Chapter 1 - Queen of the Night
When Rachel Marron arrives at the charity event, she unleashes the most chaos possible without completely losing control. Security personnel are at their wits' end with the crowds of people pushing and shouting. Arms reach out to the star of the evening, some with flowers or small gifts. An impromptu choir in the audience keeps shouting "Rachel! Rachel! Rachel!" ... and her companion, Marc Jordan, smiles and salutes the crowd, as if he had a greater celebrity than just the face that for some time and probably more and more often appears decoratively next to the Queen of the Night.
Blinding flashes of light only vaguely hint at what's going on at the top of security. Fans aside, media representatives are only slightly less intrusive. Microphones and cameras surround the famous singer and her entourage, in whose nucleon Ashley, the seven-year-old daughter, does not feel at all comfortable. Most of the frenzied pack never even manage to catch a glimpse of the object of their frenzy.
While Rachel greets the crowd, which can only guess at her, with a lot of emotion and Ashley clings anxiously to her mother, various members of her entourage - more as a gesture of goodwill - accept some gifts. No one thinks anything of it when one of these gifts is received by a security guard, who hands it to Rachel's speechless manager. Reflexively, Bill Devaney grabs the black doll with the written words ... "Rachel, we love you".
In the hustle and bustle that is the locker room, the little tokens of affection from the fans are lost sight of. Flowers, greeting cards and other items pile up on a table in the corner, a little ominous with somber portents, including the little doll that is supposed to represent Rachel, but is unrecognizable unless anyone point it out. The Babylonian babble of voices that prevails while the artist herself presents her performance on stage gives way to shock and panic as a sudden detonation devastates the room. Screams are heard, more from shock than pain ...
At first, the blond man frowns as he looks at the mechanism used to open and close the main gate of the estate to the street. While he puts his index finger on his lower lip in astonishment and seems to wonder from which distant planet this strange technology could have come, his astonishment already gives way to a grin that tries to express the most brutal mockery. From the street side, he reaches between the bars and removes part of the cover of the actual engine. Then he takes out a combat knife that he carries on his back, covered by a longer shirt that he wears open instead of a jacket. Using the metal blade, he bypasses the flow of electricity and the gate mechanism starts. There must be two clicks, then a rattling is heard, whereupon the gate shakes and opens a little, until the visitor breaks contact and, now accompanied by two gray wolves, gains access to the property, whereupon he closes the gate to the same way.
An idyllic calm has settled over the property, one can hardly imagine that this is still a part of turbulent London. As sleepy as it is at this moment, it almost seems like Sleeping Beauty's castle. As he approaches the busy main building, it becomes apparent, as it often does, that tranquility can be deceptive.
Finally, at least one gardener looks at him in some amazement, probably more because of the two huge animals he thinks are malamutes. They surround the visitor like faithful companions, but inspire little confidence in the worker. He has never seen dogs with such long legs and begins to wonder if they could be wolves. The man tries to read their faces to see if they have been fed. "Greetings, industrious prole, my name is Dáithí Ó Conaill. Where can I find Rachel Marron?" The visitor turns to the gardener with disconcerting friendliness. "In the main building. Just follow the wide path." He explains uncertainly.
A little black girl with long wavy hair plays among the trees, looking at the stranger with surprise and curiosity. Finally, she lets her gaze slide further to the wolves. The spirit of adventure is written all over her face and she smiles shyly. Somehow the stranger seems to have a friendly aura about him and she beams at him, she feels safe here, it is her home. It is the stranger who speaks to the child. "Hey, little girl, who are you?" "I am Ashley." She replies well-mannered. "You live here?" He wants to know more. "Yeah, with my mommy and who are you?" He looks around in all directions as he answers her. "Seamus Twomey, I am your mommy's nephew." Ashley looks at him in amazement, then grins and asks suspiciously. "Really?" The visitor nods casually. "Really little chocolate lady, I am your cousin."
"You look so different from the people in my family that I know. Why haven't I seen you before?" The visitor then becomes very sad. "You know, Chocolate Lady, they're all ashamed of me because I look so different. That's why they locked me up for years wearing an iron mask. I lived in the basement of our grandparents' house in Dover." Ashley eyed the stranger a little suspiciously, but he looks completely innocent. "Do you know who my grandparents are?"
"Sure. Vice Admiral Carl Marron, and our grandmother's name is Lois Marron." Ashley's eyes widen and her mouth stays open in shock. "You really know them!"
"Would you like to ride one of the wolves?" He asks, already knowing the answer as the girl's eyes tell him. Uncertainly, she looks at the animals. "Is that possible?"
"No problem, little one! They're quite tame, as long as I want them." Hesitantly, she approaches him, but other than a curious glance at Ashley, the wolves show no aggressive behavior. "Always hold the wolve by the hair on their necks." He instructs the girl as he places her on the back of one of the powerful animals. The wolves move cautiously and follow the visitor. "See the other girl on the wolf?" The visitor looks around in amazement. "What other girl?" She points to her shadow. "See how she follows us? She goes everywhere I go." The young man looks at her with concern. "You're probably alone a lot?" Dejectedly, she confirms. "Yes!" Only to ask hopefully, "Will you stay with us?" He laughs, amused. "No, I'm just visiting. I live pretty far away." She asks curiously, "What's the name of the place where you live?"
"City of Westminster, have you heard?"
"That's where the king lives!" Says she proudly.
"Yes, I can see the palace from my house."
"It must be nice where you live." The visitor thinks about it, then nods. "Yes, you can actually say that. Right in front of it is a park with many embassies and consulates right outside my front door. Then a little further on there is an even bigger park where the king has his palace. A little further on is a park that is incredibly much bigger than the king's. Everything is very close to me." She says, a little disappointed, "A lot of children have to play there. I have no one to play with, and no one takes care of me. I am often alone. Just a moment and then they tell me to sit down! Shut up, I do not have time now ... Do you want me to take you to mommy?" Ends Ashley abruptly and enthusiastically. She wants to show her mother from her adventures with the wolf that she has mastered the beast. But he seems less interested in her mother. "Where's our grandfather?"
"With Ma'!"
"Well, let us go there!"
They approach the huge mansion, in front of which the chauffeur washes the limousine and looks irritatedly at the visitor, Ashley and the wolves. One of his hands is bandaged. "Ashley, who is your friend?" he asks, confused to suspicious. The girl always answers by looking at the wolf. "My cousin." Henry looks surprised and looks at the stranger with the military haircut. "Joe Cahill is my name." He introduces himself in a very friendly manner. "What happened to your arm?" The young black man says ambiguously, "A doll!" Henry turns to Ashley suspiciously, "Are you sure that's your cousin?" Ashley reiterates emphatically. The chauffeur, on the other hand, doubts why the wolves should accept Ashley using this animal as a pony when they do not know the girl. Meanwhile, the visitor and Ashley continue on their way, while the chauffeur looks at them in amazement.
At the main entrance, they encounter a housekeeper and Ashley asks Emma, who jumps back in fright as the wolves approach, where her mother is. But the visitor intervenes. "My name is Billy McKee, and I'd like to get to know Ashley's grandfather better." Craftsmen unload their painting utensils and look at the visitor with delight and begin to whisper as if they recognize him.
"Never mind, I am sure father and daughter are both at rehearsals." Emma informs the visitor. She seems to be a motherly fifty-year-old who is quite cordial even to the stranger, she believes that the visitor and Ashley have known each other for a long time, considering the presumed friendship between him and the little girl. "I'll tell you honestly, Mr. McKee, I do not know where Admiral Marron is. Did he say he would be here?"
"Yes, but if he did not, the Admiral also informed Mr. Devaney that I was coming."
"Then I'll see if I can find one of them. Oh, about your name sir, is that Scottish?"
"Irish, ma'am!"
Ashley remains with the stranger in the large room, which seems unused. The furniture is covered with sheets. The walls are painted. There are a few boxes of knickknacks that will probably be thrown away, but for the moment Ashley seems well enough to rummage through them. Then, amazed, she holds out a bulky black plastic box to the young man. "Do you know what this is?" His eyes widen in surprise, "Oh my, I have not seen an antique like this in a long time. It's a VHS video cassette." He explains to the girl. "And what do you do with it?", Ashley asks. He takes the cassette and opens it to show her the film inside. "You see this? You used to record movies on it and then watch them again." She frowns, thinking he's pulling her leg. "What nonsense, how would that work?" "They even used to save computer games on slides." The girl laughs brightly, as if he's made a big joke. He laughs and strokes her head. "You do not take any nonsense either, do you?" he says.
On several screens, the video 'I Have Nothing' by Rachel Marron plays at a moderate volume. The visitor watches for a moment. 'Strange people,' Farmer thinks. 'they cover everything with sheets, but the screens remain open.' "That's my mom!", Ashley smiles proudly at the visitor. "Do you like her music?" He answers curtly and dismissively, "No, I do not like rap music!" The girl looks at him in confusion, then laughs out loud. She explains a little uncertainly, "Do not tell her that, or you'll have to go back to the basement. Marc makes rap music." The visitor shrugs his shoulders, he has no idea who that is supposed to be.
Painters, decorators and designers come and go, at best giving the wolves an irritated look and then not paying any further attention because the child's supposed familiarity with the animals suggests no danger. "Do you want to move with your mom," the visitor asks. "Just repaint everything." Answers Ashley
He penetrates deeper and deeper into the house. The wolves, and with them Ashley, follow him as if they were the stranger's shadow. The house loses its sleepy character and becomes busier, more hectic and less charming, as the visitor finds. They come to a room that overlooks the back garden and the pool. Instead of windows, the entire wall is glass. There are shelves full of trophies and other Rachel Marron awards. Gold and platinum disks line the walls. Lots of photos of her accepting awards or with Ashley as they fool around.
A harder rhythm is heard to Rachel's singing voice. The visitor follows the music, closely followed by the wolves. They arrive in a large and cozy, even crowded hall with lots of seating, a bar, a wall of stereos, and a screening room. It's teeming with people, props and video equipment. There is a kind of orchestrated chaos, a general atmosphere of poorly organized clutter. A heavy sound booms in the ears, the visitor wrinkles his nose to express his discomfort with the noise. A group of dancers, led by choreographer Rory, is rehearsing an energetic dance number for a music video. Sunlight casts them in silhouette against the glass wall at the end of the room. A cameraman circles them and records the rehearsal, which can be seen on a large screen TV behind them. In one corner, a pretty black girl in a special costume is captured for the video. Several people are standing around taking care of the video and playback equipment. All the chairs are at the other end of the room, and it is not immediately obvious how many other people are hiding among the large cushions.
The stranger looks in from the outside and curiously observes what is going on. Again they are approached by a surprised person. Not even Ashley seems to know who it is, she stares at the wolves and asks. "Can I help you?" The young man explains. "Oh yes, I am here to see Admiral Marron, could you please tell him that Jimmy Steele has arrived?"
While Ashley stays with the visitor, the person in the back of the room approaches a man in a Royal Navy uniform who is talking to a pretty young black woman who is more interested in the choreography and soundscape. "Dad, I do not know if all this effort is really necessary!" A man, the head of PR, Sy Spector, is on a phone, busily discussing a contract with someone on the other end of the line.
The music reaches its climax and abruptly stops. The dancers hold their dramatic closing poses for a second and then relax. Applause rings out. The clapping is heard loudest from the front sofa.
"Yes it's, Rachel! But where is he?" Says the man in uniform. "It's not like him to be late. Maybe I should call him?"
The director's voice comes from somewhere in the room. "Playback for everyone!" Rachel's voice echoes from the sofa. "Come here, Rory!" The choreographer jumps on the sofa and disappears from view. Sounds of kissing and laughter are heard. The video rewinds on the big screen, and the dancers gather around it expectantly. "Sugar, this is going to be great. I love the ending." Cheers Rachel. "Marc, how did you like the number? Do you like the ending number? Ivy, what are you saying? We really need to go over our duet number." The director interjects. "Rachel. Do you want to see it again from the beginning or just the end." Marc only now responds to Rachel's question. "It was just great, Rory." But Rachel is already answering the director, "I want to see it all the way through. Tony I bet Tony loved it." "Yes, we must," exclaims American singer Ivy Reed. Strong man Tony shrugs his shoulders. "Do not worry about it, Rory, " Rachel jokes. "Tony does not appreciate great art." To Rachel's applause, the pinned girl is brought forward and nudges Devaney a little to the side with her elbow. "What do you think of that, Rachel?" The designer asks.
