Cally's War

At the diner, after Mary had poured their tea and left, the dai dai lo handed him a ticket, glancing at the AID sitting on the table.

“Your passage to Earth is confirmed on our inbound combination liner, the Kick ’Em Jenny from Dulain. We are not embarking or disembarking passengers, except for Uncle’s favorite nephew for a vacation. If he doesn’t show up, you shouldn’t panic. The boy’s a bit scatterbrained. Your shuttle leaves at eight thirty-five tonight,” he said.

“Thank you. I’m very grateful. This has been an upsetting trip and I’m looking forward to getting back to work on Earth as soon as possible.” The general rose, taking his ticket and AID from the table.

“Of course. If there’s ever anything else we can do for you, don’t hesitate to call on us again. Have a pleasant voyage.” He shook the other man’s hand, palming the cube hidden in the handshake.

As the general left, he spoke briefly to the cigarette-pack-sized machine.

“Diana, please transmit my travel itinerary to General Vanderberg. God, I can’t wait to get home.” He walked out and the dai dai lo could just hear the musical female voice as the door swung shut behind him.

“Yes, James. Transmission complete,” it said.