Spots: I See What You Did There

A Web Serial by M.C.A. Hogarth

58. No One Expects.	60. Getting To Know You.

59. I See What You Did There

Avril and Peaches are walking down the corridor to the Door.

Avril. "So why can't he just come to our office?"

Peaches, glancing at him askance. "I can't exactly order him over like an errant private. He's not in our chain of command."

Avril. "No, but we are fighting his war for him."

Peaches. "..."

Avril. "Oh come on, Savannah. You can't tell me you haven't thought it."

Their arrival at the Door saves Peaches from having to respond as the guards check their credentials. Shortly afterwards they arrive at the lab, where they are admitted by a taciturn Will Kenyan.

Peaches. "Lieutenant, this is Will Kenyan, Samuel-Colt's assistant engineer. Mister Kenyan, this is Lieutenant Paul Avril."

Kenyan nods to them. "He's in the back."

Peaches leads Avril further into the lab, where they find Samuel-Colt standing at a full-size hologram of what looks like circuitry. The alien steps away from it and bows to her. "Apologies, Lieutenant-Savannah-Bonnet. Time slipped away from us while we were working. We did not realize it was time for your meeting."

Peaches. "It's not necessary to apologize. I just wanted to introduce you to Lieutenant Paul Avril."

Avril. "Samuel... Colt? Is it?"

Samuel-Colt, with a slow sustained note: "That is correct. Lieutenant-Savannah-Bonnet, this is your new escort?"

Avril. "Her new what?"

Peaches, embarrassed. "Um, no, no. Actually, Paul is technically my senior."

Samuel-Colt, a staccato arpeggio, falling. "Ah. You came without your escort, we presumed it was because this one was filling that role now."

Avril. "Uh... Savannah?"

Samuel-Colt, studying him. "You are replacing Lieutenant-Savannah-Bonnet?"

Avril. " 'Replacing' is a strong word."

Samuel-Colt, no bowing. "We would tend to agree."

Avril. "It's more like... my seniority gives me command of the existing company here."

Samuel-Colt. "We see."

Avril. "So, I just wanted to... ah... introduce myself." He offers his hand. "In case you have any... requests. Or... needs. I understand you're working with some of Bravo Company on weapons development?"

Samuel-Colt, politely ignoring the hand. "That is correct."

Avril, folding his arms behind his back again. "I hope you'll feel comfortable keeping me apprised of your plans?"

Samuel-Colt. "We share that hope, Lieutenant-Paul-Avril."

Avril. "Good, great. I'm glad to hear that."

Samuel-Colt, with a suspiciously amused-sounding trill. "We are the first Violinist you have met, Lieutenant-Paul-Avril?"

Avril. "What gave me away? The attempted handshake?"

Samuel-Colt. "Ah, no, we understand the custom. You are staring everywhere but my face."

Avril. "You have... interesting eyes."

Samuel-Colt. "So we have been told."

Avril. "I haven't offended, I hope?"

Samuel-Colt. "Not at all. But if you will pardon us? This—" indicating the display, "—needs our attention."

Avril. "Of course, please. Carry on. Nice to meet you, Samuel."

"Likewise, Lieutenant-Paul-Avril." To Peaches, "Lieutenant-Savannah-Bonnet."

She nods to him and leads Avril back out of the lab; Kenyan doesn't lift his head when they pass. Outside, Avril blows out a breath. "****. Did I botch that?"

Peaches. "I have no idea."

Avril. "I hope not. What was that all about, the escort business?"

Peaches. "Um... well, the fiddlers, they have female leadership, and women are expected to be surrounded by male guards. It's considered a breach of courtesy to deal with a woman who isn't escorted, it's like... I don't know. Noticing someone's pants are down."

Avril. "Strange, never heard anything like that about them. I mean, I knew they had kings and queens, but not that there was... protocol, I guess, that we had to navigate when dealing with them."

Peaches. "Like I said, it's not like they're in our chain of command. We aren't supposed to make problems for the diplomats. Fortunately Samuel-Colt seems pretty easy-going."

"For an alien."

Peaches. "For an alien."

Avril. "Anyway, thanks for doing that, Savannah. And... for being so professional about the seniority issue. I know a lot of people who would have taken it personally."

Peaches. "Our men've got enough of a morale problem without their officers sniping at one another."

Avril. "Still. I wanted you to know I appreciate it."

Peaches smiles. "No problem."

58. No One Expects.	60. Getting To Know You.