Chapter 29 : See me

Otto impatiently waited until Phil was finishing his command. That was around 11:00 pm. The leaders would come tomorrow. They didn't have much time now. Maybe Otto was wrong. Maybe everything would be useless.

Nevertheless, now he knew Ernest. He knew his weak spot. Now, he could use it against him. Otto couldn't help but thinking that was like with historical figures the Unit had to deal with. He remembered about Beethoven giving his music up to become a wrestler. By invoking the music he would create in the future, Beethoven couldn't deny his passion any longer.

Otto hoped that Ernest would react the same way. Maybe Dana would reason him. However, everything of his plan depended of Dana agreeing to help him. After all, she could refuse. Maybe would she say it was none of her business.

He really hoped she would say yes.

Finally, a hologram appeared, coming out from Phil's wrist. They both waited long five minutes until a face appeared. First, the face was a bit blurred until it went clearer.

Then Otto could see her.

She was not very different from the picture he saw. She looked older, wearing lipstick and earrings. Yet, she remained the same. She was dressed in a long blue dress, staring at the boy with a curious look.

"…What does it mean?" He heard her say.

He guessed she was talking to Phil. Otto spoke up. "Please, miss! My name is Otto Osworth. I need your help, Dana Canoon."

The woman frowned. "What is it about, Phil?" She repeated, definitely confused. Phil and Otto exchanged a glance, before the robot replied.

"It is about your father, Dana"

"What? Is there something wrong with my father? Did something happen?" Her tone was more worried now. Somehow it made Otto hopeful a bit.

"No, he is fine. It's just-" Phil tried to explain though Otto cut him in.

"I'm part of a Time Squad Unit. And yes, I have some trouble with your father"

He didn't know what to say. Furthermore, Dana's face hardened.

"Whatever happens between you and my father is none of my business. I'm not here to mediate between you two." He should have expected this answer. However, Otto refused to give up.

"Please, miss! You don't know anything. I need your help! Only you are able to help me."

It didn't convince Dana any less. "I do not care. Even if I wanted, I'm not part of Time Squad. I'm an actress. The career I've chosen is extremely different from the career my father has chosen, little boy. I have no word in it. If you have some trouble, go to speak to another. I'm busy right now."

Otto realized he was panicking now. He had to stop this panic. He had to take a breath and thinking more about his words. He didn't understand. After all, he already did it many times when it came to historical figures. Why did he panic now?

Maybe his friends's lives were at stake. He interfered before she could end their conversation. "But you are the only one person your father would listen to."

He did it right. Dana's expression changed. She was surprised now. "What are you saying?"

"You are the only one who is able to reason Ernest."

Her eyes went blank. "…What did he do this time? Just tell me what's happening, little boy."

Otto went closer to the hologram. "He took my family away, Dana."

"What?"

Now, she looked sceptical. She didn't believe him. He had to convince her more. So, he explained everything. He explained who he was, what he was before. An orphan, treated as a slave by his guardian. How a Time Squad Unit saved him by taking him away. Then, he explained what Ernest did. How he kidnapped him to trap Tuddrussel, Larry and others. What they would risk.

Surprisingly, Dana listened everything, without a word. Doubt was in her eyes, he could feel it. Finally, she shook her head.

"I'm sorry about what happened. But…from what you told me, your friends violated the law, didn't they? So that would be normal that my father would punish them, no matter how sympathetic their motives were."

No, Otto thought, he couldn't fail. He had to try again. "But they are in danger, Dana! If you managed to speak with your father, maybe he could change his mind! You are the only one who can do this."

Dana refused again. "Like I said, that isn't my business. Listen, boy. You look like a good boy. Unfortunately, that's my father's business. Even if I could, he wouldn't listen to me."

"Why would you think this?" Otto frowned. "He loves you. He will listen to you"

"That's untrue" Her tone was sad. "He doesn't love me. He can't love because nobody ever taught him how to love. He may wish to redeem himself by offering me everything. Yet, his gifts will not replace the fatherly love I missed my entire life."

She paused. "Look at me. I'm an actress. I have my own life now. I can't interfere in what my father is doing."

Otto went silent. What she was saying was true. No matter what Ernest did, it didn't change everything he did in the past.

Yet…he couldn't give up. He knew he was doing right, by contacting her.

