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"What interests you... That could be taken a few ways." Cirrus smiled and handed Nodrog a glass. "Here you are, I prefer the stronger tea the Amazons produce. The Velopian tea is a little light for my taste."

Nodrog tried the stronger tea, it was very good. "That is good, thank you. So what troubles you?"

"Not really trouble, but perhaps confusing a little. Like Dmitri, what is that young man's problem?" Cirrus asked.

"Aside from being arrogant and self centered, he is very smart. He just needs to learn some rather humbling things." Nodrog said.

"That makes sense, he does seem to have an air of superiority about him." Cirrus said.

"I would not worry too much about him, Roslyn and Marko have put him in his place. If he gives you any problems, just talk to Marko about it." Nodrog chuckled.

Cirrus sipped his tea. "That is another thing, the big bear is rather gruff and imposing it seems."

"He has to be a little to get things done. Trust me, he is a kind man and incredibly smart. I doubt you will cause any of the problems that my presence has." Nodrog said.

"I certainly hope not, I have tried to keep myself in the background as much as possible. Only those at the school know how strong I am." Cirrus said.

Nodrog glanced out the windows. "Not all of my problems are related to strength. Certain, dietary issues cause people of this world to be uncomfortable."

"What about being made of metal?" Cirrus asked.

"That has not really been an issue, neither is being in this false form. Actually in that regard you will not attract much attention. Though humans on this world do seem to be drawn to us from our looks a bit more than other worlds." Nodrog said and chuckled.

"That was something I was wondering about. While not forced there are many who seem to go out of their way to be near me or want to talk." Cirrus said. While it was not uncommon for the Velopians to be attracted to dragons, these humans seemed much more inclined.

"I haven't really concerned myself with it. It could be our more exotic nature or simply our more noticeable presence. It does make it easy to find more intimate company." Nodrog said with a sly smirk.

"Of that I have little doubt. Though it is not something I am concerned with at the moment. However does that mean they are accepting of relationships with non humans?" Cirrus asked.

"Again, probably depends on the person. I have only really come across one person who is against the idea. Which is most likely due to her upbringing." Nodrog said.

"Oh, who would that be?" Cirrus asked.

"Marko's assistant Tabbatha. I have not actually tried to figure out why." Nodrog said.

"She is another one I am little confused about. It is clear she is very smart, but not very open. It seems to always be business with her." Cirrus said.

"That seems to be the case with her. I am not aware of her even having friends, and she never has brought up family when I have been able to hear her." Nodrog said.

Cirrus shrugged. "Perhaps she is just a very private individual. Speaking of private, can you tell me more about what Marko intends to do with his ship?"

"I cannot aside from making quicker trips to and from the Velopian and Amazon worlds." Nodrog did know a great deal about the nearly finished ship, the warship and what Marko plans to do with them. He was not going to wage war, but he was going to hedge some bets with them. The ship Cirrus was navigating was going to be a big show and media magnet. Anyone could buy a seat on it to go to the Velopian or Amazon world. It was to draw attention and focus away from the other ship's completion.

"Are there other places on this world building starships?" Cirrus asked.

"Of that I am sure of, how successful they are I do not know." Nodrog said and finished off his tea. 'I do know the Velopians are doing business with other companies besides this one."

"They are a savvy lot, and keep their cards close to their chest. Though rumor has it a dragon helped get a young Velopian singer noticed on a more galactic level." Cirrus eyed Nodrog carefully.

Nodrog chuckled. "Come now, could you say no to Tera Lightsong?"

Cirrus laughed. "No, I suppose not, she is a lovely young lady."

"That she is. Tera asked me about it when the three reborn Valkyrie met on the Amazon world. Since I play with a few well known musicians... it was not hard to ask about it." Nodrog said.

"I wonder what the council plans to do about the Valkyrie once more take their second breath?" Cirrus said.

"Who knows what those fools think. Though I expect them to wait until a great many more are awakened before they do anything." Nodrog said.

