Hey everyone! I'm back with a new one! I decided to answer a particular question regarding the story from a review.
MaxTV1234: "Wait, I'm a little lost. What's Techlab Industries?"
RE: I'm so happy you asked! Techlab Industries is the original name for Universal Dynamics in the Wild Robot novel series. I simply decided to adapt them into this story as a fierce competitor to Universal Dynamics (think of Apple vs Microsoft.) In fact, a lot of the characters I have in this story are strictly from the novel of The Wild Robot and are not from the movie.
I hope that answered everything! With that being said, go read the book, lol!
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this next segment, it's going to be a long one, you'll soon learn why!
…
Chapter 15: A Sudden Gust of Wind
The next day arrived, and we left the shelter to begin our day. It's sunny out…hardly a cloud in the sky—and the ground is actually warm for once! Brightbill wanted to start the day by greeting all the friends and acquaintances he left behind before the migration. Some had long since passed away, while others were still around, thriving.
Friends like Chitchat, an Eastern gray squirrel. She had a few harsh words to say to Fink over the whole acorn fiasco, but she seemed to be easily distracted…so when the rodent saw Brightbill next to us, she was bursting with uncontrolled excitement.
"Brightbill! You came back, I have so much to tell you about this winter, it was cold, it was freezing, but it was mostly cold, I had enough acorns to last the winter thankfully, thanks to your calculations! Thanks to Roz's recommendations I filled my tree with more twigs and my shedding that helped insulate my drey, there was a woodpecker who wouldn't stop banging on my tree, so I tried to scare them away, but they only wanted a bug, and I tried to get the bug for them and-"
"Okay, slow down or you'll lose your breath!" Fink retorted, sighing loudly. This was my very first encounter with them and I lowered myself to be level with the fox and whispered, "is she normally this talkative?"
"She is" he deadpanned.
"Hey, I heard that!" She yelled across from us, brandishing a claw finger.
Brightbill waddled forward, opening his wings up, "it's nice to see you and the others are okay!" They both soon hugged as I walked forward, "have you met, Terry?" The avian asked, pulling away, brandishing a wing toward me as I waved at the squirrel in response.
"I heard he fixed our nut problem! Fink thought it would be funny to have Thorn eat all our nuts and thought we wouldn't know it was him and we thought about playing tricks on him, and then he tried playing the victim and-"
"Okay, okay…but everything's okay, right?" Brightbill asked sincerely.
"Yes! And it's even better now that you're back!"
"Well, that's good" Brightbill smiled, folding his wings once again, "would you like to join us?"
"Always!" Chitchat soon scurried toward us…and the rodent soon decided to use me as a vehicle (crawling up my legs and back to rest on my shoulder.) I soon shrugged: no harm, no foul.
And so, we made our way through the island's forest, running into Paddler fixing his den…saying hello to him before moving on. Sure enough, Pinktail and her children ran into us.
"It's so good to see you and the others have returned once again" she said, smiling up to the brown/white avian as Chitchat played with the kids. Brightbill nodded, bowing with a wing, "happy to be back. I have great news, Roz is fine…I managed to find her!"
The adult opossum was surprised but nevertheless pleased by the news, "that is great to hear." She stepped closer…pointing towards me (I was distracted by Rowan and Petunia arguing over me) "take care of Terry, he's been through a lot."
"I will" Brightbill smiled with his beak before our group decided to break away once again to continue.
After greeting a few more animals, Fink felt it was time to go looking for Thorn to help us move Rummage out of the shelter. Turns out, the bulky grizzly is outside his cave…back-scratching against a tree before he notices us.
"Hi, Thorn!" Brightbill said, hovering in midair to greet the behemoth.
"Brightbill" they answered in their gruff voice. Most couldn't tell but beyond the rough tone, he was pleased to see the goose like everyone else.
