x
The Inner City of the 25th century stood tall and resolute, an unwavering fortress guarding against the relentless onslaught of savagery, barbarism, and chaos that threatened to engulf the world. Its towering skyscrapers pierced the heavens, casting long shadows over the bustling streets below. The city's leaders and its resilient citizens, however, viewed their metropolis through a different lens - one that painted a picture of hope, progress, and unity.
Within the Inner City's boundaries, a vibrant tapestry of cultures intermingled harmoniously. Diversity was not just celebrated but embraced as a source of strength. People from all walks of life coexisted in perfect harmony, their differences dissolving into a beautiful mosaic that adorned every corner of this urban sanctuary.
Not that its leaders or its citizens saw their city in that light. On the contrary, they viewed it as a beacon of progress and prosperity, a shining example of urban development and innovation. The city's skyline boasted towering skyscrapers, each one a testament to the ambition and determination of its people. Its bustling streets were filled with a vibrant energy, as residents hurriedly went about their daily lives, driven by the relentless pursuit of success. The city's infrastructure was meticulously planned and flawlessly executed, seamlessly connecting neighborhoods and facilitating seamless transportation. Parks and green spaces dotted the landscape, providing much-needed respite from the concrete jungle. It was a city that never slept, where opportunities abound at every corner, attracting dreamers and go-getters from all walks of life. The citizens took immense pride in their metropolis, fiercely defending its reputation against any criticism or doubt. They believed in their city's potential to shape the future, to be at the forefront of technological advancements and societal progress.
Still, amidst the constant threat of barbarian tribes and the looming danger of a potential plague outbreak facilitated by unregulated interactions between the Inner City and the inhabitants of Anarchia, the governing authorities of the Inner City found it imperative to implement an extraordinary measure—a peculiar form of quarantine. However, this quarantine was not devised with the intention of safeguarding a thriving society from an infected individual; rather, its purpose was to shield a sanctuary of rationality and well-being from a world that had succumbed to the ravages of illness and animosity. In this unprecedented act, they sought to fortify their haven against the encroaching chaos, preserving their sanity and physical health amidst a global landscape plagued by madness and hatred.
The Inner City, a bustling metropolis at the heart of the urban landscape, stood tall and proud like a castle keep of old. However, its walls were not constructed from ancient stones or sturdy timber, but rather from a fusion of modern materials. A formidable barrier composed of plastic and metal encased the city, while a magnificent glassite dome arched above it, creating an ethereal shield against the outside world. Yet, it was not just physical barriers that safeguarded this haven; cutting-edge force-fields and intricate electronic scanners worked in harmony to fortify its defenses.
The towering walls stood tall and formidable, their imposing presence a constant reminder of the city's fortitude. Guarded with unwavering vigilance, the sentinels stationed atop the ramparts kept a watchful eye on the horizon, their gazes occasionally drifting towards the bustling city they were sworn to protect. Yet, their primary focus was steadfastly fixed on repelling any potential invaders that dared to threaten the safety of those within. The guards' duty lay in safeguarding against external threats rather than monitoring the activities transpiring within the protective embrace of these ancient barriers. Consequently, little attention was paid to the intricate tapestry of life unfolding behind those formidable walls; a world teeming with vibrant markets, winding alleys, and a tapestry of diverse citizens who went about their daily lives in relative anonymity.
As Buck crouched in the shadows of a towering structure, his eyes fixated on the imposing barrier and the vigilant personnel stationed along its perimeter. The city wall stood as a formidable fortress, separating the bustling metropolis from the unknown dangers that lurked beyond. It was here, concealed within the darkness, that Buck found himself questioning their purpose. The computer brain, a constant companion hanging around his neck, echoed his curiosity with a single inquiry: "Why are we at the city wall?"
"Don't your Duracells ever wear down?" Buck whispered fiercely, his frustration evident in his voice.
"What are 'Duracells'?" the computer asked innocently, unaware of Buck's growing irritation.
"Be quiet or I'll break your nose," Buck responded logically, his patience wearing thin.
"Hah! I don't even have a--" the computer began to retort before Buck abruptly interrupted it.
Buck swiftly silenced the computer by muffling the end of its sentence. He grabbed a nearby piece of cloth and forcefully stuffed it into the speaker-housing, effectively cutting off any further sound.
