“Ah,” Kikiya II’s image said. “Is there anything that a deposed, but very wealthy king can do for the man who saved his son?”
“I… will think about that. It is always good to have friends.”
“Indeed it is, Mr. Griffin. And you have most certainly made a new one.”
It seemed a good time to leave.
Kendra awaited Scotty in her office, welcomed him in and closed the door. He noted the plaques and statuettes already boxed, and raised an eyebrow. Instead of an answer she gave him a kiss long and deep enough to make him forget his myriad wounds and bruises.
“Thank God,” she said, crushing the lush length of her body against him. “I thought I’d lost you.”
“I’m not that easy to get rid of,” he said, and then winced as she squeezed him. “Careful there, careful! Watch it. That witch broke a rib, I’m sure. Where is she, anyway?”
“She and three of her little pigs are in lockup, under guard. Five more are in the infirmary, under guard. Three are in the morgue.” She shook her head. “Wow. Don’t mess with gamers, I guess.”
“The infirmary. Is that enough security?”
“Not like there’s really anywhere for them to go. The big Asian’s in a coma. It might take a month just to work out jurisdiction. Some of our people just want to send them for a naked stroll in the sunlight. We won’t let that happen, of course.”
“What about the Frost boys?”
Her expression soured. “They… are a different matter. Traitors are worse than mercenaries. If they’re lucky they’ll spend a year on hazardous duty in the mines. Might make them work their way home.”
“And what about Toby?”
“McCauley? On his way back to Earth. He helped us here, but he’s lost all his holdings and is lucky not to be breathing vacuum.”
“And you?”
She sighed. “Well, you can see I’m packing my office up. Fired.” Kendra brightened. “But not leaving. Not yet.” She looked at him suddenly. “Not unless you want me to.”
“Me?”
“I’d go anywhere to be with you, Scotty.”
“Well, then… let’s just stay here for a while.”
Her face brightened immediately. “I love the sound of that. I may have lost my job, but I’m still running for office, and with McCauley out of the picture, I’m a shoo-in. Cowles International might regret firing me. It’s independence, all the way.”
They kissed again. “So… let’s say we decided to stick around. Think I could find a way to earn my keep around here?”
“I’m sure Piering can find work for a hero.”
“Hero?”
“My hero,” she said. And kissed him again. “Your parents will be here in a week. I’d really like something good to tell them.”
“Good? Like what?”
“What do you think they’d like to hear?
“Ummm… maybe that we’re working on some grandkids.”
She grinned. “You call that work?”
“Lock your door,” he said. “And we’ll see.”
