Julia and I settled back on the couch and she snuggled into my left side as I put an arm around her pulling her closer. ‘Wow, I was worried whether...or not your Mom would like me, or if I would like her. But, I don’t anymore. She makes me feel so welcome here, like I have been part of the family from the start,’ she said, and then brought my hand to her lips and kissed the back of it. ‘Well, I wasn’t really worried. She has always accepted people as they are. She has a lot of love to give, but. The year is 2024. The world has been transformed in ways that one could not have predicted even a decade ago...Mega-Corporations dealing with technology and mass marketing have grown in power. Technology is constantly being refined and things previously believed impossible are available, Through nano genetics technology, feats such as regenerating a lost arm or leg are now a reality. However, everything has a price, and while the rich can benefit from the latest gadgets, there are several. When I finished high school I spent a few months working, before being drafted. Aside from a short period of training, during the first half of my term I spent most of my time behind a desk. I did spend a day a week doing guard or drill duty, to keep in shape and keep my field skills fresh. When things escalated and another unit was in need of a new sergeant, I was promoted and got reassigned. Still behind a desk, but now assigned to a war zone, I did spend a lot more time in the field. I had. .. you're gonna knock him dead in that outfit tonight! I don't see how he's gonna be able to keep that promise the two of you made to each other! Aren't you going nuts ... not having made love to Jonnie yet?!! If you feel about him the way I do Brad, how are you able to be alone with him and not want to share yourself with him completely?!!"Megan smiled softly at the confused look on her friend's face and once again tried to explain to her why she and Jonnie didn't need to rush things. "I know.