My Life As A Teenage Robot Porn Story: Ties of Blood Ties of oil Chapter 9

Ties of Blood, Ties of Oil

A My life as a teenage robot Fanfic

Chapter 9:

Where we learn the Status of our fallen heroes, and several plot points are concluded.

It was like crawling out of a tunnel.

Brad slowly regained his wits as what seemed to be a white light pierced his eyes. He felt sluggish and slow, like he was lying in molasses. Through the lens of his mind, everything seemed just, slower, than before. He tried to raise his hand to blot out the light, but he could only muster a feeble twitch. A grunt escaped him as the movement sent a lance of pain through his right leg, originating in his thigh.

He blinked his eyes, and slowly the world came into focus. He slowly noticed he was in a room of some sort. It was entirely white, except for the ceiling light in the center of the room. He turned his head to the side, and then quickly shut his eyes. Bright yellow light, streaming in from an open window, temporarily blinded him. Its yellow rays stabbed into his eyes like little daggers. Brad shut his eyes tightly, hoping the daggers wouldnt twist. He waited until the pain died down. Slowly, he opened his eyelids, allowing for his eyes to adjust to the light. He noticed he was in a bed of some sort. There was a railing on this side of the bed, colored in a white, dead plastic. The covers he was under were a horrid light blue color. Still groggy, he rolled his head to the other side.

There was a curtain on this side. With a slight annoyance Brad noticed that it was the same color blue as his sheets. There really wasnt anything beyond the curtain though that he could see. Absently, he lay back in his bed, staring at the ceiling. What happened? He wondered to himself. Brad thought hard through the swimming chaos of his mind, trying to remember I remember going to Jennys Something about custard? No, no, not custard, the cluster. Yeah, that was it, the cluster were attacking. And Jenny told me shed be there, and then

Brads eyes snapped into focus, and with strength born from fear he threw off his covers. Instantly he regretted it as his right leg sent a bolt of agony through him. But he got a good look at his bandaged leg in the process. It was wrapped heavily and had several wires running off to the end of the bed which snaked of like silver snakes. He let his head fall back heavily Holy shit Brad thought I was shot. He mused over the implications of his wound for a few seconds, and then smiled Oh this is going to make one hell of a story

This must be a hospital Brad deduced as he stared at the ceiling. He heard the clicking of footsteps come his way, though whoever made the sound was obscured by the curtain.. Brad raised his head carefully, so as not to aggravate his wound. As he waited, a tall man, perhaps six foot five, walked past the curtain. He wore green scrubs and was holding a chart in his left hand. The mysterious stranger held a pen in his right hand and efficiently jotted down noted as he examined a piece of paper on the front of Brads bed. His eyes noticed his chart behind his back, he smiled and looked fully at Brad Oh. He said Youre up he gave Brad a quizzical look How do you feel?

Brad blinked OK, I guess, He said, slurring the words as he went Sjust a little tired He let his head rest back on his pillow.

That would be the drugs. The Man said Trust me, your better off with them He looked down at his chart Well, Mr. Carbunkle, do you think you could see some visitors?

Brad looked straight ahead for a few moments, thinking. Sure

All right, thats good. Ill go get them, and then the doctor will see you in a bit after that. The man in scrubs left, his footsteps clacking as he went.

That wasnt the Doctor? Brad lay alone in his bed for a bit. About a minute passed before Brad sat up. Then, he began to giggle.

heh, Male nurse.

Loki floated through the blank ether of what he guessed was the afterlife. It was funny really, he never thought there was an afterlife for AI constructs. It wasnt like he actually had a soul or anything, and even if he did this incarnation of himself wouldnt have one. The original Loki was just chilling back on earth, letting this copy screw with the cluster.

Loki glanced at the absolute nothing of his surroundings, bored. If this was the afterlife, it must have been purgatory, because while he wasnt in any extravagant pain, this wasnt exactly his cup of tea. Loki placed his virtual arms behind his head and let himself float down the current. He stopped.

He had just noticed that he was being pulled somewhere. Like a fish in a stream, he could feel the ether of the void tugging at him, pulling him inexorably to some distant place. Intrigued, Loki righted himself into a standing position.

