I do not own anything from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. All rights and likenesses belong to Roald Dahl, Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. No profit is being garnered from this work. Tupik-Ra will be sitting over my shoulder reviewing to ensure accuracy of Oompa Loompa culture here, so thank you ahead of time for your patience. He's a snide little bugger as well. Blame me for the massacre of "American Pie" by Don McLean. – Stealth Phoenix
Chapter 32
Veronica and the Oompa Loompa entourage arrived in the Chocolate Room just in time to meet Willy and Charlie as they arrived from their own preparations.
Charlie looked quite handsome in a mandarin-style jacket of the same material as her dress embroidered with dark brown and brown slacks to match. His hair was neatly combed and looked as if it had been trimmed. There was a wreath of white flowers tipped in violet around his neck.
Willy was similarly attired with subtle differences in the embroidery in black with hints of dark purple worked in. His slacks were black and he wore a black top hat adorned with a white band. He carried a cane in shining silver and the other hand oddly enough carried a machete. His hands were clad in his favorite purple latex gloves.
Willy and Charlie were taken aback at Veronica's appearance. The simple dress draped her spare form elegantly and the lack of ornamentation was offset by the elaborate lei around her neck. She seemed to be a little self-conscious about how she looked and Willy found her embarrassment endearing.
Veronica looked to the large blade in its leather sheath in Willy's hand with an unanswered question.
At her raised eyebrow, he answered, "They asked me to bring it. Don't ask me what for. Maybe there's going to be a really big cake in need of cutting."
The Chocolate Room had a large center stage set in the center with large pillows along the front. The rest of the Buckets were already seated – having bypassed the elaborate preparation that Willy, Charlie and Veronica had been through to simply wear their finest clothes. They were being served bite-sized food on leaves and skewers and sipped drinks from crudely carved wooden cups.
Willy and Veronica were guided to their seats in the middle of the collection and Charlie took the seat in between Willy and his parents. Veronica smiled a greeting to Grandpa Joe who was on her other side. Grandpa George leaned forward from his seat on the end to shout down, "Hey Wonka! These little beggers really know how to throw a party!"
Grandpa Joe leaned forward to whisper, "Please excuse him. The punch is quite alcoholic and quite powerful."
Willy raised an eyebrow and smiled uncertainly, unsure how to respond to the drunken call, "Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."
Veronica eagerly snagged a skewer with what looked like chicken satay and dug in, stomach growling. Three more followed in short order before her hunger was slightly abated. She was licking her fingers when Willy's expression caught her eye. He was staring at her with a hungry light of his own darkening his eyes.
"I'm starving," she offered apologetically. Willy smiled and offered some pineapple and strawberry on a skewer in her direction. Never breaking eye contact, she leaned over and gently used her teeth to pull the ripe red strawberry off the end and sucked it slowly into her mouth.
Willy's throat bobbed several times and perspiration broke out on his forehead.
She gently steadied his hand with her own as she made her way down the impaled chunks of fruit, enjoying the rich texture and flavor of each, before using the tip of her tongue to catch a few drops of juice that rested on the now trembling fingers.
She licked her lips, removing the rest of the juices and smirked at the stricken expression on Willy's face, "Thank you."
"You are evil." He groaned, closing his eyes and having to dig uglier graphic images out of his mental vault to control his arousal.
"That was mean, dear." Charlie's mother said in a low voice, leaning across her red-faced son, "Well done."
Clara Bucket shot a heated look at her husband, who at this point strongly resembled his son, "Some fruit, love?"
Veronica took a sip of her own drink and found it quite powerfully laced with rum. Snacking on a few more of the juicy niblets on a stick, she leaned over to Willy, "So what happens now? Where is everyone?"
Willy was about to reply when the lights to the room cut off as did their incidental chatter. A single spotlight blinked on the middle of the stage to reveal Neville dressed in the Oompa Loompa warrior finest – woven grass skirt with a band of what looked like teeth of some small animal in a band around his muscular arm. Another necklace of such teeth adorned his neck and he wore a feather headdress. In his hand with a sharp pear tipped with shiny black stone – probably obsidian.
A rhythmic beat began to fill the room from a multitude of cleverly hidden drums – the beat was primal…driving…familiar. Veronica furrowed her brow. Had they ripped off her I-pod?
