CHAPTER 15
Stallion's Gate
SammiJo Fuller walked with Frank Parker to the waiting room in silence. She was always a bit cautious with Guests at first meeting. This Guest seemed to be in a world of his own, perhaps processing what had happened to him in the Imaging Chamber.
Frank Parker was racking his slightly swiss-cheesed brain trying to remember where he'd seen the redhead from the bar. The silence in the hallways was a welcome change from the noisy bar he'd just come from.
"Here we are," SammiJo said as they approached to Waiting Room. She used her card key to open the door.
"Thanks." Frank stepped into the room. When SammiJo didn't follow him in he turned to her and asked, "Aren't you going to tuck me in? Dr. Beeks always does."
"No, I've got work to do with Ziggy yet tonight," SammiJo stated.
"Ziggy?!" Frank exclaimed. "I thought that was the Admiral's nickname for you."
SammiJo was surprised. "Ziggy is our Hybrid-super-computer. I'm merely a Ph.D. Would you like to speak directly with Ziggy...?"
"No, no," Frank cut her off. "I've had as much contact with self-aware computers as I want in this lifetime." He shot SammiJo the 'Parker smile'. "I'll just say good night then Dr. Fuller."
"Good night," SammiJo said as she closed the door and locked the Waiting Room down for the night.
***************
Karaoke Bar
The Backstep trio at the Karaoke bar was calling it a night. Olga and Sam were heading out the door for some fresh air while Nate paid the bill with the company credit card. As they passed through the bar area Sam saw what he thought was Tina with one of the women from the table Nate had pointed out earlier. He had to stop himself from greeting her with open arms, the brilliant but ditzy redhead was always one of his favorite people at the Project, but she wouldn't recognize him with Frank's face.
The air outside was bracing, the desert having cooled down without the sun shining. A conversation drew their attention.
"I can't believe it took you so long to get dressed. Honestly, Gooshie, it's not like this is a date or anything," Tina Martinez-O'Farrell whined at her companion.
"I . . . I did not have a whole lot of warning," Irving Gershowitz shot back, equally whiny. "I've never met your sister. I want to make a good impression."
Tina sighed. "Oh, Gooshie," she said in her sweet breathy voice. "Don't let her make you nervous. She's just a woman."
The geeky techie swallowed hard. "Thanks for the reminder." he replied nervously as they walked past Olga and Sam into the bar.
Olga Vukovitch studied the expression on Frank Parker's face. He had gone from happy to crestfallen to amused in a matter of seconds as they had passed the redheaded couple entering the bar. Olga was sure Frank had no idea how badly his poker face had slipped. She was not going to be the one to tell him.
Sam had gone from delighted to see Gooshie and Tina, to crestfallen that they would not know it was him, to amused at their conversation. 'The more things change, the more they stay the same' he thought. Then it dawned on him, he had just seen Tina inside the bar with someone and outside with Gooshie in less than a minute. He'd heard Al complain that they looked too much alike but until now, Sam Beckett had never realized how much Delilah Hobkirk resembled her sister, Christina Martinez-O'Farrell.
CHAPTER 16
Wednesday, February 9th
Stallion's Gate
Dawn
Verbena Beeks arrived in the level 1 cafeteria, poured herself a cup of coffee and claimed a table near the windows. Spending so much of her working day underground, she enjoyed looking out on the morning sun capturing the desert in its glow. This was the calm before the storm.
"Hey Girl," Tina Martinez-O'Farrell greeted Verbena as she sat down at the table with her mug of herbal tea.
"Hey yourself," Verbena greeted back. "How was the Karaoke? And Delilah?" she asked her friend.
Before Tina had the chance to respond Donna Elesee sat down at the table, her cup of hot chocolate in hand. "What report were you talking about last night?" she asked Verbena.
"A fabrication," 'Bena admitted, "I just wanted to put as much distance between you and Craig Donovan as I could as quickly as I could. You seemed quite upset last night and judging by the chocolate in your cup, you still are." Dr. Beeks' job also included looking after the mental health of PQL staff.
"Speaking of Craig Donovan," Tina chimed in, "How did the date go? Com'on, dish."
Verbena looked at Donna. She watched the physicist take a long draw from her cup and nod in acquiescence before speaking. "He was cute, bright, funny and like a bulldog on the subject of the Guest. He just would not accept that I couldn't tell him anything more than he already knew."
