Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Delirium

     
     Maxwell Graham and Victoria had returned to Morane's quarters with the requested finger print scan from his deceased son. As they entered the room, they saw Stan's body on a table with cables connected to his wrists, and an active monitor screen beside him. "Did we come at a bad time?" Victoria asked. -"No", came a booming voice from across the room. "You've just walked in on debriefing time is all". -"Well, we got your damned finger print", Maxwell said. "Don't ever ask me to do anything like that ever again". Morane stopped what he was doing and came out from the darkness to greet them, his face still hidden by shadows. "You know", Morane said. "Sometimes it's hard to make out what you say, Maxwell. You and that god forsaken British accent, but then again you clowns all sound the same to me".

     "I don't take kindly to insults, Mr. Morane", Maxwell replied. "And I doubt I'm here for that purpose, so here's your scanner". Maxwell handed it to him, and as Julius took it from his hand he glared at him. -"That little adventure is gonna cost you", Victoria blurted as she took a seat and poured herself a glass of scotch. -"I didn't name a price", Morane replied. Victoria took a sip and made a sour face. "It's awful", she remarked. -"Too strong for your liking, Miss Thompson? Morane laughed. -"Now don't change the subject", Victoria snapped. "You owe us some dough, now pay up". "Yes", added Maxwell with a smug grin. "I agree that you should pay us for that nasty little mission". Morane ignored both of them for a moment as he walked over to Stan's body and disconnected the wiring from his wrists. "Try this on for size", remarked Morane as he placed the scanner in Stan's hand.

     The android came to life and closed his hand over the scanner, and as doing so his green eyes started glowing as he absorbed the scan. -"I'd love to stay for the show", remarked Victoria in a sarcastic tone. "But I believe you owe us some clams, so pay up so we can be on our way". -"It's finished", announced Stan. -"One moment", Morane grumbled as he walked to his desk and opened the briefcase. "How much?" He asked Victoria. She hadn't really thought about it, but she knew it would have to be enough to make up for it. "Well, I am planning on designing some new dresses, so I'm gonna have to go with five million".
Morane shook his head. "You're just pushing your luck now, doll face", he said.
-"Oh, am I?" Victoria said as she crossed her arms. "You sent us out to fiddle with your dead son, so I want my dignity back". -"We", added Maxwell. "We want our dignity back".
-"Fine", Morane sighed. "Anything to get you two out of my hair".

     He wrote out the check and handed it to Victoria. "Try not to spend it all in one night", he told her. She took it and placed it in her purse and then stood up and realized her coat was missing. "Shit", she uttered as she looked over at Maxwell. -"What is it?" he asked her. "I left my damn coat at the cemetery", she sighed. He rolled his eyes and tried to contain his anger. "You, idiot", he whispered. "Someone is going to find it, and know right away its yours!"
-"Oh hush you", she replied. "Lots of dames have coats similar to mine, so it is very unlikely that they'll suspect me". Morane hadn't been paying attention to them, as he was too busy working with Stan to test out the new data. However he did notice they were still there, and seemed to be bickering over something. "You two still here?" he asked. -"We're leaving now", Maxwell replied as he headed out the doors while pulling Victoria along.

     As soon as they exited, Morane went back to his business. Stan used a laser located under his index finger in order to re-create an imprint of the scan, and much to Morane's surprise it was successful. "It works", Stan said. -"Good", now you'll be able to retain your secret identity", Morane nodded. "However, I suspect they are up to something, especially since they requested print data from you". -"It's uncertain", Stan replied. "I've recorded nothing of importance so far, not even a single conversation worthy of investigation".
-"I still feel like something is going on behind my back", Morane continued. "And I don't like it".

     --Zyrian Mother ship--

     The fortress had been traveling at fast speed, headed in the location of the emitting signal. Only Zoal and Bhor knew what was going on, they decided to keep the information classified, but that didn't last for long.

