Fernando
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Re: Gunslinger Bink II: Acorns & Ergot.
Reply #171 - Aug 18th, 2008, 3:16pm
-- -- -- -- -- 4 Days Before Wedding -- -- -- -- -- Its been a strange past 10 days as the SWA and Italian law enforcement has been gathering the remaining drug dealers who sold poison in the streets of major cities and small towns. The sweep was broad and wide, taking on local street dealers and major distributors who were trying to make up for the loss of the sudden stop to their supplies. Furthermore, the ladies of the SWA were helping Tammy prepare for her wedding, gathering everything she needs and making arrangements with the church. Upon hearing that the reception would be held at the church's gym, the Prime Minister stepped in and moved everything to his place where a more formal ballroom was in store for them, and price was no object for the Prime Minister would not have it any other way. For two Americans who helped Italy out in her darkest of times, there was no reward that can be given to them. Fernando was working on a few personal projects of his own, including letting Hondo and Rose to receive awards for their own-whether Italian or American, remains to be seen, as the applications were sent in with the highest of recommendations for them both. It is just a matter of time if they are to receive anything. But Fernando hoped that Rose could get an early decorated and honorable discharge from the Navy, or at least work in Naval intelligence along with American and International intelligence agencies as a civilian, which would free up a lot of her time to be at home and have her financially set for life. Similar workings was underway for Hondo, who has more than proven himself in the field as an independent operative. Though 4 days remained before the wedding, work at the SWA remained constant though subdued. More office and intelligence reports being generated than anything else. The Fratello teams were at home behind a word processor as they were behind a gun; some more so than others. For Jean and Hillshire, their cyborgs leave the SWA Medical center after their rebuilds and adjustments have been completed. Triela and Rico were expecting to be sent through the maximum training rigger by their fratellos, instead get dragged to a wedding boutique to be measured for their flower girl dresses by Priscilla, Olga and Ferro. Claes had to explain to Triela what was going on when she returned; Rico did not need an explanation- as she finds anything exciting. In fact, Rico would find paint drying on a wall exciting. All of the younger cyborg girls were set up to be flower girls and ring protector, with the exception of Bink, who is to be the ring bearer. The oldest cyborg, Petrushka, was put to be with the bride's maids, for she was too tall and too old to be a flower girl. The adult females of the SWA would also comprise of the bride's maids along with Rose. Gadget was offered a position but refused, preferring to have a seat with the audience instead. Fernando and Tammy shared what little time they had together since the SWA left Fernando's hide-away compound when the mission was deemed a success. They often met at a café by the Piazza di Spagna, sometimes accompanied by friends. On this particular meeting, Tammy and Fernando sat in the outdoor area, having coffee and pastry when somebody approached them. Male voice: Excuse me sir, do you have the time. Fernando flips open his watch and feels for the time and turns to tell him. Fernando: Its 10.... Oh, its you. How is Section 1 been treating you, Enrico? Tammy: Section 1? Fernando: Yeah, Tammy, this is Enrico Belucci. Enrico- Tammy. Enrico: Congratulations on you two. Fernando: You are not going to do any funny stuff, are you? Enrico: Who me? You and your group are now national heroes, I bet there is a fratello team or two out here eyeing us out as we speak. Any move against you would mean a bullet to my brain. Fernando: We don't need the treatment or protection. Tell me, why did you tried to kidnap me the last time? Enrico: I just needed a few questions answered. Fernando: Flying squirrels don't do well in cages. In fact we usually die in captivity. Enrico: Well, I managed to get answers through other means. Well, congrats to you two. Fernando: Congrats? Enrico: We know you two are getting married in a few days. We'll be there for the party. Fernando: Is there any secret we are not allowed to have? Enrico: You're an intelligence agent- you know there are no secrets. Fernando: Just lesser known information. I know the rules. Enrico: Good. You two enjoy the day. We'll be around doing our job. Fernando: Thank you. And laters. Enrico quietly leaves them to their coffee and pastry. Tammy smiles as she brings the cup of coffee to her lips. Tammy: Looks like we cant have a moment of peace and privacy. Fernando: Be glad that we don't have the paparazzi hounding us. Tammy: Wouldn't that be nice. Fernando: So, what's on your day's schedule? Tammy: Nothing, and more of nothing. Fernando: You actually have nothing to do? Tammy: Just writing reports, that's all, and I have much of that done. What about you? Fernando: Just spending my time with