Aftermath9

CHAPTER 9

THE CALM BEFORE

The present

"I want all video records of the Laroux's escape downloaded to the War Room system and I want it done last cycle!" Dot said.

"Sir, Ma'am!" Specks said, "The outer beacons were able to trace his course somewhat. I'll have a readout for you in a few nanos."

The War Room once again was the focal point in the crisis situation that had erupted. It had not been used in hours and Dot Matrix cursed the sprite that forced them to utilize it now.

It took all Dot's powers of reasoning to keep from going random herself in her grief and worry. She should have insisted that a CPU accompany him. She should have – what? She knew self-recriminations were useless. All that mattered now was getting Enzo back.

Although she was deep into her work, she was aware of the other activities going on around her. Bob was on at a vid-window speaking with his colleagues at the Collective, putting out on all-system alert on Laroux, considering him armed and dangerous with a hefty reward for his capture – processing or deleted. Bob had also contacted Melissa and had given authorization for her to portal home.

Matrix was also speaking – actually yelling – at his soldiers and the CPU's for letting Laroux escape but Dot figured he was angrier with himself.

AndrAIa had come as soon as she had heard, despite her doctor's orders to rest. She sat across from Dot busy at her own workstation. She was interviewing any others who had come in contact with Laroux, including the shuttle captain, who; despite evidence to the contrary; was certain Laroux had not been on his ship.

Then came the familiar flash and Hex appeared.

Everyone froze all eyes were on the chaos virus. Her mask was twisted with hate and her eyes blazed yellow.

"He took Enzo," Hex snarled. "He took my Enzo!"

"Hex --," Dot began.

"I will make him suffer a thousand hideous tortures for his crimes! I will rip out his core-com and feast on it!" Hex said. "When I get my claws into him --!"

"Hexadecimal!" Bob's authoritative voice cut through her tirade, "We need your help now, but more important, we need you to remain calm."

"You have to tell us everything and anything about Laroux," Bob continued. "I'm having an alert put out on him but the more information we have, the better."

"Anything Bob," Hex calmed, but slightly, "But it is I who will deal with him. No one else is to have the pleasure."

Dot sighed, knowing Hex was as upset about Enzo as everyone else, but also knowing the measure of shame Hex must be suffering now. Dot could tell Hex had been lonely as of late and the chaos virus had begun to like Laroux. It infuriated Dot on both counts, not only for Enzo, but for Hex as well.

"Sir, Ma'am! I have those course coordinates," Specks said.

Dot leaned over her workstation, "Good work Specks." Dot immediately began to calculate the distance to the nearest inhabited systems. She swore at the numbers, "The sorry son of a null could be anywhere."

"He probably won't go to any civilized system," Matrix approached and stood behind his wife. "He's knows we'll use all our resources to find him."

"I think we can narrow those numbers a bit," AndrAIa began her own calculations. "Using the information we have we can estimate the systems he'd most likely travel to on his present course heading."

"I should have just thrown him off the system," Matrix muttered, "I had a chance to get him out of the way and --,"

"No," Dot said, "You're a representative of the Collective and Mainframe. You acted accordingly."

"If that sorry son of null hurts him --," Matrix muttered. "Here – these systems are the most likely candidates – small, less than reputable, we need to try them first."

"That's still quite a bit," Dot said.

"We have the Collective at our disposal," Bob said also approaching the workstation.

"We're getting some messages from people asking about the system lockdown," AndrAIa said.

"Make the usual apologies for any inconvenience," Dot told her. "We are to remain on system alert until – this crisis is over."

The room was suddenly filled with an uncomfortable silence. A stab of grief almost sent Dot running from the room. Bob laid his hands on her shoulders.

"You need a moment?" Bob whispered.

"N-no, I'm fine." Dot turned to AndrAIa, "Give them any excuse --, "

"Hex!" A new voice interrupted the Command.com.

Melissa had entered the room, followed by Phong. Dot knew she-virus was much older than she looked but right now everyone saw a distressed seventeen-hour-old.

"Oh my poor darling!" Hex embraced Melissa when her younger sister ran to her.

Tears streamed down Melissa's cheeks, "Someone kidnapped, Enzo? My Enzo?"

"Oh my sweet, it's all my fault. I knew Laroux had secrets. I thought I could discover them – I never dreamed --,"

"That's right Hex, you didn't," Dot said. "None of us thought this would happen so it isn't your fault. If you have to blame someone, blame Laroux."

"Laroux," Melissa said darkly. "He's a deleted sprite if I get my claws on him."

"Melissa," Bob said.

"But Bob! I want to assist in the search."

"No," Bob said. "Wait, listen to me. I knew you wouldn't be able to concentrate at the Academy, not to mention wanting to track down Laroux yourself, that's why I arranged for your early leave."

