(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸ —An undisclosed location…— ¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)

Par for his course—least it had been—to rise off vinyl with a groan, or from timber nursing quite the migraine. Slapping chills from his bones, seeing his alabaster birthday suit, though, to really snap him to attention.

"Ohhh shit, how'd I get here? Where the hell's my three-piece? Why, when, who's—?"

Best he could tell under lack of light, and grateful that he could stand and explore, believed he was kept in some chamber of stone, with little else to do but look around and try to make sense of this latest fine mess.

"Ugghh, I knew it, I KNEW it… HEEEYYY, HEEEYYY, does anybody hear me?!"

"Ahhh, he's awake. Fingers, lead our friend to his seat…"

Echoes from seemingly everywhere of familiar voices, to pound his heartbeat a mile a minute; moment that brown snake swayed into view, with a series of hisses, could swear to a curdling in his blood. The homeland's Outback to host a murderer's row of menacing creatures—rising to meet him, Fingers to slither with ease among the top.

"Very good, now… 'Till I say otherwise, fire some warning shots."

Whipping back with every sudden snap at ankles, it'd seem eternal as unbeknownst to him, the creature would corral him toward a wooden chair, laden with splinters and outfitted with well-worn cables and straps.

Hadn't even found a comfy spot, when again Fingers sprang, right at his face, coming inches from incision. And all by word alone, compared to his errant choice or three, which'd only end after he'd sit at an awkward angle, finding his life flash in spurts before his eyes.

"Whichever mongrel gave that thing a name, I swear I'll—"

"Quiet. We've a few more acquaintances for you yet."

With the occasional snap, Fingers to keep him sitting all sorts of wrong, just as the softest little flickers hovered in his ears, eventually close enough to drain whatever colour his skin had kept. Not that he'd doubt his Captain these days, but he would often plead that any story of Spider-flies had been fairytale over reference.

By contrast, its carefree hover to make a mockery of his quivers, maybe more so to land on his head and crawl about with nary a care.

"Aggghhh, bloody hell—get it off, get it off, get it off!"

For all the good shaking and swatting at it would do, was sure of hearing laughter, "Least a hundred thousand light-years between here and help… Perhaps you'd like to cooperate?"

Through a light not unlike heaven's, with quick claps to order the critters off, exactly the sod he'd suspect it would be—by far the ice-creamy bulk to all Admiral's toppings, in that Sundae of trouble. But rather than three-pieces adorned with medals all across, he would wear a tan safari suit—'ZK' to emblazon a leather belt—and shade his ginger mane beneath a Pith helmet.

"So you're the one ruining my life without reason, sending this son-of-a-bitch around…"

"Oh, but there is. This little 'shindig' of ours, you might say, is one I've been looking forward to."

"I sure bloody wasn't. Though I s'pose whether I graced your gala or didn't, I'd still end up here."

"Two for two, my lad. I've had eagle eyes out for you ever since your first signature—credit where due, you're not the fish out of water I figured you'd be. However, there's a certain caveat to that which concerns me… But mostly you."

"I've not a single idea what you're getting at, sorry."

"Let's say I've a history with a certain 'crusader' inside your HQ."

Would waddle in close, virtually getting eyes to eyes, "One whose comeback I DON'T desire, and one that YOU'VE been instrumental in."

Thoughts of gratitude, that nobody had duct-taped his mouth, "Ohhh brother, your breath stinks! Strike me pink, mind ya step back a—OW!"

"Manners, you insolent little lout!"

"I'd say speak for yourself, but I'd rather you didn't," he'd rub his red cheek.

A backhand to even them out, "Didn't someone in your life teach you better, than to talk back to your betters?"

"Taught me far more valuable lessons, Gods rest them. Now what in every Almighty's name are you yapping about?"

"Must I say 'miraculous', so you might get the hint?"

"No, I gotcha the first time. Thing is, as awesome as they really are, you're giving 'em a credit I don't believe they're worth."

Bulk of his problems to circle him, while he'd squirm over persistent pokes and halitosis, "That's why I never cared I missed that lone tube in the trash pile. But like a bloodhound you've seemed to sniff out a heap of them since, and it's an anomaly I plan to get answers for."

