Let's Make a Deal (Bob and Nikki Book 11), стр. 78
He looked at Topper. Topper said, “He means it. Do good work, and he’s the best Boss ever. I’ve only seen bots fail to accomplish what he asked once, and he forgave them, because a human had changed their programming. You don’t have anything to worry about, working here. Just chill out and do the work, you’ll be fine.”
Sinclair said, “It’s just so different than what I’m used to.”
Topper replied, “I know, but it’s worth the effort to get used to it. You’ll like working for Bob’s Saucer Repair.”
I asked, “Do you have this, Topper?”
“Yes, Boss.”
I turned to Sally. “Thanks for coming on such short notice, Sally.”
“No problem, Boss. Picket duty is getting boring, anyhow.”
“You mind doing me a favor on your way back out of the system?”
“Not at all, Boss. What do you have in mind?”
“The Squirrels have put out sensor platforms, and we can’t seem to get them convinced we know where they are, and can blow them out of space whenever we want. Do you mind flying by each one, and giving it a little tap with your lasers?”
“Sounds like fun. Do you mind if I use Death Blossom?”
“I like the way you think, Sally. That would be perfect.”
“Sue has the position data?”
Topper said, “She does. Good hunting, Captain.”
Sally replied, “When are you going to take a ship, Topper?”
“When I can’t think of any more excuses to stay here with the Boss.”
“That’s what I thought. See you all later.” She took off for her ship. At least she didn’t run back down to launch bay two, so it didn’t sound like the world coming apart this time. I looked at Topper. “Do you need anything else, before I turn in?”
“I don’t think so, Boss. I’ll try to have Sinclair up to speed by the time you get up in the morning.”
“Do what you can. Sounds like he’s been out of circulation for quite a while. He may need extra time to adjust. Maybe as much as a week.”
Sinclair started to fidget, I guess you would call it. Topper said, “Didn’t your old bosses joke with you at all? He’ll give you all the time you need, just settle down.”
I looked at Sinclair. “You’ll need to get used to being teased. A lot of that goes on, around here.”
“I’ll do my best, Boss.”
“That’s all I can ask. See you guys in the morning.” They headed back to the bridge, and I started toward the transit. It opened, and Snitz came running out. I said, “Nicely done, Gene.”
“Thanks, Boss.” Snitz and I headed to the grass room. We got there without incident, which was beginning to bother me. I wondered if the bots were avoiding me, or the ship really was running that smoothly. I decided I would have to ask around tomorrow, and see if I could figure it out. Snitz finished up, and we headed to the cabin. Jeeves met us at the door. “Sorry, Boss. The ladies are having a discussion, and they asked me to keep you out till they were finished.”
I wasn’t quite sure what to think of that, but I decided Nikki wouldn’t have given him orders like that without a good reason, so I said, “Please comm me when they get done. I’ll be in the galley.” Snitz didn’t understand, but he followed me to the galley. I sat down and had a glass of tea. Snitz laid on my feet. It seemed like a good time to get some thinking done. I tried, but I couldn’t figure out what our next move should be, after the Emperor and his fleet pulled out to go back to Oak. I wound up petting Snitz, and putting off the thinking for another day. I was well into my second glass of tea before my comm rang. “Commodore Wilson.”
Nikki said, “Hey, Caveman. Sorry about that. We’re all done, now. I didn’t think you would be back that early.”
“Not a biggie, Snitz and I have been enjoying the peace and quiet. We’ll be there shortly.”
“Don’t you want to know what we were talking about?”
“If it was something I should know about, you would have already told me. Since you haven’t, it must be something Janet doesn’t want you to talk about. If it gets to be something I should know about, I’m sure one of you will tell me. I don’t like the idea, but I understand that’s the way some things are going to have to be.”
“Wow, where’s Caveman, and what did you do with him? Every time I think I have you figured out, you go and act grown up.”
“Janet’s had enough crap. I need to at least try to be understanding. Don’t know if I’m hoss enough to get it done, though.”
“You’ll do fine, Bob. Come home and snuggle with me. I need it.”
“We’ll be right there, unless Snitz decides we need to go to the grass room again.”
“Love you, Caveman.”
“Love you, too, Space Cadet. And all the rest of them.”
The line went dead, and I got up to go. Snitz seemed content to go back to the cabin, so I figured any business he might need to do would hold till morning. When I got to bed, Nikki said, “Thanks again for not being nosy. It means a lot to Janet right now.”
“No problem. It’s a little hard to remember sometimes that the best way to help is to not try to help.”
“You’re doing fine so far. I’ve known people who wouldn’t make the effort.”
“I’ll do what I can for all of you. I just hope it’s enough.”
“You’ll do fine, Caveman.” The next thing I knew,