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Part III
Future
"Hey." AndrAIa smiled as Matrix walked through the door and into their apartment, still teeming with Bob's unclaimed knick-knacks. "You're home late."
"I know - sorry." The big sprite answered wearily, leaning over AndrAIa's shoulder and delivering a kiss on the cheek. "I was talking with Phong - working out the security protocols for our agreement with Laser."
"Were Bob and Dot there?"
"No." Matrix sighed, flopping down on the couch next to the game sprite. "Didn't see either of them all day, actually. How was your geek session with Mouse?"
"Hey!" AndrAIa scowled, punching him on the shoulder. "Just because you don't understand gear like we do-"
"Sorry! I can just picture the two of you in there talking shop all day. You must've been in heaven."
"I'm basic compared to Mouse, you know. She's done more in the last two cycles than I could do in an hour. I wish she was staying…"
"Me too. But you'll do fine. Phong wouldn't have made you System Engineer if you couldn't handle it. He doesn't make mistakes, Andri."
"I guess so."
"Besides - I kinda admire what Mouse and Ray are doing, actually." Matrix smiled. "I was pretty skeptical about this whole Academy business at first, you know? But he's worn me down, the old son of a viral. I've never seen anybody so wound up about anything!"
"I have." AndrAIa giggled. "You - about the games, when you were a little sprite. Enzo now."
"I guess." The big sprite sighed. "He's an amazing man, Andri - he knows more than anyone I've ever met - even Bob. The more you listen to him the more you want to believe him. If anybody can pull this off, maybe he can."
"Are you sorry we're not going, Lover?"
"No." Matrix said softly. "I'm too basic to be an instructor and too old to be a cadet. The Academy left me behind a long time ago." He kissed the game sprite again, for a long time. "I've happy, Andri. Believe it or not! I've never been happier."
"Me too, Sparky." AndrAIa closed her eyes and rested her head on the bearded sprite's massive shoulder. "So I suppose you didn't see Enzo today either?"
"No. He was in school, I guess."
"You don't think they'd let him go, do you?"
"I dunno, Lover. Anything's possible."
"Do you think he wants to go?"
The big sprite was silent for a long moment. He stared straight ahead, his eyes very far away. "I'm not sure." He whispered finally. "He's thought about it - I know he has. Before Laser even showed up. Before he was even a cadet."
"Seems like a lot for such a little sprite to think about." AndrAIa frowned.
"Yeah." Matrix closed his eyes and slowly stroked the game sprite's hair in the silence of the apartment.
***
"Hey, you! Sorry I'm late." Dot smiled, breathing heavily as she hurried into the diner to find her little brother seated in a booth with his organizer. The place was packed, relatively speaking - a dozen customers were scattered about, most with pizzas in front of them.
"No problem." Enzo replied, looking up.
"Where's Bob?"
"He's with his dad." The boy said with a trace of a smile. "They're talking about stuff, I guess."
Dot arched an eyebrow and slid into the booth opposite her brother. "I'm sorry, Enzo. I told him I'd be here by twenty-four fifty. Have you eaten?"
"Yeah - I made myself something a while ago. It's cool."
"You did?" Dot asked, surprised. "Good, that's good... I hope you weren't lonely."
"Maybe a little. But it's no big file. I've been thinking a lot."
"I bet." Dot sighed. "I know you told me yesterday you were fine, Enzo - but I bet you're still thinking about what Laser said, aren't you?"
"Maybe…"
"I know I am. It was a weird cycle, wasn't it? It was a lot to download all at once. I wish we'd had time to talk about it first."
"Are you going to help him? With all that alliance stuff and everything?"
"It looks that way." Dot smiled. "I don't think we could do anything else. But I've pretty much been leaving the details up to Phong and your brother." She lightly rested a hand on Enzo's cheek. "I've been thinking about other things."
The boy didn't brush her hand away. He stared at her silently, eyes dark. "Have you - have you had a chance to talk about all of that? With Bob?" She asked after a nano.
"Not really." Enzo said softly. "I didn't think there was anything to talk about."
"Neither have I. But I do think there's stuff to talk about." The Command.Com slipped out of the booth and moved to the opposite side, sitting next to her brother. "Don't you think so?"
"Maybe." He whispered. "You mean about the Academy."
"Could be." She smiled, wrapping her arm around him. "I've sure been thinking about it. And I think I've been pretty selfish."
"What do you mean?" the youngster frowned. "Selfish?"
"Yeah. Like thinking about what I'd feel like if you left." Dot said softly. "Not thinking about what you must be feeling right now."
"What do you mean?" the boy repeated.
"Enzo, you know… you know when your brother and AndrAIa started going into the games - how that made me feel. Right?"
"Sure." The boy nodded. "You were worried."
"That doesn't begin to cover it! You - I mean Matrix - were all I had left. I didn't want to lose you, Enzo. I was scared about being all alone. And then I did lose you, and it was awful. I thought I'd lost you forever."
"I know." Enzo whispered. "I don't like to think about it."
"Me neither." Dot sighed. "But I do - every time I think about you getting into danger, or going away, I think about it. I can't help thinking about it. That's why I said those things in the chatroom - not because I didn't think you could make it at the Academy."
"It's OK, Sis. I told you I wasn't mad-"
"I know. But it's not OK, Enzo. You need to think about other people's feelings more than your own. And I was selfish." The Command.Com stared straight ahead, absently drumming her fingers on the table. "That's why I want to tell you some things, Enzo - before I change my mind. Bob will just have to forgive me for not discussing it first - but I'm sure I'm right. And if I wait, I don't think I'll ever be able to say them…"
"What - what kind of things?" her brother frowned. "Dot?"
Dot looked down at her brother's upturned face. "First of all, I want you to stay in Mainframe - right here with me. I want to be able to look out for you and take care of you and protect you."
"Dot!"
"I also think you're too young for the Academy." She sighed. "You're only one-zero, Enzo. You've hardly had a chance to compile. You're so small. So young…"
"Yeah, yeah - I know!" her brother scowled. "I've heard all this before! What's the big deal?"
"Just wait." Dot absently brushed the hair out of her brother's eyes. "So we've established that - I want you here. I think you should learn everything Bob has to teach you before you think about going anywhere else. But I don't think it should be my decision."
"Dot!" Enzo whispered. "What're you talking about?"
"Oh, Enzo…" The Command.Com struggled with her words, grimacing, fighting the urge to end-file the whole conversation and hug her brother for the rest of the cycle. "I've always worried about you, since you were a tiny little sprite. I worried when you started following Bob into games and I worried when you became a cadet and I'm worried now. I'll always worry."
"I know…"
"Enzo - What I'm trying to say is… I worried, but I agreed with all those things - eventually. I let you follow Bob into the games, and you did just fine. It made you a better sprite - I could see the difference from the first day. You got more confident and started to believe in yourself. And then Bob made you a cadet, and I worried about that. I'm still worried about it. But look at you - do you have any idea how much you've changed?"
"What do you mean?" Enzo said softly. "I haven't changed…"
"You just don't notice it." His sister smiled. "You're working harder than I've ever seen you work. You have more focus - more concentration. You're growing up, see? And sometimes I don't like it."
"I dunno. Maybe…"
Dot swallowed a grin. "Sometimes I don't like it - but I'm always proud of you. And you're proud of yourself, too - I can see it. You're proud of your uniform and your medals and how hard you're working. You feel good about yourself and you should and that's a wonderful thing."
"Thanks - I guess!" Enzo smiled sheepishly. "D'you really think so?"
"I know so." His sister sighed, stroking his cheek tenderly. "And now Laser's starting up the Academy, and he wants you to go. And I feel all the same things I felt all those other times - even more. I'm worried, I'm afraid. And I wonder if I'm not just worried about how I'll feel without you here. Do you understand?"
"I -I think so. You mean…"
"I don't think you should leave, Little Brother. I think you're one-zero and you should let me take care of you and you should let Bob teach you - he knows so much. I think we've all been through so much we've earned the right to be together for a while. I hope I think those things because I really believe they're right. But I don't want you to go through the rest of your life wondering if you should've gone to the Academy when you had the chance."
"Dot! You mean - you want me to go?" Enzo gasped.
"No!" she scowled. "I don't want you to go, Enzo - more than anything I don't want you to. But I don't want you to have to live with that. None of us knows what's going to happen in the future - with the Academy or anything else. I can't promise you'll ever have another chance to go if you don't go now."
"So… You mean I can - I can go… if I want to?"
"That's just it, Sweetie." Dot whispered. "I think this is something you need to decide for yourself. I don't want you to regret a decision that you had nothing to do with. It's your life, not mine. We made you a cadet and it's not fair to deny you this chance, if you want to go."
"Dot - that's awesome!" Enzo grinned. "You mean I can really go if I want to?"