"Mate, any good bloke among the gum trees knows the scent of eucalyptus. It's really that simple."

"You're in no position to treat me like an idiot, and from now on, it'll be your peril to do so."

"Oh come on—"

"You think I haven't done my homework on you at all?"

"Sir, I just—"

"Never mind the sir, Reginald's good enough for you."

"Reg, all I ever"—right ear to cop a clipping—"Ow, the hell?"

"Reginald! Not Reggie, not Reg, none of your lazy short names. Got it?"

"*sigh* Reginald, you ever been sucked outta your ship like a milkshake"—mimicked a straw—"felt yourself turn to mincemeat courtesy of the cosmos? Before all the bibbidy bobbidy boo that'd resurrect me with superpowers, left me thirsty for 'em, I was begging to be among the grateful dead."

"To persuade you into seeing things my way, that sounds like a marvellous idea."

"Hello, you wonder why I craved that kinda insurance? For years now, I'd rise outta bed in cold sweats trying not to scream. Every single day, haunted without pause by the dangers of your present, and especially my choices of eons past. Getting this second go, for those answers I've desired, of course I'd use that gift of the Fates."

"Must say, I was once a man who'd regret what he'd done. But since you'd remind me, perhaps I can tell you a story… A past so loathsome, I no longer cared at all."

"So the man who'd order my murder is gonna monologue to me? Great, gets BETTER and better."

"The more I talk, the less I might think of taking your limbs. And after how you'd hurt our friend here, I'd think it unwise to tempt 'em."

Couldn't rely upon a clock as Zookeeper cleared his throat, yet could admit he'd make a fine narrator as that yarn unravelled from his tongue. Both of them to have girths that so embodied the easy life—for what he'd confront or was forced to, Reginald's journey would prove anything but.

"My lad, yours is a desire I too happen to share. I've still no answers as to who I was or what could've been, even after everything I'd make and all I'd dedicate. Heard it told that my birth-givers were cartographers who'd just come of age—was cooking in the womb, the tale was told, while their obsession with charting our universe would continue."

"Remember babies being enough of a burden, of men in suits making 'em more so. Can imagine you weren't any different."

"No expense'd matter to them, but somehow, they couldn't scrape a penny to feed, clothe, diaper or entertain me, nor hire anybody to. Only out of a neighbour's constant calls, would the city's finest get involved—Child Protective Division, however, to prove anything but."

"Would it be a small mercy that you made it, regardless?"

"First time I heard my name was when 'ORPHAN' was stamped on it."

"Ohhh, right. And I guess you've got stories of that hellhole as well?"

"Ever tried to fight back against all the chants and voices, only to get laid out upon dirt? Ever heard the demands, the threats to 'fill your face with veggies', even as you slept? Ever jumped at any sound or sight of footstep, knowing that if torment was to come, you'd never escape it?"

"Can't say I was typical—never knew back then—so ate my fair share of shit. Even got made an outcast, with only the solitude of books, imaginations, to get—"

Sharp uppercut to wind him, "Luxuries I'd have KILLED for, boy! Especially when all I could ever count on were the clear night skies."

Escaping out those broken windows he'd let those clouds darken and ferment, for a lifetime of crying left him no longer able to—as they did, would experience the odd encounter, and for once, odds far more in his favour.

A galactic war veteran, with change in a hat and their head full of grog, to become their first—kids without toilets knew that overheard slur of "wall-writing" like second nature.

"Steal from a man who'd sacrifice in service, I'd axe myself? In that moment, I'd remember what garbage I got fed, how starved I was for victories and life's finer things."

"And to think I was about to declare ya a hero, ask where you wanted your nice shiny gold medal."

Fist in their hand, Admiral to advance but be stopped, "Take it easy, take it easy. And starting now, smart-aleck, I won't be with any quips of yours."

Counting his dollars as he'd devour his Value Meal, animal spirits would rouse and take shape; in that instant, was convinced he'd no longer sit in faith of awaiting adoption.

