Oy, there is so much going on right now guys, I'm sorry. ^^; My cousin actually caught swine flu! Scary stuff. But I managed to squeeze in a little time to let you guys know I haven't given up. As a warning though, I will be camping, and might not get the next chapter until Monday. So now I present:

Struggles

Chapter 10: I Promise

It's a little uncomfortable, both of us crawling through the vents, awkwardly trying to remember which way to go, and all the while trying our best not to make a sound. Finally, though, we get up to the roof, both of us taking a deep breath of the fresh air. I wish I could enjoy it more, but I know we don't have much time. I take Susan's hand, tugging her to the edge of the base, and peer down. I can already hear the beat of the helicopter's blades.

"Dr. Cockroach, what are we going to do?" Susan asks me urgently, clearly eager to know what it is I have planned, and why I'm so tense about it.

"I'm sorry, my dear, we really don't have time..." Glancing at her, I can see the frustration in her expression, but she remains silent. "Wait here." I begin to crawl down the wall again, following the sound of the helicopter. I reach a huge door, the entryway to the aircrafts, I assume. Peeking inside, I can see Monger, standing beside his pilot. I strain my ears to hear over the sound of the blades.

"We'll be heading straight for the top conference room in D.C., you got it, soldier?"

"Yes sir."

"Good man. Now let's go."

Bugger. I crawl higher up again as they climb into the helicopter, beginning to take off. At least now we have a destination. I take a deep breath as it pulls out of the building, the wind of the machine hitting my back in heavy thuds that make my heart race. Squinting against the wind, I can make out the shape of Monger. He's standing at the side of the helicopter. This time, I'm sure he sees me, but he gives no indication of such to his pilot.

I can't help but smile a little. He's an old softy, not that I'd ever say that to his face.

Shaking my head, I focus back on the matter at hand. I crawl into the building, peering around. The men all seemed to have cleared out, leaving me free to take what I wish. Perfect. Releasing another deep breath, I slide down the wall, hurrying over to one of the helicopters. Now, if I could just get it to work... All it takes is a little wire rearranging, and soon, its blades begin to spin. Come on, come on, a little faster now...

Aha! I take the controls as it lifts off the ground. It's a little difficult at first, I nearly take out the vehicle next to me, but I manage to gain control. The sound is deafening from inside, but it's the least of my worries. Helicopter wavering a little, I pull further up the building, until I reach the roof. Glancing out, I see Susan, watching me with wide eyes. I send her a little smile, carefully turning it so that it's close enough for her to climb in. "Come on, my dear. We have a conference to get to."

-

"Weapons?! Like, actual military, goes-boom weapons?"

I sigh softly, giving a small nod. "That's right. And with The others making a ruckus right now, the chances of the vote going through is even higher."

Glancing to the side, I see Susan bury her face into her hands. I wish I could reach out to her, but it's kind of important that I keep both my hands on the controls. "I can't believe this. I mean, BOB will be fine, probably, being all... indestructible, but Link and Insectosaurus."

"I know, my dear," I respond, shaking my head. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they found some sort of weapon to get rid of BOB too, but I don't say that out loud. "Right now, our best chance is going over there... You have the gloves still, don't you?"

"Of course," Susan nods, looking down at her hands, though the gloves are no longer glowing.

"Leave them in here."

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see the shock on her face. "What? But they'll have guards everywhere! We might not be able to get in!"

I release another heavy sigh. "I know. But trying to convince them we're not dangerous after beating up the Secret Service may not be the best plan."

"Oh... right..." She bites her lip, hesitantly tugging the gloves off.

"We'll figure it out, Susan." I tighten my hold on the controls. "Everything will turn out okay. I promise."