"Bob please!" Melissa's eyes were wide and pleading.

"Right now we need you here to play the games," Bob said. "Laroux, or whoever he is, was here for a different purpose. I don't believe he was here to take Enzo."

"Why?" Melissa said.

"Look at the facts," Bob said, "He was here all this time, yet he was with Hex. He threw us first when we thought he was watching my kids. Now Hex you said he asked a lot about Dot?"

"About our businesses," Hex said.

"Then there was the explosion at the power plant that blacked out only G-Prime. Enzo was at home and found someone going through the business database. I think when Enzo went to the Tower he surprised Laroux, which would explain why Laroux took him."

"Laroux didn't expect anyone to be at the Tower and the explosion took care of the lights and the security system."

"It timed it with the game cube so the two people who could stop him were occupied," Bob said.

"And he didn't think I would stop him because --," Hex said. "So he used me. I was to be his alibi."

"And," Bob said quietly, "his information source. I'm sorry Hex."

"Oh don't be Prime Guardian," Hex smiled with her fangs, "It is Laroux who will be sorry!"

"So he was after information about me, or rather my businesses," Dot said, "He could do a lot of damage with the information he downloaded."

"I've already begun rebuilding the security grid for the database but it will take some time," AndrAIa said, "Also, we have to realize that he broke Mouse's codes. It took him awhile, but he did it."

"Which means he's really good," Bob said bitterly, "I already tried to get in contact with Mouse. Too bad we don't know where Ray is."

"We may not need to know if he's on the net, he'll hear about this eventually," Dot said to cover the second uncomfortable silence.

"We can't wait any longer," Bob said. "As soon as possible, Matrix and I are going to track down Laroux. Sweetheart – we'll need a list of people who would want to ruin your business."

"I can think of one right off," Dot hissed.

"Ran DeCrypt," Bob said. "I'll have my investigators download all of the information they've acquired to the War Room system. If DeCrypt is behind this, even remotely, he'll be sorry."

"I say we pay him a visit," Matrix said.

"We will," Bob said, "But we'll do it right. When can you have your ship ready?"

"In a few micro's," Matrix said.

"Didn't Enzo --? I mean. Didn't he do a check on Laroux?" AndrAIa asked.

"He did," Dot said, "But he didn't find much of anything."

"That's because," yet another familiarly accented voice broke in, "His name's not Laroux, sugah."

"Mouse!" Bob said, "Thank the User, where have you been? I tried to reach you."

The flame haired mercenary descended the stairs, "That's because I was on my way here. I picked up your transmissions and got the info on this creep from the system."

Mouse walked over to Melissa and the two embraced, "I'm sorry, sugah, don't worry, we'll get him back safe."

Next she went to Dot, "How ya holdin' up honey?"

"You know me, Mouse," Dot managed a wan smile. "Now how do you know this guy?"

"Well I don't know him personally," Mouse said, "I know of him. Punch up his picture, Dre."

"That's Laroux," Dre said.

"Thought I recognized him. Damn, I wish I had been here, he's a mercenary and spy calls himself Raven."

"A spy, that makes sense," Dot said. "He was into our database."

"We gotta find him now," Mouse said. "He's a vicious one so I've been told. Heard he likes to – look fill me in on what's going on so we can get after him."

***

Bob finished the vid-call, "Well the official investigation is underway."

"There," Mouse looked up from her workstation with a smile, "That temporary security grid will keep anyone else out of the database and let you know if anyone else tries to access it. Now this may help us."

"What are you doing?" Dot leaned over her shoulder.

"We may be able to get some more information on Raven. When he downloaded the database he left a trail for us to follow so ta speak. He'll have security up but I can get through it. It'll take some time though."

"AndrAIa can I get a 3D map of those systems?" Bob said. "We need to get started tracking this Raven down. Matrix and I will pay a visit to Ran DeCrypt. If we can't get anything from him we'll each take a system and meet back at a predetermined area. Mouse when you're finished here we could use your help. Um – you didn't hear from Ray by any chance?"

Mouse looked up and there was a brief flash of annoyance in her eyes, "No. Now why would you think I heard from him? He decided to run off, I wasn't looking for him."

"Okay Mouse," Bob sighed. He wasn't going to pursue this; it was between Mouse and Ray. "Keep trying to contact him, Dot, we could really use his help." This was for Enzo and Bob wasn't about to worry about whatever romantic difficulties the mercenary and the search engine was having. Although she had not openly said so, Bob had the impression that this man who had Enzo was a greater danger than any super-virus and Bob refused to let little Enzo come to harm. It would destroy Dot, Melissa and him as well.

***

Seven hours into the past

Quicksilver smiled with supreme satisfaction as Pixel Shim took a last shuddering breath and deleted.

"Excellent," the virus whispered. "Have I at last succeeded?"

