Jester Book 1: Abduction

Ch 1: The First

Deep below the surface. Further down than light could dream of reaching. Hidden under stone and rubble while glistening with artificial flames. A dazzling display of purple and blue hues danced along the walls. Gorgeous gemstones born from pressure and patience blew new life into the damp recesses of this desolate cave.

Man-made tunnels replicate the natural beauty of the moles and ants that burrow beneath. These massive networks of transportation and exploration slice through our world. And we as explorers dig deeper every day. On those lonely nights when we have no idea where to go next. We continue to explore. For that is the nature of humanity.

But with progression comes connection. The bonds of man and the ties of society force us together. It's the nature of all intelligent creatures to seek companionship. We look for shelter from the storm, both physically and emotionally and we find a roof in the heart of others.

So why toil away into the midnight hours when you could enjoy a cold drink with friends. That is how Dynamike felt. The goofy, old bastard was shaking the pebbles out of his massive white beard. Its jagged ends held onto a few leftover stones but his giddy gait helped to deposit them back to their home below.

As he made his way to the elevator he caught the tale end of a conversation. Jacky's harsh Brooklyn accent slurred, "...and you look 'im dead in tha eyes an' you tell 'im, we're goin' on a date tomorrow."

"And that worksh'?" As Dynamike stepped into the lift he squeezed himself between the co-workers. He noticed how Carl's deep blue t-shirt enhanced the glistening yellow hardhat hiding behind the thin veil of dirt.

The robot's florescent eyes were brighter than the lamp on his head. Jacky pushed her cobalt pigtails away from her chest. "Trus' me." Her smile showed hints of buttermilk along the cracks. "I'm a dominate lady. And doms kno' doms."

Jacky's attire was comedic. Dynamike sported a bright red shirt and standard-issue work jeans. A standard issue that he couldn't convince the commando drone Carl to wear. Though he saw fit to at least put a shirt on so he'll take that. But Jacky had decided to blend the two hues. She had on a blue top similar to Carl's but her overalls were a red brighter than Dynamike's boomsticks.

Mike listened along while adjusting the explosives along his tool belt. Carl had been talking about wanting to ask someone out. Jacky claimed she had figured out it was another male robot though Carl never confirmed nor denied it. Mike couldn't give high or low to the robot's love life. He was more focused on the low humming of the pulley as it grew louder the closer they got to the top.

There was no chime when they reached the apex. There was no stop to the youthful conversation. There was the slow rolling of a machine as the doors slid open. Mike was the first to walk off and place his hard hat on the wall. As soon as the cap came off his little companion flew away. A feathery friend tinted with shortbread plumage. It rested on the countertop and awaited its pets from the other miners.

Carl's slinky-like legs strode ahead of Jacky's stronger calves, "Farewell, my feathery friend."

Jacky's dismissal was less eloquent, "See ya, ya golden gay wad."

As they made their way out the cavern's maw Carl showed courtesy even in departure, "Mike. Do you want us to wait for you?"

The elder scratched his flaky chin, "Eh, I'll be fine. You kids go on ahead."

Carl protested but Jacky was more than happy to leave. She had plans for the night and didn't want Carl messing them up with his overbearing heart. She snatched him out into the darkness leaving Mike alone to his thoughts.

Mike changed his hat to a more casual flat cap that would have gone well with a flannel top. Sitting atop a perch his bird tweeted to gain his attention, "Oh don't worry, Chimney. We aren't going to be spending the night alone." He reached out a finger for his companion to land on. The little creature nuzzled against his face, "We'll be spending the night at the bar."