Early Afternoon
Office of the K.E.H.L.
(Keep Earth Human League)
Harajuku, Tokyo
“Zenzo! Zenzo! A young woman screamed as she ran into the small office. “Zenzo come and see this. That Astro is at it again!”
Zenzo Kashima, a 35 year old former foundry worker, walked with the girl to watch a television news report as others in the group were gathered around the television.
“That’s correct Mister Gota. Astro came out of no where just in time. He pulled the driver out of the cab just before the truck smashed into the ground. There were some minor injuries resulting from the explosion of the tanker truck which had not only lost its ability to brake but also the means to stop the engine. Astro didn’t stay long and this reporter for one doesn’t blame this wonderful hero a bit.”
Zenzo clicked off the television. “So once again the media proclaims this false hero. We have the details on this incident right?”
A young man stood up from his desk. “Right here! Seems Astro tried to stop the truck but it was carried by its own momentum through some safety barriers and over the side of an unfinished sky way. It exploded on impact with the ground. Some construction workers below suffered minor burns from heat flashing.”
Zenzo thought for a moment. “We’ll attack him on the reckless act angle. He could have simply lifted the truck and dropped it off the roadway. Proves bad judgement.”
Another young man waved his hand. “They’ll claim he acted rightly. No one was killed and had he not acted, the results could have been worse.”
Zenzo countered. “Had he taken the truck off the road the proper way? There wouldn’t have been any burning fuel oils. No pollution. Imunaga? Check with the environmental safety registry service and see if any fuel oil leaked into the sewer system, even if it was controlled. We’ll charge Astro with environmental hazarding. Now, anything new from Atlas?”
William Hill, An exchange student from America and an ardent on-line anti-robot critic, read from a folder on his own desk. “The police attribute 3 more acts of vandalism. Two spray paint tags at a food processing plant, “HUMANS SUCK!” and another at an electric power grid substation. “FAIR WAGE OR FAIR GAME. KEEP YOUR PROMISES FILTHY FLESHBAGS!” The third was trash scattered all over the yard of Mister Eugene Shlitz, foreign representative of Allied Chemicals out of Vanstuff Germany. He left a note stating that robots are done being the sled dogs for filthy humans and their corporate profits.”
Zenzo smiled. “He’s our best example and he’s too stupid to know it! Wonderful! Make sure that makes the latest edition of our newsletter.”
Doctor O’Shay’s house
Lunch time
“Ding dong!” The front door bell chimed as Doctor O’Shay was just sitting down for lunch. “I hope that’s not you again Atlas because young man I am sick and…”
“Well I hope you’re not that sick.” The visitor asked back. “Albert you old fool it’s been a while.”
“Shinsaku Ban!” O’Shay replied as he wrapped his arms around his old friend from their days at Tokyo University. “It’s been too long, come in, come in…”
Ban removed his rain coat and hat. “So what have you been doing Albert? Last time I heard you were still assistant fellow at the Ministry of Science?”
O’Shay poured Ban a cup of coffee. “I’m the administrator now. The former Ministry head…long story short he failed to keep his obligations.”
“Well this is sort of an official call more than a social meet Albert. I was asked to come back here to Japan because Inspector Towashi has concerns about an upstart robot you people are having problems with.”
O’Shay shook his head. “You missed him this morning Shinsaku. He was here in my house.”
“Atlas?” Ban said. “You should have called the police.”
“laughter”…”He’s a very smart robot. He killed my phones.”
“Well…the national constabulary says he’s becoming a threat. The Prime Minister wants him apprehended and have a book whacked off his noggin. Vandalism, hate crimes violations and incitement.”
O’Shay might have second thoughts about what he was thinking but…”Actually some of Atlas’s complaints are rather valid. And to be honest all he’s done if you evaluate the laws are mister meaner level offenses. At worse, given the “age” of his construction, he can only be charged under juvenile laws. No offense to you Shinsaku but…I think Astro could deal with this matter far better.”
Shinsaku pursed his lips. “I’ve heard Astro has a slight friendship with this Atlas? That’s another thing concerning Inspector Towashi and the national constabulary.”
O’Shay snorted. “Ban…the only reason it concerns Towashi is because he hates robots no matter who they are. Atlas may be a little wild, temper tantrum throwing adolescent style robot but he’s no more a threat to anyone than one of these rebellious punk bozo riders on our public highways. At least if you leave the matter to Astro things will proceed calmly. Atlas respects him despite his very public abuses of Astro’s character.”
Ban nodded. “Albert if I had the luxury of deciding myself, of course I would leave it to Astro but I’m a sworn law enforcement officer who when handed his orders from his superiors must consider them good judgment and carry them out. Just tell Astro I’m out looking for Atlas and if he can bring him in with no trouble I’m sure he’ll help Atlas get off with a little probation time and nothing more.”
Ban polished off the coffee but O’Shay kept him seated. “You’re not leaving my house without being fed properly. I think I read your mind Shinsaku because this morning I bought our usual favorite cram time snack…Wholesale chocolate murder cake.”
“Oh you weasel!” Ban snorted as he started drooling. “How many nights did we stay up during the Frat years sucking down brews and this?! Do you remember when you shotgun puked all over Professor Hyuga’s desk? Oh what a hoot!”
O’Shay smiled evilly. “Professor Rhikoni’s VW? We took it apart and rebuilt it upside down on her desk?”
“PHI PHI BETA KAI, WE’LL DO THE TRICKS OR WE WILL DIE! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!”
“Damn! The good old days!” Shinsaku snarled happily. “Now I’m all fat, old and too heavy to climb fences. Don’t life suck Albert?”
“You spend your days mopping up oil spots and berating Astro and his sister for leaving their clothes everywhere, then tell me if life sucks Shinsaku.”
“Amen brother of the faith.” Shinsaku replied as he lifted his coffee cup. “To Beta Kai, short skirts, puke and practical jokes.”
O’Shay replied. “Amen to that brother Ban.”
New Fan Fiction: Walkies Some more.
Ministry of Science
Division of Safety
2PM
Amako Nowari took a sip from her water bottle as she painstakingly focused her eyes on the slowly rotating 3D simulation of a steel plate she had singled out for a second look. There was a spot on the edge which formed a side seam on the tank which had a small half moon deviation in the straightness of the edge.
Malla pointed to it. The analysis of the defect shows no conical feature consistent with plasmatic jetting or any natural failure process.
Nowari shifted the power magnification on the abnormality to a high resolution image of the grain structure of the metal. These diagonal striation lines are inconsistent with the grain structure would you agree Malla that this isnt caused by natural process failure?
Yes mistress.
Amako nodded. Malla? Please call Doctor OShay and Inspector Towashi. Tell them both that this accident has now become a criminal matter. Sabotage is a high probability.
Yes mistress. Malla bowed slightly.
Also Malla? Amako said as she turned around. Nothing to the news media. If asked, the investigation is on-going and focusing on all the mechanical connections to the tank fixtures nothing more.
Happy Penguin Ice cream
New Shinjuku
3pm
Soooo .youll be home some right? Reno asked. Astro was sitting quietly enjoying an ice cream cone, or so you may think that since no one could hear the conversation going on in his head.
Yeah. I just got back. Having ice cream. You .still found nothing? Astro asked while drooping his eyes.
Nope. Reno replied. I wont need you till tomorrow so dont rush over here. By the way, you were all over the news again. Great job!
Astro hummed. I dont have enough scrap books for all my clippings. Guess what excuse I used today to get away from the reporters?
Im dying to laugh.
Astro chuckled in front of Zoran and Takiuma. I peed my shorts.
Laughter Thats a good one! Reno laughed back. Ill see you tomorrow morning.
Night night. Astro replied before returning to lick the melting ice cream off his fingers. Now thats good ice cream. Are you ok Zoran?
Oh yeah! Zoran replied as she finished off her sundae. I should trap you into this every day!
Two teenage girls came giggling up to the booth. Oh my Gawd .he is so cute. One of them said as she pulled out a notebook. We saw you on TV? You were super awesome, can we get a picture with you?
Takiuma took one of their cell phones. Ah youll never escape your adoring public. Id be careful young ladies, hes known for making hearts explode.
Hey! Astro snorted. Thats a nice thing to say Sensei. Astro said as he got up and sat between the girls.
Im Miko, thats Egumi. Can you write something really cute?
Astro thought for a moment. He quickly scribbled a cartoonish looking puppy with big bug eyes. From your super cuddly cute pal Astro. Is that ok?
The two girls giggled furiously before Takiuma took the picture. The whole thing made Zoran blush with embarrassment.
As the girls walked off still giggling, Astro looked at her. Sis? Youre not going to blow up are you?
What was that? She asked sarcastically. Super cute cuddly pal? If I could vomit, that would have been the best time for it! Ugh that was so soupy! My brother should be a big tough guy not a piece of taffy!
Astro almost laughed. Theres no making you happy! I was just being nice, thats what we want humans to see isnt it. Oh I know
Astro slipped off the seat and walked like Frankenstein. Uuuuugh .me Astro, me crush cars!
Zoran started laughing. Cut it out!
Ill be back. Astro said with a droopy serious face. Ive come to suck your blood! Me big bad Astro, hear me roar, fear my face! Astro started making stupid faces which turned Zoran into a crying out of control laughing machine.
Ok Stop! Stop I get it! She pleaded till she sat up wiping the tears off her eyes.
Astro leaned against the table. Thats how we can make humans our friends. Even the meanest looking robot can handle a flower.
Takiuma pursed his lips. Reminds me of Caser the Friendly Ghost.
