A Gear in Politics
Bedlama. One of two natural planets able to sustain life. It's said that in Limbo Galaxy, there lived the most tolerant of societies and many, many diverse cultures. Even their government was considered perfect...except for one minor flaw.
Ever since the exposure of Deputy Governor Stan as a Mob spy, replacements have filed in and out of the position. The reason? Every replacement has been either incompetent, lazy, cowardly, paranoid, or just plain terrible. Also, every single one of them has somehow gotten on the bad side of one Brigadier Brightlight. It seemed that anyone who became Deputy Governor of Bedlama (acting, technically), was in for a short career. This went on for over twelve years. The instability has caused much strain for Governor Xander, and it's about to get worse.
"THAT DOES IT! I CAN'T STAND ANOTHER NANOSECOND IN THIS PLACE! I'VE NEVER BEEN SO INSULTED IN ALL MY LIFE!" A shirll voice shrieked.
Dear gods, what's wrong now? Xander thought as he winced at the impact of his latest replacement, an atypical Coquat called Trish, who recently stormed into his office. "Is something bothering you, Trish?" he asked.
"I have just recently been slandered on my latest event!" she shouted. "Why shouldn't I be bothered?!"
"Trish, calm down..."
"CALM DOWN!? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I'VE BEEN THROUGH RECENTLY?!"
"As I recalled, you were doing some sort of social event involving the local children and their ideas on how to improve our planet?" Trish was notorious for making everything a social event, even Brightlight's personal life, which annoyed him to no ends. Oh, Brightlight could never stand the replacements for some reason, even if none of them were anywhere near as bad as Stan was.
"Yes, I have." Trish continued. "And I'm giving you my two weeks notice!"
"WHAT??!" Xander cried. "But you can't resign, Trish! Not now!"
"Just watch me!" With that, Trish turned on her heel and walked out.
This is not good! Xander thought to himself. The elections are coming up and without a running mate, I'll forefit my place. Yes, people, the quarterly-centennial elections were coming up for Bedlamian politicians in Limbo; according to custom, every candidate for Governor must have a running mate by the pre-election primaries or forefit the elections altogether. The primaries were in six weeks, and Xander was getting nervous. He immediately raced to Trish's office to see if he could still talk her out of resigning, but she was nowhere to be found. Instead, there was a holovid on her desk. He knew that Trish sometimes liked to record her social events for the newsfeed. So he played the holovid, and just as luck would have it, the recent social event was on there. Xander couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he watched the four-year-old Ke'Rika Brightlight present her idea, to send Trish to Brim Star and tell the Mob to go to the Penal Planet.
That's a very nice idea, deary. Trish had said. But I'm afraid it's too dangerous for me.
It'll work. the little girl replied. My Papa said you were the biggest shrew in all of Limbo!
So that was the problem...he knew Birghtlight disliked Trish as much as the other replacements, and probably kept his comments to himself for Xander's sake. The Governor continued to watch the vid.
I see.... Trish said, obviously trying to control her temper. What else did your Papa say about me?
He also says you're nosy, stuck-up, concieted, and have no damned respect for privacy. Ke'Rika answered, then she covered her mouth. Oopsy, I said a grown-up word. That was probably all Trish could take before the vid went blank. Xander thought this was just great; the last replacement he had for the position of Deputy Governor had left the service because his precious bodyguard couldn't keep his insults quiet and they had to be repeated through his daughter, SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE PRIMARIES. It was obvious to say that Governor Xander was very, very pissed at the moment.
"BRIGHTLIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Edited by: Charra Loon at: 4/29/03 11:11:29 am
AresChilde
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(4/29/03 6:34 pm) Reply
A Gear in Politics
He'd been here a week. now that he wsa settled in, he was looking for a job. Virgil ahd told him to try this place first so, here he was. Approaching the government offices he shrugged. Loooked like a place to start. he walked to the desk adn approached the secretary.
"Hi," he said to the woman. "I was wondering if you had any job openings?"
The woman looked up at him like hew as the answer to her prayers and he suddenly began to feel nervous.
