Coup awoke and shouted,” Too dust!” as was his habit. He sat up in his bed and started smoking a Messon Leaf cigar. His hot breakfast was waiting for him on a retractable table in the center of the bed.
He ate his Vin meat sandwich and some Youba berry ice cream, then downed a glass of Hool milk.
Mela is sound asleep beside him, but her hand is violently rubbing his chest. This is something she often did unknowingly and Coup was more than used to it. Coup stood and attached his hands and feet into four Spryga rings and started his daily workout. Spryga rings allow you to move any part of your body in any direction and they provide resistance. They gave a vigorous workout in very little time. After a few minutes in the Spryga rings Coup sat in his chair on the balcony. He happily took in the first rush of the T sun’s rays. The morning is very important to Vindijan’s as they feel that a well thought out morning leads to an extraordinary day. Every Vindijan has their morning designed to maximize their own set of wants and must have’s.
On the table is an absorbable thought patch, known as a Lila. The Lila carries more than a message, an actual thought from the sender. You simply have to attach the Lila to your skin above your temple.
Then the sender’s thought would enter your brain after it dissolved. This particular Lila was from Edifus.
Coup attached the Lila and after it had dissolved he understood that Edifus wanted to thank him tremendously. He also understood that the Kaa army was ready to fight side by side with the Vindijan’s whenever he gave the call. This was the news he was waiting for and it thrilled him. He refused to allow himself to get too overjoyed. He knew that he had to keep his emotions in a certain acceptable range or run the risk of self sabotage. There was still the matter of Hocah. She might catch onto his plan and hatch
a plan of her own if he wasn’t careful. He thought to himself about the possibility of her and her army simply leaving after Peastro gave his answer. Deep inside he feared this wasn’t going to be the case. If so, why bring such a large army for a simple request. No, he saw the way she looked at Peastro. They wanted Peastro to think that they were asking, but before long they’d be demanding and he knew it. Coup got word that Peastro had finished his morning routine and would meet him in the Royal Sepcha garden.
Sepcha’s are miniature purple Togot trees, very rare and very pleasing to the eye. Their branches are all at 90 degree angles and each has a lavender Devoi snake living in their trunks. Devoi snakes have been domesticated and are a treasured children’s pet. They have a fury brown exterior and are very soft to the touch.
Hocah is told to meet them in the Royal Sepcha garden as soon as she is ready. She tells the messenger she will be there shortly. While Coup and Peastro wait they both get lost in their own thoughts. They sit silently and ponder the possible outcomes. They look at each other and nod, as if to say to one another be ready. Hocah is led into the garden and sits down across from Peastro. She is wearing a skin tight white leather suit and her hair is done up to look like a rose pedal. She looks at Peastro and says,” I hope this morning is as prosperous as it feels.”
“I couldn’t agree more, there’s a bounty of hope here today,” replied Peastro.
“So true, so yes,” said Hocah as she smiled.
“Do you need anything, Hocah?” asked Coup.
“No, I couldn’t be more taken care of.”
“Hocah, I thought about the Frospt proposal with all of my faculties. I weighed the dynamics of a yes, as well as a no,” said Peastro calmly as he gently patted his own chest. “When I thought about the power of saying yes, my heart was torn. I have family here and the Vindijan Line took me in and inspired
me to ascend. The love I feel for them and my home Sras Oblique is unending. What I say, and I say it in earnest is no…a thousand times no.”
Hocah’s hint of a smile had completely faded. She sat defiantly and stared at Peastro. She leaned forward and shouted,” We’re not ASKING!!” and then she spit and yelled, “You’ll be coming with us today by freewill or by force! If force we’ll wipe this planet clean of every Vindijan and every Kaa! If that’s what it takes! Your precious Sras Oblique will be a desert before the T sun sets!”
Coup pressed his transmitter in his pocket signaling his troops to start the attack. He and Peastro shot back out of their chairs and watched as Hocah tried in vain to grab Peastro with her legs. Hocah pulled a blue light stick from her crotch and a second later she disappeared. The room filled with the smell of a dying animal. The ground where she had stood was burned black and there were traces of blue light. They heard a loud crackling sound that got louder and louder. Coup knew it wasn’t good so he shouted to Peastro,” Make for the far end of the garden quick!”