"The whole date was just an elaborate interrogation?" Tina questioned in surprise.
"Yes."
"What a shame!" Tina sounded more heartbroken than 'Bena.
"It's O.K." 'Bena consoled her friend, "What use would I have for an NSA agent in my life anyway?" As soon as the words were out of her mouth she glanced at Donna. "Sorry," she added with a grimace.
"That's all right." Donna responded. "I was in Socorro last evening..."
"I thought you were in Alamagordo?" Tina interrupted.
"I was, earlier. I ran into your sister there, by the way," Donna returned.
"In Socorro?"
"In Alamagordo." Donna took a breath and a sip of cocoa, and then continued. "I went to the hotel last evening to get some answers from Isaac Mentnor."
"And did you?" the psychiatrist prompted.
"Yes. He admitted being part of the NSA reconnaissance team. He said he volunteered to protect me, Sam and project personnel from undo suspicion," Donna stated.
"And you believe him." Verbena said. It was a question phrased as a statement.
"Yes, I believe him," Donna assured her.
That topic exhausted, Tina changed the subject with a question to Donna. "How did Dee seem to you yesterday?"
"Who's Dee? And can I join you?" SammiJo Fuller asked standing at the table, a glass of orange juice in hand.
"Sure, the more the merrier," Tina answered. "Dee is my sister. She works for Congressman Martinelli."
"She seemed a bit nervous yesterday," Donna answered Tina's question from before the younger physicist sat down. "She practically jumped out of her skin when the Congressman interrupted our conversation during the break. And when did she start using the nickname Lyla?"
"Lyla?!? That's a new one on me," Tina admitted with a laugh of surprise. "But nervous around Angelo might help explain why she got so wasted last night. She was so out of it that I brought her home with me,"
"Here?" Verbena questioned.
"I know it's against the rules but I didn't have much choice last night," Tina defended herself. "I had Gooshie drive her car here so she would have it when she got up this morning."
"So she's gone now?" Donna questioned.
"Yes, she left by cab just before I came to breakfast."
"By cab? Didn't you say her car was here?" SammiJo asked, confused.
"Yeah, but she couldn't get it started. Said she'd have it fixed later." Tina explained. "I hope she can pull it all together by tonight. I was looking forward to partying with my sis."
"Party?" SammiJo asked. "What party?"
"Oh, that's right. You've been on vacation for the last two weeks," 'Bena reminded herself aloud. "You don't know about the big formal party here tonight for the finance committee."
"On vacation, lucky you," Tina teased, then asked, "So how's your mom?"
Verbena noted that Donna stiffened ever so slightly as SammiJo talked about her mother, Abigail Fuller. Dr. Beckett had leaped into Abigail's life a couple of years ago. First as her father, then as her fiancée and finally as her lawyer. Although Donna had never said so, Verbena suspected that she knew what even SammiJo herself didn't, that SammiJo Fuller is Sam Beckett's daughter.
"So tell me more about what's been happening around here," requested SammiJo.
"It's been a laugh a minute," Donna replied dryly. "Along with all the congressional personnel to worry about we have the NSA breathing down out necks, a bomb threat to contend with and a psycho in the waiting room."
"Oh, just another normal week at PQL," SammiJo joked. After the laughter subsided she quickly asked, "What's this about the Guest? I met him last night. He seemed rather nice."
All three women began to answer her at once. "Nice?" "... escaped from the waiting room." "... called the NSA ..." " ... Hanson Island ..." "... had to Taser him..." "... by his name ..." "... in my quarters ..."
Dr. Fuller was just overwhelmed by all the information her coworkers were relating. She put up her hands in defense. "Whoa. Whoa! I got it. I think, I've got it," she said as her tablemates quieted down. "So this Guest came from Hanson Island, escaped the Waiting Room, called an NSA agent by name from Tina's rooms, started an investigation of us by the NSA and had to be Tasered by you?" She addressed the last phrase to Tina. "All in a matter of two days?" Three heads nodded in agreement.
"You got it," Tina said.
"More or less," Donna added quickly.
"Lord have mercy," SammiJo prayed. "Now about this formal party tonight?"
