Monkey Business (Bob and Nikki Book 10)
“I don’t know of anything. See you around, Boss.”“See you.”
Nikki got back as Bill was leaving. “What did he want?”
“Just asking my opinion about what is best for Nelly and Scott.”
“Why do I think this is part of a Bob plan, that I wasn’t read in on?”
“Because you know me?”
“So, you’re not going to tell me?”
“I never said that. It’s just not going to be that easy.”
“I see a great deal of tickling in your future.”
“Likewise, I’m sure.” By the time we made it to the galley, she had gotten the whole story out of me. She said, “You’re sneaky, Caveman. Mama like.”
“I’m glad you approve. Let’s eat.” When our meal was winding down, I asked, “Do you mind going back? We’ll be at Charlie’s Planet tomorrow morning, so this will be our last chance for a while.”
“That’s fine. Just remember you have other practice to catch up on, later.”
“Can’t forget that.”
“I must be doing something right, then.”
Jasmine was waiting on us. I asked, “Who told you this time? We didn’t say anything to Dixie.”
Gene said, “I told her, Boss. Did I mess up?”
“Nope. I’m just trying to figure out how my ship runs, that’s all.”
Gene replied, “I could recommend some good courses on FTL mechanics, if you would like, Boss.”
“You can’t fool me, Gene. You knew exactly what I was talking about.”
“Can’t blame an AI for trying, can you, Boss?”
“I suppose not. Hook us up, Jasmine.”
This one was strange, but with the limited Squirrel tactics, we were able to take care of it in a couple of runs. Nikki said, “That’s enough for one day, Caveman. Let’s go home.” So, we did. Snitz found us on the way, and I took him by the grass room. Janet was there, with Alice. I said, “I was beginning to wonder if you knew about this place. I never see you here.”
“Alice doesn’t get up as early as Molly or Snitz. I guess we just miss each other.”
“How are you feeling?”
“Better, thanks.”
“I’m glad John was able to figure out how to help you.”
“Are you sure it’s not just that you’re glad to be back to just you and Mrs. Wilson in your bed?”
“Yes, actually, I am. Not that it isn’t nice, mind you.”
“Now I see why the grownups all call you that other name.”
“Soon enough, you’ll be all grown up, and you can, too.”
“Goodnight, Captain.”
“Goodnight, Janet.” I thought I heard a muffled, “Asshole!” as she left, but as long as I wasn’t sure, I didn’t have to notice. Snitz finished, and we went back to the cabin. Nikki had managed to stay awake this time, so there was practice to take care of. Snitz didn’t care how late practice had gone, and licked my ear at the usual time. I got up, and did what needed to be done. Then we were off to the grass room. Jim and Molly were waiting, of course. “Morning, Boss.”
“Morning, Jim. Thanks for having a word with Bill. He doesn’t think they need to go in the autodoc, and I’m willing to take his word, unless I have some reason to think otherwise.”
“Sounds reasonable. You seem chipper this morning.”
“We get back to Charlie’s Planet today. I’m glad to be out of Squirrel space.”
“Do you think we got their attention?”
“I hope. Joshua will be able to give us a better read on it, when he gets to their home planet.”
“Did I understand right, they call their planet Oak?”
“That was the way it sounded, from what communication we had with them.”
“Is it going to be safe for Joshua to comm you, if they are monitoring your comm?”
“Probably not. I should have thought of that. I need to have somebody comm him who they wouldn’t be keeping track of.”
“Send me his code, I can take care of it for you.”
“Thanks. Anything else you’ve caught me slipping on?”
“Can’t think of a thing. Let’s go eat.”
After breakfast, I commed Sally. “Morning, Boss. Are you going to take the conn when we come out of FTL?”
“I had planned to. Is there a reason I shouldn’t?”
“No. I just couldn’t think of anything else you would be calling about.”
“I was wondering if there were any more courses you thought I should take.”
“I can think of one or two. Do you want me to send Jasmine to the ready room?”
“As long as they are human courses, I’m game. I’ve had enough of thinking like a Squirrel for a while.”
“They’re human, alright. I’ll send Jasmine.”
“Thanks. I’ll be there in just a minute. How long till we drop back to normal space?”
“About two hours.”
“Could you give me a call, about twenty minutes beforehand?”
“Sure, Boss.”
“Talk to you later.”
I went to the ready room and got lit up. I still had about an hour before I needed to be on the bridge, so I asked, “Gene, could you page Snitz to the bay where we play Frisbee?”
“On it, Boss.” I grabbed a transit, and headed there myself. When the door opened, Snitz was standing there looking confused, trying to find me. I called his name, and he came over for pets. “Did you think we were playing tricks on you, Buddy? I should have got here first, huh?”
We went in and played Frisbee till I got the call from Sally. I put the Frisbee away, and Snitz came with me to the bridge. He decided to sit in my lap, like it was a simulation. Sally asked, “Are you expecting trouble, Boss?”
“Nope, but that doesn’t mean it won’t find us. I’m not sure why, but I have a funny feeling about this.”
Sensors said, “All sensors working at maximum efficiency, Boss.”
Tex said, “All weapons checked and ready, Boss.”
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