A light mist in the air formed across the field of a softball stadium. Jolene scowled as microscopic droplets of water floated onto her skin. She stood outside the press box at the top of the stadium with her arms crossed. Her head was about to explode.
"NO! NO! NO! This is unacceptable, Culver!!"
The Colossal One quivered in the wake of her outrage, despite being a towering giant soldier. Jolene smacked his leg with a fury unbecoming of such a small girl. Culver yelped like a wounded puppy.
"GO! NOW! Find them! DO NOT return empty handed!!"
"Yes, your Highness."
Embarrassed, Culver turned away like a dog with his tail stuck between its legs. Then he lumbered down the stadium steps. Jolene ripped the press box door open and marched inside.
"Good riddance! That bumbling oaf! Can you believe he let the prisoners escape??" steamed Jolene as she slammed the door behind her.
"I'm not sure 'let' is the correct word... More like he's just too big, dumb, and slow-"
"Emerson! Not now, please, not now.." she interrupted.
Emerson slouched back in his seat, playing a tower defense game on his iPhone. He wore wiry thin-rimmed glasses and a mathlete club t-shirt to match his khaki slacks and casual Skechers. He looked the part of the intellectual teenager who scored high during tests but not during his interactions with girls.
"Do you honestly believe he will track them down?"
"I didn't give him a choice," shrugged Jolene.
Emerson placed his iPhone on the control panel and sat up straight. He looked Jolene square in the eyes, grinning in a mad sort of way.
"What? Why are you smiling like that?"
Emerson emitted a boisterous laugh. "Because I have a foolproof plan to recapture your sister and the old hag."
Jolene's eyes lit up and her scowl faded. She felt a sense of renewal crawling into her brain. "Please, do tell."
With an evil twinge in his eye, Emerson stated, "Forget about Culver and the soldiers. We will utilize a more psychological approach."
Jolene smiled with approval. "Ohh I like the sound of that."
Emerson nodded. "But first, I could really use a recharge."
Jolene chirped, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
A wry smile formed on his lips. "Oh yes, Jolene, I think I am."
"RED BULL!!" They simultaneously proclaimed. Emerson punched his fist into the control panel. They both erupted into laughter. Jolene doubled over with glee.
"Great minds think alike," Emerson observed.
"Right. So are you gonna go get some or what?"
He put his hands up in protest. "But you can teleport. It will be faster if you go."
Every bit of joy drained from her face. The queen of serious-dom dished out a swift reprimand. "Have you forgotten your place? I take orders from no one, not even you. My dearest Emerson, run along now and fetch us some Red Bull."
Emerson snapped up out of his seat. He glared at her in frustration. He groaned, "Fine. Have it your way."
She put her hand on his face. "Ah-ah-ahh.. I will not tolerate such despicable manners."
Sheepishly, he offered an apology. "Forgive my ill speak, Your Highness. I will be back with Red Bull."
Jolene patted him on the face and then moved aside for him to exit. Emerson bowed his head, adjusted his glasses, and shuffled through the door.
Then Jolene centered herself on the control panel. She stared at the various computer screens and AV equipment, tapping her finger on the panel. Focusing on an image of Darcy, she whispered, "The day of reckoning is drawing near. Oh sis, soon the world will be mine."
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