Page 455 of Lodestar

Star:How’s Lyra?

Troy:Hates her new school. But she saw Katina in the library and that made her feel better.

Star:Why?

Troy:Dunno. Guess she figures she’s not alone.

Cin:Still can’t believe how swaaanky your new digs are.

Troy:Me neither. Didn’t ask for them but won’t say no. Not when Lyra’s safer here.

Cin:Best way. Are you settling in?

Troy:I don’t like being so high up, but what can you do?

Star:You got an emergency route out of there planned?

Troy:Two. You?

Star:Three. But one involves a helicopter.

Troy:Knowing Conor, he’s crazy enough about you to have one stationed up there at all times if it’ll reassure you.

Cin:She’s not wrong.

Star:If I promised to teach him how to fly it, then he’d probably be down…

Troy:Fucker’s rich enough. Get him spending those dollars.

Star:He isn’t into FinDom lol.

Troy:Nah, him and that glittery jizz are just a sap for you. Anyway, why have you hit me up? Talking to either of you wasn’t on my list of things to do today.

Cin:You’re as friendly as always.

Star:You have trauma issues, Troy. I’m thinking of starting a poker game with ex-servicemen and women. Do you want in?

Troy:What are the stakes?

Cin:Good sign that you’re not arguing about having trauma issues. *coughs* Or that you’re fucked in the head.

Cin:How much do you want to lose?

Troy:Fuck off. I’m a much better player than you.

Star:She’s good, Troy. Improved since the last time you played her.

Troy:How do you know?

Cin:We play online sometimes.

Troy:You two are fucking weirdos. How about two k?

Cin:That’s all?

Troy:Some of us have kids.

Cin:Don’t make it seem like you don’t have money. That security system in your house was worth a small fortune.