Episode 17, Chapter 5: The Approaching Fate
Dr. Light's Lab.
Dr. Light makes his way to Roll's room, hoping to smooth things over after losing his cool with her last night. She did not borrow the lab computer for her studies today, so he figures she must be upset about how badly things went last night.
Instead of the usual cheerful vibes in the house amongst the members of the family, the mood is noticeably sullen and more silent than usual. Not only is Roll staying isolated in her room, but ProtoMan is not even here today, once again fleeing the lab to be by himself. Mega Man, meanwhile, is too busy making final preparations for securing the site of this weekend's debate.
This bothers Dr. Light. He does not wish to have any lingering tension among his family. It is one of the few things Dr. Wily had not managed to damage during this war. So, he is about to try and repair any damage done after last night. But, this damage could run deeper than he expects...
Dr. Light reaches the door and knocks on it. But, there is no answer.
"Roll, it's your father. I want to speak with you," Dr. Light calmly says.
After a few moments, the door opens and Dr. Light sees that it was not Roll who opened it, but rather, Peekaboo, who opened it with the hand at the end of his extension arm. Peekaboo beeps up to Dr. Light to greet him.
"Hello, Boo," Thomas replies, looking up briefly to see Roll sitting at her desk with her back turned to him. He asks Boo, "Would I be able to speak with Roll for a few minutes?"
Peekaboo bleeps and looks over to Roll.
After keeping silent for a moment, Roll answers, "... Yeah, Boo. He can come in."
"Perhaps, little one, you could play with the others for a few minutes," Dr. Light suggests.
Peekaboo beeps to Roll again, and she replies, "Yeah, sure. I... really should speak to Dr. Light about something, anyway."
Boo bleeps, and runs along, happy because he thinks his mommy and Dr. Light aren't mad at each other anymore.
Thomas begins, "I could not help but notice you haven't been around today."
"Yeah, I've been busy," Roll replies, keeping her back turned. "After last night, I didn't feel like coming down."
Dr. Light says, "Roll, I apologize for my behavior last night."
Roll sighs. "It's alright. I don't want to be mad at you. I don't want to be mad at Proto, either. You know... It was the first time you've really ever yelled at one of us."
"Yes. And I shouldn't have. I'm just very concerned for your well-being," Thomas says.
"I know. You've always been very protective of me. So has Mega and Proto. Maybe a little too protective," Roll says, making reference to how her family has always tried to prevent her from getting involved in fighting.
"We're all just trying to keep you safe, Roll. I have the same concern for you as I have for your brothers. I fear every day that one of you won't make it home, or that all the repairs I can perform won't be enough."
"Even if something happens, I'm not defenseless. I can take care of myself," Roll insists, turning around in her chair to face her father now.
Thomas stresses, "When I hear that one of my children is in the company of the most dangerous robot in the world, as your father, I will worry about it."
Roll sighs again, looking deeply anguished. She remains silent for a few moments, trying to get the strength to say what she is about to say. She knows Dr. Light won't take it well, and it is hard for her to say it, but she feels she has to.
"Look, daddy... I know you love us all, and I love you back... You're probably the best dad a girl, or robot, could ever ask for..."
Roll sighs again and her eyes begin to well-up, "But... when the war is over and Wily is gone... I think just want to live away from here for a while."
Dr. Light looks taken aback at hearing his own daughter saying that she wants to leave home. "Wh-... Why, Roll? All because of Bass?"
"No," Roll explains, "I don't feel very independent when I'm constantly being overprotected. All my life everyone has always told me this is too dangerous and that is too dangerous. I feel like I'm being smothered."
Dr. Light is still stunned at hearing his daughter wishing to flee the nest, and he desperately does not want her to leave. But, he tries to maintain his composure and tries to convince Roll to change her mind.
"If you really do leave, I do hope you're aware that you won't be able to live by yourself. Robots, even advanced ones like you, can only live in the care of their human creator or a guardian, or at an establishment for robots, like the university."
"I know... We don't have the same rights as humans. Because we're not really alive, just like that Kramer guy said," Roll says, bitterly.
"You are alive, Roll! And so are your brothers and other advanced robots," Dr. Light says with great vehemence. "Any being that can make their own decisions is alive. Don't ever believe otherwise, no matter what anybody claims."
Roll just nods, not saying anything in response.
Dr. Light asks, "But, if you leave, where will you go?"
"I'll finish my semesters at Light University," Roll answers, "It was actually good to be back there and see everyone again."
