"Engineer!"
The Engineer perked up at the familiar voice. Turning around and smiling once he knew who it was.
"Hey, Black Sheep! What's up?" The Engineer asked, looking down at the young girl who was once a little bundle of joy. Well, she still was, just not in the same way.
And more grown up.
Black Sheep awkwardly scratched the back of her head. "Nothing. Just getting to Coach Brunt's combat class. What 'bout you?"
The Engineer chuckled. "Just about to meet up with Driver and Mechanic for another mission. Catch ya later, kiddo?" He said, as he walked by Black Sheep to go to where his partners were waiting.
Black Sheep nodded happily. "Bye, Engineer! Good luck~" She sing-songed, before walking off to her destination.
________________________
Martin stared at the picture frame in his hand. His face expression saddened.
"I'm sorry, Black Sheep." He whispered, putting the picture down on the left side of his workspace.
Martin opened a drawer and pulled out the one thing he never knew he would want to use again-his old VILE communicator.
Martin took a deep breath, and then pressed the button sitting in the middle of the device. Hoping that it would still work after so many years.
Martin was surprised when he saw VILE's symbol appear on the screen. Basically telling him "I'm alive".
Martin was relieved to see that it was able to function, as he waited patiently for the Faculty to show up on screen.
_____________________
Professor Gunnar Maelstrom sighed as he rubbed his temples. Sitting at the temporary table the Faculty had until their new location for VILE Academy was ready.
It has been a rough few weeks. And being forced to choose a new location and also choosing a new Faculty member to replace Shadowsan was just adding onto the stress.
But, they do, however, have an excellent new Faculty member—Roundabout.
The man was perfect for the job, in Professor Maelstrom's opinion. Loyal to VILE, good at what he does, doesn't allow himself to be captured. He was truly exceptional.
Professor Maelstrom heard the doors open, and the Cleaners stood in the doorway.
"Cleaners, what is the meaning of..this?" Professor Maelstrom trailed off when he saw a phone in Vlad's hand.
"For you." Boris said, as Vlad placed the phone on the table in front of Professor Maelstrom.
Professor Maelstrom frowned, hesitantly taking the phone and holding it up to his ear.
"Yes?" He asked, rather annoyed.
"Gunnar, this is Engineer." A very familiar but aged voice said from the other line.
Professor Maelstrom's eyes widened with surprise, but then he smirked.
"Martin, it's been quite a long time." Professor Maelstrom said. "What is it that you are calling me for?"
"An agreement." Martin replied.
"You give me the money I need to balance my company, and I'll do anything for you in return."
Professor Maelstrom smirked at that last part. Perhaps having Martin back in the field could be..useful.
"Anything, you say? Well, there is one thing you could do."
"And that is?"
"Catch a black sheep."
—————————
"Hey, Carm? Do ya know why we got an anonymous note in the mail?"
Carmen Sandiego looked up from her book to see Zack walk into the living room with an envelope.
Carmen raised an eyebrow at the young man. "Zack, it's called spam mail. It's not that important." She said, before returning to reading her book.
"But it addresses you as your alias!" Carmen's frown turned into a smirk.
"Which one? I have plenty."
Zack groaned. "It addresses you as Carmen Sandiego! Y'know? Your original alias?!" He said, throwing his hands up in the air frantically.
Carmen's eyes widened slightly. "Who else could've known my real alias?" She asked herself aloud, taking the envelope from Zack's hand.
Zack shrugged. "Could've been that archeologist we met back in Ecuador." He said.
"Or just a complete stranger looking for a thief for hire."
Carmen ignored Zack and attended to undoing the seal, taking out a piece of paper. She unfolded it to read what it had to say.
' Carmen Sandiego,
We know you are a thief. And we need your help with a very important task. Meet us at the Starbucks on 51. Come with Zack and Ivy as well.
From,
S. S & T. S'
Carmen frowned when she finished reading the letter. She almost laughed.
She wasn't some thief for hire. She only stole from VILE, not for fun. But this person..no, these people..they want her help with something even if they know they're risking their lives inviting a dangerous woman into their home? How stupid.
"Carm? What is it?" Ivy asked, having just walked into the room.
Carmen turned to the siblings. "Someone apparently wants our help.." she started, glaring down at the note.
"By stealing for them."