Silver Fish

I awoke the next morning and remembered that I was first mate to a ship of fools. Kami help me! Something tells me this will be like the Titanic if I’m not careful. The trick is to balance Thomas Crown and Tokyo-Zion Academy. It will be tough but I can do it.

My day now starts at eight. It originally started at noon. (Big time switch, I know.) Lucky I get up on my own early. Otherwise, I would have problems. In the shower, I planned my kit. I decided on the following:

Pocky, Twix, cheese nips, and Oreos: Fish fuel

Flash drive: My work

Notebook: Drafts

Mp3 Player: Novacaine to my sanity

Pencils: Got have them

Aspirin: Medicine for the stupid

Money: For lunch

Yep! I was set for work. Now, what to wear? A kimono, duh! But what color? Green and pink looks swell. Maybe with a lotus flower in my hair. Yeah! I looked in the mirror. Perfect! Time to go. I instantly left for work.

Traffic in the morning is bad. But I knew a little shortcut. I crossed the softball field, drove through the shady groves, down the narrow dirt road, and here I was. At Thomas Crown and under five minutes flat! I smiled to myself with pride. I’m a smooth fish! I got out of Mooney and headed inside.

I was careful to sneak into the back way. After last night’s conference, the last thing I needed was to run into any more people. I couldn’t guarantee myself that I wouldn’t get arrested for murder. No, can’t have that. Just man the ship with a smile. Come on, I can do it.

Damn these stairs! I didn’t realize there were so many. It felt like only two flights last night. Where did these extra flights come from? Must have been too busy escaping to notice. I tried to keep up with the stairs.

I looked like a disheveled flower when I made it to the fourth floor. I thought I would collapse onto the floor. The cold air was actually good for once. “Hello Noiz…” a voice greeted me. I looked up from panting and saw Cassie. She looked concerned. “You feeling okay?” she asked. “You look sick.” I had enough air to speak. “I took the stairs.” I answered. Cassie looked me up and down. “Why?” she asked. I smiled fake. “Exercise.” I replied cheaply. The sweet dear looked at me as if I had gone mad. “We have a lift here, you know.” she reported. I just nodded. Cassie just walked away. I felt slightly dumb. My tail just twitched. Out-smarted by a young thing.

Okay, I couldn’t escape them forever. But I can’t face them now. The results would be ugly. I needed a new escape route. But how?

As I pondered this, I noticed people were staring at me. I became a barracuda. “What?!?” I snapped viciously. Everyone went back to work immediately. I shrank back into the sweet little kitty-fish I’m famous for. This will be fun! (Hee-hee-hee. Not!)

I breezed to my new office. I breathed in deep. Time to man the ship. Oh buddy! I smell a wreck. Well, here we go! I pushed open the door and stepped in.

I had a desk right next to Damon’s. My stuff was already there. How charming. Well, carry on. Carry on! I sat down at my desk. I opened my velvet green bag and pulled out my sky blue notebook to work on my latest project.

My latest fic is set in the year 3000. It’s about women being used only for the companionship of men. They could be arm candy, advisors, bedroom toys, lovers, anything the guy wanted in them. I still planning stages though. The concept has been praised by both of my companies. I still have some kinks to work out. I don’t have a clear storyline and I keep drawing blanks in my head. Plus the main female character keeps turning into me. I didn’t understand why; she just does.

I sat there stuck. Now what? I had another dry spell. Damn! I hate when this happens! Usually, ideas just come to me. Not this time pal!

Soon, I got sidetracked. You see, I have more responsibilities now. I have to proofread other people’s work. Not a problem. I do this all of the time with TZA. I wasn’t doing anything anyway. So I’m not complaining. Do your worst TC!

First person was Tommy Floyd. Nice fellow. A decent writer too. But he had one problem. Like me, Tommy accidentally left words out of sentences. He didn’t see his errors until days or weeks later. I can sympathize with him.

Anyway, Tommy came to me with his World War II novel. He is nuts about WWII. The guy had accurate facts, strong storyline, good details, and easy to follow characters. Other than his little problem, it was all green. “Very good Tommy,” I said. “You just need to read through it more closely.” Tom smiled. “Great!” he called. Then he went back downstairs. That was easy. The worse was yet to come.

