Song and Dance

Posted on Fri May 5th, 2023 @ 3:32pm by Lieutenant Callan Armidale & Lieutenant JG William Verhoeven & Petty Officer 3rd Class Brix Saad & Christine Graham & Fleet Captain Maxwell Culver & Commander Vianola Paxidor & Lieutenant Lihran N'Vek & Lieutenant Rowena "Rena" Campbell & Lieutenant JG Aurora House of Kor & Lieutenant Commander Frasier Greene & Lieutenant S'Tera & Colonel Galen s'Khev & Lieutenant Commander Chester Ripley

5,225 words; about a 26 minute read

Mission: Good Will Tour: Mountain Home [Part Two]
Location: Triton Seabase - Various Vehicles
Timeline: MD25: 1600-2100 hours

Captain Maxwell Culver, it had been nearly a month on this planet, and this was the first time he felt like a captain. Up until now, he felt like everything else was getting to know each other as a crew. Admittedly, there was still some of that to do, but that would come later.

Because everyone on board was busy with the completion of this complex set of maneuvers, complex for them anyway…Chet could just sit at his combined helm and Ops station.

Vianola sat in her chair beside him. Just because some dumbass couldn’t figure how to add two more seats in, didn’t mean Max couldn’t have engineering holo-program one for her.

“Chester!” Mac said, standing from his command chair. He knew that Chester hated being called by his Gods given name. “Open hailing frequencies.”

“All frequencies open, captain,” came the none-too-thrilled response.

“Senator Killik and people of Mountain Home, I am Captain Maxwell Culver of the United Federation of Planets’ official peace envoy, Starfleet’s Triton Seabase approaching you in good faith and with a friendly gesture for all of your people, but especially your children. Our future.

“Now, if you permit it, we welcome you to join us and watch our approach as Colonel s’Khev guides the SS Triteia, our largest submarine, into your safe harbor. Colonel, please address Senator Killik and the people of Mountain Home.”

Max touched the trio of holographic displays above his head, each showing a crowd of seemingly happy Romulans. They remained open, though smaller as he and Vi moved to their positions.

With a burst of wave and spray the SS Triteia surfaced. The submarine resembled a whale breaking the water and dancing in the air. When the ship settled into the water Galen climbed forth from the hatch at the top. He stood on the tower with a communicator in his hand, used to amplify his voice. "My fellow Romulans. The Empire that we all hold dear has endured since time immemorial and will continue to endure. However, if the events of the past decade has taught us anything it is that we cannot endure without allies. I know I am not the only one here who knows that for us trust is a dirty word..." Galen paused here for a laugh and it worked. One could hear over the din of cheers actual laughter.

When the laughter died off Galen continued. "...Over the past century there have been a fair number of joint ventures between the Empire and the Federation. Each and every one of them have finished to the benefit of both governments. So Ladies, Gentlemen, Senators, and Tal Shiar agents hiding in the shadows..." Another laugh could be heard through the crowd.

"...I say we trust the Federation, albeit carefully. I want you all to know that Captain Culver knows that where we extend our hand in friendship the other remains on our disruptors. Our trust comes at a price and the Federation is willing to pay it. Now my fellow Romulans observe the ceremony that we are deserved of." The submarine cleared the entrance of the harbor and made its way toward the docks. Galen motioned to the sky to cue the start of the flyby and for the rest of the ceremony to continue.

Max was now standing on the top deck, feeling almost stupid at the pageantry they were presenting, but it was what they had agreed would work. “We just hope to be fighting on the same side as the Romulans, Colonel s’Khev!

“Now look high above you as Starfleet’s trio of McCall class fighters take to the skies in a daring dance of aerial pageantry,” Max announced.

From behind the Seabase, two small fishtails rose out of the water and grew in height. The Seabase’s tactical submarines came from below to jump over the wings of the McCall class fighters. Soon the pair were performing perfect halo circles in the water.

After a few of these perfectly performed underwater halos, the McCall fighters left the water and flew up the vertical walls for thousands of meters before breaking safely up and over the city in a pair. For a full on air show, the fighters faced each other and charged one toward the other, missing by about a meter.

After they’d broken off, the fighters met in a side by side formation as they rocketed above the city, engaging in a circle as they released colored smoke and rocketing colors. They drew together and circled each other like they had done in the ocean below, but emitting their colored smoke and fireworks until they ran out.

