S3, 17 Postcards from the Wasteland (FB) (November 10, 2016)

Corresponding text underneath each picture.

The following flash-back carries on from Season 1: Episode 19.

**1st June 2094**

I couldn’t feel my face. Or my hands. Or my toes. Or any extremity of my body, really. I’d gone numb hours ago. It had gotten to the point where I could no longer feel the freezing air whipping around us, as Jarred piloted our acquired speeder across the barren, frozen wasteland.

I had no idea how long we’d been riding for, but it felt like forever. I didn’t know if Jarred felt as bad or as cold as I did, but I was starting to think that leaving our little campfire and the relative safety and warmth of the crashed ship behind was a mistake. Out here in the middle of nowhere, with the wind and snow whipping around us like a blizzard, we were completely exposed.

I tried to speak to Jarred and ask him how he was doing, but found that my blue lips had frozen together. Even with my bandanna covering half of my face. The thin piece of material did fine keeping sand out of my mouth when we were back at base on the hot side of Iapra, but out here on the frozen side, it was almost useless.

I managed to unstick my lips and leant forwards to try and shout in Jarred’s ear and make sure he heard me over the noise of the engine that thrummed between our legs. But all that came out was an almost silent croak. Ironic, I thought to myself, that we were surrounded by all of this ice and snow - *frozen water*, and I was dehydrated.

Jarred: “I’m going to pull into those hills.” He bellowed back to me over the howling wind and I squinted through the flying snow to see what he was talking about.

A little way ahead of us was a small collection of hummocks. Just as frozen and snow covered as the rest of the landscape, they simply stood out because of their size. We’d passed other little collections of mounds on our journey, but these were the biggest we’d seen yet. They weren’t huge by any means, but they might afford us a little shelter for a while.

We quickly reached the hills and Jarred pulled us into a halt on the far side, as out of the way of the howling gale as we could get. The pair of us managed to climb off of the bike, our limbs stiff from the cold and Jarred took the lead, climbing up the side of the hill. There was a little crag just a meter or so above us and so we headed there, hoping to curl up in it and get a little warmer.

However, when we got there, we found something truly unexpected – a door.

Jarred: “What the…?”

Tank: “What’s that?” I wondered aloud, frowning at the sturdy-looking metal door. Despite the build-up of ice and snow around it, it looked as if it was still used regularly. I could also feel warmth coming from it and to test my theory, put out my hand and found the door to be heated! Presumably to stop it from freezing up!

Jarred pointed out a control panel and I hit the ‘Open’ button. The door slid up with ease and revealed a darkened corridor beyond. We had no idea what this place was, but Jarred and I were so eager to get out of the arctic weather raging outside, that we just walked inside and closed the door behind us.

I began to shiver, which I knew was a good sign. After spending so long not feeling the cold any more, I knew the heat must have instantly started to work on my body.

Tank: “What is this place?” I asked, as I pulled down my bandanna and we walked further along the corridor. As we did so, automatic lights appeared along the ceiling, lighting the place up.

Jarred: “I dunno, pal.” He replied, rubbing his hands together and then pulling off his helmet.

We passed several adjoining corridors and several closed doors, but not a single person was in sight.

Tank: “Hello?!” I called out, but there was no response.

Jarred hit the open switch on the next door we came to and we wandered inside. Again, automatic lights appeared and illuminated a small laboratory of some kind. I began to grow concerned, but wasn’t too worried seems how we hadn’t come across any other life. Not yet, at least.

I examined a vial of a brightly coloured liquid and then carefully placed it back on the desk.

Tank: “I don’t like this place.”

Jarred: “Neither do I, but it’s warm.” He replied.

Voice: “GREETINGS!”

The pair of us spun around at the voice, but couldn’t see anybody anywhere. We frowned at each other and continued to look around for the speaker.

Voice: “Oh, you are confused!” the voice continued. It was a warm voice, but the way he was speaking gave it a slightly sinister edge. “Don’t be! I am speaking to you now from my control room! I simply saw you on my security monitors and thought I should introduce myself!”

