Lyroo’s eyes burned with intensity as she rested her hands on the desk of the Rutger animal control center’s administrator. She teetered on the edge of shouting, and leaned forward as she spoke, just short of crawling across the man’s desk. Her voice cut daggers through him.

“Second paragraph, Mr. Hofant!” Lyroo seethed, her eyes narrow slits as she clenched her hands into white-knuckled fists.

“We already passed our quarterly review and….” the bald headed young man was swiftly interrupted.

“The imperial Animal Control and Welfare society has a motto, Mr. Hofant, and I would like you to read to me the second paragraph!” Lyroo had to bite her tongue. Her presence was, on, a good day mildly intimidating, when she was as worked up as she was now, she could be damn well frightening. It was a struggle to maintain some semblance of professionalism.

“This is a waste of time, just like this gorram audit!” Aerchbald Hofant was a slender man with a shaven head, amber eyes and a thin, bright red chin strap beard. He spoke with a mildly effeminate voice and was just a shade taller than Lyroo Prenn, who currently had all the composure and posture of a woman twice her size.

“Mr. Hofant, failure to recite the mission statement of the Imperial Animal Control and Welfare society during an official audit will….” Lyroo was the one cut off this time, rather abruptly.

“What is this really about Lyroo! If you are going to string me around like some kind of puppet at least give me the courtesy of an explanation!” Aerchbald leaned on his desk adjacent from Lyroo and narrowed his own eyes in reply.

Lyroo Prenn was not a violent person, and she rarely lost her temper. But after having discovered Darren laying in a pile of his own filth, naked and delirious from the effects of the poison, Lyroo felt justified in showing Aerchbald Hofant as little ‘courtesy’ as possible. In fact, the mere request of such made her want to slap him across the face.

“Second. Paragraph.” Lyroo spoke through her teeth sharply.

Archbald sighed with a roll of his eyes and stood up, composing himself and straightening his shirt. “’Laws will be enforced impartially, with consistency and care to ensure public safety and community standards are maintained.’” Administrator Hofant recited with a faint hint of what may have at one time been pride, but was now a dull and bland façade.

Lyroo wasted no time and cut in on the tail end of the man’s words, her voice as close to shouting as it had yet come. “I don’t remember the Universal Dignities Act being repealed! Or are you not familiar with it!?”

“I am quite aware of the law Ms….”

“’All animals brought into the custody of the imperial animal welfare society are to be treated with fairness, dignity and given proper medical care, nutrition and an adequate sleeping area!’” Lyroo was now shouting.

“Our facilities are one of the most….”

“Ms. Fitzgerald’s human, Darren, is laying in a pile of his own shaka and vomit! What part of the Universal dignities Act leaves you confused, Mr. Hofant!?” Lyroo stood straight, composing herself at last.

“That human is scheduled to be euthanized in under an hour! We are simply waiting on the final authorization for the termination of a dangerous Class Two Sentient! Medical care would be a waste of credits!” Hofant said, finding a bit of confidence.

“Medical care is the law! This human has been in your care for over 84 hours! Basic medical treatment is a universal right that this human is entitled to!” Lyroo slammed her pad down onto Aerchbald’s desk.

“I don’t need to see the law Lyroo! I am well aware of it!” Hofant rolled his eyes. “This audit is unfair and biased, you have no right to barge in here and….”

“Uncover your uncivilized, merciless and cruel practices? Which in fact are in direct violation of the very mission statement you are sworn to uphold!?” Lyroo spoke calmly, but with no less venom.

“My actions are in the best interest of the community! My first and foremost duty is to the community, not some vicious, rabid human!” Aerchbald shouted, his patience were growing thin.

Lyroo looked away for a moment in order to buy herself a few seconds to calm herself. When she looked back to administrator Hofant she was composed with a stone resolve.

“This is not up for debate Administrator Hofant.” Lyroo spoke with an authoritative and strive voice.

“You are under obligation to audit these facilities justly! You know we will pass!” Hofant spat.

“Oh, the audit will be done according to our strictest accredited standards Aerchbald, I will give you that.” Lyroo hid the hint of a smile. “But I plan to go over every item on this extensive, exhaustive, long list with a fine-toothed comb!” Lyroo’s voice dripped to a grumble. “Without bias, without question…thoroughly!”