Reaching the zenith of their flight pattern, the fighters cut power and fell uncontrolled toward the city until they both regained power at the last minute, much to the cheer of the crowd below, as the fighters finished their air show by setting down in their established landing areas.

They would remain on display for some time before returning to the Seabase to be recycled.

Max had used the small staircase to drop down to the bridge as quickly as possible. Fortunately, by the time he got there, Vi appeared ready to proceed. “Let’s go to Lieutenant Commander Paxidor for another surprise!”

Vi looked over Max. The grimace well hidden from her face but you could tell by her eyes that she felt this was well over the top. A flyby is one thing, a submarine welcome a nice touch given their 'station' but she couldn't help but feel that this was pushing them over the edge. Credibility was a word that would lose meaning fast.

"Petty Officer Persichetti..." Vi sighed loudly, maybe even groaned a little. "Now."

And with that from the view top of Triton Station to its base shot out capsules. Propelled with magic and dreams... sorry, a propulsion system and fuel, they flew above the gathered crowds below and exploded into a sea of different shades of fireworks suited to the light of the evening and mixed with confetti and holographic projections that danced through the air.

Vi even swore she saw an old Earthen legend called a dragon flying in from behind a cloud.

Rena sat near the Command team-as Chief Counselor, a part of her duties were also to serve as a sort of "Mission advisor". Good thing that wasn't her full time job, because her advice would usually be "abort mission." However, she did find this excursion quite intellectually stimulating, and she was excited to see what the new sub-base would hold. Someday, it would hopefully be a bustling, full-functional scientific posting, but the trail-blazing part was hard. She looked at Max. "Everything seems to be going smoothly, sir." And she hadn't even had to pump everyone full of feel-good energy!

Max had been disappointed that they hadn’t been able to use the tactical submarines as little more than pretty water decorations that mimicked Earth’s dolphins. He was sure his disappointment didn’t show as he smiled and presented his hand for Rena to take.

She took his hand. She hated the pomp and circumstance of this kind of thing but absolutely recognized the importance of it. "They seem... Impressed is a strong word for Romulans but at least entertained." Everyone on base seemed relaxed, too. The past week's upsets seemed far away today.

Max let his stiff shoulders relax now that the show was over. “Good,” he said, letting out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “I’ll take entertained.”

Rena smiled, and nodded. "Me, too."

Tapping his combadge, he ordered, “All senior staff to the transport pads. It’s time to meet the people.” Max had made it his goal to try and sound upbeat.

Aurora had been able to slip away from her duties, (after finishing her specific work of course) and sneak up to the top most point of the base, out of sight of prying eyes. She watched the festivities with child-like wonder.

"Aw man, this is so BEAUTIFUL!" Aurora whispered to herself as she took in the show.

As his ship made its way to the dock Galen watched as everything unfolded. It was quite the sight and he was a little sickened by what he saw. His people watched in awe and taken in by some pageantry which had been set up in a matter of days. It was easy to take these Romulans in and all Galen could do was think about how times had changed. Of course these feelings were internal. Plastered on his face was the political smile that was expected from Triton's Executive Officer.

---

Captain Maxwell Culver beamed into Mountain Home with his Executive Officer on his right and his Chief Security and Tactical Officer on his left while the other beamed in at specific points.

Rena reported to the transporter pad as directed, next to the new CMO and with S'tera by her side. Rena tried to not stand too close to the Caitian; she'd vowed to stay professional at work and in social settings with the entire crew (or at least senior staff), mostly because she was the youngest of "senior staff" and didn't want any problems, and also because the wrath of Vi scared her pants off.

Since arriving at the Seabase Doctor Frasier Greene was still trying to put everything together and become integrated with the crew and senior staff. Therefore he was relieved to be transporting over with Counsellor Campbell a familiar face.

The final groups arrived via transports. Aurora finally headed up the seemingly impenetrable wall of stone and ice as it appeared below, taking a transporter with a few others and almost immediately feeling overwhelmed!

[Oooookayyyy...this is more than I bargained for. Deep breath, Aurora, you've got this] Aurora suppressed a shiver and put on a smile.

Last, the large hover lift of candy of all sorts of Romulan fashion. “On my mark,” Max whispered as he grabbed a handful each of the candies. “The United Federation of Planets and Starfleet are overwhelmed by your cheer and good will, we offer more!” Max yelled, the holoscreens echoing his words.

