Fernando
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Re: Gunslinger Bink II: Acorns & Ergot.
Reply #157 - May 15th, 2008, 10:11pm
-- -- -- -- -- 9 days before wedding -- -- -- -- --
Tammy wakes up first at 6AM to deal with Bink and her needs as she can be a difficult at times. Before she does, she takes care of herself with a shower, teeth brushing and hair/fur care routine before getting dressed. Then she wakes up Bink to do the same while she makes breakfast for them. It would be past 7AM when they are done.
Hondo has awaken almost an hour earlier and had done those things he needs to do as far as personal hygiene is concerned, and has started on his breakfast. He sits down and watches TV from the dining area as he ate, watching what American stations that were on at the time through the house's satellite connection. He did manage to connect to a midnight News Program that was being played, as the 6 hour difference between here and there shifts the broadcasts timings. Nothing much is new over at the states. Crime is still high, Poverty still has its hold in certain places, the price of gas and oil is still going up, and nothing else is still new. Tammy goes downstairs to the kitchen, finding Hondo alone with his meal.
Tammy: Oh, you're awake early.
Hondo: Its my way of doing things.
Tammy: How is Rose, by the way?
Hondo: She's still sleeping. She must have had a rough night last night because she did not wake me to get out of the room.
Tammy: She feel comfortable around you and trusts you a great deal.
Hondo: She should still have awaken me, so I can do the gentlemanly thing.
Tammy: It's a gentlelady's thing not to disturb the man she trusts when he is sleeping. A man needs his rest, as we gentleladies know and respect that. Who knows, maybe she gave you a kiss while you slept before turning in herself.
Hondo thinks to himself of how long it took to get it off his cheek fur, still displeased that Rose should have awaken him up so he could do the right thing.
Tammy walks over to the kitchen, and pulls out some frozen waffles from the freezer. Hondo notices and tell her that he can make some real ones.
Hondo: Those aint good for you, you know. I can make some fresh real ones for you if you like.
Tammy: Its OK. Bink like these things. I don't know why. They taste like cardboard to me.
Tammy continues to go about the kitchen, and getting the other things, things that were designed to make a quick microwavable meal, despite Hondo's protests to make a real breakfast which would have more nutrients and not empty calories. Tammy puts Bink's plate onto the service island as Bink arrives at the dining room, yawning. Bink takes to her plate and glass of juice, putting it on the dining table before she starts to eat it. Tammy starts to make coffee for Fernando and a little something for herself.
Bink: Are we going out today?
Tammy: I don't know what's in the plans. Look, take the day off but be ready to go when I tell you too.
Bink: OK.
Tammy arrives at the table with a bit of toast and cheese with a bit of tomatoe and a tiny scrambled egg along with some juice.
Hondo: That's a tiny breakfast.
Tammy: This is a European breakfast- small and light. More like a snack, because the real meal is something like later in the morning. The kids tend to eat a larger breakfast though...
Hondo: That's too small for me.
Tammy: Well... this is how I've been doing it since I came here.
Hondo: But you're a lady, and lady folk always eat light.
Tammy (trying to change the subject): Don't you have to check on Rose or something?
Hondo: Nope. Just have to wait for the boss squirrel, that's all.
Tammy: He wont be awake until at least a couple of hours.
Hondo: I see. OK...I'll be in the basement garage then, checking out the whirly bird.
Hondo finishes off his breakfast and puts away his plate and glass before going to the basement.
Tammy cleans up after her and Bink are finished. Bink goes to the TV and changes the channel to the Italian morning shows and early morning news. Marco comes down stairs with Angelica and starts something for them in the kitchen. Angelica patiently waits as her handler prepares something for her. Priscilla comes down next and waits her turn. Tammy walks over to Bink with her medical kit. Bink sticks her arm to accept the injection, and answers those questions Tammy asks about her health. Marco looks over to Tammy while serving Angelica.
Marco: In about a month, Bink may be moved over to the pill version as soon as tests shows that they are OK.
Tammy: Pill version?
Marco: Yes. Angelica is testing it now, but I have her medical kit in case she under doses. If it passes, all the cyborgs will be switched to the pills, and the injection kits are in case they run out or under dose.
Tammy: I was not told of this.
Marco: And you wont be since its under testing. But when it passes, you'll be notified. You know- its something to look into.
Tammy: So why tell me now?
Marco: Just a little something to look forward too. That's all.
Tammy: Lets hope it works. I don't want to be let down if it fails.
Marco: Angelica seems to be doing fine with it. Claes was the first to try them out and she passed.
Tammy: Good.
Marco (switching the subject): When is Fernando waking up?
Tammy: I don't know exactly. In a couple of hours maybe. Why?
Marco: He wanted to meet with Hondo and I about the verifying stage of the mission.
