Chapter 16:
"Ram…Ruby…Where is everybody?" Slade asked Lottie, who was sitting at the bar practicing her alphabet.
"They went outside so that I wouldn't hear them argue," Lottie answered, pointing towards the back door, "They've been out there a while though, I thought they'd be back by now. Are you moving back to Liberty, Slade?"
"Nope, sorry little one, just here on a mission. They went this way?" Slade asked her.
"Yep."
Slade opened the back door and stepped out into the Saloons back yard. "Ram…Ruby…" Slade called again. Suddenly a rustle of movement erupted and the two in question stepped from behind a corner of the building. They both seemed to be struggling to quickly pull their clothing back into position, Ruby was attempting to pin her hair back into place. A knowing smile passed over Slade's face as he greeting them. "Well, looks like you two have been getting along pretty well since I left. So how are things going?"
"Shut up Slade," Ruby replied testily, "And get your eyes up where they're supposed to be."
"Hey…Calm down there. I come in peace," Slade answered, throwing his arms out in a conciliatory gesture.
"Sorry Slade, we weren't exactly expecting any visitors. Things have been pretty quiet around here since you and Lex left town," Ram answered while zipping up his Techno shirt.
"Hey, no problem, I'll just go back inside and grab a beer while you two get yourselves together."
"Slade," Ruby called after him, "What are you doing back here?"
Slade turned and looked at the disheveled pair, "The Mallrats are in need of Ram's particular talents, I was sent to fetch him back to the city."
As Slade turned and entered the mall Ram looked down at Ruby, he didn't want to leave her, not now, not when things were going so well between them. He reached down and touched her face. "I won't leave you," he said softly.
"Don't be silly, Ram," Ruby answered him, trying to be strong for both of them, "they need you in the city, you have to help them. Just be careful, don't get killed or anything, I've grown rather fond of you."
Mega stood in his makeshift command center glaring at the small band of Techno's before him.
"I want patrols of these roads and squads stationed here and here," he said authoritatively pointing at a large map of the city. "Slade is obviously headed to Liberty to bring back Ram. Your job is to stop this at all costs. Ram must not be allowed to enter the city limits."
"Sir," his first in command began, "What about the other one…this Slade? Do you want them both deleted?"
Careful to show no hint of emotion Mega replied "No, set your weapons to stun. I want them both brought in alive…they have information on the Mallrats that may be useful to us."
"Yes sir," the commander said as he turned to obey Mega's orders.