Okay… I found a way to help with my strap for ideas. Chapters will now be shorter so that I can focus on detail and a good story, rather than quick and half-assed settings. I would also like to thank Kit Karamak for his assistance. It really helped me on how to write this. Anyway…
On with the story…
Chapter 4: Getting the Word Out
I finished speaking with Beltino about the acquired armor and pistol. I showed him the pictures, told him of their capabilities, and told him of the damage. He was extremely amazed at what had happened.
"Wolf was using Andross Tech?" He asked.
I nodded, "Otherwise the armor would have worked like the previous set you issued me." I replied.
Beltino scratched his head, "Thank goodness he's gone then. If he would be alive, another Andross catastrophe would surely arise."
Beltino was right; Wolf would have definitely used the tech on Corneria and Lylat. He probably would succeed with how advanced it was.
"Well, he's dead and that's that." I said.
Beltino nodded, "And we are all thankful that you made it back alive."
I chuckled, "Everyone? I wish…"
Some people may be thankful, but there are still a hell of a lot more that think wrongly of me. But still, Beltino was right; some were glad of me being alive.
"If you want to get it straight with Corneria, why not make an appearance on one of the talk shows, or even set up an interview with the News?" Beltino asked.
What he said made something click; an interview would be perfect! I could speak on my own terms and share the details of what happened. I can even confront all of Corneria and spread the word even faster.
My eyes widened, "You know what? You're right! I'll set up an interview with Ray Jones!"
Beltino smiled, "He'll be more than happy to take your offer; after all you are a hero of Lylat."
I liked what Beltino said. With that I shook his hand and exited the lab.
"I'll send over the armor and pistol as soon as I can." I said as I exited.
I walked down the hall and towards the elevator. I passed several scientists that were chatting of things I didn't understand; something about Plasmatic Fusion, Gravitational G-Diffusion, etc. I couldn't understand it either way, so I disregarded them.
I pressed the 'Lobby' icon on the touchpad and waited patiently for the elevator. As I was waiting, Beltino came out from his lab and called for me. I turned around and watched as Beltino quickly made his way to me.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
Beltino was quick, "The armor you mentioned; what was it made of?"
I was a bit confused, "I believe Denzium and Chrozonian." I recalled.
Beltino was a bit surprised, "I'm shocked that Andross' scientists even found a way to harness Chrozonian. It's a highly unstable element that we generally stay away from."
I raised my eyebrow, "So should I still bring it in?" I asked.
Beltino quickly nodded, "Yes, but try to be quicker. The research and possible production of more suits can help in case of another threat; a threat we may be unprepared for."
I nodded and walked into the elevator.
"I'll bring it tomorrow" I said as the doors slid closed. The elevator then started its trip down to the lobby floor. On the way down, I thought about what he said.
Unstable? Then why haven't I been affected by it? The question whirled around in my head. I didn't let them bother me since they weren't my prime concern at the moment. My concern was getting to the studio where Ray Jones films his show. Plenty of people, if not everyone, must watch his show.
The elevator doors slid open. I walked out and headed straight for the exit. I walked out and ran down the stairs in a rush. I then went to the driver side of the CTZ and entered. I turned the vehicle on and raised my communicator. Built in was a browser for internet access.
'Jay Jones Studio' I typed in the search bar. The key pad was small, but worked perfectly.
In a split second, I was met with results for the location of the studio. I found its precise location and started my drive.
"2231 Sound Avenue" the directions said. Surprisingly, the navigation unit in my car said that it was only a few streets down.
Once I locked in the destination, I headed off. I went down Corneria Avenue and turned right onto Sound Avenue. Sure enough, a large studio numbered 10 was in the place of the Jay Jones Studio. I went around to the back and parked next to the back door. Next to the door was a tall man; he must have been guarding it.
"Excuse me" he yelled, "You are not authorized entrance here."
I put my hands up, "Look, I'm just here to speak with Mr. Jones."
The guard looked at me funny, "Why do you think he would want to see you?"
I had to think of a lie to get in, "I… have an appointment."
The guard chuckled, "An appointment?"
I nodded, "Yeah, for an interview. I'm Kevin Michelson."
The guard then realized it, "Oh yeah, you are." The guard then proceeded to look at me.
After some time of quiet, he finally spoke, "Fine, but don't let me catch you in securities possession."
I was surprised that it worked, "Oh, thank you." I said.
The guard then stepped aside and opened the door for me. I entered and found several people walking around. They were all rushing around quickly, trying to get ready for filming the next show. As one of the workers passed by, I stopped them.