Next was Tanya Hill. She is a watered down version of Patsy. I think she’s a snobby racist. Tanya makes mis-informed comments about blacks to me and she calls me degrading terms for black to me. I keep a stiff upper lip. But one day, I’ll lose it and slap her in the mouth.

Tanya is lazy and does do anything. I don’t even know why she’s here. In fact, you know why she called me? To leave this message:

“It’s amazing to sleep a yellow-negro over us. How did you get that? Sleeping with Damon? He always liked black women! Chow!”

I wanted to scream! Violent thoughts about Tanya and I danced in my head. Damon is happily married with two kids thank very much! I am friends with his wife! I am NOT a power slut! Who the hell told her that? Patsy? I’m going to kill those two bitches!!!

I’m turning into a barracuda again. I breathed in heavy and dove into my ocean. I could feel the cool water around me already. I missed my pool quickly. Late night swimming sounded grand. Yes! I’ll swim tonight, if I could.

“Noiz-san!” someone yelled. I instantly swam to shore. Anna Price was standing at the door. I smiled at the sight of her. Anna was a funny woman. She knew the right jokes to make people laugh. Everyone loved Anna. Great personality and crafty writer.

“Yes Anna?” I asked. She handed me her short fic. I took it with grace and read it. Anna watched me closely.

“Well,” she spoke up. “What do you think?” I burst into laughter. Anna smiled as she waited. I finally managed to clam down. “I love it!” I breathed out. Anna was overjoyed. “Thanks Noiz-san!” she called. “Please,” I said seriously. “Don’t call me that! Just call me Noiz!” “Okay Noiz.” Anna said quickly. Then she walked back to her floor.

The flood of writings after Anna was the worst fics I have ever read. Plot holes were the size of Russia. Spelling errors of a five yer old. Grammar errors as long as my arm. It was a living nightmare. My staff never had times problem! That was only half of my stress! Mony, our junior writer, isn’t that bright. I had repeat instructions about twenty times to her and she still doesn’t get it! I wanted to shoot her dead. Man! How does Damon put up with them?!? Gog!

At last, my sanity returned at lunch. Finally, a chance to catch my head and work on my project. I caught Anna on the second floor about to leave. “Hey Anna!” I called as I ran after her. She stopped and turned. I caught up with my American friend. “Hm?” she asked. “Hey Anna,” I spoke up. “Care to eat lunch with me?” The reddish-blonde grinned. “Gladly.” Anna replied. I felt relieved. Finally, somebody normal to talk to. I was being to feel like an isolated fish. Thank you Kami!

We headed to Little Italy’s for lunch. Anna loves Italian food. It’s number to Japanese food for me. We are outside. I stared at Anna while she waited for our food. I wanted to talk to her. But I can’t. Every time I try to, Anna loses me with the way she words things. I knew I’m hard to understand at times, but she is way worse than me! Today was no different. I figured it would be best not to try.

“How’s your project?” Anna asked me. I turned to her from my ocean. “Sorry?” I asked. “How are you doing on your project?” she asked again. I was stunned. Anna asked… me a straight…. Question! She never does this! How do I answer?

“I’m stuck.” I answered. Anna listened. “How so?” she asked. “I don’t have the story line fully together. It keeps turning into a lover story. The main character keeps turning into me.” I replied. “Why not?” Anna asked. “Why not what?” I asked. Anna smiled richly. “Make it a love story and base the main character off of you.” she replied.

She was starting to lose me. “Why?” I asked confused. “Why not?” she asked. Silence passed. This is another reason I like Anna so. She is so persuasive. I froze for a minute. Then said, “All right. I’ll try it. But if it bombs, I blame you!” Anna took my hand. “Good Fishie.” she replied. I sort of smiled. I had doubts.

Finally, the food came. As I ate the whole thing came together in a snap. When I paid my half, I had the setting, plot, conflict, and the main character. Thank you Anna! I’m on to something.

Back to Hell’s typhoon. I took in a deep breath and dove straight in. Swimming against the tides is deadly. The writers’ works made me want to scream. Stupid questions made me want to shoot anyone in my path including myself. Patsy and Tanya’s insults didn’t help either. But all of that didn’t slow me down. I had my plot together. I was feverishly writing my ideas out. I grinned in pride as I did so. This was going to be a hit. I could feel it in my soul.

