Some time later, Gary got ready to go and see Betty. It amazed Rambo that this normally scruffy fucker suddenly started to wash. More amazingly, he sc...ubbed the area behind his ears, a place that only got wet when it rained. Toe nails, fingernails and even nasal hair all got trimmed. Clean clothes came out of the closet, smelling of mothballs and being half a size too small, but never-the-less, wrapped around Gary's spare frame. Copious amounts of some foul smelling alcohol based liquid was. She wasn't making a move to get out of the car. "Um," she paused, "since you don't have anyone at home can I offer you an egg nog or a drink, something just to say thanks?" Wow again. 'You can't do this', I told myself. 'You're not a cheating husband.' I looked down, then back at her. No fuckin' way. I can't believe this. "Well, I'm not a fan of egg nog, but I'll take the rum or whiskey if you have it, sure." We got out and walked up a flight of stairs into her apartment. Overall it was pretty. Brian gulped and led her into his house.Once inside, Byan put the lights on dim and offered his sister a drink. They stood in Bryan's kitchen."You want something to drink sis? I got soda, juice, beer, some rum and-"Before he could finish, Britney rushed to him and threw her arms around him. Bryan was taken by surprise but then again he couldn't help and hold his sister in his arms. Britney stared up at him."The only thing I want right now is you. I don't know what it is about tonight, but I. A moonless night, clear skies, almost no wind, dry air, the typical doldrums of the horse latitudes. It's really very pleasant."Alvaro nodded and held her gently by her side. "Think you're ready?"Megan paused for a second and then nodded. "I feel as if I've spent my life preparing for this moment." They shared a kiss and then headed to the ship's galley for a quick breakfast.An hour later.Time: July 20, 2053 4:52 AMHannibal stood forward near the stem post of Asherim's Offer, the flag ship of.