Chapter 7: The Way Forward

Big O opened the cockpit, water pouring out, as Roger climbed out, coughing up sea water. The cockpit had not been waterproofed for extended submersion in the water and the battle had cracked the glass of the cockpit cover. He came to after being hit by Big Venus, realizing he was about to drown, and had swallowed sea water in the process. He took a moment to catch his breath before falling to his knees, trying to steady himself, breathing hard. He saw his shadow on the floor of the cockpit.

His shadow? But, how?

Roger slowly got to his feet, slowly looking up, and around him. He put his hand to shield his eyes, squinting as they adjusted. Once his eyes adjusted, they grew wide, trembling with disbelief. He stared out at the sea before him, not gray anymore, but a beautiful blue-green color, shining like diamonds in sun light. The sight of the blue sky meeting the sea took his breath his way. He had only saw pictures and paintings of what it looked like, but never in person. He then became aware of loud yells and saw that a bunch of people had gathered to see the sun for the first time, shining on Big O. They were people cheering from the shoreline, including Angel, Norman, Dastun, and the MPs. In response, Big O raised his right arm up. Roger smiled.

"We did it, we truly did it, my friend. And it seems like Angel did it too. It's over."

Roger too raised his right arm up in solidarity with Big O for a moment. Then he stared out at the sea, enjoying the warm sunlight and sea breeze. But then, a thought dawned him.

"We need to get home. I have a lot of explaining to do."

Roger climbed back into the cockpit and moved Big O away from the sea, sending a signal for the Prairie Dog to come pick them up and take them back to the mansion. His comm links were fried from the sea water, so he was unable to contact console at the mansion. Roger got Big O to the shoreline in shallow water. Big O raised one leg up, and brought it back down, slowing disappearing in the ground. The Prairie Dog lowered Big O down into the freighter, sealing the cover and slowly began moving in the direction of the mansion.

I have no idea what I'm going to say to her. I'm lucky if she doesn't decide to leave me at this point. I've been nothing but… well… I guess I do deserve it if we break up.

He sighed to himself. He was tired and sore. His head was now throbbing from the fall from earlier. But he didn't care.

All I want to do is embrace her when I see her and then… if she's gone, she's gone. All this… would've been worth it.

Roger leaned back, feeling the weight that had been on chest suddenly increase.

So much for thinking that after this, my woes would be over.

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

"Toots, he's back. Open the hangar doors."

Dorothy hit a few switches and the hangar doors opened. She had been crying, unable to restore the comms, so had remained unaware of what had happened out at sea after Roger shut off the comm link. She had covered her head, trying to stifle her sobs when Beck noticed the Prairie Dog had been activated. Beck pointed this out to her and she had stopped crying, in disbelief. Something had happened. Did he survive, she thought. Sure enough, the Prairie Dog slowly pulled in and braked to halt. The covered open and Big O opened the cockpit. Roger climbed out slowly. Beck walked over to meet him.

"Thanks, Big O," he said as he climbed down. The Prairie Dog continued to move on to the platform to put Big O back up in the hangar.

He saw Beck, staring at him, trying to pull a cigarette out of the box. Roger walked over and offered his hand. Beck eyed him for a moment.

"Thank you, for your help, and watching over Dorothy," said Roger.

Beck took his hand, shaking it briefly. "Don't thank me. I'm gonna smoke a cigarette. I've had enough bullshit for one day. I'll leave you to it then…" and he jerked his head behind him.

He released Roger's hand, fishing a cigarette out of his box and began walking down the path that led out of the garage. Roger smirked and turned around. Dorothy was standing there, still wearing the headset, her eyes trembling at him. They were hard to read, but yet, she was standing in front of him. Not merely hours ago, she had left. But she was here, now.

He slowly walked over to her, his eyes still trying to process what he was seeing. He stood in front of her, her fierce gaze staring into his own eyes. He removed the headset from her, setting it down on the console. And before she could say anything, or yell at him, he embraced her tightly, burying his head into her.

Dorothy was caught by surprise. The only time he had ever embraced her like this was when he saved her from Dorothy 1, pulling her from the cables to free her. Her eyes trembled, but she was unable to speak. Then Roger spoke softly.

"I made a mistake, sending you away like that, and for that, I'm sorry. I want you to know, all I thought about was your safety for you, for them. I couldn't bear to lose you or them. So, I said the one thing I knew that would get you to leave. I lied about how I felt. I lied because I didn't want you to get hurt. And I know that was the most pathetic thing I could've ever done, and this was the one time it was not okay for me to tell a lie."

He pulled a little away, holding her head in his hands, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were trembling, but his eyes were calm and focused. She still had a hard time understanding him.

"Really? You lied? That's it? And then, before you go blow yourself up, all you can tell me is 'take care?' So… what was the truth? What was the truth you wanted to tell me early this morning?"

"I love you too, Dorothy Wayneright."

