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Date: Wed, 2 Apr 2025 17:38:31 +0000 (UTC)
From: A becker <abecker60@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Jian Part 93

Jian


Gil leaned over with her iPad... email from General Sokolov. An early June
public gathering in Moscow's Red Square... it will be publically announced
in advance, they expect a large crowd plus a nation-wide TV broadcast. All
the political group leaders having a few minutes to address the crowd and
TV audience... I am invited to speak to the Russian people.

He says there is be a `State Luncheon' afterwards in the Kremlin.

It is to be a semi-formal event in terms of the luncheon. Relaxed protocol.

Gil looking at me... "Please respond with a yes but that the date will be
very important because I have so many commitments already scheduled for
June. Ask if it is possible for me to send a few dates to him... I think
the first few days of the month could work... also please mention about
what I do not eat. Be very polite about those two parts."

A big grin on that cute face, "I'll be at my most diplomatic."

We laughed.

93

I did email and a few calls.

A call to Jackson... I asked him to speak to Fletcher and his girlfriend
Christel about Villa Les C�dres.

Part of Jackson telling me about Fletcher's life got Christel's
background. Her mother who is half French and fluent in the language, she
taught Christel French from childhood. In a few months Christel will finish
teaching for the year in Saratoga and she told Jackson a move is fine with
her when he was feeling out Fletcher on working for us.

If my offer is accepted they would have a chance at something completely
new.

I told him I would be asking Yvonne to go over to France for a few months
to help get things going. Fletcher could fly over to be introduced and get
started setting things up.

Jackson is intrigued with the idea... "Fay, I think it will
appeal... certainly to Christel."

Good!

I suggested he speak to Christel... she could keep teaching... English to
the Villa staff and French to Fletcher. Jackson laughed saying he would.

Email from Christy at Notting Hill... thanking me for the flat above the
shop.

`Lady Harcourt, it is wonderful of you... Are you sure about the rent? I
could pay some.'

My reply is she is most welcome and we own the building so her paying rent
is unnecessary... enjoy the commute to work.

I got back a pile of smileys!

Email from Maury thanking us for allowing her to ride at Moulins de
Deauville Farm. She's been there a few times, the latest trip several
guests went along. They had a great weekend! The house staff are
marvellous, excellent food.

I replied we are happy for her to go whenever she has free time.

A joint email from Casteen and Linc... a breakthrough on the Department for
Education false billing issues. They said the person who sent the documents
that got us started contacted them... She works for one of the `suppliers'
who colluded on the dummy invoices. She has provided her identity as a bona
fide, which we are concealing.

She is disgusted by her employers trying cheat the British public with the
help of tory members of the House of Commons who held positions in the
government. She is staying on the job to keep her access to
information. She sent more false invoices.

Casteen said she has a clandestine meeting setup in Coventry, east of the
city centre. They will meet in a coffee house away from the company where
the woman works.

Linc put in he had three other companies who may be involved from the
woman, he is researching them.

Encouragement sent to them!

I emailed Lord Chilgrove the gist of this with a `I will follow up' with
him soon.

Flix's email... she has given her notice to the school. She is a fulltime
writer at the end of the school year. The school wanted her to stay... Flix
said no... it would be unfair all around. The school would not get her full
attention, the students would suffer... AND her writing would be diminished
also.

Flix has done magazine articles plus some pieces for our newspapers. Flix
sent a laughing email... she had been asked to work on a screenplay for a
big time director and producer! The producer read her book and wanted that
same sense of empathy... so another new path for her.

Her second book in progress. A trip with Cicely at Spring Break to Berlin
to do interviews.

She will be spending a lot of time in Germany this summer... working on her
new book and doing a book tour for the German edition of her
first. Possibly to France and Spain in the early autumn for more book
signings.

Time in London later in the year for work on the second book... she has
decided to do the war widows idea of mine which could segue to something on
women in Britain during the Blitz.

Hillary emailed... they are starting on a Constitutional Amendment to
protect abortion. She expected howls from the anti-abortion crowd with some
republicans giving them support. They do not have enough to block the
effort!

She wrote there is a very good chance for it to go all the way fairly
quickly given Democratic control of the Congress and more than three
quarters of the states which is the required number to pass an amendment.

It is to be called the Woman's Health Act and become the Twenty Eighth
Amendment.

Hillary said she will keep me up to date.

I replied we will be vocal in backing the amendment and our media will be
behind the effort.

I emailed Kent a heads-up on this. The primary NewsGroup newspapers are
also notified. All know we want to fully support the effort!

Morgan email... the hotel in Torquay is a done deal!

Great! Right on the waterfront! So much nearby... Dartmoor, Plymouth,
Exeter... Cornwall not far.

Maybe a family trip to Exeter... my old university and Torquay.

A hotel in Oslo! On Kristian IV's Gate. A terrific location in the centre
of the city. A big thank you to Morgan for both acquisitions.

A list from her on the other new R&R hotels... Hotel Marcel and Hotel
Christophe Colomb and Hotel Montparnasse in Paris. A terrific group in many
desirable locations!! Paris!!!

The Storyville Hotel in New Orleans, the Soho House on Broadway and the
Brooklyn Inn at Barclay Centre in New York, the Pennsylvania Avenue Hotel
in Washington, D.C. and in downtown Edinburgh the Hotel St. Andrew.

Morgan's team working in high gear!! A BTS report... they loved spending
the money buying nice things!!

Decision made... Fernande's office will be in Paris above the
Champs-Elysees store. Plenty of room upstairs in a very nice small flat we
will convert to her office.

I pulled my iPhone out... I called Fernande. She is very happy! Her
Grandmere lives in the city! I said she would have a choice of flats to
have for free... Rue des Bernardins, Rue Jacob or upstairs on
Champs-Elysees. I did say the last would make it harder to separate work
from home so she should consider that.

"Fay, you are making it hard. I suppose it comes down to the commute."

We laughed.

"No matter which you choose you will still have to go a bit to the heliport
or Le Bourget. The trains are not too far."

"Fay, it will be easy to get around. I like the night train to
Berlin... you sleep and be ready to get going in the morning."

"Good. The choices are yours to make."

A pause... "Can I do the Champs-Elysees flat also?"

"Yes! That flat is two bedrooms and has a view down to the Champs-Elysees!"

She is stoked! Very happy goodbyes.

Gil showed me a Daily News piece on the Museum of Natural History's press
conference... the museum is over the moon about our gift. A snap of Chani
and Charlie handing the cheque to the President which was released by the
museum taken by their photographer.

The article pointed out our other quite recent bits of philanthropy in the
city... MoMA and Seward Park High School plus last years gift to the
Children's Museum of the Arts.

The reporter mentioned we owned a number of important buildings in the city
and had multiple businesses operating in New York bringing more jobs to the
city. Mirabelle got a separate mention for its recent increase in locations
and production facilities in Brooklyn.

My being the chair of the Chanthira Foundation is brought in via the many
shelters the foundation has open in the city.

Quinn, the City Editor, wrote an accompanying opinion piece saying although
we do not reside full time in the city we have made an out-sized impact in
business and charity. Our philanthropy is an extension of our personal
ethos of probity and caring for others.

He wrote our ownership of the Daily News is just one of dozens of successes
for our business model of investing in the people who work for us and
always looking forward not being concerned about any immediate returns on
our investment.

Another opinion piece as part of the whole story from Stanley, the Business
Editor. He pointed we have been investing in news media around the
world... in contrast to other such investors we do not seek to `steer' the
news content into a political channel of our own choosing.

We ask for truthful accurate reporting... the truth above all else.

Our being aloof from the daily management of our media is praised.

The encouragement we give with better pay and benefits and the freedom to
do the work is showing the way for other media companies.

All very nice to read. It also means there will be even more interest in us
personally and our businesses. We as individuals can stand up easily to any
scrutiny... we'd just rather not be bothered.

The Fox News piece on the Museum of Natural History donation was very
good. They spoke on-camera with the museum folks who are very excited!!
They are amazed meeting us all and how intelligent Chani and Charlie are.

Charlie and Chani had been interviewed beforehand. Our babies looking quite
adult on the video. They said loved museums...

Chani, "Since we cannot travel back in time museums are our best place to
see the past."

Charlie a bit more expansive... "Its fun to see a dinosaur skeleton then
imagine them walking around a hot humid countryside looking for food. Or a
Neanderthal family crossing through a forest hunting for shelter."

The reporter's comment that our children are thirty two months old seemed
incongruous with the images of a young girl and boy on screen...

Chani in a cute red wool frock, round collar and a gold necklace and
earrings, white tights and black low heels. Charlie in a black suit and a
Harcourt Racing striped tie.

They did look much older than three years of age and spoke like much older
teenagers... smiling and very articulate.

For the Twins this is their most public event where they speak for
themselves.

Kent's comment when he sent along the video... "Your children are the most
wonderful young adults I have ever seen."

I laughed reading that and passed my iPad to Gil to watch and read. She
laughed also. PJ and my Protectors smiling as they shook their heads
holding the iPad up to view the video.

We had all been there but this little video capture magnified the Twins
public personas.

A big sweeping turn to line up on the Chalgrove runway... down and taxiing.

Prasert waiting. A big smile... fist bump.

Carter, Carter2 and Audra at the doors.

More smiles and fist bumps!

Too late to ride.

After midnight in Bangkok... I am not going to wake Cho just to tell him my
day. I emailed the salient points.

Email from Cho... Someone's awake!!

The New York lawyers working on his request to be an United States citizen
say a bill will be introduced by two dozen members of Congress... if passed
and signed by the President Cho will be an American.

Our many businesses, properties, our philanthropy, the Presidential Medal
of Freedom from Hillary last year and the Nobel Peace Prize are doing the
work for Cho!!

It is much like the Parliament's action except it could take
longer. Nothing further for us to do.

I tried a call... Cho is in bed... we exchanged our day and the Congress
thing. Happiness for us!!

Love down the ether to him!!

Gil and I did drinks by the fireplace. A very empty feel to the house... No
Cho, No Twins, No Jaidee, No Chelle.

The news about the Congressional bill is exciting. Cho should be an
American... he has the right values... more so than many native-born
Americans such as trump! Also none of Cho's grandfathers were pimps or
money-grubbing weasels.

Dinner in the breakfast Room... Carla's wonderful vegetable soup with
shredded cheese to spread on top, Caesar salads... Gil looking at me... an
Okay to try anchovies. Laughter! Maxine's rolls and our butter.

Sunny eating with us... she goes for anchovies too.

Their salads are eaten down to the china! The anchovies are Okay according
to Gil and Sunny!

Gil, "They add a piquant salty touch. I'm in."

Sunny hadn't ever tried them, they are good!

We laughed. Me teasing Gil over past comments about anchovies.

Afters in the Game Room with a movie. Gil wanted to see `The Devil Wears
Prada' to see if it is anything like the Vogue she has seen. The luncheon
with Anna W. brought it to mind.

Neither Sunny or I had seen it... we enjoyed it. Not a serious
movie... entertaining.

Gil shrugging her shoulders, "From what I know I cannot judge how close to
the truth it is."

"I don't know anything more than you. We should watch `The September Issue'
and compare."

Gil called it up from the server... We got small bowls of Reese's Pieces
candies for us three.

This documentary is shot with Anna and her staff participating. Interesting
to see Anna's face at different times... she shows her moods and
feelings. No designer watching her face could be in any doubt about how she
feels seeing their work... if they paid close attention.

Quite interesting seeing her top staff talking to the camera... being quite
open about their feelings towards the work and Anna.

A good working relationship should be able to take some ups and downs.

On the whole I preferred the second film. I liked seeing and hearing Anna
versus someone pretending to be her. Meryl Streep seemed more like a
bully... I don't see Anna that way... although some whingers think of her
as such. Shallow... thinking of Anna the way their preconceived notions
move rather than reality because they'll never get close enough to know!

Sunny got from us people criticised Anna for her aloof manner and what they
perceived is an imperious style... an attempt to dominate the world of
fashion.

I could see sour grapes and envy as the drivers of those attitudes... not
wanting to admit a woman could be capable of being a strong and dedicated
executive with vision and goals for excellence.

Sunny grinning... a finger aimed at me. I agreed.

"I am out there doing what needs doing... Cho and I sharing leadership
roles across all our businesses because as a team we are unstoppable."

Gil, "Do not forget the Lords."

Fist bump!

Okay bedtime. I didn't read or much else... lights out.

Walking down the grassy lane... No Jaidee. I rubbed Thames saying sorry
Jaidee is in Bangkok.

Pamela didn't care... I am here! Gaby and Tara with me... their guys happy
too.

We had a lovely romping ride. Breakfast inside me as I stepped into the
AW139 with Almira in the command seat, Kellen smiling from the right.

Rae at Wandsworth... a fist bump.

At Cowley House Temple opened the door and took my coat.

Clough smiling, "M'Lady, Mrs. Travers is ready for your luncheon."

"Thank her for me."

Arlette had quite a few bits for my signature also a dozen letters as
exemplars of hundreds of the public's response to the Telegraph's
defamatory fraud stories... nearly all were positive and wished us well.

I asked about negative ones.

"M'Lady, there were only a handful all of which used quite crude language
and some made threats. The latter I passed on to our Security Service."

Her head shaking, "M'Lady, why do people send notes to someone they do not
know expressing their solidarity and best wishes?"

"I am sure some really feel it helps... others want to encourage the
recipient to continue whatever it is they support possibly trusting in the
pinprick theory that every little helps... I believe for a proportion they
do it to encourage themselves in the belief they are doing
something... anything... especially when things in their life appear less
hopeful.

I can say the thought of doing something like this..." Holding up one
letter, "... has not crossed my mind.

I am not a joiner in that way... be that bad or good."

"M'Lady, I haven't that mind-set either. Writing letters like these... "
Her head shaking once again, "... it would not occur to me it would be of
any point. I see what you mean about it being of value to the writer."

Gil nodding, "A bit of bright feeling to have tried to help someone else."

She did a fist bump with Arlette.



Off on a walk to the Palace of Westminster. PJ, Tessa and Angie with Gil
and I. Chilly but we have sun.

In the Royal Gallery greeting friends and colleagues. Mac got a hug!

"I saw your Twins on the BBC this morning... giving away three hundred and
twenty five million dollars! What a show!"

Grinning, "They enjoyed themselves enormously. The day before they were
alone to do the same at MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art."

"You are teaching them to be generous... laudable and wonderful."

Fist bump with grins.

"Fay, we are throwing you out front this morning."

"Yes you've made it clear especially as I helped to start this... I need to
continue. No problem."

Charles, Duke of Wellington, came up...

"Fay... Mac... I am not speaking today for the tories. They asked me to
step aside so someone more aligned with their views should speak."

Me, "This is childish! Are they afraid you will corrupt the party followers
any more than they have?"

He smiled, "I fear they have been pressured by investors in the water
boards to avoid helping the government do a take over. The investors want
the boards to go into administration... from which they can emerge more or
less the same... that way they get to keep their investment. Now that the
Commons is moving on the issue in a different direction they feel
powerless."

Dascom joined us... he took Charles' news badly.

"I would have hoped they would not want to be poisoned any more than we."

I squeezed his arm, "Perhaps there are some nascent Borgia's in their
midst."

The men laughed at that. Good to break the mood.

Charles looking into space for a few moments...

He turned to Mac, "Mac, do you have a seat spare?"

Mac extended his hand, "We will find one!"

I got a handshake too.

We are being rounded up to go into the House. Walking in behind Knowle and
Alfred with Mac. Handshaking and greetings. Gail smiling in a black
Mirabelle single-breasted suit with trousers and a white silk
shirt. Looking good! A hug for her.

Sitting down... Argyle about to get the business going.

Before he could do anything Charles stood in the tory benches... attracting
attention immediately... a tall slender figure... he walked over to the
Spiritual Side to Mac standing there... they shook hands and Charles took a
seat behind Mac and I.

The noises in the House quite loud... Argyle calling for order.

There is dismay in the tory camp... a very high profile member
leaving... further damage to the party's reputation.

Argyle has order and he opened debate on the Labour Government's first step
to nationalise the water boards.

Lord Bowden stood to speak for the government. I leaned forward to squeeze
Gail's shoulder... her hand reaching back on mine.

Bowden spoke very well! He made all the right points hitting out at the
profit-centric private ownership of what is a national resource that should
be controlled by the people's government not bankers and investors.

There was noises from the tories about the last part... comments about
wealth-builders.

I supported Bowden loudly... many CrossBench Lords joined in with Labour
and Lib-Dems shouting down the tories.

Argyle got some peace so Bowden could finish.

Bowden ended with the call for re-nationalisation rather than sending the
boards into administration... "Private ownership has failed! The government
needs to protect this vital resource for the people."

Many `Hear Hears!' My voice loudly joining with the rest.

Dascom stood to speak... he is wonderful! A review of the water boards
nation-wide failures... the horrors for swimmers to find out they had been
in a river or stream fouled by human waste or unchecked run-off from a
livestock farm which the water boards shrug-off. People keeping their dogs
who love water on dry land.

How industrial waste poisons are accumulating in the water and in the mud
of the watercourses throughout the Kingdom. The damage difficult and
expensive to fix.

He ended with his tagline... `They are poisoning us and we are paying for
it.'

The `Hear Hears' loud and persistent afterwards.

My turn... I rose... the House is quiet... gratifying but I'm hardly the
cause!

I did a critique of `wealth builders' record in Great Britain not dwelling
long on any one period... I began with The East India Company a prime early
example from the Seventeenth Century of how corrupt private enterprise can
become when it is unchecked by government.

"The East India Company took profits from the Asian subcontinent by the
ship load... in return it provided the bare minimum of infrastructure
building necessary to make more profits. It left the people under its
domination in poverty... with ruined natural resources... for them there
was no up-side. Leaving them with a postal system and English Common Law is
hardly recompense.

In today's Great Britain we have companies polluting the air and
water... under the last five tory governments enforcement of environmental
laws almost ceased to exist except in the most egregious cases when popular
opinion was enraged.

The thatcher government connived at the sale of the water boards by gutting
their ability to borrow money to maintain and upgrade their equipment.

The deliberate arranging of the water board's failures used as the excuse
to sell them off at ridiculously low prices to favoured friends. Corruption
on a national scale."

I am receiving catcalls from the tories which largely ceased when I pointed
to one member especially and challenged him to cite any fact which disputed
me.

Hands on hips I stared at him... I very nearly called out `Come on!' He
relapsed into silence... refusing to look towards me.

My denunciations of some water boards paying out dividends to shareholders
and bonuses to executives while they wanted higher rates for their
customers and financial assistance from the government brought `Hear Hears'
from all the members except the tories.

I pointed out the same sort of sell-off of assets which doomed the water
boards was used to connive at the sale of British Rail to profit-seeking
but unqualified businessmen who have failed completely.

"My Lords and Ladies it was part of a pattern of corruption. We need to
redress these unethical and dishonest acts."

The `Hear Hears' drowned out the tory whinging.

My time fading fast... I did a review of method the CrossBenchers thought
should be used to recover the water boards to government control.

"Each water board needs to have two examinations... one to place a value on
the company, the second to determine how much it will cost to repair the
damage done by the excessive profit taking. The latter analysis the more
important.

If the value is more than the repair costs the state should pay the
difference... if the reverse is true then the government takes over the
water board at no cost."

Howls from the tories... I am a rock on which their waves of indignation
broke into harmless spray. My colleagues and Labour and the Lib-Dems
calling out support for me.

Argyle got quiet in the House.

"No gainsaying the need for the water crisis to be met now with
determination. I recognise there is going to be pain for some individual
investors... that is their knowing risk...  at the same time their past
actions will have been the cause of their pain."

I sat down. There are cascades of `Hear Hears' from the members of all
parties...  except the tories... sitting there glum, chastened and silent.

Mac's eyes shining... gripping my arm... Alfred had my other squeezing. My
colleagues congratulating me.

I looked toward Argyle... a smile as he adjourned us until three o'clock.

Gil in the Princes Chamber...

"Fay, An email from Morgan she has closed on the big house on the Plage des
Flots Bleu in Nice. She says it is a short drive over the River Var from
the Nice C`te d'Azur Airport."

Good. We had discussed such a purchase for Cho-Fay Air staff to stay
whenever we use the Villa Les C�dres.

Gil, "I looked at the location in Apple Maps... you go out the garden gate
and walk seventy five feet down to the sandy beach."

Fist bump.

My luncheon guests are clustering as we get our outer clothes... ready. My
Protectors on the outside of the scrum of Lords and Ladies crossing over to
College Green then into Little College Street and around to our front door.

At the beginning there are members of the press nearby... calling out some
questions... being ignored... except for Terrance admonishing them to
`Stand clear... we are not stopping.'

Laughter from our crowd.

My right hand on Argyle's arm... he leaned closer, "Fay, once again you
spun a beautiful speech... spellbinding in fact. Your challenging
Whitehurst is going to make the news tonight."

Smiling, "He is easy... not a thinking fellow."

Argyle's head shaking, "He used to be more... quite good... he is slipping
these days. The tories make few demands on their members intellect in
either House nowadays."

Temple opened the door... Clough there directing traffic.

Temple, Lorenzo and Clifford getting the outer wear. Sherry or whiskey in
the South Drawing Room.

Suzanne smiling, "What have you been up to lately?"

"We were in New York for some business and fun."

"Yes... I saw you gave a museum over three hundred million dollars?"

"Yes at the Twins request. The Museum of Natural History. The amount
matches what we gave to the Natural History Museum here. Chani and Charlie
asked them both to do more on their early man exhibits."

Gail and Louisa joining us... catching the end about the Twins.

Gail, "Fay it is not surprising you should have brilliant children... you
and Cho are quite the pair."

I thanked her.

"Chani and Charlie amaze us regularly. Chani got mad at me last summer when
I said something in German..." I jammed my fists onto my hips like she had,
"... `Teach me German' was her response when I said I would not
translate. Now they are learning German!"

They laughed.

"In New York I did a lot of visits including... a finger touching Gail's
shoulder, "... seeing a new Mirabelle manufacturing plant in Brooklyn. We
have two to open before summer here, one in Manchester, the other in the
East End."

Gail smiling, "Is there a marketplace for used Mirabelle or out-grown or in
my case rather down-sized?"

Laughing, "Not that we are aware of. Why don't you start one?"

"I might!"

Fist bump.

Louisa, Lady Warranton, nudged Lady Culver, "Perhaps some sort of group
that works to change themselves as you have done so well... a self-help
support crowd?"

Gail considering, "You may have something there. There must such a group in
the city."

Fist bump between them at Gail's instigation. Me smiling at that.

Charles had a small crowd... his dramatic move upset many tories... only
those who hadn't been paying attention to him, for apparently years I have
been told, complaining about tory leadership.

Charles looked over to me... a smile.

Clough at the doors...

Mrs. Travers started by serving mushroom and egg savouries shaped like
`mushrooms,' B�chamel Sauce lightly done.

The soup is a pur�ed potato-leek, tasty. Then baked honey-dill salmon
filets, vegetable risotto, steamed broccoli with a Hunter's Sauce, small
white corn squares with butter and honey on the side.

Clough pouring 2016 Domaine Georges & Christophe Roumier Echezeaux Grand
Cru, a young Pinot Noir... Clough made the right choice. Marvellous. Red
plum, cherries and roses!

Excellent with the meal! My colleagues raising their glasses in
appreciation.

Clough with a faint smile in my direction.

Conversations picked up... horses... me being asked a few things. Cecil and
Alexander both have recently welcomed Glaa colt foals. Their mares and
foals doing well.

Alexander, "Fay, both are handsome chestnut colts."

Cecil raising his glass to that!

I reported Glaa has several dozen foals out there now with other breeders
on both sides of the Atlantic and many more in the pipeline for us.

They all shaking their heads... the Queen's stable have four mares in
foal... two by Glaa and two by IrishRainbow. They are very pleased with the
three just foaled from Asda's work last year... two colts and a filly. They
sent snaps... beauties, chestnuts all of them.

Our sires producing chestnuts like crazy!

Those close to me at the table heard Cho and the babies are in Bangkok... I
am returning soon. We have a date to address the Southern Thailand
Assembly. A brief explanation of that new legislative body.

Lots of visits to businesses in the south and in Bangkok...

A few days at the Forest Palace... I explained what and where that is.

Walking into the forest to watch the animals sounded fascinating to them. I
gave them the `if you are ever in Thailand let me know' bit. Laughter.

Going to the beach in Phuket for a few days. Cho playing golf with
friends. Tom Angleten's name came up, his wife and son coming too.

Maybe some yachting to a favourite place... the Phosphorescent Bay to see
the lights. Charlie and Chani love those... beautiful and a bit eerie.

A trip to a World War II Commonwealth cemetery. Terrance asked so I
explained about my grandfather. Everyone at the table has a history of
family sacrifice in the war.

Meetings with various government officials from several countries.

Others doing many interesting things... lots of travel including one going
sailing in Bermuda. Trips to Central America... Costa Rico in
fact. Jamaica, golf in Florida. All sounded like very warm weather
locations.

One going to Norway to ski... I shivered which made everyone laugh.

Ducovney going home to Dorset to help clean local beaches after some ship
lost cargo, it has washed up on the shore. He said it did not appear
toxic... just a mess. It his neighbourhood... his MP is joining in.

Gail has breeding time coming... comments about being careful came her way.

"I do understand... we are careful. We haven't had another injured in
twenty years. No one is ever alone in the pen.

Donal is coming this time. His first ever seeing the breeding."

Bowden bowed in his chair beside her... laughter.

Charles and his wife are going to Germany to see some of her family and
have some time in Berlin.

I mentioned we have spent time there recently.

"We have businesses in the city also we have Chanthira Foundation shelters
plus five hotels for our employees to use. So Berlin gets quite some
attention from us."

Terrance looking across the table, "Five hotels?"

"They are part of what we call our R&R Scheme. None are huge... more the
boutique size. Our employees can book a stay online, get a free flight from
one of our aircraft and pay a discounted daily rate at their hotel of
choice."

Alexandra, Lady Whitchurch, "How many employees do you have?"

"As of several days ago... something approaching three hundred thousand
across the globe."

Wide eyed looks and heads shaking.

Smiling, "We bought a property two days ago which added thirty nine which
will rise to fifty or more. A new house where the staff had been cut back
as the house was not being used. We are going to change that."

"Fifty?" From Ashover.

"We will have horses there so a stablemaster and a couple of grooms. That
number also includes the outside people who manage a large famous
horticultural establishment.

The house itself is a fourteen bedroom place with many sitting rooms, a
large office, a conservatory, a big library and a lot of antique furniture
and fifteen hectares of garden and green houses.

The stables have been empty which is a big change."

Wain, "Fay, what kind of place is it?"

"It is an old estate called Villa Les C�dres on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
near Nice."

Charles' voice loud in exclamation, "My God! The old king of Belgium's
place?"

"Yes, he did own it for years... the weasely old tyrannical murdering
jackass did not live in the house... he kept his mistresses there."

Everybody laughed.

"Recently it was owned by the family that controlled the Grand Marnier
company. They were bought out by Gruppo Campari three years ago... We
bought it from them.

I was there yesterday to see the estate and speak to the Major Duomo about
how we run our homes."

The idea of a `Major Duomo' had heads shaking.

Ducovney asked, "How often are you going to live there?"

A big grin, "I am going to keep my Toy-Boys there."

The laughter is huge!!

Suzanne guffawing... she loved that!

I said we would go there a few times in a year... we are going to offer it
to family and friends.

The horticultural side attracts visitors from around the world because it
is famous for the variety of plants it houses and some of the most exotic
varieties.

Dessert is Sticky Toffee Pudding! I adore this! I have not had it for
years!!

Mrs. Travers version has the vanilla custard on top in the shape of heart!
Delicious! It is being appreciated around the table... mouths busy
devouring the sweet goodness!

Coffee in the South Drawing Room... we milled about chatting.

Mac with me, "Mac, if you want to get some warmth in those old bones let me
know... we can get you in at Les C�dres."

"I may take you up on that. Winters are becoming longer... or at least they
seem so by February even according to my rejuvenated body."

