The crowded looked stunned, then broke into loud laughter as the media celebrity looked shocked himself, and then started to grin. “A very good word, Sir. I shall look it up post haste.”
Willi leaned in even closer. “The media and some of these other people seem to know you!”
“I’ve used Sir Guy before,” Johnny whispered back.
“I guess,” Willi said, as yet another person called out to him.
“Is she going to be Lady Richardson?”
Willi colored, kept her head high, and continued walking up the red carpet, as someone else called out, “Hey! It’s Marilyn Monroe! From Smokey’s!” She could not help it. She stumbled slightly when the applause started. Johnny had a firm hold on her arm and the bobble went unnoticed.
“Why are they applauding?” Willi whispered.
“Your reputation precedes you, my dear,” he said rather loudly, Willi thought.
“I don’t have a reputation,” she whispered to him.
“Oh, yes, you do.” Johnny’s hand tightened slightly on hers. “Brace yourself. The receiving line is just ahead. Just remember who you are. Really are. And act accordingly.”
“But…” Her protest faded and her head came up proudly. There was no mistaking the Governor standing at the end of the receiving line. Willi met Janet’s eyes as she shook her hand.
Her eyes then went to the feral ones of the man for whom Janet was acting as military escort. Willi knew that the man’s eyes were seeking more than just the jewelry on her neck and chest. She felt almost naked under his gaze for a moment.
“Janet is going to maim Johnny for this,” thought Willi. “And so is Captain Butler,” the thought continued. Quickly she put those thoughts out of her mind as they approached the Governor.
Captain Butler was standing proud and tall next to Governor Myers. It was obvious to Willi why the woman had wanted him there in the capacity of her escort. Giving no indication of recognition to the captain, she turned her eyes to the Governor. It was obvious when Myers recognized the necklace.
Willi saw the way the Governor’s eyes flared, then narrowed and glinted with raw anger and greed. It was quickly masked, but Willi new Johnny Oneshot was entirely correct about the Governor. Willi probably was a real target now.
She smiled serenely, as much for the fact as despite it. Anyone that could look that evil over a mere necklace, no matter how expensive, was someone that Willi knew could not be allowed to control anything, much less gain the power which she was trying to gain.
A quick shake of the Governor’s hand and Willi was past her, still easily on Johnny’s arm. With Johnny beside her, Willi found it easy to make small talk as they made the rounds, speaking with other guests.
“Well done, Marilyn,” Johnny said, neither speaking loudly or extremely low, as they caught a moment almost to themselves.
She was sure he was referring to how she had handled the receiving line. Willi simply smiled, with a quick look at his face, and then turned the smile to the person coming up to them. It was Smokey. “You look very handsome, boss,” Willi said as he stopped.
“And you are as at home here as on stage. How did I ever manage to get you at my place?”
“Mere chance, I suppose,” Willi replied. She realized he was just making small talk with an employee when Smokey turned his eyes to Johnny.
“Sir Guy,” Smokey said, “I had no idea of who you were when you visited us these past few weeks. Perhaps we can do a little business, if you are so inclined. I can open a few doors for you, if you’d like.”
“Perhaps,” Johnny said. “I’d heard you were a man with connections.”
Willi watched with amazement, though she hid it completely, as Johnny continued smoothly, acting the suave businessman out to work a deal.
“I must say, I had hopes to get a line on the supply business for the government in the sector. I know I can’t compete… directly… with Bond Cretorian. I think I might be able to fulfill some of the needs of the sector authorities that he is unable to fill.”
Smokey’s eyes cut to Willi, then back to Johnny. “It might be best if we discussed this in private.”
“Of course,” Johnny said. He turned to Willi. “If you will excuse us, my dear. Business. You understand.”
Willi, despite the first initial anger and resentment of being cut out of the discussion because she was a woman, quickly suppressed it, knowing it was all part of Johnny’s act. Part of what was happening. It had no bearing on the true nature of things.