"The hunted became the hunter; such prey to then snowball into a bunch—dozens even!—of children I could strongarm, suckers I could manipulate, elders I could swindle. Committed quite the spree, even my oppressors of old got wind of my ways… Was still in my teens, I'm certain."

"And I imagine when the time came, you weren't the type to let bygones be bygones?"

"The best part was making them believe it. I'd shake their hand, I'd whisper that 'elephants never forget', and then I'd pick my moment. It's amazing what rocks in a sock, some rope and a real tight gag can do; things as primitive and vulgar as they once were."

Murders then, and of types Vogel—once he caught wind—would condemn him outside his care for, not that the adolescent Reginald actually minded. By then, had himself a home of sorts at zoos across the boroughs; plenty of hideaways from which he could scope for and carry out dirty deeds as he saw fit.

"From heists in person to schemes through world markets, I evolved from an abandoned whelp on Earth to one of its apex predators. A stage I SO did relish, when those same people who'd once spit on me would get in line to sing my praises."

"I'd ask how ya got away all those years, but I've read of wolves and much about mobsters doing so. The good ones can't always be counted upon—especially to exploit their fears and desires, take advantage of their ignorance."

"Exactly. Years and decades of doing so would convince me that whatever I fancied, I could take, and woe unto any souls out to stop me. Built quite the haul of finer things and exotic creatures, for having enough of money."

"So how did you keep everyone in line for so long?"

"Ahhh, a fine question. I'd end up so sick of money, I couldn't give it away fast enough—being so generous with grants to grant me this equipment you see. A whistle on EVERY creature's frequency, just for starters. The possibilities to so terrify, I could be an hour late to a heist and still face no resistance—I'll spare you any long stories."

"Except for that time you'd take such fear for granted, and that wouldn't be the case."

"Quite right. In a world of cowards and washouts, some upstarts set out to make names for themselves. At that Natural Museum of History, I figured my animals would cause enough chaos—instead that damned Clobberella would spoil what should've been an easy snatch and grab."

Should've come as no surprise that she'd employ by far the most effort, but irrespective of that, an exchange of capture for empty hands was to sully any prized record; in the musings afterward, recalls of that helpless child again, and shivers that such a defeat could kickstart his undoing.

Many a night spent licking those wounds and plotting with malice—complete change of plans for finding that King going behind the crew's backs, doing the news rounds. After follow-ups among peers and the anxious public, he'd make a personal call, with an offer of truce in mind.

"Their choice was simple—steal the Quantum Gemerald for me, and I didn't care how, and I'd promise to leave all as it was. Refuse to comply, and I'd release all the nation's zoos out of captivity; imagine trying to contain that, when they could barely handle a bunch of exhibits."

"Messing with the lives of millions, over a glowing green rock…"

"It worked, what else would matter? We'd make our trades and go separate ways, though this time, I wouldn't whisper my four favourite words."

"So that excuses you from ripping her life to shreds, huh? From coming after me, for the crime of trying to stay alive?"

"Of course it doesn't, though you assume I actually care. When it comes to enemies and their downfalls, it is imperative you opt for excess over not enough, for decisive over diplomatic. That way, you leave 'em crawling into their holes and wishing it were their graves."

"Swear you're gonna make that same crawl when—"

Might've soiled himself over a grip of one hand, Admiral's growl, before a crisping sound unleashed his roar, as well as the waterworks. Bones crushed as if they were sugar glass, in just seconds, which'd send every fibre and nerve flaring hotter than the Sun's core.

"Didn't I warn you about your quips, boy?"

Was sure most words coming out were curses, but not on whether they'd form a legible sentence.

"Shall I have Admiral squeeze again, so you address me properly?"

Chest heaving from his cries, could hardly shake his head as Zookeeper would circle again, all while Admiral tried to wipe off any spurts.

"Now, my request is quite simple; I've a few questions, and I want only the truth—anything else and you'll pay. Do we understand each other?"

"Yes, Reginald."

"Very well. So, in what I'd call a most unfavourable scenario, it'd seem the risk with regards to Clobberella coming back has taken quite the leap… How did you do it, how did you really find those extra creams?"

