The Gone Sea is 10,000 miles across and 20 miles deep at its lowest point. The surface is covered with red Bousee algae-it is so thick it allows people to be able to walk on it without falling in. There are also thousands of small homes built on top of the Bousee called Frimel shacks-whose inhabitants are the Derg. The Derg are a close nit group who live their entire lives within 5 miles of the Gone Sea. They dig small holes in the Bousee and spend their nights fishing by torchlight for the Namis fish.
The Namis fish is up 5 foot long, 4 inch wide, 2 headed fish that is so delicious the second you finished eating one you started to hunger for another. That exact fact led many Derg to spend their entire lives in search of the illusive fish and nothing else.
There are wooden pathways between each of the Derg's small shacks that create a maze of interconnected homes and lives. The main causeway has no homes of any kind on it and leads directly to Traps League.
"Who are these people?" Uaty asked as he slid in beside Dramkick.
"The Derg, they're harmless for the most part. They've been here for eons, long before anyone can remember," Dramkick said as he pointed to the Namis fish hanging from a hook and then continued, "That fish there is the root of their problems."
"Please explain," Mela looked at the Namis fish and then curiously at Dramkick.
"The Namis fish is filled with Coack, which is an addictive toxin,” Dramkick explained with his eyes dancing on the Derg. “Because of the high levels of Coack in the Namis fish, anyone who eats one can instantly become severely addicted. So, needless to say, the wise people avoid the Namis and the rest linger here in an inescapable self made prison," Dramkick said as he grinned and watched 2 Derg fight over a Namis.
"That's hilarious, what an odd predicament to find yourself in. All these generations lost to the Gone Sea, what a travesty. I must ask, is there no cure?" Mela asked as she watched an elderly Derg compulsively lick her fingertips to the point of tearing her skin off.
"No known cure, we had several of our Vor Me volunteer for an eating of the Namis,"
Dramkick looked down and breathed slower now. "We were hoping we could find a way to kick them of it, but we were unsuccessful. And now they live here on the Gone Sea," Dramkick said sadly as he looked at an old man lying face down on the pathway as people walked over him without stopping.
"That's terrifying, to think of the loss they have to deal with each day, it's humbling and troubling at the same time," Mela said she sucked on a Praem tube. She thought of Coup and how he would have really loved this.
"It's beyond my control so it vexes me not. I thought you should see this to get a sense of the lessons I've had to learn. The next place we will come to will reveal something else entirely,"
Dramkick said coldly as he walked over and took a sip from the Wams sitting on the table. He loved the Gone Sea this time of day. The memories were pale and evaporating.
"And where might that be?" Uaty asked in a concerned voice as he turned to face Dramkick like a hungry turning lion.
"Traps League, it’s the final resting place of all the great men and women spanning over 1
million years. Trust me, it will not disappoint. Here it comes now!" Dramkick's voice had a certain spark in it that thrilled everyone. He walked over to the railing and lifted his right hand over his head.
Mela looked at Dramkick with a youthful giddiness and saw a mile high tower rising out of the water-this was the top of Traps League.
It is burgundy in color and has hundreds of thousands of windows-with blinking lights of every color that run from the top to the water's surface. On the top is a mushroom shaped dome.
And it has yellow flower shaped decks all around its base. The design was meant to signify greater life after death. In the center of the tower there is a searchlight that rotates in a circle and produces a series of musical notes as it does. The base of the tower has a giant hangar bay with ships going in and out constantly. Around the hangar Bay door there is the inscription, "We were all once the new old hat and now were just laughing," written in gold trim.
As they drew near, a blue solar flare shot through the sky and gave everyone a burst of warmth. Mela thought of Coup's warm breath on her neck in the morning and she was slightly excited by this. The sky itself was a vibrant orange and red with a few thick puffy clouds here and there. Mela felt overwhelmed by the magnificent sight and started to wish for Sras Oblique (and especially the T sun). What she wouldn't give for a dose of that right now, she thought. She thought of Coup and wished he was there with her to see this wondrous sight.
"Was it worth the trip?" Dramkick asked as he put his arm around Mela.
"Oh Builder yes, worth 1,000 trips and a million dreams," Mela announced as she pulled her hair back from her face. "This is the soul's way of reminding us that we should never think we've seen it all. Thank you for this, Dramkick," Mela said warmly and then she kissed Dramkick on the lips.
"No thanks necessary, you are my guests I consider it my pleasure. But the best is next to come wait and see," Dramkick said as a boyish grin came across his face. Who was this Mela he thought.
The Toose pulled into the hangar bay and maneuvered into a landing stall. In a line of 3
there is a pair of men in black long sleeve sweaters and tan corduroy pants (with black sneakers as they were waiting to greet them). The men are similar looking in the face, but not identical twins. Inside the hangar bay there are thousands of ships in similar stalls with 3 men waiting to assist them as well. In the center a tower reached skyward-with 6 black turbo elevators and a Poplam attendant in each.
The Poplams are snow white from their skin, to their hair, to their eyes, and every inch of their bodies. There are only 100,000 of them on Membra (with their 8 foot tall bodies they are easy to find). The high exalted Poplam-Vaskov Eapo-is their living God. He chose to spend his days writing humorous stories and poems for the rest of the Poplam to enjoy. Vaskov had vanished from the public eye 2 years ago, but his writing continued to pop up in the Baravin times-the Poplam newspaper paper.
They exited the Toose and the 2 men in black sweaters walked up to Dramkick and said,
"Quadromolan, we will satisfy your every concern and guide you through your visit here."
"I know you will,” Dramkick responded flatly as he clapped his hands together hard. “What we will require is the Bood room to ourselves. And also a nice bottle of Touc and some aged cheese, preferably white. O.k. great run away now," Dramkick said snidely as he gave the 2 men a push and a kick in the ass.
Mela, Uaty, and Paut saw this and smiled to themselves as they watched the 2 men scurry away. The 4 of them walked over to the Turbo elevators and got in. And as they did the Poplam
named Toruss asked, "Do you want a person or year?"
"A person," Dramkick replied sharply and then the Poplam pressed a few keys and Dramkick said, "Emasip Reign."
"Of course, Quadromolan," Toruss said as he brushed down the white coat he was wearing and pressed the correct floor.
Instantly they were in motion and the inside of the elevator appeared to be perfectly still-with several large monitors on each wall that showed a beautiful sunrise (and even had the smell of fresh grass in the elevator). There went a mile downward, a long mile down, into the Hall of Seven Life Givers-which is where all the elite Talz are housed and kept in pristine condition inside a glass case forever. There are also hundreds of hours of dialogue from each that they recorded while they were still alive. This is to keep their personalities intact for future generations. There are also androids of each Talz that stand in front of each tomb-this gives the visitors a glimpse into the minds of their greatest citizens. The hall itself is 3 miles long and has thousands of large lavish tombs with all their favorite possessions inside.
"Be it as it is, Quadromolan, we are here," Toruss said as he opened the door.
"Whoa builder, what is that?" Mela asked as she was obviously startled when she saw the tomb of Macoos in front of her.
Macoos is tall and bulbous with 6 circles of blue and white hair on the sides of his head that move when he walks (but always went back to its original shape). His skin is blood red and hairless. He's handsome, but also has a devious smile. He is wearing a tan long sleeved shirt and a black leather vest, and also a pair of loose fitting tan pants and black boots.
"It's an old friend of my father, the legendary Macoos," Dramkick announced proudly as he walked over to the android of Macoos and put his arm around him. Then Dramkick said brightly,
"Go ahead entertain the lady."
The Macoos android walked a few steps forward and then jumped and did a forward flip. He landed beside Mela and said, "Dear vision, be anyone you want to be right now it's only us."
Mela smiled, rolled her eyes and said, "I'm flattered, but you've got too many sharp objects beneath those clothes."
"You're right about the sharp objects, but let me assure you everything is in working order,"
Macoos said coyly as he ran his hand up Mela's thigh.
"Oh really, well I would never cheat on my husband even with an android, but thanks for momentary pleasure," Mela grabbed Macoos's crotch and said smoothly, "You must of been something when you were alive."
"I was a raging pleasure chest from sunup to sundown. The last of the great pleasure givers,"
Macoos said slyly as he did a sideways spinning flip and started dancing awkwardly from side to side.
Mela laughed and then Dramkick said, "There's much more to see and we'll run out of energy if we’re not wise. This next one is of special significance to me and all Talz."
In front of them there was a large black rimmed cone, with a white walkway in it, that led to a cross shaped door. They followed Dramkick inside and watched him spit into the saliva lock.
The door opened slowly, moving inward like an elderly man near the end. They walked in and could see a large egg shaped case with the mortal remains of Emasip Reign inside. He was standing with his left hand extended. Behind him there is his favorite thrown and a re-creation of his reading room-including his personal library. There is also his pet Kaco, which is a dog sized reptile that has green and orange scaly skin, an almost bubble like head, and a frowning mouth with purple fangs. There is also his beloved Snatsy sitting on a couch behind him-in a white
dress holding a bottle of Touc in her right hand and a Paniflu revolver in the other. There is a Dellow maker hanging from the top of the case.
A Dellow is a green and red swirling colored bubble, filled with holograms. And when you burst one it would cause a hologram to appear for several seconds front of you.
Each of the Dellows has been filled with home movies from their home lives as well as Emasip's public life.
Behind the case is a collection of awards, knickknacks, and salutations that the 2
accumulated during their lives. This includes the petrified Derg statue under which they had shared their first kiss. It depicts a dying Derg wrestling with the Namis fish. There is also Dramkick's graduation sword from his father. Dramkick looked at the sword and could still feel his father's hand on his shoulder.
They walked up to the case and the Emasip android jumped out from behind the Derg statue and shouted, "There's a hole in the roof and they can't keep the water out, run for it!"
"This, Everyone, is what's left of a truly great man, my father…Emasip Reign. Try not to humor him too much or he'll be ridiculous," Dramkick said apologetically as he was locked in a stare down with the android Emasip.
Emasip walked over to Dramkick and punched him in the stomach as hard as he could.
Dramkick didn't even flinch, and he punched the android in the shoulder with a quarter of his power. This sent him onto his backside. Dramkick let out a belly laugh and said, "If it were really him, he'd ah knocked me out if I did that to him."
"He's right, I would have and he'd a known a real man's fury. Enough about that who is this radiant woman?" Emasip asked as he sauntered over to Mela and took her wrists.
"Mela and I thank you for that wonderful coffee. You are a wise and handsome man," Mela
said warmly as she leaned in and kissed his cheek.
The Emasip head started shaking violently and spit at Mela. And then he headbutted her in the chest and she fell like wet laundry to the ground. Dramkick rushed over and grabbed the android, pressed the reset button, and stopped him from shaking. Emasip said apologetically, "I apologize, Mela, I'm due for a tune up. I hope you can forgive me."
Uaty helped Mela to her feet and Paut said, "Its fine, you're only a machine and accidents can happen. I am stronger than I look so please do not be concerned."
"I thank you for that I-"
Emasip suddenly punched Mela in the mouth and shouted, "I'll kill you, you worthless LITTLE-" Dramkick quickly jumped on his back and pummeled him into the ground. Dramkick flattened its head under his foot and put his other foot through his back.
Dramkick said brightly, "Your beauty fired up his circuits. Maybe we should just move on to another part of the exhibit for safety's sake."
Dramkick felt slightly embarrassed by what had just happened, but didn't let it show. Mela on the other hand had already forgotten it entirely. She'd been through worse and seen all sorts of surprises in her day.
Next they exited the Emasip exhibit and continued on to the large red marble tomb of Dustfra Obalink. Dramkick walked over to the entrance and stopped, turned to everyone and said, "This is the tomb of Dustfra Obalink. Who was a famous inventor, writer, general, and ruled over Membra for 600 years. His life did not end, it was taken by an assassin's blade in the middle of a famous speech. It is known as the Unending Word speech,” Dramkick casually pointed to Dustfra. “He was feared by his people, but also beloved for his unending mercy and compassion. Many buildings and schools bear the name Obalink, and rightfully so."
"Did you ever meet him?" Paut asked as he ran his hand along the smooth marble wall.
The outside of the tomb is a 100 foot high and 300 foot wide red marble rectangle with Dustfra's visage carved into each side (several hundred times and in several different sizes). The door is made from Copac ivory.
The Copac is a four-legged pig like creature, but much larger, almost 30 feet tall. It has ivory horns that protrude from above its eyes and twist upwards towards the sky. It has a snout like a pig, but it has human eyes and facial features. It is hairless except for its feet and has soft gooey purple flesh. Each Copac is branded with the government seal-a pair of eyes and a devious smile across their ribs. They are raised for their delicious meat and of course, the ivory is much sought after-especially the red ivory horns of the small ones.
"Yes, once when I was very small and my father was working under his regime," Dramkick thought back to those days and could still feel the ache of being ruled over. "He shook my hand and made a point to laugh at the jokes of a child. That was the depth of his humility. My father told me a story of him being catapulted behind enemy lines so as to inspire bravery in his troops.
That was the depth of his courage. You'll get a taste of him today," Dramkick said sincerely and he opened the ivory door with a spit into the saliva lock.
First they walked through a 20 foot round hallway with the walls covered with one enormous TV screen. What was being shown on it was actual battlefield footage of Dustfra during the Massipip War, as he led his troops into the heart of the Astipo Proper-which was the stronghold for the now extinct Foldram people.
Dustfra is 5'9" tall in life with a small belly and broad shoulders. His forehead is long like a ski pole and he has a stunning profile as his nose is enormous. His smile is of a person not quite at home. He has seal black hair with a greenish hue (and his hair never seems to move). He is
wearing a bright red jumpsuit and a pair of brown leather boots (the boots annoyed his wife Goldsty and he wore them often).
The Foldram were a race of warmongers whose unyielding lust for battle eventually led to the destruction of all of them. The cities they built were destroyed as well. Now they are just a punch line in pop culture humor, but nothing more.
They entered the dining hall and saw a 50 foot table with 48 Cedar chairs on either side-with arching cross shaped backs. At the head of the table there is the Dustfra android smoking a Porte leaf cigar. Each cigar is made and then eaten by a Whyzi. Then pulled from its stomach and packed into a Porte cigar. They have an aroma you never forgot and always cherished. The walls are filled with all of his favorite paintings as well as every joke he'd ever told like, "You want to hear something funny, so do I, so tell us what you do for work again." And also, "I don't want to kill you, I just want to crack open your skull and find my missing ship model, honest. I won't disturb a thing."
The android took a few quick drags and jumped onto the table and shouted, "Who wants to die first?! Step forward!"
"Oh not this again," Mela said anxiously and she quickly started to look for a weapon.
Dramkick smiled and said, "It's o.k., it's just his sense of humor, don't be concerned."
The android jumped down off the table and started to sing (horribly off key) the song "Lost Membra I've found you." He walked over to Mela and rubbed her shoulders as he whispered in her ear, "I can see your brilliance and your caring heart. What may I call you?"
"Mela, I am astonished by your lovely song. You were a kind man in life I can see that,"
Mela said warmly as she ran her fingers through his thick hair.
"Don't be seduced by this imposter, but in all fairness he is a spot on imitation," Dramkick
said as he walked over to the wall and opened a secret compartment. He pulled out a bottle of Touc and a plate of cheeses. Dramkick said proudly, "I think we need to lick our wounds a bit."
"Outstanding, just in the nick of time! How thoughtful of you, Dramkick," Mela replied as she watched him walk over with the Touc and cheeses.
"You gave me a very enjoyable day, it was the least I could do. Please, help yourselves,"
Dramkick said warmly as he set down the Touc and the plate of cheeses on the table. For some reason it looked otherworldly to him sitting there. It signified something else in his mind, but he wasn't quite sure what it was.
They consumed the wine, ate like pigs, and laughed for hours. As the night went on they laughed and joked harder than they ever had. After a few hours they made their way back to the Toose and headed for the Japopet floating city.
They journeyed down a tributary of the Gone Sea heading towards Japopet. Dramkick sat on the front of the ship silently watching the sun slowly disappear below the horizon. He'd seen thousands of sunsets, but he felt this one more beautiful because of his companions. He felt his eyes always saw more when others were looking at the same thing he was. Just being around new people gave him the feeling of belonging that he was longing for. He decided not to try too hard with Mela to get her to like him. He could already tell they were becoming close friends and he knew they needed to just let things flow naturally. Suddenly he realized Mela was looking at him and he turned to catch her. This caused her to smile slightly and say, "I was just admiring your countenance. You appeared to have a nice thought in your mind. I won't ask what it was, I want it to stay with you and not be lessened with words."
"Thank you," Dramkick replied and then he walked over to the refrigerator and started to look for something inside. Mela felt as though she needed Dramkick to find it, whatever it was.
"Can I help you find something?" Mela urged as she walked over to him.
"You could've, but I've found it. What I have here is a dozen Kamast cookies. I was saving them for just now, go ahead and try one," Dramkick said as he handed Mela two cookies.
Kamast cookies are made from brown chocolate and filled with several small pockets of Wams, nuts, powdered sugar, and of course soda pop. They are named after Count Tanob Kamast-a Vexidian refugee who made an enormous fortune with his confectionary creations. He was known to throw lavish parties at Gregig castle and Dramkick was seen at several. 3 years ago he married a seamstress and fathered identical twin boys-Mat and Pavi. But since he married he hadn't been seen or a single word heard from him. He is in exile from Vexus because of his book, "We only asked," which is a scathing diatribe about the current regime (this had him put on the list of Enemies of the State). He feared at the time that he could be assassinated. He decided to escape inside a false bottom in a barrel of Wams (and never looked back).
Mela and Dramkick were chewing the Kamasts and Mela said, "Truly exceptional, I must have some of these to bring back with me."
"I'll see too it personally,” Dramkick said brightly with a smile and then asked, "Do you see those lights in the distance?"
"Yes…just," Mela answered as she looked at the large collection of lights.
"That's the floating city of Japopet. We'll be there in a few minutes, it is a wonder to behold," Dramkick announced as he looked at the large cluster of lights.
"Really, is that right?" Mela asked and quickly took another bite from her Kamast.
"Yes it is basically an enormous ship, the difference being they rarely move an inch,”
Dramkick said as his eyes were wide with Japopet. “Japopet floats, and stays in place with three 4,000 pound anchors. Beyond that though is the labyrinth of rooms, shops, and recreation halls. I
can describe it to you now, but your eyes will have to see to get a grasp of it," Dramkick spoke in a tone of voice only a powerful man could. Mela remembered that voice and she longed for it.
"And then there's the natives, the Cobay, they are some of the sharpest people I’ve ever come into contact with," Dramkick said softly and he took a large bite from his Kamast.
"That's fascinating, I must meet these Cobay, if for no other reason than to lock minds with them," Mela said as she looked at the lights and then turned to Dramkick and asked, "We're friends now right, I mean close friends?"
"Yes we are, Mela, I wouldn't say that lightly. I've really enjoyed spending time with you and I feel we've connected," Dramkick said honestly as he looked at Mela like the first day of summer.
Mela put her arm around Dramkick and laid her head on his shoulder for a minute. Mela said, "I'm very thankful for that, friends haven't always come easy for me."
Dramkick looked down at her and said quietly, "For me either."
They stood there locked in an embrace as they watched the lights of Japopet get closer and closer still. The city is a half mile and a high mile wide. It has 8 silver towers that look like toothbrushes rising from its circular wooden base. It is surrounded by thousands of small and large ships. The base of it is filled with several small communities that include: schools, parks, pools and business sectors wrapped into each-it is known as the Paumbe Low. The towers have similar communities, but more high scale known as Paumbe High Yest. The residents of each are decidedly different though, with the Paumbe Low people being less cerebral and more into having a good time. The Paumbe High Yest residents are more interested in politics and artistic pursuits. This difference in opinion of how to live life has created a never ending rift between the two.
After they docked the Toose everyone had another glass of Touc before exiting the ship.
They walked up the ramp and got into Dramkick's Quadromolan vehicle-the 8B8, which is a 3
wheeled car that has tinted black bulletproof windows and a football shaped body. It is white and has guns on the front, side, and rear. It also has a dome on the top for sightseeing. Dramkick put it there so people would know who was flying past them and be fearful. Inside it has white velvet seats that swivel and also a Pedibet game system.
Pedibet is a holographic video game that 6 people can play. It’s where you battle in hand to hand combat and attempt to climb to the top of a mountain in the process. The first one to the top is the victor. You ate a microchip and then your brain became instantly hardwired into the game consul. A few hours later the microchip would dissolve and pass naturally out of the body.
Everyone piled inside and the door closed behind them. They were off into the heart of the city. Dramkick just loved it this time of day. Mela stood up and looked out through the dome and said excitedly, "This is awe-inspiring, Dramkick."
Dramkick stood beside her, smiled, and said, "You haven't seen the meat of it yet. Wait ‘til you see the Lacombe temple, it's a vision from God."
"Then I must see it, let's go there now," Mela said eagerly as she took Dramkick's hand.
Dramkick bent over and said boldly, "Driver, take us directly to Lacombe temple and don't delay."
"You're so forceful, I can tell you know how to get things done. I want to apologize to you for something," Mela said honestly as she looked out the window and then continued in a serious tone, "I'm sorry we had to meet like this, I mean under these conditions."
"What, you don't need to say a word,” Dramkick looked at Mela like she was the only woman alive. “It was the universe that brought us together. If it weren't for your situation we
may never have met. So we can be thankful for that," Dramkick reassured her as he kissed her hand firmly.
The 8B8 raced through the streets of Japopet, weaving in and between the other cars and pedestrians. They flew rapidly over the bridges and through the tunnels of black lights. They came out of a tunnel and snaked up a driveway. They came into a courtyard in front of Lacombe temple.
Lacombe is 700 feet high and made from black crystal. It is shaped like a tidal wave at its apex. There are red, blue, and green lights all over it and some flashing words and phrases like,
"It will," and, "We all knew." There are dozens of Larship trees around the base of the temple.
The Larship tree is a rose red tree that turns downward towards the ground at the top. It's leafs are almost the same as fur from a bears back in texture and consistency.