"But, you said before that when you were at Light University, you got homesick. Right?"
Roll admits, "Yeah."
Dr. Light asks, "What about Peekaboo? Would he come along with you?"
"Yes. I don't want to leave him. We need each other," Roll replies.
"We all need each other, Roll," Thomas says. "We would all miss you and Boo if you left. You might not want to admit it now, but you surely would too."
"It's not like I would be gone forever," Roll insists.
"I know that. But, I don't want you to make a decision that will only make you unhappy. You've always been a strong-minded girl, ever since the day you were activated, when you decided you did not like the color pink and preferred red, or when you decided you did not want to be a domestic household, and when took it upon yourself to repair all the Mets that Albert Wily had altered. I've always been proud of you. And even last night, even though it almost kills me to admit it, there was a part of me the was proud that you went out on your own and tried to turn Bass."
Roll momentarily looks surprised hearing that. She was unable to hide it. "... Really?"
"Yes... even though I would much rather you not meet up with dangerous robot fugitives," Thomas says.
Roll sighs. "Maybe a little time apart would be better for us. This war is frying all of our circuits."
"Roll, being a man of science, I make a lot of estimations. And I estimate that you don't really want to leave home; you just want more breathing room."
Roll remains silent.
Dr. Light continues, "Maybe your brothers and I have been overprotective, and we can do better. But, we all love you and don't want anything terrible happening to you.
But, if I'm wrong, and you really want to leave home for a while... as much as I don't like it, I would understand. But, sweetheart, if this is solely about Bass..."
Thomas pauses and lets out a brief sigh before he continues. "I understand that after the overtures he has made to you, you may be experiencing feelings you have never felt before. The same kind of feelings Rock has for Kalinka Cossack, or Proto's for Soprano. But, I beg of you, don't let those feelings cloud your judgment... and don't let it drive a wedge into our family."
Roll looks down at her feet for a moment. She knows her father means well, but it sounds like he is still keeping his mind shut when it comes to Bass.
She presumes, "You really don't like him, do you?"
"Albert made Proto manipulate Rock before, and I am afraid of him using Bass to do the same to you," Thomas says. "Your heart has been broken before. I don't want to see it broken again."
"I know Wily made him, but Bass is not Wily," Roll says, so sure that there is hope for Bass. "I just wish there was a way somebody would believe it. If Duo were still here, he could have told us if he really spoke to Bass."
"But, all we have to go on is Bass' word, and it's been proven in the past that his word isn't reliable," Thomas says.
Roll shakes her head. "I used to think Proto's wasn't, either. But, he proved that we could trust him."
"Proto was not made to be evil like Bass was. He was born with goodness. He is much more my boy then Albert's."
Roll sighs and shakes her head. "You're starting to sound like all those people who hate Proto. You're not even considering the chance that there might be goodness in Bass."
Thomas says, "If he does, then I will be among the first to admit I was wrong about him. But, I haven't a clue how he would ever willingly leave Albert Wily."
"I don't know either, but I'm gonna find out," Roll says.
Thomas asks, "Now that we've spoken, and we're not mad anymore, are you still thinking about leaving home?"
"I don't know what I'm gonna do," Roll replies. "I just want to be happy again."
"That's what I want too, sweetheart. One day, we will be," Dr. Light says.
Elsewhere in New York.
After another day preparing for this weekend's debate, Phil Cassidy drives out of the parking garage of the Sutherland Auditorium and begins to head home for the night, travelling through a passing shower.
But, little does he know, he is now being followed by another car. The mystery driver keeps far enough away from Cassidy to avoid being spotted.
Meanwhile, Cassidy himself is on the phone with his wife again...
"If only I could afford one of those SkyCars one day, I might be home earlier. But, hey, once this debate is over, that'll lighten the workload for a few days... With all the security we have there, I don't think an ant would be able to find its way in there without getting busted, let alone Dr. Wily."
The car following Cassidy maintains its distance with him all the way off the highway and as he enters the suburbs, and the staffer is oblivious that he is being followed.
Twenty minutes later, Cassidy returns to his home in the suburb of White Plains, New York, waiting in his driveway as the garage door opens to avoid getting rained on, and the mystery guest who followed Cassidy all the way here slowly drives towards the house, and he watches Cassidy slowly drive into the garage to park.
Afterwards, this shady follower looks at the address number, posted on the family's mail box. After spotting the street name earlier it is enough information to go on and he drives away, not causing an ounce of suspicion.
