SINGING SWORD

 

A “Captain Scarlet & the Mysteron” story

 

By

SCARLET LADY

 

 

PART 1

 

 

At last Captain Scarlet found a few moments to relax.  Captain Ochre was in a pretty irritating mood, and hadn't stopped winding him up.  He'd even considered this time complaining  to Colonel White, but the old man would  probably just tell him to fight his own battles, or try to ignore the aggravating...

 

Sighing, Scarlet sank into a chair on the Promenade Deck, and switched on the music player.  As he allowed the soothing classical music to wash over him, the captain closed his eyes to enjoy it properly.  Suddenly, there was a faint "click" and the relaxing tune became heavy rock. Scarlet opened his eyes instantly, to see Ochre, standing there, grinning from ear to ear at him.  "Hi, Scarlet!"

"I'll KILL you!" Scarlet spat at his tormenter,  angrily jumping to his feet.

"Go on, then!" Ochre shot back, mockingly, "If you're not afraid, that is."

"I'm NOT afraid! Why, if I wanted to-"

Rhapsody entered at that moment.  Seeing the angry look in her friend's eyes, she started toward Scarlet.  "Paul, what's going on?"

Ochre and Scarlet continued staring at each other.  Ochre saw murder in his friend's steel blue eyes and decided it was time to stop.  "Sorry." he switched off the player, "It was only a joke.  I... thought you were asleep..."

"Well, if I WAS, that RUBBISH would've put a stop to THAT!"

"Hey, just because you don't like it, you shouldn't call it rubbish!" Ochre offered a grin.

Scarlet glared at him. "I don't mind SOME rock music, when I'm in the mood... which I'm NOT, at the moment."

Ochre could see that Scarlet was still annoyed.  "Oh, don't get angry!" he whispered, shrinking away, "PLEASE don't hurt me!"

Rhapsody watched silently, wondering whether she should step in.   Captain Ochre could be SUCH a pain in the neck, when he wanted...

The door slid open behind her. "What's going on in here?" Colonel White demanded, entering.

Both captains looked guilty for a moment, then Ochre pointed at Scarlet.  "It was HIM! He was gonna kill me!"

"No I wasn't!" Scarlet retorted, "Anyway, you TOLD me to!" he looked embarrassed, as he realised how stupid that probably sounded.

Colonel White gave both his junior officers a tired and annoyed stare."What are you, Ochre? Scarlet?"

The two men exchanged glances.  "Spectrum officers, sir." Scarlet began.

"And do Spectrum officers behave like children?"

"No." Both captains shook their heads.

"If you're going to behave like KIDS you'll get treated the same.  Ochre, go to your quaters.  I'll speak to you later."

Scarlet smirked to himself as he watched Ochre leave.  The colonel turned to him.  "And as for YOU, Captain Scarlet, You've only been on duty a few hours and already you're in trouble."

"It wasn't HIS fault!" Rhapsody began.

Colonel White cut her off with a glance.  "I know it isn't always easy, but the two of you should at least TRY to get along.  I don't think death threats are  acceptable either-"

"It was a figure of speech!"

"You should know better."

Scarlet sighed. "Yes, sir.  I know - I'm sorry.  I'll try to keep out of trouble."

"You do that."

 

* * *

 

Captain Scarlet joined Blue in the officers' lounge.  Rhapsody had stayed with him for a while, but was due in the Amber Room.  Blue could see that there was something wrong with his friend, and finally got it all out of him about the incident with Ochre.  "You're SURE lucky the colonel  knows how Ochre can be annoying, Paul!" he told his best friend, "Otherwise he might have put you back on computer duty!"

"And I certainly wouldn't like THAT.  It was bad enough last time!"

"Yeah, I know." Blue nodded, sympathetically, "At least I got Fawn to record all the games for you."

"For which I'm very grateful." Scarlet smiled, then sighed, "It's not the same, though.  I should have been watching from the STAND!"

"But at least the guys WON, huh?"

"Yes.  NEXT time, I MAY get a chance to enjoy it fully."

"But CAN you keep out of trouble - especially with Ochre around?"

"Well, I can try.  Anyway, I've got a while, yet."

"How about a few laps on the race track, Captain?" Blue asked, in an attempt to change the subject.

"Uh, no.  I've had enough sport for one day.  Do you want to go up to the Promenade Deck, for a bit of quiet? Ochre is gone from there, now…"

"Have we switched places?" Captain Blue asked, half humurously.

"No, you're trying to take my mind off of that- of Captain Ochre."

"How did you know?"

"Because usually, I’m the one who try to drag YOU down to the gym." Scarlet's eyes smiled mischievously at Blue.

"Yeah, well that's because I don't get so frustrated that I need to break a piece of machinery!"

" If Rick had decided to wind YOU up, the way he did me, you TOO would want to break a piece of machinery!”

"PAUL..!"

"You know I'm right!"

 

 

"THIS IS THE VOICE OF THE MYSTERONS.  WE KNOW THAT YOU CAN HEAR US, EARTHMEN.  THE SINGING SWORD WILL SLICE YOU DOWN.  WE WILL BE AVENGED."

 

Back to his quarters, Captain Ochre instantly forgot his model plane and stood up, waiting for someone to call him to the Control Room.

 

At the same moment, Captains Scarlet and Blue prepared to leave the Promenade Deck.  Since Ochre’s last prank, the  music player was unplugged, and Blue was making one last check to ensure everything about it was in order. "Attention all personel!" Lieutenant Green's voice called, suddenly, "Cloudbase is now on yellow alert.  Can ALL captains on active duty report to Control  immediately."

"That's us. Let’s go, Adam." Scarlet called from the doorway.

"Alright, alright, I'm coming." Blue answered his impatient partner.

 

* * *

 

Captain Ochre entered the Control Room last. Captains Scarlet and Blue were already here, alon with Captains Grey and Magenta, all seated in front of the Colonel, waiting. He did his best not to catch Scarlet's eye.  The colonel noticed the tension and decided that it would be a good idea to distract his two junior officers.  "Now, I take it you've all heard the latest Mysteron threat..."

"Yes, sir-" Scarlet began.

"'Singing Sword'," Ochre interupted, "Hmmm, sounds mythical."

"Not neccessarely," Captain Scarlet answered, "As a sword is a weapon, I'd-"

"OH! A sword is a weapon?" Ochre cut in, sarcastically.  "Well, I thought it was a kind of PLANT!"

Scarlet glared at him. "Look, if you can't think of anything SENSIBLE to say, at LEAST hear me out."

Colonel White nodded.  "Go on, Captain Scarlet."

Scarlet kept himself from sighing and began again.  "When they say 'Singing Sword', could they mean some kind of musical weapon?"

"Like a radio in a swimming pool?" Ochre continued derisively.

Colonel White cleared his throat.  "Captain Ochre, would you PLEASE stop mocking? Captain Scarlet has made a valid point.  Now, if the pair of you are going to be at each others' throat all day, perhaps I should keep the centre of the problem here..."

"Good idea, sir.  Keep Scarlet here if you want"

"I was refering to YOU as the centre of the problem, Captain Ochre."

"But sir-"

"I'll keep you here until this childish behaviour stops."

"It has, sir. - I'll behave, now.  I’m sorry."

 "Very well."  White turned his attention to all of his men.  "Any ideas WHICH weapon they may use?"

The radio in the pool IS a good one, Captain Blue thought, but I'd best not incourage Rick. he said aloud "Sir, what about radio?"

"I don't see-" Captain Magenta began.

"They can transmit almost ANYTHING via radio and satellite," Scarlet explained, "NOT just music!"

Captain Grey frowned.  "So this isn't MUSIC that we're up against."

Scarlet laughed in spite of himself.  "How on Earth can MUSIC harm us?"

"Well, there WAS a song, called 'Gloomy Sunday', which was believed to cause suicides-" Blue began, helpfully.

Magenta laughed loudly.  "Yeah, right! The strange things people come up with, huh?"

"It's true enough," Ochre answered, "I've heard of 'Gloomy Sunday' - it was banned."

Pounding rock music should be banned, Scarlet thought, but said, brightly, "So the Mysterons might use some form of deppressing music?"

"I shouldn't think so." White answered.  He frowned.  "Now, this conversation is VERY interesting, but we're supposed to be looking for a place to start."

Scarlet shook his head.  He HATED this stage of a Mysteron threat, not knowing what they could have in store....

The colonel was obviously thinking something similar.  "Well, we'll just have to stay alert, won't we? Seeing as we're not sure WHAT they can mean..."

 

At S.W.O.R.D. Radio Broadcasting Studio, a pale, black clad man stalked toward the reception desk.

"Can I help you?" A young blond secretary in her early twenties asked, politely.

Captain Black pulled out his Spectrum I.D.  "I must speak with your top broadcaster - urgent."

The girl looked carefully at the identification, but didn't guess the aweful danger she was in.  "Oh, right sir.  You mean Tom Blackmoore... Do you have an appointment?"

Black met her eyes and the poor girl stopped dead.  "Sixth floor." She mumbled, staring straight ahead with glazed eyes.

Black chuckled wickedly and headed for the elevator.

 

* * *

 

Some few hours later, Captains Scarlet and Blue were still in the Control Room, with Colonel White, researching documents for some eventual clues. "The 'Singing Sword'," Blue muttered, for the upteenth time, "What can it mean?"

Scarlet groaned, "There are TOO MANY things that they can mean!" he stated, continuing to research the papers before him.

"Well," Colonel White added, clearing his throat, "is there ANYTHING which stands out?"

"N- wait!" Scarlet pointed at something.  "There! SWORD RADIO - SINGING SWORD!"

 

Meanwhile, Tom Blackmoore, star discjockey of the ‘Sword Radio’ station, was busy preparing to go back on air.  When Captain Black found him, he was busy scrutinising a faulty lead.  He heard a noise and turned to face the Mysteron agent.  "You're the repairman, huh?"

Black merely nodded his answer.

"Great.  That was quick!" Tom pointed at the microphone he had been studying.  "I hate to do this to you, buddy, but I'm due on the air in a few minutes - can you fix this lead?"

Black took the mic away, seemingly working on it carefully.  He certainly cleared the fault, but added something extra...

Moments later, Captain Black returned the mic to its owner.  Blackmoore took it without a second thought, turning it on.  "Best test it, I guess..."  A surge of electricity shot through him.  Black watched his masters duplicate the body on the floor, an unfeeling look upon his face.

 

"You're sure that you think they mean the radio, Captain Scarlet?" White asked.

"Yes, sir!"

"But what about the bit about 'cutting us down', Captain?" Blue asked, frowning.

"I don't know - it's... it's just a feeling..." Scarlet stared at the document before him.

"And we know all about THEM," Blue muttered beneath his breath.

"Yes," the Colonel nodded, "all right, Scarlet, I trust you're instinct.  Head for Sword Studios - good luck."

"Thank you, sir," Scarlet acknowledged.

"S.I.G." Blue added.

As they were quickly leaving,  Lieutenant Green turned a curious glance toward his –Commander-in-Chief.  "Sir?"