There are also 2 stained glass windows in front that depict the rise and fall Sasiege Tops. He was a renowned spiritual leader and the only man viewed as a Sorcam while he was alive-a Sorcam being the equivalent of a Saint or deity. After 120 years as the spiritual advisor to Dramkick, and seeing his treachery firsthand, he decided to enter a Goulum sleep in protest.
The Goulum sleep is a self induced coma that can only be lifted by the person themselves. It keeps the body alive with only shallow breaths. The person slowly eats away at self dissolving food bricks as they sleep-these are swallowed before they enter the Goulum. They also consume pressurized water bricks that ever so slowly melt away. Food becomes an afterthought and a vice becomes a name you can't remember.
He had been sleeping for the past 5 years and is awaiting word of Dramkick's demise. Upon which, he would awaken himself (but not a moment sooner). Dramkick found the whole situation comical and didn't care if he slept for 1,000 years.
Everyone got out of the 8B8 and walked through the courtyard into the Lacombe temple.
Inside there was a split hallway, where one side went upward and left and the other went gently downward and right. The left hallway has green floors and paisley green wallpaper. While the right has blue floors and blue Paisley wallpaper-there are several photos of Sasiege every few feet of wall.
They take the right hallway and Mela looks at a photo of Sasiege and said smoothly, "This is a serious man, I can tell by his eyes."
"A seriously foolish man I am afraid," Dramkick barked as he grinned at Mela.
"You're kidding, what do you mean by that?" Mela asked inquisitively as she smirked gently.
Dramkick sucked on his Praem tube and said, "No, I wish I were. That man is Sasiege my one time spiritual advisor. After a difference of opinion on my attack on his home planet of Trecox, he cast himself into the Goulum sleep. It is where you are the only one who can awaken yourself.”
"Wow, that is a foolish act, his anger got the better of him. You are right, I was mistaken,"
Mela said sternly and she continued down the hallway.
"Very foolish indeed," Dramkick replied quietly under his breath as he followed her down the hallway.
The hallway opened up into a long cathedral with a 2 foot wide stream snaking through the center. There are 30 white wooden couches with thick cushions on either side, each of which facing the stage at the far end. On the left side, beside the wall, there is a weapon’s cash and a glass refrigerator filled with foods and beverages. There is also a large painting of Sasiege kissing a baby's forehead, as well as a statue of Sasiege beneath it running through a meadow.
The floors are covered in Kahde grass-which is 3 inch blue grass that is very similar to carpet and never needs to be cut. On the right side of the cathedral there is a Morfranks chamber-which is a bed of pure energy that rejuvenates a person's cells to their most young and vibrant condition. Above it there is a computer monitor hanging down that has the TV show, "Tack Stack," playing on it.
Tack Stack is about a tough as nails Vor Me instructor who quits his job to panhandle full-time after trying it as a lark. In this episode he is given a rare coin by accident and sells it for 10
years pay.
The ceiling of the cathedral has a large truss in the center and a suspended platform beneath it-it has a spiral staircase ascending down from it. The far end of the room has an enormous window in the shape of a cube (it reaches outside and pulls in the sunshine in the morning).
Beneath the window is a circular stage that has various planets in suspended spots. There is also a single black leather chair that faces the window.
"Isn't this a lovely setting, who lives here?" Uaty asked as he bent down and swam his hand through the stream like a dolphin.
"This is Sasiege's home last I knew. Could be anyone's now," Dramkick was feeling invigorated and walked over to the refrigerator to grab a block of white cheese.
Dramkick took a large bite and started looking for a beverage. He grabbed a black wine bottle from the rear of the fridge and popped the cork with his fingers. He leaned his head back and let the wine run down his throat. Uaty and Paut made their way up to the stage while Mela made her way to the Morfranks chamber.
"Why don’t you make yourselves at Home! This is what I wake up and find!" Sasiege shouted from the suspended platform. Then he tossed a Hebal melon at Dramkick hitting him in
the back and splattering on him like an egg.
The Hebal melons are bright yellow and shaped like a Frisbee with a gooey red center. They taste like a really strong strawberry.
Sasiege Tops has a barrel chest and a mountain of grayish black hair that is thicker than concrete. The hair covers his head, arms, chest, legs, and most of his face. He has an enormous wine belly that meets people a few seconds before they meet him. His nose being like a softball, gives his face a distinguished character to it. His teeth are very large, so much so that he keeps his mouth perpetually open. His eyes steal the show as they are light red in color and stare right through people. He never was one for wearing many shirts either. He is wearing a 3 diamond, 1
emerald, gold necklace around his neck and that is sitting on top of his chest hair. He also has a large blue diamond pinky ring that bore the Reign family crest. He is wearing a pair of black pajama bottoms and pair of red and white slippers that have Whyzi's racing drawn on them.
Dramkick is startled at first, but then smiled and said snidely, "Nice throw, Old man. Your aim hasn't faltered the way your mind has."
Sasiege climbed down the spiral staircase and said snidely, "Only a fool thinks me foolish, best to embrace the rational, Quadromolan."
Dramkick strolled over to Sasiege. He felt like laughing in his face, but that would've been too much of a gift. Dramkick said sarcastically, "Boy you look rested, but still you may need another few years before you're ready for life again."
"I am ready for life and the likes of you right now, how ‘bout a kiss?" Sasiege asked as he punched Dramkick in the mouth.
Dramkick was uninjured and burst out into laughter. He grabbed Sasiege and threw him by his neck into the stream and asked, "You still punch like a small boy, but your ego is of real
man! Where does all this self-pride stem from, your chest hair or your fantasies?"
Sasiege crawled out of the stream with the help of Mela, and then mustered up the strength to speak and said boldly, "That was only half strength! I've still got fire my belly. And I still haven't forgiven you for the death of my brother Teep, so watch it."
"Your brother Teep was an accidental casualty of the war and beyond my control. What was lost that day was our friendship and for that I'm truly sorry, Sasiege," Dramkick said honestly as he walked over to him and put his finger in the shoulder.
Sasiege looked at him for a second. He thought to himself does Dramkick mean it. "Alright then, I won't carry this grudge any further. But I have a request of grave importance. "
"Yes?"
"I need a Praem tube and I need it before my next breath or I fear collapse," Sasiege said as he sucked in his cheeks and raised his eyebrows in an indulgent way.
Dramkick smiled and reached into his pocket. He fiddled around his pocket for a minute to annoy Sasiege and then produced a Praem tube. He started to hand it to Sasiege, but pulled it back and asked, "I don't give these to just anyone, only friends, are you my friend?"
Sasiege nodded and plucked it out of his hand. He said boldly, "Always and a day I am."
He quickly sucked on the Praem tube, more like a ravenous lion than anything else, and started rubbing his scalp and shaking his arms as he paced back and forth. Mela saw this and started to chuckle, as did Dramkick. Uaty and Paut stared at him quizzically as they couldn't figure out what to make of him.
Sasiege started shaking violently and jumped on one leg. Dramkick started mocking his silliness by mimicking him. Sasiege lay down on his back and shouted, "God don't take me yet for my happiness has consumed me WHOLE! But if you dare, do my friends the same favor for
"It'd be just our luck, he takes us and leaves you here. I'm Mela by the way, you have a certain charm, Sasiege, I must tell you," Mela folded her arms and waited for his friendship. She saw friends in his eyes.
"Oh she's wise so very wise and beautiful too. Where did you come upon this vision of grand womankind?" Sasiege asked as he jumped onto his feet and gave Mela a hug (making damn sure to rub her cheeks with the side of his own).
"Sras Oblique, and he didn't find me I found him. Grand womankind, I suspect that line has worked before," Mela said slyly as she pulled her hair from her face and with her left hand twisted it down her forehead playfully.
"A time or 2 I'll admit it,” Sasiege said playfully as he stuck out his tongue. “What good is life if you haven't your favorites? Sras Oblique…I've heard of this, that wouldn't be the T sun perhaps?" Sasiege was mildly interested, but wanted to seem more than that. He still hadn't figured Mela out. What is she hiding he wondered.
"It would indeed, how do you come of it?" Mela asked as she surveyed Sasiege. He felt elusive to her, just a hair slow.
"I know from a scoundrel named Totic, who did some dealings with Vindijan Line. I heard the Vindijans possessed tremendous power that they got from the T sun's radiation," Sasiege said brashly as he implied a question. He walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a triangle of white cheese and bit into it ravenously. He tried to lighten the mood and decrease Mela's defenses.
"Yes, this much is true, but we were deceived and taken over by one of our own not long ago,” Mela felt the heavy burden of recalling the collapse of the Vindijan Line in her min
“Which is why I'm here to ask Dramkick for his aid in some retribution for the Vindijan Line," Mela answered as she purposefully walked up beside Sasiege and reached into the fridge.
She grabbed a white chocolate cookie, nothing else.
"From what I heard I would of thought that impossible,” Sasiege gently watched Mela for dishonesty. “I thought the Vindijans were beyond close and extremely loyal to each other. Who is the man that did this horrible thing to you?" Sasiege asked as he gently turned to face Dramkick.
"Peastro, he is the one they want done away with. In a short period time I will see to his downfall personally," Dramkick said definitively and then he pulled out a black case filled with government cigarettes. He took one out and lit it. He blew smoke triangles straight up into the air.
"Well, Mela, with Dramkick on your side I can assure you this man will perish. I would love to be a part of this, Dramkick, if you would wish it?" Sasiege asked as he looked around for his glasses. Why must I always feel that shot of panic about my damn glasses Sasiege wondered.
"I would be honored to have you at my side once again," Dramkick replied as his hand felt over his aching shoulder. "I will need your guidance in the years to come. I think we should make our way back to Château Gadileap and begin preparations for Sras Oblique," Dramkick said firmly as he smoked a cigarette.
"Agreed, we have vacationed long enough," Mela said she nodded just a few times more.
"Then WE’RE OFF!" Sasiege exclaimed and he grabbed his red plasma sunglasses, a white T-shirt, and a tan corduroy jacket as they made their way to the 8B8.
2 months after Sasiege had woken up Dramkick was still tying up loose ends. The Aovaba war is still raging with no end in sight. The politicians want a cease-fire, but the generals are having too much fun to even talk of ending the hostilities. Even Dramkick himself has grown so very fond of his daily casualty count and hearing about his soldier's bravery on the battlefield (so much so he can't even bear to think of ending it). Even in the light of his wanting to leave for Sras Oblique his heart says fight on. He even pondered adding another planet to the war in the hopes of one colossal battle before he leaves. Smoking up one more pig even though his belly is full.
Not to mention the troubles with the Tonyx Preserver helmets, and namely popular figure's helmets being stolen and sold on the black market. This was fueled by the common man's insatiable need to see what the rich and powerful were really thinking (and the desire to know their innermost secrets). This forced Dramkick to decree that anyone caught with one of these masks would be killed on sight. The problem with that was, so many were stolen that he'd end up killing millions of loyal followers. So he was thinking it over.
Then there were the daily thefts from the Praem suppliers and the reluctance of anyone to turn them in. This caused Dramkick to have to tighten up security even further. And, to ration the Praem supply once again. He was losing fans all over, but gaining a slight grin. And there was an ever growing tension between Bree and Dramkick because of the large chunks of time he was spending with Mela. All of this combined stress had caused Dramkick to up his Praem consumption. And when he got the helmets of Vield and Poeragard, he learned that they were part of several assassination attempts on his life (this nearly sent him over the edge).
Inside Gadileap Dramkick is sitting with Mela in the Energy Circus room. It is filled with animals made of different forms of energy that will do various tricks and maneuvers over obstacles. Dramkick shot them occasionally with a low intensity laser beam when they came in, sending them tumbling over themselves. With one being an 8 foot tall gorilla like animal made from green energy. It tried again and again to climb a ladder with broken rings, but fell over and over again onto its back. Dramkick laughed slightly at this. It was a momentary respite. The 2
red energy birds (that looked like buzzards with Mohawks) pecked constantly at the other animals. The yellow energy bear like animals (nicknamed Unwanted Bastards by Dramkick) are perpetually doing front, back, and side flips. The walls are covered in moving colored segments that change every 10 seconds and give the room many different looks and feels. The ceiling has an upside down racetrack with miniature space ships racing on it continuously. The floor is covered in thick white bendable foam that molds to the contours of each person's foot. There are also 6 yellow chairs arranged in a semi-circle that have small snacks, beverages, and of course government cigarettes and Praem.
Mela is wearing a loose fitting orange dress and black slippers, with a necklace that consists of 9 blocks of crystal with a different picture of Coup in each. Dramkick has on a black silk shirt with a small collar and white loose fitting pants. Not to mention his black sneakers with Memoa sticks on the side.
Memoa sticks are a powerful hand operated explosive that can be thrown at an attacker or used to blow a door open.
"You look very happy, Dramkick, I was beginning to worry," Mela said as she lit up a cigarette in the side of her mouth. Her hands tended to fumble with her cigarettes when she hadn't entered the conversation the way she had hoped.
"For the moment, but this will not ease all of my struggles so easily. To see something so comical does help, but I have great aching stress right now. I just-"
"Yes," Mela said quickly as she set down her cigarette on the table and gave Dramkick her full attention.
"I can't do more than I am doing and nothing is getting done," Dramkick's eyes were fixed on the wall as he thought of killing Vield and Poeragard. "What I want to do is simply fulfill my obligation to you and be done with it, but I don't want to leave in this state. I am tempted to go on a journey to Hankfur's," Dramkick said as he rubbed his arm in a circle and then gently ran his fingers through his hair. He hoped that Mela hadn't noticed.
"What is this Hankfur's?" Mela asked puzzled.
"It's…it's a vacation spot on the other side of Membra where they cleanse the pathways in the brain, and flush out all the toxins in your body. They also have several entertaining pastimes to relax and enjoy yourself," Dramkick found Mela's interest calming and his breathing changed like the calming of the ocean. "The problem is I can't justify a vacation while you're waiting for me," Dramkick said then he cracked the joints in his back very loudly on the door jam.
"I'll admit I am eager to get my problem taken care of, but I'm getting the sense that this vacation is a necessity for your well being."
"That's entirely correct, I can't physically or mentally even think of leaving in this state,"
Dramkick admitted as his eyes darted around the room.
Mela gestured with her hand for Dramkick to come closer. And when he didn't she gently touched his wrist and said, "Then you must go, Dramkick, we must be immediately."
"Okay then, but I have another question and that question is this, will you come with me I could use a good friend at my side?" Dramkick asked as he slid his other hand on top of Mela's.
"Of course, Dramkick, I will aid you in any way I can. When shall we leave?" Mela asked as she smiled. She knew how a powerful man's mind worked and how to aid it as well. She needed a confident Dramkick or that little brat Peastro would continue to win.
"We've already left," Dramkick replied as he pressed a blue button in the armrest of the chair and the entire room started to moving upward (and upward very rapidly).
Mela braced herself as they continued to rise up past floor after floor. The entire room came to a stop inside the hangar bay. The 2 Vor Me soldiers guarding the Debrist Morou looked at Dramkick and Mela in bewilderment. Dramkick stood up and helped Mela to her feet. They walked over to the Debrist Morou and boarded the ship. They made their way to the lounge and each took a seat on a tan leather couch with foldout foot rests. They are sitting next to a round island bar. The lounge is small, but has high ceilings-12 feet high. There is also a chair made from a statue of Emasip and Snatsy Reign. The couches and chairs are facing a large television screen that runs every inch of the room-with snapshots of Dramkick's life popping up here and there. There is also a Mochi machine.
A Mochi is a wage stick operated hand to hand hologram video game (a favorite of Dramkick's). The floors are filled with dozens of small carpets from everywhere the Reign family has traveled.
"I thought we'd have a drink to ease the start of our voyage," Dramkick said joyfully as he poured Mela a glass of Stokas Bourbon.
Stokas was only brewed in the 85th century by Det Stokas and there are only 3000 bottles left in existence (with Dramkick having horded away 2,500 for himself).
"You read my mind, how long before we arrive?" Mela asked as she took her glass from Dramkick. She knew she’d have to handle drinking with Dramkick if she was smart.
"An hour or so tops, but it's a beautiful trip this time a year. And Hankfur's is in a very picturesque spot as you will see," Dramkick said as he slid in beside Mela on the couch.
"I must ask, WHO’S THAT!" Mela shouted as she watched a man burst out of the center of the island bar.
The man has black and orange skin like a leopard, with yellow eyes and red teeth. He has a white tattoo across half of his face of the Messi solar system. His nose is crooked and is bent to the right. His forehead is filled with slashing V shaped wrinkles. He is wearing a white dress shirt with his sleeves rolled up and a pair of tan trousers with the words, "Be broken Be just,"
written across the front. He is also wearing Poskit brand black sneakers, no socks. His name is Via D.
Via pulls a Chest Shredder flesh grenade out of his pocket and throws it at Dramkick.
Dramkick feels the sting of fear as he knows that the Chest Shredder grabs flash as it passes through the body in violent directions. Dramkick sees it coming his way and drops to the floor and twists sideways. The Chest Shredder just clips his right shoulder and tears off a piece of his shirt and flesh. Dramkick's blood gushes from the wound and he lets out a yell, but as he does Dramkick also reaches down to his shoe and grabs a pair of my Memoa sticks.
Via reaches into his pocket for another Chest Shredder, but Dramkick sees this and throws a Memoa at his feet. This blows him back against the television smashing it to pieces.
"COME ON!!" Dramkick shouted as he jumps to his feet and then jumps on top of Via.
Via puts the soles of his feet on Dramkick's chest and flings him across the room. Dramkick lands awkwardly on the Emasip chair and his adrenaline really starts to flow. It tasted almost better than pure Praem.
Mela meanwhile ran to Dramkick's side and helped him to his feet. She couldn't help but
think if Dramkick died so did Coup. Via did a double leg kick and vaulted towards Dramkick.
Dramkick was still startled and had lost a lot of blood, but as Via threw his roundhouse punch Dramkick extended his right fist outward (at lightning speed) and he ran face first into it. The blow crushed his cheekbone and Via's punch lost all of its power.
"Get back!" Dramkick ordered as he intertwined his fingers.
"Oh God!" Mela muttered as her body heaved.
Via grabbed the Snatsy chair and slung it into Dramkick's bloody shoulder. This caused Dramkick to scream out in agony. Via tried to hit Dramkick again, but Mela pulled him out of the way just in time. Dramkick mustered up all of his strength as he lunged at Via and grabbed him around the waist. He started squeezing with all of his might. Via gasped for air and tried to free himself, but Dramkick squeezed so hard he started to feel his ribs crush and pop. Dramkick crushed his torso to half of its normal size and blood gushed from out of Via's mouth. He let out one last gasp and then died in Dramkick's arms. Dramkick dropped Via's body to the floor and fell into Mela's waiting arms.
"You need to sit down, My Love, please," Mela suggested as she helped Dramkick to the couch.
"I need you to go into the next room and get the medical kit, please hurry," Dramkick said breathlessly as he slumped over on the couch and took a deep breath.
"O.K.," Mela answered quickly and then she raced into the next room.
Her eyes darted quickly around the room as she searched for the medical kit. She saw the medical kit on the far wall underneath the red suede coat that was hanging from a steel hook.
Mela hurried over and grabbed the medical kit. She quickly ran back into the lounge where Dramkick was now lying down.
"I've got it now, what do you need?" Mela asked quickly as she sat down beside Dramkick.
"Take out the blue vile and dump its contents on my shoulder," Dramkick said calmly as he crossed his fingers.
"O.K.," Mela answered as she emptied the blue vile on his shoulder.
Instantly the blood stopped gushing and the wound started to dull its color.
"Now take out the Larvie medical laser and do a once over the wound," Dramkick said calmly as he inspected what was left of his wound. Dramkick thought of Via getting the jump on him and vowed never again. He looked at his reflection on the TV screen and made a goofy face to amuse himself. Still the greatest he thought.
The Larvie is a silver laser pistol that fires a cauterizing laser beam and extremely potent antibiotic.
Mela took the Larvie and went over the wound twice and then asked, "It seems fine, is there anything else?"
"One more thing, I lost a lot of blood take out that large red vile and affix it to the Larvie.
Then inject it into this vein here," Dramkick pointed to the bulging vein in his forearm.
Mela did exactly what he said and soon fresh blood was pumping into the vein. She pulled out the Larvie and removed the red vile. She cauterized the wound by going over it with the laser.
"How do you feel?" Mela asked as she looked into Dramkick's eyes.
"Completely and utterly whole again. That vacation can't come soon enough for me though,"
Dramkick said brightly as he sat up now.
"You need to be relaxing for even another reason, how nice," Mela said jokingly as she looked down at Via and then continued, "It seems he could use a little rest as well."
"Oh I think he'll get rest weather he wants it or not he he ha. Sure was a sharp dresser, but not much of an assassin. It does beg the question, who sent him?" Dramkick asked with the thought of Poeragard and Vield somehow behind this. He sauntered over to Via and grinned.
Dramkick grabbed his collar and pulled it back. He read the label and said quietly, "Atumky, that's a Vexidian tailor and a well known one at that. This stinks of Vield and breaks my heart once again. Alright…I've decided."
"Decided what?" Mela asked in puzzlement as she rubbed her chin and gazed at Dramkick.
"I've decided that after the respite we'll immediately leave for Sras Oblique. I can see now that the longer I wait the more reasons there'll be to wait. Then it's settled." Dramkick checked his pockets for a cigarette. "I'll leave Gigg in control of the forces I leave behind. And the bulk of my armies will set off into the blackness of' space," Dramkick said nonchalantly as he calmly walked over to the bar and started fixing 2 fresh drinks.
"That's great news, that really sets my mind at ease,” Mela felt invigorated as she knew the Line would rise again. “It had worried me, but now I will not worry, and we can enjoy our vacation free of any stress or pressure. But I must ask will there be any more assassins on this trip or attacks on my life per se?" Mela asked with a wry smile on her face. She knew she was only half joking and so did Dramkick.
"Probably only a dozen or so, but don't worry I'm very handy and good in a tight spot,"
Dramkick said as he fiddled with their drinks. "I'd be more concerned that we've only got half a bottle of Stokas left after the other 2 bottles we cracked, during the excitement," Dramkick said as he lifted the Stokas bottle and half frowned. He knew that last line could've been a joke in any other time but not this time. Would Peastro have laughed he wondered.
