Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kilts in a Cage

[davedove]

Scene 4

Aboard the Cruise Ship Ceilidh


Big Mikey cleared a path for Grant to reach the bar. As I watched, it seemed that Grant was becoming more and more agitated. Eventually, his voice raised enough that I could here him from across the deck.

“But where are the Canadian brands? How can you claim to have a complete selection without Canadian whiskies? And I don’t mean those blended ones you have. Don’t you know that these royal lips never touch anything but single malt?”

I decided I should go to help the poor bartender. As I approached the bar, the bartender was offering different bottles to Grant, who kept slapping them away.

Big Mikey recognized me as I approached and moved to intercept me.

“Easy Mikey, I only want to help out,” I told the large man. He looked me over closely, then nodded and stepped aside.

When Grant saw me, he was not so accepting. “What are you doing here?” he demanded. “How dare you interrupt our royal vacation?”

“Grant,” I started.

“You will address us as Your Majesty!” he demanded.

Wanting to calm the situation, I decided it might be best to follow his demands. “Of course, Your Majesty, perhaps I can help.”

I turned to the bartender, who seemed happy to be speaking to anyone other than Grant. I glanced down to his nametag. “Guillermo, I realize you don’t have the single malts here. Isn’t there supposed to be a special whisky tasting room on board?”

Guillermo seemed to realize that I was trying to help him out of a tight spot. “Yes sir,” he said. “The Highland Bar has been set up with a complete selection of single malts, from different countries. It won’t be open until we set sail though.”

“Thank you Guillermo.” I turned back to Grant. “Your Majesty, it seems that the single malts will not be available until after the ship sails. Please forgive the bartender. He is only trying to do his job and he can’t offer you what he does not have.”

“Yes, yes,” said Grant, with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Of course we cannot blame the servants for only doing their job. We will wait for the single malts.” He turned back to Big Mikey. “Let us return to our seats and await the sailing of the ship.”

Big Mikey looked at me briefly and I thought I saw a bit of relief in his eyes. He turned away and started making a path for Grant.

Ms. Stork stepped up to me. She had been hovering nearby in case her assistance was needed. “You know,” she said, “Mikey almost seemed happy to see you help out.”

“Yes, I imagine it must be quite a strain working with Grant at times, especially in social situations.” I glanced over at her and noticed the drink in her hand. “What’s that you have?”

“It’s called a nutty colada. It’s the same thing as a pina colada, except you put in amaretto instead of rum. It’s really quite luscious.”

“I would imagine it is. I’ll have to try one later. In the meantime, we need to find Panache, or one of the other Moderators. They need to know that Grant is aboard.”