Chapter 1.2: Shadowed Pain
"Watch your step!"
I stumble out of the teleporter after being shoved, losing my balance. The guards laugh when I fall to my knees.
"Didn't even have the strength to fight us over 'ere, huh?" ask Mars, dusting his hands off. "Tsk, hmm, might not bode well for tomorrow morning, y'know?"
"Good luck, you'll need it. Champion," his partner adds. They both crack up again as I slowly push myself up from my elbows.
It abruptly gets silent; they've vanished. I glare over my shoulder. The teleporter is now deactivated.
I let my head drop for a brief moment, then carefully get up. I force my aching body to move towards the Morning Block's elevator. Just had to get back to our room as fast as I could. Just needed to get to Clank...
The farthest right elevator begins to hum as its steel lock slides out of place. I quickly hit the button to call my lift down, even though I know there's really no point in hurrying. It'd take a while for it to get down from the topmost floor.
Vox soon steps out into the foyer.
"Oh! Hi, Ratchet!" Lia has a bright smile as she follows him out of the elevator, which locks behind her. "You're here early. Are you doing alright?"
I nod my head twice.
"We were just about to start setting up for the tour. You can come with us and," she tosses her hands up stiffly, glancing at Vox. "...be the most punctual competitor there is!" She follows up with an awkward chuckle.
"It's fine. I was just heading back to my room," I say, turning to stare at the elevator doors to avoid looking at either of them. "There's some more unpacking I have to do."
"Okay," says Lia, sounding a bit disappointed. "We'll see you in a bit, then."
The doors finally open. Just as I start to move again, Vox finally speaks.
"Ratchet, would you have seen Kodiak by any chance?"
I halt. I look directly into his eyes, my face wiped clean of any emotion.
His face is reddened, shining with a thin layer of perspiration. "He's not in his office and well, I thought maybe he might be somewhere on this level," he explains, rubbing behind his head.
"...I haven't," I say coolly, then turn away.
I leave them behind, allowing my body to sag only when the elevator doors close behind me. My stomach is hurting worse by the second.
Once I stagger from the foyer I pause, listening closely to make sure no one was wandering the halls. I rest my head on the wall just underneath the floor map, breathing in and out deeply through my mouth. The physical discomfort amounts to nothing compared to the shame draping over my shoulders.
I close my eyes. I need to keep going, but I was suddenly overcome by something that keeps my legs from moving. Every time I think I want to move, I can't.
Because...it was just a coincidence, right?
That Vox asked that question, at that moment?
I have no idea how long I stay rooted here, but at some point I detect a subtle change in my surroundings. I open my eyes and lift my head towards the right, facing Ravenda.
He's standing at the end of the hall, and his sudden presence makes a nervous jolt run through my already upset stomach. How had I not heard him?
"What is the matter?"
He surprises me a bit by speaking first. I get a newer sense of his voice, which I'd already noted was rather deep. It carries a gentle, heavy quality to that causes his words to come out bold, but not overbearing. He has an accent I'm not familiar with.
"I'm just a little tired," I answer quietly, forcing myself to lean off the wall.
"Before the competition?"
"Yeah... 'scuse me."
I begin walking away from him. I get to the corner before he speaks up again.
"Something does not seem right."
I snort despite myself. Well, he and I can agree on one thing. I look over my shoulder. He's moved partway down the hall, once again without me hearing him.
"It's all good," I say, not caring if I sound convincing or not. I just need him to leave me be. I speed up as much as I can without making it apparent I'd been used as a punching bag.
"Are you sure?"
Now he's followed me into the next hall. I sigh. Qwark already stalks me, I didn't need someone else trying to one up him. Though it doesn't sound like Ravenda is trying to be nosy, only inquisitive. He may be reserved but isn't as shy as I'd thought he was.
"Pos-Positive," I answer thickly, swallowing. I was beginning to salivate more than usual and I'm starting to feel really dizzy. Oooh, I needed to go, now...
"Rover! Are you near?" someone shouts in the distance, their voice making my stomach turn over even more. "Oh, where are you? We need to go over the itinerary for the day, it'll be a busy afternoon for the both of us! The day is getting wrinkles as I speak!"
Ravenda grunts. He's got no pupils, but from his head motion I can tell that he's pulled off a pretty epic eye roll.
That almost makes me chuckle. "S-Sorry," I say lowly, now feeling nauseous from just speaking. "Sorry you have to deal with him constantly..."
