“Don’t say it ‘til it’s said or we’ll all end up in Terious!” thundered Meafed Kornblash as he thrust the heel of his white staff into the marble floor tearing a large hole.
Meafed had an extraordinarily high and long head, with 3 distinct rows that started in his eye sockets. The middle row or crest extended 2 inches beyond his white and blue eyebrows and was slightly rounded. His actual eye openings were very small and looked only like slits and gave him the appearance of always being deep in thought. This was only true a third of the time considering he was usually preoccupied with studying the people in front of him. Meafed was 7’5” feet tall and had a paper thin frame with catcher mitt hands and snow shoe feet. He had a nose that was wide at the top, but got gradually thinner as it neared the pointy tip. His mouth was always sucked in slightly and he always wore a black satin knee length jacket. He also always wore a white scarf and black satin silky sneakers that had extra cushion for his high arches. And around each wrist was a Femen medication bracelet, which was tan in color and released pain medication for his sore back all day long
“Meafed, don’t be impulsive these new Breask that we’ve discovered will never be known to the Kaa or those pompous Vindijans. To put it plainly it is ours and it is air to everyone else,” said Peastro sternly as he sat in his golden hovering throne.
They were talking in the Hall of Triumphs, which had Peastro’s throne and several thick area rugs and not much else. Except for several living paintings of all of Peastro’s triumphs including his victory over the Vindijan Line and his family’s victory dinner. On the side walls there were 3 Kmon vortexes (which were used to transport people or items instantly to different predetermined locations). The far wall has a hexagon shaped window that looks out over the Menes River. The Menes River has dark red water
due to gas pockets beneath its riverbed. The only animals that live in it are Boran Trapagators, which are gold in color and also have red eyes. They are also 30 feet in length.
There is also a small room next to the ceiling that has a pair of green couches and a black leather table with a pair of Copik sticks on a white plate in the center.
Copik sticks are red and have gold tips and are used as a fun game because when you pointed them at another person their body heat caused a stream of low intensity laser bursts to fire at them. They did no more than tickle the person’s skin.
Peastro has on a dark blue silk suit, with a pair of light brown sandals. He also has on a white light halo (known as a Tomsek) that increases the speed of his neural pathways by 300 percent. His face is clean shaven, but for a triangle goatee that has a silver diamond studded ball on the end of it that pulses every 4 seconds. The ball is a Moresap ball that emits a mild electric charge to keep people from getting too close. He also has on a pair of Denven sunglasses, which are tinted light green and float half an inch in front of his eyes and use the brains electric charge as a magnet and repellant simultaneously.
“This is not idle concern, if the Kaa find out you’re hiding this from them it will sadden their hearts and empty their souls. For Builder’s sake give them a portion of the Breask,” pleads Meafed as he paces back and forth and shakes his hands violently.
“No,” said Peastro nonchalantly with a smirk.
“Ahh you are vexing me, my mind is on fire with the possible failure of this. I am old without a young man’s power of persuasion. Please don’t do this terrible thing I beg you,” begs Meafed in exasperation as he got down on the carpet and sighed.
Peastro sat still and relaxed for several seconds then said,” Good, then it’s settled. The next thing we have to dive into is how do we keep the remaining hostile Vindijans from stirring up mischief?” asks Peastro then he stands up and steps over Meafed and starts to hover 20 feet above the floor.
“The Vindijan’s are a shell of their former selves. No one looks at them as anything more than buffoons. A Vindijan uprising is as likely as a snow flake dancing on the T sun,” says Meafed snidely as he lets out a bellowing laugh.
“This is true,” said Peastro as a smile flashed across his face and then he said sternly,” but we shouldn’t be careless they still posses great powers and more and more of them are being born with the T
sun’s new strength. It is something I will keep secure in my conscious mind.”
“As you should, Pre Ma, and as will I. It is only a trifle we still outnumber them and they don’t have the weapons to stir more than a cup of stew. You and I both know that if they get close to being a viable threat we will know long before they reason with war,” said Meafed then he started levitating above the floor as he put his hands behind his head.
“That is a certainty, Meafed, and would be a momentous occasion for a party to crush them once again in battle. Wouldn’t it?” asked Peastro as he gently spun in the air and hit the walls with balls of fire (using the Mormo technique).
“Indeed, their egos are so fragile and yet so prideful they would enjoy the kiss of shame. It would require a party on an even larger scale. Ya know something so lavish, it would shame them back into their you can’t hurt me shells,” said Meafed snidely as he started shooting small bursts of fire from the palm of his hands.
In burst a Nofane (which was a domesticated black haired beast) it has an almost completely round head and oval golden eyes. Its mouth is square and has a half moon of white teeth. It has no tail and its feet are flat and round like thick pancakes. Nofane’s are extremely smart for an animal and have learned to speak like people, but in very brief sentences. The Nofane walks over to the spot beneath Peastro and says in a emotionless voice,” It is feared and we would know. That you are not here with us. Your son does miss. Your bride needs kisses. How long will you be?”
“Please tell my beautiful wife Culby and my powerful son Yerpo Lle that Sras needs tending and I will be back as soon as the Builder sees fit. Also, I love them and miss them every moment and will ride a lightning bolt home,” said Peastro honestly and then said sarcastically,” and tell them remember the Line or it’s their souls.”
The Nofane smiles and nods and says,” Done, I be leaving.”
The Nofane hurries out of the room. Peastro and Meafed levitate up to a small room next to the ceiling and then Peastro wrote that he wanted 2 pounds of Vin and some Pent, as well as some Nehe pop.
Then he threw the crumpled piece of paper through the blue vortex and said,” We’ll hunger no more.”
“As is our right,” said Meafed coldly then he picked up 2 Copik sticks and smiled at Peastro.
“Easy, Old Man, let us sit first before we commence our mental and physical attack upon one another,” said Peastro slyly then he walked over to the window.
Meafed sighs and then walks over and stands beside Peastro. They stand there and are each lost in their thoughts. Peastro’s thoughts are of Yerpo Lle and specifically how he would feel when he ruled over all he could see. Then he wondered if someday he would stand in this very spot with a friend at his side and think of his father and know his many aches. And also give him the same leeway in remembrance that he could now give his own father.
Meafed looks out over the Menes River and feels enthralled with its enormity and the beauty of the many homes and ships that are flying briskly across the river’s surface. Then his thoughts turn to his sick wife Deidi and how he wished she would have the strength to outlast the Enopta outbreak.
Enopta is an extremely contagious disease that latched onto the spinal cord and began to grow in large clusters in between the vertebra. Once it was there it would harden making any type of bending impossible. Within a few weeks people found it impossible to move their torso at all or even their neck in
any direction. In some cases the disease was found to be treatable with an industrial solvent, but it had the potential to poison a person as well and it was called Mayrom 89.
Peastro looked over at Meafed and could see the concern on his face and then asked,” Is it Deidi?”
“Yes…always when the laughter fades. I just can’t get beyond the Baratok of it all,” said Meafed sadly as he started to tremble and his eyes welled up.
Baratok is an expression that means literally to be devastated because of an unlucky turn of events.
The name Baratok comes from the name of a king-in the book of Yealik-who had his entire family perish because he left a cigar burning in an ashtray as he went off to war. When he slammed the door behind him after a fight with his wife Bambel it caused the ashtray-and the still lit cigar-to fall to the floor. It quickly set the rug on fire and caused the whole castle to burn to the ground. When he returned he found that his wife Bambel and their 4 sons were killed in the blaze.
“Here’s what I know, Meafed, and I know it from experience…sometimes the worst of it comes along and catches you between the eyes. But, there’s always another T sun and every decision the Builder makes is part of his labored over plan for us to become our greater selves,” said Peastro then he gently grabbed Meafed’s wrist and said softly,” the Builder has eternity to orchestrate our paths to divinity.
What is a hard time for you now will only be a fleck of dust in the painting of your life.”
“I…I would never question it, but I feel I’m about to fall into a giant ravine and I…I can’t escape the terror and the shame of being so afraid,” said Meafed as he wept.
“Think of it not,” said Peastro warmly as he embraced Meafed and then said,” even if you were to fall the Builder would catch you and no harm would befall you. What I know is the true nonchalance of that and I know it for certain.”
Meafed nodded, dried his tears with a small burst of flames from his fingertips and turned to look out the window. As he did he felt a chill go down his spine as he saw a missile heading straight for the castle
window. He grabbed hold of Peastro and shattered the window with his fist as the 2 dove out the window.
They were just 2 seconds before the missile went through the window exploded. The blast singed Peastro’s feet as well as Meafed’s. The two fell like anvils towards the Menes River below propelled by the added speed of the blast.
Peastro suddenly realized that the impact on the river’s surface would kill them both for certain.
Meafed on the other hand was too filled with terror to think rationally. Peastro saw this and started hitting him with his fists and was able to snap him out of it. The 2 tried to levitate using all of their powers but the speed of the fall was still dragging them down. With 10 feet left to go Peastro was able to stop himself but Meafed was not, and pierced the river’s surface disappearing beneath it. Peastro saw this and watched and waited hoping Meafed would appear. Seconds passed and still no Meafed and then Peastro heard,”
You’re not rid of me yet my young Hool Nugget.”
It was Meafed levitating beside him soaked from head to toe, with a pair of gold knifes in his hand.
Peastro looked at him, smiled and asked,” Are those my missing carving knives?”
“They are indeed they have your crest right here. I found them glimmering on a large rock near the bottom,” said Meafed as he showed Peastro the black ivory handle with his crest and likeness on it.
“That Yerpo Lle is a liar and a master of treachery and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Peastro as he took the knives from Meafed and then said,” Well I know for certain that these will end up beneath Yerpo Lle’s morning breakfast plate. And I’ll be certain to not know how they got there when he looks at me.”
“Turn about and all he should be overjoyed at the scenario,” said Meafed as he spun to dry off his clothes.
Peastro started to get wet as he did so he floated up above him. Meafed stopped and looked up to see Peastro with his arms crossed and his brow furrowed just smiling slightly as he floated up to him.
Peastro asked,” This attack has me confounded and a little disappointed. Obviously it was the Vindijan’s because the Kaa are more than a little bit happy with their new lives. But, I suspect when this matter is looked into the evidence will point to either a Kaa or an accidental discharge of one of our troops. Which begs 2 questions?”
“Yes?
“Who could and would devise such an elaborate plan? And secondly are the Vindijan’s stronger than we think because they know that I would figure this out at some point. The question now is how long were they banking on it, because if we knew that we would know at which point they were prepared to go to battle if their assassination attempt was unsuccessful,” said Peastro firmly as he looked at the horizon.
“That’s not hard to discern, just think about the time our standard investigation would have taken and there’s your answer,” said Meafed plainly then he kicked his heels together.
“True, but we also have to factor in the series of lies and deceptions they would use to prolong the investigation. And remember they’re Vindijan’s so they would have had obstacles at every stage of the investigation that would have ranged from small to large,” said Peastro with a smirk.
“An investigation of this kind would take a few weeks, but with the Vindijan’s treachery it could stretch out over several months,” said Meafed then he looked down at the Menes River.
“I just had a thought and it is pristine. What if it is a Kaa behind this and they want us to over think the situation and blame a Vindijan. When in fact there is some Kaa mastermind behind it all who’s got himself a group of probably Kaa and Vindijan’s, that he used to carry this out,” said Peastro as he put his hand on Meafed’s shoulder and asked softly,” Where does the book of Yealik tell us the king’s assassin will hide?”