"Yes." His sister rasped. With a great force of will, she drove the anguish from her face and looked at her brother with what she hoped was a cheerful smile. "I've looked at this from every possible angle Enzo, and I always come to the same conclusion - I don't think you should go. I truly think it's because it would be a mistake, and not just because I'd miss you like crazy. There's a giga of reasons why you should stay here. But there's not one reason why you shouldn't be able to decide for yourself. Whatever you decide to do, Sweetie - stay or go - I want you to know that you did it because you knew in your heart it was right. That's the only way you won't regret whatever you decide. Do you understand, Enzo?"
"I think so…" the boy said softly. "I can go if I decide to go. Whatever I decide. Right?"
"Right." She sighed. "You're growing up too fast, you know that? Decisions are tough things - I wish I didn't have to make so many! But this one is too important to have anyone else make it for you. A very wise sprite told me something once - he said "You must allow them to choose their own paths, Young Dot. Their futures must be of their own design - not yours.""
"Thanks." Her brother smiled. "Thanks, Dot - you're alphanumeric!"
"One more thing." Dot whispered, girding her resolve one last time. "If you go, I'll be just fine. I want you to remember that when you're deciding. We'll see each other plenty and it'll be OK. I'll miss you every cycle you're not here but I'm a big girl - I'll be fine. OK?"
"Sure." Her brother said, brow furrowed in puzzlement, a gesture which struck Dot in that moment as strangely adult. She couldn't resist any longer and enveloped him in an embrace.
"We'll be fine." She whispered. "Whatever happens, we'll be fine. Laser's going to be here for a couple more cycles, so take some time and think about things. And if you want to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks." Enzo replied from somewhere in the vicinity of her shoulder.
Dot lifted his head and kissed him on the nose, then the forehead. "I love you." She smiled. "I'm proud of you, no matter what you decide."
"Cool." He replied sheepishly.
"Cool." She smiled. "Now - just what did you make yourself for dinner? I hesitate to ask…"
"Dot! I'm not a little kid - you can trust me! I had some memory chips and a sandwich. And maybe a little pizza."
"That's all?"
"Maybe a couple of cookies." Enzo sighed. "Just a couple!"
"I bet!" his sister laughed. "C'mon, Guardian - this place is packed. Looks like Cecil could use a little help…"
***
"Where in the world did you find this old thing?" the white-haired sprite shouted above the roar of the engine.
His companion in the front seat of the old red convertible turned to him, frowning. "What?"
Laser sighed deeply. "Pull over!" he mouthed, pointing towards the roadside. Bob frowned and shrugged, then pointed the sputtering, complaining vehicle towards a quiet cul-de-sac lined with impressive home pages. He turned the key and shut off the ignition, leaving the two sprites in blissful silence. "Thank the User!" Laser breathed.
"What did you say before?"
"I asked you where you got this old thing. I haven't seen one in good condition since I was in the Academy. I still haven't."
"Dad! A joke?" Bob mocked. "You must be slipping."
"That's hardly news. Well, Bob - you said you wanted to talk to me. Why did you drag me all over Mainframe in this old piece of junk?"
"I thought you should see some of Mainframe, that's all. Who knows if you'll ever come back here again?"
"Where are we?"
Bob looked around. "Beverly Hills. This is where all the big files live. That's the Mitchell homepage right there - he's got more credits than anyone else in Mainframe."
"Well, he's getting his money's worth." Laser replied, taking in the expansive view of the city spread out below them, lit up against the oncoming evening. "It's a remarkable system, Boy - I can understand how you got so attached to it. Even if it has clouded your judgement."
"Don't start with me, Old Man. I'm not changing my mind."
"Of course. You're stubborn and you always were." Laser frowned. "What're you laughing about?"
"Nothing." Bob sighed.
The older sprite turned his gaze back to the system below them. "So what did you want to talk about, then? Here we are."
"I just thought we should talk, Dad, that's all. Find out if we had anything else to say to each other."
"You tell me."
"You old…" Bob scowled. "How much longer are you staying?"
"I think I can be finished here within a couple of cycles. There' still some details to be worked out with Phong and the Matrix boy. After that, I want to get back to Gallifrey Seven as soon as I can. I've got cadets waiting for me and I want to get Mouse and Tracer established."
"Mouse teaching Guardian cadets." Bob chuckled. "I never thought I'd see the day."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. We do what we have to do." The white-haired sprite frowned. "She's smart and she's got guts."
"No argument from me. I doubt we'd have been able to keep Mainframe online if it weren't for her." Bob turned and joined the older sprite in staring down at the city. "It's lucky you and Ray ran into each other, I suppose. What were you doing in the Supercomputer anyway?"
"Recruiting. Spying. Whatever you want to call it. There's resistance to Daemon everywhere, if you know where to look. And I know where to look. I know where all the binomes are buried."
"Just be careful." Bob whispered with a shake of the head. "You've got a big job ahead of you, Dad. I hope it isn't a lost cause."
"It's certainly lost if I don't try to do something about it."
"Well - you know I'll help you." Bob sighed. "However I can. As long as Mainframe stands I'll protect it, but I'll help any way I can."
"I'm sure you will. You're a Guardian." Laser said softly, not turning. "I'm sorry if I caused any trouble. Between you and the boy. That wasn't my intention, although I'm sure you think it was."
"No I don't!" Bob scowled. "I know you, Dad - you see things one way and that's all you see. I don't think it ever occurred to you that we wouldn't want Enzo to leave."
"He belongs at the Academy. He's a cadet, isn't he?"
"Dad-"
"Never mind. I've said my piece." The older man interrupted. "I hope - I hope I haven't caused a problem for you."
"Enzo will be fine. We'll talk it out. We always do."
"I hadn't realized… the two of you. That you were so close. I must confess I'm a little surprised. You never seemed like one for settling down, and now you turn down the opportunity to head up the Academy to stay here."
"I guess I'm a little surprised too." Bob chuckled.
"You and Dot - the Command.Com. You're serious?"
"As serious as anything can be." Bob smiled.
"I see." The older sprite nodded. "Don't blow it, then. She's a remarkable woman."
"Thanks, Old Man."
"Why are you thanking me? I paid her a compliment."
"Sorry." Bob sighed. "My mistake."
Laser wheeled and looked across at Bob. "It's getting late and I have a lot to do before I leave. Was there something else?"
Bob drew back a little. "No… No, I guess not. I just-"
"It's late." Laser repeated. "I want to meet with Phong about the domain security arrangements tonight. We should head back."
"Sure." Bob nodded dumbly. "OK." He reached for the ignition and turned over the engine, which coughed and howled for several nanos before finally lumbering to life. He backed the convertible away from the curb and turned back towards Kitsilano Boulevard.
"Got to get you home to your family, Boy." The white-haired sprite said softly.
"What?" Bob shouted.
"Never mind!" Laser mouthed. Bob shrugged and turned his attention back to the road as Laser sighed and stared silently out at the city.
***
"Multi-tasking all of zese parties… Sacre bleu! Do zese people not realize it is almost twenty-seven hundred?"
"Stop complaining, Cecil!" Dot smiled. "The diner's never done better business. You like your job, don't you?"
"Zis pizza oven will be ze deletion of me!" the Server tittered. "No rest, no relaxation… Zis is a fine dining establishment, not an information superhighway! Wait at ze bar! Wait at ze bar!"
"Nice to see you too, Cecil." Bob said dryly, approaching the counter.
"Don't mind him - he's just a little frazzled." Dot grinned, delivering the Guardian a peck on the lips. "How was your talk with Laser?"
"Enzo told you? It was fine, I guess. Where is Enzo?"
"Downstairs. He said he had homework to do, but I think he just wanted some time alone, to think."
"Think about what?" Bob frowned.
The Command.Com sighed and took Bob's hand. "Come on downstairs, there's something I want to tell you." She led the Guardian towards the kitchen and the stairs. "Call me if you need anything, Cecil. Can you handle things here?"
"Of course, Madam. Merde! I need a cleanup on table twelve! Allez! Allez!
The apartment was quiet when Bob and Dot entered. The Command.Com took a quick look around to make sure Enzo wasn't in the living room, then motioned Bob towards the couch. "What's going on, Dot?"
"I wanted to make sure we were alone." She said softly. "Bob, I'm sorry. I did something I shouldn't have - I lied to you. But I hope you'll understand why."
"Lied to me? When?" the Guardian asked with a puzzled frown.
Dot smiled weakly and squeezed his hand. "You remember when I told you I wasn't going to lock you out every time something important happened in Enzo's life?"
"Of course I remember. Why?"
"Well - I meant it. So maybe I didn't lie to you, exactly - but I made a decision. Without asking you. I'm sorry-"
"What decision?" Bob interrupted gently. "I'm sure it's fine…"
"It was a big one, I'm afraid. I told Enzo he could go with Laser to the Academy if he wanted."
"You what?" Bob gasped. "What-… When?"
