Epilogue
Chapter Four: This Should Be Fun
Chapter four! ...I can't think of any rhymes to go with this! Uh... Chapter four! Review some more!
Julian wound his string around his hands. Oh come on, Data 7, one more game?
No.
If you come near me with that string one more time, I will have your left foot for supper.
Julian flopped on the couch that doubled as his bed, taking off his hat for a moment to scratch an itch. Data 7, meanwhile, prowled the cabin restlessly. Life in a boat had been appealing at first, but if you were too young to steer, or had no opposable thumbs, you just didn't go anywhere, and it tended to get rather dull. Luckily, Julian was able to busy himself by annoying Data 7 with the Cat's Cradle. This usually drove Data 7 to escape the boat for awhile, but not tonight. Tonight, the panther had resorted to threats because the air was too chilly, even for him.
A light rapping came on the cabin door. Julian leaped off the couch. Visitors, Data 7!
But I didn't order anything!
Julian ignored this wisecrack and bounded up the stairs, fumbled with the two locks, and pulled the door open.
Hi, Julian, Ikiko said shyly.
he gasped, What are you doing here?
I need to talk to you. Can I come in?
Data 7 poked his head around the door frame, looking up from the bottom of the stairs. Let her in, Left Foot.
Hah, hah, Julian grumbled, but let Ikiko into the cabin, closing the door behind her. He followed her down to where Data 7 waited. So, what's up, Ikiko?
she stammered uncertainly, I'm not supposed to be here. Yashimoto told me to stay inside, but I saw something scary and I wanted to come tell you.
Spill, then.
I looked inside his office. I heard weird things coming from inside and it was the televisions. Only there were those big ugly things that kidnapped us, Julian, and lots of them. They- they had guns, I think.
Data 7 growled lowly. This is dangerous, Ikiko. Why did you warn us?
I figured Yashimoto wouldn't tell Julian, seeing as he's a kid, and... She trailed off, looking upset.
Julian put a hand on her shoulder. Hey, it's okay. You did the right thing. He looked up at Data 7. What do we do?
WE do nothing. YOU stay here. I go to find my sister. This should be fun.
But Data 7, about my brother-
I'll find him too, Ikiko. Both of you stay here. And don't disobey no matter what this time! Data 7 turned and bounded up the stairs. The door slammed shut behind him, and the only sound for a moment was the rocking of the waves.
Julian grinned. Ikiko, let's go scout. Maybe we can find some new information for Cybersix and Data 7!
Ikiko grabbed his arm. Let's not, Julian, we could get into real trouble! She looked up at him with scared eyes. Please let's stay, please let's.
Julian looked back at her, torn between his curiosity and his conscience. Okay, Ikiko, he sighed, We'll stay put. For now, anyway.
She smiled. Thanks, Julian.
The first troops of Fixed Ideas and Technos, however, had just arrived at the docks. Orders are to secure the waterfront! commanded a Techno, looking overpowered as he ran amongst the groups of bigger mutants. Leave no boat unsunk! Take prisoners if you see them! GO!
The Fixed Ideas spread out along the length of the docks, surrounding the entire bay. For the mostly incompetent creations, they had fairly good aim at close range, and their M-16 rounds began to pepper the boats. Further out in the bay, Technos launched MIL-15 rounds at the floating boats, often sending them down with only a shot.
Waves in the bay became choppy, rough, and dangerous. This was no place for children.
Ikiko shrieked as a particularly rough wave slammed into the boat, rocking it sharply. Julian looked up at the stairs. C'mon, Ikiko! We have to get out! He grabbed her wrist and yanked her up the stairs, trying his best to allow for her shorter legs.
Julian, I'm scared!
They broke out onto the deck and immediately dropped to the boards, whether from the water-drenched wood, or from the bullets zinging around them. Julian held Ikiko down beside him as she struggled, presumably to run for cover - which at the moment was NOT a good idea. Julian knew they were lucky that the bullets were only zinging, and not snapping, though he couldn't really remember WHY.
The lights on shore had been shot out. Neither child could see their attackers, but the attackers could see them as clearly as if they had had nightvision goggles - which, of course, they hadn't. Get the kids on that boat! Take them back to the first camp! FIs 450 through 460! Take them now! Julian's eyes widened. Fire around them stopped, though echoes of gunfire farther down the waterfront could still be heard; explosions and sprays alike were ever present.
Julian pulled Ikiko up and lunged for the ramp leading down, but the heavy landings of the ten Fixed Ideas splintered boards on the deck and caught Julian off balance, sending him headlong into a pile of crates and nets. Ikiko's wrist was torn from his grip and he despaired at her scream of fear. Julian! Julian, help! she cried, and he could make out her kicking form in the grasp of one of their attackers.
LET HER GO! he yelled, and scrambled to his feet. His hands grabbed for whatever weapon he could find, landing on a fishing net. He flung it at the dark shapes, hoping to catch one of them. A outraged What this? gave him spirit, and Julian picked up one of the smaller boxes.
As he prepared to throw it, however, he failed to notice the Fixed Idea behind him. As the box sailed through the darkness, two rough hands grabbed his arms and lifted him off his feet. Hey! Hey, put me down!
Put me DOWN!
Get them out of here! Now!
