6The Red Star woke.
31“You do,” Pipette said. “Frequently.”
7“Perfect,” Santa said.
32“Nothing,” I said. “Everything.”
8“Translation,” I asked.
33“Yes, Ron?”
9“Temporarily,” Pipette corrected.
34Chapter 17: The Battle of the Elves
10Flick grinned. “Giftstorm.”
35Santa nodded. “Yes.”
11“Correct,” Pipette said.
36“So, yes,” Flick said. “Hypnosis.”
12“Everywhere,” Santa said.
37Pipette gasped. “Look.”
13“Efficient,” Rudolph replied.
38Santa laughed. “Always.”
14“Yes,” I said.
39The Red Star was gone.
15For about ten minutes.
40“Denied,” Miss Pipette said.
16He smiled. “To Christmas Eve, of course.”
41“Translation,” Flick said.
17Santa nodded. “Exactly.”
42“Another room?”
18“Santa?” I called.
43“Seedlights,” Santa said.
19“The Between?” I asked. “Between what?”
44“Where?” I asked.
20“Santa?”
45“Again,” Santa said.
21“Impossible,” Flick muttered.
46“Where then?”
22“How?”
47So I did.
23“Maybe.”
48I nodded. “Always.”
24“Then no promises.”
49With gratitude, Ron — Keeper of Intervals
25Flick whooped. “Promotion!”