The Colonel sighed, tiredly, knowing what was coming. "Yes, Lieutenant?"

"Can I join to help?"

"Green..." Colonel White began, with a warning tone.

"They may need me - the Mysterons could plan using a computer - as the radio IS supplied via internet access too and -"

"Oh, go on, then." Green grinned and jumped to his feet.  "But remember, son, this isn't a game."

"I know, sir.  I'll be careful."

"I'm sure you will."  White watched the young man exit hurriedly.  An immediate unsettling feeling made him wonder whether he had made the right decision. 

A beeping noise from his desk interupted further contemplation, however.  "Request launch clearance," Scarlet's voice announced over the radio.

"Temporarily denied, Captain.  Wait for Lieutenant Green."

In the waiting SPJ, Captain Scarlet exchanged glances with Blue,"Green..?"

 

* * *

 

"Mister Blackmoore, you will carry out our threat.  Pick up the object to your right."

Blackmoore obeyed.  It was a normal - enough - looking disc, with 'Winner Takes It All' printed on it.

"ABBA?" he wondered outloud.

"This will be your weapon.  You will play this when the time is right."

Blackmoore said nothing, but Abba really didn't seem like much of a weapon, somehow.

 

 

While Captain Blue had a quick word with a security guard, Captain Scarlet and Lieutenant Green went to the reception desk.  The girl looked up as they approached.  "More Spectrum officers?" she asked, "We've already had ONE here.  Do you want to see Mr Blackmoore, too?"

Scarlet and Green exchanged quick glances.  "We're the first Spectrum members to be dispatched here," Green told her.

"But... he was HERE!"

"WHO was here?" Scarlet demanded.

"He - I didn't catch his name."

"Well, what did he LOOK like?" Scarlet asked, losing patience. "Surely you can give a description?"

"Ye-es," the girl replied, doubtfully, rubbing her head. "He wasn't in uniform... he had dark hair, and didn't look all that well...  He was dressed all in black."

"BLACK!" Scarlet hissed.  "Quickly, where did he go to?"

"Mister Blackmoore' studio."

"Come on, Lieutenant."

"Now, you hang on a minute," the girl told them.  "You need an appointment before-"

"YOU 'hang on'." Scarlet answered, curtly, "If Captain Black is - or WAS here, it may already be too late." He turned to Green, "Fetch Blue." as the Lieutenant hurried away, Scarlet turned back to the receptionist.  "That man you saw works for the enemy - NOW WHICH FLOOR?"

"Sixth."

"Right.  Thank you." Scarlet sprinted for the lift, punching the 'UP' button.

 

 

 

PART 2

 

 

 

Captain Scarlet was the first to arrive at the door marked 'T. Blackmoore'.  He grabbed the handle and turned to his colleagues, close behind him.  "Wait here," he ordered.  Blue opened his mouth to protest, but was cut off by his partner.  "Sorry, Captain. This is MY job.  I'll see that all is clear.  When I'm satisfied, I'll call you."

Lieutenant Green said nothing.  He knew better than to argue with the Captain.

 

Scarlet entered the room silently, glancing all round him.  Everything SEEMED normal enough, but he had that feeling...  Finding a stack of discs, he began looking for something - anything - that could give a clue.  "Hmm.  Genesis, Abba, Human League...  Are they doing a '1980s special?" He frowned, "Well, there's nothing out of the ordinary THERE, anyway."  He went to the computer system.  Though the broadcaster seemed to have prepared everything, there wasn't a sign of him.  Scarlet decided to call for the man.

"Blackmoore? Mister Blackmoore? Are you in here? I have to ask you some questions concerning a visitor...” A loud detonation made itself heard, and a bullet just missed his head. Following a new detonation, he felt another bullet grazing him. Wincing slightly, Scarlet leaped for cover behind a large, heavy looking computer near what looked like a cupboard.  From there he could see Blackmoore's shadow, at the opposite side of the room. That was rather close, he thought.

 

"Sorry, Captain Scarlet, but you've interfered with our plans for the last time!"

In his hiding place, Scarlet shook his head.  "Now, you should never be TOO confident!"  With that, he fired in the direction of the man he now knew was a Mysteron Agent.  The shadow moved slightly.  He wondered whether he had hit or merely surprised his opponent.

 

***

 

Waiting outside, Captain Blue and Lieutenant Green could hear what was going on through the  close door.  The Lieutenant turned to Blue.  "Captain, we can't just-"

"We were told to keep clear," Blue answered, hiding his own feelings.

"Yes, Sir, I know.  But Captain Scarlet-"

"Can take care of himself." Green couldn't help looking a LITTLE doubtful, and Blue found that he didn’t like either the thought of leaving Scarlet to fend for himself.  "Look, if we just rush in there, without using our heads, we could easily make the situation worse."  He felt as though he was just trying to make HIMSELF feel better, but it seemed to do the trick.  The Lieutenant calmed down.

"Yes, you're right, Captain." Green looked a little embarrassed, "I guess I'm a little edgy."

Blue chuckled. "Once he's through in there, you can play on the computer, OK?" he said, trying to sound pleasant.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, Captain Scarlet had discovered that he had put himself in an awkward corner.  Blackmoore was able to move moderately, but the only place Scarlet could possibly go was to the cupboard behind him.  Any other move would put him in the line of fire.  Knowing that there was nothing more he could do, he waited.  Blackmoore already seemed impatient; surely he would make a mistake before long...

 

Finally, Blackmoore lost patience altogether.  "Come on! Come and show yourself, you coward!"

Scarlet opened his mouth to answer back, but decided against it.

"What's the matter? Gone to sleep in there, have you?"

Still no answer came. 

Frustrated, Blackmoore fired a few more bullets at Scarlet.  He heard the Spectrum Captain cry out in pain and laughed wickedly.  Scarlet then gave a faint gasp and went limp.  Good. He's either unconscious or dead.  Now to get on…

 

 

After waiting a while, Scarlet carefully shifted his position on the floor, doing his best to make the minimum amount of noise.  The Captain checked that Blackmoore hadn’t noticed him.  The Mysteron Agent hadn’t even turned around to get another look at him; he must have been fooled.  Scarlet glanced up at the computer.  Although the bullets had passed straight through the piece of machinery, they had scattered in various directions – the only one that had hit had only grazed his leg.  Moving at a painstakingly slow rate, he sat up and seized his pistol.  As he got to his feet, he leaned against the equipment that had been his cover.  The Captain took a sharp breath to keep himself from yelling as his fingers painfully grazed the edge of a bullet hole.  He’d only made a faint sound, but Blackmoore turned his head.  “Scarlet?”

 

The Captain remained quiet and still, hoping that his enemy would be unable to see him.

 

The Mysteron frowned.  No movement, no sound, and Scarlet’s body was hidden behind the large machine.  He shrugged and continued his work – keeping his eyes and ears open.

 

Scarlet moved to the nearest piece of machinery – as quickly as he could while remaining as close to silent as possible.  He took a quick glance at his enemy, who was still working away.  At his side was a disc, but it was impossible to tell what it was.  I’ll have to get him away from there, but how? It’ll mean giving my position away.  He frowned, glancing about him.  His eyes fell on a device at the opposite end of the room.  The tape player!  There’s bound to be something in the machine – and anyway, all I want to do is make a noise…  he picked up the first thing that came to his hand, and lobbed it at the PLAY button.  A series of detonations sounded loudly.

 Blackmoore jumped up and took the best cover possible, growling to himself.  So the fool thinks he’s taken me by surprise, does he…? Little did he realise that he was hiding from the wrong end of the room.  Scarlet aimed for the Mysteron agent’s heart and fired.  Blackmoore was down, but still the Spectrum captain knew better than to go too close.  He decided to call Captain Blue on his cap microphone.  “Mysteron agent dealt with.  Request Mysteron rifle.”

 

“S.I.G., Captain.” Blue answered.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, Black had received a message from his masters, informing him of the loss of Blackmoore.  He knew what he had to do…  He headed back to the reception desk.  The receptionist looked startled as he approached her.  “Who are you?” she demanded.

“I am a Spectrum Officer,” Black told her, in his deep voice.

She shuddered; the voice chilled her to the bone.  “No, you’re not,” she replied, boldly, reaching for the alarm button on her desk. “The REAL Spectrum members told me that you work for the enemy!”

Black seemed to consider her words, then said, “Come to think of it, I’m not like the other Spectrum members.” He pulled his pistol from his jacket pocket and shot her down with three bullets.

 

***

 

Scarlet watched Blackmoore intensely, not risking the chance that the Mysteron wasn’t really dead.  Blue entered and fired at Blackmoore with the electrode rifle, the only weapon that could kill a Mysteron agent for sure.  Scarlet turned to his partner.  “Good job, Captain.”

“Thanks, Scarlet,” Blue answered, grinning, then noticed his friend’s injured leg.  “Looks like he put up a good fight,” he commented.

“A mere scratch.  It’s already healing…” he glanced at the spot on his finger where the graze had been, absent-mindedly rubbing it.

Blue frowned.  “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” Scarlet assured him. He turned to the open door, “Lieutenant, perhaps you can get on with that computer.”

“Yes, Sir,” Green answered behind him.  Scarlet turned around, almost startled.  Green was already at the computer console.

Blue chuckled, “Watch it Paul, Green’s too quick for you!”

Scarlet laughed and went to see what the younger man had found.  “Anything yet, Lieutenant?”

“Well, sir, he was preparing to go on air, but I don’t think he did anything unusual…”

“You’re certain?”

“Yes, Captain.”

Scarlet blew out a frustrated sigh.  “But that makes it too EASY! The Mysterons surely won’t be defeated that easily… we must have missed something.”

He turned back to Blue, who was examining the pile of discs.  “I’ve already checked them, Adam.  I couldn’t see anything of help.”

“1980’s selection,” Blue commented. “Of all the music out there, the Mysterons decide on that – why?”

“They like it?” Green muttered, sarcastically.

“It isn’t necessarily something to do with the Mysterons,” Scarlet pointed out.  “Those discs could have already been there.”

“Yeah, I know… just seems strange.”  Blue shrugged, “Well, what now?”

Green was taking a good look at each disc in turn.  “Hey, what’s this?”

“You’ve found something?” Scarlet asked, eagerly.

“I don’t know, sir, but this disc doesn’t seem right…”

Scarlet rolled his eyes, impatiently. “Lieutenant, I thought you were onto something!”

“Can we try it? It looks as though-”

“If you MUST!” Scarlet snapped. “Provided you focus on the job in hand.”

Blue took the disc from the Lieutenant.  “I think he was hoping we’d cracked it,” He told him, gesturing toward Scarlet. “I agree with him, the Mysterons usually have a plan B, to fall back on.”

“Maybe they expected this one to be too easy…”

“Well, yeah, Lieutenant…  But they never left anything to chance, before.”  Blue inserted the disc in the player.

 

Scarlet paled, feeling the usual discomfort, which usually indicated the presence of a Mysteron.  He watched Blue switch on the disc, but nothing audible came from the player.  Blue frowned. “Dumb thing isn’t working-” He began to fiddle with the settings.

