Chapter 4: Into the Underground

I find myself missing the piano playing lately. The weather now at the end of March began to change for the better. I tried to play the tune Dorothy's taught me to cheer myself, but I'm always off key. She's been busying herself with her journal writing, trying to compare memories from a previous life she doesn't know, hoping to find an answer to the nightmare that plagues her weekly. Dorothy's nightmares and now, concerning herself with Angel's case were starting to consume her. Even I noticed as well that I wasn't myself. For these reasons, I informed Norman to continue screening calls, being more selective of cases in terms of their complexity. Between Angel's case and the expansion project, I found my mind at times feeling overwhelmed and I needed a break. So did Dorothy.

Beck called later that day, and said he had secured some supplies for adventure into the underground. Dastun, deciding to take some time off to help a "family member," decided to tag along, despite being shaken by Angel's encounter with Big Venus. I'll admit that I was anxious. I wanted answers, more than what we were getting, but I knew I wasn't at full strength either. I had been building my strength up gradually, but I still had limits. I saw the look of concern on Dorothy's face while on the phone with Beck, and then I remembered Dr. Plebanski's words at Dastun's apartment. So, I began pushing myself past the point as much as I could stand, determined not to lose again. We had set the date for Saturday. Not sure what I can accomplish between now and then with my physical limitations.

We followed up with Angel that Friday with questions, now that she had time to process what had happened. Dorothy had brought her journals to the meeting and for the first time, I got an in-depth look at what had been bothering Dorothy, alongside the nightmare when she became human. Apparently, a lot of her memories take place in a big hangar-like area. She's working with me and her father. She sees herself in a white lab coat, assisting her father, looking over schematics, which she can't recreate. I'm apparently in some uniform of sorts. She can't remember the conversations, only what she has seen in the memories. Angel and her spent hours poring over the journals Dorothy had written, now onto number three since the nightmare started. Angel herself wrote down everything Big Venus had told her, and they were comparing notes with each other, but none of it makes sense. Decisions aligning with the one to be affected. Dorothy apparently has a power to unite the megadeuses and humanity. Having more than one negotiator in this world will provide a greater understanding between man and the ancient technology of the megadeus. It seems so… unnatural. Then again, that's probably the reason why the enemy tried to off me and keep Dorothy alive if they only needed one negotiator, but it didn't make me feel any better about the situation knowing why they had tried to kill me in the first place.

Later that night, I would find myself drinking and trying to play the piano once more, albeit horribly. I found guilt consuming me, probably like it did for Dastun when encouraged Angel to explore her power. Only in my case, I asked Dorothy to become a partner in my firm and now, with the paperwork being signed, and she having the same executive power as me, I felt like I had put her in danger. All I wanted to do was to help her adjust to being human, and I thought by being a negotiator, that would help. Instead, I've made a complete mess. It was only when I felt Dorothy hug me from behind that I felt the weight in my heart lifted as she told me it wasn't my fault, like she knew what I was thinking. I barely remember what I told her, realizing that I had made a complete fool of myself getting drunk, but I remembered that hug, and what she said to me clearly. Apparently, I said something about the piano, and she began playing a song that lulled me to sleep. At some point, she must've got Norman, and they put me to bed as I woke up the next morning with a hangover and a terrible headache.

"Wake up, Roger," came Dorothy's soft voice through the blankets.

Roger groaned. "I want to die. What did I drink last night?" he mumbled from underneath the covers, as he began to stir.

"You mixed apparently. Whiskey, Bourbon, and Vodka. It seems you ignored your own advice."

Dorothy gently began to pry the covers off of Roger, but Roger pulled them back.

"Roger Smith, I will pull the drapes back and allow the daylight to come in," she said firmly, yet softly at the same time.

Roger grumbled, releasing the covers, and allowing Dorothy to pull them back. He was covered in sweat. He sat up, wiping his sleeve on his forehead. Dorothy had brought breakfast to him, and began mixing an effervescent tablet into some tonic water, stirring it until she got the effect going. The spoon hitting the glass made Roger's ears ring and head rattle.

"Drink." She handed him the glass. He took it, made a face of disgust at it, and drank all its contents, shuddering at the taste.

"Bleh! I hate this stuff."

"You need your strength. Today, you're going into the subway with Beck and Dastun. I'm surprised you drank as much as you did last night."

"I've… I've been… feeling guilty."

Dorothy stared at him, uncovering his plate and sitting the tray in front of him. Sausage, scrambled eggs, and toast. Along with the seltzer drink, it was Norman's cure for his hangovers, and it worked every time. However, Roger had no appetite. Dorothy saw the look on his face.

