THEVINDIJANLINE

QuadromolanSeriesBook2

JohnT.Buckley

CoverartCreativeParamitawww.creativeparamita.com

ParamitaBhattacharjeethankyouforyourhelpwiththecover.

MymotherMarthapassedlastOctoberandImissherinmylife.IknowshewouldhaveenjoyedThe

VindijanLineasshewouldhavelovedtheadventure.IamdedicatingthisbooktomymotherMartha

whoissomeplacebetternow.

TableofContents

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter1

BetrayedbyConfidence

TheToenwarraged,nearingits7thyear.Over3millionliveshadbeenlost.TheVindijansandthe

Kaa’srottingcorpseslitteredthebattlefield.TheKaarebellionwascomprisedoftheworkingclass,

craftsmenandlaborers.TheyweretiredofbeingmistreatedandmisusedbytheVindijanLine,

otherwiseknownastheVindijanroyalfamily.

TheVindijan’shaveruledoverSrasOblique,the8thplanetfromtheTsun,for9,000years.Their

reignstartedwhenthePepestmoonchangeditsorbitandsolarflaresbombardedtheplanet.The

exposuretotheradiationchangedthepeopleofSrasOblique.MostnotablytheVindijans,astheywere

newlychristened.Theyfoundtheextraradiationgavethemabountyofnewpowers.

Firsttherewerethementaltriggers,theycouldsenseminutesinadvancewhensomeonewasgoingto

attackthem.ThisgavethemtheabilityknownasFirstStrike,apowerfuladvantage.

Thenasthesolarflaresintensifiedtheydevelopedaballofradiationthatencircledtheirentireheads.

ItwasanoceanblueorbvisibleonlytotheKaa.TheCircleofSeasasitwascalledbytheKaa,was

meanttoidentifyaVindijan’sbirthright.

Thenthereisthepoweroflevitation,theextremeradiationdamagedtheircellstosuchanextentit

shiftedtheirbody’score.Thismadetheirbodiescapableofanti-gravityforshortstretchesoftime,

furtheringtheirdivinityintheeyesoftheKaa.

Theirfeetandhandsarelightningquick,causedbygenerationsofbreedinginquickmusclefibers.

TheirdominanceovertheKaaisneverending.Theytellthemwhattowear,eat,read,andeven

think.TheyforceallKaachildrentoyearsofgovernmentsponsoredbrainwashing.Denyingthem

sleepandfoodfordaysastheyarebarragedwithcommandsandimagesfromTheVindijanLine.

TheKaaLeaders,theFiniSeven,wereforcedintohidingatthestartofthewar.TheFiniSevenare

thefirsttohavefiguredoutthattheVindijanLineiscorruptingthewatersupply.Withwhatwasleftof

theirfreewilltheyallstoppeddrinkingthewater,relyingonHoolmilktoquenchtheirthirst.

Aftersevendaystheyallexperiencedviolentshakeswhichalmostforcedthemtodrinkthedrugged

water.Fortunateforthemonthe9thdaytheshakessubsidedandtheirmindscleared.Theydecidedto

liberatetheircountrymen,buttheyhadtobecareful.Theycouldn’tjustrunintothestreetsshoutingthe

news.Theyknewtheyhadtobepatient,oneatatime.In406daysthenewshadspreadtoevery

cornerofSrasOblique.

TheKaaasawholekepttheirlibertytothemselves.Thentheycaughtabreak,ascientistnamedDr.

AtornfromtheVeeresregion,haddevelopedanattackrobot.TheMusebotwascapableofattacking

twentymenatonetime.WiththeMusebotstheToenWarstartedinearnest.

EmperorCoupVindijansatshootingDees,afurycat-likecreature,thatwerescamperingaroundthe

royalentertainmentquarters.EmperorCoupVindijanis6’3”withpaleskin.Hehaslongcurlyyellow

hairandabrightbluebeardthatisthickerthanconcrete.Hewearsblacksilkshirtsandtrousersdaily.

Hisshoesarealsoblackandarehalfdressshoeshalfsandalwithgoldtips.

CouplikestoshootDeestooccupyhismindanddilutehisangerandrage.Heneedsitbecauseofthe

day’sdefeatattheKoalembattlefield.Hethoughtaboutwhatafoolhehadbeenfornotseeingthe

uprisingcoming.

InstrodeMelaVindijancarryingatraywithtwobakedrolls,apoundofcookedVinmeat,and2

ouncesofPent,asugarydelight.Shemakesapointofservingallofherhusband’smealsevenwithall

theirmanyservants.

Melaisastrikingwomanof6’0”tallwithglowinggreenhairandlargeredlips.Herskinenriched

bytheFomerootissofterthanababy’s.Herhandshaveacertainglow,visibleonlyindarkened

spaces,butvisiblenonetheless.

SheplacesthetraynexttoCouponthetableinthemiddleofthecouch.Thenshesitsdownonher

sideandstartssmokingherMessonleafcigar.Coupgivesneitherher,northefoodanymind.Heis

stillfixatedontheday’sfailure.

IncomesaservantboycarryingaletterfortheEmperor.Melainstantlysenseshismurderousintent

usingherFirstStriketriggers.Coupontheotherhandistoowrappedupinhisangertofeelthe

servants’murderousintent.

Melatoucheshishandandsays,”DarlingCoup,thismanisheretoassassinateyou.”

CouplooksatMelaandthenrealizessheisright.Hiseyesdarttotheservantboy.Hejumpsoutof

hisseat.ThenheaimshisGoallagunandasksgently,”What’dyouhaveplannedforme,Peasant?The

thoughtsofmurderhaven’tevencrossedyourmindjustyet.Stillafewminutesawayaren’tthey.They

areworkingtheirwaytoyourconsciousmind,”saysCoupsternlyashiseyesglazeoverandhe

continues,”Crawlingtowardsthecerebellum,gettingcloserandcloserstill.”

TheservantboystaresatCoupinhorror,nervouslyscratchinghisscalpandchest.

“No,no…Iwouldn’t,Iwouldn’thave.Iwasjust,justdelivering…thisletter…that’sall,”saysthe

servantboyashestartstocry.

“No…Iknowthatisn’tthetruth.Icanfeelyourneuronsfiring,yourmindisalreadybeginningto

boostyouradrenaline,”Coupsaysashestartstogrinlikehe’dwonapieeatingcontest.”That

treacherousheartofyoursisalreadyquickeningitspulse,bumbump,bumbump.Yourpupilshave

dilated,musclesreadied,lipspursed,”saidCoupcoldlyashewalkedslowlyclosertotheboy,keeping

theaimsteady.

Justthentheboypullsadaggerfromhispantsandshouts,”Dreamkiller,ToDust!”

HelurchesatCoupraisinghisbladehighabovehisheadandextendinghisotherhandoutward

towardsCoup.Coupsqueezesthe3triggersoftheGoallagunandscrambledtheboy’satoms.This

wipeshimeffectivelyfromexistenceforever.Thedaggers’forwardmomentumslashedintoCoup’s

shoulderpiercinghisskin.

MelameanwhilehadsatsilentlysmokingherMessonleafcigar.Moreandmoreattemptswerebeing

madeontheirlives.Ithadbecomecommonplace,almostroutine.Shesentforafirstaidkitanda

minutelateritwasthere.Shecleanedandnursedthewoundandappliedabandage.Shekissedher

husband’slips,putherhandonhisshoulderandsaid,”TheseKaa,theseimpossibleKaa,theycan’t

graspourdivinity.Theyscratchandclawattheballofstring,buttheirmotivesareinvisibletotheir

passionlesshearts.”

“There’satruthinthislife,anditisascertainastheTsun’ssymphonyofwarmthandabandon,”

Couppausedasheletoutasighandthensaid,”TheKaacan’thearthemusic…can’tdissectthe

movements,theirmindsarelefttohumalongwithoutpause.Generationaftergenerationborninto

normalcynever…hystericalmadness,”saidCoupashestaredattheservantboy’sdagger.Therewas

bloodglisteningonthebladeandstainingthecarpet.

Henoticedtheletter,forgottenforamomentnowasimportantasair.Coupbentdowntograspitand

noticedthecrestofAmbassadorErtel.Theyhadn’tspokeninthelastseveraldays,heknewinstantly

thatsomethingwasamiss.Hetoreopentheenvelopeandtheletterread,

DearBrother,

TheFiniSevenhavetakenmehostage.Theirdemandsareassuch:theywantafacetofacemeeting

withyoutodiscussendingthewar.ThemeetingwilltakeplaceatBevrayChateau.Youcanbringonly

twobodyguardsand1handmaiden.Theyassuremethatyourdeathisnotwhatthey’reafter.Ifyou

declinethisoffermydeathbyhorribleendswillbeassured.Forverificationthatitismewritingthis

letterandnotthemhere’sproof.WhenwewerechildrenyouswamacrossLakeLitootwiceandthen

backflippedovermumasshesunbathed.Youalsotoldmewhenyouwere8andIwas6thattheTsun

tastedlikePent,andyouhadlickedit.Brother,Ineedyounowmorethanever,butI’llloveyouno

matter.

VindijanLine,

Ertel

AfterhehadreadtheletterhegaveMelaalookthattoldhershedidn’twanttoknowwhathewas

thinking.Shegrabbedherhusbandandembracedhimtightly.Shetookagoodhardlookintohiseyes

andsaid,”Ertelneedsyou.”

CoupcalledhispersonalHumpaccasoldiers.Theyweretheelitearmytroopsandknowntobe

vicious.Coupmovedbrisklytothehangarbay.

TridentSouce3,hispersonaltransportvehicle,isinaconstantstateofreadiness.Ithasant-gravity

thrusters,radiationconvertingturbines,andtheCetiElectricalWaveEnhancer.TheTridentSouce3is

entirelyself-sufficient.Itiscapableofencirclingthemillionmilesurfaceinlessthanaday.

Itisalsoequippedwithmooddestabilizingcannons,3perside.Thesecannonscanshatteran

enemies’sanity,makingthemincapableofrationalthought.Thoughonlygoodatshortrange,

extremelyeffectiveatdevastatingasquadronofmen.ThereisalsotheMedivitMole.It’sanescape

capsulewhichcantakeitsoccupantshundredsoffeetbelowthesurfaceinamatterofseconds.

AfterCoupboardedtheTridentSouce3,andhadstrappedhimselfsecurelyinside,histhoughts

turnedtohisbrotherErtel.Heknewhisbrotherwasnaïveandeasilyswayed,butcertainlynotafool.

Iftheycouldcapturehimtheyhadtobeorganizedandcertainlyformidable.Whatwaswaitingforhim

atChateauBevrayhewondered,heknewitwastreachery.Hismindneededtobesharp.Hedecided

tofocusonaformertriumph.Hereplayedeverydetailoverandoveragaininhismind.Hefinallyhad

itframedemotionallyandhewasready.

AstheycameovertheTemeryHilltoptheycouldseeChateauBevrayperchedatoparockyridge.It

wasaformerambassador’scastleofsin.Hehadhiddenallofhismistressesbehindthecastlewalls.

AmbassadorLillyhadoverseenwildorgieswithdozensofnakedwomen.Theirshoutsofpleasure

filledthehallsofChateauBevray.Theechoesofpassionsrealizedstillhidbehindeveryinchofthe

chateau’swallsandthehundredfootpaintingswinkedknowingly.TheEmperorhimselfhadwitnessed

alifetime’sworthofhedonisminasinglenight.

ButthiswouldbedifferenttheEmperorwasnotdeludinghimself.Heknewinhisheartitwouldget

complicated.OhErtelsotrusting,hethoughtaloudtohimself.Hissoftspotforhisyoungerbrother

nowputhislifeinjeopardy.Ertelhasalwaysbeenonetoraiseasmilewheneverneeded.Notaserious

manCoupthought,butcertainlyafriendtotheLine.

TheTridentSouce3taxiedintothehangarbayandtherewasonlyonepersonwaitingtogreetthem.

Heappearedtobeunarmed.Hewasatanskinnedmaninaflowingyellowrobewithhishands

clutchinganenvelope.HewasnamedJoero.

CoupexitedTridentandstartedtowalkdowntherampwhenthetanskinnedgentlemanmethim

halfwayup.

“Readthisbeforeyoutakeanotherstep,”saidJoerosternlyashehandedCouptheenvelope.

Coupopenedtheenvelopeandreadthetypedmessage,”Whydoes1manhateanotherwhentheyare

bothboreofamother?TakethescentoftheBorbeflowerandinhalewithalargerbreath.Horizonsof

familiaritywillbeborn.Don’taddthesenumbers4+79=.JoinusCoup,forlovessake.

Coupknewtheyweretryingtorattlehim.HelookedatJoerocarefulnottorevealanything.

“Mybrother,”saidCoupimplyingaquestion.

“HeiswellIwilltakeyoutohimnow.”

JoeroledCouptothesecondstoryballroom.Thediningtableshadbeenremovedandreplacedwith

blueleathercouchesarrangedinacircle.InthecenterthereisaPepesynergysnakeencasedinagreen

lightenergycell.ThesnakeslitheredandhissedatCoupashemadehiswaytothecouches.

“BrotherCoup,”saidErtelasheembracedCoupandthensaidfirmly,”They’renotwhatyouthink.

TheycarryGod’sloveintheirhearts.”

“Ertel…ohsweetErtel,allmencarryGod’slove.Whatconcoctionhavetheygivenyou?”

“Nothing,nothingbuttheirunconditionallove,”assuredErtel.“Openyourmind,Brother,their

friendshipisforever,”saidErtellovinglyasheguidedCouptohisseat.

Coupsitsdownandwatches2meninredarmyfatiguessitdownoneithersideofhim.

“IamEdifusTimetheleaderoftheFini7anddefenderoftheKaapeople,”saidEdifusashe

extendedhisarmspalmsuptoCoup.

Edifushasshoulderlengthblackhairwithpurplehighlights.Hiseyesappeartobehalfopenand

abnormallyrelaxed.Thereisaquartermoonwithateardropshavedintohischinheard.Hisskinis

bloodredandhairless.Hismuscularframeishiddenunderloosefittingarmyfatigues.Hehasona

blacklacechokerwrappedtightlyaroundhisneck.

CoupwaveshishandinacircleoverEdifus’outstretchedpalms.Thisisthecustomarygreetingof

theVindijanLine.HefindsitoddthataKaaknowoftheirgreeting.Heisalsoawarethatthisisan

obviousplaytocurryfavor.

“EdifusTime,otherwiseknownasthethorninmyside,”saidCoupsmugly.“Soitisyou,Sir,the

firsttoturnawayfromtheVindijanLine.The1stmedicatedmindtorejectitsmedication,”saidCoup

andthenheleansincloseandsays,”I’mnotmybrother,Edifus,I’mmyownkin.”

EdifuslookedawayquicklythenturnedtoCoup.HeslowlycrossedhislegsIndianstyleand

grinned.

“Wewantwhatyouwant.Thiswarhastakenmorethanlivesagenerations’dreamshavealsobeen

lost.Childrenareplayinginrubblecoveredstreets.Parentstellthemitwillbeok,knowingitmay

neverbe.Can’tyouseethiswarisnowhere?”askedEdifusboldly.

“Here’swhatIcansee,andIcanseeitclearly,Icanseeyou’reinthehabitofspeechmaking,”

declaredCoupashetuggedathiscollar.“Youinvitedmehere,youhaveyourdemandslet’shearthem

beforeIgrowtiredofyourcompany,DearSir,”saidCoupcalmlyashestrokedhisbluebeard.

EdifusshuffledinhisseatandlookedsternlyatCoup.Thenhepulledadarkbrownpipefromhis

pocketandsmokedsomeMessonLeaf.AfteracoupleofdragshegavealooktoCoupthatofferedhim

thepipe.Coupshookhisheadnoandcontinuedtoscantheotherfacesseatedaroundthecircleof

couches.Thefaceshesawlookedsullenanddeflated,buthedidn’tfeelmurderousintentionsfromany

ofthem.Hesatandsaidnothing,andwaited.

“EmperorVindijan,thiswarisafarce.Ourbrothersandsistersaredyingneedlesslyeveryday.”

“Asourmine,Edifus,”repliedCoupcalmly.

“Asareyours,Emperor,butthatcouldallendtoday,”startedEdifushopefullyandthenhe

continued,”Withjustawaveofyourcompassionatehand.Won’tyouwaveit…won’tyouwaveitnow,

DearFriend?”asksEdifusashewaveshisrighthandtwofeetinfrontofCoup’sface.

“Thatsettlesit,”saidCoupinatriumphantvoice.“IfyouaretheleaderoftheKaathentheKaahave

noleader.Hereismydecision,anditisdefinitive.ThiswarwillrageuntileveryKaalivingunderthe

TsunrecognizestheVindijans’divinity,”saidCoupsternlyashesummeduptheroom.”Oh,andthose

Musebot’swhichhavekeptyouinthebattle,ifthatisallyou’vegotthenyouhaven’tgotmuch.We’ll

findawaythroughit’sacertainty,DearBoy,”saidCoupashegotupfromthecouch.

“Emperor,don’tcrossthatbridge,don’ttakethoseselfishsteps!”snarledEdifus.

Coupcouldfelltheirmurderousintentionsswellasthewholeroomhadstarteddownthepath.Coup

pressedthehoningbeckononhiswristandquicklylookedforawayout.Hecheckedthedoorsand

theywerealllocked.Heknewhewastrapped.

Thereare8ofthemalltold,withvenomintheireyesandKepakabladesintheirhands.Couponly

hadhisGoallagun,butittook15secondstorechargebetweenshots.Thereweretoomanyofthemand

heknewit.Hedecideditwashimorthem.

Coupliftedupandlevitatedabovethem.Onlyhisfeetwerevulnerable,buthecouldn’tlevitate

forever.Thenoneofthemattacked,asoldiernamedRash,slashingatCoup’sankle.Coupfiredhis

GoallagunandvaporizedRash.

Coup’sanklewasbleedingverybadly.WhenthenexttwoattackersPidandFroGettadvancedCoup

kickedtheminthemouth.ThenPidgotkickedinthethroat.Thetwoweresentreeling,nowthe

Goallagunwasrecharged.CouptookdeadaimandscrambledPidintooblivion.

Unfortunatelythelevitationstartedtowearoff.Coupcouldfeelhisbodyfallingsoftlytotheground.

Hethrewroundhousekickstokeepthematbay.HewaitedpatientlyfortheGoallaguntorecharge.

HenoticedEdifuswassimplysittingcalmly.Hisbladewasnolongerdrawnandhewassmilingat

Coup.

Coupsawwhy.EdifushadaPetifee,apowerfulbrainalteringrifle.IfhewasshotbythePetifeehe

wouldinstantlyplungeintoinsanity,alivingdeath.

“Standaside!TheEmperor’sgonnaneedsometherapy!”thunderedEdifusinanalmostshrillvoice

ashechargedupthePetifee.HeaimedthePetifeeatCoupandsaidcoldly,“Youshouldn’thave

reckonedwithme,Emperor.Youshouldhaveloved,Coup!Youshouldhavecared!”shoutedEdifusas

hiseyesglaredatCoup.“You’regonnaknowourpain,ourtragedy,ourlossyouSonofaBitch,you’re

gonnalearn!”thunderedEdifusashestartedtosqueezethetrigger.

SuddenlytheceilingburstopenandtheMedivitMoleexplodedintotheballroom.Coup’s2body

guardsjumpedoutandblastedtheremainingKaasoldiers.

EdifusgavealooktoCoup,aknowinglook,herealizedhehadtoescapeandheranforit.Coup

jumpedintotheMedivitMoleandtookthecontrols.His2bodyguardsranaboardandthecapsuledoor

shut.WhenitdiditcrushedtoKaasoldiers’handsastheytriedtogetin.Theyinstantlystartedtodig

throughthefloorandcrasheddownuponagroupofKaasoldiers.Itkilledthemallandtheydug

throughthefloor.Theywentdeepbelowtheplanet’ssurfaceandstoppedwhentheyweresafe.

“YoudiditBoys,you’llberecognizedandcommendedforwhatyoudidtoday,”saidCouphappily

ashesippedsomeBlakalabrewandthencontinued,”butthisisonlythebeginning.”

“Whatdoyoumean,Emperor?”

“Thatman,Edifus…Ihaven’tfeltaragelikethatsinceEebrem.AndweallrememberEebremdon’t

we,”saidCoupasherubbedhisbrow.

Chapter2

“AlrightBoys,we’lleatthenwe’llmakeforthesurface.Wewon’tbeabletocontactmysecurity

team‘tilwe’reabovegroun…”

Behindthemtheyhearaloudrumblecomingfromthetunnel.CouprunstothebackoftheMedivit

Moleasfastashecan.Hesee’sthroughtherearimagehologramthatadelugeofwateristhundering

downtheshaft.

“FireuptheMole!”shoutsCoupasheclencheshisfist,”Ineedfullpowerin5secondsorwe’llbe

corpses.Fullforwardthrust!”thundersCopasherunstothecontrolpanel.

His2bodyguardsHenraandYorenrushtotheirstationsandpoweruptheMole.Yorencanhearthe

enormousrushofwaterrightbehindthem.Couppullsdownhardonthethrustersandtheyshoot

upward.Theytravelatbreakneckspeedtothesurface.

ThewaterreachesthebackoftheMoleandstartsseepingthroughthewalls.Ifitreachesthedrill

beforetheymakethesurfacethedrillwilljamandthemotorswouldburnout.Theywouldbetrapped

hundredsoffeetbelowthesurfaceinsidetheMedivitMoleforever.

Everysecondthatgoesbytheygrowclosertothesurface,butthewatercontinuestoadvance

towardsthedrills’motor.

Hiseyesgrowwideanddartawayquicklybetweenthewatergushinginandthemonitorshowing

howmanyfeetuntilthesurface.Theystillhave500feettogoandalltheycandoishope.

Thelightsshortoutandtheonlylightistheglowofthecontrolpanel.Thepreciousfeettothe

surfaceshowed254.TheMoleistakingonmorewaterandtheirpaceslowsdramatically.

Coupsqueezesthesteeringcolumnwhilehiseyesarenearlypoppingoutofhishead.

“C’monbaby,sweetMole…digbabyDig!!Goddamnyoudigforit!”shoutedCoupasthefeetto

thesurfacetickedawayslowerandslower.

Nowtheyonlyhave23feettogo,buttheyhavelostalmostalloftheirforwardmomentum.The

waterisuptotheirwaists,onlyinchesfromthecontrolpanel.Everyonefrozeinplaceandstaredatthe

feettickby,5togo.

WithitslastbitofforwardpowertheMoleburstoutoftheground.Ashowerofwatershotoutofthe

holebehindthem,soakingaherdofHoolandsendingthemoffineverydirection.

“Yes!ThatistheTsunIhaveseeninmydream,”saidCouptriumphantlyasheputhisarmsaround

Yorenandsmiled.

“It’sglorious,Emperor,magnificent,”saidYoren.

“Ok,firstthingsfirstsendupthefloatingdistressbeckon,Henra.Themilitarywillbehereassoon

astheyseeit,”saidCouphappilyandthenhecontinued,”thenchecktheweaponscash,seewhatworks

andwillcontinuetowork.Lastly,fillmeinimmediatelyonourfoodsupplyandmostimportantlyget

meaMessonLeafcigar.I’vegotsomestressthatneedstobeexhaledaway,”saidCoupwithacocky

smileandaquicklaugh.Notyethethought,notyet.

Coupfeltrelievedbutalsoverynervous.Hehadn’tfelthisheartratesurgetosuchanextentsince

histimecommandingthemilitary.Heallowedhimselftorelaxslightly,becauseheknewofthe

beneficialeffectsofsuchathing.Hescannedthecountrysideforpossiblethreats.Thereweren’tany,

onlyaHoolherderandhissonsittingonahillwatchingtheminamazement.

Coupwalkedovertothemandasked,”I’msorryaboutyourherdwilltheyreturn?Wouldyoulike

mymentogoafterthem?”

Themandidn’tmovebutthesmallboynamedPeastrosaid,”Ican’tworryaboutHool,theyalways

comeback.”

Peastrowaswearingatanrobewithahood.Hisnoseandmouthwerebarelyvisible.

“That’sthetruthofitall,Son,theyalwayscomeback.CanIseeyourface,DearSon?”asksCoup

calmly.

Peastrostoodupslowlyandpulledthehoodfromhisface.Coupsawhishairwasgreenand

glowing,aVindijantrait.Hisfeatureswerestrongandhislipswerebloodred.CoupcouldseeMelain

Peastro.Hewalkedovertotheboyandranhisfingersthroughhishairandsaid,”What’syourname,

well…whatwasit?”

“MynameisPeastroLimandIam3yearspassed.”

“Peastro,IamCoupVindijanandyouareaVindijannow.YourdaysofHoolherdinghaveended,”

Coupsaidsternly.“TellyoufatherfarewellandIwilltakeyouawayfromthis.Weshouldhavefound

youbeforenowandforthatIapologize,”saidCoupashelookedlovinglyatPeastro.

PeastrolookedatCoupandthenhisfatherandsaid,”Ok,Coup.”

Peastrohuggedhisfather,whodidn’thughimback,andtheywalkedbacktotheMedivitMole.

“Emperor,wehave3workingGoallaguns,5PentatgrenadesandaPetifeethatappearsoperational.

Ourfoodsupplywillgiveusadayandahalfifwe’relucky,”saidYorenashepointedtoaherderona

grasscoveredhillwatchingthem.

“Wellthenwecouldfightifwehadtoo.Let’shopeitdoesn’tcometothat,”saidCoupashe

watchedPeastro.“Fortunatelythesehillswillgiveuscover,butIneedtoknowabouttheMole.Can

sherun?”askedCoupasheputhishandonYorens’shoulder.

“Shewon’t,Emperor,thedrillnolongerhasaworkingmotoritsfried.Bestcasescenariowewould

havetotravelaboveground,”saidYorenanxiously.

Coupfeltuneasyabouttravelingaboveground.Heknewthey’dbesittingducks.Healsoknew

thingswouldgethairy.ThiswasaKaastrongholdandhehadabountyonhishead.

YorenhandedCouphiscigarandCouppressedtheself-lightingtipandstartedtosmoke.Hetooka

longdragandsquintedatthehorizon.

“Ok,here’swhatwe’lldostriptheMoleofeverythingwecanuse.We’llpushtheMolebackinto

theshaftandcoveritupwithdirt,”saidCoupashesearchedhispocketsforapieceofcandy.“All’swe

neednowisaplacewherewecanholeupuntilthemilitarygetshere.Peastro,isthereaplacenearto

herewherewecanhideout?Andifso,isitfitforaVindijan?”askedCoupashekneltdowntolook

Peastrointheeye.

Peastropointedtoanearbyhillandsaid,”Overthathillismyfather’smachineshop.Itcouldgiveus

safetywewouldbehiddenfromeyes.”

TheystrippedtheMedivitMoleofallofitscontents.YorenbackedtheMoleintotheshaftand

coveredtheholewithdirtandHooldung.Theyclimbedthenearbypurplegrasshillandcameuponthe

machineshop.Theshopitselfisbuiltintothesideofarockface.Ithasalongivorycoloredwalkway

thatleadsuptotheentrance.Thereare2Hoolsittinginfrontofthedoorway.Peastroshoesthemaway

andsayssoftly,”Theyalwayscomeback.”

CoupsmiledandPeastrogrinnedwildly.WhentheyenteredtheshopitsmelledofPent,thereare

severalrobotsdoingvarioustasks.Oneisevenhangingfromasupportbeamandsinging,“SwifBe

Lost”,apopularchildren’ssong.OthersarebuildingsecurityfencingfortheHoolherd.

Thereisabedandtwocouchesagainstthebackwall.HangingonthewallisaportraitofCoup,

Mela,andtheirchildreninfullregalia.

“Who’sthathandsomeGeeve?”askedCoupwithasmirk.

ThereisalsoacircularpianobythefrontwindowwithabouquetofBorbeflowersonitsstool.The

Tsunfillstheroomwithshardsoflightandmakestherobotssparklebrilliantly.

Peastrowalksovertowardthefrostinducingunitandreturnswith3coldPecoSweedrinks,a

favoriteoftheKaachildren.

“Ihopeyouwilllikethese,Ididn’texpectsomuchfriendlypersons,”saidPeastroashehandedout

thePecoSweecans.

“WellI’llletitslidethistime,butdon’tformthishabit,DearBoy,”saidCoupjokinglyashepointed

atPeastro.

Peastrohalfsmiledandsaid,”Ihopeyoudon’tmindtheShowdFlyIputinforseasoning.”

“YoulittleHoolnuggetIthoughtthisdrinkwasalittlecrunchy,”saidCoupsarcasticallyashe

pickedupPeastroandtickledhisbelly.

Peastrolaughedandtriedhalf-heartedlytogetaway.CoupsetPeastrodownandwalkedovertothe

frontwindowforalookatthecountryside.Hethinksaboutwhenhewasyoungandhowhehadplayed

inhillslikethese.HecouldrememberchasingaparticularHoolsolongitdroppeddeadonthespot.

Theydinedonhimthatevening,asimplertimeforcertainhethought.

Hecouldseetwoformscomingoverthehilltop.Hesquintedtoseeiftheywerefriendorfoe.

They’rewearingredarmyfatiguesandithastobeaKaascoutteam.

“EyesUp!”shoutsCoupasherubshishandstogetherquickly.“We’vegotsomescoutsclosinginon

ourposition.TakeadefensivepostureBoys,maybethey’llpass.Iftheydon’twe’llhavetoengage

themwithfullforce,”saidCoupashechargesuphisPetifeewithhisrighthandandtakesadragwith

hisleft.

“WhatshouldIdo,Coup?”Peastroasksshyly.

“Whenyoufelltheirragesenditrightbackat‘em.You’reaVindijan,Son,believeyourdivinity.”

PeastrochargeduphisGoallagunandperchedhimselfbehindthecircularpiano.Thescouts

stoppedoutsidethemachineshopandstartedtopetaHoolnamedJustClancy.

“TheseHoolarebeautifulanimals,buttheirdumbasdust.Ihadoneasakid,DovaIcalledher.All

thatHoevradidwaseatandsleep,”saidRetronsnidelyasHelltonoddedinagreement.

InsidethemachineshopCouphadeveryoneready.Theyallwatchedandwaited,theyknewifthe

scoutscameinitwasbloodshedforcertain.

“YaknowI’mtiredofthismissionandthisday.Isayweheadback,Idon’tseeanysignsoflife

here,”saidRetronsternly.

“Fineandfineitlooksprettydeadhere,”saidHelltoashisredhairblewintohisfaceandthey

startedtowalkaway.

Asmallrobotwalkedoutthefrontdoorofthemachineshop,tothehorrorofeveryoneinside.It

climbeddownthestairsandwalkedpastthescouts.RetronandHelltostoppedandlookedattherobot,

thenateachother.Theytookalookattheshopandraisedtheirweapons.Theywalkeduptothedoor

andstopped.

RetronsuddenlyfiredintothemachineshopwithhisCheceredPulseCanon.Theshotburstthrough

thewallandbarelymissedYoren,buthitHenraandseveredhishead.Nowitwasonly3ontwoand

thescoutshandbodyarmor.Theywouldhavetogetwithinafewfeetfortheirweaponstoworkonthe

scouts.

HelltoandRetronwalkedslowlyintothemachineshop.CoupgavePeastroahandwaveandPeastro

winkedashelaidflatonthefloor.RetrontookasteptowardsthecircularpianoandPeastroblastedhis

legswiththeGoallagun.Thislefthimonlybloodystumps,causingRetrontoscreaminagony.

BeforeHelltocouldshootPeastroCoupblastedhimwiththePetifee.Heplungedintoinsanityand

ranscreamingfromthemachineshop.

YorenranafterHelltowhilePeastroandCoupwalkedovertothewoundedRetron.

“Alright,Peastro,youknowwhatthismanhadonhisminddon’tyou,”saidCoupashepointedto

theChecered.

“Yes,Coup…Ido,”saidPeastroasheaimedhisGoallagunatRetronandthensaid,”Goodbye,Sir,”

Peastroshothimandscrambledhisatomsintooblivion.

OutsideYorencaughtuptoHelltoandshothimintheback,vaporizinghistorso.Hisdismembered

headfelltothegroundandrestedbesidehislegs.CoupandPeastrocameoutsideandastheydida

Vindijanmilitaryconvoyappearedinthesky.Thereflew50PoroCruisersandaVenebonbattleship.

ThePoroCruisersallhadtheheadofaVindijanmountedonthenoseoftheship.Theyareaflying

tributetotheVindijanLineforalltosee.TheVenebonbattleshipsarebrightbluewithgoldtrim.With

eachofthemhavingCoupVindijan’slikenessfashionedontotheirfronts,aswellashistorsoasthe

bodyoftheship.Theyareliterallyaflyingstatue,ominousandintimidating.Theyhavetheraw

firepowertodestroyanentireKaabattalion.

1,000Humpaccasoldiersfloodedtheareaandsecuredtheperimeter.GeneralRuebluffwalkedupto

Coupandextendedhisarmspalmsup.Coupwavedhishandinacircleovertheoutstretchedpalms.

GeneralRuebluffisshortinstaturenearlyafullheadshorterthanCoup,butwithacommanding

presence.Hiseyesareblackwithredspecsthroughout.Hehas3redsquaresofgreenbeardshaved

intoeachofhischeeks.Healsohasaprisontattoointhecenterofhisbrow.

“General,IneedChateauBevraydestroyedimmediately.Leaveonlytheinhabitantsprayersonthat

venerablepeak,”saidCoupsnidelyashetuggedathisbeard.

“Dustanddamnation,Emperor,”

Coup,Peastro,andYorenboardedtheretractabletransportelevator.Aftertheywereinsidethe

VenebonMelajoinedthemintheforwardobservatory.

Theobservatoryisfilledwithfloatinghologramsoftheentiregalaxy.Itislitbyadullyellowlight

andthewallsthemselvesarehologramsofRedfordtrees.Theobservatoryisaplaceforthoughtand

relaxation,Coup’ssanctuary.

“Mela,MagnificentMela,”Coupsaidwarmlyasheembracedherandthenkissedherlipsandsaid,”

IfoundsomeoneatrueVenkid.”

“AVenkid,”Melasaidindisbelief.“Really,wellIwouldlovetomeetthistremendousman,and

soon.”

“He’sstandingrightbesideyou,”saysCoupasheputshishandonPeastro’shead.

MelalooksatPeastroandaflickerofsurpriseshotacrossherface.Shekneltdownandsaid,”

Absolutelyawe-inspiringabrowfortheages,Coup.”

“Isn’theagloriouswonderandruthless,Mela.AVenkidfortheages,morepowerfulandmorefilled

withtemperedangerthentheoriginalrulerofSrasOblique,”saidCoupgreedily.

“Whatisyourname,DearSir,andwherewereyouhidingallthistime?”asksMelaasshekisses

Peastroontheforehead.

“IamPeastroVindijanandIhavesleptandeatenallmylifeinKepeWindow,untiltoday,”said

Peastroasheextendedhisarmspalmsup.

MelaimmediatelywavedherhandinacircleabovehisarmsandwinkedatCoup.WhereasCoup

winkedbackandwashandedaMessonLeafcigarbyayoungservant.ThenhewashandedaVerage

sandwich,whichismadefromshreddedAmossbirdsandcenturiesoldyeast.ThisisCoup’sfavorite

snackbeforethedaysfeast.

“GeneralRuebluff,thereisthematterofthisKaaEdifusTime,”Coupsaidsternlyandthenwaved

Ruebluffincloser.“Heisanenormousenemyandoureffortsshouldcenteronhisassassination.Ifhe

shouldperishIfeeltheKaaandtheiruprisingwouldendshortlythereafter.I’velookedinthisman’s

eyesandheistheirhopeIamsureofit,”saidCoupfirmlyashetookbitesfromtheVeragesandwich.

“Ourintelligencegathererswillfocustheireffortsandpassionsintothis…Edifus.Hewillbefound,

hewillbekilled,DearEmperor.”

“Oh,Ihaveeveryconfidence,General,everyconfidence,”saidCoupsmoothly.

GeneralRueblufflefttheobservatoryandsodidYoren.Peastrostartedcuriouslylookingaroundand

thenstoppedabruptlytolookatahologramoftheKelevsettlementonYorOne.TheKelevaredancing

aroundaNipolspringwhichisfilledwithnaturallight.

“Whydance,whydancefornature?”askedPeastro.

“Thatiswhatbringsthemmerriment.Itsoothstheircuriosity,Peastro,”saidMelaassheranher

handthroughthehologram.“Whatbringsyoujoy?”

“Ilovethemorningair…thatfirstbreath,that’smyfavorite,”saidPeastroasheputhishandintothe

hologram.

“OhYesIlovethatfirstkissoftheTsunfillingmylungs.We’llalwayshavethatincommon.

Simplepleasuresthrillanextraordinarymind,rememberthat,Peastro.”

Coupwatchedandthoughtaboutthisnewlovethathadenteredhisfamily.Hedidn’twanttobetoo

overbearing,hecouldtellPeastrowasspecial.Healsoknewthathisdivinitywasforcertain,aVenkid

wasanextremerarity.

Theyatetheirfeastandthenpreparedforsleep.CoupfeltitimportantthatPeastrosleepwiththem

forthefirstnight.TheservantsaddedanextrabedbesideCoupandMelaforPeastro.

AfterCouptookhisWodopillheslippedintoadeepsleep.Inhisdreamhewasbeingchasedbya

glowingredsquareoflight.Hewasterrifiedbytheredsquare,buthewasgainingdistancefromitwith

everystep.Afterhehadgottenasafedistancefromtheredsquarehecameuponagoldenriver.Inthe

centeroftherivertherestoodamanofageholdingashimmeringdiamondstaff.

TheireyeslockedandthemanofagesmiledandofferedthestafftoCoup.Coupgrabbedthestaff

andhisentirebodyfilledwithenormouspower.Hismusclesbulgedwithsizeandstrength.Hefelt

closertoGodthanheeverhadbefore.Hisentirebodywasengulfedinablueflame,buthewasn’t

burned.

Coup’seyesrolledbackinhisheadandhefeltanorgasmicexplosion.Heyelledoutinecstasy,”

GloriousGod,youaremymaker!Youaremyunlimitedlight!”yelledCoupashelaidthereshaking.

“Thisistheanswer,DearLord!Ifeelclarityofmypurpose.OhGod…thisismybridgetothe

afterlife…Iamshoweredinbelief.”

Hethrustthestaffintotheedgeofagoldenriverandtheriverturnedintosolidmarble.Coupwalked

outintothecenterandwordsfloatedthroughhismind:YesCoup,7sons,honestrebellion…theother

door.Movebeforemovement.Canyourealizeyourascension?Edifus,friendsMaybeMorsoandlove

yoururge.

Themessagesdancedoverandoveragaininhismind.Aholeinthemarbleappearedandrevealeda

staircaseintothemarble.Coupwalkeddowncautiouslykeepinghishandstohissides.Heheldfastto

reasonandhissanity.

Heclimbeddownfartherandfarther.OnthewallstherearecrestsoftheVindijanLine.Thereare

holesperiodicallythatarefilledwithballsofreddishlight.Hegoesdeeperanddeeperintotheground

untilhereachesthebottom.ItisastarshapedroomwithKaasoldiersstandingineachofthepoints.In

thecenterisastandwithaholenobiggerthanhishandandtheinscriptionthatreads,”Embraceyour

divinity.”

Couplooksatthefacesaroundtheroomandreachesintothehole.Heisabruptlyawokenfromthe

dream.Melagentlyshakeshimawake.

“Coup,Darling,theKaahaveattackedtheVeveliBarrier.They’vebreachedtheinnersanctum,”says

MelaassherubsCoup’schest.

CoupsaidnothingandimmediatelygotupandhurriedtotheWarroom.

“Let’shaveit,”saidCoupashesatdowninhisthroneattheheadofthetable.

TheWarroomis40x40feetandsquareinshapewithawhiteceiling.Thewallsaremadeofaraw

mahoganywithgoldaccents.Thereisalargeconsuloneverywall,whichgivestheEmperoraviewof

allthepertinentbattles.TheroomisindependentfromtherestoftheVenebon.IftheVenebonis

destroyedtheWarroomwouldsurvive.Thewallsaremade8footthickTitanweave,ametalsostrong

itcanwithstandalmostanyattack.

