《Sarsaparilla's Scary Super Power. Completed》 Chapter 1: Sarsaparilla gets an ice cream, Adalace gets a computer, and Teylon gets a command. Sarsaparilla: Being a miserly level 7 is no joy at all. Darn it! I''ve been here for two months already! I''ve followed all of the recommended exercises! I''ve spent all of my money on extra tuition! But my score is still practically zero! Oh geez! Ability level only seven! The best espers have ability levels up in the eight hundreds! Even the worst tend to be about a hundred. And mine is only level seven. That''s no better than random background noise in the brain! Hell, even normals without implants are ten or twenty or so! And I still don''t know what my ability is! Oh shit, another bad hair day! I hate days like this. Everyone is sooooo happy to show off their superpowers, but I don''t even know what mine is! Must. Calm. Down. This won''t do... Hello, what''s this? I can afford to splurge a dollar and sixty cents. Oooh, and there''s a chocolate ice cream basic frenzy, small, for exactly that! If I can''t have an esp power, at least I can have an ice cream! Although I didn''t realise I was showing my feelings so clearly on my face... Things are looking up! I won''t give up yet, I''ll keep on trying! I shall make friends. And, for once, keep them. And I shall one day claim my superpower! Also, with all of this ice cream, I won''t need as much food for my meal tonight, so I end up saving money. Win, win, all the way around! Adalace (pronounced Ada-Lace): Getting her custom-designed computer Put on a medium level smile, put head slightly on one side, and look up when he sees you. Just as well he is so tall, even compared to me. Yep, it''s working! Here comes the part when I have to tell him what I''m aiming for. It¡¯s going to be hard to keep up the act. Oh, well, here we go. Oh-oh, he''s got that look that says ''I had better humour the little girl, don''t want to hurt her feelings''. programming. No problems. I''m a genius." Give him a big smile. Make sure he still sees a cute little girl, well, cute little tall girl, even if she is a genius programmer. Yep, I think it''s working. Wow, it''s here! Now I can start connecting up the exterior data connectors, and installing the software! Ugh. Still, I suppose the authorities have been so generous in donating me the circuit boards and allowing me to run it at work and to connect it to the city''s systems, so I can''t complain. So smile nicely at my boss, and then get going. Finally, I can demonstrate it! I think I''ve reached the limit for her patience with technical explanations. I had better move on. that one is a mannequin in a shop window." said the captain, pointing to a couple of images. That''s what I like to hear! Let''s see, how about a search for all high school girls walking through the alleys? Now narrow that down to, say, all of those that show only two. Shit! What am I doing! Using the surveillance cameras to spy on people is explicitly forbidden. Crap, why am I doing this? Remember, the city''s systems will be logging everything that I access! I don''t want to blow my cover as a cute little girl! Teylon, the Teflon Rat: Decides he had better immigrate to Mars. Immediately. Time for a break. This bench will do. Now that I''ve successfully finished that job, I wonder what I should do next? Hmm, that job was extremely lucrative. I certainly don''t need to do any more work for the rest of my life. Find some other job to do? It''s getting a bit of a chore, you know. One day I might make a mistake... I suppose I should get up and get some more exercise. It''s so hot, but. What''s that toddler doing there all by himself? Shit. Shit. What can I use to grab the snake? My hat? Shit. Shit. Am I really doing this? What am I, some sort of freaking hero? Yeah, all sorts of strange men... Right. So does that mean I was bitten? Yeah, I suppose so. I had better get up and find help. How long does the poison take, again? Need to get up and get help. Damn, I can''t even stand. And there''s no one around. And that mother doesn''t even know I saved her child. Why is the venom so fast? Did the snake hit an artery? Looks like I don''t need to worry about retirement, after all. Damn. Think of that kid. At least I saved him. That makes it all worthwhile. Right? Right? Even if no one knows. Shit.
What? Oh. was an atheist." Nothing like direct scientific evidence to contradict a previously firmly held belief is there. Let''s hope it isn''t held against me. Oh-oh. This could get unpleasant. too much about it. Although, when we finally get around to Judgement time, I''m sure we will have a fascinating talk about how you made your fortune, Mr Teflon Rat." That sounds both ominous and hopeful at the same time. Amazing, I am talking about my death to my judge, with perfect calm and poise. That''s one scary power I have, what if I make a mistake?" Gulp. Oh crap, she''s gone. Tell me again, how do I save Mars? It''s not exactly something I have any skills in. Chapter 2: Teylon Immigrates to Mars Teylon: Signing away his (Earth bound) life, and starting his adventure Hey, my leg is no longer aching. Not even the slightest. I hadn''t realised that death had such health benefits! I''ve just died and been reincarnated, but for only a limited amount of time. And I''m perfectly sane. Not even the slightest bit panicked. Amazing. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Old Couple Teylon: Bloody hell, that must be the soul reading. I''d forgotten about that bit. This really is amazing. Let''s try that again! Huh? Is it a once off thingy... No, wait, think about it. I''m supposed to fix some great evil on Mars. But if I can read every soul I meet down here on Earth, then, then, well, I will be bound to find the occasional evilness right here, right? And, apparently, the angels are not allowed to intervene in every case. I suppose it''s like they have a quota. And the proportion of that quota that is allocated to me is only to do with the Mars situation. Hmm, so the souls that I can read now are going to be purely for practice? OK, if it''s for practice only, what say I make an act of will and peek at that boy''s soul? Hopefully he''s not planning any great evil... Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Teenage Boy Teylon: Oh shucks, the great teenage romance, starting soon at a park near you. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Teenage Boy Teylon: So that''s how a mere mortal like me can comprehend a soul. A short series of images, complete with audio track, is given. Presumably carefully selected by Esmeralda to convey whatever information she wants to convey. Gee, Both choices look equally attractive, I wonder which one I should go for? Well, how about we try the Mars option? No waiting required! What if Esmeralda dislikes my levity... Nyah, be sensible, she said it herself, she''s only interested in my actions and my moral choices. Yeah, I sure do. But I don''t think they will appreciate them. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Recruitment Lady Teylon: So, she is paid a commission as well as a probably meagre wage? Looks like I''ve made her day! Oh. That soon. But, well, considering. Five? Only five? He''s running a racket of some sort. Keeping the last paid amount in his hand until all of the customers have left, then pocketing it himself. But apparently, it''s none of my business. Gods above! That much for a mere three-day course! Ah, I see, it''s sponsored by the government, who pays 80%. So, the company is ripping off the tax payers, and that youth is ripping of the company. The company deserves to be scammed. I don''t like that kid''s chances.
Teylon: Thinking about Narrative Causality Sigh. No point in getting up, I''ll just get in the road of the people who are normally awake on this shift. That''s right, I saw her at the boarding induction. She looked to be only about fifteen years old; your typical skinny teenager with, for some reason, hair dyed bright green. The other four pilots are only a little older. kids to get him safely to Mars took some getting used to. But, apparently, they were good at what they did. Which was to push the multi thousand-ton space ship along, without using anything more than the power of their minds. Esp powers are amazing. When they first appeared twenty or so years ago, they certainly revolutionised space travel. Sigh. So how the hell did I get to be in this situation in the first place. Oh yeah, I remember... At least I''m not motion sick. Sure wasn''t particularly difficult terminating my old life. Just goes to show the virtue of not tying oneself down with relationships. I was able to pack up and leave without any fuss at all. This came at a good time, too. Just after I finished my most recent job. The best one I have ever done. And now I have to somehow make connections and gather around me a group of people and lead them to, what, conqueror the evilness at the heart of Mars society? How do I do that!? And, Narrative Causality? That''s what Esmeralda had said. Narrative Causality. Ah yes, I remember. So, as I randomly stumble around in my new life - Every time someone says hello to me, there is a good chance that they will be important? Hmm. But what about where I live? So far, there has been no accidental but significant indication of where I should go... On the other hand, Esmeralda definitely implied it was related to esp powers. Yep, that''s right. Verdant City, the dome with all of their higher education institutes, and half of their schools. The place with the highest concentration of espers, and, what''s more, the place where expectant mothers go to get their embryos implanted with an esp power. Certainly sounds like a possibility. Hello Esmeralda? Is this choice OK? OK, Verdant it is. Hmm, and nobody knows what, exactly, the implantation involves. Or even where it is preformed. Blegh. Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
Teylon: Judging (with a capital J) his first subject Please, would everyone remain in your seat! Otherwise I will never be able to get through to serve your food." While we consume our breakfast from a squeezy bottle, how about I get in some more soul reading practice? OK, how about letting me read the soul of this bloke? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Bloke Teylon: Completely cold. Completely indifferent to the kids, and the man, that he killed. Not an ounce of empathy. My God, I feel nauseous. Strange. Maybe this is also Esmeralda''s doing? Give me some time to get my act together? Well, it''s blindingly clear what I''m supposed to do in this case, isn''t it? If I''m going to Judge him, at least look him in the eye. This is difficult. Gulp. Esmeralda, ah, on my own free will I request Judgement... Oh shit, that was Esmeralda, wasn''t it? A very angry Esmeralda. So that''s what she looks like when she is really angry. Memo to self. Never, ever, piss off an Angel of Death. An assassin. Hired by someone on Mars. Looks like this shit is real, and getting realer. There is no way I will be able to casually waltz into Verdant and set up shop unnoticed. I am well and truly on the radar of anyone in power. They might not have a clue as to what, if anything, I actually represent, but they will know that they should keep me in sight. Furthermore, this can only be by Esmeralda''s design.
Teylon: Getting off his backside Huh. I don''t need to wear a trainee helmet, like some kid learning to ride a scooter! I''m sure I can avoid slamming my head into door sills. I''m an adult, after all! It''s only supposed to be for a month or so, until one''s reflexes get used to things. But why bother? I''m here for a set task. And when it''s finished... Hmm, OK, let''s do some more reading about the Mars, shall we? The immigration system sounds as good a place as any. So, the indentured immigrants work under a starting debt. With compound interest. Regular interest and capital payments are extracted via the normal taxation system. At least the interest rate isn''t too high. So what happens if you get behind, I wonder? Hmm, you''re expected not to get behind. So, what if you die? Huh? If you are part of a family unit, your family is burdened with the remaining debt. That sounds a bit harsh. So if some poor kid''s parents are killed in an accident, that kid has to work off all the debt? I''m sure they have some method of wiping the slate clean. Whatever. With my financial resources, I don''t have to do a lick of work for the rest of my life here. Even if it is probably going to be very short. But if I don''t get out and do something Esmeralda will get impatient and make it even shorter. Well, humans are humans. And with light speed communications between the two planets, it is inevitable that we will continue to share major components of our cultures. It is the educational city, after all. Hello, there''s dark lane ways between the factories. With security cameras, but there are ways and means of negating them... No, no, I''m not here to do another job. Wait, actually, I''m sort of here precisely to do another job, aren''t I? Another job to benefit society by bringing down the high and mighty who have become corrupt, to level the playing field for the normal folks who have been taken advantage off... Hey, I''m not speaking to anyone, so I don''t need to go into my spiel. Not that it''s not true, of course. I suppose I''m fair game at the moment. Now, where am I? Let''s see, I''m still in the boundary between the city centre and the industrial area, and, ah, I''m right in front of the ''Neighbour Watch Centre #77. Right, so you can walk in the door, or just tap on the window, and the counter person can open it to have a chat. The hourly rate is pretty pathetic. I can only see students or retired people being interested... And what am I, if not retired? Narrative Causality It''s a big emphatic hint. Chapter 3: Teylon meets Adalace and Sarsaparilla Teylon: Meets someone real police and bust your... Shit." Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Sarawatch something was going on, without explaining what. Truncheon in one hand, she pushed open the door and smartly stepped through and to the side. Oh crap. This is really bad. Where the hell did he get a totally illegal gun? her, not himself!" Teylon: This must be a classic case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.. Especially considering there is some sort of cover up involved. The police can have it hard, sometimes. Only sometimes, mind you. Let''s see if I can get her to talk about it, without making it obvious that I already know a lot. But what about the cover up? This maybe ties into my task. Shit, did I just tell her my self-anointed handle? I''ve never told anyone else before. Shit! She''s getting a bit too close to the truth, here. I had better plead guilty to a small misdemeanour, to deflect her suspicions. As long as I don''t have to assist the police with their inquires... people in charge saw fit to assign me someone who is actually of some use. She might not be so good at restraining drunken louts, but when it comes to computer systems, she''s a positive genius. Here, I shall introduce you; she''s in the back office." Teylon: Meeting a genius programmer She''s cute. A cute doll. Even if she is tall. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Adalace Ha! An old man. Should have no problem with my cute little girl act. They are always such pushovers. He''ll be forgetting that my programming skills are so high that he will never be able to even comprehend them. Teylon: So, this is an act? So, what is the real Adalace like? Obviously someone who loves computer programming, amongst other things. And what was that about me being an old man? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Adalace Crap, he''s ignoring my cuteness display and going straight for my programming powers. Time to ramp it up! Actually it¡¯s in my very own computer language, which is a lot more effective that Lisp - but only to a super programmer like me! Teylon: She''s still trying to fight back, eh? Well, time to get serious. I''ll praise her work and ask for some explanation. assembly language insert?" Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Adalace Hey, maybe he actually knows a small amount about programming? Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Adalace Oh shit, I have totally dropped my nice girly display. Now what, will they treat me with disdain? Teylon: What''s all that about? Oh well, just try to reassure her. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Adalace Really? He''s not upset by me being a computer nerd? And what about Sarawatch? Teylon: Change the subject, fast! Deep underground Teylon: Scoring a level zero, and meets someone who finally has somebody to feel superior to. Sorry? I thought that was only for, you know, actual espers? This doesn''t make any sense. The first espers started to appear only twenty five years ago, and things really took off about five years after that. Hmm, there were some well-published tragedies with the first attempts, too. That''s a bit gruesome, it implies that they had to experiment to get it right... Although they try to play down that line of inquiry. Ah, I get it. Perhaps this is in response to that assassin¡¯s death. They are saying they suspect me of something, and intend to keep an eye on me. A cat and mouse game. Except that this small Teflon rat doesn''t have a clue about what the game is. Oh, my God, I feel so embarrassed, the only old person in the room. Just like one of those old-fashioned hair dryers. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Girl Ugh, is this old man trying to chat me up... Wait; did he say a level zero? Teylon: Oh, so I''m getting a soul reading. Or, this time, more like telepathy. So, she''s going to play an important part? And why do they all think of me as an old man. Damn it, I''m still young! Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Girl someone who has a lower score than me." I still have no ability. Sigh. And I can''t even afford an ice cream at the Frenzy, my credit card has flat lined until my next pay check. Teylon: Another hint. It really is useful getting these little nudges all the time. Allows me to have some idea of which direction to go. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The Girl Is this bloke for real? But, if it''s all public at the Frenzy, and, more importantly, he pays, well, then... Teylon: My, she''s a real sweetie, isn''t she? Except when tearing up her results card. Although wether it¡¯s the thought of meeting a potential new friend, or the thought of getting free ice cream, that swayed her... Now, what the hell, and where in hell, is the Frenzy? I can afford it. Now if I take a back seat and let the girls talk to each other, what will happen? Well, that''s a promising start. I think. Adalace: Reflecting on her first meeting with Sarsaparilla I''m going to have to ask them to install a more powerful air-conditioner. Those latest additions I made to my system are taxing the current one something chronic. Which would not be convenient, at all. Did the meeting with Sarsaparilla go well? I think so. She''s such a diminutive girl, just like a doll. And she has such nice hair and lovely copper brown skin - I can''t do anything about my skin colour, but perhaps I should cut my hair to be the same length? She''s bright and outgoing and always hopeful... Well, not always bright and hopeful. She must have had a few little difficulties in her life. Perhaps I''ll be able to get her to confide in me about them... Let''s think about that later, shall we? In the meanwhile, I must keep up my act of being a nice, cute girl. Even if I did slip the facade a few times. But still, I don''t think she minded, after all, it was only revealing that I like computers. Nothing else, she couldn''t see anything else. I have to keep up the act. I really want to become friends with her. I don''t want yet another failure. I don''t want Sarsaparilla disappearing from my life like my friends back then. Isn''t it a bit strange for an old man like him to be socialising with two teenage girls? Well, he did bring us girls together. And he seems to be a perfect gentleman. Whatever. Sarsaparilla: Reflecting on her first meeting with Adalace She''s really cute, even if she is tall. Slim, tall, and lovely long hair and such pure white skin. And so adorable. Most of the time. And when she occasionally gets serious about her computer work, it''s adorable in its own way. She has a level 350 ability, she''s good at school work, she''s a brilliant computer programmer, she''s got a really nice personality, and she looks so pretty. Even if she did like girls, she''ll never take a look at me. She''s obviously way out of my class. But, if I keep up my bright sparkly front, don''t give her any hints of what might lie beneath, maybe she will become a friend? Maybe this time not everybody will be taken away from me after a while. Shall I try again? Hell yes. I shall try again! Even if it is so hard. And where does Teylon fit in to all of this? Am I actually somewhat friendly with an old man? Weird. But, I suppose he did introduce me to Adalace, so... Chapter 4: Maggie the Magneto Maggie the Magneto: Ending up even more annoyed than usual. any way, then the only place to do it was Verdant. What a pain, but slacking off on one''s exercise is never an option on Mars. If I go through the public areas, I will have to look at all of those school kids with their groups of friends... Let''s just go through the back streets. It''s not as if there is anything of any danger to me. Damn that girl! She thinks, they all think, that I just get my ability from out of thin air! I can''t just drop my practice and go to a coffee shop just like that! And then, when I tried to explain, clearly explain, my situation, the whole thing just blew up. Geez, it''s not as if anyone was hurt or in danger! Just a few bits of metal flying around. Totally under my control! I need someone to be a bit more accommodating to my needs, you know. And, like, perhaps, less intimidated by my power - I mean, I don''t go around hurting anyone - Ah, there is definitely no need for anyone to be frightened of me! Oh, this is all too hard. Using impossible physics to demonstrate impossible magnetic super powers is waaaaaay easier. Again? Right. Again. This is such a nuisance. Doesn''t the word get around the local gangs about me? And the authorities never, ever, seem to be on time. What''s the point of all of those cameras and computerized monitoring systems, then? Sigh. Still, I can try to warn them. Oh well, looks like I will have to give them the extreme problems instead. This. I hope they spend the night in a cellblock. And I really hope they tell their friends all about me. Humph! Saying I have easily gained powers! It took me and a couple of researchers at the Esp Developmental Centre six months of hard work to develop that particular usage. So don''t tell me it''s easy, you morons! always late to these little ''conflicts'', and they never seemed to be bothered to clean out the gangs once and for all. Whatever. Teylon: Is saved by a teenage girl not a police officer. So no heroics! No getting into things beyond your depth! If you feel the situation calls for a police presence, then call them up, either by using your mobile, or pressing the emergency button." Let''s see, this is definitely the industrial area, All of these factories are a big hint. But I don''t quite know how I ended in this dark and interminably long alley, I thought I was following a main road. Well, I suppose I could always call up a map on my wrist screen. everything then his skills would start to atrophy. Let''s explore to the end of this lane, and then if I still can''t recognise my location, I''ll break out the Mars GPS. Crap. Now what do I do? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie What a nuisance. Now those thugs are attacking other people. Teylon: I get it. She''s important to my task, also. I, a middle-aged man, am being lectured on safety habits by a teenage girl. A cross looking teenage girl. What bloody cheek - err, maybe she has a point. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie No problems, old man! Teylon: This soul reading is almost cheating! I can safely ignore her spoken words and go by her internal words. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Really, I might meet some potential friends?... Sigh, it''ll probably go bad just like all of my previous attempts. But, still, I can try. And having someone buy me ice cream sounds nice. Not that I need to save money, mind you, but still. It''s nice to have my special skills appreciated. Teylon: Teylon: At the Frenzy with three teenage girls Middle-aged man, this time with three innocent teenage girls - I hope Grandma Frenzy doesn''t call the police on me. Yeah, girls. I see potential problems here, also. Phew, touched a nerve there. Let''s change the subject, shall we? Wow, they are certainly gung-ho in their approach to developing extreme esper powers. I''m starting to think they take the principle of laissez-faire a bit too far. Furthermore, they actually allowed her to develop this latest use of her ability without the slightest quibble? Well, it''s early days. Give it a few more times and they will be confident about asking each other for outings without me. Chapter 5: Erasyl the Eraser and Leroy the Levitator join the party Erasyl the Eraser: Having a lesson on ethics not appreciate her ability being cancelled while she is fifty metres down in one of the artificial oceans, would she?" But, I can''t argue with any of that, can I? don''t go for boys!" said Jeff. They didn''t invite me. Just like all of the other times. How am I going to get a girlfriend, or boyfriend, without making a pass at someone? How do I get to that point? Hello, someone''s wallet. More like a purse, ah, a name... Lily. Looks like I had better see if her phone number is in it, and ring her up... No way, she will either think I''m harassing her, or she will just make me feel embarrassed all over again. I know, I''ll hand it into to the nearest neighbourhood watch station. Teylon: Expanding his entourage by one more Adalace is so lucky; she is free to delve into her programming if there is nothing to do. Which is most of the time. Another half hour, then I get to do a walking-around-saying-hello-to-the-shop-keepers patrol. My goodness gracious me, something to do! OK, so I need to invite this boy along to join the others. That much is clear. But how, what do I use as a hook? Crap, me knowing three teenage girls does sound a bit funny, doesn''t it?
Teylon: It could be getting to be a habit Bloody hell, is it always this gusty? So, that''s why most people are inside. There''s plenty of choice, what say I pick one a bit in from the edge but away from anybody else... That one will do. I still can''t make this add up to anything constructive. Four teenagers, three with esper powers. One unhappy ex police officer, and a Teflon rat. What does that equation equal to? Sigh. Never mind. Looks like I''ll just have get over the old man bit. After all, being reincarnated and all of that, it doesn''t actually matter, does it? Crap, I forgot that this lot are not exactly stellar in the sociability stakes. I had better start breaking the ice. Teylon!" screamed Maggie. She was outside also, reaching out to them, but she was not closing in on them. Of course! She can''t fly if she''s too far away from some steel for her magnetic ability to catch. This is actually peaceful. In its own way. I''ve done it again, haven''t I? Killed myself saving a child''s life. I hope Esmeralda isn''t annoyed by my failure to complete my task. Unless I''m due to be saved? Leroy becomes a hero This is getting embarrassing. The girl and the boy seem to be stuck to the steel column... Some sort of magnetic ability? Easy, accelerate, brake, end up right above him, wrap my arms around him, flip him over and accelerate back up. Assume he weighs 75 kg, add to my 50 kg, then loss of height will be 800 metres while I slow down our ascent. The floor is a full kilometre below. No problems! Probably terrified, I had better try to say something more. Yeah, Teylon''s the real hero here. He risked his life, while I was safe at all times. Well, maybe I can privately claim just a little bit of the accolade? extreme annoyance? I was a hero, even if only a little bit wasn''t I? But it doesn''t really make up for... No, it doesn''t. But, this new group looks like they could be far better company than my old group. Although it is strange that they have such an old man with them. But, whatever. Chapter 6: Teylon socialises the teenagers, with some ‘Help’ from his Angel of Death Five teenagers almost end up killing each other boy!¡± please come here immediately! After a mere five minutes of meeting each other, the so called friendship group you have created is about to descend into murder and mayhem and I really think you should take responsibility and do something about it!"