Jarred: “What is this?” he asked loudly, looking around for, but failing to spot a camera, as I did exactly the same. I did find the speakers that the man’s voice was coming from though.

Voice: “This is my secret laboratory! Why else do you think it would be all the way out here in the snow?” he responded and his honesty chilled me more than the freezing weather had done.

Tank: “Let’s go.” I said to Jarred, more as a plea than a statement. I was scared.

But as we moved to the door, it automatically slammed shut and wouldn’t open again.

Voice: “Now, now! Were you just going to run away before we’ve had a chance to get to know each other?! Naughty, naughty! No, I think we ought to meet face to face.”

Jarred: “I disagree. We’re leaving!” he argued and shot at the door’s controls, however, it achieved nothing.

Voice: “Tut tut. Oh well, I guess we do this the hard way, then!”

And with that the room suddenly filled with a cloud of green-tinted smoke. I vaguely had time to assume it was gas of some kind before my vision started to blur and I got dizzy. Jarred slammed his fists into the door one more time before collapsing and moments later, I felt my eyes roll back, but then knew no more as I too, fell unconscious.

N.B. This is the third part of a Cross-Over with Werewolff. Before reading this episode, make sure you have read THIS episode.

**7th September 2096: Present Day**

We charged towards the gleaming, ancient drone, weapons at the ready. But as we did so, he gestured and suddenly an army of junk robots appeared behind him. I had no idea where they had appeared from, but there they were.

We stopped our charge and as the robots began to surge towards us, as one, we started firing into the horde.

My dual laser pistols fired burst after burst at the oncoming mass. Ted…, no *Dustin*, weapon-less, was preparing for hand to hand combat when they got close enough and beside him Risa was taking precise shots with her handgun. Jay and Eris both had their arms extended and were using a variety of powers to take down the robots. Tracks had his shoulder-mounted minigun rattling away, as well as his two hand-helds. And Basher, Caesar and Jace were all firing their own weapons into the approaching sea of metal.

Despite our collective efforts, the mass of junk just kept on coming and eventually got so close that we had to begin backing up. Another minute later and they were upon us.

As we broke into close quarter fighting, our group was split up. I didn’t have time to keep track of everybody as robot after robot was coming at me. I kept shooting as fast as I could, taking down as many bots as possible, but they just kept coming!

One grabbed my shoulder and I spun, smashing one of my pistols across its face as I did so. It fell back and I shot its head clean off, just as another approached me from behind. I sent three shots into its chest before pumping another two into a third robot that came up beside it.

Another robot collapsed in a pile next to me and I spotted Risa as she shifted her aim and dispatched yet another drone. I couldn’t help but admire how calm Risa remained under pressure! Both now, in the middle of a ferocious battle for our lives, but also, remembering back to when she’d been insulted and attacked in the collapsed cave! She’d been awfully quiet during our time in Old Qoter, but I couldn’t blame her. Every time I’d seen her she looked as if she was battling herself as well as the junk ‘bots. I could only assume that it was the death of General Corvin that was playing on her mind.

A robot came up behind her and I returned the favour by dispatching it with a shoulder shot. It clattered to the ground and she quickly, silently, nodded her thanks.

I took out another couple of junk ‘bots that were approaching me and then dashed over to the nearest pillar to try and get at least a little cover. Taking a couple of moments to breath, I silently wished I still carried my sniper rifle around with me! Sure, it was a bit cumbersome and heavy, but it would have come in handy right about now! Instead, it was propped up in the corner of my bedroom, back at the apartment! Not much use, really!

The clanking of rapidly approaching metal on the flagstone floor snapped me out of my wishful thinking and I spun out from behind the pillar and dispatched the three approaching droids.

From here, I could see that the others had all spread out as well and they were scattered all over the chamber, each doing their best to fend off the numerous junk bots that were threatening to overwhelm us.

