Rimmerworld II

Guilty by Design

Kryten and the Cat patiently waited outside for ten minutes. Kryten had a feeling their reunion would be lengthy — that didn't worry him; what did worry him was the fact they weren't hearing raised voices. Eventually they heard footsteps, only one set. They expected to see Lister walk through of the door, but saw Rimmer instead.

"Ah, sir!" Kryten exclaimed. He looked around, peering behind Rimmer in search of his Liverpudlian friend — he was nowhere to be found. "Where's Mr. Lister?"

"He's taking a nap I'm afraid."

Looking perplexed, as per usual, the Cat wondered, "How the hell could he sleep at a time like this?"

"Well, sir, it was a long journey."

Rimmer scoffed, staring at them in derision. "You're both so naïve, it's almost painful to be around you," In that moment it dawned on him the one flaw in his otherwise brilliant plan: He forgot about the B-team. "In fact, if it weren't for that thing being hermetically sealed, I could easily do away with you two right now."

Kryten cocked his head like a confused dog. "Sir?"

He dismissively shrugged it off. "Still, I don't think he'll be the same when he comes out of there," he mused. "God knows I wasn't." He looked down at his trembling hands, then tightened them into fists.

"Well, wake his ass up! I've seen enough of this place to fule my nightmares for a year!"

"Can't." Rimmer simply replied, turing his back to them.

"Why not, sir?"

Rimmer began pacing in front of them. "I mean, you can go, and I suggest you go as far as possible — but I'm not leaving."

"What could possibly be here for you?"

"Well, someone has to look after Lister."

"Lister?" Cat echoed incredulously. "But he's coming with us!"

He scoffed. "I know for a fact that Starbug can't carry that big of a payload."

"Oh, please, sir. Give him some credit — he's not that much overweight."

Hopelessly, Rimmer shook his head, unable to believe his hints were flying past their heads. Then again, he should've known to expect this. "No, you dolts! I sealed him inside the Cryptum!"

"What for?"

"I needed to make sure he wouldn't stop me."

"Why shouldn't he, bud? You've completely flipped."

"He's right. Exuberant told us what you have planned, and we're begging you to reconsider. We all think it's—"

"Disturbing?" Rimmer finished.

"Well, yes."

He pinned them with a furious yet desiring gaze. "I can't... back down now. Not when I'm so close."

"Close to what, sir?"

He panted as he recalled his visions. "I saw the end of everything," he quavered slightly. "Gelfs, Simulants... even you lot were dead. Everyone just—" He stopped to catch his breath. "I knew it had to be prevented, and this is the only way."

"Sir, are you certain your sanity chip is fully screwed in? This foolhardy plan of yours beggars logic. Nobody will adhere to your laws, wars will break out — I don't think you appreciate what you're attempting to do. If anything, you'll be the reason everything ends."

Rimmer clasped his hands behind his back. "I've taken all the necessary precautions, Kryten. I know what I'm doing. I've already built an army of droids. They'll take care of everyone who steps out of line,"