I am known as Harbertia, and this is the first time I've posted on the Arts & Fiction forum (to my memory). I recently wrote something, and decided to share it. I feel it falls under the 'their own works' area of the description of this forum. The following takes place in my own version of the Inspector Gadget setting- think of it as a 'reboot' or something. Freely provide feedback.
Inspector Gadget
=Brain =
=Brain =
Brain awoke as he has done since Penny moved in with her uncle, her uncle Gadget. First comes the sensation of awareness after sleep, as if one has taken a very long blink. Next came sight of the hallway, and acknowledgement of the warmth produced by his oval shaped bed. The Hallway featured wood panel flooring, and the walls where a grey. Of course to Brain most objects where grey. Even the yellow flowers that sat atop a stand next to Brain's bed was of a near white hue. Brain yawned as he gave notice to the fact that Penny's door was shut. This usually meant that she was not yet up, and that Brain would have to prepare some food for himself, but the Gravy Beef Bits across from him gave enough cause to reassess weather or not Penny was awake. Getting up and approaching the bowl he lifted his ear, the sound of water flowing from upstairs was enough to confirm that Penny was awake, and presently taking a shower.
However unlike Brain's usual morning routine of checking on everyone's wellbeing this morning was fogged by vague recollection of a dream, which must have occupied his processors a bit seeing how Penny got up with out Brain hearing a sound. Brain felt it was an important dream, but memory of a dream is like a leaf in the wind. One can leap to take it, but it'll likely escape you.
Brain could recall being in a room filled with boxes, likely a warehouse. He recalled a voice, but could not recall it's words, and then shadows- the outlines of people, and then, nothing save four numbers- a time perhaps; 04:12. Shining in bright green as if a display, a clock perhaps.
His focus was interrupted by an excited greeting; "Ah, Brain!" exclaimed Gadget. His real name was Hirashio, but Penny, and the public referred to him as Gadget. Brain turned to face Gadget who was wearing cloths indicative of a Tennis player. "Good to see you're awake," Brain knew it was coming, "I'll be on assignment," said Gadget, "the Chief wants me to infiltrate his Gentleman's club as my self, in order to notice if anything is fishy about the way the others are playing the game. He's recently hit a loosing streak after ten consecutive wins." Brain frowned as he continued to listen, "The assignment should only last till weeks end, however if I find anything, it could last till the big game this coming Sunday. See to it that Penny keeps up with her homework." and with that Gadget proceeding to the front door.
The family was, thanks to the Company which executed the Gadget project and managed most of Metro City, stable financially. Still, Brain found himself managing most of the responsibilities of the house. Vacuuming, raking leafs, checking the mail- all a tad difficult for a dog to physically accomplish, and thus requiring some ingenuity. Brain locked the door behind Gadget and recalled the first time he met Penny. Penny's father had put Brain into a red box with green wrapping, and it was so hard for Brain to stay still. He was so eager to meet Penny that he couldn't help but rush over to her, and she was so happy. Brain was happy too, he could finally start fulfilling his Guardian programming which caused the organic parts of his brain the sensation of joy, which manifested in the wagging of his tail. Something he doesn't do very often. Through the lose of Penny's father, and their move in with her uncle, Brain has begun to use more of his programming then before. He even taught himself to speak as best his vocals can manage.
It had been a sad time for both. Memories are a fickle thing- emotionally. Penny doesn't need to see Brain this way. Brain made his resolve as he began focusing on the morning tasks. First, to set up Penny's work space- she likes to do her school work first thing in the morning so she can allocate the rest of the day to other tasks. The kitchen counter was the first stop, Brain wasn't good at cooking, but could get the bread toasted thanks to a machine. A press of the button and bread from a bag inserted in the machine would be transported to the toaster. Brain himself had requested it. With the bread toasting the next task was getting Penny's computer book- which meant getting into her room and not disrupting it.
By 'it', Brain meant Penny's mural of photos, newspaper clippings, and string which hung next to her desk more then her room. Brain use to pretend that Penny wasn't caught up in finding out more about her father's end.
