PROLOGUE

Not all ships that travel the net are friendly.

"This is Garamond of the cargo ship Omega.  I am two sectors from System Template and am requesting assistance.

"We read you Omega, this is the Port Authority Control Tower – what is your status?"

"Nothing serious," Garamond said, "Unfortunately, I procrastinated in replacing a cooling cell and now --,"

"You need a tow, Omega?"

"I'd be much obliged."

"Dispatching a ship now.  Sit tight Omega, we'll be there shortly."

"Thanks, pal."

Garamond sighed and leaned back in his seat.  Served him right.  He should have gotten that cell replaced a cycle ago.  Now he'd be late on his deliveries.  If the old man didn't dock him wages he'd be surprised.

He switched on the radio, listening to the various conversations going on around him.  After a time the mindless drone of speech lulled him to sleep.

And a nano later, he was awakened by the sound of something smashing into the hull of his ship.

Garamond was thrown from his seat to slam painfully against the floor.  Warning alarms were screeching with the cockpit of the ancient cargo vessel.  Garamond managed to crawl back to his seat and activate the outside viewer.

What he saw made his core-com jump into his throat.

A ship – the largest battleship he had ever seen, was bearing down on him.  It was coal black – with blood-red sails and the image of a flaming skull painted on the surface of the largest one.  Bile rose in Garamond's throat.  He had heard the rumors of a ship like this.  He knew then and there that even if help did come from the system, they would be too late.

Garamond heard the noise but was unaware of it until a few nanos later.  He was being hailed.

He turned to the console. "This is Garamond of the cargo ship, Omega."

"This is First Officer Evan Var of the Blood Skull," The voice said, "You will make no attempt to escape.  We will delete you.  Prepare to be boarded."

"I read you, Blood Skull," Garamond felt a glimmer of hope.  Maybe if he just let them have what they wanted, he'd get out of this with his skin intact.

Garamond waited for them at the cargo hold.  They flew over on two rocket cycles.  The large sprite man, Garamond guessed he was Evan Var, was the first to approach.  He was a fierce warrior-type, with red and black body armor.  His head was shaved bald and his silver face seemed to consist of harsh angles and puckered scars.  Hard dark-green eyes scrutinized him. 

Var's two companions began to examine the crates and boxes in the hold.  One man was a painfully thin, almost emaciated sprite, with a rat-like tan face.  He was practically drooling over the cargo.  The other was a one binome female, dark blue in color, her entire body covered in tattoos.

"I'm just a cargo transport pilot," Garamond said when Var's scrutiny became uncomfortably long, "I'm not --,"

"Quiet!" Var said, "Well?"

The rat-faced man turned, "Weapons components in this one."

"Exo-suit components here," the woman said.

"They're for the mining project on --," Garamond began.

Var struck him across the mouth, "Didn't I tell you to shut your face?" 

Garamond cringed away where he lay on the floor and covered his face with his hands.  He wasn't a soldier, just a simple pilot.

"Call the others," Var said, "Have them load all of this stuff on board."

"Yes sir!"  Rat-face said, "The captain will be pleased."

"Yes he will," Var said.

Garamond didn't move from his position on the floor.  Not even when more of the crew filed onto his ship and by hand or mechanical device began to remove the cargo.  After a time the hold was empty, Var approached him again.

"Get up," he said.

Garamond obeyed.

"I see nothing in you," Var said.

Garamond's face twisted in confusion but he was too afraid to say anything.

Var turned and left him standing there without saying another word.

After a time and still thoroughly puzzled Garamond rushed back to the cockpit.  He placed a frantic call to System Template, "This is the cargo ship Omega, need immediate assistance.  Have been seized by --,"

Something to his left out the window drew his attention.  A flash of red light that Garamond only had a nano to comprehend before it blew his ship to pixels.

*

Evan Var nodded as his order was carried out.  The rat-faced man named Fisher danced around on deck clapping his hands with glee.  Var turned on the scene and went below.

At the end of the hall, a thick wood door stood silent sentry before him.  Var knocked four times.

"Enter," came the voice.

Var opened the door to the rich scents of a warm supper and was reminded that he had not yet eaten.  He'd partake of a meal, after he made his report.

The room was not ornately decorated.  It was however filled with the finest of furniture and creature comforts, all in spartan tones and designs.  A warm fire blazed in a hearth.

A small table was opposite the fireplace and at it, sat the muscular sprite man that he had served for well over ten hours.

"Sir, the cargo is aboard," Var reported, "It was just as you said.  We have what we need now."

"Good," the man said.  "And what of the ship?"

"Destroyed."

The man looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.

"The pilot was a coward and not worthy of serving you."

