IV: MARS

The Council (cont.)

When he wasn't getting scolded for running down the corridors, he could be found causing chaos elsewhere. As of right now, he's in the kitchen stealing food meant for the reception. Although he was quick on his feet and could surprisingly mute himself, he still had one giant giveaway that made him stand out a mile away. He was a flaming red head. The second the chef caught a tuff of red hair peeping up from under the table, he already knew the culprit. Before the chef could strangle him with all four of his arms, he managed to dodge his way out of the kitchen. He left a trail of pots and various utensils clattering on the floor as he scrambled the hell out of there. Once in the corridor, he continued to run just in case. He was lightning on his feet until he heard Sol's voice.
"Mercury, I sure hope you're not running in my corridor."
He stopped dead in his tracks and slowly turned to face his superior.
"Sorry, Madam! I promise I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for my survival. I was being chased."
"By one of Pluto's members? I thought I told him to keep those things on leashes."
"No no I- wait Pluto's back?"
Sol silently cursed herself for letting it slip and immediately tried to do damage control.
"Yes, but he's here just for the Recruitment period and then he's going back to whatever bridge he was living under."
Mercury seemed to glaze over Sol's obvious bitterness towards Pluto.
"Is here now?"
"You're not going to see him. He's in no state to be around impressionable children— or anyone at all. He's not in the right mindset right now."
Mercury looked down, watching his feet as he mumbled something.
"Don't mumble, I can't understand you," she said with a sigh.
"I said," He spoke annunciated, "I'm not a child I'm 13. Besides, Neptune is a child and I bet he's allowed to see Pluto."
"My apologies, you are not a child, but you are certainly not old enough to understand why Pluto is not a good role model. And Neptune isn't allowed to visit him, either."
They finally reached the assessment room, which was completely empty except for a long table consisting of 10 chairs.
"Looks like we're the first ones here. I'll send out a message to let the others know," Sol said.
"Can I choose where I sit?" Mercury asked.
Sol only shot him a knowing look and he sat down in the second seat. Not long after Sol had announced over the intercom that all Patrons must report to the assessment room, the rest of the crew started to file in. Venus sat next to Mercury, giving him a small smile before playing with the ends of her hair. Jupiter came in hooting about something and his booming voice nearly knocked the wind out of Venus. Saturn appeared and made her way silently to her seat, ignoring the very loud greetings from the neighbor to her right. Earth came in and finally Mercury had someone to talk to. They waited another 5 minutes with no other Patrons showing up.
"Venus, you wouldn't happen to know Mars' whereabouts?"
She blinked and her face became flushed.
"N-No I haven't seen him today..." She let out shakily.
Earth spoke up.
"I thought he was with Uranus."
Jupiter let out a laugh which was immediately met with a glare from Saturn and Earth.
"And knowing Uranus, she wouldn't be late unless Neptune was keeping her. The three of them are probably together." She continued.
"Do you think something happened to Neptune?" Venus asked in a hushed tone.
The concern that had been plastered on Sol's face quickly melted into one of anger.
"I know exactly where he is."