The Lapse in Our Politics

Part 14: Brimstone

"Do you really think Rice made it this far? WHAT IF HE DIDN'T—"

"Quiet!" Khan hissed, and covered his comrade's mouth. Sometimes (and normally at times when least convenient) Beau didn't know when to shut up. And traveling on the way to the last human stronghold, with the possibility of several of the remaining humans listening or watching, made it all the more dangerous. They didn't make it drastically far, however, before running into another hurried group.

"What a popular place," Roy commented mindfully. Professor Greenly made both Khan and Beau uncomfortable as he silently observed them.

"Say, Apollo," the professor said, his expression turning greedy. "Would it be such poor chance we ran into these fellows? It would really only be right for me to herd them off, and—"

"No," Roy silenced Professor Greenly. The professor sighed.

"You two haven't been outside in ages," Roy remarked, turning from the professor.

"Yes!" Beau exclaimed, the impatience of being stopped still annoying him. "How can you tell!?"

"Well, you're both completely washed-out." Suddenly Roy narrowed his eyes. "Why are you headed to the fortress anyways?"

Khan and Beau exchanged looks.

"Rice," Khan abruptly whispered.

"Ah. That doesn't explain anything," Roy murmured in turn.

"Ok, ok! We told him he was finally trained enough, so we sent him out!" Beau frowned. "He left whatever days ago, and now we're terribly frightened something might have happened to him! Nevermind that Loy gave us an unkind visit just a few days ago, demanding we end our experimentation and—" Beau immediately quieted as he noticed the professor was intently listening. Roy nodded.

"I'm curious," Khan sounded like he was trying to distract the awkwardness. "Last time I heard from you, Roy, you were shyly inefficient. What's changed?"

Roy glanced around himself, as if to make sure there was no eavesdroppers around himself.

"Henry retired," he responded, voice low. "And asked me to take his place. He... must have realized being the Lead wasn't his place."

"Good," Beau muttered.

"Well, why don't we travel to the stronghold together? After the power was transferred to me, I decided that I really need to talk to the humans..."

They took his suggestion highly, and traveled carefully. The professor no longer mentioned experimenting, but in the back of his mind remained the desperate feeling of curiosity. What had those invaders been doing in their laboratory?

He had a sinking feeling.

Vistors. Rice was hoping for the arrival of two he knew well, yet he was nervous he'd disappoint himself. So he walked slowly, cautiously to the front. He was still new in the stronghold, and the original idea of spying on the humans no longer felt right. Rice wasn't certain why, but he actually felt bad about remaining in secret. After seeing the doctor's true side (the same person he had been traveling with) shook him. He didn't know those people still existed...

"Where is he??" Rice heard the distant voice. With a smile, he recognised it.

Rushing now, he found its origin. Both Beau and Khan were waiting.

Beau hugged him, though it seemed very unlike him. Khan murmured something along the lines of, 'he just really missed you, kid'. The smoke pentrated the smell of nothing in the slate covered stronghold, and he was abruptly told to put it out. With Beau laughing wildly to himself, Khan (very reluctantly) did exactly that. With Rice's convincing (and a twist of fate) he would never again light another cigarette.

The reunion was quick, although most of the humans who watched it were deathly curious. How could such separate kinds be so fair to each other? For some reason it made them happy.

Meanwhile, Roy was only slightly welcomed back. The professor decided to hang back. So Roy went, away from any suspecting ears, and found the one person who'd likely listen to him. The red-haired girl, however, was a little more hesitant.

"Scarlet," Roy greeted her. She seemed to have no tolerance for such pleasantries.

"I had to tell you this first," he continued. "Mostly because I believe you'll understand more than most. You've been through a lot, I understand that. Henry found the professor and I a few days ago, and he... he resigned himself. I'm the Lead of the remaining OoxpokloskiI now. I still wish no harm of the humans. And, if you'll take me up on my offer, I would love to claim an end to this despicable war."

At first, Scarlet couldn't speak, all with so many possibilities suddenly alit. The mere idea of such a... she smiled.

"You're right, a lot had happened to me. But this may be by far the best. I've seen a lot of good people die. Roy, if this is real..." Scarlet's voice strained.

"However, there is one minor detail," Roy said sadly. "Loy is still prowling around somewhere, and as long as he's around, no one can ever be completely safe. He craves absolute power, something a new world and a new era cannot afford within their new strive to find control."

"I understand," Scarlet said. "But I really think you need to inform everyone of these things. This is almost unbelieveable—"

"Which is exactly why I wanted to tell you first," Roy light-heartedly interrupted. "You're right—and now since I have your approval, I can tell the remaining humans. But I can't completely mark the end of the war until Loy is taken care of."

Scarlet gave a sharp nod. They agreed to announce the amazing news that morning, right to mark the new tomorrow.