28 - How do you outsmart the smart?
Everyone sat in silence and waited for Dylan to begin. Once again in the last few days, he summoned a meeting of all crewmembers. But this time not to tell them anything, but to make a plan together, how to act at their return to the Elyans. They have already been informed, that the new android body has been constructed and that they would be coming back to retransfer Rommie's personality. At least, that was, what the Elyans have been told. In fact, their intentions were quite different. They wanted to fake the retransfer and meanwhile erase the personality transfer program irretrievably.
Harper was once again working like nuts to construct a fake android that would be presented to the Elyans as Rommie's new body. It was in fact a hollow shell, just the façade, without the sophisticated interiors. It would, at the end, serve just as a dummy, not really been operational.
Dylan looked thoughtfully at each one present. They all gathered here, including Andromeda's hologram and they all waited for him. He sighed lightly and began: "Well, as it seems, we have reached the point, where we have to make a plan, how to deceive the Elyans, lulling them into thought, they would do what we asked them to, but we have a much more important job to do. So, here's what I have thought, we might do." He made a short pause and continued after a while: "We must be very cautious, especially considering the fact, that the Elyans are not so dumb as we would wish for. Therefore I suggest following: Rommie and I will act as if we were there to complete the retransfer, bringing the new android along. Tyr and Beka will have to watch out for us. I don't expect any rage from Elyans when they find out what we've done, but nevertheless...... we can't be cautious enough. Harper and Andy will meanwhile hack themselves into their system and erase the program. Trance and Rev will be staying on Andromeda meanwhile, just for a case....... But, details must be laid out now and here. So, I'd like to hear your opinions and suggestions, how should we accomplish the task. As for Rommie and me, I already have the detailed plan that I'll explain later. But, the Harper and Andy part has to be finalized also by them. Only they know how they could do it in detail."
An unpleasant silence made him clear, that everyone had problems with it. They were all aware, that Elyans were no warriors, but, should they feel attacked....... Well, in such case, no one could predict their reaction. So, after some seconds of silence, Harper started: "OK, Dylan, I think, that it shouldn't be too difficult for us," and he looked at Andy at these words, who smiled warmly at him, "to hack ourselves into their system, especially considering her capabilities. She's in no way worse than Rommie ever was and I believe, that we two could manage it. There's just one problem I see: as long as we are in their system, we will be vulnerable. You know, when I'm connected with Andromeda's mainframe, I am not exactly capable of defending myself. So we'll probably have to split our tasks. Andy will establish a connection with their central computer, and I'll enter it then, find the program and erase is It's that simple. While she'll be establishing connection, I'll take care of her and when I'll be in the system, she'll have to take care of me. Right, Andy-Doll?"
Andy smiled again at him and said: "Well, Harper, I can do it, sure. Although it will probably not be necessary that you look after me while I'll be penetrating their system, I will surely throw an eye on you while you do your work. After all, don't forget, I can multitask!"
Harper grinned: "Gee, if I could forget that! I probably made you too perfect, agreed?"
"No! I'm not too perfect, I'm just simply perfect," stated Andy self assure as ever. In the last few weeks she developed really fast. Now she wasn't acting that military and stiff as before, she began to behave more like Rommie always did. She also had her, sometimes, weird sense of humor, she became light cynical and overall acted very humanlike. Everybody became to like her and accepted her without prejudices. Even Andromeda adapted very fast to her and didn't even notice any more that she didn't look like her. And she established a very special relationship with Harper. She, in a course of time, began to like him and his seductive overtures, which he always made to her. Rommie smiled always, as she saw that Harper obviously turned his interest to Andy instead to her. She appreciated, that he found someone else, someone, who distracted him from his dark thoughts. And Andy seemed to respond to him quite nice. She never complained, always had a smile ready for him and returned his remarks in the same measure.
"Mr. Harper, I don't think that it will be that easy as you are trying to picture us," argued Dylan. "But, I know, that Andy will be there to protect you, so I'm pretty sure, it will all work out as it should. But, how do you intent to connect to their system? And where do you expect to be, while you do your job?"
