Chapter 1: The Marauder and The Key

Roger was driving on the freeway to the construction site. Today, he had hoped to broker a deal between the contractors working on the expansion project and project managers. However, Norman had radioed him in the Griffon with an update that the contracted workers were now on strike, asking for better benefits and wages. Roger grumbled, annoyed. It seemed Paradigm was trying to shoot themselves in the foot on this expansion project.

Roger took his exit off the freeway, driving to the bridge that connected Paradigm City to Electric City. He drove underneath the bridge where he found a large crowd gathered in front of the trailer, yelling and chanting their demands. He parked the Griffon and stepped out, with brief case in hand, activating the security system. Next to him was a nice, yellow convertible with chrome trim and retractable roof. Sitting on the hood was a man, dressed in a wool, yellow overcoat, his blonde hair styled in a pompadour, smoking the remains of a cigarette out of the corner of his mouth. Jason Beck was observing the chaos.

"You think the masses will destroy your car, Mr. Negotiator?"

"The way this crowd's acting, I'm not taking anything off the table."

Beck sighed, his face grave from observing the chaos down below. "Paradigm's rep is already in there. I think he's having fun."

Roger smirked. "Doubtful. But why are you here and not inside with them?"

Beck took one last drag of his cigarette and threw it on the ground, stomping on it with the heel of his shoe. "Thinking."

"Thinking?" Jason Beck actually thinking both sounded funny and troubling.

"Yeah, thinking," Beck emphasized, "It seems Paradigm wants this project done, but on its own terms. Maybe I'm over-reading things, but appears there's some opposing sides to this project and it's messing everything up."

"Interesting observation. What makes you think that?"

"Mr. Smith, I have my resources. Apparently, someone from the government told the workers they were not going to get good pay and benefits, despite me including them in the costs for the proposed budget. I don't think someone wants this project completed, or if they do, they want it done a certain way."

"Mmm hmmm… very astute."

"Quite humoring me, Negotiator. I hired you to do one job and from I've seen, you can barely keep a lid on things."

"Technically, both you and Paradigm agreed to me being a mediator during this project."

"Fair enough." Beck walked his way down into the crowd toward the trailer.

Roger followed, tightening his grip on his briefcase. He put on his sunglasses, listening to the chants of the angry workers. They had a right to be angry and Roger did empathize with them. However, the chances of Paradigm caving into the workers were slim. Most of the workers lived outside the domes. Even though Angel was trying to bridge the gap, resentment was still prevalent among many of the workers for the social and economic differences that had been established by many of the council's votes.

Beck held the door open as Roger stepped into the trailer. Beck shut the door and found his seat at the opposite end of the Paradigm rep at the table. Roger took his seat in the middle, opening his briefcase, and taking out his notes. He passed out two packets, one to Beck and one to the Paradigm rep.

"I've sent each of you a copy of the second survey results, but here's a hard copy for review. Their estimate is actually more than what Gold Industries promised to Paradigm initially, but promises the exact same work and timeline. I think, in this case, Paradigm is receiving a generous offer from Gold Industries. No short cuts will be made. Most of the work requires making the sure the bridge is structurally sound for the expansion and that alone will take up most of the budget as it's crossing the bay area."

"That's fine and dandy, Mr. Smith. But now we have a bigger issue at hand. The workers are refusing to work," the rep replied.

"Yeah, because someone ran their mouth," griped Beck.

"Gentlemen," said Roger warningly, "The project has already been delayed due to the second survey and now fall is here. Once winter comes, the bay will ice over, and the project will face a slow down until spring. According to the timeline, with days and evenings being worked, you can get at least the frame of the expansion down. Resolving the worker's concerns should take priority today."

"The worker's concerns are simple enough. They want decent pay and benefits. Time and a half after forty hours, double after 50. I'll throw in night differential to sweeten the pot. I can cover these costs," said Beck, crossing his arms and legs. He tapped his fingers on his arm impatiently.

