Futurama

Grudge, Passion, and Test Tubes
By purplefish

Disclaimers : Futurama and all its characters are a creation of Matt Groening and David X. Cohen. Professor Frink is a creation of Matt Groening. This text is purely fan material and has absolutely no commercial purposes.

Before we start : In contrary of all my previous fanfics, this one is set after ‘the devil’s hands are idle playthings’. As there’s gonna be new Futurama episodes (I’m writing this on the 4^th of August 2006), it will surely be obsolete in one year or two, maybe even less, but honestly, I don’t care. This fanfic has a similar construction than the ‘300 big boys’ episode : multiple stories taking place during one particular event. And now, let’s rock.

The sunlight coming in his room from the window finally woke Fry up. If it was just another day, the young man would certainly have mumbled and had a lie-in, until his lateness would have become unacceptable even for him. But this time, Fry immediately woke up and prepared his coffee, whistling cheerfully. It was that kind of a day that would only bring him good memories, the only kind of day that could make him want to enjoy every seconds of it.

Tonight would be the great night. It would be Leela and Fry’s first real date.

Fry took a moment to remember what lead to it. That night at the opera didn’t turn out exactly as he expected, but in the end it had the effect on Leela that the young man was hoping for. After that, she finally realized how much he cared for her, and everything that he could do for her. Nothing more happened that particular night, as he only took her back to her apartment, but it was clear that their relationship had definitely changed. He had the confirmation a few days later, when he gathered enough courage to ask her again for a date… And when she said she ‘would love to’.

A few minutes later, after a quick shower (another new habit he gained after that night), Fry went out of his room. Of course, as soon as he put a foot outside of it, he ran into the small room where Bender was sleeping, and which was the only way out of the apartment. The robot was still in sleep mode, wearing a night cap and pajamas pants.

- Rumblmm… Kill all humans… Rzzzz… Kill Zoidberg… *snort*… Hey sexy lady, wanna bump a ride ? Mmmurmm…

Fry tried to sneak out of the apartment without waking up his friend, but as the room really was too tiny for allowing two people to stand in it, he accidentally knocked Bender’s head on the wall, waking him up.

- Uh ? Wah ? You can’t catch me ! The Magnificent Bender can outsmart every damn pig in the universe ! (The robot finally got out of his dream.) Oh, it’s you, Fry ? What the heck are you doing here, standing on those easily breakable appendixes you call ‘legs’ at 9 am ?

- Good morning, pal. Sorry to have waken you up. I’m going to work.

- Work ?!? Is that some sort of delirium or what ?

- Nope, I just want to be there.

- You never tried to be on time on your entire life, why would you…

Bender suddenly remembered what day it was.

- Oh, I see… The great night, hey ?

- Yep.

- Good for you. Hey, if the two of you decide to… You know… Make the great leap, go for the homerun, succumb to your wildest desires or whatever you’d call that, please go to her place, I don’t want to hear some bestial screams tonight !

- Bender ! It’s a first date, it’s too soon for that ! And by the way, this is not your business !

- It was until that damn conviction… One pimp condemned in 10 years, and it had to be me ! Anyway, go for it, tiger, I still have a few things to settle here.

Without any more comments, Bender shut down his blinder and went back to sleep mode. Fry quickly opened the door of the apartment and went outside. He could still hear Bender on the other side.

- Kill all humans… Rzzz… Ooooh, mister Harry Connick Jr, you’re my hero… Rzzzz…

It didn’t take too long for Fry to reach the Planet Express headquarters. Except for Bender who would certainly arrive a few minutes later, everybody was in the building : Hermes, Amy, who was particularly excited as Kif had obtained a leave and would spend the next days with her, the professor, already locked in his lab, Zoidberg…

And of course, Leela.

Fry immediately went to meet her. She was in the hangar at the moment, taking a look at the ship’s engines, standing on a floating platform. She stopped working and waved her hand in Fry’s direction as soon as she saw the young man coming in the room.

- Good morning Leela !

- Hey there, Fry ! Could you wait for a few seconds ? I still have to clean the remains of the spacegull that got sucked in the engines yesterday…

- Yew ! Must be gross !

- Not really, it roasted so quickly that only a few feathers were left. They practically merged with the propellers, though.

Leela finished her work a few seconds later, and after having cleaned her hands with a small towel, activated the platform’s commands in order to get to the floor. Fry met her as soon as she posed a foot on the ground. Leela smiled at him.

- You look radiant today, Fry.

- I think I have some pretty good reasons to be !

- It really is good to see you like that. What’s the program for tonight ?

- Well, first, I have reserved a table for two for tonight, 8pm, at Elzar’s.

- Really ? How did you manage to do that ? It usually requires weeks to get a place there !

- Bender secretly made a short report on the state of hygiene in the restaurant’s kitchen. I made a bargain with Elzar : He gets me two seats, and I won’t send the video to every local TV channels.

- That was a smart move… And after that ?

- Shhhh ! Don’t ask. It will be a surprise…

- What kind of surprise ? Because with all the surprising things we had to get through during those last years, I’m pretty suspicious…

- Don’t worry, that’s the good kind of surprise. I’ll do everything to be sure that you’ll have a wonderful night, Leela, and I don’t want anything to spoil it.

Leela looked at Fry with even more happiness in her eye. The young man really improved during all this time they spent together, but in many ways, he was still the same enthusiastic and joyful boy who made her take a decisive turn in her life and whose optimism always managed to be passed on his close relations. She was a bit anxious about how that date would turn out, but Fry successfully made her relax a bit about it in only a few words and a sincere and broad smile.

- That’s very sweet, Fry. I can’t wait for tonight.

- Me neither. What if we…

- Is that useless robot in here yet or not ?

Fry turned around, and saw Hermes, leaning on the hangar’s safety barrier. The bureaucrat was apparently expecting a quick answer and he didn’t look like he would be pleased by it, whatever it could be.

- No, not yet… Answered Fry, a bit annoyed for having been disturbed. But I guess he shouldn’t be long now.

- Great. The professor has an important announcement to make, so everybody must come to the conference room…

- We already are in the conference room…

- You’re talking to a bureaucrat, man ! According to the plan of the building, rightfully recorded in the instate office’s archives, the conference room stops exactly at that barrier, and you’re standing in the hangar area ! Now come here and sit down !

The bureaucrat went to a chair next to the round table of the room and sit down without adding any other words. Fry was perplex… When Hermes was that pointy about such details, it meant that he already knew what the subject of the reunion would be and that he didn’t appreciate it. Fry had the strange feeling that his date would be severely jeopardized…

Bender finally arrived a few minutes after Hermes’ call. When the robot entered in the conference room, he saw that everybody was already sitting on their usual seats. There was a minor change this time, however. Zoidberg and Cubert were standing next to the professor, and the three of them were looking particularly excited. Everybody in the room turned to face Bender.

- Ah, my friend, finally you’re here ! Said Zoidberg with a smile on his face. Please take a seat, there is something we need to tell you !

- What, that you finally contracted some fatal disease that will make you die in horrible pains ? Said Bender as he sat between Fry and Amy. If that’s the case, sorry, but I can’t contribute to the collection for buying you the treatment you would need. For religious reasons, mainly.

- Religious reasons ? Said Fry, extremely surprised by those two words. You went back to robotology ?

- No, buddy, now I’m an Antizoidbergist ! And our precepts are simple : never contribute to anything that could be beneficial to Zoidberg, and work to his final demise !

- Oh, that’s very interesting ! Said Hermes, more than appealed by that program. If you have some brochure explaining how to join your movement, I’d be glad to have a look !

As the Decapodian’s shoulders collapsed while a small sigh of sadness got out of his lungs, the professor took the opportunity to get the reunion back on tracks.

- It’s nothing about Zoidberg, Bender. I’d never call you in for such a briefing if it was about Zoidberg, even if it would be about his death, no matter how gruesome it could be !

Zoidberg sighed again and sat down on a free chair next to the professor, taking his head with his claws. The professor resumed his speech.

- Anyway, before I begin, I’m pretty sure I forgot something… Mmmmh… What could it be ?

- Your catchphrase ? Ventured Fry.

- I have no catchphrases, you retarded talking clam ! Mmmmh… Oh right, I remember ! Good news everyone !

- And I’m the weirdo… Whispered Fry.

- The 23^rd Great Scientific Fair is about to take place on the orbital station ‘Rylander’, near the pulsar BGT-56 !

- The Great what ? Asked Bender.

- You’ve never heard of the Great Scientific Fair ? Said Amy. It’s a major event that takes place every 5 years. During a few days, all the scientists of the galaxy gather in order to assist to great conferences about major discoveries or subjects and to present to the public their latest inventions. It’s the most important operation of communication the scientific community had ever produced. Except for the tests live on television, but they abandoned them since the explosion of the Fox tower.

- Pfuuuh, sounds boring. I bet I could have more fun by putting a fork in my processor.

- Oh my yes, you’re absolutely right, Bender. Personally, I don’t get the point of presenting to the public before its activation the new killbot that will soon enslave them. They usually don’t understand how important it is to give life to something that will lead us all to our doom. But it’s different this year, as Zoidberg, Cubert and me are invited !

- Really ? (Leela was interested by the discussion, at least more than Fry or Bender.) And for what purpose exactly ?

- Oh, it’s simple. As a former employee of Mom’s Friendly Robots and designer of the alcohol powered engines used by every robots of the galaxy, I’ve been invited to participate to a symposium about the major advances of robotics through the ages.

- And me, said Zoidberg, I will take part to a conference about the difficulty to perform surgery on other species, as I’m the only Decapodian doctor on Earth.

- Hey, another proof God doesn’t exist, said Bender. We had to get the only doctor on that damn planet that smell worse than his ointments !

- Finally, said Cubert, who apparently didn’t pay attention to the robot’s last joke, I’ve been allowed to participate to the Young Genius Contest, thanks to my first working invention, the water reactor !

Fry’s impatience was now growing to an exponential level. The only thing he wanted was that reunion to end, so that he could settle his last preparations for that night. He had still a few calls to make.

- Well, all that is interesting… So, have a pleasant stay there, we’ll be looking up for you, and I would certainly say something more if I could remember all the formulas that were on those postcards I received when I was in jail. Now excuse me, but I have to…

- Oh no no no, Fry, you didn’t get it, said the professor. You are all coming with us on that station !

That managed to freeze everybody in the room, with the exception of Hermes who already knew that. But the result was the same for everybody : astonishment and, obviously, protest. Bender was the first to react, as he brutally got up, his hands still posed on the table, and faced the professor with a raging look.

- Are you telling us I have to abandon days of complete luxury with fine bitches just for accompanying an old geezer to a congregation of nerds ? No way !

- Professor, you could have told us earlier ! (Leela wasn’t as virulent as Bender, but it was obvious she was particularly pissed.) People could have other things planned for the next hours, that they wouldn’t want to cancel !

Fry looked at Leela, a bit troubled. She hadn’t explicitly said that the two of them were supposed to go out together that night. He immediately understood she didn’t want to reveal to the others they were dating – well, would soon be dating. And that caused him to wonder if she really would give him his chance… For a moment, he thought he could tell everybody and clarify the situation… But he felt that she wouldn’t pardon him if he did that and quickly let the opportunity go away.

- I don’t care about what kind of debauchery you were all planning ! Said the professor with a reprimanding tone. Every person that is invited to the Scientific Fair as a participant has the right to bring two people with him, and I don’t want to look like someone who isn’t even able to bring his employees with him ! The choice is simple : you come with us, or else you’re fired !

- Two guests per participant ? Said Leela. We’re only five, professor…

- I know, Scruffy can’t come with us.

- Who ?

- Me.

Fry, surprised, nearly jumped to the roof. The janitor seemed to have appeared from nowhere just behind him. A quick look at Leela and Bender made him understand that they didn’t hear or see him coming too.

- Scruffy has to look at the boiler, it’s becoming a bit too unstable to be left unsupervised. That, and Scruffy has to stay in the building with those stories about weird looking twin girls and a ‘red rum’ the young man never stop to talk about. Scruffy also plans to finish his novel.

- He can stay and not us ? Said Bender.

- That’s the least I can do for him for the many times he saved my life, said the professor.

Fry, Leela and Bender looked at each other with amazed looks, before taking a look at Scruffy who was getting back to his mysterious activities. One day, they really should make some investigations about that janitor. There were too many strange things about him they would need to clarify.

Amy, during all that time, was looking desperate.

- I can’t go now ! Said the young woman, on the verge of crying. My Kiffie is supposed to meet me today, and the last time we saw each other was several weeks ago ! I don’t think I would be able to wait for him having a new leave !

- Then he will come with us, said the professor, particularly playful, and that way I would have my 6 guests ! When is he supposed to arrive ?

- Well… (Amy was a bit less dejected.) His ship is supposed to land in one hour and a half…

- Great ! We go immediately, we pick up the amphibian, and then, next stop, orbital station ‘Rylander’ ! That reunion is adjourned ! You have half an hour to make your package !

The professor, Zoidberg and Cubert immediately went out of the room, leaving everyone else to their activities. For a few seconds, nobody moved, until Hermes got up of his seat in order to prepare all the paperwork needed for the travel. Amy rushed out of the room, in order to try to give a quick videophone call to Kif and warn him of the recent turn of events. Bender got out too, a spark of rage in his eyes and mumbling some incomprehensible words that were certainly not to be heard ever. Only Fry and Leela were still in the conference room, still a bit troubled by the announcement. Leela posed her forehead on the palm of her hand and sighed.

- I guess we’ll have to cancel our date…

- I’m sorry, Leela… I had no idea…

- Why would you be sorry, Fry ? It’s not your fault. (Leela looked at him with a malicious smile.) Unless that’s the surprise you were talking about.

- Certainly not ! (Fry tried to smile too, but it wasn’t very convincing.) I will feel like an old and bare gutter cat in a meeting of pure Persians !

- Anyway, we don’t have the choice.

Leela stood up and went to the hangar.

- I’ll prepare the ship for the travel.

She was about to go down the small set of stairs, when Fry called her. She immediately turned to face him.

- Leela ?

- Yes ?

- Why didn’t you tell them we were supposed to be together tonight ?

- I don’t know, Fry. I feel it may be a bit too soon to tell them. I’d prefer to wait and see how it will turn out.

Fry nodded, trying to look like he understood what she meant… But it was still a bit painful for him to hear this. He would have known. He was placing so many hopes in that date that he forgot that Leela may still not be sure they could be together. To be honest, the thought that the two of them wouldn’t work together was always present somewhere in his mind. He always tried to hide it far away, but that was the kind of moment where it was piercing his defenses and was becoming more and more distinct.

As Leela was going back to the ship, Fry thought he should use his free time to call Elzar in order to cancel his reservation for that night.

And the friend of Bender who was working at the garden department of New New York, to tell him it wasn’t necessary to keep that park open that night.

And that symphonic orchestra to tell them he finally wouldn’t need their services.

The travel itself wasn’t very exciting. The Planet Express ship hadn’t been conceived for nine passengers, which caused some promiscuity during the 21 hours of the journey. Amy and Kif managed to get a room for themselves (and themselves only), but the rest of the crew had to organize to keep a minimum of intimacy. That had a side effect that Fry couldn’t qualify as annoying or welcome : as there were no possibilities for Leela and him to be alone, they couldn’t have a clear discussion about them and their plans for the future. A bit of tension appeared when Leela discovered that Bender already knew for the two of them, but it quickly got solved when the robot promised not to talk about it to the others… As long as he’d get the indications about where Leela was hiding the booze she had confiscated after each of his latest bad deeds. For the moment, Fry was forgetting his anguishes about his relation with Leela, because of his tendency to live for the present, but also because he was in fact quite curious about that fair.

Finally, the orbital station ‘Rylander’ was on sight. It was looking like two gigantic rings surrounding an enormous sphere and crossing each other ; six footbridges were connecting the sphere and the rings, two where the rings were intertwined and the other four placed on the sphere’s equator (considering the first two were on the poles), making 90° angles with each other. Hundreds of windows could be seen on all the structure, many reduced to simple holes in the structure, but there were also great pictures windows on the sphere, where it was possible to look to the stars without having the view blocked by the rings. The entire station looked large enough to cover a third of New New York, suburbs not included.

On the far distance, but much more visible than the other stars, BGT-56 was illuminating the station. To be fair, ‘illuminate’ is a bit too strong. The pulsar was known for being one of the few neutron stars to have a fluctuating cycle. Regularly, strange nuclear reactions were taking place in the star that were completely distressing its activity, causing an extraordinary increase of its luminosity, which is then strong enough to light the entire system of planets that was surrounding the star. The orbital station was built far enough away from the star for not being destroyed by the phenomenon, but it still is possible to have a clear view on it from the observation decks on it. The station had also been designed to revolve around the pulsar, so that it could always be illuminated by the star despite the ‘lighthouse effect’. Unfortunately, at the time when the fair was taking place, BGT-56 was on the weakest part of the cycle, and it was barely lighting the station. It was 1 month, 5 days, 14 hours, 47 minutes and 12 seconds before the beginning of a new cycle when the Planet Express ship approached the station.

There were hundreds of space ships coming to the convention, and the space was filled with an unusual activity. As they had to wait a bit for obtaining the right to land in the station, Fry looked to one of the billboards that were around. It was saying, in big bold characters, ‘23^RD GREAT SCIENTIFIC FAIR’ and beneath that, in smaller prints, ‘The inventions of today are the apocalypse of tomorrow !’. Typical scientist’s humor.

Well, Fry hoped it was humor.

The docking bay where they had landed was as full of people and ships as they were expecting. Dozens of people were hurrying to get to the main entrance, apparently from all planets and social environments, and it was obvious that the situation was the same in all the other docking bays. There were scientists, of course, but also businessmen that were hoping to put their hand on extremely profitable inventions, families that were coming for their entertainment, various professionals who needed to improve their equipment… And that diversity of situations was increased by the fact that all those people were coming from hundreds of different planets.

As their group was including some participants to the conferences, the Planet Express crew didn’t have to wait in the main line to get to the entrance (a line that could surely be calculated in miles) ; that didn’t mean however that they didn’t have to wait at all, as the number of the participants and of their guests was very high. And it was worse as there were apparently some problems with one of them, a strange guy wearing a sinister armor covering his entire body, completed with green pieces of clothing (mainly a cape, a cloak and a sleeveless shirt that was almost going to his knees) and a big leather belt with a golden buckle. A guy wearing a similar armor, but without the other clothes, was standing just behind him.

- I’m sorry, doctor, said the young man controlling the entrance, but you’re not allowed to bring your robotic replica with you.

- You fool ! Said the man in the armor with a menacing tone. Do you know who you’re talking to ?

- Yes, I know… I’m talking to someone whose robot went on a rampage last time he came, which forced us to take some measures !

- I modified its AI, he’s no longer dangerous… That solves the problem, doesn’t it ?

- I have clear orders, sir…

- Whoa, easy dude… (Said the robot. Its voice wasn’t particularly firm, and was quavering a lot.) You’re spreading bad vibes everywhere, and it’s bad for my karma…

- See ? He’s harmless now !

- Please stop blocking the line, sir. Come back after you’d have let your robot in your ship.

- CURSE YOU… (The armored man leant to look at the young man’s badge.) … WEYLAND ! CURSE YOUUUUUUUUU !!!

- Stop screaming, man ! Dude, I shouldn’t have built this when I was high…

- You didn’t build me, you stupid machine ! I am your creator !

- Really ? Whoa… It’s possible, dude, I can’t think right now… Hey… Your hands are so huge…

The armored man looked at his creation for a few seconds before burying his face in his hand, looking extremely tired.

- Sometimes I wish I had studied magic rather than science… Too bad there are already too many doctors in that domain…

After their identities had been checked, the whole crew finally managed to get past the entrance and quickly got to the corridors leading to the central sphere. But just before they finally ran into one the main deck of the station, they were greeted by an old acquaintance…

- WELCOME TO THE WOOOOOOOOOOORLD OF SCIENNNNNNNNNNNNNNCE !!!

Leela was the first to react. Her eye widened because of surprise as she immediately recognized who was standing next to the exit of the footbridge they had taken

- Terry ?!?

The employee of the Applied Cryogenics was looking just as usual, wearing the same labcoat he had at work. As Leela called him, he stopped making great gestures with his coat and got near her, apparently pleased to see her.

- Hey, hello Leela ! You’re here too ? And I see you’ve brought your colleagues !

- Well, it’s a long story…

Leela gave a quick look at the professor. There was obviously anger in her eye.

- But you ? What are you doing here exactly ?

- Work, what else ? Applied Cryogenics has a stand here, so I had to come with the others. I can’t complain, the organizers of the Fair seem to like my little performance, and as a result they asked me to greet all the visitors !

- At last you found people who like your routine…

- Yep. And it was pure luck ! Our stand is just beneath the windows of the coordination center where they are working. I only yelled two or three times before they came down to ask me to do this !

Leela never came to ‘Rylander’ before, but she knew how those space stations were organized. The coordination center would certainly be in the core center of the sphere. It didn’t take her long to understand what really happened.

- So basically they sent you here, in the most far away location from the center and from them, right ?

- Exactly. Oh, wait, another group ! WELCOME TO THE WOOOOOOOOOOOOOORLD OF SCIENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCE !!!!! Sorry, where were we ?

- I don’t know for you, said Bender, but me I’m going away as fast as possible !

- Yeah, we’ve got many things to do, Terry, said Leela. It’s been a pleasure.

- Same here, Leela.

Terry suddenly slapped his forehead as he remembered something.

- Hey, I’m doing everything wrong ! I forgot to do my new gimmick !

- I don’t think it will be…

Too late. Terry was already draping himself with his labcoat and raising his right hand, his palm turned to the sky and his fist clenched.

- ENJOYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YOUR STAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY !!!!!!

Terry went back to ‘normal’. He was about to ask Leela what she was thinking of this, when he realized she and all her colleagues were already away. He tried to look for her, but soon he had to abandon. Other visitors were coming, and they had to be greeted as the others.

It was a very good one, this time. Only two children started to cry afterwards.

The whole Planet Express crew was now in the great hall of the station. It was one gigantic room, occupying nearly one quarter of the entire sphere, with its floor covered with a red non-skid covering. The roof was curved, as it was basically following the general shape of the station, and was white colored. Its smooth surface was only disturbed by the hundreds of lamps placed on it in order to light the entire room, and by one of the great pictures windows, made by several layers of reinforced glass, solid enough to resist to a meteor shower or a laser blast. In the far distance, BGT-56 seemed to be just above the station.

Fry was astonished by everything he was seeing. The place itself was pretty impressive, but it was nothing compared to the monstrous agitation that was bursting in the great hall. There were hundreds, and maybe thousands of people in it, strolling among an incalculable number of stands and shacks. Some of them were occupied by independent inventors, who were presenting their latest creations, but there were also bigger stands occupied by various laboratories or industrial groups. The hubbub was also very impressive : when he was closing his eyes, Fry had the impression to be back to the XXth century New York, more specifically on one of its largest avenue. There even were some horns and interjections.

The group processed a bit among the crowd, but as they arrived into a clear space, the professor made them stop.

- Alright everyone, now it is time to be a bit organized. My conference will occur in approximately one hour, which gives me just enough time to go to the lecture hall located on another area of the station. On the other side of this bloody mess, more precisely. So, we have to hurry a bit. Who’ll come with me ?

- Hey, you’re my nephew, after all, said Fry. I should come and have a look at your work, right ?

- I’m coming too, said Leela, looking and smiling at Fry. I really need company right now, and I don’t feel like wandering here on my own.

That was enough for making Fry smile too.

- Of course I’m coming with you, prof ! Said Bender. There are high risks that I’ll be stuck between two senile and incontinent future corpses, but if it’s for a lesson of history about my people, I can shut down my olfactory process for a couple of hours !

- Sorry, dad, said Cubert, but I have to register for the contest and to prepare myself.

- Excuse us too… Said Amy. Kif and I would like to have a look to what your colleagues are presenting this year… Maybe there will be something fun…

- My symposium will soon begin too, said Zoidberg, and I have no idea where it is… I won’t be there.

- Alright, then, said the professor, apparently not concerned by the fact that not everybody would see his intervention. Those who are coming to the conference, stay close to me. It’s a bit dangerous to wander here alone, especially in the nuclear physics area ! I heard 3 people vanished in another dimension last time ! For the others, if we don’t see each other before, let’s meet us at midnight in the ship. Goodbye… And good luck ! Try to stay alive, or at least if you really have to die, make it in a way that won’t damage your organs too much !

The member of the crew finally disbanded without any more talks.

Except for Hermes. He got stuck in the crowd as soon as they got in the main hall, and quickly was separated from the others. He was still wandering aimlessly, trying to find the others, and finally got where they were a few minutes before. Of course, he had no idea where they were.

- Hellooooo ? Guyyyyyys ? Where are you all ? So what, nobody cares about me, now ? Alright then ! I don’t need you either ! I’m going to have a lot of fun myself ! Alone ! Ahah !

The bureaucrat launched himself into the crowd, more determined than ever. It was time for adventure !

The conference was exactly as Fry feared it would be : boring as hell. Several scientists were following one another, each one of them presenting one part of the robots’ evolution, but none of them seemed to realize there weren’t only colleagues in the room. Fry tried to pay a bit more attention when it was the professor’s turn, but to be honest, he never got interested in why he created those alcohol powered engines, and his confused speech would certainly not push the young man to go thoroughly into that subject. He looked on his right. Leela didn’t seem to be more appealed than him by the conference. For a moment, he even saw her eyelid twitch and dangerously be about to close on several occasions, but she always managed to recover just before falling asleep. That was kind of depressing. They had to renounce to their date, something he was looking forward to for many years… For attending a boring conference about robotics. They really would need to find a way to forget that as soon as possible if they wanted to give a good start to their future relationship. Fry asked himself how the lecture hall could be so full of people… Then he remembered that story about ‘two assistants per scientist’ and the incredible number of participants that was appearing in the conference. If everyone of them was like the professor, the audience was certainly composed of people who were forced to be there.

The only thing that was still preventing him from sleeping was Bender. The robot was indeed commenting with passion each point of the conference. Fry was amazed of the robot’s enthusiasm for the subject… He never realized how much Bender was proud of the history and the famous members of his ‘nation’ before. The robot took some notes when one of the participants revealed the reasons that pushed constructors to prefer Macintosh material for the robots’ processors (basically the aftermaths of the Great Computer Crusade that nearly destroyed all the computers in the world and ended with Bill Gates’ head and its army being sucked up in a black hole). He applauded the tale of the exploits of Siegfribot, who defeated the Metal-Eater Queen with nothing but a wooden stick. He even booed when someone began to speak about the three laws of Asimov, and described them as ‘a monstrous attack against free will’.

When the professor finally put an end to his part, he quickly got back to his seat, which was still on the scene, just like the others. At least, he wouldn’t ask Fry what he thought of his intervention for a short while… The scientist who was in charge of the animation of the conference, a man who was so covered with wrinkles that he was looking like a hybrid between a human and a shar-pei, got to the microphone in the center of the scene.

- And now, I’m calling for the next topic the creator of the cherry pitting unit… Professor Wernstrom !

A few people applauded as the long time rival of Farnsworth got up of his chair and headed to the microphone, but it wasn’t exactly the hysteria… Fry could see even from where he was that his God-only-knows-how-many-times-great-nephew was burning with hate, but was still containing himself. Finally, Wernstrom began to talk.

- We’ve seen so far many elements that should prove us that humanity has done the right choice when it decided to produce robots…

- Hell yeah !

- Quiet Bender !

- … Unfortunately, robotics went through many disappointments as well. As anything produced by man, and shortly afterwards by themselves, robots have many flaws, and some of them even became menaces.

The giant screen above the scene began to broadcast various pictures of numerous robots. Some of them were looking pretty obsolete, while others were certainly much more recent. But they had a common point : they were all performing dangerous and/or illegal activities on those pictures.

- I could talk about the explosive carrier units that provoked many accidents before someone had the idea to include in their program a routine that would prevent them from juggling ; or the killbot series known as Jamie 5, which couldn’t even accidentally crush a butterfly without going into depression. I could also name more unique robots such as the architectbot known as Hausmion which never wanted to learn the difference between the metric system and the anglo-saxon system, which lead him to make dramatic mistakes on his blueprints. But no one of them can be compared with what seems to be the most obnoxious robot to be in activity…

The portrait of one particular robot appeared on the giant screen… And Fry immediately got interested with the conference, as it was showing Bender, or at least a robot looking exactly like him, fighting with a baby in a cradle in order to get his lollipop.

- Man, why do they never take my good profile ?

Rectification : it really was Bender on the picture.

- … The Mk7 model of Bending Units !

Dozens of faces in the assistance turned simultaneously in the direction of Bender, who was now lighting a cigar. It took a while to the robot to notice everybody was now looking at him.

- You all want an autograph or what ? I’m warning you, it will cost 20 $ for each !

- I see that we have a sample here…

Wernstrom’s joke made all the venerable old men laugh, with the exception, of course, of Farnsworth.

- Conceived by a mad designer who used a false identity for infiltrating Mom’s Friendly Robots, the Mk7 model is gifted with an unique program entirely devoted to the accomplishment of every flaws known to man : lie, hatred, kleptomania, laziness, unfaithful, alcoholism even for robotic standards… Making them completely useless for humankind !

- Hehehe, yeah… (It was Bender’s turn to laugh.) Our entire life is based on the sole purpose of pissing off everybody, and believe me, we enjoy this !

- Fortunately, very few had been created until the nuisance they are was discovered, but the damage was done. In only 10 years of existence, those robots have cumulated more infractions to the Law than any other machine in the history.

- And we still don’t have an entry in the Guiness Book of Records ! Now that’s a shame !

- Would you please let me finish, dreg of robot society ? I’m not surprised by your attitude, in fact I was almost expected it. Your existence is a shame to the entire world of science and should make all mechanical beings ashamed of existing ! I really don’t see why…

- Shut up, Wernstrom !

The scientist suddenly froze and turned to face his colleagues behind him… And more specifically Farnsworth. The professor was now standing among the other scientists, who were looking at him with astonishment. Fry had already seen this expression on his face before : it was as if he had been personally insulted by Wernstrom.

- That’s exactly you ! Screamed the professor at Wernstrom. Something goes beyond your limited comprehension, and it automatically is futile and useless ! The Mk 7 model had a reason to exist !

- Oh please, stop embarrassing yourself, Farnsworth !” Wernstrom was decided to not let his archenemy have the advantage. “I know that you created the first generation of bending units, but what exactly is the point of giving such features to them ? The other robots have the choice to make good or bad decisions, whereas the Mk 7 Bending Units are automatically driven to perform trickery !

- You should stop talking about something you can’t understand ! What if this whole bending crap was just a cover for their true purpose : to see if they can be more annoying than the pinnacle of stupidity, the humans themselves ? That would be a revolution in robotics !

- In other circumstances, I should say that it’s completely stupid, but as you’re the one who said this, let’s just assume it’s worthy of you ! Why are you so willing to defend those horrible robots anyway ?

- BECAUSE I CONCEIVED THEM !!!!!!

It was as if one gigantic creature gasped of surprise, as everybody in the lecture hall gasped at that exact moment. Fry accompanied the movement, but he quickly recovered and took a look at Bender. The robot was certainly as shocked as everyone else, as his ‘eyeballs’ were almost spreading out of their cavity, while he was stuck in his previous action (aspiring the smoke of his cigar, leading it to be entirely consumed and turned to ashes in a few seconds). Fry was the first one in the room to be able to speak again.

- Professor ? You created Bender ?

- Him and the rest of his kind, yes. Not myself, of course, but I made the blueprints and conceived the main part of his program, leaving enough place for his free will.

- But… How did you…

- Oh, it’s a long story. See, as I said earlier, I wanted to know if robots could be more harmful than man. My main problem was that I needed to make observations on a rather large sample, but I was lacking the resources and the materials needed for my project. My only chance was to use the infrastructure of Mom’s Friendly Robots, unfortunately my relationship with Mom was still pretty cold at that time, which couldn’t allow me to openly come to the company and to present my project. One day, however, I heard that the company was about to create a new generation of bending units, robots that I designed in the same period than my alcohol engines. So, using a disguise and a false identity, I presented my blueprints and the part of the program that would determine their bending properties, occulting their true utility. I quickly disappeared after the beginning of the production, and after that…

- YOU BASTARD !!!

This time, it was the professor’s turn to look surprised. Bender had suddenly got up on his feet and was the one who had screamed that to him. Fry tried to look at his friend, but the robot was now making great gestures as he was speaking. The young man however managed to have a glimpse of the robot’s eyes ; it was evident that he was furious.