Admiral Marron is on the phone when he is interrupted. "Sir, there's a Jimmy Steel here to see you!" The Admiral freezes for a moment, speechless. "Jimmy Steel," he exclaims in a firm voice of horror. "The terrorist?!" Suddenly there is silence in the hall, all horrified looks belong to Rachel's father. "Jimmy Steel is out there waiting for me?" Everyone gets a little anxious. The messenger hardly dares to continue speaking, "Along with Ashley!" Rachel shows concern and walks anxiously toward her father. Admiral Marron ignores her, dials a number and says, "Major Farmer, have you defected to the Irish Republican Army?"
"Aye, aye Captain!"
"It's aye! We are not pirates. Then come on in now!"
But who enters the room first is Ashley, who amazes with her strange gait. Only her head can be seen, as a solid room divider hides everything below. Then they see the girl on the back of one of the two wolves, which causes horror. Some jump on chairs or sofas, as if that could protect them from a huge wolf, which must weigh about one hundred and eighty pounds.
While Ashley enjoys having everyone's attention, the visitor now enters. But he no longer acts like an older brother at Ashley's side, but like a soldier, which Rachel finds arrogant, especially with the civilian clothes. Someone says in surprise, "That's Jasper Rothko!" Farmer ignores these remarks, "I'd to create the right theatrical effect, sir." He apologizes and shakes the Admiral's hand in lieu of a military salute.
"How did you get in here, Major Farmer?" asks the Admiral. "I let myself in, sir. If I tell you, you won't believe me! What clowns they're! It was like being in Monthy Pythony's flying circus. Five times I posed as an Irish terrorist, okay, with this little girl I did it and voila, here I'm standing before you with your granddaughter by my side and …" He raises his knife. "… A military grade combat knife. Imagine, I even pretended to be the little girl's cousin here. You've absolutely no idea what security means. There's a really crazy gate down the street, I've never seen shit like this. Maybe I'll show you later."
"Did you hear that, Rachel?" Devaney asks.
"No, Bill!" Rachel looks angrily at Farmer. "After I heard 'What clowns they are' in my own house, I kind of shut down."
"You're pretty materialistic, aren't you?" Farmer addresses Rachel directly.
"Dad, maybe your guest could refrain from using dirty word in my house and around my daughter?" Farmer speaks to her again, but keeps glancing at Ashley. "Why? Are you planning to raise your daughter in a singularity?"
"You'll have to leave that up to me!"
"That was just a question that came to mind when I realized Ashley had mistaken her shadow for another child. Given the ease with which she was willing to mistake me for her cousin, I suspect significant social deficits."
"How dare you! I love my daughter more than anything."
"Of that I haven't the slightest doubt."
"She has a very good nanny."
"It's no substitute for contact and play with kids her own age."
Rachel looks at him contemptuously. "Are you a psychologist?" To which he replies with satisfaction. "Indeed, yes!"
"Major Farmer studied psychology, Rachel!" The Admiral separates the two and repeats in his own words what Farmer said. Meanwhile, Ashley climbs down from the wolf and asks to be lifted up by Farmer. Rachel watches this with interest and smiles uncertainly at it. A little more indulgently, she turns to Farmer. "Yeah, Dad, I can't believe it! How can you mistake him for my nephew, he must be my age."
But Farmer babbles on without thinking. "No, I'm only thirty-two!"
Rachel's friendly smile disappears immediately. "How old do you think I'm?" Farmer shrugs. "I don't know!"
"Then guess."
"I'm very bad at guessing the age of hyperpigmented women, I always think they're younger than they're."
"What did you just say?" Rachel looks at him colder and colder, thinking she misheard. Some of the bystanders hold their breath in shock. The Admiral, meanwhile, hides his face and says quietly. "This is going to be a disaster!"
Farmer looks confused. "That I think these women are younger than they really are?" Rachel snorts angrily and growls. "Before that! What did you say?" He seems to be trying to remember what he said. "You mean, I'm bad at guessing?" But she continues in a dead silent voice. "No, after that! The middle part!" Farmer considers and is about to open his mouth when he sees the Admiral looking at him warningly, but carefully shaking his head. Rachel notices this too, of course. "I forgot!" Farmer apologises.
Rachel decides to call it quits about her father and returns to the previous topic. Meanwhile, Marc and Ivy have curiously gotten up to take a closer look at Major Farmer. Ivy, however, gives him an amused smile. Rachel decides to give him another chance. "How old do you think I'm? About twenty-five?" He smiles sheepishly. "Well, I'm not exaggerating that much! I was thinking more like thirty-five." Rachel snorts again in annoyance. Farmer looks at her a little uncomfortably and casts a suspicious glance at the Admiral, who points a finger downward. He gives the impression that one of his teeth needs a root canal treatment. Frank understands and raises his eyebrows, then pretends nothing has happened. But Farmer babbles, despite being overheard by bystanders, "It must be the lifestyle." Rachel looks at him angrily and says, annoyed. "I bet he does it on purpose!" It quickly becomes clear that Farmer seems to be having trouble apologising. "I'm glad I didn't say thirty-eight like I was going to say at first." He laughs at the Admiral, who looks at him angrily. While Rachel looks indignantly at her PR advisor, manager and her father.
Farmer looks innocent, "Major." Warns Admiral Marron. The addressed looks at him ignorantly. "Admiral?" Rachel's father becomes more insistent. "Major!" To which the latter replies. "Admiral!" Annoyed, he repeats. "Major!" ... and Farmer repeats Admiral Marron's supportive gesture. "ADMIRAL!"
Admiral Marron turns back to his daughter, trying to prevent contact between Rachel and the Major. Major Farmer actually doesn't seem interested in them anymore and looks around with his back to them, while Ashley somehow plays with his face. Ivy Reed takes the opportunity to join Farmer and Ashley. Meanwhile, the Admiral and his daughter are talking. "This is incredible..." she says, eyeing him. "You look like Jasper Rothko." But Farmer doesn't know what to make of that. "I've heard that several times now." Then the subject seems to have disappeared from his desk. Ivy says, amused, "You don't even know who that's?" Farmer leans toward her and says quietly. "You know what? I don't give a shit!" From that moment on, the Major seems to go back to listening to the conversation between the Admiral and Rachel, because he draws attention to himself.
"Let's drop it," the Admiral waves off. "Rachel, I hope you realize that the Major has just made a nonsense of your security program. Think of Ashley, too." But Rachel isn't convinced. "Dad, Tony's doing a great job." A short mocking sound is heard from the Major's direction. The others give him a look and then turn back to the Admiral as Rachel continues, now watching Farmer closely. "We've got the fences, the alarms and all that stuff, that's good enough. I feel safe here." Everyone is sure they heard it ... "What a moron!" ... from the Major's direction, punctuated by a derisive snort that he tries to suppress. "Yes, Squaddie, did you say something?" Rachel stares at him angrily. He turns and looks at her in surprise. "No!"
She looks angrily at her father, who doesn't seem to want to say anything to the Major. So she's to do it herself. "We're all pretty sure you said something here, Squaddie!"
"No, ma'am!" He lies with the innocence of a lamb.
"Oh, it's ma'am now, is it? Repeat what you just called me."
"That didn't mean you at all, but her." With a motion of his head, he points to the outraged Ivy Reed, who's momentarily speechless. While Ashley falls backwards, laughing so hard that no one can remember the last time this happened. Ivy finally finds her way back to words. "You've no idea who I'm either, do you?" Farmer leans toward her and says softly. "You know what? ..." Everything else is drowned out by Ashley's endless laughter, alternately holding her stomach or her hands in front of her face.
Rachel, however, doesn't like the fact that her daughter could be so quickly conquered by the Major. She realizes that Ashley sympathized with him because he doesn't conform to the usual norms. Rachel is bent on revenge. "You don't look like a bodyguard." And uses the maximum of her acting talent to express her mockery. "What did you expect?" He asks curiously. "I don't know. A tough guy, maybe." Rachel, who prides herself on her quick wit, had hoped to get at least a small laugh from her daughter, but instead Ashley looks at Farmer with fascination, as if she doesn't expect the show to be over.
But Farmer responds indifferently to Rachel's comment. "Oh, don't worry about it, ma'am. I'm not coming myself, I'm just giving orders. When the time comes, I'll send you big, strong men to protect you."
"That's really great, how about some good looking marines?"
"That's no problem at all, ma'am! I'll just make a quick call to Crawley and have Section 13 protect you. That's fine with me!"
Rachel clenched her hands angrily. "I can't believe this. I try to insult him, and he takes it as a compliment."
"... however, all Marines are gay," says Farmer thoughtfully, as if thinking to himself.
"Major?" the Admiral admonishes him again. "Admiral?" Farmer asks innocently. "Major!" Lets Carl Marron declare more insistently. "Admiral!" Farmer repeats the tone. "Major!" Annoyed, the Admiral lets himself be heard. "ADMIRAL!" Farmer echoes the sentiment.
"Stop making jokes about Marines!"
"Would you prefer the Royal Navy, sir?"
Rachel interjects angrily, "Dad, why are you letting a Major do this?"
"Because this Major is the head of Section 13 in London, not just any Major."
But the Admiral considers the issue settled and turns to the visitor. "Major, the Marines aren't all gay, you just want to offend them."
"Really, sir, then why do Marines always say ... 'What an ass' ... when they see me?"
Ashley laughs. "He said ass!"
Enraged, Ivy Reed calls out to him. "I've an idea why, but you're clearly misinterpreting something... Oh, what was your name again?"
"Major will do just fine!"
"What an ass," responds Rachel angrily now. Farmer rolls his eyes. "Now she's starting to do it too!" Rachel grunts angrily between her teeth. "Why are you being such an asshole so you can understand it too!" He begins to ponder. "I've been asked that many times, but I've never understood what people mean by it." Farmer turns back to the Admiral. "I'm going to go out then, sir, do you want me to wait for you or should I just leave?" Rachel angrily replies in place of her father. "It's better if you leave now, Major, and leave my property." She keeps glancing nervously at Ashley, who looks unhappy.
"Major, the Admiral and I actually assumed that you'd explain the gravity of the situation to the 'Queen of the Night'." Bill Devaney finally intervenes. Farmer looks around frantically, "Who?" Bill can't believe it. With both hands, he points at Rachel. "The Queen of the Night!" Farmer looks at Rachel warily. "Is that politically correct now?"
"Farmer, Rachel Marron is one of the most famous people in the entire Anglo-Saxon world. She's won every music award there's. She's got the number one song in several countries right now, and she's probably going to be nominated for an Oscar. My God, man, where have you been?"
"At the front to give the Queen of the Night a chance to pick up her awards. We soldiers haven't heard from her."
Rachel can't help feeling that Farmer is expressing some kind of personal dislike. Anger at him turns to vagueness. How does he manage this, and what does he have against her? Now he looks at her so strangely, as if reading her like an open book. She can almost feel when he opens the next page.
Bill is as unsettled by Farmer's answer as he's by the sudden weakness Rachel exudes, and doesn't quite know what to say, "Recently at the West End riots, the police played Rachel's music to calm the mobs." To which Farmer replies with a sardonic laugh; "Really at the proles? What song do you think they played? I'm guessing 'I have nothing'!" Rachel, upset, realizes that her daughter is laughing out of sympathy for the Major, not really getting the joke. Besides the girl, only Marc Jordan is laughing. "Oh, look who's the same sense of humor!" Says Rachel in a bad mood.
"Would you explain the gravity of the situation to my daughter, Major?" Inquires the Admiral.
"Oh no, sir! I'll leave that to you; I don't own that many crayons. Nor is it my job as head of Section 13. If the doll collector still doesn't understand why she's in danger ..."
Rachel looks at him, confused. "Doll collector? I don't collect dolls."
