Net Navigators

Rated: Teen

Category: Sci-Fi

A/N: Welcome to Net Navigators! This will likely be my only one-shot in this spin-off of “Our Family Matters”. Read below for the Summary…

Summary: Mark Anthony, Dexter and Rose are asked by NASA to go inside the satellites orbiting Earth to stop a powerful Cyber Attack from shutting down Communications around the world. Using the Bio Downloader and the Need-Meter they go on what could be the most dangerous mission of their young lives…

If you’ve ever seen the show Megaman NT, that’s where I got the idea for this storyline. Just the concept for this and nothing more. There won’t be references to the show or games as that would make this a fanfic, which it isn’t.

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Net Savers

“That’s the last of them.” Mark Anthony said as he put down his new trophies on his desk. He’d won them all at the Expo for all his inventions.

“What are you going to do with the prize money?” Asked Dexter.

“How does Hawaii sound?” Mark Anthony asked him.

“Do you mean it?” Rose asked him.

“Of course.” Mark Anthony replied. “Pack your bags my friends! We’re going on a vacation!”

“Alright!” The two said before running outside. Mark Anthony then returned his attention to his suitcase.

“I’ll definitely bring my Chrono Watch.” He said to himself. “It’ll be good for a little extra fun…”

“I see you did well at the Expo.” Ted said from the doorway. “First Prize and a large cash payout to boot!”

“I’m taking my friends with me to Hawaii.” He replied. “Unless that would be too far…”

“You know it is.” Ted replied. “I have a rule against being more than 12 hours away from me. Even with your inventions that is too far.”

“Can I go to Key West, then?” Mark Anthony asked.

“That would be better.” Ted replied. “Ann and I are going to be in London for a few weeks to see Tom’s release at a military hospital in Germany. Your mom and Serenity arrived in Little Rock yesterday and will be there through Thanksgiving. Katrin should be here later tonight and I’ll let her know you’ll be away for a little while. I’ll need you back before your mom gets home or she’ll really worry.”

“I think I’ll be back long before then.” He said. We may even be home in time for Thanksgiving.”

--

Mark Anthony arrived at the airport the next day to pick up the tickets. Dexter and Rose were waiting there as well, ready to go.

“This is going to be so cool!” Dexter exclaimed. “I can’t wait to hit some waves!”

“We’ll be in Key West but it’ll be fun.” Mark Anthony replied. “I’m bringing a few of my gear as well.”

“That’s just like you,” Rose replied. “What do you have planned this time?”

“You know I’ll never tell.” He replied. “Now come on, let’s go.”

After passing through security they hurried to the correct gate to catch their flight. Mark Anthony didn’t want to risk making the evening news so he made sure airport security knew of the stuff he was bringing on the plane. He left out the fact that the watch he and his friends wore could allow them to manipulate time. In the event of mechanical problems they would prove useful on the plane.

“I hope we aren’t delayed.” Dexter said. “It’s hurricane season and there’s limited flights to Florida.”

“I shouldn’t think so.” Mark Anthony replied. “That’s why I got the tickets so cheap.”

When it came time the boarded their plan and were on their way. That’s when Rose noticed something strange.

“Is it me or are we the only ones on the plane?” she asked the guys.

“Maybe people are scared to fly south.” Mark Anthony replied. “We are flying in the path of incoming Hurricanes, after all.”

“That’s nothing compared to living on a fault line.” Dexter replied. “Blizzards are the least of our worries in New England.”

The plane took a sudden dip downward without warning. When the emergency lights came on they realized something was wrong.

“What’s going on?!” Rose exclaimed. “Where’s the flight crew?”

It was then that they realized they never noticed a flight crew. The three made their way to the front of the plane. When they reached the open cockpit they found it empty.

“We’re going down fast!” Dexter exclaimed. “If we don’t do something we’re going to die!”

“Quick—get to the luggage and get our stuff!” Mark said. “I’ll try to level the plane but in case I can’t I’ll need the Bio Downloader, the Need Meter and the Cyber Room.”

“Got it.” Rose said before disappearing with Dexter.

Mark Anthony put on a headset and checked the communications system. Everything seemed to be working. When he tested the emergency frequency he received no response for any Control Towers nearby.

