[ WP ] The day has finally come . My life starts over today .

`` That's the last of it, Mister Atomo,'' the corrections officer said flatly as he passed the bag through the window. 
 
 `` For the last time, that's *Doctor* Atomo,'' the newly reformed super criminal replied, struggling to sound stern in spite of the smile on his face. 
 
 `` God willing, *Doc*. And I assume the winged gentleman here is taking responsibility for you?'' 
 
 `` Ah, but Mister Jenkins, am I not responsible for myself, for all good and ill? There is none on this Earth that can shoulder the weight of my deeds but I, DOCTOR ATOMO!'' 
 
 `` That's well and good, but I just need a signature verifying that you were successfully discharged.'' 
 
 `` VERY WELL! Let's get on with this, Baron Buzzard,'' Doctor Atomo said as he removed his bio-optic goggles from the bag of personal items. `` As fun as these years of incarceration have been, I think I've spent quite enough time here.'' 
 
 Baron Buzzard folded his wings back and filled out the necessary paperwork, squawking gently as he turned each page. As the two departed the prison, Doctor Atomo slipped his goggles on for the first time in seven years, his mind quickly readjusting to the extra visual data passing through the neural link. 
 
 `` So,'' Buzzard said, breaking the silence that had filled the cabin of his rental sedan. `` Super Serpent stole plans to some sort of silver shotgun or stock scheme or something. It was definitely something with the letter'S' and you know how he is with'S' words. Either way, I figured you'd want us to cut you in'' 
 
 The Doctor stiffened. He knew his old life was going to come calling sooner or later, but immediately was a level of `` sooner'' that he was n't prepared for. 
 
 `` Listen, Baron, I-'' 
 
 `` Now, now, Atomo. We've both heard the speech you're about to give a dozen times. You'really want to go straight, give it a fair chance, first day of the rest of my life' and all of that nonsense,'' Buzzard interrupted. `` And we've both seen where that always leads. Besides, we both know this is your true... CAW-ling.'' 
 
 Doctor Atomo recoiled in disgust, both from the offer, and the forced pun. 
 
 `` Pull over. Immediately, if you would be so kind. I'm afraid I must eradicate our friendship, Baron.'' 
 
 `` Come on, Doc, do n't be stupid. We're miles away from your crystal lair. Are you going to catch the bus? Just think-'' 
 
 `` DOCTOR ATOMO HAS NO NEED FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION! While you were prattling on, I was setting my brilliance to the task of crafting a rudimentary gravity redirection device. I will be home within minutes, and if you have n't pulled over after one of those minutes, I'll be forced to take one of your doors with me.'' 
 
 The car pulled to the side of the highway, coming to an abrupt halt. The two sat in silence for a moment, both staring straight ahead. As Atomo exited, Baron Buzzard muttered under his breath, `` You have n't seen the last of us, Doctor Atomo.'' 
 
 As he rocketed out of the car, and out of his former life, Doctor Atomo reflected on how that phrase strikes the ears from the other side. 
 
 He could see himself getting used to it.
