In the last chapter, I opened with some good news for me, which turned out to be not so good news for you guys. Well, the tables have been turned, sadly for me, but thankfully to anyone who is still reading this…Due to the high cost of the program and a tight financial year for my family, I will be unable to attend the People to People Student Ambassador Program on its trip to explore the imperial capitals of Europe this summer.
On one hand, this means I won't have to spend so much time fundraising (I'm still going to be raising money to attend next summers program, though) and will have more time to write. On the other hand, I really had my heart set on this; so this new development has me understandably discouraged. I never would have known that I, standing at 5 feet 4 inches and weighing in at a pathetic 110 pounds could consume an ENTIRE gallon of ice cream within the span of 24 hours…but I am proud to say that I did not cry and my parents are surprised and proud that I am taking this so well.
Oh yeah; and guess what? THE FREAKING PLAY GOT CANCELED TOO; all because of some dumbass screwups who kept goofing off and couldn't keep their heads out of their asses long enough to memorize THREE LINES! (can you tell I'm pissed off?) So, since said actors had no idea what they were supposed to be doing; the whole thing fell apart and the teacher canceled it. Luckily for the drama club members that CARE, I actually wrote my own Christmas play and had the idea of getting together my fellow actors who give a damn and we are teaming up to put together a collection of our different talents to form a Christmas Drama Extravaganza all on our own. It'll be interesting to see what we can do when just the students work together )
I would like to take this time to thank all you readers and reviewers for your continued support. Your feedback really makes my day!
To DigitalDreamer: Yeah…hopefully Up Against the World will help me balance this mess out…I wrote the last chapter of UAtW just after I found out that the trip was off; so I was pretty depressed and my writing suffered because of it…I'll find some way to fix it! Thanks for your support as always!
To SealFiveLight: (Sigh!) sorry to disappoint you (see the email I sent you)…good luck with your games lol.
To Black Rain: Well, looks like I can get some stuff done now! Thanks for the review!
To Black Dawn: lol well obviously I'm not…and, you probably used that quote because it IS pretty cure, but just in case that's not the case, I'm a girl ). Hmm…can't log in, you say? You may have already figured it out by the time you read this, but just in case you haven't, go to my forum "Lyre19's Psychonauts Discussatory" and I'll post some instructions on there for you.
To KarAnijuki: (Sniffle!) I'll bet it is… (starts sobbing hysterically)
To TheDarkP: (Blush!) D'aw! Thanks so much! I really need to get around to playing Halo…I've heard it's a great game…I very much appreciate your kind words! Thanks for the review and fave!
Chapter 37 (about damn time, I know)
Sasha had gone after Mikhail and insisted that Maloof and Chloe take Vernon and Lucy with them and go back to their quarters. The four children (and two dogs) all sat together in the living room and watched a movie, though none of them (except for maybe Lucy) was paying attention to the movie.
Vernon's mind was gravitating toward thoughts of his grandparents and parents and the trial that lay ahead of him. Maloof and Chloe were worried about Mikhail.
Things got a hell of a lot worse when Sasha burst into the room, out of breath. Generally, this was not a good sign.
Maloof shot to his feet, forgetting for a moment that he wasn't quite stable on his own yet; so he tipped over sideways. Without batting an eye, Chloe caught him, set him back upright, and thrust his crutches into his hands.
"What happened?" Maloof asked.
"Come with me." Sasha said. Everyone was too frightened to ask any further questions. They all followed Sasha (much to Maloof's horror) to the Med ward. They weaved through hallways bypassed many doors until Sasha halted in front of one of the doors. Everyone was terrified of what they might find when that door opened. They all tensed as Sasha turned the knob and slowly pushed open the door.
Maloof was the first to gather up the first to gather up the courage to step inside. He swallowed thickly, drew a deep, shaky breath, and ventured into the dark room. Inside, Mikhail was sitting on the bed with his back to Maloof beside a beautiful, dark haired woman. She was pale and still.
"M-misha?" Maloof asked softly. Mikhail turned his head slowly to look at Maloof. Tears streaked the Russian cadet's cheeks. But then, he did something rather odd. He smiled.
"Tiny boss…" Mikhail whispered softly. He stood up so that he could face Maloof fully. There was a tiny bundle in his arms.
"Look!" Mikhail whispered excitedly. Maloof walked over to Mikhail's side. Mikhail was grinning from ear to ear as he pulled back the corner of the bundle to reveal the tiny newborn baby in his arms.
"Misha has brand new little bitty teeny tiny baby sister!" Mikhail said, tears of joy rolling down his cheeks. Maloof nearly gasped aloud as he gazed at the newborn. He too broke out into a wide grin.
