CHAPTER 17
PROMISES
"Come on Enzo, use your brain, you're with Dot almost every waking hour, why can't you think up a plan?"
Enzo paced back and forth in his bedroom. He had to stop Raven somehow. This was more important than his
escaping. He couldn't let Raven or Ran
DeCrypt ruin Dot. Enzo wondered what
business associates and how many were involved in illegal activities. It could lead to an embarrassing and
scandalous investigation into Matrix Enterprises and even if Dot were found
innocent of any wrongdoing, her professional reputation would be marred
forever.
He'd be damned if he'd let that happen.
But what could he do? There was no way to take Raven by brute force (he laughed bitterly. Matrix wouldn't have been taken so easily)
and he doubted there was anything he had to use as a bribe. Or was there?
He did have an idea, but he doubted Raven would fall for
it. But he couldn't see any other
way. At least it would give him access
to his organizer, or so he hoped. Enzo
left the bedroom. When he opened the
outer door the drone was there as usual. "Take me to Raven."
This time, the drone led him to a different section of
the fortress. It halted outside an open
door at the end of a dimly lit corridor. Enzo stepped inside the room and stared in amazement at the scene around
him.
The room was illuminated by hundreds of fat yellow tapers
that gave off a sweet intoxicating scent. Their glow softened all the harsh edges within the room, but the sight
of the candles and the heady scents were nothing compared to the sight of
Raven, kneeling before a crystalline statue, carved in the likeness of a
beautiful woman. He wore a pure white
robe like the novitiates wore when entering a monastery and his hair had been
released of the braid. It brushed the
floor where he knelt. After a few
moments Enzo noted Raven was muttering something and in the same instance, the
young sprite realized Raven was praying.
He realized, despite that fact that this man was his
enemy that he was encroaching on something private and made to leave.
"Yes, Mr. Matrix?"
Enzo froze. "I
wanted to talk to you," he managed to say.
Raven rose and turned, the candles seemed to cause an
aura to envelope his body, "About?"
Enzo stepped into the room; the scent from the candles
went straight to his processor. "What
is all of this?" He asked despite his
mission.
"I was praying," Raven said.
"That I gathered," Enzo nodded towards the statue, "Your
representation of the User?"
"No," Raven said, "That is not the User. My people don't believe the User is god."
"Really?"
Raven turned to the statue, "She is called merely 'Great
Mother', it describes all she is but we do not think she is the User."
"What do your people believe the User is?"
"Well – he is the attribute of Evil," Raven said. "Just as Great Mother is Good." They are adversaries and lovers."
Intrigued, despite himself, Enzo said, "Why do you think
the User is evil?"
"Well consider," Raven said, "The User sends games for
his own pleasure. Men and woman – your
Guardian friends, including your girlfriend and brothers – go into the games at
the risk of life and limb. The User
seeks to win by any means necessary and he can maim or delete anyone within the
game, then if the User wins, nullification, thousands of lives lost and whole
sectors demolished."
Raven said, "Now does that sound like a benevolent
god? That's sadism pure and simple and
why would you worship a being like that?"
Enzo wished he had his organizer. Religions of other cultures had always held
a special fascination for him, "You make a good point. But it was always what I've been taught
because of the power the User has. For
example in my own system, if it wasn't for the User restarting, Mainframe would
be offline."
"We would say that was because of the Great Mother and
not the User. The User would be
responsible for the destruction of your system in the first place."
"No, the destruction of our system was caused by a
viral's greed."
"And what causes anyone to want power? To take what isn't there's? What, beyond the greed, motivated this virus
– Megabyte was his name, wasn't it? To destroy the very system he wished to
control?"
"You're saying the User manipulates beings to do evil."
"To his own ends, yes," Raven said. "Being the attribute of evil, only chaos and
destruction satisfies him. It's what he
is and what he must be." Raven averted
his eyes slightly, "We're not so much different, he and I."
"So if the Great Mother is more powerful why doesn't she
stop the User?"
"She isn't more powerful," Raven said. "If one was more powerful than the other
then there would be no balance. And
neither is all-powerful otherwise people wouldn't have the freedom to choose
their way. Sometimes, they nudge us in
a certain direction but in the end the decisions are ours to make."
