In Rustam’s office in the Russian embassy Alexi, Strinsky and Alexi’s father Ivan Dimetree sat talking to Rustam. “I’m sorry I blew it dad.” Alexi was saying. “I will not fail you again.”

“I told you he was to young for this mission.” Strinsky snorted.

“If I recall Strinsky, Alexi is not the one who failed. You are the one who didn’t administer the poison in the proper manner, other wise Marc Goldman would be dead.” Dimetree barked.

“Now gentlemen do not argue it is so unprofessional” Rustam interrupted. “I have been trying for quite some time to find out what our friends at the OSI are up to. But they are on to us now. We will have to come up with a new plan.”

“We will capture Marc again, this time I will not be so careless, “ Strinsky stated.

“No Strinsky. You are off the mission, you failed me, and you know what happens now.” Dimetree voiced.

“Give me another chance Ivan, please.” Strinsky begged.

“No because of you my son was almost killed. I am not a forgiving man Strinsky not at all You will return to the Soviet Union tonight and be dealt with.”

Strinsky went white. How many times had he ‘dealt’ with someone? He knew what was going to happen. He only hoped it would be painless.

Two men stepped into Rustam’s office. “Take him out of here.” Dimetree ordered. “As I have always said Rustam. If you want something done right better to do it yourself. Come Alexi. We will prepare for phase two of our plan. You will make a good KGB agent one of these days.”

“Best of luck Ivan ” Rustam called as the two left his office.

“So guys what shall we have for dinner?” Oscar said as he stood in the kitchen.

“I don’t care Oscar why don’t we order something?” Steve suggested.

“Yea, maybe we’ll do that.” Oscar agreed.

“I am glad we are working on this assignment together father.” Alexi said the next morning as they got into the car.

“It should have been that way from the start Alexi. We have gone to a lot of trouble to get this information from Goldman. What did you find out about the Omega project?”

“I learned much father. It is something we are going to want.” Alexi stated.

“Then it has all been worth it.” Ivan exclaimed. “We have spared no expense to get our hands on the Omega project. That is why Rustam is the Ambassador. That was all planned, but when he failed a few months ago. We had to come up with a new plan. That is where you came in my son. You resembled Marc in a way that it didn’t take much to improve on that.”

“But when the assignment is over, I get my own face back?” Alexi wanted to know.

“Of course son. That will be the first order of business when we return to Russia. I do not think your mother would be happy.”

“I know she won’t be.” Alexi agreed. They had driven by Oscar’s house and were looking for a place to hide. Again they planned on kidnapping Marc and Alexi was going to replace him. Only this time Ivan (the terrible) would be on the other side of the needle that would be plunged into Marc

“I can’t wait for him to come out.” Alexi said. “I wish I could be the one to kill him.” Alexi said after they parked in a clump of trees just across the road from Oscar’s house.

In the house Oscar and the kids were just waking up. Steve and Rudy were already in the kitchen when Oscar entered. “I have some errands to run. I am leaving the kids here.”

“You know Oscar, I got to thinking last night, and maybe you shouldn’t be left alone either.” Steve suggested.

“Jaime is picking me up. We already talked about it.” Oscar informed him. “She doesn’t want me alone either” Oscar continued.

“Well that’s good. None of us feel you should be alone. We don’t know what the Soviets are up to.” Steve explained.

“I know. And I agree. You just stay here and take care of my kids. I’m going to have Russ stay with Danny when school resumes on Monday. If they ever got word of Dan’s intelligence, I don’t know what they would do. I don’t know, maybe they already know. I’m sure Alexi told them everything that went on in this house.” Oscar continued.

“But no one mentioned how smart Dan was, nor did they mention anything about the Richmond School…”

“Steve Alexi was with me when I dropped him off the other day.” Oscar told him.

“That could be a problem.” Steve sighed. “They could target Danny as well.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of, So Russ will take charge of Dan at school.” Oscar finished.

“You know Oscar, you might need a little more security.” Steve presumed.

“I think we can handle everything. Between you, Jaime and Russ I think we have it pretty well worked out. You and Jaime are both going to stay here. I’ll put Joey in with the twins. I’ll take his room you and Jaime can have mine.” Oscar paused for a moment.