TheroomisequippedwithseveralPetifeespreadcannons.Ifneedbetheoccupantscanfightoffany

attacker.Italsohasenoughwaterandfoodtolastforamonth.

“Emperor,they’vecoordinatedtheirattacksandarehittingusonallfronts.Mostimportantlythe

VeveliBarrier,whichtheysomehowshatteredtheinnercore,”saidGeneralRuebluffashepointedto

themonitorinthecenterofthetable.

“HowintheTeriousdidtheydothat?IcouldhaveswornthatsomeonetoldmethatVeveliwas

impenetrable,”saidCoupinasarcastictone.

“Iamgravelysorry,Emperor,itshouldhavebeen.Theyapparentlyhavegottenholdofsomesortof

wavecannon,whichcanseparatemoleculesatthesubatomiclevel.”

“WhatareourchancesofregainingcontroloftheVeveli,General,andpleasebebluntmypatienceis

evaporating,”growledCoup.

“Thereisnochancethey’vegottoomanytroopsontheground,Emperor.Thesituationis

impossible.”

Couppausedbrieflyandthensaid,”ThenIwantitdevastated.IwillnotacceptthosedisgustingKaa

sippingmyBorcowineorsleepinginmybackyard!”

“But,Emperor,we’vegottroopsandciviliansthere,nottomentionchildren,”saidRuebluff

cautiously.

“IknowthisandeveryVindijanhasknownit.ThereisonlytheLine,thereisonlyonecause.I’m

notaskingforapproval,General.Takemywordsandmakethemsing,”saidCoupashepushedthehair

backfromhisface.

“Done,Emperor,”saidGeneralRuebluffandthenhecalledintheorder.

Theywatchedonthemonitoras3PorocruisersflewoverVeveli,droppinggravelbusters.

Everythingwasdestroyed,everybuildingandeveryperson.Theywerejustgone.

Coupsatbackinhisthroneafterseeingthedevastationandstrokedhisbeardslowly.Noonesaid

anythingtheysimplystayedinsidetheirownheads.

Chapter3

ThreemonthshavepassedsincetheKaasiege.Over400,000KaaandVindijansoldiershavepassed

overintotheafterlife.Bothsideshavelosttheirbeliefinwar,butneithersideiswillingtogivein.

TheKaageneralFoTrowdhasswornthathewouldn’trestuntiltheVindijanLinewasnomore.He

ismorethanwillingtotradeKaalivesforwhathecallsVindijanscum.Itishewhoorchestratedthe

Kaasiegeanditwashewhowasn’twillingtocompromise.HetoldtheKaasoldierswearefr4eeorwe

aredust,andtheyagreedwithouthesitation.

TheVindijanLineontheotherbloodyhand,areopenlyweighingtheextinctionoftheKaaentirely.

Havingdecidedthattoomanybridgeshavebeenburned,peaceisonlyapipedreamnow.

TheAloncounselgatheredatssecretlocationintheWolfveerProvince.Thesecretlocationisa

sunkenvalleysurroundedbybrush.Thecastlesweretoohotforameetingofthisimportance.They

decidedtothinkintheopenair.Itisnighttimeandthe6Meverymoonsareglowingbrilliantblueand

green.TheentireVindijanhierarchyisinattendance,withtheexclusionofAmbassadorErtel.Hehas

yettobereturnedsincehiscapturebytheKaa.

It’stimeandeverysinglemembersitsinasilverfloatingthrone.Thereisanorangeliquidbubble

thatsurroundseachofthemanditisusedtoamplifytheirthoughts.Ameetinglikethismeansonlyone

thing,thenativesarerestless.

AmbassdorGeetouisabulbousmanof490pounds.Hehasjetblackhairandbeautifulblueskin.

Heisknowntobehotheadedandfewdaretocontradicthim.

“Hewhowantsmorethanhishandscanholdisanenemytohimself.TheseKaawanttheworldthat

wecreatedandtheywantustogiveittothem,”saidAmbassadorGeetouashefloatedintothecenterof

thefloatingthrones.

“True,irresistiblytrue,”saidCoup.

“Theythinkourwillisbendable,”saidClericCortelasheclosedhisfist,”butitisunbreakable,

Friends!”

“Wecanseetheirlackofreason,theirblindobsessionandwe…will…useitagainstthem,”said

Geetouplainly.

CoupfloatedintothecenterbesideAmbassadorGeetouandthenstoodupandsaid,”These

scoundrels,thesepetulantfools…nomatterIcameheretodaywithachaliceofgoodnews,Brothers.

EdifusTime’shideouthasbeendiscoveredandastrikeforcehasbeensent.Hewillbecapturedbefore

thenightgreetstheTsun.”

Insidethe4thBankodistrictathishillsidehomeEdifussatwithhisloverSuces.

“We’rewinningthiswar,DarlingSuces,andtheyhaveknownit.Theythinkwe’lljustrolloverand

perishandthatistheirfirstandlastmistake,”saidEdifusashekissedheronthelips.Hegently

caressedhercheekandpulledthehairfromherface.

Sucesisabeautifulbrownskinnedpurplelippedstunner.Shehasonalavenderslipandapairof

pinkgloves.

TheysitontheHoolskinruglockedinanembrace.Edifusfeelsanuneasysensation.TheAmoss

birdshavestoppedsinging.Hethinksthisoddandhegetsupandgoestothebalcony.

“They’resodumbtheythinktheycanruleoverourdreams.They’llfeelourpainandwewon’tbe

fearfulofthemagain,”saidSucesassherunsherfingeracrossEdifus’lips.

Suddenly2handsgrabEdifusaroundtheneck.TheroomfillswithVindijansoldiers.Sucesscreams

asthetwoareoverpoweredbythesoldiersandpinnedtothefloor

“How’sthatrevolutionworkingoutforyounow,KindSir?”askedHammotsnidely.

“Youfool,mypowerisbeyondanythingundertheTsun!”shoutedEdifus.

“Really,wellyourpowerisaboutasvaluableasaHoolnuggetnow,”saidHammotashekicked

Edifusintheback.

Edifusdoesn’tfightback,heknowshe’scaught.Hedecidestosavehisenergy.

BackatthePlushiChateauCoupreceivesthenewsthatEdifushasbeencaptured.Hefeelsrelief

washoverhimandalsoawaveofglee.

He’sdoneit,histhoughtsraceoverthepossibleoutcomesofsuchathing.Inhismindhefantasized

abouttheendofthewarandtheKaasurrender.HealsothoughtaboutthegloryandpraisetheVindijan

Linewouldshoweronhim.Heisfilledwith.

CoupwalksaroundhisEmpiricalsuiteandkicksDeesintothefireplace,laughingashedoes.The

DeesburstintoflamessendingwarmairintoCoup’sface.Coupgrabs2bottlesofBorcowineand

startsdevouringtheircontents.Hefeelstherushofintoxicationshootintohisbloodstream.Hestarts

dancingclumsilyaroundthesuite.Hesmashesthebottlesintothefireplaceandmutters,”Glory,oh

gloryhascometoSrasOblique.Mychildrencansingagain,playtheirCovoluflutesinmusicalrescue,

thankyouBuilder.”

PeastrowalksintotheEmpiricalsuitecarryingatrayofbakedrolls.Heiswearingthesameclothes

asCoupandlookslikeaminiatureversionofhim.

“Coup,Ihavebroughtyouasnack,Ihopeitissuitable,”saidPeastroashesetthetrayonthetablein

frontofthefireplace.

“Peastro,Iwouldlovearollanditisveryconsiderateofyoutodothis.Ihavereceivedsomegreat

newsandIamrejoicing,”saidCoupasheputhishandonPeastro’sshoulder.

“Whatisthisjoyfulthing,Coup?”askedPeastro.

“Thehorribleache,thecloudofblackfilthhasshifteditscourse.Edifuswillbejoiningus,Peastro,

andhisheartwillbeonourplate,”saidCoupsnidely.

Peastrosmiledandsatdownonthecouch,whileCoupsatdownbesidehimandputhisarmaround

him.Thetwoofthemsatsilentlyonthecoucheatingtheirwarmrolls.

“Iwanttoshowyousomething,”saidPeastroquickly.

“Ofcourse,whatwouldyouliketoshowme?”askedCoupashelookedintohiseyes.

Peastropointedhisfingersatthefireplaceandaredlightcameoutofthetips.Thelightwent

throughthefireandmadethewallbehindittransparent.Coupsatupinhisseatanxiously.Thered

lightgrabbedacrystalvaseintheotherroomandbroughtittoPeastro’shand.Peastrosetitdownon

thetableinfrontofCoup.Coupgrabbedthevaseandhelditinhishands.

“Howcanyoudothis?”askedCoupinutterdisbelief.“I…itisclearyouaretrulyaVenkid.Your

divinityiscertaininmymind,Peastro.Let’skeepyoupowersasecret.TheKaawouldcertainly

destroyyouiftheyknew,”saidCoupfirmlyashefeltthrilledbythenewdiscoveryandthepossibilities.

“Iwillnotspeakofit,Coup,never,”saidPeastroashepetaDees,”Ihaveotherpowerstoo.”

ThedoortonesoundedandCoupenteredthesecuritycodeandinwalkedClericCortel.

“WehaveEdifusintheliquidheatcell,Emperor.We’regrillinghimforinformation,butheisn’t

tellingusanything,”saidClericCortelashehandedCoupthelivehologramfeedofEdifus.

“Well,there’soutdearfriendinallofhisspitefulglory.Boyhedoesn’tlookhappy,maybewe

shouldsendhimagift,”saidCoupsarcastically,”IwanthimtoundergotheCuptankseries.We’llseeif

he’ssmilingafterthat.”

TheCuptankseriesisagroupof12torturetechniques.Thetechniquesbringmosttotheedgeof

insanityandsomebeyond.Itistypicallyreservedforonlyhardenedcriminalsandonlyasalastresort.

“Absolutelyyesterdayitwillbedone,”saidClericCortelandthenheexitedtheEmpiricalsuite.

CoupandPeastrowalkedovertothewindowandCoupdrapedhisarmaroundhim.Theystoodand

watchedastheTsuncameupandfilledtheroomwithlight.Theystoodlikefatherandsonwoulddo.

Theycouldfeelthedays’firstwaveofsolarflares.AVindijanisattheirmostpowerfulatdawn.

CoupandPeastrostartedlevitatingseveralfeetabovethefloor.Theireyesglowedandtheirmuscles

filledwithstrength.

ThereisaflockofAmosbirdsfillingthesky.TheycanseeKaachildrenfishingfortheMempion

fish.

TheMempionfishcarriesnutrientswhichsharpenthesenses.Italsogivesapersonclearervision

andtheKaaswearbyitshealingpowers.

FromthewindowtheycouldseeallthehappeningsofSrasObliquestretchedoutbeforethem.The

hustleandbustleofacomplexsocietywasnevermorebeautiful.Inthedistancetheblacksmoke

plumesofanearlymorningbattleroseupintothesky.

TheGogifTower,theVindijans’placeofworship,glistenedintheTsuns’showeroflight.Thetower

stoodasareminderofthepresenceofJivanineveryVindijanandKaa’slife.

“Iwanttosharesomethingwithyou,Peastro,andIdon’twantyoutobealarmed.Takemyhandand

walkwithme,Iwanttosharemygreatestgift,”saidCoupasheofferedhishand.

PeastrotookhishandandthetwoofthemwalkedovertotheblackKaberviantigerstatue.Coup

pressedinthestatues’eyesandtheheadrolledbackintothebodyofthestatue.Thenabluebottlerose

upfrominside.

Coupgrabbedthebottle,openedthetop,andshowedPeastrothecontents.Itwasfilledwithlarge

whitepillswiththewordRixpoonthesideofeach.Peastroranhisfingerover1ofthepillsand

asked,”Aretheynutritional?”

Couptookoneoutandhelditinthepalmofhishandandsaid,”Theyarefarmore,DearSon.These

havebeenhandeddownfromonegenerationtothenext.HeriogVindijancreatedthesepillscenturies

ago,byusingtoxicKiloberries,”saidCoupasheliftedaRixpoupintothesunshine.“Theberriesno

longergrow,sothisvileisallwehaveleft.ThesepillsseparateordinaryVindijans’fromextraordinary

ones,”explainedCoupasPeastrostartedtoglow.”Oneofthesepillsevery10yearswillgiveyou

tremendouspower.Itwillenhanceallofyourstrengthsandgiveyoutheabilitytoforgerallofyour

weaknesses.Thishasbeenourfamilysecret,andallbestsecretsarelostintheholders’mind,right.”

“Right,losttothewind,”repliedPeastroquickly.

“Rightindeed,Iwantyoutotakethis,”saidCoupashehandedPeastrotheRixpopillandthen

continued,”andputitinyourcheek‘tilitishalfwaydissolved.Yourmouthwillfeelwarmandyour

visionwillblur,butit’sonlytemporary.Whenthepillisdissolvedhalfwayswallowtherestofit.You

willexperienceshakesandaswellingsensationinyourhands.Youwillloseconsciousnessandbegin

theAaversleep.Takeyourdivinityandascendmyson.”

PeastrotooktheRixpopillfromCoup’shandandglancedathim.Heheldthepillinhishandthen

slowlyplaceditintohischeek.Hedidn’tfeelscaredbecausehetrustedCoupwitheveryfiberofhis

being.Thepilltastedsugaryandsweetashismouthfeltwarm.Sureenoughhishandsstartedtoswell.

ThenhisbodystartedshakingviolentlyandhesuddenlyslippedintotheAaversleep.

CoupheldPeastroinhisarmsandsmiled.Hethenlaidhimdownonacouch.IntheAaverPeastro

sawhimselfflyingoverSrasOblique’scountryside.Hedippedinandoutofeveryvalleyandsoared

inchesaboveLakeVeGune,grabbingaMempionfishinhishandsashedid.HecouldseetheTsun

riseandsetseveraltimes.HebaskedintheMemryMoons’glow.Theskyturnedgreenandhecould

seeaflyingarmadaenteringtheSrasObliquesky.

PeastrowassittinginathroneatPlushiChateauwithalgreenskinnedwomennamedFaha.She

smiledandaskedhimquestions.Theywereimportantquestionhecouldtell,buthegavenoanswer.

HestaredatFaha’swhiteeyesandfeltloveforher,butfeltangerthathecouldn’tgiveherwhatshe

wanted.

Peastrocouldtellitwasadream,butitwasasifitwasreallyhappening.Hewasinanancient

cavernstandinginfrontofascreamingblackmarblestatue.Thescreamsaresoloudhisearswere

bleedingandhecouldn’tmoveormakeasound.Thestatueexplodedintodustandinitsplacewasa

collectionofsmallbooks.Allofthebooksborethecrestofthe1stVindijandynastyTheCorrupts.

VeryabruptlyPeastrofelthisbodyturntothatofaKaberviantiger.HeisstalkingaHoolherdand

hasselectedatarget.HechasesaftertheHoolandcornersitinacave.Hepouncesonitandtearsopen

itschest.PeastroawakesandishandedaglassofwinebyCoup.

“Vindijans’drinkmyFriend,pleasejoinourhumblefamilywithatoast,”saidCoupslylyasheraised

hisglass.

PeastrosmiledandtoastedwithCoup.Hedranktheentireglassinoneswill,thensatupandlooked

attheVindijanfacesaroundhim.MelawasthereandshesatdownbesidePeastroandputherhandon

histhigh.

“Weknowit’sbeenhardonyou,itcanbeverypainfulnotknowingyourplaceintheworld.Show

measoulwhohasn’tmadehiswayhomeandI’llshowyouadifficultlife,”saidMelaasshefought

backtearsandcontinued,”we’llbethereforyouinthislifeandthenext.Thisisyourhome,Peastro,

letyourheartsing...insidethesewalls.”

Peastrostartedcryingasheknewhe’dbeenalonesolongthatmaybehe’dforgottenhowtolove.He

feltworriedthathewouldn’tknowhowtobeopen,buthealsoknewthathewashome.Forthefirst

timeinhislifehefeltsomebody’slovegiventohim.Hedidn’thavetobegforit.Helookedaround

theroomandhiseyeswelledupandhesaidtearfully,”ThelovethatIfeelandhavefelt,isthegreatest

giftundertheTsun.Iwilldowhateverisaskedofmefromhere‘tilinfinitediscovery,tobeapartof

theVindijanLine.IneverknewmymotherandwishedIhadn’tknownmyfather,butIwillfight

ferociouslyfortheLine.ThisismyHome…youaremyfamily!”

EveryoneintheroomputtheirfingeronPeastro’sheadandpresseddownslightly.Thiswasthefinal

gesturetoinductsomeoneintotheVindijanLine.Onceamember,youandallofyouroffspringare

protectedandgivenalltherichesoftheVindijanLine.

NOoneownedanything,theyallownedeverythingundertheTsun.ThisincludedtheKaaandallof

theirpossessions.Thefirst4daysofaninductee’slifeintheLinearefilledwithfulfillingalloftheir

desires,materialorotherwise.ThereisalsothedocumentationoftheAaversleep.Everydetailyou

couldthinkofwasenteredintotheKevelaryText

TheKevelaryTextisusedasagatewayintoaVindijan’ssubconscious.Oftentimesitcouldalsobe

usedtopredictthefuture.ManyportionsoftheAaversleepactuallycometopass.Becauseofthis

fact,teamsofscholarsandclericspourovertheKevelaryTextforaviewpointintothefuture.The

KevelaryTexthasbeenkeptforhundredsofthousandsofyearsanditsvolumesnumberedinthe

millions.ItiskeptunderlockandkeyinGogifTower.NoKaahaseverreadapassageorknownofits

existence.

ThewifeoftheLateHeriogVindijaninsistedthattheAaversleepbedocumented.Shesatwithher

husbandandwrotedowneverydetailofhisdream.ShewassoenthralledwiththejourneytheAaver

sleephadtakehimon,shetitledittheKevelaryTextindedicationtotheabstractpainterHoart

Kevelary.

Hoart’spaintingswerebasedonsurrealdruginduceddreamshehimselfhadbeenthrough.

WhenawealthypoliticianwasassassinatedandtheConeRiverrandry,2thingshehadseeninhis

AaversleepitthusbeganthedissectionoftheKevelaryText.

AfterPeastrohadundergonethedocumentationofhisownAaversleep,hewasaskedwhathe

desired.Herepliedonlyahugandakissfromabeautifulgirl.Ayoungladycametohischamberand

hegothishugandhiskiss.

HewantedapoundofPentandaKaberviantigercubforapetaswell.Healsoaskedthathis

father’slifebemadeeasier,anditwas.Hewasshoweredwithrichesandanewhome.Heaskedthat

JavisJobemadetosuffer.

JavisJohadbeatenupPeastrowhenhewasonly1yearpassed.Thebeatinghadlefthisbackscarred

andcrooked.Hehadn’tforgottenandfairisfairhethought.JavisJodidsufferandallofhisrelatives

aswell.

ThecleansingofaVindijans’shamewasveryimportant.Theybelievedyouhadtobefreeofallpast

disgracestoenjoyfuturevictories.His5thdaythoughchangedeverything.

Chapter4

Onthe597thdayoftheyearofthebuildertheTsuncouldn’tbesee,nowarmthhitthegroundthere

wasjustablackcloudhuggingthecountryside.Theskywasfilledwithtensofthousandsofmulti-

coloreddiamondshapedvesselsofwar,anendlessarmadaonanenormousscale.Thesewerenot

VindijanorKaawarships.

Everyshiphas20giantredandblackstrippedcannons.Diabolicalsneeringfacesadornedontheir

bellies,visibletoeveryonebelowcreatingapanicintheKaa.Theirmusicwasmanicandbeingblasted

fromthebowsandithadnorhymeorreason.Itwasamelodicbattlecrythatcouldrattlethebravest

warrior.EverychildinSrasObliquecriedbutone.Peastrowasnotshaken,notevenalittle.

PeastrotappedCouponthewristandsaid,”Emperor,they’vecometotalkwithme.Thisisonly

windowdressing,they’relookingtocorruptourreason…butweareVindijan’s.”

Coupdidn’tknowinitiallywhattothink,buthelookedatPeastroandfelthisconviction.

“Youwillspeakwiththem,Peastro,andyouwillspeakforus,”saidCoupasheranhisfingerina

circlearoundPeastro’stemple.

“They’llneedusbeforethisdayisover,andwewillonlysmile,”saidPeastroashiseyesglowed.

Hisbodystartedlevitatingandhelaughedasinisterlaugh.Histhoughtswereclearhefeltonlyadull

joy.Heknewtherewasworkahead.

Thearmadastartedsendingsmallvesselstothesurface,filledwithsmallgroupsofsoldiers.When

theylandedonthegroundtheydidn’tattack,theysimplestoodamongtheKaa.TheKaadidn’tknow

whattothinksotheysimplestoodandstaredatthesoldiers.

Thesoldiersthemselvesarecoveredinshimmeringgoldenbodyarmor.Ontheirchestsarethe

letters,“WOS”inredlettering.Theirheadsareabnormallylargeinproportiontotheirbodies.Their

skinissilverandgreenastheirneckshaveseveralelectronicinputsprotrudingfromthem.Theireyes

aren’teyesatallasthey’reabrightpurplelightcomingfromtheireyesockets.

Alargeshuttlecameoutofoneofthebattleships.Itissurroundedby4smallerattackvessels.The

shuttleisbroadcastingasinistermusicalsymphony.ThemusicissoterrifyingissendsaHoolherd

runningineverydirection.TheKaachildrenarecryingandcoveringtheirears.

Thebackoftheshuttlehasflowerpedalsbeingdroppedtotheground.Theshuttletaxis’intoPlushi

Chateauandhoversforseveralminutesbeforelandingontheroyalrosegarden,TheVindijanchildren

areseendancingandsinginginthecourtyard.

AbeautifulgreenskinnedwomanwithwhiteeyesnamedHocahemergesfromtheshuttle.Hocahis

tallandhasaverythinfigure.HerlipsarelargeandredwiththewordPeptywrittenonherlowerlip.

Sheiswearingapairofblackleatherpantsandaskintightseethroughredtop.Shehaslargebeautiful

breastsaccentuatedbyherflowingblondehair.Inherlefthandsheisclutchingasmallleathercase.

HocahismetintheroyalgardenbyCoupand4Humpaccasoldiers.Coupwalksuptoherandoffers

hishandspalmsup.ShelooksatCoupoddlyandthendropstothegroundinafullsplitandkisseshis

foot.

Coupisoddlyarousedbythisbutonlyforamoment.Couppullsathisbeardandthensays,”Iam

CoupVindijan,EmperorofSrasOblique.WhataidcanIgiveyou?”

“HocahismynameandIhavecomeheretospeakwithapowerfulyoungman.Wefelthispresence

andcameassoonasfortunewouldallow,”saidHocahassheputherhandonCoup’sshoulder.

“IknowwhoyouspeakofPeastroishisname.”

“Peastro…whatabeautifulname,”saidHocahashereyessmiled.

“Butwhybringanarmyforaconversation.Whatimportancecouldwarrantthis,pleaseexplain,”

saidCoupsmoothlyasheslowlyadjustedhiscollar.

“Emperor,allquestionswillfindtheiranswerswhenPeastroandIsharelove,”saidHocahasshe

lookedlovinglyintoCoup’seyes.

Couplookedatherandfeltacertainloveforher.SheremindedhimofayoungMela.Hecaressed

hercheekandsaid,”Hocah,youwillhavewhatyoudesire.WewillgotoPeastronow.”

CoupandHocahwalkedintoPlushiChateauanddownalongcorridor.Thecorridorislinedwith

familyportraitsandbustsmadeofwhitemarble.Oneofthosehasitsnoseworncompletelyflat.Itis

thebustofCapethiaandisthoughttobringgreattidingstogentlyrubhisvisage.Coupgavethestatue

arubashewalkedbyandthiswasnoticedby,butshesaidnothing.

TheycametotheendofthecorridorandtheyenteredthePolvieconferencehall.Thereareseveral

orangeenergyfountainsateitherendofthehall.Theygushwithwaterfilledwithtamedenergyand

greetedtheeyeswarmly.TheysmelledofLlionrosepedalsandhaveasoothingseriesofnatural

musicalnotestheyemit.

TheceilingisalargeredglasspyramidthatreachesinvainfortheTsun’schin.Therearehundreds

ofFlareaFliesbeingbornintheraftersthensecondslaterexplodeintobrilliantlimegreenburstsof

light.ThewallsinthePolvieareadornedwithornategoldcarvings.Thecarvings,andthereare

thousands,eachdepictasingledayinaVindijan’slife.Forsomeitwasamilitarytriumph,others

sexual,butmosthavetheirmomentofclaritycarvedintothegold.Soasitistherearealsocarvingsof

Vindiajn’seatingbreakfast.Therearealsootherscombingtheirhairandevensomesimplyreading.

InthefarleftcornerPeastrosatwithhischairfacingoutthewindow.TheTsunisshiningdirectly

intohiseyes.Hishairandeyesareglowingbrightly.InhishandheissqueezingaBourRoLeaf.The

BourRoLeafgivesthebodyaprolongedenergyburst.

HesensesCoupadHocahdrawingcloser,butheismentallybusyfocusingonaformertriumph.

TheycomecloseandPeastrodrawsinadeepbreathandholdsitinhischestfor5seconds.Heexhales

slowlyanduncrosseshislegs.

HocahwalksupnexttoPeastroandblowsgentlyintohisear,thenkisseshischeek.Peastrogivesno

reactionandcontinuestostareintotheTsunthroughthewindow.

“Ihavecomealongway,Peastro,manystarsandcountlessmoonstofeelthewarmthofyourskin,”

saidHocahasshekneltdownbesidehimandturnedhereyestotheTsunandcontinued,”weknowyou

aremorethanaboy,muchmorethanaVindijan.WebelievethatyouaretheOasPla.”

“Hocah,IdonotknowwhatisthisOasPla.”

“Peastro,theOasPlainourcultureisanextensionofGod.Thedelivererofhismagnificentmind,

theembodimentofallofhisdivinevirtues,”saidHocahsternlyasshefeltPeastroaroundtheneckand

thensaid,“Whenyourminddeliveredtousyourpristinelogicalthought.Ourmindscollectivelyshook

andourmissionwasclear,”saidHocahassheputherhandonPeastro’s.

Peastroturnedtoherandsaid,”You’reverybeautiful,Hocah,nowthatIseeyouinlife,youaremore

radiantthanmydreamcouldshow.”

“Thisisverykindofyou,youareavisiontomyeyes,”saidHocahasshepulledthehairfromher

face.

“Whatmyclarityrequiresistoknowmoreaboutyourmission,”saidPeastroplainly.

“Weonlywanttonurtureandcaressyourdivinevirtue,andwhatwefeelthatrequiresisyour

presenceinourworld.”

“OhIcouldneverleavemyhome.SrasObliqueisthebloodinmyveins,”repliedPeastroashe

grinned.“Ifyou’vecomehereinthehopesthatIwouldleavewithyou,thenyouhavemadea

tremendouserror,”saidPeastroasheturnedhisbacktotheTsun.

HocahtookherhandoffofPeastro’sandsaidnothing.Sheputherhandgentlytoherlipsandkeptit

thereforafewseconds.Shecouldn’tbelievehisreaction,shehadjustassumedthathewouldcome

withher.ShefeltbewilderedbutdecidedtogivehimtheFrosptProposalanyway.ShehandedPeastro

hersmallleathercaseandthensaid,”InsidethatcaseisourFrosptProposalinLea,pleaseopenyour

heartandentertainthisofferinearnest.”

PeastroopenedthecasetheLearootwasinside.TheLearootisaplantthathadtheabilitytohave

messagescarriedinitsvines.YousimplyspokeattheLeaanditwouldretaintheinformation.When

thereceiverbreathedontheLeathewordsofthemessagewouldbeformedbytheLea’svines.

PeastrobreathedontheLeaandwordsstartedforming,”DivineChildoftheBuilder,forcenturieswe

werelostandourheartsblack.Ourambitionslackedconvictionorarelevantdirectionorcause.The

Norareapassionatepeoplewhoonlywantourloveandpassionstobesharedforeverwithyou.Every

whimorwhimsyyoudesirewillbegivenbeforethewantingentersyourmind.You’llruleoveraworld

Goldvaforaslongasyourlungsdrawbreath.Thinkaboutthesupremepowerthatcouldinhabityour

soul.Ourplanetisanoasis,withlushrollingHifgrasshillsandgloriouswaterfallsaroundevery

corner.Theplacewhereyouwouldlive,theEastPalace,isover100milesofunheardofopulence.

Yourintellectualcuriositywouldbenurturedwithourcenturiesofcollectedwisdom.Allthisgreat

wisdomgatheredinourTerpolibrary.Weknowyouarewise,butevenwisemenneedtobe

challenged.Takeadayandthinkofthepossibilitiesourloveandfriendshipcouldbring.”

Peastrofeltexcitedabouttheirofferasitwasn’tlongagohewasasimpleHoolherder.Wowhe

thoughthowhisfortuneshavechanged.Hefeltconflicted,hehadafamilynowandhewasaVindijan,

buttheNor’sofferwasasizableone.Hecouldhavesupremepowerandeverythingheeverwanted.

“IwilltakeonedayandthenIwillgiveyoumydefinitiveanswer.Iamnotleaningeitherway,my

mindisneutral,Hocah.Wewouldloveitifyouwouldbeourfavoredguest,”saidPeastrowarmly.

“IwouldlovetobeyourguestandIknowyouwilldowhatisjust.Giveusachance,Peastro,you

justmightlikeit,”saidHocahassheputherhandonPeastro’sshoulderandsmiled.

Peastrosmiledbackwildlyandranhishandacrossherbrow.Coupwasstandingbehindthem.His

armswerecrossedandhiseyesglowed.Hemotionedtoapairofservantsandtheywalkedbrisklyto

hisside.

“Thesetwoservantswilltakeyoutoyourquarters.Theywilltakecareofallofyourneeds,”said

CoupashelookedintentlyatHocah.

“Sokind…soverykindofyou,Coup,Iwon’tneedmuch,”saidHocahasshetookaknowingglance

atPeastro,thenshewasescortedaway.

CoupwatchedasshewalkedawayandthenturnedtoPeastroandsaid,”Peastro,youknowwhatwe

canofferyouhere…”

Peastrointerrupted,”Coup,pleaseyouknowwheremyloyaltieslie.”

“Iknow…ofcoursedearson.”

“MyallegiancewillalwaysbetotheVindijanLine‘tilmyveinsrundry.Whatismoreimportant

nowistheNorarmyandtheiruseofitwhenIrejecttheiroffer,”saidPeastroashesatupinhischair.

“Youareabsolutelyright,theproblemisourarmyisn’tlargeenoughtotrulydefeattheNor,”said

CoupcalmlyashelookedattheTsun.

“Noitisn’t,buttheKaaonoursideitwouldbe.IftheywouldjoinuswecoulddestroytheNor,”

saidPeastrogreedily.

“True…butthisisourcausewhywouldtheyaidusatall?Itwouldbeintheirbestinteresttoseeus

destroyed,”saidCoupashetuggedathisbeard.

“Yestrue,buttheyonlyknowwhatwetellthem.IftheyweremadetothinkthatSrasObliqueisin

dangerofbeingdestroyedbytheNorperse,”saidPeastrosternlyasheeyedaKaafamilybathingina

fountain.“Theywouldrallytoourcause.WiththeirhelpourcombinedarmieswecouldwipetheNor

armadaoutentirely!”thunderedPeastro.

“Ohyouarewisedearboy,butwillhegoforit?”askedCoup.

“Whatarehisoptions?RightaboutnowEdifusisprobablygrowingdesperate.He’satleasthalfway

throughtheCuptankseries.”

“Brilliant…absolutelybrillianthe’llhavenochoicebuttojoinus.Let’sgobearinggiftsandshow

himourrealconcernforourdesperateworld,”saidCoupslylyashepulledaMessonLeafcigarfrom

hispocket.

“Weonlyhaveadayandthattroublesme,”saidPeastroanxiously.

“Fearisfleeting,wehavereasonandthatisouradvantage.”

ThepairmadefortheholdingcellwhereEdifusisbeingheld.InhisholdingcellEdifusisaboutto

havetheskinonhishandscharredbyaConsinlasermachete.TheConsinisabletopassthroughyour

fleshandburnunderneaththesurfaceofyourskin.Thustheburnsarenotvisible,butthepainis

excruciatingandunbearable.

Hishandsarefastenedtoafloatingtable.ThenasoldiernamedRaskonpullstheConsinfromits

holsterandwavesitinfrontofEdifus’eyes.Edifusisterrifiedashisentirebodyisalreadyinpain.He

doesn’tknowifhecantakemuchmore.RaskonlinesuptheCinsinwithEdifus’righthandandraises

themachetehighandslashesdown.

CoupandPeastroburstintotheroomandyellforRaskontostop.TheConsinisonlyaninchfrom

hishandwhenthesoldierstops.PeastroiscarryingatrayofbakedpiesandabottleofBorcowinehe’d

broughtforEdifus.

“Thankyou,Emperor,Ijustcouldn’t…”saidEdifusbeforebeingcutoff.

“Don’tthankmeyet,ourworldisunderattack.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”askedEdifusnervously.

“TheNorarmieshaveinvadedourplanetandareonthevergeofdestroyingourworld.Iknowwe

havehadourdifferences,butthisisfarmoreimportant,Edifus,”saidCoupashereleasedEdifusfrom

hisbonds.

Edifusstartedravenouslyeatingoneofthepiesandtakesagiantgulpofthewineandthensays”You

needmyarmy,isthatcorrect?”

“Correct.”

“IfyouassuremethattheToenwarendstodayandwewillshareSrasObliqueasbrothers.Thenthe

KaaarmywillfightsidebysidewiththeVindijansandgladlyspellourblood,Emperor,”saidEdifusas

heateanotherpie.

“TheToenwarisnomore,Edifus.Wearebrothersnowanduntilinfinitediscovery.Igivetheword

ofmyselfandtheVindijanLine,”saidCoupasheextendedhisarmspalmsuptoEdifus.

EdifuslookedathimforamomentandthenrunshishandinacircleoverCoup’soutstretchedarms.

Edifusgrabbedthebottleofwineanddrankthelastofitandsaid,”Ineedatransportvehicleandalsoa

changeofclothes.Howlong‘tiltheyattack?”

“Tomorrow,”repliedCoup.

“Thenforgettheclothes.Iwanttothankyou,Coup.TheKaawillthankyouwithalltheirheartsand

minds.You’vedoneabraveact5andarighteousone,”saidEdifusashewalkedrapidlyoutofthecell.

Thenheturnedandsaid,”IwillcontacttheFiniSeven…thissituationwilldissolveintohistory,Coup,I

knowit.”

CoupwatchedasEdifuswalkedawayandthensaidboldly,”Theregoesthegreatestgeniusinthe

historyofmorons.”

PeastroandCoupsharedaheartylaughandthenthetwotouchedeachother’sforeheadstogether.

Thisissupposedtosymbolizeonemind,onelogicaVindijanritual.Theywenttotheirsleeping

quartersandpreparedthemselvesmentallyforthefollowingdays’geargrinding.

Chapter5

VeveldandCarnagrecon8th’s

Coupawokeandshouted,”Toodust!”aswashishabit.Hesatupinhisbedandstartedsmokinga

MessonLeafcigar.Hishotbreakfastwaswaitingforhimonaretractabletableinthecenterofthebed.

HeatehisVinmeatsandwichandsomeYoubaberryicecream,thendownedaglassofHoolmilk.

Melaissoundasleepbesidehim,butherhandisviolentlyrubbinghischest.Thisissomethingshe

oftendidunknowinglyandCoupwasmorethanusedtoit.Coupstoodandattachedhishandsandfeet

intofourSprygaringsandstartedhisdailyworkout.

Sprygaringsallowyoutomoveanypartofyourbodyinanydirectionandtheyprovideresistance.

Theygaveavigorousworkoutinverylittletime.AfterafewminutesintheSprygaringsCoupsatin

hischaironthebalcony.HehappilytookinthefirstrushoftheTsun’srays.

ThemorningisveryimportanttoVindijansastheyfeelthatawellthoughtoutmorningleadstoan

extraordinaryday.EveryVindijanhastheirmorningdesignedtomaximizetheirownsetofwantsand

musthave’s.

Onthetableisanabsorbablethoughtpatch,knownasaLila.TheLilacarriesmorethanamessage,

anactualthoughtfromthesender.YousimplyhavetoattachtheLilatoyourskinaboveyourtemple.

Thenthesenders’thoughtwouldenteryourbrainafteritdissolved.ThisparticularLilawasfrom

Edifus.CoupattachedtheLilaandafterithaddissolvedheunderstoodthatEdifuswantedtothankhim

tremendously.HealsounderstoodthattheKaaarmywasreadytofightsidebysidewiththeVindijan’s

wheneverhegavethecall.Thiswasthenewshewaswaitingforanditthrilledhim.

Herefusedtoallowhimselftogettoooverjoyed.Heknewthathehadtokeephisemotionsina

certainacceptablerangeorruntheriskofselfsabotage.TherewasstillthematterofHocah.

Shemightcatchontohisplanandhatchaplanofherownifhewasn’tcareful.Hethoughtto

himselfaboutthepossibilityofherandherarmysimplyleavingafterPeastrogaveherhisanswer.

Deepinsidehefearedthiswasn’tgoingtobethecase.Ifso,whybringsuchalargearmyforasimple

request.

No,hesawthewayshelookedatPeastro.TheywantedPeastrotothinkthattheywereasking,but

beforelongthey’dbedemandingandheknewit.

CoupgotwordthatPeastrohadfinishedhismorningroutineandwouldmeethimintheRoyal

Sepchagarden.

Sepcha’sareminiaturepurpleTogottrees,veryrareandverypleasingtotheeye.Theirbranchesare

allat90degreeanglesandeachhasalavenderDevoisnakelivingintheirtrunks.

Devoisnakeshavebeendomesticatedandareatreasuredchildren’spet.Theyhaveafurybrown

exteriorandareverysofttothetouch.

HocahistoldtomeetthemintheRoyalSepchagardenassoonassheisready.Shetellsthe

messengershewillbethereshortly.

WhileCoupandPeastrowaittheybothgetlostintheirownthoughts.Theysitsilentlyandponder

thepossibleoutcomes.Thentheylookateachotherandnod,asiftosaytooneanotherbeready.

HocahisledintothegardenandshesitsdownacrossfromPeastro.Sheiswearingaskintightwhite

leathersuitandherhairisdoneuptolooklikearosepedal.ShelooksatPeastroandsays,”Ihopethis

morningisasprosperousasitfeels.”

“Icouldn’tagreemore,there’sabountyofhopeheretoday,”repliedPeastro.

“Sotrue,soyes,”saidHocahasshesmiled.

“Doyouneedanything,Hocah?”askedCoup.

“No,Icouldn’tbemoretakencareof.”

“Hocah,IthoughtabouttheFrosptproposalwithallofmyfaculties.Iweighedthedynamicsofa

yes,aswellasano,”saidPeastrocalmlyashegentlypattedhisownchest.“WhenIthoughtaboutthe

powerofsayingyes,myheartwastorn.IhavefamilyhereandtheVindijanLinetookmeinand

inspiredmetoascend.TheloveIfeelforthemandmyhomeSrasObliqueisunending.WhatIsay,

andIsayitinearnestisno…athousandtimesno.”

Hocah’shintofasmilehadcompletelyfaded.ShesatdefiantlyandstaredatPeastro.Sheleaned

forwardandshouted,”We’renotASKING!!”andthenshespitandyelled,“You’llbecomingwithus

todaybyfreewillorbyforce!Ifforce,we’llwipethisplanetcleanofeveryVindijanandeveryKaa,if

that’swhatittakes!YourpreciousSrasObliquewillbedesertbeforetheTsunsets!”

Couppressedhistransmitterinhispocketsignalinghistroopstostarttheattack.HeandPeastroshot

backoutoftheirchairsandwatchedasHocahtriedinvaintograbPeastrowithherlegs.

Hocahpulledabluelightstickfromhercrotchandasecondlatershedisappeared.Theroomfilled

withthesmellofadyinganimal.Thegroundwhereshehadstoodwasburnedblackandtherewere

tracesofbluelight.

