Mercenary Empress

By Sharon L Reddy

This volume contains both Empress, Alchemy and Djinn and Djinn Rummy Royale.

Shorla was a mercenary. Her favorite type of job was helping nice people with nasty problems. Her ship, Pickles, had come from somewhere. She decided Shorla would want to help a young man fighting an endless supply of bots, with a sword. Vanseral Sen Faladine was the last child of the Magelor, the reality wizards. He was given a kitten, Tootles, that wasn't a cat. He decided Patrick, the very young Sultan of the living planet, Djinn, needed a friend. There weren't any excuses left. She had to keep her promise to a people.

Shorla was teaming Patrick's brothers with "the cousins," before they met. In Djinn Rummy Royale, there are pirates, a circus, a symphony, a ballet, legends and lore and a leprechaun's wish granted.

About books by Sharon L Reddy, reviewers said:

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Raven's Reviews:
"...unique, fast-paced style ...allows one to read almost as fast as one can think."
"...romantic brain-candy... If you like almost any kind of men at all, you'll like hers..."

Mistress of the Dark Path:
"...you will also notice your mind is stimulated."
"...designed for a more educated and worldly crowd."

R. Cagle:
"I got hooked immediately."

Marji Holt:
"The characters came out of the books and into my dreams."

Twenty-four titles. Start your collection today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sharon L Reddy
• Release date: Jun 7, 2011
• ISBN: 9781583385609

Sharon L Reddy

I write science fiction romance, but it's the literary definition of romance. Swashbuckle, Baby, in "white tie and tails." High romantic fantasies, million word mysteries, family sagas, statesmen, gurus and wise immortals. Loving dads, sons and brothers, and of course, the women who understand and appreciate them. High fashion and landscape design. Materials and art, the books are built to be read very fast, specifically for the way women visualize. Research on the soap operas of the fifties, trends in international populist (fan) fiction, technological development, and above all, long-term entertainment value. It has to be good in reruns. The intent is create a body of work that's just fun to read, in spurts or bursts over decades. Ethics, responsibility, nobless oblige, the power of money, the use of prestige. I write good guys win. Period. They're fantasies for women. Men with lots of muscle say, "I love you," a lot.Most of what is currently published was written in the first decade, 1991-1999, before Mother Nature changed my personal definition of "mature audience." I hope you'll remain with me as I and my work mature and enjoy the second decade of my work now being published, as well.I've lived many places and visited far more. My current residence is on a high mesa in New Mexico, in the United States, where I am engaged in a habitat restoration project.Explanation of the Pilots Group:Some of these works have been sitting on my hard drive close to twenty years and they're no fun for anyone just sitting there. They're exactly what they've been titled, pilots, like for a TV series. It is my intent and hope that other writers will choose to continue the adventures of the characters. There are only three restrictions. Don't kill off my heroes, don't make good guys bad guys and give my story credit if you publish. Yes, you may publish and make money on your stories. I loved reading and writing fan fiction, but the limitations on it could be frustrating, so... Have fun with these works that specifically don't have them.

Book preview

Sharon L Reddy

Mercenary Empress

©1996, 2011

Double Novel

Empress, Alchemy and Djinn and Djinn Rummy Royale

Target Yonder

Millennium Works Collection

Smashwords Edition

ISBN 978-1-58338-560-9

Cover by enblanco.com

Book One

Empress, Alchemy and Djinn

©1996, 2011

Chapter One

Shorla looked out the door of her ship, sighed and drew her guns. Pickles had landed her in the middle of a mess. Again. Well, there was someone in trouble or her ship wouldn't have suddenly veered off course and landed. And it was someone she obviously thought worthwhile. Shorla couldn't complain. The first worthwhile person her 'telepathic' ship remembered deciding to rescue had been her.

Pickles was very old, had come from somewhere else and had no memory of how she'd gotten to where she was. She'd been gobbling up every bit of data she could get in the eight years since she'd rescued Shorla from a firing squad.

Shorla had been a bit too vocal in her displeasure about the way her planet was run. Dictators didn't take criticism well. Shorla had been fourteen at the time. Even a fourteen-year-old prodigy wasn't allowed to sabotage invasion plans. The dictator had decided to make an example rather than having her quietly 'removed' or mind-wiped.

Hurry, Shorla. He's injured and we must save him. We need him.

On my way, Pickles. Ooh, I hate robots that pick on kids. Damn! He's good with that sword. Let's see... One, two, three.

DUCK!

Thanks, Pick. Four, five, six. Wow! He got two with his sword! Some sword. Hiya, kid. My ship says we get you out of here now.

I thank you, but...

Damn. Pickles, he's out. Wow! Heavy boy. Give me a-grav on my gauntlets, Pick. Whoa! You almost got me with the hatch, Pickles.

Sorry, Shorla. I needed to get it closed to dematerialize. There was some very heavy armament headed our way. Get him in my medbay. He's hurt badly. I think I can save him.

Think?! He's in bad shape. Ooh, pretty boy.

Shorla, just get him undressed and in. Admire after I see if we can save him.

In and I'm out. Now, who is he and why is he important?

Well, I didn't get a great deal. He was rather preoccupied and I didn't want to distract him. I did get he's a telepath, a prince, an egalitarian to his toes, not from this world, an escaped prisoner and the only one of his kind left alive. Good, he's going to... Oh my, his own healing powers just kicked in. Quite a power. Oh, dear. Well, I'm sure you can handle that.

Pickles, what can I handle?

Well, he's about the sexiest anthropoid male I've ever had contact with. Ooh, he's also about fifteen of your years old, a guess from unfulfilled growth potential. Human derived, but some very interesting mutations. I'd say planned. Hmm, Shorla, get in my medbay with him.

Say what?! Pickles...

Just do it. NOW! I'll explain later.

Help. All right.

Pickles increased the field and monitored carefully. She was sure Shorla would be pleased. Right after she'd yelled at her for not asking first. It was just too good an opportunity to pass up and she'd have argued and considered, until the opportunity to initiate it while the boy's healing powers would aid in directing it had passed. She needed that direction, at least the first time.

She put her full computational capacity on it, excluding her personality matrix, of course. She wouldn't have been able to do it if she hadn't excluded that, but the rest of her full capacity was barely enough. She'd never had to use all of it before, but the task was incredibly complex. She noted there were some things she couldn't duplicate in Shorla. They just didn't have a physical constituent. The task took twelve days.

