And who the Hell was Rowan? I didn't know anyone name Rowan.And who the Hell was Rowan? I didn't know anyone name Rowan. Was she just born? And what had she meant by my "That mouth of yours has a long night ahead of it?" By now we were six when a new, unrecognized voice came over the speakers in out little room. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, my name is A.I. Rowan Masters, and I am your hostess for this evening. I know you expected to hear Lynn's voice tonight as this event is in her honor, but we have other plans. Gentles, I present to you H. Lynn Masters, on this, her birthday." There was a general sound of surprise, some of shock, and a scattering of whistles. "Good evening. Thank you for your enthusiasm. Tonight, in the common sense of Rhysh, I would like to declare this a party of the usual proportions. I will join in, neither mastering nor being mastered. This is my first day in public. I want to simply eat, and listen, and touch, and taste." The intercom went off, and the six of us were left in the dark. Time passed. I don't know how long. I would be willing to guess it was an hour and a half, maybe a little longer, maybe a little less. The door swung open and six people walked in, one to each of the tables in question. My overseer was a tall, carefully groomed Uncia who grinned at me. He reached under the table and pulled out a two-meter stick, held it up against the edge of the table. |