Chapter 1: The Loner’s Predicament

March entered with a force not seen in living memory. The windy, wet, and dreary weather didn't help my mood. Not being able to partake in any normal activities was a pain for the following week. It was only when the staples came out that I was able to regain full range of movement, though the muscles would still need time to heal and adjust, according to Dr. Plebanski. My aorta healed completely and so, in secret, I began a small modest routine of push-ups, sit-ups, stretches, and pull ups to keep up my strength, only stopping when the pain became too much. I think Norman may have seen me a few times in the hangar, but if he did, he said nothing to me, Dorothy, or Dr. Plebanski.

Dorothy's nightmares continued, much to my dismay. Now the Big had a face according to her, but she refused to describe it to me, and I didn't push the issue. And because now it had revealed itself, the nightmares increased in intensity. I found a few ways of waking her up that were gentle enough and didn't hurt me in the process. With the intensity of them growing, sometimes she would refuse to come back to bed. Norman kept a stash of fresh chamomile tea in the kitchenette, so that I could prepare some for her on these nights. On these nights, making her tea, holding her, and letting her go through motions of the aftereffects was all I could do. Eventually, she would find sleep and I would try to catch up on my own.

On the week of our birthdays, I was cleared to go back to work, provided work didn't involve and I quote Dr. Plebanski, "Fighting anyone with knives, sticks, or my briefcase." I still had a long way to go, physically, but I knew I would catch up in time. Dorothy had moved the quarterly meeting to the following week, allowing us to catch up on work that had been piling up since she had neglected some of it to take care of me instead. And today, was her birthday officially. There was something I needed to do, and had discussed it with Norman to make sure all the paperwork would be filed and ready to go by today…

"There, I think that's the last of my files, typed up, and ready to be put away."

Dorothy dropped a stack of bounded booklets on Roger's desk. Roger saw the small stack and groaned.

"How many cases did you take on while I was out?"

"Well, I took on the ones that were assigned to you and finished them out, plus…" Dorothy held up her hands, ticking off fingers. "The five I had already, and then four new ones. So… fourteen sound about right?"

"Next time, we'll forward cases if one of us is down. I'm sorry this had to be put all on you."

"It's not a big deal, Roger. My note taking skills saved me in the end. Being able to write extremely fast and detailed is one skill I retained… well, never mind."

Roger sighed and gave her a small smile.

"So, what judgments did you assign these files?" Roger picked up one booklet and started reviewing it.

"Well, nine were assigned 'we have come to terms,' and five were assigned 'no side.'"

"Not bad, considering." He shut the booklet and put it back on top of the pile. "Listen, Dorothy…"

Dorothy had turned to go back to her desk, but stopped.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about something. You mind sitting down for a moment?"

Dorothy eyed Roger with a curious stare and sat down opposite him.

"What did I do?"

Roger gave a small laugh. "You're not in trouble. It's about the firm, and since you're a part of it, it involves you."

He sighed again and opened the bottom right drawer of his desk. Dorothy tried to take a peek, but couldn't see what he was fumbling around for in the drawer. Finding it, he let a small victory laugh, before setting it down by his feet, looking at Dorothy once more.

"How do I start? Well, when I asked you to be my partner, we agreed to certain rules and conditions, and we have operated by those rules and conditions. However, recent events have made me decide to reconsider them."

Dorothy raised an eyebrow. "How so? I make sure to uphold your reputation and the firm…"

"Dorothy, I'm not reprimanding you. You're not in trouble. You're aware of rules that regulate business outside the domes or lack thereof, correct?"

"Yes, you need a license and all parties who hold executive power in the business must be listed on the license with Paradigm, otherwise the business could be closed down or seized by them for failure to maintain a proper license. Angel is trying to change that though…"

"I know, with her new amendments to the Wills, Trusts, and Estates Act, but we're getting off track. It's probably better if I just show you…."

He reached down and pulled up a gift bag, handing it to Dorothy. She accepted it, and looked inside to find paperwork and two boxes wrapped in gift wrap. She pulled out the paperwork first, which consisted of a business license, and a thick bounded copy of what appeared to be a contract at first glance.

"Roger, what's all this?"

"Me, accepting reality that things happen and making sure that there's a backup plan, in case things don't work out."

"I don't understand."

"I had Norman go down to the head office to refile our business license outside the city. If you review the certificate…"

Dorothy looked at the certificate to find her name, Dorothy Wayneright, on it.

"Roger, but how? I don't have any of the other documents needed to file this change and prove who I am. All I have is the fake driver's license Norman gave me when I started the job."

