"I agreed to take a human Companion, but I did not agree to take Gordus himself," Hammen explained to his wristphone in the alcove outside the coordinator's office.
"I think it's a terrible thing," Lora said. "But why won't you jump with him—Gordus, I mean?"
"I hate him," Hammen explained.
"Oh, sure. I guess I do too. I'd never thought of being a Companion with him. Ugh! Oh, Hale's swimming in now." Aside: "Over here, darling. Ham's calling."
From afar: "Who?"
Aside: "Hammen. The Witch."
"Why didn't you say so?" Into the phone: "Hi, fellow. What can we do to you?"
"You can do a lot for me."
"For you, huh? That comes high, you know. What'll it be?"