TUELLER: Tueller turns, “My associate just wonders, as friends, if we can ask what the Trirubidium was for?”
TUELLER: “As former inhabitants of Sol, we have a certain curiosity.”
STORY: “You may not.”
STORY: “Thank you for asking.”
JENNY: Jenny nods. “Thank you.”
TUELLER: “May I ask what, if anything, you may share with us if we are able to find the Trirubidium that Proog was unable to provide to you?”
STORY: “My gratitude.”
TUELLER: Tueller nods, “Thank you for your time, your grace. We must leave now; the authorities gave us only 10 minutes to discuss with you. Is there an easier way to reach you than talking our way through the police cordon outside, for our further conversations?”
STORY: The Antaam looks you up and down. “Why would you desire an easier way?”
JENNY: Jenny nods. Under her breath, understanding Thasht a little better, “Ohhhhh.”
TUELLER: Tueller nods, “Indeed, your Grace. Until the next time.”
Chapter 38
STORY: Miguel puts his hands up, laughing. “Hey now. Let’s all calm down. I did no such thing, Akilah. You’ve been through a lot today.”
STORY: “Let’s talk about this.”
ALEJO: “Never left, huh?” He has his gun trained between Miguel’s eyes.
STORY: “Alejo. Come on. You know me.”
TUELLER: “Her word is good enough for me.”
STORY: Akilah takes another step, still holding the gun on him. She squints.
STORY: “He’s got a damper.” She lowers her gun.
STORY: You both see it too. He’s wearing a necklace with a portable inertial damper, one most likely made to stop bullets.
TUELLER: Tueller charges forward and grapples him.
STORY: “God damn it, we’re just gonna have to do this the hard way.” She drops her shoulder and runs full-tilt into Miguel, throwing her body against his as the three of them sail out the window.
MILLICENT: To Tueller, “Hey, I just crashed a shuttle into the street. It’s not a bomb or anything.”
MILLICENT: “You’re probably busy, but I just, you know. Don’t worry! It’s all good!”
Chapter 37
TUELLER: “So. I’m up next, I guess.”
ALEJO: Alejo agrees. “But we need to keep this non-confrontational. So, you’ve got to keep shit in check. Right?”
TUELLER: “Strong, non-confrontational, not arrogant. Got it.”
ALEJO: “I mean. . . . unless it goes south. Then confront the hell out of everything in sight.”
TUELLER: “Thank you for clarifying that for me Ejo, I don’t know what I’d do without your counsel.”
TUELLER: “Captain.”
ALEJO: He smiles broadly. “This is fun.”
TUELLER: “Yes, we will indeed enjoy this. I can’t see any way for it to go wrong.”
MILLICENT: Millie just follows behind worriedly
ALEJO: “Never does.” Alejo walks side by side with Tueller towards our almost certain disaster.