Blue sat in a dimly lit room in the city of Anoka, the glow from his cigarette casting flickering shadows on the walls. He eyed Pluto, who was sprawled out on the sofa, fast asleep. Taking a long drag, Blue exhaled slowly, the smoke curling into the air.
"Why isn't he waking up?" Blue asked, his voice low and tinged with frustration.
Rim, who was busy tinkering with Vagan's inert form on the table, glanced up. "Because he's tired. When I scanned him, I saw that all his energy had been depleted."
Blue nodded slowly. "Oh, okay. Then let me ask you this—why is she here?" He pointed at Vagan.
"I'm helping her," Rim replied calmly, continuing his work.
"Helping the enemy?" Blue retorted, incredulous.
"Enemies are just our friends who don't know it yet," Rim said with a gentle smile.
Blue sighed deeply. "Yeah, right. Enemies are just friends who haven't shot at us yet."
Rim chuckled softly. "Everything about her is fascinating. She has nanotech that's helping her recover. It's extraordinary."
Blue shook his head. "Mhmm, extraordinary." He stood up and walked over to Pluto, who was still sleeping soundly. Kneeling down, Blue leaned in close, his eyes studying Pluto's face.
Pluto's eyes suddenly snapped open. "What were you trying to do?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.
Blue jumped back. "Nothing! I was just checking on you."
Pluto sat up, glaring at Blue. "You were trying to kiss me, weren't you?"
Blue yelled, "Why would I do that? I prefer women!"
Pluto smirked. "Then why didn't you do it to that woman Rim is fixing?"
Blue fell silent, avoiding Pluto's piercing gaze.
Pluto's expression hardened. "Where is my katana?"
Blue took a deep breath. "We have something to discuss first."
"What?" Pluto asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I think we should leave this continent," Blue said, his voice firm.
Pluto and Rim both stopped what they were doing, their attention fully on Blue as the room fell silent.
END OF CHAPTER 53