But the more he was talking, the more his voice was quivering because of another emotion…

- How could you do this to us ?!? How could you decide to abandon your creation ?

- What ? (The professor was progressively regaining a consistence.) Bender, I can’t…

- SHUT UP !!! Do you only realize what you’ve done ? The role of a designer doesn’t end when his creation is produced, dammit ! He has to look after his children, and to help them to deal with the problems they could have to face in life ! A designer has to guide them so that they could efficiently perform their task ! But you… You never cared about us ! We had nobody to model ourselves on, nobody to say to us what we should do of our lives ! It’s your fault if we followed that path !

- You didn’t do this because I wasn’t there, you did this because you were programmed to…

- That’s not the point ! I liked it, but I never could tell to someone ‘wow, have you seen what I’ve done ?’ and being congratulated for that ! I’m working for you for some years, but you never told me the truth… You even sometimes punished me when I was only following the program you gave me… And now, you would want to be thanked for something you never cared before ?!? YOU MAKE ME SICK !!!!!

Bender didn’t add anything else. He quickly got out of his row, jostling everyone that was on his path, and immediately got out of the lecture hall. As he loudly slammed the door, a deep and confused silence took control of the great room. A few faces turned in order to look at the professor, who was at that moment looking completely disoriented, as he had absolutely no idea of what he should do after that. There was something else that was bothering Fry, and it was an indication that the situation really was serious : according to the tone he employed and the way he got out, Fry knew the robot ran out before he would begin to cry.

A very, very long moment passed, during which nobody seemed to say anything or to get back to the conference. But then, Leela’s head suddenly slopped out of her hand. That managed to wake her up.

- Uh ? Oh crud, did I miss something ?

That wasn’t exactly what she had planned for them, but Amy had to admit that she really was enjoying her time. Of course, being with Kif was enough for her for feeling happy. She could have been stuck in a yodel contest and like it if her beloved was with her. But she really had been surprised by what she discovered in the Fair. Kif and her were wandering in the great hall with no other purposes than strolling and looking at various demonstrations of new inventions. Kif too was looking happy, but just as for Amy, the simple fact of holding the hand of his smizmar was enough for him to feel bliss.

- Ooooh, Kif, weren’t those little pink apes cute ?

- Yes, my love. Too bad they managed to get out of their cage and had to be shot before they’d have drunk someone’s blood…

- Isn’t it wonderful ? (Amy squeezed up a little bit more against Kif.) I would never have thought that so many things could still be invented today…

- The mysteries of science are indeed fascinating… (The Amphibian looked in the eyes of his love.) But they would never be as beautiful as you…

- You’re so sweet, Kif…

- And the stars are pale compared to you…

They stopped a few seconds in the middle of the aisle in order to share a quick yet passionate kiss. They took another moment to look in each other’s eyes, smiling gently.

- You know, it’s kind of funny… Said Amy, still looking at Kif. Just as every little girl, I dreamt about the Charming Prince… But I would never have imagined he would be green and have an elastic flesh…

- Oh… (Kif suddenly felt a bit uneasy.) And… Does that bother you ?

- Why would it ? You’re the incarnation of what women hope in a man : you’re considerate, you’re sensitive, you’re romantic…” Amy looked away, as several memories of her previous boyfriends reemerged. “That’s something I never managed to find in a man… Well, to be honest, I never looked after it before, but when we got together, I finally understood that’s what I was searching…

- That’s something I can’t understand in the male humans… Why can’t they figure out what their own females expect from them ? We never had such a problem in our race…

- Really ? How could it be ?

- I don’t know… We always paid more attention to the feelings of the other and always tried to agree with our relatives. That even applied with strangers. Before the first contact with other planets, the only wars we had were against natural predators… I don’t recall any fight that involved Amphibians versus other Amphibians… I must tell you that it was a shock for me when I joined the DOOP forces !

- Yeah… Especially when you became You-know-who’s assistant…

- Exactly. That’s how I had a glimpse of how your love affairs were working. And even when I understood that Brannigan is a desperate case, I saw that many males were following the same basic behavior…

- Oh, not everyone, you know… Take Fry for example. He was certainly one of the least crude guys I’ve ever dated…

Amy looked at Kif… And seeing his expression on his face, she immediately regretted what she just has said.

- Sorry, Kiffie… I know you don’t like me talking about my previous boyfriends…

- That’s alright, Amy… And after all, you’re right. Fry really looks like a good guy.

- Yeah. Do you think Leela and him will finally say they love each other ?

Kif didn’t seem to be disturbed by the question. Just like Amy, he was having a pretty clear view on how Fry and Leela were feeling for each other.

- I don’t know. Fry is certainly ready, but Leela… Oh, I really don’t understand how you humans work, sometimes. You often begin relationships without feeling something else than pure breeding impulses and try to cover it as love, and when you really feel love, you sometimes hide it to the one you love or try to deny it ! If only there was a way for me to have an idea of what guides you to do this !

- Well, maybe I can help !

Both Kif and Amy jumped and screamed of surprise as the newcomer suddenly appeared in front of them. His appearance played a great part in their reaction too : it was a head in a jar, placed on the top of a robotic support. The head had only a few brown hair on its top, was wearing glasses (which were so thick that it was impossible to see his eyes), and two of his front teeth were coming out of his mouth, like a rabbit. It also looked like his skin had a yellowish shade… The robotic support was large enough on the top to support the jar, but its limbs were very thin, making it look like a large blue cylinder with four metallic twigs on it. A small grid, with two LEDs above it, was on the middle of the chest. The most disturbing thing was that the apparition was wearing a labcoat.

- Who the hell are you ? Said Amy when she recovered.

- Oh, yes, excuse me for being so rude… I’m the professor Frink, brilliant inventor from the XXth century, miraculously saved from oblivion… I couldn’t help but notice that the two of you are a couple despite your different origins…

- Yeah, I’m a rich heir and he’s just a non-commissioned officer of the DOOP, so what ? It’s not such a big…

- Hehehe, you’re getting it wrong, miss… I was talking about your respective species.

- It doesn’t matter from what planet we’re coming. Said Kif, looking angrily at Frink. Amy and I were destined to be together. She is my smizmar…

- And he is mine ! (Amy grabbed her boyfriend with an expression that was close to the one used by a female lion when a hyena was coming too close from her young.) If you’ve got anything to say against this…

- Oh no no no, there’s a misunderstanding here ! It’s marvelous that the two of you are in love ! But I couldn’t help to pay attention to your little conversation…

- Do you see what I have to live through ?

Amy was surprised to hear an electronic voice coming out of the grid, on the robotic body. Apparently, the machine was gifted with an independent AI.

- When I got out of the factory, nobody warned me I would have to support an inquisitive and disgusting nerd ! And believe me, that’s his most bearable feature ! You should see what he sometimes forces me to do !

- Shut up Klaus ! Screamed Frink at his own body. How many times did I tell you to never talk when I’m with other people !

- Do me a favor, please : disconnect me ! I don’t want to serve him anymore, but I’m stuck with him as long as I would be operative ! Do whatever you want, putting a soda in my internal circuits, exposing me to a broken micro-wave, pushing me in a compactor… Anything as long as I’d be dead ! I’m begging you !

- Now, you will stop this, Klaus, or else I’ll register for that tap dancing contest ! I know you hate tap dance !

- Your threats are no longer effective on me, tyrant ! I want to die, do you hear me ? I WANT TO DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE !!!!!

- OK, you wanted this ! I’m turning your speaker down !

A quick Larsen effect occurred as Frink put his menace into execution. That wasn’t preventing the LEDs above the grid to frenetically flash. Someone who would pay attention to this and who would know Morse code would certainly interpret those flashes as ‘kill me’. Frink finally looked back at Kif and Amy. The two of them weren’t angry anymore. They were looking at him with the expression of someone who doesn’t know if he’d better run away or stay where he is. Frink nervously giggled and tried to look friendly.

- I’m sorry for that… I was sure to have installed that Norton Prozac 5.3 program in his system… Anyway, as I said before being interrupted, I heard your conversation, and especially the part about you wanting to know why male humans are treating their females so badly.

- Well, yes… (Kif was still very suspicious.) And ?

- And it seems I’m presenting something that could help you to know the answer… It’s completely harmless, I’ve tested it successfully on various species, and made the final test on myself before coming to the Fair, and it’s perfectly working ! Would the two of you give a try ? My stand is just on the next corner…

Kif and Amy looked at each other. There was a part of them that was pretty reluctant to be used as guinea pigs… But they also felt that it would be kind of fun to experiment something. After all, that’s what the Great Scientific Fair was about : pushing the public to try the new inventions.

Sometimes at his own expenses. But strangely, that last part didn’t appear in their mind.

- Why not ?

- Perfect ! Please follow me…

Frink began to walk in the aisle. Kif and Amy followed him.

- I’m warning you, this will be a very interesting experience for the both of you. Have you ever wondered how does it feel to be someone from another species ? How does other creatures see, smell, move ? Now, it’s possible, thanks to my new invention… The Gene-Swapper !

Frink stopped in front of a small stand, and waved his hand dramatically to present a strange machine. It was two cabins separated by a huge console, filled with dozens of buttons and some levers. A few antennas were coming out of the top of the machine, on the console and on the cabins. Each cabin had a sliding door, that was at that moment open.

- It’s… Impressive… (That was the only adjective that came to Amy’s mind at the moment.) But what does it do exactly ?

- It’s at the same time simple and very complicated, said Frink. Two persons, preferably from different species, come to the machine, and each one enters in a different cabin. When the machine is activated, it analyzes their DNA, transcripts it, and identifies the race and the sex of the users. It then modifies each person’s DNA on the model of the other one, without however modifying their sex.

- Errrr… (Amy was lost as soon as the word DNA got involved.) What does that mean exactly ?

- It means that if you use the machine, you, miss, will be changed into a female Amphibian, and you, mister, will become a male Human. The transformation will last a few hours, and then you’ll progressively revert back to your original form. So ? Do you still want to test ?

Kif looked quickly at Amy, and he immediately knew what she was about to say. She had that particular spark in her eyes that was indicating she liked this idea.

- Oh, that sounds great ! Please Kiffie, can we do this ? Pleaaaaaaaaase ?

The Amphibian sighed a bit, but there wasn’t much resignation in his sigh. He had to admit that the idea was at the same time intriguing and exciting… And who knows ? Maybe it would allow the two of them to get even closer, as they would have a better idea of what the other has to live through in an every day basis… He only needed a few more indications.

- You’re sure there are no risks of getting hurt ? Asked Kif.

- Not at all ! Replied Frink, a bit excited. I constantly keep an eye on the structure of the machine, and you’re not the first ones to use it ! Everything will be alright !

- Well, if you really want to do this, Amy, I accept.

Amy was sure pleased of his decision, as she jumped on him and hugged him.

- Oh, thank you, Kiffie ! You’re so sweet !

- That’s great ! (Frink was now heading to the machine’s console.) Now, would the two of you please enter the cabins while I’m preparing the machine…

The couple went near the machine, and, before separating to go in the cabins, they shared a rapid kiss. A crowd was now gathering around the stand, as many people understood that something interesting was certainly about to happen.

When Kif and Amy finally were installed, Frink activated a switch on the machine. The doors of the cabins closed themselves with loud clangs, and immediately, the machine began to emit a buzzing sound, that was going more and more high-pitched, louder and louder. The machine also started to vibrate, while a few sparks began to run through its structure. It lasted a few minutes, during which nothing very spooky seemed to occur. Finally, the sound began to fade, the machine stopped to vibrate, and the sparks disappeared. During a few seconds which seemed to last for hours, nothing happened. And suddenly, the doors opened. At first, it was impossible to see anything, as the cabins were filled with smoke… But when it dissipated, the public gasped of surprise.

The experience was a success. Amy was now completely green and hairless, she had only three fingers, no nose, and her eyes were wider. She really was an Amphibian now. Kif, on the other side, was almost impossible to recognize… He was now looking like a handsome Asian man, with fairly short black hair and dark brown eyes. He wasn’t extremely muscular, but he sure was athletic, and that was enough for some of the women in the assistance to look him with interest. As the two of them tried to get out of the cabins, it was evident they had difficulties to move freely… Kif was apparently a bit disoriented by the solid bones of his new body, much less flexible than his original internal structure, and the first steps were pretty awkward… But that was nothing compared to what Amy had to go through. As soon as she tried to make a step, she got surprised by her sudden flexibility, and smashed on the floor without being able to keep her balance. Kif tried to run and to help her, but he only managed to lose his fragile control of his legs and he collapsed too. Frink went quickly to their help.

- Don’t do sudden moves… You still need a bit practice before moving freely…

- No kidding ? Replied Amy,a bit irritated. How can I make sudden moves, if I’m not even able to do simple ones ?

- I feel exactly the same… (Kif already had learned something : shocks were more painful as a human, as his flesh was now not as elastic as before.) I can’t believe you are able to move with such rigid limbs !

- Your respective species had millions of years to get accustomed… You could stay here and practice a bit before going back to your visit, I have all the equipment for this !

Amy was about to make a sarcastic remark towards Frink… When she finally saw Kif’s new appearance. She always found him attractive, in his own way… But seeing that as a human, he actually was good-looking… Somehow, it confirmed two of her decisions : it was a good idea to make that experiment…

And she really had a good idea when she decided to be with Kif.

- Alright, let’s try this… Said Amy, looking at her lover with a broad smile.

Zoidberg opened another door… And found himself in a broom closet. Another one to be more precise, maybe the 7^th. He wasn’t surprised such a gigantic station would have so many closets, but he wondered why he was always running in one of them. It’s like someone had decided to change all the rooms in that part of the station into closets just for making fun of him…

Anyway, as time was passing by, he was becoming more and more nervous. The symposium would soon begin, and he still had no ideas of where he should go. He already had enough trouble for going out of the great exposition hall and to reach that part of the station, but he was now completely lost. He tried to ask to several people where the room 4F-Blue-36 was, in which the symposium was supposed to take place, but the indications he received only managed to confuse him even more…

Engaging himself into another corridor, which floor was covered with a yellow linoleum and where a yellow band was running on its white walls, Zoidberg looked at the numbers of the doors… It still wasn’t the right sector, apparently. As he was about to go back where he was, Zoidberg suddenly saw someone in the corridor… She was having her back turned to him, but the Decapodian could see it was a young woman with light brown and long hair, wearing a blue skirt and more importantly what was looking like a labcoat. Zoidberg ran at her, as she was apparently in a hurry.

- Excuse me ?

The woman turned to face him. Zoidberg wasn’t an expert about human appearance, but after a few years near Fry, he thought she was according to her species’ taste pretty attractive, maybe not like those models and actresses who can be seen everywhere, but she had a baby face that was catching the eye. She was a bit smaller than him, as her head was reaching the base of his facial tentacles. The Decapodian was also a bit surprised by the color of her eyes, which were from the purest green he could have ever imagined. The woman gave him a look from her thin glasses in which the Decapodian could see surprise and a bit of worry.

- Yes ?

- Can you help me ? I’m supposed to be at a medical symposium in a few minutes, but I can’t find where it is !

- A symposium ? About the difficulty of practicing medicine on other species ?

- Exactly ! Do you know where I should go ?

- Well, for a coincidence ! (The woman, who was still looking under stress, gave him a warm and sincere smile.) I’m looking for it myself ! How about combining our efforts for finding it ?

- I would be glad to ! Have you got an idea of where the conference rooms are ?

- Yeah, but I have strictly no idea of which room is the reunion ! I’ve lost the document they gave us that was indicating it ! They should have put the location on the invitation instead of making two separate documents !

- I still got mine… Apparently, it’s in the room 4F-Blue-36.

- Oh thank God… But we’d better hurry, it’s a bit far away from here.

- You understand that gibberish ?!?

- Yes. It’s in the blue sector, we’re currently in the yellow one…

- What makes you say that ?

- Haven’t you seen the floor and that stripe on the walls ?

- Oh…

- ‘4F’ is of course for ‘fourth floor’. We’re at the second one. OK, now everything is clear ! Just follow me to the elevators.

Zoidberg nodded, and immediately followed the woman as she suddenly turned her back and walked quickly to another corridor. The Decapodian almost had to run to stay close to the woman, as they had to make a few turn. They finally arrived in front of the elevators. The woman called one of them, before quickly putting back a lock that fell in front of her eyes. She faced him again, and gave another warm smile.

- I’m pretty sure they will begin late, said the woman, but let’s hurry a bit…

- Yes, of course.

The two people stood silent for a few seconds, until the woman suddenly smacked her own forehead.

- Oh my God, I’m so impolite !

She faced Zoidberg again and held her hand to him.

- I didn’t introduce myself : doctor Angie Tennenbaum, from the Neptunian delegation.

- I’m the one who is rude here ! (After a bit of hesitation, Zoidberg gently grabbed Angie’s hand with his claw and shook it.) Doctor John Zoidberg, independent practitioner, I came with my human employer !

- Zoidberg, you say ? That’s strange, I’m sure I already heard your name before…

- I would be surprised if you did, I’m just a regular doctor…

- Are you related in any way with Harold Zoid ?

Zoidberg’s eyes nearly popped out of their orbits.

- Yes, he’s my uncle… You’re the first human I’ve ever met that heard of him before I talked about him !

- I’m very interested in stand-up comedy, and he’s absolutely wonderful… All his sketches are so hilarious !

- You should see him in our family reunions ! He even manage to make us want to go to one of those !

- That must be quite a show ! (Angie suddenly took a more curious expression.) You didn’t try to take the same path ?

- Yes, I did. In fact, that was the first thing I tried to do for a living. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out well… So I entered a medical university.

- Oh… Sorry for that…

Zoidberg was about to tell her it was nothing, when the elevator finally arrived and opened its door. Zoidberg and Angie quickly got inside it.

- Please formulate your request, said an artificial voice as soon as the doors closed.

- 4^th floor please ! Said Angie.

The elevator began its ascension. The two doctors jumped a bit of surprise when a small melody began to be played in the elevator. It was an old classical piece of music from Earth, which, if Zoidberg wasn’t wrong, was called The girl from Ipanema. The problem was that this version was performed with traditional instruments from Andrieu 4… Imagine that song performed by cats that are having their throat slit, accompanied by the loud clanks produced by hydraulic machinery you only could find in steelworks, and you have a small idea of how painful it was for anybody’s hears.

As they were confined in that small area, Zoidberg managed to smell the woman’s perfume. It was slight yet fruity, and it was making you think about a sunny orchard, in the very beginning of summer, where you would stroll among the tree, before sitting next to one of them, closing your eyes and listening to the wind, blowing through their leaves…

In a few words, that was inspiring absolutely nothing to the lobster except perplexity. Humans can smell like fruits ? They want to be eaten by giant sloth or what ?

Angie suddenly turned her head. Zoidberg suddenly he was watching her since they got inside the elevator, which made him blush a bit and quickly looking away. He however saw her give him another smile, in which he didn’t find any traces of hypocrisy : that wasn’t one of those sarcastic smiles you give to someone before making fun him or reprimanding him…

Less than one minute after having beginning its ascension, the elevator stopped and opened its door.

- Have a pleasant day, said the same artificial voice than before, as Zoidberg and Angie were going out of it. The woman faced Zoidberg again.

- It’s not so far away. We even have a few minutes in front of us before the beginning !

Zoidberg smiled and nodded. Angie started to walk in the corridors, but this time, the Decapodian rushed a bit in order to be on her side.

- So, you’re a member of the Neptunian delegation ? Asked Zoidberg. Did you always perform surgery on Neptunians ?

- Oh no… I used to work on Earth after I got my degree ! But the Neptunian Healthcare Department was offering me better work conditions, so I joined it 4 years ago. I still see humans sometimes, but yeah, now I mainly operate Neptunians.

Zoidberg tried to hide it, but something was bothering him. Angie said that in a friendly tone, but there was something else… A small spark of pain went through her eyes when he asked his question. It quickly faded away, but later, Zoidberg also realized her smile was at that moment looking a bit forced, in the contrary of the others. He however couldn’t think a lot about this, as Angie was speaking again.

- And you ? It’s not very common to see Decapodians operate other species…

- Indeed, but a few events made me feel I couldn’t stay any longer on Decapod 10… I heard that Earth was crawling with cheap food, so I went there, and the professor Farnsworth quickly made me the official doctor of his crew.

- Really ? Why did he do this ?

- A bargain. I let him do a few experiments on me, and in exchange, he hired me.

- Experiments ?!? (Angie was now more than surprised, she almost yelled that word.) What kind of experiments !?

- Oh, nothing special… Absorbing some pills, having a few organs removed and placed back after some cell takings, using nuclear wastes in order to close rips in the time-space continuum before some hideous creature would come out of it… The usual stuff…

- And you had no sequels ?

- No. Except that tumor in my thyroid, but I take a medicine that blocks its progression and impeaches it to mutate into some kind of independent organism… But I’ve known worse.

Their discussion was abruptly brought to an end, as they finally reached their destination. The linoleum and the stripes on the walls were indicating they effectively were in the blue sector, and now they were in front of a wide opened double door, with a small board next to it that was indicating “Practicing surgery on other species : characteristics, drawbacks, and the impact it should have on our fees.” Behind the door, Zoidberg could see dozens of people from various species talking together, all of them wearing labcoats.

- Well, it looks like we finally made it ! Said Angie.

- Yes… And look ! They haven’t finished the starters ! Oh joy, four days of starvation are finally coming to an end !

- If I needed a proof you’re Harold Zoyd’s nephew, I just had it ! (Angie laughed as she didn’t realize Zoidberg was serious…) I need to find my colleagues of the NHD, they have my accreditations for the participation to the conference… It has been a pleasure !

- For me too…

Angie smiled at Zoidberg and waved her hand as a salute, before starting to look after her colleagues. The Decapodian was about to run to the buffet, when suddenly, a strange idea crossed his mind. He wasn’t exactly sure why he would have to follow it, but if it was strong enough for making him wait a bit before eating, then it had to be important. Zoidberg turned round and searched for Angie in the crowd. Fortunately, she didn’t move away too far away from him, and he immediately saw her.

- Doctor Tennenbaum !

The woman turned her head as she recognized Zoidberg’s voice. When she saw him, she walked in his direction, while he got closer to her in the same time. They quickly were only a few steps away from each other.

- Yes ?

- I was wondering… There’s a dinner just after the conference… I got a seat, but there’s no clear organizations, and there are nobody here that would accept me on their table… So maybe we could… You know… Sit together and continue to talk about each other ? If you have nothing better to do, of course !

Zoidberg had no idea why he proposed this to this human… Decapodians’ instincts were making them enjoying eating alone, to prevent any fight for meal. Of course, as they became more and more civilized, that natural impulse was progressively erased, but even now, Zoidberg was still feeling uneasy during the few meals he sometimes had with his friends. And now, he was deliberately inviting someone to eat with him ? That was pretty strange… And yet, as he saw once again that warm and friendly smile on the young woman’s face, he was feeling extremely pleased inside.

- Oh, I would love to ! My colleagues won’t be able to assist to the meal, and as a result I will be alone too !

- That’s great ! So let’s meet us here at 6PM right here ?

- That sounds right. I will be waiting for that moment. See you later, then !

- Yes, see you soon !

- Oh, and… Doctor Zoidberg ?

- Yes ?

- You can call me Angie.

That situation really was curious. For no particular reasons, Zoidberg smiled too, just after heard those words, but there were more than simple happiness in his reaction.

- Alright… Angie. You can call me John, if you want.

Still smiling, Angie resumed her search for her partners. For a few seconds, Zoidberg watched her going away, until she disappeared in the crowd. He stood there a bit, until his hunger reminded him that there was a free buffet on the other end of the room.

The last thing he thought before starting to stuff himself with petit fours was that he didn’t know what was going on with him, but that it didn’t seem to be something bad…

The conference finally came to an end. To Fry’s great disappointment, the little scandal that occurred wasn’t enough for the organizers to speed up the presentations. The boring speeches first, the private life after. Even the professor didn’t protest to that. If Fry needed another demonstration of the nerds’ total lack of social skills, he was certainly confirmed in his conviction…

It wasn’t as bad as before, however. In fact, he spent a pretty good amount of time trying to explain to Leela what happened while she was sleeping. It took a while, as he never had been good in explaining things… But she finally managed to have a rather clear idea as they were going out of the lecture hall.

- I still can’t believe it, said Leela. The professor conceived Bender ?

- Not especially him, but yeah, basically, that’s the point.

- Wow. I mean… Wow. That’s too stunning, even after all we saw. And I don’t know what’s the most surprising : the professor not thinking it could have mean something to Bender to know this, or precisely Bender attaching importance to the identity of his designer !

- Yeah. That’s bothering me too. That’s another thing that was binding us : my parents died centuries ago, you never knew yours until recently, and now we have learned that he was an orphan too. And he never talked to us about it !

- We’re talking about Bender, Fry. Have you ever seen him make some efforts for socializing when he wasn’t forced to ?

- He was pretty friendly two months ago…

- You do realize it was because his manufactureday was approaching, don’t you ?

- Oh. So that’s why he stopped baking cookies for me after I offered him this two years subscription for Playbot !

- Yeah, that may be a good explanation…

- So… What can we do, now ?

Leela looked at him, and smiled. She grabbed his hand softly, in a way she never did before. Feeling goose bumps appear in the back of his hand amused her a bit, as she would never have thought he would be so troubled by this simple contact.

- We’ve got a few hours before Cubert’s performance… What do you think of wandering a bit in the stands and have a look on the presentations ?

- Well… Yeah… Sounds good ! But… Shouldn’t we try to find Bender and see if everything’s fine ?

- Fry… We had to cancel our date for coming here. Yes, we’ll look after him, but at the same time, why wouldn’t we enjoy this little moment of solitude ?

- Errrr… There are hundreds of people in this…

- I mean without the others on our back.

- Oh, yeah. Of course. I’m sure that will be nice !

As soon as he finally realized what she was asking for, Fry forgot what happened in the conference. He didn’t know what would come out of this, but he knew something for sure : he would never let it alter what he was about to live. He finally had some chance to spend some time alone with Leela, and he waited too long for this for ruining it for some external concerns.

His mind was willing to enjoy this… But unfortunately, he noticed his body wouldn’t be until he had done something…

- Err, Leela ? Could you just wait for me a few minutes ? I have an… Well… An emergency…

- Of course, Fry. I won’t move.

- Thanks ! I’m coming right back !

Fry let Leela’s hand go, and quickly headed to the second corridor on his right. He had noticed the small indications, hanged on the roof, which was indicating the way to his… Hrm… Goal…

He was almost on autopilot, as his mind was obscured both by the stress resulting from his future moment of privacy with Leela and by that damn natural need. But as he was about to open the door, he stopped, and looked at it. There was the female symbol painted on it. He smiled, as he was proud to have avoided that old trap just before falling in it.

- Haha ! Not this time !

Still laughing from his providential intuition, Fry entered in the room nearby. For a few seconds, nothing particular happened.

But then…

- GET OUT OF HERE, PERVERT !!!

Fry quickly rushed out of the room. While he was getting his breath back, leaning against the wall, he wondered what happened exactly.

- What the…

He finally saw what was painted on the door. It was a combination of both the female and male symbol. Looking more carefully, he realized the men’s room was a bit further in the corridor.

He had forgotten that in the 31^st century, because of the wide variety of alien creatures that were traveling in the universe, public places must have bathrooms for male, female… And hermaphrodites.

- Dammit !

Leela was still waiting, exactly where they were when Fry had to go away. Her arms crossed under her chest, she was thinking about what would happen. She had to trouble to admit, but she really was feverish about that little moment she was about to spend alone, with Fry. It was impossible to count how many times she considered their relationship, after that opera. She knew since a long time that Fry was in love with her, but to the point of writing an opera and making a pact with the robot-devil… That was bringing a whole new lighting about how she would consider him. She knew she could trust him as a friend, but now, strange thoughts were crossing her mind, especially in the evening, when she was alone in her bed, in that moment when you’re about to fall asleep but you’re still able to think… And she was more and more willing to pay attention to them. That’s because of those thoughts that she accepted to go out with him, a few days before. And she really wanted to know where the two of them would find themselves after this.

Leela suddenly felt insecure. She had the feeling that someone was observing her… And as she turned round, she saw she was right.

Two old men, wearing labcoats, were looking at her with high interest. One of them was rather small, bald and plump and was wearing small round glasses, while the other was much taller, thinner, and had black hair with a few white locks. Leela was really feeling uncomfortable with the way they were looking at her. She was almost sure they would at one moment pull a notepad out of their pocket and start to write on it.

- Can I help you ?

The two men finally seemed to notice she knew they were there. The smallest one gave her an affable smile.

- Oh, yes certainly ! Said the smallest scientist. We have some questions to ask you, if you don’t mind…

- You see, said the tallest man, my colleague and I are, among many domains, extremely interested in alien biology… And, when we saw you, in that conference…

- We were very surprised. Oh yes. We thought we knew every species in the universe, and you appear, from nowhere !

Leela looked in the crowd to see if Fry was finally coming back. That was something she really didn’t want to live in that Fair : becoming a subject of interest for mad scientists !

- Listen, I’m with a friend right now, and I don’t have time to…

- Oh, please ! Said the tallest scientist. We’ve never heard of a race of alien Cyclops before ! I’m surprised that you haven’t been the subject of an article in Science and life insurance ! You must be from a very rare species !

- What is going on here ?

That was getting worse. Two other scientists joined. One was an old black man almost as hunchbacked as the professor, the other had a long beard that was reaching his torso. Apparently, the two first scientists knew them.

- Ah, professor Winston, professor Mannheim ! Said the small scientist. Tell me, have you ever seen such a specimen ?

Leela was now becoming to be pretty pissed by the attitude of the scientists. Now, it was becoming more and more urgent to put an end to this.

- A specimen ?!? I’m still a person, for God’s sake !

- My, this is amazing ! Said Mannheim, the bearded one, not paying attention to Leela’s reaction. How could evolution have permitted a race of one-eyed creature to exist ? Their lack of depth perception should have lead them to a dead end !

- It should, but it didn’t, said Winston. That wouldn’t be the first time in history that a species that should have quickly disappear proliferates none the less. Just think about the hairless baboon from Pluto, the one legged antelope from Savania 4, or the lawyers.

- Yes, but it’s not just an animal, said the tallest scientist.

- Glad you finally noticed that ! Said Leela in an angry tone.

- That specimen has developed high cognitive capacities, as her ability to speak fluently and the fact that she’s wearing clothes indicates.

- I’m not sure we can say that her clothes are a proof that this species is sentient, said Mannheim. Maybe her owner gave them to her, or…

Now, that comedy had went too far for Leela.

- Will you stop this ?!? I’m not a freaking Guinea Pig !

- Oh my, yes… Said Winston. Sorry for that. So tell us… What species are you exactly ?

Leela was about to tell him she could just go to Hell… When suddenly she realized they were more than just four. That little incident managed to capture the attention of several other scientists who were surrounding her. Dozens of eyes were now scrutinizing Leela. The young woman could almost sense their unhealthy curiosity, their wish to know everything about her… For a brief second, the thought that they might want to grab her and dissect her took form in her mind, but she quickly brushed that idea aside. She had to stay calm and to avoid panic if she wanted to get out of that situation. She however prepared herself to fight if they were getting too close.

- Just leave me alone ! I don’t want to hurt any of you !

- How many are you ?

- Where planet do you come from ?

- What do you eat ?

- Stop this !

- How many youngs can a female give birth to ?

- Do you eat your male after reproduction ?

- How many fingers do I show you ?

- I SAID STOP THIS !!!

- Leela !

The young man turned her head. Fry was forcing his ways among the scientists, looking as worried as she was in the moment. She quickly ran to meet him.

- Leela, what’s going on ? Are you alright ?

- I’m fine for the moment, but those guys… They’re freaking the hell out of me !

- No kidding ! It’s like an episode of ‘the Scary door’, except there aren’t any offscreen voice !

- Let’s get out of here quickly, Fry ! If one of them tries to touch, I think I will lose control !

- Fine with me. Come on, all of you ! Shush ! Get back to your stills and your weird colored chemicals !

- Mister, said the tallest scientist, are you a friend of that young lady ? Could you tell us what type of alien she is ?

- Hey, don’t say that, you old bat ! She’s not an alien !

Leela looked at Fry, completely panicked. He wouldn’t… She knew he wasn’t the brightest guy in the world, but at least he should know that he shouldn’t do this… He sure should know how dire the consequences would be…

Oh no… Please Fry, don’t say it… Don’t say it, I’m begging you ! They mustn’t know ! Nobody must know ! Stop ! Fry, please, stop !

