It all culminates here. I’ll be coming back. I promise.’“But, I need to be on the great ship in two summers, when it leaves to return to the inn...r planets,” Béla continued out loud, “and you need to stay here and help guide New Eden into a golden age of prosperity and love.”“Does your going back have to do with the blond girl in the bed?” Elaine asked. She projected an image to her.“Tanya?” Béla asked, totally surprised. “When did you meet Tanya?”“You took me to Earth, dream-walking,” Elaine. “I would like for you to consider this method ... as a warning to those who in the future choose the path Drell has taken.”Joseph looked across the desk with a raised eyebrow.“That seems like...” he began as he searched for the words he wished to use, “a remarkably inefficient way to achieve our goal.”“Why do you say that?” Morane asked. To him, it sounded like a perfectly horrible way to die.“You say he is stoned to death?” Joseph asked.“Indeed,” Morane agreed with a nod.“People throw rocks at. Figure getting it rightin there for real would make a girl howl like a banshee! I been getting hardas a rock every time I think about you being tied with your legs open and notbeing able to get away from this little whip I made for you!? ?Well, then, I think we should all head down to the punishment room and getdown to business!? Frank laughed, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. ?I'mas anxious as you to see your little creation in action, Dad.? He kissed Cara'sforehead affectionately. Then, we spent the evening wandering around the city, as you showed me some of the places you enjoyed. Finally, we made our way back to your apartment, where we got ready for bed. It was a little weird at first. We have known each other for 6 months, but this was the first time I had actually met you. The rest was online. And now, the hundreds of hours I spent chatting with you meant nothing and everything all at once. This was different, and yet, you were still the same. We had shared a brief.