The lightning had a pink sheen to it, something Karl had never seen before. Quite some time later there followed the deep and angry rumble of thunde.... It rolled around the skies, bouncing off the nearby mountains. As the thunder subsided there came a quiet tap at his door followed by a whispered “Karl, are you awake?” “I’m awake.” “Please let me come in? I’m frightened.” Before he could say or do anything she had crept into his bed, beneath his sheet, and was pressed up. On the other hand, what an opportunity. “Ah,” I said, like it was all okay. I looked directly at him, instead of at his reflection. “I don’t know about brothels, but I have a ...um... work friend who says this place right here is a spot for that type of girl. High class types, to match the decor, you know. It’s not a brothel or anything. He told me they hang around the bar.” “Right, thanks mate.” “Have a good time.” I couldn’t have described Rachel to him, given the story I’d fed him. There. No terrorist or vagrant could trespass the gated community of Ashton Lovelock. Not even a bird flying overhead or a mouse burrowing beneath the hi-tech walls could stay undetected for long by the town's computer systems, which also served to modulate the temperature, keep the rain off the walkways and ensure that the lawns were kept regulation length. And all this was within an entirely self-contained energy system with a zero carbon footprint.All the same, there were several insecure. " How still do you want me to be?" As still as you possibly can." Okay let me clarify. I can stop breathing for two hours and I can stopmy heart for about 10 or 15 minutes before I start having problems." Igrin at him."If you can do all that! even better. You being a statue is about is themost perfect thing possible. There is a speaker in the overhead and amicrophone. I'm gonna get out of here, you sit perfectly still. I giveyou a go ahead, you freeze up like a statue, like you said you can.