Farmer looks at her urgently. It's that strangely piercing look again, the one that seems to penetrate through her eyes to the core of her soul. Then suddenly he asks, "Why did your chauffeur bandage his hand?" She answers, uncertainly. "He burned it." Farmer is completely cold and emotionless. "She's absolutely no idea what this is about?" He looks at the Admiral, then at Bill. "You never told her, did you?" Both addressed are silent, ashamed. "I always wondered why she's so stupid, now I know why, because she's surrounded by idiots." Now several things are happening at once. Neither Bill nor the Admiral protests, to the surprise of those present. Rachel wonders if this was some kind of strange apology to her as she tries to come up with an explanation for why her manager and father didn't get involved. And the result of her musings - guilt - shocks her far more than the Major's words. But Ashley manages to cap the scene when she sadly says to the Major. "Could you be a little nicer to my mom? Otherwise they'll lock you up in Grandpa's basement again, and I don't want that." Except for the grinning farmer, everyone present looks at her blankly.
"What do you mean?" Rachel asks, uncertain. "What didn't anyone tell me?" She just stares at her manager and her father, as if expecting an answer from one of them. The Admiral turns back to the Major. "Would you mind explaining it to her." But the Major knows, "Sir, I could. But I don't feel like it. You're her father. My job is just to make sure she's safe."
Rachel looks a little uncertain and hesitates how to respond when the two workmen who unloaded the painting supplies a few minutes ago enter the room and one of them gives Farmer another cautious look. Barely noticed by the bystanders, one says to the other. "Wait a minute, I'll ask him for his autograph." His colleague warns. "The boss said we risk our jobs if we do something like that!" But that doesn't convince him. "But he was talking about Rachel, not Jasper Rothko. And besides, he's American." Rachel's inner circle is as irritated as the singer as they watch the scene unfold: Immediately ready to pose for a photo with the handyman, Farmer lets Ashley have at it, the called colleague not only taking the photo but other for himself. "Would you digitally sign it for me?" Farmer readily replies, "Of course I'd be happy to do it for my fans! Would you like me to write a dedication on it?"
Rachel tries to study him as closely as he did her. But she's to admit that she's absolutely no idea what he did. There's something she doesn't know how to attribute.
"Oh simple: for Stefany, Jasper Rothko! I want to send this to my girlfriend, she'll be thrilled!" The craftsman is happy. 'The craftsman, yes!' Thinks Rachel. 'But not the Major. Why does he do that if it bothers him?'
"I told you it's Jasper Rothko!", hear Rachel's followers. "You really do speak like an Englishman, Mr. Rothko. I can not believe you are from the colonies." Jokes the craftsman.
When the craftsmen are gone, Rachel's PR boss asks, perplexed. "What did you doing just now?" Farmer looks at him as if no explanation is needed. "Signed two autographs."
"Are you Jasper Rothko?" Rachel asks, confused.
"I never said those, two proles took it. If I may give you some advice, Miss Marron. Do not trust appearances." But Rachel wonders if he's trying to tell her anything beyond his simple words.
"But you passed that off as Jasper Rothko." Spector is oblivious to the mysterious interaction between Major Farmer and Rachel at that moment.
Farmer shrugs his shoulders as Ashley tries to get back on his arm. Suddenly he seems the complete opposite of dangerous, more puppyishly playful. "If people ask nicely, why not? Just think of Stefany, how happy she'll be today. Or the commitment to Jasper Rothko. If I behave badly toward his fans, it reflects on Mr. Rothko. You just have to be nice to people. Like a little candle in the dark, that's how bright the glow of a good deed shines in this world." Rachel thinks she's dreaming. 'This guy is crazy!' She still thinks and begins to smile.
"Are you always this nice to people?" Ivy Reed asks angrily. "You can do that to handymen?"
"Always! Good handymen are really hard to find these days. With all due respect, ma'am, I am sure you can sing better than I can, but if I let you paint my apartment, I can imagine what that would look like."
While Rachel smiles and imagines her competitor renovating Major Farmer's apartment, Ivy herself says, " I sing better than you? So you have a vague idea of who I am?"
"Of course! I am from SRR, information is my business, and I am a real superstar at it."
Ivy looks at him angrily. "Of course! You are really a nice guy."
"Sure! Before I was sent to London, I was the most popular soldier at Credenhill for eight months in a row." Rachel is annoyed when she notices her father smiling.
Meanwhile, Farmer keeps talking. "Last week, for example, a cab pulled up in front of me, the door opened, and the driver asked if I wanted a ride. Actually, I just wanted to walk the 50 yards to my front door and put the grocery bags down for a minute, but what do you want me to do? You do not want to offend people. So I got into the cab, you want to be nice. Then I was off on a sightseeing tour of London for nearly 500 pounds." While most of them stare at him, trying to figure out if Farmer is trying to make fun of them, Rachel suddenly bursts out laughing. In a more forgiving mood, she gently asks the Major. "Can we get you a drink?"
"No!"
Rachel immediately gets upset with the Major again. "No, thank you!" She sighs slightly and adds. "Don't worry about it, Major Farmer. As the daughter of a career soldier, I know the military isn't very good at using the words please and thank you." Rachel has little hope as she tries to continue the small talk. "Maybe you like my music?" At that moment, Ashley objects and laughs. "No, ma'! He said he doesn't like rap music." She glares angrily at the Major, who looks at her innocently as Rachel says aloud. "Did you hear that, Marc? You laughed with him for nothing, he won't like you either!"
"Rachel, do you want to review your steps before we get started?" Rory, the choreographer, asks. "I'll be right with you." Rachel replies, but scowls at Farmer as if she's about to murder him. He's putting Ashley down now. "Then they talk to each other first. I'm out of here again. Let me know when you've come to an agreement."
"Are you leaving again?" Ashley asks sadly, and Farmer pats her head and says, "Yes, Caramel!"
"Caramel?" says Rachel in amazement. "Not hyperpigmented? Is everything okay with my daughter color-wise, Major?"
"Major ..." Interrupts Rachel's father, "... we'll definitely come to a positive result. If necessary, on the basis of Article 82 of the Pale Shine Act." Farmer smiles at Rachel, whose attitude toward him hasn't improved. "Well, someone's going to yell the place down! But Ashely will be happy, then she'll have me with her all the time." Asks Rachel suspiciously, "What's Article 82?" Farmer explains evasively. "Don't worry, ma'am, the law isn't even in effect yet, Parliament is still debating it." She doesn't give up. "But what does this article say?" He explains to her briefly. "Protective custody!"
Rachel looks at her father in horror. "Excuse me?" Sy Spector interjects as Rachel looks speechless. "I think this is going too far, don't you gentlemen? I'm sure any security consultant would tell you that the number of nuts writing fan letters skyrockets every time Rachel is on the cover of a magazine. What do you say to that, Major Farmer?"
"I'm not in show business, I'm under contract to Hunt and Kill, and I don't give a shit about Rachel Marron's groupies!" Ashley laughs again at his choice of words. He doesn't even look at Spector, but continues to look at Bill and the Admiral. An assistant hands Rachel a small stack of phone messages, some papers to sign, and a pen. Rachel goes through them and signs as she speaks. "Relax, guys, I said I'd do it. Do you see what I'm dealing with here? I'm willing to go along with it as long as we all get along." At these words, she looks seriously at the Major, from whom she expects an objection. He's sure, however, that Rachel cannot possibly mean him and turns to make sure who's behind him. "I'm not going to let this alter my life one little bit." She turns briefly to her assistant. "Who was that?"
"Oh. That was Clive's office. They called three times."
"Honey, that won't be a problem." Devaney replies. To which Rachel immediately responds with a doubtful look at Farmer, who reacts unsuspectingly and then looks behind him. "Oh yeah, that'll be it," Says she, looking firmly, almost with dark foreboding, at Farmer, while Devaney says to the Major, "Rachel runs a very familiar household, we're all on a first-name basis." Spector now interrupts him. "And I'm sure you'll fit right in. You can choose any alarm system you want for the house. Sort of an enhanced security for the gate. What else, Rachel?" But as the conversation continues seamlessly, somehow threatening to slip past the Major, Farmer's mode changes in seconds so disconcertingly that Bill Devaney gives the Admiral confused looks, looking vaguely alarmed. Farmer looks at Spector coldly and emotionlessly, which the PR chief doesn't even notice because he's more concerned with Rachel. The only thing that can be interpreted as movement on Farmer's part is the slow but clearly angry wobble of his lower jaw. Ashley watches him with interest and remarks thoughtfully. "Are you angry?" Farmer just looks at her wordlessly, and Ashley is immediately sure of her point. "My mom does that all the time when she's angry, too."
While Bill vividly imagines that this must be the face the Major makes on the front lines just before slashing the larynx of an enemy sentry, and silently hopes Farmer hasn't brought home some trauma, Rachel stands up and walks over to Rory and the dancers. "I think I'm safe here in the house, so I think the main thing will be when I go out. Tony will be able to fill you in on everything." All the attention Farmer is capable of is now focused on Rachel, interrupted only by a brief glance at Rachel's bodyguard when his name is mentioned. Tony looks at Farmer, confused but attentive. "You two need to figure something out. I don't want you guys jumping all over me everywhere I go. The most important thing is this: I'm not going to let Ashley be affected by this." Rory puts his arm around her waist, stands behind her, and starts practicing her steps in slow motion. "I was just about to cover that." Retorts Spector. Rachel adds, "I don't want her to think she's in jail. That's why the house and grounds can't be altered in any way. She can't know you're here. Is that clear?" Waiting for an answer, she looks at Farmer and freezes at his expression. Frank looks at her for a long moment, then glances briefly at Devaney and the Admiral and says in a serious voice. "Miss Marron ..."
"Rachel!" She interrupts to correct him, but with extreme caution. He doesn't respond. "Miss Marron, just because I'm in a good mood today and don't want to wade knee-deep in blood and guts, I'm inclined to think this whole thing is a big misunderstanding." Then he walks out with long strides, only to ... "Geri! Freki!" ... his wolves call. Someone brings Rachel a silver headdress on a stand. She ignores him, still watching Frank. Rachel is not used to being left standing when she speaks. "Farmer, will you wait a moment?" Says Deveaney. Spector objects, "Bill, I don't think we should be begging this guy for his services." Bill makes a serious gesture to him to shut him up. "Sy, I'll take care of it." Rachel watches coolly as Bill and her father follow the Major, and then with heartbreak as Ashley herself chases after her grandfather.
"Major, wait a moment." The Admiral calls after him. Farmer stops and all three catch up with him. "I should have told my daughter more. I'm sorry, but I was afraid she wouldn't go through with it. I thought I'd let you two talk it out and come to an agreement." Farmer coolly replies, "Oh yeah! We get along great. I know exactly what kind of girl she's!" Frank continues on his way. Devaney clutches at a straw. "She's not a bad person, and whether she knows it or not, she needs you." Bill is sure the Major's intentions won't change, but he thinks he's discovered a weakness and puts his hand on Ashley's head. "She needs you! The little girl as much as the big girl." Farmer looks at Ashley, and it's immediately apparent that his tension is dropping. But he still seems to be wavering, so Devaney steps up his efforts. "You've come so far already... Would you just wait here for a minute. There's something I want to show you. Please, Farmer." Frank agrees. As Devaney walks back to the house, Frank, Admiral Marron, and Ashley are silent at first
It seems the increasingly restless Ashley has something urgent to ask. Again and again, she looks cautiously at her grandfather, who takes note in amazement. But finally she turns to Farmer, "If you leave now, will they lock you back in the basement?" Farmer puts on a sad expression. "Yes!" Again the girl looks cautiously at the Admiral, who frowns more and more, "Do you've to wear the mask, too?" "Yes," he replies in frustration. Again she looks at her grandpa. "Then you can't eat anything?" The Major looks furtively at the Admiral, then Ashley does the same before Farmer explains. "Yeah, soup! I can sip that with a straw." Ashley looks a little reproachfully at her grandfather, who's starting to feel guilty for some reason, but hasn't the slightest idea why. He just says, confused, "I'd like to know what you two talk about when you're alone."
Rachel notices the return of Devaney, who pays no attention to her and instead frantically pulls some folder from his files and immediately hurries away. She's seized by uneasiness and a queasy feeling rises in her. The singer interrupts her rehearsal and goes to a window that shows the pool area, but from which she also sees her manager hurrying down the street, where he meets the others again.