Teylon: Saving the day Take a deep breath. And another. Right. That''s right, on Earth I actually did die. In resurrecting me, Esmeralda must have turned right down my shock response. While this time, I didn''t actually die. So I''m left to deal with the stress all by myself. It''s a shame I don''t drink. One of those good stiff drinks the hero is always quaffing down at such moments would be nice. Shit, they really are hopeless at making friends. But how am I supposed to fix whatever mess they have gotten themselves into? I''m not a relationship counsellor, you know. Yeah, they definitely look strained. Oh, bloody hell. What do I do now? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Sarsaparilla It always ends badly. Nobody stays with me, nobody. Perhaps I should just die and get it over and done with. Teylon: Shit, she''s suicidal? But she''s always so cheerful and positive... Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Adalace Always fighting. And bullying. Why can''t people be nice to each other. And nice to me. I''m sick to death of it all. And always telling me to be something I''m not. Maybe I should just give up, no one will miss me I''m sure. Teylon: Oh. Adalace too. There''s apparently more going on beneath that cute exterior than we suspected. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Mum dies and leaves me alone, Dad''s only interest in me is to continually push me to be some sort of perfect student and daughter, all my previous attempts to get friends end in failure, and now this screaming debacle. Maybe I should ''accidently'' miss-time one of my practice explosion trials and just end it all. Teylon: Sigh. This is getting depressing. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Erasyl My father and my brothers tease me all the time, every time I try to initiate some sort of relationship I get slapped down, obviously I''m hopeless at this. I''ll die a virgin for sure. Perhaps I should make it sooner rather than later? Teylon: Well, I already knew he didn''t have a clue when it came to finding a boy/girl friend. But how am I going to help him? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Leroy At this rate I''ll never be a hero to anyone. Never make up for the pain. And I had such high hopes, too, for this lot. Maybe I''ll give up on this group, just like I have with the others. I can wait a decent interval so that they don''t make any association, then fly myself into the ground at high speed. Teylon: All five are suicidal? All five? What are the odds of that happening by chance... None. Narrative Causality says the selection of these five kids must be deliberate. Esmeralda must have planned this, for currently unknown purposes. And, right now, it looks like I''m being held responsible. My immortal soul is being held ransom for the sake of their well-being. Oh. Shit. What sin did I commit to deserve this...? Actually let''s not go down that track, OK? How the hell do I start this? Ah, thanks, Esmeralda. dickhead made two gross remarks about me, and then he turned off my ability!" Sigh. I''ll have to agree with Maggie, he does act like a dickhead. On the other hand, I know from Esmeralda that he has potential. dickhead pass at me?" God help me, am I really doing this? Right. I''m in no danger, am I? No, none at all. None at all. Although it is scary. But it''s comforting having my hands held... I''m glad nobody else apart from these teenagers can see me now, holding hands with a boy and a girl. Kind of embarrassing. Right, keep thinking about such things, don''t think about the darkness and helplessness, I can wait it out. I can, it won''t take long. I hope. Say something before we all slide back into the depths of hell! If we all depart our separate ways now, it will be a great big letdown. It also means they have nothing much in the way of anything positive to take away with them. Well, looks like there''s nothing for it but to make an offer... This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Teylon: Confession is good for your soul. At least, that is Esmeralda''s opinion. Oh-Oh. This could get sticky. I''ll have to deflect their interest... Telyon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Himself too much about it. Although, when we finally get around to Judgement time, I''m sure we will have a really fascinating talk about how you made your fortune, Mr Teflon Rat." Telyon: Bloody hell. Does this mean I''m to tell them about my professional life. What sin did I commit...? Oh, never mind. if I may so inquire?" not a common thief! I have standards! I don''t ruin the lives of some battler struggling to earn enough money to pay the rent each week! I''m above that! It''s like calling a cordon bleu chef a hamburger cooker! Or calling a heart transplant surgeon a butcher!" South Seas... Oh - Oh, I remember that one. Where the hell is this leading to? Mr Rat, but my grandparents were one of the ones who invested their life savings into the scheme. Apparently, those sleazy businessmen were pretty slick in their sales spiel. They managed to talk my grandparents into handing over everything they had. When the police finally finished with their investigations, it was found that there was only enough money left over in those secret accounts to pay the taxman and the first in line creditors. My grandparents lost everything, and my mother, who was then studying at university, had to give up her career plans and take on cleaning jobs just to support herself and them. So maybe it wasn''t all that well, after all?" Crap, crap, crap. This is getting real ugly, real fast. Do I have to subject myself to an inquisition by five immature, callow teenagers? Teylon¡¯s Direct Message from Esmeralda YES Teylon: Sweats it out Gulp. Looks like I do. Why didn''t I? Well, you know, it''s, ah, well, not that simple! Damn these kids. Do I have to bare my soul here... Shit. With an Angel of Death breathing down my neck, what other choice is there? five cases of rape. Four female and one male victim. And in all cases it was a man who did it! Don''t you dare tell me that the situations are equivalent!" boy dared to contradict her. Wow, that really touched a nerve there. Just what is behind that facade? Chapter 7: More true confession time for Teylon Deep underground something, even if I can''t grasp exactly what he is trying to achieve." he said. Sarawatch: Hearing some choice gossip #1 Nobody cares what I do in this stupid job, anyway. Strange, she looks a little spaced out. Wonder what she has to think about? She''s turning on that cute look again, medium strength. And now there''s a sly look on her face, trying to hide behind that smile. You should have thought of that before you told me, young lady. He''s beginning to get nervous. Now, why would someone who is so accomplished at talking himself into anybody''s trust be willing to reveal so much about himself? But why? Conmen don''t go around telling the truth. He''s actually beginning to sweat. No wonder Adalace and the others had so much fun yesterday. exploit - these kids in any way, are you?" What a shame. But, still... Those teenagers, they own him, good and proper, don''t they? Teylon: Judges again, and is forced to be honest again some standards. So, wearing freshly ironed trousers, a good but not too ostentatious shirt with a tie plus matching tie clip, he set off. They met at the location, and sat around one of the tables, provided for just these purposes. Within half an hour of the food being delivered, it had all been demolished, leaving nothing behind but a pile of paper plates, plastic utensils and a few bushels of crumbs. Feeling in good mood, the teenagers happily cleaned up, and Leroy zoomed across the grass, one metre up, to the nearest rubbish bin and back again. Groan. Oh my god, he really is hopeless when dealing with girls. And boys, too, for that matter. anything about such matters! Otherwise Maggie will take it to be a declaration of hostilities, and you might not survive next time!" Couldn''t have said it better myself. It''s not very animated or skilful conversation, but at least they are talking to each other. Oh my god. Oh my god. Just what was that man doing to that girl...? This is bad, far far worse than before. There is absolutely no choice but to - wait! Damn - I have five teenagers watching me. I can''t have them see someone drop dead! I catch up to him, then call out his name - err, what is his name? Now that''s handy. I''ll call out his name, look him right in the eye, and... Shit, those damn kids are following me! I''m losing my cool. Since when did I ever do that? Maybe I need to wait until the kids have gone home? Damn, he''s actually planning for the next time! If he gets away now, I don''t know where he lives, I don''t know how to get to him in time. If I let another girl die because I didn''t act now then it''s my soul that will be getting the blame! Judgement! That was Esmeralda, wasn''t it? A really really bad nightmare version of Esmeralda. I don''t have to worry about ever meeting her when she looks like that, do I? I could never in a million years do anything that deserves that sort of treatment, could I? I hope not. My god, I hope not. OK, now what do I do, Oh - shit. Teylon do this?" Esmeralda, this is deliberate, isn''t it? Again. Shit, how do I convince them? I mean, am I sure myself... Of course I am. Otherwise, nothing makes sense. But, still... Damn it, she''s not the least bit cute at this moment! Is she actually enjoying my discomfit? Nice friend she is! Let''s not say anything about me knowing that all five of them, God help me, have been suicidal at some point. Or should that be Angel help me? I certainly hope I never meet them in a dark and lonely alley when they are looking like that... Oh yeah? I am now declaring that something happened to you, for sure. I wonder if he is hiding something, also? Even without any soul readings, I detect a pattern here. Sarawatch: Hearing some choice gossip #2 Today she looks serious for once. I wonder why? This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.
Deep underground
Teylon: Having a brisk, uneventful, walk home So, if I take a loop around the town centre, cut across the park, over the bridge, back via the next bridge and then straight for the north tower, at a brisk pace, I should satisfy my persistently demanding exercise software. I have my group of faithful retainers - well, reasonably compliant teenagers, as long as I feed them enough food. But, I still don''t know what to do. Perhaps I should be proactive for once? They have elections, but only for limited roles. Definitely not a true democracy. More like an interlocking series of companies, with executive staff of each company appointed by their company boards, and answerable to their owners. Where the owners are other companies, plus shareholders. Sort of like you can have a vote if you have enough money to buy enough shares - or influence. I smell a definite rat here, and not a Teflon one either. The fact that everyone on Mars lives in a totally enclosed, artificially maintained, environment where a single mistake could kill thousands, where single mistakes have killed thousands, is certainly a huge justification for some sort of governance that is different from Earth''s democracies. But, the current system is also provides ideal conditions for hiding things. Like shady deals ripping off citizens, running corrupt rackets in the background that provide ''exclusive'' services to selected (as in wealthy) clients, running things to an agenda that the average person would not agree with, all sorts of things. Yeah, I know the sorts of things they can get up to. This is definitely a job for a Teflon Rat. Only, this time I''m not going to worry about the money. fascinating talk about his career. Definitely not about the money. Definitely not. This time he really was going to do it for the common good. Err, not that I wasn''t doing it for the common good before, mind you, just that, aw, forget it. Let''s just get back on track, shall we? The Teflon Rat is on the move, once again! This could be fun! Another assassin: Briefly Perfect shot, no problems. Huh? What the - Teylon: Keeps walking The cat is chasing something? Although I could have sworn the scream was further out. Oh well, whatever. I wonder if one of the teenagers has a cat? Actually, it might be idea to start visiting each other''s living quarters. Especially if they have a cat. Right, at the gathering tomorrow I''ll float the idea.
Deep Underground Chapter 8: Teylon falls flat on to his face. Teylon: Deciding to act alone OK, hunch over a bit, widen my walking stance a little, yep, those kids might recognise me, but a casual passerby wouldn''t. I wish this wig wasn''t so hot and itchy, but. If I start sweating, the makeup will run. There he is! Security slack, as expected. This is where I have to be nimble. Good, she is already thinking about going home. Now casually glance at the parcels the courier is carrying... Store room, toilets, lunchroom, a row of offices, ah, one without a name label. Maybe it is unoccupied? As expected, most of the doors are not locked. Might as well help them out. Doesn''t appear to be anything here - wait, what was that? Is this a little hint from Esmeralda? Damn, can''t see anything out of the ordinary - wait, is that it? Wonder how long that''s been there? Damn, some late night workers. Oh shit, why aren''t they going to their offices? Wait a minute! Are they actually going to...? And me! And, what''s more, you should be ashamed of yourselves for being so dishonest with your partners! OK, OK, so maybe there are valid reasons for this. It''s not as if I can really lecture you about honesty, anyway. Hello, this is an openable window. Why on Mars would you have an opening window sixty stories up - ah, of course, this is Mars after all. They must be catering to the occasional levitating esper. Let''s see, there''s magnetically levitating espers like Maggie, full gravitational control espers like Leroy, and, also, don''t some espers who can produce shields have the ability to move their shields around? Keep distracting myself! Presumably to allow the levitator to stabilise themselves getting in or out of the window. Well, I could just blackmail them - No! Shit, this is getting farcical. Perhaps I could just apologise and run past them and out? Or maybe even just make a runner without apologising? Nyah, too embarrassing. I''ll just wait outside for a little. What? But I''ve never been worried about heights before - Oh, I get it. Falling from the observational platform when I saved the boy must have triggered something. This is really bad. Wait! Oh - Wait! Wait! Aren''t you going to come back to clean your cups! Show some responsibility! Shit! Shit! Shit! I have never screwed up as much as this! But wait! I have my mobile. Think! The mobile is in my pocket in its Faraday cage. I hope I don''t have a heart attack at this rate. Whom do I call? The police... Yeah, sure, he could well imagine the questions... That''s preferable to falling. Except that he probably won''t be able to do anything more about his task, and so Esmeralda will call him in anyway. Oh, bloody hell. After she gets me to safety, I''m going to pay for this, I can just tell. Maggie lives closer, but she can''t fly straight here, she has to hug the ground and fly along any steel tracks or hand rails she can find. Leroy lives further out, but can fly straight in. If one of them doesn''t get to me soon, I''m going to be reporting to a very unimpressed Angel of Death. Yeah, isn''t there. Gotta wiggle out of this one. This is too much! There''s no way I''m going to reveal to this mob the full extent of my debacle! You have to be kidding! Give me some time and I can come up with a plausible sounding story that doesn''t make me look too stupid. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: himself, again Teylon: Shit. Looks like they will be laughing at me, after all. How long is this torture going to last? I really hope I wasn''t as bad as that when I was a teenage boy. Now, wait on Maggie, surely I''m not that bad? Where the hell did all this come from? Oh crap, does Maggie want to start Mars War Number One? Maggie the virgin, never had a boyfriend, offering relationship advice to another virgin. Although, it''s not bad advice. Damn, I was hoping they had completely forgotten about that. Over confident much, young lady? On the other hand, she does appear to be good... Oh my God. Using examples purely from my experiences with you lot, the answer to that question will take two straight hours to give! You''re not going to ask for my opinion? Apparently not. Oh my God. Surely I don''t deserve all of this? Deep underground Chapter 9: Introducing the Girls in Pink, and Adalace’s expedition Devina: Finds a new home Yeah, he hit the ground hard enough to produce a splat of blood. It''s over. Why didn''t I do this when it all started? I can''t go anywhere anyway, so they might as well just leave me here. Is that all? They just kick me out? Whatever. What do I do? What do I want to do? Not much. Strange, in a city this size there should be lots more. But, so what. Tastes like cardboard. But who cares. I think I had better leave that to when Francesca herself decides to talk about it.
Adalace: Arranges an expedition My plan is working! So far. This is embarrassing, hurry through it. not describe this, this..." If she doesn''t want to go then there''s no point in me arranging it, is there? Well, there is, but it can wait. Deep breath here. Or even four! Make sure she doesn''t think that anything weird might be going on! So there''ll be Maggie with us, also! See, nothing weird going on. And who cares what the boys think about it. She agreed! She agreed! Hee hee hee! There are wheels within wheels for my little plan! So nice to show off, so nice to have her impressed. Another deep breath here. Now I have to get the rest on board. Now, tackle Teylon first. Mid strength smile, since I don''t think he falls for my cute display any more. Next, Maggie. More serious expression, but still smiling. Now, Leroy. Big friendly smile, lean towards him. Erasyl is a push over. Three lovely girls and a handsome boy. No problems! But, to be sure, I give him a full power smile. Of course, this time there will not be any need for his ability. Thankfully. Hopefully there will be no problems. Kilobytes. I mean, you couldn''t do any programming with such a microscopic memory footprint. But, they had to start somewhere!" Although it would be nice to have it on my bookcase. Now comes the difficult part. Teylon looks as if he is about to burst out laughing. Well, here goes. Whew. They''re all on board. I can find my VIC-20, and spend three (or maybe even four!) days living with Sarsaparilla. Oh, plus the others, of course. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
Sarawatch: Hears about the trip plans It''s still a pity he''s not available.
Leroy: Travelling across Mars with the others This is exciting. I haven''t been on a group outing since my junior school days. Which didn''t work out too well, but let''s not dwell on that. I know I should walk to get my exercise, but to hell with that, I''m flying! I can sit on a bench and saviour the anticipation - what, Erasyl and Maggie are also arriving early? Ooh, together! I bet Adalace planned this trip just to get some time with Sarsaparilla. Teylon''s giving a pretty good imitation of a responsible teacher. Will the computer accept this? Or will it cross check to make sure that the chief driver is also nominated leader? Maggie is right, Teylon really is a con man. Except when that angel of his makes him be honest. Yeah, did he? Maybe I can learn something about how to get a girlfriend? Leroy turned his head to Teylon in anticipation. Maggie is definitely the cynical one amongst us. What bullshit! I''m going to be better than that! Leroy was almost smirking. Oh shit, shit, shit. I was bullying, wasn''t I? I broke my promise to myself, never act like a bully. Shit. And what''s with the red hot mini poker? Shit, don''t give myself away! Keep control of myself! Is that a good enough explanation to satisfy their questions? Chapter 10: IronBark Adventures Leroy: Travels across Mars Oh-oh. I really don''t want to sleep next to Erasyl, after all he does go both ways. But, I don''t dislike him or anything, so saying something will be really impolite. So what do I do...? Teylon to the rescue again! Must come from being an adult. Typical, he''s obsessed with that question. Ah, actually, so am I. I just don''t show it as much. three extra males? They could just have made a reservation for two somewhere. Like the Blue Ocean Dome, spend three or four days swimming and sun baking by the sea shore." I bet so too. But I''m not risking my life asking Maggie that question. Sarsaparilla: Has a fight That''s right, I''m on a camping trip. Amazing. She''s right here, next to me. And she''s a friend. And, this time, we are both old enough to make our own decisions about where we live. So no one''s going to come and take her away. She''s so lovely. She''s so cute... although she was really angry when Leroy was hammering Teylon yesterday. I wonder what that was all about? Also, I need to go to the toilet as soon as possible. Teylon looks pretty laid back about everything, in fact he sometimes appears to be amused by it all. So, did Adalace arrange this all just so that she could be with me? I need to make the most of the opportunity! anyone, did you?" said Leroy. Before Teylon introduced me to Adalace, I could have ended up like that. A loner, all by myself. I really don''t want to go back to that state. I going to do whatever it takes to be with Adalace. Even if the process is painful. Industrial Dome Ironbark Maggie: Has a nice talk for once with Erasyl So, they''re already having arguments and they are barely an item yet. Do all couples start that way? I suppose I wouldn''t mind finding someone. Ugh, no, definitely not. Looks like it''s boys only. Teylon? Double ugh. He''s far too old. And he may be a reformed con man, but still. Leroy? Nyah, he has potential as a friend, but, I don''t know, he''s just not my sort. Erasyl? Who are you kidding? Totally inappropriate. Never mind, I''m sure I''ll find someone some day. They both have such nice figures, with curves in all the right places. Unlike me. Almost flat, and no curvy hips, either. I could easily pass as a slim male. Maybe I should grow my hair out long? At least I can be proud about my legs. Huh? The nametag says ''Sarsaparilla''. So did they make a mistake...? Like hell, they deliberately swapped over! The green tree frog admirer doesn''t seem too happy, does he? Also, he is resolutely keeping his eyes off my body, so I suppose I can grant him a point or two for that. Did he give me a nice compliment for a change? And is he desperate to get to the toilet? Hee, hee, I could go first and make him suffer... But on the other hand... So, so, the two girls are respecting each other''s boundaries when it comes to eating. Although they look terribly self-conscious about it all. And everyone else is pretending not to notice. All a fuss over nothing. It''s amazing how a few strange noises in an abandoned dome can freak us all out. Chapter 11: Esp Fight at IronBark Dome Maggie: Has a real fight What the hell was that! I hope to hell they stay in that side alley. Did they attack me...? They''re trying to kill us? For God''s sake why? That stupid bitch! Bloody hell! She can intercept attacks faster than me, so none of mine get anywhere near her. But she doesn''t appear to have any shielding, so while her attacks might get close to me, I can protect myself from them. I''ll go across the road, keep going down that alley way. Hopefully it will lead them away from the others. And, bloody hell, Teylon is heavy. Fortunately my legs don''t have to take the weight. straight through the building! Eek! She can track me without even seeing me! If I don''t watch out, this building will collapse on us, trapping us in this alley, if not crushing us. And, firing through a building seems to only slow her down a little. But I''m at a severe disadvantage, I can''t return anything. I should get back into the open, but do I fly away from the others, or go back? Remain low, so that those attackers never have a need to look at the rooflines. So, she''s going to hit me has hard as possible when I reappear, hey? Shit, I''m going to have to make sure to intercept each incoming. Doesn''t this lady ever give up? I should fly away, get out of her range - Shit! that leaves the other four in her range. Leroy will presumably escape, and he could carry one other, but that still leaves two behind - Shit! What''s she doing! Oh. The entire street level side of the building appears to have crumbled away, and is letting the second story drop out. And onto us. That''s not going to help you! If I go around the wall and confront that her, I might get the building above me collapsed onto me. Fortunately I don''t need to do that! You know, I sure do appreciate Erasyl''s presence. Sometimes. why are you going around killing people, apparently only men, and who commissioned you to do this?" bitches came and slaughtered my companions!" That''s Teylon reading the man''s soul, isn''t it? You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.