Quicksilver moved away from his two test subjects. The eyes of the remaining woman followed him. Quicksilver approached the table and stared almost reverently at the glass vial in its stasis field. All his work, all his planning would finally spell victory for Daemon's Chosen.

It had been a frustrating few seconds. Pixel Shim had also been seemingly immune to Virogen, just as the father and son had been. Quicksilver silently berated himself for so quickly getting rid of the two. He could not abide failure of any type in himself. He would not make the same mistake again. He still had samples of their codes and Virogen had had the same effect as it had on Pixel Shim.

Daemon's blessing was upon him. It had to be. It was the only explanation for having so easily found the answer he needed.

Quicksilver turned to look at the woman who remained imprisoned in the containment field. Her cats-eyes gleamed with malice.

"So how does it feel little traitor?" Quicksilver smiled evilly at her. "You betrayed the memory of our mistress but now you shall redeem yourself."

Now all he needed was one of their operatives to get close enough to the Prime Guardian. Quicksilver had already chosen the one.

"So tell me SiRCe," Quicksilver knelt before her, "how does it feel? How does it feel to know your blood was the catalyst I needed to complete Virogen?"

Quicksilver straightened, stretched and laughed aloud.

"How does it feel my pretty little traitor?" Quicksilver hissed. "To know it was you who gave me the means to finally be able enact my revenge?"

Quicksilver created a breach in the containment field. "The Prime Guardian is going to die painfully and I shall enjoy every nano of it."

"You murderous viral pig!" SiRCe cried.

Quicksilver grabbed her by the throat with one hand. "You try my patience, wench. Be grateful you live to see another second." He shoved her violently away.

Quicksilver turned at the sound of someone entering the warehouse. Chaos crossed the room leisurely, "We've heard from our operative."

"Excellent," Quicksilver said. "For we shall need them. I believe I have succeeded my dear Chaos."

The wild virus gave a maniacal laugh, "Virogen is complete?"

"See for yourself," he motioned to the corpse that had been Pixel Shim.

"So what's that mean?" Chaos said, "The rest knocked off except for that father and son. Well they did to but they didn't look the same."

"You would know if you had the capacity to understand it," Quicksilver said.

"Now there's no need to get pissy," Chaos pouted.

"The same results occurred with the woman Pixel," Quicksilver approached the table. "My testing discovered subtle nuances in the codes of certain sprites and binomes that Virogen didn't affect. I've discovered there is a gene in SiRCe's code that cancels those differences out. The other one died quicker than I would have liked but it will take the Prime Guardian much longer."

Quicksilver lifted the vial from the field; "I made an error getting rid of the father and son too soon. I shall not make such again. I had to make due with the samples of their code that I took."

"He has another son," Chaos said, "Just a baby though."

"Oh? Very well, bring him here." Quicksilver said, "If the effect is the same, you will contact our operative in the Capitol."

"That's what I wanted to tell you," Chaos said. "We've received a report. Things are going to the web in a hand basket in the Capitol right now. People think there's a crazed viral serial killer on the loose. Isn't that rich?"

"Yes, that is rather amusing," Quicksilver said, "and the Prime Guardian is feeling much pressure?"

"Much!" Chaos smiled.

"And what of the efforts to discover the cause of the conditions of the bodies?" Quicksilver said, "What of that antivirologist?"

"She hasn't got a clue as to what's going on!" Chaos said. "Hey you sure you don't want her deleted? I mean what if she does find a cure?"

"She won't," Quicksilver said, "So let her stumble around in the dark. And if she does get close, well then, my dear Chaos you have my full permission to deal with her."

Chaos laughed again, "So close now. Yes, I will retrieve the other son tonight. Maybe I'll try to take a crack at that red-haired wench while I'm at it."

Quicksilver turned and regarded Chaos for a long moment until the wild virus began to squirm, "It occurs to me that we have the means to rid ourselves of that woman."

"We do?"

"Observe, my dear Chaos," Quicksilver approached SiRCe again and opened the field around her face. "My dear SiRCe, how would you like to further redeem yourself?"

"What are you talking about you son of a horse's ASCII?"

Quicksilver slapped her. "Continue to test my patience and you will find I can make your existence torture."

"She's got circuits that's for sure," Chaos said.

"You my dear are going to delete the mercenary called Mouse," Quicksilver said.

"What?" SiRCe cried, "Are you random? I'll never do anything willingly for you!"

"I am aware of that," Quicksilver grasped her roughly under her chin. "I must admit your spirit is rather fascinating. I am certain we can find many pleasurable ways to utilize it as soon as your task is completed."

"No! Let me go! I won't do it!"

Quicksilver extended his claws, "Oh you will my dear SiRCe. You will do many more things for me and you will enjoy them as much as I."