On his toss of candies, Max whispered, “Mark.” And before the candy he and the command crew had tossed hit the ground, the sky rained down candies on roads throughout the entirety of Mountain Home.

"C'mon Rena! Let it rain candy!" S'tera said. "Hi everybody! Nice to see you! We're happy to be here!" She looked to a little girl. "Hi, I'm S'tera. What's your name?"

Rena took a handful of candy. This really was more her element. She didn't do well with too many ADULTS, but pack a room full of kids, and Rena's mothering instinct kicked into high gear. She handed out pieces and gave smiles all around, bending down occasionally to talk to an individual child. She faced a little Romulan boy, face serious, and smiled. "Hi!! I am Rena. What's your name?" He said his name was Povis. She smiled. "Nice to meet you, Povis. Would you like some candy?" The boy smiled and took a piece. She moved on, closer to S'Tera.

Taking a handful Frasier felt awkward tossing the candy into the crowd and his actions being repeated upon the screen above. Certainly wasn't what he was expecting when he climbed out of his bunk this morning. Watching the colourful sweets tumble downwards he was struck by a sudden vision of how his son James would react to the scene - laugh gleefully and snatch up as much as his little hands to could carry. With a snort Frasier shook away the thought.

Aurora felt better as she tossed candy to the crowds, not being the center of a staring contest made her feel less scared and she could get more into the spirt of things...especially since she was spreading cheer the same way as The Candy Man!

Aurora noticed a small boy by himself, and casually walked over.

"Hi there, little buddy. My Name's Aurora. Are you ok?" Aurora asked.

Povis had lost his family. He had gone off to use the bathroom, and when he returned to his spot, they were gone. "Hello. No. I can't find my mom." He said. "Are you in the StarFleet? My father said I can ask you to help me." He was scared.

"My name's Aurora, I am, and I sure can! Wanna ride on my shoulders? You could probably catch a sight of them from up there!" Aurora offered.

Povis nodded. "Thank you, Miss Aurora. My name is Povis Ota." He let the Klingon woman pick him up. "I don't see anything yet!" He said. "Oh, there's my sister. She's looking for me, I think. T'LINNNNNNNNNNN..." he hollered.

Aurora almost clamped her hands over her ears before catching and reminding herself she was holding a child on her shoulders.

"I'm pretty sure if she didn't hear that, she was calling you at the same time," Aurora giggled as she headed toward the girl.

Povis giggled. "Yeah!" Soon, they were stopped in front of an older Romulan child, possibly 12 or 13. "That's her. My sister, T'len!"

Callan walked up and placed his hand gently on the Aquadian hybrid’s shoulder. “I’m sure the Captain would be happy to see you’ve got this boy back to his sister, but I’d bet you’d be best back to the ceremony, mate. Time to catch up to the anti-grav hover lift, mate.”

After Aurora set Povis down, she had to stifle a squeak at the hand on her shoulder.

"Oh! Oh, hi ya Callan! Yeah...sigh, I guess we'd better.

Gotta go, Povis. Nice to meet you, T'len. Please keep an eye on this little fella!" Aurora ruffled Povis's hair, nodded to T'len, and followed Callen back to the hover lift.

Povis nodded, holding on to his sister's hand. "Bye!!" He shouted.

With the short parade down the Main Street, Max and the crew were done with their march, clearly coming to stand before the man at the end. Perched like an eagle on the edge of his seat, this man seemed to rule by fear and the candy sledge was sent backwards through the crowd while Max addressed the other, who was clearly not the corpulent Senator Killik.

Before Max could speak and clear the air, he was already at a loss when the man moved swift and darkly, clutching a large staff with the birds clutching one planet, a new symbol for this world. “Excuse the Senator, Captain, he is not one for such a show of song and dance. Prancing fools come with empty words and empty gestures. I am Consul Rhetorak, I am equally as unimpressed.”

Aurora bit back a snarl at the man's attitude, knowing her place was not to get everyone off on the bad foot...but she was sore tempted!

“Of course not, Consul Rhetorak,” Max assured the man, as someone whispered in his ear bud. “Our words may fall on your deaf ears, but I see they do not fall on the ears of your people. They seem happy with the small gesture of candy and the music of your own prideful music, sir.”