"Just a few milliseconds ago. I should have waited for you, I know. I was just scared, if I didn't tell him… while I was sure. I was worried I'd never be able to. It would've been so easy just not to say anything… I'm so sorry I didn't tell you-"
"I don't care about that." Bob said, not wholly truthfully but with a swallow of pride. "I'm just - surprised, that's all. I never expected…"
"I know."
"Why?"
Oh, Bob…" she whispered. "I was trying not to be selfish. I didn't want my feelings to decide his future for him. But I'm afraid I was being selfish anyway…"
"What do you mean? You're not making sense!"
"See - I don't want him to go, Bob. You know that. I was scared that's why I told him he couldn't go - not because it would've been wrong for him. But now I think maybe I told him he could go just because I didn't want him to blame me for the rest of his life that he never went to the Academy."
"Dot - I'm a little shocked." Bob said softly. "Where did all this come from?"
"I thought about for a long time. A long time." She smiled ruefully. "From the nano you left the chatroom, almost. I thought about what you told me - about your father pushing you and pushing you, and controlling your life."
"It worked out all right for me - I'm a Guardian."
"But you didn't speak to him for hours!" Dot whispered. "No matter how much I tried, I couldn't be sure I was thinking about what's best for Enzo. It means too much to me, Bob - it'd delete me to see him go, especially after I lost him once already. How can I possibly be objective, knowing that?"
"It's all right." Bob sighed, taking her into his arms. "You're his big sister - you always think about what's best for him-"
"I'm not sure anymore. This might be the most important decision of Enzo's life, Bob. If he doesn't have a say in it he'll always wonder if we messed up his life. I don't want that hanging over him. I tried the overprotective route last time and that worked out just great - he ended up trapped in the games with no one to raise him! Maybe if I'd let him follow you into games from the beginning he'd have been more experienced and it all might not have happened…"
"Shhh…" The Guardian held her in silence for a few nanos, absently smoothing her hair, his eyes far away. "Is… is Enzo going, then?"
"I hope not." She whispered. "I don't think he should go. He's too young! He's still a little sprite. He needs me…"
"But you still told him he could." Bob whispered, shaking his head. "Every time I think I have you figured out…"
"How could I not tell him that?" the Command.Com scowled, pushing away from him and staring at him intently. "We made him a cadet, didn't we? We told him he was a Guardian! How can we tell him he has no right to decide now?"
"Maybe… But we didn't know-"
"No - we didn't." Dot hissed. "And after all this happened I was angry that I'd agreed to it, too - at first. But it's been so good for him. That's what got me thinking that maybe I was more worried about my own feelings than about Enzo's future. I was mad that we made him a Guardian - and it's one of the best things that ever happened to him. Who's to say the Academy won't be the same?"
"Dot - he's only one-zero!" Bob frowned. "That's awfully young - especially now, with all the talk about combined classes… I couldn't have hacked it at his age."
"Don't you think I know that? But what choice did I have, Bob?"
"I don't know." He whispered, taking her hand. "You really are amazing, Dot Matrix. You surprise me every cycle. Maybe - maybe he thinks he should stay. He might decide not to go."
"User, I hope so!" Dot sighed, wiping her eyes with her free hand.
***
The faint sounds of conversation that had drifted through Enzo's bedroom door had been silent for a while. Normally, the boy wouldn't have been above listening at the door, trying to decipher the conversation - especially when it was about him, as he was certain it had been moments before.
On this night, however, that prospect held no joy for him. The youngster was content to lie in his docking bay, hands behind his head, musing about the silence outside. They'd stopped talking a while back - probably snuggling, he figured. The thought almost brought a smile to his face. Almost, but not quite.
Enzo looked around his room, surveying his surroundings. His old sneakers and red cap were on his foot locker, staring back at him. His jetball cone leaned against the wall next to his surfboard. Toys and games were scattered everywhere. It all made him feel mildly disgusted - it looked like a kid's room. A little kid's room. Not someone pretending to be a Guardian…
"Uh - I'm real busy, Bob." Enzo replied sheepishly. "I've got this Basic assignment, then a spreadsheet thing I have to finish."
The Guardian looked surprised. "Wouldn't want to take you away from your schoolwork! We'll talk when you're finished."
"Sorry, Bob." Enzo said softly, looking away. "I'm just kinda low-res tonight. Sorry…"
"Don't worry about it. Sleep tight - I'll see you tomorrow."
Enzo heard rather than saw the Guardian slide the door closed behind him as he left. He was ashamed at the relief he felt at the Guardian's departure. "Basic! You're basic!" he hissed, wiping his eyes quickly and falling back in bed. "Stupid little kid…" The boy angrily deleted the light and covered his face with his hands.
*** "So tell me again just exactly how this is going to work." Dot sighed, scanning the information that was scrolling across the workstation in front of her. "I'm a little distracted, sorry…"
"It's simple, really." Laser replied, looking slightly puzzled but keeping any annoyance he felt well hidden. He could be a politician when he had to, Dot had to admit - and why shouldn't he be puzzled? She certainly hadn't shared the source of her anxiety with him. One way or another, he needed her approval. "When we want to contact you, the message will be send through a series of blind routers that Mouse will set up. All the paths will be secure of course, and totally untraceable. Eventually the message will be relayed to your central computer through an encrypted file."
Dot turned to Phong. "And you consider these precautions to be adequate?"
The old sprite smiled and adjusted his glasses. "The primary work will be done by Mouse, of course - and we all know how remarkable her abilities are in this area. She and Ray will remain the only ones with access to our location."
"And Matrix and Bob - they've agreed to this?"
"We discussed it in much detail this morning, Young Dot. Both were satisfied by the precautions built into the system."
"Relax, Sugar - y'know I'd never do anythin' to mess up my own handiwork." Mouse grinned. "Hidin' this system the way I did was a work of art. No one's gettin' the location till I say so."
"I don't doubt it." Dot smiled. "What do you think, Phong? Are you satisfied? Should we do it?" Despite Mouse's assurances, the Command.Com still felt uneasy about anything that could compromise Mainframe's idyllic seclusion.
"You are the Commander." The old sprite nodded deferentially. "I can speak only for myself, but I am satisfied. We should be prepared to help other systems as we would hope they might, were our situations reversed. Still, we agreed - we would not proceed unless we were unanimous."
"Do it." Dot sighed. A new file was being opened, she felt certain - but the nagging guilt she felt at taking joy in being left alone was just as certain. Guilt was an emotion she'd been all too friendly with of late, she figured - and a useless emotion at that. "Establish the connection. Long live the alliance."
"Thank you, Commander." Laser nodded. "Daemon can never win as long as there are leaders like Phong and yourself in the free net."
"You flatter me." She smiled ruefully. "Take care of this man, Mouse - he's putting the whole net on his back. He'll need all the help he can to support the weight."
"That's why I work out, Sugar. I didn't get these shoulders from tappin' keys all day-"
"What's processing, everyone?" Bob called out from the vidwindow that opened before the quartet of sprites.
"Ah, Young Guardian. Dot has agreed on the specifications for the communications link. Everything is progressing well."
"That's good, Phong. Congratulations, Dad." Bob nodded. "Everything looked in working order to me, although I learned a long time ago to defer to Mouse when it comes to this sort of thing. She could have showed me a diagram of how she was going to make a null-powered java maker for all I knew."
"My secret's out!" the hacker chuckled.
"So you're about finished then, Old Man?" Bob asked. "Did what you came to do?"
"Some of what I came to do." Laser said stiffly. "I think we can be ready to pull out next cycle if there aren't any problems. I really want to get back to the Academy."
"Good, good." Bob smiled awkwardly. "Dot - can I have a word? On a private line?"
"Of course." Dot frowned. She turned to the others. "Will you excuse me?" Mouse, who looked as puzzled as she did, nodded. Dot slipped out of the command center and into her office. She opened her organizer. "What's the matter, Bob?"
"Nothing, really. I just didn't want to talk about this in front of Laser. He has no idea what you and Enzo talked about, does he?"
"No, I haven't told him."
"Good - keep it that way. He'd only make things tougher for Enzo if he knew. Have you heard from Enzo today?"
"No." Dot said, surprised. "Isn't he at the diner?"
"No." Bob sighed. "I got back here early hoping to catch him when he came home from school, but he hasn't showed up yet."
"Well - he knows he's supposed to come straight home unless you're with him." The Command.Com frowned. "I hope he's all right."
"I'm sure he's fine, but the thing is - I think he's avoiding me. He didn't want to talk last night - he said he had too much homework. Homework! This is Enzo, Dot. And then he slipped out this morning before I had a chance to corner him."
"Why would he be avoiding you?"
"I don't know." The Guardian scowled. "But I don't like it, Dot. I don't like it at all - especially now. I haven't done anything to scare him off, have I?"
"Of course not." Dot said softly. "I'm sure he isn't avoiding you. He's just a little confused with everything that's going on…"
"Maybe… I guess I'll stay here for a while and wait for him."
