The shop was in ruins. The military had begun to cordon off the surrounding area. The police then arrived on the scene. The officer in charge of the operation began to shout at General Billiar. He was soon pulled away by two burly soldiers.
As the soldiers were busy trying to seal off the area they didn’t notice a slight glow from inside the shop. A few seconds later James Watt appeared in the room, phasing into it through the floor. He looked out of the window and saw that no one was looking into the shop. He then looked around and saw Colossus’ body lying on the floor. He walked over to it, and after a few seconds of looking at it he activated his small communication device.
“Watt to Magus. I’ve found the android. He appeared to be severely damaged.”
“Bring him back to the mansion James.” said Magus. “We must not let the military get their hands on him.”
“Understood. Watt out.”
Outside the soldiers looked surprised when a huge gust of wind suddenly blew past them. Then Billiar entered the shop. He looked around and began scratching his head.
“Bloody idiots! They’ve destroyed the android!”
A few minutes later Watt, with Colossus in his arms, flew near the Anglo-Force mansion. As he neared the ground he saw Magus waiting for him. He soon landed next to him.
“Did anyone see you?” Magus asked.
“Are you kidding?”
“Quickly, bring him inside.” said Magus. “We have much work to do.”
They entered the mansion and soon entered the lab where Muir was working. Watt placed Colossus on the table. Muir seemed distressed at the sight of Colossus’ damaged body. Magus placed his hand on Muir’s shoulder.
“Come Jock.” he said. “If we are to save him we must work quickly.”
As Watt left the lab Magus and Muir set about their work. Muir set out repairing the damaged systems. Magus worked at a separate station on a small microchip. They worked for hours, not once stopping for a rest. Later Watt entered to give them some news.
“I’ve just got the word from the grapevine. They’ve called off the search for the android.”
They did not acknowledge his words. They continued their work. It was several more hours later when they appeared to finish their work. Muir had managed to repair all of his damaged systems. He was about to reactivate him when Magus stopped him.
“What did you do that for?” Muir asked.
“If Colossus is to survive then two things must be added.”
Magus placed his hand on Colossus’ face. Slowly his features began to change. After a few seconds his face was completely different. He now resembled a young-looking Magus. Muir smiled as he saw this. After removing his hand from Colossus’ face he handed Muir the microchip he had been working on.
“What’s this?” asked Muir.
“The last thing Colossus will need if he is to survive in this world. If Colossus is given any sort of medical scan this microchip will make it seem as if he has a heartbeat and a pulse, and when it is connected with his other systems it will make him ‘breath’, therefore making him seem ‘human’.”
Muir smiled at Magus.
“You sly old dog Magus!”
Muir set about completing the final task. The microchip was soon installed, and Muir then reactivated him. Colossus started ‘breathing’. Muir touched Colossus’ wrist.
“I can feel his pulse!” he said.
“That’s our first task completed.” said Magus. “Now we have to decide what to do with him!”
It was an hour later, and Watt sat in the conference room watching the screen on the wall in front of him. He was watching a news report on the disturbance in Knightsbridge. The report was very vague, saying that terrorists were in the clothes shop. A rye smile appeared on Watt’s face. A few seconds later Magus and Muir entered the room. Behind them was the ‘new’ Colossus One. Magus sat down at the table opposite Watt.
“You’ve done well.” said Watt, looking at Colossus.
“We have.” said Magus. “But now we’ve got to decide what to do with him. That’s why we want to talk to you.”
“I know what you’re going to say.” said Watt. “You want me to let Colossus join Anglo-Force.”
Watt got to his feet.
“There’s a lot of risks involved here.” he said. “If the government were to find out we had him here they would revoke our charter. The risks may be took great.”
Colossus approached Watt and placed a hand on Watt’s shoulder.
“You helped me, Captain Watt, and for that I wish to repay you. I want to help you. In battle I would be able to assist you with my superior speed and power, but I also have a great intellectual capacity. I believe Anglo-Force could use a scientist to lend a hand once in a while.”
“There is another reason I would like him to join James.” said Magus. “I have been thinking about this for a long time, and I have made a decision. It is my wish to become a reserve member. I have many other interests I wish to pursue, and Colossus, although he is no wizard, would be the perfect replacement.”
“And the military wouldn’t have to find out about him.” said Muir. “They think he’s destroyed.”
“I can’t see I have any other choice.” said Watt. “From what you’ve told me about him he will indeed be a great asset.”
Watt extended his hand towards Colossus.
“Welcome to Anglo-Force, Colossus.”
Colossus looked down at Watt’s hand. He did not know what to do. Watt took hold of his hand and they shook. Watt smiled.
“I can see there’s still a lot you’ve got to learn!”
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