Part 41: Bonding
November 21, 2018
STAR LABS
8:00 am
Standing in the Cortex, Barry paced back and forth. He was wearing a blue sweater over a plaid shirt. Cisco sat behind him typing on his computer. Glancing at his watch Barry noticed that it was 8 o'clock. Where are they? Barry wondered. They should be here by now he thought tapping his foot impatiently.
Hearing the sound of footsteps approaching the Cortex, Barry turned around to see his son and Caitlin. Henry walked in carrying a kit and was dressed similar to Barry. Caitlin walked in behind her son wearing a blue dress.
"Do you have your cotton swabs on you?" question Caitlin.
"Yes," replied Henry.
"What about your test tube?" asked Caitlin.
"Yes, mom," answered Henry.
"Did you walk with the protein bar I made? And some water?" asked Caitlin. "In case you get hungry," added Caitlin motherly.
Sighing Henry placed his kit on the desk. Opening it up Henry moved to the side displaying it for Caitlin.
"Yes mom. I did. See," pointed out Henry.
Looking at the kit Barry noticed it was a standard CSI kit. His son came prepared. Looking over the items Caitlin smiled in satisfactions.
"Good," she said.
Turning to Barry Caitlin looked him over. "Have you got the documents?" she asked as Henry closed his kit.
"Right here," said Barry holding the documents in his hand.
"Now that we have that settled. Can we please go," pleaded Henry looking at his father.
"Uh, uh. Not so fast," said Caitlin shaking her finger. "I need to have a word with you," she said looking at her son. Dragging her son by the arm, Henry and Caitlin stood in front of the TV screen of the Cortex. Sliding out of his computer chair, Cisco joined Barry giving the mother and son some privacy.
"Well don't you two look like twins," smirked Cisco looking between Barry outfit and Henry's. Laughing lightly Barry shook his head as he gazed at his son from the doorway at the Cortex. They were dressed alike.
"I swear. We didn't plan this," said Barry with his arm raised.
"Sure," said Cisco not totally convinced.
"Now make sure you follow the rules they have at the precinct. We want to make a good impression on Captain Singh so he can allow you to stay," said Caitlin dusting off a spec of dust from his sweater. "And use your manners. Don't forget to smile. Greet everyone respectively. First impressions count," she encouraged.
"I know mom," sighed Henry.
"Your gonna do great out there," smiled Caitlin fixing his hair.
"Mommmm," groaned Henry moving to the side.
"Sorry, I'm just so proud of you," she said pinching his cheek.
"Okay," said Henry running around the desk to join his father. "Lets go," he said grabbing his bag.
"Hold up," said Caitlin walking towards her son. Stopping in his tracks Henry turned around just as his mother kissed him on the forehead.
"Good luck," she said.
"Thanks," replied Henry as he and his father began to make their way out.
"I'll drop by later! Don't forget to listen to your father now!" shouted Caitlin as the pair began to walk away.
"I knowwww," groaned out Henry.
Snickering Cisco covered his mouth as he shook his head in amusement. Sighing Caitlin looked at where her son once stood. "My baby's all grown up," said Caitlin sniffing before wiping away a lone tear.
"Dude, your 'baby' is a teenager, in case you haven't noticed," replied Cisco smartly.
"Oh shut up Cisco!" exclaimed Caitlin slapping his chest as he laughed.
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"So," began Barry looking at his son. "Nice outfit," commented Barry.
"Thanks," smirked Henry seeing as they were dressed alike.
"Did you eat breakfast yet?" inquired Barry.
"No. We were in a bit of a rush so we didn't get to eat," admitted Henry.
"It's fine," assured Barry. "We can stop by my favorite bistro consider that we have some time on our hand," he said leading his son out of the building.
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9:00 am
After having a bite to eat, Henry and his father strolled around the streets of Central City. Walking around Henry took pictures and documented his experience. Stopping by a pretzel cart, Barry bought 2 pretzel for him and his son. Eating the pretzel, the duo made their way to Central City Police Department.