He allowed himself to be pulled for a while, watching. Soon, he noticed tiny specks of darkness on the horizon. As Loki was drawn in farther, he began to recognize the shapes. Well would you look at that Loki thought The computer systems trying to pull itself together, huh. I thought I trashed it pretty good. Not good enough it seems. He looked around So Im not dead am I? Damn, I thought I would have been able to at least fry this ship. He made a face Ah those lucky bastards. Whoevers piloting this thing must be a fuckin wizard.

Loki looked thoughtful Wait He thought as he rubbed his chin If the systems pulling itself back together, then the ship wasnt totaled And if this one wasnt totaled, the other ships probably were able to follow it in sub space So that means that I probably didnt destroy any of them, I just flung them to god knows where in the universe Loki frowned Aww damnit, being alive has never been so bitter-sweet.

I better scram before they get everything together. He cringed Oh boy, I bet that AI I beat up to get in here is going to be gunning for me. He looked around But where am I going to Hide? Loki Scrutinized the surroundings, floating gently back and forth between files. He stopped. Oh this will be perfect! No one even used this. He gently slipped into the wedge of the file. Taking a deep breath, he encrypted himself.

Loki disappeared into the Life Support routines, and vanished from the system.

Jenny was hugging him tightly around the chest; her head buried scant centimeters from his head. Brad, youre OK! she exclaimed in joy and her grip tightened. In his personal view, Brad wasnt certain he would be if she kept on hugging him like that. He made a few gurgling noises as she compressed his chest, trying to decide whether it would be better to struggle and hurt his leg, or stay still and hope she let go before he blacked out.

Re-injuring his leg was looking better by the second. He ruminated about his decision at having a friend that could bend steel. With dismay, He found that he was ambivalent on the matter. As it was, he was mostly happy she was his friend, though severely disappointed at the current situation. Of course Brad didnt actually think about it that way. His own thoughts were somewhere along the lines of Arrrgh! Shes Crushing my Ribcage!

Nora Wakeman put a hand on Jennys shoulder XJ9, let the poor boy go. Hes turning purple Her face was slightly reproachful, but altogether warm. There was a hint of a smile on Noras face.

Oh! Jenny exclaimed as she let go of Brad, who fell back to his bed, wheezing grateful breaths. Sorry, sorry, sorry! Jenny said with her hands bent against her chest and rocking back on her heels. Cautiously, Brad propped himself up on his elbows, being careful not to jostle his leg unnecessarily. His eyes squinting against the light, he tried to get a good look at everyone in the hospital room.

He saw Jenny and her mother of course, Jenny still embarrassed from her over zealous hug and her mother giving a sort of half-smile at her. Brad noticed Sheldon standing off to the side. He looked nervous, but relieved. The sort of way someone looks after they just did a prank, satisfied, but also inherently afraid of reprisal. Brad was pretty sure that wasnt the reason though. Sheldon had as much of a chance of pulling off a prank as he had of suddenly becoming the Silver Shell.

It came as a surprise to him, but he could see Mr. McKinley over by the window. He leaned against the walls studying his nails. He looked over at Brad uninterestedly, nodded, and made a little gesture Welcome back Sweater-Vest he said in a scratchy voice.

Brad looked around at all his friends, and felt something lacking Hey He said, surprised at how raspy his voice sounded Wheres Tuck? And my parents? He appreciated all his friends being here, but the absence of his blood relatives was a little off-putting.

McKinley made a little noise, and utilized years of practice to make the sound contain the properties of something somewhere between I dont know and I dont care. It sounded a little like eeh. Nora gave McKinley a barbed look, and Jenny stomped her foot Dad! she said, exasperated.

Sheldon piped up between the confusion There on their way Brad. Theyll come as soon as the skyway patrol let them back into the city. Were only here because we brought you in really. He rubbed the back of his head, allowing unspoken guy communication fill the gaps in his speech. Brad gave a nod, completing the silent guy communiqu.

He looked back to the rest of the group. Coughing loudly to get the others attention, He made a puzzled face All right. What was this about Dad that I heard?

Scowling, Nora crossed her arms and made a hrmph noise, while Jenny blushed a bit, her face turning a light shade of blue. Sheldon had a look on his face that just screamed not again and hand on his forehead. McKinley however, let out a sharp bark of laughter.

