Chapter 2

Chapter 2: A Friend In Need

William Sterling had asked Brian if he would like to tag along with him. He expected him to decline the invitation, but surprising enough Brian accepted. "So", Brian began. "Where are we going?". William hadn't given it much thought of where he was planning on going, and so he just suggested the first place that came to mind. "I guess the card shack is our best bet for entertainment". Brian wasn't at all excited, mainly because that's where he had been earlier, but didn't care either way so he just decided to play follow the leader.

Along the way, a man dressed in a fancy purple vest with black slacks bumped right into William, without even bothering to apologize. "Where are your manners, jerk? William snapped. The man didn't even look back, instead he just walked right into the building.
"Judging by his attire, I'd say he was rich", remarked Brian. - "Yeah", William uttered.
"They think because they have so much money, that they can do whatever they want", added Brian. - "They also think the AMF is a joke", William said. " They look down on all of us soldiers, and they think we're worthless". Hearing these words was like a punch in the stomach for Brian, because it reminded him of all the negative things he said and thought about the military. It also made him realize that he was no better than the snobs of Atlantis city.

"Well, let's go in", William told him as they arrived at the doors. Brian glanced over at a clock on the wall as they entered, and he followed behind William. It was only eleven-thirty now, and the card shack was even more packed than before and most of the people were either sitting at the bar or playing card games. William and Brian could hear the sound of a man complaining about losing all his money. The sound of his bellowing seemed loud enough to drown out the music. Both Brian and William ignored the man's pathetic whining and walked on.
William suddenly caught site of Stan still sitting at one of the booths, then he and Brian headed in that direction. Stan looked as if he had been bored stiff, he was just sitting there observing all the people around him, and didn't even notice William's presence.

-"Greetings, friend", William announced as he took a seat. Stan was surprised to see him, but also surprised that he had brought along a new friend. "Always nice to see you again", Stan said. "Good thing I made sure no one stole your seat". - "Well thank you, I guess", William laughed. Brian remained quiet, he really didn't have much of anything to say, especially around people he didn't know. "Stan, this is my new friend, Brian", William said. "Friend?" Brian thought. "I hardly know you". Stan looked over at Brian with a crooked smile. "Nice to meet you", he said. As much as Brian tried to avoid eye contact with these two men, he couldn't help but notice the strange resemblance Stan seemed to share with his deceased brother. He even found himself staring at the man, as if he were seeing his brother's ghost.

-"Your friend seems a little timid around me", Stan remarked. "Could you tell him that I promise not to bite?" William laughed and glanced over at Brian. "He won't hurt you", he said.
"In fact, Stan would never hurt a fly". - "If there were any here in the first place", Stan winked. William laughed a little and then picked up a shot glass and took a sip. - "I need a smoke", Brian said all of sudden, and then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette. - "You know", William started saying. "You really shouldn't smoke, especially at your age. By the way how old are you?" - "I'm eighteen", Brian replied. "And I really don't think you should be telling me what I can and cannot do". - "A little ignorant, aren't we? Stan smirked at him.
"I'm sorry", William apologized. "I didn't mean to offend you". - "He's just a kid", Stan butted in. "They're always full of such hatred and angst at his age".

"Well I think I've heard enough from you", Brian snapped as he stood up, and started walking off. "Hey", William called after him. "Stan didn't mean what he said, he was just joking".
- "Joking my ass", Brian exclaimed. "He was insulting me, I'm not an idiot I know an insult when I hear one". William let out a sigh and looked over at Stan. "Apologize to him, please", William asked. "He really took what you said to heart, and I shouldn't be telling you this, but he's upset because his older brother died". - "I'm so sorry to hear that", Stan said. "Was it a recent death?" - "No", William explained. "It happened many years ago, according to him". - "I see", Stan commented. "Well if that happened so long ago, then why is he still depressed?" William hadn't thought of that, and suddenly he began to wonder as well.

