Metropolis
Revelation, Reflections, and Resurrection
Chapter 3 Part I
A Reunion, the Truth and the Letter
This chapter takes place the week after Chapter 2. The chapter covers the past month from Atlas' POV, from the altercation between Rock and Kenichi to Atlas' time in the hospital. Atlas will remember the two days (of how he met Kenichi) before the Revolution and destruction of the city. Atlas and Kenichi reunite since the Revolution and Atlas will hear the truth from Kenichi about the real reason why he is in Metropolis. Finally, the letter from Shunsaku Ban arrives with some important advice and information. Please refer tothe notes at the end of the chapter for an explanation, thank you.
Author's POV
Atlas wakes up this morning in a hospital bed for the last time. Atlas has been a patient at Metropolis Memorial Hospital since the day of the Revolution. Dr. Andrews, who has been caring for Atlas, has informed him that he is now well enough to be released.
Atlas' POV
It has been a month since the Revolution and I have been lying in this hospital bed since I got out of surgery, which was a day after paramedics brought me in. I think about the revolution and what things that can should have done differently. I remember the talk I had with that man on the plan of action and when to start the offensive. I placed my trust in the hands of a city official and he backstabs not only me but also every citizen in Zone 1. The lead doctor/surgeon was Dr. Thomas Andrews, he came in amazed at my recovery. When the doctor had finished my check-up and physical he sat down told me that I almost died. Dr. Andrews told me that I was found outside Metropolis Central Station unconscious and clinging to life. The doctor explained what happened at Central Station.
"The medics told me when they arrived, two of them tended to you while the other questioned the guards. The guards said that when they saw you a young boy and girl and a man were outside. The man was searching for his nephew named Kenichi and when a young boy presumably Kenichi appeared, a young girl was with him. That is when you showed up mortally wounded and Kenichi saw you and tried to help." said Dr. Andrews before I interrupted him and told him what I remembered about that day.
"As Kenichi was helping me, Rock leader of the Marduk Party arrived. Rock if I remember was looking for Kenichi and the young girl. I remember before the Revolution that I found Kenichi and the young girl the chase through Zone 1 by the Marduks. Getting back to the commotion outside Central Station, Rock wanted Kenichi to turn the girl over but the uncle must have said something to Rock. Whatever the uncle said infuriated Rock to shoot him. That is all I can remember about that day." I said to Dr. Andrews as I had my eyes closed leaning back in my chair trying to remember that day.
"Atlas things have indeed changed in Metropolis since that day. The city of Metropolis is in no position to do anything but clean up and rebuild after the Ziggurat was destroyed" the Dr. Andrews told me. "What happened to the Ziggurat?" I said the doctor. Dr. Andrews gestured towards the window and told me to see for myself.
As I got out of bed I parted the curtains to look outside, what I saw shocked me. What I saw was the city of Metropolis in ruins. As I look outside something immediately grabs my attention. I look far off in the distance to see that the tallest building in Metropolis was not there, that building was the Ziggurat. The Ziggurat completed after years of construction was no more. I remember the weeklong celebrations that were to take place. The only question that comes to mind is what happened to the Ziggurat and how can this towering behemoth be destroyed? What caused the Ziggurat's destruction and when did this occur? I have been in the hospital since the week of the Ziggurat was completed and this occurs. As I look out the window at the city, some parts were unaffected but the area near and around the Ziggurat were gone.
The doctor came up to the window and he said as he looks out at the city, "this is Metropolis as of now and the Ziggurat caused this damage. I am releasing you today because you are physically capable of taking care of yourself, and I have fulfilled my obligation in caring for you. Atlas, this city is in mourning and whatever plans you had before this city's demise put them aside. What we need now is change and if you can bring that change then do it. However, keep in mind that progress will not be made in huge steps it takes time and hard work.," said Dr. Andrews as he gave me a serious look telling me I knew your plans then and I am confident that you will succeed where others have failed.
