D.O.A. Ideas

The Scary Man Makes a Friend

Preface: Ok, so this one gets a little real, but it gets better, I promise.

Helena hastily double checked her schedule as she grabbed her laptop bag from her desk and her suitcase from behind her chair, before making her way to the doors of her office. She'd planned on the last meeting being long, but it had run far longer than she'd anticipated, and she was in danger of being late to her own event.

Of course, she might not be right now, but she certainly would be if she didn't pick up the pace.

She reached the double doors just as Marie Rose opened them, with Zack and Bayman not far behind her, and they all separated to let Helena pass between them. They kept her pace as she walked swiftly to the elevators at the far end of the hall, and piled on after her as she hit the button for the main lobby.

"Let's go back over our duties for when Lady Helena is away." Marie Rose spoke up, and Helena could see Zack turn his attention to her from the corner of her eye. "I'll continue routine housekeeping, as usual, and will alert Lady Helena of any developments that occur in her absence. Zack?"

"Once I drop Helena off-" She noticed Marie scowl at him. He also took notice, rolled his eyes, and started again. "Sorry, once I drop Lady Helena off at the event, I'll stay with her 'til it's time to leave, and fly her back. There, was that better?" Marie huffed in frustration, and Helena couldn't help but shake her head. Marie was still such a stickler for decorum, regardless of who she was speaking to.

"Bayman? What are you going to do?" Marie continued, and Helena watched him as he responded. "I'm going to aid security personnel, and defend the ship if necessary." He turned to Helena. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you, ma'am? We still don't know Christie's or NiCO's current positions. It could be dangerous."
"That won't be necessary, Bayman. Zack will be with me."
"I'm aware, ma'am, but two of us would be safer."

"It'll be ok, Bayman, she won't be in any danger with me around!" Zack went to pat him on the shoulder, but thought better of it. Bayman acknowledged his discretion with a nod. "I'm just thinking realistically. But if you truly believe I won't be needed, then I'll respect your decision, ma'am."

The elevator came to a halt, and the four stepped into the lobby. Helena led the way towards the doors to the landing strip outside.

"Why do you call her "ma'am", anyway? She has a name y'know." Marie spoke as she and Zack stepped ahead of Helena to open the doors for her. Indeed, regardless of who she's speaking to, Helena thought, correcting a lethal mercenary on his manners. She smiled. "It's alright, Marie Rose. You don't have to call me "Lady Helena". Just "Helena" or "ma'am" is enough for me." She crossed the threshold, and Zack and Marie fell in behind her.
"But "Lady Helena" sounds more respectful, don't you think?"
"I don't need to be called that to feel respected, but I appreciate your concern."

The wind picked up as they moved away from the building and across the strip. The sun had begun to set, encouraging Helena to walk a little faster. Zack jogged ahead towards his helicopter and the crew tending to it. Marie also jogged, if only to keep up with Helena. Bayman scanned the surrounding sky for danger as they sped along.

"Helicopter's all good to go! Hop in!" Zack climbed into the pilot's seat as Bayman opened the copilot-side door for Helena to enter. A crewmember held a passenger door open so Marie could slide Helena's suitcase into the back.

With everything settled, Bayman and Marie Rose backed away from the vehicle as Zack began his final checklist before takeoff. Soon, they were up and away, and Marie waved excitedly as they ascended. Bayman shaded his eyes from the sinking sun, and the pair watched until the helicopter was just a dot in the darkening sky.