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ADAGIO By Barry B. Longyear Tobias sat on the red-stone grave mar er on the side o! Graveyard "i## and $at%hed as &orrest tort'red the ro% s $ith the (ortab#e generator he had ta en !rom the %argo bay. Tort're is $hat Lady )ame %a##ed &orrest*s game. Lady )ame $as %onvin%ed that &orrest $as insane. Tobias raised a grimy hand and r'bbed his eyes. "e##+ Lady )ame $as $ig-(i% er bait herse#!. That*s $hy she $as %a##ed Lady )ame. It $as a tem(orary #abe# !or the $oman 'nti# she %o'#d !ig're o't ,'st $ho the he## she $as. Or at #east 'nti# she $o'#d say $ho she $as. -age and &orrest tho'ght she had amnesia. Tobias didn*t b'y that+ b't he didn*t %are. "e #o$ered his hand and #et his ga.e $ander (ast the main she#ter dome 'nti# it %ame to rest '(on the remains o! the shi(. Three i#ometers behind the %argo vesse# $as the ,agged #edge that had venti#ated the %ommand mod'#e as the shi( gro'nd to a sto(. Thro'gh the rents in the %ommand mod'#e+ he %o'#d see Lady )ame. /he $as si#ent#y $at%hing &orrest. 0otion#ess. It $as entire#y (ossib#e that Lady )ame $o'#d i## &orrest. A matter o! indi!!eren%e to Tobias. /ome$here be#o$ her in the t$isted meta#+ -age $o'#d be nervo's#y $or ing on the %om('ter. Death sti## seemed to matter to -age. "is nerves $ere the dire%t res'#t o! Lady )ame !re1'ent#y sitting ,'st o't o! his !ie#d o! vision+ staring at him+ shar(ening her ni!e '(on one o! the dead red stones. The dried and %ra% ed %r'st that had !ormed over the s'r!a%e o! the red d'st $hen it #ast rained $as a#most a## gone. The #itt#e bit o! $ind+ the motion o! the ro% s+ the !eet o! the h'mans had eroded the %r'st. And it had been s'%h a #ong time sin%e it had rained. 2hen they had %onstr'%ted the main she#ter dome !rom the %argo-bay s'((#ies+ it had been g#eaming $hite. )o$ it $as %overed $ith d'##-red d'st. It seemed #i e years had (assed sin%e they had ('t '( the dome and insta##ed the n'trition system. T$enty meters in diameter+ it $as #arge eno'gh to she#ter a## !ive o! them. Lady )ame $as the !irst one to move o't and ere%t an individ'a# she#ter. There had been !i!ty o! the (#asti%-(#an she#ter its in the %argo bay. )o$ they ea%h had one+ on#y meeting in the dome to eat. The !a%t $as that they %o'#d no #onger stand ea%h other. The $his(er o! !eet dragging in the d'st interr'(ted Tobias*s tho'ghts. Ti##son. The !ootste(s sto((ed. . 3Is it (ossib#e+ Tobias+ that God has done this to 's to (rovide 's $ith a %ha##enge against $hi%h to test o'r virt'e43 Tobias t'rned to his #e!t and g#ared '( at the %ha(#ain. Ti##son $as na ed again. 3/ti% it '( yo'r ass+ -"o$ard.3 -ha(#ain "o$ard Ti##son nodded grave#y. 35o' are right+ o! %o'rse. 5o' are very $ise+ Tobias. Very $ise.3 The %ha(#ain t'rned and st'mb#ed his $ay do$n the ba% o! Graveyard "i##+ his droo(y b'ns ,igg#ing $ith ea%h ste(. Tobias again (ondered the !a%t that Ti##son had a $oman*s ass. Another !a%t to (onder $as that res%'e had best ha((en be!ore Ti##son*s ass got to #oo m'%h better. "e ho##ered do$n the hi## at the ,igg#ing ass+ 3Ti##son+ ('t some %#othes on63 The %ha(#ain sto((ed+ t'rned+ #oo ed '( at Tobias+ and nodded. 35o' are right+ o! %o'rse. 5o' are a#$ays right+ Tobias.3 7#a%ing his hands '(on his nees+ Tobias ('shed himse#! to his !eet and d'sted o!! the seat o! his !#ight s'it. "e t'rned and #oo ed do$n at the grave mar er

