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“Coroan “Cut the humble act, we have important business to deal with” At that she produces an almost-full bottle of brandy “It’s a damn celebration, whether you like it or not”

“They’re talking about ly

“About time,” Jack says

Cat uncorks the bottle, which wakes Geer, who in turn s”

They pass the bottle solemnly, like a ritual, like so, Geer, Jack, Jenou, Beebee, and a sleepy but s Stick

“They’re sending uess you all follow later,” Rio says

“We hate to lose you,” Stick says sincerely “Even just for a while”

“They can’t force me to take a promotion, can they?”

“Well,” Geer drawls “They can force you to leave your houessing they can force you to do whatever the hell they like”

There’s a bit of teasing after that, variousto coone

Won’t have to listen to her bitching about SOS

You know those sneaky farts no one admits to? That’s Richlin

Who’s going to steal all one?

Eventually it’s just Rio and Jenou, and they leave the smoke-filled tent for fresh air

“Whoa,” Jenou says “Are those stars?”