Thentheyheardaloudcracklingsoundthatgotlouderandlouder.Coupknewitwasn’tgoodsohe

shoutedtoPeastro,”Makeforthefarendofthegardenquick!”

TheylevitatedandsoaredasfastastheycouldovertheSepchatrees.Behindthem,asCouplooked

back,hecouldseelargesectionsoftheChateaubeingliftedbytheNorbattleship.Themarbleroof,the

walls,everythingwasbeingliftedupward.ApowerfultractorbeamtorePlushiChateautoopieces,as

theNortriedtocapturePeastro.

AsCoupandPeastrogotclosertotheexitPeastrolookedbacktoseetheSepchagardenbeing

hoistedintothesky.Thetractorbeamclosedinonthem,theirheartspoundedlikeajackhammerin

theirchests.PeastroandCoupkepttheirwitsaboutthem.TheywerefrightenedaseveryVindijan

couldfocustheirresolveunderstress.Theyflewthroughtheexitarmsstruggling.Theexititselfwas

hoistedintotheskyasecondlater.

CoupgrabbedPeastro’sarmandtheymadeahardleftforthehangarbay.Thetractorbeambarely

missedthem,buttheyknewtheyweren’tsafeyet.Astheirlevitationpowersworeoff,theysprintedfor

thehangarbay.Coupshoutedasheturnedhishead,”Whenwegettothehangarbayareonlychanceis

todig!Ifwetrytousetheshuttlethey’llcatchusforcertain!”

“Ifthereisahangarbay,”saidPeastronervouslyashefeltapaininhisneck.

CouplookedatPeastroandfeltachillgodownhisspine.Hewishedhehadn’tsaidthatbecausehe

fearedhewasright.

Behindthemagaintheyheardthecracklingsound.Theycouldseethehallwaytheyhadjustrun

downrapidlydisappear.TheysprintedintothehangarbayandCoupshouted,”Madefortheshuttle!”

“Butwecan’tfly,”shoutedPeastroashemadefortheshuttle.

“TheMole,theMedivitMoleit’souronlychance!”shoutedCoup.

Theyranintotheshuttleandastheydidthehangarbaystartedtoliftintotheair.Thetwoofthem

jumpedintotheMedivitMoleandhitthelaunchbutton.TheMoletorethroughthehangarbayfloor,

whichwasalreadylifted50feetofftheground.

“Braceyourself,Peastro,wecouldbecomeawholelotthinner!”shoutedCoupasheheldthesteering

wheelashardashecould.

PeastrolookedatCoupforamoment,buthewasn’tscaredhefeltatease.Hehadarushof

relaxationcomeoverhim.Hecouldseeasmallyellowmanfloatinginfrontofhimandtheman

whisperedthewords,”Veveld,Carnag.”Theyellowmanspoke,”It’sallforyou,”anddisappeared.

TheMolesmashedintothecraterwherethehangarbayhadbeen,causingCoupandPeastrotoshoot

forwardviolently.Couphitthecontrolpanelandsplithisforeheadwideopen.Hisblooddrippedinto

hiseyesblurringhisvision,butitwasonlyafleshwound.Peastrohadabruiseonhischestfromthe

impact,butwasn’tshaken.

AsecondlatertheMedivitMolestartedtodigintotheground.Theywentdeepbelowthesurface

andthenCouptookovermanualcontrol.HesteeredforEdtwarpRimwhichisthestagingareaforthe

ToenWar.Heknewhisgeneralswouldbethereandtheywouldbesafe.

AbovethegroundtheyheardbombblastsandthenCoupsaid,”Soundslikeaparty.”

Peastrosmiledandthensaid,”Let’shopetheysaveussomePent.”

“Theyalwaysdo,”saidCoupasherubbedPeastro’scheekandthensaid,”Ijusthopethere’saworld

lefttopartyin.”

“SrasObliqueismorethanacollectionofmolecules.Theideawillalwaystranscendthequestions

answer,”saidPeastroasherubbedhischestandwatchedthegauges.

“Butwhowillbelefttoquery?”asksCoupslyly.

PeastrostoppedrubbinghischestandnoddedatCoup.TheMedivitMolepiercedthesurfaceandas

itdidamissileflewpastthemandhitasquadronofKaasoldiers,burstingthemintoflames.Coupand

PeastroaresoonmetbyHumpaccasoldiersandareinstantlyshieldedwithQuoenergyshields.They

havetheabilitytoscatterenergyandthereedgesgiveyoutotalsecurityfromtheblasts.

SoonCoupandPeastroarebroughttotheGePau.

TheGePauisanimpenetrablestronghold,wherealltheirmilitarymindsarewaitingand

orchestratingtheirattacks.CoupismetbyGeneralRuebluffandtheyexchangetheVindijangreeting.

GeneralRuebluffsayssternly,”We’vetakensomehits,Emperor,butthey’vetakenmore.Wehave

destroyedtenoftheirbattleshipsandareevenwithgroundtrooplosses.”

“Good,goodbutwhatoftheirflagship,havewetakenher?”askedCoupanxiously.

“Notyet,itseemstohaveeludedusonhowtobreakthroughtheirshield.Thesmallershipsseemto

workintandemtoprotectthelargerones.Themorewetrytopullherfromthesky,themorelosseswe

take,”saidGeneralRuebluffcautiouslyasheshowedCoupthemonitor.

“Isee…letherbefornow.We’llwipeouttherestoftheirfleet.Thenwe’lltakeanotherpassather.

Andifshe’sdumbenoughtofightatthatpoint,thenshe’sdumbenoughtodie.”

“Itwillbeexactlydone,Emperor,she’llhavetoflee,I’dbankonit,”saidGeneralRuebluff.

“Iwouldn’t,shemaybetooproudthisone.Eitherwaywarsareforwinning,”saidCoupproudly.

“Yestheyare,”saidRuebluffashesmirked.

PeastrowatchedasCoupmadehisdecisions,makingapointtomakenotes.Hewasparticularto

rememberthetoneofCoup’svoiceandhiscadence.Heknewthebestwaytolearnwastofind

someonewiseandlearnfromtheirwisdom.IntheVindijanLineagewasn’tfearedbutreveredand

lookedforwardtoo.Childrendreamedaboutthedaythey\wouldhavealltheanswers.Theyare

carefulnottoaskmanyquestions,insteadobserveandacquiretheknowledgeasitpertainstothem.

TheVindijanyouthisforlifebuilding,theshapingofideasandformingpersonaltruths.

Peastrofeltsomeone’shandonhisshoulderandturnedtoseeMelasmilingathim.

“Iseeyourlearningalreadykeepyourmindlimbertoday.Alltheworlds’complexitiesarelearned

throughconflict,”saidMela.

“Mela,Iwanttoknowitall,somuchsoIcan’tkeepassinglethoughtinmyhead,”saidPeastro

honestlyasheputhisarmaroundMela.

“Thendon’t…keepyourfocusonnotfocusingonasingledetail.Betterwouldbejustthelarger

ideasandthewayathoughtfeels.”

“I’lllearnasfastastodaywillletme,”saidPeastro.

“Yes,”saidMelawithawinkandanod.

ONthemonitorinfrontofthemthereareseveralKaafighterjetsengagingaNorbattleship.They

areimploringtheCushyFlytechnique

TheCushyFlytechniqueisbasedonhowtheCushyflybitesaHool,thenleavespoisonbeneaththe

Hool’sskin.EnoughbitesfromtheCushyFlyandaHoolwillperish.

“TheKaafighter’sareattackinginshortburstswitharmorpiercinggrenades.Thentheyfleeuntil

theyhavedetonated.Thebattleshipwouldn’tpaythemanymind,becauseofthesmalldamagethey

cause,butovertimethecombinedeffectwillcripplethebattleship’sdefenses.ThentheVenebon

battleshipwillswoopinforthekill.

“HowintheTeriousdidtheydothat?”jokedCoup,”that’swhatthey’llbesayingwhenwepluck

themfromthesky.”

“HowintheTeriousindeed,”saidGeneralRuebluffashesippedfromaflaskofBreedivcoffee.

BreedivismadefromcoffeebeansthathavepassedthroughaKaberviantiger’sintestines.The

beansarethendippedinAmossbirddroppingsandlefttobakeintheTsun’smorningrays.Thecoffee

istoostrongfortheKaa’s,buttheVindijansswearbyit.

“Thatonelooksaboutripe,”saidCoupasheobserved1oftheNorbattleship’sstarttosmoke,”send

intheVenebon!”

GeneralRuebluffsentwordtoanearbyVenebonbattleshiptoengagetheNorbattleship.The

Venebonhoveredonlyfeetfromthesurface,belowtheNorbattleship.Thenitroserapidlyupfrom

beneathandfireditsentirearsenalofweaponsintoitsbelly.

TheNorweredefenselessandtheVindijan’smissilestorethroughtheship,splittingitintwo.

InsteadofbeingcapturedtheNorselfdestructedtherestoftheirvessel.Theshipburstintoan

enormousblueflameandleftaplumeofashandsmoke.

Amomentlater2greenskinnedmenappearedoutofnowhere.Theystoodforamomentthen

walkedcasuallyovertoPeastroandMela.Theirclothesareskintightwhiteleathersuits.Theyarealso

wearingredrimmedsunglassesandhavenoshoeson.Theyarepetit,onlyafewinchestallerthan

Peastro.Theirnosesarelongandprominent.

“Hello,Veveld,Carnag,areyouhereforconflict?”asksPeastroasheholdsMelatightly.

“No,Peastro,weareheretoendone,”saidVeveldflatly.

“Ifyouthinkyou’regoingtotakePeastrowithyou…”saidCoupsharplybeforebeingcutoff.

“Wewouldn’ttakehimagainsthiswill.Wecanseetheerrorinthatwayofthinking,”saidCarnagas

helookedatPeastro.

“PardonmeifIfindthattroublesometofathom,”saidCoupcalmlyasherubbedhisbellyand

grinned.

“Wecanseethatthisbattleisridiculous.All’swewantnowisforittoend.Butwehavecometo

recon8th’s,”saidVeveldasheadjusthissunglass.

“Whatdoyoumeanrecon8th’s?”askedMelaasshelookedatVeveld.

“Theywantan8thofmylife,inexchangefornofurtherhostilities,”saidPeastroasheletgoofMela

andwalkeduptoCarnag.”That’srightisn’tit?”

“Thatiscompletelyfactual.All’sweareaskingisthatyouspendan8thofyourlifeonourplanet.

We’vecalculatedthatyou’llliveapproximately56yearsand4months.Whichmeansyouwould

spend…”

“7years,”saidPeastroquickly.

“That’scorrect,7yearsonGoldvaisallthatwewouldrequire,”saidCarnagwarmlyashegently

rubbedhisforehead.“Andofcourseyouwouldchoosethe8thofyourlifeyouwouldspendwithus.

Wearenotaviciouspeople.Ourheartsandmindswouldbeopentoyouandyouwouldalwaysfeel

loved.WewouldembraceyoucompletelyandIcanassureyouitwouldneverbemundane.Wecan’t

imagineanotherdayofbloodshed.Whenwecantalkasfriends,ofcompromise?”askedCarnagashis

handsrestedathisside.

“Wellthereitis,don’tdecideuntilyourgreetedwithapurethought,”saidCoup.

Peastrothoughtforamoment,thenlookedatallofthefacesaroundtheroomandsaid,”WhatIknow

isthis,thefirst8thofmylifeisalmostoverandIneedmyVindijanfamilynow.Thenext8thifmylife

I’llbebecomingtheVindijanI’llbefortherestofmylife,sothat8thisspokenfor.Butthe3rd8thof

mylifewouldbebestsuitedforadventure,”saidPeastrofirmlyashepacedabitbackandforth.“It

wouldgivemeachancetogrowandreachmydivinity.IfIembracedtheNoratthatpointinmylife,I

wouldbecapableoftrueunderstandingandascension.Soinmydiscoveryhascomeyouranswer.”

Veveldputthetipofhisfingertotheroofofhismouthandspoke,”Theconflicthaspassed,endthe

assault.”

SuddenlytheNorFighter’sandbattleship’sstoppedattackingaswellastheirgroundtroops.General

Ruebluffimmediatelyorderedaceasefireandthebattleceased.

“Thenthat’sit?”askedCoup.

“Thatisthesummationofourdispute.WewillnotbebacktoSrasObliquefor10years.Andwhen

wereturnwewon’tbebringingourarmy,”assuredCarnagashelookedatCoupintently.“Wehave

totalfaiththatPeastroisamanofhonestintent.Thatsaid,Peastro,enjoyyouryearshere.Aman’s

youthlingerslongintooldageandbringsendlesssatisfaction,”saidCarnagashesmiledwarmly.

“I’llbereadyuponyourreturn,”saidPeastroasheofferedhishandspalmsup.

“Weknow,you’rebraverthanusall,”saidVeveldashewavedhishandsinacircleoverPeastro’s.

Veveldpullsoutabluelightstickformhiswaistandinaflashtheyaregone.

“Coup,IamsorryI’llbeleavingyou,”saidPeastroslyly.

“OhBuilderno,don’tgiveitamoment’sworry,”repliedCoupashewavedhisrighthands.“We

wantyourascensionasmuchasourheartscanbear.ForthesakeoftheVindijanLineweneedyouto

gothereandfindoutallyoucan.Thebountyoftechnologyandexperienceyou’llacquirewillonly

strengthentheLine.”

“Sospyingismyfunction?”asksPeastrowithasmirk.

“Morethanthat,flatoutstealingisyourmission.Let’sbetruthful,ifwehadn’thadtheKaa’shelp

theycouldhavedestroyedallthatwehavepainedfor,”saidCoupnervouslyashetappedhislegand

lookeduptotheceiling.“Ourinfinitediscoverywouldhavearrivedfarbeforeitsinvitationhadbeen

extended.FortheVindijan’stocontinuallyascendwe’regoingtoneedeverytrickandploytheirdumb

enoughtoteachyou.Whenthetimecomesyou’llneedtobeporous,stickyforinformation,”saidCoup

ashisbrowfurrows.

“Icompletelyunderstandandmygraspofthisopportunityisfirm.Iwilldevourallofthewisdom

theywillserveme,”saidPeastrosternly.

“Yes,thereisonlytheLine,”answeredCoupsnidelyasheclenchedhisfist.

“TheLineismyfirstandlastbreath.”

“Completely,nowthere’sstillthebusinessofthoseinsufferableKaa.Therehasbeenenoughwarfor

todaywe’llsendthemourthankyounoteinthemorning.Ican’tthinkofabettersoundthenbomb

blastsinthemorning,itthrillsmetonoend,”saidCoupsnidelyasawrysmilecameacrosshisface.

“IthinkEdifusgreetstheTsunearly.Itwouldbeatravestynottobetherewhenhedoes,”said

Peastrosmugly.

“Thedebtweoweisthat,andthistimewe’llbringamuchmorehospitablegift.Youshouldneverlet

theonesyoulovepainwanting,”saidCoupmenacingly.

“Iagreelet’smakeourundyingloveandgratitudebubbletothesurfacefor,DearEdifus,”said

Peastroashesmiled.

CoupnoddedsoftlythenhetookPeastrobythehandandledhimintothediningarea.Thetwosat

silentlyandateravenously.AVindijanalwaysateallthattheywerehungryforbeforespeaking.

“Peastro,IwantyoutobetherewithmewhenwecaptureEdifus.Ithinkit’simportantyouseea

proudman’swillbroken.Thiswillgiveyouabetterunderstandingofhischaracterandallofhis

eternalflaws,”saidCoupsmuglyasheeyedabottleofBorcowine.

“WhentheTsunrisesIwillbetheretoseeEdifus’gloryset,”saidPeastroashesatbackinhischair.

PeastroandCoupsmokedMessonLeafcigarsandsippedBorcowinelateintotheevening.

MeanwhileEdifuswasbackwiththeFiniSeven,theywerehavingtheirowncelebration.Theyall

sataroundalargetableinsidethegamesroomatFireocastle.The7largebrownandblackleather

thronessurroundedawhiteandredmarbletable.Thewallsoftheroomarefilledwiththeheadsof

exoticdeadanimals.ThereareVensebearstoTiberviantigers,eventheheadofapurpleCornelizard,

extremelyraresincethePendidowar.

“Theoldmanfinallywentforit,”saidVier.

Vierisaredskinned,slightbuiltmanwithstarkwhitehair.Hisfacehasjaggedscarsrunningfrom

hischintohishairline.Hiseyesareperpetuallydilatedandhisteetharelargeandyellow.Heisn’t

wearingashirtandhasasilvernecklacewithabluediamondstarattached.

“Yes,heallowedhisgraspofwhat’srighttofinallycomeoutrighteous.Hecould’vedraggedthis

waronfordecadesandcrippledtheworld,”saidEdifusindisbeliefashelookedaroundthetable.

“True,IneverthoughtI’dseeafreeTsuneverrise.MytwosonswillbeownersofSrasOblique

insteadifPrisonersinit,”saidVierashedrewadragfromhispipe.

“WhatCoupdidwasmorethanendingtheToenWar.He’sendingawornout,datedhypocrisy!He’s

doingawaywiththeircrushingofourpeople’sdreams,”saidEdifusasheshookhisglass.“Withwhat

hedidtoday…I’llthankhimeverymomentofmylife.ItrulyhonorCoupVindijan,andI’lltoleratethe

Lineifitmeansequalityformydaughter,”saidEdifusasheputshisglassesonthetopofhishead.

TheothermembersoftheFiniSevenalsoputtheirglassesonthetopoftheirheads.Theyjoined

handsandinonequickmotiontheyalljerkedtheirheadforward,sendingtheglassescrashingtothe

floor.Theyallletoutashout,”Todustwithdivinity!”Edifusjumpedonthetableanddancedandthe

othersfollowedsuit.

Chapter6

TheBountyofBreask

TheTsuncrawleddowntheGogiftoweraswasits’habit,butthereisastormbrewing.Inthe

distancealargepurplestormcloudisrapidlyencroachingonCasCity,aswasCoupandPeastro.They

intendedtopersonallythankEdifusforallhistreasuredassistance.Theybroughtalong2squadronsof

Humpaccasoldiers.TheywerequicklyclosinginonEdifus’hideout.

“Thereare2typesofmen,thosewhocanbehonestwiththemselvesandthosewhocannot.Then

thereisathird,peoplewhomakeupelaborateliestothemselvesthattheyexpectothers’tobelieve,”

saidCoupfranklyashethoughtofMela.“Thesemen…andthereareseveralaretheembodimentof

everythingIhate.Edifus,Ihopeyoulovedanotherlastnight,fortoday…I’llbestealingyourkisses.

Openthedoor!”shoutedCoupashechargeduphisPetifee.

TwosoldierssteppedforwardandplacedaWoiptsoundgrenade.

TheWoiptwilladjustitswavelengthtothatofthedoorandthensoundwaveswillshatterit.After

placingtheWoiptitstartedtoemitalowhum.Thenthehumgotlouderandlouderandthedoorshook

violently.Inaninstantitshatteredlikeapaneofglassandcreatedapuffofsmokethatfille3dthe

entryway.

Coupwalkedthroughthedoorwayandshouted,”How’stheVinthismorning,boldortart!”

Thereare2oftheFiniSeven,VierandShad,sittinginfacingchairswatchingahologramofthe

day’snews.ShadgoesforhisGoallagun,butbeforehecouldfireitCoupblastedhimwiththePetifee.

Shadfrozeinhistracks.Thenhegotdownonthefloorandcurledupintoaball.Hestartedmuttering

tohimself,whilehiseyesglazedover.Hewastrappedinthegripofinsanity.ThePetifee’seffectsare

quicktotakeholdandslowtoimprove.

MeanwhileVierdartsforthebalcony.Coup’ssoldiersfiredtheirGoallagunsathim,butmissedboth

times.VierdovefromthebalconyandintotheBuotRiverbelow,disappearingbelowthesurface.

CoupandthetwosoldiersracedtothebalconyandwatchedasthesurfaceofthewaterforVier.

Coupshouts,”Getdownthere!”

ThesoldiernamedDeroyjumpsfromthebalconyandintotheBuotRiver.Theriverisovera

hundredfeetdownandthewaterischoppy.CoupstartsfranticallysearchingeveryroomforEdifus.

Hecanhearapantingsound,butcant’tellwhatroomitiscomingfrom.

Hewalkscautiouslydownthehallpeeringintoeveryroomwithhisgunbarrelleadingtheway.The

hallisdarkwithonlyshardsoflightfromtheopendoorwayslightingtheway.

AsCoupgetsclosertotheendofthehallhehearsametaldoorsnapshut.Heknowsthatsoundand

instantlyterrorshootsthroughhismind.Hesprintsthelastfewstepstotheendofthehallandenters

theroom.Hisworstfearsarerealized,insidetheroomheseesEdifussittinginsideasilvereggshaped

escapepod.EdifussmirksatCoup,thentheescapepodblaststhroughtheceiling.Coupcanonly

watchwithangerasEdifusescapeshisgrasp.

Coupisinfuriatedhereallythoughtthiswouldbehisgreatesttriumph.Heturnstoleavetheroom

andseesPeastrostandinginthedoorway.CouplookedatPeastrosternlyandsays,”Someday…

somedaysoonhe’llrunoutofchances.Afoolcanonlyrunfromthefoolish.”

“Whatdowedonow?”askedPeastrocalmly.

“Thereisabetterwaytochasethetiger,makehimchaseyou.Everymanhasapossessiontheylove.

Takethatawayfromthemandthey’llcovereverycornerofSrasObliqueforitsreturn,”saidCoupashe

lookedaroundtheroom.

“ButwhatisworthchasingforDearEdifus?”askedPeastroashestartedlookingthroughthe

cabinets.

Coupalsostartstosearcharoundtheroom.Helooksintheclosetandhestartstorummagethrough

Edifus’papers.Hestopssuddenlyandsays,”WhyIlovetoswimwithrainbowsbyGrenaTime.Well

isn’tthatpreciousourDearFriendEdifushashimselfadaughter,arealtalenttobeholdtoo.”

“Really,”saidPeastroashewalksovertoCoup.

“Ohyes,shehasapoeticgiftlikeIhaven’tseensinceHaredTops,”saidCoupashehandedPeastroa

pieceofoffwhitepaper.

“Rainbowsareyoung,rainbowsarefun,Imetoneandwentforaswimbrilliant!WellIcansee

whereallthetalentisinthisfamily,”saidPeastroashekissesthepaper.

“Ineedtomeettheauthor,youknowjusttooccupythesamespacewithageniusisthrilling.

Hmm…alloftheKaachildreninthiscitygototheEmoSeSchool.I’llsendamessagetotheOa

authoritiesrightnow,”saidCoupashepressedthethoughttransferringbuttononhistemple.

TheOaauthoritieskeepthepeaceamongtheKaaandareundercontroloftheVindijanLine.After

Coupsendshismessage,theVindijanLineputsoutthewordandGrenaTimeisimmediatelypickedup

atEmoSe.

Coupfeelsrelieved,nowthetigerwillbechasinghim.

CoupandPeastroboardTridentSouce3andmakeforEmoSe.Peastrooccupieshistimewitha

Framebot.

Framebot’sarerobotsusedtopracticealloftheVindijanmartialarts.Theyareall6feettallandcast

intheimageofVenkid.Theirlimbsarecoveredinwhiteleatherpaddingandareprogrammedtofight

tothelimitsofyourability.Theycan’tdoyouanyrealharm.Theirprocessersgivethemthe

appearanceofintelligence,buttheypossessnorealideasoftheirown,onlymemory.

PeastrogavehisFramebotthenameUrte,afterhisfather.Urtehasbeenprogrammedwithhumor

reflexestokeepthelessonlight.PeastrokicksUrteinthestomachwithatwistingkickandasks,”

How’sthefloortastetoday,Urte?”

“It’sgood,butyoureallyshouldtrysomeyourself,”saidUrteashekicksoutthelegsofPeastro,

sendinghimcrashingtothefloor.

PeastrolaughsthenjumpsonUrte’sbackasheisgettingup.UrtetriestospinandgetPeastrooffbut

can’tandsays,”Peastro,youreallyshouldn’teatsomuchPent.Idon’tthinkmycircuitscanhandle

muchmore.”

“Ohreally,youknowIthinkIneedanewnecklace.MaybeI’llmakeoneoutofaFramebot.”

“Ohno,I’mscrewed,”saidUrteslyly.

“Iwouldn’tworryaboutit,Urte.Afriendlikeyouisworthmorethananecklace,”saidPeastroashe

rubbedUrte’schest.

“ThankBuilderforyou,Peastro.IthoughtI’dmisstheTsun’smorningkisstomorrow.Yougo

aheadandeatallthePentyoucaretoo.”

“Ahhdon’ttemptme,Urte,”saidPeastroashesmilesandclimbsdownoffUrte.

UrtesmilesandgentlypokesPeastrointhebelly.WhereasPeastrolooksdownathisownneckand

pretendstorunhisfingersoveranecklace.Urtelooksworriedandsays,”I’mjusttryingtokeepyouat

yourmaximumreadiness.ThoseKaacanbeviciousifyou’renotnimble.”

Coupsatwatchingthetwoofthemandthensaid,”Thereisnothingtruerthanthat,Peastro.Anextra

bitofPenthereandtherecanadduptoasofterselfoutlook,”saidCoupfirmlyasherubbedhisbelly

andthensaid,”becareful.”

“Nowyou’reenteringthefestivitiesandnotaminutetoosoon,”saidPeastroashepulleduphisshirt

torevealhismuscularstomachandthensaidslyly,”Mybodyismymission,seeforyourself.”

Coupgavehimanodandawink.UrtepokedPeastro’sstomachandsaidproudly,”Iwaswrong,

you’rewinningthewaragainstthePent,butnotthebattlewithUrte.”

UrtetriedtostrikePeastrointhechestbutPeastroslippedthepunchandgrabbedUrte’sarm.Then

hetossedUrtehardintothewall.

“Thinkagain,Urte,thatwars’beenwon,”saidPeastroboldlyasheputhishandsonhiships.

Coupletoutabellylaughandclappedloudly.Thelandingtonesoundedandeveryonepreparedto

land.TridentSouceThreetaxiedintotheschoolyard.Belowtheycouldsee2guardsandayounggirl

waitingforthem.TheschoolyardwasfilledwithredsandandDeesprancingaround.Theschoolitself

isafloatingorbofwhitecrystalandblackwindows.Theschool’sstudentbodycanbeseencrammed

againstitswindows,theyareeagertoseetheEmperor.

Theskyfilledwithpurplestormcloudsandtherainisthickandenveloping.Everysooftenred

lightninglituptheskyandhitthegroundwithaloudcrashingsound.Stormslikethese,knownas

ToretesWakes,canlastforweeksorminutesyouneverknewwhich.

“Let’sgotakesomePentfromachild…ahhthegloryofpolitics,”saidCoupastheyexitedTrident

SouceThree.

PeastrofeltuneasyaboutwhatCouphadsaid,buthedidn’tletitshow.HelookedatGrenaTime’s

faceandfeltsorryforher.Healsowastakenabackbyherbeauty.

GrenaTimeisastrikingyoungladywithpiercingyellowandgreencoloredeyes.Shehaslong

straightblackhairwithpurplestreaks.ShelookslikeafemaleversionofEdifus,withastrongjawand

highcheekbones.Herskinisbloodredwithblackfreckles.Sheiswearingablackspandexbodysuit

withaTsunpatternoverallofit.Aroundherneckisalightnecklacethatchangescolorseveryfew

seconds.Onherfeetarewhitelaceslipperswithpointedtips.Sheisstandingwithherlegscrossedand

herhandsareonherhips.

AsPeastrogrewcloserhesawthatshehadbeencrying.CouptappedPeastroontheshoulderand

saidsternly,”RemembertheTiger.”

Peastronodded,butfeltguiltyaboutwhattheyweredoing.Coupexchangedgreetingswiththetwo

soldiersthensaid,”MissGrenaTime,we’retakingyouonalittleadventuretoday.Pleasetakemyhand

andwe’llbeoff.”

GrenalookedatCoupandtookhishandasshescowledatPeastro.Peastrofeltterrible,thathe

hadn’tbeensoembarrassedinhislife.The3ofthemhurriedontoTridentSouce3andthentheship

tookoff.

CoupgaveGrenaarollandaglassofNehepop,adrinkloadedwithYorbaberryjuice.Grenasetthe

rolldownandsippedtheNehepopslowly.Shedidn’tknowwhattosaysoshejustkeptsippingher

Nehepop.Peastrowatchedherforamomentthendecidedtositdownbesideher.Heslidinnexttoher

andsaidwarmly,”Grena,we’renotgoingtohurtyouok.That’snotwhyyou’rehere.”

“Thenwhygotothetrouble,why…Imeanwhy?”askedGrenaanxiouslyasshespilledsomepopon

herleg.

“It’syourfather,Edifushe’sdonesomethingagainsttheLineandthatcan’tbetolerated,”answered

PeastrosternlyasheglancedatCoup.

“You’llneverfindhim,hecanhideout‘tilyourdustbelieveme.He’swiserthananyofyou,”said

Grenaquicklyasshebitintoherroll.

“Noharmwillcometoyourfather…”

“Don’tlietome,Iheardwhatyoudidtohimlasttime.Hestillhastroublesleepingbecauseofit.I

hopethere’sapoisoninthisNehepop,Ireallydo,”saidGrenaangrilyasshetookabigdrinkofher

Nehepop.

“Calmdown,ifyourfatheragreestomeetwithusyoucangobacktoEmoSe.All’swewantisto

askhimafewquestions,”saidPeastrocalmly.

“Whatquestions,isitabouttheBreask?”askedGrenadefiantlyandthenshesaidangrily,”I’lltell

youwhereitisrightnowifthatwillsettlethis!”

CoupandPeastroexchangedaquickglanceandthenCoupperkedupinhisseatandasked,”Yes

indeed,whydon’tyoutelluswheretheBreaskisandasyousaidwe’llconsiderthissettled?”

“Alright,it’sburiedinthegardenbehindBlanvieMarket.It’sbeneaththekissingstone.Theyburied

itdeepandputitinasilvercasket,”explainedGrenaasshetiedherhairback.“Yougotwhatyou

wantednowletmego,”saidGrenaasshetookabiteformherroll.

“You’llbereleasedrightafterwedigitup.IgiveyouthewordoftheVindijanLine,”saidCoupas

hetuggedathisbeard.

“Fine,ItrustyousinceyouaretheEmperorandall.”

“Thankyou…ah,Peastro,couldyouhelpmewiththelogicprobe?I’llneedanextrapairofhands,”

askedCoupcoylyashemotionedforPeastrotofollowhim.

Peastrolookedathimpuzzled,buthegotupandfollowedhimnonetheless.Thetwomadetheirway

totheEmperor’squarters.OnceinsidePeastrosatdownonthecouchandCoupshutthedoorbehind

them.Peastrogrinnedandasked,”WhatisthisBreaskandwhyisitimportant?”

CouppacedinfrontofPeastrounabletocontainhisexcitementandsaid,”Breask,DearBoy,isthe

Ultimatehumanenhancement.Whatisit?AtinyyellowpillmadefromtheEarrytrees’sap.The

EarrytreeonlygrowseverytwentyyearsandthelastharvestsevenyearsagowasstolenbytheKaa.”

“Whatdoesitdo?”askedPeastro.

“Well…whatdoesitdo,oneBreaskpillcausesafeelingofeuphoriafor70days,onepill,”saidCoup

greedilyashejumpedaroundlikeafool.“Italsoincreasesaperson’smusclemassby50percentand

theirenduranceisneverending,excusemyexcitement!Italsostimulatesthebrainandsharpensreason

toextraordinaryheights.Ohandlet’snotforgetSex!”saidCoupexcitedlyashepretendedhewas

leadingaparade.“Inmenimagineaneverendinglibidoandinwomenendlessorgasms!Oh,Peastro,

ifthisturnsouttobetruethentherewillbeapartyonanepicscale,”saidCoupashecontinuedto

dancelikeafool.

Peastroletoutanervouslaugh.Coup’spacingwasmakinghimuncomfortable.He’dneverseenhim

likethis.

Coupsatdownbesidehim,stilllostinthoughtsofBreask.Peastrosatandsmiledashewatched

Coupsooverjoyedandexcited.Coup’sthoughtswereaboutBreaskandhowlongithadbeensincehe

hadone.Coupthoughtabouthowamazingitwouldbetogethishandsonsome.Vindijan’sdrankin

theleanyearsastheywaitedfortheEarrytree’sreturn.IfCoupreturnedwiththeBreaskhewouldbe

themostfavoredVindijanundertheTsun.

CoupsethiscourseforBlanvieMarket.Theydidn’thavefartogo,theonlyproblemwasthekissing

stoneisalwaysfilledwithnewlyjoinedcouples.ItisatraditionfortheKaatokisstheirlovers

passionatelyastheylayonthekissingstone.Thestoneitselfisalongpieceofredmarbleintheshape

ofamouth.Itissaidthatthekissingstonecanfillaunionwithpassionandvirility.Coupishoping

thatwhatliesunderneathwilldothesameforhim.

Theylandandthentheymaketheirwaythroughthecrowd.Coup’sHumpaccasoldierssecurethe

area.Thesoldiersgrabthekissingstoneoneitherendandmoveittotheside.PeastroandGrenawatch

onasCoupordersthesoldierstodig.

Usingdirtdissolvingshovelstheydigdeeperanddeeperuntilthesoldiers’headscan’tbeseen.

“Ihopeyou’renotwastingourtime,Grena,”saidPeastroashelookedintentlyatGrena.

“Don’tworry,Isawthemburyit.It’sacouplemorefeetyou’llsee,”saidGrenareassuringlyasshe

suckedonherindexfinger.

AsoldiernamedHidayells,”We’vegotsomething,somethingsilver!”

Coupwalksovertotheedgeoftheholeandseesasilvercasketatthebottom.Thesoldiersattach

anti-gravityringstothecasketanditfloatsuptoCoup.HegrabsitandguidesitovertotheTrident

SouceThree.EveryoneboardsandhuddlesaroundthecasketasCoupsmilesgreedily.

“There’salockhereandwe’llhavetodisarmit,”saidCoupasherubbedhishandstogether.

Hidaattachedauniversalkeydisktothelock.Thelockchangedcolorsrapidlyandthenitpopped

thecasketlidloose.

“WellchildrenoftheBuilder…let’shopeforpassions,”saidCoupasheliftedthelid.

InsidetheeightfootsilvercasketwerethousandsuponthousandsofBreaskpills.Itwasfilledwith

thosefamiliaryellowpillsthatCoupdreamedof.Everyone’seyesgrewwide,butnonewiderthan

Coup’s.ThenCoupshouted,”AbountyofBreaskfortheBuilder’smostfavored!”

EveryonecheeredexceptforGrena.Shesatinthecornerwithherheadinherhands.Coup

meanwhilegrabbedapillandhelditinhishand.Hegaveitawhiff,thenputitinhismouthandsucked

onitforamoment,thenswalloweditwhole.Instantlyallthetensioninhisfacedisappeared.Soonhis

chestandshouldersstartedtogrow.Hestartedrunninginplaceandshakinghishands.Coupsaid

excitedly,”Breask,ohBreask…ourlovegonefortoolong.Nobodykisseslikeyoubaby.Iloveyou!”

CoupgavethesoldiersanodandawinkandtheyquicklytookaBreask.

“Peastro,don’tkidyourselfgetyourhandsonaBreaskquick.You’llthankmesomedayforthis

one,”saidCoupashesatdownonthecouch.

PeastrowalkeduptothecasketandgrabbedaBreaskandputitinhismouth.Heswalloweditwhole

andfeltarushinhisbrain.Hisentirebodyfeltwarmandhewascompletelyfilledwithjoy.Hefeltso

gooditscaredhim.Hisshouldersandchestgrewquickly.Hefeltstrongandpowerful.Peastroasked,”

WhataboutEdifus,Grena,andToenwar?”

“WellIguesswe’lldropoffGrenaandourdearfriendEdifuswillbesafefornow.AsfarastheToen

war…letitRage!We’vegottheBreaskinoursailsnow.TheKaawillbetotallydestroyed,Ifeelmy

vigoronceagain,”saidCoupsnidelyashegotupdidaspinon1foot.

TridentSouceThreeliftedoffandleftBlanvieMarketbehind.Coupdancedaroundthecasketof

BreaskandsangtheVindijannationalanthem,”RemembertheLine.”

PeastrodancedwithhimandthensatdownbesideGrena.Grenalookedsullenasshefeltthattelling

CoupabouttheBreaskmayhavebeenamistake.Shewondersifthisordealwilleverbeover.Shetaps

Peastro,whoissingingwithCoup,ontheshoulderandasks,”Willthismakethingseven?”

“Look,Grena,thingsareevenwe’retakingyoubacktoEmoSerightnow.Youneednotletworry

enteryourmind,”reassuredPeastroasheheldherhandinhis.

“Butwhatofmyfather…Ijustneedhimtobeok,Peastro.YougottheBreaskcan’tyouletusbe?”

askedGrenasadlyashereyeswelledup.

Peastroliftedherchinwithhisfingerandsaid,”I’llmakeyouapromise.Ifanythinghappensto

EdifusI’llmakesureyou’retakencareof,”thenhekissedhersoftlyonthelipsandgaveheranodand

said,”Ok?”

“Ok,Itrustyou,Peastro.Icantellyoudon’tmakeemptypromises,”saidGrenathenshekissedhim

onthehand.

Peastrofeltstrongfeelingsforher,butsheaKaaandtheVindijan’sdidn’tpursuerelationshipswith

Kaa.Itjustwasn’tdoneandheknewtherewerenoexceptions.Stillhehadtohaveanotherkiss.He

leanedinandkissedheronthelips.Thistimehecaressedhercheekashedid,whileshedrapedherleg

overhis.Aftertheykissedtheystareddeepintoeachother’seyes.

PeastrocaughthimselfandlookedquicklyatCouptoseeifhehadnoticed,buthehadn’t.Hewas

toobusywithhisillgottengaintonotice.Peastrofeltrelievedthathehadn’t,buthedidn’twantto

pushhisluck.HepulledawayfromGrenaandsaid,”Grena,Ishouldbedancing.”

“Iknow,Peastro,you’reaVindijanandIambutKaa,”saidGrenaasshegotupandwalkedacross

theroom.

PeastrowatchedherwalkawaythenhegotupanddancedwithCoup.WhentheyarrivedatEmoSe,

GrenagrabbedaBreaskandswallowedit.Shewalkedafewstepsandthenturnedhalfwayaround,but

thenshejustwalkedaway.Shedidn’tturntofacePeastro.Peastrowishedshewouldgivehimonelast

look.Hispalmsandfacegotsweatyasshewalkedaway.Heknewhemissedheralready.

Chapter7

TheCorruptionofSlag

TodayisPeastro’syearlyreckoning,makinghim8yearspassed.IncelebrationtheVindijan

hierarchygavehimhisownPoroCruiserwithhisheadonthefront.TheyalsogivehimaLogicThrust.

ALogicThrustisa7daycourseofstudydesignedspecificallyforthedevelopmentofaVindijan’s

creativemind.FortwelvehoursadayaVindijanwouldbeshownthousandsofwaystoaccesstheir

creativity.Thiswillgivethemtheabilitytothinkfarbeyondtheirrivalsandinamoment’snotice.8

yearspassedistheagreedupontimetoundergotheLogicThrust.

PeastrowasalsogivenaWavesosilkthumbring.TheWavesoisatinywormthatisonlyfoundin

theVeeresregion.Thesilkmadefromtheirbacks,oncefashionedintoaringwilladheretotheirskin.

Toremovetheringyou’dhavetoremovetheskin.Needlesstosaytheyareapartofyouforlife.

Writtenoneveryoneisthewords,”Bepartiallyapart,”aremindernottostayoutsidetheLine.

TodayisalsothedayPeastroistochoosehiswife.Hehasdatedseveralwomenandofcoursehe

wantstofindasuitablematch.Heknewheneededakeenintellectaswellasapassionatelover,ifhe

wastrulytoascend.HisthoughtswerestillstrongforGrena,evenmoresonowthatthefinalityof

marriageisuponhim.Hetellshimselfhecanbehappywithanotherwoman,specificallyMornBevoi.