"It was nearly 20 degrees there yesterday. Cho says there are several
excellent golf courses nearby. He wants to try Golf d'Opio Valbonne. Cho
tells me it is top-rated which of course means nothing to me. It does have
a helicopter landing grid so a car trip can be eliminated."

A smile from Mac, "I could enjoy that... warmth and golf... send me a note
when you are ready."

I squeezed his arm, "I will put Cho on it."

My clutch of Lords and Ladies going back to the House. I have another
appointment.

I said goodbyes at the door... helping a few with their coats... shocking
Chilgrove in doing that for him. I guess a Marchioness doesn't do that. Who
knew?

Bundled up... Gil and I with PJ, Tessa and Kara, we walked south through
Smith Square to Horseferry Road then west two and half blocks to the
Department of Transport. The front door slid open... a ministerial aide
there with security...

He bowed, "Lady Harcourt, welcome! I am the Minister's aide. We are in a
conference room upstairs."

We passed through to the lift. Up a few floors up. Down a passage to a
small sort of semi-auditorium, a low stage at one end with a large screen
behind. Members of the press in chairs, a large group of TV cameras. They
stood up... giving me strange looks `What am I doing here' this is about
the traffic problem around Stonehenge.

I recognised our SkyUK team also some of the local print
journalists. Teresa, our Daily News person smiling... a little wave. Her
interview we did at Cowley House had gone over very well... it did with us
too. It was re-printed off our wire service by many newspapers.

Smiling I said hello to them all.

The Prime Minister in a group... I went that way towards the stage.

Sir Keir and I shook hands. Flora, the Transport Secretary, smiling as we
shook hands. A few of her senior staff introduced. I did a hand signal to
Gil to ignore their names.

This is the Transport Ministry's show so... I am asked to step onto the
stage... I moved to the side so Keir and Flora were up front at the podium,
it is off centre keeping the screen visible.

Gil and my Protectors against the inside wall.

Flora welcomed the press, she got right to it, "Stonehenge and the traffic
difficulties there has been a contentious issue for some time. The various
tory government's schemes to address the constricted roads disregarded the
Stonehenge World Heritage Site's importance opting for quick and low cost
solutions.

Their last plan was hung in the courts... it would have done considerable
injury to a precious archaeological resource. We have withdrawn the entire
plan and it will not be repeated.

Several weeks ago The Marchioness Harcourt brought the perfect solution to
the government... one that will eliminate the traffic issue and not disturb
the historic site at all."

A buzz in the press ranks...

"Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho have offered a deep tunnel boring device to the
Kingdom... it will dig a tunnel for four lanes of traffic far below any
pre-historic deposits. They offer the tunnel borer at no cost!"

News folks making lots of noise!

Flora moving forward, "In addition... the concrete castings that form the
inner walls and floors of the tunnel are to be their gift to the Kingdom."

The buzz in the press group very loud in the room.

"The tunnel borer will create space for double deck traffic lanes... east
and west bound over-under each other.

Our part will be to do the preparation which will include creating new road
approaches to the tunnel at both ends, putting in the pre-cast forms,
wiring the tunnel for electrics, ventilation, safety measures, networking
for monitoring the traffic inside and put in cellular phone devices to
maintain users connections while they transit the tunnel.

We have several creative plans for the disposal of the soil removed by the
borer which we will share when the time comes.

This is a multi-year project... thanks to the generosity of Lady Harcourt
and Sir Cho it will cost the Kingdom far less than any plan put forward by
successive tory governments... it will take less time and most importantly
it will do no damage to a priceless historic site which is symbolic of the
Kingdom's past."

Sir Keir stepped forward, "Stonehenge is an iconic location about which we
know so much and yet there is much further to be discovered. This tunnel
will allow our archaeologists and historians to continue their work
undisturbed. No part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will be touched.

Lady Harcourt brought this plan to us... She described the boring machine
and how it would go very deep to avoid any possible pre-historic relics and
because it would be deep it would need to be longer to allow for the
descending and ascending slope needed at each end so the openings would be
far outside the World Heritage site boundaries."

Flora now had diagrams up on the big screen showing the tunnel's extent,
the shape and size of it. She flipped through drawings... cross-sections,
diagrams, topo maps, etc... explaining as she went along. Flora said there
will be copies of each slide for all at the end.

"The cutterhead diameter will be fifty seven and half feet or seventeen
metres across. The machine would be three hundred feet or ninety metres
long and weighing something over five thousand tonnes. It comes in sections
which will be placed into the opening we prepare.

The boring machine itself will cost over ninety five million �'s to
construct. The internal concrete casings another three hundred and fifty
five million �'s. So you see Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho's contributions
are a considerable gift to the Kingdom."

News folks looking over to me. I had my poker face on.

"It will start west of Winterbourne Stoke going to north of Amesbury all
the way to just west of the A345 roundabout about four and three quarters
miles.

That will link up the four lanes of traffic on the Amesbury side... We will
extend the existing west side lanes into four lanes all the way around to
the Winterbourne Stoke entrance... not quite a mile.

Off-ramps will allow drivers to use the existing local roads before they
enter the tunnel. There will be easy access to the Stonehenge historic
site."

Keir Starmer back up... they are doing it like Cho and I... switching back
and forth to keep the interest levels up.

"Drivers will have two lanes of traffic in each direction at the normal
motorway speed... no slow downs. The traffic will flow easily."

Keir paused slightly... "There are to be no tolls for the use of the
tunnel."

I am watching the press... that hit them... they had been bracing to hear
about a toll... a big fat toll... priming themselves to pounce in the
question period. Gutted!

Sir Keir continued... "Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho's Borer Company can have
the borer built in ten months... then moving it to the site is several
months work... Our Department of Transport will have the way prepared to
insert the borer... it goes in and starts off.

It will have a guidance system so it will follow the route chosen and it
can be monitored the entire way. It will be under the A303 for much of the
distance. The path will go through loose alluvial soil and some rock... the
borer is designed to cut through all of that.

The time estimate on the boring process is eighteen months. The internal
work on the tunnel will begin as soon as the borer moves forward... the
construction teams installing the concrete forms behind the advancing
borer, the wiring behind them so while the borer is active the finishing
process is also going forward close behind it.

The new surface road connecting work will be done in the same time
frame. We are projecting the summer of 2021 for the tunnel to open."

Flora had a few more things on the mechanics of it all then they opened the
briefing to questions.

I moved to be next to the Prime Minister and the Transport Secretary... The
press folks looking towards me... they know our `rules of engagement' no
questions called out.

I pointed to a woman in the centre... "Alice Winder, The Daily Mail. Lady
Harcourt why are you making this gift now?"

Smiling, "Sir Cho and I know how difficult the traffic situation is around
Stonehenge from the news and seeing it ourselves... We know all about the
many failed attempts to find a fix for the issue by the previous several
governments.

We own property a mile and half away from Stonehenge. Our family has
visited the monument... more than a thousand of our employees have made a
visit in the last ten months.

The idea any remedial plan for the traffic might damage the site is
abhorrent. Because we have some experience in creating a tunnel... boring
deeper than any possible historic relics seemed the obvious answer.

Yes it can be expensive... for that reason we offered a boring device at no
cost to the Kingdom's taxpayers meaning expenses would be reduced and the
monument protected."

Lots of hands... I smiled to Keir and Flora... they got it. Flora pointed
to another journalist.

The questions came quick and fast... I let our government folks handle
them.

A few tried to draw me in... I passed... saying that would be more
appropriately addressed to the PM or Transport Minister.

I stayed to show the flag... after forty five minutes it is wrapped
up. Flora beside me, "Your Ladyship, you have trained the press people."

Smiling, "We tell them upfront they need to wait to be chosen then give
their name and affiliation or we ignore them. They hate to be ignored."

A big smile, "Well I appreciate it."

We laughed and shook hands.

Keir grinning, "Fay, this is going cause a stir... lots of attention."

"I am sorry to say... you two are going to have to deal with it... I am
leaving for Bangkok."

They smiled... Keir said `No problem.'

I am encouraged to enjoy myself. I thanked them.

I did goodbyes... two hugs! We walked out to Horseferry Road and hung a
right. At Marsham Street a left up to Great Peter Street. On to the house.

Rae in front waiting... I said `A few minutes' to her.

At the front door Lorenzo opened it. He took my coat.

"Clough, I will just be a short while."

He bowed.

Arlette had a few more things for me to sign. She is sending a response to
each person who has written to me about the Telegraph's articles. So I have
put my signature on quite a few letters. More done.

Shaking my hand... maybe a wrist supporter like Mr. Hardy's is in order?

Rae dropped us at Wandsworth... Almira lifted us up and away for Harcourt
House.

Carter, Carter2 and Audra greeting me.

In the Great Room...

Carter, "M'Lady, Rabbi Kotlar has had the meeting with Nathan and
Shayna. He of course offered no specifics except to say he felt them to be
committed to each other, intelligent and knowing what marriage entails."

Smiling, "That is more than many couples can say. So he is willing to
perform the ceremony for them?"

"Yes, M'Lady. He is offering to do it at the Oxford Synagogue or here or
wherever they choose."

"Please speak to them. We are fine with making arrangements for them here.

Is there much family? I have not heard of any."

"M'Lady, there is some, we have them on file. I am told they do not have
any contact with their families... I did not ask why.

However I do not know about any planning. I will speak to Shayna and
Nathan... informing them of your offer."

I thanked Carter for dealing with this.

Gil went up to get a few things. My Protectors went to get their things
ready. All of my bits and pieces ready thanks to Audra.

I walked down to the Stables... Yvonne waiting... in Gregory's Office.

We sat and I asked her about going to France for a few months to get the
stables at Villa Les C�dres up and running.

"We have a young American couple willing to move there. Fletcher is a
professional groom and horseman, the son of Jackson our trainer."

"I met Jackson here in December."

Me, "Fletcher's partner, Christel, she needs a few months to finish work
then they can move. Fletcher will make a trip to see the layout and help
get things started as the new stable manager. He does not speak French very
well yet but his girlfriend is fluent."

"Fay, I will be glad to go if it is really just a few months. I love summer
here... being out riding."

I agreed with that sentiment.

"The Villa is a large space with a riding trail of about two kilometres
within the estate."

"Oh my! It must be huge."

"It is fifteen hectares and the riding trail does meander through some
spectacular gardens. It sounds like fun to me."

"Fay I will go! A challenge!"

"Indeed! Since the stables have not been used for a considerable
time... literally nothing is there."

"I understand."

I squeezed her hand.

"Horses? Tack?"

"That is part of the setup... You and Gregory will order tack to be sent
here... that way it can be checked before it goes off. The horses... We
have several people looking for a half dozen good riding horses. We may
send a few from here. Gregory is doing a pony search. We would fly them
over when the stables are prepared.

Trailers will have to be purchased and the trucks to pull them.

Also hiring staff... two full-time grooms and maybe some part-time for
staff holiday times should be fine... that is another part of the work we
want you to do with Fletcher. Clare our Human Relations person will be
there to help. She speaks excellent French."

Yvonne nodding.

"The Major Duomo is Fidelio. He appears to be a good manager. The stables
will have considerable autonomy because Fidelio does not know anything
about horses."

Yvonne excited. A hug and kiss for her cheek.

I found Gregory with Dr. Crawford2 discussing cats. They laughed when I
asked if they had cats. Crawford2 did not but appreciated the mystique of
cats. Gregory has had an office full at times and one at home.

Gregory got what is going to happen with Yvonne.

A big smile on his face, "More riding for Monty... not that he will mind."

Fist bump.

Sunny coming down to work with her horses. A big hug and goodbye for now.

In the Great Room... Eloise waiting. A cheek kiss for her. She is coming
with us to Bangkok.

"Your Ladyship, this is a beautiful room."

A kiss for her cheek, "It is comfortable."

I looked over the wall around the fireplace going way up to the ceiling...
covered with paintings of English countryside and horses. Cho's Christmas
gift paintings above and to the right of the fire... looking right at home.

PJ came in... a big smile... a hug and a very nice kiss for Eloise.

At the doors I did a goodbye for Carter.

"When are you going to Burgundy?"

"The day after tomorrow, M'Lady. Clough is ready to go! We will root out
some marvellous bottles."

"Well from my less informed palate... your time spent in the Beaune would
be good."

Fist bump! A huge smile!

Prasert and Ron drove us to Chalgrove. Going up the 767 stairs... Tom at
the top.

We shook hands.

"Your Ladyship, we are ready to go. Abdul is in the left chair today."

Yobi and Lil taking our outer wear things.

We buckled in. Abdul had us rushing down the runway a few minutes later.

As we rose to level flight I got Yobi to sit for a minute. The conspiracy
to provide her father with a Jaidee puppy is going well. Her mother is our
primary accomplice and Yobi said she is doing a wonderful holding action.

Laughter.

Yobi said dinner in fifty minutes. I thanked her.

PJ and Eloise sitting together on a settee talking with some hand-holding
thrown in... I feel happy for them. They will use one of the cabins tonight
rather than the Protector's sleeping spaces.

Gil and I working... emails. Jackson on Fletcher.

I called Jackson... "Fay, Fletcher thinks you walk on water."

I laughed, "Because I offered him a job?"

"Yes! Also as the saying goes... Location... Location... Location! Christel
is thrilled!"

"Good... I am glad they want it. I think the two of them being there in a
laid-back place will be good."

"When Fletcher told me he would rather not work in an active racing barn I
understood. He has always been quieter than other boys."

"Plus he has his own teacher to learn French."

We laughed.

Jackson thanked me for thinking of his son. I said we will benefit too.

I took a look at media stories on the Stonehenge tunnel...

BBC is laudatory... we are thinking of the betterment of the Kingdom. Our
wealth being shared in such a positive manner is an outstanding example of
citizenship.

SkyUK as part of their story reminding the viewers we gave five hundred
million �'s to the NHS Trusts across Great Britain. They have some
`inside' info... our payment scheme at Stonehenge is reported on! It isn't
a secret but they are the first to mention it. They, as our employees, can
all benefit from it.

Fox News doing a morning news segment with an introduction by Megan on how
we are causing change in the United Kingdom. A brief piece on
Stonehenge... why it is important and the need to protect it.

Several French TV news programmes praising our worthwhile projects around
the world.

Our newspapers giving us loud acclamation. Quotes from world leaders in
government, business and entertainment saying very nice things about
us. Nearly all of those we have not met.

The New York Daily News mentioning the recent donation to Seward Park High
Schools in the city as well as the Natural History Museum and MoMA.

The Daily Mail webpage front is a huge story on all the money we have
donated around the globe... a list with explanations for each entry. They
had the money we sent to the NGO's in Moscow for the returned prisoners in
their list! A bit amazing they did that.

Snaps of the Twins doing their gift giving.

The Daily Mail?? Certainly a change of attitude there!

Gil leaned over with a few more... Asahi Shimbun, the Australian, The
Straits Times and others in Asia.

The Bangkok Post says this is to be expected from us...we are the world's
leading citizens! Oh too much! I guess hometown favourable publicity cannot
hurt.

Gil laughing, "If you think there will be a place you won't be known... it
can only be on Mars."

A laughing shrug.

Emails from friends... all love our spending money is such ways. All our
closest friends are givers too! Naturally not at the same scale but
supporting causes which benefit people or animals. Nature projects get lots
of their attention.

The Healthy Baby programme done by Pam and Ken in Seattle allied with our
health clinic is helping young mothers and those of limited means. Regina's
reports on pre and post-natal care results prove the programme's
effectiveness.

The Sun webpage has `man-in-the-street' comments... one is a woman on
Oxford Street in London... `Lady Harcourt and Sir Cho are so different from
other wealthy people... they are not hoarding their money.'

A surprising one is a teen boy... `A school friend is in a shelter Lady
Harcourt setup... his father beat him because he is gay... he is an
ordinary guy... he is safe now.'

Many more examples.

Its lovely to see people paying attention to the news and thinking about
things beyond their day-to-day.

Dinner then a movie... `Chaplin.' I wanted to see if the Twins could watch
it... there is a good deal of complicated plot action and nuances in words
and deeds. Some very adult topics! A few naked bodies.

Robert Downey Jr. is off the scale good!! He is The Man himself. Afterwards
Gil and I talked about it. The Twins need to see this movie. We will all
watch it together so if they want explanations we can be there.

After that I went to bed... we will be in Bangkok in early afternoon... of
tomorrow.

Empty bed... Poo!

>>>

Wellbeck, `My Lord... Lord and Lady M********* their coach is at the
front."

I thanked him.

It is only five blocks to their house... Winnie is pregnant with their
second child so limited walking in London's messy streets

Alice smiling as we moved to the entryway.

We hugged, kissed our son and Winnie, who is glowing with happiness.

My arm on George's shoulder, the ladies arm-in-arm leading us to the
drawing room.

Alice asked after Michael... our grandson is excellent. He is in their
garden with nanny... George laughing...

`He is digging.'

We all laughed.

Digging! It had been George's favourite pastime until he started to
ride. Sometimes he drove the gardeners to distraction making holes
everywhere.

Winnie hoping for girl this time... We understood... we had wanted
Elizabeth to be a girl. Elizabeth's second child, our third grandchild, a
girl... Isla... now a year old, a bubbly, sweet, pretty young lady. Greatly
loved. Their son, Frederick, growing up strong and already quite good on a
horse.

Our entire extended family doing well.

George, a lieutenant-colonel in the Guards Cavalry, a battalion commander,
our son-in-law Frederick also commanded a Guards Cavalry battalion... they
are like true brothers. They had exchanged being Best Man at each other's
weddings... Godfather's to each other's children... a warm relationship
between our families.

Winnie's oldest brother Gwynn is now the Marquess Gwent... their father is
still mourned... he had a full life... living to be seventy
eight... delightful company until his last days. The Dowager Marchioness
Gwent spends her winters at our house in Nice... she is no longer friendly
with the cold wet months in England or Wales.

Frederick's parents share their days between the St. James's Square house
and their country seat in Surrey. His father, like myself an old Army man,
we share duties as Privy Councillors. We do have functions to go here in
the city. King William wants his closest councillors to be near. He is not
a `government' man by nature... he enjoys his family and being with the
fleet too much to be tied to a desk.

The death of King George IV had hurt. I had been close with him in his last
ten years... an exasperating fellow quite able to change his mind several
times in the midst of a single conversation, a personal quirk which became
worse as he declined. So much like his father!

Wellington is of like mind. Now our Prime Minister, Wellington speaks
highly of King William. He said to me in a dry witty fashion `I can
accomplished more in ten minutes with King William than I had in ten days
with King George.'

I certainly could agree. William always has had commonsense.

When King George was younger he had been clever and funny but the excesses
he allowed himself destroyed much of that. When you had earned his respect
he could still be unfailingly polite when not particularly troubled by his
aliments.

The heir presumptive is Alexandrina Victoria, the daughter of the late
Prince Edward, Duke of Strathearn. As King William's niece she is far
distant from the government's work. She is totally unknown, not yet
eighteen with no definite suitor in view, leaving us all concerned about
the succession.

There is one possible bright spot if she becomes queen we will no longer be
directly linked to Hanover. Salic law forbids her becoming the `Elector'
thus severing our direct responsibly for Hanover. One less potential cause
to draw us into a war on the continent.

Family, a complicated thing, always so prone to problems...

For myself I enjoy our children and grandchildren which heightens my
feelings... I did not feel fulfilled until Alice and I married.

Musings aside family plays such an outsized role in life no matter your
status in society.

<<<

I awoke... we are still boring holes in the sky. I went to the bathroom and
climbed back under the bed clothes. Another `Gwen' dream without her.

Asleep soon...

>>>

In K********* with the young men of the family. George and Michael,
Frederick and young Frederick.

George and I walked out to the stables... Gwen! Our old Mother of the
barn. She is thirty four years old... doing well for her age. Bright eyes,
a soft nicker.

She has not been ridden for a dozen years... George in his teen years was
the last to ride Gwen.

I removed her blanket... George got the combs... we worked opposite
sides... smiling to each as we worked talking about horses... her brushing
followed... Gwen's tail swishing gently. Half an apple cut up small went
over very well.

George and I at the stall entrance... Gwen nickering. I stepped close to
stroke her face. Gwen pressed hard against me... A hug.

George smiling as walked across the stable yard... "Father, are you ever
going to tell all your adventures with Gwen?"

I put my hand George's shoulder, "Maybe one night when I am in my cups!"

A laugh, "You never drink too much... certainly not what I have seen."

"True... it is not a feeling I like."

Near the door... "I will tell my secrets... you will have to place yourself
back in the time when Gwen and I did our escapades."

George smiling, "I think I can do that."

<<<

Waking I sat up with a jerk... that is a first... two
dreams... linked. Okay something is going on inside my head... nothing the
like of my dreams happening while I'm awake. At least Gwen is in this
one. Maybe my thought before falling back asleep put her in??

I showered and dressed for a chilly cabin... trackies top and bottoms with
thick socks and trainers.

Coffee and a scone.

My trip to Vientiane scheduled. Now to re-read the hydrology reports on the
Mekong River.

More news on the Stonehenge thing... lots more very positive coverage. The
PM and Transport Minister both quoted saying we had had a meeting where I
brought it up... they were surprised and happy to have a solution to an
important problem.

Our generosity a boon for Great Britain from the PM!

Email...

Kora... she wants to talk about North Korea... I looked at my
schedule... replied with `a tomorrow morning at your place?'

She is back quickly with a yes.

Then my `0900?'

She sent back a big thumbs up!

I sent a check in return.

Okay!

Email from Raphaela... she FedEx'd some new items to Bangkok. two word
description... lightweight denim.

Okay.

Lori calling... "Fay, we have a beautiful baby girl!!"

"Congratulations!"

"Loria is a complete baby, all the correct parts and good lungs! Shira is
fine... no significant issues just some bleeding the doctor took care of
that. Our doctor is quite pleased."

"We are very happy for you. We will be in Los Angeles at the beginning of
March. We want to meet Loria!"

"Let us know... you all are welcome any time."

Kisses over the air waves.

Gil smiling as she is doing the flowers and champagne by remote.

I called Cho... He is glad for them. He is waiting for me... open arms!

"I'll be there in an hour and a half."



Email from Kent... They had done a series of stories on America's largest
anti-abortion group accepting money from putin's Russia. They have been
reporting where all the money came from and who knew about it.

The FBI arrested the group's officers this morning, they are charged with
multiple felonies. Several Russians are also indicted but they are not in
the country. Warrants will be sent to Russia, Interpol and the EU.

Since these men were putin flunkies I think the Russian will be glad to
hand them over. We'll see.

We had seen the reporting, good stuff. They had lots of documents and
interviews, some documents from the group leaked by someone who is
anti-abortion and more strongly anti-putin Russia.

Excellent reporting... couldn't happen to a nicer group of people!

Corrine emailed her father knew my parents. He worked with them on several
projects. He didn't tell Corrine what they were.

Also her mother often met them at embassy social events. Her mother liked
my mother... interesting. I want to know more about that.

A curious situation! I should have a talk with the Earl of Northmoor and
his wife.

Corrine and Graeme marrying... I suppose I will get a chance.

I replied with a thank you and I looked forward to meeting her family.

Things finished up after Tom on the tannoy giving us a thirty minute
notice.

A bright sunny tarmac at Don Mueang.

Penn smiling, "Fay, I'm fine. When he appears Little Robert will come to
the office with us every day. The office ladies will make over him which
will do no harm."

We laughed. Penn waved as I climbed aboard the helicopter.

The AW139 turning to land on the dock grid... down gently. Stepping out I
thanked Pascal for the trip. He did a smiling salute.

Chani and Charlie running down from the Terrace... kneeling to hug and kiss
them. Cho smiling helps me up into his arms... KISS!

Gil going by to Chelle... BIG HUG and Kiss!

Jaidee came loping up... hug for him.

Inside to see Amporn. Hug! She is happy to have us all here.

"Fay, the children have grown so much."

"There is no stopping them."

Niran?

"He is buying some parts for one of his projects. I think he had to go over
the river to a store he likes."

I want to swim... I suggested it to everyone... cheering!

A polka-dot bikini... yellow with blue dots. Chani in a red two piece, the
guys in white Speedos. Cho and I jumped in first... Tha and Delphine
putting on the babies' goggles. So cute looking through the big round lens
like old-time aviators or early race car drivers.

They jumped in and swam to us.

Fun times... swimming, splashing, jumps from the diving board for the
babies... in the shallow end Popa did some tossing of little ones.

Laying on a lounge with Charlie.. he's grinning. I raised my eyebrows...

"Mama, I am glad you are here."

A hug!

More time in the water for everybody. Some diving. Gil wearing a tank suit
this time... no impromptu boobie flashing.

Charlie took Jaidee for some ball tossing. Chani and Popa with me wandering
the garden. At the far end by the fence Knor is working.

He is smiling, "It is nice to see you all here."

Cho thanked him. I asked after the grandchildren... Knor had a few new
snaps on his iPhone. Beautiful babies. He's a happy grandpa.

Up on the terrace we sat for drinks... coconut lassi's by Niran! I've
missed these!

We are slurping.

Cho and I talking about visiting Lori, Shira and the new one. The babies
happy for Shira and Lori... a new friend... Loria. Lots of new friends by
summer!!

Cho and I walking on the grass... His smile as I described Villa Les
C�dres, Fidelio, my little arrangement for the stables... My having the
portraits taken down made him laugh.

"Maybe the past owners wanted the history but cruel, corrupt old men and
their mistresses do not qualify to be in our house."

Cho, "Are the paintings worth anything?"

"Maybe in Belgium. We can have them auctioned there for a local charity."

"Good! No point in them sitting the the cellar gathering dust. Perhaps find
a charity that the old corrupt king would not approve of?"

Laughter and a fist bump!

He has been reading the press on the Stonehenge...

"It is nice everybody is happy. It is not like we often spend four hundred
million on things for the public good."

I reminded him of the NHS Trusts... "Yes but that somehow seems
different... we wanted the trusts to be taken into account by those who are
served by them."

A kiss for him.

Dinner on the Terrace... Wonderful Amporn dishes with crispy fish!!
Everyone loves the fish so Amporn is used to making lots. Fun to watch the
Twins munching!

Amporn made a Pandan cake with yellow icing and green rosettes around the
top. Chani forking some into her cakehole... giggling with a mouthful. Tha
made a clearing her throat noise... Chani's giggles stopped leaving a big
smile as she chewed.

A wonderful dinner... Amporn received many thanks!

Cho and I with Gil and Chelle sitting on the Terrace, the babies went in
for several Charlie Chaplin movies. They were shorts so two fit in nicely
before bedtime.

I told Cho about the bio-pic of Chaplin... "They will get it with our
help. There are some salacious bits... brief nudity... no bad language. The
parts about j. edgar hoover will need explaining... without their knowing
what an evil pathetic envious little man he was his obsession over Chaplin
will not make sense."

Cho, "We may have to tell them about evil... how humans have it where the
other animals on earth do not."

I squeezed Cho's hand, "I think Charlie understands after reading `Animal
Farm.' They share so much Chani likely is in the know but it is part of a
conversation to have before we run the movie."

A kiss.

My morning started in the pool. Gil joined me after a bit. We had breakfast
on the Terrace, Chelle and Cho joined us before the Twins came running out
in swimming costumes. Tha and Delphine took them for a short swim.

I changed to a white short sleeve with cuffs cotton frock with a shirt
collar and a mid-thigh length. A navy belt and navy heels. I skipped the
stockings. Red lips and nails. `Joy' applied by my expert!

A navy 24cm Herm�s Kelly bag, the blue reflective sunglass on my nose.

Kisses for the babies. They are in shorts and T-shirts heading for the Play
Room.

Cho in a black suit sans tie walking out to a car... the Railroad then time
at the bank with Kuva.

Back here for lunch then we see Somchair and his colleagues.

I stepped aboard the smaller yacht to go downstream a short way to the
Security Service HQ.

I was on the bridge with the younger Captain. The river lively... full of
miscellaneous traffic... boats of all sizes, ferries... both commuter and
tourist, some boats laden with goods being moved... colourful and
fascinating.

