Article #5 Joy in School by Steven Wolk Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Article #5 Joy in School by Steven Wolk - Essay Example Coming up with new things gives a student sense of importance. They become empowered and given a chance to experience how demanding invention is (Wolk, 2010). Teachers should provide space in school and exhibit students’ original work. They can decide to place photographs of students against their work. A student comes up with ideas and teachers help to design and develop them. School space should be welcoming and lively. They give a feeling of freedom to learn than boredom and rigidity (Wolk, 2010). Students should have free areas where they can read from and discuss. They should be colorful to set in a vibrant and joyful sight. Students should be allowed to spend some time outdoors and interact with nature. Going for recess and having outdoor classes set them in a jovial mood. Reading of excellent books like story books gives joy to students since they are not too serious books. Arts and gym classes should be considered as valuable as the other classes. Students have different talents, which can only be realized if given a chance. Assessment in school should be made more friendly experience (Wolk, 2010). Students should be helped to learn that failure is part of

Hinduism and Buddhism Essay Example for Free

Hinduism and Buddhism Essay There are many religions in the world. Two of the most popular religions in the world are Buddhism and Hinduism. These two religions are very old religions. The ideals, tenets and aspects of these religions have been embraced by many individuals and by many other religions over time. In looking closely at these two religions, it is noticeable that there are similarities and parallelisms between the Buddhism and Hinduism religions. Buddhism naturally shares many ideas with Hinduism (Brodd, Sobolweski, 2003, p. 75). This is not surprising because of the roots and history of these two religions. But despite what could be considered as similarities or even close ties found between Buddhism and Hinduism, there are professionals who noted how lines are set and differences are established between the two religions. Similarly, the differences that underlie in the paths leading towards the particular directions of the specific religion, may it be Buddhism or Hinduism. Buddhists teachings or Dharma not to be confused with the related Hindu doctrine of dharma, or ethical duty are in some respects difficult to understand (Brodd, Sobolweski, 2003, p.  75). Ideas that share parallelisms or similarities, in one point or another, like the idea of dharma in Buddhism or Hinduism, or the state of improved sense of self, or self awakening, of the elevation of the spiritual self in a higher plane through the tenets and practices inspired by religion, are all important in the practice, observation and exercise of religion. The role of these aspects is important in understanding why or why not humans subscribe to religion and its religious ideals. In consideration of these ideas, this paper will explore the discussions about Buddhism, Hinduism, Dharma and the complexities involved in the motivations; reasons and rationale on why or why not individuals immerse themselves in the ideals of these religions particularly on dharma or why individuals criticize the religion; and the aspects they often point out as footholds of their arguments, pro or against these religions and its ideals, tenets, beliefs and impact on thinking, attitude and behavior. What is dharma? Followers of the Hindu belief believe that the dharma refers to the ethical code or the sense of responsibility one places on one’s self. While dharma in Buddhism refers to the teachings that one of the most important persons in Buddhism – Siddhartha Gautama – taught the followers of this particular religion. As a set of teachings or as a moral or ethical code, the two ideas of dharma are all about inspiring people to do actions which would be considered as â€Å"good† or â€Å"ideal. † Neither the dharma in Hinduism nor the dharma in Buddhism espouses the action which can be considered as â€Å"bad†, â€Å"ill-willed† or â€Å"malicious†. Because of that, the ideas of dharma go hand in hand with practice of religious fervor. One should follow the dharma in Buddhism or the dharma in Hinduism even with the presence of an ultimate personal deity to whom one must provide an account of ones actions, thoughts, etc. The ideas involving the dharma in both religions and the reasons why a person practices and observes the dharma is closely related with the practice and consciousness on doing things that the person believes will earn him or her favor or good graces of his or her own personal god or deity. The idea is this it is reconcilable to have ones faith and ones religious actions feature actions in tune with and in accordance to the dharma (both in Buddhism and in Hinduism) and actions that one might believe are actions approved by his or her own god. The pursuit of what is right in ones mind is often related to the pursuit of doing what he or she thinks god would have wanted him or her to do. The teachings of the gods and deities of the major religions is about moral right. Dharma is always about doing what is morally right because Buddha did not teach or preached to the people about doing the wrong things. This situation is suitable especially in this day and age wherein individuals are not always exclusive to one religion anymore. Catholic Christians are welcoming the ideals and practices from other religions including Buddhism and Hinduism and the idea of dharma. Handling these two side by side is not impossible since they compliment each other and do not contradict each other. With this, dharma is observed even if there is also the pursuit of accountability of action for one’s specific personal god because the choice of actions runs in similar directions and not in opposing or contradicting pathways. Even if the action of the person is geared towards pleasing his or her own personal deity or god, the same action can be done following the Dharma. It would not conflict with the religion. On the contrary, it can be used to improve the actions of the individuals. Following the Dharma will result in the creation of a behavior that results to actions that are favorable to the gods and consistent with the ideals of the religion and is favorable and consistent to the ideals of Dharma as well. For example, Buddhists and Hindus can do things the right things so that when the time comes that they are called for their accountability, they can say that they did good things consistent to the religious belief. Their actions are motivated not just by religion or religious directions but also by the directions of the Dharma. Their actions can be considered as something better. It is ideal for an individual to not just act based on what their religion dictates but also based on what the Dharma dictates because it makes peoples actions more morally sound (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p. 137). Simply said, Dharma is about doing in accordance to what is right and what is wrong. Everybody has their own dharma, that is to say the duty which is important to themselves there are certain things which he should do and certain things that he should not do (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p. 137). This paradigm exists side by side with religious beliefs and this ideal can be used to improve religious practices in the effort to gain the approval of a persons god/deity. Dharma in Buddhism is an ideal that helps an individual possess an ideal set of behavior; while the idea of Dharma in Hinduism has a similar role in a persons life. In this concept, both Hinduism and Buddhism shares the similarity of providing the people/believers with a mindset or thinking/behavior paradigm that can help them act in a way that is more acceptable and helps them live more harmoniously with each other. Dharma guides a person. One should focus on his or her own Dharma in accordance with the details and characteristics of his/her life (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p. 137). It is very, very important to follow ones own dharma and not somebody elses (Isherwood, Berg, Summers, 2007, p.  137). One of the characteristics of some of the religions in practice today is the presence of the concept of punishment and enticement/rewards. Religion, through its tenets and through the leaders of the religion that manage the â€Å"faithful†, always reminds the followers about the set of punishment waiting those who do not follow the pack and the rewards in store for those who do as the religion says. In some aspects of some of the religions today, the tenets of the religion include setting behavioral guidelines. In these guidelines, behaviors of the members which are against the guidelines deserve punishment often severe like the Christian/Catholic practice of excommunicating members, as well as the threat of ending up in fiery or frozen realm of torture and suffering for the soul like hell. While the behavior of the members of the religious congregation which are consistent to the ideals and guidelines of the religion deserve merit and later on, reward, which often comes in non-physical form like good things happening to the soul and the promise of a better afterlife. This sometimes becomes an important point when criticisms are raised. There are critics that believe that the creation of the punishment/reward system in these religions dictate the behavior of the members. They do not experience a genuine spiritual growth unlike what happens to individuals who experience a change in their lives because of the result of reflection, meditation and actions which are not enforced behind the power of threat and punishment. For example, some of the members act as dictated because they are fearful of the punishments, or some act as dictated because they want to get the rewards promised by their religion. The concept of the Dharma tradition provides no such direct punishment or reward system. Dharma in Buddhism and in Hinduism is focused on guiding an individual with the prospect that the person can achieve a state. But this is not akin to the idea of reward because achieving that state does not end or stop, rather it is pursued everyday. It is only a genuine sense of self and a genuine appreciation of what has changed in life which can truly say if the pursuit of the Dharma tradition either in Buddhism in Hinduism has been successful and effective. Vis-a-vis, there is no punishment for those who would not follow. This particular aspect of Buddhism/Hinduism is not about giving out punishment; but instead explains to the individual how doing, otherwise, can result to making one’s life more difficult than necessary. One might set out to understand and follow the Dharma in both traditions even without the concept of punishment or enticement. One of the aspects of the idea of Dharma that can convince anyone to follow this ideal with or without the punishment/enticement is because it is more than just about the self. Dharma, in both Buddhism and Hinduism, is about the sense of balance of the person in the universe. If the person has reached the consciousness, wherein his or her concern is more than his or her physical body or more than the sake of his or her physical existence (including consideration of material things and the pursuit of concepts related to the physical, material self/world like the worldly concept of material/temporary reward, etc), punishment and enticement which are limited to the physical existence becomes non-bearing or non factor. Instead, the person focuses on growth that makes the individual more focused on how he or she is in tune or living harmoniously with the rest of the universe (Ramen, 2007, p. 40). Dharma is more than just a set of rules to be a good person; it is the fundamental law that binds the universe together (Ramen, 2007, p. 40). In support of this argument, the author also added that to go against the Dharma is to defy the universe and that in following Dharma is to be in harmony with all things (Ramen, 2007, p. 40).

