Aftermath25 Wendy Simpson Wendy Simpson 2 234 2001-10-23T17:59:00Z 2001-10-23T17:59:00Z 35 8591 48972 n/a 408 97 60141 9.2720

CHAPTER 25

ASK ME QUESTIONS,

I'LL TELL YOU LIES

The present

Enzo quickly closed his organizer at the sound of someone approaching the storage closet where he was being held.  Despite his situation, two things were working in his favor.  First, he had no fear of enclosed places.  Although it wasn't exactly a walk on Floating Point being locked in a closet, at least he wasn't going random from it. 

And the second thing being that Flame hadn't bothered to search him and thereby hadn't taken his organizer.  So every chance he got, he sent out a piggyback signal using Flame's own ship's communication frequency.  Not bad if he said so himself.

The door opened and light flooded in.  Enzo raised his hand to shield his eyes.

"Get up!"  Cracker growled at him, "We're here."

Enzo came stiffly to his feet.  The closet had just enough room for him to move but still it took some time for him to regain his feet again.  As he stepped from the closet Cracker grabbed him by the forearm and slammed him against the door.

"I still owe you for my hammer."

"You said that already bits for brains."

Cracker took handfuls of Enzo's collar and slammed him against the wall again. "I should delete you now!"

Enzo grunted, at the force of the impact but if Cracker had expected him to cry out, he was disappointed.  The young sprite went still, waiting.

"Cracker!"  Flame strode down the narrow corridor, "Bring him and there damn well better not be a scratch on him."

"Yeah, sure Flame," Cracker released him and shoved him forward.

Enzo stumbled, and righted himself with agility.

"Very good," Flame leered at him, "Woman love an athletic man."

"You won't get away with this," Enzo muttered.

"I thought I already had."  Flame said, "Now you'll be a good boy while I'm showing your wares won't you?"

"Piss off," Enzo said.

A hint of anger clouded Flame's features, "I think you should be a little more nice to me.  I can arrange for you to end up with someone unpleasant.  I know this fat old man who just loves young fresh-faced little boys like you.  Of course, he's not always nice to them."

"You would associate with someone like that," Enzo hissed.

This time the anger pure and simple hardened her features, if such a thing were possible, "Cracker."

Cracker locked him in the containment field again,

"Now I'd advise you to be a good boy," Flame said.

"You're going to march me through the system like this?"

Flame gave a harsh laugh, "This is System 998, do you think anyone is going to give a damn?  This is so you won't run away.  Although I'd enjoy a good hunt with such delectable quarry."

Enzo gave her a disgusted look but decided her remark wasn't worth the energy it would take to reply.  When they exited Flame's ship, Enzo found they had landed on a landing platform atop a towering structure, along with various other small one and two manned ships.  There was a building at the far end of the platform and several people in blue and black uniforms ran around, either checking ships or attending to the pilots.  Enzo wondered briefly what the place was. 

Apparently, Flame had spoken the truth.  No one so much as gave Enzo a second glance as Cracker half-led, half-shoved him along.  The building inside was in total chaos.  It was crowded with narrow rows of filthy stalls selling various wares, from illegal weapons to exotic foods.  He was led up to the far right corner of the room to an aging lift.

So far, Enzo hadn't seen an opportunity to escape but even if he did as long as he was contained there was little he could do.  The first chance he got –

The chance came sooner than he expected.

When they reached ground level, Enzo found himself being jostled through narrow garbage-strewn streets and alleys.  They emerged from within a particularly narrow street and out onto an open lane and despite himself Enzo stopped cold.

It was some kind of bazaar, like the one in the building.  The streets again were teemed with ramshackle booths or makeshift tables but what had Enzo halting in shock was the sight of three cages hanging suspended in mid-air and the beasts within them.

Web creatures.

To his amazement, Flame and Cracker didn't force him along and in fact stopped to look as well.

"I can't believe it," Flame said, "Now how do you suppose they managed that?"

"I didn't know you could catch them."

"They're hatchlings," Enzo muttered darkly.  He could well imagine what Bob would say (and do) if he were here right now.  Although Protocol 999 was no longer in use, a web creature in a civilized system was still considered a net offense and the punishment was severe.  But then again, this was System 998.

A rotund man approached, "Interested in my little beauties?  You can buy one or three at a discount price."

"Now what would I do with a web creature?"  Flame said.

"What would you do --?  You jest right?  You could hold entire systems for ransom with one of these!"

"I could, couldn't I?"  Flames eyes lit with greed, "Pay me or I release a feral web creature into your system.  Nice.  How much?"

"For you, seventy-five thousand units for one, two hundred thousand units for all three."

"Are you random?"  Flame demanded.

As the haggling began, Enzo could sense Cracker growing bored, "Hey Flame, let me stow this bit-brain somewhere and go get a hit."

Flame barely looked up, "Yeah, whatever, chain him to that railing over there."

Outside the small shop was a railing where several steeds had been tied, and as luck would have it, it was underneath and to the left of the creature cages.  As Enzo walked, he noticed the web creatures had been blindfolded. 

Cracker released him from the containment field, reprogrammed the device and created some energy shackles, which he linked to the post.  "Might as well relax, Flame's going to be awhile and I'm getting me a nice belt."  Then Cracker left him there.

Enzo looked up at the cages, then down to where Flame and the seller continued to barter.  Taking a deep breath he said in modem speak:

**Friend.**

Instantly, the three web creatures came alert.  Which told Enzo that they had once been a part of a web rider herd, which also meant that the web riders who had raised them were probably –

Enzo cringed at that.  He almost felt sorry for the seller.  When Bob got his hands on the man there probably wouldn't be anything left of him.

**Help me, friend.**

Again, the creatures stirred.

**My enemy is your enemy.**

Enzo stopped when Flame looked up at him, but immediately went back to arguing with the seller.

**Help me escape.  Escape!  Escape!"

The web creatures began to bellow a loud mournful cry.  They trashed against the sides of the cages, their cries heightening.  Sorrow turned to fury at being torn away from their homes and thrust into an alien world and being held prisoner.

**Revenge!  Seek your revenge!**

The seller was screaming orders to whatever lackeys that he employed.  It was impossible to ignore this fiasco.  The cages were swinging wildly as the web creatures violently sought their freedom.

Flame was there suddenly, releasing him from the shackles, "No way am I going to lose my golden-boy!"

**Help me!**

The first cage shattered, tumbling to the ground, narrowly missing them and the web creature within broke free.  Both Enzo and Flame were knocked to the ground.  The second cage game down in a rain of metal.  Screams of terror erupted, but none so high and shrill as from Flame.  The web creature roared at her and the woman froze in horror.  Enzo knew he'd never have another chance.  The young sprite leapt to his feet and took off at a run but not before tossing back a hasty,

**Thank you!**

***

Captain Gavin Capacitor – Fleet Captain Capacitor, stood proudly at the wheel of the Saucy Mare II while keeping half an eye on the data being presented before him on the vid-windows.