Under the Rama VIII Bridge... the monument to the King close to the river's
edge.

The Captain pointed out a few things to Gil and I... Phra Sumen Fort is
very pretty... I doubt it could withstand much of a bombardment.

At the HQ pier Sumate smiling.

We shook hands, "Fay, good to see you. Kora's team is waiting in top floor
conference room." He and Gil shaking warmly.

Up in the lift... in the passage Kora waiting.

A hug for her.

"Fay, it has been a while."

"Yes... now you have something good for me?"

A big smile.

In the room CeCe and Duane. We shook hands. They hadn't spent much time
with Cho or I so a few moments I spoke with them about their work in
general.

Coffee!

Sitting... Kora got us started.

"Fay, you know what we have been up to regarding North Korea but not the
most recent details."

Another big smile, "We have been speaking to In-Su using the back channel
method we setup. He is well aware of the risks... you and Cho behind this
effort has given him confidence."

CeCe, "Fay, when I told him who I worked for there was a change in his
messages... no doubt your reputations preceded you even in North Korea."

Smiling I said I am glad it helps and asked to hear some background on
In-Su.

CeCe, "Fay, he is one of the younger generals with a history of successful
completion of projects handed him by the general staff. He is known as a
`soldier's general' taking care of his men and women.

He is married with two children, he toes the party line, says the right
words. Politically there are no objections to him inside North Korea."

Kora, "Fay, that does not mean the MSS secret police do not watch only that
he has a good record so there are no immediate suspicions."

The three of them agreed that choosing In-Su is important. He is young and
does not carry as much Cold War detritus within himself and he is seen as a
fellow on his way up in the military.

CeCe gave me more background on In-Su and several other generals.

Kora, "When the time is right we want to provide him with a satellite
phone. We are researching what mechanisms their secret police have for
surveillance of various bandwidths and how we may be able to make it safe
for him to use a phone from us."

Me, "Good... it is early days for such a phone... later it will be
essential for communications in a rapidly changing situation."

Gil looking at her iPhone... it is buzzing with a call. She moved to the
side.

We discussed possible delivery... my suggestion to drop it off a designated
place via one of our winged drones is applauded.

"We can run stringent radar tests on a drone, give it some special
attention... dampening it further. It could enter North Korean airspace
from the either side of the country over water."

Kora loved it, "Fay, that would solve a big problem."

Gil's back... she pardoned herself to hold out her phone... a new born
snap! It is Stephen is born to Eliza and Will. Healthy and in possession of
all the normal bits and pieces. She already has Phillips working on flowers
and Carter getting a bottle of Taittinger's chilling for them.

Their neighbours on Harcourt Close will take care of Beth when her school
day is over. She is sure to be very happy Stephen is born... she's been
waiting!

Our four security folks also happy for them. Sumate is texting Thet about
the birth now.

Our service's family growing!

I asked Sumate to have Soam come up. Done.

More coffee!

Soam sitting opposite me as Sumate said this is a closely held
project... Soam nodded.

"Samorn?"

Sumate said not yet... another nod.

Kora gave him a pr�cis of the what is going on.

I told him I wanted to be able to deliver the satellite phone via one of
our winged drones. I asked about the current `stealth' state of the new
drones.

Soam, "Fay, we have improved the paint scheme with a newer version of the
radar absorbing paint. The altered shape of the new drones combined with
the paint..."

He is grinning, "... We did a test at Sari Buri... even at near point-blank
range it looks like something the size of a hummingbird. So I think we have
met that issue."

Me smiling, "Yes, its profile is small but most hummingbirds do not fly at
two hundred knots."

Soam laughed, "A good point... at least it will be very difficult get fix
on it. What range?"

Duane laid a map on the table... a quick measurement gave us about two
hundred and fifty miles one-way on an indirect route over water to
Pyongyang from a point on the South Korean coastline.

Soam, "A five hundred miles round-trip is possible. It will mean not flying
top speed. Are we talking flying on the deck?"

Looking around... heads nodding.

Me, "At this point there is time to play with the flight
characteristics... flying near the water will have more drag from the sea
moisture and wind currents. The weight of the phone has to be considered."

Sumate, "One or two phones?"

I held up two fingers.

Sumate, "If they are to be anything like what we currently use... safely
packaged they would weight about two and a half kilo."

Soam said he would work on the calculations to get a definite answer.

Me again, "What if we used a boat to launch and recover? Can we get data on
ship traffic in the Yellow Sea? Also consider not trying a round
trip... rather use a self-destruct to ditch the destroyed drone parts in
the ocean."

Sumate said they would research the shipping traffic aspect, "A boat? We
have to find out what might work... hopefully the traffic information will
give us a clue on that."

Kora, "Fay, what about bringing in the South Koreans now?"

"Leave that part with me."

They are fine with that.

We left things that way. Goodbyes with them.

Soam, "Fay, do you have a few minutes? I would like you to see a
prototype."

Down in Soam's lab Prichit joined us... a smile as Soam went to another
room.

"You have come to see Soam's new idea?"

"Yes... I do not know what it is yet."

Soam rolled in a table with one of the drone engines on it.

I am looking at a modified engine for the larger winged drones. The same
weight but fewer parts and greater power.

"We should be able to get twenty percent more thrust to make the drones
even more manoeuvrable. Greater airflow through the venturis... a skilled
pilot will be able to do so much with the extra power. It will burn fuel at
the same rate the current model in service.

We are also looking at the venturi system... some new shapes which could
give us finer control."

"I am glad you are having fun now that production has started."

Soam grinning, "I was at Ban Wat Bang Fai the day before
yesterday. Watching them 3D print the parts, construct a drone... so much
smoother than our little production process here."

"Progress! Did any of the people know what they are building is your
brain-child?"

Soam shaking his head, "Your brain-child! I just constructed your
thoughts."

"Right! As if it needed no work or changes or new ideas."

Prichit laughed.

Samorn laughing as her husband got a mock punch in the arm from me. Prichit
did one like mine on Soam's other arm.

Soam, "This new engine design is an off-shoot of one of your alternate
versions from the beginning of winged drones. I played with the
design... new inlets to eliminate a few parts and shape some
differently. So it is still from your brain."

A laugh.

Soam added the changes he is working on will be relativity simple to make
for production runs.

Back upstairs sitting across the coffee table from Thet... what a grin on
his face after my compliments on the team is running the Korea project for
us...

"Fay, we are so solid everywhere. Regular uniformed units, Personal
Protection, the Investigation Branch, our drone pilots, the AW139 pilots,
the Computer Division, R&D... this company is leading the way."

I laughed, "So if you are angling for a raise..."

Thet laughed with me.

"Fay, I know if I asked you would! I am proud of our people. One of the
most important things you and Cho have done is to move Sumate here! What a
creative fellow he is. Sumate is driven towards quality and success. He
promotes high but achievable goals."

Me smiling, "He is as Americans say a `barnburner' of a leader! He is very
hard working! I have not asked him recently about his personal life... one
part we also want him to succeed in. The last time I heard anything he had
someone but she was not sure about all his travelling. Plus he can not
always be complete frank with her."

"True about the last for us all but Reyna understands. She is of a
different mind I think. She loves me and our family... details of my work
are not central to that."

"I am glad for you. For Cho and I there are no secrets..." My finger
raised, "...except where fun personal surprises are concerned."

Thet agreeing, "One does have to have those."

I did goodbyes on my way down to the pier.

I stepped off the yacht at our dock... our Command Captain is on the bridge
of the larger boat next door waving. He is getting it ready for a trip of
ours.

The smaller one is now going downstream to pickup some R&R guests at the
Blue Flower Hotel for a river tour.

Amporn has lunch ready in the Dining Room. Some rain showers. The babies
lifted into their seats. Giggly happy from a morning of fun. We heard all
about their `lessons' and piano playing. German verbs!

The children's furniture on the terrace outside the Play Room is going to
go to storage... its too small for the babies. We will ask Pravat and Penn
if they would like it for little Robert when he is old enough. The other
babies around us here are older.

Chani and Charlie would get pool time as soon as Tha gives the all clear
and the rain stops.

Cho and I going to Thai Army Headquarters to speak to the top brass. Tu
driving... it isn't very far.

Going up the steps at the front... A young officer there to greet us, he
bowed. We followed him into the building to the lift... up to the top
floor.

PJ and Rande are offered seats and fruit drinks in the alcove at the end of
the passage.

A conference room... Somchair inside the door... his hand out with a
smile. We shook hands with all the senior officers... Army, Navy and Air
Force... smiles on all the faces.

Topics today... the Thai military pulled back from any attempt to interfere
with the government, the border wall and what would follow from that.

The first did not take long... they as a group decided to give democracy
their trust. Somchair and his colleagues know they cannot run the
government without active positive co-operation from the bureaucracy which
is not a sure thing... they do not have the skilled people or desire to do
get that involved.

Somchair smiling said they accepted our support of democracy and how it is
an uneven process.

The legislators are creating new laws on Lese Majeste. The King has agreed
to the changes which will allow further public comment on king and the
position of monarch. None of the laws proposed will give carte blanche to
criticism. They do create law so if a person is charged they can defend
themselves properly under the concept of freedom of speech.

The changes will make the monarchy less interested in pushing for people to
be charged. The Prince had already told us Palace functionaries have been
instructed to back away fully from anything to do with pushing for
prosecutions except in the most egregious cases.

These military men did not want to be involved in that so the changes fit
for them.

The border wall... the big Powers are passing laws in their legislatures to
fund the wall. Thailand has reallocated money which would have built a wall
on our northern border... now it will help Laos and Myanmar build
theirs. We are building the regional control centre Chiang Mai. The centre
has a larger importance because of decisions made by Laos and Myanmar.

What is to happen... The Company is to receive the money... I told them The
Company is already preparing to have teams in the far north of Laos and
Thailand in the autumn. It will be at the end of the rainy season so they
can get a jump into the cooler drier weather.

A lot of preparation work needs to be done before real construction is
started.

The regional centre building set aside in Chiang Mai is being readied... a
lot of work needed. Air-conditioning is a big one with all the computers
and all the attendant equipment it will heat up! Power will be supplied by
solar panels and or a new `collector' unit on the roof and above the car
park... the site is being prepared for both types.

We did discuss the decisions by Myanmar and Laos to have the regional
centre in Chiang Mai act for them to save them expense of building one for
themselves. Both countries did express... quietly... they did not have
enough trained personnel to properly man a `centre' of their own.

They will station liaison officers in Chiang Mai with direct links to their
military communications systems. An officer from each on duty for every
shift.

Both nations will share part of the operational costs of the centre.

Somchair told us they accepted the burden hosting in the interest of
solidarity and efficiency.

"Our people are better trained and very skilled with computers. The
pilots..." He motioned to the Air Force commander.

The Air Force chief told us they had twenty pilots willing to move to the
drones on a rotating basis.

"There are nine others who are not military but Security Police
pilots. Five women pilots of the nine."

We knew about the Security Police pilots and the women via Dad.

That is very good from my point of view. The generals did not appear to
have any difficulties with women being involved. So much the better.

Laos and Myanmar will recruit trained pilots to join with the Thai officers
in drone operations.

I asked if the Cambodians had been approached?

Somchair, "Yes. Their southern ports are a drug transhipment location."

Somchair motioned to another Air Force fellow...

"Yes they have. The first contact via the Foreign Ministry... now we have
spoken to their Ministry of Defense. We have been told officially it is
being considered... favourably I am informed."

He elaborated, "The plan under consideration is they will ask their pilots
for volunteers to do drone training and they will assign liaison officers
to Chiang Mai."

The Air Force general pointed out the waterborne drug trade exists now but
sealing the borders will rise that method.

He added the Vietnamese have the most vulnerable coastline...

I did say it will take time for the smugglers to adapt to use the
ocean... moving their product across a thousand miles of China is a game
changer. The distance, the possible barriers, the new people to bribe or
co-opt, obtaining ships or space on existing ships... understanding the new
dangers... a lot to do... a new level of sophistication for these inland
drug smugglers which they may adapt to but it won't be rapid or without
problems.

 I leaned forward, "Since they are mostly regional drug smugglers they may
choose to sell their goods on to some bigger dealers. Those larger dealers
will face the same transportation issues."

Heads nodding around the table.

I turned to the senior Admiral, "As an idea... what if the Thai Navy helped
Cambodia with their coast surveillance? The maybe we can get the major
powers to join in with the Vietnamese on their naval patrol."

The Admiral said we can do that, "Actual patrolling versus training is good
for us... gives the crews a sense of purpose. Real time operations are
invaluable. We will get them in fast boats... do some board and search
actions."

The men at the table tapping the surface... applause.

A starting point? Time for me to talk with a few governments about the
idea. I said I would take on that task. More tapping applause.

Me. "So you know the Indian military is going to build a regional centre
which will cover their border plus that of Nepal and Bhutan. Their portion
of the wall will be installed after Laos and Myanmar... it is the least
pressing. Most all of it is militarised now and the terrain is remote and
inhospitable."

Rules of engagement are being drafted for the drone pilots and a chain of
command decision-making process which does include Laos and Myanmar. An
Army general told us he has a small committee working on this using our
`rules' he received from our Security Service as a starting point.

Good!

The door opened to admit another officer... General Khemkhaeng! Cho and I
stood up to greet him. Handshakes and smiles!

Khemkhaeng apologised to his colleagues for being delayed.

Somchair pooh-poohed that, "Khem, finishing those interviews is very
important. All done?"

"Yes. You will have my recommendations in the morning."

Khem turned to us, "The Promotions Board candidates for Phon tri... major
general, they needed to be interviewed."

Cho smiling, "A good crop?"

The generals laughed at that...

Khem, "There are five. Good officers and fine men. The Promotions Board did
an excellent job choosing candidates. It makes life easier."

Tapping applause for Khem and the possible new generals.

Gil handed each officer a packet with other details and photos. The Air
Force officers smiling to see the huge C5-CF dressed in white with a
hibiscus on its tail and the white CH-53's in a line at Opa Locka.

One asked about the big airlifter... I answered, "We asked President
Clinton's permission to purchase the retired aircraft... she was pleased to
say yes. We have hired many experienced former U.S. and other nations
military people to fly and maintain all these aircraft. Each aircraft have
updated avionics and new engines.

We will will ask to purchase more of the retired C-5a's.

"A major reason is the C5-CF's ability to lift the helicopters. Our
CH-53-CF teams are three helicopters which fit into a single load.

We have also purchased a dozen more CH-53's to add to to our current
numbers and for another project... fighting forest fires. They will be used
to spray a fire suppressing foam.

A company of ours makes the foam... it is very effective."

One Air Force general gave me a thumbs up. I asked... he had been in
California during fire season five years ago. He saw the damage done.

Cho told them of the success of the foam trucks and our test helicopters in
last year's fire season. An official commendation from Los Angeles County
made the point.

The Air Force general smiling... "Good for California."

Cho and I nodding.

Cho and I alternating like we do giving them chapter and verse on the
border wall with me doing an overview of the Vietnamese Peoples Army
successes with their border fence.

Gil had plugged her MacBook into the big wall mounted flat screen... she
ran a video sent by General Ba displaying how a team of soldiers watching
on the ground getting information from the sensors and cameras working
together with the drone pilots.

One terrific scene was several smugglers trying to surrender to the drone
after a few beanbag rounds had been fired at them! These military men loved
that.

I told them General Ba was the PAVN project manager for the Border Wall.

At the end Somchair thanked us for coming.

"Fay... Cho... you are just the sort of people Thailand
needs... intelligent, hard working and far-sighted. This wall is looking
like a real game changer for Southeast Asia."

Cho thanked him.

More hand shaking and compliments for us.

Now tea being served.

We were able to chat for a bit with these senior Thai officers... some we
had met, others new to us. Less formal... a few questions about the
drones... I asked Gil to plug her laptop back in.

Everyone standing around with their tea watching the videos of the
Lordsburg Ranch event. They could see how effective the drone is. I put in
that the drone was in New Mexico for testing and was not actually
operational at the time.

"Our pilot had been making his familiarisation flights when the ICE
intruders were detected."

One general commented that it looked `ready to go' to him. They all
laughed.

Khem beside me, "Fay, your people are so very talented. These drones are
marvellous."

He got from me we have two plants making them and the recent changes Soam
designed to make them even better. Khem's head shaking.

He missed the part earlier about PAVN flying the drones over the Laotian
border to support their anti-drug effort.

"We sent them a few extra drones at no charge to fly the Laotian
patrols. Their pilots are very good... we have a new group of theirs at our
base in New Mexico training."

Khem smiling, "Keep going... you and Cho are doing wonders."

I thanked him.

Gil ran the Kentucky bank robbers event... they could see how the Security
Service had a `combined arms' approach to operations. The decimation of the
car's bonnet impressed them. The smoking hulk sitting on the roadbed is
quite the sight. Someone asked about the gun... a .223 gun doing that
amazed them.

I said the high velocity combined with the range... they got it.

I explained about our leasing programme... what would be leased and what
would not be.

Somchair beside me after the videos...

"Fay, your companies are really on the edge of things."

"We do encourage our people to think... when they do we get awesome
results."

"The drones that will be part of the wall equipment are the larger ones?"

"Yes. Greater range and or loitering time. Right now the Vietnamese are
using the smaller version with extra fuel pods to patrol over the Laotian
border. They have a base at Dien Bien Phu in the highlands.

We sent them several extra drones at no cost for the Laotian patrols. It is
an expedient not a solution.

The Chinese smugglers are bound to move their product... it is a choice of
where... the geography is obvious...

The Laotians have collected a few drug smugglers with the Vietnamese drones
help."

Somchair smiling, "I like the sound of that `collecting' drug smugglers."

"My father does too! Denpo, the Myanmar Justice Minister, really hates
them. They take the profits leaving behind a lot of human damage. Worse for
all our neighbouring countries the average citizen's earnings are so low
they are easily tempted to work for the smugglers."

Somchair shaking his head, "There does not seem any way to change much of
the basic living standards. Although our farmers are seeing much better
times... they are still a bad harvest or two or three from poverty."

Easy to agree.

This conversation moved me to think again about a basic universal
income... It is time to renew an interest in creating something
significant. America's and others economies are booming helping to maintain
what economists call `full employment' which doesn't mean everybody just
those actively looking for work.

Those poorly educated or with criminal records or in any manner
handicapped... those citizens are likely on the dole or in worse cases left
to fend for themselves which often translates into crime then gaol time
making them a true burden on society. Why not give them an income to build
upon? It will be much less money each year than is spent incarcerating
them.

In the car going home Cho smiling at my thinking.

"Keeping people in prison is expensive in so many ways. The actual
financial cost is the most obvious... the mental cost is greater to the
prisoners and their families plus those guarding them. The brutalisation of
both groups is grotesque. It is extremely difficult to un-brutalise
people."

Cho, "When prisoners are released most countries do not do much for
them... America is one of the worst even though they have the greatest
resources."

"America has the `lock'em up and throw away the key' mentality which some
say comes their frontier days although it is of comparatively recent
origin. I think it is strictly a republican mind-set. They are big on
getting tough with criminals unless they are republicans or big business
leaders then they are just misunderstood."

Cho hitting it square on, "Sickening hypocrisy. The republicans are
suffused in it."

A kiss from Cho.

Me, "Hypocrisy is something we all suffer from... most people try to
overcome it. Not politicians they seem to thrive on it. the American
version is not any worse than the British... maybe less to do with social
class... more about the money."

Cho, "Politicians do `appear' to be," I loved the air quotes, "...suitably
chastened by being called out but it does not always stop their
behaviour... usually just a pause then when they think no one is paying
attention back to sleazy business."

Me, "That is why Nick Rawlins has a tough job changing the republican
party."

Maybe something more to consider... changing the minds of the supposedly
law-abiding to be more charitable towards those with less. Maybe more
calling out the `law-abiding' and display their feet of clay?

Something for our news media!

At the house two prunes laying in the sun to dry out. Tha and Delphine
smiling. The babies jumped up to greet us.

Cho and I changed to swim costumes and dove in! Charlie on the edge ready
to jump in... Chani came beside him... holding hands they jumped!

Tha laughing as the small prunes wanted more!

We swam and played some then parked the Twins to dry out again. Cho did a
few dives... very nice too! Me in a small bikini no diving. Chelle and Gil,
Tha and Delphine just swimming.

Cho waved to me... I sat beside him... his iPhone... racing at Santa
Anita. Sasithorn won the Santa Anita Stakes easily.  Sakda followed her to
win the San Vincente Stakes. Very nice! Monaco's email said they came out
of the race in excellent shape. They'll be on to training for their next
races.

We have some four year olds racing soon. Will Kaao continue his streak of
breaking records? Samir is moving to turf this season to be our new
Rando... hopefully as successful. He's racing tonight.

Rando retired unbeaten and holding many turf records in America and Great
Britain. He's an already in high demand stallion. Owners lining up at
Harcourt Farm to him to service their mares.

Cho wants him to go to Harcourt House to pull in British and European
owners. He has considerable local prestige after his stylish and powerful
wins at Ascot.

Smiling I said Her Majesty would be interested. A kiss from Cho.

Disappointment was registered in the racing world at the news of Toes
Tapping's retirement. Her leg not responding to treatment... no point in
risking her health.

Morgan called...

"Fay, we have the plot of industrial land you wanted in Brooklyn nine
blocks from Mirabelle East. It is fourteen and three quarters acres or six
hectares. The zoning is industrial which is proper for a business like
SolarToGo according to the New York City government office we inquired
with. Nothing to do on that side for now.

We will work with attorneys to get all the permits needed for site
clearance then construction when there are planning documents to provide
the city."

"Good! Thank you. We have plant construction documents ready. Gil make sure
they are sent to you.

I guess we better have a very careful environmental check on what might be
in any of the old buildings we take down."

"That is normal... we will arrange that. Since most of the space is cleared
its likely not to be much a problem. We will check on those past demolition
records for bio-hazards. Anything that was there should have been
remediated at the time. If not the former owners are on the hook for that
as they certified the land had been declared clear."

I said I got it. More thanks!

Cho smiling hearing my call. "SolarToGo is looking very good right now. The
stock issue fuelling growth. What is there from Lamai?"

"We are on schedule for both Iranian plants now. Hamid from Tehran and
Yashar from Isfahan are both in London now working with our SolarToGo folks
there."

A hug... "Lamai is very pleased with the AW139 being available for her. Her
travel time is minutes versus hours. She was able to spent more time in
Isfahan to get them back on schedule."

A kiss!

Cho showed me the first train video he made with the little camera I got
him for Christmas. He mounted on the front of an engine and drove it around
the layout. Very cool watching it whiz around the track... through
`town'... into the tunnels! Funny to watch it on the roundtable slowly
spinning.

Cho pointed out we do not have scenery on the outside of the layout so the
`real world' intrudes but it is still fun to watch.

Cho poked me, "You should ask Chou about any video he has made."

I poked him back saying I would... he could too.

Dinner on the Terrace again and the movie Chaplin for after. We talked
about it at dinner... giving the Twins some bits about topics in the
movie. Pointing out there is some nude people.

Chani funny about that, "Mama, we know how people look without clothes. I
have seen Charlie hundreds of times and you."

Charlie said he has seen Popa and Chani and even me without a top... no big
deal.

Cho smiling, "True... but we are family."

Chani and Charlie looked at each other... together, "We get it. Adults
being sexy naked."

We laughed. Our four ladies laughing aloud.

Me, "Very well put. No one is exchanging signatures in the movie."

They are good.

It is about Chaplin so they very much wanted to see it.

In the Playroom we are all setup in the seating, the big screen swung
out. Little bowls of Reese's Peanut Butter Pieces.

The movie rolled... a few times the Twins asked questions so we stopped and
answered.

Chani asked if j. edgar hoover was like he is shown... I said he was
actually worse. The babies grinned.

At the end more questions... one is how true is the movie.

"We do not know the little details of Chaplin's life... movie-makers make
changes to history so the movie is better entertainment which is their
point."

Chani saying Okay she would look up some of the people. A thumbs up from
me.

Charlie asked about his first wives and their grabbing at Charlie... I said
I didn't know much about them but remember Charlie Chaplin was the most
famous man on the planet so naturally some unpleasant people tried to take
advantage of him.

They liked Paulette Goddard. The movie made her seem to really care about
Charlie. Smiles when I told them when Paulette later married a famous
German writer they lived not too far Charlie and Oona in Switzerland.

Oona is tops with the Twins. A woman who truly loved Charlie but they
recognised it was later in his career so likely easier for them to be a
couple even with the age difference!

Later I mentioned to Cho about Eugene O'Neill own personal hypocrisy over
Oona's marriage to Charlie Chaplin.

Cho smiled after my... "O'Neill a wondrous playwright... shitting human."

The babies both wanted to know about Robert Downey, Jr. he is so marvellous
as Chaplin. I told them he has done many other movies and had personal
problems that got him in trouble with the law. He has gotten past those.

They would `look him up.' Cho and I laughed later about that phrase.

Tomorrow is an important day... early to bed. We tucked the babies in with
hugs and kisses.

Lying in Cho's arms... The Myanmar bits are laid on so we should have a
nice day. A smile. He said he had an email from Thuta, he will meet us at
the cemetery.

In the early morning sun I got to swim for half an hour, breakfast with the
family then all of us dressed in casually in white, Chani and I simple
short sleeve frocks, the guys in trousers and Polo shirts.

Four Protectors coming with us, PJ, Rande, Tara and Ansara, all in white.

We loaded up on the hired motor boat at our dock with owner at the
controls. South down the river to a khlong, canal in English, going east
about two thirds of a mile. This is a smaller khlong, the bridges lower so
we needed a smaller boat to make this trip.

Cho's email going off... Samir won the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap last
night! His first turf race this year. He wired the field to win by
eight. James there with him wrote he came out fine. He'll race again in a
month right there at Gulfstream Park in the Kilroe Mile.

Cho smiling, "Our new turf specialist. We will see him at Ascot."

Fist bump. Twins too!

We tied up on the northern shore.

The Wat Parineyok Worawihan Temple is just across Wat Pari Nayok Road from
the khlong.

Our Protectors around as we walked into the temple grounds. A monk waiting,
he bowed and we responded in kind. He led us off to the right to a temple
building.

Inside... dim light... cool and quiet... this temple is filled with family
niches. In the Cho family niche Popa introduced Chani and Charlie to their
past relatives... five generations back.

My first visit here... a small picture on each container. They have seen
pictures of their grandparents... touching the urns is a bigger step. They
are both serious and silent.

We stayed for half an hour not wanting to overdo it... enough for the
babies to feel this place as a link to their past family.

The four of us holding hands walking to the barge. At home we transferred
to an AW139 for Don Mueang. Ken joined us. We climbed into a Gulfstream and
are off.

Cookie and milk snack for the babies, coffee for Cho and me. And a cookie.

A thirty five minute flight to Yangon International Airport. We parked on
the tarmac near the tower... a group of cars waiting. Denpo standing beside
one.

We shook hands and I did the introductions for Cho and the Twins. Denpo
smiling pleased to meet everybody. Fist bumps with the babies.

"Fay, as you suggested I did fist bumps with my children... our daughter
was shocked but bumped with enthusiasm."

Laughter!

A call on the tarmac from Clough... two pieces of snail mail. One from
Buckingham Palace, one from Clarence House. We can guess what those are. I
asked Clough to overnight them to Bangkok. He will do.

Ken staying with the Gulfstream.

All aboard! We left the airport onto Pyay Road which loops around the south
end of the airport then heads north where it becomes National Road Number
One or more commonly known as the Mandalay Road. It is a twenty kilometre
trip.

During the drive we talked the border wall with Denpo. He is very pleased
it is going ahead.

"I have been its advocate from when you broached the idea to me... now our
government is fully behind the plan. The issue about the airfields in the
north was a hold up... now that is decided we can go forward.

Our government is very pleased with the Thai PM agreeing to be the regional
centre.

We want your company to have every facility we can provide to perform the
tasks required."

I said we had been told by our people the airfields will be fine and the
improvements we may need to do and buildings we erect will be a gift to the
people of Myanmar after the construction portion of the project is
completed. Denpo very pleased to hear that.

