I also got a couple of holsters and a dozen boxes of ammo. I called Sergeant Davis on his cell number. ‘Pete, I ain’t going be on long, so listen ...hat my friend has to say. Then I’m moving to Mexico.’ I handed the phone to Maria. ‘Tell him what happened.’ I ordered. She told Pete what had happened, and answered a couple of simple questions. Then I hung up. ‘This isn’t the way to Mexico.’ Maria said as we headed north on the interstate. ‘Nope, but we ain’t going to Mexico.’ I told her. ‘We’re. However the Supreme Ruler Millonra was quite open in her praise of the males of the Empire who were fighting and dying (along with Imperial women) in the defence of the Autarchy.In the Regnat there was a sort of chaotic situation on their border with the regions where the Tcheeklan Ravagers roamed. The Ravagers, though somehow huge in numbers, would avoid any fleet large enough to be a threat to them and would simply melt away from any such threat, though would quickly reform to swarm down any. “So, about your present,” Mom began.“Yes?” I smiled.“It’s not all here yet. We hoped all of it would be in place today, but the holiday complicated things. I’ll be right back.”Mom headed toward her room, and appeared moments later with dad and a wrapped present.“Happy birthday!” dad smiled as mom handed me the gift.I unwrapped it and looked at the box in confusion. “Is it something else? We already have an answering machine?”My parents had a penchant for hiding presents in boxes that might. His friends pointed her out to him, saying that she was really fucked up now and it was all his fault."Shut up," he said to their teasing. He hoped that wasn't the case."Go talk to her," said Erik. "I thought you were friends with her. You said you were." I am. I will!" he replied testily. What the hell, he thought, going up to her and standing next to her."Uh, hi." Hi," she responded. Her friends ignored him."So what's up?" Nothing," she responded, not looking at him."Well... Um, I was just.