Mr. Mystery Guest begins to drive away and raises his left arm up to his face, speaking into it... "I've got the address of Cassidy, Dr. Wily."
Dr. Wily sounds pleased as he responds. "Excellent work! We mustn't make our next move until the night before the debate. If we do, others will get suspicious and this worm of a man will have the chance to warn someone. But, when that day comes, Mr. Cassidy will be receiving a very special delivery, with your help, of course."
"Yes, Dr. Wily," replies he shady character, which is just one of the many holographic disguises of the newly built Dark Man 3.
Somewhere in Connecticut.
ProtoMan sits alone in the back of the Red Raider again, joined by Tango, who is chewing on some catnip. After how tense it was at home last night, Proto would rather be somewhere else for the time being. He did not want to risk sparking another argument or losing his cool again.
Maybe everyone is so tired of this war with Dr. Wily that everyone's temper is a lot shorter than it used to be, but Proto has not felt this low in a while.
When Proto abandoned Dr. Wily last year, he thought he could get used to the hero life. But, after struggling to adapt to life at the lab and dealing with most humans disrespecting and mistrusting him, it is a lot harder than he realized. Still better than living under the thumb of Dr. Wily, certainly.
Proto cannot help but feel like he doesn't really fit in all that well with the Light family, and wonders if he doesn't belong there or with Dr. Wily, where does he belong?
Proto stares out the windshield up front, watching the chilly rain hitting it on the outside. The sight and sound of the rain only reminds him of those times he spent with Soprano before her memory core malfunctioned.
He wishes he could help her after she went through her memory elapse the other day. He especially wishes he could help her remember the feelings the two had for each other and the times the shared together. Then, maybe they could be together again and make new memories.
In the middle of his thoughts, ProtoMan received an incoming communication. At first, he figures it is from either of his siblings or Dr. Light, but Proto then sees a message in his field of vision display... 'Incoming contact: Brain Bot's Laboratory'
Proto sits up straight and quickly answers the call.
"Brain. It's Proto. Tell me you've got some good news."
"Well, there is some good news to report, ProtoMan. Soprano has made improvements since her episode. She is no longer in emotional shock, and she is in better spirits. But for her safety and ours, we have decided to temporarily deactivate her shockwave power, in case she has another episode before she leaves my laboratory."
"Okay. That's good, I guess."
"But, her improvements are not the only reason I'm calling, necessarily. It involves you as well. I know that I said that it would be wise if you didn't speak with her for the time being. But, she wants to speak with you."
Proto is surprised. "... Really?"
"Yes. And since she is adamant about it, I have decided that you both can speak, if you have time, of course."
"Yes, absolutely I have time for her," Proto says, jumping on the chance to speak with Soprano again.
"Then, I will summon her. But, I must advise you, ProtoMan, please don't try to force her to remember things too quickly. If she is going to have any chance of recovering her old memories, she must do so gradually. We do not want another episode like the one she experienced again."
"I understand. And Brain, before you patch me through... I'm sorry for taking your head off like that the other day. I know you're just doing what's best for her," Proto says, apologizing for how he yelled at Brain Bot the last time they spoke.
"Apology accepted, my friend. I'll get Soprano now."
ProtoMan sits anxiously as he waits for Soprano to appear on the call. It feels like so long ago since he talked to her last, even though it was only a few months ago. He feels nervous. What would he say to her? How will he handle himself with this new Soprano, who is not like she used to be when she was a Nomad.
Mega told him that he should try to tell her how he feels about her, but after Brain Bot's advice, is that a good idea right now? Probably not, according to Brain Bot. But, he wants to tell her, though.
Finally, he hears her voice... "'Hello, Proto?"
Proto couldn't respond right away. He was still not used to the idea of her being able to talk, because she was mute for much of her life. But, when he heard her voice, and the innocence and purity in it, it touched him.
Proto snapped out of it and finally answered, "Hi, Soprano. Brain said you wanted to talk to me. Are you okay?"
"Yes. Now, I am. Something happened when I was performing my duties. I don't know why, but I really wanted to speak to you."
"Absolutely. Any time. Brain Bot told me something happened. If you feel okay, maybe you could tell me more."
"Yes. After I deploys my shockwave, I... I felt like I wasn't where I was supposed to be anymore... I had a picture in my mind of a place I've never been to... there were Robots I've never met... and vehicles with... skeleton faces on them... and they were all being pushed away with my shockwave."