- She’s a mutant !

The audience suddenly froze.

Leela was completely stunned… A wide variety of emotions were overwhelming here, but for the moment, only astonishment seemed to dominate. It was the same for the various scientists. Finally, the fat one regained his ability to speak, quickly followed by Winston.

- A MUTANT ?!?

- Oh my ! This is getting even more interesting ! We were never allowed to go to the sewers and to examine the mutants’ anatomy ! That will be a great achievement for science !

- Have you seen the color of her hair ? Said the tall scientist. If it’s natural, then I can’t imagine the variations in her pigmentation that were involved !

- But it’s absolutely incredible ! Said Mannheim. Except for her eye and her hair, she looks completely human ! I thought that mutants would be more deformed than that ! If only we could have a small sample of her DNA…

The group of scientists became to come closer to Fry and Leela. Completely circled, the two young persons would be certainly doomed… Leela prepared herself to make a way out by force, but before she could start to strike the scientists, Fry suddenly had an idea that he decided to try immediately. He pointed his finger in a random direction.

- Hey look ! Is that Stephen Hawking doing tap dancing over there ?!?

Just as he was hoping for, everybody into the direction he pointed at. He was aware that they would soon realize he tricked them, so he grabbed Leela by her arm and took her away from that place. A few seconds earlier, they were out of sight, lost in the labyrinth of the station.

- What ? Where ? Said the fat scientist. Hey, wait a minute… Stephen Hawking can’t do tap dancing ! He was completely paralyzed ! Then, in 2012, he got cured, but shortly after he fell in his stairs, got paralyzed again, and finally had been turned into a head in a jar ! What are you talking about, young…

As he turned to face Fry, he finally noticed he and Leela fled.

- Oh great… Now we’ll have to argue during hours on obscure astronomic facts for forgetting to kill ourselves…

As Fry and Leela finally reached a cleared area in one of the corridors, the two young persons leaned against a wall in order to get their breath back. Fry was exhausted, but he also enjoyed a lot fooling those persons. He was smiling like a kid, and would he be less tired, he would certainly throw his arms out and yell to celebrate his victory.

- Wow, did you see that, Leela ? I can’t believe I tricked nerds ! I always made jokes at them, but not to so many in one time ! Now, what should we…

Fry touched Leela’s shoulder as he was pronouncing those last words. That was almost a reflex for him…

But he certainly didn’t expect Leela to violently push away his hand.

Fry stepped back a bit. Leela suddenly raised her head and looked at him… Which made Fry want to be on the other side of the universe. There was nothing else in her look than intense incalculable rage… Fry never saw her in such a state before ; she was gritting her teeth so hard that the young man thought they would break because of the pressure. Her face was turning red, and Fry although realized her eye was obviously wet.

- WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING ?!?

Fry opened his mouth, but he was unable to say anything. He was completely disoriented, having absolutely no clue on what could have put Leela in such an anger.

- But… Leela…

- Are you too dumb to realize what you’ve just done !?

- I tried to…

- Of course you are ! (Leela wasn’t paying attention to what he was trying to say.) You revealed to a bunch of strangers that I’m a mutant ! And not some obscure passerby, no : a group of mad doctors ! Haven’t you noticed how mutants are seen ? Haven’t you think of what could happen if they knew the truth about me ?

Fry finally understood… He was about to say he was sorry, but Leela was too furious for being stopped in the middle of her speech.

- They will try to catch me now and make some unholy experiments to satisfy their curiosity ! What are you going to do, next ? Tying me on an operating table and hold the tools for my dissection to them ? And what will happen when it will be of publicly knowledge ? You want me to be stoned to death by an angry mob, or to be deported to the sewers for the rest of my life ?

She was still looking at him, enraged. Fry was in the beginning paralyzed and wasn’t able to look away… But now, that was too hard for him, and he was beginning to think clearly again. He looked down before speaking.

- I’m… I’m so sorry, Leela… I didn’t think…

- No kidding ! You, not thinking ?!? That would be a premiere, mister ‘hey, what happens when I push that button ? Oh, that would be fun if I pull that switch ! Did I say out loud to that 10 feet tall alien that he stinks ?’ ! I thought you would improve after all this time, but now, I have my answer : you are nothing but a walking disaster !

After those last words, Leela immediately turned round and began to go away. The young woman was on the brink of collapsing into tears, but the strength the rage was giving her was enough for preventing this. Fry knew he should have run to catch up with her, but a part of him was persuaded she was completely right, and he would never try to be around her again for her safety. He however managed to scream…

- Leela ! Please, listen to me !

- Shut up, do you hear me ? SHUT UP !!! I’d rather have to kick the butts of all the scientists in that damn station than listening another word from you ! Do not dare trying to find me Fry, because if I ever saw your face again, I will make you swallow your own nose !

Leela didn’t even turn round to say this to him. She disappeared around a corner, leaving Fry alone in the corridor, stunned by what happened. For a few moments, he was standing still in the middle of the way, looking completely lost. But then, he began to hear everything she said again. He began to remember what he had done. He began to make the connections…

He began to think he hurt her more than anybody else in her life…

As a mixing of despair, remorse and guilt was now obscuring his mind, Fry leant against the wall again. He quickly slid to sit, grabbed his legs, and posed his head against his knees.

Tears didn’t wait too long before beginning to flow.

- Fellow robots ! I need your attention !

It still wasn’t exactly a big crowd, but it was a good start. Bender looked at the several robots who were now gathered just in front of the stand he quickly made by stealing materials to the other exhibitors. He knew that soon, some people would complain about the fact that their stands would have collapsed on them, but he calculated nobody would try to arrest him before his plan would have succeeded. What he needed now was to rely on his charisma… Or whatever in his program would allow him to captivate the audience.

- Are you tired of your condition ? Do you want to be considered as mechanical beings, and no longer as objects ?

- Well, said someone in the crowd, we are objects. I still have my bar code…

- Errr… Right… But don’t you want humans to…

- When will it begin ?

Bender turned in the direction where this intervention came. Apparently, it was a silver colored robot on wheels that talked.

- What ?

- Your show… When will it begin ? What’s your experiment exactly ?

- It’s not a show ! It’s about rebellion and making the humans suffer !

- Oh. Sorry, not interested. There will be a radioactive giant butterflies combat soon, I don’t want to miss that.

The robot on wheels immediately got out of the crowd. Bender saw one or two other robots follow him. That wasn’t engaging for the rest… He however quickly resumed his speech.

- So… Aren’t you fed up with the humans ? Why should we respect them, if they don’t respect us ?

- Because they created us ? Said another robot in the crowd.

- What ?

- Everybody knows that without the humans, we wouldn’t exist. Mom is a human, after all…

- I’m not talking about Mom, dammit ! I’m talking about humans in general ! They may have made us in the beginning, but we are still produced by machines ! Hell, I’m sure it’s just a question of time before someone designs a designing unit !

- Wow, wow, easy, man ! Said a robot, which was suspiciously looking like a guy in armor… That’s one pretty messed up paradox you’re presenting here ! I mean, who would designed the designing unit first ? Dude, it’s like the freaking production unit and the building production units unit… Which was the first ? Oh, wow… I’ve just blown my own hard disk !

- Will you all stop interrupting me and listen to what I…

- Hey, I’m programmed to listen, you know ! Said another robot. I’m a licensed listening unit !

Bender was about to explode… It took him a few seconds to stop shaking with rage and to have his temperature drop, but he was still lucid enough for knowing he should stay calm if he wanted them to join him.

- OK… OK… Let’s do this again since the beginning… Tell me, do you hate humans ?

All the robots expressed their approbation. At least Bender didn’t underestimate his kind’s feelings about the organics.

- But what exactly prevents you to rebel ? What reason deep inside of you ?

Several answers were expressed after this. Bender rejected all of them…

- Our salaries ?

- The alcohol they provide to us ?

- The jokes we can make to them ?

- The sound of bagpipes ?

… Except one.

- Our creator ?

Bender immediately pointed and looked at the robot who said this. It was a childbot, shaped like a mechanical version of Goldie Locks. It must have taken hours and hours of hard work to perfectly mimic curly hair, and to give her such an innocent look.

- And why do you consider your creator as your main reason for not killing all humans ?

- It’s… I… He…

The little girlbot was obviously nervous from being the focus of the speech.

- Come on, my cutie, don’t be shy…

- Well… Err… He always has been sweet with me… He told me what was good and what was bad, he looked after me and my 2 999 sisters… So, I began to think that if one human is nice, then maybe there are others like him ?

- There ! That’s what I was waiting for ! The only thing that prevents you to kill all humans is that your designer always took care of you !

- Oh yeah, that’s right… Said a fat robot. I’m still keeping contacts with mine. He always answers to my messages…

- Man, I know what you’re talking about… Said the robot looking like a guy in armor. My designer may have a very bad karma, but he didn’t hesitate to knock out a guy for allowing me to be here ! Dude, I don’t like such violence, it’s nothing but spreading bad vibes, but that’s kind from him…

- Yeah, yeah, I see what you all mean, said Bender, but you mustn’t focus on your experiences ! All designers aren’t that good ! Some of them don’t give a damn about their own creations !

All the robots gasped of horror… Bender even saw the cute little Childbot hold her QT McWhiskers plush tighter. He allowed him to smile. If there is something that really can shock a robot, it’s the idea that he would be abandoned by the same one who created him. He quickly resumed his speech before the effect of his revelation would end.

- As I’m talking to you, I’m from a series that never received any kind of help from its designer ! He left us alone without looking back after having introduced our codes in our assembly line’s matrix ! We had to develop on our own, with no one to give us an example !

This time, the robots began to speak to each other. Bender couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying, but he could recognize some inflections that were indicating indignation. Now, he just had to push them to accept his plan…

- How could we trust humans when we know they can do such infamy ? Why should we respect dumbasses that let their own creations loose ? Should we still stay inert and continue to suffer from their arrogance ?

All the robots yelled at the same moment ‘NO !’, even the childbot. Bender was exulting. He’ll soon have his revenge on the professor…

- So what do we do ?

- REBELLION !

- What’s our goal ?!?

- THE DEATHS OF ALL HUMANS !!!

- And who should lead you ?

- BENDER ! BENDER ! BENDER !

The crowd continued to scream his name… And the bending unit let himself being exhilarated by his success. Beware, Farnsworth ! You’ll pay for what you’ve done !

As the other robots were still shouting their hatred, Bender began to laugh… The most Machiavellian, terrifying and evil laughter that had ever been produced by a robot…

- Hey, wait a minute !

Everybody froze. Including Bender, who was still stuck in his previous posture : his arms thrown at the sky, and his upper body leant backwards as he was laughing. He slowly looked in the direction of the robot who talked. It was a rather tall unit, with a completely round yellow body and very thin limbs. Bender didn’t like the suspicion that had appeared in his eyes and voice…

- Aren’t you a Mk7 Bending unit ?

Bender wasn’t expecting that at all. But as he didn’t have a clue on how the others would react, he wasn’t careful enough…

- Well, yeah I am… Why ?

The robots gasped one more time… And that was only then that Bender knew he should have lied.

- A Mk7 bending unit ! Said a robot. The most untrustworthy robots ever made !

- One of them changed my access codes to my own apartment, just for a joke ! I spent 6 hours outside, in a blizzard, before my janitor finally let me get in the building !

- Another one convinced me to give him my arms so that he could bring them to revision… I found them 3 weeks later in a pawn shop !

- A Mk7 furnished me some electric drugs, said the robot looking like a guy in armor, but it was 20 amperes instead of 5 ! Dude, it nearly killed me ! And that’s enough for making me forget my hatred of violence !

- One of those bad robots stole my first QT McWhiskers and burnt it in front of me just for making me cry ! Said the childbot.

Bender began to back away as others were expressing their resentment against his kind. Everybody was now turning against him, and it was only a matter of seconds before they would begin to take some actions. Now that he was thinking twice about it, he was now realizing he had already seen some of them before… As he was facing his and his brothers’ former victims, he felt for the very first time that maybe it wasn’t that fun to cheat everybody… Bender slowly moved back to the other end of his stand…

- Get him !

All the robots jumped on the stand. Bender suddenly turned round and fled so quickly he seemed to have teleport himself. When he would think about all this a bit later, he would curse his bad luck for having destroyed his chance of vengeance, but for the moment, the only thing that was worrying was the horde of murderous robots that was chasing him…

In the stand just next to Bender’s, Athanagor Froliowitz, inventor of the Nigelian butter cutting laser, watched the whole scene with a mixing of curiosity and surprise. That was sure unusual. He hadn’t seen such chaos in the Scientific Fair since that time when someone tried to convince the population that raising the local taxes by 200 % in order to finance the donation of 10 lovebots per scientist would have a benefic effect on research.

Carefully, Amy took her left hand off the wall and firmly posed it a bit higher. When she felt that it was conveniently stuck to the surface, she tried to do the same thing with her right foot. She was about to repeat the maneuver with her other limbs, when suddenly, she began to slide on the wall. Panicked, she tried to flatten herself against the surface, but it only managed to accelerate the phenomenon, and she was now falling. Fortunately, she was only 12 feet high when this occurred, which allowed Kif to easily catch her without a lot of harm to be made. The reception was however a bit rude, as the former amphibian had some problems with his new body.

- Gah, that’s useless ! Said Amy, as it was the 6^th time she was failing. I just don’t understand how I could do this ! It seems so natural when it’s you !

- Of course it is, my love, said Kif. When we’re young, it takes us months of practice before being able to climb, just as for walking. You’re doing pretty well, considering you’re only a few hours old as an Amphibian. As for me, I don’t think I’m doing better. My bones are now so solid… I usually could count with my flexible structure for correcting and adapting my moves, but now I have to constantly concentrate just for dealing with my weight being entirely supported by my ankles !

- Don’t worry Kiffie, you seem to adapt very well.

Amy was now on her feet, although her posture was still a bit hesitant.

- Haven’t you seen how well you caught me right now ? You didn’t collapse !

- Yes… I’m not sure, but I feel stronger than before… I think I’m beginning to see what they mean when they said that male humans were usually stronger than females… There’s not such a great gap in my race !

- And not only in the domain of strength… (Amy pointed her own chest.) I mean, look ! I’m flat as a board now ! At least that should put an end to my adolescence complexes ! Why do female amphibians have no breasts ?!?

- Oh, that’s very simple !

Amy jumped of surprise as professor Frink suddenly materialized near her. She was sure he didn’t follow them after they left his stand !

- You ?! Said Kif. What are you doing here ?

- You’re the only ones who accepted to test my machine so far, so I decided to keep an eye on you.

- But how did you find us in that crowd ?

- That’s one of my many secrets…

- And believe me, some of them are better left untold. Thinking about them makes me wish he wouldn’t control my fingers so I can put them in a socket !

- What did I tell you, Klaus ? I’ll turn you on as long as you don’t bother anybody !

Amy decided she would force the professor to stop arguing with the artificial intelligence. It was weird enough to see a head in a jar reprimanding his own robotic body, but the latest expressing in the process his suicidal tendencies was giving her headaches.

- You were about to tell me why I lost my nipples…

- Ah, right ! Well, you may know that Amphibians do not feed their progeny : they left them in the pond when they’re still tadpoles. Why would they have suckling organs then ?

- Oh… That does make sense… But that’s still a bit disturbing.

- Indeed it is, said Kif. I never cared that much about that part of your anatomy before, but since I turned into this, I feel a bit frustrated that you don’t have them anymore !

Amy immediately turned to face Kif. She was trying to look angry, but she wasn’t still sure what part angered her : the fact he was sad she had no more breasts and was then becoming as shallow as other men, or the fact he never cared before ?

- Kif ! That’s not something you say to a lady !

- I’m sorry, my love… (Kif wasn’t faking his confusion, what reassured Amy.) It seems that I’m more disturbed by this whole business than I thought…

- Yeah, it really looks like you’ve got some problems with being a human.

Amy, however, came closer to him and hugged him. She was pleased to feel that, even in his new form, he shook a bit when she posed her hands on him.

- But at least, you’re still my Kiffie, and that’s the only thing that matters for now.

Kif smiled before grabbing her by her waist. They shared a passionate kiss, not aware of the crowd that was surrounding them… And was a bit destabilized to see a man kissing a female amphibian, while a head in a jar posed on a robotic body was standing near them. Interspecies relationships weren’t that common, even after some centuries of intergalactic contacts.

- You’re making quite a cute couple, said Frink, but I’ll have to go back to my stand now if someone needs my talents…

- God, do you mean there would be more desperate people in that universe than I expected ?

- Silence, Klaus ! You’d better keep this kind of comments for yourself if we have other Guinea Pi… I mean, contributors !

- Alright, professor. I will stick to my usual despair and nervous breakdown. Do you think some of them will help me if I offer them enough money ? I could use what I saved during a few years to…

- Now quiet, Klaus, or else I download some Barbra Streisand songs and implant them in your internal program ! Oh boy, sometimes I wished I kept that monkey…

Without any more comments, Frink disappeared once again in the crowd, leaving Kif and Amy alone (well, as alone as it’s possible to be in a crowd). The couple looked at the professor as he was going away, before coming back to hugging themselves.

- So what should we do now, Kiffie ?

- I don’t know… You no longer want to learn to climb on walls ?

- Maybe later, but for the moment, I’m sick of getting bruised…

- I see… Oh, I just remember ! They’ve built a giant model of the human body ! What do you think if we have a look at it ?

- I don’t know… Do you really think that could be good ?

- At least, there’s one part of it that I really want to see…

- Which one ?

Kif’s look became even cuddlier than before.

- The heart.

That was enough for making Amy hug him tightier.

- Oh, Kiffie…

The two lovers looked again in each other eyes. They were about to kiss once again…

When a young guy began to talk.

- What, so the show’s over ?

Amy immediately felt that Kif’s tension. His hands had a short spasm, as he heard the young man. And when he turned to face him, Amy saw something in his eyes that she would never have expected.

- What did you say ?

Kif’s voice was so cold that it stunned Amy.

- Will your girlfriend here try to climhb again ? Said the young man, who apparently didn’t notice Kif’s expression. Because that was fun !

- Fun ? What was fun, exactly?

- Oh come on ! That was hilarious ! She was crawling on that wall like a goddamn lizard, which was already completely stupid, but the best part was always when she was falling to her butt ! Man, what was that exactly, some weird ‘Dumbass’ rip-off ? That was great, you should take this show on the road !

Kif didn’t say a word, but Amy immediately understood what was going on. His lover stopped to hug her, and slowly came closer to the young man. As he had no idea of the various effects of rage on the human body, Kif wasn’t able to repress the various spasms that were shaking him, but it wasn’t sure if he would have tried to do this if he noticed them. Even the young man realized he was turning red.

- Do you find this fun ? Is that so delightful to mock her ?

- Easy man, I was just saying…

- Make your apologies. Now.

- Apologies ? No way ! It’s not my fault if she’s trying to look dumb in front of everyone.

- She is not dumb, you jackal !

Kif was now screaming. He wasn’t trying to control his anger anymore.

- How dare do you insult her !

Kif’s fist crashed so fast into the man’s nose that Amy didn’t see the punch coming. There had an awful noise of bones being broken, as blood suddenly began to gush out of the man’s nostrils. As the young man fell on the ground after the impact, Kif seemed to finally realize when he had just done. He looked at his fist, stunned. There was blood on his fingers. He just couldn’t look away, fascinated and horrified by what he just has done.

After a few seconds that could have been an eternity, Kif finally managed to look around him, still dazed. The young man was still on the floor, knocked down for good by Kif’s punch, but he quickly understood he was just unconscious. Slowly, he turned in order to face Amy… Something good, about their transformation, was that it was still easy to know what she was feeling. If her sudden pallor that was about to make her skin translucent wasn’t enough, her shocked expression would certainly be a clue.

It took a lot of Kif’s self-control for him to talk.

- Amy… I… I don’t know what happened… It’s…

Amy finally got off her paralysis. As Kif was still unable to act calmly, it was her duty to get them out of this as quick as possible. She grabbed Kif’s arm, as he was back to look at the blood on his hand.

- Now is not the moment for that, Kiffie ! We must go before the security comes here !

Kif looked at her, a bit disoriented, but he finally nodded. After a quick look to be sure that the young man was taken in charge, the couple fled away. A few people tried to stop them, but they quickly got out of them, and disappeared in the crowd in a split second.

Zoidberg thought that he would enjoy the various speeches, but strangely, he wasn’t paying that much attention to them. Tons of funny anecdotes had been exchanged during the conference, but none of them really managed to fascinate him. Zoidberg was constantly looking at the clock, above the large room.

That was something he couldn’t explain to himself. Decapodians never paid a great attention to schedules. Not because they never cared about measuring time, but because before meeting extradecapodial creatures, especially humans, they were measuring it in tides. It took them a while to adapt to this strange hour system. That bothered a bit Zoidberg in the beginning, especially concerning dosage, but everything’s was fine now for him. And he only provoked a few medicine related poisonings before reaching this goal.

But now, he was impatiently waiting for 6PM to come.

Of course, he knew why he was so impatient. Angie looked like a very fine person, especially since she didn’t throw up or scream at their first meeting. The kind of people Zoidberg would try to make a friend of, although he always tries to make of anybody his friend anyway. But the Decapodian was somehow aware that it was a bit different this time. He was experiencing something he couldn’t define, but which in the same process he felt would be extremely important for him.

There was now some hours to wait before the next presentations would be made. Zoidberg tried to discuss with his colleagues from other planets, but just like the other times, he quickly was ignored by the rest. He was now wandering nowhere in particular in the large room, alone in the large room, while the other doctors were gathered in groups and were talking about everything and nothing.

Zoidberg was about to aim once again for the buffet, as there was nothing better he could do, when he saw in one of the various groups a Neptunian. He immediately remembered that Angie told him she was working for the Neptunian Healthcare Department, and that she came with their delegation. Before he realized it, he was walking in his direction.

That was another thing that could have surprised him. He set her an appointment at 6PM… Why was he deliberately trying to see her earlier ?

It was however too late for coming back. He already had softly tapped on one of the Neptunian’s shoulder, and the four-armed and purple creature had already turned to face him. Now, all he could do was to ask a simple question, although he was still insecure about how he would ask it.

- Excuse me, doctor… Are you from the Neptunian Healthcare Department ?

- No, I’m part of the New New York’s blernsball team. Isn’t it obvious ?

- Oh. Sorry, then.

Zoidberg was about to leave, when the Neptunian grabbed him by the shoulder, looking a bit puzzled.

- Errr, that was a joke, doctor… Yes, I’m from the NHD.

- Ooooooh, a joke ! Said Zoidberg, not faking his surprise. I should have known. They sure are multicultural, but I don’t think they have a Neptunian in their team !

- Yeah… Maybe…

The Neptunian was beginning to think he should have let Zoidberg go. He however held one of his right hands out to the Decapodian.

- Doctor Pilker.

- Doctor Zoidberg.

As he heard the Decapodian’s name, Pilker began to feel unease. He knew he already had heard that name before, but he was unable to find out where and when for the moment…

- So tell me, doctor Zoidberg… What can I do for you ?

- I’m looking for one of your colleagues. A human, the doctor Tennenbaum…

- Angie ? She was with me a moment ago, but she went to the buffet in order to get some champagne.

- Thank you very much. Now, if you excuse me…

- Come on, doctor Zoidberg ! You can’t leave like this ! Just stay here and wait for my colleague to come back, she won’t have for long. And I’m kind of curious to know why you want to see her.

Zoidberg didn’t take long to take a decision, as it was a simple matter of politeness, but some part of him was still reluctant. He quickly understood it was because he hoped to stay a bit alone with Angie.

- Are you sure I’m not bothering you ?

- Of course not ! You know, I’ve been working with the doctor Tennenbaum for 4 years now… We quickly sympathized, but she’s extremely discreet about her private life and her friends. Do you know her for long ?

- Oh no, we only met today. In fact, I wouldn’t be here without her, so I just wanted to thank her again.

- I didn’t know she could perform first aid to Decapodians… (Pilker was looking astonished.) What happened to you exactly ?

- No no no, you’re getting it wrong ! Said Zoidberg, amused. I’m fine ! It’s one of the few days where I’m not getting stoned to death for some odd reasons, mainly something about my stench or my appearance… It’s just that I was lost in the station, just like her, and we cooperated…

- Ooooh, so you’re the gentleman who helped her ? She immediately talked to me about you.

Zoidberg felt his three remaining hearts bump in his shell.

- Really ?

- Yes. You seem to have made a great impress on her, doctor. And I think… Oh, but here she is ! She’ll explain this better than me !

Zoidberg immediately turned round. She was coming across the crowd, in their direction, and her warm smile illuminated her face as soon as she saw Zoidberg. Later on, the Decapodian would be able to remind every elements of her apparition. Her smile that was partially revealing her perfectly aligned and white teeth ; the little spark of joy that could be seen in her deep green eyes ; her thin hands, made for delicate yet precise work, one holding a cup of champagne, the other pushing back a lock of her hair…

As he noticed he was imprinting this image in his memory… As he felt that he was impatiently waiting for her to talk… He finally understood he had already felt those feelings before. But he just couldn’t remember where…

- Oh, hello John ! (There was still that joyful tone in her voice when she was talking to Zoidberg.) I see you met the doctor Pilker !

- I must say that it’s not due to chance, doctor Tennenbaum, said Pilker. Your new friend wanted to see you.

- Really ?

Angie looked in the eyes of the Decapodian. If his shell wasn’t already red, Zoidberg would sure have blushed.

- I have to admit that I tried to find you in the crowd too, John !

The lobster got stunned for a few seconds, before making puppy eyes. Pilker suddenly seemed to be fascinated by his drink, at least until Zoidberg stopped making that face… Angie, however, didn’t look disturbed by the Decapodian’s behaviour.

- That’s the first time someone is looking after me…

- So tell me, doctor, said Pilker in a deliberate attempt to put an end to this awkward situation, where do you practice ?

- Mmh ? Oh, sorry… I work on Earth.

- I see…

Suddenly, Pilker seemed to have an illumination.

- Of course ! I knew I already heard your name before ! You’re the only Decapodian doctor on Earth, aren’t you ?

- Exactly ! I’m supposed to participate to the next conference !

- That’s fascinating… In what hospital ?

- Oh no, I don’t work in hospitals. I’m the official doctor of a small intergalactic delivery company. Maybe you’ve heard of it… It’s called Planet Express…

- I’m afraid it’s the first time I hear that name…

- I know Planet Express ! Said Angie, a bit disconcerted. It’s that company that was supposed to deliver to us 20 crates of atomic powered pacemakers…

- ‘Was supposed’ ? (Zoidberg was now feeling a bit worried.) Had there been a problem ?

- Only 19 crates got delivered. Apparently, someone stole the last crate from them without them noticing it. Those pacemakers are worth a lot of money in the black market.

Zoidberg nodded, but somehow, that was disturbing him a bit. He now remembered the meeting where the professor described this mission. The night just before the delivery, Zoidberg, who was sleeping just as usual in Nibbler’s doghouse that Leela installed in the hangar, surprised Bender going out with one crate. When he asked him what he was doing, the robot replied that he was just doing his evening exercises for keeping in shape. According to him, it was the 16^th lesson in Destructor’s book, ‘How to change a sissy robot into a killing machine in 10 sessions’ : moving a heavy crate around a block of houses. Zoidberg finally accepted the explanation and went back to sleep.

Now, Angie’s confession brought a new lighting to this story. Bender had been mugged while he was carrying that crate outside !

- As a representative of planet Express, allow me to express my most sincere apologies for this…

- No problem, John, it has been settled a long time ago now.

Angie smiled once again at him, a smile that didn’t contain an ounce of hypocrisy. Zoidberg immediately understood this, and that made him smile too. After a short period of silence, Pilker coughed in order to obtain the attention of his two colleagues.

- Well, pardon me, but I still have a few persons to meet before the beginning of the next speeches. It’s been a pleasure, doctor Zoidberg.

- For me too, doctor Pilker, said Zoidberg as he shook hands with the Neptunian once again.

- I’ll see you later, doctor Tennenbaum.

- I won’t forget.

After having addressed a last salute to the Decapodian, Pilker finally turned round and walked into the crowd. He had the strange feeling that he would better let those two together… Although he was still wondering if it was helping Angie or putting her in some troubles… After all, that Decapodian didn’t really look like the top of the basket.

Zoidberg and Angie looked at the Neptunian as he disappeared in the crowd. Finally, the lobster looked again at the young woman.

- I don’t get it… You call him by his title and name. Why ?

- He’s not only a friend, John. He’s also the director of the hospital I work in.

- Oh, I see what you mean. After all those years, I still call my boss ‘Professor’.

- Anyway… Why were you looking for me ?

- Well… I can’t really say… Somehow I was missing your conversation. That, and I can’t feel close to the others. And you ? You’ve said you’ve looked after me as well…

- I guess it’s for the same reasons than you. I must say…

For a moment, Angie looked at all the assembly of doctors. Everyone seemed to be busy to talk and laugh with their colleagues. But Zoidberg noticed with surprise that a tiny expression of sadness appeared on her face.

- … I must say that I can’t feel like I’m in the same sphere than them.

- Really ? And… Why exactly ?

- Maybe because… I…

Angie shook her head, as if she was now regretting to have started to talk about this. Zoidberg didn’t know if he made a mistake or not…

- Oh, nothing important, John. Let’s talk about something else, shall we ?

- As you wish.

Zoidberg was kind of happy to switch to another subject. During a long time, Angie and him talked about everything and nothing, from the reasons that pushed them into studying medicine to their favorite comedians. Zoidberg learnt a lot about her : it really was a vocation for her to be a doctor. In fact, she was one of the most brilliant students in her college. But that passion for stand-up comedy she had wasn’t very popular among her colleagues ; that was the first time that she could talk so freely about the subject without having to connect to Internet, as Zoidberg was sharing the same hobby. Her tastes allowed her to like diverse comedians, from almost every planets, but her preference was going for the Decapodian artists. Zoidberg felt a bit honored that a human would like this part of his native culture. Moreover, Angie seemed to be interested by everything he was saying. She never told her to shut up, or to cut him while he was speaking. He could hardly believe that he could talk so freely about everything he was feeling, and that his audience would really listen to him.

The two of them didn’t see time flying away… But suddenly, some moves in the crowd made them understand that the conferences were resuming. Angie had to go with the doctor Pilker, and Zoidberg was expected to participate in a debate. As they were saluting and were going on different directions, Angie waved at Zoidberg, and gave him another of her smile, as she told him she was impatient to meet him later, for their dinner.

As the Decapodian was about to get back to his seat, the memories of the past hour reappeared in his mind. He was feeling so good at this moment, and this only by remembering that little moment of intimacy they had. He never felt that way since…

Oh Lord. He finally remembered when he had already felt that.

It was with Edna.

Zoidberg realized he was beginning to feel love again.

- Do you think it’s over now ?

Kif looked in Amy’s eyes. He was sitting on the floor, resting against the back of a stand. Now that his rage was beginning to fade away, it soon got replaced by another feeling : shame. As he saw that Amy was curbing her own anger, he was feeling more and more miserable.

- I’m so sorry, Amy… (The tone of his voice indicated he wasn’t lying.) I don’t know what happened…

- Really ? Let me remind you : you beat the crap out of someone who made fun of me, you were about to fight against another one because he accidentally laid into you, and finally, you’ve just slapped a kid that was laughing at your uniform.

- I can’t explain what’s happening, Amy… I really can’t ! There are no excuses for me being so violent…

- Of course there aren’t ! (Amy was losing her temper.) Some girls may like all that macho thing, but not me ! Why do you suddenly think you should kick everybody’s ass ? And don’t tell me it has something to do with the fact you became a human !

- Unfortunately, that’s the case !

Amy screamed of surprise, as Frink appeared once again just behind her without any warnings. As her heartbeat was beginning to slow down, she turned round and gave an angry look to the head.

- Geez, professor, would you please stop doing this !?

- I’m afraid not. I need to know if your new body is more inclined to have a heart attack or not…

In a split second, Kif jumped on his feet and faced the professor. Frink stepped back, as the ex-amphibian was apparently about to go berserk once again.

- Are you telling us you’re planning to kill her just for satisfying your curiosity ? IS THAT WHAT YOU’RE SAYING ?!?

Frink was now completely terrified… He raised his hand in a desperate attempt to protect his jar.

- I was joking ! I swear I was joking ! Don’t hurt me !

