”Derrick nodded his head he’d been afraid that Kandra would say something like he had. “I still wish that we could meet alone, to discuss all th...s. I had thought to bring you here, though I am sure that would incite a war.”“Well,” Kandra started, “not at first though, if I was seen disappearing, I am sure that all would blame you. THAT, I am afraid would trigger a war that wouldn’t be good for either of our empires.”“I had about the same thoughts, perhaps if we release this publicly? Then we. This life proved too much for her. She told me she spent more time on her back than on her feet. I think she made the right decision. New York's not for everybody. But I've been lonely..." Gunnar, dammit, those programmers could be digging into the machine's memory right this minute. Don't forget DARKSTAR is in there, too. I want those signals erased within the hour. So get to the point." Very well. But, remember, you were the one who wanted direct, fast action. Go into my bedroom and take off. Anyway, I was somewhat ahead of schedule, so I gave in to the temptation. I had been in a few such places before, but was always fearful of being seen, arrested, or accosted. After my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I walked around to get the lay of the place. Unlike some of the others, this one did not have the typical smell of stale cigarette smoke and industrial cleaner. Also, there were none of the usual seedy characters loitering in the aisles, the kind of people you try to pass quickly by. He had a cold of all things, and sniffled and sneezed like a hitchhiker. He also chewed gum, and loved blowing huge bubbles that sometime exploded, wrapping up his head with the gossamer result! Not a heavyweight, as far as gods go, but he was perfectly suited to Ms Vanity, who, remember, was a very shy girl! So Fedorlinion held Ms Vanity's hand, pooh-poohing away her tears, and told her about Hortense. Not all the gritty details, but the fact Hortense was a scamp, a troublemaker and quite.