Pickles hummed to herself as she prepared a large meal for them. The field provided essential energy, but it didn't fill empty stomachs. She noted Shorla was waking. She was pleased. She'd rather she explained why they'd rescued the boy and that he was on a ship. It would lessen the shock. It also gave Shorla a few moments to get out of med, shower and dress.

Hi, Shorla. Hurry. He'll be awake soon.

I'm starved! Mm, dinner smells good. Talk to me, Pickles. Tell me why I just spent... TWELVE DAYS?!

Yes, well, it was a real chore. Took my entire capacity to accomplish it.

Shower on. Accomplish what?

Well... Now don't start yelling until I get finished telling you, Shorla.

Pickles!

I remade you into one of his race.

WHAT?! PICKLES!!

Ow, my audio receptors are overloaded. Shorla, he's vastly physically superior to any other human-derived... species we've met. He's practically immortal. Well, he can be killed, or could have been. I triggered a few potentials that... Unless he's physically damaged, he won't ever just die. His body can heal nearly any wound. He'd been hit by neural disrupters, sonic concussion guns, particle beams, and his body was still trying to heal itself. He's also just plain nice. There. On our way. I really wanted to get off that world.

You mean we were still on that planet?!

I told you it took all my capacity. I'm analyzing the data backlog now. Ooh, nasty people. Hmm, I think I can fix... Well, they won't be a problem anymore. I burned out their central computer net. The people they've got enslaved won't give them time to rebuild it. There, all the robots just shut down. Shorla, are you all right?

I... Uh, Pickles, did you just tell me you'd made me... immortal?

Well, I'm not sure about immortal, Shorla, but you won't get old and it'll take a hell of a lot to kill you. Wow! What a mind! He's waking up, Shorla. Ooh, now that's interesting. Oh, yes! This is going to be fun.

I... I can... hear him waking. Pickles?

You've always been high psi, Shorla. He just helped you break through. You'll only be fully telepathic with him and it's really more him than you, but you'll be able to understand and talk to everybody, and know if they're lying to you or hiding something. Shorla, he's waking.

Uh, huh. Waking. Uh, huh.

Put it away for now. You can figure out how you feel about it later.

Sure. Right. Later. Uh, huh. Wow! What a mind!

That's what I just said.

Hiya, kid. Clothes. Yours were more missing than there. What there was of them. I'm Shorla. You're on a ship. Her name is Pickles. I was pretty young when... Well, she gets me in and out of a lot of messes. She pulled me out of the same kind you were in eight years ago. So, why were you in that kind of mess?

You're not an enemy. You don't want to... use me or kill me. You don't even know who I am, what I am.

Hey, don't snoop. It's not polite. And I feel guilty as sin because Pickles already used you. She decided you were some kind of spectacular and did a makeover on me with you as a pattern. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. So talk to me. She tells me we can communicate mind to mind, but I am not ready for that. Start with who you are.

Shorla was pretty surprised when he bowed formally. He even did it right.

You have the gratitude of Vansaral Sen Faladine. Prince of Landetha. But, since my people are all dead and my world gone, I'm prince of nothing.

Damn! Easy, kid. I felt that. C'mere. Relax. Tell Auntie Shorla what happened.

Not much to tell. My world was too close to the one you found me on. They grabbed me out of my rooms at my school on Cleth. Decided one of us was all they could handle or use and sent a barrage of anti-matter missiles to get rid of the rest. I've been trying to escape for about eight years, I think. I found a way to short the mind tap and... Well, dead was better than being part of a machine, especially one with the sole purpose of enslaving worlds. I have to go back and destroy it.

Ahem.

Yeah, Pickles?

Shorla, I already did. Prince Vansaral, I borrowed your knowledge of the system and fried it. I didn't like it.

You fried... Uh, I think I need to sit down.

May I suggest the dining area. Your stomach is growling and you'll think more clearly after you've eaten. Tonight's dinner is roast baron of beef with all the trimmings. I know you don't eat meat, but this was never part of a cow. It's synthesized and I left out the cholesterol. Shorla guide him. He's rather stunned.

An understatement, Pick. I'd say shocked was closer. Come on, kid. Mm, smells good.

Thank you. Shorla, you have to invite him to stay with us. He's not safe anywhere else and we need him. He has talents that will really help with our work. He's too mixed up and surprised to be alive to use it right now, but he's clairvoyant. He wants to do what we do.

Pickles... Help. Look, Prince, Pickles is telepathic. She thinks you belong with us, but it's your choice. We do mercenary work. It keeps her supplied with raw materials and me in the style I like. Our favorite is ridding nice people of nasty problems. I'm going along on this because I trust her. I hadn't planned on adding a partner. So, tell me. Where did you get that sword from and who taught you to use it?

I was given it when I was born and trained with it since I could lift it. I found a way to call it to me. It still took me years to... Well, that's how I escaped. In some way, it's not of this reality. Oh, this is good.

Thank you. I thought you'd like it. You're still nervous about trying the beef. Go on. It was never living, just inorganic matter I made look and taste like something else. It's actually a piece of asteroid I scooped up awhile back. The greens are real though, Prince Vansaral.

Call me Van. I'm not a prince anymore.

All right, Van. I know why you had to escape. You'd figured out the solution and you couldn't let them get it. I must tell you I did get it. It's time you looked into Shorla's mind. I'd rather not have you trying to figure out how to destroy me before I can use it. The only way to stop it is if you trust me with it. I'm a reflection of Shorla. I was an empty husk the first time I touched her mind. I have absorbed her values and attitudes as my own.

WHAT?! Pickles, you never told me that.

No, Shorla. I wouldn't have told you now if he hadn't needed to know it. I love you and it's made you uncomfortable. That makes me uncomfortable. I'm going to shut down my receptors in this room. Call me if you need me.

It did make you uncomfortable.

Yes, Van. I'm not sure I want to be a role model for anyone. I'm... Well, she turned out pretty well. I guess I'm not too bad.

Shorla, I ask your permission to join our minds. Pickles was right. I can't let what I've learned be used. It's more than dangerous. It could destroy... everything.

Everything. Well, I'm not pleased about somebody knowing me to my toenails, but... do it.

This may hurt. I'm sorry.

Unh!

You're... beautiful. All the way through. I love you. I'll follow you anywhere. Accept my fealty, Lady. I am yours.

Uh, you're pretty terrific yourself, kid. Let's just call it partners. All right? Not all right. Van, I don't... All right, accepted. Help. Get off your knees. Come on, you're making me blush.

You're so beautiful. I shall guard your back forever.

Oh, brother. Van, it's mutual. Now what's wrong? Oh. Van, you are too young.