“What’s going on…?” He asked out loud. “Did we get set up?”

“We’re back.” Rose said as she and Dexter dragged their gear through the doorway. Mark Anthony ripped open his bag of equipment and fished out 3 Need Meters, a Cyber Room Control Panel and his Laptop Computer.

“This plane’s going to crash.” Mark said as he booted up his computer. “And we need to get off it!”

Mark Anthony started up the Bio-Download program and then the Cyber Room. He then stored all their gear on his computer and downloaded his friends as well.

“Mark, what about you?” Rose asked through the Need Meter.

“I have to pick a destination—oh!” Mark exclaimed as the plane swayed sharply. “That’s my signal to hurry…”

“There’s no time, you have to get off that plane!” Dexter exclaimed.

“I’m working on it…” Mark Anthony replied as he gave the computer his coordinates.

He was going to send them all to the Nation Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) headquarters in Florida. He only needed access to a work terminal. Finding one that was open, he executed the transfer and then downloaded himself into the computer. Shortly afterward he deactivated the Cyber Room, giving it the command to absorb the Laptop as it closed.

“We’re getting to Florida much faster than expected.” He said to his companions.

When the display screen showing the cockpit faded away, they knew they were being sent to a safer place. When it faded completely, they could hear the sound of an explosion. They’d all gotten off none too soon!

“That’s cutting it close.” Dexter said. “Where did you say we were going again?”

“NASA headquarters in Florida.” Mark Anthony replied. “We should be arriving shortly.”

--

Another screen appeared, showing what looked like a huge control room. They had arrived!

“And now to get us out of here…” Mark Anthony said as he typed something on his computer. Almost instantly they were back in the real world, safe and sound.

“May that never happen again!” Rose said. “Now we have to get out of here!”

“I can’t believe that worked.” Someone behind them said. “Sorry about that but we knew it would be the best way to get you here on your terms.”

“Who are you?” Mark Anthony asked her.

“The name’s Professor Wanda Brass.” She replied. “I’m sorry about what happened to you guys but we knew it would be the best way to get you all here. Come with me and I’ll explain everything.”

She led them out of the Control room with two soldiers carrying their stuff. Dexter thought it was cool. She brought them into a conference room that was filled with members of the Pentagon. Upon their arrival they were immediately seated. Now it was Mark Anthony’s turn to be impressed!

--

“Before we begin, I would like to personally apologize to you for your near-death experience.” Professor Brass said. “When we learned of your achievements in Boston Professor Toss, we had to see it for ourselves. Fortunately you performed far better than we expected.”

“I see.” Mark Anthony replied. “Although we were scared half to death, all is forgiven.”

“Good, now let me tell you why you are here.” She continued. “We received word that our satellites have been plagued with viruses. Normally we’d give the order for them to be deactivated but for some reason they can’t be turned off. Not only that, we can’t launch anything into space with Hurricane season underway.”

“So you want us to take care of it.” Mark Anthony finished.

“Exactly.” She replied. “Are there any objections?”

“Of course not!” Rose exclaimed. “Let’s go for it!”

“I’m in!” Dexter said. “Somehow I knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary vacation.”

“I’ll do it, but you all have to take care of the cover story for my folks.” Mark replied. “Oh, and of course I’m going to need full use of the Base.”

“Not a problem.” Said one of the generals from the Pentagon. “That makes this incident easier to contain, actually. During this time the base will be a no fly zone.”

“The fate of the world’s communications network is in your hands.” Said one of the other Pentagon Officials. “We will be expecting nothing but success.”

--

After the meeting Professor Brass showed them to their sleeping quarters. It was a bit tight but livable. Mark Anthony knew time was against him so he decided to freeze it for three days.

“Can you do that?” Professor asked him then following day in the control room.

“With the new toys I made for Dexter and Rose, of course.” He replied. “They just went to each of the Planet’s Poles to set them up. When they’re done I’ll be able to stop time itself from continuing.”

“That’s quite amazing!” The Professor replied.

“While my buddies are setting things up, I had some workers set up the entire base so it can be digitized.” He continued. “This will make the Space Center the largest area I’ve ever digitized as a Cyber Room.”

