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Show 227 that formed Miyazu, and pointing away in an arc of lights stretched the Bridge. The room was wide, low-ceilinged, lit only by candles; and the lilac evening air, pressing against the windows reminded them of nightfall aboard ship. They ordered drinks and sat back, as the tables began to fill. From all the corridors the guests assembled, laughing and talking, stepped out of the paper sandals and padded to their places. The Murakamis joined the Wilsons, along with a couple of the single officers; soon the waitress appeared dispensing sake or whiskey. Other girls stood at one side, and when most of the guests had appeared, they advanced and began to prepare the sukiyaki on braziers in the middle of the low round tables. In a few moments Yosh appeared, his slight figure elegant, the normal serenity of his face darkened slightly by worry. Walking over he sat down on a cushion. "How's Mike?" Louise asked. "Fair. Doesn't want dinner." "Would it help if I staid with her?" "Should we take her back?" asked Sid. Yosh pondered. "I'm not sure. Carlton says there's no rush." Louise's eyes flicked toward the c e i l i n g . "Carlton would dawdle on Doomsday." "He says the t r i p wouldn't hurt; might speed things up. Wish I knew. We h a v e n ' t " - a touch of humor crossed his |