But when the carriers came together at the rally, the components combinedand started to have an effect. While one of the components was clearly a MORF...variant, the other twoweren't quite as clear. They were already spreading separately again. Andnone of them were mutating the way the original two had done. That wasconsidered good news, since it made the possibility of some kind ofprevention or cure more practical. Another mystery was the effects. The effect on adults was remarkablysuperficial. The Marines got another ribbon for their battle flag, and the Tarawa group did so, also. There were a number of Purple Hearts, a few Bronze Stars, a couple of Distinguished Flying Crosses, and a single Silver Star. I personally pinned that to his chest, as Marilyn cried and beamed at him. Equally impressive was the French Ambassador, who showed up and pinned the Croix de Guerre on him, including kissing him on both cheeks. Charlie simply had that stoic Marine look plastered on his face,. The next day, the sheets were a mess! * * * * The weather was warm outside the Stone Bank as Janet drove up in her Toyota. She had worn a blouse with long sleeves and a denim skirt, plus a pair of normal high heels. She looked at her watch and fretted. Would Jessica really show up? Janet wished she had a cigarette, but she had quit years ago. Jessica Danvers shortly drove up in a new blue Lincoln. She was dressed in a smart business suit, and carried a purse and a briefcase. "Good. You mean it was ... Sheila? You had an affair with Sheila? ... You fucking idiot! Does her husband know?”“No, I don’t think so, Rich ... I feel so stupid. We’ve known each other for so long, it felt comfortable to take her to get something to eat, after that meeting.”“Do you love her?” I dreaded the answer to this, because it could have such a ripple effect on this company, as well as affecting many lives in the process.“No, I don’t love her ... but she is awfully nice, she understands me.