The Kennel
"forty-two," he looked at me, cocking a finger, "get on." examinations were a normal part of our lives here at the kennel.
The Scent of Blood
"and you're forty-two, the one who called this in?" i nodded crisply in return. they set to work without another word, just as they should. i prepared my notes to hand off to them. they took photos of the scene.
Final Exam
"very good, forty-two. we have one last point to cover before wrapping up your final exam." "yes, ma'am. the fourth and final law is that no engineered animal is permitted to kill." "and how does this affect you, forty-two?"
Unexpected Aid
"is there anything more i can do for you, forty-two?" "not today, nineteen. thank-you again." "not a problem, forty-two. keep dry and warm up there, eh?" "pardon?" "haven't you been listening to the wireless?
The Master Constable
"i'm a k-9 unit, born nineteen-seventy-eight, august 18'th, and my whelping number is forty-two. my name is forty-two, it's the only name i have." he shook his head again and wrote down '42' in the ledger book.
Funeral
"forty-two," he was leaning back in his chair now, looking as old as i felt, "i'd kill you in an instant if we could make another like you..." his eyes drifted shut, "we can still make this work, forty-two.
A Night in Tranquility
forty-two?" "yes." i felt a slight shiver pass through me as he spoke my name. if i'd had the space i would have shaken like i was throwing off water. "forty-two is the last part of the registration code i was assigned at birth.
A Night Amongst the Ruins
"forty-two. my name is forty-two." "nyt." his brows lowered at me. "forty-two is not name. is number. what is name?" his accent was becoming even thicker now as he huffed out breaths. "my name is forty-two."
A Grand Day Out
"what is it, forty-two? we should keep moving, shouldn't we?" sixty was still kneeling next to my ear, as if he didn't even realize what was going on. "sush, brother. can't you see what's happened? forty-two has been hurt."
Wherever Home Is
Here's hoping you enjoy the trials of forty-two. he's a good dog, a good boy, but the world is not always kind to those of us who are born innocent. so, a little bit more background on where the idea came from.
To Uphold the Law
"do you know who this is, forty-two?" brophy was speaking more quickly now, his voice raising in pitch. "yes, sir." "tell me, forty-two, what do you want to do?"
Headstones and Heresy
Who were you when you were forty-two?" "no," i shook my head again, "i'm still forty-two. i am what the handlers and doctors at the kennel made me. i'm not normal, richard. you deserve more, better. i'm sorry.