“Tried that long ago. The results weren’t pretty. Then I got punished, not only for my getting hurt but for lying to them.”“Then it looks like...you might as well tell them the truth and let them pamper you for a while,” Jeff finished while trying — not very hard — to hide a grin.“So, what are you going to do when we get back? And ... what have you decided about the Miadax males — other than the First Officer, that is?”“Well, Helen is keeping them busy — she and Ship — studying the warp. ’ ‘Thanks Nona, I’ll do that. I’ll be back as soon as I can.’ ‘I’m here for you babe, you know that. Just don’t overdo it out there – be safe. And I’ll be waiting for you when you make port.’ ‘Thanks. I’ll be back in two days, maybe less if I can. I love you.’ ‘Love you too, babe.’ Her best friend for the last fifteen years replied. Wrapping her arms tight around her to ward of the chill that crept into the air as the sun began it’s descent into the white line where the sky and the ocean met,. I was amazed at how great it looked all put together.“This is for you. When your grandfather asked if I’d take you along with us hunting, I knew you’d need something to use which is why I had you try it out yesterday.”“I don’t know what to say, it’s beautiful. I almost don’t want to use it.”“Barnim, while it’s a beautiful piece, it was created to be used.”I looked at Grandfather as I slid the leather sheath on my belt. He had the decency to shrug when I looked at him, we’d have to have a. "Are all boys as dense as you?" Mary asked with a shake of her head. "Did you really buy the story that Dannie had a stomach bug?" You mean she wasn't sick?" Ken asked in obvious surprise."She was sick alright," Mary said with a weak chuckle as she looked at her pale face in the mirror, "but it was morning sickness." Are you sure?" Ken asked as he put his back against the wall to support himself at the sudden shock. "I mean, why didn't she say something before she left?" I think she was trying.