Risks and Rewards (Of a Life so Simple)

Status Report

Callie and Marie had gotten there first, followed by Four. They were just waiting on Three and their gramps.

"You know, considering they called us here, you'd think they'd be more prompt about showing up." Four remarked.

Marie smirked. "I mean, those two have a habit of going off by themselves. Wouldn't be surprised if they finally got lost by doing that."

"We should put a tracker on him." Callie said, unprompted. "So when he eventually does, it's not a problem."

Four choked on spit. "Th-that's, you don't, that's not-"

Marie hummed in thought. "Y'know, that's not a terrible idea."

"What???" Four sputtered some more.

Her confusion was ignored. "Right? He keeps getting kidnapped anyway, so it's an investment if anything!" Callie remarked with a big grin, like she was really proud of the idea of putting a tracking chip in her grandfather.

Marie nodded in agreement. "Very good point. Let's not tell him."

"Of course not! That would be weird!"

Four looked both like she was having a nervous breakdown and also trying not to die of laughter. "Are you guys normal???"

"Four, you have known us long enough to know that's a redundant question." Marie replied with a smirk.

The agent let out a breath of a laugh. "You know, fair point."

The sound of someone exiting the grate caught their attention, but to their surprise it wasn't either of the squids they were expecting. Instead, it was Meep, seamlessly going yellow and waving once she saw them.

Callie beamed and waved back. "Meeeeeep omigosh it's been so long! Hi!!"

Meep blushed a little and jogged over. "H-hi! Yeah, I don't visit as much as I should! Though...honestly I don't know where you guys are when you aren't here so...uh. Yeah."

Marie gave a shrug. "Apartments, gigs, wherever we feel like. We try not to give out addresses. No excuse for us not visiting you, though. We've been meaning to stop by to say hi to Marina and Pearl, at least."

Callie's eyes lit up with sudden realization. "Oh!! And your little Octocopter friend! I haven't said hi to him yet either! I heard from Four he's cute, is that true?!"

Meep momentarily looked over at Four with mild confusion, but ended up shrugging in response. "I mean...everyone seems to think that when they meet him so...I guess so? I've known him too long to have any opinion on that."

"Nevermind that." Four cut in. "What brings you here?"

"Oh! An......Three invited me here for the meeting."

Four paused at the aborted word, but decided to ignore it. "She did? But you're not an Agent. Anymore, I mean."

Meep shrugged again, and took that moment to sit down with them. "She said she wanted me here for emotional support."

"Makes sense." Marie commented. "Considering how nervous she gets sometimes, I'm surprised you're not here more often for that." She remarked teasingly.

Meep pouted. "Don't make fun of her....."

She raised her hands in surrender. "Sorry, low-hanging fruit."

"Does that mean you know what this is about?" Callie inquired, tilting her head. "They didn't tell us."

"Oh! Yes, she told me. But...it's not my place to share." She pulled out her phone, and scrolled through her messages. "Hm...oh! Yes, she says they'll be here soon." She informed them with a smile.