“This is a waste of time! You are simply delaying….”

“Until our audit is complete you are to suspend all administrative actions, including but not limited to the termination of any animals incarcerated in your facility.” Lyroo spoke over Hofant.

“You can’t….”

“If you fail to see to it that Darren is not given medical care, you will be subject to punitive actions. Abuse of a Class Two Sentient Creature, including but not limited to neglecting to provide proper nutrition, medical care and housing is punishable by incarceration.” Lyroo looked up from her pad and grinned. “I hear they send human killers to Rura Penthe Mr. Hofant.”

Aerchbald gritted his teeth but appeared to acknowledge the fact that he was out gunned and out matched.

“I understand….”

“No, I don’t think you do. See, what I’m saying Mr. Hofant, is that if this human dies as a direct result of your negligence, you will be charged and held responsible.” Lyroo stated, taking as much pleasure in her words as possible.

“But…it is scheduled to be euthanized…I…it is going to die anyhow how can….” Aerchbald said, baffled.

“Well then, Administrator Hofant.” Lyroo gathered her things and turned on her heel towards the door. “You’d better make damn sure Darren Avery doesn’t die before that time comes.” Lyroo walked with heavy steps towards the door, her sharp heels echoing against the marble floor.

“This is asinine….” Mr. Hofant slumped down into his chair.

“It’s the law…I will be in touch regarding the results of our audit.” Lyroo exited the man’s office, her professional demeanor dropping as soon as she was on the other side of the door.

Lyroo wanted to be happy, she had secured a minor victory and bought Darren more time, and this was time Loona could use to do her part. But in the midst of her victory, all Lyroo could feel was sadness. A human was suffering, unjustly suffering. His only crime having been self-preservation. It all became real for Lyroo when she laid eyes on him, sickly and delirious in his cage, covered in filth.

Lyroo scowled as she wiped tears from her eyes. Roughly, she took her pad and punched in Loona’s contact code. After a while Loona answered.

“Hey, I just got out of the Judicator’s office and it looks like he’s going to order an inquest and an assessment! It needs to be cleared by the Magistrate but that is just red tape!” Loona sounded positive, but was off put by Lyroo’s sour expression.

“That’s good. Everything go on my end too. I’ll contact you later.” Lyroo tried to sound professional, but her emotions bleed through.

“Is everything ok? You look upset?” Loona asked with concern.

“No, it’s a mess here. I’ll call you back.” Lyroo forced a smile. “Thanks Loona, I couldn’t do this without you.”

Loona half smiled. “Let’s save the thanks for after we win ok?”

Lyroo nodded. “I’ll be in touch. Have you been in contact with Eyrn Fitzgerald yet?”

Loona shook her head. “Tried, can’t seem to find her. They released her free of charges, Refugee Assimilation Act, her mentor advocate says she hasn’t heard heads or tails from her since.”

“Keep trying, I am going to need to talk to her before this is done.”

“Okay,” Loona nodded. “Keep in touch?”

“I will. Goodbye.” Lyroo hung up, and with a sigh headed off to begin what was to be the longest standards audit she had ever performed.

***

“You’ll forgive me if ah wanna skip over this next part, hmm?” Darren was sitting atop Pryvani’s shoulder as she walked down a twilight lit garden path. It was night and there were lights marking the walkway.

“Of course.” Pryvani replied, she enjoyed the glowing gardens. The plants that grew here used energy gathered from the sun to keep warm during night. As a result they all gave off a sort of twilight glow. The mist from the falls sometimes made it look like it was raining light. Places like this always calmed her. It even seemed to have the same effect on Darren.

“Not much worth telling anyhow. Ah mean just me sick as a dog’n’all.” Darren said, not all too eager to reveal to anyone the embarrassment of his lowest point. Hanging on the edge of death, his fate in the hands of strangers. It was not something he enjoyed even thinking about, let alone talking about.

“I can understand your desire to keep that a secret.” Pryvani said.

“Lyroo’n Loona worked tirelessly over the next couple’a days.” Darren stiffed a laugh. “Funny that eh? Two people I’ve never met working their arses off t’save mine.”

Pryvani smiled warmly.

“Well, I dun member much of it at any rate. The next few days were mostly a blur. Loona worked her legal prowess, while Lyroo bought’er the time she needed. The Magistrate considered Resair’s recommendation fer an assessment’n approved it in record time…which fer you Titan’s is still a gat’dang long ass time!” Darren grumbled.

