That one was low, half on the things, half on my ass. Did I mention it was hurting?WHAP.I slipped into subspace. I felt the next two, but I wasn’t...in my body anymore. I was somewhere else, half-watching and half just floating in space, my body crying and everything spilling out. Then I felt Carla’s hand caressing my back again. I fell back into my body as she kissed me, the pain making me moan around her lips. God, when would I be able to sit again? Then I noticed Hatch there, close. " We both laughed. Next came a trio of my colleagues, then Steve Blake, then the student. I looked at my watch. 11:55. There was a bustle by the door and two deliverymen arrived. They cleared the sideboard by the door and set up lunch. I looked about."Well, I'm Gordy Hollister. I'm with the CSIRO and I've been asked to chair two search committees for the Centre. We still have two MIA, so why don't you all get yourselves food and drink and then we'll do introductions."There was the usual. You were nice to the stylistweren't you?" Yes. She was cool about the whole thing." Your nails do look nice now, very clean and neat."I had to agree. "I think maybe the pedicure was too much and Nikki showedup and sat by me. She knows I'm wearing hose now Mom!" Oh, now I see. There's not much you can do about what Nikki knows butthat's no reason to be mean to me or your grandmother. I'll talk to her." Nikki?" No, your grandmother. Don't worry about Nikki. She'll soon find somethingelse to talk. There’s one potential problem though, as I’ve something personal I’ll have to take care of Monday. Will that mess you up?”“Jason, my friend, I’ve nothing on my calendar that can’t wait a day or two. This will help you, and give us more time together. It’ll also enhance the position of the ITCA by being one of the first to get involved in this. I can’t see anything pending that’s more important than that.”“Then let’s do it. I want to get a shower, and talk to White Dove for a few minutes,.