It was nice hanging out in hindsight with the others at Cosmo's Diner. It was a new kind of different and felt; kind. Buzz couldn't help but be weary of his meal, he remembered the numerous that he had a decent meal in this world and then it turned out that it wasn't good at all, courtesy of Zurg. He was a wicked Emperor. He set aside the empty bowl listening to their telling, humorous, making him laugh, finding himself crying and laughing at tales of Darkmatter being skeptical that he was missing, that he wasn't still in command of the Space Ranger Corps.
Everything that happened in his absence was well deserved to the mercenary. He cupped the side of his face listening with a smile that he hadn't actively worn in a decade in this world. He wished things had transpired differently, getting to watch them grow as Space Rangers, chasing Darkmatter and turning him in. They left Cosmo's Diner afterwards, and Buzz Lightyear was blindfolded once his helmet was removed. He waited for the flight to end, waiting, patiently, for the blind fold to be removed. Within moments, it was gone, then made his way out to the ship. He walked through the corridors of the new Resistance Base, alone, the others had peeled away after landing to play a game that Mira insisted 'we scheduled it last week with Ovus and Hikari'. Even XR telling him, 'you can find the admiral with the desk, it's too valuable to be given to Ty'.
The halls of the resistance was different, pipes standing out, frames of the panels shaped like puzzle pieces standing out sorely with a black line dividing each section and brightly lit light fixture above his head, he observed the floor coated with a nice green rug, some semblance of a make shift home, he looked up spotting two cadets walking on by with uniforms similar to Ty's except they didn't have the large golden insignia and lacked the purple band that went under the green trim on the chassis. The cadets were laughing, warmly, full of hope, and optimism. Things were turning around for the resistance. Buzz smiled to himself with the reflection. He turned away then walked on taking numerous turns passing by Rangers who ignored him. He peered in numerous chambers searching for the admiral with little result.
He went to one chamber, then paused, staring at what was inside. It was complex, similar to the old spacesuit, there was a button on the left shoulder, red, with a giant piece of text that read 'laser' with a yellow and black theme around it. A small fixture on the left arm. Ooh. A new laser. His jaw dropped as he approached it. What kind of wrist laser was it? Was it a shoulder laser? It was peculiar. A laser, never the less, he whistled at the new suit then laughed to himself. It was like that toy version of him, lacking the shield, lacking a face, lacking a Space Ranger within it, that he had found back at Zurg's tower. Took him back a ways. He wondered, just how powerful was the armor in comparison to the new one? Was it similar to the old one?
"Commander Buzz Lightyear, obviously found where an empty Ranger suit is."
"Ex-Commander." Buzz turned in the direction of the admiral then smiled. "It's good to see you."
"You, too." Nebula approached him wearing a grin then looked toward the cane. "Being a Commander really took a lot out."
"In comparison, to yours, I trust your family is safe."
"They got out during the invasion and went to the Alpha Quadrant." he grew concerned. "Did Terra. . ." his features fell as Buzz looked away. "Did you b-" his jaw slightly fell. "Did Zurg chase you?"
"He was riding high on success, being on top, happy, can still that laugh, that cratered annoying laugh, flying overhead, hornets behind him . . ." Buzz couldn't finish it. "I did a bad job as acting Commander."
"It was a good one for a Buzz Lightyear." Nebula said.
"We could have gotten back Star Command under my watch if I had stayed at headquarters and let the new Rangers handle it on their own." Buzz said, reluctantly. "And dealt with the paperwork. Never mind being the entire reason that the resistance got a chance to get back on their feet after falling to mine by Nos-4-A2's hand. My actions in the field are incredibly shameful, dim witted, and dumb beyond comprehension."
Nebula set a hand on the ex-ranger's shoulder who lowered his head.
"And we had some guy, a random stranger, popping in when we really needed it for the last two years." Nebula added to the train of thought as Buzz lifted his head up. "Helped Nova and Booster in rescuing me. They were in a tight space, he got them out, he wasn't alone, had someone covering his back, they were in sync."
"Warp?" Buzz's hope briefly lifted for the mercenary.
"They had both arms." Nebula shook his head.
"When can I meet the figure who's helped?" Buzz asked.
