Four
I tiptoed, as best I could, into Naugus's room late that night. Well I assumed that it was night since Naugus was asleep in midair. I feared that I might wake him up, but there was nothing to worry about since Naugus was snoring profusely.
I sneaked over to the computer, which thankfully, was turned on. "Computer" I whispered, "Activate text confirmation mode."
To my relief the words "Activated" appeared across the screen. I could now receive non-verbal answers from the computer. I smiled as I realized Naugus had not installed or enabled a voice recognition program that would only execute voice commands given by him.
"Open COM port 1" I said to the computer.
The word "Activating…" flashed across the screen and then "Opened".
"Excellent" I whispered. The computer was crude and slow, but functional.
"Snively, Snively!" I yelled in a loud whisper."
After a few moments a groggy voice answered. "Is that your s- I mean Julian?"
"Yes," I said.
"What do you want?" replied Snively rather rudely.
Unfazed by his rudeness however I whispered "We need to talk, Snively."
"Oh we do?" said Snively dryly. I turned the volume down so that Snively's voice was no so loud.
"Yes, now listen to me Snively. This is very important. I need you to open the void and let me out."
What came from the computer next was not something I was expecting.
It was laughter, but not like I had ever heard from Snively before. It was mocking laughter with a touch of anger and defiance.
"You have got to be kidding me Julian!" he roared. I glanced at Naugus who was still sound asleep.
"Computer!" I whispered annoyed "Covert all incoming from COM port 1 to text." Snively's words would now appear onscreen.
"For years I have suffered by your hand, Uncle. Now you want me to help you? Think again!" Although I could no longer hear him, I had no doubt that Snively was once again laughing defiantly.
"Listen nephew dear," I said grinding my teeth. "Naugus is planning to betray you. Once he learns everything he needs to know about mechanics he will kill you!"
"Oh really?" Snively's words appeared. "I don't believe you."
It took all that I had to control my rage. Finally after a few moments of silent fury I decided to type my words. "Fine, dig your own grave as far as I'm concerned. I may have mistreated you, I may have threatened you, but at least I kept you alive. Trust me if Naugus says he'll kill you, he will!"