$*@#&%!! What'n hell is going on wi'them? It's already May and those two still ain't back yet. They were supposed to be here before the Third Anniversary! I wanna get home myself...

Yeah, it's not fair! They're just taking advantage of us because we're younger!

(pounds fist into open palm) Maybe I oughta make a little trip out ta that resort of theirs and haul 'em back here bodily...

Wait a minute, Kei! (taps forefinger against chin) Why should we have to do the work? Perhaps there's a way we can make them WANT to come home...

(folds arms, scowling) Like what?

Ohhh... you'll see... *giggle* Just for once, follow my lead on this, all right?

(starts to bristle, then relents) *nnn* ...okay.

(hums to herself while punching up a hyperwave connection) Hmm, it seems to be mid-afternoon over there. Let's try... Yes, pool area, please! Thank youØ

Hi there! How are both of you doing?

Well, GOOD! § Still enjoying your stay out there?

I'm so glad to hear that...

Oh, us? We're getting along really great here... You know, just the usual day-to-day routine kinda stuff.

Well, there are a few things that need to be fixed up... but a lot of those weren't working right when we got here... And, of course, there are the little electrical fires that break out from time to time (sudden cursing can be heard over bursts from an extinguisher), but Kei's gotten really good at putting those out quick... Besides, that's hardly anything compared to the flood we had in here last month. (tremendous clatter in background) Anyway, you can relax: things are in good hands here. We were just calling to see how you are.

(terminates connection) *um-hm-hm*

(strides in from back rooms) All hail the Queen of Subterfuge... Hey, Yuri! How long d'ya figure it is from Ocean Rib back here at doublewarp?

Hunh, at doublewarp?! 3WA pilots are strictly forbidden to operate their vessels at--

(waves a hand) Yeahyeah... how long?

Weellll... I'd guess about fifteen minutes, maybe less.

'S about what I thought. Lessee... five minutes to run up to their room an' grab all their kit while callin' in their Angel; 'nother two to check out, get up to the roof and hop aboard; maybe three more to reach the warp-corridor... I'm gonna grab me a brew (well, maybe two), pull up a seat over by the window and watch for the light show. *heh* Always wanted ta see a normal-space re-entry from 'W2'!

(dreamily) I hear there are auroras for HOURS afterwards. *giggle* Maybe I'll fix something for myself and join you.