" I was almost completely ignored, and happy to be so as I stripped off my Barbour suit. "The kettle's not long since boiled, and I'll make tea."I did...wonder what Mum's reaction would be when she saw the colour of Denise's skin. She's of a generation in which a degree of racism is endemic, partly because unquestioned, but if she disapproved she gave no indication of it. Initially, Denise and I sat together on the sofa. Her hand sought mine and I saw my mother smile as she watched. It meant,. So I came up and… I’m sorry Mr. Lancer, I didn’t mean to disturb you, and you’ve been with a friend, and I…’ He looked round and seemed to notice the state of the room for the first time. ‘Well, yes: it is a bit like the last days of Pompeii.’ He stood. ‘Come through to the classroom. It’ll be far less embarrassing for me.’ He picked up his glass and led the way through a connecting door and into the sort of room that she recognized. She sat at the table and he rummaged in a small fridge.. "I nodded and spun and he cleared his throat, "wait."I turned and he gestured to a teenager I had not seen, "this is Toni. She is a minor mage but ... she has one of the Ori diamonds. She is going with you."I looked at her as she stood and bent to grab a pack. I shrugged, "if she is like the sea witches we can use her."She followed me out and then south to my company. I gestured to my tent and looked around, "top sergeant Clarence!"A large thin man stood, "sir?"I snorted, "let everyone know we. " This time I was not tongue-tied. "I'll bet you say that to all the boys, Virginia!" I laughed. "What can I help you with?" She pointed toward the van, her raised arm made her right nipple more pronounced. "Please grab all the coolers out of the van and bring them in." She moved past me into the kitchen, her wonderful floral scent made me weak in the knees.The next hour was spent in a flurry of activity. Virginia was all business now. There was little cooking to be done, but the preparation.