Today is Peastro’s yearly reckoning, making him 8 years passed. In celebration the Vindijan hierarchy gave him his own Poro Cruiser with his head on the front. They also give him a Logic Thrust.
A Logic Thrust is a 7 day course of study designed specifically for the development of a Vindijan’s creative mind. For twelve hours a day a Vindijan would be shown thousands of ways to access their creativity. This will give them the ability to think far beyond their rivals and in a moment’s notice. 8
years passed is the agreed upon time to undergo the Logic Thrust.
Peastro was also given a Waveso silk thumb ring. The Waveso is a tiny worm that is only found in the Veeres region. The silk made from their backs, once fashioned into a ring will adhere to their skin. To remove the ring you’d have to remove the skin. Needless to say they are a part of you for life. Written on every one is the words,” Be partially apart,” a reminder not to stay outside the Line.
Today is also the day Peastro is to choose his wife. He has dated several women and of course he wants to find a suitable match. He knew he needed a keen intellect as well as a passionate lover, if he was truly to ascend. His thoughts were still strong for Grena, even more so now that the finality of marriage is upon him. He tells himself he can be happy with another woman, specifically Morn Bevoi.
Morn has been everything he thought he wanted and is beautiful, generous, and kind. Still he was betrayed by his love unrealized for Grena.
Inside his personal Poro Cruiser in the ballroom his 3 potential mates have gathered. It is custom for a vase to be placed in front of each. Inside one vase there will be a tiger’s tooth, in another a diamond star,
and in the third a chocolate rose. The woman who gets the tigers’ tooth is least favored and will immediately be ushered away. The woman who gets the diamond is second favorite, and led through a staircase in the ceiling so as too lesson the embarrassment.
The one who gets the chocolate rose will consume it and sit at the throne beside Peastro. This will signal their equality in the relationship and the start of their new life. The 3 candidates sit in front of Peastro and the vases are brought out. The vases are all white and have the crest of the Vindijan Line on each. Each woman opens the lid of their vase and after seeing its contents gives no reaction, as is the custom.
Pew Mosty pulled a tiger tooth out of hers and is immediately ushered out of the ballroom. Nis Pept pulls a diamond star out of hers and leaves through a staircase in the ceiling. Morn Bevoi pulls out a chocolate rose, looks warmly at Peastro, licks her lips and then consumes the rose entirely. She then promptly rises and walks over to Peastro and sits beside him in her throne.
Now that a match has been chosen, it is customary for the Emperor to sprinkle the cremated remains of a Vindijan passed over their heads. This signifies their belief that unions are in this world and the next.
Then there is the final ritual, the Mers Knowing stare.
The Mers Knowing stare consists of the united couple looking into each other’s eyes a for several minutes, as they visualize the highs and potential lows of their marriage.
Peastro and Morn lock eyes as they each smile warmly. They each start to play out the hopes and dreams they have for the marriage in their minds. Peastro thinks of their passions first then he thinks of children. The thoughts of his ascension to Emperor and wars he will fight come into focus. He worries of a child possibly dying, and the effect on their love because of it comes into focus.
He visualizes the man he will become in 10 ten years and the woman she will grow into. He thinks intently about the pressures that could drag them apart. He knows she won’t stray, but he still thinks of
Grena. He visualizes the day he might leave her for Grena and how it would devastate her. His palms get sweaty and his heart rate rises. He notices Morn noticing him and quickly calms himself for the fear of spilling over.
Her expression hasn’t changed the whole time as she continues to look at him warmly. What could she be thinking of he wondered. He thinks if only she knew about my true feelings for Grena.
After several minutes of the Mers Knowing stare they grabbed each other’s hand and said softly,” To dust I surrender.”
Each member of the Vindijan hierarchy comes forward one at a time and touches foreheads with Peastro and Morn. After which they leave the ballroom taking handfuls of Breask with them.
The last two to touch foreheads are Mela and Coup. After they do so Coup hands Peastro a Lila and gives him a wink. Peastro winks back at Coup, and then puts the Lila to his temple. After it dissolves he understands that Coup and Mela are happy he has found someone. He also reminds Peastro that there is a war to win. Then Peastro is startled to find out Coup had once loved a Kaa but thought better of it. Coup is happy that he has done the same.
Peastro feels nervous about the last thought, but relieved at the same time. He is glad Coup knows, glad somebody knows what he is going through. Peastro decides not to focus on how Coup knew. He just left it at that.