As he stood there, contemplating his actions, Buck couldn't help but feel a mix of satisfaction and guilt. He knew that resorting to violence was not the ideal solution, but he had reached his breaking point with the incessant questions and lack of understanding from this seemingly clueless machine.
"---nose," Theopolis whispered, his voice barely audible.
With the computer hanging from his neck, Buck sprinted through the bustling corridors of the Inner City, his heart pounding in his chest. Twiki, the loyal robotic companion, scurried right behind him, emitting anxious beeps and whistles. Determination etched on his face, Buck's eyes scanned the surroundings until he spotted a public intercom station nearby.
Without wasting a second, Buck rushed towards it and snatched the intercom speaker with trembling hands. He pressed it against his lips and gasped into it, his voice betraying a sense of urgency and concern. "Wall security," he managed to utter between breaths, desperately hoping someone would respond swiftly.
A brief pause followed before a crackling voice finally responded on the other end. "This is Wall Security. What's the situation?" The relief that washed over Buck was palpable as he realized help was on its way.
Summoning all his courage, Buck continued speaking into the intercom with unwavering determination.
Then Buck, with a concerned tone in his voice, quickly approached the security officer and said, "Hello. I see some suspicious-looking characters lurking around Airlock 11." His eyes narrowed as he scanned the area, trying to gather more information. "You'd better get someone here fast," he urged, his voice filled with urgency. "I think they look like Draconians."
As com-central swiftly transmitted the urgent message to the security team stationed at the wall, a sense of urgency permeated the air. The guards stationed at Airlocks 10 and 12 immediately sprang into action, their training kicking in as they swiftly made their way towards Airlock 11. With each step, their hearts pounded in anticipation, knowing that they were about to confront potential intruders who had breached their secure facility.
As they closed in on Airlock 11, their minds raced with thoughts of what awaited them on the other side. Would these intruders be armed? Were they hostile or simply lost? The unknown variables only fueled their determination to apprehend them and bring them into custody.
As soon as the Airlocks were cleared, Buck eagerly propelled himself into a sleek and futuristic land vehicle known as the Quantum Cruiser. These cutting-edge vehicles were an integral part of the extraordinary transportation system provided by the Inner City, a metropolis that thrived on innovation and adventure.
By stationing a sufficient number of these futuristic land vehicles around its territory, providing free access to citizens beyond the range of the streamlined monorail system, the commitment of equipment and fuel was significantly reduced compared to the days of private automobiles. In that era, billions upon billions of dollars were poured into individual vehicles.
The Quantum Cruiser, or QC, was a marvel of engineering, designed to effortlessly glide through the Inner City's intricate network of smooth roadways and specialized tracks. With its sleek, low-slung body, the QC exuded an air of sophistication and elegance as it silently whisked passengers to their destinations with remarkable speed and utmost safety.
But Buck Rogers, fueled by a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the unknown, boldly pressed the manual override button. In that instant, he disconnected the QC's automatic guidance system, severing its ties to the city's arterial flow. The once obedient vehicle was now transformed into an independent entity, ready to embark on a thrilling journey.
With Twiki, his loyal robotic companion, seated beside him, Buck surveyed his surroundings. The bustling Inner City faded into the distance as he pointed the QC squarely towards Airlock 11. Determination etched across his face, he cranked up the power to its peak level, unleashing a surge of energy that propelled them forward with exhilarating speed.
As they zoomed out of the familiar confines of civilization, Buck couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. The dangerous and ill-explored regions known only as Anarchia beckoned him with their mysterious allure.
Here, beyond the city walls, all was loneliness and desolation. The once vibrant and bustling streets of Chicago were now eerily silent, devoid of any signs of life. A thick layer of dust covered everything in sight, as if time itself had come to a standstill. The air hung heavy with an oppressive stillness, broken only by the occasional howl of the wind that swept through the abandoned buildings.
Above, a weird moon shone down on the Earth, its presence casting an otherworldly atmosphere upon the desolate landscape. Unlike the white or silvery-yellow light that had bathed Buck's time, this satellite of Earth's 25th century emitted a baleful reddish glow that seemed to seep into every crevice and corner. It painted a macabre picture across the poisoned surface of the planet, intensifying its haunting beauty.
The once lush greenery had long since withered away under the weight of human neglect and environmental decay. The twisted remnants of trees and shrubs stood as a solemn reminder of the irreversible damage caused by mankind's disregard for nature.
