My attention was fixed on Paige. Had she mentioned the telephone call from Corporal Ramsey because she’d watched me fold the letter and put it in my...pocket, knowing that I wanted to tell the others about it? This reminded me of the sort of things the mother of my children would have done. Had Paige taken on one of Peg’s traits? It took prodding from Janice and the realization that the server was waiting for me to speak before I broke eye contact with Paige. Her lips parted in a knowing grin. "They are desperate to leave Earth. Or they are desperate to get involved in the pickup," I said."Involved?" Miki asked."I've heard stories that say the pickups are basically orgies. Supposedly you can't participate if you don't have a good score, but I'm sure some people believe they'll manage to get involved," I said.Miki shivered. "I'm glad I wasn't in there last night." You want to stay on Earth?" I asked."No," Miki said firmly. "I know that even if humanity manages to defeat these Sa'arm. Lucky Tricia! she thought enviously."I want to toast too, Mommy!" little Nancy piped up. She was already bored by this adult's supper and was hoping she'd be able to finish eating and go outside soon. She had no intention of going to bed, but hoped to explore more of her grandparents' resort while no one was about to tell her what she should or shouldn't be doing."Of course, darling," Susan replied, clinking her glass to her daughter's soda filled wine glass. "Let's toast to a very successful. "Thank you, Regina," Kelly said. "I would have said something regretable. You have the clout to back it up."Regina nodded and called Nancy on the com link."Nancy, in a few minutes you are getting a call for me from a Lieutenant Lester Boron of the Capitallian Marshal's Service. I need you to get Ned Saunders on the line, too." I've got one better, Senator," Nancy smiled on-screen. "Deputy Director Robin Tyson, Office of Military Intelligence is already on the line. You are on scrambler and--".