A troop of Oompa Loompa warriors in traditional dress began to swing and thrust their spears in synchronized movements, loosening muscles and showing the range of offensive and defensive postures.
As the music quickened, so did their movements – two of the more skilled warriors faced off and began to spar to the music – the lightning quick movements and obvious sharp weapons causing her breath to catch in her throat from fear and excitement.
There was a mass exercise drill again then two more warriors faced off, taking the mock fight to new levels by including flying, bounding kicks and ducks with the slash and thrust of the spears. After a particularly nimble move, they all gasped and broke out into spontaneous applause.
The warriors bowed and moved off the stage while the music mellowed and a strong chord from guitars rose. The lights centered on the stage began to warm up and change color, showing a wide variety of Oompa Loompas in various poses with potted trees and bushes as background, but it was Neville who started to sing along with the guitars. Veronica's eyes widened as she recognized the tune as "American Pie" by Don McLean.
"A long, long time ago…
In a land so far away
We Oompa Loompas live in fear."
The Oompa Loompas in the background moved to indicate running for their lives, ducking under the leaves to hide.
"For you see we are quite small
And were hunted by huge creatures all
Who considered us quite the yummy snack."
Several of Oompa Loompas were in costume in strange and vicious looking ways, long claws and teeth threatening the cowering Oompa Loompas. Several on wires buzzed over, one or two grabbing partners "hiding" under the simulated bushes to be carried off into the surrounding darkness.
Fighting them was too ambitious
We're too darn juicy and delicious
We'd run away and hide in fear
From every growl and snarl we'd hear.
So many were lost to our dismay,
Our tribe was shrinking every day,
For salvation we would pray…
And then we met this man….
A tall figure strode out of the darkness – everyone froze at the appearance of this stranger. As the lights came up, they were able to see that it was a tall man with Oompa Loompa features dressed in one of Willy's natty outfits. He grinned at his audience and readjusted the borrowed clothes with a deft tug.
"Little buggers have been going through my drawers," Willy grumbled as Charlie and the Buckets cracked up at the pseudo-Willy. Whatever he had given the Oompa Loompas who worked on her original studio back at her apartment building, this Oompa Loompa had taken for the role of their employer.
"You'd better just hope that he's not wearing your drawers," Veronica said, covering her quivering lips at the horrified expression that spasmed across Willy's face.
Neville continued with the chorus of the song, ignoring the rude commentary.
"Bye, bye Loompaland, dear farewell
It's been something – see you later
Yeah, it's really been swell.
We leave you behind, 'cus it's been nothing but hell
We're out of here to make some history
At Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory."
The tall Oompa Loompa came over and bowed to Willy before taking the machete that rested by his side, "Excuse me. I need to borrow this."
"This great big man who blundered by
And made a Swangdoodle die
With a mighty snicker-snack."
A few of the candy kites, made over to resemble large fierce looking insects swooped out of the darkness to carry off new victims. The pseudo-Willy stepped forward and with a clean sweep of the machete, severed the black lines that connected the kites to the ceiling. It crashed to the floor and broke apart with satisfying violence. A few of the surrounding Oompa Loompas cheered wildly at the sight.
"In gratitude we dare did bring
Our giant friend to meet our king
To share his tale and try our food
(He didn't hurl - man what a Dude!)"
Mic-Ka sat on a platform to confer with the pseudo-Willy and he mimed handing a bowel of some nasty-looking gelatinous green slime to the man. The Pseudo-Willy took a sip and made the most horrendous face possible for a human being to make without dislocating something.
"It really did taste that bad." Willy muttered at her.
Neville glared at the commentary, but continued.
"He learned our plight and did invite
Us to join him on that very night
At his home across the world…
…away from our extinction peril"
The Oompa Loompas continued with their wild dance involving intricate choreography and well-placed stunts. Veronica wished that Reggie could see this – the level of timing and skill would be enough to make him weep with joy…
…maybe on the other hand it was a good thing he wasn't here.
"We traveled with him across the sea
Finding a home and a future free
Of threats to life and a place to grow
Beyond the life we once would know
Tupik-Ra, Sher-Man-Ra, Dev-On and others came to line up behind the Wonka figure – their professional demenor giving weight to the progress that the Oompa Loompas had made since leaving their homeland.
