Side-Splitter

Imagine, if you will, a motorcycle.

Step it up a notch--- Imagine it belongs to Batman.
Sleek, black, dangerous and insanely fast-looking.

Now imagine it combined with a ship from Star Wars (like the Naboo Star Skiff or something).

That's Side-Splitter.
One crazy "shipbike".

It's Boots' pride and joy.

And he was going to use it to track down our missing comrade.



I watched him as he called out to Yosh, preparing his take-off from the main ship.
He kept his hood up, his black cloak swirled around him. The large scar across his face, made his already stern look appear even moreso.
But there was not an ounce of anger in his expression.
Looked more like a mixture of determination....

...and worry.


"Boots!"

It was Mitz.

"I'm coming with you."

Boots looked at him, unmoved. He raised one eyebrow.
And as the same look of determination flooded Mitz's face, Boots smirked.

"Yes. All right. Get on, buddy.
YOSH! The hatch! We're set!!"


Yosh was at the control panel nearby, swiftly saluted his friends, and hit a large button on his left.
I was standing right next to him, taking all of this in.

A hatch door opened like metal jaws, and you could see the white wisps of clouds below.

Boots revved the SS and we watched the sides of it glow a weird, neon green. Then it shot out, and was gone.

I closed my gaping jaw quickly.

Yosh sighed.

"Whoo man, I really hope they find him. Staub's pretty smart and doesn't usually overreact. And when he does occasionally get mad, it blows off quickly.....but recently,,,,,ever since the incident with the Cube---mentioning it throws him off.....I don't know..."

I placed a hand on the half-elf's shoulder,

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Like you said, he's smart enough. "

"Yes but, anger.....it does things to you.....if it takes over."

"Well you know him better than I do....Would he..."

"No. No I don't think so. He really is not as crazy as he seems to be sometimes."

Yosh still looked worried. His forehead was glistening. I took a crumpled tissue out of my pocket and handed it to him,

"Boots and Mitz will find him, Yosh."

"I know."

"Try not to fret too much."

"You don't understand, Miss Case," he turned to me, "This thing could be....is....quite dangerous. And I am afraid we haven't even seen the best of what it can do. Honestly, I feel like either way, it is a no-win situation. If we let it survive, it will keep hunting us.....If we destroy it.....it gives the law more reason to take serious action against us."

"Ever think of going to the police and just offering your services to help---I mean that's what you are doing."

Yosh shook his head and removed his glasses, "It isn't so simple. Believe me.....I wish it were."

I didn't know what to say to him at that point, so I did the only other thing I could think of.

I hugged him.

He smiled.
"Thanks. Funny how those always seem to help."

I laughed, "I do what I can."

Just then there was a blue light flashing at the controls.
We stepped over to see what it was.

"Ahh! Incoming message from.....Oh....Pepper!"

"Who?"

"Another comrade of ours. She's been out in her ship surveying the area where Grizz's crew was. That's why you haven't seen her yet. She's a spunky and spirited one. She's supposed to be keeping us posted on what's going on, and we were getting worried because we hadn't heard from her or his crew. This is good....I hope."

He hit another button and a screen came on.
A pretty firey-haired girl appeared on the screen. Her eyes were a lavenderish color, and flashed with concern.

"Sir!
I'm sorry I didn't report sooner....There's....."

(she choked a bit)

"There's been a battle....a big one, Yosh....I...I fought....."

She winced, and then lifted her chin,

"We fought....Grizz's crew was attacked. They were boarded by neighboring pirates in the area. I did my best to take some of them out, but I didn't want to shoot the Treadwell...."

"Did you shoot their ship?"

"Yes. Done. First thing I did. It "sleeps with the fishes", as they say....but sir....Grizz's crew......took a real bad hit. The ship's banged up.....but.....he lost men......"

"How many, Pep?"

Her bright eyes were glistening, and she gulped,

"About half, Yosh.......not good. Grizz is gonna....."

I admired at how cool Yosh was acting now, after being so worried about Staub and the others.
I suppose when the situations are dire, you gotta step up, and put on your strongest face.
Boots wasn't there.
He wasn't giving orders.

Yosh had the reigns for now.