We stopped in front of the entrance... Taukkyan War Cemetery.

The air is still, bright sun... we stood at a gate looking across the large
space... green grass... the large solitary cross fronting the huge
colonnade.

A local representative of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission greeted
us. He is our guide today. We thanked him for being with us.

"Lady Harcourt... Sir Cho... it is wonderful for your family to visit."

A huge low horizontal stone inside the gates `'Their Name Liveth For
Evermore' carved in. I squeezed Chani's hand.

Thuta waiting for us. I am smiling as he and Cho hugged. Introductions for
the babies which quite the surprise for Thuta. Our staff, he remembered
Gil.

We walked the right hand path... the graves in incredibly neat straight
rows... all the same. Little flowering shrubs between the
graves... everything so neatly trimmed and very very tidy.

Each grave a base with a bronze plaque with the person's name or `Known
Unto God' if they were not identified.

We passed through the colonnade via the rotunda then a right along a
row... our guide stopped... `Ivor Hector Hugh Munro' my grandfather. I
squatted down in-between the babies. I stroked the bronze plaque that
marked the remains of a man I never met.

In a low voice I began to tell the babies what I knew...

He was colonel in the Army, he fought in both World Wars. Being at rest
here far from his native Scotland seems normal for a son of the British
Empire. What my mother said was he loved India... he loved the army... he
came home infrequently... My mother, their grandmother, was born in British
India... my grandmother brought her home to Scotland she wasn't even a year
old. Grandfather came home a year later for six months that was when Aunt
Dee was conceived then he went back to India and our women stayed in
Scotland.

Chani asked why didn't they all go to India?

"Your great grandmother wanted to be with her family and did not like the
heat and dust of India.

When World War II started in the East there was no possibly of travel so
they never saw one another again."

Chani had a frown, "Sad, Mama."

She stroked the bronze plaque. Charlie rested his hand on the metal warmed
by the sun.

Charlie, "He died a long way from his loved ones."

Chani, "Do you know how he died?"

"I was told he was leading his brigade as they attacked the Japanese. He
was moving forward with his staff when an artillery shell burst nearby."

Charlie, "Wars do not settle things very well do they?"

A huge inside smile, the babies are smarter than maybe we know or might
imagine.

"No." A kiss for his cheek. I quoted Santayana for them... "Only the dead
have seen the end of the war."

Two small faces looking at me... wet eyes... HUGS. Cho surrounded us with
strong arms.

Chani, "Great grandfather is resting. Sad for us not to..." Charlie joining
her words, "... have met him or our other grandparents."

"Yes sad... our family has been somewhat unlucky that way. You have Gramps
and Gamma, Uncle Thoi and Aunt Kanda, Unc and Dee."

A hug from Chani saying they are wonderful, "We love them so much!"

Charlie hugging his Popa.

Chani laid the bouquet of white carnations tied with a strip of Munro
Ancient Tartan cloth on the front of the marker. We all held hands... a
silent moment.

Gil is taking pictures... she took several more of the grave once we
stepped back.

Cho's hand on my shoulder, a squeeze.

Denpo's face a gloomy smile. I squeezed his hand.

"Fay, terrible times often come with dreadful endings."

"Yes. Sometimes the gloom provides a sunny day afterwards. We do not have
anyone like hitler anywhere now."

A fist bump! We smiled.

The Twins got in on that with Popa. Thuta brought in to bump by them.

Thuta told the Twins his grandfather had fought the Japanese in a
resistance group in Yangon. He had gone missing and was never found.

The babies took his hands as we walked along the row.

I told the Twins Aunt Dee has a collection of letters Great grandfather and
Great grandmother exchanged.

"We were fortunate Great Grandfather's batman saved all his possessions
including a big stack of Great Grandmother's letters to him. Your Great
Grandmother saved all his letters so they are quite the collection."

I explained what a batman is... nodding heads.

We walked around... seeing how well cared for the entire cemetery is.

Denpo beside me.

"Fay, my grandfather was in a Burmese native unit under British command
when the Japanese attacked... he was in the north. His unit was overrun by
Japanese and scattered. He and a dozen men went into the bush linking
gradually with others.

Far north of Myitkyina they joined with many more and began to work with
Americans of the Merrill's Marauders acting as scouts and
interpreters. Grandfather loved being with the Americans... they were
cheerful, generous and very professional in their work. Serious about
getting rid of the Japanese. He was quite taken by their commitment to the
war so far from their own homes.

By the time Myitkyina was captured the Americans and my grandfather's men
were worn out, sick and under weight. The jungle's wildness weighs heavily
on people unaccustomed to it. Only six of his men were left capable of
work. The Americans gave them shelter, food and medical care and a good
deal of money... After the war he moved to Mandalay then Yangon. He went to
school becoming a structural engineer, he worked on bridges and buildings
throughout Myanmar."

I had his arm through mine for most of that.

"Denpo, he was an amazing fellow. Determined and smart."

"I was lucky to spend time with him as a child... he told me his `war
stories' and encouraged me to be educated and become a good man."

I squeezed that arm, "Seems like he succeeded."

A shy smile as he thanked me... he knew I am referring to the mother who
had been on trial.

This is such a peaceful place. Denpo told us there are two other cemeteries
the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cares for in Myanmar.

"The other two hold the men from the POW camps. So many surrendered early
in the war at Singapore and other places so they were captives for
years. British, Canadians, Australians, Indians... so many died under the
brutal Japanese army's control."

We stopped at the Rangoon Memorial... twenty seven thousand names of men
whose graves are unknown throughout the country.

Two other memorials mark the cremated remains for some more of the soldiers
and the list the known graves of men whose last resting places were
elsewhere.

A gardener sitting in some shade, he stood up for us. Denpo asked him to
please be easy.

Denpo translating... I asked him to please leave the white flowers we had
placed on a grave. Denpo motioned to the section where Grandfather is. The
fellow nodded saying they would not disturb the flowers.

We asked about him... The Twins close... he had been a gardener here for
fifteen years. The staff had quarters at the south end... nice rooms, a
pleasant place to live.

He is proud to tend to the graves...

"They gave their lives to save Burma from evil men. We honour
them. Everyone here thinks the same."

I thanked him... "My grandfather is here."

Motioning in the same direction as Denpo had.

"Oh..." He bowed, "I am glad you could come... it is a long way to your
country."

Smiling and nodding. I asked about other visitors.

His head shaking, "There used to be more... I guess the children are no
longer able to come. They are growing old."

I said my parents are dead like so many others.

He nodded.

I thanked him again.

We said goodbye.

Denpo, "He seemed pleased to know you made the trip."

"I really should have come before..." I motioned to the babies with Cho and
Thuta...  "We waited until Charlie and Chani could understand. They have
been to the graves of my parents and other grandparents in London and our
family in Bangkok this morning... we want them to appreciate life since it
has to come to an end."

Smiling, "Very wise. They are intelligent... this will make them aware but
not afraid."

The sun, the beautiful flora and quiet prevented this place from being
melancholy!

Walking towards the cars... We thanked the Commonwealth War Graves
Commission representative for being our guide. He said the gardener is
right fewer and fewer families come to visit.

He said about the work done here, "We will never forget... is a motto and a
daily feeling!"

I felt a surge throughout my body... a shiver of emotion...

Chani holding my hand looked up... her eyes searching...

Very quietly, "Mama, you felt something?"

I leaned down to kiss her cheek, "It was those words."

Chani squeezed my hand tightly.

We all thanked Denpo and Thuta for taking the time to be with us .

Denpo, "Fay, Cho, Charlie and Chani it is an honour for me... a small thank
you for the sacrifices of all these men for my country. The Japanese were
Asian but not our friends. Our independence after the war achieved without
warfare gave us a good start... no more deaths or fighting."

Thuta smiling, "It is good to make connections to the past."

Charlie shocked them, "We should remember so maybe the bad things will not
happen again."

A lovely paraphrase of Santayana.

Thuta's head shaking.

Fist bumps!

At the cars holding the babies hands... Denpo, Thuta and Cho together.

We said goodbye to Thuta... fist bumps, handshakes and a hug. Cho thanking
him for being with us saying how good it is to see him again after so long
a time.

In the car Denpo smiling, "Little ones, soldiers like your Great
Grandfather are revered... they did their duty under difficult conditions,
persevered and sacrificed for others they did not know. They are justly
called the Honoured Dead."

Fist bumps. Big smiles.

At the Gulfstream we told Denpo he would be welcome to visit us and stay at
one of our homes on his travels.

Many thanks for our offer, a hug for him, handshakes and fist bumps by the
Twins.

We waved through the portholes as the Gulfstream taxied away.

We are airborne immediately.

We sat to talk about today. Questions... about war, how the men actually
fought... Cho and I answered them completely honestly, no sugar applied. We
pointed out Popa and I did not have the experience of fighting in a war so
everything is tempered by that.

It is clear they understood that men and women go to war for various
reasons... they mostly are not happy doing so but they respond. Going
forward is difficult, the fighting is terrible.

We made it plain we did not want that for them but any decision to serve is
entirely up to them. Kisses and hugs from the babies.

Tea time at home. Amporn did a wonderful Thai version of a Cream Tea. Lots
of tea and juice. Cakes, biscuits, little sandwiches, fruit cups and
several kinds of fudge. Delicious.

We are happy in the sun on the terrace. The Twins loving it!

The babies into the Playroom after eating. Cho going to the Cho Family
Banks offices, me to the Foundation office. We aren't going for long.

At Cho's car a kiss. "Thuta is shocked by the babies. I told him and Denpo
a bit which did ease the shock but left them wondering where the Twins will
end up."

I smiled, "We wonder too!"

A hug and kiss. I waved to his disappearing car.



At the Foundation offices with Anong, Tala, Maida, Phwanna and Tini. We had
a good talk about their work and how things are going here. They are so
happy for Jian and Catherine, little Myles is so cute.

I told them the families will come for a visit before summer.

I have Chana in my lap... some bare tummy is tickled. Giggles in large
amounts.

The Broadway Benefit Show is progressing... Tini is in charge for our
side. Alex is very nice on the telephone. I told her how we met.

She will be going to New York in May to stay for many months. First the
show then the golf tournament will occupy her time.

Gil has a suite at the 46th Street Hotel for her... right in Mid-Town for
the Broadway part and a short drive to the Westside Cho-Fay Air Heliport to
go to the Hedges Country Club in New Jersey.

The Hedges Board of Directors member who hosted Jian and Tini last has
offered again. They said yes! Terrific!

Tini is looking forward to New York. She does not have a `love interest'
now so we all gave her a `go girl' salute. All of New York to play in!
Laughter!

Dad and Phailin with Thoi and Kanda are coming for dinner so I skipped a
visit to Dad's office.

It isn't far to our Bangkok shelter... Khun Mae at the doors... a hug. Pink
hair this time... she giggled about it. Everything good here.

They have forty two guests from all over Thailand... all are in some kind
of educational programme. We have several nascent chefs doing quite well in
a cooking school eight blocks away. Many guests finishing their secondary
education, some at college, one in a secretarial course and more doing so
many things. Khun Mae is a real advocate for furthering our guests
schooling.

Saengdao, the girl who left briefly, is at school now... she is in a school
play... rehearsals.

I spoke to the few here... they seem slightly surprised as a group we would
do something like this shelter. Lots of smiles when I said it is needed
whether the government acknowledges it or not! They are feeling good about
their future!

In Khun Mae`s office, "Fay, they are happy kids now!"

A hug.

Khun Mae smiling, "Fay, the local police commander lady comes by every now
and then. She sits to talk with the kids... informal... answering questions
about how the police do things, how they should view their status and their
families attitudes. She is making them less afraid of police people."

That sounded good.

"Please thank her for me next time."

Khun Mae said she would.

Another hug for her.

The British Embassy is close... an impromptu stop. Seven blocks... Tu
pulled up to the east side entrance of the office building. Inside to the
lift... up to the twelfth floor.

The lift opened to a reception area... a security guard just watching... I
suppose we didn't look threatening. I kidded Tara and Angie later they
looked `safe.' That brought laughs.

A woman at the desk looked up... She sort of jumped... she stood to do a
curtsey.

Smiling I said hello... "This is a brief visit to say hello. Is the
ambassador available?"

"Your Ladyship, I will ring his office."

Fine.

I looked around... nice colour scheme, English landscapes hanging on the
walls.

Gil with a big grin... she likes my little surprises as much as me.

The desk lady said the ambassador is coming...

A fellow of middle height, trim, completely bald approached from a side
door.

He bowed, "Your Ladyship, I am Sir Mark, Her Majesty's ambassador."

We shook hands.

"I did not want to cause a fuss just to say hello if you were here."

"Your Ladyship, you are welcome anytime. Please come in."

I followed Sir Mark into the offices.

"M'Lady, would you mind meetings the staff?"

"No, I would like to do so."

In an open space a crowd of staffers gathered.

I said hello to them. Hellos back, all smiles.

A man came from a side passage... Sir Mark introduced his principal deputy
David. David bowed and shook my hand.

I asked how they all found Bangkok... they liked everything but the
traffic.

Smiling, "You have millions of Thais on your side for that."

Laughter.

A few more minutes of chat. They are mostly youngish, happy faces, neatly
and casually dressed.

I did goodbyes saying did not want to disturb them. They didn't mind it is
the end of their day.

At the lift Sir Mark thanked me for stopping.

"We do not every day meet a Marchioness in downtown Bangkok, M'Lady. Or a
member of the House of Lords."

Smiling we shook hands as I said I would return.

Sir Mark said, "I believe my staff will be glad to see you."

Tu took us home. I got arms full of babies at the front door.

Changed to a crop top and shorts, Campari in hand sitting on the
Terrace... a very busy day.

Cho smiling, "Today was very good in so many ways. Chani and Charlie were
paying attention... taking it in. Very low key though."

I did a `Yea!'

Me, "Their mood fit the occasion. Two more sets to go."

Gil joined us, "I have sent off snaps from Taukkyan to Dee and Craig,
Graeme and Doc."

We looked them over on the aircraft... good shots of everything. Gil always
does good photography.

A big thank you for her.

I got a sunrise swim for a bit before going off to Don Mueang for a flight
to Vientiane. Another interesting day of travel and new things. Certainly
not a restful time sitting around the pool in Bangkok.

A pale blue silk frock, long soft sleeves, a round collar, hem at mid-calf,
a matching belt and navy stockings, navy heels. Gold jewellery, red lips
and nails... not too red. `Joy' A Navy Herm�s Kelly bag.

Gil, PJ, Tara, Tessa and Kara with me on a grey Gulfstream. I am counting
on its speed to make the day go faster.

Thirty minutes to Vientiane. A car waiting to go to the Foreign Ministry in
central Vientiane.

At the front steps at 0830, the Laotian Foreign Minister bowed... we shook
hands. He said it is very nice to see me again. I reciprocated.

Up to go through the doors... inside staff people bowing doing a wai... I
returned it to them.

We walked into a large conference room on the first floor... inside the
Myanmar Foreign Minister... more handshaking. He said it is very nice to
see me again... I said the same.

Nyan, his assistant, smiling we shook hands. His daughter completely
healthy. Another squeeze of his hand.

I said it is very nice to see them for many good reasons.

We sat around the table... our first topic is the border wall. They are
happy the great industrial nation's governments have agreed to fund the
entire cost. Their gratitude for the help and the trust of those
governments. Thailand is praised for taking on more responsibility for them
in Chiang Mai and providing funding.

They are pleased The Company will be doing the work. They had both spoken
extensively with the Vietnamese government representatives of departments
we have done work for... receiving their take on our skills and hard
working employees.

Raves in fact!! General Ba was clear he had not ever met so many hard
working and intelligent people as ours.

They both have government agencies ready to help in recruiting workers for
the project. Truck drivers, construction labourers, surveyors, cooks, all
sorts of skills needed. They would be well paid and provided with housing,
food and medical care.

I mentioned to the Myanmar Foreign Minister I had been with Denpo
yesterday.

I explained my trip to Yangon. He is pleased our family went to the
cemetery... he wished more could make the journey.

Myanmar's Foreign Minister a smile, "I know it is long ago but I want you
to know the people of Myanmar appreciate the sacrifices of the Commonwealth
countries, America and China to remove the yoke of Japanese oppression.

"The Japanese told many lies, some of our people being not happy with being
a British colony helped the Japanese... most all of those saw the error of
that and gave aid to the coming of the Allies."

Me, "My grandfather was a professional soldier... he knew the risks and
what was at stake. He was there to do a job."

Nods. Smiles.

We moved on.

"The wall will give both of your nations the ability to deny Chinese
smugglers a path for their drugs. Every other country on the globe will be
glad of that which is why the support is so strong."

Gil plugged her MacBook into the big screen. She pulled up the photos of
some of the Vietnamese wall portions, their drones and their people. She
ran the video General Ba forwarded to us.

They laughed at the end where the smugglers were surrendering to the drone.

Then snaps from Opa Locka Airport of our new aircraft assets.

Both Foreign Ministers amazed at the size of the C5-CF and the big
CH-53's. I described how President Clinton helped arrange our buying these
retired military aircraft.

"President Clinton is fully behind this project. She knows how drugs damage
lives and countries... the more we block the better."

I smiled, "Ms. Clinton is quite willing for the Chinese to keep their
illicit drugs."

Laughter.

The Myanmar Foreign Minister laughing loudly, "Lady Harcourt, Denpo is very
gleeful thinking about that very same outcome. He keeps reminding me."

More laughing.

"Gentlemen, there is a lot of hard work to come. The plan to start is to
cover areas near any roads that approach your borders including the current
crossing points then work out from those points.

To move drugs in quantity they need transport... trucks are obvious, on
people's backs, mules but there has to be some kind of road or path on your
side or else they are in the jungle which is not hospitable."

The Laotian Foreign Minister smiling, "I have spent much time in the hills
of our far north... it is my home... nothing is there to help heavily
loaded people wandering in the forest. The unprepared or the foolish... the
forest readily kills. Concentrating as you suggest is the right way to
begin."

"There will be many meetings as the process begins and throughout the run
of the programme... please have your people bring up concerns and speak
plainly it the best way to have the barrier become what is needed."

We discussed other topics related to the wall... I told them of the
discussion on naval action off the Vietnamese coast. Their heads
shaking... they know the dope has to go somewhere... Laos is a land-locked
nation... the ocean is not something they automatically think about.

They understood there will an attempt to help Cambodia and Vietnam.

"The great nations do not want the drugs... most the Chinese drugs end up
in Europe... it is natural to want the problem to be held at arms length."

A short break to get tea... back in our seats sipping. I also got a few
ginger cookies.

The Mekong River border issue... Gil handed them copies of a hydrology
report we commissioned.

"Gentlemen you will see in the summary our experts expect the Mekong to
make a few changes without asking permission."

They smiled. Short laughs from their staff people.

I pointed to the one area where the most change is very likely in a matter
of a few years... my finger on the river below a major bridge crossing...

"As the current scours the south side of the curve it will increase the
indentation you see there already, to where it will cutoff that portion of
land inside that bend of the Mekong.

If you continue to use the river path as your border this time Myanmar will
lose territory. We suggest you have a detailed survey done, compare it with
the river changes since your independence and fix a boundary you can live
with. If it follows a pre-determined path despite the changes your
sovereignty over the space will remain.

Much of the land is lightly occupied but the citizens there deserve to know
they can count on your governments to protect their interests. Fixing a
boundary would do that.

The technology exists to be able to place devices that need no human
interaction once they are in ground. We are using devices that stand alone
connected wirelessly for geo-location via satellite. They can be easily
adapted for this use.

You would need to create a web of devices so they would tie to each other
to make an electronic boundary line."

Their heads nodding.

The Myanmar Foreign Minister said they will speak on it... "This is a good
way out of our issue... technology. Thank you for the time you have
used..." He motion to his counterpart, "... we are grateful.

The Laotian Foreign Minister smiling in agreement... "We will make a start
by getting a survey done and put our people onto the research of past
records. We are in your debt for your attention to this."

A few questions I answered.

We did handshakes all around.

"When you are ready for the technology please contact us. We will provide
the devices at the cost of the equipment's manufacture, no more. We will
train your people to monitor the equipment at no cost using basic
computers... no expensive equipment will be needed."

They thanked me again for our efforts and our willingness to be generous on
the devices and training.

We did goodbyes at the Ministry front doors. Handshakes and we did wai's
for each other.

On the way to the airport Gil about to say something then stopped... hers
eyes flicking towards the driver.

At the Gulfstream Kara grinning... "Pretty boring here."

Laughter.

Gil, "Did you want a shoot-out with the Laotian cops?"

Kara's head shaking... "It did not even rain." A shrug... more laughing.

Paulette on the tannoy, "Buckle up we are taxiing. Airport traffic is
low... we will get a take-off clearance right away I am sure."

Now for some fun in the skies. We are going to Seoul but by a roundabout
route with our transponder off for a long portion of the flight. East by
south to cross the Vietnamese coast between Hue and Da Nang then east to
the Philippines... at their northern coast near Aparri we will descend
behind the mountains, the transponder goes off and we turn northeast over
the Philippine Sea rising up to a high altitude. After a long leg we turn
northwest to cross Kyushu then over Busan north to Seoul.

We are staying more than three hundred miles from Chinese airspace over the
Philippine Sea... no point in giving them anything to think about.

Paulette and Derry up front told me all the countries involved with our
overflying their airspace would know what we are doing as we had done over
eastern Europe. Frequent radio communication will be maintained.

They also will inform the various air traffic control locations we want to
put the pedal down asking for a high speed... high altitude flight level.

After twenty minutes Paulette came into the cabin. A smile, "Fay, we will
are cruising on a level of forty nine thousand feet at five hundred and
sixty five knots."

I did the math in my head... over six hundred and thirty miles an hour.

Fist bump. Paulette liked these Gulfstreams! Fast, a smooth ride and easy
to fly with the latest gizmos!

At our speed and course three hours to Gimpo Airport.

I asked about the radio transmissions... "Fay, we only use our registration
number and call each connection a time check. Not exactly clandestine but
opaque."

Fist bump!

Gil now asking her question held over from the car.

"Fay, the Laotians and Myanmar people could have worked that out by
themselves surely? Well maybe not the geo-location devices."

"Yes. Their staff folks could possibly have come up with the technology
side idea but not the actual devices. More importantly I think having us
involved makes it appear to more even handed and above-board for their
citizens. Yielding land to another country is not usually popular. Border
issues are tricky politically."

Fist bump.

Lunch! Our food from Amporn... that sounded good. A green curry soup,
grilled fish with vegetables in broth, roti! Delicious! Lis put it together
beautifully!!

Smiling faces around the cabin.

Gil and I sat to do work. I wrote two briefs on my interactions with the
Laotian and Myanmar Foreign Ministers. Possibly to share with several
foreign ministries... certainly for Cho, both for Thet and Sumate. The one
on our border barrier wall for Eric.

The London law firm where Corrine is a partner is doing work for us. They
are creating a British company called Wireless Wall... we are going to
manufacture the devices to create walls that are a web of sophisticated
wireless stakes that talk to each other and a server where others can login
to view the status and do management.

Cho kidded me about more ways to make money from ideas of mine since these
new devises are the children of the wireless stake I asked Reg to make on
Christmas Day three years ago.

I called Cho... the smile in his voice always grabbed me.

My Vientiane visit was good with him. The Foreign Minister's reactions
close to what we expected for both topics.

For the northern boundary issue, "Fay, we gave them what they need at no
cost to them. They ought to be happy."

We laughed when I said we got tea and cookies out if it.

Cho added that more Cho Family Banks new locations will open shortly... New
York in the Wall Street Investment Bank lobby, London in the City
Investment Bank lobby, Paris on the Champs-�lys�es in the same block
as Fouquet's! Yea! Berlin... on the Behrenstrasse a block down from
Literatura Verlag. The one I peeked into.

In Washington on `N' St. across the street and down a bit from the new
Mirabelle both of which are a few blocks north of our embassy there.

Los Angeles we are starting with a location in Santa Monica... The Bank
bought the 100 Wilshire Avenue building at the foot of Wilshire at Ocean
Avenue. Twenty four floors with excellent tenants.

It is not downtown with the other big banks, I like the location. It is
about six or seven blocks from the new Santa Monica Mirabelle.

"So you look for locations near our other businesses?"

"Yes deliberately. I want us to be close."

"What about the other Mirabelle's?"

"The bank folks are looking for more locations. They have your store
list. Close if possible."

"Close... Well if there weren't a thousand miles between us now there
wouldn't be a millimetre!!"

"I will be waiting for that squeeze!"

"You will get it!"

Laughing we rang off.

We have one and half more hours to Gimpo Airport.

Back to work. More businesses... more work! It isn't drudgery... time
consuming yes.

NewsGroup newspapers, Fox News, Fox Entertainment, SurFoam... on and on.

Derry gave us a thirty minute warning. We cleared away everything.

Lis had tea, coffee and bottled water plus several kind of beer and white
and red wine for our guests. Easy to eat snacks too.

We are buckled in. Landing on runway 32L... we're down and off the runway
on a taxi lane waiting for a plane to takeoff on the inner runway. Taxiing
south past the terminals aiming for the furthest south hangar.

I moved to stand behind Paulette in cockpit... A fellow in white with a
yellow reflective waistcoat hand marshalling us in a very `correct' manner
pointing our aircraft toward the open huge hangar doors. We rolled into the
hangar... a one eighty turn. Engines off. Chocks under the wheels. Another
fellow hooked up the external power.

PJ opened the door, he put the steps down I moved to the hangar floor. The
hangar doors closing, armed guards outside as the doors shut.

Three men came out towards us with a few others behind. The South Korean
Deputy Foreign Minister... we shook hands. He introduced the President of
South Korea's National Security Advisor and the last is the Director of the
National Intelligence Service... Their CIA.

Hands shaken... I invited them aboard. I stood in front of my seat, Gil
next to me. I motioned to the chairs opposite me. We sat. Lis asking what
they would like to drink... she said what we had... a tea, Coke and a beer
for the NIS boss. He would try a Newcastle.

"Gentlemen, I am glad to meet you all. I hope what I about to tell you
comes as a pleasurable bit of news although it will undoubtedly cause work
for you all."

Smiles and nods.

"For half a year our Security Service have exploited a penetration of the
computer systems of the North Korean armed forces..."

They looked at each other... back to me.

"This access has been quite enlightening and we are developing a plan on
how to use it."

Lis bringing drinks and snacks.

"What my husband and I decided is very unorthodox for private
citizens... We have had support from President Clinton, Prime Minister
Starmer, President Macron and Chancellor Merkel.

I will visit with Prime Minister Abe very soon.

We have had discussions with the intelligence service heads of those
countries plus Canada, Australia and New Zealand... we sought their advice
and information.

They are also amazed by our ideas... we have received total backing from
them."

I smiled, "If for no other reason than we offer them total deniability."

The Foreign ministry fellow and the NIS man both laughed. The advisor
seemed a bit bemused.

"We need you to know and be involved. Your advice and participation is very
important. We have finally reached the point of preparation where things
could actual happen if we set the ball rolling...

We are preparing an attempt to overthrow of the North Korean dictator's
regime from within!"

The NIS fellow gave me a sage nod... the National Security advisor bounced
in his seat. The Deputy Foreign Minister calmly waited for more.

A nice internal laugh at the three men's reactions.

"I think we should have involved you sooner but we were asked to delay this
meeting until the operation looked feasible."

The NIS Director smiling, "You did not want to disappoint. I
understand. Some of our plans for operations in the north have as Americans
say fizzled. We get used to that but..." He motioned to his companions,
"... political people have anxieties about failure."

The Foreign Ministry fellow nodding with a rueful smile. The Presidential
Advisor shaking his head, his hands waving in front of his chest fending
off failure.

Each of these men reacted quite differently once again.

"We have identified one general in particular and are grooming him from a
distance to be the leader. His name is In-Su."

The NIS fellow smiled... I motioned to him...

"Lady Harcourt..."

Smiling I said, "If we are going overthrow a dictator we should be on a
first name basis..." I reached out my hand, "... I am Fay."