     The doors opened as the female commander, Arzel stormed through, both her fists clenched tightly while baring her teeth. "Ah, commander Arzel", Bhor bowed. "So kind of you to join us, but why the rage in your eyes?" -"Don't act like you don't see", she snapped. "Why wasn't I notified of this little journey of yours?" "We decided against making the announcement", Zoal interrupted. "Besides, why would it matter to you?" -"Being that I am second in command, I believe I am also entitled to the authorization of such escapades", she shouted. -"You may be a commander, but you have no authority over my decisions", Zoal replied. "You're searching for it again aren't you?" she scoffed. "Never going to realize that it's gone, and has been nothing but a waste of our times". -"You're still in rage over the loss of your hair", Zoal snapped. "And still you hold a grudge".

     -"This isn't about my loss", she exclaimed. "This is about your ridiculous efforts in tracking down something we do not need". Zoal glared at her, while gritting his teeth. "We've always been powerful without it, but why you obsess over obtaining it, I do not know", she said.
-"Or perhaps I do? Could it be you obsess to hide the shame over Krotez? Suddenly, Zoal drew out his sword and held the blade beneath her throat. "Don't ever say that name", he growled.
Arzel wasn't afraid at all, instead she grinned while looking up at him. "I see I've struck a nerve", she smirked. "It's the truth after all, and all along I knew it". Zoal lowered the sword and stepped away. "You're not worth it", he told her. -"Stop this, both of you", Bhor interrupted. "You two are head commanders are you not? So act like it!" Just then two zyrian warriors entered the room, they were Kahn and Ahtor. They were special ops under the command of Bhor and gave a salute as they approached him.

     "I couldn't help but notice, we're moving", Khan said. "Did we finally locate it?"
-"Nothing to be disclosed at this time", Bhor replied as he made eye contact with Zoal.
"But, we'd really like to know?" added Ahtor. -"I'm sorry", Bhor said again. "But as of now, that information is classified". -"Not for long", Arzel smirked as she walked out the doors.

     --Atlantis City 6:30 PM--

     Brian left his apartment and began heading towards the Card Shack. He still had Victoria's coat with him, and heard a lot of snickering coming from around him. "Nice coat, Ma'am", laughed a man. -"Yeah", said another. "where's your pearl earrings at darling?"
Brian rolled his eyes and ignored their mockery, as he finally got to the front doors and walked in. This time the music seemed much louder than it usually was, and once he got inside, he realized there was a live performance going on. This time their musical guest was none other than the french diva herself, Natoya Stronghold. Brian eyed the booth, they usually sat at, but noticed no one was there. He sighed and headed over to sit down, when suddenly he felt a slap on the back from behind. "How's it going?" they said. Brian instantly recognized the voice, it was Williams. "Didn't think you were", Brian told him. "I've brought you a present", he said as he showed him the coat. -"Oh, thanks", William laughed. "Too bad it's not my size or color".

     "No", Brian shook his head. "It's Victoria's, I found it on the ground in the mausoleum this morning". William raised an eyebrow. "What was she doing there?" -"I don't know", Brian shrugged. "But, this could be your chance to actually talk to her, to get her to notice you".
"Wow, you're right", William replied as he took it from his hands. "Too bad, I don't see her here yet". -"Oh, she'll come", Brian nodded. "Tonight is one of the biggest poker tournaments of the year, she wouldn't miss that". -"You're right", William said. "I wonder if she might participate in it". Both of them took a seat, and didn't notice Justin church and Stan heading over to join them. "Hey guys", Justin exclaimed. "Glad you're here, tonight's the big night, huh?" -"Yeah, if you wanna go broke", Brian remarked. "You gonna play?" William asked Justin. "A ring-a-ding-ding, baby", Justin winked. "I'm lookin to rob those players of all them rubes".

