Revolution Machine

Chapter 7

Last time on Revolution Machine! Average was able to overcome his hatred for Iris Heart and the party was able to save Planeptune! Though, a mysterious letter from Leanbox shows up for Tech... just what could this entail?

Tech slowly opened the letter, immediately narrowing his eyes at the handwriting. Fancy, eloquent and precise... Formal, like a princess wrote it. The Machinist shook his head as he began to read it.

Dearest Tech Highwind,

I certainly hope this letter gets to you safely. I've heard of your exploits in Planeptune and I must admit that you have caught my eye. As well as your creation of the Sharicium Generator, I've been interested in you, the person. I am certain you will be taking your next step when it comes to overcoming the challenges of the CPUs holding an iron tyranny over the heads of the people of Gamindustri, and I am more than willing to extend a hand of help. If you were able to do so much as overthrow Iris Heart, then there's no stopping you is there, my dear friend. If you are still choosing where to go by the time this letter gets to you, why not come to Leanbox? I have preparations for your arrival, and will make sure to be the most gracious host. You will be held on high regard and we will make sure that no harm comes to you, coming to and leaving from and especially during your stay. The CPU would be a fool to interfere. Though, do come alone. I've only room for you, after all. I eagerly await your arrival.

With much respect, 
Vert.

Tech was floored. This looked more like a love letter than a formal request. Though, he wasn't sure who this 'Vert' was. With a huff, he folded up the letter, looking at the Average, Neptune and IF looking at him expectantly. The machinist quirked an eyebrow.

"What? It was a letter fer me, y'expect me to divulge e'ery detail?" Tech shrugged, turning towards the tri-wheel once again to tinker with it. Average sighed.

"Tech, if it was from Leanbox, then there's no reason to believe that the CPU -doesn't- know you're going. As far as we know, this 'Vert' could BE the CPU! Are you going to just go without even thinking?"

"Who said I was goin'? What kinda idiot do y'take me fer, Av?" Tech stood up, adjusting his googles. "I'm not just gonna run into the fray 'cuz someone with a colorful name flatters me with a fancy-written letter an' an offer fer safety. To be frank, I'd much rather go WHEN the CPU knows! That way I can kick her ass early on an' break the machine. It's just as lickity-split as that." Tech knelt back down, playing with the spring mechanisms under the tires. He could hear shuffling behind him.

"Hey, Techy, y'know we're... just trying to help, right? We, like... We want to do this too." Neptune said, though her calm tone only seemed to agitate the machinist more.

"Look: I know y'three want this done, but don' y'think y'did enough? Planeptune is saved! Y'can go 'bout yer life. 'Sides, isn't this my penance? I made the cursed machine, right? Leave it to ol' Tech. I can do it alone--"

"Like hell I'm letting you go out there alone." Average spoke up, stamping his foot down. Tech felt his eye twitch, slowly turning to the bassist. Average had a stern look on his face, his arms crossed.

"You were easily swayed by Black Heart, and knowing Green Heart, she's more charismatic. You'd be wrapped around her pinky finger pumping out those machines for the rest of your life with a promise of what? Fame? Fortune? What exactly is your goal, Tech? Why are you--"

"'Cuz when I start a problem, it's my job to fix it, Av. Y'know, yer attitude's really startin' to grind my gears." Tech snorted, packing up his tools. After clambering into the Tri-Wheel, Tech started the engine. Average got close to the driver seat door, glaring at Tech.

"So, you're just going to run off and do your own thing? Just to fill what, some form of self-righteousness?" 

"If y'wanna come, then get in. If not, then I'll handle this m'self." Tech deadpanned, returning Average's glare. The bassist looked taken aback, but simply shook his head. Tech knew he'd falter eventually. With a satisfied grin, Tech revved the tri-wheel's engine. 

"...Tech." Average added as he went to leave the garage. "If I have to come back and save your ass, then I get to... Well, lets say I have a little song for you."

"Put it on my tab, Pink." With that, Tech backed out of the garage, simply going down the streets with a mighty roar of an engine.

"...Should we have really let him go off alone? I... I don't trust this Vert character." IF asked, but Average gave a shrug.

"No no, if he wants to get himself killed, let him. He'll come crawling back eventually, I know it."

"Avy..." Neptune's voice caused the bassist to shutter. He turned to the CPU, who had a very displeased look on her face. She crossed her arms fitfully, and gave Average that look he couldn't defend himself against.

"I can't believe you just... ran him off like that! Histy's gonna get Pissty at us! Knowing Pissty, she's going to make you go there after him just to apologize! what do you have to say for yourself?"

"...He wanted to go, so I let him. I'll deal with the consequences as they come. For now, let's just tell Histoire what happened--"

"Do not worry, Sir Average. I know exactly what happened."

                                                                                                (\/\/)