If it had happened in any situation but here, she would have made her feelings known. Willi also knew that Johnny would never have acted in this manner in any situation but this one.
A delighted smile was suddenly on her face. “Of course! I think I’ll see if I can find the Lady’s Lounge. Time to check the face.” As she turned away, she saw Bond Cretorian and Janet headed toward the three of them.
Though she did not hear what was said, Willi could tell that Janet was being dismissed much as she had been. And that Janet felt about it much the same way as had she. With the same conclusion coming to mind. It was all part of what was going on. A tiny motion of her head and Janet joined her on the way toward the Lady’s Lounge that Willi saw.
Both were careful to keep their conversation casual. Willi was not surprised when only a few moments had passed and Governor Myers entered the Lounge.
“Ladies,” she said, her gaze passing over Janet like the Captain was simply part of the furnishings. Her gazed stopped on the necklace Willi wore.
“A beautiful piece,” Governor Myers said, her eyes finally meeting Willi’s. “Old Earth, isn’t it?”
“Why… I think so,” Willi said, looking down at the necklace, showing a bit of confusion. “Sir Guy mentioned Earth when he gave it to me.” Willi could tell her casualness about the necklace infuriated the Governor.
“You’re the new… singer… at one of the strip clubs the military often patronize, aren’t you?”
It was a good thing, Willi knew, that the Governor was again looking at the necklace with no small amount of greed. She knew her own eyes were flashing angrily. Less at the slur toward herself, than the one for the hard-working women that entertained after her singing was over for the night.
Not all of them were outstanding citizens, perhaps, but most were just ordinary people, trying to make a living the best way they knew how.
“Yes,” Willi replied, keeping herself under tight control. “I sing at Smokey’s. I’ve never seen you there. That I can remember.”
Governor Myers’ head jerked up. “Of course not! I do not frequent such places!”
“Perhaps we should see if the gentlemen require our presence,” Janet said, carefully.
“Sir Guy is probably looking for me,” Willi said. “He only wanted to talk business a little.”
“Business? Richardson is talking business with them? Montello and Cretorian?” snapped the Governor.
“Yes,” Willi said, “I think so.”
Governor Myers looked at Janet. “Do you know if that is true?”
“No, Madam Governor. Mr. Cretorian just suggested I take a moment for myself. He said he needed to say hello to a friend.”
The Governor was gone without another word. Janet and Willi exchanged a glance, but neither wanted to say anything, fearing they could be overheard.
Cretorian had not a clue the man he was now addressing as Sir Guy Richardson was the same man that he knew as Banger. Johnny’s eyes went to Governor Betty Myers as she approached. Her guards were as unobtrusive as their particular brand could be. They had not gone into the lady’s lounge, but it had been a near thing.
Johnny could see the glint in the woman’s eyes as her glance went to Cretorian. “Bond,” she said joining them. “I had no idea you knew Sir Guy.”
“Just met him,” Cretorian replied. “Seems ol’ Smokey here knows him.”
“Oh, really?” Cold eyes turned toward Smokey. The man seemed to shrink just slightly
. “I did not know… who he was… the Sir Guy part.” He quickly fell silent as Betty Myers gaze went to Johnny again.
“I seem to have caused a stir,” Johnny said quietly. “I had no intention of doing so. I’d heard the sector was needing additional supply sources. If this is not the case, I certainly have no qualms of taking my business elsewhere.”
“Let’s not be hasty,” Governor Myers said, rather hastily. She was going to have to be careful of her temper. It had already caused her a few problems lately. Seeing that necklace on the woman that was on the arm of this man had just gotten under her skin. She was going to need plenty of contacts in the future. Bond Cretorian was good, but he was a barbarian, despite his wealth.
When the sector was hers, completely, she would need men more of the nature of Sir Guy Richardson. The little singer girl could be dealt with later. As could the necklace.
