The Alpha Squad: Friend or Foe.

The Alpha Squad

Friend or Foe

　

　

Chapter 1

　

　

It was a late February night in the city of Salem, and at The Chemerton Chemical Plant, all was quiet. It is here that Dr. Wrong under an alias had been able to continue his experiments on people turning them from normal human beings to becoming sub-humans. The security was hired through another branch of The Society all trained in all forms of combat. Inside was The Cyber-Destroyers for heavy lifting and for extra security matters. The Mythos used their talents in helping their “creator”. Cardania used a small part of the lab to create upgrades for The Cyber-Destroyers and Cyber-Drones. “Another rejected specimen!” Shouted Dr. Wrong in disappointment, “Rocko take this worthless piece of skin to Cardania maybe he can use it for a cyber-drone.”

“Sure thing Doc.” The giant cyborg said as he picked up the hunk of human flesh and took it to The Cyber-geneticist. “Another chunk of meat boss.”

“Just throw in on the pile of the other rejects Rocko.” Cardania told him, “I’m still working on a new arsenal for your fathers’ upgrade.”

“Sure thing boss.” He threw it up on the pile and then went back to sitting down playing cards some of the other members of his kind.

Outside of the plant, a supply truck drove up to the security gate. The guard walked up to drivers’ side of the truck, “Identification please.” he stated. The driver nodded as he handed him his I.D. as well as a list of supplies that was to be delivered. The guard looked it over, “Just a minute have to check in with higher ups.”

“Take your time.” The driver told him. The guard went back into the gate shack and called inside, “Yeah I got a supply truck…yeah that’s what’s on the list…yes that’s the name of the company that’s shipping it…okay will do.” After hanging up the phone he went back to the truck and handed the I.D. and list back to the driver, “They’re expecting you, go ahead and go inside the plant through door 1B.”

“Thanks have a good night.” The driver said and once the barricade went up the truck pulled forward towards its destination.

Inside Rocko opened up the door, let the truck pull in and once it was he closed behind it. The truck came to a complete stop, the driver and his partner came out of the truck and went to the back of it. They opened up the back doors and in the back were giant wooden crates. “Where do you want these?” The driver asked.

“I’ll take it from here.” Rocko told him and he motioned for the others to help him move the giant crates. The driver and his partner shrugged and got out of their way.

“You have the paper work?” Dr. Wrong asked.

“Yeah right here.” The Driver handed it to him.

“Everything seems to be in order.” Dr. Wrong murmured as he read the list. Then the phone rang, he held up a finger showing he be right back. “Yes what is it…What do you mean there’s another supply truck….Hold them there.” He then turned to Rocko, “Open up one of those crates!”

Rocko nodded as he began to open it up. Once it was, He looked into it, “Uh Oh!” Is all he could get out before eating an uppercut from the metallic form of Metallacia.

“What in the world?” Dr. Wrong asked as he saw Rocko go flying up through the ceiling into the second floor above them. Out of the crates broke out The Alpha Squad!

“Tic Toc times up doc!” Frezor said in the guise of the driver as he froze his body and the clothes he was wearing shattered due to the sub-zero temperature.

“Your days of using humans as test subjects are over!” Dark-Rider said as he jumped out of one of the crates and Molder molded out of his worker clothes as the drivers’ partner.

“Now this is what I call coming out of the wood work!” Plantra said as she threw wooden stakes into the hearts of the Cyber-Drones near by as if they were vampires.

“We need security!” Cardania shouted.

“Don’t bother the L.E.O.’s are taking care of your security forces.” Shieldra assured them with news that they did not want to hear.

“Which means it’s just us and you.” Mindra told them.

“Mythos!” Dr. Wrong called out.

“Cyber-Destroyers!” Cardania called to his minions.

“Please tell me your not about to say attack at the same time?” Dark-Rider asked in disbelief, “That is so comic book style.” Everyone stopped and looked at him, “What I can’t sleep remember?”

“Kill them!” Cardania cried out.

“Well that’s new.” Dark-Rider said as he took the Laser Blade out of its sheath and blocked an attack from Ares who had a giant Axe.

The Alpha Squad did not waste any time in defeating their enemies thanks to the extra practice sessions in The Holo-Dome. Using their combined abilities with teamwork, they were able to defeat them in a matter of minutes. Sparks used his new weapon called the Cyber-Nullifier on The Cyber-Drones when once it hit its target would shut down all motor functions. He also was able to upgrade the stun bolts of their Bio-Suits to be able to take down The Cyber-Destroyers. Molder sunk most of The Mythos in quick sand when they were down to their necks he changed it back to concrete. Metallacia made metal statues most of the females of the group as Boom Box took down Giant with his new attack he called The Boombastic in which he got right into his opponents face and shouted as loud as he could causing disorientation to where Giant couldn’t keep his gigantic form and returned to normal size.

Once the battle was over with Cardania and Dr. Wrong were the only ones who were left standing. They looked at one another, “We’re surrounded.” Dr. Wrong observed.

