Super Mario Sunshine

Chapter 10 - Lunch by Lighthouse Island

   Walking through the subway doors into the passenger car, Mario glanced around and let out a chuckle of surprise. "Well, we have the whole train to ourself!"

   Turning around to make the same observation, Fludd was not surprised. "I suppose it would make sense if no one is around," he replied. "Everyone is probably on their way back here now that you have taken care of the pollution. Nobody's leaving anymore."

Except for they themselves, the water pump was right. Deeming himself done working in Ricco Harbor, at least for now, Mario had soon after managed to catch an easy trip back to Delfino Plaza by way of the express. He didn't know if more trouble would present itself later on and call him back - but it was always a possibility. He almost found himself hoping it might - he wouldn't mind coming to see Earl again.

As Big Daddy had mentioned, with Gooper Blooper's seemingly official departure, the harbor was beginning to clear and the ink was thinning. Already several new cargo ships and groups of workers had reappeared, on the scene as soon as it was safe; Ricco Harbor was getting pumping again with the bustling feel of fishermen and others at work, and Mario found it time to leave. But still, he couldn't help thinking how pitiful it might have soon become, if he had not appeared when he had!

Mario grinned at the thought and stepped forward to take a seat once again near the front of the train. Well, he'd had to save the seafood industry.

It was a bit exasperating sometimes though, really; how helpless people could be. So many places ravaged by troubles all at once, so much disaster striking one little island... and none at all to help them. Was it all the result of a single cause?

Thinking about that, it actually did seem to show a pattern. Twice now Mario had encountered an oversized 'monster' with both a passion for goop and a handful of shine sprites. And ever since the start of that wild goose chase in Bianco Square, he hadn't seen a trace of the shady individual... was it a coincidence?

Trying to push the thoughts away for later, Mario shook his head and focused on the break in front of him. He had to admit he'd been looking forward a bit to this return trip, too - he loved riding the subway. Just a tiny little opportunity to sit down! Unstrapping Fludd from his back, he plopped down on the cushiony bench beside him and laid his head back with a sigh; as if suddenly shedding his weight for the first time in ages made him realize how much depended on him.

He had to admit no one could be better for this job; the police were pretty much incapable of doing anything Mario had already accomplished. This had to be his task, through and through. Not just because the police demanded it, either; Mario was doing this for the island and his vacation.

None of that mattered just this second, though. Relaxing on the bench, Mario gazed about the empty train and smiled. It was so nice that he hardly even cared that all his clothes were wet.

"This is peaceful," he said, stroking the luxurious red interior. "Not a soul here but you and me."

"I share your pleasure, but remember I am only a machine," Fludd responded in a cheerful manner. "I do not believe I have a soul like you."

Surprised, Mario paused at that and sat up. Fludd was pleasant and bright about it as usual, but the gravity of the sudden words was a bit hard to swallow. No... soul?

He knew it was true literally, of course - and yet, something about it just seemed so wrong. Fludd felt so lively, seemed so real - it was almost weird to suggest he wasn't a creature of some sort.

"But you seem capable of learning and feeling things," Mario pointed out. "You just said you felt pleasure, for example. How can you do that?"

"I have been programmed by one of the best inventors ever known, so I would not be shocked," the machine replied. "But even I am not sure exactly of my limits and capabilities. I must still wonder what it is like to be human."