Cricket's mildly surprised to hear that aliens have flu, too. He's going to have to ask about that when Mr. Slick's wife does show up. "I sure hope there ain't many with the flu here yet. It's bad stuff."

Still, he returns the smile when he grins. "That's right. I make mine with a sweet-feed mix, or with corn, or with apples or berries. The blackberry is the best. Kinda wanna try peach and pear."

"Well, I gave all the white lightning I had to the medical team for disinfectant and whatnot," he says. "I still have some apple back at the place I was stayin', unless it's been stolen, but you may have to wait till the thaw. Don't you worry, though. I'll be making more no matter what. It's been a real good way to earn money around here, and folks seem to enjoy it."