Freedman having finished his work, stood up and looked at VII, disappointed, before turning to Zenbot. "Let's go, Master."
Zenbot grabbed Freedman by the arm and threw him over its shoulders. It hopped out of the ship and back inside the mercenary base at speed.
Smirtya held the dagger to Mr. Qruise's back. Its point nudged uncomfortably beneath a rib.
"Now, Ms. Smirtya. Please. Let's all calm down. No need for any rash decisions. Are you…are you like me?" Mr. Qruise scratched at his beard.
"You bet your bottom, baby. I need to hear it from your lips. You're in on the deal? I'll take you back to La2x City and I'll train you in the strange ways, and we'll be loyal servants to Mr. La2x. What do you say?"
"I already told you, that's all fine by me. I'll go with you wherever you want. The problem isn't that…."
She laughed. "Don't tell me you care about that bunch of walking bolts."
"It is my master. Zenbot cares about me and…and… I can't let you kill it or make it into a killer."
Smirtya whispered in Mr. Qruise's ear. "Zenbot used to be a killer. Did it ever tell you that? We're just going to ask it to go back to its old job."
Mr. Qruise shook his head in disbelief. "I can't believe that. The Zenbot I know wouldn't harm a fly."
"It is what it is. Don't waste my time, Mr. Qruise. What's it going to be?"
"Ok. Ok." Mr. Qruise frowned. "It's going to be no." He said snapping his fingers.
Mr. Qruise popped in and out of the dark chamber, Smirtya was on his heels throughout the chase. Whenever he arrived in one spot she appeared a moment later. He'd snap his fingers again, she'd pop after him. Smirtya didn't need to snap her fingers.
Finally, Smirtya popped in front of Mr. Qruise. Before he could pop again tendrils of thick foamy black material wound themselves around him, holding his fingers in place.
"What the hell is going on? How are you doing that?" The tendrils wrapped themselves completely around Mr. Qruise, constricting him tighter and tighter.
"My dear, Mr. Qruise. Did you think that teleportation was the only gift granted to survivors of black holes. You still have so much to learn. You should have taken my deal. I could have taught you. What's the bucket of bolts taught you?" The tendrils grew tauter.
"I 'popped' an entire ship…." Mr. Qruise wheezed out, losing breath.
Smirtya's raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive. It seems there's more to you than meets the eye. Too bad. The La2x corporation can always use people like you. Don't struggle now, dear. You feel that?" she whispered in his ear, seductively. "It's death. You'll go and join all your friends in the black. All those poor souls who fell through. Goodbye Mr. Qruise."
One moment he could see the shadowy face of Smirtya sneering down at him with her bright white canines and in the next all he could see was full and total darkness.
"Is there any point to this, master? They're probably dead." Freedman bobbed up and down, carried on the back of sprinting Zenbot.
"We'll find out if they're dead. As to the 'point', I suppose we will find that out as well. But it feels correct, does it not pupil?" Zenbot leaped off the ramparts onto the open square before the second gate.
Freedman hit Zenbot's head on the way down. His master didn't stop. "It feels stupid and idiotic and brave and useless. Correct isn't a word I'd use."
"Yet you decided to join me."
"I did. Though, I'm not the smartest one on the team, you know master." Freedman rested on Zenbot's head. His body bobbing up and down as Zenbot chased through the blasticore's territory.
Zenbot's dry monotonic laughter echoed through the trees. "Maybe you're not. But your answer was wise. I like it."
"Is that the blasticore?" Freedman asked. The fluffy blasticore peeped over a hill in the second chamber and looked down at them before scampering away. "I guess it doesn't want to play no more."
"No it doesn't. We're close. Ah…. I see Jack and his student up there on the ridge waiting for us. How did they know we'd back?"
"Because they know we're idiots." Freedman frowned.
"Perhaps. Time to get off pupil. Don't get shot. VII won't be around this time."
Jack and Loveless sat on top of the ridge. At the sight of Freedman and Zenbot they jumped on their feet immediately and flew right back into the fight.
Mr. Qruise was dressed in his pristine white pupil's robes back on that shadowy hill with the lone tree. Zenbot sat beneath the tree sipping tea in its black master's robes.
