Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 The Librarian

   By deGaffer

   Copyright (c) 2008 by deGaffer

   SUMMARY: A wealthy and politically connected college librarian
manipulates a group of students and encourages them to put together a team
that the Confederacy shouldn't ignore.
UNIVERSE: The Swarm Cycle
WARNING: This story contains material unsuitable for minors and
narrow-minded individuals.  It probably contains sex, violence, and other
socially unacceptable material.  You have been warned!
CONTENT: mF ScFi
This story is set in the Swarm Cycle Universe created by Thinking
Horndog.  Get a grip; this is fiction.  Any resemblance between the content
of this story or any of the characters depicted herein with real persons,

places or events is totally coincidental.

   It started with a simple concept that should have been a short story,
but it seems to have morphed into an epic saga of scheming, planning,
deception, and of course, sex.

   I very much appreciate the patience and efforts of Mulligan.  His help
has made this a much better story.  I claim full responsibility for all
errors and omissions.

   Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyrighted with all
rights reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.  Reproduction
for profit is forbidden.  Any distribution must include this note and the
author's email address.

   CHAPTER 24: Dinner at the Grayson's

   Jake was awakened by noises in the kitchenette.  About the time he
rolled enough to focus an eye on the connecting door, a vision in a
diaphanous robe quietly entered from the common room.  "Good morning,
sleepyhead.  It's almost eight o'clock.  What, or who, had you out until
all hours last night?"

   Jake started to sit up, but just fell onto his back and groaned.  "I
must have gotten in around midnight.  I was at the library until it closed
and Dr.  Grayson's granddaughter ran me out.  We had coffee at an Omelet
Shoppe before I took her to Grayson's house in a taxi."

   "Wait, you were with Grayson's granddaughter last night?  How did you
swing that?" Leslie was more than a little curious.

   "Take off your clothes so I can talk to you," Jake suggested.  "Lie down
here so I can hear you better," He said as he dropped his boxers onto the
floor.

   Leslie laughed and told him, "You're incorrigible!" But, she shed her
robe and slid into bed next to Jake totally naked.  They rolled toward each
other, met in the middle of the large bed, and started stroking each other.
Leslie was thinking 'What is it about this boy that excites me so?' Shortly
afterward his big penis brushed against her leg.  'Okay, there's that,' she
answered herself, 'but there's more to him that just his dick.  I just
can't put my finger on it right now.' She then applied all of the fingers
of her left had to the anatomical part in question as they lightly kissed
and caressed each other.

   Jake cupped her sex with his whole hand and massaged it slowly and
gently.  When he detected moisture on the tips of his fingers he spread
them slightly and began to delve into the moist slit that slowly opened
beneath his questing fingers.  Jake stimulated her clitoris by maintaining
pressure on the top of her slit with the palm and heel of his hand.  As
soon as his fingers were gliding easily in and out of her opening, he
removed his hand from between her legs and crawled above her on all fours.

   Leslie had maintained her grip on his swelling cock, jacking it slowly
as they kissed and explored each other's bodies with their free hands. 
When he hovered above her, she guided the head of his dick to her opening
and groaned as he worked it into her tight tunnel.  It didn't take long for
Jake to insert his entire cock into her core and begin sliding his length
slowly back and forth.  Jake stopped his outstroke when her tight opening
gripped the flange of his glans, and his in-stroke stopped when he ground
the juncture of his penis and abdomen against her padded mons.

   They held contact with their eyes until the speed of their thrusting
increased beyond conscious control and animal lust took over.  The coupling
became a pounding, urgent need as they sought to become one at the juncture
of their legs.  The rippling muscles of Leslie's vagina as she began her
climax became too much for Jake to endure.  He could feel the burning hot
fluid travel the length of the vein in his dick and spray into Leslie's
depths.  Spasming muscles became the couple's universe for several long
seconds as Jake pushed deep with each pulse that began at the root of his
cock and ended beyond the swollen knob at its tip.

   "My God, you're getting good at this, Jake!" Leslie was breathing in
gasps and holding her young lover against her naked torso.

   Jake was trying not to crush her with his weight, but the tight grip she
had on him with her arms and legs made transferring his weight off of her
and onto his arms almost impossible.  He kissed her passionately before
putting his lips next to her jaw and whispering, "I have an inspiring
partner who brings out the best in me."