Sarawatch: Has a call out Ain''t he a real smooth operator. But at least he is prepared to accept responsibility. enterprise." you know about these so called ''officially sanctioned hits''? said Teylon, beginning to look agitated. His voice had a certain edge to it. Shit, there is nothing I can do if they do decide to do anything, is there? am going to cheat. Every time someone catches me in the act, they get some of my points. OK?" Certainly, you may! I''m glad some of my friends from my police days still regard me as a friend. She so wants to get more time with Adalace. Won''t be long before they are meeting all by themselves! Francesca: Having a discussion Should I bring this up, or not? Hmm, I guess I have to, it is bugging me. Sigh, her father must have been a real bastard. A really really bad one. some standards. That we only kill those who really deserve it, and that we make it as quick as possible." How I hated them. And that one in particular, he deserved what he got. It has been eight years. Time is passing. Am I, perhaps, getting over all of that? I wonder if I''m getting tired of killing. Chapter 12: Adalace and Sarsaparilla start to get along with each other Deep Underground was the first week of the school holidays, and this is exactly the sort of thing that Adalace would do, both to search for her beloved VIC-20, and also to get time with Sarsaparilla. And that diary and photo definitely indicate that the VIC-20 was at the dome." said Teresa. not to be easily spoofed in this manner, and how she managed to discover all of the required passwords, is pretty amazing. Our chief programmer could hardly believe his eyes at the way she did the coding to drive this thing." our Adalace. Teylon is, step by step, subverting all of our preparations for claiming her. Not to mention our plans for the other teenagers." said Lenny. He sounded very aggrieved. years of slowly pushing her into our required direction. And, even then, the forecasts suggest it could be iffy. But, now? With Adalace and Teylon? I don''t think we any longer have a chance, even if she doesn''t successfully become a couple with Adalace." said Arnold. Sarsaparilla: A gathering at her place. The mean little thing! And after I fed him lots of yummy food! Hey, he didn''t bite Teylon! What''s he got that I don''t? Adalace is now teasing me? That''s kind of nice. Now I''m being fed by her! The party is going well. The first party I have ever hosted. And Adalace looks gorgeous! Tough luck, boy! accidently slip and cut you!" Hmm, Erasyl looks slightly miffed. Poor boy, no girlfriend for him. He''s trying to pretend he doesn''t care by looking at my pictures. Maggie has such gorgeous legs! Boys are so disgusting sometimes! But at least they didn''t keep staring... No! No! How could this happen? No! Oh my God no! This is a nightmare... He has actually got some tears in his eyes? I never... I''m being smothered in kindness and friendship here. It''s so warm. It''s so warm in Adalace''s arms... This is very nice, but I think we are both starting to get embarrassed. We are sitting on my bed, after all... Sarawatch: Hearing some choice gossip #3 I''m tired of reading detective stories from a long gone century. I''m bored of all of this... Although Teylon and his motley crew certainly provided a bit of excitement there for a while. If a member of the public sees me through the glass, then tough. My, she''s certainly pre-occupied today. Not to mention the fact that her displays of cuteness have gone down quite dramatically lately. Now what is all of that about? The total loner, never needing anyone, is now fully involved with five teenagers. In a wholesome way, of course. Humph, he doesn''t recognise his own emotions in the matter. Poor thing. Esmeralda is being a bit devious with her plans, isn''t she? Let him sit and stew for a while. Adalace: Her first date Sigh. I brought these shoes especially for my first date... The shoes are a success... But why can''t my date be a success too? Teylon''s worse secrets! And he''s an ancient old man! So why can''t you tell me yours? I known without a doubt that you have some." I''m not the only one with problems, you know! Bloody hell, we could have just brought two ice creams, instead of having a big fight over one and wasting it. This is so painful, are we really compatible after all? Do I ask her if we can hold hands, or not? Does she want to, or maybe she doesn''t? This is so difficult! Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Sarsaparilla: Her first date Damn, it''s packed. I didn''t expect to have to admit it publicly so soon... I could have sworn I had on my sweet, hopeful looking smile back then. She must be very astute at observing people. Ouch, that''s still painful, even if it is true. Chapter 13: Adalace and Sarsaparilla ‘help’ Teylon with some more true confession time Adalace: Getting some more help from Teylon I think it does." said Sarsaparilla. Rubbish, it''s a complete clash. The bastards! Shit, I¡¯m getting carried away here, don''t reveal too much. We must be the only couple out here who are having an uncomfortable time. He really can be smooth, suave, and debonair when he wants to be. I didn''t really notice before, I think I must have been so intent on projecting my own cute facade. Sadly, I don''t think he falls for it any longer. Neither does Sarsaparilla, for that matter. Yean, I can see that he has calculated his location to a nicety. Erasyl could take a few lessons from him on that. Yeah, was it? He''s trying to wiggle out of saying anything - let''s see what I can do... I don''t want to hear about him being a decent fellow! Even if it is with prostitutes. Wait a minute- Bullshit. He''s still keeping quiet about something. And by that faint sneer on Sarsaparilla''s face, she thinks so too. lady make such a big mistake? Did you talk about that?" said Adalace. And? And?" I''ve got him cornered here! I just need a few more hints... I know! forced to think about it, I feel, I feel." Adalace, that''s enough!" Yes. She''s right. I was getting out of control there. Letting things through that I should keep blocked. So he still doesn''t know about me. Thankfully. Teylon: Recovering from his ordeal Bloody hell! Could I have saved Emilia? Could I? Shit! I might have been able. Or I might have failed. Face it. I never tried. I''ll never know. I feel horrible. And, when we get to know about Adalace''s dark past, I bet it''s going to be a doozy. Teylon: Hosting a social get together Bloody hell, I can''t argue, can I? Otherwise, I get pulled up by my personal Angel of Death. Deep underground Chapter 14: Both Sarsaparilla and Maggie have nasty scares. Teylon: Doing his party trick again It''s night time already. Right, an asteroid alert, category zero. What''s this, about the fifth since I''ve been on Mars? It certainly can be scary, living in a fragile dome surrounded by vacuum and vulnerable to any little hypersonic rock that decides to make us a little visit. And nice to know that there is something above me that can take out said rock, if need be. Do they do it with lasers, or by firing projectiles? Never mind. Whatever it is, I''m sure they have done their best to ensure our safety. All of this research is fine, yes, but is it getting me anywhere with my task? Not really. Still not much joy here, is there? It''s obvious that the powers that be are not releasing much in the way of useful information. So, what are they hiding? Maybe they want to keep it all to themselves? After all, they are extremely careful not to let any espers get anywhere near the surface of Earth. Although they grudgingly allow some out to the asteroid belt settlements. After all, without esp users powering the spaceships, the asteroid settlements would be severely handicapped. Let''s see, esp powers were announced a little less than twenty five years ago. To much disbelief, of course. It took five or so years before they were generally accepted. And, of course, one reason for the slow acceptance was that the first espers were little babies and toddlers. So, if the oldest known espers are about twenty five, and allowing for a few years before that for them, whoever they are, to get going, then I suppose that means they must have started about thirty years ago. Reading between the lines, there must have been some tragedies with the first espers. Although all of the official documentation tends to skirt around the issue. But still, it is there in the official application form. So, it can only be done at about the 14th week point in a pregnancy. It doesn''t cost anything. Which is interesting, normally you have to pay for everything on Mars. There is a clear warning that there are dangers associated with the procedure. And, hmm, the would be mother is put under a light sedative at the hospital, and is taken - somewhere - for the procedure, and returned. And no one knows where. And we still don''t know how. After thirty years, and all of the research might of Earth, no one has figured out what the hell an esp ability is. That''s right, the governments and military organisations and universities went nuts trying to work out what was going on. I guess they are still trying, although I lost interest in the whole subject after a while. And is all of this relevant to my task? Probably. After all, I have gathered five teenagers all with esp implants - although Sarsaparilla''s doesn''t appear to be functional. I remember now, it wasn''t just the Martian discovery of esp abilities that stirred things up, it was the whole colonise Mars thing. Ah, yes, that school project I did, way back when I was in junior high. Gave me the perfect excuse to talk about a prostitute (well, ex-prostitute) and a crooked billionaire in front of class, and even the teacher never suspected that that was my underlying intention. Those two ladies must have been running some grand con there, I''m sure. Somehow, when all of the major super powers had given up on space exploration, they, the leaders of their respective minor countries, managed to launch a research project to get man onto Mars. And they actually managed to do so! By the time of my talk, there were already people living permanently on Mars. Did that ever stir up the geopolitical scene! A couple of little pipsqueak countries beating the super powers into space! And because of that I was able to talk about Molly the prostitute and Imelda the billionaire despot for twenty minutes to a bunch of school kids! Oh, to be a teenage hormone charged boy again - not. Although I''ve never been able to work out how they pulled off that heist. Apparently, no one has. They must have had access to top-secret scientific data from somebody, that''s for sure. But none of the major powers owned up to being the original owners. Well, anyway, that was a grand con for sure. Reminds me of my own, minor, cons. Those were the days, stealing from the rich and corrupt and distributing the largess around to the more worthy. Ah, such fun times... OK! OK! Esmeralda! I take the hint. Sigh. I wasn''t so crash hot, after all. Ah, I''m tired of this. I should get out and do some walking or weight lifting... Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Sarsaparilla Yeah, Teylon is sure correct, relationships are difficult. But we seem to be making some sort of progress. Teylon: Err, a soul reading from Sarsaparilla? But, why? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: An unknown man. Teylon: Sarsaparilla! Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Yet another unknown man. Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Yet another unknown man. Teylon: Oh shit. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: An unknown man. Teylon: Who the hell is he? And why did his thoughts seem so - blank? Shit, I''ve got to ring her! Where''s my telephone? Oh, that''s right, this is Mars, it''s on my wrist. Damn, I''m not very good at this emergency response thingy, am I? Wait, I know someone who is! She''s all right. All right. I can relax. Err, wait on, I''m hugging a teenage girl whom I''ve never done anything more than shake hands with - and she only likes girls - oh I know what happened, but they just have my word for it. What a relief, now they won''t all think I''ve gone nuts. two spare bedrooms. extremely illegal on Mars. After all, they lived in pressurised domes that were made out of thin layers of materials. Having a bullet go through those layers was not something that anyone wanted. So guns and rifles were extremely rare on Mars, and the places that could possibly manufacture them all had a lot of oversight. Consequently, it was a very interesting question as to where that rifle came from. I really panicked there, didn''t I? The thought of Sarsaparilla dying was enough to fill me with panic and fear. Those kids... Sarawatch is going to have fun at my expense the next time we meet, that''s for sure. Deep Underground killing her." said Arnold. Maggie: Shocked and horrified to her core. I wonder how Dad is going. The latest news doesn''t seem all that promising, although he would never admit that anything bad was happening. Huh? I''m sure they had confirmed my regular practice session booking. No emails about any cancellations, either. Well, damn it, if they''re too lazy to turn up and not even give me notice, I''m just going to go up to the surface and do some practice. Hmm, perhaps I won''t go full out, since there is no emergency backup. I''ll aim to practice fine control instead of trying to produce the biggest blast possible. I wish they would get around to repairing that. I don''t want to be continually reminded of my poor aim on that day. Someone else is here? Now that''s dangerous, two separate people practicing dangerous manoeuvre without the command centre coordinating them... Say, isn''t that Shane the Shield? He''s practicing making small shields? Strange, what exactly is he doing... There''s someone else! So they''re having a sparring contest... Hey, she''s a girl, looks like a teenager my age... Must be her ability. She fires at Shane who blocks them. And then he fires a small spherical shield back... What? What!? Whaaaat?? Damn the cheapskates; they must have used plastic membranes to seal the ground! I need to call the medicos - wait a moment! She''s visibly fading. No worries like hell! Why is she talking like that? He''s mad. Mad. Cloning doesn''t work like that. But cloning a person in a month is impossible. Impossible! Anyone with high school level knowledge of biology and genetics and human intelligence would know that! And what''s that crap about getting a boost? My God! My God! What do I do? Before I start screaming, I had better get help. Ignore the blood. Ignore the blood. Whom do I ring? Chapter 15: Maggie’s Continuing Misadventures Sarawatch: Has a real duty, for once. This is just like the time I got kicked out of the police force, isn''t it? Adalace looks frightened. Teylon looks like he''s worried about Maggie. And wondering what the hell this all means. And what am I feeling? Sigh. Right, Sarawatch, just act like a professional police officer, damnit! Even if I''m not actually one anymore. Another unknown dead girl, soaked in blood. Yeah, she''s dead. No doubt about that. Now there''s blood on my hands, too. But it''s not my fault, is it? Not my fault that I wasn''t able to save this girl, is it? Adalace looks as if she is desperately trying to avoid touching the blood on Maggie''s uniform. What now? Teylon; Having more guests at his apartment Let''s see, I could invite Maggie to stay in my spare bedroom - ah, but a teenage girl staying in a single man''s apartment? I know-" Erasyl: Getting some time with Maggie OK, let''s do it. After all, I''ve already done this twice before. Actually, I kind of like your company. And not just because of your pretty legs. No, definitely not just for that. Shame that Leroy volunteered for the afternoon walk. Gotta think of something to say! Something which she won''t try to kill me for! And must continue keeping my eyes off her lovely body! Sarsaparilla and Adalace got by far the lowest scores. I think he must be getting back at them. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Teylon: Being woken up early Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Teylon: What the hell is that? Ah, this must be a soul reading from Maggie? But why? And where is she, anyway? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Teylon: She''s on the roof of the dome? No, wait, how was the dome constructed again? So, she must be on the inside of the first layer? And judging by the brief image of the river, that must be North Tower just to one side. So she is climbing towards the centre of the roof? What''s she doing there? And at this time in the morning? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie I''m sorry, mum. I didn''t mean to. I just wanted to be with you. I didn''t want you to die. Teylon: What do I do? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Mum''s dead. And now Dad''s dead. No wonder Dad was distant the last few years, after Mum died. I thought he was just grieving her, but it was because of me. Teylon: She obviously needs help in some way. Esmeralda! Let me get in contact with her! Damn, she must have taken it off. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie I''m sorry Mum. I didn''t mean to kill you. I''m sorry Dad, I didn''t mean to make you last years so miserable. Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie I''m just a useless burden to everyone. No one will miss me. Once they find out, they won''t want to know me either. And it was such fun being with them. Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie I''ll just get higher and then fall off the roof. It''s predawn, so there''s no one out, so I won''t hit anyone at the ground. Mum, Dad, I''m sorry. Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Maggie It''s so painful. There''s no point in delaying it any longer. I''m sorry Mum, I only wanted to dance with you one more time. I hope Teylon and the others don''t miss me too much. It''s getting cold, really cold. I don''t deserve anything more. you know, the green tree frog admirer was occasionally quite nice... Teylon: now, one thousand eight hundred and fifty two metres." You''re going to keep falling at that velocity? Are you crazy? He''s the one that can calculate the equations of motions in his head. And Adalace is doing the same on her computer, and doesn''t seem fazed by this. Chapter 16: Maggie’s Aftermath Maggie: Waking up surrounded by friends This is so warm and cosy, being here... But, but, mum is dead. I killed her. And dad is also dead... And, and, didn''t I fall off the roof? Ugh. Where the hell am I? Oh, they''re all here. And Leroy''s wearing his hero flight suit... what? Did he catch me? I''m so ashamed to have to tell this. And what will they do when they find out the truth? Throw me out? I could have been dead and gone by now, but instead I have to keep on suffering. Err, would that mean I would have met Esmeralda? I, err, hadn''t given that any thought... What on Mars is Teylon trying to do? And what am I going to do? I don''t think I can do that again. Not the least, because it would be so dismissive of all of their actions to save me. And, even now, they are trying so hard. But I can''t live with such a burden! Teylon: Entertaining house guests again I used to be a complete loner. The Teflon Rat, proud to scurry through the cracks of society, robbing the corrupt and giving to the deserved. A force for good, doing my bit to right wrongs. Yeah, sure. That''s what I thought, until a bunch of immature snotty nosed teenagers took me down a few pegs and rubbed my nose into the fact that I wasn''t as good as I thought I was. And now, how is it that I''m so involved in their lives? Face it; I''m fond of them all. Geez, after their attacks on my character, I should be running away as fast as possible. In fact, I would have, if it wasn''t for the continual electric shock prods from my allegedly friendly Angel of Death. And now, it''s the second time I''ve been almost scared to death about their well being. Esmeralda, what are you doing to me? Angels of Death play some pretty brutally hard games, that''s for sure. Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Deep Underground lady." continued Lenny, "Is running rings around us." Maggie: Living in fear I''m scared. Shit, I''m really scared. Get a hold of yourself! But, I can''t even walk to high school by myself now. I''m a hopeless wreck. Erasyl could momentarily turn his back on me, and they could grab me and drag me away and tie me down and fill me with drugs and empty my mind of all constructive thoughts and send me off to be used by some sleazy horrible man... Yeah. Deep breath. And another. To think I''m depending on Erasyl the hopeless to look after me... Well, actually I suppose, now that he has the message about making crude passes, he''s actually reasonably decent. Hmm, if I''m beginning to think that Erasyl of all boys is OK, then my mental state must really be in a bad way. What the hell. Do I like him? Or, actually, how much do I like him? At least this is taking my mind off other things. Chapter 17: When Teylon and co meet the Girls in Pink, again, its Category 5 Warning time! Ah, another category zero asteroid warning. A small cluster of rocks are going to be creating their own micro craters about 50Km to the south of here. What''s this? The main power to the central park area has gone down due to a transformer failure? In different circumstances, could I have been attracted to Sarawatch? She''s younger than me, for sure. But very nice looking. And, what''s more, I enjoy her company. Of course, back on Earth I avoided all of that emotional relationship stuff. Yeah, look where it got me with Emilia. And now? Well, I suppose yes, I could have been attracted to her. If it wasn''t for this Angel of Death business, of course. Nyah, no way can I have that sort of relationship with anyone. I''m here to do a specific task, and then I - drop dead? I suppose it''s part of the complete package. It allows me to concentrate on the task at hand. The city planners certainly did a good job at making this a people friendly city. Plenty of activities for all the family. The display must be run from batteries. Did it close automatically when the power failed? Whatever. Oh. I know her. She really doesn''t want to know me, doesn''t she? Looks like it''s up to me to make a graceful exit here. Fortunately, I''m up to the job! Even if she did try her hardest to kill me at one stage. She doesn''t quite trust me, does she? Quick, think of something to keep her occupied! This is a test of some sort, isn''t it? Shit, I said that aloud. Really, there''s no need to look at me as if I had just sprouted black wings and red fangs. She doesn''t have any faith in men at all, does she? She is finding it hard to believe. Just what sort of experience caused that I wonder? She is finding it hard to cope with the fact that I''m risking my life to help the boy? And what about her life? Does she value it so lightly that she can just wait here on a mere suspicion? She''s going to protect that little boy from me, even if she has to die doing so. I suppose it makes me feel a little easier, considering I risked myself saving her. Careful there! Don''t start anything! I can''t work out if she''s serious or not there. But that''s not the relevant point. This is all going much too fast; the two flyers can take a person each and make a dash for the nearest elevator. Leaving five behind making a run for it, and in less than two minutes, damn. Bloody good question! That looks quite colourful. Each patch is a different colour, and they''re all jumbled together, as they seal off the holes. And, Maggie sounds much more confident now. are willing to pay us our customary fee?" nine extra people gatecrash his next - ah, ability level upgrade session?" said Erasyl. Yeah, good question. I mean, what can possibly go wrong? Pitting an unstable Maggie plus a murderous Francesca against a possibly psycho and insanely powerful Shane, together with three more excitable teenagers, and two young ladies who hate men; why that sounds like a positively delightful experience. I must remind myself to bring some popcorn. And perhaps some sunglasses to protect my eyes from the glare. I wonder how effective these Faraday cages really are? Oh-oh, these fine young ladies go around slaughtering people, probably men only, so how will they react to the news that an avenging angel is watching them? Esmeralda? Can I have a hint on what to do here? Great. I have to decide on my own free will. And the authorities, by now, are probably listening in on this. I''m supposed to recruit people to help me with my task. And, let''s see, I''ve gotten five teenagers and one Sarawatch involved, and they all know about Esmeralda. Even if they don''t necessarily believe it totally. So, so, well, I suppose? They are so going to not believe me. No need to bare my soul to them, is there? Telling the teenagers was bad enough. stop Shane!" Atta girl! I just hope no one is killed. Since they will surely know what is happening, how is this all going to work out? Deep underground number says his motive is to eliminate the evil at the heart of our society." said Teresa. Chapter 18: Sarsaparilla’s Super Power Tamara: Doing some tracking Oh, should it be pork, or beef, of chicken, hmm, alligator is on special for once, OK, let''s try it. Right, time to check up on Shane''s location. Hello, he''s only a hundred metres away... Should I go and actually have a look? Why not, he doesn''t know me. If I remember right, there''s a small enclosed park and children''s play ground at roughly the same location, so presumably he''s there? Those two girls sitting there - they would be about the same age as my sister would have been. If she had lived. I hope my father drinks himself to death. Chokes on his own vomit as he lies in a room with no one to help him. All by himself. God, I wish I had could have done the same as Devina did. I wouldn''t regret it one moment. Although I suppose it is too late to just go back to deal with him now. And Shane is supposed to be killing teenage girls? Is Maggie for real? If she is, then what sort of horrible monster does that make Shane...? Ah, he''s just walked into sight. Huh? What''s he doing talking to two teenage girls - shit, are they his targets? I can''t hear what he is saying. I will not get upset. Will not get upset. Remember, there is no proof, as yet, that he has any intentions at all towards those girls. Francesca: Checking out the two girls Maybe I should have scuffed the leash a bit, so as to make it not look so obviously new? Nyah, don''t worry about it. Well, at least I don''t have to worry if they are pretending to like me but all the while only being interested in my body - one look at my face and they run away. At least I know what they are truly thinking. Relax, relax. Hmm, I wonder if this dog collar would fit one of those men - Oh, I don''t know, it''s probably far too much bother to house train them. If I''m desperate for company I could just get a real dog. Then I would always have someone to go for a walk with. Best if I ignore any more men walking past. This is embarrassing, why did I have to pick such a stupid name? Big smile, remember I don''t want them to be frightened by my scary monster face. Well, at least they''re not recoiling from my face. But, they do seem slightly weird. Aren''t you going to ask for my telephone number, in case you do see him? These are certainly girls of few words. I might as well try a direct question. Ha, Ha, Maybe Maggie isn''t kidding us after all. What is it with these girls? Am I implying that both of them are dating the same guy simultaneously? And they didn''t regard that question as strange or insulting? These two airheads are seriously getting on my nerves. No sane person would do that for a scary looking stranger like me. Surely, they would object... This is getting real creepy. here, and the girls are here. And it is now time to ring Teylon, and earn our pay. After all, we want to be honest and give good value in our business dealings, don''t we?"
