The slap came fast and hard, but Max was ready for it. Still, when it connected, it hurt like hell. The engineer was starting to think she had some practice with this. Max was surprised, however, by the closed fist that came at his way next. Max had never been the most athletic person, having spent more days reading that running outside. Still, instinct took over and he ducked. Taking the hint, he made a hasty retreat out of the ballroom. The room filled with laughter, and none laughed louder than Hubert. [i]Laugh it up, you bastard. We will see how you feel in the morning.[/i] he thought to himself. He quickly made his way to the front garage, hoping that the airship that Octavia promised would be waiting for him. The sooner he could get out of the monkey suit he was wearing and into some practical clothing, the better.