After hearing Soprano's description of the memory she 'unlocked', it seems to be that she remembered a fraction of her first minutes alive, when she was escaping Skull Fortress.
The description of her shockwave power knocking away other robots and skull-faced vehicles matched the description. Proto was almost on the wrong end of that particular blast that night, too.
Soprano continues, "It all felt so real... I was so scared, I wanted to scream and run away, but I couldn't."
"I'm sorry, Soprano," Proto says, heavy-hearted, "When I heard about what happened, you have no idea how much I wish I could have been there to help you."
"At least Drill Man was there. If fit weren't for him, I could have been destroyed."
"Yeah, Drill's got a good head on his shoulders now, even if it's a little pointy."
"Oh! I told him you said 'hey,' like you asked me to. He wanted me to tell you he is happy you joined Mega Man."
"Thanks. I'm glad I did too... even if it has it's rough patches sometimes," Proto says.
"Proto... do you think what happened to me will happen again?"
Proto pauses for a moment. Nobody expected her first memory recovery would happen the way it did, or that it would almost result in her death.
"I don't know," he says, "But, just remember, if it happens again, don't be scared. You're in good hands with Brain Bot and the humans he's working with. And Drill Man will keep you safe too."
"Yeah... you're right. I won't be afraid... I'll try to think about things that make me feel better. You know... I haven't told anybody this, but when I sing the song that you liked, I think of you. I actually feel happier."
Proto's visor hides it, but expression softens when he hears about how Soprano still thinks of him, just as he hoped she would. It only reinforces the hope that the Nomad he once knew is still in Soprano.
"You do? That's great! You know, uh... I don't know if I should be telling you this, but... I think about you every day, even when I'm not playing that song."
"Really? ... oh, wow!"
Proto smiles, "It's true. Hey... if Brain doesn't have a problem with it, would you like it if I come and visit you one day?"
"Yes! I would like it very much!" Soprano says, sounding so bubbly and cheerful. "When will you come?"
"Well, that's the thing. I don't know yet. If it were up to me, I'd come and see you as soon as I could. But, I'm busy working with Mega Man and Roll, you're busy working with Drill Man, and Brain Bot probably has to give it the okay. But, we'll meet up again one day, I promise."
"Okay! I hope it's soon."
"I hope so too, believe me. And, Soprano..."
"Yes, Proto?"
Proto becomes silent again and his emotions begin to overwhelm him. He wants to tell her so badly that he loves her, and remind her of the times they had together. But, Brain Bot advised him not to force more memory recoveries so soon after her episode the other day. The fact that he can't tell her how he feels is nearly driving him to tears behind his visor.
"Proto? Are you still there?"
"Yeah, I am," Proto chokes, "Just, um... if you ever want to talk to me, for any reason, I'll be there for you."
"Okay. Thank you," Soprano says, kindly. "I actually feel better just talking to you."
"I feel better too, just knowing you're okay. Talk to you soon, girl."
"Okay. Talk to you, too," Soprano says, her smile evident, even without seeing it.
Afterwards, Brain Bot returns to the line. "ProtoMan, you'll be pleased to know that we were monitoring Soprano's vital readings during her conversation with you, and she seemed calmer and happier since her episode."
"Yeah... I've been told I'm a charming bot... Hey, Brain, would it be a problem if we were to see each other again?"
"I don't see a problem with that. I would advise waiting a few weeks for an in-person meeting, in case she experiences another relapse. Any time after that, I'll see when we can schedule a reunion."
"Great. Make it happen sooner than later."
Afterwards, Proto sits alone once again, staring at nothing in particular, with his mind and his heart focused on Soprano. He can feel his heart being pulled towards her now more than ever, and those feelings he has for her are not letting go. He does not does he want them to let go, either.
If he could, he would go off to be with her now, but as Brain Bot said, he can't just yet. Even then, there is something else in the way of being with Soprano at any time too: he is still stuck fighting Dr. Wily, which means that he is stuck at Dr. Light's lab if he's needed.
As much as he cares abut his family at home, finally having that real sibling relationship that he has always wanted, his love for Soprano is becoming even greater than that.
And he will not be able to fight it forever.
"The sooner Wily's locked up, the better," he says. "Hurry up and show your face."
Proto should have been careful what he wished for. He will soon get it.
A few days later.
On the morning of the Presidential Debate.
Cassidy residence.
White Plains, New York.