Briefly, I glimpsed the ancient drone, ‘One’, stood on the other side of the room at the foot of his huge throne, casually surveying the battle unfolding before him. Blue electricity was still surging through all of the computer systems surrounding him – channelling straight into the drone himself. He held an expression of curiosity, almost as if he were watching insects fight each other in a flower bed. Clearly he didn’t feel as if we posed any threat to him at all. He simply stood there, watching on as his minions did his bidding and battled us.

Dustin was nearby, using a snapped-off robot arm as a baton. Dancing and twirling amidst all of the robots, doing just as well without a gun as the rest of us were with them! I remembered what he’d said earlier in the day about his training in ‘The Core’, and so at least I now knew how he’d gotten so good at martial arts! But then my thoughts were interrupted once more by the next round of robots heading my way. It was never ending! I took a couple of them down but one managed to get up close. It grabbed onto my shoulder but I shook it off before putting a laser bolt through its head.

Looking back out, I quickly fired numerous blasts into the swarm, not knowing how many I’d taken out, but knowing that every little helped. Several more broke off and charged at me, but before I’d had a chance to do anything about them, a chunk of stone masonry flew across my field of vision, smashing them into smithereens. I glanced around, confused, and spotted Eris waving her hands around, using her powers to create a whirlwind of debris surrounding her. Lumps of masonry, bits of flagstone, broken robot parts – they all whizzed around her like a mini tornado, which none of the attackers seemed capable of breaking through. From her relative safety inside the whirlwind, Eris was using the last of her concentration to send pieces of the rubble flying at various targets in the room.

She flung another chunk of stone outwards into the crowd of robots clamouring to take on Tracks and crushed at least three.

Tracks was doing well, now that I looked! His minigun was still rattling away – how much ammo was left, though, I didn’t know, but he’d given up with his other two and had resorted to grappling with them, hand to hand.

Basher was doing the same and as I watched on, Tracks slammed a droid to the floor, pinned it down using his foot and then Basher grabbed hold of its arms. Between them, they ripped it clean in two, sending a shower of sparks across the floor.

Basher spun the top half of the ‘bot around and smashed it into one of its companions, sending it sprawling. He stamped on its head, crushing it flat and then rugby tackled another.

‘One’ frowned, watching the battle unfold. He set his jaw to one side and cocked his head, clearly thinking. I couldn’t hear him from where I was stood, but if I’d been closer, he probably would have been “Hmm…”’ing to himself.

He glanced at one of his many computer monitors, looking at whatever readout it was showing and then looked back to the battle.

He almost did a double take between the two and then, with what appeared to be a sigh of “Oh, must I do everything myself?” he unplugged himself from his computer system, detaching the cables in a shower of blue sparks and stepped down from his dais.

Tank: “Uh, guys! Incoming!” I shouted as loudly as I could to warn everybody that the ancient one himself had entered the fray.

In an attempt to slow him down, I began firing at him. But at this distance, most of my shots missed and the ones that didn’t, didn’t phase him at all. They barely slowed him down. If anything, they just seemed to piss him off!

He looked around for the source of the shots, spotted me and appeared to roll his eyes. He reached out and I could see glowing electricity pulsating down his arm. Milliseconds later, it leapt from his fingertips and hit the junk robot closest to him. From there it passed through the robot, leaving it unharmed and jumped to the next nearest droid.

In about a second and a half it had reached across the sea of robots and suddenly I realised I was next in line! I leapt out of the way as electricity burst out of the nearest robot in my direction. Thankfully, I had moved just in time, leaving the electric sparking in the air to die, like lightning.

One tried again, sending another wave of electricity in my direction, but once more I ran for cover and just about avoided being fried alive.

I panted for breath with my back to one of the pillars, the smell of burnt air lingering in my nose.

One: “Come out, human! You chose the Singers and therefore must die!” I heard the ancient drone shout, his voice somehow enhanced so that it was easily audible over the din of the battle.

