She winked as she whispered to them quietly that her mother had submitted to Master Frank this morning. Connie had to cover her mouth and fight to sup...ress a squeal of joy at hearing this.I introduced them all to Jack and everyone got better acquainted. Jack took a while to get over his initial discomfort upon discovering that teenagers, especially Dad's children, would be involved in what to his mind had always been activities reserved for seasoned adults.As you might expect, it was Connie who. Oh, I thought over and over, how far I've comesince that first bout of acne started me down this crazy path.*****Thanksgiving is rightfully known as the official kick-off to theholiday season - the date when all the TV commercials start telling uswhat to buy and everyone starts thinking about their Christmas lists. Iwas no exception that year - my list had lots of names on it, butEdward and my brother Phil were the only males. How strange it felt tonot have a boyfriend to buy for, or even to. Whether it was with another unarmed passenger liner or with a Union military ship, it could only be to her advantage if she could find a way to help the other side.Her thoughts felt jumbled and disjointed. She needed information, she needed to know what was happening so she would know if it were possible to do something, anything. Her moment of indecision was interrupted by the door opening again, and Vlad entering the cabin, dressed in a pressure suit and carrying a second, smaller suit in his. Do you understand this, Ryn?”I sat up on his lap and looked into his eyes, “Yes, Sir, I understand fully.” I then gave a similar response to each of the others. Jesse’s eyes were as hungry as Albert’s. Dori’s seemed hesitant. Was she ready for this? I wasn’t sure. But, I wasted no further time on that, it would work itself out in the very near future, one way or the other. That decision would be hers.I took the drink from his hand and took another swallow before handing it back to him. I stood.