"I will arrange it," Sybil said. "There is a branch of the Banco Cuerpo
Especial on a very hospitable planet called Elysium. It is a little known
fact that this bank is owned, run and operated by the Special Corps. If we
are all in agreement we could shake the dust of Usti nad Labam from our
shoes and go there. It will be a real family reunion. The computer search
will continue and I will help Sybill with Bolivar's new career."
"Poor man," James said, then raised his glass to shield himself from the
sizzling glances aimed his way.
When we finally contacted Bolivar and Sybill with a conference telepresence
call he looked gloomier and gloomier at his unavoidable fate. He could only
wriggle on the hook.
"I'm getting real close to a breakthrough on gravimetric tectonics and
photon interaction."
"Sounds fascinating," Angelina said. "You must tell us all about it when we
get together on Elysium."
"It won't take too long because you should pick up everything you need to
know about banking in a few weeks," Sybill said, obviously feeling some pity
for her husband. "And don't forget that banks are where the money is."
"True," he said, looking more cheerful. "I will need a good bit more
financing to finish my research." And cheerfuller still. "It's been a long
time since we were all together. Some fun in the sun!"
"And food that's not dehydrated," Sybill said, adding a grace note of
enthusiasm. "We will have a ball."
And thus did my first day of honest employment end. When I awoke next
morning I discovered that my Angelina had been up long before me, travel
plans had been made, tickets booked, bags packed, computer fully charged,
the cab at the door. I checked to see that Kaia's daily deposit had been
made-and we were on our way.
We had a good time, I must admit a very good time. Sybil and Sybill were so
happy to be reunited that we all basked in the warmth of their emotion.
Bolivar actually began to enjoy his work in the bank; he was assistant
manager by now and still climbing the ladder of success, looking forward to
applying his new knowledge for our mutual benefit. And Elysium really was a
pleasure planet and we enjoyed partaking thereof. It had a delightful
climate at the equator, where the bank was located, and we, of course,
settled in most easily. Countless small islands were set in a warm sea. I
snorkeled and scuba dived happily among the varied life-forms, getting back
the muscle tone that slipped away so easily these days.
But I still worked hard at my new employment every day. That is I checked to
