Final exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Final exam - Essay Example From the belief of Christianity on the trinity of God, it reveals their encounter with God as being a spiritual experience. Christians also believe that God is not like human beings, but more powerful than human beings are. In the worship services of Christians, he plays a central part. Christians believe in the justification of faith. The Christians believe that through their belief that Jesus Christ is the son of God who died and resurrected. Christians believe in forgiveness when they confess their sins; the forgiveness was given when Jesus died on the cross. Finally, Christians believe in life after death, and as a result, they strive to live a holy life so as to go to heaven and wait for the resurrection. 2.Decide what basic perspective about Christian understandings of God, Jesus and the Church make the most sense to you and give your reasons why by applying these views to the issue of how Christians should live their lives. Christians view God as the creator of the universe and all living things. Jesus is also seen as God’s son who came to the world to save the world from its sins. The word Jesus means â€Å"the savior.† In Old Testament the name, Joshua is the same as Jesus. The church is a place where the faithful go to fellowship God. Christians view the church as the body of Christ, the fellowship in faith and the people of God. When we look at the church as a fellowship in faith, it is probable to say that the holiness of Christians is based on God’s continuing activities. The holiness of the church originates from God, for instance, the book of peter 1:15-16 â€Å"you shall be holy, for I am holy† this show that the church is supposed to be holy since he is also holy. When Christians view the church as the body of Christ, it means that they partake in the redemptive works of Jesus Christ. Through this, Christians live in unity with one another without differentiating others based

The Life Of Roger Williams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The Life Of Roger Williams - Essay Example Roger Williams was an English protestant and theologian. He was a controversialist who used his formal education background to generate erudite arguments on religion. He is among the few unique persons from early history that made an enormous impact with their actions. He left England, his native land, during the Puritan migration to America. His motive was similar to that of other people that participated in the great exodus - to worship God according to the dictates of his mind and conscience. When he arrived at Massachusetts Bay, he felt disappointed to find that the people there practiced conformity. He had migrated to America in search of freedom but that was not what he found. Authorities at the Bay were quick to deal with non conformity. There were mechanisms to deal with discordant elements as quickly as possible. Williams did not accept the existent situation. He immediately started to promote his ideas of religious freedom across the bay area. Williams was among the earliest proponents of religious freedom. He also advocated for the separation of church and state. His religious and political principles offended the authorities of Massachusetts Bay. The authorities tried to arrest him for deportation back to England. He got away before the authorities could get to him. He exiled to the Narragansett where he founded the colony of Providence Plantation in 1636.2 His model advocated for a society where men act as their conscience tell them to in the name of their God. This colony provided refuge to religious minorities. There was no discrimination in the colony based on race or religion and freedom of worship was guaranteed. He also started the First Baptist Church of Providence which was the first Baptist church established in America. Even to this day, there are remarkably few people that may be willing to take the position that Roger Williams took many years back. His position required courage and perseverance in order to achieve the desired goals. His life involved continuous struggle for religious liberty. Roger William’s life Roger Williams was born in 1603 in London. His parents were James and Alice Williams. Roger Williams had a sister, Catherine, and two brothers Robert and Sydrach. Williams spent his early years as a youth at the St. Spulchre Church parish.3 In his teen years, Williams attracted the attention of Sir Edward Coke. Coke was a brilliant lawyer and an influential

Awarding, Negotiating and Administering Contracts Research Paper

Awarding, Negotiating and Administering Contracts - Research Paper Example The program could be simple or complicated even though it is supposed to specify what the performance outputs of the statement of work are supposed to be (Garrett, 2007, p. 3). At the same time, the program is supposed to define the technique used to carry out the analyses. This saves time and reserves since the COTR is not observing the ordinary, scheduled proportions of the contract, instead of the COTR is aiming of the leading outputs of the contract. The contract administration program is also supposed to contain a quality assurance (QA) monitoring plan as a subsection. This is necessary when executing the program since the advancement of such a contract plan offers a systematic outline and technique for the COTR to assess services and commodities that dealers are needed to furnish. The QA plan is supposed to aim at the value of the commodity supplied by the contractor and not on the steps taken or processes utilized in order to deliver that commodity. It comprises of suitable us age of pre-planned assessments and random spontaneous reviews (Garrett, 2007, p. 3). When a contract is allocated to administration under the watch of the government, the contract administration staff is supposed to perform contract administration