"Right this way," she said as she led him up to the governor's office. "Governor Xander? this gentleman is looking for work. I though maybe he could take the position that was recently vacated."
"What position?" he asked as the woman led him into the office where there was a bedlamian who looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown. the Bedlamian who he suposed was governor Xander looked up at him.
"Can you manage official functions?"
"Yeah...I guess," he said.
"Can you be diplomatic?" Xander saked him.
"Yeah, I can do that," Richie said. "I can also be anywhere you need me to be. Why?"
"Becuase I need a deputy Governor. Mine quit and I need a replacement," Xander said. Richie swallowed but looked at him.
"Okay..." he said. Virgil was never going to believe this one. "I'm Richard Folley by the way. if my name matters at all."
Re: A Gear in Politics
"I may as well get to know my own deputy's name." Xander replied. "Alexander Ravencroft. The citizens of Limbo usually refer to me as Governor Xander."
"So, Governor Xander, when do I start?" Richie asked.
"Immediately. However, there is a slight catch..."
"Like what?"
"You see, Richard, the politicians of Bedlama hold elections for Governor every twenty-five years; a single candidate may hold only up to four of these terms. In a matter of months, I will be up for re-election, if I can get past the primaries."
"And let me guess, you need a running mate to qualify for the primaries."
"Exactly. You'll be on staff as acting Deputy Governor until we get past the elections. IF we win, you have yourself a nice, secure job."
"Perfect-o!"
"Just don't dissapoint me. I've had about four dozen replacements serve as acting deputy for the past twelve years and obviously, they haven't exactly met up to par."
"Sir, I can assure you, I won't let you down!"
"For both our sakes, you better not."
At Hawk Haven, Sparx was getting some private time in his quarters when he received a call.
"Sparx here," he said. "Speak to me, baby!"
"Bro, I had no idea you swung that way." The other end joked. Virgil's smile turned into a frown when he realized it was his best friend, Richie.
"I didn't. I was expecting someone else, a female someone else, I might add."
"Sorry, couldn't resist. Just wanted to tell ya, I got a job!"
"Already? Man, you must've impressed the Governor good!"
"Ah, it was nothing. He was beggin' me to take the job, literally."
"So, what's your position? Head engineer? Primary technician?" Virgil went on with his list of choices.
"Would you believe acting Deputy Governor?"
"Acting Deputy Governor--what?!"
"Yep, that's the one."
"You're trippin' me, Rich! Last time I checked, the Governor already had one of those."
"Funny. It turns out she quit and well, elections are coming up and Governor Xander was pretty desperate."
"Oh Lord, you're serious, aren't you?"
"Duh! Why, what is it? Don't think I can do it? Is it because I threw that Class President Election freshman year?"
"It's not that, Rich. It's just that Acting Deputy Governor of Bedlama ain't exactly the most stable job in the universe."
"Right now, they aren't because it's an election year, Virg! I'm stuck in 'acting' mode until Xander here wins...what, his second term?"
"He's going for his third. Rich, did you ever wonder why there have been four dozen replacements for that position in twleve years?"
"Something about the last guy being corrupt...Virg, is there something I should know about?"
"When do you have off?"
"I can possibly fit you into a lunch schedule, but it'll have to be fast, 'cause I got a state dinner tomorrow. Looks like Xander wants to show off his new deputy to the competition early."
"Noon tomorrow. Lucky for you, I got evening patrol tomorrow and can afford a day off."
"All right, noon it is. This must be important, Virgil."
"You have no idea." Virgil made a mental note to bring in pictures of his colleagues to show Richie. If his friend was going to survive the position, he had to be warned about certain things.
A Gear in Politics
The following afternoon, the two old friends met for lunch at a local diner near Bedlama City Hall. They knew they had serious things to discuss, but first they had a little small talk.
"You know Virg, I think I'm gonna like working along side Governor Xander."
"Huh? Why's that, Richie?"
"Well, when I went over there I met his secretary. You won't believe how hot she is!"
"Oh I think I can believe it."
"So, you've seen her before?"