"Not that sure, they're unpredictable." Nebula confessed to the ex-Space Ranger. "I think they're a Ballis Prime individual, I think at least. One time we accidentally destroyed their arms, then the next time we see them with two new arms."
"That is very peculiar."
"Anyway, we got no idea how they got those arms or how they knew where to find us."
"It's good and all, but. . ."
"But you're not staying." Nebula finished as he lowered his brows and smiled. "I read the newspaper."
"There's a better place lined up for me, Admiral." He put his hand on the emblem then stroked it with a smile and back toward the admiral. "Still figuring things out from here."
"That place is really good over there."
"It is. . . . Is there a Ranger by the name Vahoon Van Selling?"
"Affirmative."
"Where is he?"
"He's sorting paperwork, ever since we switched over to paper for back up to give the rangers something to do during down time, it's done wonders to 'cool them down' if you get what I mean, rifle them with boredom, sorting files, between acting for the resistance's behalf."
"And then what are you going to do after the whole fight is over?"
"I'm thinking of scrapping it afterwards. Served its purpose for the Space Ranger Corps."
"Anything for a Ranger is good in this trying time."
"How long are you staying? I have some stuff to share."
"XR had said that there is stuff which needs to be said, so fortunately for me; it's a few days at most."
"And what about Van Selling?"
"I like to talk to him." Not that'll possibly help, no, no, never that.
Van Selling was filing paper work, sorting them and folding them, one by one into the tube that sent them to their departments. He was annoyed, bored, his skills should be put to better use in the field against as a Space Ranger, not here doing nothing, the appeal of working his way to the top and being far more thorough than Warp Darkmatter was enough to cause him going forward with the duty. Van Selling didn't quite understand why some of the older Space Rangers saw the appeal and didn't complain while the younger members did even while the noted some said it was something to do, it was duty, it had to be done, it was part of protocol. They didn't have Buzz Lightyear to fall back on about whether or not it was a long standing tradition.
"You work for Zurg, don't you?"
Van Selling looked up toward an older man.
"Negative, why would I?"
The older man leaned against the desk with a smile.
"Because it's something great and it gives you power and notoriety. . . But, I got something bigger. Being the hero of Star Command, going out with a dash, saving the day, ending your career on a high note if things don't go right, being rich beyond your dreams with rewards. And it's the most satisfying thing in the world, but you have to trade your heart for it, your soul, your peace of mind. . . and your golden years."
Van Selling stared at him.
"Who are you, sir?"
The old man grinned.
"Just a Space Civilian parting advice. . . you've got a chance to pick up that good in there, it's on the ground, needs to be picked up, and cuddled, there's hope for you here. Don't waste it on being the block that makes it all fall apart and lose the opportunity to make it big."
Van Selling tilted his head then set aside the paperwork.
"Is it better than filing paperwork?"
The old man looked toward the files.
"Being the mascot comes with certain privileges."
Van Selling's large insect eyes were unable to be discerned if they widened.
"Are you an ex-admiral?"
"Close to it. . . Think about it. If you want to make the change, go to commander-Admiral Nebula."
The old man turned away then exited the room.
Darkmatter was contacted, and told to meet him at United Central Park. He arrived there, as requested, dressed accordingly for the weather featuring his red and purple spacesuit. He saw a figure resting in a park bench reading a novel flicking through the pages, one leg crossed over the other pointing toward the path ahead. A man that Darkmatter ignored until he heard a familiar fake cough then halted in his tracks and turned on his heels facing the direction of the voice. The old man got up to his feet, setting the book into the 'free library' box.
"Who are you?"
"Don't you recognize me?"
"Negative."
"This ought to help."
Buzz covered his hair with a hat.
"Lightyear." Darkmatter growled, initially.
Buzz took off the hat then put it into the hat box beside him with a sly dry laugh.
"Figured that would work." It always does work.
"What's up with you?" Darkmatter's defensive demeanor lowered after Buzz did nothing. "Meeting me? In the dark? Is that too on the nose for you regarding betraying Star Command?"
"This is not about Star Command."
"That's the only thing it could be about, normally, you do these sort of meetings for help that your rookies got into or Zurg did that only I can solve because I had some hand in it, and recently, the last one, doesn't require any help, besides, they don't have the necessary funds for my time."
"This is not about Z-bucks. This is not about rookies."
"Wayward cadets?"