roles according to the terms of the national law, and the contract expressions too. The appropriate protocols of the servicing agency should also be observed when implementing these contract roles lest else settled for in an interagency contract. Another step included when executing a contract administration program is negotiating cost changes and the implementation of auxiliary contracts beneath the cost accounting principle articles (Garrett, 2007, p. 3). Defining the appropriateness of the contractor’s accounting method makes his or her system’s adequacy in the course of the whole phase of contract performance become vital. The suitability of the accounting method of the contractor and the affiliated interior control coord ination, together with the contractor agreement with the cost accounting standards (CAS) have a huge impact on the value and legitimacy of the contractor information. As a result, the government is supposed to provide a feedback on its administration inaccuracy of the contractor and contract enactment (Murphy, 2009, p. 71). The implementation of a contract administration program also involves the analysis and assessment for practical suitability and the contractor’s logistics support, sustenance and modification agendas. The contractor ought to also report to the contracting workplace any insufficiencies noticed in details. The contractor ought to also perform industrial assessments of contractor price plans (Garrett, 2007, p. 3). The analysis and review of the contractor-suggested industrial and design researches and submit remarks and commendations to the contracting headquarters as needed. Any change plans made to the contract ought to be reviewed by the contractor for sui table categorization, and when needed, the need for practical appropriateness of design, productivity, and the effect of value, dependability, program and price. Correspondingly, the contractor is supposed to submit remarks to the contracting headquarters. The execution of the contract administration plan also involves helpful effort in assessing and creating commendations for reception on refutation of disclaimers and nonconformities (Garrett, 2007,

Three Ethic Models Essay Example for Free

Three Ethic Models Essay This essay will explain the three ethic models, which are the utilitarian model, moral rights model and justice model (Waddell et al. 2007, 166), the application of these ethic models pertaining to the case study, and which ethic model would be best referred to in deciding the course of action to take to solve the problem that has arisen due to the circumstances that happened due to the employers forcing minimum wage exemption of their employees. (Roberts 2013) Waddell et al. (2007, 164) suggests that ethics as how people or groups perceive decisions as right or wrong differently. An ethical decision made according to the utilitarian model is defined by the most benefit for the most number of individuals. (Waddell et al. 2007, 166) Jardins and McCall (1985, 368) suggest that to further understand the meaning of employee rights, one would look at what both the managers and employees would goods both parties are aiming for in an employment agreement. Both parties will have differing aims and strategies to create changes or benefits from and for the company, resulting in a conflict of interest. Gill 2003, 308) For instance, managers would set a target to maximize the profits of the company and â€Å"maintain the firm’s long-term growth and stability (Jardins and McCall 1985, 368); while employees may aim to gain benefits and have a comfortable life, which is obtained by receiving at least minimum pay, or even â€Å"higher wages†. (Jardins and McCall 1985, 368) Managers have the responsibility to analyze the situation carefully, and make a decision that would benefits the highest number of stakeholders, i. . the employees. (Waddell et. Al 2007, 166) If wage rates were to be increased, the company would make lower profits. (Jardins and McCall 1985, 368) Wage increments would add to the production costs, so customers would not want to purchase the products if they become too expensive, therefore decreasing profits over time. Granting benefits could potentially â€Å"threaten long-term stability† in the long run. (Jardins and McCall 1985, 368) Suppose the manager decides to reject the employees’ requests and demand. In which case, the company’s profits and stability will be sustained, customers are kept happy with low product costs, but the employees will barely survive on low wages, even more so if they are receiving less than minimum wage. A ethical decision made according to the moral rights model is a decision made on a basis that it preserves and conserves the basic human rights and privileges of the individuals as best as possible. (Waddell et al. 2007, 166) People are morally responsible to ensure that each other are able to have a life that is minimally good. Jeurissen 2007, 3) Stakeholders make up the organization, so it is important to know and understand their interests in the company. (Jeurissen 2007, 3) Takemura (2009, 27) stated that the United States’ delegate support that people have to respect the rights of objectors, so ensuring minimum wage is the highest priority. Dealing under the Fair Trade standards means that companies must treat its stakeholders in a fair a nd just manner, with employers granting its employees their workers’ rights, such as minimum wages, good safety standards, and proper housing. Fair Trade International 2013) For the protection of their rights, every worker has the right to affiliation with trade unions. (Kallstrom and Eide 1999, 489) Trade unions exist for the purpose of maintaining or improving the conditions of their employment. (Webb and Webb 1920, 28) Under the moral rights model, managers should take the course of action that best maintains the rights and principles of the organization’s