246 8 Chance Encounter

"Rick Summers." The man brushed by a few of the men. "I've been dying to meet you." He grinned. "I get that a lot." Rick chuckled nervously. The man laughed. "And he has a good sense of humor." The man towered over Maru. "I'm afraid you can't joke your way out of this one, however." Rick grinned. "Bet?" The man once more laughed. "You're quite amusing, it's a shame I was sent to do this." Rick looked around cautiously as he tightened his grip on maru. "Hand her over." Rick laughed. He just kept laughing. The man looked shocked. "Oi Oi, what's so funny about what I said?" He asked cautiously. "It's just not my style to fight in front of a kid y'know?" The man smirked. "Well, who said you had to fight?" He continued, "Just hand her over." Rick knew he was at a disadvantage. The man could easily order his men to attack, and he was outnumbered. "What would you gain from it?" Rick questioned. The man suddenly frowned. "What do you mean what would I gain from what?" Rick sighed. "What would you gain from taking her?" The man was baffled by the question. "Well, nothing, 'm afraid it's just my orders." Rick smiled. "Are you happy working such a job?" The man opened his mouth to retort, but shut it quickly. "I got tired of seeing these people treated as lesser beings than us. It made me sick." Rick looked down at Maru. "They deserve to live a hopeful life, just like us." He smiled as he patted her head. "Rick..." Maru looked up tearfully. The man scratched his head. "Huser sir," one of the men interrupted. "Yo?" The man began again, "what are we-" The man smiled. "Retreat." The men went into an uproar of shock. "Boss are you sure!?" One man cried. "Let them pa.s.s, now." The man ordered. The men carefully stepped aside. Rick stared in awe. "What are you starin' for? I said you could go." The man laughed. "I hope you're not looking for a thank you or anything," Rick began as he picked up Maru. "You interrupted our grocery run, and now they're probably closed." Rick covered Maru's ears quickly. "b.a.s.t.a.r.d." He smiled. The man let out a hardy laugh. "None taken." He turned away. "Come on boys." He shouted. Rick smiled. Maru looked up at him. "Rick?" She squeaked. "Yeah kiddo?" Rick quickly turned his attention towards her. "Are we going home now?" Rick chuckled. "Yep!" He smiled as he held her, and walked.

"Mr. Huser?" A man started. "What are you doing with your stuff?" The man turned. "Isn't it obvious?" He chuckled. "I've had enough of this h.e.l.l hole, time ta' get outta here." He turned to face the man. "Also, Clark," He began. "I've told you, just call me Chris."