Chapter 11 : Get used and make up
Chapter 11 : Get used and make up
Lance was standing in front of the Court. Three judges- all humans- were sitting in front of him, examining his files. Near Lance, Ernest Canoon watched the scene, crossing his arms with a devious smirk.
"That's true…" The president said. "Ernest Canoon told the truth."
"Indeed. Lance 9 Trillion's creator, Alma Lombard, worked in Time Squad. After her death, Time Squad claimed her inheritance as she didn't have any heirs." The second judge pointed. "Time Squad has the right to reclaim its properties."
Lance clenched his fist. He didn't like being called a "property". It reminded him of his state as a robot. The fact that, two days ago, he was about to be deactivated by humans. Others humans saved him…and would decide about his fate: working in Time Squad or being sent back to his cell, waiting to be deactivated again.
The first alternative was much better. Right now, the judges were struggling with the laws and testimonies brought forth by his saviour Ernest Canoon.
This way, he learned about his creator: Alma Lombard. He had never heard about her. When he had been activated, he was already in the Company. George had been the first person he met.
"Hello Lance. Welcome to life. Welcome to Earth. Welcome to the Company. My name is George. I'm sure the two of us will make a good team."
Who would have expected that George would be the one making the decision about his reprogramming?
Who would have expected that Lance would cause his death?
That was quite ironic.
"I must admit that you have convinced us, Ernest Canoon," the president said. "I was afraid that these files would be false."
"Of course, they are not." The man smirked. "You should remember: I'm a lawyer as well."
"However, we should inform the others about these last events," the third judge said. "After all, I'm not sure that the judge who favored Lance's deactivation would be thrilled with them."
"Unfortunately for him, Lance belongs to us… or rather, belongs to Time Squad," the second said. "He hardly has a word in this."
"What will happen to me?" Lance asked. That was the first time he had spoken since he had been in front of this court. He just let Ernest Canoon do the talking while Lance only replied with "yes" or "no".
"You will be trained like any other robot in Time Squad, Lance," the president explained. "No favors. You will be trained, and then you will be assigned to an officer. You would be paired up to accomplish missions together."
"Hopefully you will have no things of your old life left behind," the third judge said. "Because once you begin this new life, you will not be able to return to Earth."
So he wouldn't be able to return to his life? Lance frowned. Astrid appeared in his mind… he wasn't like a friend but it was a thing of his old life… something he will have to leave behind.
"Before I join Time Squad," Lance asked, "may I say goodbye to someone?"
The three judges exchanged a look. "Whatever."
Ernest Canoon smirked. "I thought you had nobody."
"I have nobody," Lance said, before tapping his command.
In one minute, he was back in front of Astrid's house. The blond boy was in his garden, playing football. The moment he saw Lance appear, he let his ball fall. He rushed over him, wrapping his arms around his legs.
"I didn't think you would come back!"
Lance wanted to smile, though the only thing he could do right now was pat the boy's head. "Yes… I was in a cell these last days… I could have been deactivated."
Astrid's eyes widened. "…You could have been…?"
"Yes… though fortunately, someone saved me. He was an angel…or rather, Satan himself."
Astrid chuckled. "Lance…these things don't exist."
He raised one eyebrow. He believed that every human believed in a God and in a Hell. However, this time, he had to disagree. "You know nothing, Astrid. He may exist."
After all… there may have been a God above them… at least, for robots. Ernest Canoon's arrival wasn't a coincidence.
Or maybe was he just too naïve.
"Are you going to leave, Lance?" Astrid asked.
He nodded. He wanted to lie but… there was no way he could lie to Astrid. "I have to. It is my only chance to escape my fate."
"Where will you go?"
This time, Lance smiled. "Time Squad… your idea"
Astrid shared his smile and hugged him again. "I will miss you."
Lance returned the hug. "I will miss you too…"
"Hey!" Astrid chuckled. "Maybe we will see each other again." He winked at him. "Maybe we will be partners."
"I don't think so." Lance cut him off. "I will have a partner soon. But don't worry. I'm sure we will see each other again, little boy."
He tapped his wrist again. The others were waiting for his return. "Just try to get along with your parents now, Astrid. Promise me."
Astrid seemed hesitant but at last, he nodded. "I will try."
Lance gave him a tender smile. After a final exchange, Lance disappeared, leaving Astrid alone.