“Just beneath the seat of his throne,” said Meafed as his eyes grew wide.
Peastro looked at him intently then said boldly,” I hide a thousand years in the outline of a tree. The key to this situation is we have to actually proceed like we were going to publicly investigate the situation. Then privately we’ll conduct a second investigation unbeknownst to anyone.”
“It is beyond perfection, it is far easier to catch someone who isn’t escaping. But nonetheless satisfying when you do,” said Meafed snidely as he opened his soaked pack of Tut cigarettes and saw that they were dry and let out a sigh.
Peastro and Meafed made their way to Plushi Chateau. When they arrived Peastro told General Ruebluff to hold a press conference. He also briefed him on the situation, but was careful not to tell him that he secretly suspected a Kaa of the assassination attempt-as he wanted his emotions to reflect the sincerity. Peastro watched the press conference from behind a two-sided glass wall that looked like paisley wallpaper on the opposite side. He was keenly watching the Comapen (which are the 17 heads of the Kaa newspapers as well as the Kidefest, who are the 8 heads of the Vindijan newspapers) as they sat in 3 descending rows of floating chairs in the Royal Press Room. He took in each of their reactions to the idea of it being Vindijan and they started acting out after General Ruebluff spoke.
The Kidefest side of the room instantly became aggressive and started cursing and letting out anger filled tirades saying,” How dare you,” and ,” This isn’t fair we would never do such a thing.” While that was happening most of the Comapen looked chocked and taken aback, but one of them-Trapevel Wakes-had a slight half smile creep over his face then he caught himself and it disappeared instantly. Peastro saw this and instantly said to himself softly,” You are in error, kind Sir. Where did that lovely joy disappear too?”
Then he sent a Lila to Parther Lieso (his head of security) that he needed a half dozen Humpacca’s for a simple training exercise and that they should meet him in the hangar bay.
Trapevel Wakes had red skin and dark purple hair that has 50 layers of triangles as its shape. His eyes are purple as well, but have hexagonal Iris’. His nose is like a staircase without the stairs and he has
a large growling mouth that never fully closes. He is 5’8” 200 pounds of killing muscle. He is wearing a white silk shirt and white Pemavon cotton trousers. He also has on a diamond encrusted necklace that has the names of all 9 men he had killed written on it. On his feet are 4 strips of black leather sewn into his skin to look like sandals.
Peastro took one last look at Trapevel then made for the hangar bay. He could see Meafed coming down the corridor towards him smoking a Messon leaf cigar.
“Where are heading in such haste?” asked Meafed as he met Peastro.
“To skin some Hools, you hungry?” replied Peastro as he winked.
“Famished, a Hool steak can give me another 5 years of this heaven of Sras. But why not a bit of desert as well?” asked Meafed as he walked beside Peastro.
“Your favorite?” asked Peastro with the flare of a magician.
“Boiled beating hearts on a pike, what a glorious day for sustenance. But why are we heading for the hangar bay?” asked Meafed then he took a drag off his Messon leaf cigar.
“We’ll have to catch this dinner, if we are to dine,” said Peastro boldly as he walked into the hangar bay.
The half dozen Humpacca’s Peastro had asked for were standing in a line in front of Trident Souce 3
with their hands in their pockets.
“There’s a part of me that wishes half of what you say is true, but there’s also a part of me that cherishes the lies. We’re not really going hunting Hool’s are we?” asked Meafed with a smirk.
“We are in a way, but these Hools aren’t much for eating. I’ve got a way to find our would be assassin and he is Trapevel Wakes,” said Peastro as he boarded Trident Souce 3.
“Trapevel, from Comapen I dated his younger sister for 8 months,” said Meafed in disbelief as he followed Peastro.
“How was she?” asked Peastro as he sat down in the pilot seat.
“A bit of a stiff, but she made a salted Vin that kept my mind in a forgiving mood. I take it things will be getting a bit harry,” said Meafed implying a question as he sat down in the other pilot seat.
“Hence the Humpacca’s, but don’t give it a thought we can battle our way out of most things,” said Peastro pride brimming as he stretched out his fingers.
“Most, yes, but Trapevel is a former assassin and a current whole lot of trouble,” said Meafed then he took a drag from his cigar and asked,” fine then it is fine, but how do we find this Trapevel’s ship from the numerous others in the sky?”
Peastro flew Trident Souce 3 out of the hangar bay and saw hundreds of small and large ships flying in the sky and said sternly,” The Comapen all have the same yellow Spizto insignia on their sides and roof. And since we know that all of them, but Trapavel will sit and sip Borco wine in the Kinstomp lounge to last T sun…alls’ we have to do is wait here at the exit point for the Press and he’ll be here before too long.”
The Spizto is a winged yellow fish that has but one eye and a furry tail.
“And here he is now,” said Meafed as he pointed to a sleek black ship he saw exiting the Press hangar bay.
The ship had the Spizto insignia on it and it looked like a race car-with 4 large jet engines on either side. It also has a tinted black windshield that has a centralized blue pulse that starts in all 4 corners and shoots towards the center of the window every few seconds.
Peastro fired a spread of micro honing devices (known as Spruckers) at Trapevel’s ship and said boldly,” We can’t lose him now so let’s just wait here for a minute then we’ll follow.”
“I can’t believe the ease at which we just pulled that off. It looks as though he’s heading towards the countryside,” said Meafed as he looked at Trapevel’s ship direction-that was being relayed by the Spruckers.
“I love it out there the glory of the Builder’s paintbrush always gives me inspiration. Who knows maybe their visiting one of our friends,” said Peastro with a look at Meafed.
Meafed let out a laugh from his gravely throat and then set down his cigar. Peastro thrust them forward and they followed Trapevel. Trident Souce 3 weaved in and out of the many ships at tremendous speed. A small grocery ship nudged Peastro and he said,” Easy, Son, we’ve got places to get too.”
They flew for many miles and then as they got out of the city-and into the countryside-the traffic thinned out dramatically. Then they came to a point where there were few homes or estates at all-just an endless forest and several small ponds.
“This looks oddly familiar, but I can’t say why. It’s almost like it’s a fuzzy memory from my childhood,” said Peastro as he furrowed his brow.
“Maybe your late father took you here as a boy and you stored it in your subconscious until now,”
said Meafed as he looked at the endless forest.
“That could be true, but still I just have an eerie feeling. It’s almost like…,” said Peastro quietly then his eyes opened wide as they came over a small hill and saw a large castle in the distance.
“I didn’t know there were any castles in this area. What a sight to behold,” said Meafed as he looked at the castle and fumbled for his cigar.
The castle was immense and cut into the side of a mountain. It has a half mile long courtyard and garden as well as a deck that leads up to a large circular front-that has hundreds of star shaped windows.
There are also 4 large moving terraces the swing from one set of doors and windows to the next. There is a long golden escalator that went from the ground floor to a small house on the top. There are three 200
foot high statues of Cushpom Jentau.
Cushpom Jentau was a famous magician who had the ability to stop his heart dead and continue talking for 20 minutes (it was called the Terious kissing maneuver). He was also famous for what became known as the,” Ten year sleep.” Where he vanished completely for a decade then reappeared at a political banquet with hair down to his ankles and acted as if he’d been asleep the whole time.
The statue of Cushpom depicted him fighting himself as it was well known that he had grappled with self doubt, depression, and years of paranoia.
As Trident Souce 3 got closer Peastro spotted Trapevel’s ship parked beneath one of the Cushpom statues legs. Peastro steered the ship in low and towards Trapevel’s ship as he turned off all the lights.
“As far as I can tell we haven’t been detected and there doesn’t appear to be any guards posted. What I suggest is that we keep our voices as quiet as we can after we land, ya know as we enter the castle. Now I don’t need to tell you what to do if the Hool nugget hits us first. Needless to say there will be a bit of bloodshed this evening,” said Peastro sternly as he pressed a button on the consul and a Goalla Gun came up from out of the floor.
He handed it to Meafed and said,” Take this and remember to aim for their torso.”
“Understood, but what will you be using for a weapon?” asked Meafed as he took the Goalla gun.
Peastro pressed a black button on the consul and a Petifee-with 2 barrels and a dozen small missiles attached to its sides-rose up from the floor. He grabbed it in his right hand, smiled and said snidely,”
Every day needs a new mind to corrupt and today I’ll be doing the honors.”
“I think we enjoy these things far too much, but let’s face it these are the moments, dinner parties just don’t cut it,” said Meafed boldly with a hearty laugh.
“Wars are for winning,” said Peastro coldly then he stood up as he and Meafed made their way to ship’s exit.
The Humpacca’s were there already and armed to the teeth. The ship landed and the Humpacca’s went out first and secured the area. They were followed by Peastro and Meafed who then led the way up the golden escalator in a crouched attack position.
When they got to the top there was a small brick home that had several lighted rooms-with a small group of people talking and having a few drinks inside. The Humpacca’s went around the left side of the house and Meafed and Peastro went around the right.
The People inside were all Kaa and Peastro didn’t recognize any of them as he looked through the window. Peastro put a sound amplifier into his left ear so that he could hear their conversations inside.
“He’ll be dead in a week, like all good tyrant’s he’s got to know what his fate is,” said Terripal Uck in a dry tone as she smiled inside the brick home.
Terripal Uck is 6’2” and is a thin framed strawberry blonde woman-with glowing green eyes and red skin. She is wearing a white silk mini-shirt and white lace heels.
“A week, that Idiot hasn’t got 3 days left on Sras Oblique. I’m just mad I won’t be the one that kills him,” said Moresha Blipa snidely and she took a sip of Borco wine.
Moresha Blipa is 5’9” and very athletic. She has on a flowing red dress and black 4 inch heels. Her hair is seal black with purple highlights and her eyes are yellow with black specs.
Terripal laughed and then said,” Can you believe he was dumb enough to think it was the Vindijan’s.
His ego has set his fate in marble and rightfully so.”
“Peastro is just the kind of fool to think he’s immortal. And the funniest part is that while he’s trying to figure out who tried to kill him, we’ll try a 2nd and 3rd time or as many as it takes to end his worthless life!” said Moresha plainly then she finished her glass of wine.
Terripal leaned in close and said,” If he had any idea that his own people were behind it and we were going to take power upon his death. I mean granted it’s only a small group of wealthy Kaa, but still think of the shock he would feel. Builder help him.”
“Well we’re sure as Terious not going too,” said Moresha quickly then she started to chortle.
Peastro looked over at Meafed, nodded and said quietly,” I’ve heard enough, let’s check the back of the house.”
Meafed nodded and then they moved slowly past the windows in a crouched position. They went around the back of the house and Peastro peeked around the corner and saw Trapevel-and a man with his back to Peastro-sitting in 2 deck chairs at a black leather table. Peastro put his hand on Meafed’s chest and held him back as he listened to their conversation.
“What is important now is not we failed in killing Peastro…but that we still have our anonymity.
We’ll take another direct assault at him with either laser fire or explosives and if that isn’t successful we’ll use poison. The poison route is a hard one to walk down because of his personal chef, but he has a young Son that could be taken and used as leverage,” said Trapevel plainly as he looked at the night sky.
