”“Regardless of what condition I am in, I will track these bastards down, and I will return Liza back here.”He nodded and said, “Of this, Davi... my boy, I have no doubt, but you will not be going alone. These three will accompany you to find your friend. Though they are soldiers, they, too, are hunters, though not as skilled as yourself. I was told of your exploits in Fardun by the Patron there. No one in this province has hunted wolves and other predators as successfully as you have. Nikos, you. After rehearsing my approach for weeks, I worked my waythrough the machines until I was standing behind her, as if I waswaiting for that machine. I started some small talk, and shecheerfully responded, melting me with her eyes. Her name was Carrie,and I introduced myself as Allen. I remained with her, as wecontinued to work the circuit of exercise machines, and steelingmyself, I was about to ask her if she wanted to get something to eat,or maybe some juice after our workout. Before I could, she. ?Mmmm,? I think I’m on fire.? ?Did you like that whipping? I said, softly.?NO!? she replied loudly. You’re just a goddam sadist. And I’m doing this for the money, remember that!!??Hmm,? I said. ?Ok, then I guess you don’t want to watch the video tapeswith me, do you?? She didn’t reply. After about a half minute of silence, ?I might,? she offered, ?If you get me something to drink. She again lay quiet and motionless. I came back from the kitchen and handed her a soft drink. ?I. .. invitation from Shran. Would that mess with the medication, you gave me last night?" Jon asked and he could see the antennae of Shran point forward in curiosity at the mention of medication."No, not after so many hours," the doctor replied calmly. "But I would like to caution you to cut back on the quantity. After your last encounter with Commander Shran's ale both of you were not in the best of shapes." OK, thanks, Phlox" Archer answered, smiling at the memory how Phlox and Trip had to drag.