Strange shadows leaped and shrank in the eerie glow of the blood-red moonlight, casting an otherworldly dance upon the landscape. Equally peculiar sounds were carried by the night winds, whispering through the trees with an unsettling mix of animalistic cries and the haunting soughing of branches. It was as if nature itself had been transformed, as if ancient Lake Michigan had swelled into a colossal inland sea, its distant waves crashing against unseen shores.
The air was heavy with a sense of foreboding, as if something primal and untamed lurked just beyond the veil of darkness. The vague noises that echoed through the night seemed to defy categorization; they could have been the guttural growls of manlike beasts or perhaps the distorted cries of beastlike men hidden somewhere in the depths of this enigmatic realm.
Theopolis, his metallic voice strained with urgency, attempted to communicate through the muffled speaker of his small box. Frustration etched across his digital face as he struggled to make himself heard. But Buck Rogers, always quick on his feet, sensed the urgency and swiftly reached into the speaker-enclosure, removing the makeshift gag that hindered Theopolis's communication.
"What is it?" Buck demanded in a hushed tone, his eyes narrowing with concern. "And for heaven's sake, keep it down or I'll have no choice but to jump up and down on you."
Theopolis took the warning seriously, his eyes narrowing with concern. "I said, where are we?" he demanded, his voice laced with urgency.
"Anarchia," Captain Rogers replied, his tone grave.
"But you're not allowed in Anarchia, Captain Rogers. It's dangerous," Theopolis exclaimed, his voice tinged with worry.
"Theo, listen to me," Buck pleaded urgently, his voice filled with determination. "There's another 20th century human somewhere out here. He's a fellow astronaut, just like me. I owe him my help."
Theopolis, the highly advanced computer intelligence system, processed Buck's words silently. Its glowing lights flickered as it analyzed the situation at hand. Meanwhile, Twiki, the small but resourceful robot, sat by Buck's side in silence. His scanner lenses rapidly flashed up and down, back and forth, scanning the surroundings for any signs of the mysterious astronaut.
As Buck anxiously awaited a response from Theo, memories flooded his mind. He recalled the days when he first embarked on his space journey from Earth in the late 20th century. The excitement and thrill of exploring uncharted territories beyond their home planet had been overwhelming.
But now, stranded in this unfamiliar time period after being accidentally frozen for centuries, Buck felt a deep sense of responsibility towards his fellow astronauts.
Buck, too, scanned the desolate scene, his eyes sweeping from where they stood out to the vast horizon. The world had changed so drastically since the cataclysmic event that had reshaped the land. In the distance, a flickering campfire caught his attention, its feeble glow barely piercing through the thick darkness of the night. As he squinted, Buck could discern a group of menacing mutants huddled around it, their grotesque figures silhouetted against the dying embers.
These mutants were a haunting sight to behold. Their bodies were twisted and deformed by the harsh realities of their existence in this post-apocalyptic wasteland. Some were towering and muscular, their skin mottled with scars and patches of decaying flesh. Others were scrawny and emaciated, their bones protruding through sagging skin like macabre works of art.
Their eyes glowed with an eerie luminescence, casting an otherworldly light upon their surroundings.
Buck skillfully maneuvered the QC forward, its sleek design gliding effortlessly over the rugged terrain. As he approached the encampment, a massive pile of rubble suddenly came into view, disturbed by some mysterious force-effect emanating from the QC. The debris tumbled across the pathway, causing Buck to instinctively hit the brakes.
Buck's heart raced as he desperately yanked the steering wheel, causing the QC to veer away from the tumbling debris that threatened to engulf them. Just when he thought they were in the clear, his eyes widened in horror as he realized they were hurtling towards an even more treacherous obstacle up ahead. With a surge of adrenaline, he slammed on the brakes, causing the vehicle to screech to a halt just inches away from a devastating crash.
As Buck caught his breath and surveyed their surroundings, he couldn't help but notice the remnants of what appeared to be a once magnificent building. Its crumbling walls and shattered windows hinted at its former grandeur, leaving him wondering if it had been a bustling restaurant in its heyday. The faded sign that still clung precariously above the entrance seemed to whisper tales of delectable cuisine and lively conversations that once filled its halls.