Dorothy's eyes welled up with tears at the sound of the words as her arms embraced him. She knew he loved her, his actions had proven that, but to hear the words… Roger gently put his hands on her face and leaned in, kissing her passionately on the lips. He tasted of salt and sweat, not that she cared. He was here, safe and sound. He gently pulled away, wiping her tears from her eyes with his thumbs, still holding her face. He pressed his forehead against hers, closing his eyes, grateful she was here, standing in front of him.

"WOULD YOU KISS AND MAKE UP ALREADY? I NEED GODDAMN CIGARETTE AND I CAN'T OPEN THIS GARAGE DOOR!" roared Beck from the end of the hangar.

Dorothy giggled as Roger gently picked her up, walking to the end of the hall, setting her down gently so she could open the door with the code Norman had told her earlier. As the garage door opened, they held each other's hand as the sunlight shined in, blinding Dorothy briefly for a moment. Beck frantically went outside, trying to light his cigarette while Dorothy smiled, feeling the warm rays on her face.

"My New Year's wish came true," she said, enjoying the light.

"Funny," said Roger, "So did mine."

A sudden screech of brakes caught their attention, and as they turned to look to see who it was, Angel climbed out of the back of the MP car, running to the other person she had missed the entire week while locked in her cell. Dorothy let go of Roger's hand, running to meet Angel, hugging her, both women in tears. Norman walked over to Roger, to embrace him as well, confusing Roger for a moment, but embracing him back all the same. Lucy smiled and approached Dastun.

"I've done what I set out to do. She found the answer I was looking for. I wish I could see where it leads," and she offered her hands up so he could arrest her. Dastun looked at her.

"You know, you could leave now, and no one would ever know what you did. We technically have the culprit. So why?"

"What I did today won't make up for the fact that I killed two innocent children."

"Would those people have killed you if you refused?"

"Yes."

Dastun looked at Angel.

"You said she found the answer you're looking for and you're curious to see where it leads…"

Lucy looked at him. "I don't…"

"Angel needs someone to be her right hand. There are changes coming. If you feel so bad about those kids you murdered, then you should do everything in your power to make it up to them, by giving them the life they'll never have, to others who are still here."

Dastun walked away, leaving Lucy alone and very confused at what he said.

***

Norman released Roger, clapping his face gently. Roger winced, but chuckled.

"Well done, sir. Well done."

"Thanks Norman."

Norman then turned to hug Dorothy next as Angel shook Roger's hand.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Don't mention it," said Roger and Angel released his hand, "Though, I should be thanking you."

Angel smiled and shook her head.

"You and Dorothy… you showed the answer Big Venus needed to see. I only passed the message along. And because of that, Big Venus is gone and has moved on. I don't know where, but she's not here anymore. So, you and Dorothy… you guys are the ones that saved the day. So, thank you, Roger."

Roger nodded as Norman held Dorothy tight.

"Norman…" whispered Dorothy.

"Because of you, I have Master Roger here safe and sound. It seems like I owe you a debt. Thank you for your courage, Miss Dorothy."

He patted her head gently as Dastun approached Roger.

"So, I can slug you, but not in the head?" he growled.

"Yeah, I think that's what I said," said Roger, looking warily at Dastun, but Dastun broke into a smile.

"How about I just shake your hand instead?"

Roger laughed and shook Dastun's hand, Dastun pulling him into a quick embrace. Roger patted his back and Dastun released him. Dorothy and Angel were holding hands, looking at the blue sky above them, free of storm clouds, steel beams, and stage lights. Dastun elbowed Roger.

"Remember what you said at New Years'? That we were looking at something important, but couldn't put our finger on it?"

Roger snickered. "Yeah, I do. I do."

Roger sighed. Had it not been for Dorothy and Angel, none of them would probably be here. Roger lowered his head for a second, then he felt dizzy once more and began to sway. Dorothy saw his knees buckle.

"Roger…!" began Dorothy, but Norman and Dastun caught him.

"I kinda hit my head hard on that fall. I'm not feeling so good," he said weakly, trying to smile, but wincing in pain from his head.

"Well, speak of the devil, sir, it seems Dr. Plebanski and Carlye are here to help."

Indeed, they were walking down the street, Dr. Plebanski red in the face.

"ROGER SMITH! YOU HAVE SOME EXPLAINING TO DO!" she yelled at him.

"I'm in trouble," Roger chuckled weakly.

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

The whole fight only lasted a few hours, but it felt like more. I had suffered a mild concussion, so I got patched up by Dr. Plebanski and Carlye. Dorothy was fine as well and so were the twins. I got scolded by Dr. Plebanski for being so reckless. Apparently, the heat from the Final Stage cannon had made a permanent burn mark in the shape of the cross I had around my neck. But as promised, I gave the necklace back to her, telling her we had come to terms. She nodded and told me not to be a stupid head again.