"Excuse me" I said as I grabbed the avian's shoulder. He stopped and looked at me. "Where can I find Mr. Ray Jones?"
The avian was shocked. His face was full of excitement and joy.
"Mr. Michelson, please come with me, Ray has wanted to talk to you for a while now." The avian said.
"Was he expecting me?' I asked as we walked down a long hallway.
The avian shook his head, "No, but he has wanted an interview with you. We never would have thought of you coming down and scheduling it yourself."
I chuckled; I must have been the first "famous person" to do something like this.
The avian stopped when we were in front of a door with a star on it. He then typed a code onto the keypad and opened the door for me.
"Mr. Jones, you have a very special visitor." The avian said as he closed the door with me in the room.
From behind a curtain came a grey-black vulpine. Ray Jones was taller than I expected, but I still out stood him by an inch or so.
"Oh my god! Kevin Michelson!?" Ray said as he smiled with joy.
I shrugged, "Yes sir, that's me."
He then walked over to me and started to shake my hand, "My god, I've wanted to meet you so badly. What brings you here?"
I looked around the room, "Well, I was wondering if you could squeeze me in for an interview sometime."
Ray smiled and looked speechless, "Of… of course. I can get you the star guest spot for tomorrow's show!"
I nodded and smiled, "That's perfect. I just need to spread what really happened on Earth. These rumors and just downright awful thoughts about me are not who I really am."
Ray nodded continuously, "I agree with you 100%. When I first heard of the hate you got, I was mortified. Then I heard what you did on Earth, and it just made me mad that you're hated. These people are just too blind to see what you really did!"
I was happy that someone with such a high fame was a friend of me. If someone with as much fame as Ray was against me, then I would most likely be run out of Lylat.
"I appreciate your kindness." I said, "So tomorrow, yes?" I asked.
Ray nodded, "Get here around 7:00 A.M." He said, "This show is always live, never pre-recorded, so bring your a-game."
I was excited about this. Not only would I give out the true story of what I did and show everyone that I am not a monster, but I am also going to be able to do it with one appearance.
"Thank you very much, sir. I'll try to get here early." I said.
Ray nodded, "I'll see you tomorrow then."
With that I exited the room and headed back down the hall. I re traced my steps and found my way back to the door I had entered through. I opened it and found the guard still standing and waiting.
"So how did it go?" He asked me.
I walked over to my car, "Got star guest spot for tomorrow."
The guard chuckled, "Then good luck tomorrow."
I nodded at him and entered the car. I started it up and headed back out to the front of the building. Surprisingly, the traffic wasn't bad at all. I drove down Sound Avenue and went onto Corneria Avenue. I was driving slowly and cautiously, so I didn't hit anyone randomly crossing the street.
As I was driving slowly, I noticed a few people wearing concealed clothing standing near an alley. They gave me high suspicions. I slowed even more and watched as they followed after an unsuspecting man walking into the alley.
"Oh shit…" I said. I turned and stopped the car on the side walk. People were cursing at me for driving recklessly. I ignored them and got out of the car. I looked over at the alley and then back into the car. I opened the center consul and pulled out my D-40 Pistol that I had just in case. When I had it in my hands, I closed the door and walked around the car. People were now gasping at the sight.
"Everyone, stand back" I said as I neared the alley.
People were now following me as I entered. They crowded around the entrance of the alleyway, but at a safe distance.
When I made it into the alley, I found the group of concealed people beating on the lone vulpine. They were punching and kicking him as he was on the ground in a fetal position.
"Hey!" I yelled. They stopped what they were doing and turned around.
"What the fuck do you want?" One of the men asked.
I raised my pistol, "To leave this man alone!" I yelled back.
They all looked at each other laughing.
One of them stopped, "What the hell are you gonna do about it?"
I fired a single shot at their feet. They jumped back as the bolt of green energy hit the ground.
"I'll kill you all if I have to." I said.
The four men then reached into their clothes and pulled out switchblade knives and daggers. They all were in a ready stance.
I chuckled when I saw them pull their weapons out, "That's cute"
I fired at the taller one and watched as he fell to the ground, dead. The other three then all charged at me simultaneously. The crowed behind me gasped.
"Let's dance" I said.
I sidestepped and dodged the first slash of the smaller man. Once I was clear, I brought my fist around and landed a right hook on the man concealed face. He fell to the ground. I turned around and saw the second man swing at my head; I ducked and brought my fist up for a strong uppercut. The goon flew into the air. I turned and found the last bad guy rushing towards me. He slashed at my face, but I did a half back flip, catching myself with my hands on the ground. I used the momentum to complete the back flip and kicking the man in the face. He flew into the air and landed hard. I stood back up and found the four men now on the ground; three in severe pain, and one dead.