Spotting a statue in front of CCPD Henry took a selfie with it. Coming to a stop by the steps leading to his workplace Barry turned around to see his son standing by the statue.
"Henry!" called out Barry as his son made a silly face with the statue.
Hearing his name Henry turned around to look at his father.
"Let's go!" gestured Barry towards the entrance. Nodding his head Henry followed after his father.
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Looking at the police department, Henry was astonished by how different it was from his time. It was very busy as usual. Police officer moved all around them attending to their task.
"Woah!" exclaimed Henry looking around the department.
Stepping off the elevator Barry lead his son through the department. "Welcome to CCPD!" smiled Barry.
Taking out his camera Henry began to film the scene. Like he was doing a vlog.
"It is November 21, 2018. I am here at CCPD. Look how different it is! Everything looks so ancient," said Henry zooming in on some things. "It's like stepping back in time! This is so cool! Oh wow! Look over there!" exclaimed Henry running over towards a statue of lady justice.
"Looking good there Lustitia," said Henry checking out the statue as he began to get weird looks from passersby.
Laughing awkwardly Barry ran over towards his son sparing him from anymore embarrassment. "Ok, lets go somewhere else," said Barry leading his son away from the statue.
"Ohhhh! You guys still have this!" said Henry running over towards a wall with a golden plaque with his father following behind. "Truth, Justice, & Liberty," read Henry point his camera at the wall. "You know these Greek gods actually symbolizes the members of the Justice League!" replied Henry looks back at his father.
"Oh really? That's so cool!" said Barry faking his enthusiasm before dragging his son away from the wall.
Walking through a set of doors a police officer pushed a criminal out the door as Barry and Henry entered.
"I'm gonna rip out your hearts and eat them for lunch," muttered the man looking between the two boys.
"Delightful," replied Henry sarcastically eyeing the man.
PARALLEL
"Allen!" called a familiar voice grabbing the pairs attention. Turning around both father and son were met with the Captain. Stopping in front of them Singh noticed the young man dressed similar to Barry.
"Who's this?" asked Singh looking at the young man.
"Captain Singh," greeted Barry facing his boss. "This is Henry Snow. He's Caitlin's nephew," replied Barry gesturing towards his son.
Fumbling with his camera Henry placed it in his back pocket before offering Singh his hand.
"It's very nice to meet you," smiled Henry shaking his hand.
"Same too you," said Singh curt.
"What is he doing here, Allen?" he said turning back to Barry.
"Well Henry here," began Barry placing an arm around his son. "Will be staying with Cait, here in Central City while his parents are on vacation. Turns out, Henry actually has a degree in forensic science and had recently graduated from MIT, top of his class," said Barry as Singh looked impressed.
"I was wondering if you would be so kind to let him tag along with me here. So he can get an experience of what's it like being a CSI," replied Barry nervously.
"Are you serious Allen! You expect me to let a kid roam around the police department!" yelled Singh grabbing the attention of some officers walking by.
"This isn't a babysitting service, you know!" gritted Singh glaring at Barry.
"I know that-" began Barry trying to explain.
"Do you?! Do you really?!" yelled Singh outraged. "Cause it doesn't seem like it," he said shaking his head before looking over Henry. "Jeez did you have to dress the kid, too. Is he suppose to be your protege, or something," pointed out Singh.
"I'm not a kid," spoke up Henry. "I'm 16," he mumbled (I changed his age, he's 16).
"Whatever. The point is he can't! He's too young to be hanging around in such a dangerous environment," said Singh thinking of Henry's safety.
"With all do respect sir, I can take care of myself," said Henry stepping forward.
"I'm really sorry about this. I know it is last minute, but I would really like an experience to work in such a prestige environment. I have heard so many great things about this department. Being one of the top 10 departments with the most solved cases. A great task force with an amazing leader behind them," explained Henry as Singh fixed his stance standing proudly. "It would be a dream working here," said Henry hoping to butter up Singh.