“Interesting isn’t it you two?” Dark-Rider asked them, “You could be using your talents to help humanity instead you continue to do the exact opposite. And you know you can’t beat us all.”

“That maybe so Dark-Rider. But we have an upper hand…” Cardania started to say.

“You mean trying to use your teleportation devices?” Sparks asked as both of them pressed the button to activate them but nothing happened. “Our Bio-Suits are giving off an dampening field to insure you that you won't be going anywhere.” They looked at one another again and raised their hands in defeat.

Less than an hour later, all of the villains were put into trucks to be taken away to various facilities to keep them from working together to escape. “Nice work Alpha Squad.” Captain Carlton of The Oregon State Police congratulated them. “Now that ought to put a dent in The Society’s operations.”

“Only for a small amount of time Captain.” Dark-Rider told him. “Yes we may have slowed them down, but knowing Superior he still has uses for them.”

“Well what matters is we’ve slowed them down and put them on notice.” Long Yard said in a positive tone.

“Every small victory we can take.” Shieldra quoted backing up her boy friend.

“I guess you guys are right.” Dark-Rider admitted, “But that doesn’t mean they won’t try to break them out…they have a knack for that.”

“Is he always like this?” Captain Carlton asked.

“Yeah we’re still working on that.” Sparks told him.

“Well when you get some more Intel let us know, and we’ll be there.” He assured them.

“You won’t be the only one.” A voice came from behind them, “Agent Roman of the FBI. We’ve just been given orders to aide you from The World President.” He handed Dark-Rider his credentials and a letter from The President. “We’ve been monitoring your activities for a while now and we needed to see how this operation you did tonight went down before we could offer our services.”

“Understandable.” Dark-Rider nodded after he read the letter and handed it to Shieldra. “Please tell The President that we do have to keep our true identities and the identities of our sources a secret.”

“Of course. The only thing we need to know is that you want to take down The Society.”

“We’ll be in touch.” Dark-Rider, told him, “You don’t call us, we call you.”

“And how do you do that?”

“That’s a secret.” Mindra whispered in his ear then joined the others and they took off back to The Big House.

Chapter 2

　

　

The Alpha Squad returned to The Big House in a good mood after their latest mission. Jacob could tell just by the way they were giving each other high fives and smiling as they took off their masks or powering down their Bio-Suits. “Congratulations team!” He greeted them, “This is a time for a celebration.” He motioned to the meeting room where there was a giant cake, along with ice cream and soda.

“Just what the doctor ordered.” Boom Box punned.

“Yeah did you see Dr. Wrongs’ face when I popped out of the crate?” Metallacia asked laughingly.

“Yeah I sure did.” Molder answered, “He was all like.” Then he molded into Dr. Wrong and imitated his expressions, which caused a big burst of laughter that even Dark-Rider had to crack a smile. He was glad to see his friends having fun, and true they did have a lot to celebrate about, they had just pulled off one of the biggest busts in their super-hero career.

“Okay I really need to lay off of the comic books for awhile.” He told himself and then took off his mask to join the others in the meeting room. He picked up a piece of cake, a bowl of Rocky Road Ice Cream, and a Mountain Dew. Sure, the sugar would affect a normal person but he was not normal. He was awake 24/7, and so the thought of all that sugar would keep him up all night never crossed his mind. “Rocky Road…” He thought to himself, yes it had been a rocky road for all of them since first finding out they were no longer normal humans. Then coming together to form the original team of The Alpha Squad. Later on finding those who would be known as The Beta Force, and then Shieldra leaving with them to go to NYC. Then they coming back and disbanding The Beta Force, now there was only The Alpha Squad. And tonight was a night for the record books.

“Hey we’re on the TV.” Mindra announced over everyone’s voices. She turned up the volume and they watched it.

“This is Martha Martinez with USA news! Today marked a historic day in the fight against The Society. Tonight with the combination forces of Local Law Enforcement's and The Alpha Squad, two members of The Society along with their associates have been brought to justice. Dr. Kevin Johnson aka Cardania and Dr. James Wong aka Dr. Wrong are the two main members of The Society that was captured. Their creations The Cyber-Destroyers and Mythos have been taken to various facilities throughout the states. Captain Carlton was in command of the team of law enforcement said that the chemicals that was found here would be properly disposed of. The machines will be broken down for recycling. He also told me that the bodies would be identified and given back to their families to be buried. Those who were able to survive are now reunited with families. And they all express their gratitude to both God and The Alpha Squad for bringing their loved ones to safety…”

“About time we got some good press.” Mindra said after she muted the TV.

“Yeah maybe now the public will trust us.” Plantra hoped.

“Trust is something earned, not given through the means of the media.” Dark-Rider told her.

“He’s got a point.” Shieldra agreed.

“But there’s something I think all of us want to know.” Aquatrina addressed Dark-Rider, “Who is this source you have that gave us this Intel?”

