The Glyph Saga Book Five: The Cast Iron Shore

By D. K. N. Yuko

The year is 2103, SF. The planet is Ecliptic Earth. The population is approximately two and a half billion, a combination of Humanoids, Androids, and Soligrams. The problem is an egocentric and overriding Oligarchy, a dimwitted Dictatorship, and a damaged Democracy, locked in a fierce and blatantly personal fight to stay afloat in a tumultuous, combative, broken civilization. Welcome to Ecliptic Earth.
The Glyph Saga: Book Five, The Cast Iron Shore, is the fifth installment of this seven book series. Panga Uno Animo is turned upside down after a string of bizarre events. And, the historical Hospites Nostri aliens are ready to work closely with Earth once more, but what is their motive?
“The world, as we know it, stands at the tall gates of change. What will we do? Will we enter the gates together with open arms and open minds? Or, will we run away and allow our fear of the dark to supersede us?” --Lord Doctor Capat Draconic

• Language: English
• Publisher: D. K. N. Yuko
• Release date: Aug 17, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476190723

D. K. N. Yuko

There are few African-Americans or women in the Social Science Fiction, Occult Fiction, Fantasy, and Dark Comedy genres. However, they have been a passion of DaKarai Noshell Yuko's forever. She has an affinity for writing multicultural stories with flawed characters and strong female leads, as well as progressive poetry. D. K. N. Yuko put together The Dakaverse, a dark-yet-hilarious compilation of many of her stories and projects. The Dakaverse is a rich, fully-connected universe filled with eccentric and exciting characters, whose stories overlap. The stories take place in four fictional cities: Plumesworthe, Ponderer's Point, Pensburg, and Tellurium Ridge. Each area has its inherently distinct social climate, which affects the story and the characters from that city. Many of the titles are available in graphic novel form. Yuko also incorporates Veclage Art in many of her graphic novels and book covers. Veclage Art is an expressive art form created by using layered and textured collages of vector clip art.

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The Glyph Saga Book Five:

The Cast Iron Shore

by D. K. N. YUKO

COPYRIGHT 2012 DKN YUKO

PUBLISHED BY DRAGONFISH ENT/EBOOK PUBLISHING AT SMASHWORDS

The moral right of the author has been asserted. Ecliptic Earth, Ecliptic Earth Symbol, Ecliptic Earth Map, and all other icons and characters associated with The Glyph Saga © 2001, 2006, 2012 (NoShell Lancaster, NoShell Hedges) as DK Rimmer, DKN Yuko, of Dragonfish Entertainment. All rights reserved. No portion of this book or the website may be reproduced or transmitted in any way, form, or fashion without written permission from the author. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to the eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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http://dragonfishent.com

*****

To MY rough and ready diamond Dim Haven—you were SO worth the wait. Goddess Bless You, Reader.

*****

Watch out for other books in this series:

BOOK ONE: A Great Escape

BOOK TWO: Mad at Truth

BOOK THREE: At the Mother Station

BOOK FOUR: Beast of Both Worlds

BOOK FIVE: The Cast Iron Shore

BOOK SIX: Waiting for the World

BOOK SEVEN: Conform or Be Cast Out

Bonus books:

The Glyph Memoirs (ten to twenty years before Glyph Saga)

PART A: Of a Deep Blue Dream

PART B: Men Can’t See the Open Road

The Glyph Imminent (ten to twenty years after Glyph Saga)

PART A: Short of Stable

PART B: The One to Have the Other

The Glyph Genesis (the historical post-disaster uprisings)

PART A: Days That Bring New Meaning

PART B: Histories of Ages Past

Visit dragonfishent.com/glyph for

The Glyph Saga Companion (the comprehensive website to Ecliptic Earth) and cafepress.com/DragonfishENT for

official Ecliptic Earth gear!

*****

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE: THE DUEL OF IMPENDING DOOM

CHAPTER TWO: READY, SET, ZIL!

