"Considering all that happened, you should be fine, Mr. Hammond."
Dr. Plebanski, a middle age woman, and personal doctor to the Smiths, had been called to the base. She had patched up Roger, and now was looking over the work from the medics on Hammond. Hammond's head, bandaged up, was not bleeding anymore.
"Rest for about a week and no sudden movements. That would also include piloting a giant robot," she said, checking his pupil dilation.
Hammond blinked after she was done. "I don't think I'm going to do that again, doc. I've had enough for a lifetime."
Dr. Plebanski chuckled. "If Roger had as much sense as you, I would be out of business."
Hammond managed a small smile briefly, then frowned. "How is he?"
"It looked worse than what it was. What didn't help was the damn concussion and moving around. He's on bed rest too, not that he will listen. The louse…"
"I take it he's a problem patient."
"He has been for years."
"Do you know where Miss Dorothy is? I need to speak to her about something."
"I think she's in the control room. She needed to look over some things, once Roger was settled. You're all set, though. I would suggest taking it easy."
"Thank you. I'm gonna… well… I'll be off now…"
Hammond slid off the table and walked out of the exam room. He retraced his steps, heading back to the lift. He hit the button for the main floor, wanting to be alone.
Prior to his exam, Clarkson and him had an argument, possibly the largest ever. Normally, it was Clarkson and May who would have rows, but never had he and Clarkson got so heated. It began with the cars. Hammond's Dodge was totaled, no question about it. It would be hard to explain the burn marks, not to mention the debris from dock that crashed through the window, to the insurance company if they tried to return back to their world with it in its current condition. On top of that, the Alfa had suffered more extensive damage than previously though. The radiator was cracked and leaking coolant, and the engine was making a knocking noise.
But then, it escalated. Clarkson scolding Hammond for making the decision to pilot Big Duo and nearly killing them, Hammond retorting back that he did what he thought was right. It got so heated that May had to get help from security to break them up. And then, they all had went their separate ways to cool off.
I understand where he's coming from, but he didn't see what I saw. Now I understand… what happened in this world. And if we don't do something, they'll come to our world with that same destruction. We'll have no chance.
The lift sounded off and Hammond stepped out in the deserted hall. He was looking for the control room, but seemed to have lost his way.
This place is enormous. Then again, they do a lot, so I guess the size warrants the need.
Hammond continued walking down the hall and found himself by a nice set of doors. He opened them, only to find himself in a meeting room, that overlooked the sea.
"Bollocks!"
Hammond shut the door and walked over to the window. Looking down, he saw Clarkson, pacing quickly back and forth on the shore.
I guess he's still mad.
This didn't help Hammond's mood. He sat on the ledge, looking out at the harbor, the sun now beginning to set.
Doesn't he get it? I don't want to fight. Not at all. But… if I don't do something, how can I ever live with myself if they come to our world and destroy it? But we have the ability to defeat them here and now, though… well… for my first time as a pilot, I really messed it up.
He sighed and got so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice someone entering the room.
"Oi, Shortie! There you are."
It was Beck and Hammond was in no mood to be called, "Shortie."
"Could you please find another nickname for me? I'd rather not be called that."
Beck smirked. "Your tall friend told me I could call you 'Hamster,' but I have no idea what a 'Hamster' is…"
"It's a small rodent that's kept as a pet in my world, but… whatever. I don't particularly like that one either."
Hammond continued to stare out the window as Beck walked over and put his back on the glass, fishing out a cigarette. He lit it, catching the attention of Hammond.
"I thought this place was non-smoking."
"It is, but as the Chief Machinist, I can get away with a bunch of things."
Beck drew on his cigarette and blew out a puff a smoke.
"So… I'm gonna cut to the chase. You saw a vision of what happened 40 years ago, didn't you?"
Beck now had Hammond's full attention, as Hammond turned to look at him with an incredulous stare.
"How… how did you…?"
"Because it's happened to all of us. When we said they were sentient, we weren't kidding."
"I gather that much. But…"
"You're as sane as I am. The only thing that Crow Bird and I have hypothesized is that it's a final test of sorts that the Bigs puts us through to determine our resolve. The fact that Big Duo didn't go berserk means you passed the test. The fact that you also didn't go crazy like Schwarzwald also helps."
"Ah."
Hammond raised an eyebrow for a moment then went back to looking out at the sea. Beck drew from his cigarette again.
"I heard you had a fight with your friend down there. Your other friend is with Gramps right now, trying to figure out the next move. It seems all three of you have a different opinion of what that might be."
Hammond sighed. "I know what my next move is. But Jezza is not going to be happy about it."
