DATE: December 9, 2001 CAST: Basil, Enzo and Quatre The Tin Can Bug Bar This rusty can, once used to hold soup, veggies, or something of the sort, is now host to one bug's bar and grill. The insides of the can are spotty, rain obviously taking it's toll on the old can. Furnishings consist of a bar, with stools crafted of bottle caps and matchsticks. A few scattered tables are also patched together sets, made from lids, twigs, matchsticks, and leaves. Flies hover about, seeming to pester many of the other customers. Various bugs sit at tables, or at the bar, where a large brown roach dishes out drinks to those patrons nearby. He gives you a bit of a stare, icy, inquisitive, but soon returns to his business. Enzo has once again been hanging out in his favorite dive. The Tin Can Bug Bar. Planning to toss back a few drops of some brew, he's essentially by himself. This situation gives him the opportunity to become lost in thought, or to listen to the occasional interesting banter that occurs, particularly when a number of the patrons get together and their conversations seem to be inflicted with serious inebriation. He's prided himself that he can keep his liquor better than a lot of bugs. Some many times his size. Upon which finds ways to take advantage of different opportunities. Of the many insects who come and go, there is one in particular who looks very much out of place. A young grasshopper slowly enters the establishment, and probably the most drunken insect who can still see could tell you that he's under age. Quatre studies the tin can's interior with a carefully neutral expression -- or, that was the intention, anyway. He doesn't belong there, and it looks like he's well aware of it, too. Regardless, he strays toward a table that is quite close to Enzo's, sets his satchel down, and has a seat. Blue-green eyes watch the other patrons intently... that is, when he thinks no one is looking. "Uh, I'd like some service, sometime *today*!" grumbles Enzo loudly as he becomes impatient with his dry mouth and lack of relaxed state the first drop gives him. With rolled eyes, he looks out toward some of the other drunkards and with a slight tilt of the head manages to spy Quatre enter the bar. Yes, quite out of place he does appear to be, especially with such a noticeably youthful look. That case he has with him is also something of interest, and the nosy mosquito gains the intent on finding out more. "If you've come for a drink, you'd better be patient, they seem to be taking their dear sweet time tonight," is whined to Quatre, as the youth hopper' takes his seat in the table nearby. The youth fixes his gaze attentively on the mosquito as he speaks. "Thanks for the warning," he replies, in a tone that is polite but distant, as though it is a bit of an exertion to act as if this place is perfectly normal to him. "But I'm not here for pleasure anyway." Enzo gives a responsive nod then adds for a bit of tongue in cheek, "And if you want some *decent* food, I'd recommend the Subcrawler Lounge." Eyes then narrow and an inquisitive expression is passed. "Oh, really? I've only come here for a good time." Eyes refocus on Quatre to gain more info. "What type of business brings you here?" The statement 'business' is emphasized in hopes that it can be found as a way of getting out of more work. Enzo hates to be bothered by work when it cuts into his personal time. Yup, basic leech on society. The expression that tries to be a placid mask flinches as Enzo brings up the Subcrawler Lounge. Oh yes. Quatre has certainly been there, and after being involved in the infamous fiasco with Berserker Duo and the Meeping Blob, he has no intention of going back anytime soon. But he says nothing of this, and simply answers Enzo's question: "Have you heard about something called the 'ant slave trade organization'? My job has... something to do with it." He watches the mosquito's face, to judge his reaction. The hazel colored eyes of Enzo lift to the top of his head as he gives his memory a whirl, but nothing comes of it. "Nah, not specifically by that name," Enzo's mind gets lost in thought for a moment then an idea occurs to him. Ants and slave trade. Must be some kind of agent for finding ants to be sold into slavery. This might be his opportunity to finally be rid of Walter and Basil for good. "but I've been working with two ants for the past couple to a few months." Quatre nods slowly, breaking off eye contact for a moment as it becomes apparent that Enzo really doesn't have anything to do with this ASTO group, which means this is one less insect to bring down at some point. But as the mosquito mentions his coworkers, Quatre's