The Uli Rouge

[Craines]

The Uli Rouge was finally complete. The many subterranean levels had been completed, with an array of vast security measures to ensure privacy, and had met deSicev's inspection. The two-story villa, the Uli Rouge, had met Fiona's inspections, and she had even moved some things around. It was nice to have everything meet everyone else's expectations, even if Fiona wasn't aware of the underground super-facility.

The modest dining room was set for a party. The tottering old man, Richard Walters, scurried about in a dusty tuxedo, a fading green that had a few stains on it, trying to make sure everything was in order for the Ambassador's favored guests. Even deSicev had decided to contribute something, putting the DNA of the few allowed members into the defense system. If anything else tried to get in, the results would be catastrophic. Of course, deSicev had nothing to fear - nothing would interrupt this night.

The invitations were sent out. "Waverly, Reggie. Deckard, Rick. Kell, Alan. Kane, Julius. ?, Jay."

All that was left now was for the men invited to hike up the mountain to the little villa. A small shuttle-pad had been installed, but so had the aerial shielding devices. Even if the Phantoms wanted to join in, they'd have to jog up the path to the ~3000 foot altitude of the Villa.

Fiona sat on the porch, wearing jeans and a tank top. It was still warm, even this high up, and the multiple suns of Gran Canaria didn't help her temperature. She sipped quietly on some tea, and rocked back and forth. The old Bretonian man came out and joined her.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Madam deLuna? I am here to aid you, as you know."

"Mr. Walters, please, call me Fiona. And go ahead, you can help me by helping yourself to some tea."

"Madam deLuna, please! I am hired help, here to help you, not indulge in your no-doubt delicious tea! And for me to be on first-name terms with you would be an honor I'm certainly not worthy of! Please, call me Richard, or Mr. Walters, or servant, or even Butler. But I shall not refer to you as anything other than Madam deLuna!"

"Statement: Mr. Walters, I reprimand you for your long and verbose explanations. I must really warn you that stealing the attention of Fiona while I am around will be punishable by shock. Query: You are aware of sarcasm, I assume? Mocking addition: If not, you most certainly couldn't be hired here!"

"Oh, deSicev, shut up. Richard, drink some tea. And let's be sure not to bicker when the guests arrive, okay?"

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