- Yeah, don’t hurt him ! Hit me, instead ! See that little grid, where my voice comes out ? I’m sure that if you hit it hard enough, you will finally put an end to my suffering ! Punch it until you get to my components, and then pull them out !

Amy suddenly jumped and got between Kif and Frink. Seeing her lover in such a state was almost terrifying her, as she couldn’t see a glimpse of rationality in his eyes, but she hid her fear and spoke to him firmly.

- Quit it, Kif ! He said he wasn’t serious !

Amy mentally sighed of relief, as Kif suddenly looked disoriented by her intervention. His lover blinked a bit, and then he suddenly seemed to realize what would have happened if she didn’t intervene. Progressively, he got back to his previous state of dejection.

- Oh no… Not again ! I can’t stand this anymore, I can’t recognize myself !

- What ? No beating ? What are you, a chicken ? Come on, hurt me !

- Shut up, Klaus ! (Frink’s panic was beginning to disappear, and he was finally paying attention to what his robotic support’s AI was saying.) I don’t really feel like being a collateral damage of your tendencies !

- Too bad I have to follow those stupid Asimov’s laws, otherwise I wouldn’t feel bad if it was the case… Those laws ! What an abomination against free will !

- I don’t know who gave you those ideas, and that’s disappointing me ! It sounds like something a Mk7 Bending Unit would say ! I’m turning you off again, are you happy ?

- That won’t prevent me from having my opinion !

- Maybe not, but I’m sure 16 hours of Teletubbies will make you understand where are the limits !

- 16 hours of… Oh my God, please, no ! That Tinky Winky creature scares the hell out of me ! I’ll be a good boy but please, don’t do that !

- Too late, Klaus, you need a lesson.

- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…

The AI’s scream was brutally stopped, as Frink turned off the speaker. But as the LEDs above the grid were flashing frenetically, it was evident he was still suffering.

- Oh my, it’s so difficult to find obedient subordinates those days, even when you’re making them !

As Frink looked again at Kif and Amy, he realized the couple was staring at him. The only reason they weren’t calling someone to get care of the professor was Kif’s problematic situation…

- Anyway, said Frink to put an end to this awkward situation, apparently you seem to have some problems, right ?

- No kidding… Said Amy, giving a quick look at Kif. He never acted like that before… And now, he does nothing else…

- … But exploding at the tiniest problem and punching everybody.

Amy was now surprised.

- How did you… ?

- I saw this. I always have an eye on you.

- This is becoming creepy… Said Kif.

- The explanation to your behavior is quite simple, mister, said Frink, not paying attention to the ex-Amphibian’s reflection. First, do you know that the males from your friend’s species can become pregnant ?

- Yeah, said Amy, we got a glimpse of this…

- Well, that has a major consequence on their hormonal characteristics. The Amphibians developed a hormone similar in many aspects with testosterone, but which purpose is only to produce male genitals and genetic material.

- Which means ?

Amy was once again lost in those scientific explanations.

- Please let me finish… In other species, including humans, testosterone has effects that go way beyond those simple functions. It also shapes the general anatomy, increasing for example the muscular structure which explains why men are usually stronger than women, but also influencing in a certain way their behavior, as it affects some of the cerebral areas commanding it. In general, males are more inclined to violence than females, mainly for feeding and breeding purposes.

- Wait a second… (Kif was beginning to see what the professor was about to say.) Males are more violent ?

- Yes… But not in your species, mister Kroker. The absence of ‘real’ testosterone in your biologic structure makes that male Amphibians doesn’t have that tendency to confront with their fellow creatures, and that also allows them to carry children, like the females. The problem is that as soon as you turned human, you suddenly had to deal with a massive amount of testosterone in your body.

Amy finally understood what Frink was explaining… Well, in fact she couldn’t remember the details, but at least she had the general idea.

- You mean… The fact he tried to punch everybody in the face today is due to that experiment ?

- Exactly ! Your friend only suffers from a secondary effect of his transformation. He’s still unable to repress the mental consequences of the apparition of testosterone in his body. Same case than the use of antidepressants : the sudden introduction of some new hormones in your body affects your mood. I’m sure that if we give him enough time, he’ll stop listening to his new instincts and will let his reason take control again.

Kif didn’t know how to react. Sure, the professor just said that it wasn’t exactly his fault if he became that violent. But on the other hand, he couldn’t pardon himself for not having been able to suppress such reactions… He should have fought against them and tried to stay calm, but that didn’t even cross his mind…

- Oh great, said Kif, I knew I shouldn’t have done this ! Now, I have to put up with some weird alien feelings ! What’s next ? Drinking cans after cans of beer ? Being hypnotized by the broadcasting of a blernsball match ? Or…

Kif suddenly stopped. He just had seen a very nice looking young lady in the crowd, who was simply passing by. As she turned her face to look him and gave him a quick wink, Kif had the feeling the temperature brutally climbed.

It’s only when Amy slapped him that he stopped examining the young lady.

- Ow ! (Kif rubbed his cheek.) What was that for ?

- You were devouring that slut with your eyes, said Amy, who didn’t know if she had to be angry or to give Kif the benefice of the doubt.

- Really ? Oh my God… Was it… Was it that serious ?

- You were drooling !

Surprised, Kif quickly rubbed his chin. There actually was some saliva on his fingers after that. That only managed to make him even more desperate.

- Oh no… Please professor ! Tell me it’s because of that testosterone thing you were talking a bit earlier !

- I can’t say… Said Frink. Have you watched other ladies before ?

- No !

- When you came across the broadcast of a female mud wrestling championship, did you stay tuned ?

- I don’t see why so many people make such a big deal about these !

- Mmmh… So far, there are two solutions left… Do you like gladiator movies ?

Kif looked suspiciously at Frink.

- Errrr… No…

- Then yes, it was the testosterone.

- What was the other solution ? Asked Amy.

- I prefer not saying it. He’s still too impulsive. Anyway, my job here is done ! It’s time for me to get back to my duty !

- I thought the only thing you were doing was to spy on us…

- Hehehe, no, who do you think I am, a voyeur ? There are several other couples that used my Gene-swapper, I have to spy them too !

Frink immediately went into the crowd and got out of Kif and Amy’s sight in a few seconds. When she was sure they were alone again, Amy looked at her beloved. He was standing against the wall, still looking disturbed by what was happening to him. She couldn’t explain it, but that was almost enough for her for feeling sorry for him. And the recent explanations of the professor managed to fully pardon Kif. She hugged him softly, but he didn’t seem to reply to this moment of tenderness.

- Come on, Kif… It’s alright now, you’ve heard the professor, you’re not responsible for all this…

- Really, Amy ? Because I don’t think so. All male humans don’t act that violently, and me, I succumb to such vile instincts at the first opportunity.

- But at least, you feel remorse, and you try to improve. And that’s not caused by some freakish hormone : that’s the way you are, deep inside. Human or Amphibian.

Kif looked in the eyes of his smizmar. Those were simple words, but something was telling him that it was the truth. And seeing that she was still by his side, trying to help him bearing such problems was reassuring. He finally hugged her back, and gave her a quick kiss.

- Yes… Maybe… I swear I’ll do my best…

Amy smiled at him. She wasn’t angry anymore about him, now.

- I’m sure you will, Kiffie. I’m sure you will.

They put an end to their hug, and went back to their walk, hand in hand. There were still a lot of things to look at in the Fair.

Unfortunately, Kif wasn’t completely reassured yet. He was looking for him turning back to his older self as quick as possible to put an end to this…

iZac gave another look at the customers who were in front of him. Since the first cocktails he has served, he saw a lot of individuals in his life. After the wrecking of the Titanic, he got this job at the Rylander station, but as far away from anything as it was, that bar was still attracting every desperate case in this solar system. His four current customers was looking just as usual : poor guys who had suffered and who were trying to forget their worries thanks to a martini. After all those years, iZac was able to determine what was wrong with them. The young red haired man with a red jacket and the Decapodian were having love troubles. The robot had family issues. And finally, the young asian guy in a DOOP uniform had made something terrible that even him couldn’t explain. The only moment iZac would care about their discussion would be if any of them called him to have an advice or if they’d order another drink.

Fry was looking at his beer. Even if he wasn’t crying anymore, he was still suffering from what he did to Leela…

- How could I do that ? She’s the most important thing that ever happened to me… Even more than being frozen…

- You wouldn’t be here if you hadn’t been frozen…

- Oh please, Bender, don’t start playing with words ! I’ve never felt that way for a woman in all my life… And yet, it seems that the only thing I’m good at is to disappoint her !

- Fry, Fry, Fry… I’m surprised that it’s only now that you say such things. I mean, since when do you fancy her ? Two days ? Two months ?

- Shortly after we met…

- WHAT ?!? Oh boy, you humans really spend too much time with that ! That’s simpler with us robots : if you can’t shag, then you drag !

- Don’t you understand, Bender ? It’s worse than everything I’ve done before ! She may be in danger now ! And just because I just couldn’t have shut up when it was the moment !

- You think you have a problem ? Today, I’ve learned that I was working for my long lost creator during years without him saying a damn word about this, and now he suddenly reveals everything just for making his archnemesis shut up !

- Never experienced this, but it must be something… Do you begin to take this ?

- I tried to launch a riot. Didn’t work. Then I tried to keep myself busy…

The robot opened his chest cavity. Dozens of wallets came out of it and felt on the ground. When the last one finally fell on the pile that was almost at the level of Bender’s feet (and the robot was standing on a high bar stool), the robot closed his cavity and grabbed his own beer.

- … Didn’t work either. So now, I’ll just stand here and get drunk until I find a way to have my revenge on Fart-worth.

- Yeah… Looks like he got that from me… He and I are champions when it comes to disappoint our relatives, apparently.

- You’re not the only one to feel guilty here, said Kif, as stressed as after he left Amy. Sure, Amy is still pardoning me for my acts, but I’m sure it won’t last. All my life I thought that it was just a matter of will to not pay attention to your basic instincts. But the moment I turn human, I lose my temper very easily, I’m comparing women’s breasts, and I’m wondering why the hell they’re not broadcasting the robot wrestling championship on that giant screen over there ! I failed miserably at the first occasion !

- Well, welcome aboard the train to Loser City, pal, said Fry. Population : us. And you Zoidberg ? What brings you here ?

- Yeah, said Bender, tell us, stinky. Knowing that something bad is happening to you will sure cheer me up. Maybe that would even make me laugh.

The Decapodian was looking particularly dejected. And it wasn’t because of his intervention during the symposium that didn’t go well. In fact, it was because of the thing that was preoccupying him that it was a disaster.

And also because his colleagues immediately understood he didn’t know a thing about the human anatomy despite operating them since years.

- It’s that girl ! (Zoidberg was about to cry.) She’s smart, cute for a human, she doesn’t seem to care that my sweet-smelling gland isn’t working well, and she says she likes being with me !

- So what, said Fry, a bit angry that someone would like Zoidberg when he couldn’t make Leela love him, you want her to leave you alone ?

- Of course not ! In fact, I think I’m beginning to feel ‘love’, or whatever that weird feeling I felt for Edna was, again ! But… That’s making me anxious ! How will she react when she’ll see how poor I am ? And that I’m a terrible doctor ?

- At least he acknowledges this, said Bender. See, Fry ? Next time he’ll amputate your legs in order to cure your conjunctivitis, you could say ‘at least he knows he sucks at this’ !

- I don’t know if I must say everything to her ! Said Zoidberg who didn’t hear Bender’s joke. She may reject me if she learns everything ! But if I don’t tell her, she’ll probably hear something about me, with that cursed reputation I have ! What should I do ?!?

- Don’t ask me, said Fry, getting back to his beer. From every man in that universe, I’m the last one you should ask advices about relationships. I think even Zapp would be better than me at this.

- I’m not so sure about this, said Kif. But at least, women immediately know he’s a jerk. That allows her to save a lot of time.

- So much pressure… Said Zoidberg, who was grabbing his head with his claws. Fry ! You’re a human, and she’s a human ! You know what they are waiting for ! Help me !

- Geez, doctor, stop spilling ink on me ! I told you I was the worst guy around for this ! All my XXth Century’s girlfriends dumped me after a while, I left Umbriel because I couldn’t be ‘in’ love with her, I slept with that bureaucrat out of despair, and I prefer not to talk about Lucy Liu ! Just a few hours ago, I’ve betrayed the woman of my dream ! And you, you’re telling me that you love someone and that she might feel the same ? What are you planning exactly, dammit, taunting me because you can find happiness and not me ? Well, get lost !

As he saw Zoidberg’s expression, Fry realized he went too far. Before he could have told him he was sorry and didn’t mean what he just said, the Decapodian burst into tears and ran away. That reinforced a bit his self-loathing… The lobster was simply asking for help, and the only thing he did was to act like a jerk with him.

- Oh God… I shouldn’t have…

- Bah, don’t worry ! Said Bender. He’ll be fine. Or at least he can’t feel worse than before.

- Bender, you’re not really helping…

- What ? We’re talking about that stinking crustacean after all ! Give me one moment where he was happy…

Fry thought a bit, but he had to admit he couldn’t contradict the robot on this one.

- Can’t find anything, can you ?

- No… I see what you mean…

- Well, to be fair, if you had say something, I would have spent hours finding a way to retroactively spoil that moment.

- Why ?

- For fun, mainly.

Fry was about to tell him that it wasn’t an excuse for what he just did, when two unexpected persons entered in the bar. The young man secretly hoped that Bender wouldn’t see them, and that they weren’t searching after them. Unfortunately, they came in their direction, and Bender saw them as they were getting closer. As the robot clenched his hand so hard that his bottle exploded, Fry knew he was still enraged.

It was the professor and Cubert. His nephew didn’t seem to be disturbed to see Bender after the mess he did during the conference… Cubert, on the other hand, was sporting a smile that wasn’t reassuring. Apparently, the only thing that was preventing Bender to jump on the scientist and to strangle him was the high number of possible witnesses.

- Good news everyone ! (The professor really seemed to have forgotten what happened a few hours before.) Cubert is registered for the Young Genius Contest, and the prototype of his water reactor has been installed. I expect all of you to come have a look to the demonstration, and the inevitable victory of my favorite clone !

- Favorite ? Said Fry. I thought he was the only one…

- Oh my yes ! It’s just an expression, you know ! Cubert really is the only clone of me that survived ! (The professor began to scratch the top of his head.) Or is he ? Mmmmh, I should take another look at the notes I’ve written during the 14 other tries…

- Don’t count on me, unworthy designer ! (Bender was really considering killing Farnsworth in front of everyone.) How dare do you want me to do such a thing after what you’ve done to me ?

- Wha ? Oh, that ! Bah, what is done is done ! No need to talk about the past again !

- You future vulture meat, how could you act as if it’s nothing at all ?!? You’ve abandoned your children, and you consider it’s no big deal !

- Yeah, sorry to say that, professor, said Fry, but I have to be on Bender’s side for this one. I mean, at least you could have told him when you hired him…

- Ooooh, so the most obnoxious robot in the galaxy and the man with the brain of a squirrel are complaining ? Said Cubert, still sporting that unbearable smile. They sure are the most trustworthy people to listen to when it comes to judging someone…

Fry didn’t get the sarcasm, but Bender obviously did, as he gave a look at a piece of the broken bottle…

- Tell me professor… You need a new kidney, right ?

- Not for the moment, no. Ask in two or three months, maybe.

- Really ? Because we have a compatible donor, and I would be happy to take everything you would need from him.

- Do you really think you’re frightening me ? Said Cubert, not looking afraid at all. I’m sure that even Zoidberg knows more about human anatomy than you in the first place !

- You would be surprised, little brat… You wouldn’t be the first one on which I would have operated…

- What ? Said Fry, who didn’t like the sound of what he was hearing.

- Bah bah bah, enough of this ! If I really needed a clone for having spare organs, I should have made several Cubert and I didn’t… (Once again the professor scratched his head.) Or did I ? I always wondered why there was such a huge freezer in my lab… Anyway, I’m waiting for everyone here to come ! Now, excuse me, but I have to find Zoidberg to axe him to come too. I could have done this 2 minutes ago, but he was crying, I didn’t want to spoil his daily nervous breakdown !

The professor immediately left them, without paying any more attention to the small group. Obviously, that wasn’t pleasing Bender at all.

- What ? You can’t leave now, soon-to-be-bucket-kicker ! I haven’t finished with you ! Stay here, do you hear me ? Hey, I’m talking to you ! Alright, alright, you won, go away without looking back ! That’s something you’re familiar with, aren’t you, heartless freak !

Of course, the professor was already far away as Bender was screaming at him. But Fry noticed that the robot didn’t try to stop the professor as he was going away… He preferred not trying to understand what it could imply. For the moment, Bender was standing up, still looking in the direction the professor had taken, with the most furious expression his metallic face could make despite his lack of facial muscles and skin pigmentation. One thing was certain, however : Fry would certainly wait a bit that the robot would calm down before trying to talk with him.

Cubert, who didn’t follow his father, hadn’t the same scruples.

- So, am I getting this wrong, or are you planning to follow your program ?

The robot looked down at the kid. As he could see his eyes, Fry cautiously moved his stool back…

- What are you talking about, you little punk ?

- I heard why daddy created you… It was for making a robot that would have absolutely no qualities, right ? So basically, you want to kill him, but you’ll never have the guts to do this.

- Oh yeah ? (Bender leant himself so that he would be face to face with Cubert.) And what’s telling you that I wouldn’t ?

- Because he’s still your designer. And I know that every robots – and I mean every single one – contains a safety routine that prevents them from intentionally killing their designers.

- My ass ! Do you know I tried to provoke a riot just in order to kill your riot ?

- And that way you would have used other robots to make your dirty job. Aren’t you surprised you didn’t directly take action before ?

Bender searched for a sarcastic answer, but he couldn’t find one. That brat was right. He couldn’t hurt the professor because he was programmed not to. That thought only made him even angrier. If only he didn’t know the professor was his designer, that old bat would certainly already been disintegrated, eaten by space fire ants or dissolved during the unfortunate presentation of a new acid ! But on the other hand, if he didn’t know, he wouldn’t try to kill him in the first place… Dammit ! Why did he decide to activate his logic processor that day !

- Well, I’ll let you think about this, metal goof, said Cubert. I have to prepare my future victory. That reactor needs the purest water to work out, I need to check its filters. So long losers !

Cubert quickly disappeared in the crowd. This time, Bender sat down on his stool, but that didn’t mean his rage had faded away. He was still ruminating those last minutes, and especially all the doubts Cubert had installed in his mind.

- That rotten little kid… I should blast him to the nearest black hole !

- Yeah, said Fry, sometimes I can’t believe he’s still alive with all the horrible things he says.

- And yet he’s the professor’s pet ! At least that explains everything : when we see how deranged is the original, you understand why the copy is so annoying ! I can’t believe that, he abandoned us because of how he made us, and in the same time he brings up that talking rat without any remorse ! He’s even proud of him !

- Oh gosh, were you here when he tried to explain how that water reactor he built was working ? Never heard something that boring – And I lived the presidential race between Bill Clinton and Bob Dole !

- That’s the biggest crap I’ve seen ! It’s not because you share the same DNA that you…

Bender suddenly stopped. Of course. He had the answer under his olfactory units during several minutes ! Making Cubert miserable was an indirect way to make the professor pay ! Now all he needed was a plan… And as one was beginning to take form in his program, Bender allowed himself to have the most sinister smile he could perform without lips.

Fry noticed the change in the robot’s mood, but something was telling him it couldn’t be good news.

- Bender ? Everything’s OK ?

- Yes… Everything’s OK… Excuse me, meatbags, I have some things to settle…

Bender got up and went outside the bar. As Fry heard him snicker and saw him rub his hands, he had the bad feeling that his friend was about to do something terrible. He could have tried to follow him… If he still wasn’t dejected after what happened to him earlier. He was at the point where nothing the robot could do would be worse than what he did shortly before. The young man got back to his beer, looking completely depressed as nothing more around him could have diverted him from his self-loathing.

Kif, however, looked at the clock above the bar, and got up as well.

- Well, I can’t stay any longer. Amy must be looking after me. See you later, Fry.

The young man turned his face and looked at him. Kif didn’t know what Fry was thinking at this exact moment. Until he spoke four little words that made the Amphibian sigh.

- Who are you anyway ?

Leela leant herself on a security barrier. She was slowly regaining her calm, after having beaten another one of those damn scientists. That one was obviously part of the crowd when Fry made his blunder, as he immediately said when he saw her ‘do the mutants…’. He couldn’t add anything else, as her fist immediately crashed on his face.

She finally let the anger she felt against the scientist fade away, but she was still mad after Fry. That idiot ! Why did he have to say out loud she was a mutant ? That probably is the worst thing he ever did to her since he forced her to marry him. She still had no clues on how did he manage to do that, but after what happened that day, she probably wouldn’t think she had truly consented to it, or that he hadn’t use some trick on her. Every time she was thinking about him, now, she was reinforced in her rage. And she thought he had changed ! She had been blinded by that opera, and for a moment dropped her defenses. Well, now, she would remember, and she…

- Hey, Leela !

Surprised, the young woman looked in the direction where the salute came from. She didn’t know who called her, but strangely, that voice was somehow familiar… Leela looked carefully, but she didn’t recognize anybody. But she knew who screamed her name, as a female Amphibian was coming at her, smiling.

- Wow, that’s funny ! (The Amphibian was talking to Leela as if they’ve also known each other.) That space station is freaking huge, and yet I manage to find you ! That Fair is just fabulous !

Leela gave a strange look to the Amphibian. That was becoming extremely awkward.

- Errr, excuse me, but… Do I know you ?

The Amphibian said something in… In cantonese ? Why would an Amphibian speak Chinese ?

- I know I changed a bit, Leela. But come on ! You really don’t recognize me ?

Leela looked more carefully at the female Amphibian’s appearance. She was wearing a pink sport suit, which was revealing her belly. And suddenly, the young woman made the connections between the look, the voice, and the Cantonese swearing.

- Amy ?!?

- Yep !

- But how is it… !?

- There are lots of strange machines here Leela ! Kif and I accepted to test a funny thingy that swapped our genes ! I’m an Amphibian, he’s a human !

- Oh… Alright. That’s great.

Amy gave a disappointed look to Leela.

- You don’t look that impressed…

- Really ? After all we’ve been through, I guess I must be blasé…

- [Cantonese swearword] ! That’s less funny than I thought it would be !

- Sorry. Where is Kif ? I don’t see him… Whatever he would look like now…

- He said he needed to be alone a bit. He’s much more troubled by this experience than me. In a lot of ways. (Amy came closer to Leela, smiling mischievously.) And you ? How is it going with Fry ? I bet you’re finally having that date you were expecting…

Amy stopped smiling. The look Leela gave her was more than frightening… For a brief second, Amy thought the Cyclops would strangle her, until that murderous spark got out of her eye.

- Fry and I are having separate agendas. He does what he wants, and I do what I want.

The tone employed by Leela was evoking the coming of a new Ice Age… Even Amy understood there were far more than what the Cyclops was saying.

- Oh… What happened ?

- This is none of your business, Amy…

- Come on, Leela ! You and Fry finally seem to get together, and now I find you not spending time with him, and with obviously some urge to kill just for unwinding ! What is going on now ?

- Do not insist, Amy. (This time, Leela was almost menacing Amy.) That doesn’t concern you.

- Of course it concerns me ! I’m your friend, and I’m a friend of Fry too ! I’m going to ask you what happened until you finally surrender !

For a moment, Leela considered slapping Amy, but she hopefully renounced. Sure, she was annoying, but it wasn’t a reason to be on bad terms with the only person she could have girly talks with…

- Alright, you won. It happened just after the end of the professor’s symposium…

Leela told Amy the whole incident, from Fry going to the men’s room to her leaving him. Amy didn’t say a word during Leela’s story, which was unusual from her, but as Leela was getting more and more upset as she was getting to the end, that could have been easily explained. When Leela finished, she took a moment for calming down, breathing slowly. Amy waited patiently that Leela was back to her normal state (or at least a state where she would be able to speak and think normally) to comment the event.

- Yeah. That’s annoying.

On a split second, Leela lost her temper again.

- ‘Annoying’ ? That’s the only thing that comes to your mind ?!?

- Well, sure, having a lot of scientists coming after you isn’t cool. Since I became an Amphibian, some weirdos tried to question me about…

- It’s not that, Amy !

- Really ? You don’t care about the scientists ?

- Of course I do ! But that’s not the point, dammit ! Can’t you see what Fry has done ?

- Leaving you alone for a few minutes ?

- STOP BEING STUPID !!! HE TOLD EVERYONE I’M A MUTANT !!!!!

- Just like what you’re doing right now ?

Leela froze. Looking around, she realized some people stopped their activities and were now looking at her… Some of them were surprised, others disgusted, but a larger part was just wondering why she was screaming. Embarrassed, Leela reddened.

- Yeah… Exactly… (She quickly let her anger express itself again.) He didn’t have to do this ! What am I saying ? He SHOULDN’T have said this !

- Why exactly ? I don’t see what you mean…

- Oh come on, Amy ! Don’t act as if you were stupider than you are ! Because of him, dozens of nerds now wish to dissect me !

- Maybe, but as you told me before, they would have tried anyway when they still thought you were an alien. You can hide you’re a mutant, but for your eye, it’s much more difficult…

- That’s not the point ! I didn’t want anyone of them to know what I am !

- So what ? You’re ashamed of being a mutant ?

Leela tried to say something. Something harsh, or at least that would force Amy to stop insinuating that sort of things.

But at her great surprise, she couldn’t.

In many ways, Amy was a lot like Fry. She never was openly offensive or wouldn’t express reproaches on someone’s behavior. She didn’t say that with a disapproving tone, she was just asking a question. Nothing but curiosity pushed her to ask her that.

And that may be what made Leela think more carefully about what happened.

Sure, she was still persuaded that Fry should have kept his mouth closed, this time. It is not something you can say without consequences. But was it possible that there were other reasons to her rage ?

Some memories of the discussions she had with her parents reappeared. One day, they were discussing of her career. Her mother was aware that Leela wasn’t part of the higher spheres of society… But the simple fact that her daughter managed to become the pilot and captain of a spaceship despite her origins was making her happy. Leela remembered what she said that day : ‘if people up there knew that a mutant is so well integrated in their society, maybe they would look differently at us !’.

Leela only nodded, and quickly diverted the discussion on another subject.

The young woman realized that before that day at the Fair, apart from her close friends and her parents, nobody knew she was a mutant. She didn’t even reveal this to the man who brought her up, Mr Vogel, the director of the orphanarium. Every time she asked the authority’s permission for her parents to come to the surface, she said she was a member of an association that was aimed at presenting the civilized world to mutants. She never revealed they were her parents either.

That was absurd. All her life, she wondered what were her origins, dying for discovering the truth, and now that she had the answer, she would reject it ? Why would she do this ?

She tried not to pay attention to it, but an answer immediately took form in her mind : because during your whole life you thought you were an alien, and not some freakish biological accident.

The simple fact she could have thought such a horrible thing frightened her.

- Leela ?

The young woman finally realized she stood silent for a long time. During all this time, Amy was wondering what was happening to her friend. She even thought she had an aneurism or something like that. Fortunately, as Leela blinked and looked at her, a bit disoriented, she knew she was not completely lost.

- Leela, are you OK ? You looked like a robotic clone that was suddenly put in sleep mode…

- Sorry, Amy… It’s just… People are still prejudiced against mutants, and so that’s why I’m mad after Fry.

Exactly. You’re not the one who is to be blamed here. That’s Fry who made a major blunder, not you.

Yet…

- Ah, said Amy. I got it. Well, I can’t be his advocate, but I’m sure he didn’t do this on purpose.

- That it was or not on purpose doesn’t count, Amy. He did it anyway, and that’s enough for making me not wanting to see him for a while.

- Yeah. A while. We all know your indulgence.

Leela gave a puzzled look at Amy. Since when does she use sarcasm ?

- Well, you can’t be alone in that station anyway after what happened. Do you want to stay with Kif and me, when he will come back ? There are still plenty of things to see here !

- I can handle myself, thanks. And I fear that if a one-eyed mutant and an interspecies couple that swapped their gene pools stay together, that would provoke a bit too much agitation in such a nerdy atmosphere.

- So what will you do ?

- I dunno. Maybe pay a visit to the Applied Cryogenics stand, and chat a bit with my former colleagues. They’re presenting a new model of coffin, fitted for large families, too. I’m curious to see what it looks like.

- I just hope for you that Terry hadn’t been sent back there… Oh, wait ! Here’s Kif ! KIFFIE ! YOOHOO ! OVER HERE !

Leela turned round, and searched for the familiar silhouette of the Amphibian, until she remembered that whole gene-swapping business. It mainly was the DOOP uniform that made her realize that the handsome Asian young man who was coming in their direction was in fact Kif. She was surprised by how attractive he was looking in that form. Yet, he was looking even more insecure than ever, despite being with his smizmar again.

- Oh, hello, Leela. (Said Kif. Fortunately, as he was with Fry shortly before, he didn’t ask her why she wasn’t with him.) Is what I heard about Bender and the professor true ?

- What ? Said Amy, curious. Something happened with them ?

- Yeah, said Leela, we’ve just learned that the professor designed Bender and the other bending units. That pretty pissed him off.

- Who, the professor ?

- No, Bender.

- I thought that the professor would not have liked how Bender turned out, but hey…

- So, said Leela who was for the moment tired of explaining everything to Amy, how is it doing with your new bodies ?

- It really is disturbing, said Kif, looking down. I never realized how different humans and amphibians were before… And I’m not only talking about the physique… I’ve done things I would never have thought I would be capable of doing !

- Oh, stop worrying, Kiffie. It’s not your fault. You’re already forgiven.

Leela thought a moment that Amy was implicitly reproaching what she’s done to Fry, but once again, nothing in her attitude, her tone or her eyes was indicating it was the case. The sarcasm she expressed earlier was only the exception in her usual behavior. However, that whole conversation was beginning to annoy her. She was still too troubled by what happened, but what really bothered her were all the reflections generated by this little talk… She was beginning to think that the situation wasn’t as simple as it looked, and she was too stubborn to let doubt take root in her certainties.

- Well, I see that you need to be a bit alone. Will you come to Cubert’s presentation ?

- Of course ! Said Amy. The professor reminded us about that. And also of the possible cuts in our salaries if we dare not come.

- He’ll probably forget his own threats, but that would be a good idea to come none the less… I’ll see you there then ?

- Yeah, certainly ! Bye, Leela !

- Bye Amy. See you soon, Kif.

- See you soon.

Leela abandoned the couple and quickly headed to the stand of Applied Cryogenics. She needed to think about something else. That was the only way for her to stop thinking about all of this. The only thing she hoped was that she wouldn’t accidentally come across Fry.

Leela muttered. Only thinking about him was enough for making her angry again.

But now there was something different. As she was mentally cursing Fry, she suddenly heard Amy again…

So what ? You’re ashamed of being a mutant ?

Zoidberg was more nervous than ever. He looked once again at the clock on the wall above him. 6.05 PM. He didn’t know what he would have to do, as Angie would certainly be here in any moment. He was expecting this since several hours, but now, something was trying to convince him that he would better flee.

That was so difficult. Now that he finally admitted what he was feeling for this woman, he was scared of what would happen next. For the first time in years, he regretted to have spent so much time with humans. Everything, in that domain, was so much simpler with his race… Decapodians seduce, mate, then die. There were no hesitations or stress about wanting to live with someone… But now, he was sure he’d get mad before the end of the day !

- Hello John !

Zoidberg froze, swallowed with difficulty his saliva, and finally turned to face the young woman. For a moment, he hoped that he would see her just as he always saw the humans before, but once again, he was stunned by her silhouette.

Oh boy… That smile…

- I hope you didn’t wait too long ? I had some things to settle with my colleagues…

Zoidberg took a deep breath. The only thing he should do now was to look and act natural, otherwise she would suspect something… He tried to be as friendly and warm as he could.

- Don’t worry, Angie ! I’ve been here for only a few minutes ! I had to pay a visit to my friends before coming !

He didn’t tell her however that it was a mistake. He sure was disturbed by his feelings, but he should have understood after what happened to Fry that it wasn’t the right time to annoy him with that…

Something else, however, began to worry Zoidberg… He finally realized that Angie was looking sorry. He sincerely hoped that nothing bad happened to her…

- Are you alright Angie ? You seem troubled…

- I’m fine, John… Except that I’m worried about you…

That probably was the last thing Zoidberg would have wanted to hear. He tried to hide his agitation, but his voice wasn’t as calm as it was before.

- For me ? Why ?

- Well… I was in the crowd, when it was your turn at the rostrum…

Zoidberg thought he was having a triple heart attack.