"The years they passed and things they changed
Won-ka's factory grew and re-arranged
Charlie came and now he's the heir
Our future's set for he's kind and fair"
Willy and Charlie exchanged a wide grin and Willy ruffled Charlie's hair fondly.
"More taller people came with us to stay
And we won't have it any other way
For one captured our employer's heart
Now nothing…will tear them apart."
Veronica felt Willy's hands take her own and she shot him a glance to confirm that his cheeks were burning as brightly as hers.
"Well done, Wonka!" Grandpa George roared, holding his now empty drink aloft as a toast as Grandma Josephine tried to quiet him.
Mr. and Mrs. Bucket were smiling and clapping their hands cheering.
"That's lovely," said Grandma Georgina, "Little hearts and birdies all around."
The music rose into a crescendo and everyone joined in on the chorus this time.
"Bye, bye Loompaland, dear farewell
It's been something – see you later
Yeah, it's really been swell.
We leave you behind, 'cus it's been nothing but hell
We're out of here to make some history
At Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory."
Massive cheers filled the Chocolate Room and the seated group jumped to their feet clapping their hands and cheering as wildly as any other Oompa Loompa.
Mic-Ka stood on his platform and bowed to the group, "To you Won-Ka and your heir and guest, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
They returned to the gesture and more music broke out, the performance degrading into a dance contest and general party. Veronica felt a tug and looked down to see Monica trying to get her attention, "It is time for you to follow me down to the village."
Willy slipped his arm around her waist and helped lead her after Monica, weaving through the crowds of Oompa Loompa dancing around her feet. She saw several stacked on top of each other to reach up to Grandma Josephine, managing a decent waltz. Grandpa Joe was chatting with several clustered around holding the crude cups. Mr. and Mrs. Bucket were holding each other close and swaying gazing deeply into each other's eyes. Grandpa George was sitting on the cushion, watching the acrobatics with bright eyes and making rude comments to several elderly looking Oompa Loompas who laughed.
The corridor outside the Chocolate Room was strangely quiet compared to the ruckus inside. The floor felt cool under her slippered feet and the only noise was the soft tap of Willy and Charlie's boots as they made their way down to the Wonkavator.
Willy scuttled up to pop next to her as they walked, worming one hand into her own. "Were you too embarrassed?" Willy asked concerned. "I didn't know they were going to do that – they're really quite mischievous."
She smiled up at him and placed a quick peck on his cheek, "No, it's alright. It just feels so new. I'm still getting used to the idea myself."
He grinned down at her and moved forward to plant a kiss on her waiting lips when Monica interrupted, "Oy – you two! None of that - you can wait until after the ceremony. We didn't purify you just to have you mess things up before you even get there."
She and Charlie laughed at the offended expressions shot her way. The Wonkavator arrived and they stepped inside, Monica making sure to place herself and the gangly Charlie in between them to avoid any "incidental" contact.
Charlie just grinned at the frustrated expression on Willy's face and moved closer to Veronica just to see the annoyed expression shot his way. Veronica grinned at the byplay and enjoyed aggravating the situation by casually draping an arm around Charlie's shoulders. Willy coughed genteelly, glaring at his apprentice with jealousy. Charlie retaliated by meeting his mentor's eyes and slipping an arm around her waist.
Willy growled, gloves squeaking angrily on his cane.
"Children! Behave yourselves – don't make me turn this thing around," Monica warned, laughter softening her threat. Charlie and Veronica slipped apart, laughing.
"I wasn't aware that Oompa Loompas had turned into such prudes," Willy said, studying the ceiling with affected nonchalance, resting both hands on the shining cane.
"We're not – but this is a special case."
"But if we are acting as avatars, and the avatars wish to share a kiss – who are we to argue?" He wheedled, trying to move closer to Veronica.
"Ah, Won-Ka – you are but a newcomer to our ways. We are not prudes, but we do hold our traditions sacred. If you wish to protest, I will be happy to tell you to stuff it where the sun does not shine." Monica huffed. "We've worked far too long to have your hormones interfere now."
Veronica choked at a laugh at the outraged expression on Willy's face. Charlie had to turn his belly laughs into a sudden eruption of coughing as Willy glared at him.
They arrived at the small wooden door that led to the village. Monica turned to them, suddenly all business. "Please remove your hat and shoes here. Sher-Man-Ra has sanctified the ground beyond this point and no shoes are allowed.
