Chapter 38: Eavesdropping
Location: Dalton Estate
Two hours later…
Emerging from the woods, Geoffrey immediately discovered himself standing out in front some obviously abandoned buildings. The X-Tornado was parked in the central square, looming overhead in its Cyclone Mode. Located at the opposite end was a sprawling mansion, one even more grandiose then the one owned by Thorndyke's. Comprised of sloping angles, it had been seamlessly constructed into the outcroppings of rocks, making it impossible to know just how large the structure truly was.
"Impressive, but ugly," he muttered.
Weary that those he had encountered earlier could potentially be right behind him, Geoffrey slipped back into the foliage. Skirting the edge of the property, he made his way up a steep incline that rose above the mansion. The plateau that overlooked the rear of the building provided a perfect vantage point. From his position, he could make out the Princess and her companions were gathering at the far end of the grounds. Decoe and Bocoe were also present, setting the large patio table with a diverse selection of foodstuffs
"At least I'll be able to eavesdrop on the Princess."
The Skunk immediately began unpacking the equipment, which included your typical espionage gear. He also had the foresight to bring a directional microphone with him, which would allow him to eavesdrop. Sticking in his earpiece, the government agent quickly raised his binoculars to his eyes.
"Mornin', Sally-Girl. Sleep well?" he heard Bunnie greet through the audio-enhancement device.
"No. I've...had a lot on my mind," Sally admitted, sitting next to her.
"I'm not surprised," Tails commented, "I don't think any of us really got a decent night's rest."
"You spent half the night working on your machine," Sticks stated.
"I just wanted to get the repairs done on the X-Tornado," Tails commented, eagerness entering the Fox's voice.
"Did you have a chance to speak with Sonic?" Chris asked.
"Yes. He was a little miffed about not being brought along," Sally replied.
"Well, it's not like Sugar-Hog readily made himself available."
"True, but he did remind me that I had slept in."
He watched as several figures stepped out onto the patio, all of them appearing to be children. Studying them, Geoffrey discovered that most of them sported a monkey-tail, while the other was the purple-skinned child previously encountered.
"This is a lot off food," Sticks remarked, staring at the spread laid out before them, "Are you sure this'll all get eaten?"
"We Saiyans require 30-to-40 times more food than a Human does," a feminine voice explained, "Believe me; it won't be going to waste."
He had no idea what a Saiyan was, but the monkey-tailed Humanoids had essentially been identified by the girl's careless words. The remaining question was what the purple-skinned toddler was, though that was his own curiosity.
"The food bill on the other hand is atrocious," Decoe commented.
"It's not like we can't afford it," another voice said, taking a seat at the head of the table.
The Skunk immediately studied the figure, finding that it was a boy of indeterminate age with spikey black hair. It was the same one he had encountered earlier, and he was lifting the purple-skinned toddler onto his lap. Minor conversations ensued, providing Geoffrey with information that was either nonsensical or completely irrelevant.
"Mornin'," a groggy voice greeted.
Those gathered at the table turned and found another boy standing at the threshold of the patio, bleary eyed and clad in a fundoshi.
"Morning, Dicchio," the girl known as Kassava greeted.
The boy made no response as he approached the table, his bare feet slapping audibly against the inter-locking bricks. He looked groggily at those gathered at the table, immediately noticing that people were absent.
"Where's Tabaga and Fannel?"
"Saw them with Takuan as Draug and I were heading back," Tarro replied, "No doubt they're heading to Ildathach to hunt with the Ologs."
Suspecting that that was what the purple-skinned youngster was, Geoffrey immediately crossed that question off the list. Unfortunately, he ended up missing a portion of the ensuing conversation, leaving him without precious intel. The Skunk chided himself for being so easily distracted, as it completely went against his training. He resolved to not let it happen again, investing fully on the conversation that was taking place.
"Mind if I ask you a question?" Tarro said, directing his attention to Sally.
"I don't see why not. You've done nothing but answer mine."
"Do you still consider yourselves 'Freedom Fighters'? Even after being disbanded by your father in favor of the Secret Service?"
Geoffrey's blood immediately ran cold, concerned by his possession of such intelligence. Concerns had been raised regarding the nature of the information that had been provided to them, now it seemed they were founded.
"Wait! When did this happen?" Chris asked.
"It was before our diplomatic mission to Station Square," Tails replied.
"With Mobotropolis retaken, King Max thought it was more appropriate for the Royal Army and Secret Service to fill that role," Bunnie added.
"We didn't remain disbanded for long," Sally said, "Once it became apparent that we were more successful. We're considered soldiers now, not rebels fighting a guerrilla campaign."
"So…, do you still consider yourselves Freedom Fighters or not?" Tarro asked again, as his question had gone unanswered.
"In name only. If anything, we'd be considered a Special Forces Team."
Tarro immediately fell silent as he leaned back in his chair, his attention fixated on Draug as he picked at the plate in front of him.
"You'd better eat up," Tarro eventually suggested, "You've got quite a flight ahead of you."
Everyone fell silent after that, their attention immediately shifting to the spread that had been laid out in front of them.