By five, it was done! The plot was complete. But I couldn’t leave yet. I have to straighten out all today’s records. It’s a major pain. One screw up and you have to do the whole thing over. Trust me, it’s not fun. Unless you love headaches. And sore eyes and paper cuts. Fun! Fun! FUN!

By seven o’clock, I was finished. I breathed out deep. Good riddance! Then, I heard the door open. I looked up and saw Damon coming in. I felt my black kitty tail twitch with excite. Pretty man, Damon was. My senses returned me to shore. He’s married, you love fool! Am I that much in need of a mate to act out my lustful romantic fantasies with? If so, why? I’ve done fine for the past twenty-five years alone. So why am I needy now? It’s so weird…

“Noiz!” someone called. I was dragged back to shore. I saw Damon right in front of me. He was very close. Too close. My heart was pounding. Clam down! Clam down! “Yes Damon?” I asked. Damon smiled. Oh, his smile could make a nun think dirty thoughts about him. But I must focus.

“You look beat.” he said. “What?” I asked. “Tired.” Damon said. “You look tired.” I didn’t respond at once. “Oh.” I reacted after a pregnant pause. “A little.” Damon put his arm around my shoulders. “You should go home and get some sleep.” he advised. As much as I tried to fight it he was right. I was worn out. Baby-sitting does that to normal and eccentric people alike. But something inside me was keeping me awake. “I have my plot ready.” I spoke up. I handed my notebook to him. My partner grinned. He took it in silence and began reading. I waited in anticipation.

When he was done, Damon looked up at me. I waited for his answer. Damon smiled again. “It’s good,” he began. I felt my joy raise high. “What do you call this project of yours?” I froze. “Uh…” I started. Now, I was at a dead end. I haven’t thought of a title yet and I didn’t have one at the moment.

I was about to answer when Damon took my hand. “Don’t worry about that,” he replied. “You just go home and rest.” I just nodded. Damon smiled. “Good.” he said. Then the lovely Brit handed me my notebook back. I took it without looking. “Good night.” I replied. “Night.” Damon called back. Then, I left the office.

Funny thing happened when I stepped into the hall. I suddenly woke up! Every ounce of sleep in me ran off in a huff I had the energy to do… everything! Whoa! I guess I’ll go swimming after all.

I looked around the dark hall. No one was in sight. Hm… I figured taking the elevator would be safe now. Most of the people are home. I still can’t deal with being called Noiz-san. I don’t how long my sanity will stay with me if they keep that up. I can’t keep escaping by stairs; I’ll catch my death! There’s got to be a better way.

I crept down the hall looking for that way. So far, I had no luck. I was doomed to die of exhaustion of flights of stairs. Then, relief came! I found an elevator in the back way. Salvation sang out to me. I rushed to the lift and pushed the button.

Inside, I cooled down. My head became clear again. I could think again. I found my escape route. I reached in my bag and fetched my mp3 player. I put the headphones in my ears and hit play. First song that came up was “Roxanne” by the Police. I frowned. I wasn’t in the mood so I changed the track. “Lullaby” by the Cure came on. I smiled. This was perfect. My ride to the ground floor became a surreal retro trip. Perfect way to unwind the day. “If only I had ‘Strange Love’ by Depeche Mode…” I thought pleasantly. That would really make my night! Or may some Pink Floyd. Possibly some Blondie. No matter! Retro rocks for-ever!

My ride ended at the ground floor. It looked deserted. I grew curious. I never knew this was back here. I carefully walked out of the lift and looked around. The moon in the windows was my only guide. The music added to the creepy mood. The shadows were at war with each other on the walls and floor. I liked it, in a strange way. It was so… right.

I managed to make myself keep going so I could go home. No one was in sight. It was good for me. Then, I had an idea. I was going to be a flying fish. Yeah! A flying fish! I prepared myself and raced to the exit. It was a short distance but I sure felt free. I shut my eyes for a moment and replayed the run over and over again. Nice! Then I pushed open the door and headed to Mooney.

The drive home was quiet. I decided not to swim at all. No. Instead I just put on my light blue pajamas and went to bed.

Sending Out an S.O.S.