A few days later, in an undisclosed location…

The glow of a holovision set fills the surrounding area, the rest of the room dim. The robotic news anchor holds a microphone in hand, and is poised in the heart of Axiom City. The traffic hums above her, and people carry on with their business as usual.

"Eyewitness reports on Terachnos confirm recent suspicions. It seems that Clank, galactic hero and famous actor, has returned to the public eye. Clank has been missing for a hundred years, and our robotic citizens are more than happy to see him again. He spends most of his time in a newly opened sweets shop, dubbed Star Bits, but his business there is currently unknown. Clank himself has declined to comment, straying far away from the press."

A terachnoid passes by, holding a bag from the aforementioned bakery. The robotic reporter takes notice, holding the mic to his face.

"You, sir! What's your opinion on Clank's sudden return and media silence?"

"I don't know much about Clank personally. All I know about him is what the history books tell us. You'd have to ask a robot or do research if you want more details; I'm more interested in the technology of the future."

"Can you tell the viewers at home more about Star Bits?"

"The place is interesting, I'll tell you that. They've got hand-carved fongoid charms and crystals to 'give good luck and ward off negative energy', she says. The desserts smell wonderful, and taste great too. It's a good price, and it's a good place to hang out. The owner says she's ordered a holovision and a VG system for the place too, and will hold game tournaments! When that's ready, I'll certainly be back."

An eyebrow plate is raised at the comment, illuminated by the glow of the holovision. 'She'?

"What's your opinion on the owner? She's been spotted with a celebrity, after all."

"She's pretty quiet, and doesn't talk much beyond standard customer service. That is, unless it's about hologames. As soon as she overheard my colleagues and I talking about the newest release, she immediately looked up! It was quiet in the shop, so we invited her over. For a single-brained organism, Nova follows game lore well."

Nefarious recalls his most recent trip to Quantos. That girl's parents called her by that name. The ship left the atmosphere torn to shreds, and actually landed somewhere. So it's not over after all.

"Do you think that Clank's reappearance is linked to the ship crash from two weeks ago? Eyewitnesses say that this 'Nova' was the one pulled from it."

"I have no idea, honestly. If so, I'm glad he did. This city needed a place like that one."

The microphone is moved back to the reporter, who locks eyes with the camera.

"There you have it. An old celebrity's sudden reveal, and a strange new face. What ties them together? Where did Nova come from? What's next for the two of them? Follow the story as we uncover the truth. This has been Darla Gratch, Channel 64 News."

The holovision is quickly turned off, and the metal hand holding the remote places it on a tray. His claws click together in deep thought.

"Of course that twit survived. I wouldn't be surprised if Clank was waiting for it to land. But why is he being so distant? I'm sick of waiting around, Lawrence! It's been BORING!"

Tired blue optics stare back at Nefarious, giving his two cents. He holds the circular tray in one hand, shifting it to both hands as he speaks.

"Perhaps Clank wants to keep his affairs private, sir?"

"But he's no stranger to the spotlight. He's done interviews and movies before. He doesn't look for attention like Qwark does, though. That fool biobliterated himself to stay alive and stay an actor. But Clank's never directly avoided the media before."

Nefarious paces the floor, his memory banks flooded with recordings. Secrecy hasn't been in Clank's character, which is ironic considering his greatest role as an actor is a secret agent. As soon as a theory enters his head, Lawrence speaks it aloud.

"What if he's protecting her?"

Lawrence's voice brings him back to the present, and he stops in his tracks. That's such an obvious answer. So easy.

"What, the copy?"

"Exactly, sir. Why pull her into the spotlight if there's no reason to do so?"

His jaw plate twists into a smile fitting his name. Lifting himself from the plush couch, Nefarious leads his butler to the main communications panel of their hideout.

"Why don't we give them a reason, Lawrence?"

Nefarious presses a button on the control panel, preparing the equipment to give the universe a show. The lighting in the room gives off an eerie tone, the perfect mood for the upcoming message.

"Let's bring our dear nemeses into the open. It's been a long time since we've had some fun around here."

...

Back at Star Bits…

Electricians finish the installation of the holovision as Nova watches the work, placing the boxes behind the counter to dispose of later. After the set is ready, Nova hands them the payment, and an electrician hands her the remote.

"Thanks for your help!"

They leave the shop, the bell ringing, and Nova turns her attention to the remote. Clank stands by her, taking in the sight around them.

The food case beside the register is filled and neatly organized, and the surrounding tables house a few happy guests. Some of the local game shops and patrons have donated props to hang on the walls, replica weapons from popular games. A small cabinet on the left wall is filled with holocard games and small decorations. The customers watch as Nova turns on the screen.

A show Nova doesn't recognize plays for a moment, then flickers in and out. The picture is hazy and distorted, and the audio turns to static.

"What the..hey, Clank. Do you know why it's doing this? It's brand new, it can't be going out now."

"Perhaps there is interference?"

The video settles on a dimly lit figure, and the sight of those red optics makes Nova's blood run cold.

Clank watches the message, taking note of the shocked crowd. He figured this would happen eventually, having a pretty good guess by now as to what Nefarious has been up to all these years. But why now? He looks to Nova worried. She's tense, angry, terrified. She's facing the man that brought her so much suffering. Nefarious' face is smug, as if he's in on a joke that no one else knows about. He knows what she is. That is why he attacked her village.

"Attention, robots and organics of Polaris and beyond. I've been informed that one of my greatest adversaries has finally returned. I've laid dormant for far too long, and now is the time for action."

Nova's mind swirls with every ounce of emotion she's got. Her hands clench into fists, threatening to cramp with the force. Her entire body shakes, her eyes glued to the screen. This..thing destroyed her home. Took everything from her. A question blends her rage with an uneasy fear. What does he want from everyone else?

"I've been in this universe far longer than any of you organic life forms have been alive, and many of you fools probably haven't been to a museum in awhile, so let me give you a quick summary. I despise organics, and I won't rest until you've all been ANNIHILATED!"

The volume spike coming from the transmission clips the audio and causes the audience to wince in pain. As the recording settles, Nefarious continues. His voice raises into a mocking tone, then drops back down with a menacing declaration.

"I know what you're all thinking. 'What does he want from us?' Well, because I'm in a generous mood, I'll tell you exactly what I want: a challenge."

Nova's eyes dart back to the register. More specifically, to the staff that's stored under the counter. Someone has to stop him. Nova meets Nefarious' eyes, locked to the camera, and that knowing smile coats his face again.

"Let's finish what we started, squishy. You have one month, so make it count."