There was a good point there. He saw it, but accepting things with poise and grace had never really been his style. His best results always came from wailing against circumstances and making things happen.

"That's true," he said calmly, "And, I know its not terrible because most everyone else is here, but my oldest and most reliable partner isn't here. He was, at one point, but he was already gone by the time I dropped in. Sorry for being sentimental there--the friend in question would put me in a headlock if he heard all this."

There's a wry smile on his face as he continues. "We always did our best work as a group, the four of us. I know I've done some pretty crazy things, but I can't take all of the credit. Some of it never would have happened with out my buddies around. All of them."