"Pep, I'll tell him--"

"No! No Yosh. I will. It was my assignment, hence no matter what the outcome, it is my duty to report."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

"Alright. Make sure the rest of the crew is secure. Send them back to us. And then get your butt back here. You need a rest."

She chuckled a little bit,
"Man, you aren't kidding. I might start drinking....
Anyway, I'll make sure the rest are good to go, and report back to Grizz shortly. I'll be in touch with you and Boots as soon as I know when I'll be on my way back."

"Sounds good....And Pepper?"

"Yes?"

"You did good. None of us could have done any better."

She gave a sad smile,
"Appreciate it, Yosh. I just.....I wish......I wish I could have saved all of them."

"Don't beat yourself up. Grizz will be upset, but not at you. Trust me.
He was aware of the danger, And so was his crew. You did us all proud, m'dear."

"Thanks Yosh.
I'll talk to you guys soon.
Over and out."



The screen went off.
We were silent for about a minute. Yosh rubbed his forehead.

"Quite a day....."

"Yeah," I said, "And we still have the Staub situation going on."

"Wow...almost forgot about that...."

He sighed again, and slumped into his chair at the controls and touched his temples.
Without looking at me, he said,

"Glad you are around. The extra care will be needed."



And amidst all the chaos,

I smiled.

The Issue at Hand.

"ARRGH! C'mon me mates, A CUBE?? I cahn u'nerstahnd maybee a metal drag'n or sea monstarr, but a CUBE?"

"Well, of course it sounds ridiculous when you put it that way, Grizz..."

"Doc, I'm tellin' yee---We'll take care of that there cube ting! No pirate bear and his comrades 'll be taken by such a pat'etic lil nothin'!"

"Grizz, calm yourself." Mitz floated over to him and patted the very frustrated pirate bear on the back, "Take it easy. This "cube" is apparently more than just that. He's a Bot. And a dangerous one at that."

"Mitz is right, Grizz." Huey chimed in, "We can't take this lightly. He's been after us for weeks now, and has nearly caught and/or killed some of us...."

They looked over at Staub. He winced, and looked the other way.

"He wouldn't have killed me.....I'll get him for it though...." he grumbled under his breath.

"THE POINT IS," Huey continued, "Is that this should be our first priority in what we need to "deal" with. Does everyone agree?"



The entire team, and myself, had congregated in the middle of the lair (our "Meeting Room", if you will).
Doc, Pat, and Staub had returned from their incident in town safely, but were a bit shaken up. This "cube" character was becoming ever more present in their conversations, and had become a significant issue for my team.

They all said "Agreed", except Mitz.

Doc rolled his eyes, "Oh here we go...."

Mitz's blue eyes flashed at Doc fiercely, "Before you go judging me, at least let me make my point clear!"

He hovered above his friends, "Gentlemen (and Lady), you talk of "dealing with" and "taking out" this cube as if he were an enemy---as if he were "evil". But do not forget he is in fact NOT evil at all. He is working for the police, who are trying to keep the people safe---which is EXACTLY what we are doing. I understand he is after us, but it doesn't feel right to me that we should be so apt to destroy this thing."

Staub got up from the armchair he was slouched in and walked over to Mitz. He stared up, his widened and now angry eyes piercing right into Mitz's,

"He MUST be annihilated."

"You're so quick to think that because he nearly killed you, I understand....."

"RIGHT. Yes. YES he nearly killed me. AND THIS is why we must stop him before he kills all of us. With or without the law! You think he will show mercy? HE'S A FUCKING CUBE!"

"I just....I don't know Staub. We don't know enough about him to..."

"No! We know plenty! He wants us DEAD. Kaput! That's enough for me!"

Boots got up and walked over to Staub, placing a hand on his shoulder, "Staub, easy."

Staub pulled away.
"Whatever. I'm sorry I snapped, Mitz....I gotta...I need some air.....Doc? You mind?"

"Just don't break it, kid." Doc handed Staub the blue disk.

Staub thanked him, pressed the button, and took the board to the hatch.
He opened it up and with a SWOOOSH--he was gone.

"Well that went well...." Huey said, stroking Monte.

"Give him an hour or so, he'll be fine." Boots reassured them.

