At noon Oscar called to see how things were going and to give her some news. “Jaime “ He said when she answered. “I just heard from the district attorney he informed me that Hendrix and Beckman got twenty year.”

“That’s great! Marc should be able to handle himself by then if he ever tries it again.”

“Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again.” Oscar interjected. :By the way, how are thins going today?”

“Not so good. She informed him. The twins are…”

“Not getting along?” Oscar questioned.

“As a matter of fact they are getting along to good. Oscar, they won’t talk unless it’s to each other. To be real honest, they are driving me crazy. Marc won’t let Matt talk…”

“Maybe they need some time a part. Danny told me once. That before they came to live here, they were always in separate classes at school. Maybe it would be good for them to be apart for a while I’ll see what I can do.” He hung up the phone.

On a remote island Dr. Cheryl Osbourne who was a biologist for the OSI was busy conducting experiments with her lab animals. The drug she was using was designed to increase a person’s intellectual capacities. One of her test subjects to her astonishment became very agitated. Then she watched in horror as the chimp displaying incredible strength escaped and ran off.

After several attempts to contact dove island fail the coast guard notifies Oscar. Oscar calls for Steve and Rudy. Then after careful consideration and feeling that there is no danger involved, decides to have Marc join them “It will give the twins a break from one another.” He told Jaime when he called and told her he had sent a car for Marc.

“I think it will be great. Are you sure he’ll be safe?”

“He’ll be with Rudy and Steve what could go wrong?” Oscar said.

“Well let me see…” Jaime teased.

“Plus it will give Marc some time with Rudy outside the lab. I still don’t think Marc trusts him the way he needs to. He always seems to want Steve.”

“Well I understand why. Anyway I’ll have Marc ready when the car gets here. I’m sure he’s going to argue that Matt can’t go along. I’ll handle it though.”

“I’m sure you will” Oscar assured her “Thanks Jaime.”

Within the hour Steve, Rudy and Marc were headed for Dove Island to aid Cheryl

“So you want to tell me what’s going on, on Dove Island? Steve asked as he piloted the chopper.

The government is conducting experiments on a drug that could turn a normal person into an Einstein.” Rudy told him.

“You mean smarter than Danny?” Steve asked not believing anyone could possibly be smarter than Oscar’s oldest son.

“Well not exactly, Danny’s intelligence is natural.”

Steve looked at him. “I don’t think there is anything normal about it.”

“I didn’t say normal I said natural. In other words Danny is smart because that’s the way he was born. We’re talking about taking someone like Marc and making him super smart.”

“Don’t give Oscar any ideas.” Steve told him.

Marc sat in silence listening to the two talk. He missed Matt and he was to far away to talk to him. He thought it would be fun to be as smart as Danny even for just a little while.

“Land near the shore line Steve. Cheryl doesn’t like the noise disturbing the animals.”

Steve landed right on the beach. They would have to hike in. “How bout it Marc you up for a hike in the woods?” Steve asked his young friend.

“I wish Matt were here.” He whispered. “We could have a lot of fun here.”

“Well Maybe next time your brother can come. Your dad thinks it’s a good idea to get the two of you apart for a while. You’re driving Jaime up a tree.” Steve continued. “And besides we’re not here to have fun.”

They began the hike back to where the lab was.

As they walked they came to a small ravine. Steve jumped over it. “Need a hand?” He said to Rudy extending his hand to help him.

“Yea. Thanks.” Rudy said.

They both turned to see how Marc would handle it. Marc decided to tackle it the way most seven going on eight-year-old boys would handle it. He got down on his knees and crawled up the small hill. He stood up and brushed off his new jeans.

“Ready?” He looked from Steve to Rudy.

“The lab is this way Steve.” Rudy pointed. They walked in the direction Rudy pointed. “This is really strange.” He said.

“Yea? What’s strange? Steve asked as they walked.

“Well you would think with Cheryl having trouble and all she would have been expecting some one and would have met us on the beach.” Rudy observed

“Well maybe she’s busy, maybe there is no trouble and she just got to busy to answer the calls. The other day Oscar said he tried three times to get hold of me. The first time Jaime and I were outside. She was having car trouble and we were trying to see what was wrong. The second time Jaime had already left and I was well occupied in another room.”

Steve looked back to see how far behind Marc was. He was trying to climb a tree. “Marc come on we need to get going.” Steve called.

“And the third?” Rudy asked

“What?”

“You said Oscar tried to get hold of you three times. The first two you were busy. Why couldn’t he get hold of you the third time?”

“I had already left the house.” Steve said.

“Well that explains it .I hope this situation is the same.” Rudy mused.”

They had made there way through the woods and came to a clearing where Cheryl had her lab set up. Rudy ran ahead calling Cheryl’s name. Steve and Marc caught up to him, as he stood frozen in the doorway.

