Aftermath19

CHAPTER 19

DEEP MEMORY

The present

Slowly, the young sprite turned.

Something was moving through the darkness towards him. Enzo had never felt such malevolence emanating from a single being. Not even Megabyte had ever made him feel this way, so utterly afraid.

The thing that stepped from the darkness bathed in the eerie red glow emanating from his right eye, smiled maliciously at Enzo. A shudder of revulsion passed over the young sprite. Every nerve and instinct screamed for him to run but his traitorous legs refused to obey him. He stood staring at the beast that glared at him.

"I'm going to enjoy this," the thing spoke. "Thank you for making it so easy for me."

Enzo's fear still held him in a paralysis, even as the thing moved purposefully towards him.

"I'm going to drain every drop of energy from you," the creature continued. "I'm going to suck you dry and enjoy your pain. Do you know how much I hate you?"

"No!" Enzo wretched himself from his trance and ran. The thing laughed.

Something grabbed at him from behind. An invisible hand forced him to his knees. Enzo screamed in disbelief. The monster was coming for him and there wasn't a thing he could do about it. Then it was standing over him, gracing him with that malicious smile.

"You're a weak pathetic thing," the beast said. "Once you're gone, there'll be no more reminders. And I'll be the reason you're dead. I'll be rid of you once and for all and I'll never have to see you again."

The thing reached for him and closed a clawed hand around Enzo's throat. "Remember how you couldn't save yourself. Take that thought into the Ethernet little brat."

*

And the dream replayed itself out as always and Enzo awoke in a cold sweat. The dream only came to him when he was feeling stressed or in some type of emotional pain. Well he supposed being kidnapped could bring such a state on.

He hated the dream more than any of the others he constantly had to deal with but over the course of the hours he had learned to live with them. They had gratefully become less frequent - until now.

Well sleep was out of the question. Enzo rose and dressed and mindful of the security drones, made his way through the silent fortress. He didn't know where his aimless wanderings would lead him but he soon saw a light emanating from one of the rooms. He approached with caution.

It was a dining room and seated at a small square table, Raven quietly ate.

The mercenary looked up and said mildly, "Ah, Mr. Matrix. Do join me. I was going to have the drones summon you anyway."

Seeing no reason not to, Enzo stepped within the room.

"You may as well eat something. We'll be leaving soon."

"Leaving?" Enzo's attention went to the drone that proceeded to pour him java.

"I need to know what systems you've visited," Raven said.

"Why?"

"Really, Mr. Matrix," Raven took a sip of java. Enzo noticed he was eating steak and eggs. "Now what systems? Besides Mainframe and the Super Computer of course."

"Of course," Enzo muttered, "I've been to Systems 1593 and 1305."

"System 1305?" Raven said, "A very primitive yet naturally appealing system. Why were you there?"

Enzo looked as the drone placed a plate of steak and eggs before him, "I was studying the monastic structures." He looked at Raven, "You've been there before?"

An almost wistful look gave into Raven's eyes but it vanished immediately, "You should be able to find your way back to Mainframe from there. That's where I'll leave you."

Again Enzo looked at him, his food forgotten, "You really aren't going to delete me?"

"How many more times can I say it?" Raven said. "I do have to leave you somewhere where I can't be easily followed. Just so you'll know, this place won't be here if you find your way back."

"Your destroying it then," it was a statement.

"I have to," Raven said, "A pity really, this is one of my favorite hideaways."

It was the first time Raven had shown any true feelings and it surprised Enzo, "So you have many more?"

"Yes I do," Raven's eyes narrowed.

"I wasn't going to try and get you to tell me where," Enzo snapped, "I know you're not that basic."

Raven raised an eyebrow, shrugged and sipped his java, "Why are you up so early?"

Enzo looked away, "I couldn't sleep that's all. Why are you?"

"Finishing up the job," Raven said.

Enzo looked at him and his hand fisted on the table, "So you sent that information to Ran DeCrypt."

"I must give my client something, Mr. Matrix."

Enzo pushed the food away, "Someday I'll make you pay for this."

Raven regarded him coolly, "If you find me, which I doubt."

"It's not just me," Enzo said, "Even though you are letting me go, do you think my family is just going to forget about you? Every Guardian in the New Collective is going to know who you are and be on the lookout for you."