Tuckmans Stages Of Team Development Model Education Essay

Tuckmans Stages Of Team Development Model Education Essay Tuckmans Stages of Team Development model explains how a team develops over time. The five stages of development are: Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning. According to Tuckman he says that all of the phases are necessary and inevitable. In order for the team to grow they most face up to challenges, problems, find solutions to problems, planning as a team, and to deliver results. Forming In this first stage of team building, the forming of the team takes place. The individuals behaviour is driven by a desire to be accepted by the others, and avoid controversy or conflict. Serious issues and feelings are avoided, and people focus on being busy with routines, such as team organization, which does what, when to meet, etc. But individuals are also gathering information and impressions about each other, and about the scope of the task and how to approach it. This is a comfortable stage to be in, but the avoidance of conflict and threat means that not much actually gets done. Storming Every group will then enter the storming stage in which different ideas compete for consideration. The team addresses issues such as what problems they are really supposed to solve, how they will function independently and together and what leadership model they will accept. Team members open up to each other and confront each others ideas and perspectives. Norming At the team enter into the Norming stage. Team members behaviour is adjuster to each other. Also the team develop work habits which make the work seem more natural and fluid the team members often work through this stage by agreeing on rules, professional behaviour, there shared methods and working tools. During this phase, team members start trust one other and motivation increases as the team gets more acquainted with their project and goals. Performing As for the teams who will reach the performing stage, the team members are now become interdependent, motivated and knowledgeable. The team members are now competent and able to handle and make decision without being supervision. Dissent is expected and allowed as long as it is channelled through means acceptable to the team. Adjourning was the later stage that Tuckman talk about and this stage is basically on involves dissolution that is terminating roles, completing each teams task and reducing dependency. TRAINING Training can be defined as an educational process. Where people can learn different new ideas and gain information. In most organisation go into training their works making them get and lean more thing. They are different type of training and it important. Why training is important in an organisation Most of the reasons why organisation goes into training are new employees have to learn and gain new skills, and also their motivation is likely to be high. On the other hand, training experienced employees can be problematic. The training needs of such employees are not always easy to determine, and when they can be, the individuals involved may resent being asked to change their established ways of doing their job. Organizations also use more ways to determine the training needs of employees. The performance appraisal: on this one each employees work are measured accorder to their performance standards and objectives established for his or her job. There are different types of training in which organization in training their employees. TYPES OF TRAINING METHOD LECTURE METHOD The lecture is best used for creating a general understanding of a topic. Several variations in the lecture format allow it to be more or less formal and/or interactive. In the pure lecture, communication is one way-from trainer to trainees. It is an extensive oral presentation of material. A good lecture begins with an introduction that lays out the purpose, the order in which topics will be covered, and ground rules about interruptions (e.g., questions and clarification). This is followed by the main body of the lecture in which information is given. The topic areas should be logically sequenced so that the content of preceding topics prepares trainees for the following topics. The lecture should conclude with a summary of the main learning points and/or conclusions. Advantages The lecture training is one of the most efficient teaching methods for presenting many facts or ideas in a relatively short time. Material that has been logically organized can be presented Concisely in rapid sequence. The lecture is particularly suitable for introducing a subject. To ensure that all Students have the necessary background to learn a subject; we can present basic information in a lecture. By using the lecture in this manner, we can offer students with varied backgrounds a common understand. A brief introductory lecture can give direction and purpose to a demonstration or prepare students for a discussion. The lecture is a convenient method for instructing large groups. If necessary, we can use a public address system to ensure that all students can hear us. The lecture is sometimes the only efficient method to use if student-to-faculty ratio is high. Disadvantages . The lecture does not lead to maximum achievement in certain types of learning. Speech skills, cooperative group thinking, and motor skills, for example, are difficult to teach with the lecture method. Students can develop such skills well only through practice. Moreover, the formal lecture alone is generally not appropriate for presenting material above the comprehension level of the cognitive domain. Because it allows for little or no student verbal participation, the formal lecture may also be inefficient for comprehension-level lessons in which concepts and principles are developed. The lecture does not provide teachers with an opportunity to estimate student progress before an examination. Within a single lecture period, we may unwittingly present more information than our students can absorb, and we have little accurate means during the lecture of determining what they have learned. Too often, the lecture makes no provision for participation by the students. As a result, many students willingly allow the instructor to do all the work. Learning is an active process, but the lecture method tends to foster passiveness and dependence on the instructor. APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING Apprenticeship training dates back to the Middle Ages, when skilled craftsmen passed on their knowledge to others as a way of preserving the guilds. Today, apprenticeship programs are partnerships between labour unions, employers, schools, and the government. They are most often found in the skilled trades and professional unions such as boiler engineers, electrical workers, pipe fitters, and carpenters. The typical apprenticeship program requires two years of on-the-job experience and about 180 hours of classroom instruction, though requirements vary. An apprentice must be able to demonstrate mastery of all required skills and knowledge before being allowed to graduate to journeyman status. This is documented through testing and certification processes. Journeymen provide the on-the-job training, while adult education centres and community colleges typically provide the classroom training. Formal apprenticeship programs are regulated by governmental agencies that also set standards and provide services. COACHING Coaching is a process of providing one-on-one guidance and instruction to improve the work performance of the person being coached in a specific area. It differs from other OJT methods in that the trainee already has been working at the job for some time. Usually, coaching is directed at employees with performance deficiencies, but it can also serve as a motivational tool for those performing adequately. Typically the supervisor acts as the coach. Like the OJT trainer, the coach must be skilled both in how to perform the task(s) and how to train others to do them. The amount of time supervisors devote to coaching activities steadily increased during the 1990s and will likely represent more than 50 percent of supervisors time by the new millennium. E-LEARNING Many companies have implemented e-learning, which encompasses several different types of technology assisted training, such as distance learning, computer-based training (CBT), or web-based training (WBT). Distance learning occurs when trainers and trainees are in remote locations; typically, technology is used to broadcast a trainers lecture to many trainees in many separate locations. Distance learning provides many of the same advantages and disadvantages as the lecture method. Distance learning can be much less expensive than paying for trainees in multiple locations to travel for a lecture, but it may reduce motivation to learn because of the remoteness of the trainer. Advantages Convenience is one of the major advantages of e-learning. It allows students to work and learn at their own pace without the unyielding time restrictions of traditional learning. Because e-learning provides access to learning materials at any time, students have the flexibility to schedule around families, jobs and other activities. Another major benefit of e-learning is the accessibility it provides. Students can learn from anywhere in the world. This is an especially important consideration for students who wish to study in a different country. In addition, because e-learning can be done from home, students have less clothing and driving expenses than with traditional learning. Disadvantages A major disadvantage to e-learning is the self-discipline it requires. While being able to work at your own pace can be an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage. This is especially true for students who have difficulty with time management and procrastination. These students tend to be more successful with the structure of traditional learning. Another disadvantage to e-learning is the technology involved. Some people do not have ready access to a computer and Internet connection. And some who do have the required equipment feel ill-equipped to use it. Lack of interaction between teacher and student is another drawback to e-learning. Some students need the immediate feedback that interaction provides. ON-THE-JOB TRAINING The most common method of training, on-the-job training (OJT) uses more experienced and skilled employees to train less skilled and experienced employees. OJT takes many forms and can be supplemented with classroom training. Included within OJT are the job-instruction technique, apprenticeships, coaching, and mentoring. Formal OJT programs are typically conducted by employees who can effectively use one-on-one instructional techniques and who have superior technical knowledge and skills. Since conducting one-on-one training is not a skill most people develop on their own, train-the-trainer training is required for OJT trainers. In addition to training the trainers, formal OJT programs should carefully develop a sequence of learning events for trainees. The formalized instructional process that is most commonly used is called the job-instruction technique . Advantages It is cost effective for the employer because the person continues to work whilst learning. Training time is reduced when compared to traditional off site learning. It has been tested for techniques ranging from milking cows by hand to brain surgery. Structured programs for training multiple trainers, and for in house training of new trainers exist and are available from numerous providers. These programs reduce the training times of unstructured OJT by more than 50% and reduce the perpetuation of less safe and more costly production techniques. Disadvantages Inconsistent Traditional OJT relies heavily on an experienced employee to provide the instructions based on what they feel are the most important topics. What is important to one employee may not be important to another. The result is what is learned may vary greatly, depending on who is assigned as the trainer. Lack of founding principles :While the hands-on aspect of OJT may appeal to the practical learner, often the underlying theories of operation are not covered in sufficient detail or accuracy. Without this foundation of knowledge, trainees often learn what to do, not why they are doing it, resulting in poor decision making when things dont go exactly right. Bad habits : The trainee observes and may adopt the trainers habits and attitudes about all aspects of the job including safety, quality, customer service, and relationship with management. Poorly selected trainers can have many unintended consequences.

Inclusion or Exclusion in The Crucible Essay -- Essay on The Crucible

Much of The Crucible by Arthur Miller was about being part of a group. What is it to belong to a group? Is it really that simple when someone says, "Either you're with us or you're not"? Yes, it is that simple. Belonging and exclusion in any situation are two sides of the same coin - you can't have one without the other. In any organization or group, people are bound together by a community of interest, purpose or function and if you do not believe in these same things, then you are not a part of that group. In an organization or group, you have to ask yourself, "What is it to be a part of this particular group, what does it take to belong?" It takes following the rules of the group, agreeing with their purpose, obeying their authorities and the ability to go the length for their cause. In The Crucible, if the characters did not abide as part of the group, the Christian Church, then the consequences were fatal. The Crucible told of what is was to be a scapegoat i n their society and what it took to defend themselves from becoming that scapegoat. To remind people in an organization why they belong takes continued focus on a common goal or common belief. By having one main function, a group is generally more effective than if everyone has different ideas and outlooks on specific topics. However, to keep everyone on the same page, the members of a group need to accurately know where they stand in reference to their goal. One way to do this is through social facilitation. This is the concern of self image through the presence of other people. It's a concept that allows members to know the acceptable opinions of the group. Someone who agrees to the ideas set out from the organization. "Group polarization is the concept of changing personal opinions to extremities after a group discussion.(Johnson 13)" This concept eliminates members who aren't sure what they think of the group's purpose. They decide that either they agree completely or they disagree completely. Either way it means they decide if they are in or out after the group discussion. A common goal is one way to distinguish and separate the devoted members from the questionable individuals in a group. High cohesiveness is an effective tool in the success and effectiveness of an organization. However, in order for ... ... truth, denying her involvement as a witch, but be hung anyway for "lying" under oath. On the other hand, an innocent victim could lie and confess her involvement as a witch, accuse another witch instead and be let "off the hook". However, if the innocent victim lied and confess, but wasn't willing to turn in another witch, she would be hung anyway. (Starkey, 17) This created quite an ironic situation coming from a Christian based community of purity and holiness. Exclusion is about scapegoating and denying the truth or reality to oneself. A scapegoat is a person made to bear the blame for others, an escape from dealing with one's responsibility. The scapegoat lets one rationalize bad situations and blind oneself from the reality of that situation. No one saw the reality in Salem and no one even tried. They were all too caught up in trying to find someone else to blame for their fears and problems. However, organizations tend to do that too. They create an opposition or enemy so they can use it later to their own advantage, making themselves seem more powerful. So the question goes back to, "Are you in? Or are you out?"