"It will be no problem, thanks to my genius!" exclaimed Harper enthusiastically. "I have already made a small device, that will enable me to connect to them. I'll only need Andy to establish the connection. And after it stands, I can go into their mainframe without problem. We won't need any of their connecting points; we'll simply have this nice, wireless connection. The only problem is, that the range of this device is not exactly long, so we'll have to be somewhere near their computer. I believe, that, should we be staying in the same premises as the first time, we would be close enough to do it."
Dylan nodded affirmatively and turned himself to Andy: "So, you will be able to connect to their Computer?"
Without hesitating, Andy answered firmly: "Sure, Dylan. I will be able to do it."
"OK, that would be one part of the story. Now to the second part: Rommie and me. We will have to go there and act as if we were really there to do the retransfer. That means Rommie will have to allow them, to connect her to whatever they use for this procedure. And she will have to make them think, that they really will perform the operation. And this is, in my opinion, the most dangerous part of it. They may not find out what's going on too soon, and we may not allow them to actually start the procedure. Who knows, what might happen to her if they in fact started it. And we may not put her in danger. Therefore, I will be present all the time, and, should something go wrong, I'll have to intervene. I hope it will not be the case, but still, we have to be prepared also for such case. The most important thing is, that we coordinate our actions precisely, timing must be 100% right. I will have my micro on all the time, so that you'll all know exactly what will be going on and react accordingly. I don't expect, Harper and Andy to be discovered, but we will be right on the spot, when everything comes out."
Tyr looked a bit perplexed and asked: "So, you want us to be there and help you, should it be necessary? And how exactly have you imagined our role? And where should we be?"
Dylan answered without hesitation: "I expect you to be in front of the room, where we will be. I have no doubts I can manage the ones who will be in the same room with us. You will just have to make sure no one from outside would be able to come in. Of course, should it prove to be necessary at all, which I, frankly, doubt. Besides, I will need help with carrying the dummy android in there, so you will help me with it."
Beka interfered: "Why carrying? Don't you think it would be much easier to take one carrying platform with and transport the android in there? I know, a stupid question, but I had to ask!"
Dylan smiled: "Sure will we take the platform. I was just using the wrong word. But I am pretty sure I will be able to persuade the Elyans that your presence is needed. After all, they owe us one!"
Harper was lost in his thoughts and woke up suddenly: "Dylan, could we......... ahm..........perhaps......... make a copy of that program for us. I mean, just for a case we might need it one day?"
Dylan's face grew darker: "By no means, Mr. Harper! No copies of this program. We still don't know if there are not any other copies out there and we must be sure, it will never, NEVER, fall into false hands. You will erase it and that's it! No copies whatsoever!"
"Yeah, I expected such answer. But you will understand that I had to ask," excused Harper himself. "Sure, I will make no copies of it."
Rommie looked at him and stated: "And make really, really sure, you don't do anything else Harper! Otherwise I will make your life here unbearable. And I can do it, you can bet!"
"Rommie! Would I ever do anything to hurt your feelings? You can trust me!"
"Just pointing out the facts. But, still, yeah, I do trust you Harper," smiled Rommie. "Although sometimes I don't understand your actions."
"What do you mean by that?" wanted Harper to know. He was sounding somehow disappointed that Rommie didn't trust him unconditionally.
"Harper, you know pretty well, that sometimes you tend to react overemotional and not consider the possible consequences of your deeds. But I'm sure you will do it all right this time. After all......... perhaps my life depends on what you and Andy will be doing. I believe, I have the right to be a little suspicious, don't you think so?" explained Rommie with a faint smile. She was in fact more concerned, as she was ready to admit. And she really wanted to make sure Harper wouldn't do anything stupid.
Harper smiled: "How could I forget that, Rommie! Believe me, although you will marry Dylan, I still care deeply for you as a friend. I will do everything just fine, so you won't be in danger at any given moment in time."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Harper," cut him Dylan off and looked in the round. "So, I believe, we have a plan that should work and we can just improve the details. Harper, you will have to erase the program just before they would activate it. Therefore, be sure to have your micro on and I will give you the exact timing. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir, Captain!" exclaimed Harper grinningly. Then he turned to Andy: "So, Andy-Doll, should we go somewhere else and see if there's anything else we can do to prepare ourselves for our mission?"
Andy nodded with a smile and they left the room. After they were gone, also Tyr and Beka stood up and nodded to Dylan. Tyr asked: "Is there anything else, Dylan? Or are we free to go?"
