Doing it right...

[Just Old Al]

(Well, except for that one time... okay, make it two...)

Leave the damn Rabbit out of it...


You blow up a nuclear powered device one time...just ONE time...and they never let you forget it!

[Sgt. Howard]

(Well, except for that one time... okay, make it two...)

It is hard to consider 'combat' what your spouse considers 'courtship'... and that thing with Arania was more along the lines of dealing with a juvenile delinquent... at least, THAT was the punishment dealt out at that time...

[jwhouk]

(Well, except for that one time... okay, make it two...)

It is hard to consider 'combat' what your spouse considers 'courtship'... and that thing with Arania was more along the lines of dealing with a juvenile delinquent... at least, THAT was the punishment dealt out at that time...

You didn't think it was "courtship" that first time. And Arania was definitely a battle.

---

Phix suddenly had a thought.

"Dear, our wonderful granddaughter did NOT invite those three miscreants, did she?"

"If she did, there wouldn't be a wedding, because you'd have killed her."

[DinkyInky]

You didn't think it was "courtship" that first time. And Arania was definitely a battle.

---

Phix suddenly had a thought.

"Dear, our wonderful granddaughter did NOT invite those three miscreants, did she?"

"If she did, there wouldn't be a wedding, because you'd have killed her."

[Sgt. Howard]

(Well, except for that one time... okay, make it two...)

It is hard to consider 'combat' what your spouse considers 'courtship'... and that thing with Arania was more along the lines of dealing with a juvenile delinquent... at least, THAT was the punishment dealt out at that time...

You didn't think it was "courtship" that first time. And Arania was definitely a battle.

---

Phix suddenly had a thought.

"Dear, our wonderful granddaughter did NOT invite those three miscreants, did she?"

"If she did, there wouldn't be a wedding, because you'd have killed her."

"But Gramma- they were meant to be SOLD- they would be there as merchandise... or do you not agree?"

[jwhouk]

"They didn't do a very good job of security at the last wedding they worked."

"They could always be used as cannon fodder..."

[Just Old Al]

"They could always be used as cannon fodder..."

Or give them to the caterer...for canapes.

[DinkyInky]

"They could always be used as cannon fodder..."

Or give them to the caterer...for canapes.

Slather enough bad bbq on it, and they could double as McRib's.

[Dave]

"They could always be used as cannon fodder..."

Or give them to the caterer...for canapes.

[jwhouk]

ALERT!

Level of difficulty to narrative has just been increased.

--- WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ---

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
FOR THE FOLLOWING CENTRAL MINNESOTA COUNTIES: SHERBURNE, WRIGHT,
CARVER, ANOKA, RAMSEY, HENNEPIN, SCOTT, DAKOTA, WASHINGTON,
CHISAGO.

A STRONG LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM... STRONG NORTHWEST WINDS WILL
DRAW IN COLDER AIR INTO THE REGION. THIS COLDER AIR WILL SUPPORT A
CHANGE OVER OF PRECIPITATION FROM RAIN TO SNOW ACROSS CENTRAL
MINNESOTA THURSDAY EVENING. ACCUMULATING SNOW IS THEN EXPECTED
TO CONTINUE THROUGH MIDDAY FRIDAY BEFORE DIMINISHING.
EARLY ESTIMATES SUGGEST THAT 6 TO 9 INCHES WILL BE POSSIBLE NORTH
OF A REDWOOD FALLS TO RED WING LINE DURING THIS TIME. SOME UNCERTAINTY
EXISTS IN REGARDS TO HOW QUICKLY THE CHANGE OVER FROM RAIN TO
SNOW WILL OCCUR...WHICH WILL LIKELY IMPACT SNOW AMOUNTS. ANYONE
WITH TRAVEL PLANS THURSDAY NIGHT INTO FRIDAY IS ADVISED TO STAY UP
TO DATE TO THE LATEST FORECASTS.

