I stood and introduced him to the women around the table, "Dad, these lovely ladies with clothes on are Kathy-with-a-K, Doris, Sally, Maria and Samant...ha, who answers to Sam, the guy's Arthur, and this is my Program partner Janet Linsdale. Ladies and gentleman, this is my dad."Kathy looked at his uniform closely. "Is that blue ribbon with the stars what I think it is?"Dad looked a little embarrassed, as he usually is when that question's asked. "Yes, but I usually don't wear it because people. As fates would have it the booking canceled the afternoon we were scheduled to depart which was the same day as the party. I tried to get in touch with Cynthia but for some reason my calls weren't getting through or she was unavailable. That was a bit strange since her AI should have been able to either put me through or at least tell her I called but for some reason it didn't. But what the hell, I still had the invitation so I thought I'd surprise her and show up.This was a formal affair so I. "Why yes, Art I am. Though I just broke up with a guy I datedback in business school.... I thought for sure he was Mr. Right... buthe... liked it rough." she said that last part in a covert whisper anda mere shudder. Art stammered, "Oh I see..... well, now here's thecheck? What are we to do now, its a Friday night-surely you got somegirlfriends to hang out, eh Ms. Harts?" Art asked quite directly."Uhh well, I have only been part of the company for a few months now,only made a few friends with. Then she took a seat herself, right next to Brigitte. She asked her if she would like tea.From a pretty little pot she poured the steaming brew into a wide rimmed cup. She presented it with graceful gestures. It felt like an ancient ritual. The flowery fragrance was very subtle. Brigitte thanked her for the cup. They sat in silence for a minute."Brigitte", the woman went on at last. "I shall be quite open with you. The position we offer is not just a hostess's or a waitress's job. We have been.