#centowski

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Natalie has to make strict rules about kids using her computer, since they're so rare in the compounds and hers is supposed to be for health-related business. But there's no point being too big a stickler about it as long as no one abuses her hospitality.

With the kids all in school and Amy keeping the cause of the refugees in front of the funding sources, Orlando Centowski ought to be able to get a lot of work done on his next book; but without air conditioning even basic word processing is a bit of a strain on the computer. It should be okay if he gets all this cat hair cleaned out...

"Is there a way to boost the generator so the Swains and I don't have to check in with each other when we need our computers?" "Don't go looking for special treatment! The Swains need their computer for important stuff, not writing kiddie books." "Kiddie books happen to be the most important literature there is, but I'm not looking to compete with the doctor and Captain Hero - that's the whole point of the question, whether I can pursue my profession without interfering with their public service."

"Of course they're all right,” said Anna, with more conviction than she felt; but she was the oldest, and it was her job to be afraid quietly, so the littles wouldn't be.

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"Our dollhouse got destroyed in the fall so now we have to live in a giant's dishes but oh, well, nothing's perfect and we still have each other!' That's right, Mrs. Doll, and someday you'll have another house, even nicer than the old one!"

So if John has eight apples and gives five to Mary and two to James, and James gives three of his oranges to Mary and two to John, and Mary gives both boys the same total number of bananas as she got from both of them, but evenly divided with one left over for herself - why don't they pile them all together and make fruit salad?

"Here comes Edward Beare, coming downstairs now, thump, thump, thump!"

Mary Beth is the only child in the compound, till John Chang grows up, but she makes the best of her situation.

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Everybody feels right at home!

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Maria Casilda and AJ regard themselves as responsible for brightening everyones' lives with hospitality and good company. After all, you don't need a bunch of fancy stuff to throw a party.

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Nobody sneaks out every night, by any means. There's still plenty of wholesome family fun to be had at home; and nobody wants to make Captain Hero suspicious. AJ Centowski's position as a mover and a shaker in the world of Drama Acres teens is far from secure, but she knows that when Mary Ann Hawkins leaves for college, a power vacuum will open up in the space Mary Ann doesn't even know she's occupying. And AJ is ready to step into that vacuum! She's not letting the loss of the big home and the cool stuff stop her from assuming her rightful place!

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"Goodness, such a little fuzzball to have such a loud cry!"

"Don't worry, Rumpus - no kitten will ever take your place. You'll be able to boss cat over her, and won't that be nice?"

Lady of all she surveys, Rumpus ponders how to use the new kitten to improve the food available to her. Emergency kibble is all very well for the little squeaker, but she really needs something for a more sophisticated palate.

"Hey, there's a kitten out here! Rumpus! Look! We have a kitten!"

"Ooh, look what a good kitty you are, eating your cat food instead of begging! And you'll share with the kitten, right? Because you're a good sweet kitty!"

"I'd kind of like to have another baby, but that's clearly impractical right now and you'll do, kitten! You'll do!"

"Hmm, gotta take a look at the new citizen I'm protecting! I'm a dog man, myself, but if you need rescuing, cat, you can count on me."

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"Ha! She can't combat improper use of influence if she doesn't know about it! Keeping politicians uninformed is a key part of maintaining privilege in times of turmoil!"

"And that's how the baby got in there!" "I dunno, I'm sure I remember I got dropped off by a van in the snow."

"So that's why we adopted Mary Beth and Maria Casilda instead." "I see. The sounds like a lot less work. But I bet it's more expensive and that's why Mom keeps getting pregnant instead."

"Don't you have a home to go to, Phoenix?" "Yeah, but it's all of ten feet away. Nobody's worried about me."

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"It's important to get things turned in on time. I bet you don't actually need my help, but I'll walk you through it this one time."

"Be careful, Rumpus! Your big savage claws could destroy this whole place, so it's a good thing you can pull them into your paddy-paws."

"Whoops, it got away!" "Hey, I think all that basketball buffed me up!"

"I've about decided the plot actually centers on a stray cat...do you think we should get another one? There seem to be a lot of homeless animals around."

"So I think what they should do is build the new school on a magic train and whenever a disaster happens it goes somewhere else and never has to get rebuilt!" "That's certainly an interesting concept."

"You're up early." "Woke up in a cold sweat remembering I hadn't finished this. Where's your homework?" "Did it last night. Or, most of it, anyway...it's around here somewhere...eh, I'll finish on the bus."