"There is a 'star drive' that cranks our velocity up to about a light-year a day ... that might sound speedy, but our destination would be more than 3... years away at that velocity. The third level is what is called 'burst' engines. They can crank a light year an hour, but only for short periods and with only extremely poor precision."For what it's worth, I can't reroute us, but I'll be able, after the initial the maneuvers, to moderate, to an extent, the burst timing, and perhaps distances. I do..." So then, what's your name?" The boy asked her."Moune," she replied, enjoying feeling him stroke her leg. "I'm your new flatmate." I like your accent. Are you from Mars?" Yes, from colony 23." First time on Earth?" Moune nodded."I wanted to see my ancestors' homeworld. It's beautiful here." Not as beautiful as you are," the boy said, kissing her. "I'm from right here on Earth, in the capital. The name's Bothro." Master, do you wish for some privacy?" Cressida asked."Yes, that would be. They aren't a pair of blonde bimbos we could just grab off the street. When the hen house is being raided, there's going to be clucking." Ah," the English voice said."Is there a problem?" Ray asked."The client is concerned."Ray frowned, sitting up in bed, trying carefully not to wake his sleeping wife."Nursemaid them. That's your job. We have things handled here," he said."I am glad to hear that, Mr. Crimson. Make sure it does not get out of hand. Let us know when you are ready to deliver." We. As the next weekend drew near Chrissy began to get excited about her new car, she was very sweet and I could not help but smile at her new enthusiasm, she was already planning her trips out with friends. On Tuesday she had had a job interview at a facilities management company in Croydon and so when on Thursday she got a telephone call to tell her she was successful she was over the moon, it looked like her life was back on its usual happy track. On Thursday Chrissy was watching TV in the.