- Chapter 12 -
The Puppet Strings
©1999 Quizzard
Brigit's mind was in a whirl. Never before had she disregarded one of the Ambassador's edicts. Now, here she
was, leading a mysterious stranger towards the Ambassador's apartment, knowing that he didn't want to be
disturbed. She wondered how the man with the dead, black eyes had convinced her that the interruption was
necessary. She didn't even remember his name.
<You don't need to know my name, Brigit, just take me to your master.>
Yes, this was an urgent matter, and the Ambassador would totally understand. Of course he would forgive
the disobedience.
Her hand seemed to move of it's own accord to strike the ornate entrance.
"What? Go away! Who is it anyway?" sniffleded the Ambassador, from inside. "I told you I was not to be
disturbed."
"It's Brigit, sir. You have an important visitor."
"Nobody's THAT important on my poetry day." came the muffled reply. "Just a minute. I'll be right there."
While they waited, Brigit hear some subdued banging, and a large honk as Lawboy cleared his nose. "Are you okay,
sir?"
"Yes, yes. Fine. Well? Who is this important visitor?"
<You have no need of my name, Ambassador. We have much to discuss.> Suddenly, the corpse-eyed man swept
past the startled Brigit, and into the room. The door boomed as it slammed shut. <That will be all, Brigit, thank you
for your service. You needn't remember my visit.>
With a shudder, Brigit turned and started to return to her desk in the embassy. Then, with a suddenly puzzled look,
she stopped and looked around, as if noticing where she was for the first time. Shaking her head, she quickly started
again to get back to her work.
*****
The young officer's eyes glazed as he stared at the monitors. Space duty carried some good wages, but the hours
were interminable. "Whistle while you work...hum de dum dum dum de dum... Darn! Four more hours until sleep
cycle." he said as he glanced at the chronometer. Then the flash caught the corner of his eye. "Oops! Looks like
overtime, now. At least SOMETHING'S happening." He depressed a button on the console. "Sir, we have a
situation...the CONDOM ship is returning."...