I have no reason to turn on either of you.  I’ll help you guys out as long as it’s convenient for me.”

“That I believe.” The detective said and pulled up her walkie-talky.  “John, Mr. Ahmad says he knows where Mercy Jones would be if she set up Mr. Roders.  Get me that address.”  The officer read back an address in Brooklyn and she said to the two “I’m assuming you two heard that.  Get in my cruiser and I’ll get us there.”

The Agent stood up, obviously annoyed.  However, before she could say anything the detective said “If you’re going to help, you’re going to do my way.  Now my cruiser or don’t help.”

The Agent didn’t say anything but stood up and hopped out a window.  Tyler looked at the woman and said “I didn’t expect that but I’m not surprised all the same.”

However, to their surprise, The Agent was standing next to the empty police cruiser.  Detective Lin made them sit in the back of the car and started for Brooklyn.  Tyler found the ride uncomfortable but knew that the ride wouldn’t take too long.  He looked over at The Agent, trying to figure out how to read her.

Looking back at the two she said “Three blocks ahead of us is the address Mr. Ahmed gave.  You two check out the situation and report if it’s true.”  The Agent stepped out of the car and the detective said “You and I both know she’s a wily one.  I’m putting a lot of stock in your theory about her.”

“I’m as cautious as ever detective.  Soothsayer will give you that report you asked for.” Tyler said and got out of the car.  He saw The Agent was waiting for him so he said “You go ahead of me.  I recommend going invisible so we won’t be spotted.”

They both turned invisible and he switched on the inferred tracking so he knew where she was.  She flew toward the address, a warehouse, and stopped to look through a window.  As he hovered next to her, she said “I see a few boxes that match some of what we know has been taken.”

Tyler pointed to a staircase in the back of the space and said “That’ll likely go to a back office of some kind.  We go in and confirm the stolen objects are here and you go check that out.”

He heard his sister say something but focused on watching The Agent.  She cocked her head and said “One entrance coming up.”

He watched her use her NRG blaster to cut a hole in the window and they let themselves in.  They snooped around and found, almost, everything that was stolen.  “Soothsayer, tell the detective we found most of the stolen stuff.”  His sister acknowledged him so he turned to The Agent and said “I think it’s safe to be visible.  See if you can get into that office and find out what’s in there.”

They became visible but lights kicked on only moments later.  The two of them, instinctively, drew close to each other as a force field appeared around them.  From a loudspeaker, the voice of Mercy Jones said “Well it’s finally nice to see you.  I must admit I didn’t think there were two of you but it’s all the same.  You’re trapped in an experimental plasma projection I’ve only just started my escape so that’ll keep you nice and busy.”

“Look what following your lead got us.” The Agent said touching the plasma shield.  He did the same and found that it had a pulse to it.  Suddenly, The Agent turned around and said “It seems to have a high energy signature.  I bet if we hit it without electrified gloves it’ll dissipate.”

Serene seemed to have already run the calculation to figure out how much energy that would take.  Electrifying his suit, he said “If you’re ready to go, go on three.”

He heard her electrify her gauntlets and counted to three.  They punched the shielding and it disappeared.  She looked back at him and “You should be I’m here and not Ace.  He wouldn’t work with you.”

Tyler decided not to comment on that and focus on a new sound in the warehouse.  There was a set of heavy footsteps approaching from behind them that swiftly turned into a run.  They just turned around as VDN-016, in its unchanged form, hit Tyler in the stomach.  The blow knocked the breath out of him and sent him forward several feet.  He saw the machine take a swing at The Agent but she rolled out of the way, only to get kicked a moment later.  The two of them only just got up as something smashed the machine from behind, momentarily knocking it to the ground.

The Agent shot him a look and a person was then standing in the middle of the warehouse.  They looked like the Order member who came to rescue the Matriarch not long ago; The Agents reaction also indicated this was Ace.  There was a moment where they looked at each other but Tyler could feel the energy in the room change.  He shared another look with The Agent where he could sense her resolve harden.

She looked at Ace and said “You keep that thing busy and try not to destroy it.  We’ll be up there stopping the woman behind this.”

Tyler ran with the way the situation was going and boosted up to the office door.  He didn’t follow where The Agent went and busted down the door.  Mercy Jones was finishing packing a bag with papers but turned to look at him.  The computer next to her flashed red as she said “I won’t let you take me in.”

She made a move to a door on her right but it swung open with The Agent standing in it.  Tyler pointed his left gauntlet at her and said “Miss Jones, I suggest you follow me and cooperate fully.  The ECU is likely just outside the building.”

The Agent raised her right gauntlet and put it against the woman’s back.  Tyler started walking down the staircase and noticed that Ace and VDN-016 were gone.  It was when they reached the ground that ECU officers came in through two different doors.  He noticed that The Agent stayed by him as an officer took away Mercy.

“Well, I hate to say it but good work the two of you.  I had my reservations about this team-up.”  Detective Lin said as she walked up behind them.

“Strictly curiosity, a one-time event.  Besides, I saw you had a new suit and wanted to see what it could handle.”  The Agent said and moved to leave.  Before she disappeared, she said “I still haven’t forgotten your offer.”

With that, she was gone.  Tyler saw her leave through the hole she cut earlier and he filled in the detective on everything that happened.  She said he should get out of there and they’ll handle the rest of the cleanup.  He went about a regular sweep of Manhattan and then went home.

The next day there was immediate fallout from the previous night.  Micheal Rodgers was released from police custody and had his company move their property from The Lab.  He figured his company would be under some serious fire so he had to focus on other financial decisions.  The ECU never found any trace of VDN-016 and had no leads on where Ace, or The Agent, had gone off to.

Sam, Susie, and Tyler were going over how his new suit was performing in Lab 3 and discussed the whole affair.  His sister looked at him and said “I know the three of us are engaged in technically criminal activity but I don’t know if it’s a good idea to get her on our side.”

Sam turned to him and said “I agree with your sister on this one.  She isn’t like your friend Mark.”

“I know there’s risks involved but I can just see there’s something we can tap into there.” Tyler said and was quiet for a long moment.  He looked to the ceiling and said “We should see if we can figure out who she is.  It would be easier to understand what’s going on with her if she wasn’t in that suit.  Besides, I’d like to know it’s not someone we know under there.”

“I think you would know if that was the case.” Susie said.

There was a knock at the door and then it opened; Brenda sauntered in and took a seat behind them.  Holding out a box of donuts she asked “You guys want any?”