you. Tammy: You don't have to worry about me. Soon we'll be married and we'll have all the time in the world together. Fernando: What about having work and missions get in the way? Tammy: Well, I was hoping that my husband would be understanding and help me when I need him. Fernando: Oh, so that's what I am to you? A rescuer? Constantly saving your fluffy tail when you fail on missions? Tammy: I would not have it any other way. Fernando: Neither would I. They stare into each other's eyes for the moment, before Tammy breaks away. Tammy: I have to meet up with Priscilla and the others, finalizing a few items for our wedding. Fernando: I understand. Tammy slowly gets up out of her chair. She gives him a kiss on the lips before going on her way. She soon leaves, as he watches her go by on her way. Fernando lets out a sigh before finishing up his coffee and pastry. As he puts the cup down, a red Alpha Romero passes by, honking its horn and its driver waving. In a couple of second it was gone into the flow of the rest of the traffic. Fernando then gets up, leaves a healthy tip under his coffee cup, and went on his way. With nothing much to do, Fernando just walks around the town for a bit of time before getting into his car and heads for home. There he finds Hondo watching TV, the work on his truck done a long time ago. Fernando passes by the dining area to enter the kitchen. Hondo: So how did it go? Fernando: Like usual. Said hello, had some coffee with her, and then she had to leave. Hondo: Yeah, just like the days I see. Fernando: How are the girls? Hondo: Girls? Oh, Sabi and Tabi. They're OK, still sleeping I guess. Fernando: A little late to be sleeping. Hondo: I seem to remember a certain squirrel who would hibernate entire days away. Fernando: Alright... you got me. Fernando opens the refrigerator door, and pulls out a few items to make a roast beef sandwich. He places them on the service island, and continues to make a sandwich. Fernando: You want one? Hondo looks over to what Fernando was doing. Hondo: No thanks. I'll make something later. Fernando: Its just a small snack. Hondo: Small? Fernando: To me its small. Hondo: No thanks anyway. By the way, what's being planned? Fernando: Nothing to do until the wedding day. I already submitted my report to both the chiefs of staff and to that damned troublesome agency of mine days ago. I should be getting some reply soon. Hondo: You think they will take your recommendation and put Rose into Intelligence work outside of the Naval Forces? Fernando: Don't know. They might. Hell, They might make her captain and give her a ship and then she'll be stuck in the Navy for a while longer. Hondo: I would not like that. Fernando: Don't think about yourself, Hondo. Hondo: I aint. Keeping Rose in the Navy would be sin to a person with her skills and abilities. Fernando: Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it. Hondo: Why you had to go jinx that for? Fernando: I'm just stating the obvious. Who knows, The Navy might retire her, and the agency might pick you up and send you to far away lands to meet interesting people and kill them. Hondo: Heh... Sounds like a commercial for the Marines or the Army. Fernando: Well, it's a scenario of opportunity. Just matters on how you take it. Hondo: I think I will retire now while I still can. Fernando: You wish. Retirement is not an option in this game. Hondo: Aren't you retired? Fernando: By name and label. But like any toy on the shelf, I'm always taken down and played with when ever they feel like it. Hondo: Must be fun being someone else's toy. Fernando: Do you think that they understand the reason why agents like John go rouge? Hondo: Well, if given too much bull, I would quit too. Fernando: Its not just bull, but you get the idea. Hondo: No job is worth that much grief. Fernando: But it's a job that has to be done. Hondo could only nod his head in agreement. Then he tries to change the subject. Hondo: Where you and Tammy planning to have your honeymoon? Fernando: I don't know. I'm letting her decide on that, though the SWA insisted on this little place in Sicily. In fact it might be the private home of Bink's former handler. Hondo: Really? Are you going to accept that? Fernando: I have to give her some freedom. I did overstep her by doing everything else. I just hope she makes the right decision. Hondo: Who is going to take care of Bink all this time? Fernando: Marco is. But we are only going to be away for couple of days- just the weekend. Hondo: Then the 3 of you are going to be a little family of sorts. Fernando: Some guys are just lucky. Hondo: Have you figured out how to fit a family into the lifestyle you lead? Fernando: No, but I'll manage somehow. Hondo: Well, the best laid plans of mice and squirrels... Fernando: I often considered Steinbeck to be boring. Besides, all one can do is their best, and hope for the rest. Hondo: Yeah, that's all we can do. Fernando: You know what bothers me though, is having Tammy away on missions. Hondo: Why would she be away on missions? I mean, isn't she going to be retired or something? Fernando: Agents never retire, Hondo. No, They will let her go on intell gathering and infiltration missions, but