Chapter 1
PRESENT DAY
October 18th, 9:44 pm
--LEO--
Bright, warm lights illuminated the ballroom. Chandeliers hung above the floor, no more than ten feet from the ceiling. Delicate crystals don the chandelier, shining brightly as it reflects the lights. Windows on the east wall of the room were slightly fogged on the corners from the approaching cold of winter. The windows give sight to the city 100 feet below, glowing with the lights of the streets and buildings with those still hard at work, burning the midnight oil. The sky dimly lit from the full moon, clouds barely visible overhead. A loud white noise of conversation and the clinking of silverware on dishes occupied the room. Surrounding the perimeter stood grand cylindrical pillars with grooves engraved into them. Banners strung between them, tied together forming upside down arches in between pillars. The floor was occupied with circular tables; white cloths draped over the top. Guests at the tables sharing laughs and tales of lifetimes. The north end of the room, a stage, unoccupied. A podium and a microphone standing, unattended. Waiters scuttled around, trays in hand, carrying wines glasses, full and empty alike.
October 18th, the first annual ball of the United States Supreme military since the end of the Second Great War. A celebration of success, and a commemoration of the bravest of men. A reserved occasion, yet one not restricted by etiquette. Those who attend, soldiers, generals, retired generals, politicians, and the select wealthy always make a great time for themselves. For tonight signified the greatness of the country, the might of men that won the war, and created a powerful nation on Earth.
Leo finds himself standing in the midst of this. He stood tall, strongly built, yet slim in his tuxedo. All black, down to the bowtie. Tan skinned, brunette, fluffy, middle parted hair, flowing down just below the ears. His brown eyes perusing through the gallery of sights available to him tonight.
He had not moved from the wall, nearest the door which he entered. 15 minutes had passed as he stood, observing. Watching as the guests convened amongst themselves, talking, laughing, passing the night, drinking, laughing-
"Excuse me sir"
Leo jumped, startled out of his own little world he wandered into. A waiter stood adjacent, tray in hand with champagne and a kind, but clearly forced smile.
"Please accept this glass, courtesy of President Regis", the waiter said with a British accent.
"No, I'm good. Thank you though", he said.
"Oh, but I insist. President Regis specifically wanted to make sure you do not have a bad time," the waiter responded.
"Seriously, I appreciate the offer, but I must decline. Please tell Mr. Regis that the ball is just delightful", he finished with a smile. The waiter gave a light bow, then turned away. The smile immediately dropped from Leo's face.
He stayed put at the wall for a little while longer, still observing the crowd with no intention but to pass time. Finally, he made his way away from the wall slowly, tired of standing still for so long.
"Where the hell is he?' Leo murmured to himself, wandering into the middle of the ballroom floor. He made left from his position over to the west wall where the buffet table was laid out. 50 feet, give or take the table stretched, presenting rows and trays of cheeses, breads, ham, turkey, fruit, everything that anyone would want. He found a new spot to stand idle leaning against a pillar near the buffet, now observing the food that was starting to get cold.
Leo shifted positions on the grooved pillar, turning to face the main floor once again. To no surprise, the guests were still underway with regularly scheduled activities. Nearly every table to capacity of folks beginning to have too much to drink. The noise had gotten louder since Leo first arrived, yet it still went through one ear and out the other. He found himself back in his own world again, staring aimlessly.
"Excuse me, sir," a voice behind his shoulder said to him. He turned to look at them.
"Hi, how you doing?" he said, grabbing Leo's hand that hung down by his side and shaking it. "My name is Edward Thatcher, archaeologist, entrepreneur and collector of sorts." The man spoke so fast Leo could barely keep up with what he was saying.
"You look like a man of great taste. I've just recently come across a fascinating piece I know someone like you would love. It will be auctioned on October 24th at the Palace in the NLV. Here it is on this card with my details as well. Take care." The man slid the business card into Leo's suit jacket and walked away just as fast as he spoke. Leo pulled out the business card; on its face was a picture of a golden, engraved obtuse triangle. He scoffed at it and put it back in his suit pocket.