Mornhasbeeneverythinghethoughthewantedandisbeautiful,generous,andkind.Stillhewas

betrayedbyhisloveunrealizedforGrena.

InsidehispersonalPoroCruiserintheballroomhis3potentialmateshavegathered.Itiscustomfor

avasetobeplacedinfrontofeach.Insideonevasetherewillbeatiger’stooth,inanotheradiamond

star,andinthethirdachocolaterose.Thewomanwhogetsthetigers’toothisleastfavoredandwill

immediatelybeusheredaway.Thewomanwhogetsthediamondissecondfavorite,andledthrougha

staircaseintheceilingsoastoolessontheembarrassment.

TheonewhogetsthechocolaterosewillconsumeitandsitatthethronebesidePeastro.Thiswill

signaltheirequalityintherelationshipandthestartoftheirnewlife.The3candidatessitinfrontof

Peastroandthevasesarebroughtout.ThevasesareallwhiteandhavethecrestoftheVindijanLine

oneach.Eachwomanopensthelidoftheirvaseandafterseeingitscontentsgivesnoreaction,asisthe

custom.

PewMostypulledatigertoothoutofhersandisimmediatelyusheredoutoftheballroom.NisPept

pullsadiamondstaroutofhersandleavesthroughastaircaseintheceiling.MornBevoipullsouta

chocolaterose,lookswarmlyatPeastro,licksherlipsandthenconsumestheroseentirely.Shethen

promptlyrisesandwalksovertoPeastroandsitsbesidehiminherthrone.

Nowthatamatchhasbeenchosen,itiscustomaryfortheEmperortosprinklethecrematedremains

ofaVindijanpassedovertheirheads.Thissignifiestheirbeliefthatunionsareinthisworldandthe

next.Thenthereisthefinalritual,theMersKnowingstare.

TheMersKnowingstareconsistsoftheunitedcouplelookingintoeachother’seyesaforseveral

minutes,astheyvisualizethehighsandpotentiallowsoftheirmarriage.

PeastroandMornlockeyesastheyeachsmilewarmly.Theyeachstarttoplayoutthehopesand

dreamstheyhaveforthemarriageintheirminds.Peastrothinksoftheirpassionsfirstthenhethinksof

children.ThethoughtsofhisascensiontoEmperorandwarshewillfightcomeintofocus.Heworries

ofachildpossiblydying,andtheeffectontheirlovebecauseofitcomesintofocus.

Hevisualizesthemanhewillbecomein10tenyearsandthewomanshewillgrowinto.Hethinks

intentlyaboutthepressuresthatcoulddragthemapart.Heknowsshewon’tstray,buthestillthinksof

Grena.HevisualizesthedayhemightleaveherforGrenaandhowitwoulddevastateher.Hispalms

getsweatyandhisheartraterises.HenoticesMornnoticinghimandquicklycalmshimselfforthefear

ofspillingover.

Herexpressionhasn’tchangedthewholetimeasshecontinuestolookathimwarmly.Whatcould

shebethinkingofhewondered.HethinksifonlysheknewaboutmytruefeelingsforGrena.

AfterseveralminutesoftheMersKnowingstaretheygrabbedeachother’shandandsaidsoftly,”To

dustIsurrender.”

EachmemberoftheVindijanhierarchycomesforwardoneatatimeandtouchesforeheadswith

PeastroandMorn.AfterwhichtheyleavetheballroomtakinghandfulsofBreaskwiththem.

ThelasttwototouchforeheadsareMelaandCoup.AftertheydosoCouphandsPeastroaLilaand

giveshimawink.PeastrowinksbackatCoup,andthenputstheLilatohistemple.Afteritdissolves

heunderstandsthatCoupandMelaarehappyhehasfoundsomeone.HealsoremindsPeastrothat

thereisawartowin.ThenPeastroisstartledtofindoutCouphadoncelovedaKaabutthoughtbetter

ofit.Coupishappythathehasdonethesame.

Peastrofeelsnervousaboutthelastthought,butrelievedatthesametime.HeisgladCoupknows,

gladsomebodyknowswhatheisgoingthrough.PeastrodecidesnottofocusonhowCoupknew.He

justleftitatthat.

“PeastromyLove…willthisdaysharefavoredspaceinyourmemories?”askedMornasshekissed

Peastrosoftly.

“Itwillbemymosttreasuredandmostvivid,MyLove,”saidPeastroashecaressedherneck,then

kissedherpassionately.

Vindijan’sbelievewildlyinprolongedsexualexperiences,sometimesstretchingoverseveraldays.

InPeastroandMorn’scase,theydidn’tcomeupforairforoveraweek.NextCoupseesPeastrohasa

certainglowtohim.Hiseyesarecompletelyrelaxedandcalm.

PeastrowalksintotheloungeatBoltiChateautomeetwithCoup.Coupissittingwitharedskinned

man,obviouslyaKaa.PeastrowalksuptoCoup,Coupwalksovertohimandsays,”Peastro,thisis

SlagheisoneoftheFiniSeven.Hehascometospeakwithusofaceasefire.”

“Ofcourse,Slag,always,”saidPeastroashesatdowninafloatingthrone.

CoupandSlagsitdownacrossfromhimintwobluefloatingthrones.Inthemiddleofthemisa

floatingtablewithabottleofwineonit.Thewallsintheloungearecomprisedofvideoscreenswith

theslideshowofthefamousactorVaBleem.Hismoviesareplayingoneachofthem.

VaBleemiswidelyregardedastheVindijan’sfavoriteeventhoughheisaKaa.HisfilmQuosB

Takenisacinematicmasterpieceaboutamanwhoselifebecomesaperpetualdaydream.Hewonthe

Eepstremawardforit.

TheEepstremisonlygivenoutbutonceevery5yearsandhasgonetobothmenandwomen.Va

BleemistheonlypersontohavewonittwiceandofcoursetheVindijanLinechosethewinner.

Everysooftenalargeredbubblewouldfloatdownfromtheceilingandburst.Itfilledtheairwitha

soothingsmellofrosepedalstokeepeveryoneonanevenkeelinthelounge.Thebartenderis

sprawledoutinabedbehindthebar.Ifanyonewantsadrinktheywouldpressabuttonandthedrink

wouldriseupthroughthecounter.Theuniversalmixercanmakeanydrinkinamoment’snotice.

“WhathasinfectedourmotherSrasOblique?Whathasdestroyedherchildren?”askedSlagcoldly.

War,awarcanneverbewonbyeitherside.Icanseenowthatthereneedstobeacompromisebefore

thereisonlyashestofightover,”saidSlagashesatbackinhisthroneandlitupaTutcigarette.

Tutcigarettesareblackwithgoldfiltersandsmellofhoney.Theyarecommonlysmokedamongthe

Kaa,butlesssoamongtheVindijans.Theyarefamousforhavingnoashhencethereisnoneedforan

ashtray.TheyarenamedfortheTutacaplantthatisusedforitsflavorfulleafs.

“TheLinewouldlovetohelpyou,butwhatoftheFiniSeven?Doyouspeakforthem?”askedCoup

intently.

“Alasno,theyaredeterminedtofightthiswaruntiltheLineisnomore.Allmyeffortstoswaythem

havebeeninvain,”saidSlagashelookedatCoup.

“That’satravesty,I’msorrybuttofightawarforsomeaxthatneedsgrinding…”

“Iknow,”saidSlagashepattedPeastroonthehand.

“…isridiculous,”finishedCoup.

“Youhavetowonder,Slag,aretheirreasonsaspureastheyoncewere.Yousaid‘tiltheLineisno

more,butforBuilder’ssakewebothknowthatwillneverhappen,”saidPeastrosmoothlyashelooks

directlyatSlag.

“It’scrazy,”saidSlagashelookedatthetable.

“Itiscrazyandthey’reignoringyourlogic!They’replayingyouforafool!Idon’tknowhowyou

canstandit,”saidPeastroashethrewhishandsupindisgust.

“You’reright,they’velosttheirfocusandIcanseenowthatthey’vebetrayedme.Ibelievedinthis

warinthebeginning.IboughtintotheirliesandnowIthinktheyarejustafterpower.”

“Ofcoursetheyare,IbetEdifushasgothimselfacastlesomewhereandalltherichesamancould

want.Andhetellsyouit’sallaboutequalrightswhilehe’skingoftheKaa.He’ssippingBorcowine

whilehisbelovedKaaarefightingforHoolnuggets,”saidPeastroboldly.

Slagstartedlaughingthenhisfacegotseriousandhesaid,”Howdowerightthis,tellmewhatneeds

tobedineandIwilldoit.IamnoslavetoEdifus.”

“Look,Slag,Ican’taskyoutodowhatneedstobedone.Ijustwouldn’thearofit,”saidCoupcoyly

ashecrossedhislegsandsippedhiswine.

“Please,Emperor,IamaseriousmanandIamwillingtotakeonthisburdenandbringtheToenwar

toresolution.”

“Slag,Iknowyou’reaseriousman,butwhatitwould…”

“Please,”saidSlagquickly.

“Ok,butwhatwe’retalkingaboutismurder,”saidCoupfirmlyashestoodupandrubbedhis

foreheadandthenhecontinued,“SpecificallythemurderofEdifusandtheFiniSeven,minusyouof

course.”

“I…Icandoit,butIwillneedhelp.”

“Thenhelpyouwillget,”saidCoupashetuggedathisbeard.

ThefollowingdaySlagarrangedameetingoftheFiniSevenatCasCityattheGepeFloatingFist.

TheGepeFloatingFistisarestaurantintheshapeofafistthathoversseveralfeetabovetheground.It

hasthebestHoolsteakinthecityandisafavoriteamongartists.VaBleemandhiswifeKorsoKellare

frequentpatrons.

TheFiniSeven,whicharenow6becauseofShad’sdeparturefromhissanity,areallseatedin

floatingthronesaroundaglowinggreentable.AcrossfromthematanadjacenttableisVaBleemand

hiswifeKorsoenjoyingashouldermassagebeforedinner.

“Slag,weareherepleasedon’tbecoy.Whatistheproblemthistime?”askedEdifusina

condescendingtone.

“Well,”saidSlagashelookedattheceiling,”Well…ahmyrealfriendsarehere.Howabouta

dance,Edifus?”askedSlagcoylyashegrinned.

ThenadozenHumpaccasoldiersburstthroughtheceilingandoneofthemblastedVierwithhis

Goallagun,vaporizinghim.Edifustriedtorunbuttheexitsareblocked,hehidbeneathVaBleem’s

tableinstead.Vasaid,”Look,Honey,anotherstargazer,isn’tthatprecious.”

WhereasKorsonodsandsays,”Iloveapushyfan,Va,becauseyoucanpushthemrightoutofyour

way.”

TwooftheFiniSeven,KooandExisweretackledby3soldiersandhadtheirfacesshovedviolently

intothefloor.AnothermemberVenip,ranandjumpedthroughawindowandfellawkwardlytothe

groundbelow.AHumpaccarantothewindowtogoafterhim,butwhenhegottherehewasalready

gone.

ThelastmemberoftheFiniSevenFreaOak,climbeduponatableandshouted,”Ihaveabomb

strappedtomychest!”Shepulleduphercoattorevealacircularredbombandthensaidangrily,”and

ifanyonetriedtotakemeofanyofmyfriends,excludingSlag,anywhere!ThenI’llblowthisplace

andeveryoneinittoTerious!”

EveryoneintheroomfrozeandstaredatFreaexceptforVaBleemwhocontinuedeatinghisHool

steak.Edifusclimbedoutfromunderthetableandshouted,”Youheardher!Younowourparameters

andforBuilder’ssake,don’tgetcute.Frea…holdfastI’mwatchingtheroom.”

“OhI’msteady,Honey,”saidFreaasshekeptherfingeronthebomb’strigger.

KooandExiswerereleasedbytheHumpaccasandslowlymadefortheexits.ThiswhileFrea

climbeddownoffthetableandwalkedtowardsthedoor.

“Coupsaiddeadoralive,Captain,preferablydeadyouheardhim,”saidSergeantYates.

“Whatareouroptions?”askedCaptainBeckus.

“RemembertheLine,”saidSergeantYatesashepointedtotheCaptains’Goallagun.

Frealookedathimandmouthedthewordno.CaptainBeckusraisedhisgunandblastedFrea,

causingthebombaroundherchesttoexplode.

TheGepeFloatingFistinstantlybecameatoxicfireballofheatandflameskillingeveryoneinside.

TheFiniSeven,VaBleemandKorsoKell,andalloftheHumpaccaswerenowjustcharredremains.

TheExplosionwassolargeitsentashockwavethroughCasCitythatterrifiedtheresidents.When

CoupandPeastrogotthenewstheyweresittinginsideTridentSouceThree.

“Finally,oh,Peastrotreasuredfriend,”theToenWarisnomore.WithinafewweekstheKaaforces,

withouttheirleadershipwillcrumble,”saidCoupsnidelyashesmokedaTutcigarette.

“Webrokethemwebroketheirspiritinhalf.ThisisagloriousdayfortheLine,anabsolute

solution,”saidPeastroashesmiledatCoup.

“Toaninfinitequestion,”saidCoupsnidelyashetappedhisforehead.“TheKaawillbewellsuited

nottotriflewithusagain.Ourmercymayhavelimits,butnotinthefaceofanappreciativeman,”said

CoupashegentlysmiledandthentookadragfromhisTutcigarette.

“Theywouldn’ttrifle,they’llfallbackintotheserviceoftheLinebeforeLong,”saidPeastroashe

tookalargedrinkofhisBorcowineandsmiled.

Chapter8

TheSquaresofZ

“Idon’tbelieveit,IWON’Tbelieveit!”

“Whatareyousteamedabout,Darling?”askedMelaasshecameupbehindCoupandwrappedher

armsaroundhim.

“Thiswarwillneverend.ThoseridiculousKaafightonnowwithouttheirleadership,evenharder

thanbefore,”saidCoupangrily.“TheyjusttookMercutcityandareliterallydancinginthestreets!It

makesNosense,”saidCoupashewatchedamonitorwiththedays’battledisplayedonit.

“Darling,you’remissingtheobviouslogic.”

“Andthatwouldbewhatmy,RadiantMela?

“Awarcan’tfightitselfandwithoutleadershipthatwouldbeexactlythecase,”saidMelaasshe

kissedCoup’sear.

“Thenwhatisyourpoint?”askedCoupashekissedMela.

“TheFiniSevenwereneverthebrainsoftheKaarebellion,onlythecatalyst.Toputitplainly,they

werefigureheads.”

“You’resaying…yes,thatwouldmakeperfectsense.Edifuswasn’twiseenoughtokeepusatbay.

TherestoftheFiniSevenweremoreartiststhanwarriors,”saidCoupsoftlyashethoughtofEdifus.

“There’sanothersomeonewhohastheinnerpowertobestus.Itmustbesomeonesmartenoughto

hideintheshadowsyetpatient.Sopatient,justthethoughtofsuchamindisexcruciatinglydelightful.

Yes…atrueadversaryforsure,”saidCoupashetuggedatMela’sear.

“Careful,Darling,amindlikethatwouldbevicious,besttobepreparedfortheirtreachery.The

questionnowishowtofindthisperson.Ifhe’ssmartmostKaawouldn’tknowheexists.Theonesthat

dowouldonlybethoseclosetohim,”saidMelaasshesatinCoup’slap.

“True,butheisnotinvisible,somehaveseenhimandsurelysomeonereceivesordersfromhim.If

wecouldgetaholdofoneoftheircommunications,thenwecouldfollowthembacktothisscoundrel,”

saidCoupasherubbedMela’sthigh.

“Thenhowdoyouknowwhichcommunicationistheoneyouwant.IseeyoudailylisteningtoKaa

generalsoveryourcomputer.Howwillyouknowwhichpersonistheoneyouseek?”askedMela.

“Iwon’t,butPeastrowould.ThisKaathatwe’redealingwithisaVenkid,asisPeastro.Peastrowill

beabletodetectsimilaritiesinaperson’sspeechtohisown,”explainedCoupashetappedhisbrow.

“LogicpatternswouldjumpoutathimIamcertain.Iwillsendforhim.ThisKaa,thisotherVenkidhe

willbecaughtandwewillbreakhim,”saidCoupsnidelyashisbrowfurrowed.

Peastroreceivedword,whilehewasbathing,thatCoupneededtoseehimurgently.Heendedhis

showerprematurelyandmadeforCoup’squarters.WhenhearrivedCoupwaslevitatingupsidedown

andsmokingaTutcigarette.

Couptookadragandsaid,”We’vegotaVenkidwhoneedstobebroughttothesurface.”

“Venkid…anotherVenkidwhoareyouspeakingof?”askedPeastroashelevitatedupsidedownin

frontofCoup.

“TheFiniSevenwereanillusionofpower.We’vedeterminedthatsomeoneelseiswinningthewar

fromtheshadows.Andthispersonneedstobegottentooimmediately,”saidCoupashetookadrag

andthenblewasmokering.

“Wowthatisaperfectlypurethought.ThereisnowayEdifuscouldbethemastermindbehindtheir

assaultsontheLine.AnotherVenkidatrulydiabolicalKaawhounderstandsthepowerofsecrecy,”

saidPeastrosoftlyashespuninacircle.“Howdoyoufindsuchamanwithouthimknowingthat

you’relooking?”askedPeastroashelithisownTutcigarette.

“Precisely,whatIhavereasonedisthatyouwouldbeabletoidentifyhimbysimilarspeech

patterns.”

“ThedailyKaacorrespondence,”saidPeastroquickly.

“Yes,isitpossibleforyoutodiscernhimfromtheothers?”

“Welllet’sthinkaboutthis.Howcouldhecommunicatewithhisforcesandnotarisesuspicion?He

wouldn’tposeasageneralweknowalltheirgenerals.Acaptainmaybe,butno…eventheircaptains

areknownbytheLine.IfitweremeI’dpretendtobeafootsoldier,”saidPeastroashedanced

sidewaysthroughtheair.

“Exactly,asoldie4rinthefield!”saidCoupexcitedlyasheslappedhishandstogether.

“Betterstillamedic,thenhecouldpassthroughthewarzonesundetectedandeasilycommunicate

withhisgenerals,”saidPeastroashetuggedathischin.

“Buttheremustbethousandsofmedics,howdowefindthisVenkidandroothimout?”askedCoup

ashesmokedslowly.

“WellI’lltellyouexactlyhowwefindhim.All’sIwouldneedwouldbetheirmedicalfrequency.

Insteadoftryingtolistentothousandsofmessagesgoingtotheirgenerals,Iwouldonlyneedtolisten

totheiremergencymedicalassistanceline.WhatIwouldbetistheirusingcodetorelayinformation,

actually…”

“Yes,”saidCoupanxiously.

“Okall’sIneedistohearhisvoice.Iamcertainifhe’strulyaVenkidIwouldspothim.”

Coupflippedaroundandwalkedovertohiscomputer.Peastrofollowedhimandstoodbesidehimat

thecomputer.CoupstartedrifflingthroughthedifferentchannelsoftheKaacommunications.He

flippedthroughseveralwithgeneralsgivingordersthenhestoppedwhenheheard,”We’vegotfifty

menwhoarebadlyinjured,we’regonnaneedamedicyesterday.”Thentheyheardanothervoicesay,”

Holdfast,Sergeant,they’llbethereassoonaspossible.”

“Ithinkwe’vefoundit,Peastro,”saidCoupashesmiledandwinkedatPeastro.

“IthinksoImaybehereforquitesometime.ThismysteryKaamayonlysendoccasional

messages.”

CoupmovedawayfromthecomputerandPeastrosatdown.CoupputhishandonPeastro’sshoulder

andsaidwarmly,”Findhimfindthisscoundrelandwhenyoudo.We’llgopayhimavisitandshow

himtheLine’sappreciation,”saidCoupsnidelyandthenheletoutaloudcackle.

“OhI’llfindhimamancan’thidefromhimself.Onlyshadowshavethatluxury,”saidPeastroashe

turnedhisfocustolisteningtothemessages.

CoupgotdownonthecouchandstartedshootingDees.Afewhourspassedandstillnoluck.Coup

fellfastasleeponthecouchwithMelainhisarms.

Peastroontheotherhandisfocusedintentlyonthetaskathand.He’dheardhundredsofmessages

andwasstillsupremelyfocuses.Heislookingforadistinctphrasingthatwouldimplyahighlevelof

thought.Hestartstosmileatahumorousexchangeonthecomputer,”YeahthisisZhere.We’regonna

needmorecasketsthanbandages,Rand.”

“Youalwaysdo,Z,maybeyoushouldtryreincarnationonthisbatch,”saidRand.

“IwouldbuttheBuilder’soutofrefunds,”saidZwithalaugh

Peastrohearsthisandsaystohimself,”Thatjokeisalittletoofunnyforamedic.Coup,we’vegota

winner!”shoutedPeastro.

“CoupstartledjumpedupsendingMelafallingtothefloor.

“I’msorry,darling,”saidCoupashegetsupandwalksbrisklyovertoPeastro.

Peastrosmilesandsays,”ThisKaaZisjustalittletoosmartforhisowngood.

“Isitcertain?”askedCoupintentlyashestartedtosweatacrosshisforehead.

“AscertainastheTsun’sneverfindingalover.”

“Nowthat’scertain.OkwhereisourdarlingnewfriendZresiding?”askedCoupsnidelyashe

wipedsweatfromhiseyebrows.

“Ican’tpinitdown,buthementionedtheVeeresregion.That’sanotoriousKaastronghold,which

wouldmakeperfectsenseifsomebodywantedtohideout.”

“Itwouldindeed,theproblemisit’sasyousaid,aKaastronghold.But…anywherecanbegottento

andanyonecanbefound,”saidCoupsmoothly.

“Butwe’dneedtobecompletelyinvisibletotraveltoVeeres.”

“No,notinvisiblemorespecificallywewouldhaveto…”

“We’dhavetoappeartobeKaa,”interruptedPeastroquickly.

“Exactly,”saidCoupwithasmirk.

“Thenwe’llneedaKaavesselandKaagarb.Youwouldn’tknowanyonewithsuch

accommodations?”askedPeastroalreadyknowingtheanswer.

“Ohyes,Iwouldknowbecausethatanyonewouldbeme.WecapturedaKaascoutshipandfive

Kaasoldiers4daysago.Whatwe’lldoandwe’lldoexactlythis.TonightyouandIandaskeleton

crewwilltraveltotheVeeresregionandfindthisZ.”

“Doyouthinkthere’sanyhopethatZwouldjointheLineorishisfatetobedust?”askedPeastro.

Coupputhishandtohismouthandsaid,”Idon’tknow,Ifearnot.”

CoupandPeastrohavetheKaascoutshippreparedforthejourneyandfleecetheKaasoldiersof

theiruniforms,makingthenecessaryalterationsofcourse.

InsidetheKaavesselareseveralbinsfilledwithoddlizardsandreptiles.OneoftheKaasoldiers

wasapparentlyacollector.Thefloorhasthe72scripturesoftheHoehnec,a56thcenturyphilosopher

whobelievedemotionsareexperiencedincircles.HiswritingsareverypopularamongtheKaaand

taughtasfactamongtheircurriculum.

Theoutsideofthescoutshipiscoveredinoffwhitemeshthatchangescoloratnighttoabrilliant

blue.ThefrontofthevessellookslikeaTiberviantightsnout.Itisequippedwithlargegunbarrels

forwardandaft.TheglaringdifferencebetweentheKaa’svesselandaVindijan’sisthespeed.The

Kaavesselcantravelatenormousspeedandisextremelyagile.

TheysetofffortheVeeresregionjustastheTsunisbeginningtoset.Theskyglowsawarmorange,

whichisasignofastormcoming.TheKaahaveasaying,”Orangeskyjustbeforenightandwehide

wherewemight.Orangeskyinthemornandchildrenbejoyous.”TheVeeresregionisseveralhours

awayandCoupdecideshewilldothedriving,becauseonlyhecanguidethemawayfrompotential

troublesources.

CouphadbeenthroughtheVeeresregionseveraltimesinhisyouthwhenhewasasoldier,butitwas

calledtheMoetopPlainsthen.ThenamechangedwhenVeeresVindijansettledthefirsttownshipthere

withhiswifeBabarot.IthassincebeenfloodedwiththeKaaandVeeresandhiswifeBabarotlong

sincepassed.

Itisalushandgorgeousgreenplainlinedwithwhitemarblemountainsoneitherside.TheKaahave

builtthousandsofbeautifulblackhardwoodhomes.Allthehomesaresquareinshapeandarebuilton

topofeachotherlikeaspiralingstaircasetothesky.

Ontopofeverysetofhomesisablueflamethatburnsnightandday.Itismeanttosymbolizefor

theKaa,theirenduringstruggleandtheirabilitytoalwaysstriveforequality.Theygotogreatlengths

tokeeptheirflamesperpetuallylit.

AtthefarendoftheVeeresregionisLakeSaaCic.InthecenterofLakeSaaCicisanislandthat

housescastleMorp.ThecastleiswhereVeeresandBabarothadlivedandisnowinhabitedbytheKaa

army.

Itisatoweringstructureover2mileshighandamilewide.Itismadeofblackstoneandwithoutthe

lightsburningdisappearsintotheblacknessofnight.Ithasapyramidshootingoutofitsroofandthere

arestaircaseseverysooftenarounditsperimeterthatleadnowhere.

VeeresVindijanhadbeenrumoredtohavebeeninsanewhenhebuiltit.Insideitswallsarehundreds

ofroomswithnowayinorout.

“What’sourbestbetforfindingZ?”askedPeastroashelookedoutatVeeres.

“Thereareonlytwoarmyhospitalsinthisarea.I’mbettingwe’llfindhimthere,”saidCoupashe

sippedhisBorcowine.

“Howexactlyarewegoingtodothat?”

“Peastro,Ilookedinyoureyesandknew.I’mcertainyouwillbeabletodothesame.”

PeastrolooksatCoupforasecondandthennodsandsays,”Hecan’thidefromme,nomorethanI

canhidefrommyself.”

“Sotrue,soyes,”saidCoup.

PeastrolaughedandrubbedCoup’sshoulder.Coupletoutabellylaughandnearlycrashedtheship

astheyclippedatreebranch,sendingafeelingofshockthroughthecrew.

“Whoputthattreetherehavehimkilled!”saidCoupinbetweenlaughs.

“Wewould,buthe’salreadydead,hefellcleaningthebranches,”saidPeastrosmoothly.

“Really,killhimagain.Let’sdanceonhisashes!”shoutedCoupashelaugheduproariously.

PeastrostartedtowonderhowmuchBorcowineCouphadconsumed.Hefeltalittlenervousashe

laughedwithCoup.Thecrewalsofeltnervous,butdidn’tletitshow.Coupcaughthimselfandpulled

inhisemotions.HesensedtheworryinPeastroandrefocusedhisenergyonthemission.After

everyonestoppedlaughingtherewasanawkwardsilence,wherenooneknewiftheyshouldbeserious

orkeeptellingjokes.Coupsensedthisandsaid,”We’refine,Gentlemen,we’vestillgotourwitsabout

us.WehadourlaughnowtothebusinessathandlovelyZ.”

“Sotruesoyes,”saidPeastroplainly.

“Don’tstartthatHoolinthatdirectionorwe’llcrashintothemountain,”saidCoupwithasmileashe

gavethesteeringwheelaquicktug.

PeastrofeltsafewithCoupatthewheel.Heknewhewaspowerfulandwise.Theyflewoverthe

countrysideandtherewerethousandsofblueflameslightingtheirway.TheycouldseeintoKaa’s

homesastheypassed.Somewereeatingdinner,othersworkingout,andonthewalkwaymanywere

outforanighttimestroll.

InthedistanceMorpcastleisallaglowwithitslightsreflectedonthesurfaceofLakeSaCic.

Peastrofeelsthrilledforamomentathowamazingtheadventureofhislifehasbecome.Itis

bittersweetthough,hethinksofhisfamilythathehasleftbehind.Hewonderswhathisfatherthought

ofhisleavingandhadhefeltblessedwiththerichestheLinehadgivenhim.Onlynowdidheallow

himselftomisshisfatherandonlyforasecond.

“Eyesup!We’renearingthefirsthospital,”saidCoupsternlyasheadmiredthewarmglowofthe

hills.“We’regonnalandandjustwalkrightthroughthefrontdoor.Walkasifyou’vebeenhereearlier

intheday.Keepyourthoughtsonyourstepsandnotonyouremotions.You’llneedtogoblankif

anyonelooksyouintheeye.Don’tletthemseeyouseeingthem.We’reKaasoldier’ssooneword

answersifanyonegetscurious,”saidCoupashemadeeyecontactwithPeastroandthecrew.

“ClearasKaa’sblood.Ithinkifwe’regonnagetoutofherealive,it’skillhimonsightandpretendit

wasamisfireifanyoneasks,”saidPeastroashecheckedhisGoallagun.

“They’llaskandwhentheydolook‘emintheeyeandlie.We’reallgoinghometonight,

Gentlemen,sokeepthatinyoursubconscious.Itwillpopupwhenitneedsto,”saidCoupfirmlyashe

pressedtheautomaticlandingbutton.

Theoutsideofthehospitalisbrightyellowandhasseveralcircularspiresshootingoutofitsroof.

ThewordSomjetiswritteninlargecrystallettersaboveitsentrance.

SomjetisthenameofthefirstKaarevolutionary,themanwhogotitashewasreferredtobythe

Kaa.BeforeSomjetpassedhegaveeverythingheownedtocompletestrangers.Hisbeliefthatonly

loveisrememberedwaswidelyadoptedbytheKaa.

Theshiplandedbetween2otherKaatransports.CoupandPeastrocheckeveryone’sweaponsand

theypreparetoexit.Peastrosayssternly,”Kaaarerelentlesssofightlikeyourbloodsonfire,ifthey

getyoucornered.”

Everyoneputontheirhelmetsandpulleddowntheirfaceguards.Theylookedateachotheronelast

time,Coupopenedthehatch.Aftereveryonewasoutsidetheymadetheirwaytothehospital’sfront

entrance.Therewereseveralsoldiersanddoctorscominginandoutofthehospital.Itwascertainlya

bee’snestofactivity,butCoupkepteveryonemovingforwardbynothesitatingabit.Theyenteredthe

hospitalandaDr.YolmgrabbedPeastrobythearmandasked,”Heydoyouthinkyoucouldgiveusa

handwithapatient?Wecan’tholdhimdownlongenoughtosedatehim.”

PeastrolooksatDr.YolmandthenquicklyatCoupandthenbackatDr.Yolmandsaid,”Yougotit,

whateveryouneed.”

Peastro,Coup,the2Humpacca’sfollowedDr.Yolmdownalonghallwayandintoanoperating

room.TheunrulypatientnamedPetadkepteveryoneatbaywithascalpel.Petadslasheditviolentlyin

frontofhisbedwheneveranyonedrewnear.

Petadshouts,”IwanttheEmperorI’llonlyspeakwithhimornooneatall.”

CoupandPeastrolookateachotherandCoupsaystotheDr.Yolm,”MymenandIwillhandlethis

Doctor,couldyoupleaseleavetheroom?”

“Sure,butit’syourperil.Butyou’llneedthistosedatehim,”saidDr.YolmashehandedCoupa

syringe.

Dr.Yolmandhismedicalstafflefttheroom,butPetadkeptswingingthescalpelandshouting,”

BringmetheEmperor!”

CoupremovedhishelmetandranhisfingersthroughhishairandlookedPetaddirectlyintheeye

andsaid,”Well,youlittleHoolNugget!Let’shearit,what’ssourgent?”

PetadlooksatCoupinshockandsays,”I…”thenfaintedandcrashedtothefloor.

Coupwalksovertohimandcheckshispulseandsays,”He’sstillkicking,whatahshame.Welllet’s

sedatethispoorsoulandgetbacktomorepressingmatters.”

Coupadministeredthesyringeandputhishelmetbackonandtheysteppedoutintothehallway.Dr.

YolmwalkeduptoCoupandasked,”Whathappened?”

“IpretendedIwastheEmperorandhefaintedquickerthanaHoolherderatabrothel.”

“Wellthankyou,”saidDr.Yolmwithalaughashewentintotheoperatingroom.

Coupwalkeddownthehallandsaid,”Nomoredetours,Peastro,forBuilder’ssake.”

“Thatmanneededourhelp,”saidPeastrowithalaugh.

Theywalkeddownthehallassoldiersandmedicalstaffkeptcominginandoutofpracticallyevery

doorway.TwomeninyellowfatiguescameoutofonedoorwayandstartedwalkinginfrontofCoup

andPeastro.Coupnoticedoneofthem,theoneontheright,hasanoddgatetohiswalk.

Hegallopedmorethanhewalked.CouptappedPeastroontheshoulderandpointedtotheman’sfeet.

Peastrosmirkedandkeptwatchingtheman’soddwalk.Peastrothoughtaboutwhatadifferentinner

rhythmthismanmusthave.Whatadifferentmindsethemustpossess.Hesmiledalittletohimselfat

thesightofthisman’swalk.

Thesecondmanwalkedintoaroomandthemanwiththeoddwalkwasalonewalkinginfrontof

them.CoupandPeastrolookedateachotherandsmiled.Coupeventuallygotaholdofhimselfand

startedlookingaroundinearnest.Peastrocouldn’tcontrolhisfascinationwiththisman’soddwalk.

He’dneverseensomeonewhowassoateasewithhimself.

ThennurseKlowwavedtothemanandsaid,”Hey,Z,how’syourshoulder?”

Zresponded,”Notgreat,butitkeepsmyheadonstraight.”

PeastroandCoupfeltashockgothroughtheirbodies.Theirheartratesquickenedandtheirpalms

sweat.Coupthoughttohimself,“Howcouldthisbehim?”

“Z!”spoutedPeastrobeforehecouldstophimself.

Zturnedthecornerandashedidhesprinteddownthecorridor.Everyonesawthisandchasedafter

himatfullspeed.TherewerejusttoomanypeopleinthecorridortoshootZ,sotheyjustkept

sprinting.Theydodgedinandoutofthesoldiers,nurses,anddoctorswhowerecomingoutofevery

door.AgurneycameoutofaroominfrontofCoupandhekickeditaside.

Zjumpedthroughawallandvanishedinaburstoflight.”Ohnoyoudon’t,”saidCoup.He

jumpedthroughthewallanddisappearedinaflashoflight.

PeastrostoppedshortofthewallandsaidtotheHumpacca’s,”Waithere,andifwedon’treturnpost

hastecomeinafteruswithgunsblazing.”

ThenPeastrojumpedthroughthewallandcameoutinadarkroomfilledwithcubes.Coupwas

insideoneofthecubesandZwasinsideanother.Thecubesarefloatingaboveanendlessravineand

everywherethereisblackness.Abovethecubes,andtherearedozens,isanendlessblackness.The

cubesaretransparentandonlytheridgesandseamscanbeseen.Theyglowadullredorgreenfilling

theeye.

ZisfloatingseveralfeetinfrontofPeastroandCoup’scubes.PeastrolooksupatZandZwavesand

says,”Welcome,Vindijan,how’stheaccommodations?”

PeastrolooksatCoupanxiouslyandCouptakesoffhishelmetandsays,”Eyesup…fornow.”

PeastrotakesoffhishelmetandlooksatZintently.WhereasZjumpsthroughthesidewallofhis

cubeandappearsinstantlybesidePeastro.Peastroisstartled,butonlyforamoment,andPeastrosays

boldly,”Nicetrick,Z.”

Zsoftlysays,”PleasecallmebymyKaanameDr.PerzetiousAtornorDr.Atornifitsuitsyou.”

Dr.Atornis6foottwoinchestallwithpaleskinandhassealblackhair,withpurplegreenstarpatterns

throughout.Hiseyesaregoldincolorandareveryserious.Hehasnofacialhairexceptforahalfinch

stripofgreenhairthatrunsalonghisjawline.OnhisrighthandisatattooofthestaffofTerious.

ThestaffofTeriousisrumoredtobetheweaponoftheBuilderthatheusedagainstpassionless

hearts.

InthecenterofhisneckDr.Atornhasasquareglasswindowthatfogsupwitheverybreath.Heis

wearingyellowarmyfatiguesandhasonbluetintedsee-throughshoes,whichexposehisfeet.On

everytoeisaringofsilverandinscribedoneachtwoofthe24commandmentsoftheBookofYealik.

ThebookofYealikisa100,000yearoldparchmentthatiswrittenbyOmaVev.OmaVevwasthe

firstofthe7prophets,whohadspokendirectlywiththeBuilderattopofMt.Poes.Omalistedthe24

commandmentsassuch.

1. Nevertakeonestepuntilyouhavevisualizedthe3rd.

2. Lovemorethanyou’rebeingloved.

3. Nevertrytochangeafullyrealizedbeing.

4. Giveawaytwobeforeyouaskforone.

5. Onlytakealifeifyoursisinjeopardy.

6. Askquestionsearlysoyouranswersdon’tcomelate.

7. RemembertheBuilderdaily.

8. Amanwhowantsmorethanhishandcanholdisanenemytohimself.

9. Donotconsummatewhereanotherman’slovelies.

10. Thegreatreckoningisacertainty,bemindful.

11. Beconsiderateofthechildlessmind

12. Allmeneatornomeneat

13. Loveyourformandtakeprideinitsupkeep.

14. Fillyourheadwithdreams.

15. Makeyourafternoonsinthemorning.

16. Childrenmustbeguidedintosuccessfuladults,notlefttowander.

17. Understandeveryperson’sstruggleandfillyourmindwiththeirfailings.

18. Beafriendtothefriendless.

19. Findtheknowledgeyouneed,thenreflectonitscapture.

20. Neverclosethedooryourheart.

21. Warsareforwinning.

22. Findsexualpleasuresandrejoice.

23. Forceyourmindtothirst.

24. NeverpassjudgmentonyourselfIwilltakecareofyou

Peastrolookedhimoverandsaid,”Dr.Atorn,youknowtheLineisveryfondofyourMusebots.

They’vegivenusmoreheadachesthanabottleofBlatiswine.”

“I’mthrilledyoulikethem.Iwasalittleworriedtheywouldn’tbeembracedbytheKaaarmy,butI

thinkthey’reveryhappywiththeirproductivity.Whataretheykilling…15orsoofyoursoldiersfor

everyMusebot?”askedDr.Atornsarcastically.

“Wellnowthatwehavethistimetogether,maybeyoucouldexplainhowtheircentralprocessers

work?”askedCoupcoylyashesmiled.

“No,noIthinkwe’llsavethatdiscussionforanotherTsun,”saidZashepacedbackandforthina

cube,infrontofPeastro.

PeastrowatcheshimforamomentandthenreachesforhisGoallagun.WhenhedoesDr.Atorn

jumpsthroughthecubes’wallandappearsinanothercubeahundredyardsaway.WhenPeastrogoes

afterhim,byjumpingthroughthesamewallasDr.Atorn,hereappearsinsidethecubeCoupisin.

“Itriedthatalready.I’mnotsurewhatwe’redealingwithhere,”saidCoupashepulledouta

MessonLeafcigarandthensaid,”webetterjuststayput.”

“Ok,”answeredPeastroasheputhisgunbackinitsholster.

“Don’tbothertryingtocatchme,Peastro,thatwouldbefutileonyourpart,”saidDr.Atornashe

jumpsfromcubetocube.

Coupwatchesintentlytoseeifthereisapatterntogetfromcubetocubeorpossiblyatechnique.

CoupnoticedthatDr.Atornispointingwithhisrighthandashejumpsthroughthewalls.Hereasons

thathassomethingtodowithit.CoupwhisperstoPeastro,”Useyourrighthandtoaimforthecube

youwant.Waitformysignal”

PeastronodsandturnshiseyestoDr.Atorn

“TheGreatCoupVindijanandthefamousVenkidPeastro,”saidZsnidelyashechuckles.“Whata

delightfulpairtosharemysquareswith.Doyoulikemyparlor?Iwasn’texpectingguestsofsuch

notoriety,”saidDr.Atornsnugly.

“Thelayoutisgorgeousandwecouldn’tbehappiertosharethistimewithyou,Doctor,”saidCoupin

adrytone.

“Greataccommodations,fitforaVindijanandcertainlyaKaa,”saidPeastrosnidely.

“YouwouldbeanexpertonbothconsideringyoutoowereonceaKaa,Peastro.Well…beforeyour

mindwascorruptedbytheVindijanLine.I’llneverforgetthepartsofmypastIcan’tremember.

