Mr.Sandman: Book 1

Chapter 3: Robotic Rumble

The crew landed back at the Shady Lady, dragging both Amine and her cycle into the saloon. The atmosphere changed almost immediately as the bar tender looked up from the glass he was shining to gawk at them. Darell broke the silence, explaining the situation to the owner. Disbelief plagued his face as he made his way toward the couple of earthlings holding something in his hands. It was a pair of vests, both black in color and seemingly made out of leather, wouldn't be a surprise considering all they'd seen on this planet so far. Each vest donned a star, worn as a medal of sorts. He placed one of the vests on Charlemagne, initially it was too large, quickly shrinking down to his size, however. The owner tried to do the same for Zoe, however she opted to take Amine's vest from her shoulders and wear it as her own before snatching the star from the owner and lightly insulting it.

"Don't tell me I got my ass kicked for a vest and a golden star."

The owner spoke as though she hadn't belittled his gift, "I could never truly repay the service you two performed, however, I can make you both honorary rangers. It's to not be taken lightly."

Charlemagne nervously nodded his head as he spoke, "Right, I think I'd prefer going home rather than becoming head bumpkin here on backwater avenue, no offense."

Darell gave Charlemagne a swift punch to the gut, it was nearly unreactable. As Charlemagne struggled to catch his breath, Darell spoke.

"They're grateful, I assure you. Charlemagne, Zoe, though you may be able to now go home, it'd be little to no use."

Zoe whipped her head towards Darell, barking at him, "What the hell do you mean? You didn't tell us this before we went out and risked our lives for the sake of this Wild Wild West planet, what type of game are you playing here?"

"I told you, I'm forgetful. And besides, it should've been obvious, something brought the both of you here, that being an anomaly. What's causing the anomalies is unknown, however, we've gotten a single lead."

"And what's that have to do with us?"

"Well, I'd wager you two weren't the first to go missing on your own planet, nor will you be the last. Same thing's happening everywhere, presumably. I'd say it's as much as your problem as it is ours. I'm not forcing you, neither am I forcing Charlemagne. I'm just saying, it may be worth your time to unravel this mystery, or aid in it, at least."

"The universe never did anything for me, so frankly, screw it. I've done my good deed."

Charlemagne had gained his breath by now, contributing to the conversation, "Don't be rash now Zoe. I'm all for saying fuck this, fuck you, fuck them, fuck everyone, but what good will going home do if our safety isn't guaranteed. Or even, think about the oddities that started appearing, what if something apocalyptic were to happen to our home? It'd be unfortunate for you as well."

Zoe was visibly upset as she folded her arms before speaking to Darell, "Alright then, I wouldn't say I'm convinced, more so obligated. Where do we start?"

"I'm glad you came around; at the inn, we've gathered that certain autonomous guests were present. Imprinted on their chest plates was GAZ, the same thing that was embroidered on Amine's whip. Amine's reign began abruptly, as it were, leading the owner and I to believe she didn't rise to such power alone. Our thought is whoever supplied the whip and is responsible for the robot guests are likely to bring us one step closer, to something. So, we'll be heading to planet GAZ itself, a manufacturing planet not too far off from here. I'd say we can go tomorrow, but it'd be best if we started our voyage today as Amine is currently incapacitated and may arouse suspicion from whom she may have been in contact with."