"H-hey buddy…uh…" Fink suddenly walked into the picture. He was about to ask Thorn before Chitchat landed on the fox's head and jumped up and down, "Fink, and I, and everyone here wanted to ask you a favor, a really big favor, like it's so big…probably the biggest favor we need from you today! We need help taking the robot-thingy-ma-jig out of Roz's home so we can get this human back home. Does that sound great, does that sound like a plan, can you do it for us, can you do it for Terry, can you do it for me…please?"
Everyone just stared silently at her before Fink rolled his eyes and looked toward the bear again, not caring if the squirrel was still on him, "what she said."
Thorn simply scoffed, but it was his way of saying yes.
…
After making our way back, we made it out of the tree line with the bear, Thorne, and Crownpoint, the stag. Crownpoint was recruited by Fink on the way back…amidst all the deer bedding for the day…the more the merrier, I guess! We stopped by the shelter, and I put my hands on my hips. I gave a big smile, "fantastic."
I looked to my left and lowered my head to whisper in the fox's ear, "you really do run things around here" I hid a giggle before he rubbed it in, "I sure do…just don't brag about it around Thorn, kiddo" Fink advised…for his well-being.
Brightbill finally landed and stood across from us, Chitchat was on Crownpoint, jumping up and down without stopping for breath, "I should go flying on your back again, Brightbill, I really miss that!"
"Maybe once we're done with this, I don't mind!" He agreed. The goose soon turned toward Fink, "nice to see you and Thorn getting along" he had to laugh at the sight. Fink, as if to add salt, ran up and stood next to the grizzly, "Thorn and I have come a long way since you last left" the fox tried to put an arm around Thorn's leg, but the bear suddenly snarled at him before the smaller mammal jumps away.
I laughed at that but soon stepped forward to address the group, "I…appreciate you guys doing this, really." I smiled before all the animals nodded.
Brightbill suddenly landed on my shoulder and looked me in the eye, "are you sure you want to do this?"
I looked at him and nodded back, "it would seem this is the best course of action."
Fink tried to hide a tear and tried to distract his sorrow by moving toward the shelter, "we'll get Rummage out towards the hill…should be a good place and it's not too far."
I looked toward Brightbill who brandished a wing at me, "what about your kind, Terry? Do you think you'll go peacefully?"
I thought about it…the device that Mark had that was now in my procession. Maybe it's not in my best interest to bring it with me, but not bringing it could incite a search of the island by humans. Brightbill…he can keep it hidden…take it to Roz if need be. I told him and he seemed unsure. No matter what choice we made, it seemed as though the island was at risk regardless of which action we took. I suppose we were planning for the worst-case scenario.
Still, when we all entered the dome, I looked into my bag…there was a smaller, green, bag that had the device inside. The device didn't appear to weigh much, and it had a sling…so you could tie it around one's neck as Mark had done on the mainland. As Fink and the others were moving Rummage out of the shelter, I was with Brightbill looking over the data disk.
"It's amazing to think such a small device carries so much significance…" he turned toward me, "I just put it around my neck?"
I demonstrated, adjusting it so the goose could wear it. I placed it around his neck, and they inspected it with a wing. Soon, Brightbill gave a serious look to me in response, "I promise I'll take it to Roz. I promise we'll get the answers we need with her help."
This took me by surprise, it seemed as though he already made his decision…as if he thought long and hard about it, "I appreciate it…just…be careful…"
"I know humans more or less now, I'll be fine, really!" Bill gave a smile with his beak, throwing his head high with a proud stance.
I chuckled at that, rubbing my hand against Brightbill's head as they chirped. I helped take the necklace off for now, setting it on the ground next to my bag.
"…maybe I can somehow meet you and Roz there" I said in return, scratching my chin at the thought, "maybe I can find out where exactly she is…Universal Dynamics has a database on all their Rozzum models online. It'll have to wait until I get back home. I see the others managed to get Roz 6262 out the door."
As soon as I had my back turned, I heard Brightbill's voice behind me.
"Terry."