Menzoa's voice gets closer and I get out of there as fast as I can. By the time I make it to our door, Ravenda isn't in the hall anymore.
Panting, I grab the doorknob and mindlessly try to turn it. It's locked. I barely remember my ID, feeling lightning shiver up my insides as I try to fish it from my pocket. Clank opens the door before I can, looking amused.
"Ratchet, did you forget to use your..."
He takes a closer look at me, then darts back just in time. I step into the room and vomit out what hadn't come up while Kodiak beat me. Damn, and on the new carpet, too.
Clank looks squeamish as well as worried. I shut the door and fall against it, leaning my head back and breathing heavily. "Sorry...couldn't make it to the bathroom," I pant. "Kodiak..."
"What did he do to you?!"
"He gave...me a message...one that I don't think I can take lightly..."
Kodiak had played me good. Now he had a way to keep me controlled while I was here. Just like that, all my parameters were restricted. He had eyes and ears everywhere. Realistically, what could I do to contend with that? It's not like I had suits of armor to protect me, or weapons I can carry on my person, or less responsibilities and people I had to consider...
I can't get Kodiak's conceited grin out of my head. I clench my hand into a tight fist, slamming it back into the door with a frustrated grunt.
It's a while before I catch my breath, and even longer for me to calm down. I look down at Clank, who's been waiting anxiously. "My bad, pal. I didn't get you, did I?"
"No, you did not."
"Good...I'll clean up the floor."
"I will take care of that. First, you tell me what happened."
"Right here?"
"No. Further down."
"...here, then?"
"Almost. Go to your right...AH! Right there...!"
"Sorry. I did not realize it was that sensitive."
"It didn't really hurt until you pressed down."
Clank sits back in my lap. His eyes are the only thing I can make out in the dark since the curtains were now drawn. It wasn't out of paranoia, but the added privacy felt right.
"What a bother...I suppose he knew what he was doing, to ensure he could track you without his method being obvious," says Clank. "I was too trusting of him as well. I did not think he would do something like this."
"All too late, it puts what he's capable of in perspective. I sort of expected him to still be a little upset from before, that we were going to put water under the bridge and that be it. But yeah. Not this."
I gently prod the area Clank just had, the spot right above my bellybutton. Yes, I have one.
I couldn't really tell the tracker was there unless I was more conscious about it. The nausea and the unease about it actually being there has lessened, but isn't gone yet.
My heart now feels like it's rotting. Things didn't seem as innocent and spectacular as they were before. Not with Kodiak pulling the strings and figuratively hovering in in my shadow. Now that he's done this, I can assume I probably won't be the only one he threatens for going against his order. I probably wasn't even the first.
I lean back on my elbows, frowning. "I don't think there's anything I can do about this tracker. If I were to mention it to anyone else but you, he'd find out, I know he would. I don't really care what he does to me. But if he's intuitive enough, he'd figure...doing something to you or Talwyn would be what hurts me the most. He has to know that she's here. So...I'm not going to risk giving him a reason to target either of you. I wouldn't put it past him."
Clank squints one of his eyes, an expression he makes when he's realized something he wished he hadn't.
"What is it?" I ask.
"I...was just theorizing."
"About what?"
"I believe it is a bit hasty to assume this, but I considered the possibility that Kodiak was instructed to do this to you."
We fall silent. I know he finds Vox's question in the lobby oddly timed, like I had.
"However, I am more inclined to believe that he acted on his own. He made it clear that he has the means and power to do much of what he pleases, yes? To think he is doing who knows what behind the back of his supposed best friend..."
"I still can't decide if he had been lying when he told me that. Either it was apart of his act to keep me unaware, or it was genuine," I mutter. "But it would be sad either way since Vox clearly trusts him."
"And all this for money, yet again," Clank sighs. "Who knows what lengths he would go through, just to see to that end..."
"Murder wouldn't surprise me."
Kodiak was a person that was never satisfied with what he already had. He had a huge and successful company, tons of reliable assets, mostly loyal and dutiful guards, and plenty of bussiness connections across the universe, I'm sure.
But he just had to keep on with his pursuit of wealth, and at the expense of others. It's like a constant string of power trips. Once one ended, he just had to have another one that was bigger and better than the last.
I lie back on the soft chaise, wondering if there was a point in getting some sleep before the tour. I still feel wide awake, wondering how many more crooks under the guise of security were running around in the Dome. And of course I won't think that all the security guards here were like that. There would always good present where evil seemed to reign.
"How much do you hurt?" Clank asks quietly.