They levitated and soared as fast as they could over the Sepcha trees. Behind them-as Coup looked back-he could see large sections of the Chateau being lifted by the Nor battleship. The marble roof, the walls, everything was being lifted upward. A powerful tractor beam tore Plushi Chateau too pieces as the Nor tried to capture Peastro. As Coup and Peastro got closer to the exit Peastro looked back to see the Sepcha garden being hoisted into the sky. The tractor beam closed in on them, their hearts pounded like a jack hammer in their chests. Peastro and Coup kept their wits about them. They were frightened but every Vindijan could focus their resolve under stress. They flew through the exit arms struggling. The exit itself was hoisted into the sky a second later. Coup grabbed Peastro’s arm and they made a hard left for the hangar bay. The tractor beam barely missed them, but they knew they weren’t safe yet. As their levitation powers wore off they sprinted for the hangar bay. Coup shouted as he turned his head,” When we get to the hangar bay are only chance is to dig! If we try to use the shuttle they’ll catch us for certain!”
“If there is a hangar bay,” said Peastro nervously as he felt a pain in his neck. Coup looked at Peastro and felt a chill go down his spine. He wished he hadn’t said that because he feared he was right. Behind them again they heard the crackling sound. They could see the hallway they had just run down rapidly disappear. They sprinted into the hangar bay and Coup shouted,” Run to the shuttle!”
“But we can’t fly,” shouted Peastro as he made for the shuttle.
“The Mole, the Medivit Mole it’s our only chance!” shouted Coup. They ran into the shuttle and as they did the hangar bay started to lift into the air. The two of them jumped into the Medivit Mole and hit the launch button. The Mole tore through the hangar bay floor, which was already lifted 50 feet off the ground.
“Brace yourself, Peastro, we could become a whole lot thinner!” shouted Coup as he held the steering wheel as hard as he could. Peastro looked at Coup for a moment, but he wasn’t scared he felt at ease. He had a rush of relaxation come over him. He could see a small yellow man floating in front of him and the man whispered the words,” Veveld, Carnag.” The yellow man spoke,” It’s all for you,” and disappeared.
The Mole smashed into the crater where the hangar bay had been causing Coup and Peastro to shoot forward violently. Coup hit the control panel and split his forehead wide open. His blood dripped into his eyes blurring his vision, but it was only a flesh wound. Peastro had a bruise on his chest from the impact, but wasn’t shaken. A second later the Medivit Mole started to dig into the ground. They went deep below the surface and then Coup took over manual control. He steered for Edtwarp Rim (which is the staging area for the Toen War). He knew his generals would be there and they would be safe.
Above the ground they heard bomb blasts and then Coup said,” Sounds like a party.”
Peastro smiled and then said,” Let’s hope they save us some Pent.”
“They always do,” said Coup as he rubbed Peastro’s cheek and then said,” I just hope there’s a world left to party in.”
“Sras Oblique is more than a collection of molecules. The idea will always transcend the question’s answer,” said Peastro as he rubbed his chest and watched the gauges.
“But who will be left to query?” asked Coup slyly. Peastro stopped rubbing his chest and nodded at Coup. The Medivit Mole pierced the surface and as it did a missile flew past them and hit a squadron of Kaa soldiers-bursting them into flames. Coup and Peastro were soon met by Humpacca soldiers and were instantly shielded with Quo energy shields (They have the ability to scatter energy and there edges give you total security from the blasts). Soon Coup and Peastro are brought to the Ge Pau. The Ge Pau is an impenetrable stronghold where all their military minds are waiting and orchestrating their attacks. Coup is met by General Ruebluff and they exchange the Vindijan greeting.
General Ruebluff says sternly,” We’ve taken some hits, Emperor, but they’ve taken more. We have destroyed ten of their battleships and are even with ground troop losses.”
“Good, good but what of their flagship, have we taken her?” asked Coup anxiously.
“Not yet, it seems to have eluded us on how to break through their shield. The smaller ships seem to work in tandem to protect the larger ones. The more we try to pull her from the sky, the more losses we take,” said General Ruebluff cautiously as he showed Coup the monitor.
“I see…let her be for now. We’ll wipe out the rest of their fleet. Then we’ll take another pass at her.
And if she’s dumb enough to fight at that point, then she’s dumb enough to die.”
“It will be exactly done, Emperor, she’ll have to flee, I’d bank on it,” said General Ruebluff.
“I wouldn’t, she may be too proud this one. Either way wars are for winning,” said Coup proudly.
“Yes they are,” said Ruebluff as he smirked.
