Bert nodded, "Very happy," he said, "I couldn't have a better family...except for Nine,"

Paul laughed. "Do any of y'all like that shrimp?"

"We....we know he's a relative," said Bert looking shamefully into his mug.

Paul snickered and snorted. "Can't like 'em all," he reasoned with a shrug, emptying his drink a second time. He held up his thumb and forefinger. "I come this close to killin' my cousin Harry once."

"What did your cousin do?" asked Bert.

"He insulted me an' every other invader," Paul growled, "an' then 'e started throwin' punches."

"Good lord!" Bert exclaimed, "Was he drunk?"

"No, he's just... whaddaya call them. Gets real preachy about how we treat natives and such." Paul frowned. "Talks about how horrible an' violent we are, then goes and tries to hit me in the nose."

"A hypocrite?" Bert offered.

"Yeah. So I gave 'im a few good punches and threw 'im out the door. Musta thrown 'im a little hard," said Paul with a grin. "Took 'im weeks to recover."

"I see, well you are pretty strong, I had to go to the hospital and get stitches after you hit me," said Bert.

Paul chuckled and ruffled Bert's hair in a semi-apologetic gesture. "I know I am," he said, "and I know I'm violent an' ruthless, too. I'm damn proud of it."

"Randy is the same," commented Bert ducking his head shyly away from Paul's hand.

Paul nodded. "He seems alright," he concluded.

Bert blushed and nodded, "I know a lot of people don't like him...but I'd be sad if he changed,"

"You like 'em crazy, huh?" Paul teased.