stakeholders. (Waddell et al. 2007, 166) For instance, any course of action taken that has a great negative impact on a stakeholder would be considered unethical. Waddell et al. 2007, 166) Hence, trade unions will strive to uphold the rights of the employees, while managers cannot implement the minimum wage exemption without the consent of the workers. (Roberts 2013) Since the workers did not give their consent, t hey have the right to receive nothing less minimum wages. (Roberts 2013) The justice model defines decisions made that distribute both negative and positive outcomes among stakeholders in a fair and impartial manner as an ethical decision. (Waddell et al. 2007, 166) A right is usually nothing more than a claim or demand, unless there is a tool that enables the implementation of the right or is built into the â€Å"institutional structure†. (Halstead and Pike 2006, 29) Rights have been constituted as the best way to maintaining the â€Å"just resolution of conflict and general human well-being†, and is recognized by the law. (Halstead and Pike 2006, 29) The right to minimum wages is a socio-economic right. (Jeurissen 2007, 3) Jeurissen (2007, 3) stated that rights are requisite when it comes to individuals cooperating within in a corporate organization. There are several examples of socio-economic rights, such as legislation and collective labour agreements, a category of rights in which the right to minimum wage is included. Every individual is able to exercise their rights, as resolution by the law. (Opsahl and Dimitrijevic 1999, 633) The resolution was made so that rights could be recognized and respected, in order for justice to be possible, should any of these rights be violated or disrespected by the relevant authorities. (Opsahl and Dimitrijevic 1999, 633) Rights should not be restricted in order to have social equilibrium within an organization. Opsahl and Dimitrijevic 1999, 634) Furthermore, â€Å"a justice approach to the minimum wage would enable us to consider our values†. (Levin-Waldman 2000, 43) A manager referring to the justice ethic model should consider that rights are recognized by the law, and therefore should abide by the law by respecting the employees’ rights; otherwise the governmental authoriti es would have to take action on the manager. Based on the analysis of all three ethic models, the best ethic model to apply to the case study is as per the thesis statement, which is the moral rights ethic model. The workers of the Nike factories in Indonesia should be allowed their minimum wage. As stated earlier, minimum wages are a fundamental right of an individual. The activist Jim Keady also stated that forcing minimum wage exemption on workers is a â€Å"clear violation of Nike’s code of conduct. † (Roberts 2013) Also, the workers should be able to enjoy at least minimum comfortable living conditions, as well as be protected from harsh treatment in the workplace. The manager of Nike should recognize and respect the rights of the workers and not force the exemption of minimum wage upon them. The management could perceive the company to lose some of its customers, and potentially be at a financial loss in the long-run. On the other hand, the trade unions and activists are satisfied that their principles and values are being upheld, and the workers’ rights are protected. Indeed, Employees should be treated fairly and their rights should be upheld. People are morally responsible to ensure that each other are able to have a life that is minimally good. (Jeurissen 2007, 3) Stakeholders make up the organization, so it is important to know and understand their interests in the company. Jeurissen 2007, 3) In which case, the workers can be considered important stakeholders in the organization, so it is unethical to enforce a minimum wage exemption against their will. Should the manager be proven guilty of forcing employees to sign a contract implementing the exemption of minimum wages, he or she should question their values as to whether or not their actions adhere to Nike ’s claims that they â€Å"care about the welfare of their workers† and â€Å"want to see them have decent lives†. In short, the manager should respect the employees’ right to minimum wage. Reference List Des Jardins, Joseph R. and John J. McCall. 1985. â€Å"A defense of employee rights. † Journal of Business Ethics 4(5): 367-376. doi: 10. 1007/BF02388589 Gill, Roger. 2003. â€Å"Change management or change leadership? † Journal of Change Management 3(4): 307-318. http://edocs. library. curtin. edu. au/eres_display. cgi? url=DC60118593. pdfamp;copyright=1 Jeurissen, Ronald, eds. 2007. Ethics amp; Business. Netherlands: Van Gorcum. Kallstrom, Kent and Asbjern Eide. 1999. â€Å"Article 23. † In The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, edited by Gudmundur Alfredsson and Asbjern Eide, 489-510. Netherlands: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. Levin-Waldman, Oren M. 2000. Minimum Wage and Justice? Review of Social Economy 58(1): 43-62. doi: 10. 1080/003467600363101 Opsahl, Torkel and Vojin Dimitrijevic. 1999. â€Å"Article 29. † In The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: A Common Standard of Achievement, edited by Gudmundur Alfredsson and Asbjern Eide, 489-510. Netherlands: Martinus Nijhoff Publishers. Roberts, George. 2013. ABC News. Nike workers claim military paid to intimidate them. Accessed March 19, http://www. abc. et. au/news/2013-01-15/nike-accused-of-using-military-to-intimidate-factory-workers/4465058. Takemura, Hitomi. 2009. International Human Right to Conscientious Objection to Military Service and Individual Duties to Disobey Manifestly Illegal Orders. Berlin, Germany: Springer. Waddell, Dianne, Jennifer Devine, Gareth R. Jones, and Jennifer M. George. 2007. Contemporary Management. North Ryde, NSW: McGraw-Hill Australia Pty Limited. Webb, Sidney and Beatr ice Webb. 1920. History of Trade Unionism. London: Longmans and Co.