“We shall see. Someone take the Captain and our guests to the banquet we have prepared for them. Colonel s’Khev,” Rhetorak turned to the only Romulan he appeared ready to speak with. “Perhaps you might like to join the proper Romulans, so you may be treated as one such as you deserves, sir?”

Max looked at s’Khev and nodded almost absently. He’d seemingly been enchanted by the children looking for green candy left in his pockets. An obvious attempt to keep him occupied.

Rena had quickly picked up on some...ICKY vibes, and beamed out some good ones to counter, mouthing to Max. "Do you want me to say something counselor-y?" She knew better than to speak out of turn to the Senator but would if he gave his go-ahead.

For a moment Galen was not sure what Rhetorak played at. Why would they want to split him from the rest of Triton's crew. Then he realized that the only way he would learn that was to go with the other Romulan. All of this passed through his mind in an instant. "Yes Consul I think I would enjoy that." He replied as he took a mental note to take in everything and report back.

As they moved on, Rena left S'tera's side for a moment. "Do you think it was safe to let him go? I mean, I know he's among his people, but...I don't know. That guy gave me creepy vibes." She sighed. "Where's Vi?"

Max smiled easily. “Counselor, Rena…I get the feeling Galen will be safest wherever he’s been invited to go. Commander Paxidor is still doing the last of her duties, rounding up crowds and sending them off to their homes.

“I don’t suspect we are in any trouble. This banquet sounds less than their best and if the Royal carpet is green don’t get offended,” Max warned with a laugh. “I don’t sense much more than a heavy dose of disrespect, Rena. Their postures, their words, their auras…all of it adds up to a sense of displeasure and of hastening our departure.

“I’m not expecting the best food, drink or company. Some kind of peasant stew, maybe cheap beer or mead and whatever passes for a peasant’s dessert.

“From the three ounces of ‘fancy’ food we’ve been offered in the past, this might actually be enjoyable, comparatively.”

Max looked about. “Would you grab the young Ensign Verhoeven and Lieutenant Lyta to spread the word that we expect to be moved to some sort of banquet hall soon, for dinner.”

Rena nodded. "You have way more confidence in the Romulans than I do, sir. I can do that, of course. Aye, sir." She turned away, sighing deeply, but went off in search of Verhoeven and Lyta and S'Tera, to let them know it was time to return to the Captain. After a few minutes, all four were settled in, looking for Aurora.

Aurora was still fuming from what she'd overheard...and almost got lost!

[Sheesh! Get it together girl!] Aurora thought as she snuck into the Dining Hall behind a Romulan carrying a covered dish.

"Hi guys...sorry...got distracted, then lost," Aurora shrugged apologetically as she grabbed a chair beside Rena.

Lihran pulled up and took a seat a little bit off to the side and keeping rather to himself. He was a rather shy, awkward engineer and didn't know anyone here yet really, not enough to just plonk down beside them.

Similarly Doctor Frasier Greene sat slightly isolated from the others having not yet gelled with a majority of the crew as they knotted together in conversation. Being the resident CMO was also a disadvantage he'd discovered, much akin to being near the Captain or XO personnel were known to behave differently in his presence as not to draw attention to themselves. Here, at the vast table the crew would be wise to take a leaf from that lesson as guests they needed to create a lasting good impression.

Rena leaned to Aurora and then S'tera in turn. "It's important to make the best impression. I'll do what I can, but the Romulans are more powerful than I; though I can probably get Commander Paxidor to assist, we're going to have to do this the old-fashioned way," she sighed. Manipulating the air in a room full of Romulans was undoubtedly NOT a good idea, and she didn't need Max upset OR the Senator. "Lt. Lihran. Please join us; we're women, not snakes. We don't bite. Well. S'Tera might," she joked, indicating the Caitian next to her. "Dr. Greene!! Did you enjoy the parade?" He was a serious fellow, and Rena was still trying to figure him out. She beamed some happiness his way, but shrugged lightly. She could only do what she could. Her black-irised eyes scanned the room-for the Captain (who, honestly, was her biggest concern) and for Commander Paxidor, who, she assumed, was quietly, carefully, observing and working the room for any sort of security problem.

Aurora nodded, waving at the Doctor and Commander.

