Chapter 97 - Mullinix Centre
It was late in the evening when the land barge made it back to the Palace. Stacy and Simon had their assignments and went to carry them out while Medoferro and Trinaferro went back into the palace. Marina went up and hugged both Medo and Trina, smiling at both of them.
"Welcome home guys," Marina smiled, "Looks like you’ve stirred up a bee’s nest worth of activity."
"More than we care to admit," Trinaferro said, not quite sure how to handle her yet, "How is everyone here?"
"Most of us had a good cry last night," Marina said, "We’ve lived with him for so long, it’s hard to believe he’s gone."
"Well the people responsible are going to pay," Medoferro promised, "We’re going to start that process tonight."
"That’s what Iggy said," Marina nodded, "You’ve come a long way in a week too."
"No choice, Marina," Medo told her, "A lot of things have changed."
"I heard," Marina nodded and smiled a little at the two of them, "I’m glad you two finally hooked up with each other."
"You’re not mad?" Trina asked her, "I mean you and him…"
"I’m not capable of giving him what he needs," Marina said, shaking her head softly, "You are, Miranda… I mean Trina. He’s a man capable of great love, some of which I was lucky enough for him to show me."
Marina went over and took both of their hands, grasping them for a moment before bringing them all together. She looked at both of them and smiled a little, radiating more warmth in that moment than Medo had ever seen emanating from the diminutive redhead.
"You know my history, Medo," Marina said, "I’m missing something inside, something that I’ll never be able to approach in more than minute doses. Just seeing you two walk up together, I see something between you that I envy and wish that I could share, but know I never will."
"You may," Medoferro told her, "It’ll hit you when you least expect it."
"Maybe," Marina nodded, "I’m just glad that you’ve found that one."
"Am I that one for you, Medo?" Trina grinned, looking at him.
"If you’re not," Medo chuckled, "Then I think when I find that one she will kill me with the power of it."
"See what I mean," Marina chuckled, "You two just have that chemistry."
"Just promise me this," Medo said to Marina, "That even though that dynamic has changed you’ll remain a good friend?"
"You can’t take that away," Marina said, "You two have some work ahead of you though."
"I know," Trina agreed, "How close are we on the plans?"
"They’ve got the stage set," Marina told them, "I just wish we didn’t have to do it so soon."
"How is Marianna handling it?" Medo asked Marina, not wanting to think about it yet, "Is she doing all right? I know she was close to Massy."
"Sascha has been with her since the news came in," Marina told them, "The rest of us have pretty much taken care of the local details."
"How long do I have?" Medo asked.
"Not long enough for you, I’m sure," Trina told him, "You’ve been dreading this all day."
"They should be ready any time," Marina told them, "They had gotten most everything ready on the stage. Insegniferro is over in the waiting area waiting for you. They figured we’d do it soon after your return."
"Let’s go," Medo said, "We need to get this over with."
Trina nodded and took his hand. They walked together over to the area over at the side of the stage. It was a strange feeling for Medoferro, as the last time he’d been in this area was the day that he’d become the apprentice. Insegniferro was waiting for them on a bench, one that gave him a view of the building crowds.
"Welcome home, Medo," Insegniferro said to the young Mullinix, "You’re looking better than I’d be led to expect."
"It’s an act," Medoferro said, shaking hands with the elder, "That and a bit of relaxation."
"Welcome to your new home," Insegniferro said, welcoming Trinaferro, "Sorry we had to do that to you."
"Nothing you could do," Trinaferro said, "Wasn’t your fault that Coblein screwed us all over."
"Speaking of," Insegniferro, "Where is he?"
"Stacy is overseeing his transfer," Medo explained, "She’s in a bit better shape now that she’s had a bit of sleep."
"Don’t work her too hard," Insegniferro warned, "You’ve probably got some rough times ahead of you."
"I’m trying not to remember that right now," Medoferro said, "How are things shaping up?"
"The crowds are already forming," Insegniferro said, gesturing towards the door, "The lines have been going nuts with that interview you gave. Opinions are mixed, but most are surprised that you two admitted your intimate relationship so readily. "
"Good," Medoferro said, "Just wait until they get a load of what I say tonight."
"I just hope it works," Insegniferro nodded, "Where’s Simon?"
"He’s with an operator working to get the news people ready," Trina told them, "Why give LaPorte an advertisement we’re coming? We’re going to have the lines going to Taliaferro Village and points south cut."
"You sure you’re ready for this, Medo?" Insegniferro asked him, "You look a bit shaky."
"I’m scared as hell," Medo said, "I’m about to give this nation a bit of bad news that’s unparalleled in recent memory. How do you think I feel?"
"I’m thinking I’m glad it’s you and not me making this speech," Insegniferro nodded, "I never imagined when we were standing here six months ago that I would be making a return appearance."
"At least we won’t have to stand through the damned receiving line," Medoferro grinned, "Gotta see the positives of it, right?"
"Precious few of those," Insegniferro nodded, "I have to ask, Medo. Are you sure about doing this?"
"Do we have a choice anymore?" Medo asked them, "You both agreed that you didn’t have any better ideas."
"I don’t," Trinaferro nodded, "And what the heck am I supposed to be doing? Neither of you have told me a thing about that?"
"What did Medo do during the last one, Trina?" Insegniferro asked her, "You were here."
"Mostly shook and looked scared as hell," Medo said sourly, "Right?"
"Yeah," Trina agreed, "That’s about it."
"So you know what to do," Iggy chuckled, "It’s Medo that has the hard part this time."
"Let’s just hope it works," Medo said, "Cause if it doesn’t then we’re all in trouble."