21. Never Again
Role Call: Warp Darkmatter
This was getting to be a regular habit for him now. He felt inclined to hate it because of often he was coming here, but he couldn't. His sacred place at the warehouse brought him refuge away from the Ranger world. But lately, it seemed to slowly lose its tranquility.
Just how much more of this Ranger nonsense could he take?
All of these ridiculous courses, the actual work, and the missions all turned out to be disappointing. But the missions were the most despised of them all. They all started the same way and ended the same way - bad guy commits crime, Rangers are alerted, they chase after the crooks, they fight them and then they arrest them. They were all so boring and monotonous!
And where were the promised riches?! He should have had them by now.
But no, all that talk about 'patience as a virtue' and 'hard work takes time' was hardly paying off. So what would?
"We meet again, Darkmatter."
Warp's nose wrinkled. He saw a familiar face emerge from the grass - Red. "Oh great. You again. What do you want? Wait, don't tell me. You're here to see if I accept your offer, right?"
Red shrugged. "Yes and no. I was in town and I thought I should check in with you to see how things were going."
"Not sure why that's any of your concern. I'm doing just fine."
"You don't look it."
"I'm fine! What, do I have to draw you a picture to show you just how I'm doing great?!"
Red raised a brow. "Not necessarily. I myself have an interest and skill in the arts, and I can tell you're no artist. You're a Space Ranger."
Warp scowled and crossed his arms. "Do me a favor. Don't remind me again. Now why don't you leave before I think about bringing you in?"
Once more, Red shrugged. "I won't remind you. After all, I'm not the one imprisoned here. You are."
"..."
"Good day, Darkmatter." The alien returned to his hiding spot in the grass. As soon as he reached the grass, he heard Warp yelling from behind him.
"I don't want to see you around here again. Never again!"
But Red kept looking forward. He did give an off-handed salute however.
And Warp kept staring at him as Red disappeared.
From within, the sprouted seed spread its vines of doubt.