Bill glances at the Admiral and then at Ashley. The Admiral understands and takes his granddaughter by the hand. "Come on, kiddo, they want to talk about adult stuff, we're going over to the pool for a minute." But Rachel sees Devaney slide the file he brought over to Frank across the table and open it. Rachel can't see that it contains threatening letters of every size and type. "This is just in the last six months." Explains Rachel's manager. "Have you ever tried to have these letters professionally assessed?" Farmer asks as he goes through the letters. They come from many different sources, some scribbled, some typed, some pieced together from newspaper clippings. Many are soiled and torn, others pristine. Occasionally there's a photo of Rachel with rough markings on it. "No, the Admiral told me that Section 13 would be able to do that." Farmer continues to flip through the letters. "That's right, I studied psychology with a forensic focus. Except, of course, we focus on Scatters and don't do simple police work. Scatters aren't great letter writers. You can take my word for that! They never say they're going to murder or kidnap anyone, they just do it without asking."
Spector joins them through the door in the main house to the pool, sucking on an ice cream. He looks over Frank's shoulder and nonchalantly stares at the stack of letters. Frank goes through them quickly, with a professional look. Sometimes he pauses to read a letter more closely. He picks a few from the stack and places them in the centre of the table. "Have you ever protected any of the royals?" Spector asks the Major, who rolls his eyes. "Fortunately, protecting the Incest League isn't one of Section 13's duties, or I'd rather be transferred to Northern Ireland."
"You aren't a royalist?"
"I wouldn't necessarily call myself that. More like a republican with a strong anarchist streak."
"Really? But you professional soldiers have to swear your oath to the king." Farmer then turns to him with a devilish smile. "Maybe I lied to you to find out what your political affiliation is?" Spector replies, uncertainly. "That's pretty tough to talk to you, Major." To which Farmer responds with a sardonic laugh. "I'm sure Rachel Marron will agree with you."
Spector probes, "But know? I mean one of the royals."
"Well, that's not so difficult; the equerries are part of the Windsor family. It's relatively easy to get to know them."
"Come on, Major. Don't kidding!"
The Major begins to get bored with the conversation. "If I told you how many people I know, you wouldn't believe it. But as you know from your own job, the right connections are worth their weight in gold."
"Yes, of course. How about the prime minister?"
"On occasion, Gabriel Morgan's security has been in my hands. Next week, it's that time again. Section 13 handles a different kind of security. You still have Secret Service and police protection."
"So you've never worked as a traditional bodyguard?"
Frank finds it hard to answer. "Sir, I'm more of a classic assassin than a classic bodyguard. Gabriel Morgan occasionally hires me to be his daughter's bodyguard, at least that's the official version. In reality, I'm supposed to watch her and scare the guys she goes out with." Spector seems amused. "Oh, look, so one of them is our prime minister!"
Frank places another letter on the centre pile. He points to one particular letter and smiles. "This is a little old lady in Omagh, Northern Ireland. She also thinks the prime minister is a reptiloid. But I'm really not sure about Gabriel." Spector and Devaney both look at him in confusion, but it's impossible to tell if Farmer is serious or joking. Frank finishes and taps on the separate pile of letters. "Not really spectacular, but maybe you should tell the police about it. Not that something will happen and they'll ask why you're so late."
"Nothing there to do with the doll?" Devaney asks.
"I think that's another story."
"Did you go to the police about the doll?" Asks Farmer. "Neither!" Replies Devaney. Farmer is helpless. "Guys, an explosive device went off. A small one, in fact! But there were casualties. This has to be reported to the police! Okay, in this case, Section 13 was informed. But we couldn't investigate the scene either, you destroyed evidence! This is a criminal offence. When are you going to tell the troubadour about the doll?"
Devaney and Spector exchange glances. Obviously, this is a sore point between them. The head of PR explains. "We said there was an electrical problem while she was on stage. A short circuit. Listen, she can't have that kind of worry right now. It would upset her." Farmer laughs maliciously. "How upset do you think she'll be if the Pale Shine Bill passes in its current form? I expect that will happen because our fascists are scared shitless. If Vice Admiral Marron asks for paragraph 82, I'll grant it in that case. Then your 'Queen of the Night' will only perform in her own recording studio." Frank turns to watch the Admiral and Ashley by the pool, Rachel has joined them and is looking at Frank. Devaneys observes the supposed eye contact between the two. "What do you know about the doll?" asks Devaney. Farmer shrugs helplessly. "It's just a doll, a child's toy. Head, torso, two arms and two legs, I guess." Bill hands him a picture of the charred doll after the explosion and a reference model. Surprised, Frank takes the doll in his hand.
Rachel clearly sees how horrified he's looking at the doll and keeps looking at it before he doubles over laughing. "Oh come on! Is there an action figure of her? You're kidding!" Says Devaney seriously. "I'm glad you haven't lost your sense of humour, Major." You can almost see little storm clouds brewing over Rachel's head, and angrily she begins to make crunching motions with her lower jaw, the way Farmer has been doing lately. "Well, I'm more of a fan of The Dark Knight. But if you swapped Robin for Queen of the Night, I could live with that." Spector grits his teeth. "Major, could you please refrain from doing that? Rachel is looking over here, and she looks very, very upset." Devaney adds. "I wouldn't exactly call it an action figure either. In fact, it doesn't even look like Rachel." "Especially after the explosion!" Farmer laughs.
"That guy is such a beast!" says Rachel angrily. "That's personal!" Rachel can't believe Ashley replies, "You're surprised at how you treat him?" Her mother is at a loss for words. "I even offered him a drink." Ashley scoffs. "You think that makes it all go away?" Rachel looks irritated at her father, who shrugs helplessly. "So you think it's okay the way this Major is acting?" she asks Ashley, who glares at the Major. "I understand why he's doing it. Can I go back to my cousin now?" Outraged, Rachel says forcefully, "That's not your cousin! Just look at him!" But Ashley is sure. "My cousin said you'd say that. Because he looks different, you're being mean to him and trying to hide him from me." Says Rachel, annoyed, "Where would you get something like that?" Ashley makes a definite hand gesture and looks at her mother in a way that should be clear that the cat is out of the bag. "He told me everything! I know the whole story!" Ashley looks at her and raises her eyebrows in consideration. Rachel asks, amused and confused at the same time. "Why are you so infatuated with the Major?" Ashley adopts an important expression. "Ma', I don't know if you noticed, but he's running around with two wolves. Do you know anyone else who does?" Rachel smiles at her daughter's overly smug face. "Okay, so he's interesting. Anything else?" Ashley chuckles. "He's sassy!" Rachel watches her daughter with a smile. "What're you up to?" the Admiral asks thoughtfully. "Nothing!" Stresses the girl innocently. "So you like the bad boys?" asks Rachel. "Ma, he's not like other adults. It's like big brother fooling around with me." explains the girl. Concerned, the Admiral says to the child's incomprehension, "Ashley, he's The Big Brother."
"She's programmed!" Rachel apologizes. "Look, dear" The Admiral turns to Ashley. "He's not your cousin." Ashley doesn't say anything directly, but is sad, "You think I'm stupid because I'm little. But how can my cousin know in advance what you'll say?" The Admiral says, "Because this Major knows people very well and knows how to manipulate them. He also knows that naive little things like you're are more likely to believe what they first want to believe and hear." But this angers Ashley because Farmer never treated her as inferior, but made her feel like she'd to protect him, "That was really mean of you to lock him in the basement!" Somehow Rachel feels that the grinning Frank Farmer more or less knows what's going on with them.
"All right, gentlemen!" Says Frank Farmer. "Pranks aside! The doll, do you have any idea who it came from?" "From me!" Devaney sighs and explains what happened. Farmer cuts in. "Security gave you that? Very strange." He thinks quietly. "It all looks like an inside job!" Replies the Major. "The doll did not have any explosives to do more damage." Spector interjects. "That's right!" says Farmer. "There are only two things to consider. Scenario 1: The Scatters have decided to send Vice Admiral Marron an ultimate warning. They detonated a small explosive device remotely while Rachel was on stage. That suggests they did not want to hurt her. But the explosive device was powerful enough to cause serious damage or even death under unfavorable circumstances. And that was recklessly taken into account. They did not care who got caught as collateral damage."That's exactly where maybe next time you two come into play," Farmer gestures to Bill and Sy. "Rachel and Ashley were not to be harmed. This suggests that the Scatters are developing their spiral of violence. Scenario 2: Someone with immediate access to the Marrons was present to achieve a controlled explosion and minimize damage to life and limb. However, this is unlikely because the doll was brought in from the outside and was not visible at the time of the explosion. This means that if the government uses force against the Scatters, the attacks on the Marrons will increase, and eventually it will be a matter of life and death."
"Major?" asks Spector. "Wouldn't that mean that as head of Section 13, you would be an interesting target for Scatter's men?"
"Thank you for being concerned about my safety. But I assure you, I am pretty well covered! The risk to the Marrons is much greater." Farmer now gets a little more specific. "I want to know who gave you the doll." But Devaney doubts he can remember. Farmer says, "Try to get video footage of that moment together, Section 13 is doing their part. This action was not random, it was targeted and the security service is part of it. That means Rachel Marron can not rely on regular security or a single bodyguard. And that means Ashley has to be involved because she acts as a buffer between Rachel and the Admiral. Attacking Ashley would be like giving her a second-to-last warning before giving her the final warning: Rachel. The mother really needs to know that!" Farmer seems very sure of himself.
"Sy, I think we should show him the room," Devaney says. Frank follows Spector and Devaney into a wing of the main house, where he is led into a large room that looks more like a hall. He looks around, regarding the murals with reserve, the decor a kitschy attempt at bawdy splendour straight out of tabloid fantasy. Farmer innocently tries to suppress a grin, "Is this her bedroom?" "Yes!" Spector replies with a grin, but Devaney, fearing a nasty crack from Farmer, qualifies, "No. She sleeps in a room next to Ashley's, down the hall. Sy had that done for a magazine layout, ..." Farmer says, "Let me guess. 'We gave a prize to decadence',"
Farmer smiles meanly. Devaney feared it would have a repulsive effect on Farmer. "Superstars in their Boudoirs." Says Sy proudly and Farmer laughs out loud so that it can be heard outside by the pool where Rachel starts grinding her jaw again and imagines Farmer in between. The Admiral and Ashley share a startled look. "The Major does the same thing when he's angry," Ashley tells her grandfather. "Did you see it?" asks Spector. "No!" Replies Farmer, coming to rest. With his I-dread-it-look, Devaney defends his star. "Rachel never liked it," he says. "She didn't have to like it either." Retorts Spector. Devaney carefully places one of Farmer's chosen letters on the bed. "We found the letter here."
"Someone was in here?"
"Someone broke in and masturbated on the bed."
Rachel clenches her fists, grumbling and wondering what this Major has been doing in her bedroom all this time, laughing so heartily again. "And she doesn't know about that either?" asks Farmer, holding his stomach as he wipes away a tear of laughter. "You're such a cheerful person," Devaney remarks, rather than decrying a lack of compassion. Spector shakes his head, "Are you kidding? That would really freak her out." "What do you mean?" asks Devaney. "Somebody invades the house, comes upstairs and jerks off on the bed ... I'd say that would be a problem." Comment Farmer seriously.
"What kind of problem?" Devaney wants to know.
"It wasn't the Scatters. Someone else." Farmer explains unemotionally. "Like hell we don't need that right now." Retorts Spector excitedly. "The house is wide open," Farmer says. "Excuse me?" asks Spector. "I said this house is wide open, and you people have no idea what real security is and what it takes to achieve it." Devaney looks for a compromise: "Frank, I totally respect what you're telling me. Tell me how you want to work, and I'll accommodate you." Farmer says coldly, "There's really only one way I work. I give the orders and it happens. Your minstrel somehow seems to think wrongly that I'm her employee. Make her understand the chain of command! Because if her father invokes Article 82, I'll give the orders, and anyone who disobeys them will be taken to an internment camp in Montserrat. Listen, I can't protect them. I won't be responsible for her safety if she doesn't know what's going on." Devaney relents, "I'll talk to her, I'll make her understand. I can do that." But Spector is exasperated, "No. I'll talk to her." Spector leaves the room, worried, and goes to Rachel.
Spector gleefully relates the biting little highlights Major Farmer threw at Rachel. However, he twists the facts so much that he does not say what he should have done. He obviously wants to make sure the singer takes a stand against Frank by sowing discord. This, of course, is exactly the opposite of the policy Devaney is seeking. Spector knows the star well enough to know how he operates. It's unclear whether Spector, like Ashley, has realized that there's an uncanny resemblance between the two characters, or whether he's just subconsciously serving as a catalyst for the inevitable next clash. Inevitable primarily because Rachel is single-mindedly looking for it.