You’remoreKaathanyou’lladmit,”saidDr.AtornashejumpedintothecubebesideCoupand

Peastro.

“YouinsufferableKaa,soquicktodownplaytheVindijan’sdivinity,yettooweaktoliftyourselves

upandascend.Dr…Atorn,doctorofyourowntreacheryisallyoucanmanage,”saidPeastroina

serioustone.

“Easy,Child,don’ttriflewithaseriousman.I’dhatetoseeyoufallfromsuchaheight,”saidZashe

pointedtotheravinebelow.

Peastrolookeddownandfeltnervousnesscomeoverhim.Heismuchhigherthanhehadthought.A

fallfromherewouldkillhiminstantlyonimpact.HelookedatCoupnervouslyandCoupsmirkedand

gavehimawink.ThiscalmedPeastrolongenoughtoregainhiscomposure.Coupontheotherhand

wassizingupDr.Atorn.

Chapter9

Z

“Well,Z,you’reasworthlessasasaddleonaHool’sbackIseenopristinelogicorevenonepure

thoughtinanythingyou’vedoneoraredoing,”snappedCoupasheglaredatZ.“Ifeelasicknessinmy

heartjusthavingtohavetosharebreathwithafoolsuchasyou.Vanity…inallformsiscorrupt,and

you,Z,areasvainasamirroradmiringamirror.Isaythistolessentheburdenyou’veheapedupon

yourself.Thelovemanshareswithonlyhimselfisalovewithnobeginningandahorrortobehold,”

saidCoupsharplyashenudgedPeastro’sforearm.

“Mymind,Emperor,isaplacewhereonlyIresideandyouarenotwelcome!Yourdivinityisa

crimeupontheBuilderandyourreckoningisathand!”saidDr.AtornfiercelyasheglaredatCoup.“I

knowaplacewheredreamkillersgotohideandyouwillbetheresoon.ThatplaceisTeriousandall

yourVindijanfriendsareawaitingyourarrival!”thunderedDr.Atornashejumpedintothecubein

frontofCoupandPeastro.

WhenCoupsawthishepointedhisrighthandandjumpedthroughthewallandintoZ’scube.

Peastrosawthisanddidthesame.

ZkickedCoupinthestomachasheenteredthecube.ThenZshotovertoanothercube50feetaway.

CoupwasknellingonthefloorofthecubewhenPeastrocameintoit.Coupsaidquickly,”Don’tworry

aboutmegoafterZ.”

“Alright,”saidPeastroashepointedatZ’scubeandjumpedthroughthewall.

Zseesthisandpullsadiamondedgedbladefromhiship.

Thebladeisafootlongandhasasilverhandle.

PeastroentersintotheZ’scubeandZslashesathim,slicinghischest.Thewoundisn’tdeep,butstill

drewblood.

PeastroduckshisnextswipeandkicksZinthethroat.Zgathershimselfandjumpsthroughthewall

behindhimandintoanothercube.WhenhegetsthereCoupiswaitingforhim.Couppuncheshimin

themouthandasks,”How’smyfisttodaysweetortart?”

“KeepsmilingyoucanlaughyourwaytoTerious!”shoutedZasheslashesatCoupbarelymissing

histhroat.

BehindZPeastrocomesintothecube.ZseesCoup’seyeslightupwhenhedoesandhejumpsinto

anothercubebeforePeastrocanshoothim.

“Wecan’tlethimescapethewardependsonit!”shoutsCoupashelooksatZ.

PeastroandCoupjumpthroughthewall,butwhentheygettoZ’scubehehadalreadyjumpedto

anotherone.TheyseeZjumpthroughthebottomofacubeanddisappearinaflashoflight.They

jumptothatcubeandseethatishasasquareportalonitsfloorthatisrevolving,ithasacloudlike

appearance.WhereasCoupsays,”Wellthisiswhereourdivinitygetstrulytested.”

Coupjumpsthroughtheportalandemergesonacastlebalcony.Peastrofollowsshortlythereafter,

butthereisnosignofZ.Couplooksaroundandhespotsastaircase.

“Idon’tknowwhereweare,Peastro,butwe’rehere,”saidCoupwithasmile.

“Ifwe’reherethenZ’shere,let’strythestairs,”saidPeastroashegoesforthestaircase.

Thecastleitselfisbuiltintothesideofamountain.Thewallsarepaleredrockandaremadeof

hexagons.FromthebalconycanbeseenanendlessforestwithalargeflockofAmossbirdsflying

aboveit.Therearenoothersheltersofanykindthatcanbeseen.

CoupgoesdownthestaircaseashechargesuphisGoallagun,asdoesPeastro.Atthebottomofthe

staircasethereisanopeningintoagrandballroom.Insidetheballroomtherearewaterfallsoneither

side.Thereisalso20beds,10perside,thatarefilledwithlifelikeplasticdolls.Thedollsareall

positionedasiftheyaresleepingorabouttogetup.Coupisstartledatthesightofthemandsays,”

Thosearetheonlypeoplewho’dspendtimewithhissort.”

Peastrolaughsandreplies,”Makeyourownfriends,nowthat’sprogress.”

Astheywalkthroughtheballroomtheynoticethattheceilingisbreathinginandout.Coupsays

anxiously,”Somethingisamissherekeepyourwitsaboutyou.Ifwegetseparatedfightyourway

home.”

“Absolutelycertain,I’llleavethisplacewithmyfacultiesintact,”saidPeastroashelooksaroundthe

room.

Whentheyget2thirdsofthewaythroughtheroomtheyseethatthereisalargewindowinthefloor

beneaththem,allowingthemtoseeintotheroombelow.Thereareboxesofstuffedanimalspiledupon

topofeachotherintheroombelow.CoupandPeastrolookateachothernotknowingwhattomakeof

it.TheystandontopofthewindowandlookforDr.Atorn.

CoupseeseyeslookingathiminoneoftheboxesandthenDr.Atornjumpsoutoftheboxandruns

forit.CoupseesthisandblaststhroughthewindowwithhisGoallagunandjustmissesDr.Atorn,

hittingaboxofstuffedanimalsandvaporizingthem.

“Ialmostgothim!Weneedtogetdownthere.Ithinkthoseboxeswillbreakourfall,”saidCoup.

“Let’sjumpforit,”saidPeastro,thenheputshisGoallagunbackinitsholster.

“Alright,butbereadytostrikewhenwehitthoseboxes,”saidCoupsternly.

CoupandPeastrojumpthroughthebrokenwindowandlandontopofthestuffedanimals.Andas

theydothestuffedstartattackingthem

“Thesethingsarealive,runforit!”shoutsCoupashefightsoffoneofthestuffedanimals.

Coupjumpstohisfeetwithateddybear’sclawsdiggingintohisbackandanotherbitinghisneck.

Hequicklylevitatesandspinsinacircleatblazingspeed.Thissendsthestuffedanimalsflyingoffof

himandintothewall.

PeastroisbeingattackedbyhalfadozenminiatureVindijanroyalfamilydolls,hecanbarelystand

up.OncehegetstohisfeetbestartslevitatingandspinningasCouphasdone,sendingthemini

Vindijan’sflying.

“Howdoyoulikemyfriends?Theysureloveyou,”saidDr.Atornashelaughedloudlyandran

throughadoorway.

“Iamgoingtobanishhimtodust,”saidCoup.

“We’vegotmorepressingmatters,”saidPeastroanxiously.

EveryboxofstuffedanimalsandeverydolljumpsatCoupandPeastro’sfeet.Theyseethisandfloat

overthemandgoafterDr.Atorn.Theyfollowhimintoaroomashetriestoescape.Theroomis

small,only20feetlong,andthewallsarelimegreenwith2paintingsonoppositewalls.Thepainting

ontherightisofanoldmanwithanendlessbeardsittingontopofapyramidofstairs.Histeethare

clenchedandhiseyesarebulgingout.

Theotherpaintingisofayoungmanwithorangehair,whohascirclesshavedintohisbeardasheis

ridingawheellessbicycle.Theroadheisridingonismadeofnakedpeoplelyingfacedownwiththeir

facesinthemud.Inthebackgroundthereisatreeplayingfluteasitdances.

Atthefarendoftheroomthereare4bluedoorswithgreendoorknobsandthewords,”Lefttohere,”

writtenoneachofthem.

CoupandPeastropauseforamomenttotakeintheroombeforetheymove.ThenasCouplooksat

thepaintingoftheoldman,itlooksbackathimandsays,”Hi,IamTeskandIamolderthanIlook.”

“Don’tbelievehimthosearesomeoldbonesoverthere,”saidRetcashesmiled.

“Nowthepaintingsaretalking,I’dhalfexpectthewalltokissmycheek,”saidCoupashelooked

quizzicallyatPeastro.

“Thewallwon’tbutifyoupuckerupjustrightRetcwillbelieveme.I’velostmorepainttothatman,”

saidTeskashewinkedatCoup.

“Don’tyoubelieveit,Iwouldn’ttouchsuchathrowntogetherpaintinglikethat,”saidRetc.

“Throwntogether,where’sthatpaintremover.Ihaditheresomewhere,”saidTeskashepretendedto

lookaroundhispainting.

CoupandPeastrojustsmiledateachother,notknowingwhattomakeofthesituation.ThenPeastro

asked,”Youwouldn’thappentoknowwhereDr.Atornwent?”

“Paintremover,I’llburnyourcanvas,OldMan.You’llbesmokeinmypipe,”saidRetcashe

ignoredPeastro.

“Old?Youngpaintburnsmuchquicker,sodon’tyougetmefireduporwe’llbothbesmoke,”

snappedTesk.

CoupandPeastrolookateachotherforasecond,smile,andthenwalkovertothe4bluedoors.

Peastroopensthefirstoneandithasastaircasethatgoesupward.

Coupopensthenexttwoandinthesecondisablacktunnelwithtorcheslightingtheway.Inthe

thirdisamulti-coloredslidethattwistsdownward.

“Welllet’sseewhat’sinthefinaldoor,”saidCoupsheepishly.

Heswingsthedooropenanditisacloudcoveredyellowportal.

“Wellwhichisit?”askedPeastroashelooksatthedoors.

“I’lltellyouwhichoneitis.It’swhateveronegetsmetheTeriousoutofhere.I’mtiredofchasing

theNeff,”saidCoupasheletoutaloudsighandbentoverandgrabbedhisknees.

Neff’sarearatlikecreaturethatwouldrunsporadicallyineverydirectionwhenapproached.

“Isaythis,aportalgotushereandthat’stheonlywaywe’regettingback.Thosestairswill

probablyjusttakeusfurtherintothemadman’slabyrinth.Thetunnelwillprobablycollapseassoonas

weenterandtheslideprobablyleadstoapitofknives.Sothat’smythinkingwhatareyouleaning

towards?”asksPeastroasheisobviouslyexasperated.

“Isaywhenwegetbackwedosomethingfunlikedigaditch,”saidCoupsarcastically.

PeastroletoutahugeuncontrollablelaughandCoupsoonfollowed.

“Iagree,butwe’llusespoonsinsteadofshovels,”saidPeastroashesmiled.

Couplaughsloudlyandthensays,”Let’sgettheTeriousoutofhere.We’llgothroughtheportalat

thesametimeandwithweaponsdrawn.Anyonewaitingforusattheotherendwillshortlybedust.”

“Agreed,”repliedPeastro.

TheychargeduptheirGoallagunsandsteppeduptothedoor.Theysteppedthroughtheportalanda

secondlaterwereinabusykitchen.Therearechefsandwaitstaffhustlingaboutpreparingmeals.A

fewofthemlookatCoupandPeastrobrieflybutthengobacktowork.

Thekitchenhasalongsilvergrillthatrunsthelengthofit.Ontheothersideisagoldfreezerwith

see-throughdoorsfilledwitheveryvarietyofmeatandalargeassortmentofdesserts.Inthecenter

thereisanislandwhereeveryfewsecondsfoodisplacedthere,thenquicklytakenawaybythewait

staff.TheceilingishighandarchingasCoupnoticesthecrestoftheVindijanLine.

“Isn’tthathilarious,thisisoneofourrestaurants,”saidCoupsoftly.

“Betteroursthantheirs,needlesstosayIcouldusesomethingtonibbleonaboutnow,”saidPeastro

ashewalksovertothefreezer.

“Youaren’ttheonlyemptystomach.Afterthatlastfiascomyresolvehasbeenweakened.Let’s…

grabatableandseewhereweare,”saidCoupashewalksthroughadoorway.

PeastrograbsaSlandicecreamandfollowsCoupoutofthekitchen.

Slandicecreamhasnofatandveryfewcalories.Ittasteslikechocolateandstrawberriescombined.

Theywalkthroughtherevolvingdoorsandenterintothediningroom.Couplooksaroundin

amazementasheseesalloftheVindijanroyalfamilyandseveralgeneralseatingbreakfast.

“Ican’tbelieveit,we’reinsidetheroyaldininghall.Nowthat’satrickofsheerbrilliance,”said

CoupashewavestoGeneralRuebluff.

Theroomisintheshapeofanoctagonwithtwelvetablesinall.Therearenowalls,onlywindowsso

astoletintheTsun’smorningrays.Thefloorisbeautifullush5inchthickbluecarpetingwiththe

facesoftheVindijanEmperorssewnintothem.Everyoneisseatedinfloatingbrownleathercouches.

OnebyonetheylookatCoupandPeastroinbewilderment,becausetheyarewearingKaaarmy

fatigues.CoupandPeastrocanonlysmileandwave.CoupspotsMelawalkinguptohim.

“Coup,Darling,iseverythingalright?Wehadheardyouwerestillonyourmission,”saidMelaas

shekissesCoup.

“It’salrightnowmylove.Let’sjustsayDr.Atorn,orZasyouknowhimisdancingwithouta

partner.”

“Reallyhe’scompletelyderanged,washeshotwithaPetifeeyouthink?”

“No,Ithinkhe’sjustacceptedhisownformofreality.IcamesoclosetokillinghimwithmyGoalla,

anotherinchtotheleftandhewouldbenomore,”saidCoupplainlyashegrabsattheairaround

Mela’sshoulders.

“Youshouldhaveseenhiscastleoftreachery,”saidPeastro.

“WellIcantellyourconditionthatI’drathernotwalkthosehills,”saidMelaasshekissedPeastroon

theforehead.

“IfearDr.Atornisconvincedoffightingthiswartotheinfinitediscovery.ForustodefeattheKaa

we’llhavetofightamorecerebralbattle.We’regoingtoneedtoget4movesaheadofthismanand

whenhegetsthereberuthless!”saidCoupsternly.

Chapter10

TheToenwarmarchedonwithviciousintenttowardsits18thyear.Whatoncewasanuprisinghad

becomearevolution.Another7millionliveshadbecomedust,bringingthecasualtycountto10

million.Bothsideshadpassedthepointofsurrender.TherearetoomanycrippledKaafamiliesfor

themtogiveinandfartoomanyVindijanslostfortheirmercytoeverentertheconversation.The21st

commandmentinthebookofYealikstated,”Warsareforwinning.”OmaVevknewitandknewitall

toowell.TheKaaknewitnowandtheVindijan’sknewitonceagain.TheToenwarhadspiltover

fromthebattlefieldandoutintothestreets.

Dr.AtornhadsentoutamessagethateveryKaahastobeactivelyfightingtheVindijanLine.He

saidthatanyKaawhobrokebreadwithaVindijanisbetrayinghimselfandhisfellowKaa.The

VindijanLinebecameincreasinglymoredistrustfuloftheirKaaservantsanddidawaywiththemall

together.NowitwasVindijan’sservingthemselvesanditcausedthemtobecomecloseknit.

TheTsunhasalsochanged,its’solarflareshavebecomeevenmorepowerful.Thisgreatlyamplifies

theVindijan’spowers.Theycanlevitate50feetintheairandflyforoverhalfamilebeforetheyneed

toland.

Theyalsoaddedafewnewpowers.Theycancentralizetheradiationintoaballintheirhand.Then

punchitthroughtheirknucklesatanattacker,shatteringtheirskullsinaburstofboneandflesh.They

callthistheMormoTechniqueanduseitwithouthesitation.

TheyalsodevelopedtheCoretoEye,atechniquewhichgivesthemtheabilitytoseethroughwalls.

ItalsoenablesthemtolookinsideaKaa’sbeatingheartandburstitwiththeblinkoftheireye.Many

KaahavehadtheirlivescutshortwiththeblinkofaVindijan’seye.

Peastro’spowershavegottenespeciallystrong.Hehasallthenewpowers,theMormoTechnique

andtheCoretoEye,butalsoafewothersincludinghisfloatingarmclench,theF.A.C.Hedoesn’thave

tomovetoattackatall.HecanusetheF.A.C.enablinghimtocrushsomeonesimplybyvisualizingit

inhismind.Hecannowfeelthestrengthofhismindgrowingdaily.

Peastroisnearing14yearspassedandhisthoughtsareofVeveld,Carnag,andtheagreedupon8th.

Hehaspreparedhimselfmentallyforthedaytheywillarrive.Heiseagerlyawaitingtheirarrival.

ThewarhastakenatollonPeastroandhedreamsofthetranquilityofGoldva.Helongsforabreak

fromthebrutalityofSrasObliqueandanewreality.Mornalsolooksforwardtoanewstartwith

Peastro,achancefortheirlovetoblossomanew.

Coupmeanwhileisbecomingabeatenman.TheToenwarhashumbledhimanditisstartingto

show.

“CanIgetah…ahcupofcoffee?”asksCoupsoftly.

“Darling,youalreadyhavetwocupsinfrontofyou.Wouldyoulikeathird?”asksMelaasshelooks

intentlyatCoup.

“MaybesomeVinorPent…somethingthough…Ifeelcold.Thiswinterhasbeenespeciallyharsh,

whenwillitendIfearnotsoon,”saidCoupashecurledupintothefetalpositionontheedgeofthe

bed.

“YouwillhavewhateveryoudesireIwillseetoit,”saidMelanervouslythenshemotionedtotheir

servanttobringtheVin,Pent,andanothercupofcoffee.SheembracedCoupandwhispered,”My

Loveandpassionforlifeishere,withyourightnow.TheBuilderwillaidusitisacertaintymylove.

Takethepressureoffyourshouldersandsetitasideforaslongasyouneedto,”saidMelareassuringly

assherubbedCoup’sshoulderandplayedwithhishair.“Yourpowerisgreaternowthanathousand

armies.RemembertheLineandthegreatnessofathousandgenerations.Theyareallherewithusnow,

theyneverleft.”

Coupnodsandtakesherhandinhisfirmlyandwhispers,”Mela,yourstrengthdoublesmine.I

forgetthatsometimesandIknowIshouldn’t.RemembertheLine…IfeelI’mlettingthemdownandit

hurts.IttearsthisVindijan’shearttopieces.”

Mela’seyesstarttowellupandshesayssoftly,”Afoolishmanoverthinkshisfailuresandyouare

thebravestmanIknow.YouhonortheLinewitheverybreath.Thiswarcanbewonandyouwillbe

thevictor.”

“You’reright…Iknowit,butIstillneededtohearitonemoretime.MaybeevenonemoreanotherT

sun,”saidCoupsoftlyasheturnstofaceMela.

“I’llsayitathousandtimes,”saidMelaasshecriedandthencontinued,”Andathousandmoreifthat

isourtask.Togetherweareabridgetothefutureaswellasthepast.”

Coupfeelshisstrengthcomingbacktohim.HelooksdeepintoMela’seyesandkissesher

passionately.Hesmilesandsays,”Vindijan’ssucceedbecausewedon’tbelieveinfailure.Weneedto

outwilltheseKaa!EveryVindijanneedstoregaintheirWarrior’sPei,Iwillseetoit.”

TheWarrior’sPeiisastateoffightingwithoutrage,onlyreflex.ItwastaughtoriginallybyPeiFo,a

masterofthebody’sinnercapacities.PeiFobelievedgreatfightingcouldonlybeachievedwhenyou

wereonthevergeoflaughter.AgreatmanyVindijansoldiershavemasteredthetechnique,muchtothe

humiliationoftheKaa.Vindijansoldierswilloftenbreakoutinlaughterinthemiddleofhandtohand

combat.TheKaasoldierscallitthehorribleharhar.TheKaageneralsdon’tknowwhattomakeofit.

Theyencouragetheirsoldierstolaughback,butfewdidfeelingembarrassedatthethoughtofit.

“Yourpowerwillfeedtheirpower.BetheEmperor,embraceyourdivinitymylove!”shoutedMela.

“IshallandsoshalltheLine.We’vegotsomethingtheyhaven’t,theBuilder’searandwe’restarting

towhisper,”saidCouptriumphantlyashestoodupandspreadhisarms.

HewalksovertothebalconyandsoaksintheTsun’sraysashehums,”RemembertheLine,”ashe

oncedid.Thenhelevitatesafewfeetoffthegroundandshouts,”We’;;waitnomoreforyour

surrender!You’llboworbebrokenyoutroublesomeKaa!!”

AmeetingoftheVindijanhierarchyissummoned.TheyallarriveatWhitkusBloat3rdTsun.

WhitkusBloisanundergroundcastleburied2milesbeneaththesurfaceofSrasOblique.Itisaworst

casescenariofortressthatisbuiltincasetheBuilderasksforthecheck.

Itisfarlargerandmoreextravagantthananycastleaboveground.Itisnearlyahundredmileslong

andisinaconstantstateofexpansion.ConstructionhadstartedonWhitkusBlonearlyathousand

yearsprior.

IthasenoughspaceandsuppliestolasttheVindijaneliteoveracenturyundergroundwithout

missingabeat.Italsohassomethingelse,secrecyonlytheVindijan’sinnersanctumknowsofits

existence.

Itisaworldontoitselfwithanentireforestbeingnurturedinsideitswalls.Ithaseveryspeciesof

animalgrazingintheundergroundEden.AlloftheVindijan’sandstolenKaasciencesarehidden

behindits10footthickwalls.

ManyfamousVindijansthoughttohavepassedbytheKaaarecomfortablyresidingatWhitkusBlo.

Theytakegreatsatisfactionintheirhiddenreality,andlaughtothemselvesattheirapparentpassing.

MictaVindijan,acruelandviciousVindijangeneral,wasreportedtohavedied44yearspassed,buthe

hasbeenrelaxingcomfortablyfor3yearspassedatWhitkusBlo.Hetookgreatjoyinorderingthe

occasionalmorningairstrike.

MessiOrs,afamousartistandbelovedtunesmith,hasbeenenjoyingthelast4yearspassedbeneath

thesurfaceofSrasOblique.

OnceyoulearnofWhitkusBloandaresworntosecrecy,arrangementscanbemadeatanytimefor

yourarrival.Allwhowalkitshallsarestunnedattheopulence.AlloftheVindijan’sprized

possessionsareondisplayandreadytobeenjoyed.Thatsaidmostcameandstayedfortheprecision.

Itisanentirelydifferentdocumentedhistorythanaboveground.Eachinhabitantcontributestothe

storythatwillneverbetoldorevenmentionedaboveground.

TheKaaareoblivioustothecomingsandgoingsofasocietyrightbelowtheirfeet.Itisonemore

finalblowfromtheVindijanLine.

AsPeastrowalksintotheVseproomheisgreetedwithawinkfromCoup,whoislyingfacingthe

hologram.Theroomislightgreenandintheshapeofacirclewithalargecircularbed.Thereare36

segmentsofthebedfilledwithalloftheVindijanhierarchy,whoarealllyingflatontheirbacks.The

bediswhiteandinthecenterthereisahologramthatchangestowhoeverisspeakingatthetime.

Peastrolaysdowninhissegmentofthebedandrestshisheadonthecommunityheadrest.

“Iwoketodaywithanachesofiercemymemorieswereoffailures.Icouldn’treliveamomentof

joyandI’dlostmyjoyousheartentirely.IlaytherewithMelaandwaslostinasomberwave.

Then…”saidCoupsoftlyashelookedatthefacesaroundthebed,”thenapurethoughtgrabbedmy

reasonandIwasremindedofourdivinity.Wearelosingthiswarbecauseoffocus,notstrategy.”

“Yes,yesthatisit,”shoutedAmbassadorVoon.

“Youhavecapturedit,”bellowedClericCortel.

Coupputhishandonhischestandsaid,”Weforgotourselvesandbecamelazyinourexecution!

Musebotsarenotdivineandcertainlycannotascend!Wemustuseourpowersoldandnewandmake

anenormouspushtodestroyandcrippletheKaa’swillonceandforever!Everysoldierinthefield,

everycaptain,everygeneralmusttakethefieldofbattlewithdestructionontheirbrow!”

“Wecandestroythemitisacertainty!”shoutedPeastro.

“Yourfirewillbeourfirefromnowon!”shoutedGeneralCoses.

“IfeeltheVindijanheartbeatingonceagain!Todaythemessagewillbesentouttoallofourarmies.

Oncereceivedwewillcoordinateallofourattackstodeliveronemagnanimousshotacrossthebow!”

thunderedCoupashegrinnedandhitthetable3timeshard.“TomorrowtheLinewilldeliverourmost

viciousattack!TheKaawillrememberforathousandgenerationsthefinallesson,oftheVindijan

Line!”thunderedCoupashecrushedhisglassinhishand.

ThemessagewassenttoeverybattalionandstrikeforceintheVindijanarmy.Itdeclaredthatonthe

659thdayoftheyearoftheKanetteverysoldierwouldfightasifitweretheirlast.Thatmeantvery

ship,soldier,andeveryVindijanundertheTsunpreparedforbattle.Everyonesleptthatnightwitha

senseofpurpose.Carefulnottolettheirpassioninhibittheirsleep,theyneededtoberestedandthey

allknewit.

InthehourbeforetheTsuncameupallofthebattleshipspreparedforbattle.Everygunandgrenade

wascheckedandreadiedforwhatwascalled,”TheGreatPush,”bytheVindijanLine.Theyall

visualizedtheeffortitwouldtaketopummeltheKaaintosubmission,andwerereadyandwillingto

giveit.Warsarewonorlostonasingleday,Coupknewit.Peastroknewitalsoandasfarashecould

surmisetheKaawereaboutto.

TheKaaontheotherhandwerefastasleepanddreamingofanotherdayasfreemen.Theyfelt

comfortablethattheywerewinningthewarandhadbrokentheLine’sspirit.Theyawokeandfeltan

extrarushofglee.

CoupandPeastrosatinsideCoup’sVenebonbattleshipastheTsunwasjustcreepingoverthe

horizon.ThefirstwaveoftheTsun’sraysisparticularlythrillingforaVindijan.Euphoriawillwash

overthemastheyfillwithpowerandstrength.TodaywasnodifferentandCoupandPeastro’seyes

glowedandtheirskinwaswarm.

CouplookedatGeneralCosesandgaveagentlewaveofhishand,signalingthefirststrike.Allthe

VenebonbattleshipsintheentirefleefiredinunisonontheunsuspectingKaaarmies.8millionKaa

soldierswereburnttoacrispinthefirstfewseconds.Mostofwhichwerestillpreparingtotakethe

battlefield.Ithadbeenamillennia’soldruleofbattlethattherewouldbenofightinguntilthesecond

waveoftheTsunhadstarted.TheVindijan’shadenactedthelawtokeeptroopstoacivilizedformof

warfare.NowtheyhadjustbrokenitandcaughttheKaacompletelybysurprise.MostoftheKaa

generalswereathomewatchinghologramsoftheday’snewswhenthedestructionstarted.

ThePoroCruisersweavedinandoutofeverycitystreetandfiredonanyKaainsight.Womenand

childrenwerebeingtreatedlikesoldiersandkilledwithoutamoment’spause.

Whilethiswashappening70VenebonbattleshipsdescendedontheVeeresregionandscorched

everythinginsight.Everymanmadestructure,includinghospitals,wasdecimated.TheVindijan’snet

ofcarnagenolongerhadeventhesmallestholeinit.Evenschoolsaretargetedfordestruction.

Itwasnolongerawar,butaKaacleansing.TheMoorsRepTower,theKaa’splaceofworship,was

blownintoamillionpiecesofash,asunsuspectingKaawerecaughtontheirknees.

TheKaasoldierswhowereupandreadytofightdidn’tstandachance.TheVindijan’snewbounty

ofpowersmadethemunstoppable.WhenoneKaasoldierranataHumpacca,theHumpaccapunched

radiationthroughhisknucklesusingtheMormotechnique.ThisburnttheKaasoldier’sskulluntilit

exploded.

AnotherKaasoldierattackedaVindijancaptain,butthecaptainusedhisCoretoEyeandlookedinto

hischestandbursthisheartwithablinkofhiseye.Theseweren’tthepassionlessmercifulVindijan’s

theKaawereusedtofighting,farfromit.

AllacrossSrasObliqueVindijan’scouldbeseenlevitatingintheairandchasingdownfranticKaa.

Noonewasexcluded,Kaa’sfromeverywalkofliferanfortheirlives.

Forthefirst2wavesoftheTsunthereadjustment,asitwouldlaterbecalled,continued.Whatonce

werebeautifulKaacities,,werenowpilesofbodiesandrubble.Thesmelledofdeathandsmoke

plumeslitteredthecountryside.Nowhereornoonewasexcluded.TheMusebotsthathadkepttheKaa

fightingstrongweretoolittletoolateanddidlittletostemthecarnage.

AtthebeginningoftheTsun’sthirdwaveCoupgaveagentlewaveandtheVindijanforcesceased

theirdestruction.AlltoldthebulkoftheKaaarmiesandhalfoftheKaapopulationwerenomore.

Chapter11

TheBeliefofPopaturn

TheToenwarhadendedinabarrageofdeathandtotaldestruction.TheKaahadbeensentbackto

theirfamiliarsplaceintheserviceoftheLine.Alltold600,000,000Kaaliveshadbeenlosttothe

Builder’slefthand.IntheweeksthatfollowedtheKaawhohadn’tperishedwereforcedtodisposeof

theoneswhohad.Nowtheywereforcedtoclearawaytherubbleoftheironcebelovedcitiesand

homes.

TheirwillhadbeenbrokenandfewdaredanegativewordaboutTheLine.Notonepersonalloweda

criticalthoughttoentertheirminds.Nowtheyarefocusedonthegrimrealityofbeingonthelosing

endofwar.Thevictor’senforcetheirwillonthelosers.

TheVindijanLinehasawholenewsetofrulesfortheKaa,demandsthatareworsethanbeforethe

Toenwar.ThismakesmanyKaawishtheyhadn’tgonetowayandhadbeencontentwithwhatthey

hadinthefirstplace.

TheonerulethatterrifiedtheKaawastheEoyrule.Eoyisthenicknameforasmallchild.TheEoy

rulestatesthatonlyonechildisallowedforevery2Kaacouples.Theystartedalotterytodetermine

whichcouplecouldhaveachild.Andiftherulewasbrokentheparentswereputtodeath,no

exceptions.TheLinehaddecidedtokeeptheirnumbersadvantage,incasetheKaatriedanother

rebellion.

PeastrositsshootingDeesashismindisinturmoil.HethinkstheLineisbeing,andhasbeen,too

harshontheKaa.Hecanstillrememberbeingontheothersideofthefence.Andasmuchashe

wantedtheToenwarover,hecouldneverhaveimaginedthelengthstheVindijanLinewouldgoto.He

ismortifiedtoknowthathisfatherwaskilledinTheGreatPush.Coupsaiditwasanaccident,buthe

feareditwastheLine’swayofcuttinghisconnectionstotheKaa.Heknowswhattreacherytheyare

capableof.

AservantboyenterstheroomandsetsaLilaonthetablebesidePeastro.TheservantboyisKaaand

Peastronoticeshiscomplacentbodylanguage.Theboydoesn’tmakeeyecontactwithPeastro,he

simplysetsdowntheLilaandleaves.

PeastrolooksattheLilaforamomentandthenattachesittohistemple.Afterithasdissolvedhe

seesitasathoughtfromCoup.HeunderstandsthatCoupisthrilledthattheToenwarisover.Peastro

feelsalittlesicktohisstomachatCoup’slackofremorse.Thenheunderstandsthatsomeonecalled

PopaturnisherefromGoldva.HeispreparedtotakePeastrobackwithhim.

Thisfillshisheartwithjoyandrelief,hecouldn’timaginebeingaroundCoupasherelievesthe

GreatPushagainandagain.HesecretlyhopeshewillbeleavingSrasObliqueforgood.Hethinks

seriouslyaboutstartinganewlifeonGoldvawithMorn.

Thefinal15secondsofthethoughtsrevealthattheyarewaitingforhimwithallofhisthings.They

areinhangarbay15.Peastrostandsupquicklyandmakesforthehangarbay.

Onthewayhemakesapointofnotmakingeyecontactwithanyone.Apartofhimfearstheymight

getwindofhistrueintentions.Whenhearrives,Mornmeetshimatthedoorandembraceshimtightly

andsays,”Adventure’sarefortakingmysweet.”

PeastroandMornwalkovertoCoupandPopaturn.CoupdoesnotofferagreetingtoPeastrohejust

standsthereandlooksathimsternly.PopaturnwalksuptoPeastroandsaysintoPeastro’sear,”

Goldva,Goldvawillembraceyou,Peastro.”

Popaturnisaballofbulgingmuscles.Hisarmsarelikegraniteandcoveredinblueveins.Hishead

protrudesfromamuscleboundneckandhishandsareenormous,muchlargerthanCoup’s.Hisfaceis

likethatofachild,smoothandrounded,withapronouncedjawandlongwidenose.Hiseyesare

crystalandastormcanbeseenthunderingineach.Hehasalongmaneofflowingblondehairthat

stretchestohisforearms.Aboveeacheyeisanelectricalinputthathasaredlightblinkinginside.He

iswearingaskintightgreensweater,withthesleevespulledup.Healsohasonablackleatherloin

cloththatexposeshislargemuscularlegs.OnhisfeetheiswearingAngMaslippers,whichareskin

tightsockswithahardplasticsolesewnintothem.Onhisrightcalfisagoldcontrolpanelwitha

blinkinggreenlight.ONhisrighthandhehasaglimmeringsilverforefinger.

PeastrolooksatPopaturnandfeelsakinshipwithhim.Hecan’tunderstandwhy,somethingabout

himjustputshimatease.PeastroputhishandonPopaturn’sshoulderandsayssoftly,”Ibelievein

Goldvanow.Iknowitwillbemagnificentandasighttobehold.”

“Thankyou,Peastro,wewillloveyouunconditionally.ThehandsofGoldvawillholdyourworries

totheside,”saidPopaturnasheputshishandaroundPeastro’swaistandthensays,”And,Morn,there

aremanysplendorsforyoutoenjoyaswell.”

Mornsmiledandsaid,”Iamsurethatitwillbeagloriousadventure.Ithinkitwillbeanew

beginningofsorts.”

MornandPeastro’seyesstaredatPopaturn.Hedidn’twanttorevealhistrueplanstoCoup.He

couldfeelCoup’seyesonhimandheknewCoupwaslookingforsignals.Peastromeanwhilekeeps

himselfcalmandkeepshisemotionsincheck.HeknowsnottoappeartooeagertoleaveorCoup

mighttryandkeephimfromgoing.

“Popaturn,youreallyshouldseePepiveddiePlainswhileyou’rehere.TheAlseegrassisespecially

beautifulthistimeofyear,”saidPeastroplainly.

“Iwouldlovetoo,butwe’reexpectedatGoldva.Thereisawonderfulsurprisewaitingforyouupon

ourarrivalanditissurelyagiftthatcan’twait,”saidPopaturnasheboardedtheNorship.

“Well,Coup,Iwillseeyouin7yearspassed.IhopetheKaadon’ttoppletheLinebythen,”said

Peastrowithasmirk.

Couplaughsandsays,”Sotrue,soyes.”

Peastrolaughedandthensaidquickly,”YouoldHoolnugget,youcouldn’tresist.”

“I’llmissthelaughter,Peastro,keepyoureyesupandyourwitsaboutyouifyouknowwhatImean,”

saidCoupinaserioustoneasheembracedPeastro.

“ItisascertainastheTsun’smorningembrace,”saidPeastroasheandMornboardedtheNorship.

TheNorshipwasgreyontheoutsideandnearlyseethrough.Theoutlineoftheengineandall

aboardcanbeseenfromtheoutside.ThewordPermateiswrittenoneitherside.

PermateYepsistheNorphilosopherwhointroducedtheOhvatechnique.Thetechniqueinvolved

youonlyfocusingontheproblemsinyourlifeforsmallsegmentsoftime.Thenspendtherestofyour

dayfantasizingaboutthegreatthingsthataregoingtohappentoyou.Goingintogreatdetailand

thinkingpassionatelyaboutwhatwasthebestthingthatcouldhappentoyouthefollowingday.Once

theOhvatechniquewasstartedfollowersdidthingsintheirreallifejusttohavemorerealisticfantasies.

Thisledthemonapathtosuccess.

TheinsideoftheNorshipisstrippedpaleblueandwhite.Thereisasevensegmentpaintingofthe

NormountainBooslepe.Mt.BooslepehasthefacesofeveryNorrulergoingbacktothefirst,carved

intoitssides.Thereareover10,000facesandeachfacehasitsownpresence.

Peastrolooksatthepaintingandasks,”Doesthismountainreallyhaveallthesefacesonit?”

“Ohyeseveryrulerwe’vehad.Ididn’twanttoruinthesurprise,butyouasked.Yourfacewillalso

beonMt.Booslepe,”saidPopaturn.

“Outstanding,whatanoddandwonderfulgift,”repliedPeastroashefeltgiddyattheidea.“Ican’t

waittoseeit,”saidPeastroashescannedthefacesinthepaintingandthenasked,”Howlongwillit

taketogettoGoldvadoyouthink?”

“Notlongatall,oncewe’reoutofSrasOblique’satmospherewe’llbeusingaGravitrontopassinto

anotherdimension.OncewearetherewecantravelquitequicklytoGoldva.Youhavetounderstand

thatinthe6thand7thdimensionsit’spossibletoreachtremendousspeeds,”saidPopaturnasheset

downhisheadonthelargebed.

Thereare5largelavenderbedsplacedinallfivecornersoftheroom.TheNorshipismodestinsize

andisnolongerthanatenniscourt.InsidethereisonlyMorn,Peastro,andPopaturn.Theshipisaself

pilotingvesselandhasitsflightplanprogrammedinadvance.

OncetheylefttheatmosphereofSrasObliquetheNorshipstoppedandasolidyellowbeamwasshot

fromthenoseoftheship.

“Don’tbescared,that’stheGravitron.It’sjustcreatingadoorwayforustotravelthrough,”said

Popaturn.

Infrontoftheshipacrackstartedtoforminspace,withawhitelightemittingfrominsideit.Then

theholegotlargerandlargerwhilethroughtheholecouldbeseenawhitetunnel;withfloatingyellow

specsoflightthroughout.

“Fearnot,we’llbeinandthenwewillbeout.It’sapainlessprocedurewithverylittlerisk,”said

Popaturnashestrappedhimselfin,”You’llneedtoattachyoursafetyharnessesthough,butnotfor

long.”

PeastroandMornlockedthemselvesinandquicklykissedonthelips.TheNorshipdroveintothe

7thdimensionandstoppedinsidethelongwhitetunnel.TheNorvesselstartedpulsingandswaying

sidetoside.Thenitstartedmovingrapidlythroughthetunnel.Outsidetheirshipwerebrightorange

peoplewhoappeartoberunningbesidetheshipandshoutingatthem.

Theywerethinhairlessandhadveryplumpfacesliketheywereblowingabubble.Theyweren’t

wearingshirtsandtheirchestshadadullgreenglowfromthecenter.Theirpantswerewhiteandmade

ofsomesortofbendableplastic.MornandPeastrowatchedinamazement.Mornburstintolaughterat

thisoddsight.PeastrolookedatPopaturntoseeifheknewwhoorwhattheywere,buthejust

shruggedhisshouldersandsaid,”They’renotVindijan’s,Iknowthat.”

“Certainlynot,”saidMornhappilyasshesmiledatPopaturn.

“Somedimensionsjustshouldn’tbeopenedisallIcansay,”saidPeastroashewatchedtheorange

peopletaponthewindow.

“Theycan’thelpit,looktheyseemfriendly.Lookatthatonethere,”saidMornasshetooneand

thencontinued,”Howcouldthatgoofygrinbetrouble?”