"What a travesty I was counting upon it. That dashes all my hopes for total happiness," Mela
said sarcastically as she walked over to Dramkick and grabbed her glass of Stokas. She held it like she'd been to too many dinner parties, with her fingers stretched to the ceiling and a few inches below her mouth (like she was ready to say something). Dramkick noticed this, he'd been to too many as well.
They embraced the next hour by finishing off the bottle of Stokas. The Debrist Morou made its way to Hankfur's (and at maximum damn speed too). They landed in a tightly mowed grass field that is surrounded by an 8 foot stone wall that slants away from the ship. At end of the field, there is a man made waterfall that rises 50 feet in the air and has a sitting deck on top of it. At the base of the waterfall is a swimming pool as well as an elevator. Behind the waterfall there is Hankfur's rising 600 yards into the sky. The majestic rubber gift to all Talz Dramkick thought. It has Hankfur's torso with his arms outstretched on the front of it- and his arms serving as a relaxation deck. The giant head of Hankfur is filled with Dramkick's Quadromolan suite. The face of Hankfur is part gorilla part man with a thick black beard, as well as thick black hair on top. He has a goofy smile and seal black eyes. In life he was a striking fellow, a towering mountain of man at 7'4" tall and 700 pounds. He always wore perfectly tailored suits and tan shoes with his signature white ties-the ties had his face and crest on them. Hankfur Dellow was one of the only 7 Monipac left in existence. The Monipac are a little known about race of giants that came out of the Heyydue jungle 200 years ago. They instantly started adapting, then thriving on Membra. They have an uncanny ability to learn virtually anything in an instant. Giving them a mastery of every level of education in only a 5th of the time it would take a normal person. They all looked to the world of business and immediately welcomed giant success with their theme parks and vacation spots. 50 years ago inexplicably, they started to each get violently ill and soon after perish. Thousands upon thousands of them died and there was no reason for it. The doctors
isolated the illness as a microorganism that was living in their blood. When this organism was exposed to the population of Monipacs in the Metropolitan area, it poisoned them instantly. The remaining Monipac upon hearing this fled to the countryside-including Hankfur and his brother Drevous. For most it was too late, but a lucky few survived. Dramkick quipped at the time "I lost a few too many taxpayers to that one."
They exited the Debrist Morou and a pair of black Hovacycles sat waiting for them.
"I hope we’re not too old for this," Mela said warmly as she mounted the Hovacycle.
"I hope I'm not too young," Dramkick said sarcastically as he put on his leather riding gloves and then said smoothly, "You're never too old to love the kid you once were."
"That, Dramkick, should be remembered every second of every day woowee," Mela answered and then she sped away towards the waterfall.
Dramkick smiled at this and said to himself, "God what a magnificent woman."
He mounted his Hovacycle and tore after her at break neck speed. He thought of the time he rode his first Hovacycle as a child and nearly ended up a permanent fixture on the side of a tree.
He caught up to Mela and gave her a nod and a wink as she looked over. She smiled a wry smile and playfully swerved at his Hovacycle. They rode through a tree lined tunnel and came out the other side in front of the waterfall. Mela stopped and looked Dramkick with a puzzled look on her face and asked, "What do we do now?"
"Well we ah…swim for it," Dramkick said boldly and he floored his Hovacycle into the waterfall and Mela watched in shock.
After he had disappeared into the waterfall Mela sat there for a few seconds and then muttered to herself, "Fine, let's swim.”
She questioned her next move for only a second (and no more). And then she gunned it into
the waterfall. Her eyes had never opened wider and seen so little. She found herself in an underground banquet hall where dozens of people were sitting at tables eating their dinners.
When they saw Mela they all started to cheer. This while she sat on her Hovacycle and looked at them in bewilderment. She saw Dramkick climb out from under a table and into an elderly woman's lap (much to her delight). Dramkick gave the old woman a kiss on the cheek and danced over to Mela and said, "All great journeys start with a perilous step."
"True, but they're usually not quite so dangerous. How was that old woman's cheek, makeup or soup?" Mela asked jokingly and she ran her fingers through her wet hair (too embarrassed to try and style it).
"A little bit of Dr. Damnabi's strawberry soup. I have to admit, one of my personal favorites," Dramkick replied sarcastically and then said, "That man behind you will get you some dryer clothes." Mela turned and she was handed a Praem tube by the waiter.
Mela went with her male waiter-who was a dressed in a gold leaf Hapkin suit-and into a changing stall a few feet away. The changing stall is a good hundred feet long and has been drilled out of solid stone and into a cave. There are little ledges every 5 feet that have lights of different colors on them to illuminate the room. In the center of the room there is a small stage with a lone Mortos player standing there (and he is crying and playing a somber song).
The Mortos is a 70 key half moon shaped piano like instrument. It plays guitar notes and chords with just the press of a key. It also has a blue button that can turn it instantly into a wind instrument (and still be able to be played the same raucous way). While you are playing the Mortos it has its own self generated light show with holograms of ships flying around it.
The left wall is filled with secret passageways where the wait staff (and even a few horny guests) can enter or leave the room without anyone knowing. There is a mist from the waterfall
that combines with the ever changing lighting to give it an otherworldly feel.
Dramkick watches as his table is brought in and 2 chairs are placed facing one another. Mela came out of the changing stall a second later in a long form fitting black lace dress. Her hair was completely dry and tied back into a triangular ponytail. She smiled when she saw Dramkick's jaw drop and she said as she walked up, "Careful now, my heart is spoken for."
"It's not your heart I was thinking of. I am only kidding, I'm not trying to steal you from Coup. I value your friendship too much to make you uncomfortable," Dramkick said honestly as he pulled out Mela's chair.
"I appreciate that, I know Coup would appreciate that as well. By the way you look very handsome in that suit," Mela said as she set down. The memory of an old cocktail party jogged loose in her mind as she sat. That's when they were on top, she thought. Why is it a bad memory now, she wondered.
"Thank you," Dramkick said as he pushed in Mela's chair and sat down across from her.
"Well were here and here is absolutely stunning. I hope there's some sort of dinner coming because I am starving for sustenance," Mela said implying a question "Isn't that terrible?"
"I took the liberty of ordering for both of us. I thought you might like to try some of the region's delectable pasta, I swear by it," Dramkick said as he leaned back and sucked on a Praem tube.
"Okay, then I am sure it will be delicious,” Mela said as she lifted the length of her dress up over her knee. “You know you seem happier already, you have a certain glow that suits you really well," Mela smiled and pretended to smoke a cigarette.
"I feel invigorated and overjoyed even though we've just arrived. I am certain this is just what I needed, Mela," Dramkick said gleefully as he saw the pasta being brought to their table
and then he continued, "And the magic arrives."
The 2 waiters-in black suits and white shirts-put a large tray of white meatball filled pasta and Hankfur shaped rolls down in front of them both-with Whyzi butter spread on everything.
They also set down a bottle of Touc and 2 Hankfur shaped glasses. The waiters bowed to Mela and then Dramkick and briskly walked away.
"It looks like something to die for. Do you mind if we eat then talk?"
"I prefer it, hand me your plate and I'll get us started," Dramkick said making Mela chuckle.
Just then a Hovacycle burst through the waterfall followed close behind by 2 more Hovacycles. It was Sasiege, Paut, and Uaty. They waved to Dramkick and Mela as a female waiter in a blue dress quickly led them to the changing stalls.
"Looks like we’re going to have a bit a company,” Mela muttered as she laughed at the absurdity of the moment. “Is that alright with you, Dramkick?" Mela asked as she grabbed a roll.
Dramkick filled her plate with pasta and said plainly, "I should hope so, I invited them. I'll need my friends and confidants to truly unwind. Plus, it will be easier when we leave to not have to go pick them up,” Dramkick was sitting higher in his seat and exuding calm. He missed being himself. “You know they’d be on some bar room floor or in the gutter. With them here we can head straight for Sras Oblique."
"Thank you," Mela said as Dramkick handed her a plate and then remarked, "I'm glad to see you're thinking this through. I say that because Peastro is a formidable force."
"I understand that, but I have the element of surprise," Dramkick said slyly as his fingers rapt the table gently. "You see right about now he will be receiving my messenger. And after reading my message he will be under the impression that I wish to be his friend,” Dramkick fought back his giddy laughter. “What that will give me is the ability to get within arm's reach of
him. Then it's just a matter of crushing the life out of him," Dramkick said snidely and he took a big fork full of pasta and put it on the Gayweer.
The Gayweer is a metal device used to spin pasta so that it sits perfectly on the fork. It is silver in color and looks like a soda can with one side cut off. It is attached to a magnetic coil to spin it.
"You sent a messenger, that is truly devious," Mela felt the old roar of the Vindijan Line pulsing through her once again. "The only thing I worry about is Peastro's mental triggers. He will sense minutes in advance if you wish to do him harm. How will you get around that?" Mela asked and she smiled and took a bite of her roll.
"I did not know this, but it does not concern me," Dramkick was intrigued by the mental triggers and wanted some for himself. "The Talz, and my family especially, have always been in control of our thoughts and emotions. When the time comes I will summon all my faculties fear not," Dramkick said smoothly and then he took a large fork full of pasta. He poked a meatball and took a large bite.
"Let's test it, it's not that I don't believe you, but it is very important that he not know you are about to attack him," Mela said sternly putting down her roll like a rusty hammer.
"Okay, then you're implying I kill you," Dramkick replied as he glared at Mela.
"Yes, I want you to think murderous thoughts about me and I will say instantly if I feel anything."
"Done!"
Dramkick started staring at Mela with lifeless eyes. He thought about bashing in her head and tearing her limbs from her body. At the same time he carefully thought about caressing her and kissing her lips. Mela stared back at him for several seconds with a crooked smirk on her
face (she desperately tried to sense his murderous intentions). She got an annoyed look on her face and said stunned, "I sensed nothing, nothing at all. How could that be, that's incredible!
Peastro will have no idea this is PER-fect!"
"No idea, what’s this?" Uaty asked as he and Paut walked up next to Mela.
Uaty and Paut were wearing white robes and large black boots.
"It's o.k., Uaty, we don't have to worry about Peastro," Mela said excitedly as she smiled from ear to ear. "Dramkick can handle him," Mela declared without a hint of reservation. She was already planning the color the drapes after Peastro was killed.
"What is o.k., did I miss something?" Sasiege asked as he walked over to Dramkick.
Sasiege had on a thin burgundy sweater and a pair of black trousers with square black shoes.
"I tested Dramkick to see if Peastro would be able to sense his murderous intent…and he passed," Mela could barely control her excitement as her feet went a tappin. "Oh if Coup could have felt or, should I say not felt, when I just did he would be shouting and carrying on like you wouldn't Believe," Mela said gleefully as she burst out laughing like an idiot.
"I've seen it all, Madam, I would believe anything, but I'm happy for you just the same. Now who do I have to kill to get a chair and a plate, and hopefully he's smaller than me?" Sasiege asked firmly as he looked around for a waiter. He spotted 3 of them bringing chairs and let out a sigh of relief.
The chairs were brought over and everyone sat down and started to eat. A good time later (after a few more bottles of Touc) they made their way to the Pedalisp section of Hankfur's.
Each Pedalisp is an entirely different world onto itself. They are called Pedalisps because in the ancient text Peda meant unique, and Lisp meant separate, thus Pedalisp.
In the Yast Pedalip you had only jovial people and the emphasis was on partying and having
a good time. It has a nightclub called Rowdy Baudies and several stages with musicians-as well as burlesque plays and raunchy comedians from Tortem.
The 2nd Pedalisp Huhwha is for people looking for a spiritual journey. There are 5 vast temples that have various different religious practices and ideas being taught. It also has a wall filled with people's hopes and dreams written on small pieces of paper (that you could read or add your own words of wisdom). All the food is nutritional in this Pedalisp (and alcohol is banned).
In the Dillduc Pedalisp it is for the nature lover with beautiful vegetation, a man-made lake, and a gently flowing stream. It feels like summer's past and younger years lost. It also has hundreds of cabins and tree houses that are available to all guests (they are fully stocked with all the comforts of home if you like to imbibe). There are also a dozen waterslides that run around, and in between, as well as through a series of hills. You can also find people friendly wildlife that you can hunt or simply observe.
In the final Pedalisp-known as Egocent-you found self glorification taken to the extreme.
You would have paintings and sculptures made of you. You are afforded several dozen servants to shower you with compliments and care to your every whim. Clothing is completely optional and all of your sexual fantasies are attended to. It has 40 small castles in and around the outskirts of the Pedalisp-they face inward towards a small battlefield. You have the ability to be a general of your own army and order soldiers to attack the other guest's armies (this while you sat in your castle and took in the show). Beneath the Pedalisp is a series of underground caverns where you joined a secret society and had wild parties. This is also where you plotted to take over the world (only for fun of course).
Dramkick walked with everyone up to a series of 4 entryways that were side by side. He
knew this place, he thought (he knew it all too well). Dramkick turned to everyone and said boldly, "There are different rules for each of these Pedalisps. What I suggest, being that I've been here before, is that we try a bit of each. My question to you, Mela, is how much energy do you have?"
"Well it's been a long day and I must admit I'm a little worn out. So where does that send us?"
"Dillduc would be the right fit, follow me," Dramkick said smoothly and then he extended his forearm out and Mela wrapped her arms around it. They walked in together as friends.
They walked on a wooden bridge over the man-made stream and took in the beautiful setting. They found a cabin they liked and went inside.
The outside of the wooden cabin is golf ball shaped with round windows-each of which having the dimples on a golf ball. There is also a brief wooden walkway that leads up to the star shaped door. A grand deck runs all the way around it.
Inside the cabin there are 3 sections on each of the 3 floors. On the first floor there is a living room, bathroom, and kitchen. The living room has a banana shaped sofa that is checkered red and black-and has 2 white thrash pillows lying on it from the Sheik of Pendahar. In the front of there is a silver oval table that has the game, "To taste Bronk," built into it.
To Taste Bronk is a war game that uses miniature robot tanks and battleships as well as robot soldiers. Each person controls their army using a hand held joystick. The object of the game is to capture the Leavitos warrior-who is a green robot that continually hides on either side of the battlefield until all of your forces are destroyed. Matches often times take several hours to be decided (and several bottles of wine).
The floors are covered in 3 sewn together Loreain quilts. The Loreain is a large yellow fury
pair shaped sheep like creature. The only difference being it is 3 times larger and has a tiny head-the head itself is funnel shaped with a tiny mouth, eyes, and red nose.
The walls are covered in tiny green colored cubes, with 12 paintings depicting Hankfur running placed in between them. There are also 2 large L shaped bean bag chairs lying against the right and left walls. And there is a Tamo massage machine positioned next to the left wall.
On the backside of the front door there is a television screen facing the sofa (with every known good movie programmed into its memory circuits).
The kitchen is adjoined to the living room and has 2 refrigerators stocked with every kind of food you could imagine. From Porntap ears (that come from a bat like creature and taste great drunk) to Comman gizzards (which are a furry reptile and taste like Beef Teriyaki). There are also 4 cupboards filled with priceless China, snacks, and cereals like Dr. Moosenecks Tasty Fists (which is worth a 2nd bowl truth be told). An android chef known as Mehemi will lower down from the ceiling if you are ever hungry or thirsty. There is also a large arching kitchen counter that is filled with gold and silver hexagons just beneath its surface. There are 4 chairs that fold out of the counter at the touch of a button.
"Well we've eaten and now we have ourselves a beautiful cabin to relax in. How's a movie sound?" Mela asked as she grabbed the silver and black buttoned TV remote and pressed the power button.
"I'm going to retire," Uaty said and he walked into the elevator without catching anyone's eye.
"I’ll go for a walk, I'll catch the second half," Paut said quickly as he headed out the front door.
"I would love a movie and since you're the guest you should choose," Dramkick said as he
Mela stared at the remote and said boldly, "I've found it!" She scrolled through all the titles and movie images from several films and then picked, "Stolen and black waters Bowns."
"Nice choice I love the beginning of this movie," Dramkick amended as he searched for a Praem tube in his pocket. "And the actress Babenth is a true talent and an absolute stunner,"
Sasiege said as he glanced up only briefly while he was looking for a snack in the refrigerator.
"Babenth yes, she is so sad and somber God how enthralling," Dramkick replied giddily (he enjoyed being around like-minded people). "Nice choice, this will lift our souls," Dramkick said and then he put his feet up on the silver oval table. He really didn't care if anyone minded because he didn't.
"I hope so, I'm dying to see your cinema, and the caliber of your actors," Mela declared and she pulled her shirt up to her navel. "We had an actor, Va Bleem, who perished in an explosion. I wish you could have seen this man's command of his emotions, absolutely stunning," Mela said quietly as she lifted her legs and sat Indian style.
"Va Bleem, fascinating well Babenth is our finest actor and this is her finest work. So you choose very wisely," Dramkick replied as he produced a Praem tube from his pocket and sucked on it for a second.
Sasiege sat down between Mela and Dramkick with a pre-made steak sandwich in his hands.
He turned to Mela and offered her a bite, but she nodded no. Then he offered it to Dramkick and he looked at it and said, "Alright, just a nibble I don't want to miss the start."
The TV screen filled with Babenth's profile and the image started to change colors rapidly.
Babenth said snidely, "Why did you save your I love you’s for some other sucker. I like my man's chest hairless."
The screen filled with a dark haired middle aged man with a thick handlebar mustache named Rothschild. He was facing just left of the camera. He looked fiercely at Babenth and said coldly, "Fine, you like hairless men, the middle school gets out at 2:15, I'll drop you off! You can go ahead and deny my love, but I'll never sleep with another woman as long as I live, Corteah."
The movie showed Babenth walk up to Rothschild, stop for a second, and then punch him in the balls and she said coldly, "You're the biggest fool I ever met, but not a lot of men can stand my will. So because of that, I'll let you live another day, but if your essence comes near my soul again. I'll bash that worthless skull of yours into a pile of broken bones on the GROUND!!"
"O.k. o.k., Corteah, but I already miss you," Rothschild said honestly as his face became a swimming pool of sweat. "In my mind it was all sunshine and that's the truth. So you go ahead and hate me if you want, but I know our love was worth it and you can't tell me different!"
Rothschild shouted as he started to cry. The tears hit the occasional drop of sweat and combined to race down to his chin and drop to his shirt collar.
Babenth looked at him fiercely and then put Rothschild's head in her hands and embraced him tightly. She said quietly, "I…I can't blame you for your failings. I admit that I didn't see me with a man like you," Babenth confessed as she looked Rothschild in the eyes like she'd never seen him before. "And that I…I needed to try to change you into my ideal man."
"But-" Rothschild said quickly as he looked at her with envious eyes.
"But nothing I love you and I'm sorry. Can you please forgive me?" Babenth asked as she looked down at him.
Rothschild stood up quickly and put his arms around her waist. He felt her love and her passion. He kissed her passionately on the lips and then said sternly, "I know the real you and I know you've forgiven me 1000 times, probably more than I deserved. So you don't have to ask
me that question ever again, alright?"
"Alright," Babenth spoke with crying eyes and a heavy heart. She started to weep and said,
"I won’t always be a perfect person and I can't always be a normal person, but I'll always love you and I'll try…"
"I know that, it's o.k. you don't have to be perfect or even normal, I just want you in my life forever. That's all I want," Rothschild confessed as he wiped the tears from her face and kissed her long and deep.
Mela fought back tears as did Dramkick, while Sasiege continued eating his sandwich.
"That scene always gets me," Sasiege said as he took a large bite of his sandwich.
"That was so beautiful, boy that Babenth is a rare gift," Mela said tearfully as she searched for a tissue in her pocket. "The power of her emotions is exceptional," Mela said and then she wiped the corner of her eyes with the back of her hand and smiled.
"She is a master craftsman, this is the 4th film of hers I've seen and every single one is an absolute stunner," Dramkick said as he stretched out his fingers like you would an umbrella.
"Does anyone need anything in the kitchen?" Dramkick asked as he stood up.
"I'm fine thank you," Sasiege responded as he devoured his sandwich.
They watched the rest of the movie before retiring for the evening.
The following morning everyone awoke separately with Dramkick getting up at dawn to get a run and take a look around. Mela awoke and went downstairs. She breezed into the kitchen and activated the android chef. The androids started fixing fried Comman as well as toasted Porntap ears with a Zeya glaze-which is a white sugary glaze that sharpens the natural flavors.
While the android was doing that, Mela started peeling various fruits in the Hoyea machine and putting them in the PW perfect mixer. When she had finished she put the juice into the fridge and added some crushed ice. Sasiege came downstairs and bellowed, "It smells like heaven is cooking again. Oh what a miraculous day to be alive. How are you, Dear?"
"Couldn't be better, I've got the glory the morning filling my lungs. Would you like a bit of breakfast?" Mela asked warmly as she flashed a youthful smile.
"Mela, a bit of breakfast would charge up these old engines and give them youthful glory.
So yes, a little juice please?" Sasiege asked as he looked over the android's shoulder at the feast he was making. And then he smiled at Mela when he realized she was watching him.
The androids started frantically filling 2 plates with food and a small garnish of Toldyo-which is the made from the eggs of the Yupfin bird.
The Yupfin is a powder blue bowling ball sized bird, with fish lips, and bulging eyes that look like they're about to fall out of their sockets. It has a black anchor for tail that constantly pulls the Yupfin towards the ground. Its feet are 2 toed, white, and make a whistling sound as it flies.
Just as Mela and Sasiege grabbed their plates Dramkick came in the front door and said cheerily, "It certainly smells like morning in here. You should see that beautiful lake. It has
hundreds of small boats dotted all over it."
Mela took a bite of her Porntap ears and said, "Wow, I wouldn't have expected this to taste like that."
"Is that good or bad?" Dramkick asked as he was handed a plate of food by the android.
"Great, absolutely the best thing I've ever eaten. I feel all of my taste buds buzzing with sensation, incredible!" Mela declared as she popped her hips out right and then left. "So what do you have planned for today, or have you thought that far ahead yet?" Mela asked as she continued eating her Porntap ears.
