"Nothing new today. I think the mandrakes last month were enough excitement for the whole season." Not that Stacy actually has seasons, but Eva's from SoCal, and while other people on the ship have complained that it's hard to remember the years, Eva likes the regular climate.

Hovercat - Cordera - is lounging in the garden, ever present whenever Eva's home. His motorboat-engine purring is unceasing. Upon seeing the visitor, he wakes and floats lazily over to Zouichi for petting. Not only is he used to Zouichi, but Zouichi's kindness towards animals has registered with the fat, floating cat.

Eva laughs. "Well, I may be an old frail little biddie, but I can still wield a broom. You know what they say about idle hands. If you want the help, we can even make a date of it."