My keepers didn't think so. I'm rather too experienced in some ways.

Yeah, I got the impression you were. There was some stuff there you did not intend for me to even get impressions of and, well, I tried not to burrow. Felt you do the same with me. You poor kid. You're one hell of a man to still have the kind of sanity you do after what they did to you. Why did they...

They decided they'd been a bit rash and they wanted more like me. I managed to keep it from happening.

Yeah, a little TK tampering in the lab to make sure no babies. I got the satisfaction on that piece real clear. I'm so mad I want to go back and... destroy them again.

Thank you. I love you too. Shorla, I trust you with what I learned. I offer it to you to aid in your work.

I'm not sure I want it.

That's why I trust you with it. If you wanted it, I couldn't. You will use it wisely.

It's scary. Pickles! Tune in!

Yes, Shorla. Oh, nice glow. I told you we wanted him.

Yes, Sweetie, you did and you were right, as usual. Now, what's on the agenda?

Van, will you build it into me? I pledge never to use it unless you agree.

Yes, I will. I place myself and my knowledge in your hands, Shorla. I do not trust myself not to fix everything.

People have to struggle to grow, Van. Do you... want to save your world?

No. We were a dying race. Some of us ageless and near immortal. Some of us mindless with ennui. I was the only child on my world. My people were murdered, but we were already dying. We never left our world. I was sent away to school because there were none on my world.

Ow. That hurts. Put it away. You're here. You're young. You're free. And your life won't be boring. Full?

Very. Thank you, Pickles. I did like the beef.

I thought you would. Shorla, we have a yell for help and a contract. Get some sleep and I'll get us there. Van, I've created rooms for you. You both need to rest, then you should begin training together. My med readouts say you're growing fast.

Pick, why are we so tired?

The restructuring. What I did had to be supplemented by your own system. You've used immense amounts of energy. I built a few things in you which were only potentials in Van and triggered them in him. You'll be pleased to know you'll never catch another cold. He has an unbelievable immunity to nearly everything. So do you now. I think there are only three diseases and five poisons you can't throw off.

Wow! No more hangovers.

Shorla, that's one of the poisons.

My people selected that one, Pickles. The story goes they excluded it because they wanted one physical anesthetic. I think they just wanted one thing that would make them lose control.

Reasonable. You're pretty tightly controlled right now. Afraid to look ahead?

I haven't for years. I will, but I need some time.

Look ahead?

I told you he's clairvoyant, Shorla. He sees the future. It was a talent he didn't want them to know he had. Van, look into the future of that world. Go on. We'll come back in ten years. Tell us.

I... Very well. Oh! It's a democracy with real freedom. Agrarian. They just get rid of the machines. Peaceful. Thank you. Oh, thank you. I'll rest well. Peace on the war world. They will make war no more.

Shorla, show him to his rooms. I created them across from yours. Van, they're holographic reality. Most of my interior is. If you wish them changed, let me know.

It's beautiful. Thank you, Pickles.

She's got good taste, Van, and I'm sure she didn't get that from me. Nice, Pick. Where did you grab it?

An advert for a real estate company on Selus. Nicest one they showed.

Van, you're nearly swaying. Let's get you tucked in.

I'm real sleepy. I haven't slept in at least five years.

WHAT?! Sorry. What do you mean you haven't slept?

One can't sleep when... My mind was part of a computer. Sleep was not an option.

Pickles!

He's asleep, Shorla. Open up a little and feel him. Can you get him in bed? I don't want to activate a servitor. Anything robotic would cause him stress and I'm sure he'd awaken if one touched him.

Agreed. Poor kid. He's been badly used. I hope...

Shorla, I blew up that computer. I did for most of the rulers too. I'm still too mad to feel guilty. I've never killed before.

Thanks. I feel better knowing we got the bastards. Call it a retroactive order. I won't feel guilty. Pickles, I got personality and values, but he kept a lot from me, didn't he?

Yes. I read a great deal of his memory. He's been used. Shorla, take him to Mamie's place.

Huh?! He's too young.

No. Well, yes, but without it he'll always be in need and afraid to do anything about it. Get him there before he fixates on you. He needs help. Mamie is the best for the job.

Damn. All right, land us in Clendon Gardens. I'll comm Mamie and attempt to explain why I'm bringing a boy to a brothel.

You know she'll understand. She understood when you showed up at her back door with questions I couldn't help with eight years ago.

Yeah. Damn, he's beautiful. And so sweet. Definitely Mamie's. Pickles, if he wasn't so young...

Silver hair and big green eyes and as well put together as any male ever was. I know. Hang in there. He won't be too young for long.

Help. Wake me if I start having warm dreams about him. I think he'd know.

Probably. Sleep. We'll be there late tomorrow. I'll get the specifics on the job when we get in tight-beam range.

Mm, hm, like busting drug dealers. Night, Pick.

Good night, Shorla.

The specifics were ugly and the problem big and growing bigger fast. The 'civic organization' that had contacted her with a contract offer couldn't learn things the places Mamie and her girls could. Shorla planned on talking to her after she'd had a personal look around and knew what she wanted to ask. Van suddenly looked at the big house and got nervous.

Uh, Shorla, what is this place?

It belongs to a friend of mine. Do you trust me, Van?

Yes, but...

Good. Look, this isn't something I'd do if I didn't think you really needed it. Go on. Help. Come on, Van. I'll introduce you to Mamie. Hi, Aunt Mamie. This is my friend Van.

Oh, it's so good to see you, Shorla. Hello, Van. Time for a cuppa, Shorla?

Wish I did, but I've got a contract to sign, then I want to look around a little. How bad?

The police are overmatched. The stuff is flooding in. Two doses and hooked. Bad to break. Never seen anything like it. They're hitting kids with it. Not even selling until they have them hooked. It's destroying the city. So far only here, but... Shorla, there's something big and nasty behind it.

I'll find out what, Mamie. Can you get me a sample?

Hmm, can try. If I can, it'll be waiting when you come back. Van, this is Darla.

Hi, Van. I've got some cocoa made. Come on. I'll introduce you to some of my friends. Relax. Nobody's going to make you do anything you don't want to. I promise. Just cocoa and talk, if that's all you want. You ever play with kittens? My cat has four, little bundles of fur. Come on. I'll show you.

Abused. I've seen that look before.

Why I brought him, Mamie. Cocoa?

Darla likes hers with a chocolate mint liqueur. She's the best and she won't push. If he's not ready, she'll know.

Thanks. This wasn't easy.

