Rico checked his watch as they stood at the location they were told to meet the King and Queen of Atlantis. They were set to arrive by submarine in a few minutes. They could already see the paparazzi in the distance that the police were holding back while the secret service were the next line and then finally there were the Atlantean Guards and the politicians.
"This is amazing." Cheshire pointed out they were currently dressed in civilian clothes. She had skinny jeans and a leather jacket along with a basic ball cap and a pair of flashy sun glasses. "I could never get this close to VIPs before."
Rico scoffed. "I wonder why." He was in jeans, combat boots and a sweatshirt. They were off to the side waiting near the towncar that had been set up for the Queen. With the simple looking driver that was waiting.
For the agenda the Queen planned to go look around Metropolis with stops on multiple locations. Some of which are churches, some soup kitchens, a few stores, and then the last one was an American Football game. Edgelady had already drawn up a route for them and sent it to the driver.
Both of them had weapons hidden on their person. Both close and long range weapons. While also wearing some hidden body armor. There was no chatter yet but that could change at a moment's notice. It was also why there was a duffel bag in the trunk with additional equipment just in case.
"You brought the extra set of civvies she requested?" Rico asked and Cheshire pointed her thumb at a backpack that was sitting in the back of the car.
"I also made sure that the car had privacy windows so she can change on the way while you and the driver are in the front." Cheshire explained and Rico gave her a side eye. "I know I know… I will be cautious and check for cameras when we get in the car."
Vrrooosshhh!
They turned as a bunch of yellow fins breached the water and was followed by a large metal shell that breached the water and opened up to reveal a few other Atlantean guards all in royal regalia. It stopped right at the edge of the dock and the guards started walking out and then stepped to the side.
Then walking through the center are the King and Queen of Atlantis. King Arthur in his green and orange outfit with blonde hair and full beard. With a hook that had replaced one of his hands. While Queen Mera, a younger woman, walked arm in arm.
At the end of the dock were a few people who were assisting the Atlanteans with their presentation. Namely, Bruce Wayne, along with a few other politicians who were probably angling to make a name for themselves.
"Mister Wayne, thank you again for handling our stay on the surface. Your recommendations were a huge help in planning everything out." King Arthur gave the orphan playboy a hearty handshake.
"I appreciate all the financial support as well as the manpower you have been providing to the greater community as a whole. It was only right that I help you as much as possible." Bruce explained taking charge of the human side of the exchange. He then waved at an armored helicopter, "we will take my chopper to our destination to assess the… necessary last minute changes. While your lovely wife…" He nodded at Queen Mera, "can go out and see the city and the sights like you requested ahead of time."
"You assume something needs to be changed at the last minute?" King Arthur asked in his heavy booming voice.
"Haaa… yes, something always needs to be changed at the last minute. It is just what happens with things like this. You will see, either something has not been done to the appropriate standard or something is overdone." Bruce explained with an annoyed sigh.
"Then lead the way, I will join you." King Arthur told him while giving his Queen a nod.
Rico watched as the young woman frowned before walking over to them. Following her was a younger red headed woman with short hair with tribal markings on her arm. She was in some sort of short skirt and bra that looked tribal in nature.
"Are you my bodyguards?" Queen Mera asked as she approached them.
"We are." Rico nodded his head. "You can call me Rico and this is Jade. I will ride in the front for the first leg of this journey. If you have any questions about our duties or protocols you may ask either of us at any time."
"Thank you, I will. But I will say that I apologize. Tula joined us last minute for this trip. I do not suppose we can stop first and get her some clothes?" Queen Mera requested while the driver opened the door and they started climbing into the car.
Rico sighed, "I will call and have our course changed."
Jade chuckled as she climbed in last and closed the door. Rico looked over at the driver as they climbed into the car. Rico immediately pressed the button to close the window so they could not see or hear the back of the vehicle. "Where are we going?" The driver asked.
Rico had already sent the message to Edgelady and gotten a response. Then the gps on the drivers system changed. "Changes made. I informed the hidden escorts and guards that will trail us. Drive." Rico ordered and the vehicle started moving.
As soon as they passed the line of guards and paparazzi he noticed something strange. Coming from one of the paparazzi's cameras, something small flew out. He heard almost an inaudible noise like a thump as it was probably attached to the car. He looked over and saw the driver did not react, it must just sound like a typical car noise and blended in perfectly.
He looked out the car at the side mirror and saw the device located low and near the rear wheel well. He would have to remove it when they got to their destination.
"Something wrong sir?" The driver asked.
"Nope." Rico answered.