The initial days of a long voyage are typically problematic until everyone and everything settles into a predictable routine.”“So how’s the trip...so far?” Betty asked, as they settled into their seats.“Well, the entire staff is continually amazed by your whole group. I don’t know whether all humans are this capable, but you’re certainly making a significant difference on this mission.”“Trust me,” Xi offered, “it’s not all humans. We were forced to flee our home, as there were several. Archer and she was sitting at her desk having lunch. It looked like a sandwich brought from home, an orange and a Diet Coke. ‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your lunch.’ I turned to go. ‘Stop, Mr. Peterson. You haven’t interrupted my lunch. You have finally come in at the right time. Please sit down.’ ‘No. You are eating your lunch. I’ll come back later.’ ‘No. Sit down Mr. Peterson. We need to talk.’ Her tone and body language were clear. I sat down in the chair next to her desk. She. I'll draw up a spreadsheet which shows us all our options from what we've discussed now, to people paying the whole whack less what the Jays can put up. I don't think it'll be very cheering," he added gloomily."Thanks, Rod. At least you're being realistic, blast you. I'll go away and do a bit more thinking." She grinned. "Possibly a bit more realistic thinking."Rod smiled. "And you're not going to renege on that promise either, are you?" No, I'm bloody well not." Good for you. You know I'm on. .?’ He put the plate he had in his hand away and gave her a loving smile. ‘I’d like that.’ She moved against him, stroked his chest and put her lips on his. He moved his arms around her back and took the back of her neck, kissing her tenderly for a moment, then she opened up and invited him in. He loved her lips and tongue and taste and kissed her eagerly. She couldn’t get enough of him and wished they could kiss forever and ever, but the oven alarm forced them to pause for the moment. ‘Sit.’.