Dr Andrews was about to leave when he turned around and faced me. Dr. Andrews said, "I almost forgot, the first thing I would do is find out what happened to Kenichi, his uncle and that young girl. Atlas maybe they can shed some light on what happened to them and the Ziggurat. Atlas use this time to think about the future and your place in life. If you are serious about changing the way the less fortunate are treated, then you must reach out to the people who live above Zone 1 because now everybody is in the same boat." Dr. Andrews after those words, left the room to get my release forms, prescription for my chest and additional paperwork I needed to sign or take with me.
Author's POV
Atlas continues to look outside his room window at the city of Metropolis. As he looks outside all he can think about is the residents in Zone 1. How are they dealing with this tragedy? However, Atlas is thinking about Kenichi and the girl what happened to them and where are they? Did they survive somehow? Did the Marduks get to them? All these questions from Kenichi and the girl to the city kept bothering him.
As I wait, I take the time to think about what Dr. Andrews said earlier and what I needed to do. The first thing was to find Kenichi, his uncle, and the little girl to find out what happened to them. However, I wonder did they survive did Rock harm them? In addition, if they survived Rock and the Ziggurat accident where are they now? I cannot stop thinking about what happened at Central Station I hope that they are all right. I remember the talk with Kenichi about how the revolution was going to destroy the Ziggurat. I did not imagine that someone or something else would destroy the Ziggurat within a week after its completion. At this moment that is besides the fact, what matters is where Kenichi, his uncle and that girl. In addition, two what is the current state of the movement that many of us worked so hard to build.
What nags me about the first thought is when I first met Kenichi and that girl. I think back to Kenichi and the girl that was with him. I do not know the reason why Rock was after Kenichi and his friend. However, there is something else after much thought something Kenichi did not want to divulge or did not know. Especially when Rock offered that, he would allow Kenichi to walk away if he turned that girl over. What does Rock want with this girl and how important is she if Rock is trying to kill her? I remember the night I walked out of the corridor to see a Marduk running from that old factory then seconds later the old factory is in flames. I remember while the firefighting robots were tending to the fire, I mentioning an old person coming and going from the factory. Kenichi's uncle showed me a photo of a person and asked me to verify the identity of the person in question. When I verified that the person in the photo was indeed the old man, the uncle and Kenichi went ahead to try to rescue the man. The last time I saw Kenichi that night was when his uncle told him to go around back. After that, the rest is history, but as I think of those two days, more questions pop up. Now I sit here trying to tie together what the Marduks and Kenichi, his uncle and the girl all have in common. I remember when I asked Kenichi where you from and why you here, he said that he was with his uncle and that his uncle was a private detect- - and almost blurt out something else but changed it to reporter at the last second. I thought back to the question again to notice his response and thought about the incident at Central Station where the uncle, Kenichi and the girl all met.
Author's POV
After carefully thinking of the two occasions, Atlas spent with Kenichi, seeing Kenichi and his uncle in attempting to save the old man from the burning factory. In addition, the conversation Atlas had with Kenichi and the girl after hiding them from the Marduks, he was finally able to put it some this together.
Atlas' POV
I've finally put this together, Kenichi's uncle is a detective. The old man in the picture must have been a witness or a fugitive, and the detective was sent to Metropolis to apprehend him. The fire by the Marduks was set to cover up whatever was inside. Whatever the old man was working on was supposed to be destroyed. Unfortunately for the Marduks Kenichi discovered the secret contents and that is why the Marduks were after him. Nevertheless, one question remains unanswered, how does the girl tie in to all of this and what does Rock want with her? I realized Kenichi lied to me and I'm little hurt. However, I realize why Kenichi lied, his intentions was not to hurt anyone but to protect someone. I too would not divulge information if my life was in danger. I can relate to what Kenichi was going through. When I meet with Kenichi, we will rehash through everything that happened and I will have a clear understanding of what was going on at the time.
Dr. Andrews returned with the release papers and some pills for me to take now. The doctor gave me a piece of paper with a prescription on it and instructions. I signed my name and taken the prescription, after that the doctor walk with me to the elevator. When the car arrived, I stepped inside as I was about to press the button for the ground floor, when the doctor came forth and extended his hand and said for me to be careful. I shook his hand and thanked him for caring for me. The doctor said, "No problem and Atlas remember what I told you about your future I am serious, good luck" with that Dr. Andrews released my hand and smiled. The doctor said, "What are you waiting for, go on and find Kenichi and the others," I let go of the open button and doors closed. As the elevator went down, I thought about how I would repay Dr. Andrews for taking me in and caring for me. As I reached the ground floor, I walked out and saw people walking down the halls and stretchers going in different directions. At that moment, as I saw doctors and medics still tending to the wounded that Metropolis is still reeling from what happened last month. As I carefully walked through the melee of stretchers, I made it to the exit and thought now it is time to see what have been missing for a month.
