Chapter 7

“You kidnapped an innocent man!” yelled Max, with the still knocked out Dr. Myer’s tied up in a chair.

“No. I kidnapped a villain, who was trying to hurt a lot of people.” Said Tarin.

“That’s still kidnapping!” Said Sorra, her and Eithan had gotten into their camo suits so their faces wouldn’t be seen by the doctor.

Tarin shook his head, “Listen, he said he knew a lot about what was going on about Méndez. I thought we’d interrogate him, then we give him up to the police.”

Colton was swinging in his self made hammock, “Well, why didn’t you try to get Méndez?” Tarin then remembered that he forgot to talk to Méndez at all even though he told him he was.

“When I heard he knew things, everything went too fast, even for me. It turns out Dark Dash can phase through objects, I bet that’s how I lost him in our last chase. This guy, though, said he knew what Méndez’s plans were.” Tarin said.

“Oh yes, they're quite sinister.” said a voice. Tarin turned around to see the man had woken up, “So this is the new super team I came to help.”

Max mount hung open, “Help? You almost killed Red Dash!”

“Yes, but that was the only way you’d listen wasn’t it?” Nobody said anything, maybe it was the only way they’d listen. “Now then, gather heroes and assorted assistants I presume?”

Sorra looked appalled, “Assistants!?”

Dr. Myer laughed, “Now, where to begin. You all know Méndez’s identity by now right?” They nodded, “Perfect, well let’s start at the beginning. Dr. Méndez and I were colleagues, trying to find a way to extend the lifespan of a person using a specific element. Aluminum. You all think it’s only good for rapping things, but Méndez and I both thought it could be the cure for extended life! Anyway, everything we tried failed. As you’d expect, the project was shut down for several years until Christepher found a new material. Which from looking at all of you, at least some of you have come in contact with?”

Tarin’s eyes widened, “The plants.”

Dr. Myer smiled, “Precisely. Now you see aluminum is an element that lasts for a tremendous amount of time, so when Méndez got his hands on some of this new plant he got straight to work. He created a synthesis that he believed wouldn’t just extend life, but eternalize it. He got obsessed with the idea so much so that he did his first test on himself. He created a serum he thought was capable of giving a man immortality. As you probably guessed it didn’t work, but that’s not what we thought at the time. He had increased speed, and motor functions. Perfect.”

“Hypermotility.” Said Eithan.

Dr. Myer seemed unimpressed, “Really? Alright anyway, everything seemed fine. That was until he started getting tired.” Dr. Myer shook his head, “He started acting weird, before we could announce anything to the public he warned us not to. He took control, and then he used all the resources to create the abomination Genex. He continued to keep in contact with me, thinking I was the only one he could trust.” Dr. Myer looked to the floor, “And I was. I helped him develop a plan, but he got out of control again. He made it more extreme, more insane, once I saw he’d returned as what he called the ‘Dark Dash’ I needed to come and stop him. I helped him with most of the plan, and he probably hasn’t changed it much.” The man's backstory was compelling, Eithan sat on the floor eagerly.

“So what’s his plan?” Colton asked,

“There's a reason the Genex tower is larger than the rest. He plans to release the toxins into the air infecting everyone, and when he’s done he plans to rule them all as their god.”

“So you came to help?” Asked Aaron, the man nodded. “Alright let him out.”

Tarin looked at him, “Are you insane?”

“He obviously wants to stop Dark Dash as much as we do.” Max said,

“He tried to kill me!” Tarin protested.

“Think back child, who was I really aiming for?” The doctor asked, Tarin thought back to the fight. Before Dark Dash had come the doctor hadn’t really hit him, but was trying to dodge him.

Tarin sighed, “Fine.” Tarin ran around the doctor unwrapping the ropes bounding the doctor.

Once he was free the doctor stood, “Thank you.” he said moving his arms.

“Where do you want to be dropped off?” asked Tarin.

The doctor thought for a second, but looked around their base. He approached their communication desk, “You kids are incredibly intelligent.” He said, “Which one of you made all of this?”

Tarin stood straighter, “I did.” he said confidently.

“You are truly talented.” He said, he closed his eyes. “I’d like to help you more if I can, is there anything else you would need from me?” Truly Tarin was surprised by the doctor's bravery, but before he could object the doctor spoke again. “I would also like your help.” He said, catching Tarin off guard.

“With what?” asked Sorra.

“Well, I’ve been building a giant machine underground for the past month. I just destroyed it by getting the giant machine out. I have no home.” Tarin saw what the doctor was trying to do, and he himself was starting to believe his innocence.

Tarin was a hero, when people needed help he came. “Alright. You have to help us on missions though.” Everyone nodded in unison, “Our identities stay hidden for now though.” The doctor nodded. The alarm went off a distress signal, Tarin ran to the consol. It was a robbery at a jewelry store, something they had never faced before. Tarin turned to everyone, “Robbery, got to stop it.”

Dr. Myer nodded, “Best to only send Red Dash, and Green Gadget. You're able to dodge bullets, Blue Basher would cause too much damage and white light the same. Your coms are tied to this correct?” Said the doctor pointing to the board.

Tarin nodded, “Yes they are.” Dr. Myer typed in a few different things then Tarin saw directions in his field of vision, 

“Those are the exact location of the jewelry store, and the robbers have something else. I’ll try and figure out what it is.” Said Dr. Myer.

“Why are you helping us?” Tarin asked Dr. Myer.

Dr. Myer looked to the floor, “Because Méndez took everything from me, my job, life. I want revenge, I know that’s not how you heroes roll but I at least want to help in his defeat.” Tarin expected there was something else about Myer then he was letting on, but now was no time to ask questions. Train nodded, and waved to Colton indicating to get going.