[ [ [This third story makes sense as a "standalone", but it's much more interesting if you click on the author's name and read this tale from the beginning.]]]

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Tweeny was awakened from dreamless slumber by the sound of stumbling.

Rising quickly to her feet on the cold stone floor of House Madrassa's larder, she looked around for something she could use to protect herself. Knives? None in sight. No forks or cleavers, either. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she settled on a heavy can of Blue Sun Beans N' Franks ("Bringing Families Together Since 2450") and prepared to meet her intruder.

She squinted, letting her eyes adjust to the dark. Two tall silhouettes clung to each other and tiptoed past the breadbin. Tweeny heard nervous giggling from one, and shushing from the other. The pair reached the liquor cabinet lining one side of the kitchen wall, the one Cook had to restock every week or so. She told Recorder it went into her stew.

"It's locked," Tweeny spoke into the darkness, "and besides that, it's probably empty."

Something fell to the floor with a heavy thud! and rolled toward Tweeny. "Quiet! Do you want Cook to wake up?" It was a bio-torch; she switched it on and directed its light at the uninvited guests.

Two terrified faces, both female, both older than she. She found herself staring. Companions were known throughout the 'verse for their beauty and composure; even these young ones, while definitely not composed now, were certainly the most beautiful girls she had ever seen.

The redheaded one regained her wits first. "You are in so much trouble!" she whispered fiercely, pointing an accusing finger at Tweeny and drawing herself up to her full height. "What are you doing this far away from the dormitory? Your house mistress will skin you alive for this."

"Nandi." The blonde girl, a bit older, held her friend's arm. "Nandi, I don't think she's a fledgling. Look at her clothes."

Tweeny suddenly felt very poor in her thin grey gown -- very poor, and ver