I walked the through the automated doors I saw for the first time Metropolis as it lay in ruins. I walked down the street and saw the devastation that it suffered. I look up in the sky and saw railcar lines that were usually busy disconnected. As I continue my walk through the ruined city, I come across a hole in the road and as I look down, I see that parts of Zone 1 are covered with debris from the surface. I do not bother to go further since it might be dangerous so I had to turn around and find another way to Zone 1.
Author's POV
Atlas' for three hours had to trek his way through every possible street and alley that were passable. At times, he had walkthrough buildings that would lead to another street or passageway. During his walk, Atlas watched people picking up bricks that use to be their homes and putting them aside. Other times Atlas witnessed the rescue of a young boy that was trapped in the ruins and robots and humans working together to build temporary shelters for the homeless. Through his journey, Atlas realized that the citizens of Metropolis despite their differences are working together. However, the true test will come when the city is rebuilt. Will the city revert to disenfranchising citizens and robots before the tragedy or will it finally realize that Metropolis' future is dependent on both humans (regardless of class) and robots. As Atlas finally nears a passageway, he immediately takes cover so that no one spots him. When the coast is finally clear, Atlas moves forward slowly then walks down the steps leading to a tunnel and into Zone 1.
Atlas' POV
As I entered the passageway from the surface, I see citizens and robots who reside in Zone 1 seeking shelter. Usually when humans in this area come across a robot, that robot is destroyed. Now after the destruction, both humans and robots are now working together especially after the tragedy. As I exit the tunnel, I finally get to see the damage to Zone 1 from ground zero. At first, I was speechless I did not know what to say or do. I walked forward and saw the main street usually leading to the police station destroyed. The street was covered with debris most of the damage is very familiar. There was writing on the side which gave it away, the damage to Zone 1 was from the Ziggurat. As I look at the damage, one of my comrades from the Resistance found me. As I was reading the writing from the destroyed Ziggurat, I heard my name being called in the distance. "Atlas" "Yo, Atlas" At first I did not know where it was coming from, but I quickly went in the direction of the calls until I found him. I at first did not recognize him until he removed his hat. It was my comrade in arms, Anton. Anton was my deputy in the movement, the last time I saw him was during the revolution in which I nearly died and he survived, I am happy but here I am speechless.
Author's POV
Anton and Atlas stood their ground for nearly a minute until the Anton made the first move and approached Atlas.
Anton's POV
I have been searching for Atlas for a long time and now after a month of searching I have found him and now I cannot move. After which seemed an eternity I made the first move, as I got closer to Atlas, he looked happy but as I neared him, he looked tired and defeated. I finally closed the distance and since I could not speak, I did the next best thing to extend my right hand. Atlas extends his hand and we shook and hugged each other. After our hug, we sat amongst the rubble and talked.
"So what happened to you, where have you been for the last month," said Anton as he sits on a chair after wiping the debris away.
"Well," Atlas started before taking a deep breath, "I have been in Metropolis Memorial since the revolution." "I was shot in the chest and I limped to Central Station where I was found by Kenichi, the little girl and his uncle the supposed private detective. I lost consciousness during a confrontation between the three and Rock, when I woke up I was in the hospital."
"Kenichi, his uncle, and that girl were there with you," Anton said. "Yes Kenichi saw me as I rounded the corner of Central Station. Kenichi tried to help me when Rock appeared and told him to not to move that when I lost consciousness," said Atlas.
"What do you mean supposed to be a private journalist," Anton said as he looked at Atlas wondering what brought that out.
"Kenichi lied to us about them being in Metropolis," said Atlas as he looked around Zone 1 still accessing the damage.
