Chapter 1

ACT 27: THE WINDS OF CHANGE

Angel woke up staring at a void that appeared to be a grid. She recognized this place at once. Why was she still here? She just heard Roger talk to her, grab her shoulder, and Dorothy was there too. So, what happened?

Angel walked around until a familiar groaning sound caught her attention in front of her. Big Venus rose from the ground and now stood in front of her. Angel took a step back, terrified.

You are me and I am you. Why are you afraid?

Angel's mouth was wide open in terror, but no scream came. Big Venus just talked to her. She stumbled and fell backward.

"What do you want? I… I don't have anything! Go away!"

But we are together, one in the same. Connected to each other.

Angel grew frustrated.

"Stop speaking in riddles! Tell me what's going on!"

We are a point in time where it can begin, remain, or end.

"What? I don't understand!" Angel felt her heart racing. "Why are we at this point? I thought I already made a choice!"

Those that continue to meddle, who do not understand. Creation and destruction, hand in hand, with the apocalypse in one and life in the other.

"Apocalypse? No! I don't want that!"

You are the master key, the one who can unlock.

Angel now felt a malicious presence watching her and she saw the grid darkening. Angel sank to her knees, the fear making her legs shake and closed her eyes. However, in doing so, she saw Roger and Dorothy in a vision…

"What are you telling me?"

The vision continued, showing Dorothy connected to Big O with Roger in front of her, firing the Final Stage cannon. The presence now felt wild and joyful in a sickening way. The vision now twisted and it showed a vision of an army of android Rogers being mass produced, along with an army of Big Os. A model of Dorothy was being drawn, show casing her potential as a weapon.

"No…"

The darkness closed in on Angel and Big Venus.

You are the master key, the one who can unlock.

"I don't know how! Tell me how! I don't want this! Tell me how to stop this!"

Will and desire must be one combined with conviction and trust in one's actions.

"I don't… I don't…"

Angel grabbed her head, she was so confused. She rose to her feet, her legs still shaking. What was it Roger told her? To keep the memories of everyone this time so they could know what happened? No… this darkness around her… it didn't feel right. No… that was bad idea right now. Something told her that was a bad idea right now. She felt like she was losing control, of her thoughts and being in this place. She knew what she had to do, and it was now or never before the reset completed itself.

"Keep the memories of the dominus of Big O and those who are closest to him. And don't keep Dorothy an android! Turn her back into a human. Save her and Roger!"

Big Venus disappeared into a flash of light that expanded, swallowing the darkness, approaching Angel quickly.

"I won't let anyone else get hurt…any more…" she said as the light swallowed her.

The next thing she knew, she found herself, standing next to Dorothy on the street. As she tried to process what happened to her, she saw Roger drive by her. A small smile grew as she saw him. Whatever happened, it must've worked? She turned to Dorothy, only to find Dorothy processing the change that just happened to her. Dorothy took off running, back to the mansion, panic settling in with a realization that couldn't possibly be true.

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My name is Roger Smith. I perform a much-needed job here in Paradigm City, the City of Amnesia.

My services, despite the reset with Big Venus, were still needed in the city and its inhabitants.

Roger Smith, Paradigm City's top negotiator, was on the way back to the mansion. Although it was mid-September, the weather was cool, breezy, and still cloudy. The sun had not shown in forty years during the last reset, and it was the same for this reset. His latest client, Gold Industries and Paradigm, needed him to act as a mediator during their meetings. Any other time, he would be shocked, wondering how Jason Beck got a lucrative job as the head of construction and robotics firm.

No, that was actually on the back burner for Roger Smith. Roger's mind was on the meeting with Angel, Chief Dastun, Dorothy, and Norman that had occurred a few days before. Things had changed, but not in a way he could have predicted or expected. It was Angel who had reached out to Roger and requested that everyone meet at the mansion, which would be safer than conducting the meeting Paradigm HQ.

"Paradigm HQ?" asked a puzzled Roger.

"Yes, please. There are things I need to explain, not necessarily how, but why… things are the way they are," replied Angel over the telephone.

Roger before this point, felt fine physically. The reset had not caused any changes to him that he could detect on his person. The images of robot Roger clones flashed in his mind, and he briefly shook his head to remove them. He had Norman check him over to be sure once things had settled down after the reset. He was human. Just the other day he was peeling potatoes and accidentally nicked himself. While nursing his finger, he found himself briefly thankful he could taste blood and not oil.

Norman Burg had not changed either, or at least he had not confided in any changes that took place to Roger. In fact, Norman was busy as always running the Smith Mansion and keeping up routine maintenance on Big O, even though Big O had yet to be summoned. The newly promoted Chief Dan Dastun was also fine. He was still the same grumpy, cynical cop, and became rather annoyed when Roger had to get involved in Military Police investigations because the crime victim had secured his services. Dastun was also annoyed with his promotion, as it came with more paperwork and red tape, two things which he despised the most, more than the megadeus.

