Vimes storms through the palace and flings open the door of Vetinari's office without knocking. He stomps across the room and leans over the Patrician's desk. "What the hell do you think you're playing at?" he growls, staring the man in the eyes.

Entry: Ali's bloody impossible.

Something's up with Troven, but I'm not getting involved. Not my type of fight.

Entry: How many years has it taken me, now? And I still speak my mind at the wrong times. Ye gods. Keep your damn mouth shut, Vimes.

Another thing: I never want to hear the phrase "monkey love" in connection with me and Vetinari. Ever again.

Entry: Saw Dessa. Tried to let her off the hook. Since she's lost her memory, she doesn't need me mucking up her life. She doesn't know me. I... She doesn't understand my ways. I think I scare her. So, told her that she didn't have to try to like me. Still wants to, though. Daft girl.

Have to try to repair things with Ali. Gods dammit. Women.

Entry: Damn Hong. Damn him to the lowest pits of hell. What does he WANT with her?

And why can't I let it rest? She's a grown woman. She'll do what she pleases. It's not my business, anyway.

So why do I feel like bashing his head against a wall?

Bugger all this for a game of soldiers.

Entry: Must find Vetinari. Ali said something was wrong with him. Where the hell is that bastard when you need him???

Entry: Detritus and Littlebottom have switched bodies. Damn bloody Nexus. How the hell am I supposed to deal with this? Oh, and now Ali's started in on the mother-henning. Can I get no freedom? Is there a sign on my head that says "Incompetent. Take care of me?" I bloody well think not!

And there's something odd about Drumknott today...

Memo: Bring helmet for Ali.