Mr. Qruise ran up to it. "Zenbot, thank the Shens. You've got to run. The La2x family wants you back. They want you to kill again. You've got to run. We're all fine. It's you that's in trouble this time."
"No, pupil. It's you that's in danger." Zenbot sipped its tea.
Mr. Qruise fell in front of his master and grabbed it by the collar, shaking it violently. "Run you fool."
"Where to? I'm just a figment of your imagination in here, this is all you." Zenbot rose up and embraced the dark world around it. "You're choking to death. These are the last few seconds before brain death. How will you save the real me, the real you?" It prodded Mr. Qruise on his chest. "You're so very disappointing." Zenbot's eye slits went gray.
Mr. Qruise stood up. "I'm dying?"
"You are."
"What can I do?"
"Why ask me? I'm not real. You must learn to help yourself at some point." The imaginary master sat down and continued sipping at its tea "Tick tock. You're on the clock." Zenbot's head ticked back and forth, mechanically.
Mr. Qruise looked at his master sipping tea nonchalantly, while he died.
"You bastard."
"Tick tock."
Mr. Qruise sat down in a lotus position and meditated. Thinking.
"Tick tock."
"Tick………tock."
"Tick………….……………………."
The tree blazed to life pushing away the darkness and lighting up the sky.
Mr. Qruise's eyes lit up in the darkness. The black tendrils around his throat dissipated into smoke. Smirtya didn't have time to react before Mr. Qruise raised his hand and mimicked a gun with his thumb and index finger. "Hello, I'll have you know Zenbot did teach me something." He pulled the trigger.
Something fell on Smirtya's head. It was the vape Mr. Qruise had lost in the darkness. Smirtya looked up in surprise. Seeing that it was only a small vape that had fallen on her, she grinned and raised her dagger "Is that al-" The laser saber fell on her head knocking her out, followed by a pile of all the things lost to the darkness. Dirt, guns, people writhing, still alive. Smirtya disappeared beneath the wave of lost things.
Mr. Qruise walked over to the growing pile and pulled his vape from the ground at the edge of the heap. He puffed a bit before he heard Mancy shouting somewhere in the darkness.
"Over here. Mr. Qruise. Over here. We've freed ourselves. Do it. Do it now before that woman wakes up again."
Mr. Qruise took a long drag at the vape and then closed his eyes. He snapped his fingers.
Loveless was on top of Freedman choking him and beating his head against the ground.
Jack likewise was beating the color out of Zenbot. He had his former student pinned to the ground and was punching it in the face, denting Zenbot's chrome exterior. The blood on Zenbot's face belonged to Jack's fists.
Freedman looked over to his master, his face mottled black and blue. "I…" punch, "told you," punch, "this was a," punch, "mistake," punch.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The Vault
Mr. Qruise found himself inside the vault.
It was a well lit room with a crystal chandelier hanging from a deep oaky ceiling. The floorboards were the same rustic color. There was an old desk at the end of the room in front of a pair of bay windows which looked out onto a colorful garden, basking in the sunset.
It took some time for Mr. Qruise's eyes to re-adjust to the light. He traced his fingers across the furniture, all of which fit the feel of the room perfectly: wood
en cupboards, warm rugs and a few paintings on the walls depicting pleasant sunsets.
He checked behind the paintings to see if there were any hidden safes. He didn't know what he was looking for. A glittering parchment on the desk caught his eye.
He walked over to the desk and read the shiny paper without touching it. He mouthed the words out loud in disbelief. The whole purpose of the trip struck him suddenly.
La2x Corporation Special Bearer Share
The bearer of this share, being of La2x genes, blood and stock is now in sole control of the La2x Corporation 'Versal Inc. This share cannot be in the possession of the bearer for longer than one year from the date of first transfer.
"Is this what this has been all about?" He said out loud. Mr. Qruise looked disappointed.
He picked up the share and a blaring red light flashed in the vault, and though he did know it, throughout the mercenary base. An intercom system called out to everyone in range on Qamar:
"Attention. All La2x Personnel. Attention. All La2x Personnel. There has been a change in management. All personnel are to cease and desist from all actions until instructed otherwise. Repeat all personnel are to cease and desist from all actions until instructed otherwise."