Buck struggled with the unfamiliar controls, his heart pounding in his chest as he desperately tried to restart the futuristic vehicle. The mutants, grotesque and disfigured, clustered around the campfire like shadows cast by a nightmare. Their sunken eyes glowed with an eerie intensity, reflecting their insatiable hunger for destruction.
As Buck's trembling fingers flipped the main power control of the QC, a surge of electricity coursed through its sleek metallic frame. The vehicle hummed to life, its powerful engine awakening from its slumber. With a flick of a switch, Buck hit the automatic starting control, feeding power to every intricate mechanism within.
The mutants advanced, their grotesque forms moving with an eerie grace that sent shivers down the spines of any who dared to witness their approach. Their once feeble bodies had transformed into monstrous beings, towering over the landscape with sinewy muscles and twisted limbs. Jagged spikes protruded from their backs, glinting ominously in the pale moonlight.
As they drew nearer, their confidence grew, fueled by the apparent malfunction of the QC. It seemed as though fate had played into their hands, granting them an opportunity to strike at the heart of those who had long oppressed them. The mutants' eyes gleamed with a feral hunger, a primal desire for revenge that burned within them like a smoldering fire.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the QC sputtered back to life. But it was too late. The mutants had encircled it completely, forming an impenetrable wall of menacing figures that blocked any chance of escape.
They circled the QC, their grotesque forms casting eerie shadows in the dim light. Their twisted limbs and disfigured faces were a testament to the cruel mutations that had befallen them. With hesitant curiosity, they extended their gnarled hands to pat and explore the cold metallic surface of the QC, their touch a blend of fascination and trepidation.
As their confidence grew, their hands reached out towards Buck or Theopolis or Twiki, their fingers trembling with anticipation. Their sunken eyes glimmered with a feral hunger, devoid of any trace of humanity. No longer resembling men, these wretched creatures emitted guttural grunts and mumbled a horrifying patois that sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to listen.
Their language was an abomination, a cacophony of half-articulate noises that echoed through the desolate wasteland like the tortured cries of tortured souls. It was a twisted symphony of despair and madness,
Buck cautiously maneuvered the QC, attempting to reverse away from the menacing mutants that had encircled it. Their grotesque figures loomed ominously, closing in on him from all sides. Despite the growing sense of urgency, Buck hesitated to resort to ramming them or ruthlessly running them down. In his mind, he still clung to the belief that these creatures were once human beings, albeit severely degraded.
As he pondered his next move, Buck couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not taking more decisive action earlier. The mutants' eerie presence and their relentless pursuit had begun to erode his empathy towards them. Yet, a flicker of compassion remained within him, preventing him from cold-bloodedly crashing into their midst.
The QC's engine hummed softly as Buck carefully assessed his surroundings. The mutants' twisted forms pressed closer, their eyes filled with an unsettling mix of desperation and feral hunger. It was clear that they were no longer capable of rational thought.
Instead, he attempted a forced expression of friendly cheer; he spoke, hoping that they might grasp the warmth in his tone if not fully comprehend his words: "Uh--hi," Buck ventured, flashing a peace sign with his fingers. "You, uh, cats got a really groovy pad here, don't you?"
He made another desperate attempt to maneuver the QC through their ranks without causing harm to any of the menacing mutants. "Uh, hate to split after grubbing like this."
Buck's heart raced as he searched for an escape route amidst the chaotic scene. The mutants' eerie presence sent shivers down his spine, but he knew he had to maintain composure and find a way out. Sweat trickled down his forehead as he desperately tried to come up with a plan.
"Hey man," Buck called out with a touch of urgency in his voice. "I dig your vibes and all, but I gotta jet before things get too far out."
He tried once more to maneuver the QC away from the others, desperately attempting to create some distance between himself and the mutants. However, his efforts only resulted in a meager advancement, barely making any headway. Frustration crept into Buck's voice as he spoke up, hoping to find a way out of this predicament.
"Uh, listen, if you're ever in the neighborhood, look me up," Buck said with a hint of '70s slang in his tone. His words were laced with a mix of bravado and desperation, an attempt to lighten the tense atmosphere surrounding him. He knew that he needed an escape plan soon before things escalated further.
