A/N: Now the Muse is in full throttle….She wanted to get House's situation on the road out so here that comes! Thanks again for the feedback, everyone!

Chapter 5 Next morning—Bank of America Center, Seattle, WA

Even as the mayhem happened back on the East Coast, House limped through the convention center, trying not to gag over all of the pretentiousness hanging in the air like a stagnant cloud. He had hit a few of the booths in the vendors' exhibit, knowing that Cuddy would want the latest catalogs and tips on demos. I hope that NMR session is as good as advertised.

"Greg? Greg House?" an older voice asked.

He wheeled around to find an older Asian man approaching him. He frowned. Michael Chang. Great. "Hey, Mike. Been a while."

"It's Michael actually," the other reminded him with an edge to his voice. "How's Princeton?"

"Not bad. Same type of place, same type of crap. The boss is okay and my staff gets the job done," House replied at least semi-appreciatively. "Find anyone to replace me yet?"

The other man chuckled sarcastically. "We've had some financial snags so we're doing without your position."

Translation: they had enough of me so they took me and the department out. Wimps. "Too bad, I read in the Chronicle where Chicago taking a hit in terms of law suits. Too bad you don't look beneath the surface," House insinuated, clearly looking to get under the other's skin.

"We're doing well enough." The other's face crinkled. "One wonders how Cuddy hasn't fired you yet. We heard about Vogler's charges."

"Leave her out of this. I do my job despite what Ed or you thought. She appreciates creativity and insight unlike some people, Mike," House retorted. "See you later." With that, he limped off toward the next session.

"How that man is still allowed to practice is beyond me!" Chang shook his head while heading for the exit.

That night

After a surprisingly good session and discussion over imaging applications, House went back to his hotel and ditched the formal stuff for his usual t-shirt, jeans and button down blue shirt. Play time! Fortunately for him, the Yankees were playing the hometown Mariners and he had great seats just above the boxes. Before he departed, he called Cuddy's office and left the required check in message. "Best not to get her thong in a twist," he groused to himself after hanging up. "Okay! Let's go."

Safeco Field—an hour later

Having purchased the requisite bratwurst and beer, House settled into his seat to enjoy the game. "This is the ticket." He took a deep breath, taking in the atmosphere surrounding the ballpark. Granted it wasn't Yankee Stadium but anywhere that the stuffed shirts weren't was a palace as far as he was concerned. "Let them have their opera." He bit into his brat, enjoying the simplicity of the event happening around him. For once, he didn't mind kids being there with their parents because they were all enjoying themselves.

That thought made him think of Cuddy. He'd been trying to get her to go to a game with him but she wasn't much for sports. She really needs to loosen up. Then again, Cuddy is always uptight. He rolled his eyes. Good luck on that one. At least, she's picking up the tab for this. Then he mused on that thought. For the entire flight up there and the sessions at the convention center, he felt some suspicion…some twinge…

Something was going on.

He shook his head, dismissing the thought. Enjoy the game, House. Princeton can make it without you this once.

Another bite of meat and a gulp of beer took care of that concern—at least for the present….

Later

After booting two balls, the Yankees lost to the home team 6-4. Still, it had been a decent release for House.

I could have played better defense on my one leg. He grimaced as the pain shot up through his right leg. Figures. He produced his vial and dry swallowed three Vicodin pills. As he headed for the bus back to the hotel, he considered calling Wilson but decided against it. He'll go running to Cuddy and she'll get all bitchy again. Nah, it isn't worth it! Besides, I need to get some sleep so I can deal with the morons again tomorrow!

At least, the ballpark made it a tolerable day…..