"Actually," Verbena began, "I was going to ask you a favor, SammiJo. As Wednesday is Dr. Conrad's usual day off, I was hoping you might see to the Guest this evening. I need to be at the party. I've been appointed NSA liaison and they'll be there tonight."
"Sure, no problem. I hate those things anyway," SammiJo responded.
***************
Temporary HQ
0740
After a brief meeting to update everyone on the situation at Stallion's Gate, the Backstep crew all went their separate ways in search of appropriate formal wear. Nate Ramsey left his formal wear to the discretion of Isaac Mentnor and left immediately after breakfast with a dozen men to begin security integration of Backstep and Quantum Leap personnel. Sam declined Olga and John's offer of a side trip to White Sands opting, as Donovan did, to use a rental from the formal wear shop in town. Bradley and Isaac went to White Sands. Sam had been hoping for some time alone to make contact with Al and Ziggy but Craig appeared to be glued to him.
Stallion's Gate
0740
Admiral Calavicci was looking forward to a quiet breakfast. As he rounded the corner he heard the pleasant sound of feminine voices coming from the first level cafeteria. He stopped in the corridor enjoying the euphonious sounds within the room.
"And when did she start using the nickname Lyla?" he overheard Donna ask.
"Lyla?!? That's a new one on me," came Tina's reply.
'On me, too,' Al thought to himself figuring that they must be speaking about Tina's sister. He peaked in the door quickly. It was so gratifying to see the members of his staff enjoying each other's company. Knowing that his presence would put a damper on a seemingly harmonious breakfast, the admiral opted to eat elsewhere in the compound.
Socorro
1117
Sam had been unsuccessful in unprying Donovan from his hip all morning. He had even tried casual teasing insults aimed at Craig's obvious failure with Verbena Beeks. No dice.
Craig Donovan's suspicions had been raised when Frank turned down that trip to White Sands. Frank never turned down a chance to get out and about. Something had definitely changed about his friend after that last backstep and Craig was going to be there for Frank, no matter what.
It was late morning when Sam and Craig were in the formal wear shop getting fitted in their tuxes. Craig had insisted that Frank be fitted first. He wanted to observe his friend at a short distance. He couldn't be sure, but Frank even seemed to move differently lately.
Sam stared out the window of the shop letting his mind wander aimlessly while Craig was being fitted for his monkey suit. Across the street the health center had a mass exodus of workers in search of lunch. Sam was beginning to loose hope in being able to touch base with Al before the affair this evening when he saw his deliverance. Craig was pinned and chalked, unable to follow Sam as he made his escape from the store.
The nurse, Bobbie, was among the myriad of lunch goers. Sam made his way to her just in case Donovan was watching him from the shop. He reached out and touched her arm.
"Yes?" she said as she turned toward the touch.
"Hi, remember me, from last night at the bar? I wanted to let you know how wonderful you were. And to apologize again for my, well, coworker is probably the best word," Sam said as he began to walk beside her.
"I can't believe you were sitting with that jerk," Bobbie almost snarled.
"I'm really sorry he said what he did." Sam said apologetically. "You really put him in his place. Just think, I have to put up with him every day."
She laughed. "Oh, you poor baby." she teased.
"Well, I just wanted to say again how great you were. Bye now," Sam concluded as he turned the corner. He broke into a sprint and found a pay phone a few blocks away. From there he called Al.
Stallion's Gate
1200
Albert Calavicci had not risen to the rank of Admiral without taking part in his share of "pissing matches", and winning most of them. From the moment he met Nathan Ramsey Al knew he was in for another one.
"I want complete control over security for 24 hours: 1200 on 2/9 to 1200 on 2/10." Ramsey demanded. This didn't surprise PQL Security Chief Jim Reed, in whose office they all were.
"You know I can't allow that," Calavicci countered. "I'm not about to allow you to usurp Chief Reed's authority." 'If only to protect Sam and Frank', Al thought.
"Admiral, if you had been here yesterday," Ramsey began, "You would understand..."
"There is nothing about this situation that I don't understand, Ramsey." Al interrupted. 'Including your attempted pick up of MY girl' he added silently with a glare. He turned his attention to his security chief. "Reed, for the party only, let's make Mr. Ramsey your #2 man. Team his boys up with yours. But I want you in charge," Al finished.
Reed had worked with the admiral long enough to know what Al had in mind. "Since the affair takes place on the top level only, with parking on levels 1 & 2, there's no need to use any of Mr. Ramsey's unit below level 3 of the complex," he stated.
