Cadet Pierson, sir," called a third voice."Senior Regiment, one unauthorized absence. Cadet Voss, sir."Symmetry crumbled. He waited a moment, received...the official report from the Cadet Corps Commander, and then returned to the warmth of his office."Captain," he called as his door field closed behind him."Yes, sir?" his adjutant's voice replied through the computer link."Bring in the files of Cadets Voss and Pierson. I want their readings as well." Right away, sir." A moment later, a young man. " What were you supposed to have done anyway?" Buggered if I know, the officer I spoke to didn't say." Didn't you ask?" Did you ask when that copper asked us to stand in the line-up? Who gives a monkey's anyway?" Well you might, if they try to hang it on you?"That was a point, that I really hadn't thought of.Kelly gave me an overenthusiastic welcome when I walked in the front door. It was lucky the kids have both flown the nest or it could have been embarrassing. As it was, I had to pull me. .. touching me ... like he touches her." The thought did cross my mind," admitted Bob. "But only if that's what you want." I can't just come out and ask you to touch me like that," she complained. "I'm not a slut!" I know that," he said."So what am I supposed to do?" Do you trust me?" he asked softly."No," she said."Maybe," she added."A little bit," she finally decided."Are you willing to trust me enough to try a couple of things?" he asked. "Just in the interests of helping you make the. I, on the other hand, have been elevated from slave to Most High Guardian of the Gods as a result of my epic battle with the squeak beast. That worthy foe had struck fear into the heart of the goddess on many occasions. The most recent gesture of their thanks to me was the erection of a sticky needle-leaf tree in the big cavern for me to sharpen my claws upon. As I kept an eye on the beast from above, all three of the gods worked as one to place shiny baubles of many colors, and gossamer.