"Aw, Mikhail…she's beautiful!" Maloof said, gingerly reaching out to touch the tiny baby's hand. The infant hiccupped and shifted in her sleep. Chloe, Vernon, and Lucy tiptoed in cautiously to get a better look while Sasha just stood at the door, smiling contently.
"Does she have a name yet?" Maloof asked.
"She is called Anastasia Razputin Bulkakov." The dark haired woman on the bed said weakly. She smiled.
"You must be friend that Misha talk about so much. It is nice to finally meet you in person, Maloof." The woman said, extending her hand toward Maloof. Maloof shook her hand.
"Believe me, the pleasure's all mine." Maloof sighed, relieved that Mikhail's mother was alive after all.
"Congratulations on your new daughter. She's a beautiful baby." Maloof said. The woman smiled.
"Such a sweet young man. Thank you." She said.
"How are you feeling, Mama?" Mikhail asked, walking over to sit with his mother again. Mrs. Bulgakov smiled and patted Mikhail on the head. She chuckled softly.
"Delivering baby is not easy. Make me very tired." She said. Her eyes went to the bundle in Mikhail's arms. She caressed the baby's face lightly.
"But, I have brand new baby girl; so is worth it. Give me few days to rest and I will be out introducing baby to bears back home." Mrs. Bulgakov said.
"Doctors say we can only keep baby out for few more minutes. You must go introduce baby sister to her papa before doctors take her." Mrs. Bulgakov said.
"Yes, mama." Mikhail said. He gave his mother a quick kiss on the cheek. "Sleep well."
Cradling the baby to his chest with the utmost care, Mikhail walked out of the room. His eyes never left the little bundle in his arms. Maloof, Vernon, Chloe, and Lucy followed after him; curiosity directed toward the tiny infant shining in their eyes. Sasha smiled to himself as he watched the children wander off down the hall.
"Tiny boss looks like he has seen ghost…in fact, so do space girl Chloe, talkative friend Vernon, and talkative friend Vernon's not talking baby sister." Mikhail said as he strolled down the hall. Maloof turned to glare savagely at Sasha, who was smiling shamelessly and trying not to laugh as he watched them walk away.
"I'll tell you about it as soon as I'm done whacking my godfather…" Maloof growled. He slid his index finger across his own throat and pointed to Sasha menacingly. Sasha just chuckled and shrugged. Maloof rolled his eyes and continued to follow after Mikhail.
"She's not even an hour old and that baby already has her big brother completely wrapped around her tiny little finger." Sasha remarked. Mrs. Bulgakov chuckled.
"I have never seen such a look on his face!" Mrs. Bulgakov remarked.
"He's absolutely infatuated with her. The other children seem to be fascinated with her as well." Sasha said.
"The miracle of birth." Mrs. Bulgakov said. Sasha smirked slightly.
"I couldn't help but notice the baby's middle name…" Sasha said. Mrs. Bulgakov nodded.
"Yes. Anastasia Razputin Bulgakov. Mikhail help me name her. We not care if it boy name. We give her middle name Razputin in honor of little gypsy boy. Also, Razputin is strong name and Anastasia-Razputin I think, though contradictory, is cute." Mrs. Bulgakov said. "Call me twisted with sense of humor. I no give damn. Baby is mine and I like name that son help me pick. If someone not like or find offensive, I say to them 'up ass, fucker'."
Sasha couldn't help but laugh. Mrs. Bulgakov, like her son, was quite spirited, even when exhausted.
"You tell them, Mrs. Bulgakov. I think it is a fine name for a beautiful baby girl." Sasha said. Mrs. Bulgakov grinned proudly.
"Thank you." She said.
"So, what did the doctor have to say?" Sasha asked.
"About baby, or me?" Mrs. Bulgakov asked.
"Both." Sasha said.
"It is like I say; I will be fine with rest. As for baby…" Mrs. Bulgakov trailed off, looking anxious.
"She is born one month early, but is developed well. Doctors are going to run tests to see if baby came to any harm in womb when I was attacked." Mrs. Bulgakov said. Sasha decided to walk over to Mrs. Bulgakov's bedside so that they didn't have to speak across the room to each other. Sasha put a hand on her shoulder.
"Did you by any chance watch the news this morning?" Sasha asked.
"No…I was a little busy with doctors everywhere trying to keep me from going into labor." Mrs. Bulgakov said in a teasing tone. Sasha chuckled softly.
"Well, it would seem that there has been a major breakthrough in finding the terrorists who have been giving us so much trouble." Sasha said. "I have been dodging the media all day, so I don't know all the details yet, but I'll come back with an update when I know more."
