“We could move,” Dick said.“Were? For how long would you stay hidden? This planet once supported billions of people. Our ancestors were lucky. T...ey arrived here after a great war had raged. The local populations had been decimated.”“We were left alone only because of where we were located. We are not alone anymore. The world is recovering. More people from other countries will find us as well. Shipping is becoming more common. If we don’t adapt and change, something or someone will force us. So what’s up?” I asked.“Since you are running the worm ranch part time, I was wondering if you would like to work for me in your spare time?” John asked.“Son you have to be kidding,” I said dramatically.“No, I’m quite serious. I need you to run down a client’s story. Everybody else I asked wants a hundred dollars an hour and the client can’t afford that,” John said.“So now you are taking on clients below the poverty level,” I asked.“It’s one of those cases I have been assigned by the presiding. ‘Are you any good with your sword?’ asked Zoa. ‘Of course,’ snarled the guard. ‘Good,’ said Zoa, took off her bow and quiver, and left them against the wall. ‘If anything happens to me, you will guard the content of this box with your life.’ She didn’t bother to check if the dense guardsman had caught her drift. Maybe she was taking the charade a bit too far. ‘Take me to General Hopez,’ she demanded. —==(o)==— Hopez was sipping a mug of water when the young courier-woman was led into his. I picked up a cab, grabbed my bag while I had the cabbie wait and was at the airport just in time for check in. I hadn't even had time to change and was still wearing the business skirt and jacket I had put on this morning for the meeting. My feet were killing me, three inch heels weren't exactly made for running through airports in.I'd gotten a seat in coach, the last available seat in any plane today and I made due, sitting back and making idle chit chat with the older lady I was seated.