No, the biggest change, was Dorothy.

"This is about Dorothy," said Roger.

"Yes… and no. There are changes, changes you will need to be aware of. It would best to have those… those who know about you and who you are meet with us as well. I can't really say more. I'll drop by later," replied Angel and she hung up the phone.

Roger placed the phone on the receiver, standing there, annoyed. Who the hell did she think she was inviting herself over to the mansion? What was going on? He sighed and put it out of his mind. He would have to wait until she arrived. No point in getting aggravated before then.

After the reset, Roger found himself in the Griffon, driving to meet Big Ear about a case, that would launch negotiations with Gold Industries and the Paradigm Corp. Dorothy and Angel were on the street watching him. However, it was when he came home after his meeting Big Ear that was when he and Norman discovered R. Dorothy was not the Dorothy they knew. This information shocked Dorothy into being a recluse, only coming out when Angel stopped by to meet with all of them. But it was after the meeting in which Dorothy's behavior took a turn for the worst. Roger grumbled. He did not want to think about the difficulties at home just yet. He turned his attention to today's meeting.

The information he received from Big Ear was helpful in today's meeting with the two parties and some ground had been made. Beck, had scoffed at Paradigm's offer for the bridge expansion project leading to Electric City, now a new haven for those who were fortunate enough to have decent income, but not enough to live inside the luxury of the domes. Beck was concerned that Paradigm's counteroffer would not allow him to expand the bridge and repair existing roads to meet his standards of quality, protecting his company's reputation. Paradigm, in turn, scoffed at Beck, stating that his unwillingness to yield to their price brought distrust with Beck, as the amount he was requesting was in their opinion, ludicrous.

"Lady and Gentlemen, I am sure there is a compromise to be found. Perhaps, it would be best to get a second opinion in terms of the land survey," Roger stated strongly over the arguing voices, putting his pen down on the notes he was taking. The voices died down and everyone turned to look at Roger.

"It just so happens that I know of a company who does not have an affiliation with Paradigm or Gold Industries, but they come very highly recommended," Roger continued. "Perhaps negotiations should be put on hold until they have completed the survey and can be compared with Gold Industries' survey…"

"And what's wrong with Paradigm's public works?" interjected a female committee member. "We hire more than capable people who can conduct the survey on behalf of Paradigm City, Mr. Smith."

"Ma'am, with all due respect, having Paradigm's survey team to conduct the second survey would create a conflict of interest, specifically, that your survey team will operate under the best interest of the home office. If negotiations are to conclude, it would be best to have an outside party, one that really has no stake in the outcome of the project. The only stake will be their reputation," Roger said coolly, folding his hands, resting his chin on top of them.

The committee member wrinkled her nose in frustration. Beck sighed and pulled out his comb from his left breast pocket.

"I have other projects I would like to attend to, Mr. Negotiator. If this will wrap up negotiations quickly, then I agree and will contribute half of the survey costs," Beck replied, combing his hair and placing the comb back in its pocket.

The head of the expansion committee, an elderly gentleman, nodded. "Agreed, Paradigm will cover the remaining half of the survey costs as well."

"Very well," said Roger, amassing together his notes and paperwork together, "Once the survey is complete and I have had a chance to compare surveys, I will contact all parties to set up another meeting. I believe we can adjourn today's meeting?"

All parties nodded. Roger tapped his paperwork on the desk together and grabbed his suitcase. "I will provide a summary of today's meeting in electronic and hard copy format, later in the week. Please make sure both parties have someone who is authorized to sign for confidential mail delivery."

Roger sighed as he pulled into the mansion. Today would now have to wait. Things at home were more pressing.

Norman was waiting for him with a tray as Roger stepped out of the car.

"Welcome home, Master Roger," said Norman, bowing, "Any luck with today's negotiations?"

"Some progress, but not much. Do you have the survey company information from Big Ear?" asked Roger, as he began taking off his suit jacket.

"Secured in the top right desk drawer, as instructed, sir."

"Good, I'll need to make a phone call tomorrow morning." Roger took off his tie, setting his tie and jacket on the tray.

"Your communicator, sir?" asked Norman.

Roger looked at his watch, which doubled as a communicator and a summoner for Big O. "I'll wear it for the time being." He didn't feel comfortable being without it. He felt…unarmed without it, especially after recent events, and wanted to be ready at a moment's notice, in case if he needed Big O.