"I had thought we'd spend the morning in Dillduc, then go try out Egocent for a while. And possibly sleep there tonight," Dramkick said as he inspected his Comman. He could still remember the first time his mother gave him Comman and the warm sun on his neck.
"That works for me," Sasiege agreed as he walked over to the sofa and sat down.
"I think that's a fine idea. It would be great to see as much as we can," Mela was feeling overjoyed at such a tremendous day. Just to have plans for the day made her giddy. "The question now is will Paut and Uaty be joining us while there's still daylight?" Mela asked sarcastically as she poured herself a glass of juice. Then she poured 2 more glasses for Dramkick and Sasiege.
"Well I would hope so, but Paut never made it back last night," Dramkick said as he was handed a glass of juice from Mela.
"You're kidding," Mela said anxiously as she set down her juice.
"No, not at all when I got up this morning I saw that his bed had not been slept in,”
Dramkick had already prepared himself for any eventuality concerning Paut’s disappearance. He knew how things worked. “He was not downstairs when I went for my run. Obviously Paut is a
grown man and can take care of his own comings and goings, but is a bit odd," Dramkick spoke in a concerned tone and took a long drink from his glass. He thought his way through the whole drink and knew something bad was in the offing.
"Well, it's still early, but if he's not back by mid morning I say we try to find him," Mela said hopefully as she fixated her eyes on Dramkick. "He would do the same for us that is certain.
Maybe Uaty will know what we should do, this could be something he's done on occasion," Mela said hopefully she looked at Dramkick for answers.
"Yes, we’ll wait and an answer will come, it always does. Who's up for a game of To Taste Bronk?" Sasiege asked as a hit the power button in the battlefield and the robot armies rose up from inside the table.
Dramkick was lost in thoughts of Paut, but then said quickly, "Yes, yes indeed let's show Mela this wonderful creation."
Mela was worried about Paut and that his appearance might have gotten him into trouble.
She stood behind the sofa and watched the game of To Taste Bronk, but was eagerly awaiting Uaty to emerge from the upstairs bedroom.
Sasiege used his ground troops in the game as a diversion as he took aim at Dramkick's battleship. While he was doing that Dramkick was closing in on the Levitios warrior with his tank squadron. Dramkick had him pinned in the wooded area of the battlefield. Sasiege saw this, and instantly came in from behind Dramkick's tanks with his battleship and opened fire. He didn't realize that Dramkick saw this coming and used his ground troops to blast Sasiege's battleship from the side. Suddenly a massive firefight ensued, with both sides taking heavy casualties. Dramkick saw his chance and shot the Levitios warrior in the leg. He had his lead squadron of ground troops throw a rope around his legs and torso to pull him to the ground. The
outer edge of the game board exploded with fireworks and a hologram appeared and declared Dramkick's the winner. This caused Dramkick to shout, "And the mighty prevail!"
Sasiege bit his lip and let out a sigh and said, "Nice match, I thought I was going to get you.
I still can't believe I didn't, so close."
Just then Uaty came down in the elevator and stepped out and asked brightly, "This looks like a fun day. Hello everyone where's Paut, is he out for another walk?"
Mela walked over to Uaty and said anxiously, "Paut didn't come back last night. We didn't know if this was something he usually did or has done in the past. You look shocked, Uaty,"
Mela said nervously as she put her hand on his shoulder like a winter scarf.
"I am shocked supremely so, Paut has never not come back after his nightly walk," Uaty looked dazed and his body standing near lifeless. "Something is horribly wrong here. We need to start looking for him immediately. The longer we wait the worse for him I fear," Uaty said sternly as he moved quickly to the front door.
"I'm alerting the Hankfur's security right now that Paut is missing and I'm sending them his specific appearance," Dramkick declared as his sunny demeanor was now completely gone.
"O.K. they say they've dispatched their full security detail in all 4 Pedalisps. Let's do what we can to help them out and get out there and look," Dramkick said as he used a palm size computer to send his message.
"Right, let's get out there," Mela said as she followed Uaty out the front door.
Sasiege and Dramkick were close behind. They looked all over the immediate area for any signs of Paut. Dramkick wasn't going to say it but he knew these things always ended badly. He'd seen it too many times before. Uaty went door to door up a long row of cabins, asking if anyone had seen Paut. Dramkick started to jog and scan each person's face for Paut (and for signs of
stress firing minds). He knew that if someone had taken him, or even killed him, their face would have tells that Dramkick knew well (facial tics and drooping eyes were some). Frantically he looked at each and every person he saw. And then he took a double take of a green haired man in a purple shirt and orange shorts. There was something off about this man, he thought. He stopped looking and walked right over to him and asked, "Why are you so nervous it's a beautiful day?"
"Nervous no, I am Eastick and I am just enjoying this tremendously exceptional day,"
Eastick answered hollowly as he softened his face and hands for Dramkick. "I bet I've never seen a finer day in my life, wouldn't you say so, Quadromolan?" Eastick asked with a wide smile.
Eastick has the face of a Basset hound with large fleshy jowls and thick green eyebrows.
The type of face you only accidentally drew. His mouth is large and crooked with a slight slant to the right. There are small circles of facial hair in rows on each cheek. He is slightly shorter than Dramkick and very thin except for his forearms. Dramkick noticed the forearms. He knew this man's power.
"What a way to phrase a greeting. Well you sure seem to think so," Dramkick replied boldly as he started to get the picture that Eastick had something to hide. Dramkick felt himself getting a little cocky. "But it can't be both, is it tremendous or exceptional because now you've peeked my interest? So go ahead, let's have it," Dramkick barked as he glared at Eastick.
Eastick immediately looked away nervously and started to fidget. He said sharply, "I wouldn't know, my description should suffice. I’m amazed a man of your stature had to ask such a thing, seems a bit childish if you ask me."
"Alright, Eastick, where have you hidden my friend?" Dramkick asked bluntly as his fist started to curl. "And pray you haven't harmed him or your fate will be far worse than his,"
Dramkick said sternly as he put his hand on Eastick's shoulder and squeezed him tightly. It was
"Look I just…I don't know what you're talking about,” Eastick mumbled as he looked wide eyed at Dramkick. “I was just out enjoying this spectacular day. I don't understand why you're holding me so tightly," Eastick said nervously as he grimaced in pain.
"O.K. you little Porntap, I want you to take me to your cabin right now and if my friend is not in the finest of shape, then you will feel more than my grasp. Now let's go!" Dramkick said sharply as he pressed even harder on Eastick's shoulder causing him to scream out in pain.
"Okay okay I'll take you, but you’re wasting your time," Eastick said hollowly as he tried to calm his thoughts. He knew if he could just get to that gun he'd hidden in the cabin he could take out Dramkick. "All's you'll find there are my 2 friends having lunch I swear it, but we will go if WE MUST!” Eastick said hollowly as he started to walk up the sidewalk in front of Dramkick.
They walked past several cabins and then Eastick walked through a brief tunnel, took a right, and went up to a red cabin. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a quarter sized round key. He waved it in front of the lock and said coyly, "You know this is foolish, your friend is probably in one of the other Pedalisps."
"Well, we will certainly find out, but you're right, maybe I should alert the authorities first about you," Dramkick said and then he sent Hankfur's security his address and told them to meet him at Eastick's cabin.
He stood next to Eastick and waited for the security team to arrive. He kept an eye on Eastick and looked around the room casually. He spotted a small piece of Paut's white robe peering out from behind the sofa. Dramkick slowly looked over Eastick and asked, "Wear a lot of robes do you?"
Eastick looked at Dramkick nervously and then his eyes darted over to the robe. He had to
be wise and he knew it. He said quickly with a laugh, "Oh that's my roommates he grew up in the desert. Would like a quick drink while we wait? I've got some Wams in the fridge."
"No, I think we'll stay put until the authorities get here," Dramkick replied as a cocky grin came across his face. He knew the likes of Eastick all too well. "Why don't you grab a seat on the sofa and rest your legs," Dramkick said slyly as he grabbed hold of Eastick and threw him onto the sofa.
"Fine, Quadromolan, but this is a fool's errand I'm telling you," Eastick said hollowly and then he saw his roommate Sepenn-to his left and in the bathroom-out of Dramkick's view and gave him a nod. This was too easy Eastick thought.
Sepenn is a full hand shorter than Dramkick with triangles of blonde hair in a plus sign pattern on the top of his head. His skin has a purple hue and his eyes are lime green with far away white retinas. He is burly like a wild bear. He has on black leather jumpsuit and black motorcycle boots. On his right hand are 2 large silver rings.
Dramkick walked over to the robe behind the sofa and bent over to pick it up. He looked at and asked, "How did blood get on this robe?"
Sepenn came out of the bathroom and hit Dramkick in the head from behind. Eastick jumped off the couch and ran into the kitchen to get a knife. Dramkick was stunned by the blow, but had presence of mind to swing his right arm back at Sepenn. The blow caught him hard in the mouth, knocking out two of his teeth. Eastick rifled through the drawers and found a large carving blade. He raced out of the kitchen. He slashed at Dramkick gashing into his left forearm.
Sepenn ran at Dramkick, but Dramkick thrust his knee into his chin and shattered his jaw. This sent Sepenn face first onto the floor and unconscious. Eastick looked at Dramkick coldly and inched nearer to him. Dramkick kept his eye on the blade and kept his right hand extended to
tempt him to slash at it. Eastick slashed at Dramkick missing and said coldly, "This isn't going to end well for you. Your last few breaths are filling your lungs right now."
Dramkick smiled and said snidely, "I'd hold that blade tighter because when I get it, I'm going to slice you open like a Namis fish. Go ahead, Eastick, try and take my life with your children's hands."
Eastick gritted his teeth and thundered, "How dare you, you worthless fool! I'm gonna split you down THE CENTER!"
Eastick lunged at Dramkick and Dramkick grabbed onto his wrist just before the blade got to his throat. He crushed the bones in his wrist to powder and the knife fell out of Eastick's hand.
Dramkick's grasped the blade and grinned. He thrust the blade into Eastick's stomach and out his back. He pulled the blade up through his innards to the base of his head and then pulled out his arm. Eastick fell lifeless to the floor. Dramkick knew he was ten ways dead now.
Sepenn started to wake up and Dramkick put his foot on the back of his head and shouted,
"Where is my friend! You will tell me before I crush the life out of you!"
Sepenn said nervously as he shook like a cherry tree, "He's in the bathroom upstairs. He's still alive, I'm sorry for what we did I mean it. Please don't kill me, I couldn't help it."
"Neither could I," Dramkick said coldly as he crushed his skull under his boot.
The front door swung open and in rushed the security team with Mela, Uaty, and Sasiege just behind.
"What happened?" Mela inquired anxiously as she looked at the bodies.
Dramkick just shook his head and said, "Paut is upstairs in the bathroom."
"Thank you, Dramkick," Uaty said just before he rushed into the elevator.
"Are you are right, Dramkick?" Sasiege asked as he looked at the gash in Dramkick's
"Never better, it was nice to get in a good workout," Dramkick said sarcastically as he rotated his torso from side to side and smiled. "All's I need now though is a Praem tube to ease this horrible ache and a medical kit," Dramkick muttered as he walked over and put his arms around Mela.
The security team started cleaning up the bodies. The elevator came down like a giant cinderblock on a man's back. Uaty was inside helping Paut stand up and walk. Mela rushed over to them and asked, "What did they do to you, Paut?"
"They beat me viciously and tied me to a chair," Paut spoke with pain shaking every syllable. "They repeatedly slapped me and shouted at me. It was a nightmare that cannot be forgotten, all of it," Paut said quietly and then he embraced Mela and saw the bodies and said,
"You've gotten your justice I hope it was worth it!"
Dramkick walked over to Paut and asked, "Why did they do this to you, did they know you?"
"They said this was how they felt about strangers on Membra," Paut replied as he tried to breathe. He continued, "And that it was my mistake for coming here and that I would have to pay with my life. You saved me, Dramkick, I won't ever forget this. I will be forever thankful," Paut said honestly as he breathed heavily and shook off a face full of sweat.
"You don't have to thank me, you are my friends now I will keep you safe," Dramkick said as he held onto the sides of Paut's neck softly. He could see Paut wasn't enough of a warrior these days but had been at one time.
"I've decided something, Dramkick, you don't have to honor our agreement,” Uaty said honestly as he bowed to Dramkick. “You saved my brother's life and as far as I'm concerned
we're even," Uaty said sincerely as he looked at Mela sternly.
Mela nodded yes and Dramkick said sternly, "Absolutely not, your problems are my problems. I will do what has to be done to help Mela get her life back, and that is final. Peastro will come to the same end as these 2."
"What about your vacation, do you still wish to continue?" Sasiege asked.
"Now more than ever, we need to cleanse ourselves of this ugliness," Dramkick answered as he rid himself of what was left of his adrenaline from the fight. "Let's go back to our cabin and rest for a bit, then make our way to Egocent and fill our hearts with wonder," Dramkick was joyful now and went outside with everyone close behind.
Dramkick got patched up and let out a yawn (he didn’t mind the loss of blood, it was commonplace by now). After an hour at the cabin everyone walked over to Egocent. They got cozy in a large castle. Dramkick couldn't help but think he was always in castles these days. The Castle is 3 stories high and has gently sloping blue stone walls that form a perfect rectangle.
There are 4 crow's nests on each corner and on top there is a white marble tower-it has a floodlight inside shaped like Hankfur's head. On each of the 4 walls there is a protruding deck for taking in the days battles. On the deck there are 3 large yellow couches and outdoor refrigerators for battle snacks. There is also a 20 person hot tub on the deck facing the battlefield, as well as a Parnig board-which is a 10 foot long polka dotted numbered board used to count casualties. Also, there is a retractable roof for rainy days and also for shade. Each wall has the visage of Hankfur painted on the bottom left and upper right hand corners. There is also a large picture window every few feet shaped like a bursting sun.
Everyone made their way to the battle deck and Mela and Dramkick sat on the couches.
Sasiege, Paut, and Uaty got into the hot tub. The 3 servants were all wearing white and standing
on the left side of the deck waiting for commands.
"Well, Mela, what do you think our chances are of winning this battle today?" Dramkick asked as he lit up a government cigarette. He thought to himself who needs cigarettes that aren't made by the government.
"I don't know, but if I had to guess I would say it was a certainty," Mela said calmly as she surveyed the battlefield.
"Why do you think that? If you don't mind me asking," Dramkick asked intently as he took a long drag.
"If you can’t win today’s battle then I say the fix is in," Mela said proudly as she looked at Dramkick with a wry smile.
"Well put, oh here's our control sticks. This will be a magnificent test of our fortitude,"
Dramkick said as he watched three servants bring him and Mela their electronic control sticks-the sticks controlled their entire armies.
In front of each castle there are: the residents, troops, Roto tanks, and small battleships of their individual colors. Dramkick's forces are wearing the color blue with gold trim. A red flare is fired into the air and then the battle ensues. Dramkick starts by sending his tanks to the right to engage his nearest enemy.
Dramkick’s 4 lead Roto tanks catch them off guard and blow the red army's battleship to pieces. Dramkick shouted, "NO sleeping on the battlefield!"
Mela orders the ground troops to move to the top of a small hill. She has them blast away at the troops on the other side with their backs facing her. She watches eagerly as her troops kill the yellow army's soldiers as they attempt to run up the hill. The yellow army's battleship starts to turn towards Dramkick's tank, but Dramkick sees this before they can fire. He swings his
battleship around and starts blasting into the side of it. The blast sends burning troops flying out screaming at the top of their lungs. What's left of their crew is inside looking sheepishly out the gaping hole.
Dramkick swings his Roto tanks around to flank it and uses his battleship to take it head on.
All of his firepower centers on the yellow battleship and soon it bursts into a fiery inferno of death. It crashes to the ground in a blazing pile of steel and charred bodies.
"Try again, you will fail the same!" Dramkick shouted triumphantly as he gently sucked on his cigarette.
"The green army is cutting across the center of the battlefield, watch out!" Mela shouted as she ordered her troops to turn and face the green army. She knew they'd take a lot of casualties but it had to be done.
"I see them I'm ready for them!" Dramkick thundered as he summoned all his forces to go after the green army.
The 2 armies met on the grassy plain in the middle. Fog was dancing in between the tanks like a gathering of ghostly spirits. Both sides were waging a bloody and last gasp war. By this point the other armies were destroyed or severely crippled. Dramkick knew this was the final battle and he would be victorious.
"Mela, bring the ground troops in from the left we need to flank them," Dramkick ordered and then he steered his battleship to the right and started devastating the green army's tanks as they advanced.
The green army's battleship started doing the same to Dramkick's Roto's. Dramkick whispered, "Imitation is only slightly flattering to the imitated. Try this on for size!"
Dramkick's lead Roto tanks turned their gun barrels skyward and ripped a new jagged hole
in the battleship's undercarriage. This caused several of its crew to fall helplessly to the ground and be trampled upon impact. The green battleship still had high energy particle bombs and dropped 10 on the helpless Roto's. They were only the steam from a manhole now. Mela had her ground troops pepper the battleship with laser fire and this set the right side of it ablaze.
"We're making headway, they can't hold on forever," Mela said firmly as she sent orders to her troops.
"I think their battleship is moments away from failing," Dramkick replied as if he'd already said that at some point. "I'm going to use half of the Rotas to shake up their tanks. That'll distract them, and use the battleship to knock them out of the sky," Dramkick said snidely as he ordered his forces into action.
Dramkick's battleship pulled square to the green army's battleship and shot 50 short range missiles into its nose. The explosions seemed like putting firecrackers in apples, it was catastrophic. The green battleship lost structural integrity and split down the center. The 2 halves fell separately to the ground. And when they hit their fiery crash wasted thousands of their own ground troops.
"Nice landing, you're doing our dirty work for us," Dramkick said as he took in the entirety of the battlefield with childlike joy. "Now let's pour all we've got into the remaining tanks and troops and end this fight Prop-AH," Dramkick sent the rest of his forces to engage what was left of the green army.
Within a few minutes of bloody all out fighting what was left of the green army surrendered and left the battlefield in shame. A huge hologram of Hankfur appeared above the center of the battlefield and said in a booming voice, "The blue army has won the days battle. And as the winner, they will receive a gold statue made in their likeness. As well as have their complete
battle restored and kept in the Hall of the Gifted for all time! You were the ultimate warriors today and we bow to your greatness."
Dramkick and Mela looked at each other and smiled. Then they waved to the other bowing castle guests. Dramkick walked up to the edge of the deck and looked out over the carnage on the battlefield. He thought about how tragic and beautiful a battlefield could be. He remembered his first battle when he was only 15. And how frightening and thrilling it was all at the same time. He could still remember his father's words, "Every war can be won in a moment. So never count your breaths until you can see through the smoke." He remembered his late brother Toamtil and how he had died in the Au Zaco war. That was the only time he ever saw the old man brought to tears.
"What's the matter, Dramkick?" Mela asked as she wrapped her arms around his waist.
Dramkick looked over at her warmly and said, "It's just the glory of war and the pain of it.
I've never really been able to come to grips with the uncontrollable power of the battlefield. Even now when I've seen so many, I still feel the fear of a soldier it’s… It just is."
Two servants brought 2 trays of Koins-which is a popular brand of donut with meat, jelly, chocolate, glazed and strawberry pudding filled.
H.P. Koins was the founder of Koins donuts. He was the most married man in history having had 70 wives in 15 years. He had also fostered 200 children to his wives and half a dozen more to his mistresses. He was a notorious crooked gambler and had once been caught with a magnetic belt buckle as he sat at a slot machine. He also loved to drink, and tell wild unbelievable stories that always involved him having some incredible triumph. He was also well read having fingered his way through 3,856 books in his 126 years of life. After reading each book he could recant verbatim each and every chapter even in his advanced years. He was known lovingly as the
world's busiest brain, a moniker he had grown to love.
Dramkick spent 2 weeks on vacation and then everyone went to Gadileap to prepare for the trip to Sras Oblique. Dramkick knew that even if he killed Peastro the escape could get bloody.
After all Mela had told him in their talks he knew Peastro's people would want his head on a pike. He put all of his efforts into trying to find a safe pathway back to Membra. He thought to himself about a poem he had read with the line, "The gun is yours but the barrel's still owned."
Dramkick and Mela are leisurely going for a walk through the Ohmayo forest-the Ohmayo forest is 2,000 miles long and filled with Paysgoh trees. While Sasiege, Uaty, and Paut get a deep tissue massage.
Paysgoh trees are shaped like crosses and covered in bright blue grass that is soft to the touch. At the base of each is a house that encircles the tree-known as the Nata hut. There are also Nata huts at the intersection of the Paysgoh trees-which are typically 800 yards tall and 50 feet wide.
The Nata huts themselves are tan in color and have 4 oval windows spaced evenly around them. The people who live in Ohmayo forest are known as the Weasta and number in the millions.
The Weasta have the same even brown skin and long flowing blonde hair on both men and women. They are a very muscular people because of their devotion to climbing and digging tunnels. They have an entire city beneath the ground known as Pew Domp and it the stretches for hundreds of miles. The Weasta have also been collecting and hoarding away trillions worth of priceless artifacts and jewels. No one outside of the Weasta knows of their treasures or of Pew Domp (except for the Reign family). The Reign family looks in on them occasionally and gives
them protection from thieves. They also love water sports and have a large man-made lake beneath the ground that they race small boats on. They use an underwater spring board and see who could launch themselves the farthest underwater. The winner gets to tell wild stories at the head table.
"It's really beautiful here, truly serene," Mela said as she watched a Weasta child doing one handed cartwheels.
"I always loved it here," Dramkick confessed as his toes tapped gently on the ground. "The Weasta are as friendly and caring a people as you'll ever meet. When my father brought me here as a child it thrilled my soul to no end," Dramkick said as he walked beside Mela.
"I can see why the sheer beauty of their craftsmanship is something truly wonderful to behold. Do you think I could go inside one of their homes?" Mela asked curiously as she flashed a goofy grin. She was taken with this place.