=Penny=
Penny descended the stairs into the kitchen where Brain was waiting. Brain had got her computer book and school papers spread out on the counter with space for toast. "Hey Brain," said Penny excitedly, "I've got a surprise for you." Brain perked his ears, "Ah urpriz?" said Brain with dog like excitement. Penny giggled as she held out a collar with a small cord attached to it- but not a leash, more like what's at the end of a head set. Penny approached and began to remove the collar of Brain, who was skeptical. She pulled his ear up revealing the small insert to attach the collar to- the insert was what was used to monitor Brain's function in her father's lab. It would now serve a new role. As it was inserted the collar vocalized; "What is she do- doing oh oh, oh my the col-" Brain began to speak in his dog like way which made Penny laugh as the vocalizer and Brain both spoke at the same time creating a strange sound. Eventually Penny got her self together, "Jus- just think the words." she said between laughs. Brain calmed down as the collar vocalized, "I don't know about this, I sound like a microwave or ATM." Penny shook her head, "Not any ATM I've ever heard. By the way, where's Uncle Gadget?" Brain's collar gave a sigh, "He's with the Chief." Penny's interest grew, "On assignment?" Brain shook his head back and forth, "He thinks he is. The Chief I think just wants an assessment of the competition."
"Competition?" Brain continued with elaboration, "The Chief is preparing for a tennis tournament at the Gentlemen's club and has coaxed Gadget into analyzing the competition." Penny nodded, "That must be why Gadget's been practicing Tennis, he didn't leave in that outfit did he?" Brain nodded.
"We've got to bring him a suit, and keep an eye on him. I can only imagine how ridiculous he must seem to the people there- most of them are on city council, or with the Company!"
=Gadget=
"Go go Gadget-mobile Convertable!" a pair of shades where placed upon Gadget's head, "While that is useful for protecting the eyes from the sun I'd rather prefer to feel it, Go go Gadget-mobile Convertable!" The once obvious police mobile transformed into a sleek sports car with the convertible top down. "That's more like it! Now I'll fit right in with the Gentlemen's club. Speaking of which I seem to be pulling up to it now." The Gadget-mobile costarred towards a gate where several cars where making there way towards a large mansion that seemed to have come from the Victorian Era yet the roof had an out of place modern air. Gadget extended his head to look out the window at those ahead of him and made note, "Hmm, for a club that's all about Tennis they sure look dressed for a ball. Perhaps the Chief neglected to mention a social event. How am I suppose to look for foul play when their is no play to speak of."
"Gadget!" called a voice from behind. Gadget rotated his head and spotted the Chief standing beside the Gadget-mobile. "Chief!" exclaimed Gadget, "Your dressed just like the others." The Chief huffed disapprovingly, "And you Gadget are noticeably under dressed. This is a Gentlemen's Club, not a sports center." Gadget retracted his head, "But Chief you called me here to investigate the others for sign of foul play, I can't do so unless I see their play for myself."
"There will be time for that latter, today we're getting you acquainted with the club." Gadget's beamed with excitement, "Ah! I see! That way they'll never expect that we're on to them!" The Chief sighed, "Yeah, something like that." The chief looked towards the gate realizing the line has moved, "It's too late for you to return to-"
"No worries Chief, the Gadget-mobile has enough disguise material for me to adopt a new set of appeal."
"Alright Gadget," said the Chief returning to his car, "but try to be your self, it's key to this operation."
=Into the Club=
Penny and Brain snuck through the hedges around the mansion. "Uncle Gadget must be inside," said Penny softly as she peaked carefully through one of the windows, "I see the chief." The Chief was near to the window and in conversation with two gentlemen, "... Gadget has been an asset to the force," spoke the Chief, "but his readjustment into society beyond the force has been strained." One of the men nodded, "Hirashio was a good man." the other interjected, "He's still a good man." The Chief nodded, "I've lured him here under the guise of investigation." Penny ducked down and spoke to Brain, "So that's why Gadget's here." Brain began to speak as he usually does but the collar began to speak for him rather loudly, to which Penny reacted. Reaching under the collar to adjust volume control to zero. "Ium Surrie Pennie." said Brain. Penny spoke, "It's alri-" She stopped and ducked under one of the hedges as one of the windows opened. The Chief looked out, "Hmm." and closed the window.
