At first, I thought of hiding in the kitchen. But it was a mess with a week's worth of dishes stacked in the sink and a trash can so full that it look...ed like a triple scoop ice cream cone. Instead, I picked the living room closet. It was so packed with clothes that even if someone opened it, they would have to look hard to find me crouching in the back corner.The closet door folded to open and, with it ajar just a sliver, I had a good view of the entire living room. The couch faced me with a. Keith walked back into the family room. He had two robes with him. He had us stand as he helped us both into the robes. Keith kissed Linda lightly on her cheek. Then wiped her tears as Linda hung her head again.“And you are not a freak,” Keith said to her.I knew he had heard us talking before coming into the room. Keith told her he thought no different of her. He also hoped she didn’t think any different of him as he had enjoyed what he had seen.Keith lifted her head and took her into his arms.. I certainly don’t want you to leave angry with us.’ She was giving me a fake smile. I could tell she wasn’t used to apologizing. The six dollars was still on the bar and a fresh drink was waiting. I thought about just accepting her apology and leaving. There was nothing here that really appealed to me. Maddy wasn’t even appealing any more. The math was easier when I added in the dark house I would return to. ‘Okay, I guess we did get off on the wrong foot.’ I smiled and sat back down. ‘I do. "Dako San sighed. "Oh, don't think we haven't tried," he said, "But Kira told us that the machine only responds to her and no one else. Watch," he said as he stepped towards the ship and reached forward with his right hand to touch it. Suddenly, an opaque cross-hatched electrical field of some sort encircled the time machine preventing him from getting any closer, "Nothing can penetrate this shield. Better, smarter men, women, and aliens than I have tried. The ship appears inextricably linked.