NARRATOR: The Shephard residence, Baffler's Bulkhead, Haven Hive...
MA SHEPHARD: So Venus was a complete wash except for the bennies. Then they transferred Erasmus to Tokyo3, which I loved, but it didn't last long enough.
MA SHEPHARD: We were young and foolish, and when a position opened up on Celeschul we thought it would be nice to see something besides Sol system, as if we'd really seen a good chunk of it instead of a few cities and their grey, industrial bellies.
MA SHEPHARD: Turned out the position wasn't even on Celeschul, and the housing was here, in these giant cans. Oh, what I wouldn't--
SFX: *interrupting* DING-DONG
MA SHEPHARD: You stay right there, honey. I'll check the door. Don't let me forget where we were! You know how old age can be, or maybe you don't...
TAILOR: "Saved by the bell" is an ancient, storied, and well-worn expression, probably because it is so delightful when it occurs.
PARA: She's delightful, and we're not getting mugged or shot at in here. Besides, I can multi-task in my head while she talks. And talks, and talks...
MA SHEPHARD: *off-panel* He's not here, Tino, but come in. We can wait for him together and sort this out.
PARA: With a couple more adjustments to your nanoserger--
MA SHEPHARD: *interrupting, off-panel* We've got cookies, and company, so...
PARA and TINO: *simultaneous, screaming* WAAAUGH!
MA SHEPHARD: Oh. You've met already, then?