" It took some serious negotiations with a bunch of governments and networks to get approval." Alexei added. "But there seems to be a lot of good will...floating around this little globe now that the people living on it see themselves moving beyond it into a larger reality."There was a small ceremony, more for the folks on the planet below than anything else, celebrating the docking with Infinity Station. The Hawking was officially the first ship to use the new facility, and a plaque was unveiled. Then I pounded into her one more time. I spooned her afterwards and we fell asleep. As if Melissa had known, she showed up at my door as Debbie and I were in the shower. I'm sure Melissa noticed the buldge in my towel as I greeted her at the front door. Melissa was visibly upset. I told her it wasn't a good time, then Debbie came out of the bathroom in a towel. I could see Melissa's venerable stare harden. She tried to act tough and wiped the tears from her eyes. I asked her to call me later.. I believe each of you filed an impact statement and will testify.”“Yes,” I said. “I have a statement from my son to read as well.”“Jesse?” Kathy asked.I nodded, “Make sure you have tissues handy when I read it.”“Did he write it himself?”“Abbie helped him,” I said. “But it’s his words. All of them are his. What I have to say is nothing compared to that. In fact, I may say nothing but that. I haven’t decided for sure.”Others began filing into the courtroom. The prosecution and defense tables were. He had been dating Paige, a former student, since the summer. Although fifteen years her senior, neither one had any complaints. Intellectually, emotionally, socially and particularly sexually, they were a perfect match. What it really came down to was that they had fun together. The fact that Tim was black and Paige white was a non-issue in New York City. That was one of the great things about living there.Tim remembered Paige's last surprise. On a winter night preview in November, Tim went to.