I cocked my head trying to listen to see what it was I heard when all of a sudden I heard a hand on the bedroom door knob. I forgot my wife told me sh... arranged for Sarah, a cleaning lady we've had for years, to come by. So, dropping my head back down to the pillow I closed my eyes but kept one open enough to peek out to watch her coming in the room. When she saw me she hesitated but then came in anyway. She went right in to our bathroom and closed the sliding pocket door. I could hear her. The view that greeted me when we made it to the main club room was truly bizarre. In addition to the normal sight of people dancing and at the bar I could make out men chained to the walls, naked people being pulled around by dog leads and what looked like people mummified in rubber. On closer look even some of the tables had people locked in cages underneath. More than a little bit shocked I turned to Ben who looked from one side of the room to the other taking everything in before turning to. “We have a non-aggression treaty with the Hegemony which grants their ships passage,” the General blustered.“You are supposed to advise the various Realms that border you that such transit is being made, if they approach said Realms borders. It’s in our treaty with you.”“I’m assured such a message was sent to Pillin.”“AI?” Limun asked.“He is lying; he knows no such message was sent.”“Preposterous!”“Not so,” the AI added. “Your vital signs can be read by us via the tri-dee interface.”“Well,. I could do it forever!" Dee, I'd like to talk to you about violets." You must really like them, Master. You've talked about them before. I'll plant some, if you want." No, no. I only want you to plant flowers that YOU like. I've given you that one freedom here at the house. You've done very well. Your flower beds are all beautiful."She blushed. "Thank you, Master." But I want you to think about violets now. Picture them in your mind... see them in the early spring as they bloom in the woods..