“Adam, something’s wrong…” Scarlet grabbed something to steady himself, while trying to clear his head.  “I’m going to check the building, take charge.”

“S.I.G., Captain,” Blue looked up, “but will you be ok on your own?”

“I’ll be fine,” Scarlet snapped back at him. “Just take charge!”

He turned and darted from the room, leaving Blue staring after him. 

Suddenly, he stopped.  Following his sixth sense, he headed for the lift, but realizing that, as he wasn’t sure WHERE the Mysteron was, it would be wiser to take the stairs.

At the same moment, the receptionist was heading up to the roof, inside the elevator Scarlet had been about to call for, with the orders to keep her enemy busy.  This would be no easy task, but she was going to enjoy it…

 

Captain Scarlet wondered whom he was chasing – he guessed that it was Black, and was determined to find him this time.  He started racing down the stairs.  Nearing the forth floor, he stumbled slightly.  I must be getting closer, he thought, but all at once, he began to feel better.  Blast! He must be moving! The Captain frowned. If Black was using the stairs, heading in his direction, he would be steadily getting worse… he must have been taking the lift.  Scarlet turned, and headed back up. 

 

Meanwhile, the receptionist’s reconstruction had been informed that Scarlet was on her trail.  She smiled, evilly.  Perhaps she could achieve the one thing even Captain Black had never managed – killing the interfering Spectrum Captain once and for all.  She knew that Scarlet had always managed to escape from death somehow, but she would ensure that he didn’t on this occasion…

 

While Scarlet played chase with the Mysteron whom he believed to be Black, the real Captain Black had gone to the basement floor.  He prepared a bomb against the main heating system.  Spectrum had got in the way, but not thwarted them, and now was a perfect opportunity to rid the Mysterons of three of  its members.  If he played it right, Scarlet would be caught in the heart of the blast, and destroyed…

 

Captain Scarlet finally came to the roof.  He could feel the presence of the Mysteron up there.  His headache was threatening to overwhelm him, and his stomach kept turning over.  He swallowed hard.  Right, Captain Black is up here… I must concentrate… he glanced about him.  The cold wind tore into him, making concentration all the harder.  He turned, feeling someone’s eyes staring into him.  He started slightly when he found that the Mysteron wasn’t Black after all, but hid it quickly.

“Surprised to see me, Earthman?”

“YOU!” Scarlet glared daggers at the receptionist. “Where is Captain Black?”

“Captain Black has left you in my hands.”

Scarlet sized her up, carefully.  The receptionist didn’t seem to pose much of a threat, but he was unwilling to accept that.  No Mysteron could be called ‘harmless’.  “Listen, miss,” he began, quietly, “I was a Mysteron, just like you, but I escaped – which means that you can.”

She gave the reaction he expected – she scoffed.  “How can I escape them? NOBODY escapes them!”

“You’re wrong – VERY wrong,” the Captain replied. “Some have escaped.  We can help you. Our scientists are-”

“Hopeless – just like you, and all the OTHER Earthmen.”

“Remember – YOU were one.”

“And I was weak.”

“You were HUMAN!” Scarlet barked at her in response.

“That’s what I said.” The reconstruction smirked at him, as he failed to reply.  “What’s the matter? Lost for words?”

Scarlet shivered violently, as the rain began to fall.  “You’re wrong.  If human beings were as weak as you say, we would never have thwarted you on so many occasions.”

“Luck has been on your side.” She shrugged at him, “But luck only helps while it lasts – and it CAN’T last forever!” This said; she lunged at him.

Surprised at  how fast she had reacted, Scarlet took the full force of the impact, and felt himself falling back.  Hitting the roof heavily, he stared at his opponent, as she pinned him down.  “Get off me,” he told her, as if he were talking to a naughty schoolgirl.  His back was very painful, and he had to concentrate hard to ensure that it didn’t show.

She laughed in response.  “You think you’re so tough, don’t you!” She dragged him to his feet, bracing herself against the wall as she did so. “Let’s see how strong you really are…”

“What are you doing?” Scarlet stared at her.

“Your organisation seem to think you are Superman…” she dragged him to the edge of the roof.  “So let’s see you fly.” Scarlet glanced over the edge, looking for something – anything – to cushion his fall.  There was nothing.  He didn’t even have something to grab.

 “What’s the matter, Scarlet?” he heard his enemy taunting him. “Not lost you’re nerve, have you?” The Mysteron chuckled wickedly.  This was too much fun.  Suddenly, a voice in her head interrupted her.  “This is Captain Black, relaying instructions from the Mysterons on Mars.  You are not to play with Scarlet.  The Earthman is dangerous and you are to deal with him quickly.”

 

At  the last possible moment, Scarlet shoved against the Mysteron with all his might.  His opponent was caught off guard, and fell back.

Scarlet frowned.  I was always told that a gentleman should never harm a lady, he thought, getting on his feet, and staring down at the still body.  She twitched slightly.  Then again, can a Mysteron agent be called a LADY? He wondered.

She pulled herself up, growling like a wild animal.  Scarlet was ready for her, this time.  He took a few steps back, preparing himself for another attack.

The Mysteron took the movement as a sign of fear, and chuckled wickedly.

Scarlet took another pace back.  She continued to advance… The rain began to pour.  Scarlet glanced at the sky, for a moment.  He’d been through training on days like this, so he was prepared, but he still wished that the weather would relent a bit. 

  She moved closer, while he was distracted.  Scarlet turned and frowned at her.  “What NOW?”

She smirked at him, pulling out a cylinder that looked like a deodorant spray from a pocket.  The Spectrum Captain was really confused, now.  What was she doing? He guessed and tried to dart away, but slipped and fell.  The Mysteron stood over her enemy, gloating.  He turned his head to look up at her.  His back was a mass of pain, and he could barely move.  She knelt beside him, staring at him through empty eyes.  Something was sprayed in Scarlet’s face.  He coughed violently – whatever the substance was, was threatening to choke him.  He staggered to his feet.

 

The Mysteronised receptionist watched as the Spectrum Captain lurched about, trying to recover.  He almost slipped in the puddles a second time, and grabbed out at something – an aerial.  He quickly let go, as thunder rolled overhead.  There was a chance that lightning would strike it, and he was unwilling to take the risk.  His enemy seemed confused by this reaction.  She frowned at him, wondering what he was thinking.

 

Lightning flashed overhead, making the pair of them look up… Scarlet saw that the Mysteron was still staring at the sky, and pushed her into the tallest aerial.  She grabbed at it, to steady herself.  “Foolish Earthman.  What did you expect to do?” 

Another bolt of lightning flashed across the sky. It struck the antennae that the Mysteron was holding.  She gave a blood-curdling cry.  Scarlet turned away, knowing the effects of electricity only too well.  He turned back, to see the Mysteron lying still, face down in a puddle – she was clearly dead.

 

Shivering violently, Scarlet scrambled into the lift.  As he came to the sixth floor, his head began to ache again.  The cold air often has this effect on me, he thought, rubbing the bridge of his nose.  He finally came to the studio that had belonged to Blackmoore. “Paul, what happened?” Blue stared at his best friend as he entered, soaked to the skin and shivering. “There was a Mysteron on the roof,” Scarlet answered, “She’s dead – struck by lightning.”

Blue sent the Lieutenant to get Scarlet a hot drink.  “What do you mean, SHE?” he asked, sitting his partner down.

“The receptionist was taken over.”

“In which case, Captain Black  might still be around,” Blue muttered, gravely.

“Adam, I… I might have felt him – when I was in the lift-” Scarlet began to stand, but Blue held him down, gently.  “Will you take it easy? I’ll go.”

“But you won’t know where to look-”

“How can you be sure that you know where Black is – can you be sure that it was him that you felt?”

“I…” Scarlet sighed, “I can’t, no.”

“Then let me check it out, OK?”

Scarlet really didn’t want Blue wandering the building alone.  “If you want to search for Black, I can’t stop you.  But at LEAST let me come along.”

“Fine, alright,” Blue answered, a little annoyed.

 

The Lieutenant came back to find the two Captains gone.  He sighed with frustration, then took a seat at the computer.  He sipped the tea he’d brought for Scarlet, absentmindedly.

 

***

 

Meanwhile, Captains Scarlet and Blue had reached the basement.  Blue searched around.  “There’s nobody here, Paul.”

Scarlet shook his head.  “There must be SOMETHING – I can feel it!”

 “Are you SURE you’re ok?”

Scarlet kept himself from shivering.  “I’m fine.”

“If you’re sure.  Look, I’ll go take a look at the reception desk, to see if I can find any clues there.  You coming?”

“No.  I think I’ll go back upstairs…”

“S.I.G.” Blue answered, “Take care of yourself.” A thought hit him.  “I guess I should send you back to Cloudbase.  You shouldn’t hang around in wet clothes.”

“I’m alright,” Scarlet snapped back at him.  “Go and look for clues, Sherlock.”

The American sighed.  “OK, fine.  Have it your own way.”

 

Captain Scarlet had turned to leave behind his partner, when he thought he heard something.  He turned, wondering what it was.  A strange feeling crept over him, and , he noticed something stuck to the heating system.  “What’s this?” he muttered, examining the device.  When he saw what it was, a gasp escaped him.  He flipped down his cap microphone and yelled into it.  “Lieutenant Green – evacuate the building! There is a bomb rigged to the heating system!”

 

Green gave an acknowledgement and left the room hurriedly.  He considered taking the lift, but decided against it and headed for the stairs.  The elevator may be quicker, but should the cables snap…

 

***

 

Captain Blue studied the reception office, carefully, but was unable to find anything of help.  Looking in a cupboard, he almost jumped out of his skin when he found the body of the receptionist.  He stopped suddenly, as a call came through from Scarlet.  “Yes, Ca-”

“Adam, there is a bomb down here.  Get out!” Scarlet practically screamed at him.

Blue bolted from the room.  “S.I.G., Captain.  What about Green?”

“I’ve already called him – he should already be on his way out.”

“What about you?”

 

“I’m leaving,” Scarlet replied, ending the conversation. 

A bullet just missed him then, making him jump.  

Turning round, he found that Black was there behind him.  “Scarlet, we meet again.”

Scarlet glared back at him, realizing that he must had appeared out of nowhere at the moment he had found the bomb. “I KNEW I’d felt you!”

“Congratulations, your sixth sense works,”  The Mysteron agent remarked sarcastically.

The Spectrum officer stared back at him, blankly.

Black smirked.  His expression chilled Scarlet to the bone.  “You said that the Singing Sword would slice us down, not blow us up…” he began.

Black chuckled.  “So, you didn’t fully understand the threat.  You are right, the Singing Sword will bring you down.”

Scarlet shivered violently.  He was growing colder by the minute…

“What is it, Scarlet?” Black taunted. “Don’t you like a cold shower?”

“Just because YOU like the rain!” Scarlet muttered. “And without wonder! You’re a cold blooded, murderous…!” his voice trailed off, as he saw the expression on the Mysteron’s face.  Black seemed to take each insult as a compliment.  He gave a malicious smile, and raised his gun at Scarlet.  The Spectrum Captain reached for his own, only to find it wasn’t there.  He had a feeling he’d lost it while fighting the receptionist on the roof…

Black moved a little closer.  “What’s the matter, Scarlet?”