"Roger, you need to eat."

Roger stared at the plate, ignoring her, lost in his thoughts.

"Roger? Roger… please eat."

Dorothy sighed, frustrated at Roger's funk. She tried gently prodding him again.

"Roger… you need your strength."

When Roger did nothing again, Dorothy got up from the bed and went to the curtains, pulling them back, blinding Roger with daylight. Roger put a hand to his eyes, trying to block the light.

"What the… Dorothy Wayneright!"

"Roger, snap out of it!"

"Okay, okay! Please, shut the curtains."

"As long as you quit inner monologuing inside your head with your thoughts."

"I will, I will! Please… the light…"

Dorothy shut the shades again, sitting down on the bed once more.

"Eat."

Roger took his fork and began eating his eggs slowly. They were still hot, a nice change of pace from eating lukewarm food.

"What are you feeling guilty about?" she asked him.

Roger finished chewing his food. "Well, last night. I don't like getting drunk in front of you for one, and two, I'm starting to feel I guess how Dastun felt with Angel, but with you."

"You told me that last night. Do you remember what you said?"

"Not really."

"You said it was your fault for making me a negotiator. To which I said, that you merely offered the job and I accepted. Roger, isn't it like you told me, that you need to accept what's happened and we can't change it?"

Roger had taken a bite of his food, chewing slowly to allow himself time to think over his words.

"Yes… and no. To me it feels different, but I know that answer won't satisfy you. So, I'll concede for now. My head is pounding, and I can't think of a good response."

"Hm… you're acting strange again, Roger Smith. Your words never fail you."

"That probably has to do with me being hungover. I have to ask, what's with the breakfast in bed?"

"I figured you wouldn't want to be blinded by the sunlight. The curtains are open in the living room. I helped Norman clean this morning, though apparently, you've done some cleaning as well and forgot to tell Norman. We haven't been having many cases, so I've been helping around the house, with Big O, and the clinic these past few days. And I've been getting stuff ready for you today as well."

Roger nodded and gave her a smile. "I have. I'll write it down next time. I appreciate the help, Dorothy."

Dorothy leaned over and kissed him on the lips, holding him for a moment, then moving back. "So, have you missed me playing the piano?"

"It's nice to listen to the music in the house."

Dorothy gave a small giggle. "I'm sorry I haven't been myself lately. Between…"

"I know, I know. You don't have to explain. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

Dorothy nodded, getting up to leave. "I'll be around. What time are you heading down?"

"What time is it now?"

"9:00 or just after…"

"Ah! Damnnit, I'm meeting them here in an hour!" Roger began wolfing his food down.

"Don't worry. Norman and I have been downstairs getting the Prairie Dog and Big O ready for transport. Relax and eat your food. You have time for a shower and to get dressed."

Roger nodded his thanks as Dorothy kissed him once more, leaving the bedroom. Roger felt the effervescent tablet starting to work with his headache as the pain was beginning to subside. Until Rundown began echoing through the walls of his bedroom. Roger grew frustrated at first, then the anger subsided, as he began laughing, holding his head as it began to hurt once more. He cleared his throat.

"DOROTHY WAYNERIGHT! WHEN I SAID I MISSED THE PIANO, THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEANT!"

Rundown stopped playing as Dorothy shouted back, "YOU DIDN'T STATE WHAT SONG YOU MISSED!"

I'm never drinking that much again.

An hour later, Roger's headache subsided after eating and taking a shower. He was now in the hangar, adjusting his tie, wearing his normal business attire. He finished helping Norman look over Big O and the Prairie Dog's systems. Dorothy, on the other hand, was looking over his pack he would be carrying.

"Glowsticks…check…flashlight…check…notepad, pen, check… first aid kit… check… 3 bundles of rope…check… bottled water x 3, check…"

Roger put a hand on her shoulder. "I think I can take it from here."

"Just let me do this. I can't tag along, and this will make me feel better."

Roger held up his hands, shrugging. Dorothy made sure a copy of the maps of the subway and city were included in his pack, as well as a key mold pen, a utility knife, and tactical pocketknife. Norman walked in escorting Dastun and Beck with his entourage of Dub, T-Bone, and Yumi. Dorothy for good measure added a canister of pepper spray. Roger saw her put it in his pack.

"Dorothy, I saw that."

Dorothy shut the pack and tightened it closed. "It's technically not a weapon. Worse case, it's a decent size bottle and it can be used a distraction to buy you some time. And it's from Norman's weapon stockpile. The expiration date is next month, so it needs to be used."

Roger sighed. He didn't want her upset before he left, so he nodded in agreement. "I get what you're saying, but you know my rules, Dorothy."