"I'm sorry" She repeated. "…I know they are your family but…"

"They are my family" Otto nodded in approval. "And if I do nothing, your father will take them away from me. One would be sent in jail, the other would be deactivated. I know it doesn't look like a typical family. Yet, I view them as such. I don't want to lose them."

He sighed. "You know this feeling, don't you?"

Dana frowned. "What do you mean? I'm not an orphan, Otto. I can't understand. I just guess how hard it must be for you. That's why I said I was sorry. I really wish to help you."

He noticed she didn't call him "little boy" now. Maybe was it good sign?

"Maybe I never had my father at home. However, I still had my mother and my sibling. And…while I was studying, I met someone. That was one of my teachers. He supported me. He gave me the care my father should have given to me. Let's just say he is like the father I never had."

He got it. Now, Otto learned about her weak spot. "So…what would you say if your father was taken away by Ernest?"

"Otto, listen—"

"No!" Otto cut her in. "You say you can't understand how I feel. Yet, we both share one thing in common: our life has been ruined by Ernest. Yours and mine are been ruined by him. If you lost a parent, no matter how you lost them, you can be viewed as an orphan too. You are like me"

Dana went silent. She looked down, visibly upset by his words.

"He doesn't love me, Otto"

"I'm not asking you to change his mind…Yet, I feel you must have a talk with him." Otto paused. "I have the chance not to becoming an orphan again…and you have the chance to talk with your father. He is still alive, after all."

He added, seeing Dana's thoughtful expression. "When he will die, you will not be able to talk to him anymore. Please. If you don't do it for your father, do it for me. You are the last chance I have, if I want to save my family."

Then, tears came up. He didn't pretend to be sad and panicked. He was sad and panicked. He was sad because if he failed, he would lose his parents twice. He would go back right to Sister Thornley. If he was adopted one day, he wouldn't be sure to love his new parents the way he loved Tuddrussel and Larry. It would be like…off to him.

He was panicked because it would mean Tuddrussel and Larry would suffer…because of him.

Dana closed her eyes. Apparently, his tears affected her.

"I can't guarantee it will work, Otto."

"I know. But please…just try. He can listen to you, Dana."

Then, he added. "You grew up into a beautiful girl, Dana. A great person. Please, don't become like your father"


Ernest opened the prison's door. He smugly smiled when he watched his prisoners's desperate look in their faces. Larry looked up at him, while Tuddrussel didn't attack the bars the moment he saw him like others previous times. He just stayed still, sitting on the bed.

"Where is Otto?" Larry cried out. He had no more news since the computer Otto used had been broken.

"Always the same question, Larry" Ernest chuckled. "I hope this cell was fitting for you, officer Tuddrussel. Hopefully it prepared you enough for your future time in prison."

Tuddrussel laughed hard. "I could still escape!"

"I fear you are too stupid for this" He turned back to Sheila's cell. "I must say I'm disappointed in you, officer Sternwell. You were always good, always obeying to rules. That's why you have been promoted. Yet, you are here because you helped them."

Sheila shook her head. Her tone was acid. "Rules aren't the most important thing"

Ernest sighed, coming closer to her cell, his face inches away from hers. "I forgave you many things. But not this time"

"Are you talking about this stupid mission that involved Jack the Ripper?"

"What are you talking about?" Tuddrussel turned back to Sheila. "What's up with this mission?"

"Not only this mission" Ernest replied, ignoring Tuddrussel. "But for others things. Though let's not talk about this. There are things that must be left unsaid."

Larry noticed XJ5 clenching his fists. "You are a scum"

"Indeed. Everyone always call me a scum. A bastard" Ernest approved. "Though I do not care now. Everything that matters is ruling Time Squad. Everything that matters to me is having great Units, ready to serve me good. After all, we have reserves. If two Units disappear, two others Units will replace them. A lot of people wish to enter in Time Squad. We can grant their wishes."

"I can't believe you are one of Time Squad's figures" Sheila spat, any politeness she had gone.

"But Time Squad isn't perfect, my dear" Ernest replied. "After all, that's why people like me exist. They exist to make it better, to improve it."

Suddenly the door opened. Ernest turned around, frowning. They realized it was Phil who was standing up in front of them. His expression was serious and solemn, which Larry found very unlike of him.

"Why are you here?" Ernest asked him, a bit harshly. "I didn't tell you to go here."

Phil remained silent during two minutes, before speaking up. "I know."