   Leslie finally let Jake lift himself off of her soft globes.  Jake
looked at the enticing mounds as they shifted with Leslie's breathing.  "I
didn't get a chance to play with all of your fascinating 'girl parts'."
Jake shifted the weight of his torso onto his left arm and gently massaged
Leslie's left breast with his right hand.  Before things got heated again,
he lifted his head and sniffed, "Is that fresh coffee I smell?"

   Leslie laughed and poked Jake in the ribs, "You rat!  Get off of me.  I
guess you're no longer interested in me now that you've gotten your rocks
off.  Go get your coffee and meet me in the shower.  Bring me a cup as
well, please." She pushed him away feigning rejection.

   When Leslie continued to stiff-arm him to keep him from kissing her, he
brushed his fingers up her ribcage to her armpits.  She squealed and
collapsed her arms to protect her ticklish spots and Jake locked his lips
at the juncture of her neck and shoulder below her ear causing her to
squeal louder and push him away again.  His shrinking penis was pushed out
of her vagina by her thrashing, and Jake rolled off to the side.  He
caressed her for a few moments before breaking contact and sliding around
to sit on the edge of the bed.

   Jake's first stop was the bathroom to relieve the urging of his bladder.
As he passed Leslie on her way to take his place on the toilet he asked,
"So, whom did you spend the night with?"

   "Don't make me laugh when I'm trying to pee," Leslie complained.  "Toby
was in the bed with me when I woke up this morning, but he and I didn't
have sex.  Sometime during the evening Darlene became a wild woman.  She
was a virgin yesterday, but I don't think she has a virgin orifice left
this morning, except maybe her nose and ears.  I was sure someone was going
to have hotel security knocking on our door at any minute to throw us all
out.  She screams like a banshee when she cums, unless she has a cock in
her throat as well as one in another hole."

   They each went to the kitchenette and retrieved a cup of coffee before
returning to the bathroom for a quick shower together.  Leslie donned her
robe after toweling off, and Jake just wrapped a towel around his waist and
tucked the ends into a makeshift waistband.

   There was a soft knock on the door when they were standing in the
kitchenette trying to decide what to do about breakfast.  Jake shrugged his
shoulders in answer to Leslie's questioning look before she went to answer
the door.  "Hi Janet," Jake heard Leslie greet Janet at the door.  "Who do
you have with you?" Before the question was answered, Jake scooted across
the hall and into his bedroom.

   Janet and Misty each gave Leslie a good morning hug and kiss before
Janet made the introductions, "This is Harry Mulligan and Jamal Warner,
guys this is my good friend Leslie Owens.  Did we wake you guys up?"

   "Jake and I have been up for a while.  Please, come in everyone." Leslie
stepped aside to let everyone pass.  "We were just trying to decide what to
do about breakfast.  There's some reasonably fresh coffee if anyone would
care for a cup."

   Jamal and Harry did there best not to stare at the beautiful redhead's
nearly naked body and damp pussy hair.

   "We were going to head downstairs and get something in the hotel, but
thought we'd see if you guys would like to join us." Janet led the four
fully dressed people into the living room section of the suite.

   Jake stepped out of the bedroom in a T-shirt and jeans, "Hello
everyone." Leslie introduced him as he shook hands with Harry and Jamal. 
"Excuse my appearance; I had just gotten out of the shower when you
knocked."

   Misty looked from Jake to Leslie, "Saving water by showering with a
friend, were you?" Jake blushed as Misty, Janet and Leslie chuckled.

   Toby stuck his head through the other bedroom door, "Leslie, help! 
Darlene is having a meltdown."

   Just as Leslie disappeared through the bedroom door, the main door of
the suite opened and Tiffany stuck her head through the doorway when she
sensed a room full of people.  "Is it safe to bring a friend into the
suite?"

   Janet laughed, "Define 'safe'," she quipped.

   Jake met Tiffany at the entrance, "Everyone but Leslie is dressed, and
she's wearing a robe." Jake looked at the well-dressed man with Tiffany and
extended his hand, "I don't believe we've met.  I'm Jake Caulfield."

   "I'm sorry, Jake," Tiffany said.  "This is Henry Cohen.  He introduced
me to Alexander Saunders, and I though you and the others might like to
meet him."

   "Please, come in." Jake led them to the main room and introduced
everyone.