"Oh yeah," Virgil replied with a smirk.
"Come to think of it, isn't that her sitting over there?" Richie asked, noticing a pretty Divore sitting a few tables over with another female.
"Yep. It sure is! She usually takes her lunch break here everyday."
"Awesome! Hey, I'm thinking about asking her out. What do youthink, Virg? Think I should go for it?"
Richie starts to get up before even getting an answer from his friend.
Re: A Gear in Politics
"May interfere in your future career," Virgil says. "But it wouldn't hurt to try." He had to supress a chuckle as he watched his best friend and girfriend flirting with each other. He even waltzed over to where Lorie was just to get an earshot at their talk.
"So, in spite of any future superior office I may hold," Richie continued. "I can't help but be curious as to your opinion about allowing me to court you in some way."
"My opinion?" Lorie said. "I think I see my dream man." Then she went past Richie and planted a passionate kiss on Virgil.
Richie just stood there in shock. "Is there something I should know about?" he asked.
"Three things." Virgil replied. "Lorie's cute, perky and mine."
"Geez, bro, after everything we've been through, you could've told me."
"And miss out on you embarassing yourself? I don't think so."
"Oh, hardy har har. What about your friend here?" Virg paled when he saw the female who was sitting with Lorie.
"Cami!" Virg said before Richie could say a word. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"And I didn't expect you to know the new Deputy Governor." Cami answered.
"Oh, Richie? We've been best friends since forever, long before I joined up. Uh, how's your husband?" Virgil was looking around, meanwhile, just in case.
"He's fine. Going to be at the state dinner tonight, under protest."
"What, he can't stand all the political bigwigs? Or is he just pissed at the fact he won't be *unofficially* pulling rank on you?"
"Virgil! For your information, he just doesn't like the fact that he'll have to go into his dress uniform, which he oh so hates very much."
"Okay, whatever. Excuse us." With that, Virgil dragged Richie back to their table.
"All right, Virg," Richie started. "Mind telling me what that was all about?"
"Cami's husband was what I wanted to warn you about, Rich." Virgil explained. "He's practically the source behind the Jinx!"
"The Jinx?"
"The one where you have four dozen predecessors."
"Wait, you mean...Virg. What does Cami's husband do, exactly?"
"Oh, nothing much, he's just head of local law enforcement, military police and is the Governor's bodyguard on occasion. The thing is, all of your predecessors have gotten on his bad side, big time."
"And you're going to tell me how to stay on his good side, right?"
"First rule; NEVER hit on his wife. He's got a major bad temper and put the third dozen Acting Deputy Governors into resignation because they either looked at her wrong, hit on her long after she says no, etc."
"Right, got it. Anything else?"
"Yea; in case you do get on his bad side, you don't know me."
A Gear in Politics
Later that evening, RIchie prepared himself for a very important event. He was going to be introduced to some of the most powerful people on Bedlama as the new acting Deputy Governor, and he wanted to make a good impression. He looked himself over in the mirror as he straightened his tie and cumberbund.
'I hope I don't make myself look like an idiot tonight. I'm so nuervous!" he thought as he headed out the door.
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Posts: 256
(5/10/03 8:35 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
"Remind me again why I accepted the invatation to the state dinner?" Zan asked as she glanced in the mirror one last time. The fancey dinner dress fit her perfectly, the hand embroidered silver hawks and gray wolves accenting in the right place. The jacket that went with it also had the same motif of hawks and wolves, but it also had all of her service medals and awards on the front.
A figure appeared in the mirror behind her as the blue and white ribbon bearing the Star Cross of New Eden was placed around her neck. "Because you decided that you should at least accept things this year since I'm about to retire and we're going to be returning to New Eden," Will said with a chuckle before placing a soft kiss against the side of her neck. "I think you said something about 'getting your feet wet'?"
Zan snorted softly. "Just wait. I'll be draging your tail into Politics once we return home-"
A knock interupted what ever else she was going to say.
"Come on in," Will said as he picked up her jacket and held it out for her to put on.
