When she got home Leetzia decided it was time to get back in contact with the underground.

Gideon, I’ve been such an idiot; of all the people to breakdown to—why would I choose Derek?

Sharing? Just as I wanted to share with you, is that wrong?

Obviously, no security briefing was ever gonna stick with this guy, although, sadly, I was about as much of a liability as him right now. “I’m glad you don’t think so, but our friends in the underground definitely would think so. It’s not like Derek would track them down and hurt them; he’d be amazed if he found them, but he’d probably start working for them as a security guard or something—he’s like that; when he’s on your side, he’s on your side totally. It’s winning him over that’s hard. He’s paranoid—probably smokes too much.

“Paranoid?” queried Gideon. “Meaning…frightened?”

“Not quite.” She pulled out one of her classic Mad magazines from the box under the bed, and flipped to an episode of “Spy vs. Spy.” He caught on, and even though he was too far away to be visible, she could feel him grinning.

“Gideon, tell me more about the underground: how long have you known them? Have you met with other humans besides me? And is it safe for you; is there anything I need to know about you to make sure I don’t accidentally hurt you?”

Usually no; however, there are times and places where I am vulnerable. Eric, is the other person I speak with; it is he who arranges further contact, as you know. He is asking me to discuss this matter of vulnerability with you. I am waiting until there is suitable time, such as now? It is important to me to respect your privacy, calm and quiet.

If you had asked if I would be able to understand a conversation without words, I wouldn’t have ever thought so, but I felt I was reading Gideon with no problem at all. “Gideon, please, say whatever you want to say; I don’t mind if you interrupt me; but…not at work too much, or around my family, or when I’m playing tunes, or if I am talking to someone else unless you need too; o.k.? (oohh, actually that doesn’t leave a lot of other times, besides sleeping, eating, and being in the bathroom— those aren’t good times either.) Now’s good, what’s happening?”