"I apologize for bringing them up. I forget you do not get along with them." Cirrus said.

Nodrog made a dismissive gesture. "Don't worry about it. I am sure without Glados around they will get better."

"Speaking of Valkyrie, is Roslyn always so friendly? I heard she was once the iron raven." Cirrus asked.

"The two are very much alike in some ways, but vastly different in others. Roslyn has spent her life flying aircraft, so I think she simply is more inclined to get along with air elementals. Plus your name is a type of cloud here on this would." Nodrog shrugged.

"I know she can sense magic, what about Sherman? I know he is a Halfling of some kind." Cirrus said.

"Sherman is between monster and immortal. I have been lightly working with him in that area. He can see Fay and other glamour hidden creatures, and can judge strength to a degree." Nodrog said.

"Interesting. Anyone else like them I need to know about?" Cirrus asked.

Nodrog shook his head no. "The four of us are the only beings of magical ability here. Well aside from any Velopian shaman or the like."

"Another point I was curious about. So I should keep a low profile in that regard." Cirrus said.

"I would recommend doing so when you are off company grounds. Though I would be careful when on company grounds as well. Most here are somewhat accustomed to it now, there are those who are not." Nodrog said.

"Makes sense. I admit it is very strange to use this plastic card to buy things in place of using actual money." Cirrus said.

"You can use it to get physical money. The humans have not used gold or silver coins to buy things in centuries." Nodrog said.

"I would think that would lead to a financial disaster." Cirrus said as they walked back out onto the patio. It was rather late.

Nodrog shrugged. "I haven't really looked into it, but it would not surprise me if it has caused problems."

"One last thing and I should probably call it a night." Cirrus said and glanced at his pocket watch.

Nodrog chuckled. "I have all the time in the world."

"When are you playing down at the club again. I am rather interested in hearing you play." Cirrus said.

"I am not really sure. I have been rather busy with Alice of late." Nodrog said and pulled out his phone to check dates. "I will have to get back to you on that."

"No problem, have a good evening." Cirrus said with a smile.

"You do the same." Nodrog said and teleported to his home with Roslyn.

Roslyn was sound asleep as Nodrog got ready to take a quick shower. He conveniently had places to be off world during initial ship testing. Some of it to finish up a few things with the council and to tend to typhoon only things. Thankfully over the course of a week they had managed to completely remove the last hang-ups due to Glados being dead. Nodrog and all members of the council were thankful to be done with that mess. They had changed a few laws, and what each member would oversee. However the rest they left alone, because now they were free to actually do the jobs they were given.

For the second off world meeting, he would travel to the Minotaur world. Which Nodrog found was pleasantly covered in deep snow and far reaching cold. The world had harsh winters, and many off worlders chose to leave for the long winter. Only Beatrice found the cold troubling, she did come from a constantly tropical climate. The tall, lovely Amazon wore a thick fur coat and several layers when they spent anytime outside.

Despite rumors and the fears of many, the typhoons were not meeting to plan a war. After the kidnapping of those close to them, they thought it best to keep in contact as a group. To discuss current events and share information. Plus the fact they still remained united did do a very good job of keeping many of their enemies from doing anything rash.

They had agreed Morgor's world was best suited to their meetings. His culture venerated strength and power, no matter the person's gender or culture. Despite the difference, the Minotaur as a whole respected the Amazon race. While the Velopians, Dallarth lived with were still frightened by the other typhoons. Neither dragon wanted to put the Velopians or humans in a situation they were not comfortable with.

They had let the formalities slide, after all they were without equals. While they did talk about serious issues, they remained informal. It was a nice change to set aside a few things and be frank about certain topics, one of which was the adorable little water dragon.

Beatrice turned to watch a ship land. "They still talk about her, and not just those she saved."

"Even the Velopians talk about it." Derrain said as they all turned to watch the ship land.

"Mianth only did what she thought was right in her heart." Dallarth said.