“That’s good to hear you thinking in those terms, because that is exactly what it will take to eventually take him out. If we had known what a tyrant he would become we would have been aggressive sooner. And when he’s dead I’ll take control and we’ll do away with the remaining Vindijan’s. Then Sras Oblique will be the rightful home of the Kaa. I just wish Peastro could have looked his old friend Z in the eye once more, I would have loved for us to have had that chance,” said Z snidely and then he pulled a small robot from his pocket and set it on the table.
“Once more, how ‘bout twice, Darling Z?” asked Peastro snidely as he walked towards Z and Trapevel with his Petifee aimed at his head.
Z and Trapevel were shocked to see Peastro and each of them slowly stood up to face him. Z
scowled at Peastro and gritted his teeth like a lion while Peastro smiled back at him.
Meafed stood next to Peastro with his Goalla gun aimed at Trapevel.
“Hello there I’d missed your lovely quips for so very long. Go ahead and let me hear one now for old time’s sake,” said Peastro snidely as he stared at Z.
“What’s the point you’re going to kill me anyway at least I’ll die with dignity. But, even after I’m dead you and your friend will never escape here alive. So I’ll take solace in that, Peastro,” said Z coldly as he put his hands out in front of him palms up, smiled and said,” you have no idea what you’re up against Hool herder’s son, we’re everywhere.”
“Then you should be easy to find, Hoevra,” said Peastro snidely then he blasted Z with the Petifee sending Z into instant insanity.
Meafed shot Trapevel in the torso and scattered his atoms leaving only his head and legs to fall to the ground. Z flailed his arms and shouted,” Don’t take a blind man’s sandwich or the paint will dry!”
Peastro and Meafed saw this, casually looked at each other and smiled. Then Peastro sent the Humpacca’s a total devastation order-and all 6 of them burst into the brick home with guns blazing.
Moresha pulled a pair of 14 inch blades from under her dress and lunged at one of the Humpacca’s, but he deflected the blow with his gun. Then he put the barrel of his Goalla gun in her chest and blasted her.
Terripal tried to run out the back door, but Peastro used his Coreto Eye burst her heart with a blink of his eye. Peastro used the Mormo technique and shot balls of fire through his fists at every person in sight.
Meafed levitated over the crowd and blasted a man in a black suit in the back-it left a square see through hole in his torso that quickly oozed blood.
The dinner party became a firing range and the 150 Kaa inside the house were soon nothing more than bodies lying on the floor. There were 2 party guests-a man and a woman-who had gotten trapped under a large man Peastro had shot with the Mormo technique. Peastro walked over to them and said coldly,” You shouldn’t fuss about, because your hearts have but 2 breaths left.”
Pathetically the red haired woman (named Nakol) pleaded,” Please, we can help you. They are going to blow up Plushi Chateau tomorrow. Please let us help you!”
The blonde haired blue skinned man-with black eyes named Riang-looked up and said,” It is true, help us now and we’ll save you from them.”
“Why should I believe you? You’re only trying to escape what proof have you?” asked Peastro as he looked at them menacingly.
“Your hand servant’s name is Tasum, he has been lining the walls with powdered explosives. If you sleep there tonight you won’t awaken,” said the Nakol as she reached out with her hands.
“Tasum alright you know his name, but the walls haven’t been touched in my bedroom so obviously you’re lying to me,” said Peastro sternly then he aimed his Petifee at her.
“Wait! He’s been using a needle sized holes and a pressurized pump for the last 3 months to fill the walls. I swear to you this is true and there’s more, so much more. If you spare us we will tell you everything,” said Nakol frantically as she cried.
Peastro was just about to shoot them when Meafed put his hand on his arm and said,” I think we should hear them out our lives may depend on it.”
Peastro looked over at Meafed and then back at Nakol. Peastro lowered his Petifee and asked,” What is your name?”
“I am Nakol and he is Riang,” said Nakol as she crawled to her feet then said,” You’ve spared us and so our allegiance to Comapen ends here.”“Comapen, they’re behind it all?” asked Meafed.
“That’s right, they’re using the organization as a cover while they recruit Kaa and a few Vindijan’s.
They figured once you were out of the way they could easily take over,” said Riang as he wiped blood off his cheek.
“And Dr. Atorn is the leader of the group and he was going to become the new ruler,” said Peastro implying a question.
“It’s more than that, there’s another Pointad Noon, who is the man in the shadows. He was going to kill Z before he ever took power. Pointad has 50 different assassins that he’s been working on getting close to you and yours,” said Nakol.
“Wait, you and yours, are you telling me my family might be in jeopardy?” asked Peastro sternly as he looked fiercely at Nakol.
“I’m not just saying it, it is true. He has one of his blade men working as an errand boy for your wife Culby. He’s planning on killing them shortly after your assassination. He said that he couldn’t run the risk of Yerpo Lle being a chip off the old Yaplov,” said Nakol anxiously as she fidgeted with her dress.
Yaplov is a red stone that when a piece is broken off it morphs to be exactly like the larger stone. It was named after Yaplov Beeren-a famous Vindijan theorist who fathered 8 boys who bore an almost identical resemblance to their father. Yaplov invented a theory called Two Seconds Before theory-that suggested that a person’s subconscious mind knew everything that could happen 2 seconds before they did anything.
“Oh no, then we must all leave here immediately. Let’s make for the ship I’ll be able to…wait a minute how will I know who’s ours and who are Pointad’s men?” asked Peastro nervously.
“All of Pointad’s assassins have the Spizto insignia tattooed on the backs of their earlobes in red and yellow ink. Trust me you can’t miss ‘em. But what of us what happens now?” asked Riang nervously as he wiped the sweat from his brow and then sighed.
“You’ll live a greater life if what you’ve said is true. I never forget a favor and I can give you, all you ever wanted. But right now I must hurry back to the ship, time is of the essence,” said Peastro as he levitated rapidly out of the house.
He soared over the escalator and into Trident Souce 3. He immediately sat down at the consul and was about to send a message to Parther Lieso but stopped himself, because he remembered Parther had a Spizto tattoo on his wrist. Then a panic swept over him, Peastro couldn’t think of who he could trust. He visualized all of his generals and remembered whether or not they had tattoos. Then he remembered General Outom Oldish had no tattoos of any kind.
He sent a message to Outom on his secure channel telling him to personally pick up Culby and Yerpo Lle and bring them to Peastro’s battleship-and to tell no one what he was doing or why. Quickly he sent a message to Culby on her wrist implant telling her to go with General Outom-and that she should not mention she was leaving to anyone. Also, that he would meet them on the battleship and explain the situation.
Peastro grabbed his pack of Tut cigarettes and smoked as he tried to quiet his mind. In came Meafed, Nakol, Riang, and the 6 Humpacca’s. Instantly Peastro walked up to the Humpacca and told them to remove their shirts. He looked at their chests and behind their ears. On the last one he noticed he had the Spizto tattoo on his right ear.
Peastro looked at him asked,” Why do you have this tattoo?”
The Humpacca looked nervously around at everyone in the room and then said,” It’s just for fun, it doesn’t mean anything.”
Peastro felt his murderous intent starting to form so he smiled and used his Coreto Eye to burst his heart and then said sternly,” Men who can’t be trusted should be given a vacation from breathing. As this fine Patriot just found out. I am assuming the rest of you aren’t looking for a similar respite, so I’ll digress. In the future any man you see with this tattoo on his person is to be done away with post haste. If my enemies are dumb enough to mark themselves as such, then we owe them the favor of death.”
Old Porinthesis Can Laugh
Culby and Yerpo Lle were rounded up by General Outom and taken to Peastro’s battleships.
Peastro, Meafed, Nakol, and Riang met them there shortly thereafter.
“O.K., Culby, I can’t tell you all that has and is happening but we haven’t much time. What I can say is that there’s a conspiracy to assassinate me as well as you and Yerpo Lle,” said Peastro as he walked into the living room and up to Culby and Yerpo Lle.
“By who?” asked Culby as she embraced Peastro and kissed him on the lips.
“Comapen,” said Peastro plainly then he looked down at Yerpo Lle.
“But they’re Kaa how can that be?”
“That’s what I thought, but apparently they’re power hungry and will do anything to get control of Sras Oblique. Fortunately we may have the upper hand on them. I’m issuing an order to have any person with this tattoo,” said Peastro as he showed Culby the Spizto insignia and then said,” to be detained until we can round them all up.”
“And what will you do when you have them?” asked Culby as she looked at Peastro.
“What won’t I do, these men have made their own horrible ends. Specifically I’ll put them all on a cramp ship to Terious. What will be tricky is making sure that none survive, because even if only a few escape our nets, they could still hatch another assassination attempt. We’ll need to be thorough and vicious to the last,” said Peastro coldly then he looked down at Yerpo Lle and said,” Mercy is only for friends, be mindful of this, Yerpo Lle.”
“I will never learn that lesson again, Father, it is in here now,” said Yerpo Lle then he pointed to his forehead.
“Exactly, well put…now for the indefinite future I never want either of you to be far from my side.
Their treachery is all around us now and we can only trust very few. The reality is we are only safe together, so put your guard’s up and keep them up ‘til I say so,” said Peastro as he clutched Yerpo Lle.
“Of course, My Love, how bad could it get?” asked Culby as she caressed Peastro’s cheek.
Peastro looked at her fiercely and she knew instantly that terrible things were about to happen. Yerpo Lle saw this exchange and felt a chill go down his back.
Everyone made their way to the Holmay vault-which is a 240’ x 140’ stronghold inside the battleship. It has 15 foot thick steel walls and a large weapons cash-as well as a full kitchen, 5 bedrooms and a large living area equipped with 170 holograms of every major city on Sras Oblique and the surrounding airspace of the battleship. It has been converted into a safe haven inside the ship after a small Vindijan uprising 3 months earlier. Only Peastro knew of Holmay and only he had the ability to open the large steel doors with a retinal scan.
In its living area there were 3 large T shaped couches that had computer hard drives built into the armrests. There was also a pair of robots named Ponage and Peastro’s old Urte locked safely inside. The walls were covered with 1,000 photos from Peastro’s life-including a photo of Coup kissing the barrel of a Goalla gun. The floors were white marble and have 3 large blue circular area rugs beneath each couch that bore Peastro’s visage. There is also a pair of 3 person escape pods on the left wall that are smooth, black, and egg shaped, with black tinted windows and the words,” To Dust”, painted on the sides in gold lettering. The ceiling has Hafrac 7-which are the 7 beliefs of the prophet Hafrac Purn from the 4th century.
Hafrac was said to have tapped into the Builder’s inner monologues for 15 days and these 7 truths came to him.
1. I’ve already taken it before it’s asked for.
2. The spirit must die before the body.
3. Hatred must be accepted by the hated or its wind.
4. I knew it all when I knew nothing.
5. Love is the uncontrollable seconds.
6. Anyone can start a storm for any reason.
7. We were here before we arrived.
Once everyone was inside the large steel doors closed behind them and everyone sat down except for Culby-who went into the kitchen and made a Vin sandwich for Peastro. General Outom sent out the order to round up each and every person with the Spizto tattoo and to apprehend all members of the Comapen. He also stated that if they refused to go quietly they were to be killed on sight.
After a few hours the Humpacca’s who were loyal to Peastro, had captured over a thousand people with the tattoo-including several captains as well as General Ruebluff. They were all apprehensive at first, but went along with it because they were told there was a deadly disease outbreak. The few that refused found the highway to Terious quite soothing.
All of the detainees were brought to Domulberry chateau and the Humpacca’s locked all the doors and awaited Peastro’s orders.