Peastro watched as Coup made his decisions, making a point to make notes. He was particular to remember the tone of Coup’s voice and his cadence. He knew the best way to learn was to find someone wise and learn from their wisdom. In the Vindijan Line age wasn’t feared but revered and looked forward too. Children dreamed about the day they would have all the answers. They are careful not to ask many questions, instead observe and acquire the knowledge as it pertains to them. The Vindijan youth is for life building, the shaping of ideas and forming personal truths. Peastro felt someone’s hand on his shoulder and turned to see Mela smiling at him.
“I see your learning already keep your mind limber today. All the world’s complexities are learned through conflict,” said Mela.
“Mela, I want to know it all, so much so I can’t keep a single thought in my head,” said Peastro honestly as he put his arm around Mela.
“Then don’t…keep your focus on not focusing on a single detail. Better would be just the larger ideas and the way a thought feels.”
“I’ll learn as fast as today will let me,” said Peastro.
“Yes,” said Mela with a wink and a nod. On the monitor in front of them there were several Kaa fighter jets engaging a Nor battleship. They are imploring the Cushy Fly technique. The Cushy Fly technique is based on how the Cushy fly bites a Hool then leaves poison beneath the Hool’s skin. Enough bites from the Cushy Fly and a Hool will perish. The Kaa fighter’s are attacking in short bursts with armor piercing grenades. Then they flee until they have detonated. The battleship wouldn’t pay them any mind because of the small damage they cause, but over time the combined effect will cripple the battleship’s defenses. Then the Venebon battleship will swoop in for the kill.
“How in the Terious did they do that?” joked Coup,” That’s what they’ll be saying when we pluck them from the sky.”
“How in the Terious indeed,” said General Ruebluff as he sipped from a flask of Breediv coffee.
Breediv is made from coffee beans that have passed through a Kabervian tiger’s intestines. The beans are then dipped in Amoss bird droppings and left to bake in the T sun’s morning rays. The coffee is too strong for the Kaa, but the Vindijan’s swear by it.
“That one looks about ripe,” said Coup as he observed 1 of the Nor battleship’s start to smoke,” Send in the Venebon!” General Ruebluff sent word to a nearby Venebon battleship to engage the Nor battleship. The Venebon hovered only feet from the surface below the Nor battleship. Then it rose rapidly up from beneath and fired its entire arsenal of weapons into its belly. The Nor were defenseless and the Vindijan’s missiles tore through the ship splitting it in two. Instead of being captured the Nor self destructed the rest of their vessel. The ship burst into an enormous blue flame and left a plume of ash and smoke. A moment later 2 green skinned men appeared out of nowhere. They stood for a moment then walked casually over to Peastro and Mela. Their clothes are skintight white leather suits. They are also wearing red rimmed sunglasses and have no shoes on. They are petit, only a few inches taller than Peastro. Their noses are long and prominent.
“Hello, Veveld, Carnag, are you here for conflict?” asks Peastro as he holds Mela tightly.
“No, Peastro, we are here to end one,” said Veveld flatly.
“If you think you’re going to take Peastro with you…” said Coup sharply before being cut off.
“We wouldn’t take him against his will. We can see the error in that way of thinking,” said Carnag as he looked at Peastro.
“Pardon me if I find that troublesome to fathom,” said Coup calmly as he rubbed his belly and grinned.
“We can see that this battle is ridiculous. All’s we want now is for it to end. But we have come to recon 8th’s,” said Veveld as he adjusted his sunglasses.
“What do you mean recon 8th’s?” asked Mela as she looked at Veveld.
“They want an 8th of my life in exchange for no further hostilities,” said Peastro as he let go of Mela and walked up to Carnag.” That’s right isn’t it?”
“That is completely factual. All’s we are asking is that you spend an 8th of your life on our planet.
We’ve calculated that you’ll live approximately 56 years and 4 months. Which means you would spend…”
“7 years,” said Peastro quickly.
“That’s correct, 7 years on Goldva is all that we would require,” said Carnag warmly as he gently rubbed his forehead. “And of course you would choose the 8th of your life you would spend with us. We are not a vicious people. Our hearts and minds would be open to you and you would always feel loved.
We would embrace you completely and I can assure you it would never be mundane. We can’t imagine another day of bloodshed. When we can talk as friends, of compromise,” said Carnag as his hands rested at his side.
“Well there it is, don’t decide until your greeted with a pure thought,” said Coup.
Peastro thought for a moment, then looked at all of the faces around the room and said,” What I know is this, the first 8th of my life is almost over and I need my Vindijan family now. The next 8th of my life I’ll be becoming the Vindijan I’ll be for the rest of my life, so that 8th is spoken for. But the 3rd 8th of my life would be best suited for adventure,” said Peastro firmly as he paced a bit back and forth. “It would give me a chance to grow and reach my divinity. If I embraced the Nor at that point in my life I would be capable of true understanding and ascension. So in my discovery…has come your answer.”
