Topic: The Bad Beginning

A Falconne

Date: 2009-05-20 12:17 EST
Monday morning had not been the best start to his day. His personal assistant was not there to greet him. In fact, she did not end up showing up all day. He remembered frowning as he continued to his office. He hoped she was only oversleeping or something. It was only 6 am, he would try to shrug it off.

On the way to his office he passed Theodore's, and his door was open. He didn't stop to look twice, but he could have sworn he heard Theodore singing. He only shook his head and then collapsed into his chair.

As the day dragged on uneventfully, he merely flipped through a stack of current financials for the Rhy'din office. It wasn't until 11 am that anyone had bothered him. His phone rang and he sighed, expecting nothing of importance.

"Sir" This is Clarence from Inventory...Uh, the corner of the warehouse...It's uh...Missing, sir...And...All of the inventory that was there...just...Gone..." Clarence said this all in one very quick breath, not allowing Alper to get a word in.

Not that he had much to say, he was staring at the phone in mute disbelief. A moment or two passed.

"Ex-excuse me" D-did you say they're missing" Give me the lot number and inventory number, pronto."

"Yes, sir. Lot 52, Items 777, 778, and 779." Clarence replied promptly.

Alper swore loudly. That damned time machine. "Get Mister "elik for me, have him meet us down there," he sighed heavily.

"Got it, boss."

He hung up the phone and reluctantly got out of his chair. He picked up the portable touchpad computer and tucked it under his arm before rushing to the warehouse.

—-

And that was only the beginning. They never did find the time machine, and Professor "elik was going to have to either manage to find it, or start all over. Duci never showed, and has not been seen since Saturday night. Theodore has been off in his own little world, oblivious to everything it seems. While nothing else as mysteriously disappeared, walls and all, everything seemed off.

The office seemed dismal without Duci's presence, and several employees had called in sick. He hoped that bug from the docks wasn't filtering into his office. That was the last thing he needed on his plate.

The phone began ringing, and he answered it with a grunt. "Ko' Holding, Rhy'Din. Alper speaking, how may I help you make the future a reality today?"

"G"naydın oğul," a deep, accented voice greeted him.

"Baba, sizden duymak g"zel," he responded pleasantly.

"Size benim i"in Pazartesi hazir mi"" the gruff reply came.

"So soon?" Alper asked, sounding surprised. "I...I guess I can have the penthouse prepared for your arrival by Monday. What time should I expect you?"

"Breakfast time, my son. I trust all is going well"" his father asked.

A groan. "Superbly," he lied. Hopefully things would be back to normal before his father arrived.

"Good, good. I am looking forward to seeing how far your office has come. Will I be given the pleasure of meeting this woman who has taken your heart?" his father inquired, sounding pleased with himself.

"Yes, yes of course you will...though she duels a good part of the week....But I will set up a dinner at the penthouse," Alper replied distractedly, a frown managing to crease his brow.

His mind was elsewhere, he was more worried about the penthouse than anything else. He would have to hire a maid to clean the place....Actually, scratch that, he would have to hire at least a chauffer and maybe one or two servants. "Breakfast time, you said, yes" Hm, I will have the driver pick you up at the space port if I am unable to do it myself."

"Excellent. I will see you then. Allaha ısmarladık."

"G"le g?le," he replied, hanging up the phone. He felt even less settled than he had before. He picked the phone back up to call a few maid service places and temp agencies.