Chapter 3: Meeting Cues & Enemies May Ruins Everything
"So each event lasts about a week. One week per city, meaning we have to cover all seven chosen locations in three months time. Which includes a week from this month, November. Which is why we have to keep on top of the duties we have been tasked with. The founders of Operation Frozen has invited a number of potential sponsors to the festivities. It is of your highest priority to engage with them HOWEVER, do not ignore the other fairgoers. The more people aware of the campaign the better. Also, try to be subtle and not pushy when it comes to the patrons. Let them be drawn to the cause on their own. So the first thing to check off the list is-"
Martin leaned a bit closer to the table. Determined to pay attention instead of daydreaming liked he always did when forced to listen to someone blabber for a long time. Sure, he had enough of it in university. Sadly, the adult world still required tedious lectures for some unfathomed reason besides just being info dumps. The room was bland no surprise, with only a pitiful plastic plant to brighten up the place. (Something that it failed miserably at.)
Despite how drab the room may be it was a good thing for the zoologist at the moment. The meeting room was located in a complex nearby Central Park. The last thing he needs is to look out the window, see a creature, and interrupt the meeting at best or completely make a fool of himself at worst. The speaker, Dr. Burker, went on to designate their assignments. The blue-loving Kratt held his breath as he waited for their names to be called. Dr. Burker glanced over to where the Kratts were sitting before passing over two pamphlets along with matching name tags.
"Martin and Chris Kratt, you two are charged with different posts. Chris, you will be one of the main speakers at the presentations. While Martin will be the Youth Activity Coordinator. The pamphlets have everything you need to know about your positions. You have time before our first event to make any changes as you see fit. However, you must make sure to inform me first hand-I say what could ever be so amusing?" The elder scientist sternly questioned as his gaze focused on two members snickering at the end of the meeting table.
Martin could feel a headache coming on. Apparently Aaron Divaz and his sister Dina Divaz had not changed at all. That had been clear the moment they pretended to open the door for him only to trip him afterwards. Honestly, he had no idea what those two's beef were with him. Maybe they are still jealous of all the art contests I beat them at. Or that scholarship from Duke University I earned. Funny, if they did not put in enough effort to gain one, why get mad at me? He mused thoughtfully. It not liked he went out of his way to sabotage them no matter how many times they belittled him. What really sucked is that both the Kratts and Divaz loved working with animals-it just the latter rather keep the brothers out of it.
Aaron Divaz possessed light skin with brilliant red hair always neatly combed along with amber colored eyes. He wore a pair of spectacles that reminded one of polished bronze, with a stylish orange sweater, brown slacks, and a red silk tie. His field starred in marine biology, where he had become renowned as "The Reef Hunter". Due to having discovered and secured twenty-one different coral reefs worldwide. His sister, Dina Divaz, shared some of the same traits as her brother. Only her eyes were gray and she wore her hair short-length with a moderate amount of curls. Attired in a lovely cashmere sweater, tan pants, and snowflake white boots. Her occupation as a ecologist had won much acclaim as she had been a driving force in restoring decimated ecosystems around the globe.
The siblings were amazing professionals, it was just too bad that the Divaz were not interested in working with the Kratts. "Pardon us Dr. Burker, I'm afraid my brother and I got distracted." Dina tittered in that smooth, silky voice of hers that liked to deliver stone cold words. Aaron spoke up in a pompous yet apologetic tone, "Will do our best to focus from now on. Please continue." The head speaker huffed but ultimately shrugged the interruption aside.
Meanwhile, the lime green pen in Chris Kratt's hand quivered with hidden rage. He had a feeling that Martin's old-time enemies had found his assignment humiliating in their eyes. He could practically hear their silent jeers of how childish and incompetent his brother was. Suddenly, a warm gloved hand came to rest on his shoulder. He turned up his right eye to see his brother beam that assuring smile of his. The tension boiling in his blood began to simmer down from the gesture. It would be fine. He and Martin would perform their newfound responsibilities to the best of their ability. Operation Frozen would receive their funding. The Arctic animals and Antarctica creatures will prosper from the newly created ice. Then everyone will be happy.
They just had to put up with a pair of pricks for a few measly months. No way were the Kratt Brothers going to let a bitter, one-sided rivalry stop them from helping the animals they loved. Not if Chris had anything to say about it. A hour and a half later the meeting wrapped up in time for dinner. Both siblings felt relieved. They were almost out the door when the Divaz duo blocked their path. "May we help you?" Chris asked as calmly as he could muster.