Veveld put the tip of his finger to the roof of his mouth and spoke,” The conflict has passed, end the assault.”
Suddenly the Nor Fighter’s and battleships stopped attacking as well as their ground troops. General Ruebluff immediately ordered a ceasefire and the battle ceased.
“Then that’s it?” asked Coup.
“That is the summation of our dispute. We will not be back to Sras Oblique for 10 years. And when we return we won’t be bringing our army,” assured Carnag as he looked at Coup intently. “We have total faith that Peastro is a man of honest intent. That said, Peastro, enjoy your years here. A man’s youth lingers long into old age and brings endless satisfaction,” said Carnag as he smiled warmly.
“I’ll be ready upon your return,” said Peastro as he offered his hands palms up.
“We know you’re braver than us all,” said Veveld warmly as he waved his hands in a circle over Peastro’s.
Veveld pulls out a blue light stick form his waist and in a flash they are gone.
“Coup, I am sorry I’ll be leaving you,” said Peastro slyly.
“Oh Builder no, don’t give it a moment’s worry,” replied Coup as he waved his right hands. “We want your ascension as much as our hearts can bear. For the sake of the Vindijan Line we need you to go there and find out all you can. The bounty of technology and experience you’ll acquire will only strengthen the Line.”
“So spying is my function?” asks Peastro with a smirk.
“More than that, flat out stealing is your mission. Let’s be truthful, if we hadn’t had the Kaa’s help they could have destroyed all that we have pained for,” said Coup nervously as he tapped his leg and looked up to the ceiling. “Our infinite discovery would have arrived far before its invitation had been extended. For the Vindijan’s to continually ascend we’re going to need every trick and ploy their dumb
enough to teach you. When the time comes you’ll need to be porous, sticky for information,” said Coup as his brow furrows.
“I completely understand and my grasp of this opportunity is firm. I will devour all of the wisdom they will serve me,” said Peastro sternly.
“Yes, there is only the Line,” answered Coup snidely as he clenched his fist.
“The Line is my first and last breath.”
“Completely, now there’s still the business of those insufferable Kaa. There has been enough war for today we’ll send them our thank you note in the morning. I can’t think of a better sound then bomb blasts in the morning, it thrills me to no end,” said Coup snidely as a wry smile came across his face.
“I think Edifus greets the T sun early. It would be a travesty not to be there when he does,” said Peastro smugly.
“The debt we owe is that, and this time we’ll bring a much more hospitable gift. You should never let the ones you love pain wanting,” said Coup menacingly.
“I agree let’s make our undying love and gratitude bubble to the surface for, Dear Edifus,” said Peastro as he smiled. Coup nodded softly then he took Peastro by the hand and led him into the dining area. The two sat silently and ate ravenously. A Vindijan always ate all that they were hungry for before speaking.
“Peastro, I want you to be there with me when we capture Edifus. I think it’s important you see a proud man’s will broken. This will give you a better understanding of his character and all of his eternal flaws,” said Coup smugly as he eyed a bottle of Borco wine.
“When the T sun rises I will be there to see Edifus’ glory set,” said Peastro as he sat back in his chair.
Peastro and Coup smoked Messon Leaf cigars and sipped Borco wine late into the evening.
Meanwhile Edifus was back with the Fini Seven and they were having their own celebration. They all sat around a large table inside the games room at Fireo castle. The 7 large brown and black leather thrones surrounded a white and red checkered marble table. The walls of the room were filled with the heads of exotic dead animals. There are Vense bears to Tibervian tigers even the head of a purple Corne lizard (extremely rare since the Pendido war).
“The old man finally went for it,” said Vier. Vier is a red skinned, slight built man with stark white hair. His face has jagged scars running from his chin to his hairline. His eyes are perpetually dilated and his teeth are large and yellow. He isn’t wearing a shirt and has a silver necklace with a blue diamond star attached.
“Yes, he allowed his grasp of what’s right to finally come out righteous. He could’ve dragged this war on for decades and crippled the world,” said Edifus in disbelief as he looked around the table.
“True, I never thought I’d see a free T sun ever rise. My two sons will be owner’s of Sras Oblique instead if Prisoners in it,” said Vier as he drew a drag from his pipe.