“What happened here?” Steve wondered.

“I was hoping you might be able to tell me.” Rudy said.

Does Cheryl use explosives in her experiments? ”Steve asked.

“No just serums and drugs.” Rudy explained.

Steve turned to Rudy. “You stay here I’m going to take a look around outside. Marc followed Steve outside

Rudy stood in the empty lab trying to come up with a logical explanation as to what had gone wrong. He was just about to go see what Steve and Marc had found out when a crazed chimp came out of nowhere and attacked him.

Helpless he called for Steve. Hearing the distressed cry Marc and Steve both ran back into the lab. Steve was surprised the he had to resort to full bionic strength to subdue the vicious animal.

Steve helped Rudy to his feet. “Are you all right?”

“Yea but it bit me.” Steve examined the wound. “Let me see if I can find a first aide kit somewhere.”

“Here’s one. “ Marc said bringing it to Steve. “Is Rudy going to be all right?”

“Yea Marc he’s going to be just fine. Thanks for finding the first aide kit for us.”

“No problem. Anything else I can do to help.” Marc asked.

“Not that I can think of right now son. We will be leaving here though.” Steve told him

Steve bandaged up Rudy’s arm and they were getting ready to head back to the chopper.

“You’re a pretty good Dr. Steve, but I think I need something to prevent me from moving it. It hurts like…” He looked at Marc. “Like heck.”

“I know exactly what you’re saying.” Steve said.

“Me too. “ Marc giggled.

Steve removed his belt. “Here I think this will work just fine.

“That’s perfect Steve, thanks.”

Steve helped Rudy back to the chopper. “I think we better get you out of here.” Concern was in his voice.

They made their way back the way they had come from. Marc stayed right beside Steve this time.

“This is getting a little out of the ordinary I’m sending Marc with you as soon as I radio for help.”

They arrived back at the chopper Steve reached for the mic to the radio

Rudy’s reached over to try and stop him in the process he used his injured arm throwing the belt to the ground.

Steve turned to his friend. “I don’t need it anymore.” Came his answer.

“Are you sure?” Steve asked.

“Yea I’m sure Steve.” Rudy assured him.

Steve bent down and picked the belt up off the ground. “Now I’ll call for help. Marc you are leaving too.”

“Good I can get back to Matt.” Marc responded.

Steve was just starting to place the call for help when the monkey that bit Rudy re appeared. Steve turned to Rudy. “The lab boys might need him.”

“Right”. Rudy agreed

“You keep trying. I’ll go after him, Marc you stay here with Rudy “I’ll be right back.” Steve took off leaving Rudy and Marc by the chopper.

“Right.” Rudy answered.

It took a few minutes but Steve caught up to the chimp. Steve had to fight the crazed primate. It took longer than the thought to subdue him

From behind a tree a terrified Cheryl watched the entire scene play out. Fearing for her life that the man she was watching had been bitten himself. She aimed a tranquilizer gun at him and shot. She hit him in the right leg.

Feeling the impact Steve reached down and pulled the dart out of his thigh. He saw Cheryl staring at him.

“Stand back “ She cried “You’ve been bitten just stay away.”

Steve looked at her and then at the chimp lying on the ground. “You think I’m like that chimp dangerous huh? I haven’t been bitten and I’m not sick. He reached over and took the gun away from her. “I’m not going to hurt you.

“How were you able to…” She pointed to the chimp. “And why didn’t the tranquilizer have any effect.”

“My leg is bionic it’s a machine that can’t be drugged. All thanks you your friend Rudy Wells. Now I do have to get that chimp back to the main land cause it did bite Rudy.” Steve informed her.

At the chopper Rudy and Marc waited for Steve to return. Rudy could here the voice of the coast guard coming over the radio. He turned to Marc.

“Guess we better answer that.” He reached for the door handle of the chopper to pull it open; instead he pulled it off, Rudy looked at his hand in amazement. Marc was looking too.

Rudy reached for the knob that the handle attached to. He turned it and opened the door. He looked at Marc and again at his fingers.

“Wow!” Marc exclaimed. “How did you do that Rudy?”

“I don’t know. But I think I like it.” He smiled

“Me to.” Marc agreed.

Rudy picked up the mic and explained to the coast guard that everything was just fine.

He turned to Marc. “Come on son lets’ go….”

“When, when did the chimp bite him exactly how long ago?” Cheryl sounded frantic.

“Over an hour ago, why?” Steve demand

Cheryl started calculating the figures. Muttering something about Rudy’s size giving him an advantage over the chimp. “But his age will take at least two hour off.”

“Off of what?” Steve wanted to know.

“Of life.” She informed him.

Steve ran over to the chimp. “He’s dead, you mean that Rudy could…”

“I’m afraid so. All of the animals I have given the serum to have ended up the same way.” She sighed

Steve thought for a moment. “Is there an antidote?” He asked.

