Rook had closed the saloon since his confrontation with Billy and the HQ Officer. Not even willing to open the blinds or turn on the lights, the white horse stewed in his own frustration in the darkness. The stallion had gone back and forth on his decision. After all, he was still going to have a town meeting and would get to further conclude his argument. But what if his argument was flawed? The other Toons he had spoken to had swayed in the cog's direction. Was he overreacting? He wasn't sure, but he wasn't willing to give in now. How could he turn around and admit that he was wrong? After everything the cogs had done to Toons in general? It was ridiculous. The town meeting was scheduled for Saturday at five PM, and most of the town was expected to be there. Voting would occur at the end of the meeting with all attending Toons having a chance to voice concerns, ask questions and then the side who received the majority of the votes would win. In the event of a tie, the town sheriff would break the tie. As it would be regarding Billy, Rook knew that he had to either make sure very few Toons showed up or that more of them supported his cause. "Cogs, cogs, cogs. I hate these stupid cogs. Can't believe I even have to think about this."
A bright light began to pour in from outside as the front door opened. The white horse stood up and shielded his eyes from the blinding rays of the desert sun. How had somebody gotten in? He locked the front door and the only Toon who had a key was... "Hey, Rook are you in here?" The vague outline of a long-legged monkey created a shadow in the otherwise heavenly light that had overwhelmed the small bar. Billy walked inside and found his friend who was sitting at one of the small tables with a half-empty pint of root-beer. "Figured I'd probably find you here. You weren't at home. I wanted to come by and talk to you, buddy."
"Talk to me? What is there left to say? You're a cog sympathizer now. You've betrayed your own kind. Hell, you betrayed yourself. Never thought I'd see the day that Billy Pan would be protecting a cog." Swigging from his glass, he motioned for his long-time friend to take a seat. "Why don't you pour yourself a drink and sit down. If you're here, I guess."
"I'll be alright, Rook." Pulling out a chair, Billy planted himself across from the steed. "So, I talked to Wanda yesterday. Sounds like we're going to have a Town Meeting tomorrow. I guess you're still a bit sore about everything." Placing his hands on the table, the sheriff exhaled and spoke comfortably for the first time about the situation. "You have every right to bring this to a vote and to worry, Rook. But I think you're completely overreacting here. We can't keep living in the past. Fluffy has been gone for seventeen years. The pain will always be there, but it can't keep holding me back." Closing his eyes, Billy rubbed his hands together. "Do you think this is what Knight would want? For you to be sulking here? Feeling sorry for yourself? You're forty-three now, Rook. You have to move on. You don't have to start loving cogs, but I don't think it is fair to hold it against Glen. He's done nothing wrong. You don't seem to hold the same anger towards Toons, and there are plenty of Anti-Toons."
Standing up, Rook grabbed his glass and threw it across the room, shattering the glass and the remaining soda across the wall and floor. "Don't you dare bring up his name. Knight would never be happy having one of those scum in our town. There's no such thing as a good cog, and he knew that better than everyone! You think he trusts cogs after what they did to him? What about Geoduck?"
Billy growled and slammed his fists on the table. "What about him? A cog killed him. I'm not trying to defend all cogs. You're misrepresenting what I'm saying and I'm getting sick of it. Glen didn't have anything to do with it. I wouldn't arrest somebody's family because some outlaw committed a crime. I don't go after every rabbit just because one joined the cogs. I'm not going to act any other way. If we're going to pick and choose who we hold to different standards, that system will be abused." Standing up, Billy took a light stroll around the room to clear his mind. "Listen, Rook. I need to tell you something. I need to tell someone."
"What's going on, Billy?" Immediately the horse knew that his friend wasn't kidding around. The serious tone let him knew that something was on the monkey's mind. Putting aside his own anger, sat back down and merged his hands.
"Listen, man. Muffin... She really likes this cog. I didn't want to believe it when I saw it but I walked in on them yesterday and they were kissing. Like full on making-out. Honestly, I didn't even know what to do. I knew they were really getting along, and part of me thought that it might progress to this, but to see it with my own eyes. It was something I don't think I was ready for. It's hard to see her as anything but the kitten who used to run around and yank her diapers off. She's a grown woman now, Rook. Her and Glen are getting somewhat serious. I'm not just doing this because of her, but it sure does make it an easier decision." Joining his pal at the table, Billy scratched his head. "I'll respect what the town votes, but just know that I'm going to give Glen every opportunity to speak for his own merits. He's deserving of that at least. If the town doesn't want him here, I just ask that you give me some time to get him set up elsewhere. I don't think Muffin will take too kindly to it, and I don't need to lose her to. You're my best friend. I'd die for you. I'm asking you though, as a friend, can you just call off this whole thing?"
Shaking his head, Rook slumped forward and sighed. "I can't, Billy. I just can't. I've thought about this nonstop but I just can't. It doesn't feel right. I believe the town deserves at least a chance to have a voice here. Muffin is my goddaughter. I'm not trying to take away from her, but letting an eighteen year old's impulses drive the direction of the town is silly, and not in the good way. What happens when more cogs want to move in? Are we just going to let the whole place be overwhelmed? Are we going to fact check, and run a background check on everyone? It's all sketchy and I don't like it. I'm going through with the vote. Have the Glad Hander come and make his pitch. I'm not a stubborn old man yet. I'm willing to let my heart be changed, but only if I feel that it is what is best for the town. I'll be the first to apologize if I am wrong."
