That wouldn’t happen now. We had a transparent Vortex that allowed the fabric of the universes to ebb and flow through it. As long as it functioned,...any amount of mass could move through the Vortex. I went back to reading, feeling slightly sick to my stomach.“I have several theories, but the General seems to like Bruce’s. That it was all the metal that we sent through in the form of the large tank. Sandy agrees with me, saying that it is the large amounts of mass. I have proposed another. Finally, I made the call."Steve Sharp at sea here." This is Chuck Johnson, Steve." This is uncanny," Steve said. "Mercy told me ten minutes ago you were going to call. That's why I have the phone right here. What's up, is something wrong, what can I do for you?" Steve, I've made myself too popular with the crowd that thinks it's bad to defend yourself. They think I kill indiscriminately, for fun. I don't, really, I'm a peaceful guy. Anyway, could you take on a crewman for the rest of your trip?. We need to see what is going on so that we can prepare a defense. Everybody to battle stations!"No sooner said than done. 'Michael' and 'Susan' were holding position about 130 million klicks "above" the plane of the ecliptic while the FTL radar was painting a picture of the chaos below. It appeared that three very large spaceships were disgorging fighters that were bearing down on the parked ships in the port. None of the humans could figure out why the attack was being made, because a. I made sure I had no hair below my head and all my chores were done. I was glad it was less than five miles to Harry’s. When I arrived at Harry’s, I walked right in and announced my presence. I heard some cheers and, “Get that ass in this tub!” I didn't have to be told twice, and I shed my clothes on the way. I saw that the TV was on the game and there was a table full of food. Then I saw the hot tub with Harry, Joe, and a new face. I was introduced to Gary, who was smiling ear to ear. I hopped.