[pshrynk]

Myatake came forward. "We are ready to go."

"How much weight are we carrying?"

"An extra four hundred pounds. Your plane should be able to handle it."

Harv did some mental calculations. "Should be no problem. Back to Gatun?"

"That will do. Oh, and should you have any ideas of trying any of your 'fancy' maneuvers, just be aware that there are not enough seats in the back for everyone and your Miss Vera will be riding without a seatbelt."

"Bastard!"

"Not according to my mother. For a dog, you are quite lippy."

"Whatever. Strap yourself in, laughing boy. I'd hate for you to fly out witht the slipstream on takeoff."

"How droll."

"You know," said Harv after Myatake had left, "It doesn't do any good to antagonize him."

"Doesn't hurt, either."

"True enough."

"Wanta skip the checklist again?"

"Check."