“Peastro my Love…will this day share favored space in your memories?” asked Morn as she kissed Peastro softly.
“It will be my most treasured and most vivid, My Love,” said Peastro as he caressed her neck, then kissed her passionately.
Vindijan’s believe wildly in prolonged sexual experiences, sometimes stretching over several days. In Peastro and Morn’s case, they didn’t come up for air for over a week. Next Coup sees Peastro has a certain glow to him. His eyes are completely relaxed and calm.
Peastro walks into the lounge at Bolti Chateau to meet with Coup. Coup is sitting with a red skinned man, obviously a Kaa. Peastro walks up to Coup, Coup walks over to him and says,” Peastro, this is Slag he is one of the Fini Seven. He has come to speak with us of a ceasefire.”
“Of course, Slag, always,” said Peastro as he sat down in a floating throne.
Coup and Slag sit down across from him in two blue floating thrones. In the middle of them is a floating table with a bottle of wine on it. The walls in the lounge are comprised of video screens with the slideshow of the famous actor Va Bleem. His movies are playing on each of them.
Va Bleem is widely regarded as the Vindijan’s favorite even though he is a Kaa. His film Quos B
Taken is a cinematic masterpiece about a man whose life becomes a perpetual daydream. He won the Eepstrem award for it.
The Eepstrem is only given out but once every 5 years and has gone to both men and women. Va Bleem is the only person to have won it twice and of course the Vindijan Line chose the winner.
Every so often a large red bubble would float down from the ceiling and burst. It filled the air with a soothing smell of rose pedals to keep everyone on an even keel in the lounge. The bartender is sprawled out in a bed behind the bar. If anyone wants a drink they would press a button and the drink would rise up through the counter. The universal mixer can make any drink in a moment’s notice.
“What has infected our mother Sras Oblique? What has destroyed her children?” asked Slag coldly.
War, a war can never be won by either side. I can see now that there needs to be a compromise before there is only ashes to fight over,” said Slag as he sat back in his throne and lit up a Tut cigarette.
Tut cigarettes are black with gold filters and smell of honey. They are commonly smoked among the Kaa, but less so among the Vindijans. They are famous for having no ash hence there is no need for an ashtray. They are named for the Tutaca plant that is used for its flavorful leafs.
“The Line would love to help you, but what of the Fini Seven? Do you speak for them?” asked Coup intently.
“Alas no, they are determined to fight this war until the Line is no more. All my efforts to sway them have been in vain,” said Slag as he looked at Coup.
“That’s a travesty, I’m sorry but to fight a war for some ax that needs grinding…”
“I know,” said Slag as he patted Peastro on the hand.
“…is ridiculous,” finished Coup.
“You have to wonder, Slag, are their reasons as pure as they once were. You said ‘til the Line is no more, but for Builder’s sake we both know that will never happen,” said Peastro smoothly as he looks directly at Slag.
“It’s crazy,” said Slag as he looked at the table.
“It is crazy and they’re ignoring your logic! They’re playing you for a fool! I don’t know how you can stand it,” said Peastro as he threw his hands up in disgust.
“You’re right, they’ve lost their focus and I can see now that they’ve betrayed me. I believed in this war in the beginning. I bought into their lies and now I think they are just after power.”
“Of course they are, I bet Edifus has got himself a castle somewhere and all the riches a man could want. And he tells you it’s all about equal rights while he’s king of the Kaa. He’s sipping Borco wine while his beloved Kaa are fighting for Hool nuggets,” said Peastro boldly.
Slag started laughing then his face got serious and he said,” How do we right this, tell me what needs to be dine and I will do it. I am no slave to Edifus.”
“Look, Slag, I can’t ask you to do what needs to be done. I just wouldn’t hear of it,” said Coup coyly as he crossed his legs and sipped his wine.
“Please, Emperor, I am a serious man and I am willing to take on this burden and bring the Toen war to resolution.”
“Slag, I know you’re a serious man, but what it would…”
“Please,” said Slag quickly.
“Ok, but what we’re talking about is murder,” said Coup firmly as he stood up and rubbed his forehead and then he continued, “Specifically the murder of Edifus and the Fini Seven, minus you of course.”
“I…I can do it, but I will need help.”
“Then help you will get,” said Coup as he tugged at his beard.
The following day Slag arranged a meeting of the Fini Seven at Cas City at the Gepe Floating Fist.