“What Coup did was more than ending the Toen War. He’s ending a worn out, dated hypocrisy! He’s doing away with their crushing of our people’s dreams,” said Edifus as he shook his glass. “With what he did today…I’ll thank him every moment of my life. I truly honor Coup Vindijan and I’ll tolerate the Line if it means equality for my daughter,” said Edifus as he slid his glass to the top of his head. The other members of the Fini Seven also put their glasses on the top of their heads. They joined hands and in one quick motion they all jerked their head forward, sending the glasses crashing to the floor. They all let out a shout,” To dust with divinity!” Edifus jumped on the table and danced and the others followed suit.
The Bounty of Breask
The T sun crawled down the Gogif tower as was its’ habit, but there was a storm brewing. In the distance a large purple storm cloud was rapidly encroaching on Cas City, as were Coup and Peastro. They intended to personally thank Edifus for all his treasured assistance. They brought along 2 squadrons of Humpacca soldiers. They were quickly closing in on Edifus’ hideout.
“There are 2 types of men…those who can be honest with themselves and those who cannot. Then there is a third…people who make up elaborate lies to themselves that they expect others to believe,” said Coup frankly as he thought of Mela. “These men…and there are several are the embodiment of everything I hate. Edifus, I hope you loved another last night for today…I’ll be stealing your kisses. Open the door!” shouted Coup as he charged up his Petifee. Two soldiers stepped forward and placed a Woipt sound grenade. The Woipt will adjust its wavelength to that of the door and the sound waves will shatter it. After placing the Woipt it started to emit a low hum. The hum got louder and louder and the door shook violently. In an instant it shattered like a pane of glass and created a puff of smoke that filled the entryway. Coup walked through the doorway and shouted,” How’s the Vin this morning, bold or tart!”
There are 2 of the Fini Seven-Vier and Shad-sitting in facing chairs watching a hologram of the day’s news. Shad goes for his Goalla gun, but before he could fire it Coup blasted him with the Petifee.
Shad froze in his tracks and then got down on the floor and curled up into a ball. He started muttering to himself while his eyes glazed over. He was trapped in the grip of insanity. The Petifee’s effects are quick to take hold and slow to improve.
Meanwhile Vier darts for the balcony. Coup’s soldiers fired their Goalla guns at him, but missed both times. Vier dove from the balcony and into the Buot River below disappearing below the surface.
Coup and the two soldiers raced to the balcony and watched as the surface of the water for Vier.
Coup shouts,” Get down there!” The soldier named Deroy jumps from the balcony and into the Buot River. The river is over a hundred feet down and the water is choppy. Coup starts frantically searching every room for Edifus. He can hear a panting sound, but cant’ tell what room it is coming from. He walks cautiously down the hall peering into every room with his gun barrel leading the way. The hall is dark with only shards of light from the open doorways lighting the way. As Coup gets closer to the end of the hall he hears a metal door snap shut. He knows that sound and instantly terror shoots through his mind.
He sprints the last few steps to the end of the hall and enters the room. His worst fears are realized, inside the room he sees Edifus sitting inside a silver egg shaped escape pod. Edifus smirks at Coup then the escape pod blasts through the ceiling. Coup can only watch with anger as Edifus escapes his grasp. Coup is infuriated as he really thought this would be his greatest triumph. He turns to leave the room and sees Peastro standing in the doorway. Coup looked at Peastro sternly and says,” Someday…someday soon he’ll run out of chances. A fool can only run from the foolish.”
“What do we do now?” asked Peastro calmly.
“There is a better way to chase the tiger, make him chase you. Every man has a possession they love.
Take that away from them and they’ll cover every corner of Sras Oblique for its return,” said Coup as he looked around the room.
“But what is worth chasing for Dear Edifus?” asked Peastro as he started looking through the cabinets.
Coup also started to search around the room. He looked in the closet and he started to rummage through Edifus’ papers. He stops suddenly and says,” Why I love to swim with rainbows by Grena Time.
Well isn’t that precious our Dear Friend Edifus has himself a daughter, a real talent to behold too.”
“Really,” said Peastro as he walked over to Coup.
“Oh yes, she has a poetic gift like I haven’t seen since Hared Tops,” said Coup as he handed Peastro a piece of off white paper.
“Rainbows are young, rainbows are fun. I met one and went for a swim brilliant! Well I can see where all the talent is in this family,” said Peastro as he kisses the paper.
“I need to meet the author, you know just to occupy the same space with a genius is thrilling.
Hmm…all of the Kaa children in this city go to the Emo Se School. I’ll send a message to the Oa authorities right now,” said Coup as he pressed the thought transferring button on his temple.