Leo resumed his staring at the ballroom floor. The noise from a hundred conversations happening at once drowning together into unintelligible nonsense. He looked down towards the stage floor. A man was on the edge, talking down to someone next to it that Leo couldn't see. The man's head nodding and his mouth moving with responses. He finished his conversation then made towards the podium featuring a microphone, set center and front stage. He was preparing to speak.
He approached the microphone and lightly tapped it.
"Hello? Hello? Checking. Everyone hear me all right?" he said into it. The crowd of people suddenly quieted as his voice echoed through the space.
"Well, now that I have everyone's attention, I would like to thank each and every one of you for making it tonight. We all are so thankful that..." His voice drowned out in Leo's head. He didn't care for what he had to say.
Leo spotted an empty table, near the opposite side of the room, closer to the window side. A few chairs missing from guests helping themselves to add another spot at their own table. He thought it would only be polite to take a seat during a speech.
Leo made his way around the perimeter of the main floor, wrapping around the assortment of tables. He turned the corner, walked the width of the room, then turned the corner again, walking north towards the stage, now on the adjacent side of the tables. His destination was on the outside edge, where he came to a stop and pulled out a chair. He sat down in it and slightly slid the chair up to bring himself closer to the table.
"Hey, look at us. Eh? 1st annual with many more to come that's for sure..." the speaker came back into focus in Leo's ears for a moment. A meager round of applause amounted from the crowd in response.
The man's voice trailed out again as Leo leaned back into his chair as he stared off straight. Looking, but not seeing. He went back to daydreaming; occupied with himself and the sound of a voice with a hint of static behind it and an occasional breakout of clapping flowing through his ears. Hearing, but not listening. His hands together, fingers intertwined, sitting in his lap.
He inhaled deeply and tilted his head up against the back of the chair. He breathed out as he looked back down, his eyes unfocused.
"As you all know President Regis will be up here later tonight, so don't go anywhere. I know you all can't wait for me to get off the stage". Laughter echoed the ballroom. "Once again, we appreciate you for coming. Please enjoy this night, and for many more to come". The man turned away from the podium and made his way off the stage down the steps on the side. Routine conversations resumed, reoccupying the atmosphere with white noise.
Leo stayed in his posture, looking down at his hands in his lap, his mind distant from reality, when a cold, metal hand touches his shoulder from behind, startling him. He turned around to see a tall figure, made of metal. Black plates lined his forehead and on both cheeks. Near his eye sockets was a dark grey, which contrasted with the glowing of his blue eyes. He was dressed in a navy-blue tuxedo with a poorly made bowtie. T0M3-E7, colloquially known as Tommy, his best friend.
"Was starting to think you wouldn't show", Leo said as Tommy grabbed the seat next to him and sat himself.
"I was starting to think the same thing," Tommy replied, his eyes slightly lighting up brighter as he spoke, "Shaved the beard?"
"Yea... Figured I'd look better cleaned up for something like this".
"Hm. I like it. What'd I miss?"
"Just about nothing so far", Leo replied.
"Oh great. I just absolutely love these things. I'd die if I missed anything," Tommy said sarcastically. Leo smirked in response.
The two of them sat there and casually glanced around. Guests sat and got up from seats, their movements blurring together into a mash of activity in a crowd. The constant tinking of silverware and glass pierced through the collage of sounds.
“So, how’ve you been brother?” Tommy asked.
“Doing alright. Keeping to myself mostly.”
“Haven’t frozen your ass off yet in Buffalo?”
“I like the cold,” Leo said. “It’s a nice change.”
“Yeah, I heard the nuclear winter feels amazing this time of year.”
“Don’t I know it,” he said. “What about you? How’s Boston?”
“Fucking sucks,” Tommy replied. “We traded away our best player for nothing and the Pats haven’t been good for a while now.”
“I meant living there.”