The Gepe Floating Fist is a restaurant in the shape of a fist that hovers several feet above the ground. It has the best Hool steak in the city and is a favorite among artists. Va Bleem and his wife Korso Kell are frequent patrons.
The Fini Seven, which are now 6 because of Shad’s departure from his sanity, are all seated in floating thrones around a glowing green table. Across from them at an adjacent table is Va Bleem and his wife Korso enjoying a shoulder massage before dinner.
“Slag, we are here please don’t be coy. What is the problem this time?” asked Edifus in a condescending tone.
“Well,” said Slag as he looked at the ceiling,” Well…ah my real friends are here. How about a dance, Edifus?” asked Slag coyly as he grinned.
Then a dozen Humpacca soldiers burst through the ceiling and one of them blasted Vier with his Goalla gun, vaporizing him. Edifus tried to run but the exits are blocked, he hid beneath Va Bleem’s table instead. Va said,” Look, Honey, another stargazer, isn’t that precious.”
Whereas Korso nods and says,” I love a pushy fan, Va, because you can push them right out of your way.”
Two of the Fini Seven, Koo and Exis were tackled by 3 soldiers and had their faces shoved violently into the floor. Another member Venip, ran and jumped through a window and fell awkwardly to the ground below. A Humpacca ran to the window to go after him, but when he got there he was already gone.
The last member of the Fini Seven Frea Oak, climbed up on a table and shouted,” I have a bomb strapped to my chest!” She pulled up her coat to reveal a circular red bomb and then said angrily,” and if anyone tried to take me of any of my friends, excluding Slag, anywhere! Then I’ll blow this place and everyone in it to Terious!”
Everyone in the room froze and stared at Frea except for Va Bleem who continued eating his Hool steak. Edifus climbed out from under the table and shouted,” You heard her! You now our parameters and for Builder’s sake, don’t get cute. Frea…hold fast I’m watching the room.”
“Oh I’m steady, Honey,” said Frea as she kept her finger on the bomb’s trigger.
Koo and Exis were released by the Humpaccas and slowly made for the exits. This while Frea climbed down off the table and walked towards the door.
“Coup said dead or alive, Captain, preferably dead you heard him,” said Sergeant Yates.
“What are our options?” asked Captain Beckus.
“Remember the Line,” said Sergeant Yates as he pointed to the Captains’ Goalla gun.
Frea looked at him and mouthed the word no. Captain Beckus raised his gun and blasted Frea, causing the bomb around her chest to explode.
The Gepe Floating Fist instantly became a toxic fireball of heat and flames killing everyone inside.
The Fini Seven, Va Bleem and Korso Kell, and all of the Humpaccas were now just charred remains. The Explosion was so large it sent a shockwave through Cas City that terrified the residents. When Coup and Peastro got the news they were sitting inside Trident Souce Three.
“Finally, oh, Peastro treasured friend,” the Toen War is no more. Within a few weeks the Kaa forces, without their leadership will crumble,” said Coup snidely as he smoked a Tut cigarette.
“We broke them we broke their spirit in half. This is a glorious day for the Line, an absolute solution,”
said Peastro as he smiled at Coup.
“To an infinite question,” said Coup snidely as he tapped his forehead. “The Kaa will be well suited not to trifle with us again. Our mercy may have limits, but not in the face of an appreciative man,” said Coup as he gently smiled and then took a drag from his Tut cigarette.
“They wouldn’t trifle, they’ll fall back into the service of the Line before Long,” said Peastro as he took a large drink of his Borco wine and smiled.
The Squares of Z
“I don’t believe it, I WON’T believe it!”
“What are you steamed about, Darling?” asked Mela as she came up behind Coup and wrapped her arms around him.
“This war will never end. Those ridiculous Kaa fight on now without their leadership, even harder than before,” said Coup angrily. “They just took Mercut city and are literally dancing in the streets! It makes No sense,” said Coup as he watched a monitor with the days’ battle displayed on it.
“Darling, you’re missing the obvious logic.”
“And that would be what my, Radiant Mela?
“A war can’t fight itself and without leadership that would be exactly the case,” said Mela as she kissed Coup’s ear.
“Then what is your point?” asked Coup as he kissed Mela.
“The Fini Seven were never the brains of the Kaa rebellion, only the catalyst. To put it plainly, they were figureheads.”
“You’re saying…yes, that would make perfect sense. Edifus wasn’t wise enough to keep us at bay.
