The Name's Oliver - Ben Oliver. Ch. 159: Duty vs Ethics, Pt. II

[Schipperke]

Great update Schipp.  Keep the boss sweet with extra honey 

Thanks very much, Magz!

At this point, I'd like to say that a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes, as it were, getting things ready for Oliver's adventures.  Some very talented members of the forum have contributed buildings, characters, and advice that is going to add to this story immeasurably.  I am very grateful to these wonderful people who have generously shared their time, know-how, and creations with me.  You the readers will get to see the contributions these helpful, talented people have made as we go through the story.  Starting very soon, with Oliver's first adventure! 

[kent91blaze]

I'm excited to see Ben's first adventure! 

[Louise56]

Ben is turning into a good cook, a clever way to keep the ladies happy lol.
I can't wait for his first adventure.

[Beezy]

Yay! Glade!  Don't worry, I already know what users helped- JUST KIDDING!
Can't wait for Ben's first adventure!

[Schipperke]

Yay! Glade!  Don't worry, I already know what users helped- JUST KIDDING!

Yes, "Glade" was just too good to not use it, and thank you very much!  "BO73" is a bit of a mouthful, so I figured that would be Oliver's official number, and "Glade" would be his field name, if I can call it that.  I like the short, sharp, direct sound of Glade.

As for the contributions of the forum members - well, aside from yours, Corey, the rest are yet to come, and will be revealed gradually as the story evolves.  But I am really excited about those contributions, and I hope you will be too, when you see them! 

[Schipperke]

I Meet the French Ambassador

Diary Entry

When Monte Vista was discovered, foreign governments decided it was time to formalize relations between their nations and the other Sim home worlds.  Monte Vista reminded the French of their homeland, and they led the way in establishing an embassy here.  The Egyptians and Chinese followed suit, and soon this part of town became known as "Embassy Row," because both the Egyptian and French embassies were located on large properties here.



Waiting on the doorstep, I wondered what the Ambassador would be like.  I had never met an ambassador before.  DeLuca had said "he," so I knew the Ambassador was a man.  But I could always hope for a beautiful wife or daughter!



The door opened, and a man came out.  Was this the Ambassador?   I offered him my hand, but he glanced at me, curled his lip, sniffed as if he smelled something unpleasant, and swept past without a word to me.



Well!  I wasn't sure what to make of that reception.  Then I heard a voice calling, "Come in!"  I walked in to the embassy and met the Ambassador.



Comte de Simylla was a charming, charismatic man with an aristocratic bearing.  He welcomed me warmly and said, "I must apologize for my brother-in-law.  The Chevalier du Bois.  He's a terrible snob, and not a very nice person, I'm afraid.  The du Bois family is an old one, but totally impoverished.  The Chevalier never permits anyone to forget his noble lineage, though.  I promised my late wife that I would look after her younger brother - see that he didn't starve - so here he is.  Still, he has recently taken an interest in local politics, so perhaps there's hope for him after all."

Then he leaned in close so the maid hovering in the background wouldn't hear, and whispered, "The item you came for is upstairs in my chamber.  Follow me."



I followed him up the stairs to his bedchamber.  There, in the corner of the room, he pointed to a large jewel reposing on a plump red cushion.



"A lovely soulpeace!"  he exclaimed, fondly.  "Very rare.  The pride of my collection."  He invited me to take a closer look.



"Very nice," I said dutifully.  But in truth, I wasn't much attracted to gems.  I just didn't understand the appeal of shiny bits of rock.

The Ambassador said, "The stone is first-quality.  But the cutting is not.  When that gem was cut, the only cut available was the oval shape you see.  But there have been great advances made in gem cutting since that soulpeace was discovered.  I have been informed that that recutting would greatly enhance the value and splendour of my soulpeace.  Now, anyone can cut a rough gem, but it takes an experienced gemcutter to recut a stone.  I have heard of such a gemcutter living in Union Cove, an artist who is an expert in all sorts of gems and cuts.*"



He continued, "This gem expert has agreed to meet you in Sunlit Tides to look at the stone and determine if it can be recut.  If the stone is suitable for recutting, the job can be done right there in Sunlit Tides.  Your boss told me you were brave and reliable, and assured me I could trust my precious gem to you.  I hope she was right.

"There is a flight to Sunlit Tides this afternoon.  I took the liberty of booking you a seat on it.  I have a small beach house there, where you and the gem expert can stay.  I think you'll find it comfortable."



He asked if I had any questions.  I told him I hadn't, and promised he could count on me to keep his jewel safe.  I gave him my best military salute.



"Then godspeed, my young friend," he beamed, and opened the door for me to leave.



Diary Entry Ends.

* Can anyone guess who the Union Cove gem expert might be?  The clues are in this forum!

[Louise56]

Ben will enjoy his time in Sunlit Tides.
I think I know who the gem expert is.

[ladybug53]

I've just started reading this story. I just got caught up with this last chapter. It's very well written and quite an interesting read . I am so hooked already. Anxious for the next update . 

[Schipperke]

Ben will enjoy his time in Sunlit Tides.
I think I know who the gem expert is.

I bet you know, Louise, being as familiar with the forum as you are!  And I appreciate your discretion in not naming names.    We'll find out in a few days if you're right, and then you can say "I knew all along"!