"Yes I've been made aware of the myriads of people looking for you," Raven said mildly, "I will deal with each situation as it presents itself."

There was silence for a time then Enzo said, "So you'll go into hiding?"

"For a little while."

"You live in all these places, all by yourself?"

"I have my drones to assist me."

"But no sprite contact? Except when you're on a case? No friends?"

"A mercenary can't afford to have friends."

Enzo thought of Mouse. Perhaps she had once thought the same way but Mouse had become one of the family long ago.

"What a lonely existence," Enzo said at last.

Raven set down his cup harshly and glared at him. "And I suppose you would die if more than two meters away from your sister."

Enzo shook his head, "You're alone by your own choice and you have no one to blame but yourself."

Raven's fists clenched and his lips twisted in a sneer, "You don't know --,"

He was cut off by a synthesized voice stating, "Long range sensor scan indicates ship approaching."

"What?" Raven was on his feet and running from the room in an instant. Enzo hastened to follow.

Raven led him to the study where Enzo had been questioned, went over to the desk and activated a vid-window.

"Scan and identify ship and life forms within."

"Scanning," the computer voice said, "Scan registers two life forms. Ship is a Class 96-SL standard transport with defensive weaponry."

Enzo didn't dare to hope -- two life forms in a transport? Bob and Matrix? Or maybe Mouse and Ray?

"Ship is unregistered. Unable to identify. No access to database."

"Scan and give me a holographic projection of the ship's makeup."

"Scanning."

From the console on Raven's desk, a holographic image was projected. Enzo's core-com sank. It wasn't a ship he recognized. But then again, it could still mean rescue. Raven seemed to have forgotten his presence. Could he overpower the mercenary now? Or slip away? Raven may do something reckless if he tried something.

"Damn it!" Raven swore, "How did they find me?"

"If you let me go, you can escape," Enzo said.

Raven seemed to notice he was in the room again, "You don't understand. Do you think they're here to rescue you?"

Enzo didn't like the tone of that question, "Who are they?"

"I recognize the ship," Raven went over to the console and began programming, "All defense systems activate. It belongs to a mercenary named Flame."

"What do you think she wants?" Enzo said.

Raven looked critically at him, "If I have to venture a guess - you."

An uncomfortable feeling rose Enzo's stomach, "Collecting a reward?"

"Mr. Matrix," Raven said, "Listen to me. Your life may depend on it. Flame will not rescue you. She will not take you home. You think I've mistreated you? What you've experienced here will be a pleasant diversion compared to what Flame will do to you. If she takes you, deletion will be the least of your worries."

The uncomfortable feeling was rapidly progressing to nausea, "How do I know you're telling the truth? She could be here to rescue me."

"She's not," Raven said, "She's a cold, heartless, greedy wench. I'll try to get them to leave but if I can't and they overpower me -,"

Raven bent down behind the desk and Enzo heard a click. When the mercenary straightened, he was holding Enzo's organizer. "Here."

Enzo could only gape at him. Cautiously, he took his prized possession.

"Get to the Nevermore the moment you see me go down. They'll never catch her in that ship of theirs. Do you think you could fly her?"

"I - I believe so."

"I'll program the coordinates to take you to the Celeron System. Once you're there look up a mercenary named Hellcat," Raven said, "Tell her what happened and that I sent you. She owes me a favor. Tell her we'll be even if she escorts you to Mainframe."

"But --," again Enzo looked at the ship that would be landing any nano. Was Raven playing another game? Was this all a ruse but to what end? Indecision ate the young sprite. The wrong decision now and he'd never see home again.

"Enzo," Raven suddenly said, "You have to trust me."

Enzo had his organizer in a white-knuckle grip. Trust him? Trust the man who had taken him away from his home and his family? Trust the man who had violated and terrorized him?

Enzo was suddenly reminded of something. In the few times he had actually talked to Matrix, the former renegade had told him to always follow his gut instinct. Well his instincts were screaming at him what to do. Another thing occurred to the young sprite. Raven had called him Enzo. It was the first time the mercenary had used his first name.

"All right Raven," Enzo said. "I'm giving you my trust. I just hope you don't betray me."