Sarsaparilla: Has a visitation Now that we are doing something, I''m getting scared. What if this all fails? Or, what if they, whoever they are, decide to try kidnapping me again? killing innocent girls!" Now is not the time to worry about her dark past, so let''s just let that slide. Were both lying through our teeth, and we both know it. Why are the authorities just letting this happen? I mean, they must be aware of us, right? He sounds just like I imagine a friendly uncle would sound, greeting his young nephew at a party. Meanwhile, I''m having extreme trouble controlling my feelings. And Adalace is beginning to crush my hand again. again? And, why so many of you?" You''re freaking killing girls, you creep! Just like me, he thinks that Shane is one gullible fool. Some group of actors put on an show and impressed him no end. He really is an ignorant stupid twit, isn''t he? not clones?" said Francesca. So two twin sisters, brought up by their loving parents, or maybe some orphanage, spent their last moments together being killed by him. Oh my God. Since clones don''t exist, then that''s a fake answer. So... So they were deliberately setting him up to kill females? I bet Shane is strictly heterosexual. I agree, dear. He''s as thick as two short planks. They led him by the nose, and, and, well could the part about the star ship be actually true? After all, shields as strong as Shane''s are rare, while Espers who can push a space ship along are relatively common. And, given a multiyear journey, you don''t need an all that particularly powerful esper to push it along. Strange, she looks... familiar? But who does she remind me off... Who... she is a clone, not your friend! Understand? Oh, geez, can''t the rest of you take her and go away?" Damn! She''s going to be taken away from me. Again. And then killed by that horrible psychopathic monster! Shit! Shit! What can I do? For the love of God someone save Kaydence! And the other girl! Huh? What''s happening. Oh... Sarsaparilla¡¯s Soul Reading of: Kaydence Sarsaparilla: Oh, wow, this is awesome! Sarsaparilla¡¯s Soul Reading of: Kaydence Sarsaparilla: Sarsaparilla¡¯s Soul Reading of: Kaydence Sarsaparilla: I hate that man, whoever he is! Chapter 19: With two more girls to look after - things are getting really difficult. Teylon: Takes his turn to save someone How the bloody hell was Sarsaparilla able to save Kaydence like that? ¨C Ah, right. Right. That''s an unexpected development, I must say. not a clone?" obviously must have been clones, they said so!" The stupid twit is in denial, isn''t he? I had better keep charge of this conversation before anyone blows up. Indeed, why. If we assume that the star ship business is for real, then, then, hmm, what sort of people sign up for a one way trip to die alone, eleven light-years away from Earth - I mean Mars? Actually, for the time being, let''s first concentrate on saving the second girl. If it really was Esmeralda helping Sarsaparilla save the first girl - Teylon¡¯s Direct Message from Esmeralda Teylon: Thought so. So do I help the second girl - Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: The second girl Teylon: Sigh. Devina is still protecting any innocent creature from me. I wonder what her dark past is? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Juniper Teylon: She''s certainly taking all of this calmly, unlike Kaydence. The memory wiping or brainwashing or whatever must have affected her differently. He''s sounding as if he might be breaking down at any moment. So, he''s not psychopath after all. Boy oh boy, does he have some problems then. She looks like she can''t bear the thought of getting up close to him again. I suppose Francesca could burn off the manacles, but that could burn his skin. Probably Francesca wouldn''t care, but I think... Devina: Is determined to take care of Juniper also My life is no longer worth anything, I''m beyond saving. But, Teylon has, somehow, managed to return Juniper''s memories and save her from Shane. So she can be saved. What do I do now? I no longer know how to comfort someone. And why does Teylon keep getting that blank look on his face? And what on Mars do I feel? I don''t know. The pain I got has blotted out everything gentle and tender in me. I no longer know how to feel my own emotions. This poor girl, left alone and forced into some horrible programme and turned into a clone. I can''t help myself, so how can I help her? I can''t cry myself, I no longer know how to. But Juniper can still cry. At least when Teylon reminds her of her memories. I will protect this girl. It''s the only thing I have left to do. Francesca: Bemused I wonder what is going on? Sarsaparilla brings Kaydence back to reality, and then Teylon does the same with Juniper. Surely if some evil bastards had programmed those girls to think themselves as clones, and to believe it so strongly that they would calmly allow themselves to be killed, surely it shouldn''t be that easy to reverse the effects of the conditioning? And now Teylon''s managed to get Devina, of all people, comforting a crying girl. Devina looks spaced out, but she''s still comforting Juniper. Just what is Teylon? That angel of death business again. I still don''t believe it, but I suppose this adds a little more proof... Does she really? My, this is getting interesting, not to mention complicated. And, why did Sarsaparilla explicitly put herself and Adalace into separate bedrooms... So, those two are girlfriends, I bet. Adalace looks like she can barely retain her curiosity. Everybody comes to the realisation that the difficulties have only just begun Adalace: I definitely don''t have a dark past, and I forbid you from getting any soul readings about it! Really, think of it as being just like when we went on the trip to Ironbark Dome. Well, apart from the fact that then we also had Maggie with us. Nothing to worry about. But, that''s not the main thing we need to talk about, is it? My girlfriend has an Angel of Death talking to her. And giving her soul readings. Oh, shit. She has a freaking Angel of Death giving her advice, and she wants me to calm down? alleged dark past, isn''t it? She''s implying that it might push me over the edge." definitely not dark past, but today is not that day." Sarsaparilla¡¯s right, she''s the one that really needs the support now. This is not the time to worry about my dark past being found out. I totally thought getting someone special would be so much simpler than all of this! Tamara: Having an intense discussion after lights out. Devina must have turned over in her bed twenty times by now. Definitely more than I have. I did already know that. How do I offer my support? What did I do with my sister? That''s right, I gave her hugs. But, it feels so inappropriate to just give Devina a hug like that... What if I ask to see some of her scars? Is that too creepy? Well... Actually, it is creepy. Yeah. Scars. Lot''s of small scars and one or two bigger ones. That man must have been the absolute shits. Is that all I can manage? I''m pathetic. I''m sure I did a lot better when I was comforting my sister. We really don''t know each other at all, do we? Maybe it''s time to change that. We''re broken beyond repair. I suppose Devina is even more broken than I, but, that doesn''t really help either of us, does it? Teylon: In the middle of the night he realises that he is enmeshed in a very sticky spider web So, I''m supposed to do something about the evil in this society. Which I suppose I am. Or at least, I''ve identified some actual evil, even if I have no clue as to how to deal with it. But, was I supposed to end up in such a messy, complicated, tangle of relationships? I mean, what am I to those kids? Or what are they to me? I certainly can''t claim to be a leader. Leaders spend their time accessing their followers and the situation, and then leading them somewhere. I''m just being dragged along by Esmeralda, like a puppet on a string, and things just happen between me and the kids. It''s not quite friendship - hmm, possibly I''m friends with Sarawatch, but with the kids? A mentor? Father figure? Nyah, after their fun in deconstructing my past, I don''t think I can claim either of those. A voice of reason to temper their hormone charged teenage lives? Ah, not really. And now we also have the three Girls in Pink, who are quite happy to go around murdering men who are deemed evil enough. But only if they get enough money. Why is Esmeralda doing that to us? At least, I presume we are not in any more danger from them. What is the relationship between them and us? Enemies after the peace has been declared? Esmeralda! I didn''t have any such connections to people in my life on Earth! Well, apart from Emilia. Yeah. Right. That''s what''s really happening, isn''t it? This is part of my judgement. I''m making up for my lack connections on Earth. I''m being forced to join up and be responsible for a bunch of people on Mars. Wether I like it or not. Irrespective of how much pain it causes me. This sucks. Although, as punishments go, I suppose I can''t complain. It''s not even remotely in the same league as that shit Vicanef''s. So, I now have a lot of fellow companions on this trip. Which just so happens to be organised by my own personal Angel of Death. Oh, that''s right, Esmeralda is now talking directly to Sarsaparilla also. And now Sarsaparilla is using her powers to look after Kaydence. And I''m using mine to look after Juniper. Two more girls to look after. Where is all of this going to end? I bet it''s going to involve more money. You know, I might as well give up on the shocked routine every time I have to pay something. It''s getting a little overdone. And it''s obvious that those kids have been designated as the natural recipients for my ill gotten gains, so I might as well get over it already. Leroy: Deciding he is not worthy Kaydence. Kaydence and Juniper almost were killed by that horror. And Sarsaparilla had an Angel of Death talking to her and helping her save Kaydence. Just what sort of friendship group have I ended up in? Not to mention three killer ladies. And, how do I keep Kaydence from future harm? I really, really feel for her. Wait a minute, I''m really really obsessing over her, aren''t I. Yeah, I am... The damsel in distress syndrome. I have it bad. But, but, do I deserve someone like Kaydence? Do I deserve to be in a relationship? I don''t, do I? So what am I going to do? For God''s sake, she is not my girlfriend and nowhere near being one. Just pretend that I''m just looking after her, just like the others. In fact, how are we going to do that? Devina: Looking at her future and seeing nothing. Oh hell, it''s still not morning. And now Tamara knows about my pain. About my father burning me, scaring me. I must ask her not to tell anyone else, except, maybe Francesca. Especially not those young teenagers. And most definitely not Teylon, for god''s sake. Oh shit. And for that matter, not Juniper. Nor Kaydence. In fact, I, that is we, must keep the Girls in Pink''s past jobs a big secret from those two girls. Considering how innocent they appear to be, and how fragile their personalities may be, we must keep it a secret from them. Also, I need to have a private talk with Francesca. I can''t go on any more ''jobs'' can I? Would Juniper like me if she knew the truth about me? Can''t see how she would. Maybe I should withdraw from this, let Teylon look after her... Teylon, a man. But, he is a nice man, isn''t he? But, but, I can''t just let her go. I can''t. If I do, that is my last hope gone for myself. I will save Juniper! But only Teylon can give her memories back. Apparently. So, I will force myself to work with him. And the others. Kaydence: I wanna go shopping! I''m back with Sarsaparilla! That''s wonderful! But Shane was supposed to kill me! What am I going to do? No! He won''t! Sarsaparilla will save me! And Leroy. He seems like a really nice boy. But I no longer live at the orphanage. Or in those horrible dormitories. I hope that boss man who gave me that dodgy drink meets with a nasty accident. And where will I live? But Sarsaparilla will be with me! And Leroy. And the others, they all seem such nice people. Along as they keep me away from Shane. And we had such nice food here. All the ice cream I could eat. We never could do that back at the orphanage. And my clothes! I need to go shopping with Sarsaparilla for something nice. I never had much in the way of nice clothes before. I want to buy lots of them! All of those girls that rescued me seem to be wearing such nice things! I want it all! But what if that horrible Shane comes after me? Sarsaparilla and Leroy will save me! Juniper: Analysing what she has so far and what she needs to do in the future So, I''m not a clone after all. So why was I told I was? I can''t remember much. These memories are me, they are what I am. I am not a clone, I am a human, I deserve a life. But I have so few of my memories available. Perhaps Teylon can give me back some more? He is looking after me. And so is Devina. They are both very nice. Maybe I can give something back in return? Never mind. I''m sure it will work out. After all, I''ve already told Shane that I don''t want to be killed, so that problem is out of the way. I should get back to sleep now; I need to get some rest. And Kaydence is certainly moving about a lot in her bed. I wonder why? Sarsaparilla: Seeking some reassurance I''ve got my super power! But it''s terrifying! I have an Angel of Death who will sometimes loan me her powers. And she tells me that I might turn to evil if I don''t watch out. And Adalace is freaking out over the fact that I might read her soul. I hope I don''t lose her. And Adalace is making a lot of racket turning over in her bed like that. It''s not even morning, and we are both awake. Maggie: Waking up with the sun, and ends up with some help: Thank God Juniper and Kaydence were saved. I''m getting scared again. Damn these feelings! Maybe I should ring someone for company - Nyah, I''m too embarrassed. I can''t help those girls if I''m continually in a tizzy of fear about being abducted again. Although it is nice for Erasyl to offer his company for our walk to Teylon. Say... I wonder, exactly why did he ring me? I am not a perpetually grumpy old maid! I refuse to settle for that stereotype! So, now I''m actually friends with the not-any-longer obnoxious jerk? Wonders will never cease! But, that doesn''t help us with what do we do about Kaydence and Juniper. Erasyl: Starting to be hopeful: I think I can claim a budding friendship is in the offering here! But will it ever proceed any further? We shall stick with purely platonic friendship for the foreseeable future! It''s so much safer! Although I am glad for her streak of violence, it may come in use for protecting the girls. Francesca: Putting on her makeup and thinking about her future career choices Ugh, I look horrible. I think I had better apply a bit more makeup than usual, to hide the shadows under my eyes. Well, my right eye. You can''t really see any difference on the left hand side of my face. I wonder if the others slept any better than I did? It''s certainly interesting. Devina, who lives in a perpetual cloud of anger, with a lot of not quite hidden fear and pain behind it, and the occasional rage when we are dealing with our targets, who avoids anything but the most superficial of relationships, is suddenly wanting to look after that girl. What was her name...? That''s right, Juniper. What''s more, Devina is forcing herself to tolerate Teylon, a man, to do so. That''s - amazing. And Tamara is willing to help her. This is a lot more interesting than going out and killing a bunch of scumbags. That''s for sure. Hmm, Teylon has just paid us for a job that entailed not killing anyone. It would be nice if... Sarawatch: Finishing her breakfast and deciding it''s time to take back her life So Teylon managed to save those girls. That''s amazing. Whereas, pathetic little old me couldn''t do anything but cower in my mouse hole, wringing my hands in misery and having flashbacks about that girl dying. If they had done what I suggested, those two girls would right now be two more bodies in some morgue. God forgive me, I feel so inadequate. Right! From now on, I''m going to be proactive! I will do something to help! Oh, yeah. Like what? I''ve been through all of this before. I couldn''t do anything, could I? But Teylon appears to be managing something. I don''t know what the hell it is, but he is definitely making a difference. So, I shall follow his lead. It''s time to stop being frightened of what those anonymous bastards might do to me. If Teylon and co can save those two girls, then I''m going to help them to keep on saving them! I''m still frightened, but. Ignore it. Sigh. It''s a shame that his Angel of Death means that nothing interesting will be happening between him and me. And- what was that he said about Sarsaparilla also being chosen by Esmeralda? What does that mean? Teylon: Hosting breakfast for everybody Just as well I catered for a large number. It appears that Kaydence wants to go shopping, and Juniper is happy to follow, so how about we split up? So, they are actually getting along with each other. Good, good. Chapter 20: All about the committee Deep Underground Sarsaparilla is now claiming to also be in direct speaking terms with their Angel of Death!" discussions about the ethics of what we do. Save that for our spare time!" can we do?" said Prakash. your account, dear leader." sometimes results in something new and useful." did not tolerate any competing interference from human''s puny medical instruments. Lenny: Sitting in his office This Teylon business is getting ever so complicated. How did it end up like this? Thirty years it''s been. Three whole decades ago it started. Yeah, I remember. I got that email from Laura, who at that stage I hardly knew. And one thing led to another... Flashback time for Lenny: The initial discovery, thirty years ago Probably just another change in the rock composition. This mob is pretty hopeless, all of this effort based on some dubious gravitational anomalies. If I had known just how sketchy their evidence was, I would have never bothered. Really, they¡¯re a bunch of amateurs, hoping to hit the jackpot. Sigh. Ten more metres and the drilling rig is out of its range. I can pack up and go back to my normal job. I must remember to cover my tracks well, if they go on doing this sort of thing they are going to get caught - bloody Terrence thinks he''s a computer whiz kid, but he''s left whopping big traces of his computer hacking all over the place. Its only because Mars is going through a phase of shaking off it frontier town mentality that nobody has bothered tracking down such things. And bedding Laura is nice, but I wouldn''t want to be shackled to her on a long term basis - a man needs a bit of variety you know! Ah, why has the load dropped off - don''t tell me that there is yet another drill shaft breakage - oh, it''s not. This bunch of clowns really did hit the jackpot. And, who knows what that orange speck is, but to just charge off and announce it to all and sundry was a totally stupid idea. Just as well I managed to talk them out of it. I already have them listening to me, I should be able to set myself up as the leader. This is the once in a lifetime chance to make it big! So it looks like I''ll have to stick with them, after all. And as far as company goes, Laura is not bad at all. Not bad at all. I mean, if I need some variety, I can always sneak it on the side. Lenny: Arnold: These sorts of meetings really give me a headache. How did I end up like this? Flashback time for Arnold: Getting a lot more than he bargained for Right! This is coming along nicely; I''ll just put the screws on for the final effect. You stupid fool. I own the logistics company involved with that market. It was obvious to me that there was going to be a collapse. Eventually. And, of course, sneaking that bug into your accounting computer was a really worthwhile investment. Make him despair. Make him grovel. This is kind of fun. But, from a purely practical point of view, it is a waste not to put those two kids through university. Mars needs all the highly skilled workers it can lay its hands on. And, of course, ''Men ought either to be indulged or utterly destroyed''. There''s no point in grinding him down, he might one day find the strength to attack me. And I can''t go around killing everyone, people will eventually start connecting the dots and it could become a real nuisance. He''s actually saturated his shirt, he''s so frightened. A perfect situation for ''Appear weak when you are strong.'' I''m certainly in a strong position here. If I appear to be considerate and generous, he''ll be a loyal worker for life. OK! Let''s finish this off. Lay on the fake generosity and kindness with a trowel, yep, he''s taking the bait. Yep, his kids will get totally immersed into the social life of their new school, and I will make sure that he only gets promotions to other positions at the same location, so even less chance that he might come across some facts here in Verdant that reveal how he was hoodwinked. And, meanwhile, his company is an excellent fit for my proposed logistics expansion! Time to wind this up and get him out of here. Thank God that is over. He practically shook my hand off. OK, let''s relax for an hour or so, and just browse the latest snippets of information my little bots have found on the web that might be of use to me. So, a group of people from the Sanitation Department have backdated the hiring of some currently unused equipment. That''s - interesting. A pretty amateurish attempt at covering their tracks, I must say. But, why would they do such a thing? I mean, either you hire the machines outright, or you steal them outright and sneak them back afterwards. But to do this half-arsed thing... So, what if they wanted to do many searches, and could only pay for one of them? Which means that the last one succeeded? And now they want to publicly claim the results? Hmm - They hired mining equipment. So they''re after minerals of some sort. Maybe they found a deposit of gold or platinum. If they have, I want a part of it! Time to open some gentle negotiations! Bloody hell, I certainly got a lot more than I bargained for. I had better think things over very carefully. And I think Lenny knows exactly what I am. Arnold: Finishing his coffee Sigh. Better get back to work, or otherwise this fucking Teylon business will be the death of us. What a mess. I can¡¯t even find the energy now-a-days to quote my favourite authors. Terrence: Yeah, that¡¯s right, that meeting we had a few years ago to decide how to continue the Star Ship program. Flashback time for Terrence: Recruiting a star ship captain So, that group trying to construct the star ship totally stuffed things up and went bankrupt. Exactly as Arnold had predicted. Well, here goes. sometimes making deductive leaps of logic on problems that the conscious mind finds intractable?" Terrence: Still in his office The Artifact: the source of our powers, the source of all of the espers on Mars. The Artifact: which we found and kept to ourselves. Ah, yes, how excited I was at the thought of the power I would have, how well I would live. I kept thinking of all of the wealth that would come from owning the means of access to the ability to implant Esp powers. But, really, my dreams of living like royalty were nothing but dreams. It''s not all that crash hot being here. We live in total secrecy, we get no recognition from the public at large, most of the privileges we have are really just responsibilities. This all sucks. I really haven''t achieved all that much, have I? Arnold had to go over my attempts to hide the backdating of our rental. And then, both he and Lenny were the ones who completely removed any traces of our renting after we found the Artifact. I managed to get the Artifact to work, but it''s only at a very basic level. And I keep getting hints of a deeper, more sophisticated control interface, lying behind those simple numbers we enter to get it to function. But I can''t quite see it. Most likely that girl Adalace will eclipse me there. I control the technical side of things, but that''s not all that special. History isn''t going to remember me as anything more than just one of the gang that found the Artifact. But, at least, history will record me as the one that chose Tau Ceti. Let''s hope that it''s the correct choice. Let¡¯s hope I am remembered for at least one thing of importance. Chapter 21: Juniper and Kaydence go shopping Leroy: Realising it can be hard to look after someone always know where everyone is." She''s angling to get some money from Teylon, isn''t she. Hmm, I suppose in this case that is quite reasonable, after all I don''t have much money either. And she has to earn every last dollar of hers. Yeah, I agree. Poor Kaydence, the occasional flashes of her mature personality that come through make her look lovely. Although she also makes a pretty cute ten year old, also. Wait, wait, should I even be thinking about that? Oh crap, Sarsaparilla as got a definite glare to her eyes. You bet I do! Whew, saved by the bell. And yes, I will be giving this some serious thought! Kaydence is more interested in her sweets rather than what that sleazy man is saying, but he definitely has the totally wrong impression. The creep. And, shit, Sarsaparilla looks like she is ready to Judge him right here and now. Oh double shit. Sarsaparilla has reached her limit. From here on, I can''t help you, man. Not that I want to. What is she going to say to him...? My, I do wonder what it is that she said to him. Oh, wow, another of those dazzlingly incandescent smiles. Fortunately, I know I''m not her target. Otherwise, I would start running right now. She does look nervous about it, doesn''t she. She also needs my help and - protection? Can I protect someone who''s got an Angel of Death talking to her? I suppose I can try. But I can make some guesses, can''t I? Say, I wonder if I can be of help there? Maybe something from my own past can be of use? It could end up backfiring and I could get hurt - but does that matter? and I just agreed to it and calmly walked to that place without thinking about it at all!" That''s almost exactly what Sarsaparilla said! I''m lying through my teeth. How can I be sure of anything like that? But, we will just have to do our best." That''s amazing, she is just going to accept it. Wish I could accept it as easily. The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Devina: Realising she can''t look after Juniper just by herself Well, I''m not all that good at shopping for clothes either. In fact, what can I do, anyway? Teylon seems to be the one that has the power to bring her memories back. I''m just a useless hanger on with no particular skills to contribute. Uh-uh, Teylon is having another one of those distracted moments. And now Teylon is giving back to her another of her memories. What am I going to be good for? And there goes Teylon again, getting another hint to give to Juniper. you remind Juniper about spilling her drink at the birthday party. Just don''t tell her it originally came from me. Huh? I must have a talk to Teylon, make sure he never tells her anything about my past! And why is Teylon, or Esmeralda, being so nice to me? It''s not as if I deserve it. And Teylon has just had another of his ''Angel'' moments... He''s trying to give me a message - I suppose ask Juniper the same question? And, of course, he would be able to do the move one eyebrow only trick, I never managed to. And he''s the one with exclusive access to hints on how to remind Juniper of her memories. Not me. She thinks that I am helping her... Shit, I''m alone with a man. Well, we are in a public food court, but... And, what do I say? I can''t even talk normally. I must sound pathetic. A total nervous wreck. And damn him, he sounds so confident. Not to mention reassuring. I can well believe that he was an accomplished con man. It''s OK! He''s not going to attack me! He''s not my father! I hate this feeling. Hate it. Hate it. The man''s insane. Must be. But it''s a nice type of insanity. Like hell! If those bastards harm Juniper in the slightest I shall collapse the ceiling on them, to hell with this being a public venue. Actually, is the ceiling concrete - damn, it''s not. Then I shall find some other way of killing them. What the hell! Get out of the way! You are still in my way! Just let me manoeuvrer these sleazy creeps near to a masonry wall and I will make sure they will never accost my Juniper again! She''s holding my hands. She''s totally innocent. Is this her basic personality, or is it a result of her lost memories, or a bit of both? It''s really hard to stay angry when she is being so caring. But what do I say about those so called ''nice'' young men? More likely shitty young men! What? Is this another of those Esmeralda supplied memory prods? not allowed on Mars, even inside the cages of a zoo. Also not allowed were things like venomous spiders or snakes. But there were non-poisonous versions, and lots of colourful fish. I don''t understand all this help I''m getting. But as long as this continues, I am not complaining. But I have to rely on Teylon''s help. I can''t do anything by myself. I will have to force myself to get along with him. Juniper looks really happy, right now. Chapter 22: Maggie and Erasyl get weird Maggie: She and Erasyl have a strange encounter I mean, he has become a whole lot better compared to what he was before. And he is one of the only four teenagers I have ever managed to be friends with. But, on the other hand, he obviously wants to be my boyfriend. Probably the most likely reason he does is because the other three are right out of the question. Geez, what a nuisance. Well he will just have to put up with being a friend! Oh-oh, I think I''m over reacting here. Now who is that creepy looking man? And why does he act as if he knows us? He appears to have the same opinion as me. Oh, yuck, you''re way to close, and what''s with the weird stare? Oh, what''s going on... nicer. And brighter, but without any glare. She could almost see pink fluffy clouds floating past. Huh? What... Oh wow! He''s positively glowing - err, or something... Am I drunk? Nyah, couldn''t be. But why am I blushing - actually, so is Erasyl. Oh wow! This is nice... Wait, why is this nice? Ah, he doesn''t look at all creepy now! Creepy, what? Why did I ever think that? Oh, he''s so lovely! Ajaeren, what a nice name! This is so nice! Even sexy! Oh, wait, what? Ah, what? Yeah he really is... Wait, wasn''t I going to think that about Erasyl? No, no, I wasn''t, I mean, Erasyl''s only a platonic friend... But Ajaeren is... is... a complete stranger? A complete... Oh, this is wonderful, wonderful. He''s so sexy... Don''t go away! Erasyl is feeling the same, too. That''s nice... Although, shouldn''t I feel just a little be jealous? No, no, this feeling is too nice to disrupt. What! You going away already? Space out what? He''s the same. Ajaeren is so handsome and dreamy and sexy and, and, Isn''t he still a complete stranger? Ah, so what, he''s wonderful! Wonderful! Ah, wait, err, we''re supposed to not talk about him. Sure... Do I feel a little confused here? But he is wonderful! A little confused... I... don''t know... Just keep quiet about this, OK? Does he look... puzzled also? About what, but? Isn''t that a strange sort of smile... But still... Sigh, so lovely, I hope I see him again, real soon. Sarsaparilla: Getting a perfect zero. Ha! Should I feel sorry for them? But only because Adalace asked me. and maintaining my social life. So I think this is a good point in time for you to pay me. And the other teenagers." Teylon, the consummate bachelor, is in his bedroom with three lovely ladies - who will happily kill him if he does anything wrong. But, I suppose they have to work out how, exactly, the Girls are going to fit in with all of this. Sarsa? I now have a nickname? The lady with the dark past is soooooo cute. And I still don''t have any esp ability! As if I cared any more about such things! I have my super power! I have Adalace! I have friends! What a difference! What a worry. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Sarsaparilla: They really are acting weird They''re just waiting for the food to arrive. Well, I suppose, so am I. Yeah, let me get used to having an Angel of Death, of all things, talking to me. Bullshit, she''s as scared as I am. But let''s keep pretending otherwise, shall we? Here comes Erasyl and Maggie, fresh from their outing. All by themselves. Hmm. Maggie didn''t have that disgruntled, annoyed look on her face. Not even once. And those two must have made some significant advances in their relationship - but why are they getting spaced out but not looking at each other? Those two don¡¯t have much of a connection, do they? And I bet he has a dark past also. I thought Erasyl had gotten over is inappropriate advances? What the hell? Maggie should be launching the heat seeking magnetic nail missiles by now! Shit. What is going on here? Does that imply that someone is telling her to... what? It doesn''t seem to be Erasyl telling her. Erasyl is still acting far too friendly to Maggie. But now Maggie is looking not quite so enthusiastic. What changed for her? And now Teylon must be realising that something is off. And now Erasyl is acting differently from before. And much more abruptly that Maggie did. I really must have a talk with Teylon after this. Obviously, Erasyl and Maggie are not getting on well with each other. And I thought they were slowly and steadily building up some sort of rapport. Chapter 23: Sarsaparilla gets Judgemental Teylon: Hunting for educational care for Juniper and Kaydence Wouldn¡¯t it be bizarre if someone brought me a meal for a change...? Nyah, be realistic... It''s really convenient that Juniper and Kaydence sleep a lot more than everyone else, it means we can safely see them to bed for the night, then have a meeting to work out what to do about them. So let''s ignore Maggie''s and Erasyl''s problems for the moment. Here I am, a middle-aged man, living with all of these young ladies, two of whom are definitely highly vulnerable and in need of care, about to talk about this whole situation with the nun who directs this centre. Esmeralda, is all of this part of your overarching plan? Ah, they have taken some care to arrange things. Juniper is getting nervous, so if she sits right next to me it would all be to the good. And if I step just so I can manage to be standing between her and Kaydence, so as I sit down they will naturally sit on either side of me. And, of course, Sarsaparilla will then sit the other side of Kaydence, and just as naturally, Adalace will then sit next to Sarsaparilla. Perfect! I''m not losing my touch! Crap, is she one of those very rare people who can see straight through my act? But wait, I''m not here to con anyone - indeed I''m here at the bidding of an Angel of Death. So, there''s no need to worry, right? I have to hand it to this nun, she managed to keep her soothing calm exterior and win the confidence of both Juniper and Kaydence. She didn''t even bat an eyelid when Juniper, without the slightest bit of self conscious, stated that both me and Devina were giving back her memories, with the help of an Angel. And Sarsaparilla and Adalace have their brightly radiant fake smiles painted on. Pity it''s so obvious, even to me. I''m sure Celeste can see through the masks just as easily. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Celeste Teylon: What? Why am I getting this? Why now? Is this to do with Celeste? Or Nethezal? Or the girl... The girl... Her face... Where have I seen her before? ... Ah. Right. The girl that Sarawatch saw die. Oh shit. Do I have to tell Sister Celeste that the girl she apparently loved was killed soon after she was taken away? This sucks. And - what was her name? Obviously, I''m supposed to find out so I can tell Sarawatch. Oh hell. I am supposed to break the news to her. She''s desperate to be reassured. And she really can read me, even though I made sure to keep a neutral face while I was thinking that. I am definitely correct. I cannot believe that Esmeralda would ever allow me to make the wrong conclusion in this sort of circumstance. Bearer of bad tidings, that''s me for today. Ugh. Yep, there''s the obligatory computer screen, attached to the wall. I can only presume that this isn''t the end of the story. Narrative causality demands that something more be found out. So... After all, I''m supposed to track down the evil, and this is the best lead I''ve had so far. That''s right, afterwards me and Adalace will have to sit down and see how far we can access the database to get more information. Assuming the anonymous authorities haven''t already cancelled that password. Well, he seems genuine enough, I suppose. I will have to give up my fleeting suspicion that he might have something to do with all of this. Humph, the girls are smiling at him. Unlike Celeste, he doesn''t seem to realise just what fakes those smiles are. All to the good! Hello, why did Sarsaparilla suddenly give that little jump and show of dismay... Oh, right. Somehow, I don''t think this is going to be all that pleasant. That''s not the same smile. This one looks a whole lot more - predatory. I should have worn my Kevlar blast proof vest. Mr Nethezal. Apparently, you have a unique brain - you can partially disassociate your feelings and thoughts. Not quite separate personalities, but sort of like that." I don''t blame her for not wanting to be associated with the crazy lady. Only, I know that she isn''t crazy. debauchery." bitch!" In a week''s time I''m sure I will enjoy retelling this. I''m sure. And Celeste actually is beginning to look horrified. your daughter. And the shock of this has destabilised that wall in your brain even more, hasn''t it?" deranged young lady?" It''s obvious to both of us. There is something really ugly peeking out through his expression now. How is this going to end? ADALACE!" Holy crap, so now I know what''s really behind those smiles. I''m so glad I''m their friend, and not an enemy. Celeste is shocked silly, and Nethezal is totally wiped out and whimpering on the floor. I can''t leave them like this... Am I supposed to kneel besides her? Well, I suppose that is the normal thing for these religious types to do? Now, I need to gently bring her back to reality- Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Celeste Nethezal! Why?" Teylon: Right, I think I know what to do here. Actually that was just Sarsaparilla describing what Nethezal''s future was going to be like, but let''s make it sound more like a command, shall we? Let''s see, if I were in her position, I would just seek revenge and to hell with it. But, she''s supposed to be a virtuous nun, so- Oh wow. Just wow. Now that''s one hell of a strong woman. too easy?" Chapter 24: Dealing with Ajaeren Erasyl: Another meeting with Ajaeren This is giving me a headache! What is wrong with me? Nyah, nothing is wrong. I''m sure it will all be explained when we see him again. Actually, aren''t we supposed to be seeing him soon? I wish he would hurry up. He called us dears? And that grin looks so creepy. Wasn''t I thinking that he was so wonderful? And, look at Maggie, she''s got the ''just stepped in some dog poo'' look. But, but, still, he was wonderful! Err, was? Huh? Ooh, how manly. His hair is brushing my face, he''s got the top button of his shirt undone, wow, he is handsome! Looks like Maggie agrees. That was wonderful! Wonderful! Sarsaparilla: They''re still acting weird. Deep breath here. Little old me, who before meeting Teylon was completely alone, am now part of this - strange - group, and I am actually going to be taking the initiative. Angel help me. Nobody mentioned school for us teenagers. That''s a relief. Although I''m sure that Sarawatch was thinking about it. But, sorting out Erasyl''s and Maggie''s romance kerfuffle is I''m sure something of much greater importance! And, they are definitely still acting weird. Stupid Erasyl. It must be all his fault. Boys can be such dickheads, sometimes. Sarsaparilla: In another fight between espers So, we''re back to the park where we almost killed each other on our first social meeting by ourselves. Why exactly did Maggie propose this meeting? Now, he sure looks creepy. Err, what? Why are Maggie and Erasyl greeting them. And why in creepy hell are they acting so friendly towards him? Like two puppy dogs... Oh, come off it, you two. What is it with that behaviour? Can''t you see he''s so creepy he almost makes me wanna puke! At least Adalace agrees with me. Yep, Leroy looks disgusted, and Teylon is not quite managing to hide his reaction. So what has he done to Erasyl and Maggie? Yeah, this is real ugly. But how and why? Oh my god. Ah ha! It''s something to do with Esmeralda, isn''t it. So that''s why Teylon is also not influenced. I think she must be a little out of sorts. But more importantly, what do we do now? And this is the first time I''ve ever seen Teylon look angry. Perfect! Now if only he doesn''t think of using Maggie''s powers... Keep the stupid git off balance! Isn''t that a stupid attitude in itself... Ah, I get it, it''s sour grapes. So if he can''t read our minds, what is he doing? you were the one that made Kaydence a slave, were you? Kaydence and Juniper. I should smash you head into the ground right..." Does he really think he can get himself out of this mess by outwardly declaring his intentions like that? I think this situation must have made him unstable, or something. Yep, they''ve all gotten the same vibes. Was there something between the two of them sometime in the past? And the boys appear to be oblivious. you as a slave?" I bet she''s blushing furiously under her almost black skin! Sarsaparilla kept on giggling. Ajaeren is the evil I was meant to eradicate?" Chapter 25: The committee and Ajaeren Deep Underground: Going back a few hours. this time?" said Lenny. alleged ability to cancel that mind control?" said Prakash. I''ll say. What an intense argument that was, when the Futures Group first proposed their little scheme for making lots of money in a short period of time. Now, how did it go back then? Flashback time for Lenny: Four years ago. I can see this is going to be one of those really intense emotional discussions. little clarification? It needs a little more than just a little!" said Teresa. These are the four people we ever so carefully selected to be in our little side group, but who''s that fifth bloke? He''s young, also, maybe barely nineteen? What the fuck? Why are they smiling like that? They are almost fawning over that boy - not to mention that that boy has a really strange smile. Somewhat creepy, perhaps. I can''t quite work out what it is, I''ll have to compare notes with the others later on. Perfect sense? No matter how amoral they might be, surely they must still realise just how immoral their idea is? So is going around mugging pedestrians and taking their wallets! Even I find that revolting, and - What''s more, Arnold does also! I mean, it is disgusting, isn''t it... Isn''t that appalling... Well, err. Err, well, it could make lots of money... Couldn''t it? I mean, virginal but willing teenagers, yeah, I can see why they would be appealing... I guess so. After all, it does cost us a lot to bring up those kids... But wasn''t the idea of bringing up an orphan kid is so that they can be fully productive members of our society? That''s right, we can make lots of money! Lots of money! Isn''t that why we made the Futures Group in the first place? That sounds like a great idea! We make money and take care of some worthless orphans at the same time!" Golly, Ajaeren is full of good ideas! Hmm, that sounds like a possibility! Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.
Lenny: Brings his thoughts back to the current time. now isn''t it?" said Arnold. not totally responsible for the results of our actions?" said Arnold. Teylon: Meeting with Celeste again that." Damned if I know. We could still be in a very shitty place, as far as looking after her is concerned. Considering how much they charge, they had better have. Her ability to read people''s feelings can be disquieting. Only a few? Ah, I see. She''s envious. Quite understandable, too. Now, how can I deal with this? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Celeste Teylon: OK, I can work out the rest from here. Crap, I forgot, she can read me. Oh well, at least no one can fault my motives. Of course, she would have picked that up. It was totally obvious. And that brings up another point. Wait on, Celeste said that Kaydence was sure to get better. But she didn''t make any mention of Juniper. Francesca: These kids are bloody annoying Yep, they''re thinking exactly what I''m thinking. I had better cut in here before Devina starts screaming at Teylon. certain. However, going by what Ajaeren was saying, these unseen authorities were probably unaware of his nature, and unaware of the danger he could have been to them. So, I''m cautiously hopeful." So, that''s two worthless lowlife scum that they have let live, in just the last few days. How annoying. Chapter 26: Leroy’s dark past. And Adalace’s. Leroy: Has his own confession time I still feel weird about this. Here I am, keeping company with a bonafide killer, who at one stage was hell bent on killing us all. And now we''ve all been meeting each other every day for the last week. This is hard. I could use a break from their company - maybe everyone else could too? But, still. He will always be agreeable to other people''s plans. I suppose it is part of his Narrative Causality stuff. I''ll bet anything that Adalace''s dark past involves being the target of bullies. After all, she practically went berserk over that horrible Ajaeren, and he is definitely the bullying kind. And what''s more, I know all about that kind of stuff, her actions match the patterns. So, after everyone else is gone and it''s just Teylon and us teenagers, how about I try something? If it backfires and I''m the one that suffers, then, so be it. As long as they still let me look after Kaydence, that is. I bet Kaydence looks stunning in a bikini... No, no, forget that. Not to mention the other girls... No, definitely forget that! Probably not, he''s still recovering from the Ajaeren stuff. So I''m the only one who has to cope with inappropriate desires. Yeah, that figures. This is one very intense friendship group, that''s for sure. Well, here goes. I can''t escape now, so I might as well keep going. Shit, I don''t think this is working out. At all. But I''ve got no option but to stand here and take it. Otherwise my regret for my past actions means nothing. before starting your spiel!" hard it is to control my rages, how hard it is tramp down on my desire to go berserk, how exhausting it is to have these violent fantasies about retaliating against some man and making him regret hurting me!" rapist ..." presumptuous" I think so." said Sarsaparilla. rapist. I will never forgive him!" said Adalace. Teylon is certainly the target of a lot of hate from Devina. What is her story, I wonder? I still have friends. Even if they do know all about me. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.
Terrence: Yes, I clearly remember that... Terrence flashback time: Recruiting a super programmer Terrence: How galling. I used to think I was such a hotshot programmer, but both Lenny and Arnold took be down a peg or two. And then we found out that this little teenager, a girl at that, really was a hotshot programmer. Practically God-level, in fact. And, back then, we were hopeful that in a few years time she''ll be quite amenable to joining us. That the rape could turn out well, for us. Damn it all. It now looks like that has become impossible. Sarsaparilla: Does some comforting. She''s avoiding my eyes, she''s wringing her hands, she looks as if she is trembling, she jumps at every loud noise, yep, she''s definitely suffering. Looks like I need to go all out to comfort her. complicated?" Adalace: It''s nice to have friends. I have a good friend in Maggie. I must keep her. Chapter 27: The School Theatre Night Maggie: Has a fight about friendship School used to be such a big thing in my life, even if my social life was a complete disaster. But now? However, now? It''s just something I do to fill in the time until my next adventure. Go through the motions, study the material, and pass the tests. Moreover, I don''t bother anymore to interact with the other students. I don''t even worry about them. In fact, what am I even going to school for? I suppose, so that I can get into university, and thus earn some degree to allow me to have a productive job. What a bother. On the one hand, aiming for a job in the distant future isn''t much use if I get killed or turned into a brainwashed clone before I get there. But, on the other hand, I actually would like to survive and get to that distant future. So, I guess I had better keep on studying, even if it is hard to give it my full attention when so much is happening elsewhere. At least I don''t have to worry about my lack of friends. Wow, no, I don''t have to worry about being alone, that''s for sure. Even if some of my new companions are - unusual. Hmm, actually, aren''t most of them unusual? Maybe even all of them? Including me? Whatever. It''s my friendship group now, even if the process of getting them was - well - unusual. Does Esmeralda, the Angel of Death, also count as a member of my friendship group? Now that''s a strange notion. I''ve never met her myself, but Sarsaparilla and Teylon both have. Hmm, I suppose one could say she is a friend of a friend. Actually saying she is a friend is not really correct, more like she has some sort of working relationship with two of my friends. Or something. Yeah, I have friends. They just ain''t quite normal. But I''ll take it. Frankly, I could study this faster by making notes directly from the assigned textbook, without having to sit through the lecture. Maybe I should enter my notes directly to my wristband - but I personally think handwriting them adds a bit of extra boost to the memory... My least favourite cleaning duty. Everyone is still present and get in the way, and I have to sort of interact with them. What a nuisance. But, if it''s not done, there will be scraps of food and rubbish left over for the entire afternoon, until the main end of day clean up. Sigh. Excuse me? What''s he going on about? Wait a moment, is he trying to imply that those arguments in the past were all my fault? Like hell! twits keep stirring things up?" Why am I having this argument? Well, that confrontation certainly disappeared real fast. And it wasn''t anything that anyone else did. It was just me deciding not to care. Maybe all of those conflicts weren''t entirely caused by the others. Maybe it was my reactions that contributed to them. In fact... Maybe it was mostly my own reactions that caused them? How depressing. Does that mean I was sabotaging my own chances all along? Even more depressing, does that mean it was obvious to all of the others. How embarrassing. Here I was, thinking that Jaydonen, amongst others, was a horrible little puffed up bully, stuffing up my social life, when in fact he was, well, just being a bit unpleasant, a bit abrasive, and merely triggering my own self destructive urges. Bloody hell, I''m going to have to do a lot more thinking about this topic. How painful. Why does life have to be so difficult? Also, while we''re on this acknowledgement of unpleasant truths, maybe my personality is also a bit abrasive? Shit. Turn the page so no one can see it. I certainly didn''t have any plans on going to the theatre night by myself - that would be a painful experience. But, why not ask my friends if some would like to come along? Definitely not to show of to my fellow students, of course! Well, maybe just a small amount. Just to rub their noses in the fact that I can keep friends. Not that it really matters if they believe I have friends or not. Oh, quit fooling yourself, Maggie. I really want to show off my new friends. And, I suppose, it could be interesting to see this new girl friend Water Lily. Strange name. Although not too interesting, since I really don''t care one way or another about Jaydonen. Just as long as he acknowledges that I really do have friends. Maggie: Proposing a social event Let''s see, Teylon will always agree to anybody''s proposal for a group activity, so I''ll ask him directly first. Got them! Judging from their looks, that is exactly what they have. She''s got that evil grin on her face again. Who gets to sit next to whom, yeah I can see why that would appeal to her warped sense of humour. Of course. My, that was funny, seeing Leroy desperately wanting to say he wanted to sit next to Kaydence, without actually saying anything. Fortunately, Sarsaparilla was on his side. Understandable. Bet you he wants to sit next to me. But, not everyone can have what they want, and, well, what do I want... I suppose I don''t have a strong preference? Is this going to get awkward? Obviously Juniper is missing all of the fine nuances here. I don''t think the others are, apart from Kaydence, of course. Teylon is starting to look as if he might be having second thoughts about all of this. Well, tough luck! Oh, maybe I can throw him a bone to keep him happy. After all, he has to sit next to two killer ladies. Maggie: Showing off to Jaydonen There he is! Jaydonen, with his own friendship group, and a girl who must be Water Lily. Ha, his poor little group only adds up to six. Every other woman in my group has bigger breasts than me. But, I suppose it can''t be helped. I might as well make the most of what I''ve got. Hmm, Erasyl doesn''t seem to mind... Oh, stop thinking of him like that, it''s stupid. Besides which, my dress is obviously much higher quality than Lily''s. Poor girl, she doesn''t have a rich old man buying her stuff - wait, that sounds a bit dubious. Let''s not mention who paid for all of this. Hee hee, he looks slightly taken back. both of us!" said Lily. Men are such suckers from a woman''s wiles. I think Erasyl is still annoyed at being called out about his behaviour. This is the fun part. Oh so smooth and genial. Now if Erasyl could only learn a few tricks like that... special lady." I''m your special lady?" said Sarawatch, with a little bit of snark in her voice. She was currently hanging off Teylon''s right arm. not perfect." you." said Sarawatch. This really sucks. Why couldn''t Juniper be saved in the same way that Kaydence was? But then, I suppose, Juniper is lucky to receive any supernatural help at all, let along as much as she did. From what Teylon has said, the angels aren''t allowed to intervene except in rare circumstances. Well, I think I have proven that I have friends! Huh, what the hell am I doing? What is that thing... Oh, shit. Shit, it''s a bomb of some sort. How did it get here... Forget about that for now. Concentrate on containing it. I can easily contain it, I should be able to levitate myself and it and move out... What the hell? Ah, Adalace must be reducing its temperature. Which means reducing its total energy. Her ability is really useful! Hmm, I suppose it must contain sufficient metal, probably ionised by now, for her ability to work on. Oh double shit, it is too. How is that even possible - fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, Juniper must be using her ability to shield us all from radiation. It''s some sort of mini nuclear bomb, probably the type they use for mining. And it''s getting hotter. Chapter 28: A very high energy theatre night Jaydonen: Giving Maggie some help Wow, this is nice. My first girlfriend. And after this we will be walking along the river shore, and find some secluded spot for some more kissing and cuddling. Hmm, Maggie''s friends are, well, probably a bit out of my comfort zone. That weird threesome with Mr Teylon and his two ladies, which turned out not to be his ladies after all, yeah, they do have a wicked sense of humour. And Juniper... what the hell was all of that about? And Erasyl, who now seems to be behaving nicely... Whatever, if that''s what Maggie wants, then I''m not complaining. Although I might be able to tease her a bit more... Who knows what he or she is doing with it. Maybe it¡¯s to enhance their vision or hearing. Or something. What is all of that about? What are they doing? I don''t know what that is, but it looks really bad. And, what are Adalace''s and Juniper''s abilities? now. All those whose wristbands have turned green make way to their nearest exit. Everyone else, stay in place but get ready to move. All those involved in the emergency continue as you are." not panicking and of obeying emergency evacuation commands. Accordingly, the ones with green flashing wristbands filed out of the exits in a controlled rush, while everyone else waited for their turn. The unseen emergency control room operators over saw the exodus through the security cameras, and issued the computer commands to control the colours of the wristbands as needed. Maggie''s is continually increasing her power level, but the other two are at maximum and staying there. What the hell are the other two doing? But I certainly know that Maggie must be confining that fire ball thingy. And Maggie is starting to max out. Fucking hell, what''s going to happen if she fails? How am I doing this? I''ve never managed, no matter how hard I tried, to increase my power level before. This is bloody fucking hard. I never even knew I could do this. And, fuck, Maggie is beginning to whimper. What the fucking hell is that fireball, anyway? My guts feel like they are tearing apart, my lungs are on fire, fuck why does it hurt so much to over exert my power? It must be because I don''t really know how to do it, so my brain is going crazy and just throwing everything at the problem in the hope that something sticks. Concentrate! Concentrate! Something is definitely working! I don''t know what, but I will just have to keep on doing it. Keep up the act! If I lose control now I won''t be able to maintain my ability! And Maggie looks as if she''s about to vomit, also. Oh fucking hell, what a relief to stop that. Fucking hell, am I going to vomit also? Fuck. I''ve wet myself. It''s dripping all the way down my trousers and onto the floor. Oh fuck. Francesca tries to act My fireballs will only make things worse, so I can''t help. And the three people containing that bomb are already getting all of the moral support they can deal with. Let''s see, Maggie is containing the fire ball, Adalace is sucking energy from it and Juniper is blocking its radiation. So does that means it is some sort of small nuclear explosion, currently bottled up by Maggie? Pretty impressive situation, I must say. Hmm, Maggie is beginning to stress, and, that Jaydonen fellow is also stressing out. Now what was his ability... that''s right, Maggie said he could slightly increase somebody''s else''s esper ability. So he''s helping Maggie? This could get interesting. Although, if Maggie fails, none of us will even know it. Right! Now I can do something! These naive pure hearted kids. Sort of cute in their own way, but a bloody pain on occasions. Oh-oh, this is our contact for our hit jobs. Hey, wait, I don''t normally go around swearing like that - this whole thing must have upset me just a little. Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
Francesca: Discussion at Teylon¡¯s Forever the hero. And, if I may ask, how do you intend doing that? Yeah, that was strange. And why are both Leroy and Maggie looking as if they are working out something in their heads? Hey, and Adalace is busy twitch typing something... Yeah, he means the two girls retire for the night, and the rest of us can have a little chat about a few things. Chapter 29: The committee decides Ajaeren’s fate. Sarsaparilla proposes her own holiday idea. Deep Underground Prakash: Flashback time for Prakash: First esp implantation attemp Everybody''s looking at me, just because I was the one to suggest this... Well, might as well. Soft orange glow all over, smooth surface, ah, what if I touch it? What? too much risk, I mean, whoever or whatever the aliens are, they are definitely extremely powerful. Just look at the fact that they built the cavity in the first place. And the antigravity effect of the artefact. Our science hasn''t a clue on how to do that. And, then, if they can actually implant some esp ability into the brain of a baby, then they must have extraordinary knowledge about humans in general and brains in particular. Lastly, why would they go to all of this trouble if they didn''t want to help us? If they wanted to kill us or something, I''m sure, with their technological expertise, they have a million options at their fingertips. Assuming they have fingertips, that is." Oh crap, what if something goes wrong? I can''t think of any reason to disagree with that... I suppose. Wait, what about... OK, OK, aliens would go to all of this trouble, and then allow something bad to happen." said Lucy. She''s nervous too, but isn''t prepared to admit it. Lucy, the first girl who ever took a notice of me. Me, the typical nerd, without much in the way of social skills. She might not have been a beauty, but she fell in love with me. My first, and only, girlfriend. The best thing that ever happened in my adult life. The first girl to laugh at my jokes - well, some of them. The first girl to taste my cooking - just as well I''m a good cook, as she certainly wasn''t. The first woman, and the only woman, to come to my bed. We were actually going to have a baby. I would have been a father! We would have watched our own child grow up... What do I do now? I was happy - well we did argue a lot - but I was still happy. And now it''s all been taken away from me. All because of some horrible alien artifact that was supposed to be of benefit to us. Why should I be the one suffer? Why me? Why Lucy? Why couldn''t it have been someone else that suffered. Should we even continue with this experimentation? Won''t it cause more suffering? I don''t care. Why should I care about anyone else? I don''t care anymore. Why should I be the only one to feel this pain? Jaydonen: Manning up and making a formal apology. Nonetheless, I''ll be glad when it''s all over. Well, here goes. So, I''m no longer Mr Two Percent. I''m now Mr Twenty Percent. That''s quite a jump, in fact it starts to make my ability actually useful. But I still don''t know how I managed to increase it. So, we have both increased our levels. But I still don''t want to do anything like that ever again. Sarsaparilla: Now it is her turn to propose a holiday idea. And, let''s make it for the whole two weeks!" We can go swimming. So I get to see Adalace in a bikini! incident that resulted in me joining the Neighbourhood Watch, I haven''t had a single holiday. So it will do me good!" Chapter 30: Teylon takes the true confessions thing to the limits Teylon: Being raked over the coals by his caring Angel of Death Travelling certainly gets complicated when I have to take into account everybody''s preferences. It was so much easier when it was only the lone Teflon Rat, within ten minutes I could pack my hand luggage and go. No commitments, no worries, no fuss. And, they are all looking at me tell them what to do. Let''s make it as comfortable as possible, shall we? That keeps Juniper with both Devina and me. That keeps Sarsaparilla and Adalace together, and lets Kaydence be with Sarsaparilla and Leroy. And Leroy and Adalace can get in some practice at being in each other¡¯s company on a social basis. Maggie and Sarawatch like each other, and Erasyl won''t object to going with Maggie, and maybe Maggie won''t object to going with Erasyl. Wish I had specified the seats to be pointing in the same direction. It''s getting embarrassing looking at each other, and if I lean back and go to sleep everyone will be looking at me if I snore. Not that I ever snore, of course! Oh shit, she''s going to have another episode. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: Juniper Teylon: Shit. Shit. That soul reading must be a memory fragment, showing what she is currently recalling. Esmeralda! Why are you tormenting her like this? At least she isn''t getting anything more... I hope. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: Juniper Teylon: This - this must be how she sees it. Shit, shit, shit, shit. Esmeralda, stop this! Please! What hell are you doing! Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: Juniper Teylon: If that man was here right now, he would be dead three times over - then turned to look back at Juniper. You can''t hurt her now, you utter bastard! Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: Juniper Teylon: What an utter creep! I had better not look at the girls now, otherwise I''ll get scorch marks on my retinas. At least, for the time being, Devina is letting me handle this, presumably because Juniper is concentrating solely on me. So forget about the girls, let''s save Juniper first. But how? Pathetic, is this the best I can do? Fucking hell, why did she have to come up with that? This is getting nightmarish. I had better start ad-libbing like mad here, and deflect this line of inquiry- Teylon¡¯s Direct Message From Esmeralda: You will tell the full truth. Teylon: What!!!!!!!! But she is on the verge of falling apart! Teylon¡¯s Direct Message From Esmeralda: You will tell the truth. You will ensure that she doesn''t fall apart. If she does, that fact will be held against your soul. Teylon: ... shit ... gulp "did. But, not anymore!" How am I different? But I want to look after her! What''s the magic words I can say to convince her? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: Juniper Teylon: Her psyche is collapsing before my very eyes! Esmeralda! How do I save her? How do I answer that? I''ve never been in that situation... Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: A much younger Teylon Teylon: Oh my god, where did that memory come from? I must have been suppressing it for decades. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading: A much younger Teylon Oh. She was killed in a car accident. Verdict of possibly suicide. What do I think about this? What do I feel? I don''t know. What''s this, tears? But, why? Teylon: Tears? After all this time? But I never thought about Emilia again. I forced myself to never think about her. Buried myself into my work and blocked out all memories of her. At least she is not being terrorised by her horrible memories. This is agony. And I still haven''t saved Juniper. I didn''t save Emilia. Now I have to tell Juniper all about Emilia? At least she is being distracted from other things. I have no options left, but to trample my dignity under foot and grovel. I can''t think of anything else. Why am I still crying? Bloody hell, what is happening to me? And Juniper still doesn''t look convinced. What else can I say? Oh. Right. This is my last, desperate, stand. Say I love her. And that I will commit myself to her care. I have never committed myself to anyone before. Never. I have always run away. Admit it, I ran away from Emilia. I ran away from other situations that might have developed in the same direction. Oh shit. She could potentially disintegrate before my very eyes. Say it! What stopping you, you stupid twit! Say it! Oh shit. Now I''ve done it. I''ll never be free again. But, I''m not free now, anyway, am I? Not after being reincarnated and all of that. Admit it, I''m more frightened of commitment than of being killed and brought back to life again. Pathetic. At last, she''s calming down. Oh my God. Esmeralda, this is all by deliberate plan, wasn''t it? Force me into a corner where I had no choice but to bare my soul to save hers. You bitch! What sort of person would she have been if it wasn''t for all of this horrible stuff that happened to her? She must have been a nice person, I''m sure. Perhaps she would have had a boy friend by now? In her last year of schooling? Deciding on what to do with her future? Instead, she was smashed down and discarded like a piece of useless rubbish. What chance did she have after all of that? And now it''s up to me, God help me, to lead her back to life. Me and Devina, I suppose... Crap. I confessed to all of that, in front of these three? Still another four hours to go. Teylon: Urk, the bright light is stabbing my eyes, my back has seized up, my right arm appears to be missing, and what is that hitting my knee... Oh, right, Juniper is still sleeping, leaning against my side, and incidentally sitting back on my arm. Great. For the next ten minutes, I''m going to slowly and painfully regain my feelings in my arm. Oh shit, that''s right, I told Juniper I loved her and I committed myself to looking after her. And these girls watched me all the way. And what will Juniper actually remember? Chapter 31: Teylon takes the empathy thing to the limits Teylon: Still being raked over the coals by his caring Angel of Death I don''t think I''m ever going to hear the end of this. Say, what are their stories, anyway? Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Devina Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Devina Teylon: Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Devina Teylon: I get the full pain of Devina''s abuse, and now I''m responsible for the mess. What the fuck hell did I do to deserve this... Yeah, yeah, don''t tell me. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Devina Chapter 32: All about the Girls in Pink Teylon: Continues to be raked over the coals by his caring Angel of Death Bloody hell, fuck this soul reading business. What the hell am I supposed to do with all of this. smell of burning skin, the expression of insanity on her father''s face. Esmeralda, why the hell couldn''t you have exerted some of your power and stopped this. Even if by sending a nice person to help her, instead of those two shitty men. It''s almost like they were deliberately setting out to stomp on her... evil from our society. Also agreed?" OK, then, fine, let her stay up... Ah, I think that Sarsaparilla is having problems with this, I''ll have to lend a hand here. Well, well, she has somehow forgotten to mention the bit where I asked her and Tamara if they had ever had boyfriends. I''ll just have to let that pass. Forever the hero. It generally doesn''t work, but he always keeps on trying. And Erasyl, a good heart but forever blundering around. I hope Devina doesn''t crush him on the spot. I wasn''t expecting this. For her, this is a pretty big action to take. She looks - frightened. Fearful and frightened and alone. Well, it looks like it''s up to me to try to save her, also. Just don''t come on too strong. And definitely don''t even try to touch her. It seems that nobody else is foolhardy enough, or brave enough, to make any more comments to Devina. Yeah, I guess I''m fair game at the moment. Give Devina time to calm down. Oh shit. This is beginning to wear me down. over him, more like up at him, however that did not detract from the effect in any way at all. Uh-oh, I recognise those smiles. Fortunately, it''s at a pretty low power level. I think Leroy will survive. discussion, so I guess we''ll have to tell you. Even if it does embarrass Leroy, all over again." said Adalace. Shit, Erasyl just can''t help putting his foot into it, all the way up to his neck! What can I do if she starts with the pink fireballs? So she just took orders from an unknown bloke? I have certainly started something here on Mars. But how is it all going to work out? By Narrative Causality, Francesca''s story must be connected in some way to my quest. Maybe the mystery orange object is something to do with the esp implantation process? And there were two different factions fighting over how to use it? Or, maybe, one group with some serious internal divisions? I''m getting a headache. Let''s move right along and think about something else, OK? Yeah. Like how I''m now committed to looking after and loving Juniper. In my past life, I have never gotten to this point. Never. How am I going to cope? I wish I could have just died back then and not come back to this absolute mess... Say, am I actually so frightened of commitment I would actually want to be dead? Shit, it was so easy back then! Wasn''t it? Or did I just keep on running away and blocking out my feelings? Oh hell. What am I going to do? In addition, now I''m supposed to look after Devina? Why am I supposed to look after Devina? Why me? Chapter 33: Adalace’s Dark Past comes back and bites her But first, Teresa flashback time: Gets to plant another tree This argument again. Everybody has discussed this to death and we can never get any definitive conclusions. I dunno. Do they? Do they really? But, if we stop, we have to give up all of that. Surely, it is too important, we have to keep going! "Don''t forget, we all have these doubts. We just need to keep discussing it at our meetings. I suppose. I''m sure your husband agrees with this." I, and the others, could see that coming from the other side of the planet. Because he does just see you, and us, as a means to an end, you idiot. Sigh. Only sometimes? Geez, It''s actually pretty obvious to the rest of us. I mean, all of those ''meetings'' he has in Verdant... Really, this girl is so idealistic, it''s painful. I bet you anything that the prime number naming scheme has no intrinsic meaning. It''s just there to fuck with our minds. At least we have some idea on what the first few number labels represent. What do we do next? Select a known option, say ship pilot? Or try a minor variation on a known option? Or try for another wild card esp ability under 2? Or just roll the dice and pick some random combination? The more random it is, the greater the chance of getting something useless. Or dangerous. Or even, just killing another fetus or even the mother. But, it''s the only way to explore the space of unknown possibilities. Who knows, maybe we''ll get faster than light travel, or time travel, or mental telepathy or something. I wonder what the full extent of the possibilities are. We don''t even have any idea on how big the space of possible parameters is. We''ll never be able to examine them all. Not to mention that fact that no two esp abilities are precisely the same, even with the same options. It all seemed so simple and uncomplicated, back then. It''s coming from the implantation room? What the hell... There''s no mothers present at the moment, right? Who the hell is that person firing the pink fireballs - wait, how can that be, the oldest espers are about twelve, oh shit... Why the fuck does he carry that around all the time? Too late, too late. some evil..." Teylon: Starting the day poorly. I''m not even sure which one is the worse. Can I cancel today? So, everyone else is energetic and looking forward to their first full day of holidaying. Why, even Devina looks happy, but mainly because Juniper is holding her hands and, by the looks of it, convincing her to join the others in a morning swimming session. Oh shit, another incident. Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Juniper as a child Teylon¡¯s Soul Reading of: Devina as a child Teylon: A twin pack of soul readings? At least I''m not getting another reading of her horrible abuse. So I guess I''m to distract her? This is getting worse and worse.
Adalace: It sucks when your dark past comes back and bites you. I''m a little surprised that Teylon didn''t go with Juniper. But, I suppose the three of them don''t always have to be together, after all Sarsaparilla isn''t with Kaydence. And, what''s this! Well, naturally, Earth''s gravity is three times higher than ours. Obviously we can produce much more elaborate roller coaster rides. Who is that bloke? Why does he look familiar..." Oh shit. Oh shit, It¡¯s him. Oh shit, he recognises who I am. Oh shit, it really is him. My rapist. that crazy. I mean, there are his ever so lovely wife and adorable little baby to consider, also. But, nevertheless, Adalace is taking it badly." Of course, I''m taking it badly. He''s the dickhead that raped me! I''ve spent years fantasizing about smashing his head into the ground, or burning him where it would really hurt... I don''t care if anyone does object, we''re still going off by ourselves! Hee hee, she''s making sure that Leroy isn''t alone with Kaydence. That''s strange, is Teylon acting a bit, ah, reluctant to join in? Let''s just worry about me for the time being, I just need some alone time with Sasar. I don''t want to listen to a voice of reason. But, shit, why should I get the blame for being the victim? Sleazy little rapist. Sleazy little shit. I should just go and... every night?" Now I can make him sweat for a little. Make him feel trapped. Pity I can''t take it further, oh, never mind. rapist." traumatised by what you did. The whole family translocated to a different dome because I was too scared to go back to that school, since I might meet you again. And when your family somehow managed to buy off the police, or whatever they did, what do you think that did to my feeling of security? Hmm? Even now I tremble in fear and rage if some dickhead walks past me in the street and makes one of those stupid meaningless passes at some random girl he had never met before and probably would never have the guts to say a proper hello to even if he did meet her at some social event." raped a teenage girl just like her?" Hee hee - oh, actually I had better stop that, I''m sounding like an evil villain. I think Francesca''s smile with the killing intent wins here. really angry at you, ah..." Yes! Her eyes are glowing red. It sure is great having our very own Angel of Death. And scary. really don''t want to know what might happen if she gets too angry." Yeah, it is. For sure. But, I''m beginning to think that Teylon has a few problems himself which he is not talking about. And lately Devina is getting pretty good at comforting Juniper. Always ready to divert someone''s attention from things he doesn''t want them to think about. A consummate conman, indeed! Nightmarish. Yeah, dreadful nightmarish memories. nightmarish memories, I''m going to keep on suffering, and now I can''t even pretend that I will become better again when I finally get my revenge. And I certainly will never forgive him!" Pink''s totally the wrong colour for her. Totally. I mean, she''s not trying to be one of the Girls in Pink... Although I suppose with her newfound powers she just about qualifies... Yeah, I guess so. Especially the part about having Sarsaparilla. Yeah, it can''t be helped, we all have our own little problems. think that something is happening?" said Adalace. Chapter 34: Tamara looks to her future. Erasyl: having a boy to boy talk with Leroy This is my chance to talk about a few things not suitable for any other audience. together, even if they are sleeping next to each other." said Erasyl. still not suicidal! And of course, not Kaydence. And, most definitely, Juniper is also totally off bounds." Damn, she''s wearing jeans, so there''s no display of anything interesting. But, I suppose, she wouldn''t sit like that if she was wearing a short skirt. Sigh. But, at least she is talking with me. And looking pretty relaxed about it. Oh wow! She''s actually OK about me admiring her gorgeous figure! Although, when you think of it, it''s no more than what any random man passing by in public can do... But still, I''ll take it!" really gives me the creeps!" mind raped by him. I get so tired of repeatedly having to make effort not to freak out, it gets tiring." Erasyl: Being sent on an errand We both know she is deliberately using my affection for her to manipulate me into fetching the food, but, well, she is talking to me, so... This is just a little uncomfortable. Do I turn around and try to talk to her - or just accept the status quo? After all, I do know that things are complicated for her. So we turn right and... She''s really not doing a very good job of it, is she? She looks, what, lost? Sad? That''s right, she lost her little sister. She must have loved her so much, and she died because no adult cared to intervene. Let''s keep it simple, shall we? There''s nothing I can do to help her. Nothing at all, except to try and not make things any worse. My God, this lot is awkward to carry. And it''s only for morning tea! Struth, if this was Earth I''ll be struggling to carry this weight in a flat orientation all the way back. again. My, that girl is such a pain." I''m beginning to get some idea about why she is always running away. But, anyway. Why is Tamara is running away from the girl, ah! she''s found someone. Tamara, that''s not really the best way to ask for help. And, that look she gave him... is a girl stuck on the sluice gate!" It''s just as well I not scared of deep water. Especially when it is running so fast. And getting faster as the gates close. Wow, its positively foaming now as the gates come right together. She looks pretty scared. Right now the water is still and calm. Not at all like what it was when it is flowing past at full speed. Yep, definitely nothing scary... Although the water still looks pretty deep on the up channel side... Let''s just get back to shore, OK? Coward. He''s probably hoping we won''t file an official report. Or maybe he doesn''t want to meet Tamara again. Maybe I am just a little bit nervous of deep water. Just a little - oh bloody hell I hope I never get that close to deep running water again... Damn, I missed my chance to comfort her... Now that''s a change, Tamara has managed a genuine smile for once. What if I just keep my distance and let them have their moment. Oh my, Tamara has some tears in her eyes. Was that a smile she just gave me? Even if it was brief. It''s a bloody sight better than the usual blank face or angry look she normally gives me. And what do I say now... But, I didn''t give away their food! But, on the other hand even Tamara is now smiling at me. We both know she is deliberately setting me up to do the hard work... Tamara: Looking forward. But, will Juniper get better? Teylon is supposed to only last until his quest is completed. Devina can''t see herself being around for all that long. So, in that case, who will be looking after Juniper? Who can look after Juniper? Adalace: Hello mum and dad. Oh crap. My mum and dad are passing through and have decided to visit me and my friends. And it''s this afternoon. I wish I had never mentioned that I was going on a holiday... Deep breath. Right. I can do it. It''s only my parents, after all. This is going to take all day if I don''t watch out. Well, here it goes. That wasn''t so bad, after all. Chapter 35: Juniper forces some more true confessions from Maggie, Erasyl and Devina Maggie: Maybe Erasyl has his good points, after all. How did this come about? Uh-oh, since when did she start to realise that she was so dependent on everyone else. And what can I do about it? Oh shit. What do I do about this? My, Juniper is actually getting excited about the possibility of - doing kitchen chores? not you. OK?" If I start picking my teeth with one of these tooth picks, would it clash with my lady like demeanour? Hmm, can''t see I care what Erasyl thinks about it, but, on the other hand, Juniper is definitely a proper young lady... Oooooh shit. Again. What the hell do I do? What can I do? How does he know how to do that? And what if I copy him and sit on the other side of Juniper? This is getting a bit weird, but let''s concentrate on looking after Juniper first! Shit! It''s all over the place! Oh shit, those purple splodges must be the grapes... At least that''s something, wouldn''t want to waste that fine lunch. How did he know how to do all of that? I didn''t even realise that cleaning up vomit was a skill, yet alone one that he would know. She''s sweating and gasping, I can still smell the vomit, her eyes are red from crying, this is really hard to take... So how is Erasyl coping so well? How the fuck did he get to be so much better than me at comforting a distressed girl? I''ll just keep following his lead and hope for the best. Wow, the first negative thing I''ve ever heard Juniper say about anyone. Shit, I forgot Juniper doesn''t know about the Girls in Pink. Yeah, I guess I will have to agree that Erasyl is nice and wholesome. As long as he doesn''t relapse into his obnoxious behaviour mode. Oh hell, please don''t fall back into another episode - bloody hell, her psyche is so fragile, an unkind look might sent her back over the edge. I''ll have to tell her something- Right, and it had better be the truth. Any less would be totally disrespectful to everybody concerned. I am so going to regret with extreme embarrassment what I''m going to say. loveless, it makes me feel..." Shit. Here goes. Hope I don''t have to kill Erasyl later. Oops, can''t mention the Girls in Pink here. Just don''t look at Erasyl! I, what, I am? And, anyway, surely she can''t see me blushing! Maybe she can feel the heat? creep''s sex slaves, it still gives the horrors. But, nonetheless, overall, our troubles barely rank it compared to hers." not make any further advances in our relationship. Let''s wait for the whole situation surrounding Teylon to settle down." said Maggie. did you get to be so good at looking after damsels in distress?" He wants me to hold his hand again, doesn''t he? But he''s too scared to be too bold about it. Do I want to hold his hand? I suppose so. I deserve some support in my life right now - and he is in fact offering it. This whole situation can''t just keep on going like this. Devina: True confession time. So, they were forced to reveal their most embarrassing secrets, just like Teylon was. Juniper certainly has an amazing talent for that, even though she''s not the slightest bit aware of it. I wonder if anyone else will end up being subjected to it? She looks so happy, and all she is doing is taking over a few of our chores? That''s - amazing. She certainly is a lovely young lady. I need to talk this over with someone, I don''t think he is taking this commitment stuff all that well. Good person? Me a good person? What is she talking about? She thinks I''m a good person. Me? What do I do now? What do I say to that? I suppose, I can''t lie, can I? Not to Juniper. Otherwise it makes everything I have ever said to her feel like a lie also. But, if I tell the truth... I lose her anyway. What''s the use. I have already lost everything, anyway. If it''s Juniper I don''t mind that - wait, there are men in the room! Now it''s safe to show them. Maybe it''s Juniper who is really the angel round here? Damn, my vision''s getting blurry. Francesca: Has her own intense moment Everybody is expectantly waiting for an update Where''s he coming from? And where''s this going to? But, answering these questions is certainly something different from normal. Also, he''s looking just a bit nervous. Which is understandable. What? What? A hug from a boy. A boy the same age as that dickhead back then. And Leroy is still looking at my face. At the disfigured side of my face. The side that the dickhead always avoided. The side that he considered revolting. And he is still looking at me with no signs of being repelled. This is weird. I think. I don''t know. A man is giving me a hug. Ok, a young man. And he''s touching my disfigured side. And he doesn''t mind it a bit. That felt so strange. All those years of carrying around this feeling of being ashamed about my looks, of feeling that every man who sees me is repelled, of hearing the dickhead''s derisive laughter about my appearance, of thinking I''ll never have any friendly contact with any man - and Leroy just walks up and gives me a hug. What does it all mean? It''s no magical cure, is it? I''m still the same old mean bitch that I''ve always been. Perhaps it means I can try to be less of a bitch in future? Perhaps I don''t have to let my past shackle me quite so much? Perhaps I can change the course of my life to something better? I suppose so. It''s going to be bloody hard, but. But, perhaps I now have a chance? This is a bit embarrassing. But what do I do now... Reconnecting with my family might be a good idea. Uh-Oh, that means I''m going to have to be the first one to make a move. Which means I''m going to have to apologise to them. Shit. That forces me to the conclusion that I will also have to make some sort of apology to the dickhead. I''m even going to have to call him by his proper name. Sigh. This is going to be ever so annoying. Get over it girl, life wasn''t meant to be easy. No excuses allowed, suck it up and just do it. young man, you''re going to find that girl you bullied in school and apologise to her." Chapter 36: Devina has a few words with Teylon Adalace: Just a bit of innocent digital eavesdropping, nothing wrong with that is there? Ha-ha! He was looking at Kaydence''s door. Oh, poor boy, he''s missing his non-girlfriend. Which reminds me- Gotcha! I''m so enjoying this. Leroy is such a nice diversion from thinking about you know who. Suck it up, baby! Mr Leroy, I suppose I now have to look up the dick-, I mean look up Richard." Both boys look puzzled. But, hmm, no one else looks very surprised. Am I that transparent? Should I put on my big innocent smile - probably not, since I''m not actually innocent, am I. Aww, just drop the act. Me neither. But I wouldn''t mind watching Leroy squirm at his apology! OK! OK! I''ll stop the negativity. Since when did Sarsa get to know me so well? Teylon still looks off kilter. Teylon: Freaking out Oh shit. Not again. go away." said Juniper. Esmeralda! Can I have something to distract her! Saved the day. Again. How long is this going to go on for? At least Juniper now looks happy, and Devina looks like a mother hen, happily clucking around her little chick. Sigh, she treats me as if I had bubonic plague, or as if I was some monster that that had just crawled up from the sewers, dripping all over the floor and table. God damn it, I''m only trying to help! I am helping! Bloody hell, this is what Sarsaparilla eats. I didn''t realise how awful it actually was. But she already got some new clothes from the last time, when we all visited the theatre. Why does she need more? Females. This is too much, can''t I get away from it for a while. All this commitment. These constant demands for my emotional support. I don''t know how to do this! And I never get any support from Devina. All I get is the memory of burning skin... Devina: Having a few words with Teylon Damn him! He certainly did! However... Am I actually defending a man? And Juniper looks as if she might start crying at any moment. What do I do? Ah, the Angel of Death sign. Wish I knew what all of that was really about. What? Me confront a man? How do I do that? That''s no help, Francesca. But, for the sake of Juniper, I guess I will have to. What do I do now? What do I say? Shit, he''s actually been crying. This is getting ever so complicated - but Juniper is still hurting! And now I''m feeling sorry for a man. What the hell is going on? messages from some angel or other. So you got to get over your funk and help Juniper!" not your father! I didn''t cause you all that pain. I didn''t go insane and start burning you." No! Men are not the cause of your pain. Your father was the cause! Not all men are insane monsters!" What, me? Be friends with a man? But, shit, I suppose he is right - after all he isn''t my father. But those other men also did their best to hurt me! But, Teylon hasn''t. In fact, Teylon saved my life. But, but. And Leroy and Erasyl have always been kind of friendly. In spite the fact that we tried to kill them when we first met. Why do I have to go through this? To save Juniper. Isn''t any effort worth it to save her? So that means I have to be friendly with Teylon? I have to make the effort and separate out my image of my horrible father from my image of Teylon. After all, Teylon experienced all of my pain. Oh geez, this is painful in its own right. Is he saying that I have to look after him also? But... Well... I suppose... How do I look after him? Well, how do I comfort Juniper? By hugging her... So, does that mean I have to hug Teylon? A man. Sigh. For Juniper''s sake. How does it go again? Just remember how I hug Juniper. No! He is not my father! He is helping me look after Juniper! Why am I crying? For whom am I crying? Francesca: Impressed beyond words This is absolutely amazing. My, they certainly need a lot more practice. But it''s a start! I know, I''ll ring Sarawatch, suggest that they come back also. In fact, why not capitalise on the situation, and ask her to suggest to Teylon and Devina that they should take Juniper off somewhere, all by themselves? Strike while the iron is hot and all of that; let them really wallow in their happy little family grouping. Erasyl: At last, Maggie gives him a hug A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Ooh look! Now that''s a lovely sight. I think it is within my allowable rights to make a comment... I''m impressed. But that hardly counts! If I look suitably contrite, maybe she will... Yes! A win for team Erasyl! Have I died and been blessed by Esmeralda? too bad. Well, as far as I can tell. After all, I don''t have Sarsaparilla''s cheat ability of getting soul readings of everyone." think Sarawatch was, also,¡± said Adalace. Erasyl: Having a visit from his family Who''s this, an email from ... Shit! I could push past her... Like hell. She knows perfectly well that I dare not touch her. Maybe out of my bedroom window - damn, none of the windows open. Well then, dash out the front door and round the corner, I still might avoid them... Oh. So she is. This could be interesting - but my father and brothers! Meeting all of my friends? Oh hell. Maggie: Thoroughly enjoys herself This might be fun! Finding out what sort of weird family Erasyl has. He is certainly freaking out, he''s not even distracted by my short skirt. Oh wow, they are all big hunks. Good looking with it, too. They hug each other? Hey, that''s nice! A hug fest? I wasn''t expecting that. He''s not skinny! Except when compared to the rest of this family, I suppose. Yeah, I can see that they could be intimidating. Not to me of course! After all, I''m Maggie the Magneto! I don''t get intimidated by massive hunks of men. Definitely not! And all of that muscle is so attractive - no, no there is no way that I just thought that! We''re not an item! Ah, but we not quite just friends either... Shit, what do I say here? That''s a bit more sophisticated an observation than I would have thought possible. For someone who could crush my hand with ease, his hold feels firm but gentle. I''m trusting him already. Not bad. Oh crap. Oh crap. Where is this going to end up? My, Francesca''s smile has become a lot nicer all of a sudden. is the most dangerous one?" said Erasyl''s other brother. It''s a bit late now, Erasyl. Ha, Adalace is going to get a few words, later! Oh - oh, what is it going to be this time? too much, but you''re all going to get a soul reading. A different one for each person. Ready?" Chapter 37: Everybody realises that now is the time to do something Erasyl''s Dad: Erasyl''s Dad''s Soul Reading: Remembering his wife Erasyl''s Dad: I had better not disturb them, it looks like they are also going through something highly emotional. My my, they are also sharing an intense moment. Yep, they are almost bound to get together sometime in the future. Surely not the same one as me? Erasyl: Ready for what - Erasyl''s Soul reading of: Himself as a baby Erasyl: My mother. She died too young for me to remember. This is wonderful. Erasyl''s Soul Reading of: Maggie This is fucking hard. I feel on the verge of vomiting. Hold on! Otherwise all of my friends will die. I''ve just found them! I can''t let that happen. And Erasyl is holding my arm. He''s nice after all. I''ll definitely treat the green tree frog admirer better if we get through this. Erasyl: Maggie: What is Sarsaparilla going to do this time? Maggie''s Soul Reading of: Maggie''s Mum My beautiful daughter. And my last dance with her. This is going to make me sick. But I don''t care. It''s worth it to hold my very own daughter for one last time. Maggie: This is what mum really was thinking. That she loved me. Maggie''s Soul Reading of: Erasyl If this is my last moments, then at least I can go out holding Maggie. I wonder if I''ll feel embarrassed recalling this? Doesn''t matter, just keep supporting Maggie. And don''t say anything! I certainly don''t want to disturb her concentration. Maggie: He''s teary eyed too. Erasyl, we won''t be doing anything special together until after everything''s been resolved." said Maggie. bastards lied about my mother. She loved me and she wanted to give me that last dance, and yet they lied through their teeth and tried to destroy the good memories I had of her."
