"So you're from Canberra, is that right?" Brent held a beer bottle in a careful balance between his thumb and forefinger.

"Yeah, that's right. And you?"

"From Albury, way back when. I've been in Melbourne for years now. Graduated a couple of years ago. What about you?"

"Yeah, sure. Graduated . . ." Sacha looked up at the ceiling in thought. "Well I only graduated last year, but I finished in 2002. That's right, finished before the fires, graduated after." Sacha was talking at least as much to herself as to Brent.

"Right. And what did you study?"

"History."

"Oh right, cool." Brent nodded appreciatively, "Do you want a beer?"

"I'm right for the moment, thanks."

"Okay."

Sacha pursed her lips and looked around a little awkwardly. "So what did you study, then?" she asked at last.

"Pol-sci."

"Ah, one of those then" she smiled.

Brent frowned slightly. "I guess you get a lot of people like me in Canberra, then."

"People like you?"

"You know, with my degree."

"Oh yeah" Sacha rolled her eyes, "we're all pointy-heads and greymen down there. Have you ever actually been to Canberra?"

"No, 'fraid not."

"Gees, and you studied Pol-sci?"

"All right, all right, don't bite my head off."

Sacha put her hand to her forehead. "Sorry, Brent. Often when I meet people my first impulse is towards antagonism."

"Then it's lucky for you I didn't study psychology, 'cause I bet there's all sorts of things I could tell you."

Sacha laughed. "Yeah . . . I guess I'm a little on edge. I wasn't quite sure what the guest list would be tonight." She jerked her head towards Alain, who was preoccupied in conversation with Mal.

"Yeah" said Brent. "There's been more than a few people impressed at the way you've cut him down to size."

"Christ" muttered Sacha, "don't you people ever do anything other than talk about me?"

"Hmm . . ." Brent scratched his chin. "I'm trying to think of an answer to that that doesn't sound like I'm hitting on you. I figure that's the last thing you need right about now."

Sacha smiled. "Well if you want to do something friendly, you can get me that beer now."