Cloud Association: Pretty Boy Psycho

Master Hugo

When we go into the cabin for the evening, Geordie has disappeared but has left behind a habitual type of experience. He's repaired an ancient bunk which is looking semi-stable thanks to his efforts. Some buckets are tipped upside down round a crate; I think that's supposed to be our table. We sit Charlie on the bunk while scanning the cabin. Some old cloth is nailed over the broken window to prevent too much of a draft getting in. This means when we thought Geordie was destroying the cabin he was fixing it up.

"Stay away from the rally," says Charlie. "I think we should go but if we do it will contrast with Geordie's mindset."

"He's done this on purpose." Danny sits on a bucket. "Knew we'd think twice if he did up the cabin."

"Master Hugo would understand if we don't go," says Charlie.

"How are we going to fit in if we distance ourselves from the rest of the field agents?" says Danny.

"We're not here to fit in. We're here to survive a bounty which is on our heads," says Charlie.

"Some candles would be nice and a table cloth. Ooo and a few cushions."

"Seriously Al?" says Danny.

I go rooting through my packs which Geordie has put me in the corner of the cabin. I pull out a cloak I'll probably never wear again which makes me wonder why I brought it along with me. I drape the cloak over the crate. "Geordie fixed up our cabin but forgot homey touches. Would you like to frame The Hollow Tree and fix it to the wall?"

Charlie folds up his jacket to make a pillow. "A job for tomorrow I think."

"'Kay." I try settle myself down on the floor. Some people can sleep anywhere. Danny's already dozing. Wind blows through the makeshift curtain howling worse than wild cats. I stroke at a switchblade strapped to my arm. Master Hugo was the only master willing to die defending trainees. How can I lay here trying to sleep when I ought to be attending a memorial rally for him? I can't. I'll regret not going forever if I don't pay my respects.

Giving up on sleep I crawl towards the door. Slip outside. Bump right into Geordie's back. "What are you doing sat out here? I thought you were with Chunk."

"Some nights he stays away."

"Yet still you sleep outside."

"Yeah. Problem?"

I shake my head. "The cabin looks amazing."

"It's crap. You going somewhere?"

"To pay my respects to Master Hugo."

"More fool you. He tried to manipulate you into being an infiltrator."

"He also placed a bet in favour of me becoming a field agent and gave me my switchblades. When the fire raged on Cloud High he told me it was okay if I wanted to fly away. Please don't be sore at me for thanking someone who believed in me." I keep on my way. As I pass the almost burnt out fire I shrug my blue blazer onto it.

"What're you doing?"

"Blue isn't my colour."

"Danny. Charlie. Rally," shouts Geordie. "Up and out. Rally."

Yawning Danny stumbles outside. "Rally what?"

"We're going to the rally. Wake up."

"I'm awake."

"Barely. What's Captain Sensible doing?"

"He's feeling rough. I think we should leave him to sleep."