A parcel delivery truck pulls up in front of the house and an unassuming delivery robot, baring the logo of the delivery company exits from the passenger side and walks to the front door. Once he arrives, he presses the doorbell button, waiting for any response.
Soon, Cassidy's wife, a red-haired human woman answers the door.
The delivery bot asks, "Is this the Cassidy residence?"
"Yes," answers the woman.
"We have a delivery for Phillip, it's from the agency in charge of security at the Sutherland Auditorium. Can we leave the packages inside?"
"Yeah, sure. Just leave the door closed when you're done dropping them off."
"Of course, ma'am. But, his signature is required." the delivery robot says, nodding his head before returning to the truck.
"I'll go get him, then."
Cassidy's wife does not pay the delivery truck much mind and heads back inside. Meanwhile, the robot driver removes a tall wooden crate from the back of the delivery truck with the help of an automatic lifting device. The crate itself is unusually large for a simple delivery. It's large enough to hold a pair of humans...
or robots, perhaps.
Upstairs, Cassidy attempts to tie his necktie when his wife walks in.
"Phil? You've got a delivery. They said it's from the auditorium."
Philip looks confused. "A delivery? ... I haven't heard anything about a delivery."
"Well, they said they needed you to sign for it."
Cassidy abandons tying his tie and heads back downstairs. "Okay... What are they sending me, anyway?"
Cassidy and his wife soon arrive to see two tall wooden crates standing near the front door, joined by a shorter, slightly wider crate which was just placed there by the delivery robot. And once he sees this unusual delivery, Cassidy questions the robot delivery man.
"Excuse me. Before I sign, what is any of this?"
"You're about to find out, Mr. Cassidy," says the delivery robot.
One of the boxes is suddenly torn asunder from within, crumbling apart to reveal Bass standing inside; The smallest of the boxes is shredded open by the snarling Treble. The largest of the boxes is bashed open by one of its occupants, GutsMan, who was packed in there pretty tightly with Cut Man.
Cassidy and his wife scream as GutsMan and Cut Man rush them, grabbing them both and covering their mouths to prevent them from escaping or screaming.
Bass commands Treble and the delivery robot, "There are two children here. Find them and bring them here."
Treble races off and the Delivery Robot replies, "Aye-aye," as his physical appearance morphs to reveal his true form of Dark Man 3, whose appearance looks similar to his two predecessors, but with light purple armor instead of black or red.
The Cassidys two sons, aged 14 and 9, were playing a video game in the older boy's bedroom when they heard the frightening sound downstairs of their parents' screams, followed by silence.
Thinking on his feet, the older son leaps from his seat to shut and lock the bedroom door.
"What's going on," the petrified younger boy asks.
"Someone just broke in. Gimmie a hand with this, now!"
The younger boy tries to help his older brother move a dresser cabinet in front of the door to buy them both time to escape. They then hear a low growling sound, followed by a howl right outside the door.
"... It can't be," older brother says, shuddering, recognizing that sound as a wolf's howl... like Treble's.
In a panic the older brother opens the window, then grabs his blanket off the bed and frantically ties it to the arm of his chair. There is a loud pounding at the door, trying to be kicked in from the outside. The cabinet holds it in place, for now.
The older brother orders, "You gotta climb out the window and go to the Futtermans house. Tell them to call the cops. Tell them it's-"
They are interrupted as the door is punched through by a titanium fist, belonging to Dark Man 3.
"IT'S DR. WILY!" screams the terrified little broher, in tears.
Dark Man announces, "I found them!"
The older brother tries in vein to help his little brother grab the makeshift bed sheet rope, but they are stopped when Dark Man steps out of the way for Treble to leap through the half torn-down door and jump into their room, growling at them menacingly. This distracts the boys long enough for Dark Man 3 to use a newly developed tool on both of them: a Plasma-powered Net which can lasso the intended target like a rope, and when extra energy is used can be used to weaken a robot opponent.
Both boys are quickly tied up by Dark Man's plasma lasso and the newly built Robot Master warns, "Don't make another sound, humans. Or else!"
Shortly thereafter, as all four members of the Cassidy family are rounded up by Treble and the Robot Masters in the living room of the house, Bass removes a round disk, which looks about the size of a Curling puck, and places it on the floor of Cassidy's living room, just a few feet from where the family is being held.
In GutsMan's grasp, Cassidy ties to beg Bass for mercy. "I don't know what you or your leader want with me, but please-"
"Direct your pleas to Dr. Wily, Mr. Cassidy," Bass interrupts.
