(November 14, 2009)
"No, Dad! Please don't leave me!"
Mick jerked upright, glancing blearily around his cell. 'What was that?'
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! Aiden, no!"
The anguished cries from Brody's cell came again, clearing Mick of his remaining grogginess. Already footsteps thundered down the hall to deal with the newly deemed 'unruly' prisoner.
'That's the last thing he needs to wake up to.' Hurriedly rising from his pallet Mick went to the cell door. Pressing his face against the bars he waited until the kudabot neared to try talking to it.
"Let me try and calm him down." The robot ignored him, passing his door continuing to Brody's. "Hey! I think I can calm him down without you barging in there."
Now with two misbehaving prisoners, the robot seemed confused. It stopped and swung its head back and forth calculating who it should deal with first.
Mick pressed its confusion. "You go in there now and you'll freak him out more. Let me go in there to help him."
The robot continued to stall. A compassionate act was not one it was familiar with. 'Thank you Galvanax.' Mick seethed. Brody let out another whimper before the kudabot's logic processors finally kicked in. It warily opened Mick's door and went to grab his arm. Shaking off the attempt Mick reached Brody's cell in two bounds. Distressed beeping came from behind him.
"Don't get your wires crossed." Mick snapped. "I'm staying right here."
He looked in the window while he waited for the kudabot to catch up. Brody lay curled in the corner, visibly shaking.
"Come on you useless tin can." And the robot had been in such a rush only a minute ago.
Letting out an irritated beep the kudabot unlocked the door long enough for Mick to slip inside. He ignored the click of the lock behind him. Kneeling next to the boy Mick hesitated briefly. While he was sure Brody would be even more freaked out if a kudabot woke him, Mick wasn't sure how Brody would respond to his attempt.
At that moment Brody pulled himself in a smaller ball and let out another plaintive, "Please!"
'Well here goes nothing.' Mick sat next to Brody. "Brody? Come on buddy you need to wake up."
Mick gently shook his shoulders. Apparently that was the wrong action. Brody jolted as if he'd been electrocuted. His eyes flew open but the way they darted crazily around the room it was clear he wasn't seeing what was right in front of him.
"No, please!" Somehow making himself even smaller, Brody lay in a fetal position, his hands flying over his head.
"Brody it's okay, it's just me." Mick spoke quietly.
He reached out and lightly placed a hand on Brody's back. Brody flinched again. Continuing to talk in the softest tone he could manage Mick began rubbing small circles on Brody's back. Gradually, he felt the tension leave the boy but it was several more minutes before his shaking came to a stop.
Letting out a shuddery moan that seemed to pour from his soul, Brody turned to face Mick. "Dad?"
Mick felt his heart snap in two at that question and the hope in Brody's voice. "No, sorry Brody." The words came out thickly. "It's just me, Mick."
Brody put his head back down and soft sobs drifted upward. Mick continued rubbing his back for several minutes until Brody quieted.
He stayed still for so long Mick had begun to think he'd gone to sleep when he heard a quiet, "Thank you."
Mick didn't answer. Instead he continued to offer what meager physical comfort he could. He wasn't sure how much time passed, but eventually he felt Brody relax completely under his hand. Cautiously Mick removed his hand but Brody didn't move.
Mick let out a sigh glanced around the cell for the first time. His eye caught a small line of tally marks half covered by Brody's body. It didn't take much to guess what they were for.
"I'm so sorry." He whispered.
Over the years Mick had come to terms with his own enslavement, but he'd never felt so angry at his masters as he did now. This boy was entirely too young and innocent for what they were putting him through. To the victor goes the spoils, but from the sounds of things it'd been more of a massacre than a battle. And now this eight year old child was forced to deal with the fallout.
The click of the lock came and Mick looked to the door. It stood open and the kudabot guard motioned for him. Reluctantly, Mick eased from Brody's side and headed for the door. Holding the door to keep it from slamming, Mick continued to disregard the robot's persistent noises.
He turned to snap something at it again but the words died on his lips. Odius stood next to the kudabot in the hall.
Stiffly Mick crossed his arms. "Fancy seeing you here."
Odius raised an eyebrow and Mick immediately cursed himself for making that comment. "I heard there was a commotion brewing. I'd have thought you knew better than that."
Her words sent cold shivers down his spine but he stood his ground. "It wasn't intentional and it's been taken care of."
Odius stepped closer. "So I see. Who knew you were good with both computers and kids."
Mick bristled. "I don't know what sick game you're playing by bringing him with you but he's just a kid! He shouldn't be here!"
"You sound as if you care for him." There was a sly note in Odius' voice that chilled Mick. For reasons Mick couldn't name, he was treading dangerous ground.
"He needs someone to look out for him."
Odius laughed harshly. "I think Ripcon already has that job. He's taken quite an interest in the boy."
Mick's pulse quickened. That wasn't new information but disturbing nonetheless. Yet the way Odius said it made her sound more dangerous than any punishment Ripcon might dole out.
Time to get away from this conversation. Mick crossed his arms. "If you're done, I need to get some sleep."
"Of course." She purred. Turning from him she motioned to the kudabot. It took Mick by the arm and forcefully led him back to his cell.
