.. and we think that Captain Rogers will be able to bring the Evans in under her own power. She took at least two serious hits from a really nasty las...r head missile. They are still making repairs, and the rest of First Squadron is on station at the wormhole.” The petite commander smiled grimly. “Whatever they were armed with, the Evans and the Valkyrie drove them off, and we are ready if they try again.”“Thank you, Edith. Good brief.” The dark skinned man leaned back in his chair and sighed. I had been asleep for three years.That part might need explaining: I am an entity who has been alive for eight thousand years, I am getting a bit less active than I was. For all that time, I have feasted on the emotional energy of people, especially their emotions of lust and desire. In ancient Mesopotamia, I would inhabit a temple where young women came to be deflowered, feasting in the shock of discovery as they first took a man inside of them. Over the years, as society changed, I migrated,. Then they gave me a tin of white emulsion and I painted the whole area. In the small bathroom, they used bleach on all surfaces."I don't know how we tolerated having this man on our premises." He came with the house," said one woman. "The old Miss Frinton died after her old school was blown up and burnt when the Fourth Form girl's spirit Still exploded. Her niece, Annie Frinton inherited it and sold it to a developer. She used the money, together with the reward money for finding the Train. " We're afraid too. But we've got money and stuff, Shahia has what she needs for Maria. We won't be on the streets. In a second, Mum, I'm going to hang up. When I do, that'll be it until I know it's safe to talk to you again." Oh Chris. I love you so much, I'm going to miss you." There was a pause. "Stay safe. Look after those kids." We will, that's what this is about. I love you too, Mum. Bye." Wait! Can I talk to Shahia?" Okay."He passed the phone to her; she was crying from what he'd said..