"I changed the gang members mind. Wasn't no big deal. But we need to talk to Soda Pop." I explained to Rodney."Soda, we need to talk to you outside," ... said. His crew stood up. "You, your bad ass neighborhood thugs aren't invited." That put the crew a little on edge. "If you boys want to get hinkie, now is the fucking time. I'm out of patience with you bitches. There are three of you, and no Kevlar vests on any of you. So I figure I can get two of you before you hit some non lethal spot on me.. Off in the middle distance there was a low, green shoreline; a little to the left, open ocean. Not a bad view; in its way, better than his own apartment, which faced where the World Trade Center had stood until yesterday. At least he wouldn't have to look at the blank spot in the skyline from this window..."Nice view," he told Shae as she walked up to him with a mug of coffee. Something seemed strange about her, but he couldn't put his finger on it."I like it," she said as she handed him the. He knew that would get spread farther and farther until The King heard of it. He sent a set of copies of his report to The General, who delightedly read it all out, verbatim, to his officers.“Ha ha! I was right, you see, to put him in charge. None of you would have had the imagination to sink to quite those disgusting depths. He made her eat... “ The General dissolved into laughter, as did the officers, some diplomatically and some because they liked to see him happy, and some because they. Sorry, folks, I just passed by ... Please continue... ?"The girl looked at Atrus with her pleading eyes. His heart was touched by her plea."Well, boy? We're busy here. Why don't you go back to the bushes and make your way back to town. I'll pretend we never met." Yeah. Your baboon lover is waiting."The bandits laughed in unison, but Atrus didn't move."Let her go." His voice was calm.The bandit leader looked at him in surprise. "You don't know who you're talking to, boy." He unsheathed his.