Marlene’d thrown her coat and handbag across the breakfast bar. The bag gaped open, revealing her purse. I never open her purse, I mean never, on pa...in of death, ever. We have joint accounts, sharing household and living expenses, we had for twenty years, but cash is ... personal.The reason the tank was empty was her post-Christmas sales. She’d done them all, particularly treasuring those leather boots she nervously said were a bargain. Yeah, I knew what we saved, not the cost. She owed me big. How was this good for him?"And naturally," she went on, ignoring his stunned expression, "we'llkeep dressing you in a way that's appropriate for your situation."Being cut off from sex had been bad enough. And having her turn himinto a virtual slave when she wanted orgasms, that had been worse. Butsomehow the way she had started making him dress at home, once she hadhim securely under her plump thumb, was the most difficult to bear. Ithad started slowly, going from boxers to jockey shorts,. " She headed for the door and fumbled with the deadbolt."Gretchen -- the offer stands. I'll go to the dean's office with you." No thanks -- I'll take my chances." She pulled open the door and headed down the corridor.Rich ran after her. "Gretchen," he yelled. "I love you! I'd never do anything I thought would hurt you."He saw her head down the stairwell. From his apartment he could see her at the corner, awaiting the bus. She appeared to be crying.Rich wandered around the apartment in stunned. "How did he manage to build two more ships and still get here that fast?" Marlon mused out loud."Shall I contact them, Captain?" asked Hansa."NO! The last thing I want to do is speak to that upstart. Why couldn't he have kept his savages out of this? We don't need his help," Marlon whined, ignoring the fact that his ship was currently under repair.The officers on the bridge glanced furtively at each other. Their opinion was quite different — they knew that they needed help and Commander Ben.