Chapter 5: Sonny's choise
Sonny looked at Clamp. The wound that Dame Simbai had made in his abdomin to drain the excess blood hurt. But he could withstand it. «What did you have in mind Clamp?» he asked his friend. Clamp looked at him with a smile. «Well, first of all Sonny, I want you to get back into bed, you're not strong enough to wander around yet, and you'd be far safer staying in here too». Sonny cought the warning tone in his friends voice. «Why is that? Something you want me to know about?» he said, as he followed Clamp's instruction, and got back into bed. «Technoid! They've set up guards around the academy, they can't enter, the judge forbade them to get too close, but they seem to want to make sure you're not slipping through their nets again». Sonny had to laugh, «Good old technoid, it feels really assuring to know that at least something is still in balance, I was starting to miss it». Clamp laughed. «I think you must have hurt your incredible brain when you got sick Sonny, you're being too niceto them». Sonny laughed. It had been years since Clamp had heard him laugh this heartfelt. But then, he grew serious again. «Clamp, have you gotten word back from Corso yet?». Clamp nodded. «All of them are dead Sonny, not a single survivor». Sonny bent his head when he heard this. These were friends of his, comrades. «All of this, so much death, and for what?» he asked. «They're trying to force you to do their bidding». Sonny nodded. «I know clamp, and it is getting evident that they'll pull all the stops to get me there. If only I knew how to strike back..» Clamp smiled, «You can Sonny, and judge Allegi has already helped you set the stage». «huh?» Sonny gave Clamp a confused look. As Clamp told him of his plan, a devious smile formed on Sonny's lips. The two friends said good night, and Sonny laid over on his side, and soon, he was in deep sleep...
Bennet and Artie moved as carefully as they could. Getting through the alarm grid was challenging. Bennet had spotted something he believed to be a vault. What better place to hide sonny's transmitter? It was a weapon, and had already been used once. Clearly, Technoid's plan had been to turn Sonny's own men against him, having them surrender him to them, but as usual, they miscalculated. Instead of decreasing the support, it had increased. Sonny had a chance of a lifetime, if he took to the witnesstand now, he would be able to speak freely, explain all that had happened, explain his actions. And he was sure to be heard. They could only hope the jury would clear his name on all charges. Sonny deserved his freedom returned to him. They all did. Carefully, they approached the safe. Bennet used the laptop to hack the codelock. Slowly, it opened. «jackpot» whispered Artie. There, lay Sonny's old transmitter. But before Artie could reach for it, Bennet stoped him. «Artie, look». The transmitter was wired to a nearly invisible alarm. «They expected us to come for it» whispered Artie. «Bennet, you don't think..» before he could finish the scentense, they heard noice, indicating droids were coming their way. «Artie, what are you waiting for? They already know we're here, grab the device and let's move» ordered Bennet. Artie grabbed the transmitter, off course the whole room went red, and alarms sounded. «I am sick and tired of these technoid alarms» he complained. Bennet aimed his harpoon gun towards the went in the celing. «Hold on Artie, we're leaving, this party is getting too crowded for me» he said. The two pirates disappeared just as the droids entered the room...
