Aftermath17

CHAPTER 17

PROMISES

The present

"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 --,"

"Bob!"

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.