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Aug 11, 2012 11:38:58 GMT -5
Post by Ladorak on Aug 11, 2012 11:38:58 GMT -5
Fortunately for Sciurus, Boneparte did not in fact overhear his statement about the meerkat to Fréron. If he HAD heard it, it was hard to say how he'd take it. Boneparte knew he was charismatic... but that only went so far if you were a broke bum these days. Meerkats with no money and a weird accent were looked upon as peculiarities, even if they WERE Generals.
Fréron nodded. "Oh yes... he certainly IS that, if nothing else." Fréron agreed. "You're very lucky to know him... I'd keep him close if I were you. If I didn't know better... I'd say he's going places someday... he might just not be able to see it yet."
"Oh yes! It most certainly does pay well!" Ouvrard exclaimed now, nodding his head and beaming. "If it didn't... well I wouldn't be here." he threw back his head and laughed, apparently in good spirits. "Yes, it's a rather lucrative profession... but then again, I guess that's how it goes when one has a skill one can tote for the government. Certainly in these days at least. While there is a degree of favoritism, being a noble no longer matters. They actually honor and pay for merit for the most part. I find it works out better this way for everyone involved... well... those that CAN make it work for themselves." he commented to himself, rubbing his chin.
"It is the impressive place!" Thérésa responded to Sciurus, nodding and giving him another of her winning smiles. "Oh you can only picture it! It is almost sinful in its interiors! So plush and bedecked with golden gilding and plaster and paintings and chandeliers... it's even more luxurious than my humble home." she said, looking about her at the posh surroundings. "It's modeled after the Pitti Palace in Florence, you know." she pointed out to him, still smiling. "At least the exterior partly is, yet it still maintains its Rosferian flair."
"Yes... we gather there for get togethers like we're having now... also at my house, in addition to Madame Tallien's." Barras explained further. "I was just telling General Lantzer here that you should all join us for a gathering or two there. I'm sure you'd like it... and the gardens are fabulous after all... not QUITE as expansive as the ones at the Tuileries but..." He shrugged here. "The Luxembourg Palace was designed for the king's relatives after all, so naturally they wouldn't QUITE be as nice as the former king's themselves. Still... they're of such high class, you'd hardly believe it."
"Still though, you'll absolutely enjoy it." Thérésa added. "It's near the epitome of luxury, and will most certainly be the most exorbitant place you'll have ever been in, most likely." she told them.
"I'm sure... I can only imagine." Boneparte said. "The invitation is very generous of you. We can only thank you for your kindness." the meerkat said, bowing respectfully at the waist.
"Think nothing of it... it's our pleasure." Barras replied, waving his paw. "I wouldn't turn away someone I used to serve with... and someone who helped save our Mediterranean squadron after all."
"Well thank you very much..." Boneparte said. Too bad nobody else here actually cares about that, he didn't add. It was true... as he'd been floating about, everyone was like "what battle was that?" or "what siege did you say again?" Toulon was forgotten to everyone except the government, and even they were starting to forget it, or so it seemed. It just didn't register with them how vital it was. Not like the Battle of Fleurus last year, which had catapulted General Jourdan to immortality, and had made him the favorite and hero of the Republic.
Boneparte could only imagine what it was like... being a national hero like Jean Charles Pichegru, Lazare Hoche, or Jean Baptiste Jourdan. To them, your place was most likely forever assured in the annals of Rosferian history. Even his old commander Dugommier, who had perished last year in combat in Ferlusan, earned his place in the minds of his countrybeasts.
"So yes... come by, or I'll send word to the General here, and we'll gather at the Luxembourg Palace one of these days." Barras finished, giving both of them a knowing smile now.
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Returns
Aug 15, 2012 5:52:36 GMT -5
Post by Carrow on Aug 15, 2012 5:52:36 GMT -5
"Oh, I plan to," Sciurus responded to Fréron's comment with a wide smile. "He's the best friend I have, and I'll be sticking close by him for quite some time yet; there's absolutely no question of that," he told the other meerkat, chuckling slightly. He was glad to have Boneparte to rely on, and wherever his companion went, the red squirrel was sure to follow. He'd already lost two close friends - granted, if he'd gotten involved to the same extent that they had in Revolutionary activities, he knew that he'd be dead by now, too - and he was going to try to stick with the meerkat no matter what happened. He just... couldn't go through that again.
He chuckled also at the porcupine's remark. "Well, you strike me as a resourceful creature, so I'm sure you would have been able to find other ways to get to where you are today," he complimented Ouvrard, winking at him. "Yes, if one can put a skill like that to such... well, such high-profile use, then it makes perfect sense that such a career move would be quite rewarding for them," he commented, rubbing his chin too. He was in a rather thoughtful mood tonight. "What do you like the most about that occupation of yours?," he asked the porcupine, clearly intrigued by his line of work. "Please forgive me if I'm asking too many questions, Monsieur," he added quickly, blushing a little. "I hope you don't mind my curiosity."
