Guardian

Haggis and Friends

--Luigi's Restaurant

Shock hit Gandra immediately as her father and boyfriend stared at each other across the table. "What's going on?" she thought. Silence overcame the small group until she finally spoke up. "You two know each other?"

Fenton started biting his nails. Gandra's father was the director of SHUSH! That's all that went through his mind, over and over again. And he knew Gizmoduck…personally. In his ramblings, it finally hit Fenton….Hooter knew Fenton's name.

All of Hooter's years of training couldn't have prepared him for this. He was trying to think of a way out, some kind of excuse. Fenton didn't know Hooter had files on everyone from the Justice Ducks, and knew all the heroes identities by heart. To top it off, Gandra didn't even have a clear idea as to what he did for a living. This was going to be a tough one…

Hooter cleared his throat, finally thinking of something…."Why yes, you're McDuck's accountant are your not?" he asked Fenton.

"Ummm….Yeah, I handle all of Mr. McDuck's finances." Fenton was even more confused, and now Hooter knew what his job was.

"Of course, I never forget a face." Hooter was answered by two blank looks. He turned to Gandra and continued, "You see, McDuck Enterprises funds a lot of our research at the company. I've had the pleasure of doing business with your boss a few times; Mr. Crackshell has signed off on numerous grants for us."

"But I thought your company was funded by the Government?" Gandra spoke up.

"Yes it is, for most of our top secret research. But governmental funds are somewhat…financially unstable. We honestly never know how much we're getting 'til we cash the check. So we turn to private research every now and then."

Suddenly all the numbers of Mr. McDuck's funds spiraled through Fenton's head. It was gift he had, a natural ability to actually see numbers. He had everything categorized in his brain, and right now it was trying to pull any connection with SHUSH….nothing was coming to mind, which didn't make any sense at all

"I believe it was last year, at your company's Christmas party…yes….I was invited by one of our contracted researchers…yes that's where I met you, young man," Hooter continued. It was good lie, and half true. Hooter did actually attend the party in hopes of getting some more funds from McDuck.

The party ran through Fenton's mind. It was kind of a blur. He remembered a robbery that night and having to duck out early. Could he have met Hooter without realizing it? Something like that, he figured he should remember. Then again, Fenton did suffer a massive memory lose about a month ago. This was all too much. Then something Hooter said stuck out. "Your contracted researcher?"

"Gyro, a mutual friend and trusted employee." Hooter knew by naming Gyro, that now Fenton would figure how his connection with SHUSH, but it was better than the real truth coming out. Plus Darkwing, Launchpad, and even Scrooge knew this information

Realization hit Fenton. "Gyro works for SHUSH?" he thought. It kind of made sense; the Gizmoduck suit had technology in it that no one else from McDuck's research labs had come up with. He would have to ask Gyro about it later, to see if his suit really did come from the secret spy agency. Gandra appeared to accept the answers her father had provided; Fenton realized that she didn't know about the extent of her Dad's job. He decided to keep it that way. Besides, the less he let on about how much really knew about Hooter, the more unsuspecting he would seem. Hooter appeared not to know about his identity, which was more than Fenton could ask for.

Gandra was the one to continue, "Oh, you know Gyro. Fenton and he are good friends."

"Yes…" Hooter breathed a sigh of relief…they bought it. "Small world, it would seem."

Fenton smiled; as long as his identity was safe, he could relax. "Well, let's eat!"

--McDuck Manor, Dinner table

The group was settling in after a long afternoon. The boys had shown Gosalyn around the whole mansion. Her biggest surprise came in the backyard where she met a triceratops and a cave duck. Of course, she got along great with Bubba - after all she had years of experience with Steggmutt. Bubba took an immediate shine to her, calling her "Gaws." He even drew a picture of him and her that she could keep.

It made her smile, but she still honestly couldn't believe this place. Granted, she was grateful for the hospitality, but it was too much. She missed her home, her Dad, and her quiet superhero life. Even her guest room was bigger than the entire downstairs of her house. Maybe she could convince Giz to go on patrol tomorrow; that might bring some familiarity to her.

The boys were on cloud nine. Gosalyn was perhaps the most interesting person they had ever met. She knew almost everything about everything. Each of them were trying to plan the evening activities to get the most out of her visit, and because of that, the three of them were bickering with one another.

At the table, McDuck sat at the head, and Bubba and Webby sat at either side of Gosalyn. The boys sat across from her, and Mrs. Beakely sat on the other side of Webby.