Then Jaime will take Rudy and I to work. Once we are in the OSI we should be safe. Russ will take Dan to and from school. Then Jaime will come back here to teach the younger children.” Oscar finished.

“That seems to make a lot of sense.” Steve noted.

“I thought it did. Here’s Jaime now. Look I’ll be back in a little bit. I don’t think I want the kids outside. Keep them in, unless they stay close to the house. I do not want them to go outside the gate for any reason.”

“Don’t worry I’ll watch them.” Steve pointed out.

Oscar and Jaime left the house. “Don’t look so worried Oscar, they will be just fine.” Jaime tried to reassure him. “Steve will take very good care of them.”

“I know that. I just can’t help but worry.” Oscar sighed as they drove into the city. “I really didn’t want to leave them this morning, but I have some things I have to do. We are running out of everything. I was lucky the kids had breakfast food. I don’t usually let things get so low, but with all that’s happened in the past few days, Marc needing his bionics changed and then the deal with the Soviets…”

“I understand. So you really need to go grocery shopping then? Is that right?”

“I’m afraid so, if you don’t mind.” Oscar gave her a sly smile.

“Don’t mind in the least Oscar.” Jaime smiled back.

On the other side of the road in a clump of trees Ivan Dimetree sat in the car with his son.

“Father there is one other thing I think you should know about.” Alexi said as they sat waiting for their chance to get Marc again.

“What’s that son?” Dimetree said putting his binoculars down and looked at his son.

“It is Goldman’s oldest son. He is very smart he goes to the Richmond School in Washington.”

Dimetree was impressed. “They told you this?” He asked.

“No I was with Goldman when he dropped Danny, that’s his name, off the other day.” Alexi told him.

“This is very interesting news you bring me son. If Dan is that intelligent…”

“He is. He works with Dr. Wells in his lab.” Alexi told him.

Dimetree looked at his son. “You are sure of this?” he wondered.

“Yes father, I am very sure.” Alexi stated.

“I don’t want to leave my post here. But I’m sure our government would be most interested in young Daniel as well.”

Alexi turned and began looking at Oscar’s house again.

“Is it a nice house son? Dimetree asked.

“Much like ours in Moscow.” Alexi explained. “Do you think they will go out today?”

“I don’t think so. They are on to us. That is why when we replace him with you gain, you must be very careful.”

“I will be father.” Alexi said. “Maybe I could get through the gate since I look like Marc, maybe the guard would let me in.”

That is an excellent idea Alexi. You try that. Once you have gotten in, bring Marc to me. I’ll be right here.”

Alexi got out of the car and headed for the front gates that lead to Oscar’s house.

“Wait son, come back a minute. Here.” He handed him a small capsule “I will wait as long as I have to. Maybe it would be better if you waited till tonight to bring him to me. But you go now. You just wait till he is sleeping. Then you slip this under his tongue it will keep him asleep for hours.

“Yes father I will do that. You will be here?”

“I’ll be right here.” Ivan watched his son walk up toward the house.

In the house the twins, Steve and Joey were playing a game of clue. This time it was Matt and Marc against Steve and Joey.

Rudy sat in a chair in the corner of the twin’s room watching the ‘four children’ play.

“Well, “ Rudy stood up. “I need to go get lunch started. I’ll call you kids when it’s ready.”

“Wait Rudy. Joey here and I are about to guess. We need you to tell us if we are right.”

“Ok” Rudy reached for the packet in the middle of the game board and thumbed through the cards. “Ok tell me.”

Steve leaned over and whispered to Joey. Joey giggled.

“It was Prof. Plum in the ball room with the rope.” Joey burst out laughing Prof. Plum was their piece.

“That’s right.” Rudy informed them. “Now play a game that doesn’t involve an outside party. Some one has to be the grown up and make these kids some lunch.”

“Hey!” Steve defended himself. “I’m not supposed to let them out of my sight, remember?”

“Yea well speaking of that where is Danny?” Rudy asked.

“Isn’t he in his room?” Steve stood to go check.

“Some body guard you turned out to be.” Rudy observed.