"I would like that. Thank you." Mrs. Bulgakov said.
"We'll have your attackers behind bars yet, Mrs. Bulgakov." Sasha said, patting the woman on the shoulder. "In the meantime, get well soon, may you and your husband both make a full and speedy recovery, congratulations on your new baby, I hope that she will be healthy, and you can rest assured that your son will be well cared for. I think that just about covers it."
Mrs. Bulgakov chuckled.
"I would say so. Thank you, Agent Nein." Mrs. Bulgakov said with a smile.
"I shall leave you to rest now and bring Mikhail back to see you again tomorrow." Sasha said.
"If you can get him away from new baby sister, that is good plan." Mrs. Bulgakov joked.
"I suppose I have my work cut out for me." Sasha said.
"You and I both are Psychonaut. When do we not have work cut out for us?" Mrs. Bulgakov mused.
"True. Very true." Sasha chuckled. "Goodnight, Mrs. Bulgakov."
"Goodnight, Agent Nein." Mrs. Bulgakov responded. With that, Sasha shut the door behind him and strolled off down the halls to find his young charges.
Sasha chuckled to himself. Maloof was going to (well, he'd at least try, anyway) mangle him when he found him. Even though he'd only spent a few hours of quality time (if you could consider physical therapy 'quality time') with him, he already felt like he knew his godson better.
Sasha was pleasantly surprised to find that Maloof was a lot like his father, Mason Canola; not only in the way of flying, but personality wise too. He had Mason's determination and wit along with his mother's stubborn, sometimes almost diehard attitude. It didn't seem like a mandatory responsibility to spend time with him (which was usually spent chatting about piloting and fidgeting in awkward silence) anymore.
Maybe this 'good role model' stuff wasn't going to be as difficult as he'd originally imagined…
scenedividerblahblahblahICan'tComeUpWithACleverSceneDividerblahblahblah
Even after a very, very, VERY long day of answering questions and talking to parents and finding them new homes and identities, Milla felt as though she couldn't rest until she'd visited the children. She crept carefully into the main living area of the wing of the building that had been set aside for the children. The children were sitting together in their pajamas and eating dinner as they chatted.
"So, as you can see, our theory about Quentin, the squirrels, the hamsters, the Democratic Republic of Congo, limbo, the blue-footed boobies, and Lake Titicaca is clearly out." Crystal sighed.
"Have you considered the possibility that Raz may have been the chosen one and Quentin as his advisor?" Brett asked.
"Hmm…" Lili said thoughtfully. "You make a valid point…"
"Heavens, what kind of toxic fumes have you all been breathing since I've been gone?" Milla giggled. The children all jumped up when they heard Milla's voice.
"Mmmf! Ahen o'ello!" Brett exclaimed through a mouthful of mashed potatoes. He jumped up and stood at attention, his cheeks still bulging full of mashed potatoes. The sight had Penny peeling into a fit of giggles.
"At ease, darling!" Agent Vodello laughed. Brett blushed and sat back down, swallowing his mashed potatoes. He chuckled sheepishly and held up a plate full of steaks still hot off the grill.
"Hehehe…want some?" Brett offered.
"I'd love some. It looks delicious." Milla said, taking a seat among the children.
"Milla! We are so totally happy to see you!" Crystal cheered.
"Yeah, we missed you!" Clem said.
"I missed you too, darlings. I'm so sorry that we've had to keep you in the dark about everything." Milla said.
"It's okay, Milla. We know everything." Elka said.
"You do?" Milla asked.
"Yeah. Ford told us everything. We know all about Vernon being abused…" Nils began.
"And his parents murdering his grandparents, bless his heart." Franke sighed.
"And we know all about Jt's condition." Chops added.
"Well, that's that much less explaining I have to do…" Milla sighed.
"Bad day?" Lili asked.
"More like 'long day', darling. Very…very…very long day." Milla said, gratefully taking a bite out of a dinner roll.
"So, have you all had a good time with Agent Anders?" Milla asked. The children all nodded.
"Yeah. He's been great!" Clem said.
"Lots of fun!" Crystal agreed.
"How's the coach doing?" Milka asked. Milla chuckled.
"He's very grumpy that he's not allowed out of bed." Milla said. "He'll be able to get around on crutches starting the day after tomorrow."
"Good." Franke said. Milla jumped as her communicator started going off. When she answered it, a message was displayed on the screen. Milla dropped her roll and jumped to her feet, her eyes wide.
"Oh my god!" She cried.
"What is it, Milla?" Penny asked.