“They only gave it to me on the promise of total staying totally anonymous.” Dark-Rider answered.

“Just from the press right?” Molder asked, and Dark-Rider gave him a look that gave the answer.

“Even from us?” Long Yard questioned.

“That was their request and I knew the Intel would be good so I agreed.” He told all of them, “It’s a call I had to make and make alone.”

“You could’ve at least brought it past us so we could all agree on it as leaders.” Shieldra brought up.

“They are risking their necks right now for us. How do you think Superior is going to respond now that we have brought two of his top agents into custody?” Dark-Rider asked them all, and his answer was cringed faces in thinking if Superior knew who had done it. “Just what I thought. Now let’s finish this party and you guys can get some rest…You deserve it!” Dark-Rider told them and they gave him uneasy looks but continued in their celebration.

After all had gone to bed only Jacob and Dark-Rider were the only ones still up. “Did I make the right decision in not letting them in my source?”

“No not at all.” The former Dark-Rider assured him, “Even when I was Dark-Rider I had to make tough decisions like you did.”

“Did you ever lead a team of super powered beings?”

“Not really no, but they all had their own unique talents.” Jacob answered and then yawned, “Well am off to bed myself now, good night Dark-Rider.”

“Yep night.” He waved good night to him and he was once again all along. He pressed in a few keys into I.Q. and waited for his source to come online.

“Sorry it took so long.” The voice said and all that could be seen was a shadow with a distorted voice.

“Let me guess Superior knows now that there is a traitor in his midst?”

“Yes, he’s calling us into a meeting with in the hour to discuss who it could be.”

“Do you need me to pull you out?”

“No not yet.” It said, “I’m sure he doesn’t think it is me…but I will be careful and if I need to I’ll use the emergency line to call you.”

“Very well. Just be careful Dark-Rider out.” He pressed a button to end the transmission. He knew they had to keep their conversations in under a minute otherwise; they would be traced within Superiors castle.

In that very castle, Superior was upset beyond measure! He looked at each remaining member of The Council of The Society: Dr. Nightmare, The Gamer, Ruthers, Cykrill, and Zendra. “Someone here among us is a traitor.” He opened up the meeting, “The question is who it is?” They looked at one another with poker faces no one was giving an inch on if they were the traitor. “And we have found that person.” Still no show of emotion from any of them. “We did a sweep up every room in this castle in search for anything was giving off a signal of any kind.” He then held up a communication device, “This was found in the room of….Sniper!”

“What? I had no such thing in my possession!” Sniper defended himself holding up his rifle, “I’ve never laid eyes on it until now.”

“It was found in your room Sniper my dear.” Ruthers told him, “I found it myself among your magazines of guns. I have to admit that it was a very good hiding spot but…not good enough!” As she said, that Cykrill came up from behind him and stabbed him with a cybernetic blade through his right eye!

“Cykrill take this piece of trash into the Cyber-Drone lab to replace his missing eye.  And make sure to put a shutoff switch in it as well.” Superior told him.

“As you wish Superior!” He acknowledged his order and took the body to the lab.

“Speaking of Cyborgs…what of Cardania, Dr. Wrong and their minions?” Zendra asked.

“Let them stay where they are for now. Our contacts within those facilities have already given us the coordinates of where they are being held.” Superior told her.

“Come my dear it’s nearly time for you to go to bed.” Ruthers told Zendra.

“Yes bed sounds good.” Zendra agreed and they went out of the room.

“Dr. Nightmare how is your new project coming along?” Superior asked.

“They are nearly complete Superior. Trust me when I am done with them they will bring the meaning to fear!”

“Excellent now there is something I want you to work on instead for now…” Superior told him as he closed the doors.

Chapter 3

　

　

The next morning at Silverton High School, the teens went to their first period classes. Mike was sitting in his chair clarinet in hand ready to play and next to him was Zara who he knew was known as Zendra. This was another secret kept from the other members of The Alpha Squad. He hated keeping secrets from them but this is one he knew was for the best…for now. As their band director conducted the band, he thought of how he could persuade her to joining the good people. There was something that else that the others did not know about her that she was someone he could actually see a future with…if only she would come to Christ. These thoughts kept running through his mind as the band played getting ready for their first competition of the year.

When the period was nearing an end, the students began to put away their instruments, and as Mike was putting his away, he noticed a note in his clarinet case. He looked to see that Zara had already left; he picked it up and slid into his right hand pants pocket. After putting away his clarinet in one of the band room lockers he looked around to make sure that no one was too close to see what the note he was about to read said: “Had to secure my position here in The Society. Put the blame on one of my own. We need to meet. The usual place at lunch.” He put the note back in his pocket and headed to his next class. As he was walking, he ran into Dan and Adam, there he told them that he would be meeting someone at lunch and to have the lunch meeting without him. They said they would pass the word around to the others.