Mr. Qruise looked behind him and found the door to the office stood open. A bright dazzling light filtered through.
"All this for another game." Mr. Qruise shrugged his shoulders and walked out.
Loveless held Freedman by the throat. His mottled face turned a shade of purple as his blood vessels screamed for oxygen.
Jack, who had Zenbot pinned down, at his mercy, stood up when he heard the intercom system. "That's enough, Loveless. That's enough."
Loveless ignored Jack and continue to choke Freedman to death. Jack walked over to his student and kicked her violently on the ground. "You heard the orders. We're done. No need to continue."
"What the hell's wrong with you?" Loveless was red with rage and the desire for revenge. "What the hell are you talking about? We were winning."
"I'll ignore this transgression from a student to a master this once, Loveless. I just saved your life. We have lost. Accept it. Mancy's got control of the company now. She'll have me execute ya if you harm one of her crewmembers AFTER the change in management. Them's the rules. Don't get me wrong, I'd do it too. You wouldn't be the first student of mine I had to kill." Jack grinned back at Zenbot "Ain't that right, Zenbot?"
Zenbot, stood up and dusted itself off, before walking over and checking on Freedman who was gasping for air, but alive.
"Speak of the devil. Here come's our new boss." Jack looked over to the gate.
Smirtya had just popped outside, Mancy and Captain Pippy in her arms.
Jack walked up to join them. "Hullo there, Ms. La2x. Smirtya and I are at your service." He gave her a deep bow. "We served Mr. La2x quite well in the past as you know. Just saying." He winked.
Mancy beamed. "I'll say. That one was quite a running. I'm sure Daddy's been waiting for this. I think he let me have this one."
"You can ask the man himself when he arrives. I'm sure the news has reached him and he's on his way." Jack looked at Mancy's hands. "Er, you don't seem to have the share in your hands, though."
"My agent should be bringing it shortly. Ah, that should be him."
A large portal of light opened up in front of the third gate, the crew could see the vague outlines of the cozy office room on the other side before Mr. Qruise stepped out share in hand, the portal collapsing behind him.
When he saw Mancy he ran towards her, fuming. "Mancy you Shens damn harlot. You awful woman. You've risked my life and the lives of my friends for a game. A game between you and your 'DADDY'? I'll kill you. I'll kill you."
Jack stepped forward, blocking Mr. Qruise. "Ms. La2x, do you want me to deal with this man?"
"No Jack. He's just a little bummed out. Don't put too much stock in his fighting words. The man's a coward. Do bring me the share please, though."
Jack strode up to Mr. Qruise, kicked him in the stomach and snatched the share out of his hand, bringing it back to Mancy.
Mancy held the golden share in her hand, grinning as she read it. "It's how me and Daddy and the rest of our family pass the time, Mr. Qruise. Life is boring when there's no danger. How else do you expect us to pass the time? Was there anyone else who's tried for the share, Jack? Smirtya?"
"Your aunt and brother had a shot at it last year." Smirtya said. "Didn't have the personnel for it though. They tried a straight run at Qamar with a fleet and army at their backs but they didn't make it past the blasticore. Now that was a sight." Smirtya's bright white canines appeared again. "They're not dead though, you aunt and brother that is. We've trained the blasticore well enough to make sure of that. Can't speak for their friends though." Smirtya was looking at her nails while she spoke. "We've had news of a few cousins of your's plotting something out in the outer reaches, we're still gathering intelligence though, sir. It's a far ways away"
"Excellent, excellent. Keep up the good work." Mancy looked at her watch. "I think Daddy should be arriving by now. Let's go out and greet him on the landing dock.
Max La2x waited outside his ship, 'Space Pink 1' in the parking lot.
He inspected the broken down wreck of the Heister, which had reversed his fortune while puffing away at his cigar. When he saw Mancy emerge from the base he grinned from cheek to cheek and ran up and hugged her, holding her above the ground.
