Things could get a trifle complicated in that event, J realized. He tried to sort out the possibilities, conscious as he was of a distaste for speculating on Richard's personal life in this manner. Richard was, after all, a grown man.

Before J could take this line of thought much further, he was interrupted by the return of a freshly showered Blade. The younger man poured himself a strong whiskey and sat down, then fixed the other with a wry look.

«Well, what grand plans and schemes do you have for your guinea pigs this time?»

«Actually, Richard-nothing,» said Leighton. «Or at least nothing except trying to land both you and Cheeky in the same place this time!»

«I should bloody well hope so!» exclaimed Blade, and Cheeky made emphatic noises of agreement. They both remembered all too well their separation during the transition to Kaldak, when they landed in separate places in the Dimension. «What do you want us to do to help matters?»

«I think the telepathy is the key to getting you and Cheeky or you and anybody else to land together,» said Leighton. «If you and Cheeky can concentrate on holding mental contact right through the transition, that will give you a better chance.»

«You're assuming the new booth is sufficiently foolproof so that I don't need to be alert for its playing tricks?»

«Yes.»

Blade nodded slowly. «That's reasonable enough. In fact, even if it did have some bugs left in it, there's not much I could do about them during the actual transition. Much better to concentrate on staying with Cheeky. Right, little friend?» He scratched the feather-monkey, who yeeeped in agreement. «Is there anything we should do besides concentrate?»

«I sincerely wish I could suggest something, Richard,» said Leighton. He summarized his conversation with J. «I suspect that the most reliable method we've ever had available for telepathy is Cheeky himself. Unfortunately, there's only one of him.»