~Networking~

Slipping past officers and escaping through the rear bay door was fairly straightforward for Bokkun thanks to the cherry bomb he left in a clogged toilet. Sticks waited until they were clear of the jail before laughing hysterically, though the screech of sirens cut the celebration short.

"Looks like Marv didn't find your prank too funny, bolts, we've gotta cheese it!"

The messenger bot flipped through options quickly before giving a heads up. "Hold on tight, I'll fly us outta here."

Sticks hooked her arms around his skinny neck and gripped the hoodie. Bokkun activated the jet boosters in his boots and they shot into the sky. The badger shrieked excitedly when they gained altitude and she was able to look over the entire county while they sped away.

"You know where we're going?" He asked while they flew over acres of woodland.

"Oh yeah, there's a big get-together we can use for cover. Head east 'til we reach Music City, MCPD can't be bothered with small time Marv's complaints, haha!"

"You sure?"

"Of course I'm sure! What, are you tryin' to call me a liar?"

Before he could answer, Sticks caught him off guard with her cackling. "Trust me, fella, I'll keep my end of the bargain!"

"Alright, if you say so."

"Hey, what'd you say your name was? Bo?"

"Bokkun."

"I was close. I hope you got a full tank, it's a bit of a ride from here."

Sticks looked into his eyes when he didn't respond, noticing his 'pupils' flipping through an options menu like a mouse cursor. "Wow, you're more advanced than the other androids 'round here. You sure you're not, like, a spy or a mole? Might as well get it off your chest now-"

"...you trying to call me a liar?"

The badger couldn't help but laugh at this response. "Good one, joke bot. I'll point out the blind spots and you get us to the landing zone."

Bokkun's HUD indicated there were no more incoming threats continued on with his new objective. "You got it."

They evaded the county sheriff's force and after a long trip, the duo entered Music City. The badger shielded her eyes from the bright afternoon sun while giving directions to the supposed landing zone.

A live concert was being held on the rooftop of the Skyline Boulevard skyscraper, the tallest building downtown. Students from neighboring high schools and colleges flooded the streets to attend the show this afternoon. Bokkun avoided the drones flying around filming the screaming fans and business towers, then Sticks pointed toward the Liberation building, a block from the venue.

They landed on a subway platform and walked with passengers on their way to the concert. "It's right up here! Push your way through if you gotta!"

"This place is packed, Sticks!"

("Your Love" by The Outfield echoed through loudspeakers)

The badger guided Bokkun up a stairwell to the building and they climbed up several flights, eventually reaching a guarded entrance at the top.

"Let us through, man, we're here for the show!"

The bouncer took note of the badger's disheveled appearance. "No bracelet, no entry."

Sticks raised a hand and revealed a reflective yellow bracelet under her sleeve. "Look! We're together!"

"I don't see one on his wrist. Pay up."

"Aww piss off, some cops took all the money I had, just let this slide, buddy!"

While they argued at the entrance, a few of the visiting students overheard the argument and looked on. Saffron, a female bee fairly acquainted with Sticks, walked over to diffuse the situation.

"Hey Sticks! I'm-"

"Saffron! We had uh, home economics together, wasn't it?"

"Close, AV Club. Are you okay? Your sweater is a bit torn up."

"Yeah, a few garter snakes wanted my scraps so I had to give 'em the business! Before I know it, I'm in the back of a paddy wagon! Imagine losing your mind over friggin' roadside garbage!"

Bokkun hid his snickering and the bee opened her purse. "I'll cover his entry fee, it's no problem."

"Oh, thanks. I appreciate that."

Saffron slid the money into a booth, handed the bracelet to Bokkun and joined the duo as they walked across the patio.

"Not to sound like THAT guy, but I always thought you were coolest kid in school, Sticks." The bee said. "Like, there's no filter and you don't care what anyone thinks of you."

"The key is releasing your pent up anger in doses."

"And you seem chill, Mr. Bokkun."

"I suppose somebody's gotta be the calm one of this duo."

"Very cool. Hey Sticks, what happened to you last month? You just disappeared!"

"Eh, screw college. I can always finish up later." The badger swiped a drink from a table and said, "Your parents were in the middle of a divorce, if I remember correctly."

Saffron's smile faded. "..indeed. Moved between towns recently so I don't have too many (sighs) ANY friends here. You got me."

"Sorry, just calling it like I see it."

Bokkun looked up at the massive LED screens and watched the pop band perform high above the streets. A male and female singer traded lyrics during a duet and the volume physically shook the building they stood on.

"The girl is really good but the dude kinda sucks." Bokkun pointed out.

"That's Mina Mongoose and a local guy. Chariot-something or another." Saffron said.

"Where's Espio Ocelot? He's supposed to be up there already!" Sticks protested.

"Cancelled his appearance."

"Are you shittin' me?"

"Nope. They had to scramble just to find a replacement."

The badger turned away angrily. "I paid to see his band up there, not the Barbie show!...I'm bored of this, let's get outta here Bokkun."

The messenger bot's HUD alerted him to an incoming threat so he glanced through the crowd, but couldn't find anyone that looked dangerous. Regardless, he agreed with this action. "Yeah, I'm feeling a little exposed, we should definitely keep moving."

Saffron watched her new acquaintances walk toward the exit, and she wanted to join them but couldn't think of a reason to tag along, other than what she blurted out next.

"My mom is friends with Espio!"

Sticks froze in her tracks and spun around. "You're not just saying that to keep us here, are you?"

"I'm 100% serious! She's his neighbor and works in the lounge he plays at!"

Sticks grinned while patting Bokkun's shoulder. "Great, maybe I will actually get my money's worth after all."

"Well, I can't just leave, I've got to call her to sign me out-"

"You do that. We'll be waiting in the lobby."

The bee nodded and fabricated an excuse for her mom. Bokkun kept receiving alerts but nothing out of the ordinary stuck out to him. He made small talk with Sticks while keeping an eye out for whatever his HUD was desperately warning him about.