"We all know it was right. For not being a warrior she showed tremendous courage." Morgor said.

"I bring Mianth up for another reason." Beatrice turned to look at the two dragons. "I am concerned about her well being."

Nodrog and Dallarth looked at each other before Nodrog spoke. "What has you concerned?"

"I have looked into it, there simply is no other dragon with her level of teleportation skill... except for you. We are monsters among monsters, I am afraid the kind hearted little dragon will become one of us." Beatrice said softly.

"I do not believe she will ever become powerful enough to be classified as a typhoon." Morgor said as they now headed inside.

"Agreed, it takes a great deal more to be labeled a typhoon. After all she did sustain injury from that event." Dallarth said. While Nodrog might like the idea of Mianth becoming powerful, she did not. Actually Dallarth was slightly upset the young dragon, who she considered a little sister, could become very powerful.

"Mianth has many looking out for her, she will be fine no matter how powerful she grows." Nodrog said.

"That is certainly true with the two of you looking out for her." Derrain said.

"Lets not forget an entire battalion of skilled Velopians in power armor. Perenth told me they were going to look for Mianth no matter what." Dallarth said.

"Since we are on the topic of individuals with growing levels of power, how is your Halfling protege doing?" Morgor asked.

"He is handling his change very well. It is still too early to tell how he will handle the other parts about becoming something more than mortal." Nodrog said as they walked. They were heading to dinner, they had many large feasts so far. Including things that only Derrain and him ate.

The high-tech Gothic architecture as Jenny called it was fitting back drop for their meeting. It was clear that those of this world were honored to have the strongest as their guests. Considering the warrior culture the Minotaur were, many made a pilgrimage to the capital to see the typhoons.

"That is a difficult thing to overcome, and why I had not had children until late in life." Beatrice said. The Amazons were a long lived race, however she would live longer still. She did not know what she would do when her two daughters passed away.

"I think knowing someone else in a similar position will help him move past it." Nodrog said.

"Ah yes, the lovely raven winged Valkyrie. I am glad you brought her up, since I had forgotten." Morgor said.

Beatrice was a little surprised. "Has someone on your world taken her second breath?"

Morgor chuckled. "Yes, a young woman has awakened as one of the Valkyrie. I had been meaning to talk to you about her."

"Actually one more of the Velopians has taken her second breath. Though she is a little upset because she can no longer wear power armor." Dallarth said, having also forgotten to let the Amazon know about it.

"Interesting, have any other humans?" Beatrice asked.

"Not that I know of, I will certainly look into it when I return home." Nodrog said.

"Please let them know they are welcome to come to my world and learn about themselves. I will have to look into making sure we are prepared for more of them to visit." Beatrice said.

"I will let her know, because she is quite confused about her change at the moment." Morgor said as they sat down for another large meal.

"Perhaps it is something the dragons should keep an eye out for on other worlds. I would hate for some young lady to have the trouble Tera had." Derrain said.

"Agreed, I will talk to Mianth, Tunrog and the other navigators. I think letting the navigators know about it, will spread the word out quickly." Dallarth said.

"How is Roslyn getting along with Tera and Sarnia?" Beatrice asked as she reached for a yeast roll.

"She still tries to play it tough, but I know she is flattered with how much the other two write her." Nodrog chuckled. "Actually Tera will be on our world for a few weeks to do some performances and work on a recording or two."

"You sound rather interested in her visit." Dallarth teased.

"I am looking forward to seeing one of her performances. She is a very talented young lady." Nodrog said.

"Of that you will get no argument from me." Beatrice said with a smile. The Velopian did have a beautiful voice.

"So we will convene again come spring, correct?" Morgor asked.

The others agreed, they would meet twice a year from this point forward. Since they did have other duties to attend too. The universe was vast and they needed to stay on top of things both internal and external. The typhoons were pleased that the monster council would be more open with the most powerful monsters. Since some decisions affected billions of people.

