Chapter 7
Karl jumped when someone touched his shoulder at lunch the next day, barely managing to keep from dropping his food. It still wasn't spectacular, but more than the mechanical conveyor seemed to be working better in the cafeteria.
"Mind if I join you for a minute?" George said.
"Sure thing, Georgie. Over here by the window again?"
"Works for me."
George's own tray held only empty plates, but he carried it to the table anyway. Karl couldn't remember his old friend looking so lively for a long time. He looked almost as excited as Karl felt.
"So, how'd your morning go?" George was smiling, but he raised both dark eyebrows and glanced from side to side.
"I...uh..." Karl said, scrambling to follow his friend's lead. "I think a pattern is becoming clear, a lot more than I thought