"I had no idea that my parents would be going on vacation so soon. Once informed that I will be staying with my Aunt Caitlin, I thought why not take the chance and go for it. So after finding out the Mr. Allen here, was in fact a CSI at this department, I practically begged him to take me with him. So I can have a chance to experience what it is like being a CSI," replied Henry.
"You see it is my dream to become one. I haven't had much experience in the field but I was hoping you would give me the chance, once we met," said Henry beginning to get serious. "I know this is under short notice but I do have the necessary documents to prove that I have what it takes," said Henry taking the file of paper out of Barry's hand. "I even completed a document for you to sign to allow me to be here," replied Henry filing through the documents.
"All I'm asking for is a chance, sir," said Henry looking up at him. "It would mean so much to me. Please. It would be such an honor," begged Henry giving him puppy dog eyes.
Looking into his blue-green eyes Singh caved in. "Alright fine," sighed Sing giving in. "Give me that," said Singh taking the file of paper out of Henry's arms. "I'll give you a chance. 1 chance," emphasized Singh. "So don't blow it."
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" exclaimed Henry engulfing Singh in a hug as the man froze. Looking at the scene Barry winced waiting for the Captain's outburst. Realizing what he was doing Henry quickly let go.
"Sorry," said Henry sheepishly as he smoothed over the Captain's suit. Looking at the boy Singh nodded slowly.
"We should go Henry," replied Barry breaking the awkward moment.
"Yeah," nodded Henry following his father.
Recovering from his state of shock, Singh watched as the pair ascended the stairs. "I'll be keeping a close eye on you two. So don't try anything funny," warned Singh before heading into his office.
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Arriving at his father's lab Henry looked around the room. It still looked the same. Walking further into the room Henry noticed the stacks of file laid out for Barry.
"Looks like we have a lot of work to do," commented Barry as both Henry and him began to get to work.
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10:30 am
Strapping on a pair of safety goggles both Barry and Henry began to mix chemicals together. They were trying to determine what the substance was that Barry had found at the scene. Henry had one sample and Barry had another. This way they could cut time.
"Ok now we need to mix it," replied Barry. "Like this," he gestured using his speed.
"Are we allowed to use our powers here?" whispered Henry unsure.
"Yeah," nodded Barry. "Just be quick," he joked as Henry rolled his eyes.
Mixing the chemicals together the liquid turned purple indicating it was ammonia. "Well it seems like mine was a base," indicated Henry holding up the test tube. "Mine's an acid," noted Barry holding up his colorless test tube.
Nodding there head both father and son jotted down there progress. Working together the pair was able to finish most of the paperwork.
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11:00 am
As his father went to the washroom near his lab, Henry began to fiddle with the atom model on his father's desk. A machine in the corner of the room beeped indicating to Henry that it was finished processing the information. Standing up Henry grabbed the slip of paper before making it back to his father's desk. With a pen in his hand Henry analyze the report making a note of the important parts. Footsteps began to approach the lab.
"Hey Allen! I'm gonna need prints of this gun," said an officer not looking up. "Also, Singh wants the fiber analysis of the report in the Gomez case. Here are some other files for you to go through," replied a female police officer looking up only to be met with a teenage boy.
"What are you doing here kid?" asked the officer looking at the young man. Opening his mouth Henry was about to reply when his father walked into the room.
"Hey Henry, I was think that those tire tracks might have came from an older vehicle. Seeing as it doesn't match any of the newer tire models we use nowadays," voiced Barry walking into the room only to notice the presence of the officer.
"Officer Walker," greeted Barry. "What can I help you with?" he asked professionally.
"I could ask you the same thing. Who is this?" she gestured towards Henry.
"Oh this is Henry Snow. He's my new CSI intern," replied Barry.