"But they're our workers. We paid for the contract, therefore we dictate," said the rep as he lowered his hat.

"I don't give a damn about who owns them. I want to get this bridge built so I can start on the roads by spring!"

"GENTLEMEN!"

Roger finished the few notes he had written and set down his pen. He adjusted his tie. He was getting peeved at the bickering and stalling. He wondered if he should try to bluff his way through the meeting. It was not Roger's favorite tactic. In fact, in terms of concluding negotiations, it was a step or two away from summoning Big O. But now, he felt like Paradigm's committee was deliberately trying to undermine this project and he had enough.

"I have it on good authority that the Madam President wishes to see this done. She is… unhappy with the continued delays and negotiations, and wishes to see some progress. The budget was passed recently, and funds should be released in the near future. Money should not be a concern right now unless the project runs into unforeseen delays later on down the road. However, if the project starts now, the possibility of those delays happening are very slim. There's a compromise here, but we must keep a level head."

Beck and rep groaned. Beck pulled out his comb and combed his pompadour.

"Would it be legal for me to buy out Paradigm from the contract, for the workers?" He placed his comb back his pocket.

"Paradigm's lacks employment and contract laws for contract workers, only guaranteeing that basic rights are not violated. I don't think there should be any issues with the home office, as long as the price that was paid for the workers to begin with is covered, if you're interested in buying out the contract."

Roger looked at the rep. The rep was fidgeting in his seat uncomfortably. Apparently, his bluff had worked. Roger pressed the rep.

"How much was the contract?"

"$1 million, not including the $3.6 million Beck had proposed in his contract. But much of that $1 million went to the contract management company."

"Done!" Beck whipped out his checkbook and gold fountain pen. After he filled out and signed the check, he handed it over to his secretary, who walked the check over to Roger. Roger looked it over. Everything seemed in order. He handed it over to the rep, who looked it over and pocketed the check inside his suit breast pocket.

"So, am I good to start?"

The rep nodded.

Roger made a final note on his note pad and put his notes back in the briefcase.

"As always gentlemen, once my notes are finalized, you will receive a copy via certified mail. Please make sure you have someone who's authorized to sign for it. I believe we have concluded negotiations for now. Per my contract, unless there are disputes or delays, the next meeting we have together will be the quarterly progress, being held at the beginning of December. Unless you have any questions?"

Beck and the rep shook their heads no. Roger latched his briefcase. "Then we have come to terms for now. If you have any questions arise later, you have my number."

The Paradigm rep left first and rather quickly. Once he had shut the door to the trailer, Beck let out a cackle.

"Did you just really lie to the rep from Paradigm about the President?"

Roger adjusted his sunglasses, rising from his chair. "Don't really see how that's any of your business, but I've been in contact with the President as of late. She's not happy with the delays. If I were you, I wouldn't be wasting any time."

"Eh? The Madam President got involved? Damn, I must doing something right."

"Don't get the wrong impression." Roger walked toward the door, putting his hand on the door, opening it. "Let's just say her interest and your interest align for the time being. I wouldn't waste this opportunity, nor make a mess of things."

Roger stepped out and shut the door to the trailer while Beck smirked.

Well, Mr. Negotiator, you're right about one thing. I won't be wasting this opportunity. Not if I have anything to say about it.

***************************************************************

Dorothy sighed as she walked the streets in Union Central East Dome. The estate involving two siblings had gone a bit awry, but with some quick thinking, she was able to conclude negotiations.

"Their mother hasn't been buried yet, and they're arguing over who will get the fine china and the silverware," muttered Dorothy.

Dorothy did not feel like going back to the mansion just yet, so she had parked the car and walked around the dome, admiring the shops. However, it was also to relieve some stress. She had only been a human for over a month, but she was still confused about human emotions and feelings, especially with this case. The mother was dead, yet every item in her house was named in her will, and had been personally assigned each of the siblings, with the siblings prior approval. She knew everyone grieved differently, but during the time she thought she lost Roger, her only desire was to save him. She knew he was still alive. In this case, the siblings wanted any little thing they could get their hands on, to use as bragging rights. Humans were strange and now, she was a human.

