He gave her the form to fill out and she took a seat to fill out the form.I stayed in back. A friend said, “Todd, is she with you?”“Yes, she’s...an engineer and has been studying diligently for her test.”“She doesn’t look like the ‘Gail’ you described to the Treasure Coasters”“Jack, I didn’t know you listened to the Treasure Coasters.”“Frequently. She has a lovely voice. Her description was more accurate.”“I agree. She lost her job as I did when our company closed their location here. She was. On the brink of war, Rhonda was all business now.The meeting lasted until noon when they adjourned for lunch. After everyone had eaten and gotten all the small talk behind them, they resumed the meeting until dinner when they ate lobster bisque before leaving.There were briefings every day. Most were a half hour at the most. Now that there was a real shooting war with thousands killed daily, they might take up the entire morning. Chris was well enough to work on his rendition of the economy. He. What would I say anyway that I haven't said already? That you didn't already hear? Or know?The silence stretches out even further. My muscles are aching from holding the dowel in place. The skin under my collar is becoming itchy. I need to take a piss.My senses come to attention as I hear a small scuffing noise. Movement? You? God, I hope that's you, Sir! I listen intently.Nothing.I look left and right, a vain attempt to see past the dishtowel-blindfold. My muscles are working harder now, not. "No. Think about it. There's an answer in that pretty little head ofyours. Think about it... now tell me," she said."Henderson's School for Girls," I replied wide eyed in wonder that Iknew that."What grade?" I'll be in... the... sixth grade after... summer break," I said, wordsslowly pouring out of my mouth in disbelief."Favorite animal?" he asked.This was easy."Kittens... No! Bunnies!" I replied."Haha! See? You like girl things. My favorite animal's a wolf. Afterall, I am a ranger," he.