"Sir Storm. Come in. Should thank you for not just barging in whenever the hell you feel like it."
"You do know I'm retired and have absolutely no obligation whatsoever to come when you call. So. You’re welcome.”
Sol harrumphed. "I need something from you."
"Imagine that."
The Sovereign narrowed his eyes. "Is this attitude new or have you been hiding a belligerent side all along?"
Storm smiled brightly. "You'll never know."
"The reason why I asked you here is this. Things are kind of quiet for a change so I'm thinking I might slip away for a few days of vacation."
Storm barked out a laugh.
"Vacation? That's how you're gonna play it? Come on. You churned up a shit storm with your future bride and had to promise a romantic getaway to smooth things over."
Sol's brows drew together. "How did you know that?"
Storm plopped into a chair laughing.
"How indeed? I told you you've got a lot to learn about women." He leaned forward with mischief written all over his normally serious face. "And I hope this make-up interlude costs you dearly."
"What did I ever do to you?"
Storm gaped, then looked at his watch. "You have the rest of the day for me to get started on that list?"
Sol stared at Storm for a few beats, clearly uncomfortable with the idea of asking for favors. "The point is that I need somebody to cover for me. I thought maybe I could leave you in charge with Catch acting as assistant."
"For how long?"
"Four weeks."
Storm started chuckling all over again. "Four weeks? You really did bite it, didn't you?" Sol looked a little beaten and confused so Storm gave him a little pity slack.
“Neither one of us has ever done vacation. We’ve got years of paid leave in accrual. I figure it might take a couple of weeks just for workaholics like the two of us to figure out how to ‘do’ vacation. There’s never going to be a better time. Jefferson making the transition to research and training, well, you and I both know the place doesn’t really need someone like me.”
Storm studied Sol for a minute, trying to read between the lines. With a guy like Sol there was always more going on that would be spoken out loud.
"Tell you what. I'll come in for half a day and make sure the building is still standing for triple time and a half. Glen can handle the rest for trainee allowance."
Sol pursed his lips. "Triple time and a half. That the best I can get?"
"Final offer. I’ve learned a lot about negotiating from my wife. And I have a kid to send to college." Sol nodded his agreement like he couldn’t bring himself to vocalize the word yes. "When are you leaving?"
"Day after tomorrow."
"Got your speedo packed?"
"Out!"
Storm left laughing to himself, enjoying Sol’s discomfort with stepping outside his comfort zone immensely. He planned to get in a quick workout before heading home and was still chuckling when he got to the elevator.
Elora was getting off. “What’s so funny?”
“The image of Sol on a romantic vacation.”
“Okay. Not sure I want to share your vision. But I wanted to ask you about something else. What’s the deal with Z Team? You have some bad history with them?”