My favorite cartoon character. Astro replied pointing. A friend in need is a friend in deed, One good deed makes two friends youll need. click smart guy.
Takiuma happened to glance at the television. Seems not everyone agrees with you. He pointed.
And what good did allowing the tanker car to crash and explode do? 300 gallons of burning fuel oil polluted the air. The environmental safety department reported that an estimated 60 gallons went down a nearby sewer drain! Astro Atom caused more potential harm with his stupid antics than he prevented! This is why robots need to be tightly controlled! They are a menace to humanity!
Astro winced. Yeah not everyone agrees.
Zoran frowned. Those jerks. The K.E.H.L. always find something wrong with what my brother does. He could help an old lady across the street and theyll complain he held up an ambulance!
Takiuma looked at Astro. The K.E.H.L.?
Keep Earth Human League. Astro replied with a frown. Theyre from Tokyo. Anti-Robot everything. Just a bunch of blow hards.
Why do you consider robots such a threat?
Why dont you look for yourself? Theres Atlas the human hating rebel rouser who spray paints words like HUMANS SUCK! and DONT TRUST HUMANS all over the place! Weve even heard rumors from sources in the police department that Astro is obstructing Atlass arrest, that he secretly helps Atlas avoid punishment! This is why we cant trust these robots to do anything right!
Astro slapped his head with a hand and winced. Can we go now? I gotta do something before my sprockets pop out of my head.
Takiuma paid for the ice cream and walked with Astro still turned towards the television
"Astro should be forced to bring Atlas in and if he refuses then they should take him apart and make him a more compliant and safer servant. Servant! Thats the proper place for robots!
Astro stopped in his tracks, his hands were balled and shaking as Takiuma bent down and rubbed his shoulders. No .dont blow up, not here. Its just another dumb idiot shooting his mouth off, you are so much better than that.
A sniffle and Astro quietly sulked into his seat with his sister rubbing his hand softly. The little blow up upset him far more than the words could, it was very rare for him to get upset. He didnt say anything for the rest of the drive home.
Division of Safety
2PM
Amako Nowari took a sip from her water bottle as she painstakingly focused her eyes on the slowly rotating 3D simulation of a steel plate she had singled out for a second look. There was a spot on the edge which formed a side seam on the tank which had a small half moon deviation in the straightness of the edge.
Malla pointed to it. The analysis of the defect shows no conical feature consistent with plasmatic jetting or any natural failure process.
Nowari shifted the power magnification on the abnormality to a high resolution image of the grain structure of the metal. These diagonal striation lines are inconsistent with the grain structure would you agree Malla that this isnt caused by natural process failure?
Yes mistress.
Amako nodded. Malla? Please call Doctor OShay and Inspector Towashi. Tell them both that this accident has now become a criminal matter. Sabotage is a high probability.
Yes mistress. Malla bowed slightly.
Also Malla? Amako said as she turned around. Nothing to the news media. If asked, the investigation is on-going and focusing on all the mechanical connections to the tank fixtures nothing more.
Happy Penguin Ice cream
New Shinjuku
3pm
Soooo .youll be home some right? Reno asked. Astro was sitting quietly enjoying an ice cream cone, or so you may think that since no one could hear the conversation going on in his head.
Yeah. I just got back. Having ice cream. You .still found nothing? Astro asked while drooping his eyes.
Nope. Reno replied. I wont need you till tomorrow so dont rush over here. By the way, you were all over the news again. Great job!
Astro hummed. I dont have enough scrap books for all my clippings. Guess what excuse I used today to get away from the reporters?
Im dying to laugh.
Astro chuckled in front of Zoran and Takiuma. I peed my shorts.
Laughter Thats a good one! Reno laughed back. Ill see you tomorrow morning.
Night night. Astro replied before returning to lick the melting ice cream off his fingers. Now thats good ice cream. Are you ok Zoran?
Oh yeah! Zoran replied as she finished off her sundae. I should trap you into this every day!
Two teenage girls came giggling up to the booth. Oh my Gawd .he is so cute. One of them said as she pulled out a notebook. We saw you on TV? You were super awesome, can we get a picture with you?
Takiuma took one of their cell phones. Ah youll never escape your adoring public. Id be careful young ladies, hes known for making hearts explode.
Hey! Astro snorted. Thats a nice thing to say Sensei. Astro said as he got up and sat between the girls.
Im Miko, thats Egumi. Can you write something really cute?
Astro thought for a moment. He quickly scribbled a cartoonish looking puppy with big bug eyes. From your super cuddly cute pal Astro. Is that ok?
The two girls giggled furiously before Takiuma took the picture. The whole thing made Zoran blush with embarrassment.
As the girls walked off still giggling, Astro looked at her. Sis? Youre not going to blow up are you?
What was that? She asked sarcastically. Super cute cuddly pal? If I could vomit, that would have been the best time for it! Ugh that was so soupy! My brother should be a big tough guy not a piece of taffy!
Astro almost laughed. Theres no making you happy! I was just being nice, thats what we want humans to see isnt it. Oh I know
Astro slipped off the seat and walked like Frankenstein. Uuuuugh .me Astro, me crush cars!
Zoran started laughing. Cut it out!
Ill be back. Astro said with a droopy serious face. Ive come to suck your blood! Me big bad Astro, hear me roar, fear my face! Astro started making stupid faces which turned Zoran into a crying out of control laughing machine.
Ok Stop! Stop I get it! She pleaded till she sat up wiping the tears off her eyes.
Astro leaned against the table. Thats how we can make humans our friends. Even the meanest looking robot can handle a flower.
Takiuma pursed his lips. Reminds me of Caser the Friendly Ghost.
My favorite cartoon character. Astro replied pointing. A friend in need is a friend in deed, One good deed makes two friends youll need. click smart guy.
Takiuma happened to glance at the television. Seems not everyone agrees with you. He pointed.
And what good did allowing the tanker car to crash and explode do? 300 gallons of burning fuel oil polluted the air. The environmental safety department reported that an estimated 60 gallons went down a nearby sewer drain! Astro Atom caused more potential harm with his stupid antics than he prevented! This is why robots need to be tightly controlled! They are a menace to humanity!
Astro winced. Yeah not everyone agrees.
Zoran frowned. Those jerks. The K.E.H.L. always find something wrong with what my brother does. He could help an old lady across the street and theyll complain he held up an ambulance!
Takiuma looked at Astro. The K.E.H.L.?
Keep Earth Human League. Astro replied with a frown. Theyre from Tokyo. Anti-Robot everything. Just a bunch of blow hards.
Why do you consider robots such a threat?
Why dont you look for yourself? Theres Atlas the human hating rebel rouser who spray paints words like HUMANS SUCK! and DONT TRUST HUMANS all over the place! Weve even heard rumors from sources in the police department that Astro is obstructing Atlass arrest, that he secretly helps Atlas avoid punishment! This is why we cant trust these robots to do anything right!
Astro slapped his head with a hand and winced. Can we go now? I gotta do something before my sprockets pop out of my head.
Takiuma paid for the ice cream and walked with Astro still turned towards the television
"Astro should be forced to bring Atlas in and if he refuses then they should take him apart and make him a more compliant and safer servant. Servant! Thats the proper place for robots!
Astro stopped in his tracks, his hands were balled and shaking as Takiuma bent down and rubbed his shoulders. No .dont blow up, not here. Its just another dumb idiot shooting his mouth off, you are so much better than that.
A sniffle and Astro quietly sulked into his seat with his sister rubbing his hand softly. The little blow up upset him far more than the words could, it was very rare for him to get upset. He didnt say anything for the rest of the drive home.
Ministry of Science
Division of Safety
Late Afternoon
Inspector Towashi walked into the hologram room with Sergeant Deutadi close behind. So its a criminal matter now?
Amako invited him to view the real piece of steel where the half moon indication was located. If this had been an accident, we would have seen the tell tale signs of corrosion, metal fatigue or brittle failure which is common to sealed ends of members. This half moon and the striation lines that are against the grain boundary are indicative of a cut, most likely a laser. Malla?
Malla stepped forwards. As you see Inspector, the striations end at this point, about 1/32 of an inch away from the inner wall of the tank. The cut was precise, removing just enough material to leave a thin membrane of material which would eventually fail from the tanks internal pressure.
Towashi nodded. And what concludes this sabotage theory of yours? The tanks are designed with a failsafe quick dump system right? Any change in wall thickness would have kicked the emergency pump into high gear.
It could have. Amako replied. except that we found the pump. It was blown away from ground zero by the explosion and though the outer shell was damaged, we found that a small laser cut had penetrated into the vorticycle fan and seized the pump. There was no emergency release.
Towashi nodded and gazed at the metal. Can you determine where the shot was fired from? Distance, angle, power?
That may take us some time.
All went quiet for a moment then Towashi pursed his lips. Get it to me as soon as you can. And you better be able to back up what you figure out.
Towashi and Deutadi walked out. Youre getting an idea in your head inspector and I can only guess what youre thinking.
Thats the first thing I want to confirm or eliminate, it has nothing to do with my attitude with robots so drop it Sergeant.
Evening
Doctor OShays house
Astro skipped dinner after Takiuma dropped him and Zoran back home. He didnt need to eat and perhaps he was too bothered to enjoy it.
Of course he would go with Takiuma to see Doctor Tenma, no argument there. Especially after the kindness, that reassuring hug out of sight, the that a boy! knock on the chin Takiuma gave him. It made him feel better, at least a little more eased as he slipped into the big oak hot tub and placed a wash towel over his head.