glance returns, becomes questioning. Either way, he *is* interested in the whereabouts of other ants. "I've never really seen any ants here myself," he replies. "This isn't the place for them. Where did you say they worked?" "Oh. I agree with you there, totally. Bug City is *not* the place for an ant." Enzo's comment being much more leading toward prejudice than any type of concern. His eyes light up as Quatre asks about the location of his ant co-workers' place of employment. Ah, good idea, corner them when they come to work'. "Well, to be honest, I've only seen the one this last week or two. The other, Walter, I don't know, maybe he's out sick or somthin'." A pause, then the answer to the actual question is finally offered. "Oh, the place is the scrounger warehouse and the trailer." Quatre was at first somewhat relieved that Enzo had nothing to do with this slavery business -- but even if he hadn't, the mosquito is definitely interested, so that may change. In a way it already has, seeing as how Enzo thinks Quatre is a participant in the ASTO. His expression tightens, barely hiding his disgust towards the insect's willingness to betray another. "What hours do they work?" he asks, managing to keep his tone civil. "Well. It tends to vary. But as I was looking at the schedule, he's supposed to work right about now, I think." Panic begins to set in, as he now realizes he's given too much info, and probably won't get any monetary compensation. "Ya know. It's a rough job. I've been hurt a number of times, and to be honest, my memory isn't what it used to be." A mock expression of pain followed by a gentle rubbing of the side of his head, to indicate head injuries. Then an index finger lightly taps the table, to suggest if any more useful info is to be gained, Enzo wants to be reimbursed for his efforts. Clearly Enzo has no idea of how Quatre feels about the slavery of ants. Being the son of a successful and obscenely wealthy business man, Quatre has observed and become all too familiar with "hints" of this sort -- although he's no miser, this approach coming from someone who is more or less selling someone else is galling. Although his posture becomes more rigid than ever, he refrains from saying or doing anything rash. He reaches into his satchel and pulls out an authoritative-looking piece of paper, reserved for those who don't want to carry a great deal of cash with them, along with a writing instrument, and begins filling out various fields. To all appearances, it entitles Enzo to quite a generous sum, and is signed 'Quatre Raberba Winner.' Enzo looks on toward Quatre, and watches intently as the said piece of paper is filled out. 'Now we are getting some place.' He comments in his mind. "Well, as I was saying . . . Yeah, yeah. Basil should be heading to work in just a bit." A big grin manifests itself as the mosquito anticipates receiving the reward. "In fact, I know where he lives now. I'll be more than happy to show you, if you'd like. That way you have a better chance of finding him." A hand is then gestured toward the entrance to the bar. After making sure Enzo has gotten a good look at what is written on the paper, Quatre gingerly folds it up but does not offer it to the mosquito, in such a way that suggests he'll only give it to Enzo when the latter has fulfilled his end of the bargain. He pauses, however, as the other ant's name is mentioned. He frowns thoughtfully, as though it reminds him of something. "I think that would be preferable," Quatre says at length. "Let's go there now." He rises. Enzo eyes go about as wide as possible as he sees the amount on the form. Should be enough to cover bar tabs, other debts *and* some fun money as well. He's just about to reach for the paper, but watches Quatre fold it up to indicate that the amount will be given later. "I understand. I'll take you there myself." Enzo clearly understands that the compensation will be made upon delivery of said promise. After all, the info he has provided could be fabricated. Besides, he doesn't mind waiting, if it gives him the chance to watch an ant hauled off into slavery. The mosquito stands up and awaits for Quatre to do the same. Quatre reaches for his satchel, no doubt containing more papers like the one he just signed for Enzo, and slings it on one shoulder so that it is out of the way, but not in a position that will interfere with his wings should he need to use them. He nods in response before beginning to walk towards the entrance. His manner has become much more reserved than it usually is, but, he doesn't trust himself to interact too much with Enzo without his true feelings on this whole