"I'll be feeling all of this by the morning. Won't let it slow me down, though," I say. "I've been banged up worse and still managed to..."
I trail off at the sound of a soft click, then sit up; Clank and I stare at the door.
It swings forth, revealing a silhouette with its hands propped upon a staff. A blue mote of light shines from its face.
"I'd ask if you boys needed me to come at a less personal time, but I'm already on duty."
With a wave of her right hand, the room lights up and reveals the intruder.
She has birdlike features; the right side of her face is covered in pale canary feathers while the rest of her visage is completely roboticized. Not only is there a chunk missing from her misshapen bill, the left corner of her jaw is replaced by a mechanical joint.
Her right eye is a quiet shade of blue, carrying the depth from years of experience and hardships. The other is a robotic, gaping black abyss and its pupil is like a lone miniature star floating in deep space, still piercing in the light.
Her head is even with the doorknob and her lab coat nearly touches the ground. I can wager a guess at who she is, but a guy has to wonder.
"Uh, who...?" I begin.
"You're the one," she says frankly. She angles her head to her right and the ocular lens of her false eye narrows slightly in diameter.
"Are you one of the onsite doctors?" Clank asks.
"I'm the only onsite doctor. The rest are too busy getting a cut from malpractice and blood money," she answers. "How'd this happen to you, son?"
"How'd what happen?" I ask, guarded.
"You're pretty black and blue. That fur of yours can't hide it. As for your injuries, there's specific isolation to areas that aren't exposed."
That was true. Kodiak had been careful in where he pounded me, making sure my clothes would cover up all the damage he'd done. Still, it's not like I can go ahead and casually tell her that.
"I just..." I start.
"Fell down some stairs? Been to boxing practice? Just a natural thin-bleeder? I've heard quite a lot over eighty years. You see this?" she asks, pointing to her robotic eye, which returns to its original diameter. "It can see through a lot of things. Clothes are no issue for it."
"That's wonderful," I say, stunned. "...what else can you see?"
Her weathered bill turns up slightly. "Not the type of discussion I'm here for. Also, I'm not going to wring you dry for answers. Didn't expect to take care of competitors before the gut punches and roughhousing started. But it's not the focus of my job to wonder how injuries happen, only to realize and take care of them."
She limps closer, holding up her left hand and flexing its fingers. It's yet something else of hers that's mechanical in nature. Its palm glows a calming cyan, emitting light particles of the same color. Clank gets out of my lap and I sit up, still hesitant about her appearance and bluntness.
"Just like that," The Doctor says. "Hold still."
She presses her palm to my chest. A cooling, slightly tingling sensation trickles from that spot, swiftly making a mockery of all the bruises Kodiak had left on my hide. I let out a breath, especially relieved when the aching in my belly settles down. "Oh, thank you."
She retracts her hand. "That's all of it. Did I miss anything?"
"Nope," I say, watching the palm of her hand dim with interest. "So you can store Nanotech in your robot hand?"
"It's not indefinite. I have to refill the reserves every time they fall. I hope you're feeling well enough, because that was the last of it."
"Oh yeah, heh, it'll do."
"I wonder..." Clank speaks up. "Are you capable of X-ray vision?"
"Easy peasy," the Doctor answers. "I don't see any reason to use it on your friend now, unless there's something that I need to know about."
"No, he was just curious," I say quickly. "So uh, about the whole unlocking the door and turning on the lights thing with just hand motions?"
Before she can answer, a voice crashes through the halls.
"Where is she? I know I got a glimpse of her earlier! Rover, did you happen to see her as well? I need to get her to tend to my sore jaw again!"
It was that loud asshat Menzoa again. Gee, I wonder why he had chronic jaw problems. What the hell was he doing still wandering around on this floor?
The Doctor points at the door, which swings shut and locks.
"My cybernetics are in sync with the Dome's electrical system via neural induction," she says, resting her hands on her walking stick. "I can manipulate simple devices or activate certain functions if they are powered by electricity."
"I see," says Clank, perking. "So you can go anywhere you need to in case of emergency!"
The Doctor nods. "Your friend looks a little confused and paranoid, but I think you've explained it just right for him. Anywhere and anytime. You've already seen how many doors and entrances need authentication...being able to bypass them at will makes my job easier."
I don't know how to feel about the Doctor having free range. It makes sense, but I had to really evaluate who was trustworthy and who wasn't.
"That is fantastic," Clank says brightly. "Doctor...?"
