One Federation, democratic, giving freedom and representation to all. And, for a few centuries, it had lasted. Mankind had prospered, spreading to fil... habitats as quickly as they could be developed. However, there is a limit to how many people one system can govern. A limit that exists on all levels. It simply is not possible for one government to rule even one entire planet, over a certain population, let alone a solar system. Cracks began to show. Protests sprang up, here and there, but. "Like a sheep I did as instructed and before I knew what was happeningshe had wrapped a white satin basque around me and was doing it up. Iopened my mouth to protest and closed it again without saying anything.I knew I was now too far down the road to not complete the assignment."Breath in," commanded Susie, "At least you may appreciate what uswomen go through for fashion! We sell these basques to our brides asthey are sexy and do enhance the appearance of most dresses. We don'tsell panties and. When asked why he should do so, Grace, freely admitting that it was probably a foolish act of overkill on her part, informed him of her intent to use the CO2 extinguishers to cool the van's engine block and there by reduce and telltale heat signature of their vehicle. Dan, realizing that it was his life that was on the line, complied without further comment. With roughly thirty spent fire extinguishers resting somewhat haphazardly against the opposite wall, Grace turned off the exhaust fans. Most of the water in the base of the pit had now gone, so as he felthimself drifting off he knew he shouldn't drown. As sleep claimed him,he realised that the water had been drugged, but there was nothing hecould do about it. He wasn't conscious to know that the cover openedand a slim woman, dressed as a nurse, was lowered into the former well-hole. She carried a doctor's bag and pulled a pre-loaded syringe fromwithin. The addition of a needle and the usual tap and spray precededthe injection.