Scarlet allowed him to approach, gritting his teeth.  Just a bit closer, Black…he thought.

When his opponent was close enough to him, Scarlet swiftly lurched at him.

 

***

 

Blue and Green were waiting under cover from the rain, not too far away from the SWORD studio.  Green shuddered.  “Where’s Captain Scarlet?”

“I don’t know, Lieutenant,” Blue replied. “He said he was leaving the building, but that was the last I heard from him.”

“I hope he’s alright,” the Lieutenant muttered, voicing the concern they both felt.

 

***

 

Scarlet had managed to kick the gun from Black.    The Mysteron was leading him around in circles, and he was unsure as to how long he could keep it up.  Black could see that his enemy was tiring, probably down to the discomfort he felt.  He took a swing at the Spectrum officer, who dodged the blow easily.  Black held up a detonator for the bomb, to show Scarlet.  “You are a fool, Earthman!” he told him, “I shall destroy the Sword Studio, and you with it.”

“What happened to calling it the SINGING SWORD, Black?”

Black laughed, mockingly, and punched his enemy in the stomach.  The Spectrum officer flinched, stepping back.  Black moved in, to give another blow.

Scarlet dealt a fast punch in the face, before Black had a chance to move away.  It was Black’s turn to reel, feeling a terrible pain in his nose.  The Spectrum Captain coughed out a short laugh.  “I broke your nose once, and I can do it again, Conrad!” The Mysteron stared at him.  “I am not your Conrad – Conrad Turner is DEAD.”

“I don’t believe that for one moment!” the Captain shouted at him. “Spectrum will help him, as they helped me.  Then where will the Mysterons be?”

Captain Black gave him another bone-chilling stare and  stepped back.  Before Scarlet’s dumbfounded eyes, he suddenly vanished into thin air.   Scarlet realised that he’d taken the detonator with him.  He turned and ran.

 

Scarlet got to the ground floor as he heard the first explosion.  He was outside – just about when the building went up.  The blast threw him  to the cold, hard tarmac of the road.  He tried to sit up, but couldn’t.  The blast wave, along with the cold, had weakened him too much.

 

He saw Captain Blue and Lieutenant Green running to him from their cover.

“Are you OK, Paul?” Captain Blue asked, as he helped his partner to his feet.

Scarlet sighed, tiredly.  “I’ve been better.”

“We’ll go back to Cloudbase, Sir,” Lieutenant Green told him, gently.

“You’ve taken quite a pounding,” Blue added.

Scarlet sneezed, then grasped his stomach with a wince. “I seem to have made a habit out of that,” He muttered.

“Yeah, I know,” Blue put his arm around his friend, to steady him.

Scarlet was so tired, that he felt as if he’d pass out.  “I just need to sleep…”

“Hang on, Paul, I don’t think we’ll be able to carry you,” Blue told him, gently.  “Try to wait till we get you to the car.”

 “Alright, I’ll hold on…”

Blue nodded.  He tried to lighten the mood a little.  “The rain’s stopping now, anyway.”

“At long last!” Scarlet was still shivering uncontrollably.  “I’m freezing!”

 

When they reached the car, Blue laid Scarlet in the back, wrapping a blanket round him.  He looked anxiously at his fellow officer.  “This is the best I can do for you, I’m afraid, Paul.”

“That’s alright, Adam.  Thank you.”

Blue gave him a small smile, and touched his arm.  “Once we’re back on Cloudbase, Doctor Fawn’ll probably want to check you over…”

Scarlet didn’t answer.  He had already drifted into slumber.

“Lieutenant, can you drive us to the airport? I think someone should take care of Captain Scarlet.” “S.I.G., Captain,” Green started the engine and Blue sat in the back, being careful not to disturb his sleeping friend.

 

***

 

Colonel White was relieved when a blue light blinked on his console.  “Do you have anything to report, Captain Blue?”

“Yes, sir.  The SWORD building was destroyed – whatever the Mysterons had in mind by using it failed.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“Captain Scarlet’s in a pretty bad way.  He’s been hit by an explosion from a bomb, planted by Black in the building and he’s also taken a real soaking.”

“As soon as you get back, I want Scarlet taken to the Sickbay – and I don’t care what he says to the contrary.”

“S.I.G., Colonel.  He’s sleeping at the moment, anyway.”

“Good, at least he can’t argue.  I’ll want to see you and Green as soon as you get back – unless you have reason to visit Doctor Fawn before hand.”

“We’re fine, Sir,” Blue assured his Commanding Officer.  “Captain Scarlet got us to evacuate the building in time.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” The Colonel broke contact.

 

 

 

PART 3

 

 

As soon as they were back on Cloudbase, Captain Scarlet was taken to Sickbay. Blue would have wanted to stay with his friend, but Lieutenant Green reminded him that the Colonel would be waiting in the Control Room. 

 

“Do you mean to tell me that the Mysterons sent us on a wild goose chase?”

Blue and Green exchanged glances.  “It looks that way, Sir,” Blue replied.  “But… why?”

“Just when we thought that we knew something about them – they don’t make hollow threats!” The colonel muttered, frustration showing in his tone.

“We DID find this…” Green held up the disc he’d wanted to listen to at the studio. 

“Congratulations, Lieutenant, you managed to smuggle an ABBA CD back to Cloudbase!” the Colonel noted with an irritated tone. 

“The Lieutenant thinks this might be something to do with the Mysterons…” Blue had the feeling that the explanation sounded stupid, now.

Colonel White sighed, tiredly. “Alright, if you think there might be something of help, try to see what it is.”

 

***

 

“Captain Scarlet, would you stay STILL?”

The Captain muttered under his breath. 

“What did you say?” Doctor Fawn stared at him.

“I said ‘I can’t help it, I’m COLD’!”

“I don’t see why, the room’s at a comfortable temperature, and you’ve changed from that wet uniform,” the Australian doctor replied.  “Now, stay still.  I can’t run tests on you very easily when you fidget.”

Doctor Fawn finally managed to finish checking the Captain over.  “Well, Captain Scarlet, your injuries are healing properly-”

“Great.  Can I get up?”

“Hold it.” Fawn held him back.  “When your injuries have healed, you should be fine, but ever since you’ve come in, you’ve been complaining of feeling cold.  I want to find out why.”

“But doctor-”

“Forget it!”

Scarlet shivered uncontrollably.  “I’ll be fine.”

Captain Blue knocked on the door.  Scarlet smiled happily at him.

“Stay back, Blue,” Fawn warned him.  “I’m still checking on Captain Scarlet.  I think he may be sick.”

“If I was going to be sick, I think I’d know about it!” Scarlet retorted, half-humorously.

The doctor glared at him.  “I MEANT you might have a sickness.” He turned his attention back to Blue.  “If you want a conversation with Scarlet, I suggest you use the intercom.” He took a blood sample to the computer.

Blue did as he was advised.  “Paul, Lieutenant Green and I will be testing the disc we found, but we convinced the Colonel to wait for you.”

“Me?”

“Just in case.  You’ll probably know if it has to do with Mysterons.”

“Yes, I see.  In that case, don’t run the test until I get out of this dump.”

“OK,” Blue nodded, then added in a very quiet voice “How ARE you feeling?”

“Better.  Just a little cold…” Scarlet glanced in Fawn’s direction.  As he’d suspected, the Doctor had glanced round at him.  “I mean I’m still FEELING a bit cold, ” he explained, quickly.

Blue frowned.  “You shouldn’t be.”

“But I am…” Scarlet shook his head.  “If you ignore that, I feel fine, though.”

“Doctor Fawn will put you right, at least.  Take care of yourself.” Blue turned to go.

Scarlet sighed as he watched his partner leave.  He wished Blue could have stayed with him a little longer.  He felt better when there was a friendly face near.  It would be better still if he was free to leave.

“What is it?” Fawn turned to stare at him, with folded arms.

“Nothing…” Scarlet yawned, suddenly.

“Are you still tired?”

“A bit…”

Fawn frowned as the Captain rubbed the bridge of his nose.  “Captain Scarlet, are you feeling alright?”

“Just a headache… probably because I’m still tired, it’s only a dull pain…”

“Oh, right.” The Doctor shrugged.  He turned toward his computer, as he heard it spitting our its verdict on the blood sample.

 

***

 

Colonel White was deep in thought.  Captain Blue and Lieutenant Green were getting some rest, seeing as they were waiting for Scarlet to investigate the disk, and Captain Magenta had kept his station at the computer. “Is Scarlet still in the Sickbay, Captain?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Right, let me speak to Doctor Fawn.”

Magenta put the communication through. 

“Colonel White, Captain Scarlet has some kind of sickness-” The Doctor began.

“What is it?” the Colonel demanded, anxiety clear in his voice.

“An unidentified virus. I’ll have to test both Captain Blue and Lieutenant Green for the illness.”

 “Yes, of course.” Colonel White was deeply concerned.  “That’s the LAST thing we need!”

 

***

 

Later, after many long minutes of tests, Doctor Fawn got the verdict from the computer.  “Well, Captain Blue, after a careful examination, I can find no trace of sickness.” he grinned at his patient.  “You’re free to leave.”

Blue looked relieved.  “Whew! That’s good news.”

Fawn turned to Green.  “Lieutenant, you’re clean, too.  You can both return to duty.”

“So, what’s wrong with Paul?” Blue shot a glance into the isolation room, next door, where his partner was sleeping.  Every now and then, he’d mutter something, and writhe.

“He’s pretty sick.  My guess is this has to do with the Mysterons.” Fawn replied.

“But… if Green and I didn’t catch it, does that mean it’s not contagious?”

“Hard to tell.  I don’t want to risk anything.” Fawn shook his head.  “I’ll have to run some more tests.”

Blue nodded.  “OK, Doctor…  If it ISN’T anything contagious, can I stay with him a while?”

“We’ll see…” Fawn smiled, looking into the isolation chamber.  “I can’t help thinking how lucky Scarlet is-”

“Lucky?” Blue snapped at him. “He’s been put through all this by the Mysterons, and you say he’s LUCKY?”

“Yes.  He’s got a friend like you, who’s willing to stand by him – he’s pretty lucky.”

Blue calmed down instantly and gave a faint smile. “That’s what friends are for,” he replied, shaking his head.  “I sure hope he’ll be OK.”

 

***

 

“Captain Blue,” Colonel White turned to the American captain.  “I would prefer to wait for Scarlet, but as we don’t know how long he will be in Sickbay, you’ll have to begin testing the CD without him.  Lieutenant Green will assist you.”

“Yes Sir.” Blue stood up, slowly, from his stool.  “Is there any news on Captain Scarlet’s condition?”

“Not yet, but I’ll keep you informed.”

“Thanks, Colonel.” 

White watched Blue leave.  Like the captain, he was worried about Scarlet.  As the virus was unknown, there was very little that could be done for now.  He shook his head and returned to his work.

 

***

 

“The disc seems normal.” Blue shook his head.  “What makes you think this has to do with the threat?”

