...."MOTIVE" ... by TBlue.

(This is intended as a piece of fiction written only for fun. The characters of Cleopatra2525 are acknowledged as being copyright of the show's producers.)

The character of Hel's Father, being un-named at the time, I have called "Peter Odin".


*************


A door slid open and a struggling figure was dragged in to the dimly lit room between two people in nondescript clothing.
They were surgically masked.
He writhed in vain as they lifted him onto the operating chair.
"Why are you doing this?! VOICE! ANSWER ME!"
"I'm sorry Joel. You're too unstable. Of the ten missions, six have been aborted because you put the group at risk, and on the last mission, you - caused - their - deaths. This came about because you could not - DID not follow my specific instructions."

His handlers tied him down.

"It was a MISTAKE! I'm SORRY! We are - were - only trainees - you had to expect us to make mistakes...."
"Too many mistakes. Only one thing of merit have you taught me Joel, from now on I intend to teach each potential 'receiver' alone. Even in such small groups I cannot afford risk factors if the cause is ever to succeed."

A whining noise started near his right ear.

"Wait!!! Please! Voice, We all knew there were risks when we signed up to be trained. - you told us that yourself!! - I saved that little girl's father - he would have died if I hadn't sealed the door - if it wasn't for my actions, the man would have DIED!"
"You caused the deaths of your three compatriots. They were too valuable.The man was not the objective of the mission - only the girl."
"You cold-hearted bitch!"
"I do what is necessary."

Joel winced as the cut was made.

"Voice! I designed this technology - ME! You'd never be able to communicate so well without me! Come on - I don't even know how many people you run now - but that's what you wanted me for in the first place, wasn't it? I'm an electronics Genius! You still need me! I'm your biggest advantage in the cause."
"And the weakest link. The danger of keeping you in the cause far outweighs technological needs.
I'm sorry Joel."
He cried out as fingers probed inside the incision

"Maybe I should have killed the whole bloody family - would that have made you happy? VOICE?
What's so important about one little girl? Maybe I should go back and - AAAGGGHH!"

They held his head tightly as the receiver was pulled free.

"You shouldn't have made such threats," one of the men said in a dry whisper. "She can't even afford for you to live, if you make such threats - you must understand"
"F*** you, a***ole ", Joel grinned maniacally.
A needle was produced, a shining clear droplet forming at the tip.
"Well I'm sorry lad, but now I have to do this. It won't hurt for long."
He was injected with the full dose.
"Oh it will. More...it..will...more..you.....than...m...."
They untied the bonds and left him there.

*********

Less than a minute later, the door slid open and a lone mis-shapen figure in a cleaner's outfit scuttled in, swearing softly under his breath.
"Shitshitshit - Joel - oh f*** , they did, the bastards. I thought as much."
A wallet was hastily unrolled, revealing a number of small vials.

"Which one did they use? Ohmanohman, hell I'm sorry dude, but I'll have to try all of them."
The mutant guy injected each vial one after the other.
Eight minutes he hovered anxiously, waiting for some sign.
"Come on man, come on... you're the only guy who thought I had something worthwhile, even if the cause couldn't see....You gotta come round Joel - you -"
A hand shot out and grabbed him by the throat.

Joel took a deep painful breath and rasped " Never call me by that name again."
"(ack!) Yes boss!"
"EVER." His grip tightened.
"Bosss - ! "
A small grating sound...a snap..
He let go, and the mutant fell limply to the floor.
Slowly swinging his legs over, he slid off the operation chair and crouched unsteadily over the body.
"What the hell did you inject me with, you fool? My skin is crawling... You shouldn't have called me that.
She used to call me that all the time. You had to say it too, now look at you....Dead."
He giggled abruptly.

Huh. Names ... but who wants to be just an empty voice? The bitch. There was a nametag sewn on the outfit. He fumbled in his pocket for a lighter, to read it better. "Cree-gan..." That would do nicely.



***********
***********


He studied the peeling day-glo paint. Oh well, it could have been much much worse.
This temporary living space would have to do for now.
He sighed. The primary lab and his living quadrants had been completely destroyed by the blast...
At least Kath' and her crew had been able to relocate safetly without security compromises.
He should really get her to integrate that new holo-sec - ...