The rest of the Fini Seven were more artists than warriors,” said Coup softly as he thought of Edifus.
“There’s another someone who has the inner power to best us. It must be someone smart enough to hide in the shadows yet patient. So patient, just the thought of such a mind is excruciatingly delightful.
Yes…a true adversary for sure,” said Coup as he tugged at Mela’s ear.
“Careful, Darling, a mind like that would be vicious, best to be prepared for their treachery. The question now is how to find this person. If he’s smart most Kaa wouldn’t know he exists. The ones that do would only be those close to him,” said Mela as she sat in Coup’s lap.
“True, but he is not invisible, some have seen him and surely someone receives orders from him. If we could get a hold of one of their communications, then we could follow them back to this scoundrel,” said Coup as he rubbed Mela’s thigh.
“Then how do you know which communication is the one you want. I see you daily listening to Kaa generals over your computer. How will you know which person is the one you seek?” asked Mela.
“I won’t, but Peastro would. This Kaa that we’re dealing with is a Venkid, as is Peastro. Peastro will be able to detect similarities in a person’s speech to his own,” explained Coup as he tapped his brow.
“Logic patterns would jump out at him I am certain. I will send for him. This Kaa, this other Venkid he will be caught and we will break him,” said Coup snidely as his brow furrowed.
Peastro received word, while he was bathing, that Coup needed to see him urgently. He ended his shower prematurely and made for Coup’s quarters. When he arrived Coup was levitating upside down and smoking a Tut cigarette.
Coup took a drag and said,” We’ve got a Venkid who needs to be brought to the surface.”
“Venkid…another Venkid who are you speaking of?” asked Peastro as he levitated upside down in front of Coup.
“The Fini Seven were an illusion of power. We’ve determined that someone else is winning the war from the shadows. And this person needs to be gotten too immediately,” said Coup as he took a drag and then blew a smoke ring.
“Wow that is a perfectly pure thought. There is no way Edifus could be the mastermind behind their assaults on the Line. Another Venkid a truly diabolical Kaa who understands the power of secrecy,” said Peastro softly as he spun in a circle. “How do you find such a man without him knowing that you’re looking?” asked Peastro as he lit his own Tut cigarette.
“Precisely, what I have reasoned is that you would be able to identify him by similar speech patterns.”
“The daily Kaa correspondence,” said Peastro quickly.
“Yes, is it possible for you to discern him from the others?”
“Well let’s think about this. How could he communicate with his forces and not arise suspicion? He wouldn’t pose as a general we know all their generals. A captain maybe, but no…even their captains are known by the Line. If it were me I’d pretend to be a foot soldier,” said Peastro as he danced sideways through the air.
“Exactly, a soldie4r in the field!” said Coup excitedly as he slapped his hands together.
“Better still a medic, then he could pass through the war zones undetected and easily communicate with his generals,” said Peastro as he tugged at his chin.
“But there must be thousands of medics, how do we find this Venkid and root him out?” asked Coup as he smoked slowly.
“Well I’ll tell you exactly how we find him. All’s I would need would be their medical frequency.
Instead of trying to listen to thousands of messages going to their generals, I would only need to listen to their emergency medical assistance line. What I would bet is their using code to relay information, actually…”
“Yes,” said Coup anxiously.
“Ok all’s I need is to hear his voice. I am certain if he’s truly a Venkid I would spot him.”
Coup flipped around and walked over to his computer. Peastro followed him and stood beside him at the computer. Coup started riffling through the different channels of the Kaa communications. He flipped through several with generals giving orders then he stopped when he heard,” We’ve got fifty men who are badly injured, we’re gonna need a medic yesterday.” Then they heard another voice say,” Hold fast, Sergeant, they’ll be there as soon as possible.”
“I think we’ve found it, Peastro,” said Coup as he smiled and winked at Peastro.
“I think so I may be here for quite some time. This mystery Kaa may only send occasional messages.”
Coup moved away from the computer and Peastro sat down. Coup put his hand on Peastro’s shoulder and said warmly,” Find him find this scoundrel and when you do. We’ll go pay him a visit and show him the Line’s appreciation,” said Coup snidely and then he let out a loud cackle.
“Oh I’ll find him a man can’t hide from himself. Only shadows have that luxury,” said Peastro as he turned his focus to listening to the messages.
Coup got down on the couch and started shooting Dees. A few hours passed and still no luck. Coup fell fast asleep on the couch with Mela in his arms.
