The Chibi Problem Part 23
The idea was ludicrous.
But it might work.
And if it did, we wouldn't be stuck all night.
That right there made it worth a try.
I gathered my guys around me and began to explain what I wanted to try.
I decided that BabyDoll would be my voice for this. Demon was stronger than Happy, so he would carry the phone. Happy would be the relay.
I was going to let my chibis phone home.
I pointed out the relevant buttons on the phone and BabyDoll nodded intelligently, translating for the others whenever they looked puzzled or confused. Demon chattered back with questions and comments wanting to know exactly how the phone worked. I could almost see BabyDoll spinning a chibi-friendly explanation. It made me feel better.
Okay, sweetie, I said to my BabyDoll when we were ready, you know what to say?
"Mooooiiig!" he trilled, as close as he can come to "Mike." "Caaariiii daaaiiii! Rooo naaaiiii iiiiiit! Heeellll!"
I laughed and hugged him tightly.
That's perfect, BabyDoll! Mike will know it's us from the caller ID! And he'll recognise your voice, too.
He hugged me back, nuzzling my cheek. Then he was marshaling his troops once again. Demon passed his buster rifle and beam cannon to Ghost and Zee, and hefted the phone, slinging the wrist strap bandolier-style over his head and across his chest. It's one of those stupid fold-up things, so small I can barely hang onto it, but just the right size for the chibis to manage.
He launched to find an air current suitable for gliding, and BabyDoll gave me another quick hug and then launched with Happy. They circled lazily for several minutes, climbing ever higher until I spotted the tiny glow of an open line. Immediately, BabyDoll and Happy were there.
I couldn't hear all of it, but caught bits and pieces of BabyDoll's "conversation". It seemed like he was listening in between; I really hoped that Mike would actually recognise what was going on.
All at once, Happy dropped like a stone to stall in front of me, chattering excitedly. I had to make him slow down; I couldn't make any sense at all at that speed.
Mike (Dog Master to the gundam) understood! he crowed. He wanted to know if I was okay.
I told him to have BabyDoll tell him "yes." He was gone almost before I got the word out.
And then the signal light went out, and all of my guys were floating to earth, grinning like Cheshire chibis. Even Demon.
BabyDoll settled on my shoulder to chatter in my ear, letting me know that Mike was worried about us, but he was on his way with the trailer. They had conducted a short Q&A, which managed to impart all the pertinent information that Mike needed to find us. I'm telling you, gotta love those Marines!
It would take him around three hours, what with hooking up the trailer, so we all settled down to doze and wait.
~*~
My first warning was the sound of an engine close by. Mike? I wondered, but BabyDoll was rumbling in my ear, so I knew it wasn't.
Maybe the CHP finally?
I brought the seat upright and blinked out into the darkness. No blue lights, so not a cop. I checked my watch and discovered that it was after ten; Mike should be here in twenty minutes or so.
I got out of the car and spotted running lights about 50 yards down the road. It looked like a tow truck, one of the independents that cruise the highways looking for idiots like me. It didn't really matter; for one thing, he was about three hours too late, and for another, I would never allow my car to be towed on a hook.
The driver got out and sauntered my direction. He didn't act too anxious to be of assistance. BabyDoll hissed and rumbled at me from his perch on the steering wheel. He didn't like this situation. I couldn't see anything to worry about, but at the same time, some deep down instinct began to uncoil, waking sluggishly.
I wanted to get back in the car, roll the windows up and lock the doors, but the electrical failure made that impossible. Not to mention that a convertible top isn't exactly secure.
I just reminded myself that I wasn't alone, and I wasn't a victim. I could take care of myself, thankyouverymuch.
I kept the beam of my flashlight on him as he walked up and stopped at a respectful distance.
Evenin' ma'am, he drawled. You broke down?
I looked him over, not impressed. The name patch on his grease-spotted shirt said "Joe," but he looked like a "Bubba." He looked dirty. He smelled dirty. He would never be a poster boy for AAA.
BabyDoll made that odd chittering sound, the same noise the cats make when they're stalking a bird through the window.
Yes, I admitted.
I can tow you to the station up the road for twenty-five.
I relaxed a little; I was afraid I was going to have to dance with him for a while before he got to the point.
I shook my head "no." No thanks; this car doesn't go on a hook. And I've got someone coming anyway.
You in a caravan? He asked more sharply than necessary.
I called a friend with a trailer, I admitted.
His face did something odd, but I couldn't quite read it.
Huh, he snorted. You're lucky to get a signal. This is a dead area.
I've got good service, I said.
He moved around the front of the car, toward the right side, looking down.
You want me to take a look? Might just be a loose wire or somethin'.
I already checked; it's the alternator.
His head snapped up and he chuckled indulgently. I don't know about that - I swear I could hear the "little lady" before he said it - Little lady, but this puddle don't look like no alternator problem.
Now, understand; I'm not an idiot and I'm not stupid. I'm a grown woman and I've taken care of myself for a damn long time. However, there is a little thing called cultural conditioning that can rise up and bite the best of us when we least expect it.
I walked around the car to look.
And never saw it coming when he grabbed me around the neck and threw me onto the ground.
TBC...
Back to PlaidDragon's Fanfictions Page