I turned around and faced the crowd, "And that is how you deal with a group of baddies." I then cracked my neck and let out a deep sigh of relief.
I turned back around and grabbed my pistol, which I tossed aside to fight the goons in close combat. I walked over to the man and helped him up. He wasn't bleeding as bad as the first person I saved from goons, but he was still in bad shape.
As I helped him up, I noticed something about him. He looked extremely familiar. After a second passed, it hit me. It was Will!
"Holy crap, Will?!" I asked in shock.
He coughed, "Hey Kevin, how you been?" he asked with pain in his voice.
"Damn it, we need to get you to the hospital." I said as I picked him up in my arms.
I ran out of the alley and into the crowd, "Someone, call for help!" I yelled.
I heard someone yell from the crowd, "You'll never make it to the hospital if you wait!"
I shook my head, "Damn it"
I then ran out of the crowd and over to my car. I opened the door and placed Will in the passenger seat.
"Hang tight, Will." I said as I closed the door and ran over to the driver side.
I started the car and quickly u-turned. I then pushed the pedal and flew down the somewhat open street. I dodged and weaved passed other cars and prayed that I would get through red lights without colliding with an adjacent vehicle.
"Will how hurt are you?" I asked as I focused on what was ahead.
He coughed, "They stabbed me and beat the living shit out of me."
I looked over for a split second and saw that he was bleeding even worse than before.
"Goddamn this day is just crazy" I silently said to myself.
I made a hard right and flew down the next street. At the end was the hospital.
"Don't worry, we're almost there." I said as I continued to fly passed other vehicles.
In only a second, we reached the hospital. I slammed the break and quickly came to a stop right in front of the hospital. I swung my door open and ran over to Will's side. I opened the door and grabbed him. I turned and ran into the hospital.
"I need a doctor!" I yelled.
A woman from behind the reception desk came running over to us.
"What the hell happened?" She asked.
I shook my head, "Some men beat this man down to the ground. He has some bad stabbing wounds."
Just then, a few doctors came through the ER doors with a stretcher.
"Put him on here" one of the doctors said.
I did as he said and placed Will on the stretcher. The doctors then turned around and ran back through the same set of doors they had entered through.
I was in shock, why would anyone want to hurt Will? He is a good man; he stood up with me to defend me against the discrimination I was getting. This was when I remembered; Rose did even more than Will. She basically told the entire crowd that was present to back-off.
"I have to make sure she gets home safely tomorrow." I said to myself quietly.
The nurse then walked over to me, "Do you know the patient?" She asked.
I nodded, "Yes, he helped me in front of Space Dynamics. A crowd formed around me and started to discriminate me. He was one of the two that assisted me with the problem." I explained.
"Was there anyone else that helped?" She asked.
I nodded once more, "A female feline. Her name was Rose. I don't think she would be in danger from doing the same thing as he did. I am actually dating her."
The nurse nodded, "So you think that because he helped you, the goons attacked him?"
I shrugged, "There are a lot of people on this planet and in this system that do not like me. Regardless of what I did, there are still plenty that think wrongly of me."
The nurse continued to nod, "Well, I don't think that you're evil, or a monster. The people that think so are just idiots."
I smiled, "Thank you"
I then exited the hospital and made my way to my car. I started it and headed back for the estate. The day, which was intended to be a simple discussion with Beltino, turned into a new plan to clear my name and save a new friend from harm's way.
"Déjà vu" I said as I remembered saving the stranger from when I finished training. He was in a much more dangerous condition as Will. I remember the stranger nearly dying in my arms. Will, however, was a fighter and kept awake regardless of the pain he must have been feeling.
Tomorrow must have something special in store for me.
To Be Continued…
I am incredibly sorry for having to do this. I know that longer chapters make for more interesting reads, but I simply can't output enough plot for a long chapter. Shorter ones like this are much easier for me and will also be more detailed, better story, and dialogue. I hope you all understand.
Oh yes and I know; another chapter already? In only 2 days? I know I'm surprised myself. I didn't know that these ideas that I had would go so quickly into writing. I'm still stuck as to what to do next, it's just chapters will be up faster from now on, since they are significantly shorter.
I also want to say once more; thank you to Kit Karamak for assisting a fellow fan fic writer. Your advice really helped with this chapter and has saved the book from cancellation.
Until next time…