Peastro on the other hand is focused intently on the task at hand. He’d heard hundreds of messages and was still supremely focuses. He is looking for a distinct phrasing that would imply a high level of thought. He starts to smile at a humorous exchange on the computer,” Yeah this is Z here. We’re gonna need more caskets than bandages, Rand.”
“You always do, Z, maybe you should try reincarnation on this batch,” said Rand.
“I would but the Builder’s out of refunds,” said Z with a laugh Peastro hears this and says to himself,” That joke is a little too funny for a medic. Coup, we’ve got a winner!” shouted Peastro.
“Coup startled jumped up sending Mela falling to the floor.
“I’m sorry, darling,” said Coup as he gets up and walks briskly over to Peastro.
Peastro smiles and says,” This Kaa Z is just a little too smart for his own good.
“Is it certain?” asked Coup intently as he started to sweat across his forehead.
“As certain as the T sun’s never finding a lover.”
“Now that’s certain. Ok where is our darling new friend Z residing?” asked Coup snidely as he wiped sweat from his eyebrows.
“I can’t pin it down, but he mentioned the Veeres region. That’s a notorious Kaa stronghold, which would make perfect sense if somebody wanted to hide out.”
“It would indeed, the problem is it’s as you said, a Kaa stronghold. But…anywhere can be gotten to and anyone can be found,” said Coup smoothly.
“But we’d need to be completely invisible to travel to Veeres.”
“No, not invisible more specifically we would have to…”
“We’d have to appear to be Kaa,” interrupted Peastro quickly.
“Exactly,” said Coup with a smirk.
“Then we’ll need a Kaa vessel and Kaa garb. You wouldn’t know anyone with such accommodations?” asked Peastro already knowing the answer.
“Oh yes, I would know because that anyone would be me. We captured a Kaa scout ship and five Kaa soldiers 4 days ago. What we’ll do and we’ll do exactly this. Tonight you and I and a skeleton crew will travel to the Veeres region and find this Z.”
“Do you think there’s any hope that Z would join the Line or is his fate to be dust?” asked Peastro.
Coup put his hand to his mouth and said,” I don’t know, I fear not.”
Coup and Peastro have the Kaa scout ship prepared for the journey and fleece the Kaa soldiers of their uniforms, making the necessary alterations of course.
Inside the Kaa vessel are several bins filled with odd lizards and reptiles. One of the Kaa soldiers was apparently a collector. The floor has the 72 scriptures of the Hoehnec, a 56th century philosopher who believed emotions are experienced in circles. His writings are very popular among the Kaa and taught as fact among their curriculum.
The outside of the scout ship is covered in off white mesh that changes color at night to a brilliant blue.
The front of the vessel looks like a Tibervian tight snout. It is equipped with large gun barrels forward and aft. The glaring difference between the Kaa’s vessel and a Vindijan’s is the speed. The Kaa vessel can travel at enormous speed and is extremely agile.
They set off for the Veeres region just as the T sun is beginning to set. The sky glows a warm orange, which is a sign of a storm coming. The Kaa have a saying,” Orange sky just before night and we hide where we might. Orange sky in the morn and children be joyous.” The Veeres region is several hours away and Coup decides he will do the driving, because only he can guide them away from potential trouble sources.
Coup had been through the Veeres region several times in his youth when he was a soldier, but it was called the Moetop Plains then. The name changed when Veeres Vindijan settled the first township there with his wife Babarot. It has since been flooded with the Kaa and Veeres and his wife Babarot long since passed.
It is a lush and gorgeous green plain lined with white marble mountains on either side. The Kaa have built thousands of beautiful black hardwood homes. All the homes are square in shape and are built on top of each other like a spiraling staircase to the sky.
On top of every set of homes is a blue flame that burns night and day. It is meant to symbolize for the Kaa, their enduring struggle and their ability to always strive for equality. They go to great lengths to keep their flames perpetually lit.
At the far end of the Veeres region is Lake Saa Cic. In the center of Lake Saa Cic is an island that houses castle Morp. The castle is where Veeres and Babarot had lived and is now inhabited by the Kaa army.
It is a towering structure over 2 miles high and a mile wide. It is made of black stone and without the lights burning disappears into the blackness of night. It has a pyramid shooting out of its roof and there are staircases every so often around its perimeter that lead nowhere.
Veeres Vindijan had been rumored to have been insane when he built it. Inside its walls are hundreds of rooms with no way in or out.
