"They don't tend the trees for pies," she smirks. "Though they do sell the apples to help fund the retirement program. Apple wood, particular wood from an apple tree that has mistletoe growing on it, makes the best stakes."

"Not that I'd be eligible for SOF retirement anyway - I'm unofficial. I'm spared all the paperwork they have to do, but then, I also don't have any supporting documentation, either."