“Dale, if I understood correctly, given the egalitarian nature of the Circle, I can ask you on a date without being judged as overly forward, a slut... or as a stalker.”Dale smiled at the pretty co-ed. “Exactly.”“So, if I would like to make love with you all I’d need to do is ask?”“Correct.”“I’m asking,” Cookie said, smiling broadly and hoping for the best.“I am flattered, and very interested. I’ve been hoping to find an opportunity to ... errr ... befriend you.” Dale smiled broadly and obviously. Cold dead eyes locking with his for an instant before Michael was dragged away. ‘I could have saved him.’ The thought had haunted Michael ever since that afternoon. Watching Ian’s life essence slip away while Nigel and Sims had pulled him back from the carnage. He understood the reasons, understood that he was not ready to face Nicholas or to save Ian that day. But knowing such things rarely makes the cold truth of failure sit any better. Michael pulled up quickly and dropped into a half crouch. Do I havetime to change cabins?" How long do you need, my old one is empty and ready for you unless yousnore, in which case I would prefer you stayed on the starboard side." Nope, I grind my teeth sometimes but no snoring and I'll get thingsdone in an hour." Okay, I'll have dinner ready in an hour and a half."After dinner, we cleared the table and washed up, this time Will stayedand helped and then we sat in the lounge. Will poured drinks and wechatted, made plans and listened to music and two. Want to come?" said Paula."Why not. Which do you want to do first?" said Linda."Oh, I don't mind," said Paula, putting her lunch box away.As they headed towards the nearest clothes shop, they passed Laura."Just going to look in here mom," said Paula."Oh ok. Tell me if theres anything you like," said Laura.Linda was still coming to terms with the fact that this red haired girlwas once a boy, and was equally fascinated by her enthusiasm for clothesas she was."I'm finding it hard to believe who.