Axel had to prepare a message for basement-wide distribution over the intercom system and inform everyone below stairs. He wondered if he’d be able to hear the collective groan from the basement businesses when this information was released. Just like last month. His imagination was rather well formed, though not to the diva-like levels displayed by Patmore.
The passengers had only enjoyed a couple of hours roaming the facility, buying souvenirs. He’d have to ask the cruise liner company for a minimum of an additional day in dock upon the ship’s return in ten days to compensate for the lost business. The many vendors in the basement whose livelihoods were impacted by a massive change like this had suffered enough.
Axel made a call to ensure refueling wouldn’t be a problem. After last month, they’d enacted new measures to keep a larger reserve of liquid bauxite at the ready for any Alpha-Prime ships that might need to expedite a departure.
Axel hadn’t consulted Patmore about the warning he was about to send out, advising passengers to return to the ship for a noon departure. He didn’t want to argue with the man about the precise wording of the message to avoid upsetting thefragilepassengers aboard the luxury ship.
His plan counted on the old adage that begging forgiveness would be better than asking permission. The jury was out on how Patmore would react, although he’d suggested just such a message when they’d met a few hours ago. Maybe he’d praise Axel for his swift action. He snorted, knowing that was a long shot.
Axel pushed the button to release the automated message regarding the new timeline for the cruise, including all manner of apology and a promise to try for a longer stay upon their return to Earth.
Less than one minute later, a frowning Nova raced into his office. “Director Patmore wants to see you. Immediately. He’s on his way down.” Wow. That was fast. Time to face the music.
“Of course he does,” he said to Diesel’s assistant. “He only knows one word. Usually it’s, ‘Now!’ Guess he’s thought of a new one.” Axel reached for his phone. Maybe pretending to be on a call would slow Patmore down.
He didn’t want to deal with the cruise line director in full drama queen rage mode.
“You should stand up,” Nova said, her tone urgent.
“Why? I’m pretending to be on the phone to take the wind out of his sails.”
Nova looked over her shoulder. “Let’s just say he’s exceptionally cranky this morning. I’d stand up for your charade, Axel.”
She shook her head when he made a face. “You were the one to poke the bear, Axel. Just sayin’. Besides, it’ll throw him off guard when he storms in here all full of righteous indignation and you’re ready and waiting for him.”
Axel heard sharp rhythmic footsteps—or rather heels—pound the hallway floor outside his office. It sounded like someone was approaching his office in a fast march. Director Patmore loved to march even more than he loved drama.
The truth was, Axel did know enough to listen to Nova’s advice. He agreed with her assessment regarding the justified outrage about to come his way.
He winked at Nova and stood up behind his desk, both arms tucked behind his back as if at parade rest and awaiting orders. Just in time, as Patmore bulldozed past the office assistant like she was not even there, filling the room with his imperious presence.
The director’s expression deflated as he saw Axel waiting for him. Axel did his best not to break into laughter, but he felt the corners of his mouth curl up a bit.
Director Patmore pulled on the hem of his jacket, straightening a suit that didn’t need to be aligned, and cleared his throat as if changing his original planned outrage.
Axel expected a fervent rant about the weather and the message he’d sent out to the facility, and he was not disappointed.
“Why was I not consulted regarding the message sent out to our passengers?” He didn’t let Axel answer. “Are you aware of what has happened with your…announcement?” He said the word like it was repugnant. “Do you even understand what this will do to the ship’s schedule?
“Our passengers have paid quite a sum to spend their time as carefully scheduled as possible. There are lots of luxury liners available on Alpha-Prime and at our company we strive to be courteous, punctual and accommodating. And furthermore, blah blah blah.” That last part wasn’t really what he said, but it’s what Axel heard. He’d have to wait until Patmore wound down before attempting to speak.
Patmore wanted to rage at someone about his stupid schedule being changed and Axel was supposed to bow and scrape and say he was sorry about that pesky volcanic planet in the next galaxy ruining all of the other man’s carefully laid plans—like Axel had any control over it.
Axel wasn’t in the mood to be the director’s immovable sounding board or his verbal punching bag. Patmore was the one who made him read the stupid Interstellar Weather Report in the first place. It might have been worse if he hadn’t alerted Axel to the report. His VIP passengers might have been stranded on Earth longer.
But if Patmore would eventually be grateful, it wasn’t going to be anytime soon. He ranted. He raved. He ranted as he raved, pacing in front of Axel’s desk as he spewed his unhappiness.
The idea of simply walking out of his office while Patmore lectured and fretted and ran out of steam appealed. It was juvenile, but the ill-advised desire burned deeply within Axel’s soul. What would Patmore do? Would he follow Axel out and continue ranting and raving until he ran out of words or lost sight of Axel? He’d love to just once see Patmore’s expression if he exited like the director wasn’t even there.
“Have you read the latest Interstellar Weather Report?” Director Patmore asked suddenly.
“As a matter of fact, I have,” Axel responded quietly, barely beneath the start of the director’s next question. “You alerted me to it earlier this very morning, rather forcefully, as I recall.”
Patmore stopped pacing and stood across from Axel. His tone rather subdued, he asked, “Is it truly as bad as all that?”
Axel fought the urge to roll his eyes.
Answering was pointless, since he knew Patmore wasn’t done spewing angry words.
