Come on Lassie, we need to find a mating minister then get our lives reorganized." First Sergeant, two things first," I said. "Another choice, only th...s one concerns the both of you." With that I stood and put on the robe Hawkins was holding out for me. After me he held one out to Lady Murielle and then to Sensha. Both put their silk robe on and got off their tables and came over and stood by me. Like everyone else they were curious. When we were all covered Hawkins made a signal and a side. I felt a twinge of covetness and might have pettishlyreclaimed my property except that I now noticed a cluttered table atthe side of the lane with stools arrayed on either side. Who had placedit in what seemed to be a cornfield? Where the late diners so wealthythey could go away heedless of their plates and kettles? Or had theyleft them behind in terrified flight?I frowned thoughtfully. Why had I thought of fear and flight? Why did Ipresume that the night held anything terrifying? Had I. I didn't know it would cause a problem. I'll tell them the truth tomorrow." No!" So don't tell them?" No because Brianna will know I'm her secret admirer." Why don't you just tell her?"I sighed. More and more the only option I had was to let Brianna know. I was afraid. What if she didn't like me?"Yeah," I said softly."You might want to do it before I run into Kendall." Uh..." I don't know if I could tell Brianna at school."Or else tell me what to say."I had nothing. If I was lucky Kendall would. Procta's programming had specified the conditions he was to seek in a planet as well as what type of being he was to contact. So far in the five hundred or more rotations this planet had made around its' star, he had only found a dozen or so life forms who seemed completely conscious of the beauty around them. An appreciation for beauty was an essential part of Procta's criteria; however Vyagar knew that it was not enough. Also essential was an ability to understand science and technology for.