Mr. Christopher as always stood next to him, busily punching away at his organizer, but profit, for once was not on the minds of captain and crew.

"There it is again, sir, I think I've got a fix on it!"  Mr. Christopher suddenly announced.

"Excellent, me hearty, this may be the break we're waiting for," Gavin turned to his left, "Mr. Andrew, lets see from where this mysterious signal originates!  Mr. Christopher, get our friends on the airwaves.  We'll inform them of our discovery!"

"Aye, aye, captain!"  Mr. Christopher said, "Um – sir, should I contact the missus as well?"

"No lad, ye leave that ta me," Gavin smiled at the thought of his beautiful wife.

Mr. Christopher rose and eyebrow and smiled slightly.

"And just what do ye find so amusing?"  Gavin asked.

"Oh nothing, captain," Mr. Christopher, like the rest of the crew thought it was alphanumeric that the captain had fallen in love and the missus – well the crew couldn't have said where they'd met a finer, more courageous woman.  Well she had to be to marry Gavin.

"Captain!"  Mr. Andrew suddenly turned from the vid-window he had been monitoring, "Sensors indicate a ship approaching!"

"What be its description?   Is it one of our friends?"

"Captain, you won't believe this!  It's him!  It's that kidnapping scalawag!"

"What?  Are ye sure?"

Mr. Andrew moved the vid-window and enlarged the picture and sure enough, the computer presented a not only a visual but it matched the schematic information that Mouse had supplied them.   None rivaled the computer systems on the Saucy Mare II.

Gavin was thunderstruck.  "What are the odds matey's?  Full speed ahead!  Keep a sensor lock on that ship!  Get Matrix and Bob on the line now!  Find out where me lovely bride is and see if she can intercept with her ship if he tries to escape!  We'll catch the dirty scoundrel and make him pay!"

*

"Computer, have you still got a lock on that signal?"

"Affirmative, Raven, distress signal origin, System 998."

It didn't surprise Raven any.  Flame may be shrewd and manipulative but she was also greedy to a fault, and Raven figured Enzo would eventually figure out Flame's weakness and use that against her.  Hopefully, he could keep a lock on that signal until it led him right to him.

"Raven, unidentified Class 10 battleship approaching."

"What in the net – on screen, now!"

Raven couldn't believe it.  Of all the rotten luck!  The last thing he needed was someone hindering his rescue efforts.  Was the Great Mother deliberately testing him?

"Can we outrun them?"

"Affirmative please set course parameters."

"Anywhere but here, away from that ship, but get us to System 998!"

"Acknowledged."

The computer executed a hard turn and distance between him and the Saucy Mare increased.

*

"Looks like he's making a break for it, Captain!"  Mr. Andrew yelled.

"Give her all she's got!  Is me lovely bride on an intercept course?"

"Yes sir!"

"And Bob and Matrix?"

"Two sectors away sir!"

"Then push her hard men!  He won't get away!"

*

"Raven, sensors indicate --,"

"I know, I see it, damn it!"  Raven said of the second ship that approached at full speed on an intercept course. Still, Raven wasn't about to let himself be captured.  It would only delay his getting to Enzo.

"Evasive maneuvers.  Avoid both ships!"

"Unable to comply."

"What?"

"All available flight paths have been blocked.  Sensors indicate twelve ships of varying designations are approaching.   Raven, shall I power up weapons systems?"

Raven couldn't believe this.  He was too close to be stopped now.  Time was running out.  The Great Mother was testing him.

Then again, maybe she was trying to tell him something.

"Full stop!"  Raven suddenly said.  He was trapped anyway.  No matter where he went they would follow him, even if he could outrun them and it occurred to Raven that maybe they were following the same signal he was.  He only hoped they gave him a chance to explain before they deleted him.

*

"Captain, he's coming to a full stop," Mr. Andrew announced.

This made Gavin immediately suspicious, "Now what's that scalawag planning?  He could easily outrun us – even though we could follow him.  He's up to something."

"We're within hailing range, captain."

"Open a channel," Gavin said, "Ahoy there, Raven!  This is Fleet Captain Gavin Capacitor.  I order ye to stand down and surrender yourself to us immediately!  Vacate your ship and come abroad the Saucy Mare or we will forcibly remove you!"

"Acknowledged," came the reply, "I surrender."

Which raised Gavin's suspicions even higher.  "Arm yerselves men.  No tellin' what the blackguard has planned."

"The Libertas is approaching sir," Mr. Christopher said, "The missus requests permission to come aboard."

"Granted me hearty," Gavin's voice softened and some of the men chuckled.  Gavin gave them the eye.  Of course it wasn't necessary for his wife to ask permission but it was just protocol.

Mr. Andrew and three other crewmembers of Gavin's approached the Nevermore on zip boards.  Gavin's attention was turned away from their enemy for a time and was directed towards a small group of rocket cycles that approached. 

The tall handsome woman on the lead cycle leapt lightly onto the deck and approached him.  Gavin removed his hat and bowed to her taking her hand and kissing it, "Welcome aboard me lovely one."

Captain Maiandra Irina graced him with a half-smile, "I thank you my courageous husband." 

Then she knelt and the two kissed a proper hello, "So we have him then?  The son of null that kidnapped Enzo?"

"See for yerself, me lovely one."

Mr. Andrew and the others were returning.  Gavin waited, his hand automatically lowered to the hilt of his cutlass, a true blade and a gift from his wife, not the force-field generating weapon he usually carried.   Each man held a stun stick on the man as they led him forward, flanking him on all sides.  An awful feeling began in the pit of his stomach when he realized Enzo wasn't with them.  Gavin watched Raven's face for any signs of fear or remorse, but saw neither, in fact, the mercenary looked angry.  More than likely at himself for being caught.

"Arrogant son of a horse's ASCII," Maiandra muttered.

When the man stood before them at last, Gavin didn't speak to him immediately, but addressed Mr. Andrew.  "Where's Enzo?"

"He wasn't aboard the ship, captain."

Gavin drew his cutlass and pointed the tip at Raven's throat, "Where be the boy?  If ye hurt him, I'll gut ye meself!"

"I don't have him anymore," Raven said quickly.

"What by gar does that mean?  What have ye done with him?"

At this the crew began jeering and shouting at Raven.  Some called for the mercenary to be strung up, while others suggested that some time floating in the web might loosen his tongue.  Gavin made no move to stop his crew.  He heartily agreed with them.

"I say we punish him now!"  Mr. Andrew yelled, "Teach him a lesson he won't soon forget!"