***

Seven hours into the past.

"Bob you can't be seriously considering this!" Matrix was the first one to speak after Bob's declaration.

"It may be my only chance at surviving, or so Hex says," Bob said.

"Bob I agree with Matrix," Dot said, "Do you really want to risk becoming that - thing again?"

"You said so yourself," Mouse said, "Hex told you there was a chance Dariem could take over. How can you be sure you'll be able to fight?"

"What I want to know is," Matrix muttered, "How's she going to do it?"

"She didn't elaborate," Bob said, "But I figure - it would be the same way Daemon infected me."

"Are you random?" Matrix cried and at the looks he received he modified his tone, "Remember Bob, I went through the same thing! Worse, I had to watch you suffer!"

"I know," Bob whispered.

"What's this about?" Dot asked looking from her love to her brother. "Never mind, I suppose I'll find out later. Bob consider what you're doing - what may happen!"

"I have considered it," Bob said, "Do you think I like this idea? It's just that --,"

Bob halted, leaving the sentence unfinished but everyone knew what he was thinking.

It's just that I don't want to delete.

Phong approached him, "It is a difficult decision my son. One you must make on your own. But heed my warning, your decision will affect all of us in one way or the other."

"I know Phong," Bob said.

"What will you do now?" Phong asked.

"I want to get to the Super Computer. The people we brought in need to be questioned and I want to talk to SiRCe," Bob said.

"Bob," Enzo spoke up suddenly, "Can I come with you? Please?"

Bob looked into the distressed face of the little sprite. "Enzo, there's something you need to do first."

Distress was replaced with wariness. "What?"

"When I was at Hex's Lair, she told me Melissa was upset about what had happened. I think you need to go talk to her. She's upset because you are."

"He's right, Enzo," Dot said and told him of the conversation she had with Melissa. "I promised her you would come see her."

"Well --," Enzo looked back at Bob, obviously torn between his concern for two of the people he cared for most, "You'll come back here when you're finished won't you Bob?"

"Yes," Bob said. He knew it would upset Enzo if he said otherwise.

"Well okay, I'll go talk to Melissa," Enzo said and the little sprite exited.

"Bob," Matrix said, "I have to get back to questioning Daemon's Chosen."

"I'll be all right, Matrix," Bob said.

"Need some help?" AndrAIa asked him.

"Of course," Matrix gave one of his rare smiles and the two left together

"It's our turn to stick with you anyway, sugah," Mouse said to Bob, "If we can get a hold of Colonel Tempus --,"

"You mean you still haven't heard from him?"

Before Mouse could answer the chime of an incoming call interrupted her. Dot activated the vid-window from her desk. "Yes? Oh, Mistress Katiyana."

"Hello Dot, is Bob available?"

"Right here, Mistress, I was on my way to the S.C. now," Bob said.

"Good," Katiyana said, "We have problems here."

"When don't we?"

"Well besides Lynx and all of Web Alliance making a fuss, there have been some instances of vandalism and malicious mischief throughout the city," Katiyana said, "Colonel Tempus just left here."

"Finally! Where has he been?"

"He made the report concerning the vandalism," Katiyana said, "Bob - apparently, there are rumors circulating that --,"

"What? About my illness?"

Katiyana sighed, "That and the fact that you've already deleted."

"What?"

"People are saying you're already - Bob you have to get here and make an appearance as soon as possible."

"I was going to try and avoid the general populace seeing me like this," Bob said. "But I guess there's no avoiding it."

"Then you're on your way?"

"Yes."

"I'll meet you at the portal generator."

After the vid-window closed Bob said, "Mouse, Ray, ready to go?"

"Right with you, sugah."

Bob gave Dot a quick kiss; "I'll see you when I get home."

"You're really going to come back?"

"Yes, I promised Enzo. Look -," Bob paused, mindful of Mouse, Ray and Phong still being in the room, "instead of moving in here, why don't you move into my place temporarily? At least until your place is fixed up. Since Little Enzo is staying at the Lair."

Dot glanced over his shoulder and Bob could feel Mouse grinning at them, "All right. I'll be there waiting for you."

Bob heard the mild chuckles coming from across the room.