Aaron held out a hand saying, "Well Chris, it has been a while since we last parted. We both just want to congratulate you on the incredible work you have done so far." The biologist resisted raising a quizzical eyebrow at his marine counterpart. There had to be a catch. "We heard you worked for Artemis' Oasis for a time. I keep running into folks from there who often say they missed working with you!" Dina informed him with a glittering smile that made the younger Kratt's insides curl.
As for the elder Kratt he was pleasantly surprised that they were praising Chris. He jumped in proclaiming, "I know right?! I was really proud when he got offered the job straight away after graduation!" He smiled happily at his little brother. Unfortunately, the zoologist had unintentionally gave the viper an opening to strike. Dina placed a hand on her cheek as she posed in a almost apologetic manner, "Oh, it is just too bad that you never received any job offers as soon as you graduated! Its almost like no one wanted to hire you!"
The creature adventurer felt the jab. He hid it with a sheepish smile as he replied, "Yeah, it was. BUT I did find a nice job eventually!" That's when the other viper struck, "Oh, you mean that quaint small-time zoo that used to be in New Hampshire? Tis a pity it closed after a few scant years. However, I am sure you tried your hardest..." Aaron smirked as he let his words drip like acid. Martin still retained his smile, yet Chris spotted the self-doubt start to creep into his eyes.
Without skipping a beat he pushed them out of the way, grabbed Martin's right arm, and marched off without another word. (Manners be damned!) Despite this it did not deter Aaron from calling out, "Oh, Chris! Your protectiveness of your brother is almost admirable! No really, it gives my heart the same feeling as does a little boy taking care of his pup!" Dina's bewitching but haunting crackles soon followed after. Causing past turmoil caused by the Divaz duo to resurge through his mind. The taste of bile collecting on his tongue again.
He did not stop until they were well out of the building. They saw Mikaya waiting by a cab so the brunette schooled his features to neutral. No need for anyone to fret over him. He just needed to mentally prepare himself for the next scuffle with those two. "How it go?" Mikaya asked curiously as they piled into the cab. Her blue-loving friend slid beside her as he answered, "Guess what! I am the Youth Activity Coordinator! And since your one of the volunteers, would you like to work at my station?" The sunny blonde offered.
The giantess smiled, kids were her weak spot despite her bear-like form. "Well boss, I'll accept your offer. I just hope your organization skills improved since the last time we worked on something together." This caused her old pal to chuckle nervously as he admitted, "Well, sorta, but Chris can help me out if necessary. Right dude?" He turned to his brother who merely shrugged instead of responding.
The swimming brother's smile faded as he replayed their last encounter with their old rivals. How dare they used his baby brother as a leeway to taunt him! He knew Chris hated to harm people and especially did not approve of those who harmed others on purpose. Its not like the Divaz were straight up evil like that darn Donita who kept kidnapping him. They just happened to have a nasty habit of cutting others down. Along with holding grudges. Also, they liked to strut off their prestige any chance they got. Honestly, what was wrong with those guys?!
The big brother wrapped his arm protectively around his younger one. No. They would not let troublemakers from the past get in the way of their work. Nor spoil their bond as they often tried back in their early years. Alas, it would not be easy considering they would have to put up with them for three entire months. On top of the second to last week of this November. Would there even be a chance to visit home for Thanksgiving? For now however, he had to figure out what was bothering his brother. Which he hoped to resolve before a certain pair of siblings made it worst.
A few days later...
Chris had managed to keep Martin by his side for as long as he could. Sadly, they would have to part eventually. The Kratts found themselves shooed away to their separate posts. He could only hope that the Divaz were occupied enough to not go after Martin. The climbing brother found himself pushed onto a stage to perform a mock presentation. A few of his Frozen team members were seated before him to give their frank critique. Chris took a deep breath as he set aside his worries to begin his rehearsal.
Despite taking his medication, the shyer Kratt still felt the familiar tremor of anxiety vibrate through his body. Come on. Get to it Chris Kratt. You've done this dozens of times before without fail. Just imagine that Martin is there holding that flag he made for you during your first official speech... The image of the grinning blonde holding up a lime green flag decorated with monkeys, paw prints, and a golden emblazoned CK made the biologist smile. Which almost caused him to burst out laughing as he recalled how Martin accidentally knocked himself out with the flag.
Finding his footing he began his presentation with flourish, "Greetings ladies, gentlemen, pets, and Wild Kratt Kids of all ages! Including the ones that are not Wild Kratt Kids-yet." He winked as his hand gestured to the spot where a holographic display would be placed. Before long, the green jacketed speaker won over his social anxiety as his passion for the topic fueled his confidence. The mock judges also found themselves enjoying the rehearsal as much as the speaker did. Of course they pointed out any kinks they spotted or offered suggestions when necessary. When lunch came around the four of them were feeling quite satisfied with the rehearsal.