Tammy: Uhm... is there a plan for the day?
Marco: Other than the meeting? Not that I know off. Why?
Tammy: I gave Bink the day off but with a recall notice if we got something to do.
Marco: You want to go out and shake down some bad guys?
Tammy: You know I don't do that...
Marco: It is part of your job.
Tammy: I don't like to shake down people.
Marco: You need to do something to prove the validity of the cyborg program, or else we get out funding cut and eventually shut down, with the cyborgs being dismantled. You don't want that to happen to Bink...
Tammy (hesitantly): No I don't.
Marco: Look we can continue working together, and hope your husband does not get jealous.
Tammy: Fernando wont. He knows what I have to do for the job and why.
Marco: Then maybe you can persuade him to join us then?
Tammy: Why?
Marco: We need somebody of his abilities to work for us.
Tammy: Well, if he wanted to work for the agency, don't you think he would be by now? I am sure that you all have tried to convince him on several occasions to work for you guys, and he must have refused.
Marco sits there in dumbfounded silence, having been scored against by a rookie as far as the staff is concerned. Thusly he does not know how to answer on that.
Tammy: I'll go check up on him...
With that, Tammy leaves the room and goes upstairs.
Priscilla: Ferro tried many times and struck out with him, so don't take it personal.
Marco: I don't intend too.
Back in their room, Fernando was much asleep as he was before. Tammy sits down on the bed besides to him and leans over to his face. She takes her hand and moves the hair from his forehead. She thinks of waking him, and wants to wake him but she does not. She just wonders how life with him would be like. She once again moves the hair that had fallen back into place. This time Fernando's hand grabs onto hers.
Tammy: Oh!
Fernando takes her hand away from his face. Then his eyes slowly open.
Fernando: Oh, its just you.
Tammy: Why? What's wrong?
Fernando: Tammy. Don't ever wake me up.
Tammy: But why not?
Fernando: Just don't. I'll explain it one day but not now.....
Fernando tries to sit up, struggling as he tries. He finally sits up, hunched over in a ball.
Fernando: Damn it, I swear.
Tammy: You OK?
Fernando (almost yelling): I will have to be, alright?!
Tammy quickly draws away from him, almost scared of him.
Fernando: No, wait- Tammy... I'm sorry...
Fernando slowly reaches out to her, breathing heavy. She draws away from him.
Fernando: Look Tammy. I warned never to wake me up, this is why- OK? I don't ever want to hurt you and I promise that I will always try not too. But I need to you respect not to ever wake me or this will happen again or worse. I'm sorry...
Tammy stay her distance for a while before taking his hand and getting close to him once more.
Tammy: I'm sorry for walking you.
Fernando: Don't be.
Tammy: But why?
Fernando: What's done is done. Look. Just let me get washed up and dressed and I will see you downstairs. OK?
Tammy only nods. She then slowly gets out of the bed, giving a kiss to him on his cheek as she does. She then slowly walks out the door and heads back downstairs. Fernando just sits there before sliding over to the edge of the bed and letting his legs drop to the floor. Through dynamic tension (where opposing muscles push/pull against each other, making the person appear to be still though is all tensed up) Fernando stretches his muscles to get the blood circulating again. He then relaxes in his place.
Fernando gets up and gather as his things (towel, soap, robe, toothbrush, clothes, etc.) so to head to the bathroom. He takes a long hot shower before attending to his other needs and finally getting dressed. He returns to his room to drop off his things and finish getting dressed. He goes about his room and finds a clip on holster that he rarely uses. He pus his AA .45 into it and puts it in the back of his waist band, where the shirt and his tail can hide it. Finding his glasses on the nightstand, he takes them and puts them on. He then goes downstairs to the kitchen where he makes himself some breakfast. He sits at the end of the dining table where he eats his breakfast. Halfway through his meal, Fernando sigh, beginning to feel his squirrelly self once again.
Some were finishing off their meals and others were starting on the day's work. Tammy just sits there and stares at Fernando as he eats.
Fernando: Tammy, why are you not working?
Tammy: Hmm? Oh... There is nothing for me to do.
Fernando: Nothing? Ferro, is that true?
Ferro: She does have nothing do to do.
Fernando: I don't believe this. (he pauses for a bit) Look. You're supposed to incorporate your field agents into the intell verification process since they were the ones who worked so hard to get that data.
Ferro: We never had our field agents do intell processing. That the job of Logistics.
Fernando: What if there was a mistake in the intell?
Ferro: Then we will find it.
Fernando: Alright then, have it your way.
Fernando continues eating the remaining 1/2 of his meal. Tammy just kept on staring. As the minutes passed by Rose can down out of hiding, going into the kitchen to serve herself a bit of something to eat. Fernando waited for her to be finished in the kitchen before he went in to clean his plate. Closing the dishwasher, Fernando turned and leaned against the service island.