"No, I've said everything I wanted to and you can do as you wish. We'll be approaching our target in about two days, so, up till then, you have no other obligations. That is, should everything go smooth, and no attackers appear."
Also Tyr and Beka left, followed by Rev. Only Trance hesitated a bit and looked pleadingly at Rommie: "Rommie, will you ever be able to forgive me what I did? I really don't want to loose your friendship."
Rommie smiled a bit plagued and answered after a short break: "Trance, you will just have to give me more time to get over it. I really hope we can stay friends, especially now. But I simply cannot forget what you did. Not yet. Perhaps I will get over it very soon, but till then......"
Dylan looked at her thoughtfully and saw the pain that was still in her. He opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind and let it be. Trance gave Rommie a tiny smile, nodded and answered: "Sure I understand Rommie. I just want you to know, that I did it with best intentions. And, be sure, I would never hurt you again. I know, you are asking yourself if you can still trust me after all I did, but you simply have to believe me, that I really love you as a dear friend and wouldn't do anything to harm you. If you think, that there is a possibility for us to remain friends, I can live with that." She nodded to Dylan and left the room.
As Trance left, Dylan and Rommie sank into their thoughts. Eventually Dylan stood up and went to Rommie, who was still sitting on the chair and looked somehow lost. "Rommie, are you afraid?"
She looked up at him, stood up too and clutched to him: "Yes, Dylan, I am so terribly afraid! I know, Trance told us, that the program in fact only duplicates the personality. But, what if something goes wrong? What would happen to me? Would I still be me, would I still be alive at all? I don't want to loose you now. I'm so afraid of being separated from you!" She hid her face into Dylan's chest and trembled a bit.
Dylan gently lifted her chin and forced her to look into his eyes. He could see that tears began to well in her eyes and kissed her tenderly on the eyes: "Rommie, everything will work out just fine. You needn't be afraid of it. Besides, I will be holding your hand all the time and I will watch out like hell that nothing goes wrong. You can be sure of that. And Harper will also do perfectly, I'm sure of it. What do you think, would it mean to me should I loose you? The end of all hopes, the end of something that hasn't even really started yet. No, no, I will take good care of you. So, please, don't cry. It makes me so sad if I see you cry."
Rommie smiled at him a bit relieved: "I know Dylan. I'm just getting perhaps too emotional in the last time."
Dylan smiled at her: "No, you're not! You're doing just fine. You have all the right to be emotional. After all, you are a human being, and human beings have the right to express their feelings, their emotions, their fears."
A light cough reminded them that they were not alone in the room and they both looked a bit surprised into Andromeda's hologram that still stood there and watched them compassionately. "I think that you both should go get some rest. Perhaps you should have a talk in private. I really don't want to interfere with your decision, but, as I see, Rommie needs some comfort from you, Dylan, in first place."
Dylan smiled at Andromeda and nodded: "You are right Andromeda, as you are almost always. Have I ever said to you, that you are someone really special?"
Andromeda looked a bit ashamed: "No, you haven't said it that way. I anticipated, that you saw me just as a ship."
"Well, you are a ship. But you are also so much more! Believe me, everything I've achieved is also in part because of you, standing by my side, always supporting me and never backing off. Therefore I would like to thank you, for being always there for me. And believe me, I couldn't have wished for a better ship and companion as you. You're simply the best there is."
Andromeda smiled happily: "Well....... thank you Dylan. I'm really glad to hear that from you."
Rommie looked at Dylan with big eyes and grinned: "Dylan, are you trying to make me jealous? You never said something like that before, as I was still an avatar. And now........ are you trying to court Andromeda? Am I not enough for you?"
Dylan laughed at her words: "Rommie, how could you even for a second doubt in my feelings for you! I sure made a mistake by not telling you this before, but, I think, I can made up for it, by loving you through and through."
Both, Andromeda and Rommie smiled at this and Rommie gave Dylan a kiss. Afterwards, she turned to Andromeda and faked anger: "He's mine, understood! I will never let him to another woman! Not even to you!"
Andromeda grinned and disappeared. Dylan looked at Rommie smiling and gave her a kiss on her lips: "And I will never want another woman!"
TBC
Note: Unfortunatelly, there will be no new chapter for at least two weeks. I'm off to vacation next week and will not be able to continue the story. Sorry!