I looked behind him to see his proud look, "I've seen many humans on my migrations, but none quite like you. I wish I could see your world…see what it could offer us. It's so amazing we can share all this with you…I only wish more humans were like you."
I gave a bittersweet look, "our world doesn't deserve you…"
He waddled closer, "if there's one thing, I've learned…it's that humans are scared…I can see that. I can see you are all trying to find solutions to all your problems…you're not perfect, but…neither are we…I think, getting to know you…I don't think we are different at all."
I smiled softly, crouching down…placing my hand against his back, "it's amazing what happens when you get a fresh perspective on things, eh?"
We both left, Brightbill couldn't help but smile at that.
We took Rummage across the field to find a suitable spot to lay her to rest. It didn't take long, for we placed Rummage on a hill not too far away from the shelter…just within sight. I placed the transmitter on her head and managed to get a strong enough signal. Now all that was left to do was activate it using my dying PDA.
Everyone surrounded me and the decommissioned Rozzum robot. I stared at her for several moments as my PDA booted up for the last time. I sensed Fink next to me, looking up at me with a questioning look, "well…you ready kid?"
I sighed deeply as Brightbill ended up opposite of Fink, "ready as I'll ever be."
I pressed a button on the interface…powering up Roz 6262…her voice was glitchy and her only working eye was flickering violently, "return to factory" she stated in a series of different voices due to her damaged components, "activating return transmitter…three…two…one…" suddenly, the device flashed green…indicating a successful signal was established.
Now, the only thing to do was wait…
I felt both Brightbill's wing and Fink's paw against both sides of my shoulders. I looked at each of them with a soft smile and nodded.
We, as a group, decided to break off at that point. Chitchat, Crownpoint, and Thorn went to spread word of the impending arrival of the hovercraft…that left Fink, Brightbill and I by ourselves.
…
That night, we decided to rest on that grassy hill close to the shelter…staring at the full moon shining down on all three of us. Sure enough, Fink howled like a wolf…he'd done it several times and I always wanted to ask him, "so…why DO you howl?"
Fink gave a calm, nonchalant, response…soon lying on his back with his arms behind his head, "I was raised by wolves."
Brightbill couldn't help but laugh uncontrollably at that as Fink looked toward him with one eye open, "why are you laughing? It's possible, you ought to know that kid."
I rolled my eyes playfully at that, "I guess when you put it that way."
Sure enough, Fink had thought up an idea to entertain us, "I think he'll enjoy this" he whispered to the goose…giving his signature grin. Brightbill knew his fox family member would be up to no good already, "come on, don't torment him, Fink."
"It'll be fun" Fink winked before turning toward me, "Terry…how about showing us your howl?"
I scoffed at that, shaking my head, "why would I howl? It's unnatural…especially from you, you're a fox!"
"That hasn't stopped me! Come on, kiddo…if Roz can do it…so can you!"
Brightbill hid a giggle with a wing, and soon stepped in for my sake, "if he doesn't want to Fink, I think we should let it be."
I rolled my eyes, laughing at the absurdity of the request. Soon, however, Fink just needed to entice me, "I guess you're right; his howl'll probably be too lame anyway."
I froze in place, slowly leaning toward him, "lame? What makes you say that!?"
Fink pretended to be scared, covering his mouth with his brown paw.
Brightbill stepped away slightly in response, wincing at the scene before him, "uh, guys?"
"My dear Terry…didn't you just tell us it was unnatural…I just assumed because of that you lack experience in the art of howling!"
I finally bend to the peer pressure, "I know what you're doing, fine…you want me to do it…I will…" I groaned in defeat.
Immediately afterward, the fox stopped his farce and returned to his usual ways, and sat up in response, "there you go! Embrace your wild side like a true animal!" He started circling me as if he were inspecting me, "now…like we did on the trail…get down on all fours and puff out that chest. Let it all out. Come on, human, you can do it!"
