Previous Story: 80. TMI the Matchmaker

Cyborg had suggested they use only audio for the call. With almost every member of the Creators, the Peacemakers and the Survivalists taking part, the holo-call system would be overwhelmed. Gathered with him in his office around his computer were Hiko, Threads, Kuklacı, Flyboy and Flash. Plate was still on guard duty. The exhausted Dr. Altmann was still resting.

"Ready to go?" asked Lucky, his youthful voice filling the room.

"Ready here," answered Cyborg. "Peacemakers?"

"All present and correct," said Buck in his deep tone. "What’s the latest?"

"The team has been working hard," replied Cyborg. "The EFN has been attached to Timmy. Flyboy,  how’s it looking?"

The drone expert stepped forward. "We’ve just finished some flight trials. A bit of rebalancing was required but it’s looking good."

Cyborg continued: "So the next step is to decide where we hit the entropic disruptor. Buck, what did you come up with in terms of location?"

"We’ve been talking it over here and we feel that targeting the disruptor on the Aureus Gate Bridge is the right move. If we can get past it, there’s an area of wilderness where we stand a better chance of avoiding the military — that’s Nix’s take, anyway.

Ranger then weighed in: "Nobody will be using the Penfield Campground anymore. It’s an ideal rendezvous point in case anything goes wrong."

"Great," said Buck. "Plus, there’s often a lot of fog, which can give us additional cover."

Cyborg looked around his fellow Creators and saw several nods. "The bridge seems as good a place as any, and it’s not far. As we’ve got transport and the device here, I’m happy to lead."

"Go along by all means," said Lucky, "but, maybe, don’t lead the team. Instead, you can whip up some illusions — distract any CyMS that get curious."

"Good thinking." Though he said nothing, Cyborg wondered if Lucky wanted to keep him out of trouble. Perhaps his feelings were stronger than Cyborg had previously imagined. "So, who will lead the team? The key goal is to reach and disable the Aureus Gate Bridge disruptor device using the EFN."

To Cyborg’s surprise, Gadget spoke up first. "I’ll do it," said the middle-aged mechanic and tech expert. "I’ve been looking at what you sent through from Altmann. The hack is basically a case of forcing the device to reboot itself. That should give us about an hour."

"But, we need you here!" insisted a female voice; Cyborg wasn’t sure who. 

"You’re our leader, man!" said a male.

"Thanks, Thug," replied Gadget. "And you, Seeker. But I’ve made up my mind. I’ve done enough sitting around. Flash, it’s your drone — are you OK with this?"

While working, the detective had taken off his jacket and rolled up his shirtsleeves. "As I’ve learned today, I can operate Timmy well enough, but I don’t actually know much about how he works. These guys are way ahead of me."

"Kuklacı’s way ahead of both of us," added Flyboy.

"I’m happy to look after the TMI and the EFN," offered the inventor, who was halfway through a big glass of water. "And I’ve still got a few robots that could come in handy for surveillance and defense."

"Makes sense," said Cyborg. "So, I’ll get you there in my SUV and cause a distraction if necessary. Then, Gadget leads the team with Kuklacı. Who else?"

"Count me in," said another female voice. "Artemis here, by the way. You city types will need someone to guide you through that territory on the other side of the bridge."

Nobody disagreed.

"Pai here," said a calm voice. "I want to go, too — help you crack that disruptor."

"Much appreciated," said Gadget. "Your reputation precedes you, Pai. The two of us should talk to Altmann — go over the details with him again."

"No problem," said Cyborg. "We’ll wake him up."

Threads volunteered with a nod and hurried out of the office.

"So," said Cyborg. "Let’s assume this works and we have a window of time to get people out of San Lazaro."

"We’ll have to test it ourselves first," said Buck. "But have others standing by. If it all looks safe, we can get some civilians to safety. The only question is — who do we give this chance to?"

"Exactly," said Cyborg. "And there’s plenty else to prepare. I suggest one week from now. Monday, 11 p.m."

"Fine with us," said Buck.

"Agreed," said Gadget. "Let’s get to work."

Next Story: 82. The Escape Plan Part 2 - Watching the Enemy