"Where's Frisket? He can track Enzo down anywhere."
"He's not here either." Bob scowled. "I suppose he's wherever Enzo is. Doesn't help us much, does it?"
"No." Dot chuckled nervously. "Do me a favor, will you? Call me if he gets home. I'll be along just as soon as I finish up with Laser and Phong."
"No problem." Bob sighed, breaking the connection.
*** The large figure zipping through Kits Sector reached for his icon and booted out of his green uniform jacket and into his comfortable black shirt and breeches. Matrix was exhausted - Laser's arrival had meant a crushing workload for the new security chief and, truth be told, he hadn't fully convinced himself that he was up to the job yet. The white-haired Guardian's passion had gradually worn down Matrix' doubts about his motives, but he found himself glad that the stranger's visit was nearly over. He was exhausted.
The giant eight-ball atop his apartment building came into view, bringing with it a comfortable feeling of security. Strange as it was, he could almost feel his life slipping into a routine - tired after a day's work, going home to the sprite he loved. It would have all seemed inconceivable to him only a few minutes earlier, yet here he was. An adult! How strange that was…
The big sprite hopped off his zip board and wearily stepped into the garage, headed for the stairs. "Hey." A voice called, stopping him short.
"Enzo! You scared the code out of me." The bearded sprite scowled.
"Sorry." Enzo replied with a weak smile. The boy was seated on the floor, leaning up against Bob's tool cabinet and scratching Frisket's ears.
"What're you doing there?" Matrix frowned, crouching next to him.
"I wanted to talk to you, I guess… I stopped on the way home from school."
Something bothered Matrix in looking at the boy. Something was different, although it took him a few nanos to realize what it was - Enzo wore his white jersey, jeans and red cap in place of his cadet uniform. The big sprite arched an eyebrow in puzzlement. "On the way home? School ended milliseconds ago! And why are you down here? Why aren't you upstairs?"
Enzo looked down and kicked at the floor halfheartedly. "I-… Andri's up there. I didn't wanna talk to her, I guess. I was hoping I could - y'know… Talk to you."
Matrix sighed and sat next to the boy with a grunt, noting in the process that sitting on the floor was much less comfortable than it had been when he was Enzo's age. "You're off-lined about what Dot told you, huh?"
"How'd you know about that?' the boy asked, wide-eyed.
"Dot told me, Sprout! I didn't read your mind, don't worry!" the bearded sprite chuckled. Frisket ambled over and lay his head on his knees.
"Oh." Enzo sounded disappointed. "But you know all about it?" Matrix nodded. "She said I could go to the Academy and everything. If I wanted."
"Yeah, I heard. So what do you think? And why didn't you wanna go home? Or see Andri?"
"Crash it all!" the youngster scowled. "I - I didn't wanna face any of them, Matrix. You were the only one I could talk to about it. They wouldn't understand."
"Maybe they would if you gave them a chance. But I think I know what you're off-lined about, if it makes you feel any better."
"Cursors." Enzo whispered, stamping his feet on the hard garage floor. "Dot told me that it was too important t let anybody else decide - even her."
"Well - that's good, isn't it? She trusts you to make the decision."
"But I don't know what to do!" the boy whined. "See, she told me I had to decide myself or else I'd always wonder if I did the right thing. But since you're me, see, I was thinking-"
"Nope!" the big sprite interrupted, hands in the air. "You don't get off that easy, Pal."
"But I dunno what to do! Can't you at least help me decide? Please?"
"Enzo…" Matrix sighed. "I can't tell you what you should do, Kid. Nobody can. You've got to figure it out for yourself - Dot's right."
"What would you do? If you were me?" the boy pleaded. "I mean the me me."
"That doesn't matter, Enzo. You want people to treat you like a grown-up, don't you? And don't bother denying it, 'cause I know you do. I did. Well, you're gonna have to be able to make decisions on your own if you want people to do that. Making decisions is what grown-ups do."
"I make decisions…" Enzo sighed. "In the games and stuff - all the time. But this is too hard, Enzo! I'm just a little kid…"
"I never thought I'd hear me say that!" the bearded sprite chuckled. Enzo looked down forlornly, and Matrix squeezed his shoulder. "Look - I can't tell you what you should do. But I can help you, maybe. What do you want to do?"
"What do you mean?" the youngster asked, looking up. He appeared to be near tears.
"Well - do you want to go the Academy with Laser?"
"Yeah! I mean - sometimes." Enzo whispered. "I think it'd be cool. But I - I'm… Crash it all! I…"
"Take your time." Matrix said gently, his empathic sense for the boy's frustration - a thousand thoughts screaming to be heard at once - bringing back painful memories. "There's no hurry."
"I - I wanna go." Enzo sighed. "But I don't wanna leave. Bob and Dot are great, and we're finally all together. I'd - y'know… I'd miss them."
"I know."
"Everything's the best it's ever been. I mean, Bob came to live with us. It's great! And he takes me into the games with him and everything. And you and AndrAIa are here, and you're totally alphanumeric. I hardly even know you guys! I finally got things the way I dreamed about 'em. And if I leave…"
"I understand."
"That's not all." Enzo said softly. "Dot said she'd be OK, but I know she'd miss me. When you and AndrAIa got lost in the games, she was really sad. She still almost can't talk about it. She really likes takin' care of me, Matrix. She'd be sad and she'd be worrying about me all the time…"
"Sounds like a pretty tough decision, Kid. Maybe it would help to talk to Bob about it. You think?"
"No." Enzo whispered.
"Why not?" Matrix said gently.
"'Cause… 'Cause…" the youngster turned his face towards the wall. "There's another reason why I'm not sure if I want to go."
"Enzo…" the big sprite whispered. "You don't need to be ashamed about that-"
"I can't face him, Matrix! I can't. I shouldn't even be thinking about it - Bob wouldn't! He'd never pass up a chance like this. What kind of Guardian am I? I can't talk to Bob, I just can't…"
"I know this isn't easy. But you'll have to talk to him eventually. He'll understand, Enzo. This is Bob we're talking about!" Matrix raised the boy's face to meet his own. "He'll understand."
"I can't!" Enzo sighed. "Don't make me, Matrix! Please? I can't talk to Bob now-"
"All right, take it easy." Matrix smiled, wrapping an arm around Enzo. They sat in silence for several nanos. Finally, the big sprite lowered his gaze. "What do you want to do, Pal? Want to go upstairs?"
"No!" Enzo whispered. "No. Can't I just stay here with you? Just for a while?"
"Sure." The big sprite sighed wearily, patting Enzo's shoulder. "Dot and Bob will be worried about you, though. Let me go up and let them know where you are-"
"No! Don't go!" Enzo pleaded, grabbing his arm. "Please?"
"Enzo…" Matrix frowned. "All right. I'll just tell Andri to call. I'll be back in two nanos."
"Promise?"
"Promise." Matrix gingerly disengaged himself from Enzo's grip, nudged a grumbling Frisket aside and walked halfway up the stairs. "Andri!" he called.
"Sparky? What's going on?"
"Nothing. Do me a favor and call Dot - let her know Enzo's here and he's all right, will you?"
The game sprite appeared at the top of the stairs. "Enzo's here? Where is he?"
"Downstairs. In the garage."
"Why didn't he come up?"
"Long story." The big sprite sighed. "He just needed to talk to me for a bit - I can't explain it this nano. Let Bob and Dot know he's here, OK? I'll be up in a little while."
"Sure." AndrAIa smiled. "Big brother." She disappeared into the apartment, and the bearded sprite walked back down to the garage.
Enzo was waiting, chin in his hands. "What took you so long?" he whispered. "I thought you weren't coming back."
"I was only a nano!" Matrix chuckled. When the boy didn't look up, he slid down to the floor next to him and wrapped his massive arm around the youngster again. "Sorry. You OK?"
"I dunno." The boy sighed deeply and leaned against Matrix' shoulder. "Don't go anywhere again, OK?"
"No problem." The big sprite smiled. Enzo, apparently no longer feeling the need for words, closed his eyes and sat in silence, nestled in the bearded sprite's arm. Matrix, instinctively certain that he was providing the boy what he needed for the moment, allowed him his silence as dusk slowly fell outside the garage.
*** "Sacre bleu! What a cycle!" Cecil moaned, fussily wiping down the counter. "I am getting too old for zis sort of thing."
Dot, leaning wearily against the counter, took even less notice of the server's protestations than normal. Her attentions were focused on Bob, who sat in a booth absently drumming his fingers on the table. "Why don't you go ahead and take the rest of the night off?"
"Zere is work to be done, Madam - ze place, she is a mess-"
"Don't worry about it." Dot answered with a weary smile. "We'll get it in the morning. You've had a hard cycle, go ahead and shut down."
"Of course, Madam. Merci." With a stiff bow - or as close an approximation as he could muster - Cecil disappeared into the kitchen.
"Tired?" Dot smiled, stepping behind the Guardian and gently massaging his neck.
