[chapter] III An Appointment
THE COMMONWEALTH EMBASSY IN ILDOA, CALL RECORD NO. HFZ115
Z: Hello. I’d like to make dinner reservations for tomorrow at the dining hall. Please bring your finest champagne for a celebration—something nice and bubbly. Do you have any recommendations? You know what, I think Ildoan wine would be appropriate for the occasion. I’d appreciate it if you could suggest a nice pairing for me. Let’s start by hearing your recommendations for red and white wines.
T: I’m sorry, sir, but this is the Commonwealth Embassy. I believe you may have the wrong number.
Z: No, yours is the number I wanted to call. I’m calling to ask you to make arrangements for a feast tonight at the embassy. It’s for the ambassador and me, after all. There should be plenty for us to discuss.
T: My apologies, but could I get your name?
Z: It’s Hans. What’s your name? You’re on call for the embassy, and you don’t know who I am?
T: Mr. Hans. I’m deeply sorry about this. Until we confirm your identity, I can’t divulge any of our staff’s personal information with you.
Z: You know what, I have no interest in your name. I’m simply asking to set up a dinner to commend this historic event. Is the embassy unable to host a party?
T: I’m sorry to say that our embassy in Ildoa is currently suspending operations. We’re busy keeping our personnel safe and evacuating our citizens as the Empire makes their advance. Besides, I’m not even sure who exactly you are…
Z: Listen to me, boy. This is precisely why I’m trying to make a reservation. Have you no wits about you? Your teachers at secondary school would be crying if they heard this call. I feel pitiful just thinking about it.
T: What are you talking about? Are you a citizen in distress?
Z: No, no, no. Though that’s what you may be right now.
T: Me? Is this some kind of prank call…?
Z: Goodness, not the sharpest tool in the shed, are we? Here, make sure this exact message gets to the ambassador.
T: I’m sorry, but this really sounds like someone is playing a joke on us. I’m going to hang up now.
Z: Really, now? You’re going to hang up on Hans von Zettour of the Imperial Army General Staff when he’s simply trying to make dinner arrangements?
T: What…? What?!
Z: This is Hans, a good friend of yours. I’m planning on having dinner tomorrow at the Ildoan Palace, and I want the ambassador to be the guest of honor. In fact, why don’t you come along as well. Maybe I could teach you some manners then. Prepare yourselves to become our prisoners. Now then, I’ll be seeing you tomorrow. Make sure to bring your best champagne, at the very least.
T: Excuse me? Hello? Hello?!
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