“Eddie, who is crewing you?”Eddie sounded smug. “Well, Steward, you know how the Darjee and their AIs spent all that time trying to brainwash me...into thinking I WAS the ship?”“Uh, yeah...”“Well, it worked! I don’t need any crew, Steward. I can travel around the galaxy free as a bird.”“Really, Eddie? You can perform repairs and maintenance on yourself?”“Well, what I mean is, I can pick my own crew and missions now. What fun, huh?”I realized my head had started throbbing several minutes earlier.. " Anne whispered wistfully."That settles it," he declared. "Let's get Beth changed and be gone." But I have nothing to wear," Anne complained."And I need to change," Lynn added."Nonsense!" he grumbled. "You are both stunning just the way you are." But I need my makeup," Lynn whined. "Oh, I have some eyeliner that would match perfectly," Anne said pulling Lynn along behind her."Do you? That would be wonderful..." Jack shook his head at their retreating backs.+ + +The restaurant was nice although. Justbefore the alarm would have sounded I placed Claire's mug on hernightstand and gently kissed her on the forehead."Mmmmmmm," she murmured, eyes still shut. "That's nice. Is that coffee Ismell?" Her eyes opened and she smiled up at me. "What a nice way towake up - you'll have to do this more often, Honey. Wow, and you'reshowered already...... Oh! That contraption didn't keep you awake all night,did it?" Her expression had changed to deep concern so I reassured herit was alright and explained. But when we take more.. oh yes, therell be more! When we take more Ill need help keeping them contained. And who better than the guy standing across from me now. I saw Johns telltale grin growing on his face. So youre asking me if I want to help you run a ring of sex slavery, in the middle of the desert, relying on our old friends as clients? And you think you need to ask me if Im in on this? I know I dont need to ask you. Just letting you know the plan. John ran his hands through his long hair.