A more compliant servant Take him apart Astro shook his head and quivered his lips, if he could cuss the whole street would shake with four letter words, what did that human ever do for anyone? Nothing! Not one positive act, deed or show of kindness to any human what so ever and yet this guy could point fingers at Astro?
Ugh . He brooded before dropping below the water. What a dumb, brainless paper weight. Thats all hes good for. Astro snorted before he rose back up
And found Atlas staring back at him with a dopey look on his face.
Evening Goody Boots. Atlas said waving.
Astro gave him a very tempered look back. Did you happen to see the news this afternoon?
That?! Oh yeah, another wonderful display of robot/human relations by our favorite puppy. How many milk bones did you get for that performance?
Astro frowned. The other part of the news? the K.E.H.L.?
The robot bashers? Same old stupid complaints, nothing new.
Astro walked across the tub and got in Atlass face. Did you spray paint HUMANS SUCK! somewhere?
Atlas looked away. Your hydraulic pressures going up. Better watch it.
Answer me! Astro demanded. DID YOU?!
Atlas snapped back. NO I DIDNT! And I didnt throw trash all over some human jerks yard.
Well who did?! Astro said snarling.
I dont know maybe some robot decided they had enough of being shafted. As if YOU ever give a damn at all about that being the humans pet monkey!
Astro knew better than to jump, it was what Atlas wanted. The typical bully, Atlas wanted to goad Astro into a fight, he relished swinging punches, exchanging blows, causing wreck and ruin when the location suited him. Nope not going to happen.
Astro controlled himself and sighed. You are really pushing your luck. The governments asked the national constabulary to put their top officer on hauling you in.
Atlas stood shrugging his shoulders. For what? For standing up for our kind? For not being a compliant stool? Atlas gave Astro a smirky gaze. For not acting like a stuffed animal?
Astro shook his head but Atlas persisted. Have I done anything anything that defies the three laws? Nothing I do has put humans in danger but everything I do makes them think twice about screwing with our kind. Were not going back to the days when we were the humans toys to do with and throw away as they pleased. And were certainly NOT going to lower ourselves to what you are. Your little pal around with the flash bags makes us look weak and timid.
Astro snorted back. Your pushy statements and rebel rousing play right into the hands of the K.E.H.L. and everyone who thinks were becoming a threat. Youre as racist and hateful as they are!
Atlas slammed a fist into the side of the pool. I have every right to be hateful! Look at you, you were abused by the human who made you, sold off to fight in a circus, mistreated, beaten, wheres your anger?! How can you be so trusting of these Earth killing, selfish, decadent, lying fat bags?!
BECAUSE I NEVER QUIT! Astro screamed out. He then clamped his hands over his mouth and waited. Obviously Doctor OShays trust was always golden. Astro relaxed. Because I look for the humans who are good at heart. Atlas I know you had a miserable start, you wont even open up and tell me whats happened to you, let it out. Trust me!
Atlas looked at Astro and started to walk away.
Damn it! He said. That was shock, another human cuss word leaking out? Will you stop and listen to me?! Astro blocked Atlas from getting out. Im tired of this Atlas! If you really, absolutely hate how I deal with humans then why do you keep seeing me all the time?! Help me for once! Stop fighting me and making things so difficult..please!
Atlas pursed his lips. Someday youll understand. One day our kind will really fill what we were designed for. Someday? Your precious humans will have a world where they wont have to worry everyday about those who try to dominate others, blackmail others or threaten others.
Someday youll never have to get beat up, or trashed or have to break every wire and circuit in your body for these foolish flesh bags
Atlas quickly turned and flew off before Astro saw the tears in his eyes. He was left shaking his head alone when OShay called him to come inside for the night.
The End for now.
Division of Safety
Late Afternoon
Inspector Towashi walked into the hologram room with Sergeant Deutadi close behind. So its a criminal matter now?
Amako invited him to view the real piece of steel where the half moon indication was located. If this had been an accident, we would have seen the tell tale signs of corrosion, metal fatigue or brittle failure which is common to sealed ends of members. This half moon and the striation lines that are against the grain boundary are indicative of a cut, most likely a laser. Malla?
Malla stepped forwards. As you see Inspector, the striations end at this point, about 1/32 of an inch away from the inner wall of the tank. The cut was precise, removing just enough material to leave a thin membrane of material which would eventually fail from the tanks internal pressure.
Towashi nodded. And what concludes this sabotage theory of yours? The tanks are designed with a failsafe quick dump system right? Any change in wall thickness would have kicked the emergency pump into high gear.
It could have. Amako replied. except that we found the pump. It was blown away from ground zero by the explosion and though the outer shell was damaged, we found that a small laser cut had penetrated into the vorticycle fan and seized the pump. There was no emergency release.
Towashi nodded and gazed at the metal. Can you determine where the shot was fired from? Distance, angle, power?
That may take us some time.
All went quiet for a moment then Towashi pursed his lips. Get it to me as soon as you can. And you better be able to back up what you figure out.
Towashi and Deutadi walked out. Youre getting an idea in your head inspector and I can only guess what youre thinking.
Thats the first thing I want to confirm or eliminate, it has nothing to do with my attitude with robots so drop it Sergeant.
Evening
Doctor OShays house
Astro skipped dinner after Takiuma dropped him and Zoran back home. He didnt need to eat and perhaps he was too bothered to enjoy it.
Of course he would go with Takiuma to see Doctor Tenma, no argument there. Especially after the kindness, that reassuring hug out of sight, the that a boy! knock on the chin Takiuma gave him. It made him feel better, at least a little more eased as he slipped into the big oak hot tub and placed a wash towel over his head.
A more compliant servant Take him apart Astro shook his head and quivered his lips, if he could cuss the whole street would shake with four letter words, what did that human ever do for anyone? Nothing! Not one positive act, deed or show of kindness to any human what so ever and yet this guy could point fingers at Astro?
Ugh . He brooded before dropping below the water. What a dumb, brainless paper weight. Thats all hes good for. Astro snorted before he rose back up
And found Atlas staring back at him with a dopey look on his face.
Evening Goody Boots. Atlas said waving.
Astro gave him a very tempered look back. Did you happen to see the news this afternoon?
That?! Oh yeah, another wonderful display of robot/human relations by our favorite puppy. How many milk bones did you get for that performance?
Astro frowned. The other part of the news? the K.E.H.L.?
The robot bashers? Same old stupid complaints, nothing new.
Astro walked across the tub and got in Atlass face. Did you spray paint HUMANS SUCK! somewhere?
Atlas looked away. Your hydraulic pressures going up. Better watch it.
Answer me! Astro demanded. DID YOU?!
Atlas snapped back. NO I DIDNT! And I didnt throw trash all over some human jerks yard.
Well who did?! Astro said snarling.
I dont know maybe some robot decided they had enough of being shafted. As if YOU ever give a damn at all about that being the humans pet monkey!
Astro knew better than to jump, it was what Atlas wanted. The typical bully, Atlas wanted to goad Astro into a fight, he relished swinging punches, exchanging blows, causing wreck and ruin when the location suited him. Nope not going to happen.
Astro controlled himself and sighed. You are really pushing your luck. The governments asked the national constabulary to put their top officer on hauling you in.
Atlas stood shrugging his shoulders. For what? For standing up for our kind? For not being a compliant stool? Atlas gave Astro a smirky gaze. For not acting like a stuffed animal?
Astro shook his head but Atlas persisted. Have I done anything anything that defies the three laws? Nothing I do has put humans in danger but everything I do makes them think twice about screwing with our kind. Were not going back to the days when we were the humans toys to do with and throw away as they pleased. And were certainly NOT going to lower ourselves to what you are. Your little pal around with the flash bags makes us look weak and timid.
Astro snorted back. Your pushy statements and rebel rousing play right into the hands of the K.E.H.L. and everyone who thinks were becoming a threat. Youre as racist and hateful as they are!
Atlas slammed a fist into the side of the pool. I have every right to be hateful! Look at you, you were abused by the human who made you, sold off to fight in a circus, mistreated, beaten, wheres your anger?! How can you be so trusting of these Earth killing, selfish, decadent, lying fat bags?!
BECAUSE I NEVER QUIT! Astro screamed out. He then clamped his hands over his mouth and waited. Obviously Doctor OShays trust was always golden. Astro relaxed. Because I look for the humans who are good at heart. Atlas I know you had a miserable start, you wont even open up and tell me whats happened to you, let it out. Trust me!
Atlas looked at Astro and started to walk away.
Damn it! He said. That was shock, another human cuss word leaking out? Will you stop and listen to me?! Astro blocked Atlas from getting out. Im tired of this Atlas! If you really, absolutely hate how I deal with humans then why do you keep seeing me all the time?! Help me for once! Stop fighting me and making things so difficult..please!
Atlas pursed his lips. Someday youll understand. One day our kind will really fill what we were designed for. Someday? Your precious humans will have a world where they wont have to worry everyday about those who try to dominate others, blackmail others or threaten others.
Someday youll never have to get beat up, or trashed or have to break every wire and circuit in your body for these foolish flesh bags
Atlas quickly turned and flew off before Astro saw the tears in his eyes. He was left shaking his head alone when OShay called him to come inside for the night.
The End for now.
Fan Fiction: Part 2 of Walkies some more.
Storm Warnings
Part II of Walkies some more
By Dan Rush
Astro Boy /Tetsuwan Atom © 1954, 1963, 1980, 2003, 2009 Osamu Tezuka all rights deeply respected. For non-profit fandom enjoyment only.
