she clicked it and frowned as she read . the steel barrel smashed into my lower lip , through it , and then hit my teeth . `` they 're called the alan , '' a voice said . no way was i going to wear those babies all night . i brushed past him , but he caught my upper arm . but he was studying the plans with concerted interest . `` not that you even know what that means , '' he added under his breath . it will not last much longer . '' 