"It's being held at the old Presbyterian church near Ken's house, this Saturday after work. I saw where he had assigned you to bring a big salad and a...12 pack of beer. We all have to bring something. Ken buys the ham and maybe a few other things and we furnish everything else."Ken Boyle had been a good boss to Cade. He had given him a job when it was unlikely that he would find anyone else to hire him, and he had treated Cade fairly. Cade hadn't drunk beer for a very long time and he had. Why should we allow you to board our ship, let alone command it.?The room was deathly quiet. When Grandmother started to rise, I motioned for her to stay.Facing away from Johnson, I addressed the room. “Let’s get something straight right now. I am here for an introduction, not an interview. I am not looking for your approval. I answer to one person and one person only. That is Grandmother Seward. She hired me. Note that I said she hired me, past tense. Not you, not the Mother’s Council. And. I won't put up a fight."Carlie grinned up at me, a genuinely friendly grin."Now that would be a shame." She reached up and took my arm and led me towards the front door.Just as we were leaving a voice called out and caught our attention."HEY, Carlie... wait up." A good looking blond guy about her age forced his way thru the mob of bodies and joined us. "Hey babe, where you off to? The party's just getting started."Carlie's grip on my arm tightened a little bit."Harve, this is Ike. Ike... my. I'm first; she gets second and third, and I'll take your fourth effort if there is one in you. After that," she smiled "if you survive, it's your choice and every man for him or herself. As they say, devil take the hindmost." And in the morning?" I asked, setting aside my heavy belt and bayonet, more than willing to give it a try."We'll reverse it. Beth can be first, and you must be kind to her; let her hold you off somehow. Don't hurt her." Constance licked her lips and the girl lay back and.