By Dan Rush
Astro Boy /Tetsuwan Atom © 1954, 1963, 1980, 2003, 2009 Osamu Tezuka all rights deeply respected. For non-profit fandom enjoyment only.
Note: Law Professor Toki Wazu is played in this fan fic by Osamu Tezuka. Tokiwazu is the name of the run down apartment building in Tokyo that Tezuka and some of the notable giants of early post-war manga occupied in the late 1940s.
Notes from the last episode Walkies some more
1. Doctor Tenmas brother Takiuma is going to visit him after years of antagonism between them.
2. Astro returns to New Shinjuku after a search of Doctor Tenmas former secret lab fails to find the body Tenma tried to force Astro to move into.
3. A fire at a steel works plant becomes a criminal investigation after evidence of laser fire is found on the remains of a propane tank.
4. Atlas denies hes responsible for some events which may be helping the propaganda of a prominent anti-robot group of humans called The Keel.
5. Shinsaku Ban, a law enforcement officer and friend of Doctor OShay, has been assigned to bring Atlas in on charges for his anti-human activities.
Morning
New Shinjuku University
Robot and human ethics law course
A student raised her hand and stood up. “Professor. According to the 3 laws of robotics. A robot may do no harm to humans nor allow harms to come to humans. How broad is the scope of “Harm” and given the Robot Rights Law isn’t there a serious matter of difficulty in allowing robots to form unions?”
Doctor Wazu took a moment to adjust his glasses and removed his business coat. “You can all tell this is going to be a swet producer when I have to shed some clothing in this normally comfortable room.”
There was some laughter as the Professor intended. His pull over sweater with its flame pink and white dotted design was a good meter to gauge the attention of his students. “My wife’s idea. I’m glad not all of you are asleep.” He removed the sweater and laid it on his podium.
“Let’s see….Mister Kanzaki, would you be so kind as to read the dictionary definition of harm for us?”
A young man stood up holding a very thick dictionary. “Harm noun meaning
physical or mental injury or damage. moral evil or wrongdoing. Verb meaning to injure physically, morally, or mentally.”
Wazu smiled. “Thank you. I’m pleasantly surprised that not all of you have abandoned the old traditions of working for your answers. Some day I’ll do a study on caloric amounts burned via dictionary vrs using your XBOX 460.”
The professor walked from his podium. “When Isaac Asimov wrote the founding three laws of robotics in his book “I Robot”, someone answer please, what was his intent of the word “Harm”?”
A student raised her hand. “Physical. To injure, cause death or kill by action or inaction?”
Wazu waved a finger. “Correct. At first, defense of human life was the number one thought process when mankind considered and created the earliest forms of advanced artificial intelligence. There was no consideration of mental or moral forms of injury until the Fukuoka Robot Declaration of 2004 which expanded the terminology of harm to include non-physical forms of abuse and injury.”
Wazu found a robot sitting in the front row. “For instance. This fellow here…”
“Ignacio Professor.” The robot replied with a bow.
“Bless you.” The professor replied, getting a chuckle back from the students. “Ignacio? This young lady next to you. If she did something that you considered an unwise idea, would you call her stupid?”
“No Professor.”
“But that robot over there. If you knew him for….say….four years, would you use the slang of “stupid” on him if he were to make an error you concluded was far beyond what you process as normal?”
“Yes Professor.”
“Where’s the difference?” Wazu pressed. “Why won’t you call what she did wrong “stupid” yet when your fellow robot does the same thing, you would call him “stupid”?”
Ignacio looked at the female student. “I don’t know her for any length of time because you didn’t specify that I had. Also, using “stupid” could cause her undue emotional discomfort.”
“And if you knew….this student for 3 years, you’ve worked together, had good relations…would you be able to use “stupid” as a matter of jest?”
Ignacio nodded. “If I had reasoned through experience that he would not be emotionally distressed, yes.”
Professor Wazu walked back to his podium. “What does this have to do with the first question? The formation of robots into unions, where can problems and conflicts result? Let’s say robots at a company form a union. One day the robots have a grievance, let’s say…maintenance compensation. Do you think the robots could strike? What if the company is dependant to where a robot strike could shut the company down? Let’s see what views we get out of this. Anyone wish to comment?”
A student farther back stood up. “A strike would be a far reaching matter. It would cause financial and emotional stress beyond the work place.”
“Of course.” The professor replied. “The potential for loss of revenue, possible job losses elsewhere in the community. Now keep in mind, and no insult to our robot students, some robots are not as advanced as others so this concept of causing unseen harm elsewhere may not register or be part of the latest thought and ethics upgrades, or simply not there at all. Is there a way to mitigate this potential crisis?”
A robot stood up. “Through communication. By talking to and enlisting the humans who we work with to stand with us?”
“Precisely!” The professor said excitedly. “Through communication, positive action. When humans are informed with the accurate truth, 9 out of 10 times stress is diminished and the potential for emotional harm is eliminated…”
“BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE….” The class alarm sounded out.
“Don’t forget that your mid-term thesis is due next Tuesday! We will continue this discussion tomorrow!” The Professor exclaimed as he went to the podium to retrieve his things. Soon a crowd of robots and humans gathered around him for autographs of his latest law opinion book or to query him on other matters or just to give him the usual cheerful banter…
Much to the dismay of his robot secretary Fred. The orb-like robot, who had two prominent googly eyes and white gloved hands, was almost grabbing at the Professor’s jacket as he stayed steep in conversation with a student. “Professor? Professor the faculty meeting is now 5 minutes past started, please you must attend.”
“My dear Fred.” The Professor scoffed. “I am sure that the halls of learning will not crumble into the ocean at my absence. My students are far more important don’t you think?”
“Of course Sir but being a member of the governing body, your duties…”
“Is to my students and not to become a furnishing gathering useless body mass while sucking down some undeserving tenure. The future of law is here Fred, not sucking down coffee with prima dona faculty.”
New Shinjuku University
Robot and human ethics law course
A student raised her hand and stood up. “Professor. According to the 3 laws of robotics. A robot may do no harm to humans nor allow harms to come to humans. How broad is the scope of “Harm” and given the Robot Rights Law isn’t there a serious matter of difficulty in allowing robots to form unions?”
Doctor Wazu took a moment to adjust his glasses and removed his business coat. “You can all tell this is going to be a swet producer when I have to shed some clothing in this normally comfortable room.”
There was some laughter as the Professor intended. His pull over sweater with its flame pink and white dotted design was a good meter to gauge the attention of his students. “My wife’s idea. I’m glad not all of you are asleep.” He removed the sweater and laid it on his podium.
“Let’s see….Mister Kanzaki, would you be so kind as to read the dictionary definition of harm for us?”
A young man stood up holding a very thick dictionary. “Harm noun meaning
physical or mental injury or damage. moral evil or wrongdoing. Verb meaning to injure physically, morally, or mentally.”
Wazu smiled. “Thank you. I’m pleasantly surprised that not all of you have abandoned the old traditions of working for your answers. Some day I’ll do a study on caloric amounts burned via dictionary vrs using your XBOX 460.”
The professor walked from his podium. “When Isaac Asimov wrote the founding three laws of robotics in his book “I Robot”, someone answer please, what was his intent of the word “Harm”?”
A student raised her hand. “Physical. To injure, cause death or kill by action or inaction?”
Wazu waved a finger. “Correct. At first, defense of human life was the number one thought process when mankind considered and created the earliest forms of advanced artificial intelligence. There was no consideration of mental or moral forms of injury until the Fukuoka Robot Declaration of 2004 which expanded the terminology of harm to include non-physical forms of abuse and injury.”
Wazu found a robot sitting in the front row. “For instance. This fellow here…”
“Ignacio Professor.” The robot replied with a bow.
“Bless you.” The professor replied, getting a chuckle back from the students. “Ignacio? This young lady next to you. If she did something that you considered an unwise idea, would you call her stupid?”
“No Professor.”
“But that robot over there. If you knew him for….say….four years, would you use the slang of “stupid” on him if he were to make an error you concluded was far beyond what you process as normal?”
“Yes Professor.”
“Where’s the difference?” Wazu pressed. “Why won’t you call what she did wrong “stupid” yet when your fellow robot does the same thing, you would call him “stupid”?”
Ignacio looked at the female student. “I don’t know her for any length of time because you didn’t specify that I had. Also, using “stupid” could cause her undue emotional discomfort.”
“And if you knew….this student for 3 years, you’ve worked together, had good relations…would you be able to use “stupid” as a matter of jest?”
Ignacio nodded. “If I had reasoned through experience that he would not be emotionally distressed, yes.”
Professor Wazu walked back to his podium. “What does this have to do with the first question? The formation of robots into unions, where can problems and conflicts result? Let’s say robots at a company form a union. One day the robots have a grievance, let’s say…maintenance compensation. Do you think the robots could strike? What if the company is dependant to where a robot strike could shut the company down? Let’s see what views we get out of this. Anyone wish to comment?”
A student farther back stood up. “A strike would be a far reaching matter. It would cause financial and emotional stress beyond the work place.”
“Of course.” The professor replied. “The potential for loss of revenue, possible job losses elsewhere in the community. Now keep in mind, and no insult to our robot students, some robots are not as advanced as others so this concept of causing unseen harm elsewhere may not register or be part of the latest thought and ethics upgrades, or simply not there at all. Is there a way to mitigate this potential crisis?”
A robot stood up. “Through communication. By talking to and enlisting the humans who we work with to stand with us?”