Malaysia Airlines Corporate Policy and Strategy Essay

This assignment requires a writer to write a report of any organisation which is involved in transportation and communication industry. The aim and purpose of this report is to examine the strategic management process to one of the industries. The strategic management process will be more emphasise in this report where its importance in the organisation play an important factor in order for the organisation to grow and expand. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) have been chosen as an organisation for this report. Malaysia Airlines is a commercial air travel organisation where they provide transportation service throughout the world, specifically 850 destinations in 150 countries. The organisation company profile will explain more about the history of the organisation itself which are the founder of the organisation, the year it start its services, location, service range, revenue and turnover report. After that, a strategic analysis of the Malaysia Airlines will be explained more which includes general environment, internal environment and competitive environment. In general environment, the weakness of the organisation needs to analyse before the problems and weaknesses itself will take toll towards the organisation. The tool which is going to be used to overcome the weaknesses are pest analysis and swot analysis which consecutively serve its purposes to analyse internal and external factors. In internal environment, a situation that can impact Malaysia Airlines business will be evaluated. It is divided into two categories, value chain analysis and resource based view. Value chain analysis will be used to add value to the organisation itself while resource based view will be use to explain how the resources of the organisation can be use to become an advantage, competitively. After done doing that, strategic formulation is needed for Malaysia Airlines. A proper plan and strategy are needed to achieve the organisation main objectives. Business level strategy and corporate level strategy will be use to explain the competitive advantage and how corporate parent helps its subsidiary company to grow and expand. International strategy is also in included in the strategic formulation in order for Malaysia Airlines to develop its level of competencies and future potential in international arena. Implementation of that international strategy will take to action after evaluation and analysis. In the implementation strategy, a leader with a broad scope of  vision and mission is needed in order for the action plan to become reality. With a great leadership skill, the employees will be inspired to work more efficient to achieve the objective that had been set. All the explanation above are supported with proper references using journals, books, internet, articles and updated data from Malaysia Airlines from its company report. Lastly, a concl usion will be made to conclude all of the information from the report. 1.0 Introduction Malaysian Airline System Berhad is the primary airline of Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) operates flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport mainly and with a secondary hub at Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. From the report, the strategic management of Malaysia Airlines is analysed. The report is produced for Mr Mathew Teale. Most of the resources in this report are based on report and journal. Besides, articles and newspapers are also being used as the secondary resources. Gather from latest data, Malaysia Airlines has revenue worth as much as RM13 billion. In stategy management, there are Strategy Analysis, Strategy Formulation and Strategy Implementation which are the process to overcome that external factor which consist of objective to fulfil(Hambrick, 2007). Under the effect of globalization, the world has changed in every sector and those changes had influenced most of the corporation activities with obstacles to execute their strategy. A company’s finances will be affected if their management fails to formulate and implement the most efficient and suitable strategy. Strategy analysis, strategy formulation and strategy implementation are the fundamentals to solve negative factors regardless what is the problems. Company Profile Malaysia Airlines was founded in 1937 through an idea by the Alfred Holt’s Ocean Steamship Company in liverpool work together with the Imperial Airways in from Britain and Straits Steamship Company in Singapore. This had build the outcome of Malayan Airways Limited(MAL) on the same year. As usual, this airline faced different types of industrial challenges throughout these seven decades. Therefore, the company had improved and repackaged their image and services. Malaysia Airlines started their flight services originated in Subang Airport and later relocate to Kuala Lumpur  International Airport (KLIA). Malaysia Airlines serve different class of customers in society pyramid. Therfore, Malaysia Airlines provide different class of seatings which are first class, business class, and economic class. According to Malaysia Airlines Annual Report on 2012, incredible loss of RM481,457,000 was hit after the loss on 2011 which was two billion. This shows the incapabilities of management in Malaysia Airlines to manage the company. Therefore, the management needs to be rearranged and restructured. Besides, Malaysia Airlines are facing more competitors in the industry such as Airasia. To overcome this challenge, Malaysia Airlines tried to upkeep with their competitors by providing high quality of services in order to win customer’s faith and loyalty so that they could have stable coming back customers. Their strategy was a success and this can be seen when several awards are awarded by Skytrax UK and World Travel Awards. The awards are the Asia’s Leading Airline(2011), Asia’s Leading Business Class Airline (2010) and Five Star Airline (2012). Malaysia Airlines built up their image as the top airline in Malaysia by winning those award. 2.0 Strategic Analysis The process of helping a company to have further understanding regarding their external environment is what we call strategy analysis. Strategy analysis can maximize an organization’s potential, capability and interation between environment. Profit can be achieved if Malaysia Airlines execute the three strategic processes which are analysis, formulation and implementation. By doing the analysis of external evnironment and evaluating the internal environment, we are able to use the chances and discover the industrial potential in the future. 2.1 General Environment In order to help Malaysian Airlines in fitting itself to conquer the weaknesses, several analysis such as PEST, scenerio planning and SWOT are carried out. Besieds, general environment acts as a tool to identify the weakness in Malaysia Airlines which may lead to external environment that changes rapidly (Henry, 2008:41). 2.1.1 Scenario Planning Scenario planning is defined as procedure of visualizing what upcoming situation or events are probable, what their effects would be like,  and how to respond to, or benefit from,them(Business Dictionary, n.d.). Scenario planning not only can help to identify future oppoturnity, but also helps an organization to make critical decision. This can help an organization to utilize opportunity and stay away from the threat. The scenario planning is mention by Henry (2008) as a method to find changes and uncertainty in their industry and promote systematic thinking and even decision making under spontaneus situation. However, Malaysia Airlines did not do proper scenario planning which make them faced great loss as stated in their annual report 2012. As a way to stop this situation continue to grow, Malaysia Airline should really consider and think deeply of their scenario planning. Besides, the ultimate growth of Airline industry shows influence to Malaysia Airline scenario planning. Ther efore, Malaysia Airline should make use of PEST and SWOT analysis to identify deeply their market environment. 2.1.2 PEST analysis PEST analysis most commonly is used to measure a market. By doing the PEST analysis, Malaysia Airlines will link the entire four factors that may affect their business in general and competitive environment. As a Malaysian national flag airlines, it is compulsory and a must for them to follow and obey the political decision and governmental policies. Being an airline company in Malaysia, always need to cope with the taxes which have been a big obstacles especially during economy crisis. According to Malaysia Airlines annual report 2011, Malaysia Airlines had experienced a huge loss as RM400 millions even before taxation is done. This shows how pathetic and badly the situation of the company was. Furthermore, our current Prime Minister Datuk Seri NajibTun Razak announced that the minimum wage of private sectors in Penisular has been set for RM900 and RM800 for those in Sarawak. This increases the burden of Malaysia Airlines which has approximately 18,000 workers. As a way to overcome the new policy and adapted to it, Malaysia Airliens hence introduced a new rewarding plan to their workers. t. In coping with the new policy, Malaysia Airlines has announced on their strategy to offer permanent staff a maximum two years of unpaid leave only and excluding their subdiaries which are Maswings and FIrefly. Airlines biggest expenses will be the crews’ wages and fuel expenses. As global fuel price is increasing, it influenced Malaysia Airlines operating cost for sure which will directly result the loss in their profit. Besides, unstable fuel price that influenced economy will affect their shares price in stock exchange too. (sharif, Ranjbar and Arumugam , 2011). Furthermore, Malaysia Airlines had increased their flight ticket fares as a way to cover up the administration and operating cost. As the increment of ticket fares occurred, local citizens with lower or medium income holders to lessen their frequency to travel on flight. Besides, one of the undeniable factors is inflation which causes the value of money to be lowered extra money from the wages unable to do much extra occasion planning. Prior to the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997, Malaysia Airlines suffered in the massive losses of RM260million. As a way to overcome the crisis, the airlines cut a lot of routes which are unprofitable such as Brussels, Darwin, Honolulu, Madrid, Munich and Vancouver. Besides, approximately a decade later in 2011, frightening loss of RM2.52billion was â€Å"achieved† by Malaysia Airlines and breaks its historical record. This incident had push the management to terminate the flight to Surabaya, Karachi, Dubai, Johannesburg in January of the same year. The action was unable to calm the managements who later ceased the routes to Cape Town, Buenos Aires and Rome in February 2011. For social factor, we know that there are different types of people with different preference in this country, so with different culture and thinking in society, not everyone would like to use flight as their transportation option. This is due to the fear factor that stuck in their heart to feel insecure with the flight transportation. Therefore, safety is always one of the main feature to be concerned and make sure the society feel safe with their services. Safety instructions are being briefed before the flight depart every time and this can prevent chaos to occur if there is any accident occurs. Besides, insurance is also one of the option for customer to purchase in their flight ticket. This can relieve the insecurity of passengers when they choose to use Malaysia Airlines. In terms of technology, Internet has lead our world to globalization and  information explosion era. Malaysia Airlines sees this as an opportunity to promote their company services to the youth conveniently. The customers can purchase the flight tickets easily from their website rather than drive to their branches and queue up which will be even more expensive and time consuming. Hence, Malaysia Airlines is able to deduct and decrease overhead cost and their budget in extra offices and infrastructure. However, not everyone are well-skilled in using the internet and some of the rural areas in our country still lack of such services which seems common in most of the city. Besides, credit or debit card is a necessity in order to purchase from online ticketing system which also will be a obstacle for some of the senior citizens. Lastly, we shall concern about the stability of Malaysia Airlines proxy server which is overloaded sometimes. 