The Iron Web — Episode Three: "Trapped, Tested, and Awakening Power"

Missy teleports in, clad in her sleek metallic suit. A beat later, the iron web appears beside her in a crackle of energy. Anything? Missy shakes her head, brow furrowed with concern.

Nothing. I've checked and double-checked all the simulators, but he hasn't come through the system. He's not there.

Missy's phone rings from the coffee table. She scoops it up, grimacing.

It's Mom. She's been trying to get a hold of Keon. She's getting suspicious.

Iron Webb turns away, staring tensely out the window.

We need to find him, Dad.

He whirls back around, irritation flashing across his features.

Yeah, I know that. There's no need for reminders here. Your dad is a working brain.

Mrs.

Arches and eyebrow defiantly.

That's a bad idea. We need a lead or something to give us clues on where he went.

Maybe you could call one of your contacts at the Space Intelligence Unit?

I have. Ironweb regards her intently. You think so? In a blur, Missy teleports away, then rematerializes instantly.

Okay, so Jack Johnson is in a meeting with his superior right now. Give him a call, and I'll teleport there and stay hidden, and then let's just see what happens when you end it.

A proud smile ghosts across Iron Webb's lips. Good idea.

Well, I'm guessing I must be adopted, or else you would have had one yourself.

Rolling his eyes, Iron Webb retrieves his cell phone and dials. Files and monitors litter the desk between them.

After our families. He shakes his head, jaw set.

Jack's phone rings, shattering the tense silence. He checks the collar ID and grimaces before answering. Have you found anything useful? Jack exchanges a loaded glance with Frank, who gives an imperceptible nod.

No, nothing yet. We're still looking. We'll let you know when we do.

He hangs up abruptly. The shimmering distortion in the corner of the room resolves into missy, hovering silently, Missy teleports back in, reappearing beside Iron Web. He turns to face her expectantly. Well, are they lying? Missy nods grimly.

Yeah, but the good news is I used my sonic powers to detect what Jack was seeing on his computer screen, and I managed to find Claudia's last known location. Let's go!

She extends her hand, focusing. Waves of sonic energy ripple outward, transferring the coordinates to Iron Web's armor. He nods curtly, and they vanish in a blinding flash. Keon sits trapped inside a glass containment box, an ominous electric collar secured around his neck. A single light shines down on him, bathing the young man in an eerie glow reminiscent of a magician's prop. Suddenly, Missy teleports in outside the box. She locks eyes with her brother for a tense beat. Don't!

How do we get you out of here?

You can't. Not yet. This collar could kill me if it's tampered with before they disable it. I'm stuck.

What does Claw Death even want with you?

Keon takes a deep, steadying breath. Frank Marshall, who works for the Space Intelligence Unit, locked up a couple of Claw Death's men. They're hidden in some black sight prison. He's trying to force me to find them so we can stage a rescue. Missy's eyes widen in realization.

Well, why can't he do it himself?

Because his biometrics are already flagged into their system. If he's even detected in the prison, it goes into immediate lockdown, and anyone wearing one of these kill collars dies instantly. He swallows hard, gaze-dropping. He'll execute me too if I'm not useful. A shimmer, and the Iron Web appears beside Missy in a crackle of energy. Iron Web nods grimly. Got it.

Should we just let him die? I mean, I love you, brobot, sharing birthdays and Christmas, and getting one less present is kind of a drag.

Keon rolls his eyes, but a faint smile ghosts across his lips. Yeah, you're a riot. Missy lets out a soft chuckle. Then her expression turns serious once more. So, what's our play here?

Iron Webb fixes him with an intense stare. You're gonna have to do the mission he wants. You can't see a way for us to safely remove that collar without more intel on how it functions.

And we don't have time to find that out, so you'll have to go along with Claude as planned for now, but when he's about to release you.

Missy and Ironweb teleport away just as Claude death strides into view, flanked by two heavily armed henchmen.

It's a beautiful day, right, Keon? You ready for your mission? There's only one right answer if you want to live, so choose wisely.

He lets out an evil cackle that sends chills down Keon's spine.

Ha you know the deal. I have a cute switch right here in my pocket. Try anything that jeopardizes this up, and you die. Is that clear?

Keon swallows hard, lips pressed into a grim line. Whatever. With a snap of Claudette's fingers, the containment box rises towards the high ceiling. One henchman approaches and unlocks Keon's collar with a series of keystrokes.

