Well, it's been a long time but finally I've managed to find the time and energy to give the next instalment. I'm sure you've all be literally on the edge of your seat waiting for more developments…well, probably not but here's the next part anyway.
Thanks for the feedback once again, very much appreciated, special mention to Dead Composer for pointing out my running spelling error! Typical of me really. So, hopefully without causing too much confusion the story will be able to continue with the revised spelling of Mayor;) Also I'll stick to the script format for this fic if it's not too much bother, changing halfway through will cause too much confusion but I've noted that prose is the way to go in the future.
Anyway, without any further ado, here we go with the next part.
It had been a long night, it was now 2:37am and Fry and Bender were still out and about. Granted they've been out much later on booze fuelled nights but the days events had been mentally and physically draining on the pair of them, most notably Fry. But with his friends and of course, Leela in danger he couldn't rest for a moment, he had to get to save them no matter what it took. That's not to say he wasn't tempted to have a rest of course.
The dim streetlights were the only real comfort to Fry and Bender although seeing as though they didn't exactly want to be seen they figured it best to stay out of them. Aside from the personal communicator that Nibbler had given them they were now effectively on their own. Nibbler had promised to keep them up to speed with all the latest happenings whenever he could as well as providing guidance. Still, having Nibbler on board didn't exactly fill Fry with total confidence, until a few minutes ago he was just Leela's dumb but adorable pet. The night's events had provided revelation after revelation. And now they found themselves on the dark and lonely streets again heading towards another peril. Bender urged Fry to keep the pace with him as they skipped through the alleyways of New New York trying desperately to keep out of sight.
Bender (whilst moving): Come on bacon bag! You want to find your ass in jail again?
Fry (panting whilst trying to keep up): Jeez Bender…give me a break! I've hardly had a rest all day! Where are we going anyway?
Bender: Just some route I know of, seems like being a felon has more advantages than the cops tell you…
Fry didn't have the breath to reply, he just took Bender's word for it. Bender had seemed surprisingly eager since leaving O'Zorgnax's, most probably because it gave him an opportunity to show off all his insider knowledge gained from leading a generally illegal yet interesting life. After around five more minutes moaning from Fry's part they eventually arrived at group of trashcans. Bender stood along side them proudly whilst Fry just looked confused.
Bender (boasting): Pretty good if I say so myself…
Fry (baffled): Yeah it's…it's…what the hell am I supposed to be looking at?
Bender: What are you? Blind? These garbage cans of course!
Fry: But, what about them? They're just…garbage.
Bender (sighs and walks towards them): Perhaps one day my shining example will rub off on you…
Fry stood and watched part bemused, part intrigued whilst his friend walked towards one of the trashcans. Bender then picked it up and threw it away (narrowly missing Fry) almost effortlessly. Fry, upon just avoiding the flying trashcan peered of Benders shoulder to see what appeared to be a trap door. He watched on as Bender reached down and inserted his fingers into three holes in the lock and turned the lock as if it were a combination on a safe. After a few seconds a clicking sound was heard, Bender lifted off the trap door to reveal a hole in the ground.
Fry (impressed): Oh…right, cool.
Bender: You going to do the honours skin tube?
Fry (peering over): I don't know it looks kinda dark and smells fu….AAAAAHHH!
Needless to say that Fry's screaming was brought on by Bender pushing him down the hole without a moments notice. Once a small thud was heard Bender peered down the hole.
Fry (from down the hole): Ow…my head! Gee, give me warning before you push me head first down a manhole in future!
Bender: Meh…no harm done.
Bender then climbed down the hole himself.
When he arrived at the bottom it was pitch black which lead to Bender treading on Fry who was still lying dazed on the ground.
Fry: OW! My lower horn…
Bender ignored this yelp of pain and proceeded to switch the lights on in his eyes to give a lighthouse effect and in the process combating the darkness to reveal a stairway going down. Bender gestured for Fry to get to his feet and proceed down the narrow set of stairs, Fry obliged. The pair continued silently. They then got to the bottom of the stairway and arrived at a door. Bender reached ahead of Fry and opened the door. What Fry saw then made his jaw drop.
Fry (in awe): Whoa…
For the sight that greeted Fry was what seemed like a huge underground train station, but not only a train station, there were also plenty of buildings scattered around, in short it was like an underground city…and it was entirely populated by robots.