Roger walked past Big O, stopping to look at him for a minute, before continuing to the lift. Apparently, he was still needed after the reset, but Roger had yet to summon him. No monsters or giant robots had appeared. It had almost been a few weeks since the reset and Roger had to implement a fitness regimen to keep in shape, so that his piloting abilities would not suffer, not that he was complaining. Dastun had already jokingly warned him that if he destroyed the city in any future fights, he would have to start buying him expensive liquor as compensation to keep his mouth shut. Roger and Norman stepped onto the lift and Roger shut the lift gate.

"Where to, Master Roger?" asked Norman.

"The main floor. I got it Norman, your hands are full," said Roger, as he pushed the button.

The lift began to rise slowly. Roger stared at his watch. "How's… how's Dorothy?"

Norman's face became heavy with sorrow. "I'm afraid she's still locked in her room, sir. She's still adjusting to the news with being human and, if I may be so bold sir, the feelings associated with being human."

Roger sighed. "Has she eaten at all today?"

"Yes, I made her sandwich with the leftover roast and some soup I had thawed out. Well, she took the tray into her room around lunch. I haven't seen the dishes."

Roger looked at Norman. "Norman, please see to it her dinner is ready first. I've been making some headway, talking to her through the door. Have her dinner ready so that I may bring it to her."

"I understand sir. And, what about you? You have been eating very little as of late…"

The lift came to a stop and the gate opened. Roger stepped out.

"Just the usual. I'm going to freshen up and go check on her."

"Understood, sir."

Roger reached around and hit the button for the kitchen and shut the gate. "Thanks for watching her, Norman."

Norman nodded as the lift began moving downward to the kitchens.

Roger made his way to the bedroom and to his bathroom, and began to strip.

Dorothy… Dorothy was now human. And with being human, came all the complex realities of emotions and thoughts. Dorothy's highly intelligent, highly logical, yet intuitive side, now being combined with all the realities of being human has been stressful on me and Norman, but I can only imagine what she is going through herself. She has been eating off and on. She hasn't been taking care of herself. This constant recluse nature can't be good for her. Every night, I go by her door, try to talk to her. I have been getting some responses in reply, but… but, this refusal to come out and see us, to not stand out on the balcony, to not even annoy me with the piano…. I'm worried for her wellbeing. I'm trying to give her enough space to process and accept the situation, but at the same time… I want to beat down the door, and tell her it will be okay….

Roger turned on the shower and opened the glass door. The sudden cold to hot did not faze him, the emotional weight from Dorothy's situation deadening his awareness. The glass steamed up instantly. Roger turned around and let the hot water hit his back. It seemed like another night of camping outside her door before bed, and he prayed, hopefully a little more progress than the night before.

Roger finished washing up and stepped out of the shower. He toweled himself dry and found some lounge clothes had already been laid out for him by Norman earlier. He grabbed his communicator and put it on, feeling safer. As he got dressed and stepped into his slippers, he found himself praying again, praying for her recovery. He nearly lost her to Alex. He would be damned if he lost her to this new change.

Roger stepped out of the bathroom and smelled food. It smells like his chicken and dumplings. He walked quickly and found Norman setting the tray on the living room table. Norman looked up.

"I've included your dinner as well, Master Roger. Please eat what you can, and I'll take care of the rest."

"Norman, you didn't have to…"

"Master Roger, it is important that you also keep up your strength. We are all still dealing with recent events, and thankfully, no larger ones have come to test us yet. You must take care of yourself, especially for Miss Dorothy's sake."

Roger furrowed his brow, massaging his temple. "I know, Norman, I know."

"Please give Miss Dorothy my best."

Roger grabbed the tray and walked to the back hall where Dorothy's room was. He set the tray on the side table and knocked three times.

"Dorothy, it's me. I brought dinner and I've come to collect the dishes from lunch, if that's okay," Roger said softly.

No response.

"Dorothy?"

Roger placed his hand on the door handle, and it gave in to turn.

It gave in to turn?

Since the reset, her door had been locked. The only way they knew she was still alive was by her taking her meal trays and setting them outside once she was done. Roger stumbled in and found Dorothy, sitting on her bed.

"Dorothy, Dorothy?"

The room was dark and hard to see. Roger fumbled around, he knew there was a small lamp on a table near the door somewhere. He found it and turned it on.

R. Dorothy, now Dorothy Wayneright, sat disheveled on her bed. Today's lunch had been eaten as the empty dishes sat on her dresser. Her room was a mess and Roger saw Dorothy sitting on the bed. Her hair looked like it had not been brushed in a few days and looked greasy. She was staring blankly at a spot on her bed. Roger moved over towards her.

"Dorothy, it's me, Roger. Are you alright? What are you…" He stopped midsentence.

As if reality had not hit her hard enough with emotions and complex human thought, she now had to deal with being a young woman and the monthly responsibilities that came with that. Of all times, Roger thought, not now. Roger found a blanket and wrapped it her around her. Dorothy began to cry softly.