Smiling broadly now, Governor Myers said, “This is a gala affair, gentlemen. I do think we have business to discuss. Much business. But not at the moment. Please, just enjoy the evening, as I plan to, and we will meet Monday… say… at ten. At my estate.”
It had not come as a question or a request. It was an order and all three men knew it. Smokey knew he was on thin ice with both Cretorian and Myers on a regular basis, so he just nodded in agreement.
Bond’s eyes glinted slightly, but until things progressed somewhat more, he would need to continue to act as though the woman was in charge. It would not be much longer. He forced a smile and agreed.
Johnny, as Sir Guy, smiled graciously and said, “That sounds fine, Madam Governor. I’m sure we will all do well in the ventures ahead. Despite the rumors, I’ve seen no evidence of this infamous Johnny Oneshot fellow stirring things up.”
The others started, then stared rather angrily at Johnny as he smiled serenely and turned away. He was already a few steps from them before any of the three reacted.
“Dammit!” Bond said with force, though he did manage to keep his voice down. “That guy better not show his face around here. I’ve got people searching this whole sector for that son of a bitch!”
“Keep it down, will you?” the Governor said, leaning forward slightly, her voice low. “We all know that if he knew anything about anything he would be here doing something about it.
“Now forget about it and go drink something and dance with that damned Captain I had to arrange for you.” She turned hard eyes to Smokey. “And you find a way to get rid of that singer. You don’t want to be having anything to do with her.”
Smokey actually gulped. He was tough, by some standards. Smokey knew he was a big fish in his little pond, but he was in a very big sea at the moment. And small fish get eaten by big fish, no matter where the sea is. Marilyn Monroe was history at his club. He had a feeling she would be history, period, sometime soon. He might never find another like her, but at least he would still have his club. And his life.
Johnny had made his way toward Janet and Willi, seeing Captain Butler angling past. The wink would not be noticed, even if the cameras and live observers caught it. “The facilities back here?” he asked.
Willi nodded, her eyes going from him to where Governor Myers, Bond Cretorian, and Smokey were separating, each headed in different directions.
“I think I am at beck and call again,” sighed Captain Butler, heading toward the Governor when her gaze fell on him. Even at the distance, her stance indicated his presence was desired.
“Jeez,” muttered Janet. “Me too. At least the letch hasn’t tried anything.” Both Captain’s moved away, heading for their designated escorts. Marilyn found herself immediately surrounded by people that had either seen her at Smokey’s, heard about her being at Smokey’s, or had seen or heard she was with Sir Guy Richardson.
“How can he have this reputation as Sir Guy and the one as Johnny Oneshot?” she asked herself silently as she talked graciously to one person after another. It was some moments later that she realized that Johnny should have been back at her side, as Sir Guy, if he was going to be back any time soon.
“Uh-oh,” she said, still silently, and to herself, as she saw Governor Myers and several of her bodyguards headed for a hallway. She simply did not know if now was the time that Johnny had meant when he said he might need a distraction, but it really did not seem so.
Still, she began to ease her way toward that doorway, continuing to meet and greet people as she did. Near the bandstand now, Willi saw the sudden stir as several more obvious security types began to scan the crowds with certain intent.
“Okay,” she said, this time half aloud. “This is what he was talking about.”
“What was that, dear?” asked the elegantly dressed matron on the arm of the distinguished looking gentleman currently talking to her.
“Oh,” Willi said, “It’s just that several people have asked me to sing, you see… I’m a performer… and I don’t really think it appropriate…” An idea suddenly came to her. “Unless,” she said, looking at the elderly couple, “of course, the Confederation Anthem…” She left it hanging slightly.
“Oh, yes!” exclaimed the matron.
“Quite right!” added her husband. “I’ve done my service and tried to join again during the Transition Campaign. Bad heart, you see, and they wouldn’t take me. The Anthem, now. I would dearly love to hear one as beautiful as Emily was in her day sing it as she once did.”
