Roofrats 22

"I guess I'll see. The sea can be beautiful." It had been just an idea, but Weft's protests, which she suspected were not particularly accurate descriptions, made her more likely to have a look for herself.

"Rather you than me, but, well, good luck."

"Thanks. Maybe we'll run into each other before I leave, though. I want to ask around a bit first."

"More about my employers?" Weft asked without thinking.

Nico laughed. "Geography outside the city, and things like that."

"Maybe there will be some geeks somewhere who know about that," Weft said. "It's not my area, you see."

"I gathered." After a thoughtful pause she added, "Funny how you get around off-world, but not on."

"I've always thought it's because other worlds space out their good stuff to make it look like they have more. It's inefficient," said Weft.

Nico shrugged. "It all depends on what you're used to. Maybe some people from other places think Instar bunches up the good stuff to make it look like they have more."

"Oh," said the monk. "Is that what you think about us?"

"No. But neither do I think other worlds deliberately spread their stuff out." It did make her wonder how old Offwhite was, and how it turned out to be like it is, but firstly Weft seemed not the type to pick up random information like that, and secondly she had probably wasted enough of his time already.

"Eh well. I shouldn't be theorising about other people's civic planning anyway." After looking around for another subject, Weft asked "Did you offload that tacky knife?"

"Yes. Thought the best place to do so was the weaponsmith that I know is being guarded against that gang already."

Weft laughed. "Oh, wow. You spoke to him, then?" He was very slightly pale and sweating, which wasn't related to the conversation.

"Yes, a bit. Are you all right?"

"Sorry, am I - I'm fine, yes. Post-mission comedown or something, I always get it. So, what did you think of Weaponsmith?"

Nico gave him an uncertain look, but his state of health was his affair entirely. And possibly that of his seniors. Anyway. "Did I imagine things or does he talk a bit oddly?"

"Doesn't he?" Weft agreed with some glee. "And he's always like that, apparently. He must be a genius or something."

"Or something," she confirmed, nodding.

As they reached the cross-paths closest to the monatery's gates, Nico said, "Well, I guess I'll head off. Goodbye."

"Thanks. I mean, g'bye," Weft said, watching her start off.

He was interrupted from his thoughts by the brother gatekeeper telling him "You still look ghastly."

"Thanks, brother, I know. Homicide guilt. Divine knows best it's a weakness of mine. I'll be all right in a while, or as the divine wishes."

"Seriously? I thought that only affected brand new agents."

"Usually, by the divine's favour. I guess I'm still learning," Weft said. The brother couldn't argue with that. It was scripturally sound. They were all still learning.