Oh, good. Another version of Pleasant. This was just going to be piles of fun, wasn't it? Guild already began to regret his decision.

We took a boat was such an obviously flippant and sarcastic remark, so akin to the sort of humour Pleasant enjoyed using, that Guild's eyes narrowed when Pleasant genuinely laughed. They actually did? Was crossing dimensions so common over in Gabe's world that there was some sort of ferry service? One thing became painfully obvious. Either the pair had taken to each other instantly because of that caustic wit and ability to serenely annoy people, or Pleasant had taught the cowboy everything he knew. Guild didn't know which one was worse.

"Nasty bastards?" he repeated in a tired, deadpan tone. Why did it sound like the most terrifying creatures in existence just weren't that terrifying to Gabe? "That's one way of putting it. Look," he sighed, "I don't pretend to like Pleasant, or to approve of the way he does things, or to want him back at all." I don't see how anyone could, he wanted to add, but politely declined in view of their apparent relationship. "However, I do trust his judgment, and if he thinks you can help us figure this out, I won't argue."

Pleasant nodded. "Thank you. Gabe should be on the next boat out of here. Minimum of fuss. I doubt you'll even have paperwork to fill out."