***

SiRCe remember little of the night she had been taken from the factory. What had followed seemed to go on for endless cycles although SiRCe was certain she hadn't been a prisoner for as long as she thought.

One thing – actually, the thought of one person kept her from despairing or going random.

Dom.

It had been another long and fruitless night. After working on the problem all second, she, Mouse and Ray had come up with nothing to bring them any closer to solving the mystery of the disappearances. They had reached an impasse, and it had been horribly frustrating.

SiRCe had spent many useless milliseconds on 'would haves' and 'should haves' knowing it was useless. She had chosen to walk to her room alone that night, refusing Dom's offer to accompany her. It hadn't been because she hadn't wanted his company. She had, too much in fact. She couldn't be falling for him. She was going to leave the Super Computer as soon as she got the opportunity. There were too many bad memories here and too great a risk if her part in the war was discovered.

But Dom made her want to take that risk. He had never expressed his feelings but she knew they were there. And now she would never see him again and he would never know she felt the same way.

She had been sound asleep when the blazing globe of a portal had exploded with her room. The shadowed figures had converged on her before she could even scream. She had struggled, infected one but had been subdued and taken.

When she had awoken she had been horrified to find Quicksilver, Daemon's viral assassin, standing over her. Despite his hideous deformation, she knew him at once. She tried to block the memory of the events that followed.

Now she had the answers that they had searched for, concerning the disappearances and the strange condition on the murder victims. They were plotting to murder Bob. She had to escape she had to stop them!

When Quicksilver had removed the field from around her face she had verbally lashed out at him for all the good it did. It had given her a small measure of courage, which quickly faded when Quicksilver told her what he was going to force her to do.

"You my dear are going to delete the mercenary called Mouse," Quicksilver said.

"What?" SiRCe cried, "Are you random? I'll never do anything willingly for you!"

Never willingly, SiRCe knew what was to happen when Quicksilver knelt before her and grabbed her under her chin.

You will do many more things for me and you will enjoy them as much as I.

SiRCe couldn't even struggle as Quicksilver pressed his face close to hers. Then panic set in, as she knew she would be helpless to prevent what was about to occur and all the other things she would in fact willingly do. Whatever Quicksilver commanded.

As the virus pressed his lips against hers, SiRCe screamed within her mind as the first searing pain of Quicksilver's infection began.

***

"Lights," Bob said and the room was instantly illuminated.

"Well, what do you think?" Bob smiled at Dot.

"It could use a woman's touch," Dot smiled in return.

Bob helped her across the threshold and closed the door. "How are you feeling now?"

"I'm still a little sore."

"Let's get you into bed and then I'll fix you something to eat," Bob said as he helped Dot into one of the two bedrooms his apartment had. "Matrix and AndrAIa should be here soon."

"So they decide to stay here?"

"Yes. It'll only be for tonight. Tomorrow, I want to question the rioters. I think we've had enough excitement for one day," Bob said. "I'm only glad no one else was seriously hurt."

"I'm glad Mina is going to be fine. She seems like a nice girl."

"I'm glad too," Bob sighed at the memory of Mina lying in the hospital bed. She had smiled at him bravely and had told him not to worry in the few nanos she had been conscious. "They want to keep her there for a few seconds but they expect a full recovery."

"It could have been much worse," Dot said. "Katiyana really came through it all. She's quite a woman. I think Tempus likes her."

"Really?" Bob smiled. "I had a time convincing her to stay the night at the hospital. She figured if the rest of us were leaving she should go to. Matrix will be coming with me and AndrAIa wants to rejoin Mouse and Ray at the factory tomorrow."

"And just where are those two staying?" Dot said as Bob settled her on the bed and proceeded to remove her shoes.

"At the factory. Not sure what – um – arrangements they've made."

"You can tell Ray is head over heels for Mouse," Dot smiled. "And the feeling is mutual. Now if only the two of them would realize it."

"Hmm," Bob said. "It isn't easy to tell the woman you love how you feel."

"No more easy than it is for the woman to tell the man."

Bob helped her off with her shirt and flinched at the sight of the bandages, "I'm glad we're past that."

Bob smiled at the site of her in the undies as he helped her off with her skirt. She was blushing slightly, making her look all the cuter. "You are such a babe. I've always thought that."

"Stop it," Dot gave him that special smile that never failed to melt his insides, "and get me something to wear."

"Yes ma'am." Bob began to rummage through the dresser.

"I remember when you first called me that," Dot said.

"Were you really as angry as you looked?"

Dot smiled softly, "Not really."

"And you did have a nice tail."

"Bob!"

Bob chuckled dryly. The only thing he had that was suitable was some old sweats from his Academy days. He retrieved a worn black sweatshirt, which reached past Dot's thighs. He helped her into it then got her settled onto the bed.