     "Sounds like someone is a bit zozzled", Brian said. -"You slay me", Justin laughed. "By the way, have we met?" -"Not really", Brian replied. -"Well aint that a shame?" Justin exclaimed. "I'm Justin Church, friend of William and Stan, what's your name?"
-"Brian Smith", he answered. "I'm also a friend of William and Stan". -"Hey, nice to meet you", Justin said as he shook his hand. "What's your rank?" -"I beg your pardon?" Brian said.
-"He's not a soldier", added William. "He's just a regular fella". -"How about a hair of the dog?" Justin asked. "A what?" Brian repeated. -"He means a shot of alcohol", said William.
"Guess you must not be big on today's city language".
Justin watched as a random woman passed by their booth, and began to ogle her. "Nice gams", he commented. "Her bubs aren't too bad lookin either". -"Sounds like someone has had one too many hairs", Brian remarked. -"Yeah", nodded Stan. "He'll regret it later though".
"Most definitely", added William.

     Suddenly, everyone started heading towards the game room, and began forming a crowd around one of the tables. "That's my cue", Justin announced as he got up and began heading over as well. "Shall we watch the game?" William asked. Both Stan and Brian nodded and then all of them got up and began walking towards the crowd. William had Victoria's coat flung over his shoulder, and caught a glimpse of her taking a seat at the table, with Maxwell Graham standing beside her. "This is never going to work". William said to Brian. "As long as that jerk is there, I don't stand a chance". -"Nonsense", Stan chimed in. "I had a little chat with the high hat, so you have nothing to worry about".

     "Surprised to see you again", Victoria remarked as Justin took a seat across from her.
"What an honor to have you as an opponent", Justin winked. -"Likewise", she smiled.
-"Place your bets into the pot", Maxwell instructed. "If you've got anything you're not ready to lose, then kindly leave the game, otherwise lets begin shall we?" Justin rubbed his hands together in an anxious manner as he watched Maxwell start dealing. Brian looked up at the office window above to see if that figure was watching this time, but he saw nothing.
"I've a pair of queens", Victoria announced as she glanced over at Justin, who was smiling as he looked down at his cards. "Sorry baby", he said. "Full house right here!". The other players glared at him, and began to suspect him of cheating. "Uh-oh", William noted. "The others think he's cheating, this isn't going to end well". -"Even I think he's cheating", said Brian. "How could anyone get that lucky?" "Three of a kind", announced one of the players, as he glared at Justin.

     "Straight beats your three", smiled Victoria. "Anyone else gonna make the call?"
"I fold", said the player beside her, as he looked over at Justin. "Yeah, I fold as well", said another. Justin noticed all eyes were on him, as if they were expecting him to win them over.
He looked down at his cards, and then back at his opponents. "C'mon", Victoria said. "make your call". -"Four of a kind", Justin said as he flashed his cards at her. The other players started grumbling and complaining to Maxwell. "The game isn't fair", one of them said. "That kid is cheating, kick him out!" -"Oh shut up", Victoria rolled her eyes. "Just because you're a sore loser, doesn't mean you gotta take it out on the poor boy, he's just an intelligent player".
-"No", one of them shouted. "He's a damned cheater, and he knows it". Suddenly one of them got up and walked over to Justin, and grabbed him by his uniform. "You're a little snake, aren't you?" they growled.

     "Hey, let him go", Victoria demanded. "No need to make an ass of yourself, just let it slide". -"Oh I'll let it slide alright", the man smirked. "Slide my foot right into his ass".
"Gentlemen, please", Maxwell sighed as he rubbed the temples of his forehead. "Take it outside". -"What the?" Victoria exclaimed. "Don't encourage it, you idiot".
"Justin's drunk", Brian said to William. "He doesn't stand a chance against that guy". -"Yeah", William nodded. The angry man shook Justin, trying to get a response out of him. "Well admit it you prick", he yelled. Justin felt dizzy and too exhausted to do anything about it, nor was he aware of what was going on. "Hey, do I know you?" Justin asked. The man was prepared to slam poor Justin into the wall when suddenly, he felt a blow from behind. He dropped Justin and then fell down himself, huddled in a fetal position, as he looked up and saw Stan glaring down at him.

