While several others took turns at Stella, I chatted around the room, listening and sharing memories and such. It was hard to begin with, but the more I shared, it seemed to get easier on me. I thought of one of my favorite authors, Spider Robinson, and one of his frequently used lines; "Joy shared is joy multiplied, sorrow shared is sorrow divided." We all took a tiny share of the others' sadness, and thus were better able to carry the load.

The room started to empty; people going home or heading upstairs. The Doctor was undoing Stella's bonds as I approached, and told me she was going to take Stella up to the second-floor dungeon to play a bit. I kissed them both, whispered a promise for later with Stella, and joined some of the folks still here.

Fellow security workers were still present, as was Jeri's husband; all were doing their best to make a dent in a quart of Irish whisky. I noted that a couple weren't drinking; I figured they must be on duty soon.

Mom had her earpiece in and a small computer sitting on the table; even here, she had her finger on the pulse of the job. We all chatted for a couple hours, finishing most of the whisky and sharing much laughter. Feeling better now, I tasked Mom with turning the defense load over to her assistant and getting some sleep. Tomorrow we would finalize our attack plans... and open for normal business.

I walked past the monitor office on the way to my suite, and glanced in at the room security cameras. Only two rooms were lit; I saw the Anglican bishop having his usual appointment with Trent, and the Doctor in with Stella.

Watching that one for a few minutes, I smiled; Jan was stressing Stella close to her limits. We would be having our time together later, so I noted what to avoid. And plotted how I would be stressing her myself.