"All right you two," Bob straightened and walked out the door but he heard Mouse whisper something that he chose to ignore.

***

"I'm glad you're here," Katiyana said, "Colonel Tempus is waiting for you in your office. Bob --," she waited until they were out of earshot of the technician, "Is he a suspect too?"

"Yes," Bob said grimly. "Although I'd hate to think I'm that poor of a judge of character."

"Bob," Katiyana admonished, "What will you do?"

Bob turned to Mouse and Ray, "I'd like for one of you to tail him when he leaves the office."

"I can do that, mate," Ray volunteered. "Just give me a nano to find a place to observe."

"You got it," Bob said, his head began to hurt unexpectedly and he rubbed his temples.

"Sugah? What is it?"

"Headache," Bob said.

"You want me to question Tempus?" Mouse asked.

"No, but watch my back, all right?"

"You got it."

***

Having parted company with Katiyana, Bob and Mouse approached his office. Rule looked up and her eyes widened, "Prime Guardian?"

"It's all right Rule," Bob realized Rule was a suspect too although he found it so hard to believe he almost laughed aloud. One glance at Mouse told him she was thinking the same thing, "Mouse why don't you talk to Rule for awhile?"

"Sure sugah," Mouse said.

Bob left his door open, affording Mouse the opportunity to observe his questioning of Colonel Tempus.

"Prime Guardian," Tempus rose as Bob entered, "My User, what happened?"

"I'm sure Katiyana told you an attempt was made on my life?"

"Yes," Tempus said, "I thought those friends of yours were supposed to be watching you."

"They are," Bob said, "It was poison."

"You should be resting," Tempus said, "I assume you've taken the antidote?"

"I'm taking medication," Bob said, "Now, what's been happening throughout the city?"

"I made a report to Katiyana, since she was interim commander," Tempus said, seeming somewhat put out and Bob wondered if Tempus was upset that he wasn't made interim commander. "There are apparently, rumors going around the city that you deleted. I'm glad to see they were greatly exaggerated."

"My question is how did these rumors start?" Bob said, "You wouldn't happen to know would you Tempus?"

"No," Tempus said, "The first I heard was when I was out on patrol. Do you mind? I have a vid-report prepared."

"Be my guest," Bob moved back from his desk and Tempus activated the vid-window.

"As you can see it's mainly vandalism like graffiti and malicious mischief," Tempus said, "You should make some type of statement at least to assure the people. Your face could be disguised if you're uncomfortable about your appearance."

Bob felt his facial muscles tighten with annoyance, "I don't believe that will be necessary."

"Whatever you say, Prime Guardian, sir," Tempus said, "With your permission I would like to enact a temporary curfew for anyone that is under the age of nineteen. It seems to be mainly young people doing this. Showing their drivers I suppose."

"And you think this will help and not make the situation worse," Bob stated mildly.

"It will help me and my men a great deal in quelling the instances," Tempus said.

"So that's where you've been all this time? Quelling instances?"

Tempus looked at him warily for a moment, "My apologies for not reporting in immediately, Prime Guardian. Was there a problem?"

"No, I'm just curious as to your activities as of late," Bob said, keeping his voice level, "Considering everything that's been going on."

Tempus didn't reply immediately. He leaned back in his chair and said, "Am I a suspect, Prime Guardian sir?"

"Should you be?" Bob's voice was low.

"Prime Guardian, I would appreciate an honest answer. Is my loyalty in question?" Tempus's voice rose.

"Colonel Tempus as a seasoned soldier you of all people know the deal here," Bob said, "Would it surprise you to be a suspect?"

Again, he didn't reply immediately, "No it would not. In fact, I would be surprised if you didn't consider me one."

"Well?"

"I of course cannot account for my whereabouts at all times," Tempus said, "The majority of my actions are on file in reports but even you are aware Prime Guardian sir of the last time we were together and if memory serves me correctly, Captain Lynx was present as well. Since he's already in the detention center and since I am innocent I say we have our man."

"Lynx also says he's innocent."

"Who would you believe him or me?" Tempus said, "Lynx gave you a sip from his liquor flask didn't he? The poison could have been in that."

