Come Monday morning, the Boys in their cubicles each on the computers working on something. ALLURE looks up from his machine sighs loudly
ALLURE
"Seriously we need to find a way to know more about "The Crow"(doing air quotes)"I feel like there are more surprises along the way and we will suffer as a result.
HEAD in deep thought
"True, getting rid of her might be tougher than I thought."
AUGER spinning in his chair
"We need an inside guy, and since the suggestion is mine...its not going to be me...so, throw slots and decide...also, HEAD is a family guy so he can't participate."
AEGIS and ALLURE
"why!!"
AEGIS
"and what is required of this inside guy that a family man can't participate?"
AUGER
"We need someone who can spend time with her even outside working hours...not like a spy but like a friend... that's why HEAD is out. Women are social beings we need someone to slowly make her to trust you and then we can figure her out."
AEGIS
Then you are back in the game...If anything, you know more about women than any of us, even HEAD who is married comes to you for female advice. You can't suggest something so radical and then back out...
Besides you were more excited than anyone that this time we have a woman. This is your domain, what do you know that we don't, why are you trying to run away from this?"
ALLURE nods in agreement.
HEAD
"Am with AUGER on this one…"
ALLURE
"Of course, you are it's not like the crow is going to peck your head and ours are quite shiny from her stand point…that woman is crazy..."
HEAD
"Better ideas? anyone?"
Silence in the room
HEAD continues
"watching her from afar won't cut it and by the look of things she intends to stay for a while....
let's draw slots then"
The other boys sigh in defeat HEAD removes a coin from his pocket.... hiding his amusement
HEAD
Gentlemen...place your bets
AEGIS and ALLURE
"Heads"
AUGER
"Tails"
The coin lands on tails...
AUGER
"Yes!"
He exhales in relief.
HEAD now clearly amused
HEAD
"…AUGER you are safe...gentlemen the coveted crown is between you two..."
AUGER and HEAD look amused while ALLURE looks scared and AEGIS looks angry
AEGIS
"I stick to heads"
ALLURE Crossing his fingers
"TAILS!"
HEAD tosses the coin again and covers with his hand building the suspense
AEGIS clearly impatient
"Really!"
The coin lands on tails again ALLURE exhales in relief
ALLURE
"Sorry man...one for the team..."
he pats AEGIS on the back .AEGIS sits on his chair with a defeated look on his face.
AEGIS to himself
"I should have called in sick today what kind of ill luck is this?"
HEAD to AEGIS
"Also, to save time you start immediately before she digs her claws deeper into the organization."
AEGIS shoots him a furious look HEAD meekly resumes work on his machine.
Later that week, most people in the building are headed to the cafeteria for lunch. As usual BELLE sits by a corner and eats alone, earphones plugged in to avoid company. The boys on the other hand sit a few tables from her ALLURE nudges AEGIS.
ALLURE
"...Man, the earlier you start the sooner it will be over"
The other boys nod in agreement while stuffing food down their mouths. AEGIS exhales and lifts his lunch tray
AEGIS Speaking to himself
"Today I will experience the worst indigestion ever"
ALLURE
"Good Luck!..."
HEAD and AUGER shake their heads in encouragement as they watch him walk toward BELLE.
BELLE continues to eat... unmoved while watching something on her phone. AEGIS sits down opposite her facing the boys' table. Uncomfortable, he clears his throat trying to get her attention still BELLE is unmoved.
AEGIS waves his hand in front of her face...BELLE looks up unplugs her earphones but says nothing and just looks at him creating awkward silence.
AEGIS
"Can I sit here and have lunch with you?"
BELLE
"So you are the sacrificial lamb?... I thought it would be AUGER"
AEGIS is taken aback
BELLE
"First of, am disappointed that this is the best your team could think of, I was looking forward to an adventure not elementary games. Anyway for your sake since you are here to learn your enemy, I will play along for your sake.
Well, where do we start? am as open as the slit on my red dress…just hope whatever you find beneath will be (In a whisper) …less dangerous."
She leans back on her chair and observes AEGIS
BELLE In a disappointed tone
"you lot sure are predictable...how many lunches are we supposed to share?"
Before AEGIS could respond She leans forward excitedly
"Are dates included as well?"