Chapter.

Nodrog returned to earth, the only world where he could currently hide in plain sight. Roslyn had not heard him come in, or put his things in their bedroom. He leaned against the bathroom door frame as she showered. A sly smile on his face as he admired her wet figure as the water ran down it.

After a bit she did notice his actual presence. "See anything you like?"

"Always." Nodrog playfully growled.

Roslyn playfully moaned. "To bad you will have to wait until another day. I need to be up bright and early to fly the boss down to Texas for Alice's next race."

Nodrog handed her a towel, but held onto one end to pull her over to him. "Oh, well I might be able to wait a day..."

Roslyn smiled. "When you get a chance, Sherman wanted to talk to you."

"Did he mention what it was?" Nodrog asked. Slightly disappointed as Roslyn pulled away to dry off and get ready for bed.

"No, and I did not ask." Roslyn said as she toweled off. "How did your projects go?"

"All of them went very well. I learned you have a few more reborn sisters." Nodrog said.

Roslyn looked down at the sink. "I know, there are two on this world. I guess because we are on the same world, I could feel them. Tera wrote me a letter, saying she has met the Velopian who took her second breath."

"Derrain told me about her, and Morgor told us about one on his world." Nodrog said.

"I don't know what to do... Tera and Sarnia are one thing, but four more I am unsure." Roslyn said. She looked at him in the mirror as he put a hand on her shoulder. She reached up and put a hand on his.

"No one says you have to do anything. You are still Roslyn after all." Nodrog said with a smile.

"True, no one has said I need to do anything. They still have their own lives." Roslyn said and watched Nodrog walk out to their bedroom. "You like her, don't you?"

"Like who?" Nodrog asked as he changed into shorts.

Roslyn sighed. "Tera."

"Of course, what is there not to like about her?" Nodrog asked.

"So have you thought about it?" Roslyn asked as she got ready for bed.

"No, because that would never happen." Nodrog said and suddenly thought of Roslyn and the young Velopian together. "A rather odd question, is it because you have thought about it?"

After a rather long pause Roslyn answered. "Yes."

"Maybe Jenny is a bad influence on you." Nodrog chuckled.

Roslyn blushed as she came out in just her shorts and loose tank top. "It's just... her voice, her fair skin and hair..."

"You will get no argument from me. Dallarth and I both are captivated by Mianth's and Tera's voices." Nodrog said.

"In any case, I will see you down in Texas." Roslyn said before kissing him goodnight.

Nodrog went out to the living room, to read the paper and catch up on some news. Since he had been off world for a little more than two weeks. Well two weeks normal earth time, it was more like three with the odd time flow on the council's world. He wrote a small note to send to Beatrice about the two humans who had taken their second breath. Noting that Roslyn could sense their presence on this world only.

Roslyn was up early and got around quickly for the morning flight she was piloting. Stacy would be copilot once again, so she could see Randy for a few days at least. Their long distance relationship was hard, but they were still doing well. Lucy and Jenny had helped Stacy overcome some of the things that came with it.

Granted Jenny and Roslyn made sure Nodrog was also of some help. Since he could instantly take her anywhere in the world to see Randy. Seeing her bright eyes light up even more when she saw Randy was always worth it. Stacy had completely moved past her old self, the pain and misery were completely gone. The cute little lion was fully committed to the present and had opened up considerably. Her welding and piloting improved by leaps and bounds every time she tested.

So Nodrog was curious as to what Sherman wanted to talk to him about. He headed for the cafeteria to meet his friend for breakfast. Samantha was with him this morning, she smiled as he walked over to the table they were sitting at. "Morning"

"Morning." Nodrog replied as he sat down.

"I take it Roslyn gave you my message." Sherman said. They were sitting in Nodrog's favorite spot, the corner table by the windows.

"She did, I am the one who forgets to pass them along." Nodrog chuckled.

"I was surprised she did not ask about what we wanted to talk about." Samantha said.