"It could have been," he'd have to ask Mouse what possessions they had found on Lynx. He had almost forgotten about the liquor flask. Rose could probably verify its contents. Bob leaned back and steepled his fingers, "I want to believe you, Colonel."

Tempus smiled slightly, "That's a relief. I take it that I am in no way, shape, or form to be involved in the investigation?"

"It would be for the best," Bob said. "You'll continue to take care of things in the city. I'll issue the curfew for twenty-two thirty."

"Thank you, Prime Guardian. By your leave," Tempus rose. "Try and get some rest."

Mouse slipped in the office and closed the door. "Lynx didn't have a flask on him when we took him."

"Where did you find him?"

"In this little dive of a motel in Sector 9000," Mouse said, "We started to question him then his friends showed up. Ray and I had some CPU's go back there and cordon the place off, but there was no mention in the report of their finding a flask. It's in the files if you want to have a look at it."

"I hope Ray will be all right," Bob said, "Maybe I shouldn't have sent him after Tempus."

"Don't you worry none about Ray, he can take care of himself. If Tempus is guilty, Ray will find out."

Bob tried to suppress a smile. She really is hooked on him. "What about Rule?"

"Sugah, I don't believe she's the one, at least that's what my gut's telling me," Mouse said, "Still I can keep an eye on her."

The pain stabbed at Bob's temples again and he flinched.

"You want something for that headache, sugah?"

Mouse left the room before he could reply and he heard her talking to Rule. At that moment, an incoming call arrived. Bob answered it but with audio only. "Yes?"

"Bob? Is that you? What's wrong with the picture?"

"Peg? Sorry, we're having trouble with the vid-system, what's up?"

"What do you mean what's up? There are rumors going around this sector that you were deleted!"

"What's that old saying? The rumors of my deletion are greatly exaggerated?"

"That's not even funny! Do you know how worried I was?"

"Sorry, Peg, I'm fine really," Bob had to smile, imagining the expression on her face. In the short time he had known her, he had come to admire her. "Thank you. I want you to keep a lid on things in your sector. Do you need some backup down there?"

"Well not yet," Peg said, "I'm glad you're all right Bob."

Bob suppressed a sigh. He hated lying to people, "Thanks again Peg, keep me posted."

"Will do," Peg said.

Mouse entered carrying a glass of water and some aspirin, "Here you go, sugah, you want to question Lynx now?"

"Yes."

***

Lynx looked up as Bob stepped into his cell and his jaw practically hit the floor, "Good User, Prime Guardian, what happened to you?"

"I thought you might be able to tell me," Bob said.

"So you think I tried to delete you to, do you?"

"Captain Lynx," Bob said, "You had a flask that you gave me to drink from on that day we were inside the transport. Where is it?"

"That? I lost it."

"How convenient."

"Prime Guardian I did not try to delete you," Lynx said, "Have you found any word on Desdemona?"

"The hospital said she left on her own," Bob said. Mouse had checked during her time at the center. "Have you any idea where she would have gone? I'd like to talk to her as well."

"No," Lynx said, "I didn't even know where she was living. I think she was staying with someone."

"No idea who?"

"No."

That bore looking into. "We'll have her brought in. Now, if you don't mind."

"I don't know what you want me to say. That I did it? Well I didn't. Yes, I gave you the drink, but there was nothing but liquor in that flask. I thought you would need it."

"You were being awfully generous that day," Bob said, his ire rising. The headache despite the medicine pounded relentlessly.

"I told you why."

"Lynx if I find out you're responsible --," Bob said. He had to get out of there now.

Lynx shook his head and sat down heavily on his cot.

"We'll talk later," Bob turned, "Maybe I can get some information out of your companions."

"You won't get away with this Prime Guardian."

"Sugah, you okay?" Mouse asked as Bob stepped from within the cell. Without reactivating the stasis field, Bob walked down the corridor.

"Bob?" Mouse called to him.

His vision was fading into a glaring white light. Bob shook his head fiercely but that only worsened the situation. He rubbed his eyes with his palms. Somewhere from far away, he heard Mouse calling to him. He rounded a corner where the cells were empty. There weren't many, but Bob knew he couldn't let the prisoners see him like this. Bob shuffled forward, his hands out searching. He stumbled and fell to his knees. Bob squinted his eyes shut and opened them again to find the hall crawling with vermin. Rats squealed in masses of bristling fur and sharp yellow teeth and glowing eyes. Bob gave a cry of horror at the sight.

