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AEGIS: The Caterers

AEGIS: The Caterers
Originally Published by Jason Cochrane on Sep 12, 2016 at 04:02 AM


“Caterers?” Henry dodged aside as a young dark haired Asian woman zipped past him. He thought her name was Aki. He almost dropped his phone which would prematurely end his protest to his wife. “Did we really need Caterers?”

The small voice in the phone replied with great patience. “Yes dear. This morning you told me it would be just your work colleagues. At lunch you changed it to your work colleagues and all their interns. That makes it, what? 40? 50 people?”

Henry pushed himself against the wall as a young woman of the classic red headed Irish complexion swiftly passed him back in the other direction. Ako? Yes. She introduced herself as Ako… he thought.

“They’re not interns. They’re Inductees…”

“Is Director Thorne paying them?” The voice on the phone continued as if speaking with a well-intentioned small child.

“Well no, dear,” protested Henry. “That’s not how Outreach works.”

“Then they’re interns. Just like the ones here at the hospital.” The voice continued with a sigh of longing. “I don’t know about you but I’d love half a dozen interns all to myself.”

"But dear, they're not mine. We agreed to share them all rather than have a team each this time."

A third and final woman, Aya, sped past Henry. This woman was blonde, blue eyed and of Nordic descent.

The caterers certainly were industrious. He had to give them that. There were only three of them but they seemed to be everwhere. Each one appeared to be far too young to be as accomplished as they clearly were. Each one complimented the actions of the others. From a team work perspective the three women were amazing.

They didn’t talk to Henry very much and when they did each one came across as somewhat vapid. They were polite but mostly the three kept to themselves.

They were also, Henry had to admit, physically stunning. Each was a model of beauty in her own way. He was in fact a little worried about how distracting the Caterers might be to a large portion of his guests.

He spoke into the phone once more. “Uh… where did you find these three on such short notice dear?”

The voice on the phone paused. “I was talking in the break room and one of Locum’s overheard and said they might be able to help. He hooked me up with them during patient review. Are they doing okay?”

This time the three woman passed by in rapid procession. Each was laden with a different tray of food. Henry noted their matched uniforms were very probably the most unprofessional thing about the trio. Their miniskirts bordered on being indecent. He was convinced that their blouses were at least one size too small. He was still amazed they were able to move like rockets while wearing those shoes. Henry admired the view as they passed.

“Yeah. It's looking great.”

“Good.” The voice seemed bemused. “Now, the kids are with my brother. They didn’t want to meet all the capes. Oh God. Henry, no one is coming in costume are they?”

“Ah… I didn’t specify.” The trio again strode past Henry with purpose.

“Henry White! If the neighbours complain one more time we’ll get a visit from the Neighbourhood Association!”

“Okay. I’ll try and keep it low key. What time will I see you?” Henry further retreated into a corner as the caterers again shot past.

“I don’t know honey. We’ve got all types of problems down here. Once my break is over I’m not even sure I’ll be able to call you back for a while.” Henry took note of his wife’s voice. She sounded very tired. “I'll see you when I see you love.”

“Love you too.” Henry hung up and once more had to dodge the caterers. This time the three were moving back and forth across the kitchen with machine like precision.

“That’s it.” He thought. “I going upstairs until these girls are done.” He called out. “Girls, if you need me I’ll be upstairs."

Aki, Ako and Aya responded as one in their effervescent way. “Okay Mr White. Buh, bye.”

He knew everything would go like clockwork. At least until the guests arrived.

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