Pryvani chuckled and shrugged her shoulders, softly as to not disrupt her passenger. “That is not always a bad thing, but in situations such as this I can see how it would be frustrating.” Frustrating was an understatement, but careful meticulousness was not always a negative trait, or so Pryvani thought. “I prefer to think both of our species have virtues to bring to the table, but I digress; there is one thing I’ve been meaning to ask you if you don’t mind,” Pryvani asked peeking over to check on her passenger.

“Ah’ve done all the talking so far, go on ask away.” Darren shrugged with a chuckle.

“Well, honestly I was just wondering how you managed to survive at all, let alone move while under paralysis.” Pryvani asked, setting her eyes back on the path before her once satisfied Darren was secure and comfortable.

“Heh, fair enough.” Darren laughed. “Well you recall that fire water Aisell Maris gave me? The stuff what taste like horseradish en’ fire?” Darren asked as he sat knelt on one knee looking off at the peculiar gardens.

“Hustain, yes I recall, why?”

“Well, seems the crud is made of sum kinda roots, fermented aged plant root a some kind.” Darren shrugged. “I ain’t no distilling expert er anything but seems that shit is a natural stimulant, worked to counter the effects of the venom, so that’s why I could still move’n such,” Darren said, a sour taste in his mouth from the memory alone.

“That makes sense actually, and I suppose your natural fortitude helped you outlast the lingering effects?” Pryvani suggested.

“Sure let’s go wit’that,” Darren chuckled. “Naw, Tapp’n I didn’t get a full soak see. We kinda got lucky there, though my system did take it better’n hers.”

Darren paused for a while, the view here was almost as spectacular as it was near the falls on the other side of the river. It was really a remarkable planet, full of all sorts of strange and unique wonders, but it was no Earth.

“Eyrn ‘n Lyroo eventually did cross paths. The kid went straight for the Animal Control center I was being kept.” Darren huffed a bit even saying it, animal control center, it just didn’t seem right.

“I don’t imagine that went over very well?” Pryvani asked, reserved.

“Heh, you don’t know the half of it!”

***

“I am sick of getting the run around God damnit! I just want somebody to let me know what’s going on! Is he or is he not alright and why can’t I see him?” Eyrn stood at the reception desk of the Animal Control center, battling with the receptionist.

Aisell stood beside Eyrn, but surprisingly hadn’t been given a chance to get a word in edge wise. Both women were upset, but only Eyrn was visibly showing it.

“I’m sorry, but nobody is allowed to visit with animals in the high risk category, I’m afraid you are going to have to….” The female receptionist was cut off by the petite titan who nearly leapt onto the desk.

“Just tell me if he’s okay! God damn I just want to see my friend before you monsters kill him!” Eyrn, who was not really used to screaming and shouting, was quite red faced and livid.

“It can’t be against regulations to answer her questions, can it?” Aisell finally spoke up, trying of course to be the calmer of the two, but not at all sorry for the receptionist for having to endure Eyrn’s wrath.

After a silence, the dark haired woman spoke up, her eyes on a terminal screen. “Your human has not been euthanized yet.”

Eyrn almost felt reason to feel hopeful, almost. “Yet?” Eyrn asked guardedly.

“When is he scheduled to be executed?” Aisell asked dryly.

“It’s been stayed indefinitely. Ms. Fitzgerald’s human has been ordered to undergo an aggression evaluation by the ministry to assess its likelihood to attack again. The euthanasia has been put on indefinite hiatus pending results of the assessment.” The receptionist looked back to Eyrn and Aisell with a practiced smile. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Eyrn felt like jumping across the desk to sack the dimwitted woman! The nerve of asking such a thoughtless question, it made Eyrn even more red with rage. Has Aisell not been there to peel Eyrn off the receptionist desk there very well may have been an altercation.

Aisell had stuck with Eyrn to prevent just such a thing from happening, but also because she felt responsible for making sure Eyrn wasn’t taken advantage of. While clever and smart, Eyrn was ignorant to how things worked. With Bedra and Eyrn currently at odds, Aisell wanted to keep Eyrn as close as she could. There was also a hint of compassion at work as well. Aisell didn’t forge friendships easily, but Eyrn felt like a kindred spirit. Eyrn was helpless and lost like Luke, determined and fierce like Aisell herself, warm and loving like Lezah, but adventurous and spontaneous like Aehzay. Aisell couldn’t help but feel like Eyrn was the four of them combined into one, albeit much shorter, person.