not the heavy stuff she used to be on. Hondo: I see. Fernando: I'm scared for her. Hondo: You should be. Fernando: I don't like to be reminded. Hondo: Not that I am, but you think she is capable of secret agent work? Fernando: She is. She has to be. Well, if you think about it, she did bust this case wide open, although it almost killed her. Hondo: You know, you're right. Fernando: Yeah, I know I am. Hondo: You don't have to be all high and mighty, you know. Fernando: No, I'm not, but I am happy for her. Hondo: Good. Fernando (changing the subject): So, whats in the plans for the day? Hondo: Nothing... Fernando: Nothing? Hondo: Not a single thing. Fernando: So we just sit around and... Hondo: I got a lot of rest to catch up on. Don't know about you though. Fernando: Yeah- too bad its not hibernation season. Hondo: You would dare sleep away a day like this? Fernando: Italian TV sucks. The Porsche and other equipment is doing fine. I'm not hungry. And the wedding is more or less planned out. Hondo: Almost makes you want to wish to be in an active mission again, don't it? Fernando: Nope, but thus is the life of a secret agent. Hondo: It is? Fernando: You get about 3 or 4 missions a year, and the rest of the time there is nothing to do. But you get paid for it, that is the only good thing about it. Hondo: Sounds like a good deal. Fernando: Not really... all this waiting around could make one fat. So its up to you to stay in shape. Hondo: Still, sounds good. It would be like you getting paid for staying in a gym. Fernando: But you would have to still stay up to par in information, politics, and technology. Hondo: Still not bad. Fernando: Well, nothing much to do, I'm going to my room. Hondo: I'll be down here. Fernando walks upstairs to his room, and closes the door behind him. He gets on his bed and lays down. At least it's a chance to take the glasses off and put away the gun. He puts his arm over his eyes. Not intending too, Fernando goes to sleep. -- -- -- -- -- 2 Days Before Wedding -- -- -- -- -- Little is left to do, as Fernando and Hondo had cleaned up the house where the SWA clean up crews missed. Every morning Fernando drives into Rome to meet up with Tammy for their morning and lunch time date. This would be special as this would be the last one they would have as an engaged couple. Fernando parks his Porsche along the banks of the river not far from the coliseum. He does not notice until he steps out of the car, that a certain red Alpha Romero was across the street from him. Fernando (with a smile): I see that she is already here. Fernando continues to go on his own to their meeting place at the café at the Piazza di Spagna. It takes him several minutes to get there due to the distance and taking on the sights as he goes by. Eventually he gets there, finding his red-haired love sitting at an outdoor table dressed in a knee-high red skirt and light blue shirt, facing the café's entrance, waiting for her lover to be to arrive. Instead he walks over to her from behind, and leans over behind her. Fernando: Good morning love. How are you this fine day? Tammy (startled): OH! There you are... I'm fine. Fernando: You sure? Tammy: Yes. Fernando: Come on, something it bothering you. What is it? Tammy: Nothing really. I just had to scare off a couple of creeps thinking that I was some lonely girl wanting their unwanted attention. Fernando: I hope you scared them off, right? Tammy: I gave them a few choice words, then your pal, Enrico has them hauled away. Fernando: I see. Hmph... Tammy: Are you going to stay out there or you coming in to join me? Fernando: I got a better plan. Put 50 Euros under the coffee cup, and walk out to meet me at the entrance. Tammy: Huh? Fernando (with a smile): Just do it. Tammy: Hmmm, it better be good, I swear. Fernando: It will be more than worth it. Tammy gets up and starts heading to the entrance way after putting a single Euro of large denomination under her coffee cup. Fernando makes a short cell phone before heading out to meet Tammy at the entrance. There he takes holds of her and gives her a more than necessary passionate kiss. She does not fight nor complain, but lets it happen and becomes part of it even though it lasts for only a few short seconds. They then slowly let go of themselves. Still holding her hand, Fernando takes the lead. Fernando: Come on lets go. We have a walk to do. Tammy: Where are we going? Fernando: You'll see. After a while, they stop in front of St. Francis of Assisi's Church. Fernando: Here we are. Tammy looks around, only to find the church is the only visible landmark that she can recognize. Tammy: Uhm... Fernando: Tammy... I don't want to force things or to have them rushed either. But for me, I want to marry you right here and now if you are to say yes, and we can still have the ceremony in a couple of days as planned but we would have it as husband and wife. Tammy: I don't know what to say. Fernando: Just say 'I Do.' Tammy bites on her lower lip before answering. Tammy: But what about? Fernando: Don't worry about the butts, Tammy. Just do. Tammy: Hmmmm.... After a while of thinking about it. Tammy: Is the church empty? Fernando: It should be. Just an occasional