"Why would Kenichi lie to us about his uncle?" Anton said with a concerned look.
"Because Kenichi's uncle is a private detective, they came to Metropolis to arrest or protect that old guy that was going in and out of that factory," Atlas said calmly as he told Anton the truth. Atlas continued to answer his comrade's question, "the Marduks were chasing after Kenichi and that girl because they were trying to cover up whatever activity that was going on in that factory and (Anton cuts Atlas off) Kenichi and that girl must have discovered something that was intended to be destroyed," Anton concluded after cutting Atlas off.
"Exactly," Atlas said, "I remember seeing Kenichi and his uncle going inside the factory, the uncle entered through a window and Kenichi went around back the factory," said Anton as he remembers the night of the fire. "The question I have for Kenichi if I ever see him, what happened to that girl," Atlas said. "And I want to know was that girl in the factory or did she meet Kenichi somewhere along the way between the fire and when we found them," Atlas said as he looks at Anton who was also thinking of the same thing.
"I haven't seen Kenichi since I have been in the hospital," Atlas said.
"Anton have you seen Kenichi lately," Atlas asked Anton concerned about the young boy. "I have seen Kenichi off and on Atlas," Anton said.
"Where have you seen Kenichi and what has he been up to lately," Atlas said.
"Kenichi has been on the surface near the Ziggurat and an entrance to Zone 1," Anton said to Atlas. Anton continues, "Kenichi has been depressed since that girl died the night Ziggurat blew up. And every day Kenichi and several robots from Zones 1 and 3 go to the Ziggurat to search for her."
Atlas looks at Anton with deep concern and sadness as he thinks of Kenichi. "Have you spoken to Kenichi about what happened," Atlas asked Anton. I tried talking to him but he does not want to talk. However, I did tell him that it would be best to write his uncle, Anton said.
"So his uncle left for Japan leaving Kenichi in Metropolis," said Atlas.
"Yes, but Kenichi made the decision to stay in Metropolis and he's been staying with some robots since the day after the Ziggurat blew up," Anton explained.
"We had Kenichi write home because we believe that was in his best interest. Also we found out that Kenichi has been searching for that girl," Anton says as he worries about the Kenichi too.
"I am worried about Kenichi especially if he continues to search for that girl in his condition we have to find him and find him now," Atlas says to Anton with determination and deep concern in his voice.
Atlas rise up to his feet and asked Anton, "Anton can you take me to where Kenichi is staying it is time we talk to him about what happened after the revolution and how that girl got killed." Anton gets up and directs Atlas in the direction of Zone 1's Emerald Street Market (ethnic/cultural district).
Author's POV
As Anton and Atlas proceed through Zone 1, many people cheer as Atlas walks by as many thought that he had died. The people's cheers get louder seeing Atlas for the first time since the revolution showing their appreciation and thankful to see that their leader is alive. As the two leaders approach Emerald Street, they take an entrance that leads to the surface. Anton and Atlas then exits and find themselves two blocks away from Ground Zero, the Ziggurat. When Anton and Atlas arrived at Ground Zero, Atlas saw up close for the first time what is left of the Ziggurat.
Atlas' POV
When I saw what remained of the Ziggurat was awestruck I could not believe that such a building can cause this much damage. As I walk with Anton through the rubble to Kenichi's we see how the four outer towers connected with the center tower. However, I cannot understand why Duke Red would build such a behemoth in the first place. As Anton and I walk along, we look at the only remaining statue of a Babylonian soldier on horseback. As Anton and I continue walking, we come to the end of the site and look up to see what used to be the underpass. Anton and I walk underneath the underpass to our destination.
As Anton and I leave the site we come to the underside of town, we see robots and humans foraging, searching and picking up debris as they are now trying to rebuild what left of their lives. Anton leading the way turns right into a building that is nestled between two buildings. The two buildings on each side had roof damages and took the brunt of the damages sparing the shorter building we entered. As we entered the building, we see robots gathering material and supplies. From there I look around and become amazed at what is going on. Anton takes the time to tell me the truth about Kenichi's intentions in part saving the rest for when the young man in question can explain himself.