“What’s our best bet for finding Z?” asked Peastro as he looked out at Veeres.
“There are only two army hospitals in this area. I’m betting we’ll find him there,” said Coup as he sipped his Borco wine.
“How exactly are we going to do that?”
“Peastro, I looked in your eyes and knew. I’m certain you will be able to do the same.”
Peastro looks at Coup for a second and then nods and says,” He can’t hide from me, no more than I can hide from myself.”
“So true, so yes,” said Coup.
Peastro laughed and rubbed Coup’s shoulder. Coup let out a belly laugh and nearly crashed the ship as they clipped a tree branch, sending a feeling of shock through the crew.
“Who put that tree there have him killed!” said Coup in between laughs.
“We would, but he’s already dead, he fell cleaning the branches,” said Peastro smoothly.
“Really, kill him again. Let’s dance on his ashes!” shouted Coup as he laughed uproariously.
Peastro started to wonder how much Borco wine Coup had consumed. He felt a little nervous as he laughed with Coup. The crew also felt nervous, but didn’t let it show. Coup caught himself and pulled in his emotions. He sensed the worry in Peastro and refocused his energy on the mission. After everyone stopped laughing there was an awkward silence, where no one knew if they should be serious or keep telling jokes. Coup sensed this and said,” We’re fine, Gentlemen, we’ve still got our wits about us. We had our laugh now to the business at hand lovely Z.”
“So true so yes,” said Peastro plainly.
“Don’t start that Hool in that direction or we’ll crash into the mountain,” said Coup with a smile as he gave the steering wheel a quick tug.
Peastro felt safe with Coup at the wheel. He knew he was powerful and wise. They flew over the countryside and there were thousands of blue flames lighting their way. They could see into Kaa’s homes as they passed. Some were eating dinner, others working out, and on the walkway many were out for a night time stroll.
In the distance Morp castle is all a glow with its lights reflected on the surface of Lake Sa Cic. Peastro feels thrilled for a moment at how amazing the adventure of his life has become. It is bittersweet though, he thinks of his family that he has left behind. He wonders what his father thought of his leaving and had
he felt blessed with the riches the Line had given him. Only now did he allow himself to miss his father and only for a second.
“Eyes up! We’re nearing the first hospital,” said Coup sternly as he admired the warm glow of the hills.
“We’re gonna land and just walk right through the front door. Walk as if you’ve been here earlier in the day. Keep your thoughts on your steps and not on your emotions. You’ll need to go blank if anyone looks you in the eye. Don’t let them see you seeing them. We’re Kaa soldier’s so one word answers if anyone gets curious,” said Coup as he made eye contact with Peastro and the crew.
“Clear as Kaa’s blood. I think if we’re gonna get out of here alive, it’s kill him on sight and pretend it was a misfire if anyone asks,” said Peastro as he checked his Goalla gun.
“They’ll ask and when they do look ‘em in the eye and lie. We’re all going home tonight, Gentlemen, so keep that in your subconscious. It will pop up when it needs to,” said Coup firmly as he pressed the automatic landing button.
The outside of the hospital is bright yellow and has several circular spires shooting out of its roof. The word Somjet is written in large crystal letters above its entrance.
Somjet is the name of the first Kaa revolutionary, the man who got it as he was referred to by the Kaa.
Before Somjet passed he gave everything he owned to complete strangers. His belief that only love is remembered was widely adopted by the Kaa.
The ship landed between 2 other Kaa transports. Coup and Peastro check everyone’s weapons and they prepare to exit. Peastro says sternly,” Kaa are relentless so fight like your bloods on fire, if they get you cornered.”
Everyone put on their helmets and pulled down their face guards. They looked at each other one last time, Coup opened the hatch. After everyone was outside they made their way to the hospital’s front entrance. There were several soldiers and doctors coming in and out of the hospital. It was certainly a
bee’s nest of activity, but Coup kept everyone moving forward by not hesitating a bit. They entered the hospital and a Dr. Yolm grabbed Peastro by the arm and asked,” Hey do you think you could give us a hand with a patient? We can’t hold him down long enough to sedate him.”
Peastro looks at Dr. Yolm and then quickly at Coup and then back at Dr. Yolm and said,” You got it, whatever you need.”
Peastro, Coup, the 2 Humpacca’s followed Dr. Yolm down a long hallway and into an operating room.
The unruly patient named Petad kept everyone at bay with a scalpel. Petad slashed it violently in front of his bed whenever anyone drew near.
