." he started to protest.Dana cut the protest short. "I'm not having _my_ body show up looking like some hick tramp at _my_ wedding rehearsal. So ge... going!"Steve stared at Dana, then realized he had to comply. He nodded slowly. "I guess so," he said grudgingly as she started to peel off his sweater. "If I'm going to look like you, I suppose I ought to dress and act like you, too."Dana nodded, then smiled. "Thank you, Steve," she said softly. "Or Dana." She shook her head. "We're going. "Doctor Forlain stepped in. "That is correct, those gills on the sidejust below your arms need to be kept wet. You can be out of water forsome time, but the longer they dry out, the more it would hurt for you Iguess."'I have gills now?' thought an astonished Nerio. "I think I need torelearn a lot about my anatomy. So, my future is in your hands now? Imean, I do as you say or I'm hung out to dry like a caught fish?"Waverly shrugged. "Not quite a good analogy, but close enough." Fine, you win.. We should make there by late afternoon." I'd feel a lot better about your safety if you would allow me to escort you to this friend's place, Ma'am," replied Jase. "As I said a moment ago, these wide open areas are an invitation to all sorts of mayhem for the unwary or unprepared." Well now, that's right kindly of you, stranger, but we're going back the way you've come from. Won't that be outa your way?" asked the madam."Some," replied Jase, "But I'm in no hurry to get where I'm goin' and. She was in shorts today. Her Postal uniform black shoes and black socks didn't do her justice, but those shorts could hardly make her look bad. I smiled to myself as I turned to go inside. I caught the scribbled plea for washing again out of the corner of my eye, and sighed, "Well… It is something to do." I admitted to myself as I started a mental checklist of the necessary items I would need to do the job. Ten minutes later, I was back outside armed with a sponge, a pale of soapy water,.