Somehow this is worse than trying to run like an animal in the forest, I thought, I guess I ought to just go along with this…it's not like my classmates are here to see this.
Soon enough, I comply…but I'm still holding back, clearly. The avian next to us brandished a wing to his fox friend…noticing how uncomfortable I felt, "maybe we should stop, Fink."
"No" he soon looked at me, "It's all for fun" I said with a smile.
"Yes it is!" Fink smiled back, nodding in agreement.
Despite this, I give a mediocre howl, and the fox seems unimpressed by it, "what was that!? No one here is going to judge you kid, come on…again!"
That's when I finally let go. I stared at the moon as my gray eyes were light up by the gray sphere above. I closed my eyes and finally released a long, drawn out, howl.
Now, Fink was greatly impressed and Brightbill joined in…cheering me on, "wow! That was great! See what I mean, didn't that feel good or what!?" Fink asked before I got out of my pose and sat normally, "okay…I'll admit…that was something else. Though, you couldn't have me do that back in the city…I'd die of embarrassment."
"For some reason, I can understand that feeling" Brightbill held a chuckle.
"So what? You're doing it for yourself…not them! Remember that!" Fink brought me into a hug…with our cheeks rubbing against each other, "you did great, kid. Just know that!"
"T-thanks." I guess in a way that felt good, I can see how liberating howling might seem to Fink and Roz, funny enough.
Brightbill just watched from the sidelines…thinking to himself on how much he missed since getting Roz home and going on his second migration. Fink had made a closer friend…a kinship as closely knit as the one with Brightbill and Roz. It was a brotherly affection, kind of that which Fink had with him. The goose couldn't help but feel happy that Fink had made a friend like me while he was away.
In that moment, I felt melancholy…because I realized that my time on this island was ending…and these moments I had with Fink and Brightbill…along with the other animals on the island…would soon come to an end.
Both animals soon sensed my sniffling, and I began crying. They went in to comfort me, knowing exactly what I'm feeling.
"Hey, it's okay, buddy" said Fink softly, patting me on the back with a paw. Brightbill too had to offer his condolences, "Terry, you know we, as an island, will never forget these moments with you. You, like Roz…helped us beyond what anyone asked for. If Roz opened our eyes to kindness, you definitely helped us see that humans are capable of the same thing. We'll never forget you, and I hope you never forget us" the small goose said, pulling away. He wiped a tear that fell off my cheek, and that helped calm me.
I nodded in response, "I appreciate it, guys. I really do. It's been a long time…I've been here so long. In many ways it's become a second home to me."
Fink soon sat in front of me, tail wagging slowly at the thought, "think of it this way, it's a second home maybe you can come back someday like Roz!"
"Maybe…"
"Remember what I said, kid…hope. Don't forget it" the vulpine smirked before I nodded.
As if it were instinct, we brought ourselves into a tight hug…the three of us…a trio. Once we pulled away, we decided to spend the next few minutes staring at the stars from the hill.
There were certainly millions of stars in the sky…compared to the dozen I see in the city…and most of the time those are confused with approaching airships and hovercraft.
"It's a shame you humans in the city can't see stuff like this" Brightbill said, knowing very well the lack of stars in the sky where Roz now lives.
I couldn't help but agree.
"Hey…there's a really bright one…" I saw Fink point to a particularly bright star on the horizon. Brightbill rolled his head to the side, taken aback by it, "maybe it's one of those planets that Roz told us about? They don't flicker like stars."
I know what it is.
My heart skipped a bit…and both animals sensed it. Sure enough Brightbill's face darkened too…knowing all too well from civilization what it was. Stars and planets never shine that bright just over the horizon…so it must be…
It got brighter and brighter…so fast…the three of us stood up. Then we felt the rumbling beneath us…the pebbles vibrating. Soon we saw the trees sway…a sudden gust of wind stunned us before we looked up: it's a hovercraft!