The NIS fellow laughed, "Ji-Min"

We grinned as we shook hands.

My hand to the Deputy Foreign Minister, "Soo-Hyun. It is an honour for me
and my colleagues. Thank you."

The Presidential advisor shaking my hand, "Joon-Gi. I am honoured also."

"One of the reasons for my coming is for me to give you personally contact
details for Kora our head of the Computer Division at the Security
Service. She knows where I am and is expecting your questions. Whatever she
has will be shared with you... we will hold nothing back.

The intelligence agency heads of the Five Eyes, France and Germany are
fully aware and participating. We want you to become our partner."

Ji-Min, " On In-Su... we have an interest in him and another general
Sung-Min. He is an Air Force officer. If you have something on him?"

I let them know we have created dossiers on all the generals and a few
others based on our intelligence gathering. Sung-Min was another officer we
have strongly considered.

Ji-Min nodding.

Smiling, "Gentlemen, we have been reading the mobile telephone activity,
email, text messages, calendars and notes of every senior officer in the
North Korean military. Some of this has been shared with our other
partners."

Ji-Min, "We know about your first penetrations. What was passed to us was
put to good use via a quiet campaign to soften up their senior officer
class to the idea of a coup. The mental instability of the dictator aids
us... we have used it as one of the pillars of our programme.

I feel we may have made In-Su and the others more pliable."

"You are likely correct. No one trusts instability.

In-Su has been sent and replying to those messages for several months. We
have created a back channel method of getting messages to him outside of
their normal methods to keep it away from the MSS."

Ji-Min nodding. "The MSS is an unrelenting and unforgiving organisation."

"In-Su says he knows the risks. From that we have to conclude he is
committed."

I leaned back, "Could he be playing us? For the MSS? We double check his
communications in and out, how he uses his phone, etc... If he is playing a
double game he is doing it full-time and outside any normal communication
method which we believe is unlikely but not impossible."

Ji-Min nodding in agreement, "It would be very difficult to stay focused on
deceiving your people."

Me, "We have never mentioned our penetrations to him. We have not explained
how we got to him. Our staff has told him very little except one
thing... he knows Cho and I are behind the effort."

A big smile on Soo-Hyun's face.

"Fay, he has gone forward because he understands your reputation."

I thanked him.

"Our personal ethos comes from deep inside. We do hope it always precedes
us."

Ji-Min, "If In-Su goes forward what will your people do?"

"We will suggest he and his brother officers act to capture the dictator
and his closest staff and family, secure them tightly. Then destroy the MSS
by attacking their infrastructure. The Russian Generals knew they had to do
destroy the FSB... they went about it methodically crushing each FSB
office. In-Su responded to that suggestion with a positive... they knew how
to do it.

Now we have spoken Kora and her people will confer with you. We want to
encourage In-Su at act in a way that captures the attention of the citizens
of the north. He has signalled our ideas about that are sound.

Short-term... We want the army to go into the streets without
guns... taking food and clothing from the warehouses reserved for the
elites... distributed it widely and evenly. Setup healthcare clinics in the
cities and especially in rural areas.

We have asked America and European nations contribute food and medicine to
provide assistance to every Korean in the north. We want each ordinary
person to know the changes are for their benefit.

We have suggested the shutdown of all nuclear and rocket functions... do
not destroy anything but have the army take control keeping it safe.

Long-term for those areas... take the nuclear skills towards energy
production and rockets for peaceful space activity."

Nodding heads across the aisle.

"A method of direct communication to In-Su and the others is prepared... we
will surreptitiously deliver satellite phones to him which operate outside
any bandwidth the North Koreans know and will be encrypted to appear as
random noise.

This is an area where some direct help will be appreciated. A stable
boat... not too large to sail into the north Yellow Sea to be a launch
platform for a drone to fly into North Korean airspace with a satellite
phone package. It will deposit it at a pre-determined location for In-Su.

If a boat can depart Yeonpyeong Island on a northwest heading for a short
distance the journey to the delivery point could only a hundred miles one
way. At that range our drone can fly at high speed near the water crossing
the north's coast close to our target location, drop the package and be
gone rapidly."

Ji-Min looking at me... wondering.

I asked Gil for snaps of the the newest drone... She got them up on her
iPad and handed it to Ji-Min. He looked and swiped through a few.

Smiling at his face showing great interest, "We make them."

I told them we did not want to draw any attention to our drone operations
if possible.

Ji-Min laughed as he passed the iPad along. Soo-Hyun looked... he spread
his fingers on the screen to zoom in... he knows how to use an iPad. He
passed it to Joon-Gi.

Soo-Hyun smiled, "Fay, they have hard-points?"

I said yes.

Looks like Soo-Hyun is an old military man.

I told them they have the radar signal of a hummingbird, long flight range,
satellite controlled and an array of internal specialised features. The
weapons I described made Soo-Hyun and Ji-Min smile. Joon-Gi looked up at
the minigun.

Soo-Hyun asked about where the controller would be. A smile when I said
they could be in Bangkok or New Mexico or Oxfordshire. Jin-Min bounced his
fist on a knee.

"If we have to we would run a one-way mission... we do not want to leave
anything for the North Koreans to see. If necessary the drone would be
self-destructed into the ocean at the end of the delivery process."

Jin-Min said they can do a suitable ship, small enough, looking
innocuous. I said that would fit the bill.

Joon-Gi is looking a bit shell-shocked. He looks as young as me... he is
probably older just looking younger. I had to admit I was shovelling a lot
at them.

I leaned forward to ask if they have been informed about the North Korean
missile programme being compromised.

Ji-Min said they knew that the NSA could prevent a successful armed launch
by forcing an auto-destruct event.

Ji-Min, "We were told very little about how that came to pass but the NSA
has been giving us a great deal of information. They confer with us before
each launch. Your people?"

"Yes. One of the earlier penetrations led us to their missile programme's
systems. The NSA can see any missile being prepared for launch, who is
working on it, what is going into it and where those items came from. Any
missile launched that has an armed warhead will be destroyed. It has not
yet been necessary to do that.

They watch the North Korean responses to their missile successes or
failures and what they do to determine the fault in a failed launch.

They have noted some discontent in the missile programme staff because of a
few chance failures caused MSS involvement to see if there had been
sabotage. Attention from the MSS is I am sure never welcome"

Soo-Hyun and Ji-Min both nodding. Joon-Gi nodded also after seeing his
companions reaction.

Some discussion on other North Korean topics not directly related to our
work. The poor harvests adding to the people's misery. Increased social and
living standards distance by the elites from the ordinary people.

Jin-Min pointing out it will make a move to remove the dictator more
popular. "There will little resistance."

I smiled at that thought.

Soo-Hyun, "Fay, it has been a hard winter in the north. They have few
friends. The Americans tightening the sanctions rope has caused discontent
in the upper strata of the ruling party... fewer luxuries. Just like in
Soviet Russia and China and the other `peoples democracies' the elites are
taken care of at the expense of the ordinary citizens. Even the great and
powerful Soviet Union could not defeat the drive of the world's democratic
people's spirit."

Fist bump for Soo-Hyun! He wasn't sure to start but he got it.

Joon-Gi asked how much President Clinton knew about all of this.

I said I did not know precisely... I told them she and I had spoken at
length last month at our home in England... she appeared to have a thorough
knowledge.

My recounting those conversations surprised Joon-Gi. For the other two men
the President of the United States visiting my family did not cause a
stir. They both appeared more men of the world than Joon-Gi.

He started to say something... stopped... restarted... "I am asking because
our President will visit with President Clinton shortly and I am sure he
will want to discuss all of this."

"I suggest you specify you have a topic for discussion involving the
north. Ms. Clinton is from my experience very sharp with an excellent
staff... she will know what you are referring to without any explicit terms
needing to be mentioned."

I looked to be sure they got that... they did.

Lis had been in and out, more drinks and snacks. She has the gift of a
skilled server... not to interfere as she works.

The conversation moved to China... Soo-Hyun brought up their banks.

"Fay, we see several of theirs in deep trouble... combine that with less
than stellar harvests for a series of years... China will may need to buy
food on the world market. We see many problems in that for them.

Are the Cho Family Banks looking at this?"

"Yes. Cho and I have discussed this lately. He spends time with the bank's
leaders watching the world's economies.

He expects the yuan to sink steeply against the dollar this year. It is
around seven or eight to the dollar now which is a gross overvalue... the
real value will become apparent in any trade negotiation. If China has to
buy foodstuffs the yuan will fall as it does it will eat deeply into their
foreign exchange deposits to cover the food purchases.

Cho believes that will tie up a lot of the government's reserves... then
with those pressures applied their largest banks enormous debts will become
a dangerous drag on their domestic economy.

As the Chinese central bank acts as the lender of last resort for the banks
it will not have cash to cover the banks foolishness... they will go into
default with no means to secure capital. Their bonds will not sell unless
there are ruinous interest rates... even then it can only be domestic
purchasers as international buyers will be unlikely to buy no matter the
interest rate. Some central banks are barring any chartered lending
institutions from buying Chinese bank bonds.

Bankers around the world will look askance at the Chinese banks requests
for help... unless they agree to several important changes which will not
go down well in Beijing.

They will have to agree to foreign ownership... any new ownership will
demand the hundreds of billions of dollars in bad debt be dealt
with... most of it is uncollectable so writing it off is the only
method. That will of course reduce the value of the banks so new owners
will be getting the banks at greatly discounted prices.

That will not go over well at all!"

Soo-Hyun grinning through my little recitation. Laughing at the end.

Ji-Min and Joon-Gi following the conversation but not up on banking
economics.

Soo-Hyun and I exchanged more on the banks... their value, the types of
loans in default, etc...

Soo-Hyun, "We know that the economists the Chinese asked have advised them
to `bite the bullet' in a phrase and do those write-offs but they have
refused. A political decision not grounded in sound economic policy."

Fist bump!

I told them our children are addicted to fist bumps. Teaching everybody
they meet how to do it.

"They got President Clinton doing it with her grandchildren."

Laughter.

Gil added Prime Minister Starmer too, smiling, "I think they will get Her
Majesty Queen Elizabeth to do it soon."

Our guests laughing a lot.

Soo-Hyun has met Keir Starmer, smiling, "Fay, should I fist bump next we
meet?"

I said definitely, "Mention to him you have spoken to me... he will get
it."

More laughing.

I asked if they had further questions to which Ji-Min said he will in about
thirty minutes. We laughed.

"Then these will help..."

Gil handed each a card with contact details for Cho and I via Gil and for
Kora.

"Kora is a sharp one. I am sure she is up to the challenge of your
queries."

I am thanked for the meeting and all the information. Soo-Hyun said he
understood why I requested an in-person meeting.

We shook hands. Ji-Min adding a fist bump to laughter.

I walked out to the hangar floor with them... They bowed and we did last
handshakes.

Ji-Min lingered behind...

"Fay, we will be glad to work with your people. I do admire the way you do
business like this."

Another firm handshake!

I waved as they entered a door on the far side.

Paulette by the hangar door talking to a fellow in a light blue jumpsuit.

Inside... Paulette, "They will tow us out, we will re-fuel and then we can
start up. We will be doing a lot of radioing... the transponder stays off
until we do our little trick in reverse near Luzon's north coast."

A hug for her.

Over the last several years Paulette has done many of these clandestine
operations.

Smiling to Gil, "I think Paulette likes to have a bit of fun flying me
around."

"Oh yes! She has said it spices up her days!"

Fist bump!

Home in little over five and half hours. Lis had snacks... cut fruit and
warm scones. Coffee!

Re-fuelling done we taxied out for take-off. Gone!

I sat to write another minute of the second part of my day. Longer this
time.

Then Gil and I worked. I have no desire to fall behind. We stayed at
it... coffee flowing!!

We could feel the descent beginning... Paulette announced we are making the
turn to starboard over Luzon. Now a straight shot to Bangkok. We passed
above Aparri again descending and climbing back to a high altitude. The
transponder back on.

Lis got out a blanket for me... curling up to have a nap. Surprisingly I
easily fell asleep, I slept until Gil woke me.

"Thirty minutes to Don Mueang."

We unloaded on the tarmac... Penn very pregnant holding Kavat's hand.

Their preparations well in hand. Karawek on the scheduling desk and Dana
ready to take over as head of Operations.

Kavat a very happy fellow. A son on the way! The In-Laws in Nuneham
Courtenay delighted with a grandson coming soon.

The AW139 gliding down to the dock grid... Cho and the Twins, Jaidee on the
Terrace with Chelle!

Hugs and kisses in great numbers.

I sat in Cho's lap on our bed... kissing my man... wonderful after a long
day.

Dinner coming... I took Cho with me for a quick shower... I wanted to play
but dinner isn't going to wait for us. My body felt terrific as Cho washed
me. Delightful hands on my skin! My attempts for more are diverted. Poo!

White short shorts and a red cutoff T-shirt, a pair of red trainers on my
feet. On the Terrace with our crowd... the babies had a good day. They
played music, spent time in the Garden with Jaidee, Knor taught them about
the garden flowers. German and Italian lessons. Plenty of pool time!

Chani showed Knor a snap of Thai Ginger plant pastel on her iPhone... Cho
said Knor could hardly believe how beautiful Chani's work was... so much
like the real thing.

They had train time with Popa... running trains around the layout, moving
cars and people around. They did everything except milk the tiny plastic
cows! Several hours of fun.

Phailin and Dad, Kanda and Thoi joined us. They got the last few days
activities from us.

Dad and Thoi with me on the grass watching a football being booted
around... Jaidee in on that!

My hobnobbing with various government functionaries at many levels had
their interest. A few laughs at my comments about the very different
reactions in Seoul.

Dad, "A fellow like Jin-Min... he is a career NIS man... he has seen
governments come and go... the fizzle comment tells you they have tried
some tricks... who knows what."

"Soo-Hyun impressed me. He is calm and a thinking fellow. It was wonderful
he was chosen to meet with me. Somebody there has their head screwed on
right."

Fist bumps with my companions.

Cho and I took a moment to look at the snail mail Clough forwarded on.

Prince Charles thanking us for the Stonehenge solution. He said it did
amaze but not surprise we would think of a creative and terrific use of
technology for an answer to a thorny ongoing issue.

His thanks for being generous to the Kingdom and thinking of others.

The second is a note written by Her Majesty... She said much the same as
Charles in her own way. We received high praise for our good citizenship
and liberality with our wealth. Her special thanks for doing such positive
actions for the Kingdom.

I corralled Gil and Chelle... they are to write answers for both with the
ideas Cho and I gave them. I told Cho I would do the final copies
myself. We can sign them, they will go out DHL to each.

Dinner had crispy fish, curries, rice and ice cream! The Twins happy with
everything.

I guess my liking the crispy fish is equal to their veggie burgers love.

They went into the Garden with Jaidee to run some.

Gil said the draft letters are on Cho's desk. Okay.

I went in as Chelle called DHL for a pickup.

Both are short thank you notes on Harcourt House stationary.

We made the point that Stonehenge is too important to allow it to be in any
way damaged simply for expediency or cost cutting.

I managed to do both without error! We signed them. Gil had the wax and the
seal ready. Done!

DHL envelopes prepared, closed up. The DHL pickup person allowed in by
Security took them from Gil. Thank you from her.

My thanks for her work and Chelle's.



Cho smiling sharing a lounge with me. The adults gathered around we talked
things we have coming.

Dad and Phailin are going to Korat on business and visiting some of
Phailin's family.

Kanda is part of a Phnom Penh Red Cross meeting for Southeast Asia in
advance of the monsoon seasons. She said Reyna is coming with her.

Thoi grinning as he said one word... `Golf.'

Cho laughingly said `Get a job!'

We all got in on that... Thoi laughing as loudly as us.

When I told them about the Chinese bank part of my talks with the Koreans
they laughed.

Thoi, "Sounds like Soo-Hyun might have been an economist in another life."

"Maybe, I didn't ask. He knows the issues and possible outcomes. So where
do things stand?"

Cho, "If Chinese have to buy foodstuffs on the world markets... it is not
going to be cheap. The effects of that are showing already... the yuan
slipped to ten and three quarters to the dollar today... it is just the
start."

Dad, "So what will happen in the short term?"

Cho, "No one is buying Chinese debt... even their own domestic buyers are
shying away. They will have to accept much much higher interest rates to
move any bonds... even then it will be slow going and the pressure will be
on to raise the bond interest rates further every time the yuan slips
against the dollar. At some point they will give up on that... then the fun
will begin for their banking sector.

My plan is to sit back and watch it deteriorate... when they are failing
because the Chinese central bank does not have the money to support
them... that will be the time to act. I have had talks with the leaders at
several banks in America and Europe... we could agree to save the banks but
our demands will be stiff."

A kiss for Cho.

Me, "So we could end up owning Chinese banks?"

"Yes... they won't be like they are today. We have to have control, no
interference by the government and the balance sheets at the time of
purchase have to be honest or no deal. The banks collapse will not be a
huge problem for the rest of the world's banking system since their debt
problem is from domestic borrowers. It will have an effect on world prices
especially for food.

There have been discussions between our banks and the bankers I have spoken
with and governments. Ideas shared on how to prevent food prices rising so
there will be no collateral damage to others who need to buy foodstuffs."

Me leaning back on Cho, "Should I get get out my Adam Smith?"

Everyone laughed.

Cho, "Something a bit more up-to-date would be a better choice."

Dad said we all may need an easy to use baht to yuan calculator. Laughter!

Lots of hugs and kisses by the cars for our loved ones.

Back on the terrace I asked for more kissing... Cho agreed.

I spent the next morning working on the Terrace in a bikini with
interruptions for swimming with the family unit, eating Amporn's delicious
food and talking on the phone.

One phone conversation made me very happy... Francis agreed to take over as
President of 21st Century Fox. He and Ali had several talks about the
inevitable big changes in their lives... the decision is they will roll
with it all.

Thank you from me.

A second phone call, this with Bill, it cemented his choice to retire as of
December 31st. He will bring Francis in right away increasing the work load
until hand-over day. They will work on a schedule.

Morgan will take over the `Sharks' as the new CEO now and it will be
official on January 1st. She is very happy for Francis... I pointed she
should also be happy for herself... SHE IS!!

No announcement of the changes for now. The senior executives at 21st
Century Fox and the Board of Directors will all know today if they don't
already. I had spoken to Mac and H�l�ne myself. Cho had done Ken and
Pedro. I told Cho I would call Lori tonight... morning for her.

After lunch Gil and I with Tara and Kara in Tu's car went to the site of
the new Apple Store at the centralwOrld Shopping Centre. It isn't very far.

Tu stopped on Rama 1 Road around the corner... we walked to the
courtyard. It has a long way to go to completion, I hope to be here for the
opening in 2020.

I loved the artist's conceptual drawings. Beautiful and tantalising.

We went to an opening for the construction people in the screened wire
fence... I stepped in with Tara... most people working not paying attention
to me. A fellow in a hard hat came over to say this area is restricted.

I asked if Bin is here... He stared at me... I'm taller than Thai women,
paler skin... showing a good bit of that... in white jean miniskirt, a
short blue denim vest with a single twisted denim frog closure both are
items items Raphaela sent over and gold sandals, blue round reflective
sunglasses, speaking perfect Bangkok style Thai...

He managed to tear himself away from looking at me... Bin is here and he
will get him... Would we please move outside the fence... smiling I thanked
him saying we will.

The store has a long way to go... not much here right now.

I described the store to my companions.

"It is to be circular with two floors, it has a cantilevered Tree Canopy
ceiling and a silver domed roof. The `trunk' a mosaic of horizontal wood
strips winding up the tree to continue as the ceiling spreading outward on
the first floor.

Glass all around for both floors..."

Motioning my arms in a circle.

Bin came out with the hardhat fellow... seeing me a big smile... those same
`snug' trousers looking very good.

"Miss Martin, wonderful to see you."

We shook hands. He remembered Gil and Tara, Kara introduced. Kara got a
`look!'

Bin turned to the man in the hardhat...

"Miss Martin is on the Apple Board of Directors so if she wants to see
please allow her inside."

Huge eyes under the hardhat... he nodded. A motion to his hat and the one
on Bin's head...

Smiling I said it is no problem.

Bin with a big grin said he cannot resist coming over here almost every
day, "I know it is many many months before we open... I just want to see
the inside as it is built... to know everything about it."

Me with a smile, "I understand that."

We chatted about the Iconsiam store... he said it is doing so well,
constantly very very crowded... this store is absolutely needed.

I decided to ask his age...

He smiled, "I am thirty seven... I know I look younger."

I mentioned to my companions my first meeting with Bin at the La Villa
iStudio store. Three years ago now.

We discussed some elements of this store's design... easy to see Bin
becoming the general manager means a lot to him. He is still a deputy
manager at the Iconsiam Centre store.

I said good bye and enjoy. A big smile from him. Another `look' at Kara!

In the car she is teased by us. She laughed as I described my first meeting
him in those `tight' trousers!!

Tara kidding Kara... laughs from us all.

At home Everybody is in the pool... I challenged Gil to a race to get
in... I patted her bottom as a Go! Laughing we dashed off.

I stripped, grabbed a bikini... bottoms on... running out holding the
top... across the lawn... through the pool gate... pulling on my top to
laughter from the crowd... I stuck a toe in the water as Gil came through
the gate.

We hugged... I said I had the advantage of the gate being on my side.

Top on properly tied we held hands jumping in.

Tha and Delphine are getting the prunes out. Hugs for their little wrinkly
selves on the shallow end steps.

A hug and kiss for Cho.

He grinned, "They jumped from the diving board! I encouraged a
dive... Charlie did!"

Wow! Our little fish!

Cho climbed out, everyone towelled off going to the Terrace for drinks. Gil
and I stayed to do laps for twenty minutes.

Holding on the pool side Chelle lying on the edge in front of us... reports
from all the new parents... all new babies are good! Loria, Myles, Dryden,
Stephen all healthy and nursing well!

Cho and I with the babies are going south tomorrow. Delphine too. Staying
here Gil and Chelle will greet the Phuket crowd coming in and come down
with them on a 737.

The Twins will be back here with Delphine to have fun with their friends.

Tha off with her family... Sani will be here to help with the baby
crowd. Our pitch-hitter. The Twins like her.

Dinner at Cho's favourite French-Polynesian restaurant! Coconut shrimp went
over big with the babies.

There were mango vanilla cream cr�pes for dessert!

Afters on our Terrace. Delphine took Chani and Charlie in for a pair of
Charlie Chapin single reelers... `Work' and `Shanghaied.' Hardcore Chaplin
fans!!

I grabbed my phone and walked into the garden... I spoke to Lori about
Francis. She is pleased.

"Fay, he's smart and flexible... two characteristics that will stand him in
good stead in the job."

She got the timing and that we are being mum for now.

Loria is wonderful! She is nursing like a champ! Shira is a bit sore but no
other issues.

They are happy!

My morning swim is solo... a few showers pattering down so breakfast is
inside where quite the crowd collected. I told them all to stoke up.

Okay time to fly... we rocketed down the Don Mueang runway. Jaidee looking
out the Gulfstream window... tongue out a bit. Cute guy!

This going to be informal so Chani and I dressed casually but
colourful. Chani in a bright yellow ankle length skirt with a bright blue
short sleeved blouse, white sandals.

Me... a turquoise ankle length skirt, a medium pink short sleeved blouse
with cuffs and an orange cloth belt tied on my right hip. Yellow
sandals. We both had gold jewellery, Chani got some `Joy' I got giggles for
that.

Our men in lightweight tan suits with pale blue shirts, shiny brown shoes,
no ties... Awesome!

The flight is only fifty minutes so no point to get up to much... we played
a new game... `I Have an Animal in Mind.' If its your turn you choose an
animal... everyone asks questions in turn as they try to guess your
animal. Habitat, food, number of legs, fur, feathers or scales, etc... lots
of possibilities.

We had a Panda, a badger, an eel, black-capped chickadee and cat! A Siamese
naturally! Charlie and Chani loved this.

We landed at Narathiwat...an AW139's ready to depart... we lifted up for
Yala. Jaidee to the beach compound by car.

A short flight... we descended to the new Assembly Building. Setting down
in the open space to the rear... the AW139 landing on grass beside the
covered walkway.

A small group waiting... The leaders of the coalition that controlled the
Assembly.

Chakan stepped forward to shake hands... smiles. Mahini Succinno and
Channarong... handshakes then we introduced the Twins. Chani and Charlie
gave a brief lesson in fist bumping! Channarong loved this! Laughter!

Inside Chakan led us to the rotunda... two big half circles of desks in
rows facing the podium of two levels. We stepped onto the open space beside
the podium... the members stood up to applaud.

We waved to them... the Twins waving both hands. The applause lasted for a
few minutes as Chakan went to the Speakers Seat on the top level of the
podium.

Finally we sat on chairs behind us.

Chakan called the house to order...

"Our first business today is two guest speakers. They are well known to
all... our benefactors! Please welcome Sir Cho..."

Cho stood to more clapping... the Twins joining in when I clapped. Cho
walked to the lower podium...

Smiling he bowed to the Assembly.

"Thank you for a warm welcome."

His arm out towards us.

"My family is pleased to be here with you in your new home! We hope it
serves the purpose for you and your constituents."

Applause.

Cho went on to speak on how the South needs change... new jobs which take
advantage of new technology... He told the Assembly we are donating money
to help build a new high tech laboratory at Rajabhat University.

The members loud cheering and clapping.

"The new laboratory is to prepare students in emerging technologies placing
them on the leading edge of computers, robotics and more."

He said primary and secondary schools need to rise their students up for
the challenges of the Twenty First Century.

"There is social change which they need to understand so their futures can
be assured. New ways interacting with each other and the world."

Cho went on for ten minutes... we are repeating our Nobel Lectures
timing... ten minutes each.

Cho ended by thanking the members for being the leaders in the changes
sweeping the South.

A big applause.

Chakan smiling, "Our second guest is a legislator like ourselves... she is
a member of Great Britain's House of Lords... as well as being being a high
ranking English noblewoman... Lady Harcourt, Fay Martin!

Another loud and warm welcome. Cho and the babies joining in the applause.

At the podium smiling at the faces in front of me...

I thanked them for their warm greetings...

"As a member of a legislature that dates from the Twelfth Century whose
rules, officers and dress has undergone some change over the last eight
hundred years though in some areas you would be hard pressed to tell."

Laughter.

"You have the rare opportunity to build from the ground up... take care and
enjoy yourselves."

Smiles and some clapping.

I spoke to the need to be always relevant to the people they represent. I
asked they not take positions, pass laws or do anything that does not have
the whole people as the core reason for acting.

I tried to impress my feeling of service as the reason I am involved. I
gave a few examples of my year in the Lords...

I used the recent water boards issue as one to expand on... Water is
precious. A public resource being mistreated to make money and failing the
citizens who rely on the water. The water boards not performing their job
which is a fundamental duty to serve the people. I said it looks like the
water problem is on the way to be properly addressed adding it should never
have reached the stage of such failure.

"Narrow personal and political interests were behind the British government
acting to sell-off a vital element of daily life. When the needs of the
people are in the balance please err on the side of caution and
responsibility."

I did not want to draw this out... I closed with the wish they take joy
from their work and pass it on.

Loud applause and a few cheers.

The four of us together waving to the Assembly members.

Chakan declared a recess for the midday meal.

We are Chakan's guests in the Assembly canteen. Walking that way I saw
Asae, a member from Chakan's party who we had met when we were first here.

He is well... "Lady Harcourt, my cousin who had that unfortunate meeting
with you in Bangkok..." His eyebrows raised, I got it, "... he would like
to speak to you if possible after we have luncheon."

I said I would be happy to meet him. Asae thanked me.

"I will call him."

A handshake.

We sat with Chakan, Mahini Succinno and Channarong at the Speakers
table. The leaders of the two other parties joined us.

Food arrived with drinks. All of it vegetarian. Soup, many lovely
vegetables dishes including a terrific Panang curry of lentils, several
types of rice, roti and little spring rolls. A delicious fruit juice. All
of it very good.

Cho grinning as we ate, "I am surprised you all aren't fifty pounds heavier
with all this good food."

