Missions of the Retrieval Team - The Girl with the Silvery Smile

[davedove]

Scene 17


Convention Center, Denver, Colorado


Ms. Thrush and I were in line for the C.H.A.R.I.T.Y. event. We had managed to arrive early enough so that we were about fifty couples back in line, ensuring that we would receive a complimentary necklace. More importantly, it meant that we would be meeting Ms. Ritchgarl.

Ms. Raven and her team had encountered no difficulties with their mission last night, so we knew that hypnotin had been neutralized and none of the complimentary perfume would be tainted.

My associates had distributed themselves along the line of people waiting to enter the convention center to attend the benefit. Aside from Ms. Ritchgarl, a couple of up and coming musical groups were slated to perform this evening, and drinks and finger foods were being served.

The doors opened and the line started to move forward. As we reached the door, a woman took our tickets and handed a bottle of perfume to Ms. Thrush. We were then directed to another door and, once inside, another woman held out a small open jewelry box. Inside was one of Ms. Ritchgarl’s chokers. Ms. Thrush thanked the woman and took the box. Closing it, she put it in her purse.

The woman then handed us two passes. “These are for the special reception with Emma,” she explained. We were then directed to pass through another door that opened into the main room for the benefit. Passing through we were immediately offered glasses of champagne, which we accepted graciously.

Ms. Thrush and I made our way through the crowd. The attendees seemed to be mostly local business owners and executives, although a number of working class people also seemed to be in the crowd.

Through the people I spotted another man wearing a kilt, so I decided to introduce myself.

“Hello,” I said to the man as I approached him, extending my hand. “It’s always good to meet another kilt wearer. I’m Mr. Dove.”

He took my hand and shook it. “Mr. Dove? You wouldn’t happen to be the Mr. Dove from X Marks the Scot.?”

“Why yes, I am. I take it you’re also a member”

“Yes, I go by Erisianmonkey on the roster. It’s great to meet you.”

“And it’s good to meet you. Allow me to introduce Ms. Thrush.”

As we made small talk, I continued to scan the crowd. From time to time I saw my associates through the crowd.

As I continued watching, I heard someone call out over the crowd, “Mr. Dove?”

I turned to see who had called and noticed another kilted man making his way towards me. Ms. Thrush and Erisian also turned to see who this new arrival was.

“Mr. Dove?” he asked again as he approached.

“Yes, that’s me,” I answered. “Can I assume that you are another X Marker?”

“It’s fantastic to meet you. I’m Livingston,” he said, offering his hand.

Again, introductions were made all around and we stood chatting. Our conversation was interrupted by a feminine voice from across the crowd.

“Oh my God, look at the men in those fabulous kilts!”

We turned to watch the young blond woman approach us. We no longer needed to look for Emma Ritchgarl. She had come to us.

[Livingston]

All right! The saga continues.

Charles, looks like we better watch out on this one.

[davedove]

Scene 18


Convention Center, Denver, Colorado


As Emma approached, I noticed that she was wearing a fairly conservative, yet very stylish suit. Also, around her neck was one of her chokers.

“You guys look so great,” she said to us. “Let me check out those kilts.”

She looked over each of our kilts, examining the material and construction, and asking us to turn around so she could examine the pleats.

“Absolutely incredible,” she exclaimed. “I love the way you guys look. Do you know what you guys should do though? You should get some satin shirts that coordinate with the colors. That would look so good.”

As she said this, I thought just how right she was, matching satin shirts would look great with these kilts. It seemed that the other two gentlemen, as well as several of the people around us, were also in agreement.

Then it hit me; Emma was wearing the choker. We were being influenced by what she said. Even wearing the filters to block the hypnotin, the device in the choker was still stimulating my brain. Unfortunately, the other gentlemen did not have any protection, so they would be completely under her influence.

“I can’t stay and chat right now,” she continued. “I have to make my rounds. But I do so want to talk with you later. Do you all have passes for the after show gathering?”

Although I did have the pass, it turned out that neither of the other two gentlemen did.

“Oh, don’t worry about it,” she said. “I’ll just let security know to let you kilt wearers in.”

“Before I go though, I have to know one thing,” she continued. And then she asked the inevitable question. “So, what do you guys wear under the kilt?”

I quickly answered for all of us, to save the other gentlemen any embarrassment. “Miss, a lady would never ask that, and anyone else would already know.”

“Well,” she responded, with a mischievous smile. “Although I consider myself a lady, I may just have to find out when I see you later.” She winked at me and then turned to walk away.

[Livingston]

Hmmmm A satin shirt to go with my Livingston tartan I'll have to check that out.