Acting on instinct, Brightbill flew away to safety…leaving just Fink and I behind. We just stood there in shock and awe.
"Not this again…" Fink growled at the sight…squinting his eyes from all the dirt blowing around us. He started backpedaling and I did too. We ended up right next to Rozzum 6262…the hovercraft's intended target.
"Guys!?" Brightbill shrilled from the sidelines…eyes widened, and mouth gaped at what is happening.
I saw the bottom of the ship start to open…the tractor beam would soon activate to pick up the robot. I intended for it to pick me up as well. What I didn't plan on…was having Fink beside me while it was happening!
I snapped my head down toward the animal with a horrified look on my face, "Fink, step back! What are you doing!?" But he was too distracted by everything that by the time he remembered what the tractor beam was and tried to move…it was too late.
Sure enough, the tracker beam lit up and we both (along with the robot) are lifted off the ground. Dozens of animals witnessed the arrival (including Pinktail and Chitchat.) They all tried to intervene, but it was futile.
"W-what is going on!?" Fink said, flailing his arms and legs around, we were already halfway on the ship.
"You're caught in the tractor beam! They're taking you with me, Fink!" I exclaimed.
"W-what!?" He snapped his head toward me…face full of dread.
Brightbill soon went into rescue mode…taking to the skies to intercept us, "F-Fink!" The former gosling cried out. He shook his head, flying as fast as he could, but it was hopeless…there was no way he would reach us in time. By the time he got to us, Fink and I were already on the ship as it began leaving the island at high speed!
Pinktail and the other animals gathered…witnessing the ship begin entering open waters. Thunderbolt and Brightbill also watched on…too late to intervene. The hovercraft was gone, and so was Fink and me.
Brightbill wanted to cry out in despair, but he soon became the leader he always was and thought about what I said to him, the device…Roz…I have to take it to her….
He muttered, "Fink…Terry…please be safe…I'll come for you both, I promise…"
…
The next thing I knew I was in a room with blinding white light, and it's not just me…Fink the fox is also with me.
"Terry, look out!" I heard him say as my eyes adjusted to the brightness. A rather large robot that is suspended on the ceiling had dropped down and blocked my view of Fink. He was soon apprehended by an identical robot. The one that was now holding me scanned my body…and its body soon lit up red…yelling in a deep, monotone, voice:
Error, cannot identify!
That is when Fink and I sensed another robot enter the room: it was a Vontra (different model of course.) Fink knew them very well…and his heart stopped upon seeing them approach me, "k-kid!"
She soon scanned me like the other robot but soon said, in a cheerful disposition, "positive ID for Bennett, Terry #03601872."
I suddenly felt myself become frozen with a flash of light…I couldn't move a muscle!
"Transferring to quarantine."
"H-hey, wait!" Fink's cries are silenced when a tube came out of nowhere and enveloped him and me! Sure enough, it moved both of us to another room on the hovercraft.
The ship veered southward…several miles toward a much larger cargo ship belonging to Universal Dynamics. The hovercraft docked. The Vontra that scanned me traveled out of the smaller ship toward the bridge. All around them were humans of all shapes and sizes working around alongside robots. Once they made it to the bridge, the robot saw the deck crew and the captain.
"We retrieved another Rozzum robot from the island, Rozzum 6262."
"Well done" said the captain, putting her hands behind her back.
"I must also inform the captain of another matter."
The human nodded, brandishing her hand to the robot, "speak."
"a survivor of the wreckage was also found. Bennett, Terry. Subject is alive and quarantined."
The first officer looked toward her captain and shrugged, "talk about luck" he returned to work on his panel.
"This island certainly has many surprises, you are dismissed" the captain ordered, saluting as the Vontra left, "helmsman, set a course for port. All ahead, full."
"Yes captain!"
On the instrument panel, "Ric Ocasek: Feeling's got to Stay" was playing.
The airship's engines gained momentum…soon igniting and the ship blasted off…toward civilization once again.
End of Volume 1