"My friend Phong always told me we chose our own paths,"
Enzo said, "That nothing is mere chance. That our own decisions affect our lives."
"Ah, the Keeper of the Core," Raven said, "A wise sprite,
that one. In a way, he is right. When we have trouble making our way, whoever
influences us the most; Great Mother or User, will lead us to the right path."
"But what about the --," suddenly it came to Enzo what he
was doing and he mentally kicked himself. Here he was standing here talking to his mortal enemy like he was a
fellow scholar!
"I see you have just remembered we are supposed to be
enemies," Raven smiled a little sadly to Enzo's surprise, "Pity. Now what was it that you wanted?"
Enzo steeled himself for what he knew could develop into
a physical confrontation. "I wanted to
ask you what I could possibly give you to convince you not to turn that
information over to your client."
"You mean a bribe."
"Basically."
"Nothing."
"Are you sure? I
can give you access to any database of the New Collective."
Raven cocked an eyebrow, "And what would I do with that?"
"Are you kidding?" Enzo said, "Security codes, personal codes, codes into the treasury, the
armory --,"
"You'd betray your brother that way?"
"Brother-in-law," Enzo said, hoping his ruse was
working. "Anything to protect Dot. She's my only concern."
"And what of Matrix?"
"What about him?"
"He is your brother."
"He's not my brother!" Enzo said harshly, "Look do you want this information or not?"
"And how would you obtain this information?"
"I would need my organizer."
"No."
"It's the only way," Enzo said. "I need that and your computer, I can get you inside, but if I
stay long my ID will register, so it will be up to you to continue. I promise I won't do anything else. Look you have your drones, you can watch me
and if it looks like I'm doing anything you can stop me."
"I can very well obtain all of this information myself."
"This way would be a lot less trouble for you."
"It would," Raven said.
"Well?"
The mercenary looked at him for a moment, "No, I don't
believe you. A fine ruse though."
"What do you mean you don't believe me?"
"In case you've forgotten, I spent some time in
Mainframe," Raven said, "And from what I've learned about you, I know you
wouldn't betray anyone of your family or friends."
"You don't know me at all."
"Perhaps not," Raven said. "But Hex does and she had nothing but good things to say about
you. And of course I've watched you
myself. Many people have a great deal
of respect for you. You don't strike me as being that dishonorable."
What could he say to that? "Please don't ruin my sister."
Again Raven seemed to assess him, "I'm sorry Mr. Matrix
but this is business."
Enzo expelled a breath. "Then I guess there's nothing
more to say." He turned away and walked
back to his room.
***
Seven hours into the past.
Dot tapped her finger on the surface of the desk as she
listened to Mouse and Ray's report.
"We've rounded up almost all of the Web Alliance
members," Mouse was saying, "Lynx is actually giving us a merry chase."
"We think he's holed up somewhere," Ray said, "We'll find
him."
"Someone must have tipped him off," Mouse muttered.
Dot sighed, "The informant. Any word from AndrAIa?"
Mouse hesitated before answering. Matrix was also present, sitting in a chair
that barely seemed able to hold his weight that he had propped against the
wall. He leaned forward when Mouse
didn't answer immediately.
"None yet," Mouse said, "Katiyana gave her a lead on
where she might find Cooper Black."
The mercenary nodded towards where Bob sat on the couch,
"We didn't tell her anything Bob. We
thought you might want to."
"Yes, thank you Mouse," Bob was leaning back with his
eyes closed and everyone could see the pain etched into his features.
"Where did Katiyana tell AndrAIa Cooper might be?" Matrix asked.
"The last signal they got from his keytool was at the
outskirts of the city – Sector 3001 – she last reported she was talking to a few
people who had seen him. That was two
milliseconds ago."
"Is you don't hear from her within another millisecond
contact us, then back her up. Captain
Lynx can wait," Dot said, "I'm going to be seeing to the problem of Daemon's
Chosen here in Mainframe.
Dot glanced up as Phong rolled in, "Mouse I'd like you to
report every two milliseconds."
"You got it boss," Mouse said, "Stay Frosty." And the window closed.
