Chapter 35: Robert Maxwell Saves the World
Jack, big problems.
What?
Found the Focus. I got it turned on, but I'm stuck to it. I don't know how to use it or turn it off.
Stuck to it? What the hell does that mean?
That's not the real problem. Sellis says the Koraxian fleet in orbit is activating some kind of weapon that will destroy the planet. Or something. How is it going with the President?
Oh, just fine. She has guns pointed at her ever day, you know. She wants to talk to you.
Uh. Well, put her on, then.
Maxwell?
Madame President! How are you doing?
This isn't funny! I'll have you both executed for this. The Oolians want the device, and I am prepared to give it to them. You have no authority to interfere!
They can have it as soon as I'm done with it.
And when will that be?
As soon as I figure out how to use it.
"Maxwell! Say something!" Sellis demanded.
I still couldn't. Attached to the Focus, glittering like a Christmas tree, and just as immobile. Jack started talking again, through our remote voice link.
Robert, she's pretty pissed off. I stunned five guards on my way in. They'll be waking up soon, so I hope you have a plan to save both our asses.
I'm working on it.
Input command.
What?
What?
Did you just say "input command?"
Did someone spike your Wild Turkey, Robert? I didn't say anything.
I swear I heard something say "input command."
I can't believe I'm trusting my life to your insane ass...
Input command.
Holy shit. Jack, I think it's the Focus.
What? It's talking to you?
Um. I think so. Hold on.
Input command.
What commands are available?
Any and all.
Oh, that's nice. How about that Koraxian fleet? Can we make it go away?
Working.
You could also let go of me.
The interface cannot currently be terminated.
Oh, of course not.
The fleet has been removed.
No shit?
Apparently, it really was gone. One of the soldiers came down to let us know that the atmospheric glow had ceased. Everything had seemingly returned to normal. Well, except for me still being stuck to the Focus, and Sellis thinking about shooting me, for all the good it would do.
I looked right at him. Make Sellis go away, too.
Working.
He must have sensed something, because he started glancing around, pulling at his skin with his fingers. "What's... what's happening here? Maxw--" He gave me one last "fuck you" look before he was completely gone. I had no idea where it sent him, but as long as it was far, far away, I didn't give a shit.
Can you let me go now? I'm done.
It released me. I stopped glowing. I was starting to get used to being lit up, so it was a little disappointing. But hey, at least I could move again.
The Navy guys pointed their guns at me, though. "What happened to Admiral Sellis?"
"I have no idea, he just vanished. Pretty weird, huh?"
Robert, the fleet is gone!
You're welcome, Jack.
What did you do?
I asked nicely.
You better put more than that in your report.
Everything's okay now, right?
That depends. The Oolians are pretty pissed. They're still demanding the Focus.
With what just happened, there is no way we can give it to them. I'm not sure what its limits are, but I just used it to eliminate a Koraxian fleet and a pesky faux Admiral. We can't let anyone else have it.
What are you suggesting? We make them "go away," too?
If it comes to that. Send a ship for me. I need to see you and the President, face-to-face.
I turned around to look at the Focus--now quiet and dark again. I slipped my finger into the slot, trying to dig the key out. Couldn't find it. "Weird."
As I began to walk away, however, I noticed something on the floor, where Sellis had stood before I disappeared him. I knelt down and picked it up.
It was the other charm. "Weirder," I muttered to myself.
Chapter 35
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