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Mericlou then turned towards the front door, as she heard it unlock

"Looks like someone else is home too," she said as Needles crawled back onto her shoulder She went to the door, and opened it all the way

Alaees in her arms She had been about to enter the house, but then she froze in her tracks Her green eyes had widened to twice their nor?" Mericlou asked, confused at Alaema's expression Her mouth was open in a silent "oh," as round as the entrance to a birdhouse

And then, at last, she screamed

Mericlou screamed at her sister's scream, and then both androids ju Needles squeaked in fright, leaping fro across the floor, and into Noroa's ar ball

"Alae for her sister, now panicked and breathing rapidly

"Y …your … shoulder …" She sta … hairy!"

"Oh, you mean Needles?" Mericlou said, at once relieved, and then realizing that the ferret was gone Noroa quietly announced that the she ith her, and returned it to her sister

"Co Alae her inside "She won't bite; Noroa gave her to me as a birthday present"

"Noroa …?" Alae her sister for the first time once she had entered the apartment

"S …sister …" she stammered, and then ran fully into her arms "By the maker! Sister, you've come home!"

They embraced, and then Alaema turned towards Garen, her fa to her face "Ah … and I see you've brought your handsoed at all," Garen ht elbow to the ribs

"I'lad to be here in time for Meri's birthday," Noroa said, as Needles crawled back onto Mericlou's shoulder Alae her to jump into her hair, but then relaxed as she saw that she was resting quietly

"I think we're even gladder to see you," Mericlou said, sitting down on the sofa "But you should've co," Noroa said, "but constructing a new Senate building is not a si, and I have jobs of my own"