Fernando: Anyone knows where Hondo is at?
Tammy: He said something about being in the basement with the whirly bird...?
Fernando: I see. Marco, care to join in or take it up later?
Marco looks at the group, seeing where they are. Priscilla nods at him back as an acknowledgement of sorts.
Marco: Alright, lets go.
Fernando walks around the service island and past the dining table where everyone was at, while Marco got up out of his seat and out of the dining area. Together they head to the basement to find Hondo.
Marco: What do you think Hondo is doing?
Fernando: Doing what he is supposed to do. Getting all possible contingencies ready for the next and last part of the mission.
Marco: So, he's...
Fernando: Checking and prepping the helicopter.
Marco: So, explain what is it that this last part is supposed to do?
Fernando: I'll say it when we are all together.
Marco: I see.
They continue down past the first level and through the second level. The entrance to the garage was nearby, though through a long corridor that connects the two buildings. Past the several parked cars inside, they make their way through a maze of line painted walkways and wall markers to a much larger area of the space where it opens up to a maintenance facility and aircraft area. Hondo was at the middle of the area, looking over the medivac helicopter.
Fernando (yelling towards Hondo): Everything up to par?
Hondo pauses in his work and turns to Fernando, seeing that he was not alone.
Hondo: Everything seems to be fine. Just pressurizing some tanks with fuel.
Fernando: Good.
Fernando sits on the floor of the open doorway of the helicopter. Marco stands just a few feet from him at his left, while Hondo was closing up a few access panels on his right.
Fernando: You think you can fly this bird on a recon mission?
Hondo: I can do anything, if I got the right gear.
Fernando: I'll get a few Red Cross ID and uniforms together.
Hondo: What's the plan?
Fernando: I'll draw up a map later, but basically, you are to fly a couple of the Fratellos 10 miles past the border into the bombed out areas and check for survivors.
Hondo: And if we find any?
Fernando: Let the Fratellos deal with them.
Hondo: Uhm, by dealing, you mean.
Fernando: Kill them.
Hondo: I see.
Marco: Can you do it?
Hondo: Of course I can.
Marco: You sound unsure though.
Hondo: Look, I'm not into shooting a man in his back while he's down.
Marco: That's our job.
Fernando: Its to ensure that there are no survivors. If there are, you can bet that they will be plotting revenge and return in a worst way possible.
Hondo: And with no survivors?
Fernando: Wounded evil henchmen always become evil bosses seeking revenge as they fill the void created by the demise of their bosses. Dead evil henchmen...
Hondo: I get the point.
Fernando: You are not to get your hands dirty, just fly this bird to the areas and let the fratellos deal with the rest. She's going to need a new paint job.
Hondo: Eh?
Fernando: I'll get a set of Red Cross stickers, they are to cover the Italian Hospital logos. This way if the Slovenian military come, they can see that you're aid and not a hostile.
Marco: I'll get support to help out with that.
Hondo: I'll do it... alone.
Marco: Don't you want some assistance?
Hondo: I prefer to work alone.
Fernando: Marco, let him have it his way. Hondo, you'll need the wenches, at least 4, to work to raise and lower the teams on. And what ever weapons you need, take them.
Hondo just nods.
Fernando: Marco, plan out which 2 or 3 fratello teams you are going to use and no more than 2 support personnel.
Marco: Will do.
Fernando: We'll meet tomarrow for the details. I should have the maps ready by then.
Hondo: Anything else boss man?
Fernando: No. Marco, get the other Fratellos measured for a tux at that place we went yesterday. Put it on my account.
Fernando hands him one of the credit cards, the one he used at the store the day before.
Marco: Alright.
Fernando: Well, this meeting is over if nobody has anything to add.
Hondo walks over to a hose he had connected to the helicopter, and disconnects it.
Hondo (as he rolls up the hose and puts it away): I don't.
Marco: Me neither.
Fernando: Alright. If there is nothing for her to do, I'm taking Tammy out for the day. Care to watch Bink for us, Marco?
Marco: Yeah, I'll do that. Where are you two going?
Fernando: No where in particular. Just out on a date. Lunch, a long drive... we should be back by the afternoon.
Marco: I see.
Fernando (pulling out his cell phone): Hondo, if anyone gets stupid in here- you're in charge. Do what you think you have to do.
Hondo: Will do, boss squirrel man.
Fernando: I'll see yous later then.
Fernando starts to walk away, making a call on his cell phone. Hondo and Marco just stand there watching him walk away while Hondo packs away his tools.
Fernando: Hello Tammy...Yeah, dress up for me, we're going out. Marco agreed to baby-sit Bink for you... Yeah... See you later.
