CHAPTER 7 GOOD! NOW THAT THAT'S TAKEN CARE OF


For a few minutes, Spike just sat there and cried. Faye offered him a handkerchief, and he wiped his face with it and heaved a long, ragged sigh.

Ed stepped to him and got down on her knees. I—I'm truly sorry, Spike. Please forgive me. If you want, I could erase your—

he said, putting a hand up in front of her. Knowing who I am hurts, but not knowing is even worse.

I really am sorry, she said.

Don't be sorry for bringing back my memories, he told her. Be sorry for disobeying Kane and endangering yourself.

But—but—nothing bad happened! And you have your memories back! she protested.

Spike shook his head and got to his feet. In this case, the end does not justify the means. I'm sure you can realise that although nothing bad happened to you, you took a huge risk.

She looked down sheepishly. Yes, I know. I'm sorry about that. But there's no way to undo it. The best I can do is never do anything like it again.

Jet sighed and rubbed the back of his head. God damn it. Kane is probably going to shit-list us now.

Well, if he does, I'll take full responsibility, Ed said calmly.

Spike put a hand on Ed's shoulder. I think the best possible thing to do in this situation is to go to Kane, tell him what you've done, and say you're very sorry and willing to accept the consequences.

Ed nodded glumly. I'm really sorry, guys.

——————


Kane managed to control himself as Ed offered her apology. When she had finished, he said quietly, You know what this means, don't you? Ed nodded silently and sniffed. Kane sighed and cracked his knuckles. It doesn't matter now, though. We're almost to Sentinel III, and I'm sure your ship can make it the rest of the way there.

Milly ran up to him and grabbed his shoulder. Wait, Kane! I like these people! They're kind and entertaining. Please heed the opinion of the best judge of character in the universe!

Kane made a dismissive gesture in her direction. You don't want to touch my cape.

She let go of him. I don't want to touch your cape.

You want to go to your room and meditate, he continued.

I want to go to my room and meditate. She turned and left.

Ed rubbed her hands together nervously. I imagine you'll want us to pay you for ferrying us before you kick us off.

He looked up. Oh, that's right. You were going to pay, weren't you? I had forgotten about that.

So how much do you want?

Kane considered for a moment. How's a thousand wong sound?

Thousand wong, eh Ed did some math in her head. That would be about six hundred sixty-six point six repeating Woolongs, so I'll round up and pay six hundred sixty-seven. She reached for one of her pockets.

Canal suddenly appeared and leaned near the hacker. If you're willing to pay us an extra two hundred Woolongs, we'll forget about what happened earlier! she said cheerfully.

Kane protested.

She glanced at him. Oh, sorry. Make that an extra four hundred.

That's not my point!!

She put her hands on her hips and shot him a glare. Oh, come on, Kane Blueriver! What she did wasn't that bad, and you know we need the money!

Kane slapped a hand to his forehead and groaned. you just don't get it, Canal! First of all, she entered my room without permission. On top of that, she could have been killed by doing something I expressly told her NOT to do!

Ed looked in her wallet. I have lots and lots of money. I'd pay double the price Kane suggested if it would buy forgiveness, but

Canal asked.

It's not exactly a moral thing to do. I really messed up badly, and I should deal with the consequences of my actions.

Kane regarded her. You're how old again?



Well, you're damn mature for fourteen. What potion did you make, anyway?

I believe it was the Potion of Pure Clairsentience.

Kane looked at Canal nervously. Oh, great. She's a Reverend Mother.

Yeah, that's what Ein said I was. What does it mean?

It meanswell, you have the Truthsense. You can tell when people are lying. I'm pretty sure you're telepathic now, too. What else? Oh, yes. You have the psychokinetic ability to change the molecular formula of stuff.

Ed asked, eyes wide. Change the—molecular— Holy crap! I only did it for the telepathy; I had no idea I could change the chemical makeup of things! She shook herself briefly. But that's not the point. I did something terrible for which I must pay. She reached into her wallet and fished out several pieces of plastic. Here. Have a thousand Woolongs.

A thousand? But you said—

You need money, don't you? Ed asked. I'm not trying to buy forgiveness. Just use the extra to buy supplies to replace the ones I used in making the potion. Again, I'm really sorry about all this. She rose, handed Kain the money, and turned to leave. I'll go tell my companions, she said resignedly as she took a step.

Kain said. I—I'll take you the rest of the way to Sentinel III.

Ed turned back and gave him a look of disbelief. But, Mr. Blueriver—

He stood up and rubbed his hands together nervously. Well, I mean—you're just being so mature and accepting of this whole thing, and, well, if my grandmother were here, she'd say I was being mean to a girl—so I—I'm willing to take you and your friends to Sentinel III. But if you want my help in the future, it's going to cost you.

she whispered in a shaky voice. Th-thank you for your kindness And she rushed from the room.