THIRTY-SIX

“Hey, there,” the colonel said. “You need a ride? We’re going as far as Ramal, over in New Mumbai.”

Jo grinned. “Well, it’s pretty nice out. We could walk.”

“Make up your minds,” he said. “I don’t have all night to chat with hitchhikers.”

“Get in the hopper, Jo,” Gunny said. “Ah ain’t walkin’ five thousand klicks with Gramps here feeling up my titty.”

Gramps said, “I’m just trying to keep you from falling down. Besides, there’s not much to hold on to.”

Kay whickered.

They loaded in. Nancy hit the risers, and they lifted.

Nancy said. “Folks, the seat-belt sign is lit. No smoking, and if you need to pee, hold it. We are a bullet, and we ain’t slowing down until we get home.”