"You forget Big Ear knows people. There are people who make decent copies and well, there's always the excuse of a clerical error, remember?" Roger winked at her at this remark, "I had Norman make the arrangements for me on my behalf while I was recovering. The certificate change has been approved. So, if, and I'm not saying I would let something like what happened two weeks ago happen again, but if something were to happen to me, while Norman is the executor of my trust, you can still operate the firm and have a decent life. It's harder to complete as an android because, well, androids are second class citizens under Paradigm law. But as a human, well, it's a lot harder to deny the reason for the change. So… I guess what I'm trying to say is, we're officially partners under equal footing according to that document, and you're no longer an associate, but my firm partner. I trust your judgment to make decisions on cases from now on. The copy you have in your hands is certified, and for you to keep."

Roger studied Dorothy for a moment as she reviewed the certificate. She set it down in her lap, and looked at him.

"So… I'm getting a promotion?"

"Yes. Your decisions have equal power to those of mine and Norman's. Of course, if there are radical or extreme changes that need to be made, a group counsel session would need to be called and, that actually leads into the next document you're holding in your hand."

Dorothy set the certificate on Roger's desk and looked at the other document closely. What she thought was a contract turned out to be a living will and trust.

"Recent events taken into account, I made some changes. Norman will remain executor of the estate, but you'll have a place to live in my absence. Technically, the business is also your home, so it would make sense to make sure you continue to have a place to live. However, if something were to happen to him and to me, that responsibility falls onto you. And you would be the sole inheritor in both cases. I know, this may seem like a huge step, but… I guess maybe I'm starting to realize my own limits, despite trying to overcome them."

Dorothy sat in silence. She understood why Roger was doing these things. Logically, she had no other place to go as the estate from her father had been seized by Paradigm while she was android and remained seized during this reset. However, it felt like a huge step in their relationship and a bit overwhelming. Roger, making her his partner officially with the business registry and now, making her his sole inheritor on his living will and trust… she had nothing of equivalent to offer in return. Not only that, the subject matter itself was mainly reserved for married individuals. Dorothy turned pink at the thought of this and brought the paperwork up to her face.

"Well… Roger… this is… this is a quite a large step. I mean, I have nothing to offer you in return equivalent of this value, and are you sure… are you ready for this level in commitment in our relationship?"

She was talking very fast and nervously. Roger chuckled at the site of her. Dorothy got annoyed very quickly at his behavior.

"This isn't funny Roger! I mean, what can I…"

"Dorothy, if getting stabbed for someone doesn't show how committed I am, then I don't know what else will, aside from this I suppose," he said, scratching his head nervously, "And I don't expect anything in return, by the way. Like I said, this wasn't easy for me, to come to grips with my limitations, but at least… you'll be taken care of, and you can still make a living…"

Dorothy hung her head. This couldn't have been easy for Roger at all. Roger always had a backup plan, but this probably had to be the hardest thing for him to plan, considering that Dorothy wasn't technically even on record as a citizen of Paradigm. But apparently that didn't stop Roger from doing what had to be done to make this a reality. She gave a small sigh and smiled.

"This couldn't have been easy for you."

"It wasn't. Well, it was much easier to get the paperwork forged to get it done but actually making the decision…"

"Thank you for… I guess for the promotion. I just wish I could give something back equal to this…"

Roger shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Just keep doing good work. It makes our jobs a lot easier. Oh… there's two other presents in the bag."

Dorothy looked down at the bag and saw the presents. She set the remaining paperwork on the desk and brought out the two small boxes. One was rectangular in shape, the other square.

"Does it matter which one I open?"

Roger shook his head, and she opened the rectangular box first. After removing the paper and opening the box, she found a miniature, grey kitten trinket box, holding a ball of yarn. Dorothy's eyes trembled at the sight of it.

"Pero…" she whispered.

"I thought so too, when I saw him."

Dorothy looked at Roger, and Roger turned pink.

"I'm sorry if it brought…"

"No, no! This is… I miss him… terribly. But…"

She got up from the chair and went over to Roger, embracing him and kissing him deeply. She gently sat on his lap, placing the Pero figurine on the desk, admiring it. Roger held her.

"You gonna open your last one?"

Dorothy nuzzled his forehead and adjusted herself in his lap, opening the last gift. As she opened the box, she found a bejeweled red rose trinket box.

"So, are you okay, with everything? I know it might be a bit much… I just wanna let you know how much I appreciate you, how much you mean to me, and as a thank you for everything you've done for me while I've been out."

