Time Chains

Chapter 4

"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can detemine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."

-Carl Sandburg

Chiro's afternoon had gone off without a hitch. The monkeys had been quiet towards him all through the day, just the way he liked it. It also gave Chiro the time to sleep, which he also liked. But things were different at dinner.

Chiro sat quietly at the end of the silver table, munching on the boiled potatoes and steak Gibson and Antauri had slaved away on, (Gibson cooking the steak and Antauri boiling the potatoes.)

"Anyone want to start an actual conversation?" Sprx asked irritably. "I'm bored out of my skull!" Chiro smirked with semi-interest at Sprx's bored comment.

"Anything worth-while to hear, kid? Surely you have something to say," Sprx said across the table.

"Ummm…" the boy mumbled. He had started to get the feeling the monkeys had totally forgotten about him. He was dead wrong. Chiro knew the monkeys knew what happened to students who were late for school. But what was a simple question? It wasn't like they were asking about the test itself. Heck, they didn't know about it! Chiro could handle something like this, right? "It was alright, I guess," he shot back. "Had to stand out in the hall because I was late, although."

Gibson nodded in understanding. Five pairs of eyes had been watching him and still were.

"Did your classes go alright as well?" Antauri asked. Chiro nodded. He thought it best not to tell the Monkey Team about Venus just yet.

"Oh, I almost forgot," Gibson blurted. "You had another science test today, didn't you, Chiro?" Chiro gave a squeak. This was a road only taken by the brave. Sure, Chiro could fight formless and Skeleton King, but he couldn't confront Gibson. It was too risky. "So, what did you make?" Gibson said the magic words. Chiro wished they had a sofa so he could crawl under it and die.

"Chiro?" Antauri now cut in. "Gibson asked a question. It would be most courteous to answer." Same Antauri. Always the slightest parental tone of a father laced within his voice. Only now it didn't really help. Chiro pulled his legs together under the table and started to slightly shake. With one clammy hand, he pushed into his jean pocket and withdrew the crumpled scrap of failure.

Chiro hung his head down as he carelessly chucked the paper at Gibson, hitting him harmlessly on the shoulder. He stared down at his food for a few awkward moments until…

"Great Caesar's Ghost! 65? Have you lost all senses, Chiro?! This is unacceptable!!" The blue monkey's voice echoed through the kitchen for a few minutes. Chiro gave a shadow of a whisper and slid off his chair and under the table. "Don't think you're being funny, young man! You are in a load of trouble! 65? Physics aren't that hard. We studied them a few weeks ago. I expect better."

"I wasn't trying to be funny," Chiro called from under the table. "Being funny is Sprx's job. Would it help if I said I'm sorry?" Gibson stared at Chiro for the split of a second before Sprx cut in.

"It's a start, kid." Hearing the red monkey gave Chiro the courage to look at their science officer. His coal orbs were shining with disappointment and slight pings of anger. Chiro was at a loss for words. Gibson sighed. Oh, that helps, Chiro thought bleakly. Now, Chiro, Antauri's voice was now crashing into Chiro's thoughts. Gibson means well. He's just a bit mad that you didn't make an advanced grade. Chiro mentally shook. He was scared of what was coming next, but he just couldn't find the words to answer Antauri.

Author's Notes: Alright! I just finished typing it and I thought I wouldn't get a chance because of a softball game I have tonight. So how's the story working for you? Good I hope. Well, Gibson really blew up like a atomic bomb. Stay tuned for the next chapter! And R&R!