"Just relax, I'll get your medicine. It's time I pampered you for a change."

Retrieving a glass of water from the kitchen on his way back to the bedroom, Bob switched on the stereo and the soft notes of a jazz station filled the space.

Dot seemed to be dozing already, but she awoke when he re-entered, taking the pills with a grimace. "I hate taking these things."

All the while, Bob watched her with rapt attention. Even in the sweatshirt, she looked incredibly sexy. A pang of guilt had his cheeks warming. He couldn't believe he was thinking about sex at a time like this.

"Something wrong?" Dot asked as she handed him the glass.

Bob sighed, "Do you have any idea how much I want you right now?"

"Probably as much as I want you."

Bob's eyes widened, "This is bad, very bad. Guess there's nothing much we can do."

"You're the Prime Guardian," her voice was husky, "Think of something."

***

Bob lay there, spent, his eyes closed. He heard Dot move back to the other side of the bed and settle herself. The only sound in the room was the Prime Guardian's labored breathing.

"I --," Bob began still caught in the afterglow, "I'd better get up – and fix –

before --,"

Dot giggled.

"Very funny," Bob smiled.

"You really should get up, Lover," Dot said, using the endearment that AndrAIa often used for Matrix. "You don't want to be caught in a compromising position. Think of what the tabloids will say."

"I'd love to be in a compromising position with you," Bob ponderously sat up. "Hungry? I'll see what I have left."

"You can cook?"

"Hey," Bob said as he left the room, "I may surprise you."

***

"And all the prisoners are secure?" Bob lifted the spoon to his mouth and nodded with satisfaction at the taste of the sauce.

"Yes sir," Colonel Tempus spoke from the vid-window, "Shall I begin questioning them?"

"No, let them stew for awhile," Bob said. "I'll be down in the morning. I want to be there when they're questioned. They're not going anywhere."

"Very well," Colonel Tempus said. "Um – Prime Guardian, sir? If you don't mind my asking, just what are you doing?"

The sound of the door opening drew Bob's attention. Matrix walked in, supporting AndrAIa. Bob waved them in, "Cooking."

"Um – I see," Colonel Tempus said, "I'll see in the morning then."

The vid-window closed and Matrix entered the small kitchenette, "Smells good. I didn't know you could cook."

"I can't," Bob said. "Spaghetti with meat sauce is the only thing I can make – well besides five alarm chili, toast, and cheese and crackers."

"AndrAIa and I brought supplies," Matrix said, "They gave her some medicine. I have to bring everything up from the transport. How's Dot?"

"Sound asleep," Bob felt his face warm and hoped Matrix didn't notice. "I guess she'll eat in the morning. "And AndrAIa?"

"She's fine, though little sore. I have her all settled in the other bedroom. I wish she'd relax a little more, but she wants to go back to the factory tomorrow. I could never get her to listen to me."

"I'm sure you know your sister is the same way," Bob said, "I was just speaking with Colonel Tempus. All the rioters that we arrested have been secured. Tomorrow morning, we'll go down and question them. Hex and everyone get home all right?"

"Yeah," Matrix said. "Did you say tomorrow morning we question them?"

Something in Matrix's voice made Bob regard him critically, "Yes, is there a problem?"

Matrix hesitated for just a nano, "No. I had better go down and get the rest of the supplies."

Then the renegade walked from the kitchen without another word. Bob frowned after him.

***

A sound awoke him early that morning. Again Bob frowned as he tried to make out what the sound had been. Dot slept peacefully next to him. Bob eased himself from beside her. He wore only a pair of sweat bottoms but he figured that would but enough.

He left the bedroom and was surprised to find – actually not so surprised, to find Matrix sitting on the couch making adjustments to Gun. The renegade looked up and his face registered shock, "Bob!"

"Couldn't sleep?"

Matrix's eyes narrowed, "You might say that."

"It's oh-one-hundred and you're fully dressed. Planning a late night stroll?"

"Yes," and Matrix continued to work on Gun.

"Go back to bed, Enzo."

Matrix looked up and his eye flashed with annoyance, "Don't call me that."

"What, Enzo? That's your name isn't it?"

"Yes – but --,"

"But what? We've been through this before," Bob said.

"Yeah, I know, look," Matrix stood and holstered Gun, "I'll be back later, okay?"

"You won't be back later because you're not going anywhere," Bob stepped in front of him.

"Look Bob, I have some business to take care of, okay? It doesn't – it can't concern you."

"So what is this? Some bid to protect me? Do you think I'm basic Matrix?"

"No!" Matrix said.

"And if it involves your going to the Detention Center and questioning the rioters then it does concern me."

Matrix made to move past him, and again Bob stepped in his path, "Don't do this, Enzo."

Matrix's face contorted into a sneer, "I'm not going to let them get away with hurting AndrAIa and Dot." His voice was low and menacing.