At lunch, the rest of the teens met in the schools’ newspaper room. They talked about their day but then the subject of Mikes’ secret source. “I’ll be the first to admit I don’t like the idea that he is going behind our backs like he has been.” Justin told the group, “I think we all need to let him know how we feel.”

“Look Justin, Mike is the leader which means he has to make calls like he’s done. He told us that last night.” Dan spoke up for his friend.

“I’m not surprised that coming from his right hand man.” Justin sneered. “All right how about this, let’s all raise our hands of those who think Mike should tell us who this secret source is?” He raised his hand including Nicole, Eve, and Angie. “What the rest of you are gonna stick with him like that?”

“Mike has been this teams’ leader for nearly two years.” Clara stood up, “And one thing we’ve learned is that he is human and he makes poor choices. But even then things always turn out to good because we back him up.” The others nodded.

　

“You guys can go ahead and speculate or vote to confront him all you want.” Ally stated, “But one thing is for certain he will stick with his decision no matter what and you’ll never make him shake it off.” With that said, they spent the rest of lunch in silence.

Mike waited in one of the band rooms’ practice rooms; it was a small cubicle room with a TV and DVD player. He and his friends would watch old TV shows on before class at times. The TV came on without him pressing the power button, there before him was a shadowy figure with the distorted voice. “Sorry I couldn’t meet you in person.”

“Why should that make it any different then from any other time?” He asked.

“Superior has asked Dr. Nightmare to work on something for him.”

“Do you know what it is?”

“Not at the moment.” The Voice answered. “But I intend to find out.”

“Just be careful…I don’t need you getting caught especially since I have no idea who you are.” Mike warned it.

“Don’t worry I won’t…must go now.” Then the screen went blank.

After school was over, they all went back to The Big House for an important meeting. “According to my source Superior has just asked Dr. Nightmare to build him something.” Dark-Rider opened the meeting.

“Did they find out what Superior is wanting to be built?” Asked Shieldra.

“No they don’t know yet. But they assured me that they will find out and contact me when they do.”

“No offense Dark-Rider but I think that’s a bunch of garbage!” Long Yard blurted out.

“Long Yard stand down!” Shieldra ordered.

“No, no Shieldra let him talk.” Dark-Rider allowed.

“I don’t know where you get thinking that you are above it all!” Long Yard began to say, “I mean, just who do you think you are! You’re The Dark-Rider…big deal! Any of us could be a better leader than you!”

“The only reason you say that is because you have no idea what it means to be a leader.” Jacob intervened.

“Butt out Jacob this is between me and Dark-Rider!” Long Yard scolded.

“How dare you disrespect my Uncle like that.” Shieldra looked down at him.

“You’re taking their side now?”

“When it comes to you acting like an immature jerk…then yes!” Shieldra stated.

“Wow of all people I thought you’d see it my way.” Long Yard sneered.

“And my Uncle is right…you have no idea what it’s like to be a leader.” Shieldra told him, “Don’t forget I have been put in leadership before as well…”

“Yeah and things were much better when we were there.” Long Yard said as he started to get out of his chair.

“Where do you think you are going?” Jacob asked him.

“Going to blow some steam off in The Holo-Dome.” He answered as he left the room.

“Anybody else want to share what they are feeling? Cause right now is the best time.” Dark-Rider told all of them.

“I think we need to pray.” Blaze spoke up.

“I agree with her.” Plantra said, “There is something not right here within this group right now. They all took hands and began to pray.

Chapter 4

　

　

The following weeks continued as normal. Spring break was just around the corner and things were getting none the better. Dark-Rider had yet to meet his source due to the lack of communication except a couple of times a week in the band room and a couple of nights in The Big House. Things between Nicole and Justin would thin out to the point that their break up was inevitable. The others were there to support both of them but it also caused stress within the ranks. There were times that Dark-Rider came close to having to give in to his anger and knock Long Yard out just to teach him some manners. However, he knew that would make matters worse among the others. Keeping the team together right now was key! He just wished that there was someway right now to find out from his source when The Society was going to make their next move, that was one of the things he knew was also putting stress on the team…the lack of action. Sure, they had taken down some of the normal criminals but when it came to The Society…now that was stressful.

The Friday before the beginning of Spring Break, The Source had finally come through. “Dr. Nightmare along with the help of The Gamer and his Goons are planning on hitting this place here The TechnoPlant.” Dark-Rider told the group as they sat around in the meeting room. “The final components that Dr. Nightmare needs are in this plant.”

“So how do we go about getting in?” Frezor asked.

“We need to catch them in the act.” Dark-Rider answered, “I’ve already contacted our friend in the FBI and he said they will have a force on stand by. They will cover the outside of the building while we take care of things on our end on the inside of the building. There are three exits to escape through so we will go in the 3-team formation. Team one will go through the north exit with me. Shieldra will take her to team through the west exit. And Molder you will take your team through the south exit. We go in take out the opposition before they know what hits them.”

“Well sounds like a good plan!” Aquatrina said.

“I agree let’s go get ready.” Boom Box agreed.

