Thursday, November 7, 2019

Blind Date Ch21

KRISSIE: 8/31/2019 9:06pm. So we've made it here. I hope you all enjoy this one.
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Shadow found himself called into a meeting with Commander Towers, the president, and several other big wig rulers. The commander and president he was used to, but the others he wasn't used to seeing in meetings. They were normally in these meetings when it was something major. Princess Elise of Soleanna, King Elias, Lupe, and several other world leaders Shadow knew of by face but not names. He felt uncomfortable in the room, but kept his usual un-expressive face on. He hadn't heard of any world threatening thing. Eggman had been silent. Nothing on Black Doom or Metarex either.
"Agent Shadow, have a seat," Commander Towers gestured to a seat at the large round table. Shadow just stared at the table before glancing at all the people at the table. He crossed his hands behind his back. He normally didn't sit for these meetings.
"If it's all right with you Commander, I would prefer to stand." Shadow looked him in the eye.
Commander Towers sighed, "That would be fine if this was about a normal mission, but as you can see," he stressed as he gestured to all the people at the table. His face forming new stress wrinkles as he clenched his teeth. "This isn't one of your normal mission briefings. Now agent," His irises began to shrink in rage, "Please have. A. Seat."
Shadow stared into Commander Towers eyes for a moment before stepping forward. "Very well. If you insist." He slide into the chair and felt more uncomfortable then he ever had in a meeting. At least it wasn't as uncomfortable as when Sonic tried to have that chat with him.
Shadow and Commander Towers both released a held breath at the same time.
"Now Shadow, I'm sure you are wondering why we called you here today," the president began with a smile, a slight wave of his hand gesturing towards the others at the table. "We have all been discussing your performance and behavior over the pass few years."
Shadow's mind began to race. Where they going to tell him he was too dangerous to be out and about anymore? That he would have to be placed in another pod? He vaguely remembered seeing his future self trapped in one in Silver's time once. Was this when it happened?
"It's nothing bad," Elias shot up to assure him. "You've been doing quite well actually. We're all really impressed."
Shadow looked at the king and wasn't sure what to make of anything. He wanted to bolt, but he knew that would only make things worse.
"Yes, exactly!" The president assured. He pulled out one of those soft squishy toys people squeeze for stress relief and placed it in Shadow's palm.
Shadow merely stared at as he continued speaking.
"Since you're doing so well, we've decided to put you in charge of training and leading a squad of 20-30 people."
Shadow looked up with interest.
The president slid a folder in front of Shadow. Shadow placed his free hand on top of it. "You'll be leading this squad of yours on a mission to remove the Legion from the Castle of Mercia."
Shadow raised a brown as his eyes scanned the table over. None of the Mercian royal family was present. Taking note of that for when he would be able to speak, he focused his attention on the president.
"We intend to give Mercia back their castle and assist with their Legion problem as a show of good will and faith with their government." The president waved his hand over the table. "That is why out of all the governments represented, you do not see them here. Do you have any questions so far Agent Shadow?"
"Is the Mercian government aware of this plan?" Shadow stared down at the folder. Unsure what to do.
"The king and queen and their council have agreed. In fact, a majority of the squad you'll be training will be Mercian soldiers already. The public has not been informed and we would like to keep it that way," the president stressed this fact. Shadow wasn't surprised. Most governments wanted to keep the people from public mass-hysteria. Also, it would alert the Legion which would put them at a disadvantage.
"Since you've been spotted in Mercia on your downtime by several of the locals, they'll most likely think you're on vacation. If any locals ask, just tell them you are." The commander took a sip of his coffee.
Shadow tilted his head as he arched an eyebrow. Was GUN seriously giving him his own troop if they were still watching his every move.
"Tabloids have photographs Shadow," the Commander smirked at him. 
Shadow nodded as he looked at the folder. 
There were a few other bits of information. Mostly, Shadow had to go home and pack. He would be off for several months. His living arrangements for Mercia were already made. 
"So how did the meeting go?" Rouge asked as Shadow walked back to his desk. 
"I have a mission in another country." Shadow kept his answers short. 
"And Omega and I aren't coming with you?" Rouge crossed her arms. Team Dark was rarely apart for missions. 
"It seems that way," Shadow nodded as he sat at his desk. He placed the folder in the drawer as he set to finish the mountain of paperwork on his desk. 
"So what country will you be working in?" She leaned onto his shoulder.
"I am not at liberty to discuss it," Shadow stated simply. "But I won't be back for a few months from the sound of it.
Rouge sighed. She knew she was pushing her luck. She would have to snoop elsewhere. "Very well." She plucked up a few folders from his desk. "I'll help you with these so you can get to that mission quicker."
Shadow smiled as they got to work. The paper work didn't take long. 
"Remember to write!" Rouge demanded as Shadow packed a duffel bag.
"I will," he rolled his eyes. 
"I'll bring Cream over to care for the plants," Rouge walked around his bedroom.
Shadow arched a brow at her. 
"I'm a treasure hunter, not a green thumb," she shrugged. 
Shadow nodded as he zipped up the duffel bag.
"Aren't you going to pack more clothes then that?" Rouge gasped as she slammed her hands on his bed. 
"This will be plenty." Shadow assured her.
"Shadow you have at least two to three cases of weapons, and you bring one duffel bag of clothes. Did you at least pack clean underwear?" 
Shadow rolled his eyes, "Yes mom." 
Rouge growled as Shadow slung the bag over his shoulder and walked out of the room. "You're a senior citizen!" 
"And yet, I must be so young that you need to mother me," He shook his head in humor. 
Rouge growled before muttering something under her breath. Shadow smirked, trying not to laugh at being called a stubborn old man. 
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Krissie: 11/5/19 so NaNoWriMo has started. I haven't really started writing for it yet. But I'm trying to get back into writing stories. My goal is to finish this story by New Year's.
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