[ WP ] `` Why 'd you have to announce it ? Why did n't you just do it ? ''

The two men were standing in the middle of nowhere. Sand blew by as a midday breeze began to pick up. There was no sign of any vehicle that had brought them here. 
 
 `` Why did you have to announce it? Why did n't you just do it?'' 
 
 `` Because this way we're living life.'' 
 
 `` As opposed to...?'' 
 
 `` I do n't know. Being boring. The point is, Jon, it has been announced, and we are obligated.'' 
 
 Radcliffe lowered the flyer and regarded his friend. They cut an odd pair, Jonathon Radcliffe in a tough leather coat and high boots, Valentine Spencer in a slim trousers with sharp lines and a finely tailored silk shirt that had been cut off at the sleeves. Firm friends, the kind that often saved each other's lives, it was difficult to imagine one without the other despite their differing tastes in fashion. Spencer, the smaller of the two, pushed his spectacles back up his nose with a delicate forefinger. 
 
 `` Obligations have placed us in danger quite a bit lately Val.'' 
 
 `` Obligations are usually best avoided, I agree. But this time it's important. Trust me.'' 
 
 Radcliffe looked away at the dusty road that wound back toward the city. Every now and then a vehicle of some description would go by - usually the horse drawn variety, but they were interspersed with occasional steam-carriages. The two men had set the meeting spot; now all they had to do was wait until their contacts showed up. That could take a while. 
 
 They had been waiting a full half hour before the first group of police showed up. They stopped their collection of wagons at the side of the road and fell into a nervous discussion. Radcliffe could see they were holding the fliers. 
 
 `` In a moment,'' he said to Spencer quietly, `` they are going to walk up here and arrest us. Care to let me in on the plan?'' 
 
 `` It's really simple. They ca n't arrest us yet because we have n't done anything illegal.'' 
 
 `` But we were planning on it.'' 
 
 `` I know. That's why I put it on the poster.'' 
 
 `` The same posters that you put up all over town?'' 
 
 Spencer shrugged. `` We had to let Leem know where to meet us somehow.'' 
 
 `` Carrier pigeon would have been a lot less... loud.'' 
 
 `` Ostentatious.'' 
 
 `` That word is ostentatious...'' grumbled Radcliffe. 
 
 A policewoman jumped down from a wagon and approached. In one hand she had her identification held high while the other gripped a rolled-up parchment tightly. There was an uneasy smile on her face. 
 
 `` Spencer and Radcliffe, I presume? The notorious sky pirates?'' 
 
 `` That's us,'' Spencer said, tipping his hat. `` Rather warm out here today is n't it officer?'' 
 
 `` Is that why you cut the arms off your shirt?'' she asked. 
 
 `` I lost them in a bet last night. Drunkards gamble for the strangest things, you know. Anyway, I presume you're here to arrest us?'' 
 
 `` I am.'' 
 
 `` You ca n't,'' interjected Radcliffe. `` We have n't done anything illegal yet.'' 
 
 She unfurled the paper and held it up. Spencer grinned. He did n't need to read it, instead he just indicated that Radcliffe was holding an identical copy. 
 
 `` We have our own. Although I do appreeciate you bringing it along.'' 
 
 The policewoman turned it around and read in loud, clipped tones; 
 
 `` I, Valentine Spencer, hereby arrange to meet with Leem and his gang on the Main Road at High Noon precisely eight miles outside of town. I will bring my business assossiate Jonathon Radcliffe and we will engage in illegal activities. I trust our reputation precedes us. Sincerely, Valentine Spencer and Jonathon Radcliffe. 
 
 `` PS; That's Spencer and Radcliffe, the two sky pirates who have bounties on their heads in twelve counties. Captains of the Starchaser.'' 
 
 She stopped reading and looked up. 
 
 Spencer nodded. 
 
 `` That's what I wrote. What questions do you have Mira?'' 
 
 `` You know my name?'' 
 
 `` Of course. You've been chasing us for some time. Dockman warned us when we landed that you'd probably come gunning for us. I thought we would give you a fair chance.'' 
 
 Growing more confused, Mira looked to Radcliffe, who shrugged. 
 
 `` Do n't look at me. I'm as in the dark as you are.'' 
 
 `` Mira, can I make a suggestion? As you ca n't arrest us until you see us do something illegal I suggest you take a seat on your wagon over there or you are going to get awful tired. Either that or stay with us and we can play some games?'' 
 
 `` What kind of games?'' 
 
 `` The kind where I can win a pair of sleeves.'' 
 
 Thunder showed on Mira's face first and then in her feet as she stormed away, shouting orders at the policemen. Radcliffe turned his back on her and whispered more questions to Spencer. 
 
 `` I do n't appreciate being kept out of the loop on this one, Val. Just a warning will be good.'' 
 
 `` Admit it, you're enjoying this. The adrenaline rush has got to be worth it.'' 
 
 `` Yea, I am. But if we end up in prison -'' 
 
 `` -again -'' 
 
 `` - then I reserve the right to be angry at you.'' 
 
 `` Right reserved, friend. Now just hush up, there's an entire wagon of police there waiting for us to say something incriminating.'' 
 
 -- 
 
 There's more coming, just need to copy and paste it across from notes: )