The door opened and in stepped Lt. Quicksilver, in the full formal military outfit of his rank. "Come on you two, you can oogle, flirt and grope each other After this dog and pony show called a state dinner takes place."
Both Will and Zan started chuckling. "Me thinks he does not like Politics," Zan quipped as she ajusted the jacket.
Will grabbed his own jacket and slipped it on, fastening the gold buttons up the front. His outfit was just like Jon's, except the ranking was different. "Me thinks he knows us too well," Will pointed out.
Jon just rolled his eyes and left the room, muttering about being insane in accepting the invatation, let alone deciding to go with the 'two crazy people' in that room.
Re: A Gear in Politics
Meanwhile, Camiel had just arrived with Kyla when she saw her own mate ready for the state dinner.
"Tell me again why I'm doing this?" he asked her, all decked out in his dress unifrom.
"Because it's one of the many obligations that go with your rank?" Cami replied.
"Besides that."
"Oh, come on, it's not that bad."
"I look like a da--" He stopped when he saw Kyla. "Blasted chandelier!"
"Well, it's your own fault that you got all those rewards for being Bedlama's local hero."
"Thank every patron god in Limbo that's all I have to put up with these days."
"Papa!" A small voice squeaked. Both parents turned to see Ke'Ri decked in her Mahda's make-up. Sh'Ekrah had to supress a chuckle as he approached his little girl.
"And where do you think you're going, young lady?"
"With you to the party."
"Ke'Ri, we've talked about this. The state dinner is for grown-ups and is going to last way past your bedtime."
"But I wanna go with you."
"Look, Ke'Ri. I've been to dozens of these state dinners long before your Mahda was born. They're incredibly boring. Trust me, you'll have more fun with Kyla and Mahda."
"But--"
"No buts, young lady. I'll see you tomorrow. Now, why don't you wash off that gunk and play with Kyla?"
"Okay! Kya, come on, we got work to do!" As the two four-year-olds rushed upstairs, Sh'Ekrah turned back to Camiel, a desperate look in his eyes.
"Are you sure you can't come with me?" he asked.
"You know I can't, kesobo." Cami answered. "Someone has to watch the girls and we can't find a babysitter."
"Drat. I survive over three hundred years of battle only to die of boredom in a matter of hours at some damned political extravaganza."
"You say that everytime you have to go to these things."
"I mean it this time." By then, Cami had moved to the back of her mate and started whispering.
"I'll tell you what, my Fearless Rebel. If you go through that state dinner without a word of complaint, period, you might get the chance to *unofficially* command me tonight. The girls'll be asleep and we can test out that soundproof shield we got."
"The one where sound comes into our room, but not out?"
"Uh huh..."
"I'm not sure if I will be able to do that, alixia. I'm only a mortal, after all." By then, Cami had started nibbling on the back of his neck. It was one of the more sensitive parts and she knew it. "Then again, nothing is impossible..."
"I'm going to keep an ear out on your progress, love. One syllable of complaint and deal's off."
"Vocal or mental?"
"Vocal. But, if you don't even think about complaining, I'll wear that dress you like. The one which you says makes me look like a chaste woman, waiting to be seduced..."
"All right! You know I couldn't deny you a thing if my life depended on it! Remind again why I married you."
"Because I was the one woman who didn't give a damn about your name, prestige and all that other good stuff that made you Limbo's second most elegible bachelor."
A Gear in Politics
Unlike the Brigadier, Richie was quite excited about that evening's events. During the ride to the state dinner, Governor Xander gave the human a run down on who would be there.
"You'll definitely want to meet the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and the Brigadier General. I'd also like you to meet our Embassador/interpretor from the Planet of the Mimes."
"Wow. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone, sir. I won't let you down!"
"I'm sure you'll do just fine, Richard!" Gov. Xander replied with an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
Richie seemed to be a big hit at the state dinner. Everyone seemed impressed with his wit and pleasant manner. However things got a little unpleasant when he came across a conversation between the Mimian Ambassador and another Bedlamian official.
"I just think it would make better sense for the Mimian ambassador to be...welll...Mimian, not half," came the Coquat's comment.