parishioner and church staff inside. (in a lower volume of voice) And maybe Hondo... Tammy: What? Fernando: He is my best man, he has the wedding ring to give me to give to you. Tammy gives Fernando a momentarily mean look before deciding. Tammy: OK, lets go inside. Though Fernando starts leading up onto the steps, Tammy scurries up them and beats him to the 1/2 way open door. She steps inside into the alcove, finding it as it was before. Fernando stands by her side once he catches up with her, and then leads her to the main audience chamber. Tammy stands at the entrance in awe of the sight of the highly decorated church, bright lights and ornamentation. To her it was not the same dark dingy church she stepped inside weeks before, but something that equals the more majestic of cathedrals throughout Europe. Fernando leans over to her and whispers in her ear. Fernando: They are not done with the wedding decorations, but they did clean up the place. Tammy: This is... Fernando: Beautiful? Tammy: Yes! Fernando: No, you are beautiful. This is just what it should be with the proper maintenance. This is why I choose it. St. Francis was one for the inner beauty of things, not its outer appearance. At the font row, Hondo shouts out. Hondo: You two are just going to hang out back there?!! Fernando: And you say I rushing you? Fernando takes Tammy by the arm and the two start to walk down the center aisle to the altar where simply cladded priest stood by with a small copy of the holy book in his hand. 1/2 way down the aisle the church's pipe organ started to play the wedding march though it was meant to be set at the lowest volume, the musical tones echoed across the vastness of the space of the church. Tammy stops for a moment with just a few rows left before the altar. Tammy: What about Bink? Fernando: Does she really have to be here? Tammy: I want her to be here. Fernando: Give me good reason why. Tammy: Why? Because she's my sister! Marrying me means that you accept her as your sister too! Fernando: Alright then.... (turning to Hondo) You got Bink with you? Hondo: Sure do, with the others! Fernando: Others?!! Bink runs up from in front of the first row where the walled pew begins. She is immediately followed by Angelica, Claes, Triela, Rico and a couple of others she did not recognize as part of the core group but knows of them otherwise. Except for Bink who was hugging on Tammy, the other girls stood around them. Hondo has started to approach them. Fernando: Where are your handlers? I don't believe that they would just let you go like that! Hondo: They are here too, waiting by the front row. Fernando: Just the handlers? Hondo: Just the handlers. The handlers started to get up off the floor from their hiding spot against the wall of the first row of pews, all looking at them Fernando: No Ferro, Olga, Priscilla or ant of the support staff? Hondo: You know that the ladies would get all mushy on this. Its just only the handlers, and that's only because the girls could not be here without them. The handlers approached them, taking their girls with them and into the first 5 rows of pews. Marco and Jean momentarily stood behind with their girls. Marco: I would not miss this for the world. It shard to believe, but you, Tammy, are the first of us to get married while being part of Section 2. Jean: Come off it Jean. This is not she is part of the guys. Marco: I don't know about you, but to me she is. Fernando: How about you two have a seat and we get this done. Jean: You sure you don't want to work for us? Fernando: I already gave you an answer. It has not changed. Jean: I see. Fernando: We're wasting time you know. Jean (heading back to his seat): Alright, alright! Marco: Would you mind if I gave her away? Tammy nods. Fernando: Alright then... Fernando starts to march up to the altar takes his place on the left side of it. He signals Hondo to be behind and the left of him. Hondo quickly complies. Tammy whispers in Bink's ear, giving her directions to be right behind her as she walks down the aisle. Then they continue as the Wedding march cycles over to the beginning just one more time. Marco escorts Tammy to the altar with Bink right behind her. He then gives her hand to Fernando and goes back to his seat in the first row with Angelica. Priest: Today we are gathered here to witness the creation of the holiest of bonds or marriage. Before we continue, I would like to say that there are too many around the world who don't take marriage seriously as they should. Whether it be for money, power or convenience, many do not marry for the union of marriage, many do not work upon their marriage as the single entity they have become. This is not Fernando who is married to Tammy or Tammy who has Fernando for a husband, but of the couple Fernando and Tammy are to be. In saying that, do you, Fernando G., take Tammy Squirrel to be your lawfully wedded wife; to love, honor and cherish; through rich or poor, through sickness and good health, for better or worse; for the rest of your remaining days until death do you apart? Fernando: I do. Priest: Do you, Tammy Squirrel., take Fernando G. to be your lawfully wedded husband; to love, honor and obey; through