"Actually, you can call me anything you want, but Liz is usually it."Actually, you can call me anything you want, but Liz is usually it. Just don't call me Lizard. That's what my Aunt called me." "Got it," Nickolai agreed. "Is there a short form of Nickolai?" "Kolya," he offered. "This thing here is my roommate, Garth." "Hello, Garth." "Hiya, Liz," he said, offering his hand across the table. She accepted it gracefully. "I've never fenced a Katckin before. Are you any good?" "I like to think so," Garth. "I'm practicing hard enough." "Maybe I'll see you, too, on the field of honor tomorrow." "You'll get your shot. We're down to ten per. Odds are, you'll get to see one of us." She grinned. "Or maybe both?" Nickolai returned the grin, feeling a vague unease growing behind his chest. "Maybe." They ate dinner in relative silence, and when it was over Nickolai said, "Lights out is at ten. What do you do until then?" "Well, we've got the Wreck downstairs; it's got a few game stations and pool tables and things like that. It's even got two authentic pinball machines." "Pinball?" Garth asked, his eyes lighting up. "Where?" "Through those doors, then make a left and go down the staircase," Liz said. "Come on, let's put these trays up and I'll show you where they are." "I'd appreciate it," Garth said. They put up their trays and made their way downstairs. Nickolai was impressed by the granite and cement work that made up the construction of the old school; the painted steel railing was cold to the touch as they wound their way down into the basement of the building. Liz pulled open an unpretentious wooden door, and immediately a loud eruption of noise reached their ears. Within, a dull yellow carpet covered a large open space in which a variety of girls, from ages fourteen to about twenty, milled about. Having spent all day with the athletic department, Nickolai and Garth hadn't been exposed to the fact that this was an all-female school until now. "Oh, wow," Garth said. "I think I've died and gone to heaven." Nickolai laughed. "Control yourself. There are the pinball machines you were so interested in." "Oh, yeah," Garth replied. "I think I'll play the one in the middle. It looks like an authentic Kawasai. |