In a cheeky whisper
"...am free this weekend"
AEGIS looks on caught off guard...She Leans back again on her chair and continues to eat unbothered
BELLE
"But…how did you lose the bet?"
AEGIS In a low almost ashamed voice
"We tossed a coin..."
BELLE chuckles and speaks into her phone
" ...note to self...never buy a lottery ticket while with AEGIS…bad luck"
AEGIS smiles...he notices he is smiling and frowns. Back at the boys table they are debating whether AEGIS is making any progress. ALLURE gasps...
ALLURE
"Did he just smile...?!"
AUGER and HEAD turned to look at the same time; just in time for AEGIS to flinch and BELLE to look back and wave at them smiling...
BELLE
"Predictable... I can see HQ is checking in on you, when you get back tell them you stepped on a mine "
shakes her head and continues to eat
BELLE pauses
"Actually am more disappointed that I came off so gullible that you people didn't think of an elaborate plan,
Speaking to herself
"Do I look that dumb? no it cant be"
Speaking to the now shocked confused almost scared AEGIS
"Are you not going to eat? can I trade you the drink"
AEGIS
"Sure..."
She then trades her apple drink for his vanilla milk...
HEAD
"Are they are trading food?!...don't look she will be onto us."
The boys continue to eat their lunch in a restless manner.
ALLURE Sighing
"…I think we are all going to get indigestion today"
BELLE Stuffs her mouth with food...
BELLE
"Maybe I jumped into conclusion way to fast...yes that's it am sure you want me to believe its simple and then unleash something sinister when I least expect it....Right?"
(Not giving him a moment to respond)
(Talking with genuine excitement in her voice)
"I think I will enjoy my lunches more now...waiting for the surprise to explode I love to dangle on the edge...please eat I don't want people to think am making this awkward for you....I want to see this to the end"
They both finish their food in silence. AEGIS signals her to stand up to leave the cafeteria
BELLE Smiling...
"and miss the show? No... you first, I want you to feel my eyes peeled on your back as you walk away...Please…"
signaling him to walk away first
BELLE
"same time tomorrow...?"
She smiles as he walks away hurriedly without looking back.
AEGIS drags himself back from lunch just to find the other boys waiting for him...
ALLURE
"Man, that looked rough...but you smiled mid torture so we knew you had it under control..."
AEGIS Angrily
"You guys owe me... for life!..."
AUGER
"Nooo… man you won that throne fair and square...we were trying our best but you wanted it more than us ...I mean you guys were laughing...whispering into each others ears...exchanging food... it looked really romantic if you ask me...."
AEGIS In a resigned tone
"besides, she made me even before I sat down...so we need another plan"
HEAD
"No....that's actually a good thing..."
The other boys look at HEAD puzzled he continues to explain
"She will expect you to stop having lunches with her because she made you...if you continue showing up you will throw her off balance and we might retrieve something from her mid confusion In fact ask her on a date tomorrow"
AEGIS
"Date!! that lunch just gave me PTSD I might never be able to look at a lunch tray the same again"
ALLURE
"Don't you think you are exaggerating just a little bit?"
AEGIS scoffs
"Were you there... do you recall when she waved at you guys at the cafeteria? she told me to tell you "HQ," that I stepped on a mine."
AUGER
"But you came back intact...."
AEGIS
"Intact? do I look and sound intact to you? am sure that was a threat with deeper meaning and now you are speaking of dates!?"
AUGER
"HEAD makes a lot of sense throw her off balance."
AEGIS
"Women are your thing why don't you take over this assignment"
AUGER
"I will be honest man even I have territories I haven't explored yet and this "crow" is foreign and scary I cant even give you advice I can just hope you survive."
AEGIS sighs and crushes on his seat in defeat
The next day, at lunch, BELLE is seated with earphones on as usual. She is a little taken aback when AEGIS Joins her but maintains her poker face.
BELLE
"I was wondering when you'd show up"
she smiles looking at his plate
"There's nothing interesting on your plate today… was that intentional?"
AEGIS Confidently
"No....I was thinking tomorrow I take you out to dinner"
While maintaining direct eye contact to catch her reaction. BELLE realizes she is being played at her own game and chuckles.
BELLE
"Why wait till tomorrow? let's go to dinner today...."
she also maintains eye contact
AEGIS fumbles
"...to...d...ay....I mean....I have...oooh.... okay...dinner then...where..."