   Henry was wearing a sport shirt and slacks, but Tiffany was still in her
evening gown.  Tiffany swept a hand at her gown as she spoke, "Henry and I
were going to get some breakfast, but I'm a bit overdressed for Waffle
House."

   Leslie spoke up as she pushed Toby and Charlie through the door.  "Did I
hear Tiffany in there?  Can you please give me a hand with Darlene,
Tiffany? She had a bit too much to drink last night and is embarrassed by
her behavior along with having a killer hangover."

   "Think we can help?" Misty asked Leslie as she glanced at Janet.

   Leslie shrugged her shoulders, "Couldn't hurt; come on.  Jake, would you
bring me some clothes from my bag.  I need something for both Darlene and
me.  Thanks, love."

   As the parade of women disappeared into Toby's bedroom, Jake went back
into his.  He had no clue what he should retrieve and ended up putting
everything back into the bag and taking the whole thing across the suite.
He knocked on the door and passed the bag to Janet when she opened it. 
"Here's the whole thing.  Like I know what goes with what!"

   Janet laughed.  "Men!" She said before closing the door.

   Toby looked around, "So, do you guys do this sort of thing often?"

   Toby's remark triggered such a sudden drop in the emotional intensity
level of the room felt by Harry, Jamal and Henry that the three started
chuckling.  Jake finally realized that Toby had not been introduced to
everyone.  "I apologize, this is Toby O'Malley.  He and I are roommates at
Georgia Tech and both of us hope to study with Dr.  Grayson next fall."
Jake impressed himself by remembering everyone's name as he completed the
introductions.

   Jamal finally asked, "What's going on in the other room?  Is that
Darlene Wilson everyone is concerned about, Charles?  How did you get her
out of her shell?"

   "Oh, it wasn't me!" Charlie was emphatic in his denial.  "I don't even
think it was Toby, here.  Leslie is the architect of Darlene's transition
from wallpaper to party animal.  It took some coaxing and a lot of adult
beverages, but when she turned loose it was like a hundred year flood of
pent-up repression was all released in a single night.  Nothing was too
wild or outrageous for her last night, but the cold, hard light of day is
cutting her no slack this morning.  She's an amazing woman as well as a
first-class physicist."

   Somewhere during Charlie's praise of Darlene's prowess, the telephone on
the desk rang.  Jake excused himself after speaking briefly with the caller
and stepped into the hall.

   When Denise Trudeau stepped out of the elevator and was met by a smiling
Jake, she was not reassured.  "You were a gentleman last night, Jake.  I'm
feeling a little bit like the fly being invited into the spider's parlor. I
was hoping you would join me downstairs.  I'm not going to regret coming up
to your room am I?"

   Jake gave her plenty of space as he escorted her up the hall.  "You may
regret accepting my invitation to come upstairs, but I promise it won't be
because of anyone hitting on you." Jake used the keycard he picked up on
his way out to let them both back into the suite.

   "Excuse me, everyone.  This is Miss Denise Trudeau.  She's interning at
the university's library.  I met her there last night as she was running me
out at closing time.  As it was late, I insisted on escorting her to her
grandfather's house.  Her home is in New York, but she is staying with Dr.
Grayson this semester."

   Denise was overwhelmed when five men stood to greet her.  Had she not
recognized any of the faces, she would have certainly bolted for the door.
"Am I the only woman here?" She asked nervously as Jake completed the
introductions.

   Jake laughed, "Oh my, I didn't think about bringing you into a hotel
room full of men.  No, the ladies are in the adjoining bedroom.  It seems
that one of them, Darlene Wilson, is not holding up well after a night of
excesses.  You may be more comfortable in here with us guys, but you're
welcome to join the group in the other room, although I don't think you'll
know anyone."

   "Charlie, although I know him as Charles, has been to my grandfather's
house many times and I've seen Jamal at the library.  If Darlene is a
somewhat homely girl with thick glasses and baggy clothes, then I've met
her as well."

   Before Denise could make up her mind, the bedroom door opened.  Tiffany
had changed into a halter and miniskirt and went directly to Henry for a
kiss.  Janet and Misty followed.

   Janet looked at the new face in the room, "Hello, there may not be
enough room in here for everyone.  Why don't we make our way downstairs to
breakfast?  Hi, this is Misty and I'm Janet," she said as she extended a
hand to the perplexed and somewhat overwhelmed Denise.

