Carlos Benitez D.I.D

[Carlos_Benitez]

The sound of the traffic over Crete's docking port roared, as Carlos and Alandra stepped off their transport ship into the busy streets of Heraklion.
"Nice to be home, eh Alandra?" laughed Carlos.
"Yeah dad. We had a good time though, diddn't we?"
"Yeah...you did. I can't ski for heck".

They strolled past the Council Chamber, and Carlos slowed, gazing at the cold stone building. He stared at the empty eastern wall, once covered in the poster-sized portraits of Crete's greatest pilots, now empty.
He stopped, and looked closer, at the lighter patch where the picture of his friend Zavier had once lay proudly, and a little way along, where the portrait of Captain Adrian 'Ares' Jovem used to sit.
It seemed that the Corsairs no longer celebrated their heroes.
"Don't worry about it dad" comforted Alandra. "The Council doesn't deserve your dedication. You have enough to worry about. I bet they've removed your seat..."
Carlos cut in. "I don't know, Alandra. I received no invite to the latest assembly, but my seat was never revoked. I'm waiting for one of my friends inside to raise the issue."
Carlos and his daughter where interrupted by the sound of fast footsteps; the sound of someone running. Carlos glimpsed a bald head rising over the crouds, and then felt the wind knocked out of him as he was attacked from all sides by a bear-hug. It took afew seconds for Carlos to realise what was happening.
Alandra raised her eyebrows, unimpressed by a familiar cold character's sudden change of manner.
"I'm touched Cezar" coughed Carlos, "I really am, but please get off me..."
As if realising what he was doing for the first time, Cezar immediately released Carlos and stepped back.
"What was all that about?" coughed Carlos.
Cezar shifted around. "Sorry senor, I'm just really glad to see you're yourself again."
Alandra's expression haddn't changed. She remained to one side, arms folded, eyebrows raised.
"...right..."murmured Carlos. "How have things been while I've been away?"
"Everything's fine" replied Cezar, before his expression suddenly changed. "...Senor! I almost forgot! Today is the day you scheduled for us to raid Newgate Prison and rescue Pepe Benitez! Everyone's at Myrtos prepping their ships!"
"Whoa, can I come?" shouted Alandra.
Carlos ignored her, and continued his conversation with Cezar. "What ship am I supposed to by flying?" he asked.
"The Tartarus, senor" replied Cezar, much to Carlos' relief.
"Good. I don't think I'm ready to fly solo just yet. I'll meet you in the hangar bay."

Cezar ran back to the Villa to ready the crew of Carlos' gunboat, while Alandra and Carlos made their leisurely way back, with their luggage.
"Who the hell does that guy think he is, dad?" growled Alandra. "First he paraded around like he was the new boss, then that!? If it where anyone else, you'd have had them shot!"
Carlos made no reply. A short silence came, which Alandra broke again.
"Dad...can I come with you to help rescue Pepe? Come on dad...please!!!?"
Carlos' head turned and Alandra caught a harsh glare that was all the answer she needed, and expected.

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