“None that’s ready to go. I was working on one when all hell broke lose.”

“Could you do it now?” Steve drilled.

“Yes but what would be the use, I would never get it finished before…”

Again Steve thought he wasn’t about to give up on his friend. “What if we sedate him would that help.”

“Yes, yes it very well could.”

Marc and Rudy had made there way back to the lab. This time Rudy jumped over the ravine.

Marc wasn’t sure what was going on. He liked seeing Rudy be like him, but at the same time he couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right.

“Rudy, are you sure you’re ok?” Marc said as they entered the lab.

“Yea Marc, I’m fine.” Rudy assured, him.

He watched as Rudy started reading Cheryl’s notes on the situation.

Marc picked up a cassette tape that was lying on the table. “I wonder what kind of music Cheryl listens to.” He wondered aloud holding the tape.

“Let me see that Marc. I don’t think it has music on it.” Rudy took the tape from the boy. “Here here’s the tape player. Let’s see if she put any of her notes on tape?”

Rudy put the tape into the machine and continued looking through Cheryl’s files. Marc and Rudy looked at each other when they heard Cheryl’s voice say “destruction of the subject is to only solution for the moment.”

“What does that mean?” Marc asked fearing he already knew the answer.

“It means that they kill the subject.’ Rudy told him.

“That’s what I was afraid of. “

Steve and Cheryl made it back to the lab. “Hi Steve “ Marc greeted.

“Marc, where’s Rudy?” Steve asked.

“I’m right here”. Rudy said. Then he saw Cheryl. “Good, you found her. Watch this.” He walked over to one of the cages the moneys had been kept in. He reached out with the arm that had been injured and slowly bent the bars apart.

“What do you think?” He stood and looked at Cheryl and Steve.

“Oh Rudy the serum made my animals stronger too. But…”

“But what? I feel great.” Rudy exclaimed.

“I saw it myself Rudy, that chimp that bit you is dead.”

“I don’t believe it. Maybe something passed through the bite, but I’m sure it’s not lethal.”

“Rudy I’m working on the antidote, “ Cheryl said as she prepared a syringe. “I need to have you completely quiet.”

Rudy and Marc both watched her. The words went through both their heads. ‘destruction of the subject is the only solution.’

“You’re trying to trick me!” Rudy cried. “You’re trying to trick me!”

“Rudy, we’re trying to help you.” Steve tried to assure him

“You want me to end up like that chimp!’ Rudy cried.

“Rudy!” Steve called out.

Rudy ran out of the lab. Marc started to follow Steve reached to stop him but Marc pushed him out of the way “I won’t let you hurt Rudy.” He yelled. Then chased after Rudy.

“Rudy, Marc!! Come back.” Steve called. He turned to Cheryl “You better get started on that antidote” Steve told her. “Let’s get to the chopper and radio for help.”

Marc caught up to Rudy. “Rudy I won’t let them hurt you.” He said.

“You mean that Marc?” Rudy questioned. He eyed Marc with suspicion

“That’s not fair. You want me to trust you, but you don’t trust me?”

‘You’re right Marc. Come on you can help me out.”

They had arrived at the chopper. “Come here Marc. We have to fix it so they can’t call for help, ok?” Rudy tore out the radio and crushed it. Then he opened the door to the engine and ripped the coils to the engine.

He turned to Marc. “You coming with me? Or are you staying here?”

Marc looked at what Rudy had done. He was a little nervous at first Then he looked up at Rudy smiled then nodded his head. “Why doesn’t’ Steve want you to be as strong as we are? Is he jealous?”

“No it’s not jealously, Marc. It’s selfishness on his part. Come on I’m sure they’re on their way here.”

“We better get going then.” Marc agreed.

Steve and Cheryl headed toward the chopper. “Who is the boy?’ she asked. “How did he over power you?” She stopped and put her hand over her mouth. “Oh my god was he bitten too?”

“He’s Oscar Goldman’s son. No he wasn’t bitten. He is like me. He was in an accident a few months back. It was the only way to save his life.”

“Why did he run away from you?”

“He’s only seven. I’m sure Rudy has him convinced that we’re the bad guys. Seven year olds are very impressionable. It’s funny, I always thought Marc was afraid of Rudy.” Steve commented.

“Well, maybe it’s that fear that made him go with Rudy.” Cheryl surmised

“That could be, or maybe Marc finally trusts Rudy. That’s kind of why we brought him along.” Steve explained.

They arrived at the chopper. “Well it looks like Rudy beat us to it.” He observed as he assessed the damage. “Looks like we’re on our own.”

From a distance Rudy and Marc watched the two of them. “He’s wrong Marc.” Rudy stated. “He wants to prevent me from being as strong as he is, as you are. “ He continued. “Well it’s to late, I have the power and I’m going to keep it. You with me Marc?”