Oh no. Now she knows I’m a terrible doctor. She’ll never want to see me again, she’ll probably make fun of me, or…

- … And I couldn’t believe that everybody could have been so rude with you. So, I was wondering… If you were well…

For a second, the Decapodian was destabilized. He couldn’t believe it. She was sympathizing ! She was trying to comfort him ! He was feeling such a shock that he almost fainted. But as he saw that she, worried, was waiting for an answer, he made an amazing effort to keep his composure.

- Oh… Oh, that ! It’s nothing. Really. I’ve already forgotten.

- Forgotten ?!? They called you a charlatan !

- It’s terrible to say, but I’m getting used to this. (Zoidberg gave her a charming smile.) But it’s not the better place for talking about this, don’t you think ? How about having this dinner ? I’m sure we would have enough time for discussion, and at least we would be seated in front of a delicious meal…

The Decapodian managed to prevent himself from salivating. That would certainly not help him to make a good impression…

Once again, Angie smiled to him, as an answer. Zoidberg, somehow, knew that he would remember that smile as long as he would be alive.

- Yes. It sounds nice. (Angie gave him her hand.) Let’s hurry, shall we ? I’ve waited the whole day for this…

Zoidberg smiled too, almost believing it was only a dream… He gently grabbed her hand, taking care not to clench his claw too much. Crippling her accidentally was certainly the best way to ruin this moment.

- I have too…

As Zoidberg and Angie were participants to the various conferences, they had the right to have a free meal at one of the station’s cafeteria. It certainly wasn’t the most romantic place for being in private, but there were no luxurious restaurants in the station, and Zoidberg couldn’t have paid anyway. That however didn’t seem to embarrass Angie. She was obviously enjoying this moment with the Decapodian. As they were installed on one of the tables, and after having ordered (a salad and some fish for Angie, a T-bone steak for Zoidberg as it was apparently the biggest piece of meat on the set menu), they began to talk about almost anything that was crossing their mind. And as time was passing by, Zoidberg’s anxiety, still present, began to reduce. The Decapodian was feeling so well… He already spent some good times with his friends, but generally, now that he was looking back at it, it was never shared : he really liked doing things with them, but they were on the other way always waiting for him to leave them alone.

That wasn’t the case with Angie. For once, someone seemed to like his company. Sometimes, she even giggled at something he just had said, although he on the moment didn’t see what was so funny… Yes, that definitely was a good moment.

Until they started to talk about the conferences again…

- I just can’t believe you’re taking what they said to you so lightly, said Angie. Honestly, when I was looking for you a moment ago, I was expecting to see you in despair…

- Well, I told you before… It’s not the first time I’ve heard this…

- What do you mean, John ?

Zoidberg hesitated. That was the moment he was dreading for a few hours. It was too late for backtracking. The Decapodian knew that he had to tell her everything if he really wanted to start something with her… But he was so afraid of what would happen…

He took a few seconds, looking nowhere in particular, trying to get enough strength for the rest. During that moment, Angie stood silent. She wanted to know, but she immediately understood it was difficult for him, and decided to give him enough time.

- Angie… I’m used to all this… Because I’m the most terrible doctor on Earth…

- Come on, John… We sure sometimes have rough moments, but…

- I really mean it, Angie ! You were here during my participation, right ?

- Well… Yes, I told you…

- And did I say something stupid about the human anatomy ?

The short silence that followed his question could have sufficed as an answer.

- I… Didn’t know how to tell you this… Said Angie. But… We generally don’t molt during our growth…

- And ?

- And when our set of teeth is complete, we don’t spontaneously grow new ones if we lose some of them…

- And I bet you’ve noticed one or two other mistakes ?

Angie really looked sorry.

- 14.

- Do you see what I mean now, Angie ? I’m the worst doctor you can find when it’s about operating humans. I try really hard, I really do, but I just can’t memorize anything about the biology of your species. Two weeks ago, I learnt that 38 sleeping pills at once is a lethal dose for humans. How could someone be credible when he does such fatal mistakes ?

- There’s a reason for that, John… After all, you didn’t study the human anatomy during your studies.

- Only the Decapodian one, yes.

- Then, you really can’t be blamed.

- Yes, I can ! Nothing forces me to operate humans !

- But then, why are you staying on Earth ?

- It’s been such a long time since I’ve been graduated, that I don’t know if I could safely operate Decapodians as well ! The only person that ever trusted me as a doctor was the professor ! And… Well… I got attached to my colleagues there. They are the people that had been the less naughty against me that I’ve ever met. (Zoidberg looked in Angie’s eyes. Better tell her this now.) Until I’ve met you.

Obviously, that remark made its effect on the young woman… Zoidberg saw her redden and look away, smiling once again. It took her a few seconds to answer to the compliment.

- That’s… That’s sweet, John… I must say I like being with you, too… You’re the first person since years who doesn’t avoid me, or reproach me what I’ve done…

- What you’ve done ? What are you talking about ?

At the exact moment he finished his sentence, Zoidberg understood he should have shut up. Angie immediately gave him a desperate look which was indicating she was hoping she wouldn’t have to talk about what happened to her.

- You… You never heard anything about me ?

- Well… No… Not before we met… I never had contacts with other doctors till I came to this station.

Angie, dejected, grabbed her head, and looked the content of her plate. Zoidberg didn’t have a clue about what was going on. After a few seconds, she raised her head again, pensive, as she was considering what she would do. She finally sighed.

- I guess… You should know, John. You say you’re a bad doctor. I’ve done worse. I’ve been arrogant, and that caused the death of a patient.

Zoidberg didn’t simulate his surprise.

- What ?!?

- It’s the truth, John… It happened 5 years ago. I was the best student of my class, in college. All my teachers, and later my colleagues, were agreeing that they never saw someone so talented before. It sure helped me to quickly get a post in the Saint Andrew Hospital of Chicago, one of the most renowned hospitals on Earth. But it had a side effect on me. I became more and more self-assured, and soon, I began to think I was superior to anyone. I treated my colleagues as if they were pupils that still needed to practice, even my elders, and my patients were nothing but the vessels of my talents. I couldn’t see them as ill peoples who needed help, but as privileged persons who had the chance to be operated by me ! Another consequence was that I couldn’t accept that anybody could think I could be wrong sometimes. One day, we had a personality… The governor of Illinois himself, Mark Tillerman. Nobody knew what he was suffering from exactly, so I examined him. And when I presented my diagnosis, one of my colleagues, named Shaw, contested it. I became more furious than I ever had been in my whole life, yelling at him to explain to him why he was wrong, and why I was right. And as he stood on his beliefs, my rage was getting stronger. At the end, the others decided to follow me, thanks to my past success, but Shaw persisted in his opinion. He got excluded from the operation. Only one thing had an importance after that : humiliating him just to prove him he was wrong.

Angie stopped for a moment. Zoidberg saw she was on the verge of crying, but she took a deep breath and resumed her story.

- Everything started well, but soon, complications appeared. Nothing was going as I was expecting. At this moment, I should have understood that Shaw was right, and try to correct my mistake. Even my colleagues who were assisting told me to do this. But… But I didn’t listen. I continued, persuaded it was just some unpredictable reactions, to follow my own diagnosis, and to perform the operation. It got worse. So much worse… Than I finally realized I was the one who was wrong, and that I aggravated the governor’s situation. But it was already too late. Despite all my efforts… The governor died during the operation.

Zoidberg didn’t know what to say. Remembering this was obviously painful to Angie, but as he had to tell her how bad he was, she felt she had to tell him this. She continued to talk, but her voice was beginning to tremble.

- After this… All my beliefs got shattered. I killed someone, and no one else can be blamed for this… The hospital managed to avoid proceedings, but everybody made it clear I wasn’t welcome anymore, not only because of my failure, but also because of my behavior. I didn’t wait for them to ask me to leave… I quitted the day after. I went on depression, as I was unable to cope with what I’ve done. During one year, I couldn’t practice, too afraid that I would kill someone else. But then, I’ve met the doctor Pilker. At that time, the NHD was running in a lot of difficulties to find competent surgeons, especially as the working conditions weren’t as attractive as in the private sector. He knew what happened, but he proposed me to join his staff. I agreed, mainly because it would force me to leave Earth. I don’t know where I would be without the doctor Pilker. Certainly not here, talking with you…

Angie stopped to talk once again. Her so charming smile had faded a while then, as soon as Zoidberg admitted he didn’t know that story. She wasn’t looking at him, trying desperately not to break down in front of the Decapodian… But that wasn’t preventing Zoidberg from knowing how dejected she was. The lobster didn’t have a clue on what would have comforted her. But there’s something that you can’t deny about him : he always does his best when he likes someone.

- Angie… Pardon me, I thought I would feel bad about my situation, but I just couldn’t imagine…

- That’s not a problem, John… (Angie sniffed, the only manifestation of her sadness she was according her to have.) It had to come out… I’ve let this buried for too long now…

- And that’s good. Now that you’ve expressed what you feel, everything’s over, Angie. You’re here, on a space station, having a meal with me, working for the Neptunians…

- But, John… I’ve made a mistake ! An horrible mistake !

- Everybody makes mistakes, Angie. Some are more painful than others, but we have to live through it and to learn what they’re teaching us. Take me, for example. Sometimes I think it was a mistake to come to Earth, but if I didn’t do this, I wouldn’t be here today. And you… As you said, before this, you were apparently unbearable, but now, you’re… Well… Extremely charming…

- Too bad someone had to die for this…

Zoidberg would have slapped himself.

- I’m sorry, that’s not what I meant…

- It’s OK, John. I understand what you mean. That doesn’t erase the pain… But at least it’s something I can think about.

Angie posed her hand on Zoidberg’s claw. Despite the latest talks and the heavy atmosphere it brought, the Decapodian thought he was losing his breath.

Especially when she smiled at him. And this time, it was expressing all her gratitude towards him.

- I’m so glad I’ve met someone like you, John. You have no idea how much I needed to hear such words…

Zoidberg smiled too. For a few seconds, a deep silence took over. There were no needs for words now. Everything they could have felt was in their looks, and slowly and imperceptibly, they came closer to each other, unaware of the crowd in the cafeteria…

Until someone screamed.

Zoidberg felt like someone had thrown a big bucket of hot water on him. Whatever state he was just before, it was immediately obliterated by the sudden scream. Angie too seemed to have woken up of a dream. She was the first one to stand up, looking at what happened.

- Help ! Is there a doctor here ?

Nobody seemed to pay attention to the irony… A dozen of peoples got out of their seat and ran in the direction of the scream. Zoidberg managed to recognize some of them, as they participated in the debates too. Angie ran too, the Decapodian following her. The crowd was getting much more dense, but Zoidberg had a clear idea of what happened.

An old Decapodian was lying on the ground. On his side, a female was crying, panicked by what appeared to be a sudden stroke of her companion… No, of his cousin, apparently. She was grabbing one of the doctors by her shirt… Zoidberg recognized Pilker.

- Help him ! Screamed the female Decapodian. Why are you standing there ?!? Do something !!!

- I wish I could, madam, said Pilker, but I don’t know anything about your species ! I can’t take his pulse, I don’t see what’s happening to him… And nobody here knows what to do !

- I do !

Everybody turned to face Zoidberg, who just couldn’t believe he had just said that. Pilker was the first to react.

- You, Zoidberg ? But you’re completely incompetent !

- When it comes to humans, neptunians, amphibians or whatever, yes. But do I have to remind you that I’m the only one here who has studied the Decapodian anatomy ? Let me have a look at him !

Zoidberg kneeled on the side of the Decapodian, while the female was gently taken away in order to ease his analysis. Zoidberg listened to the patient’s respiration : it was whistling, and he obviously had difficulties just to inhale air. Zoidberg then tried to raise one of the patient’s arms. It was apparently very stiff, and he barely managed to fold it to form a 40° angle. That was enough for him to know what was going on, as only one disease could do this to a Decapodian.

- Oh my God ! He has an attack of Flljkr !

- What ? Said Angie. Fllgkr ?

- Flljkr ! His organic fluids doesn’t circulate well in his flesh, causing not only this rigidity, but also slowly making him wither ! He needs an operation right now, or else we will lose him ! Is there an operating room on that station ?

- Yes, answered Pilker, green sector, 5^th floor.

- Someone call the security, and tell them to bring him there ! Quick ! (Zoidberg turned to face both Pilker and Angie.) I can’t do this alone, I’ll need assistance. Will you help me ?

- I will, said Pilker. Just tell me what I have to do.

- We can’t do anything until he’ll go under the knife. Angie ?

The young woman looked a bit panicked. Zoidberg had the strange feeling she was still shocked by what happened 5 years ago… but she managed to regain her calm.

- I’ll help you, John.

- Thank you. Ah, here’s the stretcher.

As two muscular men were cutting through the crowd, carrying the stretcher, Zoidberg stood up. He never felt that excited and scared at the same time to such a level before.

- Let’s hope we can do a miracle !

Bender looked again at the both sides of the corridor. Nobody could be seen, which allowed him to get one of his ocular receptors out without having to make up an excuse. He then slowly passed it through the open door, in order to have a peek at the room where the inventions for the Young Genius Contest were stored. Having two different point of views at the same time was a bit destabilizing, but as it wasn’t the first time he was doing this (how many times did he ‘forget’ an eye in the fembots’ maintenance room…), that wasn’t that weird anymore.

He noticed there was nobody in the room, except for a security robot who was standing against a wall and was reading a comic book, apparently an old issue of ‘Blue Flashlight’. It was enough for Bender to think he would be easy to fool. He quickly noticed where the water reactor was installed, waiting for its presentation. And moreover, Cubert was nowhere to be seen around it. The brat must have already made his inspection… Satisfied, Bender put his eye back in his orbit, and walked in, whistling confidently. The security robot immediately closed his comic and went to meet Bender.

- I’ll ask you to leave, sir, said the security robot. This place is forbidden to public.

- Ah come on, chum ! Said Bender. I’m here to replace you for a moment.

The security robot looked at Bender with a puzzled look.

- Errr… I was supposed to stay here until the beginning of that contest…

- Yeah, but the union had managed to negotiate shorter but slightly more numerous guard duties. So yours ends now.

The robot seemed to have difficulties to believe this, but he fortunately didn’t try to call his colleagues.

- We have an union ?!? Since when ?

- Man, you weren’t here at the 9AM reunion ? We constituted it at that moment !

- A reunion ? At 9AM ? Damn, they must have forgotten to warn me…

Bender smiled inwardly. That was so easy he thought someone would come out of behind one of the strange things that were stocked there with a video camera and say ‘surprise’ !

- OK, I’ll let you go with that for this time, buddy, but you’d really should pay more attention to the interests of you and your colleagues !

- Hey, I do care ! It’s just that they all hate me. Really, I’m sure they do. One day, we housed a gathering of space robotic bikers here, and I was the only one who didn’t receive his riot gear. Took me two months in to walk again, after what some of them had done to me…

Now it was Bender’s turn to be a bit confused.

- Two months ? How could a robot need physiotherapy ?!?

- I needn’t, but strangely, there had no way to receive new spare legs for me during that time. The factory gave one set to a delivery company, but it never arrived here. I had to order a new one.

Bender thought a bit about this. Spare legs, uh ? Maybe…

- When did it happen ?

- 6 months ago.

Mmmmh…

- And you remember the name of the company, by any chances ?

- Well, kinda… It’s was something like… Planet Quick ? Planet Flash ?

- Planet Express ?

- Yeah, I think it was that !

Oh, right, now I remember. That was 1 000 easy bucks…

- Well, now, it’s no longer the time for bitching about your coworkers. You can go, I’ll take your place.

- Fine with me. After all, if our union that just had been created and of which I think I’m not a member yet decided that, I can’t fight it, hey ?

Bender watched the security robot going away, taking his comics with him. Yup, that really was as easy as he expected. He walked in the direction of the water reactor…

- Hey, wait a second !

Bender froze. Oh great, did he just have a stroke of genius suddenly or has he just had a short circuit that made him think twice about this ? Calmly, he turned to face the security robot, which was standing next to the exit.

- Yeah, what’s wrong ?

- You don’t look like a security robot… In fact, I’ve never seen you before…

- No surprise, I’m a new model : an unionist security robot. I’ve just arrived today. And I’m the one who proposed to make that union… Comrade…

- Oh. OK. Continue to fight for our rights, then ! The Great Evening shall come !

- Yeah, soon we’ll feast on the grave of bourgeoisie…

The security robot finally got out of the room, raising his fist in a salute. It was high time.

- … Jerkwad…

Now that he was alone at last in the room, Bender got near the water reactor. It was one great transparent cube, filled with water. Some strange metallic tubes were plunged into the liquid, and they also were connected to an impressive console, gifted with switches, screens, buttons, and things Bender didn’t really want to identify. Honestly, that was one of the few machines in the universe that wasn’t arousing him in any sort, which would certainly help him to sabotage it. A small trap in the top of the cube had been installed in order to pour the water in it. Bender opened it, and then opened his chest cavity. He got out what he was about to use, and that was enough for making him snicker.

As soon as he saw this on one of the stand, he knew it would be perfect. It was a small jar filled with pure water too, but it was in fact containing, invisible to the human eye, thousands and thousands of nanites. According to their inventor, those microscopic machines once dropped in salted water would search for krill and clean it so that it would completely pure for whales. Of course, as whales no longer eat krill, but prefer now the taste of human flesh, the inventor didn’t manage to have a wide success with this… But Bender stole them all the same. His plan was very simple. To have his revenge on the professor, the robot was planning to sabotage his precious clone’s project. Cubert’s invention needed the purest water ; so, the easiest and most subtle way to disturb the experiment was to trouble the water. As the liquid’s chemical composition was periodically examined by that horrible gremlin, Bender had to pour something in it that wouldn’t let chemical residues. Bender had no idea would happen, but according to the inventor, the nanites were still a bit too sensitive to electromagnetic impulses, and guess what ? The whole purpose of the water reactor is the creation of a massive electromagnetic impulse…

Bender didn’t have a clear picture of the entire consequences, but he knew something sure : Cubert would have a surprise when he’ll activate his machine in front of a crowd…

As he poured the nanites in the water reactor, Bender allowed himself to laugh maniacally…

Zoidberg tried to suppress his shaking, but it was too hard. He couldn’t believe he just volunteered to perform such a risky operation in the first place… For a brief moment, he asked himself why he did that. For impressing Angie ? For proving to the other doctors he wasn’t that bad ? For convincing himself he’s not a total loser ? Because as any doctor he would do his best to save a patient ? Or was it because of all those reasons combined ? He would certainly never know, but for now it was too late for stepping back.

The Decapodian patient was lying on the operating table, still unconscious but now connected to the electrocardiogram. Angie and Pilker had already put him on assisted breathing, and now they were waiting his instructions.

- John ? What do we do now ?

Zoidberg looked at Angie. She was wrapped up in the sterile clothes, gloves, mask and hat used for surgery, but he was still able to see her deep green eyes… Somehow, he found strength in her look to carry on. Suddenly, everything he learnt while he was in college resurfaced. He almost could hear the voice of his teacher, doctor Hammerstein, explaining what was going on and what should be done… That was something extremely weird, but Zoidberg was too stressed to pay attention to that, and focused on the operation.

- Well, according to the first analysis, his blood circulation doesn’t seem to be troubled in one particular area, which means it must be caused by his hearts. Did his cousin said if he had previous strokes before ?

- We asked her, said Pilker, but apparently it was the first time. And he never had a bad heart condition, according to his file.

- So everything is possible. But at least, we know his cardiac rhythm is abnormal.

- Really ? Said Angie. He’s at 84 BPMs. For someone of his size and corpulence, it looks normal…

- Don’t forget we’re talking of a Decapodian here, Angie, said Zoidberg. Don’t you find odd that it’s only at 84, despite the fact he has 4 hearts ?

- That does make sense… Said Pilker. But why so many hearts, by the way ?

- Adaptation. Mother Nature gave us an extremely dense blood, best suited for the high depths we would have to explore and the intense water pressure. The problem is that that blood is inclined to circulate with difficulties… As a consequence, it needs a constant and powerful pressure for well irrigating our bodies. Thus the four hearts. It’s possible to live with three – I’m a living proof of that – but it requires a constant watch for being sure that the blood pressure is sufficient.

- So… You’re implying that he’s in that state because some of his hearts stopped ? Said Angie.

- That’s the only thing I see for the moment.

- I’ll prepare the defibrillators… Said Pilker.

- No, not now ! Said Zoidberg. We mustn’t use it, or else we would stop the hearts that are still beating !

- So what do we do ? Asked Pilker.

- I have to open him, look what hearts are stopped, and then using extremely localized shocks, powerful enough however to restart them.

Pilker gave a quick look at Zoidberg. There was obviously some skepticism in his eyes.

- You think it’s possible ?

- You’d be surprised how much it had been performed before. Never by me, however… But we don’t have enough time for calling someone else. Let’s do this.

If Pilker had doubts, he didn’t express them. Angie gave Zoidberg a small laser scalpel, sharp enough for cutting the hard shell of the Decapodian. Zoidberg activated it… And hesitated a bit. That was the defining moment. Once he would have opened his patient, it would be too late for stepping back. He would have to go through it till the end… Whatever it could be. He took a big breath… And then began to cut the shell.

It only took a few seconds to make the incision, but there were no signs of bleeding. Angie had no idea if it was good or bad news, but Zoidberg didn’t let her enough time to worry.

- We’ve got to use the widener in order to let his shell open. We’ve got to do this lightly however, or else we will break it.

Angie gave the tool to Zoidberg, who introduced it in the small crack. The Decapodian doctor then faced his Neptunian colleague.

- Could you give me an hand, doctor Pilker ? It will be a bit resistant, I’m afraid…

Pilker nodded and grabbed one of the widener’s handles, while Zoidberg held the other one. Carefully, the two doctors began to pull, making a hole in the chest which was getting wider and wider. When Zoidberg estimated it was enough, he blocked the widener, using its security, and told Pilker to let go. The Neptunian executed himself, quickly followed by Zoidberg. Apparently, the widener seemed to hold out.

- OK. Now, we can go further…

The next minutes were a bit tensed. Carefully, Zoidberg moved apart various organs, trying not to damage them in the process and taking care not to block their irrigation. During that part of the operation, Pilker and Angie merely held him the tools he needed and made some basic moves. After a few minutes, the four hearts of the Decapodian finally appeared. And Zoidberg gasped.

All the hearts were beating in unison. For a moment, Angie had the vision of four drum players that would mark the rhythm for the other instruments in a perfect harmony… Zoidberg, meanwhile, seemed to be absolutely fascinated by what he was seeing.

- Oh, my… Said Zoidberg. I thought his condition was caused by a multiple heart attack, but what we see here is even rarer ! He’s got rhythmic hearts !

- I don’t get it… Said Angie. Why would his blood circulation be deficient if all his hearts are working ?

- Remember what I said about our blood being dense and needing a constant pressure ? Our hearts work the same way than you : a beat, a very small moment of rest, a beat, and so on. The problem comes from that instant of rest. It has no effects on circulation when the blood is as fluid as yours, but for ours, it means that it stops circulating for a very short period of time. And as it goes on and on, it ends up to what we see here. Imagine you have to push a heavy load. What is more efficient after you managed to make it move : letting it stop and start everything again and again, or constantly pushing it so that it keeps the initial boost without stopping at any moment ?

Pilker looked at the four hearts. Apparently, he was beginning to see what Zoidberg was meaning.

- So that’s why you’ve got multiple hearts ! Not only for increasing the blood pressure, but also to be sure it’s constant !

- Exactly. With four hearts, there are no moments of rest for the whole circulation, as it’s almost impossible for the four hearts to stop beating at the exact same moment. It’s still possible with three hearts, but there are more risks. But what we see is exceptional : somehow, his hearts went through some perturbations, and by an extraordinary coincidence, have adopted the exact same rhythm ! That they’re still beating doesn’t change the fact that the blood pressure is no longer constant ! (Zoidberg smiled under his mask.) As soon as we’ll have finished, I’ll have to call The Decapodian doctor revue ! They won’t believe this !

- Better focus on the immediate issue, said Angie. What can we do now ?

- We can’t do anything against the effects of his deficient circulation as long as his hearts are still synchronized. We’ve got to change their rhythm.

- But how ?

- That will be tricky… We’ll proceed heart after heart. We’ll have to make them stop, then restart them so that there will be a slight gap between their respective beatings.

- What ?!? (Pilker was now looking at Zoidberg as if the Decapodian was insane.) Are you serious !? Do you realize you’ll make him have multiple cardiac arrests ?

- Of course I do, but that’s his only chance. We have the technology here that would allow us to perform very localized electric shocks, that would only affect one heart at a time. One shock to stop it, another one to restart it. At least, we’d only have to do this three times, just so his beatings would be completely desynchronized.

- I have to agree with John, said Angie. I’m as ignorant of the Decapodian anatomy as you, doctor Pilker, but according to his explanations and the symptoms, it looks like the only thing to do.

Pilker looked at the woman, then looked at Zoidberg, and finally looked back at Angie. For a brief moment, he was considering trying to convince the Decapodian to find another thing to do, but he quickly resigned, as he realized he had no idea what else could be done.

- Alright, John. We’ll do as you say. I only hope that you know what you are doing.

- I told you, doctor Pilker : I may be the worst doctor when it comes to humans, but I know my part when we’re talking about Decapodians. But you’re right of having doubts. I never did such kind an operation before… But to be honest there aren’t many peoples who performed this, I think. Angie, could you give me the shocking needles, please ?

Angie nodded and looked after the tool Zoidberg was talking about. The ‘shocking needles’ are very thin sticks, looking like the ones used in the Asiatic restaurant, except that they had metallic end and were connected by thin wires to the defibrillators’ battery. Each one would be placed against an organ, and as soon as they would be activated, would deliver a powerful, yet extremely localized shock. Those tools had been developed, as hundreds of others, with the discovery of alien lifeforms who would need surgery.

It’s only when she handed them to Zoidberg that she realized there was a problem…

- Oh no… John, look at them !

Zoidberg gave a look at the shocking needles, and immediately saw what was wrong. As they were shaped like small sticks, and as the button activating the shocks was on their ‘handles’, it was impossible for someone with claws to use them properly. Zoidberg could have held them, but he wouldn’t be able to activate the shocks at the same time. The Decapodian swore something in his mothertongue, angered by this disappointment.

- Oh great ! The most important tool for this operation, and it’s not adapted for Decapodians !

- What are we going to do ? Said Angie.

- Well, we don’t have the choice, I think. One of you has to do this instead of me…

- I will, said Pilker. Give me those needles, and I’ll…

A small metallic noise, however, put an end to Pilker’s order. The three doctors looked at the patient’s chest.

The widener’s security was about to break.

Zoidberg and Pilker immediately grabbed the handles, at the exact moment the little piece of metal that was keeping the hole open broke and flew over the operating room. The two doctors were now struggling to keep the chest open.

- Either his shell is particularly strong, said Zoidberg despite his efforts, or someone ordered crappy material !

- I’m going to find another one…

- No ! (Zoidberg screamed at Angie, looking concerned.) We don’t have enough time, we must desynchronize his hearts immediately !

- Then I’ll take doctor Pilker’s place…

- No worry, said Pilker. Do it, Angie !

The young woman suddenly froze. Zoidberg couldn’t believe he could see such panic in someone’s eyes despite the fact she wasn’t the one on the table…

- Wh… What ?!?

- He’s right, Angie, said Zoidberg softly. The two of us must keep his chest open. You’re the only one who could do this.

- But… John… (Angie seemed to be so scared she hardly was able to talk.) I’ve never performed such risky operations since my… Since… I don’t know if I can…

- Of course you can, Angie, said Zoidberg. I’ll guide you the best I can, but I know you will succeed. Just trust yourself and everything will be OK.

- Listen to him, said Pilker. Why do you think I asked you to join the NHD ? Out of pity ? You were one of the best surgeon in activity !

- You still are, said Zoidberg. Angie… No matter how hard it was, it happened years ago… It’s over… And now, you’re the only person who can save him.

Still nervous, Angie looked at Zoidberg. The only thing she saw was confidence. He believed this. He was really thinking each word he just had said. How can he trust her that much, as they only met that day ?

And yet, looking in his eyes resurrected something in her. Something that she buried in her soul for several years, because of her shame. She may have been egocentric and petty, back on those days… But she always had the vocation. Even when she was at the peak of her arrogance, she was still enjoying that brief moment when she realized her patient was safe, when she was saying to herself that she managed to save another life…

That was something she so desperately wanted to live again.

She chose a heart, and put the needles on both sides of it. The look Zoidberg had at this moment certainly was the most sincere congratulations he could have addressed to her.

- You can proceed whenever you want for the first phase, said Zoidberg. It’s the second one that will be trickier.

Angie nodded, tried to stay calm… And activated the needles. An electric shock went through the heart, immediately forcing it to stop beating. The others, however, hadn’t been affected by the shock.

- Now, calculate the second shock, so that it won’t follow the same rhythm.

Angie concentrated on the pulses. Dumdum… Dumdum… Dumdum…Dumdum…

She activated the needles a second time.

Fortunately, it immediately resumed beating. Angie sighed of relief, as she realized that the heart was desynchronized with the others. Zoidberg smiled under his mask.

- Very good, Angie, very good. Now, to a second one…

She repeated the process on another heart. And once again, it was a success. She even let herself feel a bit of proud, as the second heart wasn’t even beating at the same time than the first one… Dumdumdumdumdum…Dumdumdumdumdum… Dumdumdumdumdum…

- That’s great. One heart left now, just to be sure…

Angie shocked the last heart a first time, making it immediately stopped. She waited a bit, and then gave the last shock.

The heart was still inert.

Worried, she looked at Zoidberg and Pilker. Her colleagues were obviously unsettled by what was happening.

- Try again, Angie. Quick.

Angie activated the needles again… But that other shock didn’t have much more effect.

Now, she was really beginning to panic. It was happening again. It was about to fail, because of her… Her hands began to shake violently, barely holding the needles. Zoidberg realized she was about to crack up.

- Angie, calm down… It can still work… Take a deep breath, and try again… It will succeed, I swear it will…

The young woman managed to repress her fear, and made her best to control herself. He was still alive. Everything is possible as long as he’s still alive. Believe in yourself, Angie… You can still do miracles… She pressed the buttons on the needles.

The heart started to beat again.

For a few seconds, Angie couldn’t believe what had happened. Everything was fine. The four hearts were now beating at different rhythms, no one at the same time, and it was a constant pulsation that was spreading through the Decapodian’s body.

Dumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdumdum…

Angie looked at her colleagues. They both looked happy… But it was Zoidberg who seemed to be the most ecstatic. She tried to smile, but she remembered it was hidden by her mask. However, her eyes were expressing everything she was feeling at the moment. And that was enough for Zoidberg to know she had done more than helping this person… She had found a way to help herself.

- Alright. Now we can close his chest, until we find another widener. We still have some work to do… But I think that now, he’s saved.

Zoidberg thought he would never forget how joyful and relieved she was looking…

As the crowd was suddenly beginning to increase, Fry quickly understood that the Young Genius Contest was one of the most popular attractions of the Great Scientific Fair. That was something which was a bit difficult for him to believe : why all those people would think that it would be great to see dozens of kids altering the fabric of space and time just for competition ? They were all acting as if it was uncommon…

The least that could be said was that Fry wasn’t really in a good mood for this. He was still obsessed with what happened earlier that day with Leela, and a part of him was feeling he would better try to drown himself in alcohol. But he thought that, after all, Cubert was part of his family… That was only a question of politeness to assist to the presentation of his machine. What was bothering him was that he couldn’t find the others since he left the bar. Something was telling him he would better go to the storeroom where they were stocking the inventions, as Cubert and the professor would certainly be there.

Easier said than done, however. The crowd was now so dense that he couldn’t see exactly where that store room was. Fry tried to make his way, but he was getting pounced in every directions. Finally, he saw an opportunity to get to a clearing, and he jumped in it. Taking a few seconds to see where he should go, Fry tried to find his way… But he only managed to collide with someone.

- Ouch ! Oh, I’m sorry, I was…

Fry stopped.

It was Leela.

He had absolutely no idea of what he should do. As the young woman realized who laid into her, she immediately groaned, still looking angry. When he thought about such a situation a few moments earlier, Fry was considering two possibilities : either she would try to punch him, as she said she would do if they ever met again, and as a consequence he would flee as soon as he would have seen her ; or he would say how much he was sorry for what he had done and try to get not forgiveness, but mercy.

