I noticed there was a rolling ladder against one of the walls that I assumed (rightly) was the only access to the attic upstairs. I found out there we...e two bedrooms up there with vaulted ceiling that I banged my head on when I did venture to explore.Just off to the right of the Family Room was the Dining area complete with table and four chairs. Adjoining the Dining was a small open Kitchen.At the far end of the Family Room was the Bedroom that I immediately decided was mine and walked. Lawrence handed them to the grizzled man who crumpled them tightly inhis grasp. "Trash pickup is in the back, Tuesday's only. No pets andno loud parties!" Then motioning with his thumb as he chewed his cigarstudied Lawrence. "Bathroom's down the hall, bring your own towels."The squeaking door swung shut with a thud as the man shuffled off downthe hallway while Lawrence moved through his dingy furnished apartment. The dusty odor of mildew and a trace of spoiled food filled the air asLawrence. Instead, he leaned to hug the child and whisper something into her ear.Selina grinned and kissed him on the cheek.Standing back up, Whitworth hesitated only a second before asking matter-of-factly, “Everyone ready?”Jeff had previously given Ship his mental commands. The words were barely out of the General’s mouth, when the wall turned into a viewscreen to show that they were already high over the Retreat. A second later, they translated to appear above the base, leaving behind a rolling boom. After admiring my handiwork for several minutes I lowered myself back onto the bed between their recumbent bodies so that my head was between theirs and I could whisper to both of them at once. "Vicky, Simone," I murmured. "I know you can hear me. Listen very carefully. I have to leave now. Rest here for a while and when you feel stronger, go and clean yourselves up and then wait here for me to come back. We need to talk. And thank you, my beauties," I added, "that was wonderful. You don't know.