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

CHAPTER #12- Force Of Nature

In the morning Françoise, with the assistance of Susan and Mari, presented their findings of the data given on the aliens. They explained patterns and everyone discussed strategies to defeat the Six. Theories on how to effectively use the UNG mecha in conjunction with the Cyborg team, became the main focus.

Geronimo mumbled, "it seems that war is mainly a catalogue of blunders."

Mari put a hand on his huge arm. "But we don't have an option not to fight. We didn't start this."

Joe exchanged a look with Françoise, because the Cyborgs believed that the UNG had helped upset the balance of YIN and YANG. They kept this to themselves, or rather, that was talked about via Ivan's mental link with only the other cyborgs.

Always giving the benefit of the doubt Françoise suggested, "we don't know if the Director is hiding the YANG group, he might not know or even realize that the YANGs were trapped by the UNG."

"She's right. He was completely oblivious of the Blessed and they were right under his nose," Chang agreed.

"Françoise, have you used your sight to check this facility?" Albert asked.

"Yes. The only area I can't see into is under the manufacturing division for the mecha. I even hacked their system, using the access I was given for initial entry. There is nothing documented about the YANGs."

Jet still wasn't convinced. "I don't doubt your abilities, but something just feels off. Why else would the YINs only attack UNG facilities?"

"All we can do right now is prepare for battle. Thanks to Françoise we at least have a strategy going forward," Ivan praised.

Albert shared his thoughts, "maybe during the battle we can somehow communicate with the YINs. The UNG did tell us they could speak our language."

"I was planning to do exactly that," Françoise winked at him.

"My guess is the most approachable one would be the Goat," Joe suggested.

"If it jumps too high, I'll help you get to it," offered Jet.

"Then that is our objective; communication with the YINs." Ivan finalized and waited until everyone nodded. "Now we wait for their arrival."

Their mental discussion ended and Françoise carried Ivan towards her room. He slept peacefully on her chest. Whenever she had him in her arms, maternal instincts awakened. Joe noticed how gentle her movements and actions became. She was a pacifist at heart, but she naturally took on the role of being a mother. He wished he could give her the continual peace she longed for. Joe knew, just like all the cyborgs did, that they couldn't reproduce. They were all infertile because of what Black Ghost had done to them, so many years ago. In a way he was glad that Ivan would forever remain physically like a child, because it satisfied Françoise's parental needs. For everything else, she had Joe himself. Speaking softly he asked her if she would be putting Ivan to bed or if he should take over holding him.

"It's okay, he can stay where he is. I'm sure if the YIN arrive, the noise will wake him anyway. But could you bring his uniform here?"

"Good idea, I'll be back shortly." Joe carefully closed the door. He returned carrying not just Ivan Whiskey's uniform, but breakfast.

"I forgot to eat, thank you for bringing it here."

"I already had mine, I can hold Ivan or I can feed it to you."

That made Françoise blush with embarrassment. Instead she took the former offer and carefully passed Ivan to Joe. Unintentionally, the back of Joe's hand brushed her breast. They locked eyes for a second, both feeling the physical attraction between them spark up. Ivan sighed, but continued sleeping. That was enough to break the moment and Françoise stepped out of reach. As she ate the food Joe had brought, her mind wasn't on aliens or the UNG.