"Sounds good to me," Al said as Nate started to complain, "Now just a cotton pickin' minute."
Jim Reed and Al Calavicci waited to see what was coming. Nate Ramsey sized up the situation and relented, somewhat. "For the sake of interdepartmental relations I accept your offer. But be very clear on this, Admiral, if push comes to shove tonight, I take my orders from Bradley Talmadge, not you."
He couldn't be sure, but Nate thought he heard "Nozzle" as the admiral left the room.
A few minutes later as Al settled down behind the desk in his office when his phone rang, not the usual ring but the one he had added for private calls. He picked it up immediately.
"Calavicci"
"Al, it's me." Sam said from the phone booth in Socorro.
"Hi, you." Al returned affectionately.
"Has Ramsey put all his security measures in place?"
"The NSA nozzle? Yeah, he's here working with Jim Reed."
"Good. The man has the personality of a sandpaper but is an expert in his job." Sam reassured his best friend. "So where were you last night while Tina was making time with Gooshie?"
"Making time?" Al laughed. "I don't think so. Parker and I weren't back from our 'road trip' and Tina was meeting someone in Socorro. Gooshie went along for the ride."
"Tina was meeting Delilah, her sister, right?" Sam questioned.
"How did you know that?"
Now it was Sam's turn to laugh. "I saw her in the Karaoke Bar last night. I mistook her for Tina at first, but then I saw Tina with Gooshie and realized it must have been Delilah I saw."
Al's eyes lit up. "That's really funny, Sam. Frank swears he's seen Dee before, too."
"Speaking of Frank, has he remembered anything new?" Sam inquired.
"No, just Dee."
In Socorro, Sam's eyes searched the street for any sign of Craig Donovan as he conversed with his friend. "I'll see you tonight. In the meantime, have Ziggy keep scanning the project for Plastik. It has to show up sometime soon. Damn," Sam softly swore into the phone.
"What?" Al wanted to know.
"Donovan just turned the corner. Gotta go." Sam hung up the receiver just as Craig Donovan spotted him and began to advance on the phone booth.
Stallion's Gate
SammiJo Fuller walked with Frank Parker to the waiting room in silence. She was always a bit cautious with Guests at first meeting. This Guest seemed to be in a world of his own, perhaps processing what had happened to him in the Imaging Chamber.
Frank Parker was racking his slightly swiss-cheesed brain trying to remember where he'd seen the redhead from the bar. The silence in the hallways was a welcome change from the noisy bar he'd just come from.
"Here we are," SammiJo said as they approached to Waiting Room. She used her card key to open the door.
"Thanks." Frank stepped into the room. When SammiJo didn't follow him in he turned to her and asked, "Aren't you going to tuck me in? Dr. Beeks always does."
"No, I've got work to do with Ziggy yet tonight," SammiJo stated.
"Ziggy?!" Frank exclaimed. "I thought that was the Admiral's nickname for you."
SammiJo was surprised. "Ziggy is our Hybrid-super-computer. I'm merely a Ph.D. Would you like to speak directly with Ziggy...?"
"No, no," Frank cut her off. "I've had as much contact with self-aware computers as I want in this lifetime." He shot SammiJo the 'Parker smile'. "I'll just say good night then Dr. Fuller."
"Good night," SammiJo said as she closed the door and locked the Waiting Room down for the night.
***************
Karaoke Bar
The Backstep trio at the Karaoke bar was calling it a night. Olga and Sam were heading out the door for some fresh air while Nate paid the bill with the company credit card. As they passed through the bar area Sam saw what he thought was Tina with one of the women from the table Nate had pointed out earlier. He had to stop himself from greeting her with open arms, the brilliant but ditzy redhead was always one of his favorite people at the Project, but she wouldn't recognize him with Frank's face.
The air outside was bracing, the desert having cooled down without the sun shining. A conversation drew their attention.
"I can't believe it took you so long to get dressed. Honestly, Gooshie, it's not like this is a date or anything," Tina Martinez-O'Farrell whined at her companion.
"I . . . I did not have a whole lot of warning," Irving Gershowitz shot back, equally whiny. "I've never met your sister. I want to make a good impression."