“Precisely!” The professor said excitedly. “Through communication, positive action. When humans are informed with the accurate truth, 9 out of 10 times stress is diminished and the potential for emotional harm is eliminated…”
“BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE….” The class alarm sounded out.
“Don’t forget that your mid-term thesis is due next Tuesday! We will continue this discussion tomorrow!” The Professor exclaimed as he went to the podium to retrieve his things. Soon a crowd of robots and humans gathered around him for autographs of his latest law opinion book or to query him on other matters or just to give him the usual cheerful banter…
Much to the dismay of his robot secretary Fred. The orb-like robot, who had two prominent googly eyes and white gloved hands, was almost grabbing at the Professor’s jacket as he stayed steep in conversation with a student. “Professor? Professor the faculty meeting is now 5 minutes past started, please you must attend.”
“My dear Fred.” The Professor scoffed. “I am sure that the halls of learning will not crumble into the ocean at my absence. My students are far more important don’t you think?”
“Of course Sir but being a member of the governing body, your duties…”
“Is to my students and not to become a furnishing gathering useless body mass while sucking down some undeserving tenure. The future of law is here Fred, not sucking down coffee with prima dona faculty.”
Last edited by dannavy85 on Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Morning
Ministry of Science
Data collection division
Astro looked like he was hooked up to some kind of torture rack. Strapped vertically against a recess in the wall, surrounded by multi-colored instruments, he was undergoing his weekly data dump exercise where his entire computer memory would be downloaded to a large processor, re-formatted, organized and returned. Though some memory data was retained such as the identities of friends, relations and life important memories, much of what Astro learned was put into a large storage drive, classified then retained as confidential matter or released to the various libraries and schools that requested Astros assistance. When it was done he climbed down, removed the USB cables and went about life as usual.
Before hed go off to help Reno though, and it was only 6am, life as usual meant cartoons. There he sat in one of the facility lounges, wrapped up in a snuggie, indulging in Cheereos and watching Bugs Bunny. The curiosity drew its usual fair of lab technicians and passer bys who smiled or chuckled at the strangeness. The worlds most powerful robot paralyzed by DUCK SEASON! BLAM!
His giggling helped Reno track him down. There you are. So how did it go yesterday with Tenmas brother?
Im still here. Astro replied as he shoveled spoonfuls of Cheereos in his mouth. Hes going to see Doctor Tenma today, I promised him Id be there.
Reno sat on the couch. We also have work to do. Youre the last on the list, if we dont find anything from that body I dont want to think what comes after that.
The Towashi tornado? Astro said smirking. Im not trying to make a joke of things.
Im thinking Skunk. Reno snorted. If anyone could have it? He would.
Astro huffed. Hes back in prison where he belongs and his pals? Theyre history doesnt show much confidence. Nah Skunks out of it.
Reno stood up. Well we cant be sure unless we get going huh?
Astro frowned. Youre pulling me away just when Jaberwalkys coming on, youre cruel!
If I promise ice cream after we go through that place again would it sooth your shattered dreams? Reno said as he wrapped an arm around Astros shoulder.
Itll help. Astro replied smiling.
Morning
Ministry of Science
Safety Division
Malla walked Shinsaku Ban, Doctor OShay, Inspector Towashi and another investigator from New Shinkukus homicide branch through the holographic simulation of the Tsumitomo Iron Works explosion
Our investigation suggests a very precise laser shot at a 10 degree upward angle at a distance of 1 meter from the tank wall. The perpetrator was off the ground approximately 15 feet and at this location, their identity was cloaked within the blind spot of the three closest security cameras.
Shinsaku nodded his head. Obviously he or they did their homework well. Im inclined to recommend we start our investigation towards disgruntled employees, some one within the company itself, perhaps some sort of fraud excuse.
Nonsense. Inspector Towashi growled. The shot was fired in the air. Some sort of hit and run affair. Domestic terrorism, environmental anarchists .
Towashi looked at OShay. Among some other considerations.
I might question you about these considerations. OShay said as he followed Towashi around the room. Youre thinking robots.
Every time I bring that up OShay you have to be the first person to jump down my throat. As a law officer I have to delve into every possible motive in order to arrive at the conclusion even if it causes you a little emotional discomfort.
Towashi lit himself a cigar and tapped a foot for a moment. Consider this Doctor. Knowledge of camera blind sites? To be able to get through this complex to that point and do that shot without being detected? For a human it would be normally impossible. Like I always say please please prove me wrong.?
Towashi left OShay standing amid the holographic destruction around him. Malla?
The robot came floating up. Yes Doctor?
I want you to begin an investigation of all the security cameras in the city limits that could in any manor possible capture an image of the subject or subjects who came into this facility up to 1 hour before the time of the explosion. Be quick about it please?
Malla bowed. Yes Sir. It may take two or three days at best.
Ministry of Science
Data collection division
Astro looked like he was hooked up to some kind of torture rack. Strapped vertically against a recess in the wall, surrounded by multi-colored instruments, he was undergoing his weekly data dump exercise where his entire computer memory would be downloaded to a large processor, re-formatted, organized and returned. Though some memory data was retained such as the identities of friends, relations and life important memories, much of what Astro learned was put into a large storage drive, classified then retained as confidential matter or released to the various libraries and schools that requested Astros assistance. When it was done he climbed down, removed the USB cables and went about life as usual.
Before hed go off to help Reno though, and it was only 6am, life as usual meant cartoons. There he sat in one of the facility lounges, wrapped up in a snuggie, indulging in Cheereos and watching Bugs Bunny. The curiosity drew its usual fair of lab technicians and passer bys who smiled or chuckled at the strangeness. The worlds most powerful robot paralyzed by DUCK SEASON! BLAM!
His giggling helped Reno track him down. There you are. So how did it go yesterday with Tenmas brother?
Im still here. Astro replied as he shoveled spoonfuls of Cheereos in his mouth. Hes going to see Doctor Tenma today, I promised him Id be there.
Reno sat on the couch. We also have work to do. Youre the last on the list, if we dont find anything from that body I dont want to think what comes after that.
The Towashi tornado? Astro said smirking. Im not trying to make a joke of things.
Im thinking Skunk. Reno snorted. If anyone could have it? He would.
Astro huffed. Hes back in prison where he belongs and his pals? Theyre history doesnt show much confidence. Nah Skunks out of it.
Reno stood up. Well we cant be sure unless we get going huh?
Astro frowned. Youre pulling me away just when Jaberwalkys coming on, youre cruel!
If I promise ice cream after we go through that place again would it sooth your shattered dreams? Reno said as he wrapped an arm around Astros shoulder.
Itll help. Astro replied smiling.
Morning
Ministry of Science
Safety Division
Malla walked Shinsaku Ban, Doctor OShay, Inspector Towashi and another investigator from New Shinkukus homicide branch through the holographic simulation of the Tsumitomo Iron Works explosion
Our investigation suggests a very precise laser shot at a 10 degree upward angle at a distance of 1 meter from the tank wall. The perpetrator was off the ground approximately 15 feet and at this location, their identity was cloaked within the blind spot of the three closest security cameras.
Shinsaku nodded his head. Obviously he or they did their homework well. Im inclined to recommend we start our investigation towards disgruntled employees, some one within the company itself, perhaps some sort of fraud excuse.
Nonsense. Inspector Towashi growled. The shot was fired in the air. Some sort of hit and run affair. Domestic terrorism, environmental anarchists .
Towashi looked at OShay. Among some other considerations.
I might question you about these considerations. OShay said as he followed Towashi around the room. Youre thinking robots.
Every time I bring that up OShay you have to be the first person to jump down my throat. As a law officer I have to delve into every possible motive in order to arrive at the conclusion even if it causes you a little emotional discomfort.
Towashi lit himself a cigar and tapped a foot for a moment. Consider this Doctor. Knowledge of camera blind sites? To be able to get through this complex to that point and do that shot without being detected? For a human it would be normally impossible. Like I always say please please prove me wrong.?
Towashi left OShay standing amid the holographic destruction around him. Malla?
The robot came floating up. Yes Doctor?
I want you to begin an investigation of all the security cameras in the city limits that could in any manor possible capture an image of the subject or subjects who came into this facility up to 1 hour before the time of the explosion. Be quick about it please?
Malla bowed. Yes Sir. It may take two or three days at best.
Atlas’s hide-a-way
Old Nissan Car Plant
East Shinjuku
Morning
Dear Brother,
We, the members of the National Building Maintenance Robot Union thank you deeply for the action you took on our behalf last week against Olympic Employment and their CE.O. Thanks to you we achieved positive benefits from our contract negotiations two days ago.
Atlas sat on the futon, stuffed animal under one arm and smiled pleasingly at the letter. They wanted to give him something other than the thick blanket he was wrapped in but Atlas couldn’t, the money never mattered. They needed his courage, his “In your face and shove it human.” style of negotiation. “Let’s see Goody Boots top that!” He thought to himself as he poked his teddy bear and set it carefully to the side of his pillow.
Atlas got up and walked out onto the balcony of his hide out, actually the top of a fire escape more than a balcony, and leaned over the railing as the noises of a slowly wakening city began to grow about him. What to do today? Find some new complaint about humans to take offense to or go pick on Astro?
No. Atlas looked back at the stuffed animal and smiled. “Today? Chase fire trucks. A break for his favorite hobby. Maybe another patch or botton to add to his fire fighter collection? Atlas nodded in self approval and launched into the air for a flight around the city…barring some silly interruption by that comedy group old Towashi called a police department.