Bender (pats Fry on the back): Welcome to Heaven on Earth…technically in Earth…
Fry (still gaping): But…but…I thought the sewer mutants lived underground?
Bender: They do, but we are below even them. Remember that giant crapper in the land of the deformed people? We're the sub mutants they mentioned, although we're not mutants if you get what I mean…
Fry: Well, I guess but how come I've never been here before?
Bender: Meh…need to know basis and given that we're currently occupying the status of 'completely boned' perhaps it was best you found out now.
Just then a large robot, similarly shaped to the masked unit although he was completely red, approached them.
Robot: Ah…Mr Bender, another one for the human farm? Although this one will have to be put in a cage as the free-range section is getting over crowded…
Bender: Nah…not this time, this guy is sort of my friend in a non robosexual kind of way. We just need a train to the military base on the west side of town. One leaving soon?
Robot: One going out in five minutes from platform 2A, any reason?
Bender: It's kind of secret business…lets just say that me and my pal here plan on breaking in, stealing a ship and getting the hell out of here and leave it at that…
Robot: Well, don't forget to pick up the new 'Burglars Variety Tool Set – Secret Installation Edition' before you leave from the station shop, although I warn you stock is going fast…
Bender: Will do my man…come on Fry…
Bender drags Fry along towards to station shop. Fry is still taking in the sights, he found it remarkable and quite exciting that a city populated by robots had been going on right under his feet the whole time without him realising it. The future sure was different. Bender meanwhile, had purchased his burglars kit and was waiting for the train on platform 2A. Sure enough, within a minute a run down but sleek looking train pulled up at the platform. As the doors opened Bender and Fry both stepped on and found some seats. The train set off towards their destination.
After ten minutes of travelling in silence, mainly due to Fry being totally engrossed by the view out of the window Fry eventually spoke up.
Fry (still looking out the window): Bender…does the Mayor know about this?
Bender: Nah…Mayor never really cared much for us robots, he promised to lower beer prices and give us free servicing every six months but the moron didn't stick to his word.
Fry: But…but, how is this all possible? I thought you robots lived above the ground like people?
Bender: We do but we also have to have somewhere to get away from you dirty organisms. Plus this place has more freedom, cheap booze, hookers a plenty, humans confined to farms…this place is great!
Fry: But…if it's so great why don't you just live down here?
Bender (sarcastic): Oh I don't know…I'm sure all you stupid pork chunks wouldn't notice if all us robots suddenly disappeared…
Fry: Well, actually…
Bender: Ah quit your yapping, we're at our stop…
Sure enough, they had arrived. They both stepped off the train and looked around for the stairs to take them above ground. Bender eventually spotted it.
Bender (pointing): That way skin sack…
Bender and Fry walked towards a stairway leading upwards, Fry being a human not in captivity was attracting a fair few looks from other robots but seeing as he was with Bender they just disregarded it as they assumed he was been taking to one of the farms. The pair arrived at the stairway and began to climb. After about five minutes of tiring climbing they finally arrived at a ladder leading to another trapdoor. This time Bender took the lead, he climbed to the top, inserted his fingers into the trapdoor and performed a similar process to before. Upon hearing the click he lifted the trapdoor and peered out. Once convinced it was all clear he climbed out and gestured for Fry to do the same. Once they were both above ground they found themselves in a secluded area, which was under cover of both trees and the shadows of the large complex next to them. It was essentially an airfield with three large hangers, presumably containing the captured ships and a large control tower. There were four watch towers on each corner of the site and guards were patrolling on foot around the complex. There was also a chain link fence surrounding the entire area.
Bender pulled some black clothing out of his chest.
Bender (to Fry): Put this on, you stand out a mile wearing that get up…
The pair both proceeded to don black jumps and trousers along with a woolly black hat. The only part of their bodies that weren't black were their faces. Bender then approached the chain link fence with what looked a giant stamper that was taken from his burglars kit. Fry looked on confused as Bender attached the stamper to the chain link fence. Bender then pressed a button that caused the stamper to forcefully yet silently puncture a large hole in the fence.
Bender then gestured for Fry to climb through the hole…which he did, sort of. He required a kick up the ass from Bender to squeeze totally through. Bender then climbed through after.
Fry (quietly whilst rubbing his sore ass): Right, what now?