Slightly goaded into it, I rolled around the pillar and took a few more shots at him, but once again, they did no damage at all. In fact, he seemed to smirk!
A metal hood of some description slid forwards over his head and covered his face, leaving only the eyes exposed. Taking what appeared to be a deep breath, his open eyes suddenly began to glow menacingly red. Redder than they had been before- they seemed to be swirling with fire…

Tank: “Oh shi….!” I began to curse and dived for cover as a huge red beam, an optical laser of some type, burst forth from One’s eyes and blew up the pillar I’d been stood by. Rubble cascaded down and showered me in debris, but I was unharmed. I flinched as chunks of stone bounced off of me, but I quickly recovered and took shelter behind the next pillar along.

One: “You are only delaying the inevitable!”

I glanced out and saw his eyes beginning to glow again.

Tank: “Whoa! Not again!” I muttered and leapt out, taking shelter among the crowd of droids. I ducked down, hoping to remain hidden. One ‘bot came charging at me, but I shot it straight in the chest and its head popped clean off. However, my plan of hiding from the ancient drone among his own forces didn’t seem to work as the roar of his optical laser burst forth again and he mowed down a dozen of his own minions in one swoop.

I clamoured to get as far away from him as I could, but he just kept coming, like an unstoppable force, mowing down his own robots without a single care. His eyes began to glow once more, but this time, he was stopped when a big chunk of masonry, thrown by Eris, slammed into his face and he staggered backwards.

Eris: “We need to retreat!” Eris’s voice echoed through my head and from the surprised look on Dustin’s face, I assumed the rest of our party had heard the message as well.

Eris: “We can’t take all of them. Not like this.”
‘Especially not with that laser!’ I thought to myself as I shot down another droid and Dustin moved over to me.

Dustin: “I agree with Eris!” he shouted over the sound of another burst from One’s optical laser. “There’s just too many!” he continued as we stood almost back to back, me firing my lasers and Dustin bashing and slashing at anything that came too close.

Tank: “Well, what are we waiting for then?” I asked, shooting another in the face.

Together, Dustin and I backed up and after just a couple of seconds Risa joined us. We turned and ran across the room, heading back towards the huge main doors.

Tracks was by my side a few moments later and the rest of the party had soon joined us. Eris was already stood by the doors waiting for us.

One: “Where are you going?” his voice boomed. “Face your destiny!”

As I reached the doors, Eris extended a hand and I heard an almighty explosion.

One: “Nooo!” he screamed and as I looked over my shoulder, I saw that Eris had brought his entire computer system crashing down and the whole lot had gone up in flames.

Eris: “Let’s get out of here!” she called to us all as we ran back up the adjoining corridor.

Just a minute later and we were un-barring the front door. Eris summoned a lot of energy and created a shield around us as we burst back out into the darkness of the forgotten city.

There were still junk droids waiting there for us, but thankfully Eris’s shield held and we just pushed through them and ran for it.

Jay: “Go! Go! Up here!” he shouted and as a group we began to ascend the path that we had spotted earlier.

As we ran, I silently prayed that Eris and Jay’s feelings about this being a way out of Old Qoter had been correct. Thankfully, it didn’t take long before we reached a rusty looking maintenance door.

Dustin tried it but found it to be sealed tight. As Eris continued concentrating on keeping the shield up, Basher reached over and used his incredible strength to rip the door clean off of its hinges.

Caesar: “Everybody in!” he demanded and one by one, we filed through the door.

Once we were all through, Jay used his powers to re-seal the door and Eris finally dropped her shield with a gasp of air.

Risa: “Are you okay?” she asked, checking on Eris who just gave a worn-out nod in reply. Jay placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder and kissed her head.

As we looked around, we realised that we were in an old sewage tunnel. We could hear the junk robots hammering against the door and, unsure of how long it would hold, decided to get moving.

Jay: “This way.” He said, taking the lead and as a group, we began the long jog up the tunnel.