Laughter.

After the wonderful meal we walked around in the new building getting to
see it all and speaking to the members. We split up to get around
easier... Charlie with me, Chani with Popa.

At Chakan's offices a fellow waiting... Adeel, an old compatriot of
Chakan's in the struggle, who had been in prison when the Narathiwat Peace
Protocols were signed. He was one of those who were barred from running in
the first election because he was in prison.

He stood to shake my hand. Charlie did a fist bump teaching session which
brought a smile to Adeel's face.

He is now a member through a by-election after the first elected member of
his constituency had become very sick.

"Lady Harcourt so you know I and my colleagues are not in the least bitter
about the arrangement. My fellow prisoners of all groups gathered after
Chakan and Channarong visited us to explain the peace plan. We knew we
could never defeat the Thai Army and the government in Bangkok was resolute
about prosecuting the war so the only way to peace was through your
bringing everyone together.

We prisoners backed Chakan and Channarong making sure all our fighters knew
we did. I will admit it was a wrench to stop... we decided to take as our
model the Irish Republican Army. They had not been beaten even though
theirs was a longer war in a smaller area. Their move to politics from the
armed struggle showed us the way."

I told him we started the effort because neither side could `win' but the
warfare hurt ordinary people who deserved better.

He acknowledged that, "We rationalised the death of innocents in some of
our actions because it was a war... reflection brought a change in our
attitude. Killing the ones we were fighting for..." His head shaking,
"... we de-radicalised our thinking."

Another handshake and smiles.

`And now?"

"Now I am proud to ask my fellow citizens to give me a chance to continue
to make the changes we need."

"Family?"

A big smile, "I am so very glad to be back with my wife. She is often glad
also but not all the time."

We laughed!

"Our three children out in the world making their own lives. We have four
grandchildren."

Charlie asked how old they are?

"A two year old and two four year olds and a five year old."

Charlie, "Twins?"

"No, two different families. They were born only weeks apart so it was a
busy time for my wife and I helping our children's young families."

Charlie, "Many of Mama and Popa's friends have had babies recently. Lots of
new friends for Chani and I."

Adeel congratulated Charlie in his bounty. More friends is good.

I said to Adeel we are pleased to have met him. "We will come back to Yala
more in the future so I hope we can speak again."

He bowed saying it is an honour to have met us. A fist bump with
Charlie. Big smiles.

Chakan had an aide helping Charlie and I see the new building and meet
other members.

The member's offices were a good size, a reception room and the private
office. Charlie and I shook many hands, a few fist bumps. Everyone seemed
happy and upbeat.

We met the security people, the clerical support group and at my request we
went to the kitchen.

Charlie got us started there thanking the ladies for the wonderful luncheon
and the extra special delicious fruit juice. The staff very pleased we
would come to see them. We shook all their hands with fist bumps included.

At Asae's outer office he greeted us. In his office is the giant of a man I
had last seen lying on the road outside Dad's office bleeding from a
gunshot I had delivered. He is dressed as an Iman.

Asae introduces his Iman cousin to us. Ismaal bowed... we shook
hands. Charlie too. I introduced him as Chati and Charlie.

PJ beside me reached out his hand... Ismaal shook it with both hands and a
smile.

Ismaal said he is very glad to meet us.

"Lady Harcourt because of what your family has done my son does not have to
fear going where I did."

He shook his head, "I do not regret opposing the government... I castigate
myself for not being aware of how I was manipulated into attempting to kill
your father. My comrade and I were too injured to come back to accuse
anyone. Those who sent us were killed later by the army so it is finished
for us."

I asked after his comrade who was the more seriously wounded.

"He is healthy and doing well. He has a car repair shop. He and his wife
are happy, he was fortunate to have two children of his own before we
joined the movement."

I nodded knowing where I had shot him.

"Your leg?"

"Lady Harcourt, we were taken to an Army hospital... the doctors repaired
my leg so it is as good as new. I have no problem doing anything I want. We
were treated quite well even though we wounded General Keren and his aide."

A shaking head, "You were very brave to defend your father."

To PJ, `I was amazed how strong you were. I could do nothing against your
strength. You swung me around... I had never been used like that."

Ismaal asked about Atat.

"He is fully recovered, his family is growing they have a new one on the
way to join a boy and girl. He is now training police officers in bodyguard
work."

Ismaal said he is now a Qur'an lawyer practicing in here in Yala. His son
is eleven months and a another baby on the way.

"I have a role as a deputy Iman in a Masjid which keeps me busy along with
the legal work. My wife works with the less fortunate women and families."

Charlie said there is a new Masjid being build near our house in
England... "We are to go to the opening day."

Ismaal smiling, `A new community?"

I said no... "A new home for an existing congregation that had no Masjid."

I explained our building communities in South Oxfordshire and donating the
land for the Masjid.

Ismaal bowed again, "Lady Harcourt it is wonderful to meet a person who is
so giving."

He squatted down to Charlie's size, "Chati, Please learn the lesson of
sharing. God made us for purposes beyond every day life... to be good and
kind to all."

Ismaal smiled, "Sometimes like with me it took a bad event to make me see
that."

Charlie with a grin thanked him and showed him how to fist bump.

Ismaal enjoyed that.

I asked if we could visit with his family on another trip? Ismaal was
delighted with the idea. They would be honoured. I said we would keep in
touch via Asae.

Handshakes and a fist bump! Grins.

We went on seeing the people and the building. Charlie is enjoying doing as
Americans say... `pressing the flesh.' He is unafraid to ask questions,
teaching members how to fist bump.

Channarong's office! He welcomed us and introduced his wife, Amani and
their baby son Sufian. Charlie stepped close to say hello to Sufian...

A hug for Amani who had a big smile.

"Lady Harcourt, when Channarong first met you at Narathiwat he came home
conflicted about you. He knew you were not born a woman but he could
not..." Her fingers meshing together, "... explain how much a woman you
were. I said he should speak to his uncle, who has many friends and
business associates in the Buddhist community, about women like yourself.

He did and met a kathoey. I have met her also, she is beautiful like you
and entirely a woman... no doubt. So Channarong understood."

"Amani, Channarong told me of his meeting a kathoey and how she changed his
thinking. Coming out of the jungle must have also altered his views of
other things."

"Oh yes! He saw the people's happiness in being free of war... able enjoy
life and prosper. What you and your husband have done is like a
miracle... we went from fear to joy!"

Channarong said he had to go to a committee meeting... I asked Amani if she
would like to come with us to see the park outside. She wanted to. So we
sent Channarong on and PJ and Kara came with us outside. Kara texted
Delphine where we would be.

Amani pushing Sufian in his pram, we walked slowly.

The park looked terrific. Walking trails that are raised and gravelled so
they are usable even in the rainy season. Sitting areas under the big
spreading trees... Amani pointed to clumps of Ta-khian trees...

"One woman I work with in the Help Society Programme is Buddhist, she likes
to come here with her babies. She is quite smart and likes the old
folklore. She says Nang Ta-khian lives in this park among those trees."

I had read about the sylvan spirit of Nang Ta-khian... she lives in groves
of Ta-khian trees... protecting them from evil. She is seen as a
protectress of ordinary good people.

Amani, "My friend says this small grove of Ta-khian is unusual... those
trees are mostly found deeper in the woods. She believes this park which
has many old trees is a remnant of a very old forest."

We walked over to the grove... her baby stroller is not going to get far on
the gravel... I offered to carry Sufian... a big smile!

We got close, "I have seen these trees at Sari Buri on a property we
own. Several had colourful braided strings hanging on them."

"Yes the strings are offerings usually by those seeking good fortune for
some reason. They hope Nang Ta-khian will help them."

"Nang Ta-khian sounds like a nice spirit. In Great Britain we have Nemetona
who was a sylvan goddess and Coventina, a goddess of water. They are almost
unknown now more's the pity. They are connections to our shared past."

Amani smiling, "Yes exactly. Although we as Muslims do not have that sort
of history of spirits of nature I want my children to know about them. It
is a past they have a share in.

One of the reasons I am so pleased to meet you so I can tell you how
important your push for education to be inclusive is to my
family. Channarong is an educated man, we want his love of learning to go
deeply into our children."

Delphine is here... watching Charlie and another boy on the swings. Kara
there too. PJ is nearby... not too close.

Amani asked me about them... I explained there had been a few issues so now
with the babies we are acting with caution.

I showed her my left forearm... a serious look on her pretty face.

I got her to call me Fay.

"Fay, you are very famous in our community. Our women will not be as our
mothers and grandmothers living in the shadows of our men. There is too
much to do and much important work the men would prefer not to perform or
women are better suited to doing."

Fist bump which is a bit difficult made Amani laugh. Little Sufian is
asleep in my arms. He is very cute when nestled into his buggy with the
canopy folded down.

Charlie came running up without his jacket accompanied by the boy he had
been with. I am introduced to Ahamat... Charlie had showed him how to fist
bump! Laughter.

Ahamat's mother joined us. We shook hands in the conventional manner.

Delphine had Charlie's jacket. Kara beside her.

Their family also loved this park with all the shade trees, places to sit
and the playground.

We said goodbyes to Ahamat and his mother and we all moved back to the
Assembly Building.

On the road at the park entrance there are ice creams vendors. PJ had
cash... he bought Charlie a simple vanilla ice cream cone.

Charlie thanked PJ... fist bump!

Inside we found Cho and Chani easily... Charlie shared his cone with
Chani. Smiles. Cho looking at me... `Like where's mine!' I pretended to
pull out pockets to show they are empty. I said PJ bought.

Laughing.

We walked back through the building saying goodbyes. Chakan walking along
with our crowd to the helicopters. Last handshakes.

We boarded and everyone on the ground moved away. Waves through the windows
as we lifted up.

On the landing grid at the compound Jaidee and Ken!

Ruslee waiting with them. We shook hands. He came over from the new logging
camps near Chanae.

We moved inside to talk. The babies going to change for swimming! Jaidee
came out a tennis ball in his mouth... ready!

Cho and I sat with Ruslee in the living room. The two lumber operations at
Chanae are up and running full speed ahead. They are only twelve kilometres
apart. A small city of offices, repair shops, an unmarried men's dormitory
and a cluster of homes for families at the eastern location.

The children in school in Chanae, the day care open at our `village.'

Harvesting is starting after classes for the men operating the big
machines. Some of the machines are new to us so a long learning time was
mandated. No work until they understood all the machines and experienced
operating them.

They had all been through a programme on how to plant trees. Very
important!

We thanked Ruslee for coming over.

"It is always nice to meet the big bosses." A big grin!

We laughed.

Cho has had video meetings with John Deere, Ponsee, Caterpillar and
Komatsu. They all build logging equipment. Cho wanted a warning device for
when some equipment is near a too steep an angle to be unsafe using the
lifting arm. Cho pushing for an electric cut-off so the arm cannot be
engaged using gyroscopic accelerometer device which would also function to
reduce unnecessary motion that causes undo wear on the arm.

Our new machines from Komatsu and Ponsee are appropriately equipped.

"We will phase out John Deere as an equipment supplier everywhere as they
had a negative response to our queries. Caterpillar wasn't much more
interested in what we wanted so they will join John Deere. They both have
considerable corporate hubris and little common sense."

Cho said he required more steel framing to stop logs from rolling too much
in the feed-in portion of the automated cutting machines we will buy for
the Vanishing Sleeve plant in Mississippi.

Cho had our maintenance people make modifications in the field here for the
existing equipment. Two manufacturers are sending bids for the changes to
their equipment so we will see.

We changed for the beach... walking over Cho holding my hand.

"This has been a productive day."

I agreed. I told him about the park. Going there with Amani and
Sufian. Charlie meeting the boy Ahamat and his mother.

Cho likes the Nang Ta-khian spirit. A nurse when he was young told him many
folk tales. I asked about the trees at Sari Buri.

"They are very old. Sumate was nice to several of our families allowing
them to put braided string offerings on our trees. He didn't ask why they
sought the aid of the spirit."

The babies in the water splashing having fun. Protectors enjoying the water
and acting as life guards for the Twins. Jaidee running down a tennis ball
thrown by Ken or Tara.

A football in use on the flat sand.

Cho and I dashed into the surf! I swam alongside Cho out to the shark
fence... we turned back. It felt good to stretch out. More swimming.

Cho in hip deep water tossing babies. Yells... cheers... loud giggling!!
Delphine checking on the babies when they come up.

Sitting in low water watching with Gil. Chelle booting the football with
the others... Gil said she likes to play. Who would know? She doesn't ride.

Dinner is scrumptious! The kitchen ladies did a wonderful mix of
food... grilled fish, several different curried vegetable dishes, fluffy
rice, two flavours of roti, freshly squeezed fruit juice drinks.

There is Pandan cake with ice cream for dessert!! Fist bumps by the Twins!

The babies stuck their heads in the kitchen to say thank you. The ladies
smiling big after that!

When Chani and Charlie are in bed Cho and I walked to the beach... Gil and
Chelle and some protectors came along. Jaidee striding along with a tennis
ball in his mouth.

A leisurely moonlight swim, the water warm and silky on my skin.

In bed Cho's hands felt silky too!

More swimming in the morning... the sun rising from the ocean!! Ken and PJ
along. I swam out and back to the shark barrier a dozen times.

Breakfast and coffee! Cho smiling over the rim of his coffee cup. The
babies munching on cut fruit.

Today the babies fly off with Jaidee to Bangkok. They with Gil and Chelle
going to be our greeters in Bangkok for all the folks coming in. Then a
massive play time visit with their friends!

Cho and I to Phuket.

On the tarmac at Narathiwat hugs and kisses for Charlie and Chani. Jaidee
in the aircraft door woofing. He is ready to go! We waved their plane away.

We stopped to say hellos to the Canadian and Irish folks supervising the
weapons destruction... the last act completing the Narathiwat Peace
Protocols. They are well... very close to the end.

Our thanks to them.

Then we boarded our aircraft.

For us a short flight to Phuket.

Cho's email... the lawyers in contact with the members of Congress say the
bill to make Cho an American citizen has been voted out of committee in
both the House of Representative and the Senate... passed out with an
overwhelming majority in each.

It next goes to reconciliation committee which makes the two versions be
the same... the lawyers wrote they are identical so it's a formality then
back to each house to be voted on. It is moving quickly!

A kiss for my guy.

Cho and I on the sand at the beach house. Arms around me... kissing going
on.

Later Cho went by car with Protectors to his friend's house where he'd host
the golfers for a few days. My ladies coming here.

Gil called everyone has arrived, they will be leaving for Don Mueang
shortly.

MFA, Anne, Caroline are there with Abbey. Anong bringing Rak2 and Chana,
Reyna dropping off Krai and Chalermchai. Delphine and Sani will be their
host nannies with Amporn's staff.

Chalermchai will be with his sire Jaidee.

Anong gets a couple of days to herself as Rak is coming down for
golf. Reyna and Thet get those same days off. Likely they will go over to
our house for one visit at least.

Rox is coming down with TJ as he is still nursing. He has a while to go on
that.

Pam, Ni, Lawan, Doc, Rona and Malee, Daphne, Jesi, Megan and Tai.

The husbands on board too for golf with Cho. Tom, Ken, Eric, Reg, Rak, Dad
and Thoi the golfers. Thang and Kavnu going fishing.

Ansara and Penny are taking days off to visit family. Our other lady
protectors here with me.

Jayne and Montana are not here this year! They going to see Montana's
sister, she is dying of cancer in Great Falls. We sent a Gulfstream for
them. She's only thirty... such things shouldn't happen.

Jian with Catherine and Myles, Andrea and Ting with Dryden keeping Culham
Manor busy. Caroline going to Korat after the big crowd fun at our house to
be with her grandparents who where coming home with Tasa. Poor Tasa... once
Caroline goes home no more crowds of babies to get rubs from and play with
for Tasa.

I suggested to Ploy she invite her staff children come play with
Tasa... Ploy loved that idea!

Lori and Shira in Malibu with Loria. Letti staying with them.

Sara in France with Thao... they seem to be doing well. They got through a
big family Christmas in one piece.

A text from Gil, >>We're on our way.<<

Pha grinning... a kiss for her cheek. Little Ty doing well at
school. Great! He and his dad Anodo are with the grandparents for these few
days.

I sat for a bit to work in the dining room... never a shortage of things to
do. I had about an hour. Email and several calls.

Reading an email note sent by Kirk, the Minister of Defence... thanking me
and my staff for uncovering the two jets which did not get their scheduled
maintenance. On investigation both had issues which could have caused an
in-flight failure... equipment old age problems.

I forwarded it on to Sage, Linc and Casteen. They did the work! My covering
note is another thank you to them.

Email from Carter... Nathan and Shayna will be married in four weeks at the
Oxford Synagogue where they have become members. This is a good thing.

I replied for him to see how we can contribute... food, champagne, cars or
whatever.

Gil calling, "Fay, we are on the ground and dividing up. The cars going to
the beach house have our security ladies driving."

Okay!

I sat in the sun on the deck area waiting... Pha from the door said they
are at the gate and it is opening. I stood at the bottom of the
drive... Arms open... very naked!

I saw laughing faces as they piled out... I turned... running down the
plank walkway to the water. I dove in and swam out to the rocks... swimming
back the first of the naked ladies are in the water.

I stood in the shallows... they gathered close... friends, Protectors and
newbies... I went around kissing each as I stroked their vaginas. Grins and
some tongue in the kisses for me.

Pam's eyes bright... a bit more kissing for her.

Rox is last down... getting TJ to the sand in his carrier in the shade... I
took her in my arms for a passionate kiss. I leaned over to say hello to
TJ. A grin under a blue ball cap and wiggly arms.

Rona's smile disappeared into a kiss. My hand gently rubbing her big belly.

Malee giggling as I caressed her little boy from the outside.

Turning to everyone...

"This year is different... Jian is in Oxfordshire with Catherine and Myles,
a very handsome young fellow. Andrea has Dryden to care for... he's a
cutie. Full time mom's for now."

I turned around, "Lori and Shira are tending to Loria in Malibu, Letti is
supporting them. A busy year for babies."

I kissed Rona and Malee again... "More coming!"

Smiles all around.

Holding Jesi's vagina and kissing her lips, "Jesi is new to our
group... I'm sure you have all seen her lovely face in magazines and on TV
plus a few movies."

I kissed those famous dark eyebrows. Jesi laughing her arms around my
waist.

"I am very happy to join you. Maybe spend time with everyone?" Those
eyebrows up!

The crowd is in favour of that seeing her beautiful body with those long
slender legs.

My Protectors... Tara, Tessa, Angie, Kara, Gaby, Alba... looking beautiful,
their toned bodies displaying latent power.

"Okay the same rules apply..." My hand out to Pha, "... Pha is our primary
cook but she will need help preparing our communal meals and clean-up. And
we will have the men in two days for our now traditional tuna luncheon."

A kiss for Pha.

Doc smiling as I held her... a whisper, "Nice to see you again!!"

We giggled. A kiss.

I leaned back looking at my friends... arms around Doc, "I case you do not
know Doc is my cousin."

Cheers for her.

"Like last year... I have a lot of work to do... actually more than last
year! I do not l want to fall behind... so if I am working... best give me
some space... I will take breaks for pleasure!!"

Laughter.

"Okay! Gil and Chelle I need you for a short while."

I reached out my hands to them... we walked up to the dining room.

Thinking to myself... we have several committed pairs... how will that play
out?

Gil had an itinerary for my trip to the American south... not too long... a
lot crammed into a day! Chelle has the on-the-ground details... cars,
etc...

Meetings setup with the Taylor Newspapers management. Their people have
agreed with our proposals for the top managers staying for
continuity. Until we see more of the company and the individual newspapers
and make further plans things remain as they are except for the new pay
scales and benefits for the entire chain.

The top folks really do not have many newspaper job opportunities in the
American South... I will spend time evaluating them... who do we keep? If
they do the job... they stay.

After the 21 Century Fox takeover the staff found out what we wanted from
them... to use their skills and give their best efforts... more than ninety
percent chose to stay.

There are various local governments in Mississippi I am to meet with... in
Brookhaven I will meet the city and Lincoln County leaders, they are to
join in for the ground-breaking ceremony.

I want them to understand how Cho and I manage our businesses. We want
quality, deliver equality for all employees and no nonsense around our
businesses! They must understand how diligently we protect our property and
our employees rights and persons.

Sumate is going to fly in joining my meetings to speak to our security and
what that will mean for Brookhaven.

No plans for me to visit the land we have purchased for the timber to feed
the plant... its just trees after all. Lots of trees!

A stop in the state capital Jackson to meet government people there.

I did add-on some other stops in Mississippi... personal ones.

I went to get a coffee... Pha sitting on Jesi's face... the tattoo on the
sole Jesi's foot identified her. She had many tattoos... her instep, arms,
back... a rose at the top, her torso, on her fingers. Jesi now has a small
landing strip of brown hair versus the bare mons when we touched at Cowley
House.

I punched the DeLonghi and leaned over to caress Jesi's pussy... she
instinctively opened her legs wider. I caressed her... fingers going
inside... she's wet immediately! I caressed her more...

I picked up my coffee... back to work... the scent of Jesi on my fingers.

I sent my duo off to `fuck' they laughed but went willingly.

Pam looked in... I waved her over. I patted the chair beside me.

I pulled her close for a kiss... She helped me move my piles to a
sideboard... I took her hand... we walked out into the sun then a run to
the water.

The silky feel of the water.... even more so without a swim costume!

We paddled around a bit... on the firm sand I laid over Pam... kissing and
hands all over her!

I licked my way down to her sex... the two pair of
initials... beautiful... a kiss... a tongue bath... I worked her
open... fingers and tongue exploring... Pam arched up to my mouth... one
hand went up for a nipple... Her hand in my wet hair...

Pam making lovely little pleasure sounds!!

"Fay, turn around I want to taste you."

A nice sixty-nine!!! We made each other cum several times. Her body in
wonderful shape melds well with mine.

On our sides facing... "Thank you! Fay, you always make me cum hard."

A kiss.

In return I said how much I appreciated her skills. We petted for a while
then washed the sand off with a swim.

Going up... two lounges side-by-side had close pairs doing a sixty-nine! Ku
and Eve next to Megan and Tai. Our New York based couples coupling!

Nearby Lawan's petite bod rubbing on Daphne... lips locked.

Inside Rox is nursing TJ in the living room... a big smile when I kissed
her forehead. I went for coffee with Pam. The kitchen had Pha working on
lunch with Rona and Malee. Seems to be some `petting' going on too! Pam
joined in helping on lunch and the `petting.'

A peek in a bedroom had Jesi laying back her fingers in her mouth and a
hand over her eyes as Ni worked her sex. Despite her obvious pleasure she
made no noise.

Malee and Doc intertwined beside them... Doc's left hand pulling at one of
Jesi's nipples.

Gil and Chelle in another room... busy fingers, tongues! Beautiful
together!

I checked email for a while. Then partook of Pha's and the ladies work in
the kitchen which surprised me... veggie burgers and chips! Laughing I
asked if my children called in the menu.

Pha smiling, "Ty loves burgers... we only give him veggie ones!"

"Good for you."

I put mustard, mayonnaise, tomato and lettuce on mine. A small cup of
mayonnaise for my chips.

I got an orange soda.

Others joined me... our love-making pairs filtered in. Smiling faces.

Jesi sat beside me... "Fay, did you finger me earlier?"

"I did... I needed to work but it it seemed the right thing to do at the
time whilst I waited for my coffee."

Jesi laughed, "You made me very wet. Pha very nicely licked me clean after
giving me a very pleasant orgasm."

"Good! I didn't think revving you up would be wasted. And Ni?"

"Oh my she knows how to eat pussy! I liked eating her, a beautiful
vagina... she ought to be in pictures."

We laughed, "I don't know if her husband is willing to share that far."

A kiss.

Jesi rested her cheek on my shoulder...

After eating Jesi and I laid on a lounge getting some sun.

I asked about her getting started modelling...

"I was eleven years old doing a shoot in Milan for Vogue Italy after being
`discovered' at a street fair in London. My mother was my chaperone... all
very well done, a nice hotel, cars and all that... I did a lot of pictures
in some wild outfits. I enjoyed myself. Then back to school."

A laugh, "I got to do more shoots. By twelve I was well known and doing
some interesting clothes."

Jesi said it was always back to school which was becoming boring. Several
private girl's schools in the countryside... "School activities left me
flat... I wanted more excitement. I did get to ride often... that was the
good part."

A nudge from her, "Your riding is creating a lot of interest according to
my sisters... one says a riding stable near her is very busy these
days... it hadn't been like that. The owners asked a few new riders... they
said it was you who stimulated them."

I shrugged, "I am told people copy my `look.' I would rather they copy my
actions which are more substantial. Riding is good for the rider as well as
keeping horses in shape. So I can be happy about that.

I have found out you lose some of you when the public takes an interest."

Jesi's face a bit sad, "Yes! People copying my look means they are buying
into a designer's ideas... not mine. So away from that I dress as I like
which is usually a mix of clothes."

I added a me too.

Jesi a head shake, "Being an individual isn't easy in a normal life... for
anyone in the public eye it gets tougher. It can narrow your life.

I see you seem to deal with it better."

Smiling, "For me it is easier because the money insulates us. We rarely
announce our comings and goings... I go to wherever I please usually
surprising people... I have gone to Mirabelle openings that have been
advertised locally for that store... no big press announcements. So there
is a crowd but not off the scale.

We do not do `society' things... like red carpet walk-ins or premiers of
shows...anything in that line of country is directly for a project of ours
so we are already involved."

Jesi smiling about the Broadway benefit show I mentioned as an example of
us having to do public showing off... "I do not know if I have anything
contribute I would be glad to help."

"I'll get Gil to hook you into Alex he's the chief organiser."

Fist bump.

"Something else which shields us from too much public scrutiny is our
security. It is excellent... snooping around us often gets those who try a
world of trouble."

Jesi laughed, "I have read about a few folks trying it on and failing
spectacularly."

I mentioned the Telegraph woman at Christmas.

"Yes I saw a news report on her... she got a fine for one offence and a
caution."

"Yes and her newspaper is being sued for something else they did but her
faux pas is a supporting element. It shows malice."

We talked about her growing up as a recognisable face... being asked for
autographs... being stared at... the occasional stalker type... it stunted
her social life.

"I tried to do things everybody does... have a date... dinner... you
know. Drawing attention to being a `couple' wasn't always welcome. Some
guys were at times thrilled to be `seen' with me which didn't go over well
for me. There have been few guys I was close to... sex was sometimes
awkward and mostly it wasn't worth repeating."

A smile on her beautiful face, "A few men were delightful in bed... too
few."

Jesi laughed and raised those famous eyebrows, "Actually I am a very oral
person... pussy of course!"

A big grin, "I like eating ass... also I like sucking cock. I enjoy the
feel of it in my hands, licking... sucking, manipulating the shaft... I
even like the cum. My first sex with a boy was giving a blowjob... I had
already eaten some pussy.

I was fifteen... the boy and I met at a party... some alcohol and he
happened to have a joint... we went outside... so I was drunk and
stoned... being felt-up by a boy was new... interesting... exciting... I
rubbed his crotch... he got his cock out... my pants open... hands stroking
each other... kissing... he eased my head down... a new experience... I
went with it... an uncut cock in my hands... I closed my mouth over his
cock... I loved the taste of him... the sweet pre-cum... the silky hot
cockhead when I got the foreskin down... he was loving it... I sucked
him... enjoying then he suddenly came in my mouth... I liked that. I stayed
on the cock sucking... he was bouncing up and down... I held on... finally
I let it go and sat up... he pulled me into a kiss with lots of tongue.

That surprised me... his cock... his cum in my mouth? He kissed me for a
few minutes... much tongue! Very enjoyable.

We are sitting on this bench in the garden... my pants wide open... his
around his ankles... his shirt and mine almost off... I asked him about the
kissing.

He said he wasn't afraid of cock... quiet... he told me he had sucked some
cock... like me he enjoyed it. There is a boy at his school... they have
sex. He said the fellow wanted to fuck him but he wasn't sold on the
idea. Not admitting anything I did say in response to his question about
eating pussy that the idea did not turn me off.