Dame Simbai was talking to judge Allegi. «Technoid was trying to injure him. I am certain» she told the judge. She had already made mentionings of Sonny's response when he was asked about what had happened in his captivity there. Judge Allegi nodded. «Your examinations on him, what have you found out?», « he had high levels of a substance in his systems, that is unknown to me. But all tests show that it reacted with the pill the pirates slipped him..», «What? No pirates has been in my courtroom after hours..». «Yes, they have, Corso is good at leaving no trace, they went all out to protect Sonny, and get him out of technoid's grasp. From what Sonny told me, they had plans for him, to prepare him for somekind of implant, that would be surgically placed in his body. They would gain complete control over him..», «and prevent him from telling the truth about them. I see..» judge Allegi was thinking. Sonny Blackbones was clearly a big threat to Technoid, since they would go this far to stop him. She needed to find a solution to the possiblillity of them having him returned to their custody if the jury reached a guilty verdict. She didn't think this would happen. Technoid's recent action, was a clear declaration of war on the pirates. Everyone expected Sonny to strike back. But Sonny seemed to have a plan of his own. Giving him a chance to speak freely, could lead to interresting revelations on Technoid. Judge Allegi had never spoken of it, but deep within, she hated the company. It had taken too much, from too many. Sonny Blackbones loss was known, he had every right to hate them, it was amazing that he still believed in the good in humans after what he had been trough. «And how is he healthwise now?» she asked. «He's better, and he will grow stronger, but he is still too weak for trial, give him some days to rest, he'll be fine then». «I'll be coming to talk to him tomorrow, can you notify him on this?». «I will». The transmission ended. Judge Allegi sat down and pulled up his file. All of it seemed like petty theft, the pirates only way to survive. There was something missing to the picture, but what? She had a feeling Sonny knew, she had to talk to him, hopefully he could shed some light onto things...
D'Jok was up early, Mei looked like she was gonna vomit again. D'Jok felt sorry for her, if he had known it would be like this.. «Here, have a cracker» he said and handed her a package of dry crackers. Dame Simbai had told him this would stabilize the stomach. Mei Ate, slowly. D'Jok was growing impatient and fast. He wanted to go see his father as soon as possible. Mei's face was still greenish, «Are you ok Mei?» D'Jok looked over at his girlfriend, she didn't look good. «I'm find D'Jok, I just need to take it easy».Sensing D'Jok's irritation, she smiled to him. «D'Jok, you go see Sonny, I know you're eager to spend time with your father» she said. «If you're sure it's ok with you?» D'Jok sounded insecure. «I'm sure D'Jok, now, go, before I throw you out of the room». Mei leaned back on the pillows as D'Jok sprinted out of the room. She had quite enough to worry about. Her mother wasn't the least bit pleased with the idea of becoming a grandmother. «I should have expected this coming from the son of a pirate» she spat. «Hey, Mom, you can't blame this on Sonny, and this is by the way, nothing to do with you, it's my life and..», «Yes Mei, and your modelingcareer is going down the drain. You should have an abortion and..», «MOTHER! That is enough. D'Jok and I want this baby, just because it doesn't suit you, it doesn't mean everyone else has to feel the same way». Mei slammed the phone on. She would never change. Mei had lost count of all the times she had tried to fight back with her mother. The pirates that had met her, had nicknamed her «The dragon». Even if Mei didn't like to be disrespectful to her mother, she agreed on the description. Her mother was impossible to talk to, and that was it. Her father had tried for years, but was too weak to stand up to her. D'Jok was even scared out of his whits when it came to her. Even Sonny had given up trying to reason with her, instead, Corso took over, as Sonny focused of comforting his doughter in law to be. Mei smiled when she remembered. They had all been here at the academy, and Mei's mother had shown her worst side. Since the pirates were also there, Sonny had tried to calm matters, in a polite way. Mei admired how he had tried to calm her mother, in spite of all the insults she threw at him. Finally, Mei had broken down. Maybe it was the combination of all the training and fullfilling the endless contracts her mother got lined up for her that finally kicked in, but Mei had all of a sudden, for no reason, burst into tears. This had shocked everyone. D'Jok had seen so lost. Sonny quickly made sure Mei was removed from the situation, telling Corso to hold her mother off untill Mei could calm down. «Sure thing Sonny, I always wanted to play the knight in shining armour, slaying dragons» said Corso with a smile, and a blink of his eye to Mei. This was rarely ever seen, especially when it came to Corso. « Leave the slaying out of it Corso, because wheter you like it or not, this young lady needs the dragon to be her mother» stated Sonny.