The softly beeping sensor interrupted his reverie, alerting him to someone on the ledge outside.
Peter Odin went to the screen - strange - it was the young red-haired man from the team that had rescued him and his daughter from the lab fires. He uncoded the door's defences and it slid briefly aside to allow entrance.
The man came in - he looked terrible - his skin was pale and flakey, he was shaking intensely.

"My god, are you alright?"
"No - yes - I'm not sure - it was an after-effect from the chemical explosion I think - the lab - I came to see if you'd been similarly affected."
"No - maybe it's shock? The loss of your crew - terrible - such a waste - (If only you knew how unnecessary...) I'm surprised to see you, but do take a seat. Thanks for checking up, we both seem to be fine."

The man walked unsteadily to an inflated chair, and sat down.
"Your daughter - how is she coping?"
Peter smiled.
"Helen? She's still recovering from the shock, but she'll be okay - she's tough for a twelve year old. Look, - Joel, isn't it? - is there someone I can contact for you? Your superiors must be able to assist you..."
" It's nothing- really - I was just concerned..." - Joel started to cough.
"Whoa, that sounds bad, my friend. Here - let me get you a drink for that."


Peter went to the kitchenette and began to fill a cup with water.
"Voice!" he whispered urgently, "are you there?"
"As always, Peter. What is the problem?"
"The rescue attempt - the survivor - Joel? "
"Yes?"
"I thought you had him decommissioned."
"He was. His silencing was necessary, and permanent."
"Then why is he here?"
"That's not possib - Peter - I want you out of there. Right now. Where's Helen?"

He heard childish laughter coming from the room. His blood chilled.
"Daddy! Look at this!"
Forcing a smile to his lips, he returned.
Helen had entered the room. She was sitting at Joel's feet, pointing to a small device that was flitting about, throwing off sparks.
"Isn't that wonderful, Daddy? How does he make it fly?!"
A smile slowly curved on Joel's...on Creegan's... face. "Maybe I'll show you someday - would you like that my dear?"

Peter thought quickly.
"Hel', sweetie, this man could use some help - he's not very well. I need you to go to my workroom on the floor below and bring me back my medical kit. Can you do that for me?"
"Sure! Back soon!" Flicking back her braids, she ran to the door and waved before disappearing straight through it.
Creegan raised his eyebrows. "Hey, neat trick 'Dad', I thought that thing was solid!" - he clicked his fingers, and the little machine flew obediently back to his hand.

Peter's smile disappeared as he turned back. "Things aren't always what they appear to be."

He spoke softly. "What do you want, Joel? Really."
"Want? Nothing at all - she's a beautiful child don't you think?" A jaw muscle began to spasm.
Peter put the glass of water down on a table.
"Your appearance here - it's compromising. You shouldn't have risked yourself. You really need proper medical attention..." He started towards the wall transmitter. "I'll call for some assist~UGHN!" A burst of pain hit his head from behind, and he collapsed to his knees.

Laughter erupted behind him. He put his hand to his head and pulled it away, sticky with blood. Twisting around, he saw shattered glass and water behind him.
"Joel - what the -?"
Creegan stopped in mid-laugh. He lunged forward and grabbed Peter by the throat, thrusting him against the floor.
"Joel's dead. You should call me by my new name. Names are so very important, don't you think? Call me Creegan. "...

-- "Peter! What's happening? Answer me!!"
"Alert Kath' - ghh!" He could hardly breathe.

Creegan frowned. "Who are you talking to, Peter? I don't see anyone .... No, surely.... Oh that's priceless!" He pressed his face next to Peter's cheek. "VOICE!" he shouted. "VOICE, IS THAT YOU IN THERE??"
Peter grimaced and tried to push Creegan away, but had his head bashed again on the ground. His vision swam.
Out of the corner of his eye, there was a ripple in the door...


"LEAVE MY FATHER ALONE!"

Creegan turned and was caught by surprise as Hel barrelled into him, the impact shoving him over.
Peter fumbled for the medical kit dropped in the process. His hand closed around a small container.
"Daddieee -! " Helen's wail made him look up sharply.
Creegan was holding her up on tiptoe, by her braids.
"Feisty little thing ain't she? Your daughter must be a very important little girl, Mr Odin..."
"Creegan, she knows nothing! Leave her out of this!"