rich or poor, through sickness and good health, for better or worse; for the rest of your remaining days until death do you apart? Tammy: I do. Priest: If anyone here assembled has any reason as to why these two should not be allowed to the union marriage, let them speak now or forever or forever hold their peace. A moment of silence was given to see if anyone would make a statement, instead the sounds of guns from both cyborgs and handlers can be heard being drawn as everyone looked at each other and then at the rear of the door. Even Hondo and Bink had their pieces drawn. The priest them made continued with the ceremony. Priest: Where is the ring? Hondo (reaching into his pocket): Oh, here it is. Bink snatches it from him and hands it to the priest. Tammy reached into her pocket and takes out the one she had for Fernando and hands it over to the priest as well. The priest holds up the rings. Priest: May these rings be the symbol of the embodiment of this union, a complete circle without end. (reaching towards Tammy and Fernando's hands to put them on) By the power invested in me by the Roman Catholic Church and the nation state government of Italy, I now pronounce you man and wife. You can not kiss the bride. Fernando steps and leans over to Tammy, giving her as much of a passionate kiss he can give her. She responds in kind, lasting it just under a minute. Then they separate and look into each other's eyes. Priest: You two are now free to be husband and wife. The ceremony still going to happen in two days? Tammy can only nod while Fernando gives a verbal response. Fernando: Yes. Hondo interrupts. Hondo: I don't know what you two have planned, but I have to get back to the hideout. The others began to gather about the altar as Fernando and Tammy sign the final part of their marriage certificate. Fernando: Alright then, I'll see you later. Hondo: Later? Aren't you two going off on your honeymoon to celebrate and consummate the marriage? Fernando: Hondo, you got a lot to learn on what marriage is about. Tammy: You don't want too? Fernando: Tammy? Tammy: You don't want to... uhm... consummate our marriage? Fernando: I'm not going to force you into doing things you don't want to do. Bink: Consummate? Tammy: Uhm.. Bink... we spoke about that... you know... trying to make squirrel puppies. Bink: Oh... so... you two are... Tammy: I want too only if he wants too. Fernando: We got the rest of our lives to be making squirrel puppies. But right now we have the rest of the day to enjoy. Lunch, movie maybe, some shopping, dinner... Tammy (sadly): Work... Marco: You don't have to return since you finished your reports along time ago. Jean: Wait a minute, I'm the Fratello Supervisor here! Marco: Alright then, what's your decision? Jean: Err... Her work is done? Marco: Checked it myself. Jean: Then what is there left to do? Marco: Just give them the rest of the day off. Jean: Oh alright. But Tammy, there is a staff meeting tomorrow morning. Be there. Tammy: No problem sir! Marco... can you? Marco: Take care of Bink? Sure... Fernando: No, she's coming with us. Tammy: Huh? Fernando: This is a start for us as a family. Lets not be pushing responsibility around on others. Tammy: But. Fernando: You want to be alone with me? Tammy: Yes. Besides, they are my family too... in some sort of strange way. That's why we are all here as Fratello. Fernando: Bink? You want to go with Marco or stay with us? Bink: I'll go with Marco. Tammy: There, its settled! Bink, I'll see you tomorrow morning. I want you to behave and do everything Marco tells you to do... Bink: Yes... Tammy. Hondo (walking away from the group): Well, I got to go back to the hideout. Too much to do and get done. One of the other handlers (as he gathers his cyborg): I got some bad guys to beat up for some information... Some of the others follows the same way: Yeah, us too. Jean (as he gathers Rico): See you at the compound. The priest gives copies of the paperwork to both Fernando and Tammy, which they put away. Marco adds to the lists of reasons to leave. Marco: You two be careful out there and have fun. I've got work to do... come on Angelica... Bink. Marco starts to walk away from them. Tammy: What do you have planned? Fernando: Tell you the truth, nothing. I just wanted this part of us to be complete, that's all. Tammy: Want too... Uhm... You know. Fernando: What? Tammy: Rent out a hotel room and... Fernando: I'm not exactly up to it. I mean I can be, I just don't want what we have to be a physical thing... you know what I mean? Tammy: Are you OK? Fernando: Yes, why ask? Tammy: I don't know, you been behaving odd lately. I cant put my finger on it. Fernando: Look... if you want me to prove that I love you, then lets go get that hotel room. But understand that my performance may not be up to par because I'm not 100% right now. Tammy: Is that it? You're not feeling well? I'm not asking you to... you know... just be there with me... that is all. Fernando: Lets go get some lunch or something. Then maybe we can get a room at the Roma Hilton for the rest of the day and watch TV or something. Tammy gives Fernando a kiss on his lips.
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