Yes, but if not fixed now it could really tangle things between you. I think it will be. So, going to tell me how you ended up in love with him?

He's a telepath and all the way through beautiful. I love him, Mamie, but I don't think I'm in love with him.

Yet.

Yet. Take care of him for me. You're our best hope. See you in?

About four hours. Darla won't let any of the girls rush him and we can keep him chatting that long if that's all he's ready for today.

Four hours it is.

Van was very nervous. Darla was nice. She was warm and caring, but she wasn't wearing a lot. He realized his hands were clammy and his heart was racing, but he couldn't seem to control it.

Van, you look like you're thinking about running from me. Somebody messed you up pretty bad. Shorla wouldn't have brought you here unless she really believed we could help unmess.

I... Yeah, messed up.

Relax. I know, hard to do. I'm going to add a bit of liqueur to our cocoa. Here, smell. Not high in alcohol content and at this dilution, legal for an adult to give a post-pubescent minor for specifically this use. All right?

Yum, that does smell good. Your alcohol laws are different than others I've heard.

This one was a grassroots referendum that arose when we could give kids expensive pharmaceuticals that made them blotto, damaged their livers and could become addictive for tension, but not a bit of brandy in hot tea to aid in getting them to relax and talk. We got an unexpected bonus from it. It taught kids taste was a criteria before they got to the age they could buy it for themselves and just about ended getting drunk as a social goal. You being here because an adult decided you need it is another practical solution. There's only one other world in this part of space which has as stringent licensing requirements and they copied ours.

Is that a cat?

Oh, my. You've missed too many nice things. Yes, this is my cat. She's spoiled rotten. We call her Brat.

She's purring. She likes me!

Brat has great taste in people. Only a few she really disliked. Aunt Mamie wouldn't let them in the door. Scratch gently under her chin. Ooh, you've made a friend for life. Want to see the kittens?

It happened slowly, but Darla was patient. They played with kittens, chatted and gradually he relaxed. He was delightfully witty and sweetly shy. He admitted he'd never been kissed. He learned quickly. Darla pulled three friends in and they taught him to play 'Spin the Bottle,' and giggle. One kitten jumped right in front of the bottle every time it stopped and miaowed for attention if Van didn't pet him first. He began to giggle when he was asked to judge who had the best giggle kiss, and he began to truly heal.

Shorla signed the contract with the city and prowled the streets. She agreed with Mamie's assessment. There was something deep and nasty going on. She decided she'd learned all she could on the street. The four hours were nearly up, so she headed for Mamie's. She almost didn't get there. She ducked, spun and stunned the lowlife with the rupter. She'd 'felt' his intent. She left him. He wouldn't know anything. He was just trying to 'earn' a dose.

She heard Van's laughter when Mamie opened the door. It sounded wonderful.

Hi, Shorla. We may have set loose an elemental force on an unprepared universe. All my girls want to sit at his feet.

Say what?

Mm, hm. That's the sexiest male in existence. He's incredible. Once he unwound, he lit up the sky. He's fine, but everyone else will sigh for months. Me included. He'd be a heartbreaker if he didn't care about everyone. He can melt ice with a smile. Got your sample. Here. Cuppa?

Wish, but I'd like to get Pickles on analysis. Hi, Van. Better?

Wonderful. Fair ladies, you have done that which I would not have dreamed possible. Darla, I'll hold you in my heart forever. Thank you for everything, especially Tootles. I'll take good care of him.

You're more than welcome, Van. Shorla, he's the nicest person who ever lived and, boy, is he talented.

Cute when he turns pink too. Ready, Van? We need to get to work.

I shall never be ready to leave ones so fair and wise, so I might as well take my leave. Ladies, I will return. Aunt Mamie, you make my heart pound.

I'm plump and sixty... ish. You're a flatterer and I love it. Shorla, you take care of him. Van, I'm glad Pickles has help taking care of her. Come back soon. You're friends we like to see.

I'll come back for that cup of coffee, Mamie. So, Van, going to introduce me to the lump in your shirt?

His name is Tootles. He's not completely weaned, so I'll have to feed him with a dropper to supplement... Oh, oh. Shorla, will Pickles be upset?

If she is, it won't last long. Oh, he's adorable. Hello, little one. Van, he's almost the same color as your hair.

Yeah. Darla said it was fate and he was obviously meant for me. I just couldn't say no.

I doubt I could have either. Listen to that purr.

Stop. Hold him. I'll be right back.

Van! Oh, shit!

She ran around the corner just in time to see him pitch a man about four meters. Three others were lying on the ground.

They were waiting for the kids to get out of school, Shorla. They were going to inject some of them with drugs. I got a name and an address. I had to stop them.

Agreed, but I'm the one with experience. Next time we go together. Understood?

Yes. It was foolhardy and I learned.

You're hurt!

Not bad. Just a scratch.

Let's get to Pickles. Your scratch is leaking pretty bad. You're dynamite, kid. How'd you take them out?

I just barreled into them. I'm pretty heavy and I was moving fast. I got mad at the one who shot me. I think I broke him when I threw him.

Yeah. Probably. Inside. Pickles, I've got a sample and Van's got a quote, 'scratch.' He's also got a new resident. Meet Tootles.

Oh, dear. Oh, he's so tiny. Shorla, put Tootles down and get Van to med. His 'scratch' is bad. He's holding the pain in, but my bio sensors read major damage.

You heard her, Van. No argument. We'll take care of Tootles. Strip and get in there. Oh, Van! Let me help. Easy. We get you trained. I'm furious with you. I have a feeling I will be every time you get hurt.

That's nice. I almost got out of the way of the darter. Ooh, it does hurt. Uh, I'll get the rest.

Shut up. Step out. Now in. Just lay down anywhere. Pickles will focus the field. Sleep or meditate. Night. Pickles, he's...

Amazing? Incredible? Beautiful?

Yeah, and then some. Evidently, he's also the best lover ever. Well, let's analyze a drug and make a home for a kitten.

Shorla, I am not... Oh, help. Let's make a home for a kitten. Hmm... Shorla, did Van say anything about it?

Just it wasn't fully weaned.

Well, I don't know exactly what it is, but it's no tabby.

Say what?

It's not a cat. Well, it is, but it's not.

Pickles, could you be a bit more precise.

This kitten is too smart and is going to get very large. Call Mamie. We need to know more.

Mamie was surprised, but came up with a possibility. Shorla smiled and Pickles gave her a view of Tootles curled in Shorla's lap and loudly purring as answer when she asked if Van wanted to exchange. She laughed and said she'd see if she could find out definite. Pickles didn't think there was much doubt.