Brian was still angry and refused to talk to them, so instead he headed over towards the bar and took a seat. The bartender gave him a funny look as he put out his cigarette in a nearby ash-tray. "Well, what will it be?" he asked. - "Nothin", Brian shook his head. "I see you in here often", the bartender continued. "You don't socialize much do you?" Brian let out a groan of disgust, he was tired of everyone trying to talk to him. "I don't like to talk, alright?" Brian answered back. - "Okay then", replied the bartender. "I won't bother you again".
Brian sat hunched over with his elbows resting on the countertop. He took a moment and quickly peaked behind him, and sure enough William and Stan were still sitting at their little booth. "They're probably talking about me behind my back", Brian thought to himself.

--AMF Airbase--

Admiral Grant and his second commanding officer, Lynne Williams have been going over some important documents, about the top secret project. And now they are finally getting a chance to have a look at the progress of the project.

Admiral Grant stood beside Lynne with his arms folded across his chest, and a cigar in the corner of his mouth. Lynne held onto the folders containing the important information, and began skimming through, as she observed the fighter jets. "Some sight isn't it?" Grant remarked. Lynne nodded in response and looked down at the print of one of the papers. She couldn't see the tiny print just below, so she squinted her eyes and held it closer to her face. "Some of these notes don't make any sense", she sighed. "It's bad enough that I can barely read this, but what if something goes wrong, will they blame us? she asked. Grant shrugged, and looked down at the document in her hands. "They're the ones who took the notes", he said. "So if something does go wrong, the only people they can blame are themselves".

Lynne put the document away and crossed her arms, while staring into space. "I really wish you didn't trust them", she sighed. Admiral Grant looked at her. - "I trust the rest of the council, I don't trust Morane", he said. "I don't trust either one of them", Lynne continued. "They're only funding this project in hopes of gaining control of the AMF, in fact I wouldn't trust either of them with my own life". Suddenly Grant started coughing really hard, he pulled out a handkerchief to cover his mouth. "Are you alright?" Lynne asked. "That sounds terrible".
- "No, I'm fine", Grant replied. "I've got medication for it". Lynne felt a little relieved, but still felt concerned for his health. She had known him for quite some time now, to the point he was the only father figure in her life. Lynne knew so little about her real father, only that he used to be a great leader and she rarely ever saw him.

Grant put away his handkerchief and couldn't help but notice the solemn expression on Lynne's face. "Thinking about him again?" he asked. She nodded slowly. "Just wondering where he went", she replied. "It's been so long, I don't even know if he's still alive". Admiral Grant gave her a light pat on the back, in hopes of cheering her up. "I believe he and the others are", he nodded.

--Atlantis City Card Shack--

Brian smith was still sitting at the bar, waiting till William and his rude friend Stan left. He had finally decided on a quick drink, and just before he thought about leaving, something quickly got his attention.

-"We're short one player", came a voice from the back of the room. Brian quickly turned around to see what was going on. He discovered it was the host at one of the poker tables, but not just any host, it was that snob Brian and William had run into earlier. "One more player", the voice continued. Brian had thought about joining, but decided he'd rather watch someone else lose their money. "I'll do it!", announced a young man in a green uniform .
Brian watched as the boy took a seat at the table, and then he decided to move in for a closer view.

Little did Brian know that William and Stan had also headed that way, and they seemed to share a familiarity with the new player. The young man appeared to be much younger than the others, he had short shaggy blonde hair and green eyes complete with a green AMF uniform. He didn't seem to show any signs of fear going up against older players, in fact he had a sort of devious smile spread across his face. Brian watched this guy with great interest, and was taken by surprise at how well his skills were. Brian also noticed a large silhouetted figure watching from a nearby office room window just above them. The blinds of the window had been slightly closed, as the figure peered out them as if he were watching every single player like a hawk about ready to strike.