"Quasar. Lucy Quasar," she answers, turning about and limping for the door. "I'd not forget it. I'm the only one in this Dome that can fix any part of you that's been torn off, shredded, or otherwise maimed. And more. Injuries that occur from extreme sports aren't too far off from the things I've seen on battlefields. And...let me tell you boys something."
She stops abruptly, then looks around at us.
"...whatever trouble you've already run into may not be over. Conflict loves to stick to us like flies on a corpse. But whatever happens, don't let anything take you off guard. If you do, by the time you recover you'll be picking up the pieces your life used to be."
An uncomfortable twinge runs through my stomach.
"Well..." Clank says hesitantly. "That is..."
"A bit of a downer attitude? Not completely," she says. "It's always worth having hope. There's times where it'll be the last thing you cling onto. Depends on the person if they'll keep going or give it all up...I'm sure you both know what I mean."
"Yes," Clank says quietly.
"I say this because I've seen the beginning of end of many things. People, ideas, eras...from my experience, the most glamourous things are what wilt away into obscurity the fastest. Often...the glamour is only a front. It seems nice here, doesn't it? It is. But I won't deny that this Dome is a direct reflection of its creator. I don't know everything there is about it...but I know enough.
"Can you boys do me a favor?" Dr. Quasar asks, though she's looking at me directly. "Think about someone here you can instill a little more hope into. There's plenty enough people out there. Think about the right one and make them want for the better. If you boys can do that...every morning from here on out may get a little brighter."
The pupil of her false eye runs me through and her words leave an odd feeling in my chest. Even if I wanted to respond, Dr. Quasar doesn't wait for it. She shuffles around. "I'm done prattling. I promise. Goodbye, then. I suppose I'll see you both again soon."
"Yes...goodbye," says Clank.
The door opens for her exit as the Doctor raises her hand in farewell. The lights die and the door shuts following her departure.
I'm still dwelling on her words when Clank punches me in the chest.
"That tickled. What was it for?" I ask.
"I was testing to see how well her healing worked."
"Oh boy, it was just what the doctor ordered," I let out a content sigh, then press down right above my navel. The pain is practically nonexistent by now.
"I was almost concerned she would notice it. That is why I had to know if she had X-ray vision," says Clank.
"I'm glad she didn't use it, that would've definitely led to more questions," I say, leaning back. "...I guess Vox or Lia must've sent her by to check on me."
Vox. Was she telling me to...
Kodiak had said the Director wanted my validation. Once I think about it, it falls in line with Vox's meek personality. He clearly felt guilt, yes, for something he didn't do and was so submissive...but I still can't take that step forward and leave the past where it was. It wasn't his fault and...
I just...needed to...take a chance and lower my walls around him. Cut all ties from the one who came before him, and just...look at him as a completely separate person.
If it were that easy, it'd be done by now.
Dr. Quasar had healed my body and her words had eased my mind. She so very accurately unraveled the situation as a whole, revealing its twisted center with calm assuredness...
I don't know if they had a history with each other, but she trusts Vox.
And...I believe I can trust her.
It was just a feeling.
I fall to my back, staring up at the ceiling. I hope when the right time comes, that feeling will still be there.
I wake up to Clank shaking me. I lift my head, blinking several times.
He giggles. "You fell asleep, Ratchet. It is twenty minutes until the tour starts...we should go."
I sit up. Now that I had a taste of sleep, I wanted to gorge myself on it. For a moment I considered skipping the tour and do just that, but I knew dickhead Kodiak would get suspicious and I didn't need him fishing for opportunities to screw us over.
Although I hadn't mentioned it, telling Talwyn about the whole tracker situation was a HUGE no. I didn't need her getting arrested for murder, because nothing would stop her from tearing Kodiak in half if she found out. The thought of an enraged Talwyn makes me shudder a bit.
No, this needed to stay between me and Kodiak. Not an issue.
"Bet he wouldn't be as cocky if he didn't have his pet guards backing him up..." I mutter, getting up. "Give me a second, Clank."
I go and splash water on my face to help myself wake up more. I dig under the sink for a towel, then remember the full body dryer. It was also capable of targeting single sections of the body, so I step up to it, angle the upper nozzles towards my face, and turn them on.
It makes my ears and cheeks flap and wow, the warm air feels good. It reminds me of the desert winds on Veldin. I stay under it for about ten seconds before turning it off.
I shake my head, smoothing back the fur on my face as I walk out the bathroom. "Alright, I'm ready."