"That was Sasha…he's just given me some wonderful news, darlings!" Milla said.
"What's the news?" Nils asked.
"Mikhail has a brand new baby sister! His mother gave birth to a little girl at six o'clock this afternoon! Four pounds nine ounces, 13 inches; and Mikhail and his mother have decided to name her Anastasia Razputin Bulgakov!" Milla said.
"Aww!" the girls cooed. Lili felt her heart flutter and a thick lump rise to her throat. She felt a swell of gratitude toward Mikhail and a wave of anguish wash over her at the same time. Mikhail had named his baby sister after Raz. Dogen discretely put his hand over Lili's, sensing her sadness.
"Oh, she sounds so tiny!" Elka breathed.
"She was born a month prematurely, but she looks to be well developed…" Milla said. She laughed as the message continued across the screen of her communicator.
"Sasha says that even though Anastasia isn't even a day old yet, she has her big brother Mikhail completely wrapped around her tiny little finger!" Milla said. This earned many 'Aww!''s from the children.
"Sasha also says that Mikhail's parents are both recovering nicely and wants me to let you all know that Vernon, Lucy, Maloof, Mikhail, Chloe, and the new baby say hi." Milla said. "Isn't that sweet?!"
Milla was starting to notice that Bobby, Phoebe, and Benny were being oddly silent. Phoebe didn't even seem to want to look up from her plate. Bobby was sitting beside her and would glance over at her strangely frequently. She had a feeling that it was something other than love in the air.
"Well, this food is delicious!" Milla remarked, holding up her plate and smiling.
"You won't believe who cooked it!" Elton said.
"Who cooked it?" Milla asked.
"Bobby and Brett and Phoebe did!" Crystal exclaimed.
"Really?" Milla asked. "You all did a wonderful job!"
"Brett has volunteered to teach us Home Economics; so as our first assignment, we each have to take turns cooking meals." Dogen explained.
"Just wait until I get in the kitchen tomorrow night. I'll make you guys a stir-fry that'll put your lights out!" Kitty said.
"It's that bad, huh?" Nils snickered. Kitty reached over and whacked him on the head playfully with a roll of paper towels that had been sitting on the table.
"I'll make dessert tomorrow!" Crystal volunteered.
"I can make pancakes for breakfast tomorrow morning." Clem offered.
"Yeah, and Chops and Penny can take care of the syrup." Nils snickered.
"What was that, pretty boy?" Chops asked. Penny covered his mouth.
"What's with you guys and the Canadian jokes, eh?" Penny asked.
"Pancakes sound good to me!" Brett said.
"Don't look at me. The only thing I know how to cook in mac'n cheese from a box along with hotdogs." Nils said.
"Great. Then you can make lunch tomorrow." Elka said. Nils sighed and shrugged.
"Stupid surfer dude." Chops scoffed playfully.
"Bring it, syrup man." Nils said.
"Actually, bacon's more his thing." Penny said. Everyone burst into laughter. While everyone else was occupied, Bobby quietly led Phoebe up to Milla.
"Milla, can we talk to you in private for a minute?" Bobby asked. Milla nodded and discretely left the room with the two children. Phoebe still didn't want to look up.
"What's the matter, darlings?" Milla asked. Bobby looked to Phoebe.
"C'mon, Phoebe. You gotta tell her." Bobby said.
"I-I had another accident earlier today." Phoebe said softly. She was ashamed of herself. Milla frowned and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Tell me what happened, sweetie." Milla said softly.
"Elka got me all worked up with her stupid drama queen spiel, and I lost control and set her sheet of paper and her pencil on fire." Phoebe said, tears stinging at her eyes.
"How'd she get you worked up?" Milla asked.
"She was talking about all the horrible things that have happened to Jt and Vernon and she was saying that worse things could be happening to Raz and Quentin." Phoebe said softly, fighting tears.
"So she made you think about Quentin and your worry teamed up with your imagination and ran wild?" Milla asked. Phoebe nodded and sniffled softly. Milla nodded understandingly.
"Why don't you come with me, honey? We'll have a girl to girl chat. Just the two of us. It'll make you feel better." Milla said. Phoebe wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Okay." She said. To avoid an awkward silence, Bobby slipped back into the other room to rejoin the other cadets without another word and left Phoebe and Milla to talk.
An hour later, most of the cadets were getting into bed. Bobby felt obligated to see to it that all the other cadets were settled in before he went to bed himself. He silently stood vigil leaning against the wall in a dark corner of the lounge. Most of the other cadets were in bed already. Only a few were still up.