Frank Farmer is left alone for a moment while Devaney consults with Spector and the Admiral about their next course of action. Ashley searches for him in vain, wandering somewhere. But Rachel bumps into him; he has returned to rehearsals, but keeps very much to himself, and Rachel does not like his snide look at all. Walking up to him, Rachel says, "Too decadent?" He just looks at her and does not answer for a moment. "So Spector talked to you?" She fixes him with a look of suppressed anger. "Yes, he did! What was so cute about my bedroom?" Farmer shrugs boredly, "Nothing!" Rachel aims at him like she's aiming a gun at him. "Nothing? You laughed quite often and loudly for that." Farmer does not answer. "Look at me when I am talking to you," Rachel says.
"I think you have other problems!"
"Right now, I have a problem with you!"
Farmer sighs, bored. "Spector just talked my ear off, now get on with it. With all this hot air coming at me in the form of useless words, do not be surprised if I am now imagining myself on a beach somewhere, holding a seashell to my ear and just listening to the sound of the ocean." It drives Rachel crazy that he puts on such an amused expression, as if he's actually relaxing somewhere, which Rachel accuses him of as arrogance. "Do you really think you are great, Major?" No, he says with a slight movement of his head. "The only thing I want is to be left alone." But while Frank is completely honest, it never occurs to Rachel that anyone would not want to pay her any attention. It's an effect that's compounded because the Major has taken her daughter by storm. "What does a Major earn, Squaddie?" Farmer seems completely at ease, though he realizes it's a put-down when Rachel speaks of a Major as if he were someone else, but refers to him personally as Squaddie.
Not that squaddie is really a dirty word, but Rachel's presumptuous tone makes it one. "Thank you for your concern for my financial security, ma'am, and while my income may seem ridiculous to you, I assure you that a Section 13 chief earns considerably more than an ordinary Major. What I can add on this subject is that I do not judge people by their money, but rather by what they say and think." Rachel, of course, knows he means her and the singer smiles mockingly. "Like it or not, my father is an Admiral and your superior! So Squaddie, why do not you make yourself a little useful and bring me a milkshake from the bar as a nice gesture." Farmer seems agitated at first and tries to swallow his anger, then actually goes over to fulfill Rachels request.
"Thanks Squaddie!" Says Rachel in a condescending tone. But Farmer does not put the cup in her hand, instead he begins to slowly and evenly pour the milkshake over her head. "My boss...," Farmer explains. "...is General Ordlaf of Astgill, you'll find him at Credenhill, in the High Command of the British Forces. As for your father, he is only our liaison to military counterintelligence and other intelligence agencies. However, he can help you contact my boss and complain about me."
The scene is watched with paralyzing horror by all who have not heard any of the conversation. When the Admiral, Devaney and Spector meet Rachel, Frank Farmer is no less upset than Rachel. But both try to contain their anger, which seems only partially possible.
Ashley doesn't like Frank Farmer leaving at all, in contrast to her mother.. Even worse, he doesn't come back the next day. Neither the next day nor the day after that. Two days go by without them hearing anything from him. During that time, however, they learn that Section 13 has made an arrest for a security violation related to a public event. In addition, Section 13 carries out some other actions.
"What is our BAE doing ?" Major Farmer asks in a digital control room that appears to be used for eavesdropping. Wearing a uniform himself, he has his rolled-up beret tucked under one of the epaulettes. He asks, sipping his hot cappuccino. "Just be careful, Major. The system is sensitive." Recommends the duty officer, a Second Lieutenant, before describing the situation. "Germ contact in Aldershot. He's probably on his way back to London by now."
"Has the trip been announced?"
"Announced, yes!" reported Second Lieutenant Cavanaugh. "But the attaché said he was going to Brighton. Just the usual game."
"What was he doing in Aldershot?"
A soldier activates a function on the holographic screen. The main screen lights up, divided into different images showing the same person from different angles. The corporal operating everything explains a little helplessly. "That's all, sir!" Only one person can be seen, sitting on a bench in a rest area outside the city, with a silver Mercedes parked nearby. Two or three minutes pass, then Farmer asks, "Is he waiting for someone?" Cavanaugh replies. "Unknown, if so that person has not shown up. But he never tried to call anyone either."
Farmer looks at the footage and focuses on the body language. It's a pretty strange surveillance. "It seems to me he's bored," Cavanaugh judges. Farmer nods at this redundant statement. "He does," the Major confirms. The man in the shot occasionally glances at his watch. He paces back and forth like a caged tiger, lolling boredly on the bench or appearing to look at the toes of his shoes. "He's waiting for something, that's for sure." Says Farmer almost to himself, continuing to watch tensely. About fifteen minutes pass, then, just as the person being watched looks at his watch again, something changes: a quick reach into his jacket pocket. "There," Farmer says intently. "You can tell by his body language that he's relieved, the wait is over. Whatever it was he was waiting for, it's happened." The man in the footage sits relaxed on the bench for a moment, then reaches into the same bag about three minutes later, gets in his car and drives away.
They watch the end of the footage several times, gaining no new information from the images. "Pay attention to the background noise," Cavanaugh instructs the sergeant. "There's something there!" Farmer explains, "An airplane, a large commercial airliner." The investigation uncovers the exact type of aircraft, and by comparing it to air traffic control data, they learn the flight number: a plane from New York is en route to Frankfurt am Main.
"Could this possibly be related to the plane?" Cavanaugh suspects. "His hand in his pocket," Farmer explains. "It looked like he turned something on at a certain time. Shortly after that, the plane was heard. Then he turned it off again as the plane flew by. Without turning around, he walked away as if he had done what he wanted to do." Cavanaugh doubts, "A device that communicates with the plane and is so small it fits in a jacket pocket? But what was the communication? It did not look like anyone was talking on the video!"
Farmer thinks for a moment and finally instructs the sergeant, "We have already taken some of these strange germ videos. Compare them to see if we can find any aircraft in the background." Several videos are called up and examined simultaneously on screens. They show some surreal scenes. Someone dressed as if he were going to the office comes to the ruins of an abandoned gas station. Although it is clear that there can be no gas there, he stays there for almost an hour. In London parks or elsewhere, people are seen behaving senselessly, for example, a person circling around a tree for about half an hour. There are several videos of someone driving to the same spot on the coast over and over again, looking out to sea for forty-five minutes, and then driving back.
"Sirs!" the sergeant later addresses the officers. "We have been able to link some videos to movements of intercontinental flights. In each case from New York or en route to it. Not the case with others, like this one with the regular trip to the ocean." Farmer thinks for a moment and orders, "The videos that do not have a connection to flights, also check for satellite movement and what's associated with the coast, as well as USO sightings." He then turns to the Second Lieutenant, "Check the passengers of the identified flights. Keep an eye on the suspects we know of and forward the list to Admiral Marron's office in Dover. They should be aware of any new findings from MI-6 and also ask the colonials in New York. Any time we come in contact with germs, we will immediately check to see if any data has been transmitted." Cavanaugh recalls, "At Thursday's event, we will have a whole epidemic." But that's not a problem for Farmer, "Anyway, Section 13 is officially on site. Brainstorm how we can catch some germs, discreetly of course, because of diplomatic immunity." The Second Lieutenant nods, "I see, creative interrogation?" Farmer agrees, "Of course, but they must never reappear after the interrogation." Cavanaugh understands, "Do not worry, we can handle that."
As Tuesday evening rolls in, the media fills with reports of a terrorist attack in eastern England. The Scatter Men are blamed, specifically a subgroup called the NSU, which is described as a secret army. A wind farm was attacked with a fighter jet, they say. First they strafed the wind turbine with large caliber machine guns, then they dropped a bomb. Perforated turbines can be seen exploding and a large explosion breaks or completely overturns towering columns. According to media reports, 57 bodies were found. Pictures of the dead are shown on television. Rachel does not allow Ashley to see them. The collapsing wind turbine towers are the least of the problems. News reports talk of an attack on Britain's energy security, primarily in the service of the enemy to the east. There is talk of the treachery committed by the Scatters Men. Rachel sees on TV the images of white, tattooed men believed to be the ringleaders of the Scatters. For some reason, something about these reports troubles her. But she wonders if Major Farmer might know more.
Rumors have been circulating for some time that Thursday's public meeting might be canceled. But her father tells her over the phone that that's nonsense, they are just increasing Section 13's contingent. A little later in the day, she is approached by her assistant. "Marc gave the message that he'll be here around 5 p.m." Rachel looks a little shocked. "Why?" The assistant is now confused, "Should not I have? I meant that he will be your escort for the evening." Rachel thinks feverishly, which only frightens the assistant more, "Did I do something wrong?" Rachel fingers nervously, "No, it's fine. I just asked my parents and Ivy to come with me. But it does not matter at all."
When Ashleys grandparents arrive at her house, they are escorted by a military vehicle and Royal Marines. The girl learns they are the military escort for her grandparents because of the Pale Shine protection program. "When we have Pale Shine, my cousin is always here," Ashley asks. "Have you still not accepted that the Major is not your cousin?" declares Rachel resignedly. "She believes what she wants to believe!" Ashley's grandfather explains, "He would never be here all the time." But Ashley disagrees, "When I ask him, he's there!" The Admiral is amused, "Little one, he has other things to do than take care of you. He would only send soldiers." Ashley is upset that her grandfather would say that and does not believe him. "The little girl is being influenced pretty negatively by Major Farmer, and that worries me," the Admiral tells Rachel. "Dad, I am not so sure about that. Ashley suddenly did not want to dress like a princess. I was told that was a positive thing. But now she wants to be a soldier."
"Dad, what's the matter with this Major? Why is he so weird?" asks Rachel. The Admiral shrugs helplessly. "He'll be there today?" The Admiral nods uncertainly. "We were going to meet up for a bit anyway, that's why I think so."
"You talk to him." Follows Rachel. "How do you do that?" The Admiral has to grin. "Don't think it's easy for me. But he's different when you're alone with him and have something in common with him."
"What does Ashley have in common with Major Farmer?" She asks her perplexed father, who shrugs again. "All he ever told me was that he wanted to be alone," says Rachel. The Admiral replies resignedly. "Then leave him alone."
The evening comes when Rachel, unusually but because of her parents, finds herself in the company of Navy soldiers. Joining her parents, Ashley and Ivy, at the table are Marc Jordan and his companion. Ashley has suddenly disappeared on the tumultuous evening. Rachel is startled, but Ivy Reed explains to her that she is in the security area dancing with Major Farmer. From her seat, she can get a good look at the two of them. Afterwards, Ashley is again engrossed in a conversation with Major Farmer. Rachel observes this curiously, "I'd be really interested to know what a seven-year-old has to talk about with a commando soldier all the time."
"What about olive oil?" asks Ashley. "That's what you do with olives," Farmer explains.
"And sunflower oil?"
"Well, from sunflowers!"
"Then you make corn oil from corn?"
"Exactly! But do you know what baby oil is made from?" Ashley looks at the Major in horror. "The Navy uses that as fuel for their ships," he adds.
Later, the two sit peacefully next to each other. It looks like the Major is pointing his index finger at various people, then he says something, whereupon Ashley and the Major start laughing. This repeats a few times until Farmer casually glances over at the Marrons' table and notices Rachel fixing him with her eyes. He seems to get a little restless, keeps looking away and back at her, then behind him. Since there's nothing there for Rachel to focus her attention on, he says something to Ashley, which makes her look at her mother seriously, then they both whisper to each other. The girl comes back to the table. She is now wearing a khaki beret that is too big for her. Her grandfather stares at the emblem, which shows the sword Excalibur, common to all British commandos, and an ancient Greek helmet. The symbol is almost identical to that of the SAS, except for the color and the fact that the SRR has a Corinthian helmet in its crest. Admiral Marron comments with a twinkle in his eye, "You found the Major, did not you?" Ashley nods and beams from ear to ear. Then she turns to her mother, "Ma, you should stop watching!" Rachel is a little offended. "Why can not I see what the Major and my daughter are doing?"
"The Major says you scare him!"
"Oh yeah?" Rachel wants to get up. "I wanted to talk to your cousin anyway."