Phong said, "Forgive the interruption, my child, but Dr.
Chancery has informed me that the one called Ripper has regained
consciousness."
Bob opened his eyes, "Good, can he be questioned?"
"Dr. Chancery says perhaps for a few moments."
"I'll be right there," Dot said, "Bob are you sure you
feel up to --,"
All eyes turned to stare at the little sprite that had
just burst into the office.
Enzo stood at the entrance; his body shook violently,
tears streamed down his face. His tiny
hands fisted. "How could you do it?"
Enzo demanded.
"Enzo what is it?" Bob stood, "What's wrong?"
"You know what's wrong!" Enzo cried, "You – weren't --
even – going to – tell me!" Each word
was followed by a sharp intake of breath.
"Oh User," Dot said.
"Enzo --," Bob reached out and took two tentative steps
forward.
"You lied to me!" Enzo's voice rose to a hysterical pitch, "You said – you said --,"
"Enzo, I'm sorry," Bob moved towards him again.
"You're dying aren't you?" Enzo demanded, "Aren't you?"
Bob cast a helpless glance at Dot. The Command.com returned the look in kind and was at a total loss. They had both taken the risk and had both known Enzo would eventually have to be told. How in the motherboard had he found out? Dot's question was answered with Enzo's next words.
"Melissa was right," Enzo's breathing was erratic and his words seemed more to himself, "She said she saw something on you. Something that was eating you up. She said it would delete you if you didn't get rid of it."
Enzo turned fiercely to Bob again, "Is that right? Are you going to delete?"
"Enzo," Bob said, carefully, "Dr. Rose is working on a
cure now. I'm sorry I lied to you."
"Didn't you trust me enough to tell me?"
"Of course I trust you," Bob said, "But that had nothing
to do with it. I didn't want you to be upset."
"You didn't want me to be upset?" Enzo said, "I – I --,"
"I'm sorry," Bob whispered.
"Didn't you think I'd know? Do you think I'm basic?"
"It's my fault Enzo," Dot said, "I told Bob not to tell
you."
"Dot --,"
"It doesn't matter who," Enzo said, "What if something
had happened before I had a chance to --? What if Dr. Rose doesn't find a cure?"
"We know she'll find one," Bob said.
"But what if she doesn't?" Enzo's violet eyes were wide and pleading, "What
if --? You can't
delete Bob!" Enzo rushed forward and
threw his arms around Bob's torso. "You
just can't! You can't leave me!"
Bob grabbed Enzo up and the little sprite collapsed into
hysterical tears. Bob held Enzo against
his chest, spoke soothing words and ran his hand up and down the little
sprite's back trying to calm him but it did no good. Again, Bob looked distraught at Dot. The Command.com moved around her desk and approached them. Gently, she caressed the back of Enzo's
head.
"Phong, Matrix?" Dot asked.
Matrix exited without a word his face tight with
anger. Dot sighed. So he'd been right.
"I will make some tea to calm him," Phong said, and
exited as well.
They continued to try and comfort Enzo the best they
could, neither truly knowing what to do. Finally, when Enzo's tears quieted he muttered, "Please don't die,
Bob. I love you, please don't die." And
fell into an exhausted sleep.
Bob walked him over to the couch and laid him down and
gently brushed the spikey bangs away from Enzo's forehead, "I love you to,
Enzo. I promise I'll do everything in
my power."
Bob straightened away from the couch and gave Dot an
agonized smile, "I guess Matrix was right."
Dot wrapped her arms around her torso, "Did you see how
angry Matrix looked?"
"Yes," Bob whispered, then broke into a fit of coughing.
"Bob," Dot automatically reached for him, but he shook
his head.
"I'll get a blanket and pillow," Dot sighed. Now both her men were hurting and she didn't
know what she was going to do.
***
Matrix stood beside Nurse Six as she administered a
liquid medication to Ripper. The
renegade figured Bob would be busy with Enzo, so he decided to question Ripper
himself. But by the look of the leader
of Daemon's Chosen, Matrix doubted he'd get anything from him.
"Just a few micros," Nurse Six said as she stepped away
from the bed.