The Oa authorities keep the peace among the Kaa and are under control of the Vindijan Line. After Coup sends his message the Vindijan Line put out the word and Grena Time was immediately picked up at Emo Se.
Coup feels relieved, now the tiger will be chasing him. Coup and Peastro board Trident Souce 3 and make for Emo Se. Peastro occupies his time with a Framebot. Framebot’s are robots used to practice all of the Vindijan martial arts. They are all 6feet tall and cast in the image of Venkid. Their limbs are covered in white leather padding and are programmed to fight to the limits of your ability. They can’t do you any real harm of course. Their processers give them the appearance of intelligence, but they possess no real ideas of their own, only memory. Peastro gave his Framebot the name Urte, after his father. Urte has been programmed with humor reflexes to keep the lesson light. Peastro kicks Urte in the stomach with a twisting kick and asks,” How’s the floor taste today, Urte?”
“It’s good, but you really should try some yourself,” said Urte as he kicks out the legs of Peastro, sending him crashing to the floor.
Peastro laughs and then jumps on Urte’s back as he is getting up. Urte tries to spin and get Peastro off but can’t and says,” Peastro, you really shouldn’t eat so much Pent. I don’t think my circuits can handle much more.”
“Oh really, you know I think I need a new necklace. Maybe I’ll make one out of a Framebot.”
“Oh no I’m screwed,” said Urte slyly.
“I wouldn’t worry about it, Urte. A friend like you is worth more than a necklace,” said Peastro as he rubbed Urte’s chest.
“Thank Builder for you, Peastro. I thought I’d miss the T sun’s morning kiss tomorrow. You go ahead and eat all the Pent you care too.”
“Ahh don’t tempt me, Urte,” said Peastro as he smiles and climbs down off Urte.
Urte smiles and gently pokes Peastro in the belly. Whereas Peastro looks down at his own neck and pretends to run his fingers over a necklace. Urte looks worried and says,” I’m just trying to keep you at your maximum readiness. Those Kaa can be vicious if you’re not nimble.”
Coup sat watching the two of them and then said,” There is nothing truer than that, Peastro. An extra bit of Pent here and there can add up to a softer self outlook,” said Coup firmly as he rubbed his belly and then said,” be careful.”
“Now you’re entering the festivities and not a minute too soon,” said Peastro as he pulled up his shirt to reveal his muscular stomach and then said slyly,” My body is my mission, see for yourself.”
Coup gave him a nod and a wink. Urte poked Peastro’s stomach and said proudly,” I was wrong, you’re winning the war against the Pent, but not the battle with Urte.”
Urte tried to strike Peastro in the chest but Peastro slipped the punch and grabbed Urte’s arm. He tossed Urte hard into the wall.
“Think again, Urte, that wars’ been won,” said Peastro boldly as he put his hands on his hips.
Coup let out a belly laugh and clapped loudly. The landing tone sounded and everyone prepared to land. Trident Souce Three taxied into the schoolyard. Below they could see 2 guards and a young girl waiting for them. The schoolyard was filled with red sand and Dees prancing around. The school itself is a floating orb of white crystal and black windows. The school’s student body can be seen crammed against its windows (they are eager to see the Emperor).
The sky filled with purple storm clouds and the rain is thick and enveloping. Every so often red lightning lit up the sky and hit the ground with a loud crashing sound. Storms like these (known as Toretes Wakes) can last for weeks or minutes you never knew which.
“Let’s go take some Pent from a child…ahh the glory of politics,” said Coup as they exited Trident Souce Three.
Peastro felt uneasy about what Coup had said, but he didn’t let it show. He looked at Grena Time’s face and felt sorry for her. He also was taken aback by her beauty.
Grena Time is a striking young lady with piercing yellow and green colored eyes. She has long straight black hair with purple streaks. She looks like a female version of Edifus, with a strong jaw and high cheekbones. Her skin is blood red with black freckles. She is wearing a black spandex body suit with a T sun pattern over all of it. Around her neck is a light necklace that changes colors every few seconds.
On her feet are white lace slippers with pointed tips. She is standing with her legs crossed and her hands are on her hips.
As Peastro grew closer he saw that she had been crying. Coup tapped Peastro on the shoulder and said sternly,” Remember the Tiger.”
Peastro nodded, but felt guilty about what they were doing. Coup exchanged greetings with the two soldiers then said,” Miss Grena Time, we’re taking you on a little adventure today. Please take my hand and we’ll be off.”