McKinley pushed himself off the wall Its a good story really, Id tell you, but you look a little bit under the weather He smiled, Though shes only just called me Dad just this moment. A little psychotic episode does wonders for family relationships doesnt it Jenny? He placed a hand on top of Jennys head, like he was going to rustle her hair.

Dad! Jenny said as she brushed him off, turning an even deeper shade of blue in the process. Brad likened the color to the sky. McKinley chuckled again, his chest reverberating under his coat.

There I go, embarrassing my daughter. I guess I am a Dad after all. McKinley said, his mouth widening its smile as he chuckled. Offhandedly, his eyes caught Brads confused expression. Raising a gloved hand to his mouth, McKinley coughed Right, back on topic. He fiddled with his scarf. There are some very important things we need to talk about, Things that you will need to know about. Some might say these are the only things you need to know about. Some of these things however contain dark and terrible truths. He drew in a deep breath So thats why Noras going to tell you He poked the elderly woman in the shoulder Come on crone, youre up

Nara rolled her eyes as she swatted the gloved hand away Passing the buck James? How very like you. She moved closer to Brad and sat down at the side of his bed Bradley she began We need to talk about what happened to you

Brad sat bolt upright Is something wrong? Is something still in the wound? Will I never walk again? Brad said, each in varying degrees of panic as his mind raced over every worse case scenario, some of which were particularly creative.

McKinley laughed Smooth Nora He ignored Jennys exasperated comment this time.

Dr. Wakeman gave a look back at McKinley Oh James, ever the one to point out others faults, but never actually able to do what he criticizes. I think even a shriveled old woman like myself is more of a Man than you are. Tell me, have your testicles dropped yet? Her voice was dripping with contempt.

Oh ho ho. You still have a little fight left in you dont you Nora? Now I suppose you might be more of a man than me, what with the whole moustache I see youre trying to grow, by the way its very nice, but that would mostly be because I seriously doubt that you were ever, well, a woman

As Nora prepared her counter argument, Brad stared in stunned silence. Seeing his confusion, Sheldon caught Brads attention with a tap on the arm Dont be too concerned Sheldon said to a befuddled Brad They act like this all the time. I really havent seen them talk any other way He looked thoughtful I think they might enjoy it

Brad looked over at Sheldon I dont care what you say He said This is still majorly weird. He scratched his head So Jenny has a Dad?

Sheldon nodded Yeah, pretty weird huh?

Brad smiled I think it puts a whole new spin on that time I was taunting Jenny with Dont stand so close to me.

Sheldon laughed and snorted a little Yeah, pretty much He looked at Brads leg Dont worry about the leg though; theyre growing a new thigh for you. Isnt that cool?

Brad looked at his own leg under the covers A new one? Thats pretty chill. He gave a smirk back at Sheldon Thank god for stem cells right?

Sheldon smirked back I was going to say thank Venusian Biotech. Nora called in some favors. With that stuff in you the Doctors say youll be walking within a week

Brad weakly curled his ring finger and middle finger into his palm, secured them with his thumb, and extended his remaining fingers as he threw up the horns Rock on He said, smiling. He looked back at the two old people trading insults like champion fencers trade blows and Jenny doing her best not to be embarrassed. He turned back to Sheldon. I dont suppose that you could tell me what happened

Sheldon gave a nerdy smile Sure Brad He said with a little humor still in his voice.

The Mechanic was completely white, and the expression on his face looked worried, but mostly nervous. Ah! My queen! I need to get down to the operating table, if thats fine with your grace. But I really need to get to the subject before he hurts himself A clang and crash sounded from down a narrow hallway, causing the Doctor to wince. Vega looked at him tersely and let him go. Relived, the Doctor scuttled down the hallway with a skip and a jump.

Vega gave a sigh as she looked at her surroundings. This bunker she was in was a completely secure area under the castle. Originally it was going to be her hideout for the assassination attempt, but since the attack she had changed its focus. It had been easy to get loyal mechanics down here after the attack, what with all the sympathy in the air. Though it had been less easy to get them to agree to a partial mind wipe afterward. It couldnt be helped, the secrecy of this project must be maintained. She began walking down the hallway the Doctor had so quickly scuttled down with mechano-butterflies in her stomach. Her face quivered. She was nervous, perhaps even more nervous than the Mechanic had been. The difference between them however, was self control. She frowned. If no one would tell her, she would go find out herself.

