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

[cndneh]

You were both right.  That ice cream truck is obviously intent on the nefarious crime of sabotaging diets! 

Ain't that the truth....

[Schipperke]

I do hope that Ben hasn't inadvertently walked into Hotel California.

Hotel California?  I didn't recognize the reference so I had to look it up.  Are you referring to the Eagles' song that ends, "you can check in any time you like but you can never leave"?  If so, all I can say is - "No Comment." 

[Gwendy]

My money's on "secret cult," honestly.

Spearheaded by the Ice Cream Truck, obviously.

[RaiaDraconis]

Hotel California?  I didn't recognize the reference so I had to look it up.  Are you referring to the Eagles' song that ends, "you can check in any time you like but you can never leave"?  If so, all I can say is - "No Comment." 

Yes indeed--that was the song I was referring to.

[cndneh]

My money's on "secret cult," honestly.

Spearheaded by the Ice Cream Truck, obviously.

reminds me of the Popsicle man who would come around our neighbourhood when I was young.  The company was Dickie-Dee, he would hand out stickers, I would get the Popsicle that was red white and blue... or the 'ghost' with a nose made of gum, it was awesome...

now my childhood is ruined at the thought of the Dickie-Dee man being a part of a cool treats secret cult...

 

hahaha!

[ladybug53]

I quite enjoyed the Hotel California comment . I had to chuckle . That was a good one . I absolutely have no idea where this chapter is going but I'm sure there's lots to discover in that sanatorium . I think it starts with the ice cream truck . Walk on your tip toes Ben and beware !   

[Magpie2012]

Kudos on the Hotel California reference (also really glad my dad is an Eagles fan so I recognized it lol). Hmm I wonder what other crazies patients Ben is going to come across?!? My money is on Sister Mercy being an evil mastermind! Hey maybe it will turn out to be that creepy lady from the train lol

[Swirl-Girl]

Like the Lotus Hotel? (Percy Jackson Ref.)

[cndneh]

Like the Lotus Hotel? (Percy Jackson Ref.)

oooh..  I like that reference.  It was a great place to hang out, besides the fact you could never leave. (never want to leave)  ha!

[Schipperke]

The Long Road Back, Part IV

Diary Entry

I walked up the long flight of steps to the front door of the Sanatorium.  Just inside the door I saw a woman in a nurse's uniform busy at a computer.  The name plate on her desk told me that she was Sister Mercy, Chief Nurse.



I stood in front of the desk waiting for her to look up.  Finally she said, "Yes?  Can I help you?"

I told her my name.  "Oh yes, Ben Oliver," she said.  "We were told you'd be arriving several hours ago, Mr Oliver.  Was your flight delayed?"



Intentionally or not, the woman had a knack for making a person feel defensive.  I told her I had arrived on time and that Caroline Maxwell had been kindly showing me around.

"Caroline Maxwell!" she sniffed.  "I might have known!  Poor old thing, she's quite gaga, you know.  A bit senile."  She tapped her head.  "A sweet old dear, but she gets strange ideas sometimes.  It's very kind of you to pay attention to her, but don't take her odd notions too seriously."

Caroline hadn't seemed senile or gaga to me.  A bit absent-minded, perhaps.  It seemed to me that  Sister Mercy was going out of her way to discredit Caroline Maxwell, and I wondered why.

Sister Mercy was saying, "Now, I understand you're with the military, Mr Oliver?  An astronaut, is that correct?"



I nodded, and she continued, "We have treated many fine military men and women here at the Garden Sanatorium.  Don't worry, we'll take good care of you.  Now, here's your schedule," she said, handing me a piece of paper.  "As you see, you'll have plenty of free time to rest and enjoy the many recreational activities we have to offer.  Be sure to be on time for your massage with Ronnie.  He has a very busy schedule, and if you're late he may not be able to fit you in.  Now, about your diet,"



She looked me up and down appraisingly.  "You look like someone who is usually quite active but hasn't been working out recently.  Yes, I think it wouldn't hurt you to lose a few pounds.  We'll help you get rid of that flab.  It wouldn't do for our boys in uniform to get pudgy!  Now, the guests are just sitting down to dinner.  This way."

I followed her to the large kitchen, where a number of people were having dinner.



I found a seat next to Caroline and joined the others who were munching on the predicted autumn salad.

Sister Mercy cast a sharp glance around the table and asked "Where is our other guest?"

Someone said, "He went to a concert in town."

"Really," Sister Mercy fumed, "the man should have discussed his plans with me.  How are we to provide a therapeutic environment when he just goes and does whatever he wants?  Very inconsiderate."

There was an uncomfortable silence, then I heard Caroline beside me softly humming the theme from Batman.  I bit my lip to keep from laughing and distracted myself by gazing admiringly at the lovely young woman across the table from me.



By the time dinner was over, it was late and I was tired after my long trip.  My room was right at the top of the house.  I climbed flight after flight of stairs, reflecting that if nothing else, all this stair-climbing should make my legs strong.  At the top of the stairs, I turned right and encountered a locked door.



Reversing my steps, I found my room to the left of the stairs.  The bed was large and luxurious, and I was glad of it.  As I slipped between the sheets, I briefly wondered what might be behind that locked door.  And then sleep took me.

[RainBeau]

Yes, this does not look good for Ben. Good thing he is such a super-sleuth!

[ladybug53]

I wonder why Sister Mercy is so uptight . Something must've rubbed her the wrong way . I'm most sure that Ben has a lot of secrets to discover . Anxious to meat all the guests . I wonder what kind of stories they'll fill Ben mind with . Your screenshots always amaze me . Great chapter ! 

[Audren]

I'm curious as to the identity of this other guest who finds it fit to, "go out and do whatever he wants." Doesn't sound too reliable to me.

[Schipperke]

I'm curious as to the identity of this other guest who finds it fit to, "go out and do whatever he wants." Doesn't sound too reliable to me.

Ah, yes, the mystery guest.  You will meet him in the next update.  I believe he will be familiar to some readers. 

[Audren]

I have an inkling about this guest, but I'm keeping silent for now.