Nodrog still did not peal the shells off the hard boiled eggs. "That is just her way. If you did not tell her, she just figured it was none of her business."

"Oh, guess I hadn't thought of it like that." Samantha said.

"Or we are just used to people being a little more nosy." Sherman chuckled.

"There is always that." Samantha said.

"So if it is a 'we' topic, I am going to guess it is about kids." Nodrog said and chuckled as Samantha blushed.

"Are you sure you don't read our minds all the time?" Sherman asked.

"It was a pretty easy guess, since you didn't tell Roslyn and Samantha said 'we'." Nodrog chuckled again.

"I see your point." Samantha said and watched an aircraft taxi to the runway. "We are a bit concerned about having kids, since he has changed."

"Well, you do not need to be concerned with their health. So I am going to guess it is about them, being something more than human." Nodrog said.

Samantha and Sherman just nodded in agreement. They were worried about that possibility. However it was a topic Nodrog was not very familiar with, or paid much attention too, since he could not have any himself. It was a question better answered by Jenny or Alice, probably Alice since Jenny would get overly excited about it.

"I cannot give you any answers either way. All I can say is they would be born healthy, as for any magical ability..." Nodrog shrugged. "That is up to fate."

"I thought you did not believe in fate?" Samantha asked.

Nodrog smiled. "I also believed I would never see my beloved Valkyrie again. The universe is vast, and I do not know everything about its workings."

They all turned as Kenny and his family noisily sat down at another table. "There are so many factors in the creation of life, that if I were you, I would not worry about it. There is a chance your children could have no animal traits at all, or they could be full anthro. Does it really matter if they can use magic?"

"It does not matter to me." Sherman said and placed his hand on Samantha's.

"No, I suppose it does not really matter." Samantha said and smiled.

"Sorry I cannot be more help on that subject. Someone more familiar with biology would be of more help. However if you will excuse me, I have to go check on a mouse." Nodrog spoke as he stood up.

"Wish her luck for us." Samantha said.

"I will." Nodrog smiled and after taking his tray to be washed he teleported down to Texas.

Being late summer, the temp was already climbing. The garage was already busy with the sound of power tools and rock an' roll cranked up loud. Much to Randy's disappointment it seemed, thought the little cowgirl standing next to him seemed to keep his mind off the music.

While Stacy made an adorable cowgirl, his attention was drawn to the three lovely tight jeans standing next to Marko. Roslyn, Catlin and Kitty certainly had the perfect asses for blue jeans or formal wear. There was also something alluring about a women with confidence in herself and carrying a weapon. Something else all three had in common at the moment, a pistol under an arm or at her back.

Then there was Alice. Her shorts hugging her cute little rump and a snug tank top, those pretty blue eyes. He had seen hundreds of beautiful women in his life, however Alice was special. She was a little dirty and greasy standing next to TJ with the hood up on the sinister car. A little dirt, grease and messy hair made Alice only look better. Jenny was right, Alice was beautiful no matter what.

Today was the first round of qualifying. So he would not interrupt Alice's routine too much, Marko had invited the people he was meeting for business to the track. That way she could be focused and still be available to meet with the other business men and women.

For the team and Alice, it was business as usual. Get the car ready and warmed up, and Alice put it on the pole position. At this point she had a commanding lead over Wes and Carly. Alice was on track to set the highest number of race wins by a female driver ever. For that matter few males had seasons like this. While her father had won championships a few times, even his total race wins did not match his daughter's.

Alice was not the only one they were interested in meeting. Roslyn found herself in a little spot light since one of the women that had taken her second breath; worked for the company they were meeting with. Had they known Roslyn would be here, they would have brought the young lady. It was a little point Roslyn was a bit miffed about, all of the other Valkyrie were half her age, or in Terra's case more than half. Except Terra, they were between twenty four and thirty. Her age and black wings made her stand out, her age only meant the others all looked up to her.