CHAPTER THREE: SPIRITUAL SOAR

CHAPTER FOUR: SINISTER SEPPUKU

CHAPTER FIVE: FLIGHT OF FANCY

CHAPTER SIX: PANGA, IN PERSON

CHAPTER SEVEN: FROM PROXIMI TO HOSPITES

CHAPTER EIGHT: THE FORTUNATE’S FÊTE

CHAPTER NINE: EX-PANGAN PROBLEMS

CHAPTER TEN: THE CAST IRON SHORE I

CHAPTER ELEVEN: PLEA THE PEOPLE

CHAPTER TWELVE: PEACOCK FEATHERS

CHAPTER THIRTEEN: GUANDALAND VERSUS MAURASIA

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: QUEJORGE’S CUE

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: CLASH OF THESE TITANS

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: PANGA VERSUS MAURASIA

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: HARD MEAL TO SWALLOW

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN: AALIYAH CADE

CHAPTER NINETEEN: PANGA VERSUS GUANDALAND

CHAPTER TWENTY: THAT FINAL FIGHT

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: DEADLY, MD

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: MASHED MEETINGS AND MARRIAGES

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: NOBLE ON EXIT

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: FOND ADIEUS

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: THE MISSING MEDDLER

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: THE INEVITABLE

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN: DAMNED DISCUSSIONS

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: THE PERVERTED PURGE

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: THE CAST IRON SHORE II

CHAPTER THIRTY: SURPRISE STATUS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

*****

INTRODUCTION

During the Interregional adoption trial for young Viky Tacta, Rachale Nea was forced to reveal her secret marriage to Que Starr to the shocked world. That desperate move won her case and eased Que's mind. Speaking of historical court trials, Nedesi Selph sued her father Emperor Censio Selph for her right to the throne after his term was over. She was another winner.

Gina Trend returned from her long travels and brought two strange guests with her. One, Brionna Zinee, another Radians/Sapiens mix, stole the show with her self-taught UVL and feminine wiles. She also stole Tarneous Whiteous' heart. And two, the PUA's latest absconder Dinara Kentron wanted to let her former friends know she understood exactly why they left the PUA. Randu Ross was so excited to see his beloved Gina again; he barely noticed her guests. But after botching their first date, Randu realized he was not quite ready for love.

Kunia Schladich grew bored with Censio and turned her sights to Dim Haven. Dim responded with fatherly love, which inspired Kunia to take leave and adjust herself for the better. Around the same time, Julia was determined to have her way in the world and threatened Maurasia with her deadly ancient toys. It was Zilfrinia or death for her.

The next year, Capat Draconic gave two important babies to Mina Wanechin, estranged wife of Guandaland VP Donald Wanechin. He asked her to care for them and guard them with her life. Meanwhile, Dinara went to family friend Donald with an in-depth report of all of the PUA's financial evil doings. He literally gave his life to air their dirty laundry live on the air. Dinara was heartbroken, but President Julia Laos offered her the VP position. She reluctantly accepted.

Brionna turned Tarneous’ life around when she took his virginity. But, she was afraid of her unexpected feelings and ran away. With Dim’s help, Holiy Coeli finally gathered the courage to divorce Censio, and she and Kunia put the past behind them and became good friends.

After a rather unsettling dream from Maleetta Cadere, Que and the others confronted Doctor Theo Hermetic and learned more horrible PUA facts. Worros was Randu’s father, and Censio murdered Maleetta. Rachale wanted blood.

At the supposedly-peaceful World State of Affairs Midmeal, PUA declared Worldwide War, a rather outdated event. Shortly after that, PUA kidnapped Viky, and Rachale had to learn yet another tough truth: Viky was a powerful child, linked somehow to the legendary Omnia Vinciti-Amoria. Rachale left Maurasia, and Que, to look for their daughter.

After setting the official date for the Worldwide War, Censio made sneak attack plans a week ahead of schedule. Capat secretly squashed them and informed the other Regions right in time for the battle. Rachale got her wish and killed Censio. However, the Proximi Nostri had the last laugh when they abruptly ended the war in a draw and made it known that they would return to Earth in Deca Luna, 2103, SF. Zilfrinia was reestablished, as well as the area known as Neutralland. Was that what the Nostri wanted? Were they looking to redeem their name in Earthan history? Only time would tell…

*****

CONTINUATION (2103)

*****

CHAPTER ONE

THE DUEL OF IMPENDING DOOM

In the days following World War Twenty-One, many of the World Leaders decided to lay low, dodging the ravenous Q & A sessions with the wolf pack Reporters. Clearly, the citizens were worried about Deca Luna, and the arrival of the Proximi/Hospites Nostri. But to the Influentials, the most important event was the forfeiture of their Zilfrinia and Neutralland areas.

*****

Two masked and caped men sat at opposite ends of a long banquet table amongst a group of pompous Influentials at an elegant, Victorian-themed dinner party. The room was dimly lit, the ambiance was richly romantic, and the table was heavily laden with food. Anxiously, the partygoers watched and listened as the two men’s conversation, well escalated into an argument, shot back and forth across the table.

