Chapter 4 : Aftermath

That was only a matter of time before Larry and Fiskmeyer could meet the previous Queen Jezebel. The moment they appeared in her room, many changes already could be seen. Indeed, Queen Jezebel's office was almost entirely empty. Her wardrobe, as well as her royal dresses, had been taken. Office's golden wallpapers already had been torn off, in order to replace it with blank wallpaper (set designer being present the moment where Larry and Fiskmeyer came in the room). Any painting about Queen Jezebel's royal family simply had disappeared. Even Jezebel didn't have her crown. She was dressed as an almost normal citizen, only wearing a black tailor, without any make-up.

It broke Larry's heart watching such changes. He sadly watched Jezebel as this latter was packing her things.

"Why, Queen Jezebel?" He asked her. "I thought…I thought that you trusted us. Why didn't you warn us about these clauses?"

Queen Jezebel shook her head. "I already told you, Larry. The moment I chose to ratify this treaty, it was over."

"But there is always a way to fix it" Larry insisted. "Please, Your Majesty. We could nullify this peace treaty. There was no consenting here."

Jezebel didn't appear convinced. "My choice is done, Larry 3000. After listening French diplomats' arguments, I decided that was for the better. I am a Queen and it is my duty to guarantee peace. I don't intend to nullify the peace treaty in any way."

She then closed her baggage, as if she was ready to leave. "Please: stop calling me Your Majesty. I'm not Queen anymore."

Fiskmeyer raised one eyebrow, speaking for the first time since their arrival here. "What about your family? Do you think they would have agreed?"

"I think they would have agreed as long as I respect my duty. It is done now." Jezebel then smiled a bit. "Who knows? Maybe I will fulfil my dream: becoming a soap-opera singer. After all, Larry, you taught me to sing."

Larry didn't find it funny. He looked down, defeated. Queen Jezebel would never change her mind. Furthermore, if she left, what would happen to him? What would he become?

"Our job…" He began but Jezebel cut him off.

"I'm sure the new government will assign you elsewhere very soon, Larry. As for Fiskmeyer, you will find a new job quickly."

What job? Larry wondered. If there was a Super Nation, soon diplomats would become useless. Human had priority when it came to job. Robots would easily be deemed as useless and would be assigned to any horrible tasks. No matter what they did in the past.

And if they didn't manage to find a new job, they were simply deactivated. That was that simple,

especially because Larry 3000 was a very old model. There were much more robots now, a lot more advanced than him.

His job was his life.

Larry only had this word in mind: Why?

What has he done?

The moment they left the place where they had worked for a long time now, Larry already broke down in tears. Fiskmeyer, for one moment, tried to comfort him, speaking to him, reassuring him about their future. They would assign him to a new job very soon. However, it didn't calm down and Fiskmeyer lost patience the moment they arrived at home.

"Stop complaining! You look like a stupid drama queen!" Fiskmeyer clenched his fists. "I'm also in trouble! Even though I'm human, I'm already old. Younger people would always be prioritized over older ones. I wouldn't find a job before a long time"

"But I'm a robot!" Larry replied back, not caring about being rude. "You don't have your life at stake! I, a diplomat who served Queen Jezebel for such a long time, I'm thrown out like some trash!"

"Oh shut up, Lawrence 3000! I was a diplomat longer than you ever did!" Fiskmeyer slammed the door behind him. He then took his tablet and almost threw it on the table, in front of Larry. The robot immediately attacked.

"Will you stop throwing them this way? They have feelings for the last time!"

Fiskmeyer ignored him. Of course, humans could never understand. They didn't share this connection with their tools. Larry wondered if he was this, too. A tool for humans to use. Yet, he never had been treated this way. Now, Super Nation didn't matter anymore. His fate mattered.

"Take it! Begin searching for job ads. We can't lose our time."

Larry closed his eyes. Fiskmeyer was like this. He was harsh and sometimes, he let his jealousy taking over him. However, deep down, Larry guessed he tried to help him in his own way. He didn't go soft on him; he only wanted to be efficient.

"…Thanks." Larry said, covering his eyes. "I'm glad. I'm glad you don't view me like your little tool, Fiskmeyer."

"Of course, you are not a tool, Larry". Fiskmeyer was still angry, though his tone was softer. He came closer to him. "Robots are also individuals with feelings. At least, Queen Jezebel managed to convince others monarchs to share her point of view. You will not be deactivated. Robots are more than this, now."

Larry nodded. "And" Fiskmeyer paused. "Remind me what to do, when someone tell you to obey them as your master?"

It gave him a smile. "…Throwing my apron on their face? Like you taught me?"

Fiskmeyer chuckled. They were more relaxed now. "You got it right."

Larry hugged him, leaning his head on his shoulder. "Thanks, Fiskmeyer. Furthermore, as long as I have you, who cares if I lose my job? I have a very good mentor and a handsome lover" He slyly grinned.

"Not now, Larry. Get back on your tablet"

"Sheesh. You are unfunny."