"And why is that?" Lady Detia asked through gritted teeth.
"Well, I'm told you weren't raised on Tampala the first nine years of your life so you didn't really get a full, untainted experience of the culture."
"Oh, really?"
RIchard could tell from Lady Detia's expression that things were about to get really ugly.
Edited by: Detia1 at: 5/13/03 7:54:48 am
Re: A Gear in Politics
"Excuse me," he said, coming between them. "But I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Congressman, does it really matter whether the Mimian ambassador is a full Mimian or not?"
"Well..." the Coquat began. "Not really, no."
"Of course not! Plus, there's the advantage that they speak English, or Terran tongue as you call it, much more clearly than a full Mimian ever could. And, am I wrong, Congressman, in saying that inter-species relations and hybrid species are common in Limbo?"
"No, you wouldn't."
"My point exactly."
"Well argued, Mr. Folley, but I am curious about something."
"Oh?"
"The increased immigration of metahumans, for instance. I understand that there are some Terrans who don't take kindly to having...how shall you say, abnormalities of their species around, and I was wondering if you had a problem with it."
"Why would I have a problem with metahumans? Some of my best friends are metahumans."
"Very well then. Excuse me."
"Sheesh! Welcome to Bedlama, the sancuary of tolerance."
"That went well." Detia said. "I see you've made quite an impression, Mr. Folley."
"Thank you, Lady Detia. I do try my best to please."
"At least my son-in-law hasn't killed you, or drove you to resignation. Not yet, anyway."
"Brightlight? Nah! Unlike the others, I think I know better than to piss him off. Which Congressman was that, anyway? Ya think after seeing all these people, you'd remember a few names."
"Congressman Veto. He's aide to Senator Lerk, who is also your competition."
"Let me guess, neither of them aren't too popular with the public, are they?"
"There's pretty much a reason why Governor Xander's won the election two times straight and those two are it."
"Why is that?"
"Lerk places too much of an importance on 'pure races' and discourages inter-species breeding."
"Well, I guess it'll be the third time he loses. Poor guy."
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Posts: 260
(5/13/03 7:27 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
Outside on one of the balconys, Will, Zan and Jon were quietly speaking, unaware (or unconcerned) that someone might be listening in on their converation.
"Remind me again why I came?" Zan asked leaning against Will, who was in turn leaning against the railing. "All they talk about is politics, how to get the most votes or how to make their opponents look like mud." She rolled her eyes then taking a drag from her cig.
Will crinkled his nose as he watched her inhale. For the most part he had managed to get her to severly slack off on smoking. "Because this is a state dinner and you wanted to see some examples of politics in action." But there were some times that he didn't mind her smoking, this was one of them. Otherwise she might say something to the wrong person and well.... that was something he didn't want to think of.
Jon just chuckled from where he was leaning on the railing. He had his own cig in hand. "I'd rather deal with Mon*Star and the rest of the Mob then deal with politicians anyday. At least I know that the Mob wants us dead outright. I have no clue what a politician will want."
"I thought you didn't smoke?" Will asked. "You've been around my wife too much of late haven't you?" he asked with a chuckle.
Both Jon and Zan laughed. "Hardly!","Not likely!" they said in unison.
"If we spend too much time together, then I might as well run for Govoner and let Jon be my running partner. Really shake things up around here." Zan said with a gleam in her eye.
Will looked down at his wife, then over to his friend and CO, then back to his wife again. "Wolfie, what are you plotting?"
She looked up with an innocent smile at the big man. "Me? Plotting something? Why Will dear, why would I do something like that?"
Jon just rolled his eyes and stubbed the cig out. "Un-huh, right." With a shake of his head, he straighted up, then ran a hand through his hair. "I'm heading back in, so don't get into trouble you two. Alright?"
A couple of mumbled replies was his only answer as he walked back inside. As he took a wine glass from a passing waiter he bumped into someone. "Excuse me.... oh, hello Zeek."
The green alien just grinned hugely. "Good eeeveening Lieutenant Quicksilver. Having a Wonderful time? Good? Good. I must go now." and with that he vanished into the crowd.