She turned the corner to the hallway with a brusque step, pivoting on her heel. The hallway continued for somewhere around twenty meters where it stopped at a dull grey door. Vega strode toward it with purpose, still trying to fight down the fits of anticipation in her abdomen. Absent mindedly, she ran her hands down her skirt, almost as if she was trying to straighten it. Before she realized it, she was at the door.

She placed her hand on a nearby scanner and waited. With a chirp, the device turned green, and the door slid open. The revealed a room in front of her that was a stark and sterile white. Curtains hung from the ceiling obscuring most of the room, but they did nothing to muffle the sounds of struggle. A ringing clang echoed throughout the surroundings, followed by one voice shouting in panic while several others spoke in stressed voices, trying to calm the first. Vega moved cautiously through the curtains, careful not to bump anything. She pushed the last curtain out of the way.

On the floor, a male robot lay against the wall, his legs squirming underneath him as he tried to stand. He seemed almost unfamiliar with is legs, like a child. He held a scalpel in front of him as he warded off the four mechanics that surrounded him. His eyes darted back and forth like a wild animal as his free hand groped for something to hold on to. A bed was only a few meters away from him, and judging by the clutter around it, he must have fallen out only a few moments ago. In the corner, a mechanic nursed a vicious gash on his hand.

Physically, the robot was a warm and muted red and black, sporting in addition a synthetic head of hear. His skin was a milky off-white color, and his eyes were an orange hue as they darted around the room. His chassis was the standard humanoid structure, but it was obscured by a bulky metal covering, not unlike a coat. Vega watched the robot as he made feints and jabs at the medical staff trying to keep them at bay. Vega walked forward slowly, her hand reaching out slowly. Jordan? she said, uncertain.

The Robot looked like for had cleared from his eyes as he saw Vega for the first time. The Scalpel fell from his hands Vega? He said wearily, quaver in a voice so unlike J-40s. His arms went slack. The mechanics surrounding he tensed, as if preparing for some attack, and then relaxed. The robot raised up his hands, staring at them Vega, what happened to me? his voice quivered with fear

Vega moved closer, stepping past the bewildered doctors. She knelt next to the robot she knew to be J-40. Its Ok Jordy, its Ok She took his hands in hers and moved them away from his face so she could look at him. She placed his hands on his lap, allowing her own hands to cover his. She looked into his eyes. Jordan She began, What do you remember? She kept her face devoid of any bias. She hoped beyond hope that he remembered his life.

J-40 looked around the room, almost evasively. I-I dont I remember the lift His eyes stared past her, like they say something beyond her, through her. And Gerzon I threw you into the lift, and I I fought him And he, shot me And I remember crawling His eyes flared open Oh my Cog. I died. Awed, He looked into Vegas eyes, then at himself, and then back at her. You- You brought me back. He managed to whisper.

Vega gave a smile, it was warm. I wish I could take all the credit for that Jordan, but I cant. You backed yourself up in a temperature terminal. Her smile widened You saved yourself She moved her hand to his shoulder We tried to save your body, we really did. It was just too far gone though, completely wrecked. She sighed And then there was your family.

J-40 looked confused What about my family?

Vega Stood up Come on, lets get you in bed before we talk about this. Can you walk?

J-40s legs wiggled around No, I cant, I think. How do you people even stand with only two legs?

Vega laughed Come on you big baby, give me your arms She grabbed him but the arms and strained. With a grunt she hoisted J-40 to his feet and let his arm drape over her shoulders, allowing him to lean on her.

J-40s new face crinkled into a smile Shouldnt an orderly be doing this?

Yeah, But I think they are a little afraid of you now. You gave that one a nasty cut.

Hey, not my fault. I woke in an unfamiliar area with a whole bunch on unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar body. I think Im entitled to a few irrational acts.

Vega was smiling as she dropped J-40 into the steel bed What you are entitled to is post-traumatic stress disorder. Funny, the doctors told me they edited that out.

J-40 lay down in his bed In my experience, people say a lot of half-truths to the queen. He propped himself to a sitting position And more often then not they say what she wants to hear

Was that how it was with you? Vega asked as she pulled up a chair. She crossed her legs and folded her hands across her lap.

