I think I kept them amused with my sense of humor as well. I was the editor of this ‘underground'(meaning we said ‘fuck’ in print) humor/satire ...rag called Rat Sass. It also probably didn’t hurt that they trusted me enough not to rat them out, or ‘eat the cheese’, as we termed it, if I got popped. And I wouldn’t have either. I guess it was sort an ‘honor among thieves’ sort of thing, although we weren’t thieves in any sense of the word. We were simply ‘wholesalers of illicit commodities’.. While I was talking to my contact in S-3, I learned why we were assigned Team A-23,” she told me and paused for a short time.“How well do you know MSG Haddrell?” she asked.“Not that well. I’ve run into him several times here between assignments. We’ve had a couple of drinks in the club together, but I’ve never been assigned with him or any of those on his Team. Why?” I asked.“Haddrell is under investigation for embezzling Team funds. Specifically, transferring money from the Partners food. I have to ask — how reliable is the Harbourian news?" Absolutely reliable; its from our usual source. Tom?" Means we should go to flat out just in case Sol does join in because we won't know about it until their fleet arrives. Not quite — I think the first news will be our Ambassador will be rendered incommunicado, not lethally, but effectively. My fellow Lords are or should be at my door right about now to start on, ho ho, yesterday's decision. I had spoken with Milligan some week or so ago. He wasn’t ready yet and I don’t think I was. I wanted to pretty myself up, be at my best, for him. We sat drinking our coffee and chatting before he went off into the garage. ‘I’ll get some lunch ready about 12,’ I said, ‘is that OK?’ ‘Mmm,’ he said, ‘give me a shout before it’s ready and I’ll have a quick shower.’ Oh good, I thought, you’re not getting away this afternoon! And off he went into the garage. I spent the morning having a lovely bath, the great big tub all too myself, bubbling.