B-10: a Ben 10 story

TIME - Chapter XX

Kai was talking on the phone and didn't notice when someone approached and touched her arm. She turned back and saw Ester, new clothes that resembled something from a Sci-Fi movie mixed with Kraaho's own style. It was like a long purple collant that covered all her body, so thin that was almost invisible, except for the shining in the sun. Over it was a red and gold dress with a traditional square cut and a long skirt. The look resembled Kraaho's traditional clothes, but with a shorter belt and golden stitches resembling sunflowers.

"Wow!" Kai exclaimed looking at her new visual.

"I know! When I got out, I was surprised that I wasn't felling cold at all. I'm more resistant than the others, but I never got out like this. And I always wanted to try a dress like this. I made it myself from some extra material they sent us".

"I can see how much you love it".

"I do! Although Antonio said he loved my usual attire, he praised me. Or tried, at least. I think he doesn't really know how to compliment someone".

"So let me do it: you're amazing; your dress is marvelous and you are magnificent".

"Thank you!" She made a miss universe pose, smiling and waving. "But, back to business, we didn't come here just for you to say how amazing I am".

"But you are, and you'd probably kill me if I said otherwise".

"You know me so well. Anyway, we are looking for Warehouse 221B, that's where the enterprise who delivered the material keeps its storage".

"Just hope it's not bogus".

They arrived there. And it was bogus. They opened the lock easily. An ex-thief and an archeologist are a good duo for this kind of activity. But the warehouse was full of mystery books and a poster saying: If it wasn't obvious before.

"What the hell is this?" Ester screamed.

"221B", said Kai, finally coming to conclusion. They could have just added Baker Street to the address. "It really was obvious".

"Ok, now I'm feeling stupid. I should have guessed something like this would happen".

"Second that".

Don't', please. You're not stupid, a robotic voice answered them, I thought a little joke among colleges would be no problem. A mini-android, 4 inches (10 cm) max. Sorry for the disturbance, but I promise we'll meet later.

"That's creepy", Ester said observing the thing speaking to them.

Oh, I didn't want to creep you. I just thought this would be a funny way to talk to you. I'm not really the brightest one. My sincere apologies. The creature continued. But I'll stop it. This is Rii, I sent it to help you. It will be my way of communication with you. I wish that soon I'll be able to answer your many questions. But for now, this is all I can give you.

The creature stopped and the place changed, as if they had been transported somewhere else.

This is just an image, don't worry. You can't interfere, but can't be affected by it either. The voice now came from somewhere else, although they couldn't really point out where it was.

"Hello", the AI named Rii talked, this time with its own voice. "Please follow me". It started walking into the forest. It was vaguely familiar; however, they couldn't quite place it. "This is E'yond'er many millenniums ago, before your society started developing. What you collected was left around this time. Information, researches, and so much more they didn't want anyone else to have access to. E'yond'er is a vastly unknown planet even now because it will frequently change places, even galaxies or dimensions. They'd found a way to calculate one of its positions, and left that there. But since its localization changes so much, together with the fauna and flora of the planet, adapting, it was never really attractive for any civilization. Hence a perfect place to hide something".

"So, what we collected was something important enough to be hidden in a place like this?", Kai asked.

"Yes", the AI answered. "That's also the reason it should remain confidential. Most people don't know it exists, and we wish for it to stay like that. Nevertheless, since you demonstrated many preoccupations, we thought it was a good idea to keep you updated and tell you about the relevance behind what you uncovered. Its content should remain secret, for now".

"You won't tell us anything about it in the end?", Ester asked and almost jumped on top of Rii. Kai stopped her, pulling her back.

"They already told us a lot". She looked at her friend, signaling that she already had a plan in action, but for that they needed to keep their mouths shut.

"We know you are suspicious, and we'll do our best to gain your confidence. And I'll be here, anytime you need". The scene changed and they were back at the warehouse. "We found a way to lock E'yond'er position, temporarily, until we finish our expedition and research. And we need you three, you and Mr. Dudeman, to finish your next missions, and recover the last of the documents that have been lost".

Ester looked at Kai, and saw the fear in her eyes; and the determination in her soul. They may not trust them, but this was the only way to figure out what was happening.

"We're in", Ester answered, knowing her friend wouldn't be able to.

"Good. I'll give your instructions".