Laura leaned against Abby's kitch counter and watched her pack.   Abby had taken Laura shopping and Laura was now wearing clothes that showed off her shape and were classic.  She had on an airy white blouse that had an embroidered front panel.  Her jeans had embroidery down the sides.  Her hair was cut in chunky layers that fell around her face.  It was easy enough to tie out of the way when she needed to go into action.

Her decision had been made awhile ago, but she made it official.  Signed papers and everything.  She quit her job.  She was now a member of the conspiracy of Saviours.

She was going to keep renting her apartment so she'll always have something to come home to.  And somewhere to keep the kick ass computer the Conspiracy bought her.  When she wasn't out in the field, she would do research into making a database of known creatures that could be downloaded into a PDA that an ajent could take into the field.  She even had plans to make it voise activated.

With Demitri's help, she had discussed this with Liz who assured her that after this past week in Fredericton the rest of the world would be sane!  The enginners in the Conspiracy were going to design a backpack⁄carrier that Liz could stay in and be protected.

"Abby, where are you headed now?"

"There have been sightings of zombies near a place called Racoon City.  I'm going there to investigate."

"There is actually a place called Racoon city? " Laura used her internal internet connection to look it up.  "Guess so.  It's a manufactured city.  Something called the Umbrella corporation set it up to support their research plant.  Housing prices are good but all the houses look pretty much the same.  Good luck with that."

"Where are you headed?"

"I'm going to one of the Conspiracy's training centres to train and see the extents of my powers.  I think they want to write a manual or something in case this happens again. Do you know where Ku'uaki's going?"

"He said that he was heading home to reconnect to the volcano spirits.  I think he just wants to go somewhere warm."

"If you don't like New Brunswick's weather -- wait 5 mins  -- it will change."

"Bah ha ha ha!  I've never seen such weather.  Sunny days that turn to rain then smow then sunny again in one day."

Laura remembered something.

"Before you leave I have to show you how to get you email using the fancy new laptop you got."

"Computers are evil machines.  Didn't our adventure show you that?" Abby playfully threw a pillow at Laura.

Laura caught the pillow. "You're just jelous that I'm the new girl on the block."

"Girl, I've been THE girl on the block for over a century.  You have some catching up to do!"

"Do you ever think you'll settle down and do the family thing?"

"Don't think so.  It would be very depressing to see the love of my life grow old and die.  It's been hard enough with partners and co-workers."

"So, your answer is never?"

"Well, if someone that looked like that police officer that dropped of Ku'aki came around and was immortal I'd havve to think about it.  The problem is that most immortals I know are old fogey guys taht don't know how to have fun."

"So what are you going to do with the extra clothing and furtinure?"

"I usually donate it to the Salvation Army or something like that."

"The New Brunswick Association for Community Living takes donations and will even come and pick them up for you."

"There -- give me the phone number and I'll call them up."

Laura checked their website: "453-4400"

Abby called and a pickup was scheduled for the next day.  She looked around but there was nothing left to do.  She was going to treat herself to a night at the Beaverbrooke Hotel and take advantage of the spa facilities.

Laura and Abby stood and looked at each other.  Each of the felt that there should be something left to say, but neither of them could come up with the words.

Laura spoke first: "I would ask you what your New Years plans were, but at this point I don't even know what I'll be doing."

"Let's make a promise to try to get together on New Years in Times Square."

"Deal.  I could stay with my sister who lives in Manhattan."

"You have a sister?????"