The resemblance is remarkable. Right down to the identical way he pleads for mercy.

Their technology was quite advanced, and then we stole it and destroyed it. We couldn’t have more pathetic identical recreations traipsing around the place could we? . But it was enjoyable finding different ways to kill the same person, savouring the same anguished screams over and over again.

He’s awake. Oh and it looks like he might be using that human spine he’s equipped with.

"Don’t even try. Don’t even try to use your abilities, Max. The serum we injected you with – very effective in suppressing the neurotransmitters in your cerebral cortex. Experiments on the alien in the forties taught us that that’s where most of your powers come from. Come on, sit down. It’s all right. That’s not your real weakness, though, is it? You know, I’ve been going about this the wrong way the whole time. It’s not that you’re part alien: it’s that you’re part human."

Actually it’s both; two weak sides don’t make a victor.

"You have feelings."

Ahh the tape, that is a wonderful piece of work. I only wish we had one when we were killing the original.

That could have made it fun.

"Emotions."

Not that it wasn’t.

"Friendship."

Almost makes me wish I were I doing it, and not watching through a pane of one-sided glass.

"Love."

That last image… exquisite. I hope they paid the artist who created that one well. Yet personally the real thing would have been much more… exciting.

" No! NO!"

It was the last time.

"Trick photography, Max."

Always impatient Mr. Pierce giving the game away early on in the piece. That, my human friend, will get you killed. Actually I might do it myself.

After all if you knew what I really am, you would want to kill me.

But you don’t know.

Because our people have always been better at hiding, than the… other’s.

"NO! No!"

Is he writhing? Pathetic.

"Max, Max! Computer rigged. Virtual reality, Max. It’s not real. It’s not real. We didn’t kill her. We didn’t kill her. I just wanted to show you what can happen. What will happen."

Elizabeth Parker. I’m surprised that the protector didn’t nip that one in the bud this time. It least it proves that someone can make the same mistake twice. His superiors must be sooo disappointed to find out that their ‘one’ has fallen once again for the local girl who’s nothing but trouble. Easier to catch that way, so it’s a pleasure.

The last one’s wife… now she was a beauty, vengeance until her very last breath. Killed five of my comrades, perhaps she will be even better this time.

That, I’m looking forward to.

"You’re evil."

This boy wouldn’t know evil if it spat in his face.

" I’m evil? I’m risking my life to save my country, my planet from being colonised by alien life - by you."

Mr Pierce I’m afraid you are quite deluded, this boy could barely take over a cake stall, he has no organisation, followers and quite clearly no will.

"Tell me where the other one is."

Wouldn’t we all like to know. I’ve been trying to find that thing for years. My spectacular failure has not been pleasant, but you Mr. Pierce, a human, might end up completing my work for me. You’re doing a splendid job of tearing this shade of the ‘revolutionaries leader’ apart. But I am quite disappointed in some of your methods; you act like you might even care for this pathetic thing.

Humans!

"The other what?"

You couldn’t lie very well the last time either.

"We found this in the crash."

Pilots they are not. Now farming, that was what they’re good at.

"We have spent fifty years looking for the other one, and we know you have it. It took a little persuading, but Topolsky told us."

She wasn’t as entertaining, giving in so quickly. My disrespect for the human race was completely…

Well I never did have any respect for the human race. But I do like what they’ve done with the planet.

"Tell me where it is. Tell me."

Anger, Mr. Pierce?

" Ok. I’m going to give you a choice, Max. You can either tell me where the other orb is, or you can tell me which one of your friends you want me to kill first. Hmm? And you have ten seconds. Maybe I’ll start with Liz."

"Ok, stop it! Stop! I’ll tell you where it is, just don’t hurt Liz."

You’re breaking my heart. Why don’t you just kill him already Mr. Pierce, I’m sure with your skills we can figure out something.

There is three others.

Oh, wait. You don’t know that.

Once a human always a human.

"Huh. You do have feelings. Just like us. Whatever you are, you better tell me the truth for Liz’s sake."

That just proved my point. I can’t stand this anymore, to give up so easy… I want to wring both their necks.

***

Well this is a surprise. The people’s ‘second’ and the protector. The second always had more mettle than the other one. He never did crack. I suppose I can entertain myself with these two.

" Matheson."

A nod and a smile.

"Afternoon, Agent."

Old friend the suit just doesn’t suite you. The second looks nervous, maybe I’m wrong about him Oxygen could have made him as inferior as the other one.

"Fields. You’re the new agent, aren’t you?"

"Yeah, good to meet you."

A weak handshake. My judgement is slipping.

"You picked a hell of a time to show up. Welcome to the Unit."

The knives, I’m sure, will be sticking into you next.

Delightful.

"Thank you."

The pleasure is all mine.

I can already smell the blood.

Delicious.

I might get a coffee. Earthly sustenance, I won’t miss that for certain.

***

"Fields?! What are you doing?"

Going so soon? You mean I might actually have to fight you pathetic excuse for an ‘alien’?

"Pierce’s orders. I got to get the prisoner out of here. They need help inside. Go. Now!"

With pleasure I wouldn't want things to be too easy. My superiors might think I've gotten lazy.

"Are you all right, sir?"

ShowTime.

"Sir, stand back. He is not Matheson."

Plus I want to be the one to kill you. There has to be some reward for having to put up with you for years.

There is.

The bullets hit the protector just the same; perhaps it’s even more satisfying.

Die, old enemy.

Is it that hard to recognise me?

This is delightfully unexpected, maybe this wont be such a chore after all.

Thankyou, Mr. Pierce, for leading me straight to them.

Because it’s going to be so easy to destroy them.

Not that it wasn’t the first time.

Back to Area 51 (Section II)