“Areyoukidding,he’dsmileyoutodeath,”saidPeastrojokingly.

MornrolledhereyesandsqueezedPeastroshouldergently.AfteranhourtheNorshipslowedand

stoppedinfrontofawhitewallwithcoordinateswrittenonit.Theyellowbeamshotthewallsplitting

itwideopen,revealingalargegreenplanet.

“Goldva,”saidPeastrowarmly.

“Yesthisisthelandofdreams,Peastro,”saidPopaturnandthenhesmiledandspokesoftly,”Aplace

fornewrealitiesandendlessenrichment,“saysPopaturnashethinksofhowamazingGoldvaisand

thensays,“Theoneworldwhereamancantrulyascendandbecountedamongthegreatmenin

history.Goldvaisyoursnow,”saidPopaturnashehandedPeastroasilverpyramid.

Peastroholdsitinhishandandthenasks,”What’sthis?”

“Giveitagoodsqueezeandyouwillsee,”saidPopaturnsmoothly.

PeastrolooksatPopaturnforamomentandthenMorn.Helooksatthepyramidandsqueezesit.

Thepyramidisinstantlyabsorbedbyhisskin,leavingthewordsPreMawrittenonhispalm.

“AlrightnowwhatdoIdo?”asksPeastrononchalantly.

“EveryNorhastheirpersonalstatusgiventothematbirth.Ofcourseit’spossibletogofatherandbe

greater,buteveryonewearstheirbeginningasabadgeofhonor,”saidPopaturnasheshowedPeastro

hispalmwithwordOc7writtenonitandthenhesaid,”Iwasonlyborntobeacraftsman,butIama

scientistandadiplomatnow.”

“WhatdoesPreMasignify?”askedMorn.

“ThatisashighasyoucangoonGoldva.Itsignifiesthatyouarethemosttreasuredoneandthat

youressencehasnolimitations.PreMaisgivenoutonlyonceagenerationandgrantsyouprotection

fromallNorlaw,”saidPopaturnfirmlyashehandsMornagoldenpyramid,”Andthisisforyou,

Morn.”

“Thankyou,asqueezeisinorder,”saidMornasshesqueezedthegoldenpyramid.Thegolden

pyramiddissolvedleavingthewordsCreMaonherpalm.

“CreMaisthedesignationofourcherishedandmostpowerfulfemale.Youwillbegrantedevery

desireyouhaveandbeaboveNorlaw,”explainedPopaturnashetriedtocontainhisgleeandthensaid,

“ThataswellasthefirsttodrinkfromtheChaliceofSepsem.ThatisalsoatthePreptepceremonythis

evening.Don’tworrythePreptepisverybriefandwillsimplycastPeastroasEmperor,”saidPopaturn

TheChaliceofSepsemistheoriginalcupusedbySepsemVeeNor,thefirstPreMaofGoldva.They

didthistobaptizehissubjectsintoenlightenment.Oncesomeonehasbecomefullyrealizedtheyare

givenalloftheaccumulatedknowledgeofthepreviousgeneration.Thenoncetheyhavemasteredthe

informationtheyareallowedtodrinkfromtheChaliceofSepsem.Thissignifiesthatapersonanda

newgenerationwillbesmarterthanthelast.ItwasalwaysSepsemVeeNor’sgreathopethat

everythingheknewwouldeventuallybethoughtofascommonsense.Hehopedthattheknowledge

wouldbuildontopofitself,makingeverymanandwomanagenius.

ThePreptepceremony,thoughtbrief,isextremelyinvolved.TheCreMawilldrinkfromtheChalice

ofSepsemandthenraisetheChalicetothePreMa’slips.Thensheslowlypourstheremainderthe

contentsdownhisthroat.TheywillstandintheUohovaboothandacastoftheCreMaandthePreMa

holdinghands,anditwillbemadeofVenoplastic.Eventuallyagoldstatuewillbeerectedinthe

gardenofEsevo,besideallthepreviousPreMa’sandCreMa’s

WhilethePreptepceremonyistakingplace,theNorwatchtheceremonyonlargemonitorsallover

Goldva.ThereisnothingmoreimportanttoaNorthanthePreptepceremony.Uponitscompletion

everyNorlockstheirlovedonesinanembrace.Thiscanlastforseveralminutes.Mostarebroughtto

tearsandsomeevendiefromthesheeremotionofit.WiththeNewPreandCreMatheNorknowthe

collectivejoywillbetremendousineverycornerofGoldva.

“PreMa…Iamtrulyhonored,”Peastrosayswarmlyasherubshisbrowandthensays,“Fromlowly

HoolherdertoVindijanandnowPreMa.AndallontheBuilders’whim,”saidPeastroashelooksat

theGoldvacountrysideandthensayssoftly,”Wherewhimbecomesreality.”

TheworldofGoldvaisonethirdoceanand2thirdsforestandfarmland.It’sabeautifulworldof

green,withthousandsoflakesandwindingrivers.GoldvaisslightlysmallerinsizethanSrasOblique,

measuring110,000milesincircumferencecomparedto120,000forSras.Thatsaidtherearefarmore

inhabitants,nearly50billionalltold.

TheNorhavesplittheirworldintothirds,thefirstisdesignatedforindustryandscience.The2ndis

usedforfarmlandandlivestock,andthefinal3rdisforcitiesandrecreation.TheNorbelievethatevery

personshouldeateveryday.Theyknewwithalargepopulationstepshadtobetakentoassurethis.

ThuscenturiesearlierthePreMaNectisNorsplittheworldintothirdstoassurethateveryNorwould

haveagreatqualityoflife.ItisknownastheNectisprovisionandiscelebratedtwiceyearlyforits

tremendousforesight.

Peastro,Morn,andPopaturnflyovertheGoldvacountrysideandtheycanseepeopleenjoyingthe

day.ManywerefloatingthroughtheairinheliumbubblesknownasBublaveBalls.Peastronotices

howhappyandcontenttheNorappear.TheBublaveballsfloatseveralfeetabovetheground.TheNor

uselongblack2prongedstrawstobreathethroughandkeeptheBublaveballsthick.

TherearealsoNorrunningupanddownlargetrees.TheyuseadhesivebootsknownasWoorlo

Heelstokeepfromfalling.They’drunupthetreeandthenenteratreehouseatthetop.Astheypass

onesuchhousePeastroseesawomanwhoisnudeandsippingfromasmallcup.Sheseeshimlooking

atherandgiveshimawink.Mornseesthisandsays,”Don’tletthoseneuronsfireforanothersecond.”

“IwasjustadmiringthefineNorcraftsmanship,”saidPeastroashegaveMornawink.

“YouknowIhaveabeliefthatallgreataccomplishmentscomefrommentalanguish.Showmea

personwho’shappyandcontentandI’llshowyouamindthat’scontentwithnotenrichingitself,”said

PopaturnboldlyashelookedoutoverGoldva.

“Icouldn’tagreemore,theproblemisthelevelofbraveryitcommandstoexpand,”saidPeastroas

hebrushessomelintoffhispants.

“True,”saidPopaturn.

“TheVindijanLineisveryparticularabouttheorderofthings.Somuchsothatbeforeyouarrived

anenormousbattletookplacewhere600,000,000Kaalosttheirlives.OneofthoseKaawasmyfather.

Thismentalanguishyouspeakofisrappingonmytempleaswespeak,”saidPeastroasheputhis

fingertohistemple.

“Isawthedevastation,theLinecanberuthless,buttheyarefarfromhere,Peastro.Yourjourneyis

yourownandyouwillbecomewhatyoudecide.”

“Ibelieveyou,Popaturn.TheLinemaybemanymilesfromhere,butnotfromhere,”saidPeastroas

hetappedthecenterofhisforeheadwithhisforeandindexfinger,”Ifeartheirpresencewilllingerin

mydecisions.”

“Itdoesn’thaveto,”saidPopaturnwarmlyashepointedtotwoNorlaughing.

“ThatiswhatIamhoping.”

Chapter12

TheMisinterpretationofMarlick’sOath

InsidethecastleFoiv,PeastroandMorn’squartersarebeingpreparedbytwomakeservantsnamed

PasoandStea.Theyareeachthinandwearingroyalblueuniformswithglowingshoulderpads.

“DoyouthinkthenewPreMawillfallintoline?”askedPasoashefoldedthecovers.

“Whatareyoureferringto?”askedSteaashelitacandleontheendtable.

“YouknowMarlick’sOath,”saidPesoquicklyandquietlyashesmoothedoverapillow.

“He’dbetterorhe’llbeourshortestPreMainacentury,”saidSteaashelitupacigarette.

“Youbet,”saidPasowithalaugh.

“Tocomesofarandhaveamoralconundrumatthelastminute,terriblesimplyterrible,”saidStea

sadlyashewipedthelintfromthedrapes.

“It’shappenedbefore,rememberTatio?”asksPasosadlywhileheadjustshispants.

“Ohyes…Tatiowasastunner,suchahandsomePreMa.Ihatedtoseehimpass,”saidSteaquickly.

“Atravestyforsure,butthisPeastromightnotbeasfoolish,”saidPasohopefullyashechecked

everythingintheroom.

“AllPreMa’saredifferentPeastrosoundstobestrongenoughfromwhatI’veheard,let’shope,”said

SteaasheandPasoleavetheroom.

PeastroandMornaretouringFoivcastle.Thereareseverallargeplasmawindowsthatactasa

centerpieceinthediningarea.TheyareintheshapeofthelettersinPeastroandMorn’snames.The

ceilingisaperpetualcarpetofredflames.ThisfascinatedMorntonoend.Theywalkedintothe

adjoininggardenandtheycouldseeacrobats.Theacrobatsarewearingblackmagneticsuitandare

floatingovertheoppositelychargedground.Theyflipandtwistinwaysnotmeantthebody.Peastro

useshispoweroflevitationandfloatsinamongstthemandmirrorstheirroutine.Thisismuchtothe

enjoymentofMornandPopaturn.PeastrousestheMormotechniqueandpunchesaballofradiation

intotheair.Theacrobatsareobviouslyimpressedandgivehimanodofrecognition.

Peastro,Morn,andPopaturnwalkintoaroomfilledwithancientrobots.Therearesomedatingback

30,000years.

“Alloftheserobotshereareactuallyusedinbattle,”saidPopaturnashemotionedwithhishand.

“Really,theylookalmosthuman,”saidPeastroashetouchedoneoftherobots’faces.

“Wellthey’vekilledmen…beyondthatthey’reonlymeremachines.Theoneswehavearefarmore

advancedandevenpossesshighlevelcognitivethought,”saidPopaturnproudlyasherubbedthechest

ofasilverrobot.

“Thatisquiteanaccomplishment,anabsolutetriumph,”saidPeastroashelookedatthevarious

robots.

“Thankyouwe’vemadegreatstrides.”

Peastrostoppedinfrontofagiantsilverrobotwith4heads.Itis50feethighandissmoothand

sleek.Therearenovisiblewiresandeachofitsheads’arefacinginadifferentdirection.Eachoneof

isfaceslooksullenandmenacing.Thefingersonitsrighthandaremadeupofmachinegunbarrels.

Theleftisholdingalongmetalstaff.

“How’stheTsuntastebigfella?”asksPeastrojokinglyashegrins.

“ThisisBronhe’sourassaultrobotthatweusedinthelastwarwiththeCupsti’s.Helookslike

troubleandtroubleheis.Wouldyouliketoseeademonstration?”asksPopaturnashewalksoverto

Bron’sleg.

“Notnecessary,somethingsarebetterleftinastateofunknowing.Iwouldhavelovedtohavehad

BronintheToenwarthough.Ihaveafeelingitwouldhavebeenmuchshorter,”saidPeastroashe

walksbetweenBron’slegsandlooksupathim.

“We’vefoundthattherighttechnologycanlevelanybattlefield.WehavehundredsoftheseBron

andmanyotherrobotswithuniquecapabilities.Iwouldloveforyoutoseethemsometime,”said

Popaturnashewalkedintothenextroom.

“Ofcourse,”repliedPeastroasheandMornfollowedhim.

Theyenteredintoasmokyloungewithscantilycladmenandwomendancingastheywatcheda

movie.ThemoviewascalledMissedYourLongingandisamoviebiopicaboutVetoYorns.

VetoisthefirstNorwomantorationalizeheremotionsasafterthoughts.Hertheoryknownasthe

YornsReaction,itbasicallysaysthatrealemotionsareexperiencedonlyinthemomentanddescriptions

ofthemareemotionsfeltafterthefact.Sheisrenownedforhersocialactivismandpavedthewayfor

Norwomentotrulyachieve.VetoisnowinherseventiesandisamemberoftheZepre.

TheZepreistherulingbodyunderthePreMaandCreMa.Iscomprisedoftwelvemembersand

carriesoutallthewishesofthePreandCreMa,regardlessofhowabsurd.MistyaToe,thefourthPre

Ma,haditmadelaweveryNormusteatchocolatepuddingafterbreakfastandsotheydid.Thelaw

wasneverrepealedandbecameacherishedmomentinNorhistory.

Peastrowatchesthemovieandistransfixedbytheleadactress.Abeautifulblondewithshort

slickedbackhairandlavendereyes.Hewatchesasshescowlsthensmilesandthenyellsasshebursts

intolaughter.

Mornisn’twatchingthemoviesheiskeenlytransfixedonPeastro.Shestartstofellignoredbyhim

andpokeshimintheribs.Peastrolooksatherandrealizeshiserrorandnods.Thentheycontinueon

theirtour.

Theywalkthroughthedancingcrowdandintoaplasmaaquarium.Insidethetanksaremillionsof

speciesoffishswimmingabove,beneath,andbesidethem.TheywalkbyonetankandaFirofish

swimsbesidethem.

Firofishhavehumaneyesandmouths,butanosethatgoesintotheirheads.Theyhavepaintingsof

landscapesontheirsidesandarepropelledbyburstsofgasfromtheirrearends.Thiscausesthemto

shootforwardsuddenlyeverysecondorso.Theyareintheshapeofashoeandareflatonthebottom.

“Thatfishisreallypeculiar,”saidPeastroashestaredattheFirofish.

“CreepyiswhatIthink.He’sstaringatmycrotch,”saidMornasshewalksovertotheothersideof

Peastro.

“Firofishareverysexualbynature.Theymatehundredsoftimesdaily.Theyareveryfriendlyto

people,”saidPopaturnasheputhisforeheadtothetankswallandblinksattheFirofish.

AFirofishturntofacePopaturnandputsitsfacetothetankwallandsmilesasitwinksathim.

Popaturnsays,”You’dbeamazedathowlittletheyeatandyettheyhavesomuchenergytoburn.”

“ReallyI’dlovetoknowtheirsecret,”saidPeastroasheputshisfingerrightbetweentheFirofish’s

eyesandtapsgently.

TheFirosmilesandthenspinsatenormousspeed.Itthenstopsforasecondandshootsoffintothe

depths.

“ThereisalottoseandexperienceonGoldva,butyouwillneedtorestandgetsettledbeforethe

Preptepceremony.Thereisoneotherthingtoshowyou,itreallyisquiteextraordinary.Pleasefollow

me,”saidPopaturnasheledthemdownabluecorridorwithshootinglightsinthefloor.

Attheendofthecorridorthereisalargedoorintheshapeofacircle.Popaturnstopsthematthe

doorandsays,”ThisisMt.Booselepe,throwyourglancetothecenterpeak,”andthenheopenedthe

door.

Mt.Booslepeis20mileshighand1000mileslongwithpartsofithavingburnedoffinthe

atmosphere.Thereisoverathousandfacescarvedintoitssides.Eachofwhichis1000feethighand

500feetwide.Mostareatthetopofthemountain,abovetheclouds,butahundredarenearerthe

bottom.

BesideeveryfaceonMt.BooslepeisasmallchateauthatiserectedfortherelativesofthePreMa.

NotonlyarethefacesofthePreMacarvedintothemountaintheirnamesareaswell.Aboveevery

faceisavideoscreenthatshowsthePreMa’sfavoritemoments.

Peastro’sfaceisrightinthemiddleofMt.Booslepewithhisnameemblazonedbeneathit.The

chateauistotheleftandthevideoglobeisaboveit.

WhenPeastroseesithiseyesopenwideandheletsoutaquickbreath.Mornsqueezeshisshoulder

andsays,”Itismoremagnificentthan…athousandTsuns.”

Peastroisatalossforwords,hejustkeepsscanningallthefacesinamazementastheyallseem

eerilyfamiliar.

“Thisisatrulygreatgift.Thesheersizeandscope…itisbeyonddescription,Popaturn,”said

Peastro.

“Takeamoment…allofyourfriendsarehere.Theyallstoodwhereyouarestandingandfeltasyou

donow.Trytotakethemallin,thenextwilldothesameforyou,”saidPopaturnsoftlyashelooksat

Peastro.

PeastrolooksatPopaturn,thenbacktoMt.Booslepe.Hescansthefacesandheisovercomewith

emotion.Hestartstoweepandthensaystearfully,”IwasaloneforsomanyTsuns,somany…”

MornfoughtbacktearsassheputherarmsaroundPeastroandembracedhimtightly.

“Letitout,Peastro,leaveitheretoday,”saidPopaturnsternly.

“IwasalonesolongIhatedtheworld…andeveryoneinit.Ijustcouldn’tfeelhope,notevenfora

second.Andnow…Ifeelhope.Ilookatthesefacesandcanseetheirstruggles…Ijustneededtoknow

theywereoutthere.Ijustneededtoseethem.ThisisallthehopeIeverneeded,”saidPeastrotearfully

ashewept.

PopaturnputhishandonPeastro’sshoulderandsaidsternly,”Don’tsmoothawayyourmoment,soak

themin.”

“I’ll…I’lldoitIcanletgo,”saidPeastrotearfullyashegrabbedhiskneesandhistearshitthedirt

belowcausingpuffsofdust,”itjusthurtssobad.”

“Manyabravemancametothisspotandwept.Theywerecarriersofanimportanttorch,passed

fromgenerationtogeneration.Allthesefacesenduredincrediblehardshipsyet…becameglorious

souls.Theworstisbehindyou,Peastro.Everydaywillbethebrightestfromtomorrow’sTsun,”said

PopaturnboldlyasheembracedMornandPeastrotightly.The3ofthemstoodthereandtookinMt.

Booslepeformanyminutes.

“Theywerehereit’sreal,”saidPeastrotearfullyashesmiledtohimself.

PeastroandMornwereshowntotheirquartersandpreparedthemselvesforthePreptepceremony.

AftertheyhadfinisheddressingtheymadetheirwaytoPearCathedral.ThatwaswherethePreptep

ceremonywasalwaysheldsinceSepsemVeeNor’soriginalone.

PearCathedralisintheshapeofanoutstretchedhand.Eachifthefingersarefilledwithrowsof

largedescendingblackleathercouches.Inthecenterisarevolvingstagethatfloatsonacushionofair.

Onthestagethereis2modestchairsthatareilluminatedbyyellowandbluelights.Thereare

hologramsofthelast3PreMaandCreMa’sencirclingthestage.Abovethestageisaredandbrown

boxwiththefaceofSepsemVeeNorwrittenonit.Theroomisfilledwiththesmellofwildberries,

whilealonemusicalnoteisrepeatedeveryfewseconds.Theceilingismadeofglassandthenightsky

canbeseenthroughit,theplanetofYeavecanbeseenshiningbrightly.

AsPeastroandMornwalkdowntheaislethefacestheyseelookhappy,butalsoconcerned.This

causesPeastrotohaveanunsurefeelingashewalksup.

PeastroandMornareshowntotheirseatsandthenMornishandedtheChaliceofSepsem.Itisfilled

withashinyblueliquidthatisknownasLifosandisverypungent.ItismadefromfermentedNono

bat’sblood.

“Wellmylovethisisourmoment,”saidMornassheliftedtheChaliceofSepsemtoherlips.

Shetookasipandthenpausedforamomentasshefeltarushofbloodtoherhead.Thenshefelta

waveofeuphoriacomeoverherandshelaughedloudly.Everyoneintheroomsmiledandsaid,”Ve

Bo,”whichisslangforlove.

Peastrosmirkedandputhishandtohercheek.WhereasMornnoddedandraisedthechaliceto

Peastro’slipsandpouredthecontentsintohismouth.Peastroswallowedhardandthensmiledand

said,”Simplyincredible,whatagloriousconcoction.”

EveryonewassmilingasPeastroandMornstoodintheUohovaboothwhileaplasticmoldofthem

holdinghandswasmade.AstheysteppedoutoftheboothPopaturnwalkeduptothemandsaid,”

We’realmostdone,there’sjustonemorethingtocomplete.”

“Really,Ithoughtthatwasit,”saidPeastroanxiouslyasherubbedMorn’sneck.

“ThereisstillMarlick’soath.Marlickwasourfirsthighpriestessanditwasdecidedtoincreasethe

PreandCreMa’spowersthat,”saidPopaturnastheredandbrownboxabovethemloweredtotheir

kneesinfrontandhecontinued,”asymbolicbondisneeded.WhatisinthisboxistheQuarmonkey.

Whatyouneedtodoanddoitnow,iscrushhisskullandtheQuarmonkey’scellswilljoinwithyours

andincreaseyourbraincapacitytoitsmaximum,”saidPopaturnsternlyasheopenedtheboxrevealing

theliveQuarmonkeysittingstillinside.

TheQuarmonkeyis2feettallandhasapinkandwhiteface.Itshandsandfeetaretiny.Itseyesare

verylargeandhaveasilvertint.Andonitsbellyisablackstar.

“Ok,ah…alrightandthenwhat?”askedPeastronervouslyashelooksattheQuarmonkeyasit

stareslovinglybackathim.

“Twothings,oneMornwillhavetoputherhandsintotheQuarmonkeys’bloodandcoverherskin

withit.Thiswillalsogivehermaximumbrainfunction,”explainedPopaturncautiouslyashehoped

theywouldn’tfail.“Andthesecondthingistokeepthispartoftheceremonyasecret‘tiltheendof

yourdays.IfyoushouldbreakMarlick’soaththeQuarmonkeys’cellswillcauseyourhearttostop

functioningandyouwillperish,”saidPopaturnasheputhishandonPeastro’sshoulderandthensays

warmly,”wedon’twanttoloseyou,eitherofyou,butoursecretcan’tleavethisroom.”

PeastroandMornlookateachotherblanklyandsaynothing.Theyfeelterrifiedandtheyeachstart

sweating.PeastrolooksaroundtheroomattheemotionlessfacesandthenattheQuarmonkey,whois

stillstaringupathim.

Hepausedforaminuteandthensays,”Yeah,enjoytheafterlifeQuarmonkey.”

Theonlookersburstoutintolaughter.ThenPeastroputhishandsoneithersideoftheQuar

monkey’sheadandsqueezeditsskulluntilitburst.Itsbloodcoveredhishandsandsplashedallover

hisface.

ThenPeastrosteppedoutofthewayandMornlookedathimandsmirked.Shedippedherhandsin

theblueblood.TheQuarmonkey’sbloodiscompletelyabsorbedbyPeastroandMorn’sskin.Inafew

momentsthereisn’tatracetobeseen.TherestoftheQuarmonkeycrumblesandthenburstsintoan

orangeballoflight.

“SweetBuildertheseNoraresomethingelsewhere,”saidPeastroslylyashesmiledandlooked

skyward.

“YouareofficiallyournewPreMaandCreMa.Goldvaisyours!”saidPopaturnasheturnedtothe

audience.

EveryoneonGoldvaembracedoneanotherandheldeachothertightly.Manycriedtearsofjoyand

theentireworldheldtightlyforseveral.ManyolderNorchoosethismomenttopassover,theyjust

wantedtoseeonemorePreandCreMaandhadbeenholdingonforthat.

Theskyfillswithrocketsandshimmeringrainbowtrails.EverypersononGoldvafeelsacollective

sighofrelief.

Chapter13

Tonkato’sCurseandtheScepterof8

Thefirst8monthsonGoldvaforPeastroandMorn,thenewPreandCreMa,wasfilledwiththe

fulfillmentofwhims.Tohaveabsolutepoweroveryourownselfisatriumphbutoveraworldis

somethingmoreprofound.Mornhitthegroundrunningandwheneversomeonestartedtoannoyher

sheslappedthem.Atfirstitwasajoke,eventuallyitbecameareflex.Whenshedidn’tlikethefood

shewasservedshethrewtheplateatthechef,theysaidnothing.

Peastrogotinthehabitofkickingpeoplerandomly,ayanysignofapparentstress.Healsostarted

yellingatPopaturneverytimehesawhimfornoapparentreason,simplyawhimthatbecameahabit.

Peastroalsogotinthehabitofputtinghisfistthroughpricelesspaintingsandshouting,”Wasteofpaint,

wasteoftime!”

Theirsexualfantasiesstartedgettingactedoutinpublic.Whenevertheywerewhentheurgehitthem

theystartedhavingsexrightonthespot.Thismadeforsomeinterestingdaysatthezoo,andsome

strangeoutingstotheaquarium.

Theyalsoaddedanewlaw,theNovayreferendum,whichstatedthatnoonecouldwalkonanystreet

morethanoncedaily.Andiftheywerecaughttheywouldhavetospend3monthsinjail.They

implementedthislawtokeepthecrowdsfresh,astheycalledit.

Itwasn’tallfunandgamesthoughtherewasalargeshipwasspottedintheouterrimoftheirsolar

system.Theshipisunidentifiedandisholdingitsorbit.Peastrosentascoutshiptoinvestigateand

bringbackallpertinentdetails.Twodayshavepassedandstillnoword.

Peastrositsinhisthroneinthecommandcenterwaitingforthenewsfromthescoutship.General

Stramenterstheroomcarryingawhitesealedenvelopeinhisrighthand.

GeneralStramis6foot4inchestallandorangeskinned.Hisshouldersarewideandhehasabarrel

chest.Hehasshortwhitehairwithaverypronouncedwidow’speak.Hehassurgicallyattachedblack

ovalsunglassesthathidehisrecorneas.Heiswearingablackspandexshirtandskintightredleather

pants.Abovehisupperlipisthetattooofapyramid.Andoneachcheekthereisasimilartattoo.He

alsohasonblackHonesheadboots.TheyaremadefromtheactualheadofaHones,whichisvery

similartoabuffalo.

“Thereisurgentwordforyou,PreMa,itisfromthescoutshipRone18,”saidGeneralStramashe

handedPeastrothewhiteenvelope.

PeastrograbbedtheenvelopeandthennoddedtoStram.HethenpressedthecrestofthePreMaon

thefrontoftheenvelopeandtheinsideoftheenvelopebecametheoutside.Themessageread,”

Engagedtheunidentifiedvesselandattemptedtomakepeaceablecontact.Theyignoredusforseveral

minutesandthenthefrontofthevesselopened.Suddenlywewerelockedinatractorbeam.Wewere

abletosendthisdistressmessagebeforetheysealedusinside.Ne3edimmediateaidthey’ve

surroundedtheship,SergeantBlankout.”

“ThisistroublesomeIamextremelyconcernedattheiractions.They’vestartedourconversation

withhostileintent.Awisemanknowswheresuchthingslead,”saidPeastroashelookedoutthe

windowintotheTsun.

“Itisunfortunatebuttrue,”saidGeneralStramcautiously.

“Wellprudenceimpliesweakness.Wewillengagethisunknownshipwithaswiftblow.WhatIfear

istheirtestingourresolve.Weighingtheirchancesinaforthcominginvasion,”saidPeastroashe

caresseshisforeheadinacircle.

“Iagreecompletelyweshouldstompouttheiraggressionbeforetheygainconfidence,”saidGeneral

Stram.

“Morthanthat…wemustbeviciousinourmethods!”saidPeastrosternlyashestartedtofillwith

strengthandthensaidboldly,”ThepointIammakingisSergeantBlankmustbeseenasanacceptable

lossforthegreatergood.Nooneonthatshipmustsurviveoftheirwillsurvives,”saidPeastrocoldly

asheslammedhisfistonthetable.

“Heisasoldierandallsoldiersknowofsacrifice.Iwillattendtohisfamily.Theywillnotgo

withoutorfeelwanting,”saidGeneralStramfirmlyashewipedhisleftshoulderoffwithhispalm.

“Ofcourse…Iwouldliketogoonthismissionpersonally,andIwouldlikeyououtthereaswell.

I’mnottalkingaboutoneortwoships,we’llbringhalfthearmadaandhalfwillstayonGoldva.This

oneshipiscertainlynotarogue.Thisstinksofatrapsowewilltreatitassuch,”saidPeastroashe

tuggedathischinbeard.

Halfthearmadaisreadiedandsetsoutfortheouterrim.TherestofGoldva’sforcesareputonhigh

alert.Theentireplanetisenclosedinitsprotectiveplasmashield.

PeastroissittinginsidetheRerniRealm,whichisthecoreofthebattleship.Iftheentireshipis

destroyedtheRerniRealmwillremainandkeepthePreMaprotecteduntilhelparrives.Itisablack

boxfortheprotectionofthePreMaandhisgenerals.

Aftertheyhavepassedthroughthe7thdimensiontheycomeoutneartheouterrim.Peastroslowsthe

shipsforamomentandsaysovertheloudspeaker,”We’renotheretomakefriends.We’llaskonce

andonlyonceforthereturnofoursoldiers.Iftheydonotreplywewilltreatthatasanassaultandthey

willshortlybedust.Eyesup,letyouractionscomeasreflex!Let’sstartthefestivities,GeneralStram,

please.”

GeneralStramsayssternly,”Wehavecomeherefortheretrievalofoursoldiers.Wewishtoavoid

hostilities,butweareprepared…”

“HelloNorvesselIamBradeRickoftheMarto,whoamIspeakingwith?”asksBradeashis

hologramappearsinfrontofGeneralStram.

BradeRickisalargefatman,over1800pounds,and7feettall.Hehasdarkblueskinandthick

greenhairalloverhisbody.Histeetharebrightyellowandhiseyesarecheckeredblackandwhiteand

wideopen.Heiswearingalongwhiteflowingrobeandwhitesolesthataretiedtohisenormousfeet.

Aroundhisneckisagoldnecklaceandonhiswristsisaflashingbraceletwithwordsthatperpetually

change.

“YouarespeakingwithGeneralStramand…,”

“GeneralStram,Iamtrulyblessedtobemeetingyou.Iwouldliketoapologizeforthecaptureof

yourscoutship.Wearesimplycuriousabouttheinhabitantsofthisgalaxy,”saidBradeapologetically

ashetriednottoburp.

“Thenyou’llbereturningthemposthaste?”askedGeneralStram.

Bradepausedforasecondandthensaidsnidely,”Wellthereinsitstheproblem.Wecollectvarious

speciesofhumanoidsyousee.Andwe’dhatetopartwithyoursoldiers.”

“Brade!”saidPeastroasheshotupinhisseat.

“Ah…andyouare?”askedBradesuspiciously.

“Itdoesn’tmatter,butwhatdoesisthis.You’regonnareleaseoursoldiersandtheirvesselorweare

goingtoBLOWyououtofthesky,”saidPeastrosternlywithasmirk.

Bradetookafewstepsforwardandthensaid,”WellIdon’tknow…youseeIhadmyheartseton

keepingthem.SoIguessI’lldojustthat.”

PeastromotionedtoGeneralStramtofireatwillandeveryshipfiredtheircannonsattheMarto

ships.ThehologramofBradeshowedhimburstintoflamesandthentheMartoshipexploded,leaving

onlydebrisandsmoke.

“Welltheregoesanunreasonableandunlikeablesoullosttothevacuumofspace.I’mallbrokenup

aboutit.WhatIamcertainofisthelongingIalreadyfeelforBrade,”saidPeastrosarcastically.

“Ihatetosaythis,PreMa,butheputhishandsinacrossedVpositionbeforeheperished,”said

GeneralStramnervouslyashemadetheV.

“Whatisthesignificanceofthat?”asksPeastroanxiouslyasherubshisforehead.

“That’sTonkato’scurse,Brade’slastwishinthislifewastoputthatonyou,”saidGeneralStram

nervously.

“WhatisTonkato’scurse?”askedPeastroanxiouslyashelookedwideeyedatStram.

GeneralStramlookedaroundnervouslyandthensaid,”KatremTonkatowasamastersurgeonwho

wasmurderedinhissleepbyapatientofhis,whohadlostherhandduringsurgery.Asurgeryhe

himselfdidandshefelthisnegligencecausedhertoloseherhand.Butthat’snotwherethestoryends

3dayslaterherosefromthedeadjustlongenoughtocutoffherotherhand.Whenapersoncrosses

theirhandsinaVdeath,itsignifiesthatthedelivererofdeathwillhaveadebttopay,”explained

GeneralStramcautiouslyashefumbledathisbelt.

“Butwhoisgoingtocollectit?”askedPeastrosnidelyasheknewhecouldtakeit.

“Wellwherethere’soneshipthere’salwaysanother.Obviouslyheputhimselfinthatpositionsohis

soulcouldwreakhavocinourlives,”saidGeneralStramsoftlyasheputhishandonPeastro’sshoulder.

“Understood,we’llkeepoureyesup.Thepassionsofapeopleshouldnotbetrifledwith,wewillbe

mindful,”saidPeastroashetuggedathischinbeard.

SeveralweekslateravessellandedinGoldvarightinfrontofFoivcastle.Itisintheshapeofa

coffinandhasthenumber8writtenalloverit.Theshipisblackincolorandisnolargerthanasmall

car.Ithasnowindowsandnoonecanunderstandhowitarrivedunannounced,withouttriggeringan

alarm.Peastrosendsagroupofsoldierstoinvestigatetheoddcraft.

AsoneofthesoldiersnamedMerchlooksitoverhestopsandsays,”Itdoesn’tappeartohaveany

doororevenasinglegrove.It’scompletelysmoothanditfeelswarmtothetouch…perplexing.”

“Well,”saidCaptainNettiashegavetheshipaknock,”ifitwereabombitwouldhaveblown

already.Isayweblowaholeinitandseewhatshe’shiding.”

CaptainNettistepsbackfromtheshipandthenMerchraiseshisPomeblasterandfires.

ThePomeblasterisblueandhasalongbarrelwithahexagonattheend.Itfiresawhitehotstream

ofcondensedexplosions.

ThealienshipabsorbsthePome’sshotsandthereappearstobenodamage,butnowtheshipis

emittingmusic.Themusicisloudandaggressiveandtheshipstartspulsating.

Thesoldiersdrewtheirweaponsandstoodbackasafedistancefromtheship.Thentheshipstartsto

unravel,likeahouseofcards,anditsoonitiscompletelyflat.Thereisascepterinthecenterthatis5

feettallandhadmulti-coloredbuttonsonit.Itisredincolorandhasahandclutchingalargeblue

diamondatitspeak.Thescepteriscoveredwithcarvingsofnakedwomenfrolickinginastream.

CaptainNettiwalksuptothescepter,pausesforasecond,thengrabsitandsays,”ThePreMa’s

gonnaloveyou,”ashelooksitover.

CaptainNettibringsthesceptertoPeastro,whoiswaitinginhispersonalgarden.

“Hereitis,PreMa,readyforyourinspection,”saidNettihappilyashehandedittoPeastro.

“Thankyou,Captain,andtherewasnonoteofanykind?”asksPeastrosuspiciously.

“No,Sir,nothing,”answeredCaptainNettiquicklyashestraightenedhisshoulders.

“Justaswellitdoesn’ttakeagenius,butithelpstofigureoutthisisCoup’shandiwork.Itcertainly

isastunningworkofart,”saidPeastroashelooksitover,”butwhatisthis?”asksPeastroashelooksat

thebottomofthescepter.

“Haveyoufoundsomething?”askedCaptainNettieagerlyasherubbedhisneck.

“Well…ithasthenumber8onitsunderside…fascinating.Coupalwayshasasenseofgrandeur.

TheScepterof8…let’strythesebuttons,”saidPeastroashesqueezedtheredbutton.

Aredlasershotoutofthediamondandblewa10footwideholeinthecastle’swall.Whereas

Peastrosaid,”Ilikeitalready.Let’stryanother.”

Thenhesqueezedthesilverbuttonandahologramappearedinfrontofhim.Itwasofafiercebattle

betweentwofactionshedidn’trecognizeandinaworldhehadneverseenbefore.

“Atlastthelastbutton,”saidPeastroashesqueezedthelavenderbutton.

Thesceptershotabluestreamoflightintotheskyandanenormousstormcloudformedoverhead.

Thewindstartedtohowlandtheskyopenedup.RainthundereddownontopofFoivcastle.Peastro

saidcoldly,”GloriousCoupyou’vewrappedmeinyourtreacheryonceagain.Teriousawaitsyour

arrival.

Chapter14

MacreandtheHeavyHand

Peastrowassoundasleepwhensuddenlyhewasawakenedbyanenormousexplosion.Thiswas

followedbyseveralmoreexplosions.Hejumpedoutofbedandrantothebalcony.Hecouldseethe

nightskyfilledwithbattleships.Mornfollowedhimtothebalconyandshouted,”Wecan’tstayhere!”

“You’reright,weneedtogettothecommandcenter!”shoutedPeastroashesawamanonfirefall

intoafountain.

Theyjumpedfromthebalconyandlevitatedtothecourtyardbelow.Oncetheywereinthecourtyard

theyracedtothefarend,asexplosionslitupthenightskyasthecastlecameunderfire.Amissilehit

rightbesidethemandtheforceoftheexplosionsentthemintothewall.

Theygatheredthemselvesupandenteredthesecretpassagewaybehindthewaterfall.Theyranafew

stepsandjumpedintotheturboelevator.Peastrobreathedintothesecurityclearancerecognitionspout

andtheturboelevatorrocketeddownward.

“Everythingisfine,Morn,we’llgetthroughthis,”saidPeastroashekissedMornonthecheek.

“Iknow,”saidMornquickly.

Mornfeltscaredshehadneverbeeninbattlebeforeandhernerveswereshot.Peastrofeltlikehis

heartwasgoingtoburstoutofhischest,butheknewhehadtobestrongforMorn.

WhentheturboelevatorstoppedthedoorsopenedandGeneralStramwassittinginfrontofthelarge

monitorattheendoftheroom.

“We’vetakensomehits,butwe’vegotthebulkofourfleetintheskynow,”saidGeneralStramas

hewalkeduptoPeastro.

ThecommandcenterisalargeroomwithuptothesecondhologramsofeverysectorofGoldva.

Thereare2smallthronesandonelargethroneforthePreMaandhisgenerals.Itisburiedamile

belowthesurfaceandisimpenetrabletoattack.Ithas1year’sworthoffoodandsuppliesinsideofit.

Italsohasaccesstoalabyrinthoftunnels.ThetunnelsleadtoeverysectorofGoldva.

“Doweknowwhotheyareandwhythey’reattacking?”asksPeastroashelooksintentlyatthe

holograms.

“TheseshipsarethesameastheonesBradewaspiloting.Sufficeittosayhisfriendsarereclaiming

adebt,”saidGeneralStramsadlyashislefthandshook.

“Wellwarsareforwinning,let’sblowthemoutofthesky,”saidPeastrocoldlyasMornkissedhis

hand.

OntheholograminfrontofthemtheycouldseeaNorbattleshipusingaroboticarmtosmash

throughtheoutershellofaMartoship.ThegiantroboticarmpenetrateddeepinsidetheMartoship

andleftabombinthecenter.TheMartoshipexplodedfromwithinreleasinganungodlyscreamanda

burstofflames.

Peastroshouted,“Todust!”

AnotherNorvesselapproacheswithaBronrobotinsideit.WhenitgotclosetotheMartoshipa

largeplasmadooropenedandaBronjumpedontotheMartoship.TheBronrobotstartedpummeling

theMartoshipwithblowafterdeadlyblow.TheBronpunchesintotheMartoshipanditsmachinegun

fingersstartblastingeveryMartosoldierinsight.

TheBrondoesahandstandontheMartoshipandletsitsfeetdropdownquickly.Thekicksendsits

feetrightthroughthecenteroftheMartoship.OncetheBronisinsideitdestroyseverythinginreach.

ItmakesquickworkoftheMartoshipTheMartovesselfallstothegroundlikeadyingbirdand

crashesintoagroupofhousesandexplodes.