“I sure am come on Rudy they might see you.” Marc warned.

The two of them ran off into the woods. Marc was trying hard to keep up. “Rudy!” He called “Rudy Wait!” Rudy was surprised that he had to actually hold back for Marc.

“Ok But I don’t want you to slow me down.” Rudy explained. “I don’t want them to catch up to me. “

“I don’t either Rudy.” Marc’s dark eyes were serious.

“Ok come on then. You know Marc maybe you shouldn’t be so strong. I can arrange it so that you are more like Matt. Would you like that?” Rudy asked

“I think I might.” Marc responded. “It’s getting late.” Marc looked at his watch. He had just learned how to tell time. That was one of the first things Jaime had worked with them on when she started teaching. “I’m hungry too.”

“Come on I’ll find you something to eat.” Rudy took his hand and they went deeper into the woods.

“It’s not a gourmet meal, but it’s good for you.” Rudy pointed out as he set the few things he was able to find in front of Marc.”

“That’s ok I’m more tired than anything.” Marc told him. “Where are we going to sleep?”

“Have you ever camped out under the stars?” Rudy asked.

Marc shook his head.

“Well, you’re in for a treat.” Rudy told him. “Just lie down here and try to get some sleep. I have a couple of things to do. I’ll be back though Ok? You stay right here. I mean it Marc, you stay here.” I won’t be gone to long.

Marc nodded “Ok Rudy “ He laid down on the ground and tried to fall asleep.

Steve and Cheryl had a campfire going. “I don’t understand something.” Steve started “Why do you want to live all by yourself on this island?”

Cheryl explained that she was the daughter of Carl Osbourne a scientist who had betrayed his country. “I’m just afraid of what people might think of me.” She told him.

“I don’t think anyone would have much to say.” Steve assured her. “That was a long time ago and you have more than proven yourself.”

Steve heard something coming toward them he quickly scanned the area with his infrared vision. He was able to shield Cheryl from the explosion that was caused by an oxygen tank Rudy had thrown at them. Steve continued looking for Rudy.

“Steve, Cheryl! Go back. You’re not going to stop me. Your not going to stop me from being the strongest man ever!”

Steve tried but he couldn’t see Rudy anywhere. Rudy knew he would be looking for him so he kept himself hidden

Cheryl turned to Steve. “Are you going to go after him?”

“There would be no point I’m sure he’s stronger and faster then me by now. My concern is for Marc. I hope he is with Rudy and that Rudy remembers that he’s only seven.”

“We can find him when it gets light.” Cheryl suggested.

“Yea Oscar will never forgive me if I let anything happen to him.” Steve sighed.

“If you don’t mind my asking what caused the boy to become bionic?” Cheryl asked.

“It was an accident. I can still see it play out in my head. Sometimes it plays over and over again like a broken record. I’m sure it’s the same for Oscar. We were all there.”

Steve proceeded to tell her the whole story.

Rudy made his way back to his own campsite. He expected to find Marc fast asleep. Instead Marc was sitting with his back up against a tree. He looked exhausted and deep in thought.

“I thought you would be asleep by now.” Rudy said sitting next to him.

“Just thinking I guess.” Marc told him

“What are you thinking about?” Rudy demanded.

“Well it’s what Steve said earlier. I mean that you might, might die.” He spoke softly.

“I wish Steve hadn’t said that in front of you. I’m going to be just fine, I’m better than all right.” Rudy pointed out. “You saw that for yourself.”

“Yea, I know. But if you are sick and I’m helping you, if anything happens to you it would be my fault.’ Marc stated.

“Marc, nothing is going to happen to me. I feel great.” Rudy told him. “What else are you thinking about?”

“Not much. I’m really tired it’s just that the ground is hard. I think a bug crawled inside my shirt and bit me. It really itches.”

“Here let me see.” Rudy looked at the small mark on Marc’s back. “I think you’ll survive.” He assured Marc.

“Yea that’s what I thought.” Marc agreed.

“You really need to try and get some sleep.” Rudy coaxed He pulled Marc close to him and before he knew it Marc had fallen asleep on his shoulder.

Rudy wasn’t about to let himself fall asleep. He was afraid Steve would sneak up on him and…

He sat with Marc’s head on his shoulders till almost dawn when the thought hit him. He quickly woke Marc up.

“Marc, Marc. Wake up. Wake up right now. He shook Marc till the boy was fully awake.

“What is it Rudy, what’s wrong?” Marc asked as he looked up at his friend.

“You haven’t been playing tricks on me have you?”

“Playing tricks what do you mean?” Marc wondered

“You know exactly what I mean.” Rudy grabbed Marc’s left wrist and started squeezing it.

“Ow! Rudy you’re hurting me!” Marc cried. “I don’t know what you’re talking about how could I trick you?”