The first man barked, I don’t believe you!

The second man instantly replied, Why do you find it so hard to believe?

The first man stood and edgily paced the floor. Why would you even bother warning me? You’ve never been cooperative before—no offense.

The second man calmly cut his turkey slices and laughed, None taken, not at all. But, to answer your question, I’d warn you because I know you.

Quickly making his way towards the other end, the first man put his hand on his sword and shouted, I know me too, and that is the kind of thing I’d prefer to be a surprise. He pressed his blade against the second man’s throat.

The partygoers gasped in tantalizing fear.

Not intimidated, he kept eating as if nothing was wrong. I seriously doubt that with all that's at stake?

The first man sadly dropped his guard.

The second man pushed back in his chair, pressed his foot against the table, and leaped up, sword in hand and ready to battle. The partygoers breathlessly sat up as the two men took to the tabletop, trampling foods and drinks in an otherwise graceful sword fight.

Look on the bright side, the second man retorted, I didn’t inform you of when, where, or who. That would really cook your casserole.

Kicking aside a gravy boat and accidentally splashing the brown, thick liquid across a beautiful brunette’s chest, the first man grumbled, Well, the how is just as bad. And I’m telling you, I don’t believe you. Why would I do anything as asinine as that?

The second man nearly tripped over the centerpiece as he lunged forward with his sword. He quickly regained his footing and replied, Because you are a noble man, and always a strong, brave hero.

Dramatically running out of table space, the first man backed into the corner. The second man craftily closed in on him.

The first man whined, Sounds like I’m always an idiot. I mean, someone I don’t even respect? Hello?

In a desperate move, the first man dodged a sword blow and spun around, darting back down the table. He stopped at the woman with the gravy splash and scooped a hefty finger full from her deep cleavage. He tasted it, nodded in agreement, and adroitly jumped over her head onto the floor. She giggled and lustily fanned herself with her hands.

The second man cut a decorative rope hanging from the ceiling and swung across the room to the first man. The attention of the partygoers shifted with him, where the fierce yet comical clash ensued.

The first man scoffed, "You know, I don’t get you sometimes. And you told him this too. How did he take the news?"

Taking the advantage, the second man said, He is preparing, as I suggest you do.

The partygoers blissfully waited while the men exhausted themselves. It was only a matter of time before one of them lost.

The first man wondered, "Are you preparing?"

Once again, the second man lunged forward. I’m preparing to win this fight.

With a completely out of place Martial Arts move, the first man crouched swung his leg around and knocked the second man to the floor. He swiftly planted the edge of his sword at the man's throat, and his foot on his chest. He mocked, Oh no, you won't.

The second man playfully shrugged, I knew that.

The partygoers applauded and wildly cheered. The first man took off his mask to reveal Que Starr. Politely, he removed his foot from the other man’s chest and sighed, What if you’re wrong, Doctor?

The second man clapped his hands. The Victorian-era scene faded away, and the cheers died down. As his period costume and mask vanished, Doctor Theo Hermetic was exposed. The room changed to his time-honored field of flowers. Defeated, and still lying on his back in the plush grass, he peacefully stared at the fluffy clouds in the sky. He finally answered, Gotta love those old school NQLC theme parties, what fun!

Que tried not to smile.

Have I ever been? A liar maybe, but never wrong.

Que nonchalantly acknowledged the fact that Doctor Hermetic’s predictions usually happened. He wanted to mention the terribly bungled one about Viky ending the war, but he chose not to wrench such bad memories. After all, it had only been three weeks since then. He simply helped him up with a strong arm and led him to the exit of the AI Room.

*****

The next morning, in Randu Ross’ swanky bedroom suite, the moans of pleasure and pain filled the room like sweet music. He and Gina Trend finally gave in to wild passion after a wonderful night of stay-at-home lastmeal and dancing. As their sensual tango drew to a close for the fifth time, he rolled over, breathless from the feverish throes of sizzling lust. She wearily sat up and clutched the sheet to her chest. He staggered to the mirror to check the multiple fresh fingernail scars on his back.

That was amazing, Gina gurgled. "You are as good as they say."

Randu touched a heavily bleeding scar and winced, Ooowww, that’s a bloody mean and awful compliment.

She rose and wrapped the sheet around her petite body, strutting over to him. I know! she laughed. She rested her hand on his back, healed the wounds, and slung them to the pale green, Berber-carpeted floor.

Randu turned around and kissed her hand, wrapping himself into the sheet with her. He assured, Well, those days are long behind me now.

