" "But I can." "But I can... ?" "If you want." "And you won't be upset?" "Carroll, to be honest, I have no idea how I'll feel. All I know is that this is a decision you should make, and for me to withhold the chip from you for five centuries is an error of truly Shardik-ian proportions." She laughed, and I laughed along. "Come on, let's go." I turned for the door, and just then that last massive glass of scotch decided it was time to take another stranglehold on my brain. "Woah!" I said, starting to fall backwards. Carroll caught me just in time. "Thanks," I said. "Let's get you home." She helped me to the door, Karen following us closely. The three of us stepped into the SDisk at the edge of town and Carroll said "Castle Shardik, please." The lights were low inside as we appeared inside the castle, and Carroll against helped me along to my home. "I can stand," I said. "Not very well," Carroll observed. "No, but I can stand. Karen, would you like to come in?" She looked off for a moment, thinking, then said, "I think I will. You need the company." I smiled as the door opened and we walked in as a trio. The lights were off, but they came up slowly as we entered. "Hello, Dave!" I said. There was the >snap< of a silence barrier going up over the access to the bedroom. "Shhh...!" he said, "They're sleeping." "Where?" I slurred. "P'nyssa's in here, Aaden's over in the other one." "Okay," I said, whispering. "Sorry." Hand over hand across the furniture for balance, I made my way to the refrigerator and poured myself nearly a quart of apple juice, downing about half that in one long draught. |