“Eh. It’s alright.”
They shared a brief silence before Tommy turned slowly, looking directly at Leo. He noticed, looking back.
“Have you seen Laurel recently?” the robot asked.
Leo sighed, looking forward again.
“Not recently, no.”
Tommy scoffed.
“What?”
“You know she wants to see you.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I’m pretty sure I do,” Tommy rebutted. “Whatever. I won’t tell you how to live your life.”
“I will,” Leo assured. “I just needed some time alone.”
“You’re not scared, are you?”
“No I’m not scared Tommy.”
“Alright. I’ll believe you when you prove me wrong.”
Leo rolled his eyes, leaning back into his seat, crossing his leg over the other.
"You want some gum?" Tommy asked while holding out a piece to Leo.
"No thanks," he answered. "So, what took you so long anyways? Couldn't figure out how to tie the bowtie or something?"
"Yeah," Tommy replied. Leo looked over at Tommy with a confused look.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yeah."
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"You don't know how to tie a bowtie?"
"No. Why would I?"
"I don't know. Just seems that a robot would be able to figure that out," Leo said.
"I'm a combat bot. Nobody taught me how to tie a tie," Tommy said.
"Yea I know that but you can't just like... you know-"
"No," Tommy said sternly.
"Mine's just a clip on," Leo said.
"They make those?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah. Why didn't you get one?"
"If I knew they existed I would have gotten one-"
"Wait," Leo interrupted and nudged Tommy with his elbow. "Is that Regis over there?"
"That would be him, yes," Tommy responded.
The president of the United State, Hardwell Regis, entered through a door adjacent to the stage on the other end of the ballroom. He was in his early 70's but looked young as ever. His hair, grey, but thick, went down just above his collar. His face was pale, but barely wrinkled. He had faded light blue eyes and a big nose with dry, cracked lips. His beard, also grey, was brushed out and thick, masking his jawline, making him look as young and strong as possible. He walked in with a wide smile on his face, his teeth perfectly straight. He shook hands with some other men and made small conversation as he kept moving down the ballroom, a few men with earpieces accompanying him.
"His plastic surgeon's doing a pretty good job," Tommy said.
"You don't say," Leo replied. "He doesn't look a day over 50."
"Maybe 40," Tommy suggested.
Regis kept walking down the side of the ballroom, around the setup of tables in the middle, doing more of the same hand shaking and smiling as he went. He moved ever closer until he made eye contact with the two of them.
"Fuck he's coming over here," Tommy said worriedly.
"Relax, he's probably just saying hi to everybody you know. It's the nice thing to do," Leo assured.
"I don't think so. He's walking straight at us," Tommy said. Regis maintained eye contact on the two of them as he began to cut through the tables to meet them at their table.
"Fuck..." Leo sighed. They awkwardly kept eye contact the whole time as Regis walked towards them.
"Leo! Tommy! I'm so glad the two of you could make it," Regis said as he finally made it into earshot of them.
"Happy to be here sir," Leo responded in a restrained tone.
"Please. Call me Hardwell," he said as he shook Leo and Tommy's hand. "You two look like you haven't changed a bit."
"You definitely haven't," Tommy replied.
Regis laughed. "I appreciate that. You should see half the shit I gotta deal with on a daily basis. I'm surprised all my hair hasn't fallen out already," Regis laughed as he finished his sentence. "So, what do you two think so far? Up to your liking?" He said as he took a seat across the table from the two.
"Oh yeah, yeah it's great," Leo answered.
"That's good to hear," Regis said. "Hey, you should try the food huh?" He laughed while gesturing towards Tommy. "I'm just messing with you." Tommy didn’t laugh.
“I pray both of you are living well?” he asked. “I took a great deal of care in providing excellent estates for both of you. If there’s any issues, I’ll make the arrangement. Just say the word.”
“No, no.” Leo said. “It’s great.”
“Liking the weather up there?”
“I am.”