“I’ll be right back you stay with them.” Steve walked down the hall to Dan’s room. The door was shut. Steve tapped on it lightly. “Dan you in there?”

“Yea Steve. Is it time for lunch?” Dan called back

“In a few minutes, Rudy is just going down to start it. I’m in the twin’s room with the little kids. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will Steve.” Dan replied.

Alexi made his way up to the security gate. Ralph sat in his booth reading the morning paper.

“Hi Ralph.” Alexi said. “Want to let me in?”

“I didn’t know you were out here Marc. Your dad told me you and your brothers were staying inside all day today.”

“Well I had to go get something. We were playing in the yard and Matt threw the ball over the fence. I had to go get it.”

“Well.” Ralph thought for a moment. “Well ok.”

Dimetree watched in ecstasy as Ralph opened the gate an allowed Alexi onto the property.

“Hey gang!” Rudy called from the bottom of the stairs. “Lunch is ready.”

“Oh no.” Joey groaned

”What’s the matter Joey?” Steve asked as they walked downstairs.

“Rudy made lunch.” He explained.

“So what’s wrong with that?” Steve wondered.

“He always makes yucky stuff.” Joey told him.

“Yucky stuff?” Steve repeated. “What do you mean by yucky stuff?”

“Every time he makes dinner or what ever, he always has carrots of something just as yucky.” Joey complained.

“Joey, carrots are good for you.” Steve tried to assure him.

“Well they are still yucky.” Joey complained.

Steve was laughing when they entered the kitchen. “What’s so funny?” Rudy asked.

“Did you make something yucky? Joey’s words not mine.” Steve said sitting at the table.

“I made spaghetti Os and green beans. If that’s what you’re asking.” Rudy looked at Joey.

“The spaghetti Os are fine,” Joey said. “But I don’t want any green beans, they are yucky.”

“Well will you eat two of them? That’s all I ask. Just eat two.”

“Ok” Joey sighed. “I’ll eat two.” “Good, that’s all I ask.” Rudy repeated.

Once he was on the property Alexi made his way up to the house. He looked in the kitchen window and saw everyone sitting at the table. ‘Good I will go in through the front and get Marc as soon as he is alone.

He slipped upstairs to the twin’s bedroom and hid in the closet. He waited for Marc to come back upstairs.

“I’m done Steve Can, I mean may I be excused? Marc asked.

“Yea Marc. Go ahead.” Steve excused him. He stood and followed Marc up to his room. Matt followed Steve. So guys what do you want to do now?” Steve asked.

“Can we go outside?” Marc asked,

“No, your dad wants you to stay inside today ok guys?” Steve explained. “Your dad will be back any minute.”

The four of them sat in the twin’s room again. This time Joey lie down on Marc’s bed and fell asleep. The twins sat at the table playing with play dough and Dan sat in a corner of the room reading a book. Steve wanted all the kids in one room. He didn’t leave the room for a moment.

Rudy was just finishing the dishes when Oscar and Jaime walked back in. “So did you get everything we needed?” Rudy asked.

“That and then some. How are things on the home front?” Oscar quizzed

“Great we just had lunch the ‘children’ are upstairs including the big one.

“The big one?” Oscar questioned

“Yea.” Rudy laughed. “Sometimes I think he’s worse than the kids.”

Oscar and Jaime burst out laughing. “I’m going to go see what’s going on.” Oscar told them. “When we were at the store we bought a couple of roasted chickens I thought we would have that for dinner.

Oscar went up to the twin’s room. “Hi guys, chicken for dinner ok?”

“Sounds good dad.” The twins said.

“Ok dinner in about an hour.”

“Just call when it’s ready.” Steve asked.

After dinner again Steve followed the boys up to their room. He took his role very seriously.

“Well guys maybe you should get ready for bed. Then we’ll play a game or something till its time for bed.” Steve told them.

”Ok Steve.” Marc said. He and Matt went to their dresser and pulled out their pajamas. Steve helped them just little then they sat down to play a game.

‘I wish you would leave’ Alexi thought He had been waiting in the closet for hours. ‘I wonder if my father is worried.’