situation showing through. Bug City - Main Street South With access to a large apartment complex, and one of the more infamous bars, the Tin Can Bug Bar, this half of Main Street is just as busy as the rest of the place, perhaps even more so at times. The apartment is made of several stacked boxes, with small walkways for each different box. Many bugs seem to simply loiter around it. The distinctive rusty can nearby makes up the bar, and a small burger box on the corner seems to have been converted into a fast food stop, though the odor that trails from the place doesn't make it the most appetizing, at least to all bugs. The street slowly dies off into a more surburban area, with what looks like a few homes and perhaps a school as well... Enzo is quite delirious with this sudden *good turn of events* to notice the reserved stance and expression of Quatre. Why should he, when all you care about is money, laziness, and doing what you want. Not a single word is expressed as he progresses out onto the street, heading in the direction of Basil's apartment building. He makes his way down the street, assuming Quatre is planning to follow. "It's right over there," Points out Enzo, and in the process, passes a glance and sees the subject of their conversation coming out of the building. "Do you see that thin beige ant?" He calls out with a great deal of excitement. Quatre does indeed follow, at a pace that almost matches his. Then he gapes at the apartment building as it is suddenly pointed out to him. "All this time?" he wonders, shaking his head in amazement. His own apartment is in that building. Although he rarely finds time to go there anymore, it makes the boy want to kick himself for not having seen the ants for himself sooner. Surely he would have at some point? His train of thought is brought to a halt as Enzo suddenly points out the ant exiting the building. He nods. "Yeah. I see him." Basil quickly emerges from the Wing View Apartments, on his way to work. A stop for a few moments is obtained as he scans the area. He hasn't seen antenna or exoskeleton of Walter for, what, nearly two weeks now? The thought passes his mind, even though the chances of he actually spying Walter at that very moment in time is virtually impossible. It's about time for him to be going to work, and begins to search for gaps in the crowd of bugs so he can mesh with them to be on his way. Basil at this time has no knowledge he's being watched by Quatre or Enzo. Enzo turns directly toward Quatre, as to be sure he doesn't cause any errors of miss-communication. "That's him!" Is announced loudly, and triumphantly. "That's Basil!" Enzo begins to quicken his pace, so as to be sure they don't loose the target of his aggravation, and new source of income. There is no way on this planet Enzo is going to loose that much money, and be finally rid of that 'little twerp' as he has so often called him. Or was that Walter's nickname. It matters little. It was at about this time that Quatre was considering giving Enzo the paper right then and there and telling him to move along, as he suddenly feels that approaching this the wrong way may alarm the ant more than is absolutely necessary -- he remembers, about two weeks ago, frightening an ant into running like there was no tomorrow just by walking in his direction, and hasn't seen him since. But now that Enzo is running off in Basil's direction, it's a bit late for this now. "No... wait!" he calls, hoping it will register in the mosquito's antennae -- and somehow doubting it will. Suppressing a groan, he follows Enzo. Dang it! With all the action going on, it seems impossible to find a large enough space to integrate into the mass number of bugs out on the street. Well, peaceably anyway. Scanning the area again, he first sees Enzo working his way, and rather quickly as well. Basil takes note of this and is genuinely curious since he's rarely seen the mosquito move so quickly except when Muffin was on the prowl. As Enzo approaches, he calls: "Heading to work? I didn't see you on the schedule for today." This is more muttered in frustration since he would rather work alone than with Enzo. Enzo's pace is almost to a full gallop as he advances toward Basil, in hopes of keeping him detained long enough for Quatre to reach them. A grasp is brought out as he is almost on top of the ant whom is unaware of what is going on. "I hope you've enjoyed your stay in the city, because you're about to become property to some slave owner!" Then, just to make the idea sink even more deeply into Basil's mind, Enzo looks back and after catching a glimpse of Quatre, points out the approaching g-hopper. He