"Not really. Just too much on my processor, I guess." The Guardian replied without looking up. "Can't concentrate…"
"I know the feeling." The Command.Com slid into the booth next to him. "What with your father leaving and - you know."
"Yeah." Bob frowned.
"I suppose if Enzo decided to leave… I suppose Mouse can stay on here a few extra days, take him with her. User, I can't believe I'm saying that!"
"Don't worry about it." Bob said halfheartedly.
"I hope I did the right thing. It feels so wrong to me right now. I don't know if I could stand it, Bob. I think it'd be too much…"
"You did the right thing." Bob smiled wearily. "You were right - it would've been unfair to do anything else. It took a lot of guts, Dot. But I don't like this business, Enzo avoiding me. I don't like it…"
Dot tried to muster a comforting word, but was only able to provide a pat on the elbow. After a nano, the doors opened and Enzo walked in, closely followed by Matrix, hands on the youngster's shoulders. "Look what I found."
"Hello, you two." Dot rose and gave each brother a quick hug. "Thanks for calling - I was getting worried."
"No big file."
"You OK?" she smiled at the smaller brother.
"Cool." Enzo said softly, looking down at his feet, which were shifting nervously. He cast a quick glance at Bob, who hadn't turned.
"You want a cup of cocoa or something?" Dot asked the larger brother.
"No - no thanks." The bearded sprite replied, surreptitiously nodding in Bob's direction. "I'm deleted. Gonna head home. I'll see you all at the P.O. tomorrow, OK?"
"OK. And thanks." Dot smiled. Matrix lightly tousled Enzo's hair and departed, leaving the three sprites alone in the now silent diner.
Enzo was alternating glances between the floor and Bob's back, still shifting uncomfortably. Dot sensed the tension in the room and fought down her natural inclination to defuse it herself. "I'm going to head downstairs." she said softly. "I'll talk to you down there in a while, all right?"
"Sure, Sis." Enzo replied, looking at her with pleading eyes. She smiled weakly at him and shook her head, file locking the doors. Wordlessly, she disappeared through the kitchen.
Bob turned at last and leaned over the back of the booth to look at Enzo. "Where's your uniform?" he asked. The look in his eyes was kind and maybe even a little puzzled, not the disdainful glare that Enzo expected. Heartened, the boy felt the overwhelming urge to talk to him at last, the only problem being that he hadn't the faintest idea what to say.
"Um - I didn't feel like wearing it today, I guess. I don't really know why. I'm sorry."
Bob frowned for a nano, then slid over in the booth. "Come here." He said gently. The boy stepped around the back of the booth and gingerly sat next to him. "You should always wear your uniform. A game cube could drop any time, you know - that uniform was designed to be worn in action."
"I know - sorry, Bob." Enzo replied sheepishly, relieved that the conversation was running to small talk, though he knew it couldn't last long.
He was right. "Enzo, I want you to listen to me for a nano, all right? Just listen."
"Sure, Bob." the boy nodded solemnly.
"Enzo…" the Guardian sighed, shaking his head. "I know you must be thinking a lot about what your sister told you. It's a lot for a little sprite, I know. It's pretty important stuff. But I want you to understand something - no matter what happens I never want you to be afraid to talk to me. Understand?"
"Sure…"
The Guardian smiled. "I'm not sure you do. This is important, Enzo - trust me. It's not distance that drives people apart - it's silence. It's like a virus."
"What do you mean, Bob?" the youngster frowned.
"We have to talk to each other, Enzo. No matter what. If you won't talk to me I can't understand what you're feeling, what you're going through. The more we don't talk, the easier it gets just to keep doing it. And eventually we won't have anything to say to each other at all. We'll be strangers. Believe me I know…"
"That'll never happen!" Enzo protested. "Bob, I - I…"
"I know it doesn't seem like it now." Bob said softly. "But it can happen faster than you think. When important stuff happens we have to talk about it. We've got to be honest with each other. We can handle anything else as long as we do that. And when this business with the Academy came along, you didn't think you could talk to me about it. If I said anything to make you think that-"
"No! It's not like that!" Enzo sighed. "It's just… It's hard."
"I know. Most important things are. So I want you to promise me that no matter what happens you'll talk to me about it. I promise to talk to you. No secrets, Enzo - no silence."
"I promise" Enzo whispered. "I'll talk to you, I know I should've talked to you already…."
"That's all right. I know how confusing all of this has been for you. It's confused the data out of me."
"I just didn't know what to say. I feel totally low-density…"
"Why?"
Enzo stared down at the table. "'Cause I'm not sure I want to go with Laser."
"So? Why would you be afraid to tell me that, Enzo?"
"I was afraid you think I was basic. All I do is talk about the Academy and now I get a chance and I'm not even sure I want to go…"
"I'd never think that." The Guardian smiled. "You should know that, Enzo."
"But-"
"Look - you're not sure. I know I wouldn't be. It's a tough thing to decide, especially since Dot's been making all of your choices for you your whole life. I never thought it'd be easy."
"Yeah." The boy sighed. "I know I should go, but everything's going so great here! Matrix and AndrAIa are the best, and you moved in with us and that's the most alphanumeric thing that's ever happened and I'm just not sure what I should do!"
"Yeah - that's pretty tough." Bob said, wrapping an arm around the youngster's shoulder. "Sounds like those are pretty good reasons not to be sure."
"And Dot'd really worry about me, too." Enzo whispered. "I know she'd hate it, no matter what she told me. And I - I…"
"What?" Bob prodded gently. "What is it?"
"I'm scared, Bob!" A single tear ran down the boy's cheek. "I know it's basic, but I'm scared to go. What if I can't cut it with all those older cadets? And I never left home before either and I didn't want to tell you any of this…"
"It's all right-"
"I shouldn't be scared. I'm a cadet! I shouldn't be scared…" Bob wrapped his other arm around Enzo and held his shoulders gently as the boy fought back the tears that threatened to break through to the surface, shaking with the effort. "I shouldn't be scared…"
"Everybody gets scared." Bob said softly. "You know how old I was when I left for the Academy, Enzo?"
"N-no." the youngster whispered, gritting his teeth but keeping the tears in check.
"I was one-two. Almost one-three, really. And I was scared every cycle for a minute before I left for the Academy, and for a long time afterwards, too. And this was the real Academy - I was gonna be in training with sprites my own age, not a lot older than me. I was so scared I cried sometimes, Enzo."
"No you didn't!" Enzo scowled.
"Yes I did!" Bob chuckled. "Is that so hard to believe? Honesty, remember? It's the truth. And there was nothing wrong with it, either. Everybody gets scared sometimes. It's just the way we're wired - that's how sprites are."
"But…" the boy sighed, confused. "Matrix and AndrAIa went off and survived in the games - and I'm all offline about going to the Academy! I'm supposed to be a cadet, aren't I? We're not supposed to be afraid of anything!"
"If that was the rule, everyone would've flunked out in the first second!" Bob grinned. "I still get scared sometimes, and I probably always will. It's how you deal with being scared that counts. So don't think you're anybody special just 'cause you're afraid. Don't you think Matrix was scared, going off into the games and leaving home?"
"I dunno. I guess…"
"Do you think he wanted to leave, Enzo? Of course not. It was terrible - it shouldn't have happened. But he did what he had to do - just like you would."
"I guess. I just wish I was sure what I should do."
"I couldn't have hacked it the Academy when I was one-zero, I'll tell you that." Bob sighed. "No way. But I know you could. You've proved it to me over and over."
"Really?" Enzo smiled weakly up at him. "So you… You think I should go, then?"
"I think that whatever you decide is fine, Cadet. But if you decide not to, it shouldn't be because you're worried about making the grade. You can do that - I know it, and I don't care if you are one-zero. So decide whether or not you want to go - if it's right for you to do it. That's the only thing you need to worry about."
"Thanks. But I still don't know what to do…"
"You know other stuff, too. Like what a great place Mainframe is, and how much Dot and I care about you. And I think I have a lot to teach you, if you decide to stay. The only cadet I have to worry about is you - nobody else. That means a lot."
"Yeah…"
"And you're only one-zero. I know you can handle the Academy, and so do you. But maybe it's OK for you to want to have some time with Dot and Matrix and AndrAIa. It might be OK that you don't want to give up everything you love so soon. Maybe you deserve to just be happy for a while, now that you're a cadet. I don't think there's anything wrong with that."
"Really?" the boy asked plaintively, meeting the Guardian's eyes. "So what should I do, Bob?"
"I figure after you've thought about it something will feel right to you eventually, and you'll know that's what you have to do. I can't tell you what that is - you need to find out for yourself. But there's one more thing I need to be sure you know before you decide."
"What is it?" Enzo asked, wide-eyed.
"That it doesn't matter what you decide." Bob smiled.
"Huh? I don't get it! What do you mean?"