Marco: I'll go check on the others.
Hondo: I got a few things to finish here, but I'll be upstairs later.
Marco: I'll see you later then.
Hondo: Yeah.
With that, Marco starts to walk back to the house.
Fernando makes his way back to his room, where he finds Tammy in just her underwear, looking over a few skirt and top arrangements. Though startled, Tammy quickly relaxes when she finds it to be Fernando. He stand behind her and gives her a hug before whispering in her ear.
Fernando (whispering in her ear): It does not matter as long as you look good in it.
Tammy: But I cant decide on which one.
Fernando (turning her around so they can be face to face): I would say you look good now, but I cant take you out like this.
Tammy: Oh you...
Fernando kisses her to keep her from finishing off the sentence. Then he slowly let her go. Tammy just sighs and smiles.
Tammy: We could spend the day here instead...
Fernando: We could, and end up trying to make squirrel puppies... That reminds me-mating season over for you?
Tammy: You should know, You're a squirrel too.
Fernando: I'm a flying squirrel, so our mating cycle is slightly different from yours.
Tammy: As I remember, its not that much different.
Fernando: Just answer the question for me so I don't have to google it.
Tammy (sighs): Yes, its over.
Fernando: Good.
Tammy: Good?
Fernando: I mean, good that we can continue with further distractions.
Tammy: Mating season does not bother me at all...
Fernando: No it shouldn't. But to some, it can be problem.
Tammy: Is it a problem for you?
Fernando: With you or any other ground squirrels- no.
Tammy: What about with flyers?
Fernando: I don't know. Its been a while since I have been with my kind.
Tammy: So you're saying...
Fernando: I'm saying that as your husband, I shall be ever faithful to you.
Tammy: Nice save...
Tammy inches up on her tip toes to give him a slight kiss, before going back to her clothes. She gathers a black low-cut dress, places it against her and turns to show Fernando.
Tammy: What do you think?
Fernando: That would be fine.
Tammy: Good.
Tammy takes it off the hanger and puts it on. She then quickly gathers the others and puts them back into the closet. Stepping out of the closet, she kicks out a set of low heel pumps which she puts on. She then walks over to him, turns around pulling her long hair and fluffy tail out of the way, showing him her back.
Tammy: Would you mind zippering me up?
Fernando (pulling up the zipper slowly): Of course not.
Tammy walks about the room, finding her purse, and putting on a bit of make up on herself. She then takes her purse and walks over to Fernando.
Tammy: I'm ready...
Fernando: You sure?
Tammy: Yes.
Fernando: Got your service weapon with you?
Tammy (sighs): Must I?
Fernando: Yes... its for your own protection.
Tammy: Why? Are we going to another mission?
Fernando: It seems that every time we go out, we need to defend ourselves.
Tammy: Its in the purse.
Fernando: Are you just saying that?
Tammy opens the purse to show him her SIG 239.
Fernando: Alright. I'll never doubt you again.
Tammy: Good.
With another final kiss, they leave the room. As they leave, Tammy picks up Bink's weapon from the table, putting it inside a clip on holster. On the way downstairs, Tammy takes a detour to tell Bink that Marco will be in charge while she is away, but to have a fun day in her absence since she does not expect any mission directives to come through. She then walks over to Marco and hands him Bink's medical kit. Though Bink has not shown any signs of problems, it is there in case she goes through any problematic symptoms. Tammy also hands over to him Bink's service weapon inside a clip on holster. She then rejoins with Fernando before leaving for the parking lot.
They enter the Porsche and buckle up. Fernando did the right thing by helping Tammy sit down and held the door open for her. He then got into the driver's side. Soon they were off to a long drive.
Tammy: Where are we going?
Fernando: Eventually to the Coppola in Nemi. I know it would be our second time there, but since we are having problems in Rome, why not go someplace away from Rome?
Tammy: Anywhere is fine, as long as it is with you... But you said eventually... got something planned?
Fernando: Not really. Just need to check upon a couple of things. Hope you don't mind.
Tammy: Are they mission related?
Fernando: No, not really. But they do involve you.
Tammy: Oh?
Fernando: Not to worry. Its something I had been working on for a while.
Tammy: You're not taking me to some sleazy hotel room, are you?
Fernando: If I were, I would have told you. No, this is something far different...
Tammy: Hmmm....
Fernando: Tammy... you like Quadrophenia?
Tammy: What?
Fernando: Quadrophenia, by The Who.
Tammy: Who?
Fernando: Never mind...
Fernando reaches over to the stereo console and turns it on, then he shoves an iPod into the front slot of the console. A few buttons pressed later, a series of piano chords start to play to the sound of rain drops in the background. Soon the singer (Robert Daultry), beings the song.
