THE BEGINNING OF A NEW END: The story of Cyborg 009 and Cyborg 003

CHAPTER #9- No Balance

While the cyborgs got on with their lives, the UNG handled problems world wide. They were never able to locate the true source of the drone swarm, however there were no more breaches and so the file was closed. It was months later, that a direct attack on the UNG occurred again. This time it wasn't mechanical, but what the UNG considered alien entities. There were six beings that changed into animals. Their forms of attack were true to their natures. The Director had no idea what these aliens were after, other than world control and dominance over humans. Takeru Igarashi needed the cyborgs help.

"Doctor Gilmore, we need you and Françoise to analyze a new threat. We sent you the basics, but we have little information on the aliens."

Françoise came into the conversation. "The report says these alien beings changed into animal forms when fighting? And you encountered six of them in total?"

The Director confirmed. "Yes. The animals were a pig, rooster, goat, rabbit, ox and snake. We don't understand how to counter attack. They are superior in strength, speed and are very resilient; including being immune to poisons and seem to auto heal from injuries."

Chang mumbled, "are they part of YIN and if yes, then were is YANG?"

"I think you're right," Françoise agreed. "YIN is known to be the dark side and has fallen out of balance often. YIN and YANG beings are classified as immortal. YIN will go dormant when YANG becomes equally present."

"But then what happened to the YANG beings?" Susan asked, joining the conference. "We have only seen these six."

"Is the healing factor immediate or delayed?" Françoise inquired.

"Unknown. We can't get close enough to obtain that data."

"What methods of defence do they use, to counter your attacks?"

"Well the Pig eats everything in sight, doesn't matter if it's metal, stone or living flesh. The Rooster shoots feathers from its tail and somehow those feathers can penetrate anything. The Goat is agile and can jump high and we think it can fly too. The Rabbit is super fast, probably could even match 009's speed. The Ox rams things and is very strong. The worst is the Snake, because its venom is acidic and can melt both stone and metal." The Director listed off their observations.

Dr. Gilmore summarized. "So they can be seen in humanoid form or animal and have various talents."

"Yes, that's pretty much all we know," the Director confirmed.

Françoise asked, "do they attack as one group, individually or in combinations?"

"They appeared as a group, but so far we've only seen one at a time fight us. We don't understand their patterns."

"When do they take animal form? Is it part of their attack?"

"Mostly in victory, like to taunt us. But the pig one has chased down and eaten our mecha; man and machine."

"What about a leader or commander?"

"Unknown.... the only other thing I can add, is they spoke our language easily, no matter what it was. I would like to request that you nine, come to assist the UNG. I think they are just playing with us," Director Igarashi admitted with misery.

"I'll brief the others on this and then contact you later tonight," Françoise advised.

After the UNG Director disconnected, Dr. Gilmore looked at her. "If you don't want to fight with the others, they will understand."

"If Joe and the guys decide to go, so will I, we're a team. And we've got the better odds; 9 to 6. Demons, Gods, Alien beings, machine, beast or human, we will fight to protect Earth and win."

Ivan had been telepathically listening the whole time. "That's the spirit! I've been sleeping too much lately anyway. I'll tell everyone to meet in the living room."

The guys, Dr. Gilmore and Françoise gathered in the room. She debriefed them, then waited for their reactions.

"Seems like these six we've fought before," GB grumbled.

"It may feel like that due to humanity always struggling with life. Everything must have balance. But directly as individual entities, we have not engaged them." Ivan explained.

"I'd hate to see what kind of poop the pig leaves behind," Chang joked.

Everyone laughed, but then the seriousness of the situation came right back. None of them ever recalled having direct contact with the aliens in the past. There was no other option, more data was needed and that meant returning to UNG headquarters. After the group dispersed, Joe took Françoise for a walk.

"Will you be okay... going back there?"

"Honestly... it will be hard, but it can't be helped. I'll be okay, don't worry. I won't bring down the team."

Joe cupped her face between his hands and brought his close to hers. "I know you won't, but we all care about you.... I am always here for you, no matter what. You can lean on me, remember that."

She kissed him first; gently, like a caress. When her arms encircled him, he deepened the connection. All thoughts of UNG left her mind and only Joe was there. He was comforting her, every time he held her hand or hugged. That was all she needed to strengthen her resolve.