“Why do you keep dragging me away from people!? I’m trying to get answers!” Eyrn snapped, but Aisell took no offense.

“Shh, listen for a moment. This is good news, you’re just not seeing it.” Aisell kept her hands on Eyrn’s shoulders, mostly to prevent the tiny terror from darting back to the receptionist’s desk.

“What are you talking about? Are you insane?!” Eyrn grumbled and tried to wiggle out of Aisell’s grip.

“No, look Darren clearly has someone fighting for him behind the scenes. Otherwise he would likely have been killed by now. The receptionist said his execution is pending the results of an aggression assessment, while that’s not exactly fair or just it gives him time, right? Time he didn’t have before.” Aisell spoke calmly. Despite wanting to wig out herself just as Eyrn was.

“They won’t let me see him, I can’t talk to him! This whole thing is asinine! He should be given an award for killing that murderous bitch, not punished! A high risk animal? God damn Aisell these are the people who raised me, fed me, loved me and brought me up! They’re not animals, they’re not pets, they’re people! Darren has had my back ever since I met him! He has been like a big brother, he has stood up for me when others wanted to take away my freedoms, he spoke up for me even when I made stupid mistakes! Darren has more honor and integrity than anyone on this messed up place and they’re treating him like a rabid dog!” Eyrn’s voice teetered between hysteric and furious.

“I know, all of that is true. Eyrn, I know, believe me.” Aisell frowned, knowing Eyrn was right didn’t make things any easier, or any less horrible. “Things suck! They really do, all of this makes me sick. But we have to work within the confines of the system, and right now the system, as gorram shaka as it is, happens to be working in our favor.” Aisell held on to Eyrn despite the small woman’s desire to wiggle away.

“I…I guess….” Eyrn sighed.

“There are times for anger, and there are times for diplomacy. We won’t get anywhere running around leaping across people’s desks like little spider monkeys,” Aisell grinned

“Did you just call me a spider monkey?” Eyrn half laughed. “How do you even know what that is?”

Aisell smiled wistfully. “A friend told me, besides I have a hard drive full of interesting Earth stuff! A gift from a friend in Tannhauser,” Aisell said, remembering Naskia Bass and wondering how she and her human lover were taking this chaos.

“You’ll have to show me sometime,” Eyrn said with a softer tone. “And thanks, for holding me back, letting me scream at you, and for not leaving me alone.” Eyrn smiled in a way that could only be described as absolutely adorable and vulnerable, which nearly caused Aisell to out and hug the woman again, almost.

“You’re welcome,” Aisell sighed. “I just wish I knew who was making this happen.” Aisell half smiled and slowly let go of Eyrn.

“You do, actually.” A vaguely familiar voice broke into Eyrn and Aisell’s conversation, causing Aisell to turn face to the source.

Aisell turned to face the picturesque blond woman who was wearing a business casual outfit, her hair tied into a bun, holding a data pad with a stylus in her hand – they were generally only used now a days for precision work where fingers were considered to clumsy, or for use in official documents.

“I’m sorry have we met?” Aisell vaguely remembered the face she was looking at, but the name didn’t jump directly to her lips.

“Aisell, have you forgotten me already?” Lyroo’s expression ever so discretely flashed a look of faux concern.

Aisell’s brow rose for a second, the woman was very familiar, even the voice was familiar. Of course with everything that Aisell had been thinking about as of late, old acquaintances were the furthest from her mind, and part of that came her concern over the farm, and the likelihood they would no longer be the lands occupants for very much longer, it was then the name came right to her tongue, seconds before Lyroo herself gave away the answer.

“Lyroo?” Aisell’s face contorted into a thoughtful glance, how could she not have recognized this woman right away? Their land literally touched, her family was the single most bothersome menace to their farm’s future, and Lyroo had been scattered all over the media in recent times with her appointment as HOS president. Aisell had been so distracted she didn’t even recognize the woman she had known most of her life!

Lyroo’s cordial smile was cut short by pressing affairs. She closed the gap between her and Aisell in a few quick strides, much to the dismay of Eyrn, who seemed none too pleased to entertain anyone.

