“She just wants to fool around; no strings attached.”“Like Petra? I didn’t think you went for that!”“It’s a bit different. Katt only had...one lover before me and she’s happy with just having me when she can. You needed me to be exclusive, but Katt doesn’t. She knows I’ll see Pia a few times before Katt and her family leave for the US.”“She’s going to the US?”“Yes, to train and compete. They’ll be in Colorado, which is about 1800 kilometers from Milford, so there’s a chance we can see each other,. " What? You don't party?" Gerg asked in shock."I don't. But it's okay; I'm a Libertarian! I've no problem with whatother people do for fun. But I don't do drugs, myself." Oh, come on! One joint isn't going to hurt!" Evets insisted."You guys enjoy! Don't mind me!" Einreb replied.As it was, the party ended early and Einreb headed home in his yellowbug.Autumn was well under way when Yrral was promoted to marketing Analyst,and Gerg was promoted to manage the game development group.The drop-dead. Melinda whimpered. She fell limp against her mother, her resistance exhausted.There was a faraway look in Penny's eyes. She could sense the Darkness' elation. She knew what it meant. It was finally going to happen.I've tried to be good, Penny thought. I've done what was asked of me. Please remember that. Please.But she received no reply. She felt only a sense of amusement as it applied its will to her, forcing away her remaining doubts and thoughts of protection of her family. Her lips curled. He was talking as I came to. He was saying stuff but there was no one else around. I would have heard them. I closed my eyes again.Sir Paul was there the next time I woke again. Before I could stop myself, I asked in a really croaking voice where I was. Sir Paul didn’t even correct me for asking a question. In fact he seemed delighted that I’d asked, which confused me. He told me I was in my bed. I didn’t understand. My bed was only 3’ long and wasn’t soft like this. My head wasn’t pushed.