Story.Short, page 10, Lee Skidmore's SciFi Site copyright 1996: Story.Short, page 10

"Well, for one, we had to break into her apartment, because she was still unconscious. Doc Nickles took a look at her. He said she had been hit with what looked to be a crude batch of siege gas. We sent her off to the Belle's ER." At Johnny's sudden look of concern, Mallory continued, "I checked. They said she'll be okay. She should be over it by now."

"I've got to make sure she's okay. I've got to let her know what's going on."

"If you're going to find out what the story is, you had better not call the hospital. You know they would trace you down hard and fast. You need to get out of here."

"You mean you're not going to stop me? What are you doing here?"

"Continuing my investigation by keeping tabs on you. I figured I could believe your story if you didn't run. Hmm, Would you turn me?"

"I don't know, If I thought. . ."

Mallory's head bobbed just a little, his eyes still tight with Johnny's. He turned to look around the lot, then stepped back around the corner to peer into the station. Not reassured, he said, "Look, my blob's been alone too long. Get to the bottom of this fast. It won't be me who turns you, but you know I can't afford to get caught hindering or I'll be locked-down before you are. At least, they won't think you came this way." Mallory's look ended the conversation. He walked back towards the station. As he reached the entrance, Johnny called after him, and said, "Mal, What's her room number?"

Mallory slowed. His back to Johnny, he said, "Echo, bravo, zulu, six, nine, delta, one." He stepped on into the station, disappearing into its dark interior.

Johnny whispered, "Thanks, Mal." For a few moments, he rested his weary head against the vendo's cold, hard face. Johnny straightened his back with a deep breath, and squared his broad shoulders. He set out across the parking lot toward the executive's shimmering Scintilla. He was glad that he had downloaded the