Adamant was in particularly fine form that day. He had already steamed Flow three times, Pinky twice and Marian once, and brought Bodystocking to the verge of tears. Marian was quite fed up with him. About the only person currently at the Center whom he hadn't insulted was Red, probably because Adamant knew the non-Gifted engineer was his master at rancid puns.

        "I just wish there were some way we could get even," growled Marian, as she saw Adamant entering the reception area, a smug grin on his face.

        "You know," Red mused, "he's still ticklish."

        Adamant had the nerve to look surprised as Marian and Flow (in the form of a gorilla) tackled him. Pinky shoved Red into her seat and hurried over to help them.

        Some time later, Sturdy arrived by way of the Garden Express. On his way inside, he noticed Adamant sitting on a concrete bench, locking disheveled and flushed.

        "What happened to you?" Sturdy asked, mystified.

        "Three beautiful women held me down and tickled me silly," was the reply.

        "Okay, don't tell me," muttered Sturdy, walking off in a huff.

    This work is Copyright 1998 by Rodford Edmiston Smith, who can be reached at: stickmaker@usa.net. Please contact the author for permission before reposting or reprinting. Thank you.