#elsewhere

"Usually don't allow civilians on the loading docks; insurance and liability, you know how it is. But if you could find a way...."

"I think I can arrange something" He nods "won't get you in troube"

"'Course not."

"What time are you expecting to be here?"

Frank gives him the schedule.

Vali nods "See you then. And thanks for the heads up. If Brekke or Kerri show up before then you want me to invite them along?"

"Absolutely." he agrees "Funding will be needed."

"I'll bring the molaah"

"Sounds good."

And they hang up

Frank eats when the food arrives, sipping a cup of black coffee that comes with it.

"You want extra spuds with that, Frank?" Selma asks

"No thanks, this is just fine. Got a schedule to keep." he offers a friendly expression.

She smiles back "I hear you. Doesn't get any easier for the haulers." She gives him the check "Or us gals who make sure you get your grub"

He pays, and tips quite well. "Thanks, Selma. Always a good meal here."

"Thank you, Frank. You always show appreciation" A smile at the tip "You keep those dreams on the road alive, you hear?"

"Always." he tips his cap and heads back out the Rig.

The rig is raring to go, the glamour seems steady, and soon he is on his way. Willie Nelson is on the radio playing 'on the Road again', which is hard not to like

It's a classic for a reason!

A few more hours, only one more stop, and Frank pulls up to the loading zone

He greets the workers there and starts the paperwork.

While he works, he notices Vali, apparently veiled against mortal eyes

He gives no indication that he's seen Vali.

Vali looks over the goods, raises a brow. No sign of Kerri or Brekke

He looks impressed

Frank finishes his paperwork, gets a paper cup of tar.... and jaws with the guys while they shift the load.

They talk and chatter back. Bets are being made on football games

Frank can get in on that action for a small amount.

Soon he's made a friendly wager , and he knows where these guys live. And they're decent

"You're a nice guy, Frank" Says one of the guys "I ALMOST regret that I'll be taking your money"

But the paper work and cargo is finished

Frank chuckles, stows the paperwork, and takes the trailer to the drop point before heading home in his Rig.

Vali is in the passenger seat , "That's a really lovely find, Frank"

"Hello, Vali. Good." as they rumbleroar away.

"I brought you coffee from the lodge" he offers up a thermo "The china ware has a ligt magic on it"

"Thank you." he nods, indicating where Vali should put the thermos; driving, he can't sample it just now "Yes, I thought it might."

"Near as I can tell, it holds images of love. Each dish shows faces of those you love, familial, romantic, friendship"

"I thought if we could get them at the auction, Kerri might like them."

"She have a birthday coming up?" He smiles "She would. She totally would"

"Gifts don't have to be for birthdays." Frank points out "At least, not in my opinion."

"A surprise gift it is. Olgar will want to be in on this"

"Feel free."

"Hey, did you have any trouble on the road?"

"Mm. No. Not trouble. Exactly. No."

"mm good . .. had a flash of something, couldn't make it out but thought it might be a possible problem for you"

"Met up with some people who are.... or were.... trouble. But they didn't give me any."

A nod "Good to know. Glad it worked out then"

They close on the lodge "If you're curious about news you missed, I can fill you in on some"

"Always interested in what our status is when I return."

Vali fills him in on patrols, on the gaggle of rover trainees and their studies. He also mentions Siv's work as a Pillar of the Mountain while he was gone- seems she works hard.