--- 30 ---

[GlytchMeister]

Glytch heard voices coming from his phone, but continued to read. Castela was snuggled up in Atsali's lap, smiling calmly as she listened to Bilbo Baggins'es great adventure. Atsali had taken to stroking Castela's hair.
It would have been a very peaceful scene, if it wasn't for the situation that had caused it.
Then, the reverie was shattered by Sarge's growling voice, indistinct but obviously cursing up a storm. Glytch switched apps while Castela and Atsali slowly untangled themselves.
"Glytch! Problem was taken care of. We've got some holes to patch, but we'll deal with that tomorrow. Tell the others."
"On it, boss. How is everyone?"
"Stan was hit but he's recovering." Glytch nodded and turned off the app. "It's over for now, girls."
"Yay!" Castela beamed, suddenly re-energized.
Atsali let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness..." She stood and opened the door. "MOM! DAD! ALL CLEAR!" She shouted as she walked down the stairs.
Glytch picked up his bow and followed, Castela close behind. "Will-will-will you come back and tell me, tell me more about Bilbo?"
Glytch turned and smiled down at Pickle. "Of course, my butterfly." He ruffled her hair before going downstairs. "But right now, I have to go see someone... Never stand a girl up." He quickly went out the front door and broke into a run.
Atsali and Castela looked at one another for a moment. An unspoken agreement occurred, and they both set off after the hooded archer.

...

Feeling her blood boil, Emerauld drew her swords, whirling them at a dizzying pace that only practice, adrenaline, and rage could deliver.

Sensing her sister's need to let loose some aggression, Safyr drew her mace and shield and leapt at her.
Emerauld, snarling with rage, pain, and frustration, she delivered blow after blow that fell upon the shield with a ringing blaze of sound. Pressing an advantage, Safyr landed a blow on crossed swords that rattled her to the core.
They continued in this deadly dance for a time until both were exhausted.
Weeping, Emerauld stammered apologies, and after murmuring acceptance, Safyr stumbled off to the other camp to clean her wounds.
Cleaning her swords before sheathing them, she felt shame and self loathing envelop her like a cloak.
Hearing movement, she spun around, dagger in hand. Seeing her friend, she sheathed it again. Seeing another, she warily shifted into stance and spoke.

"Forgive me, my friend, but I am in no...condition to practice, even though I have sufficient glowstones for night archery. Also, I prefer to know about having an audience in advance." Seeing the little Sprite that had followed Glytch here before run out from behind the other girl, Emerauld managed a weak smile. "This night is too cold and dark for you my dear, sweet...Castela, wasn't it?"
"Yes, that's, that's me!" Castela giggled as a nearby branch gave her a friendly pat.

"Hmmm, well since you are here, I have something for you." Emerauld walked toward the willow, who handed down a small bundle, branch to branch before resting it in Eme's outstretched arms. She turned and lowered herself to Pickle's level, offering the bundle. "Here you go, sweetling."
Castela took the bundle and unrolled it, revealing it to be a well-crafted little coat. "Wow..." She breathed, then quickly put it on, snuggling into it. "It-it-it's warm! Thank you!" She immediately set about exploring it for pockets and figuring out the features.
Glytch cocked his head and peered at Eme' from under his hood. "Eme'... What's wrong?" He muttered.
Eme' gave him a smile, a little stronger than before. "It's been a long, sad day, only brightened by seeing my friends."
Castela looked up and suddenly remembered Atsali was here. "Em-Emerauld! This, this is my big sister, Atsali! She's super cool! She's a Siren! An-an-and she has two tails!"
"Your big sister?" Eme' visibly relaxed. "She should know how lucky she is to have such a lovely little imp as you for a sister." She then turned to Atsali. "Well met Atsali! Your little sister has cheered me twice now, with her sweet, exuberant energy and kind heart. I am blessed for knowing her. Please tell your parents that the coat is a gift, and will protect her from the bitter Winter to come."
"Uh, I will. Thanks." A leaf landed on Atsali's nose, and she brushed it off, eying Eme' suspiciously. The little elf gave her a sly smile. "You have a sister here, too, right? She's kinda scary..."
"Yes, her name is Safyr, and though iritating she can be, maudlin and distant too, oh, and we often disagree...one thing I can always count on is for her to be there in my time of need. Remember well, for sisters are beyond mere blood ties, and worth more than any treasure. Blessed are you both for such a bond."
Castela smiled up at Emerauld. "You- you're blessed too, Eme'..."
Atsali simply smiled and held Pickle's hand. Glytch leaned against a tree, contemplating the advantages of sleeping right where he stood.
"I am indeed..." Eme' took a deep breath, smiling wistfully for a moment before shaking herself. "'tis late. Little sweetlings need rest, and Glytchie is near to falling. I shall guide you back to the manor, then rest myself. There is much to do on the morrow."
"Awww..." Castela gave Emerauld her best pleading look; it was a force to be reckoned with, but Eme' didn't yield. Glytch went to stand by Eme', muttering, "Are you sure you're good?"
Eme' nodded, smiling reassuringly. "I'll escort you three back... No doubt their parents will be wondering after them."
They walked at a brisk pace, Emerauld leading the way. The lithe elf flitted in and out of sight, spending as much time in the trees as on the ground. Castela made a game of trying to catch her while Atsali and Glytch followed behind.
"You think she'll be alright?" Atsali whispered, rubbing her arms in the cold.
"Yeah... I could tell she was rattled, but that seems to have passed." Glytch took off his leather hooded tunic and set it on Atsali's shoulders, earning a smile. "And Sarge wouldn't have said the immediate threat was over if he thought there were other bogies. Besides, Sayfer, scary though she may be... I imagine she's far more terrifying to people she actually doesn't want to continue to exist."
Atsali shuddered. "I wouldn't want to be on her bad side..."
"Nor Emerauld's... She's probably just as formidable." Then, just before the forest broke, Eme' fell back and let Pickle catch her, much to the little girl's joy. Glytch and Atsali went on ahead and immediately came face-to-face with Buck and Kathy.

