Microstory 1918: Not a Wedding

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Freewoman: Are you ready to do this?

Fugitive Agent: I notice you’re wearing white. This isn’t a wedding, if I recall correctly.

Freewoman: It’s not a wedding. I just look fantastic in white.

Fugitive Agent: I would have to agree with that. What are we doing here again?

Freewoman: We’re getting couple bonded. Oh, I get it, you think you’re funny.

Fugitive Agent: Ah, had you for a second.

Freeman 2: Fugitive Agent, can we talk for a minute?

Fugitive Agent: Can it wait? We’re about to start kind of an important ceremony.

Freeman 2: That’s why we need to talk. I don’t think you have to go through with this.

Freewoman: If you wish to object to this bond, you will have your opportunity at a particular moment. Until then, I would kindly ask that you sit back down with the rest of the audience.

Freeman 2: Pardon me, miss. I meant no disrespect. It’s just that the fugitive; the one he’s been looking for? We have him.

Fugitive Agent: What do you mean, you have him? You know where he is?

Freeman 2: Yeah, but it’s more than that. He’s in pocket.

Fugitive Agent: You didn’t hurt him, did you?

Freeman 2: Of course not. We put our ears to the ground, and our spies on the skies. I guess one of our contacts screwed up, and let slip what we were doing. The dude found out we were looking for him, which could have sent him underground, but I guess he was curious, so he approached us willingly. He’s in a safehouse right now. I don’t know if you wanna go there, or if you wanna continue...

Fugitive Agent: *looks at Freewoman*

Freewoman: Go. It’s why we were doing this, and now the point is moot.

Fugitive Agent: [...] No. I made a commitment, I’m following through.

Freewoman: You’ve not made the commitment yet; that’s what I’m saying. The others will be disappointed, but they’ll understand.

Fugitive Agent: I gave you my word. The point of the bond is to be part of something bigger than yourself. This is in the best interests of everyone here, including me. I was looking forward to this for other reasons.

Freewoman: Are you sure?

Fugitive Agent: The escapee. He’s safe, right? He’s not getting antsy, and the other authorities don’t know where he is, I hope.

Freeman 2: He’s fine, last I checked. I can call the guys that are watching over him.

Fugitive Agent: That would make me feel better. If it’s urgent, we’ll postpone this, but if it’s not, we’re doing it now. One thing we’re not gonna do is cancel, Freewoman.

Freeman 2: *on the phone* Freeman 3, what’s up? Yeah, he still there?—Is he doing okay?—Okay, remind him that we’re on his side, and we’re not gonna hurt him. He’s not a prisoner. If he wants to leave, let him go, but follow him cautiously.—All right, thanks. We’ll be there soon. *hangs up* He’s all right.

Fugitive Agent: Great. Then on with the show!

Freewoman: Okay. You may proceed, Parole Counselor.