Phantom didn't realize that she had sparked a flame that was about to be fanned by the flapping lips of the biggest gossip in all of Limbo, Zeek the Beak, the now Editor in Chief of the Bedlama Star and the infamous Profiles and Personalities. While everyone was still schmoozing, Zeek managed to waddle over to Governor Zander to scope out his reaction to the little tidbit he had just over heard.
"Soooo, Governor Xander-person, how are you this find evening?"
"Uh, doing just fine, Zeek. Is there something I can help you with?"
"Why yes, as a matter of fact ther is! I have a question. What would you be thinking of someone new throwing their hat into the ring for the election, so to speak?"
"And who exactly do you have in mind?"
"Oh, I don't know. Perhaps a person no one really knows much about, but seems to have freinds in high places..."
"Spit it out Zeek! Who else is about to enter the race?"
"Well...it has been overheard that a certain Dutchess is about to shake things up!"
Re: A Gear in Politics
"Certain...wait, you don't mean Duchess Verandua, do you?"
"Absolutely correctomundo."
"Zeek, that is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. I am certain the Duchess would be too preoccupied running her own territories to bother with a common election such as this."
"Oh you think so, eh? Don't be so sure..." Zeek then went into the crowd to spread the news, leaving Xander to ponder it for himself.
Well, whether this little bit of news is true or not, I just might need a bit of a diversion for the competition. Xander thought to himself.
Meanwhile, Sparx had managed to finish his patrol and was getting ready to attend the state dinner. He told Richie he'd be there, but a little late. Plus, he had to see Lorie about something.
Please let this night be perfect. Virgil prayed as he got into his dress uniform and rushed off to Bedlama.
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Posts: 261
(5/15/03 9:22 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
At the table in question, the trio were still chatting about this and that. Most of it had to do with Zan's business and how things were running. Jon was leaning forward on his elbows, the remains of dinner set aside in favor of a sample plate of very sweet deserts. The empty wine glass also set to the site. Will was leaning back in the chair, a large glass of near-beer in hand, and Zan was shifting from leaning back to sitting forward with her elbows on the table.
"Seriously, to have good stock you need to start out with good selection to choose from. Then it's all a mater of picking and choosing the breeding lines," Zan said, poking at the piece of cake on her desert place. "Geese Jon, how the hell do you manage to eat so much sweets yet never gain an ounce? Your putting me into a diabetic shock." She made a face as she watched him take another bite.
Will just chuckles then took a sip of his drink and made a face. "I'll be glad to get home and get a real one of these. As for him? You should have seen some of the stuff he'd try to sneak into Hawk Haven... course then again, we all have the ability to put away foods and not gain any weight."
Zan snorted and sat back again. "Well once you retire, your gonna have to watch it or else your's gonna have a gut on you that would put St. Nick to shame." She then poked him in the belly.
Jon just smirked and started to take another bite of the overyly sweet confection but stopped as he saw a young man approach the table. He straightened up, putting his form down. "Can I help you?"
A Gear in Politics
"Hello. I'm Richard Folley, Deputy Governor to Governor Xander. Are you Dutchess Vernadua?"
"Why, yes I am."
"I've heard a few things about you and I wanted to meet you for myself," Richie replied with an outstretched hand. Zan reached out with hers to shake his, but was caught off guard when the young man lightly kissed her knuckles.
"Well, isn't he a charmer?" Zan smiled at Richard then winked at her husband, who rolled his eyes and laughed. "Why don't you have a seat, Richard. We could use a young man like you to spice up a conversation. I'm getting kind of tired of talking to crusty old men," Zan teased.
"I'd love to join you, Your Grace!"
"Uh...Mrs. Heart will do me just fine," Zan replied as she patted the empy chair next to her.
As the group conversed, no one seemed to notice someone else had come tot he table. Quicksilver caught a glimps of Lorie waiting patiently out of the corner of his eye. She gave a shy wave then pointed at Richie. Jonathan then tapped the young man to get his attention.
"Oh, hi Lorie. What's up?"