It took us a good few hours, but eventually Jay pointed to an access ladder and one by one we ascended to the surface. Dustin went first and as he opened the hatch, letting bright daylight shine down, he momentarily blinded us.

Taking a moment to adjust to the bright light, having spent the last couple of days underground, we all shielded our eyes, before we all rose out of the depths.

As I reached the surface, Dustin gave me a hand up and I realised that we had climbed out of a manhole cover right in the middle of a busy sidewalk.

There was no way of telling where on the planet we were, but I knew that we couldn’t be *that* far outside of Knightborn. Or rather, what was left of it…

Eris: “We need to see the Governor.” She announced as Jace, the final person to exit the tunnel, reached ground level.

Caesar: “Agreed.”

Jay: “We have to warn him about the drones.”

Tank: “That’s if he doesn’t already know.” I pointed out and several of the others nodded.

Dustin: “Uh, sorry to be a party pooper, but, Risa and I can’t see the Governor. We’re fugitives from the law. If he sees us, well…” he pointed out, but Eris just nodded in acceptance.

Eris: “That is fine. We cannot ask any more of you. You have proven yourselves valuable allies these past couple of days and I thank you for everything that you have done.”

Dustin: “You’re welcome, but there’s no need for thanks. Really.” He smiled.

As Basher dragged the manhole cover back into position, Dustin and Risa began discussing what they were going to do next, as apparently their apartment had been in Knightborn and so was now probably in a pile of rubble.

Tank: “You’re more than welcome to stay at mine for the night.” I offered. “It would save you renting a hotel room anyway.”
Dustin and Risa exchanged a silent look and then Dustin turned back to me, nodding.

Dustin: “That would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.” He smiled.

Tank: “Tracks will take you while we go and see Judas.” I told him and looked to Tracks who nodded acceptingly.

Eris: “It’s settled then. Let’s go.”

**The Regentis Senate Building…**

Just over an hour later and we were hurrying up the corridor towards the Governor’s office. We passed Riley’s desk but she wasn’t there, and then seconds later, we arrived at Judas’s door.

Tank: “Judas!” I automatically greeted as we entered, but then stopped short when I realised he wasn’t there. However, Riley was.

Riley: “Tank!” she cried and dropped the paperwork she was holding onto the desk, before flinging her arms around my neck. We held each other close for quite a few seconds, but it still didn’t feel long enough before we let go. She glanced over my clothes and I suddenly became very self-conscious about the fact I probably looked dreadful. Covered in dust, grime and blood, my jacket had several holes in, as did my jeans and my hair was matted with dirt. In my defence though, I *had* been involved in three battles, been buried alive and had to climb up a sewerage pipe!

Riley: “I didn’t know if you were alive or dead!”

Tank: “I’m sorry. There wasn’t really much of a chance to update you. I went from fight to fight to fight, pretty much!”

Riley: “But when Knightborn collapsed…! Judas told me that you’d gone to that demolition site! I didn’t know what to do with myself, I was so worried!” she exclaimed, nearly in tears and I reached out and held her again, not caring about the others who were just milling around awkwardly behind me.

Tank: “I’m sorry. But it’s okay. I’m here now. I’m alive and that’s the main thing.” I comforted and kissed her forehead. She looked up into my eyes and our lips locked in a blissful couple of seconds before parting again.

I let Riley go and thankfully, it was just in time, as seconds later, Judas appeared behind us. He still didn’t know about us dating and I wanted it to stay that way.

Judas: “Oh, thank God!” he exclaimed seeing everybody. “Tank!” he cried in relief and embraced me almost as hard as Riley had! “I was so worried!”

Tank: “We’re fine. Thanks, Judas.” I replied as he let me go.

Judas: “I’m so sorry. Your grace.” He made a small bow to Eris who simply waved it away. “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. Everything I put you through!”

Tank: “It’s not your fault! How were you to know what would happen?” I reassured as he went and stood behind his desk.

Judas: “I know, but still…” he let out a sorrowful smile. “In fact, what did happen? You must update me. On everything.” He asked, concerned.