“It’s just a feeling, Sir.” Green was studying the disc, carefully. 

Blue chuckled.  “That’s probably down to spending too much time with Paul!”  Then clearing his throat:  “May as well try listening to it, I guess.  Seems harmless enough…”

 

Meanwhile, Spectrum’s chief medical officer was having the usual problems with Captain Scarlet.

 “Doctor, I’m fine.” The Captain folded his arms, glowering crossly at Doctor Fawn.

“That’s not what the tests say.” Fawn glared back at him.

“Alright, what’s wrong with me, then?”

“My guess is that it’s a Mysteron virus-”

“Your GUESS?” Scarlet lifted an eyebrow.  “But you’re not sure?”

“Look, I can only go by the facts.  It’s unidentified, and seeing as your retrometabolism isn’t coping with it, I’d say it may be something from Mars.”

“What about Blue and Green?  They’re not infected by that virus?”

“No, I already checked them.”

“Does this mean that the other members of Spectrum won’t be affected, then?”

“I can’t say for sure.  I don’t want to put it to the test.”

“But the logical answer would be that it is only contagious to retrometabolic bodies.  I’d be a health hazard toward Mysterons only.”

“Yes, but I don’t want you to leave Sickbay.” Doctor Fawn saw that Captain Scarlet was about to protest, so explained quickly,   “If anything were to go wrong for you, I’d want to know that you’ll be in safe hands.”

“But-”

“I’m sorry, Captain.”

 

***

 

Captain Black walked around in the SPJ hanger, as silently as a shadow.  He glanced about him.  Nobody seemed to be there.  Everything was silent and nothing moved.

Suddenly, he thought he heard Scarlet’s laughter, as some old memories came to mind.  “Come on, Conrad!” Scarlet grinned at him, “You won’t be gone that long! What can possibly go wrong?”

Black shivered.  You HAD to ask, didn’t you, Paul…

A voice came to life within his head, disturbing the memories and snapping him back to reality.  “Captain Black, this is the voice of the Mysterons.  The Earthmen are listening to the Singing Sword, you know what you must do.”

“The Mysterons shall not fail.” Black replied, before heading into the corridor cautiously.

 

***

 

Rhapsody Angel had been in a world of her own ever since word had reached the Amber Room about Captain Scarlet’s illness.  Symphony finally put down her book.  “Are you alright, Rhapsody?”

Her red-haired friend didn’t so much as blink. 

“Dianne?”

“Hmm?” Rhapsody jumped and looked up.  “Sorry, Karen, what did you say?”

“You’re worried about Paul, aren’t you?” Symphony sat next to her friend.  She knew all about the “secret” relationship going on between her two colleagues.  Rhapsody had been the one who’d told her.

“I want to see him, or at least find out what’s wrong.”

“I know you do.” The American Angel smiled her understanding.  She felt the same way about Captain Blue – Adam – and knew what Rhapsody was going through.

“As soon as I get the chance, I want to see him,” the British Angel decided.

“Alright.  If you want me to cover for you-”

“I don’t think I’ll need it, but thank you.” Rhapsody smiled.  “I’ll just tell Doctor Fawn that we all want to voice our concern, and I was the first to get away.  After all, that’s true enough.”

Symphony laughed, shaking her head.  “Has Paul been giving you lessons on how to get your way?”

Rhapsody Angel blushed, and turned away.

 

Meanwhile, Black was walking down the corridors very cautiously.  He hadn’t been spotted.  He was in search of the disc the Spectrum officers had brought with them to Cloudbase. He knew that it could already be working for him, to help him on his mission.  It didn’t matter if it didn’t make a huge difference, yet.  It would when he had hold of it.  As Black saw it, it was a shame that plan A had failed, but there was always plan B, and this plan, the Mysteron agent was certain, would NOT fail.

 

Scarlet winced, suddenly. 

“Are you alright, Captain Scarlet?”

“No, Doctor, I… I have a headache…”

“What can I get you? I mean, the painkillers I have aren’t strong enough for you, are they?”

Scarlet knew the doctor was right.  “Can I just have another glass of water, in that case?”

The Doctor nodded.  He could see that Scarlet was in pain.  He was very pale, and looked so tired…

Scarlet gasped in pain, thinking for a moment that he was going to pass out.  He could feel himself shaking violently, probably because he still felt very cold. 

 

Black had reached sickbay and was walking his way through it.

He stared through the door into a small room.  He could see Scarlet, looking far weaker than he had for a long time.  A pang of guilt hit him.  That was his friend in there, and as he watched, Scarlet saw him and tried to pull himself to his feet.  Don’t, Paul… He couldn’t bear watching, yet he couldn’t turn away.  Then, as suddenly as the emotion had hit him, the Mysteron was his ‘usual’ self.  He gave an evil smile, and continued to walk on.

 

Captain Scarlet had looked up, and got a glimpse of his archrival looking in at him.  What the… Black? Here? He wondered, groggily, as he hauled himself to his feet and took a staggered step, but lost balance.  Doctor Fawn heard a startled cry and came running to find his patient stretched out on the floor.  “What happened?” He asked, helping him back to his bed.

“Captain Black was watching…”

“Now look, Scarlet, Captain Black isn’t here!”  It was wrong to use such a harsh tone and Fawn sat next to the shaken Spectrum Captain, touching his arm in an effort to reassure him.  “He’s not here.”

Scarlet swallowed hard.  “I didn’t imagine it! I SAW him!”

“Of course you didn’t imagine it.” Fawn offered his patient a friendly smile.  “I’m not saying that I doubt there was someone there… but it certainly wasn’t Captain Black.”

“My headache has gone now.  You know how it is when there’s a Mysteron around – surely that’s proof enough – and will you PLEASE stop patronising!”

“Scarlet, listen…”

“No, YOU listen!” Scarlet shot back at him, “I SAW him!”

Fawn put his arm around the feverish man.  “Calm yourself, Captain,”

“I’ll calm myself when Black’s apprehended!”

Fawn sighed, but then nodded.  “Ok, if it makes you feel any better, I’ll warn the Colonel.” He had a feeling that Scarlet had just convinced himself that Cloudbase was under attack, and that he was taking every ache and pain as a warning from his built-in Mysteron detector.  Seeing how bad he was right now, who could say whether Black wasn’t just another figment of his over-active imagination?

 

“And Scarlet’s convinced that he saw Black?” Colonel White could barely believe his own ears when he heard Fawn’s report over the comm. link.

“Yes, Colonel.  He’s convinced alright.  I’m worried about him.”

“Are you certain that he is delirious?” Colonel White asked.  Captain Scarlet had rarely fallen ill before he had become indestructible, so it was hard to believe that he was in such a bad way now.

“All evidence points to delirium, Colonel.”

“I see.  Thank you, Doctor.”

White broke contact and sighed, heavily.  What could have happened to Scarlet?

 

***

 

Black crept as stealthily as possible toward the research area.  Every now and then, an odd sound, like footsteps, banging doors and chatter, would force him to make himself scarce, but he was making progress.  A strange instinct was leading him in the right direction.  Before long he’d have the entire base where he wanted it.

 

***

 

"How is he?" Rhapsody asked, glancing in her fiancé’s direction.

"Tired and weak," Fawn told her.  "But Captain Scarlet is sleeping, right now.  Perhaps you should come back later."

"Can't I at least sit with him? I won't disturb him," the Angel almost begged.

"Well…" the Doctor frowned, not sure whether he should agree.

"Please, Doctor?"

"Go on, then." He watched as the British Angel's face lit up.  "But don't wake him."

Rhapsody nodded the affirmative, before taking a seat next to the Captain's bed.  The room was very small, she thought as she glanced about her.  It was little wonder Scarlet had wanted to get out.  She picked up a magazine off the floor, and began to read it.  It wasn’t long before the Captain became aware of the rustle of paper and awoke, blinking as his eyes tried to adjust.  "Rha-" he coughed, surprised by the dry feeling in his throat.  "Rhapsody?"

"I'm here, Paul."  She handed him the glass of water, which was standing on the table beside his bed.

"Good to see you…" the Captain smiled, weakly.  "Just came off duty?" he sipped the water, and put it back on the table.

"I should be in the Amber Room, but Symphony and Destiny were kind enough to cover for me."

"For how long, exactly?"

"A while."

Scarlet sighed.  “But not long, and we’ve wasted time already.”

"It’s not MY fault that you were asleep when I came in." The Angel offered a friendly smile.

“You could’ve woken me – I wouldn’t have minded.”

"I’m sure you wouldn’t." Rhapsody patted his arm.  "But I wouldn’t dream of it.  I can see that you’re tired."  She hugged him, gently.

The Captain laughed, then his face fell and he sighed.  "Fawn’s around, you know.  We’ll have to be careful."

 

***

 

Blue was still working on the disc when a strange feeling sprang on him.  He ignored it, at first, but it was gradually worsening.  He was beginning to think that perhaps HE was going down with something too…  The room seemed to spin.  He grabbed hold of the worktop in front of him, for support.  “Sir?” Lieutenant Green watched the Captain anxiously.  “Are you alright?”

Blue blinked, turned to him and grinned.  “Yeah, I’m OK.”

“Perhaps you should go visit Doctor Fawn, Sir,” the Lieutenant began, awkwardly.

“No, I’m fine.  Let’s get on.”

Green noticed the change of tone.  Blue seemed irritable, now. He rarely behaved like this - he was usually so patient… Was there really something wrong? A feeling began to creep up on him.

 

Captain Black watched with interest.  The disc was working well…

 

***

 

Scarlet sighed heavily.  “Dianne… would YOU believe me if I told you about my hunch?”

“What sort of hunch, Paul?”

“I think the Mysterons want to attack us, somehow.” The Captain frowned, still thinking carefully.  “I believe they’re here already.  They want to take Cloudbase over, or destroy it.”

Rhapsody frowned. “Why on Earth do you think they’re here?”

“I saw Captain Black.  Just then.”

Rhapsody frowned at him.  “Are you SURE, Paul?”

“Look, I know how it sounds… But I DID see him.”

“Paul, that doesn’t make any sense.” Rhapsody told him, gently, “You know how the Mysterons work. What about the ‘Singing Sword’? That has something to do with that SWORD broadcasting studio, doesn’t it?  That studio would have been used to attack Cloudbase? What would the connection be?”

            “I don’t know, I… Maybe that disc Lieutenant Green found… It may have something to do with it. Maybe THAT’S the ‘Singing Sword’… But why in the World would they call it that?”

Rhapsody hugged him, gently.  “Try not to worry about it now.”

“But-”

“I’ll talk to the Colonel about your theory,” the Angel reassured him.  “But you are very ill, and shouldn’t really concern yourself with anything apart from recovering.”

Scarlet sighed in defeat.  “Yes, alright.  You win.”

“That’s good.” She hugged him closer to her.  “I didn’t mean to upset you, though.”

The Captain sighed, contentedly, and hugged her back.  He felt better just by knowing that his fiancé was near him.  “You didn’t upset me, Dianne.  I just hate it, finding myself so weak and useless.”

