" I hate that we have to let them land, but if we don't, it'll be a corridor-to-corridor fight to capture those ships, or worse yet, a ship-to-ship sp...ace battle. With the troops on the ground, hopefully they'll surrender without a fight." We've planned as best we can, Commodore," Mtumbo didn't look a day older than he had when Colin recruited him. Of them all, he had probably seen the most unsimulated battle, though spears and hide shields were a far cry from the weapons he would be wielding in. I smiled softly at him, wanting him to kiss me but not daring to say. As if reading my mind he asked hesitantly “can I kiss you?” I laughed at him thinking he had to ask as I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Yes” I breathed as I touched my lips to his. That kiss, that second my lips touched his was when I realised I loved him, or at least that’s when I admitted to myself that I loved him, in truth I had probably been in love with him for a lot longer than that! We broke the kiss and he. " If I did accept a free-lance assignment, you and Gwen could come along asmy staff. And naturally we'd bring the twins. How would you feel aboutbeing a two hundred foot cetacean, for example? Their genitalia are quiteimpressive. It would be so educational for Judy and Solly, and a lot offun, too. What do you say? I could arrange for conditional retirementfor myself and reserve status for the two of you." You know Gwen has the final say. I'm willing." I've already discussed it with Gwen.. ‘I’m just letting you know I may not be home when you get there,’ I told him. My face was serious, I was determined to be honest with him and I was determined he would not stop me. He didn’t looked concerned. . .yet. ‘Oh okay. What’s up?’ Okay. . . there it was. The chance to lie. The opportunity to tell the truth lay on the table. Did I? Did I tell the truth and let him know what was on my mind? Did I confess that the morning team just finally pissed me off and it was time to take them out.