"I don't think we've met yet. I'm Lt. JG Aurora of the House of Kor. It's a pleasure to meet you both!" Aurora grabbed a slice of...something white, and took a bite

"Mmmm! Taste this!" Aurora squeaked happily as she carefully grabbed a few more pieces.

"Hey, I only bite when asked to Rena! Dr. Greene! Good to see you? How are you doing?" S'tera asked.

Rena snorted. "Your scratch is worse than your bite." She shook her head, but turned her attention to Dr. Greene.

Switching seats to move closer to prevent them shouting across the table Doctor Frasier Greene acknowledged the women with a smile and indicated Lihran to huddle together . "Hello ladies, nice to meet you both. The parade wasn't quite had I'd envisioned but was enjoyable."

"Well, some parades are better than others! I figure the kids seemed to enjoy it and I've definitely seem a lot worse." S'tera said. "Besides, gotta make a good impression!"

Rena nodded. "I hate the pomp and circumstance of it all BUT I really enjoyed watching the children have fun," she said. She turned to Aurora. "What is that SMELL??" What was she EATING?! Too many carnivores in one place. "S'Tera, are you ready to check out the food?" She asked the Caitian.

Aurora looked up, then took a sniff of what she was eating...glancing back at them as she cocked her curiously.

"Um...is there a smell? I guess I can't smell anything for some reason," Aurora shrugged, not sure what was wrong.

"Rena. honey, I'm always ready to eat! Let's see what they have!" It was true. S'tera loved to eat. She loved to do a lot of things! Which of course, Rena would find out in due time.

"I know. Let's go." She grabbed S'tera's hand, and they went over to where Aurora was. "Is it meat? It STINKS!!" She said. "I don't suppose they have a replicator for my Jumja salad..." she sighed. CARNIVORES!! Blasted.

Frasier watched the two women hand in hand cross over the buffet table but remained seated as their host arrived to address the party.

“Friends of the people of Mountain Home!” A tall but nervous man stood at the head of the town council table. “We welcome you with a feast! We hope it is as high as your standards for greetings. Though our fine Senator does not dine with his peasants and you are our first guests, I suppose that makes us similar.

“For now, fill your stomachs on all the finest we have to offer. If you can’t find something to your liking, feel free to stop by our kitchen counter and they will make you something gourmet. Eat, my friends, eat!” He laughed heartily.

Max could feel an awkwardness from the man, but no deception. He expected the food to be delicious. Max could feel there was a general dislike when the Senator was mentioned, but also an overall sense of fear and that they were hiding something. It would take time and trust before any adult here would say anything to anyone of them.

Max remembered Aurora had helped a boy find his family at the parade, maybe she could use that favor to get some information from one of the two kids.

Aurora felt something was a bit off...but she was unsure as to what it was that was itching at the back of her mind, so she merely shrugged and looked for something vegetarian to combat the stickiness of the yummy whatever she'd eaten.

Max approached Aurora with a sort of bread, cheese, grapes and other fruits and a glass of wine. “You haven’t seen any of these Romulans eye beating us any more than the others, have you?” he asked, casually leaning back against the rounded wall. “Careful! That wine goes straight to your head.”

It was true, perhaps the strongest wine, she wouldn’t even know the name the fruit from which is it was formulated.

Aurora took a glass, sniffed it, still unable to smell anything, and took a tiny sip.

"Um...are you okay, Captain? This stuff just tastes like Earth grape juice. as to your question, nope, but something is wrong, I just can't put my finger on what other than my sense of smell being gone. Aquadian's have the same sense of smell as a shark, but since right after the parade, I've not been able to smell anything," Aurora spoke in a soft voice so as not to draw attention.

"Whoa...I...I think you were right...about...that...wine." Aurora fell into a chair. A wave of dizziness overwhelmed her as she dropped her cup and bowl with a 'CLANG!'.

"I...I only had a...a sip," Aurora whispered hoarsely as the room spun.

Max shook his head. Another Aquadian foul. “Doctor Greene!” Max called, a bit of a stern yet concerned look in his eyes. He wasn’t aware Aquadians were unable to process alcohol. He had a slight buzz, but he’d downed a glass already without so much as a grape from his charcuterie board selections.

"Easy there," Doctor Greene soothed as he crouched down beside Aurora's seat having moved swiftly as she'd faltered and sat heavily. "Take steady breaths, in through your nose and out with your mouth," he watched her keenly wishing he'd bought some supplies with him.

