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

[Swirl-Girl]

It's a bit of a rush job. And I made it in paint.

[Magz from Oz]

The name "Dromedary Club" reminds me of two things, some sort of Art Deco fancy club with flapper dresses and spats.  Or the old(?) cigarette advertisements with the camel smoking (google 'Camel Cigarettes').   and based on these two images I can't wait to see what Ben gets up to!

I wondered if "Dromedary Club" was a shout out to David Baldacci's "Camel Club" books. 

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

I was kind of expecting some new high adventure with Milton Farb as he's the only character Baldacci killed off early in the series.  Milton would be an incredibly useful ally for Ben with his eidetic memory.

[Schipperke]

Well, I made it in about 5 minutes. Also, how can I NOT get bad vibes from this club? (It is bad-viberific!)

It's whimsical, It has Gary, and Plumbobs!

Love it!  Swirl-Girl, the evil organization known as ESCARGOT thanks you for their new logo!  Just don't expect them to pay you.  After all, they're really evil, you know. 

I wondered if "Dromedary Club" was a shout out to David Baldacci's "Camel Club" books. 

Well, it could be.  But honesty compels me to admit that I've never heard of the Camel Club books.  Now that you've mentioned it, though, you never know what plot twist your comment may inspire.   (Says Schipperke, filing the information away in the dusty recesses of her brain.)

The name "Dromedary Club" reminds me of two things, some sort of Art Deco fancy club with flapper dresses and spats.  Or the old(?) cigarette advertisements with the camel smoking (google 'Camel Cigarettes').   and based on these two images I can't wait to see what Ben gets up to!

One thing you're definitely going to see is the wonderful building that houses the Club, created by and specially modified by a certain forum member who will receive all the credit when the Dromedary Club House appears in one or two episodes.  I think you'll love it as much as I do!

[Swirl-Girl]

ARGH! Those dastardly fiends!
I didn't expect them to appreciate whimsical!
(I don't think your brain is dusty, just moldy, like Einstein's! )

[Schipperke]

(I don't think your brain is dusty, just moldy, like Einstein's! )

It's taken me a few minutes to respond because I've been sitting here laughing my head off! 

Was that meant to be a compliment, saying my brain is moldy?  Much as I hate to admit it, in my case it could very well be true.  Penicillin-brain, that's me.   

But.  To not stray too far off-topic, I was studying the ESCARGOT logo and wondering what it would look like if the S was a § sign instead.  Small change, it wouldn't change the appearance much, but it would sort of suit the greedy evil empire.  I'm not suggesting you change the logo, I love it just as it is, it's just something that occurred to me.

[RainBeau]

Rosa, I meant that Evil finds Ben irresistible. I didn't mean to imply that our handsome spy was evil. It's just that he always finds himself in the most difficult of situations, surrounded by Evil. Sorry for the confusion! 

Ohhhh, okay. Good. I was worried and confused for a second.

I can't wait to see more of the Dromedary Club! I like the sound of them and their jackets. I agree it sounds really old-timey, so whether they're good or bad I think they sound cool.

[SassySimmer]

I hope Ben's flirtatiousness doesn't stop him from becoming part of Dromedary club!!  But I am interested in seeing what perks this club can bring him

[Schipperke]

The Dromedary Club Adventure, Part II

Diary Entry

I recognized Gino Ferrari, Monte Vista's most renowned chef, from the beauty pageant.  But I had never met Dario DeLuca before, and I was curious about my commanding officer's husband.  I welcomed them and invited them to sit outside on the patio.



Gino Ferrari started by complimenting me on my handling of the beauty pageant.  "That was what first led us to feel you might be a suitable addition to The Dromedary Club," he said.  "Of course, you are a relative newcomer to Monte Vista.  Perhaps you're unfamiliar with the Club?"

I'd never heard of it before but from the reverent way he spoke of the Club (with a capital C), I thought it best not to say so.  I just said I didn't know much about it.

Dario DeLuca spoke up.  "The Dromedary Club is the most exclusive club in Monte Vista or any other Sim town.  We accept only one person from a given profession, to ensure a wide range of interests and expertise.  Our members are the cream of the crop, the top professionals in their fields."



So members of the lower orders need not apply?  I thought, but didn't say it.  Gino Ferrari was speaking again.  "You likely didn't know it, but all three of the judges from the beauty pageant were members of the Club," he said proudly.