Judas: “I know what’s been going on up here, but where have you been? You vanished! When you weren’t among the survivors of the demolition site battle, I feared the worst! And, your Grace, something seems to be happening to The Collective’s drone soldiers! They’ve been seen attacking at random all over the system! What’s going on?” he asked, full of questions.

Eris and I spent the next ten minutes fully updating Judas on everything that had happened. About the battle at the demolition site, about finding General Corvin with the explosives and his death, about how a GI soldier had killed one of the Pax troops and broken the ceasefire, about our journey through Old Qoter and the discovery of One, the ancient drone and finally, our escape back to the surface.

Over the course of the conversation, our entire party found a seat or perch for themselves, exhaustion beginning to set in as they listened to the story. Judas himself remained standing, but nodded along as he heard the truth about everything that had been going on.

When Eris finished he nodded again, pursing his lips in thought.

Judas: “Yes, yes, that all fits in with what we’ve heard so far.” He agreed. “We knew about the truce being broken, but I’m not sure that what was announced was entirely accurate to your description of the events. But it was near enough. We only learned about it from the other survivors from that cave confrontation, after we had them winched out.”

Caesar: “So…it is over?”

Judas: “I’m afraid so, yes. Councillor Worthington himself made the announcement just this morning. The Galactic Imperium is once again at war with Aurelia. No more factions, no more separate names. Simply Aurelia.” He explained somberly.

Basher: “So Aurelia are back together?” he queried.

Judas: “Well, we’ve had no official word yet. However, it would appear so. We’ll have to wait and see, I guess.”

Jace: “So much for peace…” he muttered and Caesar nodded in agreement.

Jay: “What about the areas that collapsed? What’s been going on?”

Judas: “Well, all of Knightborn and all of Argyle, as well as most of Tarhaven and a bit of Illbliss have gone down. Rescue operations are still underway and relief workers are still there too. It’s… it’s a mess, frankly. We weren’t prepared for this. Regentis is still recovering from the Collective war! We… we don’t have the resources for this.” He trailed off sadly.

Eris: “I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. For your planet’s loss. I will make an official statement when I can, but for the moment, just know that The Collective will do all that we can do to help.”

Judas: “Thank you.” He replied quietly. “Goodness knows how many lives we’ve lost.”

There were a few seconds of silence between us, as nobody knew what to say, but then Judas pulled himself out of his reverie and continued.

Judas: “And as for your story about this ancient drone, that truly is worrying. Having an ancient drone, especially one as powerful as you claim him to be, roaming what’s left of Qoter could be disastrous. But at least we now know why your current drones have been attacking people.”

Eris: “I’m truly sorry for those attacks. I have no idea how he has managed to take control of them, but I assure you, it will be looked into.”

Jay: “I’ll get our specialist technicians looking into it straight away.” He added and Judas nodded his thanks.
Judas: “Thank you. Having Aurelia to deal with is bad enough, but having another army, *your* army attacking us as well, PLUS with the loss of Pax Aurelia and all the aid, man power and equipment they had…. I’m not sure how long we can last before we suffer a major blow. Our forces are stretched too thin.”

Eris: “As I said before, we’ll do everything we can to help.”

Judas nodded his acceptance.

Judas: “Thank you. Right, I’m sure you would all like a good rest about now wouldn’t you?” he smiled.

Tank: “You can say that again!” I joked to lighten the tense mood that had hung over the room for the duration of our meeting.

Judas: “Then I shall let you all go.” He smiled in return. “And thank you all so very much for bringing me these crucial updates.”

Eris: “You’re more than welcome, Governor.”

Judas: “And once more, please accept my most heartfelt apologies for everything that I have put you through.”

Eris: “I assure you, Governor, that you put us through nothing.” Eris assured as we all rose to leave. “I will be in touch soon to organise assistance.” She added, but I had stopped paying attention. Instead, I had subtly moved closer to Riley and brushed my hand against hers without Judas noticing. She turned, shone a smile at me and gently rubbed her hand against mine.