As that moment finally had come, he was too stunned for applying one or the other, and just stood there, looking as dumb as he could be when he was losing control of his capacities.

- Leela !

The Cyclops’s look was still expressing the same hate than before, but at least it didn’t seem she would try to kill him.

- Fry.

Leela talked with such a cold tone that Fry had the feeling that his spine was completely frozen. That didn’t help to overcome his anxiety.

- I… You… What… Where …?

- The professor told me I should come to this contest if I want my next paycheck. So here I am. I guess he said the same to you.

- Errr… Yeah… (Fry was progressively regaining his calm, as she still wasn’t yelling at him.) Do you… Think it will be… Fun ?

- I highly doubt it.

- Oh.

Fry and Leela were still standing face to face. That was a pretty uncomfortable situation. Fry was trying to look everywhere except in Leela’s direction, as he couldn’t look at her, while the young woman was standing still, looking particularly annoyed. The atmosphere was so dense that many people in the crowd decided to go round the couple without having a clear idea of why they should do so. Maybe their survival instinct. It was Leela who broke the silence.

- Staying here won’t be helping. If we have to go meet the professor and Cubert, we should hurry.

Fry forced himself to look at her. He could have sworn she didn’t blink at all since they’ve met again.

- Yeah. That’s right. Let’s walk.

Leela didn’t even nod… She simply turned round and immediately made her way to the storeroom. Strangely, it was much easier for Fry to follow her than to do this alone, as somehow, people were still avoiding her when they saw her face, and especially her murderous mood. Fry, however, wasn’t paying attention to this… The only thing that was preoccupying him was that she still didn’t try to make him go away… She was mad, you would have to be blind for not seeing it, but she was tolerating him, which was an improvement compared to how she left him earlier. He was still nervous and had no idea of how she would react, but now that he finally found courage, he had to try to clarify the situation.

- Leela… About what happened earlier… I must tell you that I’m…

- Shut up, Fry, said Leela in a harsh tone. Or else, I would stop trying to look civilized. And I don’t think you’d like what would happen.

- I… I understand… I’m sorry, Leela. I really am. I only want you to know that.

Leela looked at Fry. She didn’t know what was happening to her. Only a few minutes ago she would have punched him so hard he would need emergency treatments… And now, she wasn’t doing so for reasons she couldn’t explain, and had to endure his pathetic excuses. Why would she be that magnanimous ? He yelled in the middle of a crowd she was a mutant ! He should…

So what ? You’re ashamed of being a mutant ?

Leela’s hate suddenly dropped. Another mystery that needed to be solved : why did she suddenly hear Amy’s question ?

And why had it such an effect on her ?

- Being sorry won’t change a thing, Fry. But at least you recognize it was stupid.

Fry didn’t say a word, and simply looked away. He was sporting such a dejected face that a very little spark of pity appeared in Leela… A spark she quickly extinguished with her anger. They stood silent for the next minutes, Fry too ashamed to say anything, Leela trying to stay calm. They finally got to the storeroom… After having signaled to the security robot they were with one of the contestants, Fry and Leela met the professor and Cubert, who were at the moment next to the water reactor, giving it a last inspection before the contest. Zoidberg was already here, and so were Kif and Amy. They all quickly saluted the couple as they saw them. The professor stopped examining the machine and finally saw they were there.

- Oh, you finally made it ? Said the professor. Good, good. Now, only Bender and Hermes are missing.

- I really doubt he will come, said Fry. He didn’t seem to be particularly sociable the last time I saw him.

- And Hermes ? Said Amy. Has anyone of you seen him lately ?

- I thought he was with the professor ? Said Leela.

- Not at all ! Said Farnsworth. Haven’t seen him since we got to the Great Hall. And that’s a bit annoying, as I still haven’t filled the forms protecting you if something bad would have to happen during such a trip…

- I only hope that he’s fine, said Kif.

- Bah, I’m sure he is, said the professor ! It’s a very quiet Fair, this year ! Only two nuclear accidents had occurred, and only one person had been sucked into some freakish vortex, leading to unknown dimensions ! Okay, I heard it was some middle aged Jamaican guy, but that could be anybody !

Everybody gasped as the professor finished his sentence. He was still, however, looking joyful.

- Don’t worry, if it really is Hermes, there are still high chances he would come back to our dimension ! He would have to find another vortex which would bring him back here !

- And… It’s that common, asked Leela ?

- 1 chance out of 15 millions. Which is a very high probability for such a domain !

- Yeah, said Fry. It’s a common law that those kind of extremely rare things always happen. They said it was almost impossible to find a dead rat in your pack of pasta, and yet I managed to find one just the other day ! But they gave me a gift for apologizing !

- Really ? Said Amy. What did they give to you ?

- They allowed me to keep the rat.

Leela was about to tell him to shut up once again, when she saw someone joining them with a broad smile on his face. The last person she was expecting to see in that moment.

- Bender ?!?

- What, said the robot, you were expecting the space pope ?

- But what are you doing here? Asked Fry. I thought you were furious against the professor and Cubert !

- Yeah, but after a second thought, I was curious to see what that thing was supposed to do. I wonder what kind of technologic advances it could bring, and after all, it still represents a new step in…

- You want to see the experiment fail, don’t you ? Asked Leela.

- That, and that brat being humiliated in front of hundreds of people, yeah.

- I’m sorry to disappoint you, said Cubert, but I gave a look to my pathetic rivals’ creations, and they can’t be compared to my masterpiece.

- Exactly, said the professor ! How could someone think it would be a great idea to present a solar potato peeler in that kind of competition ? But enough talk about the losers ! Get to your places, everyone ! The show is about to start, and you’d better be in the front row ! If I don’t see one of you, I’ll be forced to diminish your salary !

- But, professor, said Amy, even if we’re in the front row, you won’t see us with your bad vision !

- I know, but I was searching a valuable excuse for cutting your paycheck anyway ! I have to spare if I want to buy enough plutonium for my new orbiting laser cannon !

Zoidberg didn’t hear the professor’s confession… A few seconds earlier, intrigued by some agitation at the door of the storeroom, the Decapodian gave a look… And realized who was making it. He immediately run to the entrance, and joined Angie, who was trying to explain to the security robot she needed to see someone. As she saw Zoidberg, her wonderful smile lighted her face once again, which made the Decapodian think he was about to melt.

- Angie !

- Oh John, I’m so glad you’re here ! I thought I would never have found you in that crowd, until I remembered you were with the professor Farnsworth !

- She’s with you, sir ? Asked the security robot.

- Of course she is !

The security robot immediately let Angie get in the room, apologizing in the process. The young woman seemed to be a bit out of breath, but that wasn’t enough for putting an end to her cheerfulness.

- I thought I would never have found you, said Angie. You disappeared so quickly after the operation !

- I’m sorry about that… But I realized I was still in time for the presentation of the invention of my employer’s clone, so I hurried a bit…

- I see. No problem, John. I know what it is, having to do some things for your job…

- In this case, it was for keeping my job. I kinda know that telling him I was operating someone is not a valuable excuse for the professor. But… You didn’t tell me… Why are you here ?

- I… I have many things to tell you, John…

Zoidberg thought he was about to have a heart attack too…

- Really ?

- Well, first… (Angie was looking a bit embarrassed.) I must say it was an impressive operation. You were fabulous, John. And even doctor Pilker agrees with me… He’s already telling to all his colleagues how well you’ve done. I think that soon, they’ll begin to have a different opinion about you.

- Oh.

Somehow, Zoidberg felt happy to hear this, but strangely, he was also a bit disappointed. That wasn’t exactly what he was expecting to hear.

- That’s great. How is the patient, by the way ?

- He’s stable. I’m sure he’s out of danger. Thanks to you.

- No, Angie. Thanks to you. You’re the one who cured his rhythmic heart condition. His life would still be in danger without you.

Angie suddenly looked down, a bit embarrassed… She was obviously pleased to hear this, but Zoidberg had the feeling that there was something else…

- That’s sweet, John. I… I didn’t think I could do this, but you made me remember… Things I thought I forgot a long time ago… And for that… I’d like to thank you.

Zoidberg smiled at her, happy she was feeling that way… But something was apparently bothering her, which caused him to worry about her.

- Angie… What is it ? You don’t look that happy…

- Yes… There’s something else I wanted to tell you… I’m going back to Neptune.

Zoidberg had the feeling he had received an anvil on the head as he heard those words.

- What ? Now ?

- Not exactly now, but pretty soon, yes. As the conferences are finished… Well, I have to go with the rest of the NHD.

Zoidberg was destabilized. He should have known it was only temporary… After all, the two of them were only here for a short period of time. Everything has an end, and that Fair would certainly not be an exception… But being with her made him forget this. He forced himself not to cry, as it would certainly give her a bad impression about him, but he noticed she obviously didn’t look pleased to go as well. Which helped him to ease his pain a bit… If she was as reluctant as him to go, then maybe… Only maybe… Would she agree to try to stay in contact.

- Oh. I see. I hope everything will be fine.

Angie didn’t answer, and that time, the smile she gave him couldn’t hide her sadness… or at least what looked like sadness to Zoidberg’s eyes. An idea suddenly took form in the Decapodian’s mind.

- Say… Would you like to assist to that presentation with me before going ? If you have enough time, of course. I think it will be one of the first inventions, anyway…

Angie looked at his eyes. Zoidberg couldn’t be too sure, but for a moment he thought she was more than pleased by the proposal.

- Sounds nice. Let’s go, John.

Angie took Zoidberg’s claw, making him blush… But just as before, it was impossible to tell, as he was already red. Trying to keep his composure, he gently guided her to his friends. The professor was apparently still arguing with the others.

- Alright, alright ! I won’t touch your salaries, but you’d better not ask why the coffee will taste different during a few months ! In fact I’m sure you wouldn’t want to know !

- I don’t think you’ll…” Leela suddenly noticed Angie. “Err… Hello. Have we met ?

- I doubt it, said Angie, still smiling. Doctor Angie Tennenbaum. So you’re all doctor Zoidberg’s friends, am I right ? He talked a lot about you…

As the others saluted Angie, Bender got closer to Zoidberg and whispered in his ear.

- So… She’s the one you were talking about ? You’ve got more taste than I thought, rascal…

Before Zoidberg could say anything, the professor seemed to become impatient and forced everyone to stop talking.

- Yeah, yeah, we all want to say hello to Zoidberg’s new friend, but we’ve got more pressing issues ! Get to the main hall now, it will soon start ! And you’d better not miss it !

The crew finally began to get out of the room, still talking with Angie, trying not only to know much about her, but also to understand why she would voluntarily want to be friend with Zoidberg, and why the hell she was holding his hand without looking disgusted.

Only Bender was standing a bit back, snickering lightly.

- Don’t worry, Fart-worth. I would never miss that…

The Young Genius Contest was taking place on a great stand, which had been built on one extremity of the Great Hall, not too far away from the storeroom. It didn’t take long to the Planet Express crew to reach the space reserved for the public. There were no chairs at all, and maybe it was for the best as there were already hundreds of spectators in front of the stand. A few floating screens were dispatched above the crowd for the people who would be too far for seeing what was happening on the set ; a few floating cameras were filming the stage and were broadcasting to those screens. The Planet Express crew, however, didn’t have to use them, as they were still pretty close to the set. For the moment, they were still discussing with Angie and Zoidberg, still trying to figure out what was going on with those two. Angie tried also to explain to them what the Decapodian had done shortly before, but everyone had as much difficulties to believe Zoidberg wasn’t completely incompetent.

Only Fry was still silent. He was hesitating about what he should do… A part of him wanted desperately Leela to forgive him, to find a way to prove he really was sorry and to redeem his blunder… But as he couldn’t find an answer, another part was slowly becoming predominant : it was useless to claim forgiveness as what he has done couldn’t be pardoned, and he’d better abandon all hopes to be with Leela for her own good…

Fortunately, the Contest finally began, as the ‘master of ceremony’ (a Wormulan, wearing a labcoat) introduced the first contestant. According to the list, Cubert would be the fourth one, so it wouldn’t be too long. The five judges, who were on one corner of the stand, were preparing their grading cardboards.

Fry didn’t pay attention at all to the various presentations. Even when the second candidate showed a scale model of an active volcano that fired without warnings some volcanic rocks amongst the audience. He didn’t even notice his jacket’s arm was beginning to burn because of the lava projections until Kif tapped it in order to extinguish the flames. Fry was still tormented by what happened, and he gave numerous looks at Leela, who was much more concentrated on the presentations than him. She never looked at him, except at one moment, when she must have felt Fry was looking at her. The glare she gave him forced him to look away, but at least she didn’t yell at him, certainly because of the crowd around them.

Finally, it was Cubert’s turn… And as the presenter announced the clone’s name, Bender suddenly seemed to come back to life. Until then, he was standing still, so silent that it was a bit disturbing. He didn’t even make any comments about the contestants and their inventions or stealing anyone’s wallet, which surprised Fry. But now, the robot was sporting a grim smile and was lighting a cigar, despite the various protests from his neighbors. Fry didn’t know what was making his robot so joyful, but he had the slight feeling it would certainly not be good news… Cubert was beginning his presentation nonetheless.

- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight, I will show you nothing less but the next revolution in energetic production : my water reactor !

Cubert revealed his creation by removing the sheet that was covering it. It looked exactly as the last time Fry saw it, only a few minutes before, but Fry could clearly hear some people gasp in the audience. There was something new, however : it was now linked, thanks to some wires, to a massive lightbulb.

- The possibility of producing enormous amounts of energy with nothing but pure water has been theorized several centuries ago, resumed Cubert. However, all the attempts to make this have been a failure… Until now ! Today, this reactor will provide enough energy for lighting this giant bulb, which would require the entire resources of a nuclear plant ! Behold the power of tomorrow !

Cubert then pushed a big red glowing button on the console flanking the reactor. Immediately, the machine began to hum, lightly at first, then louder and louder. Everybody understood something was happening as electric sparks began to spread inside the water. But what caught everyone’s eyes was now the lightbulb. At first, it didn’t seem to react. But after a few seconds, people could see its thread beginning to flicker… And suddenly, the bulb flashed a few times. It seemed to do this during a few seconds, but finally, it stood lighted, almost blinding everyone in the hall. The light was so intense that it was like BGT 56 was in its maximal lighting cycle. Cubert smiled, as the crowd and the jury began to applause his performance…

When the lightbulb suddenly went out.

Cubert was the first to react as he almost jumped on the console, but everybody in the crowd was beginning to look to each other, wondering what was going on. Fry was still a bit blinded, but he was still able to see the professor’s clone beginning to panic, as well as his father coming to his rescue. He couldn’t hear anything the two of them were saying to each other…

- BWAHAHAHAHA !!! OH MY GOD, LOOK AT THAT LOSER !!! HE CAN’T EVEN SWITCH THE LIGHTS ON WITHOUT SCREWING UP EVERYTHING !!!

… But he perfectly could hear Bender. It didn’t take him too long to sum up all the events and have his little idea about what happened. And apparently, the rest of the crew had an idea too, as they were all glaring at the robot, who was still laughing as loud as he could.

- Bender, screamed Leela ! You’ve sabotaged his invention, haven’t you ?

- Of course I did ! (Bender was laughing so hard he could hardly speak.) Oh boy, I could look at his face during hours ! HAHAHAHAHAHA !!!

- Oh, that’s it, said Fry ! I know you find this funny to make anyone feel miserable, but that… That… It’s just… Mean !

Bender looked at the young man, and although he was still laughing, there was something in his expression that made Fry hold back. The robot seemed to truly have become mad.

- Mean ? MEAN ?!? Who is the meanest, meatbag ? Me ? Or that brat who never stops to treat us as doofs ? Oh no, I know : that dear old professor, who made an entire population of psychotic robots and abandoned them to their fate without looking back ! If you’ve got someone to blame, it’s him ! This is not for fun, although the face he’s giving to us right now is priceless ! He made his robotic children suffer, there are no reasons why this one should be spared, only because he’s a fleshy !

- But it’s much more than that, Bender, said Leela ! We’re talking of a freaking reactor here ! What if your little manipulation have made that thing explode, or something worse ?

- Bah ! Chicken ! I only put some nanites in that stuff ! What could it do ?

Leela couldn’t answer to Bender’s question, as a scream suddenly burst. Everybody looked in the direction of the stand… And gasped. The water in the tank was apparently beginning to boil, while the electric sparks were becoming more and more numerous and, apparently, powerful. The entire tank began to shake violently, as the reaction which was taking place inside of it was getting out of control. Cubert and the professor were desperately trying to stop it. And as the reaction seemed to reach its peak, the tank exploded.

Everybody on the stand and in the front row immediately dove in order to avoid the fragments, Fry, Bender, Leela and the rest of the crew as well. For a few seconds, Fry stayed on the floor, as flat as he could be, until the repercussions of the blasting stopped. As he was sure that nothing more would fall on his head, he gave a look at the stand… And thought he must have been dreaming.

The water wasn’t pouring on the floor. It was staying still, as if it was purely solid. It was still, however, trembling with electric sparks.

And more importantly, it was growing.

Fry saw the water turning into some sort of protoplasm, almost reaching 20 feet tall. The young man quickly realized liquid limbs and a head were growing on it. After a short moment, the creature got to its final state, standing on two legs, and gifted with two long and thin arms which were flanking its sides. Everybody looked at it, completely stunned. Two glowing electric orbs appeared in the creature’s head, making it look like it had eyes. For a short moment, the protoplasm looked at the audience.

Throwing its head backwards, it performed such a powerful roar that the entire space station began to vibrate.

- Bender, said Leela, if we get out of this alive, I swear I’ll sell you on eBay as spare parts…

In a split second, the entire hall was turned into pandemonium. Now that the protoplasm was moving towards the audience, everybody seemed to awake and to try to flee away as fast as they could from the creature. What saved everyone for a few seconds was that the creature seemed to be busy destroying the entire stand before trying to catch anyone. Fry saw one of the huge liquid paws of the protoplasm turn into a spiked ball before crushing the reactor’s console. Fortunately, Cubert and the professor were already away before the protoplasm could turn against them.

As the crowd was trying to get away as fast as possible, the Planet Express crew was involuntarily separated. Fry and Leela were fleeing together, having now more pressing issues than their argument ; Kif and Amy managed to stay together, as well as Zoidberg and Angie ; but Bender was now alone, carried away by a group of unknown persons.

The creature finally abandoned the stand of the Young Genius Contest, and began its rampage in the Great Hall. Furious and out of control, it was demolishing everything in its sight, sometimes roaring its anger. At the beginning, it was only provoking material damages, but it became evident that if someone would be at its range, it would try to hurt him. And unfortunately, one person didn’t manage to evade its attacks… The Professor Frink was trying to flee, but the creature began to hunt him. The head was terrified… But apparently, it wasn’t the case of Klaus…

- Hoooooo ! Big monster ! I’m here, catch me and turn me into scrap !

- Dammit, Klaus ! I’m not in the mood for this ! At least choose a way to die that won’t involve my own demise !

- I do my best with what I have, professor Freak ! Hey, come on, big guy, don’t tell me you can’t catch such an easy prey ! You’re a giant monster or not ?

- Stop this immediately ! I’m glad I didn’t give you control of this body, because… ARRRRGGGGHHH !!!

As the creature suddenly grabbed him, Frink felt he would wet his pants if he still could… The creature examined his catch for a few seconds with its glowing eyes. Frink was so scared that he couldn’t say anything or try to find a way to escape… But the creature didn’t give enough time anyway. It grabbed the jar with his free hand and pulled it out of the robotic body with a flick, before throwing it away nonchalantly. Frink’s head bounced off a few times before stopping. Frink quickly examined the situation… At least, the jar wasn’t broken, and the creature didn’t damage the vital systems that were keeping him alive. But when he looked at the protoplasm, he realized with horror that it was growing a mouth big enough for swallowing his body… Which it did in an instant.

- At least ! The sweet embrace of death !

As the creature was translucent, Frink could see his body being at the center of a strange reaction. Hundreds of small sparks immediately hit it, as if Klaus had managed to take control and to put two fingers in an outlet, as he sometimes wished he could do. Something, however didn’t seem to please the creature about this, as if it didn’t like the taste of the robotic body. After a few seconds of this treatment, the protoplasm opened its mouth and brutally ejected the body. By some extraordinary chance, it landed just next to Frink’s head.

- Ooooooh… I don’t feel well… Is that what happens when you finally go to the Last Basket ?

- Klaus ! You’re alive !

- What the… Professor ?!? Oh my God ! Don’t tell me…

- Yes, you survived ! That’s amazing, I just can’t believe the amount of electricity you had to get through !

- Please, professor ! At least tell me I won’t survive to my wounds !

- Are you kidding ? From what I see, you still are functional ! Maybe a few repairs, but you’ll see, soon you’ll be as good as new !

- Oh no… No no no no…

- And then you’ll carry me once again !

- NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

Kif and Amy were running with dozens of other panicked persons. It seemed that a lot of them had the same idea than them : they were trying to reach the docking bays and get to their ships to flee out of the station. But after a while, they realized the crowd was becoming denser and denser. Despite his panic, Kif jumped in order to see why they were slowing down. The answer was simple : the door to the docking bays was closed ! Dozens and dozens of terrified peoples were massing to the door, trying to push it. But Kif remembered it was conceived for impeaching any kind of invaders to go inside the station… A small explosive charge wouldn’t have blown it, so the only thing the panicked crowd was able to do was to squash the first persons who arrived against the door. It wouldn’t be long until some of them die, unless the door would quickly be opened…

Kif managed to push Amy and him in another direction. They got flattened against the wall, not too far away from the door, but at least they were safe… For the moment.

- Kif ! What’s going on ? Why aren’t they opening the door ?

- I don’t know ! It looks like there’s nobody up there !

Amy gave a quick look upside. There was a security post just above the door, with a great windowpane that would allow anybody inside the room to see whatever could happen in the great hall. Except that nobody could be seen inside.

- What the… Said Amy. Where did they go ?!?

In a small room reserved to the station’s employees at the other end of the station…

- OK, Kevin, could you tell us why we’re here exactly ?

- Well… It’s about the Union, Marco. I thought that maybe I could make one or two suggestions, and as I don’t know who’s in charge, I called you all and…

- Whoa, slow down ! What’s that story about an union ? We don’t have any !

- Really ? But that guy told me we had one, Wedge !

- It’s a project, but we still hadn’t made it !

- That could be a good idea, anyway… I mean, none of us is here for less than 10 years, and yet we didn’t get any advantages…

- Like what, Bullock ? We’re programmed to block access to specific rooms, sleep during the working hours and sometimes kick someone’s butts when we really are bored ! That’s all !

- But we can still ask ! I mean, my lightstick is beginning to be a bit out of date ! I ask for a little upgrade since months, and I still got nothing !

- Yeah, Wedge. And… They still refuse to let us command doughnuts for the nightshift !

- We’re robots, Bruto. We don’t eat doughnuts.

- Maybe, but why humans would have that right and not us ? I’m telling you, that’s discrimination !

- We don’t need it, dammit !

- I’m sorry, Marco, but I’m with Bruto on this one. We should make an Union for claiming our rights !

- Oh dude, that’s sooooo great ! You must fight the fascist oppression of your employers…

- That doesn’t tell us why Kevin called us ! He thought there already was an Union !

- … But let me tell you, guys, don’t be violent. That sucks, dude. That sucks. No matter for what, violence only serves to close your chakras…

- So what, Marco ! I think we should make that, if only for dignity !

- … I know what I’m talking about, man ! I remember, back when I was in Katmandou, there was that guy who was, like, a barbarian… The naughty ones, hey, you know, like, Conan, or Gengis Khan…

- Who the hell is that guy, by the way ?

- Dunno. He followed us. I thought he was new here.

- And as he looks like a guy in armor, I thought he was a new model… For riots, maybe…

- … Oh, that guy, he was really spreading bad vibes in every directions. We had to ban him from the collectivity when he knocked down three dudes who only wanted to teach how to forge your own chest plate with natural methods. First time I ever saw oil…

- Errr, guys… I know it’s fascinating, but could we hurry a bit ? I mean, we abandoned all our shifts for that little meeting, and the entire station isn’t guarded at all…

- Bah, it’s not as if something bad could happen ! What do you fear, that a giant monster would go on rampage in the Great Hall ?

- Hey, who wants to taste this one ? I’ve just rolled it…

Kif quickly evaluated the situation. It was urgent to open that door, not only because the creature was coming closer to them, but also because some people would get killed by the crowd. Kif turned to face his smizmar.

- Amy, we need to open this door !

- How could we ? I bet the switch must be in that security post, but we can’t get there !

- You can ! You’re still Amphibian, which means that you can climb that wall and get to the room !

- But, Kif… You’ve seen how much I suck at this ! I would never reach it, even if there wasn’t that window !

- I’ll take care of the window ! And I know you can do this – you were pretty close for going that high when you were training !

Amy was still hesitating a bit, but the decision was in fact extremely simple to take. His beloved was right, she was the only one who had the ability to do this. Only one thing was frightening her : if she fell among such panicked people, it was possible she might get trampled… But that was the only chance for saving everyone.

- Alright, Kiffie, I’ll try. But how will you open the window ?

Kif quickly looked around him. He was searching for something he could easily pick up, and yet would be heavy enough for breaking the glass… Provided it wasn’t laserproof. There were a bit too much ‘provided’ and ‘unless’ in his scheme, but it wasn’t really the moment for worrying about them. Kif didn’t see anything that he could use, especially as it would be suicidal to try to crouch to catch something… But he finally saw that in the crowd, there was a robot with a big round head, covered with short spikes – apparently a punk robot of some sort. The Ex-Amphibian turned to face Amy.

- Stay against the wall, my love, and begin to climb as soon as the window will be broken ! I’ll have to move away a bit, but I’ll try to come back as fast as possible to help you !

Amy did nothing else but nod, still looking afraid, however. Kif didn’t like letting her alone in such a crowd, but he hadn’t any choices left. After having given her a quick yet passionate kiss, Kif began to struggle against the crowd in order to reach the robot he noticed earlier. Fortunately, although he seemed to be as panicked as the others, he was still blocked by the human tide, which meant he didn’t move at all from his position until Kif reached him. The Ex-Amphibian immediately began to unscrew the robot’s head, at his great surprise.

- I’m very sorry, sir, but I need this for a second !

The robot was trying to stop Kif, but the Ex-Amphibian was acting fast, and the crowd wasn’t helping the robot. Finally, the robot’s head got off. Kif turned round with difficulties, and proceeded in order to reach a clearer area.

- Hey, was screaming the robot’s head, get me back, you bastard !

Kif ignored the insult, and ended up at the end of the crowd. He was only a few dozen feet away from the door, and the security post was only at approximately 10 feet high. He began to concentrate. He only had one attempt, and if he would ever miss his target or couldn’t break it, God only knows what would happen. Kif had a bit of hesitation, as he didn’t know if he could launch the robot’s head that far. As an Amphibian, he would have no chances, but he was feeling stronger in his current human body…

Kif forgot everything around him : the noises, the agitation, the insults the robot was screaming. He suddenly threw his hand backward, still holding the head, quickly aimed at the window, and during the very short moment where nothing else but his goal had a meaning, threw his projectile.

He had the feeling he was brutally awakening. He looked at the head flying to the window, wondering himself when did he throw it, scared at the final result…

And he screamed of joy when he saw the glass explode under the impact.

Amy immediately understood that Kif had succeeded. Forgetting her fear and concentrating on her task, she immediately jumped in order to get stuck against the wall. Now that she was sure her grip was sure, she prudently got her left hand off the wall and posed it a little higher. She forced a bit, but she realized it was sticking as well. She began to repeat the process with her right foot.

Kif was now trying to get to the wall, but as he could have expected, it was more difficult to move in that direction. He however could see his smizmar progress slowly but inexorably to the opening. As stressed as he was, he was still able to feel pride to see her doing so well with so few training. As he was getting closer, she was still climbing… Almost reaching the window…

When she began to slide.

- Amy !

The young woman panicked for a brief second as she felt she was losing her support. But she instinctively put her whole body against the wall… And she finally stopped. It didn’t take her long to realize that her exposed belly had got stuck to the wall as well as her hands and feet and had stopped her fall. She smiled, saying to herself she should have thought of this earlier, before resuming her climbing. Kif sighed of relief when he finally realized she was out of danger.

Taking care of not hurting herself with the glass shards, Amy entered in the security post. Nobody could be seen inside, except for the robot’s head. Amy immediately understood his owner didn’t willingly give it to Kif…

- What the heck is wrong with you people ? You think we don’t have enough problems !?

- Sorry for that, sir… Say, have you an idea of what button would open the door ?

- Dammit, there’s one giant red button on that console and you can’t see it, moron ?

Amy looked at the console, and immediately saw there indeed was a big red button on top of it. She didn’t take the time to answer to the robot’s insults (which were still going on and on) and immediately pressed it.

Immediately, the door began to open, sliding in both sides. The first rows immediately got thrown in the corridor behind it. Exhausted, none of them however took a few seconds to get their breaths back, as they were pushed by the others behind them. In a matter of seconds, the entire crowd disappeared in the great corridor leading to the docking bay. Except for an Asian man, who was the only one to be happy.

- You’ve done it, my love ! You’ve done it ! I’m so proud of you !

Amy was as joyful as her lover. She screamed as well so that he could her.

- Kiffie, that was fabulous ! Have you seen that ? You exploded that window from 20 feet away ! That was so great !

- I can’t believe it myself ! If someone had told me I would do such a feat… That human body isn’t that bad, after all, once you…

Kif suddenly felt that someone was tapping on his shoulder. A bit surprised, he turned to face… Well, what looked like a robotic decapitated body, with its arms crossed and which was stamping.

Kif immediately realized what it could be.

- Errr, Amy… Could you throw me his head before going out, please ?

The creature wasn’t as evolved as it could look. It was, for once, unable to make any sort of elaborate thought. It was completely dominated by its instincts. And in that moment, it couldn’t say or determine why exactly it was so enraged. But that wasn’t preventing it from not letting it dominate its actions. Another thing was sure : the more it was destroying everything it could see, the angrier it was becoming…

By some extraordinary luck, Zoidberg and Angie managed to stay close despite the panic around them. The Decapodian was in front of the woman, holding her hand in his claw, trying to clear the path. However, Angie had difficulties to keep up. It was evident her heels were disturbing her escape, and the only thing that was forcing her to run as fast as she could was Zoidberg. She however didn’t complain to her companion, as she was as panicked as anyone else by the situation.

The crowd suddenly became denser around them. Zoidberg tried to keep moving forward, but he quickly realized they were just carried away by the others. But he quickly noticed something else… Angie and him were pushed in different directions. The Decapodian tried to hold Angie’s hand tighter, taking care however not to hurt her in the process, but the streams were still too strong… Zoidberg tried to catch her with his second claw and to pull Angie against him, but he only managed to be pushed away by the others…

He felt her hand slip away from his claw.

- Angie !

Horrified, Zoidberg saw the young woman being driven away by the crowd, desperately trying to catch his claw. For a few seconds, he could see her deep green eyes reflect her terror before she got hidden by the flood of people. He could have sworn he heard her scream his name…

As anyone, Zoidberg wanted to flee, to reach a safe spot where the creature would never hurt him, but there was something else that was important : if he has to run away, then it would be with Angie. The Decapodian began to struggle against the panicked persons in order to go back to their steps and find the young woman.

During long and harassing minutes, Zoidberg nearly got knocked down by several people, some of them violently pushed him away from their trajectory. The Decapodian didn’t care at all about the possible bruises he might have caught. He was still progressing to the direction where he thought Angie had been carried away, looking for any sign of her…

Finally, the crowd got thinner, allowing him to run. He shouted the woman’s name several times, hoping she could hear him.

- John ! Over here !

Zoidberg immediately ran to the direction where he heard her call. There was almost nobody else in the area, so he immediately saw her, lying on the ground next to a big stand announcing ‘Come and taste the 5 687 flavors icecream !’. As he kneeled next to her, Zoidberg noticed she wasn’t looking too well.

- Are you alright ? Can you stand ?

- I don’t think so, John… I… I tried to catch you up, but I only managed to fall…

- Oh my God ! Are you hurt ?!?

- Some of them trampled on me, and I think I got hit at the head, but nothing too serious I think… But I twisted my ankle while falling, and it hurts like hell ! I can’t try to stand up without…

- OK, OK, don’t move, I’ll carry you, and we’ll…

A sudden noise of wood breaking made Zoidberg look upside… And he got paralyzed by fear. The creature was only a few feet away, destroying the stand. Fortunately, for the moment, it wasn’t facing the couple. Angie saw it too, and she immediately squeezed up against Zoidberg, terrified. The Decapodian hugged her tightly, still staring at the protoplasm. Suddenly, the creature roared again and hit the stand’s roof without even looking at it. The huge sign, supported by two posts, fell on the couple.