Everything was calm, quiet, and peaceful. The only light in the room came from the fire blazing in the fireplace. It cast a cozy glow all around the room. The soft crackling of the logs mingled with the occasional giggle from Kitty and Franke as they lounged on the couch together, gossiping and painting each others toenails and the soft, soothing, gentle drone of Chop's voice as he sat on another sofa with Penny reading her a bedtime story.
Lili seemed to feel the same way as Bobby did. She had taken up a post on the lounger in the opposite corner of the room as she pretended to read a book. Dogan tried to stay up with her. He felt obligated to stick by her side and Lili knew it. She also knew that sleep was winning out with Dogan. She assured him that she didn't mind if Dogan headed off to bed. With that, Dogan wished Lili goodnight and toddled off to the boy's sleeping quarters.
A few minutes later, Phoebe and Milla returned. Phoebe looked as though she had been crying, but she definitely looked much better.
"Oh, Bobby…I hope you weren't waiting up for me…" Phoebe said.
"Nah. I just didn't feel like going to bed yet." Bobby said. "Feeling better now?"
Phoebe nodded.
"You were right. Talking to Milla helped a lot." Phoebe said. "We've even come up with a way to prevent me from loosing control again."
"You have? How?" Bobby asked.
"I'm going to get a power breaker." Phoebe said.
"A what now?" Bobby asked.
"A power breaker. Like Dogan's hat. It allows only a certain amount of psychic energy to flow through it. When a surge of energy goes through it, the breaker trips and stops the flow of energy; just like with an electric breaker." Phoebe explained. Bobby couldn't help the amused smirk that came to his face.
"I'm sorry, but I can't imagine you in one of those foil hats." Bobby snickered. Phoebe laughed.
"It doesn't have to be a hat, silly!" Phoebe said. "It can be anything! It can be a necklace, or a ring, or a hair clip, or an earring, or a bracelet…I'm probably just going to get the breaker laced into the interior of my headphones."
"Okay, good." Bobby chuckled. Milla walked up and kissed Bobby on the cheek. Bobby blushed slightly.
"What was that for?" Bobby asked.
"It's because I'm so proud of you, darling. Phoebe tells me that you were very kind to her today." Milla said. Bobby blushed deeper.
"Well, I'm the oldest guy here. It's like my job or whatever." Bobby muttered.
"You've been really sweet to me, Bobby. You're a real gentleman. Thank you." Phoebe said. Bobby blushed deeper.
"Whatever. Just don't go spreading it around that I was nice to you. I've got a reputation to uphold, you know." Bobby muttered. This earned a slight smile from Phoebe. She walked up to Bobby and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. She whispered something in his ear as she pulled back. Whatever she had said, it made Bobby go bright red. He could only stare as Phoebe bid him goodnight and scampered off to the girl's sleeping quarters.
A faint smile tugged at Bobby's lips as he made his way to the boy's sleeping quarters. He was so distracted by the words that Phoebe had whispered to him ringing in his ears that he didn't even notice when Benny slipped passed him and into the lounge.
"Now I know why Chloe likes you so much."
Clearance granted for shuttle Bobby to launch to Cloud 9.
scenedividerblahblahblahICan'tComeUpWithACleverSceneDividerblahblahblah
Benny let out a sigh of relief when he slipped passed Bobby unnoticed. Milla was on her way out the door when Benny entered the lounge. He dashed after her.
"Milla, wait!" Benny said softly so that he wouldn't draw the attention of the cadets that were still up.
"What is it, sweetie?" Milla asked.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" Benny asked.
"Of course, darling." Milla said. "What do you want to talk to me about?"
"It's about Vernon." Benny said. Milla smiled.
"Oh, that. I'm so sorry! I meant to tell you, but I forgot!" Milla said.
"Tell me what?" Benny asked. Milla ran her fingers through Benny's hair.
"Don't you worry about him, darling. Right now, he's safe with Sasha and he has Maloof, Mikhail, and Chloe to keep him company. You and I are going to go meet up with them tomorrow morning, so pack a bag, alright? I wont' be able to stay with you and Sasha and the others for long, but you're going to be staying with Sasha and the others until the trial is over. You won't miss the trial and no one will utter a word about Vernon and Lucy's…ahem…special conditions." Milla assured him. Benny let out a sigh of relief.
"Okay. Thanks, Milla." Benny said.
"Is there anything else you wanted to talk to me about?" Milla asked. Benny shook his head.
"Nope. You covered everything. Thanks, Milla." Benny said.
"You're welcome, darling. Goodnight." Milla said. Benny bid her goodnight as well and walked at a leisurely pace back to the boy's sleeping quarters. He settled into his bed for the first peaceful sleep he'd gotten since before Whispering Rock was attacked.