The men cheered in agreement.  A variety of equally gruesome suggestions were made.  Raven hadn't spoken and Gavin thought the man must be totally random.  Then men were surrounding Raven now and he finally said, "Please, you have to listen to me!"

It was then that Gavin noticed the ship approaching.

Someone shackled Raven and the man struggled in earnest.

"Hang him from the nearest yard arm!"  Someone yelled.

A man exited the ship and Gavin knew whatever punishment was given, he and his crew would not be the ones to do so.

"Matey's!  Matey's listen to yer captain!"  Gavin said, "We will not punish this one!"

Cries of protest erupted.  Gavin watched the man striding across the deck and yelled over the din, "Stand down!"  Then Gavin nodded behind them, "I think the most fitting punishment is about to present itself."

The crew turned as one and immediately made way as Matrix strode furiously up to Raven, drew back his fist and with a growl of rage, smashed it into Raven's face.  Cheers went up as Raven 'flew' several feet.  The man appeared to be unconscious.  Matrix was on him, before he had a chance to recover and effortlessly tossed Raven into a pile of crates.

Another commanding figure moved to stand next to Gavin, "Should we stop him?" the Pirate Lord asked.

"No," Bob said.

Matrix watched as Raven climbed shakily to his feet.  The mercenary wiped blood from his mouth and stood facing Matrix on trembling legs.

Gun leapt into Matrix's hands and the ominous whirl of his mechanical eye could be heard over the din.  "Gun – command line – full delete."

"No, don't!"  Raven held out his hands in a defensive gesture.

"Now," Matrix growled, "I'll ask you this once, and once only.  Where is my brother?"

***

Seven hours into the past

The fear Desdemona had been feeling increased tenfold when she saw the murderous fire in Ram's eyes.

"You're certain of this?"  Ram demanded, "The Prime Guardian is missing?"

It was dark in the room.  Shadows played over Ram's face.  She figured this room had been an office in the warehouse at one point, but Ram was using it as a makeshift bedroom.  He sat at a desk.  The dim illumination from a light stick cast a ghastly pall on his features.

Desdemona sat on the edge of the hard cot Ram obviously used, "I managed to get in touch with our informant.  Apparently, the Prime Guardian is a lot sicker than he and his people let on.  He destroyed the portal generator at both Mainframe and the Hall and disappeared.  They're trying to be discreet in searching for him but – well I've told Captain Lynx so by this afternoon, it will be all over the city."

Ram smiled.  It was a chilling sight; "The madness has taken him then.  Good.  It won't be long now.  Have you contacted the leaders of my forces?  They are prepared?"

"Yes."

"And they gave you no disrespect?  They understand that you are in command?"

"They do."

Desdemona was even more frightened of the eerie calm that seemed to have settled over Ram.  He didn't speak for a time just stared into the glow of the light, "You know I have learned much through all of this.  Not just what I have accomplished here, but serving my late mistress."

A lance of ice pierced Desdemona's core-com, "Your late mistress?"

Ram rose from his seat, seeming to ignore her question, "Her defeat taught me one thing, never assume you will be victorious in all things.  Always have a way to insure your victory in the future."

He was standing over her now and she shuddered at his nearness, "You will assist me in that endeavor my dear."

"Who is your mistress?"  Desdemona demanded.

Ram took her by the shoulders and pulled her to her feet.  "I have left implicit instructions in the event of my deletion, you will follow them, understood?"

"Ram --,"

"Do you understand?"  Ram shook her.

"Let me go, you son of a --,"

"No," Ram's voice was deadly, "You are integral to my future plans.  If I am deleted, I must have an heir to carry out my plans for revenge.  You will supply me with that heir  -- a son."

"Are you totally and completely random?  I'm not --!"

Ram shoved her onto the cot, then reached up and tapped his icon twice.  Desdemona realized that he had also been wearing a disguise and with the refresh command, his façade fell away.

Desdemona screamed.

***

Mouse strode into Bob's office to find Dot at his desk with at least a dozen vid-windows open around her receiving reports on the search.  Dot had been out searching herself for a time until Mouse had suggested she set up a command center in Bob's office.  Dot had protested at first, stating that since Mouse was interim leader she should be the one until Mouse informed Dot that she had the greater leadership experience and abilities.  It had not been idle flattery on Mouse's part.  Dot had finally acquiesced

The Command.com of Mainframe looked up and said, "Close the door."

Mouse did so, "What is it."

"Did you hear this?"  Dot turned one of the vid-windows towards Mouse.

"I've been searching through back-alley's all night.  I'm going back out as soon

as -- ,"  Mouse halted as what the reporter was saying registered.

"—and this reporter has also learned that the Prime Guardian has been missing since late last night.  Sources within the Hall revealed that he has caused considerable damage to Hall facilities --,"

"Damn it!"  Mouse said.

"My thoughts exactly," Dot said grimly.  "If I ever find the son of a horse's ASCII whose doing this, I'll delete them myself."

"Not if I delete them first, sugah."

"I should be out there – looking to!  I hate being inside like this."

"Dot, honey, I told you you're needed here."

"I know," Dot got up and walked over to the window, "Bob, where are you?"

***

In Sector 1018, Ray Tracer strode down the halls of Aunt Judy's clinic, on his way to meet Peg Walrod.  It had been Dot's decision to let the young woman know what was going on, so she could assist in the search for Bob.

Peg was sitting in her office, with three vid-windows open and she waved Ray in.

"Thank you for the progress report," Peg was speaking to a sprite, "Let me know as soon as you find anything."

"Nothing yet?"  Ray asked.

"No," Peg said, "I have people all over discreetly searching for him.  There's no sign."

"Thanks for all your help, love, it's appreciated."

"Anytime.  I owe Bob.  I just wish you had gotten me in on this sooner."

"So do I," Ray said, "Keep us posted all right?"

"You got it."

As Ray left the office, he heard a sound down the hall to his right.  He stopped abruptly, but saw no one.  He shrugged and walked on.

*

Rich peeped from within the broom closet hoping Ray was gone.  That had been too close.  Peg would bite his head off if she had known he had been listening in on her conversation through the vent.  And now with Ray's departure from the office, his fears had been confirmed.  The Prime Guardian was missing.

Since becoming an orphan during the viral occupation, Rich had lived on the streets.  He felt he knew them better than anyone did.   For some totally basic reason, the adults were trying to keep their search efforts a secret.  Rich thought – no, he knew, he and his gang could do better.  They knew the alleyways and the back streets and places you went to hide when you wanted to disappear.

Rich would bet all the units in the Super Computer that he and his friends would find the Prime Guardian and he'd make Ray proud of him.