All confidence lost ,after recollecting himself sighing
AEGIS
"Why today we can do tomorrow"
BELLE
"Why waste time, am eager for the big surprise you guys have in store for me .A few minutes ago you seemed so excited No... today is good you can take me tomorrow if you like but today I have reserved a place...its hard for the tickets to come by...I was to go by myself but since you are here...trust me you will love it..."
BELLE continues eating while AEGIS barely touches his food. Again, at the end of the meal she beckons him to leave first. Back in the office the Boys eagerly wait for an update.
AEGIS In a defeated voice
"HEAD man… you set me up!!."
Speaking to himself
"I really did step on a mine.... am not coming out of this experience alive and even if I come out alive there's no way am coming out of this sane. My whole life I have been a soldier and always learned to trust my instincts I don't know why I listened to you guys this time"
Speaking to the Boys in a resigned tone
"She made me again...and even offered to take me to...dinner tonight!"
ALLURE bursts out in laughter, AUGER is amused
ALLURE
"Man don't arrive at the venue before her you saw how far she can shoot...she could shoot you from her house and have the perfect alibi...in fact, your date should be in another town just to be on the safe side...by the way...where's the date?"
AEGIS looks at them blank
HEAD to AEGIS
".... seriously you don't know?"
AEGIS interrupts him
"Please don't start...I have a vague recollection of the entire lunch"
HEAD to AUGER and ALLURE
"Guys make sure your alibis are bullet proof tonight....you know they question family and friends first..."
The two Boys nod in mock approval
ALLURE
"We will be waiting for updates tomorrow...make sure you give her a kiss at the end of the date... you know...to continue throwing her off balance as HEAD had suggested..."
AEGIS gives ALLURE a murderous look and everybody resumes work on their machines.
Later that evening,
BELLE
"Which vehicle do we take?"
AEGIS
Mine!
BELLE
"eeeiii...somebody would think am going to murder you in my car we are just going on a date"
AEGIS:
"Date?...it feels like am walking to a slaughter house"
BELLE scoffs and gets into the passenger seat as AEGIS drives away. With the directions given by BELLE, they finally they arrive at what looks like a food fair. Several stands and vendors are seen selling various types of Asian dishes. AEGIS parks and follows BELLE.
AEGIS genuinely confused
"This is where you reserved tickets?"
BELLE In an excited tone
"Wait for it…we need to hurry before we lose our spot."
she grabs his hand and drags him to a tent where a noodle and sausage eating competition is about to start...
ANNOUNCER
"Oh ....and one of our elite competitors with her partner has just arrived It is going to be a fierce competition!"
AEGIS looks on scared as BELLE drags them to one of the competing stands and bows proudly at the crowd. Loud cheer from the crowd.
AEGIS with Raw fear in his voice Whispers into BELLE's ears
"I think I know what's going on but please tell me what's going on"
BELLE Whispering back
"you are a soldier...the rules of ambush apply ... improvise, adapt and survive."
She continues to wave back at the cheering crowd and acknowledging the other competitors with a slight bow.
The look on AEGIS's face rotates from confusion to shock and finally settles on fear. Before AEGIS could collect his shock, an attendant comes and places bibs on them. Just as he is about to ask BELLE another question.
ANNOUNCER
"Contestants you know the rules...we are starting in three...two...one…go!"
BELLE Smiling at AEGIS
"make me proud!"
AEGIS looks on in shock as Belle and the other competitors stuff food down hurriedly...the crowd cheers on wildly. BELLE notices that AEGIS is not eating ...steps on his foot he winces in pain and starts eating slowly as well.
ANNOUNCER
"time's running out....three ...two... one...stop!"
They don't finish their food on time...and place sixth .BELLE bows to the winners all this time dragging the confused AEGIS behind her. Finally, they leave the tent
AEGIS Still in shock speaking to himself
"What did I just do?...I don't know whether to be embarrassed or impressed…"
BELLE
"Of who me or yourself"
AEGIS Slightly angry
"I guess I will have to carry the embarrassment for both of us since you have no shame whatsoever"
BELLE
"Since when does eating require shame?"
Exhilarated standing in front of AEGIS
"it was fun, wasn't it?"