Matrix was somewhat surprised at the extent of the damage
to Rippers face but like Bob had said, Daemon's Chosen had crossed the line
when they had taken Dot.
"Can you hear me?" Matrix laid his hand on Gun.
"Yes."
"I'm going to ask you some questions and you're going to
answer them, understand?"
Ripper mumbled something Matrix didn't catch but the
renegade was certain it was derogatory. "You really don't want to upset me. You think the beating Bob gave you was bad? Dot's my sister after all."
He saw Ripper's eyes widen.
"Good, now that we have an understanding," Matrix said,
"I want a name. Who pulls your chain?"
"For the Glory of Daemon," Ripper muttered hoarsely.
Matrix leaned closer, "Who pulls your chain? And try not to jerk mine."
"Quicksilver."
Matrix sneered, "Just him?"
"Quicksilver," Ripper repeated.
"I want names of other members of the Chosen," Matrix
said, "I'll take two for now but I want the rest later and you'd best be in a
talkative mood, understand?"
"No names," Ripper said. "We are the Chosen. Kill me but
we will succeed. We will destroy
Mainframe and everyone in it. You'll
see --,"
"You lousy --,"
"Mr. Matrix," Nurse Six had stepped forward. "That's enough for now, please."
Matrix nodded. Ripper
had apparently slipped into unconsciousness again. Matrix turned and exited the room. He could probably get more from the other two Chosen members they
had prisoner.
Matrix was surprised to find Dot outside of the room.
"Did he tell you anything?" Dot asked.
"He was still pretty out of it, but he confirmed what
we've suspected. Quicksilver is running
the show."
"You were on your way to the detention center?"
"Yes," Matrix said, "I thought you would be busy with
Little Enzo."
Dot sighed, "He fell asleep, finally. We tried to leave him, but he'd wake up and
get hysterical again, so Bob stayed with him." Dot lay a hand on his shoulder, "You were right, we should have told
him."
Matrix sighed, "I didn't want to be right but I knew
that's how he'd react."
Matrix averted his eyes; "I never liked it when you and
Bob kept things from me. It made me
think you thought I was basic."
"You know that's not true," Dot said gently.
"Now I know, but Enzo's just a little kid – like I was
back then. It was how I felt."
Dot smiled at him again, "You both have a lot more in
common than you realize. I think you do
understand each other the best."
"Yeah, well," Matrix said gruffly, "Let's get down to the
detention center."
***
Speaking with the two captives yielded better results
than Dot and Matrix had expected. One
had refused to give up any names, but the other gave them several names and Dot
gave orders to have them brought in for questioning. Syn would be given the opportunity to identify each one.
They were on their way back to the War Room. When Dot was finished speaking with the
CPU's she said to Matrix, "I'd like for you to assist in the investigation into
the Chosen's presence in Mainframe. Think you can handle it?"
"I can be very persuasive when I want to be," Matrix
smiled slightly. "I'll start by
questioning those they bring in."
Dot nodded, "We can investigate their backgrounds and see
who they normally associate with. Usually, someone's willing to give someone else up and – do you hear
that?"
"Hear what?" Matrix halted beside her.
"It sounds like crying," Dot said. The corridor was empty outside the War Room,
but Dot could clearly hear the sound of someone weeping. A few steps down the hall and they found
Melissa sitting by the War Room door, her knees drawn up to her chest and her
head down.
"Melissa?" Dot
knelt beside her and the girl-child virus looked up with her tear-streaked
face, "What is it?"
"It's my fault Enzo's sad," she said bluntly. "I told him Bob was going to delete."
Dot glanced up at Matrix, who stepped back and leaned
against the wall.
Melissa sobbed, "He has that disease doesn't he? The one Dr. Rose calls Hybrid-X."
"Yes," Dot said.
"It stinks of Quicksilver," Melissa muttered, "He did
this to Bob. It was an act of
vengeance."
"We know," Dot said, "Melissa why did you tell Enzo?"
Again, her eyes became very wide, "It seemed that Bob
didn't trust Enzo enough to tell him the truth. It wasn't right. How can
Bob expect to be trusted when he can't return it? I thought Enzo had a right to know."
"You were wrong you realize that?" Dot said.