Dorothy nodded. "The estate and license were a bit overwhelming, but I'm appreciative all the same. I just feel like the birthday presents I got for you won't match your thoughtfulness." Dorothy stood up, taking the booklets over to the filing cabinet to be filed.

"Before you came into my life Dorothy, I was a bit of loner. So, for anyone to remember my birthday, well, it means a lot."

Dorothy began placing the booklets on the shelf. After she organized them, she turned to Roger.

"I'm going upstairs for lunch. Care to join me?"

Roger nodded, getting up from the chair, walking with Dorothy.

"Oh, well, this is silly of me."

"What is it, Roger?"

"Dorothy, Happy Birthday."

Dorothy beamed at him.

Norman had baked a surprise cake for Dorothy, celebrating officially her 21st birthday with us. Considering recent events, I never thought something simple as celebrating a birthday could cheer everyone up in the mansion. My birthday followed a few days later, celebrating my 28th, and let's just say it was pleasant, very thoughtful, and unexpected in some ways. It was definitely a nice change, celebrating it with someone I cared about.

The meeting with the expansion project that came the following week turned out to be a mess. Beck did bring up the issues with the contract about the Paradigm Utility Board beginning their work before he finished with his. The discussion was long and heated with Beck and Paradigm. Paradigm's justification was that the city had demanding needs for electricity, but wanted to go ahead and get started on the project. The problem was in order to access the plant, they would have to cross through the construction zone Beck controlled. Beck managed to catch my eye, and caught on to my suggestion to let them win this fight, and think they won it. He conceded, the first time since this construction project began, which left Paradigm extremely happy, and Beck furious with me. He voiced his concerns, albeit unprofessionally, to me and Dorothy, as we headed back to the car. But Dorothy, not missing a beat, told him that they were bigger fish to fry, and he could always fix any repairs or damages they made to his project. It was also during this encounter that he informed us that he had been exploring the subway tunnels, mainly the routes he knew and used during his days as a criminal. He too had found routes altered, changed, or sealed off. But he was very confident there was one route that did not change and would be exploring it very soon.

Angel would have a meeting later in the month with the Governor of Electric City, finally able to secure the items for trade as promised. However, Governor Batter had heard what PUB had done with the electricity grid and was upset. Dorothy and I once again were called to mediate, both at their request. Dorothy was able to save the relationship with Angel and Governor Batter by partially informing him of what was going on in the government, without giving everything away, and that we had been assigned to find who it was, and put a stop to it. Governor Batter understood the situation Angel was in, and reaffirmed his position to support her and help in any way possible, including if it ever came down to it, fighting on her behalf. While this was only supposed to be a mediating session, I classified it as a case as it was the first time my firm had ever helped in the process of securing an alliance between Paradigm and an international territory, despite them being our neighbors just across the harbor. Dorothy had the political tact as what I deemed to be, a foreign correspondence negotiator, which made me very proud of her.

Working out in secret was also helping my recovery. I wasn't pushing myself per se, but I wanted to get myself strong enough to eventually resume stakeouts with Dastun and Angel and exploring the tunnels. I was starting to get back to my old strength, but was still frustrated at the pace. My left side would ache if I pushed myself. Sitting on the sidelines while Dastun, Angel, and Beck were out and about made me feel like I was slacking. Though, of course, that wouldn't be the only thing I would be feeling like I was slacking on…

"Norman, where's the pickles and mayo? I could've sworn I picked some up the other day. Maybe I've been eating more than I remember…"

Roger was in the fridge, looking for the remaining condiments to finish his sandwich while Norman was preparing potatoes for the beef stew he was making. He stopped what he was doing.

"Indeed sir, you did. Not two days ago. Perhaps Miss Dorothy has been having sandwiches as well?"

"Maybe. I know that nightmare of hers is now constant, waking her up 3-4 times a week."

"Oh dear. Perhaps I shall look into some lavender to mix with the chamomile to help her before bedtime?"

Roger sighed, taking out the milk and pouring himself a glass. He put the milk back, shutting the fridge door. "Probably for the best. She's been doing fine, but the lack of sleep will catch up to her in time. And, I've been on edge as of late, with everything going on. I think it will help the both of us."

Roger sat down with his plate and drink and began eating his mayoless and pickleless sandwich.

"Would it also be because you are working out in secret from Miss Dorothy, sir?"

Roger choked on his sandwich as it went halfway down, coughing. He drank some milk to force the sandwich down. He figured Norman knew or had a suspicion at least. Roger glanced at the entrance of the kitchen before answering him.