"We'll take care of them," it came to Bob how much stronger Matrix was. All that anger integrated into his muscular frame. "But we'll do it the right way."

"And what way is that?" Matrix's voice rose and Bob held up his hand to silence him. The women were still sleeping. "Ask them questions, pat them on the head send them on their merry way? I say we go down there and knock some heads around."

"Time for brute force?"

"Why not?"

"Go back to bed Enzo, I won't say it again."

"And if I don't?"

Now it was Bob's face that contorted, "Would you like to get sent back to Mainframe cadet?"

The third time Matrix tried to move past him and Bob stepped in front of him, Matrix planted both hands on Bob's chest and shoved him back.

"What in the net do you think you're doing?" It had been a long time since he had been angry with his young friend. Not since that accident on the Saucy Mare.

"I'm going Bob, that's final."

"No," Bob said.

Matrix pushed again and that time Bob pushed back and then in the next nano the both of them were scuffling. Later Bob realized he couldn't quite remember what started the astonishing situation. The two combatants were locked arm and arm and Matrix used his bulk to shove Bob back against the wall, the air rushed from the Prime Guardian's lungs but he recovered almost immediately, managing to free one arm he shoved it under Matrix's chin, snapping back the renegade's head.

"Stop it!" Bob hissed at him. It was almost impossible for him to comprehend that he and Enzo – that same eager hyperactive boy he had come to love like a son – were fighting.

Matrix recovered and for a moment, hesitated. He stood rigidly, his fists clenched and Bob hoped he would back down. He didn't want to hurt Matrix and the very thought almost made him laugh aloud. My User look at him he's huge, Bob seemed to realize for the first time. Am I going to be able to walk away from this?

Unexpectedly Matrix growled, came at him and the two were locked in a violent embrace again. Matrix tried to force Bob back but the Prime Guardian's Academy training kicked in. Hours of being drilled on handling suspects ran through his processor in a split nano. Bob released Matrix's arms, and brought his arms up between Matrix's own and broke the renegade's hold, then slammed the flat of his palm under Matrix's chin. Matrix stumbled back and Bob rammed his elbow into the younger man's stomach. The renegade hit the floor hard.

Bob swore loudly before moving to stand over him, "Why don't you use your processor for once in your life?"

"Bob!"

"Matrix!"

Bob froze at the sight of Dot standing in the bedroom doorway, her eyes blazing and her hands on her hips.

To Bob's left, AndrAIa stepped from within the second bedroom.

"What in the net is going on here?" Dot demanded.

Matrix was just climbing to his feet. Bob's attention was drawn away from Dot. The two men locked fierce gazes and Bob knew the emotions on Matrix's face mirrored his own. Anger and shock but the one thing that Matrix wasn't feeling that Bob was -- disappointment.

"Are you going to answer me?" Dot crossed the room.

"Start talking, Enzo," AndrAIa said.

"We were --," Matrix began.

" – having a disagreement," Bob said coldly.

"It seems to be more than a disagreement," AndrAIa walked over to Matrix. She turned questioningly to Bob.

But Bob's eyes were still locked in a glare with the renegade's and that look spoke volumes in a language only they could understand.

Don't try that again with me, Matrix

Don't order me around Bob; I'm not a little sprite anymore.

"Matrix and I disagreed on how the rioters should be handled," Bob said, "I'm afraid we were a little vehement with our differences."

"Um hm," Dot said, "Is that the story you're going to stick with or do you think we're that basic?"

"How about you, Enzo?" AndrAIa said.

Matrix grunted, turned and without another word walked back into the bedroom.

"Stubborn, obstinate, hard-headed sprite!" AndrAIa hissed, following him in.

"You ready to come back to bed?" Dot asked. "You want to talk about it?"

As quickly as the anger had flared it died away, "Not right now, okay?"

Dot took his arm, "Okay."

"I don't think you're basic Dot," Bob said as they settled down on the bed, "It's just a --,"

"A guy thing?" Dot pulled him close. "I'm glad you stopped him. It would have gone badly."

Bob smiled. She knew him so well. Then the smile, faded. Just a few seconds ago he and Matrix had been enjoying a quiet drink and each other's company, now they were at each other's throats. Bob wondered what was happening to the both of them.

***

AndrAIa closed the door behind them, "You were going to go down to the Detention Center weren't you?" She demanded of Matrix.

"Yeah, I was, so what? They hurt you and Dot. What am I supposed to do?"

"Let Bob handle things his way. I thought you trusted him."

"Of course I do," Matrix said, "It's just that so much is happening and I --,"

"What?" AndrAIa approached him where he stood by the window. "What is it Lover? Something's been bugging you for seconds. Talk to me."

"Nothing's bugging me," Matrix said. "Look can we get some downtime?"