"You're still expected in the control room at the usual time." Odius called over her shoulder.
Mick, head safely turned away from Odius, rolled his eyes. "That's why I'd appreciate to get to sleep."
With an amused look on her face, Odius sauntered away without another word.
The weight of exhaustion and emotional fatigue crashed into Mick. He let the robot shove him back to his cell without irritating it further. Once the door slammed behind him, Mick slumped onto his pallet. Had Brody been having nightmares without telling him? Mick honestly wouldn't be that surprised. They'd known each other for only two Earth months and while an amicable relationship developed between them, Mick wasn't family. Plus the poor kid had a horrible amount of trauma to process. And Mick wasn't sure the best way to help him.
Though Mick really did need to get what sleep he could, the kudabots found him still awake three hours later when they came to take him back to the workshop. Groaning internally, Mick rolled over and followed them out of his room. It wouldn't be his first practically sleepless night since coming on board this ship. And if Brody slept better because of that... well that was more than enough for Mick to count his actions and worries worth it.
Before shutting Mick in his workshop, one of the guards beeped and extended their wrist. A small, though admittedly still terrifying, image of Galvanax appeared.
"The cameras you made are exactly what I need. I expect thirty more before the contestants arrive for the filming of the new season."
Mick choked on his breath. "With all due respect, even though I have the plans perfected it still takes me half a week to make one. The circuitry's too delicate to try mass producing. It still has to be done by hand."
"Then you'd better get started."
The image flickered away, decisively ending the conversation. Mick didn't suppress a groan. First off the number was beyond excessive, ten would be more than sufficient. And secondly the season started in three weeks. 'That information couldn't have been relayed when I submitted the prototype last month?' Sadly this wasn't the first- and Mick highly doubted it'd be the last- time he'd been given a large order in a short time frame. There went the majority of his sleep for the better part of a month.
Mick sighed and brought up the plans on his computer. Pulling together necessary tools, Mick bent over his workbench with a singular focus. There was no telling how much time had passed when the loud whirr of the door jerked Mick from his work. He looked up in time to see a hand propel Brody through the doorway. He stumbled into the room, still rubbing his eyes.
"Hey." Mick leaned forward.
Brody gave a half wave but kept his gaze averted.
Choosing not to press about what was on his mind or about the night before, especially since he might not even remember much of it, Mick gestured to the pile in front of him. "If you're up for it, I could really use an extra hand here."
Mick pretended not to notice Brody's shoulders relax as he walked to Mick's side. "Hold the plating here," Mick pointed, "and I'll weld it down here. It's times like this where having four arms would be helpful."
His comment was rewarded with a small snort from Brody. Mick smiled to himself. The morning continued to pass quickly as Mick threw himself into working on Galvanax's order. He took the time to explain some simple points of electricity and how the wiring worked. It wasn't lost on him how Brody soaked up every word. Another idea started brewing in the back of his mind. One he would keep close to his chest until he could be sure it would work.
Lunch and dinner bowls came and went. With Brody's help Mick was actually surprised how much more efficient production could be. Having another set of human hands gave Mick a small feeling of nostalgia for his college lab days before becoming Galvanax's prisoner. The only other workers Galvanax provided in the past were Mick's own created kudabots- which weren't built for tasks requiring precision. 'At this rate, I might actually get some sleep here and there before they're due. ' Together the two of them were able to almost finish one camera when a kudabot came in- heading straight for Brody.
"Mick don't you need my help still?" There was a tremble in his voice.
Mick cocked his head but nodded. "He's been very helpful with getting Galvanax's order under way. If I'm staying here tonight he might as well too. Streamline things a bit."
The kudabot clicked out a sequence then made a shrugging motion.
"We'll be here." Mick lowered his voice and mumbled, "It's not like we can go anywhere else anyway."
The robot left and the two went back to work. However it wasn't long before Brody began to yawn.
"You should get some rest. I'm going to be up for a while yet so you can use the mat," Mick gestured to the shelves hiding the cramped sleeping space.
Brody bit his lip. "I'm not tired." He let out another yawn.
"Uh, huh." Mick raised an eyebrow. Brody fidgeted with the camera shell in his hands. "Are you not tired- or is it you don't want to sleep?"
Brody froze. "W-what do you mean?"
"This is the first time you've asked to stay in the workshop overnight and it doesn't look like you're willing to try and sleep."
"I guess, it's just..." Brody mumbled something too quiet for Mick to hear.
Setting down his project Mick turned his full attention to Brody. "It's just what?" He asked kindly.
"It-it's just I- I keep seeing my dad. And my brother." Not surprising given what Mick heard the night before but he stayed quiet. "Sometimes they're saying they miss me but- but mostly," Brody swallowed hard, "mostly they yell at me. Dad for getting in his way. Aiden for getting dad killed and leaving him. They both hate me because of what happened and they should because it was my fault!"
Mick's heart dropped. This kid needed serious comfort.
He gently placed a hand on Brody's shoulder. "No, no, and no. Brody those are your own fears talking. From what you've told me of your family, they'd never think that."
