As we moved around, we both became aware of each other’s presence. The conversation came naturally.“She really is very good?” I ventured. “So ...imple, yet so striking?”“Absolutely, she really has an eye, and this presentation is so powerful,” She replied.We fell into an easy conversation and enjoyed the exhibition together. I asked her if she would like a coffee.“Michael,” I said by way of introduction“Rona,” she replied, the Celtic name suiting her striking mane of red hair.Coffee was followed. Things weren't going well at all, and I was stuck, sad and alone, at home. Thank God the apartment back in my hometown was still making me money in rent every month, otherwise I would've probably been on the street by now.On this particular evening, I was, as usual, at home by myself, but I had gotten so bored and tired of my sulking that I decided I'd go out. So I got dressed and headed down to the club which was just down the road from where I lived. Luckily, there was no closed events going. . well the damn driver announced we were almost at the theatre." Oh!" What is it?" I just now realized that he must have been watching us to know enough to warn us we were arriving." I won't say a thing about having told you," Gabby said and took the olive from her martini and bit into it, grimacing at the tartness."Anyway we enjoyed the show. Do want all the gory details on that performance?" God no! Please continue. Oh, may I have your olive?" Be my guest," and held her glass out to her. " Sundowner" was back at Old London Orbital. TJ had been able to catch up with his mutie net and then sit back and assess things.Sir Henry Bollinger's attempts to warn Harbouria were unsuccessful and that planet nation just sat there awaiting whatever fate was theirs; no evacuations from New Liege, no mass exodus from the planet. TJ's contacts had accepted his earlier advice that now was a good time to take that accrued leave and transfer assets elsewhere.The Armada was three days out of.