Chapter 29: Playing House
(Someone's got a big secret! Congratulations are in order!~ )
Rex was in the middle of his usual check up with Holiday, with Noah just chilling by the side lazily since it was also his break time. The rest of her team was oddly not around, but over at Weapons and Tech department instead, discussing over something. Rex wondered aloud if Holiday should be there, but she assured him that her assistant, Rhodes, was taking care of things.
"Besides, I'm actually waiting for someone important to call. We have a date," Holiday announced rather happily, which confounded him, making him curious to know who that was.
When the video call came in, it turned out that person was her younger sister, *Beverly.
She was a younger version of Holiday, equally dark haired and pretty like her older sister, but just with make-up three times heavier, probably because she was going to be performing. It looked like she was in a private dressing room, all dressed up, flashy, glittery top showing.
"Hi sis! Oops, sorry, hope I'm not interrupting anything," Beverly looked at the other two guys, "Hey Rex, Noah."
"It's alright, Beverly, just a routine check-up," Rex assured and sat up on the biometric bed, "So, you looked dressed up, about to start your show, are you?"
"Mmh-hmm, but I'm still early, because I'm so excited, I started prepping wayyy before time. I'm in a new town today and it looks like we've sold more tickets than we anticipated!" she squealed at the end after speaking in a rush.
Holiday laughed.
"Well, isn't that great! You sound like you're having fun."
The sisters carried on talking for a bit, and Rex smiled at their closeness. Not to be a tear jerker, but if *Beverly was never cured or was sold off by Brandon to the underground market, the sisters would never be able to have such a reunion. They obviously cared about each other a lot, even if they were far apart, since Holiday's work kept her here, and Beverly ended up being scouted by a talent agency after high school, and got signed on with a band. Rex thought it was cool that though Holiday herself was a genius in her field, she fully supported Beverly in her dreams and gave her free reins on her pursuits. Needless to say, Beverly became a huge hit, and went on tours playing music around the country.
Beverly was an energetic ball, ecstatic over her concert that was starting soon, and shared cool updates about her life on the road. There were a lot of new stuff happening, mostly because they hadn't talked to each other in a long while, given that both parties were so busy. Holiday was happy for Beverly, glad that things were going smoothly in her career. But time passed too quickly.
A rap was heard at her door, to which Beverly pouted abit.
"Well, I guess I have just about five minutes to rehearsal. You know, for final mic test and stuff."
Holiday smiled, a soft look coming to her eyes.
"It's alright, we'll find time to talk again. Meanwhile, you go and kill'em tonight!"
Beverly laughed.
"Oh my god! It sounds so weird, hearing it come from you!"
Rex and Noah glanced at each other, hiding their smiles, fully agreeing with Beverly.
"Oh, you think I'm too serious, do you?" Holiday crooked a brow.
Beverly laughed again. "I have to go."
Six came in at that point, and on seeing him, a strange look suddenly passed over Holiday's face.
"Wait, Beverly – actually," Holiday stopped her before she cut the video-call, "I have something very important to tell you."
"OooOkay," Beverly raised her brows, suddenly looking serious, mirroring Holiday's face.
Holiday gave Six a pointed look as if searching for affirmation. At just the tiniest nod of his head, Holiday took a deep breath.
"I'm pregnant."
It took nearly three seconds for the bomb to drop.
Beverly broke the silence first, screaming her head off and bouncing up and down her seat.
"Oh my god! Wow! I can't believe it! You are pregnant? My big sister's pregnant?!"
"Pregnant!" Rex and Noah shouted in unison, "Holiday?"
Holiday laughed. "Calm down, you guys."
"How could I calm down? I'm going to be an aunt now! That's like, the coolest ever!" Beverly was ecstatic, face lit like the sun, and went on asking, "So, who's the lucky dad?"
Holiday gave Six a pointed look and he cleared his throat, before saying, "It's me, Beverly, I hope you'll welcome me into your family."
Rex and Noah immediately exchanged looks, big eyes mirroring each other's.
Holy shit.