In the cells on either side of him, where there should have been no one, prisoners moaned in agony and Bob looked to see faces pale and gaunt with starvation staring out at him. The rats converged on them and began to feast even as Bob watched and their victims screamed.

"No!" Bob cried as the rats surrounded him, the squealing they made send a shiver of disgust over him. They massed on him sinking their teeth into his flesh. Bob reached for one with his free hand. It attached itself to his wrist and wouldn't let go. He went to tear it away but he couldn't move. Somewhere in the back of his processor, he heard another sound different from the squealing of the rats. A voice calling his name?

But the rats were slowly suffocating him, pinning him down, driving him to the floor. Bob cried out again in defiance and sent a random blast above him.

Then they were gone. The hall was empty and silent. Bob didn't have the strength to move. He laid there, his eyes wide, staring above him. He jammed his palms into them to block out the memory.

Nearby he heard a soft moan.

Bob struggled to sit up, "User no," he whispered.

Mouse lay unconscious on the floor a few feet away from him. The front of her armor marred by a scorch mark from his blast that had struck her in the chest.

***

"Bob?" Mouse asked as the Prime Guardian strode away. "Aw hell." Mouse punched in the code to re-activate the field. "Bob hold up a nano."

Something was seriously wrong. She could tell he was in excruciating pain. "Bob, where are you going?" Mouse went to start down the hall after him, then heard Lynx say, "What's his problem? He going random or something?"

"Shut your hole!" Mouse turned fiercely back to him. Then followed in Bob's wake, "Bob!"

Bob rounded a corner and in the next nano, Mouse heard him scream.

Mouse was in her armor, her katana drawn and was dashing around the corner in an instant. She halted abruptly at the sight of Bob, on his knees, his body seemingly going through a series of convulsions.

"Bob!" Mouse sheathed her weapon and dashed forward. She realized he wasn't in convulsions but seemed to be seeing something in only his mind and Mouse realized what was happening, "Bob, sugah, you gotta snap out of it! It's not real!"

But the Prime Guardian didn't seem to hear. He struggled and grabbed at imaginary things, fighting and clawing. Mouse took him by the wrist, "Bob! Can you hear me? It's not real!"

Bob lashed out with his free hand and the blast came before Mouse could even comprehend what was happening and then she was slamming painfully against the tile floor. The hall spun crazily and darkness engulfed her.

"Mouse!" Bob's panic-stricken voice called her from her forced slumber, "Mouse, say something please!"

"I'm fine, sugah," Mouse struggled to sit up.

"I'm sorry! There's a medic on the way, just lie still."

"I don't need a medic!" Mouse defied the pain in her skull and sat up, "Sugah are you all right?"

"Am I all right? Mouse, I could have - oh User --," Bob said.

Mouse placed a hand against his face, "Was it a hallucination, sugah?"

He didn't reply but the scarlet flush on his face spoke volumes.

"Damn," Mouse muttered. Rose had said it would happen but they hadn't expected it to be this soon. "Sugah --,"

"No," Bob cut her off, "Please don't."

The medics arrived but Mouse sent them away. She almost suggested they look at Bob but she knew he wouldn't appreciate that. Bob wouldn't look at her.

"Can you get back to your office all right?"

Bob didn't speak.

"Come on, sugah, let's go."

On the lift back to the upper levels, Bob remained silent but Mouse could feel the rage he exuded. Mouse had never been afraid of Bob. They had been through too much but she knew anyone who didn't know him would be terrified of the dangerous brooding look on his face.

Rule looked up as they approached the office. "Prime --," but the girl broke off abruptly. Her eyes went wide and she gaped. Bob walked by without a word.

"Call Mainframe," Mouse said as she walked by. When the flame-haired mercenary walked into the room, Bob was facing the window, his arms folded across his chest. He was in much too volatile a state for Mouse's liking so she remained silent and leaned against the wall near the door.

Bob turned abruptly and approached his desk and with a vicious swipe of his arm sent all the contents on the surface crashing to the floor. His fists clenched and unclenched and his took great shuddering breaths of air. Without a word, Mouse left the office.