"Dorothy, you're fine. You're going to be fine. It's okay," he said softly to her, "NORMAN!"

Roger held Dorothy close, trying to comfort her. He heard a clatter of objects hitting the floor. Norman was running down the hall.

"Ro…Ro…Roger… please make it stop," sobbed Dorothy.

"I wish I could. I can't Dorothy. I really can't. But you're safe now and it's going to be alright."

Roger did not know what to say. He felt like a stuck record player with his words. The worry Roger had for Dorothy seemed collapse on her in a tight embrace. He hoped his embrace would communicate his relief seeing her.

"Master Roger? Oh Miss Dorothy!"

Norman walked into the room, noticed Dorothy's bed, and saw Dorothy's state.

"I understand now, Master Roger. Shall I prepare a shower for Miss Dorothy? Normally, a bath would be better, but with this situation…."

"I'll prepare the shower, Norman. Could you…"

But Norman had stepped out, looking for amenities to help Dorothy.

"Dorothy, if it's okay, I am going to pick you up now, alright?" Roger asked softly.

Dorothy, still crying softly, wrapped her arms around Roger. Roger took that as a yes and began carrying her to the guest bathroom. Carrying Dorothy was now effortless affair. He walked briefly down the hallway to guest bathroom.

"Can you stand?" Roger asked her as he open the door.

Dorothy nodded.

"I'm going to set you in the bathtub."

He pulled the curtain aside and set Dorothy down. Roger turned on the water.

"Roger, I thought she was lying. I thought this was just a nightmare," cried Dorothy.

Roger mulled over these words. She's still trying to come to terms with what Angel told her.

"Dorothy, I know this has been hard. And I wish I could… do something to make this better. But there are even days when I can't process my emotions or thoughts. It's a part of being human. But, we will get through this together. You do understand what this means, right? I'm here for you and so is Norman. Put what Angel said out of your mind, just for a moment. Allow yourself to just breathe."

Dorothy started crying harder. Norman returned standing at the doorway with amenities.

"Miss Dorothy, I have some amenities here for you and some fresh towels."

"We'll be right outside, if you need anything, okay?" Roger asked as he grabbed the bathroom door.

Dorothy nodded and he shut the door. Norman and Roger moved further down the hall out of earshot of the bathroom door.

"Master Roger..." Norman pointed down at Roger.

Roger was covered in a stained shirt. Roger shook his head.

"Could you grab me a change of clothes? Also, if it's not too much to ask, could you tidy up Dorothy's room?"

"Indeed sir, I'd be more than happy to. I'm so glad she's talking to you."

"Well, we'll see. Of all the things to happen…"

"I guess I'll need to make stock of certain items and make sure they are in stock around this particular time each month."

"Stock of items?"

"Certain foods, medicines, feminine products…"

Roger groaned. "Well, if this is the trade off, I guess I'll learn to deal with it. I just hope we don't have to explain certain aspects of the human body to her."

"I highly doubt that, Master Roger. Dorothy already had that knowledge when she was still an android, it was just certain aspects of it she didn't understand. If she has questions, I know where to take her to get them answered. I'll get your change of clothes and prepare Dorothy's room."

Norman walked quickly to Roger's bedroom to get him a change of clothes. When he returned, he had an extra set with him.

"I'm afraid, I just remembered I have not had the time to go shopping for Miss Dorothy for additional clothing, sir. But during these times, loose clothes are best to help with the swelling, bloating, and pain that comes with it."

"It's fine Norman. Just let her know."

As Roger changed, Norman walked down the hallway, and knocked on the bathroom door.

"Miss Dorothy, I am setting some fresh clothes for you on the vanity. They are an extra set of Master Roger's lounge clothes. When you are feeling better, we'll take you shopping for ones that fit you properly. Please take your time with your shower."

"Thank you, Norman," replied Dorothy somberly. Norman shut the door and began cleaning up Dorothy's room.

Roger slid down the wall and sat with his head between his knees.

As if fate had decided to seal the deal, Dorothy discovered the joys of womanhood. Gone were her superhuman android abilities and replaced with limits of being a human. R. Dorothy, who had been still figuring out who she was, now was thrown a wild card and made human by the reset with Angel and Big Venus. I made a promise to myself, after the fight with Big Fau, I would do what I could to help restore her memories. But, it seems I didn't need to restore her memories. She restored them by herself…even though memory is only something in the human form. Memories… what exactly are they? Did Dr. Wayneright have an idea of this and program her this way? There's so much I don't understand, yet, now I'm wrestling with what I said to her before I went off to fight Big Fau. It's just the damn timing of it all. I meant it when I said I wanted to protect her. But now, I just want her to get better. But now my feelings… my feelings for her won't leave me alone. But, I don't want her to think I'm just treating her differently because she's a human now and then think I didn't think much of her as android. The feelings were there, I just never wanted to admit to them. She means the world to me, whether she's human or android. What am I to do? How much will she change, now being human?

