bzarcher | (no subject)

Bass simply...disappeared. Blues was noticeably absent as well in the next few days, so it was generally assumed that one was with the other by the Masters. Enker spent a bit of time trying to find out more, and was given the impression it wasn't a good idea to pry too deeply, for now.

After some discussion, an agreement was reached on how to handle the inactive or damaged Masters. Each was repaired or restored as appropriate, though with weapons decommissioned. The situation was explained, and for some it went over relatively well, and for some it did not. Surprisingly, a few actually wanted to simply be shut back down again. Grenade Man in particular had a difficult time imagining a world where he couldn't blow himself up anymore. He was marked as 'delicate case', along with a few others, and after discussion between the 'counseling' group of Masters and the Family Light, a decision was reached that -if- no other alternative was found and they still wanted to be shut back down later, they'd allow them to make that choice.

First, however, was a more important matter.

Preparation was fairly simple - the will specified where he wanted to be buried. Getting appropriate suits for all of them was a bit of a sartorial challenge, particularly for the ones based on non-humanoid chassis, but being rich now simplified things considerably. Ring was quite smug that Crime had, in fact, Paid.

When all was ready, the UN arranged for their transport in several specially armored transports. A large cordon of troops surrounded both the landing area and the cemetery.

Enker let out a low whistle as he used his reflection in one of the transport's windows to help him adjust his tie.

"I'm surprised so many protesters came out for this."

To his surprise, it was actually Rock who came up behind him to look. "Dr. Wily hurt a lot of people. Some of them aren't going to be satisfied with how things worked out."

Frowning, Enker turned to his former adversary. "I can understand that, but I'm not sure if there's very much we can do to change that."

"Honestly? There probably isn't. You're just going to need to try and keep a low profile for awhile. I can't promise this will go away, exactly, but it will probably die down." The landing passed in silence, and after a nod and a pat on the shoulder, Rock stepped away to help Dr. Light down the loading ramp.

The air outside was surprisingly clear and warm for the occasion. A black hearse waited at the end of the landing area. To everyone's surprise, Blues was standing next to it, along with a surprisingly composed looking Bass. Instead of his armor, he was clad in a respectfully cut black suit, with a deep purple tie that matched his facial tattoos surprisingly well. Nodding wordlessly to the other Masters, he opened up the back of the hearse.

With an unspoken agreement, Enker, Ballade, Cut, Heat, and to their surprise, Rock, joined him to take up the casket. Any of them could have easily carried the coffin by themselves, but the tradition held true.

The others formed two long single file lines behind the pallbearers, solemnly walking to where a priest and a bier waited next to the prepared place. Aside from Light, Rock, Roll, and Blues, no other guests attended. None were expected, or needed. Once the coffin was set onto the bier, they slipped into the rows of chairs which had been provided, and waited.

A few of the Masters had been to church services, particularly Ballade, when Father had wanted to attend on certain holidays or was feeling particularly concerned about the state of his soul. The rest had received some coaching on what was going to occur, but didn't pay particularly great attention to the priest as he went through the funeral rites with them.

When it came time for the eulogy, Dr. Light made his way to the casket, lightly placing a hand on it as he passed, then to the podium the priest had vacated.

"The first time I met Al, he told me I was wrong." He smiled. "Turns out he was right about that, and thus began a long career of arguing with each other for the sake of progress." A few of the Masters laughed at that. Some of the others had a quiet smile. Quite a few were still focused on the simple black casket. It was them he tried to reach out to as he continued.

"I won't try to pretend that he was always a good man, or that his death washes away what he did. But I considered him a friend for a very long time, and I have to admit that when we worked together as partners, we were always greater than simply working apart. He truly changed the world, both with his actions in life, and now with his legacy..." Tears clouding his eyes, Light stopped and dabbed at them quickly with a handkerchief.

"In his last act, he's given the world a true gift. Each one of you has the potential go to from here in any direction you choose, and to find a new life for yourselves. I truly believe that was Albert's most brilliant plan. The world -is- going to change. By giving you your freedom, it's given you the chance...the right...to be treated as people, not just weapons."

"Those people outside the cemetery don't understand that yet. Neither does the UN, or the newspapers, or almost anyone else. But I do. I know what it means. It's a massive stepping stone for you -and- for any other Androids who come after you."

That got a surprised reaction. Clearly, none of them had really thought that anyone would make more androids like them.

"It'll happen. I've no doubt that it will, some day, and each of you will have helped make people understand that you're living, thinking, independent people. Not toys. Because I have no doubt in my mind that you -will- go on. You -will- find places where you find a new home and a new purpose. And you will carry on the legacy that Albert gave to each of you, his beloved sons."

They began to stand a little straighter. Heads that had been bowed in confusion came up. Light smiled. A little seed of purpose had been planted into the empty spaces they'd shared. With luck, it would grow and bloom into something new.

The doctor walked back to his seat and both Rock and Roll stood to help him back into the chair, smiling at him. He squeezed their hands gently, and hoped they'd understand that the message he gave was for them, too, in time.

The priest spoke a final benediction, and the pallbearers returned to carefully lay their father into his final rest.

Each reached into the pile of earth next to the grave, and tossed them down into the casket. Some with a final word of goodbye, others with a carefully controlled nod or glance down at the gleaming casket as its' surface was marred by the earth.

They stepped away, and each of the remaining mourners walked up, depositing their own handful. Some hands were larger than others, and by the end, only a few spadefuls were left for them to finish putting into place.

Finally, they all stood in a loose semicircle as the cloth which had been laid over the headstone was removed.

Dr. Albert William Wily

2153 - 2229

Scientist - Creator - Father

Silently, but each with a bit more resolve, they returned to the parking lot. Nothing more needed to be said.