***

The war had left many sectors of the Super Computer in ruins.  Despite the best efforts of the authorities, these sectors remained in disrepair.  Great expanses of buildings, warehouses, and residences had been destroyed.  Some sections were now the temporary home of the transients of the city.  The homeless, the destitute, and the criminal elements seeking a place to hide often housed themselves in these abandoned sections.

Within a condemned storefront house, in an undiscovered stockroom filled with rotting food, Bob stirred from his fevered nightmares.

He had no idea how he had gotten where he was.  He remembered little after destroying the portal generator.  His mind was filled with the images of faces filled with shock, pity or outright fear.  And one face in particular, with violet eyes that pleaded with him as he deleted her.

He no longer cared.  It was over for him.  Even when the fire burned him and the ice buried him and the things taunted him – even when Megabyte and Daemon spoke to him, he didn't care.

At least now, he was no longer in pain.  The sense of numbness had been with him for sometime.  The only thing that was left was this sense of total loss and defeat.  It surprised him (ah, surprise, now that was something he never thought he'd experience again) that he had stirred at all.

He realized suddenly why.  Something had changed.  He didn't know what.  Through images that were his nightmares, someone approached him.  He heard the sound of movement first but decided not to bother opening his eyes.  Then he felt a touch.  A warm hand was laid on his cheek.  Strange he actually felt it.  Then a voice broke through the other voices that continued to taunt him.  Calling him something, but he wasn't certain what. 

It created a small spark which burned away some of the miasma and gave him enough strength to care to open his eyes.

Someone was standing before him bathed in a halo of golden light.  So he had deleted.  An angel had come for him.  She was a plump little girl with a cherubic face framed by purple curls.  Violet eyes, much like someone he used to know, stared at him with sadness.

"Are you an angel?"  Bob didn't know if he had asked the question aloud or not.

The girl nodded, then as quickly as she had come, turned and darted away.

"Don't leave me," Bob moaned and slipped back into his fevered world again.

*

"You sure this is the right way?"  Ray asked for the nth time.

"Yes.  Trust me will you Ray?  Angel told me where she and her brother found him."

"Okay Nipper, I'll take your word for it then."

Ray couldn't believe it.  After all their searching, the little nipper and his friends had done what the adults hadn't been able to do.  Ray could tell Rich was still a little miffed that the adults hadn't believed him when he said and his friends had found the Prime Guardian in an abandoned store.

"There's Lycos!"  Rich pointed to a gangly teen standing in front of a dilapidated store.

It was almost dark, so there weren't too many people about.  "You little nippers shouldn't be out alone at night like this," Ray commented.

"We did it all through the war," Rich said, "We had to."

"Well I must admit you're a courageous bunch."

Ray landed Baud and nodded to Lycos, "Take me to him."

The boy complied and led Ray into the dim interior of the store. 

"In there," Lycos motioned through the doorway and Ray stepped inside.

The little girl, Angel, was sitting on the floor beside him.  Someone had brought a light stick, which gave the barest of illumination and a dirty blanket, which covered Bob's shivering body.  Ray knelt down beside him, "Oh no mate, not this."

"What's wrong with him?"  Angel asked the innocent question.

Ray reached out a hand and drew it back, "He's very sick lovely lady.  Why don't you go outside with your brother?"

"Okay," the girl said.  She dusted the dirt from her pants and left.

"All right mate, it's going to be all right I'm here," even as he spoke, Ray was fighting back the nausea.  He knew what had happened, there was no doubt in his mind.  Bob had gone into the third stage.  Ray could barely stand to look at him.

"Hang on, please, we'll get you help.  I promise."

***

The medical center was starkly lit with the cold impersonal florescent light.  Dot hated this place and the fact that she had to be here but at least she wasn't alone.

Matrix sat on her left, AndrAIa on her right.  Across the room, Peg Walrod sat, her arm draped around the young sprite Rich.  He reminded her so much of Enzo.

Mouse and Ray were outside keeping the reporters at bay.  There had been no way to keep the situation a secret any longer and quite frankly, Dot was relieved the charade was over.

When word had come in that Bob had been found, relief like Dot had never known, even greater than when her love had been shot into the web but it had turned to anguish when she had seen him.

*

Dot burst into the medical center, caught sight of Ray standing with Rich, "Ray!  Where's Bob?"

The search engine turned to her.  "Dot, they're looking at him now."  He took her by the shoulders.

"How is he?"

"Dot --,"

A commotion down the hall had them both turning.

"Damn, here come the piranhas," Ray said of the wave of reporters converging on them.  "Rich take Dot to the waiting room, will you?  I'll handle these wankers."

"But --,"

"Come on, Ms. Dot, I'll take care of you," Rich took her hand.

Dot looked down at the little boy and saw Enzo, his face filled with distress.  She realized she didn't want to talk to anyone right now and was quite content to leave the scene.

"Lay off you blood-suckers!"  Ray was saying as Rich led her down the hall.

"Don't worry Ms. Dot, the Prime Guardian will be okay," Rich said as they sat down.

"Thank you Rich," Dot impulsively hugged the young man, "And I mean for everything.  I'll find some way to repay you and I'm sure Bob will want to as well."

"Don't worry about it," Rich said.

Matrix and AndrAIa came rushing in a half millisecond later.

"Any word?"  Matrix came to her immediately and knelt in front of her.

"None yet," Dot whispered.  She felt drained, exhausted.  She wanted nothing more than to sleep.

Peg came in later and she and Rich spoke for awhile, followed by Mouse told Dot she was going to help Ray fight off 'the piranhas' and inform Colonel Tempus of the situation.  Matrix had been at the nurse's station demanding answers and AndrAIa had finally had to go and drag him away. 

For Dot, none of it seemed real.

*

Mouse and Ray walked into the waiting room sometime later, and Mouse asked the question that had been asked a dozen times before, "Any word?"

Dot just shook her head, too tired to even speak.

"What's taking so long?"  Matrix hissed.

"Dot," Mouse knelt before her, "Aw honey, you're exhausted, you need some sleep."

"N-no," Dot said, "How can I sleep?  I have to know!"

"Okay, okay, listen.  Ray and I are gonna go back to the Hall soon.  We need to – aw never mind, I'll take care of things there and we'll be back in a bit."

"All right," Dot didn't have the strength to argue.

"Try to take a nap at least --,"

Footsteps sounding down the hall had Dot coming to her feet.  Rose stepped into the room.

"Well how is he?"  Dot was the first to speak, followed by the others flinging a myriad of questions at Rose.

"Please everyone," Rose said.  "Dot – did Ray tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"No, I didn't," Ray said quickly.

"What?"  Dot demanded.

"Bob went into the third stage.  It looks like it's been since he disappeared."

"Oh no," Dot gasped, she raised her hand to her mouth as her eyes burned with tears.  "I want to see him!"

