It was possibly a day later when several alarms went off on board 0999, running out Derrick wasn't sure what was going on. "0999 report," ordered Derr...ck. "It appears that the thermic missiles took well over 60% of the fleet, they appeared to halt for 2 days but are on the move again." 0999 replied. "Status of 0098," Derrick asked. "All repairs are completed, all systems are ready, would you like to link, Prime Derrick?" 0098 asked. Derrick thought about it, it had supplied a tactical advantage. Would she take a very long time, afraid to come back, or would she hurry through her shower, eager to see what would happen?A few minutes later Sarah's question was answered, as Betty hurried in. She looked at the clothes on her bed, then peered uncertainly up at Sarah. As she walked over to her dresser Sarah barked, "What are you doing?"Betty squinted over her shoulder at Sarah and replied "I'm getting some panties." I said that I would be picking out your clothes, and they are on the bed,". "A fine girl for you now," the auctioneer began, leering first at me andthen at the audience. The men in the crowd seemed to understand andseveral began to chuckle. "Fresh as a daisy. She'd make a fine maid orbe useful for other household duties."This produced a roar from the men. I stared in fear as they leered atme.I fought down the impulse to strike the auctioneer. Charles would havedone so, but this young black girl would be sacrificing her life in afutile gesture. More than one slave had. The sun might be unable to reach the Mistress, but Francine was getting no benefit from the giant shade, being roasted alive in the fierce afternoon heat. Behind her was an attendant with a whip at the ready, prepared to lambaste the Slave the minute she let the shade slip. Francine was aware of this and was determined not to fail in her duty. She tried to forget her pain and concentrated all her mental forces on the task in hand. Then the Lady Fortescue gave the horse a light tap of the whip.