   Jake escorted Denise as he led the exodus through the door of the suite.
Leslie had to all but push Darlene out of the bedroom.  She may have been
even been worse off now that she was wearing her familiar baggy clothes
again.  Charlie, Leslie, Darlene and Toby waited in the ninth-floor lobby
for a second elevator rather than crowding in with the others.

   As they stood in front of the closed doors Darlene sobbed, "I'm not on
the pill.  What do I do if I got pregnant last night?"

   After a brief silence Leslie backhanded Toby in the stomach almost has
hard has she had hit her father.  Toby responded with, "What?"

   Exasperated, Leslie mumbled, "Men!" She then took Darlene's hand.  "You
need to see a doctor as soon as you can.  When are you due?"

   Darlene replied, "I'm not expected at the lab until eight o'clock on
Monday."

   Stifling a laugh, Leslie asked, "No dear, when is you period due?"

   "Oh, that," Darlene turned bright red as she glanced at the two men,
"Any day now."

   "Good," Leslie replied, "Then it's not likely that you ovulated in the
last few days and have a viable egg available.  It could have happened, but
I doubt you're pregnant from these insensitive beasts." Leslie lifted
Darlene's chin to look into her face, "Let's look on the bright side, did
you enjoy what these beasts and I did with you last night?"

   Darlene gasped and was too embarrassed to do more than nod her head.

   Leslie then asked, "Would you do it again, without all the alcohol?"

   Darlene looked at the floor, but quietly said, "Yes."

   "Then I'm glad we did what we did last night," Leslie replied.

   The elevator dinged and the door opened.  The four stepped into the
small car and pressed the lobby call button.  On the ride down Leslie
suggested, "Stand up straight and proud, Darlene.  Not many girls get two
nice looking men on their first outing.  You're a very sexy woman to have
accomplished that."

   A sea change came over Darlene's facial expression and body language as
that concept flowed through her consciousness.  "Really?" She looked at
Charlie and then at Toby.  "Both of you are very good looking, aren't you?
Would you really go out with me again?"

   There was no hesitation as both responded affirmatively.

   Tears flowed from the eyes hidden behind the thick glasses.  Darlene
asked Leslie to accompany her into the ladies room as they stepped out of
the elevator.  Ten minutes later they emerged.  Darlene had put her glasses
into her purse and was again wearing her contacts and just a bit of makeup.
It had taken the dining room staff a little time to arrange seating for
twelve; so, drinks were just being delivered when Leslie and Darlene joined
he crowd at the table.

   "Much better," Tiffany said to Darlene before turning back to her
conversation with Henry.

   Misty and Janet also noticed the change and smiled reassuringly at
Darlene.  Denise was very much aware of the tension regarding Darlene while
everyone was upstairs, but now that Darlene appeared calm and collected,
the tension had dissipated like morning fog when the Sun comes out.  She
looked in wonder at the collection of people seated with her.  She somehow
knew that they had all participated in some form of sexual activity last
night.  Except for Darlene, they were all relaxed and very comfortable with
one another.  They appeared to be just casual friends who had met for
breakfast.

   Jake leaned close to Denise, "Are you okay?  You look a little
distressed."

   Denise smiled and put her hand on Jake's.  "I'm fine," she said.  "I was
just wondering who in the world all of these people really are.  All of you
are just so comfortable with each other.  It doesn't seem natural."

   Jake's laugh got more attention than he expected.  "I apologize,
everyone.  We seem to have overwhelmed Denise.  Please help me assure her
that there is nothing unnatural about us.  Even Janet's remarkable boobies
are factory originals."

   That remark got him smacked on the shoulder by both Denise and Leslie,
who then leaned forward, looked at each other, and smiled as they
recognized kindred spirits.

   "Ow!" Jake complained.  He then noticed that the waitress had stopped
her advance to their table.  Jake tried to reassure her, "We're not
dangerous, I promise.  Well, most of us anyway.  You might want to get some
raw meat out here for the redhead before she gets really hungry."

   Leslie opened her mouth and hit Jake again, harder this time.

   "Ow!  See what I mean.  Maybe you should get her order first, Betty."
Jake had to focus for a moment to read the engraved nametag on the
overstuffed blouse.

   When Betty realized that this was just a bunch of rowdy college kids,
and not a biker gang, she continued her approach.  She looked at Leslie and
asked, "Shall I have Guido come out and put this guy's head on a platter
for you, dear?"