Actually after becoming a flight instructor, Roslyn found out several young woman looked up to her. She was very well respected by a large number of other pilots. Of course the fact that young men still had eyes for her; well that only brought a sly smile to her lips.

With starting positions set, they headed out for dinner. The race taking place the following day. Most of this life was spent in servitude. Despite being free and remembering his other two lives, there were the occasional moments where he fell back on old habits. If anyone asked, he simply dismissed it as being lost in thought. Since he now had a great many things on his mind. Slowly pushing to the front of his mind was the reawakened Valkyrie.

Glados created them, but they in truth belonged under his wings. She was their creator, he was their guiding force. At first they were a cute novelty, when Glados turned her attention to other creations they sought him out more. Their skills in all manner of war intrigued him, their notable honor and chivalry won him over. Long before Glados slaughtered them, the Iron Dragon had grown to love the Valkyrie as his own. For they were truly beautiful; physically and spiritually.

Their numbers were far too small to even consider what Nodrog sometimes thought about. Still he might see them grow in numbers to the point they will need their own world and civilization once again. With their greatest leader living once again, no matter how much they try and resist it, they are all sisters and will be drawn together.

Etal Drasses was the world that usually came to mind. He had a stronghold on it so long ago. Plus he thought it fitting that the place Glados took her last breath be home to those who were only taking their second. Nodrog smiled as they watched the beginning ceremonies for the race. He would make a mental note and when he met with the monster council, he would bring up giving the Valkyrie their own home. While no one lived there, life still flourished on that world.

Marko had a fair sized skybox reserved to watch the race from. To entertain the other business people he was meeting with. They dealt with robotics and Marko was working on ironing out some details. He would give them funding and materials, provided they worked with his staff to develop tech for his companies use. Of course getting them access to the Salak's expertise did sweeten the deal a little more.

The race itself was exciting, Carly and Wes both had a little luck on their side as an ill timed pit stop along with a caution flag caught Alice in her pit and shuffled her back a few spots. Granted when the checkered flag fell, Alice was the one in first place. With the season well into the last quarter, all of the people who said Alice could not finish a season had gone quiet.

As Alice stood near Nodrog and her father for after race interviews and celebrations; the upcoming off world race was starting to be what more and more people asked and talked about. While the odds of winning two in a row were high, wining a third was astronomical. With Earth and the Velopian world being so similar, Alice and Carly would not need to do anything to get acclimated to the other world.

Truth be told, Alice had not given that race much thought. She still had five more races here to worry about. She was excited to see Sidney, Lorraina and the other racers she had become friends with. Some of them had actually taken time to come and watch Alice race. While they were friends, they would like to take home the trophy for themselves. This year's off world race was looking to be larger than the other two combined.

As soon as it was announced where the third race would be, people started making reservations for travel and rooms. The Velopians had a large motor sports facility out in a more arid area. With only facilities for the race teams, everyone else would be in one of the surrounding towns an hour or so away.

Sure Alice was a bit excited to go race on the Velopian world. However since Nodrog teleported her home after all the stuff she had to go to; Alice was more excited about Jenny's ass. Which she had a perfect view of since Jenny had bent over to look in the bottom drawer of the fridge.

Knowing Alice was watching, Jenny stood on her toes, stretching the muscles in her legs and ass. She quietly moaned as her shorts were pulled tightly against her slightly damp pussy. Judging from Alice's moan, her shorts were riding up enough to leave little to the imagination. Her tail went straight up in surprise as Alice's fingers rubbed her muff through the tight shorts.

The thing she was looking for in the fridge was quickly forgotten as Alice teased her. Really all other thoughts took a backseat to being intimate with Alice. Clothes were quickly shed as they kissed and fingers roamed as they made it to their bedroom. Where the two lay in each others arms.

Alice always found post race victory sex to be very, thrilling. Actually sex after a race always seemed more intense. Maybe it was her senses were still in race mode, or perhaps it was the adrenaline flowing in her veins. As Jenny lightly kissed her breast and slipped two wet fingers inside her, Alice didn't care what the reasons were.