But Ashley gives her a stop gesture and says in a commanding tone, "Civilians are not allowed in the security area." Rachel wrinkles her nose in offence, "Then what are you doing there all this time?" Snootily, the girl points to the beret she's wearing, "I am Major Farmer's protocol officer. He'll be here in a minute anyway." She takes pride in announcing a message that no one but her and Farmer knows yet.
They see Major Farmer only briefly with the invited guests; he is constantly greeting and talking to people, some of whom they can identify as politicians, including Morgan Gabriel. For others, the Admiral must help identify senior state officials or, easily recognized by their uniforms, senior military officers. Admiral Marron smiles at Ashley, "I always thought you were going to join the Navy, my dear?" But Ashley has other plans, "No, I am going into the real military!" The Admiral looks angrily at the Major, while Rachel's mother Lois laughs.
Sure enough, after what felt like a quarter of an hour, Major Farmer joined them, accompanied by a Captain and a Lieutenant. "Clear the decks, Admiral," he says. Rachel startles a little and looks beside her. "Good evening, ma'am, I hope your husband is awake," Farmer greets a person passing a few feet away. "Hello Frank, all is well! Good to see you again!" It echoes back. "Our Secretary of State," he blurts out between his teeth, as if it's only for the soldiers accompanying him, but Rachel and those closest to her hear it, too. "... What an idiot!"
"Good evening to you too," Rachel says a little snidely. Farmer looks at her mischievously, then says, "Well, who do we've here? If it isn't MC Nightqueen!" Marc Jordan and Ivy Reed have to laugh and Rachel angrily says to Marc. "Why are you laughing anyway? He doesn't like your music!" And Ashley enthusiastically tells her mom. "I met the prime minister!"
Marc asks Farmer, "Is that true? You do not like rap?" They are interrupted by two grinning teenagers who stop at their table, look at Rachel and Farmer, start giggling, and then quickly walk away. "What was that?" asks Lois Marron. "I am afraid that was for the Major," Rachel sighs. "Jealous of my fans?" asks Farmer. "He does look like Jasper Rothko," begins Ivy Reed, who, like Rachel, is trying to show Farmer that she is still angry about the Major's behavior. But there is nothing to suggest that tonight will be any different. "Join us for a moment," the Admiral prompts. He looks around mischievously and then at the Marines, but then lets his gaze rest on Rachel. "Why? You already have two Marines as alibi whites, do not you?" But Ashley pulls him to her seat and sits on his lap.
The wolves are there too, scurrying around the table and appearing to be examining the guests. Farmer brings up a holographic display coming out of his watch. It shows live images of those present, but apparently from the wolves' perspective. The guests are a little restless as the massive animals approach them. When the animals are in Marc Jordan and Ivy Reed's area, Farmer sneers, "Well, some people started partying earlier, didn't they? All party animals." Marc looks at him anxiously, "What kind of thing is that?" Farmer replies with amusement, "A really great toy from Milzer Enterprise in Manchester."
"Big Brother what?"
"That's a common misconception. The SRR works only with the most advanced surveillance technologies, which seem exotic to many."
"Like James Bond?" asks the girl sitting between Marc and Ivy. Farmer looks at her with a grin, "Yeah, right! Maybe I'll show you my Aston Martin DB5 and all the special effects. You'll be especially interested in the ejection seat!"
"But are you even allowed to use your surveillance equipment?" asks Marc.
"Not really, I'm just abusing my power."
"Then you could be denounced for it?"
"Yes, exactly! But you should also know that I can take people to Montserrat without a court order."
"So laws are made in Britain to protect citizens but are undermined by others?"
"That's just how the system works!"
Increasingly annoyed, Rachel watches as Major Farmer looks at her with a grin, then looks to the Marines standing next to them and grins again. She can already guess what's going on in his head. "Well, Miss Marron, are you very happy today?"
"What makes you think it should be me?" asks Rachel with mock ignorance. He is disinterested, "Nothing special, just like that!" Rachel watches him suspiciously, "You are joking, are not you?"
Marc Jordan asks, "Can you tell a joke that only soldiers would understand?" With a quick glance at the Admiral, he says curtly, "The Royal Navy." The marines stop grinning as the Admiral looks at them. "I understand that too," Marc says. "I really mean one that only soldiers understand." Farmer makes another attempt, "Why is the middle compo sausage missing?" Except for Farmer, all the soldiers present start laughing, including the Admiral. The civilians, on the other hand, look at each other uncomprehendingly. "What is compo sausage?" asks the girl accompanied by Marc Jordan. "Food from the front line rations and a substitute currency," Farmer explains in general terms. "Compo sausages are pretty much the second most valuable substitute currency after alcohol. Another valuable substitute currency is cans of kidneys called 'baby heads.' However, they are worth less than compo sausages. One of the least valuable currencies is oatmeal blocks. A can of baby heads is worth about a dozen and a half oatmeal blocks. Screechers are worth even less." Irritated, the young woman says, "It's like Harry Potter." Farmer grins, "Screechers are actually powdered orange juice. It looks like scouring powder and attacks the gullet the same way. Hence the 'Screech' from the expression on the faces of people who consume the stuff."
"But what's so funny about this joke?" the girl asks. Farmer turns to the Admiral. "Shall I explain it to her?" The Admiral grins a little, "Better not! Otherwise we will spoil the fun for a lot of soldiers the girl will ask about it in the future."
"Speaking of Harry Potter." The Admiral points to the young woman, but turns to his granddaughter. "Did Major Farmer ever show you he could do magic?" Ashley looks at Farmer expectantly. "Really? Can you show me something?" But he comforts her. "Next time, I promise! Then I'll teach you a trick you can use later, when you're older and have a boyfriend, to find out if he's another girl somewhere." Ivy smiles at him, "That's interesting! You can always use something like that!" Ivy tries to get in touch with Farmer. He replies, "Ever heard of waterboarding?" Rachel interjects forcefully, "Major, there's no way you're going to teach my daughter how to torture!" Farmer is shocked. "Who knew DJ Nightqueen was such a bore!" Rachel stares at him while Ivy and Marc laugh. "I still don't do rap music or hip-hop, Major Farmer! On the other hand, the way you treat women, you could be a source of inspiration for rappers. Or Marc?" He laughs even harder because Rachel is seriously upset.
Rachel notices that Farmer grabs the top left centre of his head for a brief moment, as if in pain. It passes quickly and she says nothing. She just looks around and realises that her father must have noticed it too. The Admiral, however, seems to want to change the subject. "I am a little upset with you, Major. You are turning my granddaughter against the Royal Navy." Farmer replies, "Forgive me, Admiral, you have to admit that a branch of arms that has the rank of petting officer must be a little strange." Some look at the Major in irritation, including Rachel, others smile and wait anxiously to see what happens now. "The what?" the Admiral must have misheard. "You mean petty officer." Farmer is not aware of any guilt, he says irritably, "I told you so." But the Admiral replies, "No, you did not. You said petting." The two officers behind Farmer exchange a serious look and then look confusedly at Farmer, who, to the incomprehension of everyone else, gives a thumbs-up. He looks at the Admiral in confusion, "That's exactly what I said! Petting officer." The Admiral, perturbed, "That's not called petting, that's petty." Farmer extends his index finger in addition to his thumb. The officers behind him get nervous. "It's the same thing," Farmer replies, confused. "No, it's not," the Admiral contradicts. Farmer seems utterly confused, "Then what should it be called?" Rachel's father angrily says, "Petty!" Farmer ponders as if he does not understand the problem, "And what did I say?" The person addressed says energetically, "Petting!" Farmer now extends his middle finger as well, and the other officers look at each other in resignation. Farmer opens his whole hand, "And gentlemen? One officer, one word of honour, yes?" One of them grumbles, "We will have to use a ATM, Major." Then they leave, while everyone but the Marrons laugh. Ashley would like to, but does not get the joke. Rachel's father, on the other hand, does, "You bet an Admiral would say petting to you three times?" Farmer nods.
Rachel notices that Ivy Reed seems to behave differently toward the Major. "Major, isn't it one of your duties to look after the welfare of the people here?" Farmer looks at her suspiciously, "Yes! Why do I get the feeling there's a trick question coming now?" She sits closer to him, causing Ashley to look at her very seriously. But to the disbelief of everyone except Rachel, who thinks Farmer is trying to avoid Ivy Reed, the Major suddenly directs the question to the Admiral, "And how's your coffee, sir?" The latter looks at him, startled, and replies, "I drink tea!" Ivy looks uncomprehendingly at the Admiral's drink, "Tea?" She repeats, confused, as Farmer replies, "Yes, Miss Reed, but please don't throw it in the ocean right away." He then turns back to the Admiral, to the increasing confusion of the audience, "What do you think of Mission Impossible Part 6?" The Admiral nods, "I've already sent a plot summary to your people."
"Did you like our version of the storyline?"
"Oh yes, especially the UFOs and USOs were a spectacular idea."
"Any news of the mentioned germs?"
"Seems like we have a serious hygiene problem there."
"What about the AI experience?"
"Depends on which AI you mean."
Rachel notices that the Major is looking at Ivy and her father is following the gaze. Ivy also feels uncomfortable as Farmer begins to whistle the Yankee Dudle. The Admiral seems to understand, "Drop the A and press 'bold' and double underline on the I. They refer to the diplomatic immunity of the germs. What do you want to do next?"
"Catch me some germs."
"Sounds reasonable."
"Would not her daughter think so." Whereupon the Admiral and the Major laugh, to Rachel's discomfort.
They seem to have finished their conversation, leaving puzzled faces, except for Lois, who theatrically breaks the freeze of the mood. "Surprise! We have the Secret Service at the table."
"I bet you understood everything," Marc Jordan says to Rachel's mother. She laughs, "The words do! But they change their slang from situation to situation. I just know what they mean by A.I., germ or germ-mania." Farmer then looks at Lois with great concern, "Oh, so you know that? How unfortunate! Very unfortunate!" Rachel's mother flinches in shock and looks at the Admiral, who then laughs at her. "This is really like James Bond," the girl says to Marc, who is intrigued. Farmer grins, and his expression leaves no doubt that he thinks she's stupid, "Yeah right, dumbass!"
"Why are you being so mean?" asks Marc Jordan. Farmer looks questioning, apparently not understanding the question at all, "Are you seriously suggesting that I behaved worse toward this girl than I did toward MC Nightqueen? Can you hear her whining? So from now on, I want her to stand tall, chest out, and man up a little bit, okay?" While Ivy looks at him indignantly, Marc can barely keep himself in his chair with laughter. Miss Reed looks angrily back and forth between the two and then to Rachel, who is offering her support, "I bet they get along just fine." Ivy retorts, "What happened to all the sensitive men?" Meant as an accusation, Farmer replies anyway, "Most of them already have boyfriends, Miss Reed, the others are still looking." Marc has to laugh again, but the girl accompanying him asks. "Are you really not interested in sitting between two superstars?"
"On the contrary, little miss," Farmer replies. "I am already sweating with excitement like a Marine running a spell check." But Major Farmer pauses to respond to a radio message that reaches him.
Then he sets Ashley down and stands up. "There, I've something to do, you stay here." But Ivy looks after him, "What an ass!" He leaves, but Ashley runs after him, holding his hand. Ashley is always there, like she's right where she belongs. Then again, the Major takes Ashley upstairs to the security area, and they stand in some kind of box, looking down at the guests. Rachel can't put her finger on it, but at one point it looks like the Major is spitting from above, she can't believe her eyes. There's somehow no good reason why Ashley and the Major hide right after that. Completely unaware of Rachel, watching the Major and her daughter becomes her main occupation. After some time, they return.
Rachel keeps watching him, trying to read him again, "You don't like celebrities at all, Major. Right?" Farmer smiles at her, "I wouldn't think in such narrow terms about the people I don't like, Miss Marron. But what they all have in common is that I try to keep them at a distance." Rachel smiles at him disdainfully, "I understand your insinuations, Major, don't worry about it."
