"Status Blue," she snapped, breaking a violet fingernail on the toggle.
I forced a yawn and buttoned my shirt slowly. She threw a side glancemy way, checked the registers, and fired a cast.
I monitored the lead on the screen. She turned to me for a second.
"Status Red," she said levelly.
I nodded my agreement.
She worked the winch sideways to show she knew how. I didn't doubt sheknew how and she didn't doubt that I didn't doubt, but then--
"In case you're wondering," she said, "you're not going to be anywherenear this thing. You were hired as a baitman, remember? Not a Slideroperator! A baitman! Your duties consist of swimming out and setting thetable for our friend the monster. It's dangerous, but you're getting wellpaid for it. Any questions?"
She squashed the Inject button and I rubbed my throat.
"Nope," I smiled, "but I am qualified to run that thingamajigger--andif you need me I'll be available, at union rates."
"Mister Davits," she said, "I don't want a loser operating this panel."
"Miss Luharich, there has never been a winner at this game."
She started reeling in the cable and broke the bond at the same time,so that the whole Slider shook as the big yo-yo returned. We skidded acouple of feet backward. She raised the laterals and we shot back along thegroove. Slowing, she transferred rails and we jolted to a clanging halt,then shot off at a right angle. The crew scrambled away from the hatch as weskidded onto the elevator.
"In the future, Mister Davits, do not enter the Slider without beingordered," she told me.
"Don't worry. I won't even step inside if I am ordered," I answered. "Isigned on as a baitman. Remember? If you want me in here, you'll have to_ask_ me."
"That'll be the day," she smiled.