From Larry's perspective, Phil looked hesitant. Maybe he was even a bit fearful toward Ernest. Why would he be? Larry had a bad feeling over it.

"Then go back!" Ernest ordered him. "You are supposed to keep an eye on the boy!"

Larry and Tuddrussel exchanged a look. Despite their situation, they shared the same relief: Otto was alive.

Phil closed his eyes. "I have something to tell you, Sir"

Ernest raised one eyebrow. "…Yes, what is it?"

Phil looked back behind him. Larry thought it was like he was expecting someone to come to join them. Larry gripped the bars, waiting.

"Dana is here"

"What?" Ernest cried out. The Units remained confused, exchanging glances. What did it mean? Who was Dana? According to Ernest's reaction, it looked like that was something serious.

"But…" Ernest took a breath. "She wasn't supposed to come here. Not such a hour"

"Indeed" Phil nodded. "But she had something important to tell you"

"Did something happen?" Ernest's smug smile disappeared. It had been replaced by a worried expression. Larry was completely lost now.

"Yes" Phil replied. "More or less"

"What is it?" Ernest came closer to the robot. He looked like he was ready to attack him to get any response. "Will you tell me? What is the problem?"

"It is you"

Another voice rose up. It came from the door. Everyone turned back at the door again. For one moment, Larry thought it were Time Squad's leaders who came to get them. Nevertheless, it didn't sound to be the case.

A girl appeared. She looked like in her twenties. She was blond-haired and brown-haired, dressed with a long black coat. Larry immediately noticed she and Ernest shared the same nose.

Was she Ernest's family? Larry couldn't be sure. The girl stopped right in front of her father. She didn't smile. She didn't greet him. She even didn't hug him. However, Ernest looked completely astonished. It looked like he saw a ghost.

"Dana? What are you doing here? What's happening? Tell me" Ernest made a step toward her, yet Dana pushed him back.

"Don't touch me" She coldly said.

She scanned the prison. Her stare stopped on Tuddrussel and Larry's cells. It unnerved Larry a bit though he said nothing. She closed her eyes, before speaking. "Is that them, Otto?"

It shocked everyone, Ernest first. As soon as she mentioned his name, Otto appeared in the room, standing up beside Phil. "Otto!" Larry cried out. What was he doing?

Why wasn't he in his room? Did this Dana let him go?

But if he was free…why didn't he enjoy this opportunity to escape? Why did he remain here?

"Phil!" Ernest screamed. Anger took over him. He clenched his fists, absolutely furious. "What's the meaning of this? Otto was supposed to be locked up in his room! I told you I didn't want to see him!"

Phil didn't reply. Instead, Dana spoke. "I'm the one who ordered him to free this boy."

"Sweetheart" Ernest began though the tone displayed no affection. There was anger and annoyance instead. "I fear you weren't allowed to do this. It is your father's business, not yours. You can't interfere in my job."

Dana shook her head. She didn't look impressed. "Your job is ruling your Units. I'm sure your role isn't to kidnap children and imprisoning people"

"You are wrong" Ernest groaned. "These people violated Time Squad rules. That's a normal thing to do. They violated law so they are put in jail. I did my job."

Dana and Otto exchanged a look. "Really? Are you saying your job is tearing families apart?"

The boy immediately left her side to join Larry and Tuddrussel. Tuddrussel was standing up now, holding his hand out to Otto. The boy caught it, holding it tightly.

"Don't tell me you believe in his stories!" Ernest glared at her. "Honestly, would you believe an 8 years-old boy?"

Dana shrugged. "He told the truth, from what I see. Moreover, I know how you are, Ernest."

Ernest froze. Larry realized who she was. She was his daughter. Yet, why did she call him "Ernest" and not "Daddy"?

"Dana. Stay out of this, please" Ernest clenched his teeth, his glare focusing now on Otto. He looked like he would explode in a matter of seconds.

"No" Dana's tone was firm.

"Dana I-"

"No!" Dana repeated. "No matters how many years passed, you haven't changed."

"What do you mean?" Ernest's tone went calmer, though anger was still obvious in.

"You know what I mean, Ernest. You haven't changed. You remain the same person I've known. You remain the person who left us for work. You remain the person who forgot birthdays, who never were present for our graduation. You remain the person who made our mother suffer."

Ernest's expression changed. His face hardened. "Your mother knew about my work, Dana. She knew how busy I was. I had to gain money, Dana. I did everything for you. I did everything for giving you a good life. I wanted to be sure you would never miss anything. Will you…Will you stop blaming me for this?"