McTaggarts Argument Evaluation Essay -- McTaggart Time Existence Essa

McTaggart's Argument Evaluation McTaggart takes a bold step in trying to disprove the existence of a phenomenon as taken for granted and unquestioned as breathing when he tackles the issue of time. If for no other reason, this quest is extremely daring in its scope, because he chooses to question an entity whose reality has probably never crossed most people’s minds.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  McTaggart’s goal in his paper is, on a large scale, to prove that time does not exist. We will, however, be tackling the aspect of time known as the A-Series in this essay. His entire argument rests on his ability to prove this A-Series is unreal. The A-Series is the â€Å"tense† component of time that we perceive. When we refer to happenings in our lives, they occur in the past, present or future tense. Which tense a given event commands depends on its relation to a moving â€Å"now.† As we move through life, things in the future move ever closer to the present and after an event occurs it is forever moving further and further into the past thanks to the forward-moving â€Å"now.† McTaggart’s goal is to prove the logical difficulties that the concept of the moving â€Å"now’s† existence calls to mind, and it is these difficulties that ultimately lead McTaggart to rule out time’s existence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  McTaggart’s first step in proving his point is to highlight the incompatibility of the respective tenses of past, present and future. The incompatibility lies in the fact that no event can possess all of these properties at once. At first glance this may seem like an obvious and meaningless thing to say, because no one would argue that anything represents all these qualities at one time. Instead, most would be inclined to point out that an occasion holds all three of these qualities at three different points in time. McTaggart has no problem with this claim and goes so far as to label each period during which something has each of these qualities as T1, T2, and T3. When something exists at a certain moment in the future, that moment is T1. This strategy is applied to the event at the moment it enters the present; it is here that it is known as T2. And when the happening is located at a moment in the future, it is referred to as T3. Again, objectors to the t heory that the A-Series is unreal would feel like they still have the upper hand; fully agreeing with McTaggart’s logic, but this is where McTaggart make... ...ature of God’s creation. The vastness of that which He’s created suggests that there will be things that humans won’t be able to logically sort out. This inability should not, however, be mistaken as proof that the A-Series or another complex entity does not exist. McTaggart’s argument lacks proof of his claim; he uses his opposition’s inability to form a definite refutation of his claim while he never really provides one himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While McTaggart makes a pretty convincing case, I don’t feel like there is any real proof in his claims. There is compelling evidence in his arguments, but he definitely leaves room for dissent. One other problem I have with McTaggart’s argument is what his conclusion means. Assuming he has made an air-tight case that cannot be argued against, what has he really said? Following his logical process he doesn’t provide a meaningful conclusion. What have we gained from knowing that the A-Series and our perceived â€Å"now† do not exist as we were once sure they did? Do we change the way we live our lives? Nothing at all changes, because our perception of the world remains exactly the same, with nothing more than a slightly enlightened perspective gained.

Macbeths White Knight Banquo :: Free Essay Writer

Macbeth's White Knight Banquo       Shakespeare's tragic drama Macbeth features a man who is a Christian fighter. His life stands in contrast with that of the Macbeths. It is this Banquo about whom this essay will revolve.    In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye explains the rationale behind Banquo's ghost in this play:    Except for the episode of Hercules leaving Antony, where mysterious music is heard again, there is nothing really supernatural in Shakespeare's tragedies that is not connected with the murder of the order-figures. In Macbeth we have Banquo's ghost instead of Duncan's, partly because of the emphasis on the repose that Duncan has gained by getting murdered, and partly because the line of the reigning monarch descends from Banquo. (24)    In his book, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, H. S. Wilson says that the ghost of murdered Banquo has the greatest emotional impact on Macbeth of any adverse experience:    He is confident enough, even after the commission of the crime, to put his faith in the Senecan maxim, per scelera semper sceleribus tutum est iter, "Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill." After he has been shaken by the appearance of the ghost of Banquo, he reflects,    For mine own good All causes must give way. I am in blood Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er;    and this is as near as he ever comes to repentance. (71)    Fanny Kemble in "Lady Macbeth" contests the opinion that the ghost of Banquo is seen at the same time by Lady Macbeth:      Taking the view I do of Lay Macbeth's character, I cannot accept the idea (held, I believe, by her