"You got Mainframe on the line?" Mouse demanded of Rule.

"Yes constable," Rule said.

Mouse knew she wasn't the one to still his anger.

***

Bob fought to quell the anger that was threatening to spill over and cause him to commit an act of totally random violence. He stood in the middle of his dark office; the only sound within was his own ragged breathing.

What in the net had he done? He could have deleted Mouse! All because he thought she was part of some damnable hallucination! And it had seemed so real, so terribly vivid, like a waking nightmare.

He didn't know what had scared him the most, the fact that the incident had seemed so real or the fact that he had nearly deleted his friend.

Mouse had said she was fine. She had walked to his office under her own power. It had been a good thing that she had donned her armor otherwise -

He decided not to even consider that.

He knew he should leave. There was still so much he had to do but he couldn't seem to find it in his core-com to do it. He wanted to stay hidden forever and not risk another episode. Next time, it could happen in front of the wrong people or he could hurt someone he cared about again.

He turned away quickly when the door came open. He heard it close behind him. Somehow, he had a feeling it wasn't Mouse. Bob didn't move. Again, in a gesture of defense, he crossed his arms at his chest.

He heard her move across the room towards him and after a nano, she slid her arms around his waist. He flinched slightly, although he normally wouldn't have done so at her touch.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No."

She laid her head against his back, "I'm here for you."

"I know. You always are. I don't know why you even put up with me."

"Oh Bob."

For a little while they stood there gathering strength from each other and enjoying the familiarity, they shared. Bob realized when two people were as close as they were, words were unnecessary.

"Let's go home," Dot said at last.

***

"Phong status report!"

"The shields are at thirty-one percent!" Phong said. "Our remaining forces are outnumbered ten to one."

"Damn it!" Dot said, "Recall all air forces to the Principal Office."

"Yes Dot!"

An explosion rocked the foundations of the building.

"Sir, Ma'am," a binome called, "Viral forces have entered the Principal Office!"

"No, not again!" Dot cried. It was too much. Matrix deleted, AndrAIa, Mouse and Ray also gone. Little Enzo used as a means to force Dot to surrender the Principal Office. Dot had watched them torture him but still she had not surrendered. And Hex and Melissa mere tools to help him in gaining power. "We will not give up the Principal Office this time!"

"Dot we have no choice," Phong said, his voice full of remorse. "I am so sorry, my child. If only we could have --,"

"No," Dot said. "Don't say it Phong."

There was a moment of silence before, "Transmit the evacuation codes."

"Dot?" Phong was beside her. "I will once again stay and meet him."

"No," Dot said "This time, I'll stay. You go with the rest."

"Then we will stay together. I will not leave you my child. Perhaps together we can convince him to --,"

Dot drew her laser and fired once, stunning him, "Forgive me old friend."

The War Room staff stared in disbelief.

"Well what are you waiting for? Go now and take Phong with you!"

Two of the staff carried Phong out of the secret door and the rest followed.

With the exception of muffled shouts and explosions, the War Room was silent now. Dot moved to stand before the door.

Slowly he came. She could hear the echoing footsteps.

Dot sighed and waited.

A vicious strike against the door left a fist-sized impression. More blows came and finally the door gave way.

The tall muscular form stood silhouetted in the light as he surveyed his new domain.

Dot drew herself up with dignity, "Hello Bob."

"So you still think Bob exists?" He smiled evilly at her. "He's dead. It's only me now. Dariem."

"I don't believe that," Dot said, "I know you're in there, Bob. Fight him!"

Dariem leered at her, "I'm glad you stayed Dot. I'm so looking forward to spending time with you."

Dot drew her laser, "I'll delete you."

"No you won't," Dariem said. "You love me too much. Face it Dot, you've lost. Now come with me."

"No! I'll delete first."

"There's no one to help you," Dariem said. "Everyone's deleted. I guess I should tell you Little Enzo died this morning."

"No!" Dot screamed and she collapsed into tears. She hadn't wanted it to happen but she had no choice. She had to fight him no matter what the cost

"I was surprised you gave him up so easily," Dariem said. "Poor kid. He was convinced you didn't love him anymore. You actually let us torture him to deletion."