WherebyPeastroclencheshisfistandsmilesmenacinglyandsayssoftly,”We’rejustgettingstarted

ilkofBrade.We’lldanceforsometimeyouI.”

TheyseeaMartoshiplandanditstroopsstreamoutofit.Onlytobecrushedtodeathbyatrioof

Bron’samomentlater.ThenaMartoshipshootsoutahookandlatchesitontoaBron’sleg.Itstartsto

hoisthimupintothesky.TheBronjerksbackandforthviolentlyastheMartoshiptriestocapture

him.TheypulltheBronintoahangarbayandMartoship’sdoorsclose.

Peastroseesthisandsays,”They’vecapturedaBron…wecan’tletthemtakehimbackwith…”

“Wait,”saidGeneralStramquicklyashepointstothehologramoftheMartoship.

TheyseeafistpunchthroughthetopoftheMartoship.ThenasecondlatertheBron’sheadpopsout

withasmirkonitsface.TheBronstartsspinninginacircleanddestroystheMartoshipasitdoes.The

BronrobotspinsfasterandfasterastheMartoshipisreducedtoflamesanddebris.

“Outstanding,Ihopetheycapturemore!Bronyouaretrulyremarkable.TheMartohadbetterflee

beforetherearenoshipstocarrythemhome,”saidPeastrosnidelyashesitsbackinhisthrone.

InthehologramtotherightofPeastro2Martoshipsweredoingjustthat.Theywerefrantically

tryingtoescapeasaNorbattleshipwasbearingdownonthem.TheMartoshipreleasedalargebubble

filledwitharedcauldronofflamesinfrontoftheNorship.TheNorshiptriedtosteerclear,butitwas

toolate.TheNorshiphitthebubbleanditburstintoaninfernoofflamesengulfingtheNorvessel.It

meltedawaythefronthalfoftheshipandsentthemcrashingintoabusymarketplace.HundredsofNor

werecrushedtodeathinstantly.

Peastroseesthisandsayssternly,”NicetrickBradeians,butnooneescapes!Iwantthoseships

scorchedGeneralStram!”

Stramnoddedandsentwordtoanearbydestroyed.Stramsaid,”Theirdaysofmerrymakingare

drawingtoanend,PreMa.TheMotidestroyerisinfierypursuit.”

“Goodgood,Iwillhavemydebtrepaid!Don’trunsofarmysweet,”saidPeastromenacinglyashe

litupacigarette.

TheMoTidestroyerishalfthesizeofthebattleship.Itisintheshapeofagrapefruitwithwings.It

has8largecannonsoneitherwingthatarefilledwiththousandsofimpactmissiles,IMT’sastheyare

called.Itisgreyincolorwithredwindows.IthasthefaceofaNepelionsmilingpaintedonthefront

ofit.ItisalsoequippedwithaTohodart,whichisasmallprojectilethatisthesizeofafootball.Itcan

travelthroughvirtuallyanythinginitspathduetotremendouslightspeed.

TheMartoshipsarejustleavingtheatmosphereofGoldvawhentheMoticatchuptothem.The

Martoshipsrelease2largebubblesfilledwithacauldronofflames,buttheMotTidestroyerdodges

them.

TheMoTifiresathousandTohodartsintotheMartoships.Itfillsthemwithholesandslices

throughunsuspectingcrewmembers.ThentheMoTifiresitsIMT’s.ThentheIMT’sblowgaping

holesinthefuselageofeachMartoship.TheMartoshipsareallablazeandthensuddenlythey

implode.Theskyisfilledwithgloryandloss.

“GotyourTonkatorighthere,Brade!”saidPeastrosnidelyasheleaptfromhisthrone.“You’re

friendsjustcouldn’tbeartolivewithoutyourcompany,”saidPeastroashelitupacigarette.

“Therestoftheirfleetisretreating,PreMa.Shouldwefollowthem?”askGeneralStramhappilyas

hegrins.

“NOno,letthemgotheywon’ttriflewithusagain.Whatagloriousbattle,ifthisbeadreamdonot

touchmyshoulder,”saidPeastroashesmilesatMornandpumpshisfists.

“Whowoulddaremyloveonlyafool,”saidMornthenshekissedPeastroonthelips.

“YoudefendedGoldvatriumphantly,PreMa.Yourreflexeswerequickandjust.Bydestroying

those2fleeingshipsyoubrokethewillofthewholefleet.Thatwasamasterstroke,PreMa,”said

GeneralStramhappilyashenoddedhisheadtoPeastro.

Peastronoddedbackandsaid,”ThanksbetoBronthatgloriousbringerofdeath.I’veneverseena

robotsospryorsovicious…yes!”

PeastroandMornwalkedbacktotheirquartersandwentbacktosleep.AfterPeastrowasasleephe

wasawakenedbyavoice.Hesatupinhisbedandlookedaroundtheroomandcouldseenoone.Then

heheardthevoicesay,”Macreisafriendtothefriendly.Beopen,Peastro,tonewhorizons.”

PeastrogotupfromhisbedandwalkedovertotheScepterof8.Heheardavoicecomingfromthe

sceptersayingoverandoveragain,”Ascensionistobeshared.”Thenitstoppedsuddenlyanda

hologramofabeautifulblondehairedwomanappearedinfrontofPeastro.Hehadneverseenher

beforeandwastakenwithherbeauty.Hestaredatherlonginglyandthenthehologramdisappeared.

ThecommotionwokeMornupandsheaskedsoftly,”Iseverythingalright,Peastro?”

“Everythingisfineitwasjustabaddream,nothingserious,”saidPeastroashegotbackintobed.

Hewashappyshehadn’tseenthehologram,butdidn’tknowwhattomakeofit.

Afewmonthshavepassedsincethatnight.Peastrostillthinksofthatbeautifulblondewhosename

hedoesn’tknow.HenevermentionedwhathappenedthatnighttoMorn.Hecouldn’ttellhernowhe

thought,toomuchtimehadpassed.

MornandPeastroareleisurelylevitatingoverafieldofwildEarenflowers.Earen’saresquarein

shapeandfilledwithakaleidoscopeofreds,greens,blues,andoranges.Theyareincrediblysofttothe

touchandproducebubblesthatwhenburst,giveapersonaeuphoricsensation.

Theyflyoverthefieldsandtheyhaveneverfeltadeeperloveforeachother.Sincearrivingon

GoldvatheirlovehasblossomedthewayMornhadhopeditwould.Peastrofeelslikeheislearning

somethingnewaboutMorneveryday.Shecontinuestofascinatehimandfillhisheartwithjoy.Sras

Obliqueseemsfarawayfromthemnow,Goldvafillstheirsails.

PeastrograbsMorn’shandandguideshertothegroundandsays,”Morn,Ihadlovedyoubefore…

butneverasstrongasIdonow.Iwokeuptodayandlookedoveratyoubeforeyouhadawoken.AndI

thankedtheBuilderyouwereinmylifeandprayedyoualwayswouldbe.”

MornputherhandstoPeastro’scheekandkissedhimandthensaid,”Ialwayswillbemylove.Our

timeherehasbeenmore…morethanIcouldhavedreamt.Ifwedietomorrowwhatwehadtogether

willsomehowsurviveIknowit.”

“Iloveyou,Morn.”

“Peastro,Iwillalwaysloveyou,”saidMornandthenshekissedPeastropassionately.

AfloatingwhiteboxwithabowonithitMorninthehead.Peastrolooksupandtheskyisfilled

withthem,floatingtoGoldva.Mornisn’tinjuredandPeastroishappyaboutthis.Hegrabsoneofthe

boxesanditsaysthewords,”Macreisarriving.”Peastroundoesthebowandtheboxburstsopen.It

revealsalittleblueman,thesizeofacandybar,andhejumpsontoPeastro’shand.Themannamed

Oalitlisbonethinandonlywearingblackshorts.Hiseyesaregiantblackovals.Oalitlsmilesandsays

brightly,”Macrebelievesinloveandwillconveyalovethatfewcancomprehend.IamOalitlandI

wassentheretofindPeastroandannouncetohimthatMacrewillarrivetoday.”

“Well,Oalitl,IamPeastroandwhoisthisMacrebychance?”asksPeastroasheinspectedOalitl.

“MacreistherulerofRermonandisthemostbeautifulwomaninthisreality.Sheistheownerand

commanderofthepassionateself.Sheisalsoaprofoundthinkerofthoughtsandcantitillateallofthe

senses,”saidOalitlquicklyandthenhegaspsforair.

PeastrolooksatMornandseessheisnotamusedbywhatOalitlhastosay.

“Morn,howmanywomendoesamanneed?Youhavemyheartforcertain,”saidPeastroashe

toucheshisforeheadtohers.

“Ok,butthisMacrehassometreacheryinsideher.Nobodygoestotheselengthsforahandshake,”

saidMornsternlyashercheeksgotred.

“Iamnoteasilyswayed,Morn.Havealittlefaith.”

AlargebakedsilhouetteofMacrefloatsdowninfrontofthem.PeastroandMornlookatthe

silhouettethanbackateachother.Mornletsoutascreechandlevitatesawayinahuff.Peastrostands

thereandwatchesasMornfliesaway.Helooksatthesilhouetteandfeelsinstantlyaroused.Helooks

atOalitlandasks,”Isthatpictureaccurate?”

“Absolutely,”saidOalitl.

“Youhadtosayyesdidn’tyou,”saidPeastrothenhelookedupandsaid,”Builder,I’mgoingtoneed

profoundguidancetoday.”

Chapter15

Macre,Vidid’sUrnandCalfeRevisted

PeastroandOalitllevitatedbacktoFoivcastle.PeastrokeptafirmgrasponOalitlworryinghe’ddie

ifhefelltotheground.Whentheyarrivedtheysawapurplepolkadotedshiphoveringabovethe

castle.Alongspiralstaircaseloweredfromtheshipandasymphonystartedtoplay.Abeautiful

womanemergedatthetopofthestaircaseandstartedtodescend.

Shehasonablacklaceteddyandhighheels.Shealsohasonadiamondnecklaceandpurpletinted

sunglasses.Thesunglasseshideherdarkbrowneyes.Herlegsarelongandmuscular,aswellasher

entirebody.Herskinistanandsmellsofwildberries.Shealsohasthickpoutyredlipswithstarson

them.

AsMacrenearsthebottomofthestaircasePeastrocanseethatsheiscarryingsomethinginherleft

hand.Shetakesthelaststepandsmiles,thenwalksovertoPeastroandlocksthesideofhisface.She

thensays,”Peastro,IamMacreandcombinedwecouldbeajuggernautofpower.”

“Macre,youareincrediblybeautiful,butalasIamspokenfor.ButIwouldsurelylovetoinviteyou

todinewithusthisevening.Wecanshareoutexperiencescommonandunfamiliar,”saidPeastro

smoothlyashemotionedforhertofollowhim.

Macrebattedhereyesathim,thensmirkedandnoddedasshesaid,”Ok,we’lltalkthingsover…yes

amealwouldbeanicebeginning.”

The3ofthemwalkedintoFoivcastle.Mornwaitedinsidewithadisgustedlookonherface.She

walkeduptoMacreandsaidsnidely,”Aren’tyoualittlehot,Isureamnot.Itreallyfeelsbrisktoday

I’mgladIworetherightclothing.Oh,I’mPeastro’sWIFE,NICETOMEETYOU.”

MacrescowledatMornandsaid,”YouknowIamatinybitwarm.You’recoldthough,whyamInot

surprisedthatyou’refrigid.”

“Frigid,oddchoiceofwords,”shotbackMornsternlyasshesmirked.“Yaknowthatshipofyoursis

nottheleastbitjuvenile.Itscreamsclassanddistinction.IwishIhadoneofmyown,IdoIdo.Iffor

nootherreasonthanthejoyitmustbringtoallwhoseeit,”saidMorncoylyasshefoldedherarmsand

tappedhertoe.

“Theship,mybody,mytotalcommandofeverysexualtechniqueinthegalaxy,”repliedMacre

firmlyassherubbedherneck.“Theships’anoriginalandtheonlyoneofitskind,butwhatIcould

giveyouandPeastrowouldhelpyoureapbenefitsforever.IwroteabookcalledOrgasmataTouch.I

canseerightnow,andmyvisionisexceptional,thatyouindireneedofmytutelage,”saidMacreasshe

putherarmsbehindherbackandpushedherchestout.

“Well,”saidMornassheputherindexfingertoherhipsandthensaid,”It’sgreatthatyou’rean

authorandIlovepicturebooksmorethanI’lladmit.Youknowwhat…I’vegotit,whatisyouforget

aboutPeastroandmakeaplayforthelittlebluemaninhishand?Withyourvastsexualknowledgeand

thefacthe’sroughlythesizeofaphallus,imaginethepossibilities!We’retalkinglovehere!”

Peastroletoutalaughandthenstoppedquickly,notwantingtoexasperateMacre.Macrethensaid,”

Morn,”thenshepulledherpantiesdownrevealingherbottom,”getrealthereisn’tavulgarinchonmy

entirebody.Notasinglenoticeableflaw,”saidMacreasshesmiledandstareddownMorn.“NowI

lookatyouandIfeeltherelationshipthatyouhadwithPeastrowasbornoutofconvenience.Notso

muchlove.YouandIbothknowthattheexactsecondyouturnyourbackPeastrowillberavishingmy

body,againandagain.”

Mornsaid,”Iloveyourtheories,I’dlovetogetthemdownonpap…”thenshepunchedMacreinthe

mouth.

MacrelungedforwardandgrabbedMornbythehairandyankedherheadtotheside.Whereby

Mornwrappedherhandsaroundherwaistandpulledhertotheground.

Macreshouts,”Getthistrampoffofme!”

Peastroslowlystartstopullthemapart.

“Notyet,Peastro,givemeasecond!”shoutedMornasshekickedMacreinthebutt.

ThenMornputherforearmonMacre’sbreastsandpinnedhertotheground.Thenshekissedheron

thelipsandsaid,”That’sasclosetohislipsasyou’reevergoingtoget,sosavoritonyourwayhome,

Densk!”

ADenskisanextremelyamorousandclumsyformofbeetle,whichisknowntosleepinitsown

droppings.Thereareveryfewworsethings,forawoman,tobecalledinthegalaxy.

Peastroseparatesthe2womenandthensaysboldly,”I’msorry,Macre,butorgasmatatouchI’ve

readitandthereareseveralflawsinyourtechnique.Iwasn’tgoingtobringitup,butIbelieveintotal

honesty.”

MornstartslaughingandthenMacresaysangrily,”Iamnothereforridicule,Peastro.Whatever

bondyouhavewithMorndoesn’tentitleyoutomockme.Iwillnotbemadeafool.”

“Understood,”saidPeastrowithanod,”wewouldstilllovetohaveyouasourguestplease.”

Macrecaughtherbreathandthensaidsoftly,”Iwill,buttherewillnotbeanotherviolationonmy

bodyortheconsequenceswillbedire,”andthenshesayssternly,“Whoeverattackswillincurmywrath

andmyarmies’wrathyouhavebeenwarned.”

“Therewon’tbeanother,”saidPeastroquickly.

Morndidnotsayanythingshejustnoddedandlookedaway.Thefourofthemmadetheirwayto

Bovashanksstudy.BovashanksstudyiswhereallthegreatNorwritingsarekeptandwhereMornand

Peastrofavoreating.

Itisasmallroomwith2levels.Thewallsarefilledwithbooksthatareaccessiblebyfloatingchairs.

Thereisatriangleshapedtablemadeofivorythathasredsilkcoveredchairsateachside.Thecenter

ofthetablethereisafoodelevator,wherethedifferentcoursesriseupevery10minutes.

Peastro,Morn,andMacresatdownintheirrespectiveseatsandOalitlwalkedaroundthetable

admiringthefirstcourse.ThereisbakedGits’headwithanalmondglaze.Therearemashedhoney

potatoesandapairofMemfishforeachperson.AndtodrinkthereisicecoldTazopop,adelicious

Norbeverage.

MorntakesasipfromherTazopopandasks,”Whatisitlikeonyourplanet,asfarasrelations

betweenthepeopleandtheirruler?”

“OnRernon,”saidMacreassheswallowsaMemfish,”mypeopleacceptthatmyjudgment

concerningtheirneedsisinfallible.Theyknowthatmygraspoftheirdesiresisunequaled.”

“HowdidyoubecometherulerofRernon?”asksPeastrowarmlyashelookedatMacre.

“IwasbornwiththedivinemembraneknownasKetilypores.Thescientistsdeterminedeonsago

thatdivinityisabirthright.TheydevelopedaseriesofteststoidentifytheseKetilyporesandenhance

thelivesoftheircarriers.WhenIwasbornIhadthelargestamountofKetilyporesinthehistoryof

Rernon,”saidMacreplainlyasshetriedtheGits’Head.

“That’sfascinating,onmyhomeworldofSrasObliquetherearenosuchtests.Theybelievethat

yourascensionwillidentifyyoutothetrulydivine,”saidPeastroashetuggedathischinbeard.

“Extraordinary,ifyoudon’tmindmeinquiringhowlongwasitbeforeyouwereidentified?”asks

Macrewarmly.

“Iwas3yearspassesanditwascompletelyhappenstancethatithappened,”explainedPeastroashe

grinned.“WhenIthinkofmyascensionitforcesmetoacceptthattheBuilderhasaplanforme.

There’salsoapartofmethatfeelsasenseofterror,becausemylifecouldhaveeasilygoneadifferent

direction,”saidPeastroashestaredathisglassofTazopop.

“Butseethat’sthething,apartofyoubelievesthatthereisluckinvolved.Wheninrealityyoursoul

wouldn’tletyouacceptthatitwasaneventuality.Adivineentityhurlsitselftowardsitsfateonan

engineofinsecurity.Itwasalwaysthis,”saidMacreasshesatbackinherseatanddrapedherlegover

thearmrest.

Thesecondcoursepoppedupthroughthecenterofthetable.Itwasanassortmentofdessertsfrom

cakestopiestofriedicecreamfilledwithberries.ThereisalsoathickchocolatepuddingwithaTeTe

garnish.

TeTebirdsaresmallbirds,thesizeofagolfball,thathavesugaryrichmeatandfeathers.

AlsowiththesecondcoursecametheMesidichbrandy.

Mesidichbrandyisaflavorfulandpotentasanyalcoholyouwouldeverdrink.Ithasadelayed

effectthatstarts20minutesareyoustartdrinkingit.

“Nowforthemaincourse,”saidMornasshethrewbackaglassofMesidich.

MacretookawhifffromtheMesidich,thentookadrinkandsmilesandsaid,”Certainlyworththe

trip.IbroughtsomethingforyouitisatreasurefromRernon.ItisknownasVidid’sUrn,”thensheset

asmalleggonthetable.

JustthenMornfeltherfirststriketriggerkickin.ShesensedMacre’smurderousintent.Shelifted

herglasstohermouthandthenaskedcalmly,”Whatdoesitdo?”

“Touchitandfindout,”saidMacrewithasmile.

PeastrolookedatMornandgrinnedknowinglyandthenlookedatMacreandsaid,”Nothankyou,

Vidid’sUrnshallremainamystery.”

“Iwasn’tasking!”shoutedMacreasshereachedfortheVidid’surn.

AsshedidPeastroandMornlevitatedupabovethetable.MacrethrewVidid’sUrnatMornandjust

missedherfoot.WhenVidid’surnhitthegroundanenormousredskinnedwolf-likeanimalcalleda

Killorappearedfrominsidetheurn.

MacregotontheKillor’sbackandjumpedontothetable.TheKillorsnarledandgnasheditsteethat

PeastroandMorn.PeastroandMorncontinuedtolevitate.

MacreandKillorsprungintotheairatMorn.PeastroseesthisanduseshisCoretoeyeandlooksinto

theKillor’sheart,blinkinghiseyeandburstingtheKillor’sheart.

MacreandtheKillorfalltothefloorbelow.Macrejumpsupandrunsathyperspeedoutofthe

room.Peastrofiresaballofradiationather,butheistoolate.HeandMornraceafterMacre,butas

theygetoutsidetheyseeheralreadyboardinghership.Theywatchashershipshootsoutoftheir

atmosphere.Beforeitdoesitdropsastreamofpinkenvelopes.Mornpicksoneupanditreads,”In

case,”ontheoutside.Whensheopensitupitreads,”Peastro,Ifyou’rereadingthisthenshehasher

clawsinyouprettydeep.You’reallIeverwantedandmyloveforyouwillneverend.Expectmynext

visittobealittlelessformal,loveMacre.”

“Whatdoyouthinkshemeansbythatlastpart?”asksMornanxiouslyasshetakesinadeepbreath.

“Whoknowsthatwomaniscapableofanything,”saidPeastroashelookedatMorn,“Besttokeep

oureyesupandourwitsaboutus.I’llhaveGeneralStramstartrunningcontingencies,”saidPeastroas

hescratchedhisforehead.

“She’swise…thewholespectrumoftreacheryisatherdisposal.Ihaveafeelingaboutherandmy

concernsarewarranted,”saidMornassheembracedPeastro.

2weekswentbyandstillnosignofMacre.Peastrohopedshewouldcometohersensesandleave

himbe.HejustwantedtobeallowedtoruleoverGoldvawithoutanycomplicationsfromMacre.

ItisnightonGoldvaandtheskyislitteredwithCalfes.Calfesareaseriesofburstinggaspockets

thatcreatealivingsky.Theycreatebeautifulshardsoflightthatexplodecontinuously.TheCalfes

comeeveryyearatthebeginningofthesummer.

TheyarenamedafterDr.MicharCalfe,whoisrenownedforhisscientificdiscoveriesand

understanding.Heisthefirsttotheorizethatifaholecanbepunchedinawallthenaholecouldbe

punchedinadimension,ifyouhadtherighttoolstodoso.

Hemarries9timesandhas62childrenwhoheselftaughtandmentoreduntilhisdeath.Manyofhis

childrenwentontoworkathisinstituteandcontinuehisresearch.HisyoungestsonColCalfeis

consideredthepremierlifeactoronGoldva.Hehastheentirespectrumofemotionsathiscommand.

Hisfilm,“SeeSaid,”isthemostpopularfilmonGoldva.Ithasestablishedhimasitsmostbeloved

actor.

Chapter16

ThePahaWaveBamve

PeastroisbeingdriveninhisEetlejeepandheisblastingHawbirdswiththeMormotechnique.

Eetlejeeps’havewheelsthatare15feetabovethegroundandablackredstrippedchasse.Theyhave

brightredflashinglightsonallfoursidesandtheEetle’swheelsbounceandsway,buttheoccupants

stayperfectlylevel.

TheHawbirdsthatPeastroishuntingare8feettall,whitefeatherswithbluefacesandmenacing

teeth.TheHawbirdsdon’tflytheyjumprepeatedly.Theyhurlthemselves40feetintheairwithevery

leap..

PeastroracesaftertheHawthroughtheBeysswamp,theHawjumpovertheEetleastheydrive

along.OneknocksoffPeastro’sbluehat.PeastroshootstheHawinthebuttandshouts,”Don’tmess

withthePreMa.”

Peastro’sEetleblaststhroughamudwaterfallandcontinuestochasetheHawthroughBeysswamp.

ThentheHawjumpsintoatreeandtriestohideunderthebranches.Peastroseesthisandmotionsfor

thedrivertostop.PeastroolevitatesuptowheretheHawishiding.HelookstheHawintheeyeand

saysjokingly,”Funnyusbothherelikethis.”

PeastrosmilesandblaststheHawinthefacewiththeMormotechnique,sendingitsfeathersflyingin

everydirection.TheHawisloadedontothebackoftheEetlewithfourotherstheyhavekilled.Peastro

sayssmugly,”Haw,youransofarandsofastthatI’vedecidedtohaveyouasmyguestfordinner.

We’llhaveloadstotalkabout.”

WhentheyarrivebackatFoivcastlethereisacrowdofpeoplestandingoutinfront.Menand

womenarecryingandlookveryemotional.PopaturnwalksuptoPeastroandsays,”PreMa,there’s

beenaterribleaccident.Thereisnowaybutjusttosayit,Mornisdead.”

“WHAT!Howdidithappen?Who’sresponsible?!”shoutPeastrodefiantly.

“PreMa,Peastro,itwasnoone’sfault.Shewasexercisingandherbedroomceilingcollapsed,

killingherinstantly.Iassureyoushedidnotsuffer,”saidPopaturnearnestlyasheputhishandon

Peastro’sshoulder.

Peastrosuddenlyfeelslightheadedandsicktohisstomach.Hestartstosweatprofusely,histhoughts

race,andhestartsshakingviolently.

“OhBuilder,Popaturn,thisishorriblenews.Shewastheairinmylungs.She…Ineedtoseeheras

sheis,rightnow!”saidPeastroashelookedatthecrowdthathadgathered.

“Ofcourse,”saidPopaturnasheledPeastrointothecastleandthensaid,”They’rekeepingthebody

secureinthestudy.”

TheyrantothestudyandastheydidPeastrohadtofighttokeepittogether.Heknewhewantedto

seeher,butdidn’tknowwhatitwoulddotohimemotionally.Thecorridorislinedwithtearsoaked

facesandastheygottothestudyPeastrostoppedbeforeentering.

HewalksinandseesMorn’sbodylyingonthetable.Herheadisintact,buthertorsoandlegsare

crushedandmangled.Peastrowalksovertoherandkissesheronthelips.Hestartscryingand

shouts,”MORN,mysunrise…Mornmygloriouslove!Howcouldthishappen!”andthenhe

whispers,”Iwillrageinyourmemory,”ashetookherbodyinhisarms.

ThefollowingdayMorn’sbodywaspreparedfortheGonvyceremony.TheGonvyceremonytakes

placeatAerialexTower.

AerialexTowerisalargespirethatstretchesathousandfeetintotheair.It’swallsarecoveredwith

ornatecarvingsofpreviousbattlestheNorhavefoughtandwon.

WhatistotakeplaceistheCreMa’sbodyisplacedonabedofflowers.Herprizedpossessionsare

placedaroundher.ThePreMawillescortherremainstothecylindricalhearth.ThenPeastrowilltake

onelastlookather.Thebodyisthenliftedhighabovethecrowdbelowandasingleshotofwhitehot

firewillvaporizeherbody.Thisleavesasinglepuffofsmokerisingtoasmallopeningintheroofand

thenvanishes.

PeastroarrivesatAerialexTowerandseesalargecrowdofNormournershavegatheredoutside.He

looksatthefacesandseeshowgriefstrickentheyare.Manyaresobbingandholdingtighttoone

another.Peastrolooksatonewomanwhomouthsthewords,”Itwillbeok.”Thistoucheshisheartand

hemustersupasmuchofasmileashecanforher.Helightsupacigaretteandlevitatesabovethe

crowdandsmokes.Hefloatsthereandspinsgentlyashetakesadragwiththelightshiningallaround

him.

“DamnitMorn…theBuildergotgreedyforyou.Ijustneededtoseeyouagain,that’sall.Onemore

smile,Morn,maybeanother10minuteconversationthatstretchedallday,”saidPeastrosoftlyashe

tookadragandexhaled,”NowmyloveislostandIamaloneagain.Idon’tknowhowIdiditbefore,I

worryIcan’tdoitnow,Morn.WheredoestheTsungowhenitshiding?Ithoughtwe’dfindout

together…butyoubeatmetoit,ahh.”

PeastroputsouthiscigaretteonthesideoftheAerialexTowerandfloatsgentlydowntotheground.

HewalksinsideandgoesrightuptoMorn’sbody.Heguidesthebodyovertothehearth.Peastroleans

inandlicksMorn’slipsandsaysashestartstoweep,”Inevergaveyouanythingyouhadn’talready

givenme.Morn,youweremyhope.”

PeastrostepsbackandwalksoutofAerialexTower.BehindhimMorn’sbodyisvaporizedandthe

puffofsmokepopsoutthroughtheroofandtheGonvyceremonyisover.

Peastrodecideshedoesn’twanttoseeorhearanyonefor27days.Hehashismealsslidunderthe

doorandnooneisallowedtocomeanywherenearhim.Heemptiestheentirecastleofeveryone

exceptforonechef.Hespendsthefirstweekonlyleavinghisbedtoworkoutinthemorning,eat,bath,

andgotothebathroom.Helaysthereinthatbedmotionlessandfeelsuncontrollableguilt.

Howcouldhehaveletthishappenhethought?EvenhisdreamsareofMornandthisterrifieshim.

Thesecondweekhestartsrandomlyblastingholesinthewalls,withtheMormotechnique,andtorches

thegarden.Hestillrefusestospeakortoseeanyone,hisguiltbecomesanger.Thensuddenlyonthe

18thdayhisachingabruptlysubsides.HesummonsallhisservantsbacktoFoivcastle.Thenhesetsup

ameetingwithPopaturninwhatisleftofthegarden.

“Popaturn,Iknowyouthinktalkingaboutmypainwillinsomewayhelp,butthisianotthecase.

WhatIhavedecidedtodoistoselfanalyzeuntilitisnolongerrequired.AllkiddingasideIknowme

betterthananyone,Iwillfindabridge,”saidPeastrosternlyashetuggedathissleeve.“Inregardsto

Morn’smemoryIwantitmadelawthateveryNorspeakhernameinpublictwicedaily.Andhaveit

spokeninaspiritedfashionasshecertainlywouldhaveliked.Iwanta300footstatueofhererectedin

frontofFoivcastleandIwantitmadefromredmarbleandwithhaste.Isthereanythingyoudon’t

understand?”asksPeastroashepokesPopaturn’schest.

“No,PreMa,Icompletelyunderstandanditwillbecarriedouttocompletion,”saidPopaturnashe

bowedhishead.

“Great,getawayfromme,”saidPeastroasheslappedPopaturn’scheek.

Popaturnhurriedoutofthegarden.PeastrolevitatedflatonhisbackandsippedsomeGoostea.

GoosteaismadefromastashofancienttealeavesreservedespeciallyforthePreandCreMa,andpack

aseriouspunch.

Peastrolaysthereandheseesamilkygreenlightstretchacrossthesky.Thegreenlightcompletely

envelopesthecastleandthecountryside.Popaturnrunsbackintothegardenandsays,”He’shere

again.”

“Who’shere?”asksPeastroashestandsupstraight.

“PahaWavehe’sanotoriousprankster.ThisisonlythebeginningI’mafraid,”saidPopaturnflatly.

Thenamanwearingonlyasmileflewinonaredsurfboardwithajetpack.

“PahaWave,”saidPeastroimplyingaquestion.

“YesPahacomeseveryyearorsoandrunsrampantthroughthecountryside.He’sVitorian,hehails

fromtheplanetVitorneartheUnassblackhole.Lasttimehewasheretherewereatadozen

pregnancies,”saidPopaturnashewatchedPahadoingaerialsonhissurfboard.

“Really,”saidPeastro.

“I’mafraidso,onVitortheydon’tbelieveinmarriage.Soyoucanimaginethesortsofthingsthat

takeplacethere.”

“Huh,”saidPeastroashemarvelsatPaha’saerials.

“Yesit’sanextremelyhedonisticsociety.You’dbehardpressedtofindanyonewearingclothingof

anykind.Pahaspecificallyisagentlesoul,he’sjustaproductofhisculture,”saidPopaturn.

PeastrowavestoPahaandthensays,”Iunderstandcompletely,well…I’malwaysinthemoodfora

laugh.Whenhe’sdonewithhisflipsandspinshavehimfindhiswaytome.”

“Mostassuredly,PreMa,”saidPopaturn.

PeastrowavedasPahaflewhighintotheairandshotfireworksfromhisboardthatexplodedintothe

word,”Yeah.”Heflewintoacrowdedmarketplaceandpattedafewwomenonthebuttasheflewby.

Hestoppedandstartedkissingtwowomen.Peastrolaughedatthisandsaid,”Beforewemeetmake

surehislegsfindtheirwayintosometrousers.I’llbeontheobservationdeck.”

“Icangetpantsonhim,I’mjustnotsureiftheystay,”saidPopaturn.

“Theyhadbetter,”saidPeastroashewalksintothecastle.

PopaturnroundedupPahaandgothimadequateclothing.PahabeingaVitorianhasdarkskinand

flowingblondehair.HehasfeaturesofapuppydogandisconsideredveryhandsomebytheNor

women.Heistoneandmuscularandhasaworkingtelevisionattachedtoeachshoulder.Footagefrom

alltheplaceshehasbeenconstantlyplaysoneach.Aroundhisneckisanecklaceoftinyfurryteddy

bears.Aroundhiswaistisaskintightgoldnecklacethatadherestotheskin.

Theobservationdeckisfilledwithhologramsofeveryknownplanetandcivilization.Theroom

itselfis2footballfieldslongandsquareinshape.Oneachofthewallsarepedestalswithlivingstatues

ofthegreatNorexplorers.ThemostfamousofwhichisMidicamWhook.Hediscoveredandsettled

Goldvaover200,000yearsago.HenameditGoldvaafterhislatemotherGoldvaWhook.Whenhis

shiparrivedatGoldvahiscrewof20,000likeditsomuchtheydecidedtostaypermanently.Thename

oftheirshipistheNor10,hencetheybecametheNor.TheplanettheyoriginatedfromDelds,never

heardfromthemagain.

AsPopaturnandPahaWaveentertheobservationdecktheyseePeastrolevitatingonhisback.

Peastroisafewfeetabovethegroundandsmokingacigarette.PaharanandjumpedoverPeastroand

thensaid,”Ithoughtitwasropes.That’saniceone,PreMa.”

“Thankyou,Paha,Ihopeyou’llsaveafewwomenfortherestofus,”saidPeastroashesmoked.

Pahasmilesandsaysapologetically,”I’mtrulysorryaboutthebabies,Ijustlostmyconcentrationat

thelastsecond.”

“Don’ttriflewithit,wecoulduseafewmorePahaWave’sintheworld.Goldvatakesherselfalittle

tooseriousmostTsuns.So,Paha,whatdoyouthinkaboutwhenyou’redoingthosemaneuversinthe

air?”asksPeastroashesitsinmid-airwithhislegscrossed.

“That’sthethingIdon’tthinkatall.It’sjustmeandmyboardslicingthroughtheatmosphere.Iget

uptheresometimeandIcanseeBamveragingbesideme,”saidPahaashesatIndianstyleonthefloor.

“Bamve,I’mnotfamiliarwiththatterm.Whatdoesitreferto?”asksPeastrointentlyashegrins.

“OnourworldisadocumentedbeliefinabeingknownasBamve.Thereareoverahundredpictures

ofhiminexistenceandImyselfhaveseenhimseveraltimes.WhatwebelieveBamveis…isabeing

beyondourcomprehension.He’ssomeonewhocandancebetweenthelivingandthepassed.”

PeastrolookedquizzicallyatPahaandthenmotionedforhimtocontinue.

“Bamvelovestoshowupunexpected.AweekagoIwasoutforarideandheappearedontopofmy

board.He’sbluewithredhair,redeyes,andredteeth.He’saboutahandshorterthanIam,”explained

Bahahappilyasheusedhishandtoillustrate.“Hedancedforafewmomentsthenhesaidtome…Paha

forcesareconverginginyourgalaxythatwillleadtoamassivechangetoeverythingyou’veever

known.Ifyouhadatripyou’dbeensavingwaitnomore.Yourrealityisabouttoshiftsobemindful

andlimber,”saidPahacoldly.

“Isthatwhyyou’reherenow?IsitbecauseofBamve?”asksPeastroasheturnshisheadtotheside

andthensticksouthistongue.

“Yes,PreMa,IhadtoseeGoldvaagainincaseofatravesty.Ialwayslovedithere,”saidPahaashe

ranhisfingersnervouslythroughhishair.

PeastrolooksatPahanotquitesurewhattothinkaboutwhathesaid.HewonderedifPahais

workinghimassomesortofprank.

“Bamveeh,I’veseesomeoddrealities.ThisBamvechangesthingsalittle.I’mfascinatedbythis

Bamve.Let’shopeheshowshisfaceandlet’skeepoureyestotheskyfortrouble.Butenoughabout

that,Iwouldguessthatyou’rehungry,yes?”asksPeastroashestandsupandoffershishand.

“Veryhungry,thankyou,”saidPahaashegrabbedPeastro’shand.

Chapter17

TheColossusofRem

The3rddayofPahaWave’svisittoGoldvaisrudelyinterruptedbyafigureofamaninfrontoftheT

sun.EveryoneonGoldva,andalltheotherplanetsundertheTsun,sawtheshadowofathiseerie

figure.Wordspreadlikewildfiretoeveryheartandmind.WhenPeastroseesithisheartskipsabeat

andhedropshismorningcoffee.Hesaysindisbelief,”Idon’tknowwhatthatis,butitwantsusto

know.Preparethefleetandeverysoldierwe’vegot.Makeithappen!”

“It’sdonetwobreathsago,”saidGeneralStramashehurriesoffthebalconywheretheywereeating

breakfast.

Peastrostaresattheeeriefigureinaweatitsapparentsize.“IsittheBuilder,isita…robot?Whatin

theTeriousareyou?”asksPeastrosoftlytohimself.

ThefiguremovesawayfromtheTsunandstartsflyingrandomlyaroundthesky.Peastropraysit

willleaveandnevercomeback.Hisemotionsaretatteredandhestartssweatingbuckets.Thefigure

turnsandmakesabeelineforGoldva.Itissofaraway,butstillcanbeonGoldvainadayPeastro

thinks.

Peastrorunsintothecastleandmakesfortheobservationdeck.Onceinsideheseesthegiantrobot

ononeofthehologramsoftheouterrim.Hegaspsandsays,”It’sacolossus,myBuilderit’sthesizeof

themoon.Who’scontrollingitandwhatcanwedotostopyouifanything…thisistroublesome.”

ThecolossuskickedoneoftheplanetJoep’smoonsasitpassedby.ThissentachilldownPeastro’s

spine.HewatchesthecolossusengagetheJoepfleet.Theyblastrocketafterrocketandithasno

effect.Thecolossususesitsgianthandstocrushtheirbattleshipswithonegiantswoop.

Theirfighterjetsfarenobetter.Thecolossusshootslaserbeamsfromitsmouthandvaporizesthem.

Itgrabsahandfuloftheirfighterjets,crushingthemintoaballandthrowingitatJoep.Thiscreateda

craterinthesurfaceandfilledtheatmospherewithdustanddebris.Andstillitadvancedtowards

Goldva.

Peastrowatchesasneighboringworld’sfleetsjoininthebattle,buttheyarequicklysubdued.Peastro

noticedthatthecolossuscurlsitskneesinwardwhenitisfiredupon.Hesaysslyly,”Whywouldyou

dothat?Whatareyouprotecting?Ithinkyouhaveasecret.”

Hequicklyhurriedtothehangarbay.Heflewdownthecorridorandlevitatedintohispersonal

battleshipandracedintotheRerniRealm.AdmiralPoptopGrenningsiswaitinginside.

AdmiralPoptopis5feet11inchestallwithverybroadshoulders.Hisskinisgreenandhishairis

whitewithredstreaksandcutintoaMohawk.Hiseyesaredullandorangeincolor.Hehasseveral

earringsineachearthatdangleandswatwhenhewalks.Eachofthemdepictsadifferentphaseofthe

Tsun.Hismouthalwaysappearstobeslightlysmiling.Healsohasascarabovehislip.Heiswearing

ablackandgreenstrippedjacketthathasminiaturerobotsreenactingafamousNorbattle,theyareina

glasscaseonthefront.OneachshoulderofthejacketisthewordMehave,aslangtermthatmeans,”

Totakethemwithyou.”

Peastrowalksovertohimandsays,”AdmiralPoptop,Isawapotentialflawinthecolossus.I

believethathemayhaveaweaknessinhismidsectionorgroinregion.”

“She,”saidAdmiralPoptopashetookapufffromhiscigarette,”shemayhaveaweakness.”

“Whatdoyoumeanshe?”asksPeastroashegrinsrubsthebackofhishead.

“It’sMacre,shesentusthismessageforyouafewmomentsbeforeyoucamein,”saidPoptopashe

pressedabuttonontheforwardcomputer.