"It's pretty simple." The Guardian chuckled. "You're my friend, Enzo. We're partners. That's never going to change, no matter what happens - if you go to the Academy now or when you're one-three or never. All that matters is who you are, and I know who you are."
"You do?"
"Sure! That's why I made you a cadet - because of who you are. You're the sprite that worried about me when you saw how off-lined I was about my Dad, just because you cared. You're the sprite that survived in the games and found me in the web and brought me home. What's the Academy compared to that?"
"But-"
"I'm not worried about whether you can handle it. All that matters is who you are. It doesn't matter whether you're here or at the Academy - all the stuff you mean to me is never going to change. That's why it doesn't really matter what you decide - because no matter where you go and no matter what happens I'm always gonna your friend like I am right now. Understand?"
"Bob… You mean it?" Enzo breathed. "You really mean it?"
"You better believe it."
"Thanks." The boy sighed, wrapping his arms around the Guardian. "You're the best, Bob. I wanted to talk to you - I wanted to tell you all this stuff, I really did! I just didn't know how…"
"It's all right." The Guardian grinned, holding the boy close. "You didn't have to tell me, I knew. Just make sure you're never afraid to talk to me, OK?"
"Promise." Enzo whispered, feeling some of the crushing weight lifting off his shoulders.
"You know, Enzo, sometimes you might want to do something because you think it'll make someone happy." Bob said softly. "Sometimes you might want to do something because you're afraid that if you don't do it, someone will disapprove. Those can seem like really good reasons, but they're not. All that happens is that you get mad because you didn't trust yourself, and you resent the other sprite because of it. Trust me, Enzo - I'm a little older than you. I know. The really important things you just have to do because you trust your gut. It's like someone very smart once told me - only by being honest with yourself can you be honest with others."
"I'll try." Enzo could almost feel himself believing the Guardian's words, the place inside him where he felt sure and decisive not so far out of reach anymore. He could almost imagine finding that place and feeling good about his future again. "Thanks Bob. Thanks for believing in me."
"It was easy." Bob smiled. "You had the tough part."
*** "I hate good-byes." AndrAIa sighed as the two sprites slowly traversed one of the long corridors in the Principal Office.
"Yeah - me too." Matrix assented. "It's been a weird couple of cycles. I didn't even know Bob had a father until a few seconds ago and look at everything that's happened."
"He's a strange sprite, isn't he?"
"I guess. I never saw Bob like he was when Laser showed up, Andri - it was like he was totally taken offline. I wonder what could've happened to make him so angry after all this time. It's not like Bob."
"No - it's not." The game sprite frowned. "But whatever it was they seem to have come to some kind of understanding. I mean - Dot wouldn't have let Enzo go with him if he was that terrible, would she?"
"Of course not." The big sprite said softly. "Whatever happened, he's got me convinced he knows what he's talking about when it comes to Daemon. I mean - it's not like anybody else was doing anything to fight her. The old guy's got a lot of guts."
"We all do what we can." AndrAIa sighed as the landing bay came into view before them. "Matrix, you don't think Enzo's really going to leave, do you?"
"I don't know. I hope not. Losing Mouse and Ray again is gonna be hard enough."
"Yeah. I'd sure miss the little guy. He seems awfully young to be off on his own…"
"So were we." Matrix smiled. "But you're right, I guess. We were too young, really. But Dot knew what she was doing - I think Enzo needed to have this decision for himself. He'll get by if he does go. She learned a lot from raising me, Andri. And she did a great job…"
"She sure did." The game sprite grinned. "Here we are."
"Here we are." Matrix echoed. The two sprites walked into the expanse of landing bay seven. Ray was loading supplies into ship as Dot, Mouse and Enzo stood in a knot, talking. Laser, Mouse and Phong were nowhere in sight. "I see the Sprout is back in uniform." The big sprite said softly.
"So he is. Hey everybody."
"Pretty Lady." Ray grinned down from the door of Ship, wiping his brow. "These departure committees get finer looking every cycle!"
"Hi Sweetie." Dot said with a tired smile. "Laser and the others should be along any nano. They're just going over some technical stuff for the communications link."
"Leave it to the experts." Matrix grinned. He glanced quickly at Bob and Enzo, who were talking quietly. "So Sis… what-"
"Ah, everyone is here. Excellent." Phong rolled into the room, followed by Laser and Mouse. "Who knows when we will all be together again? It is a sad thought, I suppose. But each of us to our important tasks, eh? Indeed, indeed…"
Mouse smiled at the others and embraced Dot awkwardly. "It's good to see all of you." Laser said. "I appreciate the hospitality you've showed me during my visit. I won't forget it."
"That's the Mainframe way." Dot smiled. "If you stay here long enough, it starts to rub off on you. Right Bob?"
"You could say that." The Guardian nodded.
Laser walked over to Enzo and clapped the boy's shoulder. "Cadet. I'm disappointed you won't be coming with me. There's a lot I could teach you about being a Guardian."
Enzo shuffled nervously and looked at Dot, who smiled and nodded. The boy took a deep breath. "Um… Thanks, Laser. Sir. But… I've got a lot to learn from Bob, too. He's a great teacher. Maybe in an hour or something, if you still want me… I could still come to the Academy?"
"The invitation stands, Son. You pay attention to Bob - he can teach you a lot, too."
"Yes, Sir." The boy beamed and saluted. Bob shook his head, swallowing a chuckle, and clasped Enzo's shoulder. Laser stuck his hand and the boy shook it. "Thanks for asking me to come with you, Sir."
"You're welcome." The white-haired sprite turned to Bob. "Guardian, if I might have a word before we leave?"
"Sure Dad." Bob followed Laser a small distance down the corridor until both sprites were out of earshot.
"How you doin', Cadet?" Matrix winked.
"Alphanumeric. I guess." Enzo sighed. "Bob and I talked last night. You were totally right, Matrix - he was great. The best…"
"Yup. I've known him longer than you have. No regrets?"
The youngster shrugged. "Whatever."
Matrix choked down a chuckle. "You always make me laugh, Kid. I would've missed that…"
"Thanks a lot!" the boy grumbled.
"I'm glad you're staying, Guardian." AndrAIa smiled, clapping the boy on the shoulder. "Was it a tough decision?"
"Yeah!" the boy sighed. "I mean - it took a while for me to figure things out. But once I did it wasn't so bad. Bob helped me a lot."
"He always does. Don't worry - if it's right you'll go to the Academy some cycle. And until then we're together. So let's enjoy it while we can, right?"
"You got it!" the boy grinned. "You're so alphanumeric, Andri - thanks."
"You're welcome." The game sprite grinned, winking at Matrix. "Besides - now there's twice as many of you to beat at jetball."
*** "What's up, Old Man?" Bob frowned. "What's the big secret?"
"No secret." The white-haired sprite sighed. "I've come a very long way to be here Bob - I thought I owed myself one more attempt to convince you."
"Dad-"
"Well, why not?" the older man scowled. "You could bring the boy with you - Dot as well if you like. It'd be the best thing for all of you, and for the Academy. Matrix could defend this system alone. There's a lot at stake here, Son."
"There's a lot at stake here, too. Mainframe's my home, Dad. It came within a nano of being deleted and I'm not going to leave it unprotected."
"Two Guardians and a cadet for a small system. It's absolutely ridiculous!"
"She knows we're here. She'll be back." Bob said calmly. "She'll find us eventually and I plan to be here to welcome her when she does. End of story. I'm sorry you had to leave empty-handed."
"Not empty-handed..."
"True - you recruited a new ally for your federation."
"That too." Laser sighed. "Well, I assume there's no further point in my trying to convince you?"
"Nope. Sorry Dad." The younger man smiled crookedly. Both sprites stood their ground silently for several nanos, avoiding eye contact, the faint strains of conversation from the landing bay barely audible.
Laser finally coughed and spoke into his hand. "I suppose I should go. Mouse and Tracer will be waiting-"
"Dad, I…"
"What?"
Bob smiled and shook his head. "Nothing, I suppose. It's just… I'm glad you told me. Told me about what happened on Amiga. I'm glad you told me."
"You asked."
"I know, I know. But I'm glad - glad I know. There's something I should tell you about that-"
"Now you see - that's always been your problem." Laser scowled. "You've always been obsessed with trivial things. Unimportant things. What does it matter why I did what I did? I did it and I lived with the consequences - that's all that matters."
"Dammit, you old null - why do you always do this? Why can't we ever say anything nice to each other?"
"Trivial."
"All right, Dad. If you say so." Bob sighed. "Don't blow this, all right? We're all counting on you."
"Don't you let Mainframe get nullified. And make sure you teach Enzo everything he needs to know. You've given up everything to stay here - just make sure you do your job."
"I can take care of my job." Bob frowned.
"This business about Daemon infecting games - I don't like it. You're sure about taking the boy into games with you?"
"I'm not sure about anything. I'm just trying to do the right thing."
