“No, I just like to run. Helps me burn off stress.”I smiled. Be pleasant, be cautious. “What do you do that stresses you out so much, anyway?”...��I deal with people.”“Huh?”“You know what I’m talking about. Ignorant people who’re too lazy to improve their knowledge, people who’re greedy for what they’ve never earned, people who think they’re entitled to something just because they want it and people who have no idea how much they already have even as they fuck it up.”“Wow. Cynical much?”“You have. “You are delusional, my son. There is only our world and the Lord and saviour watches over it. I am his prophet relaying his words.”Mark laughed. “The Federation currently spans 20 planets, and I’ve visited many more than that. We’ve seen religion on just about every world and not once have we EVER seen actual proof that any deity actually exists.Originally, the strongest and wisest people were the leaders, but there was usually also a spiritual leader and advisor. Usually they start either. It wasn't funny."Hey," yelled Kyle, "I got one. Why does Snoop Dog always carry anumbrella?" 'fo Drizzle," snapped back Tanner.This time a snort escaped from Billy. He needed to regain his composure.Already he could feel his clothing slide a little against his skin. Hisshirt feeling a little bigger and his feet slipping in his shoes. Hisears were a little tickled by hair that was a little longer than normal.The three playing Rock Band had given up all pretenses of playinganymore. They were. ”Alma stood up and took Tony’s hand.Mike looked at Tony and they shook their heads in bewilderment.Sue turned to Tom, “I thought you were going to give me the test?”“Not tonight, Pam took it all out of me. Tomorrow sometime?”We had a few more drinks before Alma and Tony returned. They had been gone for about half an hour.Both looked like cats who had swallowed a canary. They had a grin from ear to ear.Tony looked at me and said, “I don’t know about Tom, but she nearly killed me. She is a real.