Never guessed it'd take almost two years of razzing from the other guys before I'd finally give in to my baser urges.But I had to do something. I hadn...'t gotten laid in New Zealand, and in Canberra I'd sold my shore leave for eight cartons of Winstons, which I traded to get other guys to stand watch for me while I caught up on my sleep. I hadn't even gotten laid at Subic Bay, which I was told was some kind of record... if I was really straight.I stood there on the sidewalk on 14th Street near. That's a Wednesday. But there's an open date May 1 -— Thursday —- before we start a series in Toronto Friday night." When do you fly to Toronto?" she asked."Not until pretty late Thursday evening." So I could fly up or take Amtrak late Wednesday after Arlie gets home, and then get back Thursday after seeing Riordan." And screw up one of the amazingly few home open dates we get all year?" Dan said. "I've got a much, much better idea. Wednesday afternoon after the game, you and I both drive to. Your fantasies, your perversions, and your dreams will become part of the collective." Her voice sounded melodious, shifting even as she spoke toward the fantasy contralto range that Elrod described so often in his stories.Elrod backed away quickly as the woman turned and advanced on him. "What are you?" he demanded, his voice trembling with genuine terror. "You're like the Borg, aren't you!"The woman smiled and continued her advance. And even as she stepped forward, Elrod couldn't help but. "Ooo, yum," said Ann after she took a refreshing sip. Her sip was followed closely by an alcohol-induced cough. "And, smooth," laughed Ann. "Youch, these are strong."Just then, Al Newman Jr. rounded the corner of the house pushing his faithful mower. He wore his typical yard work attire-baseball cap, tee shirt cut off just beneath the shoulders, and very tight denim shorts. His lean muscles rippled as he maneuvered the mower here and there."Al Jr. does your yard too, I see," said Ann. "If only.