His mind drifted off, lost in an endless wave of thought.

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Dorothy was in the shower, letting the hot water run over her. This sensation, this pain, only made things worse? She didn't know. It didn't make things better. She felt water and she didn't feel the water. It was almost as if the stream of water was trying to chip away all the layers that had settled after the reset and meeting with Angel.

What she could not understand was Roger's behavior. Roger, who would forget that she was an android, and act rudely towards her, then apologize quickly once he had realized his mistake. Roger, the louse who asked for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when he nearly drowned in the sea in Big O. Yet, it was Roger for the past few weeks who stayed outside her door until he would get up and go to bed when the time became late. Sometimes, he would even fall asleep by her door and Norman would wake him. She shook her head, water hitting the shower curtain. Did his feelings change towards her? How? Why? Was it because she was now a human? Did he finally have feelings or acknowledge his feelings towards her? Did she return those feelings?

During the reset, she had access to Dorothy Wayneright's memories from the first reset. She had been trying to make sense of them as she had been writing down memories and emotions that came to her in a journal Norman had given her on Heaven's Day two years ago. During the first reset, Gordon Rosewater was apparently fighting a war with a neighboring country (was it a country?) to the east, but the war came home. She lost her life while trying to get somewhere safe with her father, though she felt there was more that wasn't revealing itself to her yet. The pain of the loss was unbearable, and she found herself wanting to detach herself from her emotions, to not feel them. They felt so heavy. And every time, she tried, she found the next memory she remembered was where she was waking up on Soldono's table in his factory, which didn't help matters.

It seems the world shared in the technology of the Megadeuses during the first reset, which made her wonder about Big O and its origins. How long had Big O been around? Did he fight in that war? Why was he made in the first place?

After the reset, she found herself in the street with Angel. As Roger drove past, Angel turned around to say something to her, but Dorothy became distracted with the temperature. It felt cold. She could feel the cold on her body, but not in the way she was used to. Dorothy felt like she was waking up from a dream. How? An emotion, pure panic and anxiety, settled upon her, and she turned heel and ran back for the mansion. When she got back to the mansion, she felt her chest burning. She leaned against the entry way to compose herself. What was this? She had never been exhausted from running. She went inside, up the lift, and straight to her bedroom, not even stopping to acknowledge Norman.

In the light, she found herself examining her arms, legs, her entire body. In the mirror, she saw her eyes, the deepest indigo to almost black. Her arms were not metal anymore. They were covered in skin. She poked and prodded herself. She felt soft and flexible. Gone… gone were her android abilities. Super speed and agility, super strength, her metallic body. She collapsed onto her bedroom floor, the full weight of the realization of her situation now hitting her, even though she did not want to admit it.

"This isn't happening," she thought to herself, "I am going to wake up tomorrow and everything will be back to normal. I am R. Dorothy Wayneright."

But tomorrow came and went. And so did another day.

Dorothy was then in world of her own. How was she a human? She didn't feel like eating, or sleeping, sometimes bathing. She felt like she had lost something and did not want to acknowledge something deeper inside of her, growing, a sense of realization that this was true. Time seemed to stand still or go fast. It was only when Roger stopped by her door and knocked gently and gave her news which she thought would help.

"Dorothy, Angel is coming over. She said she needed to discuss changes that we need to be aware of. She didn't elaborate further as to what those changes are, but she will be here any time. I don't know if she will have answers for your situation, but she said it was highly important that those… those who know me and Big O to attend. It seems we may have a part to play, whether we want to or not. I know, this may be hard to do, with everything going on. But, if you have questions, if you need a lead as to why things ended up the way they did, it's the best one we have right now. However, the decision is entirely yours to make. Whatever you decide, I… Norman and I will support you."

Dorothy was standing by the door, listening, remaining quiet. She sighed quietly.

"I'll go. I'll need some time to get ready though."

She began grabbing her shower things when Roger spoke again.

"Okay. And Dorothy?"

She looked at the door.

"It'll be good to see you and… it's going to be alright." Roger walked away.

No, it wasn't. That meeting, she had lost control. She never lost control. How Angel made the decision to make her human infuriated her. She didn't care about the reasoning.

It was my choice, not hers. She had no right.

And yet, she remembered Roger's words to her. It was a faint memory, but it was there. He finally answered her question. If she had been human, would they have fallen in love, and he had said yes. He told her to wait for him as he went off to fight Alex Rosewater and in that briefest moment, before she lost consciousness, she found herself wishing she was human.