They hastened to obey. Veronica simply toed off the slippers revealing freshly polished toenails. Huh, I don't remember that. Must have been while I was out.
Willy unzipped and removed his boots revealing slim white feet with strong arches and long toes to the open air. He tucked the hat and shoes next to the door and awaited Monica's next instruction.
Monica kicked Charlie's shoes to the opposite side and removed a small stick from a box by the door and struck a light with the miniature lighter to the end releasing a fragrant smoke into the air. She circled the group, waving the smoke around and mumbling under her breath in Loompish.
Willy waved one glove-clad hand to clear the smoke around his face. Veronica just coughed and Charlie blew the smoke to one side.
Monica dropped the extinguished incense stick and pushed open the door, "Welcome to our village."
The tall trees stretched overhead and soft loam was under their bare feet. Veronica was struck once more at the miracle that Willy had brought about, bringing the vast expanses of this tropic rainforest under a factory roof. It still startled her the range of strange and wonderful rooms in this magical place – and the motivating force driving it all – the man himself.
There was a glass ceiling overhead that allowed fading sunlight to fill the cavernous room lighting motes of dust and insects that swirled through the air. Bird calls and singing insects added a rich cacophony to the atmosphere while high temperatures and humidity made their clothes stick to their bodies. She could see now why the fabric choice a necessity.
Up toward the tree-tops, the round woven huts of the Oompa Loompas clustered like strange fruit, lit from within and decorated with flowers.
Monica led them through the twisted undergrowth to the gathering of Oompa Loompas in the center of the village. Barring the number up in the Chocolate Room, Veronica had to wonder how many there really were, as the large crowd cleared to let them through.
Three chairs side by side and the present, still gaily wrapped, rested on a platform. Torches surrounded the area, warmly illuminating the dark shadows. A the far end where the crowd and chairs face was the tall podium where Mic-Ka stood. He had somehow beat them back down from the Chocolate Room and waited with a serious expression on his face.
"Greetings Won-Ka, Ver-Oni-Ka and Char-Li. We thank you for coming. Most of our ceremony will be recited in Loompish, so forgive us this indulgence. Any portion that requires your response or words will be recited in English so that you might understand what we ask of you."
Willy nodded and they took their seats, ready for the ceremony. Veronica felt somewhat apprehensive. This was an important function and she didn't want to let anyone down or offend them. Charlie saw her wiping her nervous hands on the skirt of her dress and gave her an encouraging smile.
"We begin." Mic-Ka said in a deep resounding voice.
First was a group of young men who stepped forward. Sher-Man-Ra in his primitive finery, placed a stylized mask over his face and submitted a long string of questions to the men, they answered in their native tongue before the Shaman presented them with a bowl of the same gelatinous green slime from the show up above. The men controlled their reaction and the crowds clapped and cheered as each were daubed with red and white paint.
"Manhood Ceremony – these are kids who are getting ready to leave the village to come work up in the factory, "Willy explained with a wry smile. "Apparently the crushed green caterpillars they used to subside on are now only used during this ceremony." He shot a look at Mic-Ka who shrugged, "They say it is a test of bravery to eat the goop is similar to what I give them to test in the Invention Room. Yeah, like I'd give them anything that horrible to eat – all my inventions are tasty-good." Willy primped for a moment.
"Two words," said Charlie, "Broccoli flavoring"
Willy slumped, "Oh…yeah."
The next ceremony was flourished by a swell of drums, leading to at least half of the tribe to break out into dancing. The women clustered around the fire while the men surrounded them. A group of women pulled Veronica from her seat and into the dancing around the fire. Laughing, she let her body swing and flow, quickly learning the steps from the tiny surrounding figures.
Charlie was not surprised to see Willy mysteriously at her antics. Willy allowed himself to be pulled by a group of the men to join the frey surrounding the dancing women. He too quickly mastered the steps and was dancing with the men, watching Veronica intensely. Her eyes were drawn to him as well and their movements slowed and moved with more sensual intent.
Charlie just thought the dancing looked like fun and was climbing to his feet to join in when a bemused Mic-Ka pushed on his knee, indicating for him to re-take his seat, "This is not for you Char-Li. Next year, you will join our young warriors in the Manhood Ceremony, but it will be a few years yet before you are ready to join this one."