Alexi was wrong. Ivan Dimetree was still waiting for his son to make his move. He knew Alexi would not fail him. After all Dimetree had told Alexi he would have to wait to make his move after everyone had gone to sleep so he sat waiting for the lights in the house to go out.

After what seemed like forever Oscar poked his head in the door and told the twins it was time for bed.

Alexi knew it would take a while longer before the rest of the house went to sleep He could wait though.

“Steve you might as well go to bed. I do need to take the kids into town tomorrow. You will need your sleep.”

“Ok Oscar. I think they will be safe sleeping. Nothing out of the ordinary has happened today. It’s just been a typical day.”

“Well that’s good. I’m hitting the sack. I’m very tired.” Oscar said. “Rudy is already in bed. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Alexi held his breath. He looked down at his watch. He would give it another forty minutes and then grab Marc.

Alexi slipped out of the closet. He crept over to Marc’s bed and slowly opened Marc’s mouth he slipped the fast acting drug under Marc’s tongue. “There.” He said, “You should sleep till I get you downstairs.”

He threw Marc over his shoulders and carried him down the steps He slowly made his way down the path. Ralph had gone off duty at ten. So he didn’t have to worry about him. He opened the gate and carried Marc to where his father waited for him.”

“Good job Alexi. Very good.” His father congratulated him. “I am proud of you, very proud indeed.”

Alexi looked up at him and smiled. “I better get back before they miss me. He started to change into Marc’s pajamas

“Alexi, don’t forget I want Danny. I will be back here tomorrow afternoon. Try to get him out here. I will take care of it from there.”

“I will father.” Alexi gave him a wave and headed back for the house.’

After grabbing a piece of cold chicken from the firg Alexi climbed into Marc’s bed, Dimetree drove off with Marc still sleeping in his car. This time rather than head for a hotel, Dimetree headed for the Soviet Embassy.

The next morning Alexi woke up with Matt and the two went down for breakfast. Joey and the rest of the gang were already at the table. “Good morning guys.” Oscar greeted.

“HI dad.” Alexi said.

Joey looked at Alexi ‘That’s not Marc.’ He said to himself. Then he looked at Steve, ‘But I’m not saying anything this time, I don’t want to get yelled at again.’

“I need to run some errands today. I want you boys to come along.” Oscar explained as they ate breakfast. “Steve and Jaime will come with us.”

“What do you have to do dad?” Danny asked. “I would like to go to the pet shop if I could.”

“The pet shop?” Oscar questioned. “Why do you want to go to the pet store?”

“I want rabbits.” Dan explained.

“What do you want rabbits for?” Oscar asked.

“I am just doing a little experiment. I need rabbits.” Danny continued.

“Well ok, I guess we can arrange that. Where do you plan to keep these rabbits?” Oscar wanted to know. I hope you don’t want to keep them in your room.”

“No, I’ll keep them in my office in the basement.” Danny told him.

“Well I guess we can do that.” Oscar said. ‘I’m not real keen on having animals in my house. And you seem to be allergic to everything. They may trigger your asthma.

“I’ll be ok dad. I won’t be around them that much.” Dan assured.

“You have to keep them in their cages. I don’t want you to ever take them out unless you keep hold of them.”

“Don’t worry dad, I’ll never let them loose. In fact I should only have to really take them out once. I mean the experiment I have to run will require them to be out for just a little. Then I will keep them in one cage while I clean the other.”

“I guess I can accept that.” Oscar stated. “But they are your responsibility Dan.”

“Fair enough dad.” Dan said.

And if they bother your asthma we get rid of them. No questions asked.”

“Deal.” Dan agreed.

While Dan and Oscar talked about rabbits Alexi slipped away from the table. He crept into Oscar’s office and dialed his father at the Russian embassy

“Alexi you take to big of a risk calling.” His father scolded.

“There is a change in plans.” Alexi began. “He is taking us out for the afternoon.” Alexi informed him.

“I will wait as soon as you get back bring him to me.” Dimetree stated.

“I will father. I must go now.” Alexi hung up the phone.

“Marc! What are you doing in here? You know my office is off limits!” Oscar scolded.