“Pre Ma, they have the prisoner’s and they’re all together at Domulberry Chateau. Also they did a check of the walls at Plushi Chateau and they were filled with tons of explosives which have been since removed,” said General Outom plainly.
“That’s great news, what needs to happen now is our new friends at Domulberry need to experience the joys of the Goalla gun,” said Peastro coldly then looked blankly at General Outom.
“You want all of them dead, but General Ruebluff is there as well?” asked General Outom perplexed as he looked back at Peastro.
“General Ruebluff is a traitor and a charlatan and as far as I’m concerned needs to be the 1st to go.
And the rest of these scheming assassins are no better their fate will be the same. Make it happen, General!” thundered Peastro as he scowled at Outom.
“It’s happening now,” said Outom as he typed in the order and sent it to the Humpacca’s.
At Domulberry Chateau
The Humpacca’s immediately opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd, most of which were soldiers themselves. The Goalla gun blew through one after another. General Ruebluff saw what was happening and ran for the door, but it was locked and he couldn’t get out. He turned and saw a Humpacca (Corporal Gid) staring right at him with his Goalla gun. General Ruebluff shouted,”
Soldier, lower your weapon! Don’t make me say it again!”
“Sorry, General, your time has come,” said Corporal Gid then he shot Ruebluff in the shoulders and head-vaporizing him instantly.
Since none of them had any weapons they were defenseless and nothing more than sitting buffalos. Their screams could be heard a half mile away in every direction. Some tried hiding in closets and under beds, but it was no use-they were all goners. After a half hour assault all were dead or dying. Then General Outom said gravely,” It is done they are no more.”
“Perfect, but we must extend our nets out even farther and get any stragglers. I want every soldier we’ve got to go door to door in all the outlying areas and see if any escaped,” said Peastro sternly then he sat forward and put his head in his hands and let out a sigh.
“I’m taking care of it now,” said General Outom.
“Oh then, are we safe? Can we go home?” asked Culby as she rubbed his chest.
“Not just yet, but soon we’ll have to do another security sweep of Plushi before I’ll feel safe there,” said Peastro then he kissed Culby on the lips and Yerpo Lle on the forehead.
“Oh there was something that came,” said Culby as she reached into her handbag and then said,”
here it is it came by messenger.”
Culby handed Peastro a silver metal square-the size of a letter-that had the words,” Why wait with bother,” engraved on the front.
Peastro pressed the oval shaped gold button on the back and a hologram came out of it. It showed an old man in a wheelchair with a red blanket over his body smoking a cigarette. The man coughed and then he sang a perfect high C as he threw off the blanket and jumped to his feet and shouted,”
Never too old to trick a young man like yourself!” Then he removed his white haired wig and beard and said,” I am Porinthesis and I request an audience with you, Peastro, as there are several pressing matters which you and I need to discuss. Least of which is who’s the handsomest, which obviously we already know and that would be me. Smartest I don’t want to brag, but somebody has to. Peastro, all kidding aside why don’t we tell a few jokes. I will be at Sras Oblique tomorrow in the morning and I hope that we can meet and share stories about being rulers as I am the ruler of Emostap. Which is a very large and very powerful world that has the most geniuses per capita in the entire universe. So my dear future friend I will share tomorrow with you and yours if you are agreeable.
“How fascinating, he seemed like a happy person. He certainly has a great sense of humor and razor sharp wit. I guess I’m meeting someone tomorrow,” said Peastro dryly then he shrugged his shoulders.
“It could be fun it would be a nice distraction from our current troubles,” said Culby hopefully.
“You are absolutely right maybe this is a gift from the Builder. I didn’t know I needed to meet someone right now, but anything is better than constantly looking over my shoulder,” said Peastro brightly then he stood up and went into the kitchen and got a Nehe pop. He sat down next to Yerpo Lle and Culby as Yerpo Lle tugged at his chin.
“Ya know you’re not the way Z said that you were,” said Nakol.
“What do you mean exactly?” asked Peastro then he took a drink from his Nehe pop.
“Z said you were a monster to everyone around you, but I can see that you’re very kind and considerate. I only say this because a lot of people have gotten the wrong impression about you and it is unfortunate,” said Nakol honestly then she crossed her legs.
Peastro was about to say thank you when he felt Riang’s murderous intent start to bubble up inside him. Peastro looked Riang in the eye and then said snidely,” Gee, Riang, I sure would love to hear your thoughts on what Nakol just said. I think we’d all love to hear your True feelings.”
Riang stood up and said calmly,” I totally agree with Nakol. Now that I get to spend time with you my opinion has totally changed,” and then he walked towards the kitchen and asked,” Does anybody need anything from the kitchen?”
Peastro smiled when he said this and Culby yelled back to him,” I think we’re all fine, but thanks though!”
Peastro stood up and waited for Riang to come out of the kitchen. Riang came out of the kitchen with a long carving knife in his right hand and when he saw Peastro his heart sank-because he knew he had to scramble.
“Does anybody want some sliced Vin, there’s some nice fillet out here?” asked Riang coyly as he tried not to make eye contact with Peastro.
“We’re all fine, still,” said Peastro smoothly as he raised his eyebrows.
“O.K. just thought I’d offer ah, Peastro, could you show me how to run your laser oven. I just haven’t seen this model before,” said Riang coyly then he motioned with his hand for Peastro to follow him into the kitchen.
“Boy you really are a weasel, alright you worthless Densk! Let’s go, you and your little knife and me and my wits,” said Peastro coldly with a wry smile.
Everyone looked over at the 2 of them with no idea what was happening. Riang smiled a vicious smile and shouted,” You murdered my friends you Hoevra! Now I’m gonna cut you into little PIECES!”
Riang ran at Peastro and tried to slit his throat, but Peastro moved easily out of the way and punched Riang in the back of the head as he passed-knocking him onto the couch. Riang turned quickly and looked at Peastro menacingly. He stood up and threw the blade at Peastro. Peastro snatched the knife out of the air an inch in front of his face and looked at his reflection in the blade.
Then he threw it into the wall and said,” Weapons are for children let’s fight as men.”
“However you want it you’re still one way from dead,” said Riang snidely as he slowly walked towards Peastro.
Peastro stood very still with a smile on his face and his arms hanging at his sides. Riang was a little shocked that Peastro wasn’t attacking him. He walked right up and kicked Peastro in the stomach, but Peastro moved quickly with the blow-and then stood back up and continued smiling. Riang looked at him perplexed and then looked at everyone else with his hands up in the air. He punched Peastro in the mouth, but Peastro moved so quickly with the punch it didn’t draw blood-and still he kept smiling and let out a laugh.
Peastro said,” Boy, you’re really giving me a beating. I hope you’ll show me mercy for I am in awe of your power.”
“Don’t mock me you Fool!” barked Riang angrily as he rubbed his knuckles. “I’m gonna beat you to death!” shouted Riang as he tried to tackle Peastro, but Peastro grabbed him by his underarms. Then he lifted Riang up off the floor and spun him in a circle. He spun faster and faster and started to levitate the 2 of them off the floor. Riang screamed out in agony.
Peastro said warmly,” I knew we were always heading for friendship and I can see now we’re cut from the same cloth,” Peastro grinned and then asked,” Isn’t this fun wouldn’t you like to try your flying skills?”
“No thank you I’m fine!” shouted Riang in terror.
“Oh but you must I wouldn’t dream of denying you this gift. Trust me it’s a Builder’s gift,” said Peastro brightly as he continued to spin the 2 of them.
“That’s alright really, just let me go,” said Riang nervously as his eyes opened wider.
“As you wish,” said Peastro then he let go of Riang and his body crushed into the picture of Peastro and Coup.
The force of the collision split his skull in two and broke his arms-snapping his ribs and killing him a few seconds later.
“Well, that wasn’t emotionally scarring for our young son or anything,” said Culby sarcastically as she shot a look at Peastro.
Yerpo Lle looked at Culby and shrugged his shoulders and said boldly,” Mum, wars are for winning, that man got what he begged for and nothing more.”
“Yes, now that is pristine logic. Yerpo Lle, you’ve shown me something just now. Do you want to see your first dead body?” asked Peastro greedily.
“What, what kind of thing to ask is that he’s only a child,” said Culby in disbelief as her eyes grew wide as her mouth was wide like a hippo’s.
“It’s alright, Mum, I can take it,” said Yerpo Lle nonchalantly then he kissed her on the lips and hurried over to Riang’s body.
Peastro kicked the body with his right foot and then said sternly,” In every battle you will fight there is always the possibility you will end up like this poor fool. So fight with every fiber of your being and be mindful that it is your life and not a game. Remember, the spirit must die before the body.”
Yerpo Lle kicked Riang in the shoulder and then asked,” I wonder who’ll be kicking me when I’m dead?”
A few servants came and disposed of Riang’s body and cleaned up his blood, as well as replaced the photo of Peastro and Coup. Everyone went to bed an hour after the incident. In the morning-as the 1st wave of the T sun came shinning in through a glass atrium-Peastro was still organizing his thoughts for the day when the tone sounded that there was a messenger at the door. He let him in and the green haired young man set a single slip of white paper on the chest at the end of the bed-and then promptly left.
“What do we have here?” asked Peastro as he picked up the slip of paper and then read aloud,” I have arrived Dear friend and am ready to meet after your morning routine signed Porinthesis Bomol, Teratop of Emostap. A little eager are we Porinthesis. Are you up, Culby?” asked Peastro as he gently rubbed her shoulder.
“Yes, I’ve been daydreaming for an hour now. I heard you read that letter and at the very least Porinthesis is considerate. So it shouldn’t be a difficult meeting if you think of it,” said Culby calmly as she put her hand onto Peastro’s and squeezed gently.
“True, I think we should take him to Momagon forest,” said Peastro warmly.
“Yes that is a great idea and would be hard for anyone to attack you there,” said Culby plainly then she rolled over and kissed Peastro and said quickly,” Let’s get ready before he feels he’s waiting.”
“Well put,” said Peastro quickly.
After Peastro, Culby, and Yerpo Lle had completed their morning routines they went to the Tamfoh ballroom to meet Porinthesis who was waiting there.
Tamfoh is a lavish gambling hall with 17 black peanut shaped tables that each have a different game of chance. Like Olar cubes, which are holograms of different characters in the shape of a cube that you could toss into a blue funnel-then you made guesses as to which character (like Gumsucker Ton) was the stealer of the Coube stone.
The Coube stone is a dark orange jeweled helmet that is randomly stolen by one of the characters at the beginning of the game. Over the course of the game clues and information are bought from the Eaz owner and the money is kept in the kitty. The first person to decipher who stole the Coube stone-before they lost all their money-was the winner and got all the money in the kitty, as well as a duplicate Coube stone. You used your own money and had to have at least enough money to buy 2
clues or you couldn’t start the game.
There are 12 pedestals along each of the 4 walls in the room that have exact replicas of every soldier and their garb that had ever fought under the T sun. From Humpacca’s to Pomvat’s (which are master swordsmen from the 2nd century). Hanging from the ceiling is a replica of a Marsfa battleship.
The Marsfa looked like a large blimp with 2 large jet engines on either side. It also has several small fighter jets affixed to its top and bottom that use magnets to keep from falling. The front of the Marsfa has a collection of all the great Vindijan ruler’s faces around each of its windows.