Nice and easy. You'll teleport in, secure our men, and write back to a group before moving on to the next target. Three men total that need extracting. They won't be expecting you. Your DNA isn't flagged in their system, so you should go undetected.

His cold eyes bore into Keon.

But if you do get caught, well I won't be able to help you out for various reasons. And I'll kill you right afterward. You absolutely clear? Because it better be if you want to live past sixteen.

Keon stares back, face said in grim determination. Claudeath beckons and his men fall in beside Keon, leading him towards the exit. Claudeath lounges in a plush chair, observing as one of his henchmen removes Keon's kill collar.

Uh-uh. I wouldn't bother trying to escape. You're still well within my control range. Try to run and I'll just recall you back and kill you. If I were you, I'd listen up and play this smart.

He snaps his fingers, and another henchman produces a strange-looking device.

This is a collar of your teleport inside, place just around the kill collars worn by my men. It'll disable and melt them right off. Honestly, am I bad? Three of my guys are locked up in close proximity inside. So move quickly between locations once you've secured one. Remember, any mistakes and you'll dead meat. Don't be stupid, kid.

Hmm.

The rear doors grind open, framing one of Claw Death's men. He proffers four collar removers before gesturing for Keon to exit. Keon swallows hard, squaring his shoulders as he steps out into the crisp air.

He focuses, vanishing in a crackle of teleportation energy.

The ultra modern labyrinthine corridors of Hawkeye Prison stretch into pitch blackness. The cells laying in the halls empty and abandoned. Except for one, tucked into a far corner. Keon rematerializes nearby in a shimmering burst of energy. He sucks in a calming breath, stealing his nerves as he creeps towards the occupied cell. Missy suddenly uncloaking beside him. Helpful. Thanks. His radio cackles to light with Clawed Death's voice.

Who are you talking to? And why is it so talking then?

Missy flashes a mischievous grin as Keon shakes his head, pressing one button. He finally reaches the cell, eye scanning for any potential security threats.

Don't worry. Don't force me to disable the cameras.

I thought we were supposed to be a team here. Rolling his eyes, Keon teleports directly into the cell. The inmate lies fast asleep, facing away from them.

I scanned the collar remover already. You can't just yank the kill color removed. That jumpstone part has to be encased a little bit of ice birds to be activated safely.

Kian eyes the slumbering man dubiously.

So Yeah, you're gonna have to turn him over.

Kion approaches cautiously, moving to gently roll the inmate towards him.

Make sure he doesn't wake up screaming. You don't want our cover blown, do you?

Missy passes him the collar remover. Heart pounding, Keon shifts the inmate's body, only for his eyes to snap open, mouth opening to scream. In a blur, Keon claps his hand over the man's mouth as Missy emitted a sonic shockwave, freezing him in place. With his free hand, Keon deftly encases the kill collar's gemstone the remover device. It lets out a shrill beep as the collar disengages, clattering to the floor harmlessly.

Time to roll him out.

Keon nods grimly, focusing as he and the inmate vanish in a crackle of displaced air. Keon and the rescued inmate materialize with a thud in the back of the truck. Claw Death's men immediately swarm the Haggard prisoner, enveloping him in celebratory hugs and high fives. Welcome for the rescue, I guess. Clawedeth rises from his chair, a faint sneer on his lips.

Two more to go, kid, but don't get cocky. The next one won't be nearly as easy as that little cake walk. Remember, play this smart. Your life depends on it.

He nods to one of his techies who transmits a fresh set of coordinates directly to Keon via sonic pulse.

Move out! Quit toddling!

Keon grimaces, focusing his energy as he teleports away in a shimmering haze. He staggers off balance from the rapid translocation, teetering precariously. In a heart-stopping moment, his foot slips over the edge, but he manages to snag a trailing rope just in time, left dangling over the fiery depths. Suddenly, the Iron Web's avatar shimmers into view above him, striding out onto the creaking planks. He seizes Keon's arm in an iron grip, hauling his son back to safety with surprising strength.

Clock's ticking, so quit lollygagging. Oh, and quit talking to yourself too, kid. People are starting to talk. I might soon be joining in on the fun if you keep it up.

Rolling his eyes, Keon turns towards the smoldering castle entrance and teleports away. Keon rematerializes in the sweltering castle interior, lit by guttering torches and the hellish volcanic glow outside.

Hmm.

Not a bad place, if you're a skeletor. At the far end, a prisoner hangs suspended in iron chains, battered and bloody. Three towering lion statues flank the corridor leading to him. As Keon's gaze sweeps over them, one of the lion's eyes seems to twitch. He staggers back a step, alarmed. What's that? Suddenly, Missy's avatar uncloaks beside him, eyebrow arched.