"Coming from the guy who bought out every last tube? On what planet would my paltry supply matter?"

"Ah, that reminds me, of what I WILL do to not get the answers I want. And knowing we've got all night, and days ahead…"

A grimace beyond any red-hot hands, to see Zookeeper grab a handful of his own tubes. Admiral to prove the better fighter by far—if given the order, doubted they'd be above the prospect of torture—and revival—perpetual.

"I'm hoping I don't have to go there, do you?"

"Reginald, they're only serums to the self you want to be, CAN be without worry. Sure I've got a few, but you can't be serious in saying that'll give myself or my Captain a fighting chance."

"You might leave things to chance, but I don't. See, I've a vision for our world, where humanity evolves beyond the filth and squalor I'd experience growing up. Of leaving the dregs of last millennium as little more than footnotes, as we take our long overdue leap into a brand new era."

"Our world already HAS, how don't you see it? This getting personal, these axes to grind, none of that was needed, not in the slightest."

"Care to enlighten me on matters you could know nothing about?"

"Those orphans of old? That I've heard, they're selling body parts and fighting the shakes. Those heroes who'd foil you? They'd retire in disgrace, get forced into menial work. And me? I'm little better than the bum who rose outta blackouts, even to travel 10,000 miles and centuries in time."

Could've sworn he'd hear the man's guard sniff, breathe a bit, but couldn't be sure either.

"And why should I give a rodent's rectum about any of that asinine nonsense?"

"Because unlike all those you'd call enemies, rightly in some cases, you've already WON. Emphatically. Had I but only a hundredth of what you had, I'd never get off my knees for being so grateful. And still you wanna create chaos for all, when nobody would get what you hope to gain? Got a cheek to accuse me of things asinine."

"What's done is done, and that doesn't answer a thing I'd axe, politely I might argue…" A shake of head and clicks of tongue, "Maybe you don't listen like you say you do, what say you Admiral?"

"Alright, ALRIGHT, Gods, as if you didn't make your point! Look, best of my recall, an old Captain left that tube in case of emergency. I never quite knew who. Was like a forbidden treasure given how it was guarded, and after my first time—"

"You'd scheme to get any fix you could?"

"Given the old vices and how out of control they'd get, of course. Figured after wasting a good life, could finally DO good in life—was all I ever wanted to do after what I'd done."

"For your sake, I'll pretend I didn't hear that 'good life' part, especially to hear it grow so piteous. To give up such potential, for so pathetic a champion, after you'd roam those rotting halls as I did."

"And I s'pose my example shoulda been the arseholes who'd annihilate me, right?"

"Thread by thread, you're thinning out what little pity I've left for you. And that pity's all that stands between going free and in one piece, or going home in finely diced pieces."

"Then condemn me if you must, and have my pity in kind. Yes we had our spars and fights, but my Captain got me doing things my era's greatest minds would've nuked the planet to achieve. And even to struggle with letting things go, with looking forward, I'm not the miserable made man coming after everyone 'cause of it. Now take what I've got in New Jersey and piss off outta my life."

Got a tap on the cheek, then the other hand broken, "All I wanted were answers, lad, not sermons. That said, think we both deserve a break; Admiral, lounge me first, then host our friend at your quarters."

Only a grunt in reply as they'd hoist their master; as he readied to exit at speed, Archbury would raise a finger.

"Oh, one more thing. Should you become unpleasant to my eyes again, only the end of time will ensure you ever leave that chair."

The fat man to vanish right after; thoughts had of whether he'd bleed out waiting, before miracles were rubbed in and he'd get slung over, rushed down some messy path. A return of health and powers, and yet, a certainty he was too powerless, too ill at ease, to stop anything.

Even to gently be rested on a guest bed, the stench—much like old crew cabins—kept him from hoping it'd been a scary dream. Each second like a minute, or must've been, especially once a guttural snarl grew across the aisle, enough to think of makeshift prayers to score points.

(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸ —…— ¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)

"Grreeaat, lemme guess, the 'man of honour' has something to say?"

