"Pops" Waverly walked into the bar, glancing around at the empty tables. "Sophie! What in Goddess' name is going on here. Just because Jay and a few others are on extended hiatus, everyone else is avoiding you and this fine establishment like the plague?"
"Don't worry, Pops. Our IND lads are still on the job." said Sophie (the 1st.) "They're just keeping a low profile due to all the political machinations and unrest lately. They sneak in occassionaly for a drink and a friendly ear. I'm not worried."
"Very well, Soph. I'm mollified. Could you worry yourself a little about the perfect Sapphire and Tonic then; and as to whether there still may be some of my Canaria Cheroots in the back room?"
"You got it, Reggie. And how is my namesake Sophie Noire doing with the new Tea Room on Roppongi? Eris! I'll never forget when you first acquired her, downloaded my thought patterns, and left her alone for a few minutes. She ran off shopping to New London in the Daddy Warbucks! I almost split my sides laughing!"
"Harrumph! I was not laughing. However, my F-unit proved to be an invaluable asset to 1st Flax and me later, before the "Liberation" edict came down from Episkoposville. You can still be proud of "Sophie Deux". The Tea Room will be ready for grand opening as promised this weekend. If you can get time off from this tomb, drop up to renew acquaintances!"
"If that bugger Jay gets off that fishing trip in time, I'll definitely ask him, Reggie. And how goes it with you? You've been guilty of an extended absence from the Inn as well!"
"Mea culpa." Said Pops. But the reason I came by was partly to notify our CEO that I took him up on the invitation he made during our recent "kidnapping". My C-Trans is once again registered with IND and Interspace. Tagged and bagged. Unless Ship's Registry screws up the name, or manages to make me an Outcast Guard again, you'll soon see the [IND]Oro_de_Veranda plying the lanes as a proud IND member."
"Delightful!", squealed Sophie. "But I do have some bad news as well: I believe Cabover Pete smoked your last Cheroot a few days ago..."
"Bugger. Well, Cheers to you, the Inn, and IND anyway!"