Rhapsody felt her heart go out to him.  She knew how frustrating it must be for Paul to find himself forced to rest, when normally he was one of the most active members of Cloudbase’s personnel.

 

***

 

Black smiled, wickedly, as Captain Blue and Lieutenant Green fell into a trance.  He entered the room, switched off the disc – which he could only hear as a high-pitched whine – and turned to speak to the two Spectrum officers.  “You are to report to Colonel White.  Tell him that the disc is perfectly normal.” There was nothing to indicate that the men understood him, so he continued:  “Afterwards, you will do as your Colonel instructs.  You will behave as you always do.  Do you understand?”

“S.I.G., Captain Black,” Blue answered, quickly.

“Yes, Captain,” Green agreed at the same instant.

“Good.” The Mysteron agent was about to let them go, and keep the disc, when he changed his mind.  He handed Blue the disc, saying: “Captain Blue, I would like you to take this with you.”

Blue took it.  “S.I.G.”

Black leaned closer, lowering his voice.  “This is what you must do…”

 

Once he was satisfied, Captain Black turned to the door.  “Dismissed.” He watched the two officers leave, then disappeared.  He knew that everything about the disc was almost completely undetectable, and the only Spectrum member immune to the soundwaves was confined to Sickbay.  It couldn’t have worked better! Now it was time to put the second part of the plan into action.

 

The Colonel looked up as Lieutenant Green entered.  “Did you find anything of help about that disc?” 

“No, Sir.  The disc is perfectly normal,” Green answered.

White watched his expression, carefully.  Something was wrong – he looked so tired… “Are you alright?”

“I… yes, Sir.  I’m alright,” Green answered.

White narrowed his eyes at Green. “All the same, I think you should visit Doctor Fawn.  You look tired.”

“Yes, Sir, but I think that it was only all the research – THAT was tiring,” Green replied.  “I’m sure I’ll be fine in a moment.  Captain Blue and I just spent a long time trying different theories.”

“That’s a point – where IS Blue? Shouldn’t he have reported here with you?”

“He was very tired, Sir, so I offered to report here alone.”

“I see.” White was still doubtful that everything was alright.  “In that case, perhaps you should spend some time off duty, as well...”

“S.I.G., Colonel,” Green replied.

“Right, that’s it, dismissed.”

Magenta turned to the Colonel as the Lieutenant left.  “Do you think there’s something wrong, Sir?”

“I don’t know, Captain,” White answered, thoughtfully.

“At least we know it’s not down to the virus that Scarlet caught, Sir,” Magenta said, brightly.  “Doctor Fawn already checked them over.”

“That’s right.  He reported them both to be fine.  If there was anything wrong, the doctor would have picked up on it.” He frowned.  “What in blazes is going on?”

 

***

 

“You OK, Blue?” In the officers’ lounge, Ochre looked over his paper at his friend.

“Fine, thanks, Rick.  I just had a long day, that’s all.” Blue settled down in the chair beside Ochre and Grey.  “Is it OK if I put some music on?”

Grey took a look at the CD he’d brought with him.  “Where’d you get this?”

“The Lieutenant brought this in from the SWORD building.”  Blue felt tired.  Was the information right? It sounded right, but…

“You like ABBA?” Ochre asked him, surprised.  “Do you like ANY kind of music at all?”

“Not ANY music – I HATE heavy metal… and I don’t like rap much, either.”

Grey laughed.  “You like all music besides rap and heavy metal.  Well, at least that gives you a lot of choice.”

“Sure does.” Blue grinned.  “Now, can I put this disc on or not?”

 

***

 

“I want to get out of here!” Captain Scarlet was livid.

“You were fine when Rhapsody was here.”

Doctor Fawn had unwittingly touched a raw nerve.  “What are you suggesting?”

“I’m not SUGGESTING anything.  Calm down, Captain.”

“CALM DOWN? I feel like some kind of caged animal!”

“You’re behaving like one, as well.” The Doctor tried to approach his patient again.

“Can you BLAME me?” Scarlet lashed out.  “This place is like a prison cell!”

“Look, I’d allow you to leave if I thought it would help you, but I can’t.” Fawn shook his head at the Captain.  “This virus is unidentified – I don’t know how it’ll effect you, or what the cure is.” He didn’t break eye contact for a moment. “But I’ll find a cure, Captain Scarlet.  Even if I have to wrestle it out of Captain Black himself!”

“I’m sure you will, but that’s not helping me at the moment.  I feel as though I’m trapped!” 

Fawn took on a stern tone.  “Look, to find the flamin’ cure I need to get on, without having to worry about what YOU’RE getting up to.  I could do without escape attempts, right now.”

Scarlet felt himself turning red. He instantly calmed down.  “I’m sorry, Doctor.”

“No problem.” Fawn’s tone returned to normal.  “Just don’t try it again, because next time I won’t be as quick to forgive.”

 

“Captain Blue,” Colonel White entered the Officers’ Lounge, “why didn’t you report to Control with Lieutenant Green?” he kept his tone calm, but in the ominous way that made Grey and Ochre wince.

“I…  I was told I didn’t need to…” Blue rubbed his forehead.

“WHO told you?”

“I… can’t remember… it wasn’t you, Sir.”

“No, it certainly was NOT me.” White watched the young man’s reaction.  He was clearly in distress.  “Are you alright?”

“I… no… I don’t know.” Blue shook his head. He looked as though he was about to pass out. “I feel kind of tired…”

The Colonel immediately forgot his irritation.  “Alright, Captain, relax.” He turned to the two Captains who were also sitting around the table.  “Captain Grey, can you give me a hand?”

Grey nodded, and helped his Commanding Officer to lift Blue out of his seat.

“Wh – what are you doing?”

“Relax, Adam,” Grey told him, “We’ll get you down to Sickbay.”

“Sickbay?” Blue was really alarmed, now.  “I’m just tired, that’s all! Just help me back to my quarters.”

“No, Captain.  You will do as you are told.” White emphasised every word, as if to ensure that his junior officer understood him perfectly.  “Once Doctor Fawn has taken a look at you, you can return to your quarters – PROVIDED he feels that you should.”

“Yes, Sir.” The Captain blew out a frustrated sigh.  He felt alright, just tired, really, and couldn’t understand why everyone was fussing over him.

Ochre watched the three men leave.  As he moved to pick up his paper, he noticed the disc that had been left.  “Let’s see what Blue sees in this kind of music – I mean, it’s about a hundred years old!”

 

Scarlet pressed a hand against his forehead, closing his eyes.  He suppressed a groan.

Fawn touched his patient’s arm.  “Captain? Captain Scarlet, are you alright?”

“No… my head…”

“Alright, mate.” The Doctor patted his shoulder.  “I’ll get you another glass of water, OK?”

Scarlet gave a slight nod.  “Thanks.”

“Doctor Fawn!” Nurse Finch hurried in, and the chief medical officer turned to her.  “You have another patient.”

“I’ll be right there,” Fawn told her.  Fawn went out, and Captain Scarlet followed the nurse with his eyes, as she approached him and began pouring water from a pitcher into his glass.  He wondered if the headache was a signal to tell him he needed rest, or his Mysteron detector.  As she noticed the edgy way Scarlet was watching her, Nurse Finch frowned at him, puzzled.  “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.”

The Captain spoke far too quickly, in much too innocent a tone.  She narrowed her eyes at him.  “Something’s wrong, I can see that.”

“I’m alright.” He shrugged, smiling at her.

“You don’t LOOK alright,” the nurse told him.  “Far from it, actually.  That illness isn’t worsening, I hope?” She handed him the glass.

“No.  No, I just feel a little tired and run down…” Scarlet sipped the water, and handed it back to her.  “I hate being stuck here, which really isn’t helping,” he added with a sly grin.

“Captain, I can’t release you.  Only Doctor Fawn-”

“I know that.  I was merely answering your question.”

“Now come off it! I know you far better than that, Captain Scarlet.” She saw the young man’s weary, downcast expression and her heart went out to him.  “I’ll have a word with the Doctor when he returns.”

“He won’t let me leave.  He feels it might put me in danger, because my condition may change at any time.”

“Oh, I see.  In that case, the best idea would be to try to rest.”

“I can’t sleep.”

The nurse suppressed her annoyance and fetched some books.  “Here, these should keep you busy for a while,” she told him with a friendly grin.

 

***

 

Captain Blue rose from the examination bed.  He turned his head to gaze anxiously at the chief medical officer. “What’s wrong with me, Doctor?”

“Well, it’s most likely that you’re overtired.” Doctor Fawn touched his arm. 

“But I’m OK?”

“As far as I can tell.  Get some sleep, then come and see me again.”

“S.I.G.” The Captain picked up his cap and turned to go.

“Did you get some rest when you arrived back?” Fawn asked, suddenly.  “I thought the Colonel mentioned-”

“Yes.  Lieutenant Green and I spent a while in the Room of Sleep.”

“I knew simulated sleep wasn’t good enough!” the doctor practically crowed. He clearly was glad that his theory had finally been proved right.  “Get some REAL sleep, in your quarters.”

“Yes, Doctor.  See you later.”

 

Meanwhile, Captain Ochre was slumped in his chair in the lounge.  By all appearances, he was sleeping, and the disc he had been listening to was still playing.  Grey entered the room and grinned at his friend.  “Rick, it’s time to wake up,” he called, softly.

Ochre didn’t so much as twitch.  Grey was about to hit him with the paper in front of him, a payback for some of the tricks he’d suffered from recently, when the music began to take a hold on him too.  He was aware of a strange voice as it began to speak to him.  It wasn’t the singer, and the voice seemed to speak inside his head… he couldn’t escape it!

 

***

 

 Doctor Fawn walked into Scarlet’s secluded room.  “How is he?” 

“Captain Scarlet’s having trouble sleeping, Sir,” Finch told him, quietly.  “I had to give him a pile of books and puzzles to keep him occupied, seeing as he won’t take sleeping drugs.”

“OK, I’ll look after him now.  Thanks, Nurse Finch.”

Fawn turned his attention back to his patient as the Nurse left.  “How are you feeling?”

“Doctor, I’m stuck here, on my own and bored out of my mind! How do you EXPECT me to feel?”

“Try to get some rest, for now.  You certainly could do with it.” Fawn wanted to know why he couldn’t sleep – he was clearly tired enough.

“Right, Doctor.” The Captain nodded his agreement and settled back, trying to allow his weakness to overpower the restlessness that he still felt.  He sighed and shifted.  “It’s no good.  I still feel too active.”

Fawn told him that he could listen to the radio, provided he kept the volume turned to minimum. Scarlet agreed with the suggestion, and Fawn turned on the sickbay’s music player.  Scarlet lay back again, allowing the music to wash over him.

 

Black called to Ochre and Grey.  They came out of their trance, looking about them groggily.  “Leave the disc on repeat.”

“Yes, Sir,” Captain Grey obeyed quickly. 

They clearly didn’t recognise the Mysteron agent.  The disc was far superior to the drugs that mankind had come up with, in the past.  The high frequency sound waves were too intense, and the music that delivered it made the victims listen calmly.  Captain Black quickly dealt his instructions, then made himself scarce.