“You haven’t been talking to your brother have you?”

“No I can’t I tried when we first got here. We must be to far apart.” Marc explained. “Rudy I think you really hurt me” Marc said as he cradled his wrist against his chest.

Rudy looked at Marc’s wrist, then at his own hand. Then back at Marc. Marc’s face went white and he passed out…

As Morning broke Marc came back around. “How’s the wrist Marc?” Rudy asked concern in his voice.

“It really hurts Rudy.” Marc whispered.

“Will you be alright? Do you still want to come with me?”

Marc stood up and nodded. “Let’s go.”

“Marc, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I know that Rudy.” Marc replied.

Steve began the search for Rudy and Marc. Steve only hoped that in the state Rudy was in he wouldn’t hurt the boy. He knew that Rudy in his right mind would never harm Marc, but Steve knew he wasn’t in his right mind.

“Maybe we can trick him into coming right to us.” Steve suggested, “I’ll make it look like we’re trying to repair the radio. In the mean time you get to work on the antidote.”

“That sounds like a good idea, we are running out of time.” She observed.

They both began their tasks. Seeing Steve on top of the lab repairing the antenna Rudy raced in. He began to smash the radio equipment.

As soon as Steve saw what he was doing, he jumped down from the roof. He grabbed a net and threw it over Rudy knocking him to the ground.

Steve becomes very concerned when Rudy slips into unconsciousness. “Cheryl! Cheryl!” He cries.

With Steve’s attention diverted Rudy leaps up throwing Steve to the ground. Steve takes off after him.

Marc watching the entire scene chases after Steve. Although his wrist throbbed, and he was sure it was broken. But that didn’t matter. There was no way he was going to allow Steve to stop Rudy. ‘Maybe I like the idea of there being another super strong person besides me.’ Marc thought to himself. He continued to chase after Steve.

He had learned only a few days ago just exactly how to use his eye to his advantage. Steve had showed him. So he used it to search for Steve. ‘There he is.’ Marc said to himself. He took off and tried to catch up.

Steve was right behind Rudy. He had no idea his deranged friend had set a trap for him. Steve stepped into a rope with Rudy standing on the other end. Rudy jerked on his end catching Steve by the legs as he hoisted him into the air.

Steve quickly tried to free himself and was shocked to discover he could not move his legs.

“Rudy.” He stated, “I can’t move my legs.”

“I know.” Rudy mocked back to him. “They’re magnetic induction coils. It reverses the way your legs work.” Rudy shouted at him “You still don’t get it. I made you and only I know how to stop you!”

“Come on Rudy let me down. Cheryl…”

“Cheryl has you brainwashed. I gave you credit for being smarter than that.”

“Rudy please let me go.” Steve pleaded

Rudy held up his hand. “Look at this” He said, “I can do things I’ve only seen you do and I like the feeling.”

Cheryl crept up behind him with a crow bar “Cheryl!” Steve called “Get out of here!”

Rudy turned to her. He grabbed the crowbar and after bending it threw it aside.

He grabbed Cheryl “I need more serum. We’re going back to the lab.”

The two of them left. From Behind a tree Marc appeared. He looked at Steve hanging upside down.

“Marc, Marc help me. The box is over there turn it off so I can get down.” Steve called to him

Marc walked over to the induction box and turned it off. Steve was then able to free himself for the rope that held him.

“Steve, I’m sorry. I really didn’t…”

“Don’t worry about it son.” He looked at Marc’s wrist. “Marc I think its broken son. How does it feel?”

“It hurts like hell.” Marc said.

Steve ignored the curse. “Marc you go back to the lab and stay there. Understand? Did Rudy do that to your wrist?”

Marc nodded. “He didn’t mean to. I know now he’s sick.”

“That’s right Marc. Now you do what I say and I’ll be there in a while to get you.”

Marc nodded, but had no intention of obeying Steve request.

Marc walked away his wrist getting bigger by the minute.

Feeling left out, he followed Steve.

Cheryl and Rudy were arguing on a small cliff. Rudy was demanding that she give him more of the serum.

“There isn’t any more I destroyed the rest of it.” She informed him

“You’re lying.” Rudy seethed.

“No I’m not, when I saw what it was doing I threw it out.”

“Then make some more!!” He demanded.

“No, no I won’t not after I’ve seen the result, not after what it’s done to you.” Rudy was holding her tight. She tried to get away.

Steve showed up and tried to subdue Rudy. Rudy and Steve scuffled and Rudy ended up falling off the cliff and into the quicksand below.

Just as Steve was about to jump down and rescue Rudy Marc showed up. “I thought I told you to go back to the lab.”

Marc just stared at Rudy “Let’s get him out of there, then you can be mad at me.” Marc said then jumped to the ground below followed by Steve.

