Chapter 25: Visitation
Location: Government House
Three hours later…
Seated in front of the vanity, Sally methodically ran a hairbrush through her dark auburn hair. Her encounter with Andrea Tygore had put a dampener on the evening, leaving her wondering how many agreed with her.
"Sally?" a voice inquired.
Laying open on the vanity in front of her, the handheld's holographic projector activated, and the Lynx appeared before the Princess.
"Yes, NICOLE?"
"You shouldn't let her bother you."
"I'm not," she replied, knowing who she meant.
"Sally, I know you well enough to know when something's bothering you."
The Princess immediately sighed, a not-so-subtle admittance that the artificial intelligence was correct.
"Mrs. Tygore's…vocal disdain caught me by surprise."
"I understand what you mean," NICOLE said, "She's a hateful old woman."
Sally didn't argue the accusation, lest she make some disparaging comment about the elderly woman.
"Between her and Humanity First, I'm worried that they're not the minority."
"There's been no indication that that is the reality."
"I'm not so sure," Sally admitted, "I haven't even spoken before the National Assembly and I'm already facing opposition, if the television networks are anything to go by."
"You mean those right-wing networks?" she questioned, "They're not exactly what I'd call credible."
The Princess exhaled loudly, filtering the evening's frustrations through her clenched teeth.
"I'm sure everything will work out in the end."
"True," the Princess conceded, "Even if we don't gain the Terrans as allies, we've still managed to open diplomatic relations with them."
Standing up, the Chipmunk smoothed out her blue nightgown and grabbed NICOLE's handheld from the table. As she turned around, the Princess discovered Bokkun sitting on the railing of the outside balcony. Immediately placing the compact computer onto the nightstand, she stepped out onto the balcony that overlooked the swimming pool.
"Bokkun," she greeted.
"I got a message for you," the messenger robot announced.
"Is that so?"
Shoving his hand into his messenger bag, the Chao-like robot immediately withdrew a paper envelope. Sally promptly relieved him of it, tearing open the end and fished a slip of paper out with her fingers. Unfolding it, the Chipmunk's blue eyes absorbed the words that had been written on it.
YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUIRED ON GWYRDD ISLAND AT YOUR EARLIEST CONVENIENCE. IF YOU FEEL SO INCLINED, YOU MAY BRING FOUR OTHERS TO THE COORDINATES PROVIDED.
"Where's Gwyrdd Island?" she inquired.
"It's in Tyrador."
She recognized the archipelago province as being popular amongst tourists, and where the Prime Minister had been recuperating after surgery.
"Alright. Please inform your Master that we'll be along."
Standing, Bokkun rocketed into the air and headed off without another word coming from him. Sighing from exhaustion, Sally re-entered her room and resumed with getting herself ready for bed.
"Sally, who was that?" NICOLE asked, upon re-entering the suite.
"Bokkun. His Master wishes to meet."
"Should I inform the others?"
"No," Sally replied with a yawn, "It's much too late. It'll have to be something we worry about tomorrow."
"Understood."
Drawing back the blankets, the Princess was about to climb into bed when something crossed her mind.
"NICOLE, could you bring up the map of Tyrador?"
"One moment…"
Activating the holo-projector of her handheld, the map of the Tyrador Province was projected into the air.
"Highlight the location of Gwyrdd Island." Sally requested.
NICOLE did as was instructed of her, highlighting an island in crimson for the Princess to see. It was tiny when compared to its neighbours, while also happening to be adjacent to a much larger landmass.
"What's the nearest settlement?"
"That would be the resort city of Elsecaro," she replied, highlighting a settlement located on the adjacent landmass.
"Could you file that away for tomorrow?"
"Done," NICOLE stated.
Climbing into bed, the Chipmunk switched off the table lamp and immediately covered herself with the blankets.
"Goodnight, NICOLE."
"Goodnight, Sally."