Shrugging, Billy stood up and started making his way back over to the door. Grabbing the handle he stood halfway outside as he turned around and took a last look at his friend. "Alright then. I guess I'll see you tomorrow. I just hope that you are prepared to be a changed Toon." Pulling the door behind him, he shut the white horse back inside of the darkness of the saloon. He was going to have to go speak to Muffin. He couldn't leave everything unsaid. It was his job as a father to deal with the awkward as well. Making his way back home, he cringed at what was coming for him.
The last twelve or so house had been incredibly tense for Muffin and Glen. The blue cat had been afraid to leave the bedroom after her dad walked in on her kissing session. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what he would say. Was he angry? Disappointed? What if this changed his mind on Glen? Only leaving once she was sure Billy had gone to bed, Muffin had snuck back to her bedroom and for the occasional snack. Earlier in the day she had heard the front door opening and closing which had given her enough confidence to leave and go see the cowering cog. The previous two hours had been spent with Muffin laying on Glen's chest, as he stroked her fur. Neither had really spoke much, instead just enjoying the quiet peace of their own existence. "Cutie-pie? Do you know when your dad might return home? I really don't want to push it any further than we might already would have."
"I think we'll be okay, Glen. He didn't really seem mad. We're going to have to talk to him eventually. We can't just hide in our rooms forever, can we?" Muffin leaned over and kissed the cog on the forehead. "Anyways, I'm getting a bit hungry. Why don't we go get some lunch, and we'll go from there. I can make more of that spicy oil soup!"
"Well, you know just how to get my appetite going, Muffin. I guess you're right. Hiding from problems won't make them go away. If I had hid from my fears I never would have met you. Maybe it is better to be brave!" Glen rustled himself out of bed, still somewhat in shock that his legs were working again. Light indicator blinking between yellow and green, the pair held hands as they walked out of the room. The Glad Hander couldn't wait to have more of the delicious treat. It was just the thing he would need to boost his confidence.
The next hour was filled with more lightheartedness than the pair had experienced since their mishap with Billy. The two had almost forgotten why they were worried in the first place as they sat down to enjoy an expertly created lunch. That feeling would quickly disappear as the door opened again and in walked the orange monkey in a cowboy hat. Neither Muffin or Glen knew what to do. The faux confidence they had felt quickly melted away when they realized that it was all coming to fruition. "Hey dad, welcome home..." The blue cat's words tailed off as Billy walked into the kitchen and placed his hat on the counter.
Opening a cabinet, the chimp pulled out a bag of chips and pulled it open. "Hey guys. Sorry I'm home a bit early today. Was getting a bit hungry and it was a pretty slow day. You guys having a good day?" Taking a seat at the table, Billy chomped away at his makeshift lunch. "Yum, spicy oil soup. You know, that looks so good I think I might try some someday."
Glen was unable to speak. He didn't know what he COULD say. How could he justify speaking in such a situation. At least not without somebody else bringing up the topic. Looking to Muffin for help, he put his fist to his mouth and cleared his throat. Taking the cue, Muffin mustered up the courage to discuss the elephant in the room. "Dad, I think we need to talk about yesterday."
"You're right honey. There are some things we need to talk about." Merging his hands together, Billy rested them on the table. "So, I'm not going to ask you guys about your relationship or anything. That's not my business. You're both consenting adults, or um, robots. You can make your own decisions. Just make sure whatever you guys do, you're being safe. That's all I care about." Standing up, Billy walked to the fridge and grabbed a can of seltzer water, taking his seat back at the table. "That's not really what I wanted to talk about?"
"So, you're not mad? I mean, I promise I would never do anything to hurt Muffin, of course. We just didn't know how you might feel, with me being a cog and all..." Glen lowered his head, afraid of what he assumed would be inevitable blowback.
Billy shrugged and tried to smile. "You guys probably don't know, but once upon a time it was against the law to marry a Toon outside of your species. A rabbit and a pig being together? That would be blasphemous. Toontown isn't full of glistening progressiveness. Now of course, sometimes these fears are justified, but only because we are using evidence from the past. There was a time I could never have married Muffin's mother. But now it seems just as normal as two monkeys, or two cats would have been then. The world changes, and so should we. I was a little unsure about things, but then I thought about it and remembered it isn't about me. This is about you two. You two deserve to make those decisions, nobody else."
Tearing up, Muffin walked over and squeezed her dad. "Thank you. Thank you for being understanding. Glen is the first time I've ever felt this way, and had someone feel this way about me. I'll always respect your judgement, dad. So knowing you're supportive means the world to me."