Steve had brought the ropes from the induction coils with him. He grabbed one end and threw the other to Rudy. “Grab the rope Rudy.” Steve called.

Rudy reached out and held onto the rope. Steve gave it a yank.

Rudy let go. “You pulled to hard.” He cried.

Steve got ready to toss it to him again. “Steve I can’t see” Rudy sounded distressed.

By now Cheryl had made her way down the cliff. “Steve, it could be a trap.” She warned.

“That’s a chance we’ll have to take.” Marc said He took one end of the rope and tried tying it around he waist.

“No way Marc, your wrist is broken absolutely not!!” Steve tried to stop him.

“We don’t have time to argue. You tie it Steve, I can’t” Marc said.

Steve viewed the situation he assessed they really had no choice, he tied the rope around Marc’s waist.

Marc jumped into the quicksand out where Rudy was stranded.

Steve held tight to his end of the rope. He turned to Cheryl “Don’t ever tell his father I allowed him to do this.”

Marc reached down and grabbed Rudy by the belt. “Ok Steve, pull us in.” Marc called.

Steve gave the rope another yank and pulled then both to the ‘shore line’ Steve grabbed for Rudy and Cheryl grabbed for Marc. They were both safe.

Rudy opened his eyes. He looked over at Marc. “Steve I think I broke Marc’s wrist. Make sure someone takes care of it.” Then he lapsed into unconsciousness

“I don’t know what’s going on.” Oscar shouted into the phone to the coast guard “All I know is that I sent Steve there yesterday and I haven’t heard one word form him. Something is wrong. You have my permission to go on the island!!” Oscar slammed the phone down and turned to Russ I am staying right here until the coast guard calls back, I told them to go on in. If they find nothing I will have to send Jaime. I can’t imagine what could possibly be wrong. I wish now I hadn’t sent Marc.”

When Steve Cheryl, Marc and Rudy returned to the helicopter the coast guard was waiting for them. They all got on the boat and headed back for Washington.

With Steve standing watch a doctor on board set Marc’s wrist and put it in a cast. Marc didn’t say a word through the entire process.

A couple of days later Oscar and Steve sat in Oscar’s office. Marc stood in front of the window looking out at the city below. Rudy was showing off his lab to Cheryl.

“How long has he been that way Oscar?” Steve asked pointing to Marc.

“Ever since you got back. I don’t think he’s said two words since you got back. Jaime says he’s not doing any schoolwork, that’s why I brought him with me today. I was hoping you could get through to him. He seems to be more open with you.”

Steve walked over to where Marc stood. He put his hand on Marc’s shoulder “How are you doing partner?” Steve asked

Marc’s only response was to shrink away and walk to the other window. His eyes never left what he was looking at.

Not wanting to cause more damage Steve stepped back to where Oscar sat. “I don’t understand. Well I guess he wasn’t very talkative on the trip back either. In fact he was pretty quiet for the last hour or so we were on the island.” Steve remembered.

“What exactly happened Steve.” Oscar drilled.

“I told you everything…”

Rudy and Cheryl entered Oscar’s office. Marc didn’t even acknowledge their presence. He remained at the window.

“What’s with him?” Rudy asked.

“I don’t know. He has been like that since you guys got back. That’s why I brought him with me today. He isn’t concentrating on his schoolwork anyway. He won’t talk to any of us. Not even Matt. “It’s almost like we are all the way back to square one. You know the way he was in beginning? Oscar surmised.

At those words, Steve’s mind raced back to the incident on the island after Rudy had trapped him in the noose. Rudy’s words came back to him. ‘I made you and only I no how to stop you’ It didn’t occur to Steve until just now that Marc was there he must have overheard everything.

“Cheryl would you mind staying with him for just a few minutes.” Even though she knew about Steve and Marc Steve felt that this should stay between him, the boy’s father and Dr.

They stepped out into Oscar’s outer office. “I think I know what the problem is.” He told them.

“You want to fill us in pal.” Oscar said.

Steve turned to Rudy. “How much do you remember?” He asked

“Not much. My clearest memory is of Marc coming out to me in the quicksand, grabbing my belt and you pulling us in.”

‘Marc did what!!” Oscar looked to Steve “And you let him even with a broken arm? By the way you never did tell us who set it.”

“A Doctor from the coast guard. I was with him the whole time.” Steve assured them “Oscar it was the only way. One thing Marc demonstrated was that he puts other people above himself. Anyway back on target here.”

“Yea I’m sorry Steve please continue.” Oscar said.

“Cheryl and I were trying to help Rudy and anyway I had to try and catch him I ran after him. He…” Steve turned to Rudy. “You really don’t remember any of this?”

“It’s coming back. I caught you in a magnetic induction coil, which rendered you powerless. Yea I remember now.”

“Do you remember what you said to me?” Steve pressed.

“I said ‘I made you and only I know how to stop you’ it’s all coming back now.”

