Concealed//Lab Rats

The Explanation

   Disclaimer: I don't own Lab Rats/Lab Rats: Elite Force.

~~

   They were too late.

   Hundreds of androids were fighting the team, who already seemed exhausted even though they hadn't left that long ago. Chase was yelling out orders, but his voice kept getting drowned out in the noise of the battle. Bionics and superpowers flew everywhere, from bo staffs to proton rings and everything in between. The street was was annihilated. 

   "So I'm guessing they know the androids have superpowers," Douglas commented.

   "Probably."

   A few of the androids then seemed to notice Marcus and Douglas were there. Marcus got out a plasma grenade while Douglas raised his gun. Just as the androids came within shooting range, a voice bellowed from behind Marcus and Douglas.

   "LEAVE THEM ALONE!"

   Marcus froze, along with the other androids. He knew that voice. Behind him stood a boy around his age with wavy blonde hair, green eyes, and his famous blue glasses. Gabe.

   "What are you doing here? And why are you with him? He left you to die, right?" Gabe asked, gesturing to Douglas.

   "We're working with them," Marcus answered, trying to keep his voice steady as the pointed to the team. "And we know you built those androids for Roman and Riker."

   Gabe stared, mouth open. "You're working- and you know-"

   "Yeah. I also know you stole the Arcturion from Facility Y and somehow used them on your androids! Why are you doing this? What's in this for you?"

   Gabe didn't answer, instead turning to an android and motioning towards Douglas. The android shot red beam at Douglas, making the latter immediately fall over.

   "DAD!" Marcus super sped to Douglas's side and checked his vitals. He was unconscious, but everything else seemed fine.

   "He'll wake up in a little bit," Gabe promised, seeming somewhat sheepish. "I needed to talk to you alone."

   Marcus glanced at Douglas, then at the team battling for their lives. But with another look at Gabe, he knew this was important. Maybe this was his chance to turn Gabe to their side. "...Fine." He slowly stood up and folded his arms. "Talk."

   Gabe looked at the team. "I didn't know you were working with them, first off."

   "It's a recent development."

   "Well, I wouldn't have taken the job if I knew," Gabe said, absentmindedly fiddling with his glasses. It was a nervous habit he'd had ever since Marcus could remember. But why was he nervous?

   "Why did you take the job in the first place?" Marcus asked.

   "Dad handed it to me. I guess he knew I was getting really good with robotics. It was my first real job at the W.I.R.! I was really excited. I went above and beyond, stealing the glowing pyramid thing after I heard my clients mention it. But..." Gabe trailed off, looking down at the ground.

   "But what?" Marcus urged. He seemed guilty. Guilt, while a terrible feeling to deal with -- he should know -- was a sign that he could turn to their side. He could have his best friend back.

   Gabe looked at Marcus, his eyes swimming with guilt. "I- I'm sorry." 

   "It's okay. They'll forgive you, they forgave-"

   "That's not what I meant! I'm sorry for this." 

   Before he knew what was happening, someone -- not Gabe, who was still in front of him -- had tied his hands behind his back with what felt like handcuffs. As soon as he did, he couldn't use his bionics. They must have bionic signal interrupters in them.

   "Remember us?" the person who handcuffed him asked. 

   Marcus's eyes widened, then he scowled as he realized what was happening. "Roman."

   Another voice -- Riker -- followed. "Our father gave us special orders for you."

   Marcus looked at Gabe, who was still fiddling with his glasses and wouldn't look him in the eye. "You didn't want to talk. You just needed a distraction for them."

   "I'm sorry!" Gabe cried. "I'm in too deep!"

   Marcus stared at Gabe. They were best friends! How could he betray him?

   Roman and Riker pulled him away from Gabe and closer to where the team were fighting. Or used to be fighting. Now they were all lying on the ground, unconscious or almost unconscious. Right above them stood who had to be Roman and Riker's father. Rodissius, if he remembered correctly.

   "So you're the one who ruined my original plan," Rodissius said, walking closer to Marcus. Marcus didn't answer, too caught up in everything that was happening. How could he pay attention when he thought Gabe was going to turn to their side and then stabbed him in the back? Rodissius growled. "Well. Ever since then, I've been wondering how I should make you suffer. But then your little friend -- come here, child! -- stole the Arcturion and I knew exactly what I was going to do. I'll get my powers back and watch you suffer."

   Marcus froze as Rodissius revealed the Arcturion. "You're not gonna-"

   "Oh, I am. See, I found out that indirect contact gives you powers. Since touching it kills you, I need someone to touch it for me."

   Gabe, who had walked over to the group, gasped. "You never said-"

   "Quiet!" Rodissius roared. Gabe flinched and obeyed. Rodissius turned to Marcus, opening the Arcturion. "Are you ready to die?"

~~

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   Jesus loves y'all!

   BionicallyChristian out!