AhologramofMacrewearingaredbikiniappearedinfrontofPeastroandsaidinasultryvoice,”Mt

love,myyearning,Peastro.WhenmyheartwasrejectedbyyouIbecomemorose,toputitmildly.A

heartisafunnythingitcan’tbefeedrejectionfortoolongoritperishes.IloveyouIneedyouandI

musthaveyouormyheartwon’tbeat,”saidMacretearfullyasshepressedherbreastsforward.“I

knowIcanfillyourmindwithpassion.Wecouldtrulybethatmissingpieceinbothourlives.Ihave

cometoacrossroadandIhavereachedadecision,”saidMacresternlyasshebattedhereyes.“My

gloriousrobotfriendRemandIareonourwaytoGoldva.Whenwearrivetomorrowyouwillhave2

choicestochoosefrom.One…youcancomeaboardRemandcomebackwithmeasweenjoyalove

andgodhoodbeyondcomprehension.Orchoice2…mydearfriendRemwilllaywastetoeveryperson

onGoldvaandyouwillbetakentoRernonbyforce.Eitherwayyou’recomingwithme.Iwon’tlet

ourpotentialdualascensionbeputinjeopardy,becauseyoucan’tcommit!Sothinkitovermylove.

Thereareworsefatesformen,”saidMacreassheslowlyputherhandsonherbreastsandsmiled.

“Hmm…asIwassayingIthinkI’vefoundaweaknessinRem’sdefenses,”saidPeastroquickly.

“Youdon’twanttoconsiderheroffer?”askedAdmiralPoptop.

“Welllet’ssee,she’sbeautiful,smart,andnottoolongsheattemptedtomurderme.I’mstillgonna

pass,Admiral.Let’sbehonestwhatdoyouthinkMacrewoulddothefirsttimeIcrossedher.Ithink,

andI’mafairlywiseman,Iwouldprobablyendupasaseriesofsteaks.Probablynotsomuch

garnish,”saidPeastrosmoothlyashedancedinagoofyfashion.

AdmiralPoptoplaughsandasks,”Okthen…what’sourplanofattack,PreMa?”

PeastrowalksovertothehologramofRemandpointsandsays,”ThisareahereIbelieveis

vulnerable.AcoordinatedstrikecouldbringRemtohisknees.Orinthiscasegethimbeforehegets

here.”

AdmiralPoptopnodsandsays,”I’llalertthefleet.We’llbereadywhenshegetshere.”

PeastrogoestohissleepingquartersinRerniRealmandlaysdowninandreplayshisdaybriefly.He

fantasizesaboutwhatifhedidactuallygowithMacre.Helikestosometimeexplorepossiblenegative

scenariosjusttounderstandhisownthoughtprocesses.Thenhespendsanhourenvisioningthe

followingdays’possibleoutcomes.HeprepareshimselffortheshowdownwithMacre.Hefallsasleep

inthemiddleofathoughtandawakeswiththatverythoughtinhishead.

Thebulkofthefleethasmadeallthenecessarypreparations.Alltheycandonowiswaitandhope.

RemisnowbearingdownonGoldva.InsideRerniRealmMacre’shologramappearsinfrontof

PeastroandAdmiralPoptop.Sheiswearingafleshcoloredspandexsuitandasilvernecklace.Macre

smilesandasks,”Peastro,heartofallhearts…Ineedtoknowrightnow.Areyoucomingbackwithme

tobemyLoveyesorno?”

Peastrolooksatherandwaveshishandandsaysflatly,”No,Densk.”

MacreletsoutascreamandasshedoestheNorfleetattacksRem.Theyfireeverymissileand

cannontheyhadathim.Remstayscurledupintoaball.ThefirstNorassaulthasdoneonlyminimal

damage.WithReminaballtheyareunabletodamagehimandPeastroknowsthis.Heshoutsto

AdmiralPoptop,”SendintheBrons!”

ThebattleshipsandMoiTidestroyersstopfiringandthehangardoorsopen.Thenthousandsof

BronsjumpoutandontoRem,whoisstillcurledupinaball.TheBronsstartpunchingintoRemand

destroyinghisoutershell.

RemuncurlsandbasheseveryBroninhisreach.Therestofthefleetstartsamassiveassault.They

takedeadaimatRem’sgroinandstomach.Remstartstoglowredandorangefromtheblasts.The

BronskeepsmashingandtearingRemtopieces.Rem’sheaddetachesandracesawayatunbelievable

speed.

“Runfarawaylittlegirl,”saysPeastrosnidelyashelaughstohimself.

ThebodyofRemstartstosplinteroff,piecesofitflyineverydirection.

“HowdidyouknowwecoulddefeatRem?”asksAdmiralPoptop.

“I’mthePreMaI’mexpectedtoknow.TheproblemisMacreisstilloutthere.Wecouldchaseher,

butthatcouldleadtoatrap.Ihaveafeelingshe’lldriftbackbycomeanotherTsun.She’swiseand

herpeoplearewise.ThatRemwassubstantial,couldhavebeenamuchgreaterthreat…warsarefor

winning,”saidPeastroashesippedsomeBorcowinehehadbeensaving.

TwoweekslaterPeastro,Paha,andOalitlwentoutforaswimatContagoBluff.

ContagoBluffisanintricateseriesofwaterslidesthatstretchformiles.Theyhaverestareasevery

quartermileoftheslide.Theydothissoyoucangrababiteandkeepsliding.

Oalitltakesabitefromhiscookieandsays,”ThisisthemostfunI’veeverhad.Icouldslideallday

andnevergettired.”

“Youaren’tkiddin’,boytheseslidesaregrand,”saidPeastroashelaybackinthewater.

“Youaredeadrightwiththat.WhatagreatdaymightIaddgorgeous,”saidPahaasheatea

barbecuesandwich.

Peastrowalksuptotheedgeoftheslideandsays,”Isaylet’sleaveourworriesbehindus.Westill

havesomegroundtocoverbeforewemaketheend,solet’skeepmoving,”

“Yougotit,”saidOalitlbrightlyasheeatsaGordod,whichisafruitsimilartoagrape.

“Rightandright,”saidPahaashescoutedoutthewomendownbelow.

PeastrojumpedontotheslidewithOalitlonhisstomach.Pahawasn’tfarbehind.Theyslidthrough

severalmilesofGoldva’scountrysideandpastmanyvillagesandtowns.Thesidesofthewaterslideare

see-throughmakingiteasytotakeitallin.

Afterafewhoursofslidingtheycametoagiantwavepoolthatwasfilledwithflashinglightsanda

signthatread,”Halfwayhome.”ThiswastheendofContagoBluffandthepoolwasfilledwithother

sliders,mostofwhichjustfloatedonthesidesofthepoolastheywerewornout.

Thereisafloatingbarandrestaurantinthecenterofthepool.Peastro,Paha,andOalitlswamoverto

itandgrabbedastool.TheycalleditM.C.Fin’ssnackandsip.Peastrosatthereexhausted,Paha

tappedhisshoulderandpointedtoadarkhairedwomanafewstoolsover.Shewaswearingablacksilk

bikini.

Peastrolookedatherandwasblownawayathowbeautifulsheis,butalsohowmuchshelookedlike

GrenaTime.Hecouldn’tbelievetheresemblance.Shehadthesameeyes,hair,andeventhesame

aura.Hecouldn’ttakehiseyesoffofherasshesippedherdrink.Thenshepulledherhairfromher

faceandhisheartskippedabeat.

Sheglancedoverathimandsmiledslightly.Peastrosmiledbackandthenwalkedovertoherand

asked,”Youknowit’salonelyworldoutthere,wouldyouratherbealone?”

Culbylaughedandthenshesaidquietly,”Iwouldnot,PreMa.Iwouldloveifyousatdown.AndI

wouldespeciallylikeitifyousatinmyorbit.Icouldusethebodyheat.”

“Iwouldlovetositinyourinnerorbit,”saidPeastrohappilyashesatdownbesideCulbyand

touchedhershouldersandsaid,”IforgotthateveryoneknowswhoIambeingthePreMaandall.I

wouldpreferitthoughifyoucalledmePeastro.AndwhatshouldIcallyou?

“Well,Peastro,IamCulbyMosem,”saidCulbyassheofferedherhandandthenshesaid,”Ihaveto

tellyouIamsorryaboutyourloss.EveryonelovedMorn,shewasastunningCreMaandher

passionatespiritwillneverdie.”

“IappreciatethatMornwouldhaveappreciatedyoursentiment.ShewasallIeverwanted,itwas

hardtoloseherImustconfess,”saysPeastrosomberlyasheplayswithCulby’sglasstoher

amusement.

CulbyputsherarmaroundPeastroandsays,”Youhaven’tlosthersoul,onlyherbody.Nooneon

Goldvawilleverbemorethan5momentsfromhermemory.”

AblueberryvodkaarrivesinfrontofPeastro,henods,thensipshisdrinkandsays,”Youknow,

Culby,IfeelIhavesomedistancefromMorn’sdeathnow.Ihaven’tforgottenobviously…”

“Noofcoursenot,”saidCulby.

“…butit’sanewmindsetIhavenow.I’mreadytoloveagain.WhoknowIcouldfallinlovewith

you,someotherTsun,”saysPeastrohonestlyasheexaminesCulby’shands.

“WellIwon’tlietoyouI’velovedyoufromafar.IbelievetheBuilderguidesuspeopletogether

sometimes.Imeanherewebothare,atthisplace.AplaceI’veneverbeenbeforeandtoday,andonly

onawhim,”saysCulbyinadrytoneassheflashesasmile.

Peastrolooksatherandwantstokissherwitheveryfiberofhisbeing,sohedoes.Heputshishands

gentlyonherneckandconsumesherwithakiss.Culbyhadhopedhe’dkissherandunleashesher

wantinginakiss.AfteralongpassionatekissPeastrosays,”It’susthen.”

“Itisforaslongaswedrawbreath,”saidCulbystronglyassherunsherfingersalongPeastro’slips.

“Ican’tgothroughanotherCreMaceremonyrightnow.Idon’tknowwhatyourfeelingsareon

that,”saysPeastropointedlyashetickleshisglassofvodka.

“Idon’twanttheCreMa.Ijustwantyou,allofyou,”saidCulbyasshewrapperherarmsaround

Peastro’swaist.

“Thenyoushall,”saysPeastroconfidentlyandthenhekissedherandsaid,”haveitall.Butit’snot

allprettytolookat.Iamacompletelyhonestbeing,sodon’tholdmyhonestyagainstme.”

“Never!”saidCulbyquickly.“Ihavenotolerancefordeception,Peastro.Givemeamilliontruths

withjaggededgesandI’llembracethemall.”

PeastrotoldPahaandOalitlthathewasgoingtospendsometimewithCulbyandthattheyshouldgo

onwithouthim.PahaandOalitlcaughtatransportbacktoFoivcastle,whilePeastroandCulbywentto

herapartmentnearby.Theymadeloveforseveralhoursandstayedupallnighttalkingabouttheir

lives.InthemourningtheyhadalightbreakfastthenwentforawalkinsidetheImatron.

TheImatronisalargebuildingwhereyoucangoandhaveahologramofyourselfmade.Thenyou

canchangeanddistortitanywayyouwant.Youcanmanipulatethehologramwithaninteractive

headpiece.Youcaninteractwithyourhologramswithease.Itisconsideredafavoriteattractionfor

recreationamongtheNor.Afteryouhavecreatedyourhologramitwillenteragridwithalltheother

holograms.Thenallbetsareoff!

PeastroandCulbyenterthefashioningboothandtherearebasichologramsofthemselvesbeing

made.Peastrohashisnosestretchedoutto4feetlongandhishairsolongthatistiedaroundhiswaist.

Culbyseesthisandlaughsthensays,”Hmmnicelook.”

Culbyhasherhologram’sbuttmade10timeslargerthannormalandherhairmadeoffeathers.

Peastroseesthisandsmilesashesays,”Stillstunningfeathersandall.Andthatbacksidewillcomein

handyinafight.Youcansitonseven,maybeeightsoldierseasy.I’mgonnacallGeneralStram,he

needstohearaboutthis.”

CulbyelbowsPeastrointhesidegentlyandsays,”You’reterrible.Whoknowsmaybeinanother2

yearsthat’swheremybuttwillbe.Ijustwantedyoutoknowwherewe’reheading.”

PeastrolooksatthehologramthenatCulbyandsays,”LookslikeheaventomeWe’llneedabigger

bed,butbeingthePreMaandallIcanmakethathappen.”

CulbylaughsloudlyandbumpsPeastrowithherhip.Shegivesherhologramanenormousheadwith

abattleshipstickingthroughthesides.Peastrosmirksandhegiveshisagiantmusculararmandthe

otherarmturnedintoasandwich.WherebyCulbysmilesandfightsbacklaughter.

PeastroandCulbysitintheirprivateboothandtheirhologramsentertheplayingfield.

Theirboothif10feetby10feetandhascrimsoncarpetedwalls.Thereisablackleatherloveseat

and2leatherfootstoolsinfront.Inthearmrestsarevariousbeveragesandsnacks.Thereisalsosome

musicplayingthroughthespeakersintheloveseatheadrest.ItisbythebandMercifimo.Theyarea

loudaggressiveangstriddenrockn’rollact.Theirmusicissomberanddealswithsocialunrest.Their

songsarefilledwithpositivemessages.Theyrefusetotakecompensationfortheirmusic.Theyfeel

trueartisonlyexpressednotsold.

PeastrofeelsarealloveforCulby.Heputshisarmaroundherandheremembersthejoyoflove.

Culbyknowsshehasneverlovedlikethis.Shecatchesherselfwantingnottoblinkforfearofmissing

amoment.SheputsherhandonPeastro’sheartandsaysquietly,”Thankyouforfindingme.”

“Ithinkyouwereinthereallalong.Idon’tknowhow,butitfeelstrue,”saidPeastrothenhekissed

Culbyonthelips.

“Iknowyou’remine,”saidCulbyassheputsPeastro’shandonherheart,”Idon’tneedtoknow

why.”

Peastrosmilesandsays,”Let’sseehowthishorrificcreationcanplay.”

“Hereheretothat,”saidCulbyasshesteeredherhologramaroundtothecenter.

PeastrotookhisandtrippedCulby’swithhisnose.Culbygrabbedahandfulofitsfeathersand

stuffedthemintoPeastro’spants.PeastrolaughsandCulbygigglesloudly.ThenCulby’shologram

blastsPeastro’sinthebuttwithhisgunsfromthebattleship.

TheotherhologramsintheplayingfieldsurroundPeastro’sandgrabitandthrowittotherafters.It

plummetsbacktothefloorandPeastroshouts,”You’reluckythisismakebelieveoryou’dbedust!”

Chapter18

TheCortellianStake

Itwasthe4thyearpassedforPeastroonGoldva.HisloveforCulbyhasbecomeatriumphonevery

level,andtheyhadeachblossomedrighteouslyforthebetter.Culbyespecially,beingitthatsheisnow

pregnantwiththeir1stchild.AllofGoldvaiswaitingwithbaitedbreathforthebirthoftheSiad.

TheSiadisthenamegiventothePreMa’scarrierofthebloodline.Itisunderstoodthatnotall

childrencanascend.ThatasitmaybethethoughtofanotherPreMastartsmanyaconversation.

Peastrodoesn’tknowwhattothinkofbeingafather.Hisownfatherneverhadthetimeorthetools

toraisehim.Heworriedthathiszealtomakeupforthechildhoodhedidn’thave,mayeventually

destroyhisownchild’sascension.Heknowsheneedstothinkonitandfighteveryurgetospoilhis

childintomediocrity.TheNorhaveasaying,”Onlygiveifit’sappreciatedandonly‘til.”

Culbyisbusythinkingaswell.Shefeelsenormousresponsibilitytodeliverason.Whileatthesame

timeshehastoreconcilewithherdesiresforadaughter.Shehasdecidedtodevoutherlifetofulfilling

thepassionsoftheirchild.Theyhaven’tdecidedonaname,theyaregoingtowaituntilthename

becomesapparent.TheyknowtheBuilderwillguidetheirselection.

CulbyandPeastroarelyingontheirbedwithPeastrorestinghisheadonherstomach.Heisreading

fromthebookofYealik,theDerngepassage.“Weholdonwithprudencetopossessionsandwith

passiontoourfleshcoveredsouls.Whilethepathisdauntingandthefootingnarrowweguidestep

afterstepintotheblackness.Secureinthelogicthatifwefalterahandwillreachoutandenvelopeus

insafety.Whileeventhebravestmanseeksrefugealongtheway,ourlackofvisiondoesnotdissuade

us.Itonlyfillsourmindswithuproariouslaughter,”saysPeastroandthenhekissesCulby’sbellyand

caressesitwithhishand.

CulbysmilesandrunsherfingersthroughPeastro’shairandthensayssoftly,”Thisbabyofoursis

wise,Icanalreadytell.”

“Howdoyouknowthat?”asksPeastroashewalkshisfingersupCulby’sarm.

“Icanjusttell,honestly.TheothernightIthoughtIheardthebabywhisper.Itwasprobably

somethingelse,butwouldn’titbegrandifourbabycancommunicatesoyoung,”saidCulbyasshe

looksdownatherbelly.

“There’senoughVindijaninthatbellyforvirtuallyanythingtobepossible.Therehavebeenseveral

documentedcasesofVindijanchildrenspeakinginthe1stfewdays.”

“Really,wellifourbabycomesoutspeakingitwillbeanincrediblythrilling!Whatadaythatwould

be,”saidCulbyexcitedlyasshecaressesherbelly.

“Thatdaycan’tcomesoonenoughformyliking.3moreweeksandthenourgloriouschildwill

greettheir1stTsun.Thewonderofitall,”saysPeastrosmoothlyashegrins.

The3weeksweredrawingtoanendandwithonly2daystogoPeastroandCulbywereexpectedly

anxious.AllthenecessarypreparationshavebeenmadeatthePreMa’spersonalhospital.Therewill

be4doctorsandadozennursestheretohandleanycomplications.

TheNoruseaLalsuctionpumptoliterallysuckthebabyoutinonefoulswoop.TheyalsousePeme

creamtodilatetheVirginia.Anentirebirthtakesonly1to4minutesfromstarttofinish.Ofcourse

thatisprovidingtherearenocomplicationswhichthererarelyare.

OncethebabyisclearofthebirthcanalandinsidetheLalchamber,itisgentlysprayedwithwater

andaskincleanser.Thenadoctorwillsevertheumbilicalcordusingalaser.Thechildisthengivena

batteryoftestsforprecautionaryreasons.

PeastroandCulbyhavedecidedtostaywithinshoutingdistanceoftheoperatingroomuntilthebirth.

Theyarerelaxinginapersonalsuite.CulbyiswatchingahologramofherfavoritesportReeptal.

ReeptalinvolvesholdingabluegrasstargetinonehandandaNailtogunintheother.TheNailto

gunisarapidfirelaserpistol.The2contestantswillstand10feetapartfacingeachother.Whenthe

Ratom,whichisthereferee,yellsReeptaltheywillraisetheirweaponsandtrytodestroytheother

person’stargets.Thefirsttodosowilladvancetothenextround.Thereare12roundsandthewinner

ofthetwobracketswillmeetinthefinals.Ifyouarevictoriousinthefinalroundyouaregivenyour

choiceofprizes.Youcaneitherhaveayearofluxuryorabrainenhancingmicrochip.Youarealso

includedontheguestlisttoeverysocialfunction.

CulbyisonlyhalfwatchingtheReeptalherthoughtsareofthebirth.Sheworriesthatshehasn’t

thoughtofeverythingthebabywillrequire.Shesitsthereandkeepsgoingoverthefuturerealitiesof

motherhood.Sheknowsitisn’tallfunandgameswithsacrificeshavingtobemade.

PeastroisoutonthebalconysmokingaTutcigaretteandpreparingemotionallyforthebigday.He

knowsthatachildisnotaplaything,butapersonwhoneedsguidanceandlove.Hefinisheshis

cigaretteandwalksintotheroomwhereCulbyisandaskssarcastically,”Yousureyouwannahave

kids?”

Culbysmilesandburstsoutlaughingandthensherubsherbellyandsays,”We’resure.OHbythe

wayyoursonordaughterweredefinitelyspeakinglastnight.”

“Reallythat’sincredible,”saysPeastroasheslidesinbesideCulby.

“Ijusthopeweneverforgettomakethischildfeelloved,”saidCulbywarmlyasshewincedslightly.

“That’sassureastheTsun’sembrace,”saysPeastroashekissesCulby’sbelly.

Popaturncomesinandsays,”PreMa,therearevisitorsherefromtheplanetCortell.Theyinsist

uponanaudiencewithyouandtheywillnotsaywhy.”

“Cortell,”saysPeastroimplyingaquestion.

“Yesit’saplanetintheWarvesolarsystem.Thereisn’tmuchknownofCortell.Thesemenarenot

tobetrifledwithIcanassureyou,”saidPopaturninaserioustone.

Peastrositsupstraightandsays,”Seriousmen…Ihaven’tspokentoanyofthoseinquitesometime.

Didtheyarriveinabattleshiportransport?”

PopaturnwalkedovertothebalconyandPeastrofollowed.Intheskytheycouldseeanenormous

ominousbattleship.Theshipisblackandperfectlyspherical,withlargecannonsoneveryangleofit.

Thereisapairofeyespaintedontoitsfromandanunemotionalmouthaswell.Itisdottedwith

hundredsofthousandsofblinkinglights.Italsohasatoweronitsuppermostflankthatissimilartoa

lighthouse,witharevolvinglight.

“Somebodywantstoplay,”saysPeastroboldlyasheleapsintotheairandthrowshisarmshighand

headback.

Popaturnthensaid,”They’rewaitingforusintheHosizballroom.Ourmilitaryisonhighalertand

readyifneedbe.Thereissomething…theymentionedthattheywerehereforrepaymentofafavor.”

“Okwhydon’tIfeelreassuredbythat?”asksPeastroashestartedtolevitateandwalkinacircle.“I

needtoseethesemenimmediatelylet’sgo,”saidPeastrosternlyasheandPopaturnmadefortheHosiz

ballroom.

TheHosizballroomisfilledwithdozensofpricelessstatues.Thewallsarecoveredinbluevelvet

andtheceilinghasthousandsoflimecoloredcrystalballshangingfromit.Thefloorsarecoveredwith

6inchthickrugsthatnearlyswallowyourfoot.

PeastroandPopaturnstopshortoftheballroomandgointotheadjacentroom.Theypeerthrougha

two-waymirrorattheCortellians.TheCortelliansareverybulbousandserious.Theirskinhasa

purplehueandtheirbeardsareblack,long,andthick.Theyareeachwearingblackleatherrobesand

redpants.Theyhaveonblackslipperswithwhitetips.Theircountenancesuggeststheyaredevoidof

anysenseofhumor.Theirheadsareshavedbaldandtheyhavelargestartattoosonthetopoftheir

shavenheads.Theyareeachholdingalongblackstaffwithagoldenorbatthetop.

“Theylooklikewaralright.Iseenocompromiseinthesemen.Let’skeepouremotionsincheck…

beready,Popaturn,toact,”saysPeastrogravely.

“Yes,PreMa,deadlyseriousandready.”

PeastroandPopaturnwalkintotheHosizballroomandmaketheirwaytotheCortellian’s.The

largestCortellianPrecksaysplainly,”PreMa,Iwillnotmincewords.Ibelieveinbeingblunt.”

“Please,”Peastrosaidwithanod.

“MynameisPreckandwearenotheretobattlewiththeNor.Ourgrievanceslieelsewhere.A

hundredyearsagotodaytheCortellianswereatwarwiththeVindijanLine.Itwasabrutalandsavage

warthatlaywastetoover5millionCortelliansoldiers,”saidPreckplainlyasheadjustedhisrobe.

“ThatwouldhavebeentheEeveswar.I’vereadofit,”saysPeastroashelightsupacigarette.

“YestheEeveswar,anditwassavageryonanepicscale,”saysPreckashestandsupandwalksa

fewstepsandthensays,“ThetypeofsavagerythatyoubeingaVindijanwouldknowalltoowell.”

“Thatisacertainty,Preck.Thelinedoesnotbelieveinsympathyforitscombatants,”saidPeastroas

hegentlylevitatedoffthefloorafewfeet.

“ButyouarealsoaKaaandIhavenodoubtthatifwhatweheadoftheToenwaristrue.Then

maybeyou’dliketoseetheLinepayforthepainthey’vecausedyourfellowKaa.”

Peastrotugsathisbeardandthensays,”I’vethoughtofitoften…ofsettlingthescore.TheLine

can’tbeallowedtoforcetheirwillonthepeopleundertheTsun.ButtheLine’sarmyispowerfuland

vast…whatdidyouhaveinmind?”asksPeastroashespinsinmid-air.

Precksmilesandthensaysboldly,”We’rewillingtodowhateverittakesforjustice.Wehaverebuilt

ourarmyanditismorepowerfulthanbefore.Itisatyourdisposal,readyandwaitingforyour

command.ThinkofitourcombinearmiescouldannihilatetheVindijanLineandfreetheKaaonceand

forall!NOonewillfeartheVindijanagenda.”

“Yesathousandtimesyes!TogetherwecantoppletheimmortalCoupVindijanandendhis

tyrannicalreign!Preck,prepareyourfleet.We’lltakealittletriptoSrassObliqueandwe’llcome

bearinggifts!”shoutedPeastro.

Chapter19

TheFinalTsun

“WhenweshowupinSrasOblique’sorbitthey’regonnaknowit.Ouractionsneedtobeswiftand

withouthesitation.We’lltrytooverpowertheirbattleshipswithourBrons,”saidPeastroboldlyashe

floatedabovehisgenerals.“Whilethat’shappeningourMoiTidestroyerswillbelayingwastetotheir

communicationsandtheirgroundtroops”,saidPeastrocoldly.IfbyanychanceyoushouldgetCoup

Vindijaninthecrosshairs…punchhistickettoTerious.Don’tshedatearforOldCoup,he’sbeen

headingthereallhislife.Finally,we’llbepayingtheresidentsofWhitkusBloavisitandYes.They

shouldbethrilledtoseeus.KeepyoureyesupandyourwitsaboutyoutoDust!”saidPeastroboldlyto

allhistroopsviahologram

ThecombinedNorandCortellianfleetsaretravelingthroughthe7thdimension.Theyarenearingthe

exitpointforSrasOblique.Theyhaveliterallythousandsofshipsfilledwithmillionsoftroops.They

willoutnumbertheVindijan’s2to1.TheVindijan’swillbecompletelyblindsided.

PeastroisinsideRerniRealmsittinginhisthronewithaglassofBorcowineinhisgrasp.He

refusestothinkofCoup,histhoughtsareofhisnewsonYerpoLle.YerpoLleisthespittingimageof

hisfatherexcepthiseyesarecheckeredorangeandyellow.Peastroputsallofhismentalenergyinto

visualizinghisyoungson’saura.CulbywaswithhimbackonGoldvaassherecoversfromthe

pregnancy.

Peastrolooksouttheplasmawindowandseestheorangemenagainrunningbesidehisbattleship.

Heisnotforlaughingnow.Hesimplyglancesatthemandthengoesbackintohisthoughts.Thenhe

hearsthesingledullpulsethatsignalsthattheyhavearrivedatSrasOblique.

TheentirefleetpassesthroughtheportalandtheyseethegloriousSrasObliqueinfrontofthem.

Theyquicklyentertheatmosphereandaremetbyapairofbattleships.TheVindijanLinealwayskeeps

2intheair.

AboutthistimeCoupisalertedthattheyareunderattackfromaformidablefleet.Herunstohis

balconyandseestheskyturnblackwithships.Healmostdiesfromtheshockofit,hebucklesoverand

shouts,”Where’sourfleet!”

PeastroatthistimegiveshishandagentlewaveandtheVindijanbattleshipsarebesiegedwith

missiles.TheBronslaughandthrashtheirwaythroughtheVindijanbattleships.Thiscausesthemto

plummettothegroundbelow,engulfingthecountrysidewithflamesinonegiantblast.EveryVindijan

battleshipisquicklyintheair,buttheytookheavyfireastheylaunched.

Inafewminutestheskyisaseaofdestruction.Vindijanvesselsarebeingdestroyedleftandrightby

theCortellianMonkifighters.TheMonkiareunmannedkamikazedeathbringers.Theyareblackand

redstrippedcrabshapedships,whosesolepurposeistocrippleanenemy’sdefenses.Theydothisby

smashingthroughtheirshieldsandintotheircore.

OneafteranothertheMonkicareenedintotheVindijanbattleships.Thiscreatedgiantexplosions

andbroketheVindijan’swillintwo.

OnthegroundtheNor’sarmyofBronsarelayingwastetoeveryVindijansoldierinsight.Therewill

benomercyforanyonewhodarestotakethebattlefieldtoday.

TheBronsarecrushingtheHumpacca’sundertheirfists,20atatime.Theyalsoblastthemwith

theirmachinegunfingers,tearingmostintopieces.

Peastrowatchesthedevastationwithawrysmileonhisface.Hesitsandwatcheswithgleeasthe

scoreissettled.Peastroasks,”ButwhereisdearCoup?”

AtPlushiChateau10,000Cortelliansoldiersarefloodingthecastle’shalls.Theysearchroomafter

roomfortheday’sgreatesttrophy,Coup.Twosoldiersgointoanemptydininghallandstartedlooking

around.Therewasnooneinsight.Theylookedunderthetablesandinalltheclosetsandfound

nothing.“Thisroom’sclear,let’smoveon,”saidSergeantTeppssternly.

TheystartedtoleavewhenasmallblackpieceofclothfloateddowninfrontofthemandSergeant

Teppsgrabbedit.Helookedattheclothforasecondandthenthrewhisgazeskyward.Hesawafigure

flatagainsttheceiling,itwasCoup.

“YoucomedownfromthereorIamgoingtoblastyoutoTerious!”shoutedTeppsasheaimedhis

gunatCoup.

Couppausedforamomentandthensaid,”Don’tshootI’msurewecanworksomethingout,”thenhe

floateddownandsaidcoyly,”Icangiveyourichesandpleasuresbeyondyourcomprehension.Adeal

couldleadtogenerationsofgoodfortuneforyouandyourfamily.Don’tbeafool,dealsarefor

making.”

SergeantTeppslooksatCoupforamomentandthensayssnidely,”PreciousCoup,mygrandfather

wastorturedandmurderedintheEeveswar,asweremillionsofCortellians.Thesepleasuresyouspeak

of…seeingyougrovelrightnowisone.Seeingyoupayforyourcrimesisthegreatestgiftyoucould

evergive.AndI’djustliketothankyouinadvanceforthatone.”

SergeantTeppspressedthelocatorbuttonandtheroomwasbesiegedwithtroopsafewsecondslater.

CoupstareddefiantlyatSergeantTeppsandsaidcoldly,”YourfatherwasaDensk,andyouareafool.

Mydivinityisbeyondyourdullreason.Youcan’thearthemusicyoujusthumalonginendless

oblivion.RemembertheLine!”

ThesoldierslistenedtoCoupandburstoutlaughing.TheyencasedCoupinaseethroughgreen

energyshield.Hewasunabletomovehisarmsandlegs,onlyhishead.TheytransportedhimtoRerni

Realm,wherePeastroiseagerlyawaitinghisarrival.TheybringCoupinsideandplacehimbehind

Peastro’schair.

Peastrospunaroundandsaid,”Coup,darlingCoup,itisaglorytoseeyourbeautifulessence.Oh

howIpinedforyourcompany.Ashametheyearshaven’ttreatedyoubetter.How’sMela,still

stunningIbet.IhaveafeelingI’llseeherbeforethedayisout.”

Coupquicklysaid,”Youdon’thavetodothis,Peastro.TogetherwecanowneverysoulundertheT

sun.”

Peastrotugsathischinbeardandclapshishandsandsays,”Funnythinghands,handsarefor

moving.Owneverysouleh…seethat’stheproblem.Youthinkyouhavetherighttocontrolpeopleor

wonasyousaid.Everylifehasthesamevalue,Coup,youshouldknowthatalready.”

“Look,Peastro,ifmyloveevercountedforanything.If…ifmypluckingyououtofthatdismallife

wasworthanything!Letanoldmanenjoyhistwilight,”beggedCoup.”ForBuilder’ssake!”he

pleaded.

“No,”saysPeastrocoldly.

Coupisinfuriatedbythisandstrugglestofreehishandsandlegsinvain.ThenCoupsays,”

Alright…wellyouhadbetterhopetoTeriousyouwinthiswarormymercywillbevacantfrommy

thoughts!”

“Please,”saysPeastroasheshowsCoupahologramofthebattlefieldandthensays,”Yourtroops

havealreadysurrendered.Thebulkofyourfleetiscompletelydestroyed.Thewarisovertheonly

questionnowiswhattodowiththeremainderoftheVindijanLine,”saidPeastroconfidentlyashe

wavedhisarmsinacircle.“Oh,andofcoursetheinhabitantsofWhitkusBlo,”saidPeastroslylyashe

actedlikehewasgoingtobootCoupinthegut.

“Youwouldn’tdare!”snappedCoup.

“IwouldindeedI’msuretheKaawillbethrilledtofindoutsomeoftheirfavoriteVindijan’sarestill

drawingbreath,”saysPeastrowithasmileashestandsupandwalksaroundCoup.

“Ah…Idon’t,”stammeredCoup.

PeastroputshishandontopofCoup’sheadandsays,”Drinkitallin,we’reheretohelp.”

Coupblinkedhiseyesrapidlyandsaid,”Ijust…Ican’t,why…how,howdidit.”

Peastrosmilesandthenlaughsashesayssnidely,”YouknowInevermuchcaredfortheterm

Venkid.Italwaysseemedlikeitwasyourwayofkeepingmeunderyourthumb.ThemonikerIprefer

isPreMa.Goaheadtryitonforsize.”

“Pre…Iah,justmakeitendBuilderwakemeplease.Shakeofmyshoulder,pleaseshake!”says

Coupnervouslyashestartscryinghysterically.

ThesoldierslaughandPeastropullsoutaMessonleafcigar.Hetapstheelflightingtipandtakesa

longdrag.Hedancesafewstepsandsings,”HowintheTerious,yourbraingetssoserious!Youthink

aboutthingsI’llneverknow.Iaskforgolddddd…yougivemeHoolnuggets.Iaskforloveyouslappa

myface.”

SergeantTeppssmilesandsays,”Thisiscertainlyadayforrejoicing.TheLineisnomore!”

Chapter20

DoraofBells

ThepoemDoraofBells,writtenbyKaapoetRyeLamoi,describedadaywhentheairwasn’theavy

andallthemuscleswereloseandfree.Thelinefromthepoem,”IfinallytastedtheTsun’slaughter,”

spokeofthedayKaawouldbefreemenandwomenwithpowertotakethingsforgranted.Thatday

hadcomeandtheKaa’slivescouldfinallystartinearnest.

Thefinaltallycountedthelossof300millionVindijansouls,losttotheether.Thedayofthe

CleansedHeartasitwouldlaterbecalled,sawtheKaajoininthefightingwhentheysawthe

opportunity.WhentheKaaweretoldofWhitkusBlowtheirshockturnedtojoy.Therewereseveral

VindijanscoundrelsthattheycouldnowpersonallyvanquishtoTerious.PeastroledthewayandBron

smashedthroughthedoorsofWhitkusBlo.ItwasthefinalbattlewiththeVindijanLine.Everyinch

oftheirhiddensocietywasdestroyed,leavingonlyrubblebehind.

AfewVindijan’sexitedSrasObliqueinescapepods,mostnotablyMelaandherchildren.Peastrolet

themgo,heshowe3dthemercytheyneverhad.PeastrosatintheentertainmentroominPlushi

ChateauwithPopaturn,enjoyingagameofMexOs.

MexOsisavideogamewhereyousitacrossfromeachother.Youtrytocollapseyouropponent’s

towerastheytrytotoppleyours.

“Doyouthinkhe’llminditmuch?”asksPopaturnhonestly.

Peastrolaughsbrieflyandthensays,”NoCoup’sawarriorhecantakeit.Trustmetheoldmancan

endureanything,he’llfindhisrhythm.”

PopaturntoppledPeastro’stowerinMexOsandpumpedhisfistashesmiledandthenasked,”And

whatplanshaveyou?WillyoubecomingbacktoGoldvafortheagreedupon8thorhasyourheart

turned?”

Peastrocloseshiseyes,sighsandsays,”I’vedecidedtostayonSrasObliqueforawhile.Mypeople

needmenow.Icouldn’tleavetheminturmoil.Thehopeisthis,Popaturn,IneedCulbyandYerpoLle

tojoinmehereuntilthingscangetsortedout.IhopeIcancountonyoutobringthemhere.”

“Ofcourse,firstthingremediedwillbethat.Ihopewe’renotlosingyouforgood,”saidPopaturn

implyingaquestion.

Peastrolooksathimsternlyandsays,”Never,myheartiswithGoldva.Iwantyoutounderstandthat

whatyoudidformewasnotasmallthing.YouraidintopplingtheVindijanLineisasagreatgiftto

metheKaaasthegiftoflife.IalsowantyoutounderstandifIamneededinthefuture,lettherebeno

hesitation.”

“Thankyou,PreMa,let’shopeitisn’trequired.”

ThateveningPopaturnandtheNorfleetjourneyedbacktoGoldva.AndtruetohiswordsPopaturn

sentCulbyandYerpoLletoSrasObliquethefollowingday.ThebulkoftheCortellianfleetleftfor

Cortell,leavingseveralshipsandtroopsbehindtoaidandprotectthenewKaagovernment.Peastro

wasputinplacetoruleoverSrasObliqueforaslongashesawfittodoso.

AttheTerpeplyzooalargecrowdhasgatheredtortheunveilingofanewexhibit.Everyoneis

crammedinsidetoseethespectacle.

“We’vehadmanyafortuitousbreakinthelastseveraldays,buttodaywe’reheretocelebratethe

huntandcaptureofarareanimal.Awisebeastofheightandbreadth,butwithasavageheart!This

animal,iflettoroamfreewouldkilleveryoneofyou!”saysDr.Beusloudlyashebeatshischest.“A

murderousbeastthatroamedthehillsofSrasObliqueforfartoomanyTsuns!”saysDrBeusandthen

hesayssternly,“Gazeuponitandmarvelatitscoarsefeaturesandcallasheart.Manyamanfellunder

itsjaggedteethandlosttheirwilltolive.Lookisyoucan!”yelledDr.Beusthezoocuratorashepulls

backthecurtain,revealingCoupboundinsideanenergycell.

Coupsneersatthecrowdunabletohidehisanger.Hewantstomurdereachandeveryoneofthem,

butheisunabletomove.Thecrowdyellsathimandthenthrowsrottenfruitathiscell.Andwhen

Coupgrimacestheyallcheer.

Peastro,Culby,andYerpoLlewatchfromthebalconyandlaugh.CoupgazesupatPeastroandthe

twobecomelockedinastare.Peastrogivesagentlewaveofhishandsignifyingthatthebattleisover.

Coupgnasheshisteethandlooksaway.

Peastrosaysgreedily,”RemembertheLine…I’dalmostforgotten.”

“Hetrifledwithpeople’slives.Mercyshouldnotbeextendedtosuchabeast.Hisfateisnowhis

reality,”saysCulbyplainlyasshegentlybouncedYerpoLleonherbelly.

Peastrowhispers,”Sotruesoyes.”

“Whatwasthat?”asksCulbyasshegrins.

“Justanoldpunchlinethatisn’tfunnyanymore,”saysPeastroashekissesCulbyontheforeheadand

thenkissesYerpoLle.

AtthesametimeontheplanetofQuogmirawomaninablackrobesitsdownacrossfrom2menat

Scetosbar.Themenarewearinglongredrobes.Theyaretallandthinwithfacessimilartocamels.

Thebarisasdarkasacavewithonlysmalllightsinthecenterofeachtable.Thereare5tables

positionedintheshapeofastar.Thebaritselfhasonlyadimblueglowingsignthatread,”It’slost.”

“Weunderstandthatyouseekanarrangement.Possiblywecaneachbenefittogether,”saidUaty.

“WhenIgetwhatIwantyou’llhaveeveryluxuryundertheTsun,”saysMelahonestlyassheslides

asilverenvelopeacrossthetable.

Uatyopenstheenvelopeandgasps.Heshakeshisheadandsayscoldly,”Whatyou’reaskingisvile

anddespicable.Toevenaskustodoitismurderingusaswesit.”

“Willyoudoit?”

Uatythrewbackhisdrinkandthenlitupacigaretteandsaidfirmly,”IsTeriouscold?”

THEEND