“So I see.” The Professor replied.

When Rose and Dexter reappeared in the control room Mark Anthony knew they had finished.

“So how were the Poles?” He asked them.

“Frigid.” Rose replied.

“And now it’s time we freeze time.” Mark Anthony said. He started up the program and immediately every single clock on the planet froze. It certainly was amazing. He set up the Cyber Room, sealing off the Base from the rest of the world.

“We’re now the only ones not effected by the change of time.” Mark Anthony said. “Now the real challenge begins.”

Preparations were made for the three of them to be downloaded directed into each satellite. Out of the 27 Satellites currently orbiting earth, three of them were decimated by viral activity. It was decided that each of them would go to a satellite accompanied by a team of scientists and soldiers.

--

“We’re just about ready.” Professor Brass said to the three groups gathered in the courtyard.

“Good, I don’t want to waste any time with this.” Mark Anthony said. “Time to start some virus busting!”

“There isn’t any danger of anything happening to us, is there?” Rose asked. “I mean, they’re just viruses.”

“While in the satellites we’re no longer people.” Mark Anthony said to the group. “We’re programs. Once you pass through the portal you will be trading your humanity for Digital Information. As such if you are hurt by a virus it will make you sick. That’s why everyone is carrying a copy of the latest Anti-Virus Software. Pay close attention to the Need Mater on your arm. I created them just for the task at hand. When your Health percentage falls below 30 percent you will advised to log out of the system. If it falls to zero you will be deleted.”

“When you say deleted you just mean purged from the network, right?” Asked one of the soldiers.

“When I say deleted, I mean dead.” Mark Anthony replied. “Once that’s happens, it’s the same as what happens in the real world. You can’t be brought back. In the event that does happen, however I am leaving backup data for everyone with Professor Brass. She’ll reboot you into the system and bring you back to the real world. We have 72 hours. Let’s get to work!”

The kids led their team through one of the three open portals. Many were fascinated at what they were seeing. It was like exploring a whole new world.

“It’s hard to believe something like this could be seen by human eyes.” One of the scientists said.

“If we’re not careful we might not see our loved ones.” Mark Anthony replied At that moment he heard his phone ring and answered it.

“Mission accomplished.” Said Dexter, who was on the other side.

“Are you serious?” Mark Anthony replied. “We haven’t found anything yet!”

“I know, I know.” He said. “They came in hard and fast but we fought them back with everything we had. There were a few that slipped away and we think they’re heading your way. We’ll be joining you shortly.”

“Copy that.” Mark Anthony replied. “I’ll check with Rose and see how she’s—“

“All set!” said Rose as she appeared with her group. “We had to fight this huge virus where we were. After we defeated it we decided to come here and see how you’re doing.”

“We’ve had no encounters.” Mark Anthony replied. “If you ask, me, this sounds too easy…”

“You can say that again!” Dexter said after passing through a portal. “I was expecting a lot more action!”

“Maybe our weaponry is more powerful than the viruses.” Said one of the soldiers.

“Anybody recognize those things over there?” Mark Anthony asked suddenly, pointing to a platform just ahead.

“Those look like the viruses we fought!” one of the scientists exclaimed.

“And the super virus we fought!” Amy replied.

Everyone watched as the smaller viruses merged with the Super Virus to form a powerful new virus.

“Let’s lock and load!” Said Dexter. “Time to do some virus busting.”

Before he could aim the Virus spit a next at him. He rolled out of the way but his entire team was caught in it. After a few moments they were all gone.

“Avoid that at all costs if you value your lives.” Mark Anthony said before throwing a digital sword to Dexter. “I’ll work on uploading my retro-virus.”

“Retro-Virus?” Rose asked.

“As the saying goes, Only a virus can defeat a virus.” He replied. “Everyone, I’ll need 45 seconds to launch this thing. Give me some cover!”

The remaining soldiers fired their weaponry at the virus while the scientists healed injuries with software. Dexter attacked with a sword and Rose with a Rifle. Suddenly the Virus reared up and with one blow, defeated all the soldiers and scientists.

“This is so not good…” Dexter trailed. “Mark, we could use that Retro about now.”

“A few more seconds…” He said as the virus advanced towards him.