"Yours? And Holiday?" they exclaimed whilst Beverly screamed again.
"Oh my god! Ninja King is gonna be my brother-in-law! The band is gonna be sooooo jealous when they hear this!"
The two boys were having more difficulty believing it, because Six and Holiday was in this weird, secret, yet not so secret relationship in forever, looking like there hadn't been any progress when it comes to Holiday getting a rock on her finger. Then all of a sudden, boom! There's a kid.
"That can't be true!" Rex shouted in disbelief. He was happy of course, but even more than that, he was mind-boggled.
"It is, I'm five months pregnant," she confirmed, and unbuttoned her lab coat, revealing the unmistakable baby bump under her knit tee and short skirt.
Rex's eyes nearly popped out his sockets. Noah's jaw dropped.
"So that's how you hid it!" Beverly laughed.
"Unbelievable! How did that happen?" Noah stared at Six and Holiday.
"Yea! How could you have kept this a secret from your adopted son for so long?" Rex gave a mock aghast look.
"There was an accident," Six deadpanned, though the corners of his lips turned upward just the teeniest bit to tell Rex that Six was glad that it happened.
"No way! Six in an accident? I thought he's never careless!" Noah exclaimed.
Holiday stifled a laugh.
"It's my fault, actually. I may have 'accidently' poked holes into the rubber," Holiday joked.
Rex, Noah and her sister choked and coughed dramatically. Hearing that from someone as proper as Holiday, was almost akin to her talking about porn.
"Oh god," Noah rasped out a few seconds later.
Rex recovered first and folded his arms, giving a lopsided smile.
"Well, it's about time. You two are almost ancient now. Good that you got the baby before you're too old."
Holiday nodded.
"But it'd be hard to juggle. My work keeps me busy here all the time and Six is always away on missions. And it's not like we can hire a nanny and keep her within Providence grounds twenty-four hours."
The group mulled over it quietly for a few seconds, and just then, Bobo entered, since it was about time for his routine check-up too. Seeing him, Rex couldn't resist to joke.
"Nah, why get one, when we have Bobo? He's such a great nanny!"
Six gave him a pointed look, "Yea, seeing how you turned out? Maybe not."
"Huh?" Bobo was clueless, having not joined from the start of the conversation, but he looked rather affronted by Six's statement.
"What's this about nannies and me and Rex?"
Everyone ignored him, more pressing matters on their minds.
"How about a Nanny bot?" Beverly suggested, "It's pretty new on the market, but it seems safe enough and has been growing in popularity."
"I don't know, doesn't seem so safe," Holiday nibbled on her lips.
"Argh! Dang it! I can't be there because of my tour!" Beverly lamented, and looked a bit sad, "Otherwise, I could totally help with babysitting!"
"Don't fret about it, Beverly, we'll figure things out here. If anything, we have a big family here at Providence," Six assured and gave an actual, proper smile that was warm and kind, sending the young woman glowing.
Another rap came to her door.
"Thanks Six, I know that. And well, I'll talk with my band and manager and see if I can work something out from my side," Beverly quickly said, "Sorry, but I really have to go. Call you again!"
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"Mijo! I missed you," Caesar strode across the room and gave Rex a bear hug, "I was wondering how you were since Mongolia. I believed I dropped you a message to come visit me, but you didn't."
Rex stared at his older brother, wondering how his highly intellectual yet skewered brain doesn't change.
"I would have, but you never told me were you were. Besides, you could have visited."
"Oops, you are right. I guess I was too busy that I forgot."
Rex couldn't help but burst out laughing at that point. Yea, some things just don't change and it was good to see his older brother again. Caesar rarely contacts him and when he does, their chats were limited to a few minutes. His brother would constantly be distracted or be in danger in the middle of some experiment and had to cut their conversations short. One would think Caesar cared for his science projects more than he did for his brother, especially since even though he'd been coming by more frequently this year, his first stop was always to the Science lab first, instead of Rex. Though, since the Nanite war was a huge deal that affected Rex intrinsically, one could argue Caesar was so obsessed with his work, out of concern for his brother.