The others nodded in agreement, even Long Yard. Dark-Rider took that as a sign that things were still finally turning back to normal…as well as normal for this group of teens. They got everything they needed from the supply room, got into The Battle Van, while Dark-Rider rode on Shadow, Frezor on his Ice Cycle, Blaze and Mindra took Max. They started their engines and headed to meet the enemy.

Once they were there, they all got in their places. Dark-Rider used his ability to walk through solid objects to see how many people were there. As expected, there was Dr. Nightmare along with The Gamer. They were both telling the Goons on what to look for and keep an eye for their enemies. “Sorry doc we’re already here.” Dark-Rider said to him in his thoughts. He went back and told the other two leaders to have their team ready. Once they said they were all ready, Dark-Rider saw that The FBI was all see as well. “Go inside and get into position we don’t want them to know we’re there until we’re ready for them to know.” They acknowledged and they moved inside. Moments later, they were all in and in position. Dark-Rider made the motion to attack by surrounding them. “Sorry Doc but the remedy to evil is here.” Dark-Rider announced as they pounced on their enemies. Ugly Dolly, Gladiator and Cruncher were the only ones standing outside of Dr. Nightmare and Gamer, for the others had been hit with stun bolts. “5 on 14 I’d say your chances of getting out of here are slim to none.” Dark-Rider said diplomatically, “I suggest you give up.”

“Haven’t you fools learned?” Gamer asked him in a taunting tone, “I always have a card up my sleeve.” He held up his hand and a remote control came out of it. He pressed a button, which within seconds The Alpha Squad found out what it meant…for all of their enemies surrounded them. Cardania and his Cyber-Destroyers! Dr. Wrong and Mythos! The Trap Masters! Above them stood Ruthers, Cykrill and Superior. “Now if you ask me the odds have now turned into our favor.”

“Welcome Alpha Squad!” Superior announced. “As you can see it is us that now have you surrounded.” They looked upon Superior for the first time except for Dark-Rider…for this time he was not in the shadows. He was at least 6’5” but it was hard to tell with all the armor he was wearing. He had a helmet on that protected his identity. “The question is will you surrender?”

“Not without a fight Superior.” Dark-Rider answered him as he took The Laser Blade out of its sheath.

“Interesting, it’s smaller than the last time I saw it.” Superior thought aloud.

“I’ll be more than willing to re-introduce you to it once we’re done with your friends.” Dark-Rider assured him, “Everyone formation C-3 Alpha 5.” They acted immediately forming a tight circle to where all of there enemies were facing them.

Chapter 5

　

　

Their enemies did not waste time; Dark-Rider gave them that. Within five minutes of the battle, only he, Shieldra, Aquatrina, Sparks and Metallacia remained standing. “This isn’t good.” Dark-Rider thought to himself. Many thoughts were running through his head at this point. One: Was he given bad Intel from his source? Two: He and the others still standing needed to find a way to get out of here. Before the others had been taken out of the battle due to stun blasts and DNA grenades, they were able to leave only The Cyber-Destroyers and Trap Masters. Gamer took himself out of battle and now stood next to Superior and the others. 

“So now only four remain.” Gamer said to the others, “I feel that we will soon have our enemies within our grasp.”

“Don’t get too over confident Gamer.” Ruthers warned him, “The Alpha Squad has the annoyance of overcoming the odds.”

“Don’t worry we got the cat in the bag.” Gamer told her very sure of himself.

Superior ignored his fellow villains he was too interested in seeing how this was going to play out. Never in the near two-year history of them against The Alpha Squad were they so close to victory. However, Ruthers did point out the fact of the heroes able to escape even on a very thin string. They were able to defeat a whole army of super-powered beings in the town of Orphan. “I offer you one last chance Dark-Rider!” Superior cried out over the noise of the battle. “Surrender now and I promise you a quick and easy death.”

Dark-Rider looked up at him and said, “I don’t know the meaning of the word surrender.” He thought about saying he would fight until his dying breath, but he knew that he had to get the others out of here. “We need to get the others out of here.” He whispered to them.

“Yeah but how?” Metallacia asked.

“Aquatrina I want you to flood this building.” Dark-Rider instructed.

“You want to me to do what?” She asked in disbelief.

　

“Sparks once the place is flooded I want you to electrify this place. That will stun the rest of our foes. Shieldra encase us all in a shield, I will fly us out of here. Metallacia you stun blast anyone that comes close to us. Now everyone do it!” Shieldra put up the shield as Aquatrina began to flood the room. Dark-Rider flew up and picked up the shield-bubble from the inside. As he flew it, out of there Sparks threw out a few shock blasts to cause all those who were in the water to be electrocuted. The Trap Masters did not waste time getting out there, but the Cyber-Destroyers were stuck due to their cybernetic bodies. They flew out of the building heading towards the vehicles. “Put the wounded in the van. Shieldra you’ll drive that, Sparks take Frezors’ Ice-Cycle, Metallacia and Aquatrina go with Shieldra. I’ll take Road Hogg and have Max go on auto-pilot.” They nodded and once they got to the vehicles they could see that the FBI and LEO’s had taken care of all the Cyber-Drones. Dark-Rider allowed them to see that they had wounded and both team leaders nodded in acknowledgement. They loaded up the others in the van and headed out.

