First frost, and the pier boards had iced over. Next to my footprints, three sets of boot prints, frozen in a row. Looks like all three stood there a good while, facing the same direction.

• Cassian VoltMy people have been diligent lately. They're out walking even before dawn.
  MavisDiligent is fine, but tell them to take their cigarette butts with them. No reason to make me count those too.
• Walter CroninFile a report and I'll send someone.
  MavisYour people always show up after sunrise, Captain. After the ice has already melted.
• Yvonne MarchéThis month's paperwork for Pier 17 has been unusually clean.