64 Chapter 64 (1/2)
Chapter 64
James followed Z silently as the man led him from the medical office towards the parking lot. Generally, public transportation was all everyone used now a days, which is why it was so easy for James to simply ride the bullet train to and from his house. However, it appeared as if Z was one of the old school type, who preferred private transportation.
”I hope you will excuse me for the mess in my car.” Z's voice broke the silence between the two as he motioned towards a car, one of maybe seven in the entire parking lot. He was motioning towards the passenger side door of a car that was currently plugged up to one of the charging stations. All cars were electric and utilized solar charging ports to replenish their batteries.
The car was not what James was expecting, and yet, in his mind, he realized it was also exactly what he was expecting. If, of course, this Z was the same Z from DCO. A thought he was starting to fully accept the more he saw.
It was an all-black, save for a white line running along the lower part of the body, four door car the likes of which James had never seen before. Every modern car he had seen had the same, slim, ergonomic and environment friendly shape, with crisp rounded edges. This, this was on a different level. The front and rear were practically squared, with a hard, somewhat rectangular body and top to it. That being said, it had the faintest amounts of curves and sleekness to it, giving off the image of muscle, power. This, from what little James knew of cars and their pasts, was a muscle car.
”Like my ride?” Z was grinning as he stepped up to the passenger side door, his hand caressing its side in a loving fashion for a moment, before moving down to the handle. James knew Z was activating the car's security system, which would recognize Z's chip's proximity, and unlock the vehicle.
”What, is it?” James murmured as he stepped forward, looking past Z to the interior. It was covered in all black leather, drawing another surprised look from James. Leather had been phased out over 30 years ago, to be replaced with synthetic materials and fibers. But James was certain what he was looking at, was actual leather.
”This, James, is Baby. She's a 1967 Chevy Impala that I have had since I was about 19.” He held the door open, allowing James to slide in as he headed over to the other side. The 'mess' Z had referred to, was an odd amount of what appeared to be playing cards, various types of dice, and a collection of what looked to be old school dungeon manuals and character sheets. He was 99% sure this was indeed the Z from DCO.
”But that means your car is almost 100 years old.”
”You can do basic math, that's good.” Z shot James a smirk as he started the car. Its engine let out a rumbling growl that was completely opposite of the silent electric cars James had seen before. The sound cut off James's retort, but his face revealed he did not appreciate the comment.
Z took not of his reaction and offered him a wider smile. ”I wasn't being a dick James. Sometimes mild concussions can lead to confusion and disrupt your mental functions, such as problem solving, including the ability to do basic math. So, the fact you were able to make that observation so quickly, is a good sign.”
He let out a laugh, a laugh James had heard countless times over the last two nights, confirming 100% James's suspicions. He was being driven home by Z, the very adventurer who was putting together a raid to bring down the Terminus. The very adventurer Rue had practically created a virtual fan club for.
”But, yes, Baby is almost 100 years old. When I originally got her, it was from my father, who had purchased her later in his life, because of his love of the show 'Supernatural'.” He glanced at James to see if that got a reaction. James had never heard of the show, but he had a feeling he knew what he was going to be watching the rest of the day.
”My father bought the car off an old collector, and lovingly restored it. When he passed away, I was left the car.” For the slightest moment, Z's face took on a slight hint of sorrow, and James realized why. Z mentioned he received the car when he was 19, that meant his father had passed away when he was 19. ”I've kept her taken care of ever since, especially since I too loved Supernatural, though I had to admit it was time to let the season end at 15 seasons. It just got a little too drawn out there. Now firefly, I wish they had gotten another season. That show, was amazing.” His eyes were half fixed on the road, half fixed in the past, and James wasn't sure if Z reminiscing while driving him home was the smartest idea. Then again, because so few people used private vehicles anymore, the road was practically empty.
”Firefly?” Another show James had never heard of. If it only had one season though, he was adding that to the top of the to watch list for the day. Supernatural would have to wait. He would probably start streaming episodes while he played DCO, since there was bound to be some down time while he was waiting on experience.