Peastro, Culby, and Yerpo Lle walked into Tamfoh and saw Porinthesis staring upward at the Marsfa battleship with his hand to his mouth. He had on a grey dress shirt that attached to his black pants below his pockets. The pants were buttoned to his black leather half boots that had a dull pink light being emitted from under the soles. He also had on a half dozen silver squares that varied in size and were placed in a V on his neck-as they stuck to his skin.
“I’d watch out she could drop at any moment,” said Peastro sarcastically as he walked up to Porinthesis.
“You’re kidding,” said Porinthesis as he looked over at Peastro quickly.
“I am, hi I am Peastro and this is Culby and Yerpo Lle.”
“Nice joke friends should always have humor I am very pleased to be meeting you,” said Porinthesis as he put his 2 index fingers together and pointed them at each of them.
“Well, I was wondering if you would be interested in an adventure today. I find the sooner you do something together with someone you just met, the sooner your relationship blossoms,” said Peastro calmly then he pulled a black case from his pocket that was filled with Tut cigarettes and opened it. He offered one to Porinthesis.
“Thank you,” said Porinthesis as he took a cigarette and then said,” I totally agree I’ll go where the sunbeam leads.”
Peastro, Culby, and Yerpo Lle smiled and then they went to the hangar bay and boarded an orange shuttle. They flew down to the tops of the Nis trees and landed in a small mown patch of green grass.
The Nis trees are dark brown with purple leaves. Each Nis tree grew independently until they were 10 years old and then they grew into the nearest Nis-and could grow almost a mile high. Thus, the Momagon forest was a labyrinth of interconnected Nis trees. There were thousands of ladders,
pathways, and even television screens and outdoor living rooms throughout Momagon. It was a favorite party destination for the Kaa and the Vindijan’s.
Everyone exited the shuttle including a dozen Humpacca’s for security. Peastro knew he couldn’t get too careless and had his wits about him. He had decided not to mention his troubles to Porinthesis as he wanted to be a gracious host. They walked past a large wooden arch that read Remember
Your Steps. It led into a beautiful flower garden that had hundreds of paths above it that went tree to tree. It also had a small restaurant at the far end called EAT IF YOU’RE HUNGRY that filled the air with the smell of cooked Vin and Pent baking.
“Peastro, I must be honest I haven’t just come here to befriend you,” said Porinthesis as he walked beside Peastro.
“Well what is troubling you?” asked Peastro as he caught his mind wandering.
“On my world a terrible war has broken out and it is laying siege to countless numbers of my countrymen and women. Ya see the Dreplague, which is an outfit of thieves and murderers has corrupted the hearts and minds of our youth. They have taken over 3 of our major cities and assassinated many of my friends and even 3of my general’s. Peastro, I heard about your remarkable triumph over the Vindijan’s and I know firsthand how vicious they were,” said Porinthesis nervously.
“Porinthesis, if you need my help I will give it, but if I do you must someday do the same for me.
What exactly do you need and please be blunt?” asked Peastro as he stopped and faced Porinthesis.
“If you help me for the rest of my life I will be indebted to you as well as all my offspring. What I need is your help in assassinating Berad and Dust Glup, who are twin brothers and are the ones behind this uprising. I know you are a…”
“Stop, it will be done and I will see to it myself. These Glup brothers are drawing their last few breaths under the T sun. Now we will enjoy a few hours together and then this evening I will get a dozen battleships and travel back with you. These matters they may seem hopeless to you now, but I
know from experience there is a way through,” said Peastro sincerely then he put his arm around Porinthesis.
“I believe you and I thank you. We have a saying on my world…if only one friend can help then let it be me. When that day comes for you in the future that you need aid, it will be swift and it will be me, Peastro. With no hesitation I will soar.” said Porinthesis as he fought back tears.
16 volumes of Chefire
Dr. Quart Kup wrote in his book Levels of Hope that the human mind can store thousands of fantasies and triumphs. And that they could be used at any moment to lift a person’s spirit and give them enough hope to improve their lives and change their life path. He also wrote that a painful memories can be revisited at a moment of extreme joy and thus lessen the negative effects of that memory in the future.
Peastro knew all about Dr. Kup’s books and had read them several times for inspiration. He awoke this morning and felt a need to revisit Levels of Hope and read the final passage out loud.
“I’ve gone a million places, had twice as many adventures and never taken a step. I was a king one day with a dozen wives and a hundred ilk. Then I found my clothes tattered and my beard a dense jungle.
I laughed at a passerby and made great speeches to a crowd in a hurry. While all of this was true-and every day I felt-I was the spark of life in the air inside the flute. But oh how I longed for a quiet room and a million dreams.”
Culby embraced Peastro from behind and asked half asleep,” Are you o.k., My Love?”
“I will be when this matter of Porinthesis is over. The fact is, it’s just too dangerous for me here right now. What this will hopefully give me is enough time for my Humpacca’s and my still loyal generals to sift through the populous and get rid of the traitor’s,” said Peastro quietly then he rubbed his kneecap.
“That’s a good point this could be just what we need right now,” said Culby warmly.
“I think so, but I’m fully aware that the matter of killing Brad and Dust will take some doing. We will see what gifts and tests the Builder will provide,” said Peastro as he stared blankly forward.
Peastro, Culby, Yerpo Lle, and Meafed as well as Nakol shared the same battleship while Porinthesis lead the way to Emostap in his ship. They journeyed for 2 days straight at top speed and then found themselves arriving at Emostap.
Emostap is half red earth, a quarter blue Ocean, and a quarter lush greenery. The major metropolitan areas were built in and amongst nature, with many of the buildings behind large trees and bushes. All of the buildings are shaped like lily pads, with long winding skinny trunks and large circular floors-that are attached to the trunk. Most of the buildings reach high into the clouds. The Mosetap’s love jet propelled motorcycles that have small wings attached to them and can be seen soaring by the thousands in every direction.
In the center of their capital city of Wautch, there is an enormous building in the shape of Porinthesis (known as the High Catalian). It depicts him sitting Indian style with his hands in a C shape. It houses Porinthesis, his family, friends, and all of the many politicians. It has every imaginable luxury you could think of from hot tubes that stretch a city block, to around the clock cooks and pastry chefs who are constantly making every dish known to the Mosetap’s-so that the second you were hungry for something it was cooked and ready to consume.
Porinthesis’ ship flew into Wautch and quickly was hit by a small barrage of laser blasts and missile fire. Peastro saw this and ordered his battleships to fire on the attackers. They fired their laser tracing missiles (known as Hods) that have the ability to hone in on any recently fired weapons and go straight for them. The hills of Wautch were lit up with fiery explosions and in only a few seconds they stopped firing on Porinthesis’s ship.
Peastro saw this, smiled and said,” Nice try, hit ‘em again.”
Then another round of Hods launched and tore into houses and apartment buildings-blowing them to pieces. There was a pair of jet propelled motorcycles that were hit and instantly incinerated.
Porinthesis came over the monitor and said brightly,” Thank you, Peastro, that should wake ‘em up.”
“Wake ‘em up and lay ‘em down,” replied Peastro as he tapped the table with his index finger. “Just showing them their new reality,” said Peastro happily as he stood up and then continued,” I hope they enjoy my candor. Now, Porinthesis, after you show us to our quarter’s I want all the information you can give me on Berad and Dust. I’d like to get started on our mission as soon as possible,” said Peastro boldly then he swallowed a Breask and stretched his neck.
“I’ll get you everything you need as soon as we are safe at High Catalian. We are only moments away just follow me into the hangar bay.”
Porinthesis’ ship flew quickly in a semi-circle towards High Catalian. When he neared the head of the building the door lifted up and retracted backwards revealing a large opening into the hangar bay.
Porinthesis’ ship flew into the opening with Peastro close behind. The 2 ships landed and were met by Porinthesis’ Doppa soldiers.
The Doppa are trained physically and mentally to take extraordinary amounts of pain. They also have built-in retina enhancing microchips to give them great accuracy with their weapons. They always wear dark blue body armor and see through round helmets that have projected computer information on the front and sides. They all have large laser rifles, hand held explosives as well as a self destruct mechanism-in case they felt they are incapable of escape or Porinthesis is in danger and needed the explosion to escape.
Corporal Kemith Stayart stood at the end of the retractable staircase that led to Porinthesis’ ship.
Kemith has blood red hair with a pattern of running men in black throughout his hair. He also has a thick blonde mustache that has small, 2 oz gold bottles attached to either side of it. His nose is enormous and takes up a third of his face and looks like a parrot’s beak, but was partially blue in color with red nostrils.
His eyes are light blue and completely lifeless. He has large white-and perfectly straight-teeth that inspire
joy in anyone who saw him smile. He is 5’10” and has narrow shoulders, but possesses an uncanny power and speed that belies his thin frame. On his right wrist is a tattoo of a baked pie with steam coming off it.
“Porinthesis, Sir, it is an absolute joy to see you return,” said Corporal Kemith brightly as he touched his index fingers together and pointed them at Porinthesis.
“Thank you, Kemith, how is our state of affairs?” asked Porinthesis.
“Declining, Sir, they have taken the city of Pobul and they are becoming more brazen with their attacks,” said Kemith anxiously.
“That is bad news for certain, but fear not, I have brought a man with great power. And here he is now this is Peastro the ruler of Sras Oblique. He is here to help, Kemith,” said Porinthesis as Peastro walked up next to him and bowed to Kemith.
“Hello, Kemith, what I need is a place to sit and more importantly I need to speak with Berad and Dust. Is that a possibility?” asked Peastro sternly.
“Well we can’t contact them directly, but we know where they are holed up and it’s in the Bobreis sector,” said Kemith quickly.
“Wait a minute, you know exactly where they are and you don’t just destroy them. Please explain,”
said Peastro firmly then he put his hands in his pockets.
“Well, to kill them we’d have to destroy what is a large piece of our religious history. Ya see the Bobreis sector is where Chefire lived and wrote all of our most important religious logic and beliefs. It would be unthinkable to destroy even a pebble from his former homes and places of worship and inspiration. I’m sorry, but we can’t just blow away a piece of our history,” said Kemith plainly then he looked at Porinthesis for approval.
Porinthesis nodded and waved his hand and then said sadly,” This is true there has got to be a better way, Peastro.”
Peastro stood and thought for a second and then said boldly,” All’s I need is a layout of the Bobreis sector and a rough estimate of where Dust and Berad are. And then myself, and a pair of Humpacca’s will go there in disguise. Once I get close to these 2 scoundrels I can take care of the rest. And trust me there will be no damage to anything but them. Are we agreed?” asked Peastro with a smirk as he raised his left eyebrow.
“We are, Peastro, and again thank you. I can get you all you’ve asked for as well as the garb of a Chefire monk. This is perfect,” said Porinthesis in a serious tone.
Peastro smiled and then they went inside High Catalian. They made their way through a labyrinth of hallways and odd rooms. Then everyone was shown to their guest quarters. Peastro, Culby, and Yerpo Lle went into their suite and flopped down on the bed with Peastro and Culby lying in one direction and Yerpo Lle in between them lying in the opposite. They lay there for almost an hour in total silence as each of them cleared their minds.
Kemith brought Peastro the layout of the Bobreis sector as well as the tan Chefire monk’s robe.
Peastro studied the plans and plotted potential routes in and escape routes out. He spoke with the 2
Humpacca’s who would be coming with him and told them the plan. He also spoke to Porinthesis and had him prepare 50 Doppa to be waiting at the edge of the Bobreis. He gave Culby and Yerpo Lle one kiss each and then said as he walked out,” Remember the Line.”
