Chapter 67

Present – Mira – In their room

The ill-tempered triumvirate depart haste of post from our domicile and I continue to acquire sustenance until Alexi complains, "Mira, why must you continue consuming the Meal Refusing to Exit? We could instead partake of Chef Mabel's excellent stew of beef."

I smile at him and elucidate, "Alexi, because of my indelicate condition I must constantly provide sustenance to support Ben Blaine's ward."

Irinka adds, "Sister I feel Alexi is correct in this situation. Ben Blaine's ward would certainly prefer stew of beef to an MRE. And I would prefer it to having your MRE's silent but deadly disruption of my sleep tonight."

I capitulate immediately, "Perhaps you are correct. However, I am conveying my MRE with me. You must remember I am now consuming victuals for both of us. Remember, want not waste not!

Alexi corrects, "Mira, it is 'waste not want not'."

Irinka comments, "The situation with Ms. Donaldson needs defusing, we cannot lose sight of our primary mission to Ms. Morgan."

I add and question, "Yes I concur. Alexi, how do you feel we can rectify the situation?"

Alexi responds, "Well we could eliminate her, but that would cause too many unintended issues."

Irinka expounds, "Alexi, provide me your analysis of what precipitated her anger toward us."

He thinks for a moment and foolishly postulates, "Well, she is a woman, so therefore she is mentally unstable."

We both stop, glare at him until he laughs, "My sisters, I am teasing."

I decide to not continue to flagellate this expired equine and change tactics.

I wink at Irinka and commence my retribution planning as I continue to consume the MRE in route to the room of conference, "My brother I do not think you have experienced times of hunger. My sister Ira, perhaps now would be a good time to start this portion of his training."

Ira recognizes this game and contributes, "Mira, yes perhaps he should continue to consume his MRE while we partake of Chef Mabel's stew of beef."

Unfortunately, Alexi occulates our ill-concealed smiles and uncovers the ruse. He laughs and explains, "Your facial expressions have betrayed your actual intentions. I will not be fooled by my two sneaky sisters."

Then Ira seriously says, "Yes Alexi, we were teasing you, however Mira is correct so we will in the near future need to test you by removing sustenance for some period."

Alexi brags, "I am not concerned that I can overcome that test."

I tease, "In view of your confidence, shall we commence tonight?"

He pedals in reverse, "Uh, I would prefer if we could commence it another day."

We arrive, take our places and I continue to consume my MRE. Chef Mabel queries, "Mira, why are you eating that ... that ... that poor excuse for a meal."

I crimson as Alexi informs her, "Chef Mabel, Mira possesses the delicate condition of impending motherhood and must acquire sustenance for two." The revelation further crimsons my face and appears to apply flames to Chef Mabel's derriere.

She rapidly fills a large eating vessel and orders, "Mira give me that MRE and here is a big bowl of my beef stew. Now if I ever see you eating pig slop like that again I will spank you with my spoon."

Alexi laughs, "Chef Mabel, I would like to see that."

She shakes her spoon at Alexi and teases, "Young man, if you don't behave there will be no beef stew for you."

Alexi bows his head in contrition, "I am sorry Chef Mabel, please accept my humble apologies."

Chef Mabel smiles at him and hands him a bowl, then she looks at me, shakes her spoon and scolds, "Miranda, why aren't you eating my beef stew?"

At her insistence I consume a small portion, discover it is delectable and smile, "Chef Mabel, this is wonderful stew of beef."

Chef Mabel calls, "Sharik, here boy. You can have the rest of this MRE."

Sharik locomotivates rapidly, Chef Mabel sets the MRE on the floor and we are stricken with mirth at the next occurrence...

Present – Jens – Conference room

Mabel tries to feed Sharik the rest of Mira's MRE, Sharik takes one smell of it, howls and runs away. We all begin to laugh and Alexi comments, "See Mira, Meals Refusing to Exit are not even fit for a Canis lupus familiari to consume."

I rap on the table to get everyone's attention and begin, "You may can continue to eat, but please stop the slurping and moaning. I called this meeting because we need to make some decisions. Everyone here knows that we were attacked today by a Columbian drug cartel army. We can assume Megan had her boss send them after us. What most of you don't know is that Inga's team which went to apprehend Megan was lost except for Thom, Byron and Inga."

I watch as Ira appears upset, stands up and leaves the room. Now where was she going?