Sarsaparilla: these friends aren''t going to be taken away Sarsaparilla''s Soul Reading of: Herself Sarsaparilla: That''s right, I haven''t taken them out since. Because I don''t need to remind myself of them, I''m with them all the time. Especially Kaydence. And Adalace! I have a girlfriend. And friends. Oh, right. Sarsaparilla''s Soul Reading of: Shane I killed five teenage girls. Five innocent teenage girls. I trusted those scientists without any hesitation, when they produced their spiel about clones and about enhancing my powers. And it was all bullshit. And I''m bullshit. If I had a bit more knowledge of the world I would have know that creating clones was impossible. Those annoying teenagers knew straight away that it was all a fake, but I was completely fooled. And now I''ve got the blood of five girls on my hands. Why did those so-called scientists have to do that? Yeah, to make me more committed to spending the rest of my life in a spaceship, on a one-way trip to a star. What did that horrible bloke say? That''s right, if the programme had gone as they planned, I would have adapted to being a killer. And in doing so, I would have adapted to being out of contact with the rest of the human race, with only forty clones for my company. Thirty of them female. Bloody hell- that tall lady with the disfigured face, she certainly called it right: ''My clone harem'' But I can''t do that now, can I? What can I do? The guilt is horrible. I suppose I will just have to go anyway, I certainly can''t remain in normal society with all of that on my conscience. This is so horrible. Perhaps I should just kill myself. Although, what were those annoying teenagers saying, something about an Angel of Death helping them? Hell, that means I can''t even kill myself. I just need to leave. Sarsaparilla: We need to take Shane? Presumably for his shields. I''m supposed to be with a psychopathic killer - wait, he is actually regretting it. In fact, it seems he was royally screwed over by the powers that be. I need to talk this out with the others. And Adalace looks as if she is becoming aware of her surroundings. Adalace: no longer any reason to be envious Adalace''s Soul Reading of: Nethezal I have sinned. I raped my own daughter. I will one day be dragged into the depths of hell. But I didn''t know she was my daughter! But that doesn''t make any moral difference, does it? I must pray to my Lord and Master for forgiveness. If I pray hard enough, and give enough penance, I will be saved. But will I? Is my crime too big to be forgiven? Will those devils come and drag my soul down? I know what those two were. They were devils, in the disguise of two teenage girls, who came up to the mortal world to gloat in the knowledge that I will soon be taken by them. I know beyond any doubt. Two devils, with glowing red eyes, pretending to be two cute teenagers. The others didn''t see it, cause they haven''t committed any mortal sins. But I could see it, I could see their red eyes, their sharp teeth, I could smell the sulphur. Yes, they were the spawn of Satan, come to check me over. But no, I won''t be going with them! I shall atone for my sins. The sin of raping my daughter. But what about the other girls I also raped? I must pray with great strength, to avoid the clutches of those two! I must. I will avoid them. Nobody else knows that they were devils. Even Sister Celeste doesn''t know. Yeah, Sister Celeste. She comes here every week to help me repent. She leads me in prayer to save my soul. She smiles encouragingly, she is noble and self-effacing. But I know. Behind that smile, behind those kindly eyes, I see the truth. She hates me. She hates my appearance, she hates the sound of my voice. But, most of all, she hates my actions. Of raping my daughter. But I didn''t know she was my daughter! But does that make any difference? Oh, yes, she hates me. She watches me, watches me suffer. She reminds me of my crimes. Every week. I can''t escape it. Her hatred is driving the fires of hell that will consume my soul. She is in league with those two devils, she is the one to make sure that I cannot recover, that I can never split my mind again, she pretends to help me, but really she keeps me down. When I die she will push my soul down, into the hands of those two devils. Those two devils. They might look like cute teenage girls, but I can see! I know! Their glowing red eyes give them away! They are out to get me. I know it! I must pray to God to be rescued. I must pray harder! But how can I rescue myself? I have sinned. I raped my own daughter... Adalace: The man''s gone bat shit crazy. He deserves it! Ah, I think? Adalace''s Soul Reading of: Nethezal Adalace: Maybe this is a fitting punishment, after all? Adalace''s Soul Reading of: Esmeralda, with Nethezal in the background Oh my. Are all of Sarsaparilla''s soul readings as dramatic as this? This is weird. I am now conscious of my body, and I can feel the surface of this bed - actually the blankets are pretty cheap and coarse - but I''m not really here and there is no way that Nethezal can perceive me. In fact this is probably a replay of Nethezal actions and thoughts, recorded recently and saved, just for me. This is still effectively a cell, it doesn''t have a lock on the door and I suppose he goes out to go to the toilet, but it''s still a dingy cell. He must eat his meals here, also. Maybe they are delivered? He''s not locked in, but he might as well be. And he looks like a wreck. I''m glad I can no longer hear his thoughts. What will his Judgement be like? Perhaps I don''t want to know. All I should concentrate on is looking after my own soul. And Sarsaparilla''s. Most importantly, look after Sarsaparilla''s. Adalace: Teylon Soul Reading of: Emilia Teylon: Emilia. How much did I love her? After all this time, I don''t know. Of course, I didn''t know back then, either. Why do I keep crying when I think of her? Oh, of course, there''s nothing here. That was part of the soul reading. Looks like Esmeralda thinks I have enough with which to get started on my task. Sarawatch: Watching over Mirabella Sarawatch''s Soul Reading of: Mirabella So, I''m not on Mars, and I''m not on Earth? Is this what one of those soul readings is supposed to be? I think I am missing something... Oh, right. I''m still confused. What are they, some sort of angel... nyah, can''t be. They don''t look like powerful supernatural beings, just a bunch of teenagers. And why does that one girl look familiar. By all that''s wonderful - that''s Mirabella. Yeah, she''s definitely Mirabella. My, she looks a lot happier here than the last time I saw her. Just before she died... Just before she died. So - this is some sort of afterlife - but why the wings and halos? - Ah, this is some sort of in-between life? - In-between - after dying in such a shitty way Mirabella gets a little respite and some happiness before going on to - whatever? Yes, she certainly looks happy. Even if that other girl just pulled her hair... Yeah, Mirabella certainly seems to have a good life here. Sarawatch: I ask Teylon to find out the name of that girl, and in return, I actually see her being happy. Exactly where is an interesting question, presumably above Earth but still below Heaven. You know, I was an atheist. I think I might have to modify my beliefs. Just a little bit. Although I am still not going to become the slightest bit religious. And Teylon is on a quest to stop the sort of evil that killed Mirabella in the first place. Right. When Teylon finally makes his move, I''m going with him. Damn those anonymous bastards for letting Mirabella die! Juniper: Is loved and cared for. That''s so nice, Erasyl is nice, so of course his family must be too. Were soul readings a common thing before my parents died? I don''t really remember anything about them... Juniper''s Soul Reading of: Herself Juniper: Yes, of course. They all love me and care for me. They had no warning, they weren''t asked to, but when they realised that I needed help they just all made an effort. All on my behalf. They are all wonderful and I owe them my life. Whereas, those horrible people that sent me off to be a sex slave, and then decided to toss me onto the garbage and sent me off to be killed by that monster Shane, those people couldn''t care less about me. I owe them nothing. Wasn''t Teylon supposed to do something about them? If he is, then I will help him. It is the least that I can do to repay their kindness. Tamara¡¯s Soul Reading of: Her sister dropping in to say hello. Tamara: Become a teacher. Yes, I will. That''s right, I tried to enrol into a teacher''s college when I first came to Verdant. But all I got were refusals. Because the hidden puppet masters of this society decided to use me as an assassin. And I went along with it. But no more! Shit them! If my sister tells me to do so, then I''ll become a teacher! But what if those evil people keep on preventing me from becoming a teacher? They won''t. Because Teylon is on some sort of quest to stop them. So all I have to do is to follow his lead. Fuck those creeps, we''re going to rip them out from the shadows and drag them into the bright lights and show everyone just what they have been doing! Francesca: Sees the big incident from the other side. Bloody hell, that''s the shit - I mean that''s Richard in the bed. And those two people must be his parents. Francesca''s Soul Reading of: Richard girl should suffer the consequences of her actions! As soon as you''re up to it, I''ll get the police in to take a statement." said his father. Being in hospital for a couple of weeks is the pits. And the side of my face aches like hell. What a pain. That bloody bitch. But, but, I really was an arsehole to her, wasn''t I? I got carried away a bit more than I should have. Yeah, the idea of having sex with the school delinquent seemed so much fun. And then I had to go and boast about it to my friends. Yeah, I did get carried away with it, didn''t I? Saying she wasn''t really worth it. Putting her down just to get some laughs from my friends. In actual fact I kind of did like her. The sex really was good. And I suppose, given enough time, I could have gotten used to her disfigured face. What a mess. But she still shouldn''t have zapped me like that! She''s still a bitch for doing that! But still... If she ever apologises to me, then I shall do a bit of grovelling and apologise back. But I definitely won''t go first! Francesca: Well, that was surprising. You mean, he wasn''t quite as bad as I thought he was? This is going to take some time to get use to. So I am right to seek him out and offer an apology. Although, whether or not he''ll offer one back after all this time is an interesting question. Sigh. Life wasn''t meant to be easy. Wait a minute, if those bastards hadn''t blocked all of my efforts to get an honest job, and set me up to be a hired gun - Well, I would probably have come to the conclusion about making an apology a lot sooner. Which would have meant that I wouldn''t have needed to wasted all of those years thinking I was without any worth when it came to being a woman and a lover. Eight years, thinking every man would find me repulsive. Eight years... Teylon, when are you going to take down this evil in our society? Cause I''m going to be right there with you! Devina¡¯s Soul Reading of: Juniper as a preteen. This is a real live soul reading? This is amazing, Teylon and Sarsaparilla aren''t making it up after all. I appear to be seeing out of the eyes of a young woman, and that girl - That girl - Yes, she''s Juniper! She looks a bit different and younger, but I just know she''s Juniper. This must be how Teylon receives all of those memories about Juniper. And now I am too. Why is Esmeralda being so kind to me? Oh, and who is the man who is holding Juniper''s other hand? I can''t see his face, the woman isn''t looking up at him. I suppose this must be Juniper as a younger, and happier, girl, out on a walk with her mum and dad. Devina: And then, some years after that, her parents were killed and those uncaring men took her away to some soulless orphanage, then eventually turned her into a clone to be casually killed for some stupid purpose. I hate those men. Isn''t Teylon supposed to do something about them? Then I will help him. If he is too squeamish to kill them then I will. Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
Kaydence¡¯s Soul Reading of: Herself holding a red scarf. That''s right. Sarsaparilla has always been there. We were friends for years before I was taken away. She gave me this scarf and I kept it during my couple of years at those horrible barracks. The memory of her kept my spirits up even when she wasn''t there. And she brought me back to reality, enabled me to escape that stupid clone brainwashing stuff. She has looked after me ever since. My first loyalty is to her. If she wants my help I will give it. Of course, after Sarsaparilla there is Leroy. Hmm, I need to wait for things to settle down, but, you know, he can be ever so cute. Leroy: Sees his bullying from his victim''s side. Leroy''s Soul Reading of: Candide Better keep Mr Bear safely in my bag, don''t want anyone to see him. I hope I won''t see him. I hope I won''t see him... At least until class starts. Maybe he will find someone else to torment. Ignore him. Ignore him. sandwich doesn''t have enough sand!" This is a lot worse than normal. A lot worse. I don''t think I can take any more of this. No, no, please, stop this. Leroy: Oh my God! I was far worse than I ever imagined. I can never repent for anything like that! I caused too much pain! That can never be forgiven. How can I possibly keep living with that burden... Huh? What? Adalace: Doing a good deed. without any expectation of rewards for a few years..."
Teylon: Sums it up. little chat with those who are running our society?" Chapter 38: The committee reluctantly start planning for a visit Deep Underground lot of security coverage to wade through. There were twelve in Teylon''s group, and they certainly didn''t stick together all of the time. Also, only some of the time were they actually doing anything relevant. Most of the time, of course, they were doing the equivalent of asking for the salt to be passed across the table, or discussing the weather, or planning on whether or not to go swimming or a walk. Even with automated computerised systems, it still took time to go through them. And for this sort of surveillance, getting someone else to go through it was out of the question. all be paying us a little social visit." said Lenny. explosive diarrhoea!¡± really really want to know why Juniper was subject to what she experienced.¡± said Teresa. Devina you will be meeting? And Francesca?¡± said Arnold. Arnold: Keeps a little bit of information to himself very interested to hear that Sarsaparilla was the granddaughter of that bloke from whom he had stolen that logistics company, right before he became involved with the esp businesses. Let¡¯s just keep quiet about that, shall we? Nobody else should pick up on that; after all, it was a third of a century ago. Wouldn¡¯t want Sarsaparilla getting all judgemental about it. Teresa: Remembering how it all started These mothers, they get life endangering choices made for them, without any consultation at all. They don''t play any part in picking what esp ability they want for their baby, either. But then, I didn''t get any choice either. I walked the walk. I choose to go ahead with it, knowing the dangers. I mean, they can''t complain, can they? They shouldn''t complain. We are doing the best that we can. Yes, definitely the best. How did it go, again? That''s right, with that bloke leaving my life. Flashback time for Teresa: Chooses her future How clich¨¦. The memory of a door being slammed as he disappears from my life. Face it Teresa. He was just using you. All of that starry eyed love? Purely a construct of my own imagining, my own desires. Yeah, didn''t he play me like a maestro. I never noticed how he was so perfect in every way. Perfect because he was faking it, fitting his behaviour to my expectations. And then he dumps me. Just before I was going to tell him that I was pregnant. Maybe I should just go and get an abortion. It''s not too late, although I had better do it soon. And never tell him anything. He doesn''t deserve to be told. And now I''ve got one more thing to give me sleepless nights. Lucy dying - what a shitty thing to happen. Maybe that''s a way out of this. I''m one week short of precisely 100 days. So why don''t I volunteer? If it fails, I die. Do I really care? Well, maybe I do. But, still, it feels like a reasonable risk to take. For me. Right now. Or, maybe the foetus dies. Well, that''s just like an abortion, isn''t it? Or, or, I give birth to the first human with genuine esp powers. I suppose that certainly might make me feel better about things. Surely? Terrence: Remembering the past Again, I wasn''t of much use, was I? Bloody hell, this time I''m up against an Angel of Death! Or at least that is what Teylon says. It was so much more fun sleeping next to Teresa - pity that ended long ago. Flashback time for Terrence: Someone to admire Now that''s - gutsy. I wouldn''t have thought she would have the balls to do that. Err, I know what I mean. There must be more to her than just that colourless flat exterior. I suppose, because I''ve only know her for a few months, I haven''t seen anything more. Lucy''s death has really flattened him. He really doesn''t care, anymore. Should I tell Teresa to get ready...? On the other hand, let''s just get this over and done with as soon as possible. Oh bloody hell, that''s a relief. Now all we got to do is wait for the birth. I don''t think I could have done that. She''s actually quiet admirable. Flashback time for Teresa: The first esp mother Futures City. What a grandiose name for what is just an empty expanse of rock floor a few kilometres below the surface. This is exhausting. If I put him down, he''ll just wake up. And if he is startled too much, something will burn. incidents. And there was a scorch mark on the ceiling. I only narrowly avoided that one. At least I''m getting a feel for when he is likely to burn something. Glorious future my arse. I was thinking of some wonderful esp power like levitation, or seeing the future, or anything, something useful and inspiring. Instead, I spend my time dodging flame bursts. And my baby is severely mentally retarded. I don''t blame Prakash for his attitude at all. Why should I have to pay such a high price for humanity''s introduction to esp? When we get it right, if we get it right, there will be happy doting parents with happy little kids doing wonderful and productive things - maybe pushing space ships along, or helping build wonderful new domes to live in, or, or, lots of things. Instead, I''m stuck here with a baby who will barely recognise me when he grows up, and I''m in constant danger of being burnt to a crisp. He''s having fun, I''m sure. While I''m certainly not. Yeah, rub it in, bloody hell, he doesn''t even realise it, does he? Yep, he''s having fun. I thought that he was dedicated to helping baby and infants. But, in reality, he''s dedicated to the study of baby and infant symptoms and diseases. And, right now, he is fanatically dedicated to the study of esp powers. I wish I could have fun, too. That''s an idea. I could get a little fun after all. Even if it will never make up for Keltain''s condition. Chapter 39: At last, Teylon gets a clue as to the location of the committee Adalace: Partakes in a Literary Analysis I''m getting scared. Are we really going to be challenging the rulers of our society just like that? I bet everyone else is frightened also by all of this. Think of something else to talk about! Every visit? Wait, does that mean I can do something about it. too much, no matter how much they deserve it." said Adalace. Doesn''t he sound ever so smug. too adverse if you upset them.¡± said Maggie. rapist¡¯s computer system and compromising it in some way, or framing him for some computer crime, or something. Fortunately I never did anything too illegal, since I was too scared of getting into legal trouble myself. Of course, right now such concerns have become irrelevant; after all, we are actually planning on taking down our current rulers, whoever they might be, so, ah, I¡¯m going to get as many passwords and backdoors as I possibly can!¡± have to become a bully in the first place, there are plenty of other ways of acting up without hurting anyone. And it took an extreme incident to bring you to your senses - Candide trying to commit suicide.¡± something going on in his subconscious.," said Maggie. Francesca: I should have apologised much earlier Life is shit sometimes, but that''s no excuse to give up. Oops, must not reveal that I have insider knowledge of what he was thinking back then. too askance, turned back to Francesca. Now, how would I have reacted if I was hearing that for the first time? some things about that incident, and, well, we were actually reminded about it when we saw you in the video feed about that attempted terrorist bombing attack at that high school show. I thought it was impressive, you sitting there maybe seconds away from dying, and just looking around in interest." not sorry for killing those scum?" scums being zapped." two people who go around zapping brains?" quite an interest in meeting with them and having a little chat about certain things." type of woman you''re attracted to, don''t you." That certainly went much better than I thought, even if I did have to grovel a bit. Yeah, those unseen rulers really did stuff up my life... OK, OK, it was also my fault. But still. Now that that''s out of the road, I can concentrate on Teylon''s quest. Eighteen kilometres out? Of course, that assumes there wasn''t some random glitch in the postal system that day. Or maybe they add a random delay, just to obfuscate their location. Or something. Still, I''ll be telling Teylon. Teylon: At last he feels like he is making progress five maglev tracks radiating out from the dome. The extra one is underground for the first forty kilometres, because of all of the hilly terrain. I know, since I took an interest in the subject, back when I was hoping to join some mining team." said Francesca. may be caused by a big void in the ground? Actually, lots of things can cause variations in the gravity force, but still..." could be an underground facility, and if there is, it is probably connected to the maglev tunnel by means of some hidden entrance. But, we have just ourselves to find it, and the powers to be will be doing anything they can to prevent us. The one thing on our side is that, we guess, Esmeralda is running interference for us, and making it difficult for them to act against us. But, we are still expected to find our own way there. At the moment this is probably beyond our means. Deep Underground Chapter 40: Leroy apologises to Candide. Leroy: Apologising to Candide. It does not go all that well. Well, here goes. I really doubt that this will turn out as well as Francesca''s. Gulp... This is almost deliberately set up to be intimidating. But I''ve come this far, might as well get it over and done with. Candide is not taking this at all well; looks like a repeat of Adalace; but, I will just have to keep going. Oh shit. I think this is hopeless, completely hopeless. It looks like my apologies never work out. what?" said Leroy, "Oh, right. Ah, one of my friends, her name is Sarsaparilla, had the same sort of experience. She lost her friend Kaydence in exactly the same way. But then, recently she regained her, because of - various circumstances. But anyway, Kaydence spent some time in some sort of institution, or something, with lots of other girls passing through, ah, the whole story is too complicated to tell, but, maybe Kaydence met with your friend at some stage?" She really is a nice girl. And I really must keep to my promise of not being any more than just a friend, for some time. And Adalace is sending me a death warning, should I ever hurt Kaydence. too much, he''s meant to suffer, don''t forget." said Sarsaparilla. all the time." What she really means, let¡¯s start walking as soon as possible, so Kaydence has to let me go. But that''s all right. Oh wait, the photo. everywhere in Verdant. And, within a few minutes, Adalace had a report up on the closest one. Well, I suppose this can all be considered as suitable punishment for my past crime. And if I¡¯m going to be a hero, then there is no way I can avoid it. He¡¯s desperately hoping for the sake of his daughter that it wasn¡¯t Chantell... Well, here I go and destroy that last bit of hope. Adalace didn¡¯t even bother to ask for the password. Just how many systems does she control, by now, anyhow? Oh - oh, she''s obviously deciding that the most suitable one to get angry at is me. Sigh. Ouch, that hurt a bit. But, she really needs to let of her fury, perhaps I can just take it for a while? Actually I think it is... I don''t know how the hell I will do that, but I have now promised. I can''t back out of it. Both the father and the boyfriend look as if they are almost crying also. What a shitty day all the way around. It''s all very well making that promise about removing the secrecy, but how do I uphold it? Adalace: Visiting Sister Celeste I''m already emotionally exhausted, and now we have to do yet another intense moment. I''m always amazed at how people still use paper printouts for their business. Your soul reading?" where that picnic was I haven''t a clue. My grasp on theology is very tenuous so I would rather not hazard a guess." She''s crying. Chapter 41: Planning the visit. And what to do when they get there. Sarawatch: The only normal one present tries to do a sanity check. Yeah, trust Francesca to ask that. My, Candide must have been out of her mind, I suppose learning about the death of one''s first best friend forever will do that. some idea of how we obtain the ultimate goal of removing the evil from the heart of our society. So - any comments?" Guess I''ll say something, then. what the evil is?" said Sarawatch. experiments, even mothers don''t get any choice in the matter." said Tamara. Her voice was bitter. dealt with at least one woman in our work." Smooth one, Mr Teflon Rat. Oh my, there''s a lot going on in those glances. Tamara and Devina in particular don''t look too pleased. Say, how much do Kaydence and Juniper know about the Girls in Pink, anyway? not corrupt in those ways," said Sarawatch, "Most police officers, and most of the police system, is truly dedicated to policing our society to making it safer for ordinary people. It''s only, you know, on occasions, they have direct orders to ignore certain incidents. And, well, once in a while, well, I guess, even a honest police officer finds it difficult to resist doing something that is undoubtedly dodgy, but is ordered by higher ups, and, well, the system appears to mostly work. Mostly, that is, until it fails to work right in front of one¡¯s eyes..." every material resource is under control and accounted for." too evil, but have gotten worse over time. They probably don''t have a secret supporting army to back them up. So just revealing everything will possibly achieve our goals. And the only violence we want is whatever Esmeralda authorises. And once we have told everybody about them, we won''t have anything more that needs doing because it will totally be out of our hands." was some quibbling when it came to the fine details, however. It''s all very well to say you are going to remove the secrecy, but - how are we going to remove this secrecy?" said Sarawatch. Am I the only one here to realise how audacious these goals are? They might finally be getting the idea that all of this has some very real consequences... men out there." do something about it!" The Girls in Pink: Is it too much to expect that they exercise at least some caution? our side, again?" said Tamara. Deep Underground special assets remaining." said Arnold. assets to deal with her?" asset are pretty vicious." said Teresa. Adalace: Walks to the watch centre. Sarawatch is right, we are not a normal bunch of people and we are making some incredibly big decisions for literally everyone on Mars. But, damn if I can see any other choice. And, in the meanwhile, I have Sarsaparilla! Esmeralda just has to be protecting us. There is no way those rulers can''t know what we are doing. And, if things get dangerous... Might Sarsaparilla get hurt? Or, even, killed? I don''t think I can survive that. This is such a depressing topic. Don''t think about it.. I''ll just watch her sleeping face for a little longer. She''s so cute like this... Special Asset #1 This is going to be so much fun! It''s so worth it when they give me the opportunity to do something. And I''m safe from the bloody police! A cute teenage girl, hey? Oh, this is going to be such fun! Although it''s such a damned pain to have to obey their constraints... Otherwise I will lose my protection. What a nuisance. So, I have to make it as quick and painless as possible. Ok, Ok, I''ll do it. It''s still going to be fun, but. Eh, what does that stupid bi- You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Sarsaparilla: Buying her sugar fix I wonder what her real name is? One day I must introduce ourselves to her. After all, this is where I met Adalace! Oh, and also Maggie and Teylon. Not that Grandma Frenzy would remember us or anything. Deep Underground this view point there''s a park sign in the way. And the only other view point we have, the camera appears to have dead pixels on that side." said Terrence. special asset #1 has now been disposed of." said Teresa. Chapter 42: Adalace decrypts the USB stick Shane: I suppose so. I hate myself. I wish I could die right now, in some accident or other. Five girls dead because of me. Those bastards lied their heads off. Why the hell did they have to? I would have still been willing to go to Tau Ceti without that particular push. "To make sure!" Yeah, sure. Well, they have really made sure I can''t stay here. I don''t have the right to be with anybody, now. So I gotta go to Tau Ceti. Or, maybe, die here. Sigh. And, if that Angel of Death thing is for real, then I can''t just kill myself. What the hell. Isn''t that Angel stuff even less likely than insta-clones? But how did they deprogram those girls without any help, then? I murdered five innocent girls. And I have to keep on studying. It''s bloody hard. But, if I don''t, I won''t get to be captain. So I''ll be stuck here... Maybe do something in the asteroid belt? But if those in charge, whoever they may be, don''t let me, then what chance have I? Pity my shield held when that asteroid almost hit the dome - no, no, can''t think that, if I had failed then everyone could have died - oh, this is so depressing. Damn, there''s two teenage girls standing on the track. Always teenage girls... Wait a minute, are they... Shit. Those looks - they''re trying hard to hide their revulsion, aren''t they? What the fuck hell is this? What? evil, right? And for that matter, what those so called scientists in charge of the star ship project did to you." And, by implication, what I did was evil. Is that what you mean, Girl who talks to an Angel? Or pretends to do so. stopping them." She''s mad. That bunch of teenagers, even if they do have an old man with them, going up against the people running Mars? Anybody doing that will just get swatted away like an annoying insect - not that we have annoying insects on Mars, of course. You mean, you''ll just get killed. Wait, isn''t that exactly what I want? Say, that means I get what I want, and that Angel of Death, if there actually is one, can''t blame me! Sheesh, this is almost embarrassing. They''re going to get themselves all killed with a completely stupid plan like that? But... I now getting out of here, I can do my exercise somewhere else. Isn''t that lady with the disfigured face the one that was throwing pink fireballs at me... Shit, it is. And her two friends. Oh my God, I have to meet up with them again...