'Only Love
Can make it reign,
The way the beach
Is kissed by the sea...'
The song lasts just under 6 minutes, to Fernando that is just under 20 miles as he drives in the triple digit range of speed. Fernando reaches over and pauses it at the end.
Tammy: Wow... what was that?
Fernando: That was 'Love Reign on Me' by The Who, its on their Quadrophenia Album.
Tammy: But... what was it? What genre?
Fernando: 60's Rock and Roll.
Tammy: That sounded nothing like Rock and Roll that I know off.
Fernando: Because all your life, you grew up to Hip Hop, Rap and R&B. I grew up in a totally different time then you, and think the music was better then too.
Tammy: Hmmm... I see where we are gong to have something to argue about after all.
Fernando: I'm not in love with you because of your tastes in music. I'm in love with the squirrel in that black dress, and of everything she is, not because of the black dress or of her fluffy tail...
Tammy: I get your point.
Fernando: Maybe you do or maybe you don't... (Fernando presses the button on the stereo console again, and the next song plays, as he sings with it) No one knows what is like, to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blues eyes... No one knows what its like to hated, to be faded, to telling only lies. But my dreams are all but empty, as my conscious seems to be. I have hours, only lonely. My love is vengeance, that's never free. No one knows what its like to feel these feelings, Like I do... and I blame you! No one bites back as hard on their anger, None of my feelings, can show through... But my dreams they are as empty as my conscious seems to be. I have hours, only lonely. My love is vengeance, that's never free... ooo... When my fist clenches, crack it open before I use it and lose my cool. If I smile, tell me some bad news, before I laugh and act like a fool. And if I swallow anything evil, put your finger down my throat. And if I shiver, please give me a blanket, keep me warm and let me wear your coat... No one knows what is like, to be the bad man, to be the sad man, behind blues eyes.... (end of song)
Tammy: Is that how you feel... about me?
Fernando: I don't feel anymore Tammy. Nothing against you... you are such a wonderful person. But since the murder of my wife so long ago, its like a certain part of me no longer exists. Do I love, can I love, ever again? Only of it's the right person. What I'm trying to say Tammy, I can not say in front of the others or to you public ally. So this is as private as we will ever get. If you think or have any doubts about us, I want you to stop and walk away before we get married and find out its too late.
Tammy: Fernando, I don't know why it is, but I do love you, and I don't think me marrying you is a mistake. Do you think it's a mistake? Am I the right person for you?
Fernando: Love is nothing without understanding. I want you to know that. I understand you and everything about you. Maybe I'm looking for excuses, but there are none to be found. So... I know we made a promise, and we are preparing to get married and all, but we never really got engaged. I know I got you the ring and all that, but... Tammy... Would you, marry me?
Tammy smiles as she reaches into her purse to pull out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes with.
Tammy: Damn you... You made me mess up my make up... Of course I do, I do want to marry you!
Fernando: And carry my name and have my pups?
Tammy: I want all that and more.
Fernando: More?
Tammy: I want you there to love, honor and cherish, from the day we say 'I do' to the end of time.
Fernando: Then, Mrs. Tammy G., you are the one I have been looking for too long of a time. I just hope Jeanette and the others don't get jealous.
Tammy: Jeanette- your rescue partner? And what about the others?
Fernando: Well, I protect Jeanette from getting hurt on the job. Yes, she is very capable as a rescuer, but I take on those jobs somebody might get hurt in. Now that I'm married, she's going to hold me back from doing those dangerous jobs.
Tammy: And what about the others?
Fernando: I don't know about you, but some like Gadget have been hounding me being too old for you.
Tammy: I get that too.
Fernando: From Gadget?
Tammy: Gadget, Alex, Charles... I swear- Charles is a dragon who is over 1000 years old, and he married Widget who is in her late 20's! Talk s about hypocrisy!
Fernando: You think I'm too old for you?
Tammy: The thought has crossed my mind, but that's not the point. What counts is that we love each other.
Fernando pulls over into a gas station and repair shop just a few miles from their destination. He parks the car along the building and not by the pump.
Tammy: Why we stopped? You're too far away from the pumps for fuel.
Fernando: I know. Let me help you out...
Fernando gets out of the car, and walks to the other side to help Tammy out. He then walks over to the front of the Porsche holding Tammy's hand to have her in tow. A Mechanic Mouse steps from the repair area of the shop, smoking a cigarette and wiping down an oily wrench.
Mechanic: Yo, How can I help you?
Fernando: Yo- Julian... Its me...
Julian: Who's you?
Fernando: Fernando- the one with the Alpha...
Julian: I told you that piece of shit was too much of a wreck...
Fernando: You and I made a deal... OK? Now I have returned.
