“Just when we think they have made advancements, we find recordings of their mating rituals where the male has a sorry excuse for genitalia! When th...y finally have peace, they find some other stupid reason to have another war, killing those gifted with large appendages.” He shook his head. Clearing his throat, he continued. “That is why we will be sending you all down to Earth!” Cheers rang from the crowd, the sound resonating off the curved walls. The general pulled his hand up, ceasing the. She was beautiful. He didn’t know how else to put it. She was a goddess and even though she stood in front of him with her face twisted into an attitude, he still had to stop himself from walking over and stealing a kiss. He could tell just by her eyes not meeting his that she was uncomfortable. Her mind and body wanted to leave but her heart wanted to stay with him. She wanted to talk out their problems, work out their differences. Fix everything and anything that caused conflict between them. "Ted Perkins," the voice said. "I'm in charge of the endorsements department at Brogan Guitars. We met a few years ago while you were recording your first album, remember?" Yes, I do," Jake said, and he did. Perkins was the rep who had pushed the Brogan guitars on them during the recording and touring stages of Descent Into Nothing. He was also one of the people who had called and threatened Matt with contract violation when he refused to play one on stage. "How did you get my number?" Mr. Crow. " "On that optimistic note, I'm out of here for a while, guys." Mitch grabbed his coat. "Mom said Maria was going to try to call on Skype, so I want to be there. Be back in plenty of time, though." "How's she doing?" Ryan asked, and the others echoed her. "Good so far." Mitch nodded. "It's quiet, for the moment. I did have an email this morning, and she said thanks for setting up the Facebook thing. The unit's been getting a kick out of the messages people have been leaving." "Great." Ryan.