“We let them get away!” Gamer complained.

“Told you.” Ruthers told him.

“Silence both of you, we have done worse to them.” Superior interrupted.

“How so my master?” Cykrill asked.

“We have shown that despite all of their powers that we were able to over power them. We now have beaten them mentally with this fact. Now all we need to do is make sure that as soon as they are ready for another round against us…We’ll destroy them.”

“But how will we know when that will be?” Zendra asked.

“When our spy has informed us.” Superior told all of them.

　

Chapter 6

　

　

The Alpha Squad returned to The Big House in a hurry. As they were on their way Dark-Rider contacted Jacob to inform him to have the medical bay ready for the wounded. They parked the vehicles, Sparks immediately transported people to the medical bay and Jacob scanned each of them for injuries. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, their Bio-Suits played a hand in that…and the grace of God. They were all told to rest for the night and they would meet tomorrow afternoon. They all went to their rooms leaving Dark-Rider by himself. He knew something was bugging him…something did not feel right about tonight. Too many factors showed one of two things: Bad Intel…or the second he really did not want to entertain and that was there a traitor in their midst. Just then the screen blinked to life, and his source showed their shadow and distorted voice, “I had no idea that all of them had escaped from their cells! You have to believe me!”

“I want to…you haven’t been wrong until now.” Dark-Rider said.

“There something you need to know…you have a traitor in your ranks.” It told him. “I just found this out after you escaped.”

“So you were there?”

“Yes, but I still can’t tell you who I am.” It warned.

“Who is the traitor?” He asked.

“I don’t know it seems that Superior is the only one that knows…possibly Ruthers as well.”

“You find out who it is, and then I am pulling you out of there.” He told it.

“Very well…need to go.” Then the screen went blank.

“Dear God in heaven.” Dark-Rider began to pray as he took off his mask, “You know who the traitor is…I pray that you have mercy on them and help me to do the same.”

　

During the night, he contacted the facilities that all of the captured enemies were being held and they all said that they had escaped two hours before their battle with them. Now what was troubling him was that I.Q. would have alerted them with an Alpha Alarm stating that the villains had escaped. He did a virus scan that came up negative, so no viruses in the computer that was always a good thing. Of course, those getting a virus were unheard of with Sparks’ programs that ensured that nothing could get through the firewalls that he had set up. Dark-Rider then searched inside of I.Q. to see if something foreign had been put in that would block The Alpha Alarm…and he did. It had The Society insignia on it. Dark-Rider sighed heavily he did not like the look of this, and it gave him a bad taste his mouth. Now the question was…who was the traitor?

Morning came early for most of the members of The Alpha Squad. When they awoke, the original members woke up with a note by their alarm clocks stating that they were to report to the meeting room as soon as they awoke. Within minutes of one another, they came into the room with Dark-Rider and Jacob waiting for them. 

“What’s up with the secret notes?” Shieldra asked.

“Yeah and where are the others?” Sparks asked.

“All of you stand in a line.” Jacob instructed. They gave questioned looks but did as they were told.

Dark-Rider took hold of The Laser Blade pointed straight at Shieldra. “What the heck is going on?” She asked in horror.

“All of you just stand where you are.” Dark-Rider told all them in a cold tone. The blade glowed blue. He then moved onto Molder, then Frezor, and so on until he reached Sparks. The blade continued to glow blue. “Okay you are all safe.” He told all of them as he sheathed the blade and then motioned them to sit down.

“Now would you please what is going on? And why the others aren’t here for this meeting?” Sparks asked.

“We have a traitor among us!” Dark-Rider said as he tossed the device that he had found in I.Q. on the table. “And it’s not any of the original members of The Alpha Squad.”

Chapter 7

　

　

“You can’t be serious!” Blaze exclaimed and nearly flamed up.

“It’s true.” Dark-Rider assured her sadly. He then told them about the facilities that the villains were put in and how they had just disappeared out of thin air.

“They must’ve used their teleportation device then.” Mindra brought up.

“They couldn’t have!” Sparks objected, “I gave them the scrambler codes to the guards.”

“Which means someone must’ve tipped The Society the codes.” Molder suggested.

“If that’s the case, one of two things happened.” Shieldra started to say, “Either one of the guards was working for The Society…or there is a traitor among us.”

“I’m thinking towards the latter.” Dark-Rider said as he pointed at the device that was now in Sparks’ hands who was studying it, “Someone had to put it in I.Q.”

“It is a communications blocker that’s for sure.” Sparks deduced, “It was set to certain communications to be blocked or allowed.”

“But how long has it been in there?” Frezor asked.