Need a hand pushing you to your fiery dump.

Something not right here.

Do we need to find you a nice therapist?

Shaking off her tons, Keon starts advancing cautiously down the corridor, eyes flickering between the statues. I don't like this one bit.

It's probably because you're halfway to wedding yourself. Me, on the other hand, I'm having the time of my life. Like a fun little trip to Disneyland.

Keon finally reaches the captive, recoiling at his grievous wounds. Ragged strips of clothing hang from his emaciated frame, legs atone in a bloody mess. One of the lion's statues drops to all fours, solidifying into a living beast that immediately vanishes with a roar. Keon whips around, eyes wide, only to find an empty alcove where the statue once stood. Wait, what? There were three lions on the wall before. Where's the other one g?

Yep, you're gonna die right about now.

Keon focuses every iota of his concentration, teleporting away with the captive mere inches before the beast's granite claws can find their mark. Claw Death's men swarm the haggard captive, engulfing him in celebratory hugs and slaps on the back. Claw Death rises from his chair, eyeing Keon with faint approval.

You're good, kid. The boys here were placing bets you'd die back in the castle. But you manage to prove them wrong. Keep this up, and I might want to keep you around permanently.

Keon meets his gaze levelly, unflinching. That wasn't the deal. Claw Death lets out a low chuckle, shaking his head.

Well, deals changed, son. Didn't your dad ever teach you that? If not, you've just had your first lesson. You're welcome. Now, on to the final mission.

Keon tenses, nodding curtainly. This'll be the final one. Claw Death arches an eyebrow, a hint of menace flickering across his features.

I wouldn't get too cocky around me if I were you, kid. I have a way of spoiling people's fun when they get ahead of themselves.

Keon shakes his head, but holds his tongue as Claw Death continues.

The final target is one of my men being held inside an arena. Ringed by Komodo Dragon Pits. It's an old-fashioned death ring, if you can imagine. He leans forward, deadly serious. Now. And extract him. This is your final trial by fire, my boy. A test, if you will.

Keon tenses at the ominous word choice. Test? Catching himself, Claudeath waves a dismissive hand.

I mean mission.

Are you ready for it? As I'll ever be. Claude Death lets a thin smile crease his lips.

Good luck then, kid. This is it. It all rests on this final run. Play it smart.

Keon nods grimly. Oh, I will.

He focuses his energy, disappearing in a crackle of displaced air.

The raucous sounds and lights of a bustling casino floor assault the senses as Keon rematerializes in a dingy backroom. A gladiatorial arena stretches out beyond the room's one-way glass, ringed by sunken Komodo dragon pits. Claude Death's disembodied voice crackles in Keon's earpiece.

I can't get a visual on you in there, kid. What's your status?

A shimmering distortion suddenly flares in Keon's peripheral vision, Missy's cloaked form materializing beside him.

What the fuck?

Her cloak shorts out in a shower of sparks, forcing her to uncloak fully. At that same moment, a distant figure plummets from the casino's upper levels, crashing with a sickening thud into the arena. Missy rushes to be beside the Iron Web, struggling to his feet amidst the sandy pit, stunned but clearly injured.

Dad? Dad, what are we doing here? I can't teleport us out. My powers aren't working.

Keon meets Iron Web's pained gaze for a tense beat. Three towering Komodo dragons slither from their sunken pens, rapidly encircling Iron Web and the terrified Missy.

Dad, what the hell is happening here?

I don't know for certain. What I do know is this is as real as it gets now. We're in mortal danger, baby girl.

Missy's eyes widen in panic as she futily tries teleporting away, only for her powers to spark harmlessly around her.

Why aren't my powers working?

You can't use them in this space somehow. I'm not sure why. He draws her into a tight embrace as the dragons begin closing the circle, putrid moths stretched wide. But listen to me.

We may not have our abilities in here, but our human skills are still intact. If not even enhance. So when I give the signal, we jump.

Jump? Dad, what are you talking about?

One of the dragons lunges with a furious hiss. Iron Web barks out a single command. Jump! He dodges to the side in a blur as the Komodo dragon slams into the arena wall. Missy follows his lead an instant later, the pair now firmly outside the ring of circling predators.

But who's behind this? Why are we here?

An avatar of Keon suddenly shimmers into view. Me. I'm the one controlling this scenario. Missy whirls on her brother, eyes blazing.

