Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 74

"Wash him off, and ship him out."

"Okay, Bawb. We'll have him there by morning. Are you coming to visit soon?"

"As soon as the Emperor goes home, I think."

"What is an Emperor?"

"The head of all the Squirrels. He is here to make peace. I hope it works."

"Me, too. I am tired of catching the furry little people who can't shovel, and gripe so much."

"Thanks for all your help."

"No problem, Bawb. See you soon."

"Fly safe."

The line went dead.

I looked at Sue. "Keep a close eye on the neighbors. If anyone points a weapon at the Dolly Parton, make sure Tex is aware of it." I looked at Tex. "Be ready to put any weapon that points at the Parton out of commission."

I got a pair of, "Yes, Boss.".

Topper asked, "Anything else you want us to keep an eye on, Boss?"

"Nothing in particular, just keep up the good work."

I was headed off the bridge, when Tex said, "Naughty, naughty." I turned to him and asked, "What happened?"

"One of the ships drew a bead on the Parton. She has an owie now."

I looked at Saucy. "Get me a line to Snappi, please."

"Yes, Commodore?"

"Sorry I didn't get to warn you before we opened fire on your ship. It appeared it was about to fire on our ship, and I can't allow that."

"Understood. I'm sorry it was necessary for you to do that."

"Will this affect our activities tomorrow?"

"I don't think so. The Emperor will understand your actions were necessary. He seems to be about as frustrated with the traitors in his ranks as you are."

"Will the gunner involved be punished?"

"You've already taken care of that. The only way he could get access to the controls was to be in the turret himself. His atoms have rejoined the cosmos."

"I suppose I'm a little disappointed. I was looking forward to what he had to say for himself."

"As was I. Perhaps computer records will give us some idea of who he was working with."

"Good luck with that."

"Did you need anything else, Commodore?"

"No, I just wanted to make sure you knew that we weren't just using your ships for target practice."

"I was pretty sure of that before you called, Commodore. You've worked too hard for the peace agreement to throw it away that easily. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Fly safe, Captain." Saucy indicated the connection was dead. I looked at Topper. "Call me if you have to use the weapons again."

"Of course, Boss. Diplomacy is above my pay grade."

"You need to study up on that, Topper. How do you expect to ever get your own ship?"

"Being your XO is challenging enough for me, Boss."

"Fly safe, Topper."

"You too, Boss." I left the bridge.

I asked, "Gene, where is Mrs. Wilson?"

"Grab a transit, Boss. I'll take you to her."

"Good enough, Gene." I got on the transit, having no idea where I was headed.

I certainly didn't expect to see the sim deck when the transit doors opened. Stella was there, supervising. I walked up and asked, "What's she working on, Stella?"

"Hi, Boss. Mrs. Wilson is trying some of the simulations you were working on."

"How's she doing?"

"She's beaten some of the old Navy scores, but she's not in your league yet."

"Which simulation is she up against now?"

Stella put the video up on the screen. I recognized the action, from when I was working on that sim. I said, "Could I run the opposing forces?"

"Boss, you play dirty. I'm glad you're on our side. Let me hook you up."

She got me set up in another pod, and I took command of the opposing forces in Nikki's sim. It wasn't long before I heard her cussing from the other pod. It took her a while to figure out what was going on, but when she did I heard, "Caveman, you prick! When did you get here?"

"Not long ago. You noticed a difference?"

"Snagfart, yes! You're way tougher than the AI."

I hit the 'end simulation' button, and got out of my pod. Nikki wasn't far behind me. She said, "I know you said you were going to come and find me, but I didn't expect that."

"Nothing you wouldn't have done for me."

"I suppose you're right. It was still sneaky."

"I thought that was one of the things you liked about me."

"It is, when you do it to other people. Not nearly so much when you do it to me."

"I need to get to the landing bay. You want to come along?"

"Who is coming aboard?"

"Wilma."

"Frank isn't back yet, is he?"

"Nope. I called Morning Flower and she is cleaning him up and shipping him up to us."

"How soon is he supposed to be here?"

"Before morning. That's all she would say."

"Did she sound like he's been a good prisoner?"

"No, she did not. She was glad to be rid of him. I wonder how much the experience improved his attitude?"

"He seems to be a hardhead. I doubt it did much good."

"Maybe Wilma can get him squared away."

"I hope so. We need his expertise."

"Especially if Rikki finds anything."

"Exactly." We got on the transit, and headed to the landing bay. The Dolly Parton was just landing as we arrived. I went to help Wilma with her luggage. She only had one suitcase. I asked, "Weren't you planning on staying a while?"

"I am. I have most of a pallet in the cargo bay. One of the bots is getting it for me."

"It's good to see you. I hope you have better luck with your Dad than the bots have been having."

"So do I. Sounds like he's being a handful."

"He is, but his work product makes it worth it."

"I'm glad you still feel that way. I thought maybe he had worn out his welcome."

"Not so far, but he's gotten close a couple of times."

"I wish I was surprised. He seems to have a special skill for aggravating bosses."

"And here I thought I was special."

"Sorry to pop your bubble. He's done that to every boss he's had."

"Oh well, maybe we can get him on the right track now."

“Hope springs eternal.” Just then, a bot came down the ramp