2.1.3 SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis is a method where a structured planning can be done by evaluating the 4 factors which are strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (Humprey, 2005). Malaysia Airlines can use SWOT at their own benefits to understand more about the external environment. Malaysia Airlines is a well known brand name which has become strength of this company to exploit. With its 70 years of experiences in the airline industry, this brand name has won the heart of the customers where’s loyalty is important to them. In addition, Malaysia Airlines are highly recognized by the international organisation. Plus, Malaysia Airlines are also has been supported by the Malaysian government for years. With this, they can depend on the government if they are having a financial problem or other difficulties which can benefit them. Malaysian Airlines won a lot of prestigious awards in the past 10 years and their broad network of destinations also has become their strength that led the potential and loyal customers to choose them. Thereby, with this entire strength combine, chances of Malaysia Airline to win and take control of the industry are higher. Malaysia Airlines and other companies are not excluded from the organisational weaknesses. The increasing fuel price had cause Malaysia Airlines huge loss as much as RM1.36 million.Other than that, their operating cost such as landing fees ishigherthatin which are affecting their financial. This entirely affected their profit and thus giving them problem  to be dealt with. Price war with Air Asiaalso has affected their target in controlling the local market.Since Malaysian income per capita is lower than other countries, therefore Malaysia Airlines are now focusing more with the middle and upper class customers. Malaysia Airlines has analyse its opportunities in the market. Aircraft passengers have been growing as much as 13.5% every year. By this, Malaysia Airlines are going to take this opportunity to expand their services in other countries such as China and Japan where the people over there always travel abroad. The increasing numbers of cargo industry also have become a profitable sector for Malaysia Airlines. In 2010, the increasing numbers of air cargo service has risen to 26.5%. As a result of that, Malaysia Airlines can manage to get a lot of profit in this growing industry by exploiting the opportunities and turn it into a profit. In threats, fuel price have been a problem for Malaysian Airlines for years. Inevitably, Malaysia Airlines operating cost may also increase if the fuel prices increase. Not only that, international airlines such as Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore International Airways and Garuda Indonesia Airways are competing with Malaysia Airlines internationally and Air Asia domestically. The threat of new entrant also be a factor for Malaysia Airlines to deal with if financial institution policy changes. Lower interest rate and credit loan willallownew airliners to enter the industry. The more new airliners enter the industry; the likelihood of Malaysia Airlines to struggle in the business will be higher. In order to cope with that, Malaysia Airlines need to be more prepared. 2.2 Competitive Environment According to Mack (2010), competitive environment is defined or explained as a dynamic system for the business to compete positively in. At such, analysis technique of Porter Five Forces Framework is executed to understand the environment. 2.2.1 Porter’s Five Forces Framework Porter five forces is a framework which analyzes the industry and business strategy development to determine the competitive strength (Porter, 1979). By using this analyzing technique, Malaysia Airlines can identify the threat of new entrants. Since the needs to start an airlines company are hard,  consequently, the threat of new entrants has reduced. Furthermore, brand name is important to the customers these days. Adding to that, to go into this business not also need high capital but also need an establish brand name. Thus, rather than start an establish brand name, the new threat entrants will focus more on the loyal customer. The only new threat entrants Malaysia Airlines need to focus more are the international airlines. There are two companies that are competing against each other in the aircraft manufacturing industry which are Boeing and Airbus. Since Malaysia Airlines are choosing Boeing as their main aircraft, therefore, Boeing has no option to increase their aircraft pr ices. If Boeing increases their aircraft price, most probably Malaysia Airlines will change their aircraft to Airbus. Consequently, Malaysia Airlines can use its bargaining power of consumer to bargain the aircraft price. This undoubtedly will be an advantage to Malaysia Airlines to save their buying cost that led Boeing with no other choice to sell its aircraft to Malaysia Airlines since they’re having a tough time in competing in the aircraft manufacturing industry. The bargaining power of suppliers is depending on the numbers of alternatives the consumer has. For Malaysia Airlines, it is difficult to change to another aircraft manufacturer such as Airbus since their maintenance staff areexperienced with Boeing’s aircraft. By changing the aircraft manufacturer, Malaysia Airlines need to spend a lot of money to train their maintenance staff which and switching cost is high.Therefore, the power of suppliers cannot be a negative factor since Malaysia Airlines only rely on one aircraft manufacturer. Plus, the power of suppliers is insignificant where Malaysia Airlines has their own aircraft maintenance subsidiary company. For fuel, the bargaining power of suppliers is not really high since in Malaysia there is only little petrol organization and the price is set by the government. 2.2.2 Strategic Groups Strategic groups are used to classify or identity the companies that are having the similar business model or mixture of strategies applied. (Porter, 1980). As a well known 5 stars airlines company, Malaysia Airlines always offer various place of destinations throughout the world where Airasia only provide certain well-known and popular destination. However, Airasia as the  low cost carrier, has advantages in competition as they can always attract customers in Asia that always go for cheaper option. 2.3 Internal Environment An internal environmental analysis is an extensive review of all aspects of a company’s operations, internal guidance and mission. (wiseGEEK, n.d.). Value-chain analysis and resource-based view can be used as analysis tools. 2.3.1 Value-chain Analysis Malaysia Airlines primary income is based from logistics services and secondary activities are aircraft maintenance and technology development. By coordinate these value chain analysis activities, Malaysia Airlines can have a lower cost structure and increase the value of outcome product. By increasing the value of outcome product, Malaysia Airlines can compete better in the industry by understanding the connection between each of the value-chain activity. Additionally, a proper coordination with their union, customers and suppliers can reduce cost and adds up the bonding between customers and company itself. As its outcome, improvement of the performance in Malaysia Airlines primary and secondary activities can be achieved and higher profit can be gained in the process. . 2.3.2 Resource-based View Airline industry was slammed pretty hard globally in previous years. Terrorists attack on 11st September 2001 still horrified the hearts of passengers globally. The strong competitive environments by low cost carriers such as Airasia in Malaysia is also causing the national flag carrier to restructure their operations. Their resources such as airplanes and crews quality need to be concerned and look into deeply. As the oldest flight carrier company in Malaysia, they shall use this advantage to continue to stay at the frontline in airline industry by using its available sufficient resources efficiently with the help of government and come up with efficient strategies as a way to compete and stabilize its own potision in airline industry. . 3.0 STRATEGY FORMULATION Formulation of strategies is necessary in order for Malaysia Airlines to  achieve its mission and objectives. An excellent structure and organize strategies will beneficiary to Malaysia Airlines in competing in the airline industry. 3.1 Business Level Strategy Business level strategy is very important where it will be use as a method to develop the strategy at a maximum level. In addition, it is crucial for Malaysia Airlines to implement and adapt to this strategy because it’s a way for them to make use all of their resources and competency in the airlines industry to accomplish its corporate level strategy. 3.1.1 Industry Life Cycle In any industries, introduction, growth, maturity and decline development stages have to go through including industry products. Malaysia Airlines has gone through the introduction phase where they had been through a lot of difficulties and up and down since 1937. But unfortunately, Malaysia Airlines financial report has shown that the company is suffering from internal and external environment where they are facing profit losses. Malaysia Airlines is now in the growth stage where they are trying to impose a new efficient strategy to cover up their losses from 2008 to 2012. Malaysia Airlines profit are at the highest in 2008 as much as RM15,570,141 and decreasing slowly in the past 5 years and the lowest is in the year 2009 that decline as much as RM11,605,111. Factors that cause this financial downturn are the increasing price of the fuel, competitiveness of other airlines, poor marketing strategy and high operating cost. In coping with this matter, Malaysia Airlines is now broadening their flight destination and suspend some flight from a destination that give less profit, improve quality of service in order to create customer demand and thus progressing in the growth stage. 3.1.2 Differentiation Malaysia Airlines impose differentiation strategy by creating various types of seat class such as Economic Class, Business Class and First Class. This is to ensure that all the variety of services that being offer are affordable for the different type of customers. It is also to increase the  advantages in competing by delivering the value added product to differentiate Malaysia Airlines services from other airline competitors. Adding to that, by letting the customers choose what type of services they want, the loyalty of the customer would be increased. This shows that Malaysia Airlines are coping with price sensitivity, switching cost, higher entry barriers and threat of substitutes, in the five forces. As a result, Malaysia Airlines has successfully competed in the airline price wars that let the company to gain back profit in 2011. 