A red Alfa Romero Spyder model 2001 rolls up quietly as 4 other Mechanics push it in place, parked by the Porsche. It was Tammy's car that was wrecked in her accident, rebuilt to new. Julian points towards the Porsche.
Julian: And there it is! Alright? Now I got a lot of customers to deal with.
Fernando and Tammy turn around, but can see it behind the Porsche. They start to walk to the Porsche, where they find the red Alfa. Tammy just stands there excited, breathing heavily.
Fernando: You don't like it?
Tammy lets go of his hand and walks over to it. Everything on it has been replaced, the metal stripped of its paint and redone. The engine overhauled and souped up to Fernando's specifications. She keeps looking at it, feeling the fenders, the windshield, the steering wheel and the seats done in new leather. Then she turns to Fernando.
Tammy: How is this possible? I was told that the car was unrecoverable.
Fernando: It was unrecoverable within the price value of the car. I exceeded that value it to get it recovered.
Tammy: How much?
Fernando: You could go buy 6 new ones for the price I spent on it... for you.
Tammy: But...
Fernando: Something about the first car, that has one over its mystique. If I can give you anything, consider this as it.
Tammy opens the door and sits on the seat, it feels as if it were the first time, as they were new seats. She puts her hand on the gear shift and moves it about, finding it a bit tighter than before. Nothing in it says that it was her car, except that it felt right but new at the same time.
Fernando walks over to the passenger side and sits in. He reaches over and turns the key to turn on the car's electronics. The dashboard lights up but not like before. Fernando points to the tachometer and the speedometer. The high end of the tachometer goes to 15,000 rpms, and the speedometer dials ends at 160.
Tammy: 160 miles per hour?!!
Fernando: I don't expect you to go past 120. Besides, there is more to the car now than meets the eye.
Tammy: Like what?
Fernando: Aisapi, SuperUser Fernando G. ; Password Tinkerbell
The car talked back.
Aisapi: SuperUser Confirmed. What are your orders?
Tammy: Tinkerbell?
Fernando: She's my password on a lot of systems. Aisapi-Alpha, download all driver/passenger manifests and safe-house codes from the Aisapi-Porsche.
Aisapi: Connecting... Downloading... Processing... Done.
Fernando: Aisapi , Authorization Test, User Tammy.
Aisapi: User Tammy, voice recognition please.
Fernando: Tammy, say something.
Tammy: But what?
Aisapi: Voice authorization confirmed.
Tammy: I did not say anything!
Fernando: Aisapi, Copy Super User controls from Super User Fernand to User Tammy. Add User Tammy to Super User List.
Aisapi: Processing... Done.
Fernando: Aisapi, DriverProtection Mode- All Times. PassiveDrivingControlsMode- All Times.
Aisapi: Settings Confirmed.
Fernando: Good. (turning to Tammy) She's now yours.
Tammy: Don't tell me I'm going to have one of those things like in the Jaguar!
Fernando: I have one in the Porsche. Besides, its for your protection.
Tammy: But...
Fernando: No Butts. Aisapi will protect you and your passenger in case you get attacked anywhere again.
Tammy is displeased at this but she has little in say of this. But she is happy but confused at the same time.
Fernando: You ready to go?
Tammy: But where?
Fernando: Aisapi- connect to Aisapi-Porsche, mode CarTrain- On.
Aisapi- Connected, CarTrain Mode- On.
Tammy: Where are we going?
Fernando flips a lid on the upper dash, revealing a GPS screen.
Fernando: Just follow the directions.
Tammy looks at the screen, then at the controls, putting the car in gear, but going no where because the engine was off. Fernando pops the gear into neutral.
Fernando: Relax Tammy. Just turn on the engine and drive. That's all.
Tammy: What about Aisapi and all this other technologies?
Fernando: Its there to help you, not take over unless you are in danger. That's all. Now turn on the engine, and put her into gear and drive off.
Slowly, Tammy goes through the motions of turning on the car's engine, like some old memory being activated. She steps down on the clutch, puts the car in gear, and slowly pulls away from the gas station. The Porsche put itself behind the Alpha, and followed.
Following the instructions of the GPS, they end up in a national park along the bank of Lake Nemi under a grove of trees. Fernando reaches for the ignition key, shuts the car off and takes the key.
Tammy: Why are we here?
Fernando: Let see if those goons followed my directions.
Fernando gets out of the Alpha and opens the trunk. Inside was a picnic basket and a blanket, which he takes out. Then he closes the trunk, and walks over to Tammy, opening her door. He helps her out and hands over the key to her. He then reaches into the Porsche and turns it off, putting its keys into his pocket. Then he walks over to one of the trees, places the blanket on the floor and the picnic basket on top of it. He takes his shoes off and put each on of 2 of the corners of the blanket to keep it down.
