It wouldn't normally have taken this long to sail from Astoria to Nilbog, but as it was the shakedown cruise of The Longstocking, Billy and family had decided to take their time ( Read more... )

Anastasia DeCobray Kessler did not want to leave. She loved Astoria, Cannon Beach and the Dojo Master Storm Shadow had built in the old lighthouse. He loved the friends she'd made, and her grandparents. And now they were moving to the other side of the world!

Okay, not that far. Her father had shown her on a map and a globe where they were ( Read more... )

All in all, it had been a good night. Dr. Covington was a fount of information, not just about the dig up north, but all sorts of fascinating subjects. And, okay, he had to admit, she was beautiful as well.

But Billy didn't have much time to dwell on such pleasant thoughts, as soon after he entered the house, the air was split by a terrifying

"Going out?" Mrs. St. Croix asked, an eyebrow raised. Her son appeared to be putting slightly more effort into his appearance than usual ( Read more... )

"Mr. Marsh sends his apologies." the young blonde woman said, shaking Billy's hand. "He had some last minute things to take care of. I'm Dr. Gail Covington, I'm heading up the landward side of the dig. Of course you know Dr. Keillor already ( Read more... )

"Well Mr. Kessler I have to say it's been wonderful chatting with you." Mr. Marsh said, smiling ( Read more... )

Billy could still hear the crying. Anastasia didn't throw tantrums often, but when she did, boy howdy. Of course he wasn't sure if he was actually hearing her crying or just imagining it. And of course Tommy had gotten upset because she was upset, and now he was also crying because she had shut him out of her room ( Read more... )

"Ladies, Gentlemen," Hawk said, raising his glass, "Of the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, and the organizations we're not allowed to publically admit are associated with us..." Everyone laughed. "Please join me, raise a glass to yourselves, to all those who couldn't be here tonight, and those who have gone on to their reward ( Read more... )

Billy's normally reserved daughter was fairly vibrating with excitement. He told himself it was because she loved playing dress-up, and/or that it was her baby brother's first real Halloween. (she'd said it didn't count until he could actually say trick or treat) And not that she would be getting free candy ( Read more... )

"You're kidding ( Read more... )