Macster - The Missing Links

As he waited for Virginia to return from washing her face, Tony wasted no time in digging into his absolutely delicious slice of roast turkey smothered in gravy. After all the awful meals he'd had during this journey, this banquet tasted like heaven. "Anthony," King Wendell said, leaning over so as to be heard through all the chatter, "I wish to offer you a job."

Tony almost choked on his turkey. He began to protest. "Your Highness--"

"Ah, but wait until you hear what it is." Wendell smiled broadly and his eyes twinkled. "I want you to build me a new castle."

Tony became even more confused. What was wrong with this castle that a little plumbing and some central heating couldn't fix? "I'm no architect!"

"Oh, no, no." The king winked. "A bouncy castle."

And then Tony began to understand.

"I will give you titles, land, and hundreds of servants. Whatever you need."

It was a nice gesture, and it showed Wendell really had learned a lot during their adventures about hard work and common sense and decency. But it wouldn't work. Tony sighed. "Your Majesty, I can't. I can't even make plastic over here. Basically what you're asking me to do is give you an Industrial Revolution." And of course he didn't want to leave Virginia.

Something in Wendell's expression shifted, and a slyness appeared there that seemed somehow out of place. "In your new position, you will be surrounded by young beauties in awe of your reputation as a national hero."

Oh, he knew Tony too well. Tony had changed, but not that much. He noticed a couple of beautiful ladies in sparkling dresses across the table, eyeing him appraisingly. He waved at them. They winked and waved back.

Perhaps Virginia could take care of herself after all...