He smiled at Theresa's enthusiastic response to his question. Indeed, for now he could only picture it, but the mongoose was doing such a good job of describing the Luxembourg Palace to him that he felt he could do so in a rather vivid manner. He whistled, clearly taken aback by just how opulent a picture Madame Talien was painting of the place. "It sounds quite luxurious, yes," the squirrel commented, returning her warm smile with one of his own. "I should very much like to visit there some day," he added. If an invite came his way, he was going to accept it without hesitation; the squirrel was quite eager to see just how nice the palace was.
"Modelled after the Pitti Palace, did you say?," he repeated, just to make sure he'd heard that part correctly. "I've heard a little about that, though I couldn't tell you from where - it was a while ago, in any case, but the Pitti Palace... yes, that sounds familiar to me, somehow. I didn't realise the connection between it and the Luxembourg until just now, though." He rubbed beneath his chin once again. "Hmm, yes... very interesting that those two should be connected in that way," he mused, swishing his tail thoughtfully. "Florence is a place I'd love to see sometime in my life, and even if that's beyond me right now - I have my commitments here, after all - I think I shall make that a life goal of mine. I haven't travelled as much as I would like, you see - though I came all the way across the Ceres almost a decade ago, so I suppose that was enough of that for a while," he quipped, smiling at the group.
He was unable to keep his smile from widening when Barras suggested that he and Boneparte come and join them for one of their gatherings at the palace. Well, this was an interesting development. He nodded enthusiastically in response, his mouth too full of beef to respond. He was finally starting to relax in the company of all these well-known creatures - and the sangria was helping him with that, he couldn't deny it - but as he continued dealing with his food (it was simple fare, but very tasty and filling; he'd never known anything else). Before he could say anything in response, though, first Theresa jumped in, and then Boneparte was the first to express his gratitude at being invited. In truth, Sciurus was still dealing with it; him, in the Luxembourg Palace?!
By the time he had relocated the ability to speak, Barras had had the last word on the subject, but the rodent decided he may as well speak his piece, and he cleared his throat before doing so. Bowing to the binturong and mongoose, his blue eyes sparkled like diamonds to show his pleasure at being invited to such a luxurious location. "Thank you both very much, Monsieur Barras and Madame Talien," he addressed them formally. "I'd be honoured to attend such a gathering... and yes, I agree with my meerkat friend here: your invitation is very generous." I feel almost undeserving of it, to be honest, he didn't add. "I'll certainly take you up on it if ever the chance should arrive. Again, many thanks," he said softly, taking another sip of his drink.
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Aug 15, 2012 10:10:00 GMT -5
Post by Ladorak on Aug 15, 2012 10:10:00 GMT -5
"The money." Ouvrard responded without hesitation, throwing back his head and laughing again. "Well... if you're looking for a less unscrupulous reason... I would say I genuinely enjoy serving the republic. I recently married you see, and we're thinking of starting a family... hence I plan to always stay ahead of my living expenses." he stated, nodding now at the squirrel.
"Money... is a good reason." Boneparte agreed, nodding as well. It seemed money and power were the two things that mattered most in this Cosnairian society. They were wealthy and through their wealth they had gained power. In Barras's case, it seemed to be a combination of both. Through overthrowing Dragonis he'd gained power, and through power he'd gained wealth. He was now one of the most influential citizens of Rosferia, there was no questioning that.
The binturong and mongoose nodded in response to Sciurus and Boneparte's thanks. "Of course... you're friends of Paul, and any friend of Paul's is welcome into the Luxembourg Palace with us." Theresa pointed out.
The party continued well into the night. Monsieur Tallien arrived home shortly before it concluded (mostly avoiding his wife's gatherings), and Barras departed a little after that, along with Boneparte and his friends.
The contact had been made, and from that point on, they began "living it up" among the best and brightest of Cosnair's society. Sure enough, on Bastille Day, Theresa purchased a brand new uniform for Boneparte, and for the first time since being placed on the retired list, Boneparte started to LOOK like one of the others. Nattily attired, he cut every bit the dignified, dashing general of artillery, even if his accent and mannerisms were still sometimes seen as "crude" compared to the those around him.
The days passed by, and Boneparte sank into a sort of surreal plane of existence. He knew he had to do SOMETHING to improve his fortunes, but there was little he COULD ultimately do. So he lived the high life without really living the high life. He took his friends to all the gatherings, and they enjoyed the plush amenities of the Luxembourg Palace, and continued to enjoy Madame Tallien's Chaumiere, as well as Barras's substantial estate. The manor and salon of Madame Germaine de Stael was also another venue they frequented, although Boneparte had more in common with Madame Tallien than he did Madame de Stael.
Things continued this way until August 17th, when the bombshell finally burst. The summer had been a hot one, with July bringing scorching and unpleasant days, though the weather had tempered a little by August, and while it was still hot to walk around outside, it was by no means stifling and unbearable.
Boneparte had received a notice in the mail this morning, and it was causing him the greatest of angst. Hurriedly dressing in his flashy uniform, the general tore out of his slummy hotel and made straight for Sciurus Whirlpaw's residence.