"And you'd better shut up and like it. So, you proud of yourself?"

A hock of spit their way, "There's the only answer you're getting, jackass; have nothin' to do with ya."

"Did you just—?"

"How 'bout ya sit up so we can REALLY be sure?"

"Wonder how smart you'll feel with my fist inside your chest."

"And you think that'll do any good right now? Maybe we could chinwag, have a chat, instead of fight; sound good sunshine?"

"After you'd take that ALONG with everything else?"

"WHO'D barge into WHOSE life making threats again, and from first days no less?"

"That's gonna absolve you of the awful things you've done? We, I, gave you SO many chances to have an easier time out here."

"Unlike you, I never said nor pretended I was some hero. Came into the country packing a suitcase full of sins, PLENTY of which I'll never make whole. And it's with that in mind, mate, that I'd reckon YOU could use your own mirror."

Watched them advance, loom over the bed, "Be very careful what you say next—you know only a taste of what I can do."

"Or else what, you'll attack like a rabid dog, as you've always done? Gods forbid. Heart to heart, boy, I've dreamed of paying back what's owed, and you've built quite the debt. But then I'd get this clarity, this instant moment of karma so perfect, I couldn't picture a thing else."

"No I'm, does not—argh, never mind! And is all that s'posed to be a fact now? Well, why don't you share?"

"We both know how battling each other ends, and I'd wager that Master's final order will be just as predictable. Daresay by then, impossible to resist. And man to man, I can't imagine my smile to see her blood coat your hands, you forfeit her life… See YOU powerless, YOU in agony."

Any thought of clarifying to end up going unneeded; famous last words to summon a force that'd flatten him upon trash and metal, grasping at faces and thrashing about, gagging.

"If a war with me is what you wanna invite, then SO BE IT!"

"Yes, come on, let fury have this hour, let me have your best!"

Didn't care to hear a thing, it'd seem, though might've owed that in part to his rapidly fading breath.

"It'll never bring back everything you lost, never compare to what's coming."

Perhaps only that to actually loosen said grip, indeed enough to get some precious air in his lungs.

"I'm no mate of yours, and I doubt that'll change. But good luck convincing me you've got anybody else."

Would swear to mercury's plunging as grips were released, leave him to cough and splutter—picking himself back up, saw Admiral had sat upon his bed's edge, bent over with elbows upon knees.

"Of course I've got others, obviously more than you. Can't even PRETEND to know who I am."

"That's only half-right, Admiral. I haven't a clue who you truly are, but, I WAS good enough to get let into a great spacefaring crew, to hear a few stories. Enough of each, in fact, to build up a theory or two. But I'm gonna need a real solid outta ya—open up and cut any bullshit, and I'll promise the same."

"Yeah, whatever you say."

"All I seek are answers, as I'm sure you do. Surely there's a mutual trust in that, yeah?"

"Then I'll begin the questions. Where and when was home, and how'd you get here?"

"Ten centuries ago, or so I thought, I laid myself to rest in a pissant little rental, blacked out in some nowhere town of south-east Australia. Turns out, powers beyond ours made me part of some 'trade deal'; ended up sober and alive somehow on Manhattan's outskirts, wondering what'd happened. The less said about that evening, the better."

"You gotta be kidding me. Why the hell would ANYBODY axe for your hand then?"

"Hello, did it look like it was my idea? Genius, brilliant, letting a man deserve a loving wife and kids after he'd betray his own blood. I was the closest warm body, and exactly nothing more, against the UGLY alternative."

"Yeah, right, you sure I'm the one needing a mirror?"

"Did I say it was you? You don't get like this by avoiding them, even to try your best for months beforehand. What else was one to do, but lock on each day as they came, hoping the pain'd go away?

"I see. Not like we never move on, so why obsess with otherwise?"

"Because, and especially after what'd happen, one can't help but want answers on the hows and whys. And I'm sure, somewhere deep down, you want exactly the same. Thus, whatever it means now, you have my word that any romance is not my priority."

"And I'm supposed to just believe you, am I?"