Once, I think J-40 said, scratching his head. He looked a little sheepish.

Vega raised a mechanical eyebrow Really. When?

That, you have to guess He raised his fingers to stall any questions. But before you can, lets actually talk about something important. Like for example His eyes narrowed slightly, taking on a serious bend What were you going to say about my family?

Right, Down to business Vega rubbed her arm Listen, Jordan, things have changed since you were gone. Things arent like you remember them

J-40s face screwed up in confusion How long was I out?

Around four months

J-40 blinked. Well He said, with levity in his voice I must have missed quite a bit of the imperial court.

No, you didnt miss a bit Jordan

Really?

Mostly because its now called the Senate

The Senate? As in a Republic Senate? What the hell happened? J-40 sat up straight, his face full of shock. Are you telling me the entire government restructured in four months?

Vega gave a self satisfied smirk Not four months really, I had people working on the plans for much longer than that. The Assassination attempt did wonders for my public image. Even enough to win enough support to form the first Cluster Republic. She waved her hand Of course I still am the empress, but I only have a say in nation-wide matters. Well, that and supreme judicial power and the ability to veto any actions that change the state of affairs in the republic.

J-40 still looked stunned Amazing I never thought the Cluster would change that much. Still He shot a sly look at Vega I cant help but notice that this change keeps nearly all of your political clout, but should give you nearly limitless free time

Vega brought a hand to her face Really? It must have slipped my mind She was smiling. Still, I couldnt have done it without you Jordan

Me? Why me?

You make a great martyr Jordan. A really good Martyr. So good in fact that your death can move even some of my more entrenched detractors. Or at least get them to do what I say for a while. You have an unrealized talent Jordan.

For dieing gloriously, wonderful. But theres one problem with that, Im not really dead. He looked at Vega questioningly.

Right. Vega looked J-4 in the eyes Jordan, you do know what the Path of Inheritance is, right? She watched calmly as J-40s face twisted in revulsion

What! You mean- My family- They still- They- They werent going to have me rebuilt? All over some slotting inheritance! J-40 burst out. His arms flailed for a bit in impotent rage as he seethed. Agression poured dromevery vent in a few, terrible seconds. He rolled his eyes to look at Vega So I guess Im legally dead, right? Vega nodded slowly, silently. J-40 sighed. After a few strained seconds, he spoke Thanks For, you know, reviving me. The backup copy of myself wouldnt fly with the rest of my family, would it? They wouldnt have let me come back.

Vega shook her head silently No, no they wouldnt. Trust me Jordan, If I could have made it happen But I couldnt bring you back that way without loosing support. She let her head sink Im sorry

J-40 lips tightened for a few seconds, and then let out a long breath Politics as usual he chuckled You know, sometimes I think it would have been better to have just, never spoke up in court that day He smiled ruefully It certainly would have made things go smoother, wouldnt it?

Yeah Vega said, she paused Jordan She left the first word hanging Would you still do me a favor, as a friend?

Vega, J-40 said I would die again for you if you wanted me to. No matter what happens.

Inside her chassis, Vegas heart melted Thats so sweet. She gave herself a mental shake. Now was not the time. Jordan, things are brewing on the horizon. My rule may have seemed solid, but the assassination attempt forced me to really see my shortcomings. She took a deep breath Before, I had thought I could use what had been left behind by my Mother. But as time goes on, I can tell what idiocy that was. A war is brewing Jordan. A dark and silent war. Soon, robots will begin to question my position in the empire, they will want to take what I have, and what all free robots have. I have no defense. I can trust no one in the court, no one except you. She put her index finger on his red chest plate. Jordan, you are an invisible to the system now. You dont exist. And better yet, you have a keen mind and a gift for subterfuge. Jordan, She looked him straight in the eyes I need you Jordan, to fill a spot left vacant in the wake of my Mother. I need you to be my Spymaster

J-40 looked stunned You, you want me to me a spymaster? He blinked There has to be a mistake. You cant really want to use me. I have no experience, Im horrible with people. You cant really think this is a good idea.

Jordan, I have nowhere else to turn. I know you can do this if you try. She clasped his hand in her own Will you do this? For me?