"Of course, I'll take you in this home here. It's an old friend of my father's place," Dramkick said joyfully and then he walked up to the P shaped door and knocked as he yelled, "Finby, our whole day needs brightening!"
Out came Finby Toerls with a smile on his face. He is a full foot shorter than Dramkick, but has equally wide (and muscular) shoulders. His long blonde hair is tied into a loose ponytail at the bottom. His face is a study in angles, with extremely high cheekbones and a triangle shaped nose. His eyes are warm and friendly-and they are dark blue in color. He is wearing a white knitted kilt that has all 14 of his children's names stitched onto it. He also has on sandals with built-in socks. Around his neck is a gold necklace with several square emeralds attached to it. He has on a black wristband with his wife's name on it-her spiritual name is Flassa.
"My floor needs fixing," Finby said quickly as he opened the door and smiled wide at
"You kiddin me I thought I already fixed that floor," Dramkick replied sarcastically as he fixed his pants. "You, and Flassa workin’ on another kid?" Dramkick asked sarcastically as he grabbed Finby shoulders and shook them.
"We’re always working on another, sometimes 3 or 4 times daily," Finby said jokingly as he started to laugh.
Dramkick laughed and then asked, "Well there are worse ways to spend your time. When do you think you'll get around to inviting us in?"
"As soon as I find out who this beautiful woman is at your side. I would hate for any enemy spies to cross my doorstep," Finby said sarcastically as he looked at Mela with an unending warmth in his eyes.
Mela smiled and said sarcastically, "Alright, you caught me, I'm here to steal your lovemaking secrets. Word is out about you, Finby," Mela joked and then she flashed a brilliant smile and said, "My name is Mela and it is an absolute pleasure to meet you. I would be honored if you allowed us to see your fine home."
"Mela, how beautiful what a name," Finby perked up nearly jumping out of his shoes. "You are more than welcome to share my home and meet my family, please follow me," Finby said as he smiled and nodded his head. He quickly turned and went into his home with Dramkick and Mela close behind.
As you walk into Finby’s home there are several family photos hanging prominently on the wall directly in front of you. It shows them doing a group kiss on a beach and wearing beaded hats and swimsuits. Below the photo, on the red rug, are a dozen Bushpa dolls.
Bushpa dolls are hand stitched dolls that have bulbous elderly heads and young fit bodies.
The faces of each have a crazy smile and wild staring eyes. They also have on fur coats and tan furry trousers. If you were to squeeze them they would say, "Love me quick before I pass," and release a beautiful scent. The dolls were made personally by Dr. Hoyadoi Wee-a renowned master surgeon. Dr. Wee made the dolls as a hobby and used them in his clinic for years before he ever thought of selling them. Dr. Wee fashioned the dolls after his great grandparents and created them from scratch.
There is a small fitness area to the left of Finby's with: a punching dummy, a duel resistance treadmill, and 4 mats for advanced Weasta martial arts. There is also a bench that runs along the wall and has 2 sides-one facing inward and another facing out the large oval window. There is also a Bustip dispenser on the right wall.
Bustip soda is similar to Dr. Pepper, but has 3 times as many flavors in it. It is beloved by the Weasta and many of them have their own dispensers.
To the right of you is the pantry and it has 7 different carports filled with: snacks, cereals, and canned goods. It has a black and red circular rug in the center with a circular table on top of it-with 5 cushioned orange wooden chairs around it. In between the cupboards the walls are filled with awards and artwork that the Finby children won.
Dramkick saw the fitness room and said gleefully, "It's good to see you've kept up your workouts. I would have thought your 10 children would have made that very difficult."
"10! I wish it was 10 we've got 16 now," Finby answered honestly as he fussed with a hat that was hanging from a painting on the wall. "It's too bad you came today the young ones are at their grandmother's. My 2 oldest are here though and they'll love meeting you, Mela," Finby said as he walked through the fitness room and into the living room.
"I can't wait to meet them it will be a great treat for sure," Mela said warmly as she stepped
The living room is filled almost entirely with 4 large brown couches and two giant 10 foot tall television screens. The couches line opposite walls and there is a TV at either end. In between the couches there is barely enough room to walk. The wall on the left has the words,
"To belie the worriless day," spelled out in vibrant colored beads. The opposite wall has a giant mural of the Tornbread diamond mines painted on it.
The Tornbread mine is an enormous and unheard of diamond find that was so large it made the value of diamonds drop to almost nothing. It forced jewelers around the world to abandon the sale of diamonds and become precious metals salesmen. Before that happened, the Cumpa family-the owners of the mine-became the wealthiest people in the world. This allowed them to buy up huge chunks of choice property and hoard it all to themselves. They became a slang word for greed, "Don't Cumpa the chips," was heard on the sitcom Try Sameness and sparked a phenomenon.
"Flassa, we have visitors, it's Dramkick!" Finby yelled as he walked into the living room.
"I'll be right there I'm fixing a nice lunch," Flassa answered and then she sang a few notes and she continued, "Its homemade pizza and its almost ready, just have a seat." She checked the oven and reapplied the cinnamon butter sauce to the golden brown crust.
"Okay!" Finby shouted and then said, "Please make yourself at home. She will only be a minute."
"I don't think I can wait. I think I need her here right now or it could go bad," Dramkick said sarcastically as he sat down on the nearest couch. He always felt a certain relaxation of sitting in a lived in home.
Mela and Finby sat down as well and then in walked Flassa. She is 5'4" tall and very
womanly. She enjoys being a mother more than anything else and it shows. Her curly blonde hair and tan skin show she must've been a looker at one point. Her eyes are bright green and always made you smile. She has on a white T-shirt with the word “Tepit” written in the center. She also has on light blue colored jeans and white sandals that expose her bare feet. The necklace around her neck has all of her children's names engraved on it. She looks flush with humanity.
"Oh really how bad is it gonna get?" Flassa asked sarcastically as she walked over to Finby and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"We’ll never know now, let's just be thankful the winds have blown you here," Dramkick joked as he inspected a blue and red trinket on the table. "Hi, Flassa, you really look beautiful today. How have you been?" Dramkick asked warmly as he flashed a devious smile.
"Busy, just had our 16th child 2 months ago, little Bimby," Flassa replied excitedly as she wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. "She is a terror I must tell you and keeps her parents on their toes constantly. How things been with you and who is your new friend?" Flassa asked as she looked around for her wineglass.
"This is Mela and she is from Sras Oblique. And I just got back from vacation and I am in my best spirits," Dramkick said as he calmly pulled out 4 Praem tubes and continued, "And these are for you, please enjoy."
Finby took the Praem tubes and said quickly, "Thank you so much, Dramkick, you are great friend." Finby felt the same nervousness as you would if you had just won a big pot on a bluff.
He grabbed the Praem too quick, Dramkick thought.
"Really, Dramkick, we appreciate it," Flassa said warmly as she grinned at Dramkick and batted her eyes. "And it is truly great to meet you, Mela. Sras Oblique, I've never heard of that is it far from here?" Flassa asked as Finby handed her a Praem tube and she quickly started
"About a year's journey," Mela said before she stopped quickly as she heard someone coming up behind. Startled, she fumbled for a weapon.
It was Tomyte-Finby's eldest son-and he came into the room short of breath.
Tomyte is a dead ringer for his father, but just a hair taller. His long blonde hair seems very womanly. He is fit like his father with a tiny waist. He has on a black T-shirt, white jeans, and a pair of black Nervetell sneakers.
Nervetell was created by Bovate Tin-a Vexidian aristocrat who used the last of his inheritance to start his own shoe company. The move eventually made him wealthy beyond his wildest dreams.
"It's Salstock, he burnt the Canfe white!" Tomyte said boldly as he walked past Mela and Dramkick.
"What? What is he doing he'll doom us all!" Finby said nervously as he started to sweat profusely.
"What's the trouble, can we help?" Dramkick asked as he rose from his seat and stretched his back. He was in the mood for a good dustup.
"I'm not sure, my idiot brother Salstock has burned through the last of the Canfe. That is the fuel for our security door that protects Pew Domp and all of our riches," Finby explained his hand nearly shaking loose from his wrist. "We would need your incredible strength to help us push the emergency door shut, before anyone gets wise to what's happened. Can you do it?"
Finby asked anxiously as he felt a panic attack rising in his mind. Should I have asked Dramkick that, Finby wondered?
"Not can, will let's go!" Dramkick said forcefully as his eyes shifted and his adrenaline
pumped. His entire body language changed when he was angry and everyone could feel it.
Finby pushed down on the armrest of the couch and the couch sprang open sending a rubber clown into the air. He pulled on a black lever and a passageway opened up behind the TV.
"Follow me, please hurry," Finby begged as he ran into the passageway and down a spiral hallway into the ground.
Dramkick, Mela, Tomyte, and Flassa were quick behind him. Flassa had worry all over her face and all over her thoughts. What terrible things could happen next, she wondered. The passageway went deep into the ground and opened up into a large cave. There is a 500 foot high steel safe at the far end and the door to the safe is slightly ajar-the vast riches could be seen shimmering in the light. There is everything from gold to silver, paintings, and ancient artifacts all hidden inside the safe. The Weasta's whole existence was in that safe and they knew it.
The safe itself is royal red in color and has 2 large statues on either side-there are of the Weasta Gods Akfoid and Doorpeck. Akfoid's statue depicts him flexing his muscles as he represents the strength of the Weasta. Akfoid has the head of a Whyzi and the body of a human.
Doorpeck's face is like a Weasta with chiseled features and long blonde hair. He is wearing a kilt and sandals while holding a pair of moons in each hand.
The cave is filled with dozens of Weastas who are frantically trying to get the safe door closed. Dramkick sees this and his legs run like a perfect athletic machine. As he runs 2 dozen thieves come flooding in through a secret tunnel with guns blazing.
"Mela, go back upstairs I'll take care of this!" Dramkick ordered and then he raced full out towards the thieves.
Mela watched Dramkick run at them and felt an equal courage. Dramkick’s powerful legs were terror inducing with every stride. Mela stood there watching him in disbelief and wonder.
How does he exist she wondered aloud. A second later she and Flassa raced towards the passageway.
Finby hurried over to the weapons cash on the right wall and grabbed 2 Paniflus (throwing one awkwardly to Dramkick). Dramkick shot two of the thieves, one in the head and one in the shoulder as he shouted, "No one gets out alive! Finby, look out behind you!"
Finby turned to see a thief about to slice him open like a watermelon. He shot him in the throat with the Paniflu and nearly threw up in the process. Dramkick kicked right through one thief's chest sending a mass of organs and blood onto the floor.
A different thief jumped on Dramkick's back and started choking him. Mela and Flassa grabbed 2 Paniflus and took dead aim at Dramkick's attacker. They fired and hit him in the small this back. The thief fell to the ground, wincing in pain and Dramkick spun around to see Mela holding a Paniflu with a smoking barrel. He mouthed the words, "Thank you," then kicked the thief's head off like a soccer ball.
Mela and Flassa saw this and watched the head roll by and Mela yelled, "He's a sweetheart, trust me!"
While this was happening Finby was locked in a hand-to-hand struggle with one of the thieves. The man pinned him down and pressed his forearm hard on Finby's throat. Finby tried to gouge his eyes out, but couldn't reach them. He kicked the thief in the balls as hard as he could.
This loosened his grasp just long enough for Finby to get a breath and reach for his Paniflu. He grabbed it, but the thief grabbed his wrist as he did and the 2 struggled for the weapon. The thief ripped it out of his hands and was about to kill him, when Flassa raised her weapon and blew a tennis ball sized hole in his head.
"I got your back and your front, here take this," Flassa said smoothly as she picked up the
Paniflu and handed it to Finby.
"Boy do I love this woman, God keep her safe," Finby said as he looked skyward. He gave Flassa a quick kiss and started firing at the thieves with a new enthusiasm.
Dramkick ran, jumped, and shot 2 thieves as he flew over their heads. He landed feet first on the head of another next to the safe door. Inside the safe there were already 3 thieves filling their pockets with gold coins and platinum star shaped blocks. Dramkick saw them and instead of shooting them he grabbed hold of the giant safe door. He used all of his muscularity to get the door to move. Finby, Flassa, Mela and a dozen Weasta were keeping the rest of the thieves at bay.
"This is fun!" Finby yelled as his enthusiasm got the best of him.
Dramkick used all his massive strength to gradually move the door as sweat muddied up his eyes. He let out a loud grunt as he threw the safe door the last few feet. The large door locked shut with the 3 thieves locked inside. The other thieves saw this and decided to make a break for it (leaving their friends behind forever).
The Weasta let out a cheer and waved their weapons in the air triumphantly. Finby walked over to Dramkick and patted on the shoulder and said, "You saved us, Dramkick, we will forever be grateful."
"Think nothing of gratitude, you are my friend," Dramkick answered as he gave Finby a fatherly nod. Dramkick looked it Mela and said, "I can’t help it, I lead an exciting life."
"Trust me being Coup's wife, I'm used to it," Mela replied with a smirk.
One half of the Talz fleet-including a Vexidian accompaniment-filled the morning sky. It was warm day, warm in color and warm with ideas. Dramkick, Sasiege, Mela, Uaty, and Paut were all aboard the Debrist Morou. Dramkick gave the word and they were off for Sras Oblique.
Dramkick knew he needed this trip. Not just of body, but also of mind.
After a few weeks in space Dramkick was becoming weary of the cosmos and decided they would take a day to rest on an unknown planet called Guglos. Guglos is a predominantly water planet with only 2 large cities Anteb and Poolem-the rest is consumed by the Faito jungle. The people of Guglos are known as the Goohy. They are pale skinned with large almost polka dotted freckles. They also have purple hair and searing red eyes that rarely ever blink. They are all slight of build, but have extraordinary speed and agility. Their faces are covered in intricate blue and black tattoos-these are unique to each of them. They dress simply in loose fitting blue shirts and pants. Not to mention the white hats they all adore. Some, not the majority, also choose to wear red framed black sunglasses that fit their eye sockets exactly. This is meant to cause confusion and Dramkick doesn't get confused often.
Hand to hand combat is a source of great pride among the Goohy and practiced daily. They are also great lovers of the arts and take great pride in their paintings, sculptures, movies, and of course music. They have also developed the Gream Institute-which focuses on stimulating the parts of the brain used to read a person's thoughts or tap into the Courtabedy Flow.
The Courtabedy flow is an energy stream that originates in the 9th dimension. It allows people to create balls of condensed energy and hurl them at people using their minds. You can
also use it to levitate objects (many times beyond your lifting power) and hurl them several feet.
The use of the Courtabedy Flow can also retard the aging process when used correctly.
The Goohy incorporate all of their people into the army regardless of age. The leader of the Goohy is Petimo Kass. It is well known he is convinced that eventually his people will have to fight for their existence. He's taken great measures to get them prepared and to give them every advantage in the coming battle. He also fears disease to such an extent, that he has hundreds of scientists preparing vaccines for diseases that no one has yet contracted. There is even a lab creating new diseases so that they can make new vaccines before they hit (in case Mother Nature gets frisky).
The Debrist Morou flies towards Poolem from the south side of the city. The city is vast and intricate stretching for a thousand miles. It has 3 levels of city known as the 3 levels of Qua.
Each level of Qua is 1,500 feet high and the top level stretches almost a mile into the red sky of Guglos. If you live on the first level you are known as a Paft, the 2nd a Dall, and the 3rd a Mons.
The 3 peoples keep mostly to themselves for fear of interaction. Each of them fears the other races carry inside them deadly diseases. All of the buildings are either white, black, dark blue, or green-and each have Petimo's face painted on them somewhere.
"What a magnificent city this is," Gigg remarked as he weaved the ship in and around the city.
"It looks like a truly civilized world which bodes well for our respite," Mela said cheerily as she twisted the ends of her hair in her fingers. "And by the looks of it they aren't concerned with our army. These people are refreshingly calm, cool, and collected, I like that," Mela said honestly as she walked closer to the monitor and looked out over the city. It reminded her of the days the Vindijan’s used to crush new worlds. She longed for those days.
"That worries me slightly, they have a reason to be calm and confident," Dramkick said as his mind thought of Peastro and his eyes undressed the city. "Don't kid yourself there is always a reason. But fear not we've got reason to be calm as well," Dramkick said as he rubbed the bone over his missing eye socket with his fingers.
"Which is?"
"A giant destructive army, moments away and at my disposal," Dramkick replied proudly as he watched a man on a floating bicycle crash into a window. He felt nothing, fools came and went. "They can take their calm eyes and watch them disappear right quick, when they're looking at my cannons. Let's hope it doesn't come to that, I really need day to recharge my engines,"
Dramkick said as he bent down and stretched out his legs.
"You are dead on positive, Dramkick, all this time in space makes my mind beg for nature,"
Sasiege said sternly as he pulled out a Praem tube and offered it Mela.
"Maybe later, I need to take in this city with all of my dull senses. I still can't get over how intricate it is, and yet everyone is moving with such speed and precision," Mela said as she lifted her chin and admired a sparkling multi-colored ship. Mela coughed and then asked, "Who do you think rules over this splendor?"
"We'll find out post haste, those 2 shuttles are coming our way. Try to get them on the monitor when they hail us, Gigg," Dramkick said nonchalantly as he yawned.
"Good timing, Quadromolan, they're hailing us now. Here comes the feed," Gigg said as he pressed the control button for the monitor with the air from his breath.
Petimo's face appeared in the center of the monitor and was squared off like a painting. He had a nose a turned up at the end, but in all other ways looked like a typical Goohy. He has on a white hat with a long feathery brim (and a Mohawk of red feathers on top). He is also wearing a
pair of black round rim glasses. Dramkick takes note of this and files Petimo into the fool barrel.
Petimo smiles confidently and then said implying a question, "I welcome you with great spirit and wish to know why you have arrived in our wonderful world."
"We are here to get a day's rest from the vacuum of space," Dramkick replied quickly as he flexed his shoulders. He didn't want Petimo getting any ideas. Dramkick continued, "We have been traveling for several weeks and hoped to visit your beautiful world if it is not an intrusion."
"You're welcome here, but I might ask you where you and your army are heading?" Petimo asked coyly as he feared invasion. He smiled at Dramkick for 10 seconds (and Dramkick counted).
"You may, we are on a way to Sras Oblique and we pose no danger to you, or your people I assure you," Dramkick said plainly as he glanced over a Mela and smiled.
"Sras Oblique is some distance from here will you be needing fuel or supplies?" Petimo asked as he fought the urge to scratch his itching nose. He refused to show weakness. "If so we would gladly be able to accommodate you for a price." Petimo formed a pyramid with his fingers and leaned back slightly.
"Thank you, we would certainly entertain the idea of exchange," Dramkick replied firmly as he tapped his temple with his forefinger. "What we would need most would be fresh vegetables, as our on board greenhouse has been malfunctioning. Would that be a possibility?" Dramkick asked as he decided to steal the vegetables if the answer was no.
"Certainly, just follow my shuttle's landing area and we will give you all the fresh vegetables you require," Petimo answer brightly as his nerve was beginning to falter. He adjusted his collar and then said, "Now what I would hope to get from you would be a sample of your home world’s music. Also, maybe a painting or 2 if you have it, as I am a great lover of art and music. I am
always looking for new and different forms of each. Is that agreeable?" Petimo asked calmly as he raised his eyebrows as high as he could.
"Consider it a certainty, I have over 10,000 songs on board," Dramkick announced happily as he felt the twinge of friendship happening between him and Petimo. "And I can have them uploaded upon landing. I also have a few paintings I would be willing to part with, that you would find to your liking," Dramkick said smoothly and then he chuckled to himself. It dawned on him how childish and juvenile the conversation had gotten. He half expected him to ask for a sleepover at this point.
"I am overjoyed to hear that," Petimo said quickly and he continued, "I wonder if you would join me for dinner at my Jadev Palace this evening. And for politeness sake my name is Petimo Kass, might I ask yours?" Petimo asked sincerely as a light-skinned woman handed him a crystal glass filled with scotch.
"Hi, Petimo, my name is Dramkick Reign and we would be honored to dine with you this evening," Dramkick glanced over at Mela and saw his giddiness was contagious.
"Excellent, my assistants will meet you at the landing area with a vehicle to drive you to Jadev. I will see you soon," Petimo said and his image melted away from the monitor.
Dramkick turned to Mela and walked over to her and said, "Well, we’re making friends all over."
"He seemed very nice, a very gracious host. And an art lover to boot, that bodes well for our respite," Mela replied as she looked at Dramkick. Dramkick loved how cut to the chase Mela was. She could enjoy ceremony he could see that, but she never required it.
"Yes I think we'll be fine," Dramkick said as he turned to Gigg and continued, "Gigg, make sure the music and 2 Baimes’ paintings are ready for them when we land. I don't want them to
"It's taken care of, Quadromolan, I've sent word to the assistants in the sitting room to take down 2 of the paintings. And they can download the music immediately when we arrive," Gigg said firmly as he effortlessly continued to steer the ship. He told himself just do your job, that's all.
Dramkick and Mela went to the lounge to check on Sasiege, Uaty, and Paut. A few minutes later the Debrist Morou landed inside a huge hangar bay-it has Petimo's mouth as the entrance.
Inside the hangar bay 5,000 of his troops stood in a row-every other one kneeling on one knee and the others standing with their arms stretched above their heads. They wore the traditional orange flight suits and white helmets that are long and smooth. Each of them also has a sword slash laser rifle-known as a Hoke-hanging from a white gun belt. The floor of the hangar bay is pure white and without a single speck of dust on it. There are 50 Pinja fighter jets behind the soldiers hovering just above the floor. The Pinja’s are long and sleek like of whooping crane.
They have rotating laser cannons on either side, front to back, as well as guided missiles loaded in turrets on as well.
The hangar bay walls are filled with Roilpe tributes-which are small films of fallen soldiers that play on a continuous loop. They are called Roilpe because of Sgt. General Roilpe Pufts-the first Goohy to die due to enemy hands in a failed invasion in 26,000 S.B.
