I said, "Let's get out of here before that autorch--" but I was too late. It started blaring _The Solar System Forever_ before we reached the door. Everybody was singing too, which made it worse. I hadn't known before that it had words. Otherwise, it was a successful evening. Particularly after I convinced the Solar System League officers that there was no need for around a dozen of them to be stationed in my apartment. I told them that they could patrol the corridors, my roof, and the street outside to their hearts' content, but my apartment was out. The officer in charge took another look at Suzi and evidently decided I was probably right--there are things more important than personal safety. The rest of the evening was spent by Suzi proving that she still loved me. She offered some excellent evidence. Anyway, it satisfied me.... * * * * * I was awakened again the next morning by Mari Nown who, as he had the morning before, was waving a sheet of newspaper before my eyes. This could grow into a very unpleasant habit. But at least he wasn't hopping this time. In fact, he seemed quite pleased with himself. I turned over on my other side and growled, "Go away, I was having a beautiful dream about Suzi." He whistled happily, "I've done it for you, Jak. Everything'll be fine now." "That's good," I began sleepily, but then I sat upright in bed, with quick suspicion. "You've done what?" I grabbed the newspaper from his hand. It read, _Champ's Manager reveals he has Venusian Elephantiasis_. I stared at it and then at him. "What in _kert_ is Venusian Elephantiasis, and where'd you get the idea I have it?" He shrilled proudly, "I had to do a lot of research. It's one of the few diseases left in the system that's incurable. So rare, for one thing." I was still half asleep. I shook my head. He said, "Don't you get it? You won't have to fight now. You can retire from the arena, as undefeated champ, and make a top notch living for the rest of your life endorsing--" I jumped out of the bed and dashed to the telo, but even before I could reach it it glowed on and Suzi's face, cold as a winter day on Pluto, was there. Her eyes seemed to focus about three feet beyond my head and she said, "Jak Dempsi, you're a phony. A cheap, petty, _cowardly_ phony. Venusian Elephantiasis, indeed!" Her voice dripped scorn. "I never want to hear from you again." "_Suzi_, wait a minute. I can explain," I yelled. "My manager--" But the screen had died. I spun on him, but he wasn't at the side of the bed where I'd seen him last. Instead he was over at the Viziscreen, the glee gone from his chicken-like face, and anxiety beginning to become evident. He shrilled, "They can't do this to me. We're being robbed!" * * * * * I started for him, my fingers stretched out like claws. Here was one Mercurian _Bouncer_ who was going to have his neck wrung, like the fowl he resembled.