“The planet?”“Jamming has now stopped, but there are no responses. The scouts should be there in a hundred rotations. Frankly, Serenissima, it d...es not look good. The planetary defence bunker is designed to survive pretty much anything other than a planet killer.”“I understand,” she nodded, her eyes flashing with suppressed anger. “Use caution. Remember your obligations to this sector. I rather doubt they’ve simply gone away.”“Yes, Serenissima.”“1st and 5th Fleets have been despatched to assist. ‘Okay, guys,’ I said, ‘it’s time to take you to your place of protection.’ The dogs were in as grave danger as I was, I knew. Fortunately, there was a place they’d be safe, and people to protect them. We drove to the headquarters of BOW Enterprises, with me being careful to make sure I was not followed. I walked two leashed dogs to the office of the Chief Executive Officer. His assistant Mariko bowed, complimented the dogs, then led me into Todd’s office. ‘Hello Commander.’ said a cheerful. I was feelinga bit buzzed, and I wanted to get out of here.I freshened my lipstick and checked my reflection in my compact mirror.I was definitely one of the hottest girls in the room.. I glanced acrosshe room at Sascha, one of the other bridesmaids. She had been flirtingwith me all day. Sascha would probably not give Dan the time of day, butin all my splendor as the lovely Diana, she seemed to be very interestedin me.Sascha returned my gaze. I nodded toward the door, and she smiled. She imagined running her hand over his black fur… “Rose, are you all right?” he asked. She realised she had stopped reading.“Yes, sorry, just a little tired.”“Well, maybe we should call it a day for today and you can take a little nap.”“That sounds agreeable, thank you.” She looked up at him and smiled. She remembered the horror she had felt when she had first seen him. Now his features were familiar to her, she found him — not handsome exactly, but certainly admirable.“Very well,” he said. “I.