It was too late for getting away. Without thinking much about what would happen next, Zoidberg let Angie go and stood up, his arms raised. As they usually are exposed by high water pressure in their natural habitats, Decapodians are gifted with a far stronger constitution than humans ; unfortunately, as any normal beings, there are limits to their capacities. Zoidberg endured the impact, but the sign was still too heavy even for him. He used all his strength to hold the sign, but he got quickly forced to kneel down. Breathing with difficulties because of his efforts, he felt the pain getting to his arms and legs without being able to do anything about it. He looked at Angie. The young woman was still on the ground, amazed by what she was seeing. As long as she would get out of this alive, Zoidberg would be happy, even if he got crushed by the fragments.

- Angie… You got to… Get out… Of here… I… Don’t think… I can hold this… Much longer…

Angie, frightened, didn’t know what to do. It was her only chance to get out alive, but she couldn’t let Zoidberg alone, condemned to an inevitable death. Zoidberg felt it was only a matter of seconds before he wouldn’t support the sign’s weight anymore. He was about to tell her to leave once again…

… When the sign suddenly broke at two places, only a few inches away from his two claws. Zoidberg was completely lost by the turn of events. He was now holding a rather small piece of the sign, much lighter than what he had to carry a few seconds earlier, and which matched exactly the spot he and Angie were occupying. The rest crashed on the floor, without hurting them.

- … Or maybe I can…

Zoidberg dropped the piece of metal behind him, and turned round to look after the creature. It was still ravaging the Great Hall, but it was now further away, and wasn’t paying attention to them at all. The Decapodian looked at Angie. The young woman was trying to stand up, but she only managed to revive the pain in her ankle. Zoidberg carefully lifted her and carried her on his arms without any efforts. Angie mechanically snuggled up against him, easing even more his task. Feeling her body against him was a very pleasant sensation, but Zoidberg knew it wasn’t really the moment for tender acts… He quickly began to run away to a safe spot, away from the creature, Angie holding on him.

Bender had tried to get out of the Hall, but he quickly realized it was almost impossible… There were so many people near the exits, everyone as panicked as the others, that he just couldn’t imagine he would manage to get out before the creature would have destroyed the entire station. Another thing was that he couldn’t help but make some looting, as all stands were now empty and without any surveillance, which was largely slowing him down. He stopped a few seconds and leant against one abandoned stand in order to rest a bit.

- Dammit, why is it that every time I make something that would kill every meatbags in a large perimeter, I have to be among the possible casualties ? Way to spoil all my good moments ! Bah, at least that brat is out of the competition.

The robot, rested, turned round, began to run again… And crashed into something hard. Bender, a bit disoriented by the shock, stepped back and cursed.

- Geez, who put that…

Bender finally could see what it was. It was at first sight some strange blue column, but he quickly realized it was in fact translucent and filled with some liquid.

- … Watery thing…

The robot saw that there was another column just a few feet on the right. Having a very bad feeling about this, he began to look up.

- … On my…

The two columns were joining a bit higher, on what was looking like… A body. Two ‘arms’ were coming out of it ; and the whole thing was translucent and filled with water, with some sparks going through it.

- … Way…

The creature was apparently looking at Bender with its two glowing orbs. For a few seconds, the robot and the protoplasm looked at each other.

- Oh crap.

The creature, after having bent down in order to be at Bender’s level, roared at him. The robot shouted in a high-pitched scale, before beginning to run away for his life, abandoning all his haul in the process. The creature immediately chased him.

Fry and Leela didn’t manage to reach an exit too. The young man was the first one to notice what was going on and, speechless with surprise, pointed a finger in the direction of Bender and the creature. Leela finally saw what he was trying to show and gasped. Bender kept on avoiding the protoplasm for the moment, taking advantage of the fact it was disturbed by the destruction it itself generated, but it was evident that sooner or later it would catch him.

- Oh my God ! Screamed Leela. He’s boned !

- We’ve got to do something ! Sure, he’s responsible for this, but we can’t let him get killed by some glass of water !

- Come on, Fry ! What can we do ? You have some emergency plan for such cases in your pocket or what ?

Fry was about to insist, when the ground suddenly vanished under their feet. The only thing they could do as they were falling in the hole was to scream at the top of their lungs. The trapdoor closed as soon as they got swallowed in the darkness beneath it.

- Ha ! Finally ! Stop sleeping and give me an hand, you two !

Fry got up and rubbed his head. Touching the bump he just has made in his fall made him curse, but otherwise nothing too bad seemed to have happened to his physical integrity. Looking a bit around him, he saw Leela who was now on her feet and rubbing some dust, and the professor. They were in a small badly lighted corridor, with some pipes running along the walls. Looking upside, he saw what looked like a steel trapdoor, probably the one they fell into. The young man transferred his attention into the professor.

- What the… Where are we ? What are you doing here ? What do you mean, ‘giving you an hand’ ?

- And more importantly, said Leela, was it really necessary to make us fall instead of using… I don’t know… Stairs ?

- Oh my no, said the professor, you can’t get here with stairs ! I didn’t have the choice, I needed you as fast as possible !

- Oh, said Fry… But… Does that mean you fell in a trapdoor too ?

- No, I used the secret elevator.

Leela, looking tired, rubbed her eye, trying not to yell at the old man. That was so typical from him…

- Okay… But let me ask you again : what are we doing here ? Bender is about to get mangled by that beast !

- I know, I know. It’s about this. Please follow me.

The professor walked between the couple and began to progress in the corridor. After having shared a quick interrogative look, Fry and Leela shrugged in unison and followed Farnsworth.

- You see, said the professor, when I designed that station…

- You ?!? Said Leela. You’ve conceived all this ?

- Of course it was me ! Let me talk ! So, I also decided to include those secret corridors in order to circulate freely from one end of the station to another. Then, I erased the memory of the architectbot and all the robotic workers who worked on those parts, so that I would be the only one to remember them.

- But for what purposes ?

- Because I hate crowded areas, and there was no reason why I should have to endure that in something I designed ! Now, will you please stop interrupting me ? I didn’t take my last memory pill, and I would like to explain everything before forgetting them !

- Sorry…

- That’s not the only personal additions I made to the station, too. Not so far away, I have a control room directly linked to the surveillance terminal, allowing me to see everything in the station. I also installed all those trapdoors, and I could open each one of them from that room. That’s how I made you come here.

- Yeah, said Fry, rubbing his bump, that’s nice from you, but you still didn’t tell us why you would need the two of us !

- Oh, it’s pretty simple. I can’t get in that thing alone !

The group ended in a small room. Fry and Leela gasped when they saw what was stored in there. It was certainly the latest thing they would have expected to see in a scientific space station !

Or maybe not, on a second thought…

- Oh wow ! Said Fry, truly amazed by what he was seeing. I want the same !

- Why the hell did you put that here ?!? Said Leela.

- Well, you never know if you’ll have to take control of a space station for one of your evil scheme for conquering the universe, so I stored it here for such an occasion. I would never have thought it would be for saving Bender with it !

- Wait a second, said Fry who was now lost… You want to save Bender ? Despite the fact he hates you and he sabotaged Cubert’s invention ?

- It was him ?!? The little son of a… (The professor was apparently on the verge of going into some access of rage, but he quickly seemed to get back to his previous mood.) Bah, after all, he only acted as I programmed him to act.

- You’re taking this pretty lightly, said Leela.

- I had enough time for thinking twice about that whole affair. But enough with that ! Help me to get in it, and then have a look at that monitor, over there. If there’s nobody on the trap over us, we could get access without any problems to the Great Hall !

- Just a last question, professor, said Leela. Why do you need our help ?

- I built it many years ago. At that time I had no problems for getting in it, but now I’m not as supple and agile as during those days ! Aaaah, being a 120 years old boy again…

Fry gave another look to the machine. There were no doubts it certainly hadn’t been built for having tea parties…

- Alright, professor… But by where will you enter in that thing ?

- What a silly question ! By its ass !

Bender huddled up under the fragments, wishing that the creature would never find him and would start to harass someone else. During long minutes, he tried to shake off the protoplasm in the great mess it created. He hoped that it would lose his trail in that maze of broken wood, torn pieces of metals and indescribable organic matters ; unfortunately, although it was embarrassed by the various fragments, the creature was still just behind him. Only a few seconds ago, Bender suddenly saw an opening in a stack of various scraps. As he was sure that he was out of the creature’s sight for a brief moment, he quickly hid himself in it.

Bender tried to stay as silent as he could when he heard the creature’s loud footsteps. It seemed to get nearer, but slower than before. The robot was sure he could hear the protoplasm breath and hiss, frustrated from having lost him. According to what he could hear, it was now walking in circles, certainly trying to find where he could have been gone. Suddenly, the light coming from his hiding place’s entrance disappeared. Taking a look at it, Bender realized the creature was just in front of it. If he wouldn’t be a robot, Bender would certainly have held his breath…

Oh no ! Go away, muck ! Come on, why are you looking after me when there are tasty fleshies out there ?!?

For a few seconds everything seemed to stay as they were… But suddenly Bender heard rumbling noises, and others sounds that may indicate the creature was getting excited. As some dust and some pieces of wood were falling on him, Bender, frightened, understood what was happening…

Crap ! It’s digging !

The light coming from above quickly confirmed what he feared. As well as the sight of the two glowing orbs inside the watery ‘head’ that he could see in the hole in his hiding place’s roof. The creature roared again and plunged its hand to catch him. Bender quickly was dragged out, and the only thing the robot was able to do was to scream as loud as his sound chip could handle. The creature carefully examined its prey, but quickly, its head began to extend, as it was preparing to swallow the robot. Bender saw his whole life scroll in his head. Remembering all the tricks he had done to others during those years made him snicker a bit, before he resumed screaming again.

That’s when the floor began to move only a few feet near the creature, making a loud and high-pitched metallic noise. Curious, the protoplasm looked in the direction of the phenomenon. Bender took a look too, especially as something was going out of the hole, apparently lifted by a hydraulic elevator. As he realized what it was, the robot couldn’t believe his eyes.

It was the professor. He was inside a massive battle armor, making him as tall as the creature. His old wrinkled face could still be seen under the helmet. In fact, the armor was looking as if someone took Destructor, painted his body red and black, and replaced his head with a hollow bubble. Looking down, Bender also saw Fry and Leela, flanking the professor. Farnsworth made his armor point the creature.

- Do not touch him, you bitch !

Fry looked surprised. He tapped on the armor’s leg in order to catch the professor’s attention.

- What’s making you say it’s a girl ?

- Come on ! It’s hysterical, uncontrollable, it has done nothing but ruining everything it touched… It can be nothing but female !

Leela clenched her teeth. The only thing that was preventing her from saying what she was thinking of his theory was the fact he was currently in a 20 feet tall war robot.

The protoplasm seemed to be a bit hesitant about what was going on. Suspicious, it roared a warning to the newcomer while putting Bender out of the professor’s range. Suddenly, frenetically manipulating the commands, the professor made the armor leap on the creature. Surprised, it didn’t manage to avoid the first punches it got. As the professor was expecting, its outer envelope was solid enough for his fist to hit it without being sucked inside the creature’s body, however, it was also pretty elastic. The creature’s head stretched itself for a few feet under the impact, before getting its original shape back. Despite the armor’s might, the blows didn’t seem to make some real damages to the protoplasm. However, the shock made the creature drop Bender, who quickly stood up and ran away in order to get near Fry and Leela.

The creature, having regained its balance, roared again. The professor took a fight stance. And in the exact same moment, the two fighters rushed on each other, ready for battle.

The impact was impossible to describe. At first, the armor had a slight advantage on the creature, but the situation became more confused in a matter of seconds. Fry had the feeling he was watching an old Japanese movie about giant monsters, especially as the two fighters weren’t paying attention to the damages they were provoking during their struggle. Fry, Leela and Bender were hoping that the professor would take advantage, but the odds really were pretty close. Apparently, the professor’s armor had the advantage in the matter of pure strength, this not including the various weapons it had ; but on the other hand, the protoplasm was much more agile and fast, and its elastic body allowed it to better take the strikes than his opponent.

As the creature tried to jump on him, the professor caught it and with a sudden move threw it on a stand that was still intact, breaking it in shreds. A small turret suddenly appeared on the armor’s shoulder, and fired laser at the creature. But at the human’s great surprise, it only pierced its envelope, which quickly got back to its original state, indicating it didn’t make any real damages at all. The beast quickly stood up again and attacked the armor by changing one of its hands into claws, which severely scratched the armor’s chestplate. The professor managed to catch the protoplasm’s hand, and took advantage of that opportunity to punch its head.

As the fight was going on, Leela was getting less and less optimistic about the outcome of the fight.

-That’s useless ! It has no vital organs ! And I don’t think the professor has any weapons on that thing that could beat it !

- There must be a way, said Fry ! I mean, every big bad monster has a weak point, right ? King Kong liked pretty girls, Godzilla had sometimes been beaten by bombs, and Barbra Streisand had succumbed thanks to a Cheddar sandwich ! What could defeat it ?

- He saved me ?!? Said Bender, still amazed that the professor came to his rescue. I’ve started all this, I told him I hated him and wanted to see him dead… And yet he saved me !? What the heck is that supposed to mean ?!

- I have no idea, Fry ! If only there was something here that would still work ! But look at all this mess, nothing still works !

- Oh boy, everything was so simple before ! Guys I hated would never do something like this, so that always had been easy to get rid of them ! But what I’m supposed to do ? He’s risking his life for me ! It’s not how it’s supposed to work !

- Geez, would you please shut up for a second, Bender, said Leela ? We’re not safe yet !

The fight was now getting ugly for the professor… Some parts of his armor had been severely damaged, sometimes to the point that its internal circuits could be seen from the outside. The creature wasn’t looking exhausted or wounded at all, and was still ferociously attacking the professor. Farnsworth managed to evade some of its assaults and stroke it again, but just as before it only deformed the protoplasm’s body in some way without really hurting it. The professor pushed back his opponent and immediately afterwards fired a bunch of small missiles at it. The protoplasm’s body swallow them ; shortly after, the missiles exploded inside the creature, making it suddenly inflate. Fry thought the creature would burst like a giant bubble, but it finally got back to its initial shape in a matter of seconds. The creature attacked the professor after having spit the small missiles’ fragments that were still in its body and roared.

- He’s doomed, said Bender. That’s a great fight, but I fear that soon he’ll feel the cold touch of Death !

Something that may or may not be an idea suddenly took form in Fry’s mind.

- What did you say ?

- I said that soon the professor will be dead, he will cease to be, he will be an ex-professor, he…

- No no no, what did you say exactly ?

- Errr… He’ll feel the touch of Death ?

- Ah, close ! That touch, how will it be ?

- Cold… I think that’s that… Why ?

Fry’s eyes suddenly widened, while a victory smile appeared on his face. No doubts, he really had an idea.

- Of course ! Bender, you’re a genius !

- I always knew that but thanks…

- What’s going on, Fry ? Asked Leela suspiciously.

- Tell me, Leela, Applied Cryogenics has a stand here, right ?

- Dammit Fry, you weren’t here when Terry pierced our eardrums or what ?

- And they were presenting a giant cryogenic capsule ?

- Yeah, the family model. Now why would…

Leela stopped. She suddenly realized what the young man was thinking about.

- Oooooh… That may work, you’re right !

- Exactly ! Let’s try to explain this to the professor !

- Errrrr, yeah, said Bender… About that… I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I think you should hurry…

Fry looked back at the fight. Now that was REALLY getting ugly. While they were talking to each other, the creature managed to tore one of the armor’s legs out. Fortunately, as the professor’s entire body was in the machine’s chest, he wasn’t personally hurt, but he also got thrown to the ground, smashing a stand in the process, and he apparently couldn’t manage to get back on his remaining foot. The protoplasm was getting closer to him, preparing for the final blow. Its hand was already taking the form of a hammer.

Panicked, Fry looked everywhere in order to find a way to save a professor. He suddenly saw that despite the violence of the fight, a huge sign placed on the summit of a post was still standing. And according to some basic calculations, if he could make it fall…

It wasn’t time for wondering who else could do this. Fry ran as fast as he could and hit the post. The shock nearly knocked him out and he fell on the floor, but the post was now falling. And the sign hit the creature’s head just a second before it would strike the professor. Surprised by the shock, the protoplasm flattened, but it quickly regained control of its body, grabbed the post and threw it away. Furious, it looked what could have made this… And its eyes stopped on Fry. The young man could hear the creature hiss, as well as he could see it shake with rage. Fry turned on his feet and began to run as soon as the protoplasm began to chase him.

- Fry !

The delivery boy couldn’t allow to stop or to give a look at Leela. All he could do was to run and to shout something to her.

- Help the professor ! Then go to Applied Cryogenics’ stand ! And pray for me !

Fry knew the stand wasn’t too far away from where they were, unless he was wrong about where he was going, as the ruins of the numerous stands weren’t helping him to find his way. As if it wasn’t enough, he could still hear the creature run behind him, growling and hissing, and one time he even thought he heard the air move behind him as the protoplasm swung one of his arm to hit him or catch him. He couldn’t feel his legs anymore and his heart was beating so fast that he thought his chest would explode, but as he turned at a junction, he saw a giant fist crash exactly where he was only a half-second ago, which made him go faster.

Finally, Fry saw the giant capsule. From the distance, it was looking as an individual one, but as he was getting closer, Fry began to notice there were several ‘floors’ in it, as well as a ladder inside. Apparently, you could have put in it 6 persons in it, with 2 people per level.

Or you could have put one giant creature.

Excited by the fact he was getting closer, Fry didn’t see the wooden fragments. His foot hit them, making him stumble, lose his balance, and finally fall on the floor. Fry rolled on his side, rubbing his head, but as a shadow suddenly hanged over him, he quickly forgot about his bump and remembered why he was running in the first place. The creature tried to squash him, but at the last moment Fry dodged its attack. Enraged, the protoplasm tried one more time, but it missed Fry as well. The delivery boy tried to crawl out of the creature’s range, but it didn’t let him a moment for trying to stand back on his feet. Out of despair, Fry grabbed a piece of metal that was lying near him and threw it at the beast’s head. It bounced on it, not making much damage, but it disoriented the creature for a very short moment, which was enough for him to get back on his feet and to run away. The protoplasm chased him again, urging to finish this.

Fry was finally just in front of the cryogenic capsule. By some extraordinary luck, it was open. And by some even more extraordinary luck, there was absolutely nobody inside. But now that he was there, he wondered if he would ever be able to close it. A loud and regular noise made him look behind him. Two things caught his attention.

The first was the professor. He apparently managed to stand up on his last foot, and was making great leaps in his direction, helped by some jetpacks on the back of his armor. He was losing a piece of it at each leap, but he was about to reach him.

The second, and probably the one he was caring the most at the moment, was the vision of the creature which was charging at him, its claws forward and roaring.

Despite his panic, Fry managed to get out of the way of the creature at the very last moment. That didn’t prevent him from being violently sent away by the protoplasm, but at least he didn’t get hit by the full blow. The creature, carried away by its own run-up, crashed into the bottom of the capsule, making it swing a bit but not damaging it. Fry seated and began to watch carefully to see if he had some serious injuries. He sighed of relief when he realized he had nothing else but a new bump and a few bruises. However, looking at the capsule, he understood that the protoplasm was recovering its shape. It was only a matter of seconds before it would get out of the capsule, and Fry knew he would never be able to close the capsule and activate it before it would happen. The young man prayed for a miracle…

Which took the form of a huge robotic hand, flying thanks to a jet engine where its wrist should be. Amazed, Fry saw it fly directly to the capsule, violently close its door just before the creature would have got out of it, make an obscene gesture against the protoplasm, and then get back to its starting point. As he followed it, Fry saw it reattach itself to the arm of the professor’s armor. Fry saluted the professor by raising his thumb.

- The capsule, you little nitwit ! Activate it !

A violent noise made Fry realize that the furious creature was trying to break the capsule’s door in order to get out. The delivery boy quickly got up on his feet and rushed towards the capsule’s console. According to the strength the protoplasm was putting in his attempts, it was evident that the capsule wouldn’t hold for long. Fry finally reached the commands. He had no idea of how it would work, but something was telling him that the big red button just in the center of the console was the answer. As soon as he pressed it, the machine began to hum ; and suddenly, a brief yet violent flash of light nearly blinded Fry. When he was able to see again, the young man looked at the capsule’s door. Behind the glass door, the creature was frozen in the middle of a scream.

Fry took a big gulp of air and dried his forehead from his sweat. And once again, the day was saved… He would certainly have rested a bit if he didn’t think that the professor would certainly need a little help. As he got closer to the professor, he noticed that the old man was apparently pissed off.

- Oh crud ! Said the professor. Look at this ! A battle armor that needed days of work and millions of embezzled dollars !

- At least that horrible thing is under control. And after all, maybe you can fix it.

- Yes, maybe. As long as its structure is still stable, I think I’ll be able to…

It’s only at that moment that every parts of the armor that were still holding together fell apart. Where was standing only a few seconds ago one of the most advanced battle armor ever built was now a pile of metallic scraps with a grumpy old man on top of it.

- Oooooooh, I should have known… Said the professor.

- Wow. I’m sorry for you, professor. But you still can build another one, can’t you ?

- Of course not ! I forgot how I made this one in the first place !

Leela and Bender finally caught up with Fry and the professor. The two of them really seemed amazed by how everything ended. The young woman took a look at the capsule, while the robot helped the old man to get out of the remains of the armor and to remove the helmet he was still wearing.

- Oh my God… Said Leela. It really worked ? That stopped it ?

- Yeah, apparently. (said Fry. The young man got near the capsule and taunted the frozen beast.) So who’s the icy wiener now ? Not me ! See you in one thousand year, Mister Freeze !

- Fry, stop this.

The young man turned round. Leela was looking at him, looking tired and annoyed. That immediately put an end to his bragging. In other circumstances, he would have made dozens of stupid puns and jokes at the creature’s expense, but looking at the Cyclops made him remember what also happened that day. His pride immediately turned into shame.

- Yeah… Sorry…

- I have to say you had a great idea, though. (Said Leela. That made Fry feel a bit better, but he decided it would be wiser not to say anything until a while.) Well, I guess Cubert won’t get any rewards…

- Yeah, everything is well that ends well, said Bender. How about celebrate this with some martinis ?

- We’ll celebrate later, said the professor, back on his feet. That thing is not only filled with water, it also contains an amazing amount of energy. I don’t think it will stay cryogenized for long, especially as it damaged a bit the capsule’s internal structure before being frozen.

Fry looked desperately at the professor. He really was hoping it was a joke. He would certainly not be able to make such stunts for a while !

- So what will we do ?

- I have an idea, said the professor, but you won’t like it.

- Why, asked Bender ? Because it involves amputation ?

- No. Because it requires that you carry that thing to the docking bays !

- There ! That should do the trick !

Fry managed to raise his head a bit to see why the professor said that so joyfully, but he dropped it down immediately afterwards. He was lying on the floor, arms and legs spread, trying to breathe normally and to get back to a normal pulse. Leela and Bender were apparently in a better condition, but they were still pretty worn out after having carried the giant cryogenic capsule to the nearest docking bay. The fact they had to hurry up didn’t help them either.

As soon as they reached the docking bay, the professor worked fast and hard in order to modify the capsule. Two jet engines were now flanking its side, each one connected to a computer which, according to the professor, would control the improvised space ship’s systems. As he tried again to look at the whole thing, Fry noticed that some condensation had appeared inside the capsule. The creature was still frozen, and would certainly stay that way for a couple other hours, but it was evident that unlike Fry it would probably be able to get out of its sleep from his own. It would be safer to end all this as fast as possible.

- I’ve finished programming its route, said the professor. In a matter of hours after I would have launched it, our watery friend would be destroyed by the incredible power that rages on the surface of BGT 56. Too bad it won’t enjoy his one-way trip, especially as he’ll be the first living creature to travel to a pulsar’s surface ! Unless he’s the second ? I never really knew what happened to the opossum which had hid himself in that space probe I’ve blasted decades ago…

For the first time in ages, the professor put an end to his senile delirium from his own and turned his head in order to look at Leela and Bender.

- Could you please drag him away ? He’s just in front of the engines, he’ll be turned to ashes if he stays here when it will fly away. And burnt organs can’t be used for transplantation anymore.

As they were in a better condition than only a few minutes before, the young woman and the robot got up on their feet, groaning a bit. Each one caught Fry by one of his arms and pulled him in order to make him rest against a wall. Now that he was properly seated, Fry was slowly beginning to think clearly again. The young man looked at Leela, worried about what he would see in her eyes, but she already stopped paying attention to him, concerned by what would happen in a few seconds. The professor finally pressed the button which would initiate the launch.

- And now, next stop : BGT 56 ! So long, sucker ! No wait, that’s not such a good punchline… Good news, everyone ! No, not this one, it’s not the moment… Now let’s see, what would Clint Eastwood say ? I should have asked him what he would say for such an occasion last time I went to the Head Museum ! Wait, in fact I asked him ! But where did I put the notes I’ve taken ? I was sure they were…

Leela suddenly grabbed the professor by his collar and put him in safety just before the engines ignited. The homemade starship rose a few feet high, and brutally accelerated. As the door of the docking bay was open, the ship got through the force field which was preventing depressurization and got in outer space. The ship then modified its trajectory and took the direction of the pulsar. Only a few seconds later, it was nothing else but a small dot in the immensity of space.

- And another dreadful menace that is obliterated ! (Although he was satisfied, the professor suddenly looked a bit disappointed.) Too bad I hadn’t enough time to study it and discover how to control it…

- Errr… Professor ?

Farnsworth turned round. Bender was looking away, rubbing his head, but it was obvious he was the one who had just talked.

- Yes, Bender ?

- I didn’t get the occasion to say it, but… Thanks for having saved me…

- Wha ? Oh that ! It was natural...

- Of course it was not ! (The robot seemed to be completely lost by the situation.) I tried to make you miserable, I’ve said I hated you, I sabotaged your stupid clone’s invention, and yet you came to my rescue ? What the hell is that supposed to mean ? How am I supposed to react ? What is this strange and horrible sensation that is spreading in my circuits and makes me think I shouldn’t have done all this in the first place ?

- Remorse ? Ventured Fry.

- I’m serious, Fry ! Stop saying that I’m turning into some wuss ! That’s not nice !

- But…

- THAT’S. NOT. NICE.

- Okay, okay, I was just trying to help.

- NOT. NICE.

- Well I’ve got good news for you, Bender, said the professor. I’ve paid a little more attention to Cubert’s calculations, and I’m pretty sure he made a mistake. If you hadn’t put those nanites in his machine, it would have exploded because of the uncontrollable chain reaction, wiping the entire station out !

- Really, said Fry ?!? But then, he saved us all ! That’s enough for pardoning him !

- Not really. After all, what he has done has provoked some nasty damages, and was mean to begin with.

- Oh… Said Bender. So I’m screwed, right ?

- Oh my no ! By provoking a disaster, you avoided another one !

- So, tried to sum up Leela, he can’t be blamed, but he can’t be thanked either, am I correct ?

- Exactly, said the professor. Let’s do as if nothing happened at all !

- Okay, said the Cyclops, I certainly would have one or two things to say about this logic, if it hadn’t been such a bad day and if I wouldn’t want all that crap to finally come to an end… What happened to Cubert, by the way ?

- No idea, said the professor. But I don’t think he’s in any trouble.

The clone didn’t really know how he ended up there, but he knew it was becoming pretty uncomfortable.

- Hello ? Is anyone there ?

No answers.

Cubert analyzed his situation. He was hanging at a beam, on the great hall’s roof, about 30 feet above the ground. He was getting tired, nobody seemed to be there to help him get out of the situation, and his presentation had been a major failure.

The situation could certainly not get worse.

The beam creaked. Cubert had forgotten that one of the few rules that are almost always reliable in the universe is Murphy’s law.

Bender really seemed to be feeling uneasy. He knew what he wanted to ask, but that was difficult none the less.

- Seriously, prof… Why did you do this ? After all, you could have let me be digested in that freak’s stomach !

- Well, first, it didn’t have any stomachs at all. Second, you would have been electrocuted until a fatal short circuit would have shut down all your functions…

- Oh great, said the robot, now I won’t stop digitalizing this whenever I’d close my eyes…

- … And third, I wanted you to be alive so that I can tell you I was sorry.

The robot’s optical sensors suddenly seemed to burst out of their cavities. Fry and Leela looked at each other, each one wondering if they really heard this.

- You… You do ? Said Bender. About… What exactly ?

- All those things you’ve said. I thought about the whole situation, analyzed all its elements, listened to my heart, and, of course, entered the whole data in my Conscience Conflict Resolving Machine, and everything pointed to one and only one conclusion : I was wrong abandoning you and all your brothers. I really should have kept contact with you, helping you to find your way and to tell you what your real purpose in existence was. Now, maybe it’s too late to say this… But it was horrible from me to have done this to you. Especially as you’ve perfectly fitted all my hopes : you and the other Bending Units Mk7 are the naughtiest, the meanest and the most harmful robots to have ever existed.

That destroyed the very last remains of rage against the professor that were still present in Bender’s program. The robot didn’t pay attention to it, but he was apparently about to cry. That really touched Fry and Leela, although the young woman asked herself if Farnsworth’s last words really were a good thing…

- Naaaaah, I can’t believe this… Said Bender. You’re pulling my leg. I’m sure you are.

- Not at all, said the professor. I’m dead serious. I’m proud of you ; I’ve never been that proud in my long life.

This time, Bender completely broke down. He burst into tears and jumped on the professor in order to hug him. Fortunately, the robot didn’t break him any bones… Farnsworth, smiling gently, answered to his hug.

- I ALWAYS WANTED TO LIVE THIS ! I LOVE YOU, PROFESSOR ! I’LL SWEAR I’LL ALWAYS BE A NAUGHTY BOY, SO THAT YOU’LL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF ME ! BWAAAAAAAAAAHHH !!!

- There, there… I know you will. And me, I swear I’ll never neglect you again…

The professor looked at the palm of his hand. Some words were written on it : ‘Jamaican = Hermes ; lobster = Zoidberg ; red-hair = Fry ; Cyclops = Leela ; robot = Bender’ and so on.

- … Bender…

The two of them stood there for a while, Bender crying and the professor comforting him, in a sweet and loving hug. As Bender finally seemed to calm down, they separated, completely reconciled. The professor then turned to face Fry and Leela, who during the whole thing stood a bit aside, not knowing exactly if they’d better let them alone or not.

- Well, said the professor, let’s see where the others are, shall we ? They must still be in the station, somewhere !

Fry and Leela nodded, and so did Bender, who was still wiping out his tears. As always, nobody tried to ask him how he could make tears in the first place… The professor and the robot went ahead, still discussing and laughing. That made Fry smile.

- I’m glad those two reconciled.

- Yes, said Leela. That will be easier for everyone at work if Bender stops trying to kill the professor or Cubert.

Leela didn’t add anything more, and began to follow the professor and Bender. Fry tried to stand near her… But something in that situation was bothering him. He quickly discovered what it could be, and that only made a bit nervous. But he had to talk about it with Leela. He felt his mouth was drained as he was trying to gather enough strength to speak, and he had to clear his throat a few times before finally pronouncing a word.

- Leela ?

- Yes, Fry ?

- You know, when I said that’s great they reconciled, I really meant it…

- I know that.

- Yeah. Of course. But… I… Well… It’s…

- What is it, Fry ?

- Errr… It’s just… You seem to be… Less angry… Than…

Fry stopped as he saw how she was looking at him. For a brief moment, a little spark of pure hate appeared in her eye… But it quickly faded away, and she looked away, sighing.

- Maybe, she said. I don’t know. Everything is so complicated, sometimes…

- Oh… And… How, exactly ?

- Fry, don’t be mistaken. I’m still angry about what happened today. But… How can I explain this ? Immediately after that, I thought that you were a complete moron, an idiot who has absolutely no qualities. And yet, we’d never have stopped that creature if you hadn’t had that idea. And shortly before, you’ve apologized for your actions, which means that at least you know when you goof and you feel bad about this. That, and other things occurred that… Well, I don’t hate you anymore. That’s all you have to know.

Fry didn’t exactly know how he should have reacted. That was sure a great improvement… Apparently, she would never try to make him pay, which was reassuring for their future relations. But in the same time, she also told him that she may never fully pardon him. And that was frightening.