Culby smiled as did Yerpo Lle and each of them caught the underlying meaning.
Peastro and the Humpacca’s were dropped at the edge of Bobreis and hid their weapons beneath their tan hooded robes. They walked slowly amongst the other monks. The Bobreis was an intricate village of dark brown wood that had many levels and staircases, as well as dozens of rooms filled with
Chefire’s possessions. There were also exact duplicates of the 17 volumes of scripture that he wrote during his lifetime. Some of the writing was poetry and some were stories such as,” Younger than a joyful mind is the only place to spend a moment,” was an excerpt from volume 5 and then the passage,” We won’t draw conclusions forever. Someday, Ackship, we’ll all just know and then our struggles will be an afterthought to a greater existence with hearts full of knowing.” The one line that resonated most profoundly with the Mosetap was,” I just started forgetting my pain one day and then my heart remembered joy.”
Chefire’s life was a constant battle to be understood and only after his passing did people finally grasp the man’s true depth. He was so bereft on his final day of life that he flung himself from atop Cootos temple and shouted as he fell,” Why aren’t we friends?”
Peastro walked slowly down a flight of stairs carefully remembering his directions to Dust and Berad’s hideout. As he neared the bottom he heard Dust shouting,” Porinthesis can’t draw another breath!
He is our sole enemy and the last soul our destructive hand must fall upon!”
Dust is 5’4” 249 pounds of soft and slow. He has a circle of blue hair on the top of his head and another circle of blue hair on his chin and cheeks. In between his eyebrows there is a tattoo of a naked woman kissing a rifle. His nose is small and covered with pimples and his mouth catlike. He had on a dark green leather jacket that stretches to his ankles as well as a black tee shirt and black leather pants.
His shoes are black and have a gold coin on the toes of each.
Berad is Dust’s identical twin brother, but he has long flowing curly blue hair and a dozen small tattoos on his face that show a man attacking another man with a knife. He has on a white leather jacket, white dress shirt and blue denim jeans-as well as blue denim dress boots.
Peastro walked into the room and took a look around. The room had an arched black ceiling that extended to the floor. There were 2 dozen brown leather couches scattered around the room and there was a black diamond chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The room was filled with monks-some of Dust and
Berad’s followers stood, but most sat on leather couches. There is a loud rock song playing on the stereo.
It is called Peasant Lover by the Mosetap band Wecept. The song consists of a piercing guitar solo, 2
verses, and a poorly sung intelligible lyric. It is the most popular song of the year.
“He’s back and he is in big trouble! If he was dumb enough to return then a gift to sooth his tired bones is in order! I want every assassin and foot soldier to storm High Catalian tomorrow when I give the order alright!” shouted Berad then he turned his head to the side and spit on the floor.
Then everyone shouted in unison,” Yes, he’s had it!”
Peastro saw this and was having a hard time keeping himself from laughing. He started to have a mini-panic attack and had to squeeze his forearm as hard as he could to keep from losing it. He squeezed so hard he tore a hole in his skin and started to bleed.
He whispered to one of his Humpacca’s “We can’t let anyone leave here alive, wait for my signal.”
The Humpacca nodded and then Peastro whispered the same thing to the other Humpacca. Then Dust shouted,” Every Man’s life should end when his pride and ego suffocate his soul!”
Peastro used the Coreto Eye to burst Dust’s heart and Dust fell to the ground awkwardly. Berad instantly dropped to his side and asked frantically,” Are you alright, Brother, what’s wrong? Run for a doctor quickly you Fools!”
Peastro used the Coreto Eye to burst Berad’s heart and he fell helplessly on top of Dust. Then everyone rushed to his side. Meanwhile Peastro kept using the Coreto Eye and one by one people kept falling to the floor dead. Then one of the monks shouted,” It’s judgment day!”
Whereas Peastro threw off his robe and said snidely,” No it’s me.” He blasted the followers of Dust and Berad-2 at a time-with the Mormo technique causing their heads to explode. He also kept using the Coreto Eye and the bodies were piling up. The 2 Humpacca’s used their Goalla guns and blasted away at
everyone in sight. In a matter of 2 minutes every person was dead and lying in heaps on the floor. Peastro said snidely,” People just tell too many stories and should read more.” Then he put his robe back on and the 3 of them calmly walked out of the Bobreis and boarded a ship that was waiting for them.
Back at High Catalian Porinthesis met Peastro in the hangar bay with a wide smile on his face and then said brightly,” I heard about your victory over Dust and Berad, Peastro, you have saved my life and my people’s lives. Thank you thank you, Peastro,” said Porinthesis then he knelt in front of Peastro and grabbed hold of his ankles and cried.
“Please, Porinthesis, please this is not necessary. You are my friend you never need to bow down before me,” said Peastro as he lifted Porinthesis up by the shoulders.
Porinthesis stood up, embraced Peastro and then said warmly,” I have brought you a few tokens of my appreciation. I hope they are to your liking.”
Instantly 4 beautiful black haired women-with curvaceous bodies and wearing only black lace swimsuits and dark red lipstick-walked right up to Peastro, smiled and the tallest one said slyly,” We’ll go any place your heart desires and give you the memory of a lifetime.”
Peastro felt a rush of sexual energy as he looked at the incredibly sexy women and then said plainly,”
Not under this T sun, I’m sorry I won’t sell out my love for Culby. You’re all very beautiful, but its not gonna happen. I appreciate the gesture, Porinthesis.”
“Well, you are in love I should have considered that, but at least let me give you some gold and diamonds to take back with you, please,” pleaded Porinthesis as he pointed to a 30 foot high oval case that was being wheeled in by 10 Doppa’s.
“That’s fine, thank you I hate to ask, but could I get something cold to drink I am dying of thirst?”
asked Peastro.
Porinthesis looked at a Doppa, then hurried away and returned a minute later with a bottle of Powelsup soda.
Powelsup is a black colored sugary drink that changes to bright yellow upon being opened. It tastes like Pepsi with an apple flavoring-it tickles the throat as you swallow.
Peastro grabbed the Powelsup and took a large drink from the upside hammer shaped bottle then asked,” What will happen now to the people of Emostap and your empire?”
“Dust and Berad’s followers are already laying down their arms. We’ve already taken back control of the cities. You see without their powerful speeches and well thought out attacks the uprising is imploding. The people of Emostap can now get back to living their lives and I can rest again. In the future, Peastro, when you need a huge favor that you can’t bear to ask, ask me…and I will do whatever is necessary,” said Porinthesis honestly then he kissed Peastro’s hand.
The Green rains of Glato
Everyone boarded Peastro’s battleship minus Porinthesis and journeyed back to Sras Oblique. After a few months of the usual life and not much fanfare, the citizens of Sras Oblique were greeted with a rare green summer rain (known as a Glato). The Glato has a sugary taste on the tongue and children raced out into the streets and stuck their tongues out, happily consuming the rare Glato.
It was named Glato after the 13th century boy genius Glato Escaso. Glato was green skinned with dark curly blue hair that hid most of his face. Glato is famous for his novels I Dreamed Myself Awake and It Never Steals My Memories. Both novels dealt with the isolation that could develop from too many close friends and too many lovers. He wrote each of the books in his 5th year passed and amazed the world with his understanding of the adult world.
I Dreamed Myself Awake centered around the lead character Dill and her uncontrollable need to always be in a relationship. She was so obsessed with her desire for normalcy that when a relationship ended, she would walk down the street in a shear black mini and come on to any man that smiled at her.
By the time Dill was 30 she’d been in 70 relationships and become a severe drug addict. For his work in I Dreamed Myself Awake he was awarded the Goabright award (which is given out once a century for a superb work of fiction. It comes with a chateau and a large monthly stipend for your lifetime). After receiving the Goabright Glato retired from writing and lived out the rest of his life quietly.
Peastro, Culby, and Yerpo Lle were lying on soft white mattresses on the front lawn at Plushi Chateau-enjoying the 2nd T sun when a servant brought a large egg shaped box over to Peastro and handed it to him and said,” This just came for you, Pre Ma.”
“Really, what have we here looks promising,” said Peastro smoothly as he inspected the box.
He saw there was a small push button switch so he pressed it and a hologram of Dramkick Reign appeared and said,” Hello, Peastro, I am Dramkick Reign and I am the Quadromolan of 4 solar systems. I learned of you from my spiritual advisor, Doga, as I went to him after a very vivid dream. What I must say to you is this, for all of my life I have been rich and powerful, but still I have felt empty. I longed for a true friend and equal. My triumphs and victories were lonely and hollow. When you have no one who knows what you’re going through a part of your soul can never dance. Peastro, I believe with every fiber of my being that you are the friend, the true friend I have searched for all my life. I am sending you this message instead of myself, because of a great deal of turmoil on my home planet of Membra. What I hope to do is to come and meet with you the first chance I get.
I do not judge people on their appearance and I hope mine doesn’t put you off to a great extent.
Peastro, just give me a chance I know our friendship will enrich both of our lives and certainly give me that piece of the puzzle I have always greatly missed. Do not fell a response to this is necessary as I will find my way to you soon. Goodbye, Peastro, and be joyful.”
The hologram disappeared and a small robot climbed out of the case and handed Peastro a brilliant dark blue diamond necklace-that had small red lights behind each of the stones shinning through them.
Peastro grabbed the necklace, looked at it for a moment and turned to Culby saying,” This man, Dramkick ah…I think this is the true friend I’ve been searching for. He talks and thinks the way I do that is not a small thing, Culby.”
“No it isn’t, it is a miracle is what it is. I’m so happy for you, My Love,” said Culby as she teared up then hugged Peastro.
“I can’t believe this just happened. Now what do I do? I mean who knows when he could show up here, a week, a year, a decade,” said Peastro anxiously as he shook his head.
“Well, Dramkick said to wait so we’ll just have to respect his wishes. Maybe he’ll be here sooner than later there’s a good chance of that,” said Culby as she wiped the tears from her eyes.
“That’s true I’ll just have to leave it in the Builder’s hands. Wow what an incredible day. What I can do now is start preparations for his arrival. And I want it to be a lavish welcome and just pull out all the stops. Boy, Dramkick Reign I am gonna throw you a party,” said Peastro boldly then he looked up into the sky and smiled.
Another 2 months went by and Peastro planned out a lavish celebration for Dramkick’s arrival-all security checkpoints were waiting with baited breath for Dramkick. Peastro and his Humpacca’s had rounded up all the Comapen and put them to death. The only problem now for Peastro was the Vindijan’s-being bored with their mundane lives-had started randomly attacking the Kaa and had been antagonizing every Humpacca in sight.
Peastro and Meafed sat discussing the Vindijan situation in the 8,000 book study (which is a modest room with only 3 leather chairs, a black leather table, a full bar, and the greatest 8,000 books ever written and no more). Occasionally a new book would be put in the collection, but a book would have to be removed to do so. The books were in a wooden pyramid in the center of the room and a small robot would retrieve any book upon request. The ceiling was an atrium that would angle to always bring in the full power of the T sun.
“Well I’ve had it, I’ve had it! I say we do away with the Vindijan’s right now and be done with it,”
said Meafed brashly as he did a handstand on top of the pyramid of books.
“We both know I can’t do that. Alright so they’re becoming the monsters they always were. We could just remove them from the civilized world and put them all in what’s left of Whitkus Blo hmm,”
said Peastro with a smirk as he sat in a leather chair.