Tank: “I’ll call you later.” I muttered and she nodded that she had heard before stepping away to avoid raising any suspicions.

**Tank’s Apartment…**

And so, after saying farewell for now to the others, I made my way back to my apartment, where Tracks was waiting with Dustin and Risa, who had made themselves comfortable.

After taking a shower and freshening up, I joined them in the living room, where they were watching the TV, and sank into my armchair, relaxing against the cool, comfy leather. After spending the last couple of days underground surrounded by rocks and rubble, it felt so good to be sitting on something soft and squishy! If it hadn’t been for my guests, I would have fallen asleep right there and then – I hadn’t realised how tired I was until now!

However, as I turned to see how my guests were doing, I found that Risa herself was fast asleep! Dustin saw me looking and smirked.

Dustin: “It’s been a long couple of days.”

Tank: “You can say that again.” I agreed with a sigh.

Dustin: “Nothing certainly went the way I thought that it would!”

Tank: “No. Things never do, do they. You think you’re going for a walk in the park and you end up getting caught in the middle of a battle for the fate of the planet!” I replied, thinking back at the amount of times I’d underestimated the situation I was headed into.

Dustin was nodding as he watched the TV. I don’t think he was really paying any attention, I certainly wasn’t. It was just good to have something on.

Dustin: “Thank you for letting us crash here for the night. It’s very good of you.”

Tank: “Oh, no worries. After everything that we’ve just been through, it wouldn’t be good for you to have to go and find a hotel or something like that. Nah, don’t worry about it, *Ted*.” I teased playfully.

Dustin: “Thanks.” He repeated with a smile of appreciation. “I’m sorry for the deception, but you know… wanted man and all.” He smiled and his from his expression, I could tell he was looking for forgiveness.

I smiled in return as I answered.

Tank: “Do you really think ‘Tank’ is a real name?” I laughed. “Or ‘Chain’ for that matter?”

Dustin laughed with me and nodded, grateful that I hadn’t gotten upset.

Tank: “My real name is Frank. Although, I do actually prefer ‘Tank’.” I explained honestly. It wasn’t often that I trusted somebody with my real name, but as Dustin had said, I felt like I could trust this man. “It’s good to meet you, Dustin.”

Dustin: “Likewise, Frank.” He grinned, but then his smile faltered slightly. “Wait, Frank…. You’re not by any chance Frank *Foster* are you?”

Tank: “Yeah, I am… why?” I asked, growing slightly concerned that he knew who I was.

Dustin: “I… well… No. Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing.” He shook his head, dismissing whatever it was and went back to watching the telly.

Tank: “No, what’s up? Tell me. You’ve got me worried now!” I added, trying a joke to see if that would work.

Dustin thought for a few seconds before replying.

Dustin: “You remember I told you about how I was a member of The Core?”

Tank: “Yeah?”

Dustin: “Well, I remember one time that somebody got in touch with us, looking to hire somebody to do a job for them...” he started to explain and my heart began to flutter.

Dustin: “I… I remember your parent’s deaths. I saw it on the news like everybody else did. I remember seeing you get arrested, but…. But *unlike* everybody else, I knew that you were innocent.”

Tank: “What are you saying?”

Dustin: “Tank, I was there when your parent’s killer was hired.”

I began to tremble, my mind racing with possibilities.

Dustin: “I don’t know who the employer was – I have no idea who was looking to get the job done, I don’t even know who was hired in the end, but… but they offered the job around. I remember the older members talking about it. Your parents didn’t deserve to die, they were good people.” He tried to reassure me. “Tank, I’m so sorry. For your loss and also for not being able to tell you more. Like I said, I don’t know who the hirer was and I don’t know who took the job in the end…”

Tank: “Zeth.” I interjected. “Zeth Stripe killed my parents.” I told him, my breath coming in jagged rags.