Walking with a nervous gait and stumbling a few times in the streets, the meerkat was sweating visibly by the time he reached the rodent's dwelling. There had STILL been no word on his transfer to Constantinople... the clerks just kept telling him "someone was working on it." It was now beyond bearable, especially so because of the piece of paper he now held in his paws.
Rapping heavily upon the squirrel's front door, the meerkat shifted his weight nervously back and forth a few times, squeezing the paper tight in his clenched fist. "Sciurus! Sciurus! Are you within?" he called out, trying to peer through a window before going back to standing in front of the door.
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Aug 18, 2012 12:59:28 GMT -5
Post by Carrow on Aug 18, 2012 12:59:28 GMT -5
It was rather early in the morning for the squirrel to receive an unexpected visit from his meerkat friend, but the squirrel was indeed up. He still awoke at early hours, but much later than he had become used to doing. For the good of his health, he'd had to change things up. Toward the end of July, the rodent had collapsed during the day after finishing a session and had needed to be treated for exhaustion. As much as he loved his job, there had come a point where his rigorous schedule had started to become punishing, and by the time that he was allowed to go home in early August, he had realised that he couldn't continue with the 72-hour working week he had established for himself when the chance of getting to see Constantinople had arisen.
Up until his collapse (which had been private, but he'd been found unconscious by his next appointment), the rodent had worked 12 hours a day during weekdays, and half that for Saturday and Sunday; he worked Sundays because he knew that others typically didn't, and more often than not took on clients on that day that in hindsight he could not, in all good conscience, have turned away until Monday. He didn't like saying no, especially where his business was concerned. It was not about the money - he worked the hours he did at reduced rates - but was instead about the desire the red squirrel had to help his fellow creature.
He rewarded himself at the end of the day with a glass of wine - just one. He'd decided to cut back on his alcohol consumption after going slightly overboard during one of his visits to the Luxembourg. There had been more sangria there, and that drink went down almost too well for him. Due to his increased tolerance that he had built up during his spiral into depression in the wake of Otto and Camille's execution and Sara's senseless murder, he was able to hold his drink well, but had not gone beyond two glasses of wine since pulling himself together. He'd forgotten his limit, and had awoken the next morning with a mild hangover, something he had worked through. Luckily, this was after he had made his schedule changes.
There had also been no sight of that squirrel jill he thought he had seen in Madame Tallien's residence that night. He thought he'd seen her elsewhere, but with only a glimpse of her tail to go on, she was proving quite difficult to track down. He wished he'd seen her face, or been able to look into her eyes for even a few seconds, but he hadn't been afforded that opportunity. He'd suffered plenty of false alarms since mid-July. It was now a month later and he was close to admitting defeat. In a city as crowded as Cosnair, there was no way their paths would cross with so little for him to go on... or at least, that was what he thought at this point.
On the morning of August 17th, the red squirrel had woken around 9:30am, gotten dressed and made breakfast for himself. As he was clearing the dishes away, he heard some rather frantic knocking on his front door. He knew it couldn't be a client - unless they'd misread his updated sign in their desire to get his attention - so his curiosity was piqued. Normally he would be hard at work by this time, but he had learned the hard way that even the most energetic hypnotists had their limits. He jogged over to his front door, and throw it open to find a rather agitated-looking Boneparte Lantzer standing on his doorstep. He raised an eyebrow curiously, hardly having been expecting this.
He was smiling, though, as he beckoned his friend inside. "Good morning, mate," he said gently. "I'm here, yes - I don't start work until midday, so I certainly have some time for you." He was about to say more when he noticed the letter held in his meerkat companion's trembling paw, and he swallowed nervously. There was no chance that his friend would have come to him with that envelope if it hadn't been of the utmost importance. All it was was a letter, but its contents could indeed be very important, and Sciurus briefly wondered if this had anything to do with the transfer to Constantinople that Boneparte had put in for two months ago. If that were the case, his future would depend on what had happened - and so would the squirrel's.
He closed the door behind him, leading his friend into his front room. "Ah, so this is what you've come to see me for. Here, take a seat and try to calm down, if you can," he advised his friend, watching as Boneparte did the former. Sciurus took a seat beside him; he was curious about what that letter contained, but was hardly going to put the meerkat under pressure to open it, knowing that if the shoe had been on the other footpaw he might well have been a mess right now. He waited for his friend to respond, trying not to look too worried about what could happen - he knew it could go either way.
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Aug 18, 2012 14:54:00 GMT -5
Post by Ladorak on Aug 18, 2012 14:54:00 GMT -5
As it stood, the envelope had been opened, though Boneparte had used his claw to make a clean cut, masking the mess one usually got when opening an envelope without the proper tools.
The meerkat could hardly sit still for long, and sprang to his paws, shaking his head in an agitated fashion. "It's happened Sciurus..." he stood in front of the squirrel's chair now, waving his arms in the air with the letter in it. "This arrived today... from the War Ministry. STILL no word on my transfer to Constantinople! I just... I don't know what's taking them so long! But this... this is it Sciurus... I need a plan and I need one FAST." he insisted, looking at the red furred squirrel with frantic eyes.