Tina sighed. "Oh, Gooshie," she said in her sweet breathy voice. "Don't let her make you nervous. She's just a woman."
The geeky techie swallowed hard. "Thanks for the reminder." he replied nervously as they walked past Olga and Sam into the bar.
Olga Vukovitch studied the expression on Frank Parker's face. He had gone from happy to crestfallen to amused in a matter of seconds as they had passed the redheaded couple entering the bar. Olga was sure Frank had no idea how badly his poker face had slipped. She was not going to be the one to tell him.
Sam had gone from delighted to see Gooshie and Tina, to crestfallen that they would not know it was him, to amused at their conversation. 'The more things change, the more they stay the same' he thought. Then it dawned on him, he had just seen Tina inside the bar with someone and outside with Gooshie in less than a minute. He'd heard Al complain that they looked too much alike but until now, Sam Beckett had never realized how much Delilah Hobkirk resembled her sister, Christina Martinez-O'Farrell.
CHAPTER 16
Wednesday, February 9th
Stallion's Gate
Dawn
Verbena Beeks arrived in the level 1 cafeteria, poured herself a cup of coffee and claimed a table near the windows. Spending so much of her working day underground, she enjoyed looking out on the morning sun capturing the desert in its glow. This was the calm before the storm.
"Hey Girl," Tina Martinez-O'Farrell greeted Verbena as she sat down at the table with her mug of herbal tea.
"Hey yourself," Verbena greeted back. "How was the Karaoke? And Delilah?" she asked her friend.
Before Tina had the chance to respond Donna Elesee sat down at the table, her cup of hot chocolate in hand. "What report were you talking about last night?" she asked Verbena.
"A fabrication," 'Bena admitted, "I just wanted to put as much distance between you and Craig Donovan as I could as quickly as I could. You seemed quite upset last night and judging by the chocolate in your cup, you still are." Dr. Beeks' job also included looking after the mental health of PQL staff.
"Speaking of Craig Donovan," Tina chimed in, "How did the date go? Com'on, dish."
Verbena looked at Donna. She watched the physicist take a long draw from her cup and nod in acquiescence before speaking. "He was cute, bright, funny and like a bulldog on the subject of the Guest. He just would not accept that I couldn't tell him anything more than he already knew."
"The whole date was just an elaborate interrogation?" Tina questioned in surprise.
"Yes."
"What a shame!" Tina sounded more heartbroken than 'Bena.
"It's O.K." 'Bena consoled her friend, "What use would I have for an NSA agent in my life anyway?" As soon as the words were out of her mouth she glanced at Donna. "Sorry," she added with a grimace.
"That's all right." Donna responded. "I was in Socorro last evening..."
"I thought you were in Alamagordo?" Tina interrupted.
"I was, earlier. I ran into your sister there, by the way," Donna returned.
"In Socorro?"
"In Alamagordo." Donna took a breath and a sip of cocoa, and then continued. "I went to the hotel last evening to get some answers from Isaac Mentnor."
"And did you?" the psychiatrist prompted.
"Yes. He admitted being part of the NSA reconnaissance team. He said he volunteered to protect me, Sam and project personnel from undo suspicion," Donna stated.
"And you believe him." Verbena said. It was a question phrased as a statement.
"Yes, I believe him," Donna assured her.
That topic exhausted, Tina changed the subject with a question to Donna. "How did Dee seem to you yesterday?"
"Who's Dee? And can I join you?" SammiJo Fuller asked standing at the table, a glass of orange juice in hand.
"Sure, the more the merrier," Tina answered. "Dee is my sister. She works for Congressman Martinelli."
"She seemed a bit nervous yesterday," Donna answered Tina's question from before the younger physicist sat down. "She practically jumped out of her skin when the Congressman interrupted our conversation during the break. And when did she start using the nickname Lyla?"
"Lyla?!? That's a new one on me," Tina admitted with a laugh of surprise. "But nervous around Angelo might help explain why she got so wasted last night. She was so out of it that I brought her home with me,"
"Here?" Verbena questioned.
"I know it's against the rules but I didn't have much choice last night," Tina defended herself. "I had Gooshie drive her car here so she would have it when she got up this morning."
"So she's gone now?" Donna questioned.
"Yes, she left by cab just before I came to breakfast."
"By cab? Didn't you say her car was here?" SammiJo asked, confused.