"Fine," AndrAIa huffed; she hated it when he was like this. She was still a little groggy from the medicine anyway. She lay back down and a few nanos later Matrix joined her. Angry and frustrated she turned away from him but didn't go sleep immediately; she just lay there in the dark, thinking how could one sprite be so pig headed?

***

Matrix awoke the next morning to an empty bed. There was also a bathroom adjacent to the bedroom and the brawny sprite stumbled his way in.

A reddish bruise on his chest was the only indication of last rights confrontation. The memory of their brawl assailed him and Matrix fought the urge to slam his fist into the mirror. He gripped the sides of the porcelain sink and lowered his head, fighting the rage and embarrassment. He couldn't believe he had started a fight with Bob, his hero. How was he ever going to look him in the eyes again?

When it had been happening, he had only been thinking of the ones who had hurt Dot and AndrAIa. Dot, he thought, she's not going to be pleased with me either.

Matrix sighed with resignation and avoided the image of his face in the mirror as he undressed and took a quick shower and walked out into the brightly lit living room.

Matrix first glanced into the kitchen to see AndrAIa at the stove, fussing over something in a pan. In one of the systems where they had stayed for a time, a kindly old sprite woman had taught her how to cook. Being an AI, she had caught on immediately.

Matrix instead turned and approached the other bedroom and halted just outside the door at the sound of Dot's voice.

"Yes, I'm fine sweetie," Dot was saying, "I'm coming home in a few milliseconds."

"Are you sure you're okay?" The voice of Little Enzo came from the vid-window.

"Now I'm fine. Don't you fret. You help Phong until I get there, okay?"

"Okay. Love you Dot."

"Love you too sweetie."

Matrix moved away from the door before Dot sensed his presence. An unfamiliar emotion rose like bile in his throat. What did Dot need him for anyway? She had Little Enzo to take care of now. That used to be me. He had always complained about Dot babying him, but now –

Bob was obviously not in the apartment. He had gone on without him. Matrix walked into the kitchen, "Hi."

"Oh, good morning," AndrAIa was still mad at him he could tell. "I'm glad we brought in the supplies. Bob doesn't have anything in this place."

"Yeah," Matrix said. "Look, Dre --,"

"Why don't you take Dot her breakfast," AndrAIa said. She set a plate with eggs, bacon, toast and orange juice on a waiting tray.

"I – um --," Matrix really didn't want to. What was he going to say to her?

"Go on, Sparky," her voice took an annoyed edge. "You have to talk to her sometime. You can't keep running from things forever."

Angrily, Matrix snatched up the tray, spilling some of the juice over the rim of the glass, "Yeah right."

Matrix carried the tray into the bedroom. Dot was sitting up on the side of the bed in her business outfit, two vid-windows and her organizer opened. She was now speaking with Phong.

"Surely the dignitaries can understand the fact that I was caught in a riot," Dot said. "See if you can get them to wait Phong."

"It shall be done, my child," Phong said, "By the way, Hack and Slash have reported in from Level 31."

"I hope all is well."

"Well," Phong looked at the Notepad in his hand, "They say they've seen Captain Syn hanging around a 'really strange guy'."

"Oh that gives me a lot to go on," Dot turned and noticed Matrix for the first time and waved him in, "Have them find out more about this 'guy' is and report back then. I'll see you in a few milliseconds,"

"As you wish, my child," the window closed.

"Good morning," Dot said mildly, "Sleep well?"

"Yeah, I guess." Matrix put the tray down.

"Thank you."

"Sure," the renegade went to make a hasty escape.

"Enzo?"

He turned back and flinched at the sight of the cuts on her face, "Yes?"

"Why don't you sit down and talk to me for a nano?"

Matrix hesitated. What could he say to her? He feared what she thought of him, especially after everything. He had been worried she would despise him for what he had done to Little Enzo – even more worried that she'd understand and not blame him at all.

Cautiously, Matrix moved into the room. The bed squeaked under his massive frame.

"Bob said to tell you to meet him at the Detention Center once you've seen me back to Mainframe."

"Yeah, right," Matrix grunted. By the time he got back, the questioning would be done.

"So do you want to tell me what happened last night?"

"Bob didn't?" That knowledge shocked him.

"No."

Matrix didn't speak.

"You were going down to the Detention Center to question the rioters?"

Matrix stood, "I don't want to talk about it."

"You never do," Dot said. "Sit down Enzo."

"What?"

"You heard me, sit. You may be six feet tall but I'm still your older sister."

Matrix sat again. The look on her face made him squirm. Then again that look always did when he was a kid and she usually let him have it after she caught him at something he shouldn't be doing.

"Why won't you talk to me?" Dot said.