3.2 Corporate Level Strategy Corporate strategy signifies actions for Malaysia Airlines to take in gaining its competitive advantage. Specifically, to help Malaysia Airlines in an advantage where they can control the market and maximise profit for a long period of time. Thus, this strategy helps Malaysia Airlines to improve its strategy and at the same time giving them a great position in controlling the market. 3.2.1 Growth Strategies Any company can practice four strategies specifically for the growing process. By now, Malaysia Airlines are targeting to penetrate the international control the local market. Malaysia Airlines are trying to use its existing services and products to increase their sales. Malaysia Airlines achieve it by strengthening the bond with their customer to keep using its airlines and at the same time bringing new customer. For that reason, Malaysia Airlines are now starting to increase their promotion using social and mass media. Other than that, Malaysia Airlines are also improving their website to become more convenient and easy with less procedure for all the customers that wish to book a ticket. In surviving in the mature market, Malaysia Airlines should prepare more for its opportunity to expand its growth. Malaysia Airlines as a pioneer and leading the local airlines industry should increase more their competitiveness in competing in the international market. Taking ASEAN countries as a first step, Malaysia Airlines should understand more each of the country geographically, culture and religions. By developing this understanding, customers will tend to choose Malaysia Airlines that in the end would increase their sales, profit  and penetrate the international market. 3.2.2 Corporate Parenting Malaysia Airlines as parent company of MAS Cargo, MASwings, MAS Aerotechnologies and etc. Malaysia Airlines as the corporate parent can achieve a lot of profit if they integrate all of its subsidiaries company as an individual business unit. Malaysia Airlines can save cost in managing all of its subsidiaries company. Not just that, a proper integration between the subsidiaries company can help Malaysia Airlines to derive its economic scale that will further move them in accomplishing their goals. Concurrently, Malaysia Airlines can help its subsidiaries company and put them into an advantage where they can make use ofMalaysia Airlines expertise and resources. As a result of that, Malaysia Airline’s subsidiaries company will be enhance in controlling their budget, making decision and planning process. Nevertheless, if any economic catastrophes occur, therefore, it will become disadvantage for Malaysia Airlines if its subsidiaries company is in the economic crisis. 3.2.3 Strategic Evaluation In following the variety formulation strategic plan, strategic evaluation is the most important part before implementing all of the strategies that been plan. The strategies will be evaluate and assess to find out its efficiency. In addition, the consistency of the strategies must be in a long term where the use of the strategies itself can benefit Malaysia Airlines in the coming years rather than being a yearly plan. It’s obvious that not all of the strategies will become a success, but at least an initiative to evaluate the plan been done in order to minimize the risk. Thus, Malaysia Airlines need to select a proper and the best strategies that can help them in realizing their goal and objectives. 3.3 International Strategy and Globalization Globalization is a worldwide issue where customer’s needs and wants are being standardized. It can cause positive and negative effect on any organization depending on how they cope and make use of the globalization itself as an advantage to them. For instance, the globalization on fuel price, landing fees and aircraft spare part prices are now standardized accordingly. But  luckily Malaysia Airlines have their own resources for these three needs where they have their own aircraft maintenance subsidiary company and support from Malaysia government.In marketing their product, Malaysia Airlines can use its global brand name to maximize marketing efficiency. For this reason, Malaysia Airlines should use this opportunity to expand their wing in the international market. Nonetheless, Malaysia Airlines also need to be aware and choose the right strategy if they want to penetrate the market. 4.0 STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION Well plan strategies are not going to work well with an organization if it’s implemented inadequately. In getting success in implementing the strategies, Malaysia Airlines need to increase their efficiency in communication, managing their resources and improve their employee’s morale. Leadership also playsits role in making Malaysia Airlines to gain success in implementing the strategies. Therefore, all the staff in Malaysia Airlines should work together in realizing the strategies to become reality. 4.1 Strategic Leadership The leader is the only one that can determine the future of any company. Without them, the chances of any company to collapse and bankrupt will be high. That is because the needs of a leader in a company affect the path of the company whether it can generate income and be victorious or it can only make profit losses and bankruptcy in the end. Not a lot of people can be a great leader but everyone can have the traits of a leader which are visionary, inspire and drive their followers to achieve success. It can be said that Malaysia Airlines leadership has weaknesses in scenario planning that causes market share and revenue losses. For this reason, leadership of Malaysia Airlines should apply the vision trait in order to cope with changes and for the sake of the company continuity. When leaders are able to master the vision trait, it will be easier for them to collaborate, motivate, trust, and interdependence amongst their staff. Plus, the coordination and path of Malaysia Airlines will be in the same direction of achieving common objectives that may lead Malaysia Airlines to a bigger  industry. Malaysia Airlines is now operating in a competitive environment. So, the vision of leadership can’t be sluggish. Leader task is not just dealing with external factors but also playing an important role on observing employee’s attitude. Therefore, a leader should know and oblige to inspire and motivate employees if they’re lacking with something that will affect the vision of the company. Giving the employees rewards are the best thing to do in making the company vision to become a reality. Leader needs to be proactive in handling situation. The needs of keeping the vision on the right track and the same time monitoring its progress is necessary so that Malaysia Airlines will be more prepare in enduring and responding towards the changes that happen. Moreover, democratic leader is important where the leaders itself can put themselves with the employees and communicate with the employees. Encouragement and understanding can be developing with the employees if any conflict happen and then settle together as a team. By doing this, the work rate and performance of Malaysia Airlines will improve and in the end will increase the profit and maximizes the resources that they have. 4.2 Change Management Competitiveness in airlines industry has become fiercer than before. Due to that, Malaysia Airlines should be ready to embrace and adapt to changes in order to compete in the market. In achieving this, Malaysia Airlines should improve their state division management. This is because every state division especially in Sarawak is having trouble with the competitiveness from low cost airlines such as Air Asia and the new low cost airline, Malindo Air. Therefore, Malaysia Airlines should take a strategic change to their state division in coping with the external environment. Poor leadership has been one of many factors that cost their profit losses and customer loyalty. By implying a proper marketing strategy, Malaysia Airlines will be able to challenge the local airline industry. Adding to that, improvement in every managing structure in each state division is a  must since the capabilities and set of skills of each employee can be outdated under some circumstances. Thus, changes and improvements are needed in order to comply with customer’s needs and achieving goals. 4.3 Role of Systems Excellent plan strategies won’t work unless leaders and human resources play their role in implementing the strategies. 4.3.1 Organizational Structure Organizational structure is a fundamental that can affect the strategy implementation. Effective use of labor by giving specific task can contribute an advantage in competing in the industry. In general, the four organizational structures are functional, divisional, entrepreneurial and matrix. Malaysia Airlines are now using divisional structure to conduct their corporate parenting by dividing resources in each division. It is essential for them in order to gain profit. Using this structure, Malaysia Airlines are decentralizing the power of making decision to each division and that give a clearer goal to the employees to achieve. Nevertheless, the plentiful number of divisions will cost a lot and sharing of knowledge will be lesser. To respond to that, Malaysia Airlines should manage all the division under one command center by using network structure and all the information gathered need to be transmitted to headquarter. 4.3.2 Organizational Process Malaysia Airlines organizational processes are of consist of entrepreneurial and competence-building. In entrepreneurial process, employees will bemotivated by delegating some tasks to them that of course will increase their discipline and efficiency compared to strict control. In building competency, employee differences of capabilities will be given a specific task to them in order to gain trust amongst the Malaysia Airlines and the employees itself. By implementing this, a more proactive and efficient workforce can be produced in the process of achieving the goals. 4.3.3 Strategic Control Systems In improving the employee’s performance and at the same time retaining their performance, control and reward systems are a must. Well rewarded employees undoubtedly will perform very well. By implementing this, Malaysia Airlines can manage to deliver consistent services to their customers. Plus, motivated work force surely will lead Malaysia Airlines to gain profit. As a result of that, employees that perform with excellence and if the satisfaction towards their job are high, the probability of staying longer with Malaysia Airlines are also high. Thus, this will surely eliminate the cost of looking for new employees. Malaysia Airlines as corporate parent also need to use control and reward system in order to increase the motivation of the employees to achieve goals that being set. By means of giving them reward based on their performance, the employee’s tendency of performing at their best most likely will be high. By doing this, a more standardize employee performance can be achieved. In addition, controlling the employees is not necessarily being strict with them but being understanding is the greatest option to choose where employees automatically will increase their work rate that will lead Malaysia Airlines to compete vigorously in the industry. 