"Too well."Too well." "Too well? How is that possible?" "I've got too damned many slaves, Ken. I don't need a single android anymore, except possibly as on-the-site observers. I don't need tops, either; I've got more than enough who can fill their roles, take their cues, and stay inside the game. I want your permission to expand. "Well, you know you've got my permission." "It'll require some geophysical work to reshape the island." "What about a second site?" "I'm looking into it; I may take up another whole valley." "Sweetheart, there are over two and three quarter million terras unused; feel free to use as much space as you like." "I know," she said, "but I'd really like to stay as close to Backwater as possible." The dinner was mostly uneventful, and Kathy was very tired when it was finally over. I asked her if she wanted to go home, but included that we had a bed for her here. She accepted the bed I offered, and I let her sleep there, alone. Which is exactly what I wanted. |