We had to return to the city of Albeja with empty hands. We did not have what Frank Bones requested.
“This is a shame! We failed our mission because a bunch of wild Hoglins did not let us return with the Copper Block. This is so unfair!” Tom kept complaining during the trip.
“Calm down now, Tom.” Paul said. “There’s no point in whining. We struck a deal with the Hoglins, and we made it out alive. We should be thankful for that. Now we must think of a new way on how to secure the equipment from Frank.”
“Yes, but how? How can we save Zack if Frank Bones won’t lend us the equipment needed for the research?” Tom asked.
“Even though I know exactly the kind of person that Frank Bones is, I am going to try and make him change his mind. You sacrificed your mission for the greater good, and this is the least I can do in exchange. By the way, thank you very much for handing them the block, Morgan. I wasn’t sure you were going to do it.”
“It’s perfectly fine.” I replied, still saddened by the loss. “We had to do it in one way or another. The Hoglins wouldn’t let us go and having you guys infected with radiation wasn’t going to help Zack in any way. In the end, it was the only logical choice.”
“Exactly. We will surely find a better way to help those in need.” Paul replied. “I would like to help you guys on this journey, and I won’t rest until the cure for Zach has been discovered.”
“Thank you very much for your support, Paul. It means a lot to us.” Nora replied. “If only other humans are as kind as you are.”
“No need to mention it. I’m just glad to be able to help.”
“Yes, I hope you can find a way to help us secure those equipment’.” Tom replied.
“Let me talk to him and see. General Bart, do you think you could help me with that?”
“Me?” Bart stuttered, frightened. “Why me?”
“Isn’t it obvious? You are Frank Bones’ general. Surely, he must value your friendship. I bet if you talk to him he might agree to lend us the equipment we need.” Paul replied.
“Well…”
“What’s wrong, Mr. General? Are you afraid of even talking to your boss? I always knew you were a coward, but now you are doubling down on it!” Tom joked.
“It’s not that. I’ll have you know that no man scares me. It’s just that Frank Bones is my boss, after all. He can easily fire me if he wants to. I don’t want to get fired. I know how hard it is to make Frank change his mind over any subject. I may help you a bit, but I cannot promise much.”
“You could be brave and help for a change!” Tom replied.
“Hey, watch your mouth. What was I doing back there when I was fighting those Hoglins? I literally risked my neck when Paul asked me to help. I was about to go down fighting, and I did not flinch one bit.”
“He’s right, you know.” I replied to Tom. “General Bart jumped in the fray, and he did not back down. For that, we are forever grateful. Your efforts will not be forgotten, General Bart. Thank you very much for your help. As for Frank Bones, you do not need to intervene. We understand how hard this may be, and how Frank Bones may simply ignore you entirely. He is your boss, after all, and he has quite the ego.”
“Thank you, Strider. I appreciate it.” General Bart said.
“That’s just unfair. So, you’re giving him a free pass to be a coward.” Tom replied.
“Come on now, we are almost there.” Paul said.
We crossed the Nether Portal and reached Albeja. It was day in the Overworld and the light coming down from the sun was blinding me. With the help of Paul and Bart, we made it to the city’s main district where Frank Bones lived.
“Here we are. Let me knock on the door and call for Frank.” Bart said.
He knocked and called. A lady employee opened the door and let us in.
“General Bart, you have returned from your journey. Please do come in, Frank Bones is filing some forms right now. He will receive you in a few.”
“Thank you.” Bart replied.
Minutes later, the lady escorted us into the office. Frank Bones was sitting down by a large table, signing some papers. Piles of forms and documents lay over his office table. He is a busy man by the looks of it.
“Finally, you have returned. Now, I can finally rest easy knowing that my last Copper Block is home.” Frank said.
“Err… Sir…” General Bart replied.
“Come on now, hand it over. I have got a lot to do today. I don’t have time for you, unfortunately. But I’ll certainly give you the rest of the payment and the equipment you asked for.” Frank said, interrupting him.
“Sir…” Bart said.
“What is it, general? Say it already!” Frank demanded.
“We still don’t have the Copper block with us.”
A deafening silence echoed in the room. No one wanted to speak up. Frank Bones remained still, not moving an inch. His pen dropped from his hand and rolled on the floor. General Bart did not know what to do next. Frank Bones raised his head for the first time and stared at our group in disbelief.
“But why?!” He asked.
“We lost the block to the mutant Hoglins.” General Bart explained.
Frank Bones slowly picked up the pen from the floor. He grabbed it with both hands and broke the pen in half.
“I refuse to believe this. It has to be some sort of joke, right?” Frank Bones asked.
Frank was very angry with the outcome of our mission.