.” But he stopped as her grin got bigger.“Just like ants; hump one manageable load at a time until everything is inside.”“And how many pairs o... shoes did you bring?” he snarled sarcastically as he started untying the first tarp. Then, too quietly for her to hear, “Women. Hell, I wonder if she brought her evening dress, too.” Then louder, “And why in the hell are you even here, anyway? I thought there were no women on this planet. It’s a prison planet according to the fucking General who sent my. Her face was pushing against the ragged fabric of the mattress, her hair partly obscuring her eyes. Rebekkah placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, and shivered slightly from the first glimmer of recognition, but not yet sure exactly where and when they might have met before."Are you alright?"Ilse looked up at Rebekkah, clearly startled, but with a blank emptiness behind her stare. Her pale blue eyes were red and raw and the streaks on her cheeks bore the memory of the salt she'd squeezed out of. Our friend's birthday was fast approaching amongst the festive season and she enquired, "So what are you gonna wear?" I'd like something sheer but not too sheer," I responded."Have you had a look online?" Yes, but nothing to my liking, but what would you have me wear?" I asked flirtatiously.As she turned and looked at me, unsure that I indeed did ask her that as well as unsure of where her answer could lead off track, I felt my insides giggle with excitement. She flashed a smirk which I. Even though it was freezing out, I’d been asked to wear a short skirt and heels, and so I did. But I soon wished that I hadn’t — it really was cold. We got to the pub about the same time and he came to me in the parking lot. All smiles, he looked about six-foot, a little on the husky side, and was balding with some salt and pepper hair. He wore a black coat and jeans.Taking my arm, he said, “So glad you actually came,” and we walked into the bar.We started with familiar small talk, chatting.