panel, Donovan said, "Let's make one thing clear, sir; you've been selling computer files, not books." "That's why they call them 'e'-books. My question stands." The moderator said, "This is off-topic. This panel is about 'Women of Science Fiction', not methods of publishing." "You could have said that earlier," said Cade, "When the second or third question wasn't about 'Women of Science Fiction' and before thirty minutes were spent on off-topic topics. Let Mr. Donovan answer my question, if he will." "He won't," said Donovan. "She's right; this is off-topic and we should get back to the reason for this panel." Cade's chuckle earned him a curious glance from Mandi and a few others nearby as the moderator, herself, rather ineptly tried to manufacture a topic-related question to force the panel back on track and get it rolling again. As Mandi and Cade headed back to the escalators, she said, "Only one percent of manuscripts being published doesn't offer authors much hope of making a living from their work." "Those people want to see their name on a paperback. For them, it won't be about money unless they get published. Most of them don't even have a realistic concept of how much -- or how little, actually -- published authors truly earn from their books. Today they'll bitch about stacks of rejection slips, wasted time and postage, and stupid editors who can't see the value in their work. If they happen to get published, they'll wind up bitching about being screwed by their publishers over rights and book returns from chain stores." After a short laugh, Mandi asked, "Then why do you go to these panels?" Grinning, Cade said, "Sometimes they stay on topic." She shrugged and said, "I feel as if I've just wasted an hour with that one. Don't you?" "Nope. I can usually find some way to use even an experience like that in one of my ebooks." Mandi was about to say something when her cell phone chirped. She and Cade stepped out of the flow of foot traffic as she answered the call. "Angel here." "Alan. We found Hamad Marjeel and two of his people right across the street. The Rivage seems to be getting all their business today. Instead of running, they grabbed a couple of hostages in 831 and they're demanding media coverage." "Meaning you want me to go in as a reporter?" "It's all we can come up with. We're staging up in 835." Mandi said, "I'm on my way." "You'll be holding a mike and handling the interview," said Cade. "You'll need a cameraman." "You're volunteering?" Shrugging, Cade said, "Well, if you'd prefer to have one of the younger guys in there with you... You know, one of the guys with a wife and kids..?" Mandi gave him a wry look and nodded, then said, "Alan, I already have a cameraman." "Cade?" "Yes. We'll be there shortly." She put her phone away and gestured for Cade to hurry along as she took the