Dot couldn't move, couldn't speak. She looked up into those awful yellow eyes through her tears.

"Get up," Dariem demanded.

When Dot didn't move, Dariem grasped her roughly by the shoulders and hauled her to her feet. "You're mine, Dot. Mainframe is mine and soon all of the net will be mine."

He kissed her roughly and she struggled free, slapping him. Dariem raised his hand and struck her across the temple. He stood over her and grabbed her up again, "You can come willingly," Dariem hissed, "or I delete you now."

"Bob, I love you," Dot whispered.

"Stop it!" Dariem shook her, "I am Dariem!"

"Goodbye Bob," Dot said.

Dariem gave a cry of rage and burned Dot with his viral power, saturating her with it. It took all her will but Dot didn't cry out, nor did she allow herself to look away from his eyes. But she saw no love there or even recognition. She had truly lost her Bob. Now she would join him.

*

Dot woke from the nightmare and muffled a cry by biting down hard on her closed fist. She realized immediately that something was wrong. She reached over but Bob was not there.

"Bob?"

The light from the bathroom was a sliver underneath the door. Dot climbed from the bed and padded over, to knock softy, "Bob?" When there was no reply panic began to edge its way along her nerves. She pounded on the door that time, "Bob, please open the door! Please tell me what's happening?"

"Dot --," Bob said, and the bathroom door opened a crack but it was dark within, "would you bring me my icon?"

Dot sighed resignedly, "All right."

She moved back to the bed. Their icons were in a jewelry box that Dot had on the nightstand. She turned on the light and cradled Bob's gold and black in her hand for a moment before moving back to the bathroom. She knocked again, "Here it is Bob."

The door opened and Bob reached out and Dot breathed in sharply. Before Bob pulled his hand back in she saw the yellowish blister covering the back of it.

"Bob let me help you."

"No, I'm fine."

"Bob --,"

"Please Dot," Bob said, "Just talk to me, okay?"

"Okay," Dot settled herself by the bathroom door, which Bob had left open slightly, but she made no attempt to look in. She didn't have a clue as to what to talk about so she said the first thing that came to mind, "I've almost finished the negotiations for an internet wide business venture. It should bring quite a bit of money into Mainframe."

"Really? Who's involved?"

Dot went into explaining the systems that would join her in the venture but all the while, she had to fight to keep her voice steady. She knew of course that Bob had entered the second stage of the illness. Didn't he know he didn't need to be embarrassed around her? That she would accept him no matter what? But Dot was determined to respect his wishes. Whatever made it easier for him.

The light clicked off and the door came fully open. Dot stood as Bob stepped out, dressed in a pair of loose fitting pajamas. Portions of his face and the backs of his hands were bandaged. He stood looking at her for a moment and even in the semi-darkness, she could see the distress in his eyes.

"I don't think I'm going to get back to sleep," he said.

"It's all right, sweetheart," she whispered, "I'll stay up with you – I -- I'm not really all that sleepy either.

Bob lightly bruised his fingertips across her cheek. "I can't even - touch you now."

Dot leaned her face into his palm, "We'll be all right. Everything will be all right." It had to be. She wouldn't be able to stand losing him again.

***

Bob awoke and knew immediately something was wrong.

He clambered out of the bed with a groan and stumbled into his bathroom. He flicked on the light and approached the mirror. The discolorations had progressed into blisters as Rose had told him. They were painful yellow-red things that bled a yellowish liquid when they broke. He had been wearing only boxers and he removed them now. He shook his head in horrified disbelief as he examined what he could of his body.

"Bob?" Dot knocked on the door.

He barely heard her. He examined his body and found the only places the blisters had not touched were the palms of his hands and the soles of his feet. They covered his face, his arms and legs, and his torso. Bob forced the sour bile that threatened to rise back down.

He suddenly became aware of the insistent pounding on the door.

"Dot --," Bob said. He reached over and turned out the light. He opened the bathroom door a crack, "Would you bring me my icon?"

He heard her sigh, "All right."

Bob closed the door and flicked the light back on and was repulsed by his own reflection.

Six cycles or six seconds.

"This is bad," Bob whispered, "Very bad."