     "Next time someone gives you orders, why not follow them? Stan sneered.
The man was in too much pain to talk back or even attempt to fight him, so he let it go.
"Stan, you saved him", William exclaimed. "I was about to take care of that guy myself, but thanks for beating me to the punch". -"I declare this game over", Maxwell announced. "There was no winner, you all lose". Justin had passed out, and Brian and William struggled to get him to his feet, and dragged him back to the booth. "He's out", Brian said. William just shook his head in disappointment. "I hope he's learned a valuable lesson tonight".
"There's your chance", Brian said as he pointed out that Victoria was all alone at the bar.
-"Oh yeah", William replied. "How could I forget? Please excuse me for a moment".

     "What'll it be Miss Thompson? asked the bartender. "Martini", she replied. "make it dry". "You got it", he replied. "You know what?, make that two", she added. "I'm on a toot tonight". -"Miss Thompson", came a voice from behind her. "Who you be? she asked as she turned around. "William Sterling", he replied. "You left this behind", he said as he handed her the coat. "Oh, you found it, why thank you honey", she exclaimed. -"No problem", he said.
"Wait a minute", she continued. "You're that soldier, that likes to hang around the poker table, aren't ya?" William smiled nervously. "Yeah, that would be me". -"You're also the same guy , my manager seems to have beef with", she said. "Which by the way, I apologize for his behavior, he just likes to act like a bimbo around other fellas". -"That's alright", William told her. "He's not much of a threat anyway". "Hah", she laughed. "He's not a threat at all, why the man is scared to death of angering me. "So, I've noticed", William laughed.

     "You want a drink or anything?" she suddenly asked. -"No, not tonight", he answered. "Not after seeing how bad my friend turned out". -"Oh that kid", she nodded. "Yeah, he seemed pretty bent during the game". -"Indeed", he nodded. "So, what exactly do you soldiers do?", she asked. "I mean, you aint fighting any battles, that's plain to see". -"Really nothing at this point, just practice drills and such", he explained. "We've also done some simulation training, but that's about all." -"So I see", she said. "Well then, it's no wonder you guys come to this joint so often". "Yeah", William nodded. She finished her drinks and then stood up and put her coat on. "Well, it was nice talkin to you, maybe I'll see ya around sometime? she said. -"Maybe you will or maybe you won't William replied.
"You got a good sense of humor", she chuckled. "I like that, well see ya", she said as she started walking away.

     After she left the building, William headed back to their booth where he found Justin with his face down on the table, snoring and Brian smoking a cigarette. "So how did it go?" Brian asked. "You get her number?". -"Nah", William replied. "conversation went well, she thanked me for returning her coat and all". -"She's playing hard to get isn't she? Brian asked.
"Big time", William said. "Maybe I should of commented her singing and films?"
"do that the next time you see her", Brian suggested. "Women like her can't resist being complimented". -"We'll see", William said. "I just don't want to come on too strong is all".
-"you worry too much", Brian told him. "By the way, it's getting late, don't you think we should wake him?" William looked down at Justin, and started to shake him. "He ain't moving", William said. "He's out for the night". -"Hand me that glass of water", Brian asked.
"You wouldn't", remarked William in disbelief. -"Only way now", Brian shrugged, and then he dumped the ice cold water on Justin's head.

     Startled, Justin quickly sat up and looked around. "Where am I?" he exclaimed.
"Card Shack", Brian told him. "You had a little too much to drink". -"I guess so", Justin groaned as he rubbed his head. "My head hurts like no other". -"One would imagine", Brian added.
"you better head on home", William told him. "Take something for that headache and get some rest".
-"I'll be fine", Justin replied. At that moment, Stan had returned to his seat, and sounded as if he were out of breath. -"Where did you go?" William asked him. -"I was watching a game", Stan replied. "But I've got bad news, I just spotted commander Williams, and she looks mighty furious".
"What game?" Justin asked out of curiosity. -"There were a few card games going on a while ago", he explained. "Nothing big though".