"I think we can move on to the second speech tomorrow. You have the first one down to pat. Yet do not forget to keep practicing the speeches just in case." One of the mock judges, Prof. Kyla, told Chris. The brunette felt flustered from the compliment, "Oh, um, thanks. I hope to do my best!" "Your do more than that, your sweep away your audience to a land of wonder and glittering snow!" Another team mate dramatically gestured. "Oh come on, knock it off Rio!" The creature adventurer elbowed the slightly melodramatic man. "It is hardly exaggeration that you will perform splendidly when its show time." The fourth member, Kimberly, smiled at him with approval.
Chris was about to shrug off the praise when memories suddenly flooded his mind,
"I don't wanna do this! Why can't my teacher read the reports instead of making US read them?!" A eight year old Chris whined as he pouted on a armchair with his painstakingly researched report laying in his lap. "Come on little bro! You can't always have people read what you want to say! Sometimes you just have to tell them!" A Twelve year old Martin spread out his arms trying to prove a point with his sibling's absolute refusal for public speaking.
"Wouldn't it be easier to read things than say them out loud? What if I mispronounce a word or forget a sentence!? Paper cannot forget these crucial details!" Little Chris protested as he kicked his legs and crossed his arms in frustration. His big brother blinked at him like a owl before breaking into giggles. Chris raised a eyebrow as he exclaimed, "Hey, what's so funny?!" Martin tried to reign in his laughter as he replied, "Its just so funny how someone as tiny as you uses big words like mispronounce and crucial." He teased as he bopped his baby brother's nose.
The tiny brunette could not be more outraged, "IT IS NOT!" The child shouted furiously as he tackled his brother in retaliation for such scandal. The latter only laughed harder as he fell to the floor and received a onslaught of pint-sized punches. After being in hysterics for a good five minutes he finally held back the smaller boy's arms as he said, "There's nothing wrong with knowing big words Chris. Its actually a cool thing! The funny part is that someone as little as you are can say and use so many big words." He smirked.
The younger Kratt only felt somewhat placated by this, "It is STILL not funny! Or hilarious! Or amusing in any sense!" He pouted some more. Martin snickered as he stood up, picked up the bristling brunette, and placed him back on the armchair. The blonde swooped down to pick up the fallen report before handing it back to his brother. "Anyway little bro, you can't always make people read what you want them to know. Sometimes it would be easier to talk to them so you can help them understand why your topic is important."
Chris still looked unconvinced, "But we have books that tell us what we need to know." He insisted stubbornly. Martin grinned as he ruffled his sibling's spiky hair, "Not everyone likes reading buddy." Chris gasped in utter disbelief. "Also, it would be easier to convey one message to a group of people listening. Rather then spend too much on books with the same message yet not everyone reads them." The blue-eyed blonde added wisely.
The green-wearing munchkin stared down at his report with a thoughtful frown. After a few moments of silence he stammered, "But-but, I, I...I don't wanna talk in front of people and, and mess up! It would be disastrous! I can't talk to people like you do Martin!" The poor boy clenched his paper in fearful anticipation. A sure hand came to rest on his shoulder. The little one glanced up to see his best friend and brother assure him, "That's why I'll help you practice! I'm sure a lil book owl like you can get a hang of this in no time!"
"I don't wanna be an owl, I rather be a jaguar!" Chris deadpanned.
"Aaaaawww, I thought you liked owls?"
"Yeah I do, but I rather be a jaguar!"
"Nah, you're an owl!"
"No I'm not!"
"Yes you are!"
"No I am NOT!"
"Yes you totally are little bro!"
"No, no, no, no, no!"
Yes, yes, yes, yes, and infinity to beyond yes!"
"That doesn't count!"
"Sure it does! Thus proving my point!"
"Cheater!"
Little Chris struck out his tongue in defiance. Martin chuckled as he told his brother, "I'll be right back." The older boy dashed off to the stairs. Chris stared quizzically after him. Five minutes later he came back with a armload of the boys' shared toys and a mini American flag. Chris was puzzled as he watched his brother place down their toys in a semi-circle before the armchair. "We can't play yet! You said your help me!" The brunette snapped.
Martin then sat down opposite of his brother as he held up the flag. He answered, "Hey buddy, don't you like it when our parents or me read you bedtime stories?" Chris shot him the sassiest look that Martin ever beheld from a eight year old. (Mom said he got it from dad.) Holding back chortles he explained, "Well pretend that your report is a kind of story. One that informs people! Just imagine you're telling your super-important story to our animal friends and to me!"