She pecked at his lips and chuckled, They better be.

I’m so upset I have to attend this foolish Mental Health Conference today, sprite, Randu lamented. I desire to spend my day with you.

Even if you didn’t, I must go to the Guandaland Trade Center and talk to stupid ass Julia, again. She dropped out of the sheet and strolled towards the bathroom door. She looked over her shoulder with a coy smile and asked, "How about you like, so meet me in the shower and junk?"

Randu jumped, clicked his heels, and cheered, Encore!

She ran into the bathroom and turned on the hot, misty shower spray with him mischievously chasing her.

*****

Sitting in a Conference Room at the Capital Complex in Panga Uno Animo, waiting for Emperor Censio Selph to arrive, the other Leaders, minus the dead Will Bednict, sat around the table. Worros Helios and Dim Haven whispered to each other at the back of the room. Nedesi Selph was still bandaged and battered from her vicious ordeal during the War, but she was healing nicely. Clinging to a tissue, she bawled over Will’s demise.

Menton Schladich approached her and gently put his arm around her back. How are you feeling, Nedesi?

Nedesi stopped crying and swallowed hard.

Holiy Coeli-Haven scowled at him, and he grunted, I mean other than Will; I’m more concerned about your ordeal on Burtean.

Oxzeal Dialos stared at the floor as Nedesi whimpered, I'm fine. But I want a rematch because we didn't even get to throw a good punch really.

Kunia Schladich sighed, I’ve heard that many people want rematches. I say just let it go. We have other things to worry about.

It should not have even been this way. Father and his disgraceful—!

Censio entered with Capat Draconic eagerly following him like a hungry orphan. Capat took his place in the Adsum's Chair, and Censio sat professionally at the other end of the table on his Throne. Something was obviously different about him.

Menton eased back to his seat and strapped on his PCG. Kunia and Holiy murmured about it as he started, Thank you for coming this morning. Nice to see we are all here and intact.

Nedesi bawled, Daddy, didn't you read the War Diary? Will is—!

Censio did not care. "As I said, nice to see we are all here intact."

Are we going to have a service for him?

For what? Why do you care? You didn’t even want the boy anymore!

Hiding her real feelings, she yelped, Still, he was a member of this board.

Capat frowned as Censio roared, He broke the law. We should have his name struck from the record. After the way Censio spat in the face of tradition with his sneak attack war, he was one to talk.

Nedesi started, But—!

He stood and explained, Not that I care so terribly about the rest of the world, but he endangered our Region, knowing full well that our force field was and still is inoperable. Knowing deadly poison that close to the border would harm us as well?

Nedesi started blubbering like a spanked infant.

Censio covered his ears and whined, Okay! Shut up. Just for you, my eldest and only angel, we will have a Bednict Memorial Service. A very small one. Happy?

Nedesi blew her nose and nodded.

He cracked his knuckles and sighed, Moving on—

Oxzeal stood and uncertainly gushed, Milord, if you don’t mind me asking, I—?

Censio already knew where he was headed. You read in the War Diary that I was deceased.

Cauda Draconic agreed with him, smiling at Capat. She knew why Censio had reappeared after his supposed death, firsthand.

Calmly, Censio took his seat and muttered, Lies. Maurasia will be brought up on full charges. Rachale Nea Starr will have hell to pay. On to other business. Neutralland? Zilfrinia? Any thoughts?

Capat was mad about his Rachale Nea Starr comment, but he overlooked it as he raised his hand to throw in his two Min.

Yes, Lord Draconic?

I say we try and work with the other Regions for a change of pace. Those Proximi Nostri ended the war. Apparently, there is some room for improvement across the board. Or else who knows, they would have just blown the planet up. Let us destroy ourselves. That’s what I personally would have done.

Censio chuckled, You bring up a good point son, thank you. Cauda and Nedesi grinned at each other as he continued, "I’m not going to say we should so much work with the other Regions intensely, but it would be a measure of cheap goodwill to offer them a bit of assistance. Maybe we can make ourselves look better for those green bastards coming down here. And—"

"How about we just do it because it’s, I don’t know, say, the right thing to do? Capat argued. Why do we always have to have some hidden motive?"

Look, son—

Menton tried to step in, Milord? but Censio and Capat shouted, Shut up! in unison.

Censio asked, What is the point of doing things that don’t benefit us in the long run?

Condescendingly, Capat answered, "Charity and goodwill would benefit us in the long run. Think about how big and mighty we would look in the world? That’s the kind of power I see for Panga U."