4.3.4 Corporate Governance Corporate governance is where business is managed for the shareholder according to the right and wishes of the stakeholder. It is also where an organization is responsible for the stakeholder’s interest in the organization itself. Corporate governance ensures that the stakeholderreceives something in the forms of money or others.Malaysia Airlines should take the approach in implementing what they want to do to the stakeholder so that the stakeholder will feel secure. Openness with stakeholder is a must where company’s finance and planmust be share to win their trust. Any decisionsare made by Malaysia Airlines can affect stakeholder trust. Hence, leadership and management of the organization are responsible in balancing the needs of stakeholders. Finally, a more synchronize and efficient corporate governance is necessary in planning strategies which can fit the organizational structure that in the end  getting control of the market. Conclusion Strategic management is very important for every organisation. Small organisation to giant organisation requires strategic management to expand and improve their managing ability. Adding to that, it can also help them to compete in the industry where all the strategies can be used to cope with the industry competitiveness itself. Strategic analysis, scenario planning, PEST and SWOT analysis, Porter five forces, strategic formulation, strategic implementation; and other strategies are important to imply within the organization. Not just for the sake of getting profit, but also for long term future. All of the strategies mentioned above can help Malaysia Airlines to increase their profits and cover their losses. Not just that, the strategies also can help dealing with the external factors such as competitors, policies, and most importantly the internal environment itself. Efficiency, cost saving and opportunity exploitation can be achieved if the strategies are carried out with proper planning. In conclusion, strategic management are not just a strategy but it can make as a stepping stone to achieve success where it can be used to analyze strengths and weaknesses that surely will put Malaysia Airlines at great advantages. References Ansoff, I. (1965), corporate Strategy, McGraw-Hill, New York. Annual Report 2011. (Archive) Malaysia Airlines.p. 2. â€Å"Registered Office 3rd Floor, Administration Building 1 MAS Complex A Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah AIrport 47200 Subang Selangor DarulEhsan Malaysia† Barney, J.B., (1986a), Strategic Factor Markets: Expectations, Luck and Business Strategy. Management Science; 32, (10), pp. 1231–1241. Barney, J.B., (1986b), Organizational Culture: Can It be a Source of Sustained Competitive Advantage? Academy of Management Review; 11, (3), pp. 656–665. Barney, J.B., (2001), Is the Resource-Based Theory a Useful Perspective for Strategic Management Research? Yes. Academy of Management Review; 26, (1), pp. 41–56. Bryjolfsson, E., Renshaw, A.A., Alstyne, M.V., (1997), The Matrix of Change, Sloan Management Review Cadbury, A., (1992), Report of the committee on the

Succubus Blues CHAPTER 13

Carter picked up a book and leafed through it lazily. His stringy blond hair had been stuffed under a backward baseball cap, and his flannel shirt appeared to have seen better days. â€Å"Looking for altar supplies?† he asked me without glancing up. â€Å"Or maybe here to brush up on your astrology?† â€Å"It's none of your business why I'm here,† I snapped back, too flustered at the sight of him to think of anything funny or even plausible. The gray eyes looked up. â€Å"Does Jerome know you're here?† â€Å"It's not his business either. Why? Are you going to tattle on me?† My words came out boldly, though part of me kept thinking if Carter really was the one behind the attacks, I'd have a lot more to worry about than Jerome's wrath. â€Å"Maybe.† He closed the book, holding it between his palms. â€Å"Of course, I suspect the long-term entertainment value will be greater for me if I just keep quiet and let your schemes proceed uninterrupted.† â€Å"I don't know what ‘schemes' you're talking about. Can't a girl go shopping without getting the third degree? You don't hear me grilling you about why you're here.† The truth was, I burned to know what he was doing. It didn't surprise me that he knew Erik – we all did – but finding him here in light of everything that had happened lately only furthered my suspicions. â€Å"Me?† He held up the book he'd been glancing through. Teach Yourself Witchcraft in 30 Days or Less. â€Å"I need to make up for lost time.† â€Å"Cute,† I acknowledged. â€Å"Commendation from a master. I'm honored. Have I given you sufficient time to come up with an equally cute alibi?† He set the book down. â€Å"Miss Kincaid.† Erik shuffled into the room before I could answer. â€Å"I'm so pleased to see you. My friend just dropped off the earrings you asked for.† I stared, momentarily puzzled, and then I remembered the pearl necklace, as well as the earrings I'd offhandedly requested. â€Å"I'm glad he was able to do it so quickly.† â€Å"Nice recovery,† conceded Carter in an undertone. I ignored him. Erik opened a small box for me, and I peered inside. Three tiny strands of freshwater pearls, just like the ones from the necklace, dangled from the delicate copper wires of each earring. â€Å"They're beautiful,† I told him. I meant it. â€Å"Thank your friend. I have a dress these will look great with.† â€Å"That must be a relief,† noted Carter, watching Erik ring the earrings up at the counter. â€Å"Proper accessories, I mean. Cody tells me you're doing a lot of dating these days. I don't suppose you read the book I sent you.† I slid my credit card over to Erik. Cody had seen my male entourage at the dance lesson, but I'd only told him about my subsequent date with Roman yesterday. â€Å"When did you talk to Cody?† â€Å"Last night.† â€Å"Funny, so did I. And here you are today. Are you following me around?† Carter's eyes danced merrily. â€Å"I was here first. Maybe you're following me around. Maybe you're starting to get into this dating thing and want to find a cunning way to come on to me.† I signed the credit card slip and handed it back to a quiet, listening Erik. â€Å"Sorry. I like my men to have a bit more life in them.† Carter chuckled quietly at my joke. Sex with other immortals gave me no energy payoff. â€Å"Georgina, sometimes I think you might be worth following around, just to hear what you'll say next.† Erik looked up. If he felt discomfort at being in the crossfire of two immortals, he did not show it. â€Å"Then perhaps you'd like to join us for tea, Mr. Carter? You were going to stay, weren't you, Miss Kincaid?† I gave Erik one of my better smiles. â€Å"Yes, of course.† â€Å"Mr. Carter?† â€Å"Thank you, but no. I've got things to do, and from the way I understand it, Georgina operates best one man at a time. It was nice seeing you as always, Erik. Thanks for chatting. As for you, Georgina†¦ well, I'm sure I'll be seeing you very soon.† Something in those words chilled me. It took every ounce of my resolve to sound calm as I called out to him. â€Å"Carter?† His hands touched the door. Pausing, he glanced back at me and arched an eyebrow in acknowledgment. â€Å"Does Jerome know you're here?† A slow, sly smile spread across the angel's face. â€Å"Are you going to tattle on me now, Georgina? And here I thought we were making such progress. Perhaps we should have drawn out the small talk a bit more. You could have asked me if the weather would change soon, I might have commented how pretty you looked today, etc., etc. You know how it goes.† I blinked. His words this time invoked the note on my door. You are a beautiful woman, Georgina. Beautiful enough, I think, to even tempt angels into falling†¦ Was he leaving me more clues? Toying with me in the way Cody had suggested? Or was I reading too much into this? Was he still just annoying Carter, bane of my existence, tormenting me like always? I honestly didn't know, but I still believed of all angels to be taking down evil immortals in the city, Carter had the most opportunity. â€Å"How pretty am I then?† My voice caught slightly. â€Å"Pretty enough to fall for?† The angel's lips twitched. â€Å"I knew you were coming on to me. See you later, Georgina, Erik.† He opened the door and left. I stood there, watching his retreating figure. â€Å"What was he doing here?† Erik set a tray with two cups down on the small table. â€Å"Come now, Miss Kincaid. I keep your secrets. You can't expect me to do any less for him.† â€Å"No, I suppose not.† Nor, I thought as the old man went to get the teapot, did I want to risk endangering him by getting him caught up in immortal affairs. Well, at least caught up more than he already was. He returned shortly and poured for us. â€Å"I had just put this on before you came in. I'm glad you're here to share it.† I tasted it. Another herbal blend. â€Å"What's this one called?† â€Å"Desire.† â€Å"Fitting,† I observed. Angels and conspiracies aside, I still hungered for Roman. â€Å"Did you find out anything?† â€Å"I'm afraid not. I asked around but learned nothing more about vampire hunters, nor did I get any indication of one in the area.† â€Å"That doesn't surprise me.† I sipped the tea. â€Å"I think something else is going on.† He said nothing, prudent as ever. â€Å"I know you won't tell me why he was here, and I understand that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I trailed off, determining how best to phrase my words. â€Å"But what do you†¦ what do you think of him? Carter, that is. Has he done anything weird or seemed, I don't know, suspicious? Secretive?† Erik gave me a droll look. â€Å"Begging your pardon, but I have a number of customers – yourself inclusive – who fit that description.† No doubt that was an understatement. â€Å"Well, then, I don't know. Do you trust him?† â€Å"Mr. Carter?† Surprise registered across his features. â€Å"I've known him longer than I have you. If any of those ‘suspicious and secretive' customers can be trusted, he is certainly first among them. I'd place my life in his hands.† No surprise there. If Carter could fool Jerome, he could surely fool a mortal as well. Shifting gears, I asked: â€Å"Do you know anything about fallen angels?† â€Å"I would think you are already familiar with that topic, Miss Kincaid.† I wondered if he referred to the company I kept or the old myth that succubi were demons. For the record, we aren't. â€Å"Never ask a practitioner if you want to learn about a religion's history. Save those questions for outside scholars.† â€Å"Very true.† He smiled, thinking as he brought the cup to his lips. â€Å"Well. Surely you know that demons are angels who turned away from the divine will. They rebelled, or as it is commonly referred to, ‘fell.' Lucifer is generally accredited as being the first, and others left with him.† â€Å"That was in the beginning, though, right? One mass migration to the other side.† I frowned, still wondering about the technicalities of when angels fell. â€Å"What about later? Was that the only time it happened? Just that once?† Erik shook his head. â€Å"My impression is that it can happen still and has happened in the past. There are even documents suggesting – â€Å" The door opened, and a young couple walked in. Erik rose and smiled at them. â€Å"Do you have any books on tarot?† the girl asked. â€Å"For beginners?† Did he ever. Erik had a whole wall of them. The interruption frustrated me, but I didn't want to disrupt a chance for him to do some business. I gestured him toward the couple, drinking the rest of my tea. He led them to the appropriate section, energetically explaining certain titles and questioning their needs in further detail. I picked up my coat and purse, along with a box of the Desire tea. Erik watched me set a ten-dollar bill on the counter. â€Å"Keep the change,† I told him. Pausing from his discussion with the couple, he remarked to me, â€Å"Check†¦ let's see, I believe it's the beginning of Genesis 6†¦ verse 2 or 4 perhaps? There might be something to help you in there.† â€Å"Genesis? Like in the Bible?