"Intern, huh? He looks more like your twin," commented Officer Walker observing the young man. "He looks like a mini you. A mini me!" exclaimed the officer seeing as they were dressed similar. "Hi mini Allen," cooed Officer Walker bending down to be at Henry's height.
"How do you do," replied Henry shaking her hand.
"Isn't he a little too young to be an intern?" asked the officer.
"Well Henry actually graduated from MIT, top of his class. He's a really gifted child. Manged to finish university at 16," explained Barry.
"I see," nodded the officer. "Well Singh wanted me to check on you too. And seeing as the place isn't burn't down," she replied observing the area. "I think you boys have did a fine job," joked Officer Walker. "I'll let Singh know. Here are some documents to go through," she said handing them to Barry.
"See you guys around," called out Officer Walker walking out of the office. Looking down at the files of paper in his hand Barry smiled.
"Yay!" he said with fake enthusiasm. Pulling out a chair Barry began to get to work.
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11:30 am
Finishing up the fiber analysis of the report in the Gomez case Henry smiled as he looked down at it. Putting the files of paper into the folder Henry stood up before looking at his father. Barry peered over a microscope observing a sample he had picked up at a scene.
"I finished the fiber analysis of the report in the Gomez case that the Captain wanted," replied Henry walking over towards the finished files.
"That's good," said Barry to into his work to comprehend what Henry was saying.
"Is this pile for Singh?" asked Henry looking through the stack of files.
"Uh Huh," mumbled Barry looking into the microscope.
Looking down at the stack Henry cradled it in his arms. "I'll take it down to him. I'll be back," replied Henry exiting the lab.
"Ok," said Barry not realizing that Henry had left.
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11:32 am
Leafing through Henry's file, Captain Singh took note of the young man's background. He grew up in Coast City. Has a mother and a father, no siblings. Graduated from Coast City High School at 14. Attended MIT soon after. Was a boy scout. Knows CPR and the basic First Aid Procedures. He had all the potential for being a CSI intern, given his degree in forensic science. Henry even took the liberty to prepare a contract for Singh to sign that will allow him to work here part-time. Looking down at the paper in hand Singh considered whether to sign it or not.
A knock at the door interrupts him. Fixing his tie Singh cleared his throat.
"Come in," he said clearly.
Opening the door Henry entered Singh's office.
"I've brought the file you wanted, Captain, along with some others that are done," he said placing the stack of files on his desk.
"That's great. Thank you," he replied curt before picking up a file from the stack and reading over the report. Standing in the room Henry scanned over Singh's office. Sensing the young man's presence Singh looked up at Henry. Clearing his throat Singh addressed him.
"Can I help you?" asked Singh with an eyebrow raised.
"Oh! Sorry, I was just looking around," replied Henry.
"Well seeing as you are done," commented Singh referring to Henry's task of delivering the files. "The door is that way," pointed out Singh.
Nodding his head Henry made his way towards the door before stopping. "Actually, I was wondering if I could talk to you," admitted Henry taking a seat.
Sighing Singh closed his eyes annoyed before opening them back. "Kid I don't have time for a chit-chat-" began Singh.
"I promise this will be worth your wild," pleaded Henry for a chance.
Looking into his sad puppy dog eyes Singh caved. "Fine. What is it?" asked Singh giving Henry's his full attention.
"How would you feel about creating a meta human stunt gun," pitched Henry.
"I'm listening," said Singh intrigued.
"Well you see. I've noticed most of our police officers carrying around guns and stunt guns. And while this is great for normal human beings, it's nothing against meta humans with powers. It's like bringing a knife to a gun fight. It's useless. With the possession of a meta human stunt gun it will be both fast and effective," voiced Henry.
"Can I?" asked Henry before grabbing a blank slip of paper off Singh desk before he could answer. Taking a pen Henry began to quickly sketch a prototype of the gun he had in mind.