"Very well," the man said.  "Have we set course for System 0071?"

"We have sir," Var said.

"Good, advise me when we arrive."

"Yes sir," Var turned away, "Captain?"

"Yes."

"I don't understand sir," Var turned to look at him with a familiarity of their time pirating, "Why is it so important that you destroy this one binome?  I know you have your secrets despite our years but -,"

The captain held up his hands, "There are many pirates sailing the two seas but this is the only one who could be an annoyance.  Besides, we are old enemies him and I.  There is a score to settle there.  And what better way to settle a score then to take everything a man has and then take his life?"

"Agreed," Var said, "Very well.  I shall inform you when we arrive."

Var left the captain to his meal.

*

The captain lifted himself from the chair and stretched and was disturbed when his links cracked.  Hopefully, with the fruition of this plan he would not only be able to retire wealthy, but have a system to call his own.  The captain reached for the cup of ale he had been drinking and carried it over to the fireplace and settled down into his chair.  He stared at the dancing flames and a smile played across his lips as the image of his old enemy appeared.

"I'm coming for you, my old enemy," the captain said.  "Crimson Binome you had better beware."

CHAPTER 1

COMING OF AGE

"Look lively ye scurvy knaves!"  Captain Gavin Capacitor, a.k.a., The Crimson Binome shouted to his crew, "We've got a schedule ta keep!"

The captain watched as his crew and fellow shipmates went about their duties in a quick efficient manner.  Mr. Christopher was busily tapping away at his organizer.  He looked up with a slight smile, "Message coming through from the missus."

"I'll take it in me cabin," Gavin couldn't help but smile wistfully as he turned and strode across the deck, descending into the cool interior below.

Every time he saw her, Gavin couldn't help but fall deeper in love with her.  Despite the fact that they had been wed for some five hours, he still referred to her as 'his lovely bride.'

"And how goes your journey, lovely bride?"

"Very well, my husband," Mai smiled at him, "When we return we should have quite a haul of goods for Mainframe.  I'm just sorry we'll miss Young Enzo's birthday party."

"As am I," Gavin said, "But I'm sure the lad will like the gift we got him.  He's a good lad.  Grown up ta be quite a man."

"Yes, he has," Mai said, "Then I shall see you in three?"

"Aye, lovely bride.  I shall see ya then, I love ye," Gavin said.

"And I love you to."

When the connection closed, Gavin sat back in his chair and smiled again.  Not only when they arrived in Mainframe would they have the finest goods available, but they'd get a chance to relax and celebrate with old friends.  Gavin was looked forward to it.

Unfortunately, he wasn't certain he'd be able to completely enjoy himself.

For the past cycle, he had felt restless – edgy.  Like there was something important that he should be doing.  It came to him that he had not been home in some time.  Maybe what he was feeling was just homesickness.  He should ask Dot for some time off.  Take the boys back home.  They had families some of them and they hadn't seen them in well over six cycles.  Yes, that would do the trick.  At least he hoped it would.  He hated this feeling he had.

***

"Happy Birthday, Enzo!"

Now this is what I call a party!  Eighteen-hour-old Enzo Matrix mused and the cheering ensued as he blew out the candles on his cake. 

"Did you make a wish, love?"  Hexadecimal, Chaos virus, businesswoman, and the undisputed ruler of New Lost Angles gave him a toothy grin.

"Yes, I did, madam," Enzo returned the grin but avoided looking at Melissa, "And if I'm very lucky, it will come true."

"Oh I'm sure it will," Hex said.

"Speech!"  Bob called out suddenly and a chorus of agreement followed.

Enzo pushed back from the table and stood, making a show of clearing his throat, "Today, I am a man!"

The men cheered.  Dot gave him a bemused look.  Mouse shook her head and smiled and the look Melissa gave him made his insides melt.

*

Melissa smiled as she watched her handsome boyfriend.  She wondered what his wish had been and why he had avoided looking at her.  Lately, she had been thinking of their future together – well at least she hoped they had one.

"He is a hot cutie isn't he?" Mouse smiled and gave Melissa a wink.

"Mouse," Dot admonished, "You're talking about Little Enzo."

"He ain't so little anymore, sugah," Mouse said.

"Yes," Dot said wistfully, "He grew up so fast, didn't he?  I remember

when --,"

"Dot," Mouse said.

"Oh I can wax nostalgic if I want to," Dot smiled wryly, "You'll be doing the same thing, soon enough."

"Hmph," Mouse said in mock indignation, "I can't believe that search engine did this to me."

"You love it," Dot said.

Mouse's hand automatically lowered to her stomach, "Yes, I do."