His face passed from worried, to confused, to infuriated with alarming speed. Just as he opened his mouth, Eme' and Castela came into his view. The large man blinked, closed his mouth, and calmed down somewhat before regaining his momentum. "Girls, what in the world are you doing out here in the middle of the night, in the cold, after something just attacked us?"
Atsali opened her mouth to respond, but Emerauld was faster. "Be not hard upon them. Your younglings worried after me, and made sure I was well, despite Friend Glytch's protestations to stay until your return. He guarded their Honour until their safe return. I'm thrice blessed for their kindness, for they lifted my spirits out of a dark place."
With that, she swung Castela around in a hug, and set her down, with an affectionate shove toward her parents.
Pickle scampered into her mother's arms, a great big smile on her face. "Mama! She, she gave me a coat! It's warm!"
Emerauld approached Glytch, a mischievous smile on her face. "Perhaps tomorrow Glytchie? I'll be waiting." With a giggle, she raced off into the woods, heart much lighter.
Glytch looked up at the clouding sky, breathing deep. "I hope so... Smells like something's moving in. Something big."

[DinkyInky]

"Overwhelmed was an understatement," thought the half elf, on her third cup of tea. "I almost let my anger get the better of me."

Sniffing the air, she blanched. Winter has arrived early.

She was finding herself wishing for human coffee, or hells, even that mawkishly sweet chemical drink her friend Glytch favoured. She did have it, but was saving it for him, as she was very certain her drinks would not be to his liking, though she was certain if offered, he would try it all...except the spirits. "No, he won't do more than smell the cork, I'm sure."

Speaking of spirits, she needed to clear her head from the overindulgence last night of her stash of Elderberry wine.
She'd have to make more at this rate, taking note of the empty flagon.

(For those not in the know, a thimble full is enough to lay a human flat, and she drank roughly a bakers dozen.)

Pulling herself to her feet, she went through the motions, and set up the stove in the firepit, taking note of some food that had been left, most likely by her sister after pranking that human, who seemed kind, and at least knew a decent greengrocer, judging by the smell.
Gracelessly cutting everything, feeling empty, she set up for a soup, taking note of her quickly dwindling supply of dried meats.

If they remained here much longer, she'd have to resort to that greedy, thieving troll-dung paranormal mall, and those greedy shopkeeps that never kept weights or coin exchange in the realm of sane.
If it hadn't been for those fae children of Clan Foxglove she met there the last time, she would have given over her entire stash of giant pearls for basic supplies, which was supposedly a princely sum. Her kind rarely came out here, preferring to isolate themselves, which made it much easier to dupe.

Before leaving, she should pay them a visit and see how they fared. After all, the younger one had asked for a few rare herbs and flowers, and she had said when next they met, and she had been carrying them for a while...

With that, she decided to soak her head, and traveling to the lovely secluded pool she found while patrolling, most likely a favourite picnic spot for the centaurs who lived here, she stripped to basics, and dove into the icy cold, clear water of the pond. The cold shock of it brought all of the previous days events into razor sharp focus, including the brawl with Safyr.

Maybe she could return in late Spring to add a few things to subtly enhance it's already simple beauty.