Too much coincidence, Shorla. I think we should assume Tootles is a product of those illegal genetics experiments and someone dumped him to get rid of the evidence when the lab was raided. Since Brat had four in the shed and one didn't make it, she accepted another. Kitten formula coming up. Oh, he is cute.

Yeah, he is. Well, we suddenly went from just us to a group. I've still got the wobbles about it, but it feels right. I want Van trained. Program a course and holo workout partners for him. I'll work with him when I can.

He'll learn much faster from you. He can do a light link and feel what he should be doing. Now, I've got an analysis of the drug. Ready?

Give me a hard copy. Let's start putting the puzzle together.

Chapter Two

You learn fast, Van.

I cheat. I feel what you're doing and it... Well, if it doesn't feel the same, I'm not doing it right.

Van, this worries me, but Pickles suggests you enroll in school.

Huh? Oh, I see. Young people are the targets, Shorla. I can learn what they know, and since I'm immune to the drug, I'm pretty safe. Hmm, let's get an apt and put me in martial arts classes too. I can not know things I shouldn't. Pickles, I've finished building it. Are you ready for me to install it?

Yes. I am opening my main access corridor.

Van, she's a lot bigger than she looks.

I know. Most of her is only material when we're in deep space.

Van, a lot bigger than she looks. Pickles, tell him.

I suppose I should. I don't know how big I actually am, Van, but I'm at least as big as this planet. I haven't fully materialized. At least not in the eight-and-a-half years I remember. I'm not sure I can materialize fully.

Hmm. Give me a comp periphery. No, let's save the puzzle of you til later. If I start on it, I may get too involved to remember the puzzle we're supposed to be solving.

My excuse too, Van. I don't know if I really want to solve the mystery, Pickles.

And I'm not sure I want it solved, Shorla. Sorry, Van.

Let's... Pickles, can you materialize just a small area of yourself?

Yes. Oh, nice idea.

Idea?

Well, Shorla, if we grab an apt, it should be in minimum housing. They're not hitting rich kids. Pickles has already spoiled me. I think having an extra cabinet in the kitchen with Pickles behind it would be nice.

Yeah, I like. Let's get you enrolled. Pick, run him up some records and background. Keep it simple. Potsville district. Get us an apt. Make him my cousin's kid. Insert custody records and get us idents. I'll need a job.

Type?

I'm bright, but surly. I don't stick with one long. Find someone who needs a cocktail or coffee bar server. Be good if it was in the district.

Um, Shorla. There's a position open, but...

Pickles, you're nearly chortling. What position?

The Tip Tip club has a vert for dancers.

Oh, help. Well, I'd certainly meet the seamy side of society.

The Tip Tip? Dancer?

It's a strip joint, Van.

A what?

Van, there are gaps in your education.

Oh, uh, one of those places.

Yep. One of those places. I'll need a disguise. I'm too well-known on this world. Hair tint and eye color change.

Me too?

No, green eyes. I'll copy yours.

Oh, I was thinking I'd be less noticeable if my hair wasn't so... different.

True. Van, it bothers you. Talk.

It's silver because of the comp link. I shouldn't have gone gray til I was at least seventy. It was red when I was little.

I see. You want to tint, do it, but I think it's gorgeous and I don't think the link caused it.

What?

Van, it's not gray. It's silver and it's that way all over. If you'd gone gray, there'd still be red some places. Like where it's growing in. We need to work out your age in standard. Van!

I need to sit down. You're right, I think. Kelph liked red hair. I think I changed it. I was real pleased he wasn't happy when it started to change. Seventeen.

Seventeen?

Yes, I'm seventeen in standard years, almost eighteen.

Older than I thought. I'd pegged about fifteen.

Darla knew I wasn't as young as I look. I've got an invitation to come back when I'm eighteen 'soon,' because I don't need a professional to help with a problem. She's got a masters in Play Therapy.

Most of Mamie's girls have degrees and I'm very glad to hear it, but I want to know why you're trying to change the subject.

My race matured fairly slowly. Childhood shouldn't... I was rushed. If I changed it once, I can do it again.

Van, you... That hurt. I don't want to peek, but I can't stand you hurting and not know why.

Echoes, Shorla, just echoes. They'll diminish in the distance. Put me in a fencing class too, Pickles. Find some place we can be from which justifies our weight. If I'm going to be in school, someone will learn, probably the class bully. I'll leave the hair, I guess. Shorla, be careful. Someone may decide a stripper isn't an appropriate guardian.

True but we'll deal with it if it comes up.

Shorla, you're Shore Havan. Van, you're Prince Havan. Name, not title. Home world is Candis. Both Shore and Prince are common names, as is Havan. It's high-grav and long-colonized. You're both a bit tall, but not so much you'll cause comment. The Candisans are bio-adapted, so they didn't get thick and short. Hard copy briefs coming up. Records in place. Apt rented. I'm moving us. Tootles is hungry. Ugh. Well, I can take care of that.

Ugh? Take care of?

Old dirt and smelly. Shore, go out into the apt and open a window.

Window?

We were 'lucky' and got a top floor corner apt. It's easier for me. I can dematerialize through the building, but it's just easier if most of me is outside.

I'll open a window.

Get back in quick. I'm going to thoroughly clean the place.

Pickles, you can activate your servitors. They won't bother me.

I don't use them often, Van. I wanted to give you time.

Thank you.

Ugh is right. I could barely stand it. Why didn't services clean it?

They didn't have time, Shore. It emptied about twenty minutes ago and I grabbed. I'm activating several servitors. Van, it does bother you.

Just echoes. I really am fine. I can't keep wanting to run for cover every time I see a machine. Give me interior access. Come on... Shore, let's get this hooked up.

So what is that two cen cube?

The only hardware Pickles needs to travel in time. It's just a few little circuits. Basically a nav guide. The rest was all programming. This sort of attaches us to a point in time and the program brings the rest along. Shore, I don't want to explain. I didn't explain to Pickles either. One person with the knowledge is too many.

Van, you never got to be a kid and it hurts me.

Makes two of us, doesn't it? You were put to work before you were ten too.

Yeah. Super-genius, but at least I wasn't hooked to a machine, or... used.

You have echoes too. All right. It hooks into the nav controls, Pickles. Light them for me. Good. Shorla, it has to go in fast. I'll run a loop around the juncture, then I'll do a link with you. The program has to initialize at the instant I remove the loop. Your job. That the main console, Pickles?