We straightened up ourselves... we went inside... I left with my friend and
I did not see him again. A classic... I only know his first name. Robert."

A shrug of her wide shoulders. We laughed when I said he'll go down in her
history as `Robert the cock.''

"Going out with a girlfriend actually was not tough at all... girl's night
out and all that. Socially acceptable."

I told Jesi that I had not been with anybody I truly enjoyed before
Cho... a tiny lie I am good with.

Speaking about being in public as we both often were...

"My being in public draws folks but my Protectors are adept at shielding
me... what really makes it easy is the lack of information about us."

I laughed, "Celebrity... has the down side of moths to the light..."

Jesi giggled, "Moths! Good! They certainly aren't butterflies."

We both laughed.

Jesi, "I was having a `thing' with an actress... she had a high profile at
the time... popular movies... we made some trips together. One to a Mexican
beach resort got us photographed... me topless which is one of those `hot'
things for paparazzi. Big money for those pictures!

It also ended my time with her. She did not want to be tagged as
lesbian. That made me more wary."

"I have not had the `nude' or tiny bikini snaps taken... I rarely go to a
public beach and then usually in shorts."

Jesi motioned around, "Here... people could sneak in with all this dense
foliage."

I shook my head, "No paparazzi here. Getting in here... Its been tried but
not by photographers... by much worse and more determined people. They
paid.

The house ownership is in the name of a corporation. No one knows we own
it."

Jesi liked that.

"Besides our security would kill them."

Jesi's big eyed look made me laugh, "Only in the metaphorical sense."

Deciding not to tell the story... in an abundance of caution.

She laughed.

Back to her story, "I have moved into more acting and less modelling. If
for no other reason I like the interaction between actors. People working
with you in a completely different manner from a photographer telling you
how they want you to pose."

"A good reason. The work is much different and yet the same... cameras
aimed at you. Obviously cameras do not bother you."

"They don't bother you either. Your interview with the BBC was awesome. You
were in charge I could see that."

I gave Jesi the BTS on my clothes and the stockings with the leg crossing.

She loved it, "That's how to do it... deflect men... terrific."

"It was a bit of fun... I take interviews seriously so once we
started... all business. Cho and I do not do many interviews... it is
sometimes necessary."

Jesi nodding when I told her we do not do much public speaking either. Our
visit to the Southern Assembly recounted. The Twins working their `fist
bump' education plan brought a laugh.

"We could give a speech every night given the number of requests we get."

"I saw a BBC piece on your speech last year at that military veterans
dinner... they were very very complimentary."

"I did that after the Defence bill brouhaha and in aid of the election. It
went over well in the room full of military types! I believe I got them to
think about their vote rather than automatically marking the tory box."

Gil came close... She had something... I excused myself. Jesi's hand
stroking up my leg as I climbed over her. A grin.

"The PA's meeting is on! Sage and Arlette will be in Bangkok in ten days."

Perfect! Shortly afterwards I am flying to London for the Lords, Sage and
Arlette can fly back with me, having a few days here to see Bangkok.

Fist bump!

It is set for me to meet Chakkri and Pelly in Korat while we are at the
Forest Palace.

Gil had good news! I patted that cute bare bum!! Giggles.

I looked out to the lounge where I left Jesi... someone had joined
her... in-between those lovely legs!

In the dining room back at work Rox brought TJ over. I held the little
man... a cute face, big smile, bubbles when tickled!

She and Tom are so happy with this bundle.

We talked babies... they are still aiming for late winter 2021 for another
one.

"Fay, it will wonderful to be at Christmas maybe twice."

I suggested they plan to stay though the Big Day! Rox is up for that.

"TJ's nurse is welcome... We have lots of help and plenty of space for a
young man to run around in... So if you wanted she could have the holiday
off?"

Rox's arm around my neck... kiss!

"Marvellous thought! Thank you! Tom and I will talk with her."

Grinning, "I was also thinking of Tom and Cho playing more golf."

Another kiss!

A big yawn from TJ.

"I'm going to put him down for his nap."

We kissed again.

She is using my room, a large bassinet there for TJ.

A call from Morgan... "Fay, the hotel on Robeson Street in Vancouver you
wanted... Done!"

"Wonderful! Banff?"

"Working on it. We will get there."

I thanked her and her team.

Gil and Chelle looking over... I said Vancouver with a fist pump up and
down!

They cheered.

Vancouver is a beautiful city! Tonnes of places to go and things to
investigate!

Banff would be a very good addition to our portfolio... or at sometimes it
would... wonderful summer hikes in the mountain meadows!! Then the white
stuff came down for those who like that sort of thing.

I dug into more work... after a few hours I got help putting my things out
of the way of dinner by Tara. We got bottles of beer and walked to the
beach.

Tara and I went down the sand past several couples!! We sat where we had
before against the rocks sipping beer.

"Fay, speaking for the other Protection ladies we do like your doing this."

I squeezed her muscular thigh.

"I enjoy it too. Having to work does take some fun out... `It ain't a
perfect world' but I'll have some pleasures."

I told Tara to be ready for a lot of flying... back and froth for the
Lords, trips to see new shelters and Mirabelle stores, racing and to
Russia.

Tara grinning, "We did hear a bit of your time with the Korean government
fellows... we can guess a stop or two there also."

"Quite likely... it is all up in the air at the moment."

My bottle empty... Tara's too so we headed back to see about dinner.

Pha had lots of cooks in the kitchen with her. It looked organised so I
stayed away.

Email from Carter... Nathan and Shayna did ask for a car to go to the
synagogue next month for their wedding.

I replied I supposed it should be two cars so the bride remains hidden
until the ceremony? Our providing two is fine!

Also can we send flowers to the synagogue and any food for their reception
maybe? Taittinger's?

Gil wandered in to park beside me... she looked at the email.

"Fay..." A big grin, "Do not worry I will not tell anyone your secret..."

I looked up... "... that you're a very nice boss."

I laughed, "I knew all that sparing the rod would come back on me."

We laughed and hugged.

Dinner... kitchen workspaces covered in dishes filled with lovely food!
Grilled tofu with peanut sauce is where I started, fragrant rice with
several different curried veggie choices, roti. Another Brown... sitting
between Malee and Jesi.

I got a few questions from the table... several about meeting the Queen. I
said she is gracious... she enjoys her grandchildren and their babies. The
Twins like her... she sits to talk with them. Heads shaking over that.

Rox asked about my titles... I tried to explain the `system' to the
Americans. Jesi has a few in her family tree so she helped. I tried to
describe Cho's knighthood and how the Parliament made him a citizen so the
GBE would be substantive rather than honourary after Prince Charles did
some encouraging.

How my titles affected the babies was another question. Chani would be Lady
Chanthira for her entire life unless she married a man with an equal or
higher title than mine.

Charlie is easier he is the heir to all my titles.

The idea I spent time with the Queen and other Royals is amazing to my
friends. The Americans being as excited for me as the Brits.

Jesi is around celebrities all the time... in her world there are
friendships with people like Rihanna, Elton John, Selena Gomez, several of
the younger Royals, movie stars... she hangs with Taylor Swift some and
Gigi, a big bunch of the world's most glamorous models and clothes
designers. She has homes in Great Britain, Los Angeles and New York.

Lots of questions about all that for her. I played with her tush... some
squirming and laughing!

After dinner I got a large Amaretto... walking with Jesi on the beach.

"Fay, this is a wonderful thing you do..."

I reminded her about the `husbands' not far away playing golf. Having their
fun!

"Wow I forgot... they really know all?"

I said of course.

I asked if any of her `girl or boyfriends' ever wanted her to be
monogamous?

"Yes... On my side I haven't found one who inspires me to commit. I love
them but not the `always' kind of love."

Jesi said her old flames are a mix of actors and musicians, a few `A list'
types and not.

"If I go out with someone especially a guy and we are in the least bit
close... maybe a kiss then I am described as `dating' them... or `lovers'
perchance... no matter if we are truly friends. Being a friend becomes
dangerous for them."

"Cho and I being married is a bright line so those sort comments don't
apply."

"Well being a Marchioness will put off anyone from getting snarky."

"True up to a point... those who might try it on would be advised to look
up our response to people messing with us."

"Oh you mean the Telegraph? They were pretty foolish."

"Very foolish... we are suing them for two billion �'s"

A big grin on my face.

Jesi laughed.

We sat on the soft sand with our drinks... the lights hanging in trees
making shadows move in the light breeze.

"Fay, this is a nice place."

"We like it... a secure house with a safe beach... space to play and off
the beaten track but easy to get to... a forty or fifty minute flight from
Bangkok.

Prince William and Kate with their kids spent some time here two years
ago."

"Do you socialise with the Royals?"

"We have done some. The Queen has visited Harcourt House twice in the weeks
before Christmas. William and Kate visited us there and they have an open
invitation come out to ride. Harry and Meg have been out several
times. They have used another of our houses for short getaways. Harry came
to a cocktail party at Cowley House shortly before their marriage.

We do not go Palace soirees... nor are we big `society' party goers
preferring our friends and family. Christmas at Harcourt House is a
non-stop whirl of visitors... They come in batches.... Some go riding with
me or golf with Cho. The Twins have friends out all the time. The same ones
who in Bangkok now.

We have several of our closest friends about five miles away from Harcourt
House in an Elizabethan manor house we own. They have three kids in two
couples... an unusual arrangement like many around us... it is based in
love."

Jesi smiling hearing the last.

The lights floating in the gentle wind showed the smile on Jesi's face on
and off.

"How do you describe yourself to yourself?"

I laughed, "I am released."

A quizzical look...

Smiling, "Cho was the instigator of the end my chrysalis... I emerged from
my cocoon."

I held my arms open.

Jesi paused then she got it... a hug and a kiss.

We walked up to the house.

Gil had my iPhone... an email from Cho... the Cho Family banks just closed
on the purchase the St. Petersburg based VTB Bank. We had discussed sending
the Russian generals another message... investing in the Russian economy!
Our money saying something out loud.

The VTB Bank interested Cho for some time... it is good in emerging markets
especially in Eastern Europe, investing in start-ups and a broad range of
equities. They have an excellent record and no oligarchs are involved not
that they have much power these days after being forcibly divested by the
General's leadership.

We made the deal with the Russian Federal Agency for State Property
Management who held sixty percent of the company. They wanted out from the
banking business.

Cho's email said the VTB Bank CEO will make a public announcement the day
after tomorrow when their board will gather in St. Petersburg.

This is a very promising investment... Cho is happy about it.

Gil, "Fay, sorry to interrupt you and Jesi. I am sure you would want to
know."

A kiss for her cheek, "You did right. This is another important step
towards a bigger goal."

I sat to reply to Cho. I am certain I will be making trips to Russia so I
can stop at the VTB Bank headquarters to see the people.

It is late now...

Tara came into the dining room... I'd asked her to. I slipped my arm
through hers as we walked to my room. TJ asleep in the basinet, Rox and
Rona sleeping together. I laid back against Tara... one strong arm draped
over me... sleep.

I am the first in the room to wake...

I swam for twenty minutes in the early morning sun... the level in my
coffee cup going down... heading for more. Pha working on breakfast with
Pam and Doc. Kisses for them.

After eating... Gil and Chelle with me for work. Lots of construction
reports from the many new locations for Mirabelle and the shelters. Now
reports from Brookhaven arriving!

Also more information on the personnel we are hiring.

Lots of NewsGroup things!! Apple, Levis and other Boards of Directors I am
on now sending bits to me.

A request from the Natural History for me to join their board... I asked to
reply with a conditional `Yes.' They needed to know I will be glad to but I
am on the move a great deal so if I can attend meetings remotely it will
make the proposition work.

Feedback from several American sources about the Universal Basic Income
idea. Many sides to this...

Beyond how much to allot there is the frequency? Taxes to support it? Then
who administers it, accountability. What should the individual fifty states
contribute?

Possible fallout has to be considered like... employers need to be
discouraged from seeing it as a way to hold down on wages or sleazy payday
lenders being barred from loaning against the money coming to mention only
two of many more.

Every programme to aid those in need has so many people who want to control
it... less is more for sure in this case.

The NewsGroup newspapers know they are to pay attention to the issue,
report where it is proper and share information.

A UK version needs to be passed. Labour has made a start but they need to
be `goosed' to move more quickly. I had Julian email the NewsQuest
publishers and editors after a call to him, asking for them to do some
reporting on the current state of UBI in Great Britain and what Labour
proposes also the sense of Parliament for passage.

I expressly had Julian point them towards the New Economics
Foundation... they have done a good deal of research in this area and are
expected to release a report soon.

I also requested via Julian they do an assessment of the tories pathetic
Universal Credit program which appears to do a great deal of damage to
families. Another shameful failure dressed up as a good.

I sent to Julian comments by tories about how a UBI discouraged people
working and how false that is when any UBI will not be enough by itself to
support families. It is not `welfare' it is a boost.

The whole point is to help people have a stable life. Why should that be
controversial? In the long run if people are healthier and able to sustain
themselves the entire society benefits!!

Its cheaper than locking them up! Cheaper than spending more on health care
when we could make people healthier on their own.

Decision-makers need to disregard the whingers on the right-wing as they
never want to be good citizens or help people... they're even often against
free public education.

Onto American news... I spent time looking at the multiple bills in
Congress on gun control. Some amendments have been proposed with `get outs'
for the gun making industry and gun dealers... No way!

I emailed all our American newspaper publishers and TV news people to make
sure they knew about those possible changes and please campaign against
them. Rise the temperature further on members of Congress to do it
properly!

This is a public health crisis in America! Getting control of gun violence
is an absolute necessity... when school children have to practice hiding
from murderers you have reached a nadir.

Time to fight back.

Sage sent me some items from the Lords. Committee meetings, a slightly
changed schedule. Some papers to read from the House administrators in PDF
format. That is not a format I like... too easy for scumballs to make the
documents into intrusive weapons.

I looked... they appeared by title to be excellent soporifics.

Enough of this... I saw Rox taking TJ in for a nap. I told Gil and Chelle
timeout for now and followed Rox.

TJ is a cute boy... all settled in the basinet. Eyes closed.

I quietly made a mildly indecent suggestion to Rox... a huge smile... she
grabbed my hand. We kissed and tumbled onto the bed.

Kissing took a bit of time... we enjoyed each others lips with roaming
hands thrown in.

I started to work my way down Rox's torso... she stopped me... we turned in
reverse and began at the vagina level.

I worked Rox's clit with my tongue... fingers wet entering her warm
channel... Rox's hips moving... mine too as her mouth and fingers returned
the favours. I tried to stick my face inside her with a wagging
tongue... that brought out several loud moans.

I am doing some moaning too! This is fun!

I stroked Rox's milky boobs... avoiding any squeezing or sucking. I found
out her nipples are very sensitive to the point of soreness because of TJ's
suckling's.

We kept it up for a while... a good sweat! We orgasmed a few times
each... face to face big smiles... kissing!!

"Thank you Fay. Wonderful!! Its like going back to my teen years of
exploratory sex... finding the passion being with a girl!"

A kiss, "Come on let's swim!"

Holding hands we sprinted to the water after checking on TJ. Side-by-side
we swam out to the rocks and back.

Grinning at the several couples on the sand making love as we walked back
to the house. In the kitchen I made coffee for us.

TJ still sleeping... we sat to talk... family and golf tournaments. She
will come to New York for the Chanthira Foundation golf tournament in
September.

"We'll have some fun in the city."

Fist bump!

Rox collected TJ... back in the living room...  he looks happy. He latched
on a nipple right away.... tiny fingers squeezing... those almost
transparent little finger nails!!

Their small family doing so well...

"Fay, it is not a fairy tale but we do enjoy ourselves."

"Are you still getting pestered by reporters for interviews?"

"Some... several TV shows have asked several times... I do not feel their
audiences fit with Tom and I so I have passed. The Arizona Republic have
asked... we are going to have them out to the house the first week of
March.

It is a before the start of the serious time of the American golf
season... a month to the Masters... We suppose that is the rationale behind
their request."

"I was informed by Cho that Tom's last two years are well beyond what any
golfer has ever done. He is making history each time he goes to a
tournament."

Rox laughed, "Well history is good... Tom is enjoying himself which is what
counts."

A kiss!

Gil had my iPhone... a call... Gina!

"Fay, I'm a grandmother! A healthy boy born two hours ago."

My congratulations to her daughter-in-law and their son plus George and
herself.

"Alexander George are his two names."`

"Good strong boy names! I am in Phuket sitting beside Roxanne Angleten
Tom's wife... Yes I'll tell her. Anything we can do?"

Gina, "No... they have been preparing for eighteen months... a long run
up... their house is a gigantic nursery."

Laughing I said I can sympathize.

"Our two are doing very well. Happy and healthy... No not here... they are
in Bangkok with a crowd of their friends while I am here with lady friends
and Cho has their partners over on a golf course."

I explained we have done this three times now... a late winter break for
the northern hemisphere folks.

More congratulations passed along. We did goodbyes.

"Gina sent congratulations to you... she knows about TJ and more to Tom for
his successes. We should get you together with them sometime. Gina and
George are terrific folks."

"I remember seeing George on TV at the Concord Classic... he's a banker?"

"Yes, that is how Cho knows him. They have done deals together and share
the love of golf.

They hosted us after the tournament to change before the ball that night. A
nice house in the hills above Hollywood.

Gina recommended some interior decorators... we used a few of their ideas
for a new house in Topanga Canyon."

"Tom liked the Bel Air course. A bit quirky he said."

"We should get together in Los Angeles some time so Cho can take him there
for another go around. He's a member there."

Fist bump.

Lunch is nearly ready... hungry folks coming in from various
locales. Smiling faces... beautiful bodies!

Once lunch was cleared away I took the dining room over again.

Email from Francis and Morgan... our purchase of Sticky Blouse, the company
that makes the very good modesty adhesive pads for under clothes to prevent
down-blouse views is finalised. They are based in Brooklyn, New York. I
will make a visit when we are back there.

I want to have them in our Mirabelle stores. One set as a gift to all women
buying a suit or jacket, more to sell.

I replied with a thank you for getting this done!

Our first `accessory' in the stores. And we own it! This at least fits what
we do directly. They will sell themselves.

Tara and Tessa came into the dining room in bikinis with Heckler & Koch
rifles, Kara behind likewise arrayed...

Tara, "Fay, we have a boat outside the cove entrance lurking near the shark
netting. The video shows there are weapons onboard.

We..." her hand motioning to her companions, "... are going that
way. Please gather everyone up on the deck close to the house."

Pha handed Tara a pair of binoculars. She had a rifle too.

"The front gate?"

"Nothing there but two security women are going that way with Angie. Gaby
and Sae are going to stay with you. Alba and Pha with the other ladies."

Sae's cute face in a big grin handing me a Glock and a clip. I laughed as
Tara said they knew I could handle it.

I asked Gil to make calls... to the Security Police office here and the
Cho-Fay base at Phuket airport for a drone.

Also I requested a bikini, also for Gaby and Sae I called out to her
back... a wave.

Gaby, Alba, Sae and I walked around bringing everyone up to the house. I
certainly surprised my friends with a Glock in my hand. Gaby and Sae had
their rifles in hand.

Once in a bikini I slipped the clip into the front of my bottoms. I took
Gaby and Sae with me down to the tree line at the beach... I could see Tara
and Tessa at the rocks on the western end of the cove. Kara working her way
up the south side rocks her rifle on her back.

Sae had a walkie-talkie... Tara said the boat is still out there... it
looked like they tried to ride over the barrier but failed... the men
keeping it close to the net barrier with a gaff hook.

Gil's calls to the Security Police in Phuket on the hot-line given to me
after the last event here had them responding. A wing drone from the
Cho-Fay Air base is en route to be on station over the water south of the
boat.

At my yell Gil came down with an iPad... she linked up to the audio-video
feed of the drone. I smiled when the screen's information panel on the
bottom showed Shelby is flying the drone.

She is in position... high over the water south of the boat it is fully
armed. I queried Shelby... Yone is standing behind her... she is cleared to
use all her weapons...

Shelby zoomed her camera in on the boat...

It looks like some kind of fishing boat... aft there is a big open work
space, a centred forward pilothouse, raised prow... A mast with a lifting
apparatus and winch at the base behind the pilothouse.

There is a hobbyist's drone sitting on the deck... we got no drone
alert... our signal suppressor must have stopped them from using their
drone. Several handguns and rifles on the deck nearby. One fellow up front
with a rifle looking towards our cove.

I had Sae tell Tara about him... Tara replied Tessa has him in her
sights. Good.

Sae is also monitoring the Security Police frequency... a helicopter with
an armed SWAT team is on the way... ETA four minutes. A Police fast-boat is
coming...

Tara, "An acetylene torch just fired up. Yes... They appear to be trying to
cut the steel cabling holding the net in place..."

I had Sae hold the walkie-talkie up so Tara could hear what I
said... "Shelby, the aft part of the boat is empty... fire your minigun
into the open deck there to disable its engine."

I got a `Yes, M'Lady.'

Gil, Gaby, Sae and I watched the drone's video of the minigun ripping up
chunks of the aft deck. The intruders amidships starboard working on the
netting were shocked... they jumped and jostled each other. The man with
the torch is bumped... overbalanced he fell overboard with the flaming
nozzle.

The fellow up front raising his rifle is knocked flat by a beanbag. Another
man pulled out a handgun looking for someone to shoot... he swung around
looking aft... he is knocked to the deck by a beanbag round!

Damn Shelby can do this superbly!!

Shelby could not give orders to the intruders and be sure they
understand... she does not speak Thai... Shelby's voice telling them to lie
face down on the deck! One fellow moves to follow her order... he
understands English! He is waving to the others...

The men are afraid of the drone... they should be... they try to hide
behind the pilothouse rather than lie down...

The boat is taking on water... listing a bit to port... not very much.

A loud whirring noise said the Security Police helicopter is here... Sae
spoke to the officer in charge... he got what has occurred.

We could hear him using the aircraft's hailer to order the men to move to
the bow and lie down on their bellies... Anyone not following orders will
be shot.

The overboard fellow crawled over gunwale... the others say something to
him... he turned off the acetylene torch gas tank then goes forward to join
them lying down. The two beanbag targeted men are sitting up looking a good
bit worse for wear.

The Security Police helicopter moved close so three men could rappel down
to the boat. I watched through the drone video as the intruders were
cuffed.

One of the police men went aft for a look... the list is not increasing
dramatically. He said something to his officer over his headset.

The officer said to us he is going to have the boat towed by the police
fast-boat which is in sight coming rapidly out from Patong Bay.

The fast-boat crew with the Security Police officers transferred the
captured intruders to their craft and tied a tow rope to the bow of the
disabled boat. The intruder's boat is pulled around by the tow... they
moved off to the police dock in the khlong at the south end of Patong Bay.

The officer on the helicopter said a Security Police team will be en route
to our location by vehicle to do some fact gathering. I said we will be
available.

I thanked him for aiding us. Captain Sawatdee introduced himself. He said
he was at our house when the robbers tried their tricks two years ago. He
is going to interview to these new clowns.

I said we would want to know why they choose our house. Sawatdee said that
is at the top of his list of questions.

He said General Keren will get their reports.

"Miss Martin, I like your little drone friend."

I laughed saying they are very nice friends.

Goodbyes...

The helicopter turned away.

I spoke to Shelby, "Shelby, you have to give other folks a chance at
diversions."

Laughing, "M'Lady, I take them as they come. I'm just lucky."

We said goodbyes after my thanks.

I asked Gil to make sure everyone is clothed... guests coming.

Tara, Tessa and Kara came up from the beach... grins.

Kara patting her rifle... "Too bad... we could use some target practice."

We laughed. Kisses for my three ladies.

I checked the time... Cho and his buddies would be on the golf course for a
bit... I will wait to tell him.

At the house everyone is dressed in shorts and tops or bikinis... they are
told what happened and some police people are coming to ask us about the
event.

 All the guns are put away. Gil came close to show me two snaps she had
taken of me with the Glock and clip.

"Should I erase them?"

"Send them to me then erase yours."

Done!

Pha is making tea and getting out some biscuits in case our police guests
want refreshment. I could use a cup!

Montaigan calling... "Grandpere how are you?"

Laughter... "I am fine. Can you give me a lift to Bangkok for a visit with
the Kerens?"

"Of course." I waved to Gil, "... when did you want want to fly?"

"Soon because Yuri cannot come here until some political things happen in
Russia."

"Hold for one second..." Gil beside me, "... Call Penn about a flight from
Martinique to Don Mueang for Yves... soon as possible."

A smile and a thumbs up.

"Gil is calling to get a pick up day and time. We will call you back with
the information."

"D'accord. And thank you."

I said he is very welcome and goodbyes.

Gil on her iPhone with Penn.

Sae's smiling face, "Fay, there is a car at the gate... the team there are
opening it after seeing the police ID's."

I thanked her.

Those ladies who had no involvement with our `incident' went swimming or
laying out on the sand while we entertain the police.

I am in shorts and a T-shirt to receive visitors.

Three men and one woman climbed out of their Jeep. A fellow with major's
pip on his shoulders came up... He stopped to bow...

"Ladyship, I am Major Chaikham, deputy to Colonel Panthonag, who you met
here two years ago."

We shook hands.

The Major introduced his companions.

He asked to speak to anyone involved with the intrusion.

I said with my hand motioning.. "We are here..."

I introduced each person and their roles. Tara, Tessa, Kara, Gaby, Alba who
had been on the desk in the security building to start, Pha, Sae and the
two women who went to guard the gate with Angie.

Chaikham said the gate ladies would not be needed unless they saw anything
up there. They said there was nothing. Ours who guarded my guests need not
be interviewed. That left seven of us.

We are paired off with one of the police people with the others waiting.

Before we started I asked Gil to have a drone fly back... it would be
helpful if it is Shelby.

I asked about tea or? Tea is welcome with smiles.

I sat with the major in the living room... we sipped tea as I told him how
I was informed then what actions I ordered to occur.

Chaikham said he had spoken en route from Captain Sawatdee... the intruders
fishing boat made it to the police dock and is being taken out of the
water.

"Captain Sawatdee is doing interviews. He will call with any important
points."

The major got we own the land and ocean rights one hundred feet out from
the shore so the boat was trespassing, the acetylene torch trying to damage
our property and their obvious desire to get into the cove plus the visible
weapons made it necessary to act.

"Our drone pilot is very skilled... she did enough to make the point."

The major smiling, "Ladyship, from what I heard from Captain Sawatdee she
could have easily sunk the boat."

I agreed.

I borrowed Chelle's iPad to show him the the Kentucky drone event. A bit of
explanation about how it was started.

"Ladyship..." I said I am Fay. We shook hands again... he is Jaran.

"That is amazing video. Such wonderful tools."

I said the Security Police may have them at some point.

"Fay, Captain Sawatdee is to press the intruders on why did they choose
your home and what they expected. Also why by boat? Did they scout the
front gate? Or have a look at all?"

I pointed out they had a small drone on board which did not fly over the
estate...

"We have a device on the roof of the Security building that scans for
drones, intercepts their signal and takes over the control of the
drone. Also we have a radio signal suppressor that beams out over the water
approximately one hundred feet to block cell phones and drones.

They were in a dead zone if they tried to use the drone to spy on us. They
would have seen more than a dozen women guests swimming and sun
bathing... our husbands and partners are playing golf a few miles away."

Jaran seemed quite satisfied with my information.

Smiling, "I did some of the interviews with the men who tried to rob you
two years ago... I was a captain then. Those fellows were shocked by the
machinegun fire... it destroyed their morale... they wanted out of here!"

"I can imagine they did. Are they behaving in prison?"

"I do not know that... they caused us no problems here with us. Of course
they did spend time in hospital because of their injuries... very
deflated. They had done a dozen successful robberies before coming
here... they thought of themselves as invincible which is why their fall
was such a crash for them."

To answer his question... "We are here for a few days... our children at in
Bangkok with the children of our friends having fun."

Jaran smiling... he has three, two girls and a boy. All very happy.

We shook hands. He went to see the other police officer's progress.