     "So this is where I find you?" Lynne said sternly with her arms crossed, while giving Justin a piercing stare. "You too, Stan", she exchanged her glance. "I've been trying to get a hold of both of you all night long, and as you can see I've run out of patience!" -"Who's the dame?" Brian interrupted her.
-Excuse me?" She snapped. "Who are you to address me as such?" -"Ahem", William cleared his throat as he elbowed Brian. "She's my superior officer", he whispered. -"Oh", Brian nodded. "Not bad looking at all". -"Who's he?" Lynne demanded. "Please tell me he's not a soldier!" William couldn't help from laughing, but tried his best to contain it. "This is just a friend of mine", he said. "He's not a soldier at all. -"Good thing then", Lynne grumbled. Suddenly, everyone turned their attention to Justin, as he began heaving. -"Oh no", Brian uttered. Justin suddenly hung his head over the table and vomited all over Lynne's boots. There was silence as everyone stared at him, and then noticed the horrified expression on Lynne's face as she looked down at her newly polished shoes.

     "My boots!" she exclaimed in outrage. "they're ruined!" -"This isn't good for him", William uttered. Brian started laughing, and Stan joined in, Justin on the other hand still felt sick and made a quick run for the restroom. All William did was sit there with his mouth ajar, he couldn't believe what had just happened. "Pigs!" Lynne shouted at the top of her lungs. "That's what you all are! A bunch of pigs!" Suddenly William began to realize how embarrassed and angry, Lynne was and offered to try and calm her down. "He didn't mean to", William told her. "And these two clowns right here, will laugh at anything". -"I came down here to talk to him about something important", Lynne explained. "Something I wanted him to be a part of, but now I don't know anymore, I think I might as well just continue without him". -"Here", William said as he handed her some paper towels. -"I don't want your help", she snapped. "I'm done here, in fact don't expect me to ever show my face in this establishment again". And with that she stormed off, slamming the doors behind her.

     William sighed, and then realized Brian and Stan were still making jokes about it. "Knock it off", he snapped. "Now I see why she got so mad, you guys showed no respect for her". -"We're sorry", Brian replied as he wiped the tears from his eyes. "But that incident just happened to make this night interesting, if you know what I mean?" -"You had admit Will", Stan added. "It was rather funny".
-"Yeah, I guess", William shrugged. "But now we're all in the dog house". -"Not me", Brian shook his head. "I'm not a soldier". -"Well you could of been", William sighed. "I was going to ask you to join, but after what just happened, she'd never let you through the door". -"Wait, what?" Brian asked. "Ask me to join?" "Yes", William sighed. "I was going to ask you to join us, because I thought it would do you some good". -"Hey, what did I say before?" Brian snapped. "You don't need to be deciding what's best for me, you're not my father". -"I just thought you'd like to be a part of us", William continued. "you seem to enjoy our company, so I thought why not?"

     "Nuh-uh", Brian said as he put out his cigarette. "The military is not for me, so don't you sit there and try to say it is, because it's not". -"I'm not trying to make you", William said again. "I just considered it, that's all. You told me you didn't know what you wanted to do with your life, so I thought I'd offer a helping hand. "He doesn't have to if he doesn't want to", Stan interrupted. -"I know that", William snapped. "Stay out of this, it doesn't concern you". -"I'm gonna go", Brian said as he stood up and waited as William started scooting out of his way. "You're not mad at me are you?" he asked.
"No", Brian replied. "I'm not mad, I understand what you meant, I'm just not interested".

"Well good night fellas", Brian announced. "Tell Justin, I hope he feels better, I'll see you all tomorrow, I suppose". -"Yeah", William nodded. "Have a good one". As Brian exited the building, Stan gave William an odd stare and questioned him. "why would you ask that kid to join us?" -"I just want him to be one of us". -"He's not the soldier type, Will" Stan said. "If we were in battle, he'd get killed, because he isn't mentally stable enough to handle reality". -"You sound crazy", William told him. "You been drinking too much as well?" -"Never mind", Stan shook his head. "In time you'll see what I mean".