   Jake did his best to look pained and innocent as everyone laughed.  When
the table calmed down, Betty asked, "So what are we having for breakfast,
other than crow for the young man here?"

   Betty disappeared into the kitchen after getting everyone's order.

   Tiffany looked across the table at Denise, "In addition to being crude,
Jake is also rude.  I'm Tiffany; I don't believe anyone has told me your
name."

   Looking hurt, Jake spoke up, "I introduced her to the guys while all of
you were in the other room and then we came bounding down here as you
ladies emerged from your cloister.  Red here is Leslie.  The Amazon down at
the end is Janet.  The tiny slip that you can hardly see across the table
is Misty, our esteemed pilot.  Everyone, this is Denise Trudeau, Dr. 
Grayson's granddaughter who had the misfortune of encountering me in the
library last night.  I haven't met this lovely lady," Jake leaned to look
at Darlene, "Good morning.  My name is Jake and you must be Darlene. 
Everyone who met you last month has told me so much about you.  I'm very
pleased to finally meet you." Jake turned a look on Leslie that said, 'Ha,
I'm not the only barbarian at the table'.

   Leslie had the grace to blush, but it was Toby who spoke, "I'm sorry,
Darlene.  We rushed out of the room so quickly that I forgot my manners. 
In addition to the bratty child who just introduced himself, we have Henry,
Harry, and Jamal.  I assume you know all of the ladies?"

   Darlene looked down the table at Denise, "You're Dr.  Grayson's
granddaughter?" When Denise nodded, Darlene added, "Somebody please just
kill me and put me out of my misery.  I swear I've never done anything like
this before, Denise.  Please, don't tell anyone about where you saw me this
morning."

   "That goes for you guys as well," Misty said to Jamal and Harry.

   "I won't if you don't want me to," Denise assured Darlene.  "But, I
don't understand why.  You're clearly among friends who want only the best
for you."

   "I've never had friends like this before," Darlene was very emotional as
she looked around the table and only saw approval in people's faces.  Both
Leslie and Toby leaned against her to show their support.

   When everyone had finished with breakfast, Jake checked his watch. 
"Yikes!  It's after nine o'clock, guys.  Where has the morning gone?"

   Misty wadded up a napkin and threw it at Jake.  "It's Saturday morning,
dufus.  Most of us sleep until noon on Saturday's."

   "Maybe, but you'll be dragging our tired butts out of bed at daybreak
tomorrow in order to have lunch in West Virginia," Jake retorted.

   "Not really," Misty rebutted, "The one nice thing about the Aztec is its
speed.  It cruises about fifty knots faster than the Lance.  It took about
five-and-a-half hours in the Lance compared to a little over four in the
Aztec."

   "Okay, okay," Jake capitulated.  "What's everyone's plan for today.  Are
we still going to try to host a party here tonight?"

   Denise frowned, "I thought you wanted to meet grandpa?"

   That got everyone's attention.  Janet asked, "You'd be willing to
introduce these maniacs to him?"

   "Sure, why not?" Denise reached for her cell and called her
grandparents' house.  "Hi, Grams, I'm hanging out with the boy I told you
about last night.  I'm at his hotel across from the campus.  ... No, but I
was in his room earlier." Denise started laughing.  "Nothing that much fun.
I'm in the restaurant with Jake and ten other people.  Half of them flew up
from Georgia Tech just to get dirt on grandpa.  How many of them can I
bring over, and when would be a good time?" Denise listened for a bit,
nodding as though her grandmother could see her.  "Okay, Grams.  I'll let
them know and call if any can't make it.  Love you, bye." She turned to the
expectant faces, "My grandmother has invited everyone to dinner at her
house.  You should be there at six so she can meet everyone before serving
dinner at seven."

   "All of us?" Misty was incredulous.  "What should we wear?"

   All of the guys laughed at the typical female question, and were
chastised by the nearest female, except for Darlene who was suddenly
withdrawn again.

   Tiffany asked, "Are you okay, Darlene?  You look a little pale all of a
sudden."

   "I ... I don't know if I should go.  I'm not very sociable." Darlene was
trying to withdraw, but Leslie was having none of it.

   "What do you mean you're not sociable?" Leslie asked as she bumped
Darlene with her shoulder.  "You were the life of the party last night!"

   Darlene covered her face with both hands, "Oh God, don't remind me of
the awful things I did!"