Clank chuckles. "I like it when you do that, Ratchet."
"Do what?"
"Groom yourself. It is very endearing."
"Is that right? Is that related to why you take your time when you give me massages?" I ask, grinning at him. "I didn't realize you were into that, Clank."
Clank partially lowers his eyelids. "You always have to start meddling, I see," he says shortly, jumping up and grabbing the doorknob to turn it. "Perhaps I take my time because I want to make sure you are nice and loosened up."
"Oh, I sure am afterwards. I enjoy your massages. You know who else would?"
"Should I even bother asking who?"
"Yeah, Skrunch would. He's looking a little tense right now."
Clank turns around, surprised. Skrunch is standing outside of our room. He lets out a loud screech, then does a backflip and starts beating his chest while shaking his head so fast it's a blur.
"See what I mean? I think he was waiting for you, even," I say, putting my hands on my hips. "Though I have to wonder why he's...NO."
It dawns on me. If Skrunch was here in the suites...
Clank is clearly thinking the same thing, lifting a finger to his chin. "Qwark cannot be the supervisor and a competitor as well, can he?"
"Ka-ka Qwakkk!" Skrunch says.
"WHAT?" I cry. "What do you mean, it's a little extra work but it's manageable? I suppose next you're gonna tell me you guy's room is next to ours?"
Skrunch nods, looking pretty happy about this. Then he grabs Clank and runs off with him underarm.
"Oh! Okay then," says Clank. "I suppose we can go together...oh, Ratchet, do not forget your ID!" he adds, raising his voice before they round the corner.
I stand there for a few moments, completely floored, with my hand still holding our door open. With a groan I retreat back into our room. One thing at a time...
Where the heck did I put it?
I search under our bed, under the chaise, behind the flat screen, trying to walk back in my memory to recall what I'd done with it. I start to search the dresser then realize I can take advantage of Clank not being here.
I open the bottom drawer and dig through my boxers until my hands find everything they need at the very bottom. For a minute I stay hunched over as I work, occasionally glancing over my shoulder at the closed door. Several slight, muffled clicks hardly dent the silence.
And then, when I'm finished in the drawer, I remember where I'd put my ID.
I rush into the bathroom. I'd had it in hand when I went to go wash my face, then left it on the countertop. I'd been so preoccupied with the dryer I'd forgotten all about it.
You know, it's even got a lanyard. I think it's time to put it around my neck so there's no way I can lose it unless I lost my head. Eh, I guess by then it wouldn't matter anyway.
I glance at the clock, speeding up a bit as I leave. Just to see if this wasn't some sort of cruel prank, I dart up to the room midway through the hall. Sure enough, Qwark and Skrunch are on the nameplate with Team Qwark being their name. How unique.
Oddly, their room number is 501. Wouldn't their room be the first on this hall?
My curiosity was too much.
I quickly go check the first room and it's room 503—Thing Wun and Thing Too's room. They were...Team Twinkle? I press my ear against their door to listen, but I don't hear anything on the other side. Then I notice something else weird.
There's two trails of cracks running up the wall, as well as along the edges of the floor and ceiling, that apparently define the horizontal and vertical boundaries of the room.
When I go back to room 501, I notice the same thing. Wait, what?
I'm almost stupefied by the first thought that comes to mind—like…like both rooms had literally been swapped somehow, walls and all.
I don't...even think I wanted to begin asking questions. I just leave.
When I make it to the foyer, the elevator leading down to the lobby is still down. I press the button to call it up and stand back.
"Ratchet?"
Everything in me clenches and my heart skips two beats. My breath hisses out through my clenched teeth as I turn slowly. Ravenda is standing next to the door. What was with this guy following me around suddenly?
I rarely make an obvious point that I have good hearing, and it's what has kept me aware to a lot of incoming danger and BS over the years.
It seriously unnerves me when I can't detect someone. The dude doesn't even look light on his feet.
So...the real question. Had he already been in here and I'd missed him, or had he followed me in? One possibility was no less creepier than the other, because I'm also considering that he waited for me to come by.
"You look better," Ravenda says.
And for the first time, I can actually read his expression without struggling. His eyes are a bit wider than normal and if I can dare a guess, he looks distinctly nervous.
The elevator dings as it arrives, but we continue to stare awkwardly at each other. Ravenda looks off first. His long nose quivers slightly. I can't see his mouth but I have a sense that he has something to say.
"Doing alright?" I ask steadily, trying to draw a reaction out of him. He glances at me, then off again.