"Look... I see Carnot's paws in this... I've just received an ultimatum from the War Ministry. Their patience has run out I suppose. They told me that I will report to the Army of the West and General Lazare Hoche immediately, or else I'll be relieved of my rank and title and effectively fired from the army of Rosferia." The desperation and worry was quite evident in the meerkat's eyes now, and he trembled visibly from the strain.
"I can NOT go out there, Sciurus! I can't be sent to the Vendée! Anywhere but there! I... I can't go..." he said softly, shaking his head and staring off into seemingly nothing as he took a moment to gather his thoughts. "We've got to do something about this. I can't get fired obviously... drawing no pay would be disastrous for me... I have no other jobs lined up! Look... do you know any doctors in the area? You aren't a doctor... right? No... hypnotherapist... that's right. Look... I usually have a doctor write me a sick note... you know... stuff like I've been hacking up blood, or my stomach's been all crazy, or whatever! You'll vouch for me, right?" Boneparte asked, waving the letter in Sciurus's direction and tapping him lightly on the arm with it.
"So... if you know any doctors in the area with at least some repute... maybe we could head down to one and get a sick note written up excusing me from duty. I'm sorry if I... am interrupting your work or your morning... but this was just... well the axe was falling when I opened this letter. I THOUGHT it was my transfer... lord knows where THAT'S gotten off to! But it was this instead... and it seems they no longer wish to pay me if I refuse to serve in the Army of the West... and you and I both know that that's just not an option for me." he shook his head again, shuddering at the thought. The Vendée... nothing but mass killings, mutilations, and torturing of prisoners on both sides. It wasn't war out there... it was barbarism. NO! They couldn't make him go out there!
"We should probably go find one..." he said softly, looking at Sciurus now. "Sorry once again for barging in like this... you can imagine this news has upset me greatly and... I couldn't wait around doing nothing after all. I had to tell my friends... yourself included. Of all the rotten things that I DON'T need right now! They just HAD to press the issue, didn't they?" he asked disgustedly, putting his paws on his hips and shaking his head.
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Aug 20, 2012 19:47:27 GMT -5
Post by Carrow on Aug 20, 2012 19:47:27 GMT -5
In response to his discovery that the letter the meerkat held in his paws was not regarding his transfer but was in fact from the War Ministry, Sciurus did something that he could only remember being moved to do a number of times before in his life: he swore. He was completely disbelieving of this latest turn of events, but here was proof of them, standing before him clear as day. He was frustrated with what had happened, not merely because of its occurrence, but because it was also so obviously the work of one creature, and one creature alone - that bastard of a badger known as Carnot. He had it in for Boneparte, and here was the latest example of his vendetta against the meerkat.
The red squirrel was a creature of principle; there were some things one literally would not be able to pay him to do. His meerkat companion was likewise; there were clearly some things he was going to steer well clear of, and the barbaric conditions in the Vendée just didn't suit somebeast like him. He took a moment to take everything in before speaking, though he was audibly frustrated and not trying to hide it. "You're right, of course - this couldn't be anybeast else. Carnot's making you suffer just because you're not a barbaric sadist like Hoche. He thrives in that environment because it allows him to get away with the most base and cruel acts without fear of repercussion, but you're nothing like that.
"We have to do something to sort you out. Before you go any further - whatever it is, I'm on board. I would do anything to keep you from suffering a fate like that." Boneparte then outlined his plan, and the rodent smiled slightly; while he wouldn't condone such things normally, the meerkat was indeed desperate, and the plan was good. He just needed to find a creature who would go along with it. "I'm only a hypnotherapist, yes - while I do have medical knowledge, I'm not a licenced doctor. Having said that, though, now you've mentioned it, I have a few of them in mind, all quite reputable and pretty damn good at what they do, to boot," he remarked, smiling.
"Of course I'll vouch for you!," he responded kindly, patting the meerkat's shoulder gently in an attempt to calm him; if he could get his friend to relax even slightly, then he'd be doing a good job, and he knew it. "Besides, what you're saying isn't too far from the truth - you are ill at the moment, in that you appear very agitated and distressed because of this latest news. You're definitely not at your best, but I think something like this would definitely help you to feel better. I don't want you nervous or stressed, especially not after the wait you've had to endure to hear any news back about your future prospects.
"You're not interrupting anything, as said," the squirrel assured his companion. "I don't start until midday these days - I had to reduce my hours for the good of my health, but today, working doesn't matter as much as trying to get this whole mess sorted out for you. No matter how long this takes, I'll try to sort you out with a sick note. Yes, I must admit that this was very poorly timed, but that's Carnot for you - he's already treated you like dirt, so this is just more of the same as far as that is concerned. NOW," he said, exhaling sharply. "About this whole doctor issue. There are two creatures I know who move in those circles. One of them is a fox who looked after me after I broke my arm toward the end of 1793. That certainly put a downer on my Christmas, I can tell you," he said, chuckling.