   "What awful things?" Toby asked from the other side, "I've been with you
since yesterday afternoon and don't remember you being awful.  In fact, I
thought you were terrific!" When he couldn't pry her hands loose, he kissed
her temple.

   "If your entire wardrobe looks like the outfit you have on now, we need
to find a mall," Tiffany suggested from across the table.

   "Like you need an excuse to go shopping," Toby remarked.  "What shall we
do guys?"

   "I don't know," Jake mused.  "We could be changing room attendants." He
proposed expectantly, and was pummeled by napkins from all directions.

   Tiffany turned to her right, "Henry, would you be a dear and take
Darlene and me to a nice mall or a ready-to-wear clothing store?"

   "Sure, I'll be happy to." Henry kissed Tiffany's forehead and turned to
Darlene, "Ready?"

   Leslie spoke up, "Got room for me, too?"

   Henry nodded, "Excuse me ladies, I'll get my car and meet you at the
door."

   Jake had taken care of the bill while Denise was on the phone.  He took
Denise's arm and asked, "Well, that pretty much gives us all afternoon with
nothing planned.  What shall we do?"

   "Go back to bed," Toby suggested and Denise's head snapped around as he
continued, "and get some sleep!  I had a very late night and a traumatic
morning."

   Charlie asked, "Can I use the other bed in your room?"

   "Come on, mate," Toby answered.

   "Pussies!" Janet exclaimed as she laughed at the two tired men.  "Oh,
sorry," she said when she realized Denise was right next to her.

   Harry offered, "I don't really have room for six in my car, but we might
be able to manage if you'd all like to go somewhere."

   "I also have a car here," Charlie offered.

   Denise offered some suggestions, "We could go to the park, or to the
library, or tour historic Boston.  There are also a couple of theaters
nearby, or we can go somewhere quiet where you guys can fill me in on
what's really going on?"

   Janet and Misty gave her blank looks, but Jake started laughing.  He
took Denise in his arms and gave her a big kiss, "You've got to love this
girl!" When he realized what he had done he told Denise, "Oh, sorry.  I
forgot myself."

   Janet stepped in close and took Jake's face in both hands and shook it
back and forth a little before kissing him.  "Watch out for this guy, he's
just a horny bastard!"

   Denise remarked, "This is just what I mean.  You guys are too familiar
with each other to be just friends working together to get into grad
school. What are you really here for?"

   Jamal and Harry burst out laughing and Harry told her, "Sorry, that's
exactly what we asked these two last night."

   When nothing else was said, Denise said, "Well, what did they tell you?"

   Jake sighed, "Maybe we should go up to the room and talk for a bit. 
What are your expectations and desires regarding the Sa'arm and the
Confederacy Extractions, Denise?"

   *-*-*

   Everyone met in the hotel lobby at 5:30 and sorted themselves into
Charlie, Harry and Henry's cars for the drive to the Grayson's home.

   There was some discussion about ringing the doorbell, but Denise walked
up and said, "Good grief, I live here.  Come on in, guys." She opened the
door and shouted, "We're here, Grams!"

   Everyone had decided on 'business casual', but it was expected to be
cold before they left the Grayson's and everyone had a jacket to dispose
of. Martha Grayson greeted her granddaughter and her entourage in the foyer
as they were stacking jackets on the coat rack after exhausting the
available hooks.

   Martha was not tall, only about 5'5" tall, but had a presence that
filled the small room.  Her matronly build supported large breasts and wide
hips, and was enhanced by the silver-blue gray hair that she wore in a long
braid.  She had deep, penetrating brown eyes in a round and somewhat chubby
face.  The hair and octagonal glasses made her appear older than her
sixty-five years.

   "Hi, sweetheart," Martha said as she embraced Denise.  "Can you
introduce me to everyone?"

   "I think so," Denise responded.  "This is my grandmother, Martha
Grayson. And these are the people from Georgia: Jake Caulfield, Misty
Nokamura, Leslie Owens, Toby O'Malley, Janet Olson, and Tiffany Wallace. 
You might already know some of the local people: Henry Cohen, Harry
Mulligan, Jamal Warner, Charles Brenner, and Darlene Wilson.  Did I get
everyone's name right?"

   "Darlene, you look lovely!  I don't think I would've recognized you."
Martha stepped closer to Darlene to get a clear look.  "I really like what
you've done with your hair, and I don't remember you having such beautiful
brown eyes."

