Learning to Dance

would like to check in to our rooms.”
Taz aimed her most winning smile at the Grand Europa
employee. It had been decided that Up should do most of
the talking so as to avoid having Taz use her imperfect
Alabama accent when at all possible.
“Ah, yes, the Sweethearts suite,” said the employee, and
Taz made a mental note to kill Tripp when next she saw
him. “One of our best. If you’ll just follow me-”
The von Tuppingtons were followed to their rooms by a
small army of Rangers dressed as butlers, maids, and
whoever else might be employed by a wealthy Earth doctor
for an event such as this. The suite looked more like a
mansion to Taz, who had never seen such opulence, with a
full kitchen, living area and separate rooms for the
aforementioned butlers and maids. The master bedroom
contained a massive four poster bed and a balcony
overlooking the breathtaking views of the floating Europa
City. Jupiter loomed large on the horizon.
Taz flopped onto the bed. “Wow,” she said, sinking into
a luxury of blankets as the other Rangers started securing
the perimeter. “I didn’t know they made mattresses this
thick! Mira esto, Up!”
“No jumping on the bed, now,” he said, loosening his tie
and smiling. It was a relief to hear his real voice again.
“Please, Lieutenant!” a panicked voice called. “You’ll
wrinkle your outfit! It’s an original!”
Taz made sure she rolled a few more times before
clambering out of the bed and smiling sweetly at Alejandro.
Up winked at her.
“Only three hours until the ball begins!” the stylist
continued, wringing his hands. “It’s not enough time!
Lieutenant, if you please...”
He gestured for Taz to follow him into the adjacent
dressing room. She shrugged at Up, who had stretched out