Mitz floated down and perched himself on the arm of the sofa, "I didn't mean to make him mad. But....you all see my point right? I'm not saying not to deal with this thing, but HOW is the real question. I just think we need to be careful in what we decide."

Boots nodded. "Understood. But Staub has a point too. We hesitate too much...."

"I think he was just reacting on his embarrassment actually, but yes." Mitz agreed.

Nick chimed in, "Well either way, we CAN agree it needs to be dealt with. Period. We'll figure out how when we get there, yes?"

Doc patted Nick on the back, "Works for me! Damn, all this arguing and running from metal cubes has made me thirsty..."

Without looking, Nick pointed behind him, "Picked up a six-pack today."

"I love you, Glitch."

"Save it."

---

The hubbub settled down after Staub left.

But he didn't return after an hour...

Two.....

...Three....


Yosh and Boots were keeping watch, and Pat was trying to reach him on the watch-screen.

But no luck.


"Arr, ye tink someone should go look fer tha kid?" Grizz asked.



Boots nodded,

"I'll go.

Yosh, get Side-Splitter ready for me."
----

The Cube.

---

"Bob, this decaf?"

"Yes, for the millionth time, Frank. Black. Decaf. No sugar. MANLY coffee."

"Damn right it is."

The two middle-aged and slightly pudgy police officers sat near a paper-ridden desk at their headquarters. It was 8:13 AM, and already they were bored out of their minds. And they were pretty sure that wasn't going to change any time soon.

Frank sipped his coffee, and prodded his partner with another question,

"Why the hell are we here this early? Shit, why the hell are we here at ALL?"

"Orders."

"Yeah, I know that, but why? I mean it's not like they need us as much as they used to. Damn Bot's just takin' over. Pretty soon they won't need any of us. The cops will all be made of metal and crazy junk like that!"

Bob rolled his eyes, "Maybe yours wasn't decaf...."

"Sorry man, it's just...."

"I getcha. I feel pretty darn useless too. Apparently, this is our duty now." He slapped his hand on the desk and a few papers fluttered to the ground.

"What is all this shit anyway? Reports?"

"Yeah, a lot of them are. Even with the new Bot, there's still a lot of crap goin' on out there, Franko. So we aren't totally useless then."

"Been weeks since I've seen any action. That cube-shaped Bot just gets it all."

"Yeah, but he really works. He's got a bit of an attitude for a metal box, though."

"You think they will make more of 'em?"

"Not anytime soon. I mean the prototype for this one took ages....but then again technology speeds up every day."

Frank shook his head, "It's crazy. It really is....Hey, what's the deal on those guys...those "Supers" or whatever?"

Bob took off his spectacles and rubbed them on his shirt, "THAT apparently is the big, on-going project that cube is working on."

"Dang! Well actually, if he's fixated on those guys, maybe the rest of us will get some action after all."

"Dunno, he's pretty good at..uh...."multi-tasking"."

Frank slapped his forehead, "Can't win."

"Yeah well....we'll see. There is always SOMETHING to do. Let's see if we can take care of these files and junk. Maybe clean up things a bit then for the chief."

Frank chuckled, "Looking for a promotion, kiss-ass?"

"Let's see if you're still laughing once I get one."
---


*****Meanwhile....somewhere in town******


"Pat, c'mon, this is cake for you."

"You mean PAN-cake for you."

"Shut up, Doc.
Pat c'mon, two more and we get the free motor-scooter!"

"Staub, somethin' tells me if Pat does this, YOU'RE gonna take the scooter."

Staub grinned widely at Doc. They were sitting in a booth at Mr. Sunnyside's Pancake Place, which apparently was giving away a brand new motor-scooter to whomever could conquer their "Fifty Pancake Gobble Up" challenge. Pat was almost as green as his alter-ego, Blerpman. But he wasn't feeling quite as energetic or powerful as him right now...

"Damn right I'm gonna use that scooter! I'm gonna get Boots and Yosh to rig it so it has little rockets on the side, so I can fly around.....Man, it really sucks Pat can't turn into Blerpman right now.....Fuck blending in...."

Just then Pat put his fork down and shoved the last pancake into his mouth.
Wincing, he swallowed.
And then put his head down on the table.

"HEY ALRIGHT!!! He did it!" Doc cheered.

"Awesome!! Good job Pat. How're you feelin'?"

