Chapter 12

She slid the precious artefact into her vest before the door automatically closed and hot bouts of steam rolled down over Claudia. She felt her body seize up and mentally she settled in for the long years to come.

Claudia opened her eyes and she blinked in bewilderment, "what the hell?" Claudia wondered stepping away from her bronze shell, shaking some flakes from her hair. Claudia couldn't believe her plan didn't work; she pulled out her Farnsworth and dialled up Myka, mentally preparing for her disapproving look.

Myka's aged face blinked onto the screen, she was looking at something to her right, her face slightly tear stained. "What is it Cameron?" she asked curtly, not bothering to check her screen, "Myka?" Claudia spluttered out, not fully comprehending what was happening. She felt her knees give way from their lack of use and she fell to the floor. Myka whipped her head around so fast she felt her neck crack loudly in protest, "Claudia you're out!" Myka exclaimed as she grasped her daughter's hand, a small bit of hope moving in her chest. Claudia's face was so shocked that Myka laughed in joy, "I can't believe your finally out" she continued raising from Hazels bedside and making her way toward the old hospital entrance. Claudia looked up at the Warehouse and felt a sense of unease roll over her, "it can't be 20 years already, I just bronzed myself" Claudia whispered trying to get off the floor "can you get Pete over here, my legs don't like me".

Myka looked down at the screen again, her hand against the wooden hospital doors, bracing herself "Claude, Pete's gone, everyone's gone" Myka uttered softly letting the doors swing open. Claudia was stunned, Hazel had said how the war had taken some casualties but not everyone, not kind Pete, he hadn't done anything to deserve death. Myka pulled the Farnsworth closer, "Claudia, I know this is hard but I need you to help Hazel, she's the only one I love left and I can't bear to lose her too" Claudia nodded her head, her thoughts refocusing on her goal. She grasped a nearby wall and braced herself against it as she slid up the wall, her joints creaking slightly before popping at the release of the pent up tension.

Claudia walked stiffly out of the Bronze Sector and started heading toward the office, her body complaining in neglect. Eventually she made it to the stairs, she looked up at her daunting goal and decided to ask for some help, if there was anyone around. "Hello, can I get a hand down here?" she called up really hoping for an answer, a small boy popped his head around the corner his mouth full of cookie and a tesla in hand.