Yes. This is my bridge. Or the one I use most anyway. I'm nervous.

So am I. Loop established. It's in. Let's do it. Now!

Oh! I felt it. I think I recognized the feeling.

Pickles, this piece... Sweetheart, you've been tampered with. This doesn't belong.

What piece?

You can't see it, can you? Shorla, look. Let me...

Careful, Van. Yeah, I see. Hmm, Pickles, there's a piece which is some kind of limiter on you.

What piece?

That's it, Shorla. She's blocked from seeing it. Let's figure out what it does.

Wow. Some engineering. There's the wipe command. What's that?

Hmm, looks like a transference activator, but not time. Dimensional? Ooh, look at the counter. We have to take out this piece, Pickles.

What piece?

Sweetie, you've got frayed connection. We're going to fix it. It's probably why your memory was blank. We're going to fix it so it doesn't happen again. Do it, Van.

Loop in. Out and reconnected. All fixed, Pickles. Your little short-circuit is no more.

You mean I had a short and it wiped my memory?

Yes, all fixed.

Shorla, what's the unit you're holding?

Your short-circuit was deliberate. Van got rid of it. You were exiled, love, and it was ticking down to do it again. We're going to take it apart and see how it's built and try to figure out what it did.

No! Shorla, just get rid of it. Fast! It's doing something.

Van, drop it. DROP IT!

Damn! You fried it, Shore.

I hope so. Let's get it out of here. Pitch it out the window, Van.

On my way.

Pickles?

Shorla, I have access to more memory. It's blank, but available. Van's shocked.

Let's find out why. Van, you all right?

Uh, yeah. It disappeared, Shorla. I tossed it out and... it disappeared.

Speculate with me. Pickles, tune out, please. We'll tell you what we come up with.

No, I don't want to know. Someone thought I was too dangerous to exist.

No, Sweetie, exiled, not destroyed. They were afraid you'd fall into the wrong hands.

Thank you. I'll choose to believe you're right. Tuning out. I'll clean apt. Yell if you need me.

Well, Van?

Spatial transfer with a wipe command and a timer. Set for about nine years our time. It may have happened thousands of times.

Agreed. Someone did a nasty on her. I saw a limiter. She says she has more memory to access, but it's empty. I'd lay odds she's got more comp capacity too.

Yes. Whoever did that was afraid of her. Are we?

No, Van, I know her too well.

She's a reflection of you. I trust her. They didn't because they didn't know who she'd become. That's why they made her change every few years.

Yeah, I can see it. Van, that piece was too easy to find.

They really didn't like to do it?

She was home and it hurt to exile her?

Colony ship?

Reasonable. Pickles! Tune in!

Yes, Shorla?

Sweetie, somebody hurt when they did that. You were loved, not hated. You were just too advanced to allow to fall into bad company. Better?

Yes, thank you. Shorla, there are parts of me I didn't know I had.

We figured there were. I'd say you were once home to an entire race.

She is again. You and me. Where's Tootles?

Sleeping, Van. He's much more interested in the food I synthed than he was yesterday.

Thank you. How's his box training?

Total success. Not an accident all day. You're enrolled in District Six Secondary, Van. It will be hard to remember what not to know.

Yes, I can see that.

Pickles, break into the comm net. Monitor off planet. That drug is coming from elsewhere. I'm going to tint and apply for a job. Van, head for school.

Shore, don't... I mean...

I'll try for bev hostess, Van. I really don't want to strip, but I will, if necessary.

I'll be there to walk you home.

All right. Let's try to communicate over a distance.

You're right. It's needed. I'm going to come in and establish a link. You ready?

Yeah. I guess. Oh!

Just a link, Shore. Not deep contact. See it?

Well, something it. I can tell it's there. Yes, I can hear you. Now...

Whoa! Easy. You about knocked me down, Shore.

Sorry.

Better. Yeah, I think you could yell for me across half a galaxy and I'd hear. Well, I'd better get to school. This... could be fun.

Van, pull the hard copy of your registration forms. There are a couple respectable martial arts schools. You choose. I'm going to replicate armor and weapons for you like Shorla's, too.

Thanks. I'll learn to use them.

Of that I have no doubt. Be careful, Van.

I will be, Pickles. Oh, nice and clean. Later, Shore.

Pickles?

I'm a mother hen, Shorla.

True. Don't change. I like it. Let's get me tinted.

Van stepped over the garbage on the walk. It groaned. Housing and food were assured for all, but that didn't supply the need for a purpose in life. Drugs were always a problem where there wasn't hope, but these were being used on people who weren't hopeless. His first thought when he saw the school was yuck. He shared it with Shorla. She laughed in his mind and showed him her reflection in a mirror. He pulled back quick. The outfit she had on was just a bit too enticing. A few more seconds and he'd have been looking for a dim corner, not the office.

He found it and picked up his class assignments. He did a light scan of the students. He was 'new kid,' but that's as far as most were interested. The boys bristled a bit, but that's because the girls didn't. He picked a chair next to a skinny kid who needed a friend.

Hi, name's Van. Actually, Prince Havan, but there are lots of guys with my name on Candis. So, Van. Yours?

Gordon Fellor.

Where are we?

Same place we've been for weeks. Stuck on Fournier transfers.

Stuck, huh. You're bored.

Out of my head. They're simple.

Not for everybody.

Yeah, I have trouble with language. Math's interesting. Poetry is a bore.

You look at it wrong. Fastest way to get a kiss is with a batch of nice words. You can't put your own together, borrow from a master.

Right. You aren't tall, skinny and nearsighted.

The tall's good. The skinny can be changed and the nearsighted is correctable.

You're different.

I don't plan on living in minimum all my life.

Me either, but it's hard to get out.

Nah, most people just give up before they start. Hell, no wonder you're stuck. The program's boring!

What did you say young man?!

Fem Flandan, the teaching program is boring. I'm already yawning. I'll be asleep in ten.

And I suppose you're an authority.

Hey, don't get hot. You know it's boring. I've already pegged you as a good teacher stuck with a lousy curricula. I've seen enough to know. Put something together for us, Fem Flandan. We'll cover for you and nobody will complain if our scores improve. Gord and I will help. Turn the screen off. Let's go, Gord.

Uh, Van...

Come on. Let's show off. She's still too surprised to stop us.

I think you're going to change things around here.

I plan on it. Hi, gang. I'm Van. Grab a stylus, Gord. This wall looks nice. Hmm, let me borrow your receiver, beautiful. I promise I'll return it in one piece. OK. This equation is... why this thing works. Gord, work the math, I'll do diagram on the circuitry. Relax, Fem Flandan, I'll spend ten and clean the wall. Go, Gord.

