Almost Mister Turner
an after the credits for Not So Faust
Daniel Gregg watched Candy and Scruffy play from the wheel house window. What has happened to the Great Captain Daniel Gregg said a woeful voice from behind? The Captain turned startled and confused. It had been a century since he was surprised like that. Being a spirit had some advantages. One look at the intruder and his confusion turned into contempt.
It's you, said the Captain, I thought I made it clear. I have NO interest in any of your offers, deals or suggestions. Why are you back? Don't you have to be summoned?
Is that anyway to greet a guest, asked the short man with glasses? Besides, be fair your attempt to improve Claymore's soul could be construed as request for my company.
Daniel looked at Mr. Turner with suspicion and concern. You've haven't made yourself known to anyone else in this household have you?
No, of course not, I thought we could talk about possibilities. Your priorities seemed to have changed since last we spoke. Mr. Turner made himself comfortable on the settee.
Just what is it that bothers you about unattached souls? Daniel move to sit at his desk, did you think a few decades would change who they are? If I was inclined to your organization I would be there now.
Mr. Turner's smile was unnerving as he considered his answer. Many do decide to take a different path in time. Isolation and loneliness can cause some to rethink. You are an exception in many ways. A century alone with no entertainment but "repelling boarders" and yet you still find joy in the world. A world for the most part that cannot see or accept you. You are a challenge and I love a challenge.
I have no interest in anything from you now or ever the Captain stated sternly.
Well from what I'm seeing you should give me another chance said Turner. You have found a family, I can work with that.
Daniel Gregg stood before Turner, his face dark with controlled rage. Claps of thunder in the torrential rain erased any doubts of the depth of his feelings. You will have NOTHING to do with ANY of my family at ANY time, he said in deadly quiet tones.
There you see, said an unconcerned Turner. I can work with this attitude, I don't have to go near them. What would you give to keep them happy? A slimy smile spread across Turner's face and a red glint expanded in his eyes. Ah, better idea what would you give to be with your family as a living man? With all the paperwork needed to be in the 20th century. Of course it would have a time limit. How does for as long as Carolyn Muir lives strike you? We wouldn't collect until after she dies. To sweeten the offer neither the CEO or agents wouldn't have any contact with Johnathan, Candy or Carolyn Muir. Claymore and Martha would be on the "do not contact list" as well. The no contact order would be for their lifetime. I haven't been this generous for a long time you should think about this carefully.
Captain Daniel Gregg took slow deliberate unneeded breaths. The still raging storm ebbed slightly. Much as he wanted to send this creature packing some part of him was considering his offer. Reason struggled to the surface. Nothing that came from such a deal would be untainted, his heaven would somehow become a hell. In the same quiet tones as before he said I want nothing from you now or ever.
Too bad, but I think I came close this time. Ah, well there's always tomorrow. If you change your mind you know how to find me. Mr. Turner stood, snapped his fingers and disappeared.
Captain Gregg turned at a knock on the door. He calmed and smiled as Carolyn entered the wheel house. Are you busy she asked?
What can I do for you he asked smoothly?
I must say seeing the change in the weather I thought to find you in a different mood ,teased Carolyn. I suppose even mother nature can be abrupt occasionally. Johnathan has finished his class project and wants to show the entire family all at once. Can you come to the living room? I don't exactly know what it is, it's a surprise. He is very proud of it though.
Tell him I will be their shortly, he answered calm reigning within him. His family, maybe not an ordinary one, but one he would do all he could to protect them. This was not perfect, but it was real. The storm outside was winding down.