Duckworth served the dinner which was covered by a silver tray. It smelled delicious. Once he placed it on the table he bowed his head and then disappeared through the kitchen. This puzzled Gosalyn. "Isn't Duckworth going to eat?"

"Oh, he almost never eats with us," Dewy responded.

This, of course, made Gosalyn uncomfortable. "Why shouldn't Duckworth eat at the table?" she thought. "He and Mrs. Beakely cooked it! If anything, he should get the first bit."

Scrooge picked up on it at once and tried to correct his nephew. "What Dewy means is that Duckworth prefers to eat by himself. He is always welcome at the table and he even joins on holidays and birthdays, or when Launchpad comes to visit."

That seemed to satisfy the duckling. She breathed a sigh of relief and took in the aroma of the dinner. Whatever it was, it smelled good. Mrs. Beakely got up to serve, "Since we have a guest tonight, I thought it proper to introduce one of Mr. McDuck's favorite foods…"

A red flag went up to the boys; this was never a good thing.

"Scottish haggis!" She said as she pulled back the tray covering everyone's dinner. Scrooge's eyes went wide; this was in fact his favorite meal. It was one of the great things he loved about Mrs. Beakely: she knew how to prepare haggis just like his mother. The boys tried not to make a face as they took in the sight of sheep guts and hearts. They knew how much their uncle loved this stuff and would never say anything.

Scrooge took in the scent, savoring every moment of it as Mrs. Beakely handed out the lump of meat to everyone's plate. "Oh, this is wonderful, Beakely!"

The lump landed hard in front of Gosalyn. She turned to Bubba, who was already consuming everything on his plate. Then she looked to the boys; they appeared to be eating it, but chewing slowly. The last thing she wanted was to offend her host, but this was a little much. She thought, "Maybe if I start on the veggies, I'll get full."

Huey was trying his best to forget what he was eating. Maybe some conversation would help. "Hey Gos, what comics did you bring?"

"Nothing special, a couple issues of Super Pig and a sci-fi graphic novel."

"Super Pig? That's kind of old school." he responded. Scrooge eyes his young nephew, warning him not to say anything to offend.

"Yeah, I know. My Dad is the real fan. He collected issues back when he was younger than me. His comic collection puts mine to shame, actually."

"Your Dad actually reads comics?"

"Well not so much anymore. He works a lot. But he still has his old collection."

"I guess when you live you in city where just about anyone can put on a mask and run around pretending to be the law, you'd wanna read about real superheroes as much as possible," he said without even really thinking. It was one of Huey's biggest failings.

It wasn't until Scrooge said in a very disciplinary tone, "HUEY!" that the boy fully understood what he had said.

Gos stared, fork in had as if she were just about to have a bit of her green beans. Very slowly she put the fork down on her plate and took in a deep breath. "If you'll excuse me Mr. McDuck, I don't think I'm that hungry right now."

Scrooge shook his head in defeat. The lass needed some time to herself, he understood that. "Very well, Gosalyn. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask."

She got up and Huey tried to make amends. "I'm sorry Gosalyn. I didn't realize what I said."

"But you said it." She quickly grabbed her plate.

Beakely tried to step in. "Dear…I'll get the dishes."

"NO!" Gosalyn said sharply. "I'm capable of cleaning my own plate, and I shouldn't expect someone else to do it for me." And with that she headed for the kitchen, leaving the family alone.

Scrooge looked at Huey in disappointment. "I expect better from you at the dinner table, young man."

--McDuck Manor, Kitchen

Duckworth sat by the counter, reading one of his favorite detective stories. It was a secret passion he never let the family know about. He had made himself a humble medium-size cheese pizza. He always made more than he could eat so he would be able to have left-overs for lunch the following day. He had just finished a chapter, and was pleasantly surprised with how the story was turning out. Putting the book down, Duckworth started to pack up his lunch and prepare the kitchen for the dinner dishes that would soon be arriving.

He soon realized that the dish soap had run out, and would need immediate replacing in the next couple of minutes. He quickly entered the adjoining garage to get the necessary bottle and came back; however, he was taken by surprise when he re-entered the kitchen.

Gosalyn Mallard stood, plate in hand, with a dinner that looked un-touched, staring at the garbage can. She almost looked as though she were in tears and didn't even hear him approach as she stood lost in her own thoughts.

"Miss Mallard? Is everything alright?"

She looked up, and indeed she was crying. "Dad….he always says never to waste food….that so many people go to bed hungry, so I should never just throw away something I could eat, especially if I'm hungry….but…." she looked down at her haggis. Duckworth followed her eyes.