It was the question he had been dreading. How could he tell her all the things he had been feeling? The shame, jealousy and the fear he felt that now that all the fighting was over that he had no purpose in life?

"Are you angry with me?"

He turned, the question surprising him, "What? No!"

"Maybe you should be."

He couldn't believe it, "Why do you think that?"

"Because --," she sighed and Matrix was surprised to see tears in her eyes, "It's my fault you lost your childhood."

Matrix could only gape at her. "No," he whispered after a time.

"I let you go into games," Dot said, "I shouldn't have and now look what happened to you." She turned away and raised her hand to wipe away her tears.

"Dot no, please," Matrix said, his core-com ached because of her pain.

"I'm sorry Enzo," Dot said. "You don't need to tell me everything that happened to you while you were away unless you want to. That little bit I learned from Lynx at the Council Meeting told me how much you must have suffered and I wasn't there to protect you."

"Dot --,"

"And you were hurt," she reached out and brushed her finger underneath his injured eye, "and I wasn't there to comfort you --,"

"It happened in the last game," Matrix's voice broke. "The User --,"

"No, don't tell me please. I don't think I could stand it. Oh Enzo, I'm so sorry. Can you ever forgive me?"

"Forgive you?" Matrix's was surprised by the sound of his voice. The words were an agonized whisper. The ache in his core-com grew until he felt it consume him.

"I understand," Dot said after a time. "I don't blame you for wanting to stay mad at me."

"What?" Matrix realized that his silence made Dot believe he actually was angry with her. If he didn't say something now, there would be no chance that they would ever have any type of close relationship again.

His lower lip began to tremble and despite himself, his eye began to burn as tears pooled, "There's nothing to forgive."

She looked at him with her tear streaked face, "What?"

"Oh Dot," Matrix turned away, "I was never mad at you about that. It was my choice to go into the games."

"But I could have said no."

"And Megabyte would have won," Matrix said.

"You had to grow up and suffer without me there to guide you. I know you had AndrAIa and I'm grateful for her, but you were only children and --," her voice broke and the sound of it shattered his core-com.

"Please," Matrix didn't realize he was crying until he felt the moisture on his cheek, "I screwed up and lost the game. I was weak and basic and I put you through all that worry."

"You weren't weak!" Dot's sudden vehemence caught him off guard, "You were just as good as Bob. You just didn't have the proper training at that time. And that's nobody's fault. Not yours, Bob's, not even Little Enzo's. If anybody is at fault it's Megabyte and he's deleted."

Dot reached over and with a gentle hand, wiped the tears from his cheek. Cringing away with shame, Matrix muttered, "I was afraid you'd hate me."

She moved around the bed and was sitting beside him, "Why?"

"Lots of reasons," Matrix muttered, "Look at what I did to Little Enzo."

"You don't really believe I'd blame you for that do you?"

"No," Matrix moaned, "And that made it all the worse. I knew you'd understand and love me regardless. I know that sounds basic but --,"

"No, it doesn't. It makes perfect sense," she said.

"I'm not your Little Enzo anymore."

"Of course you are," Dot said.

"No, no," Matrix shook his head. Dot lovingly slid her arms around his broad shoulders and drew his head against her neck. His massive frame shook with emotion as she stroked the back of his head. "You have Little Enzo. What do you need me for? You don't need protection and you have Little Enzo to take care of. I can see you like having him back."

"Why Matrix," Dot said gently, "You're jealous of Little Enzo."

He knew it was basic of him to feel so. It just didn't make any sense that he wanted that attention and at the same time, didn't want to be coddled.

"Little Enzo still needs me," Dot said, "But I realize that you need me to. I can't promise to give you exactly what you want but I'll try."

"You – you're not ashamed of me?"

"Of course not," Dot said. "I am so proud of you."

He drew in a sharp breath and fresh tears spilled. For a moment he enjoyed the closeness he and his sister shared. "Things will be different between us from now on. I knew it was bound to happen soon but --,"

"Yes, I know. It was too soon. I'm just so happy to have you back in my life."

"I'm sorry for acting so basic," Matrix muttered and mindful of her injuries, he slid his massive arms around Dot's slim waist. "I love you Dot."

"I love you too."

They held each other for a time, providing each other strength. It was Matrix who pulled away and wiped the tears from his face.

"Better?"

"Yes," Matrix said.

"You need to make peace with Bob now."

"I know and I will," Matrix said. "I'll walk you to the Portal Room, okay? You eat your breakfast. I guess it's cold by now."

Dot shrugged, "It's fine sweetie."

Matrix got up and left the room, feeling better than he had in cycles, he entered the kitchen again, "Dre?"

She turned and smiled at him.

"How much did you hear?"

"Not all of it but enough," AndrAIa placed a plate heaped with eggs, bacon, toast and pancakes down on the table. "I'm proud of you too, Sparky."