"That was the strangest movie I have ever seen," Jaya declared.

She turned to Apollonia, who was grinning like a madwoman - though with a hint of nervousness. "I had a marvelous time," Jaya added honestly.

"It was quite silly," Y said. "Despite the abysmal acting, however, I did find the special effects of the space sharks consuming people to be quite effective. I can imagine to many they were traumatizing!"

"Oh, yeah, I heard that when Shark Hole 2 came out, people vomited in the theater!" Apollonia said.

"I heard that, too!" Ann replied. She suddenly looked sheepish. "Two of my friends left the theater when the baby sharks ate that one man from the inside out."

"It was kinda long, like ten full minutes of munching," Apollonia agreed. "But I guess they had to really get his death throes in there."

Y seemed fascinated. "I may have to look up this movie."

"I think I'll pass on that one," Jaya said.

Brooks seemed more thoughtful. "I was surprised by the amount of sex. After the third time a couple was eaten during the throes of passion you would think they'd realize it was attracting the space sharks."

"It's a horror movie, people always have to be banging," Apollonia said.

"Ah, yes," Brooks said. "Of course. But I'm glad Urle wasn't here with his kids . . ."

"I was going to have it skip those parts if they were!" Apollonia said quickly.

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Jaya laughed, then yawned. "I am quite tired - and I imagine you are exhausted, Apollonia."

The yawn proved contagious, and Apollonia followed suit. "Well now that you remind me . . . yeah."

Y studied her. "You are quite past your bed time," he said. "Ah, how unfortunate you did not get to see all twenty of my costumes. I had many interesting examples."

"Show me tomorrow?" Apollonia asked.

"You will have to possess yourself with patience and see the ones you missed next year," Y said with mock-gravity.

Ann waved. "I'm heading out, thank you for the movie!"

"You're welcome!" Apollonia called back.

Jaya moved to follow her. "We'll run later than normal tomorrow," she said to Apollonia. "Because otherwise we'd have to be up in . . . Dark, just three hours."

"Oh thank the stars," Apollonia muttered.

Brooks smiled. "You can have the day off tomorrow, Apple. And thanks for the film, I enjoyed it."

As they left, Y turned to follow, but Apollonia caught his arm.

"One last thing," she said to him. "I had a thought. Or, well, Kiseleva said something to me that gave me a thought."

"Yes?" Y prompted patiently.

"She was telling me that I should try to figure out what I want to do, you know? Not just what I think I should do. And I was thinking . . . I want to help people. So what if I went into medical? I mean, I'm not doctor material or anything, of course, but surely there's something I could do!"

She bit her lip. "Right?"

Y paused, seeming surprised by her suggestion. "I believe that this is a very interesting idea, Nor. There is much merit in it - and let us speak on it again tomorrow."

Apollonia smiled. "So . . . you're okay with the idea?"

"Of course I am," Y said. "Now, good night - and happy Darkeve, my friend."

Y patted her shoulder, giving it a squeeze, then stepped out of the door, leaving Apollonia alone.

But, despite the exhaustion and the emotional rollercoaster of the day, she felt better than she had in a long time.