We are installing a gate in orbit near Neptune so we can send ships rapidly to defend Earth.“I am exceedingly reluctant to take over Earth. It is pr...bably an irrational problem of mine in that I dislike running things and taking over when it is not wanted. Earth needs to develop itself and move ahead and if it does not, it is going to be vulnerable and then I am going to be forced to do what I don’t want to do, but I suspect that I’m going to do it. Both Cassius and Ouma Chatzke will be. We’ll have ‘em ready for you.”“I’ll bring you a good mess of pecans back, Williams, for getting them wagons done that fast for us.”The night before they were to leave, Eli brought the six Crow girls and the six Young Bucks into the kitchen and sat them down for a talk.“We’re all headin out for Pecan Ridge tomorrow morning early and it’ll take us four days to get there. I want all of you up, fed, and your horses saddled at first light. We’ll ride our horses over to the lumber yard and pick up. . and, I don't know ... serious about protecting us. It made me realize how you have had to pretty much raise yourself, because every time I tried to be a mother to you, Tim would lose his temper and take it out on all of us."You must really hate me for neglecting you all these years, and I don't blame you one bit. I really don't ... blame you."But, David, I don't see any trace of resentment, anger, hate, or even indifference in you. I see a grown man, not a sixteen-year-old boy. When did you. .."Brandy!" Eric ran after him and grabbed his arm. "Wait! I'm sorry. I shouldn't have..." No, it's not you." Brandon took a deep breath and tried not to cry out of frustration. "I can't see you. I'm sorry. I can't." Was it the kiss?" Eric hoped not; it was the kiss to end all for him. "I shouldn't have..." No, no, it's not you." Brandon sighed deeply. "It's me." Hey, don't you have to start dating before you get the 'it's not you it's me' speech?"Brandon almost laughed. "Usually. In this case,.