A wonderful smell caught her attention, distracting her from her thoughts. The mixture of coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon drew her attention to a café. Dorothy began walking in the direction of the café when she stopped suddenly. She spotted Angel sitting in one of tables outside the café, reading over her notebook. A Military Police officer was nearby standing near what Dorothy presumed to be Angel's vehicle. Did she turn around and go back to her vehicle, or did she keep going?

Dorothy's decision was made for her. Angel looked up and saw Dorothy over her cup of cappuccino. She set down her cup and motioned Dorothy to come sit next to her at the table. Dorothy took a deep breath and walked over. She hadn't been inclined to meet with Angel, alone, but she knew it probably would've happened eventually.

Best get it over with now.

"Dorothy, it's great to see you. What are you doing here?"

Dorothy put her satchel next to her seat. "I had a case I was negotiating. Why are you here?"

Angel raised an eyebrow. "You're negotiating cases for Roger?"

"I'm a part of Roger's firm, negotiating my own cases. He feels I'm capable enough. So, what are you doing here?"

Dorothy folded her arms. Her face was blank and hard to read.

"Um, I have a meeting here with representative of this dome. I'm wanting to create a community center that the kids can enjoy after school, and the adults can use for their community get-togethers, but he's not wanting the people outside the domes to use it. I figured I would meet with him in person, to convince him otherwise. I also wanted to address a few other details with him as well since he's one of my more vocal opponents on the council, and I hope to at least broker some kind of peace. I got here early, and I figured I would kill some time here. They have the best vanilla cappuccino here."

A waiter stopped by their table. "Anything I can get for you ladies?"

Angel shook her head. "I'm fine. However…"

"I'll have what she's having, but on a separate check."

The waiter nodded and left to place Dorothy's order with the barista.

"Oh, I was going to pay for your cup."

"I appreciate the gesture, but I can afford my cup, thank you."

Dorothy's voice was cold towards Angel. Angel cringed slightly, and avoided Dorothy's gaze. She looked down at her cup.

"You're still mad at me… about that night."

Angel's fingers rubbed the handle of cup nervously while Dorothy stared coldly at Angel.

"If you're expecting me to worship the ground for what you did for me, and forgive you by now…"

"No! No… I know… I guess… what I'm trying to say is, I feel the same way you do. Not having a choice…"

Dorothy observed Angel incredulously, but maintained her composure.

"You? Know how I feel?"

"I didn't ask for my power either, Dorothy. All I want is a normal life. Now, I'm trying to figure out who's the sicko who decided to make me their tool, without getting blown up in the process."

A clicking of a cup and plate made Dorothy break her gaze with Angel. The waiter had returned with her cappuccino.

"Your cappuccino, Miss. Will that be all?"

The waiter set down Dorothy's cappuccino. Dorothy nodded and the waiter excused himself. Dorothy raised the cup to her, blowing it gently to cool. She noisily took a sip, the cappuccino still hot. Dorothy set down her cup, her eyes meeting Angel's.

"It's good."

Angel nodded. "I've been coming here for a while. I'm glad it survived the reset and so did the barista. But any how…"

"Not to sour the moment, but I still don't understand how you think I feel. It's been a nightmare, these different sets of memories. They come in flashes with all of these emotions. It's exhausting, though as of late…" Dorothy trailed off. She wanted to bring up that Roger's presence had been keeping them at bay, but she didn't want to disclose that to Angel.

"Dorothy, for what it's worth… I'm sorry. I truly am. I guess… deep down… I didn't want this entity to create another me for them to use. Not in the same way as me. Who knows what they would've done to us just to accomplish what they want. I can't imagine what you've been going through, the part you just mentioned. But I knew you wouldn't want to be used as a power up for a megadeus, even if it's your Big friend. Hell, even now, I feel like a walking time bomb. I have this power and I have some idea of how to use it. But controlling it? I'm afraid if I start trying to discover my power, I may bring about the next world ending event. But, if I don't do anything, my enemy or enemies will get the better of me. So, I'm hoping to change that soon."