"Negative."
"Coming back from your sabbatical with a fresh pair of eyes and a new head."
Buzz now remembered very clearly why he started regarding the mercenary as a adversary instead of a old friend, why he disliked him, what it was like clinging to the smallest bits of hope and faith in him as the first five years sped on by until there was nothing left. It was a pretty dumb decision saying good-bye to his ex-partner.
"Never mind!" Buzz held up his hand while he retained support on his cane. "Why did I bother asking you to meet me here?" Buzz turned from Darkmatter then began to walk away, irritable. "You're a waste of my time."
"Why do you have a cane?" Observant. "Why are you in a blue spacesuit? You've really quit?"
"Affirmative."
"Going to join the fight in a very dirty way against Zurg?" Darkmatter belted out a loud laugh. "That's really funny, it won't work, some Rangers did that and Zurg killed them after learning of their treachery, a bit with some torture beforehand. And also, that's stupid, he's gonna make you suffer, instead of doing any of the stuff, making you think that just one day that he'll let you close enough to do the kill."
Darkmatter walked around him as he continued to talk.
"I mean, sure, use the blue suit and the helmet to mask your identity, then reveal at the very last second," Darkmatter leaned against a tree. "but there's enough doubt to say he'll remove your helmet right when you're restrained by hornets and he won't be surprised to see your face again." Darkmatter chuckled before adding. "He's just not into you anymore like the old days."
Buzz gripped his cane.
"I'm not interested in him either."
Ten years, and he never noticed, not in a moment, not like Nana did. His assessment of Warp's counterpart being proven correct was beyond painful. Agonizing.
"You-what?" Darkmatter was genuinely very surprised for a solid moment. "Buzz Lightyear quitting fighting Zurg?" He slapped his knee, cracking up, bending over. "Still got the humor!"
Darkmatter never really saw Buzz Lightyear. Buzz walked on past the mercenary shaking his head rubbing his forehead, keeping back tears, why did it matter so much, that Darkmatter never noticed that Buzz limped and needed a cane? If he noticed, he would have said, 'About time, Lightyear! Getting yourself a cane!' and slapped him on the back. Darkmatter's laughter echoed behind him as the sting lingered in the ex-Space Ranger's chest.
"Warp, listen. . . it's. . . . " Buzz had his back to him as he halted in his tracks lowering his head. "We've changed, one for the worst, and one for the better."
"Affirmative." Darkmatter said.
"So I have to go." Buzz said.
"Again?" Darkmatter asked, lifting his brows, his hands on his hips.
"Again." Buzz looked aside.
"Another prank, an elusive legend, that's great, just great," he applauded with sarcasm. "Sounds like you want to become close to a buried treasure in the form of some kids finding you and yanking you out of your reclusive lifestyle."
". . . and this time, I'm not coming back from that place." Buzz said, his voice softer.
"Wanna bet Zurg is going to be on your heels and conquer that world?" Darkmatter asked, smugly, as Buzz stood there, folding his arms.
"He won't be able to." Buzz turned toward him, letting out a big sigh, clenching his hands raising them up briefly squeezing his eyes shut. "I thought I knew you, and turns out, I don't!" he lowered his hands. "But who I do know isn't here." he pointed toward the mercenary. "Never was here."
Darkmatter began to approach the ex-Space Ranger.
"Finally acknowledging that, that's really great," Darkmatter stretched his arms out sporting a big grin. "admitting!" he threw his hands in the air. "Now," he lowered his arms down to his side as he went further crossing the distance between them. "you can continue the full process of acknowledging that evil is better!"
Buzz held out his hand causing the mercenary to stop in the middle of the bridge then turned away.
"So, in the immortal words of a classic song, but not quite, it's time for a little monologue that comes from the heart that sounds awfully like a song." Buzz took a few steps away from the mercenary as he set a hand on the center of his chest. "But, to you, it won't be a song, it'll be me talking frank, to the entire universe; I am singing."
"What song?" Darkmatter set his hands on his hips even his claws.
Buzz approached Darkmatter then cupped the side of his face with one hand.
"It's time for me to move on and be who I am," Buzz began, with affection. "I hope you understand." he withdrew his hand then turned away. "You've already found your place in this world. . . it's time for me to find my own place."