Grena looked at Coup and took his hand as she scowled at Peastro. Peastro felt terrible and he hadn’t been so embarrassed in his life. The 3 of them hurried onto Trident Souce 3 and then the ship took off.
Coup gave Grena a roll and a glass of Nehe pop (a drink loaded with Yorba berry juice). Grena set the roll down and sipped the Nehe pop slowly. She didn’t know what to say so she just kept sipping her Nehe pop. Peastro watched her for a moment and then decided to sit down beside her. He slid in next to her and said warmly,” Grena, we’re not going to hurt you ok. That’s not why you’re here.”
“Then why go to the trouble, why…I mean why?” asked Grena anxiously as she spilled some pop on her leg.
“It’s your father, Edifus he’s done something against the Line and that can’t be tolerated,” answered Peastro sternly as he glanced at Coup.
“You’ll never find him, he can hide out ‘til your dust believe me. He’s wiser than any of you,” said Grena quickly as she bit into her roll.
“No harm will come to your father…”
“Don’t lie to me, I heard what you did to him last time. He still has trouble sleeping because of it. I hope there’s a poison in this Nehe pop, I really do,” said Grena angrily as she took a big drink of her Nehe pop.
“Calm down, if your father agrees to meet with us you can go back to Emo Se. All’s we want is to ask him a few questions,” said Peastro calmly.
“What questions, is it about the Breask?” asked Grena defiantly and then she said angrily,” I’ll tell you where it is right now if that will settle this!”
Coup and Peastro exchanged a quick glance and then Coup perked up in his seat and asked,” Yes indeed, why don’t you tell us where the Breask is and as you said we’ll consider this settled?”
“Alright, it’s buried in the garden behind Blanvie Market. It’s beneath the kissing stone. They buried it deep and put it in a silver casket,” explained Grena as she tied her hair back. “You got what you wanted now let me go,” said Grena as she took a bite form her roll.
“You’ll be released right after we dig it up. I give you the word of the Vindijan Line,” said Coup as he tugged at his beard.
“Fine, I trust you since you are the Emperor and all.”
“Thank you…ah, Peastro, could you help me with the logic probe? I’ll need an extra pair of hands,”
asked Coup coyly as he motioned for Peastro to follow him.
Peastro looked at him puzzled, but he got up and followed him nonetheless. The two made their way to the Emperor’s quarters. Once inside Peastro sat down on the couch and Coup shut the door behind them.
Peastro grinned and asked,” What is this Breask and why is it important?”
Coup paced in front of Peastro unable to contain his excitement and said,” Breask, Dear Boy, is the Ultimate human enhancement. What is it? A tiny yellow pill made from the Earry trees’ sap. The Earry tree only grows every twenty years and the last harvest seven years ago was stolen by the Kaa.”
“What does it do?” asked Peastro.
“Well…what does it do, one Breask pill causes a feeling of euphoria for 70 days, one pill,” said Coup greedily as he jumped around like a fool. “It also increases a person’s muscle mass by 50 percent and their endurance is never ending, excuse my excitement! It also stimulates the brain and sharpens reason to extraordinary heights. Oh and let’s not forget Sex!” said Coup excitedly as he pretended he was leading a parade. “In men imagine a never ending libido and in women endless orgasms! Oh, Peastro, if this turns out to be true then there will be a party on an epic scale,” said Coup as he continued to dance like a fool.
Peastro let out a nervous laugh. Coup’s pacing was making him uncomfortable. He’d never seen him like this.
Coup sat down beside him, still lost in thoughts of Breask. Peastro sat and smiled as he watched Coup so overjoyed and excited. Coup’s thoughts were about Breask and how long it had been since he had one.
Coup thought about how amazing it would be to get his hands on some. Vindijan’s drank in the lean years as they waited for the Earry tree’s return. If Coup returned with the Breask he would be the most favored Vindijan under the T sun.
Coup set his course for Blanvie Market. They didn’t have far to go, the only problem was the kissing stone is always filled with newly joined couples. It is a tradition for the Kaa to kiss their lovers passionately as they lay on the kissing stone. The stone itself is a long piece of red marble in the shape of a mouth. It is said that the kissing stone can fill a union with passion and virility. Coup is hoping that what lies underneath will do the same for him.
They land and then they make their way through the crowd. Coup’s Humpacca soldiers secure the area. The soldiers grab the kissing stone on either end and move it to the side. Peastro and Grena watch on as Coup orders the soldiers to dig.