"We are on very good terms, but the obvious downside to this is that he hasn't seen me in almost two years, so may be slightly less willing to help us out. The other one... ah, YES!," he exclaimed triumphantly. "You'll have to forgive me for not mentioning her first, as it is still relatively early in the day, and I'm not quite as awake as usual," he said with a small smile. "She's just the kind of creature to lend you a paw. We... have a bit of a history, actually. I went through quite a serious bout of depression last year, as you know, but I didn't find my way back all by myself. I went to see her quite often at the start of this year, and she helped me turn that important corner and start coming back to myself. She gave me the extra push I needed," he explained to Boneparte.
"I haven't been to see her in six months or so, but she helped me through the most difficult time I can ever remember having to endure, and I almost didn't make it, to tell you the truth. I was glad that I didn't have to do it on my own, I can tell you that for sure. Anyway, this doctor's a zorilla, and she'll be quite understanding of your situation. She's had to deal with things that have required more complex solutions, after all. You need a way out, and getting a sick note should give you the time you need to take a step back and try to get your head together. How are your acting skills, mate?," he asked, cracking a smile. "If you're able to put enough emphasis on your illness, so to speak, she won't hesitate to help you out - but don't worry if things go the other way and you have to explain the context to her. As said, she's tackled worse. Ready when you are!"
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Aug 20, 2012 21:18:37 GMT -5
Post by Ladorak on Aug 20, 2012 21:18:37 GMT -5
"We'll just have to hope it's good enough." Boneparte said, accompanying the squirrel to the door. "I mean I've conned many a doctor when I required sick notes in the past but... we'll see how I do." he said, offering a game smile. "I feel bad about doing this to a friend of yours but... gotta sell it and make it look convincing. Besides, lying to her is far less harmful than getting sent to a theater of war where I could potentially end up mutilated and killed in the most horrible of fashions SO... I think an exception can be made in this case." He said, chuckling a little as he moved out of the house. "On top of that... I'd be asked to do the same to any prisoners we'd take so... that's not gonna sit well with me at all."
"Yes... let's be on our way. Time's a-wasting, and we need to be head to the Ministry of War after this! So come on! Let's go! Let's go! Hut! Hut!" he exclaimed, almost as if they were on a march now in the military. He waved his paw as if he were waving a sword, and off they went down the streets the couple of blocks that Sciurus's doctor worked at.
After a brief wait, they were shown into the doctor's office (a female doctor of all things! Imagine!) and Boneparte put on his best miserable expression for her. "Ugggh... hey there, doc." he said, waving feebly as he had a seat on the brick slab that doubled as an operating table.
"Ahem... well I'd like to request a sick note from you excusing me from my duties with the army. You see... I'm being transferred to the Army of the West but... I just... don't think I'm up to the trip. I've had bad stomach issues all morning..." he threw in a few sighs here and there for effect and held a paw to his stomach.
"It's been a veritable nightmare for me, and I've been losing my stomach's contents all morning. I know I'm not running a fever or anything like that... and right now it's taking everything I've got to hold myself in in front of you but... do you think you could oblige me by writing my superiors this note? Don't worry about taking it to them... I'll deliver it myself... just gonna take it slow and hopefully recover. Been kind of achy today as well... fatigued... dizzy... that sort of thing." the meerkat explained, giving her a pitiful look.
"At any rate I just... don't think traveling on the road is a good idea for me right now. I'll report to my post as soon as I'm well of course, but I'd REALLY appreciate it if you could throw me a bone here and write me off as unfit for duty. My superiors just need something physical they can read... that's all... so what do you think, doc? Ugggh." he groaned again, dropping his head a little and clutching his stomach. "Must've eaten something bad... I also live in a rather squalid hotel... they might have some bad vapors floating around the place or something..." That part was true at least. Boneparte DID live in a seedy, run down establishment. His bed was hardly a bed after all; he was convinced it was broken in at least two places. It was a miracle he HADN'T gotten sick in fact, now that he thought about it.
He raised his head to look at her, and gave her a small smile and a nod.
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Aug 23, 2012 12:47:22 GMT -5
Post by Carrow on Aug 23, 2012 12:47:22 GMT -5
"Give it your best shot, and you always have that Plan B if things don't go exactly as you hope. Like I said, she's a caring sort, and if one thing doesn't go over too well with her, then the other will. Of that, I'm quite sure. I firmly believe that you've got this one covered on your own - I'm not the one going in asking for a favour, after all - but I'll come in with you if you'd like me there," Sciurus said in response, smiling. "Yes, it's like you're saying: you're lying to her, but it's harmless compared to what you would be forced to do otherwise. Any possible escape route from that sort of outcome should be sought; at least, that's how I see it."
Something the squirrel left unsaid was that he was worried just how far Carnot would go to ensure that his meerkat friend was transferred to the Vendée; the rodent was all but convinced by this point that the badger had it in for the General, and would stop at nothing to ensure that he got his way. He seemed to be a rather vindictive creature, but Sciurus told himself that he had to put that out of his mind for now - maybe things would, for once, go their way. Neither had had a whole lot of luck this year, but the rodent was trying to remain optimistic that things would eventually work out. It was distressing for him to see his friend in this state, but he knew that desperate times often called for desperate remedies.