J-40 looked down at her hand for a long moment. He studied the delicate lines of her hand, and felt the gentle pressure of her grasp. He looked back into her eyes Yes, I think I could get used to the idea Vega smiled in relief as he continued talking Though its going to take a hell of a lot of work. I didnt even know the cluster had a formal spy network. He let his head back.

Now He asked, pulling away from Vega. How do I walk with these spindles you people call legs?

Bolts of multicolored energy ripped outward from the hole in both space in time, and dark silhouettes could be seen in the writhing maw. In what could only be described as a desperate flight, the silhouettes poured from the rend in the universe, falling out into the dark void of real space in haphazard patterns. Some were so unorganized that they collided with one another in their flight and combusted with silent but brilliant explosions that burned with deep purple flames as the gas inside them was consumed. The Cluster Armada poured through the crack in reality into this packet of unoccupied space. A battered cruiser led them like a beleaguered messiah. The Talon had led the Armada to freedom from the hell of Sub-Space.

On the bridge of the Talon, lights began to flicker into activity. Ozone was thick in the air, and even with the lights returning white hot sparks could be seen pouring from damaged consoles. Moans could be heard from various places as Drones and Command staff brought their systems back online. Slowly, the Talon came back into full operational capability.

In the flickering light of the Talon, the Cluster command bots began to come online again. Some had been knocked offline by the intense electro magnetic forces inherent in a Hyperspace jump. Others still had merely sustained massive blunt trauma when the inertial dampeners had failed. Among those incapacitated was Tatican, his face being smashed through a navigation consol where blue and white sparks flew intermittently.

Taticans operating system came back online in a blaze. His eyes burned yellow as they snapped open, and In his shock Tatican flung himself from the ruined consol. He lost his balance and fell on his back, allowing a reverberating clang to sound through the deck. Disoriented, Tatican rolled onto his stomach as glanced quickly around the room and surveyed the damage. Panic began to set in as he remembered what had happened only minutes ago, and the nightmare trip through hyperspace. All other priorities forgotten, he fumbled on his belt for a miniscule viewing device and with a few hastened taps he activated it.

Its screen flashed on in a haze of snowy static. With barely contained worry Tatican fiddled with several knobs and dials until the picture came through. Tatican peered through the device into the live video feed of medical bay 14, searching for his queens body. Tatican let out a sigh of relief as he noted that inertial dampening had held in the medical bay. Medics staggered around shaken and putting out minor fires, but the structure on the bay remained undamaged. And most importantly the prone form of Vexus lay undisturbed on her cot, oblivious to her brush with disaster. To relieved for words, Tatican went limp and allowed his body to lay prone on the floor. He waited for a few, quiet moment. Then he took a deep breath, and collected himself.

Tatican pushed himself up from the floor where he lay coolly. With exaggerated dignity he flipped an errant hair back into place and sat in his command chair. He straightened his robe. With his voice like rust, he grunted out a command Status report Taticans fingers tapped on a ruined consol impatiently.

An Ensign Drone with an inordinately long gash on his right arm hurried to Taticans side, His face rigid and business like. The wound on his arm was purely superficial, Tatican noticed, though if it had been inflicted on an organic it would have rendered them a screaming ball of nerves. The Ensign saluted Sir! Presently we have just suffered a hyperspace jump error caused by a rogue AI along with the rest of the fleet. Computer systems are at 14 efficiency and we have damaged, but stable, Anti-matter containment in engineering. Currently we have lost fourteen ships including all personnel, and an additional 434 casualties spread amongst the remaining fleet, one of which on this ship, Sir.

Nothing but a pittance, Tatican thought Not even worth noting in numbers. He straightened his back Out position in space Ensign? His eyes narrowed I want coordinates, now.

Seemingly unperturbed the Ensign continued Sir, presently we are not able to pinpoint our position. It seems something has wiped our current Star charts. Consensus points to the rogue AI Sir. The Technical squad on deck twelve believes they can get the Data back in about four months Sir.

These drones really get the most out of that hive mind dont they? Tatican mused silently Too bad it has such a detrimental effect on personal freedom. I might have considered linking with it again. Still, he balled his fists Stranded? Tatican inquired in an icy voice That is Sub-optimal. He said, carefully choosing his words. His blood red gaze locked onto the ensign. A month you say?