"Well - his safety is your responsibility. You've put him in a dangerous position. Just… be careful. This is a bad business…"
"I will." Bob sighed. "Go on, then - I'm sure they're waiting. Take care of Mouse - or should I say let her take care of you? And you try to be careful. A lot has changed since you were in the Collective-"
"Which I was before you were compiled." The white-haired sprite snapped. "So don't lecture me, Boy."
"Never." Bob chuckled. "Go." The older sprite turned and started towards the landing bay. "And Dad?"
Laser looked over his shoulder. "What is it?"
"Try not to make it so many hours next time, will you? I'd like to see you again before I'm Phong's age."
"Yes, well…" Laser frowned. "As events allow, I suppose. We've all got our jobs to do. Take care of yourself." He turned and walked briskly down the corridor.
"You too." Bob sighed. "You stubborn old…"
*** "'Bout that time, Honey." Mouse grinned.
"I suppose." Dot sighed. "I never liked this sort of thing, Mouse - but we never had a chance to say good-bye before, did we?"
"Yeah - I'm sorry about that." The hacker said sheepishly. "That's just how I am, Sugar - I can't apologize for it. Guess I just did, though. Still, you knew I wasn't gonna stick around forever-"
Laser stormed into the landing bay and headed towards the ship. "I'm ready, Cadet. Let's get a move on."
"In a nano. Keep your pants on!" Mouse scowled. "He's always like that, you know. I dunno how I'm ever gonna live with it…"
Dot laughed, in spite of herself. "You'll manage, somehow. We always seem to." The Command.Com grabbed Mouse's hands in her own. "I'd never have made it, you know."
"What?" the hacker frowned. "Whatcha mean, Honey?"
"When we were, you know - in bad shape. After Bob and Enzo were gone and Megabyte overran the P.O…. I'd never have made it without you."
"Just doin' my job. You were the real leader of the resistance-"
"No - that's not what I mean." Dot sighed with a shake of the head. "There were times I wasn't sure I could face it all, Mouse. If you weren't around I don't think I could have. Thank you."
"Why - You're… You're welcome, Sugar. I didn't do nothing so special. Just helpin' out is all."
"I'm glad I got to tell you." Dot smiled. "Take care of yourself."
"You too, Honey. And we'll be seein' plenty of each other, don't worry. I'll do this Academy gig fer a while, then somethin' else'll come up. I'll pop in and see ya soon as I can."
"Right." The hacker turned to go. "And Mouse?"
"Yeah, Honey?"
"Rebecca?"
Mouse bared her fangs and hissed. "Forget you heard that, Sugar. You hear me? Forget you heard it…"
"Bye, Lad."
"Bye Ray. Thanks for the surfing lesson - it was cool."
"No worries." The surfr grinned. "And remember - knees bent!" He turned to Matrix. "Try not to kill anybody you don't have to, Big Guy."
"You know what, Surfr? You're just as funny as you ever were!" Matrix scowled.
"I don't think that was a compliment!" Tracer laughed. He kissed AndrAIa lightly on the cheek. "Pretty lady. Try to get him to smile every once in a minute, will you?"
"Promise." AndrAIa grinned. "Come back and see us, Ray. We'll miss you."
Mouse stepped up to Bob and smiled. "I dunno how I didn't see the resemblance. I know where you got yer eyes, Handsome - but I'm gonna assume yer Mama was the funny one."
"Look after him." The Guardian mouthed.
Mouse winked at Bob and turned to Enzo. "Bye, Honey. Cadet - you take care of yourself. Listen to Bob and maybe you'll be as good a Guardian as he is someday."
"Thanks." Enzo grinned. "Send us an email, OK?"
"We'll see!" she laughed. "Matrix, it's been real, as ever. And you, Phong - you old devil! Try not to steal AndrAIa's heart away too quick, now."
"I shall miss you, Mouse." Phong smiled. "Your way of speaking is most - candid… Most entertaining…"
"AndrAIa - you be one helluva System Engineer, all right? Keep this system humming or I'll come back and kick your bitmap."
"I learned from the best." The game sprite grinned. "Bye, Mouse."
"If you're all quite through with this spectacle - we haven't got all cycle!" Laser growled from the doorway of Ship. "Since you won't tell me where we are I can't use Galileo to get to the Academy, and I don't want to be riding this tin can when classes start!"
"Right." Mouse sighed. "Gonna be a fun trip. Take care, everyone."
"Good on ya, Mates. Remember, Lad - knees!" Ray waved. He followed the hacker into the ship, leaving the scowling Laser standing in the doorway.
"Thank you all again." The white-haired sprite nodded gruffly. "Phong, Ms. Matrix - you're wise leaders, both of you. I hope I never have to avail myself of your system's resources."
"We're here if you need us. Just call." Dot smiled.
"Good-bye, then. Stay Frosty."
"Stay Frosty, Dad." Bob sighed. Laser hesitated in the doorway for a nano, sidelong to the others, then disappeared, closing the door behind him.
After a nano, the ship's drive roared to life and it lifted off delicately. The huge doors of the landing bay slowly opened and the little vessel smoothly and evenly slipped through. Bob, hands in pockets, slowly walked after it and stood at the edge of the bay, watching as it slowly disappeared into the cobalt sky above Mainframe. He stood silently staring into the empty sky after the vessel was gone.
Matrix kissed AndrAIa lightly on the cheek and started towards Bob, then stopped. After a nano he ruffled Enzo's hair and grabbed AndrAIa by the hand. "Duty calls, I suppose." he sighed, slowly walking towards the long corridor to the command center.
"Indeed." Phong nodded, glancing first at Bob, then at Enzo and Dot. "There is much to be done, much we have neglected over these last few cycles. Let us go." He wheeled after Matrix and AndrAIa, leaving the three remaining sprites alone in the sprawling landing bay.
Enzo looked over to where Bob stood, still silently staring out into the blue sky. Dot knelt and wrapped her arms around him from behind. "How are you, Cadet? Feeling OK?"
"I'm cool." He said softly, grabbing her arm.
"I'm very proud of you, you know. I'm proud that you made this decision on your own. And I would've been proud no matter what you decided."
"Thanks." The boy smiled up at her.
"You wanna hear a secret, though?"
"Sure." He grinned, turning to face his sister.
"You would've been great at the Academy." She said. "But I'm glad you're staying here. Not having you around was the toughest thing I ever had to live with. And even though I would've known where you were this time, it still would've been pretty rough."
"I would've missed you." The youngster whispered. "More than anything."
"Me too." Dot smiled. "Every cycle we're together - all of us - is a gift. I'm lucky to have a brother like Matrix. And to have AndrAIa, and Bob - we're so lucky to have Bob. And you, Enzo - no matter what happens, we've always had each other. That's as lucky as it gets."
"I'm not a pain in the bitmap sometimes?"
"All the time!" she laughed. "But you make me smile, Little Brother. Every cycle I see your face is a good cycle."
"Thanks." Enzo grinned.
"C'mon - let's go back to the diner and take Frisket for a long walk."
"Don't you have work to do and everything?"
"It'll keep." She smiled, wrapping her arm around his shoulder.
"Awesome! Hey Bob! We're goin' for a walk - you comin'"?
"I'll catch up." Bob called, not turning. "You guys go ahead." The Guardian stared out over the city, a small smile playing across his lips. "Hey!" he shouted, just as the siblings had reached the corridor.
"What?" Dot called back.
"We've got training later, Cadet. Don't think just because this isn't at the Academy you're not gonna work your bitmap off!"
Enzo arched an eyebrow and looked up at his sister. "Sure, Bob - no problem."
"And Enzo…" Bob continued, more gently. "I know you're gonna make me proud."
"Thanks, Bob!" the youngster beamed. "See you later!" Brother and sister departed, arm in arm, leaving the silver-haired sprite alone in the landing bay, still staring out into empty sky, hands in pockets.
Bob stood and gazed out into the emptiness where Ship had been visible nanos before, the only sound in his ears his own slow, rhythmic breathing. After a few nanos the great doors whirred into life with a roar, grinding in their grooves as they slowly closed in front of him with a resounding impact which echoed in the empty room.
The Guardian didn't move for several nanos, seemingly unaware that his vista had changed at all. Finally, he turned and briskly strode off with a small smile, leaving the docking bay empty and silent but for the lingering echo of his own footsteps.
Epilogue The flickering images on the vidscreen illuminated the faces of the two sprites on the couch intermittently, the light dancing on their faces in the dimly lit room. Dot Matrix walked in wearing her nightgown, yawning. "You two going to stay up for a while?"
Bob smiled and stretched. "Gonna turn in soon, I guess. This show isn't very good - I never did like "'True Stories of Mainframe…'"
"Well, I'm deleted. I'm going to bed. Not too late, Enzo."
"Aw, Dot - no school tomorrow!" Enzo protested. "What's the rush?"