“I’m sorry dad. I, well I wanted to use the phone.”

Oscar eyed him suspiciously “Whom were you trying to call.” Oscar demanded.

“Well actually I needed some paper.” Alexi lied.

“Marc, you know you are not allowed in here. I don’t want to see you in here again. You stay out!! Understand?”

“Yes sir.” Alexi just wanted to get away from him. “I won’t I promise.”

“Ok. Now go grab your coat we are going into town for a while.” Oscar told him.

“Ok dad. I’m right behind you.”

At the Soviet Embassy Marc slowly woke up. He had slept the entire night. Boris Rustam and Ivan Dimetree were standing over him.

“Good morning Marc.” Dimetree said. “You sleep late.”

Marc sat up on the bed they had laid him on. “Who are you?” He asked not really expecting an answer.

“That is not important.” Rustam said.

“Wait, I know who you are. You’re Sergei’s father. You are the Ambassador from Russia I guess I don’t need to ask where I am. The Russian Embassy, right?”

“You are very perceptive.” Dimetree observed. “Maybe to perceptive.” He continued. “All we want is some information. We are counting on your help to obtain it.” Dimetree finished.

“Let me guess you must be Alexi’s father.” Marc asked.

“That would be correct.” Dimetree said. “You are a smart little boy aren’t you?”

Marc shook his head. “Not as smart as my brother Danny.” He admitted innocently

“I see.” Rustam began. “Your brother Daniel is very smart?”

Marc nodded. “He sure is. He knows just about everything.” Marc told them Not realizing he was giving them to much information.

Rustam and Dimetree looked at on another. Then Rustam spoke again. “You stay here. Marc there is a guard at your door do not even try to get away there are no windows in this room.

Marc looked around. He did notice for the first time there were no windows. ‘What is going to happen this time?’ He thought to himself. ‘Just wait till Matt tries to talk to Alexi then dad will know he’s not me.’

“Ok guys, we’re ready!” Oscar called. “Rudy are you coming with us or staying here?”

“I’m just going to stay here. I have some paper work to do. I’ll see you when you get home.”

“Ok then see you later. Ralph is on duty so don’t worry.” Oscar informed him

“Ok Oscar thanks.” Rudy headed for Oscar’s office so he could get his own work done.

Oscar the kids and Steve headed out. Jaime, who had already left, was meeting them in town.

As soon as they caught up to one another Danny reminded Oscar that he needed to get to the pet store.

“We will go there last Dan. That way you won’t have to carry them around all day.” Oscar explained.

“That sounds good dad. I just wanted to remind you.” Danny explained.

“Ok then guys.” Oscar led the children through his errands. Alexi was very bored.

‘I want to go back to the house.’ He complained to himself. ‘I have much work to do. ‘ He said to himself.

“Well Danny those are very nice rabbits.” Jaime said. “Oh Oscar they are kind of cute little things.

“He says they are for an experiment I don’t know what that’s all about, but he’s up to something. I just wish I knew what it was. But he’s so smart, I can’t figure him out besides he has to keep them in the basement.”

“Well I certainly hope so.” Jaime commented.

“If he doesn’t, out they go. Him and the rabbits” Oscar laughed

“I get the picture dad. Don’t worry they will stay in the basement.” Danny assured his family members.

As they drove past the clump of trees Alexi checked to see if his father was waiting. He was. ‘Now I must get Danny out of the house someway.’ Alexi thought.

They pulled into the garage. And everyone went into the house. Danny went straight down to his office. Alexi followed; While Matt and Joey (who was staying as far away from ‘Marc’ as possible without causing a scene like before) went upstairs to play.

Alexi knocked on the door to Dan’s office. “Can I see the rabbits?” he asked.

“You like rabbits?” Dan questioned.

“Not especially, I just wanted to see them.” Alexi replied.

“Well ok. Just don’t touch them.” Dan warned. “They are a little timid I don’t want them to bite you.”

“What are you going to do with them?” Alexi wanted to know.

“I have this idea.” Danny explained. “I don’t know if it will work or not.”

“I’m sure it will. After all you are a genus.” Alexi noted.

“Well maybe just a little. What else did you want?”