I've just started reading this story. I just got caught up with this last chapter. It's very well written and quite an interesting read . I am so hooked already. Anxious for the next update . 

Welcome aboard, ladybug, and thanks for the comment!  I've just been collecting screenshots for the next chapter, so as mentioned above, it should be ready in a day or two. 

[Schipperke]

Call Me Darling

Diary Entry

I was fuming as I returned to the barracks to pack.  Nursemaid to a piece of coloured stone?  I signed on for adventures!  Daring exploits.  Not to be an errand boy for a rich man.  By the time I got back to the barracks I had just about convinced myself I was wasting my time here in Monte Vista and maybe I should quit and go live in my father's homeland.

May had just arrived home from work, and I confronted her with my frustration.



But May pointed out, quite reasonably, that this routine assignment was the perfect opportunity to prove myself to DeLuca.  "She needs to see if you can complete an easy job before she trusts you with the more challenging assignments," May said.  "Patience, Bennie!  Just do a good job with this mission, and I'm sure you won't regret it.  You know, most people would be thrilled to get an all-expenses paid trip to Sunlit Tides.  Sun, sand, and a lady gem expert.  What are you complaining about?"



The gem expert was a woman?  Well, that was more like it.  I could feel my spirits lifting.  "Dear May, you always know exactly the right thing to say," said I.

She laughed.  "You're not the most complicated character, you know, Bennie," she said.  "Now, here are a few things you may find useful.  Just in case you need them."  She handed me a large package.



I made it to the airport just in time.  The flight was uneventful.  And the scenery we passed on the drive to the Ambassador's beach house was spectacular.  So I would spend a few days lazing around on the beach and seeing the night spots - May was right, I had nothing to complain about.  This assignment would be a doddle, and my boss would see that I was capable of much more. 

I arrived at the beach house and went in to find the gem expert had already arrived and was waiting for me.



Her name was Angela, and she was gorgeous!  I told her my name was Ben Oliver.

"Ben Oliver," she said.  "Also known as Agent BO73.  And what do your friends call you - is it Ben or Oliver?"

Oh, I was suave!  I was sophisticated!  I knew just what to say - "My lady friends call me darling," said I, turning on that old Oliver charm.  Guaranteed to get a reaction.

It got a reaction, all right.  Not exactly the one I was looking for, though.

Angela laughed.



Oh, she wasn't laughing in a mean way.  Just laughing, as if I'd said something exceptionally amusing.  She said, "There's only one man I call darling, and I'm afraid you're not him.  I shall call you Ben."

Well, you can't blame a guy for trying.  I figured it couldn't hurt to let her know I was also a good cook - I'd heard a lot of women like a guy who can cook.  And who could resist my extra-sweet key lime pie?



Angela listened politely then said, "I think it's time I took a look at this gem of the Comte de Simylla's.  You do have it with you?"



We went into the house and I put the gem on the desk where she could study it.



"Yes," she said, "I believe it is possible.  It will be tricky, but I think it can be done."

I asked if I could watch, but she said, "No.  This is very delicate work, requiring great concentration and precision.  It is hand-cutting, you understand.  A gem cutting machine is fine for cutting raw gems, but to recut a gem of this quality, it must be done by hand.  I've brought along the special tools I will need.  Why don't you go enjoy the outdoors for a few hours, and later we can go see a bit of the town?"

I could see she was eager to get down to work on the stone, so I left her to it.  I walked outside and entered paradise.



The Ambassador's house was right on the beach of a lovely lagoon.  I spent the next few hours blissfully strolling on the warm sand, swimming,



and skimming rocks.



The shadows started growing long and my stomach was beginning to rumble.  I made my way inside to see what progress Angela had made with the gem.



She had managed to recut the Ambassador's stone to look like that?  I was amazed and overwhelmed by her talent.  The Ambassador would surely be delighted.  And I was delighted that she was finished, and that we could set out for a night on the town.  Maybe I could find some way to take the lady's mind off "darling."

Diary Entry Ends.

Thanks very much to Anushka for giving permission for her Simself Angela Buznik to make a cameo appearance in this story!  And if you're not familiar with this thread, take a look and you'll understand why she is perfectly cast as the gem expert.

[Anushka]

Since I knew she would appear in the story I didn't want to comment before, but now I have to say how flattering it is to see her here and with such a role! I enjoyed reading your stories ever since your charming angler was looking for a perfect kilt, but this one is a special treat for me.
I love how she responded to a flirty Bond Ben, you pictured her character perfectly! And wow how she look now 

I don't have to say I can't wait to see what will happen next

[Magz from Oz]

Another terrific update and so beautifully written.  I love the crossover with Angela Buznik.  I think it's fun to see characters we like pop up in each other's stories.  It's what makes this forum such a great community.

[ladybug53]

An other great update ! I totally enjoy your writing . This is getting so interesting that I get anxious for the next update . I wonder where he'll be off to for his next assignment .   

[Saltypaws]

Yep, doing it again Schipp.  I will be keeping up with this one.  Fantastic so far.

[Louise56]

I know the gem expert was Anushka! She certainly know how to handle a flirty guy lol.
I hope she stay in the story.