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

[Schipperke]

Llamas and Snails?

Diary Entry

I was mystified by what my father intended to achieve with his history lesson, and I said so.



"Have you never wondered why the sports team is named The Llamas?" he asked.  "And you probably have never had time to read the book on Llama Rights either.  Those and other llama references go back to those long-ago days when the Sim economy depended on llamas.  Until recently it was thought that the stories of those days were myths and legends.  But recently we have learned those stories were based on fact.  The Sim territories that took all the llamas and seceded are known as Llamastan.  Llamastan is a real country, just like Egypt or France.  With a one big difference.  Llamastan is not a free society.  The residents are strictly controlled by a brutal dictatorship.  No-one is permitted to leave Llamastan, nor are non-residents allowed to visit.  They have totally cut themselves off from the rest of the Sim world, which is why you've never heard of them before."



Ok, I was with him so far, more or less.  But I still didn't get what this had to do with -

"Yes, the Ambassador's dinner party," he said, smiling at my impatience.  "Finally, I'm getting to that!



"Do you remember me telling you there were concerns about organized crime moving in to Monte Vista?  The discussion at the Ambassador's dinner table was a veiled reference to the worst of the organized crime groups.  They weren't talking about escargots or snails, Ben.  They - or at least the Ambassador - were talking about ESCARGOT.  Evil Sims Controlling All Rotten Greedy Odious Terrorism.  A vicious, unprincipled, evil group intent on world domination.



"This group may or may not have ties to Llamastan - we can't be sure.  All we know is that they will stop at nothing to undermine Sim society so they can step in and take over.  The Ambassador, of course,  knows of the group and that is why he wants no talk at his table that might be taken as support for such a cause."

And the daughters, I wondered?

"Probably they were just making innocent conversation.  Again, it's hard to know for sure.  A lot of French people do eat escargots, as you know, and it doesn't have to mean anything.  But it might."

And what of the Chevalier?



"A thoroughly unpleasant character.  Snobbish, dissipated, entitled.  The French police suspected him of having links to ESCARGOT.  They had him under surveillance, but when he left Champs les Sims to come to Monte Vista, they were unable to keep watching him.

"And now you know why I wanted you in Monte Vista.  You are my eyes and ears, so to speak.  Which reminds me, have you learned anything about the financial irregularities that De Luca told you about?"

I told him about the phone conversation I had overheard, the name that was mentioned.

"Yes," he said thoughtfully, "well done.  This could be the break we've been needing.  When you get home, talk to De Luca and see if you can come up with a plan to learn more."

I stayed for several more hours, visiting with my father.



Finally the time came for us to say our goodbyes.



My father walked me over to the portal and I left to return to whatever awaited me in Monte Vista.

[Anushka]

What a plot! Completely unexpected and brilliant idea around it. "Escargot" will never sound the same to me after this, and I have grown deep respect for Llamas after reading the truth. 

[Tilia]

Suddenly, "Imply Mother was a Llama" doesn't seem like it should be in the mean interactions.

[ladybug53]

Wow , Escargot and Llamas ! This is getting so interesting. I can't wait for him to get back to Monte Vista . I wonder what awaits him there .   

[Blayzen]

After spending the last few months dealing with Real Life concerns, there is nothing better than signing on to find a new story about Mr. Payne! As if that weren't enough, to learn that he's a Father too? That's just icing on the cake!! I can't wait to see where (BO73) Ben Oliver's flirty spy skills take him next! 

Sorry about the text color, I posted from my Kindle and the default color is purple...I never even noticed. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. It won't happen again. *Blayzen*

[Saltypaws]

Blayzen.  Could you please edit your post and remove the colored text.  It states in the forum rules about using colored text.  I would appreciate it. Thanks

[Blayzen]

But she said, "Thank you very much, Ben.  Now, why don't you take your fingers out of your mac and cheese and finish your dinner?"

I don't know why but this one had me laughing so hard, I had tears streaming down my face! Poor Ben is trying to be so smooth and sophisticated and he throws it all away by *literally* playing with his food...

[Schipperke]

I don't know why but this one had me laughing so hard, I had tears streaming down my face! Poor Ben is trying to be so smooth and sophisticated and he throws it all away by *literally* playing with his food...

Yeah, that screenshot made me laugh too when I saw it!  It's hilarious, the things that happen in this game sometimes.

Welcome back to the forum, Blayzen, and thanks for the comment. 

[Louise56]

I can't wait to see what happen in Monte Vista. Awesome update!

[Schipperke]

Free Time

Diary Entry

When I arrived home from the glade, my head was spinning with all my father had told me. I remembered the day I had stood in front of my father with my head full of images of derring-do and bravely announced that I wanted to fight "the bad guys."  I had visualized myself tackling evil foes and, of course, always emerging victorious.   My father's revelations of organized terrorism and a hostile foreign power made me shake my head ruefully at how naive I had been. 