'Well, at least the dad.' Mick thought privately. The brother might be a different story. There was no way to know what was going on through his mind at the moment. It might not be too far off of a guess that he'd be upset at Brody. Even if the anger wasn't justified.
Brody didn't look convinced. "But it's true! And I've been keeping track of the days. Tomorrow's Aiden's birthday. He's all alone because of me!"
'That might explain the worse nightmare last night.' Mick shook his head. "The only one at fault is Galvanax and his ilk. Your family got caught up in the middle of something, but trust me that it's not your fault. You can't let yourself lose sleep over a lie. It's not worth it when you need all the rest you can get."
"I guess..." Another yawn ended the conversation.
"Go to sleep, Brody. I'll be right here if you need anything."
Too tired to argue anymore, Brody slipped from his chair and trailed over to the mattress. He gave one more look at Mick. "Thanks."
Mick nodded, feeling the weight Brody put into the word. "Anytime." He could only hope that one word conveyed everything he wanted it to.
Brody disappeared behind the shelves and Mick let out a quiet sigh. There still was a lot going on in Brody's mind that he didn't share with Mick, but he was opening up a little bit and that was enough for now. The poor kid still had a lot of trauma to work through.
Mick returned to his computer when the idea from earlier rushed back into his brain. He shot a glance over his shoulder but there wasn't any sign of Brody. Time to see if the plan would work.
While Galvanax did heavily monitor whatever Mick did on the computer, there were a couple backdoors Mick could exploit- for a short amount of time. Opening up a new browser Mick began surfing through the Warrior Dome's data on Earth. As expected a plethora of data, more than any one person would ever be able to read, had been stored into the ship's mainframe.
'But do they have what I need?' From Brody's passing comments of living in California, Mick knew some keywords to search. 'California, school, books, learning.' As quickly as he could Mick sifted through the results, though with several thousand hits it would take way more time than he currently had.
Growling in frustration Mick added 'curriculum' to the list. Several new pages popped up but these fell more in line with what Mick was looking for.
'Pre-algebra, physical science, language arts...' All titles that sounded similar to things Mick learned through school back on his planet. Conscientious of his waning time frame Mick highlighted everything and copied the information to his personal computer. From there he set up a fire wall to hide the contents. There was no telling what Galvanax would do if he found Mick poking around this information. Mick didn't plan on giving Galvanax that chance.
However this could give Brody a chance at some semblance of normalcy and benefit him in the long run, especially if the opportunity came to return home one day. Hopefully Brody would go for the idea. Mick didn't really feel like forcing him, but continuing to learn was really needed whether or not Brody wanted it. Mick still needed to figure out what Brody knew already, but that'd be a simple test to create once Mick could sit down and sift through the downloaded info.
Unfortunately the cameras came first.
Still Mick had seen enough to be able to bring it up with Brody. 'When he wakes up.' Since Brody was already in the workroom, and near Mick, it'd be interesting to see when he would wake up.
Trying to remain as quiet as he could Mick continued to work on the camera until his eyes became too heavy to stay open. Putting his head down on the desk, Mick promptly fell asleep.
Soft clinking woke him up. Mick went to sit up and immediately let out a groan. His muscles were quick to scold him for sleeping in an odd position. Ignoring the stiffness in his shoulders, Mick rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hand before looking around. To his surprise the noise had come from Brody who was currently fashioning metal pieces together the way he'd been shown the day before.
Brody looked up nervously. "You, uh, you were still asleep so I thought I'd get started after practicing my forms. I'm sorry I should have waited..." He trailed off and looked down at his hands.
"Hey, no. I really appreciate the effort. I've already been realizing that with you helping me this might actually get done when Galvanax wants." Mick let out a dry chuckle. "Mind showing me what you've done?"
"Sure." Brightening considerably, Brody slid the husk in his hands toward Mick. "I was careful to make it look just like the one from yesterday. This is actually the second one I started this morning." Brody nodded to another metal box set on the side of the desk.
It only took a couple seconds for Mick to see they'd been done with the same care as the one from yesterday. "Thanks Brody. They look perfect." He smiled at the boy.
Brody practically glowed under the praise. Smiling shyly, Brody returned to working on the camera in front of him. Mick stood up to try and get the blood flowing to his brain before beginning to work on the delicate circuitry.
He looked again at Brody. "So I had a thought."
Brody cocked his head. "Hmm?"
"What do you say to picking up on your schooling?"
The metal screeched as Brody jerked. "What?"
Mick laughed softly at the shock on Brody's face. "Galvanax was overly thorough in his research of Earth culture. I wasn't able to dig too deep yet, but I saw enough to know I can put together a curriculum to keep you on track."
"If-if I could... I'd really like that."
Letting out a silent sigh of relief Mick looked at his computer. "As soon as we're done with the cameras I'll start working on that. However..." Mick trailed off for a moment. "Galvanax doesn't really know I was digging through the computer for that stuff so it might be good to keep that between us. Like the watch."
Brody frowned but nodded. "Gotcha."
More secrets for him to keep, but if it offered the tiniest bit of normalcy- 'Even on the days he doesn't like the material.' Mick thought wryly- it was well worth the burden.