They were really really happy. My dad even suggested giving me extra cash since I have a girlfriend whom they really like!!It was also the first time ...hat my girlfriend understood that I might be relatively well of. I never told people about my background for several reasons. I hated showoffs! And that I was financially better off than others was not my doing, I was just lucky. It was time to tell her. I called her and spoke to her for a while. I told her how much money I get per month from my. Recent scans with some new equipment show some massive deposits of precious minerals and rare materials. The minerals and materials are critical to the corporations, not to the Empire. If it had been on dead worlds, there would have been no problem. The only way to extract it profitably on these worlds would have destroyed massive areas of the environment."Councilor Estebahn said "They were looking for ways to pressure the Senate to overrule the Empress. We don't think all of them realized how. "Don't!"The voice was Nina's, and although terrified of the consequences, she held a small caliber weapon that although wavering back and forth, was primarily pointed at Aimee."Don't make me do it Aimee. I love you! You know it. She's... she's been good to me too, and you know better than anyone I need people who are nice."The tears were streaming down the young girl's face."I know I shouldn't have gone with her, especially the second time, but I swear I won't... ever again. But if you hurt. “I bet Billy would like to see you doing it, too.” “Please don’t do this!” Anita cried out, falling to her knees and holding her arms up in supplication. “Not here, mother. I told you, I want Billy to see you begging me not to give myself to him.” she said, then turned and pulled open the door to Billy’s room. He had been listening at the crack, and likely watching, too, Katie noted wryly. “Come on.” she said. “Get up and come out here. There’s something I want you to see.” Billy followed.