Dorothy sipped her cappuccino, putting it down on the table. "Did you honestly feel that the presence you spoke of, its intention was to harm or use me for their plans?"

Angel nodded. "No doubt. Especially after you, um… showcased your true potential. I felt it. It was gleeful, maniacal joy. And I guess in that moment, when they lost control briefly, I took control back just before everything… changed."

It was hard to talk about the reset in public with so many ears about, and especially because of the position Angel held. Angel did not need her competency in her role questioned.

Dorothy and Angel took a sip of their cappuccinos.

"This is actually pretty good, now that it's not too hot," Dorothy commented.

"They grate fresh cinnamon and nutmeg into it. It adds a nice flavor," Angel replied, giving a small smile.

"I'm not going to lie Angel, I'm still mad at you. But, I guess… now… I understand… a little anyway. Are you trying to find a way to… separate yourself from your current situation?"

"Trying. It's proving more difficult than I thought, though Dan did give me some helpful advice, even though I had to make some tough realizations about my own feelings. So now, I'm trying to go through what happened that day… what I felt… what was told to me, what triggered everything, I guess. And what I did during those final moments to control it."

Dorothy held her cup in her hands, the warmth of cup transposing itself on to her fingertips.

"It's probably much harder to do those things, especially now that you are President."

"It is, but I do find time. Moments like these help calm my mind."

Dorothy closed her eyes. There was something she need to ask to get off her chest.

"Do you still like Roger?"

Angel looked at Dorothy, setting her cup down. "The honest answer, Dorothy? Yes. But I also know better. As much as it hurts, and I'm still getting over it, I'm moving on. Or at least I'm trying to. Why do you ask?"

"Merely to satisfy my own curiosity and nothing more."

"I see."

Silence. Dorothy sipped her cappuccino. Angel finished hers and set her cup on the side of table. The Military Policeman standing by Angel's car walked over to her.

"You have about 30 minutes, ma'am."

"I see. Thank you, Richardson."

He walked back to her car. Angel began to gather her things together.

"Dorothy, I know, especially now, you don't like me very much. But, as I stated before, I like you. And I would like to be your friend." She stood, taking a moment to search for something in her pocket. She found what she was looking for and Angel slid Dorothy her card.

"This is how you can get a hold of me, if you ever need me."

Angel excused herself, walking to her car. Dorothy finished sipping her cappuccino and slipped Angel's card into her satchel.

It seems like I don't have to worry about competition, but… it's odd. Being friends with someone who you know has feelings for someone you like, even though they're trying to move on.

Dorothy paid for her cup and went back to her car, the meeting with Angel weighing heavily on her mind on the walk back. She sensed that Angel was genuine in her reasons for turning her human, but that was not the reason why the situation was bothering her. She sighed. Perhaps finishing up her paperwork and going on a run would help her sort things out. She reached her car.

Norman's right. You don't go through something as big and traumatic as we all did, without being scarred. A part of you does change. It sounds like a good run will help clear my head once I get this paperwork done.

***************************************************************

Roger returned home around lunch time. As he rode the lift up to his office, Norman followed, taking care of his things that Roger handed to him.

"Miss Dorothy has also returned as well. I believe she's finishing up her case notes, sir," Norman stated as he took Roger's coat and belongings.

Roger looked at him from his peripheral vision. "Oh, good. How did hers go?"

"I'm afraid she's frustrated with the client. They were arguing over trivial matters about the estate."

"Mmm. That can happen from time to time. Did she make progress?"

"Indeed, sir. She's set to go back in a week's time to finalize the estate proceedings. She also stated she ran into the Madam President on the way back to her car, and stopped to have a coffee with her."