Melissa smiled at the banter.  Mouse's announcement had caught everyone by surprise, including the father to be, who practically fainted dead away.

Soon her attention was back on Enzo.

"— and as I look back on my golden hours, I have come to realize the importance of -- ,"

"No more speech!"  Bob called out the others heartily agreed, which of course, caused Enzo to talk even longer and louder.

Mouse was looking at her, "You gonna stop this, sugah?"

"Oh I don't know," Melissa said, "He's so cute when he babbles."

The young she-virus stood and made her way past the obstacle course of tables and chairs.  Enzo was still going on, trying his best to annoy his friends who had began to tease him with friendly insults.  He finally noticed her approach.  Melissa reached up and removed his glasses.  Enzo gave her a questioning look.  Melissa wrapped her arms around him and in true Mouse and Ray style, bent him back and kissed him.

Cheers erupted again as Melissa indulged and when she finally released him, Enzo stumbled back, his expression dazed.  Melissa smiled, turned and sashayed back to her seat.

"Groovy," Enzo said.

*

"What did you want to talk to me about Hex?"  Enzo said.

The party was in full swing when Hex suddenly floated above them and apologized and announced she needed to talk to Enzo alone for a nano and had whisked him to her Lair.

"Oh it's not what I want to talk about," Hex nodded behind him.

Enzo turned as a figure moved from the shadows, "Hello Enzo."

"Raven," Enzo said, mildly shocked.  "It's – it's good to see you're well."

"And it is good to see you as well," Raven stepped forward and Enzo noticed he held his hands behind his back.  "I just wanted to --," he broke off and Enzo now noticed his discomfort, "Here."  And the mercenary thrust a wrapped package at him.  "Happy Birthday."

A grin spread across Enzo's face, "Thank you."  He tore off the wrapping and opened the box.  Inside was a pair of black gloves, similar to Raven's, with a mini-computer integrated within the material. 

"They're power gloves," Raven said quietly, "You know for hand to hand combat.  Since you don't like using weapons and all."

"I know," Enzo smiled, "Thank you, they're alphanumeric."

"I'm glad you are pleased," Raven smiled hesitantly, "You'd better get him back to the party now."

It wasn't until she reappeared that Enzo noticed Hex had left him alone with Raven.

"Why don't you join us?"  Enzo asked him.

Instantly Raven fell into his dark and brooding mercenary persona, "I seriously doubt I would be welcome."

"Hey, it's my party – I can invite who I want to."

Again, came that strange look on Raven's face that Enzo remembered from the last time he had told him a joke.  Raven coughed abruptly and ducked his head.

"Come on, Raven, laugh.  You know you want to."

Raven turned away, "Enjoy your birthday, Enzo."

"If you change your mind," Enzo said and Hex whisked them both away.

***

Enzo was sitting at his favorite stool at the bar, Melissa on his arm when Matrix approached.

"Hi," Enzo smiled up at his brother.

"Having fun, Kid?" The colonel asked.

"Oh yeah," Enzo said.

"Do you think we could talk outside for a nano?"

Enzo had a feeling it was something serious by his tone and the reserved expression he wore, "Sure."  Enzo kissed Melissa quickly on the lips, "BRB, baby.  Keep my seat warm."

"It will be my pleasure, my love."  Melissa smiled at him.

Enzo followed Matrix outside, away from the boisterous noise within the Diner and out into the warm evening.  Before leaving, Matrix had grabbed two energy beers. 

Just a few hundred yards from the Diner, a monument had been constructed on a patch of grass, lined with trees and flowering plants.  In it's center was an intricately carved fountain that bore the names of all the citizens lost in the wars.  Turbo's name was the first, inscribed on a gold plaque with the Collective credo written underneath.

Matrix sat on the side of the fountain and handed Enzo one of the beers just as he sat down beside his brawny counterpart.

Then almost immediately, Matrix got up and began to pace.  Enzo watched him, knowing Matrix had something on his mind but was having trouble finding the right words.  Enzo was used to his way by now and the young sprite waited patiently for Matrix to get his thoughts together.

"I don't know, Kid," Matrix said, "You're eighteen.  Hard to believe, huh?"

"Yeah," Enzo's lips upturned slightly.

Matrix stopped pacing and looked at him for a nano, then started right back up again, "I don't know," the colonel repeated, "I feel like I should be telling you something.  You know, giving you some advice."

"I'm not Dot, Bob or Phong," Matrix continued, moving his hands in an exaggerated motion, "I'm not good at these things."  He stopped and finally faced him, "Besides you already know everything.  You're about the smartest sprite in Mainframe."

Enzo felt a flush warm his cheeks, "I'm not the smartest."