Clambering out, she dried off, changed into her cloth and leathers, throwing a heavy wool cloak over her shoulders (and counted how many others she carried, doubting any but Castela and Glytch were prepared for the onslaught of cold), intent on having a long talk with her sister.

Finding the soup done, she placed two bowls and spoons on a tray, filled them, spiced them, and drawing the last packet of dry bread, headed to the other camp, aching both in head and heart.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Safyr was in a similar quandary, minus the spirits.
She was too hard on her sister last night. Emerauld was still raw from...well, anyway, she wasn't ready for all of this, and her own upbringing was such that emotions were foreign. Replaying last night's details, she should have just...hugged her, instead of brawling.
"Why should a hug be so hard to consider? Why were emotions so difficult?
Dark elves always dealt with everything as a fight, using hate to fuel it. It is why we are good at it...It is also why there were so many battles...wars...nobody understood the emotional aspect of the other races."

"I should not have let her come, should have made her stay in safety with her instructors," she thought with heavy heart. "What have I done?" An unfamiliar feeling gripped her, and unsure how to react, she dealt with it in the usual way...
Running through her morning workout at a brutal pace until pain was steadily flooding her muscles as they protested her continuing way past casual pain, and into "You will be needing a healer for all that," and still moved on, until her body stopped her, and she collapsed, shaking, though she stubbornly still tried to stand and continue.

Feeling the warm embrace of healing magic, she looked up.

"You look like hell, Saf'," said her sister...in common?

Taking the proffered hand, she allowed herself to be led to the stumps, and sat down to breakfast, where a heavy cloak was tossed over her shoulders.

"Provisions are low. I cannot hunt here. Winter is coming fast, foraging is slim. Here there are laws and papers needed to hunt, and they limit your kills, even if it be for food. Might have to go to that troll-dung shoppe again, though I would pay to see them try to cheat you."

"Eme'. Bauth vaen isto, Usstan zhal'la inbal..."

"In common. You need the practice. Apparently we sound out of time with these folk, our grasp of it is too pure.
They have terms that mean things differing from what we know. Using them can have disastrous results if you are disguised as one of them."

"Eme', I am sorry. You were in pain, and I fought. I should have..."

"Saf', it is what you know. Every day you change, into something more than you are. This Sphinx, she changed you. Had she not, I would not be here. Her Granddaughter too, though that is more simple to understand. What is it now that you know?"

"Maybe I was not ready."

"Who of us is? My life with them, then they were gone...the war, and my shame with it, and your sacrifice..."

"But even knowing that, I could not leave you. You needed me for this. I am...sorry for..."

Tears rolling down, and looking up helplessly, Safyr raised her hands wide.

"I am not much at all, as a friend, a sibling, much less the parents you needed to help you grow. A bad example. Set in my ways. Not all in life is answered in battle. All 'my people'(here she spat) know is war. You need...someone emotional who can be friends, understand what you feel..."

"What I need, sister dear, I have already. Family."

Shining with Truth, the answer flooded her, filling her. Eyes misting, that feeling returning, though now with Understanding, she put down her bowl.

"No, "You need something else."

"What," she said, putting down her own.

Smirking, losing the cloak and tackling her, Safyr reached for her sisters cloak pin in one hand, and the one ticklish spot she knew still active with the other, and after much laughing from both, gave her sister a hug.

"A hug. I will endeavour to dole out more of these in the future. I would like a hint every decade or so, so I do not forget how, agreed?"

"Deal. But now I have to tell you of my great big foolish mistake."

"Al's rifle."

"How did...you cheater! You were supposed to rest! What else did you see?"

"Enough."

"So," she said with a smirk, "when the human...Stan recovers, want to 'prank' him and his mate...properly?"

"I did well."

"For a novice. Let the master..."

"Bell....Bluebell."

"Phoo!"

"Yes, I will let you lead."

"So..." Safyr began, knowing this needed saying.

"Yes?"

"Al. Might I ask why?"

"He reminded me of myself. I wanted at first, to teach him a lesson. I had marked his rifle to fall to pieces if he decided to use it for frivolity, so he would have to put it together again, but the Gods apparently have other plans.
If you saw that, you know the rest. I wished I had never touched it. It reeks of death. In my shame, I admit for a moment I wanted to keep it. I did all I could to make sure the Tinkers never got wind of it too. But still, I wanted it. I imagined it part of the arsenal I carry."

"And now?"