then looks back and gives a most triumphant expression. Before Quatre is able to reach them, an accident involving a drunken praying mantis and a transport beetle interrupts his progress... namely, the beetle swerves to miss the intoxicated fool, and skids right in several insects' paths, Quatre's included. "One thing after another," he murmurs, frustrated by how he's allowed the situation to escalate. Fortunately, no one was really injured. He manages to slip around the scene, before he finally starts to catch up with Enzo. It takes a fair number of seconds for what just happened to calculate themselves in Basil's mind. Then the combination of the words, along with Walter's reason for leaving, and a good enough glimpse of Quatre causes a panic beyond description to enter his mind. "The slaver scout!" is softly muttered in horror followed by a quick glimpse beyond Enzo, the other bugs, the city and the trailer above. A glance that goes beyond anything on Earth. With heart racing wildly, Basil calls out, "Oh *please* dear God. NO!!!" A quick jerk of the head and a wild turn away from Quatre's direction, he forces his way into the crowd, shoving bugs of various kinds out of his path. Enzo watches the actions of Basil, especially the expression and the sudden jerking away into the crowd of bugs. He then looks and shouts to Quatre. "He's getting away!" Enzo makes a mad dash and attempts to follow the terrified ant, watching the various bugs being forced aside. Many shouting out in frustration and irritation. "That little twerp is stronger than he looks," states Enzo in bewilderment as he quickly loses ground but soon notices something that brings a sinister smile to his face. Basil in a mindless panic has made his way into a blind alleyway. Perfect. Quatre's eyes widen at Basil's understandable panic. At the same time, the ant's cry lashes his conscience. No, no, no... he handled it all wrong. He was only thinking of his anger towards Enzo's casual attitude towards slavery, as well as producing a substantial reason to have him arrested and thus scare the mosquito out of having anything to do with ASTO in the future -- he didn't think of this. But, now is not exactly the time for regret. His wings snap into motion, lifting him off the ground. Now that Quatre is airborne, he zips over the crowd, desperately trying to reach the alley before Enzo does, and block the mosquito's way. Shoving his way through a crowd of bugs, some nearly twice his size, Basil can hardly think as he works his way to an easier, less bogged down area, ignoring the complaints of the other bugs. Soon he finds strangely enough he's broken through the crowd, and stumbled into an alley with no outlet. It's when he reaches the halfway point he sees no way out, and turns around hoping not to have been followed. Enzo soon makes his way into the crowd, and toward the alley Basil wandered, or more accurately ran into in a blind panic. There is no way he's going to miss this little scene. He also is oblivious of Quatre's intentions and actions, and despite the other bug taking to flight, manages to make his way into the alley just before the hopper does. Seeing that Enzo has made it first, Quatre lands at the entrance of the alley, breathing heavily. "Stop right there," he says, his voice suddenly authoritative. If it weren't for the fact that he was openly glaring at Enzo and Enzo alone, one might assume he was addressing the ant who fled here. But then with the dim lighting, among other things, it could easily be missed. Hearing the commotion at the entrance to the alley, Basil slowly opens his eyes to see the horrible grin on Enzo's face and the mosquito approaches him. Then as he hears Quatre's command, the beige ant freezes, feeling his heart skip a beat. Unrelenting panic fills him even more, and in blind minded horror, attempts to make another run for it. Enzo's smile given to Basil quickly deteriorates into a frown then unbridled anger as the 'little pest' attempts to escape. The mosquito waits until Basil is nearly to him and callously sticks his foot out and trips the other bug attempting to escape. "I've got him stopped!" offers Enzo, as he too assumes that the command from Quatre was intended toward the wayward ant, trying to escape again. "Forget it Basil. Against two bugs, whom both have wings, you don't have a chance. Just give it up and go quietly." Well, thanks to shortsightedness, this has become quite the lovely situation. After observing Enzo trip up the ant, Quatre winces. Then, his normally tranquil gaze is touched with fury -- partly angry at himself, for letting things happen like this. "I didn't mean him," he