“Is that how unity is achieved?”“Seems to work for most; democracies work well enough at planetary level but not so much at interstellar numbers... too many different factions and worlds left feeling unrepresented. That’s why I have planetary High Bureaucrats and Governors running individual planets and answering to the High Bureaucrats here.”“So they have a stable focus for loyalty and a single point of complaint if things go wrong?” I chuckled.“Pretty much it. They know the rules are the same. 'Oh thank you, honey. I'll make it up to you. I promise.' Her eyes met his. She was flushed, a rose pink hue. Her eyes flashed with passion and excitement. She looked into his eyes.'I'll do more than just make it up to you. You just wait and see.'She turned and headed for the door. Then paused. She seemed to think for a moment then turned back to Thomas.'I made you a promise too.'Thomas looked confused.'I promised never to remove my knickers for another man, or allow another man to remove. "I don't smoke," he said."It's just a concept. You don't actually need to smoke."I cleaned up and called him in for dessert, a chocolate cream pie. I didn't make it myself, that would be just a bit too domestic. But I know guys like chocolate, and I read it puts everybody in the mood. He had two slices which made me happy with my choice.I led the way to the living room. I tried to start my dessert with some kissing. He preferred conversation."Did you ever have a really good meal in a fine. It was about 2am and I was pretty toasted. As I walked down 1st, I passed a guy, maybe late 30s, leaning against a car. He asked me something. I didn't hear him so, being the nice polite naive 23 year old small town boy that I was, I stopped and asked him to repeat himself. We got to talking. Well, he was talking and I was too polite to cut him off, as I recall. I still don't remember what his pitch was but it must have been convincing. He talked me into his car. I remember having no sense of.