"Dot, I don't think that will be a good idea."

"I agree," Ray said quietly.  Everyone looked at him.

"What are you talking about?"

Ray looked away, "I – I saw him Dot, he – please don't go in there.  It will only upset you more."

"I want to see him," Dot repeated.

"All right Dot," Rose said, "But only for a few moments."

"I'll come with you Dot," Matrix said.

The two followed Rose down the hall. 

"I'm going back down to the lab to finish my research," Rose commented.  "We're running out of time.  A cure has to be found now."

Dot barely heard as Rose stopped in front of a room, "Dot, I've already instituted the necessary procedures.  It just needs your approval."

"What procedures?"  Matrix asked.

"You didn't tell him?"

"There hasn't been time," Dot said.

Rose opened, the door, "A few moments."

The only sound in the room was that of the machinery which kept Bob alive.  A curtain had been drawn around the bed, shielding Bob's body from them.  Dot moved slowly around the curtain.

"No," the anguished whisper came from Matrix.

Dot's voice fled.  Again, she lifted her hand to her mouth and the tears fell freely.  Suddenly she was uncertain that her legs would hold her.  Then Matrix was there.  He wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her against him.

"It'll be okay," For the first time; Dot heard uncertainty in her brother's voice.

But Dot seemed to know that it wouldn't be okay.  It would never be okay again.  The man who lay in that bed, with tubes and wires connected to all parts of his body didn't even closely resemble the man she loved.  Dot could only stare at him from where she stood, a strange paralysis gripping her. 

After a time she moved from her brother's embrace and approached his bedside.  "Bob?"

He made no movement.  She could barely hear his breathing.  Dot leaned down and gently kissed him on the lips, "I love you."

"Dot?"  Rose's voice broke the silence.

"I'm staying with him."

"Dot --,"

"I'm staying with him."

"All right Dot."

Matrix pulled a chair around next to the bed and led Dot to sit down, "I'll stay too if you want."

"Thank you but – I think Mouse will need your help.  Mouse says something is going to happen soon and – and someone needs to contact Mainframe –," Dot's voice broke, " – and let them know."

Matrix pulled her into his embrace.  She had no more left.  Her strength was gone the Command.com of Mainframe rested her head on her brother's shoulder and cried.

***

The last person Mouse wanted to speak with was Captain Lynx, but here he was now, blocking her way.

Mouse was just wondering how Dot and Bob dealt with all the bull that went with a command position.  Mouse was fighter, not a politician.  She preferred the battlefield to the boardroom.  Maybe she was a little random for believing so, but it was the only way she knew.

At least she had help, although Ray felt more like she did.  She was on her way to meet him now at the Operations Center, then they were going to the detention center to question the operations center workers.  And there was still the matter of finding that little boy.  Mouse hadn't given up hope yet, but Colonel Tempus had made it abundantly clear that he thought further searching was futile.  Matrix was leading another team to search the outlaying sections of the city where Bob had been found and AndrAIa was following some leads on the brewing trouble Mouse had heard about.

Despite Bob being in the hospital, Mouse knew things still had to be done, and she knew Bob would chew her head off if she left things slide.

So, with all this written on her disk she had little patience for Captain Lynx.

"I just wanted to let you know that I plan on filing formal charges against the New Collective."

"So why do you think I care about that?"

"You're the interim leader aren't you?  And since the Prime Guardian is obviously incapacitated --,"

"Lynx I don't give a rat's ASCII what you do right now!"

"You had better because you'll have to deal with --,"

Mouse shoved him against the wall, "I've got too much to deal with right now, so you do what you want.  Just stay out of my sight you hear?"

"I feel sorry for you," Lynx's voice shook, "This whole city is going to go straight to hell in a recycle bin soon."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know very well what it means," Lynx said, "I'll be in touch."

Mouse watched him walk down the hall for nano before whispering, "Ruddy wanker."  Then she couldn't help but smile.  Ray was such a bad influence on her.

***

"Mouse look at this," Ray approached her the moment she entered the Operations Center and showed her the report on a Clipboard.

"You sure about this, sugah?"

"We need to talk to those center people we brought in, now." Ray said.

"We need to talk to Katiyana."

"I called the center, she still hasn't regained consciousness.  When she does, they promise to call me."

"Then let's get this over with," Mouse said.

***

It was stifling in the lab at the medical center.  Rose Norton continued to stare and the figures and formulas scrolling up and down the vid-screens.

"It's here," Rose said, "I know it's here somewhere."

The door opened and yet another lab technician walked in and presented Rose with yet another clipboard of test results.

"These are for SiRCe," Rose snapped.  She had, a little guiltily, been putting aside her research in finding a cure for Sirce.  Dom was with her constantly and Rose found herself worrying about him as well.  On top of that, with the urgency around Bob, Rose was at the end of her file.  But that was no reason to start snapping at the help.  "Sorry – I know I said to keep brining in all results.  Thank you."

The technician stood looking at her for a nano.

"Thank you, that's all," Rose said and went back to her studying.

She took a moment to glance at SiRCe's results, then looked again, "Wait a

nano -- ,"

Rose was up and running out the door, "Wait!"  She called to the technician. 

"Yes ma'am?"

"I want you to run these tests on the blood sample for Enzo Matrix."

"A new development doctor?"

"Possibly a very important one," Rose didn't question why a technician was asking, "Get them on it ASAP and let me know right away.  This may be the solution I've been looking for."

"Yes doctor."

With renewed vigor, Rose went back to her research.

***

As always, Mouse leaned casually against the doorframe sharpening her katana.  The binome, the portal operator sat fidgeting on his bunk and watched as Ray casually walked back and forth across the cell.

"I don't know why I'm here," the binome said.  "I didn't do nothing."

"Anything," Ray corrected, "Proper grammar is always a must."

"You can't keep me here, I'm innocent!"

"Oh really," Ray picked up the Clipboard that he had laid on the bed, "Not according to this."

Then binome couldn't help but glance at the Clipboard.

"I'm sure you know what that is," Ray said, "It's the log for the portal generator.  The original log, not the one you forged."

"What?  I didn't forge any --,"

"The thing about Constable Mouse here," Ray motioned to Mouse, "is that she's the best damn hacker in all of the net.  It's amazing, you think you can just delete something and it's gone forever but there's always a way to retrieve it."

The binome turned a shade paler.

"We've already talked to your cohorts," Ray said, "You're Chosen, aren't you?"

"N-no!  That's not true."

"Oh really?"  Ray turned to Mouse and the flame-haired mercenary approached the bed.  She rested the tip of the katana blade on the binome's knee.

"I'm not really!"  The binome said, "I was told to do it!  I even asked Katiyana about it!  I don't have authorization to open a portal, especially not inside.  I didn't want to get into trouble."

