When Tallie got back to the Clockwork Book it seemed calmer than it had been before. "She's still a little off course", it told her. "But I think I can compensate."
The Book's televideo screens were showing the Experimental Research District from different angles. Tallie could see a small, colorful dot that was arcing into the heart of the District. It looked like a high drive over center field. "What's going on?"
The Book waved at one of the screens. "Watch the replay," it said.
At four times normal speed, the screen showed Tallie Bonnie's progress from the rooftops, where Tallie had lost track of her, through the Myrmidon's hijack of her cargo sled; her confusion when Lew had diverted the parade to drive her backward; her own hijack of the parade itself, their ascent into the District, and Bonnie's battle with a tentacled monster. Tallie shook her head. Bonnie-in-replay plunged off a building and into a conveniently placed balloon, which launched her farther into the District.
"She is going to be so mad at you," Tallie observed.
"It is regrettable," the Book agreed. "She has been a wonderful client."
They both watched the main screen where Bonnie's flight was beginning its inevitable descen
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