Devina: another meeting monster being with them?" said Devina. Just more smooth words, Mr Teflon Rat... Wait, Ain''t I supposed to be more supportive of him? Sigh. I suppose what he said is true enough... If it''s to protect Juniper, well... Sarawatch: Are we actually going to be doing this? Oh my, Sarsaparilla looks absolutely shocked at the theft of her piece. Must come from living in that perpetually scrimping environment of a poor orphanage. It''s a long time since I felt like this... Say, what''s with that annoying beeping sound? computer system." said Adalace. So, we are really going to do this, are we? Am I the only one who thinks this is all totally crazy? But, nonetheless, I''m going to be following along. Does that make me crazy? ... Yes. For Mirabella¡¯s sake. But I''m never telling anyone. Adalace: Riding the trains. Deep Underground could really know what she''s talking about." Chapter 43: More deaths due to the Artifact Flashback time for Teresa: Recruiting two more prospective mothers Some of them actually look a little guilty. But not enough to make any difference, the jerks. Get on with it! We don''t want a lecture! You don''t say. Those criterion fit me like a glove - is he making a dig at me? Probably not, he really couldn''t care less. Exactly what I was thinking! And Lenny looked annoyed there, but he hid it from Laura. I wonder about those two. But these two girls are a little dumb. Dr Stanford himself said so. Which still sort of makes it exploitive. But, do I have any better ideas? Nope. And Laura is allowing herself to be swayed by Lenny''s opinion. Flashback time for Arnold: Risky business Thank God the two mothers are busy looking after the three toddlers. This is definitely not a discussion for their ears. Good, good. Say the positives first. Then touch on the negatives. Then get straight to the heart of the matter. Good one, Lenny. I wonder if that is his true motive? I must discuss this with the others when he is not around. someone has to be running the esp implantations." said Arnold.
Flashback time for Teresa: Two more mothers I''m glad the doctor found two more totally isolated would be mothers. They''re actually quite good at babysitting Keltain. Oh, it''s Dr Stanford. Probably checking up on one or other of the girls and working out when will be the best time to try the implantation. What''s he up to? Why does he remind me of my younger brother when I caught him pinching cookies from the kitchen that time? Aww - just my imagination. too much. I see there''s a new burn mark on the wall. Just as well we put in extra fire proof panels. That''s strange, she looks slightly guilty. She''s not like that usually. She obviously doesn''t want to say hello today, so let her be. Nyah, surely not. I mean, it can''t be. But... This is totally silly. Yuck. It''s unmistakable. Dr Stanford, you sleazy little slut. I''m going to bring this up at a meeting, as soon as I get a chance. lot to organise, especially to do with security and keeping the location secret. I hope to God there isn''t any more problems, but if the doctor says it''s OK, then I suppose I shouldn''t worry. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Another Lucy. Shit. Fuck. Oh, stop being so dismissive you jerk. They''re now dead! He really is a sleaze. I must have a few words with the others. Yeah, yeah. I suppose so. We need all the data we can get. extremely unwise to let him cry by himself. Two more deaths. Two more trees that I am going to plant. Why did it have to get to this? I wish I had died at my implantation. Wherever you are, I hope you can forgive us. It''s so silent. All of this stuff, waiting for someone who is never going to be coming back. Not very sophisticated at all. In fact, it must be aimed at twelve-year-old girls. Poor girl. Was probably taken advantage of by her boyfriend, and then promptly dumped. And then taken advantage of by Dr Creepy Sleaze. What a mess. Hello, she actually kept a diary? Her life wasn''t very complicated, was it? It''s so bland and boring. This is so pathetic. The poor girl''s head was stuffed full of nonsense from all of those third rate romance novels. And her grammar wasn''t so crash hot, either. Wait a moment, that means she knew exactly how long she had been pregnant for! What does this mean? Flashback time for Arnold: His first special job I think I can guess where this is going... good doctor is very keen on publishing a scientific paper or ten on this esp stuff, and I''m sure we won''t be shy about taking a large part of the recognition for its discovery and development." said Teresa. She''s so idealistic. Well, I try not to go after innocent people. And if I do go after them, I try to disadvantage them as little as possible. Generally. I can see that makes sense. A bit tough on those two girls, but. Hmm, ten days too late is presumably invariably fatal. Lenny is not having any such problems. Nor is Prakash. men here, did any of you have sex with those two girls?" Ah! He looked a touch guilty there. And he made sure that Laura didn''t see it. I''m sure those little trips he makes to Verdant are not just for business. But, nyah, I highly doubt he would cheat on Laura with those two girls. I''ll give him some decency. some man did have sex with at least one of those girls, and probably both of them." I get the message. Don''t betray our esp programme. Hmm, I don''t think I would, anyway. Since these esp powers could make all the difference to our Mars civilisation. Well, here I go. More or less. Whew, I think I''ll get off my soapbox now. Well, they all look very thoughtful. I hope I didn''t overdo it or something. Flashback time for Teresa: Amazed at what she is capable of Oh, my, we are all going to be accomplices to murder. I''m amazed that he managed to get Laura on board. Chapter 44: Catching a maglev to Futures City Adalace: About bloody time. It''s been a long day, and it''s only mid afternoon. I''m so sick and tired of all of this. And now I''ve got Leroy helping me. What a drag, but everyone else says they''re exhausted. Ha! What about me? I have to do this every bloody time! What''s this display? That''s not the usual one... Oh, stupid. It''s the one that shows a successful match. I''ve found it! Hmm, yep, sixteen kilometres out, the cabin slows right down, then branches to another track, another couple of kilometres, and then it stops. Gotcher. Now I''ll just save the trip details and command codes used to control the cabin. If she dies, then this is the last time I sleep next to her. Or, if I die, then this will be her last memory of me next to her. Teylon does that so well. Perhaps we could all learn a lesson or two from him? Since most of the rest are basically wishing Shane would just disappear. Here goes. Hack into the cabin''s computer... Done. Override current control commands with the ones copied down from yesterday... Done. Check new status... Yep, it''s changed, it''s now going towards our mystery destination. This is getting stressful, what is everybody else thinking I wonder? Of course, Teylon looks unperturbed and calm as usual. Well, apart from the times when he was on the verge of having a mental breakdown. Sarawatch is keeping a perfectly neutral expression on her face. Hmm, she is a police officer at heart, and we are all off to do something, which could be just a tiny bit illegal. Francesca looks as if she was thoroughly enjoying herself. Typical. To think that I am socialising with a killer... Apart from Teylon, that is? Or what about Sarsaparilla? Well, anyway... And she appears to have brought a bag of some tools or other. Actually, did anybody think of bringing lunch? Or anything else? Whatever. Juniper is sitting between Devina and Teylon, naturally. She looks like she is still trying to hide behind Devina. But you can tell just by looking at Shane that he is not going to be threatening anyone any time soon. Of course, Kaydence is between Leroy and Sarsaparilla, and is concentrating on using Leroy to protect her from Shane. Because Sarsaparilla''s attention is monopolised by me! Tamara, for once, is trying her hardest not to hate at Shane. It can''t be very exciting looking out of the window at the pitch black of the tunnel walls. And finally, it looks like Maggie has finally gotten over the last of her resistance to being Erasyl''s girlfriend, they''re hugging each other like there''s no tomorrow. Actually, that''s the wrong phrase to use. Definitely the wrong one. Ah! We''re slowing down. Shane looks nervous. I don''t blame him, everyone else is also. Except for Francesca, of course. Can we? Francesca: Her second time here. I think I had better provide a bit of guidance to this bunch of school kids Although Sarawatch at least has got some sense. Can''t be too bossy here, those kids know nothing about discipline in adverse conditions. I''m so glad the shield keeps them in as well as keeps stuff out, it could be a real disaster if somebody decided to take off on their own. Sigh, they''re all procrastinating. "Everything is so silent!" said Sarsaparilla. It sure is nice being spoilt by having an Angel of Death take care of all of the messy little details. Chapter 45: Having a robust conversation with the committee Sarsaparilla: Not what she wanted, but nobody bothered asking her. That girl doesn''t know her own strength. Oh. That must be them. They''re old. Even older than Teylon. In fact, that bloke on the left has perfectly white hair. serious talk about your life and the choices you have made, Mr Lenny." Argh, so that counts as a Judgement, does it? Oh. What? I didn''t see Teylon''s soul meeting with Esmeralda. Perhaps because his death wasn''t considered to be part of a Judgement? Teylon''s dead. And Juniper. And Devina. Shit. Am I supposed to do something? Why me? Oh, that''s right. I also have Judgement powers. Ah, this is the same handkerchief that Esmeralda gave me. Right. I think that''s a hint. Yeah, Adalace is also crying. So is practically everyone else. And what about the remaining committee? What did we come here for, again? Oh yeah. To ask questions. And, err, what was it? Something about telling the whole of Mars what was happening here. That''s right. Where do I begin? Ah. Looks like I really am the one in charge. For the time being. So, how will this disaster all work out? How do I answer her question...? And what do I ask in return... We don''t know. We think it''s time to open up this esp business to society at large, let them decide." you took away Kaydence! And she almost ended up dead because of you! If that''s the best you can do, then it''s time for someone else to have a go." she said. Shit, why am I having a screaming match in front of everyone? Oh, bloody hell, I have an Angel of Death on hand, how about asking her for some soul readings. After all, I''m sure she has some extremely particular ideas about what I should know. Wow, that was a lot of information, all at once. Apparently it didn''t take all that long in the real world. Ugh, Most of them didn''t start out all that nice, and they got worse the longer they went for. Although Ajaeren certainly accelerated that trend something real bad. But, still, even taking into account Ajaeren, they still have a lot to answer for. OK, I have time to think. Are they evil enough to Judge with a capital J? Well, Lenny and Arnold certainly are. Although, both actually were committed to developing Mars... But they both, in the end, ended up choosing the bad, rather than the good, to do so. Prakash? I suppose if Lucy had lived, he could have turned out a lot better. But, she didn''t. Does that excuse him? In fact, what does excuse doing evil? How would I know? I suppose, if Esmeralda has put me in this position, then I can only assume that I can Judge someone purely by what I know they have done in their lives up to now. I suppose, it is not up to me to work out why they have acted they way they did. Geez, this is hard. Ah, right. Prakash had no hesitation in voting to turn Kaydence into a brainwashed clone, and to eventually send her off to die. Right. And Terrence? He is sort of decent. But, he''s also a bit wishy-washy. Just went along with the flow. Always labouring under his inferiority complex. Never taking a strong, independent, stance on anything. To hell with him. And Teresa. The most decent one of the lot. She acted to tone down some of the committee''s more exorbitant excesses. But still, she didn''t really try hard enough, did she? Even taking into account that horrible Ajaeren and his mind raping, she still didn''t try hard enough. Maybe if her son Keltain had been born undamaged, she might have been better. Maybe if she hadn''t been dumped by that man, she would have aimed higher. Maybe, maybe. I can only go by what she actually did. And, of course, what Esmeralda has shown me about what she actually did. She voted against killing Adalace by using those psychopathic monsters... But that''s all she did. Vote against the motion. Knowing full well that her vote would be out numbered. This is what I get for wishing for a super power. Yeah, I''ve got one. A really really powerful one. I mean, who else has an Angel of Death talking to them. Well, apart from that unknown other person who must also have Judgement powers, whoever he or she is. The trouble with having a super power, I have just realised, is that it requires super responsibility. If I Judge these people, the moral consequences are on my soul. And if I don''t, the consequences of them living is also on my soul. If they were allowed to live - they would just naturally affect how the esp Artifact was used in the future. The rest of society wouldn''t be able to help themselves from asking them for advice. Even if they were locked up and kept away from the controls - even so, they would influence the course of action. And their course of action lead to Kaydence being turned into a brainwashed clone, willing to die. Damn them all to hell. So, none of them saw Esmeralda meeting them. not what I wanted." said Sarsaparilla. Chapter 46: What do you do when you suddenly become the rulers of Mars? Francesca: These kids have potential after all Devina is dead. Along with Juniper. And Teylon. Was it really too hard for them to have a happy ending? Yeah, Esmeralda is totally a bitch. But... Those anonymous rulers are also dead. Yeah, these kids did the right thing. Even if it did cost them. I''m impressed. I''m happy to grant them my allegiance. So - what happens now? Looks like I''ll be taking over for a little, with help from Sarawatch. And Tamara. First thing- Actually, I suppose I could have just asked Adalace to turn off the automatic defence system from the computers, but, nyah, this was much more satisfying. Second thing- Third thing- no intention of crossing an Angel of Death. At least, not any more than I already have." This is where the hard work starts- Good, good, they''re all in their couples. Apart from Shane, that is. some idea of where all of this is coming from. Oh, and this includes you, too, Shane." Adalace is going to be busy for quite a while, and Sarsaparilla is supporting her, but for the other teenagers - Naturally I can''t let Kaydence and Leroy sleep in the same room by themselves. Totally out of the question! And Erasyl and Maggie would be too embarrassed to do so, so obviously- That''ll satisfy them for now. As for Shane. no mention of Esmeralda. Nothing. Not the slightest trace. There is plenty of stuff about Sarsaparilla''s and Teylon''s judgement powers, what with us talking about it, and the committee discussing it - but absolutely nothing connecting that power to any supernatural stuff." said Adalace. think it means that Esmeralda doesn''t want people in general to know about her. So, I guess, my brand new super power, which is obviously not a standard esp power, will just have to go unexplained. I guess." said Sarsaparilla. Nobody seems to have any more to say, so nice people. Nasty people have an unfortunate tendency of dropping dead when they meet us. And tell them to all present themselves at a maglev station sometime round about six in the morning? Because there''s going to be a lot of shit hitting the atmospheric fans soon, and we all need to start managing things as soon as possible." I had better give a little pep talk here. senior ladies will set up a watch and take turns to look after this place. OK?" said Sarawatch. Ha! I think Sarawatch was a little annoyed by my calling us senior. Poor girl, she''s now the oldest of us. Sigh. Teylon is still dead, not to mention Devina and Juniper. How about I volunteer to take the first watch? Everybody else needs some sleep.
Maggie and Erasyl: Have a talk about relationships all of her time exploring the computer system, nobody else did much actual work. However, they did spend a lot of time answering questions, both directly from the police officers and journalists who had been allowed in, and indirectly from interviews conducted over the Mars internet. These last were not very constructive nor very coherent, since everyone was still scrambling, madly trying to get abreast of the data that had been dumped. Adalace: I might still be a victim, but I certainly no longer have to feel like one incident, but if you can all control yourselves and wait till I explain things?" said Sarsaparilla. Isn''t she nervous? I''m certainly am. I mean, we are going to be telling the future leaders of Mars how to go about their jobs. Ah, her hand''s sweaty. Or is it mine? Whatever, we''re both nervous. Here it comes, another intense Angel of Death moment. Only we''re not allowed to call it that. So, I suppose, does it become a Sarsaparilla Judgement moment? I certainly have one very cute but definitely super scary girlfriend! Oh shit. Here it comes. One extremely scary girlfriend! shut up! As soon as you shut up and get back to your computer screens, we will explain exactly why that bloke was judged!" That''s my cue. As soon as Sarsaparilla gives me some usernames and passwords... She looks thoroughly pissed off, in fact she''s in a vile humour. I had better be as nice as possible to her after this is over. I suppose seeing what that bloke was up to really sours her mood. Yes, just like Teylon told us about Vicanef''s Judgement, her memory of it must be fading. A small blessing from Esmeralda. not going to plant a tree for him?" I''m no longer a nobody either. The future rulers of Mars will be taking careful note of my words, also. The pain of being raped might still be present, but hopefully it will be drowned out by the rest of my life. Thank God. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.
Leroy and Kaydence: Having a discussion Chapter 47: Time rolls on, things keep on happening An unexpected little bonus Adalace: Oracle of the Artifact every movement, they do generously leave our personal lives to ourselves. Mostly." said Sarsaparilla. Life is turning out to be pretty good, after all. Pity about all the extra responsibility. The Rapist: Earning his redemption, one drop of sweat at a time. has to do, considering our overall circumstances." not an esp ability, although what the hell it is is unknown." lot more dangerous to us than Sarsaparilla." said the man. excessively dangerous, especially considering we live with a lot of powerful espers anyway. And-" special tonight..." Candide: Nope, still not going to happen Francesca: Gets a new job Sarsaparilla: Says goodbye to someone going on a very long journey He looks worn and haggard. I''ve heard he is studying extremely hard, and he never socialises. Another teenager whose life the committee completely stuffed up. He''s going to die light-years away from home. Hopefully he won''t die alone - but who knows what they will decide to do once they get there. He''ll never have a girlfriend. No one to share his life with, like I have Adalace. Sigh. What did Esmeralda say? Something about choosing to do good... Esmeralda, I hope this counts as good, even if I don''t feel like it all that much. This is pathetic all the way round. I think I need to get a proper hug and kiss from Adalace as soon as possible. Adalace: Has a giggle too evil.¡± That gang: Meeting Sarsaparilla and Adalace in a dark alley Adalace and Sarsaparilla: Somewhere on Earth: The Bad Hair Day ability is actually... Leroy''s and Kaydence¡¯s wedding the place to stay while having a baby. Tamara: A typical school day Bang on time as usual. Yep, here they come. Sigh, looks like Harry is having another clingy episode with his mother. Thanks, Teylon. You gave me my life back. I just wish Devina and Juniper could have been here, also. Chapter 48: Just a visit by a little family group to the Frenzy. Clementina: Taking April to the Frenzy Chapter 50: Relaxing at dusk with a glass of wine Sarsaparilla and Adalace: too evil!¡±