Boneparte's enthusiasm about the whole scheme was catching, though, and his urging drew a broad smile from the squirrel as he accompanied him outside, after switching out his 'open at midday' sign for one that read 'away on business - back later!' How much later, he wasn't sure just yet, but he had checked his appointments schedule earlier and found it clear, so that was fine. His clients seemed to prefer walk-ins these days, it seemed. He knew that his zorilla doctor started early, and he hoped that she would be able to see to his meerkat friend - hopefully, this wouldn't take too long. Soon, they arrived at her establishment, and were shown inside after a brief wait.
Sciurus decided he would venture inside anyway, as he had a little catching up to do with her. This was Boneparte's business first and foremost, however, so he decided also that he would not speak unless spoken to. Anitha Gelippos, the zorilla whom the rodent had taken his friend to see, was initially concerned when she saw him stepping into her office. It had been six months since she'd last seen him, so had things taken another turn for the worse? Her curiosity was piqued when a meerkat accompanied the squirrel through the door, and it didn't take long for her to notice that he seemed out of sorts. She relaxed, safe in the knowledge that her friend was not in trouble. The meerkat, meanwhile, looked miserable, and as he took a seat and greeted her, her heart went out to him.
She had already picked up his Calgarian accent, and found herself listening closely as he outlined his symptoms to her. Anitha was wearing a white coat that showed off her glittering, dark eyes, and they appeared soft and sympthetic as she shook her head whilst taking all of this in. "You're in the Army, you say? Hmm... well..." She reached out to touch his forehead, and it was as he said: he definitely didn't seem to be running a fever, and besides, he'd be looking rather flush if that were the case, which it wasn't. "You certainly don't look like you're up to making the trip - you'd need to be in top physical condition for that, and you DO seem rather run down. Stomach issues... I see," she remarked.
The meerkat expanded on his woes, and he made sure to paint as clear a picture fo her as she could. This wasn't sounding good. "Achey, dizzy and fatigued? Yes, I agree, you look rather worn out to me. Not fit for anything as strenuous as serving anywhere, never mind the Army of the West. I've heard some rather gruesome things about what goes on in the region in which they are currently stationed... my, it doesn't even bear thinking about, especially not at this early stage in the day. Now, I'm a doctor, so it's my job not to be squeamish, but I tell you, when such things are mentioned in my presence..." She shuddered. The conditions there were nothing short of barbaric, or so she had heard. He continued pouring out his woes to her, before she held up a paw, smiling at him.
"All right, I think I've heard enough! You really do appear to be rather under the weather at the moment, sir. Could I have your name, please?," she asked, going over to her desk and retrieving a pen and paper. After the meerkat gave her his name, she nodded. "Boneparte... Lantzer. L-a-n-t-z-e-r, I believe...," she murmured, starting to write his note. After a moment, it was done, and she brought the note over to him so he could study it. The zorilla's paw-writing was graceful and elegant, much like herself, and she had employed her most florid script to write the following:
To whom it may concern,
After a recent medical examination, Boneparte Lantzer has been declared unfit for military service. It is upon doctor's orders that he should be excused from any sort of active duty until he is fully well again.
Yours, Anitha Gelippos.
"I hope that that will be to their satisfaction," she told him cheerfully. "There you go, then!," she exclaimed, placing the note into a small envelope, which she marked with the words, 'For the Attention of the Rosferian War Ministry' before sealing it. Sciurus had watched all this in silence, and was curious to see how his friend would respond to the zorilla's gesture.
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Returns
Aug 23, 2012 22:59:20 GMT -5
Post by Ladorak on Aug 23, 2012 22:59:20 GMT -5
"Oh! Thank you, doctor!" Boneparte replied, relieved and smiling as he grasped the envelope now. "You don't know what this means to me. I promise to report to front line duty as soon as I'm well enough to travel again! Thank you so much!" he said, trying this best to stifle his grin, as he didn't want to look TOO happy about this.
"Right... well I'd better get off to the War Ministry. Did you... want to catch up with her?" Boneparte asked Sciurus, to which the squirrel nodded. "Ah good... well you do that. Meet me at the War Ministry later then. It's... well you've been there. In the Louvre Palace. Easy enough to find. See you there, then. Thanks again, doc!" Boneparte waved, and proceeded to shuffle slowly out of the office, doing his best to make it look like he was ambling around in pain.
Once out of the office, Boneparte quickened his pace, the widest of grins on his face as he began jogging toward the Louvre. Oh yes! It was time to get out of this and move on! Well... it would be a temporary dodge, but a dodge all the same.
Arriving at the Ministry of War offices, Boneparte was shown into the main chambers where Carnot and the rest of the Ministry sat. "Well, well, look who it is!" Carnot exclaimed, smirking. "I thought we'd gotten your attention. So... are you ready to leave for the Vendée?" the badger asked smugly.