"I don't want you dragging your bitmap all day tomorrow, that's all!" his sister laughed. "Just don't stay up too late, all right? Bob, will you make sure?"
"I'm on it. Stay frosty." The Guardian yawned.
"All right. Good night you two. Love you both."
"Night." The other two sprites said in unison. They stared at the screen in silence for a time, as a rather clumsy dramatization of Megabyte's abortive attempt to take over Bob's brain droned on. "You watching this?" Bob asked after a seeming eternity of overacting.
"Naw." Enzo grinned, leaning against him. The Guardian deleted the vidscreen, leaving the two sprites in near darkness. "You about ready to turn in, Partner?"
"In a nano, I guess." Enzo yawned. He put his feet up on the sofa and burrowed a little lower against the Guardian's shoulder, staring at the ceiling. "Bob, what was your Dad like? When you were a little kid?"
"Wow." Bob sighed. "That's a tough one, Pal. He was a lot like he was when you met him, I guess. But different, too. It's hard to explain. He was cockier then. I guess he had reasons to be…"
"He wasn't that nice to you, was he?" Enzo said softly. "I mean - he didn't do stuff with you and take you into games and teach you stuff?"
"Not really." Bob smiled. "He did teach me a lot, I guess. He's a very smart sprite. He did the best he could. I didn't think much of it at the time, I admit. But I don't think he knew any other way to act."
"Do you think he's sorry about it? I mean now?"
"I dunno, Enzo. Maybe he is. I think he's sorry about a lot of things." Bob sighed. The Guardian stared thoughtfully ahead and absently drummed his fingers on the armrest. "Do you think about your dad much, Enzo? I've never really asked you. Did you know him very well before - I mean…"
"I think about him a lot." Enzo said softly. "I guess I didn't know him very good, though. I was real little when he died."
"What do you remember? Anything?"
"I remember he was real tall and he always picked me up and tossed me in the air whenever he saw me." The boy smiled. "And he was tired all the time. He worked a lot and I don't think he was home very much. I remember my Mom a lot better."
"I bet." Bob frowned. "I guess you miss him, huh?"
"Sometimes. But a lot of times it's almost like I forget he was ever even alive, y'know? I don't even think about him for a long time. That's kinda worse, actually."
The two sprites sat in darkness for several nanos, each lost in their own thoughts. "I used to dream he was alive, sometimes." Enzo said in a low voice, at last. "And he was coming through the door at our old house in Beverly Hills. I don't even remember that house any more - I just remember him coming through the door and picking me up and tossing me in the air and I'm screaming but I like it."
"Sounds like a nice dream." Bob smiled.
"I haven't had that one in a long time." Enzo frowned. "But I had another one sometimes…"
"What was that?" Bob asked, looking down at Enzo's upturned face.
"That you were my dad." Enzo grinned. "And you'd come into the diner and say something funny and I'd laugh, and then a game cube would drop and you and me would go into the game."
"That sounds pretty nice, too…"
"Yeah." The boy sighed. He was silent for a nano. "Sometimes I still have that one, actually. Only it really happens. You coming into the diner and the game part, I mean."
"I guess it does, doesn't it?" the Guardian chuckled. "Boy - that's a lot of pressure! What's it like, Enzo? Is it like how you dreamed it?"
"Better." The youngster said softly. "Definitely better."
"Really? Thanks, Cadet." The Guardian closed his eyes and yawned, relishing the warm, comfortable fatigue slowly enveloping him.
"Do you dream about stuff, Bob?" Enzo asked, still wide awake.
"Me? Sure I do. All the time. But I've been pretty lucky because most of them have come true. I just didn't know I was dreaming about them until after they did."
The boy flashed a puzzled smile. "What about when you were a kid, Bob? What'd you dream about then?"
"Different stuff. Not about being a Guardian, though - not when I was your age. That came later."
"What kind of stuff, then?"
"Mostly pretty basic stuff, I guess. Pretty boring. I wasn't too happy with things then. And my dad - I wasn't too happy with him." The Guardian frowned thoughtfully. "I guess I didn't really know I how lucky I was. I had a father. Maybe he wasn't everything I wished he'd be, but…"
Bob trailed off, and Enzo couldn't find the words to respond. Too many thoughts were dancing around in his head. The Guardian continued softly. "Enzo, I know I'm not your dad. I could never be your dad…"
"It's cool, though. Honest."
"I can't imagine I could ever be anyone's dad." Bob sighed. "Families are important, very important. But there's different kinds, you know? It's not what you are, it's who you are. Remember what I told you when you asked me if you could make it at the Academy? Before all this happened?"
Enzo, without rising, contorted to face Bob at an angle that made the Guardian wince. He grinned and tapped Bob just below the icon. "It's what's in here that counts."
"Right first time!" Bob smiled. "Just remember that and you'll do all right. And it doesn't just apply to the Academy, Enzo. It applies to a lot of other things too."
"I get it!" the boy beamed.
"Good. Now what say we turn in and get some downtime? Maybe we'll have a game cube tomorrow, who knows? Don't want to be too low-res."
"Cool." Enzo uncoiled, bounced to his feet and waited patiently for Bob to stand, which he did with a groan.
"Not as young as I used to be!" Bob sighed theatrically.
"Who is?" Enzo laughed. The pair walked side by side to Enzo's bedroom door and the boy slipped inside, stretching. "Night, Bob. Sleep tight."
"You too, Partner." Laughing, the Guardian reached out both hands and tousled the boy's hair vigorously until it stood straight out from his head in a wild tangle.
"Hey!" Enzo howled. "That's not funny!"
"Go look in a mirror and tell me that!" Bob chuckled. "OK, Pal - enough silliness for one cycle. Get some sleep."
"It's so cool!" the boy grinned. "You being here all the time. It's awesome! See you in the morning."
"In the morning." The Guardian started to turn away.
Suddenly, Enzo knew he couldn't let him go - not yet. "Uh - Bob?" he said urgently.
"Yeah, Enzo?"
"Um..." The boy mumbled, staring at the floor, wanting to just end-file but not wanting to at the same time. "It's just…"
"What is it?" Bob frowned.
"Well, um… I… I love you." The boy whispered with a grimace.
Bob felt a momentary byte of surprise, then found his hands at Enzo's shoulders. "Hey - I love you too, Tiger." He chuckled, drawing the boy's head to his chest and holding it there, smoothing the hair he'd disheveled a nano before. "Love you too."
Enzo breathed deeply and smiled, feeling liberated as he'd rarely felt before. It hadn't been all that hard to say, really, when it came right down to it. He looked up at the Guardian, who was matching his grin with one of his own. "It's just - you said we should always tell each other stuff. What we're feeling…"
Bob for his part saw the same eyes he'd seen before, the eyes that saw clean through him. They were filled with trust and unreserved affection, without a trace of guile. He'd never been looked at in quite that way by anyone else, and it was somehow frightening and exhilarating at the same time. The Guardian framed the boy's face in his hands. "Always."
Neither sprite felt the need to say more. Enzo wrapped his arms around the Guardian and clung tightly as Bob held him, trying not to think for once but simply to enjoy the emotion of the moment, let it wash over him.
Finally, by unspoken mutual consent, the two sprites relaxed their embrace. Enzo smiled sheepishly at the Guardian and exhaled deeply. "Just so you know - I'm probably never sayin' that again! Don't take it personally, OK?"
"You got it!" Bob laughed.
"Cool." Enzo sighed. "Thanks, Bob. Night."
"Sweet dreams." Bob grinned. "Don't let the software bugs bite." Enzo closed his door behind him and Bob stood staring at it for one more nano, a crooked smile on his face. Finally he turned and looked up with a start to see Dot standing outside her bedroom, eyes glistening in the dim light. "Dot!" he whispered.
The Command.Com said nothing - merely walked over to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and met his lips with her own in a gentle, pillow-soft kiss. She led him by the hand to their bedroom in silence.
Bob climbed into bed beside Dot, half expecting her to comment on the scene that had played out before her, but she apparently felt no need. She simply kissed his neck gently and lay her head on his chest. He stared at her still form for a nano, smiling slightly. How strange it was - lying there, watching her. All of his thoughts filled with love for her and for the boy who was settling in for the night down the hall.
When had it all happened, the Guardian wondered? When had he traded all of his dreams and visions of glory for this strange, different reality that made him happier than he ever thought he could be? It was scary in its way - his happiness so tied in to the woman and the boy when for so long he'd only had himself to answer to. It was a great unknown, more opaque and mysterious than any game Bob had ever found himself in. The next cycle would bring with it a fresh batch file of challenges for him to adapt to and he'd be clueless as to how to do it, the way he figured. But rather than fearing that prospect, the Guardian found himself relishing the thought. And Daemon could rot in the web, for all he cared - he was home.
With a grin the Guardian kissed Dot atop her head and stroked her cheek gently. He stroked her dark green hair softly and deleted the light, letting his weariness overtake him. There was nowhere else he'd rather be.
END