Fernando Do you approve?
Tammy: Of course I do...
Fernando: We can have lunch or dinner later, but for now I want to spend my time with you, here.
Tammy approaches him putting her shoes on the other 2 corners of the blanket, and then holds him for a while before they sit down. She sits on his lap, leaning against him as he sat against the tree. After a few minutes, Tammy pushes against him and sits up straight on his lap.
Tammy: Hey- before you go to sleep on me, what's in the picnic basket?
Fernando: Open it...
Tammy has to momentarily get off his lap to get the basket and bring it towards them. She sits back on his lap, and places the basket on hers, opening it. She pulls out the heaviest item inside- the bottle of wine.
Tammy: You know Italy has laws about driving drunk...
Fernando: We would be sober before we drive again.
Tammy: Then, you want to get me drunk and have your way with me?
Fernando: I would never do that to you.
Tammy: I was just kidding with you.
Fernando: I don't kid around, Tammy. Never did.
Tammy: You should lighten up sometimes. Maybe I use this wine to achieve that.
Fernando: Before you do...
Fernando reaches into his pocket and hands her a packet which she could not see. Tammy starts to get angry, thinking that it might be a condom wrapper.
Tammy: If you think you and I are going to do the nasty...
Fernando: Tammy, read the packet.
Tammy (reading the packet): RU-22 Alcohol Absorption Pill?
Fernando (opening his): Never go into a bar without one. Open up...
Tammy: Huh?
Fernando tosses the pill into her mouth and then pinches her nose and lower jaw shut.
Fernando: Swallow it... Come on...*OOHPH!*
Tammy slugs him in the ribs, but swallows the pill anyway. Then she shakes her hand as if she hurt it hitting him.
Fernando: You didn't had to do that.
Tammy: You didn't had to put that pill in my mouth!
Fernando: If we are going to drink this wine, I don't want you drunk. That is all.
Tammy: I don't know if I should be mad at me.
Fernando: Be mad at me, but also know that I would never put you into any danger. Between us there are 2 guns and 2 cars. Add 1 bottle of wine... I say we can get into a lot of trouble for nothing in a very short amount of time.
Tammy: I'll forgive you, but you got to stop treating me like some little girl.
Fernando: You're an inexperienced girl, not a little girl. And I don't want you to get hurt because of that inexperience. Now, you can start drinking the wine without worry of getting drunk. Although you wont pass a breathalyzer test, you will pass a sobriety test.
Tammy: I know. Don't you think I cant stand that? That in my inexperience someone could get hurt?
Fernando: Look Tammy- You gain experience, you learn and you put yourself over everyone else. Everybody is a virgin in some things, no one has done everything in their life time- Not even I as a time traveler.
Tammy: But my inexperience can cost people lives in this job.
Fernando: You have improved since you first joined.
Tammy: It almost cost me and my sister's lives.
Fernando: Did you know you were followed? Did you know that Bianca was released? Did you know that Bianca made a phone call, stating that you were a fake and that you should be killed off?
Tammy shakes her head to all the questions asked.
Fernando (continues): No, you didn't. There was no way that you could have known. And in that, if you were placed with somebody else, like Priscilla or Ferro- they would not have lucked out better either. In fact, I think they would have died because you tend to have more luck than others. Like having a guardian angel look after you.
Tammy just sighs.
Tammy: I think that is why that angel sent you for me, because it is tired of constantly saving my fluffy tail.
Fernando: Don't think like that. OK? You are worth saving. More so than most.
Tammy: But...
Fernando: No butts... You are worth saving. I'm not saying that because I want to marry you, but because, if you think about it- for every nice person that dies, the world turns that much more evil. Having you die- the world becomes that much more evil. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?
Tammy just nods her head.
Fernando: You, of all people in the world, is worth saving.
Tammy: You really think so?
Fernando: I know so.
Fernando takes the other packet of RU-22 from Tammy's hand and opens it, puts the pill into his mouth and swallows. He crumples up the wrapper and puts it into his pocket. He picks up the other wrapper from the ground, crumples it up as well, and pockets it as well. He then takes the bottle of wine from Tammy's lap.
Fernando: Would you like some wine, cheese, bread?... Wait, is the other stuff in there too?
Tammy takes a look inside the picnic basket, shuffling the items inside.
Tammy: Its all there...
Fernando: Well, get the glasses and lets go eat.
For the next couple of hours they spend together eating cold cut sandwiches and drinking the wine under the trees and not far from the cars. After the food there was more talk, laying down on the blanket and resting. They laid on their sides, facing each other, holding hands.
An email manages to go through the system, and winds up in Rose's InBox. It is not looked at until several hours later. When Rose does get to read it, she is not alone in the room when she reads it after several minutes of decryption.
