• Arlie_B sets up an appointment with Damon after the slaver raid, which alone should strike Damon as odd.

Arlie_B at the appointed time, he shows up and peeks his head in. "You know, a man could get old, again, waiting to get on your schedule."

Dionysus "You don't have to make appointments. What's on your mind?"

• Arlie_B takes a seat. "I wanted to make sure you didn't have any other fires to put out."

Arlie_B "I just feel sorry for all the other SOBs."

• Arlie_B pauses for half a second. "I've got good news and bad news."

Dionysus He smiles, "I always have some fire to put out somewhere. What news?"

Arlie_B "We met up with Merian after the slaver raid last week. She'd been hunting their ships for weeks."

Arlie_B "She's well, still younger than me but not as much as before."

• Arlie_B pauses half a moment again.

Arlie_B "The good news is that we're going to start a family, Damon."

Arlie_B "We've both been given a second chance to do this."

Dionysus He smiles, "The oceans and continents tremble in fear. Congratulations."

• Arlie_B laughs. "They'll tremble if they know what's good for them."

Arlie_B "You know, this calls for a drink. Want anything?"

Arlie_B "I know you've got at least 20 minutes to work it out of your system."

Dionysus He smiles, then turns and reaches into a cabinet and pulls out some of his finest brandy.

Dionysus He says, "The cups are over there. Get two."

• Arlie_B goes over to the cabinet and brings out two tumblers.

Arlie_B "It's huge news, I'm still getting used to it myself. We've been arguing about this for years."

• Arlie_B puts the tumblers out, and when it's filled, he downs half of his. "Ahh, that's fine stuff."

Dionysus "I'm glad you've got this chance to make it happen. What's the bad news, my friend?" He raises his glass, "To family."

Arlie_B "To family."

Arlie_B <clink>

Arlie_B "I'll stop beating around the bush. The bad news is this is a long-term mission I've got to take."

Dionysus Damon nods.

Arlie_B "She can't keep the Reevers in line while pregnant by herself, and then we have to raise the kid."

Dionysus "You're going to start your family on Merukis?"

Arlie_B "And god damn if I haven't gotten used to seeing your ugly mug."

Arlie_B "That's the deal, as it stands."

Dionysus He smiles, "And I think I've grown accustom to being around chickens with just under average intelligence."

Dionysus "Are you leaving the Contest for it?"

Arlie_B "No." Arlie sets down the glass.

Arlie_B "No, this would be after the Contest and saving the world. The time's not right just now."

Arlie_B "We need to make the time, and now's too soon."

Arlie_B "Gods willing, after the Contest, and if we don't get killed in the Plains."

Dionysus planes

Dionysus Damon nods, "Thank you, Arlie. I would hate to have to try to force you to remain on your mission, but I would have had to have."

Arlie_B "What can I say? This is my last chance to hang out with groupies (translate- tavern wenches)."

Arlie_B "That's the bad news. I've always been your man, and I know what this means for my Service."

Dionysus He nods, "We'll work out the details to that when you get back, Arlie. I'll smooth it over with the Emperess, if it comes to it."

Arlie_B "Thanks." Arlie fills both their glasses. "To friends, advanced senility," Arlie indicates Damon, : and the people who take advantage of it." He indicates himself.

Dionysus Damon laughs, "To friends, and knowing better," he raises his glass and drinks.