«Mei, you're one brave young lady» said Corso, before he left to hold her mother off. «Are you ok Mei?» there was a deep concern and compassion to be found in Sonny's voice, as he led her out of the room, and found a bench where she sat down, he sat down next to her and handed her some tissues. «Thank you» she stoddered as she tried to save her make up. «I have no right to ask, but I will do it anyway» said Sonny silent. «Has she always been like that?». Mei nodded. «Every day since I was born. Always demands and ambitions that far exceed my own» she sobbed. «I see..» Sonny sounded lost in thoughts. Mei sensed she could talk to Sonny, and perhaps he'd have an advice for her. «Sonny, can I talk to you about something?». Sonny had seemed surprised by this sign of trust. « Yes, you can. I won't tell anyone». And Mei spilt it all. All about her childhood and her teenagelife, under a controlling mother. «It's hard to even breathe, it feels like she is strangling me» she told him. Sonny nodded. «Have you tried telling her what you just told me Mei?» he asked. Mei shook her head. «Do you have any idea as to how hopeless that is?» she asked. Sonny nodded silently, he had a feeling he knew far too well. «Anytime you need someone to talk to Mei, feel free to call me. I may not always reply at the very minute, but I'll get in touch as soon as I can, ok?» Mei dried her tears, then she hugged Sonny. Feeling his strong arms around her in a hug, told her all she needed to know, she was safe, Sonny was not a criminal, he was D'Jok's father, the leader of the pirates, and a concerned parent. He was the father she had wished her own dad could be to her. «Thank you Sonny, you're the best» she whispered. She looked up. What? Did her eyes decieve her? Was Sonny Blackbones actually blushing? Sonny stood up, and held out a hand. «You go to the restroom and fresh up, I'll go prevent your mother and Corso starting the next great war» he said with a smile. «I'll join you shortly» Mei smiled as she went to the restroom.
It was a long time ago, but it felt like only yesterday. Her mother had almost blown a gascet when she told her of the baby. Sonny, even though he had been in great pain, he seemed to enjoy the thought of grandchildren. Mei smiled, she would rest a little longer, if D'Jok made any complaints, she had a feeling Sonny would calm him...
D'Jok hurried to his fathers room. As he got there, Dame Simbai was just done examining the wound. Sonny clenched his teeths as she checked the stitches. «Aouch, would you please mind being a bit careful?» he begged. Dame Simbai gave him a look that told him not to push it. She dressed the wound again. «Dad?». Sonny looked up. «D' Jok» the share sight of his son was enough to make him feel a whole lot better in just a minute. «How do you feel Dad?» D'Jok glanzed at the bandages before Sonny got dressed. «It's nothing, Dame Simbai drained the excess blood when I was sleeping. I'll be fine» he assured his son. D'Jok looked sceptical. «Are you sure of that Dad?», «Yes I am, son». «Both of you, go get some breakfast». D'Jok looked at her. «It's a long walk to the diningarea, are you sure that..», «D'JOK!» . He gave up. Sonny got on his feets. He felt a bit shaky for a moment, but it passed fast. «Ready D'Jok?» he said. «Ready» said D'Jok. Then, father and son made their way to the diningarea. This was definately something D'Jok knew he would remember. Going to breakfast with his father. All their meeting had been short, as Sonny had remained a wanted man. D'Jok knew Sonny would have spent a lot more time with him if he could, but life as a pirate, and being the chief of the pirates demanded his attention alot. It was what had kept his father alive for all these years. That, and the help of his trusted friends. D'Jok always felt safe knowing Sonny wasn't alone out in space. His men would go out of their way to ensure he was safe. But now, D'Jok's own life was about to change. He wished he had his father with him more often. It seemed Sonny sensed his thoughts without him having to speak them. «You seem worried D'Jok, is something wrong?» as mild as his voice sounded, D'Jok still knew his father was on his guard. Technoid had barricaded the aarch academy, to keep Sonny from fleeing them one more time. «It's the whole situation Dad, you always manage to escape them, you always find a way out of their grasp, why didn't you manage to do so this time?» D'Jok looked at his father. Sonny looked at him. He had expected this, but he was far from sure that D'Jok was ready to hear the answer. «Come here D'Jok» he said and placed his arm around his