Billions of years ago, the Earth was formed. Not too long later -- in geological time, that is -- life began its slow trek up the evolutionary ladder, eventually culminating in perfection: you. So, you busy Saturday night?

The Haddockery, a West Hammond seafood restaurant with a charming ambiance, delectible food, and heart-stopping prices. It's a popular spot for the cape and cowl set to bring a date in their off hours - Galactic Customs Agent and action hero Chuck War being no exception. Tonight we find him entertaining a woman from his past, someone with whom the flames of passion burn hotly, if intermittantly. We join them as they sip a hardy Andean wine and tear into the Haddockery's justly-famous dinner rolls.

Chuck War
Thanks again for making time for me, Pyth. It's great seeing you.

Pythia
How could I resist that "ladder of evolution" line of yours? Besides, Chaz, I'll always have time for the man who taught me to disarm a Qsirmu cluster bomb.

She speaks with a trace of an Australian accent. She favours him with a smile that many an attacking crocodile or pouncing tiger has seen minutes before meeting an untimely demise. His heart, already a tad on the fluid side, melts. He reaches up to adjust the perfectly-knotted tie he is wearing over his GC khakis.

Chuck War
Heh. You ever use any of that stuff?

Pythia
Time to time. Never know what's going to come up when they send me off. What about you - you ever use any of that stuff I taught you?

Chuck War
Nah, I gotta admit I don't run into many charging bulls in this job.

Pythia
No - I meant the other things.

Chuck War
Ah --

He is interrupted by a ringing cell phone.

Pythia
Bugger. Hold that thought.

She pulls a phone out of her leather bomber jacket and answers it.

Pythia
DiStefano... what? No, Sibyl, I have not been to see the bloody Orcas yet... it's nine PM here, if you hadn't noticed... no... look, I'm busy, I'll call you when I've got the info, awright? ... Mr. Puddles did what? ... Tell Cassie that if I catch sight of the mangy fleabag any where near my gear again, I'm tossing it in the basement as weasel food. Good-bye! Cripes...

She hangs up.

Pythia
Now, where were we?

Chuck War
I was about to tell you how your eyes remind me of the Martian night.

Pythia
Rusty, lifeless and cold as hell, eh? Smooth-talking devil. Save it for after dessert... How's the super-hero business?

Chuck War
It's been a busy week. Alien low-lifes trying to set up a brothel downtown, insane panda bears hijacking GO trains, cultists trying to resurrect the Lord of Undead Poultry... and on top of that, I've been covering for Hydrogen Guy and Deuterium Boy on their vacation.

Pythia
Sounds hectic. Need an extra trigger finger?

Chuck War
I might just take you up on that. But not tonight.

Pythia
Bloody right, not tonight. I --

Another phone rings.

Both
Bugger!

Chuck War
Two seconds --

He pulls his wrist watch off and holds it to his ear.

Chuck War
War. Hydrogen Guy! I thought you were in -- what?! The Crustacean is -- yeah, yeah, hang on, I'll be right there. Don't move. [click] Pyth, I --

Pythia
Don't sweat it, Chaz. Duty calls. Don't worry about the cheque - if Sibyl bugs me during dinner, then it goes on the expense account.

Chuck War
You're a doll, Pyth. I'll call you.

Pythia
Damn right you will.

He leaps up from the table, grabs his Argon Blast Cannon and runs out of the dining room. A waiter approaches the table with an inquisitive air.

Pythia
Called away on business - don't worry about it, ducks, you still got me. Think I'll have the lobster, I've heard good things about it.

WILL Pythia have the lobster? Will Chuck War reach the scene of the crime before it's... TOO LATE? Will Mr. Puddles end up as weasel food?

Find out same Hydrgen Time, Same Hydrogen Oracle!