//Proofreader's note
In case there are any readers that are grammar bashers, let me just say that my main focus as a proofreader is making any parts of the story that don't quite fit, flow into the rest of the story. That's not to say that I ignore grammar issues, I just don't focus on them. If you're the sort of person that lets a misplaced comma ruin what is one the best Sci-fi stories I've ever come across on SOL, or any other site, then I pity you. For everyone else, I hope you continue to enjoy this story as much as I am.
Smither