"That's the worst part, having to inform the loved ones of a client that the prognosis isn't as they'd hoped. Finding the proper phrasing, the right words to ease them into the hard news doesn't come easy to me, though I suppose it isn't meant to be easy," he notes. "But on the other hand. there's the satisfaction of treating someone's illness or injury and putting them well onto the path of recovery. So long as they follow the treatment course their condition requires."

"Don't be 'arsh on 'em, boss," Cypher twits.

Adrian tweaks the black tip of the weasel's tail. "Now, now, we both know some clients require a firmer hand than others," he says, indulgently.

"A translator? Mmm, that's deft work, but I can see that in you. But then, like so many of us, you slipped into Sodder's Dream and found a new role?"