"I can't believe it," laments Ivy Reed. "... That I actually thought about getting you to dance with me tonight." Farmer looks at her in confusion, "What do you mean about dancing? Like touching and stuff like that? I can't dance!" Ivy doesn't believe him, "I've seen you dance with the child. You move like a professional dancer." "Unlike our Bond girl here," he nods in the direction of the girl at Marc's side. "... the reality is a little different. Discretion is required. A secret agent the whole world knows is useless." "Is that why you can't dance?" asks Ivy. Farmer says, "When I dance with Ashley, people say how cute. But when I dance with you, I end up in the international tabloids. Do you understand my problem?" That's when Marc's companion interjects, "But you could dance with me." Farmer suddenly seems to spontaneously get a toothache, "Yeah, but I don't want to dance with you!" Whereupon Ashley laughs out loud.
Rachel can only stare at him and begins to take his explanation. Farmer notices her stare and tries to ease her tension by telling a story before smiling again at the Marines and Rachel, "Once I'd to go to Dover, when I came in I saw a Marine behind the guard at the main gate shouting 'Yep' and digging a hole with a spade. Then another Marine comes up behind him, yells 'hoh' and fills the hole back in. Well, I don't think anything of it, they're just Marines. One of those strange seafaring traditions. Maybe they mistook the land for a myth and sought the water because they didn't understand why they didn't sink into the ground. But they keep doing it. 'Yep' and 'hoh' and so on. Of course I want to go to town for lunch, because Dover Navy Base, always fish sticks, that's not for us real squaddies. So I see them again, 'yep' and 'hoh' in another part of the garrison. And when I come back from lunch, they're still doing it. You'll understand, that's when you start to wonder if everything is all right. In the evening, when I want to go back to London, I'm fed up when I see the marines again, I say, "Your boss must've been mad at you, for ordering you to do that nonsense." They look at me blankly and say. 'Why? This is part of the garrison beautification program. Well, that made me curious. How is this going to digging and fill holes, beautify the garrison?' I asked. And then a Marine said. 'Well, it would probably make more sense if the buddy putting the trees in the holes hadn't called in sick today.'"
Ashley laughs in sympathy with the Major. The Marines look coldly at Farmer, but Rachel tries to pick a fight with him for getting their daughter on his side. "Listen, Peter Pan, what do you call an army made up of toddlers?" Farmer turns away, grinning, so Rachel answers herself. "Infant ... ry." Rachel enjoys her success over Farmer more than the stage and longs for more, "I am sorry, Major, but in the Navy and Airforce, the Army only enjoys Cinderella status." Farmer pretends to be sad, then says with a grin, "That may be so, Miss Marron. But Cinderella had two jealous and ugly sisters and ended up with the prince." To Rachel's annoyance, her own mother sides with the Major.
"Good evening Lord Blackwood, is your knee better after the riding accident?" he greets one of the guests at their table. "It's getting better, Frank! Thanks for asking." Rachel gives Farmer her you've-got-to-bekidding-me-look. "You seem to be very well known, like a sore thumb, Major, and you don't even have Jasper Rothko to thank for that when it comes to the right people." Farmer doesn't seem to have noticed Rachel at all. He gives the lord a serious look, shocking everyone else at the table, when he says to Ashley, "Little girl, take a good look at that uncle. If he ever tries to give you candy, you'll run away and scream for help."
Only then does he remember Rachel, "The right people!" Farmer repeats emphatically, "That's right, you have to know the right people, Miss Marron! As an SRR soldier, of course, I know what a powerful weapon information can be, and you get it from the right people. But even more important is what you know about the right people. If you get what I mean, Miss Marron! What the mob thinks or thinks they know is totally irrelevant." He spoke to her in a different way that somehow sent an icy shiver down Rachel's spine. At this point, he is interrupted by a radio call that no one but Farmer can hear. Some at the table are irritated because the Major suddenly sheds his cheerful manner and looks at the people in the hall like a lurking predator, as if he were on the lookout for a sick animal that could easily become his prey. "Admiral," he says without taking his eyes off any particular part of the room. "We have picked up a signal, but I'll have to get closer for a more accurate determination. But this time, Ashley really needs to stay here."
"You are doing really well, Major," Rachel tries to maintain contact with him, suspecting he'll be leaving soon, "You know how to move around here and make the right gestures." Farmer seems to be listening to her only peripherally, something seems to need his attention elsewhere. He then speaks to Rachel again without changing his gaze, "Do you think Miss Marron? Correct gestures, then? Did you understand what I just tried to explain? Is that really your opinion, Miss Marron? Well, I am not so sure!" Now he looks at Rachel from the side, "Gestures are for kings, but important people go where things happen, Miss Marron."
"Is everything all right, Major?", Rachel anxiously tries to find out where he is looking again. "Is something wrong?" Suddenly, Farmer switches back into his carefree mode. He looks at Rachel, but as if wondering for a moment where he even is, "What could be wrong, Miss Marron?" He orders the wolves to wait at the table and says to the girl, "Now I have to do something, little girl, you can not come." He then looks at Ivy Reed as if he is weighing her. She looks at him a little nervously. "You still want to dance? Then come!", Farmer holds out his hand to the distraught-looking singer. But besides the Admiral, the others look at the Major a little confused. "But you said it would be bad if you danced with me." He laughs, amused, "What strange things you always say, Miss Reed!"
"It was you who told me that a few minutes ago. You can't be seen with me, or your cover will be blown," she explains in exasperation. Farmer is even more amused at her, "Would you believe any of the shit I tell you, Miss Reed? I've nothing whatsoever to do with the secret section of Section 13. I'm an agent, but not a secret agent." Ivy is visibly annoyed with him, which is compounded when he says, "But I do secret missions!" Exhausted, Ivy lets out her breath and has to pull herself together, "Major, this is like arguing with a woman, only worse!" And in the end, she goes with him.
Rachel looks after them and begins to move her lower jaw back and forth in annoyance. Her mother looks at her with concern. "Is something wrong, dear?" She begins in satirical imitation of Major Farmer and says, "No, what could be wrong, Mom? What makes you think that?" There's something very wrong with Ashley, too. "Why is he doing this," she whines. "I don't know, Ashley," her mother replies, continuing to mimic Major Farmer, "It's your squaddie, didn't he check off with you?" She then turns to her father, "Is he always this bipolar?" The Admiral smiles, "I'm afraid it's an occupational disease." The Captain, who was there earlier, has returned and seems amused by Ashley, "The Major will be right back, kiddo. He just wants to investigate something and he needs a little camouflage to do it."
Major Farmer handles somewhat awkwardly with his left hand a small silver device that reminds Ivy of a slightly larger cigarette case. She watches him a little irritated, then he hides it back in his jacket pocket. "Would you mind if we just stayed on the left part of the dance floor," he begins the dance with her. Her confused gaze rests on him. "A bit of an odd request, but fine with me," she relents indulgently. But then he doesn't seem to feel the need to speak to her, instead looking past her, more interested in the guests at a particular table. "Oh, Major? I'm still around," she complains, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important?" But he shrugs it off, "No, you've my full attention." She looks at him doubtfully, "It's just that you're not even looking at me." He turns to her in surprise as one of the guests takes notice, "But I know what you look like. What do you think? Can we convince the musicians to play the Yankee Dudle?" She shakes her head, but is still slightly amused, "Major, you're just impossible! Wouldn't you rather dance with me to my music?"
"We can do that at a karaoke bar and then sing along live." She eyes him with a smile, "Was that just a date invitation?" He laughs mischievously, "I have to admit, I hate karaoke." She sighs in amusement, "What do you do when you have time off?" He thinks for a moment, "Um ... I like to be alone." She smiles at him, "I was thinking more of something you can do as a couple." But he struggles to answer and changes the subject, "How do you like Britain?" "Nice," she replies, "... but the local cuisine takes a little getting used to." He laughs at that, "Is not it? That's why we have become such a great seafaring and exploring nation."
"Where do you live, Major?" asks Ivy, and Farmer frowns. "That's one of the questions you shouldn't ask, Miss Reed."
"Is that another answer like: I can probably tell you any shit?"
"No, it's an answer like, I'm dead serious."
"Then I'll ask something else, I hope you can answer this. Why are you being so weird? Is this some kind of war trauma?"
He seems very amused by this, "I can reassure you, Miss Reed. I'm immune to war trauma." She doubts, "Oh really? Do you've nerves of steel?"
"I wouldn't necessarily call it that. I'm more of a sociopath."
Her smile disappears and she looks at him reservedly, "If only I knew when you were joking or serious. Dangerous or the quirky type?" Farmer ponders thoughtfully before replying, "Bundy mode, I'd say." That doesn't seem to reassure her, however, "Al or Ted?" Embarrassed, he admits, "Well, if you're going to get married ... with children, then you should lower your expectations." She looks at him seriously and loses herself in his happy blue eyes, though she finds them piercing, as if they were penetrating her soul. "You read me, don't you? I'd be interested to know what you think of me." But Farmer declines, "I'm not sizing you up, I'm reading your state of mind."
"Then you aren't a sociopath."
"Why not?"
"Because they can't do anything with feelings."
"Well, I'm afraid you're confusing something, Miss Reed. Exploiting the feelings of others or having some of your own."
"I'm not quite as stupid as you think, Major. This little girl, Ashley. I've been watching you and that child, they both like each other. I bet you'd risk a lot for that little girl, and that's not the way of a sociopath."
"Is that your expert medical opinion as a singer?"
"Yes! It's also that you don't shy away from the spotlight. You move like you grew up with it."
"Well, then it must be true!"
She laughs at him coquettishly, "Or is that your ploy to be seen as mysterious and secretive?" He considers and playfully bobs his head back and forth, "I don't know, does it work?" She laughs again. "Is Rachel right, Major?" she asks him jokingly. "Do you think you're Peter Pan?" Ivy grows uneasy as he studies her, "As a colonial, you naturally think of Walt Disney and Hollywood." She replies challengingly, "Colonial? That's been over since 1776." He grins arrogantly, "Yes! And the AIs believe that to this day!" Again she looks at him coquettishly, but ready to fight, "Looking for trouble, Major?"
"Well, Miss Reed, what I really wanted to say is. Originally, Peter Pan was a serial killer who murdered adults."
Nevertheless, Ivy returns to the table, satisfied. While Farmer surreptitiously hands the Captain the small silver device. "They've something that interferes with our signals, but they can transmit signals at the same time," he whispers to the Captain. Ashley looks at him reproachfully. Irritated, Farmer asks, "Is something wrong?" Ashley says disappointedly, "No, what could be wrong, Squaddie?" The Captain grins, "Major, I think your fan club is accusing you of a lack of patriotism."
"Seems to have gone well," Marc asks, looking at Ivy. "He can be different," she says with a smile. "I almost thought the Major was asking me out. Unfortunately, that turned out to be a misunderstanding." Her gaze rests on Farmer. Rachel buries herself in her seat. Her parents notice, and Lois asks the Major, "Would you date a black woman, Major?" Farmer looks at her in horror, "Well, Missis Marron, couldn't you've waited until your husband left? An Admiral like that can cause a Major big trouble." Everyone at the table laughs, so the people at the neighbouring tables look at her in amazement. Only Lois is embarrassed, and Ivy bursts out laughing, "He's always like that!"
"What's he like?" Rachel asks with a lurking look at Farmer. "That he dodges personal questions, answers with a joke, and changes the subject. Is that what you mean, Ivy? He's just showing you a surface and not even allowing you to scratch it."
"It seems like that's a problem for you, Rachel." Marc asks curiously. Rachel remains silent. Ivy looks at her and has to smile. "I don't know, Rachel, if that's right. He's clearly defined his psyche to me." Rachel lifts her eyes and looks at Ivy, stunned. "Oh, yes, Rachel! The Major and I were talking about some serious issues. American independence came up. But also ..." Ivy smiles conspiratorially now. "... married ... with children." Ashley looks at the Major in horror, and Rachel can't believe it. "Oh come on, that's ridiculous!" Farmer retorts. "Well, we didn't really discuss the topic, it was just touched on so briefly." Rachel looks back and forth between Frank and Ivy in disbelief, speechless.
"So you guys got along well?" asks Marc. "I'd my doubts," Ivy replies. "But he's different when you're alone with him. Still, he remains strange." "Looks like she's tasted blood," Marc surmises.
