Blue and Hazel
An: I don't own Artemis Fowl.
Twenty One.
Stout remembered the day he was accepted into the LEP as if it were three months ago. In fact, it had been three months ago when his status elevated from lowly common folk to revered LEP officer. Of course he was on traffic duty but all the greats had started there. Especially Commander Stern himself. A wide grin painted across his features at the thought of his favorite Commander. He had heard plenty of stories about the young commander from close friends and strangers. He had been the talk of the town and still was.
When Stout had been gifted with traffic duty Commander Stern had been there to give a most inspiriting speech. Well, the speech wasn't completely inspiring. Stern stated to the newcomers they shouldn't 'mess this up' and 'if you all do fail all of you will be thrown out'. Most of the officers had only rolled their eyes but Stout had taken the message to heart like it was the most inspiring speech of his life. It was from that day on Stout dedicated his energy to making sure Stern knew who he was. His plan consisted of always being around Commander Stern and always providing beneficial news. He provided news even when the Commander didn't ask for it. Stout considered himself as someone who took the initiative.
Today was a most fortunate day for Stout. He was about to head outside when he heard interesting news coming from Foaly's lab. He was never the one to miss out on interesting news. After all this news could be exactly what Commander Stern needed. He smiled brightly. Ten minutes of careful eavesdropping and the young fairy officer was in shock. Artemis Fowl? The Artemis Fowl of the Artemis Fowl incident was in charge of the entire thing? The kidnapping was Fowl? He pulled himself from the door and sprinted toward commander's office. Stout was thrilled he didn't go home early like the Commander suggested every day.
"Commander Stern," he called out to the elder.
The elder fairy glanced at him softly before an annoyed expression showed on his features. Stout frowned slightly but continued on with the delivery of the information he gathered. He began explaining everything with wild gestures of his arms. His was out of breath at the end of his rapid fire explanation.
"You sure of what you heard?" Commander Stern asked seriously with his full attention on Stout.
"Yes sir," he nodded firmly. "I would never lie about this. I have nothing against Captain Short."
It was true. Stout had nothing against Captain Short. She was an excellent officer and was someone to look up to. She wasn't as decorated as Commander Stern but all the same they were one of the many legends of the LEP. He watched Commander Stern lean back in his office chair. For a few minutes they sat in silence until the Commander arose. A new found fire blazed in his eyes. Stout could tell he was furious. The commander's fists clenched by his sides as he headed toward his door.
"Wait, Commander Stern, you can't go out there," Stout remarked as he grabbed the sleeve of his uniform.
The elder fairy gave him a cold hard stare. Stout immediately unleashed the other from his grasp. It was disrespectful to grab a higher ranking officer. He heard that years ago one unfortunate fairy grabbed an officer and then soon found himself behind bars. The young fairy gulped a particularly large lump in his throat. Hopefully the situation at hand was more important than the whole 'grabbing' event.
"Why wouldn't I want to go out there?" he asked. "I thought this information was confirmed. Is there something you've left out?"
"No," he shook his head in disapproval. "If you go out there why will deny everything. You know how Captain Short feels about Artemis."
The commander's features hardened at the sound of the name Artemis. Stout could understand the Commander's anger. Artemis Fowl was no friend of the people. He fully believed it.
"She is going to fix the problem before you even know," Stout continued. "Don't you want to catch the mud boy finally?"
They both stood by the door. One held a calculating look upon his face while the other was waiting silently. The commander returned to his chair and took a seat. Stout released a breath he had been holding. He took a seat across from the elder.
"I can't believe I don't trust my own team but Holly will just have to understand," he sighed as he massaged his temples. "I knew that mud boy was dangerous. No one like that deserves a second, third, or even a fourth chance."
"Agreed," Stout echoed. "I knew that mud boy was dangerous too."
"Stout, I need you to do something for me."
Stout nodded.
"I am going to put you on the case," he shared. "I will assign you to the kidnapping case of Griffith. I want you to be around at all times. This way I can have all the information necessary to find Fowl before they do."
Stout's eyes widened. Commander Stern was looking at him and giving him a direct order. He had to be dreaming. Fairies on traffic duty rarely receive such high level tasks. He was surprised he hadn't been ordered to leave. Could this be his moment to prove to Commander Stern he was ready for the big leagues?
"Me?"
"Is there a problem with you?" he eyed the youth with a bit of a smile.
"This is a direct order?" Stout asked with his eyes narrowed in suspicion. "You aren't going to assign someone else?"
Commander Stern frowned. "Would you like me to assign someone else? I can. Believe me I have no idea why I'm assigning you anything. In fact-"
"No, I accept," Stout arose with a bright smile. "I accept! Thank you Commander. I will not let you down. One thing, how will they believe it is an order from you?"
The elder fairy smirked. "I'll tell Captain short of course but not until tomorrow. I wouldn't want them to think anything of the new changes. This will be between the two of us for a bit. After we have gathered enough information I will make sure the rest of the LEP is aware."
Stout grinned. "Very smart of you sir."
"Indeed," Commander Stern chuckled. "Now, it is time for you to get some rest."
"Oh, of course," Stout arose with haste. "I apologize for delaying your work."
Commander Stern waved the youth's concern away. "Nonsense, you have been making impressive strides in the right direction. Who knows maybe you may find yourself at Captain Status sooner than you think."
"Captain?" he asked with a dream like expression on his face. "Me?"
The commander groaned. He arose and opened his door.
"Leave," he pointed out the door. "You've over stayed your welcome."
Stout gave the commander a thumbs up before darting out the door. On his way through the dimly lit halls he couldn't help but perform a celebratory dance. He was on his way to being captain. He would be going from traffic duty straight to captain. He couldn't wait to see the look on all the other traffic officers faces when he is awarded with the highly coveted position. A large grin fell across his lips as he pushed open the doors. They would have to take him seriously as an officer from then on. He couldn't wait to start his new secret mission tomorrow. Things were looking up for Stout.
Hello Internet Readers! How do you do? Hoped you all enjoy the chapter. I decided to give you a bit of background about Stout. I would like to thank everyone for the constant feedback/support. I would like to specially thank the reviewers:
PierceTheVeils: Thanks for the review and support. Ask for Vincent it is hard to say why he is so careless. Or was it carelessness? I see what you mean. Maybe finding out Artemis was behind it should have been bigger but I think the chapter didn't allow for it. I'm glad you like the talking backwards. I always thought it was interesting to have characters find individuals who talk backwards to reveal a secret message. I like all your questions by the way. It shows my story is making people think out of the box. I don't have any answers for you but you'll just have to continue reading. Sorry for the confusing ending last chapter. I always found it difficult to write about people eavesdropping. Hopefully this chapter made it clear that someone had been listening to Foaly and Holly's conversation. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks again for the support and review. The feedback brings a smile to my face.
StarlightGilgalad: Thanks for the review and support. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Isabel loves books: Thank you for the review and support. I'm so glad you like the story. I only do the best I can in delivering it. This may be late but of course you can recommend the story in an update. It is exciting to be considered for a recommendation. I'm honored.
I will also like to thank the new follower and favoriter Isabel loves books.
Thanks everyone who stops by to read/review or just view the story. All the support inspires me so much. Thanks again. The next chapter is 85% of the way done and should hopefully be up soon.
Thanks again.
Until Next Chapter
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