I don’t know what people would call it now. Her parents didn’t know; didn’t suspect. They didn’t believe in dating. They didn’t believe a 15... year old girl, especially one so introverted, could be able to “date” a person. They thought we were just close friends.Well, they weren’t totally wrong. We were that. We shared everything. We didn’t start out as lovers, you have to understand. We started out as friends, best friends. We just had a lot in common. We started out living in the same apartment. He turned left and took the path down to the beach, taking a right between two large bushes on the narrow path the kitchen staff used to bring supplies into the kitchens. A couple of turns and he was moving around the edge of the building where the Islands food was prepared and stored, unstaffed at this time of night. He knew if anyone spotted him they'd just assume he was going for his habitual late night snack, but he knew different. He bypassed the main doors to the kitchen and entered the. He reserves this play for special occasions when he's very, very pleased with me and wants me to understand that my offering to him tonight will be to enjoy the evening rather than to ensure my pleasure through his. I am instantly thrilled, not because I know he's very skilled at pleasing me, but because I know I've made him happy.I raise my head and look into his eyes. He sees my question and tells me he's read that article that I shared with you, dear readers, and the comments and emails it. He also visualized what little he'd seen of the delta-shaped stealth bombers that would be making the attack run.Can your ship shielding be extended to stop these devices? Michael asked.Not quite in the way you think, Michael. We cannot stop them exactly, but we can ensure they will do us no harm. But we will discuss that in greater detail. I understand that you wish to consult with the Mas'shi-dul, the ship's council. You are most welcome as a respected friend, a consultant, even as a valued.