The game started almost instantly, and the young blond man seemed to causing much ruckus -"Three of a kind", the young player announced ,still smiling, as he looked over at one of his opponents. -"Sorry", answered one of the players. "My flush beats your three".
"Go get em, Justin", William cheered from behind. Brian quickly glanced behind him only to find those two soldiers standing there, Maybe they won't see me he thought. William noticed Brian in the crowd and reached over and tapped him on the shoulder. "I'm sorry about earlier", he said. "You don't have to talk to us again, but could you at least forgive us?" Just as Brian was about to reply, the game host started getting after William. "You will remain silent, while the game is in session", he scolded. "I'm sorry", William replied, but his jaw nearly dropped as he recognized the host. "You", he exclaimed. The host also seemed surprised to see someone he'd run into earlier. "You're that jerk who ran into me", William continued.

"And what is your point", the host remarked in a sarcastic manner. "Never mind", William grumbled. "I don't feel like dealing with the likes of you". - "The feeling is mutual", the host replied as he went back to his business. "Maxwell, honey", came a female voice from across the room. Everyone turned their attention to the female figure sitting at the bar. She had gotten up and started heading in that direction, looking a little agitated. Once she stepped into the light everyone recognized her, especially in that fancy gold dress. "You should know better than that", she continued. William felt shaky and nervous as he turned around and saw her standing so close to him. "Now apologize to this man", Victoria ordered as she pointed at William with her cigarette holder.

Maxwell let out a sigh of frustration and then proceeded to make his apology. "I am oh so very sorry for our little mishap earlier", he said. -"Say it like you mean it", Victoria demanded.
This whole situation was too funny, and William couldn't help but chuckle. Brian also found this whole incident highly amusing, and joined in with the laughter. Maxwell on the other hand was embarrassed and angry, but knew it was better to do as she said. "I am sorry, sir", he said again while trying to make himself look as sincere as possible. "It's alright", William replied.
"Thanks for your apology". Victoria had taken a seat close to the table to watch the game as it continued. Justin observed his opponents, and began looking down at shoes of the player beside him. "A pair of aces", called out one of the players from across the table. Suddenly everyone turned their attention to young Justin, as if they knew he were up to something.

Justin had a huge devious grin on his face as he revealed his cards. "I'm sorry, but a flush beats your pair", he remarked. Everyone in the crowd began applauding and cheering for Justin, especially William. Brian didn't know this kid or care if he won or lost, he just wanted to watch the game for the thrill of it. He looked up again and noticed the large figure had disappeared from the window, but also noticed that Stan was missing from view as well.
"So far one-hundred and thirty", Justin smiled as he collected his chips. "You're cheating", said one of the players in an angry voice. "No, I'm not", Justin replied. "Don't accuse me of cheating just because you're not winning". - "Two pairs again", groaned one of the players. "Where is lady luck?"

William tapped Brian on the shoulder once again, this time in hopes of hearing what he wanted. "So, we good?" he asked. Brian sighed and nodded. "Yeah, we're good".
-"Great", replied William. "So, do you want to start over?" Brian thought to himself for a moment and then nodded again. "Sure, why not?" - "I'm William Sterling", William said.
"Brian Smith", Brian replied as he reached out to shake his hand. "So what do you think of Justin's game so far? William asked. Brian shrugged. "He sure looks like he knows what he's doing". - "Three of a kind", called out one of the players, who glared over at Justin.

Justin seemed to fake an expression of sadness on his face as he looked down at his cards. "I'm sorry", he sighed. "But it looks like, I've got a Straight Flush", he laughed as he flashed his hand. The other players were angry and began complaining, and one of them even started pounding their fists wildly on the table. "Looks like I win", Justin smiled as he stood up to cash his chips. "Quite impressive", Victoria commented. "You should play against me some time", she winked. Justin's face turned a little red as he turned to acknowledge her. "Miss Thompson, it would be an honor", he said. William had stopped cheering once he caught sight of Justin talking to his dream girl, and became even more jealous once he overheard that she invited Justin to play against her.