THE NEXT MORNING
Truman almost burst into tears and hugged the former grand head when he walked in the door with a box of fresh doughnuts and two big cups of coffee. Ford winked at Truman.
"Do I know you or what, sonny boy?" Ford chuckled.
"I love you, Ford Cruller!" Truman sighed, cramming a doughnut into his mouth and practically dumping his coffee down his throat. Ford just laughed.
"I always appreciated it when you did stuff like this for me. I figured I'd return the favor since you're about to be roasted alive on live television." Ford said.
"Thanks a lot, Ford." Truman grumbled. Again, Ford just laughed and patted Truman on the back. Truman picked up the box of doughnuts and his coffee and he and Ford started off to the press conference.
"Coming through! Make way! Dead man walking, here!" Ford called to an empty hallway. Truman rolled his eyes as Ford laughed. Hot a second later, Milla rounded the corner and stepped into the hall a few yards ahead of them. She stood at attention and produced a kazoo from her pocket and began to play a soldier's funeral song. Ford was in stitches.
"You two are so helpful." Truman said sarcastically.
"It would have been better, but Agent Leiken is out on a mission, so he couldn't make it down here to play the bagpipes for you in that lovely kilt of his." Milla said.
"Sasha would have made a good substitute!" Ford laughed.
"Does he play the bagpipes?" Milla asked.
"Milla, I don't think anyone really knows how to play the bagpipes. I think it's all a ruse. Anyone can fake knowing how to play. The whole point is that Sasha would make that kilt look good." Ford said. He and Milla both burst into laughter. It brought a smile to Truman's face as well.
"I don't know…I think that kilt would look five times sexier on Morry than it would on Sasha." Truman said. The three burst into peels of laughter.
"Don't tell them I said that." Truman chuckled.
"Don't worry, we won't subject Sasha to that kind of heartbreak." Ford chuckled. Truman took another doughnut out of the box and offered Milla one. Milla reached in and grabbed one with sprinkles on it.
"Why'd you get Eclairs, Ford? Sasha's the only one who likes them and he's not here." Milla said. Ford shrugged.
"Force of habit, I guess." Ford said. Truman sighed.
"I wish Sasha was here. He's a quick thinker. He always has a good suggestion to keep me from completely humiliating myself in front of the masses." Truman said. He turned to stare at Ford and Milla. "And he wouldn't be so mean to me!"
"You know he'd be just as bad as we are." Milla said.
"And Morry would be worse." Ford said.
"True…true…" Truman said. Ford patted Truman on the shoulder.
"You'll do fine, Truman. Just try to think like Sasha." Ford suggested. Truman got a devilish look in his eyes. He turned to Milla and made a kissy-face at her. Milla giggled and slapped him playfully.
"On a mission! Think like Sasha when he's on a mission!" Ford chuckled.
"Do I have to shove a stick up my ass?" Truman teased.
"No! See! Now who's the one being silly?" Ford asked. "Besides, if you shove a stick up your ass, you'll make a funny face. The last thing you need is to be making a funny face on live TV."
Truman laughed.
"Alright, alright. I'll just go by W.W.S.D." Truman said. Milla raised an eyebrow at him.
"W.W.S.D. meaning What Would Sasha Do." Truman explained.
"Oh, I go by that a lot." Milla said.
"We should make t-shirts." Truman said. The three looked at each other and burst into laughter.
"We haven't hung out like this since…well…before I became Grand Head." Truman said. Ford nodded.
"One of these days, the three of us plus Sasha and Morry will have to take a day off and go do something together." Ford said. Milla nodded, her expression slightly sad.
"We can go up to the Swiss Alps together with all the children and their families for a week to celebrate when this is all over and Razputin and Quentin are with us again." Milla said softly. Ford and Truman both put an arm around Milla's shoulders comfortingly.
"That's a good idea, Milla." Truman said softly.
"I think everyone will enjoy that." Ford agreed.
"I wonder what they're doing right now." Milla said softly.
"I imagine they're having breakfast right about now." Ford said. Milla and Truman nodded. The rest of the walk to the flight hanger was made in silence. Benny was already waiting for Milla with his suitcase in hand.
"Take care, Milla. Give Sasha and Becca my regards, give Vernon and Lucy my deepest condolences, tell Maloof and Chloe that I wish them the best of luck, and congratulate Mikhail for me on his new sister." Truman said.
"I will. Good luck on your press conference, darling." Milla said. She gave him a brief hug and a kiss on the cheek, then proceeded to straighten his collar, adjust his tie, and smooth back his hair. Truman just let her fuss over him with a slightly amused smile.