“Marc overheard. I think that’s what’s bothering him.” Steve indicated

“That and the fact that I’m the one that broke his wrist. I remember that too. I was afraid he was going to call to Matt I didn’t mean to hurt him.”

Oscar turned to Rudy, “You broke my son?”

“I’m sorry Oscar.” Rudy said. Then he turned back to Steve. “So what do we do about it?

“I don’t think I can do anything this time.” Steve pointed out. I don’t think his bionics are the whole problem this time, and besides he knows how I feel. I think He needs some time with Rudy just the two of them. Somewhere along the line Marc lost his trust in Rudy. Anyway that’s what I’m assuming happened.” Steve pointed out…

“But Steve is Rudy in any condition to take care of Marc right now.” Oscar observed. “He just got out of the hospital and a seven year old can be a little trying. I mean you have to watch them all the time. Believe me I know.” Oscar warned.

“I think I can handle Marc.” Rudy began but was interrupted when Jaime came in.

“I was just wondering how Rudy was feeling. “ She said as she sat in a chair. “I hear you’re going home today.”

“Yea, I can’t wait. Marc is coming with me.”

“What, Rudy you can’t be expected to take care of a child just when you got out of the hospital…”

Steve took her aside and explained the reason. “But Steve I still don’t think…”

“You’re the one who said Marc was having trouble concentrating and all. We think for some reason he lost his trust in Rudy, he needs to gain that trust back.” Steve explained.

“Ok I guess I understand. I was planning on stopping by and making dinner I’ll still do that.”

“You don’t have to do that Jaime.” Rudy told her.

“I know, but I want to.” She said.

“Listen, I’ll drop Marc off after dinner. I have to get his things together anyway. Their birthdays are next week. I’d like to have this resolved before then.” Oscar said.

“That sounds good. I don’t really have a place for him to sleep except in the living room on the fold out sofa, I hope that’s ok.” Rudy explained.

“That will be just fine.” Oscar assured him. “I’ll be by after dinner then hopefully we can get it resolved in one night. I don’t think Matt is going to be real happy about what’s going on.”

They looked at Marc who still stood in front of the window. Had he heard them talking or was he lost in his own world again.

Oscar walked over to him. “Come on son it’s time to go home.”

Marc turned and looked up at Oscar. He grabbed his coat and followed Oscar out of the office without saying a word.

After much complaining from Matt, Oscar dropped Marc off at Rudy’s at 7:00

“HI Marc”, Rudy greeted “You ready to spend the night with me? I think we’ll have a lot of fun together.”

Marc shrugged his shoulders and set his suitcase down. He didn’t even look up at Oscar when he left.

“Good luck Rudy.” He said as he stepped out onto the porch.

“We’ll be fine” Rudy assured as he closed the door. “So Marc what do you want to do?”

Marc didn’t answer. He walked over to the window and watched Oscar drive away. He continued standing there long afterward.

Rudy sat in a chair and watched him. “Anything you want to talk about Marc.” Rudy asked after several minutes passed.

Marc only shook his head. Rudy sighed as he looked at Marc. “So what did your dad fix you for dinner?”

Marc slowly turned to him. “He made meatloaf.” Marc answered.

“That sounds good, was it?” Rudy pressed on.

Marc nodded.

“Come over here and sit down. I want to talk to you for a minute.” Rudy said pointing to the chair next to his.

Marc slowly walked over to the chair Rudy pointed to. “How does the wrist feel? You know Marc I feel terrible that I hurt you. I didn’t mean it.” Rudy tried to get Marc talking.

“It’s ok.” Marc said softly.

“I’ll x-ray it again in a couple of days to see how it’s coming, ok?”

“Only if you want to.” Marc whispered.

“Of course I want to.” Rudy told him.

Marc still wouldn’t make eye contact Rudy was becoming very concerned. Marc seemed so withdrawn.

“Marc, son. Please look at me.” Rudy pleaded

Marc carefully looked up at Rudy then just as quickly his brown eyes became fixated on a crack in the ceiling.

Rudy followed his gaze “Yea this place is a mess isn’t it. I think I’m going to move very soon. The land lord wants the place to go condo, and I really don’t want to buy into it the place isn’t worth it.”

Staring at the crack Marc nodded.

‘Well at least he hears what I’m saying’ Rudy thought to himself.

Rudy looked at his watch “Do you like popcorn. I have a TV program coming on I was going to make popcorn to eat while I watch it want to help?”

Without saying a word Marc got up and followed him to the kitchen. “Why don’t you have a seat at the table while I get this done. Ok?”

Marc sat at the table and Rudy went the movements of making popcorn. ‘Maybe watching TV will be a good ice breaker.’ Rudy thought.

They sat on the couch together with the bowl of popcorn in between them Marc laughed at some of the shows they were watching.

