Compatibility Revisited: A Nindroid Romance

The Storm

Later in the afternoon, Zane has got used to the new features of his vehicle and hums a random tune while driving (listening closely, it might actually be the Weekend Whip). Pixal keeps a check on the navigation system and board computer. Something in her attitude makes him shoot a glance in her direction.

Zane: You look worried.

Pixal (without taking her eyes off the screens): I am worried. You remember the electric storm I mentioned a couple of hours ago?

Zane: You said it was veering to the North.

Pixal: It was. It's changed direction again. We're heading directly into it. And it has increased.

Zane: How bad is it?

Pixal: It's huge. Keep eastward, if the track allows it, although I doubt that there will be a way around it. (Her fingers move over the keyboard in front of her as she brings up more data.) We're going to have a rough night. We won't make it to Sensei Li's dojo. But there's a canyon ahead of us, where we may be able to find shelter.

Zane: Heading there.

Pixal: And ... Zane? Switch on your holocom device now.

Zane (activating his wristband): But you said ...

Pixal (deliberately keeping her voice even): Even if Nya only gets back to the monastery in a couple of days, we might still need her to be able to locate us.

Zane (exchanging a glance with her): I understand.

Pixal: Go faster. The storm can reach us every moment now.

Within minutes, the sky gets dark, and a sudden blast almost forces the vehicle off track. A stroke of lightning crashes into a nearby tree.

Zane (swinging the car round): Whoa. Close call.

Pixal (fully concentrating on the computer in front of her): It won't get better. Activate electric shield. (She hits a button.) Ugh. Something isn't working. (She throws a lever while hitting the button again.) The rear part of the cover doesn't go up. I have to get out of the car to fix it.

Another stroke of lightning, then the next.

Zane (his eyes fixed on the track, looking for a place to find shelter): You can't. It's too dangerous. This is no normal storm.

Pixal: That's exactly why we have to get that protective cover up right now. The voltage is massive. If we're hit by one of these ... There! Pull to the side, under that ledge!

Zane: Then let me get out instead!

Pixal: I built that cover. I've got an idea what could be amiss. Sorry, this is my job. (She jumps out and immediately rolls under the car for shelter, barely avoiding another lightning strike. She frantically works on the circuitry of the shield for some long moments, until the cover is seen to slide up.) I'm done! Can you let me back in? In three, two, one ...

Zane opens the door, but just as she appears from under the car, the car is hit by a strike and he is forced to retreat back to safety, leaving her outside.

Zane: Pixal! Noooo! (He hastens to open the door again.) Ice! (Using his elemental powers, he creates a thick shield of ice around the place where Pixal has collapsed to the ground, and seizes her. The shield is hit by lightning, but withstands long enough for Zane to pull Pixal inside. Just as he slams the door shut, the ice crumbles. He pants.) That was close. Now let's have a look ... (While the storm is raging outside, he examines Pixal's body with a worried face.) Power source intact. Main processor undamaged. Some vital functions have gone into standby mode, but they will reactivate without major issues. So what ... (He carefully turns her over.) Uh-oh. (At the back of her head, previously covered by her silver hair, a burned patch is visible, through which the wiring inside her head can be seen. Zane examines it carefully.) This doesn't look good. The wires are quick to fix, but your gyro unit needs major repairs. And a replacement chip. (He worriedly looks down at her.) I'm so sorry, but there's nothing I can do for you as long as this storm goes on. (He shifts her into a more comfortable position, placing her head on his lap, and strokes her hair. He sighs.) Let's hope you don't terminate standby mode on your own any time soon, because I'm afraid you won't feel good when you wake up ...