Brian had been standing against one of the pillars with his hands in his pockets, since the game ended. He noticed that his new friend didn't look too happy and decided to find out why. - "What's with you?" Brian asked. William sighed. "I'm just a little jealous, that's all", William replied. Brian took a moment to look in the same direction, and noticed the winner talking to Victoria. "Oh, I see", Brian remarked. "You really like her don't you?" William nodded. "Yeah, I do". - "I hate to say it", Brian continued. "But I don't think she is your type".
- "What do you mean?" William asked. "Rich and popular?" - "Exactly", Brian nodded. "Besides, how could like someone you've never met?" William shrugged. "I just love everything about her", he said. "She's funny, beautiful, and has a great personality".

"Lots of women have personalities", Brian replied as he pulled out a cigarette. "Well, how would you know?" William asked. "Have you ever been in love with someone?" Brian shook his head. "No, can't say I have but it's quite obvious there are plenty of women in the city that would be perfect for you". - "None like her", William added. Brian decided to give up on the topic of conversation, he realized there was no getting through to his friend. "Well, just disregard everything I said", Brian sighed. "I wasn't trying to argue with you, just wanted to make a point". Suddenly, Stan had returned and was surprised to see William and Brian talking again. "Where were you?" William asked him. Stan seemed unsure of himself at first but then made an effort to explain. "I was using the restroom", he lied. William raised an eyebrow as he looked at him. "You were in there for quite some time, practically through the entire game".

"It happens", Stan replied. "But now that I am back, what have I missed out on?"
- "Nothing important", Brian said. - "You missed seeing Justin beat those losers", William interrupted. - "Really?" Stan asked, not sounding a bit surprised at all. "I figured he would win, after all not many can stand up to young Church's gambling skills". -"Amen", William added.
Brian looked at the clock and noticed it was now half past midnight. "It's gotten late", he commented. William glanced over at the clock and nodded in agreement. "Yeah, but not late enough for me, as I've got some errands to run before the night is over." - "Well thanks for inviting me on this outing", Brian thanked him. "It's been fun, I suppose".
- "Don't mention it", William replied with a smile. "We should do this again soon".

- "Yeah", Brian replied. "That sounds good to me, by the way nice to meet you and Stan here". Stan didn't answer, instead he just nodded in acknowledgement. "Well, I'm off to the nearest flower shop", William announced as he started walking off. Stan and Brian just stood there watching as William left, and then Brian proceeded to question Stan.
- "Flower shop?" Brian quoted, hoping for a response from someone. - "He buys a bouquet of roses every night and then leaves them at Miss Thompson's dressing room door". - "So I see", Brian remarked. "Then why doesn't she know who he is?" - "He leaves them anonymously", Stan answered as he started leaving. - "He really has a thing for her, doesn't he?" Brian asked.
- "Yes, sadly", Stan said. "But I've found it easier to encourage him rather than tell him otherwise".

--AMF Tech Lab--

Some scientists have picked up a strange reading on the surrounding area of the city, and have yet to determine what it is.

One of the scientists scratched his chin in question to the strange readings on the scanner. -"It's detected some sort of foreign object under the surface", commented one of them. -"Yes", replied another who was observing the notes. "And judging by the readings, it appears to be very large in size". Neither of them could figure out what it was, but they all agreed that further investigation was needed. "Do we know exactly how deep under the surface this object is?" one of them questioned. - "That's the problem", remarked another. "The reading takes up three pages, but nothing is clear". - "Three pages", gasped one of the men", That object must be gigantic!"

-"Is there any way to determine what it could be?" asked one of the team members.
"No", answered the head scientist. "But what I don't understand is why didn't our radar detect this long before the development of Atlantis?" -"It's strange really, it's almost as if this object has been there forever and is just suddenly starting to send out signals.
The team of scientists had no clue what the object was, or why it was there, but one thing certain, the types of signals it were sending out would only lead to further turmoil, because at that same moment, someone was waiting for those signals, waiting for the chance to get his hands on the mysterious object.

© Lynnette J Williams 2009