I had an immediate coughing fit,which she ignored. I felt as if I was about to choke.When I had finished coughing, and was working my jaw, trying to g...t itto move properly she administered a sharp slap to my nipple. Much to mysurprise I let loose a squeal. I didn't mind. I was elated: I couldmake sounds."That was not a ladylike performance," said the Housekeeper.She waited a few moments before slapping me again. I stifled any sound."I expect to be thanked properly when I correct you, ungrateful. "A small town." Legios looked out across the shimmering desert; there were forty or fifty buildings clustered together, hard to call it a town -- more like a city out here."The Captain-General wants to continue south along here." Captain Halkon waved along the top of the mesa that seemed to stretch out into the distance. "However, we are getting low on fresh food. Take your men, ride down there and buy whatever you can; rejoin us after sundown."Legios wanted to roll his eyes. Down a six hundred. It was deafeningly loud.Their grandfather was holding his hands to his ears. PLEAs had super-sensitive hearing. It was no real surprise that something that loud would have a physical effect on their grandpa. Before their grandfather could recover, the holo flared white, and the connection was lost.Eve and her PLEA screamed out at the same time. It was obvious to the four of them, that the loss of the signal could mean only one thing. It also seemed to be impossible that it was happening.It was. It's really a very simple plan." But I don't want to be a girl, Elmer." Suddenly, he flipped hisshoulder-length blond hair out of his face, while, at the same time,thinking it was an absolute mess."Would you try it tonight?" pleaded Elmer. "Please. You said youwould." Oh, I suppose. I did say I would." sighed Milt in resignation. "ButI wouldn't have if I knew you were going to do this." Milt lookedin the mirror. "I'm not going to feel very comfortable walkingaround a stage dressed like.