Pat lifted his head, and belched.
"Ughhh...well. A bit better now..."

"Whoo man, fifty pancakes....That alone proves you're a superhero...haha." Doc got up and patted him on the back. Pat burped again.

"Don't slap any harder there, man. Or there will be much more than burps comin' out."

"And it will probably come out and hit me." Staub remarked.

Doc was grinning now, "Well in THAT CASE..."

And as he went to slap Pat harder on the back, a woman shrieked outside the building. The three of them got up and ran to the window, just in time to see something whiz by with a handbag.

"What the..."

"..Fuck?"

Pat turned to Doc and Staub, "What the hell was that?"

"Looked like a hairy man thing....you think it was...." Staub looked over at Doc.

"Oh shit. You mean another one of those "were-things" that people have been reporting about? Who the fuck is makin' these things?" Doc shouted.

"Um, guys I dunno, but while we're arguing, that wolf-assed thing is getting away!" Pat smacked Doc and Staub on the back of their heads, "LET'S MOVE IT!"

But as soon as they had gotten outside, everything was already over. Down the street, not even a block, they saw a crowd. As they approached it, and wove their way through to the center, they saw the creature was down. Its neck was broken, and a very happy woman was being handed back her bag.....by a robot.

A cube-shaped robot.

It had long, thin metal appendages, functioning as arms and legs, obviously. The cube itself was a well-polished looking metallic box. It had a round light, glowing bright purple at its center on one side (this being the eye), and it winked at the woman,
"Please be more careful with your things, Miss."

Doc, turned to Pat,

"Oh FUCK it's the cube...We gotta split before he notices us."

"Good plan....wait. Where's Staub?"

Pat and Doc looked around, and at that moment, they saw Staub come buzzing down the street on a brand-new motor scooter.

Pat pushed him off, "At least give me the first ride, you jerk. C'mon we need to get out of here."

Doc pulled a blue disc out of his pocket, pushed a red button on top of it and it turned into large surf-board-looking contraption,

"Right. Get on, Staub."

"Dude, once we get rockets on that scooter, I'm totally racing you."

"Done. Now shut that mouth of yours and let's get the hell out of here."


With that, the three companions shot off,

but they didn't leave unnoticed.


There was a singular, glowing purple eye watching them as they sped away...

The tenth.

I want to take you back for a moment, just one more time to that day....the day I pretty much became one of the team:

Meeting KiTap (aka Pat...and Blerpman) and Glitch (Nick) was just as amusing as meeting the rest of the team.

All of them polite and beyond hilarious.

But now I was aware of something that I wasn't permitted any knowledge of. Even during our lunch that first day meeting all of them, I could tell something was going on....that something was picking their brains and troubling their thoughts.

Especially Boots.

The guy was always alert, usually Staub at his side (Yosh would often be at the controls). I had an urge to just go to them and ask about everything, but I figured for now at least, it would be best to keep quiet.....although I did have a right to know what was to become of me....

..which Boots took the liberty of answering that same afternoon.

At the time, we were all munching on KiTap's homemade chocolate chip-pecan cookies when Boots spoke up,

"Casey, how are you feeling now?"

I took a swig from my glass of milk, and gulped, "Oh much better. And I think the cookies did the trick."

Everyone chuckled. Except Boots who closed his eyes and nodded. Staub didn't take his eyes off of him,

"Very good. Take rest here tonight. Tomorrow Staub and Grizz will accompany you home."

"Home?"

"Yes."

"Excuse me sir, but a home is something I am lacking right now."

"Mmm, well the city you were in has a lot of dangerous areas. And if you do not have a home, as you say, then it won't matter where we place you as long as it is safe from most harm and you are able to start over. Isn't that what you wanted to do in the first place?"

He looked me in the eyes. His had a strange glimmer in them, as though he was now seeing into my mind.
I stuttered...

"Yyyes, "
I lifted my chin, sternly, trying to seem more assure of myself, "That is correct Mr. Boots, sir. I need a fresh start."

"Well, then we shall make sure you have it. And we like you, and want you safe."

I nodded at him, "I appreciate that."