Ashley seems to have forgiven the Major again and sits on his lap. "Are you coming to visit again?" she asks the Major. Rachel looks at Ashley, laughing when Farmer nods. "Tomorrow?" But Farmer says, "No, I can not put your mother through that. Your grandfather does not want us to meet without being there. Besides … I can't on Fridays, I'm always busy." The Admiral jokes, "Did you hypnotise my granddaughter, Major?" But before he can say anything, Rachel interjects, "Ashley has a thing for bad boys." Ivy seems to flirt with Farmer, "I wonder why it's necessary for a Major to take measurements?" He replies, "Whenever I can, I always do the hardest work on the site myself."
"What would that be?"
"I'm responsible," Farmer smiles at her. Rachel watches them both without showing any emotion, but Marc doesn't miss it.
Frank gets back up, calls his wolves and leaves, not without telling the Admiral, "I'm going to check on our germs again." Rachel remains strangely impassive after Frank leaves, and instead of responding to a question, she stands up and excuses herself. "Don't do that, Rachel, you're just interrupting," her father admonishes her. "You know what I want to do?" she replies, confused. "If you don't want to listen, then don't complain afterwards!"
Leaving Ashley in the care of her grandparents, she does exactly what the Admiral suspected. She finds Farmer in the background of the dance floor. Actually, she only sees a silhouette, as he can only be recognized by the wolves. She's about to address him when he growls sternly at her. "Front to the enemy and eyes straight ahead, Miss Marron. Minimize your body language so it looks like you're not talking to me. Now get to the point, whatever you want, without a lot of wasted words." Rachel, following the instructions with irritation, complains, "First of all, I'd like to know why Ivy Reed is getting a dance from you, and I'm only getting a conspiratorial meeting!" He replies carefully and quietly, "You're in the right place at the wrong time. And Miss Reed is a foreigner, so any Brit automatically becomes an ambassador. After all, you don't want her to get the wrong impression of our hospitality, do you? Surely you wouldn't want that." She almost turned to Farmer so he could see all facets of her mocking expression as she replied, "You know what? I don't give a shit! You remember?" She obeyed his instructions just in time and suppresses the impulse. But then he looks at her. Rachel looks back in amazement, having done exactly the opposite of what he told her to do. But Farmer is more relaxed now, "Just kidding, Miss Marron. You and I here in the shadows are pretty well camouflaged." He eyes her up and down, "You're even better than me." She asks suspiciously, "What do you mean?" But he looks innocently around. "Oh, nothing. No reason."
"First of all, Major ..." says Rachel. "... would you like to tell me about our last time together?" Farmer looks at her in amazement. "No, why? What did you think?" Rachel looks at him angrily, which is peripheral in the darkness of this place, "I just mean, maybe we got together wrong." Farmer turns on her, "Is there something you want to tell me?" She's taken aback, "I? Why me? No, I have nothing to say to you if you have nothing to say to me."
"Well, then we have nothing more to say to each other!" Rachel turns to leave. But when she turns around, she sees that the Major is again holding the same spot on his head, only a little longer, and goes back. "You talk to my father, joke with my mother, and seem to have a heart and soul with my daughter, what do you have against me, Major?"
"Ma'am, when I have to shop in a supermarket, it's a horror to me. I send out shock prayers before I go out on the street that no one will just approach me. I just want to be left alone."
Rachel looks at him hurt. "That's not an answer to my question at all." He does not answer and Rachel decides to change the subject. "My dad said Section 13 is coming to Pale Shine next week?" Farmer nods. "Yes!"
"Major, I want to talk to you about my daughter." Farmer looks at her expectantly, "Sounds like I did something wrong?" Rachel is angry with him, but equally nervous, "Tell me, Major, when you were standing in the box with my daughter, did you spit on people?" Farmer looks at her aghast, "Where would you get such an absurd idea?"
"I don't know, Major, it just looked that way from where I was sitting!" Farmer looks at her as if Rachel has said something completely idiotic, "Look, I'm an officer. I don't spit on people." Rachel doesn't believe a word he says, "Just good to know!" Then Frank gets a little embarrassed, "Just as far as cream of squash soup, you should probably take that off the appetizer list. It's really not as great as it looks." Rachel is indecisive and can't look Farmer in the face as she continues. "I thought it was magical how they managed to capture my daughter."
"It doesn't take much magic. I look out for her, listen to her, and take her problems seriously, no matter how childish they may seem to others." Emotionally moved, Rachel admits, "That's what she told me! But what I do is for my daughter, too." Farmer looks very serious, "And you expect a seven-year-old to understand that? You apologize for your behavior, Miss Marron, by putting your daughter's needs aside, that's your justification." Rachel looks at him angrily. "Miss Marron," he reads her mind. "I'm not judging, certainly not in a moral context. I'm analyzing, please consider that before you go for my throat." She sighs, "Why did I've to go to a psychologist?" Farmer smiles at her exasperation, "Miss Marron, there are two conflicting parties: you and your daughter ..." Rachel interrupts Frank, "And you!" But he refuses, "No, Miss Marron! I've nothing to do with the problem, perhaps I could be seen as Ashley's lawyer. But the fact is, each party has a different perspective and different interests. They want their daughter to have a good life. There's nothing wrong with that, that's perfectly rational. But it's a material justification. Only their daughter feels neglected. She's judging on an emotional basis, but that doesn't make her needs irrational. They need to understand that it's perfectly normal for Ashley to have her material needs met. But not her emotional needs. This is going to backfire really badly!" Warns Frank gently. "You want me to give up my career?" she asks mockingly. "There's no reason to go from one extreme to the other when you should respond with balance. Responding to well-intentioned advice with derision is a defense of people who've no argument." Rachel snorts angrily, "I do have arguments." But Farmer retorts, "If you'll allow me to polarize, just to cut to the chase, Miss Marron. Ashley complains, 'Mom, I want to be with you.' Her counter argument is, 'Accept this because I need to make money because I need to buy you the 101st doll, in addition to the 100 you already have.' Please understand me correctly, ma'am. Of course, you can talk about securing your standard of living now, investing money, creating a nest egg. That's all reasonable too, it's just that you can't teach that to a seven-year-old who sees his emotional standard of living in ruins. That continues later, and as adults, these people often end up very sad."
Rachel muses at him, but is still annoyed. "For a forensic psychologist, you seem to know a lot about child psychology." But he shakes his head, "This has nothing to do with a psychology degree. There are just people among us who can think logically, ma'am." Rachel turns to him, exasperated, "I don't understand why Ivy was so excited. You're different, that's true! But honestly, you still drive me crazy! What did Ivy do differently?" Farmer ponders in exasperation and admits, "I don't really know either, but somehow I get along better with foreign women than with British ones ... For your reassurance, Miss Marron, I haven't the faintest idea what to talk about with women like Miss Reed. In fact, I've just made a good guess." But Rachel isn't at all satisfied with this answer, "Women like Miss Reed? I see, Major! Actually, I wasn't coming to get upset, but to ask you not to give my daughter so much crap!"
"Of course ma'am! Sure." But Rachel looks at him suspiciously and is sure he's just saying it. This upsets her even more, but she can't say it. Instead, she looks at him almost desperately. "Why are you so Major? Explain it to me!" Farmer already seems to be searching for the right words, trying to figure them out mentally. He seems to be having a hard time when they're interrupted, "Major Farmer!" Says unexpectedly a person Rachel recognizes as Morgan Gabriel. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important? Oh," he looks at the famous singer in irritation, "... the Queen of the Night! Am I disturbing you? Major, could you spare a few minutes for me later?" But Rachel replies, "It's all right, sir! I think we're done here. Just allow me to clear something up, and then the Major is all yours." She turns to Farmer to say goodbye, but inside she's full of questions, "When do you want to come next week?" "I'll be surprised! I was thinking Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, if that suits you." Rachel isn't at all put off, "Pretty short notice, but I'm prepared for it." Farmer replies, "Ma'am, there's absolutely no need for you to be there. Just inform your housekeeper and that will be that." Rachel suddenly becomes uncertain, even nervous, as she answers him, "I see it a little differently, or I'll have to answer to my daughter." She walks over to him without another word. "Ma'am," Farmer stops her. They take the few steps toward each other. "If you don't mind, I'd like to take Ashley with me and see how she reacts to other children." Rachel looks at him, a little puzzled. "Oh, I see I'll think about it, Major." With that, they're done for now.
"Sir, how may I serve you?" turns Farmer to the Prime Minister, who still seems amused by the scene he's just witnessed. He now beckons two teenagers over, "Major, would it be possible for you to stand in as my daughter's bodyguard on short notice tomorrow? She wants to go to this new club called Hyper. I know it's a little short notice, but if you don't have any plans yet, I'd really appreciate it." Farmer is confident, "That can be done, sir. I'm at the Hyper every Friday anyway."
The boy stares at Farmer as the girl holds out her open hand and he hands her a bill, "I told you Jasper Rothko is my bodyguard."
"You mean bodyguard as usual, sir?" asks Farmer of the PM. "Oh yes, of course, Major!" The boy looks at the Major, and Farmer returns the look: "So Party Friday, huh?" Farmer has a puzzled look that makes the boy nervous. "Yes!"
"Then you'll be playing party games?"
The boy laughs sheepishly, finding the question silly. "What kind of party games?" Farmer, still looking confused, shrugs, "I don't know, spin the bottle maybe? Or what're you playing today?" The boy looks composed. "Well certainly not spin the bottle, you're playing completely different things today, I can tell you that!" "I believe you, boy, and you can forget about that tomorrow if you don't want to hang upside down out the window! And as you can see, I'm not that insanely muscular, so it's easy to drop something." The teen looks at him uncertainly. "Did you play spin the bottle a lot at your parties?" he asks.
"So boy, I wouldn't exactly call it a party. But to have a good time, we like to put POW in a circle in the front and tie their hands to the back of the seat so everyone has to face each other." Farmer remains silent and gives no sign that he'll continue.
"And then?"
"Then we spin the bottle in the middle of the circle," again Farmer is silent.
"And what must the one chosen by the bottle do? Kiss the one sitting across from him?" The boy tries to laugh, but he seems demented. Farmer responds emotionlessly to the boy's distraught laughter. "We'll take a round hammer and hit him in the back of the head." The boy looks at him in horror. He says nervously, "Sounds like a big mess." Farmer nods furiously, "Oh yeah! You know, the actual victim doesn't notice anything after the first blow. From that perspective, it's actually very humane, but the others see the hammer fall again and again, missing half the head, while brain matter, blood, and skull bones splatter around. Insanely funny the faces they make."
"Major, isn't killing POWs a war crime?"
"What nonsense, boy, soon you'll be claiming that hanging people upside down out of windows is illegal?" The prime minister intervenes, but grins, "Well, to be honest, Major, killing POWs is a war crime." Farmer looks at the boy emotionlessly as he coldly replies to Morgan Gabriel. "Oh my God! I'm shocked! Maybe we can discuss this tomorrow, boy?"
"It's a deal then, Major? You're the bodyguard for my daughter?"
"I suppose I can protect your daughter's body, sir. I'm just not sure about other bodies. There are supply shortages of the psychotropic drugs I've to take for my war trauma. I hope they get here in time tomorrow. You know how these psychiatrists are when you're in this state with live ammunition."
"Oh, don't worry about it, Major." Morgan Gabriel grins. "Of course, as prime minister, as always, I give you license to kill."
"This is just like James Bond!" The boy wonders. The girl looks at him in confusion, rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
The boy turns to the prime minister's daughter. "Better let it be tomorrow. It's too short notice. The club isn't going to run out on us. Maybe we should wait until he gets his medicine before we go out?" She looks at him and sniffs, "Maybe I should go out with my bodyguard? It's kind of easier with him." As the youngsters turn their backs on them, the prime minister extends an open hand to the Major, and Farmer gives him a high-five. Gabriel says goodbye, and Farmer sends the words after him. "My compliments to the woman of the house, sir!"
"Of course Major, I'll pass on your regards!"
Rachel looks confused as she returns. "I warned you!" Her father greets her. "It wasn't that at all!" She looks a little venomous. "It didn't work out so well for you?" asks Marc. "He says he can't handle British women in general." Ashley grins in relief, "Luckily, I'm English." To which the others have to laugh. Rachel smiles, "You still have his beret on, he's going to need it."
"Rachel," Marc asks. "What do you say we go to that new nightclub in Soho next week on Friday?" Rachel thinks for a moment, "The Hyper?"
"Exactly!"
"Marc, that's really too short notice. I've a full schedule, I can't make changes on such short notice."
