Missions of the Retrieval Team - A Kilt By Any Other Name

[12stones]

*cue Axe body spray commercial*

Bom chicka WOW WOW!!

[davedove]

*cue Axe body spray commercial*

Bom chicka WOW WOW!!

Just wait until the next scene.

[davedove]

Scene 9

Mr. Dove’s Office, Great Hall of X Marks the Scot

I was sitting at my desk writing instructions for the possibility that I didn’t return. Just as I was sealing the envelope, Jamie knocked on my open door.

“Am I interrupting?” he asked.

“No, come on in. I just finished.”

“Is that what I think it is?”

I handed him the envelope. “Yes, instructions for if I don’t return.”

“I can’t take that. Shouldn’t you give it to Ms. Starling?”

“No, it’s not about the team. It’s about X Marks.”

He took the envelope and stared at it. Looking up at me he said, “I’ll take it. But you’re coming back.”

“That’s the plan.”

Jamie sat silently for a moment. “I wish I was the one going.”

“I know, but Hank is right; we can’t risk another Moderator.”

“But you have important duties too.”

“Ms. Starling can handle them. Besides, you have a wife and kids, remember?”

“Yeah, you’re right.” He looked up at me with a smile. “I guess I just can’t take it that you’re doing the noble thing and not me.”

We both laughed at that.

A gentle knock drew our attention to the door. Ms. Thrush stood there. Oddly, she was wearing a long coat.

“Can I have a moment alone with him?” she asked Jamie.

“Sure, I’m done here anyway.” He turned back to me. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Right, oh-dark-thirty, I know.”

“Thanks Jamie,” Ms. Thrush said as Panache walked through the door. She stepped into my office and closed the door behind her.

“What can I do for you?” I asked her.

“Nothing,” she said. “I’m going to do something for you.” With that she untied the belt of her coat and let it fall open. Under it she was wearing the outfit she had worn at the Pink Cheetah.

She pulled the coat off and let it fall to the floor behind her as she walked over to me.

“Look, I appreciate it, but you don’t have to do this.” I said to her.

She leaned over and placed her finger on my lips, silencing me.

“I know,” she said. “I want to do it, just in case, well, you know.”

I nodded, letting her know that yes, I did know.

She had me slide my chair away from the desk, and then she began to dance for me.

I have to say that I never experienced a dance like that before in my life. All of her clothes stayed on and nothing was ever revealed, yet this dance was the sexiest one I had ever seen.

When she was done, she sat on my lap and put her arms around me in a hug. “Come back to us,” she whispered.

[davedove]

Scene 10

David’s Laboratory, Great Hall of X Marks the Scot

Daybreak was at six o’ clock the next morning, so my team was up and ready to go by five. We all met in the kitchen where a small breakfast had been prepared.

Dee and Arlen met us there and they both walked up to me.

“We just wanted to wish you good luck,” said Dee, “before it got too busy.”

I shook both their hands and they also wished Ms. Raven and Ms. Hawk good luck and then they also grabbed a little breakfast.

Just before six we were all assembled in David’s laboratory. The three of us going through the portal had our packs on and we were listening to final instructions from Hank.

“When you first go through,” he told us, “try to signal us if you can see the portal from the other side. That will at least answer one of our questions.”

“We will have Jerry activate the portal tomorrow morning at six. If you’re not there tomorrow, we will do the same every day until we get you back.” He paused.

“If we can come back,” I finished for him. “Hank, if no one comes back through, don’t send anyone else.”

He nodded. “We will begin in just a few minutes. If there are any last minute preparations, make them now.”

The three of us had already made our plans for going through the portal. I would lead the way, with Ms. Raven right behind me holding the straps of my pack and Ms. Hawk bringing up the rear holding Ms. Raven’s pack. That way we could move as a single unit through the gateway. We were to move on Ms. Starling’s signal.

While Jerry and Ms. Starling worked to get the equipment ready, everyone else gathered around us to wish us well. There were hugs or handshakes from everyone. They all knew we might not be coming back.

I heard the hum of the machine and I knew that it was ready.

“Take your positions,” Ms. Starling called out.

We lined up in front of the portal, ready to step through.

“Hold on Jerry,” Ms. Starling said.

She walked over to us and hugged both Ms. Hawk and Ms. Raven. She then turned to me and embraced me. “Good luck,” she said.

I held her tightly. “Take care of them Anna,” was all I could think to say.

She leaned back a little and looked into my eyes. “I expect to see you all tomorrow morning.” Her voice broke a little and I saw tears forming in her eyes. She quickly turned away. “Everyone in position,” she ordered.

She looked over to Jerry. “Ready?”

“Anytime,” he answered.

She turned back to us. “Ready?”

Ms. Hawk grabbed Ms. Raven’s straps. “Ready,” she said.

Ms. Raven grabbed my straps. “Ready,” she repeated.

I braced myself, ready to jump through the portal. “Let’s do this,” I said.

Ms. Starling readied herself and looked towards the portal. She waved a hand behind her. “Activate it,” she ordered.

Jerry pushed the activation button and the image of the valley appeared in the portal.

“Go!” Ms. Starling ordered.

As a single unit, the three of us jumped towards the portal. The instant I touched the image, a pulling sensation grabbed me and we were sucked through the gateway.