"I do, this just makes me feel better. You're not at full strength yet. I saw you practicing your kicks yesterday. I saw you struggling. At this point, I could probably take you on and beat you in sparring."

"Look who's confident."

The group joined them.

"Yumi will be tagging along with us. She's my best locksmith and can pick anything open, even electronic locks. These two will be staying behind monitoring the gear I'm leaving with them. I'm trying to map the underground. I doubt the signal will be strong enough to reach here. But, I can store the data on this little baby…" He held a small electronic handheld device, "And upload the data to one of my computers later. It'll be just the four of us," said Beck.

"Fine by me," said Dastun, "The less people I have to worry about, the better. Dorothy, Angel's upstairs. I'm afraid we… well, let's just say I goofed up, and leave it at that. Could you keep an eye on her?"

"I can, Dan. As long as you…"

"I told her my goodbye. I know better. Thank you though for caring."

"Norman and I have been checking Big O and the Prairie Dog systems. We're all set and ready to go," said Roger.

"Lead the way, Crow Boy," said Beck and they walked to the Prairie Dog loading area. Beck and Yumi climbed on first, disappearing into one of the caboose engines. Dastun followed next. Roger lingered with Dorothy on the platform.

"I'll get you answers. We'll find out what's going on. I promise. And if it doesn't end today, we'll be one step closer, which is better than nothing." He held her face and she held his hand against it. Dorothy closed her eyes, wanting to go, but knew the argument she had made would be dead in the water before she could even finish. She didn't want to stay behind, it pained her to see him go off like this, even if he had a group of people.

"Just promise… come home, alive… please…"

"I will."

He leaned in and kissed her passionately on the lips, feeling their softness before breaking apart, and nuzzling her on the head.

"Are you two Crow Birds done yet?"

Beck had surfaced from the caboose, annoyed at Roger. Roger gave a quick kiss on Dorothy's forehead, Dorothy handing him his pack, and Roger ran off to the platform.

"I'll see you soon! We'll be back by dinnertime. Norman, please make sure Dorothy and Angel are safe while we're gone. Quit your griping Beck, I'm moving!" Beck had started to make a face and open his mouth, but Roger hopped on the caboose.

"Understood, sir! We shall see you home in time for dinner!" Norman called from the console, wearing a dual 1911 shoulder holster to house his 1911s.

Beck disappeared into the caboose as Norman started up the Prairie Dog. Dorothy ran back to Norman at the console, Roger was still looking at her from the entrance hatch. Dorothy's eyes were trembling, but refusing to cry. The platform turned, now facing the entrance to the subway tunnel and slowly began moving, chugging into the subway. Roger was still looking at Dorothy as Norman shut the hangar entrance into the subway. The door sealed shut and Dorothy felt herself suddenly take a breath in and held it. Norman placed a gentle hand on Dorothy, and she released her breath.

"And what do we now, Miss Dorothy?"

Dorothy wiped her eyes, as some tears had fallen, but with her free hand, held Norman's hand. "We have faith, Norman. We have faith in them, and above all, in Roger. They'll return to us, safe and sound, in time for dinner."

"That's the spirit! I'll need to man the console, to keep an eye on their progress. Why don't you check the Madam President? I made refreshments in the kitchen. Perhaps something to eat will ease the worry away, hm?"

Dorothy gave him a small smile. Norman's cooking did always cheer her up if she was ever in a funk of her own. She nodded.

"I'll bring you some down once we are done."

"Take your time, dear," Norman replied as Dorothy went off to the lift.

Roger was keeping an eye on the console, monitoring the Prairie Dog's progress. According to the map, they would be heading to West Dome #7 and be there in about 20 minutes. Beck was sitting with Yumi, testing their gear. Dastun was wiping down his pistols, which Roger knew was his way of dealing with his anxiety. Now that they were on their way, some of Roger's worry started disappearing. Hopefully, they could get answers today. Realistically, he set his expectations to being one step closer to solving this case.

He stepped away from the console, sitting next to Dastun.

"I overheard. You and Angel got into it?"

Dastun shook his head. "I rather not talk about it right now, and keep my head focused. Let's just say she wanted to go with, and tried to make one last argument, and well, I said no, not in the most pleasant way."

"I see."

Roger brought his knees up, leaning his head back against the wall as Dastun put his pistol away.

"You still have the same personal carries."

Dastun set his pistols down. "They're old, but reliable, and I take good care of them. Angel has my service weapon on hand as well as her own. Lately, I've been feeling like I've been watched more than normal. Maybe it's…I guess… related to recent events."

"You're not the only one. Norman's been screening calls and using our private secure line to take incoming calls more than normal. Can't be too careful."