"Good! Great! Hey, so while I'm up there, I'm going to present some awards to a few people," Regis said as his tone became more professional. "Just wanted to let you guys know that I plan to give you two Iron Stars for your service to the United States Supreme".
Leo's heart sank in his chest. "Oh, you don't have to do that- "
"But I want to. Seriously. Your service for this country during the war was immeasurable and it's only right that I show you two some gratitude. I mean, shit, besides that you guys saved my life," Regis said with a grin. Leo and Tommy sat stiff. "I'll have some guys come by during the ceremony and tell you where to go and what to do and all that good stuff, so you don't have to worry about that, alright?"
They sat there, speechless.
"Oh, don't get too excited," Regis laughed. "Look, I gotta go," he said and shook both of their hands again. "Once again, I'm thrilled you could be here. We'll talk more after this is over," he ended and walked away. His staff followed right behind him.
Leo and Tommy remained still there for a moment. The noise of the crowd suddenly became louder as their conversation ended.
"Fuck," Leo said as they both turned and looked at each other.
"I don't know about you, but it's not the best PR move to shake hands with a guy that just nuked almost the whole world to oblivion," Tommy said.
"You think?" Leo remarked sarcastically. He sighed, rubbing both his temples with his fingers.
"Should we get out now?" Tommy said while pointing his thumb backwards.
"Maybe, actually," Leo responded.
"We both know that's a bad idea," Tommy said.
"I knew we shouldn't have come here," Leo remarked.
"You know what would've happened if we tried to turn on Regis. If he so much as thinks in the slightest we aren't on his side anymore he wouldn't risk leaving us around," Tommy fired back. "You know who he's got in his back pocket."
"Excuse me everyone," the microphone screeched suddenly, interrupting them. The noise in the ballroom suddenly disappeared. The same man that gave the opening speech before stood up on the stage once again, slightly bent over to speak into the microphone. "In a few moments President Regis will take the stage to give his annual military commemoration address, so we'd like everybody to find a seat and he should be out here shortly. Thank you," he closed and walked down the steps off the stage. People began to gather around tables, the noise of chairs squeaking reverberated in the ballroom as everyone found their group and sat down.
"Well, now we're stuck," Tommy whispered.
"Maybe we could try to ask his people if we can receive it in private when they come by," Leo responded.
"I can't see a scenario where they agree to that" Tommy said.
"Well, we really don't have a better option at this point," Leo said as he slumped back in his chair.
The room fell quiet. Only small sounds of ambient whispering could be heard. Lights dimmed, emphasizing the stage, illuminated by spotlights.
"Here he comes..." Tommy mumbled.
As he spoke, President Regis walked out onto the stage from the behind the curtain. A round of applause accompanied his entrance. He grinned whole heartily as he lifted each arm one at a time to gently wave at the crowd.
"They ain't paying that plastic surgeon enough," Tommy remarked quietly. Leo kicked his leg from under the table. Tommy simply shrugged and looked back at the stage.
Regis stood before the podium, adjusting the cuffs of his suit jacket as he gripped the sides of the podium.
"I just want to start off by saying..." he said, his voice covered with the same light static from the microphone. "What a scene. Everybody here tonight... to celebrate... us. Isn't that right?" His voice boomed through the ballroom. A small round of applause lifted.
"I'm sure you've all heard it a thousand times. And I do not want to bore you with the same story... But it's been a difficult few years for most of us. I believe I am not mistaken in saying that." Regis took a deep breath, maintaining eye contact with the room.
"But by the same token... What a long way we've come," he said while nodding. "Just 9 short months ago, we were engaged in the largest conflict mankind has ever experienced. Now? We the people of this planet are, at long last, at peace."
The crowd applauded loudly. Leo surveyed the room, his mind racing to come up with a way out of the situation.
"This nation, our nation, has been misrepresented... and its image, tarnished... by unruly, and tyrannical leadership. But I have been committed to changing that."
"'Unruly leadership', no shit," Tommy whispered to himself. Leo quickly shushed him.