"What? Why was Angel there?"

"Apparently meeting the representative of the dome, sir. She had arrived early before the meeting."

"How's… Dorothy? Did they get into an argument?"

The lift arrived at the office and they both stepped off.

"Miss Dorothy didn't elaborate any further. She's been back for some time now and I think she may be distracted, sir."

"Hmmm… could you bring us lunch, Norman? I'll see what I can do."

"Of course, sir." Norman put Roger's belongings away and went back into to the lift to go to the kitchen. Roger proceeded into his office.

Dorothy was at her desk, her blazer hanging on the back of her chair, lost in thought. She was tapping her pen absentmindedly, her hand covering her mouth. It appeared she seemed stuck on something with her paperwork.

"Hey," Roger said, as he proceeded to his desk. Dorothy didn't respond. He stopped walking.

"Hey Dorothy?"

"Hmm…" she acknowledged him.

"You okay?"

She nodded.

"I'll be at my desk if you need anything."

Roger continued walking to his desk, sitting down. He paused for a moment, staring at Dorothy, then he brought his briefcase onto his desk, opening it. He organized the paperwork into neat piles on his desk and pulled the typewriter close to him. As he found fresh paper to begin typing his notes, Dorothy let out an exasperated sigh and threw her pen down on her desk. Roger raised his eyebrows, looking puzzled.

"What's up?"

Dorothy leaned back in her chair, staring at the ceiling.

"It's Angel."

"Angel? What about her?"

"She wants to be my friend."

Roger adjusted the paper and set the margins. "Interesting. How do you feel about it?"

"That's the point, I don't know." Dorothy folded her arms behind her head to support her, "In the past, she's always had hidden motives. But now… since everything, she's changed. I'm not sure if it's for the better. She always looked out for herself and I still believe that."

"Yeah, true. But I guess discovering you have the power to alter time, history, and people might change anyone."

Dorothy continued to stare at the ceiling. "What I don't understand is why."

"Regret perhaps? Maybe she sees a kindred soul in you, Dorothy."

Dorothy's head snapped back to glare at Roger. "You wanna expand on that?" she asked curtly.

Roger, cleared his throat, realizing he was in hot water. "Forgive me, I didn't mean for that to take offense. What I meant to say is that your situations were similar. You being used as a key for Rosewater to unlock Big Fau, her being used as key to unlock Big Venus and the reset of the world. I don't think there's anyone else that we know of that could relate to your situation. And because of that, she's probably lonely."

Dorothy's face softened, realizing Angel had said the same thing earlier, but for some reason, Roger saying it made it click inside her head. "I never thought of it that way. I guess, I'm lucky to have you, and Norman, to help me and I trust you both."

Roger turned slightly pink at the compliment. "We try, but even there are some things we can't understand from a woman's point of view. Sometimes, in order to make sense of things, you need to talk to someone of your same sex. She probably doesn't have anyone, and doesn't feel like she can trust anyone, aside from us and Dastun perhaps. We're always so busy with cases, and if I know Dastun, he's honest, but not tactful, and well… I guess I'm going in circles here. He can be a bit… gruff."

"I see. So… what do I do?"

"That decision's entirely up to you. You're free to do what you want…"

Dorothy looked back at her paperwork.

I'm not sure if I can be so forgiving now. I mean, I understand where she's coming from. But in the past… Should I even try? Everything is so different now. I feel like there's a disconnect, between my old self and my present self. She's definitely changing, even if it's a small change. But is it worth it? Giving her a chance?

Roger studied her while she was lost in thought. He could only fathom what was going on in her mind. He rose from his chair and walked over to her desk. He gently put his hand on her shoulder so as not to startle her. Dorothy looked up at him.

"Bring your paperwork over to my desk. Why don't we help each other look over notes, finalize them? Afterwards, we can go on a run, together, and talk this over more. Is that alright?"

Dorothy looked away, smiling, patting his hand on her shoulder. "Yeah, that'll be fine."