"Atlas, Kenichi and these robots have been searching for parts every since the day after the Ziggurat was destroyed," said Anton as he explains to Atlas. "Parts for what Anton," Atlas says to Anton wondering why Kenichi would be looking for parts if he supposed to be looking for that girl.
"I do not know Atlas we will have to ask Kenichi that question," Anton says amazed as he watched the robot at work before finally moving along.
(Author's POV)
Anton and Atlas proceeded up the steps, as they hear the robots at the top of the steps working.
(Atlas' POV)
When Anton and I reached the top of the steps, we turned left into a room and saw some robots working on a chamber large for a person to enter. As I proceeded down the hall, we passed other rooms that were empty. At the end of the hall was I saw another flight of stairs leading to another floor I motioned to Anton to come on. As I proceeded up the steps with Anton slowly behind I heard a radio playing in the distance. When I proceeded up the second flight of stairs, I came to a stop.
On the top floor of the building, I saw a desk with paper and blueprints to my left and a couch across from the desk. As I walked down the hall, I saw three rooms in which three doors opened. The first room was a makeshift kitchen, the second room was a bedroom with a mattress and frame on the floor. The third room I looked was more of a study with more blueprints and notes on top of a table than on the desk with schematics and books. In addition to this third room, there were more parts in this area including clothes and shoes. I left the room and walked down the hall as Anton tired from walking sat on the couch to rest.
When I reached the end of the hall, I turned right where there were two more rooms and the radio was at its loudest. I slowly walked down the hall to the one of the rooms I hear water running which obviously tells me that the occupant was in the bathroom. Therefore, I walked down the hall until I hear the water shut off and then I stopped. I saw an Albert II cleaning robot come out of the other room. At that point I heard a voice in the bathroom say, "Fifi, is that you?" I look at the Albert II as the robot responds to the owner's voice, the person voice asked, "Fifi is someone there," at that point I knew that I was busted. The Albert II responded at that distant I saw the door open and out came the owner of that voice, Kenichi. I did not know what to do since it has been a long time, but after he turned saw Fifi and I standing there he said "Atlas" and walked over to greet me.
Kenichi's POV
When I opened up the door and saw Atlas standing next to Fifi I thought I saw a ghost. I thought Atlas, leader of the movement had died but here he was is in my makeshift home. I walked over to Atlas and as I walked over Atlas kneeled down and hugged me.
"Kenichi, it has been a month since I saw you and I am sorry for happened to your friend," Atlas said to me but how did he know about Tima I did not tell anyone that Tima died.
"Atlas how do you know what happened to Tima," I asked him. "Anton told me about what you been doing lately and how you been dealing with Tima's death," Atlas explained.
"I can't believe Tima's gone Atlas," I said to Atlas as we stood in the hallway. "Is Tima the girl you was with when the party hid you two from the Marduks, Kenichi," Atlas asked Kenichi. "Yes, Tima is the girl that was with me and she is the daughter of Duke Red," I told Atlas.
Author's POV
Atlas stood there and looked at Kenichi surprised at what he just heard and lost his footing. Atlas hit the floor and sat there as he looked at Kenichi. Kenichi surprised at what happened helped Atlas to his feet. When Atlas was able to regain his footing Atlas was determined to find out what happened. As Atlas regained his footing, he told Kenichi, we have to talk about what happened, Kenichi having finally gotten the truth out willingly agreed. The two men went into the main area where Anton was asleep on the couch. Upon Atlas sitting down Anton woke up while Kenichi brought the chair from the behind the desk and sat down.
Atlas' POV
After Kenichi and I sat down and Anton woke up, I took a deep breath before asking my first question. Not knowing where to start I asked the Kenichi most important question on my mind. "Why did you and your uncle come to Metropolis and why did you lie to me about his business as a reporter when he really was a private detective?" I asked Kenichi knowing now that he lied to me the first time. Kenichi looked at me in shock he knew that I figured out the truth. Kenichi's face expressed a look of resign and with another deep breath, Kenichi sat back in his chair and told me what I needed to hear.
"Before I say anything, I want to apologize for not telling you the truth, I did not mean any harm but I did it to protect Tima and me, because our lives were in danger." Kenichi said to me ashamed of his actions.
