Fanfic: "ATLAS RETURNS" PART III is up.

[Legeremain99]

"ATLAS RETURNS" PART III

Dr. Elefun was sitting at the desk in his office, at the Ministry of Science, going through some files on his computer. He was becoming impatient and a little angry over Astro and Reno taking so much time on a simple service call. They had been gone for over 2 hours on a call that should not have taken them more than 60 minutes to complete, including their travel time.

The doctor looked up from the screen, toward the open doorway of his office and thought, “I can’t for the life of me understand what is taking those two boys so much time to get back. They should have been here almost an hour ago. I’m guessing they have probably stopped somewhere to play. Boys will be boys…but Reno and Astro are usually so responsible. I know nothing’s happened or I would have gotten a call from someone. If they’re not back in another fifteen minutes, I’m really gonna give them a piece of my mind, when they do get back.”

Dr. Elefun stopped staring at the doorway and returned to his work. He was continuing to read through the files he’d been going over. About another ten minutes passed, then he heard what sounded to be three people exiting the elevator. He heard Astro Boy’s familiar voice, even though it was muffled somewhat by the distance from his office to the elevator, as he told someone to wait, while he went to speak to the doctor. The scientist’s curiosity had become aroused, when he’d heard this and he wondered what had transpired.

Astro, Reno and Atlas emerged from the elevator together, when they’d reached the floor where Dr. Elefun’s office was located at the Ministry. Astro stopped just after they had entered the hallway from the elevator car and motioned for them to wait. Reno and Atlas both had a look of curiosity, as they wondered what he was about to tell them.

Astro gazed at Atlas, then at Reno and then back to Atlas, pursed his lips and said, “I was thinking about this while we were riding the elevator. Atlas…I believe it would be best if you were to wait here, while I go talk to the doctor for a minute and inform him of what’s happened. Reno, you can stay here and keep him company, if you like, or come with me. It doesn’t really matter. Atlas, see that cushioned bench against the wall there?”

Astro indicated a place where Atlas could sit, while he waited. Atlas nodded that he did, and said, “Brother…I don’t mind waiting for you to consult with the scientist. In fact, it’s probably the best plan of action, if you don’t want to alarm him. I’m sure he knows of my previous reputation. I’d be happy to stay here, while you two go see him for a minute.”

Reno piped up, and with a smile, said, “Atlas…I’ll be happy to stay and keep you company, if you like. No reason for you to be alone, while Astro talks to Dr. Elefun.”

“That’s okay, Reno. You go with your friend,” Atlas replied, and then continued, “I don’t mind sitting here a few moments. It’s not really a big deal at all.”

“Are you sure, brother?” Astro inquired, and then said, “Reno said he’d stay. It might take longer than I plan to explain things. We’re quite late getting back from our service call.”

Atlas laughed, and said jovially, “Astro…don’t you worry about me. You two go ahead and do whatever you need to. I’ll be right here. Just call me from his office. I’ll be able to hear you fine. You know my hearing is just as superb as yours, brother. Now get going, before the doctor comes looking for you.”

“You know, Stro…we really should go. Atlas is right. I’m sure the doctor probably heard you tell Atlas to wait. You weren’t speaking in the softest tone,” Reno told his best friend.

Astro giggled, as he thought about what Reno had just told him, and said, “I suppose I wasn’t that quiet about it, was I? Alright…let’s go. Atlas…I’ll call for you just as soon as I can, okay?”

The other robot smiled, and said, “I know you will, brother. Just let me know when…and I’ll be right there. I’ll see you guys in a few minutes.”

With that the two friends departed and headed down the hallway toward the scientist’s office. Atlas settled back, to get comfortable, and began waiting until his brother called for him. There wasn’t much to do, but sit there. The teenage robot hoped it wouldn’t be much of a wait. If he knew Astro, he’d get right to the point, so it shouldn’t be long at all.