"She knows nothing, I know nothing, it seems we all know nothing today!... Maybe I should check her for a receiver too? It would be a shame to damage such a pretty little neck - UHN!!" He doubled over in the middle where Hel had kicked him "YOU - Little - BITCH!" he gasped.
Hel scrambled away and stood by her father in uncertainty.
Peter scrabbled the lid off the container. "Run Helen, Run ! I'll be right behind you!"
"But.."
"NOW!"
She darted for the door.

Peter threw the container. Fine white caustic powder tipped over Creegan's head."What the hell? It burns! Get it off...!! AGHHH! " He pulled at his face in agony.
Peter dazedly looked around for a weapon.
"Get out of there Peter. Follow Hel, I'm sending others"
"But Voice, he can't be left..."
"It'll be taken care of....GO!"

Hel had done as she was told - she'd belted for the doorway, and run through out to the ledge. She clambered down the short ladder to the ledge below, and ran around to the doorway of the workplace. She stopped and looked back. Where was her father?
Peter stumbled out of the doorway. A wave of dizziness hit him. He lurched against the wall.
"Daddy!!"
"Hel, stay put. I'm coming."
She saw her father head towards the ladder...

Out through the door zipped the tiny drone. It swerved around and headed straight for Peter's face. sparking wildly. Peter tried to avoid it, but lost his balance. He fell over the ladder, arms flailing -
"DAAAD!" Hel screamed
Peter caught the last rung with one hand and swung there above the dark empty maw of the shaft.
He didn't have the strength to try and pull himself up.
Helen began to run forward, as Creegan staggered out of the doorway.

His face was scalded and his eyes were red raw and weeping. "Oh Helen..." he rasped "there you are. And where's dear old Dad? Who's that swinging down there?
"Helen! Get Back!!!"
"But - "
"Just listen to me! Stay away...for the love of your mother, please, stay away child!!"
"Daddy!" She sobbed in fear.
"Good girl...you raised her well..Such obedience - you make me proud, both of you." Creegan weaved his way over, and edged down the ladder.

"Hello Peter."
"Creegan..."
"Where are your little helpers when you need them?" Creegan reached down and stroked Peter's fingers.
"How does that old rhyme go again? Ah yes." He paused...
"This little piggy went to Market" - he pushed one finger off.
Peter grunted with the increased stress of hanging on.
"This little piggy stayed at home" - he pried at the second finger.
--"Peter"
"Hurry"
--"They're so close now"
"Tell Katherine - watch out for her"
--"Hang on Peter - please!"

"Don't interrupt me Peter, I'm just getting the - 'hang' of this"..he smirked, looking at Hel ..."That was quite funny I thought. You should laugh more. I'll teach you..."
Peter rallied all of his remaining strength and with a painful heave, made a grab above.
Latching onto his shoulder, the sudden shift in weight pulled Creegan's grip loose. They both lurched briefly downwards, Peter wrapping his arms around Creegan's neck, squeezing tightly.
The only thing keeping them there was Creegan's hooked over legs.

Peter spoke through clenched teeth...
"I know that rhyme too. Remember the end?"
"Surprise me. What are you going to do old man - orphan your darling daughter?"
"Hel sweetheart, I love you"
"Daddy no....!"
Peter looked up. Faint lights could be seen descending from high above. He smiled.
Creegan grimaced "ahhhh, the damned cavalry - Never mind princess, I'll get you next time"
"There won't be a next time, Creegan", hissed Peter. He twisted himself upside down behind Creegan until his feet were touching the underside of the ladder, and began to heave against it - straight down.

"THIS"
"Peter, you bastard"

"LITTLE"

"Daddy?!"

"PIGGY"

---"Oh Peter..."

"HAD" - "I love you Hel' "

"NONE."

The final heave pulled them both loose and they plummeted into the darkness.
Hel screamed.
The first rescuer arrived just in time to stop her from throwing herself after them.
No bodies were ever found.
The rest...
is future.


********


C2525 - Tblue