B.," Katherine said, suddenly changing the subject, "This room is really perfect. Not just for painting people's privates, but for doing other things ...ith those privates as well. I'm surprised people don't come in here to make out or have sex. Or do they?" They don't, 'cos you have to be a teacher's pet like me to be able to get a key to come in here in the first place. Didn't you notice that when I unlocked the door?" Who did you get it from? No, wait, let me guess. Ms. Rhymer." Good guess." I. This shell seemed to double the life span of this species, in comparison to other butterfly species. It also provided something of a counterweight for flight, allowing it to fly better and faster than other butterflies.The primary compound in the shell had been extracted and diluted for future reproduction. The purpose of the study would be to see the effect of the compound on humans; trials on mice and smaller animals found that the compound could form a shell around whatever animal had been. " But how are you going to broach the issue with Barsa's boss? Won't it look suspicious if you are negotiating the contract and suddenly pop up with 'Hey, I hear you are looking for illegal missile parts!' I can just imagine that going well." Kat asked, trying to sort this all out."True." Helios agreed, but he didn't look at all daunted. "Or, it would be, if I was not already putting the work out through my contacts that I have a friend in the Union Naval supply chain who can get minor things. ‘What if Sierra fell in love with Zevran? Because that is what it would be for me – I wouldn’t be with someone I didn’t love. And if you didn’t love me, it wouldn’t work either, so I’d have to assume you loved me too.’ ‘Well, there’s our first problem. I don’t fall in love.’ ‘Did you forget who you’re talking to? I know about Rinna, Zev. You’re as capable of love as the next person, and if you weren’t such a coward about it, you’d realise you’re already in love.’ I stuck my tongue out for good.