Penny gave a sigh of relief, "He didn't seem to see us. Brain, see if you can catch sight of Uncle Gadget. You can use the collar to contact my wristphone." Brain nodded, "Rieghht." Brain then made his way through the brush, taking quick peaks inside looking for Gadget. However as he began to turn the far corner his ears picked up a buzz, and he stopped to pear behind the corner and listen. A Gardner hovered over a wristphone and spoke, "Boss, this is Agent 31." A crackling voice responded, "Agent 31, what is your report?" The Gardner chuckled with some dark glee, "Gadget has arrived!" The voice on the other end responded almost instantly, "Excellent! Soon I shall have the Magistrate, the Chief, Shareholders, AND Gadget!" The Gardner, Agent 31, grinned "Just give the word boss, and I'll signal Agent 7."
Brain pressed some buttons under the collar, until the call began, "Brain," said Penny. Brain began to explain as best he could, "Hare a henchmun who-" Penny interrupted, "Press the button near the buckle Brain, and just think it." Brain did so, and the words commenced over the line only, "Gadget is in danger, the claw is seeking to capture him." Penny reacted, "How would the Claw know-"
"He didn't, Gadget was just walking into-"
Penny interrupted, "When is the trap to be sprung?"
Brain turned to listen in further but the Gardner was gone, "Oh no."
"Brain," said Penny, "You've got to contact Uncle Gadget, I'll see what I can find out- what did the man look like?"
"Gardner."
=The Grasp of Claw=
Gadget watched the members of the club carry on their business. It was indeed a social event of some kind, though not a ball. 'So long as I blend in,' thought Gadget, 'I'll have full reign of movement. The Chief said his Tennis rivals are Henry Butterson, Johnathan Wayne, and Bingerman Bingham the Third. Some careful, and indirect suggestions in conversation should direct me to these men.' "Excuse me," said Gadget to a caterer, "Are those Bingham spoons?" The caterer looked at the dish, "I don't know sir." Gadget nodded, "I see, I see, then perhaps this is a Bingham plate?" The caterer sighed, "I don't know sir." The caterer began to walk away but Gadget followed, "Then what dining ware is Mr. Bingham involved in?" The caterer took a deep breath, "I don't know sir but you can ask him your self." He said looking towards the Chief and the two gentlemen he conversed with. Gadget grinned, "I will do that, I appreciate your assistance."
Joyfully Gadget made his way to the Chief who noticed his approach, "Ah, Gadget, I'm sure you remember Mr. Bingham." Gadget looked over to the man indicated by the Chief, and thought 'hmm, don't want to seem too interested. It might let him on to the investigation' "I don't believe I do Chief," said Gadget extending a hand to greet Bingham, "The name is Gadget." Mr. Bingham shook his hand somewhat disappointed, "Bingerman, Bingerman Bingham the Third." Gadget continued to shake his hand and spoke, "I hear you enjoy games of Tennis." Bingham smiled, "Why yes, we here at the Gentlemen's club have a game every Tuesday. Perhaps you remember the field?" Gadget chuckled, "Can't say I do, but I've been in practice. I know a move or two. If your up for a game I'd-" The Chief interrupted, "Now now Gadget, I'm sure Mr. Bingham didn't come ready for a game." Mr. Bingham chuckled, "Now Hudson," he said to the Chief, "When have I ever come unprepared? If Hirashio wishes to serve a game on familiar grounds, I see no reason to deny him."
"Fantastic! I happen to have a paddle ready!" Gadget's hand became a Tennis paddle which caught the other gentlemen by surprise.
Meanwhile, as Gadget and Bingham prepared for a game of Tennis, a call was being made. The caterer looked down at his wristphone as the image of Agent 32 appeared and spoke, "Agent 7, it's time to initiate Operation Purple Haze." The caterer nodded, and reached into a cabinet to pull out a gas mask.
On the Court Bingman served, and was finding Gadget to be quite the challenge. "So," said Gadget, "I notice your a little slow on the left." as Gadget directed the ball to left court, Bingham stumbled to save the ball. "Leg," he said, "Older model."