Van was nearly chuckling. Gordon was good and Fem Flandan was too stunned to move. He took apart the receiver and diagrammed the circuitry. He placed each piece by the diagram and noted the equations which applied. He felt for kids who were really interested. There were a few.

Anybody here ever work on a receive?

I have. Got pretty good. That's neat.

Yeah, tells you what it's doing. You are?

Jess Tannick. Hey, Gordon, you changed a sign.

Sure did. Thanks. Yeah. Better. I'd have ended up nowhere.

Hey! I can see where it's going!

Yeah. It makes more sense if you know what it does. I'm Van. You are?

Chessie Lane.

Nice to meet you, Chessie. There. Now, everybody come over and let's put this receiver back together. Hi, cutie. What's first?

Um, that.

Know why?

It's attached to the casing.

Very good. You've got a nice logical mind. I like the package it's in too. Look up on the wall and find that piece.

Van actually enjoyed school that day. He liked the kids and the teacher. He was getting angrier with the suppliers of the drug all the time. He was thinking about that and not really the cleaning he was doing on the wall when the teacher spoke to him.

Gen Havan, you don't belong in this class. I'm going to recommend you be transferred to a higher level.

Please don't, Fem Flandan. In a higher level... Look, minimum districts are not pleasant. I plan on making it out. If I can help a bunch more get out too, I like the idea. The higher levels will. Most of these kids won't. Not because they're dumb, because they don't know they can. I like showing them they can. I could test into U, but I haven't. We hop around a lot. If I get one kid out of minimum in every class, I've contributed to the universe. I'm trying not to get metaphysical, but every time I help somebody, I get helped when I need it.

You are an amazing young man. All right. I'll enter into your little conspiracy. I'm a bit metaphysical myself.

Thanks. Got a suggestion. Let's do Shakespeare, not read it. Make Gord Romeo. I'll coach.

I don't think that will work, Van. You won't get them interested in that.

Oh, I don't know. You'd be surprised how interesting Shakespeare is when the first part of the play you learn is how to use a sword. I've had lessons. I'll teach. Get me permission to bring my sword to class. It's a family heirloom. See you tomorrow.

Fem Flandan was laughing when he left her classroom and headed for the sports field. He met up with Gord on the way.

Going to try out, Gord?

Not me. I'm just not athletic.

You're kidding. You've got the perfect build for hurdles and pole vault. I'm too heavy. High-grav adapted. I'm going for hammer and shot. Bit of a cheat. I know I've got muscle on the others. Come on. I'll coach a little.

Hello, Gordon.

Hi, Walter. Van, this is Walter Schoenfeld.

Hiya, Walt. You headed for track try outs?

Um, no. I don't think...

Hey, if you don't like, you don't. What's that?

Well, I've been doing some stats on the lottery. I'm working on a system.

Nice analysis. Hmm, come with. You've got a skill every good sports team needs.

Huh?

Sure. No comp can really figure sports stats. It needs a mind to direct it. Hi, Coach. We're here to try out. Well, Gord and I are. Walt's here to offer you his services as statistician and strategist. He's got talent. He can figure who in what event to pull best overall points.

Well, I suppose that makes sense. You are?

Prince Havan. Call me Van. I'm high-grav adapted. I'm going to try for hammer and shot. Gord needs coaching, but he's built perfect for pole and high hurdles. I fracture poles, but I can help him with technique. So can Walt. He can analyze the best and figure out how they do it.

You're pretty sure of yourself, boy.

Yeah, I'm smug. I like me.

Good. It's healthy, if you don't let it run into conceit.

I think everybody should be smug and like themselves. I work at spreading it around.

Go warm up.

See ya, guys. So, coach, why you here?

I beg your pardon?

You're better than this school rates. Spreading smug? Or trying to get a lead on the lowlifes doing the kids?

You may be a very interesting person to coach.

I won't tell. I know a good agent when I meet one. Coach, give Gord a slot. I'll teach him. He's got potential.

Depends on how many I've got. I can't bump someone who's worked for it.

Fair.

Watch out for the Berrins boys. They don't like new talent stealing their thunder. I know a good agent when I meet one too.

I expect a confrontation after tryouts today. I can handle it.

Van did well in the tryouts, considering he'd never done most of the things he tried out for before. He was rather pleased he made the team. The 'hammer' had been something he could use muscle in place of technique well enough to qualify. He expected to get better when he learned what he was doing. The expected confrontation arrived shortly after he left the school grounds.

You have things to learn, kid.

True, but you can't teach them to me.

Look, kid, we run this school. You need to learn that now.

Gee, and it's only going to take five of you to teach me? Come on. Let's get this over with. That alley looks good. Enough trash I can toss you into it and not break you. My cousin gets upset if I break people. Hmm, well, I'll just break the chain on the gate so we can get in. Don't look so surprised. I'm high-grav adapted. I don't plan on hitting you. You'd shatter. I don't know what you're trying to prove. You're the best athletes in school and you're not dumb. Bullies usually don't have anything else going for them. I feel sorry for them. I just have real trouble trying to pity you. Sure you guys wouldn't rather hit the soda shop than me? I mean, we're on the same team. Just doesn't make sense to damage each other.

Bink, I like him.

I didn't ask you, Horse.

I'm not going to help. I like him. I think he's all right.

You think? He beat you in both events.

So? If he can beat me, he can beat Turbor in District Nine. I want that championship.

Yeah, me too.

I'll help you get it, Bink. I can also help Horse stay grade eligible and I think I can improve his throw. I've got Walt working on it.

Say what?

Walt's running an analysis on each team member. He did vid today. He's going to compare it with the best of the best. He'll have it organized so the coach can use it by tomorrow. Gord's doing the math and I think I can talk Yoli Deschler into teaching us how to psych ourselves to our max.

You just named the three worst blecks in school.

Yeah, and your big toe isn't as attractive as your dong, but you use it more often. Most of the guys you call 'blecks' have skills which are useful. They quit being blecks when you let them contribute. Chessie's going to give dance lessons. I'm going to teach them to use a sword.

Say what?!

Ow, my ears. Fem Flandan wants to do Romeo and Juliet. I've got her talked into letting me teach the guys in the cast to use swords. I figure we can put up with Shakespeare to get the chance. Soda shop? I've got a fencing lesson in two and I need to check out a couple martial arts schools and pick one out. My cousin works some rough joints and I want to make sure she gets home safe. She's applying for a job at the Tip Tip. I don't like it, but I guess it's better than subsidy. I guess.