The wheels in Aisell’s head began to churn even before Lyroo began to offer up an explanation. Aisell easily deduced Lyroo’s role in the whole travesty based on her position alone, her presence at the Animal Control center was strictly icing on the cake.

It was no secret that Lyroo Prenn was somewhat of an advocate for the fair treatment and best practices when dealing with human beings, or at least what society considered to be fair treatment. Aisell was no more convinced of this alleged fairness than Eyrn, Darren or Luke had been.
But if she was fighting for Darren…right now, she was an ally.

“You called for the evaluation?” Aisell asked, her lips pressed tightly together in thought as she awaited an explanation.

“I did, I’ve been working with….” Before Lyroo could utter another word she found herself the verbal target Eyrn’s wrath.

“Aggression assessment? So you’re the candy-ass ditz who is responsible for this?!” Eyrn stood toe to toe with the much taller stranger, puffing herself up like an angry tom cat.

Lyroo simply blinked and stared down at the diminutive woman in tantrum, her eyes expressing her abject shock to witness such a public display of rage.

“Excuse me?” Lyroo asked, not quite understanding a word of what was said.

“Oh shaka.” Aisell sighed, resigning to allow Eyrn her tantrum this time, for once.

“Candy-ass-ditz! It means you are a useless idiot, and a bully for picking on someone one eights your size!” Eyrn seethed, cutting through Lyroo like a knife through hot butter.

Lyroo looked absoutly bewildered, glancing down to Eyrn and then over to Aisell, who had a dry but apologetic look on her face.

“Lyroo Prenn, meet Eyrn Fitzgerald, Eyrn Fitzgerald, meet Lyroo Prenn.” Aisell let out a hopeless breath and shifted her weight onto her other leg.

“Did you say Eyrn Fitzgerald?” Lyroo asked, her eyes snapping back to Eyrn intently.

“Where do you god damn flakes get off treating somebody like this! Darren didn’t do anything wrong you know, back home he would be hailed a hero for the lives he helped save! Darren does not need a psychological assessment! The only crazy people here are all of you!” Eyrn responded without so much as a pause to breath.

“I’ve been trying to get a hold of you for some time. You’ve no idea how difficult it is proceeding along with out your cooperation.” Lyroo took a half step back to put a gap between herself and the angry Eyrn and spoke pointedly, without so much as a hint of a reaction to Eyrn’s tirade.

“Are you even listening to me!?” Eyrn snapped, her breathing fast and heavy from the excitement.

“First, I will need you to sign a consent form authorizing the HOS to perform an aggression assessment evaluation, once we have your consent Darren will be tested by an expert in the field. The results will be presented before the Magistrate along with a professional recommendation regarding Darren’s potential for rehabilitation,” Lyroo said as she presented a data pad and stylus to Eyrn.

Eyrn looked to the pad and then up to Lyroo, no sooner had she opened her mouth to react than Aisell pulled Eyrn back, leaning in close to whisper.

“I’m not signing anything! This is bullshit!” Eyrn fumed.

“Eyrn, please think clearly, I know you are upset but this is not a time for war, this is a time for planning. We have to bide our time. Shouting at Lyroo won’t solve anything,” Aisell said calmly, with a hint of desperation.

“What right do I have to sign his life away like this? I don’t own him, Aisell! Darren is my friend, not my possession,” Eyrn’s tone dropped a little, frustration was starting to sink in. Eyrn felt helpless and terrified, she was being asked to make decisions that directly affected Darren’s very life. What gave her that right?

“You’re right, you don’t own him. But you are his friend and you can advocate for him. Right now he is powerless, the whole system is built to work against him. He needs you to be calm, he needs you in his corner, okay?” Aisell felt a flutter in her stomach that made her feel ill. All of this was dangerously similar to Luke, so much so that Aisell wondered what right she had to counsel Eyrn at all on the matter.

“It just doesn’t feel right…what if he doesn’t want this, will he be angry? What gives me the right to advocate for him?” Eyrn asked, near pleading for an answer.

“Do you care about him? Is he important to you? You said before, he was always like a brother to you, right?”

Eyrn nodded.

“He always had your back, spoke up for you, defended you, was an advocate for you, right?” Aisell pressed her forehead to Eyrn’s.