"Yeah, but she couldn't get it started. Said she'd have it fixed later." Tina explained. "I hope she can pull it all together by tonight. I was looking forward to partying with my sis."
"Party?" SammiJo asked. "What party?"
"Oh, that's right. You've been on vacation for the last two weeks," 'Bena reminded herself aloud. "You don't know about the big formal party here tonight for the finance committee."
"On vacation, lucky you," Tina teased, then asked, "So how's your mom?"
Verbena noted that Donna stiffened ever so slightly as SammiJo talked about her mother, Abigail Fuller. Dr. Beckett had leaped into Abigail's life a couple of years ago. First as her father, then as her fiancée and finally as her lawyer. Although Donna had never said so, Verbena suspected that she knew what even SammiJo herself didn't, that SammiJo Fuller is Sam Beckett's daughter.
"So tell me more about what's been happening around here," requested SammiJo.
"It's been a laugh a minute," Donna replied dryly. "Along with all the congressional personnel to worry about we have the NSA breathing down out necks, a bomb threat to contend with and a psycho in the waiting room."
"Oh, just another normal week at PQL," SammiJo joked. After the laughter subsided she quickly asked, "What's this about the Guest? I met him last night. He seemed rather nice."
All three women began to answer her at once. "Nice?" "... escaped from the waiting room." "... called the NSA ..." " ... Hanson Island ..." "... had to Taser him..." "... by his name ..." "... in my quarters ..."
Dr. Fuller was just overwhelmed by all the information her coworkers were relating. She put up her hands in defense. "Whoa. Whoa! I got it. I think, I've got it," she said as her tablemates quieted down. "So this Guest came from Hanson Island, escaped the Waiting Room, called an NSA agent by name from Tina's rooms, started an investigation of us by the NSA and had to be Tasered by you?" She addressed the last phrase to Tina. "All in a matter of two days?" Three heads nodded in agreement.
"You got it," Tina said.
"More or less," Donna added quickly.
"Lord have mercy," SammiJo prayed. "Now about this formal party tonight?"
"Actually," Verbena began, "I was going to ask you a favor, SammiJo. As Wednesday is Dr. Conrad's usual day off, I was hoping you might see to the Guest this evening. I need to be at the party. I've been appointed NSA liaison and they'll be there tonight."
"Sure, no problem. I hate those things anyway," SammiJo responded.
***************
Temporary HQ
0740
After a brief meeting to update everyone on the situation at Stallion's Gate, the Backstep crew all went their separate ways in search of appropriate formal wear. Nate Ramsey left his formal wear to the discretion of Isaac Mentnor and left immediately after breakfast with a dozen men to begin security integration of Backstep and Quantum Leap personnel. Sam declined Olga and John's offer of a side trip to White Sands opting, as Donovan did, to use a rental from the formal wear shop in town. Bradley and Isaac went to White Sands. Sam had been hoping for some time alone to make contact with Al and Ziggy but Craig appeared to be glued to him.
Stallion's Gate
0740
Admiral Calavicci was looking forward to a quiet breakfast. As he rounded the corner he heard the pleasant sound of feminine voices coming from the first level cafeteria. He stopped in the corridor enjoying the euphonious sounds within the room.
"And when did she start using the nickname Lyla?" he overheard Donna ask.
"Lyla?!? That's a new one on me," came Tina's reply.
'On me, too,' Al thought to himself figuring that they must be speaking about Tina's sister. He peaked in the door quickly. It was so gratifying to see the members of his staff enjoying each other's company. Knowing that his presence would put a damper on a seemingly harmonious breakfast, the admiral opted to eat elsewhere in the compound.
Socorro
1117
Sam had been unsuccessful in unprying Donovan from his hip all morning. He had even tried casual teasing insults aimed at Craig's obvious failure with Verbena Beeks. No dice.
Craig Donovan's suspicions had been raised when Frank turned down that trip to White Sands. Frank never turned down a chance to get out and about. Something had definitely changed about his friend after that last backstep and Craig was going to be there for Frank, no matter what.
It was late morning when Sam and Craig were in the formal wear shop getting fitted in their tuxes. Craig had insisted that Frank be fitted first. He wanted to observe his friend at a short distance. He couldn't be sure, but Frank even seemed to move differently lately.