"Yes. I mean, I..."
He can't seem to get it out, but I can see and hear it in his tone. Something was on the tip of his tongue; what was it that this rising star from a distant planet had to say to me? It's so peculiar. Up to this point he'd been so closed off, stone-like, and it was curious to see his disposition crumbling.
We jump when the door slams open.
"Hey, Ratchet!"
Qwark squeezes into the foyer, holding his safety and liability handbook. "Why, just the fuzzbucket I wanted to see!" Without my consent, as usual, he scoops me up into an atom smashing hug. "By the way," he flips open to a page in his handbook, asking, "it says here each competitor was to receive a death waiver. I got four, is that normal?"
"Qwark, no..." I say helplessly.
"...pardon me," Ravenda mutters, turning and walking off. Either he doesn't notice Qwark's eyes spearing into the back of his head or doesn't care.
Once Ravenda leaves, I force myself out of Qwark's arms. "Dang it, Qwark! Why'd you have to scare him off, it looked like he was gonna tell me something!"
"Pfft, what're you doing talking to a guy like that? Don't associate with vain ne'er do wells like him!"
"And the reason is?" I question. "Remind me why you don't like him, again?"
"I just don't trust him! Especially not with who he hangs with!"
"Menzoa seems to be the one clinging to him, and is undesired if I were to suggest."
"Don't fall for their tricks Ratchet, they're just trying to find an opening to exploit your trust! Ravenda is just more subtle about it. Agents and clients are cut from the same cloth, they always are! I know one thing, he'd better NOT let the fame go to his head and try to get up to any funny bussiness!"
I shrug. "Eh, suuuure. If you say so. By the way, is it any coincidence you're in the same block as us and that your room is next to ours?"
"Of course it is," he says sweetly. "Why ask?"
"Because your room number is 501, which means it should be the first room on our hall, not the second. And I noticed a little funny thing with the walls and foundation, like some movement's been going on…like, whole ROOMS being moved somehow..."
"Oh! That is rather strange, but it's just a bunch of odd circumstances. Huh, funny how things work out!" Qwark exclaims, tapping his fingers together. "...you know, I just remembered that I have to shave, I'll just leave and..."
I seize him by the arm, pulling him after me. "We're about to be late. Come on."
Whoever made these elevators didn't take competitors of his size into consideration. I practically end up smushed to the door, pinned by Qwark's huge ass arms.
"It's comfy in here," he says as the elevator jolts a bit, sputtering before traveling down. "I appreciate these moments where we're close like this, Ratchet. Better me than Ravenda, huh?"
"Qwark..." I let out a bark of laughter as something occurs to me. "Qwark, are you jealous of him?"
"No!" he whines. "Why would I be jealous he's getting your attention and I'm not? I'm just looking out for you, Ratchet!"
"Ahhh...maybe, but you sound a little too upset right now."
"I'm not upset, I'm excited! Very excited. Can't you tell?"
"I won't even bother following up on that."
When we reach the lobby, it's buzzing with energy. Literally. The moment I pop out of the elevator, something crashes into me. "AH!"
"You've got something on your face, Ratchet!" Qwark says rather unnecessarily. He sounds so eager I don't even bother with the sarcastic response.
"Oops!" Buz peels herself from my face, hovering back. "Sorry, Ratchet."
"It's no issue. You're always at one hundred percent when I see you, Buz," I say, amused. "What's with the rush in the opposite direction?"
"I was just going to see where Rover was. He's going to be late," she says. "Excuse me!"
"What?!" Qwark exclaims, as he tries to pry himself out of the elevator. Buz grabs ahold of his antenna and pulls. I'd say it's a cute attempt at helping him, but Qwark does pop out seconds later, thudding to the ground like a sack of meat. "Buz, you've been pulled in by his vile grasp, too?
"What do you mean?" Buz says in confusion, floating into the elevator. "We're friends, we've been writing to each other ever since the banquet. Oh, but don't tell anyone, please. It'd embarrass him!"
"Unbelievable!" Qwark storms, once the elevator doors have shut.
"Are you sure you're not jealous, Qwark?"
"Yes!"
"Are you really sure?"
"Yes!"
"You can't be any surer?"
"No!"
"Mm...nah. You can't fool me."
Qwark is about to respond, then he sees my expression. He looks a little pouty. "Oh, very funny Ratchet, playing with my emotions. Why can't you tease me at a time I want it?"
The smile evaporates off my face.
"...let's just end this conversation," I say.