"If you're here to give important intel to Holiday, you know where to find her," Rex quickly brought the conversation to what he knew was top priority on Caesar's agenda.
"Oh, I do, but actually, I'm here first to congratulate her, on her baby."
For a moment, Rex thought his brother was psychic since he hadn't told him. Then thinking clearer, he asked, "So she told you?"
"No, Amelia did."
Rex was mildly surprised, not realizing that anyone would bother informing Caesar on such matters, since he had such a one track mind.
"Well, actually, since you know, could you stay long?"
"Oh yes, till Friday, right? Amelia told me," Caesar nodded, surprising Rex yet again that the one to share the news, was not from him.
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The Science department was bubbling with an unusual energy lately, chattering and laughing a lot more than usual, even humming to themselves. Not to say they were a gloomy bunch – which was what the rest of Providence calls them – but this week passed with them having a strange lightness to their step and a more cheerful disposition. It was rather hard for Holiday to put an exact finger on it, but as Head of the department, she could definitely tell that something was up.
And finally, Holiday knew why. Her staff threw a small, congratulation party for Six and her, within the upper cafeteria. She had gone over to the small dining hall like usual on *Friday nights, where she would have dinner with her *extended family, and was basically surprised by the huge banner and colorful balloons decorating the place.
Holiday was overjoyed, touched from their sweet and warm gestures. Captain Calan and even some of the combat lieutenants like Shadow and Kenwyn was also around. Even Caesar and *his crew were there, which explained why their Pod remained parked at Providence base for a week, even though they hadn't stopped by her lab. Guess they were here for this rather than work.
"C'mon, Mommy, take a seat and make yourself comfortable!" Amelia chirped excitedly, eyes twinkling, pulling Holiday by the hand and sitting her down in front of an array of scrumptious desserts.
"I hope you didn't mind, but well, when Rex came to me with the idea of a making a small celebratory meal, I thought we should share the good news with our whole department!"
Holiday smiled.
"Of course it's okay, Amelia, in fact I can't thank all of you enough for making time to put this together!"
Amelia beamed happily.
The evening passed as a joyous occasion and truly light-hearted affair, with warm conversations and even some raunchy jokes thrown at the couple's expanse – but all in good humor. Holiday felt blessed to receive their blessings and little gifts of congratulations. But even more than that, she realized the mini party was a good way for her team to unwind. Thinking back, the Nanite war has really been affecting their nerves for the last few months, pulling them down. White Knight had been pushing them hard, breathing down their necks with truckloads of questions, many of which they had no answers for. And since Rex was one of their main responsibilities, they basically get pulled along the roller coaster of his nanite levels and mood. Holiday realized that she really should plan these types of recreation or get togethers more frequently to bolster their spirits.
"Hey! What's this for? I'm not three, you know?" Rex complained aloud in the middle of the party, catching everyone's attention.
He stared down at the baby bib suddenly tied around his neck.
"Well, sometimes with the way you act, I can't tell," Holiday joked, coming up to his side.
Rex turned the other way then nearly fell out of his chair, cracking Holiday up.
"Robo Bobo!" Rex scrambled out his chair, then stared at the imposer in horror. "No way! Noah, prep the gun, Bobo's made another stupid dummy again!"
Rex pointed at the offending machine. Rex wasn't going to be fooled twice. *Bobo made an almost perfect replica of himself before, except for his character, which Rex could see right through.
Everyone was also baffled, until Bobo's loud laughter came from the door.
"Don't fret, this is just practice for Robo Nanny Bobo," Bobo announced in a rather enthusiastic manner, "I'm trying out his programming and getting him to familiarize with his environment and interactions."
"You mean 'It'" Noah corrected, pointing his fork indignantly from across the table.
Then the robot came over and tied a baby bib on Noah, much to his annoyance.
"Hey!" Noah protested, but proceeded to untie the bib, but found it impossible to undo the knot.
"Seriously, what is this about?" Rex was suspicious, just as Holiday was, and needless to say, Six, who was frowning hard.