“According to the data was I was able to take out of it just within the last couple of minutes, I’d say at least three months.” Sparks answered.

“But how can that be possible?” Mindra asked in disbelief.

“The only way that could’ve been…” Shieldra's voice trailed off.

“Was after you and the others came back from NYC.” Dark-Rider finished.

“So that means it’s one of them.” Blaze concluded.

“So how do we go about this?” Molder asked, “Have them go through the sword test like the rest of us?”

　

“No, we must make that whoever is the traitor to think that there is nothing going on.” Dark-Rider told all of them, “Sparks I want you to quickly modify it to where we can find out who it is. Something tells me that they keep in contact with The Society at a regular basis. I’m also sure that normally when they do they cover their tracks. And once they use it we’ll be alerted and I.Q. will take a photo of that person.”

“It’ll be done within two minutes.” Sparks assured him as he got to work.

“Something also tells me that is how they been able to monitor our moves as of late.” Shieldra brought up.

“Not only that, but also how they knew that they too have a traitor in their midst as well.” Dark-Rider added.

“Done, now to put it in its place.” Sparks announced. He left his seat and two seconds later, he was back.

“Good job Sparks.” Jacob told him.

“Now remember everyone, no one is to tell the others about this meeting.” Dark-Rider warned them, “As far as they are to be concerned this meeting never happened.”

Chapter 8

　

　

Over the course of two days The Alpha Squad went on with life as usual, despite that, the original seven knew that there was a spy among them. They knew if they acted any different it would most likely tip off the enemy within their midst. Finally on the Thursday evening of their spring break, Dark-Riders’ source within The Society contacted them. “I need to get out of here as soon as possible.” It said with urgency within their voice. “I believe they know they still have a spy in their ranks.”

“Where should we meet?” Dark-Rider asked.

“The coordinates should be showing on your view screen right now, it’s where Dr. Nightmare has been working on his latest invention.” It informed. “Meet me at 7pm.” End of transmission.

“You heard the message team let’s get ready to move.” Dark-Rider instructed.

At The Society’s hideout Zendra ended her transmission with Dark-Rider, 

“It’s done as you requested.” She told her Aunt who had a gun at her head. “Now why don’t you just kill me?”

“Oh no my dear niece.” Ruthers answered gently, “You still have one more important role to play.” She escorted Zendra out of the room to where they met up with the others in the teleportation room. “It is done as you have requested Superior.”

“Well done Ruthers.” He acknowledged in a pleasing tone. “And as for you Zendra you shall be the first to be apart of Dr. Nightmares’ latest invention.” With that said they teleported out.

The Alpha Squad drove up to the place of where they were to meet their source. They filed out of the vehicles and stealthily walked up to the nearest doorway. They went inside and saw the machine that Dr. Nightmare had built. It looked almost like The Memory Jar, except for some minor changes thanks to the day in the age of technology. They approached the machine slowly, looking around for any enemy in sight. All of the sudden they were unable to move. “What gives?” Blaze asked in irritation.

“How do you like the trap we have set up for you?” Dr. Nightmare asked. “The panel of the floor is laced with an EDF to cause you not to move as long as you stay in your Bio-Suits.”

“If this for us to deactivate our Bio-Suits to reveal of who we really are…then forget it!” Dark-Rider told them.

“Actually it is to ensure that you watch before your eyes what is to happen to all of you.” Superior informed them. “But first we should allow our spy to introduce himself since he has now chosen the side of evil.” Superior pressed a button on his control gauntlet and they looked to see that Long Yard was released.

“No!” Shieldra cried.

“Oh come now sweetie.” He taunted her as he caressed her chin, “Who do you think I was some hero? You see I’ve been with Superior and all of them since you ’rescued’ me and the others from Orphan.”

“But you’re one of us!” Frezor argued.

“No he’s not Frezor.” Dark-Rider corrected him softly, “His ability was the first to be made permanent by The Preacher. And knowing that he was able to fit in with the others for they had no previous memory of their past lives.”

“And I did it right under your noses.” Long Yard said in a haughty tone, “especially you Dark-Rider…”

“What about us?” Shieldra cried, “Was any of it real?”

“Only as real as you wanted it to be babe, but this is who I really am.” He took off his Changer and his Bio-Suit disappeared and in place of it was a new outfit made by The Society, “Since I’m such a jerk, you can now call me Stretch-Jerk!”

“That’s gotta be the dumbest super-villain name ever!” Dark-Rider told him.

“Like I care what you think anymore.”

“Now I guess it is now time for us to introduce you to the one whom has been giving you information.” Superior held out his hand as to allow the person to be seen, and there stood before them in shackles was Zendra. “She finally was caught by her own Aunt.” He gestured to Ruthers, “She is now to be the guinea pig for this machine.”

“It’s called the Evil Creator my lord.” Dr. Nightmare interjected, “It changes the brainwave patterns of a person’s brain. You see each person has both good and evil with in their minds. However this machine will allow all the evil parts of the mind to take completely over the persons’ behavior.”