These feelings from the past and what used to be the present, melding into one realization. Why did Angel combined the memories of the first Dorothy and herself together? What was the purpose?

Why? Just go away. Please….

She finally felt the water on her. Hot, oh it was so hot. She quickly adjusted it to lukewarm. The bathroom was now steamy. She stood there for a moment, analyzing her situation.

Roger wanted to help her, wanted to make sure she was okay. She also had Norman she could turn to. A sudden realization dawned on her. Whether she liked it or not, she would have to face this reality and trust her instincts. She would find out why, why Angel asked Roger to negotiate with the person who placed the power of Big Venus inside of her and if possible, help remove it or conclude negotiations any way that would be necessary.

I can get through this. I will get through this. I just need to remain calm and look at all of my options. You have this R…..no. You have this, Dorothy Wayneright.

Almost as if were to sign herself to her resolution, she grabbed the washcloth, soap and shampoo and put them on top of the side of the bathtub wall. She put some shampoo her in hand and began washing the filth away from her hair. It was if she could feel the water temperature more properly now. She grabbed the soap and wash cloth and began lathering up. The mild scent hit her nose, and it seemed to calm her, her thoughts, her feelings. She felt her mind, the racing thoughts, slowing down, steadying themselves.

She rinsed and finally turned off the shower. It was just a bad time, to rediscover the joys of womanhood, she thought, as she saw the hygiene products Norman had got for her, left on the sink.

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Roger, lost in thought, heard the shower turn off and stood up just as Dorothy opened the door and stepped out.

Dorothy was in his lounge clothes, and they were rather big to the point of being ridiculous. She had tied up his shirt at the waist and rolled up his pants the best she could, but they were extremely baggy.

"Dorothy, I'm…"

"Roger, I'm sorry. I'm sorry for worrying you and Norman. This has been…. So much to process… to understand…"

Roger smiled. It was the most she had spoken in days.

"Norman is tidying up your room. I asked him to. You know we respect your privacy, but we also understand what you have been going through and thought tidying your room up should be one less thing you need to worry about. We've been worried about you and to be honest, we've been scared. We are here for you, I want you to know that."

He saw their dinners on the table, now cold.

"Do you want to sit in the living room? I can go heat the dinners…"

Before Dorothy could respond, Norman appeared.

"I am terribly sorry, Master Roger, Miss Dorothy. I will go heat them up myself. I have to go downstairs with the laundry anyway. It will be but a moment."

Roger smiled and nodded. He held out his hand to Dorothy.

"Do you want to stay with me for bit and talk or go back to your room?" he asked.

Dorothy saw his hand, and she walked towards him and placed her hand in his.

"I don't really want to talk, but I guess a little will help. I'm in a lot of pain and, I guess hungry. But some company would be nice."

Norman, who was gathering the laundry together in basket and collecting the trays, stated, "I will have a heating pad and pain relievers waiting in your bedroom."

"Thank you, Norman. And I'm sorry for worrying you."

"Miss Dorothy, it's quite alright," replied Norman on his way to the lift, "I'm just happy you're talking to us again."

The lift gates closed, and Norman went down to the kitchen. Roger tightened his grip ever so slightly on Dorothy's hand, and led her to the sofa. He found some blankets, tucked them around her, and sat opposite of her in his overstuff chair.

"Roger?"

"Yes, what is it?"

"Can I ask why… why are you treating me differently now that I'm human?"

Roger was taken aback, but then realized Dorothy's reasoning.

"Dorothy, if it feels like I'm treating you differently… I don't know. I'm still trying to understand my emotions right now. After Alex took you, I found myself willing to bring down all of Paradigm, just to save you and your memories. And then, you saved me, again. I know, back then, I wasn't the best with my attitude towards you and for that, I do apologize. But, you asked me to protect you and… while I've been successful for the most part, the key moments when you needed me, I failed. And, it's my constant reminder that I need to do better by you. Despite you being human now, I felt the same way when you were an android. I know I ran my mouth, a lot, and for that, I'm very sorry."

"So… please allow me to make it up to you. It doesn't matter if you're human or android. I would still be asking the same request if you had remained an android. With everything going on right now, it's far more important to keep those we care about close to us. So, when you became a recluse, I feared the worst. I thought I might have lost you in all of this mess. But you, sitting here, talking to me, I can honestly say I feel a lot better than I have in a while and I'm happy that you're just here. It feels really nice, Dorothy. All I know is, we'll figure this out together, and Norman and I will do our best to help you."

Dorothy's eyes welled up with tears again and Roger got up quickly to sit by her.

"Dorothy, you're going to be alright. Just… promise… promise to not seal yourself away from us. We care too much about you."

Dorothy nodded.

"Do you want me to move away?"

Dorothy shook her head.

"Okay."