Finally, he put Mancy down. "I knew you'd do it, girl. I always knew it. I'm glad you're in one piece and nothing's happened to you….boss." Both of them broke out laughing.
"Oh Daddy. I'm so happy. I was almost certain Lander would beat me to it."
"Oh you know your brother. He's never been the one for delicate operations. I was sure you'd be the one. You have no idea how bored I've been over the past decade waiting for one of you to carry the mantle. I've gotten out of shape." He held his belly in his hands and slapped it a few times. "I believe I'll spend some time with you before going out alone and trying to get the share back for myself. How do you feel about having an advisor for a while?"
"It sounds just fine to me, Daddy. Just fine. Oh I've missed you. Should we call the rest of the family in for a celebration?"
"Already have. They'll be here in a few weeks I gather. They'll be just pink at the sight of you holding the share, but that's family. You can't hold it against them. You should have seen your grandpa's face when I took it off of him the last time around."
Zenbot walked up and coughed not so subtly. "Ms. La2x. I haven't seen my family for some time."
"Oh, of course Zenbot. I'm so sorry. Where are my manners? Daddy have you brought them with you?"
"Of course." Max La2x signaled up to his ship and the landing dock extended. A small woman walked down the gangplank. Mr. Qruise's and Freedman's jaws dropped open. Zenbot's partner looked exactly like Zenbot did in the Game and during Mr. Qruise's training sessions in the dark. She pushed a small child in front of her. The child had silver hair, eyes and skin. Zenbot ran up to them in a flash and embraced them before they could fully alight from the plank.
Captain Pippy, Freedman and Mr. Qruise could only look on and smile. "Well, I'll be damned." The Captain said. The light from Zenbot's eye slits cast a deep warm red glow over the two in its arms.
"And you, Captain Pippy, have you thought of the favor you want from me?" Mancy asked.
"Naw. Not yet, hon'. Haven't thought of it much. Been too excited by the ride, if you catch my drift. But I'll get back to you soon, no worries about that."
"Well, I think that's all accounted for." Mancy said. "I'm off boys and girls, see you real soon I'm sure."
"Hold on there, Mancy. Don't think you're getting away that easily!" Mr. Qruise shouted.
"Oh Mr. Qruise, I almost forgot." She smiled wickedly. She pulled out an electro-sleeve from her pocket and handed it to him. "There's your coordinates and a recommendation letter from me, the head of the La2x Corp.
I trust it'll work better than one from Daddy now, with the Society."
"What about the bomb… you know the one in my brain?"
"Oh that." Mancy doubled over in laughter. "There was never a bomb, Mr. Qruise. I just gave you a little shock on the back of the neck. I don't go walking around with bombs. What do you think of me?" Mancy walked up the gangplank arm in arm with her father, followed by Jack and Smirtya.
Mr. Qruise remained there staring at the ship, mouth open in shock long after the ship had left.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Back in Sweetspot
Mr. Qruise was in the GBG staring down the end of an empty glass of whiskey. A little bit drunk he could see small spots of dirt at the bottom of the glass. He tapped the glass a couple of times on the bar next to a stained and abused letter. The bartender bot filled Mr. Qruise's glass up again spilling a bit on the bar. The bot ducked under the table to grab a rag.
"No need." Mr. Qruise used the letter to wipe away at the spilt whiskey. The letterhead read: "The 'Versal Archeologist Society".
"Why so down, pal?" The bartender asked coming back up from under the bar.
"They rejected me." Mr. Qruise stared at the misty liquid, sipping it and coughing a couple of times. "Even with the reference letters, they bloody rejected me. I gave them the coordinates to an undiscovered civilization and they refused to credit me."
The bartender pointed to the front of the bar. "I think someone's looking for you, pal."
Mr. Qruise fell off his chair and scurried off behind the bar, before peeping around to see. Zenbot was standing at the entrance with Captain Pippy and Freedman.
"Hello, Mr. Qruise." The inorganic said.
Mr. Qruise stood up from behind the bar and was smiling despite himself. "Ze…Zenbot? What brings you around to Sweetspot. And Freedman and Captain Pippy. Shens, you're a sight for sore eyes."
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