"Actually sirs... I have to respectfully request that I be excused from making this trip. I'm not well you see... I've been declared unfit for a duty by a doctor... so... i hate to say this but... it's not going to work." he said, holding his stomach and looking forlorn.
"You're ill?" Carnot asked. "What are your symptoms? You're well enough to walk it seems. Who examined you?" The questioned were fired off rapidly and with barely any time in between them.
"Yes sir... I'm ill. Stomach's been acting up all morning. Been unable to keep anything down... feeling exhausted as well, and had to practically drag myself here. Deep apologies sirs. Here... I have a sick note." He pulled the envelope out of his pocket, and waved it in the air.
"Bring it here. I want to see it." Carnot said simply, giving the meerkat a skeptical look. Boneparte shuffled forward, leaned on the desk, and pawed the envelope over. Carnot snatched it from the meerkat's claws, slit it open, and began to read the letter contained within.
Watching the badger's eyes rove back and forth over the letter, Boneparte waited patiently. Come on... come on!
First nothing... then the badger sniffed. "A FEMALE doctor?" he asked disbelievingly. "Who is she? I've never even heard of her. Is she the army physician?"
"Well no sir, but I can assure you that she's quite..."
"I don't care." Carnot interrupted him abruptly, and continued, fixing him with a dark gaze. "I know your methods, General Lantzer. You've used this tactic before... I've looked at your record. You've violated your sick leaves on numerous occasions, and on top of that, you've already taken ALL three weeks of your allotted leave of absence. Have you forgotten?"
"I'm ill sir... I can't serve. I can still be excused on medical grounds..."
"IF the doctor is competent to write such a note." Carnot pointed out. "This..." He waved the letter in the air. "Is a piece of paper. Written by Anitha Gelippos. I've never even heard of her. She's not the army physician. She's not competent to clear you. The army physician is right down the hall if you'd like to check in for an appointment with him. HE can decide whether or not you're fit for duty... but you'll have to consent to remaining under observation of course."
Boneparte's face fell here. Damn! Carnot was actually CALLING his bluff! This had never happened before! "Well? What are you waiting for? The physician's office is just down the hall, as I said. He's the ONLY one I consider competent enough to declare you fit or unfit for duty." Carnot stated derisively. "Or perhaps you should've planned this better. Something tells me General Lantzer... that you aren't really sick." His eyes never left the meerkat, who gulped now.
"Sir... I CAN'T serve in the Vendée! I'm ill! I'd never make it out there! You can't make me go there!" Boneparte protested.
"Then go see the army physician. He'll make the right call if you truly are sick."
Boneparte shook his head, trying to think of a way out of this.
"Two choices, General Lantzer. You agree to serve, or you're fired. It's simple. I'm giving you a third option too... go see the doctor... and remain under observation all day. The choices are completely yours, General Lantzer."
"Sir... I..." Boneparte was at a loss for words.
"You've been an insubordinate thorn in my side since you came to the capital, general. I asked you to serve with the Army of the West back in APRIL. It's August now. You see anything wrong with this picture? You completely missed the Quiberon campaign. General Hoche asks DAILY where you are! He's down an infantry general because you refuse to show up for work! Well enough is enough! You either go out there, or you're fired. I'm not tolerating any more insubordination!" Carnot shouted, slamming his paw on the desk now. "Make your choice!"
The meerkat shuffled his paws, and shook his head now. "I'm not serving out there sir. I'd rather die than be sent into THAT pit! It's not even war out there!"
"Then you're fired! You're stripped of the rank of brigadier general, and you will no longer draw pay from the War Ministry! Get out of this office! I have nothing more to say to you! Go on!" Carnot spat, pointing beyond Boneparte to the door.
Boneparte nodded numbly, his face deadpan. "Yes sir." was all he said, before turning and walking just fine to the door. His world had caved in on him... and it was an incredibly sobering, heavy feeling. It was all over... all his hard work... his years in the army... it had all been for nothing. There was no way out of this... no way... and all because Carnot and the senior "do nothing" generals didn't want to give up their fat pay.
He sighed, falling into a sitting position on the steps that led out of the Louvre and burying his face in his paws, his claws digging through his fur and ruffling it in a disheveled manner. Damn him! Damn that badger! What was he going to do now? What was he going to tell Sciurus? How could he... but... wait... maybe... just maybe there was one hope left. A chance to keep his rank, and draw full pay as well. It was a long shot... but it might pay off too.
Looking up, the frazzled meerkat scanned around for Sciurus, knowing that the squirrel would be along presently. First and foremost he needed to thank him... but this situation was beyond anyone's control now... except perhaps one beast. One particular beast just MIGHT be able to turn things around here for him. All he had to do was pay him a visit and see... yes... but he'd wait for now. Sciurus still needed to show up after all. They had much to talk about...