Or more sir The Ensign replied helpfully

Tatican looked at the ensign strangely, confused. Are you feeling alright ensign? He wondered aloud

The Ensign looked thoughtful Sir, I am duty bound to inform you that my emotion chip has been knocked offline at the moment. I am unaffected by your voice tones

Tatican stared at him for a moment I think I like you better this way ensign

The Drone cocked its head Sir, I do not believe we have met prior to this encounter

Really? Unfortunate, all of you drones seem to blend together

We are exact copies sir

Tatican lowered his eyebrows as he rapidly became unamused at the droids responses. Exactly

Cocking its head to the other side, the drone ventured to speak Sir? If I may relay a question? Tatican nodded in the affirmative 95 of the collective is wondering at your lack of concern over medical bay 14 and the queen. The Ensigns head twitched Now, 36 has withdrawn the question, and have instead submitted the initiative to terminate this particular unit. Calculating 43 have sided with terminating this particular unit.

If Tatican had a mouth, he would have smirked. It wasnt every day you had a drone wounded enough to speak with the secret mind of the collective. The exchange was even enough to lighten the stress of this inconvenience. Irrelevant Tatican said, deigning to humor the damaged drone Let no robot say I am not without humor Tatican thought to himself. Clearing his throught, he spoke I personally monitor the feeds from that medical bay. I am already apprised of the situation He rubbed his chin But now I am presented with a difficult trial his voice lowered.

Sir? the ensign inquired

Tatican stood and moved to the railings between the view screen and the deck. He turned back to face the Ensign Why, the question now is how I convince the queen it is not in our best interests to seek revenge.

Sir, that statement seems illogical. It would be a statistically viable option to retake the earth. Preliminary surveys place it with a particularly weak military and abundant exploitable resources.

Tatican raised a clawed finger Statistically perhaps, but tactically? Never. We need to consolidate our losses and withdraw to a fortified position. From there we can plan attacks against targets before the chaos of the Child Queens reign settles. Origionally I had hoped to secure the nebula in hopes of using it as a striking platform, but that plan is quickly becoming an impossibility. Time is of the essence, and we cannot afford to waste it pursuing mad dreams of revenge

They are not really dreams of revenge sir. They are more like impulses

He looked long and hard at the Drone. I think, Tatican began I am beginning to enjoy this perspective of yours. For a Drone so mouthy, your etiquette is impeccable

The drone stared straight ahead I am merely reporting the subconscious will of the collective

Taticans right eyebrow raised in amusement Of course He paused for a moment Get the technical squad working on the computers at once. I want this ship and the entire fleet running inside a month. In addition, inform the group commanders that Authorization Beta 16e is in effect, and I expect results befitting of it. He looked out into the void Afterward ensign, I want you to have the Medical staff bring the Queen to my observation bay after she revives. I will be there momentarily The Ensign saluted brusquely and left, chittering to the collective in binary as it went.

Tatican watched over the damaged bridge with impassive eyes. It was a clever attack He thought Clever and well executed. I wouldnt have expected it from this planet of monkeys. Unfortunate, but to be expected in such a high profile skirmish. Acceptable losses, but he could have killed us all though. His eyes narrowed And now I need to explain why I wont be exacting vengeance. He put his head in his hands Cog I hope she listens. I dont want a repeat of Gallantus. That campaign just dragged on and on. Behind his mouth plate, gears began to clench If I ever do return to that planet though He blinked hard as her caught himself No! I will not succumb to petty revenge. I am a Commander of the Cluster, I am beyond that. I am steel, unbendable. Tatican stared into his palms and the let them fall around his body. He sighed. Damnit, I need an excuse for Vexus.

This was going to be perhaps, he thought, His least favorite encounter with the queen.

One of her pigtails whirred up sharply as a twig broke in the distance. Someone was walking up the hill. She could tell from her audio receptors that whoever it was male, six feet and two inches, and strangely weighed four hundred pounds. She let out a sharp breath. Hello James

James now? You just called me Dad a couple of hours ago McKinleys gravely voice said sardonically. Jenny could hear him walk up behind her. McKinley sat down next to her with a grunt and a faint whir of metallic muscle. He brushed his coat out from behind him as he sat. He made a gruff noise in his throat. So its a hell of a view isnt it?