While this was all true, inside, I was finding myself a little heart-broken. Never before had I taken such a liking to a group of characters this quickly.
And it had been ages since I had felt this safe. The last time I felt so secure was when my parents were still alive.
In only a day, I was already feeling at home.
But what could I say? That I'd offer my services?
I wasn't a superhero of any sort. I was nothing. Just a small, insignificant artist trying to get by.

But then as my sorrows grew, a voice shattered them,

"You know, she could stay with us, Boots."

It was Nick.
He was seated comfortably in a navy blue beanbag chair, tweaking the lenses on his new camera (which resembled some sort of gun).

"Out of the question, Glitch."

"Why? I mean hey, it'd be cool having another artist-type around.
Honestly, I always kinda felt like the black sheep. I don't have any powers, just gadgets and stuff."

"And Alternick..." Doc said between muffled bites of coconut custard pie.

"He's......his own thing." Nick remarked, rather annoyed, "Either way, I think I'm not the only one who believes Case should stay. We need a female touch around here....."

Mitz laughed, "You mean a maid?"

I spoke up, "I actually wouldn't mind, if it meant I could stay..."

The room grew quiet.

"I..I mean I promise I wouldn't get in the way. I'm small, I don't take up much space. I'm also very low maintenance. I can help cook, clean, whatever. Plus I don't know if you all noticed, but you are incredibly interesting to a person who sketches things all the time."

Grizz bellowed, "OH HAR HAR!! EEYY, awww lett'er lil missy stay wit'us! I'm sorry lads, but I took a likin' to this lil' imp!"

He grabbed me and gave me a very painful noogie. But it was nice of him to back me up. I pulled away, laughing,

"Silly ol' bear."

KiTap was still in the kitchen, but since it opened into the main lair, he was close enough to be part of the discussion,

"Let her stay. I wanna see if she can out-bake me!" he winked.

Doc put his fork down and wiped the crumbs from his face,
"Yeah Boots, let her stay."
He belched.

"Lovely, Doc." I teased.

Staub was quiet until now,

"Boots? What do you think? I mean weren't you the one who had thought she might be helpful?"

He turned to Staub and spoke softly,
"I had a vision someone would come and play a significant role in aiding us.....I only speculated it might be her....but I am not sure."

"Well, maybe she deserves a chance then?"

He eyed me firmly again, and turned back to Staub's fishbowl eyes.

"She does. I do have a good feeling about her. I just...I hope we can keep her safe."

Staub's grin suddenly started to appear, "Boots, I think I'm a little insulted. We do our job, and we do it well. The girl will be safe."

Boots then turned to the rest of us.


"She stays."


A cheer filled the room.

I got up and walked over to Boots. I gently grabbed his arm and stared him right back in the eyes,


"I thank you Mr. Boots. And I won't let you down.
Trust me."



---

So I was allowed to stay.

I just became number ten.

Hints and Inclinations

*****

Cap'n Grizz has his own section of the lair (in fact, they all do). At its center is a huge screen, and all around are different navigational/tracking tools, radar screens, and even an old-fashioned compass that's been mounted into the "dashboard" in front of his screen.
He's been trying to get in touch with his crew for about four days now. He's getting a bit worried something has happened to them. You can't see the sweat on a bear, but you can tell when he is perspiring (wet bear smells almost as bad as wet dog).

Whatever is going on with his crew, I'm sure we will find out soon. Whether or not it is connected to the bigger picture, I cannot say for now.

---

Staub spent much of the afternoon on look-out. More than usual.

He sat perched like a gargoyle outside the command center's rather large "windshield".
There are several places where the ship has parts that jut out, making for ideal look-out spots, but this way he was right near the command center in case he saw something. His already orb-like eyes were swallowed up by his goggles, and his stare was intent and was clearly in "the zone" for a good 3-4 hours.

When he came back inside, I was in the kitchen making a cup of tea while Huey was testing out some new "disappearing trick" with a hard-boiled egg and a jelly donut. Staub came in quietly (which is RARE), took a bottle of diet coke out of the fridge, turned to Huey, and proceeded to whisper something in his ear.

I didn't hear everything he said.....but I did catch one word.



.....Cube.


(to be continued......duh)

A Place Among the Stars

---

The aroma of beef fajitas and cookies (Mitz's request) filled the ship's kitchen. KiTap and Glitch had returned safely, and welcomed me with open arms and a joke here and there.

