"Six," Morton said. And with that the two of them fell into a discussion that I followed for about five seconds before it got too techie for me, so I ...ust sipped my drink and nodded like I knew what the heck a degree of freedom was. Eventually, Morton noticed that only one of us was actively participating in the conversation and he politely closed the subject."But I'm sure we will have plenty of time to get into that later," he said. "Now, let me show you some sketches."He pulled a big pad out. I also put on a dress for the first time and when through thesame exercises plus sitting and standing from a variety of chairs andpositions.The whole exercise was undertaken with great humor and with great patienceand understanding from Sally. After a day with Sally and staying at herplace overnight discussing things, the following day we to a salon operatedby a friend of Sally's. Sally introduced me to Erika. I had an idea thatErika may have been a transsexual also, but of course I would not. A second later, the mine abruptly altered its course into a zigzag pattern.Diana was grinning from ear to ear. "I might not be able to hurt it much at this distance, but it's using up more fuel to avoid my weapon."Their AI dodged aside before Diana's comment was out of her mouth. "It has a pulse laser on board," the AI said, unnecessarily."Can our shields withstand a direct hit?" Selina asked."At this distance, affirmative, but each rapid hit will weaken them. It is better to avoid the laser,. “If we hadn’t been due back on Trib in high summer, I wouldn’t have brought that dress. I have to pay extra freight for the weight. Next time I’ll leave it at home and wait at the terminal until dusk. But then I couldn’t carry you to your hotel.”Shona pulled me to a sitting position facing her. She looked at me intently. Why?“Ricky. Do you like me, as me? Or just because I’m the first Trib woman you’ve met?”“You’re not.”“I’m not? Not what?”“Not the first Trib woman I’ve met. I have met a dozen.