"I shall show him that getting his way is not always a good thing. Hopefully, he shall be the S'argt he is meant to be, and not make my mistake.
My burden grew heavier, then what did the fox say about the Yuan ti, and my rage carried me, and you know the rest."

"And the boy?"

"He asked for nothing. He gave me friendship. Twice when I was low, he unintentionally brought cheer. Even when asking a favour, it was for another. Because he asks for nothing, I am giving him skills that will keep him alive, because when one rushes in unprepared, but with good intentions, they make better targets."

"So...friendship?"

"Friendship. We blink, and their lives pass us by so quickly, whilst ours creep ever slowly. Why not learn what we can from them? Not all are vermin. If they were, Phix could not have changed your mind, now could she?"

"Family..."

Choosing her words with care, Safyr continued with a sigh.

"Father was an arse. If you had been born looking as I, he would have kept you. Mother admitted she would have gladly stolen you away from the 'wench', and spared her if you had. She's such a talentless bitch. I am...sorry."

"So, we are sisters?"

With a deep sigh, she went on...

"My real Mother is a forest elf. She gave me up, knowing her people would kill her, and they spared her, knowing I might have ended up fighting her some day. They found it...amusing. Instead, I met her and the Truth was shown me."

"I wanted you to be allowed to grieve and grow strong before I told you, but I discovered you suffered more with not knowing. It was never my intent."

Emerauld hugged her, feeling a little less empty.

They wrapped once again in their long cloaks, and sat, content and contemplative in the cool morning, the past fight forgotten and forgiven, their bond of sisterhood stronger.

[jwhouk]

---

The snow had been a light dusting at first. Then, quickly, it started falling - heavier and heavier.

There had been suitable days under freezing in the Twin Cities that the ground had hardened enough for the snow to not only stick, but accumulate.

By the time Thursday morning had arrived, the entire Alexander estate was covered in snow, at least five inches thick.

Edward rallied the staff to start clearing out the paths to pasture...

[Sgt. Howard]

Al took one look outside that morning and immediately wished he had a camera- it truly looked like a Christmas card! A heavy blanket of snow covered everything, the trees were well frosted and the buildings pristine. He could hear Edward giving orders to the staff regarding pathways and walkways, driveways and thisways and thatways- the thought crossed his mind to rally the troops and make a quick job of it all.
Looking over at his bed, he saw the well-shaped Dam of the house snoring softly... how is it that a woman disheveled in bed in the morning can be so alluring?... he came up behind her and caressed her form... she stretched, yawned, turned to look at him with dreamy, half-closed eyes, reached up to smooch him- then her eyes got big and she bolted to the bathroom. Al could hear her retching in the toilet.
Sampling his own breath to see if that was the issue, he cautiously approached, then held her longish hair out of the way... this couldn't POSSIBLY be morning sickness, could it? They had only been sexually active the past two days... influenza?... then others would come down with it... and so far, no one has... something she ate?
He risked a sniff to determine what was lost... and while he could see chunks and color, there was nothing discernable, and the odor told no secrets. Well, it seemed to be passing, she was catching her breath and regaining her color...

Greg took one look outside and immediately marveled at the sight- he woke Annie up with a playful slap on the butt, saying
"Annie! First snow!"- this immediately earned him a face full of pillow. the two 'battled' for a good five minutes, ending with Annie locking up Greg's legs with her weight and tickling his feet without mercy. Finally, near exhausted, he capitulated...

Neil looked outside and studied the situation- he knew the staff was already strained with the responsibilities of the mob that infested their home- he wandered back to the vicious creature he loved and nuzzled her neck. She responded by grabbing his arm in her teeth and giving a light tug and shake. Soon she had him wrapped up fairly tight in her arms and was kissing him with abandon... morning is a lovely time to be intimate, and it makes for a wonderful start to the day.

Stan was supposed to teach that morning, but Tina had called him in sick... she woke up before him and started ... 'nursing'... him back to health.

Kevin woke up in his room... to find a small blond lump in his bed, curled up next to him. He looked at her in surprise- she had to have snuck in during the night. Her sleep was silent, her face contented, her body using his as a blanket... dare he wake her?
Her eyes fluttered, and she turned... and looked at him... and blushed.
"I... I got scared.... last night..."
"So did I, little one, so did I... and you are safe here,"
She smiled at him... a little moist in the eyes... "I know..." and snuggled right back into his body, the smile still glowing.

