(A/N: I do not own Duck Dodgers or Looney Tunes. That right belongs to Warner Bros.)

X-2 didn't meet with Z-9 again after their meeting. The former Commander had no idea where he could have been hiding within the palace. However, he guessed it was probably in some hidden compartment that apparently only Z-9 had access to at this time.

For the next few nights, X-2 had trouble sleeping. It was understandable why. He was so full of conflict and he didn't know what to do.

On the one hand, if he did go through with this: his queen would fall for him again, Dodgers would be sent to prison (Probably for the rest of his life) and he would be King of Mars. He would live happily ever after…or would he?

That was a question the voice in the back of his head constantly asked him. Would he really be happy with what would come of his actions given these circumstances? Not only was he conspiring against the Queen but he was also planning to play the part of this false hero that put her in danger to begin with.

His feelings toward the Queen were not the only thing conflicting him about this whole ordeal. He also didn't know how to feel about framing Dodgers for attempted murder. He really couldn't explain why, exactly. About a month ago, he was delighted at the idea of the duck being executed. However, he guessed it was because he felt like he didn't deserve it.

Sure, he was arrogant, lazy, stupid and annoyed the hell out of the former Commander but he felt this was going too far. He didn't like doing this one bit.

Then again, what other choice did he have? If he didn't act soon, he would be a slave for the rest of his life. Every day, he would wake up in the same, small and dirty room and proceed to do the biddings of Dodgers. He would also constantly see Dodgers and his beautiful Queen together...all the time.

He would be forced to stare at them in envy of Dodgers. The very sight of them would put him in agony. The thought of them kissing, hugging, even holding hands caused X-2 to be full of anger. If he didn't go through with Z-9's plan then this would be it. This would be the end of the road for him. The only purpose he would serve at that point would be to well...serve. It was a lose-lose scenario. Live with his guilt or not live at all?

This was the final night before the wedding and X-2 was about to get ready for another night of long and unrestful sleep. He was pulling his blanket over him and about to go to attempt to sleep until he heard his door quickly and open and close. He looked up to see Z-9.

X-2 nearly jumped out of bed in shock. He rapidly breathed in and out as his heart raced.

"Relax, X-2" Z-9 said.

"What do you want now?" X-2 asked.

"I need to have a definite answer from you about the plan before we can move forward...so what have you decided?" Z-9 asked.

X-2 took another deep breath and took a moment to collect his thoughts. His mind was racing with all the pros and cons of going through with the plan versus not going through with it. After what felt like hours but was really only about 20 seconds, he finally spoke up.

"...I'll...I'll do it. I'll put the poison in Dodger's food" X-2 said, finally conceding to his desire to be free of this life.

At this moment, a stir of feelings clouded his mind. At first he was relieved to be free of this difficult choice. On the other hand, his guilt had risen by an incredible amount. Another feeling of doubt swelled within him, that doubt being whether he could even live with himself after this.

Z-9 on the other hand had a delighted expression on his face.

"Excellent! Now I assume you'll be serving Dodgers his food at the reception?" Z-9 asked.

X-2 nodded slowly. "Yes"

"Good. While you're serving his food, break the capsule and just pour it on his food. He won't be able to tell it's there. It's flavorless. Also, remember to follow them back to the bridal chamber. You can make something up to get the Centurions guarding the chamber to leave. After they leave, wait 30 seconds before barging in and accusing Dodgers" Z-9 said.

"Where will you be?" X-2 asked.

"I'll be waiting in a closet that's by the chamber. When you 'expose' Dodgers and the Queen asks how you found out, you come over to the closet and open the door to reveal my presence. You'll tell her that I broke out of prison after hearing rumors of a conspiracy to murder the queen and take over Mars" Z-9 said.

X-2 stood quiet for a moment before nodding.

"Alright...I understand" X-2 said.

Z-9, sensing X-2's doubt, attempted to reassure him.

"I assure you, Commander, this is for the best for everyone, especially you. Just think...a few days from now, you'll be with the Queen in her bed, caressing each other after a long night of love. Can't you just imagine it, X-2? The sweat running down your body, your face nuzzling against hers, the warmth of her body so close to yours? Doesn't it sound wonderful?" Z-9 asked, manipulating him.

X-2 had to admit...that was a very nice thought. His heart raced at the mere thought of it.

"Just imagine, X-2...if it sounds that wonderful...think of how good it will feel" Z-9 said with a devious expression on his face.

X-2's heart nearly stopped and he froze in place. He didn't say a word for a little bit but Z-9 (At least in his mind) knew he wiped any doubt from his mind about the plan.

"I thought that might get you. Anyway, Commander, just stick to the script and we'll both come out on top...I'll see you tomorrow, chum" Z-9 said. With that, he left the room, leaving X-2 alone again.

When X-2 came back to his senses from his…sinful thoughts, he looked down to his capsule.

It was official. He was going to be going through with this and why shouldn't he? He had every reason to do this. He was a slave, he was miserable and most damning of all: He was so lonely. He didn't have anyone to talk to besides Dodgers and the most he said to him was an order to get him food or a drink. His life was in shambles and this was the only way he would be happy again…wasn't it?

He didn't bother trying to answer the question. He just stuffed the poison capsule in a tear in the mattress and lied down. As usual, the mattress was lumpy and hard. With that fact and him being extremely nervous about the plan, he knew he wasn't going to get much sleep tonight. The Martian just closed his eyes and eventually, his mind drifted into unconsciousness, mentally preparing for the big day.