The remoteness of their ranch meant that there was no outside light to obscure the view so the stars were as brilliant as the most fervent astronomer ...ould wish. Natalie was not an astronomer; she just enjoyed watching this display of celestial magnificence. She stood in the pre-dawn darkness and wondered if she’d ever return to this place, and if their new home would offer anything that could approach this amazing display.Tears became ice crystals as they rolled down her cheeks, as sorrow. And the growing colonies within the Darjee sphere also needed to be included - giving and receiving both news and data on the conduct of the war with the Swarm, and the tools developed for this and other purposes.Helva was tasked, and she and Inkie were willing. In fact, Inkie was the key.In short order, the pair became the nucleus of a traveling USO show. As Helva shuttled between Harrad Colony’s Rukbat System and Earthat, she and Inkie widened their sojourns to include other colonies, and. . Did Will mention anything to you about coming to the meeting today?” she asked.Ms. Perez frowned. “No, why do you ask?”“Oh,” Alaina sighed. “I just thought ... He told me he might show up, so I wondered if he’d said anything to you.”Ms. Perez’s frown changed to a look of confusion. “He does turn up every now and then, but I can hardly see why he’d tell me about it. He’s expected to be here for all the meetings, is he not?” The slightly staccato accenting of her vowels seemed to emphasize the. Was... just.. putting on some sun tan lotion!" Mrs Jones quickly replied back lifting the bottle up for her husband to see "You weren't here, and he kindly volunteered to help me in my hour of need!"Mr Jones stood for a moment looking at us, and it was then I realised because of the raised back rest of the sun lounger all he could actually see was me sat over his wife and nothing lower."Oh!" Mr Jones finally said "Well thanks k**!" "That's okay" I replied nervously"Just make sure you cover.