“Marc you know when we were on the island I was very sick. Steve and Cheryl were right, that monkey made me strong, but it also made me very sick.”

Marc didn’t look at him but he did look away from the TV saying in sense ‘I am listening.’

“I know you overheard what I said to Steve too. Marc you have to understand something. I didn’t know what I was saying. I sure didn’t mean it.”

Without looking directly at Rudy, Marc did turn his head in that direction.

“In the normal course of events I would never say such a thing to Steve. He’s my friend I think it hurt his feelings. How about you?”

That did it Rudy lost him. Marc looked back at the television and wouldn’t even acknowledge his presence for the rest of the night.

Fearing he failed Rudy turned off the TV. “Well it’s going to feel good to sleep in my own bed tonight.” Rudy yawned, “This couch makes out into a bed. Here get up and I’ll show. You.”

Marc stood up. Rudy took the cushions off and piled them onto the floor. “While I do this why don’t you go brush your teeth and get you PJs on? The bathroom’s right there.”

Marc walked into the bathroom and changed his clothes he brushed his teeth and stepped out. Rudy had the bed already by the time Marc finished.

“There you go. My room is right there if you need anything. I’ll set out an extra blanket in case you get cold in the night. Ok?”

Marc nodded.

‘Oscar thought this was going to be hard but it really hasn’t been’ Rudy thought ‘But Steve is right, something is bothering him. I just wish he could be as open with me as he is with Steve.’

Marc slid under the covers and Rudy went to his own room. Rudy was soon asleep.

Not Marc he laid awake for some time. He was hoping to talk to Matt but it was too late Matt had been asleep hours ago.

Marc lay in the darkness. His tiny ears picked up every noise the apartment made.

He was starting to get a little scared. Then the icemaker in the freezer dropped its load scaring Marc half to death. He bolted out of bed and ran into Rudy’s room.

Rudy was in the middle of a dream when he heard a child’s voice calling him from somewhere in the distance. He couldn’t figure it out but the voice got louder and louder.

Rudy opened his eyes. Marc was standing beside his bed. “I know you’re mad at me, but can I sleep with you?” He pointed to the door. “It’s scary out there.”

Rudy only heard the first sentence. “What do you mean I’m mad at you Marc?”

“Because I almost killed you.” Marc explained.

‘You almost… No Marc I’m not mad at you.” Rudy tried to reassure him

“Yes you are and Steve hates me.” Marc started crying.

Rudy got out of bed and put on his robe. “Come on Marc I’ll fix you some hot chocolate. Would you like that?”

“Yes please.” Marc answered.

Even though it was very late they sat in the kitchen drinking hot chocolate.

“Now explain this to me again. I’m mad at you and Steve hates you?” Rudy started.

Marc nodded “Jaime too.” He added.

“Marc no one blames you. “ Rudy again tried to reassure him. “It’s not your fault.”

“If I hadn’t been on your side…” Marc started

“Marc I’m flattered that you had that much confidence in me. And as far as Steve is concerned he understands.”

But if I had helped Steve, maybe you wouldn’t have gotten so sick and fallen in the quicksand. Marc pointed out.

“If I remember you’re the one who risked their own life to save me.” Rudy reminded him.

“Yea, I guess I did.” Marc remembered.

“By the way don’t ever do that again, unless you want to give your father a heart attack ok?”

Marc looked at him with a serious look on his face.

“Marc I’m only kidding.” Rudy laughed. “Come on you need a little sleep I’ll sit with you till you go to sleep. Ok?”

Marc nodded. “I am tired.” He said.

Rudy tucked him back into the sofa bed and stayed beside him till he fell asleep.

Rudy caught a few winks himself He wanted to get up before Marc. He had a couple of phone calls to make.

He called both Steve and Oscar and told them of he and Marc’s late night chat.

Later that morning Steve and Oscar arrived at Rudy’s house at about the same time.

Marc and the other kids sat in Rudy’s living room watching TV while Steve Rudy and Oscar sat in the kitchen talking.

“Are you sure that’s all it was Rudy?” Oscar wanted to know.

“Yea I think so. I don’t even know if he heard what I said to you Steve. I hope not. That could haunt his fragile little mind later on. But right now I think he’s going to be ok.”

Rudy turned to Oscar. “I want to re x-ray is wrist maybe some time today I want to make sure it was set properly.”

“I was hoping you would.” Oscar said.

That afternoon Rudy took another x-ray. “The doctor did a wonderful job setting it. I’m sure it can come off in a few weeks.” Rudy told an anxious Oscar. “I just hope I convinced him I’m not mad at him. I really don’t think I did.”

“Well we’ll work through that when the time comes.” Oscar began. Then after thinking added. “It’s amazing the way a child’s mind works. He actually thought you were angry with him. But he seems to be doing much better though at least he’s talking again and he and Matt are back at it”…