Garbage Day

Full Version: The Knights' Most Pressing Crisis
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In a dimly lit room at the top floor of the company manor sat Robin Fauder. He was leaning forward in his chair, his elbows on the table and his fingers intertwined in front of his face, obscuring his mouth. Across from him sat Pumpkin Spice, whose visage bore an equally somber expression. Truenikos was also present in the room, although his parchment, ink, and stacks of documents suggested that he was filling more of an administrative function than an executive one. Alex took the last spot in the room, which was odd, since he wasn't actually a Knight at all, but like usual, no one bothered to question it.

It was Robin's voice that broke the silence. "Our organization is in peril. Everything we have striven for, everything we hope to achieve - it is all at risk if we do not act."

Pumpkin soon followed. "It is as you say. I regret that we did not anticipate this issue sooner. Even Chicory seems alarmed, and for a bird of her sunny disposition, that is no easy feat."

"Surely it cannot be that bad?" inquired Alex, quizzically. "A problem, to be sure, but nothing the Knights cannot triumph over?"

"No, Alex, I'm afraid not." grimaced Robin. "This is not the sort of issue we can just grin and bear, and rely on our teeth-clenched teamwork to pull us through and win the day. No, friendship, bonds, inner strength, character...nothing of the sort will prove the answer to this dilemma."

Pumpkin appeared defeated. "We've tried so much already. Every alternative, every compromise. Nothing is sustainable."

"I cannot believe it." declared Alex, firmly. "That your organization could be laid low over this!"

Robin did not look at Alex, instead staring straight ahead into the photograph on the wall. "Truenikos." he commanded. "The numbers."

"Of course." was the dutiful alchemist's reply. He stood, produced a parchment, and spoke. "Since the inception of the Knights, 224 training dummies have been utterly destroyed. 137 training dummies have been damaged beyond usability. 166 training dummies have been partially damaged, subsequently restored, and then reduced to the consistency of of a fine powder."

He produced a second document. "In total, the Knights have replaced 527 training dummies, in excess of our initial stock of 10. Our suppliers are now charging approximately 86% more per head on new shipments. This document is an accounting of all dummy related expenses to this point, with a projection of expenses to come based on the current rate of destruction."

Truenikos slid the paper forward, and the others leaned forward and studied its contents for a few moments. Shortly thereafter, their expressions changed. Robin's was one of disgust; Pumpkin's, disappointment; Alex's face appeared as though he had just witnessed a bumblebee devour a morbol whole.

The leaders leaned back in their chairs, and silence gripped the room for a few minutes. Truenikos took advantage of his position to peer out the window. A moment later, a loud "THWACK" resounded in the room, and the leaders winced. Truenikos took his parchment and made an annotation.

"Sorry, 528."

Robin spoke once more, in a soft but determined tone. "Something must be done."

...to be continued...