My Library

sort out the solid shots of rote he was receiving. I tried to get a percept of the impact on him, but he was closed too tightly. But I didn’t really need a percept. Charlie had impressed him. Here was another human being—albeit without a physical body for the moment —that he could relate to easily. After the mess in the lower rings, here was a Charlie who seemed perfectly normal, who knew how to do things—play?—in ways that were new and exciting to BB, and a being who had a sense of humor much as he did. Only one small problem. Charlie wouldn’t believe BB existed if he had the real rote. I decided we were deep enough into the outer ring, so without an ident I pulled to an easy stop. The haze was less dense, and the shape of buildings, irregularly spaced, began to take form—each a suitable distance from another, each different in design either extremely or slightly. Many seemed to be constructed of stone, most were equipped with spires, steeples, domes, or towers in various configurations, some had elaborate stained-glass circular windows. We moved down near the front of the nearest building. As we did, a woman emerged from the front door and descended the wide steps. When she reached the last step, she looked up and stopped short. There was no fear in her eyes, just uncertainty. I decided to set her straight. (We don’t bite.) She responded immediately. (I didn’t expect you to. I was trying to decide where to refer you. We have so many committees. You don’t act like a newcomer.) I smiled. (We’re just visiting.) (Our minister says there is no such person as a visitor here,) she replied confidently. (You wouldn’t have found us if you didn’t have our faith. It’s really all right to be a newcomer. I’ll take you to Thelma. She’s in charge of the welcoming committee.) I smiled. (No, thanks just the same, we’re only passing through.) She looked puzzled. (You keep using “we.” Do you think you’re more than one person? We have a class on multiple personalities that you can attend. Dr. Frankel conducts it.) BB cut in. (Why can’t she perceive me, RAM? Charlie did.) She smiled at me. (What did you … Oh. Your name is Percy RAM