informs Enzo. "I am actually working *against* the ASTO, and have sufficient grounds to turn you in for engaging in slave trade." Basil feels Enzo's foot catch under his own, causing him to trip, hit the ground and roll over several times until he comes to a stop. At this point all common sense ceases, and Basil remains still, unable to move from sheer panic, anticipating the worst. As he hears the comments made, first by Enzo then Quatre, he slowly lifts his head, and isn't quite sure what to make of exactly what he heard. Basil for the moment stays down, simply leaning against his right arm, with a palm flat against the ground. Enzo can't comprehend what Quatre has just told him. "*Against* the slave trade?" gasps the confused mosquito whose eyes are now bigger than could be comprehended. "But, wait-wait-wait-wait! How can you be . . . " Enzo has to stop and collect his thoughts. "Turn me in? You mean, arrest me? But-but-but-but I was just trying to get rid of an ant. Like you said, The city is no place for an ant.'" Quatre's anger seems to abate as Enzo stammers to collect his thoughts, but his expression remains stern and penetrating all the same. "Nor is a plantation or a slave camp," he replies. "You can't justify what you did." His grip tightens on his satchel, while his mind skims through the different ways to go from here. "Have you tried this before?" A blank stare is given as Basil continues to listen, and the word /plantation/ crosses his mind as Quatre mentions it. This was the same hopper that Walter and he saw as they escaped the strawberry plantation. Perhaps then his passing at that time was just a fluke. If this hopper *is* against the ASTO, then all the better. But Basil's been lied to before, so he won't make any judgements at this time. Enzo calms down just a tiny bit as it would seem he's not being hauled off to jail immediately. "No!" Replies Enzo with nearly a squeak of a yell. "I haven't had *anything* to do with the what did you call it ASTO? No. I don't care for ants. But I don't know any slavers." Then to further protect himself quickly adds. "And I promise, I won't have anything *ever* to do with them." That last bit if followed by a little hyperventilation. Quatre is relieved to hear this response, even if he doesn't allow this to show. He maintains as stern expression as his youthful face will allow. "Very well. But if I or any of my associates catch you doing something like that again, I guarantee you'll find yourself in prison. Don't think you can get away with it." It may seem ludicrous or naive to let Enzo off the hook like this, but... oh, who are we kidding? Of course it is. But Quatre can't help but hope that the mosquito *is* telling the truth. And, he had a feeling from the start that Enzo wasn't initially involved in the slave trade. Maybe he won't, now. Slowly getting to his feet, Basil feels that this odd little situation is getting a little more under control. Soon he remembers his original destination, that being work, to which he's now late for. However, that trip up and tumble has caused his right foot to become injured in some way. Probably just a pulled muscle, but a possible strain. That won't be good for work, which he might now have to miss. "A-a-a-absolutely!" calls out the still worried Enzo who at this point may still not like ants, but won't be using any of them for supplemental income. However, this little situation won't go forgotten, as he now intends on getting back at Basil for this whole ordeal. Particularly the lost money. There are a lot of dangers in the trailer, and accidents do happen . . . He shoots a nasty glare at Basil, hopefully out of the range of Quatre. "You or your associates won't hear of me or my name associated with that. So, if you will have no further need of me, I shall be on my way," offers Enzo in hopes that he can get out of this situation once and for all. Quatre responds by way of breaking off eye contact and turning away from Enzo dismissively. Although he isn't going to have the 'skeeter arrested after all, his irritation hasn't faded enough to offer even a civil farewell, as he normally would. He then regards Basil, at once concerned and apologetic. "I'm really, very sorry," he tells the ant. "I hadn't intended for this to happen. Are you all right?" Basil eyes Enzo with little concern. Okay, so Enzo can be threatening, but that doesn't mean that he can't schedule around the skeeters' schedule. Or tell Gresham to keep the two of them separate. He then begins to toy with his foot, to see how much harm has come to it as Quatre's inquiry of his condition is asked. "Well, to tell you the truth...Ouch!" Is