"Not a word to Dorothy, Norman. I've been taking it slow, not pushing it too much to hurt myself, and out myself with Dr. Plebanski. But I need to keep my strength up if I want to go exploring in the tunnels soon."

Norman chuckled. "I think Dorothy knows sir. She hasn't said anything because she wants to catch you in the act, and then tell Dr. Plebanski."

"Oh joy," said Roger sarcastically, taking another bite of his food, chewing, then swallowing. "It's really not the same without pickles and mayo."

He sighed, setting his sandwich down. He would finish eating it, he was not one to waste food. He rested his head on his hand, annoyed.

"You seemed troubled, Master Roger. Perhaps there's something I can help with?"

Roger gave a small smile. "Not sure you can help me with this one, Norman."

"Take a gamble, sir. Let's hear it."

Roger sighed once more, digging in his pocket, and took out a small box, setting it on the butcher block. Norman studied it for a moment then his face broke into a wide grin.

"Sir, is that… what I think it is?"

"Keep it down, Norman!" Roger hissed, glancing back at the entrance, making sure Dorothy was not nearby, "Been trying to keep it a surprise and do something nice. But… it's…"

Norman turned to the cabinet behind him and pulled out some gin and tonic water before making his way over to the freezer and grabbing the ice tray. He began making two small gin and tonics. "If I may be so bold, how long have you felt this way about her, sir?"

"If I'm honest, since September. I guess I was just… I dunno… with everything going on, I had plans to tell her how I felt about her after the fight with Big Fau. Then, she became human, so I just put it on the back-burner, curious to see how much she would change, and how things would change between us. It seems like she has the best of human and android in her, of all the things I like about her, and then some, and I just found myself wanting…more… but with her," He sighed, then continued, "When I went shopping for her birthday, I saw this… and well… now I am just trying to find the moment, or plan something nice."

Norman finished preparing the drinks and went to the butcher block to sit down next to Roger, handing him his gin and tonic. Roger gratefully accepted. Roger was not one to talk about his relationships or his feelings, and when he did, alcohol was always needed. He took a drink of his gin and tonic.

"I think Miss Dorothy would be elated, no matter the circumstances or the amount of planning you put it into."

"I'm not so sure. She seemed hesitant about the estate changes I made and gifted her on her birthday."

"Anyone would, sir. You are dealing with the issues of mortality and the consequences that follow that situation."

"She said it was a big step in our relationship and she felt overwhelmed, Norman, and she didn't have anything to offer in return that was equivalent…"

Norman took a sip of his drink, studying Roger for a moment.

"You're nervous she may not feel the same way for you, sir?"

Roger got pink in the face, frustrated. "No! Eh, I don't know… All I was trying to do was to show her that… I was just wanting to make sure… she's taken care of… in case… something happens to me…"

Roger took another drink of gin and tonic. It was finally out in the open. He studied his gin and tonic, figuring it was more tonic and not enough gin.

"This case, with Angel… I'm starting to think I bit off more than I could chew."

"Truth be told, sir, you've always had a habit of doing that."

"Thank you?"

"I'm being honest, sir. But, you have Big O, and you have more allies behind you this time, even if their reasons are selfish. The enemy of my enemy is my friend as they say." Norman took a long sip of his drink.

Roger sighed. Norman had a point. He did have more allies this time, even if their reasons for joining the fight to stop the New World Order were selfish.

"I guess so. But even still… I dunno… there's more to it now. Something tells me that Dorothy will find peace once this is over. It's why I haven't said anything yet to her. I don't think she would accept right now."

"Quite the contrary, Master Roger, a celebration of the union of two people who care more than anything for each other would be exactly what the world needs right now. All this uncertainty, this fear, only such things can be conquered by love and happiness. All one has to do is grasp it and hold it tight."

"Easier said than done. I still have doubts about… who I am and what I'm meant to do. And I need to figure that out first to make sure… this is what I want…"

Roger finished his gin and tonic, sitting the glass down, twirling it distractedly. Norman placed a firm hand over the glass, taking it from him.

"Master Roger, if that were truly the case, you wouldn't had bought that ring then. Whether we are players on a stage assigned a role or we made the choice to be who we are, at the end of the day, we still make the choice, and, there are only certain things that matter as well. Having confidence in oneself, faith that everything will work out, and keeping those close to you who believe in you and care about you, those things are worth fighting for."

Norman finished his drink as well and took both glasses back to the sink to clean, leaving Roger alone with his thoughts, and think on what Norman had just said to him.