Charlie watched the two tall figures moving with each other – a promise in their eyes.
"What's this ceremony? He asked, confused. Only a few other couples were moving together with the same intentful look.
Mic-Ka's smile was deep with knowledge, "Courtship."
Soon the dance was over and the crowd cheered and moved away – the couples who had connected taking their partner by the hand and resuming their seats.
Veronica gasped and wiped her head, "That was fun – kinda like a club."
Willy said nothing, but waggled his eyebrows at Charlie making him laugh.
The next ceremony was a performance. Veronica followed as best she could, the hand gestures and movements all indicated high significance, but she was soon lost. Stylized masks and costumes told a story and she followed – soon making up her own tale to match the movements.
Willy seeing her confusion and Charlie's boredom, leaned over with a whispered explanation, "They're telling the story of how the ancient Oompa Loompas came to the island. The ones in the sun and moon mask represent the deities, the ones in the animal masks are the forces of nature they battled to establish the tribe."
"What is the blank mask?" she whispered back. The mask in question was menacing the actors that seem to portray the original settlers to the island.
"Death."
"And the half-smile and half-frown? Theater?" Charlie asked.
"That is their most powerful force of all – serendipity," Willy said with an odd smile.
The tale continued for an hour, and even the most dedicated Oompa Loompa was sagging as they reached the end. This seemed to signal a break while everyone replaced their refreshments. Soon, everyone fell silent and looked expectantly up at the Chief on his podium.
Mic-Ka spoke, "Won-Ka. Our part of this tale is done. What the future holds is unseen and we ask you for a few words to share with us."
Willy stood and stretched, "Thank you Mic-Ka."
He turned to face the crowd of his workers, lifting the shining cane in one hand and projecting his voice, "My friends. As today marks the anniversary of your long years in this land. I wanted to present you with something that shows your passage from the old to the new."
Willy motioned for Veronica and Charlie to rise.
"For many eons, you have suffered under the hunt of those who would prey upon you. Those horrible creatures who feasted upon your flesh and took the lives of your loved ones. I took you under my protection from such threats and now offer you something to show how strong you've grown."
He indicated for Veronica to pull the draping ribbon from the large box resting on the platform.
Yanking the ribbon, the bow unfurled and the sides of the box dropped open.
"I give you your fears to conquer," she said in a rich feminine voice, projected as loud as she dared.
There were screams from the crowd as the contents were revealed.
Black insect armor reflected the light wetly and iridescent color ranged from deep emerald green to greasy midnight. Spiked legs barbed with cruel thorns were raised threateningly toward the crowd as burning yellow eyes gleamed with cruel intentions. The whole thing was massive, standing hip high on a normal person, but loomed over the heads of the small people with predatory interest. Large delicately webbed wings arched high into the air, seeming to tremble in the firelight. It looked ready to pounce.
Willy stood calmly as the cries of his workers reached him. Charlie looked in apprehension between the panicked faces and his mentor.
Warriors swarmed forward with their spears - ready to defend the tribe from the danger that had appeared in their midst.
Veronica stood silently, her eyes and hair lit by the torches, making her countenance flicker with something more than human to their frightened eyes. She was Kai-Li, the great destroyer – mother of the world.
"I give you your strength...I give you your hopes...I give you the resolve to face the dark shadows of your past and face them in this new world," she said – shooting Willy a knowing look. She was sharing not just her work, but what Willy's love had given her.
Willy smiled back at her, eyes full of understanding and joy. He handed Charlie the cane and the trembling youth approached the ominous creature.
"Death to the Schnozwhanger!" Charlie cried, bringing the cane down with savage force upon one outstretched limb.
The limb shattered like glass. The Oompa Loompas paused at the revelation that this was not their Great Enemy descending upon them once more. The warriors approached with a howl and Veronica was forced to step back out of the range of the deadly little spears as they attacked the sculpture.
She reclaimed her place by Willy's side and eagerly took the proffered hand. She was shaking with fear and pride in her work. It wasn't everyday she was happy to see such a bloodthirsty mob.
Mic-Ka gave a loud undulating cry that froze the warriors in their tracks.
"We accept this present, let every man woman and child have the chance to strike a blow and reclaim that which our fear has robbed us." He said in his deep resonate voice.