great representative, Mrs. Siddons) that in the banquet scene the ghost of Banquo, which appears to Macbeth, is seen at the same time by his wife, but that, in consequence of her greater command over herself, she not only exhibits no sign of perceiving the apparition, but can, with its hideous form and gesture within a few fee of her, rail at Macbeth in that language of scathing irony . . . (117)    Clark and Wright in their Introduction to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare comment that Banquo is a force of good in the play, set in opposition to Macbeth: Macbeth's White Knight Banquo :: Free Essay Writer Macbeth's White Knight Banquo       Shakespeare's tragic drama Macbeth features a man who is a Christian fighter. His life stands in contrast with that of the Macbeths. It is this Banquo about whom this essay will revolve.    In Fools of Time: Studies in Shakespearean Tragedy, Northrop Frye explains the rationale behind Banquo's ghost in this play:    Except for the episode of Hercules leaving Antony, where mysterious music is heard again, there is nothing really supernatural in Shakespeare's tragedies that is not connected with the murder of the order-figures. In Macbeth we have Banquo's ghost instead of Duncan's, partly because of the emphasis on the repose that Duncan has gained by getting murdered, and partly because the line of the reigning monarch descends from Banquo. (24)    In his book, On the Design of Shakespearean Tragedy, H. S. Wilson says that the ghost of murdered Banquo has the greatest emotional impact on Macbeth of any adverse experience:    He is confident enough, even after the commission of the crime, to put his faith in the Senecan maxim, per scelera semper sceleribus tutum est iter, "Things bad begun make strong themselves by ill." After he has been shaken by the appearance of the ghost of Banquo, he reflects,    For mine own good All causes must give way. I am in blood Stepp'd in so far that, should I wade no more, Returning were as tedious as go o'er;    and this is as near as he ever comes to repentance. (71)    Fanny Kemble in "Lady Macbeth" contests the opinion that the ghost of Banquo is seen at the same time by Lady Macbeth:      Taking the view I do of Lay Macbeth's character, I cannot accept the idea (held, I believe, by her great representative, Mrs. Siddons) that in the banquet scene the ghost of Banquo, which appears to Macbeth, is seen at the same time by his wife, but that, in consequence of her greater command over herself, she not only exhibits no sign of perceiving the apparition, but can, with its hideous form and gesture within a few fee of her, rail at Macbeth in that language of scathing irony . . . (117)    Clark and Wright in their Introduction to The Complete Works of William Shakespeare comment that Banquo is a force of good in the play, set in opposition to Macbeth:

Night World : Spellbinder Chapter 3

one for, lost, a goner. Blaise had chosen him, and it was only a matter of how she was going to play him. A parade of names marched through Thea's mind. Randy Marik. Jake Batista. Kristoffer Milton. Troy Sullivan. Daniel Xiong. And now: Brie Ross. But Eric was talking, sounding animated. â€Å"Your cousin? Is she that other new girl? Thea?† â€Å"Yes. Now-â€Å" â€Å"Look, do you know where she is? I really want to talk to her.† The hazy look descended again, and Eric stared into the distance. â€Å"She's just†¦ I've never met anybody like her†¦.† Blaise let go of the notebook and stared. From her hiding place, Thea stared, too. It had never happened before. This guy didn't even seem to see Blaise. That was strange enough. But by the Blue Monkey-headed Goddess of Inquisitiveness, what Thea really wanted to know was why she herself felt so relieved by it. A bell rang. Blaise was still standing there flabbergasted. Eric stuffed the notebook in his backpack. â€Å"Could you just let her know I asked about her?† â€Å"She doesn't care if you asked about her!† Blaise snapped, voice no longer honeyed. â€Å"She said very explicitly that she never wanted to see you again. And I'd watch out if I were you. Because she has a temper.† The last word was uttered in rising tones. Eric looked slightly alarmed-and crestfallen. Thea saw his throat move as he swallowed. Then, without saying good-bye to Blaise, he turned and walked out the far side of the corridor. Well by the Red Crow-headed Thunderbolt Goddess. Blaise turned around and stalked up the corridor in Thea's direction. Thea didn't even try to hide. â€Å"So you saw all that. Well I hope you're happy,† Blaise said waspishly. Thea wasn't. She was confused. Strangely agitated-and scared, because the Cup of Death was still floating before her eyes. â€Å"I guess we should both just leave him alone/' she said. â€Å"Are you kidding? I'm going to have him,† Blaise said. â€Å"He's mine. Unless,† she added, eyes glittering, â€Å"you've already staked a claim.† Thea floundered, shocked. â€Å"I†¦ well no†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"Then he's mine. I like a challenge.† Blaise ran a hand through her hair, disordering the black waves. â€Å"Isn't it nice that Gran has so many love charms in the shop,† she mused. â€Å"Blaise†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea had a hard time collecting her thoughts. â€Å"Don't you remember what Gran said? If there's any more trouble†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"There isn't going to be any trouble for us,† Blaise said, her voice flat and positive. â€Å"Only for him.