Doctor Tenma’s Secret Lab
Mid-morning
A laser beam sliced a neat hole through a pile of debris and Astro wormed his way downwards in a tedious search, sweeping his head slowly left and right as his x-ray vision cut through the surrounding mess.
“Enjoying yourself?” Reno’s voice cracked through his head.
“Oh sure. I like getting filthy…..AHHHHH!”
Reno gasped. “Hey! You allright?!”
Astro was sitting on concrete, rubbing his head as a reflex. “I’m at the bottom of the silo. Guess I can crawl around under most this mess.” Astro said as he worked his way through the water and muck that had been collecting for a year. “You want to come down Reno? The water’s just fine if you can avoid the oil, grease, rust and…” Astro lifted a hand and winced…”I don’t want to know what that is!”
“No thanks.” Reno replied. “I didn’t bring my floaties.”
Astro continued to crawl through the sludge until his hand touched a piece of mangled metal to his side. “Hey…looks like I found something.” He pulled it up to his face and scanned over it…”It’s a lower arm. It could be from the body.”
“Could be or is?” Reno asked.
“Well…. It’s got a little bulk to it so it must be the arm cannon. Don’t forget this was an old robot smelting plant at one time before he turned it into a lab. It’s possible some residual robot parts were lying about.”
Reno sat rubbing his head. “Ok…bring it up and I’ll look at it.”
Once out of the silo, Astro sat watching intently as Reno took the charred arm apart. The sudden look of ease in his friends face made Astro smile…”It’s an arm cannon isn’t it?”
Reno nodded. “Oh yeah, and pretty advanced too. No, you can’t have it.”
“I didn’t ask.” Astro replied as he took it. “You should have seen it though Reno, ugly looking! No skin, no hair, armored all over the place and it looked like a teenager pumped on steroids!”
“Yeah…a few pimples and it would have looked normal.” Reno smirked then took out a magic marker and popped a few dots on Astro’s face!
“Hey! Cut it out!” Astro yelped.
“You actually look cool with freckles!” Reno said laughing as he pulled a mirror out of his toolbox. “Look…”
Astro gazed at the mirror and scratched his chin. “Hey…..they do look wild? Could you actually make me some?”
Reno huffed. “Can I burn water?”
Old Nissan Car Plant
East Shinjuku
Morning
Dear Brother,
We, the members of the National Building Maintenance Robot Union thank you deeply for the action you took on our behalf last week against Olympic Employment and their CE.O. Thanks to you we achieved positive benefits from our contract negotiations two days ago.
Atlas sat on the futon, stuffed animal under one arm and smiled pleasingly at the letter. They wanted to give him something other than the thick blanket he was wrapped in but Atlas couldn’t, the money never mattered. They needed his courage, his “In your face and shove it human.” style of negotiation. “Let’s see Goody Boots top that!” He thought to himself as he poked his teddy bear and set it carefully to the side of his pillow.
Atlas got up and walked out onto the balcony of his hide out, actually the top of a fire escape more than a balcony, and leaned over the railing as the noises of a slowly wakening city began to grow about him. What to do today? Find some new complaint about humans to take offense to or go pick on Astro?
No. Atlas looked back at the stuffed animal and smiled. “Today? Chase fire trucks. A break for his favorite hobby. Maybe another patch or botton to add to his fire fighter collection? Atlas nodded in self approval and launched into the air for a flight around the city…barring some silly interruption by that comedy group old Towashi called a police department.
Doctor Tenma’s Secret Lab
Mid-morning
A laser beam sliced a neat hole through a pile of debris and Astro wormed his way downwards in a tedious search, sweeping his head slowly left and right as his x-ray vision cut through the surrounding mess.
“Enjoying yourself?” Reno’s voice cracked through his head.
“Oh sure. I like getting filthy…..AHHHHH!”
Reno gasped. “Hey! You allright?!”
Astro was sitting on concrete, rubbing his head as a reflex. “I’m at the bottom of the silo. Guess I can crawl around under most this mess.” Astro said as he worked his way through the water and muck that had been collecting for a year. “You want to come down Reno? The water’s just fine if you can avoid the oil, grease, rust and…” Astro lifted a hand and winced…”I don’t want to know what that is!”
“No thanks.” Reno replied. “I didn’t bring my floaties.”
Astro continued to crawl through the sludge until his hand touched a piece of mangled metal to his side. “Hey…looks like I found something.” He pulled it up to his face and scanned over it…”It’s a lower arm. It could be from the body.”
“Could be or is?” Reno asked.
“Well…. It’s got a little bulk to it so it must be the arm cannon. Don’t forget this was an old robot smelting plant at one time before he turned it into a lab. It’s possible some residual robot parts were lying about.”
Reno sat rubbing his head. “Ok…bring it up and I’ll look at it.”
Once out of the silo, Astro sat watching intently as Reno took the charred arm apart. The sudden look of ease in his friends face made Astro smile…”It’s an arm cannon isn’t it?”
Reno nodded. “Oh yeah, and pretty advanced too. No, you can’t have it.”
“I didn’t ask.” Astro replied as he took it. “You should have seen it though Reno, ugly looking! No skin, no hair, armored all over the place and it looked like a teenager pumped on steroids!”
“Yeah…a few pimples and it would have looked normal.” Reno smirked then took out a magic marker and popped a few dots on Astro’s face!
“Hey! Cut it out!” Astro yelped.
“You actually look cool with freckles!” Reno said laughing as he pulled a mirror out of his toolbox. “Look…”
Astro gazed at the mirror and scratched his chin. “Hey…..they do look wild? Could you actually make me some?”
Reno huffed. “Can I burn water?”
Last edited by dannavy85 on Wed Nov 04, 2009 5:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
West New Shinjuku
CRASH! Pick the garbage up again you stupid robot! One teenager among a small group of club and wooden sword carrying humans snarled as he picked up another trashcan and knocked another robot off his feet into the side of a garbage truck. I said pick it up! When we humans order you miserable tin bastards to do something, you better damn well do it!
One of the robots pleaded with his arms up. Sir, you dont have to resort to this trouble! Were doing nothing wrong, its our job!
Another human snarled. Your job? The man walked up and kicked the robot in the chest, knocking it onto its back. YOUR JOB?! THESE ARE HUMAN JOBS! Just like the jobs you filthy metal scumbags have been stealing from us humans for years. Were sick of you! And its time we put you pieces of trash where you damn belong!
The angry mob was about to take their rage out on the two trash bots when
HEY! Came a scream from behind them. The mob turned around to see Atlas standing with his arms crossed. You pieces of pig flesh got a little problem with my friends?
One human started smacking a bat on his hand. Yeah like youre going to do something about it? Look guys, red skin and a yellow loin cloth. This little bot must think hes an Indian. Wheres your war party chief?
Atlas shook his head sarcastically. How typical. You humans are such brainless idiots. Ill give you one chance to go on your merry little way before I make you wish you were never born.
Another human walked up with a pipe in his hand. Do you get this little plastic beep! Hes threatening us? Newsflash you little beep! you cant harm humans!
Atlas enjoyed the laughter. Oh yes the three laws. I cant kill you, I cant take orders from a human to kill you and I cant allow you to be killed by my actions
Atlas then went stone faced. No body said anything though about tar and feathers did they? Atlas snapped his fingers and embarrassment rained from above!
A large hovering factory bot named Duwato cracked open the canister that was slung under his floating form and down rained a torrent of molasses and chicken feathers upon the unruly human gang!
Atlas wave up to his friend. Thanks Duwato! and casually walked up to one of the humans, snatching him by his shirt and pulling him close to his face
Uh .is that van yours? Atlas asked the suddenly shivering, goo covered mass of feathers.
Ye ..yeah. The man replied.
Atlas aimed a finger at it and sent a laser beam into the gas tank! KABOOM!
Ooops looks like youre all walking home. I suggest you start running oh .NOW! Atlas snarled as he fired laser shots at the feet of the mob and sent them on a run of humiliation down the street.
GO! GO TELL THAT IDIOT TOWASHI I STOLE YOUR WALLETS OR SOME OTHER STUPID LIE YOU DUMB HUMAN PIECES OF PIG PILES!
One of the trash bots shyly skittered up to Atlas and bowed. Brother Atlas! We we cant thank you enough!
Atlas put his hands on his hips and snorted. You can thank me by not groveling to these stupid flesh bags like victims. You dont have to harm them to make them stop their stupid ways. You just keep doing what your doing and stand up for yourselves.
Atlas took off, leaving the trash bots to pick up the mess caused by the mob.
Ministry of Science
Doctor OShays office
Late morning
Doctor OShay looked over the arm brought back by Reno and Astro and nodded with relief. Just as Tenma described. And you found no other remains?
Astro shook his head. Everythings pretty well trashed Doctor.
OShay tilted his head. Astro? Whats wrong with your face?
These? Astro replied pointing to his cheek. Freckles. I thought they looked cool so Reno added em to my pigment.
OShay chuckled. Well you better tell Reno hes a little blind. He showed Astro a mirror and the robot boy jumped.
I look like I got measles! I only said a few.
Well .I didnt say the spotted process was that good. I can take em out, might take a week or so but .
Astro threw his hands out and gave Reno a confused look. Dont tell me I have to go out like this?
Reno tried not to laugh and nodded his head. Sorry.
Astro groaned. Im not happy with you right now. Just for this, no pizza for you on our Anime night Saturday.
Youre so mean. Reno replied sarcastically.
And just for that Im taking my XBOX and going home. Astro said as he turned around and military marched out of the office.