"Uh, Richie, have you seen Virg? I can't seem to find him anywhere."
"No, I haven't seen him yet. He did say he would be late getting here after his shift."
Re: A Gear in Politics
"Good evening, Miss Lorie." Jon replied. Not long after, Virgil, having spotted Lorie, came over with two glasses of white cranberry juice (to match the effect of champagne).
"Virgil!" Richie cried. "We were just talking about you, and you brought drinks." Richie grabbed a glass and gulped it down. The rest of the table, especially Virgil, could only gape at the Terran.
"Richie!" Virg cried.
"What? It was good white cranberry, excellent year."
"Damnit, this was supposed to be perfect."
"Excuse me," Jon said. "But do you two know each other?"
"Know this bottomless pit?" Virigl replied. "As a matter of fact, I do, far too well."
"Virgil and I are old friends." Richie explained. "We've been through a lot together, what with him becoming a metahuman and everything. We were a team, until one of us joined the SilverHawks."
"Yea, Richie and I help each other a lot way back when, and now Richie here's going to help me out when I need it most." Virgil then pulled Richie along and walked over to Lorie. He then put Richie between them and went down on one knee. "Miss Lorie Minkh, will you marry me?" Lorie, and everyone else, became shocked at this display.
"Uh...Virgil?" Lorie asked.
"Yes, ma'am?"
"This is very sweet and everything, but why are you offering me Richie as your betrothal gift?"
"Yea, Virgil!" Richie exclaimed. "I think Bedlamians have oath chains, but I'm not sure what they look like."
"The design varies from species to species." Virgil explained. "And you were supposed to be the genius. Anyways, Divore oath chains are silver leaves in a laurel shape, but there's one little problem."
"What, you lack sufficent funds to buy it?"
"Actually, I had it and decided to propose like in the romantic movies where the guy hides the engagement token in his lady love's wine glass, but SOMEBODY ruined it on me and I had to improvise at the last minute."
"So what does this have to do with me?"
"Three guesses on where that oath chain is now." Richie looked at the other wine glass and noticed it only had a drink, but the glass he drank out of was empty, completely.
"I...oh man, tell me I didn't!"
"You did! You ate my marriage proposal, or at least a crucial part of it! Now, Lorie...Lorie?" But Lorie was nowhere to be seen. Will told him that she rushed off outside and Virg took chase, leaving an incredibly shocked Richie sitting.
"I ate my best friend's oath chain, I so do not believe it!"
"If it makes you feel any better, sir." Will said. "Worse things have happened to your predecessors."
Re: A Gear in Politics
It wasn't long before Richie's stomach began to grumble.
"Oh boy. I don't think the oath chain is agreeing with me!"
Seeing the young man's discomfort, Quicksilver quickly decided to help Richard find the men's room. After they had made it just in time, Jonathan stepped out of the men's room to give Mr. Folley some privacy. Before he knew it, he was accosted by Lorie, who had managed to evade Virgil.
"Mr. Quick, can I please talk to you for a minute?"
"What is it, Baby Girl? What's going on?"
"It's about Virgil...well more about me...or more about both of us..."
"Lorie, could you get to the point, please? What's wrong?"
"Virg...you saw he asked me to marry him..."
"Yeah, honey? What's wrong? You afraid to tie the knot?"
"No, it's not that...it's just that...I have the same problem my mother had and my drug abuse might have made it worse!"
"Lorie, what are you talking about?"
"Oh no! Here he comes!"
Before Jonathan knew it, the Divore woman disappeared again.
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(5/17/03 6:30 pm) Reply
Re: A Gear in Politics
Before he had taken more then a dozen steps away from the spot he was standing when Lorie appeared then vanished again, Virgil appeared and stopped him.
"Lt. QuickSilver.... Um.. have you seen Lorie? I thought I saw her over in this area."
Jon had to practicly bite his tongue to keep from snapping at the young man. After all it wasn't his intentions to do something to Lorie and upset her. He shook his head. "No... or at least I don't think it was her. Someone went past me in a hurry to reach the ladies room." Before he could say more though, the young man was gone. Reaching up he pinched the bridge of his nose, eyes closed. He could feel a headache over it all coming on so decided there was nothing else he could do at the moment. So he returned to the table.