   "Thank you," was all Darlene managed to say.  She was clearly not
accustomed to this kind of praise.

   "Grandpa, you came out of your cave!" Denise all but ran to the rugged
looking man who joined them.  He was tall and lean, but solidly built. 
Standing 6'3" behind Martha, they were almost a Mutt and Jeff pair.  He had
an oval face with deep, weathered wrinkles and penetrating, dark gray eyes.
His brown hair was sprinkled with gray, but was solid gray at his temples.
Denise went through the introductions again while clinging to her
grandfather's arm.  This time she added, "Misty is a pilot.  She flew
everyone here from Georgia in a twin-engine airplane."

   "Really?" Benjamin took Misty's arm and strolled off toward the living
room while he grilled her about her experiences.

   "Please forgive him, everyone." Martha sighed and explained Benjamin's
reaction.  "He's been grounded for years because of his blood pressure, but
still bonds with every aviator he meets.  Please, let's go into the living
room and get to know each other, shall we?"

   Misty only dominated the retired admiral's attention for about fifteen
minutes.  When Denise told him about the paper Jake was reading when she
met him, he turned to Jake, "That's some very advanced concepts for someone
so young.  Of course, all of you are very young to me.  What is your
interest in the phenomena of ball lightning?"

   Jake felt like he was suddenly all alone in a thousand watt spotlight,
"Well, it seems to be a way to transport a great deal of energy from one
place to another.  It wouldn't be much use for power transmission, but it
might be able to disrupt defensive shields long enough for a plasma beam or
some kind of projectile to reach the defended target."

   The Admiral was lost in his own thoughts for a moment, "How would you
create and integrate such a combination?"

   "That, sir," Jake replied, "Is the object of my quest.  I was thinking
..."

   Martha interrupted Jake, "Gentlemen, please hold the technobabble until
after we eat.  I feel inadequate when people talk so far over my head.  You
can take your brandy or coffee into the Admiral's study after dinner and
babble away, but please, not until then."

   "I'm sorry," Jake blushed in embarrassment.

   "Nonsense," Martha assured him, "there is nothing to be sorry for.  You
have a passion for your work, and that's a commendable trait.  But, you
also need a passion for social intercourse, something the Admiral severely
lacks." She gave Benjamin a chastising stare.

   Benjamin cleared his throat, "Yes, I know a great deal about those of
you who are already in the graduate program, with the possible exception of
Darlene.  You look very different and so much better this evening, Darlene.
Denise has told me a bit about Mr.  Caulfield, and I've already occupied
too much of Miss Nokamura's time.  Tell me something about the rest of you.
Miss Wilson projects confidence and sophistication, but I suspect that Miss
Olson is the one in charge.  She does a good job of hiding behind her
classic beauty, but too many of you have glanced in her direction for
approval, including Mr.  Caulfield.  Tell my why you have brought so many
people here to see me, Miss Olson."

   Janet was taken completely by surprise.  Her first reaction was to
reinforce her defenses, but realized the futility of that course of action
when she locked eyes with a man used to command.  "I'm hardly the leader,
sir.  Both Toby and Jake are smarter than I am, but we all work well
together.  The three of us are looking to become a part of a team that is
dedicated to the advancement of Earth's offensive weapons capability.  Our
research indicates that you have proposed more such advanced systems than
anyone in history.  We want to contribute to your successes."

   A dark cloud passed across Benjamin's face, "I've hardly been
successful. Those pinheads at the Pentagon have sandbagged every project
that didn't support their big guns and big bombs."

   "We're all hoping for support from someone above the Pentagon," Janet
replied.

   Benjamin's gaze narrowed as he focused on Janet.  "I'm not sure I'll be
interested in working for anyone above the Pentagon, Miss Olson."

   Martha again tried to redirect the topic of conversation, "How did you
get to know so many people here and in Georgia, Janet?"

   "Tiffany introduced us to some of her friends up here.o She and Leslie
are cheerleaders and have contact with cheerleaders all over the country.
Leslie, Jake and I have studied together for some time.  We have recently
been hanging out for more that just study group activities and learned that
we all have common goals."