Roger cradled Dorothy in his arms. The relief to have her back… Roger then smelled food coming up the lift.

"Do you feel like eating something still?"

He felt Dorothy nod against his shirt.

"I think Norman made chicken and dumplings for tonight. I asked for comfort food on the menu. At least that's what it smells like."

Dorothy looked at Roger and gave him a small smile. She felt the stiffness in her muscles trying to work. She smelled the food coming up the lift.

"It smells good."

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

Empty bowls now sat on the tray on the table. Norman had finished tidying up Dorothy's room and came out to collect the dishes.

"Was everything good to everyone's liking?" he asked.

"It was very good Norman. I really do like this," said Dorothy.

Norman beamed. "Glad to hear it, Miss Dorothy. If this is a favorite, I will cook this often if you wish. If you feel unwell during the night, please do not hesitate to ring me for assistance. I'll be back with some chamomile tea for everyone. If there's nothing else, Master Roger, Miss Dorothy?"

Roger and Dorothy both shook their heads.

"Then I'll excuse myself for the time being," Norman said, bowing, then taking the tray of dishes to the lift.

Roger leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes. He felt the weight of tension in his muscles in his lower back. Dorothy watched him momentarily before turning her gaze to the French doors that lead out to the back court yard.

"Is it okay if I go outside?" asked Dorothy.

Roger opened his eyes. "Dorothy. This is your home as it's mine. You don't need to ask for permission."

"I'm sorry. I meant to say, we."

"Yeah, sure. Let me get my robe. Do you have anything to wear to protect you from the cold?"

"No, just the coat you gave me on Heaven's Day. But I don't think it will fit properly with these clothes I have on."

"I'll find something for you."

As Roger made his way into the bedroom, he made a mental note to tell Norman not to spare any expense for Dorothy and to use credit card if necessary for her new clothes. He found his robe laying on chair near his bedroom window. He went over to his closet, looking for his other spare robe. After moving around some clothes, he found it in the far corner of his closet. He pulled it off the hanger and left the room, returning to Dorothy.

"Here," he said, "Try this."

Dorothy put it on and tied it closed. The sleeves rolled past her arms and the bottom of the robe looked like the trail of a gown.

"Do you think you can walk in it?" Roger asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I just need hold the sides up, I'm not totally helpless," Dorothy replied mildly annoyed, walking to the doors. Roger heaved and sighed, slightly smiling.

The glow of the west central dome lit up the night. Dorothy walked to the banister and leaned on it. Roger followed her, shutting the doors behind him.

"Roger?" she asked.

"Yes, Dorothy?"

"What are you going to do? With Angel's request?"

Roger walked over next to Dorothy, thinking.

"I think, if what Angel said is true and I think it is, it's something we need to worry about. Angel guaranteed she preserved our memories, Norman's, hers, and Dastun's. However, she couldn't guarantee if others had their memories preserved from the reset. She knew she had some control of her power, but she also felt like she lost control at some point, like something or someone made her lose it, so she said. So far, I've seen nothing in the paper, Dastun hasn't investigated any inquiries, and Big Ear has not heard of any rumors. However, having someone in the Paradigm government retaining their memories and more than likely being the cause of the two resets is a problem. We need to find out who that is and the sooner, the better. There's a good chance they are already trying to cause another reset. This power, this power that keeps Paradigm City on a stage, it's dangerous, whether it's in good or bad hands."

Roger turned around, leaning on the banister.

"You want to find that power and destroy it," said Dorothy, looking at the dome.

"Not necessarily destroy. But it doesn't need to exist. People deserve to live free in a world not in the control of a director whose wishes didn't come true, so they decide to hit the reset button to try again."

"So, do you think another power exists that could cancel out this power you speak of?"

"Perhaps, but I'm not sure. I'm hoping, in my cases, I can find some clues that may have led to its creation. I think my answer lies at the beginning. But I don't think outright destroying it is a good idea. It may create more problems, problems that we aren't able handle."

Dorothy turned to observe Roger. It was evident that he too was still processing what Angel had told them. He probably hasn't had much time to think things over, thought Dorothy to herself, with everything else going on.

"What if you can't find any clues? What if your only option is to destroy it?" She still felt unsettled about someone being in control, playing with all of their destinies, and could easily set events in motion to cause destructive events that could end all of their lives. She wanted to live her life, on her own terms.

Roger looked at Dorothy. He sensed the worry in her voice. "Have I ever failed in finding clues? They usually find me when I'm not looking," he chuckled.

When Dorothy did not smile, his face grew serious again, "Dorothy, I know there's something out there, something we can do to be prepared and ready for when this power decides to show itself again. But to give you the short answer to your original question, I will treat Angel's request as any other case. The only special privilege I give to this case is that I understand it can affect the outcomes of the people I care about the most, and you are on that list. I will do everything in my power to protect you, Norman, and Dastun. That's my promise to you."