"My painstaking invention, of a nanny who will take care of all your baby needs!" Bobo declared to Holiday and planted his hands on his hips, looking mighty proud of himself.
"I know it's a work of marvel, if I do say so myself," Bobo continued proudly, "But fret not, out of the goodness of my heart, I won't charge you a single penny."
Holiday wagged her brows, suspicious of Bobo's sudden graciousness.
"Bobo, don't tell me you're trying to prove something or whatever to Six, are you?" Rex asked aloud, ever aware of the EVO ape's thoughts.
"You know me so well," Bobo grinned, "Since he was something to gripe about how I raised you, I have to defend my domestic skills and reliability, don't I?"
Then Bobo looked straight at Six and pointed at him.
"I'll show you just how much of a good nanny I could be."
"But uh, isn't it defeating the purpose when you are not the actual one doing the uh – diaper changing, and feeding, and all that?" Noah pointed out.
Bobo looked at him like he was stupid.
"He represents me, since I created him. Whatever that I program and teach him to do, he'll do it. So he is me."
"Right."
"Besides," Bobo gave a snicker, "Robo Nanny Bobo will save me from giving all the disgusting, exaggerated show of affection. And I won't need to puke over soiled baby diapers."
"Uh-huh, so that's why," Noah laughed, shaking his head.
Rex decided to test it out immediately, going over to give Robo Nanny Bobo a bear hug.
"You're right! No dishing out annoyed remarks at me!"
"That is quite amazing," Holiday finally spoke up slowly, "I do appreciate the sentiment, but…"
Well, it's obvious she wasn't going to use it, but she had to think of a way to break it gently to the monkey…
"We're not going to take it even if you paid us," Six finished for her, rejecting Bobo in his ever, 'tactful' manner.
Oh boy, there they go again…
Bobo bared his teeth at Six, which was as far as him showing his displeasure towards Six, goes. He didn't dare to threaten Six like he did to the other officers – no one in their right minds would. Which was why Holiday was glad he was the father of her child. She knew Six would fight to protect his flesh and blood and basically, no one would dare bully her kid.
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The surprise party was a success! Rex couldn't be happier. He had always wanted to do something for Holiday, so when news of her kid came, it became an opportunity for him to show his appreciation towards her as well. Holiday was a lot relaxed and looked like she really enjoyed herself. Even Six loosened up and the two love birds allowed themselves to throw loving eyes at each other, looking blissful. And not just the two of them, everyone else in the Science department was also having a good time.
After most of the folks finished dinner, Amelia put on some songs and encouraged Six and Holiday to open the floor, who were also cheered on by the rest. They swung together, eyes locked on each other, smiles bright on their faces. Then Amelia and Caesar was suddenly the next to join them, and then another pair, and another and even Rex was on the floor – even though he sucked at these types of fancy dancing – randomly twirling Kenwyn round his hand. Kenwyn just laughed at his clumsiness when he stepped on her toes a couple of times.
"Thank god I'm wearing Providence boots and not my favourite heels," she declared, "Or I'll sock you!"
"Right, lucky me then."
They laughed.
Then he bumped into Noah behind him, and exchanged partners for a few twirls. The music then changed, and so did the dance, but after several dizzying spins, Rex retired from the floor, needing a quick rest and a drink. Noah joined him at the cocktail table, brows wagging.
"So, *you looked like you were having fun with Kenwyn."
Internally, Rex couldn't bear to admit that he'd been thinking that he'd rather *dance with Noah again like that time at the club, than with Kenwyn. But it was strange to have such a thought pass through his mind, so he kept mum.
"Mmh- hmm."
"Be careful though, I think Shadow has a thing for her," Noah pointed at the man who took Rex's place in being Kenwyn's dance partner, "You might be having some competition."
Rex rolled his eyes.
"Not that again."
"I'm serious, have you never crushed on that woman before?"
"How could I? When the only woman I had eyes on for the last several years, was Circe?"
"Okay, then how about considering her? You know, I've heard from the other guys about how great she is."