S.B. stands for seconds before Tot Deprem-the first of the Life Givers 3 children. Tot lived only 46 years, but wrote over 50 volumes of religious text during his lifetime. And not forgetting the Mastuk which is a 2000 page manuscript. It has within its pages every thought that a man has, ever could have, or ever would for all of existence. The Mastuk came with a warning that the latter pages should only be read during advanced years (so as to not take the mystery out of
life). The first 30 pages have phrases like, "I hate because it's easy," and, "My life struggles entitle me to have no sympathy for others," as well as, "I'll love anything that loves me." Shortly after Tot's death the world experienced a collective gasp and nervousness later known as the
"Last of the free air." A vast 30 story shrine was built to honor Tot. It has every triumph and failing he had ever achieved or suffered through.
The Debrist Morou landed, and as they opened their doors the Goohy soldiers started to sing and dance a choreographed routine. They spun in circles, did front and back flips, and then launched hundreds of them into the air and landed in a synchronized forward roll. Dramkick and Mela saw this and looked on in amazement. Sasiege, Uaty, and Paut were just behind them enjoying the show. Sasiege said excitedly, "This is tremendous, what precision!"
The Goohy soldiers formed a human tower and one of them climbed to the top and sang a high C. He then fell forward into the waiting arms of his fellow soldiers. The lights went out and the soldier’s uniforms glowed brightly in the dark. You could see them forming a human sculpture of lights. It looked like a pair of melancholy eyes and a smiling face. Mela saw this and said, "This is outstanding, how do they do that!"
"I don't know, but it really is amazing. Let's join in," Dramkick said slyly as he nudged Mela with the tip of his elbow. This caused Mela to laugh loudly and sigh.
The soldiers disappeared into the floor and the lights turned on. There before them stood a single man in a brown flight jacket and white loose fitting pants (with more pockets then you would ever need) and he was standing 30 feet in front of them. He was also sporting a blue scarf around his head and face. Dramkick worried that he was a burn victim or had been victimized.
He has silver sunglasses and a pair of red metallic boots as well. He strolled over to Dramkick and said, "I am Pomazer and I am Petimo's younger brother. I will escort you to his palace and
take care of you while you are here. Please follow me."
"Hello, Pomazer, please lead the way," Dramkick said as he happily followed Pomazer to the end of the hangar bay with everyone else doing the same.
They went through a large doorway and inside a snake shaped vehicle-it is dark green in color and pulsing with steam. Once everyone was in Pomazer said sternly, "Please buckle your safety harnesses we'll be going very fast. You're about to see something most Goohys never have. It will be worth your time."
Everyone got strapped in and the ship fell suddenly straight down into the ground and into a pool of water. The windows on either side showed the famous Bigish.
The Bigish is an underwater series of palaces that keep secretive and house a large piece of the Kass family. They are enclosed in plasma bubbles and have the upstairs, the downstairs, and even the basement completely visible to those who pass by. The palaces are unique, but all have the same white marble bust of Petimo shown prominently above their front entryway.
They moved past the first Palace and Dramkick felt almost giddy at this new adventure. He has a certain passion and fondness for the unexpected. He knows he thrives on it and searches it out. Mela is the same as Dramkick and is overjoyed at the underwater world she is now faced with. It reminded her of a summer day just lying in the water doing nothing. Sasiege on the other hand has a fear of water. Just the idea that his entire body is underwater makes his whole body sweat and stink. His nervous sweat has a certain aroma you never cared to be around. This as Uaty and Paut feel nothing at all. They'd seen this sort of thing before.
"This is it, Jadev, in all her splendor. Wait ‘til you get inside, it will not disappoint,"
Pomazer said proudly as he pointed to Jadev.
Jadev appeared and it was 3 times the size of the other palaces. It is made of a smooth white
stone that glistens in the water. Its towers extend from the top and bottom with blowup dolls of blonde haired women hanging from each. The mass of Jadev is a half mile wide circular body that has thousands of windows-and inlets as well as balconies all over it. It is also adorned with the ears of a Lawam on top of it.
The Lawam is a beloved children's hero and popular toy among all Goohy. It looks like a kitten, but has a huge round head and wide offset eyes. It also has a long black nose and toothy mouth-Petimo is an enormous fan and has 7 rooms filled with every Lawam toy doll and teddy bear ever made.
They near Jadev and a squadron of underwater motorcycles surround the ship. They led them towards the Palace. After they passed through the plasma wall, the ship hovered for a moment and then dove 40 feet into a parking garage.
The parking garage has a white carpet blanketing the entire room. At the far end teams of 2
started lining a pathway to the ship. The ship's front end opens and they see a man running at full speed towards them. He leaps high into the air and does a twisting flip. He landed and said,
"Hello my friends, I am Petimo. Did you enjoy the trip?"
"We absolutely loved it thank you for giving us that gift," Mela said warmly as she bowed to Petimo. "I'm Mela by the way and it is an honor to meet you, Petimo," Mela said as she extended her hands out to Petimo.
"Mela, the honor is mine. I must meet everyone, Dramkick, I know already. Who are you, Fine Gentlemen?" Petimo asked as he looked at Sasiege, Uaty, and Paut.
"I am Sasiege and you have a paradise here, really." He could see that Petimo was a reasonable man.
"I would be Uaty and this is my brother, Paut," Uaty said as he crossed his fingers. It was a
way to disarm people as it was a childish gesture that implied weakness.
"We are truly honored, Petimo. We want to thank you for allowing us to come here," Paut said honestly as he waved his right hand in front of his own chest.
"No thanks necessary with the music you gave, which was exquisite by the way. And those remarkable paintings I should be thanking you. I mean that," Petimo said as he tried to think if they would enjoy a cigarette or not. Petimo smiled and said, "The best can't be any better than our native cuisine. Won't you please take my hand beautiful, Mela, as I escort you to the dining area."
"You better believe it, Petimo, let us dine," Mela said robustly as she took Petimo's arm with a bit too much physicality. Dramkick grinned as he saw Petimo feeling awkward and nervous.
Dramkick walked next to Petimo and asked, "How many thousands of years did it take to build all this splendor?"
"Well, it took over a thousand years to quarry the marble and shape it," Petimo explained as he wondered if anyone noticed his nervousness. Petimo said, "They used only the finest marble to build Jadev as well as Pomazer's Palace."
"That's determination, I can respect and admire that. What about the city we landed in?"
Dramkick asked as they turned the corner and started down the long hallway. Dramkick felt a sudden urge to punch something. He decided against it but would enjoy the idea of it nonetheless.
The hallway has a curved ceiling and the floor is covered in a thick red and black rug-the design of the rug depicts the rise and fall of Owe Songa.
Owe Songa was a woman found in a mountain cave at age 9 living all by herself. She had been abandoned and spent her time collecting cotton from the nearby fields and weaving it into
beautiful tapestries. The cave where she was living had dozens of these tapestries lining the walls. She didn't know how to speak at first, but over time learned and eventually she became an unheard of songstress. When she was asked in her later years why she wove those tapestries she said, "I had no beauty in my life, so I made some." The Songa tapestries are still regarded as the most beautiful ever created among the Goohy.
"Oh many eons went into that and many a Goohy died in its construction," Petimo explained as his eyes bounced along the ground below him. "We only have 2 cities Anteb and Poolem, and they are each vast and the height of ingenuity. They each pale in comparison to what I'm about to show you," Petimo said proudly as he stopped at the end of the hallway and pulled out of his pocket a blue capsule.
Petimo threw it at a large green door in front of him. It made the door evaporate into fragrant green smoke that formed the face of Petimo and then quickly disappeared. Behind the door there is a slowly descending golden staircase. It leads into a pumpkin shaped room that smells of pie and cake. There are thousands of gold and emerald statues of soldiers that depict the battle of Poctis.
The Battle of Poctis was a fierce battle in 13,601 S.B. that was between the Goohy and Dergego Hoard. The Dergego Hoard came from the planet Pista (they are nothing more than space pirates). They simply went from planet to planet stealing everything they could (and raping all the women they could get their hands on). They came to Guglos in the hopes of doing that very same thing, but the Goohy were not having any of it. After a 37 day bloody battle there were only 17 Dergego left alive. The Goohy threw them into the Deadfre prison-outside of Poolem-and kept them there until their deaths.
In the center of the room there is a 20 foot dining table that has a beautiful red table spread-
with a large garden scene depicted on it. There are 12 chairs around the table that are each mini thrones made from solid gold. Above the table is a 30 headed dragon that has different colored lights in each of its mouths (it gives the room an incredibly eerie atmosphere).
Petimo walked up to the far end of the table and said politely, "Won't you please have a seat.
The food is on its way with the first of 9 courses. So don't feel you have to eat everything on your plate."
Mela sat to his right and Dramkick to his left, with Uaty and Paut on Mela's side and Sasiege on Dramkick's. Pomazer sat at the other end of the table. Everyone was seated and a dozen servants came hurrying in with silver serving dishes in their hands. They set down the food in foldout mini tables and then started putting a little of each dish on everyone's plate.
There were Porback meatballs in a honey glaze-which have a taste similar to a sweet beef.
Tenefedy eyes were also served and they are deep fried eyeballs of a Tenefedy-which is a lumbering cow like creature. There is also Kaki sweet pie, which has an indescribable flavor (but you'd love it if you tasted it).
"Thank you," Dramkick said to the server as he looked over the food and then turned to Petimo and nodded. Dramkick was well aware that anything could happen in any situation, but he had a good feeling the food was alright. A year ago Dramkick had a capsule inserted into his tongue to tell if there was poison in any food he was eating. He was already prepared to rip Petimo's head off if he tasted the slightest hint of poison.
Mela took a bite of the Tenefedy eye and said, "This is scrumptious, I absolutely love the flavor."
Petimo smiled and then Sasiege tried the Kaki sweet pie and said as he chewed, "Now this is a slice of perfection. My senses are alive again!"
Petimo laughed and said, "That makes me very happy, please try the meatballs they are very fresh."
Dramkick grabbed one of the meatballs with his 16 prong fork and bit into it. He let out a long sigh and said, "Exceptional truly, we'll have to get the recipe."
"Of course, I'll make sure you have it before you leave," Petimo replied proudly and then he asked, "Will you be staying long?"
"Only one day we must keep going on our voyage," Dramkick answered in between bites as he summed up Petimo in his mind. Not a violent man, not a killer he thought. "Time is of the essence. That's quite a hat you've got there is it hand sewn?" Dramkick asked as he continued to eat.
"It's not a hat, more specifically a crown," Petimo said nervously as he glared at Dramkick.
Dramkick didn’t know what to do so he burst into laughter and hit the table with the side of his fist. Petimo started pursing his lips. Petimo closed his fist and went to punch Dramkick in the face, but Dramkick caught his hand mid blow. He held onto Petimo's fist tightly, squeezing the blood out of it. Petimo gritted his teeth and refused to cry out in agony, but Dramkick squeezed a little tighter and smiled at Petimo. Petimo did not budge. He stared at Dramkick defiantly and Dramkick laughed.
Everyone else at the table stared at the battle of wills in terror except for Sasiege-he continued eating his Kaki pie unimpressed. Pomazer stood up and caught a look from Petimo that said don't interfere. Dramkick started to squeeze even harder now, crushing Petimo's bones, but Petimo still didn't shout out. He continued to stare at Dramkick as beads of sweat poured down his brow and a vein popped out of his forehead.
Dramkick smiled smugly and said snidely, "Give in, Petimo, and you'll still have use of your
hand. It will heal and you be no worse for the wear he ha hee."
"I can't, it's not my nature, you'll just have to crush it to pieces," Petimo said sternly as he started to shake violently from pain.
Dramkick looked at him and decided not to squeeze harder. Instead he released his grasp.
Petimo instantly grabbed his mangled hand and knelt over at the waist. Pomazer started to rush over him, but Petimo raised his hand for him to stop and said, "You spared my hand so I will spare your life. You can have tonight in my Palace if you still wish, but I must tell you something, Dramkick. You have the only will I have ever encountered that was stronger than mine. I look upon you now as my brother."
Dramkick nodded and said, "We thank you for the meal and I thank you for what you said.
We would like to stay here tonight and tomorrow we will leave bright and early. I'm sorry about your hand, but I have no tolerance for violence."
Petimo coughed twice and took a deep breath. Everyone at the table started eating their meals again except for Sasiege (who hadn't stopped eating to begin with).
In the morning the Debrist Morou left Guglos and rejoined the fleet without incident.
Dramkick admired Petimo, but feared he was a fool. They spent the next week avoiding a giant black hole's gravitational pull and charting a course around. They came upon a series of 3 large space stations that had numerous ships flying in and out of them. They are known as the Elonex service ports-and they have a wild assortment of characters going in and out all day (if you hadn't committed a crime you probably weren't there). The stations are shaped like the body of a yacht and they are dark green, red, and the 3rd one is purple. On the topside of each is a statue of Grams Knot-the famous Emperor of Porange which is nearby.
Each statue shows him holding some sort of weapon. Dramkick determines this man has no monster inside. Why would he need a weapon if he is truly ruthless.. Grams in life is a bulbous man of 600 pounds (most of it belly from way too many chunks of meat and cheese). On top of his head is a single tuft of curly black hair. Mela thought it looked ridiculous and laughed to herself. He also has large puffy cheeks and a wide upturned nose. His appearance is comical, but no one dares cross him. He owns Elonex and draws a healthy profit from its many stores and hotel rooms (as well as its top notch brothel). It also has a large gambling parlor with fight for money slot machines-they literally require you to fight an android to collect your winnings.
"What do you say, Gigg, should we drop in for a look at this monstrosity?" Dramkick asked as he did a set of handstand push-ups.
"Wouldn't be good business not too," Gigg replied as he picked up a glass of Toffy coffee and took a drink. Gigg loved being around Dramkick when he was like this. He knew nothing
bad could happen to him in these moments.
"I couldn't agree more, bring us into the center space station and we will find out what they do for fun out here," Dramkick said as he got out of the Capt.'s chair and then quickly left the room.
He made his way to the movie screening room known as Lacu's hole. When he arrived he saw Mela, Sasiege, Uaty, and Paut watching Doors of Demac-starring Babenth and Chard Divote.
It is a biopic of the late great singer Demac and his painter wife Dordec-played by Babenth.
Demac has 381 hit songs on the Songs of the Minute charts. While his wife has created an entirely new Salop painting known as Sapir Sola-which involves painting people combined with original holograms. After Demac and Dordec moved from Membra to Tortum they used their vast wealth to start the Demac School of Art (and became obsessed with their own mortality).
They searched frantically for any way they could postpone the inevitable, death. They hired a team of 30 doctors and scientists to work nonstop for 12 years to try and find a way to immortality. Dr. Verms Pawstep came up with a way to make the body age at a 5th of its normal rate. With his new serum-known as Coalfet-they were able to live to 148 for Demac and 169 for Dordec. Upon Dordec's death she'd written in her will that the serum could be shared with the world. And thus began the age of the "5 lifetimes" as it was called. Later another doctor named Dr. Papsi Balmo created a serum that slowed the aging process to one 15th the normal rate. Thus the Talz, as well as many others, had virtual immortality.
Lacu's hole is 40 feet long and has several brown leather chairs and couches throughout the room. The movie screen covers the far wall. The floor is gently sloping and has a thick plush red carpet on it-the carpet envelops a person's foot when they step on it. The side walls are curved
inward and have the side shots of the scenes in the movie (giving you the whole scope of the film). The ceiling has a built-in snack delivery system. Where when you wanted a particular snack you pressed a button on the armrest and it lowered down to you from the ceiling. There is a wide variety of warm and cold snacks as well.
In Doors of Demac it shows Babenth frantically painting a new piece while Chard watches her silently as Demac. Dramkick sees Mela fascinated by the film and stares at her. A slight smile comes across his face. How could she be so interested in fantasy? Mela feels him watching her, turns, and smiles at him. She points to the seat beside her and taps it 3 times with her index finger softly.
Dramkick walks over and sits down beside her and said quietly, "You really seem to be enjoying this one."
"This Babenth is a Revelation, the power behind her eyes is inspiring," Mela replied as she wrapped her arm around Dramkick's bicep. "I would love to meet her someday. I think we would have a lot to talk about," Mela said as she watched the movie.
"Then you shall, I'll arrange it when you and Coup come to visit," suggested Dramkick as he crossed his legs. "You know I've met her and she is very shy, but you can feel her inner confidence," Dramkick said as he peeked over at Mela and then turned to watch the film.
Babenth did 4 quick violent brush strokes and stopped suddenly and asked, "Who is in here with me?"
Chard slowly walked over to her and said, "It' only the man who loves you, nothing more."
Babenth turned to face him and smiled wildly as she disappeared in his eyes. He is wearing only his white trousers and nothing else. While she has on only white shorts and a black T-shirt with specs of paint all over them. She stands up quickly, grabs him around the hips, and pulls
him hard against her. She kisses him like she'd never seen him before, but they were madly in love at first sight. He runs one hand through her hair and the other grabs her butt. She pulled away suddenly and asked, "Please tell me that pie I taste, wasn’t the last piece I left in the freezer?"
"I'm sorry it is," Chard replied with a devilish smirk.
"You scoundrel I should've let you die in the Tasto Sea, " Babenth said sternly as she pushes him back from her with both hands.
"No we’d both be dead, remember, I was the only blood match when you had your accident on the Comact colony," Chard declared plainly as he gave her a small shove of the shoulder.
"Fate always laughs in my face even when there isn't a joke in the air. Maybe I should just kill you now and take my chances with this liar called Fate," Babenth said sternly as he pinched Chard's chest and stomach.
"I love you too, but who'd sing your favorite songs if I weren't here?"
"I've got plenty already on file, I could manage."
"Don't kid yourself just the thought of my passing would ruin your life forever," Chard barked as he walked over to her painting and said, "This is truly…Mind blowing. It's so far beyond anything you've done before."
"You think so?" Babenth asked as she folded her arms and looked down at the floor.
"I don't think anymore, but this almost made me," Chard said honestly as the movie screen filled with vibrant colors and then the picture just suddenly ended.
Mela laughed and said boldly, "Oh that was good, I could watch it again right now. How many films has she done total?"
"106 and counting, she's working on a new film as we speak. It's some sort of period piece,"
Dramkick answered as the tone of his voice had a childlike quality to it. Mela notice this and she liked it. "It should be a fascinating one to watch," Dramkick said as he pressed a button and a Monat chocolate bar came down from the ceiling.
"Well I just can't wait for that one," Mela gushed as she fiddled with her hands. "What brought you down here was it the movie, the candy, or just to say hello?" Mela asked as she got her own Monat chocolate bar and chuckled to herself.
Monat candy bars have 72 small pockets inside them each filled with a different treat like: nuts, Dop berries, or even fried blueberries. They also have 34 different chocolates mixed in to create the secret recipe. They are named after Ofred Monat-the former disgraced politician who had been caught in bed with 5 women (none of which were his wife Marca). After being forced to resign he took whatever money he had left and decided to roll the dice. He set off to make his own candy bar. His tiny initial investment brought him untold riches and also a very affluent life as a playboy (A position he relished more than he ever would have hoped).
"A bit of all 3, but also to tell you we're pulling into a space station for an adventure,"
Dramkick said using a bright tone of voice before catching himself. He stood up and stretched his arms above his head like he was lifting all the weight of the world.
"A space station, that's great news," Mela said happily as she fussed with her clothes for a few seconds."It will be fun to see some new sights and sounds. And also taste a few new cuisines. I love an adventure," Mela said as she rose from her seat and gave Dramkick a soft punch in the stomach.
He laughed and pretended to be injured as he walked out of Lacu's hole. They stepped out into the hallway and Gigg's face appeared on the monitor. Gigg smiled and said, "We're docking now, Quadromolan."
"Thank you, Gigg, alright then, Mela, let's get into some trouble," Dramkick said gleefully as he put his arm around her. What a life they could’ve had together he thought.
"Don't say trouble, Dramkick, I've had far too much for my liking," Sasiege said nervously as he put his hand to his forehead.
"Don't worry about a thing, we've got reinforcements if things get harry. Besides, you could use a little turmoil a break up the monotony he hee hah," Dramkick said with a laugh.
The Debrist Morou landed and everyone made their way to the exits. The inside of the hangar bay is filled with every kind of space ship imaginable as well as every type of alien life form in existence. Dramkick felt comfortable in a crowd like this because he knew someone would push his buttons. And he knew someone would wish they hadn't. After exiting the ship they found a small transport waiting for them. It is dark blue and looks like a deck of cards lying flat (the juvenile symmetry not lost on Dramkick). It also has 10 seats and voice operated navigation. Dramkick sat down and looked at the list of destinations and asked, "Who's up for dinner and gambling?"
"Oh God yes, I'll eat anything as long as it isn't ship food," Sasiege responded as his stomach growled in an embarrassing fashion.
"You aren't kiddin’, I really hope it's not far," Mela muttered as she wiped her forehead off with a towel.
"Distance can always be gotten," Dramkick said smoothly as he hit the button marked Knots casino.
They sped away at casual speed. They lifted into a tunnel that has water encased in plasma as its walls and ceiling. The look of the tunnel alone gave everyone awe. What was holding this tunnel together they all collectively thought. It gave everyone a very tranquil feeling to say the
least. Suddenly the tunnel went hard left, then hard right, and up slightly and down sharply. It ended inside Gram Knots trophy room and in front of the casino's front doors. There are several hundred racing trophies and hand to hand combat trophies in the cases-he had won them over several years of competition. The largest of which is the Mitker-which entails thousands of duels and martial arts matches every 3 years. It is on a mining colony and is the most feared competition because it is fight to the death. The only prize for the runners up is a fighter's chance in heaven. It took place over 6 days and each contestant had to have a valid will and a death wish to compete. The trophy itself is 13 feet tall. It looks like a polar bear with a leopard's face. It also has the words, "you could've played it safe, huh," engraved on the Mitker's brow.
The doors to the casino are only an optical illusion and fool almost every person into stopping short of them. They are actually only a hologram of 2 large blue doors with jagged edges.
Dramkick and Mela climbed out of the transport and walked up to the holographic doors and right through them without hesitation. Sasiege just smiled, ran full out, and jumped through the doors.