Then, a light shines up from the disk and a static image appears for a moment until it clears, creating a holographic representation of a grinning Dr. Wily, live from Skull Fortress.
Just to impose a more intimidating presence, and perhaps to be vein, Wily's holographic presence is just a few inches taller than he actually is.
"Mr. Philip Cassidy, I presume?" Wily says, "You're probably wondering... 'How does the great, intelligent Dr. Wily know who I am?', 'How did he find where I live?', 'What does he want with me?' 'Will he hurt my family?' ... Well, Mr. Cassidy, you're about to get all those answers. I will allow you to speak, but don't try anything that could attract the attention of anyone else, or the authorities. It will only result in you and your family's doom!"
GutsMan lets go of Cassidy, dropping him to the floor. Cassidy then gets on his knees before the holographic projection of Dr. Wily.
He mutters, "I don't know how you found me... but, it has to be because I work where the debate is being held."
"How astute. Good for you," Wily mocks.
"Whatever you want, just please, let my family go," Cassidy pleas, clasping his hands.
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Cassidy. They are crucial to guaranteeing your cooperation. I have never truly resorted to taking hostages before, not human ones, anyway. But, there is a first time for everything."
Dr. Wily's holographic image leans down to get closer to the now groveling Cassidy. "You are going report to work in time for the debate. And if you want your family to remain unharmed, you will do everything I tell you do. If you do not... they will all have to die!"
Muffled whimpers come from Cassidy's wife and children as Wily continues, "If you try to warn anyone, Mr. Cassidy, your family dies. And if things don't go the way I plan, your family DIES! You will survive, though, Mr. Cassidy... you will be forced to go on knowing that you let them die. That's a fate worse than death, if you ask me."
Phillip does not accept Wily's ultimatum just yet. He keeps his eyes to the floor, trying to ponder a way he could somehow get a tip off to somebody, anyone, that something is wrong without alerting Wily.
Wily's hologram points his finger at Cassidy, "I know that look, Mr. Cassidy. You're thinking of how you can get your hero Mega Man to help you. After all, he'll be right there in the building with you. Well, one of my robots are hiding in plain sight and will catch you if you try it! You just never knew it because you were all too incompetent to find out! Or do I need to make it clear how serious I am by hurting one of your children right now?"
"No! Please, don't! I'll... I'll... I'll help you. Just please don't hurt them," Cassidy grovels, caving into Wily's demand.
"Good choice, Mr. Cassidy."
"What are you trying to do?"
"You'll find out what I want when you get to work. I don't want to give away the surprise yet."
"... They're going to attack the debate..." Cassidy mutters silently.
"Mr. Cassidy, you need to report to work soon. It would be a shame if you were late."
Cassidy can barely talk. "You're... you can't be..."
His wife pleas, "Phil, please, you can't let him do this!"
"If you care about your family's lives, Phil, you will let me do this," Wily sneers. "I anticipate your cooperation. Don't let me down."
The holographic image of Dr. Wily fades out as the projector disc powers down. Bass then grabs Cassidy by his arm and begins dragging him away from his family, who all try in vain to call out to him.
"Please, just let me say goodbye to my family," Cassidy pleas. "I'll... I'll go along if you do."
Bass stops and stares into the man's eyes with his naturally intimidating glare. He then gravels, "You have thirty seconds. Don't try anything. We're watching."
Bass lets go of Cassidy, who goes back to his family, possibly for the last time. He speaks with a trembling voice, "It's gong to be alright. You're all going to be okay, I'll make sure of it, somehow."
"He's gonna make you kill Mega Man, isn't he?" asks the youngest son.
"Phillip, you don't have to do this," the wife pleads, knowing that if Wily succeeds, it will be worse for he world than it is for them.
"No... it's the only hope you all have. I can't let anything happen to you."
"Phil... if he wins, what do you think he'll do to us? Or any other family?"
"That's enough," Bass says, grabbing Cassidy again and draging him away. He then orders the Robot Masters, "Keep the wife and children here until the Sniper Joes arrive to relieve you. Treble, come with me."
"Where's Magnet Man, anyway?" asks Cut Man.
"Yeah, we're a team, ya know," GutsMan adds.
"Quit complaining," Bass orders, glaring at them with his intimidating stare.
Both spooked by Bass, GutsMan and Cut Man both straighten up. "Eh-heh! Whatever you say, Bass."