"What about Angel?"

"What about her?"

"Do… do… do you feel the same way with her? Do you want to protect her from this power?"

"Angel is the head of Paradigm Corp and is more than able to take care of herself. But if someone or something were to threaten her, I'd stop the threat. Usually those kinds of threats end up being threats to the city…"

Roger's voice trailed off, seeing Dorothy's face becoming frustrated with his response. He realized what Dorothy meant. He placed a hand on Dorothy's shoulder.

"I apologize. If you're asking about my feelings toward Angel…"

Dorothy looked down, avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry, it was a personal question. I shouldn't have asked that."

Roger gently grabbed her chin and turned her face to meet his.

"Dorothy, my feelings toward Angel are professional. That's to say, she's just a client who has secured my services, nothing more. On that, I can promise you."

Dorothy looked into Roger's eyes. She sensed he was telling the truth, but that he was hiding something too. She couldn't explain how she knew it, but she was confident in her feeling. She took his hand that was holding her chin and held it in hers.

"Thank you… thank you for being there for me these past few weeks. And Norman. I'm still adjusting, trying to figure out who I am. I'm just worried I will not be the same Dorothy that you knew, and I am afraid that might…" She paused, not sure what to say.

"Dorothy, whoever you are, whoever you chose to be, I'll support you. The memories you have of the past and present, you can use them or not. It's your choice. I just want you to be happy. If it's of any comfort, I feel your father, Dr. Wayneright, knew what he was doing when he recreated you as an android. Unfortunately, it will remain a mystery as to how much Dr. Wayneright knew in terms of android technology and android programming. However, it seems he found ways to have you experience emotions and develop your intuition on your own when you were an android, which is very sharp and has saved me more than once in my cases. And I have a feeling, you still have that sharp intuition, even though you're human now. You seemed to have retained all knowledge that you had an as android."

Dorothy smiled. The muscles still felt stiff on her face. My intuition has never been wrong. He's definitely hiding something, otherwise, he wouldn't give generic answers. But, I don't doubt his sincerity. He wants me to be happy. I need to find what that is… what exactly makes me happy.

"Master Roger, Miss Dorothy, I have brought some tea as promised."

Norman walked out onto the courtyard with two cups of tea, steaming in the cold air. He lowered the tray for each of them to take a cup. Dorothy stared at her cup for a minute, then looked at Roger and Norman.

"I'm going to enjoy mine in my bedroom. I feel drained and I would like to go to bed soon," she said. She took off Roger's robe and handed it back to him. "Thank you for this. Good night."

She took her cup from the tray and walked back inside, shutting the doors. Roger sipped on his tea, his eyes following her until she disappeared from sight.

"How is she, Master Roger?" asked Norman.

"I think she's still figuring things out, but it seems she has better control of her thoughts and emotions. She was concerned about everything Angel told us and I guess my feelings towards Angel."

"Oh?"

Roger sipped his tea again.

"Norman, please see to it that Dorothy has what she needs and make it priority. Use credit if you need to."

"I will, sir. However, if I may, what did you tell her when she asked you about your feelings towards the Madam President?"

Roger looked at Norman, confused at his boldness. "I told her they were professional. She's just a client whom I've agreed to help."

Norman sighed. It seems Master Roger had dodged the question again with a generic answer. "If I may be so bold sir, your feelings towards Miss Dorothy are plainly evident. She's going through a lot right now, yes, but I think she would take a great comfort knowing that the man who risked his life for her time and time again cares for her, more than anything in the world, even life itself."

Roger choked on his tea, coughing, surprised at Norman's boldness again. When the coughing subsided, he finished his tea in one gulp, placing the cup on the tray. He turned to look at the dome, sighing.

"You're right Norman, but it's not that easy. And, when you factor in all the times I acted like a louse towards her…" He smiled and rested his head on his arms. "I'm idiot, Norman. I really am. I don't know what to do. What should I do?"

Norman walked over next to Roger and bent down towards his ear.

"Well, I am not you, sir. However, if I were in your shoes, I would leap and put everything on the table and let Miss Dorothy make her decision based on what you offer."

"Leap?"

Norman stood back up. "Leap, sir, leap. Have faith in yourself and Miss Dorothy. Trust her… trust her understanding of your feelings. You are Paradigm City's top negotiator, sir. I'm sure you will think of way to conclude negotiations with Miss Dorothy."

Roger turned red in the face, feeling awkward from the advice Norman gave him. Norman smiled, gave a short bow, and went inside, leaving Roger lost in his thoughts.

Paradigm City's top negotiator and I'm at a lost on what to say to the girl I care about the most.