I needed a break.  And fortunately, the next day was a free day for everyone at the barracks.  Over breakfast we made plans to enjoy a day on the town.



We piled into my van and set off down the hill.



An old lighthouse on the waterfront had been converted into a tavern and gaming house. 



We hadn't told De Luca of our plans, but shortly after our arrival she turned up, reinforcing my belief that she had informers everywhere.  It might be the weekend and her day off, but De Luca seemed to enjoy going around town in her khaki and camouflage.  She wasn't bad at dominoes.



Upstairs was where the serious gamblers could be found, trying their luck at blackjack or the slot machines.  May thought she had discovered a scientific method for winning at blackjack, but decided her system needed more work after she lost all the money she bet.



The recruits needed to work on their athletic skill, so next we went to the pool for a swim.



De Luca again!  Now I was sure it wasn't an accident that she kept turning up wherever we went.  I don't know how she could see in the pool with her dark glasses on, but that didn't stop her from instructing the recruits in proper swimming technique.



When I got out of the pool, De Luca followed me, and it occurred to me that maybe she had been looking for a chance for us to be alone together.  Could it be?  Oliver, my friend, your power over the ladies knows no limits!  I hadn't noticed before, but standing there in her figure-revealing yellow bathing suit, De Luca was really quite attractive.  I decided to start by asking her sign.



"Oliver, you twit!" De Luca exclaimed, "I'm a happily married woman.  I'm not the least bit interested in your dubious charms.  I've been trying to get you alone to talk about the information you've gathered.  Tomorrow, at the barracks, you and I are going to meet with May and discuss strategy.  Now, how do we address a superior officer, Recruit?"

Oops.  Slight misunderstanding.  But even in my swim trunks, I knew how to salute smartly.



Back at the barracks, the recruits headed upstairs to the gym to continue their workout.



De Luca had taught me another new recipe and I was eager to try my hand at vegetarian grilled salmon.  I thought I was becoming a real virtuoso in the kitchen.





Such style!  Such talent!  And I didn't drop it once.  Honest.  And even if I did drop it, the floor was clean.



It had been a long day and a lot of fun squiring four beautiful ladies around town.  As I slipped between the covers, I wondered what would happen at tomorrow's meeting.

[Louise56]

That was a fun day! Silly Ben to try and flirt with De Luca. But I'm sure she forgive him, he look too adorable saluting in his swimsuit.

[ladybug53]

Oh , that was such a lovely outing ! Ben is such a charmer . I wonder what awaits next . Looking forward for the next chapter . This was so awesome ! It's a great way to start my morning. 

[MarianT]

I love Ben's tattoo! Looking forward to hearing more about ESCARGOT.

[Schipperke]

Watcher Woes

What's the matter, Sim?



You can't get in?  The door is locked?  Aw, too bad.  But, you see, sometimes doors need to be locked so not just anyone can walk in.  I have reason to believe that behind that locked door a very important, top-hush meeting is taking place.  So move aside, please.  I'm the Watcher.  I need to get past and -



Locked?!  What do you mean, I can't get in!  I'm the Watcher!  I demand that you open this door Right Now!  You hear me, in there?  Open up!



Well.  Heh, heh.  There's obviously been some mistake, don't you see?  They forgot that I was going to be covering this meeting in my next update.  Those silly Sims. 

No, don't leave!  Please wait.  I'm sure if I get down on my knees like so [loud creaking noise] and apply my ear to the keyhole like so, I'll be able to hear - shh!  Quiet, I hear them!

Female Voice:  It's crucial that we find out what's going on. 

Male Voice:  Yes, but how?  He's not going to just tell us, and security at his headquarters is impenetrable.  You said so yourself.

Female Voice:  That's true.  But he has one significant weakness we can exploit.  [indistinct mumbling]

Male Voice:  [something, something] who?

Male Voice, louder:  You're not suggesting - ?  Oh, no!  No way!  [voice is loud, agitated-sounding but unintelligible]

Female Voice:  [something, something] afraid? 

Male Voice:  [something] impossible.

Second Female Voice:  On the contrary, I think it's quite possible.  I'll help you.  You'll see.

Male Voice:  [oops, sorry folks.  I think that was an oath I just heard.  Such language!  Sorry, can't repeat it.  Let's just say he doesn't sound happy.  Uh - I hear footsteps coming this way.  Better disappear.  It wouldn't look dignified for a Watcher to be caught eavesdropping at the door.  Run!



... and just wait till I get those Sims alone.  They're going to feel the sharp edge of my tongue!  Locking the door against the Watcher - what on earth do they think they're playing at?

[yruvian]

Smart move, Oliver! Or... maybe not. I think you just mightily upset your watcher