The LAB

Chapter 33

Mercy and Zotic parked side by side in the living room of the house Jaslo technically owned. Neither of them wished to head back to work, even more so with the threat of the Sheriff turning them into scrap still fresh on their minds. Of course, he never said that, but as they both looked over the super fresh patches on each other, they knew what he would do. Jaslo had not returned still, and despite their worry for a friend, fear is what ruled them currently. Zotic looked to the clock on his onboard computer, watching the number tick over to 9:00 as Mercy looked over with the same concern he shared. It was a moral struggle, but what else could they do at this point?

"Should we?" Mercy finally spoke, knowing too well the doom they were facing.

"We're already an hour and a half late, and I'd rather face the fire of a beast than go to him," Zotic answered, making them both sigh in unison. He shut off his computer and slowly got up, pulling towards the door while glancing back at her with a smile.

"What?" she asked, slowing getting up herself.

"It's been an honor serving with you," was his reply with a goofy smile. She just giggled in return, knowing this was all a shitty joke. He went to the door and opened it, only to have both of them freeze on the spot.

"Didn't think you all lived with her. When were you going to tell me this?" The Sheriff himself stood right outside the door, and he took no time in pushing himself in with a snarl. Zotic reversed into Mercy and ended up pushing both of them backwards.

"To be fair, sir, he doesn't live here," Mercy blurted out, and soon regretted it from the stare she got.

"So, only you deserve something for the lie you told me, huh?" John's voice boomed over the two cars and they both sunk to the ground in preparation for what was to come. Amazingly, the sound of something heavy hitting the ground outside is what drew all their attention to the back door. All three vehicles stood in silence, waiting for some answer as to what this noise was. John straightened up and took a tire length towards the back door, and the anticipation rose between the vehicles. The back door slowly slid open, and in drove a very dirty, and saltwater scented, Blazer who was unamused with the SUV in her house.

"Where the fuck have you been?!" John demanded, striding right over to her.

"Recovering, no thanks to you," Jaslo spat, looking over at her friends who were looking on in fear and joy. She quickly stuck a snarl towards John after seeing their damage.

"What the fuck did you do to them?!" was her only question.

"They withheld information from m-" John was cut off in his speech as Jaslo rammed into him, head-on. The sheer force of the attack made her stop halfway into the room, and threw the Tahoe across the floor next to the front door. As he slowly got up, he was met with a very angry snarl and partial shifting Blazer.

"Try it again, I fucking dare you!" Her voice mixed with a snarl and took a much deeper tone, and for once it was John that scrambled to his tires and bolted out the door. It took a few moments for everyone to calm back down, Jaslo mostly, and soon the two cars joined together to hug their now returned companion. The trio just laughed it all off, taking a moment to enjoy the company, and the odd sensation of a purring Chevy.

"Where were you?!" Mercy said softly, clinging to her friend with a slight break in her voice.

"The Lab took control; I had to get away as fast as possible. I didn't want to risk tearing down the whole city. I'm sorry I couldn't reach you guys sooner." She could sense the car's emotions and gently leaned into her grasp, looking over her damage closer now.

"Did he do this to you guys?" Jaslo asked, looking over to Zotic who just nodded.

"He wanted info on you so bad, as if you're the most important thing in the city."

"Y'all should look into reinforced plating. Those plastic and fiberglass panels aren't going to last long with another hit like that." Mercy froze and looked up to the Blazer. She was more amazed that after all this, all that this creature cared for was others.

"What about you? How are you going to be safe?" she asked, rubbing a tire over a few scratches on the black paint. Mercy had to pause as she realized, this didn't feel like paint at all.

"I'm stronger than most think. I'll be fine, as long as I dun get shot right up the grille!"

"Ok, but who wouldn't that hurt?" Zotic chipped in, getting everyone to laugh a bit.

"Alright, enough chatter. Let's get ready for the day!" Jaslo shook herself off before bouncing off to clean up a bit. Mercy and Zotic couldn't argue with her at this point, as the worst part of the day was over now.