As we all sat there, noshing on chips and sipping iced tea, I watched this group of heroes and realized that though I had just met them, I already felt as if I were home.

Home.

Home is not just a place, but a feeling. I had neither. They didn't know that. My family was gone, and I'd shut myself off from most of the friends I once had.
So, I was a lost soul of sorts.
That day I was sitting with them, I could only think that maybe this was supposed to happen....And if not, then I was perhaps extremely lucky.

At that point, I made an inner vow to help these people in some way. I didn't know how, but I knew I that must.
----


But to go back to that conversation between Boots and Yosh---- I don't know of the exact dialogue used, but I imagined it was along those lines. I sensed that there is some sort of enemy they cannot tell me all about (or at least aren't ready to). I think the entire team is aware now. I can tell because in the last week or so, each one of them has been acting a bit different in his own way.

As I write this right now, Mitz is snoozing (he's actually sleep-floating, which can get rather frustrating, especially when he starts bumping into things and doesn't wake up right away).
But other than that, it is quiet. I assume some of them are out, some others napping as well.

Boots is probably in the control center. He's been the quietest, and has seemed like he's been in deep thought for a while. Yosh and Doc are probably with him. I'm tempted to go knock at the the big metal door, but if they aren't telling me about this "enemy", I suspect there is a good reason.

Yes, I noticed the bandage around Boots' arm. When I asked what it was, the answer was "just a bad scrape".

Whatever did that, I know is only the beginning of a much bigger problem.

But these guys are super heroes. I am not too worried.




I'm not one of them though.
So I can only wonder what my role in this will be.

But the fact I wonder already gives me a sense of purpose again.


For now,

that is good enough.


Oh shit.

Mitz just smacked into the fridge, woke up, and is cursing at it.

Better go.


--> Oh amongst other names, Glitch and I were talking and thus MsSketch was born, so I guess I can actually call it a NICKname.

(Doc, that was for you.)

Bad joke I know.

Talk of a Storm

---

"Boots? You in here?"

"Yes, over here. I just got in. How is everyone else? KiTap and Nick back yet?"

"Should be soon. Staub contacted them a little while ago. Said you'd probably be back before them. I figured you'd slip in through the side door. You alright?"

"Yes. Not too bad."

Boots clutched his arm, a small stream of blood seeping through his fingers.

"Let's take care of that now, want me to get Mitz in here?"

"No no, the whole point is not to worry the whole team now. We're still trying to figure this out. I'm not sure if this is something we are ready to face just yet. Plus I don't want to frighten the girl. Not sure if she can handle this sort of thing. We'll feed her, but then we should take her home safely. She doesn't belong here with us. Too dangerous."

"But that thing that attacked her...."

"She blacked out, correct?"

"Well yes..."

"She mentioned anything about what attacked her? Like perhaps if she saw what "it" was?"

"Not that I know of. Need to talk to Huey and Grizz, they were the ones who were here when she first woke up. I really doubt she saw it though, Boots."

"Let's hope that's the case. Sometimes it's best if people don't know about things like this...."

Boots sat down at the main control panel, placing gauze on his arm and then wrapping it up in bandages,

"Times are getting rougher, Yosh....the cities are becoming more and more unsafe for people. And those people are becoming more aware of that. People and mutants and robots, and all sorts of creatures have co-existed for many years, but there is always someone or something that feels the need to fuck up the balance."

"You're going into that "mode" again, aren't you? We all know this, Boots. But we're in this together. I feel like each day we are out there and working together, our strength grows."

"Yes. I see it too. I just worry...."

"You worry, and too often. That will weaken you if you let it get to you. You are strong for all of us. And we trust you. I trust you, old friend. You know we'll stand at your side to whatever fate throws at us."

"Hell, high water, and beyond."

"Correct. So hurry up, get that cleaned up and let's go cook some grub for our team and Casey."

"Casey. Yes. The girl. She's..."

"Yes. Fine. Let's go, maybe we can find out some information from her."

"Good point.
Well Yosh, we're at the start of something big.....good...bad....both. Let's see what happens. You're right, whatever it is we can handle it.
Who knows? Maybe this girl can help us more than we realize."

~~~~~~