You .can fix that pigment sooner right? Doctor OShay asked Reno.
Yeah .but I owe him one for a few of his practical jokes.
CRASH! Pick the garbage up again you stupid robot! One teenager among a small group of club and wooden sword carrying humans snarled as he picked up another trashcan and knocked another robot off his feet into the side of a garbage truck. I said pick it up! When we humans order you miserable tin bastards to do something, you better damn well do it!
One of the robots pleaded with his arms up. Sir, you dont have to resort to this trouble! Were doing nothing wrong, its our job!
Another human snarled. Your job? The man walked up and kicked the robot in the chest, knocking it onto its back. YOUR JOB?! THESE ARE HUMAN JOBS! Just like the jobs you filthy metal scumbags have been stealing from us humans for years. Were sick of you! And its time we put you pieces of trash where you damn belong!
The angry mob was about to take their rage out on the two trash bots when
HEY! Came a scream from behind them. The mob turned around to see Atlas standing with his arms crossed. You pieces of pig flesh got a little problem with my friends?
One human started smacking a bat on his hand. Yeah like youre going to do something about it? Look guys, red skin and a yellow loin cloth. This little bot must think hes an Indian. Wheres your war party chief?
Atlas shook his head sarcastically. How typical. You humans are such brainless idiots. Ill give you one chance to go on your merry little way before I make you wish you were never born.
Another human walked up with a pipe in his hand. Do you get this little plastic beep! Hes threatening us? Newsflash you little beep! you cant harm humans!
Atlas enjoyed the laughter. Oh yes the three laws. I cant kill you, I cant take orders from a human to kill you and I cant allow you to be killed by my actions
Atlas then went stone faced. No body said anything though about tar and feathers did they? Atlas snapped his fingers and embarrassment rained from above!
A large hovering factory bot named Duwato cracked open the canister that was slung under his floating form and down rained a torrent of molasses and chicken feathers upon the unruly human gang!
Atlas wave up to his friend. Thanks Duwato! and casually walked up to one of the humans, snatching him by his shirt and pulling him close to his face
Uh .is that van yours? Atlas asked the suddenly shivering, goo covered mass of feathers.
Ye ..yeah. The man replied.
Atlas aimed a finger at it and sent a laser beam into the gas tank! KABOOM!
Ooops looks like youre all walking home. I suggest you start running oh .NOW! Atlas snarled as he fired laser shots at the feet of the mob and sent them on a run of humiliation down the street.
GO! GO TELL THAT IDIOT TOWASHI I STOLE YOUR WALLETS OR SOME OTHER STUPID LIE YOU DUMB HUMAN PIECES OF PIG PILES!
One of the trash bots shyly skittered up to Atlas and bowed. Brother Atlas! We we cant thank you enough!
Atlas put his hands on his hips and snorted. You can thank me by not groveling to these stupid flesh bags like victims. You dont have to harm them to make them stop their stupid ways. You just keep doing what your doing and stand up for yourselves.
Atlas took off, leaving the trash bots to pick up the mess caused by the mob.
Ministry of Science
Doctor OShays office
Late morning
Doctor OShay looked over the arm brought back by Reno and Astro and nodded with relief. Just as Tenma described. And you found no other remains?
Astro shook his head. Everythings pretty well trashed Doctor.
OShay tilted his head. Astro? Whats wrong with your face?
These? Astro replied pointing to his cheek. Freckles. I thought they looked cool so Reno added em to my pigment.
OShay chuckled. Well you better tell Reno hes a little blind. He showed Astro a mirror and the robot boy jumped.
I look like I got measles! I only said a few.
Well .I didnt say the spotted process was that good. I can take em out, might take a week or so but .
Astro threw his hands out and gave Reno a confused look. Dont tell me I have to go out like this?
Reno tried not to laugh and nodded his head. Sorry.
Astro groaned. Im not happy with you right now. Just for this, no pizza for you on our Anime night Saturday.
Youre so mean. Reno replied sarcastically.
And just for that Im taking my XBOX and going home. Astro said as he turned around and military marched out of the office.
You .can fix that pigment sooner right? Doctor OShay asked Reno.
Yeah .but I owe him one for a few of his practical jokes.
New Shinjuku Police HQ
Noon
Inspector Towashi was reviewing evidence from the Tsumetomo explosion when an officer peaked in. Hey Inspector? You better come out and hear this.
Towashi could hear it already as the shouting could be heard through the whole building. As he walked into the main service desk lobby he saw a group of men covered in ..Tar and Feathers?
I WANT YOU COPS TO DO WHAT WE PAY YOU FOR! ARREST THAT TINKER TOY TERRORIST ROBOT NOW!
He blew up our van! Isnt that right guys? He did this to us, blew up our van and fired lasers at us! I almost got my head shot off!
Inspector Towashi was looking at a computer screen and nodded with a smirk as he walked from behind the counter Let me guess? Atlas right? Red skin, blonde hair, black boots?
One angry teen shook his finger. Damn right it was him! We could have been killed Inspector! The man snatched another by his shirt. Masayuma .almost had a heart attack isnt that right?!
I have a heart condition you know, he could have tried to kill me!
Towashi shook his head and pulled a pack of cigarettes from the mans shirt pocket. This is what gave you the heart trouble. By the way we got a phone call from the Shinjuku Public Works division? It seems one of their trucks got attacked by a mob of people oh .about your size! Now I dont know the details they were armed with clubs, beating up on the robots .now .that couldnt be you guys could it?
The men suddenly stopped their complaining.
I would hate to find out that three of you are members of the Keel movement because if this was a planned, premeditated attack I just might be inclined to send my officers out on a city wide raid, which would not be fun ..right?
The men all agreed.
I think being forced to run in public all covered in feathers and mollassus as you men did .and getting your van blown up out of total brainlessness is about as fair a punishment as you truly deserve. If I were one of you guys? Id stick to my normal everyday job and confine my activism to the opinion pages and to the people you elect to serve your needs
Am I clear? Towashi asked with a snicker.
The men all agreed.
Good. NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY STATION YOU IDIOTS! Towashi chased and threw the trouble makers out.
An officer came up with a clip board in his hand. Inspector? About these charges?
Towashi looked the sheet over. Site him for blowing up the van, illegal chemical fire .and making a mess of my station. Hes worse than that other brat.
Noon
Inspector Towashi was reviewing evidence from the Tsumetomo explosion when an officer peaked in. Hey Inspector? You better come out and hear this.
Towashi could hear it already as the shouting could be heard through the whole building. As he walked into the main service desk lobby he saw a group of men covered in ..Tar and Feathers?
I WANT YOU COPS TO DO WHAT WE PAY YOU FOR! ARREST THAT TINKER TOY TERRORIST ROBOT NOW!
He blew up our van! Isnt that right guys? He did this to us, blew up our van and fired lasers at us! I almost got my head shot off!
Inspector Towashi was looking at a computer screen and nodded with a smirk as he walked from behind the counter Let me guess? Atlas right? Red skin, blonde hair, black boots?
One angry teen shook his finger. Damn right it was him! We could have been killed Inspector! The man snatched another by his shirt. Masayuma .almost had a heart attack isnt that right?!
I have a heart condition you know, he could have tried to kill me!
Towashi shook his head and pulled a pack of cigarettes from the mans shirt pocket. This is what gave you the heart trouble. By the way we got a phone call from the Shinjuku Public Works division? It seems one of their trucks got attacked by a mob of people oh .about your size! Now I dont know the details they were armed with clubs, beating up on the robots .now .that couldnt be you guys could it?
The men suddenly stopped their complaining.
I would hate to find out that three of you are members of the Keel movement because if this was a planned, premeditated attack I just might be inclined to send my officers out on a city wide raid, which would not be fun ..right?
The men all agreed.
I think being forced to run in public all covered in feathers and mollassus as you men did .and getting your van blown up out of total brainlessness is about as fair a punishment as you truly deserve. If I were one of you guys? Id stick to my normal everyday job and confine my activism to the opinion pages and to the people you elect to serve your needs
Am I clear? Towashi asked with a snicker.
The men all agreed.
Good. NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY STATION YOU IDIOTS! Towashi chased and threw the trouble makers out.
An officer came up with a clip board in his hand. Inspector? About these charges?
Towashi looked the sheet over. Site him for blowing up the van, illegal chemical fire .and making a mess of my station. Hes worse than that other brat.
Early Afternoon
Shinjuku Engine Company 17
Fighting Dragoons
Back from a call, Timber was in the hose loft draining and flying hose links up the sides of the tower so theyd dry out.
Pst!.... came a voice from behind. Pst Tim?
Timber turned to see Atlas climbing through a window. Why dont you use the front door and make it easier for me to get busted?
Atlas stood rubbing his hair. Hows it been? That fire at Tsumitomo must have been work.
Most exciting thing weve gotten in the last year. Timber said as he tied up another hose. So whats up? I heard on the radio you tar and plastered a few of those Keel creeps.
Yup. Just another victory for our kind. I dropped by to ask about the flame house.
Timber smiled. I took you to see it last month remember?
No. Atlas said waving his hands. I wanna try it out.
Tim shook his head. I promised you Id do it if I got a break. Do you know what it costs to run that building for a training session? I cant do an unauthorized run, Id be busted flat.
Atlas grabbed a hand. Oh come on Timber, Im frying my circuits dreaming about it! Its one thing to chase you guys around the city and watch you fight fires but I wanna know what its like!
Atlas shrugged. Ok look Ill kidnap you! Yeah I kidnapped you and forced you to run the flame house for me. You can call Astro, the cops tell em .
