Wow, this chapter has been on the back burner for over two years! Well, nothing I could've done about that since I had graduated from my graduate classes then and was busy looking for a job. Now with this pandemic in the way of my job search, I've found myself with some time to continue my writing hobby. Thankfully, this story doesn't exactly have an end-game planned out, so it makes it easier to just pick up where I left off.

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Chapter 35

"Isn't Aaron done with the weapons yet? He should already have plenty of time to come up with something."

Geo sighed as he watched Omega pacing from one end of the bedroom to the other. He himself was seated at his desk. "It's only been a couple days. I doubt he's made much headway into the project; especially since he's still officially working with the Satella Police. Just be patient!"

"Tell that to the FMians already here. Some of them aren't easily pushed around like Taurus. With Cygnus, we only beat him because he underestimated us. I'm sure by now any others that came along know to be on their guard. It's only gonna get harder to defend this place from their attacks."

"And we'll deal with it when the next one comes along. Until then, try to relax a bit. Constantly being on pins and needles just causes a lot of unnecessary stress. It's not good for your health during the downtimes."

Omega stopped pacing and shot Geo a deadpan look. "And you're too calm about danger popping up at any time. That's a good way to get yourself killed when you least expect it. Last thing I want is for my partner to be put out of commission in the middle of a fight. Don't think I'll be dragging your sorry butt out if that ever happens!"

The boy merely smiled. The Wave Being rolled his eyes before heading towards the glass balcony door.

Even though they have only been together for a couple weeks; Geo had a good idea of Omega's personality. He may brusque and distant at times, but there was no hiding the sense of worry behind his words. Always ready with quick bits of advice both in and out of battle, trying his best to keep watch for enemy fire and possible escape routes, his surprise at their Merged Form being given a name. It all pointed to a tender if not sensitive heart that stood within the gruff exterior.

"I can still see that dopey smile through the reflection, kid," Omega said without turning around.

Geo chuckled. "Sorry; I can't help it. It's just interesting how you mask worrying about me with your usual gruffness. I'd have thought you'd at least drop the act around me after everything we've been through. It's not like I haven't already had a glimpse of the real you behind all that anyway."

"Sh-Shut up, kid! And stop reading me like a book; it makes me feel vulnerable!"

Laughter barely filled the room before Geo's Star Carrier went off. Taking it from his desk, he saw it was a group call from his friends. He took a moment to calm himself before accepting it. Three faces immediately appeared via hologram projector.

"Hey guys! What's going on?"

"Just wondering if you were up to anything today," Luna stated with her self-assured smile.

"Nothing much really. Why?"

"You won't believe what Luna's parents managed to snag!" Bud excitedly chimed in. "They got four tickets for Sonia Strumm's concert being held later today! Can you believe it? And they're giving it to us!"

"Definitely a lucky break for us!" Zack said with a smile. "From what the Prez told us, her parents entered a charity raffle at their job and won those tickets. And knowing how we're all fans of Sonia Strumm, they gifted it to us? Isn't that great?"

Geo shrugged. "Yeah, I suppose so."

The response caused Luna to frown. "You suppose? I know you're not that big a fan of her, but you could at least sound more excited. I mean, do you know how hard it is to get tickets to her concerts? Even the worst seats can easily go for over a hundred online; this is us getting them for free!"

Not wanting to draw out a more passionate response from the others; he said, "You have a point. Sorry for sounding a bit passive about it."

Omega snorted loudly. "Sucking up to the queen of bossiness, kid? Man, you have no backbone when it comes to her!"

Looking up, Geo saw the Wave Being facing him with an amused half-smile. He was glad only he could hear what was said; otherwise, it could have been a blow-up between him and Luna. Instead, he scowled at the other as a signal to be quiet.

"Who's that face aimed at?" Bud asked.

Geo looked back at the holograms and saw Luna and Bud seemingly confused. Only Zack seemed to understand. "It's probably Omega saying something to him. Don't forget he's crashing at Geo's place."

"Oh, I completely forgot about him. I need to get used to that," Bud admitted. "Maybe we could invite him to come along with us. Not like he'd need a ticket to watch."

"So I'd just be bumming a free ride with you guys? Geez, don't I feel special," Omega sarcastically said. He then quickly went into the Star Carrier which allowed his body to appear beside the other holograms. "Just who exactly is this Sonia Strumm girl, anyway? Is she really all that amazing to be fawning over?"

The larger boy recoiled in shock. "Geez, what the heck, Omega?! Where'd you come from?"

"I've been nearby this whole time. I only just decided to get inside his Star Carrier and take part in this conversation. You did just throw my name out, after all.

"So who is this girl you're talking about? Guessing she's some kind of big celebrity on this world?"

"You don't know who THE Sonia Strumm is?" Luna exclaimed. "She's only the best pop singer in the entire world! Where have you been all this time?"

"On a different planet," the alien deadpanned. He actually had a more colorful response in mind but bit his tongue on that.

"Well, I would've thought Geo told you some things about our culture by now."

Geo shrugged. "You know I'm not that crazy about her like you guys are. She has good songs but nothing I'd say is that amazing. Besides-"

"Not amazing?!" the others shouted. "You don't know what you're talking about!"

If Omega had a physical form, everyone would have seen him recoil. "Kid, I don't think this is something you want to challenge them on."

"Don't I know it," the boy sighed.

"That settles it! You're coming to the concert with us!" Luna demanded. "We'll be there in a few minutes to pick you up. And don't think about trying to weasel out of it; I know your mom's been wanting you to get out of the house more often." She then hung up her connection before Geo could say anything.

"Come on, man; you know better than to get the Prez fired up," Zack reprimanded with a shake of his head. "She's not gonna let you live it down 'til you admit you're wrong."

"Like he was even right to begin with!" Bud said with a snort. "I mean, who doesn't like Sonia Strumm?

"Anyway, I'm gonna get a bite to eat. Knowing the Prez, she'll want me and Zack to pick you up on the way to the concert. See you guys later!"

"Yeah, I should take care of a couple things, too. Later guys!"

"But guys!" Geo exclaimed, but it was to a now empty screen on his Star Carrier. Only Omega remained, though he immediately left the device to float beside the boy.

"You have some interesting friends, kid. How'd you even end up hanging out with them in the first place?"

"I sometimes find myself asking the same question. Might as well bite the bullet and get ready. Though I guess I should be happy about this being a chance to learn more about our culture."

Omega chuckled. "Singing to a large crowd just so they can be happy? Hardly anything different from what I've seen back home. Still, I must admit I'm curious about what you humans try to pass off as music. Maybe I'll come along with you so as to sate my curiosity."

"If that's what makes you happy. I just hope nothing bad happens. It's like every time I go out now, one of those Wave guys come to wreak havoc. There's a reason why I'm not too eager about going out."

"At least we'll be there to stop them if they try. Now come on; best you grab a bite to eat before Ms. Snippy and her entourage come by."

Geo sighed as Omega made himself comfortable in the Star Carrier. With the device pocketed away, they both left the bedroom with Geo in search of an early lunch.