"Glitch—mirror." Bob examined his reflection. He spat on his right hand and swiped at his hair a few times. Then he nodded in satisfaction, and the keytool returned to normal. Bob clasped his hands behind his back. Taking a deep breath, he strolled around the corner of the Diner.

Binomes were climbing a huge metal framework, dismantling things, carting equipment. Some were standing around in clusters, eating doughnuts and drinking Java. One seated figure nonetheless stood out above the crowd. Bob smiled and strode forward. "Hi, Dot!"

Dot looked up from her organizer. Her smile was as brief as it was warm. "Hey. Have you seen Jimmy anywhere?"

Bob blinked, his train of thought derailed. "No, sorry."

"Crash it." Dot's eyes returned to her organizer, and she resumed muttering to herself.

"What do you need him for? It looks like you're handling things well enough on your own. As always," he added playfully.

"Yes, but I'm also trying to work out everyone's pay, and that's the sort of thing you just can't put off," said Dot in tones of strained patience.

"Oh." Bob looked at the controlled chaos around them. "I'm surprised you're not done yet. Does it always take this long to strike a set?" Dot just stared at him in disbelief. "Well, sorry!" he said hotly. "Theatrical logistics aren't covered in Guardian programming!"

Dot smirked. "What is, then? Instrumental music?"

"Ha ha ha."

"Really, are you SURE you two didn't plan that in advance?" This time it was Bob's turn not to say anything. "Sorry. Almost forgot who I was talking to."

"I'm sure Megabyte had the whole thing planned, but I was just as surprised as anyone else." He leaned against a piece of scaffolding. "But I can think of one act that I know was planned well in advance."

"Oh, really? How do you know? I CAN improvise, you know."

"Yeah, but that was a..." He swallowed. "...a really nice dress you were wearing. You must have gotten it just for that number. I... would've remembered if you'd worn it before."

"Hmm." Dot was working on the payroll again.

Bob hesitated, then continued. "Really, though, that was some performance you gave! I never knew you could... could be..." he faltered.

"Such a ham?"

"Among other things..." Bob hoped he wasn't turning purple again.

She smiled impishly up at him. "It's a well-kept secret. What other things?"

"Well. such a good singer, for a start!" he said, a shade desperately. "I don't think I've ever heard you sing before."

"Oh, you must have."

"Nope. Never." He cleared his throat. "Maybe you'd be willing to..."

There was a crash. Both sprites' heads turned to look. A set of stage lights was lying on the ground. It did not look in good shape. There was a faintly murmured "Oops."

"Oh, for goodness' sake. Bob, can we continue this conversation later?" Without waiting for a reply, Dot marched off in the direction of the hapless stagehand, shouting, "Can someone PLEASE find Jimmy?"

Bob looked after her for a moment. He sighed. Then he pushed himself away from the wall, took his hands out from behind his back, and went to find somewhere to dispose of the flowers.