"So you fixed the logs and disappeared so not to get into trouble?"

"I didn't fix the logs!  One of the others must have done it.  I was grabbed me right after I called Katiyana.  I knew something was up when he said he had the Prime Guardian's permission to use the portal."

"When who said?"  Ray demanded.

The binome didn't reply, "He'll delete me.  I'd rather go to jail."

"Who said anything about going to jail, sugah?"  Mouse showed her fangs.

"We have everything we need to send you there," Ray waved the Clipboard in his face.  "The fact that you used the portal generator three times during the relay blackout, once at 07:00 then at 07:10, and again at 07:45.  You transported someone to Mainframe.  I'm betting the virus Chaos, and then someone within and out of the hall.  It had to be someone familiar with this place in order to keep from being seen.  Then you forged the logs cause you knew you'd get your head taken off if you were found out."

"Whoever used that portal was the one who attacked Katiyana," Mouse hissed.  "So you aided and abetted.  Guilty by association."

"But I swear to you it wasn't me!"  The binome said.   "Look, I admit I opened two portals – then I called Katiyana.  The third must have been opened by --,"

"Who, damn it!"  Ray hissed close to face.

"He'll delete me, you gotta --,"

Ray lifted the binome up and slammed him against the wall, "Tell me now or I'll rip your ruddy core-com out and shoved it down it throat!"

"Colonel Tempus!" 

"Bloody hell," Ray whispered.

"Why am I not surprised?"  Mouse hissed.

Ray tossed the binome onto the cot; "We gotta find the wanker now!"

"Hey what about me?  The binome called.  You gotta protect me, they'll delete me!"

Mouse and Ray didn't even glance back at him.

***

Tired and hungry, Matrix entered Council Hall.  One look at the renegade's face had people practically leaping to get out of his way.  He had made a promise to find that little boy and he would but it was impossible for him to stop thinking about Bob and Dot.

AndrAIa had contacted him while he was out and they would be meeting Mouse and Ray at Bob's office.  While both Matrix and AndrAIa searched, they had been made aware of the numerous rumors of an uprising in the making.  Well, it's not like they hadn't expected it to happen.  They knew it had been coming from the startup.  Now it was merely a matter of time before their enemy made their move and with Bob incapacitated, they would have to be sure they were ready.

Colonel Tempus was also to meet them there and if the man made one smart-ASCII remark to Matrix the renegade was sure he would deck the colonel.

Rule was at her desk as usual, "Good afternoon sir."

Matrix was in no mood to be cordial, "Has anyone arrived yet?"

"No sir," Rule said, "The constables are at the detention center right now.  They said to tell you to wait for them.  Colonel Tempus was here earlier but received a call and left to take it."

"Did he say what it was about?"

"No sir, he obviously didn't want me to hear the call, he went down the hall."

"How long ago was this?"

"Just a few nanos, actually."

Matrix frowned.  What could be so important that Colonel Tempus would be late for this meeting?

"Excuse me a moment sir," Rule took a call that was just coming in, "Oh yes, ma'am.  In fact Mr. Matrix is right here."  Rule turned the vid-window to show Dr. Norton's face.

"Rose, what is it?"

"Oh Matrix, I was trying to reach Mouse," Rose said.

"No – is Bob --?"

"No, no!"  Rose said, "I needed Mouse to bring Little Enzo here.  Matrix, I haven't told Dot this because I didn't want to get her – or your -- hopes up but I want to get a sampling of Enzo's code.  The infection in him has similar code patterns to Hybrid-X.  I believe I've found the answer to curing SiRCe.  Would you tell AndrAIa?"

"I will, she'll be glad to hear it."

"I'm hoping I can use that information to help Bob.  It maybe the answer I've been looking for."

"I knew you could do it, Rose."

"Matrix I haven't done anything," Rose stressed, "I'm telling you there may be a chance, depending on the test results I do for Enzo.  The results on his blood sample were inconclusive. I need to go deeper but this is just a long shot.  I've already informed my team of technicians that this is to receive top priority."

"Anything is good Rose.  Thank you, I'll tell Mouse.  And good luck."

"Thanks, I'll need it."

When the connection closed Matrix said, "Can we get Mouse and Ray on the line?  See how much longer they're going to be?"

"Looks like a call is coming through from them now," Rule opened the vid-window, "Yes Constable.  Mr. Matrix is waiting for you."  Again, Rule turned the vid-window to show Mouse's anxious face.

"Mouse, what's wrong?"

"Matrix, is Colonel Tempus there?"

"He was but he just left, why?"

"Damn it!"  Mouse said, "Alert our security forces, Colonel Tempus is to be immediately detained.  He is to be considered armed and dangerous!"

"Tempus is the informant, isn't he?"  Matrix said, "Son of a virus!"

"He can't have gotten far, you said he just left?"  Mouse said.  "Where could he have possibly gone?"

"Wait --," Matrix said, "I think I know.  Call Rose Norton; tell her to have the medical center security stay with her until I get there.  Tell her to be on the lookout for Colonel Tempus."

"Matrix, what's going on?"

"Rule will explain.   I think Colonel Tempus is going to try and delete Dr. Norton."

***

"Inconclusive," Rose said bitterly.  "And here I thought I was so close.  Well hopefully I can find a new route using the code samples."

Rose rubbed her tired eyes.  It was almost dinnertime.  She'd work a little while longer, then break to eat.  First, she got up and stretched her aching muscles.  Maybe she'd drop by Bob's room and check up on Dot.  Make sure she was eating and such.

Rose kept a small refrigerator in his office.  She stepped inside and examined the contents, selected a bottle of juice and took a healthy drink, wishing for once that it were something stronger.

"Is it good?"

Rose gave a cry of alarm and turned sharply at the sound of the voice.  The bottle slipped from her finger and shattered as it hit the floor.  The juice spread to become a blood-like stain at the feet of Colonel Tempus.

"Colonel!  You startled me."

"Did I?"

Rose didn't like the look in his eyes.  It made her shudder, "To what do I owe this visit?"

"Just wanted to see how the research was coming along.  I've heard you had a breakthrough in finding a cure for Bob."

"No," Rose said, honestly "Where did you hear that?"

On her desk sat a pot of geraniums, a gift from a grateful patient.  They brought a spot of color to the drab office.  At her words, Colonel Tempus drew his laser pistol and fired, shattered the pot and incinerating the flowers. 

Another cry of alarm escaped Rose's lips.  She looked at Tempus and her fear multiplied at the murderous look in his eyes.

"You know," the laser was now trained on her, "We never expected you to find the cure.  Guess Quicksilver underestimated you."

My User!  "You – you're a spy for the Chosen."  Then another frightening realization came to her, "Someone inside this center is a spy too.  You wouldn't be here if someone here hadn't told you something."