"Clearly you failed to see what I would that evening. The way she'd flip her locks or held her gaze, it'd be obvious to the blindest man—the real hand she wanted wasn't mine, nor anybody who came our way."

"So whose was it, then?"

"Word I heard was, when a rescue went to hell and a best mate stabbed your backs, they literally gave up their life to save hers…"

"Would fail to see how that has anything to do with me."

"We can find out together, fingers crossed, if you help me find my suit. Just in case Fatboy's gala became a bit much, I'd bring a little somethin' along."

Only sounds of departure a recognition of handprints and a gust of wind; from there, would try grabbing whatever winks he could. Thoughts of whether Admiral'd bring company, what he'd imagine he'd invite upon himself, to ensure there'd be none.

But as big a bastard as master and minion had proven, still had to begrudge their hosting etiquette; long breath drawn upon his lone return, that navy blue number still in one piece.

"Bathroom's in there. Rather not see your little friend any longer, thanks."

"You and me both. Be right back."

Just five minutes later, maybe sooner, he'd be back out, "Let's enjoy a song and maybe a story, so I hope—Symphod, if you can hear me, please come out."

Eventual hovers into view to consider clasping his hands, as it'd take its time surveying the place—given all to happen between galas and this get-together, believed it a miracle that it'd survive virtually untouched.

"Can't say I know all the technicals, but can tell ya she's gotten me through those gravest days. In its archives, I still hear the good ones I'd lose, that my own choice would condemn."

"Why believe that, like whoever came before me, music will mean as much as it did?"

"Because in every melody or its message, there's a memory, a tale worth telling. And I believe you've been around, so you'd better try your best."

But even as that creature began scratching that temple, every answer would elude them, "Ohhh, what good is it to try? From the day I set foot in here, I've known little else but silence. Deserved it too."

"Please, you could never hold a candle to certain sorts I've heard in my travels."

"Coming from the man I'd murder first time we met?"

"I'm sorry, did I misspeak? Every part of how we got here, none of it was our idea. In fact, almost cost me my life to even be PERCEIVED as acting like them. Had to accept who I became, to know who else was responsible."

It wasn't without bated breath he'd say that one name, an attitude warranted to witness solid steel walls be punched through like wet paper, roars to accompany each.

"The next time that name leaves those lips again, Mayfield—"

"Christ mate, no need to convince me!" would barely squeak, before trying to compose himself. "Only hoped you'd share your side—never meant any harm, of course."

Soon as that was said, would regret just what he'd uncork; much like his master, Admiral to regale at length of livelihoods prior—many to share a similar timeframe to what he heard before. However, the instant he heard the story his Captain had missed, those holes made immediate sense.

"Mine were Rainbow Bridge veterans well before I got here; had I lost them like you did…"

"And after all I'd do to get him back, too. Even did my native dance for three straight days, in sunshine and rain; how dare this world hold my Asses hostage!"

"Admiral, was it?" the Symphod spoke up. "Word has it such groovers did so to The Hustle, a timeless classic; shall I?"

"Uhhh, sure box thingy, but not too loud."

Though he'd hardly call Van McCoy's work lyrical genius, he knew that between build-ups of bass guitars, drums, xylophones and maracas, to that instant of famous cries and piccolos, that a masterpiece didn't always require a verse—especially to watch what it'd do to his Warden.

"Yes, look at ya dude, it's like you never lost a step! Learnt by heart, even. Now what else about Asses do you—"

A hint of a smile, "Heh, Seymour and I went way back. Often clocked into work with him paddling in pizza sauce, even taught him to woof in tune as we'd deliver all across the state. I so wanted to relive that, only for what'd been done to force a change of heart."

"Tell the truth, I sure wouldn't blame ya."

"Never'd be safe with that shiny-assed rat roaming about. But more importantly? Little guy lived on long after his owner 'died'; was certain he forgot him by then."

"That's where you'd be wrong. Give them the world, as you did, and you'll get in return a love undeniable, a loyalty unquestioned. That we often outlive them, is to suffer a grave injustice. So, what was that special tune of choice?"

"Walkin' on Sunshine, though whoever did it doesn't actually ring a bell."