“Oh yea right before I forget. I saw something outside I wanted you to see. “

“I’m real busy, what is it?” Dan sighed.

“Well if you will just come with me, I’ll show you. It will just take a minute I promise.”

Dan put down his notebook and followed Alexi upstairs. (As fragile as Marc was no one wanted to say or do anything that would upset him.). So he decided to humor the boy for just a bit.

“It’s outside the gate.” Alexi said as they had walked down the lane, that lead to the driveway.

“We are supposed to stay on this side of the gate.” Dan warned. “Dad said.”

“Please Dan. It will only take a minute, I promise.” Alexi pleaded.

Sighing Dan agreed. “Oh alright, but if dad catches us I’m telling him it was your idea.”

“Deal” Alexi responded.

The two of them slipped past Ralph and up the road. “Hey come back Marc we aren’t supposed to go this far away from the house.” Danny warned.

Alexi turned around “Chicken!” He called.

Knowing Oscar didn’t want the boys that far away from the house Danny started after Alexi to get him to come back “Marc, Come on. You have to come back.”

“It will only take a minute Dan. I promise.”

Dan followed him up to the clump of trees. “It’s right over there, see.”

All Danny could see was a strange man with a large object in his hand. Danny turned to run back to the house. The last he remembered was a sharp blow to the back of his head and then blackness.”

Dimetree turned to Alexi “You better get back son. I will try to contact you later. Not for a couple of days though. Let me see, this is Sunday, I will be back here Tuesday night. Do you think you can get away?”

Alexi nodded as his father placed Danny in the backseat of his car. “Yes sir I will be here. The guard goes off duty at ten. I can meet you anytime after that.” I have my camera all ready. I hope I can convince him to take me to work again tomorrow.”

“Do not try that again they may suspect. Maybe you can get Col Austin to take you in at sometime.”

“I will try that.”

Alexi went back into the house he slipped upstairs and started playing with Matt and Joey.

They had been playing for a few moments when Oscar poked his head in the door. “You guys haven’t seen Dan have you?” Oscar asked….

Danny had a splitting headache when he woke up the next morning. Dimetree was standing over him. “I must say that you Goldman children, when they sleep, they sleep.”

Danny sat up “Who are you?” He wanted to know.

“That is not important right now.” Dimetree told him.

“Why did I know you were going to say that?” Danny said, more to himself then anyone in the room. “What do you want from me?”

“Actually nothing.” Ivan said. “We do however have an offer you can’t refuse.”

“Want to try me.” Danny said.

“No need to get flip, I’m sure you will like this offer. You see the Soviet Union is always looking for brilliant young people to work for them.”

“Let me guess you want me to work for you. And if I refuse your offer?” Danny rubbed the back of his head where a large bump had formed.

Let’s cross that bridge when we come to it. As you Americans love to say.”

“I didn’t realize you were so in tuned to what we said.” Danny remarked.

“There is a lot about us you don’t know Daniel.” Dimetree told him.

“Well if that’s the way the game is played.” Dan assumed.

“Please Daniel, walk with me.” Ivan replied. “I want you to meet someone.”

Danny followed Ivan down the hall. “Just don’t hit me in the back of the head again.” Dan complained still rubbing the lump.

“That will not be necessary I’m sorry I had to do that. But it was the only way to get you to come with us quietly.” Ivan explained.

“Ok I’ll go with you only because I really have now choice.” Danny was referring to the three-armed men who followed him.

They came to an office door. Ivan knocked “Come in.” The voice on the other side called out.

Dan and Ivan stepped into the office. Danny found himself face to face with the Ambassador from Russia. Boris Rustam. It all made sense now.

Oscar, Jaime and Rudy had searched all night for Danny. Steve had stayed with Joey and the ‘twins.’

Steve had fixed breakfast when they came through the back door. “Anything?” Steve asked. The instant he saw they didn’t have Danny he knew the answer.

“It’s like he just vanished off the face of the earth.” Oscar observed. “I just can’t under stand.” Oscar continued. “It is not like Danny to run away. Did he say anything, anything at all you boys?” Oscar turned to the ‘twins’

...Continued