Dr. Elefun was beginning to wonder what was taking the boys so long to come to his office, from the elevator. What in the world were they doing, having a pow wow? Just then, he heard the sound of their footsteps coming toward him. Astro and Reno appeared in the doorway with smiles on their faces and had the look of two excited children about to burst with great news, which, of course, that’s pretty much what they were.

The scientist smiled a greeting and said warmly, “Come in boys. I was wondering what was taking the two of you so long to return. You guys look like you’re about to explode with excitement. I overheard you, Astro…telling someone to wait. Who in the world did you two bring to the Ministry?”

Astro and Reno had taken a seat across from the doctor, while he’d been speaking, and Astro couldn’t contain himself any longer. He blurted out, excitedly, “ATLAS IS BACK!!”

Reno began nodding enthusiastically and a look of shear terror crossed Dr. Elefun’s features. He stared at the two of them in amazement and exclaimed, “YOU BROUGHT THAT MENACE OF A ROBOT HERE?!!!!! WHAT WERE THE TWO OF YOU THINKING?!!!”

Astro thought something like this might happen, and said excitedly, “YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND, DOCTOR! HE’S NOT THE SAME ROBOT! HE’S CHANGED! Please, Dr. Elefun give us a chance to prove it.”

The scientist could hear the pleading tone in the little robot’s last statement and his heart softened. Maybe something had happened to change Atlas for the better. He thought he’d better hear the two out.

“Is this true, Reno?” Dr. Elefun asked, in a more relaxed voice.

“Yes, doctor…it is. I’ve learned a lot while Astro and I questioned him thoroughly, before we brought him here. I trust Atlas. Actually…I trusted the robot much sooner than Astro. He was very cautious, before he made this decision. Astro is actually the one who suggested we bring him here to be tested to make certain he was trustworthy. Atlas agreed to it completely and came with us willingly.”

(see next post for the rest)

[Legeremain99]

(Here's the rest of Part III)

Astro nodded wholeheartedly, and said, “That’s right, doctor. He’s just down the hall. Would you like me to call him?”

The scientist stroked his chin, as he took this all in and thought about it for a few moments. Dr. Elefun’s look of concentration broke into a smile, and he said, “Okay boys, you’ve pretty much got me convinced. Astro…go ahead a call Atlas. I’d like to speak to him, before we start these tests.”

Astro and Reno both grinned. Astro replied, “Yes Sir! I’ll call for him, right now.”

Astro turned his gaze from the doctor toward the open doorway, and called, “ATLAS…DR. ELEFUN’S READY FOR YOU!”

The three of them heard Atlas, as he replied from down the hall, “I heard you, brother. I’ll be right there.”

They heard Atlas’ footsteps grow louder, as he came toward them down the hallway. In about 30 seconds he appeared in the open doorway.

What the doctor saw befuddled him…he was expecting to see a robot of adult stature, but what he saw was a very handsome young robot, that appeared to be a boy of about Reno’s age, with a pleasant expression on his face and a smile on his lips.

Astro and Reno had been watching the scientist’s expression and almost burst out laughing at his bewilderment, but they held it in. Astro beckoned for Atlas to take a seat next to Reno, in the third empty chair that sat in front of Dr. Elefun’s desk.

Atlas saw the gesture out of the corner of his eye. He was gazing at the doctor and was becoming amused over his expression, also. Atlas laughed slightly, and said in a warm friendly voice, “I see you were expecting me to be a bit different in appearance, Dr. Elefun. I hope I haven’t disappointed you, sir. My brother asked me to come here and would like for me to submit to a few tests, if it’s noi too much of a bother. I would be happy to prove myself to all of you.”

Astro nodded his agreement with Atlas’ words. Astro and Reno both had looks of satisfaction over how cooperative Atlas was being. The doctor still sat there open-mouthed, taking it all in.

All at once Dr. Elefun came out of his reverie, realizing what Atlas had just said, and abruptly replied, “Yes, yes, of course we can do the tests. Astro and Reno, would you please set them up? As I told you two before, I’d like to talk with Atlas for a few moments.”