"Yea, I know how amazing she is, it's just, well, I'm not really keen to have a relationship with anyone right now."
And Rex sorta meant it. Not to say that he was still in stitches over the break up, but thinking back, even with Circe, his relationship hadn't exactly been smooth sailing. They fought a lot and Rex learnt that it was really hard and complicated to maintain a relationship. So with what's going on with the Nanite wars, Rex really didn't want to deal with other troublesome matters.
Then, from the corner of his eyes, he noticed Caesar and his crew were leaving.
Without another word, Rex left Noah's side and quickly went over to Caesar, asking why he doesn't stay longer, since the party was still in full swing. Caesar only gave a strange reply, saying that he has stayed long enough already, which was dangerous. At Rex's confounded look, Caesar went on to explain that since a nanite scientist like Brandon Moses was captured by The Rise, it was not a good idea for him to hang around any one particular location for too long. On hearing that, Rex got even more confused.
"But Bro, doesn't this mean that all the more you guys should stay here? Providence will keep you safe," Rex insisted.
Caesar gave a bland smile, shaking his head.
"No Mijo, you should always remember, never to put all of your eggs into one basket."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Caesar," Holiday spoke into the video-comm in the wee hours of the night, "So, was there something that you waited all week to tell me?"
"You could basically tell, huh?"
"Of course, you came here way early before the party, parked here for a couple of days, but didn't step into my lab even once. I can't imagine you wasting all that fuel and time just to attend my celebration party. Though of course, I appreciate your well wishes anyway."
Caesar chuckled at how nothing escapes this sharp woman. It wasn't any wonder that she spearheaded Providence Science Department.
"Yes, actually, there is something that was a little inconvenient for me to talk if I'm there at your lab."
"Right, so what's this thing that you can't let Rex know about?"
Caesar wasn't taken back that she had come to that deduction. Given that Rex was somehow, almost always swinging by the lab whenever Caesar came, the fact that he didn't want to talk while being physically there, meant he didn't want Rex hearing.
Now, miles far from Providence and doing their long distance communication, Caesar felt safer.
He shared with Holiday on what he had studied on the nanite sand, exchanging notes with Holiday, drawing comparable nanites composition results to the *invasive Nanites. He also shared one more observation that Holiday did not have: according to Caesar's study records, it was akin to Black Knight's nanite construction.
"My god. So then the Modifier, is Black Knight?" Holiday was grim.
"Most likely."
"This is huge! I have to let the team know."
"Do what you must, just, keep it from Rex, for now."
"You don't think he should know? Considering their history, Rex should be the first to know."
"Then tell me, so what if he knew? What can he do? Can he find her?" Caesar reasoned, "Because you know as much as I do, if he can't, that's one more thing adding to his stress, and it may unnecessarily affect his nanites levels."
Holiday sighed, seeing where he was coming from.
"We'll get Providence Intel to locate her first. When we've confirmed her location, only then will we let him know."
Caesar nodded, agreeing.
"Same for my end, I will keep you updated, if I find anything."
End of chapter
Footnotes/ Recap:
*Beverly – Holiday's younger sister. From the cartoon. She was incurable at first, but ended up cured via a dangerous machine, first created by Dr Moses, that they modified.
*his crew – Caesar's team that travels around with him in the pod. They are also the scientists in the Original Nanite Project – Gabriel Rylander and Peter Meechum.
*you and Kenwyn: In chpt 18, Noah teased Rex about it, suggesting that they make a good pair.
*Fridays/ extended family: Fridays were the only day the team had lunch together in a private room, as a tradition that started off in the episode "The Architect".
*invasive Nanites: Rex has encountered these a few times. First during the oil rig mission (chapt 3 & 4) The new type of nanites were installed in bombs that were a challenge to defuse since Rex could not manipulate them. Providence Science Division were also not able to uncover more since the nanites disintegrated after the bombs disarmed.
Second, when he battled a technological advanced robot that was a replica of Dynamo Meta-EVO (chapt 20 & 21)
*dance with Noah again like that time at the club : recall my chapter 11.