"Ever since I took office, I've been committed to the never-ending mission of peace among the land," Regis continued. "And I can guarantee to you all, that you are safe today, and will be safe tomorrow, and for many more days to come."
More applause.
"As per the special occasion, I believe now would be a great time to make a special announcement..." Regis paused. Taking a deep breath before he continued his thought.
"My administration and I have been reaching out, staying in contact with neighboring galactic colonies as most of you may know... But I am proud to say, as of last week... We've established the first ever plans to invite visitors to our planet."
The crowd erupted with applause. Regis smiled ear to ear.
"That's right. May that day symbolize the greatness of humanity, our pursuit of knowledge into the cosmos... and... most importantly... mark the beginning of the first ever alliance with an alien colony."
The crowd applauded once again.
"Would you look at that, he actually did it. Only took 4 years." Tommy whispering to Leo, bumping him on the shoulder.
Leo cocked his head to the side, cracking his neck. "Surprised Rayshe agreed with it. Last I can remember he wanted to take over that planet... use it as Earth 2." He whispered back.
"Earth 2 does have a good ring to it," Tommy joked.
"We got some very important people with us tonight," Regis' voice echoed. "Before I take off, I'd like to personally present them with awards for their invaluable service, on behalf of the people of the United States Supreme."
"We're running out of time," Tommy whispered.
"I know," Leo responded.
"What are we doing?" Tommy asked.
"I'm thinking," Leo said.
Their whispered bickering started to attract attention from guests. Confused heads turned to look at the two of them as they went back and forth.
"This award... is for someone who's proven to be of great help and provided invaluable service to my administration. You know who you are. Please, come on up," Regis brought up his first award recipient.
"Wait, wait, wait," Tommy bumped Leo. "Someone's coming."
"Towards us?" Leo asked.
"Yea he should be," Tommy responded.
Leo leaned out of his chair, peering down the side of the row of tables. A man, buzz cut hair, with a fitted suit and an earpiece approached their table.
"That him?" Leo asked.
"That's him," Tommy answered.
As the man realized the two were looking at his approach, he slightly raised his hand to acknowledge their attention as he stopped near Leo.
"Mr. Leo," he said. He turned his eyes at Tommy, only giving him a nod before looking back at Leo. "The president plans to award you two with a Medal of Honorable Service. You two will make your way- "
"We would like to receive our awards privately," Leo interrupted.
"President Regis is awarding you two the most prestigious medal- "
"Yeah, yeah, I know but we want to receive it in private." Leo interrupted again. The man squinted his eyes and gave him a confused look.
Tommy leaned closer, putting his hand onto Leo's shoulder. "See there's this thing with bright lights. It messes with my optics and stuff. Makes it real hard to see."
"I'm afraid I can't oblige your requests." The man whispered back. "Now if you'll please-"
The stage suddenly erupted in an explosion. The back wall of the stage breached open, unleashing a blast of fire that enveloped the front side of the ballroom. A deafening boom reverberated the space. Leo felt the sudden heat blast against his face, as he was flipped back in his chair, the table tipping over onto its side. The guests were blasted backwards and sent sliding across the granite floor. Leo and Tommy watched the wave of heat reach across the ceiling above them as they lay on their backs, their legs propped upwards from the seat of their chairs. Their ears were numb, ringing from the explosion; the rampant screaming muffled.
Leo groaned as he rolled over backwards out of his chair. He got up on one knee, his head raising over the top of the flipped table. The stage swarming with flames, stretching up to the ceiling. The orange light shining strongly into Leo's eyes, tinting the room. Tommy grabbed the chair from beneath his legs and tossed it away, bringing himself up to his feet. The ringing in Leo's ears began to fade, allowing the screams to come in. He put his hand on the side of the table as he slowly brought himself to his feet.
"Tommy?" Leo said while staring at the blaze.
"I'm good," he responded, still looking ahead as well.
"What the fuck was that?"
