Togo (Goes) on Assignment (Creating Something Out of Nothing)
Chapter 4: Making Sense of It All, Scene 11
Togo Goes on Assignment is published weekly as a series. If you came in late, you might want to go back to the beginning. Or, if you’re cut from the same adventuresome cloth as Togo, feel free to read on and figure things out as you go. If you’ve been reading along and just forgot what happened in the last episode, you can click here.
Nikki MB led the way onto the Boca Negra Canyon trail. Togo held back a few yards to better observe the other visitors to the Petroglyph National Monument. For all they knew, the subject of their international quest could be lurking around, ready to make a move.
Just a few minutes into their hike, Togo spotted a rather large woman making her way back down the trail toward them. She seemed anxious and was acting very suspicious. The woman brushed by Nikki and came at Togo at alarming speed. He quickly backed away.
“Yowwww!” Togo cried. “They got me!”
Nikki quickly turned and rushed to his side. “Who got you?! Did they shoot you?! Where are you hurt?!”
“Dart gun,” he gasped. “Tiny needles . . . everything is turning dark.” He closed his eyes and waited for the end.
Nikki did a quick scan of the area. Only one person was in view. The woman they had just passed was still making her way down the trail and never looked back. Seconds later, Nikki heard the door to the restroom facilities slam shut and heard a loud sigh of relief.
Turning her attention back to Togo, she discovered the problem.
“I think you’re going to be alright,” Nikki said. “You just backed into a cactus.”
Togo opened one eye and glanced over his shoulder. “Oh,” was the only thing he could think to say.
After a little extraction work, Nikki and Togo were back on the trail. Nikki pointed out several of the petroglyphs and together they considered the possible meanings.
“This one looks like a person with some authority or a priest,” she said.
Togo nodded in agreement.
“And this one over here almost looks like a key — although it could be a symbol for something else,” she continued.
“Ice cream cone,” Togo thought to himself.
“And that one looks like a child’s footprint.”
“Interesting,” Togo agreed. “I think that this next one could be very important.”
He had stopped in front of a black volcanic rock that had a number of symbols etched inside a large square.
“What do think it is?” Nikki asked.
“I’m pretty sure it’s a menu,” Togo said. “I can’t be for certain, but it looks like they serve ice cream.”
“I really don’t think that’s it . . .” Nikki started.
But Togo had already turned and headed for the car. “I’ve seen enough,” he shouted over his shoulder. “Let’s grab lunch and get a look at that note.”
It was only a short drive back into Albuquerque. While finishing his second sundae at the Old Town Ice Cream Parlor on Romero, a courier arrived from the secret S.H.E.D. offices nearby with the note that had been left behind. Togo jumped in a chair next to Nikki and read over her shoulder.
Dear Togo,
I know that you are following me — and I want you to. It is essential that you consider the clues and solve the puzzle before it is too late.
Concentrate on these three questions:
What is the common theme of the places where I’ve led you?
What has really happened in those places?
Why has S.H.E.D. been brought in to investigate?
You seem like an ok guy with perhaps a less-than-healthy obsession with ice cream. I trust you to do the right thing.
Sincerely,
Sunshine Superman (or Superwoman)
Puzzled, Togo went back to his chair and ordered an ice cream cone for dessert.
“What do you make of it,” Nikki asked.
“Clearly a diversion,” Togo sniffed. “There is no way that I have an obsession with ice cream.”
Something about the way that Nikki looked at him made Togo flinch. He narrowed his eyes and wondered . . .