"Thank you for your diligent hard work and dedicated service in your mission. The Intell you provided proves to be valid and exact. The US Naval Fleet will commence bombardment of the selected targets on Saturday morning at 0300 hours. For your safety, you are not to be within the area of bombardment for a period of 48 hours- 24 hours before and 24 hours after. We expect you to return to the USS Texas after the 48 hours have ended.
Your work has been essentially vital to the future success of this mission, and you will be commemorated for your service. Awaiting for your return on Monday.
- Captain Eddie.
USS Texas."
After hearing it said by Rose, those in the room cheer, with many congratulating her. With Saturday just a couple days away, it was just a matter of waiting to see the end results. Though happy for her, Hondo was not pleased with having Rose returning back to the navy. To him it was a cold hard slap of a reality check that he was not prepared for. He walks over to her and gives her his congrats before leaving the room.
He walks out of the house, steps into his truck and drives away. Where he goes is not sure but only to him. He return almost 4 hours later, as the sun starts to set behind the horizon, as he sits on the roof and looks outward.
Fernando and Tammy drive to the Coppola in Nemi as the evening start to set into the night. There they had dinner together for the couple of hours they had. When done, they walked out to the parking lot, and stood in front of the of their cars which were parked besides each other.
Tammy: So different, aren't they?
Fernando: What are you trying to say?
Tammy: Well... Mine is red like my red hair, and it's a newer model. Yours is black, like some of your hair is, and is a much older model.
Fernando: You're saying that I'm old?
Tammy: No... Just that our cars are so much like us.
Fernando: I picked and modified my car to the way I am and drive. I believe that yours was given to you by another.
Tammy: Yeah, Jean came into my room and just handed me the keys to it one day.
Fernando: So, who ever got it for you tried to match it to your personality. At least they got the red part right.
Tammy: What do you mean?
Fernando: If anything, an Acura or Lexus would be more to your fitting.
Tammy: No, I like my little Alpha. It gets me to where I need to go.
Fernando: Good... Know your way home?
Tammy: Sort of.
Fernando: Race you?
Tammy: Race, me?
Fernando: If you want. Or we can piggy back yours to mine and go in my car. Do you even want to drive?
Tammy: If it weren't for Bink, I would ask if we can stay over at a hotel room.
Fernando: Be careful for what you wish for.
Tammy: Why?
Fernando: You could get it.
Tammy: Nothing wrong with that, right?
Fernando: Well, if I remember my Italian law correctly, in signing a document as a couple, marries us through the union of the document. So if we sign the hotel guess book as a couple, we become married.
Tammy: So we get married by accident?
Fernando: Something like that.
Tammy: That is funny.
Fernando: Lets not worry ourselves about it. In fact, lets go home. Your car or mine?
Tammy: Do I have a choice?
Fernando: We could drive in our own cars. I'll dump the GPS information to your car and you just follow it home. I'll be right behind you.
Tammy: Why cant I follow you home?
Fernando: This is not China, that's why.
Tammy: China?
Fernando: Chinese culture says that the woman has to be exactly 3 ft behind the man when walking together. Now, this is not Chinese culture, and I would not want you to be behind me unless its to defend you. But you should be able to do that on your own by now, and defend me if something were to happen to me.
Tammy: I would do my best for you.
Fernando: So you first, I follow. Just wait for your GPS to get its instructions and it will lead you home.
After a hug and a kiss they separate to their own vehicles. Fernando sits down in his Porsche, programming the GPS for route to the safe house. The information gets transferred to Tammy's car, and soon they were both on their way.
Though driving a bit lower than expected, they get home in a respectable hour, driving at almost 100MPH all the way. It is not that they had to drive 100 miles, but with traffic slowing things down at places around the Roman highways, though they covered a lot of distance in a short time, they also had to wait in traffic like everyone else until things cleared up. Hondo was still up on the roof as the two cars entered on the driveway. They soon make it to the dining area where Tammy meets up with Marco. He had already sent Bink to bed. He gave her the news about Rose and the USS Texas plans to commence their part of the mission, along with the precautions they had given. She was also told that Alex should be returning sometime today to tomorrow. Fernando went into the kitchen to drink some water.
Charles and Widget tried to talk with Tammy about what's going on, wanting to get more details than they were actually given by the others. Tammy gives them very little in terms of any thing, and stated that if they are to get any information, it is for either Fernando or Alex II to disclose. Fernando pretended not to be able to speak English for the moment.
After a few minutes of chit chat, they both go up stairs to their room. Tammy needed a little help with the zipper of her dress. In a couple of moment, they were getting into bed, like the night before- starting off with a little kiss and a bit of passion without needing to take it too far.
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Gunslinger Bink II: Acorns & Ergot. (Read 104362 times)