† Thea walked to her next class feeling oddly empty. Ignore it, she thought. There's nothing you can do. She didn't see many Night People along the way to class. A young kid, probably a freshman, who looked like a shapeshifter; a teacher who had the hunting light of the lamia-the born vampires-in his eyes. No made vampires, no werewolves. No other witches. Of course, she couldn't be certain. All the people of the Night World were masters of secrecy, of blending in, of passing unseen. They had to be. It was what allowed them to survive in a world where there were so many more humans†¦ and where humans loved to kill anything different. But when she was sitting in the world literature classroom, Thea noticed a girl in the next row. The girl was small-boned and pretty, with thick eyelashes and hair as black and soft as soot. She had a heart-shaped face-and dimples. But what caught Thea's eye was the girl's hand, which was playing with a pin on the girl's blue-and-white-striped vest. A pin in the shape of a black flower. A dahlia. Thea immediately turned to a blank page in her notebook. While the teacher read a passage from the story Rashomon, Thea began drawing a black dahlia, tracing it over and over until it was large enough for the girl to see distinctly. When she raised her head, she saw the girl was looking at her. The girl's lashes swept down as she looked at the drawing, then up again. She smiled at Thea and nodded slightly. Thea smiled and nodded back. After class, without any need to discuss it, Thea followed the girl to the front of the school. The girl looked around to make sure no one was in earshot, then turned to Thea with something like resigned wistfulness. â€Å"Circle Midnight?† she said. Thea shook her head. â€Å"Circle Twilight. Aren't you?† The girl's face lit up with shy delight. Her eyes were dark and velvety. â€Å"Yes!† she said and rushed on, â€Å"But there are only two more of us-two seniors, I mean-and they're both Circle Midnight, and I was afraid to hope!† She thrust out her hand, dimpling. â€Å"I'm Dani Abforth.† Thea felt her heart lighten. The girl's laughter was infectious. â€Å"Thea Harman. Unity.† It was the age-old greeting of the witches, the symbol of their harmony, their oneness. â€Å"Unity,† Dani murmured. Then her eyes widened. â€Å"Harman? You're a Hearth-Woman? A daughter of Hellewise? Really?† Thea laughed. â€Å"We're all daughters of Hellewise.† â€Å"Yes, but-you know what I mean. You're a direct descendent. I'm honored.† â€Å"Well, I'm honored, too. Abforth is ‘All-bringing-forth,' isn't it? That's a pretty impressive line itself.† Dani was still looking awed, so Thea said quickly, â€Å"My cousin's here, too-Blaise Harman. We're both new-but you must be, too. I've never seen you around Vegas before.† â€Å"We moved in last month, just in time to start school,† Dani said. Her brow puckered. â€Å"But it you're new, what do you mean you haven't seen me around?† Thea sighed. â€Å"Well, it's kind of complicated†¦.† A bell rang. Both she and Dani looked at the school building in frustration, then at each other. â€Å"Meet me here at lunch?† Dani asked. Thea nodded, asked which way her French class was, and then flew off toward the other side of the building. She sat through her next two classes trying to actually listen to the teachers. She didn't know what else to do. She had to concentrate to keep the image of gray-flecked green eyes out of her mind. At lunch, she found Dani sitting on the steps out front. Thea settled beside her and opened a bottle of Evian water and a chocolate yogurt she'd bought at the snack bar. â€Å"You were going to explain how you know Vegas,† Dani said. She spoke softly because there were kids everywhere in the front courtyard, sprawled in the sun with paper bags. Thea eyed a row of sago palms and felt herself sighing again. â€Å"Blaise and I-our mothers died when we were born. They were twin sisters. And then both our dads died. So we grew up sort of moving around from relative to relative. We usually spend the summers with Grandma Harman, and we live with somebody else during the school year. But these last couple of years†¦ well, we've been in five high schools since we were sophomores.† â€Å"Five?† â€Å"Five. I think five. Isis knows, it could be six.† â€Å"But why?† â€Å"We keep getting expelled,† Thea said succinctly. â€Å"But-â€Å" â€Å"It's Blaise's fault,† Thea said. She was mad at Blaise. â€Å"She does-things-to boys. Human boys. And somehow it always ends up getting us kicked out of school. Both of us, because I'm always too stupid to tell them she's the one responsible.† â€Å"Not stupid, I bet. Loyal,† Dani said warmly, and put her hand on Thea's. Thea squeezed it, taking some comfort in the sympathy. â€Å"Anyway, this year we were in New Hampshire living with our Uncle Galen-and Blaise did it again. To the captain of the football team. His name was Randy Marik†¦.† When Thea stopped, Dani said, â€Å"What happened to him?† â€Å"He burned the school down for her.† Dani made a sound halfway between a snort and a giggle. Then she straightened out her face quickly. â€Å"Sorry, not funny. For her?† Thea leaned against the wrought-iron stair railing. â€Å"That's what Blaise likes,† she said bleakly. â€Å"Having power over guys, messing with their minds. Getting them to do things they would never ordinarily do. To prove their love, you know. But the thing is, she's never satisfied until they're completely destroyed†¦.† She shook her head. â€Å"You should have seen Randy at the end. He'd lost his mind. I don't think he'll ever get it back.