"Really? Well… then I guess I'll break the news. We figured out that energy source on that megadeus and it matches what's been theorized in that file you guys found at the planetarium. It's not Dark Matter, thankfully, but some kind of experimental energy that has similar properties. The lab is recreating it now to power that portal device we built. You guys will be going home soon."
Hammond hit his head on the glass. "That just complicates things."
"I figured you would be happy."
"Don't get me wrong. I am. I miss my family, my home… and I want more than anything to go back. But… after what happened today… after what I saw, both in the past and the present, I don't think I can. Big O and Big Duo could barely fight that thing off until you showed up. And even with all three of us, I doubt it'll be enough."
Beck gave Hammond a curious stare.
"So, what are you saying, No Name?"
"Will you please stop it with the nicknames?!"
"'Fraid not. Force of habit. Well, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying I'm staying until this bloody thing is over with. The other two can go home, but I'm not going home, not until I've seen this through."
Beck gave a short laugh, shaking his head. This annoyed Hammond to no end.
"I don't see what so funny, Mr. Beck!"
"Just call me 'Beck.' Forgive me, been doing this a bit longer than you, but there's no need to be that serious. Well, there is, but it's not now. You do realize we may only have enough power for one trip home, and, well, there's a very good chance you may die. It's the risk we all take, when piloting a megadeus."
"I know that! Well, I didn't know about the one trip ordeal, but… I can't just leave this unfinished! I think I might have a theory on how they brought us here and I think it's connected to my Dodge's sat nav."
"Really? Then I'm all ears, No Name. Tell me all about it."
May was sitting in the dining hall with Norman, having a cup of tea. May was just as mopey as Hammond and he had good reason to be. He had never seen Clarkson and Hammond get so irate with one another.
"I probably shouldn't had called security," said May, quietly. Norman gave him a small smile.
"But, if you hadn't, who knows what would've happened. You made the call, and I think it was the right one. No point in dwelling on something that's already happened."
May offered a wry smile. "Do you have something stronger than tea?"
"I'm afraid we're not allowed to drink on the premises, though Master Roger and Mr. Beck are flexible on that rule after fighting megadeuses," said Norman, chuckling.
May smiled briefly, but then frowned again. Norman noticed his mood.
"What seems to be the trouble, Mr. May?"
"Honestly? I've never seen those two get into it. Never. I mean, Hammond is usually the one keeping us apart. I mean, I threw a rock once at Jezza and he threw one at me. Of course, it didn't help that it was hot and we were tired, but, once we had time to cool off, we were fine. But this? I'm not so sure…"
"You're afraid this is the breaking point for your friends?"
"I hope not. But, they both have their fair points. Though Hammond… something happened during that fight with the robot. He wasn't himself. He was muttering to himself, like he was elsewhere. Whatever happened, I think that's fueling his decision to stay. Jezza wants to go home at the first opportunity, once it presents itself, saying this is not our fight."
"And what about you, Mr. May?"
"I'm actually on the fence. I miss home… but at the same time, if these people, these doctors, whatever they are, have already found their way once to our world, who's to say it won't happen again? Only, the next time they come, they bring our demise? Not that I'm doubting Roger or Mr. Beck. I'm sure they would be able to put a stop to such things, but…"
"The enemy is sly and cunning. It has been 3 years since that fateful day and we narrowly won. I can understand your concerns, more than you'll know. During that fateful day, I thought I had lost Mistress Dorothy and Master Roger. But fate seemed to have other plans for us. And so, I try not to dwell on what could've happened, but focus on what I can do now. Even if it's small. I still think whatever I can do will in some way contribute to something larger, something better, for all…"
May smiled. "I guess that's my problem. I'm busy thinking about what would be the best decision for all, instead of myself. Only this time around, the lines are so blurred, I'm not sure where my wants lie, and what's best for all begins.
Norman returned his smile. "Then, perhaps, they are one in the same."
Clarkson was pacing on the beach, trying to calm down.
The blithering idiot… why is he so adamant on staying? This isn't our home, this isn't our world, this isn't our fight! I would've chalked it up to the hit on his head, but it's more than that.
Clarkson stared out at the harbor. Only hours ago, they were fighting for their lives. And now… they were lying in wait for the next enemy's move.
I don't like this waiting. We should go looking for the damn thing and end this already. But at the same time, I don't want to be making any phone calls I don't have to make.
Clarkson saw a rock on the ground and picked it up. He juggled it in his hand and then flung it into the ocean. The surf swallowed it before crashing on shore. He sighed.
I wouldn't be so upset if just told me why he wanted to stay. This entire world has been utter madness and yet, here we are.
"JEREMY!"