Dim and Worros chuckled, privately mumbling about the new old Censio.

Kunia leaned over to Cauda and whispered, What is going on here?

As Censio and Capat continued their personal debate, Cauda laughed, Just like old times, huh Desi?

Unfortunately.

Capat and Censio used to argue back and forth all the time back when we first were initiated right after Maleetta’s and our parent’s death. It was funny as hell to watch. So predictable, check this out, Worros is going to leave in a—

Worros rose, scoffed, and walked out of the meeting.

Nedesi pointed, There he goes. It’s pointless; no one can get a word in edgewise once those two start. Daddy is back? I guess he must have fucked all the goofball out of his system.

Menton raised his eyebrow and snickered.

Cauda shook her head. I’ll give Censio twenty seconds, and he’s going to kick us all out so they can argue amongst themselves.

Capat and Censio got slightly heated, shouting across the table to each other.

Nedesi disagreed, Twenty? I say ten.

Cauda raised her finger and said, Starting—now!

"You mean it was always like this?" Oxzeal snorted.

Yeah, Cauda chuckled, before Censio got so distracted with whores. She glanced at Holiy and Kunia, and mouthed, "Yikes…"

Nedesi tried to add, Capat and Daddy, they love—

Swiftly, Censio rose, yelled, Meeting adjourned, and waved Capat over.

Everyone stood to leave.

Still talking, Capat scampered to his end of the table and sat beside him. Censio sat back down, and they locked into their Regional chatter, oblivious to everyone else.

Cauda nudged her and giggled, Go, Nedesi. I owe you midmeal.

As the group filed out of the room, Nedesi said, Two bastards who love to talk constantly will do so. I don’t know what happened to daddy, but it’s great to have the old him back.

*****

CHAPTER TWO

READY, SET, ZIL!

The three Nations released by Panga Uno Animo, Isle of Mexi, Perlandor, and Surianna, nominated Doctor Twonio Finkle as the Premier, or Primus Inter Pares, of Zilfrinia. Twonio was a strong-willed, hard man of Beckland Island lineage. He was an Outer Space Specialist, and his expertise would come in handy for dealings with the Proximi Nostri.

When Panga Uno Animo first thought about restarting their Space Program about twenty years ago, he was the number one candidate. However, it never happened, so he left the PUA to make a name for himself abroad. It was decided to have him head the new Interregional Ministry of Outer Space, which was why the other Nations of Zilfrinia had no problem with his leadership.

He had the grueling task of shifting through the nominee's submitted by the other Regions to select the rest of Zilfrinia's officials. They were not going to waste precious time with a public election. Maurasia, Panga Uno Animo, and Guandaland came to the first agreement in over one hundred and fifty years when they decided to submit the best candidates from each of the Nations they were surrendering, instead of the tedious and drawn out method of campaigning, voting, re-campaigning, and re-voting. How revolting?

Sifting through the numerous names, Twonio knew he wanted Vinstonia Qatel, a young, pretty lady from Brazi, well-versed in world politics with murderous aptitude test scores as the Minister of Culture/Secretary. Vinstonia had two powers, telepathy and theft, which he figured would come in handy. She was also very assertive and comical.

He also knew he wanted Raphael David, a wise, older, Austra Island gentleman confined to a hoverchair as the Ministry of Science. He was a soft-spoken, deep thinking man, a certified genius, and had five powers, destruction, drain, super sound, super sight, and aqualung. Panga Uno Animo tried to get their hands on him all his life, but he was always far too clever to be captured.

He had his heart set on one other person, never nominated, of course, Dinara Kentron of Guandaland for Ministry of All Minaries. But how does one get a GVP to convert to a ZMM? He started by calling her on the TCD the next day.

*****

Painfully driving through the cramped air-traffic of the G/M Regional Connector, she answered with the hologram and saw Twonio sitting in his soon-to-be-restored Office at the Zilfrinia Capital Complex on Austra Islands. Vinstonia sat next to him, pecking away at her PCG holoboard. Dinara knew what he wanted before he even got a chance to crack his strikingly handsome, old man smile. Rubbing her war wounds, she scoffed, Old fri- friend of Donald Wanechin, a- are you?

Well, if it isn’t the little Kentron girl. Well, how rude of me. You are not a girl. You are a very grown woman.

She smiled, He- hello…

Adoring her lifelong stuttering habit, he laughed, Still as lovable as ever, though. Getting to his point, he acknowledged, Sure, you could say that’s why Panga Uno Animo suggested me for the Premier position in Zilfrinia. If I take the route he took, it gives them an excuse to retaliate.