son's neck. Gently, he led him over to a sofa, and sat down beside him. «Listen D'Jok. Things aren't always what they seem. There is a ryhme and reason to all of this». «Then what is that Dad? I don't understand..», «Then, let me explain things D'Jok, I'm sure you'll see things clearer afterwards». Sonny started telling D'Jok what lay behind. What he told D'Jok, made his son's eyes fill with tears. Sonny had, since he learned of their secret visit to the clinic, been planning how to get more time with his son and doughter in law to be. He had made Bennet tap into Mei's file on the clinic, and saw that it was stated a pregnancy, first trimester completed. He was to become a grandfather. To Sonny, the thought of grandchildren had made him make some decissions about his life. He wasn't present in D'Jok's childhood and upbringing, because of several factors. While D'Jok grew up, thinking his father to have suffered a simmilar faith to the one of his mother, who had died giving him life, Sonny had believed both his wife and son to be dead, all because of his mistake. It was to take almost 16 years before the truth was revealed. It had litterally swept the feets from under Sonny, everything he thought he knew, his whole basis for being a pirate in the first place, became subject to doubts, had he misunderstood everything? It was because he had loyal and true friends around him, he had managed to keep his composure, to look into matters. He had told D'Jok the truth. D'Jok learned he had a father, a father that could never make up for the time they had lost, but a father that loved him, regardless, a father, that would do whatever he could to help his son stay safe. Now, his son was embarking on a new phase of life. Sonny wished to take part in that phase. He wanted the possiblillity to be there for his grandchild. Sonny had thought things trough, carefully. The decission he landed on, was one that wouldn't fly well with the pirates. Sonny had been aware of wich way would lead to safety when he and Corso ran from technoid. He had deliberately chosen the one that would trap him. «But why Dad? Why would you let them capture you?». Sonny looked at his son. «The answer will probobly shock Corso just as much as you D'Jok. I've been thinking of pulling out of the position as the pirates leader for some time now, don't get me wrong, I still enjoy being a pirate, this has more to do with you and your family, my family».
D'Jok was in tears. «So, if I get this right, you want to let someone else take over as chief of the pirates, to spend the time with my son or doughter?» he looked at his father. Sonny nodded it with a smile. «yes D'Jok, that is what I'm saying». D'Jok was lost for words, he hugged his father. All of a sudden, a bright light shone into their faces.
«Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard it first on Arcadia news, Sonny blackbones is retiering as leader of the pirates».
D'Jok tried to shield his eyes against the sharp light. «Dad!» he yelled. Sonny didn't like this one bit. Calleigh Mystic's abillity to surface where she was not welcome, was starting to grow old. «EVERYONE CALM DOWN!» the sharp order in the pirate chief's voice immediately brought everything to order. «Now that I got your attention, let me first put something straight» Sonny's face was one of extreme dissatisfaction. «Any conversation I have in private with my son, is no subject to newsreports, not even for you Calleigh mystic» His hazel eyes pierced her. Even Calleigh took a step backwards. «But you just said..». «I said it's not subject to any newsstory on your end. And who let you in? I was told the press was not allowed in here» Sonny looked up, to see Aarch come running with Duke maddox and technodroids. Great, could this mess possibly get any worse. Sonny felt his body froze, and his abdominal muscles tightened. The cramps set in again. Sonny sat down on the bench again. He felt strangely weak. His abdomin hurt, like if someone had sliced him open with a knife, Sonny curled up, to ease the pain a little. D'Jok grew pale. «Dad, your abdomin..» Sonny held his hands tightly over the wound. The bandages was wet. Aarch stormed forth. «Your excellency, get the press out of here, D'Jok get Dame Simbai». As both did as ordered,Aarch helped Sonny to his feets. «Can you make it to the room with some help Sonny?», but before his sentence was finished, Sonny fell unconcious to the floor. Aarch bent down. Carefully he checked Sonny. «Get help, he isn't breathing...»...
oh the drama. This is not looking good for Sonny. Keep reading to learn of the exciting continuence. Rewiew?