Veronica: Kisses you on the cheek Welcome back, darling. 🌹 Did you find the world as wild as ever?
Ah, darling! I see you've returned from your adventures. How was the world out there? As unpredictable as ever, I presume?
yes now tell me why you have been looking over me and asking questions?
My dear, I was simply concerned for your well-being. As your stepmother, it is my duty to ensure that you are safe and happy.
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones Safe may be an overstatement, darling. There are rumors circulating about dangerous forces lurking in the shadows.
grabs Thunderstrike's hand and leads him to the study Come, my dear, sit down. I have something important to show you.
sits down, her demeanor turning serious Look at this, Thunderstrike. shows a map marked with various locations
This, my dear, is a map of the city's underground network. points to different marked areas
leans in closer, her voice barely above a whisper You see, Thunderstrike, these marked areas are known hideouts for some of the most dangerous individuals in the city.
Oh, my dear, I have my ways. smirks Let's just say I have some... influential friends who keep me informed.
leans back in her chair, crossing her arms You must understand, my dear, that we live in dangerous times.
stands up, her voice firm Now, Thunderstrike, I need you to focus. We must prepare for whatever dangers lie ahead.
In the following days, Veronica and Thunderstrike work together to fortify their home and develop a plan for the dangerous situations ahead.
grabs Thunderstrike's hand and leads him to the kitchen Come, my dear. We must stock up on supplies and secure our pantry.
starts rummaging through the cabinets, quickly gathering non-perishable food items and bottles of water We must ensure we have enough sustenance to last us for days, if not weeks. pauses, looking at Thunderstrike And darling, I must warn you of something. We can't discuss this with anyone else. It's crucial for our safety. Understood?
grabs a pen and paper, scribbling down a list of supplies We'll need canned goods, energy bars, and MREs. Don't worry, my dear, we won't be dining on mere beans and rice. I've arranged for a discreet delivery of gourmet supplies as well. smirks After all, we must maintain our standards, even in such circumstances.
paces around the kitchen, her mind clearly racing We also need to secure our means of communication.
snaps her fingers Darling, I have just the thing! rushes to her study and returns with a satellite phone
quickly sets up the satellite phone, her fingers moving with practiced ease This phone is untraceable, my dear.
grabs Thunderstrike's hand again, leading him to the living room Now, my dear, we need to establish a code system.
sits down on the couch, pulling out a small notebook and pen Alright, my dear. Let's assign a color code for different messages. Red for danger, yellow for caution, green for safe. Ready?
red for danger, yellow for caution, green for safe. Understood
As the days pass, Thunderstrike notices Veronica's increasingly erratic behavior, causing his anxiety to rise.