What do- do you say?

Snidely, Twonio frowned, I say I’m no one’s toy. I am a man, with a mind of my own. Zilfrinia is a Region with its own pulse. We both refuse to be manipulated. He looked right into his TCD and smirked, Ever thought about switching teams?

Caught off guard, she immediately thought he was referring to her sexuality.

He sensed her discomfort and assured, Not like that, dearest. He clarified, I’m talking about leaving Guandaland and coming here for a Minaries position.

Dinara lit up and then tried to hide her interest. Well, I—

Let’s not play games. It’s obvious GP Julia Laos doesn’t care about anyone. Hell, she’s not even having a Memorial for Siggi Ecce, who died in her service.

I d- don’t—

Over the clattering of the reconstructive hammers and drills, he shouted, I could make it worth your while. Double what you make with Guandaland as GVP, and a more familiar responsibility for you.

Dinara scowled, How can you do- do that? Zil- frinia is a ne- new Region.

A replenished Region sitting on old money and new funding. Consider it, please? I would love to have you onboard.

Dinara was speechless. If she took him up on his offer, she would have to be the most moved around politician in S.F. history. She would have held important office everywhere but Maurasia. That was a funny thought to her.

Twonio laid the charm on thicker. Besides my Minister of Culture and Minister of Science, Minaries is the other cabinet position of which I’m sure.

Decent of- offer…, she grinned.

We don’t have any hidden agendas like Guandaland or mystery motives like the PUA. All we want to do is reestablish and catch up.

Crashing down from her political daydream, she tossed a dose of reality his way. Don’t fo- fool yourself. Who do you th- think is the Parli- ament you serve, Premier?

Her observation amused Twonio. He knew Panga Uno Animo placed him there with hopes of gaining insider access, or else, to the workings of Zilfrinia. He also knew it meant nothing to him, and guffawed, Watch and learn, dear one. Before disconnecting, he said, I'll hold out for you as long as I can. You're the best. And I assure you when the smoke clears you'll want to be on this side of the line. Goodbye, for now.

Floating on air in spirit, she hung up and descended to the ground traffic, headed to her meeting in Guandaland.

*****

Dinara rushed into the Guandaland Capital Complex in Uru and eased into her seat in the Conference Room as President Julia Laos said, I would like to take this time to introduce our new Minaries Head, Kayla Miyon.

Kayla was very plain, yet naturally appealing, a tall, thin, silky-straight brunette of Michianaho Lineage with huge glasses. Dressed like a hippy, she stood and bowed to everyone with her usual intoxicated, sky-high glare.

Dinara gazed at her, pensively placed her index finger across her mouth and mumbled, Kayla Miyon? Whe- where do I know you fr- from?

Kayla, with her slow, mellow, hard-to-anger drawl, sang, Right… Don’t be silly, Dinara. I’m Pierre-Henri’s wife, yeah…

That meant absolutely nothing to her because she could not remember who Pierre-Henri was. I just ho- hope you can count. The last person we had in- in the position was atr- oci- ous, pretty bad.

Yeah. Like I said, I’m Pierre-Henri’s wife. Do you think HE would marry bungling trash? No offense, right…

Dinara could not understand why that would offend her, but genially accepted her apology.

Julia chuckled, Well, I have no clue who Pierre-Henri is, but either way, you come with high recommendations from a good friend. She glanced at Kerry Diriga and nodded.

Kerry tapped Dinara’s hand thankfully.

Julia added, I have the scientist coming through as well, Doctor Marious Listit. The very one that helped us with our sadly wasted Life Form Warfare. What a shame. Still, we can use a man like him onboard. Thanks again, Kerry. She pointed to Dinara and said, He’ll be arriving in three days. Dinara, I want you to meet him at the EAU port and show him around. He’s a Panga Uno Animo native, like you.

Kerry leaned back in her chair and shrugged, What’s the plan now, Jules?

That war was disastrous. And now we have to worry about the damn Nostri fucks.

Kayla nodded, Yeah, I really wanted to know about that, right. How are they? What are they like, man?

I’ve never actually met them. But they are very stern and strict. I couldn’t care less about them, though. My main concern is Zilfrinia.

Why? Dinara asked.

"My whole point in suggesting that silly idea was to conquer that weak place and claim all the land for Guandaland. And I knew Maurasia’s stupid ass would fall for it. Hell, they practically handed the land to us without question. Panga U could be easily punked into following suit, especially with cocky Censio at