"Wwhat's uup with the room? Did ssomeone Earth the quake?" Aurora was having trouble seeing double.

Rena had watched the scene unfold, and without a word to S'Tera, she was on her feet, as she was sensing that Aurora was VERY sick. She grabbed her bag that she always carried on the way; it had her tricorder and a first-aid kit. She wasn't the Counselor for nothing - she had learned ages ago to be prepared for anything. "Sir, here's mine. You can return it later," she said.

"Thank you," Frasier was grateful for the equipment and made short work of conducting a scan of Auora to identify what has going on to her systems.

She knelt to Auora's side and took her hand. "You're okay," she said, filling the Aquadian's head with good things. As Doctor Greene did what he could with her tricorder and first aid kit, she looked to Max. "What happened? We better all make our excuses, in case it's catchy. Has Vi shown up? Hopefully she's not ill, too!" She stood back up, content that she'd helped enough, and made her way back to S'Tera.

"Hey. I think we may wrap up soon; Aurora is ill and I worry it might be catchy. I hope not, but if so, I expect to be out of commission for a few days - illnesses always affect my abilities." She rubbed her eyes. For once, she felt older than her 25 years, and tireder than she'd been in awhile.

Max moved to where the counselor looked tired and worried at the same time. “It’s just some altitude sickness. The thin air isn’t agreeing with her gills. Everything’s okay,” Max assured Rena. “Still, it’s been a long day. I don’t think anyone will be too upset if we start clearing out. Head to sickbay and they can give you a dose of triox if needed.”

Max returned to Aurora and Frasier. He was just about to say something when Aurora spoke first.

Aurora's mood stabilized a little...but her head was still spinning a bit.

"Wwhy's there two of you?" Aurora might have been calmer...but her apparent hangover was still causing problems.

"Would our host be over offended if the Lieutenant and I returned to station?" Greene asked the Captain softly whom was still in earshot.

“To be honest,” Max said, the scent of smoke and meat heavy in the air. With fires so heavy, and so many people packed in, the Great Hall should have been cozy warm, but there was still a chill to the air. “I’ve already seen a few people leaving as the night has started to fall.

“I think it best if you take her back to the base. It looks like she’s got some altitude sickness, her gills are already processing badly in the smoky hall and the press of people probably doesn’t help. We’ll just explain it as a guest who got ill if anyone asks. I don’t see a problem.”

Frasier nodded and packed away the equipment. "Come on," he gently urged Aurora to her feet.

As the Starfleet personnel began to leave, so did the Romulans. To Max, many of them appeared nervous. Probably not used to having Starfleet security in their streets during the night. Probably also why he hadn’t seen Vi either.

To be honest, in the cooler air, his lungs struggling to fill with the thinner oxygen, Max moved to one of the fighters. He popped the aft door and found the med kit. A moment later and a hypo of triox cleared his head. Max closed the hatch and nearly jumped out of his uniform when he found Consul Rhetorik standing just behind him.

“My apologies Captain,” the Consul said, his voice sounding raspier in the cold. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. The acoustics in Mountain Home are tricky sometimes. Especially when the wind gets to sweeping between the higher towers.

“I heard some of your people were suffering from the thin air and the thick smoke. Both take some time to get used to,” the Consul answered as he pulled a handkerchief to block the smell of smoke from the captain.

“Either way, Senator Killik would like to extend an offer for you to stay to night with us here in the Home. We’ll have you put on the lower levels so you can see your exciting Seabase. You wouldn’t mind staying here with our pleasant peasants.” The Consul laughed before wheezing into a disgusted face. “Might I suggest a change of clothes before meeting the Senator early in the morning…”

“I’ll just grab a bag of items for tomorrow and tonight,” Max asserted as he replicated a winter survival pack along with some bathing wipes and something warm to sleep in.

Max then used the replicator for four more doses of triox to fill his med kit before adding four more. He wasn’t sure how long the doses would last this high into the atmosphere and the oxygen was fairly harmless.

Closing the hatch, Max locked the fighter. “Let’s be going, shall we? It is getting colder. Best to get you settled and comfortable before we say good night, hmm?”

“Lead the way,” Max answered with a closed lip smile. He already applied some chapstick. “Lead the way, my good man.”

---

 

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