"Your apology is accepted Kenichi at first I did not know your situation completely." I said to him. I wanted Kenichi to know what I discovered, "However, as I sat in the hospital and thought back to what happened with your uncle and Tima I realized why you did it." Kenichi looked at me but that shameful look was gone and replaced with a smile.
"From now on you do not have to lie to me about anything, you can tell me whatever on your mind Kenichi and I will listen and help are we clear on that," I told Kenichi letting him know that he can trust me. Kenichi smiled and shook his head at my response. Now with a clean slate and with that question still in the air Kenichi finally told me the truth.
"My uncle and I came to Metropolis with an arrest warrant for a scientist named Dr. Laughton. Dr. Laughton was a scientist wanted for several animal rights violations as well as the trafficking of human organs," Kenichi told me.
"Therefore, your coming here had something to do with this Dr. Laughton." I asked Kenichi. "Yes, my uncle and I were accompanied by a robot detective because the police were shorthanded due to the Ziggurat celebrations, my uncle named him Pero. When you, my uncle, Pero, and I first met sort of, it was the night of the lab fire." Kenichi responded.
"Why was Dr. Laughton in Metropolis and why was the Marduks involved in the lab fire?" I asked. "Dr. Laughton was in Metropolis on commission from Duke Red to complete a superhuman. That superhuman was Tima, the daughter of Duke Red who died in the last war. Duke Red's plan was to rule the world by putting Tima on a throne in the Ziggurat and using Tima as a weapon for world domination. Rock believed that Duke Red should be the only one to sit the throne and rule the world. That is why Rock killed Dr. Laughton and set fire to the lab he intended to kill Tima and cover up what happened." Kenichi told me as he leans forward in his chair while I gather all the information.
"So Tima was a superhuman so tell me Kenichi what is a superhuman?" I asked him not knowing the true meaning. "A superhuman is created with emotions and morals that is part robot and part human. A superhuman through its organic and/or sympathetic parts can perform all the functions and senses of a human being." Kenichi explained to me.
"Did you know Tima was a superhuman Kenichi and when did you know this?" I asked him trying to understand when I met Tima I could not determine with naked eye if she was human or not. Kenichi thinking back to something said, "At first when I met Tima I thought that she was human and suffering from amnesia. Tima was also confused and did not know her place as either a human or a robot. When my uncle and I was in the Ziggurat, Rock shot Tima and then I saw her weeping oil then she realized that she was a robot." Kenichi told me as he sadly looked at me.
"Rock shot Tima because he believed that Duke Red should be the one to rule the world and Metropolis?" Kenichi shook his head at my question telling me that I was right. "Rock shot your uncle after Rock proposed to free you if you turned Tima over to him but your uncle knew that Rock would have eventually killed you? Again, Kenichi shook his head as I was on the right track.
I decided that all the information concerning the last two days were out in the open and decided to get the meat of the issue. I wanted Kenichi to tell me what happened the night the Ziggurat was destroyed and what happened to Tima. I have heard all that I can hear from Anton about Kenichi not wanting to talk about that night, but he needs to deals with this or it will indeed hurt him.
"Kenichi, I have some questions about what happened the night was Ziggurat destroyed, I know it is going to be hard for you to answer but I want you to open up to me if not anyone else." I told him reassuring him that I am here and that he can trust us.
"What happened that night between you, your uncle, Tima, Rock and Duke Red? And the hardest and most difficult question is what happen to Tima and how did she die?" I asked Kenichi as I looked at him I saw that uncomfortable look in his eyes as if he did not want to relive that day.
End of Chapter 3 Part 1
Author's Notes: I apologize for the delay in posting this chapter. June was not a good month for me because I had to help my cousin and grandmother move from a house to an apartment and did not go well. I had otherfamily conflicts that interfered with the completion of Chapter 3 that is why there will be two parts to this chapter. Secondly, this chapter as of now is ten pages long if I had continued it would have been twenty. In Chapter 3 part 2, Kenichi will relive the night of Tima's death and the letter from his uncle arrives. Please feel free to review because your comments are very helpful. I thank you all for your patience and again I apologize for the long delay. P.Wimbs 7/09/05