The Mullinix Book 1: Ascension

by Rodney Mountain

  Chapter 67 - A Fine Surprise

  "Anything on the plans for this week?" Medoferro asked Suvorov, "Did you get the line to Polonion?"

  "Spiketon is insistent on getting the full two day treatment," Suvorov said, "You can try talking to him if you want to, but he is a colossal prick."

  "That’s putting it mildly," Ballfur told him, "I’ve been dealing with him for several years now. Wish he’d go back to the oasis. Only good things that come out of that area are the women. The men are all sanctimonious assholes."

  "Well he’s going to have to deal with just having me then," Medoferro shrugged, "I’m not propping up Massimaferro again. I damn near passed out myself after that was over. I’ll do the functions myself before I do that again."

  "How is he, anyway?" Suvorov asked, "I’ve been in that room hammering out details with Spiketon."

  "He’s still sleeping," Medoferro said, "His breathing is steady and pulse isn’t that bad, but he’s still not firing on all cylinders. His temp is high too."

  "If Spiketon gives you any trouble when you’re there," Ballfur told him, "Remind him of the sheep on the south meadow. That will give him pause."

  "I smell a story there," Medoferro said, smiling, "Is it a good one?"

  "He got into a business deal that was a little hairy," Ballfur grinned, "I think he was skirting the law and not breaking it, but if you indicate that you know what happened he may become a bit more docile."

  "I’ll remember that," Medoferro chuckled.

  "Mullinix sir," a young man said as he entered the room, "There is a pair of young women here for you, sir. They carry the symbol of the Mullinix, but we weren’t informed of any arrivals tonight."

  "Insegniferro was supposed to send something," Medoferro said, "Women you said?"

  "Yes sir," the young man nodded, "One blonde, one brunette. Neither one much if any older than you are."

  "He couldn’t have…" Medo said, trailing off a little, "Did they give you names?"

  "I didn’t ask sir," the young man said, ashamed, "They said they were messengers."

  "That old devil," Medo said with a smile, "If he sent them…"

  "Who?" Ballfur asked.

  "I think I can guess," Suvorov said, "Go ahead and bring them up."

  Medoferro sat up in anticipation and smiled widely as Stacy and Miranda walked into the room. Insegniferro was right in the reaction, as this was exactly what Medoferro needed after a couple of bad days. He hopped up out of his chair and hugged them both tightly, lingering a few seconds on Miranda.

  "I am glad to see you two," Medoferro said, "But how… why?"

  "This," Stacy said, handing him two bound volumes, "Insegniferro figured that since you needed these he might as well send them with people who can give you moral support."

  "I appreciate it," Medoferro smiled, "This is the nicest thing I’ve had happen to me since I left the bloody palace."

  "How bad is it?" Miranda asked him, "Insegniferro said it wasn’t good, but he wasn’t quite up to date."

  "He’s got a fever and is having trouble thinking straight," Medoferro explained, "To make the public appearance earlier I had to feed him, much like I did Stacy during the fight the other day. Unlike her though, he pulled enough power from me that he almost made me pass out."

  "That’s not good," Stacy said, "I talked to the old man about that the other day. He said that you have to be careful doing that."

  "I’m not doing it again, trust me," Medoferro said, "I’ll take the spot and go solo, but I’ll be damned if I’m putting him or me through that experience again."

  "Has he got a medico with him?" Miranda asked him.

  "Ari Coblein is with him," Medo told her, "There doesn’t seem to be much he can do. We’re not even sure what is causing it."

  "And it was sudden?" Stacy asked, "That’s strange, especially with those symptoms."

  "I’m trying not to think about that," Medoferro said honestly, "I don’t have time to. I have session tomorrow and a conference in a week. If he doesn’t recover in time, I’m going to have to do it."

  "Scary thought indeed," Ballfur chuckled, "Sorry."

  "I’m in total agreement, actually," Medoferro sighed, "Though if that happens maybe Iggy will have to do it and not me."

  "So," Stacy said, sitting down, "It was a long ride. Do you have anything for a couple thirsty girls?"

  "Certainly," Colonel Ballfur said, "Name your poison, ladies?"

  "Something soft," Miranda said, "Anything hard will put me to sleep right now."

  "That’s what I’m looking for," Stacy grinned, "I’m a guard, I can take the hard stuff."

  "I’ll get it," Medoferro offered, feeling like doing something.

  "My type of lady," Ballfur chuckled and poured her a glass of scotch, "There you are."

  "So what are your instructions?" Medoferro asked them, "Other than giving me the books?"

  "I’m to supplement Suvorov on the guard end," Stacy told him, "She’s just here to keep you company."

  "I’m the moral support," Miranda agreed, "Here as long as you need me if you don’t mind?"

  "Mind?" Medoferro said, grinning from ear to ear, "I’m glad to hear that I don’t lose you after tonight. I’ll be glad to have both of you around."

  "I’ve gone through basic medico training," Miranda reminded him, "I can assist Medico Coblein if he needs me."

  "Sounds like a plan," Medoferro nodded, "I just wish it wasn’t so late."

  "You need to get some reading done too," Stacy grinned, "I peeked in it. It’s dry as hell. You’ll be asleep within an hour."

  "I give him much less than that," Suvorov chuckled, "Nice to have you back, Stacy."

  "You off the sauce, you big dummy?" Stacy asked him, "Or am I going to have to kick your ass?"

  This elicited a chuckle from Colonel Ballfur because he didn’t know Stacy. Miranda and Medoferro smiled, mainly because they had seen Stacy fight before. Suvorov actually gulped a little before answering.

  "I’ve had little," Suvorov said, "Mainly light doses to keep from getting the DT’s."

  "Keep it that way," Stacy smiled, "And all will be good."

  "Yes ma’am!" Suvorov chuckled.

  "Ok," Medoferro smiled, "Much as I like talking with you guys, I need to start reading this crap. See you in the morning?"

  "Absolutely," Miranda smiled, "Not like we’re going to steal off into the night…"

  "Not alone, at any rate," Stacy grinned, starting both girls on a giggling fit.

  Medoferro smiled, feeling a lot better already. He bid both of them goodnight and headed to his room, feeling much better about things to come. At least he did until he walked by Massimaferro’s room, where Ari Coblein and the local medico were conferring on his prognosis.

  "Anything I should know?" Medoferro asked them as he walked up.

  "Nothing new," Coblein said, sighing, "He’s still sleeping."

  "Let me know if there is any change," Medoferro instructed, "I’ll be up reading."

  "Yes sir," Coblein nodded, "I don’t expect much tonight. Do I have to wake him up tomorrow?"

  "Hell no," Medoferro said, "Let him sleep. That’s the only way he’s going to get better."

  "Finally someone sees the light," Coblein said, sighing with relief, "Thanks."

  "Just get him better," Medoferro said as he walked off, "I don’t want to think about what happens if you don’t."