MA08 Myth-Nomers and Im-Pervections Read Online Free PDF Page B

their animal survival instinct from interfering with the driver’s orders. I couldn’t figure out how he was controlling them, but he seemed determined to maintain a breakneck pace regardless of minor considerations like safety and common sense.
    “So, have you two been on Perv long?”
    The driver’s voice dragged me back to the present my mind had been trying so desperately to ignore.
    “Just got here today, in fact.”
    Suddenly, I zeroed in on what he had said.
    “Excuse me, did you say ‘you two’?”
    The driver bobbed his head in acknowledgment. “That’s right. It isn’t often I get a Klahd or a Djin, much less one of each in the same fare.”
    He not only knew how many we were, he had spotted what we were! Needless to say, the news was not welcome.
    “What the ... ” Kalvin started, but I silenced him with a gesture.
    “Before I answer, do you mind my asking how you knew?” I said, casually glancing around to see if there was a way we could exit rapidly if necessary.
    “Scanned you when you got in,” the driver said, pointing briefly to a small screen amidst the clutter of his other devices. “A cabbie can’t be too careful these days ... not with the crime rate the way it is. We’re moving targets for every amateur stick-up artist or hijacker who needs a quick bankroll. I had that baby installed so I’d know in advance what was sittin’ down behind me.”
    He shot me a quick wink over his shoulder.
    “Don’t worry, though. I won’t charge you extra for the Djin. He don’t take up much space. So far as I can tell, you two are harmless enough.”
    That reassured me, at least to a point where I no longer considered jumping from the moving vehicle.
    “I take it you don’t share the general low opinion of folks from off-dimension?”
    “Don’t make no never mind to me, as long as you pay your way,” the driver waved. “As far as I can tell, you got enough money on ya that I don’t think you’ll try to welch on anything as piddling as a cab fare. Keep up the disguise, though. Some of the merchants around here will raise their prices at the sight of someone from off-dimension just to make you feel unwelcome ... and things are already priced sky-high.”
    “Thanks for the warning.”
    “ ... And you might be careful carrying so much cash. Everything you’ve heard about crime on the streets in this place is true. In fact, you’d probably be best off hiring yourself a bodyguard while you’re here. If you want, I can recommend a couple good ones.”
    “You know, that might not be a bad idea,” Kalvin said. “In case I hadn’t mentioned it, Djinger is a pretty peaceful dimension. I won’t be much help to you in a fight.”
    I ignored him as the cabbie continued, apparently unable to hear the Djin despite his various devices. Remembering some of the dangers I had faced in my adventures, the idea of hiring someone to guard me just to walk down the street seemed a little ludicrous.
    “I appreciate your concern, but I’m pretty good at looking out for myself.”
    “Suit yourself, it was just a suggestion. Say, you want something to eat? I sell snack packs.”
    He used one hand to pick up a box from the seat beside him and shove it in my direction. It was filled with small bags with stuff oozing through the sides.
    “Uh ... not just now, thanks,” I said, trying to fight down the sudden queasiness I felt.
    The driver was not to be daunted. He tossed the box back onto the seat and snatched up a booklet.
    “How about a guidebook, then? I write and print ‘em myself. It’s better’n anything you’ll find on the stands ... and cheaper, too.”
    That might have come in handy, but glancing at it I could see the print was a series of squiggles and hieroglyphics that were meaningless to me. I always travel with a translator pendant to get around the language barrier, but unfortunately its powers don’t extend to the written word.
    “I don’t suppose you have a Klahdish translation, do