"Your father is a most caring and wise man, if I may say so, Miss Mallard," the butler smiled.

Gos sniffled, then and smiled at that remark. That was the first compliment about her Dad that she had heard since she'd entered Duckberg. "Thanks."

"Not at all…." Duckworth thought for a moment and then asked, "You didn't touch your dinner?"

"A little of the vegetables, but not the meat…I couldn't…." she said, not trying to offend.

"One must have a cast iron stomach to tolerate it, don't feel bad. I myself can barely keep it down. Now, I think I have a solution. I'll wrap up your plate for Mr. McDuck's lunch tomorrow; he loves saving money for meals, so I don't think he'll object." He grabbed her plate and walked over to where he kept the Tupperware.

"You're sure he won't mind…."

"I'm quite sure, Miss Mallard," he said smiling. Once he wrapped it away and put the dirty dish in the sink, he then turned to the young duckling. "Now that solves the first problem."

She had calmed a bit, but was confused by his statement. "Huh?"

"The second is: what do you wish to eat for dinner? I can prepare just about anything."

"Oh, no! I'm fine; you don't have to go to any trouble, please."

Duckworth stood firm. "A guest going to bed hungry? Not on my watch!" She smiled at that. "Now I have some extra cheese pizza, it's already made."

Gosalyn felt really guilty. She had this guy pegged all wrong. "That'd be really nice."

Duckworth walked over to counter and pulled back a napkin he had laid on his pizza. Gos sat down in the chair and immediately started eating. Duckworth leaned over. "Now that solves the second problem…."

Gosalyn paused, once again in confusion. She then finished her bit and stared at the butler.

"Something else is wrong, isn't Miss Mallard?"

She looked down; was it that obvious that she missed her Dad? "It's just….This is longest I've been away from Dad since he adopted me."

Duckworth smiled. "You two are close, I take it?"

"Yeah." She then took another bit of her pizza. "In a lot of ways."

"He's away on business?"

"Overseas…." Gosalyn had to be careful not to give too much away.

Duckworth saw a hesitation in the young duckling. He decided not to press on the issue, instead saying, "Tell me about him."

"Well he…he's very strict on just about everything: video games, bed time, and eating vegetables. He's completely and utterly overprotective and he's very competitive, especially when it comes to things I'm interested in. And he has an ego like you can't believe….He also always sing to me at night when I ask, he packs my lunch every morning, even though he's exhausted from working all night, we make breakfast every Saturday and watch cartoons together. He teaches me just about everything he can; things ranging from Quack-fu all the way to computer stuff, and he's the only Dad I know of with a bigger comic collection than me….He also loves me."

"He sounds like a good man…You're very lucky, Miss Mallard, to have him in your life."

"Trust me, not a day goes by that I'm not appreciative of it. My life changed when I met Dad, and I've been happy ever since."

"Well, someone like that sounds like they have a good head on their shoulders. I'm sure he'll be alright, and will be back before you know it. Plus, don't forget, you do have friends here: Mr. Crackshell, for instance, and the family seems to really have taken to you. You have nothing to fear while you're around people who care about you. Never forget that, Miss Mallard."

"Thanks, Duckworth." She had finished the pizza and pushed her chair away from the counter. "You're alright"

Duckworth chuckled. "I'm pleased you approve of me, Miss Mallard."

--Somewhere in Duckberg

Gyro wiped the sweat away from his forehead; wherever he was had very little air circulation and it was hot. He could smell the sea, so he figured he was near docks, maybe even overlooking St. Canard.

He finished tinkering with the device. The last one he sent out didn't have much luck. Maybe this one would; he had to warn Quiverwing and Mr. McDuck. On top of that, he had to get in contact with J Gander. Time was running out.

He was in a small room filled with dozens of broken electronics. It looked some kind of trash hole for computers. Luckily, he just happened to be a genius and could rig just about anything he could imagine. He held a small device, which looked like a baseball with wings.

There was only one window in his tiny cell, and it was very high up. Gyro eyed it, pulled back his arm, and tossed the device in the air. Instantly it came to life, beeping while hovering overhead.

"Find Quiverwing. Initiate program once you reach her!" The device made another beeping sound and flew out the window, leaving a very desperate Gyro. "I just hope it's not too late."

Author's note: I don't mean to offend anyone who likes Haggis, but I have tried it with an open mind, and my stomach regrets it to this day. Still do not have a computer, so the updates are coming slow. Hope you all are enjoying it. Please read and review.

BETA READER: MENDEIA