The Liberty Navy's Vice Admiral, Valence Harper, stood on the balcony of a terrace overlooking a grand dinner hall at Newark's general dining area. With the ion storm looming over all known space, he leaned on the railings.
"Darned paperwork, always getting in the way..." he muttered under his breath.
The thought slipped away, as he glided down the stairs, and smiled towards several young ladies whom he passed.