Missions of the Retrieval Team - Kilts in a Cage

**davedove** · 29th April 08, 05:39 AM

Scene 10

Aboard the Cruise Ship Ceilidh

“Herr Dove,” asked Coemgen, sounding very German, “is that not the same hat we were forced to wear because of those mind control drugs?”

“It does indeed look much the same,” I answered. I looked over to the Moderators and saw they were motioning me over to their table. I quickly made my way to them.

“Doesn’t that look like the same style hat from the Ritchgarl incident?” asked Panache.

“With the exception of the color of the feather, it is exactly the same,” I replied.

“Do you think the same thing is happening?”

“But how could that be?” asked David. “We neutralized the formula and sabotaged their recipe.”

“Yes, we did,” I answered. “Perhaps they discovered the change and reinstituted the drug.” I looked at the couple more closely. “I don’t see the choker that was the trigger though.”

“No, I don’t either,” said Panache, “but if he is affected, we don’t want it spreading.”

“I agree, we should intercept him and get him away from the others.”

Panache and I quickly moved towards James, who had a table on the far side of where Grant and his associates were seated. Unfortunately, he arrived there before we did and Grant confronted him.

“What is that ridiculous hat you are wearing?” Grant demanded.

“Don’t you like it?” asked James. “I think it’s incredibly stylish. Maybe you Canadians are just too far behind the fashion curve to realize that.”

“What!” bellowed Grant, “The Canadians are at the forefront of everything. If there were a new fashion, we would have it first. You will apologize for this insult at once!”

It looked as though a confrontation was imminent. Fortunately, Panache and I were close enough to intervene. We quickly grabbed James by the arms and led him away.

“Don’t worry,” said Panache. “We will handle this.”

“Where are you taking me?” asked James. “What have I done?”

“Don’t worry, James,” I answered, “everything will be okay.”

James looked first at me, then at Panache, and broke out in laughter. “Guys, guys,” he said, “It’s okay, you don’t have to do this.” He was laughing so hard that tears filled his eyes.

Panache and I stopped and released him. “Okay, James, what’s going on?” Panache asked.

“You really thought it was happening again, didn’t you?” James asked. “You thought I was being controlled again.”

“You mean you’re not. You did this on purpose.” I asked.

“Yes, it was all a joke. I wanted to see what you would do.” He was still almost doubled over in laughter.

I could tell that Jaime was trying to be serious and stern, but soon he also started to chuckle, and I knew the situation had diffused. “Okay, James, very funny. Now get rid of that hat and let’s have dinner.”

“But don’t you think it’s very stylish?” James asked, striking a very effeminate pose.

“Knock it off, James.” said Panache.

James removed the hat, but kept laughing all the way back to his seat.

Looking over at Grant, I could see that he was still fuming, but apparently Mikey was trying to calm him down. Mr. Standard was quickly pouring glasses of wine to give to Grant.

When I got back to my table, Coemgen asked, “Vhat is happening, Herr Dove? Is it the same as last time?”

“Yes, my friend,” asked Robert, “What is happening?”

“It’s all a false alarm,” I answered. “James was playing a little joke on us. Robert, I’ll tell you all about it over dinner.”

As dinner passed, I told the story of the Ritchgarl incident, with Ms. Stork and Coemgen filling in little details. The meal was fabulous, and apparently Panache had convinced the other Moderators that buying wine for everyone was within the budget, as bottles were provided at each table with their compliments.

As the meal was winding down, and people were preparing to leave the dining room, the Captain of the ship came into the room and made an announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “I do so hate to spoil your enjoyment of the cruise, but there is a situation. I need each of you to return to your cabins and pack your baggage. We will all need to evacuate the ship when we dock in Cancun tomorrow morning.”