a pause filled the studio like mustard gas , then she added , `` with us . '' the commander grabbed her jaw in a fierce grip and forced her to meet his insane gaze . tall and thin , he was indeed covered head to toe in black , including a face mask revealing only two closed eyes . she had believed the damage permanent . i got up from the sofa with my cup and saucer and headed for the kitchen , saying as i passed her , im getting another cup . in the distance was an elementary school . 