Is this some kind of sick joke? Get us out of here right now before we're killed!

There's no point. Not yet, at least. Another dragon strikes, its gaping maw coming within inches of snatching Iron Web's leg before he deftly dodges aside. Sweat beads on his brow from the exertion. I was in a simulation this entire time, wasn't I? Iron Webb meets his son's unflinching gaze, the pieces finally falling into place.

This isn't the right time, but yes. Your physical reality may not have been genuine. But this simulation, this world we now inhabit, is undeniably real and deadly, Keon.

He ducks another vicious lunge, voice rising in intensity.

As its creator, we need you to shut this nightmare down now, before it claims us. If you have any humanity left in you, end this madness immediately.

Aren't you even a little curious how I figured it all out? Ironweb shoves Missy aside as a dragon's saw-like teeth snaps shut inches from her face.

Now is not the time! Just get us out, dammit!

But Keon remains unmoved, arms folded as he watches them dodge and weave. The cameras in the prison and that volcanic castle, they were all life feeding into Claude Death's network. He must have some way to remotely access their systems and observe us, and render my sister's powers useless on a whim. Iron Web fires off a series of rapid kicks, driving one beast back momentarily. As soon as you two started appearing wherever I teleported, right on cue, well, I started putting the pieces together.

Keon, please, we need you to shut this down now. Get us out before it's too late!

Keon's Avatar simply smiles thinly, already fading away. I'll get you out. Right after I explain all this to Mom, he winks out of existence, leaving Missy and the Iron Web alone as the Komodo dragons attack in a frenzy. She lets out a high shriek of terror. And with crackling static, Missy and Iron Webb's battered forms disappear.

The goal is to recruit Keon as our operative. Make him part of the core initiative. Not alienate him and distance him from it entirely. Do you two remember what the mission even is anymore? Iron Webb leans forward, voice Steely. With respect, sir, you gave us strict instructions to take Keon's training to the next level, by any means necessary. He's been subjected to graduated trials, elevated stakes, all to awaken his true potential as a protector of this world.

Missy tenses, shooting an alarmed glance at her father, but Ironweb simply scoffs dismissively.

Spare me the legalese. He's my son. We're well within our rights.

Missy rolls her eyes heavenward.

Have you met Armon lately? She'll skin you alive if she finds out.

Jack fixes Iron Web with a hawkish glare, leaning back in his seat.

Look, you two need to get the boy back on our core mission and quickly. Or so help me, I'll not only have you blackballed and stripped of your positions, but I'll make certain your real identities are linked to the public as well. He lets that chilling thread hang in the air for a beat. So I'd strongly advise cooperating from here on out.

Fuming silently, Iron Webb rises stiffly and exits the office, Missy falling into step beside him. They disappear around a corner, leaving Jack alone, his expression etched with pain and frustration. Ever vigilant. The door creaks open behind him, and Keon, a lean 16-year-old boy, tentatively steps out onto the rooftop. His eyes go wide as he spots the legendary Iron Web. Yes, Dad, I do. Iron Web turns to face his son, cape sweeping around him.

You might see me differently after Keon, once the truth is laid bare.

Keon approaches cautiously, the gravel crunching underfoot. The Iron Web suddenly stiffens, his heightened senses alerting him to potential trouble. But his next words are somber, introspective.

We are heroes, son. Guardians sworn to safeguard this world and all who dwell upon it. It's a path carved from honor, sacrifice, and hardship most cannot begin to fathom.

He places a hand on Keon's shoulder, gripping it firmly.

As a member of this family, the mantle will one day fall to you as well. Our burden is to bear our great responsibility. So you must ask yourself, are you truly prepared to shoulder that weight? For the road ahead leads only to darkness, pain, and unimaginable loss.

Kian meets his father's intense gaze, a newfound resolve shining in his eyes, a fierce determination to prove himself worthy. I'm ready, Dad. Fate brought us both to this crossroads. It's time for the torch to be passed. It's time for the Iron Boy to be unleashed. I'm ready to play. In a sudden burst of movement, Keon sprints toward the rooftop's edge and flings himself over the dizzying precipice.

The Iron Web was brought to life by the incredible voices of Chakri Matayanani, Kelly, and Emerson Peary. Written, produced, and directed by Joelle and Zita. This show is a labor of love for all audio drama enthusiasts. For future episodes and exclusive updates, don't forget to subscribe to that love podcast. Join our growing community of over 18,000 fans on Facebook and Twitter. Follow us on Twitter at That Love Pod and on Facebook at That Love Podcast.