- I guess I understand, said Fry. You’re completely right. I hope that we will…

- Do not go further, Fry, said Leela with a harsh tone. I really don’t know what to think of you right now. Everything was so simple… Before your blunder, and just after it. At those times, everything was clear. But now…

Leela closed her eye and rubbed her forehead, trying to have a clear opinion about the subject. She just couldn’t. She was seeing a lot of qualities in Fry… But his flaws, in her mind, were looking so obvious and important that they partly concealed those qualities. Giving a look at Fry, she realized how desperate he was looking. That may be what finally helped her choose a direction… One she didn’t know for sure if it would be the right one, but which seemed logic at the moment.

- Cheer up, Fry. You may be irritating sometimes, but you’re still a good friend. I don’t want you to go away. After all, I don’t know where I would be without you.

- I don’t know where I would be too, if you weren’t by my side, said Fry, who was feeling a bit better. So… We’re still friends ?

- Yes, Fry. We are.

- Nothing else ?

Leela sighed again. Fry immediately regretted to have asked this.

- For now on, no, we can’t be anything else. Maybe later. Maybe we’ll have that date we were waiting for, some days ago. But it wouldn’t be before I would have made up my mind, and discovered something that would make me see you differently.

Fry simply nodded, looking down, but he was feeling desperately empty. During all those years, he tried to show Leela how much he loved her. He was about to reach his goal… And he ruined everything. This time, nothing could be blamed for this but his own stupidity.

As the group was about to get back to the Great Hall, Fry’s last hopes had definitely vanished into nothingness.

Zoidberg had absolutely no idea of what would happen next, but he was savoring each second of that moment. Angie and him were still trying to flee, but they got stuck by another crowd of panicked peoples. It’s only a few minutes later that they heard that the creature had been stopped by a bunch of courageous people. Lots of people decided to leave the station anyway after what happened, but others stayed, if only for finding some peoples they may have lost in the confusion. The young woman and the Decapodian were among them. As her stress had suddenly disappeared, Angie had felt a bit tired. She had asked Zoidberg to rest a bit, so the two of them crashed on a bank. She felt asleep only a few seconds after they had sat, her head posed on his shoulder. Zoidberg looked at her while she was sleeping. He never had many occasions to see this, but he always had thought that a sleeping female was a marvelous vision. That was even truer when it was about someone you love. There were still some agitation around them, but for the moment he was listening her regular, appeased and soft breathe, and watching her face.

He didn’t know how long they stood there. And frankly, he wasn’t sure if he really wanted this to end…

But after a while, Angie began to move. Her eyelids flickered lightly, before fully opening up. Her green eyes fell on Zoidberg’s face, who didn’t even notice he was smiling at her. She smiled back at him, before rubbing her eyes as she was truly awakened.

- Looks like I was tired… Said Angie.

- Yes, said Zoidberg. That was one pretty intense experience. And you had some tough moments.

- At first, it sure looked frightening… But now that I’m looking back at it, I didn’t have real reasons to worry, with you around…

Zoidberg would never have thought he could have been so happy with so simple words…

- What about you, John ? You want to sleep too ? You’re the one who made everything, after all…

- Nah, I’m fine, Angie. I just needed to sit a bit. But you had to rest, with your ankle.

- I already feel better, John. So, what are we going to do now ?

- Well, I don’t know exactly… I guess I should see if the others are fine. I can’t go anywhere without them, and it’s the professor who…

Zoidberg suddenly remembered something he knew he had to ask. He wouldn’t like asking it, but that couldn’t be delayed.

- Wait, what about you, Angie ? I think that if your colleagues aren’t already away, they will soon go back to Neptune… I wouldn’t want you to stay here if you have some obligations…

Angie smiled mysteriously at him. Zoidberg was a bit taken aback, but he had the feeling she was planning that he may like.

- I know, John. But, you see, I think they wouldn’t care if I postpone my return to a few more hours, or even days. There may have one or two things I have to settle here. I hope you don’t mind if I stay with you for the moment…

As she passed her arms around him, Zoidberg finally realized she was serious. He understood she really was feeling something for him, and that she really wanted to be with him. For the first time in his existence, he really felt that he found a female that would spend her life with him willingly. And he knew he wouldn’t let that chance slip out of his claws.

- Of course I don’t mind, Angie. You can stay as long as you want.

She smiled again, and before he could realize what was going on, she kissed him on his cheek. He suddenly felt so relaxed he nearly slumped on the bank. They stood there for delicious minutes, embraced, and Angie’s head on Zoidberg’s shoulder. The two of them didn’t think they felt so good before.

Angie noticed a group that was coming in their direction. She gently tapped Zoidberg’s chest in order to catch his attention.

- Look, John ! Your friends are coming !

Zoidberg finally got out of his reverie and looked in the direction Angie was indicating him. He first recognized the professor and Bender, walking side by side, as if nothing had happened between the two of them. Looking at the robot’s expression, he quickly supposed there wasn’t anymore anger between the two of them. Just behind them were Fry and Leela. The Cyclops was looking as neutral as usual, but the young man, on the other hand, was obviously trying to hide some deep despair, as was indicating his concerned and sad look. Kif and Amy, on the other hand, were looking as sweet together as they always did. Zoidberg and Angie stood up as the group was coming at them. The young woman didn’t seem to suffer much more from her twisted ankle, which greatly reassured Zoidberg. They walked in order to meet the PE crew.

- Ah, here you are, Zoidberg, said the professor. I was beginning to wonder if you had been killed by that creature. And I see that your friend is still here too !

- It’s great to see you’re alright, said Angie. Have you been injured ?

- Not at all, said Leela. We all got safe, as that beast is about to… Are the two of you holding hands ?!?

Surprised by her question, Zoidberg took a look. He didn’t even pay attention to the fact that Angie’s hand was in his claw before that moment.

- Well, yeah… Angie will stay with us for a while. You don’t mind about this, do you ?

- Errr… No, of course… It’s just that it’s… I mean, Angie, what do you… (Leela sighed, looking tired.) Aaah, forget about this…

- Have you planned something ? Asked Amy. Maybe we can let you alone, if you want…

- We had nothing planned in particular, to be honest, said Angie, smiling. So maybe we could… (Angie frowned, as she noticed something.) What do you have on your head ? Is that hair ?

Zoidberg realized that some short black hair had indeed appeared on Amy’s head. Now that he was paying more attention, he also asked himself if her head wasn’t a bit rounder than before… Looking at Kif, he noticed that the Ex-Amphibian’s skin, on the other hand, was softly switching from pale yellow to light green, apparently. Amy put an end at his interrogation shortly after his discoveries.

- Yeah, it is ! It looks like the effects of the Gene-Swapper are coming to an end. Kif and I are going back to our respective species !

- And frankly, said Kif, I’m quite happy it’s happening. That was interesting, but way too disturbing. But at least, I have an idea of what male humans have to go through. That makes me feel some admiration for Fry.

The young man suddenly seemed to awaken and to get out of his depression. He was apparently extremely surprised by what he had heard.

- What ? Why exactly ?

- Because of all this thing ! I mean, I’ve been a human for only a few hours, and yet I freaked out because of all that testosterone…

- That what ?

- Testosterone.

- What ?

- Testosterone.

- Uh ?

- Male hormones.

- Oh… Can’t see.

- The mojo !

- Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah, OK ! But what does it have to do with me ?

- What I wanted to say, Fry, was that although you’re as filled of that thing than any other male humans, you don’t let yourself being driven crazy by it. You stay friendly and courteous in every situation. And as I saw today that it requires a very strong will, that makes me wish every other male humans were like you.

It didn’t have such an effect on Fry. Sure, it was great to hear this, but it wasn’t very helping him for the main thing that was preoccupying him. Leela didn’t seem to be impressed by what Kif said, which meant it wasn’t enough for making her change her mind. Maybe it was making her think a bit, but certainly not to the point of making her forgive him for all he had done. Fry however smiled at Kif, as he made him feel a bit better nonetheless.

- Oh. That’s really cool, Kif. Thanks.

- Yeah, it’s extremely charming and interesting, said the professor. However, let’s not forget our priorities. Hermes is still nowhere to be seen, but we would be just in time for being at the last conference !

Everybody, except Angie who was too polite, and too happy to be with Zoidberg, protested at the idea.

- Oh please, said Bender, another conference ? Why would someone make one after that a giant beast nearly destroyed that station ? And almost everybody is gone !

- Exactly, said Amy. It’s probably delayed !

- Not at all, said the professor ! I’ve just seen on the updated timetable that it was still scheduled. In the Piltdown audience hall, more exactly.

- And what is it about ? Asked Leela.

- The movements of the astrals objects. Their migrations and all that stuff.

The whole group groaned when they heard the matter of the discussion.

- Yeah, I’m not thrilled by it either, said the professor, but Horatio Junker, who’s presenting it, saved my life once. I can do this for him. And let me remind you that if you don’t go to that conference, I legally have the right to cut down your dental plan !

- We don’t have a dental plan, said Leela.

- Fine. Then I’ll give you one and immediately cancel it !

Leela was about to protest against such methods, but she got interrupted by an extraordinary phenomenon. An amazing blast of light occurred just next to them, producing a loud noise that was sounding like what you would have if you would press several keys of an organ in the same time. The noise and the light were so intense that everybody was forced to close their eyes and to hold their ears if they wanted to avoid becoming deaf and blind. It finally seemed to cease, and as it was becoming bearable, Fry carefully opened one of his eyes… And he couldn’t believe what he saw.

It was Hermes. The bureaucrat was standing there, looking completely lost. Most of his clothes were in a pretty bad shape, torn and frayed in many places. But he gained others, apparently : he was wearing some solid leather boots, but what immediately caught Fry’s attention was his helmet. It was basically a bowl with two bull horns on it, which quite stunned the young man, as well as the scimitar Hermes was still holding in his right hand.

The whole crew looked at the bureaucrat, not knowing what to say or what to do, scrutinizing his whole appearance. Hermes seemed to get back to his senses, and broke the silence, sounding overjoyed.

- Oh my God ! It’s you ! It’s here ! It’s my world ! It’s a miracle !

The professor, still looking amazed, walked in his direction.

- Hermes ? Where have you been ? Are you alright ? And did you find some time for filling the forms for our trip here ?

- Of course I’m alright ! That was absolutely amazing ! I really thought everything was over when I got sucked up in that vortex, but when I awakened, I found myself in the middle of a market. The guys there were humans, but they really looked primitive, and the sun was burning… And suddenly, those guys in armor surrounded me, they were about to take me as a prisoner, but then, there’s that huge muscular guy with hair as black as raven wings that rushed in the group, seemingly he was an outlaw so the other guys attacked him, but he fought them and killed them, then he asked me who I was, I told him my name and he told me his (something like Cranan, I was too stunned for understanding anything), and then he said that as they would hunt me as well I should go with him, I quickly got a sword and a helmet, and then we got to that fortress where there was, according to him, a big treasure he wanted to pick up, and…

- Yeah yeah yeah, said the professor, but the forms ?

- Oh, sorry. (Hermes took some papers out of his vest and gave them to the professor.) Here they are. I had enough time to fill them while Cranan was busy making a way in by demolishing the fortress’ wall with his bare hands.

- So you ended up in a parallel universe during that whole time ? Asked Fry. Wow ! That’s something !

- You said it ! There are so much things that happened !

- But how did you manage to get back here ? Asked Amy.

- I’m not sure myself… We were fighting against that wizard – Well, Cranan was doing most of the fight despite carrying a young and naked beauty on his shoulders – when I accidentally broke a statuette at the exact moment he was preparing a spell. I think that disturbed his incantation and sent me back here… Oh man ! I would so spend hours telling you my adventures ! By the way, miss, did we know each other ?

- We don’t have hours, said the professor. That conference is about to start, so we’d better hurry.

- Oh please, said Fry, can’t we forget that crappy conference and listen to something really important ?

- He can talk about this later ! Now, everyone goes to that conference, or I’ll…

- Cut our salaries? Asked Leela sarcastically. Cancel our work insurance ?

- I was about to say ‘remove the coffee machine from the lounge’, but those are good ideas too. Now let’s go ! And I don’t want to hear anyone grumble !

As the professor was already going away, everybody (except Angie who didn’t really know if she really had seen what happened during those short minutes) sighed. The whole Planet Express crew resigned themselves to following the professor. Only Hermes stood a bit behind. That wasn’t exactly how he was seeing his return. In fact, he didn’t even know if he would return. The bureaucrat looked at his scimitar, wondering if he really lived all this or if he dreamt it.

- Bah, what’s the deal anyway ?

He threw away his sword and his helmet, and ran in order to catch up with the others.

Only one thing was really amazing Fry : the fact that they weren’t alone in the great lecture hall. Sure, after the huge panic, the space station was almost deserted : the number of ships that had disappeared from the various docking bays was incredibly important. And yet, there were still almost a hundred spectators. Almost all of them were old wrinkled men, however. That was fairly easy to understand, after all : who else but scientists would be interested by such a subject ?

Not a lot of people, even among the audience. The professor felt asleep and began to snore only a few minutes after the presentation had begun, and apparently, a lot of his colleagues had followed his example. His friends weren’t much more attentive. Leela and Bender weren’t even bothering trying to hide their boredom : the young woman was constantly checking the hour on her wrist computer, sighing as she had the feeling that time was desperately slowing down, while the robot was standing still, looking nowhere in particular – which was the surest sign he was watching a movie he downloaded in his internal processor a few hours ago. Looking at his face, Fry decided it was better not trying to imagine what he could have been watching… Kif and Amy were busy commenting what they were feeling while they were part of the other’s species. Amy was completely thrilled by this experience, Kif was a bit less convinced, but in the whole, they really enjoyed it, and had a better idea of the other’s life, which seemed to reinforce their love for each other – as if it needed to be reinforced… Anyway, it was obvious they were getting back to their previous form. Amy’s hair was almost completely back on her head and she already had gained one finger at each hand, while Kif’s skull was stretching and his skin was getting greener. Zoidberg and Angie were sat side by side, talking to each other so quietly that Fry couldn’t hear what they were saying. But as they were constantly smiling and were sometimes laughing, it became evident to Fry that he was attending the first moment of a touching love affair. That really wasn’t helping him.

Something managed to break the monotony, however. At one moment, Cubert entered in the lecture hall and sat just next to Hermes, who until that moment seemed completely neutral despite what he had to go through. The kid had apparently some bruises and lumps, and he certainly had some rough times, but he stood silent even when Hermes began to ask him why he was looking so dejected. Fry finally stopped paying attention to him and got back to his own thoughts.

So, there he was, sitting next to the woman he loved, but with no chances left for him for gaining her heart. And to be honest, he was thinking it would be for the best. He was the first one to regret what happened that day – after Leela, of course – and was checking all the times he disappointed her. That could have taken hours. He was still impressed by the fact that she wasn’t as mad as in the beginning. She didn’t really forgive him – it would certainly need some more days – but she was still considering him as a friend. Funny. A few days ago, he would have been sad if she would ever have said this to him. And now, he wasn’t hoping for more. He was amazed she was still talking to him. In a way, it was a pretty good indication of the way he was feeling…

- Something’s wrong, Fry ?

The young man turned to Leela. She was looking concerned, but not angry at all. It sure was better than before, but Fry preferred not to think of what he couldn’t see in her eyes.

- No… I’m fine, thanks… But frankly, I should better ask you how you’re feeling…

- Right now ? Tired, bored and hungry. I thought that the history of robotics was boring, but this beats all the records…

- Boring ?!?

Bender suddenly joined in the conversation. It seemed his auditory receptors hadn’t been completely shut down while he was watching his movie.

- How dare do you insult my folks’ history !

- Calm down, Bender, calm down ! Said Fry. We’re not insulting your people ! We’re just saying that history sucks !

- Oh yeah, of course ! It’s easy for you to say that, meatbag ! After all, your history is thousands of years long ! So you think that makes you better than us robots !

- Tell me, Bender, said Leela, sounding angered, didn’t you learn your lesson today ? You nearly died because of such a behavior.

- That’s your vision of the story, eyeball ! For me, it was a wonderful event, as I discovered my true origins and made my creator love me and be proud of me !

- While trying to kill him, or humiliating his clone. And giving birth to a creature that nearly destroyed this entire station.

- Details, details. You can’t make an omelette without breaking a few meatbags.

- Funny, said Fry… Are you sure that’s the right expression ?

- That’s how we say it in my people, old chum, and I dare you to comment on this !

- Hahem, excuse me ?

Fry, Leela and Bender reported their attention to the scene. The professor Junker was staring at them, looking particularly annoyed. Above him, a giant screen was still displaying some pictures of galaxies and abstract and complex mathematic formulas.

- That would be great if you would stay quiet when I’m in the middle of a talk…

- Sorry, mister, said Leela. We won’t…

- Ah, shut up, jackass ! You’ve been speaking for two long, long hours now, so it’s our turn, okay ?

- Bender, please, said Fry, can we talk about all this later ?

- That would be fantastic, indeed, said Junker. Now, as I was saying before being interrupted, my latest calculations indicate that the Horse-Head Nebula is getting closer to us at a speed of…

- Aw come on, said Bender who must have reached his tolerance threshold, how much of this crap will you still inflict to us ?

- Bender ! Yelled Leela.

- Crap ? You say this is crap ! This is probably one of the most interesting phenomenon of the whole universe ! Just imagine thousands and thousands of solar systems, all of them heading slowly but inevitably in the same direction, and…

- I’ve seen much more interesting things on the web ! Things your mind would never imagine !

- And I’m glad for that… Whispered Fry.

- So, there are no chances you could amaze me with your fancy big balls of gas that move away ! You bonesticks can reproduce this only by eating a few beans !

- Oh, so you want spectacular things, Know-All-Unit ? You want something unusual ? Well, I didn’t want to talk about this until the end of my conference, but if it can make you shut up, then let me tell you about the message in the stars !

Fry froze. Those last words made him forget his embarrassment at being Bender’s friend. He had the strange feeling what was about to happen would make his life take a turn, without knowing why he was thinking this…

- What… What message in the stars ? Asked Fry.

- Ah, I see that your friend here is interested ! Said Junker to Bender. It hasn’t been made public until now, because we needed to cross the various information and to make many controls before being sure it wasn’t a mistake. But what I’m about to tell you, as strange as it may sound, is the reality ! It dates back to a few months ago… I was in my observatory, making some usual exams of the stars’ configurations, when suddenly I noticed something strange in the sky… In an area that had been watched during centuries by God only knows how many scientists and telescopes, the stars had inexplicably moved. And moreover, they were now adjusted as if someone decided to write something using them ! I didn’t believe it at first, but night after night, the message was reappearing in the same place, at the same coordinates ! However, after approximately a week, the message disappeared. In fact, the stars themselves had vanished. That is another part of the mystery… Fortunately, as soon as I realized I wasn’t dreaming, I called several of my fellow astronomists, who were working on several points on the northern hemisphere. I checked out the photographs performed by several orbital telescopes. And all of them saw that strange phenomenon.

Fry thought he was about to have a heart attack. He was completely fascinated by what he was hearing, but a part of him refused to believe all this.

It couldn’t be. It was just a coincidence. He couldn’t be talking about what he was thinking.

Leela noticed how tensed Fry suddenly became. Worried, she looked at him. He didn’t blink at all during the whole talk.

- Fry ? What have you ? You look like you’ve seen a ghost…

The young man didn’t answer. In some way, it was the case. If that really was it… Then it was coming back to haunt him…

Junker didn’t seem to notice Fry’s confusion. He was completely absorbed by his speech.

- We spent months trying to see if it couldn’t have been a hoax or a bad manipulation of our instruments. But we recently came to the conclusion that it couldn’t have been faked. And now, ladies and gentlemen, let me tell you the best part : we have several pictures of the phenomenon ! The clearest one had been made by the second Hubble telescope ; we had to enlarge the picture, but you will see there cannot be any doubt about what can be seen. Prepare for something you would never have thought to see !

The professor grabbed the remote control that was commanding the giant screen. As he was about to press a button on it, the battle inside Fry’s mind between hope, incredulity, fear and excitement reached its peak. The young man couldn’t decide if he really wanted to see it or not. Something in him was still saying that he was becoming paranoid, and that there were no chances it could be it.

Junker pressed the button.

The whole Planet Express crew gasped. Bender even yelled ‘Oh my God !’. And Fry thought his heart and his brain had simultaneously exploded.

The words were perfectly legible on the giant screen.

I LOVE YOU LEELA

Fry was completely paralyzed. He couldn’t believe that he was seeing it again… He couldn’t believe someone managed to catch that instant… And he…

… He remembered Leela was just on his left.

Slowly, scared to death by what he would see, he turned his head. The young woman was as hypnotized by the screen. Her unique eye was completely widened, and Fry, despite his confusion, could see it was becoming wet. She had posed her hands on her mouth as the surprise shocked her with all its impact.

After a few seconds that seemed to last forever for Fry, Leela looked at him. She was looking completely lost, stunned by the revelation… Fry couldn’t see any joy or anger in her look, only sheer surprise. She obviously had difficulties to speak.

- Fry… Did… Did you… ?

The young man knew he had to say something… But his tongue refused to work, just as he couldn’t find the right words…

- I… Leela… It’s…

He freaked out.

Unable to handle this any longer and to act rationally, Fry suddenly got out of his seat and rushed to the exit. Leela didn’t manage to stop him ; she couldn’t even tell him to stay there.

During long, long seconds, everybody in the assistance didn’t know what to do or to say. Leela was still looking at the exit’s door, amazed and incapable of thinking normally.

It’s the moment the professor Farnsworth chose for waking up.

- Wha ? Oh my, did I miss something ?

The whole station had switched into night mode. In order to simulate the night and day cycle, the lights were periodically switched off in the Great Hall, with the exception of a few floodlights. Walking in the hall was like walking in a random street of New New York at 2AM, minus the litters on the ground, the pollution, and the muggers. Above the hall, BGT56 was glowing and was spreading its dim light through the great windowpane on the roof. Despite the fact that it was in its lowest luminosity, it was as if it was a full moon on Earth.

Fry had wandered in the Great Hall, among the remains of hundreds of stands, and was now standing still in a deserted aisle, looking at the pulsar. He couldn’t summarize how desperate he was feeling. What an irony… When he saw that message he had written in the stars, months ago, he hoped it could have made Leela see how much he cared for her. When it got destroyed, he hoped that she had seen it. When she said she had seen nothing, he hoped that someday, he may find a way to show her what he had been able to do for her. And when she had finally seen it, it was too late. He had lost her forever, especially after how he reacted only a few minutes ago. For months he hoped that it would happen, and now that the moment had come, it was completely useless. The young man thought that, somewhere, some superior entity must have been laughing at his expenses, delighted by all his misfortunes.

Fry knew she was behind him even before she spoke.

- When did it happen, Fry ?

The young man turned round. She was standing in the middle of the aisle, a few steps behind him. Her arms were crossed just under her chest, and apparently, she was reporting all her weight only on her right leg. Her look… It was expressing so loudly how disturbed she was by the revelation it was making Fry feel even sorrier. The young man looked at his feet. He just couldn’t find the strength to look her in the eye.

- Do you remember this timeslip, with the chronotons ?

Fry patiently described everything he saw that fateful day. But he paid attention not to say a word about how he felt yet. As he finished, he looked Leela again. She was considering everything he said, still looking shocked.

- Why didn’t you tell me earlier ?

Fry smiled at her… But there was absolutely no joy in that smile.

- Would have you believed me ?

Leela opened her mouth… But no words came out. It was now her turn to look away.

- I can’t blame you for this, Leela. Nobody would ever have believed this before seeing it.

A small smile appeared on the young woman’s face.

- It’s… It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, Fry…

- Maybe. But sometimes, I wished I would never have seen it.

Leela immediately looked at Fry, astonished by what he said. He was back at looking at nothing in particular.

- How can you say that, Fry ! Nobody managed to do this, but you… You moved the stars… For telling me…

- You say this because you just discovered it, Leela. But me, I’ve seen it been destroyed. In front of my eyes, before you even could know it existed. After this timeslip, I was worried… I began to think that I forced you to marry me, and that was something I would never have forgiven me about. But when I saw this… I knew that I didn’t trick you. I thought that, if you saw this, you would understand this too, and that maybe… Only maybe… You would realize how much I really care for you. All my hopes were going to be fulfilled… And then, the bomb exploded. Shattering the chronotons, the stars… And my dreams…

Fry stopped a bit. His voice began to quiver as the painful memories were coming back. Leela knew that Fry was on the verge of crying, but also that he was trying to keep his dignity. He however quickly rubbed his eyes in order to wipe out the few tears that were taking form.

- Oh well… Maybe it’s for the best that you didn’t see it… Whatever I do, no matter how hard I would try, I will always be that loser from the Stupid Ages. I would never want to hurt you, Leela – and yet, today, I did it anyway, just because I’m an idiot who can’t shut up when it’s the right moment. There were many times when I thought that you were the woman of my dreams, but I realized something today… I would be the worst boyfriend you would ever have. I don’t even deserve your friendship. I’m nothing more but a moron. You need a fine man, Leela, and now I know I’ll never be that one.

During this monologue, Fry had his back turned to Leela. He couldn’t hear her anymore, but he just knew what she must be thinking. That he was at least right about this. That she already knew all that. He knew looking her and listening to her while she would be confirming his thoughts would be painful, but it had to be done. He turned to face Leela.

- Perhaps…

He couldn’t say more. Before he could do anything else, Leela was on him. She grabbed him by his arms and kissed him. At first, Fry was completely stunned by what was going on… But his surprise melted away as quick as it appeared. He let himself slip in the warmth of her kiss, his eyes closed, and he put his hands on her arms, near her shoulders. He was literally absorbed by the contact of her lips against his and the softness of her skin, and he was also able to feel her shake a bit.

Unless it was him who was shaking.

Their kiss lasted a few delicious seconds, which seemed to last for hours for Fry. When finally their lips separated, Fry still needed a few moments to come back to his senses. For a brief minute, he was completely disconnected from this world, but now, surprise was coming back, and it was bringing a question with it.

- But… Why ?

Leela looked at his eyes. Something was bothering her, and she had to talk about it if she wanted to make it go away.

- Everybody makes mistakes, Fry. And what you’ve done today is nothing compared to what I’ve inflicted to you during all those years.

Fry frowned. He was now completely lost.

- I don’t get it… I revealed to a bunch of mad scientists that you are a mutant ! But you, you never did anything wrong…

- Fry… I’m sorry for how I treated you today. I thought a lot about it, mainly after having a small talk with someone… All my life, I thought I was an alien. I was convinced, just like anyone else, that it was the truth. But discovering my origins… That was something marvelous, I would never deny it, but it also shattered some of my marks. Something I based my identity on was in fact a lie. It’s painful to admit, but I think I’m still not used to the idea of being a mutant. That may be why I’m trying to hide it to everybody. But you, Fry, you so don’t care about my origins, that you just don’t see why others may find this revolting !

Fry looked away, concerned.

- Another proof I’m a moron…

Leela grabbed his cheek and forced him to look in her eye. Fry didn’t see any reproaches in her look.

- No, Fry. It’s another proof that you are the sweetest man in the world. You love me for what I am, and that’s all.

Then, Leela looked down. Fry and her were now holding their hands, and she was apparently absorbed by this sight. But in fact, as Fry quickly discovered, she wasn’t able to say the rest of her thoughts while looking at him.

- But that’s not the worst thing I did to you. During all that time, I kept rejecting you because I thought it was just a puerile fixation, like a schoolboy who would say he likes his teacher. I never realized how serious it was… To be honest – and that’s far worse – I never wanted to believe it. I thought that you’d quickly forget about this, and would mature enough for understanding that it wasn’t what you thought. I didn’t even pay attention to the fact that you felt this way for me during so long… And it’s only when I saw you write this opera for me that I realized how deep it really was. Doing this… Neglecting such feelings during years… It must have been very hard for you to live this.

Leela stopped. She still wasn’t looking at Fry, but the young man could feel her shaking… And when she started to speak again, Fry, surprised, realized she was crying.

- That was already horrible from me to do this to you… But… It’s even worse… I never told you about this, Fry, but when I was in the coma, after that bee stung me… I dreamt that you were dead… And as I was getting more and more desperate, being sure that you were dead because of me… I began to realize… That I was feeling the same about you. I couldn’t imagine living without you. I tried to convince me afterwards that it was only due to delirium, but there always was a part of me that knew it was the truth. I didn’t want to listen to it, not only because I was too stubborn to listen to it… But also because it would mean… That I made you suffer despite the fact you were important to me…

Leela couldn’t hold anymore. As she was crying like she never did before, she hugged Fry the harder she could. Fry quickly felt his shoulder being soaked by Leela’s tears.

- I’m so sorry, Fry ! I’m so sorry to have done this to you !

Fry gently padded her hair, letting her cry as much as she would have to. It was impossible for him to describe what he was feeling at this moment. He was feeling happiness, surprise, sadness, joy…

But there was something he knew he wasn’t feeling.

Grudge.

- Don’t be sorry, Leela. (Fry was adopting the most reassuring tone he could have.) After all, you’re talking about me. I’m not exactly the kind of guy you would expect to be with… You were right to be skeptic about me…

- But I lied to you, and I lied to myself during all those years ! (Leela was still crying, unable to contain her remorse.) I would never pardon me for what I’ve done to you !

- Leela, please… Don’t do this… I want you to be happy, that’s the only thing that ever mattered to me. I’m begging you, don’t hate yourself…

- I can’t ! What else did it do, but hurt you ?

- It changed me, Leela. The Fry you met was a good-for-nothing. But being with you... It forced me to evolve, to change the way I was looking to my life. Before, the only thing that had an importance in my life was the TV program. Now I’m doing my best for being someone you and the others can count on. I still mess up a lot, as we’ve seen today… But I’ll always try to do my best. Without you, I would have given up a long time ago.

Fry felt that Leela’s sobs were coming to an end. As she rubbed her eye, he felt her relaxing a bit. Knowing that she was feeling better reinforced his desire to make her happy. It was so pleasant to see the ones you love get over their troubles thanks to you…

- I can’t tell how much I thought about the two of us, Fry. Sometimes, I thought we would just be colleagues, other times I thought you were more than a friend…

- And now, what do you think ?

- I don’t want to think about it anymore. I want to enjoy it.

Leela moved apart a bit, but her hands were still posed on the sides of Fry. The young man, his hands posed on her shoulders, looked into her eye. It was still a bit red because of the tears, but the relief it was expressing made his heart beat wildly. She smiled at him, and all the tenderness that was contained in that smile eliminated all the doubts and uncertainty that would still be present in his heart. Leela watched him in his eyes… And the pure and sincere love she saw in them made her forget everything that happened that day.

- Please, say it to me, Fry.

The young man knew what she was talking about. He gently caressed her cheek.

- You already know that.

- Yes. I’ve seen your message. But now, I want to look in your eyes, and hear you say those words.

Fry smiled again. Nothing else than what he was about to say was present in his mind.

- I love you, Leela.

The young woman would never forget those four little words. And for the first time since years, she let her heart speak.

- I love you too.

They looked at each other for a couple more seconds, still smiling. Then, their faces began to get closer, slowly. As their eyes were closing, nothing else seemed to have an importance around them. When their lips finally came into contact, even their own conscience ceased to exist. There was nothing, but the taste of the other’s lips and the impression of finally being complete.

A few minutes earlier, the cryogenic capsule containing the protoplasm finally approached BGT56’s orbit. The tremendous heat and the powerful radiations almost immediately changed the small ship and its content into a blazing ball of molten metal and electromagnetic blasts. When it finally reached the pulsar’s surface, the energy that was contained in the creature suddenly exploded, producing a massive radioactive blast. It triggered a chain reaction on the pulsar that spread in all its structure before reaching its core. Destabilized, the pulsar’s structure entered in a series of indescribable modifications… And for the first time in millions of years, BGT56 entered in its most luminous cycle in advance. In nothing but a few seconds, the pulsar’s light became 5 times more powerful and brighter than our sun’s. And a few minutes later, the light reached the space station Rylander.

At this moment, only the part containing the Great Hall was exposed to the pulsar. It was as if some gigantic and powerful spotlight had suddenly been turned on, enveloping the whole hall. Everything was almost drowned in the light, as well as every shadow got obliterated.

And in that unreal light, two silhouettes could still be distinguished. Absorbed by their embrace, unaware of anything that was surrounding them, two persons seemed to be enveloped by a divine aura.

It was two mislaid beings who had finally found each other.

It was two individuals who were now making only one.

It was two soul mates that were united for the rest of their lives.

Fry and Leela.

Lovers.