Symphod to once more pipe up, "Eddy Grant, Dolly Parton, Katrina and the Waves?"

"Go with the last one, again just as is."

It was within a matter of minutes, after the advent of drums, cymbals, trumpets, and a chorus belted out with aplomb, that a certain magic would begin to manifest. Best he could describe, was as though Admiral got a dousing of Roundup—obsidian skin to recede into flesh, like roots dying, and reveal the original fastest man of the past, at least where it'd matter.

"From eyesore, to sight for sore eyes… Welcome back, Yesterday."

"That's a name I've not heard in some time—thanks for helping me hear it again."

"Yeah yeah, thank me later; wager it'll be a while yet until you really do. For right now, how are you actually?"

"Freer and lighter than I've felt in a year, at least. Course, doesn't answer how I got here."

"Let's just work our way up. What's your name?"

"Most folks just call me Orange Joe."

"Don't think that'll help, but will have to do. So what was with you becoming this 'Admiral' again? You don't strike me as a soldier type, never mind one of those commanding seamen."

Over a fit of childish giggles, his own grin to betray but for a brief pause.

"Now now, try and focus Joe. We need this, you know we do."

"Sorry dude, just felt so nice to. Let's see…"

Looked to pop a vein in trying to perceive any past, but nothing ever came, or at least, of substance.

"D'ohhh, what's the use when all you ever known's been trained out of you?"

"Your head might heed all those orders, but there's truths in your heart even Fatboy can't touch—why else did I end up having a swim? Saying that, might be your memories need a visual; how 'bout we head back?"

"Sorry Mayfield, no can do. Orders are to host you here."

"Reginald wants his creams, doesn't he? Ensure that only he has them? I give my creams if he lets me go, plus whatever else I know of, fair deal?"

"Fair or not, we often don't deal, just take. Break one's body over and over, their minds then follow."

"Why else would I mention Jersey again? I'd only go to hold up my end, try to start over."

"Either way, don't think Master would like me taking my own trips; tracks every lightyear, so he's told me."

"Can take the orphan outta Cookieville or those cold streets, but… Surely though, he can give a task or two, take some extra time for himself."

"If I offer, do you think—"

"Frankly, I just wanna get this over with. I'm sure the same idea's crossed his mind too."

"Alright, let's give it a shot then."

Getting a careful carry over Admiral's shoulders, having since reverted back, it'd be a blitz of metal paths, chambers, and glimpses of green outsides before entering what'd border on the fantastical. Couldn't quite map it out, but for what he could see, still imagined the chief's sheer envy of it.

Didn't imagine, however, the tranquil wrath he'd confront, to come face-to-face with Zookeeper again.

"I thought my order was clear, Admiral. Where in my good name are you—especially him—going?"

"Tom's giving up their whole stash, and I'm taking him to ensure his word's kept. After that, figure he'll be of little worth to us here."

"Is that so?" came a cross of arms. "Then where are they, just for my curiosity?"

"You've no need to fear, sir. Only Tom here has any amount worth caring about; proven otherwise, I'll strip the rest of the Express dry before they've even blinked."

"Very well Admiral, carry on as you were—about time you showed initiative for once. One last request, though."

"Sir?"

"Let our friend learn his lesson again, should any heroic ideas spring to mind."

"Understood."

What'd follow were screams to raise the dead—at the Admiral's hands and Zookeeper's direction, a very clear message punched; samplings of first nights all over again.

"I hope we won't have to meet again like this, Thomas. Can I trust that to be the case?"

"Y-y-yes, Reginald, never meant to be a bother."

"Spare me the tears, there's a good lad. And just remember, heads down and noses clean."

The journey back home to thankfully become imminent; all he knew afterward was sighting Admiral's spacecraft, before a surprise sharp blow busted out his lights.

(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸(¯ˆ·.¸¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)¸.·ˆ¯)

It'd be with fresh water, several facefuls, that he'd rouse under starlit skies, sit up close to home trying to wipe himself dry. At first, believed he only dreamt up what he long deserved, least before much of his body began flaring again.

"Recognise this place, the start of what'd happen?"