“Yes, he’s always been there for me, as long as I’ve known him.” Eyrn whispered.

“Then you are the only one who can, he will understand that.” Aisell smiled and brushed Eyrn’s hair away from her eyes, in her rage it had become quite frizzy and messy.

“Okay.” Eyrn sighed and pulled away from Aisell.

Lyroo had been patiently waiting for the two to finish talking, once Eyrn made eye contact Lyroo approached.

“I understand your frustration, but this is not as horrible as you think, Ms. Fitzgerald. I’ve been working non-stop to secure this assessment, it is the one real chance Darren has right now.” Lyroo extended the pad to Eyrn and handed her the stylus.

“What is going to happen exactly?” Eyrn asked suspiciously as she took the stylus from Lyroo.

“That depends on Darren’s test results, but the ideal scenario ends without Darren suffering the injustice of euthanasia,” Lyroo stated, with a hint of compassion.

“I want to see him first.” Eyrn pulled the stylus away from the screen. “Before I sign I want to see that he is alive! I want to talk to him.” Eyrn narrowed her eyes.

Lyroo sighed and gave her head a bit of a shake. “I’d like very much to be able to do that, but there are several obstacles preventing me from doing so. First Darren is recovering from the venom he was paralyzed with. While medical attention was delayed due to negligence on behalf of this facility’s administration, Darren is recovering well.” Lyroo showed no delight in this, it still angered her that medical attention had been delayed as long as it had.

“What?! Wait why wasn’t he taken care of! Is he ok? Oh my god that’s horrible.” Eyrn frowned and furrowed her brow in concern.

“Eyrn, I was just as upset as you to discover this. Believe me, this facility is under a rigorous audit and the the administrator, well…he may wish to get his résumé in order,” Lyroo smiled sympathetically.

“Is he okay?” Eyrn asked, terrified for an answer.

“He is recovering well – he is quite resilient. We’ve brought in our own vets from the HOS to personally over see his recovery. There are none better,” Lyroo said with pride.

Eyrn nodded.

“As I was saying, we also are unable to permit visitation that may interfere with the results of the assessment.” Lyroo composed herself. “If I can be frank for a moment, this really is the best chance Darren has. Given the information I have on what happened, no human behavioral expert in their right mind will fault him for his reaction. This is strictly red tape to cut in order to secure his life,” Lyroo smiled.

Eyrn did not seem overly convinced, but with much hesitation she signed her name on the data pad.

Lyroo pulled the pad away and took back the stylus. “Excellent, we can get started right away. Where can I contact you? I will need to be in touch with you.”

Eyrn went to answer but was cut off by Aisell.

“She is staying with me for the time being, at the farm. You have my contact code I assume?” Aisell looked to Eyrn, mostly to gauge her reaction to what was just said.

Eyrn looked a bit shocked, but smiled warmly. She wasn’t ready to face Bedra yet, truthfully she didn’t want to see anyone who wasn’t either human or Aisell for the time being. Aisell’s offer was much appreciated.

“Oh, well that’s easy enough then! I will be in touch.” Lyroo smiled and waved slightly to both women.

“Okay…and thank you, Lyroo.” Aisell smiled and nodded.

“This will work out, somehow it will. I won’t let him fall through the cracks.” Lyroo gave one more reassuring smile and then left the way she had come.

There was silence between Aisell and Eyrn for a few moments as they left the shelter and made their way down the street.

“You didn’t have to do that.” Eyrn spoke at last.

“Yes I did.” Aisell responded simply.

“You don’t have to take care of me. I appreciate it, but I am able to look after myself Aisell.” Eyrn stated softly.

“Oh, no doubt. But if I let you go home you just might murder Bedra…so this is really for her sake more than yours.” Aisell winked and gave Eyrn a bit of a shove.

“Right, coming from Aisell Maris, Crocodile Hunter!” Eyrn grumbled and shoved back, unable to even budge the taller girl.

“When are you going to figure out nobody gets your strange references?” Aisell asked with a slight laugh.

“It’s not my fault you’re all square!” Eyrn stuck her tongue out.

The two girls were silent for a while longer. “Thanks though.” Eyrn smiled. She was terrified still, but there was hope now and she didn’t feel quite so alone now. She had Aisell, which helped a great deal more than even Aisell herself could understand.