" Constance didn't stick her foot into her mouth very often, and was not practiced at recovery. "It's hard to believe that was a bit over twenty-four ...hours ago. Please, give me a chance to apologize appropriately."I have just left an interview with the captain of this ship and have some ideas that I simply have to share with another engineer before I explode. I know that you are also an engineer, but I know Celeste by more than reputation and hoped to discuss some concepts with her before going. "Sounds good. Say, a question while I've got you on the phone..." Yes?"Hesitating, unsure of how to phrase what might be considered unnecessarily snoopy, he asked, "Jen's father said he has a friend outside who keep an eye on her. What does that mean?"There was silence as she considered the question. "Margrave." I don't know the name... ," but damn, it sure sounded familiar."Big man across the street. I'm sure you've seen him around." Ah, name on the mailbox. Heavy-set man. "He's got an. There are limits, and we can and will say ‘no’ if the limits are surpassed or the request is not practical. One of the things that makes this feasible is that many of you are from widely separated areas, and we will not be picking up noticeable numbers from any one location. The exception might be here in Puerto Rico, and we will need to see how that works.”“Understand, that concubines will continue to be possessions of their sponsor. Sex and childbearing WILL be required. Let me state --. That kind of pissed me off. What was weird is that it also made me horny. Why? I guess because I knew that she thought she had the secrets when I knew that I was the one with a secret advantage.That should have been my second clue. Casinos don't tend to send beautiful security personnel up if you've just won a couple of hundred grand. That's a good day, but still chump change. They bring out the big guns for the real fat cats, but..."Hi, my name is Talia and I'm here, Mr. Popingham, to make.