"You're damn well near it then," Matrix said, "Look, Kid, you're doing okay for yourself.  You've got your job; you graduate in a few minutes, and you're with one of the prettiest girls in Mainframe.  So all I can say is just keep doing what you're doing and you'll be fine."

Enzo didn't know what to say.  Matrix's words made him feel as though he was the smartest, the best and that he could accomplish anything.  It hadn't been so much the words themselves but the meaning behind them and the sincerity with which they were spoken.

"Thank you."  Enzo said, quietly, "I-I won't let you down, I promise."

Matrix smiled slightly, "I know."

Matrix walked forward and clamped a hand on Enzo's shoulder, "Let's go back inside."

"Okay."

Enzo started forward.

"Enzo?"

"Yes?"  He turned.

"I'm proud of you."

Enzo swallowed as the lump formed in his throat.  He wondered if Matrix was aware of just how much those words meant to him, "You – you just said that to make me cry."

Matrix chuckled and moved to place a brotherly arm around him, "Of course," Matrix teased.

Enzo grinned at him and the two walked back to the Diner.

***

Gavin sat in a far corner by himself, watching the proceedings with a slight smile on his face.  His crew knew to leave him be when he was in these moods and it seemed so did the Mainframers as he was only approached a few times, then the party just went on around him.

Matrix and Enzo walked in and Gavin's smiled widened slightly.  Those two, so different, yet exactly alike.  They were like the sons Gavin knew he could never have.  That thought caused an uncomfortable memory to press forward.  Although Mai had said she didn't want children, Gavin still felt guilty about robbing her of the opportunity.  Marriage to him meant no children and Gavin himself hadn't truly wanted any (even though he figured it would be nice to have a son to carry on his name) because he felt he simply wouldn't have the time to devote to them.

So the Enzo's took the place and a pair of fine sons they made.  Gavin continued to watch them as Enzo rejoined Melissa and Matrix went to talk to Bob and Dot.  After a few nanos, Gavin was surprised when Matrix approached, carrying an energy beer.  He stopped a few feet from where Gavin sat, and handed it to him.  "Hi Gavin, sorry to bug you but I have a favor to ask."

"Ask away, me hearty," Gavin smiled slightly.

As Matrix began speaking Gavin's mood lifted considerably.  The idea Matrix had would not only make a fine outing, but give him a chance to make a trip home as well, so Gavin heartily agreed to the plan and invited Matrix to sit down so they could set things in motion.

***

"Melissa," Enzo kissed her deeply, "Do you want to know what my wish was?"

She drew back slightly and placed two fingers on his lips, "No," she whispered, "Or it won't come true."

He smiled slightly, "All right and this is a wish that has to come true."

He kissed her again and held her for a brief moment, "I'm glad you could come back for my party," he said.  "I've missed you."

"I missed you to," she smiled.

Enzo glanced up at the towering shadow that was Hex's Lair.  "I'd better leave before Hex comes out here with a rolling pin.  I'll see you tomorrow?"

Melissa got the strangest look on her face, "Umm hmm," she kissed him again.  "Good night."

"Good night," Enzo was puzzled.  He mused on Melissa's look as he zipped home through the quiet night sky.  The party had lasted into the wee micros of the morning and tomorrow was a holiday so he didn't have to worry about getting any sleep for work.

Today wasn't really his birthday.  Actually, his 'true' birthday wasn't for another three minutes and it was the day he shared with Matrix.  At first, everyone had assumed that he would enjoy sharing the day with his brother. 

But when one is young and he feels his day is being overshadowed by the fact that someone else shares that day, well tends to be put out of sorts.  After that disastrous birthday party, Dot had come up with the idea that Enzo's birthday was really the day he had been processed.  The day of the system restart.  It had suited Enzo just fine.  Hence, tomorrow being a holiday, with the Restart Celebration.  So Enzo would be partying all weekend.  It was a prospect he was looking forward to.

When he arrived at home he realized that after the weekend, he could officially start looking for his own place.  He sighed wistfully.  He had loved living with Bob and Dot and looking after Key and Eve, but he had wanted his own space for quite some time.

Enzo quietly let himself in.  The house was dark and he made his way by feel to the kitchen, poured himself a glass of milk and went into his bedroom.  He opened his organizer and went over the calculations for his latest experiment.

Unexpectedly, the room was suddenly ablaze with the golden light of a portal. Enzo gave an astonished cry and the glass slipped from his fingers.  He stared, dumbstruck as a massive figure stepped from within the shining globe. 

Enzo only had a nano to register that it was Princess Bulla before she wrapped her sinewy arms around him and tossed him in.