“Thank you Lieutenant.”To Roy he said. “I’ll keep an eye on you Mr. Masters.”Then he turned and left. Roy had so many questions and wanted t... ask what he knew about Partner but the famous Admiral wasn’t as Uncle Sam described him.Cara said to Roy. “Don’t judge him just yet, Roy. He might have been a little stern but he is integrity incarnate.”Roy sighed deeply. “He might be that, but to me he appeared to be arrogant and a little self important if you ask me. He is just like the rest, claiming. While we finish our drinks, you can decide whether to accept my offer now, or to leave, or to hear the rest of my offer in the room I've booked here for the night."I waited with trepidation as he decided what to say. He didn't agree, but he didn't diasagree either. After his last sip, he said, "I will decide when you've finished presenting your offer." I smiled then, because I knew I had him. My offer contained a challenge and a mystery, but I wasn't treating him like a beta male. I wasn't. The dominant species had been culled by over 99%, slowing the de-speciation of the overall biome. This should allow the richer ecosystem to recover prior to the re-emergence of the primary species. Additionally, the secondary and tertiary species of interest should resume development with the decreased encroachment of their habitats by the dominant species. Initial probability indices were a strong recovery and maturation in all three species.The nano-virus had culled many of the unfavorable. I scooped her up and carried her to my truck, sitting her up on the hood so I could take a look at her cheek. It was just a bruise, but she’d scraped one hand when she fell. I took it and kissed her palm feeling terrible for her, that she’d gotten involved with that son of a bitch. ‘I’m so sorry,’ I told her in a whisper. She clung to me suddenly, but I didn’t let myself get overwhelmed by how amazing it felt to have her in my arms. Right now, she needed comfort. ‘It’s not your fault… I’m just.