Chris took a few minutes to process the idea. Finally, he gave a small but willing smile as he said, "Ok! I'll try Martin!" Martin smiled wide as he began waving his flag announcing, "Alright! Then lets hear it from the one but not only, Professor Kratt!" The younger Kratt returned a mock bow before beginning his report. "Ok! Alligators and crocodiles have always been mistaken to be one and the same. However, that could not be further from..."
"Chris? Mr. Kratt! Are you alright?" The biologist jolted from the unexpected trip down memory lane. He massaged the front of his forehead as he responded to Prof. Kyla, "Oh yeah sorry, I just feel a little light-headed. I better grab lunch before-"He had just lifted his left foot and was about to take the next step. Only to feel a all-too-familiar-slip as his foot collided with something blocking his path. "Auuuggh!" He cried out before landing on the ground with a Oof!
Chris growled as he painfully lifted himself up, "Martin..." However, instead of hearing his brother's voice he heard someone else say, "Oh! I am so sorry! I accidentally dropped this!" He looked up in confusion to see a volunteer rush to his side and pick up an inflatable white ball with silver snowflakes on it. The woman smiled nervously as she helped Chris up. "Have a good day Mr. Kratt and I can't wait to see your presentation!" She gushed before rushing back to continue decorating.
Chris could not help but feel sheepish as he walked over to the designated lunch area. Why is it he so readily assume that any mishap would be caused by Martin? Did he really lack that much faith in his brother? Or, on a darker note, was he subconsciously accepting what other people thought of him? He immediately clutched his arms in guilt. No, no, no, no, no! I don't want to treat my brother like that! He's not some bumbling oaf! He's better than that! I shouldn't be this stupid! He scolded himself in deep shame.
Sure, his brother had his...oddities. So did everyone else! Nobody was perfect including himself. It was why he relied on his friends and family whenever he screwed up or missed the shot. Do I take Martin that much for granted?... He trembled in self-disgust. "Hey Chris, over here!" The sound of his brother's trademark cheeriness caused the brunette to look up. His brother waving at him happily at a table where Aviva, Koki, and Jimmy were also waiting.
Chris almost sat down when Koki asked, "Hey Chris, didn't you get yourself lunch?" The brunette then realized he was so preoccupied with his thoughts he forgot to pick up anything to eat. He rubbed the back of his head with embarrassment as he said, "Oh, um, I'll be right back-" "Hey dude, I can grab lunch for ya!"Martin volunteered as he set down a half-eaten bulging sandwich that Chris was pretty sure had chocolate sauce dripping over the meat. "Martin, why on earth are you eating chocolate sauce with-oh, never mind." He sighed with a eye roll as he passed his brother a twenty. "Just get me whatever with a straight black coffee. Straight as in just black coffee and nothing else in it."
This time Martin did an eye roll as he accepted the cash. "Whatever you say Plain Jane." He quipped as he zipped away before his brother could retort. Chris muttered darkly under his breath as he sat down. Aviva leaned towards him, "So, how did rehearsals go CK?" She inquired curiously. The younger Kratt folded his hands as he set them on the table. "They been going well. I'm going to be preparing for my second speech next. What about you guys?"
"I'm with the maintenance crew obviously!" Koki grinned smugly as she took a bite out of the spaghetti she ordered. "Me and my cousin Hugo are going to be working at some of the food stands. You should swing by whenever were on shift! Were be dishing out some pretty rad extra-large pretzels!" Jimmy declared eagerly. "Oh you would not believe some of the inventions were going to showcase at the event!" Aviva gushed before taking a sip of her steaming hot chocolate.
"Good to hear you've all been busy!" Chris said with a smile. They continued talking for some time until Martin came jogging back with Chris' lunch. "Here ya go bro! One classic New Yorker styled hotdog and a cup of incredibly boring caffeine!" He announced as he handed it to his sibling. The latter rolled his eyes as he picked up his cup to take a good, long sip- "Bwauuuggghhh!" Chris spluttered as he held back the cup. "See! I told you your taste in coffee needs improvement!" Martin commented in a serious tone as he sat down to his unfinished meal.
Chris scrutinized his cup before turning to Martin with an indignant look, "I didn't spit it out because it was terrible!" He shoved the cup in Martin's face, specifically the small words that read hot chocolate with extra peppermint. The older Kratt chuckled nervously as he replied, "Oops, got the wrong order! But at least its chocolate!" Jimmy and Koki struggled to hold back snickers. Aviva shook her head as she muttered something in Spanish. Meanwhile, a unfortunate hot-chocolate loving customer received quite a nasty shock as he choked on the bitter, inky black coffee he received by accident...