"This gun will have a heat signature camera, a red dot sight, long range lens, laser sight, can detect movement, and night vision," stated Henry.
"In addition the gun will be compact with a highly powerful electroshock. Equivalent to the voltage from a third of a lighting bolt, with a range built in to adjust if needed. A technological piece will be attached to the surface of the gun, notifying the officer what is being use. The gun will be able to emit a cold or heat wave if required. To buy the officers some time until The Flash gets there," Henry continues .
"It will be very accurate and powerful. Instead of having wires, this gun will have bolts coming out of it. Like bullets except in a bolt form. Making it more effective," said Henry pointing out each part in his drawing.
"This gun will also be equipped with a pulse canon as well. To deflect the pulse of a speedster. Throwing them off course," explained Henry also counting for rogue speedsters.
Taking in the information Singh nodded his head. It was a very good idea. And it would help save a lot of police officer's lives."This is very good," praised Singh causing Henry to smile. "I've got to say your depiction of an advanced rifle is very precise," noted Singh.
"I, ugh, also dabble in the arts of mechanical engineering," huffed out Henry sheepishly.
"Where did you come up with this idea?" asked Singh curiously. It was an amazing idea. He was baffled that he didn't come up with it before.
"It just came to me," replied Henry. He was wondering why they didn't have it in this time yet. It was suppose to happen a couple months ago. Maybe Nora's mishap had something to do with it.
Nodding his head Singh looked at the young man. Something tells him that him and Henry were gonna get along just find. Maybe it was about time he opened up to him, instead of giving him the cold shoulder. "What else do you have in mind?" smiled Singh.
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12:00 pm
Walking into CCPD, Caitlin made her way up to Barry's lab. She was here to collect Henry for lunch. Entering the lab Caitlin saw Barry at his desk working hard at work.
"Hey Barry," waved Caitlin with a smile as he looked up. "Where's Henry?" she asked walking further into the room.
"He's right there," pointed Barry to the side of the room where an empty stool sat. "Well he was there," mumbled Barry wondering where his son went. Did he say something? wondered Barry.
Looking at the empty spot Caitlin turned her head accusingly at Barry. "You lost our son!" shouted Caitlin.
"I'm sure he's around here somewhere," said Barry standing up. "Maybe he's in the washroom," replied Barry as he checked the washroom and Caitlin checked the closest. Seeing as he wasn't there Barry returned back.
"He's not here Barry," said Caitlin worriedly.
"Well I'm sure he couldn't have gone that far," assured Barry.
"He's a speedster for god sake Barry! He could be halfway around the world by now," panicked Caitlin before making her way down the stairs as Barry trailed behind her.
"Henry! Henry!" shouted Caitlin looking around the prescient for her son.
"Cait, calm down. Your making a scene," warned Barry noticing that they were drawing attention.
"Calm down?! Calm down?! You expect me to calm down?!" shouted Caitlin poking her finger into Barry's chest as he backed up.
"Your the one that lost him, Barry!" yelled Caitlin as people watched the altercation. Turning away from Barry, Caitlin called her son's name as she looked frantically for him. Standing up from his desk Joe looked worriedly at Caitlin. Seeing as her son was not there Caitlin made her way towards the front of the department.
"Caitlin," began Barry trying to calm her down.
"No, Barry. You had one job to do. One! And you screwed it up!" she said running her hand through her hair anxiously. "I swear Barry," said Caitlin looking into his sea-green eyes. "If anything happens to Henry. You're dead," threatened Caitlin making him gulp nervously.
Hearing the melodious sound of her son's laughter, Caitlin turned around to see her son and Captain Singh exiting his office.
"Henry!" called out Caitlin in relief before engulfing her son into a hug.
"Are you ok? Are you hurt?" asked Caitlin pulling back from the hug to inspect him for any injuries.
Scrunching his eyebrows Henry looked at her worriedly. "I'm fine, Aunt Caitlin," assured Henry. "I was with Captain Singh. Didn't Barry tell you?" asked Henry looking at his father.