"Of course, sweetie. But that is what I wanted to talk to you guys about. Unfortunately there is a decision looming that is outside of our control." Sighing, Billy crossed his arms. "So, Rook has brought Glen's citizenship in Toonstone to a down vote tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately I wasn't able to convince him to drop it. This doesn't mean anything yet, but I think it would be best if Glen shows up and talks to the town. We'll have protective services set up, and I do think there is a good chance the town votes to let him stay. I just wanted to let you guys know because we might need to keep the possibility of a backup plan in mind."
"Mr. Billy. Your generosity and willingness to give me a chance is not lost on me. I am eternally in your debt and I hope someday that I can repay your kindness." Glen, unable to cry, wished that he could. The Glad Hander was overwhelmed emotionally, his light flashing a variety of colors before settling on a rainbow which surprised the Toons.
Stroking his chin, Billy was still unsure about Glen's new light indicator. "Never seen a cog do that before. Is he going to be okay Muffincake?"
"Oh yeah! You weren't here when Doctor Matzoh did her explanation! So, Glen has been updated and his light now shows his emotions! Although she never mentioned that it could do that! It's amazing!" Muffin rubbed the smooth glass on the cog's chest. "Plus we have some good news!"
"Hmm. Good news? That sounds like good news! Hit me with it!" Billy pumped his fist excitedly.
Taking a cue from Matzoh, Muffin walked over to the cabinet and grabbed a glass. Filling it with water, she took her seat back at the table. "Look at this, dad!" Billy was confused as the blue cat took a swig from the glass. Puffing out her cheese and making her lips into an "o" shape, she squirt the water all over Glen's chest. The once rainbow light turned a bright yellow as Glen began to giggle in mirth. "Look! Completely unharmed!"
Tilting his head, the chimp tried to understand what was happening. "I'm a bit lost. It just looks like it turned yellow..."
"That's what we thought at first, too." Glen managed to refrain from his laughter. "But Doctor Matzoh explained that she changed my biology and now I'm immune to gag attacks! Now I can experience all of the silliness and jokes that Toontown has to offer without threat of being damaged!"
"Well, unless he's physically attacked. Unfortunately Matzoh couldn't make him a superhero. But I don't think anybody is walking around looking to stab, beat, or hammer him! If a Toon did attack, they'd likely use a gag. If a cog attacked, they'd do, well, cog things!" Muffin's gleaming smile reached ear to ear. "Dad, Glen is going to be safe! It's wonderful!"
Shocked and unable to completely understand, Billy just went along with it. The monkey was unsure if this news would be best to withhold from the rest of the town or not. If a rogue Toon knew Glen was immune to attacks, would they do something else? "That's great guys! Well anyways, I want you two to get ready for tomorrow. I'll be there with you guys, but you might each need to speak in front of the town. Or at least everyone who attends. This isn't going to be easy, and like I said I don't want to make any promises. We'll just all do our best." Placing his hand in the middle of the table, he was joined by Muffin and Glen, all ready to fight.
"Tomorrow is the day. The day I finally have my revenge. Who would have thought that such an amazing coincidence was possible. You and your dumb husband, in the very town I intend to destroy. That waste of scrap metal will be brought though. He must be made an example of." Gary sat back in his chair, holding up the photo that Ninja had gotten for him. He had finished his preparations and the invasion would be taking place in less than twenty-four hours. Hours and days spent dedicated to his work were going to pay off. He wasn't going to allow anyone to take this from him. His record would be expunged of any previous demerits, and he would be next in line to take over as the Vice President's assistant. Pulling the picture from his eyes, the Glad Hander nearly fell back in his seat as the looming figure of an orange monkey who was standing with his arms crossed.
"Where are my cogs, Gary?" The voice crawled under the cog's metal skin. It sent chills up his spine. The android had wished that Ninja would have forgotten about the entire exchange. He had not prepared the cogs as he had promised. "You told me eight cogs would be ready for me. I'm in need of them."
Placing his hands on the desk, Gary tried to talk his way out of the situation. "Ninja, er, sir. Yes. Of course I have your cogs. Although there has been a little big of a snag there. There was some confusion and so the cogs have been sent for the mission to Toonstone. However they will be ready for you if you would like to meet there tomorrow during the invasion. You can even join in on some of the fun if you would like."
Gulping, Gary felt himself beginning to sweat bullets as Ninja was unmoving. As if the monkey was carefully planning his response. "Very well, cog. But I am warning you. Any more delays and I assure you that your last day will be tomorrow. I expect eight, fully-functional cogs ready to act on my behalf tomorrow at noon. If not... Well there will be consequences. As the chimp spoke, the door opened and Chris walked in.
"Good afternoon sir, I have those reports you requested." The Cold Caller was unable to speak another word. With a simple flick of the wrist, the long knife was thrown and landed directly into the health indicator on Chris' chest, destroying the cog instantly.
"Don't think it will be that quick for you, cog. You will be begging for death by the time I'm done." Stepping backwards into the darkness, the ninja of death had disappeared from the room, leaving the Glad Hander alone with the destroyed remains of his long-time partner.
Walking over, Gary ripped the file from Chris' cold, dead hands. Uncaring about the one time friend, Gary could only focus on his own fears. He was going to need to get to Mindy and quickly. She was the only one who could have eight cogs created in time.
