.. I’ll pass that along, thank you so much.”She hung up.“They made it to the embassy safely,” Carol said, caressing Tamara’s hair... “All ...heir electronics were appropriated, but the staff called the State Department on a scrambled line, and someone there called Eddie’s boss. He called us.“Next, the embassy will see about dealing with the Pyanmar government, and getting the charges dropped. That could take quite a while, if it happens at all.“Mr. Fowler says he’d like to meet with the crew’s. I look forward to future conversations." I escorted her back to her quarters, bowed, and took my leave.Troy:I got the locations of all of the passenger messes from the AI and trolled them on Wednesday. There was a shitload of pussy out there -- most of it older bitches. A lot of them were fat and ugly, too, but the AI reminded me that I could fix that, so I worked at ignoring it -- which isn't easy. Your first impression of another person just isn't what they sound like or what the smell like. It's safe to wake up now."Bobby strained to see through the fog, but couldn't make him out. "Will you be there when I do Dad?" There was no answer for what seemed like a long time."No son. I wish I could be, but I can't. But your mom will be there for you, and Raul. They're your family now, and they will help you." You're... you're okay with Mom and Raul?" Yes son. Raul is a good man, and he will be a good husband for your Mom. And he will become a good father for you and your sister. Don't be. .....who?...”, I stopped, as the unreality of this suddenly gripped me with apprehension. “I’m Xchppishk”, the animal said, “I am your companion now, and will help you to understand everything abut us”. “What are you, and where am I?”, my voice had recovered enough to ask. “Let me answer your first question – we are on my world of ….Earth…is the nearest word, I suppose, as our word would mean little to you. And I am a member of the Xanth, which is one of the two intelligent races on the.