"Yes," Melissa said, "I didn't want Enzo to be hurt."
"You were doing what you thought was right," Dot said,
"We were wrong too. We should have told
Enzo."
"He was so upset when he left the Lair," Melissa said, "I
want to go see him but --,"
"He's with Bob right now," Dot thought that the two
needed the time alone together, but she also knew she needed to be sympathetic
to Melissa's feelings, "I know you want to be with him because you care about
him but they need this time together. As soon as Enzo is ready we'll bring him to the Lair, all right? Or you can come here."
Melissa wiped her tears away, "You're not mad at me?"
"Of course not," Dot smiled at her, "You're Enzo's best
friend."
"I'll try to do better next time," Melissa said.
"You're doing fine," Dot said, "Why don't we see you
home, all right?"
"All right," Melissa said.
"Besides, we need to inform Hex, unless she already
knows," Dot said.
"She knows what I know," Melissa said.
"Matrix?"
"I'll take care of things and meet you back here," Matrix
said.
"All right," Dot took Melissa's hand and led her back
down the hall.
***
Bob sat with his back against the couch in the
semi-darkness of Dot's office. Enzo lay
on the couch behind him, asleep at last. The only sound in the room was the peaceful breathing of the little
sprite and the labored breathing of the Prime Guardian.
The tea Phong had given Enzo calmed him immediately. Bob was quietly sipping a cup now and it
continued to help quiet his stomach. There were things he should be doing, he knew, but he didn't want to
leave Enzo just yet.
Still, he could get some work done. A millisecond ago, he had contacted Katiyana
on a secure channel and apprised her of the situation.
"Bob, I'm so sorry," Katiyana said, "you're certain of
this?"
Bob had kept the office in darkness not wanting her to
see him, "Yes. Rose is working on a
cure right now."
"Good," Katiyana said, "She'll find a cure – her voice
broke slightly – she must."
"She will. I
don't believe in the no win scenario."
"Don't worry, the Collective is in good hands. I'm assuming since your friends did not tell
me, that you want this in the strictest confidence?"
"Yes," Bob said. "We're telling the suspects we round up an attempt was made on my life,
nothing more."
"Very well then," Katiyana said.
He discussed other things with her, concerning the
Collective. Necessary decisions that
had to be made in case the worst occurred. Some she agreed with an others she was still wary on but agreed to
implement all his instructions to the letter. Bob closed the connection, somewhat satisfied, then picked up his cup of
tea, frowning into it when he realized it had gone cold.
The office door opened and as if on cue, Phong rolled in
carrying a steaming pot. "I thought you
might require a refill my son."
"Thank you Phong," Bob said. "Where is everyone? No
one's reported in yet."
"Matrix and Dot are seeing to Daemon's Chosen," Phong said,
"They should be contacting you soon. Apparently, the prisoners gave them some names they are looking into and
we have confirmed that it is Quicksilver who is their leader."
Bob nodded, but did reply, choosing instead to sip the
warm tea.
"Phong went on, "Ripper gave Matrix the name and Syn will
be confirming the identity of any suspected Chosen members we bring in," Phong
said, "Dot knew you would be with Enzo and did not want to risk disturbing
you."
"The tea really worked," Bob nodded towards the sleeping
sprite; "He's been in downtime since then. I haven't been sitting idle though. I've contacted Katiyana. No word
from the others yet and I'm getting a little worried."
Bob began to cough and it was a few nanos before it
quieted. He expelled a long breath,
"Phong --," Bob shook his head. "After
everything am I going to be taken out by a bug?" He laughed bitterly, "How's that for ironic?"
Phong laid a hand on Bob's raised knee, "You will survive
this my son, as you have survived all of your trials."
"So how many more trials before I can rest?" Bob said, "I mean, even if I do survive
there's still the matter of finding Quicksilver and Daemon's Chosen. Syn said there were thousands of them."
"I know my son, we will deal with each trial as it
presents itself as always."
"And this," Bob made a motion towards his chest, "this
thing is different. This isn't
something I can just capture or destroy or win against. This is my own body turning against me."