As Buck continued to back the car cautiously, he noticed that the mutants were starting to gather behind it. Their movements became more purposeful and coordinated, indicating that they were beginning to comprehend his strategy of trying to slip through their thinnest ranks. The realization sent a shiver down Buck's spine; it was clear that the mutants were evolving and adapting, making Buck's escape even more challenging and uncertain.
"Maybe you'd like Tony Orlando and Dawn on an 8-track? Mood rings?" Buck's voice echoed through the desolate rearward path of the QC. The mutants, their attention fixated on something unseen, continued to gather in silence, paying no mind to Buck's attempts at distracting banter.
Undeterred by their lack of response, Buck persisted, his voice filled with a hint of desperation. "Would ya?" he questioned again, hoping for even the slightest acknowledgment from the mutants. But once again, his words fell on deaf ears. "No?" he muttered to himself in disappointment. "Huh, guess not."
By now, almost all of the mutants had clustered behind the Quantum Core (QC), their eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Buck, standing at the forefront, tried to ease their concerns with a feeble attempt at humor. "Well, that's okay," he said, his voice tinged with nervousness. " Because I told you a little fib. Heh-heh," he chuckled awkwardly, hoping to lighten the tense atmosphere.
Twiki, the small robotic companion by Buck's side, emitted a high-pitched squeal as if echoing the collective unease felt by both humans and robots alike.
The mutants were now concentrated at the rear of the car, their grotesque forms contorted with an insatiable hunger. Their bloodshot eyes glimmered with a feral intensity, while thick strands of slimy drool oozed from their twisted lips. This repulsive secretion, a sickly mix of saliva and mucus, dripped onto the ground below, leaving a trail of revulsion in its wake.
As if at some unseen and unheard signal, the mutants launched themselves toward the car in a murderous concerted rush. Their gnarled hands clawed at the air, their elongated nails gleaming with malice. The stench of decay and desperation filled the air as they closed in on their prey.
Reacting swiftly to the imminent danger, Buck's instincts kicked into overdrive. With adrenaline coursing through his veins, he slammed the QC from reverse into forward gear. The powerful engine roared to life as the wheels screeched against the pavement beneath them towards a pile of ancient post-nuclear debris.
It was a desperate risk, one that sent shivers down Buck's spine as he contemplated the potential consequences. The debris, scattered haphazardly throughout the ruins, had been left untouched for decades and centuries. There was a haunting uncertainty about what lay ahead, as the passing of time could have easily transformed the floating fragments into an impenetrable solid mass.
Buck knew that their very survival depended on navigating through this treacherous obstacle course unscathed. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing the gravity of his situation. He couldn't help but imagine the catastrophic outcome if even a single piece of debris collided with the QC.
But if the debris had indeed undergone a prolonged process of dry rot, gradually disintegrating over the course of five hundred years, it would have transformed into a weakened mass of material. Subjected to the relentless cycle of expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures, as well as the continuous soaking and evaporation from rain and snow, this once formidable obstacle would have been reduced to a mere remnant.
In this state, the QC could effortlessly plow through it with the ease and grace of a skilled motorcyclist sloughing through a towering mountain of fluffy shaving cream. The debris, now resembling a fragile cloud-like substance, would offer little resistance against the QC's powerful propulsion system.
There was a terrific sense of impact and a sound like a whoomph! ---and then, with an incredible burst of power, the QC tore through the debris that had been blocking its path. Shards and fragments of accumulated junk cascaded through the air in its wake, creating a mesmerizing display of chaos and destruction.
The mutants, who had been cunningly outwitted and skillfully outmaneuvered by Buck, were left seething with frustration and defiant rage. They shook their fists in impotent fury, their faces contorted with anger as they desperately tried to retaliate. But all their efforts were in vain; their feeble attempts at hurling missiles after the QC fell short, disappearing into the vast expanse of Anarchia.
Once he was safely beyond the mutant encampment, Buck pulled the QC to a halt, its tires skidding slightly on the rough terrain. The once sleek and polished exterior of his vehicle now bore the scars of battle, with deep scratches and dents marring its once flawless surface. Layers of muck and fragments of debris clung to every crevice, evidence of the treacherous journey Buck had just endured.
As he sat in the driver's seat, Buck could feel his heart pounding against his chest, each beat a reminder of the adrenaline that had coursed through his veins during the near-fatal encounter with the mutant band. He took a moment to catch his breath, inhaling deeply as he tried to steady himself. The air inside the QC was heavy with tension and fear, but Buck knew he couldn't afford to let it consume him.
