Tom laced his fingers with Brooke's hand as they sat around with a ring of people. One man sat telling a story of the how he battled a giant cockroach in a tunnel beneath the base one day. It was hard to tell if it was completely made up or had a little basis in truth.

Brooke leaned over to him. "Are you ready?" She whispered.

He squeezed her hand. "Of course."

"Els got us a good spot. Nice and quiet. Well, not for long," she purred.

Tom was glad for the ...