"We, uh, don't really need him around," GutsMan nervously says.
Bass turns back around and hauls Cassidy off to the garage, and the human continues trying to reason with him... Good luck, there.
"You can let my wife and kids go. I'll do what Wily wants. He doesn't need them."
"That would leave them free to run to the authorities. Then, the operation is for nothing," Bass says, shoving Cassidy in the garage. "Treble, keep him from running. I'll be back."
Shortly thereafter, Bass contacts Dr. Wily once he is alone. Wily answers, "I hope you're already on the way to the rendezvous point. You can't waste time talking to me."
"The Sniper Joes haven't arrived yet. This man's body/stress levels indicate that he will not be a problem, so long as he knows the threat to his family is real. His readings spiked when you threatened them."
"Excellent. This proves my theory is right!"
"And that is?"
"It is always easier to break someone's will when you know they have someone to lose. Love is so easy to exploit. It is what makes our enemies weak! This is why we are so much better without it, my boy."
Bass thinks for a moment about what Dr. Wily said and if that theory applies to Bass himself as well... and if Wily will one day exploit what he cherishes as well.
"You said Cassidy's family will be allowed to survive if he cooperates. Will they?"
"... Why should you care?"
"I didn't say I did. I just need to know so this operation to go smoothly."
"Well... if everything goes the way I want it, I will feel generous, thus the wife and their brats can live," Wily reveals.
"And if it doesn't go well?"
"... Then, I'll be very angry... and I'm not very generous when I'm angry. Ask some of the Robot Masters."
Bass' eyes narrow, realizing that the threat to this man's family is very real. Even though Bass' heart has plenty of darkness, he thinks this hostage situation and the goal of tonight's strike on the debate are extreme, even for Dr. Wily's standards. The man is clearly getting drunk with power and desperation now. There is no telling what low he will stoop to next, but Bass has a feeling he will find out soon.
"Are the Sniper Joe units there to keep the family in place yet?"
Bass looks out the front window, seeing that the fake delivery truck has returned. Two Sniper Joes are inside and will switch places with Bass and the others.
"They're here now," Bass reports
"Good. Make sure Mr. Cassidy gets his special cellular phone. He will receive his orders through it without alerting the security. Mega Man and those pinhead politicians will never know what hit them! In the meantime, keep your frequency open in case I issue any additional orders."
"I will"
"Make me proud tonight, Bass. Our quest to take over the world is about to enter its next phase at long last."
"But, first, we must endure the battle to end all battles," Bass states.
"It's nothing we can't handle... Right, Bass?"
"I can handle it," Bass replies before cutting off the call.
Bass cannot help but feel the decisive moment of this war is about to take place. That tonight is truly the point of no return. But, he still has his misgivings about Dr. Wily once he gets the power he wants, especially with possession of the Jadous Sphere shard and this ultimate robot. And those misgivings have only been exacerbated after seeing how Wily has now resorted to holding human children as hostages.
This only causes Bass to feel conflicted again with Duo's words ringing in his mind... Is this what justice is? It doesn't feel like it. But, Bass is still blinded by his lust for power, feeling that following Dr. Wily is the only way to get it.
As Bass looks to his side, he sees a mirror decoration hung on the wall, and he stares at his own reflection. It is then that Roll's words strike a chord with him again... search your heart...
Bass stares into his own eyes wondering what is really in there. Wondering what matters more... lust or love.
Bass then becomes frustrated, angered that he even has to make a choice instead of having whatever he wanted. At the peak of his anger, Bass punches out the mirror, and it shatters into several shattered pieced onto the floor, and leaves a hole in the wall it hung on.
Bass looks down at the fractured remnants and still sees reflections of himself in the shattered pieces. Even now, he wonders if there is significance to what he is seeing.
Dr. Light's lab.
In the days since Dr. Light and Roll spoke again, the tension between the Light family members has cooled down and everyone is getting along again. In fact, Roll and Dr. Light will be in the audience at tonight's debate, invited by Governor Cochran
Though, Roll is still considering leaving home for a little while after the war with Dr. Wily is over. And she has not given up hope for Bass, either, even though everyone else has no hope for him. She does not know how she will be able to get the chance to speak with him now, unless he will be involved in the inevitable next Wily attack. (Assuming one or both of her brothers are not trying to blast him to bits at the time.)
Before he leaves to defend the auditorium, Mega Man is having a word with Dr. Light...