   Benjamin nodded his head, "Most of my applicants don't have contacts
outside of the scientific community.  It's very difficult for the
scientifically and non-scientifically oriented to understand one another.
Yet, here you are with pilots, cheerleaders, debutants, and, dare I say it,
nerds.  Such an eclectic group is hardly typical.  In fact, I believe it to
be so atypical that I would be surprised if your team was not unique.  I
would also hazard to guess that this is hardly everyone.  The selection of
people who accompanied you was limited by the capacity of Miss Nokamura's
airplane.  Tell me, just how large is your support group?"

   Janet was pinned to a board and under close examination.  She felt a bit
like an insect being examined by a god.  Toby recognized her disadvantage
and stepped in, "There are more that I believe we can name or even count
accurately without a huddle and Internet access.  The group back home
includes football players, librarians, sales clerks, and even domestic
help. It had not occurred to me to question the makeup, everyone
contributes and everyone appreciates all of the contributors.  Everyone
benefits from such a broad support base, and that may be something we bring
to the team we become part of."

   "Well said, Toby," Martha smiled as she praised Toby, "I'm guessing
you're normally the quiet observer, judging by the surprise registering on
the faces of your companions.  I agree with Benjamin, there is something
different about all of you." Martha's attention was drawn to a small black
woman in a maid's outfit, "But I see that dinner is ready, shall we make
our way to the dining room?  There's a bath across the hall if you need to
freshen up, and please, don't feel rushed."

   Martha stood and led the way to the nearby formal dining room.  She was
joined in twos and threes as the group made their way through the small
half-bath.

   During dinner, Martha intercepted and shot down all attempts to discuss
anything but light, social topics.  After dinner, the guests divided
themselves into two groups.  Janet, Darlene, Jake, Jamal, Charlie, and Toby
followed Admiral Grayson to his study.

   Harry chose to remain with Misty and the others.  Rather than try to
talk across such a large table, Martha asked her maid to serve coffee and
tea in the living room.  Harry and Henry were the only males, but didn't
appear to be uncomfortable among the group that settled around a small, low
table.

   Martha took a sip of her tea and ask, "So, will someone please tell my
why you are really here?"

   Leslie and Misty almost choked on their tea.  Looking at each other they
smiled and almost chuckled.  Surprisingly, it was Tiffany who responded. 
"Everyone keeps asking that same question.  Do we really appear to be a
devious lot?  Each of us wants to find a way to stop the Sa'arm without
directly participating in combat.  None of us are warriors, with the
possible exception of Marvin and some of his friends.  They're all football
players."

   "Then, what do you hope to accomplish in a noncombatant role?" Martha
leaded back and smiled.  She was pretty sure where this was headed.

   Misty spoke up, "We want to put together a complete team and supporting
community that can be transported as a unit off of Earth to a research
colony where there are no limitations on imagination or ingenuity."

   Martha sighed, "The Confederacy has already approached Benjamin, but he
refuses to go.  He's determined to die here among his family and friends.
He uses the excuse that our children and grandchildren are scattered across
the country, and he refuses to leave them behind.  But I think it's mostly
because of me being post-menopause, and therefore not qualified to
emigrate. He just won't leave me.  I've tried to convince him that he's
needed out there, but he's just too damned stubborn!  Please, forgive my
outburst."

   Tiffany posed a question, "What if there was a single event, something
that you and his entire family could attend.  If the Confederacy was to
appear while everyone was together, do you think he could be convinced to
emigrate?"

   "What kind of event?" Martha asked, and then her eyes narrowed, "You
people already have something in mind, don't you?  You want to recruit
Benjamin, not be recruited by him for positions at MIT."

   Leslie smiled, "Congressman Worley is pushing through a research grant
that will require Dr.  Grayson and his MIT associates to visit Georgia Tech
to recruit graduate students for the proposed program.  You should invite
your family to vacation in Atlanta while he's there."

   Martha looked at her granddaughter, "You don't seem surprised by this."

   "No, Grams," Denise replied, "Jake and Toby laid it out for me after
breakfast this morning.  I want to go with them, if they can find a way for
you to come along."

   It was a subdued group that returned to the hotel that evening.  It
didn't look like there was any way to convince Admiral Grayson to change
his mind.

   Denise joined Jake for breakfast again Sunday morning.  Henry, Harry,
and Charlie took everyone to the airport to see them off after a light
lunch.  Martinsburg was a ten-minute pit stop on the way back to Marietta.
The group's depression permeated the atmosphere all the way home, and
nothing Tiffany or Leslie tried improved the other's spirits.