I lifted the cigarette from behind Mike's ear and got a light from theone in the ashtray.
"Carl, she was being nice," he said, after turning to study the panels.
"I know," I told him. "I wasn't."
"I mean, she's an awfully pretty kid, pleasant. Headstrong and allthat. But what's she done to you?"
"Lately?" I asked.
He looked at me, then dropped his eyes to his cup.
"I know it's none of my bus--" he began.
"Cream and sugar?"
Ikky didn't return that day, or that night. We picked up some Dixielandout of Lifeline and let the muskrat ramble while Jean had her supper sent tothe Slider. Later she had a bunk assembled inside. I piped in "Deep WaterBlues" when it came over the air and waited for her to call up and cuss usout. She didn't though, so I decided she was sleeping.
Then I got Mike interested in a game of chess that went on untildaylight. It limited conversation to several "checks," one "checkmate," anda "damn!" Since he's a poor loser it also effectively sabotaged subsequenttalk, which was fine with me. I had a steak and fried potatoes for breakfastand went to bed.
Ten hours later someone shook me awake and I propped myself on oneelbow, refusing to open my eyes.
"Whassamadder?"
"I'm sorry to get you up," said one of the younger crewmen, "but MissLuharich wants you to disconnect the squiggler so we can move on."
I knuckled open one eye, still deciding whether I should be amused.
"Have it hauled to the side. Anyone can disconnect it."
"It's at the side now, sir. But she said it's in your contract and we'dbetter do things right."
"That's very considerate of her. I'm sure my Local appreciates herremembering."
"Uh, she also said to tell you to change your trunks and comb yourhair, and shave, too. Mister Anderson's going to film it."