called out as the pain sends a shock wave through his foot and leg. "That won't be good for work," is commented in a downtrodden expression. "I'm just a little shocked and confused, but I think I'll survive." A sigh is then released. "I'll have to inform my boss I'll be out until this darn foot gets better. Dang it! And just as I was about to get my own place too." Enzo by this time has decided that having no more need of him. He'll be off. Perhaps go back to the bar and resume his day's schedule. Or what he calls it. With that, he leaves Quatre and Basil behind. Without another word. A barely perceptible flinch passes over Quatre's expression, even though he's not the one with the twisted ankle. He releases a regretful sigh. Next time, he decides, he should not be so foolish. Then something like this could be avoided. "I'm sorry," he says once again, all sincerity. "Is your workplace far? I'd be more than willing to tell your boss for you. You'd be better off going back to your apartment." "Yeah, sure. I'd appreciate that." A smile is offered back. "Actually, it's Terry's place. She was letting us stay with her until we found a place of our own." Then another upset look is shown as hands are tossed up into the air. "This stinks! I just told Terry I was going to be moving out, now I'll have to be an imposition for what, another three to four months? I can't believe this. Yeah, go tell him. Hopefully he won't decide to end my job as long as this . . . Ouch! Darn foot is out of commission. Won't make living in this city any easier. Darn this stupid place anyway!" A couple of hobbles are successfully made. "I appreciate your help, uh, I didn't catch you name." Quatre nods once, summoning a faint smile, which fades as he listens to Basil's outburst on being prevented from moving out. "I wish I could make it up to you somehow," he murmurs -- he *is* sort of responsible for what happened, or at least he feels certain that he is. As Basil asks for his name (well, in a way), he replies, "My name is Quatre Raberba Winner." He pauses, as realization suddenly pours into his visage. "Are you Basil Harvestwatcher?" he asks, suddenly. Basil smiles weakly at the hopper's offering of compassion. A nice thing to hear, even though Terry has been nothing but the perfect host the entire time they have been staying with her. Particularly that little incident at the bar and the alcohol. That won't be forgotten for a long time. A hand is nearly offered as Quatre offers his name when he asks Basil of his identity. "How . . ." gasps Basil loudly followed by another yelp of pain as he places weight on his foot. "How could you possibly know my name?" Each word spoken distinctively but slowly. "My job is to help stop ant slave trade in any way possible, and I've been to Ant Island more than once," Quatre explains. "I know your name because Willow told me about you." He pauses, wearing a pensive frown. "She said that you had been enslaved, and asked me to keep an eye out for you in the slave liberating missions." For the moment he doesn't bother expanding on how Willow would have possibly known *this*. Instead he smiles mildly. "But I'm glad to see that you've managed to free yourself on your own. I didn't think I would find you." "I see," states Basil as he listens to Quatre intently. Okay so he's heard that 'I've been to Ant Island', or was it 'I know an ant from Ant Island' before from that one odd colored grasshopper. But the mention of that name. Willow. Basil stops silently. 'Willow' he mouths her name three or four times without any sound coming from his lips. His heart races again, much more quickly than before. It's not too common a name, but he knows one sure fire way to solidify the info. "Do you remember her last name?" "I believe it was Northtunnels," Quatre replies, without hesitation. He offers up nothing else, verbally. He simply awaits Basil's reaction -- which, he hopes, is one that reflects an elimination of suspicion. Basil looks down, but not to anywhere in particular, due to the fact that his eyes are now filling to near overflowing with tears. "Thanks Willow," he whispers softly, a tremor of emotion influencing his speech. "You... you've probably saved my life." Basil then wipes the blurriness of his eyes several times, but to no avail. "I'm sorry," sniffs Basil softly. "I'm not normally this emotional, but to go from thinking your life is over to having it being saved..." He then finds it too hard to continue. Quatre is, at first, a little surprised by the emotion-filled response, though at once sympathetic. He can only imagine what this ant has gone through... and he's seen examples, some worse than