Petad shouts,” I want the Emperor I’ll only speak with him or no one at all.”
Coup and Peastro look at each other and Coup says to the Dr. Yolm,” My men and I will handle this Doctor, could you please leave the room?”
“Sure, but it’s your peril. But you’ll need this to sedate him,” said Dr. Yolm as he handed Coup a syringe.
Dr. Yolm and his medical staff left the room, but Petad kept swinging the scalpel and shouting,” Bring me the Emperor!”
Coup removed his helmet and ran his fingers through his hair and looked Petad directly in the eye and said,” Well, you little Hool Nugget! Let’s hear it, what’s so urgent?”
Petad looks at Coup in shock and says,” I…” then fainted and crashed to the floor.
Coup walks over to him and checks his pulse and says,” He’s still kicking, what ah shame. Well let’s sedate this poor soul and get back to more pressing matters.”
Coup administered the syringe and put his helmet back on and they stepped out into the hallway. Dr.
Yolm walked up to Coup and asked,” What happened?”
“I pretended I was the Emperor and he fainted quicker than a Hool herder at a brothel.”
“Well thank you,” said Dr. Yolm with a laugh as he went into the operating room.
Coup walked down the hall and said,” No more detours, Peastro, for Builder’s sake.”
“That man needed our help,” said Peastro with a laugh.
They walked down the hall as soldiers and medical staff kept coming in and out of practically every doorway. Two men in yellow fatigues came out of one doorway and started walking in front of Coup and Peastro. Coup noticed one of them, the one on the right, has an odd gate to his walk.
He galloped more than he walked. Coup tapped Peastro on the shoulder and pointed to the man’s feet.
Peastro smirked and kept watching the man’s odd walk. Peastro thought about what a different inner rhythm this man must have. What a different mindset he must possess. He smiled a little to himself at the sight of this man’s walk.
The second man walked into a room and the man with the odd walk was alone walking in front of them. Coup and Peastro looked at each other and smiled. Coup eventually got a hold of himself and started looking around in earnest. Peastro couldn’t control his fascination with this man’s odd walk.
He’d never seen someone who was so at ease with himself.
Then nurse Klow waved to the man and said,” Hey, Z, how’s your shoulder?”
Z responded,” Not great, but it keeps my head on straight.”
Peastro and Coup felt a shock go through their bodies. Their heart rates quickened and their palms sweat. Coup thought to himself, “How could this be him?”
“Z!” spouted Peastro before he could stop himself.
Z turned the corner and as he did he sprinted down the corridor. Everyone saw this and chased after him at full speed. There were just too many people in the corridor to shoot Z, so they just kept sprinting.
They dodged in and out of the soldiers, nurses, and doctors who were coming out of every door. A gurney came out of a room in front of Coup and he kicked it aside.
Z jumped through a wall and vanished in a burst of light. ” Oh no you don’t,” said Coup. He jumped through the wall and disappeared in a flash of light.
Peastro stopped short of the wall and said to the Humpacca’s,” Wait here, and if we don’t return post haste come in after us with guns blazing.”
Then Peastro jumped through the wall and came out in a dark room filled with cubes. Coup was inside one of the cubes and Z was inside another. The cubes are floating above an endless ravine and everywhere there is blackness. Above the cubes, and there are dozens, is an endless blackness. The cubes are transparent and only the ridges and seams can be seen. They glow a dull red or green filling the eye.
Z is floating several feet in front of Peastro and Coup’s cubes. Peastro looks up at Z and Z waves and says,” Welcome, Vindijan, how’s the accommodations?”
Peastro looks at Coup anxiously and Coup takes off his helmet and says,” Eyes up…for now.”
Peastro takes off his helmet and looks at Z intently. Whereas Z jumps through the side wall of his cube and appears instantly beside Peastro. Peastro is startled, but only for a moment, and Peastro says boldly,”
Nice trick, Z.”
Z softly says,” Please call me by my Kaa name Dr. Perzetious Atorn or Dr. Atorn if it suits you.”
Dr. Atorn is 6 foot two inches tall with pale skin and has seal black hair, with purple green star patterns throughout. His eyes are gold in color and are very serious. He has no facial hair except for a half inch strip of green hair that runs along his jaw line. On his right hand is a tattoo of the staff of Terious.
The staff of Terious is rumored to be the weapon of the Builder that he used against passionless hearts.
