Chapter 18: Back Path Fury — Part 7

“Ambria had not as yet risen from Joanie’s critical strikes when Spunky struck at Blue. To my knowledge, only Joanie dared confront Ambria head on, and though she did incredible damage, it is my opinion that Ambria left the woman alive by intention.”

Elec contemplated Pablo’s observations, filing the sheaf of papers back away. “Blue would have been cautious in confronting Ambria. He was fully privy to the Letters between us, and would not have wished to give Ambria the right to defend herself. By acting independently, Spunky did not violate the Letters. Is there anything else of importance you need to bring to my attention?”

Pablo considered the horrible memories still fresh in his mind. “She had biodroids so hume in appearance you’d think their armor was encasing a living being.”

Elec’s eyes widened. “Do go on.”

“They exhibit Talents.”

“What kind of Talents.”

“Telekinesis, mostly.”

Elec had taken up a pair of golden chopsticks, and began gingerly eating her sushi. “What condition were the children in before you reclaimed them?”

“They were beaten, burned, and healing, Miss Northrup, but have since recovered physically from the experience. Orchid is still examining them for other kinds of abuse.” Pablo said.

Elec chewed her food, quietly considering the situation. “Pity, I had hoped to avoid direct involvement. As your blood was shed on this mission, one would have to wonder if you feel obligations of the past have been paid. Do you feel that in this matter you have fulfilled your debt to me?”

“Yes, we do.” Frank said, speaking for the first time since having been greeted upon arrival.

Elec licked her lips, betraying her seething disrespect for Frank’s choice to talk by expressing absolutely no emotion whatsoever. “I wish you to return to Orchid and Bamboo and protect them with your lives. Name your price.”

“There will be no price for that service.” Pablo said, before Frank could speak again.

“I will not be indebted to a man of your low caliber, or any man for that matter. As our debts are cleared, you will be paid for any future services.” Elec sipped her saki before setting wasabi onto her sushi with the edge of her chopsticks, and then put the raw fish wrapped in seaweed onto her tongue. She never looked away from Pablo, never expressed the slightest hint of emotion in any of her emotions or motions.

Indignant, Frank rose and walked out of the chamber, leaving Pablo to finish negotiations. Elec waited until his steps were inaudible before continuing.

“You are a patient man. Do let your bitch know I had no intention of insulting him.” Elec set her chopsticks down, writing a series of digits and graphics onto a piece of paper provided to her by what must have been a telepathic android. “Please take these letters to Yap.” Elec took another satchel provided by yet another android, and handed it over to Pablo. “Furthermore, take these as payment for your continued service. Orchid, I am certain, will enjoy upgrading them. Welcome to the Society of Benders, Sir, may you and yours enjoy my payment for your current and future services.”

Pablo bowed his head, stunned at the gift. “I will do what I can to protect Orchid and her brother, Miss Northrup.”

“I am certain you will.”

* * *

Frank and Pablo didn’t talk immediately on their trip back home. Pablo didn’t activate their banders immediately either. When Pablo did finally talk, it was in a careful tone. Frank’s feelings were hurt, mostly because Elec had treated him so poorly. Pablo felt it important to placate Frank, though he knew that it would be some time before Frank would forgive him his part in the mistreatment.

“Elec likes you.” He said, hoping to calm the mood.

“I don’t care what that battle axe thinks of me.” Frank said. “What did she pay us with: Gold, jewelry, or blood?”

Pablo opened the satchel, showing Frank the banders.

Frank’s eyes, originally defocused, now showed considerable interest. “Those banders, or drones?”

“Payment with perks,” Pablo said, “Banders, with full maps.”

“So what are we supposed to do in exchange for these precious utilities?”

“Protect Orchid and Bamboo from Ambria and her allies, using every resource available to us.” Pablo said.

“We were going to do that already.”

“Yeah, but it’s Elec we’re talking about.”

Frank touched his bander curiously, wondering. “Viva la sexism.” He said with little bravado.

Pablo gave Frank a loving hug. “I told you she liked you.”

Advertise Here