"You know, Skip," said the computer in Skip's pocket. "Later on today, when we're alone and get a chance to chat, and take as long as you think you need, I'd love for you to explain to me, in detail, why you absolutely REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING I FUCKING SAY!"

     "I'm sorry, Claudia, but I could have sworn you mentioned something about me engaging with the people around here. Well, I'm engaging."

     "You're about to get yourself into some real trouble, that's what you're doing. I'm already trying to figure out an exit strategy for when you need one, which you will."

     "Yeah, well, you know what, Claudia? I'm doing the best I can, okay? I woke up this morning, this morning, in my own bed in my own home eight thousand years ago. I'm terrified, and I'm improvising, okay?"

​     "I understand the scared, but you're doing the improvising really badly. Skip, in all honesty, all I'm trying to do is keep you alive."

     "Every time my dad used to say 'in all honesty' to me, I knew the next thing out of his mouth would be bullshit." 

     "Hey!" an older woman yelled at Skip. Gray hair, but she looked more muscular than any body builder in Skips time. "You still trading?"

     "Am I still trading?" Skip asked Claudia.

​     "Go with what you started, Skip."

     "Anyone who wants to trade, come at me," Skip told those within earshot. "What's the point of running off now?"

     That didn't stop the mass exodus.

     Here's what killed it:

     The non-human face appeared again on every communication screen:

     "Let us state, again, how truly sorry we are about what happened. To demonstrate our gratitude to those who have chosen to stay, until the sun sets on the western horizon, and that will be in little over an hour, everything Hrrm's Hive has to offer will be free of charge...except for kloval and the mood enhancers. If that doesn't indicate how much we want you to stay, then what would?"

     "Now who wants to stick around and do a little trading?" Skip asked. 

     Both Parp and Ges-E raised their hands.

​     "Skip!" Claudia exploded.

CONTINUE