Milla then turned to Ford. "Try to bring him back to us in one piece, hmm, darling?"
Ford grinned.
"This is the media we're talking about, Milla. I'm not guaranteeing anything. I'll bring him back in as few pieces as I can." Ford said. Milla giggled and hugged him.
"It's the best we can hope for, I suppose!" She said.
"Well, we'd better get going. The press will get even more pissy if we're late." Ford said.
"Right. See you around, Milla." Truman said. Ford ruffled Benny's hair playfully as Ford and Truman walked past him to board one of the planes. Milla smoothed Benny's hair back into place with a smile and led him to the aircraft that they would be taking. Benny was pleasantly surprised to find that their pilot was none other than his own mother.
"Mom! I didn't know you'd be transporting us!" Benny exclaimed. His mother jumped up and hugged him with a laugh.
"Neither did I, honey! What are the odds, huh?" Mrs. Fideleo laughed. She kissed Benny on the forehead.
"I've missed you." She said.
"I missed you too, Mom." Benny said. Mrs. Fideleo escorted Milla and Benny into her little jet. In no time at all, they were in the air.
"So, Agent Vodello…" Mrs. Fideleo began.
"Oh, please, call me Milla!" Milla said.
"Right, Milla then…might I inquire as to why you and my son are going to Japan?" Mrs. Fideleo asked curiously. Benny looked to Milla.
"You can tell her, darling." Milla said.
"Well, Mom…a friend of mine, Vernon Tripe…" Benny began.
"The boy on the news?!" Mrs. Fideleo asked. Benny nodded.
"I guess you already know about his parents and grandparents, then." Benny said.
"Oh, that poor dear…" Mrs. Fideleo said softly.
"I'm going over there with Milla to be with Vernon and Lucy. I'm going to be giving a testimony at their parent's trial." Benny said.
"A testimony?! How were you involved?!" Mrs. Fideleo asked anxiously.
"It's not what you think, mom." Benny said hastily. "Vernon and Lucy were abused by their parents and I'm the only one they ever told about it."
"God, those poor kids…" Mrs. Fideleo said.
The trip to Japan seemed terribly short. It had been very comforting to Benny to have been able to see his mother after what seemed like months. But, alas, they had to part ways once again after landing in Japan.
Sasha, Vernon, Lucy, Mikhail, Maloof, and Chloe were waiting for them when they landed. Milla dashed off of the plane and into Sasha's arms. They held each other close for a long moment and shared an affectionate kiss.
"I missed you." Milla whispered.
"I missed you too." Sasha whispered back. Awkwardly, Benny approached Vernon and Lucy.
"I'm so sorry, you guys." Benny said softly. A sad smile tugged at Vernon's lips. He shrugged.
"I don't know why people keep apologizing. It's not their fault and it won't change anything." Vernon said softly. Lucy toddled up to Benny and hugged his legs. Benny leaned over and picked her up.
"Hey, Lucy. How's my favorite little ballerina?" Benny asked.
"Good." Lucy responded shyly. Benny's eyebrows climbed up his forehead.
"Look who's finally talking! I'm proud of you, Lucy!" Benny said. Lucy blushed and giggled, hugging Benny's neck. Vernon smiled at Benny.
"She sure is fond of you." Vernon said. Benny smiled down at Lucy.
"She's not so bad herself." Benny teased. Lucy giggled and poked Benny on the forehead. Benny glanced over at Chloe, Maloof, and Mikhail. He grinned sheepishly.
"Hey, guys. I hear that you have a new baby sister yourself, Mikhail. Congrats." Benny said. Mikhail grinned proudly. Maloof and Chloe couldn't help but smile at the Russian cadet's obvious joy.
"Thank you." Mikhail said.
"Oh, darling, you must let me see her!" Milla said.
"Certainly." Mikhail said.
"Why don't we go see her right now?" Sasha asked. The others agreed and they all headed off to the med ward together.
"So, Maloof…I guess you're doing a lot better now, huh?" Benny asked awkwardly. Maloof nodded.
"Yeah. I'm getting physical therapy." Maloof explained.
"I'm glad that you're okay." Benny said. Maloof stared at Benny for a long moment before breaking out into a smirk.
"I guess it's true what Vernon has been saying, then. You really have turned over a new leaf." Maloof said. Benny blushed slightly.
"Well, I'm working on it." Benny said sheepishly. Maloof smiled.
"All your prey has up and become too dangerous for you to hunt." Maloof teased motioning to himself and then to Mikhail. Benny chuckled and raised his hands in surrender.
"Yeah, that's it. You're too good. I don't stand a chance anymore. I give up." Benny said.