Sher-Man-Ra lifted his medicine mask and picked up a fist-sized chunk of the sculpture that had fallen at the base of the platform. He sniffed and tentatively tasted it. "It's eatable – let us devour it as he and his ilk have devoured us!" He called excitedly.
The Oompa Loompa fell upon the statue in a gleefully murderous rage. The music started up and the tribe began to dance, milling around the statue as it crumbled under the repeated blows. There was laughing and loud talk as they gathered the pieces and distributed them to anyone who wanted one. There were happy cries as they ate, finally able to let go of the lingering fear of the vicious creatures that hunted them.
Mic-Ka nodded to the taller people watching the destruction, "You have surpassed yourself, Won-Ka."
Willy shrugged and rested his hands on the reclaimed cane, "I just came up with the concept – I left the execution to Veronica."
"Creator and Destroyer," Mic-Ka said. Things became clear now. "So she joins us exorcising her demons by creating one of ours – which we in turn destroy."
"Something like that."
Mic-Ka turned to Veronica and bowed with profound respect, "Ver-Oni-Ka – there is nothing that we will not do for you, that you have not already done for us." The small man raised his voice, "Ver-Oni-Ka! We name you friend and sister to the tribe! Hatua Lo Nomaka!"
There was a loud cheer and small hands patted her legs in congratulations.
Mic-Ka nodded and moved away from them. She felt Willy's arm creep around her waist from behind, "This pretty much wraps up the ceremony – nothing else we can come up with is going to top this." He whispered in her hear. His lips placed a small kiss on the outer shell of her ear and she shivered.
She enjoyed swaying with him, wrapped in his arms while they watched the action around them. Veronica saw Charlie break dancing around the fire with a crew of young warriors oblivious to his audience.
Willy breathed deeply, his nose tickled by the oils she was wearing as well as her own natural scent. She was warm in his arms and the light dress moved smoothly against her skin. She arched back against him and turned her head to place a light kiss on the underside of his jaw. Not content with that, he claimed her lips in a heated caress of his own.
He turned her in his arms and broke away to stare down at her for a long moment, wanting to remember this moment for the rest of his life. Lightly kissing her once more, he let go and guiding her from the short crowd by the hand, exiting the circle of light.
Willy walked rapidly down the path toward the door to the factory, he grinned with devilish delight over his shoulder, "It's going to be noisy for a while and I know Charlie won't miss us. Let's boogie!"
Veronica grinned back, her eyes full of love and promise.
As they exited the room, an impromptu race broke out. She neglected her shoes to bolt directly for the Wonkavator as Willy yelped in protest as he lunged to grab his hat before pursuing her.
Bare feet pounded down the corridor and she glanced back over her shoulder to see Willy clinging to the hat on his head and cane in one hand as he ran. He too neglected to put on his shoes, so he was making better time due to better traction.
She pumped her legs harder, leaning into her stride, the dress was flipping up, threatening to expose more than she was comfortable with.
Willy drew abreast, and with a saucy smile as the Wonkavator came into sight, suddenly passed her in a burst of speed.
He turned his head to yell over his shoulder, "Last one in is a rotten…"
He slammed into the closed glass doors with a resounding crash. He rebounded to hit the floor with great force, eyes rolling in his head, "…egg."
"Willy!" Veronica cried, sliding to a stop and dropping to her knees to cradle his head in her lap. She brushed the mussed hair aside to examine him with a frightened expression. There was a good sized knot on the left side of his head, dazed violet eyes looked back up at her.
"Willy? What hurts? Are you dizzy?" she exclaimed, trying to make sure his eyes were dilating. She held up her hand with two fingers extended. "How many fingers am I holding up?"
Willy blinked up at her, expression guileless, "Five."
"Five?!"
"Yeah, two raised, two down and technically the thumb does not count as a finger – although I normally would…" he babbled, only to be cut off by her grateful lips.
Veronica helped him to his feet, collecting the battered hat and cane from where they landed. She draped his arm across her shoulders and the helped the concussed man to the Wonkavator.
"Let's get some ice for that knot – you should probably lay down too…" she said concerned that he seemed to be more knocked for a loop than he normally was during a collision.
Willy nodded and pressed the button to his room.
Great start, he grouched feeling his head throb.