The Number Project

"You're going to work already!?" Maru cried.

"Why, what's up?" Rick asked, putting on his jacket.

"No reason..." Maru muttered.

"Don't worry kiddo, I'll be back soon." Rick said, giving a soft smile.

"Fine..." Maru waved as the door closed.

As Rick stepped into Experiment Labs he let out a yawn.

"Oh, Mr. Summers!" A voice called.

"What perfect timing."

As Rick turned around, he was met by Claudius.

"A p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e to finally meet you with my very own eyes..." Claudius smiled.

"A-ah...likewise." Rick said with a nervous smile.

"Come, why don't we have a seat in my office?" Claudius said, pointing to a door.

"Yeesh am I ever gonna get any work done here...?" Rick whispered to himself.

"What was that?" Claudius turned around.

"N-nothing!" Rick stammered.

As Claudius shut the door, Rick took a seat.

"Mr. Summers, we have much to discuss." Claudius said, giving a smile.

Somethin's off about this guy... Rick thought to himself.

"Yeah sure...what's up?" Rick asked.

"Well first I must apologize for my colleague, Nox..." Claudius said with a frown.

Rick's eyes widened.

"So are you two like..." Rick began.

"In charge?" Claudius continued for him.

"Yea..." Rick whispered.

"Ah, well yes I suppose we keep balance around here." Claudius began, then looked down.

"At least one of us..." He said, narrowing his eyes.

He then quickly looked up at Rick.

"Kidding, kidding!" He said with a laugh.

"Got it..." Rick chuckled nervously.

"Anyways, you don't need to apologize for him, Nox didn't do anythin'." Rick smiled.

"I see..." Claudius said, studying a pen on his desk.

"Father..." A voice called out.

"Not now Marion." Claudius said sternly.

"Oh, is now not a good time?" Rick asked.

"Nonsense of course it is, sit down!" Claudius said, waving his hands.

"Heh..." Rick laughed.

"Shoo." Claudius instructed.

"Yes, father." Marion said, walking away.

Claudius sighed, then quickly turned back to Rick.

"Kids...am I right?" He laughed.

Rick quickly looked up.

"Right, those little...rascals...!" Rick laughed.

"Anyway, is there anythin' else I can do for ya right now boss?" Rick asked, looking at the clock.

"Well, Summers..." Claudius began.

"How would you like to be Nox and I's personal assistant?" Claudius said, with a smile.

"Both of yours...?" Rick asked.

"I mean...I'm totally fine with that, of course!" Rick smiled.

"Fantastic!" Claudius said, clapping his hands together.

"Nox isn't in today, and I am currently busy with personal duties, so you are free to go for the day." Claudius said with a wink.

"Oh, thank you!" Rick smiled.

"I'll see ya tomorrow then..." Rick said, extending a hand.

Claudius stared at his hand for a moment.

"Oh!" He cried.

"You want a handshake, yes?"

"Uh...yeah." Rick chuckled.

"Got it!" Claudius said, quickly shaking his hand.

"Tomorrow it is." He smiled, as Rick closed the door behind him.

"All according to plan..." Claudius whispered.