That is exactly what Nick did and then proceeded to spend the next thirty seconds coughing his guts up. When he was finished the smile that spread across his face was one of contentedness as the effects of the substance took hold.

Sandra said to Nick, “Do you want to stay in this city?”

“Given the chance, no. But I ain’t going to be able to go to the city I would want to live in.”

“Which is?”

“Teabban, the capital of Jarrzar. I have a couple of very good friends there.”