“What?” Seven asked. He looked down at the elastic flesh, and felt within it the ambitious inner organs … all snapping to attention. “Everything’s there, as far as I can see.”

“Seven,” Cyprus said, meaningfully.

Seven grinned brilliantly. “Oh, the clothes. I forgot the clothes,” he said.

“Precisely.” Cyprus shook her head. “I hope you’ve done your homework and know what garments you want,” she said. “Now make an image of the clothes, and I’ll fill them in.”

Seven was actually quite proud of himself. He formed the image of undershorts figured with apple trees, and a black turtleneck undershirt. Cyprus quickly turned these from images into real items of clothing.

“How do you do that?” Seven asked.

“The same as with your body,” Cyprus replied. “I haven’t time to explain. I cause the … atoms in space to thicken … and congregate. But what else do you need?”

“The pièce de résistance,” Seven answered proudly, and on top of the underclothes he formed the image of a dark green polyester suit, with the tiniest of green and white checks. “What do you think of that?” he asked. “Perfect late 1980’s.”

“Well, you do look like a young dental associate,” Cyprus said, doubtfully.

“I hope so,” Seven retorted. “I studied and studied and studied so that I’d be sure to fit in.”

“It’s just that I didn’t realize that dentists in this century went barefoot,” Cyprus said, laughing and staring into Seven’s new bright and astonished brown eyes.

Instantly Seven formed the images of socks and black boots. “The socks are treated with deodorant,” he said. “I saw some like them in George’s dresser. Most of these clothes are based on his wardrobe … so he has to like the way I dress….” When Cyprus continued to laugh, he said defensively, “Well, there’s an awful lot to remember. Your humor’s at my expense….”

“You just look so … so earthy,” Cyprus replied, trying to control herself. “You have no idea; you look like a young dandy.”

“I don’t,” Seven protested. “I look like a young dental associate. You said so yourself.”

But suddenly Cyprus was serious. She filled in his socks and boots. “Remember, your body is only a temporary one,” she warned. “And treat it kindly. There are some things you’re used to doing that you can’t do with it; and some places it won’t go. But you’ll learn all of that.”

“What places?” Seven asked, a bit alarmed.

But Cyprus had no time to answer. Again George Brainbridge muttered loudly, “Damn, where is that guy?” This time he came out into the hallway. Cyprus said, “Quick, walk to the hall so it looks as if you came from the waiting room.” And she vanished.