† He nodded, and I glanced around the book-lined shelves. â€Å"Where is it?† â€Å"I don't stock it, Miss Kincaid. I suspect your own resources will be more than adequate.† He returned to his customers, and I left, marveling at a man who could pull up biblical verses by number but not have a copy on hand. Still, he was right about me having ample resources, and my shift started soon anyway. I drove back to Queen Anne and found the street parking full. Digging my permit out from the glove box, I hung it on my rearview mirror and pulled into the tiny, private parking lot bordering an alley behind the bookstore. So many employees wanted to use the lot, I generally tried to avoid it when I could. As I walked toward the store, I caught sight of two cars pulled hood to hood and a redheaded figure leaning over them. Tammi. I liked the teenager a lot, but she also had a tendency to chat. Not wanting to delay my biblical search, I stepped into some shadows and shape-shifted into a nondescript man she wouldn't know. I then walked on past her, barely getting a second glance as she jumped the car. I changed back to my normal body once I was out of sight again. A momentary sense of windedness hit me, gone just as quickly as it had arrived. Cross-gender shape-shifting always took a bite out of me, which was why I had resisted Peter's silly haircut-modeling suggestion. I had probably just lost a few days' worth of my Martin-induced energy surplus. That left me with a couple weeks at least, but I felt the succubus feeding need stir slightly within me anyway, no doubt agitated by my perpetual longing for Roman. The bookstore hummed with normal weekday business when I arrived. Immediately, I sought out our religion section. I had directed people to it on a number of occasions; I had even pulled select titles from it. What I had not done was pay close attention to just how many Bibles existed. â€Å"Jesus,† I muttered, staring at the various translations. There were Bibles for women and men respectively, Bibles for teens, illustrated Bibles, large-print Bibles, gold-embossed Bibles. At last I caught sight of the King James Version. I knew little about it, but at least I recognized the title. Pulling it off the shelf, I flipped to Genesis 6 and read Erik's passage: And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. And the LORD said, ‘My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.' There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. Well. That cleared everything up. I reread the passage a few more times, hoping to get something more out of it. I finally determined Erik must have given me the wrong chapter number. He'd been distracted, after all. This passage, by my estimation, had nothing to do with angels, falling, or even the cosmic battle of good and evil. What it did seem to be about, however, was human procreation. It didn't take a biblical scholar to figure out what â€Å"the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men† meant, especially when children followed in the next phrase. Sex had sold books back in the old days, just as it did now. I wondered if Erik had given me the passage number as a joke. â€Å"Are you finding religion?† I looked up first into a Pac-Man T-shirt, then into Seth's inquisitive face. â€Å"Found and lost it a long time ago, I'm afraid.† I shut the book as he knelt down beside me. â€Å"Just looking up something. How are Cady and O'Neill today?† â€Å"Making good progress on their latest case.† He smiled fondly, and I found myself studying the amber-brown of his eyes. I'd had a few more e-mail exchanges with him in the last few days and enjoyed my mininovels, though our spoken conversation had seen little improvement. â€Å"I just finished a chapter and needed to take a break. Walk around, get something to drink.† â€Å"No caffeine, I presume.† I had learned Seth didn't drink caffeinated beverages, which I found both frightening and unnatural. â€Å"No. No caffeine.† â€Å"You shouldn't knock it. It might increase your writing output.† â€Å"Ah yes, that's right. You don't think my books come out fast enough.† I groaned, remembering the day I'd met him. â€Å"I think my own words came out a little too fast that first day.† â€Å"No way. You were brilliant. I'll never forget it.† His quizzical mask slipped briefly, just as it had at the dance lesson, and I once again saw male interest and appreciation cross his features. Crouching beside him, I again had a momentary sense of naturalness, like I normally had with Doug or one of the immortals. Something friendly and soothing. Like Seth and I had known each other forever. Maybe I had, in a manner of speaking, through his books. And yet, at the same time, being this close to him proved disconcerting as well. Distracting. I began noticing things like the lean muscles in his arms and the way his messy brown hair framed his face. Even the gold sheen of light hitting his facial hair and the shape of his lips held my attention. Turning away, I felt the base thirst for life energy twitch in me, and I repressed the urge to reach out and touch his face. The outside shape-shifting had caused more damage than I realized. I still didn't really require a true refill of energy, but the succubus instinct was getting irritable. I needed to squelch it soon, but certainly not with Seth. I stood up hastily, still holding the Bible, wanting to get away from him. He rose with me. â€Å"Well,† I began awkwardly when neither of us said anything for a few moments, â€Å"I need to get to work here.† He nodded, the interest in his face turning to apprehension. â€Å"I†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Hmm?† Swallowing, he looked away briefly then back to me, his eyes now focused with determination. â€Å"So, I'm going to this party on Sunday, and I wondered if maybe†¦ maybe if you weren't busy or weren't working, you could maybe, that is, maybe you'd want to come with me.† I stared, speechless. Had Seth Mortensen just asked me out? And hadn't†¦ hadn't we just had a coherent conversation for once? Combined with me suddenly noticing how attractive he was, the very world seemed to be turning on its side. Worse still, I wanted to accept. Something about Seth suddenly felt natural and right, even if it wasn't like the rollercoaster of excitement I felt with Roman. Somewhere in this bizarre, awkward relationship, I'd grown to genuinely like the writer independent of his novels. But I couldn't accept. I knew I couldn't. I cursed myself for my initial flirtation; it had apparently stuck with him, despite my efforts to undo it and stay platonic. Part of me felt dismayed, part of me pleased. All of me knew what I had to do. â€Å"No,† I answered bluntly, still stunned. â€Å"Oh.† I had no choice. No way could I have Seth attracted to me. No way could I risk anything but an arm's-length friendship with my favorite books' creator. Realizing how rude I had sounded, I attempted a hasty recovery. I should have simply said I had to work, but instead, I found myself babbling on with a variant of what I had used on Doug over the years. â€Å"You see†¦ I'm not really interested in dating right now or getting involved with anyone. So, it's nothing personal, I mean, the party sounds great and all, but I just can't accept. I don't ever accept things like that, actually. Like I said, it isn't personal. It's just easier not to get involved. To not date. Um, ever.† Seth studied me for a long time, considering, and I was suddenly reminded of that first night when he looked much the same way while I explained my five-page rule with his books. Finally, he said, â€Å"Oh. Okay. But†¦ aren't you dating that guy? The really tall one with black hair?† â€Å"No. We're not dating. Not really. We're just, uh, friends. Sort of.† â€Å"Oh,† Seth repeated. â€Å"Friends don't go to parties together, then?† â€Å"No.† I hesitated, suddenly wishing I had a different answer. â€Å"They can maybe have coffee sometimes. Here in the bookstore.† â€Å"I don't drink coffee.† There was a sharpness to his voice. I felt like I'd been slapped. We stood there then in what was quite possibly among the top five most uncomfortable moments of my life. The silence stretched out between us. At last, I repeated my lame exit excuse: â€Å"I have to get back to work.† â€Å"Okay. See you around.† Just friends, just friends. How many times had I used that line? How many times had the lie been easier than facing up to the truth? I'd even used it on my husband so long ago, again hiding from the reality of a matter I didn't want to admit to when things had turned sour between us. â€Å"Just friends?† Kyriakos had repeated, dark eyes staring at me. â€Å"Of course. He's your friend too, you know. He just keeps me company when you're gone, that's all. It's lonely without you.† But I never told my husband how often his friend Ariston came to visit or how we always seemed to be finding excuses to touch each other. A casual brush here and there. His hand to help me up. Or the one day that still burned in my memory, when he had reached over me to grab a bottle, and his hand had grazed my breast. I'd given an involuntary gasp, and he'd lingered for a heartbeat before carrying on with his task. And I didn't tell Kyriakos that Ariston made me feel like I had in the early days of my marriage, like I was clever, beautiful, and desirable. Ariston lavished me with the attention Kyriakos once had; Ariston loved the sharp wit that had once gotten me into trouble as an unmarried maiden. As for Kyriakos†¦ well, I assumed he loved those things too, but he didn't show it so much anymore. His father was making him work longer and longer hours, and when he finally got home, he would collapse into bed or seek the solitude of his flute. I hated that flute†¦ hated it and loved it. I loathed that it seemed to hold his attention more than I did. Yet, on some nights, when I sat outside and listened to him play, I felt awed at his skill and that ability to create such sweetness. But that didn't change the fact that I slept untouched more often than not. When I told him I'd never get pregnant that way, he'd laugh and tell me we had all the time in the world for children. This troubled me because I honestly – and irrationally – believed that having a baby would somehow fix everything between us. I ached for one, missing the way my little sisters had once felt in my arms. I loved the honesty and the innocence of children and liked to think I might help guide one into becoming a good person. Nothing seemed so sweet to me in those days as cleaning cuts, holding small hands, and telling stories. Furthermore, I had reached a point where I needed to know that I could have a baby. Three years of marriage was a long time to go without a child in those days, and I'd seen the way others were starting to whisper that poor Letha might be barren. I hated their simpering and sickeningly sugared pity. I should have told Kyriakos everything that was on my mind, every last detail. But he was so sweet and worked so hard to provide for us, I couldn't bear it. I didn't want to shake the contentment that ostensibly filled our household just for my own self-gratification and need for attention. Besides, it wasn't like he always neglected my body. A bit of coaxing, and I could sometimes get him to answer my desire. We'd come together in the middle of the night then, his body moving in mine with the same passion he used in his music. Yet, looking at Ariston some days, I had the feeling he wouldn't need any coaxing at all. And as empty days without Kyriakos passed, that started to mean something. Just friends, just friends. Standing there in the bookstore, watching Seth walk away, I half wondered how anyone could still use that line. But I knew why, of course. It was used because people still believed it. Or at least they wanted to. When I returned downstairs – feeling sad, angry, and idiotic all at the same time – I stumbled upon a scenario guaranteed to make my day even weirder: Helena from Krystal Starz stood there in front of the registers, gesticulating wildly to the cashiers. Helena here. On my turf. Swallowing my confusion over Seth, I strode over in my best managerial way, still carrying the Bible. â€Å"Is there something I can help you with?