"Scanning." Tommy's eyes glowed as he processed the events.
Leo felt blood trickle down the side of his forehead, opened from a piece of projectile debris. He breathed heavily as he surveyed the scene, watching the survivors panic. Injured cry out for help. Swarms racing for the door. The constant ballad of screams never leaving his ears.
"A truck rigged to explode broke through the north wall and detonated," Tommy finally spoke.
"We're on the 10th floor," Leo yelled back.
"I know that... I'm telling you what I saw."
Both stood where they were, absorbing their environment. Leo put his hands on his head, inhaling deeply, maintaining composure. Tommy took a step back, his head turning left and right, evaluating the surroundings.
"Tommy!" Leo yelled over the noise.
"I'm thinking," he yelled back.
"We need a move."
"I know. Give me a second."
"We don't have a second. We need to move," Leo yelled. He turned and walked backwards towards the south wall, where a mass of people funneled through the double doors. He took a few steps before he realized Tommy hadn't moved. He stopped and turned back around.
"Hey!" Leo said as he smacked him on the arm. He jumped and turned around.
"We. Are. Leaving." Leo yelled. He continued back on his path to the doors, Tommy followed right behind. The two of them pushed their way through the clusters of people and around the tables. The injured lay scattered around, some running back to help. Shoulders bumped together as bodies converged. Chaos gripped everyone's mind.
Leo stayed collected, pushing through. His eyes saw nothing but a parade of erratic civilians. His ears heard nothing but the screams of fear and pain. He pushed on until he was stuck among the crowd, forced into a standstill from the obstruction of people.
"Hey!" He yelled out to no avail. "Tommy!" He turned around and yelled back. He could see his head, taller than everyone else, above the crowd a few yards behind him.
"Get the fuck over here!" He yelled at him. Tommy put his head down and forcefully moved people out of the way. He caught up with Leo and kept on going forward, pushing through the mob, Leo following behind him. They pushed themselves all the way to the front, through the double doors and into the lobby just outside the ballroom. The crowd was thinner than from inside due to the bottleneck at the doors. Rushes of people broke down the doors to the emergency staircase as the sound of constant stomping introduced itself to the environment.
The two of them stopped for a moment in the lobby.
"Tommy?" Leo yelled over the roar of the mob and the alarm.
"I'm good," he replied while nodding.
"You hesitated-"
"I know," he brushed off Leo's comment and made pace for the staircase. Leo followed suit. The two pushed their way through the door, then slowly descended the flights along with the cluster of people. They walked through another emergency door that led into the main lobby of the convention center. The glass front entrance showed the platoons of firetrucks and police cars piled up outside, with more rapidly adding to the number. Their lights cascading over each other, illuminating blue and red colors through the windows, with the same warm yellow glow from the streetlights that was a comforting sight just moments ago.
As Leo and Tommy grew closer to the front door, the sound of sirens overlapping each other increased. The two stepped outside, the cold air shocking Leo for a moment. The skyscrapers of downtown Chicago towered over them. Light snow sprinkled down through the night sky. They walked across the street and stood on the adjacent sidewalk, still in the midst of the newly created mayhem of cars and first responders. Tommy stood still, staring up at the building, watching the smoke billow out of the 10th floor. Leo took notice.
"Tommy?" he asked, with no response.
"Tommy?" he asked again. This time he turned to face Leo.
"What are you talking about with a truck?"
"My optics identified 6 frames of an armored truck rigged to explode outside the wall behind the stage."
"How is there a truck up there Tommy?"
"It has to be some kind of manipulation. Somebody powerful did this"
Leo took a deep breath as he registered that sentence.
"This was an assassination,"
Leo dropped his head down and exhaled sharply. His breath visible in the cold air. Tommy went back to gazing upwards at the building ablaze. Leo turned to look back at the mass of first responder vehicles layered along the street, their lights firing into his eyes. He sighed deeply again as he took in his surroundings.
"We gotta find Laurel."