“We’ll be glad to set them up, doctor,” Astro replied enthusiastically, and then said, C’mon Reno, let’s go down to the lab and get things ready, while the doctor and my brother discuss things.”

Astro and Reno got up from their chairs at the same instant and departed the office, heading back to the elevator to take it down to the robotics lab. As they were leaving, Reno turned just before going through the doorway and said, “Dr. Elefun…Atlas…we’ll see you guys downstairs in a little while. We’ll have everything all ready for you.”

The doctor and Atlas both nodded they understood and Reno waved to them, as he followed after Astro.

Atlas turned his gaze back to the scientist, who was looking across his desk at the robot, studying him intently. Atlas could tell the doctor was very curious about how he had come to return to Earth, a completely different robot from what he had been. He knew that Dr. Elefun had a thousand questions, and he was prepared to answer every one of them that he possibly could.

The doctor began by asking him what had happened, after his ship had disappeared from normal space. Dr. Elefun knew all about his so-called demise, since Astro had given him all the details, when he’d come back from that particular mission where he’d been fighting the aliens with the Earth forces.

Atlas covered everything he’d told Astro earlier that day at the Metro Transportation stop. The doctor listened in amazement to his story and took in every word. The two of them talked for a good thirty minutes about everything; the scientist stopping the robot at key points, having him elaborate further.

Finally, Dr. Elefun had his curiosity satisfied. He thoughtfully stroked his chin, and smiled pleasantly across the desk at Atlas, and said, “Well, son…I think Astro was correct in his decision to trust you. After hearing everything you’ve been through, and what you’ve experienced…no wonder you’ve decided to help humankind. I can also understand why your brother wants to run these tests, Atlas. I know you do. So…shall we head down to the lab?”

Atlas stood from his chair and extended his right hand to the doctor in friendship. Dr. Elefun also stood and took Atlas’ hand in his, shaking it warmly. As they shook hands, Atlas said, “Thank you, Dr. Elefun for listening to what I’ve had to say. I hope I’ve answered all your questions, sir. And yes…I’m ready to go have the tests. I have no problem proving myself…whatever it may take.”

“I’m glad to hear that, Atlas,” Dr. Elefun said, releasing the handshake, and then, “It only makes me trust you more fully. I know if you had had bad intentions, there is no way you would agree to be tested. Would you like me to lead the way, my boy?”

“Of course, doctor. You do the honors…I’ll be right behind you,” Atlas replied, as he gestured with his hand for the scientist to precede him.

The doctor took the cue and walked from around his desk. He headed for the doorway and Atlas followed him out and down the hall to the elevator.

TO BE CONTINUED...NEXT "ATLAS' TESTS"

PS: In case anyone missed parts one or two, click on the link below and it will take you to them. Thanks for reading.

http://www.astroboy-online.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4191

-Legeremain99

[tonigirl1000]

Thanks Legeremain99- love Atlas being a good robot- hugs

[Legeremain99]

Part 4 will be up soon. I should be done writing it in about another day. Look for it sometime tomorrow or Tuesday.

-Legeremain99

[Legeremain99]

I must apologize for not having Part 4 completed. The ending is taking a little longer than I anticipated. I'm hoping to have it finished by tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday). I will then proof-read it and should have it posted late evening or early on Thursday. Again...I must apologize for the delay. I promise you will have the ending to Atlas' story very soon. Thanks for understanding.

-Legeremain99

[tonigirl1000]

Hugs and thanks for doing a good job Legeremain99- hugs

[Legeremain99]

GOOD NEWS!! Part IV, the conclusion of "Atlas Returns" is completed. It's quite long, so I'll have to do it in several posts. It's going to take some time to have up, so please bare with me. I hope to have it all posted by tomorrow night. I appreciate everyone's patience. Have a great evening.

-Legeremain99

[tonigirl1000]

Thanks Legeremain99- look forward to reading it- hugs