Theopolis seized the fleeting tranquility as an opportunity to beseech the spaceman once again, his voice resonating with a sternness reminiscent of a seasoned college professor. "You must reconsider your course of action," the computer brain initiated his impassioned plea, prompting Twiki to emit a series of clicks and one high-pitched squeal, while the authoritative voice of the computer brain echoed through the car.
"I can't," Buck snapped back before the machine could go on. "I've got to track down Taylor."
"You won't find him," Theopolis argued, his voice dripping with sternness. The lights behind his plexiglass covering flashed dismally, emphasizing the gravity of his words. "Give up and go back, Rogers. You barely escaped with your life. Next time, you might not be so lucky."
"That wasn't luck," Buck cracked in reply, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, "it was skill, intellect, and pure animal magnetism."
Theopolis raised an eyebrow skeptically. "I say it was luck," he insisted, his voice laced with doubt.
Buck chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Theopolis, my friend," he said with a hint of amusement. "You underestimate the power of the human spirit. It's not just about luck; it's about harnessing our abilities and making the most out of every situation."
Theopolis, however, remained unconvinced. "But Buck," he argued, "there were so many variables at play. The odds were against us."
Buck leaned back in his seat and stared out at the desolate landscape that stretched before them. The once vibrant city of Chicago now lay in ruins—a haunting reminder of the chaos that had consumed humanity.
Buck could perceive the harmonious tune of the waves colliding with the shores of Lake Michigan from afar. The sound possessed a calming yet eerie quality, serving as a perpetual testament to the immense strength and expanse of the natural world that persisted amidst the barrenness enveloping him.
The once bustling city of Chicago had fallen into ruins, its grandeur reduced to mere remnants of a forgotten era. The towering skyscrapers that once defined its iconic skyline now stood as hollow shells, their windows shattered and their steel frames rusted. The streets were littered with debris and overgrown with weeds, reclaiming what was once theirs.
Amidst this post-apocalyptic landscape, Buck had managed to find an unexpected lifeline - a bridge formed by the wreckage of the ancient IBM Building. The colossal crash had created a dam-like structure across the Chicago River, unintentionally providing a path for those brave enough to traverse it. It was a stroke of luck in an otherwise unforgiving world.
As Buck cautiously made his way across the makeshift bridge, he couldn't help but wonder if there were other hidden treasures waiting to be discovered amidst the remnants of the old world.
"Please exercise caution, Buck," Theopolis earnestly implored, his voice resonating with worry.
The small drone Twiki squealed in agreement, its high-pitched metallic sound echoing through the cockpit. "Certainly, Twiki, Buck is undoubtedly an exceptional driver." Theopolis soothed, trying to calm both himself and the anxious robot. "I'm sure he won't dump us into the river."
Buck grinned mischievously as he gripped the controls of the stolen land vehicle. His eyes twinkled with confidence as he reassured his companions. "Don't worry, guys. I've flown through asteroid fields and dodged laser fire countless times. Navigating this river will be a piece of cake."526Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeiVgmsFt2
Again, the drone gave its characteristic high-pitched sound.
"Yes," he reassured the drone, his voice filled with conviction. "I'm sure that Buck understands the gravity of our situation. He knows that if we were to sink, not only would we be lost forever beneath the unforgiving depths, but he would also lose his two best friends in the entire world."
Theopolis paused for a moment, contemplating their predicament. "Now, just be calm," he continued, trying to steady his own nerves as much as he was attempting to reassure the drone. "And we'll be on the other side in a few seconds."
The QC, a sleek and futuristic vehicle, smoothly rolled down the impromptu dam, gracefully navigating the uneven terrain. As it reached the other side of the Chicago River, Buck's tense shoulders relaxed, and he let out a long-awaited sigh of relief. The city's skeletal skyline shimmered in the distance, a testament to their successful escape.
"Theopolis," Buck began inquisitively, "I've always wondered if you truly comprehend those clunks and squeals that Twiki emits. Or is it possible that it's all just an elaborate act put on for my benefit?"
"Buck, my dear!" The lights of the computer councilman glowed with a sense of offense. "How dare you suggest that I would manipulate data in such a manner? It would cause significant damage to the capacitors in my monitor!"526Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuh5tYzHqGi