[Sgt. Howard]

Justin awoke in the arms of his own dangerous creature, perfectly secure. There is something about the purr of a contented sphinx that puts you at ease, relaxes the mind and just plain seems right... even though it has been compared to the idling rumble of the engine inside a Mk. IV Spitfire aircraft. You feel it as much as hear it, and it is a beautiful sound... but once again it was morning, and once again there was the eternal morning argument between 'I like where I am,' and DAMMIT! I GOTTA PEE!'...and naturally, we know what trumps what here.
Grumbling, he got up, slipped on his robe and shuffled out to the hallway, hoping the bathroom was clear. He was lucky enough- and once completed with his mission, he padded back to the bedroom only to encounter his monster halfway there.
"My turn," she muttered as she ambled to the room of necessity.
Once there, he started dressing. Looking out, he saw the staff beginning the long task of shoveling snow- and thought to himself, "Well... I know how to do that," and started looking to see if he had any foul weather gear available in the room.

Jin and Alan had just recovered from a rather quiet encounter, her sporting marks on her arm from her own teeth from trying to remain silent. Alan was still breathing hard while Jin alternated between 'owie' and giggles.
"Silly girl," he muttered, "you're not supposed to bite yourself,"
"Fine... next time I'll squeal like a stuck pig!"

Next door, May listened and approved.

Glytch slept later than most, being more of a night owl by nature- even so, his gear and wardrobe were laid out for rapid access. Bow, quiver full of arrows, leathers and such ready for a moment when needed.

Neil had gotten up to make it to work, having had a very brief encounter with his wife, and accosted Greg as he emerged-
"I'm of to the school- you and Al give these folks a hand with the snow, would you? I should be back by four,"
"Will do, sir- and you can count on further assistance around here as well,"

[Dave]

Kevin awoke in the arms of a sphinx?

[GlytchMeister]

Kevin awoke in the arms of a sphinx?

Oh... That is a setup for comedy gold... Kevin waking up with the wrong girl AGAIN...

[jwhouk]

Yanno, it's a mental block when you can't recall one of the main character's name...

(does a double-take)

Oh dear God, Old Al knocked up Daisy....

[GlytchMeister]

Yanno, it's a mental block when you can't recall one of the main character's name...

(does a double-take)

Oh dear God, Old Al knocked up Daisy....

Morning sickness, according to Mayo Clinic, doesn't start at least until two weeks after conception. So Al is currently in the clear.

I am attributing it to stress. Daisy needs a spa day...

[Just Old Al]

"WAKEY WAKEY...TIME TO MOVE SOME SNOW! UP AND OUT, YOU LOT! TIME TO GET OFF YOUR ARSES AND EARN YOUR TEA AND BISCUITS!" With this, and clad in the outergear he'd providentially packed, Al headed for the hall to the main room and kitchen leaving behind a shaken but recovering Daisy. She'd brushed off his concerns, citing a stomach upset and had assured him with a wry grin that was not and could not be pregnancy.

Al was concerned - even when she'd recovered this was not the dam he knew. A bit paler even allowing for the illness, and a bit quieter. Perhaps she needed..a spa day? In this Al was completely lost, not having a lot of contact with women by his own choice. Oh, well, time to talk to the redneck and Miss Annie - they could fill him in.

Al walked down the corridor, bellowing at intervals till he reached the main room, then into the kitchen. Edward was there, clad in winter gear to marshal his staff in the clearing.

"Our lot will be along momentarily. I've motivated them to help - please utilize their talents as you see fit - and make sure that Greg gets a BIG snow shovel." Al grinned wickedly.

Edward, ever unflappable, repsonded to the news gratefully. The staff, already strained by the influx of people, were somehow not at their most efficient. He'd worried about getting things clear, but this influx of labour would be a godssend.

"OK, where do you want me?" Edwards thought for a second, then said "I think your talents might be best used in the power equipment bay. We have several snowblowers there used for clearing walkways and such - have you ever operated one?"

"Look, mate, I may have grown up in England where snowblowers are as rare as Tibetan yurts - but I've lived in the States many years. Yes, I know how to use one." With that he headed off to the equipment barn, with the anticipation pf playing with a new toy.

As he left, others trickled out - Greg, Kevin, looking disgustingly pleased with himself, Stan in the same condition, one and another...but no Glytch. He still slept the sleep of the blameless, despite the belllowing and clumping of outershoes in the hall.