"Penelope thinks very highly of you," said Thompson."Really?" Yes. She said that the superior has high hopes for you. 'One of the smartest novitiates ...he'd ever seen, ' she told me." Thompson saw the blush, so familiar to him, pass across his daughter's face. She always blushed when praised. "Did you enjoy your induction ceremony?" Yes," whispered Penelope. Her voice had the wispy, airy quality so typical of young girls, a quality that they often retain even well into their early twenties."I've. . God daaaaaamnit... “In the interests of being honest with ourselves, let’s just call this what it is.” She turned back to Derek. “Operation: Axe my ex.” Her eyes narrowed above her ninja mask. “Whenever you’re ready, team leader.”A trumpet fanfare sounded as the assembled military throngs on either side saluted us. We strode down the center aisle proudly, looking super fancy. I smiled at the characters to my left and right. I didn’t remember Han and Chewy being privy to the sex-battle with. "I want you to treat them like the jewels they are. They are irreplaceable. They will be moved to various shows to exhibit them, but returned here for secure storage. We are entrusted with their care and security. It's something very special for Better Than New. I know I can count on you to protect them. Thank you." They weren't expecting that," Doreen offered."No ... I'm sure they weren't. Are you worried?" No ... not really. Excited, but I think the guys will make sure they're safe." I'm. The QB was wearing my old jersey, #15. Only, instead of my last name written across the back, it said "JENNINGS." I wondered who Jennings was, and if he was any good. I decided to stick around and watch a while.Looking over at the home crowd, I spotted the cheerleaders working the stands, their short, dark blue skirts swishing side to side as they went through their routines. I had to smile, and then I had to remember.October, 1972My breath was coming hard. I chanced a glance over my shoulder..