He sighed again and let his head lower, "You didn't see
the victims, Phong. They deleted
horribly. Rose says I'll start to
hallucinate eventually, and then I'll --,"
The implication of what was happening to him truly hit
him then. The realization that he was
going to delete in a horrible way if the cure wasn't found and like Enzo he
drew his knees to his chest and wrapped his arms around them as a shudder
passed over him, "I'm scared Phong."
Phong moved closer, and placed his other hand on Bob's
shoulder. "I know, my son. Draw strength from those around you. We will fight with you."
"I'll try Phong," Bob whispered but he wasn't certain of
anything anymore.
***
Little Enzo bit down hard on his lower lip to stifle a
sob. He had just awakened in time
enough to hear Bob admit to Phong he was scared. It surprised Enzo. Bob
had never been scared before at least not that Enzo had ever seen. Still Enzo supposed Bob had a right to be
scared considering –
That thought made Enzo want to cry aloud. Bob was dying. It was too awful to think about and Enzo didn't know how he was
going to stand it.
***
Matrix was crouched behind the CPU car pinned by laser
fire, Gun grasped in his hands.
Next to him, Dot was in basically the same position, her
hand laser drawn, two CPU's behind her.
"Fan out!" Dot
ordered, "Try and find a way into the building and catch them off guard!"
"Yes Sir, ma'am!"
"Well, did you think it was going to be easy?" Matrix called over the noise.
"I had hoped," Dot yelled back.
The dilapidated structure on Level 31 was supposed to be;
according to several of their prisoners; a hideaway for a member of the
Chosen. Dot had been doubtful as she
and Matrix, accompanied by two CPU's had approached. Doubtful that is until the laser fire had started after their
knocking on the door. They had barely
managed to get to cover.
Dot had immediately summoned backup. Apparently their suspect had friends. They had surmised at least three.
"They have to run out of ammo sometimes," Matrix called.
"Return fire at the first opportunity," Dot cried.
More CPU's arrived and the laser fire ceased abruptly,
"That's it, return fire!"
"Gun – command line – targeting," Matrix said. The bulls-eyes found their targets. The renegade fired three shots. His infrared telling him he had hit his
marks. Dot rushed forward followed by
the CPU's. Matrix kicked in the door
and was upstairs, Dot behind him. A
second door splintered under the force of his blow and he was inside, Gun
drawn.
There were three sprites sprawled near the window, unconscious.
"Search," Dot said.
The CPU's moved cautiously through the rooms. More entered. Matrix approached the three, "Get these three downstairs and into
the transport."
"Yes sir!"
As the CPU's went about removing the suspects,
unexpectedly something crashed in another room and sounds of a struggle. Someone cried out, "Halt!" and a sprite
dashed from the room but froze in shock when he saw Matrix, Dot and the other
CPU's there. He raised a laser pistol,
pointed it at Dot at the same time the Command.com drew her own laser and both
fired simultaneously.
"Dot!" Matrix
raised Gun but the sprite was already falling. Dot's blast had hit its
mark. He heard Dot cry out.
"Dot no!" Matrix
was by her in moments, kneeling where she lay.
"I'm okay," Dot said through gritted teeth, "Bad shot."
"Damn it!" Matrix
cried. "Medic in here, now!"
"Matrix, I'm okay, really," Dot said, "Help me up."
"Are you sure?" Her shoulder right where her armor ended was bleeding.
"Yes, see? It
looks worse than it is."
Matrix holstered Gun, "Let's get out of here."
***
Bob came awake as Dot strode into her office. She hoped he wouldn't be too upset with her
injury. Bob seemed to know right away,
something had happened.
"Dot?" He tried
to get up but Dot crossed the room and gently pushed him back.
"What happened?" Bob nodded to the bandage on her neck.
"Had a little skirmish down on Level 31, but I'm fine."
"Are you sure? What happened? How bad is it?"
"Ssh," Dot admonished gently. "I told you it was just a little skirmish. We have four more members of Daemon's
Chosen." She sat down beside him. "I came to check on you two. How's Enzo?"
"He's fine," Bob nodded at the sleeping sprite. "He woke up earlier when I tried to
leave. Had to use the facilities so
Phong stayed with him. I can't stay
with him forever."