“That’s really devious, I like it. The problem will be keeping them there. I think this idea is outstanding and it just might work,” said Meafed then he floated down to a leather chair.
“Worst case scenario we send them all there and lock the doors and see what happens. Vindijan’s love a challenge to their egos. So it’s settled, I’ll have the Humpacca’s round them up and bring them to their new paradise,” said Peastro slyly then he stood up and stretched his back and asked,” The question is what’s left of old Whitkus Blo?”
“Well quite frankly not much, but if we gave them the proper equipment they could certainly rebuild.
But what of your old friend Coup, will he be heading there with them?” asked Meafed coyly as he smiled.
“Never…dear old Coup’s gonna be a permanent fixture at the Terpepl zoo right where I can enjoy his hatred anytime I want. No dear old Coup has still got a very large debt to pay. He knows it he just can’t admit it. Ya know what’s funny?” asked Peastro rhetorically as he smiled.
“What’s that?” asked Meafed then he pulled a small Codleme candy bar from his pocket, opened it and took a bite.
Codleme candy bars are stripped white and black chocolate with caramel-and 5 kinds of peanuts as well as a small pocket of flavorful gas in their core. They are named after an ancient swordsman who accidentally cut off both of his hands during an exhibition of his swordsmanship.
“I went in last week and he smiled nicely at me and asked very pleasantly, hi Pre Ma how has life been treating you? I mean, to see the old man grovel like that was so far beyond satisfaction. I can’t tell you what that did for me then and what it does for me now. I was so embarrassed for him I had to leave abruptly, it was oh,” said Peastro greedily as he laughed loudly.
Meafed joined in laughing and then said,” He did it to himself, that man refused to be merciful when he had the chance and now he’s facing the repercussions. How can you feel sympathy for a man who has none?”
“You can’t, and the funny thing is I bet on some level he still thinks he’s going to get his power back,” answered Peastro.
“Yes and if he did there would be a vengeance wrought on Sras Oblique like you couldn’t imagine.
He would do things to you and I that would be beyond our worst dreams and fears,” said Meafed firmly then he shook his head and took another bite of his Codleme, letting out a sigh like a soft breeze.
“There is no doubt of that, thankfully there is no chance of that happening. As long as I’m alive Coup will just have to eat it and I don’t mean Pent.”
Meafed almost choked on his Codleme as he was caught off guard by Peastro’s levity causing him to howl with laughter.
Just as Peastro was laughing he looked up through the atrium and saw purple fireworks that read,”
He’s finally here.” Peastro instantly stopped laughing and said,” Meafed, ah…Dramkick’s here we must make our way to the Coacla Gardens that’s where I’m having him sent, quickly please.”
“Of course,” said Meafed quickly.
Peastro and Meafed levitated down the hallway at top speed and out the front door and up and over the castle’s walls. They soared a quarter mile and came to rest at Coacla Gardens.
There were already a hundred servants working frantically to prepare for the celebration. They threw together a large stage and just as they filled it with chairs 2 dozen musicians took the stage and started playing. Instantly several 10 person tables were brought in and filled with decorations-as well as small robots wrestling as each table’s centerpiece. Then the grass was covered with large red and blue area rugs.
Suddenly in came the Goyeah acrobats. They flipped and spun on a patch of grass behind the tables.
Several Humpacca’s lined up round the perimeter and 3 dozen gorgeous women in black leather body suits walked in and stood at various spots around the garden.
“If he’s a man of honor this should be to his liking, Pre Ma,” said Meafed hopefully as he surveyed the beautiful women.
“I just hope it’s the appropriate tone,” said Peastro as he looked up into the sky.
“Don’t trifle with these worries everything will be fine. You have to understand that he is wise and all wise men can look beyond appearances. This looks like him now,” said Meafed as he saw Dramkick’s ship being escorted by 2 Moi Ti fighters towards the garden.
Inside the Debrist Morou Dramkick sat with Mela in the Lounge preparing himself.
“You know these things almost never work out the way you would hope. I could very well be racing to my own demise,” said Dramkick then he sucked on a Praem tube.
“I won’t lie to you there is that chance. Peastro is very powerful, but having said that I have seen your tremendous power first hand and I know you will be victorious. He is but a boy in a man’s body, you are the only real power I have ever known,” said Mela sternly then she rubbed Dramkick’s forearm.
“I can feel your conviction and I know that I can defeat him, but I must be sharp and nimble. And when I see my moment I must be vicious. Dear Peastro, what a way to get to know each other with a thousand pounds of treachery as my gift. The question now is just how happy will Coup be when my Vor Me release him from his prison?” asked Dramkick then he looked over at Mela.
“You have no idea Coup above all people has known pure joy, but never on this scale. I’ve yearned for this day for so very long that I am beyond anxious. I just want to hold and kiss my darling Coup so badly,” said Mela as she fought back tears and then got a hold of herself and said sternly,” Don’t take any prisoners today, Dramkick, these Kaa are a scourge to be dealt with viciously!”
“If you say it, Mela, then it’s true and Peastro and his Kaa brethren will feel my violent soul unleashed. What a day this will be, my heart soars with a new day’s war,” said Dramkick snidely then he kissed Mela’s hand.
The Debrist Morou landed on a flower lined patch of blue grass at the foot of the Coacla Gardens. 4
Humpacca’s unrolled a 40 foot long rug that had a picture of Peastro’s family sewn into it, as well as the words,” A true friend is worth nothing more than everything,” written in thick red cloth.
The doors to the Debrist Morou opened and Dramkick, Gigg, and 2 Vor Me soldiers walked down the ramp. Just as they stepped onto the rug as huge laser and firework display filled the sky in front of them. Also a thousand Moi Ti fighters did intricate maneuvers overhead.
“God loves to party,” said Dramkick boldly as he saw the spectacle.
“Don’t we all,” said Gigg as he tried to take it all in.
“Some more than Praem, but these are foolish men he hee,” said Dramkick as he walked down the long rug. Every face Dramkick looked at was happy and smiling warmly. He started to feel happy at first, but then he remembered the mission. As he grew nearer to Peastro he gently rubbed the Norvet implants in his fingertips on his right hand. He knew this wasn’t the place for his plan so he would just bide his time and get to know his prey.
Peastro walked up to Dramkick and said,” Dramkick, this is a joyous occasion for me. I just can’t believe that the Builder brought us together. This matters to me more than you’ll ever know.”
“Peastro, I do know, I know exactly how enormous this is for you, because it’s the same for me.
When I think of all the years I spent alone in a crowded room. All my so called friends who betrayed me and plotted against me when I wasn’t around, I just,” said Dramkick then he gave Peastro a hearty embrace.
“It’s alright now, we can put those days behind us,” said Peastro as he cried and put his hands on Dramkick’s neck and then said,” We made it, Dramkick.”
Dramkick looked at Peastro and a single tear came out of his eye and he said,” We made it we really did.”
Peastro smiled as Dramkick was careful not to touch him with the Norvet. Then Peastro put his arm around Dramkick and they started walking towards the stage.
“Isn’t this life the strangest sight to behold? I mean here we are friends at first sight and yet we come from entirely different cultures on opposite sides of the universe. I just want to laugh at the thought of it,”
said Peastro brightly as he smiled from ear to ear.
Dramkick smiled and then said,” It was my hope of just this…that gave me joy when I was in pain.
And Yes, this is the funniest and grandest joke ever told he hee ha.”
“We are going to have a time together, Dramkick. How long can you stay?” asked Peastro as he was handed 2 Breask.
“As long as I like, I make all the rules on Membra,” said Dramkick plainly.
“Try one of these,” said Peastro as he handed Dramkick a Breask and then said,” I swear by ‘em.
Dramkick looked at the Breask and shrugged his shoulders as he popped it in his mouth and said warmly,” And the party’s begun.”
A falling raindrop later 3 Goyeah acrobats flipped over the 2 of them and one of them landed awkwardly, tripped and smashed into 2 of the musicians-sending them into one of the leather clad vixens.
She fell backwards onto a table and crushed the 2 robots that were wrestling. Peastro and Dramkick saw this and started laughing.
Peastro said slyly,” Now it’s a party. Alright, Dramkick, let me take you up to Plushi Chateau and show you around a bit. I think you’ll really love it.”
“That sounds great, but what of my luggage I have a few things I’d like to show you from my home world?” asked Dramkick calmly as he looked at Peastro and then helped the fallen woman to her feet.
“I’ll have my servants grab your luggage and bring it with us,” answered Peastro smoothly.
“Outstanding my mind is at ease and my thoughts are without agitation,” said Dramkick as he smiled slightly.
Dramkick stood there with Peastro and felt conflicted. He’d never in his life felt so at ease with anyone. It was like they were brothers, but then he thought of Mela and their bond and his love for her.
He also knew that he had no choice as he’d given his word-and that was final because it was a life debt to begin with.
Peastro had his servants grab Dramkick’s luggage and load it into Peastro’s Cofinae Transport.
The Cofinae uses anti-gravity to hover several feet above the ground. It is 35 feet long and 25 feet wide and shaped like an umbrella. It is orange with green eye shaped spots all over it. It also has the words Pre Ma on the sides and front. Inside it had 8 large blue chairs that could unfold into a very comfortable bed at a moment’s notice. There was also a kickstand, which was a green table you could gently kick from one person to the next and none of the things on top of it would be split or disturbed-it floated on a magnetic charge. There was also a state of the art sandwich maker (known as an Eatemup) that could make any sandwich you liked-warm or cold-using its 8 robotic arms and hands. There are 2
refrigerators at the front and back filled with alcohol and Nehe pop. The walls are covered with a thin paintable monitor that displays dozens of movies, TV shows, destinations, as well as random live shots of Sras Oblique.
Peastro, Dramkick, Gigg, and the Vor Me-as well as 2 Humpacca’s-boarded the Cofinae Transport and started flying back to Plushi Chateau.
“Is anybody hungry?” asked Peastro as he looked calmly at everyone.
“I could go for a bite,” said Gigg as he sat down in one of the blue chairs.
“I could as well,” said Dramkick as he crossed his legs as he sat. He was almost forgetting why he was there.
“Glad to hear it, I’ll have your sandwiches quick!” said Peastro as he pressed the button for hot Hool steak sandwiches and 3 appeared in no time at all. Peastro handed out the sandwiches then sat down next to Dramkick and pulled out his pack of Tut cigarettes. He lit one up and started smoking and eating in between puffs. Everyone ate their sandwiches and then they flew into an underground tunnel-which was a secret entrance to Plushi Chateau. They went past several 2 sided mirrors that showed several servants going about their work on the other side. They also went past a swimming pool and people could be seen swimming beneath the water’s surface.
“Do they know we can see them?” asked Dramkick as he marveled at this bird’s eye view.
“They have no idea, just one of my many secrets. There are many things that need to be just such or the natives get restless, if you know what I mean.”
“I wish I didn’t, but yes I completely understand. If they knew the decisions we make so they can have their hopes and dreams. They would never believe it and they would be absolutely terrifies to leave their homes. It is a conundrum for certain, Peastro,” said Dramkick sternly then he let out a sigh and grabbed the back of his neck.
“It’s the way of things, they don’t really want to know and we know we can’t ever tell them or it’s an even larger problem for all of us,” said Peastro firmly then he took a drag from his Tut cigarette.
