Kris-Ti arrived at Skull Mountain, the base of operations for “Shifter Inc”. She plugged into the Master Computer terminal going over every shot taken by various sky drones of the missile hitting the Protag headquarters. After freeze framing and enhancing the best shots of the mornings attack, she was disappointed but not surprised to see that the missile did belong to her father’s company, the serial number as well as the family crest had been stamped on the side.
There was a part of Kris-Ti that hoped that the missile was stolen, that way the Shifters could deny all responsibility, but the records were of no help as the missile had been sold and even peculiar it was to Pat-Ree Archy himself.
Kris-Ti had experienced first hand that old-bot Archy could be a tad irrational and vindictive but to murder his own son regardless of the political race seemed a step too far. She had to confront him; she was about to leave the building when her father Max-Imo entered the room.
MAX-IMO
Bonjour Fille.
KRIS-TI
Bonjour Pa’pa.
MAX-IMO
And to what do I owe the honor of this visit.
KRIS-TI
I was just collecting some data Pa’pa I’ll be on my way.
MAX-IMO
Such a busy girl these days, tell Le-Thario I said hello.
Kris-Ti was stopped dead in her tracks before she could even respond her father waved his finger at her.
MAX-IMO
There is no need for you to deceive me any longer. I have had a tail on you for quite a while.
Kris-Ti would have been terrified if she weren’t so confused by her father’s calm demeanor.
KRIS-TI
You aren’t furious?
MAX-IMO
At first I was enraged, until last night after he saved your life. Have you told him your secret?
Kris-Ti looked down in shame.
MAX-IMO
Tut, tut, tut mauvasie idee, just make sure that when he finds out I am as far away as possible. Those fireworks could be enough to kill me, Hahahaha! I heard rumblings down here and thought you might have been that dim-witted intern, I shall retire back to the boudoir.
KRIS-TI
Pa’pa, quickly, can you tell me about the recent sale of a hydrogen missile?
MAX-IMO
I have long since stopped keeping track of our arms inventory, yet being a wise-machine such as myself and knowing that the same missile was used in the attack earlier this morning, I have the utmost faith in my only child, and Ulta City’s chief detective to get to the bottom of this before it becomes an even bigger problem for me. Oui?
KRIS-TI
Oui Pa’pa.
He kissed his daughter on the forehead before turning and strutting out of the Master Computer Office.
Pat-Ree injected a data stick of account information into the side if his neck, the purchase of a hydrogen missile from Shifter Inc. stuck out but finding the owner of the credit card number on file who purchased it made him furious, tearing data stick out of his neck with a sneer.
PAT-REE
Rory!
As if summoned, R0-RY smashed through the glass ceiling of Pat-Ree Archy’s study, she faced her grandfather with a smile juxtaposing her bright red attack mode eyes.
What happened next was enough to put Pat-Ree in a stroke, Antag, his son who had been dead for eight long cycles moseyed through the two Oakwood doors.
He stopped reaching R0-RY, staring down at her.
ANTAG
That entrance was asinine, you inherited whatever Le-Thario has.
PAT-REE
Tell me what is happening right now!
R0-RY
We’ll make the demands old mech!
PAT-REE
That is not a command it’s a request, if I don’t get the information my brain will fry itself from the inside out. Antag, I saw your crushed skull.
ANTAG
I got better.
R0-RY
This family became pathetic in his absence, so I brought him back to reclaim our former glory.
ANTAG
We have instigated an assault on Protag, as I understand he is not only your campaign rival but my killer as well. Two birds, one atom bomb. You should be thanking us.
PAT-REE
Son, whatever she has told you it is not the full picture, I promise you.
ANTAG
She didn’t tell me that instead of avenging me, you allowed Protag to live. I CAN SEE THAT FOR MYSELF!
Pat-Ree thought very hard, grunting and sucking in air through his metal teeth.
PAT-REE
That issue is… incredibly complicated.
R0-RY
Kill him father, its what you’ve waited for!
Antag’s visor blared its bright blood red, between his and R0-RY’s attack lights Pat-Ree found himself in a crimson tinted nightmare.
Kris-Ti’s flamingo pink Hover Ferrari came barreling through a wall, side swiping Antag and R0-RY knocking them sideways through another wall into the backyard.
PAT-REE
CAN YOU LADIES PLEASE STOP CRASHING INTO MY HOUSE!?
I am not as rich as I used to be.
KRIS-TI
Come with me if you want to live!
Pat-Ree leapt into the passenger seat as it flew through the hole in the glass ceiling rising further and further away from Archy manor.
PAT-REE
I’m going to create the award for worst morning ever just so I could give it to myself.
KRIS-TI
You’re lucky I was on the way to grill you over this bomb you purchased.
PAT-REE
Well as you can see it wasn’t me, R0-RY was going to frame me and chuckle as my resurrected son pummeled me to death.
KRIS-TI
At least you have your health.
PAT-REE
I wouldn’t be so cavalier sweet heart; you saw that Antag is back right? He tried to kill me and who he thought killed him, what do you think he’s going to do to the real killer?
KRIS-TI
Bel-Tron is dead I saw to that.
PAT-REE
Sure you did.
He gave her a knowing glance.
KRIS-TI
How long have you-
PAT-REE
I’ve had my suspicions for years, you just confirmed them.
KRIS-TI
Listen-
PAT-REE
Just take me wherever you were going to take me. You did have a place you were taking me to right?
KRIS-TI
The hospital, they got Arch-Ie and Syd-Kik out using the subway tunnels.
PAT-REE
Outstanding!
KRIS-TI
And your other grandson was born.
PAT-REE
Well step on it, Angelynne!
The Drewniverse 44 