“Zendra my dear why don’t you take a seat.” Ruthers gestured to her with a gun to sit in the chair.

　

Chapter 9

　

　

Dark-Rider and Zendra locked eyes one last time. They both knew who they were, and how much they actually meant to each other. Memories flooded their minds of all the times they had spent together. From the time, they were in grade school, and these past few months since she had came back into his life. Now he stood helpless as he saw her strapped to the machine, and she pleaded him with her eyes to do something. He motioned his head down in showing to her there was nothing he could do. She mouthed the words “I love you.” to him. He nodded in acknowledgement.

“We are ready Superior.” Dr. Nightmare announced.

“Then begin the process.” Superior ordered, and Dr. Nightmare pressed a button to activate the machine.

They could hear Zendra scream in agony! There was nothing that any of The Alpha Squad could do; all they could do was watch. “In Jesus’ Name spare her.” Dark-Rider prayed. Within seconds the procedure was done and the lab aides un-strapped her from the chair. She rose out of the chair, walked towards Superior and bowed before him on bended knee.

“No!” Dark-Rider cried out.

“You see it works!” Dr. Nightmare rejoiced.

“That’s where you are wrong doctor.” Zendra said quietly, and with one fluid motion, she unsheathed a dagger and stabbed right into the control gauntlet. Superior shouted in pain as he grabbed his arm. The Alpha Squad was free! She then back flipped to join the rest of her newfound allies.

“Kill them!” Superior ordered.

“Alpha Squad attack!” Dark-Rider declared. They did not have much trouble handling all of the armed guards for they were the only ones there. No Cyber-Destroyers or any of the other villains. Shieldra went after her ex-boyfriend. Zendra fought up against her own Aunt and Dark-Rider was free to fight Superior.

Shieldra protected herself from Stretch-Jerks’ attacks thanks to her ability to create shields around her whole body. “Oh come on babe, how about we kiss and make up?” He asked her mockingly.

“How about you just shut up!” She hollered. She gathered all of her strength and called out, “Shield Hammer!” She formed a giant circle above him and slammed it down! Nevertheless, thanks to his stretching abilities he could not be killed from it. “I know that won’t kill you baby! But it’ll take you a long time to pull yourself together.” She told him and walked away in tears.

Dark-Rider approached Superior with The Laser Blade in hand. “I told you I’d give you an introduction.” He told Superior, “Now that you’ve been introduced…” Dark-Rider raised it up ready to fight him.

“I am at a disadvantage.” Superior panted in pain, “You wouldn’t dare fight me in this condition.”

“You’re right.” Dark-Rider sheathed the sword. “Maybe another time.” Dark-Rider walked away.

Zendra was in hand-to-hand combat with her Aunt Ruthers, “I remember everything my dear aunt.” She said as she threw out a combination of punches and chops, “That my parents were American defectors, and you had them killed so that I may be raised by you to become an agent of evil. But I will not be one, not anymore!” She kicked Ruthers right in the temple to knock her out. “Farewell Aunt!” She began to walk away.  She met up with Dark-Rider and took hold of his hand. “I knew you would find a way to save me.”

“The only reason why you’re not an agent of evil is that God protected you from those evil rays.” Dark-Rider told her.

“I must then accept Christ in my heart.” She said, and they prayed quickly that she might accept Christ. “I feel so much better.” She said with a bright smile, but then she jerked and the smile faded.

“No!” Dark-Rider called out. For a blast came from Superiors’ good arm/gauntlet.

“My beams are set to kill.” He informed them, “But she will survive since it takes both of my gauntlets to kill someone.” He and the others teleported.

“No.” Dark-Rider choked, as he took off his mask and looked into her eyes with his.

“I will survive…” she said weakly, “Don’t wait for me…move on….you will always be my…love.” Then she passed out.

Chapter 10

　

　

The Alpha Squad returned to The Big House somberly. They took Zendra to the med-lab for her to be examined. She was in a coma but they knew this was not a place for her to stay until she came out. Jacob suggested that she be sent to Castle Dark-Rider off the coast of Ireland. Dark-Rider stayed behind since he was not allowed to step foot upon the soil of Castle Dark-Rider until next year. Jacob took the others leaving him and Shieldra behind.

They sat together in the dining room of the main floor of The Big House. “It looks like both of us lost someone tonight.” Nicole said.

“So it would seem.” He answered.

“Mike, I’m sorry if I ever made you uncomfortable when I was with Justin.”

“Don’t worry about it, we need to focus on the future…but you’re forgiven.” He gave a little smile.

“Will you move on?”

“Only time will tell…but you and I are never to be.”

“I know that, but even if you and I gave each other time, it’d be best not to try to be together again.” She agreed.

“I only pray that when we go to Castle Dark-Rider next year that she will be awake.”

“I’ll be praying that it will come to past.” Nicole assured him, “But we must remember, God’s will not ours.”

“Amen.”