I thanked Chelle for the iPad.

Gil waved, "Penn is calling Montaigan with a day and time."

"Good. As it is soon he can, if he would like, do some touring around the
city with Chani and Charlie."

Gil grinning, "I think that will appeal to them all."

Fist bump!

I checked on the others being interviewed without disturbing them...

Gil with her iPad connected to the feed from Shelby... the major sat down
with Gil to speak to Shelby.

I went for another cup of tea. Kara in the kitchen... her interview over.

"Fay it was easy... I climbed some rocks and watched the drone mess with
those fools."

We laughed.

"It does sound easy... I didn't do much either."

"You did the commands... very important!"

A cheek kiss.

Gil motioned to me... I sat opposite Chaikham... he is done speaking to
Shelby.

I took the iPad. I asked Shelby to fly over the drive and come down to
about twenty feet or so.

Jaran, his team and I... Gil and Chelle with other ladies looking at the
drone hovering.

I did a basic explanation of how it flies and the various tools onboard and
the pods. At my request Shelby fired a beanbag round at low power in the
dirt at the base of a tree so Chaikham could see one.

I thanked Shelby... she did a wing waggle... lifted up and zoomed away.

I told Chaikham about the velocity of the beanbags being variable at the
operator's discretion as he handled the bag.

"It produces quite a sting on low power... more velocity stuns and can
incapacitate for a short period."

Chaikham, "I like this drone! You certainly can stand-off and still be
effective."

Everyone had tea and a few cookies at the deck tables in the sun. The
policemen liked us... we are interesting and well out of their usual round
of people.

They had what they needed and we said goodbyes.

Pha, Rona, Malee and Doc were doing lunch... even with a few cookies I am
ready!

Rox with TJ for his lunch.

Eve, Ku, Pam, Jesi and Daphne plus a few Protectors are sitting in the sun
with me... questions... some I could answer others I did not have a clue
especially why they so wanted to get in here. The whole boat thing??

If they heard about the truck crashing robbers then they should have known
what happened to them... not that I mentioned that to my guests.

I said we can hope the interrogations gave us the answers.

Eve had a grin... she could see more than the others knowing about the
`secret' things we get up to... deep in the background!

I squeezed her shoulder walking past.

I sat to do some email in the living room... Jesi beside me looking at
hers.

She has quite a few jobs coming walking the runway for multiple designers
fall and winter collections in a week in London then onward for several
weeks... plus special shows in several European cities later. Spring and
summer clothes in the autumn at the various `Fashion Weeks' shows.

"The work on runways goes in a well known cycle between spring/summer and
fall/winter collections... plus resort wear and other special shows. I do
not have any filming until summer... all through June into July it looks
like for an American TV project. I am signed up for several autumn fashion
shoots in California and the fashion weeks.

Another movie to start in November in the Philippines."

"How do you choose which designers to walk for?"

"I have favourites and I have contracts with several for year `round
work. Good money for the latter but they require me being at places they
decide."

Her shoulders shrugged with `I have to be somewhere.'

I asked about movie roles... "I choose what appears to be interesting or
aligned with my personal ideals."

"Does the other roles being filled with actors influence you?"

"I have done projects with people I know. That can be fun. Some actors I
would work with as often as possible others no. The same for
directors. Frequently it is what it is."

As I stroked a slim thigh... "Nudity?"

Jesi laughed, "It has to be an integral part of the story... none of that
famous `gratuitous' nudity."

We laughed.

"I can show my tits any time... I have no qualms about that. I want for a
point to be made towards the story outcome."

I nudge from Jesi, "When your Vogue issue came out I heard lots of comments
from models on how terrific you looked and the choice of outfits. Many
wondered if you would do more shoots."

Smiling, "I have no intentions of violating my amateur standing."

Jesi laughed out loud, "Well from me you are welcome to join in."

Lunch... everyone went into the kitchen to get food.

I walked down to the water to call Cho.

As expected Cho isn't happy but the whole event was well handled so he's
not very upset. How could we anticipate this? We can't but it shows our
systems do work and can respond in the manner we want.

He laughed about Shelby being on duty for another `diversion.' She is on
different shifts... `just lucky' from me to a laugh. I told him I'd emailed
Yone to reward her. It will be done.

The Security Police doing their usual terrific work! I wanted him to
commend Chaikham and Sawatdee to Dad since he's over there with Cho. He
would do!

We are quite interested in the results of the interviews... those should
come sooner this time... no one is incapacitated in hospital.

Telling Cho how Chaikham was impressed with our people and the drones... I
could hear a laugh...

"Fay, Thet and Sumate are the best combination of leadership
types... complimentary skills. We have a superbly run company... doing what
is needed for us and our clients.

Thanks to you we have a very forward thinking R&D programme which does not
just have ideas but actually makes devices we can use."

I thanked Cho for his kind thought, "The entire company knows how we feel,
they are rewarded in many ways which are mostly known throughout the
company.

We see a rising income level from clients beyond our family and business
needs. New clients... some very likely will be with us for decades because
our ethos fits their needs."

His `game' is hot!! "I have lowered the best round scores twice at two
different courses. Beating my own previous scores. The guys are all doing
well. Tom and I are playing off each other... the others rising to the
occasion with low scores some the best they have ever shot."

That sounded wonderful! I asked Cho to congratulate them for me.

Yes we are on for lunch tomorrow! Cho said Kavnu caught a tuna for us!! A
nice big one! I said Pha's cousin had called her about delivery.

We had both gotten texts and emails from the babies with lots of snaps of
the crowd at our Bangkok house. Everyone enjoying play and swimming. And no
it hasn't been burgers and chips at every meal. Amporn put her foot down on
that.

We laughed about our little hosts showing off the train layout... running
the trains with Niran's help.

Love passed over the air waves.

I walked up to the house pushing the phone into the front of my
shorts... that reminded me... I looked at the snaps of my having the
Glock... not as wind-blown as the last time but still looking a bit like
some sort of Laura Croft Tomb Raider girl or my original thought...

For Cho's eyes only like the first one!

A plate of food and a bowl of crisps with dip... a Newcastle Brown Ale.

In the sun with Rona and Malee. Their tummies sticking out with happy faces
above. They had gotten some communications from their kids like me. Funny
snaps and happy texts.

Email from Gregory... he had two ponies... one for Culham, the other for
Villa Les C�dres! They have the same look... deep brown with pale manes
and tail... both male... cousins. He is going to keep both at Harcourt
House for now so they become acclimatised to our methods.

Kenneth the groom at Culham is getting plenty of work on Iris with a few
young ones from our staff, he'll be ready to train Caroline.

Yvonne is going to Villa les C�dres in two days for her first trip... a
sizing up of the task and arranging with Clare for employment
advertisements to be published. Fidelio will work with Yvonne on the hiring
process. Clare is going with Yvonne to meet with Fidelio again. They are
already working on the rise in the staff for the house.

The clean up of the stables has begun.

A call from Carter... "M'Lady, a letter for you from Gatcombe Park. Should
it be sent over-night to you?"

"Carter, please do send it but to the Bangkok house. I am sure I know what
it is about... not pressing."

Carter brought me up-to-date with Shayna and Nathan. Their wedding all set
for the end of the month, cars and champagne from us and the Froyle Cottage
for a few days `honeymoon.'

"M'Lady, my nephew had to offer Shayna another handkerchief when I told
them about your offer of the cottage for them."

Carter said he would arrange with Prasert for Tom and his wife to drive
them down and stay over in the carriage flat. They could go to the Jane
Austen House Museum or any other place they wanted with Tom as their
driver.

"Carter, please arrange some furnishings in the remaining open house on
Harcourt Close for them.

Let them choose the kitchen supplies, linens, dining room, living room and
the master bedroom furniture... we pay for it all.

Hopefully they get the idea it is to be their home."

Carter laughing, "M'Lady, they are intelligent enough to figure it out but
they are likely to still have doubts about the permanence of everything
their being so young and new to us. Their recent domestic upsets so close
in memory will be part of it too I am sure."

"Do what you can to make them feel at home."

He would do so.

We got back to normal... naked in the sun. I went swimming... good to
release some tension. Toting around a Glock... not my idea of a restful
day.

Tara joined me in the shallows.

"Fay, Sae surprised you with the gun didn't she?"

"Yes... Gil took snaps of me with the magazine in my bottoms and gun in
hand."

"Wow! I'd like to see that."

"You will have to look on my phone because it is erased from everywhere
else."

Tara laughed, "I bet it is!"

Fist bump.

Tara enjoying this interlude... she had been with Jesi this morning... "I
wrung a few nice orgasms from her." A shit-eating grin! Fist bump! Tara had
a few orgasms of her own curtesy of Jesi!!

Gil came out... Harry and Meg are at Southwold. Good... some days away from
their usual round of events. It is a house I like... good memories from our
time there! Family and a few `highlights' for the babies. Their first
requests to go to the bathroom... the beginning of the end of diapers!

I thanked Gil for telling me.

Lunch cleared away I went back to the dining room to work. Gil and Chelle
for a while then I chased them off. They did very nice curtseys before
leaving. Giggles over naked curtseys!

I kept on for an hour... finally stopping to swim. Walking down I got some
kisses and hugs. I did a few laps out to the rocks and back then I walked
north into trees. Lovely smell of the flowers... we need to cut some for
the dinner table.

Inside Pha is already working on our evening meal... Rona as always is
helping... Kisses for them. I found a few folks to cut some flowers... I
cleared my things from the dining room. I started to set the table... help
arrived. Pam and Rox!

Jesi came in... she took a handful of silverware. Smiling as she laid them
out... forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right... I said I can
see she was brought up properly. What a laugh for that comment!

"Here's the real test... where does the dessert spoon go?"

Pam and Rox pointed to the right... Jesi said above the charger plate
facing left. Correct! A kiss reward for her.

Laughter for my `Such a well bred young woman!'

A curtsey from Jesi.

Other folks wandered in... they were put to work where needed.

Malee, Doc and Daphne came up with baskets of lovely flowers. We worked
together to make arrangements on the table and sideboards.

Gil, "Fay, Montaigan will be in Bangkok the morning of the day after
tomorrow."

Wonderful! I asked her to tell Cho. Cho will tell Dad. Montaigan can stay
with us for a few days then go to Dad and Phailin. A couple of days for
Phailin to prepare.

We'll wait to tell the Twins.

Dinner! Everyone browsed the choices of fish, veggies, roti and rice. I
filled a plate and snagged a fizzy mango drink. I parked between Jesi and
Tessa. Our little adventure today the main topic of discussion... back and
forth across the table.

Jesi leaned close, "You looked amazing with a gun in your hand..." A laugh
for me when she added "... you looked like Laura Croft in action."

I kept my secret... I am actually a dystopian pirate!!

I did ask everyone to keep today's events a secret. Universal
agreement. Most had only seen the weapons nothing else.

Someone asked Tara if she had ever been shot at... Tara slipped into her
U.S. Marine persona skipping anything about us. Talking about Iraq and
Afghanistan only.

Interestingly... Tara, Tai, Gil, Pha and me are the only ones who were here
two years ago. I caught Tai's eye... She touched her scar... a smile.

We cleared away the dinner in the dining room and kitchen... all hands to
the pumps. Afterwards I had hands full... espresso and Amaretto walking
down to the beach.

Megan and Tai like Gil and Chelle were monogamous this trip. They are
cuddled on the beach. I sat beside them... kisses.

I stroked Megan's beautiful face... "Have you told Tai about your first
meeting with me?"

A smile, "Some."

"So you did you tell her I wrenched a delightful orgasm from you?"

Tai laughed, "Yes I know... Megan still speaks on that `event' saying it
was the first real one she ever had."

I squeezed Tai's arm, "I certainly hope you have added a few for her?"

They both grinned... it looked like Tai had.

Megan, "Fay, it has been wonderful to work for you and Cho. You are such
terrific bosses... like none I have ever heard of before we met. Meeting
you remade my life... I might have stayed in the backwater that is
Louisville... instead you opened the world for me."

She squeezed Tai's hand.

A kiss for Megan's cheek. I thanked her and said she is very welcome.

I walked to the far end of the cove with my remaining Afters... my butt
barely hit the sand when Gil came down from the house on the run...

"Fay... phone call."

I got up to meet her..

"Fay, it is General Alexi Alexievich Sokolov."

She handed me her iPhone.

"General, hello."

"Lady Harcourt, thank you for taking my call. There have several meetings
of the men you met in St. Petersburg. They are of one mind... we will make
public announcements on the elections to a temporary Duma."

I said it is very good news. It is no longer to be a secret which is step
forward they will not be able to backup on. Full commitment!

"Please convey my felicitations to the them. I did say we would be pleased
to do many public things to further your decision. What can we do at this
point to help?"

"Thank you! We would ask you to speak to your personal contacts in the
governments of America, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Canada
and Japan... please tell them of the decision and we will welcome any
suggestions from them on our chosen path."

"I will do that right away. Do you want their contact with you via their
embassies? It would seem a natural way to begin."

"That would be fine. Their ambassadors are well known to us. Our
representatives in their capitals will be informed and instructed to be
welcoming to approaches.

The announcements in the following days about the new Duma... the people
will learn it is to modify the constitution to make a true democratic
document. All parties will be invited to take part. The government will
provide assistance to each party and bar any monies from outside our
country.

The mass meetings and TV shows that will be broadcast... everyone will
receive equal time and we will be sure to maintain a strict hands-off
policy... fair treatment for all."

"I look forward to speaking in Moscow or any other forum... in public or on
TV... I will fly to any location you think is valuable."

"Lady Harcourt, I can say General Verchansky most earnestly desires you
participate however you can. You have a world-wide identity which is
invaluable to promote the vision of the people taking part... we hope
seriously.

Your fluent Russian will surprise and delight the people... that an English
aristocrat could communicate directly with them will have a outsized
impact."

"Good. Now that you are going public I will make phones calls and wait to
hear what else we can do. Congratulations on embarking on this voyage... we
do hope Russia becomes a beacon for other countries to light their path to
follow you."

"Thank you. You have an amazing way with words I am very glad you want to
be on our side."

Goodbyes.

Gil's arm around my waist squeezing.

"Fay, I think I got it all. Wonderful."

"It means they have crossed the Rubicon! Please check out the current time
in Paris, Berlin, London and Washington... I want to make those calls
tonight."

"On it!"

Walking up... more espresso!

Chelle... I asked her to be a sort of guardian at the living room
entrance... I wanted to make the calls here. A kiss.

Coffee and Gil with a list. Berlin first!

I dialled the private line Angela Merkel had given me. She picked
up... happy to hear from me.

I spun out my story... I sensed her excitement...

"Fay, you have worked a miracle! Straight talk to the highest
level... simple and brilliant."

I told her I will speak directly to all Russians at a rally in Red Square.

"Angela, General Alexi Alexievich Sokolov gets the idea of promoting the
elections is necessary... they cannot just expect the people to be
enthusiastic after being let down many times."

"Fay, please tell us if there is anything we can do to assist."

"I will... to start I am going to speak directly all the great democracies
leaders then it would be important if you all spoke to each other."

"Of course! Who are you starting with?"

"I am in Phuket so I will go through Europe first... I will call Keir
Starmer next then President Macron. Hillary after Prime Minister
Trudeau. In the morning here Mr. Turnbull in Canberra and Ms. Ardern in
Wellington followed by Prime Minister Abe in Tokyo."

"I will make calls myself tomorrow morning following up on your initial
calls."

I thanked her.

She is doing very well... "Fay, I heard about your contribution to the
Wannsee Memorial. It was very generous. People here were very surprised
that you would know and appreciate the museum."

I laughed, "I have eclectic tastes in museums. Our Twins have learned to
love how museums can gather and save history so they can enjoy it!"

"I would love to meet them. I have read they are incredibly smart and
gregarious."

"They are and it will special for you to meet them. They want to return to
Berlin to make a donation to the Museum f�r Vor- und
Fr�hgeschichte. They truly enjoyed the displays and the breadth of
various cultures covered."

"I would like to be there so please keep me abreast of the scheduling for
your visit."

"We will be very happy to see you."

Our families both are doing well... goodbyes.

I dialled Keir Starmer. We spoke for ten minutes... he got everything,
asked a few questions and understood we would be using our resources for it
all.

"Fay, you never fail to amaze with you two being so generous."

He made the same offer of assistance whenever it is appropriate.

Keir is obviously pleased and very encouraging.

President Macron also very encouraging.

"Fay, you are pushing against a big rock... it is moving... you have
momentum! If there is anything we can do to aid you please let me know."

I thanked him saying once things are more clear I may call upon him.

Thanks from him for calling and keeping him in the loop. Goodbyes.

Prime Minister Trudeau I have not met... he welcomed my call.

"Your Ladyship, I am sure the others will say the same... contact us if
there is something we can do no matter how small to move this forward. You
are making headway where few would have thought possible."

I moved him to `Fay.'

I thanked him for the congratulations. I added we are being more involved
in Canada these days... Mirabelle stores and Chanthira Foundation
shelters. The new R&R Scheme locations in the west.

Also several likely water projects in the western provinces.

He knew about the water projects... the stores, hotels and shelters were
not on his radar. He is pleased about it all.

"Fay, you and Sir Cho have a deserved reputation for quality and probity
which I admire."

More thanks and goodbyes.

Hillary's voice sounding quite pleased, "Fay, excellent news! I will ask
our ambassador to speak to the generals with an offer of
assistance... leaving it up to them about what and whether they want
anything to be public.

We do not need to cause any issues internally for them by sounding our horn
on whatever to do with this. Our Russian friends can be quite touchy."

I said I thought that very wise.

"I believe the generals are, as their dossiers pointed out, typical members
of their particular class which is patriotic and somewhat stiff-necked
about it and prideful.

Would you please, when you speak to other leaders, bring that out."

"I will indeed. We need to stand back while doing any support for the
process."

I laughed, "General Milanovski laughed when I said I wanted to move them
without pushing."

Hillary joined in with my laughter.

"Fay, I like the way you do business!"

Hillary mentioned she had heard from the Secretary of the Treasury about
the Cho Family Banks buying the Russian VTB Bank.

Me, "It is our subtle way of signalling to the Russian Generals our
intentions towards Russia's future. A plus is Cho believes the deal will be
an excellent money maker."

A laugh, "You two are remarkable!"

I brought up the measurements for a Mirabelle suit. She asked what I
needed... I reminded her what body parts needed to be included. I could
hear a chuckle when I mentioned the fun our family had measuring each other
for Christmas clothes.

We did goodbyes after Hillary got who I would be calling in the morning.

I called off Chelle being the guard.

Gil grinning, "You want coffee?"

"Oh yes! Thank you!"

I called Cho... I'd texted him about the Russians and I'd get back to him
after I made my calls.

"Loved one... This has gone beyond promising... edging into the bright
light of reality. I am glad those you spoke with them about understanding
the go softly approach. Putting someone's nose out of joint would hurt."

I mentioned I loved him very much... all of him! I also offered to make a
physical demonstration of same! My offer accepted! We laughed. He continues
to play well... Tom is stroking the ball superbly.

I would pass that on to Rox. Goodnights with love.

I rubbed my ear... it felt hot. Enough for tonight!

I sipped my espresso... Gil wisely brought an Amaretto too!

It is late... I'd seen a few folks going by and stopping at the doorway
earlier. I guess they've drifted off to bed.

Amaretto in hand I walked outside... a clear night. The slightest of a
chill breeze... Tessa laying on a lounge... I sat beside her.

"Fay, all those calls..."

In the low light I could see her eyes looking a question.

I said they were all about Russia and the generals agreeing move towards
democracy. I told her who I'd been calling.

A smile, "I like you are so easy about dealing with those..." air finger
quotes, "... world leaders."

A shrug... at this point there is no choice. I asked if she wanted to go to
Russia?

Yes... "It has to be interesting even if our nations are not buddies."

"Maybe in the future we will be. The Russian people deserve much more from
their government then they've had. A boot on your neck wears thin after a
dozen centuries I would think.

I reject the idea the Russians cannot decide as free citizens what they
want."

"Well I will be happy to go."

Fist bump!

Smiling I asked about Nelly.

"Fay, she is so sweet and sensible! Her working for Anna W. has not given
her a hard shell... she says it has rather given her a better appreciation
for all the many types of humans.

Nelly says Anna plays hardball when necessary but she isn't nasty like some
have portrayed her. Anna has a set of standards she doesn't like to deviate
from without good cause. Being demanding shouldn't be seen as a fault."

Tessa laughed, "Like you!"

I said `Thanks... I think.'

Laughter.

"You and Cho have made your personal standards part of how you approach
business, philanthropy and life. There is no reason for you to compromise."

Fist bump!

"Okay for that now what about you two? Does Anna know?"

A big smile, "Nelly told her. Anna is good. She did say long-distance
relationships require more work.

We know that... we have factored it in from the start."

Her face softened, "Fay we are good together."

My eyebrows up!

A laugh, "Yes the sex is amazing... fulfilling. We can talk, enjoy things
together like movies... we both like to read. Music is a real bond. We mesh
and compliment each other.

We have decided to take what we can get for now. I love my work as Nelly
does hers."

A big shrug.

Fist bump!

"I think PJ and Eloise are taking the same course as yourselves."

"Fay, Eloise is wonderful. We all like her a lot."

I mentioned I have not seen Tessa be with anyone here so far...

"Fay, we haven't made any vows to monogamy but I feel I shouldn't... so I
have kissed some... some petting that is all. No one minded my limits."

Smiling... another fist bump!

Tessa came in with me... Rox and Ni intertwined asleep on half of the big
bed. TJ sound asleep in the basinet beside Rox.

Tessa on her side... my butt against her pelvis and her breasts warm on my
back. One arm over me... I had her wrist pulling it close. Her hand cupped
a breast. I am out almost immediately.

First awake as always... I slipped out and ran down to swim after punching
the DeLonghi into life. A half dozen laps to the rocks then sluicing the
water off walking up.

Sae coming off a shift in the Security Building. We got coffees and I
opened a Fortnum and Mason biscuit tin.

We are munching when Pha came down the passage.

"Do not spoil your appetites... something special for breakfast."

We watched as Pha brought out two big flat griddles... they fit on the
range top gas burners, milk, eggs, butter, loaves of cut white bread... so
American! I put it all together... no shit!

Pha laughing, "Have you have guessed it!"

 She's pointing to a cabinet... I opened it... four bottles of Canadian
maple syrup!!

She got a kiss. Pha said she talked to Dolores!!

"Fay, I got her method. I tested it on Anodo and Ty... they loved it!"

I told Sae she is in for a treat.

I went into my room to wake Tessa... she sat bolt upright when I whispered
the breakfast menu. We hugged.

I got more coffee before the crush... Pha is working... I took a spatula to
help... grinning we did a hip bump!

We are attracting a crowd... my lady Protectors, Gil, Chelle are
jazzed. Soon Pha and I were handing out plates of lovely French toast!
Butter melting! The maple syrup pouring!

Pha said she had enough to make three pieces for everyone. Pha and I cooked
for a first go around... we grabbed ours... syrup!

At the table smiles and big thank yous to Pha for the idea and me for
helping.

We went back after eating ours to make the second round.

The toast is great! Pha said she asked a few of our housekeepers and cooks
what is a favourite breakfast meal of mine... French Toast came out right
away from Dolores!

Pha smiling, "I had to have Dolores send me the maple syrup. No one here
even knew what it is."

A thank you kiss for her.

Everyone is filled up with the sweet goodness... many volunteers to do the
clean up.

I reminded the crowd the men will be here for lunch so a general clean-up
and clothes needed to be on.

More coffee then Gil with me and Chelle doing some work then being the door
warden again.

I started my calls for the morning.

The contact with Mr. Turnbull in Canberra is first. We do not know
him... he knows us! I thanked him for the praise he voiced.

I told him The Company is looking at several more water projects in
Australia... he asked if he could be in the loop for what is happening. I
said I would make sure of it. Gil made a note.

He is quiet listening to my Russian information... "Your Ladyship, this
sounds quite the substantial project! You are putting yourself out
there... I am sure you will be successful."

I thanked him for the confidence.

"We intend to push forward... the goal is so worthwhile."

He like the others offered whatever help that might be appropriate. He
joined in on that in a big way. I responded with thank yous... we will be
in touch.

Goodbyes!

Ms. Ardern in Wellington is also new to us. She likewise knew about us and
the water projects on the two islands.

"Your Ladyship, those two projects are very successful. Quite meaningful
results for the money invested."

"Please call me Fay."

"Jacinda."

My Russian news is only a partial surprise. New Zealand is a member of the
Five Eyes so they had all the intelligence America, Britain, Canada and
Australia possessed.

"Fay, the generals response is very encouraging. Once they get started it
will incredibly difficult for them to back away."

"Yes... they have reached that point. We believe they decided going ahead
is the only sensible path... I certainly fostered the idea Russia advancing
could only be done under a democratic form of government."

"Very far-sighted of you."

"Trying to grease the wheels. Russian generals are not a free-thinking
crowd."

Jacinda laughed, "Maybe they will loosen up if you spend some time with
them."

"I expect to as they have accepted my offer to speak frequently around
their country. A very big one in the first week of June is scheduled."

"Please call upon us for any possible help we can provide."

I thanked her and said we would.

Goodbyes.

Each leader freely volunteered their assistance... awesome!

They had been asked to accept directly our report on China. Each said they
would be sure to receive our representative personally.

Prime Minister Abe in Tokyo listened quietly then asked a few questions. He
seemed quite satisfied with my answers.

"Lady Harcourt, I am glad you have reached out to me. We have the spectre
of Russia and China as neighbours... neither has been friendly... I know we
have issues left over from the World War..."

"Prime Minister, there are many unresolved issues between nations around
the globe... this is part of a larger plan to end some of those peacefully.

My husband is watching China very carefully... the potential for a
financial meltdown is very real... we are very sure the Chinese will not
act responsibly fearing the domestic political fallout.

The day after tomorrow an agent of ours will deliver a large report to
you. I hope there will be no problem reaching you directly. It is something
that should only be seen by you and those you keep very close... the fewer
the better.

It is a detailed, comprehensive report on China... economics, politics, the
military and foreign affairs. It is authored by our Security Service with
help from the research department of the Cho Family Banks. It has been
delivered to leaders in Europe and America. The governments of New Zealand
and Australia will also receive it at the same time as yourself."

"I will alert my staff to expect your representative and bring them
directly to me."

I thanked him.

"If after you read it you have comments there will be contact information
enclosed and we will welcome comments and or corrections."

"We will carefully study it. Any questions or comments will be forwarded to
you."

I thanked him for taking my call and he is encouraged to speak to the other
recipient heads of government. They have been similarly encouraged.

We did goodbyes.

I am rubbing my ear again. All this has blown away the morning. Gil and
Chelle came with me to swim to ease the tension. I felt much better walking
up from the beach.

A call from Yone... he spun out a tale which is too good to resist doing
something with!! He got the GO from me!

I stayed away from the kitchen... it had plenty of `cooks' working. The
tuna Kavnu caught had been delivered by Pha`s fisherman cousin... already
given its treatments and in the oven.

I joined in cutting some more flowers for the dining room. A wonderful
scent... rich... ripe... sweet!

Jesi with me in the trees gathering the blooms...

"Fay, we haven't made love. There's not much time."

"I rather it is not a quickie..." I held her vagina through her short
shorts, Jesi pressed against my hand, "... I want it to be more than
that. Sorry I've had a few things come up."

"No don't apologise! Your work is an important part of you."

"Right now beyond normal work there are other things I cannot talk about
but are very important..." I spread open my arms, "... on a larger scope."

Jesi laughed, "I can believe that of you. I have never seen in real life a
Nobel Prize winner."

Smiling, "Well officially you have only seen one half... my other half will
be here in an hour or so."

Jesi laughed.

"I love the simplicity of your outfit."

I thanked her.

A navy long sleeve cutoff cotton top with horizontal white stripes, white
canvas shorts, on my feet navy and white checked slip-on Vans.

The dining room looked beautiful... the flowers scent a nice background to
the kitchen aromas... which are just fabulous!

Comment welcome:

Abecker60@yahoo.co.uk