I could even detect a loss of muscle tone. Was hedepressed?I couldn't have that, so I came up with a plan.Summoning Todd to the living room, I told hi... to shuck down to his Fruit ofthe Looms and pose for me like he was at a bodybuilding competition."Really?" he replied, eagerly."Yeah, show me your routine," I encouraged. "I'm kind of curious." I've never posed for anyone," he replied, peeling off his white tee-shirtand gym shorts, and then casually tossing them aside."Fold them properly," I. “Well she doesn’t take after me!” I grinned, trying hard not to burn my fingers whilst retrieving my almost charcoaled bagel from the toaster. “Whatever, Dad!” stopped my daughter, rolling her eyes before turning to chat amongst her group of friends. I bit into the bagel. The sound of the burnt crunch almost drowned out the chattering of the friends. “You don’t mind running me home do you Mr. Carson?” Gabriella asked. “It’s just my parents are leaving first thing so I need to go and let the dog. " I said. "It would be easy to kill or capture us. We look like a light freighter. Most of the weapons are hidden, and if ambushed near the comet when we attempted refueling, we'd be an easy target for boarding action. A shot or two to the power plant and a boarding party would be enough. Ashley could be taken or she and the Heir murdered along with the rest of us. If taken, the Heir would be the ticket for the pirates to claim Zheeyad's throne. How many people know we have custody of an Heir?". "Sam nodded to me. "I thought it was funny when Philippe was telling you about the Councilor and he what he wanted to do. But as you laid out the situation and the women as a factor now, I started to see the problems and the effect they were having on you. You need to tell our guests this so they'll understand. You also need to tell them what you need from them while we do this."I nodded my head and sighed again. I scrubbed my face with both hands then stood up, trying to project a calm I.