"Proto, Rush and I will be stationed on the roof, so if you or Roll see anything strange on the inside, just power up the communicator. We'll get the signal," he says.
"I know it's your job to be head of security tonight, son, so I'm sure I'll be fine. But, I'll follow your advice," Dr. Light assures. "With all the measures you and your team have taken, I'm certain that if even there was an attack, we would make it out safely And so would the candidates."
"I just want to make sure all our bases are covered. If Wily's going to attack again, it's going to be between now and inauguration day," Mega speculates.
Dr. Light looks at his wrist watch, taking note of the time. "You really should go. I know you wanted to be there early."
"Yeah. I'll see you guys when you arrive."
Mega Man and Rush head to the garage area and stand beside Proto's Red Blazer, waiting for him to show up. But, Roll heads out to speak with Mega before he leaves...
"Hey, Mega. Before you go, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
Roll asks, "Did you always have faith Proto would turn on Wily? Even when a lot of us didn't?"
Mega answers, "I'll be honest. Not always. There were times I was afraid there was no getting him back. But, after a while, I got to know that he wasn't truly evil, and that there was good in him."
Before Roll could make her case for Bass' redemption, Mega says, "I already know what you're getting at, Roll."
Roll counters, "And I know what you're about to say: Bass isn't like Proto."
"Well, he isn't," Mega states, "You haven't seen him the way I have. You haven't fought him. There's nothing but hatred in him. That's what makes him so scary."
"I know he has a lot of hate in him. He said so himself. But, he's not all hate. He's got a heart in there, somewhere. Back in the day, I never believed Proto was anything but a crook. But he proved me wrong. If there was hope for Proto, then there's hope for Bass too."
"I don't think anybody would be happier to see Bass change his ways more than me," Mega says, "If there's hope for Bass, would you say the same for Dr. Wily?"
Roll glazes her eyes. "Let's not go that far, Rock."
"You're probably right," Mega admits.
ProtoMan finally approaches, quipping, "Wow! After all this time, you finally referred to our bro by his real name instead of just 'Mega.'"
"I could start using yours too, if you want to, Proto," Roll jabs.
"Eh, I'd rather not. Thanks," Proto says.
"I'll see you guys later," Roll says, waving to them as she heads back inside.
Afterwards, Proto asks... "So, what's the plan?"
"If you had been there with us at the auditorium the past two weeks, you would have known the plan by now," Mega scoffs. "Keep an eye out for our 'old friends' from Skull Fortress."
"Are the humans on our little team going to give me a hard time?"
"Chief Toombs will be there, so they won't."
Proto approaves. 'Good. That's at least one human who likes me."
Mega adds, "And if Wily shows up I think they'll all learn to accept you if we arrest him."
"I doubt they will. Let's get to work," Proto says as he and Tango get inside the Red Blazer.
Mega Man commands, "Rush, jet," and Rush barks, then transforms into jet board mode.
But, as the Defender steps onboard Rush and flies out of the garage and onto Sutherland Auditorium alongside Proto and Tango, he has a hunch that tonight could prove to be challenging. That he and has family are about to head into an approaching storm.
And they are.
Tonight, the war for everlasting peace will take a turn which will change everything... and it will be the beginning of the end.
Get ready.
A message from the author:
Instead of the usual tidbits I post in this section, I am going to take a moment to speak about the ongoing pandemic.
A lot has changed since the last chapter was posted. Covid-19 happened. The world is a much more frightening place than it was previously. (And that's saying something, given how bad the past four years have been.)
If your community has been hit hard by the spread of the virus, or if a loved one has been stricken, or even if it has taken a toll on you in other ways, you have my deepest sympathy, you are in my thoughts and I hope everything works out alright.
This crisis has even hit close to home with me too, as an Uncle of mine who is a high-risk patient tested positive in the days before this chapter was posted. As of the time of this posting, he is still holding stable. God willing, he pulls through.
As long as we keep our compassion, lookout for one another, and follow the advice given to us by actual medical professionals, most importantly keeping our hands washed and maintaining social distancing, we will get through this. Somehow.
I don't know yet when the next chapter will be up, but I get the feeling I will have plenty of time to write it.
I will continue to write for as long as I am able until this series is finished, (and I intend to finish it.) I hope Defender continues to entertain you and help ease the stress of these trying times. It's all I can do, really.
If you can, please leave a review or a comment. If you catch any typos or continuity errors, please DM me right away.
Thank you. Stay healthy, stay clean and stay safe.