Everyone sat in silence and waited for Dylan to begin. Once again in the last few days, he summoned a meeting of all crewmembers. But this time not to tell them anything, but to make a plan together, how to act at their return to the Elyans. They have already been informed, that the new android body has been constructed and that they would be coming back to retransfer Rommie's personality. At least, that was, what the Elyans have been told. In fact, their intentions were quite different. They wanted to fake the retransfer and meanwhile erase the personality transfer program irretrievably.
Harper was once again working like nuts to construct a fake android that would be presented to the Elyans as Rommie's new body. It was in fact a hollow shell, just the façade, without the sophisticated interiors. It would, at the end, serve just as a dummy, not really been operational.
Dylan looked thoughtfully at each one present. They all gathered here, including Andromeda's hologram and they all waited for him. He sighed lightly and began: "Well, as it seems, we have reached the point, where we have to make a plan, how to deceive the Elyans, lulling them into thought, they would do what we asked them to, but we have a much more important job to do. So, here's what I have thought, we might do." He made a short pause and continued after a while: "We must be very cautious, especially considering the fact, that the Elyans are not so dumb as we would wish for. Therefore I suggest following: Rommie and I will act as if we were there to complete the retransfer, bringing the new android along. Tyr and Beka will have to watch out for us. I don't expect any rage from Elyans when they find out what we've done, but nevertheless...... we can't be cautious enough. Harper and Andy will meanwhile hack themselves into their system and erase the program. Trance and Rev will be staying on Andromeda meanwhile, just for a case....... But, details must be laid out now and here. So, I'd like to hear your opinions and suggestions, how should we accomplish the task. As for Rommie and me, I already have the detailed plan that I'll explain later. But, the Harper and Andy part has to be finalized also by them. Only they know how they could do it in detail."
An unpleasant silence made him clear, that everyone had problems with it. They were all aware, that Elyans were no warriors, but, should they feel attacked....... Well, in such case, no one could predict their reaction. So, after some seconds of silence, Harper started: "OK, Dylan, I think, that it shouldn't be too difficult for us," and he looked at Andy at these words, who smiled warmly at him, "to hack ourselves into their system, especially considering her capabilities. She's in no way worse than Rommie ever was and I believe, that we two could manage it. There's just one problem I see: as long as we are in their system, we will be vulnerable. You know, when I'm connected with Andromeda's mainframe, I am not exactly capable of defending myself. So we'll probably have to split our tasks. Andy will establish a connection with their central computer, and I'll enter it then, find the program and erase is It's that simple. While she'll be establishing connection, I'll take care of her and when I'll be in the system, she'll have to take care of me. Right, Andy-Doll?"
Andy smiled again at him and said: "Well, Harper, I can do it, sure. Although it will probably not be necessary that you look after me while I'll be penetrating their system, I will surely throw an eye on you while you do your work. After all, don't forget, I can multitask!"
Harper grinned: "Gee, if I could forget that! I probably made you too perfect, agreed?"
"No! I'm not too perfect, I'm just simply perfect," stated Andy self assure as ever. In the last few weeks she developed really fast. Now she wasn't acting that military and stiff as before, she began to behave more like Rommie always did. She also had her, sometimes, weird sense of humor, she became light cynical and overall acted very humanlike. Everybody became to like her and accepted her without prejudices. Even Andromeda adapted very fast to her and didn't even notice any more that she didn't look like her. And she established a very special relationship with Harper. She, in a course of time, began to like him and his seductive overtures, which he always made to her. Rommie smiled always, as she saw that Harper obviously turned his interest to Andy instead to her. She appreciated, that he found someone else, someone, who distracted him from his dark thoughts. And Andy seemed to respond to him quite nice. She never complained, always had a smile ready for him and returned his remarks in the same measure.
"Mr. Harper, I don't think that it will be that easy as you are trying to picture us," argued Dylan. "But, I know, that Andy will be there to protect you, so I'm pretty sure, it will all work out as it should. But, how do you intent to connect to their system? And where do you expect to be, while you do your job?"
"It will be no problem, thanks to my genius!" exclaimed Harper enthusiastically. "I have already made a small device, that will enable me to connect to them. I'll only need Andy to establish the connection. And after it stands, I can go into their mainframe without problem. We won't need any of their connecting points; we'll simply have this nice, wireless connection. The only problem is, that the range of this device is not exactly long, so we'll have to be somewhere near their computer. I believe, that, should we be staying in the same premises as the first time, we would be close enough to do it."
