#debukefarmhold

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Ryker shakes his head as he drives his bosses outside of Ottumwa "You understand , my family is clannish?" He was surprised to get the plane ticket. By now though, he has heard a bit of what's going on "Some of them are going to be stunned if they learn what the three maudes did"

"Discretion is part of the paycheck, Ryker" CC says "But we appreciate you getting us a foot in the door"

"I believe our goal is to speak with her privately. If possible."

"Privately may not be a problem, but you might get the third degree" Ryker admits

"Oh dear." Mildly.

"Well, we'll have to be on our good behavior..." She looks around "So where's the hilly part of Iowa?" She gazes at the land

"This IS the hilly part" But he might be joking

"There isn't one, Dearest."

"Oh." She says "mmm well, I can't judge."

They pass by an area, cold men in the distance driving machines that belch exhaust and gather crops with clear mechanical percision

"Tell me that's not the farm" She says alarmed

"Nope, big Agro Corps stuff" He answers

"Pretty Banal"He adds, "ANd way too close on our door step. It's not that they use machines. It's that they treat people LIKE machines..and nature like..well... an unfeeling thing"

They drive onto a gravel road.... a sign pointing says 'DeBuke farms ahead'

Given a certain redcap contact he had, William has an idea what's there. But from this angle it looks pretty small and primitive.

William is watching out the window, eyes sharp.

And then they..enter it... some barrer or ward.. no more than that... the ilussion fades and ...the richness of the land blooms, the buildings look fine and well tended. HUGE in fact... for barns and farmhouses and more...

Chimera flow through the skies and race along...

Tall people everywhere...

some non trolls. One girl on a tractor who appears to be a nocker

"Chincary? Someone caste some kind of fuddle over the entire FARM to fool outsides?" CC's eyes widen. She's good, POWERFUL, but it is clear someone here is at least as powerful as she is at chicanary

"Yes, Miss CC." Ryker says "I thought I mentioned we had a Mountain for our lodge too."

"You did," She agrees "But I didn't imagine he was this..potent"

An eyebrow at that.

Folks wave or nod ...

A slight smile. He acknowledges the greetings.

Murray, a burly troll who is well armed like a hunter comes up "Who are the strangers ,Ryker?" BLunt. Tactless.

"Storm Murray, these are my employers..from KC." Ryker says "And my guests"

William gives the unseelie troll a nod.

"CC, nice to meet you.. I am just agog at how utterly Norman Rockwell this all is... I said to my honey," She smiles at the boggan, "HOney, I said... I've never BEEN to Iowa.. how can I mark my all states list if I don't go to all the states.... but like.. politics is SOOOO confusing.... So I asked Ryker for a bit of help with a bonus to..."

Murray grunts losing interest at the flakey behavior "WHatever.. .RYker, we're not a tour spot... next time, remember that. You know where they're not allowed" He waves them through to go on

Ryker blinks back at his boss, wondering where CC's brains went. But then goes forward

William avoids chuckling until they are well past the guard. " Shameless..." he murmurs.

CC winks. "He didn't look like the sort to tolerate fools well."

Ryker chuckles "You read him right there."

Parked, RYker guides them a little. THey're not actually here for a tour, so the trip is quick to find the redhead they've been looking for. June-Maude DeBuke. She's in the field, working with squash

"Hm." Observing.

The woamn looks up "Whos's this Ryker?"

"CC and Mister Stodgepole.THey hoped to speak to you" he says

"Well, I'm busy" she says. Her redhair is a tight bun, "And I don't think they know much about gathering squash"

William doesn't say anything. He just strips off his jacket, which was too hot in the sun anyway, rolls up his sleeves and wades into the squash Vines. He starts picking.

"I..." June Maude blinks "Well then.. what did you want to talk about?"

"Ryker, if you please?" CC sends him away "We'll be fine now"

Ryker nods "I'll visit a few folks but be nearby"

He offers her a friendly, warm smile, but let's CC do the talkin. He has squash to pick.

"I'm Caesar's mother," CC says simply as if that will explain it.

It does. June Maude sighs "April , I told her we didn't need to involve him in this. Or you, begging your pardon, ma'am"

"She said you were proud" CC says.

"Guilty as charged. Thank you for your concern, but I've got it handled" The redhead says