Something seemed to click in Dustin’s mind – I could see it in his eyes and he nodded.

Dustin: “Yeah. Yeah, I knew Zeth.” He confirmed and my heart leapt around my chest.

Somebody who actually knew Zeth! This could be my chance! I could finally find him! Track him down and get justice for my parents! I could finally clear my name and put all of this behind me!

Tank: “Do you know where he is now?” I asked quietly, unable to meet Dustin’s gaze any more.

Dustin didn’t answer for a few seconds.

Dustin: “No.”

My heart dropped like a rock.

Dustin: “I know that’s not the answer you were hoping to hear, but it’s true. I was only young at the time. I didn’t like him then and I like him even less now that I know it was him who killed your parents. He was a joker – your everyday classroom bully. More brawn than brains, him and his best bud that he always hung out with were always in trouble with Sal and Adam Ferris, the head of the Core at the time. Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me that he took the job.”

I felt deflated. The elation I had felt just moments ago was gone. My hopes for finding him once again in tatters. But despite this, the name Dustin had just mentioned rang a bell for some reason…

Tank: “Wait, Adam Ferris? Any relation to Commander Ferris?”

Dustin nodded in confirmation.

Dustin: “Adam was Uek’s dad. Uek is…” he paused, trying to think of the right words, but clearly couldn’t. “Just, don’t trust him. Okay. Try and stay clear of him. He’s not all that he claims to be and we’re… we’re trying to do something about that.” He explained and glanced at Risa, who was still fast asleep next to him.

I nodded in understanding.

Dustin: “I’m so sorry, Tank.” He repeated. “About your parents. I wish there was something more I could do to help you find the justice I know you seek, but I don’t know where he is. I’ve not spoken to him since before he left the Core.”

Tank: “He left?”

Dustin: “Yeah. His pal got kicked out the month before for never following orders and, come to think of it, it was just after the job about your parents got offered around. It makes sense now.”

Tank: “Do you remember his friend’s name?” I asked hopefully. Trying to get any useful information out of him – something, *anything* that would help me track Zeth down.

But Dustin shook his head sadly.

Dustin: “I’m sorry, no. I didn’t like either of them, so tried to have as little to do with them as possible. I never paid either of them much attention.”

Tank: “What about Ferris? Would he know anything?”

Dustin: “Possibly.” He responded and hope began to rekindle in my heart. “But good luck finding him.” The hope vanished. “He’s been missing for years. Presumed dead. Nobody knows where he is.”

I sighed.

Tank: “What about the other name that you mentioned?”

Dustin: “Who? Sal? I still see him from time to time. I could ask if he’s still in touch with Zeth, but I doubt it. Sal was head of discipline in the Core and so he didn’t like Zeth either. But I’ll ask for you.”

I sunk into my chair, upset and frustrated. Every time I thought I had a lead, it was cruelly snatched away from me.

Dustin: “I’m sorry I can’t be of more help, Tank. I really am. I wish I could tell you more, but I don’t know anything of any use.”

Tank: “It’s okay. I understand.” I told him, staring at the TV with unseeing eyes.

Dustin: “I’m sorry. But, if it’s revenge you seek, you need to be careful. What I *can* tell you, is that he’s good. Despite his bully-like nature, Stripe was talented.

Dustin (Cont.): “In fact, his bullying only made him more dangerous. He was ruthless, harsh… If he had an enemy beaten, there was no way that they’d be getting out of there alive.”

Dustin (Cont.): “He was skilled with pretty much every weapon you put in his hand, but especially hand-to-hand combat…

Dustin (Cont.): “Knives…”

Dustin (Cont.): “And *blades*.”

**BONUS PICTURES**

The set for One's setup.

An alternative picture of Tank avoiding the exploding column.

The set for the pipe.

The set for the lab in the flashback at the start of the episode.

The warehouse set.

The original main image.

As my series is going to be jumping around though time, I will include a date on each episode and add it to the timeline at the end of each episode so that you can follow it.

TIMELINE