In the center of his neck Dr. Atorn has a square glass window that fogs up with every breath. He is wearing yellow army fatigues and has on blue tinted see-through shoes, which expose his feet. On every toe is a ring of silver and inscribed on each two of the 24 commandments of the Book of Yealik.
The book of Yealik is a 100,000 year old parchment that is written by Oma Vev. Oma Vev was the first of the 7 prophets, who had spoken directly with the Builder at top of Mt. Poes. Oma listed the 24
commandments as such.
1. Never take one step until you have visualized the 3rd.
2. Love more than you’re being loved.
3. Never try to change a fully realized being.
4. Give away two before you ask for one.
5. Only take a life if yours is in jeopardy.
6. Ask questions early so your answers don’t come late.
7. Remember the Builder daily.
8. A man who wants more than his hand can hold is an enemy to himself.
9. Do not consummate where another man’s love lies.
10. The great reckoning is a certainty, be mindful.
11. Be considerate of the childless mind
12. All men eat or no men eat
13. Love your form and take pride in its upkeep.
14. Fill your head with dreams.
15. Make your afternoons in the morning.
16. Children must be guided into successful adults, not left to wander.
17. Understand every person’s struggle and fill your mind with their failings.
18. Be a friend to the friendless.
19. Find the knowledge you need, then reflect on its capture.
20. Never close the door your heart.
21. Wars are for winning.
22. Find sexual pleasures and rejoice.
23. Force your mind to thirst.
24. Never pass judgment on yourself I will take care of you
Peastro looked him over and said,” Dr. Atorn, you know the Line is very fond of your Musebots.
They’ve given us more headaches than a bottle of Blatis wine.”
“I’m thrilled you like them. I was a little worried they wouldn’t be embraced by the Kaa army, but I think they’re very happy with their productivity. What are they killing…15 or so of your soldiers for every Musebot?” asked Dr. Atorn sarcastically.
“Well now that we have this time together, maybe you could explain how their central processers work?” asked Coup coyly as he smiled.
“No, no I think we’ll save that discussion for another T sun,” said Z as he paced back and forth in a cube, in front of Peastro.
Peastro watches him for a moment and then reaches for his Goalla gun. When he does Dr. Atorn jumps through the cubes’ wall and appears in another cube a hundred yards away. When Peastro goes after him, by jumping through the same wall as Dr. Atorn, he reappears inside the cube Coup is in.
“I tried that already. I’m not sure what we’re dealing with here,” said Coup as he pulled out a Messon Leaf cigar and then said,” we better just stay put.”
“Ok,” answered Peastro as he put his gun back in its holster.
“Don’t bother trying to catch me, Peastro, that would be futile on your part,” said Dr. Atorn as he jumps from cube to cube.
Coup watches intently to see if there is a pattern to get from cube to cube or possibly a technique. Coup noticed that Dr. Atorn is pointing with his right hand as he jumps through the walls. He reasons that has something to do with it. Coup whispers to Peastro,” Use your right hand to aim for the cube you want.
Wait for my signal”
Peastro nods and turns his eyes to Dr. Atorn
“The Great Coup Vindijan and the famous Venkid Peastro,” said Z snidely as he chuckles. “What a delightful pair to share my squares with. Do you like my parlor? I wasn’t expecting guests of such notoriety,” said Dr. Atorn snugly.
“The layout is gorgeous and we couldn’t be happier to share this time with you, Doctor,” said Coup in a dry tone.
“Great accommodations, fit for a Vindijan and certainly a Kaa,” said Peastro snidely.
“You would be an expert on both considering you too were once a Kaa, Peastro. Well…before your mind was corrupted by the Vindijan Line. I’ll never forget the parts of my past I can’t remember. You’re more Kaa than you’ll admit,” said Dr. Atorn as he jumped into the cube beside Coup and Peastro.
“You insufferable Kaa, so quick to downplay the Vindijan’s divinity, yet too weak to lift yourselves up and ascend. Dr…Atorn, doctor of your own treachery is all you can manage,” said Peastro in a serious tone.
“Easy, Child, don’t trifle with a serious man. I’d hate to see you fall from such a height,” said Z as he pointed to the ravine below.
Peastro looked down and felt nervousness come over him. He is much higher than he had thought. A fall from here would kill him instantly on impact. He looked at Coup nervously and Coup smirked and gave him a wink. This calmed Peastro long enough to regain his composure. Coup on the other hand was sizing up Dr. Atorn.