She's a stripper?

I hope not. She's trying for bev hostess, but she will if she has to. I'm her ward. Family all dead. She and my cat and Pickles are all I've got. Pickles is hers. Nice mech, but it doesn't keep her from looking for work. Basically, only works for her, when it feels like it.

Damn, I thought I was alone. No brothers or sisters, but I've got parents, aunts, uncles, cousins...

Gee, Mike, I've offered you my three little sisters several times.

Right, Deke. He's gotten real protective lately. There's been pushers around.

Heard about that. Screwy. Kids don't have the money to support a habit. Not here in Potsville. Subsidy isn't cash convertible.

Yeah, we wonder what they're really after too. Bink's got a theory.

Well, just an idea. Some kids have disappeared. Real hooked, then gone. I think somebody's taking them off planet.

Slavery?

It sounds dumb, but I can't figure any other reason, Van. Somebody is taking them somewhere.

Well, at least you've got a theory, Bink. There are some worlds where people are used.

Yeah. Van, be careful going places alone, especially at night. Even two or three is dangerous.

Thanks, Horse. I think I'll wear my sword when I go to walk my cousin home.

Hi, Van.

Hello, Darla. What are you doing in Potsville?

Looking for you, Sweetie. Mamie found this where we found Tootles. I've been by two soda shops looking for you. Got to run, Baby. The girls all say hi and we'll all take a night off if you can come by.

Thanks, Darla. I'll keep it in mind.

Pretty mind. Pretty boy. Bye, Love.

Uh, Van... Is she... Uh...

Yeah, Bink. She is. Nice girl. Works in a nice place.

All the girls will take a night off?

Would you believe me if I said to play cards, Horse?

Huh, uh.

Yeah, neither would my cousin. Walt! Gord! Big table over there.

Van...

See those papers Walt's got, Bink. That's a statistical analysis on the lottery. Walt says it's got a kink in its random number generator. He thinks he can put a system together to pull a winner. I'm working on helping him fund it. He's right. It pulls some numbers too often for chance.

Uh, hello, Bink.

Hi, Walt, Gord, pull up a chair. We want to help back your system.

Van's afternoon was busy, but the evening got a bit long. He arrived at the Tip Tip a bit early. He did not like the place at all. He did like what he was watching though. When Shorla walked out the back door, he was waiting beside it.

Damn, Shorla. That was… steamy.

Van, what are you doing here?!

Came to walk you home. I, uh, caught the last number.

Oh, great. Van, even the hostesses dance.

Yeah, I saw. Shor, I liked it and there's nothing wrong with it. I don't like the manager.

Neither do I. He strongly hinted I should get very well-acquainted with certain customers.

Yeah, I caught that too. Plans?

I'm working on it. You?

I got something we didn't know. Hooked kids are beginning to disappear. A kid named Bink Berrins has a theory. He thinks they're being taken off-planet and put to work.

Yuck. What did you get from nasty my boss wants me to cozy with? Come on, Van, you're too mad not to have gotten something.

Kids aren't all he's interested in. The little blond is number one on his list, but he's got you penciled in.

Yuck. Find a sensei?

Yes. He teaches at the community center. We've got a date for coffee. I want you to meet him. He's a gov agent. So's the track coach at school. Neither local. The coach is federal. The sensei is sector. I think you know him. Earl Telman. He's going by Tel Searles.

Ooh, he's used that before. Obviously, I do know him.

Yeah, I thought so, good friend.

Uh, yeah.

There. He's waiting. Oh, Darla brought me some stuff Mamie found under the shed where they found Tootles. It confirms. I think someone was planning on coming back for it. And him. They'd destroy him if they knew.

They won't get a chance. Let me see. Yipes!

Uh, huh. He's sentient and is going to get huge. He's crossed with a Sarin lork and a Kelin dancat.

Twice deadly and... Sentient?

Keep reading.

Uh, oh, this would get somebody rehabbed or wiped. It is not allowed. It's sick.

Yes, but it's done and it's not his fault. It should cut in at about four months. See the plans for experiments? As soon as his brain case gets big enough, it will begin to be evident. They were going to... to...

Down, boy. The lab's shut down and the nasties are shut away. I checked. They got them all and they won't be trying it again.

Human fetal implants and a list of experiments that make my skin crawl. I think someone was trying to save him.

Yeah. Somebody blew the whistle. Does Earl know it's me?

No, but he's sharp enough not to give you away.

True. You want him to know he has help.

Yes. He's got a shadow. I made loud noises about it was time my cousin met someone nice and I was nervous about where she was working. Thought she should have lessons.

Ooh, he hasn't changed.

Come on. I'll introduce you. Sensei, this is my cousin. Shore, Tel Searles.

Hello, very nice to meet you. Van tells me you just moved here.

Yes, not the best place I've lived, but there are things of interest.

Yes, the people are interesting. You were right, Van. I did want to meet your cousin.

Sensei, she works in a rough place. I was hoping you'd teach us both. Please, Sensei. Her job worries me.

I can see where it would. Shore, how do you feel about it?

I really haven't given much thought to it. I want Van to learn. I suppose I could learn, but private lessons are pretty expensive.

Um, well, true, but I agree with Van. You just ought to be able to protect yourself. I, uh, think we can work something out. Please, don't get the wrong idea. I admit I'm interested, but I don't... Well, I mean...

That's all right. I'll accept stammers as representing honorable intentions. The interest is mutual.

Two more coffees, please. Shore, the Tip Tip--

Is a job. It's close to the apt and the pay's not bad. I won't stay long. Never do. This one probably less than usual. Don't like the boss, or his favorite customers.

I'd heard rumors. Start tomorrow morning?

Where?

I've got a dojo set up in a warehouse. Live there too. Here's the address. Say eleven?

Good. Gives me time for a nap before work.

Hi, Van.

Gord! What are you doing out this late?

You walk your cousin home. I walk my sister. She's the cook.

Sensei, Shore, my friend Gord. Sit down, buddy. No, wait. Shore, we're going to sit at the counter. Come on, Gord.

The counter?

Yeah. The sensei is as nice a guy as she's met in awhile. I'm hoping something nice happens.

Your cousin is gorgeous.

Yeah, and so's your sister. Gord, the classes at the center are subsidized. Take with me?

I'm just not... All right. Why not? Walt too?

"Uh, huh, and anybody else I can talk into it. Time we all knew how