“Mark…” Rose warned.

“I’ve almost got it.” He said.

“Mark…” Dexter warned.

“Just a moment longer!” he exclaimed.

“ANTHONY!” Said Dexter and Rose at the same time.

“Got it!” Mark Anthony exclaimed. In the next moment a beam of energy fired from his Need Meter and blew the Virus to pieces. Not a trace of it remained. “Mission accomplished!”

“How did you…?” Asked Rose. “I analyzed data from when you and Dexter fought them separately.” He explained. “I calculated what would happen if they fused and from there it was easy to make the right Retro.”

“What about the others?” Asked Dexter. I feel kinda bad for them.”

“No need, my friend.” Mark Anthony replied. “They’re safe at the base. Time for us to jack out!”

--

“We can’t thank you enough for what you did.” Said Proffessor Brass once time was restored to normal. “You have the appreciation of the entire world.”

“Think nothing of it.” Mark Anthony replied. “Our little miss-adventure allowed me to develop some new technology. Something tells me it may be needed again.”

“Now that we’ve saved the world, what’s next Mark?” Asked Rose.

“Vacation!” He replied. “I could really use one now!”

“Sounds good to me.” Said Dexter.

The trio left the base and headed for the Florida Keys. From there they spent the rest of the month in style. Little did Mark Anthony realize, his life would change forever when he returned home…

--

“Ok, so this is Little Rock.” Said Rose when they were teleported to a quiet street. They wanted to take a shortcut but it appeared they were now far from Florida.

“No worries, my brother lives here.” Mark Anthony replied. “If we run into him he can tell us the correct Area Code.” They walked around a bit and came to a bridge that crossed the Arkansas River. When they saw the barricades Mark Anthony realized they’d have to find another way to get to Fin’s house.

“Looks like there was an accident.” Said Dexter. “I wonder what happened?”

“City Year!” Mark Anthony suddenly exclaimed. Dexter and Rose turned and saw several people in City Year Jackets gathered at the Tourist Center. They walked over and overheard a conversation.

“I feel really bad for Fin and Gina.” Said the first person. “If their daughter and granddaughter died, who knows how Ted and Ann would react.”

“And I just heard Ted and Ann are expecting a baby.” Said the second. “On top of that their teenage daughter is also pregnant.”

“How in the world do you know all this stuff about my family?” Mark Anthony asked.

“You’re related to Fin?” Asked the first person.

“I’m his brother!” He exclaimed. “And I want to know what is going on here.”

“There was an accident on the bridge and your brother and adopted daughter were involved.” Said the second person. “I’m Ellen and this is Frank. Your brother is the Program Manager for our Team.”

“Fin was ok but a teenage her and Gina adopted was seriously hurt in a fall on the bridge.” Frank continued. “She was 9 months pregnant and was rushed to the hospital. They got the baby out and it’s fine. Hannah just woke up this morning.”

I can’t believe it…” Mark Anthony trailed. “I’ve got an aunt the same age as one of my sisters with a new cousin. On top of that I’ll have a new sibling and niece or nephew coming soon!”

“Sounds exciting.” Said Rose. “You are super-lucky!”

“Well, since my brother is busy that makes me your boss for a while.” Mark Anthony said to Frank and Ellen.

“What makes you say that?” Asked Ellen. Fin unrolled a document from his backpack and showed it to them.

“Mom, Dad, Fin and Katrin gave me and Celes one of these.” He said. “In the event something should happen to one of them, I can ask a City Year Member to do something for me.”

“What did you have in mind?” Asked Frank.

“Just a Team Hug,” He replied.

“I don’t see a problem with that!” Ellen replied before getting the rest of the team together.

After sharing a moment together, Mark Anthony knew it was time to head home. He would pretend this never happened to protect Fin but knew he had some things to do before both his parents returned to Boston.

--

That ends this story. I do hope you like it and hope it didn’t look rushed. Now that I have finished this fic I will finish “Aeris C”. I’ve also finally decided on a name for Ted and Ann’s story. It’s going to be called “Half-Life” and has nothing to do with the game with the same name. It will be under Mystery with Horror as the secondary Genre. That’s all I’m saying for now…