"Why not get a new one?" asked Gadget as the ball was directed center court, and saved by Bingham. Bingham answered as the ball went to the right of Gadget and made it. Bingham shrugged as Gadget recovered the ball, "Sentiment mostly, I was on the force." Gadget served the ball, "The force?" Bingham directed the ball back, "Got this chasing a man down the ally ways of Old Town." The movement of the ball slowed, as the two began to direct the ball back and forth rather then in competition. Gadget thought about the passing of the ball back and forth, and spoke; "Your obviously not the cheater." Bingham missed the ball, "What?" Gadget chuckled and shrugged it off, "The Cheatah, the Cheatah, but your very aware of the ball." Bingham frowned and scowled.
Suddenly Brain came on to the Court. Gadget reacted, "Brain, your not suppose to be here." Brain began to stumble his words in such a way as to degrade to barks. "Quite Brain, your-" Suddenly a commotion from inside as the windows turned purple. Bingham pointed; "Look! The Shareholders!" Gadget rushed forward, "The Chief!"
=The Frying Pan=
Earlier, in the cellar Penny observed as the Gardner finished attaching a gas to the pipes. "That's their plan," Penny said as she made her way closer, "I've got to shut off the flow of that gas before it reaches Gadget."
The Gardner opened a call on his Wristphone, "Agent 7, the gas is being vented into the cooling and heating system. Are you in position?"
"This is Agent 7, the target's have been located. The Boss's ETA is 30 minutes."
"Rodger that Agent 7, I shall precede to the rally point." And with that the Gardner began his way up the stairs as he put on a gas mask of his own. Penny made her way to the gas canister.
"Drat, it's been placed in such away that the only way to stop the flow is to reach the main valve, but where is it?"
Gadget and Bingham entered the club in a thick mist, "Go Go Gadget Gas Mask!" A Tissue was presented to Gadget, "Tissue? NO No, Go Go Gadget Gas Mask!" Bingham began to cough and stumbled outside. Gadget continued; "Go Go Gadget Gas Mask!" and lo, it was presented to him. Gadget entered the haze noticing the various unconscious folk, "Chief didn't say this was part of the entertainment." "GADGET!" Said a gritty voice from with in the Haze, "Claw!" exclaimed Gadget as he recognizing the metallic hand.
"I now have everyone I need, and soon, I shall have my revenge. Claw raised a Tennis Paddle in his metallic hand, and in his other hand served a spiked ball in Gadget's direction."
"Go go Gadget Tennis Paddle!" A Ping-Pong paddle emerged from his hand and redirected the object which zooming through the mist broke through one of the windows. Another came and was avoided by Gadget. Meanwhile Penny shut off the valve and the haze began to dissipate rapidly.
Claw commanded, "Get the shareholders!" The sound of scampering came as Claw's silluetted image faded out of the mist. Gadget pursued in time to see the Claw's air car lifting off. Gadget inflated his suit to pursue but the air car zoomed off.
Gadget deflated his suit, and returned gradually to the Earth. The Chief and the remaining club members came out, "Gadget," said the Chief, "Nice work venting the building."
"Chief the Claw has abducted one of our suspects, and perhaps more." The Chief nodded, "We'll see who is missing, and I'll call in the force to track his air car- though you and I both know how it vanishes."
"Don't give up Chief, I'll catch him."
=Reflection=
Back home Gadget paced back and forth awaiting word from the Chief on the air car. It was night now, and Gadget was in his usual trench coat- the coat he always put on when on when the case involved Claw. Penny was on her bed looking at her Computer book, she noticed Brain enter; "Brain."
Brain sat next to Penny's bed and spoke with the collar, "What's up Penny?"
"I'm looking up that Gardner, if we can find out who he is, we might find out where Claw hires his goons."
Brain yawned, "It's late, Penny."
"Yes Brain, I'll get to bed AFTER I find a match."
Brain sighed but got on to the bed next to Penny, and looked with her. Two minds are better then one, and this Brain knew one thing for certain- it was going to be a long night.