There was a long silence as she stared into the crowd before she finally nodded. "The hope is that the Sa'arm won't visit. Ishtar is the only planet i... a system that is not either an atmosphere-lacking rock, or a gas giant that has pressures that would crush any confederacy ship. We have not figured out how the Sa'arm think, but so far they have been rather straightforward in their actions, and if that holds true, it should take years before they realize that we have created a base on a world. "I'm in Simfoo, California, and I have a job, and I'm trying to buy a ranch," I said.There was a singular lack of enthusiasm in her voice when next she spoke."Where the fuck is Simfoo, California? I thought when you got out of the military you'd come home." Where are you right now?" I asked."The library," she said."And where is the library?" In the middle of fucking campus! What's wrong with you, Tut?" And is that the campus of some college in Brazelton that I just don't remember for some. I think I tried on every dress in hercloset, except one or two that were so tailored that I was afraid ofstretching them out. Ms. Underbust seemed to have a thing for vintagedesigns, and I, too, found them attractive.Thursday morning, I got fully dressed up in the morning and then realizedI hadn't brought in the mail yesterday. I didn't want to change clothesand clean off my makeup, so... what if I just ducked out the front door,sashayed down to the mailbox on the street, grabbed its contents. " I turnbeet red and hide my face in my hands. I am beyond mortified. "Yessie's 100% available, stand up dear. Give the audience a little twirl."I comply. Although, I wish I could slip in between the cracks of thehardwood floor. "Yes, once again, ladies you have the power to preventJezebel from going 'hind' to the Harvest Moon Gala." The audience breaksinto a mixture of laughter and some cat calls. Mother leans over andjust gives me the most 'innocent' of smiles, and whispers "Gotcha."As.