"This is gonna take some getting used to." Maloof said to Mikhail; gesturing to Benny. Mikhail laughed.
"So, what have you guys been up to here in Japan?" Benny asked.
"Mikhail's here visiting his parents and I'm getting physical therapy." Maloof answered quickly.
"And I had to get a physical to renew my piloting license." Chloe said quickly. Benny shrugged.
"Sounds like a regular barrel of fun." He said sarcastically.
"You're telling me." Maloof muttered. Seconds later, they approached the window of the newborn nursery. A nurse allowed Mikhail to go inside and get Anastasia. He brought the newborn out to show the others.
"This is my teeny tiny itty bitty brand new baby sister, Anastasia. Say hello, Anya!" Mikhail said, smiling down at the newborn. Anya cooed in response to Mikhail's words.
"Aw…she's cute, Mikhail." Benny said, smiling at the infant. Mikhail was beaming with pride. Mikhail offered to let Milla hold Anya. The woman gushed over the baby joyfully. Sasha smiled and stood beside her with one arm around her waist. They were so absorbed with each other and the baby that they didn't notice the cadets snickering at them.
"You know that it's gonna be déjà vu in a few years; except the baby they'll be holding will be theirs." Maloof whispered to the other cadets. They all chuckled and nodded.
"Are you kidding? You're looking at Milla Vodello, smallfry. In a few years, it'll probably be their eighth!" Benny said. Maloof chose to overlook the 'smallfry' comment and laughed.
"You're probably right." Mikhail said.
"Affirmative. Milla and Sasha will make successful lifelong mates and will likely produce a vast number of offspring." Chloe agreed. The boys snickered.
"Yeah, with a woman like Milla, Sasha's going to be one lucky bastard." Benny whispered.
"What are you all giggling about over there?" Milla asked. All the children jumped and blushed.
"Nothing." Maloof said innocently.
"We were just saying that you and Sasha look good together is all." Benny said.
"And baby make picture complete." Mikhail added. Lucy, Vernon, and Chloe nodded in agreement. Sasha and Milla both blushed deeply.
"But…" Mikhail said. He walked over to Sasha and Milla and took Anya back. "Cannot have this baby. Mikhail is keeping his baby sister, thank you. You will have to get own baby."
Mikhail seemed oblivious to the implications that he had just unwittingly made as he gushed over his baby sister. The other cadets had to clamp their hands down over their mouths to keep from bursting into uproarious laughter. Milla and Sasha blushed scarlet.
"I-I suppose you're right." Sasha said sheepishly.
"You know, Milla, I don't know what you did to Sasha, but it worked." Maloof said. Milla glanced back and forth from Sasha to Maloof.
"I beg your pardon?" Milla asked.
"We've always been kinda distant, but now, we're closer than ever. He's made a great father figure, and not just to me. Isn't that right, guys?" Maloof asked. Vernon, Lucy, and Mikhail all voiced their agreement. Sasha blushed deeply and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. Milla smiled sweetly at Sasha.
"Oh, Sasha!" Milla sighed. She hugged him tightly and kissed him. "I'm so proud of you!"
Sasha glanced over at the cadets over Milla's shoulder. Vernon and Maloof were smiling at him with great amusement. Maloof winked at Sasha and gave him the thumbs up. Sasha smirked back at him.
There was no doubt about it. Maloof was definitely Mason's son.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Sorry for the short-ish uneventful chapter and the insanely long time you had to wait for it. I'll bet you guys were expecting me to do something angsty to Mikhails mommy, weren't you! XD!
O o …Dear God, CALL THE MEDIA! HALT THE PRESS! LYRE-19 JUST POSTED AN ANGST FREE CHAPTER THAT ENDED ON A HAPPY NOTE AND WITHOUT A CLIFFHANGER!
Reviews will make me feel better! (puppy eyes)
Also, you guys; some of you haven't answered to your jury duty call. Judge Lyre-19 presiding over the case of Vernon, Lucy, and the Agency vs. Mr. and Mrs. Tripe. You, the readers, are my jury. Should Vernon and Lucy's parents die for their crimes or live the rest of their lives in jail without possibility of parole where it is possible that the two could one day escape and take their vengeance on their children? Or, as one reader suggested, should I make a side sequel all about Vernon's lifelong struggle to protect his and Lucy's secrets?
…you know what? I think I'm going to go create an official poll for that…I haven't tried out that new feature yet…so tata!
Check out my forum! The poll is on there now! …I've added sever very strange topics while fooling around with my forum at three in the morning…I've got to stop doing that XD…
And please review on your way out!