“Yes, dear,” said the matron, moving to the bandstand. She was used to getting her way and now was no different. A gesture to the orchestra leader and he was leaning down.
Willi wasted no time getting up before the orchestra. She knew that without the equipment at Smokey’s she was going to sound terrible, but that would probably just help the distraction.
She still had no clue why Johnny needed one, but this was probably the time it was needed. The security personnel were really starting to work their way through the crowd, seeming to be searching for someone.
As the elderly couple stood right before her and urged her on, the orchestra conductor turned to the crowd and announced, “Ladies and Gentlemen! The Confederation Anthem!”
The way people turned toward the orchestra, even in more distant parts of the huge ballroom, Willi realized the stage was remotely mic-ed. Might not be the enhancing equipment of Smokey’s, but she would be heard.
The orchestra started the first few chords, and Willi began to sing the stirring words of the Confederation Anthem. The crowd began to edge closer, and people began to join her in the song. She glanced down and saw the matron and gentleman sing with her, tears in their eyes.
Willi’s eyes scanned the crowd as she continued the song. She turned and saw the Confederation Flag projected on the wall above and behind her. She turned back and continued to sing.
She really was not sure where the words came from. Everyone probably knew the first two stanzas of the song. Willi did not realize she knew all seven until she finished the seventh as the last strains of music faded away. The crowd was hushed.
Without a clue as to what to do next, Willi was saved from trying to think of something when Johnny was suddenly standing beside her. He handed her a glass and turned out to look at the crowd, gathered as close to the stage as humanly possible. He lifted the other glass he held and said, loudly, “To the Confederation!”
The “To the Confederation!” that came from almost every throat shook the walls. People drank, as did Johnny and Willi. Cries for Willi to perform something else, or to just do the Anthem again rang out.
With Johnny’s hand on her arm, guiding her down off the stage on which the orchestra was situated, Willi just waved once in appreciation, and let herself be led away. “My dear!” the matron said, grabbing her in a surprisingly strong hug, “You were magnificent! I thought I could sing that song. You put me to shame, even at my prime!”
“Now, Precious,” said her husband. “Not quite that,” he continued, looking at Willi, tears still in his eyes. “But, my dear, you did do it as well
as I’ve ever heard it done, even by Precious. Thank you.”
“But I…” Before she could really protest, one of the security people bulled his way forward.
He stared hard at Johnny. “How long you been here?”
“What?” Johnny asked. “We arrived just a bit before…”
“No. Here. Right here.”
“What is this about, young man?” asked the matron. “This is her escort. He was right here watching. Have some respect for the Anthem, if you please.”
Several other people close clamored their agreement, all indicating that Johnny had been right there with them, watching his beautiful lady singing.
“I’m not sure what is going on,” Johnny said, in his sonorous Sir Guy voice. “But if there is something wrong, perhaps I can be of assistance…”
Another security man had come up to them. “No, no of course not. There is no problem. Just a party crasher. Don’t worry. We’ll locate him. Everyone enjoy.”
The two moved away, their eyes continuing to search the crowd. Johnny guided them toward an exit, though it was certainly not the nearest one, Willi noted. He continued to slow and talk, even stop from time to time, as the situation warranted. More often than not, it was to allow someone to thank Willi for her rendition of the Anthem, several times to include an enthusiastic hug.
Feeling more than a bit stunned, Willi found herself clutching Johnny’s arm tightly as they finally made their way out of the building. There was still a crowd of spectators as well as media near the entrance. Word had reached them of the performance. Johnny waved away the questions and requests for interviews.
The driver of the limousine had it ready and the door open as the Naval personnel acting as external security formed a corridor to allow Johnny and Willi to get to it without trouble.
Willi saw the comm device appear in Johnny’s hand and knew they could talk safely. “What happened?” she asked immediately.
“Worked like a charm,” Johnny said. “You gave me the perfect distraction to rejoin the crowd after I talked… so to speak… to the Governor.”
Mission to Sector ZZ1219 Page 10