We spent a companionable evening learning more about each other and cuddled as we slept.

The next morning, after breakfast in the lounge, Master went to conduct the interviews he had told me about and I went in search of Mom. I thought to learn a few self-defense moves from her and was also curious if she thought I might be a good addition to her staff. If so, I planned to become a permanent security member here. If not, I would see if I could become useful somewhere else within the staff, perhaps kitchen or bar. I couldn't see living a life of decoration...

After asking Fred and walking through the maze of hallways, I found my way to the head of security's office and knocked. "Come in" I hear through the door and I turned the knob and entered.

Mom chuckled as my gaze hit the plaques decorating the walls of her office. I'm sure if some of the rough crowd saw the inside of Mom's office, they would never cause problems! It appeared as if Mom had lead a very full life! I saw pictures of past presidents with Mom, a couple of foreign dignitaries, as well as several photos of what appeared to be green beret troups saluting Mom!

The amusing thing was her display of her black belt. She was using it as a brace for her office chair. I hadn't noticed it until she got up and came around her desk to give me a hug. "Stella dear! What brings you to my office?" I smiled at her and asked, "shouldn't that be on display in a case with all those medals I see?" and pointed at the glass display case. She laughed and ran her hand over the belt.

"This belt is serving a good purpose hon. It's holding my favorite chair together! Chuck hates this old ratty office chair, but I love it. It's comfortable. The only thing keeping it from collapsing is this old belt. Besides, anyone can earn a black belt nowadays. It's appalling what has occurred in the martial arts community. If the dojos don't give out belts fast enough, they lose customers. No one has the patience to learn the skills anymore."

"I do" I whisper.

She turns her head to me sharply. I see her narrow her eyes and examine me for several long moments. "We'll see." she says and tells me to meet her in the establishment's gymnasium after lunch. My jaw drops. "There's a gym here???"

"Of course dear. Chuck and I are both big believers in having a healthy staff. There's no excuses to be had if there is a gym on premises"

She smiles at me and rings for Fred. "Fred will show you the way to the gym sweetie. Just meet me there after lunch. That's when I normally work out"

We chat about her photos and medals as I wait for Fred's arrival.