For what?

































Just joking.

"Scorecard, you are cleared. Please land in bay 92, level 12B."
"Sure," Claw muttered. "Whatever."
- You gonna do what the operator said? - Evaluator asked warily. He still wasn't sure about Claw.
"Unless Copper says otherwise," Claw replied with a shrug, "I'm inclined to follow his directions."
- You always do what Copper says? -
"No. But it's her ship, and she's in charge. If it was my ship, she'd do what I said."
- I did know that. But even if you're not in the ship -
"Only if it's beneficial. In both our interests, not just hers. I work with her, Eval, I'm not her subordinate."
- Ah. Just clearing things up. -
There was a long silence in which nobody said anything. Claw decelerated and they moved along slowly, looking for their landing bay.
- You don't trust me, do you? - Evaluator finally asked.
Claw shrugged again. "Copper does. So does Shonar."
- That's not what I asked. Just because she does doesn't mean you do. -
"When you've been around for six years, maybe I will. Until them, I'm afraid you're on the list of unknown quantities."
- I see. Well, I'll admit it's mutual. -
"Don't feel singled out," Claw said. "Everyone except Kaz, KRSplat and Coppertop are suspicious."
- Even Radium? He saved Copper's life. -
"Especially Radium. Who's to say he's not already Kiyrenin? The same for Electrik."
- I take it you've told Copper this. -
"Yeah."
- What do you think about Defalcon? -
"What," demanded Claw, exasperated, "is whith all the questions?"
- Sorry, - Evaluator said sheepishly. - I get carried away by my curiousity. -
"I noticed," Claw replied. "If you're not careful it'll get you in trouble."
- Yes, that had not escaped my attention either. Hoy! Isn't that our bay? -
"Yes. Rattle a few things and get Copper in here."
- Aye aye, captain. -
"I'm the captain here, not this overgrown experiment," Copper said indignantly from the doorway. Claw glowered at her.
"I am not an experiment. And for your information, I'm told they intended to have me over seven feet tall."
"Undersized, then. But still vicious, with a tongue as sharp as your claws."
"Sure," Claw muttered. "Whaddaya think?"
"About what, your claws or your choice of vacation spot?"
"Vacation spot."
"That operator was confused. Ten of my ship could fit in there!"
"Maybe ten will," Claw murmered fastidiously. Copper favored him with doubtful look.
"Maybe. I hope not."
"So do I. Maybe this is more popular that we thought. Want to vacation elsewhere?" he offered.
"No, I think we'll stick to Udari. Lots of people. We won't stick out. I promise a quieter vacation next year."
"Hope so. Actually ... nah, forget it. We'd probably get in trouble. We did last time."
"I remember," she agreed. "Not like we aren't in trouble already. Stupid Kiyrenin."
"Wouldn't be vacation without them."
"Definitely not the same. Unfortunately this vacation is work-sponsored. No lazing around."
"I was afraid of that. My tan wore off from last time. I need a new one."
- Claw, you're weird. -
"Want a tan, too, Eval?"
- No, I'll pass. -
"Well, it's up to you. Say Copper, am I going to keep this thing on repulsorlifts the entire time we're here?"
"What? No. Set her down."
"That order is late."
"I was captivated by your tan. Shut up."
"Aye aye captain."
- Hey, that was my line! Plagiarizer. -
"If you say so. Welcome to Udari. No vacation ... "