Roger sighed, thinking about the days when the extra steps were not needed to protect the household. He found himself praying for the case to be over soon, so he could spend more time with Dorothy and live a somewhat normal life (if you considered housing a giant megadeus in your household normal).

"Crow Boy, did you ever think about putting seating on this thing? This floor's killing my ass," asked Beck, looking over one of his devices.

"Like I said, the Prairie Dog is not meant for human passengers, except my Big friend. But, using it allows us to save time, save our strength, and have him as back up nearby in case things get out of hand."

"Hmph. I could've made better transport."

"I'm welcome to suggestions, Beck. But I'm not being baited into an argument over it."

"You couldn't afford my suggestions, not at my current rates."

Roger shook his head, ignoring him. Beck was probably nervous too, and this was his way of relieving stress. To confirm Roger's suspicions, Yumi punched Beck in the arm for his behavior.

"Ow! What did I do?"

"Just finish programming this stuff. And mind your manners."

Roger snickered. It seems like we're all in the same boat.

Roger stood back up and walked back to the console, keeping an eye on the map.

Dorothy had invited Angel into the kitchen. She made some tea and pulled out the food Norman had made. Finger sandwiches and tea seemed like decent pairing to take her mind off things. Angel on the other hand was brooding, supporting her head on her hand, her eyes closed, frowning.

"Angel, I know it's not what you wanted to hear…"

Angel gave an exasperated sigh.

"He didn't have to be so mean about it! But now… I feel miserable. I should've said I'm sorry, and now I'm just wracked with guilt and well… considering everything…"

"Norman always tells me to have faith in the people I know and care for, to trust them, and believe in them. I've found that it actually helps, most of the time," said Dorothy as she set the food on the butcher block and went to the stove to remove the tea pot as it had started whistling while shutting the stove off. She brought the tea pot over to Angel's cup and poured her some tea before doing the same to her own cup. Dorothy set the tea pot on the butcher block. Angel began helping herself to some food.

"I don't understand why he's being such a nervous-nelly now. I'm the President. Do you know how many threats my office gets daily? I mean, I know I'm not going to make everyone happy, but…" She shook her head, "Most of them are empty anyway, and most are from the rich, imagine that."

"Well, your Kids First program has been doing really well, especially outside the domes. The kids are loving that they have books to read at the clinic and actual supplies to learn. Sheila in particular is excited about homework. I find it dull, but I guess it's the little things."

"I'm glad I made someone happy."

Angel still sounded depressed, and she slumped to the butcher block.

"Can I ask why you didn't try insisting with Roger?"

Dorothy finished her sandwich before grabbing another, pausing for a moment.

"February is still on my mind. Roger's still is not 100%. He's come a long way, but… I didn't want him distracted, and I didn't want to upset him, or myself either. So, I fell back on Norman's words. Still doesn't change the fact I worry about him."

"I see. Does Norman tell you to believe in him often?"

"Only when I let my emotions get the better of me. In many ways, his words are my rock, and so now I offer them to you. When Dastun comes back, and I do mean when, you can say your apology then and be genuine about it."

"Not sure I want to do it in front of Beck."

"Let's just say I've confessed my feelings more than once for Roger while I was still android in front of Beck, and one time, I was being controlled by him. It's embarrassing."

Dorothy sighed, eating her sandwich and grabbing another. "This is missing something."

She got up from the butcher block to go rummage in the fridge. She found what she was looking for and closed the door, setting the jar of pickles and mayo on the butcher block. She took a spoon, and began putting a small spoonful of mayo on the pickles. Angel raised eyebrow.

"Dorothy, you're my friend, in fact you're my only friend. But what are you doing?"

"Oh, this? Ever since Roger got stabbed, I guess I've been stress eating more. Dr. Plebanski's checked me over and nothing's wrong with me. She says sometimes after dealing with something stressful, the body just finds something it wants to comfort with. And so, it's been pickles and mayo, and Norman's potato salad. Though, lately I do need to watch what I am eating. I haven't been running or working out with Roger as hard as I used to. I noticed my pants felt a little tighter than normal and I didn't need my belt."

"Dorothy… stress eating pickles and mayo is disgusting. I have to be honest with you."

Dorothy giggled. "To each their own. But I will say, it's funny watching Roger's reaction when he doesn't have pickles and mayo for his sandwich."

Dorothy began imitating Roger's angry stamping and yelling, causing Angel to laugh out loud. Angel began imitating Dastun's reaction to drinking lukewarm coffee, which made Dorothy almost snort her tea by accident. And they continued with their own shenanigans, taking their mind off what their companions were doing.