Timber snorted. Man you are a pain in the neck Atlas. I could take you through once and you wont have to kidnap me but if the cops come after you, you better deny I helped you.
Atlas nodded. No problem! Ill owe you breakfast a box of the best oil uh .
Timber patted Atlass shoulder. Dont worry. Ill come up with something youll owe. Be there at 8pm, my shifts over and itll be an hour after lock up when I can turn off the security cameras.
Shibuya Prison
Early afternoon
Astro and Takiuma sat in a waiting room together as they waited for the police escort to take them to Tenma. Takiuma noticed Astros fidgeting and the spots all over his face.
Youre so nervous that youre breaking out. He said.
Astro felt his face. Huh I was trying to have some freckles.
Takiuma laughed. The more I spend time with you, the more you act like Tobio, its so uncanny. Have you ever done anything you later thought was foolish?
Astro squirmed in his seat. Yeah one time I wanted to see how a fireworks rocket worked? So I took one up and lit it off. Doctor OShay was so upset, I came back covered in burnt gun powder.
Takiuma chuckled. Tobio had come home from day camp one day, he was seven at the time. He learned how to make a camp fire so he and a friend went up into the woods behind his fathers house and built a camp fire. Well it didnt go the way they hoped.
Astro smirked. They set the woods on fire.
A raging bonfire. Takiuma replied. My brother raced home and the first indication of the culprits was two pairs of soot covered and melted rubber soled sneakers in the entry way. Well my brother goes up to the bathroom to find Tobio and his friend sitting in black colored water, soot all over their faces. He asked Tobio if he caused the fire and you know what Tobio said?
Astro shook his head.
I was trying to cook your dinner dad, didnt you see the burnt steak on the counter?
Astro laughed. Am I really close to Tobio? What did he like? I know he liked to draw but Im not that good. Did he like ice cream because Im addicted to it.
Takiuma patted Astros leg. Theres a lot of good things you inherited from him. He was very kind, he loved robots always talking about robots, wanted to be like his father some day and yet
Astro turned and frowned. So distant. Doctor Tenma was so busy with work he never seemed to have time for Tobio.
Just then a police officer came into the room. Well give you both some time in the prison gardens, just dont forget the rules.
Takiuma nodded and he and Astro followed the policeman into the garden where Tenma sat wrapping and trimming a Bonsai. At first he and Takiuma didnt look at each other or say anything which brought Astro deep distress
Until Takiuma broke the tension by walking up and wrapping his arms around Doctor Tenmas shoulders. Its been too long. He said warmly.
Doctor Tenma returned the gesture and gave his brother a hug. A broad smile came over Astros face. Im sure youll both want to be alone so Ill just step out and wait.
Takiuma waited till Astro was gone. The jacket Umataro? Ever think of being honest?
I did that because any other explanation would have disturbed him. After all our quarrel was a bit more vicious wasnt it?
Takiuma took a seat. I also decided to lie about Hoshi and how she died. Someday Astro should know the whole truth. Every time I look at him I see my Nephew then I see Hoshi then I get angry all over again!
Takiuma stood up and threw his chair back. I think back all those years to when I warned you in college, warned you about pursuing military science as a career, warned you about how you were so obsessed with complying to the jingoistic bull being fed by the Ministry of Defense, that the Atom project could only produce weapons that would get out of our hands
Tenma banged the table. Do you think I dont live every day, every night and every damn moment of my life not mourning for what I so foolishly took for granted?! But if it wasnt for military science how else could we have gotten the funding or the backing with enough muscle to enjoy our modern life? To have the advancements robots have had over the past 20 years?
Enjoy it?! Takiuma snapped back. What did you enjoy? You took her from me! You and your crazy experiments with weapons you had little control over!
Takiuma threw the chair aside and snarled. You havent changed Umataro, not one damned bit. You were soulless when Hoshi died, you were never better when my Nephew was killed. I hope for the sake of humanity they never let you out of this prison. It damn well suits you.
Takiuma walked out, he passed Astro in a hallway and stormed out with him close behind. Takiuma? Wait! Astro called as Takiuma slipped into his car. Takiuma please, tell me what happened?!
The car raced out of the parking lot leaving Astro shaking his head in dismay.
Shinjuku Engine Company 17
Fighting Dragoons
Back from a call, Timber was in the hose loft draining and flying hose links up the sides of the tower so theyd dry out.
Pst!.... came a voice from behind. Pst Tim?
Timber turned to see Atlas climbing through a window. Why dont you use the front door and make it easier for me to get busted?
Atlas stood rubbing his hair. Hows it been? That fire at Tsumitomo must have been work.
Most exciting thing weve gotten in the last year. Timber said as he tied up another hose. So whats up? I heard on the radio you tar and plastered a few of those Keel creeps.
Yup. Just another victory for our kind. I dropped by to ask about the flame house.
Timber smiled. I took you to see it last month remember?
No. Atlas said waving his hands. I wanna try it out.
Tim shook his head. I promised you Id do it if I got a break. Do you know what it costs to run that building for a training session? I cant do an unauthorized run, Id be busted flat.
Atlas grabbed a hand. Oh come on Timber, Im frying my circuits dreaming about it! Its one thing to chase you guys around the city and watch you fight fires but I wanna know what its like!
Atlas shrugged. Ok look Ill kidnap you! Yeah I kidnapped you and forced you to run the flame house for me. You can call Astro, the cops tell em .
Timber snorted. Man you are a pain in the neck Atlas. I could take you through once and you wont have to kidnap me but if the cops come after you, you better deny I helped you.
Atlas nodded. No problem! Ill owe you breakfast a box of the best oil uh .
Timber patted Atlass shoulder. Dont worry. Ill come up with something youll owe. Be there at 8pm, my shifts over and itll be an hour after lock up when I can turn off the security cameras.
Shibuya Prison
Early afternoon
Astro and Takiuma sat in a waiting room together as they waited for the police escort to take them to Tenma. Takiuma noticed Astros fidgeting and the spots all over his face.
Youre so nervous that youre breaking out. He said.
Astro felt his face. Huh I was trying to have some freckles.
Takiuma laughed. The more I spend time with you, the more you act like Tobio, its so uncanny. Have you ever done anything you later thought was foolish?
Astro squirmed in his seat. Yeah one time I wanted to see how a fireworks rocket worked? So I took one up and lit it off. Doctor OShay was so upset, I came back covered in burnt gun powder.
Takiuma chuckled. Tobio had come home from day camp one day, he was seven at the time. He learned how to make a camp fire so he and a friend went up into the woods behind his fathers house and built a camp fire. Well it didnt go the way they hoped.
Astro smirked. They set the woods on fire.
A raging bonfire. Takiuma replied. My brother raced home and the first indication of the culprits was two pairs of soot covered and melted rubber soled sneakers in the entry way. Well my brother goes up to the bathroom to find Tobio and his friend sitting in black colored water, soot all over their faces. He asked Tobio if he caused the fire and you know what Tobio said?
Astro shook his head.
I was trying to cook your dinner dad, didnt you see the burnt steak on the counter?
Astro laughed. Am I really close to Tobio? What did he like? I know he liked to draw but Im not that good. Did he like ice cream because Im addicted to it.
Takiuma patted Astros leg. Theres a lot of good things you inherited from him. He was very kind, he loved robots always talking about robots, wanted to be like his father some day and yet
Astro turned and frowned. So distant. Doctor Tenma was so busy with work he never seemed to have time for Tobio.
Just then a police officer came into the room. Well give you both some time in the prison gardens, just dont forget the rules.
Takiuma nodded and he and Astro followed the policeman into the garden where Tenma sat wrapping and trimming a Bonsai. At first he and Takiuma didnt look at each other or say anything which brought Astro deep distress
Until Takiuma broke the tension by walking up and wrapping his arms around Doctor Tenmas shoulders. Its been too long. He said warmly.
Doctor Tenma returned the gesture and gave his brother a hug. A broad smile came over Astros face. Im sure youll both want to be alone so Ill just step out and wait.
Takiuma waited till Astro was gone. The jacket Umataro? Ever think of being honest?
I did that because any other explanation would have disturbed him. After all our quarrel was a bit more vicious wasnt it?
Takiuma took a seat. I also decided to lie about Hoshi and how she died. Someday Astro should know the whole truth. Every time I look at him I see my Nephew then I see Hoshi then I get angry all over again!
Takiuma stood up and threw his chair back. I think back all those years to when I warned you in college, warned you about pursuing military science as a career, warned you about how you were so obsessed with complying to the jingoistic bull being fed by the Ministry of Defense, that the Atom project could only produce weapons that would get out of our hands
Tenma banged the table. Do you think I dont live every day, every night and every damn moment of my life not mourning for what I so foolishly took for granted?! But if it wasnt for military science how else could we have gotten the funding or the backing with enough muscle to enjoy our modern life? To have the advancements robots have had over the past 20 years?
Enjoy it?! Takiuma snapped back. What did you enjoy? You took her from me! You and your crazy experiments with weapons you had little control over!
Takiuma threw the chair aside and snarled. You havent changed Umataro, not one damned bit. You were soulless when Hoshi died, you were never better when my Nephew was killed. I hope for the sake of humanity they never let you out of this prison. It damn well suits you.
Takiuma walked out, he passed Astro in a hallway and stormed out with him close behind. Takiuma? Wait! Astro called as Takiuma slipped into his car. Takiuma please, tell me what happened?!
The car raced out of the parking lot leaving Astro shaking his head in dismay.
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