"Have you suddenly gone mute!? Answer me, dammit!" Alexander yelled, staggering a little.

"Sir, I- err…" Kara stammered.

"Get out of my sight, you fool!"

"Yes, sir". Kara said, running off.

Back at Ethan's…

"Hey, you both! Are you still asleep!?" Ethan asked, knocking on Hilda's room door.

"Go away, Ethan". Jacqueline said, still sleepy-eyed.

"Five more minutes, please". Hilda pleaded.

"It's 11am! Get your butts up or I'm coming in!"

"Fine". Jacqueline said. She stood ...