Using dirt dissolving shovels they dig deeper and deeper until the soldiers’ heads can’t be seen.
“I hope you’re not wasting our time, Grena,” said Peastro as he looked intently at Grena.
“Don’t worry, I saw them bury it. It’s a couple more feet you’ll see,” said Grena reassuringly as she sucked on her index finger.
A soldier named Hida yells,” We’ve got something, something silver!”
Coup walks over to the edge of the hole and sees a silver casket at the bottom. The soldiers attach anti-gravity rings to the casket and it floats up to Coup. He grabs it and guides it over to the Trident Souce Three. Everyone boards and huddles around the casket as Coup smiles greedily.
“There’s a lock here and we’ll have to disarm it,” said Coup as he rubbed his hands together.
Hida attached a universal key disk to the lock. The lock changed colors rapidly and then it popped the casket lid loose.
“Well children of the Builder…let’s hope for passions,” said Coup as he lifted the lid.
Inside the eight foot silver casket were thousands upon thousands of Breask pills. It was filled with those familiar yellow pills that Coup dreamed of. Everyone’s eyes grew wide, but none wider than Coup’s. Then Coup shouted,” A bounty of Breask for the Builder’s most favored!”
Everyone cheered except for Grena. She sat in the corner with her head in her hands. Coup meanwhile grabbed a pill and held it in his hand. He gave it a whiff, then put it in his mouth and sucked on it for a moment, then swallowed it whole. Instantly all the tension in his face disappeared. Soon his chest and shoulders started to grow. He started running in place and shaking his hands. Coup said excitedly,”
Breask, oh Breask…our love gone for too long. Nobody kisses like you baby. I love you!”
Coup gave the soldiers a nod and a wink and they quickly took a Breask.
“Peastro, don’t kid yourself get your hands on a Breask quick. You’ll thank me someday for this one,”
said Coup as he sat down on the couch.
Peastro walked up to the casket and grabbed a Breask and put it in his mouth. He swallowed it whole and felt a rush in his brain. His entire body felt warm and he was completely filled with joy. He felt so good it scared him. His shoulders and chest grew quickly. He felt strong and powerful. Peastro asked,”
What about Edifus, Grena, and Toen war?”
“Well I guess we’ll drop off Grena and our dear friend Edifus will be safe for now. As far as the Toen war…let it Rage! We’ve got the Breask in our sails now. The Kaa will be totally destroyed, I feel my vigor once again,” said Coup snidely as he got up did a spin on 1 foot.
Trident Souce Three lifted off and left Blanvie Market behind. Coup danced around the casket of Breask and sang the Vindijan national anthem,” Remember the Line.”
Peastro danced with him and then sat down beside Grena. Grena looked sullen as she felt that telling Coup about the Breask may have been a mistake. She wonders if this ordeal will ever be over. She taps Peastro, who is singing with Coup, on the shoulder and asks,” Will this make things even?”
“Look, Grena, things are even we’re taking you back to Emo Se right now. You need not let worry enter your mind,” reassured Peastro as he held her hand in his.
“But what of my father…I just need him to be ok, Peastro. You got the Breask can’t you let us be?”
asked Grena sadly as her eyes welled up.
Peastro lifted her chin with his finger and said,” I’ll make you a promise. If anything happens to Edifus I’ll make sure you’re taken care of,” then he kissed her softly on the lips and gave her a nod and said,”
Ok?”
“Ok, I trust you, Peastro. I can tell you don’t make empty promises,” said Grena then she kissed him on the hand.
Peastro felt strong feelings for her, but she a Kaa and the Vindijan’s didn’t pursue relationships with Kaa. It just wasn’t done and he knew there were no exceptions. Still he had to have another kiss. He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. This time he caressed her cheek as he did, while she draped her leg over his. After they kissed they stared deep into each other’s eyes.
Peastro caught himself and looked quickly at Coup to see if he had noticed, but he hadn’t. He was too busy with his ill gotten gain to notice. Peastro felt relieved that he hadn’t, but he didn’t want to push his luck. He pulled away from Grena and said,” Grena, I should be dancing.”
“I know, Peastro, you’re a Vindijan and I am but Kaa,” said Grena as she got up and walked across the room.
Peastro watched her walk away then he got up and danced with Coup. When they arrived at Emo Se, Grena grabbed a Breask and swallowed it. She walked a few steps and then turned halfway around, but then she just walked away. She didn’t turn to face Peastro. Peastro wished she would give him one last look. His palms and face got sweaty as she walked away. He knew he missed her already.