“…So I think that the combustion coil on the G-56 is complete lese that they’re trying to pass off as some superior model when everyone knows that the coil on the F-32 has a better design and has been used for more than 50 years. But…um…what do you think, Mrs. Frye?”

Kaylee stared at the stammering boy who’d been trying to engage her in an intensive engine part discussion for the better part of twenty minutes. He was young - still in school, if her guess was right – and he was obviously infatuated with her. She’d been nodding and smiling at his monologue, all the while trying desperately to scan the crowd…first for Grinters, then just for a plausible escape.

“See,” he continued, “I was listening to you talk to some other folks about making new catalyzers when there’s nothing wrong with the older models and you made me think about those new coils I read about on the Cortex. I’ve never seen a lady know so much about engines – most of the girls here turn their noses up at stuff like that – but…but you-”

“Gerald,” Kaylee interrupted gently. Immediately, he stopped talking and looked at her expectantly. “I’m real sorry but-”

“Ma’am? Ma’am, I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation, but Ambassador Yen would like to speak with you.” A short, blonde gentleman stepped up next to Kaylee and placed a light hand on her shoulder to get her attention. “Son, you’ll have to excuse us.”

The boy nodded, obviously disappointed, and vanished into the crowd. Watching him go, Kaylee inquired, “What did you-?”

“I saw you were in a bit of a bind there, ma’am.” He replied to her unfinished question. “Thought you could use some help. I just wanted to try and spare the boy’s feelings if I could. I remember what it’s like to be that young myself.”

“Xèixie, mister-”

The sound of panicked screams interrupted Kaylee before she could finish. Looking around wildly for the source, she caught sight of thick, yellow smoke rising from the center of the ballroom floor. Panicked guests were struggling to flee in their heavy g