† Dani wasn't smiling anymore. â€Å"Power like that†¦ she sounds like Aphrodite,† she said softly. And that's right, Thea thought. Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love who could turn passion into a weapon that brought the whole world to its knees. â€Å"Remind me sometime to tell you what she's done to the other guys she's played. In a way. Randy was lucky†¦.† Thea took a breath. â€Å"So, anyway, we got shipped back here to Grandma Harman because there weren't any other relatives willing to take us. They figured if Gran couldn't straighten us up, nobody could.† â€Å"But that must be wonderful,† Dani said. â€Å"I mean, living with the Crone. Part of the reason my mom moved us here was that she wanted to study with your grandmother.† Thea nodded. â€Å"Yeah, people come from all over to take her classes, or to buy her amulets and things. She's not always easy to live with, though,† Thea added wryly. â€Å"She goes through a couple of apprentices a year.† â€Å"So is she going to straighten Blaise up?† â€Å"I don't think anybody can. What Blaise does-it's just her nature, the way it's a cat's nature to play with mice. And if we get in trouble again, Gran says she's going to send us to our aunt Ursula at the Connecticut enclave.† â€Å"The Convent?† â€Å"Yeah.† â€Å"Then you'd better stay out of trouble.† â€Å"I know. Dani, what's this school like? I mean, is it the kind of place where Blaise can keep out of trouble?† â€Å"Well†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Dani looked dismayed. â€Å"Well-I told you before, there's only two other witches in our class, and they're both Circle Midnight. Maybe you know them†¦ Vivienne Morrigan and Selene Lucna?† Thea's heart sank. Vivienne and Selene-she'd seen them going to summer Circles, wearing the darkest robes of any of the Circle Midnight girls. The two of them plus Blaise would make†¦ well, a lethal combination. â€Å"Maybe if you explain to them how important it is, they might help you keep Blaise under control,† Dani said. â€Å"You want to go talk to them now? They'll be on the patio by the cafeteria-I usually eat with them there.† â€Å"Um†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea hesitated. Talking to those two- well, she doubted it would help. But on the other hand, she didn't have a better idea. â€Å"Why not?† On the way to the cafeteria, she saw something that made her stop dead. Taped to the stucco wall was a giant piece of butcher paper, painted orange and black at the margins. In the center was a grotesque figure: an old woman with a black dress, disheveled white hair, and a wart-covered, haglike face. She was straddling a broom and wearing a pointy hat. Lettering under the picture said coming OCTOBER 31 †¦ THE ULTIMATE HALLOWEEN PARTY. Hands on hips, Thea said, â€Å"When will they learn that witches never wore pointy hats?† Dani snorted, her heart-shaped face surprisingly dangerous. â€Å"You know, maybe your cousin has the right idea after all.† Thea looked at her, startled. â€Å"Well, they are an inferior species. You have to admit that. And maybe it sounds prejudiced, but then they're so prejudiced themselves.† She leaned closer to Thea. â€Å"You know, they even have prejudices against skin.† She held out her arm. Thea looked at the flawless skin, which was a deep, clear brown. â€Å"They'd think we were two different races,† Dani said, pressing her arm against Thea's tan one. â€Å"And that maybe one was better than the other one.† Thea couldn't deny it. All she could say, feebly, was, â€Å"Well, two wrongs don't make a right†¦.† â€Å"But three lefts do!† Dani burst out, finishing the old witch carol. Then she dissolved into laughter and led Thea to the patio. â€Å"Let's see, they should be over there†¦. Oh. Oops.† Oops, Thea thought. Vivienne and Selene were at a secluded table on the far side. Blaise was with them. â€Å"I should have known she'd find them first thing,† Thea muttered. From the way the three girls had their heads together, it looked as if trouble were brewing already. As Thea and Dani approached the table, Blaise looked up. â€Å"Where've you been?† she said, waving a finger reproachfully. â€Å"I've been waiting to introduce you.† Everybody said hello. Then Thea sat down and studied the other two girls. Vivienne had fox-red hair and looked tall even sitting down. Her face was animated; she seemed sparkling with energy. Selene was a platinum blond with sleepy blue eyes. She was smaller, and moved with languid grace. Now, how do I politely say, â€Å"Please help me suppress my cousin?† Thea wondered. She could already tell it wouldn't be much use. Viv and Selene seemed to be under Blaise's spell already-they turned to her every other second as if checking for approval. Even Dani was watching Blaise with something like fascinated awe. Blaise had that effect on people. â€Å"So we were just talking about guys,† Selene said, twirling a straw languorously in her bottle of Snapple iced tea. Thea's heart plummeted. â€Å"Toyboys,† Vivienne clarified in a lovely melodious voice. Thea felt the beginnings of a bad headache. No wonder Blaise is smirking, she thought. These girls are just like her. She'd seen it at other schools: young witches who seemed to flirt with breaking Night World law by flaunting inhuman power over boys. â€Å"Aren't there any of our kind of guys here?† Thea asked, as a last hope. Vivienne rolled her eyes. â€Å"One sophomore. Alaric Breedlove, Circle Twilight. That's it. This place is a desert-no pun intended.