“Kill 'em all!!! KILL'EM ALL!!!!!” The words escaped Fignut’s lips as he stared into the fireplace.

“Fig?? Are you ok Old Man?” asked Lord Tiberius Clearcastle, somewhat of a smirk on his face, but genuinely concerned. He was very fond of his long time friend, and always tried to look out for him.

“Umm??? Oh, what?? Hail lad!!! I’m sorry I was preoccupied.”

“I'll say! Who are you wanting to kill?...I might help.”

“No, nothing like that lad...t’was just a bit of a dream. At my age you tend to drift off every now and again. Now what can I help you with?” Fig answered, sounding mostly himself once more.

“Fig, I am in a bit of a mess...at some point in the near future I am going to be meeting with the RAVE guild and possibly a few other groups. We will be discussing a formal alliance against the DAGR pirates. My problem is this: my ambassador is missing in action. Melantha Moon is going to be acting in her place, but her training is very minimal. Would you mind taking her under your wing, so to speak, and teaching her the finer points of diplomacy?” Tiberius hoped his friend would help.

“Minerva??? Missing??? Any idea what has happened to her lad?? Oh, and yes, of course I’ll help the lass along.” Fig answered. Tiberius sighed with relief, and then continued.

“Well we’re still not sure...there are a few clues, but I would really rather not say anything until I know they come from reliable sources.”

“’Tis a pity...she is a fine lass and very good at her work. I hope you find her well,” Fignut replied, a furrow in his brow and still seeming a little out of sorts.

“We will do our best. Now, when can you get started Old Man?”

“Hmm…? How about tomorrow?”

“Wonderful! For now, if you like, you can use Min's office over at the USN Headquarters in Guardians Gate.” Tiberius was glad his friend could help. He had a lot on his plate and needed an extra hand.

“That would be splendid, and I shall be there bright and early…” Fignut turned back to the roaring fire. “Kill 'em all…”

Lord Tiberius shook his head and turned to leave.

“KILL'EM ALL!!!!” Fignut shouted at the flames in the fireplace.

Once outside, Lord Tiberius found Melantha and informed her of Fignut’s decision. “He will be at the USN Headquarters tomorrow morning...and will be using Minerva’s office. You should be there early. He has consented to teach you.” Tiberius sounded very distracted.

“Thank you Commodore Clearcastle. I am sure I will need the help in the upcoming talks.” Melantha was not sure how she felt about taking over as ambassador, even with help from Fignut, a very respectable and knowledgeable man.

“Yes,” Tiberius spoke to no one but himself. Melantha looked at him and saw a blank expression. He was definitely distracted by something!

“Commodore, is there anything wrong? You look troubled,” she replied.

“Mel...just...keep an eye on Fignut, please? I’m not sure he is ok,” with that Lord Tiberius left Melantha to ponder her new assignment. His mind was miles away. She wondered if she could keep up with all that was going on in the USN of late, but she resolved to try. Melantha did look forward to working with Fignut, and that thought eased her mind some. But what was wrong with Fig that she needed to ‘keep an eye on’? She would have to wait and see the next morning when she reported in for duty.

~The End~

All good stories...

Can someone tell me what's USN website? I don't know where the rest of us is, the only one I see online is myself, and I'm too ugly

Greetings dhekke, here is a link for you: USN

Regards,