Clarkson turned around and saw Hammond and May standing a ways down from him on the shoreline. He walked over to them.
"What do you want?" Clarkson asked, sullenly.
Hammond sighed. "I'm sorry. I probably should've explained things better. While… fighting that thing, I had some sort of vision of what happened in the past. And… it was horrible. I guess that's why… I pushed to stay. They've already visited our world, so they claim, and while I'm not doubting what this world can do to stop them, at the same time, we're here, Jeremy. If there's something we can do now, we ought to do it. But… I understand if you want to go home."
Clarkson said nothing, only listening what Hammond had to say.
"But there's also more news. Beck has figured out a possible way to get us home. It could be ready any time, but the only catch is that they may be able to produce enough energy for one trip. So… I guess if that happens… don't wait for me. Go home with May. But… I'm gonna stay and make sure this is finished."
Hammond then walked away, leaving May and Clarkson alone. Clarkson looked at May.
"Was that all him?"
May nodded. "When I found him, he said he's already informed one of the senior members of the council he's planning to stay to finish this fight, and if he can't go home, possibly becoming the permanent pilot to Big Duo."
Clarkson sighed. "Did he give you any other details about his visions?"
May shook his head. "No, but I'm assuming, it's bad enough for him to be acting like this. I've never seen him this serious before."
Clarkson shook his head. "So, he feels he's shouldering this burden, alone?"
"More or less, mate."
"And how do you feel about it, May?"
"Honestly? Now that I heard about what he saw, whether we like it or not, Jezza, this just became our fight for our world."
Clarkson smirked. "Worst part of it is, we're not gonna win a Nobel Peace Prize for protecting our world, lest we get chucked into the mad house."
"Roger, you can't be moving."
Roger had went to get out of bed, but Dorothy stopped him. She had returned from the Control Room to check on Roger, only to find him trying to get dressed.
"Dorothy, I'm fine. Trust me, this isn't…" he winced for a moment, then continued, "It's not as bad as you think. Even Dr. Plebanski said so herself."
"Yes, but you also like to push yourself. You're lucky it's not that serious."
Roger smirked. "I'm guess I'm lucky like that."
"More like dumb luck," Dorothy scoffed.
"Anyway, how's Big O?"
"He's fine. He didn't sustain much damage. Big Duo had the most, but repairs will be done within the next couple of days. That megadeus though, it's energy… it was similar to Dark Matter, but I don't think it had the same properties as Big Gamma's. But good call not letting Big Duo touch it."
"How's Beck and Big Fau?"
"Well, Beck is mad at you and our clients. He says he's not a baby-sitter. Big Fau sustained minimal damage. Yumi is staying the night to oversee repairs are completed. Our biggest question is… what happened to the enemy…"
"Did it go underground?"
"The Prairie Dog didn't pick up anything, so the only logical option left is it has submersible capabilities like Fau…"
Dorothy trailed off, sitting on the bed. Roger sat on the bed next to her, brushing the hair off her face.
"What's bothering you, Dora Girl?"
Dorothy held his hand against her face for a moment. "Big O did a lot of damage to that megadeus. But that thing… it caught the Chromebuster like it was nothing, Roger. I know we bought some time, but we haven't seen the last of it. Not by a long shot. Oh, and I have other news."
Dorothy looked at Roger in the eyes.
"Rich's staying. Beck's possibly found them a way home, after analyzing the energy signatures from the megadeus with that file found at the planetarium. But… Rich's made the decision to stay, if Beck gets it operational, before this fight is over. There's a possibility, we can only make enough for one trip though…"
Dorothy trailed off and Roger held her.
"Did he say why?"
"He told Beck he had a vision and… he didn't want to see the end of this world or his. Of course, he had a fight with Jeremy about it, with James stepping in trying to break them up. The last I heard, everyone's trying to cool off."
Roger rested his head on top of Dorothy's, digesting this information. "I thought Big Duo was giving him a vision. He acted weird in the cockpit and I knew. Jeremy was the one who brought him to his senses after I got the gyrosphere open."
Dorothy leaned into Roger, enjoying his warm embrace.
"Roger, what are we going to do? I feel like… I feel like Rich is taking this on because he thinks there's no other option. While I understand and respect his decision, the fact of the matter is, he has a life elsewhere, not here. All of them do. And none of them asked for this to happen. They need to go home."
"Are you saying this as a Negotiator, or as family?" asked Roger.
"Both."
Roger sighed. "I got an idea. But in order for me make it work, I'm gonna have to get out of bed."
Dorothy giggled as Roger nuzzled her forehead.
"What are you planning, Roger?"
"Well, you are the foreign correspondence Negotiator. So let me run this by you and see what you think…"