Since the fight was out at sea, it had reduced the number of casualties. But the faction that had broken away from the MP still had caused a lot of damage to property as well as the barrage of robots. Apparently, word had got around that Dastun had broken away from the faction, which resulted in the MP choosing sides. Thankfully, many sided with Dastun, citing their experience with him or his reputation for being fair. Dastun took prisoner the MP faction that broke off and joined the enemy. He said it would take a long time, but each person who participated with the New World Order would be tried fairly. Some will probably have to answer for their actions more than others. Either way, Dastun had a long night ahead of him and so did Angel. But the girl, Lucy, remained by their sides, helping them both with anything they needed. Dastun said he wasn't going to charge her, and he had his reasons. I didn't press any further. It's not my job to dig deeper anyway.

The city was celebrating now that sun was out and shining for the first time in forty years. Thankfully, no one had suffered any serious injuries during the fight, I guess aside from me. Thanks to Dastun's order to get people to safety, lives had been saved. People were bringing out food, drinks, and anything they could spare. And for the first time since I've been around, the tension between the dome dwellers and those outside the domes was broken when those outside the domes welcomed the dome dwellers to share and bask in the real sunlight of the world. Angel has suggested turning this day into a festival and founding of a new government in Paradigm. She knows she'll face opposition, but I don't think that's worrying her too much, considering what she had to face for most of her life. Governor Batter says he'll help her with any information she needs as she's looking to structure it like Electric City's government.

The city celebrated well into the early hours of the morning of the following day. Everyone is saying the Black Megadeus fought off a giant monster and brought the sun out. Angel technically should receive the credit, but since Big Venus is gone, she's not correcting it, saying that technically, Big O did save the day. Eventually, an official statement will be released on the matter and Angel has agreed that I should remain anonymous and not disclose my pilot's status.

Beck worked in overdrive, having his company deliver supplies to help those who had lost their homes or belongings as well as provide food to everyone out in the city. The bridge thankfully did not suffer damage. He said he would make repairs to Big O once things settled down, but even I agreed with him, we wouldn't be needing him anytime soon. However, he did approach me saying the subway may eventually be compromised, now that the sun is out, and people may want to go exploring it. I didn't want to admit it, but he was right. Maybe people would start exploring the tunnels again, perhaps the world. But for the time being, I put Big O's future out of my mind, save for the fact that once we came home back through the hangar, I said thank you to my friend for his help today.

But now, after celebrating with everyone for all day and most of the night, I'm sitting in the back courtyard, relaxing and holding the person I care about the most in my arms.

"Master Roger, your tea, sir. I've also made a cup for Miss Dorothy in case she awakens."

Norman set down the tray near the table. Roger moved slowly so he wouldn't disturb Dorothy, who was asleep in his arms.

"This bandage around my head itches," Roger said quietly.

"I'm afraid it can't come off. Dr. Plebanski's orders, sir. Oh, and I did receive a phone call from Mr. Dale at the Speakeasy. He says you left your bike today, well now yesterday, and that he has it for you."

"Oh! Yeah, forgot about that. Uh… we kinda don't need it anymore, do we?"

"On the contrary, sir, one can never have enough vehicles and I would love to have another motorcycle in the home."

"Well, it was easier to move throughout the city if I needed to be somewhere. Would you be able to go get it for me tomorrow since I'm on bed rest?"

"Master Roger, I never thought I would ever hear those words come out of your mouth. I should tell Dr. Plebanski! She would be so happy to hear them."

"Please no, she's already calling me 'stupid head' and got some of the kids calling me that today."

"Understood, sir. Oh, I do apologize, Mr. Dale said he had a message for you from Big Ear."

"Mmm?"

"Big Ear says, 'good job Negotiator and your next session is free,' as a gift for finding the answer you spoke of today, well yesterday now."

"Oh… well… thank you Norman."

"Will there be anything else, sir?"

"No, I think we're good. Thanks Norman."

Norman bowed and went back inside. Roger took a sip of tea, before relaxing once more on the lounge chair Norman had brought out for them. Roger was staring up at what were stars and the moon, possibly other worlds like theirs, according to Norman. It seems like they were going to learn some new things about the world that had been lost due to the resets.

He breathed deeply, holding Dorothy in his arms. His heart felt lighter than it had in a long time. There was so much to look forward to now, and he had a lot to do in his eyes to make up to Dorothy for today. He held her tight, realizing he came close to losing her today, and steeling himself to not ever do it again.

Dorothy stirred, breathing in deeply.

"You're still up," she said sleepily.

"I am. Can't sleep. Norman brought us some tea."

"I see… oh!"

"What's wrong?"

She grabbed Roger's hand and put it over her belly. Roger looked at her for a moment and then felt it, two small kicks. Roger grinned. Dorothy moved his hand around to another side, feeling more kicks. The twins were moving inside of Dorothy.

"They're happy," she said.

"Yeah," he said as he nodded, a single tear escaping his eye, "I'm glad…"

As they looked up at the night sky, Dorothy held her belly as Roger placed his hands over hers. The war to remain or not remain on a stage was over. But now, the hard part, maintaining the peace, the gift life they had fought for, was just beginning.

It'll be worth it, he thought as he closed his eyes, smiling, holding Dorothy close to his heart.

WE HAVE COME TO TERMS

NEXT – ACT 35: THE MEMORIES OF TOMORROW