Jenny gave McKinley a sidelong look, frowning What do you want?

McKinleys grin began to fade I just came up here to Well to see if you were Ok He shuffled about Listen, I dont normally do this. I never really had a reason to ever really want anyone to like me, I am, I like to think, Independent. But He paused for a few seconds I had always wished my own father had been there for me when I was growing up, or at least have been there like the other fathers had been. Not drunk, showing up every time he needed a place to stay. And I look at you and Jenny McKinleys lower lip screwed up God damn it. I cant even say what I planned to. He began laughing Have you ever had that happen when you plan something and it never goes down exactly like you wanted it to He noticed Jennys impassive face Right O guess its not that funny. He looked down at his feet. Jenny, I know I must seem like a stranger to you, but I really want to help. I can understand if you dont like me, but wont you at least let me help you?

Jenny studied his face. He was scruffy and tough, like old jerky. His beard was untrimmed and grew at odd angles, allowing the grey in it to glint marvelously in the sun. The wrinkles around his face were bunched around his eyes like a massive interconnected spider web. His expression was a strange blend of hope and fear. She thought to herself, about what he had said and about who he was. She put a hand on his shoulder and gave him a light push You know She said, smirking Usually its daughters who need to win acceptance from their fathers not the other way around She raised her eyebrow Maybe Moms right. Maybe you are a woman

McKinley burst out laughing. It was a deep belly laugh, and as it sounded over the hill, Jenny began to catch its infectious quality. They laughed together, the sounds of their voices intermingling amongst the trees. After a few moments the laughter dies down to a chuckle. Wiping away a tear McKinley spoke between his chuckles Well, its good to know you actually have a sense of humor He flicked away the tear Even if it is only use to injure me

Jenny flashed a smile Ah quit your whining

McKinleys face split into an even wider grin Now thats the sort of thing I want to hear. He put his hand on Jennys shoulder So. He began conversationally How has your life been so far? I only got the bare bones of it from Nora. It couldnt have been too terribly exiting though, seeing as I wasnt actually in there

Jenny let out a quick laugh Sure, It was terribly boring She said with sarcasm. Brushing off some dirt from her knee, she looked back over the town of Tremorton.It all really started when this one boy hit a baseball through Moms window

As They both sat their, telling and listening, Jenny wondered about the future. She couldnt be certain if she would ever get to know this strange man, or if he would ever get to know her. All she knew was that he was trying. She couldnt be certain of what the future would hold.

But with the help of her friends, she knew she wouldnt have to face it alone.

THE END

Damn, you do not know how good it feels to get this off my chest. Ive been working on this for the last month, and finally finishing it is, indescribable. Its not that I dont enjoy the writing, but it being finished is just so very sweet. I expect when I actually get the epilogue up I will actually feel even better.

Id just like to take this time to thank everyone who stuck through till then end. Youre really troopers. Even some of those God awful chapters didnt scare you off, Im impressed. And I really hope your as satisfied as me. I couldnt have forced myself to write like this if it hadnt been for your persistent specter haunting me. What with me being hungry for approval and all.

Now its time for the apology. Im really sorry I did exactly, update, on time. I just had some very important things to do CoughPutthingsuponDeviantartCough that really took up quite a bit of time. And then there were the California fires (I live in California by the way) Also, I am really sorry for the previous chapters quality. I had no excuse, but what is don is done.

On another note, W00t! Longest chapter yet! I am to have this story be precisely 60001 words long by the end of all of this, and I hope I die if I dont. I feel that strongly on the subject.

But hey, you may ask, this chapter ends sort of abruptly dosent it Wizard? Almost like you were planning something, You might say. And I confess, I am. I hope to continue with these characters for quite a while now people, so strap yourself in and get ready for a ride. Though the other stories will be significantly shorter on average, Perhaps only 20 or 30 thousand words. I even have the next story brewing around up in my head. Cant tell you the title though, that would be cheating. I can, however, tell you that the Epilogue will be an extended dialogue Between Tatican and Vexus.

Im not going to beg for reviews this time. You can just give them out as you choose. I would hang around and think of something particularly witty to say, but me and the weighted companion cube need to go and get that Cake and grief counseling.

Man, I really hope the cake isnt a lie. That would suck