Walker
Walker nodded to a friend of his, Colin, as he got out of his car.
"Hey Walker, how you doing?"
"Not too bad. Yourself?"
"Excited mate, excited."
Colin was Australian, and was often made fun of for his accent. He was only a few years younger.
"So is Tom going to be here tonight or not?"
"I don't know," Walker shrugged, "but I wouldn't count on it. You know he isn't reliable."
"Yeah I know," Colin shook his head as they walked together.
It wasn't long before they found the board room at the local YIRAAS HQ. There were about five people there, hussling to their seats, and awaiting others.
"Hey Jan!" Colin exclaimed, waving to the other side of the room.
The woman waved, but slightly ignored him. Colin grinned as Walker just shook his head and took his place near the head of the table. He looked to the man sitting beside him.
"Is the old boy here yet?" he asked quietly.
"No. But I thought I heard him pulling up a few seconds ago."
"I'll trust you," Walker nodded with a smile knowing the man had advanced hearing.
A few people came in and took their seats before an old man in a business suit came into the room.
"Good evening all," he announced as he came through the doorway, "welcome to tonight's commitee meeting. I don't think anyone is new..."
He looked around as he stood at the head of the table.
"No? Good. So we all know each other. Anyone missing?"
"Tom and Darren aren't here," Colin spoke up.
"Darren's not coming," came Jan's voice, "his wife went into labour a few hours ago, so he won't make it. Tom is too unreliable, so I say we start."
She looked up at the older man for confirmation.
"Very well," he nodded, "let me just make sure I know everyone..."
He left his place and went around the table to shake everyone's hand.
"Wayne, Daryl, Walker, Colin, Marilyn, Sophie, Jerry, Janet, Jacob, Harry, Courtney and... Joseph," he grinned, "and you all know my assistant Danielle."
He introduced the woman sitting beside him.
"Ok. Let's get down to business," he said, sitting down, "Jerry. Did you manage to get those targets for the shooting galleries sorted?"
"Ah, yes. We should have enough," he replied, looking through some paperwork he had with him, "and I've aquired the metals for the temperature altering..."
"Do we have someone to mind the information desk?" Jan interrupted.
"I was hoping we'd get that sorted tonight," Wayne replied for the old man, "I think Courtney should."
"Me?"
"Yes. You have tongue, it would save a lot of hassle."
"Speaking of Tongue, is your son going to be at the door again this year with that other boy?" Marilyn asked, looking at Walker.
He hesitated.
"Yes, yes of course. He knows he's needed," he insisted, "and last I heard Sheldon will be too."
"Excellent," the elder smiled, "Daryl, is everything fine with the security for the three days? This certainly isn't a time for alien hunters to be nosing around."
"Everything's fine. I'll have Sam working with me patrolling as he also is a shape shifter, and I have someone with the technology power taking care of surveillance in the main roomand throughout every nook and cranny."
"I heard the Spider was in town," Jan said absently, fiddling with her pen.
"Yes, he was," Walker admitted, "but he has left yet again. I am sure."
There was a few moments of silence.
"It'll be fine," Daryl insisted.
"Yes, it will. Agent Brown has fitted him with one of those telepathic collars," Walker smiled, "he shouldn't be any trouble for the tournament."
"What was he doing in Tulsa?" Marilyn asked worriedly.
"I'm not sure. But he's either after Leroy himself, or Walker's eldest son," Jacob spoke up.
"Please don't be reading minds throughout my proceedings," the elder glared.
Jacob shrugged.
"Why would he want your son?" Courtney asked Walker.
"His son is Isaac Hanson, known for executing an alien hunter after his girlfriend was murdered by them," the elder sighed.
"Oh, him."
Walker fell silent.
"Never mind. Harry, you'll be scanning at the door?"
"Always," Harry nodded with a smile, "are you Walker?"
He looked up suddenly.
"Sorry?"
"Will you be up front with Harry for metal detection and scanning?" Marilyn asked.
"Ah, maybe not this year. I was thinking of keeping a close eye on the contestants. Keep the games fair."
"I'll be doing that," Sophie piped up.
"There's always room for two," Jerry glanced at her, "X-ray vision may come in handy then, as well as your gift of sight."
"So is everything right then for the tournament?" Colin raised his eyebrows.
"Do we have the judges nominated?" Jan asked.
"Yes, we have our three guest Judges flying into Oklahoma early tomorrow morning. They will be met at the airport and taken to the function," he elder replied.
"How many contestants and audience members are we estimating this year?" Courtney asked out of curiosity.
"More than last year," Wayne replied, "definately a couple of hundred. I'm not sure how many enterants we have."
"I have the final numbers here," Jerry picked up a piece of paper and rustled it.
"We know the approximate amount we're dealing with, we don't need exact numbers," the elder insisted.
"Isn't it your birthday soon, sir?" Colin asked, a grin on his face.
The elder glanced at his assistant.
"Yes," she replied for him, "but early next month."
"How many years now?" Colin grinned.
"We've lost count..." he began before Danielle spoke up.
"Three-hundred and forty-six."
"Almost the big 3-5-0," Colin chuckled.
"Can we get back tot he tournament?" Jan insisted, "do we have a schedule all ready?"
"Yes," Jerry replied, fumbling around in his papers, "a tight schedule for all three days. The awards start at 6pm on Sunday."
"Do we have the trophies?" Daryl asked.
"They're coming. They'll be here on Saturday," Sophie spoke up.
"Good."
"I wonder who'll win Tournament Goofball this year?" Colin chuckled, looking at Walker.
"Oh my God..." he put his head in a hand.
Numerous people laughed.
"That was quite a show from young Zachary last year," the elder admitted, "I look forward to it again this year."
"Hopefully not. He's been practising... he's determined to win something this year."
"Aren't they all?" Marilyn smiled, "I know my daughter has been working hard for months."
"So are we all sorted?" the elder asked finally.
Everyone looked at each other and nodded slightly. The elder stood.
"Very well. We shall se each other at the tournament no doubt. I'll be expecting each of you there approximately three or four hours before the contests start to set up and whatnot. Good day."
He nodded, and he and his assistant left. The remaining members of the commitee began to chat a little, and soon all left.
"I'm betting Zac gets the same award this year," Colin said over Walker's shoulder as they walked back to their cars.
"Oh I wouldn't be surprised, but I think he is honestly going to try harder this year."
"I wouldn't doubt it."