† Thea wasn't really surprised. There were always more witch girls than guys-and nobody seemed to know why. More girls got born, more survived to grow up. And in some places the ratio was particularly unbalanced. â€Å"So we just have to make do,† Selene drawled. â€Å"But that can be fun sometimes. Homecoming dance is this Saturday, and I've got my boy all picked out.† â€Å"So,† Blaise said, â€Å"have I.† She glanced at Thea significantly. And there it was. Thea felt her throat close. â€Å"Eric Ross,† Blaise said, savoring the words. â€Å"And Viv and Sel have told me allll about him.† â€Å"Eric?† Dani said. â€Å"He's the basketball star, isn't he?† â€Å"And the baseball star,† Vivienne said in her beautiful voice. â€Å"And the tennis star. And he's smart-he takes honors courses and works at the animal hospital, too. He's studying to get into U.C. Davis. To be a vet, you know.† So that's why he cared about the snake, Thea thought. And why he's got flatworms in his notebook. â€Å"And he's so cute,† Selene murmured. â€Å"He's so shy with girls-he can hardly talk around them. None of us have gotten anywhere with him.† â€Å"That's because you used the wrong methods,† Blaise said, and her eyes were very smoky. Thea's insides seemed hollow and there was a circlet of pain around her head. She did the only thing she could think of. â€Å"Blaise,† she said. She looked her cousin directly in the face, making an open appeal. â€Å"Blaise, listen. I hardly ever ask anything of you, right? But now I'm asking something. I want you to leave Eric alone. Can you do that-for me? For the sake of Unity?† Blaise blinked slowly. She took a long drink of iced tea. â€Å"Why, Thea, you're getting all worked up.† â€Å"Ism not.† â€Å"I didn't know you cared.† â€Å"I don't. I mean-of course I don't care about him. But I'm worried about you, about all of us. I think†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Thea hadn't meant to say this, but she found the words spilling out anyway. â€Å"I think he might have some suspicions about us. This morning he told me that I seemed so different from other girls†¦.† She managed to stop herself before she mentioned that he'd guessed she had healed him. That would be incredibly dangerous, especially since she didn't know who Vivienne or Selene might blab to. Blaise's pupils were large. â€Å"You mean-you think he's a psychic?† â€Å"No, no.† She knew he wasn't a psychic. She'd been inside his mind, and he wasn't from any lost witch family. He didn't have any powers. He was as much a human as that snake had been a snake. â€Å"Well, then,† Blaise said. She chuckled, a rich, rippling sound. â€Å"He just thinks you're different-and that's hardly something to worry about. We want them to think we're different.† She didn't understand. And Thea couldn't explain. Not without getting herself into very hot water. â€Å"So, if you don't mind, we'll just consider my claim staked,† Blaise said courteously. â€Å"Now, let's see, what to do with the boys at the dance. First, I think we need to spill their blood.† â€Å"Spill what?† Dani said, sitting up. â€Å"Just a little blood,† Blaise told her absently. â€Å"It's going to be absolutely vital for some of the spells we'll want to do later.† â€Å"Well, good luck,† Dani said. â€Å"Humans don't like blood-they're going to run like bunnies from you after that.† Blaise regarded her with a half-smile. â€Å"I don't think so,† she said. â€Å"You don't understand this business yet. If it's done right, they don't run. They're scared; they're shocked; and they just keep coming back for more.† Dani looked shocked herself-and still fascinated. â€Å"But why do you want to hurt them?† â€Å"We're just doing what comes naturally,† Blaise purred. I don't care Thea thought, it's none of my business. She heard herself say, â€Å"No.† She was staring at a pile of squashed napkins in her hand. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Blaise's exasperated expression. The others might not know what Thea was saying no to, but Blaise always understood her cousin. â€Å"I asked you before if you wanted him,† Blaise said. â€Å"And you said you didn't. So now you're changing your mind? You're going to play him?† Thea stared at her wad of napkins. What could she say? I can't because I'm scared? I can't because something happened between him and me this morning and I don't know what it was? I can't because if I keep seeing him I have this feeling I might break the law, and I don't mean the one about never telling humans that we exist; I mean the other one, the one about never falling in love†¦. Don't be ridiculous. That sort of thing is out of the question, she told herself. All you want is to keep him from ending up like Randy Marik. And you can do that without getting involved. â€Å"I'm saying I want him,† she said out loud. â€Å"You're going to play him?† â€Å"I'm going to play him.† â€Å"Well.† Instead of snarling, Blaise laughed. â€Å"Well, congratulations. My little cousin is growing up at last.† â€Å"Oh, please.† Thea gave her a look. She and Blaise had been born on two different days-just barely. Blaise had been born one minute before midnight, and Thea one minute after. It was another reason they were so connected-but Thea hated it when Blaise acted older. Blaise just smiled, her gray eyes glinting. â€Å"And, look-there's lover boy right now,† she said, feigning elaborate surprise. Thea followed her nod and saw a figure with sandy hair and long legs at the other side of the patio. â€Å"What luck,† Blaise said. â€Å"Why don't you just walk over and ask him to the dance?†