I wasn’t at full staff, but it was enough that the robe couldn’t keep me covered any more.I sighed and looked to my right. The door to the master ...bathroom stood open. I considered going in there, finding some kind of moisturizer and stroking one off before looking for any more of dad’s clothes, but I couldn’t bring myself to do that. It seemed so degrading. For tonight, I needed some underwear or shorts. Something to wear to keep myself under control.I looked to my left, to the bedroom proper.. Then a funny feeling overwhelmed her. It must have been something aboutthe music, the time, the place and the surging waves of estrogen washingover it. Maybe it was the electricity of the opening chords of "Twist andShout." Before she knew it, her mouth was open, and she was screaming too.And crying. And she didn't stop until the Beatles left the stage thirty-five minutes later.As they began walking toward the exit, Patricia looked squarely at Claireand said, "Really, Mother. Sometimes you are. " Mountserrat would still be attacked" stated Harwood."And destroyed" McCock continued, "I didn't say I'd win but that is the only chance of limiting the damage that fleet will do in our area. The loss of Mountserrat will be a major blow to the capacity to deal with this and other attacks and it will probably end with a disadvantageous peace with Harbouria. Renmark would probably be absorbed by Harbouria but Amaranti would remain untouched.Gustavus and his people don't know the meaning of the. He...she...whatever...was sending him amessage.Somehow...the mysterious being could turn him into a girl. For real.Possibly even wanted to. And Mike knew the girl that "it" had in mind.Melissa. She showed up in his dreams pretty much straight after Samshowed up in his head back in June. Why though? Who was Melissa meantto be? While he'd love the opportunity to transform just likethat...Mike knew the problems that it would cause.What the hell was Sam up to?Having to effectively relive a.