All that ever matter when they were like this was each other. As long as they could be like this, they would always be happy. For Alice knowing that Jenny finally had a home with someone who loved her, was the greatest thing in the world. Tonight was not as hot and sweaty as they could be, but the two of them fell asleep soundly after they enjoyed their private play time.

When morning came along with Jenny's alarm to get up, they played around a little more. Alice was looking forward to spending time with her quickly growing daughter. While Alice was busy being a mom, Nodrog was touring some old landmarks with Marko and the four ladies that were always with him. They took Nodrog to the Alamo and other historical sites.

Tabatha was as usual, busy making notes or taking calls. Cirrus was right it seemed, all she ever did was work. Nodrog wondered if she did anything else at all. They had not been working for several hours, well everyone but Tabatha. So while Roslyn and Kitty were talking about the old west, he accidentally let off an electromagnetic pulse. Not a big one, but enough that it disabled both Tabatha's phone and computer tablet. Along with everyone else in a mile radius, unfortunately that was the weakest pulse he could pull off.

"Odd, my phone quit working." Tabatha said and pulled out her small tablet to just use it. Only to find that it was also broken.

Everyone else checked their phone and found them similarly broken. While those around them also spoke up about their electronics not working, one of the museum staff came over to them. "We are experiencing some technical problems. You do not need to worry, but we just want to check on everyone." The young man said.

"We are just fine, thank you." Marko said with a smile.

Tabatha sighed loudly. "This is a problem, sir we should head back to the hotel and get my other phone."

"You have a second phone?" Catlin asked.

"Of course, for just such emergencies." Tabatha said and scowled at Nodrog when he laughed.

"What emergency? It is a beautiful day out, not a cloud in the sky. Just put them away and relax." Nodrog said.

Kitty put her arm around the flustered mouse. "When was the last time you had a day off? It's nearly lunch time, let's find a place with good southern food and a margarita."

"I know just the spot, not only good food but the bartenders are hot." Roslyn said with a smile and grabbed Tabatha's other arm to lead her away.

"Wait we can't skip out on work, plus you are supposed to be protecting Mr. October." Tabatha squeaked as the three women lead her away.

"Oh come on, he is with a walking tank, they'll be fine." Catlin said cheerfully.

Kitty turned and waved. "See you boys later!"

Marko and Nodrog stood silently for a moment watching them walk away. Then they both chuckled. Now that they were out of ear shoot Nodrog asked. "When was the last time Tabatha had a day off?"

Marko scratched his chin as he thought. They were walking back to the SUV since the ladies took a cab. "She hasn't had one, she missed two days being sick. However I cannot think of the last time she took vacation time."

"Just a work o'holic than. That is no way to live life." Nodrog said as they exited the museum.

"Everyone needs time every now and then to unwind and relax. I have to tell her to go home early when things are slow and she still keeps tabs on everything during the weekend. She does a fantastic job, but she should do things for herself." Marko said.

"Any idea why?" Nodrog asked as they got in the SUV.

"Not really, Tabatha has always been private." Marko said.

"Where are your body guards and assistant sir?" The driver asked.

"They decided to take the rest of the day off." Marko chuckled.

"Sir?" The young man asked.

"Don't worry about it John. Nodrog can handle anything that might come up." Marko said.

"Very well. Where to sir?" John asked as he started the SUV.

Marko glanced at his watch, it was a little after twelve. "Probably should get some lunch. Any place you might suggest?"

"I know of a nice little Italian place." John said and headed out of the parking lot and down the road.

"Sounds good to me." Nodrog said.

It was a quick drive to the restaurant. Where John was a little surprised to be told to just park the SUV and come in with them. He was not the usual driver, so he was not used to dining with his boss for any reason. They dined out on the patio since it was such a pleasant day. Made more enjoyable by the fact their electronics were broken.