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Returns
Aug 25, 2012 15:13:12 GMT -5
Post by Carrow on Aug 25, 2012 15:13:12 GMT -5
Sciurus nodded in response to Boneparte's guidance. He had indeed been to the Louvre Palace before, and his last visit to the War Ministry hadn't been that pleasant. Hopefully things would go over in an okay fashion with Carnot, but the squirrel was still of the opinion that the blustering badger would do everything in his power to ensure that the meerkat, who had apparently caused so much trouble for him these last few months, served in the Army of the West, which seemed more like a death sentence than anything else, in his eyes. He didn't think Boneparte would last out there - he was certainly capable, yes, but to get by in that sort of environment, one needed to have a certain violent streak, or even something sadistic within them. The meerkat had neither, much to Sciurus's relief.
"Sure, I'll catch up with you later. Good luck," he told his friend, hoping things would go his way; it looked like the meerkat was on his last legs as regarded this whole situation, and considering how he had been stonewalled by Carnot before, the rodent was trying to remain positive when all the evidence suggested otherwise. It was a defense mechanism of his; he didn't want to become too upset over things he knew were out of his paws - which this now was. It was his turn to pad over to the 'operating table' and take a seat. He needed to sit down for a while. "Well, Anitha... it's been a while," he said softly to the zorilla, his tail twitching gently as though it had a mind of its own. "How have you been?"
The zorilla chuckled in response, nodding, smiling as she sat down beside him. "It has indeed been a while, Sciurus. I'm glad to see you. You look a lot happier than before, so that's good. As for how I've been - well, business has been slow as of late, so I find myself with more time on my paws than I had been used to. That's good, though, as I've been able to engage in other pursuits as of recent. I've been reading a lot, trying to keep up with newspapers and such - that's how I knew more about the Army of the West situation than you might have guessed," she said with a smile. "I really do hope that things work out for your friend - he's definitely in need of some time off... as are you, now I've actually had a proper look at you," she remarked, slightly concerned.
In response, the squirrel prodded her playfully. "I wondered how much time it would be before you said that! I appreciate you looking out for me, but no, really, I'm fine. You should have seen the state I was in a few weeks ago - I was working much too hard. It didn't seem like it at the time, but well, I had a bit of an episode and needed to be hospitalised for a short while. The creature who took care of that didn't know you were my doctor, otherwise I would have come here," he explained, receiving a nod from Anitha. "I'm better now though, honest. I still work nine-hour days during the week, sure, but that's only because I need the money for something specific right now - I may be moving if my meerkat friend gets word about a transfer to Constantinople," he revealed to her.
"Constantinople?," Anitha repeated, dark eyes widening as she searched Sciurus's for a moment, noting that he still looked tired, despite what he was saying. "That would be quite something if it ever came to pass. Indeed, I'm hoping it does. When last we met, I couldn't shake the feeling that you seemed quite bored of Cosnair and needed somewhere new to go, so I'm surprised that you've stuck around for as long as you have. You're back working in your hypnosis parlour, I'm guessing; I remember we had quite an enlightening chat about that... you said you felt haunted by certain memories of your time there, if I recall correctly," she commented. She received a shaky nod from the rodent in reply to this, and patted his paw comfortingly. "It looks like you've been able to conquer those ghosts, though. I'm proud of you," she whispered to him.
Sciurus smiled slightly, reassured by the zorilla's presence. Sometimes he needed a positive reminder of how things had changed for him, and this was something he greatly appreciated. "Thanks, Anitha. I'm actually making preparations to go back into politics." Her eyes widened, and the squirrel's sparkled. "I know I said how unhappy I had been during my stint in the Convention, but I want to give things another go. I didn't feel like it was ready back then, but I do now. It took a while for me to fully make that decision, but it's been done now, and I shall be going back into that arena next week. Now, I would love to stay and talk more, but there's something I need to do. If you have work to get back to, then I leave you free to do so. I'll make sure I see you again sometime soon, though - six months was too long."
He said his goodbyes, thanking her for her time before departing and heading for the Louvre Palace with butterflies in his stomach. These were a result of how well their talk had gone, but were also there because he was visibly nervous about the fate that awaited Boneparte - and had most likely been delivered at this stage. He didn't think his friend would have wasted any time in presenting that sick note to Carnot. The pads of his paws were sweaty from anxiety by the time he reached the steps that led to the entrance to the building... and found his friend sitting there. That he should be in such a position told the rodent all he needed to know about what had happened, and now he had a horrible sinking feeling in his chest.
Quite unaware that his companion had a potential ace up his sleeve, the squirrel shuffled slowly over to join his friend, sitting down with a heavy sigh. There was silence for a moment as he tried to think of what to say, putting his arm around Boneparte in the meantime as he gathered up the courage to speak. "He... he didn't buy it, then?," he asked timidly, too shocked at this latest distressing turn of events to be angry at Carnot and his vindictive campaign against Boneparte. He hated the mustelid's breathing guts, most of all because he was a selfish and greedy creature who placed creatures on half-pay because he himself didn't want to take a cut, and fired them because of the fact that they still had principles. Sciurus was amazed that he and his friend had managed to hold on to theirs; he knew that all the upheaval and constant state of change that Cosnair seemed to be in could have made him cynical about things, but this hadn't happened. He remained an optimist, fundamentally speaking.
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