Bender just raised his hand as if to call for silence, pulled out a grappling hook (similar to the one in 'A head in the polls') and threw it until it was lodged on the roof of one of the hangers. Bender then started to climb to rope and gestured for Fry to follow, which he did. They both silently scaled the hanger and found themselves on the roof without drawing any attention to themselves. They both stood there and peered around. Fry then spotted something through the window of the hanger next to theirs.
Fry (excitedly): Hey! It's the Planet Express ship! Come on!
Fry's joyous voice had aroused the attentions of the guards but Fry was oblivious to this and started to run across the roof to get a closer look dragging Bender with him. Just as he was about to reach the edge of the roof a voice was heard.
Guard (shouting): Freeze!
Fry (looks towards the guard whilst running): What the…?
Needless to say this diversion was enough for Fry to lose his footing which resulted in him falling off the edge of the hanger…dragging Bender along with him. Their fall was broken by a thorn bush.
Fry (screams): OW! I've got a thorn stuck in my ass!
This scream of pain alerts the whole base, the alarm is sounded and guards stream out of the control tower firing shots which narrowly miss our duo. With Fry still dazed only Bender was aware what was going on. Without a moments hesitation he picked up Fry and threw him through the window of the hanger containing the PE ship smashing the glass. Bender then jumps through himself and lands on top of Fry inside. Bender, ignoring the groans from Fry looks around for a few seconds. Then he spots the PE ship about 35 metres down the hanger. He makes a break for the stairway leading into the bridge, dragging an already dazed Fry behind him. With guards now coming in through the main entrance of the hangar and firing shots Benders path to the ship is treacherous and obstacle ridden. He has to dodge various fuel canisters (which, unfortunately for Fry being dragged behind, he bumps into just about all of them dazing him further). Eventually after what seems like an eternity he arrives at the stairway of the PE ship. He drags Fry up the bumpy stairway and onto the bridge inside the ship. Bender stops for a split second as to regain his bearings, he then throws Fry onto the couch, who is still near enough out cold and groaning to himself inaudibly, and mans the controls. He frantically manages to start up the ship despite shots ricocheting onto the ships hull. Once the engine is running he starts the take off procedure. Meanwhile the guards start door closing procedure on the main entrance, unfortunately for them it is too late as within a matter of seconds the PE ship goes from stationary to an incredible speed and bursts through the half closed hangar door leaving the guards in their wake. Mounted base defences were firing at the PE ship as it rocketed away from earth but to no avail. They had escaped…just.
Bender meanwhile was busy singing his own praises.
Bender (loud and excited): Woooo! And that is why I got voted as the most likely to be the next action hero in high school…fair enough it was a self appointed title but all the same…burn on those losers who doubted me!
Fry had now just about come to his senses and sat up on the couch.
Fry (drowsily): Bender…? We…we…did it? We got away?
Bender (almost insulted): What do you mean 'we'? You nearly got us caught again you moron! Lucky you had old Bender to save your ass again…jeez, and to think that everyone is making out that YOU'RE the hero of this whole thing…I'm getting no credit!
Fry (defensive): Hey! I didn't ask to be the saviour! Look I'm sorry…thanks for saving my ass…
Bender: Ah…don't worry about it, or at least you won't have to worry about after you've paid me back by doing my duties as well as your own for the next two months…
Fry (too tired to disagree): Yeah…whatever…
Fry then lies down on the couch and shut his eyes…only for Bender to interrupt.
Bender: Hey steak slice! What do you think you're doing?
Fry: Wha…I'm just getting so Z's that's all…I'm pooped! You can fly to Nomiwhatsit can't you?
Bender: Well…I could if you put the disk in the navigation console!
Fry: What? Oh right…
Fry then got up and walked over to the console, he took the disk out of his pocket and inserted it into the slot. Bender then set the ship to auto pilot.
Bender: Wasn't hard was it? Now if you don't mind I've got some reading to catch up on…they better not have taken my porno stash…
Bender walked out the door and towards his cabin, Fry on the other hand just walked over to the couch and literally flopped onto it. He stretched out and closed his eyes. Finally, he was on his way to Leela…
Well, there you have it, another dull and tedious part complete. Sorry for the long wait but I've been very busy over recent months and I can't make any promises as to when the next part will arrive. It shouldn't be as long though…if all goes to plan.
Thanks for reading again, hope you guys are enjoying it, please leave some more feedback too, I really appreciate it. Constructive criticism is as welcome as any praise so don't be shy.
Anyway…until next time…