"Yes" Dana approved. Her voice broke. "And she had a depression"

Ernest stopped. Confusion and dismay filled his eyes. "…What?"

"Yes. She had enough of you never being home. She missed you. She always tried to contact you yet you never replied. A lot of her friends and family begged her to dump you. Yet, she always believed you would come back home. However, she had to deal with Michael's mood because everyone in school bullied him. Both pupils and teachers were always asking him if his father was dead, because that would explain why he is so odd."

Ernest looked completely taken aback by this revelation. He stared at his daughter, shocked. "I didn't know anything. I didn't know how much you suffered…"

"You know what I think, Ernest?" Tears were falling on the floor. Dana was crying now. "I think you were too focused on your job because you came from nothing. I believe you avoided us because you didn't know how to be a father. You didn't know how to deal with us"

"That's untrue…" Yet Ernest's tone wasn't convincing, his voice going lower.

Dana sighed. "You destroyed our family. Admit it, you never wanted us, did you? You never wanted Michael and you never wanted me as your children…"

"THAT'S UNTRUE!" This time, Ernest screamed. "How can you believe such a thing, Dana? Did you forget everything I do for you? I know I failed as a father! However, I try to compensate for my absence all these years! I only do this since you left home. Doesn't it prove anything?"

She shook her head. "How can I know? You don't know how to love."

"Of course I know!" He roared. Tuddrussel took Otto by shoulders, like ready to protect him if anything wrong happened. "I love you, Dana! I know I didn't prove you enough but know it: I love you. If there is one thing I'm certain of is this. I love you. I love Michael and I love your mother."

He paused, trying to calm down. Though Larry felt tears weren't very far. "If everything I did wasn't enough, so let me correct this. I will do it better. I will be more present for you. I will go to these…parents and teachers meetings for Michael if I have to. I would make these bullies stop. I would be more caring toward your mother too. And I would help you to become a very famous actress, Dana. I will do anything."

Dana went silent. She was undeniably shaken by Ernest's words. It didn't stop her tears though. Though Larry felt there was less resentment in her eyes.

"You would do it?"

Ernest nodded. "Yes. If I can do anything to repair our relationship, let me do it."

Dana then glanced at Otto. "…Give me one more thing"

Ernest looked up, listening.

She closed her eyes. "…Free them."

"What?"

Dana made another step forward. "You heard me. Free them. Free Tuddrussel, Larry, Sternwell and XJ5. And let them go. Let Otto go with them. Let this family go together."

Larry gulped. Did he hear right? Did she truly ask him to free them? He focused back on Ernest. He didn't seem to agree.

"They violated law, Dana. I have to punish them"

Otto shivered, coming closer to Tuddrussel. Larry moved too, putting a comforting hand on Otto's shoulder through bars. He wanted to give him a reassuring presence.

"You know what your punishment would result to, Ernest. If they are punished, you destroy this family just like you destroyed ours. That's the only thing I ask you."

Dana paused, taking a breath. "I can't let you destroy another family. If you have them punished, then I would leave. I would leave forever. I would make sure you never see me again. You would disappear of my life. Not only that, but Michael and Mom would disappear too. I'm not asking you to give Time Squad up. I know it is your universe. I just ask you not to touch them. I ask you not to sell them out and freeing them."

That's all. Tension was unbearable now. Larry analysed Ernest's reaction. His expression was unreadable.

Would it work? Would Ernest obey to Dana?

Was Ernest selfish enough to not listen to his daughter?

He wasn't sure. Ernest gave them another glare. That was a despising glare, full of hatred. After all, Ernest hated them. At this, Larry's grip on Otto's shoulders tightened. He exchanged a look with Tuddrussel.

That would be the end.

Then, tears were running down on Ernest's face.

"Dad?"

Ernest shook his head, sobbing. "What have we become? How could I do this to you? How could I do this to your mother, to Michael? Look at us, now. Everything happened…because of me. That's all my fault and…I ruined your life."

They watched Dana making the final step to hug her father in her arms, holding him tightly.

Then, they watched Ernest returning her hug.

"Time Squad isn't my universe, Dana. It never had been. You are my universe."

"Dad?"

"Dana…" He sniffed. "…I'm back home."

OOC: I inspired of Four and Evelyn scene in Allegiant for the last scene^^