to help with the things. "Put these on the
truck," ordered The Young Speaker. "I didn't realize how late it was.
I've got to get a bath and get over to The Temple and start talking
with people."
146 "I could use a wash, too," said Bullet. He took some fresh things
out of some of the boxes and went to his room. By the time he was
showered and dressed and came out into the common room, The Young
Speaker had already left, but some of the others were still getting
ready.
147 Sweet Blossom Turtle sat in a chair, the breathtaking gown she was
wearing pulled up to reveal a brace on her left leg. She was having
trouble fixing one of the straps. Bullet knelt down and fastened it for
her, without a word, then adjusted the lower one, besides. "This thing
must be uncomfortable," he remarked, "do you have to wear it all the
time?"
148 "Only when I have to stand around a lot," explained Sweet Blossom.
"The bones in my leg are held together with steel pins. The brace gives
them extra support."
149 "What happened?" asked Bullet.
150 "The Hoods didn't like the articles I wrote in my husband’s
newspaper. They put a bomb in our car. It killed my husband, my sister,
and his mother. Somehow, I survived, but I always have this to remind
me."
151 "You don't like me, do you?" whispered Bullet.
152 "I don't dislike you," explained Sweet Blossom, "I dislike what you
WERE."
153 Bullet nodded. "I'm NOT that anymore," he continued. "I'd like to
be your friend."
154 "We'll see," agreed Sweet Blossom, "we'll see."
155 When they arrived at the dance Bullet was surprised. The band was
playing modern music with an old swing song thrown in now and then for
the older people. But it was mostly lively Hawk, and he liked it. He