Dylan nodded affirmatively and turned himself to Andy: "So, you will be able to connect to their Computer?"
Without hesitating, Andy answered firmly: "Sure, Dylan. I will be able to do it."
"OK, that would be one part of the story. Now to the second part: Rommie and me. We will have to go there and act as if we were really there to do the retransfer. That means Rommie will have to allow them, to connect her to whatever they use for this procedure. And she will have to make them think, that they really will perform the operation. And this is, in my opinion, the most dangerous part of it. They may not find out what's going on too soon, and we may not allow them to actually start the procedure. Who knows, what might happen to her if they in fact started it. And we may not put her in danger. Therefore, I will be present all the time, and, should something go wrong, I'll have to intervene. I hope it will not be the case, but still, we have to be prepared also for such case. The most important thing is, that we coordinate our actions precisely, timing must be 100% right. I will have my micro on all the time, so that you'll all know exactly what will be going on and react accordingly. I don't expect, Harper and Andy to be discovered, but we will be right on the spot, when everything comes out."
Tyr looked a bit perplexed and asked: "So, you want us to be there and help you, should it be necessary? And how exactly have you imagined our role? And where should we be?"
Dylan answered without hesitation: "I expect you to be in front of the room, where we will be. I have no doubts I can manage the ones who will be in the same room with us. You will just have to make sure no one from outside would be able to come in. Of course, should it prove to be necessary at all, which I, frankly, doubt. Besides, I will need help with carrying the dummy android in there, so you will help me with it."
Beka interfered: "Why carrying? Don't you think it would be much easier to take one carrying platform with and transport the android in there? I know, a stupid question, but I had to ask!"
Dylan smiled: "Sure will we take the platform. I was just using the wrong word. But I am pretty sure I will be able to persuade the Elyans that your presence is needed. After all, they owe us one!"
Harper was lost in his thoughts and woke up suddenly: "Dylan, could we......... ahm..........perhaps......... make a copy of that program for us. I mean, just for a case we might need it one day?"
Dylan's face grew darker: "By no means, Mr. Harper! No copies of this program. We still don't know if there are not any other copies out there and we must be sure, it will never, NEVER, fall into false hands. You will erase it and that's it! No copies whatsoever!"
"Yeah, I expected such answer. But you will understand that I had to ask," excused Harper himself. "Sure, I will make no copies of it."
Rommie looked at him and stated: "And make really, really sure, you don't do anything else Harper! Otherwise I will make your life here unbearable. And I can do it, you can bet!"
"Rommie! Would I ever do anything to hurt your feelings? You can trust me!"
"Just pointing out the facts. But, still, yeah, I do trust you Harper," smiled Rommie. "Although sometimes I don't understand your actions."
"What do you mean by that?" wanted Harper to know. He was sounding somehow disappointed that Rommie didn't trust him unconditionally.
"Harper, you know pretty well, that sometimes you tend to react overemotional and not consider the possible consequences of your deeds. But I'm sure you will do it all right this time. After all......... perhaps my life depends on what you and Andy will be doing. I believe, I have the right to be a little suspicious, don't you think so?" explained Rommie with a faint smile. She was in fact more concerned, as she was ready to admit. And she really wanted to make sure Harper wouldn't do anything stupid.
Harper smiled: "How could I forget that, Rommie! Believe me, although you will marry Dylan, I still care deeply for you as a friend. I will do everything just fine, so you won't be in danger at any given moment in time."
"Well, I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Harper," cut him Dylan off and looked in the round. "So, I believe, we have a plan that should work and we can just improve the details. Harper, you will have to erase the program just before they would activate it. Therefore, be sure to have your micro on and I will give you the exact timing. Understood?"
"Yes, Sir, Captain!" exclaimed Harper grinningly. Then he turned to Andy: "So, Andy-Doll, should we go somewhere else and see if there's anything else we can do to prepare ourselves for our mission?"
Andy nodded with a smile and they left the room. After they were gone, also Tyr and Beka stood up and nodded to Dylan. Tyr asked: "Is there anything else, Dylan? Or are we free to go?"