Inside there are 3 saucers of slot machines hovering 10 feet above the poker room's first floor. There are 800 green poker tables and over 1500 gold and silver slot machines-as well as androids protecting every machine's winnings. Above each machine is Gram Knots smiling face with one eye winking and the other staring you in the face. The ceiling is covered in paisley carpet as well as the floors. To get to the slot machines you have to step on a controlled air jet-it lifts you softly up to the hovering saucers 2 at a time and lowers you down when you've finished playing. The walls of the room have thousands of hand held weapons like: swords, clubs, and daggers from all over the galaxy on them.
Dramkick walked in, looked around, and said, "Mela, I feel like gambling, maybe you and the others should go and eat without me."
"Alright, we'll swing by in an hour and help you carry out all your winnings. Do you think we should bring 2 bags or 4?" Mela asked sarcastically as she smirked to Dramkick.
"Bring the ship," Dramkick fired back as he peered over at Mela. He was only half kidding.
Mela laughed and then said, "Done, see you in a little bit."
Mela left with everyone as Dramkick walked over to the air jet and stepped on it. He rose up to the saucer above and giggled as he did. There was just something about gambling that always struck him as odd. He couldn't figure out why it was so easy. He walked past several machines and androids as he searched for lady luck. He stopped cold as he saw a beautiful woman sitting at one machine with an empty seat beside her. She looked up at him and smiled and Dramkick asked, "May I sit here?"
"Certainly I would love it, I'm Nalista. Who are you?" She asked as if she already knew him and offered him her cheek.
Nalista is a few inches shorter than Dramkick (and very leggy). Her fake breasts are large and round with very pointed nipples. Her hair is red with blonde streaks and filled with tiny braids and charms. She has sensual eyes (they are a dark blue that Dramkick has never seen before or even conceived of). She has a long nose that almost didn't seem real in its symmetry.
She is wearing a white lace dress with several tiny yellow birds sewn into it. Her white lace choker drives all the men crazy.
"I thank you my name is Dramkick. What is this is extraordinary music that I hear playing?"
Dramkick asked as he sat down.
"It's a Trollope's concerto, it's a rare piece," Nalista explained as she slowly rubbed her
thigh. "It was written by Bonsto Yorke. I absolutely love his work. He passed away not long ago unfortunately," Nalista said as she picked up her glass of red soda and took a sip.
"Bonsto Yorke, I've never heard of him or his music until now. It finds my minds imagination," Dramkick said as he waved a wage stick in front of the slot machine. He pulled the human looking arm and waited.
"I couldn't agree more he was ahead of his time," Nalista agreed and then she saw Dramkick's slot line show 8 Casats and said excitedly, "YOU'VE WON! You've won the grand prize! Get ready you have to fight that android for your winnings."
"What, really, okay let's go, Pal," Dramkick said as he got up awkwardly. He was happy about the winnings, but a lot happier he was going to get to destroy this android.
A large red android came out of the compartment in the slot machine and glared at Dramkick. A second later he kicked Dramkick in the gut. Dramkick grabbed his foot and tossed him onto his back, but the android caught himself with his fingertips and through his body back up straight. The android punched Dramkick in the chest, but Dramkick was able to grab its fist.
He ripped its arm from its socket and handed it to Nalista and asked, "Could you be a dear and hold this for a second?"
Nalista laughed, took the arm, and said, "Fine with me."
The android regrouped and did a roundhouse kick hitting Dramkick in the head. Lucky for Dramkick it was only a glancing blow. Dramkick kicked his foot right through the android’s waist. This caused sparks to shoot out and a small fire to start in the hole. Dramkick's foot was stuck inside the android. He tried to shake it loose, but he was stuck but good. He punched the android so hard it sent the android onto its back and Dramkick's leg broke free. The android exploded into flames a few seconds later and Dramkick stood up quickly. All the other gamblers
cheered and Dramkick walked up to his machine to collect his winnings. He looked at the video screen that read, "You cheated, YOU forfeit all winnings."
"What!" Dramkick shouted as he punched the machine. "What kind of scam is this! I want my money or heads are gonna roll!" Dramkick shouted as he shook the machine violently. He thought about snapping it in two and taking what was his. If he were on Membra he would've done just that.
The casino manager Rot Dodds walked up and stood beside Dramkick nervously. He is wearing a white jumpsuit, black belt, and round black hat. He taps Dramkick on the shoulder and asked, "Is there a problem, Sir?"
"You know there is," Dramkick barked it Rot like he was a little child. "This machine is malfunctioning and won't give me my winnings," Dramkick said sharply as he looked down at the much shorter Rot.
"Well you see, Sir, you destroyed the android. You were supposed to only use non-destructive blows in your battle and since you didn't, you forfeit all winnings," Rot said brightly as his lip quivered and his face sweat like a gym class sock. "I am sorry is there anything else I can assist you with?" Rot asked firmly as he put his hands behind his back. The gesture was intended to show Dramkick he had no fear, but Dramkick wasn't an idiot.
"You know there is," Dramkick said condescendingly as he grabbed hold of his slot machine and ripped it out of its slot. He turned and threw it into 2 other slot machines, smashing all 3, and then asked politely, "I think I might need a new machine, could that be arranged?"
Rot looked wide-eyed at Dramkick and said nervously, "Yes, yes I can…I can make that happen. I will also make sure your winnings are delivered to you immediately."
"Thank you for being so helpful," Dramkick answered as he gave Rot a good
embarrassment you in public shove.
Rot hurried away and Dramkick moved over to the machine on the other side of Nalista and sat down. Nalista looked at him and said, "That was a nice trick, I have a feeling I don't need to worry about being attacked with you as a friend."
"There aren't a lot of people I'm truly afraid of, so yes. And since you're being so nice to me I'm going to give you a share my winnings," Dramkick said honestly as he waved his wage stick and bought a glass of scotch.
"That's not necessary," Nalista replied as she gently rubbed Dramkick's shoulder with the back her fingers.
"Please, I really want to. You're very good company I appreciate that," Dramkick spoke as if he known her for forever. He stretched out his right punching arm and said, "Now let's see how long it takes for that little weasel to return."
Dramkick fell a tap on his shoulder, turned, and got cold cocked in the mouth by a very pissed Gram Knots. The blow knocked Dramkick into Nalista's lap. He looked up at her and then gathered himself. Dramkick was not amused and that meant he was pissed. Gram shouted, "YOU
think you can destroy my property and get away with it! HUH, you think you can intimidate my casino staff you little pile of bones, HUH! I'm gonna bash your skull in!!"
Dramkick smiled a sinister smile. He knew there were people like Gram that existed and he wasn't scared. He knew full well though they would be if they saw him though. Dramkick grabbed onto Gram's legs and lifted him off the floor. The group of people that had gathered around them gasped at this tremendous display of physical strength. They couldn't believe anyone could be that strong. Dramkick started spinning around and around at a slow speed and still holding onto Gram's legs. He spun him faster and faster and faster still. Dramkick started to
laugh like he was stealing the last piece of pie. He threw the enormous body of Gram 35 feet into a row of slot machines. This caused parts and piles of gold coins to go flying into the air.
Dramkick said snidely, "YES!"
Gram's left arm was broken as was his left leg, but he was able to crawl to his feet. He yelled to his casino staff, "Get me the Carbsha!"
The Carbsha is a 9,000 year old forged steel sword that is completely unbreakable. It has a black steel handle with the engraving, "To take is my charge in life." The blade itself has the first chapter of the Sinkya guidebook written on it-the Sinkya is an ancient book with 300,000
techniques for taking a person's life written in its pages. The Carbsha is four feet long and 5
inches wide. The blade is so sharp you can touch it with leather gloves on and still get cut. Gram stole it from the king of a neighboring planet after killing him at a poker game.
Rot grabbed the Carbsha off the bracket on the right wall and threw it to Knots. Gram swung the blade a few times quickly in front of his face and said snidely, "Your life is a few grains of sand ‘til its ending. Tell my mother I love her when you die."
Gram sprinted at Dramkick as he twirled the blade in front of him. Dramkick wondered if he would actually cut himself with such a fast rate of speed. Dramkick stood calmly and waited for him as he drew close. Dramkick grabbed the chair he had been sitting on and tore it from its mount. Gram raised his blade and Dramkick threw the chair at him, but Gram sliced it in half with a single blow. Dramkick smiled and grabbed another slot machine. Gram swung the Carbsha at Dramkick, but he blocked it with a slot machine. The slot machine nearly split in half and gave Dramkick just a seconds worth of fear.
"Watch out, Dramkick!" Nalista screamed as her trembling hand covered her mouth.
Dramkick kicked Gram's legs with a sweeper kick. This caused Gram to lose his balance and
fall onto his side. Dramkick grabbed hold of his wrist and crushed it to pieces. Gram had to let go of the Carbsha due to the fact that his hand no longer worked. Dramkick grabbed the Carbsha and cut off his head and shoulders with a single slicing motion. Dramkick said snidely, "Tell Ma yourself, I'm on vacation." Dramkick turned to Rot and gave him a look that nearly killed him.
Dramkick shouted, "Weren't you getting my money!"
"Yes, Sir, I'm getting it now!" Rot said frantically as he started to run, but he ran face first into a slot machine. It knocked him to the ground, but he got up quickly and sprinted out of the room.
Everyone looked at Dramkick in awe of his tremendous powers. Nalista grabbed onto his forearm and said seductively, "You really are a good man to have around. "
In walked Mela, Uaty, and Paut. Mela surveyed the damage and asked, "What happened, was there a war in the casino?"
"In so many words, you could say that. How was the food?" Dramkick asked as he glared at individual people in the crowd for fun.
"Not bad, it was a very interesting style of food to say the least. Who is your new friend?"
Mela asked as she smiled at Nalista.
"Hello, I'm Nalista, you're very beautiful by the way. Who are your friends?" Nalista asked as she squeezed Dramkick tightly around the bicep.
"I am Mela and thank you you're very beautiful yourself. This is Uaty and this is Paut," Mela answered as she motioned to Uaty and Paut with her left hand. She pulled a brown cotton bag out of her pocket and asked, "Is this big enough, it's all I could get?"
Dramkick laughed briefly and said, "We'll soon find out, here he comes now."
Rot walked up to Dramkick with 3 assistants-each with their arms filled with 8 trays of gold
coins. Mela looked at all the coins and her mouth dropped and she said, "I don't think this will cover it."
"Sorry I disappointed you," Dramkick said sarcastically as he started to mimic a gorilla with his arms out wide and his muscles flexed. What was left of his adrenaline was making his decisions for him and he knew what to do.
Sasiege strolled in and saw the dead body and the coins. He paused momentarily and said,
"Death and gambling how wonderful."
After a night of gambling, dining, and several bottles of wine everyone went on a shopping trip to get: supplies, habits, and goodies with Dramkick's newly won fortune. They left Elonex and set off again into the blackness of space newly rested.
To get to Sras Oblique in the shortest time the Debrist Morou (and its accompanying fleet) would have to travel through the Ormack galaxy. The Ormack is ruled over by a vicious tyrant known as Runlad Dauntis Koe the 10th.
Runlad is a Teopay and has traditional black quartz like skin and white hair. He keeps his hair exactly 1 inch and a half long and never longer or shorter. He has a widow’s peak with 3
peaks and a hairline that reaches down his bulbous forehead. He is clean shaven, but has a series of small tattoos that look similar to a goatee.
His dark green double eye balls (one being larger than the one beneath) each work in conjunction. He is 4 1/2 feet wide and 6'3" tall. His muscular stomach and frame protrude from all clothing noticeably. He wears the same black and grey leather robes-that he has worn all of his life-every single day. He took over the Ormack galaxy and its largest planet in a fixed hand to hand sword fight. Then ruler Cornbre Gode's blade inexplicably broke while they were fighting, giving Runlad the ability to strike the deathblow.
"What galaxy is this?" Dramkick asked as he sat in the Capt.'s chair eating a purple apple known as a Hesut.
"It's the Ormack, Quadromolan," Gigg said quickly as he looked at Dramkick for only a moment.
"You need to be careful through here, this is Runlad's territory," Mela said as she sat down the chair next to Dramkick.
"I’ve never heard that name, Runlad. Why should I be careful men are but flesh?" Dramkick asked as he chewed his Hesut.
"Well, you would think that, but Runlad is a Teopay and they don't exactly have flesh…it's really more stone than anything," Mela explained as she rubbed her temples in a circle. "We had a run in with them many years ago and it nearly toppled us. It'd be best to just pay their tariffs and go on with our voyage happily," Mela suggested as she looked at Dramkick like all the butter was gone.
"Tariff!" Dramkick barked to the extent it echoed off the walls.
"Uhh," Mela said as she rolled her eyes and then continued, "Dramkick don't do it." This reminded Mela of Coup's stubborn side.
"I will pay no tariff," Dramkick declared sternly as he tapped his fingers on the chair at an incredible rate of speed. "If they think they can force me to do such a thing, then maybe my Vor Me soldiers and my battleships need a Good practice battle. Tariff, let's see them collect it,"
Dramkick said snidely as he crushed his Hesut.
"Fine, thank Builder you brought an army," Mela said with a long drawn out sigh.
"Yes…wait what is this Builder?" Dramkick asked as he stopped chewing. He wondered if it was another ridiculous theory of the underworld. These often found him laughing.
"Builder is our term for God," Mela answered in a soft determined voice. "We call him such because he drew out every aspect of the universe from planets to people. This before he ever created a grain of sand or child's laugh. The way a builder of a home would have. It's a celestial blueprint so to speak," Mela explained as she pulled out a pack of Tut cigarettes and lit one up.
"That's fascinating what a wonderful logic…so pure," Dramkick said as he eased his waist upward. He was thinking of Peastro now and what a loss it was. "I believe something very similar to what you just said. And yet we are from entirely different civilizations. There is a beauty in this I assure you," Dramkick spoke now in a voice close to his most honest. He was never truly honest, but sometimes he came close. "What is that beautiful aroma? Those aren't government cigarettes for certain," Dramkick said as he grinned like the devil at Mela.
Mela smirked and said slyly, "I was saving 2 packs of Tut cigarettes from my home world for the trip back. Would you like to try one?"
"I'll need too if you don't mind?"
"Of course, but bear in mind I only have the 2 packs. Here ya go," said Mela as she handed him 2 cigarettes.
Dramkick lit one up, exhaled, and said, "Now that's flavor so rich and smooth. Well I'm glad I asked for 2. I guess because of the short supply I'll just have to savor these 2"
"Were being hailed, Quadromolan, should I put them on the monitor?" Gigg asked and he waited as was his protocol.
Dramkick exhaled, stood up, and walked up next to Gigg and said, "O.K. then let's have it."
Gigg pressed the message link and a fat angry looking Teopay in a red leather robe and sunglasses named Topy appeared on the monitor. Topy said sternly, "You are in the galaxy presided over by Runlad Dauntis Koe the 10th. If you wish to pass through you will pay a 2 ton payment of gold. If you do not wish to pay, turn around and go back or face the consequences."
"What consequences are those?" Dramkick asked smoothly as he smoked his Tut cigarette.
Topy frowned and said calmly, "You will be annihilated right down to your last ship and soul."
"Well, at least you're reasonable," Dramkick shuffled his feet and stuck out his tongue at Topy. "Can you give me a moment to think it over?" Dramkick asked as he continued to smoke and dance a few steps. He knew overconfidence meant abundant fear and weakness. He was going to love this one and he knew it.
Topy thought for a moment and then said, "Fine, but only for a moment."
Topy disappeared from the monitor and Dramkick said sternly, "Alright, Gigg, send out the 30 second readiness command and take dead aim on this fool's ship. I'm going to talk to him for 30 seconds while the fleet prepares. Then when I say the words, you know your face looks a little like my driveway, you blow, that idiot, to pieces. Got it?"
"Affirmative, I am ready, Quadromolan," Gigg answered boldly as he sent out the order and locked the cannons on the Teopay ship.
Gigg hailed the Teopay's ship and Topy appeared on the monitor and said sternly, "What have you decided and make it quick, my life is more valuable than your breaths?"
"Well, I had a question about the gold," Dramkick said hollowly as he feigned real concern.
"Ya see we've got the amount you asked for, but most of it is in jewelry. Would it be alright if we sent over 2 tons of gold jewelry? Trust me, it will ya know," Dramkick asked as he smiled and did the awe shucks routine. Then his face went black with anger and he said snidely, "Ya know your face looks like my driveway."
Topy was instantly offended and was about to shout something when Gigg fired upon his ship. It blew a shattering metal scar right through their shields and into their cockpit. Dramkick watched and laughed as they were one by one sucked out into space by the gaping hole. He tapped Gigg on the shoulder and said gleefully, "Hit 'em again, this time finish them off proper!"
Gigg fired all the fleet's cannons 4 times and the Teopay ship shattered into a million pieces.
Dramkick felt a giant rush seeing the Teopay ship destroyed, but it was short lived when he saw 2 dozen similar ships coming his way.
The Teopay are all the same size and shape and are known as Cront fighters. They are seal black and have hundreds of jagged edges and angles everywhere you looked. They are roughly the same size as the Talz battleships. Dramkick took note of this. They have T shaped barrels on each of their guns. And they also have Teopay soldiers affixed in small cockpits on the top of each weapon-they would swivel with the weapon as they aimed. The Bettebudy bombs they use are a type of black goo encased in a blue orb. And when it hit its target it corrodes the enemy’s vessel at incredible speed. On top of each vessel there is a globe of 250 missiles-they would deploy simultaneously for maximum destruction and are deadly accurate.
The only ship in the fleet that is different from the Cront is Runlad's Mercim battleship. It is the equivalent of a flying fortress and is 4 times as large as the Debrist Morou. It has a ¼ mile long super cannon that pushes the Mercim back as it fires-and could take out anything in its path with its abundance of ammunition. The sides of the Mercim are filled with laser cannons-over 200,000 of them with each always manned by a Teopay soldier.
"This should be fun, great, Dramkick, great," Mela said as she shook her head in disbelief.
She loved war but would only admit it to Coup.
"Fear not, Mela, I was born on the battlefield and have no plans to die there," Dramkick's adrenaline levels were peeking now and his mind was on fire. "We will be victorious for we know no different," Dramkick said sternly and then he lit up his other Tut cigarette.
"I believe you, I've seen Coup in more battles than I can remember," Mela said with a certain glee in her eye that Dramkick knew too well. "I have no doubt you can and will win. And because I'm am so sure, I want you to have these," Mela said as she handed him her pack of Tut
Dramkick took the pack of cigarettes and said boldly, "Darling Mela, Coup is a lucky man.
O.K. then, Gigg, have my assistants send up some Kamast cookies. This could be a lengthy battle. Let's use a combined fleet strike and fire everything we've got in unison. Let's see how they respond, Send out the orders, Gigg."
"It's done, Quadromolan, they will unleash the full power of the fleet as soon as they are in range," Gigg said just after he sent out the order. He knew the importance of being quick and being right.
"Good good, you might want to see this, Mela. It's better than any celebration you've ever been to," Dramkick said snidely as he eyed the Teopay's fleet moving ever closer.
"I wouldn't miss it, but what if we are hit, what is our escape plan?" Mela asked and then she put her hand on Dramkick's shoulder. She wasn't afraid, but she wasn't stupid either. She needed to know where the exit was just in case the front door was closed.
"There is nothing to worry about we have 3 times the shield power as any ship in the universe," Dramkick replied as he stretched out his fingers like he was getting ready to punch someone. "Also as long as we stay in Rerni Realm we can’t be destroyed. In other words, hold tight and you'll be fine," Dramkick said as he put his arm around Mela.
"O.K. you've eased my worries. Hopefully the cookies will come soon in case the Teopay have a weapon you hadn't planned on," Mela said jokingly and then continued, "Just having a bit of fun, I believe you."
"Very funny, but maybe we've got something they hadn't planned on namely, the Zobalt festering robot," Dramkick said proudly as he bent down at the knees and put his hands on the floor. There was just something about war he loved.
"What is this Zobalt, and what does it do?" Mela asked as she furrowed her brow.
"The Zobalt is a 30 foot tall android that has an amazing ability to shred vessels at lightning speed," Dramkick spoke as if he'd already won the war. "I doubt that we'll need it today, but maybe we'll use one just for fun. And if so, watch their mouths keenly. You see, they have a highly corrosive laser slash liquid that eats through metal like you eat through soup. Not to mention their unheard of strength and speed," Dramkick said proudly as he took a drag.
"Really…that's fascinating, in the battle we fought with Peastro he had several powerful robots,” Mela muttered as she thought of the horror that was Peastro. “Well this changes things, I won't question you again. This will give us the upper hand in this battle," Mela replied as she took one of the Tut cigarettes she had given Dramkick and then continued, "And gives us new hope in the bigger picture."
"That's just one of the many surprises I have at my disposal. War’s in my blood, Mela, always has been."
"They're 5 seconds out, Quadromolan, initiating the final firing orders," Gigg said boldly as he sent out the final sequence to the firing computers.
"Perfect, let's hope they have a fighting spirit," Dramkick replied as he fought off a grin. "I need a good rush before supper, which reminds me I could use a little Praem to un-clutter my senses," Dramkick said as he walked over to the drawer on the left wall and waved his hand in front of it. It opens revealing a dozen Praem tubes. Dramkick felt victorious over his lapses in memory. He has stashes of Praem all over the ship to compensate. He grabs one and pours it into his eyes and lets out a sigh of relief. He grabbed another and asked, "Would you like some, Mela?"
"I would actually thank you," Mela responded and then she walked over and he handed her a
Praem tube. She drank its contents, quickly smiled and said, "Now I'm ready for anything." This was a bit of a joke to Mela as nothing fazed her anyway.
"And we’re off!" Gigg shouted as the entire fleet fired in unison at the Teopay fleet.
The Cront fighters number in the hundreds and were sliced to shreds in seconds. There mangled heaps were almost completely destroyed in just moments. Dramkick saw this and broke out laughing and asked sarcastically, "What happened, where'd their fleet go?"
"Is that it?" Mela asked in disbelief.
Dramkick laughed and said, "I don't know, maybe those were decoys. Let's hope they've got reinforcements he hee," Dramkick was eager for the fight to continue and half hoped they were decoys. "God if I had known that other galaxies were so weak, I would've conquered the whole universe haa!"