"Wish I never had to."

"Worse to come if you don't get this over with."

Upon a fireman's carry and leap onto the balcony, it was with a grimacing limp and fumbles over ceramic that he'd forfeit his stash—heads bowed and sighs had for the fact. Admiral to allow a final rub though, satisfied that there'd been no protest.

"That'll do. There any questions?"

"Rumour has it you had a history with this place, long before I'd live in it. Well, alter egos anyway."

"Not a lot, for not sticking around; home hunting I think. As for why I had to, nothing here rings a bell."

"Ahhh, figures this'd be a dud."

"Y'know, even to never find this place remotely liveable, it would be nice to enjoy these views, even for a day."

"Fates willing, be more than this balcony to bask in. Now, we able to hit up HQ, or will it have to wait?"

"Long as it's quick enough, I think we can slot that in."

A virtual hop over the Hudson, then a skip to second floors, to land squarely where all adventures began; Admiral's memories, upon only a glance and an offered seat, to really jump start.

"Ahhh yeah, all makes sense now. As I often did, I'd outstay my welcome by being a total hog; not just the sleeping here and leaving messes kind either. Now, to confront this silence, realise there's no getting back what I want, not anymore."

"Figures you were getting fed a bunch of bullshit up there. So how did Reggie's re-education go?"

"Told me that coming back here was to return to nothing—my great-to-whatever nephew, fed up with his failures, would sell all this up and decide to waste away between whoever'd want him."

"Well bugger me with a cattle prod, my Chief was your UNCLE? Well, great-to-whatever? Anyway, even to"—twirled a finger—"be so twisted upstairs, somehow still a picture of health for being so ancient. Besides us, at least."

"Uh-huh… Alright, let's see, how 'bout our doctor just across from him? Times to get so tough, heard he went down with butter and lemon."

"Sweet Lord, don't ever say that! I'd rather wind up in World's End again; not an ingredient out there that could EVER salvage him."

A brief squint to catch, "Right, and how's your bureaucrat? Apparently they broke some age-old obscure law, and permanent paid vacation would break him."

"Were that any true, we've never got word. Dunno what he actually does, but 'ol Hermes still does it from his corner office. Well, when he's not doin' limbos no man should do."

"And was it true that your lady in pink ran to Mom after an argument over her grades, and vowed to bankrupt you all?"

"I do recall one or two of those, but if she truly meant that, been doing a real terrible job. Tell ya, there's much more to Amy than meets the eye."

"Speakin' of eye, how 'bout our special lady?"

"Oh, this oughta be good. What did Reggie cook up for her tale?"

"Keeps telling me he's working on that, but makes clear you'll play a real part in her downfall."

"Speaking as the guy giving up true powers to help my murderer, his Master who'd ruin mine AND her life just for seeking answers, I'd sooner ask who the actual arsehole really is."

"Err, be okay to phone a friend on that?"

Head to belt the table, and not hesitantly, "Again, who said you had any?"

"That's all in the past now Tom; being on a tight leash now, that's utter crap you're talkin'."

"Fancy being told of things crazy and impossible, from the only guy older than I AM."

"And?"

"Dig inside those guts, and you'll know that everyday life, and crazy impossibilities, are one and the same now. Dude, we'd defy TIME itself coming here. So save your breath, you in or you're out?"

"Much as this mind now fights the idea, my heart of hearts still aches for answers, maybe what I had."

"Correction, you have. Fine if you don't believe me though, just gonna have to convince ya some other way."

"I might have an idea, actually, though I doubt you'll like it."

"Lemme guess, grievous bodily harm?"

"Seems I am so easy to predict after all."

"Well, no point fixing what ain't broken. But haven't you both got what you wanted? Is it not enough?"

"Must've forgotten what Master made clear. Besides, you were lucky to be left in one piece the last time; most others woulda received much clearer messages by now."

"I'll thank you to remain ignorant on that… So, what's your price this time?"

As fist after fist would clock anything in reach, he knew there'd be no fond gatherings come Monday morning. But for hopes of this leading to far greater reunions, would cling and claw through as best he could.