others. "I understand," he replies, with a small but nonetheless compassionate smile. After a pause, he ventures to ask, "When would you like to return to the island?" Basil nods enthusiastically and muses out loud: "It's just that after what Walter told me about what the slavers on the strawberry plantation do when they are returned." Basil stops for a moment, then concern again fills him. "You've *got* to go find Walter. He left nearly two weeks ago, apparently he saw you and thought the same thing as I just did. His life is more on the line than mine is." Basil now fully in control of his emotions adds, "I can hold up in Terry's place. I need to thank her for letting us stay. She probably saved our lives too, what with that ant lion, and conditions of the city in general. I'd hate to be ungrateful." As Basil speaks, Quatre begins to look more and more uneasy. He glances down pensively as Basil mentions how long ago it was when Walter left, and adjust the strap his satchel momentarily. "You say he went to the wilderness? Two weeks ago?" Quatre wonders aloud, but in such a way that suggests he doesn't want to hear the affirmative. "Or did he have a particular destination in mind? Or direction?" Basil nods solemnly. "I tried to keep him here. Darn it. How could I have been so stupid." Berates Basil rather harshly. "But he would have slipped out eventually, I couldn't keep an eye on him around the clock." Then despairingly he adds: "No, he had no idea where a colony was. And I'm afraid I don't even know the direction he headed." Basil's head drops down, feeling he weight of responsibility of Walter's leaving the city. Or at least letting him leave so easily now. "What was I thinking?" "Please don't blame yourself," Quatre says earnestly. "I'm sure you did what you could. If he made up his mind to leave no matter what, he would have found a way." But as he reflects on the things Basil has said, his visage becomes even more grave, mirroring his troubled state of mind. "I'm not sure what to tell you. It's a big world, and he may have traveled far already. If I can't even know which way he went..." he falls silent for a moment, not bothering to include the obvious. "I'm sorry. I'll do my best to find him, but it will be extremely difficult." He fastens a significant gaze on Basil. "It may take awhile." If at all, he silently adds. "I would feel much better if you were taken to Ant Island first. That wouldn't take very long at all." "Okay. I see your point. We'll just have to hope for the best." The same expression is given in return to Quatre. "But before we do leave, I need to go and thank Terry for her generous hospitality. That won't take more than a few minutes." Finally, the proper countenance of an ant liberated from the city is shown in Basil's very form. He then makes a quick turn for the Wing View Apartments, but stops and asks aloud. "Willow. How on Earth did you know?" He asks in an astonished manner, then a really big grin permeates his visage as he turns back and for no particular reason tells Quatre: "One of the first things I'm planning to do when I get home, is to give that gal just about the biggest, warmest hugs she can take." Basil then awaits any kind of response before leaving for Terry's place. Quatre nods, letting out his breath slowly, thankful that there is no further need to persuade the ant on this matter. "Oh, by all means," he says in reply to Basil's desire to thank Terry, smiling warmly. "I'm sure she would be most displeased if you suddenly left without a word." He watches the ant as he prepares to leave, and prepares to depart himself, until he hears this last announcement. The boy chuckles quietly and shakes his head, before turning. "I still need to tell your boss you won't be coming in today -- or any other day for that matter. I'll be back soon." "Please do. And tell him thanks for keeping me employed." Basil would also thank Gresham for giving him a job that gave him a new definition of fear, but it did keep them in support. "In that case, I'll be inside the apartment building, waiting for you in the foyer then." Two steps, one that is essentially a hobble, but manageable trot, he then looks over his shoulder he adds. "Oh, and thanks for saving me as well. You have no idea how much I appreciate it." Basil afterward slowly makes his way back to Terry's home. [END LOG] Next Log: Parting Ways Return to: Muted Identity logs.

Home / Updates / Writings /Logs / Characters / About Me / Email / Links / Stuff

All references made are copyright of each of their respective owners. All other's are copyright me! 2001-2003 This page created for entertainment purposes only.