No one can touch you in running our family, and that’s too important to risk. And for the record, I agree with Ship. I’m not going to risk your li...e for any reason.“But our inertialess drives should...”He interrupted to snarl out, his voice echoing in the big room, “Should!” then in a more normal tone, “But those things are fairly bristling with weapons, and, as I’m sure you noticed from the vid I left you, their weapons are potent. Whether the interceptors’ shields will hold up against that. You are a great joker. We remain constantly vigilant to defend ourselves from the scheming nature we have seen over time. Do not assume for one-second that you have fooled us. We are getting very tired of this joke. You are being tiresome and obscure.“Even though I can understand that you may have been injured and even critically injured, the rest of the story about bugs is entirely implausible. I can certainly understand that Montgomery and Winston may well be avatars or even AI’s. I can see. There was no thought Brent would go to a competitor. He knew him well enough to know that would never happen. It was simply the loss of a very good employee that bothered the general manager. When the inevitable promotion opportunity came later that year, it would now be Adam Richards that would succeed Lloyd. He was young, bright, capable, and energetic. He wouldn't be a second choice in most situations. The company wouldn't suffer with him at the controls of their successful sales department.. It’s the least I can do to repay you for this. And I’d be honored to ride with such a beautiful woman.”Iris was speechless for a moment before replying, while blushing furiously “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot.” They exchanged numbers, and sent a tentative date for the following weekend. Iris would have to get a babysitter, but it would be worth it. The rest of the week was hell on poor Iris. She could think about nothing but the coming weekend and was having trouble concentrating on her.