In The Archipelago's Secret Service

17: Get Your Act Together

Seventeen: Get your act together.

He just had to get out of there, the anger at the reaction instantly dissipating as he hit the corridor and cold reality hit. They had all laughed at him, scorning him without any thought for how much he had endured in the past-and how much he had done for each and every one of them. They still thought of him as worthless, agent VA1019, the most pathetic excuse for an agent ever to disgrace a secret service. He accelerated, hearing the ping of the elevator and sliding in just before the doors closed. Miserably, he pressed the Lobby button and emerged into the brilliantly lit, bustling place.

And instantly felt more ridiculous and out of place than he had, Everyone was dressed in a sharp suit or a dress by Versace or Balenziaga or Chanel. Diamonds gleamed on a hundred hands and Archipelago dollars were being flashed everywhere. Buffeted by the tide of people as they swirled, Hiccup muttered a string of apologies until he reached the central fountain and slumped into a sagging seat on the wide rose marble rim. Behind him, the tinkle of water was an oasis of calm in the throng. He leaned forward and buried his face in his hands.

"Anything wrong?" a voice asked him. He stiffened.

"Um...no," he said swiftly. "Headache. Yes...severe headache..."

"Keep telling yourself that," the voice said. It was an amused, confident female voice. "No, don't look up," she said urgently as his head moved slightly. "All the syndicate leaders are coming to Bog-including...royalty. They will meet in the Asgard Suite-it's a room where you only get in by invitation-and a scrummy little redhead like you won't have any problems. Can you play Blackjack? Poker? Craps?"

"I can possibly spell them," he murmured. There was a sigh.

"Learn to play Poker by tonight and we'll see how well you do, cutie-pie," the voice said. He paused.

"Who are you?" he asked and chanced a look up-but he was alone.

"The Boss ain't 'appy that 'e's questioning 'im," a voice growled that had Hiccup stiffening. He peered through some ornamental ferns that were growing around the fountain and saw two shapes he recognised: Madguts and Halitosis Hal, two of Alvin's less intelligent and handsome specimens. Both recognised him immediately as he scrambled through the crowd, dodging the entourage of a visiting Sheikh and two oligarchs and dived into the incredible expensive 'Irmgard's', the most exclusive accessory chain in the Archipelago. There were two hefty guards on the door, for the wares ran into five figures so Hiccup knew he had a tiny window of thinking room...and then his eyes alighted on a perfect evening purse, encrusted with gold and clear stones that caught the lights and shimmered perfectly-and dazzlingly.

He lifted the purse with a smile as an idea began to form.

oOo

The sound reverberated and the laughter died down-well, most did, The twins and Snotlout were still laughing but as she regained control of herself, Astrid was swiftly on her feet, horrible guilt raking her chest. She knew how much Hiccup had endured in AI6, how many taunts and cruel words he had taken and for everyone here-who were starting to become his friends-to laugh at him had just completely undermined him. She snatched a card key and raced out into the corridor. But there was no sign of Hiccup. Horribly guilty, she raced down the corridor to the elevators and checked: all were down in the lobby except one which was descending rapidly-so she sped down the stairs and began to run down. She burst into the wide marble lobby and paused.

The huge space was busy with residents and guests who had come to use the 24-hour Casino. In the distance, she could already hear the sounds of slot machines chinging and beeping and to her left was the reception desk, the green-clad staff courteous and patient. A myriad of concession stores-all high end-shone at the other side of the lobby on the way to the larger 'Viking Raider' restaurant. Beyond the reception, there were seats and tables by the Vinland bar, with a few couples and single guests reading, drinking coffee or enjoying a light alcoholic beverage. Signage pointed down to the lower ground level where the gymnasium was sited. Sighing, she walked across the lobby-and then she saw a tall auburn-haired shape, buying a very sparkly clutch purse on the room tab. As she watched, he signed with a flourish and then accepted the bag with a small smile. But as he turned out of the shop, his eyes widened and Astrid saw two large men heading his way-men who recognised him from Berk.