"Well it's all a moot point now isn't it.  I can't let you cure Bob."

"But I didn't find the cure for Bob!"

"How I hate a liar."

"No!"

"Tempus!"

Tempus turned and Rose took that opportunity to hit the floor.  It was then that the shooting started.

***

"Gun – command line – tracking."  Matrix snarled at he pointed his formidable weapon at the colonel's retreating back.  "You won't escape me, you son of a null."

Matrix regained his feet and called, "Rose are you all right?" 

"Yes, go!"  Rose called back and Matrix was out the door.

Matrix rushed from the room, and glanced up and down the narrow hall, catching sight of a fire exit door just closing.  Matrix was in pursuit instantly.  He barreled through the door, paused to listen and heard unmistakable footsteps and broke into a run.  The sound of a second door closing told him where his quarry had gone.

The sun was just setting as Matrix exited the hospital.  The area that the hospital was in was surrounded by new construction and devastated buildings.  The last thing Matrix needed to do was lose Tempus in the darkness.  The streets were eerily empty as he ran, as though everyone were in hiding, awaiting – what?  Somehow, Matrix knew.  Then he saw him, actually movement down an alley to his left.  As Matrix started for the entrance a wildly aimed shot came out, Matrix dove and it exploded behind him.  Keeping low, Matrix approached the alley and pressed his back against the wall.  Cautiously he peered around and seeing Tempus at a run, he was off again.

"Tempus, halt!"  Matrix said.  The colonel turned back and Matrix threw himself against the wall as the colonel fired several times.  Matrix leapt out into the open returning fire and the colonel gave a cry as one of the shots hit.  Matrix was down the alley, emerging on the other end.  He paused when he saw the droplets of blood on the wall.

Office buildings lined the next street, all abandoned.  New construction had begun on some, with the bottom floors currently being renovated.  Tempus was just entering a building under new construction.  Matrix made his way to across the street using anything for cover.  He knew once he entered that building Tempus would attack, but Matrix didn't care. Tempus would pay for what he had done.

"Gun – command line – stun," as much as he wanted to delete Tempus the son of a null might know the cure to Bob's illness or where Quicksilver was.  Matrix entered the dim interior of the building.

He halted and listed, but could only hear the muted sounds outside.  Then a faint noise, like pebbles shifting.  Matrix dove just as the shot cut across the air where his right shoulder had been.  The renegade rolled, came up as Tempus converged on him and fired.  Tempus dodged the shot, then disappeared down a narrow corridor.  Matrix was up, "Tempus you can't get away!" 

The renegade moved forward with caution.  The building was a maze of long and narrow corridors, doorways and half constructed stairwells, still showing damage from the war.  Matrix proceeded, hating to give his position away, but calling out, "You're trapped Tempus, give yourself up!"

"Not on your life, boy!"  The voice had come from behind him, Matrix turned but no one was there.  He followed the sound of the voice.

"Why did you do it, Tempus?  Betray Bob and the New Collective?"  Matrix pinned himself against the wall.

"Betray him?"  Tempus' voice was shrill, "He betrayed us!"

There was the sound of running feet.  Matrix used his infrared and 'saw' Tempus down the corridor to his left.  His sight seemed unclear, possibly he guessed, from some material within the building.

Matrix was in pursuit.  The corridor ended at a lift that was no longer working.

A savage cry from behind him had him turning, Tempus lunged at him, wielding a broken piece of board.  Matrix barely missed the swing.  Tempus was on his before he could react, trying to shove him off balance.  Matrix broke Tempus' hold and rammed the flat of his palm against Tempus' chin, then drove a fist into his stomach.

Tempus drew his laser, fired, the shot went wild and grazed Matrix's shoulder but the renegade barely felt the pain.  Fury numbed him to everything but his drive to punish Tempus.  Matrix gave his own cry of rage and barreled into Tempus shoving him back slamming him into the interior of the lift.  Tempus, lashed out with a martial arts kick and the blow sent Matrix careening back.

"Gun!"  Matrix screamed.  And his weapon came to him.  Tempus took off down the hall.  Matrix struggled to his feet and fired again, exploding plaster in a cloud of dust.  Matrix was up and running again.

The hall ended at a half-finished flight of stairs that Matrix took two at a time.  On the second floor, the entire area was bare boards and insulation.  There was no place to hide; yet, Tempus wasn't in sight.  His eye trained, he saw the heat signature down another corridor.  Matrix made a wide circuit of the room. 

"Come out, Tempus," Matrix called, raising Gun.

Tempus stepped from the corridor and raised his hands.  "I suppose you have me."

"Drop the laser, now!"

Tempus did so. 

"Kick it over here."

Again, Tempus obeyed, raising Matrix's suspicions.  He picked up the laser and stuck it in his belt.  "On the floor now, hands behind your head."

"If you say so," Tempus went to kneel and almost too late Matrix saw the swift moment of his hand near his boot.

"No!"  The renegade tried to dodge, but wasn't fast enough, the dagger sank deep into his right shoulder.  Matrix cried out in agony.  Before he could recover, Tempus rammed into him. Throwing him off balance, the pain clouding his thinking.  Tempus hit him once twice, then Matrix was falling back and the awful sound of timber smashing and a choking cloud of plaster dust engulfed him.  Matrix hit the lower floor, not realizing until then that the timbers under him had given way and as he hit, there was another sharp crack and a searing pain shot up his arm.  Then darkness engulfed him.

He came to, buried under rubble, his mouth thick with plaster dust, his eyes burned and he knew that his arm was broken.  Down the hall, Tempus calmly descended the stairs, carrying in his hand a broken two by four.

Matrix's eye focused on the pile of rubble around him.  He knew Gun was there, he could sense it nearby.  His connection with his weapon hadn't been broken.  Then he saw a silver glint to the right.

"You know," Tempus said in an almost amiable tone of voice.  He stood using the board to lean on.  The smile he gave Matrix would have chilled anyone else.  It was the smile of a man not altogether there, "I'm actually sorry it had to end this way."

Tempus approached him and raised the two by four to smash Matrix's skull, "I was just beginning to like you, boy."

As Tempus brought the two-by-four down, Matrix yelled, "Gun!"

His weapon flew into his hand.  Matrix saw the shock in Tempus' eyes as he realized what was about to happen before he pulled the trigger.

The board slipped from Tempus' nerveless fingers.  The colonel pitched over on his back, shuddered once and didn't move again.

"And don't call me boy," Matrix muttered.

