Chapter 14

Penny was nearly out of breath when they returned to Plo and his men, explaining how her father had genetically altered Bolt, before being kidnapped, to protect her so she could protect the world from Calico, which was partially how she was caught in the war. Plo stood as they arrived and noted the lifeless body of a clone being carried. "What happened?" he asked with much concern. "We heard that explosion. What was that?"

Anakin looked down and sighed, "Long story master," he replied. "But we don't have time right now. I have a plan to take down that weapon. And hopefully along with it, Grievous."

So he explained his plan once more to the troops of Wolfpack as Penny sat down beside Rex who was staring at the body of the fallen trooper. She placed her hand on his, "I...I'm sorry," she said. "It's probably, it's...it's..."

"It's not your fault kid," Rex said suddenly. "If that was what you were going to say."

Penny sighed after a moment, and buried her face and her hands, rubbing her eyes. Bolt came up to her and nudged her, sensing her worry. It's okay Penny, it'll be alright. She looked up and smiled, "Thanks boy," she said, scratching his ear.

"It's okay kid," Rex said to her. "We'll get you out of this. Okay? For now, get some rest."

Penny looked out to the horizon seeing the sun through the smog was already half below the surface. Then she glanced at her watch, five fourteen PM, Earth time. Though she had missed a good night's rest when she was taken from the hospital. She noticed Anakin had finished going through the battle plan with the others and was speaking to Plo about the details, then looked around and noticed a small cave formed out of the interior of a small freighter. She informed Rex where she was going, and walked into what use to be the vessel's private quarters. There she found a large, soft pillow and reclined on it on the cold, hard, metal floor. Seeing the other clones taking shelter in other parts of the heap. One standing guard by the entry way, Coric. Penny looked up at him briefly, I don't need a chaperone. But at least he was concerned.

Bolt came up next to her and noticed the small amount of tears coming down her cheeks. She was afraid. Instantly sensing this he put his head under her arm and lied next to her. She smiled, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to sleep in the new environment, but she could always sleep with Bolt at her side. It was the reason she could sleep at all when on the run from Calico. It had been almost half of a year now since she had received the distressing phone call from her father. Though gradually dozing off, she pulled out her phone and decided to listen to it once more, as she had done this in the past in case she wanted to get a better grasp on things, or if she just wanted to hear his voice again. Penny searched through the messages and calls and found it in no time. Though she wondered if it would just make her even more sad or confused. Bolt was thinking the same. But, regardless, she hit the call button and held the phone to her ear.

"Hello?" she said.

Heavy panting came from the other side. "Penny!" Mark's voice cried. "Penny listen to me."

"Dad, what's wrong with Bolt? He's been acting weird ever since you..."

"Please, Penny, just listen! I don't have much time."

She remembered how upset she was when Bolt had been acting strangely after he was altered, and she had no idea what it was.

Mark's sudden interruption startled Penny. He sounded desperate. "Daddy? Are...are you okay?"

"No! Not exactly. Just listen, I have to tell you something...the truth."

"What do you mean?" she stuttered, slightly scared now.

"Well...something's come up at work, honey. I don't...daddy's not going to be coming home for a while."

"Dad...what...?"

"Don't talk! Just listen!" Mark's continuous interruptions were scaring her more and more. "I had to alter Bolt. My boss, Calico told me to. But he's going to use it to take over the world. And now he's after me for it. And he will come after you, Penny! All my files are on your phone now. You have to run and hide from him. You can't go back to the house Penny. O...okay?"

"Daddy, I..." Penny was almost in a panic "I don't understand. What's happening?"

Mark sighed, sensing her fear. "It's alright, sweetie. It'll be okay. You won't be alone. You have Bolt. As I said before, I've altered him. He's stronger, faster. He can protect you now. So go to the store where you got him. The owner knows everything and will help you. Do you understand?" There was a noise from the background, like a door slamming open.

"Dad? DAD!" she was almost screaming now. "I...I think I get it now dad. But...why me?"

"I wish it wasn't you honey. I really do! But just...I love you, Penny...goodbye!" The line went dead.

Another tear came rolling down her cheek. I miss you dad. "I'll find you. I promise." She said aloud, shortly before drifting off into sleep.

"Daddy!" Penny shouted, awaking violently.

She surveyed the surroundings, Was it all just a dream? No. She was still in the rusted interior of a freighter, the small amount of light from the stars peeking through the cracks in the hull. Then all of the events of the previous day flashed through her head. Oh, right. She looked down at what she could make out as Bolt in the darkness, looking on her with concern. "It's okay boy," she said, laying her head back down on the torn fabric of her pillow.

She looked back at her watch as Bolt lied down next to her, four thirty AM. She had slept almost twelve hours! She waited until Bolt had fallen back asleep, then she slowly stood and walked over to the entrance of the cave. Carefully stepping over the sleeping clone at the entrance, she looked out across the smoggy landscape, it was difficult to see without the light of a moon. "You should be getting some rest kid," a voice that almost made her jump came from the side.

She looked to see Rex and Anakin both sitting a few meters away, looking out towards the weapon. Most likely keeping an eye out for enemy patrols. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep anymore," she said walking over and sitting next to them.

"Well, you should at least rest," Anakin noted, still not making eye contact. "You'll need all the energy you can get to help us out tomorrow."

Penny was taken aback by this, "You...you want me to help you?"

Anakin finally looked at her and smiled, "You're brave kid, I'll give you that," then he turned back to the direction of the base. "Only if you're up for it."

Penny thought for a moment, there was a good chance they could both be killed, and never find Mark. But she had to help them. They needed her and Bolt. "I'm up for anything they throw at us."

Anakin smiled, "Good, we'll need all the help we can get. Especially with that dog of yours."

Penny smiled as well, "He is one of a kind."