"No, I've said everything I wanted to and you can do as you wish. We'll be approaching our target in about two days, so, up till then, you have no other obligations. That is, should everything go smooth, and no attackers appear."
Also Tyr and Beka left, followed by Rev. Only Trance hesitated a bit and looked pleadingly at Rommie: "Rommie, will you ever be able to forgive me what I did? I really don't want to loose your friendship."
Rommie smiled a bit plagued and answered after a short break: "Trance, you will just have to give me more time to get over it. I really hope we can stay friends, especially now. But I simply cannot forget what you did. Not yet. Perhaps I will get over it very soon, but till then......"
Dylan looked at her thoughtfully and saw the pain that was still in her. He opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind and let it be. Trance gave Rommie a tiny smile, nodded and answered: "Sure I understand Rommie. I just want you to know, that I did it with best intentions. And, be sure, I would never hurt you again. I know, you are asking yourself if you can still trust me after all I did, but you simply have to believe me, that I really love you as a dear friend and wouldn't do anything to harm you. If you think, that there is a possibility for us to remain friends, I can live with that." She nodded to Dylan and left the room.
As Trance left, Dylan and Rommie sank into their thoughts. Eventually Dylan stood up and went to Rommie, who was still sitting on the chair and looked somehow lost. "Rommie, are you afraid?"
She looked up at him, stood up too and clutched to him: "Yes, Dylan, I am so terribly afraid! I know, Trance told us, that the program in fact only duplicates the personality. But, what if something goes wrong? What would happen to me? Would I still be me, would I still be alive at all? I don't want to loose you now. I'm so afraid of being separated from you!" She hid her face into Dylan's chest and trembled a bit.
Dylan gently lifted her chin and forced her to look into his eyes. He could see that tears began to well in her eyes and kissed her tenderly on the eyes: "Rommie, everything will work out just fine. You needn't be afraid of it. Besides, I will be holding your hand all the time and I will watch out like hell that nothing goes wrong. You can be sure of that. And Harper will also do perfectly, I'm sure of it. What do you think, would it mean to me should I loose you? The end of all hopes, the end of something that hasn't even really started yet. No, no, I will take good care of you. So, please, don't cry. It makes me so sad if I see you cry."
Rommie smiled at him a bit relieved: "I know Dylan. I'm just getting perhaps too emotional in the last time."
Dylan smiled at her: "No, you're not! You're doing just fine. You have all the right to be emotional. After all, you are a human being, and human beings have the right to express their feelings, their emotions, their fears."
A light cough reminded them that they were not alone in the room and they both looked a bit surprised into Andromeda's hologram that still stood there and watched them compassionately. "I think that you both should go get some rest. Perhaps you should have a talk in private. I really don't want to interfere with your decision, but, as I see, Rommie needs some comfort from you, Dylan, in first place."
Dylan smiled at Andromeda and nodded: "You are right Andromeda, as you are almost always. Have I ever said to you, that you are someone really special?"
Andromeda looked a bit ashamed: "No, you haven't said it that way. I anticipated, that you saw me just as a ship."
"Well, you are a ship. But you are also so much more! Believe me, everything I've achieved is also in part because of you, standing by my side, always supporting me and never backing off. Therefore I would like to thank you, for being always there for me. And believe me, I couldn't have wished for a better ship and companion as you. You're simply the best there is."
Andromeda smiled happily: "Well....... thank you Dylan. I'm really glad to hear that from you."
Rommie looked at Dylan with big eyes and grinned: "Dylan, are you trying to make me jealous? You never said something like that before, as I was still an avatar. And now........ are you trying to court Andromeda? Am I not enough for you?"
Dylan laughed at her words: "Rommie, how could you even for a second doubt in my feelings for you! I sure made a mistake by not telling you this before, but, I think, I can made up for it, by loving you through and through."
Both, Andromeda and Rommie smiled at this and Rommie gave Dylan a kiss. Afterwards, she turned to Andromeda and faked anger: "He's mine, understood! I will never let him to another woman! Not even to you!"
Andromeda grinned and disappeared. Dylan looked at Rommie smiling and gave her a kiss on her lips: "And I will never want another woman!"
TBC
Note: Unfortunatelly, there will be no new chapter for at least two weeks. I'm off to vacation next week and will not be able to continue the story. Sorry!