Mela laughed and then said, "And I wanted to see Zobalt in action. I feel unsatisfied, those cookies can't get here fast enough."
In walked Dramkick's assistant Carlso with a large plate of Kamast cookies and a bottle of Wams.
"Are you psychic, do you have x-ray vision?" Dramkick asked sarcastically as he took the plate from his assistant Carlso.
"Both, let's eat and hope for their real army to show up," Mela said as she took one of the Kamast and started chewing. She didn't mind ditching this battle, but still wanted to see some more action.
Dramkick poured 2 glasses of Wams and grabbed a pair of Kamasts and bit into them both.
The Mercim appeared in front of the Debrist Morou accompanied by 30 more Cront fighters.
Gigg saw this and asked, "We've got more friends to deal with, Quadromolan, what is our course
"Hail them and ask them to surrender," Dramkick said casually as he ate and then said sternly, "but if they refuse blow them away with the power of our entire fleet!"
"The hail has been sent and the fleet is ready, Quadromolan," Gigg said and then stood up and asked, "May I have a Praem tube?"
"Of course, Gigg, but please hurry this will be worth seeing," Dramkick answered as he took a sip from his Wams and smiled a Mela.
Runlad appeared on the monitor with a pair of sabers in his hands. He stared fiercely at Dramkick and said sternly, "I am Runlad and I can only warn you not to trifle with my patience.
Those ships you destroyed were decoys, and what you see before you is my true fleet. You have, but one chance to pay the tariff or face your entire destruction, WHICH IS IT?!"
"Now, Gigg, light the cigarette," Dramkick ordered smoothly as he continued eating cookies.
Dramkick's entire fleet fired again in unison. And again the Cront fighters were torn to shreds, as was the Mercim. Suddenly the sky in front of the Debrist Morou was filled with smoking carcasses where ships had been a moment earlier. Again Dramkick and Mela burst into laughter (as Gigg did his best not to). Dramkick got a hold of his emotions and sat down in the Capt.'s chair. Sasiege walked in and asked, "What was all that laughter I heard as I walked up?"
"You missed a minor fracas where the Teopay army was completely obliterated. It was the finest thing I've ever seen," Mela said as she burst out laughing. She knew now she had an incredible story to tell Coup.
Sasiege started laughing himself as he saw Mela's uncontrollable joy. Gigg (who'd been silent all the while) burst into uncontrollable laughter himself. This went on for a few minutes
and then Gigg saw they were being hailed. He put the message up on the monitor. It was Runlad with blood running down his forehead. Runlad asked sternly, "Are you ready to surrender?"
Everyone stopped laughing for a second as they looked at Runlad in shock. Dramkick rose and ordered, "Hit him again, Gigg."
The Debrist Morou blew away Runlad and what was left of his entire fleet.
There was a Talz prophet named Yanew who lived in the 22nd century who said, "If I ever find out what's bothering me, it will be the last worry I'll ever have." Dramkick thought of this quote and Yanew often. He knew they had each gone many years without a true friend. And he knew the helplessness of such a thing. Yanew had written over 80 books in his lifetime that ranged from comedy to politics. When asked just before he died why he was so prolific he said,
"I had so much worry and grief that it poured out of my mind and onto the pages of my books, one word at the time."
Dramkick awoke this day and Yanew was omnipresent in his mind, as well as Peastro. He knew what he had to do, but his mind was filled with feelings of doubt. As much of a friend as Mela was she was someone else's soul mate and friend he thought. The closer he got to her the more he thought of the day she would be back with Coup, and not at his side. He dreaded this more than anything and the killing of Peastro more than he would admit.
Dramkick sat on the edge of his bed and watched the fake sunrise come up. He heard a knock at his door and yelled, "Enter please!"
It was Mela carrying a bowl of Obaday flakes covered in Wams.
Obaday flakes are dark Brown and shiny. They have the shape of a laser pistol, a sword, a helmet, and a battleship. They taste like Fruitloops and Mini-wheat's combined, but also have a gratifying aftertaste that kicks in an hour after you've eaten. They are named after the 6 fingered guitar player Obaday Notas-he was a Vexidian. Obaday was renowned for the unbelievable speed and dexterity of his fingers-also for his flawless playing of chords. His album, "I'll play the
one you like forever," had sold over 1 billion copies in its initial run. The first track, "A Genamy for lunch," featured a 380 part harmony the first of its kind.
Mela set down the Obaday flakes on the foldout table in front of Dramkick. The table in front of her came out automatically when she sat down beside him. Dramkick continued to look at the sunrise as Mela put her head on his shoulder. He lifted his right hand to her cheek and rubbed it softly causing her to smile.
"Are you troubled, Dramkick?" Mela asked in a fragile voice.
"I'm somewhat troubled, but these things tend to pass," Dramkick admitted as he held a breath in his chest for a few seconds. "Must tell you, Mela, I'm concerned that when you are reunited with your husband Coup, the part of our friendship I treasure will perish," Dramkick said quietly as he rubbed her cheek.
Mela lifted her head, looked him in the eye and said warmly, "Never, Dramkick, our friendship is bigger than that. Coup is not unlike myself and will take to you the way I have. I have no trepidation about that. Don't ever fear about where my friendship and love is for you, because it is right here."
"Thank you for that," Dramkick said honestly, his thoughts were of killing Peastro. "Often times my mind can race and travel where it shouldn't. I want you to know that my friendship and our bond is forever. I mean that," Dramkick said as he rubbed Mela's arm.
"I'll never doubt it, Dramkick," Mela said as she put her head back on his shoulder.
Dramkick kissed her on the top of the head and started eating the Obaday flakes. They sat together with the sun shining through a window and felt the warmth of it on one another’s faces.
Mela thought even for a fake sun it had its benefits. It did make her miss the T sun even more.
She would give anything for one more look.
After 2 months in space the entire fleet wanted a break. Dramkick had Gigg find the nearest hospitable planet-it was Yafoal a large green planet.
Yafoal is half water and half land and very sparsely populated. There are dozens of small cities, but no real urban areas. The people of Yafoal are known as Fomits. They are very happy and youthful looking even into old age. They all have seal black hair and dark tan skin-as they have 8 months of summer each year because the one continent revolves around the equator.
Their leaders (and they have 3) are Momah, Ahyah, and Pubeo. Each one spends a 3rd of the year tending to the needs of the Fomits.
Dramkick gave the entire fleet 3 week's vacation to prepare them for the final push to Sras Oblique. Small shuttles started sending Vor Me and Vexidian soldiers to the surface. Mela, Dramkick, Sasiege, Uaty, Paut (and Dramkick's new lover Nalista) boarded their own personal shuttle. Dramkick's shuttle landed on a large green field of mowed grass in the city of Bauwa.
As they were getting out of the shuttle a short man with fire orange hair and a dark brown tan stood there waiting for them. He is wearing a white T-shirt, a pair of off white shorts, and brown sandals. He has small gold charms in the shape of a thumb and forefinger attached to each shoe. He has an ear to ear smile on his face and his hands are waving wildly as Dramkick observes him. Dramkick rubbed Mela's arm and said, "Hello I am Dramkick and these are my friends. We've come here for a bit of a vacation if you don't mind."
"I am Pubeo and I am one part of 3 who rule over Yafoal. And yes you are more than welcome to stay here as long as you like. Would you like me to show you around?" Pubeo asked as he waved his right arm slowly to steer them in the right direction. Dramkick liked Pubeo and could see him easily becoming a Benbre if he had been from Membra.
"We would indeed," Dramkick said as he and Nalista started to walk beside Pubeo with
Pubeo walked a few steps and then a small hovering transport pulled up. There is a young boy piloting it and he has a broad smile on his face. The ship is black in color and has a smooth rounded nose. It also has the body of a rose lying on its side. Gigg took note of this from the ship. It has a see through ceiling that is tinted slightly. Inside you have 9 black leather chairs and 3 refrigerators filled with a variety of cold drinks-from booze to soda pop. There is music coming from a small speaker sewn into each of the chairs that is by the artist Duadop Hig.
Duadop Hig is one of 6 musicians on Yafoal, but by far the most famous. After 3 years in jail for corruption for a minor infraction, Duadop emerged a changed man. He gave up alcohol and all forms of stimulants and depressants (especially hard drugs). He poured all of his passion into singing acapella songs. His first song, "The last thing I wanted was the beginning,” dealt with the issue of child abuse and how to protect the innocence of a child. It was so popular that for 6 months straight it was heard every other song on the radio. After 87 hit singles later Duadop was arrested again for crimes against the public good. He apparently stood in front of Ahyah's home and relieved himself on his rose garden. For which he served 8 months of hard labor.
They drove through the Bompatan gardens-which is an intricate labyrinth of flowers and shrubbery. Dramkick couldn't believe how fragrant and fresh the air was. It took him back to his childhood and days at the lake. Dramkick continued to take deep and deeper breaths, as he looked around in awe at the different artwork shaved into the bushes. There is one bush so lifelike it appears to have a man beneath its leaves.
"Pubeo, I must tell you your garden here is truly remarkable," Dramkick remarked as he reached out and touched a bush as they sped by.
"Oh wait 'til you see the Gontafic and the Cokot temples. Then you will see what we are proudest of," Pubeo said brightly as he smiled.
"Will it be long 'til we arrive at the Cokot temples?" Nalista asked and she kissed Dramkick on the cheek.
"We're but minutes from there now," Pubeo replied as he searched for something in his pocket and then continued, "I thought we would have you live there while you're here. It is our most lavish accommodations. We reserve it for royalty per se," Pubeo said as he opened a blue refrigerator and started handing everyone a can of Ezsi soda. He grinned and said, "These are very delicious, please try one, but only one."
Everyone was handed one of the mint green cans and took a drink-Ezsi is a combination of soda and tonic that is filled with nutrients and mild medicine. The Mehaha drove onto a gently flowing river and out into the middle. It snaked through Bompatan gardens. They drove beneath a series of walking bridges. And then out of nowhere the ship started to go through the blue backdrop of the sky and into a lighted tunnel. This startled everyone but Dramkick as his adrenaline kicked in. His senses were enhanced instantly and he surveyed the situation.
"What in a Terious is that?" Mela asked as she looked around at everyone.
"That is our way of keeping the Cokot temples secret," Pubeo explained proudly as he pulled out a comb and gave his hair good brushing. "You just passed through a holographic illusion that only the Fomits know of. Hold on tight there are more surprises to come," Pubeo said as he looked at everyone's shocked faces.
"Another surprise like that and I'll die of a massive stroke, and I don't mean of genius,"
Sasiege said anxiously as he massaged his own chest with both hands.
Dramkick just sat there looking at everyone and was amazed at how frightened they looked.
He himself only felt a small prick of unease. They continued through the tunnel for a half mile and then the walls turned from lights to glass. This revealed 1,000 workers mining for gold and diamonds.
They came out of the tunnel and into an empty room. The room has lush wall to wall blue carpet on the walls. And there is a full recreation of Kest plague in gold and diamonds.
Kest is a man made disease that was accidentally unleashed on the Fomits a hundred years earlier-it dramatically altered their DNA and brain function. It altered their DNA so much so that never again did a single child bare a resemblance to their parents. An entire new race of people emerged after the onset of the disease. And strangely enough, they were smarter and more athletically gifted than anyone could have ever imagined.
The Mehaha slowed and then stopped in the center of the room. Nalista turned to Dramkick and asked, "So what happens now?"
Just then the floor beneath them started to float up towards the ceiling. Everyone looked up hoping that this wasn't a malfunction and hopefully planned. Mela said sternly, "If we hit that ceiling I will be infuriated."
They didn't hit it instead they passed right through into another large room. The room has 3
levels to it and a statue of Godper on the right wall. There is also a living area on the first floor with couches and a round television. There is a pair of musical androids at either end of the room as literal living jukeboxes. There are also 5 black leather chairs and a gold and diamond end table next to each. The kitchen and fitness center are next to the left wall and glow dark red from within. Floating in the center of the room is the Dorpus intoxicator-which is a machine that you can type in how drunk you want to get and how long you want it to last. And then you could either drink one extremely dense concoction or take a blue and red pill and get the same effect.
The Dorpus is meant to give you total control over your leisure time. The 2nd level has a living room with 2 long white leather couches positioned facing each other. The 2 round TV's at each end hover above the carpet. There is a lavish bathroom with: a sauna, hot tub, 12 showers, large tub and the works.
The 3rd level has 8 large bedrooms equipped with everything you could possibly need to retire properly. They have 4 person beds to particle showers that induce sleep by barraging the senses to exhaustion.
"This will be your accommodations while you are here," Pubeo explained brightly as his shoulder twitched. "All of your baggage has been placed in your rooms and the refrigerators are ready when you are. Also there is one other thing I must show you that I think you will find fascinating, please follow me," Pubeo said brightly as he ushered them to the far wall.
Pubeo let out a primordial scream and the wall disappeared. This revealed the completely waveless Gontafic ocean-there are millions of people swimming, boating, floating and living on it in wooden floating homes. The homes look like toothpick houses and most have little in the way of solid walls. The boats are incredibly detailed and some are even jet propelled. The Gontafic has a high salt density that allows you to float very easily. There are 3 suns-with one in a stage of collapse-fill the Gontafic with an almost mirror image. Since there are no moons around Yafoal, there are no waves or moonlight. This gives the planet an eerie darkness that never leaves you.
"I thought I'd seen it all 'til now," Dramkick stated as he shook his head in disbelief. "I really needed this trip, Mela, if for no other reason to see this now. What an awesome spectacle,"
Dramkick leaned back and his eyes darted from people to ships and back again. Where was all this life before now? He wished his parents could've seen this.
"You're reading my mind, I've never been this close to the enormity of life. Pubeo, thank you for this indeed," Mela said awestruck as she put her arm around Pubeo and her head on his shoulder.
"This is why so few Fomits leave Yafoal," Pubeo admitted as he chased away a crab like creature with his foot. "We're all together as family and friends here. I ventured out 10 years ago just to see what the universe had to offer. 2 months ago I came back and never ventured out again. I know you are my guests, but lives are shared or they disappear," Pubeo said and he kissed Mela on the forehead.
Everyone stared at the scene in front of them for many minutes. Pubeo left for his home and everyone stayed up half the night partying and telling stories. The next 2 weeks they all took full advantage of Yafoal, the Fomits, and the incredible Gontafic. Everyone boarded the ships and set off into space for a shotgun wedding with destiny.
Dramkick sat in his lounge with Sasiege playing a game of Pomdeck.
Pomdeck is an ancient card game. The game centers on a person's ability to lie and not get caught. The consequence of getting caught is that they lose the game.
Dramkick has a tendency to win at Pomdeck, because he rarely believes anything entirely or with total conviction. He could fool himself into believing anything at the drop of a hat.
Dramkick laid a card on the table that suggested he was Pamse-which is a person who's about to lay the remaining power cards and win the game.
Sasiege looks at Dramkick with a vicious eye. He tried to decide if Dramkick was telling the truth, because if it is the truth he has to lay his power card first or lose the entire wager. If he thinks he is lying, he has to play no cards and force Dramkick to admit that he is lying (and Dramkick would lose the game of course). Sasiege stares at Dramkick for over a minute. Then he
notices there is a single bead of sweat on his left temple and He said snidely, "I lay nothing, Dramkick, you better have it or you're a goner my friend."
Dramkick starts to sweat even more now. He takes off his sweater and keeps on his white T-shirt. Dramkick looks at his cards and then said, "Your mind is old weak and filled with too many years gone by. I'm going to show you why my will to win can never be beaten. Or you were smart enough to see through my lies, Old Man." Dramkick then laid his cards on the table showing Pamse and shouted, "Or you'll be dead in a week from SHAME!"
Sasiege's body completely deflated and he let out a yell of, "Not again, not now!"
"Yes Now, you wounded buffoon," Dramkick said jokingly as he twisted the knife of shame in his side. "I feel the urge to remind you of your lack of true foresight. I saw you eyeing that bead of sweat and knew that you would think it nerves, but it was caused by my sweater. So once again I've taken your self-respect, confidence, and of course your gold he hee ha hee," Dramkick said snidely as he took Sasiege's gold and chuckled.
Mela and Uaty walked in and grabbed a seat on the couch. Mila asked, "Dramkick, I wanted to ask you since we're nearing Sras Oblique, exactly how you plan to get close enough to Peastro to kill, or even capture him?"
Dramkick smiled and said, "A fortunate blow will get me close enough to kiss his skin with pain. You see before you arrived on my home world of Membra, I'd become aware of Peastro and sent a messenger. I sent that messenger with a truthful and passionate plea for his friendship.
The great part of this is it was written in truth, which a man of his power would be able to tell."
"So he'll be under the assumption that you've come to become friends and share experiences," Uaty said implying a question. Uaty was now convinced Peastro would die.
"That's correct, Uaty, so at the very least I’ll get next to him," Dramkick explained as his
giddiness filled the room with joy. "And then if I capture him I'll snap his scrawny little neck,"
Dramkick said smoothly as he tightened his fist and smiled. Dramkick was buying into the idea that maybe there was someone else, besides Peastro that was meant to be his friend.
"How do you plan on knocking him out?" Mela asked as she curled up her legs.
"Nowet implants in my fingertips," Dramkick explained as he showed her the tips of his fingers. "Ya see a Nowet can be placed under the skin. And with just a tap on his neck he'll be out cold within seconds. Then I throw him into my personal luggage and walk right out with him inside," Dramkick explained as he walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle Wams.
"That's brilliant, there's a great chance this will happen…o.k. but what if they catch you?
What if they catch you with Peastro's unconscious body, what then?" Sasiege asked as he lit up a cigarette.
"Then its fight to the death and my fleet will lay waste to their army," Dramkick said sharply and then he finished his bottle of Wams. "Either way Peastro will meet an unfortunate end. And then you and Mela will be able to free Coup and take control of Sras Oblique," Dramkick said as he pulled out the last Tut cigarette from his pocket. He lit it and started smoking.
"Then I can get back to my life again," Mela spoke to the rafters as she covered her face with both hands and squealed. "And to see that ungrateful pig Peastro fall will make the T sun's rays that much brighter. The glory of it all, Dramkick, it makes my heart beat anew."
"How do you plan to free Coup, have you thought of something?" Sasiege asked as he chewed a Kamast.
"That's the easy part, Sasiege, I'm using 10 of my Vor Me to free him," Dramkick offered as his mind jumped to that part of the plan. "They will go in under disguise as Kaa soldiers. And they'll paint the walls red with the guards holding him. They will wait for my signal and then
pounce. And after we have Coup and Peastro the sky will fill with my fleet. We will escape under laser fire as they pray for their lives he he hee," Dramkick said snidely and he took a drag from his tut cigarette but stopped abruptly and said, "I'll need a few hundred cartons of these before I leave, Mela."
"You can have a ship's worth and that is for certain," Mela answered as she prowled the room like a lion. Mela stopped and said, "Then that's it, we're ready for arrival and we must be nearing the security outpost by now." Mela thought of Coup and the tremendous pain he was going through. She prayed he would survive mentally long enough to be freed. She also knew that might not be the case.
The fleet kept a safe distance from the security outpost while the Debrist Morou continued on. Dramkick made his way to the Capt.'s chair and sucked on a Praem tube. He needed every bit of confidence, edge, and advantage he could get. Mela stayed in the lounge with the others carrying anxious hearts. Dramkick sat down in his Capt.'s chair and said sternly, "Be calm, be nothing, Gigg, I can handle them."
"Of course, Quadromolan, I won't speak unless required to," Gigg said as he hailed the outpost. He hoped Dramkick would speak in the first place as his nerves were frayed.
On the monitor appeared Kelsy Pott-a Sgt. in the Kaa army. Kelsy is green haired and orange skinned. He has a black T shaped scar above his left eye that he got on his wedding night (he flirted with the bridesmaids). His face is boyish, but his eyes are a killer's. He is wearing a purple hat that is tight to his head, but loose around his forehead. He also has on a black cotton jacket with the Kaa symbol for freedom on the right peck-which is an X inside a circle with 2 P's next to it. He also has on a pair of white silk gloves that have an apparent glow to them.
"Hello there what are your reasons for traveling here today?" Kelsy asked dryly as he smiled
to himself. He felt worn out after a long shift.
"Yes, hi I am Dramkick Reign and I come to request an audienc-"
Kelsy cut him off and said quickly, "Wait, wait just a second we have a standing order…ah here it is. We’re instructed upon any visit of Dramkick Reign to immediately allow him through.
And also to let you know that Peastro is eagerly awaiting your arrival. You'll be waited on hand and foot. We are also told to ask if there is anything you need right now?"
"I would like a nice bottle of white wine this evening, but that is the sum of it," Dramkick said smoothly as he started to grin. He knew the plan was going to work. The soldier was weak and easily swayed, he thought.
"The wine will be in your castle and you may proceed with our escort fighters," Kelsy said happily as he tried to contain his excitement. He really thought that Dramkick would never come. "It is great to finally meet the person in the letter. I hope you have a great stay," Kelsy said as he smiled from ear to ear.
"Thank you I will, it is great to meet you," Dramkick said hollowly as he manipulated his body language to matchup with the correct moment Kelsy had offered him. Kelsy faded from the monitor and 12 Kaa fighters flanked both sides the Debrist Morou. Dramkick stood up and smiled at Gigg and then left the room. He strolled over to the lounge and walked in to see Mela and Sasiege sitting side by side eating Kamasts. He said snidely, "He's dead, Mela."
"Really," Mela said as the air raced out of her lungs. She set down her Kamast and put her head in her shaking hands.
"Moments from dead and he still doesn't know it," Dramkick felt like kicking something so he put his foot through the back of the couch. "I wonder how he'll spend his final waking breaths, before he finds the secrets of it all. Death will be the friend he sought for so many T Suns,"
Dramkick said coldly as he walked over to Mela and kissed her on the lips gently. He hugged her tightly and she tried to control her breathing. Coup was all she could think about, Dear Coup.
"If death knew him like I do…even he would run screaming. They should meet nonetheless," Mila said snidely as she gripped Dramkick tightly and said coldly, "Remember the Line!"