Sam stared out the window of the shop letting his mind wander aimlessly while Craig was being fitted for his monkey suit. Across the street the health center had a mass exodus of workers in search of lunch. Sam was beginning to loose hope in being able to touch base with Al before the affair this evening when he saw his deliverance. Craig was pinned and chalked, unable to follow Sam as he made his escape from the store.
The nurse, Bobbie, was among the myriad of lunch goers. Sam made his way to her just in case Donovan was watching him from the shop. He reached out and touched her arm.
"Yes?" she said as she turned toward the touch.
"Hi, remember me, from last night at the bar? I wanted to let you know how wonderful you were. And to apologize again for my, well, coworker is probably the best word," Sam said as he began to walk beside her.
"I can't believe you were sitting with that jerk," Bobbie almost snarled.
"I'm really sorry he said what he did." Sam said apologetically. "You really put him in his place. Just think, I have to put up with him every day."
She laughed. "Oh, you poor baby." she teased.
"Well, I just wanted to say again how great you were. Bye now," Sam concluded as he turned the corner. He broke into a sprint and found a pay phone a few blocks away. From there he called Al.
Stallion's Gate
1200
Albert Calavicci had not risen to the rank of Admiral without taking part in his share of "pissing matches", and winning most of them. From the moment he met Nathan Ramsey Al knew he was in for another one.
"I want complete control over security for 24 hours: 1200 on 2/9 to 1200 on 2/10." Ramsey demanded. This didn't surprise PQL Security Chief Jim Reed, in whose office they all were.
"You know I can't allow that," Calavicci countered. "I'm not about to allow you to usurp Chief Reed's authority." 'If only to protect Sam and Frank', Al thought.
"Admiral, if you had been here yesterday," Ramsey began, "You would understand..."
"There is nothing about this situation that I don't understand, Ramsey." Al interrupted. 'Including your attempted pick up of MY girl' he added silently with a glare. He turned his attention to his security chief. "Reed, for the party only, let's make Mr. Ramsey your #2 man. Team his boys up with yours. But I want you in charge," Al finished.
Reed had worked with the admiral long enough to know what Al had in mind. "Since the affair takes place on the top level only, with parking on levels 1 & 2, there's no need to use any of Mr. Ramsey's unit below level 3 of the complex," he stated.
"Sounds good to me," Al said as Nate started to complain, "Now just a cotton pickin' minute."
Jim Reed and Al Calavicci waited to see what was coming. Nate Ramsey sized up the situation and relented, somewhat. "For the sake of interdepartmental relations I accept your offer. But be very clear on this, Admiral, if push comes to shove tonight, I take my orders from Bradley Talmadge, not you."
He couldn't be sure, but Nate thought he heard "Nozzle" as the admiral left the room.
A few minutes later as Al settled down behind the desk in his office when his phone rang, not the usual ring but the one he had added for private calls. He picked it up immediately.
"Calavicci"
"Al, it's me." Sam said from the phone booth in Socorro.
"Hi, you." Al returned affectionately.
"Has Ramsey put all his security measures in place?"
"The NSA nozzle? Yeah, he's here working with Jim Reed."
"Good. The man has the personality of a sandpaper but is an expert in his job." Sam reassured his best friend. "So where were you last night while Tina was making time with Gooshie?"
"Making time?" Al laughed. "I don't think so. Parker and I weren't back from our 'road trip' and Tina was meeting someone in Socorro. Gooshie went along for the ride."
"Tina was meeting Delilah, her sister, right?" Sam questioned.
"How did you know that?"
Now it was Sam's turn to laugh. "I saw her in the Karaoke Bar last night. I mistook her for Tina at first, but then I saw Tina with Gooshie and realized it must have been Delilah I saw."
Al's eyes lit up. "That's really funny, Sam. Frank swears he's seen Dee before, too."
"Speaking of Frank, has he remembered anything new?" Sam inquired.
"No, just Dee."
In Socorro, Sam's eyes searched the street for any sign of Craig Donovan as he conversed with his friend. "I'll see you tonight. In the meantime, have Ziggy keep scanning the project for Plastik. It has to show up sometime soon. Damn," Sam softly swore into the phone.
"What?" Al wanted to know.
"Donovan just turned the corner. Gotta go." Sam hung up the receiver just as Craig Donovan spotted him and began to advance on the phone booth.