 

***

 

Nearly all of the senior staff members were part of the Mysterons’ plan, now.  Black was still cautious around the base, however.  He gave members their instructions, then hid again.  He had no intention of allowing Spectrum to capture him.  Black was also well aware of the fact that the disc hadn’t been tested properly.  This meant that there was no telling how long the influence would last…

 

Lieutenant Green went back to the Control Room.  The Colonel looked up from his paperwork as he entered.  “Feeling better, Lieutenant?”

“Yes thankyou, Sir,” he smiled, “I feel fine.”

“Good.” The Colonel shook his head, “You work too hard, son.”

Green grinned.  “I think we all do, Sir.  The Mysterons see to that.”

This was true enough, and Colonel White nodded his agreement.

Green took up his position at the computer console.

 

Symphony looked up from her book as the base lurched.  “What’s happening?”

“I don’t know!” Rhapsody cried out, clutching the table in an attempt to steady herself.

The two Angels tried to keep calm as they searched for an explanation.

“Could be turbulence from a storm beneath us,” Symphony suggested. 

Cloudbase rocked again.

 

Scarlet groaned as he felt the base lurch violently.  “Doctor, what’s going on?”

“I’m not sure,” Fawn told him, “it’s probably nothing to worry about.  Just relax.”

The Captain shuddered.  “I don’t like this…”

Fawn rolled his eyes.  “You know as well as I do that it’s probably just atmospheric turbulence.”

“Probably…” Scarlet repeated doubtfully, under his breath.  He held his head again.

“Relax, OK?” Fawn touched his shoulder.  “I’ll get you something to help you sleep.”

Scarlet frowned.  Did Fawn think that his body was weak enough to allow the drugs to take effect?

As he watched Fawn leave the small room, he made a decision and scrambled out of bed.  Creeping into the corridor, he dragged himself toward the engine room.  Something was amiss, and he couldn’t stay quiet any longer.  The rocking of the base made it difficult for him, as he was already tired.  Scarlet hadn’t gone far when he thought he saw someone, creeping around a corner.  The Captain cursed himself for not bringing a gun, in case he’d encounter an enemy.  He knew that Black might well be stalking the corridors.  He picked up the first object that came to hand – a hammer left by a mechanic, who had been doing some minor repairs.

“Whoa!” Blue stared at him with surprise, “What are you doing, Paul?”

Scarlet threw aside the makeshift weapon, looking embarrassed.  “Sorry, Adam, I…” he cleared his throat, “I thought you were someone else.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know… a Mysteron, perhaps.”

“Perhaps?” Blue asked, staring at him.

Scarlet closed his eyes.  “I thought I saw Black, earlier.”

The American shook his head.  He’s worse than I thought!

“You don’t believe me,” Scarlet accused, miserably.

“’Course I believe you, Paul.  It’s just that…”

A noise from somewhere further along the corridor made both men jump.  “What was that?” Blue asked.

Scarlet held his head and fell to his knees.  The pain was coming back.

Blue suddenly felt something calling to him, and walked away without a backward glance at Scarlet.  The disc was taking effect, again.

 

Black smirked with satisfaction.  The mind control had slowed the personnel, and now Green was obviously doing his task.  Before long, the Singing Sword would send Cloudbase crashing to Earth.  He vanished into the shadows.

 

“Scarlet?” Upon entering the small room, Fawn looked about him.  He was surprised that the ill Captain had found the strength to get up.  Angry with himself for leaving Scarlet alone, the Doctor called the Control Room.

“You LOST him?” The Colonel asked him, in disbelief.

Fawn had nothing to say to that.

“What happened, Doctor?”

“I went to get him something, and… I guess he walked out.”

“In his condition?” White asked him incredulously.

“I know it’s difficult to believe, Sir, but that’s the only explanation.”

“Alright, Doctor, we’ll launch a search.”

“Right, Colonel.”

 

Cloudbase lurched violently, and the Colonel was almost thrown from his chair.  “What in the World is going on?” he demanded.  Noticing that Green didn’t reply, White frowned at him.  Strangely, the Lieutenant didn’t even seem alarmed.  “Lieutenant Green?”

He stood up, and made his way to Green’s console.  What on Earth is he doing?

Then he realised.  He seemed to be toying with Cloudbase’s engine controls.  It was for that reason that the base was pitching and rolling.  “Lieutenant!” He said, sharply. 

Green ignored him. 

“What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, losing patience altogether. 

At last, his words took effect.  “What? Where?” the Lieutenant stared at the monitor in front of him, “What happened?”

“You were cutting the power to the engines.  What were you thinking?”

“I… I wasn’t thinking, Sir.”

Strangely enough, that makes a lot of sense, White realised, mind control would explain a lot…

 

Scarlet watched his friend walk away.  He couldn’t understand what was wrong with him.  “Adam?”

Blue didn’t so much as turn around.

Scarlet closed his eyes.  What’s happening? Picking himself up, he followed his partner carefully.

 

***

 

Blue wandered around the engine room, listening to the voices within his head.  “Captain Blue, Lieutenant Green has played his part, and now it is YOUR turn.” Blue found the electronics that Black had singled out for him.  With the use of some anti-electric gloves, he pulled them out.

“Adam! What do you think you’re DOING?” Scarlet crept forward, tiredly.

Blue stared at the wires in his hand, as if he couldn’t understand how they ended up there.  “What happened?”

“You attacked the circuitry for the engines! What are you trying to do?”

The American shook his head.  “I don’t know…”

Black emerged from the shadows. 

Scarlet didn’t seem the least bit surprised, but Blue jumped back.  “What’re YOU doing here?”

“You can’t remember, Earthman?”

“Remember what?”

Scarlet stared at Blue.  “Don’t tell me you’re a Mysteron!”

Blue stared back at him in amazement, stunned that his friend should consider this.

Black saw the chance to act, and made a lunge at Scarlet.  The British Captain saw him coming and sidestepped, almost sending his enemy into the sparking cables which Blue had severed.  Scarlet tried to move away, realising that he was vulnerable.  Black kicked out at his legs, knocking him off balance. 

“Paul!” Blue picked his partner up, carefully.  He scowled at Black.  “Leave him alone! He’s sick.”

Ochre and Grey burst in, with weapons drawn.

Thank goodness! Captain Blue thought, with relief, Something’s actually going right!

Something didn't seem 'right', however, as he saw both men glancing about in confusion. Then he saw the evil smirk on Black's face as Grey and Ochre walked menacingly towards him and Scarlet.

“What’s happening?” Scarlet asked, quietly.

“I don’t know,” Blue hissed back, “looks like the work of the Mysterons.”

 

“Come on, he couldn’t have just disappeared!” Fawn was anxious to find his patient.  There was no telling where he was, nor what condition he would be in.

Magenta sighed.  “Where would he have gone, Doctor?”

Fawn was about to snap, but calmed himself.  “I don’t know.  Probably looking for Mysterons, after the nonsense I’ve heard from him.”

“Mysterons?” Magenta stared at him.

The Doctor explained, quickly.

“I get it,” his microphone swung down in front of his face.  “This is Captain Magenta,”

“Captain, someone is in the engine room.”

“Right,” he turned to Doctor Fawn, “we might have found him.”

 

***

 

The disc had taken total hold of Grey and Ochre, as they were walking toward Blue and Scarlet.  Blue stepped in front of his partner, wondering what he should do.  Drawing his gun, he tried to find a safer place for Scarlet.

Captain Black, finding himself free to act, contacted the Mysterons for further instruction.  Scarlet gasped in pain, as the Mysterons’ presence suddenly became too much for him and fell on his knees.  He glanced in Black’s direction and saw him in a trance, and realised instantly that he was communicating with his masters.

Black turned his attention back to his task, while the Spectrum members were otherwise occupied.  Blue had done serious damage to one of the engines, but that alone wasn’t enough.  As he pulled on anti-electric gloves, the door opened a crack, behind him.

 

Magenta crept in carefully.  Something was wrong, and he didn’t want to give himself away until he knew what was going on.  He kept himself from gasping when he saw Blue and Scarlet under attack from Grey and Ochre.  What’s happened here? He asked himself.  It was then that he saw Black.  What the…? He recovered himself, and instantly fired at Black.

In surprise, Ochre and Grey turned round to see what was happening.

Blue saw his chance to act, and kicked Ochre aside.  Grey turned on him again.

 

Doctor Fawn was standing outside, with a security guard.

“Sir,” the guard began, “why are they firing guns?”

Fawn took a deep breath, then drew his gun.  “Hull, notify Colonel White, and then follow me in.  Perhaps Scarlet was right after all, and if that’s the case…”

Hull nodded the affirmative, and Fawn entered the engine room.

 

Magenta had managed to force Black away from the vital equipment.  The Mysteron agent was in an awkward position now, awaiting the intervention of one of his temporary recruits.

 

Grey was holding Scarlet down, with minimal effort, while Ochre wrestled with Blue.  Fawn went straight to Grey. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Surprised by the question barked at him, the Captain snapped out of his trance, blinking his eyes as if he’d been sleeping.  He stared down at Scarlet with wide eyes. “Paul?”

Scarlet coughed loudly.  “Get off me!”

“What were you playing at?” Fawn demanded, dragging Grey to his feet.

The Captain shook his head.  “I… I don’t know…”

“Doc!” Blue called out, from the floor, “Some help, please?”

Ochre was holding his throat in a tight grip, which tightened gradually.

Grey stood over him.  “Don’t you think that’s enough, Rick?” Ochre didn’t even look up.

“Captain Ochre!” Fawn yelled at him. “What do you think you’re doing?”

The question reached home, and Ochre shook off the disc’s affects.  “What? Where?” He saw Blue in his grip, as if for the first time. “Adam?”

 

Magenta listened carefully, but didn’t take his eyes off Black.  The Mysteron, however, was watching the scene near them with a dissatisfied expression.  As soon as it was clear that Spectrum had regained the upper hand, he vanished into air.  Magenta, realising that he had allowed his enemy to escape, let out a cry.  “Not AGAIN!”

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

 

Ochre crept sheepishly into Captain Scarlet’s temporary quarters in Sickbay.  He could see Scarlet laid on the bed, apparently sleeping.  He opened his eyes, and groaned, loudly.  The pounding he’d taken, along with the effects of the virus, had weakened him beyond his belief.  He saw Captain Ochre and gave another groan.  “What do you want, Rick?”

 

Ochre hadn’t expected a warm welcome, after the trouble he’d caused.  He didn’t understand what had happened to him yet, but he could remember attacking Scarlet and Blue.  He wanted nothing more than to apologise to the British Captain.  He cleared his throat.  “Are you okay?”

Scarlet sighed with frustration.  “I’m fine until I try to do anything.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m… tired, I guess.  I can’t concentrate on anything.”

Ochre looked at the book that Scarlet had obviously flung across the room, with his frustration.  “I see… well… just take it easy,” he advised at last, before adding, “Doctor Fawn’s had a breakthrough, so with any luck, you’ll be back on your feet soon.”

