"You'll get a list of the current open positions once you get through the new-hire program. And don't worry, if something doesn't appeal to you right away you can wait for something to open - or create your own job position, if you think there's a niche that needs filling."

She was cynically certain that before anyone knew it, Howard would have not only found a niche, but fortified it.

"I won't shoot unless you ask," Shooter promised. He was a very adaptable AI, and it was so interesting for him to meet someone from a whole new dimension, and he knew all the mistakes that Horanckk had made with Anwei and he wasn't going to make any of them with Howard. This was going to be fun!

Something that looked like a cross between a fetal pig and a caterpillar was lumbering across the cafeteria towards them, a datapad in one puffy hoof hand. It came to a halt behind Anwei and wheezed, "Special privileges are very nice, but could you please file at least one of the forms before materializing a new recruit out of thin air?"

"No advance warning, Selm," Anwei answered cheerily. "I'll get everything set up. Trust me."