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Ascension II: Tic-Tac-Tony’s

Half an hour later, he was sitting in a booth at Tic-Tac-Tony’s, listening to Doc Akin crunch his way through a patty made from something chitinous.

“You know what’s been buggin’ me most?” asked Yrtl, “How did she find out about that 10,000 cred fess-bill?”

“Easy,” replied Akin. “She was a Synod agent, keeping you under surveillance.”

What!?” exclaimed Yrtl.

“How else could she know?” reasoned Akin.

“Maybe my fridge was lying to me…”

“But then how would it know? Besides, fridges never lie.”

Yrtl had a horrible feeling the Doc was right.

Akin made a gesture and a noncon appeared, bearing a tray of small glasses.

“Drink this,” he suggested.

Feeling helpless, Yrtl did as instructed; it was like swallowing molten glass.

“What the hell is this?” he choked.

“Like her,” Akin replied.

“What? Course I do – that’s why I care she’s gone.”

“No, lichuor,” he repeated, patiently. “Lichen liquor: fermented fungi, 148 proof. Trust me, you’ll find other things to care about after a couple more of these.”

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