"I hear from the rest of the family that it's nice," said Bert, "I can't wait to see it,"

"I'm sure you'll like it. 'S where my grandfather was born. He came down with the original ship like Randy, but he wasn't part of the crew," said Paul.

"Oh? Were you born here?" Bert asked.

Paul nodded. "Yup. Grew up near the swamp."

"So you have any family?" Bert asked.

"Sure do," Paul answered. "My mother, both my grandfathers, my great-grandfather, two older siblings and six younger ones, an' a whole mess a' cousins and nephews and aunts and uncles. Only a few of 'em live on Earth, though. There's Pauls scattered all around this galaxy."

Bert nodded, "I...I have my adopted family, and I think the Krauses count," he said, "But I'm not really sure,"

Paul gave him a grunt of acknowledgement as he worked on another drink. "Yer happy, though?"

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.

"Just a little bit I guess," Bert smiled sheepishly.

Paul laughed again. "Ain't nothin' wrong with that!"

Bert grinned and finished his drink, "This was nice, we should do it again sometime," he said.

"Sure," said Paul, "an' if you ever need you a trim..."

"I'll come and see you," said Bert with a nod.

Paul flashed Bert his teeth before turning to order another refill...

Bert returned to his campus, Paul wasn't so bad after all, in fact, he seemed quite nice...

After finishing his third drink along with a couple of brightly-colored tablets, Paul checked the clock and rose from his seat. It would soon be time to start work. He steadied himself and exited the bar, enjoying the colorful tilt of the horizon without so much as a stumble.

Hurrying along her way Greta nearly stumbled into him, "Oh! I'm sorry!" she apologized.

Paul cocked his head at her. "You sure are in a hurry, there."

"Well, I'm hoping to find a salon before they close, my normal place closed down and I have a meeting tomorrow so if I'm going to get my hair done I need to do it tonight," said Greta.

"Jus' follow me," Paul offered with a broad, toothy smile. "'S where I was headed."

"Oh? Alright," Greta said, falling into step with him, "I'm Greta Kraus," she said.

"Paul. Hey, I know who you are..." Paul didn't stop walking or turn to face her as he continued on his way. "Yer with the human space program."

Greta nodded, "That I am!" she beamed at him, "It's been my life's dream to join a space program,"

Paul reached over to give her a slightly unsteady pat on the back. "Now y'all are workin' with <<Schickelgrubers>>," he noted. "Can't get much better'n that when it comes to space."