† Helena spun around, making the crystals around her neck tinkle as they hit each other. â€Å"It's her – she's the one. The one who stole my staff.† I glanced behind the counter. Casey and Beth stood there, looking relieved to see me. Tammi and her friend Janice must have been somewhere else in the store, for which I was grateful. Best to keep them out of this. I kept my voice cool, ever-conscious of the customers observing. â€Å"I'm sure I don't know what you mean.† â€Å"Don't start that with me! You know exactly what I mean. You walked into my store, made a scene, and then lured away my staff. They left without notice!† â€Å"People have recently applied for jobs here,† I responded blandly. â€Å"I can't really keep track of where they used to work. As assistant manager, however, I can empathize with the inconvenience of employees who leave without giving notice.† â€Å"Stop that!† Helena exclaimed, hardly resembling the cool, collected diva from last week. â€Å"Do you think I can't see through your lies? You walk in darkness, your aura wreathed in fire!† â€Å"What's on fire?† Doug and Warren walked up, obviously attracted by the mounting spectacle. â€Å"Her,† Helena proclaimed, pointing at me, using the New Age raspy voice. Warren eyed me curiously, as though actually assessing for flames. â€Å"Georgina?† â€Å"She stole my employees. Just came in and took them like that. I could sue, you know. When I tell my lawyers – â€Å" â€Å"Which employees?† † Tammiand Janice.† I cringed, waiting to see what this new development would unleash. Despite his many shortcomings, Warren did have a smooth sense of customer service and professionalism. I worried what might ensue if my poaching received further investigation. He frowned, trying to match faces with names apparently. â€Å"Wait†¦ didn't one of them jump my car today?† † Tammidid.† He snorted dismissively. â€Å"We're not giving them back.† Helena turned beet red. â€Å"You can't – â€Å" â€Å"Ma'am, I am sorry for your inconvenience, but I can hardly pass back workers who have signed employment papers with us and are unwilling to work for you anymore. There's always turnover in retail. I'm sure you'll find someone soon.† She turned on me, still pointing. â€Å"I won't forget this. Even if I can't get you back for this, the universe will repay your cruel and twisted nature. You will die miserable and alone. Unloved. Friendless. Childless. Your life will have amounted to nothing.† So much for New Age love and kindness. I hardly feared her comments about dying, but the other adjectives dug in a little. Miserable and alone. Unloved. Friendless. Childless. Warren, however, felt no such concerns for me. â€Å"Ma'am, Georgina's the last one I'd accuse of having a ‘cruel' nature or leading a meaningless life. She holds this place together, and I trust her judgment implicitly – including the hiring of your former employees. Now unless you would like to make a purchase, I must ask you to leave before I'm forced to call the authorities.† Helena spouted off more curses and woes to us, no doubt entertaining the customers waiting in line. To my surprise, Warren continued holding his ground. He usually went out of his way to smooth customer relations and put our best foot forward, even at his employees' expense. Today he didn't apparently feel like humoring anyone. It was refreshing. When Helena left, he retreated to his office without another word, and Doug and I stood there, astonishment quickly giving way to amusement. â€Å"The things you cause, Kincaid.† â€Å"What? Don't peg that one on me.† â€Å"Are you kidding? Freaky witch women never showed up before you started working here.† â€Å"How would you know? I started before you.† Checking my watch, I turned thoughtful. â€Å"You're still here for a while today, aren't you?† â€Å"Yup. Lucky for you. Why?† â€Å"No reason.† I left him there and walked to the back offices. Instead of turning left for my office, however, I turned right into Warren's. He sat at his desk, packing his briefcase, preparing to leave now that his car was ready. â€Å"Don't tell me she's back.† â€Å"No.† I closed the door behind me. This made him look up. â€Å"I just wanted to thank you.† Warren eyed me shrewdly. â€Å"Kicking irrational customers out is part of my job.† â€Å"Yeah, but last time I didn't get praised. I had to apologize.† He shrugged, thinking of an incident from a year ago. â€Å"Well, that was different. You called an old woman a hypocritical, pathological Nazi neophyte.† â€Å"She was.† â€Å"If you say so.† His eyes still watched my every move. I walked over to him, setting the Bible down on his desk. Climbing onto his chair, I straddled his lap, making my tight red skirt ride up considerably, revealing the lace-covered tops of black thigh-highs underneath. I leaned in to kiss him, at first just running my teeth tauntingly over his lips, and then suddenly pressing my mouth in hard. He returned the kiss with equal fervor, hands automatically sliding up the backs of my thighs to cup my ass. †Christ,† he breathed when we broke apart slightly. One of his hands moved to my face, the other toyed with the thong I wore under my skirt. His fingers ran along its lacy edge and then pushed upward inside me, at first just delicately probing and then sliding up the full length. I was already wet from a sudden desire and breathed deeply as I savored those long, smooth strokes. Warren watched me with approval. â€Å"What's this all about?† â€Å"What's what? We do this all the time.† â€Å"You never initiate it.† â€Å"I told you, I'm grateful.† That was true, actually. I had found his defense rather endearing. Also, still burning with Roman-lust and now maybe Seth-lust, I suddenly found Warren convenient in the wake of my grouchy succubus hunger. The hand by my face wound up a lock of hair, and he turned pensive, although he didn't stop what he was doing between my legs. â€Å"Georgina†¦ I hope†¦ I hope you know what we do here in no way affects your job. You have no obligations – no danger of losing your position here if – â€Å" I laughed out loud, surprised by this oddly considerate side. â€Å"I know that.† â€Å"I mean it – â€Å" â€Å"I know that,† I repeated, biting his lower lip with my teeth. â€Å"Don't go soft on me all of a sudden,† I growled. â€Å"That's not what I'm here for.† He didn't interrupt again, and I let myself sink into the pleasure of contact. The feel of his tongue in my mouth, his hands brazenly exploring my body. After a long morning of sexual frustration, I just needed it from someone – anyone. He unbuttoned my blouse and tossed it to the floor, where it rested in a black, silken pile. My skirt and thong followed, leaving me only in thigh-highs, bra, and heels. All black. He shifted his body, still in the chair, so that I could pull his pants off. Seeing him there – long, straight, and hard – made me move his hand out of me. Fingers no longer satisfied me. I wrapped my legs more tightly around his hips, as much as the chair would allow. Then, without further warning, I thrust my body down, plunging him inside me. I arched my body so that I could take him deeper, then moved in steady, repeated thrusts. Looking back down, I watched him glide in and out. There was no sound in the room save that of flesh on flesh and our heavy breathing. With penetration came a flood of feeling and sensations from him – different from the physical ones. As a less noble soul, his energy and presence did not knock me across the room like Martin's had. Succubi absorption depended on the victim's character. Strong, moral souls yielded more to the succubus and took a huge bite out of the guy. Corrupt men lost less and consequently gave less. Regardless of his energy or moral fiber, I did catch snippets of Warren's thoughts and emotions as I rode him. This was normal. They came through with his life force. Desire certainly was foremost in his mind. Smug pride at being with a younger, attractive woman. Excitement. Surprise. He had little remorse about cheating on his wife – contributing to the lower energy yield – and even the brief fondness for me he'd displayed earlier gave way to raw lust. So fucking hot. So wet. Love the way she rides me. Hope she comes and comes on top of me†¦ I did, as it turned out. My movements becoming harder and fiercer as our bodies slapped together. My leg muscles clenching. Neck arched back again. Breasts hot and sweaty from where he'd clutched them. The orgasm reverberating through me. Spasms of pleasure growing fainter and fainter as my breathing slowly returned to normal. And the energy fix wasn't bad either. It had leaked into me slowly throughout our building passion, starting off as fine glittering threads. Near the end, however, it had become strong and bright, pouring into me, reinvigorating my own life, fueling my immortality in a glorious climax that rivaled the physical one. When we both had our clothes back on, I made moves for an exit. Small energy loss or no, Warren always felt exhausted and worn after we'd been together. He thought it was the result of his age going up against a younger, more active woman. I did nothing to change his attitude but usually tried to discretely leave, so he wouldn't feel self-conscious around me in his fatigue. I knew it bothered him to think he couldn't keep up with me. â€Å"Georgina?† he called as I moved to the door. â€Å"Why are you carrying a Bible? You aren't trying to convert customers, are you?† â€Å"Oh. That. Just researching something for a friend. It's applicable, actually. All about sex.† He wiped sweat off his brow. â€Å"After years and years of church, I think I'd remember any good sex scenes.† â€Å"Well, it's not so much a scene as a clinical description of procreation.† â€Å"Ah. Lots of those.† On impulse, I walked over to him and opened up Genesis 6. â€Å"See?† I pointed to the appropriate verses. â€Å"All these mentions of men taking women. They say it, like, three times.† Warren studied the book with a frown, and I remembered that he had not opened this place without a substantial background in literary study. â€Å"Well†¦ it's repeated because here when it says ‘men began to multiply on the face of the earth,' it's referring to human men.† I looked up sharply. â€Å"What do you mean ‘human'?† â€Å"Here. The ‘sons of God' aren't human men. They're angels.† â€Å"What?† If I'd been holding the book, I would have dropped it. â€Å"Are you sure?† â€Å"Positive. Like I said, years of church services. They use this term throughout the Bible.† He flipped to Job. â€Å"See? Here it is again. ‘Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them.' It's referring to angels – fallen angels in this case.† I swallowed. â€Å"What†¦ what were they doing in Genesis then? With the ‘daughters of men'? Were†¦ were the angels having sex with human women?† â€Å"Well, it says the women were ‘fair.' Hard to blame them, huh?† He gave me an admiring sweep as he spoke. â€Å"I don't know. This isn't a point discussed a lot in church, as I'm sure you can imagine. Mostly we emphasized human sin and guilt, but I ignored that.† I continued to stare at the book, dumbfounded, yet suddenly ablaze with ideas and theories. Warren eyed me curiously when I didn't respond to his joke. â€Å"Does that help you any?† â€Å"Yes,† I said, recovering myself. â€Å"It helps a lot.† I surprised him with a soft kiss on the lips, took the Bible, and left.