Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kilts in a Cage

[Coemgen]

By Jove! I say, old bean, good show!

[starbkjrus]

By Jove! I say, old bean, good show!

[Arlen]

I'm looking forward to this.

[Standard]

Yeah new story!

Drinking a guiness as the story unfolds and I'm sure the plot is about to thicken.

[davedove]

Yeah new story!

Drinking a guiness as the story unfolds and I'm sure the plot is about to thicken.

Nope, sorry, it's just a simple story about an enjoyable cruise. No conflict or action of any sort.

[Standard]

Nope, sorry, it's just a simple story about an enjoyable cruise. No conflict or action of any sort.

... he says with an evil grin on his face....

[SexyButler]

Too cool, Dave. You are awesome!

[Pleater]

Melt a tablespoon of butter in a heavy pan, then add one tablespoon of flour, mix and continue heating until it becomes a thick paste or, as the French say, a roux.

Added to anything, it will make it thicken.

You can mix in flavourings or colourings, so it is evenly distributed.

[davedove]

Scene 2

Aboard the Cruise Ship Ceilidh


Since it was only early afternoon, Ms. Stork and I decided to acquaint ourselves with the layout of the ship. Our first stop was the Lido deck, where a lunch buffet had been prepared for arriving guests.

As we made our way down the hallway to the elevators, we ran into an acquaintance from an earlier mission.

“Mr. Dove!” the man called out and rushed forward to shake my hand.

“Mr. Livingston, I’m glad you could make the trip. How’s the head wound?”

“It healed up very nicely. If you don’t move the hair out of the way, you can’t even see a scar.”

“We’re on our way to get some lunch. Would you care to join us?”

“Sure, I was on my way there as well.”

He fell into step with us and we entered the elevator.

As the doors opened, we oriented ourselves and made our way to the buffet. There were already several people in line, including more than a few in kilts.

I noticed that Panache and his family were already eating. His kids seemed to be enjoying the multiple desserts available. I smiled to myself when I saw that Jaime seemed to be enjoying them as well.

As we were waiting, a woman stepped into line behind us. After a few moments, she spoke to us.

“Excuse me,” she said, “But do you happen to represent X Marks the Scot?” Her accent placed her as coming from England, probably from the south coast, perhaps the Dorset area.

“Well,” I answered, “I am a member, but I can’t really say that I represent them.” I pointed to the Panache clan. “Over there is one of our Moderators. If anyone can represent X Marks, it’s him.”

She looked where I was pointing and I could see the recognition in her eyes. “Oh yes,” she said, “I met the Captain of the Saltire when he was in England. He was there to escort Hamish home.”

“You must be Ms. Pleater then. I read Jaime’s report on the journey. You’re from the ICE then?”

“Yes, I am. And you are?”

“Oh, excuse me. My name is Mr. Dove, but you can call me Dave.”

I could tell she knew my name. “Of course, you’re the leader of the team that rescued Hamish and the others from Ivana Rulital.”

“Yes,” I turned and introduced Ms. Stork. “And this is Ms. Stork, another member of my team.”

I turned to Livingston. “And this is Mr. Livingston, who has also assisted on a mission.”

“Very pleased to meet all of you,” said Ms. Pleater. She turned to the conservatively dressed woman beside her. "Allow me to introduce my traveling companion. I believe you know her as Pipesndrumsnun. We are sharing a cabin to reduce expenses”

“Ah yes, very pleased to meet you Sister.”

“And you, Mr. Dove,” she said. “And all the rest of you as well.”

“Mr. Dove,” said Ms. Pleater, “I fear I must make a small correction. It’s the MHICE: the Mata Hari Institute of Culinary Excellence. Normally I would not give its full name, but considering your credentials, I feel you ought to know.”

“Well, I did know, but from Jaime’s report I thought you normally kept the Mata Hari part a secret. By the way, I want to congratulate you on catching Ivana and her associate. Conditions had always kept me from doing so.”

“Yes, it seems she’s living a very non-ambitious life now. Unfortunately, her organization is still operating.”

“Let’s not dwell on that for now. We’re on vacation.”

By now, we had moved up to the food, so we each grabbed our lunch. When our trays were loaded, we went in search of a table. Fortunately, there happened to be one next to the Panache family, so we sat there.

For the next couple of hours, we found ourselves lost in discussions about kilts, cruises, and the quality of the buffet food.

[Dirk Skene]

I'm liking it