Scarlet’s face lit up.  “A breakthrough? That’s great!”

Ochre groaned.  “Sorry, I wasn’t supposed to tell you that.  Fawn’s not sure whether it’ll work, yet.”

“Well, I am!” Scarlet smiled, happily. “Doctor Fawn will put me right.”

“But it’ll take time, so do yourself a favour,” Ochre forced him to lie back, “get some rest.”

The Brit rolled his eyes.  “Yes, Sir!” he retorted, dryly.

“I can’t help it if you won’t stay still,” his friend remarked, moving toward the door.

“Where are you going, Rick?”

“I thought I was bugging you…” He turned to face him, a puzzled expression on his face.

“No, please stay a while.  I’m alright provided you don’t give me advice…” Scarlet offered him a weak grin.

“Yeah!” Ochre laughed. “Adam told me about that.”

“Where IS Adam?”

“He said he’d be by later.”

“What’s the matter, Rick?”

Ochre looked back at Scarlet, who could see he was feeling guilty.  “I’m sorry about the things Brad and I did, Paul…”

“That’s alright.  It wasn’t your fault.”

“Paul, we could’ve killed you!” he shook his head. “That’s not the ONLY reason I’m sorry, either…”

Scarlet frowned.  Why else would Ochre be sorry about? As if through a haze, he remembered all the teasing he had received from him recently.

“I didn’t mean to upset you, Paul.”

“Could’ve fooled me,” Scarlet muttered, before raising his voice, “it doesn’t matter, Rick.  Anyway, that was ages ago.”

“That was early this morning.”

Scarlet put a hand to his head.  Had the day gone by as slowly as all that? Outside the window, he could see that the light was dimming.  The first stars would be beginning to appear.  “Open the blinds, would you?”

Ochre nodded, and went to the window.  He stood there a moment, staring at the evening sky, before sitting beside his friend.

Scarlet went for his glass, knocking it over.  “Blast!” He mopped the water up as best he could with some of the tissues that had been given to him.

Ochre helped, grinning with amusement.  “Next time, ask me to pass it to you.”

Scarlet groaned, miserably, “I hate being dependent.”

“You’re not! You’re just tired and sick, that’s all!” Seeing that his words didn’t seem to help much, Ochre fell silent.  He decided to change the subject and cleared his throat.  “No hard feelings?” he asked, extending his hand.

“No hard feelings.” Scarlet shook hands, while holding a wet tissue.

“Yuck!” Ochre yelped.

Scarlet laughed.  “I think we’re even, now!”

“What was that stuff?”

The British captain was tempted to wind him up, but decided against it.  “Only water, Rick,” he told him, honestly.

“You made me jump!”

“I know.  You should’ve seen the look on your face!”

“Probably a bit like yours, when I turned the rock music on!”

“Probably!”

 

When Fawn entered, he found Ochre was still there, and Scarlet was in a much better mood.  “Feeling better, Captain?”

“Happier.”

“Good.” He turned his attention to Ochre, for a moment.  “When you said you wanted to keep him company, I half expected you to tease him.”

“You made me promise not to.”

“Yeah, like that’s ever stopped you before,” Fawn commented.

Scarlet grinned as Ochre averted his gaze.

“Anyway,” Fawn began again, “I’ve found a possible cure for you, Captain Scarlet.”

Scarlet smiled, happily.  “That’s great!”

“I’m afraid it still needs work, but the tests are promising.”

Scarlet’s face fell.  “It still needs work?”

“Hey! Martian illnesses are difficult blighters to deal with.  Earth germs are bad enough.”

“I’m SURE they are…” Scarlet groaned at the Doctor’s attempt at humour.  He coughed violently, and lay back with a low groan.

Ochre touched his arm.  “You okay?”

“No, I’m tired of being useless!”

“Useless? What do you mean?” Fawn asked him.

“What do you think I mean?”

“I don’t know, Captain, after all you did today.  The business at the Sword studio, not to mention the way you handled things here.”

“And what DID I do here, exactly? I got in Blue’s way, so he couldn’t handle Grey and Ochre…”

“You brought Blue out of that trance before that, didn’t you? And if you didn’t, we don’t know what would have happened to Cloudbase…”

Scarlet nodded, slowly.  “Yes, but I don’t know how I got him out of that trance.”

“Well, stop getting angry with yourself. You did more than your share, I’d say.”  Fawn turned to Ochre, “Keep an eye on him for a while, if you want, but let him sleep.  I’d better get back to that cure.”

Scarlet watched the Doctor leave.  He stifled a yawn, and looked up at his friend.  “What do you know about all that happened, Rick?”

Ochre shook his head.  “The Colonel wants to talk to you about a few things, actually.”

The Brit winced.  Great! Now I’m in for a long lecture from the Colonel, I suppose…  “When is the debriefing?”

“Uhhh…” Ochre had no intention of telling his friend that he’d missed it.  “The Colonel just wants to talk to you, when you’re feeling better…”

“In other words, I missed it.” Scarlet nodded his understanding, “I see.”

“Well… you see, the Colonel thought you should be given a chance to rest.  After all the punishment you’ve taken today, you’re lucky to be conscious.”

Scarlet smiled, faintly.  He glanced up at his friend, giving a heavy sigh.  “Perhaps it’s a good job that he hasn’t been by, yet.  I feel so miserable…”

Ochre laughed. “Yeah! You LOOK miserable, too!”

Scarlet joined him. “Thanks, Rick, I needed cheering up.”

 

Ochre stayed with his ill friend until he had to return to duty. 

“Must you go?”

Ochre saw the miserable look on his friend’s tired features.  “Sorry, Paul, I have to.  It’s getting late,” he gestured to the clock, which said it was 21.47, “and you should get some sleep.  Take care, okay? I want to see you in the Officers’ Lounge real soon.”

Scarlet smiled.  “Provided you promise not to work on any model planes.”

“Deal!” With one last friendly grin, Ochre left.

 

Scarlet settled himself for sleep.  Although he’d enjoyed the company of his visitors, it was good to get some peace.  Blue had come by soon after Ochre had left, and then Rhapsody had appeared to make another fuss of him, too.  Now that he was alone, he thought about the day’s events, as he looked around the small room.  “Blasted Mysterons,” he muttered, as he noticed a star that was brighter than the others outside his window.  He tried to scramble out of bed to close the blinds, but he began to feel dizzy.  Deciding against closing them, he sat back on the bed.  Mars was still there, and he felt as though the whole Mysteron population was laughing at him, in his weakened state.  Tired and angry, the Captain glowered at Mars, and shook his fist.

“What are you doing?” Doctor Fawn had entered in time to witness the Captain’s strange behaviour.

Scarlet looked away, with embarrassment, “I was just saying goodnight to the Mysterons, Doctor.”

Fawn frowned at him.  “Sometimes, Captain, you really worry me.”

Scarlet smiled.  “Thank you, Doctor.”

“Better?” Fawn asked, closing the blinds for him.

“Yes, thank you,” Scarlet nodded.

Fawn left, returning with a medicine bottle.  Scarlet watched him pour some of the mixture into a tiny cup.  “Right, drink this.”

Scarlet picked it up scrutinizing it, with curiosity.  He drank it down, pulling a face.  “Ugh! What was that?”

“The cure I was trying to find for you.”

He watched the captain gulp down some water, and shook his head.  “Does it taste that terrible?”

Scarlet lay back down, offering the doctor an apologetic grin.  “No, I was going to cough, again.”

Fawn shook his head.  “Just try to sleep.  You’ll need another dose in the morning, so you won’t be disturbed during the night.”

“Thanks.” Scarlet settled down, closing his eyes.

 

Colonel White had waited patiently until Doctor Fawn gave him permission to see Captain Scarlet.  It was now mid-afternoon, and Scarlet’s condition was gradually improving.

 

Scarlet was glad to see his commanding officer.  He smiled, faintly.  “Hello, Colonel, it’s good to see you.”

“And it’s even better to see that you’re recovering, son,” White remarked.

Scarlet’s smile broadened, slightly.  He was indeed starting to feel better.

“Now, I suppose you’d like to know what happened?”

“Yes please, Sir.”

The Colonel nodded.  “Well, as you know, Captain Black was stalking around the base.  I think I should apologise, on behalf of Spectrum for not giving more credit to your instinct.”

“But how did Black get here?”

“He was in fact carried here by your SPJ.”

“What?” Scarlet sat bolt upright, momentarily forgetting that he shouldn’t talk to the Colonel in that manner.

“He was stowed in there by Green.”

“Green…?”  Scarlet could hardly believe it.  “But… surely… if the Lieutenant was a Mysteron…”

White shook his head.  “He’s not a Mysteron.  He was under hypnosis.”

Scarlet nodded, slowly.  “Like Captains Grey and Ochre…”

“AND Blue,” White reminded him.

“…and Blue,” Scarlet nodded, slowly, “but HOW did the Mysterons do it? And when?”

“The disc Green brought back to Cloudbase held a hidden message. He had already listened to it on the surface, and so was already under its controls.”

Scarlet remembered the discussion he had with Rhapsody.  “The disc was the singing sword?”

The Colonel nodded.  “The disc was the property of the SWORD Company.  The company itself was the singing sword.”

Scarlet nodded, slowly.  “I see… but why did the Mysterons go to all that trouble to destroy Cloudbase?”

“They went to all the trouble, so that we wouldn’t see what the target was.  They even managed to get you out of the way.”

Scarlet sneezed, turning away from his superior, understanding that this was exactly what he meant by that.  “How did I catch this thing, anyway?”

“I was hoping that you could shed some light on that, Captain. When did that start?”

Scarlet tried to think.  “When I was fighting with the mysteronised receptionist, on the roof…”

“Yes?”

“It was cold, and tipping down with rain, but… that alone wouldn’t have caused something like this…”

“And?”

Scarlet remembered something. “Colonel, I think the receptionist was responsible for this.  She sprayed something in my face… I thought it was pepper spray…”

“Yes, that could be it.” White nodded.

“But… why? Why would they want me out of the way?”

“My guess is that you are somehow immune to the effects of the disc, Captain.”

“That’s interesting…” Scarlet mused.

“Anyway,” White put a hand on the Captain’s shoulder, “you’d better take care of yourself.  From what Doctor Fawn tells me, you’ll be off your feet for at least a week.”

“A WHOLE week?” Scarlet groaned.

“In all honesty, Captain, I’m surprised he didn’t expect to keep you in here longer.  From what I’ve heard, you’ve had some kind of very severe flu, and what with the beating you took…”

Scarlet nodded, solemnly. “I know, Sir, it’s just that…”

“You’re supposed to be indestructible.”

“Yes, Sir.”

White patted his arm.  “Nobody is TRULY indestructible, Captain.”

Scarlet nodded, “I know, Colonel…” he smiled. “I know now.”

The Colonel smiled, too, and prepared to leave.  He turned in the doorway.  “I hope to see you fit for duty soon.”

“You will, Sir.” Scarlet promised, smiling.  He turned back to the window, knowing that Mars was still out there.  “And YOU’LL see me back soon, too!” he added, with grim determination.

 

 

THE END