“That is exactly the issue that relates to power that would befuddle the common man ‘til his hair fell out! They think our lives are all parties and easy summer breezes-you have the only perspective that can understand and relate to the struggles I’ve been through,” said Dramkick and then he asked,” Could I get one of your Tut cigarettes?”
“Sure of course, how did you know they were called Tut though?” asked Peastro as he handed Dramkick a cigarette.
“Oh I saw you pull out your pack a while ago and saw the label. Thank you,” said Dramkick coyly as he put the cigarette in his mouth and lit it. Dramkick hid his emotions deep inside. He knew he had almost blown it in a moment of weakness. He could tell that Peastro wasn’t suspicious of anything.
The Cofinae came to a stop in front of a small set of steps that led up to 2 large brown doors with gold carvings of the Toen War all over them. Everyone got out and as they walked up the steps the doors swung gently open revealing a large wine cellar. It had catacombs filled with thousands of barrels of wine as well as numerous shelves filled with rare vintages. The floor was white marble and had Yerpo Lle’s and Culby’s faces carved inside 10 foot blue circles. There were dozens of robots working around the room and attending to the wine. The ceiling was filled with Dees crawling in and out of small holes.
“A room like this could make a man thirsty,” said Dramkick jokingly as he smiled at Peastro.
“Feel free to try any bottle you like, this is only the 1st of seven wine cellars that we have. The Qilta summer white wine is peaking right now. It’s on that shelf right there,” said Peastro as he pointed to a wine rack on the left.
Dramkick walked over and grabbed a bottle of Qilta and pressed down on the dissolving cork. Then he raised it to his nose and took a large whiff. He took a large drink and then said,” Marvelous, wow what flavor I am in love with this one for sure. My head is swimming with euphoria. Would you like some?”
asked Dramkick as he offered the bottle to Peastro.
Peastro grabbed the bottle and took a drink. He said boldly,” We’re brothers now, Dramkick, we’ll have to get in the habit of sharing our spoils.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Brother. When a man drinks-he must eat-how close are we to the kitchen?” asked Dramkick then Peastro handed him the bottle.
“Follow me, it is right through here,” said Peastro as he took a sharp left turn between 2 barrels. He grabbed hold of one of the wine racks and it swung open (revealing a dark hallway hidden behind it).
They went a few steps then came to a white doorway. Peastro put his eye to a retinal scanning lock and the door popped open revealing a small modest kitchen. There were 2 see through refrigerators, a black stove, and cabinets on all 4 walls. The floor was covered with thick black carpeting and there was a small statue of Coup sitting on top of one of the refrigerators.
“If you need something prepared, I can make it or if you want something light help yourself,” said Peastro then he walked up to the nearest refrigerator and opened it, grabbing a triangular brownie and taking a bite. Peastro said happily,” These are worth a taste for sure.”
“I’ll need something a little heavier,” said Dramkick as he walked up next to Peastro. Dramkick slammed him on the neck with the Norvet implants in his right fingertips.
“What, what did you do?” asked Peastro as he moved back away from Dramkick and rubbed his neck as he winced in pain. Peastro started to fell woozy and stumbled side to side then fell to the floor.
While this was happened the 2 Vor Me soldiers slit the throat of Peastro’s Humpacca’s from behind.
“Hide the soldiers in one of those cabinets and get me a large bag or sack quickly, we haven’t much time!” shouted Dramkick as he knelt down and checked Peastro’s pulse and then said quietly,” I’m truly sorry, Peastro, but I couldn’t help it. Please forgive me.”
Gigg and the Vor Me stuffed the Humpacca into an empty cabinet on the left wall and then frantically looked for a large bag in the cabinets. As Gigg was looking he saw in the adjoining room there was a laundry room. He hurried into the room and saw a large grey cotton sack filed with black socks. He dumped out the socks and as he did a male servant-in a white suit-came into the room so Gigg said sternly,” Peastro needs your help in the next room please hurry!”
The servant rushed past Gigg and as he did Gigg grabbed him around the neck and broke his neck with a lightning quick twist. Gigg picked up his dead body and shoved him into a washing machine. In the other room while this was happening Dramkick had sent the order to his 10 Vor Me soldiers-disguised as Kaa soldiers-to free Coup from his cell.
“I’ve got what we’ll need right here,” said Gigg as he showed Dramkick the grey cotton sack.
“What took you so long?” asked Dramkick sternly as he grabbed the sack from Gigg.
“I ran into a servant and had to take him out,” said Gigg as he knelt down beside Peastro.
Dramkick nodded as he glanced at Gigg then slipped the bag over Peastro’s unconscious body-careful to keep his head near the opening of the bag. Then he went into the laundry and shoved in some clothes to hide Peastro’s form in case anyone took a hard look.
“We’ve got him, what’s the best way to get out of here?” asked Gigg nervously as he looked at Dramkick.
“We’ll have to improvise, that way we just came is too difficult to navigate, because if any other ship comes towards us from the other side of the tunnel then we’re caught for sure. Our best wager is to just keep moving through this place until we find a way outside. I’ve got my honing beckon on and if we find open air they can grab us and we’re out of here quick,” said Dramkick sternly and then he put the sack under his arm like he was holding a baby.
“Alright, let’s hit it and if we see any more servants…” said Gigg.
“We waste ‘em, no queries made. We don’t have time to try to explain ourselves or dupe these idiots.
From here on in its maximum damage to all and any follow me,” said Dramkick sternly then he walked briskly through the laundry room with Gigg and the 2 Vor Me close behind.
While this was happening the 10 Vor Me were inside the Terpepl zoo. They hurried past the lines of visitors waiting to see Coup paying them no mind. They entered the room where Coup was being kept and Sergeant Dirgman leapt onto the stage and blasted the 2 Humpacca’s on either side of Coup with his laser canon killing then both in a flash. 2 more came running from the sides of the stage, but Dirgman saw them. He shot the one on the left in the throat while 2 other Vor Me blasted the other in the face.
“Stand back from the front of the case!” shouted Dirgman to Coup.
“O.K.!” shouted Coup as he moved to the back of the case.
Dirgman blasted the front of the case with his Peretta and blew it wide open like a smashed pumpkin in the street. Coup was not injured by the blast only a little shaken up. The crowd of onlookers rushed the stage, but the 10 Vor Me opened fire on them. Instantly blood and bodies started dropping everywhere.
“Who sent you?” asked Coup as he came out of the glass cell.
“Dramkick Reign, he should get your thank you’s. Now let’s break for it!” said Dirgman as he put his arm around Coup.
“Dramkick Reign, who in the Terious is that? No matter I’m free!” said Coup excitedly then he levitated off the floor and raced for the exits. As Coup flew through the Kaa he blasted several of them with the Mormo technique and smiled menacingly as he did. He also used his Coreto Eye to burst 2 of their hearts and laughed as they fell to the floor. After they soared through the lobby-where they killed everyone in sight-they were met outside by the Debrist Morou’s small shuttle.
It was a 15 person aircraft that was dark green with black spots and shaped like a cross lying flat. It had black tinted windows on the front and sides. On top of the shuttle there was a 54 inch laser canon that could rotate 360 degrees and packed a serious wallop. Inside there were 13 gunnery chairs and 2 pilot seats. It was usually used for stealth missions and had powerful jet engines for a quick escape-Dramkick called her the Easy Does it.
The hatch doors opened to the Easy Does It and Coup flew inside with 9 of the Vor Me quick behind (with Vor Me Roger Tick being killed in the Malay). The Easy Does It lifted up into the sky and flew back to the Debrist Morou.
Back at Plushi Chateau Dramkick, Gigg, and the Vor Me were racing through an enormous room with no windows-that was filled with hundreds of large marble statues of all the great Kaa artists like Kamplain Its.
Kamplain Its was the first artist to make paintings from collected dust that he added to his own homemade dye. He loved to create faces so much so that he was unable to paint any real person with any accuracy. He was most famous for the quote,” I’d kill you dead woman, but your blood would ruin these new carpets. So tomorrow we’ll go mountain watching!” He screamed this at his wife at a charity luncheon.
While Dramkick ran past the many statues he kept his violence near the surface in case anyone engaged them. He had the ability to raise his adrenaline anytime he wanted to and now was one of those times. As they made it to a pair of brown wood doors-at the end of the room-a female servant with green hair came through the doors and shouted,” What are you doing in here!?”
Whereas Dramkick punched her head from her body with his free hand and said snidely,” Just leaving.”
They went through the doors and came into a room with a half mile long indoor pool with 3 young women swimming laps inside it. As Dramkick looked out at the 20 foot high windows on the right wall he could see they could easily jump down to a patch of flowers below.
“This is it, Gigg, blow this window,” said Dramkick sternly as he stood back from the window.
A yellow haired swimmer named Betha Black lifted her head out of the water and asked perplexed,”
What is in your bag?”
“Just a friendly piece of garbage,” replied Dramkick as he grinned. “Hi I’m Dramkick you look very pretty in your red swimsuit,” said Dramkick warmly as he gave her a smile.
“Thank you so much, Dramkick, I appreciate that. You’re very handsome,” said the Betha Black brightly.
A moment later Gigg blew the window to pieces startling Betha. Dramkick saw this, smiled and shrugged his shoulders and said,” I hope I never see you again, I mean that sincerely, Beautiful.”
Betha looked stunned and then Dramkick leapt through the broken window with Peastro in his firm grasp and landed softly in the bushes below. Gigg and the 2 Vor Me followed suit and then they ran out into a tightly mowed grass lawn and waited for the Debrist Morou.
“We’re sitting Kablubs here,” said Gigg nervously.
A Kablub is a goofy see through dog like creature that is very slow and freezes when attacked.
“What choice do we have we need to make sure they can find the honing beckon. Gigg, keep an eye behind us in case those women tell someone about us. Keep your weapons drawn and your minds nimble be ready,” said Dramkick calmly as he scanned the horizon.
A few seconds passed by and still no sign of the Debrist Morou. Dramkick was sweating profusely and he felt helpless. Then he saw the Debrist Morou coming towards them from the left, but also saw 4
Humpacca’s coming towards them from the right and he shouted,” Too many friends, Gigg, open fire!”
Gigg turned and fired on the Humpacca’s and as he did Dramkick sent a signal to the fleet to descend upon Sras Oblique. He stood behind Gigg-and the 2 Vor Me-and knelt down to shield he and Peastro from fire.
Gigg hit one of the Humpacca’s in the chest with a shot from his laser canon, but one of the other Humpacca’s hit Gigg in the left wrist with his Goalla gun and vaporized it. Dramkick saw this and said sternly,” Stand firm, Gigg, we’re almost casual, a few more seconds.”
“ O.K.,” said Gigg as he winced in pain then continued firing on the Humpacca’s hitting another right between the eyes and then he said snidely,” How’s your vision treatin’ ya?”
A Vor Me was vaporized by a Goalla gunshot and left only a pool of blood. The other got hit by a shot of the Petifee and plunged into insanity-he stripped naked and ran off screaming.
“Hold, Gigg,” said Dramkick sternly as he saw the Debrist Morou getting closer.
The Debrist Morou blasted the remaining Humpacca’s and swooped in and landed in front of Gigg and Dramkick. Dramkick quickly hurried onto the Debrist Morou with Peastro in hand-as did Gigg. The moment they were aboard the ship lifted into the sky. The rest of the fleet met them just outside of the atmosphere, but Dramkick saw they weren’t being chased and ordered them to hold their position. As far as the Kaa knew Peastro was entertaining his guest so they suspected nothing.