"I'll talk to him when he wakes up," Dot whispered.
"Where's Matrix?"
"Processing the prisoners," Dot said. "We'll question them afterwards. Any word from the Super Computer?"
"Not yet and I'm really worried," Bob said. "I've been trying to contact Colonel Tempus
but I've been told he's out on patrol. I left instructions for him to make contact as soon as possible."
Dot took his hands, "And how are you doing?"
Bob shook his head, "I'm – Dot, there are a few things I
need to talk to you about."
"All right," Dot said, "It will take a while for the
prisoners to be processed."
"I've already made arrangements concerning the
Collective," Bob said. "I'll tell you
about those later. But there are a few
things I need – I'd like for you to do for me."
"Yes?"
"In case the – inevitable happens, I want you – I'd like
for you – would you try and get in touch with my parents?"
"Oh Bob," Dot said, "Please don't think like that."
"Please Dot, I need you to promise me," Bob said.
"All right," Dot said.
"I guess you're wondering why I seldom mentioned them."
"I'll admit I've been curious," Dot
said, "But you never seemed to want to discuss them. I thought there was some unpleasantness so I didn't ask. I
thought you'd tell me when you were ready."
He managed a wan smile. "I haven't seem them in several hours."
"What?" Dot
couldn't believe it. She would have
given anything to have her parents alive and be able to speak to them.
"My real father died when I was around Enzo's age," Bob
whispered. "My mother remarried a few
hours later. I didn't take it well."
Dot nodded, it was a common situation, "You felt she was
betraying your father's memory?"
"Yes," Bob said quietly. "My stepfather and I didn't get along at all. We had a really bad fight when I was around thirteen and I left
home. Made my way to the Capitol."
"What did you fight about?"
Bob chuckled wryly, "Would you believe I can't even
remember? It was probably about him and
my thinking he was trying to take my father's place. At any rate, I started running with this gang and well that's how
I met Mouse."
"Umm hmm," Dot said.
"She's always been just a friend," Bob smiled, "Anyway,
we were up to no good one day and I got caught by the sector Guardian."
"What about the rest of the gang?"
"With the exception of Mouse, I have no idea where they
are. Anyway, I was a handful in juvie
and that's how I ended up catching Turbo's attention."
Dot moved closer and draped her arm around him. She realized this was the first she had
heard about Bob's past and how very little she knew about him. Unusual considering this was the man she
wanted to marry but since she had known Bob his past had never been a detriment
to her love for him.
"Turbo spoke to my parents about my attending the
Academy," Bob said, "By then, I wanted to enroll. My mother and stepfather weren't too keen on it. They were worried I guess, but they
agreed. After graduation, my stepfather
and I had another big fight. He wanted
me to come home and police the area I had grew up in and I wanted to stay in
the Capitol."
He smiled at her, "Basic isn't it? What people fight about?"
Dot kissed him on the temple, frowning as she felt the
heat of his skin. He was still
feverish. "It seems that there was more
to it then that."
"I suppose there was," Bob said. "That was just a small part of the
difficulties we had or the supposed ones."
"Soon after, they retired, bought a small ship and they
travel the net," Bob continued, "You know, visiting historic places and
such. That's why it's so hard to reach
them. I knew they were far enough away
that they wouldn't be affected by the war, so I knew they were relatively
safe."
"Do you know where they are now?"
"I know the last place they were," Bob said. "Every so often, I send messages but I don't
know if they receive them or not. I
sent them one telling them about my being Prime Guardian and about you but I
didn't want to be too presumptuous. My
mother would be picking out china patterns."
Dot giggled.
"Dot," Bob whispered, "Please find them. I want you and Enzo to meet them. I want them to see Mainframe and to know
about you both and what you mean to me and --,"
Dot placed two fingers on his lips, "Ssh – you'll
introduce us to them."
"I hope so," Bob said.
"You will," Dot said vehemently. Suddenly a surge of emotion took her and she
turned away as tears burned her eyes. She suppressed a sob, but Bob heard.
"Dot?" He drew
her close.
"You had better not break your promise to me," Dot
whispered, wiping away her tears.
"I'll try my best," Bob squeezed her gently.