Will and Zan both looked at him when he didn't sit down. "Any idea of what just happened?" Zan asked.
"Not a one," Jon replied as he picked up his glas and finished it off. "Listen, I'm heading out. Going to go take a walk and see if I can clear up the headache that's begining. I'll see you both later."
"Night skipper. You know where the house is at if you want to spend it dirt side." Will said.
Zan gave Jon a quick kiss on the cheek. "Be carefull and we'll see you later. Night."
Jon nodded and made his exit from the state dinner party quietly.
Re: A Gear in Politics
Just as Jon was about to head for a nearby park, he heard someone whisper, "Psst! Hey, Terry! Over here!" Jonathan froze in his tracks, then slowly turned to see Lorie hiding behind a large tree. He sighed and went over to the young Divore.
"Lorie, this is getting ridiculous. You can't hide from him all night..."
"I know, Terror Man, but I just can't think of what to say to him..."
"How about 'yes' or no'?"
"It's not that simple!"
"Why, hon?"
"Beacause...because..." Before Lorie could finish she bagan to choke on her words as tears began to flow down her cheeks. Jonathan put his arms around his friend to comfort her.
"Listen, Baby Girl. You don't have to explain anything to me. I'm not the one who needs an explanation, but I know who does need one. And he's coming over here looking for you."
Re: A Gear in Politics
Sure enough, Virgil arrived on the scene. "There you are!" he said to Lorie. "We need to talk." Lorie was at a loss for words and turned to Jon, but noticed he was gone. "Look, love, I know the proposal didn't turn out as romantic as you'd hope, what with my best friend--now second-in-command to the Governor--eating the oath chain, but I don't think that's a good reason to bail on me."
"It's not that, Virgil." Lorie explained.
"Then what is it? Talk to me."
"Virg, if and when we do get married, how important is it for you to have children?"
"It's top of my list, next to spending the rest of my life with you, of course. Why?"
"Virgil, this isn't easy for me to say this, but...*sighs* I have Isley's Syndrome."
"Oh no! Not Isley's Syndrome! Anything but Isley's Syndrome!" He then realized something. "What's Isley's Syndrome?"
"It's a genetic defect common in 10% of Divore females. It's something that basically ruins the life of the person who has it."
"Is it...fatal?"
"No, but it does increase certain immunity systems by a huge amount. Especially...especially the acids that eat away at sperm. I'm still fertile, but it's very difficult for a Divore sperm to fertilize my egg, let alone alien sperm."
"Lorie, that shouldn't make a big difference in your life."
"It does make a difference, Virg! Anyways, there's more. Isley's Syndrome has been known to cause increased scarring in tissue with every conception to the point where pregnancy is impossible. My mother had five previous pregancies before I was conceived. Two were miscarriages and three were abortions."
"Abortions? Why?"
"My father wanted a son. He said he'd be damned if he had a female child for an heir. When it was found out I'd be female and my mom's uterus would be completely useless whether she had an abortion or not, he abandoned us."
"And you're afraid history would repeat itself with us, aren't you?" Virgil could only stare at Lorie as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing; her silence after his comment told him he was right. "Lorie, listen to me. You and I, we're a lotta things, but your parents ain't one of them. I do want children, yes, but if we can't get them the old-fashioned way, well, I don't know about you, but I'm more than willing to look for alternatives. It doesn't matter how we have children, or what their sex is for that matter, as long as I have them with you. When the time comes for us to have children, we can always sign up for foster parents, or maybe even adopt. Heck, we'll even get our eggs and sperm in a test-tube and carry on from there. But no matter what, there is no way I'm gonna abandon you, ever. So, do you wanna give this a shot or what?"
"Well...oh, what was I thinking?! Yes, I'll marry you!"
"Great! Now that only leaves one problem left to solve."
"What's that?"
"Should we get that oath chain from Richie's stomach or do you want a new one?"
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