"This song is for Star Command, not me." Darkmatter told the ex-Space Ranger.
"And that means I have to leave it all behind going on my way after watching everything falling apart with my hopes raised and up, and it's come to my attention, that, doing that, it's not great." Buzz said.
"Why are you telling me this?" Darkmatter asked, puzzled, following him.
"From this world I was born out, I don't belong." Buzz continued. "Not anymore."
"Why does this sound like you're going on a suicide mission for the resistance and you're trying to guilt trip me?" Darkmatter continued to question. "This guy isn't easy to manipulate."
"I have to go my own way." Buzz said as he lifted a tree branch then it smacked Darkmatter at the face causing him to stumble back.
"Ow!" Darkmatter rubbed his face then scowled as Buzz walked around a large pond. "What mind of self serving congratulatory blasted words is that?"
"It's. . ." Buzz looked down, at the body of water reflecting Darkmatter behind him, briefly closing his eyes, disappointed in his ex-colleague. "not."
Darkmatter got in the way, angry, concerned, as Buzz stared him down quite unimpressed.
"You're talking like you're going to DIE!" Buzz walked around the mercenary paying no attention to him. "This is not the sort of thing you tell a mercenary! We're not even close!"
"To the entire shambles of the Galactic Alliance, it'll be that way," Buzz said, his eyes heavy, somberly, sadly. "and that's the point, Darkmatter. We're not. Never were."
"And you're doing that because we don't have a relationship?" Darkmatter asked, then threw his head back, following him, chuckling. "What a degrade in the image of defeat. Huh, you're more delusional, wishing for something that wasn't real, you're more lost than those rookies are."
Buzz lowered his head, silently crying, halting in his tracks, his figure trembling.
"We . . ." Buzz began to say. "don't click," he wiped the tears up. "we can't work together; whenever I have hope for you," he turned back toward the mercenary. "you somehow manage to yank it away!" he held up his free hand then clenched it for emphasis. "You think it's easy having faith for the guy who tore down the defense system of Morph?"
"Because that's who you are, duh. A fool who believes in others. Endearing but the act gets pretty stale when everything is lost."
Buzz opened his hand then raised it and slapped Darkmatter, hard. Darkmatter rubbed the side of his cheek then stepped back looking toward Buzz.
"Y-y-y-y-you are a piece of work, Darkmatter." Buzz Lightyear's voice trembled, remaining calm, low, keeping his anger at bay. He turned away from Darkmatter than began to walk on. "and I can hardly . . ." he halted in his tracks, pent up anger rising to the surface, trembling, then turned in Darkmatter's direction. "Believe that I once LOVED YOU!"
Darkmatter stared at the ex-Space Ranger, caught off guard, silenced, blinking then laughed.
"Wow." Darkmatter was more amused. "No wonder it was so easy to get in the need to know."
"I'll miss you, a little fondly, but I . . ." Buzz turned away then walked on. "gotta go my own way."
"What about your beloved resistance?" Darkmatter asked.
"They were never meant to be hurt with my initial departure; they can handle it, now." Buzz was confident, his voice carried that familiar sound tone, the pride in Star Command. "Things are better for them than it was seven years ago from what people have told me." Buzz looked up toward the sky with fondness, revering the Rangers picking up the pieces and putting it back together with the aid of each other. "They've soldiered on for seven years without me, they can carry on without."
"Lightyear, are you okay?" Darkmatter sounded almost sincerely concerned.
Buzz gazed on toward his distant ride ahead.
"I wasn't seven years ago. . ." Buzz admitted. "But, now, I am."
Darkmatter looked on skeptically toward the ex-Space Ranger's back.
"Is there any reason why you decided to have this little moment instead of leaving already?"
Darkmatter huffed, rolling his eyes, looking down upon Buzz's figure.
"Don't tell me it's for sentimental reasons."
Darkmatter laughed, that familiar laugh, aging with him, at the ex-Space Ranger.
"You and I know that is beyond having."
Buzz lowered his head, then sighed, halting, then looked toward Darkmatter wearing a sad expression. Buzz figured, if someone asks, he'll know why it happened the way it did. Darkmatter will figure that out. One day, he'll realize that, just not today. Given he has remotely no conscience. . . Or just. . . then lifted his head up and walked on leaving behind the confused mercenary standing there. Never.