Closing his eyes Barry winced slightly. So he did tell him. Turning around Caitlin threw daggers at Barry with her eyes.
"I'm sorry for the confusion Dr. Snow," apologized Singh on Barry's behalf. "You know how forgetful Allen is," said Singh as Barry laughed nervously and Caitlin glared at him.
"Anyways," said Singh changing the subject. "Henry has been with me the entire time. We were discussing some new tactics and weaponry we could use for the department. He really is a remarkable young man. Very bright. I can see a potential future for him in law enforcement," praised Singh. "I'm sure you must be proud of your nephew."
"I am," nodded Caitlin wrapping an arm around Henry. "Very proud," she smiled at her son.
"I might even consider replacing Allen with him," voiced Singh making Barry's head shot up.
"What?" asked Barry nervously wondering if he heard wrong.
"You heard right, Allen. You better watch out. You seem to have some strong competition," smirked Singh looking at Henry. "Make sure you keep on your toes, or your gonna see Henry's name on your desk," warned Singh.
"Yes, sir," said Barry nodding his head.
Turning away from his employee Singh looked at Caitlin with a smile.
"So what brings you by Dr. Snow?" he asked.
"Oh! I was wondering if I could take Henry out to lunch," answered Caitlin. "If that's OK with you?" she asked to be sure.
"That perfectly fine," smiled Singh. "In fact," said Singh pulling out his wallet before handing Henry $200. "Lunch is on me," smiled Singh.
"This very generous of you Captain. But I can't take this much money from you," said Henry looking up at his boss.
"Sure you can," waved of Singh. "You can even use the rest however you please. You earned it," said Singh.
"Thank you," said Henry gratefully before hugging the Captain. Wrapping his arms around the young man Singh returned the hug. Gasped erupted around the prescient at the Captain showing affection towards the young man. He was always so closed off. This was a new side to him. Guess Henry brought that out in everyone.
Pulling away from the hug Singh pulled out a piece a paper from his jacket pocket. "I think this belongs to you," smiled Singh as Henry opened it. It was the contract he prepared for Singh, signed.
Looking down at the paper Henry looked up at the Captain amazed. "Welcome to the team," smiled Singh extending his hand for a handshake. Taking his hand Henry shook it gratefully.
"You won't regret this," assured Henry.
"I know I won't," smiled Singh. "Now go on. Have fun," he clapped Henry on the back lightly. Running up the stairs Henry went to retrieve his jacket. Taking a step forward Caitlin hugged Singh. He also had a soft spot for the young woman.
"Thank you," thanked Caitlin. "You really made his day," she lightly kissed his cheek in gratitude.
"Take care of him," he squeezed her hand in reassurance. Moving away Caitlin followed after her son. Standing beside Barry, Singh watched as he smiled at both Caitlin and Henry's retreating figure.
"You guys look like twin," commented Singh looking at Henry.
"I've heard that a lot today," huffed out Barry.
"You know," said Singh turning towards Barry. "If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that was your son," laughed Singh at the crazy idea causing Barry to tense up in panic. Recovering Barry laughed nervously.
"That's crazzyy," he stuttered.
"I know," nodded Singh wiping away a lone tear from his laughing fit. "Good thing I know better," he said clapping Allen on the back, making him jump forward, before walking away.
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SORRY FOR THE LONG WAIT. I BEGAN TO HAVE WRITERS BLOCK FOR AWHILE. ANYWAYS, I FELT LIKE SINGH AGREED TO EASILY TO ALLOW NORA TO HELP BARRY ON THE SHOW. HE DIDN'T EVEN QUESTION HER OR DO A BACKGROUND CHECK. THIS IS HOW I THINK IT SHOULD HAVE GONE. HOPE Y'ALL LIKE IT. DON'T FORGET TO LIKE. I WILL UPDATE ASAP.
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