Dario DeLuca picked up the story.  "The Dromedary Club was started by the renowned Egyptologist Sir Battiscombe Simm.  Of course you've heard of him.  He discovered many of the pyramids that modern travellers now visit.  And he could not help but be impressed by that noble ship of the desert, the camel.  Perfectly adapted to life in an arid climate, the camel shows us what can be achieved through hard work, determination and adaptation to one's environment.  On his return from Egypt, Sir Battiscombe founded The Dromedary Club, where those willing to work hard to achieve their goals and contribute to society could network with like-minded individuals."



Gino Ferrari told me, "The Club is never allowed to grow any larger than a maximum of 8 members at a time.  One of our senior members passed on recently, leaving a vacancy.  Various names were put forward.  But frankly, after the beauty pageant, you were pretty much a shoo-in for the vacancy.  It's a long time since we've had an astronaut.  If you're interested, of course," he added, making it clear from his expression that he couldn't imagine any sane Sim not wanting to belong to the club.



Well, what could I say?  My boss had told me it would be good for my job, and there was no doubt that the Club representatives felt they were doing me a great honour.  I exclaimed with delight.



Gino Ferrari told me that the Club dues were high but that I wouldn't need to concern myself with them, as most employers were glad to pay for the privilege of having one of their own hobnobbing with the rich and famous.



They asked me various questions about my education and background.  I tried to be as honest as I could while not revealing anything about my secret missions.  There weren't as many questions as I had expected, and I wondered how much my boss had told her husband about me ahead of time.



Both men kept their dark glasses on throughout the interview.  I was familiar with this as a classic interview technique, used to make the interviewee feel nervous or uncertain, and wondered if that was why they did it or if they just happened to like wearing their sunglasses.



Finally Gino Ferrari caught Dario DeLuca's eye, nodded, then turned back to me.  "I think we've got all we need.  Now, the next step is for you to meet the other members, and then we will vote on allowing you to be initiated into the Club.  The Club has a very nice dining room - would tomorrow evening at 7 pm suit you?  Formal attire, of course."

I said I'd be there.

[ladybug53]

Ben better get his blue blazer to the cleaner's right away . He'll probably need a pair of shades to blend in with the group too . Great update . So anxious to meet the rest of the club members and see what this group is all about . I wonder what kind of secrets will be revealed ! 

[MarianT]

I love the way you worked the ubiquitous sunglasses into the story! Can't wait to find out more about the Dromedary Club. Are they good guys, as implied by DeLuca's membership, or something more sinister?

[Magz from Oz]

I love the way you worked the ubiquitous sunglasses into the story! Can't wait to find out more about the Dromedary Club. Are they good guys, as implied by DeLuca's membership, or something more sinister?

Me too!  I'm intrigued about this club.  Exclusiveness could be a great breeding ground for evil doers.  Now I've been reading too much Kathy Reichs!

[Swirl-Girl]

Now, a moldy brain is something to be very proud of.
Hm, Ben? You cannot be sucked into this, it is obviously a trap!
EDIT: i added several Simoleon symbols, I think it looks better!

[RainBeau]

I think Schip meant a Simoleon sign in place of the big S, but the ESCARGOT can't have too many Simoleons!

I love how the Club jackets are in two styles! It looks so normal, I didn't even think about how clever it was at first.

[Schipperke]

I think Schip meant a Simoleon sign in place of the big S, but the ESCARGOT can't have too many Simoleons!

That was what I meant, but the new version you came up with is just perfect, Swirl-Girl!  I'm sure ESCARGOT will happily take all the Simoleons they can get their greedy little hands on. 

I love how the Club jackets are in two styles! It looks so normal, I didn't even think about how clever it was at first.

I cannot tell a lie.  The reason it looks normal is because those are their default outfits.  I had nothing to do with creating them.  And it's a while since I took those screenshots, but as far as I can remember I chose Dario DeLuca because he's married to Ben's boss, while Gino Ferrari was one of the judges in the contest, so they both have a connection to Ben.  I think it was pure chance that they happened to be dressed so similarly.  But now that observant readers have commented on the Club jackets, I think it's a great idea!  Thanks to all who raised the point.

[ratchie]

I know I do not post enough,or at all,but you are an amazingly awesome writer. I love this story and I need to remember to post more.

I wish my brain was moldy but alas I fear my brain is just slightly off (like curdled milk)

Rachel