Matrix lowered his hand but kept his grip on Gun and fought the lethargy taking hold of him.  Tempus wouldn't stay unconscious forever.  He had to get up.  If he went to sleep, he'd never see his friends and family again.  He tried to move but couldn't, so he practiced breathing slowly until he achieved an even rhythm and he whispered a name over and over like a mantra, even as he felt unconsciousness pulling at him.  He imagined her face and her voice and whispered her name, "AndrAIa, AndrAIa, AndrAIa," and hoped that she would come in time.

***

"Matrix?"

His eyes felt gritty, his throat raw.  He moistened his lips and managed to say in a hoarse voice, "Water."

"Get him some water!" 

It was AndrAIa.  His beautiful AndrAIa.  "AndrAIa – Colonel Tempus --,"

"Don't worry, Lover," she breathed close to his ear, "He's in custody, you're safe now, you're going to be all right."

He felt a cup pressed to his lips, felt the cool water wash away the grit.

"Is he all right?"  Ray said.  Matrix was too tired and sore to be jealous.

"Come on Sparky, open your eyes for me."

He wanted to see her beautiful face so he forced his eyes open.  It was full dark.  The area around him was illuminated with the searchlights from various rescue vehicles.  AndrAIa, looking a hundred times more beautiful then ever to him, smiled gently down at him.

"I didn't think you'd get here in time."

"Ssh," she admonished gently.  Her soft lips caressed his face, "I'm here now."

***

"Matrix!"

Matrix looked up and flinched.

AndrAIa kissed him on the cheek, "I think I'll go check on SiRCe."

"AndrAIa!"  But she was already gone. 

Matrix looked sheepishly at Dot, "Hi sis."

"Don't you 'hi sis' me!"  The distress in Dot's voice nearly broke Matrix's core-com.  "Are you all right?"

She crossed the room quickly and embraced him tightly.  Matrix grunted.

"Oh sweetie I'm sorry," tears welled in her eyes, "They said you were all right

but –,"  she touched the cast on his forearm.

"Oh yeah --," Matrix had the grace to blush.

"Mouse told me it was Colonel Tempus.  He was the informant all along.  Did he – was he the one to poison Bob?"

"He had to have been," Matrix said.  "He treated some wounds Bob received, when we thought it had been Captain Lynx it was Tempus all along.  But that doesn't mean Lynx is guilty either."

"Tempus was working both sides of the fence."

"The information Lynx always obtained was highly confidential.  Not just anyone would have access to it."  The renegade climbed to his feet.

"What are you doing?  The doctor says --,"

"No," Matrix said, "I want to be there when they question Tempus."

Dot sighed.  Matrix took her hands, "Go and be with Bob.  I promise I'll let you know the moment we come up with anything."

"I – all right."

And he will tell us the truth, Matrix thought grimly.

***

Matrix stepped in the cell and moved aside to allow Mouse and Ray to enter. 

Colonel Tempus grinned broadly at them, "Not going to be much room in here."  The Colonel looked behind them, "You're girlfriend not around, boy?"

Matrix crossed the room in two strides and took a handful of Tempus' shirt collar, "I told you not to call me 'boy'.  Now you're going to tell us everything we want to know, got that?"

"Sure, why not?"  Tempus said lightly, "There's nothing you can do now anyway that will matter."

"Where's Quicksilver?"

"Well I could tell you that but it would make no difference.  He's probably gotten word of my capture and --,"

"Listen Tempus, when I want your personal opinion I'll beat it out of you."  Matrix said, "Where is Quicksilver?"

"No, I don't think I'll tell you.  Just to be contrary you know."

Matrix's mechanical eye turned.  Gun was in his hand.  "Still feel like being contrary?"

Something changed in Tempus' face.  A cold acceptance of his fate, "I'm not afraid to delete Matrix, can you say the same?"

Matrix shoved him away, "Don't tempt me."

"You're all going to delete," he said.  "While you sit here threatening me, Quicksilver is making his move and this will all be so very unimportant."

"You never answered my question," Matrix said, "Why did you do this?"

Another change came over Tempus' face.  Cold fury marred his features, "You should know the answer to that, Valadare."

Matrix's fist shot out, smashing Tempus in the nose.  His head snapped back and blood began to pour.  Tempus probed his broken nose with one hand then began to laugh, "Hit a nerve did I?"

"Matrix," Mouse stepped forward and spoke for the first time.  Matrix turned away, "What's the cure for Hybrid-X?"

"Virogen," Tempus said in a nasal tone, "It's call Virogen and there is no cure.  Come on now, did you think they would actually bother?  Now listen to me very carefully people.  The Prime Guardian is a dead sprite."

"No!"  Matrix grabbed him again, "That can't be true!"

"Now why would I lie?"

Matrix threw him to the floor.  Gun was in his shaking grasp.  "Give me one good reason --,"

"I told you I'm not afraid to delete," Tempus said, "So pull the trigger and be done with it, if you have the circuits."

"Matrix!"  Again Mouse intervened, "He's not worth it, sugah."

Slowly he holstered Gun, "You're right, he's not."

Tempus climbed to his feet, "I did it for the Glory of Daemon.  I served her well during the war, but once she was defeated there was nowhere for me to go.  Everyone who knew I served her was killed, so when Quicksilver came to me and gave me the opportunity to avenge our mistress' death I took it."

"So you poisoned Bob," Mouse said.

"Yes – the burns on his neck.  I placed a few drops of Virogen on the bandages."

Rage made Matrix's whole body shake, "So this was to punish Bob, because he supposedly betrayed Daemon?"

"It was more than that!  I wanted to punish him to!  He never even knew I existed until after the war.  I should have been at his side not you!"

"So this was all about some petty jealousy?"

"It wasn't petty to me!  I served Daemon well, and I served Dariem and I received nothing!"

Matrix looked at Tempus critically for the first time, "You are totally and completely random!"

The smile returned, "Perhaps," Tempus said.  "But it doesn't matter one bit now, doesn't it?  When Quicksilver takes the system, perhaps he will continue to let me serve him, but I doubt it.  He'll probably kill me, even though I've assured the Prime Guardian's demise."

"Where is Quicksilver?"

Tempus shrugged, "An abandoned warehouse in Sector 3003.  I don't know which one.  I told you, he's probably gone by now."

"We're on it," Mouse said.

As they turned to leave, Tempus suddenly called, "Matrix?"

"What."

"It's a shame, really," Tempus' eyes were bright with madness, "First Cooper Black, now me.  Who would have thought that the Prime Guardian was such a poor judge of character?"

Matrix hit him again.  That time, Tempus was out cold.

"Sector 3003," Mouse said as they hurried back upstairs, "We'll need detailed maps of the sectors and the mobilization of our forces.  Matrix will you handle that?"

"Yes," Matrix said, "I'll call Dot.  Tempus may have been lying about their being no cure.  If we get to Quicksilver, Bob may have a chance."

Matrix didn't want to think of the alternative.