That left the “captain” and one man alive. There was shouting between the two of them, and they hauled the two dead men onboard the damaged Easy T...me, as Clara drifted back into deeper water. They seemed to argue for a moment, then the “captain” won the discussion. They went back to opening the crate on deck and opening the lead-lined package within. They carried the fissile material to the shore – such as it was, and Clara knew she had to do something. She hefted the rock as she stood up, near. That was fortunate but, to be honest, I couldn't remember what she was drinking when I met her or anything since then. That was something I needed to do to show her that it wasn't all about the sex. I needed to pay attention to her while we were together and mentally take note of the things she likes and dislikes. I think a woman always appreciates it when her man is listening. I got to Lucy's house a few minutes later. She was wearing a silk robe when she answered the door. "Uh, Lucy," I said. ”I did have help with the livestock. Four of the kids joined me. While they were there, they told me that they felt safer with me. Then quickly tried to backtrack and include Suzy. I chuckled and passed it off. Meanwhile, Suzy and her two helpers, mostly her helpers, got breakfast ready for the rest of the mob.After the breakfast cleanup was done, I called into Elk City.“Mountain Man to Elk City, you on the air blue suit, Paul?”After 3 or 4 tries, Paul came on the air. “Criminy Matt, it’s 7 in. "That club it carries is a weapon, so don't try to touch it. Take the warb and prepare it for dinner. Now that we are safe I'm going to try to talk to the creature. It seems to have a language, but not one that I have ever heard."The children dragged the warb from the room. Pirek fed the fire that smoldered in the fireplace, then offered the creature a flagon of water. It crouched near the center of the room, where its head barely cleared the ceiling. Raising the flagon to its mouth it sniffed.