Chapter 24: When We Hurt Each Other Part 4

"Studious Turtle, come out of there this instant." Ngarong banged on the door set into the curving side of the Ship of Years. "I have been on the Tongue Box with the Admiralty and the Synod and," he lowered his voice, "they want to talk to you."

The door opened to reveal his niece. Tall, black, and be-spined, the Chris loomed at her side.

"Good morning, uncle," chirped Turtle. "I'm sorry I didn't answer sooner. I was feeding the Chris."

Indeed, one black claw held what looked like a pot of aspic. The other was wrapped around Turtle's waist. "Get out of that thing's clutches," Ngarong hissed, "have you forgotten what that it's capable of?"

"Perhaps our conversation would be more pleasantly conducted in the Ship, uncle." She gave him a cool and austere smile. "We can use my Tongue Box."