AEGIS scoffs in disbelief...BELLE continues to walk to the parking lot
AEGIS Pausing
"Wait…"ELITE!!!"...like there are times you win!!?...How many of these have you attended ?...who do you bring...I mean ...."(Heavy sigh of disbelief)
BELLE
"I always bring my Uncle George or my sister..."
AEGIS
"So, you have a family of "ELITES!""
Shaking his head.
BELLE
"...I bet you are looking forward to our next date."
AEGIS genuinely scared. Muttering under his breath
"Date?..."
They finally get to the parking lot and drive off. The drive home is a quiet one. When they get close to BELLE'S apartment building
BELLE
"You are not going to walk a lady to the door ?Its late at night"
AEGIS
"You! (Scoffs)… a…lady! those two words can't coexist in the same sentence"
BELLE ignores his remarks
"I have set the standards ...so if you want to take me on a date you know where the bar lies"
AEGIS
"Where?...the bottom of a commercial deep fryer !?..."
BELLE sneers and gets off.
BELLE through the window
"All am saying is...I want and very full by the end of a date...see you tomorrow"
She walks to her door smiling to herself....AEGIS sighs and drives off speedily like someone on a speed chase.
The next morning, AEGIS enters the office to find the other Boys eagerly waiting for him.
AUGER Feigning relief while trying to hide a smile
"You are alive! how was it...?"
Just then BELLE comes in as usual...milkshake in hand
BELLE Cheerfully
"Hi Boys!"
as she walks to her office AEGIS looks frightened as the other boys respond cheerfully. AUGER looks at AEGIS impressed
AUGER
"My man...you are smooth...you guys did it!"
AEGIS
"Did what?...wait ...what??!...no...!! no!"
AUGER
"Then what...you guys have just got here together and the look on your face…"
AEGIS
"The look on my face…this is fear for my life how are …And No... we did not arrive....toge…(sigh)"
HEAD
"So are you going to make us beg tell us what happened...I could barely sleep"
Another deep sigh from AEGIS as he collapses to his chair
AEGIS
"She took me to a food eating competition"
HEAD AUGER AND ALLURE
"A WHAT...?!!"
AEGIS
"A food eating competition...She was a contender...and I was her partner...."
The boys burst out laughing that BELLE hears them from her office and smiles. All the other boys now give AEGIS their full attention.
ALLURE Very amused
"Then what....it doesn't sound so bad…"
AEGIS
"She told me the rules of ambush apply and I had to adapt to survive..."
The laughter roars more
"Then...we placed sixth and not for lack of her trying...she ate like ten people's worth of food in two minutes...."
ALLURE AUGER HEAD
"Sixth?..."
AUGER
"How many teams were there?"
AEGIS:
"Twelve."
AUGER
"A dozen and you halved it…you guys make a great team!"
AEGIS
"Then she stated she will let it slide because it was my first time but the next time...she expects better ...next time!!…"
Shaking his head in disbelief.
HEAD Hiding his amusement
"Yeah, you should do better next time..."
AEGIS
"...and that's not all..."
ALLURE Whispering
"there's more?"
The other boys look at each other trying so hard to hold in laughter...
AEGIS
"afterwards she insisted we stop for milkshake... saying the perfect way to end
a great night is with a milkshake...and yes, she drowned it all before we reached her doorstep!...
Plus since I had offered to take her on a date today she told me she was looking forward to it."
more laughter while AEGIS sighs bemused.
HEAD
You know now she thinks you will quit,
AEGIS
"Well she is right. I quit not now, yesterday!"
HEAD
"Noo... you have to go on another date she did that just to throw you off your game,
we can't back down now"
AEGIS
We?!...which We, what we!…am suffering alone!
ALLURE
"Man you have survived literal wars more than anyone in this room…you will survive this"
The other boys shake their heads in Mock agreement
AUGER
"Yeah man...just set the date next time to avoid an amb..u..sh..."
(trying not to laugh)
AEGIS wears his head sets and focuses on work to avoid more ridicule from the boys.
Just then JOHN walks in and assigns them their next task
ALLURE to AEGIS
"Saved by an assignment…lunch would have been awkward and the date you promised would have been worse"
AUGER
"We can get milkshakes on our way back"
AEGIS ignores them while HEAD and ALLURE smile as they gear up for the assignment.