“And I’m sure my actions poisoned the relationship and trust she needs to have with me and the rest of the crew. Would you accept her as your trac...ing officer?”“Is that allowed?” I asked.“Jessica Thornton showed command potential in her CAP testing. Her actions after the test resulted in a recommendation that she be monitored for a potential rescore. There is no reason she would not be successful at the post on any ship,” the AI said.“That leaves you eight crew short,” I said.“Nine,” Captain. She just puts on a much stronger ‘front’ than Joni.” I chuckled, “I may have to give her the same treatment IF her ego can stand it! She has this ‘wall of disbelief’ about psychic powers that has just crumbled and THAT is her major ‘boggle’ right now.”Sheila, who was over sucking the air out of Greg’s lungs, looked at me and smiled as I ‘heard’, “Oh, Sweet Cheeks’, THAT wall is fucking GONE, trust me. I just wish I could do some of the things that Rex and Jer-Bear can do.”I grinned and winked. "Bridget," I replied, touching myself on the chest. He turned and walked towards the village proper and the fire in its center. I could smell roasting meat. With a gesture he indicated I should follow him. I did and the rest of the villagers fell in behind me. I sensed no threat from them.T'shombe laid his weapon against a frame by the central hut. Instinctively I doffed the baldric supporting my katana and leaned it beside the axe. From the nod and grunts of approval around me I knew I had. “Dave, honey, as much as I feel like my daughter is arranging things for us, I can’t help but feel like this is the opportunity we’ve ... I’ve been waiting for. Will you please plan to spend the night with me New Year’s Eve? And the next night?”“Jan, you know how much I love you and I want you. I’ve been happier this fall than ever in my life. My answer is yes.”And that is how we waved goodbye to Whitney at the Gordons’ house when she got in Brenda’s car and drove home together to spend the.