If so they didn't seem overly concerned about it, there was lots of touchy-feely byplay across the table as they ordered their own breakfast and they ...eemed happy as clams.Now where did that phrase come from, I wondered. Were clams really happy? Whether they were or not, how would anybody know? Why not happy as, oh, say a meadowlark? I didn't know anything about the emotional state of meadowlarks either, it was probably the same as humans, some were and some weren't, but the birds sure did seem. Yang snapped his finger, and a young girl ran into the room. “Sue Ming take these girls and start getting their things in order, they leave next Friday.” Jim watched as both girls followed the younger one.“Anything you want from the girls before I have them brought to you?”“Yes sir, I would like them to have no public hair. I prefer it bald. Their hair I want to keep the way it is.” Jim thought for a moment then took a swig of his drink. “How young was that girl that took mine to the back?”Mr.. Sunbrella canvas was a good 1o years off. Canvas was the cloth we had and canvas is heavy, mildews easily, tears easier and must be dried after each use. To dry the sails after a cruise we were going to need a drying mast taller than the mast of the boat, a drying mast needed a hole in the ground and set in concrete, old anchors buried with the shanks exposed, halyards, winches ... work, work, work. We were going to need help if we were going to keep this monstrosity."Yeah Mike, you and your. .was good, right? Six years of secret work to come to this." We're not even completely sure of the correct wording for this ritual! How can we be sure this isn't a coincidence?" Enough!"The chattering members, full of skepticism, disbelief, and hope, all quieted to Lecia's call. Uncovering her hood again, she stares at the fire pit again, trying to collect her thoughts and calm her beating heart. Then, she takes a deep breath before addressing them all."Let me be clear: Everything was checked.