he had been sitting on. Osborn*s mar er. It $as a smooth+ red stone ,'st #i e 0i i.'*s. They had to 'se on#y the red stones !or grave mar ers. They didn*t $a# o!!. The gray stone Tobias had origina##y 'sed to mar Osborn*s grave $as no$ severa# meters do$ns#o(e+ r'nning #i e he##+ &orrest %#aimed. It had ta en the gray stone !ive o! the (#anet*s month-#ong days to ra%e the short distan%e. Gray stones+ $hite stones+ green stones+ b#a% stones. They #ittered the red #ands%a(e. They $ere a#ive. The red ones didn*t move. They $ere dead. Osborn $as dead. And 0i i.'. "e #et his ga.e $ander t$o meters to the #e!t to another red stone. 2hen 0i i.' had (i#oted the shi(+ shearing it o!! that #edge+ he had #ost his head. Tobias ne$ be%a'se he had %arried that head to the grave $hi#e &orrest and -age %arried the (i#ot*s remainder. Too 1'i% + Tobias tho'ght. Too 1'i% and %#ean a death !or yo'+ 0i i.'. Tobias 'nsea#ed his s'it and (issed on the (i#ot*s grave. 2hen he $as !inished he st'mb#ed do$n the hi##+ entered his individ'a# she#ter+ and !#o((ed do$n on his %ot. "e %#osed his eyes thin ing o! dead red grave mar ers. Osborn $as dead. 0i i.' $as dead. 0i i.' $as no #oss. I! it hadn*t been !or him they $o'#dn*t be stranded. B't Osborn. Tobias $ished Osborn $ere sti## a#ive. "e*d no$ $hat to do. B't Osborn had to be a hero .... "e had sat in the s('ttering !#ashes o! the emergen%y #ights+ $at%hing Osborn*s eyeba##s #ea . The %hie! engineer $as in the $re% age o! the engineering de% + inha#ing va%''m+ the seat o! his tro'sers ('dd#ing $ith (iss and b#ood+ the !#'id !rom his eyeba##s dribb#ing do$n his %hee s. There had been (#enty o! time !or Osborn to get on his s'it. The h'## damage in a!t engineering had d'm(ed on#y the (ress're !rom that %om(artment. The rest o! the shi( #ost (ress're on#y be%a'se o! the $ar(ed b'# head sea#s. It too min'tes !or the shi( to #ose %abin (ress're. B't Osborn $anted to !#i% s$it%hes+ ('n%h b'ttons+ and t$ir# nobs. The rest o! them (robab#y o$ed him their #ives. The assho#e. 3Tobias43 The headset in his s'it s(o e. It $as the (i#ot+ 0i i.'. 38ngineering4 Osborn4 Tobias43 Tobias ans$ered. 32hat43 3Osborn43 3Osborn*s dead.3 A brie! (a'se. 3Tobias+ I need to no$ the (o$er sit'ation.3 Thro'gh his s'it*s !a%e(#ate+ he g#an%ed at the remains o! the engineering board. 3I %an*t he#( b't be#ieve+ 0i i.'+ that yo' no$ ,'st abo't as m'%h as I do abo't that.3 3The bridge (ane# is dead.3 3)o shit.3 "e #eaned ba% against the b'# head+ g#an%ed at Osborn+ and %#osed his eyes. 32e*re a## dead ba% here+ too.3 3I need (o$er i! $e*re going to go do$n.3 3Is there any (oint43 3&orrest thin s so.3 &orrest. /e%ond (i#ot. A #itt#e bastard b't smart. Tobias shoo his head to %#ear it. Time to no% o!! the smartmo'th. 30ain and a'9i#iary (#ants are do$n. 2hatever it $as that %ame !#ying thro'gh the h'## too o't the engines. I %o'#dn*t se## $hat*s #e!t o! them !or s%ra(.3 Another (a'se+ this one #onger. 32hat abo't the !'e# %e##s43 3They*re o ay. Osborn got the #ines sh't do$n be!ore too m'%h !'e# es%a(ed. 2hat*s &orrest got in mind43 &orrest*s voi%e entered his he#met. 32e %an try !or a dead-sti% #anding. I! yo' %an rig the steering ,ets+ Tobias+ the %om('ter says $e have a %han%e o! ma ing it thro'gh the atmos(here.3 3"o$ m'%h o! a %han%e43

&orrest #a'ghed. 3Don*t as .3 "e be%ame 1'iet. 32e have a better %han%e at ma ing a #anding than $e have trying to stay a#ive '( here. -an yo' rig something43 Tobias #oo ed aro'nd the engineering de% + the %ha##enges o! (ra%ti%a# ne%essity tem(orari#y %ro$ding o't (ro,e%tions o! disaster and demise. 2ith the board shot there $o'#d be some $iring to do. "e*d have to $or o!! the batteries. And some (#'mbing+ not to mention read,'sting the steering ,ets to 'se main-(#ant !'e#. "e didn*t rea##y no$ i! that %o'#d be done. B't there $as something e#se. The entry heat $o'#d t'rn a!t engineering into a !'rna%e. 3&orrest+ I %an ma e a try at the steering ,ets+ b't something has to be done abo't those ho#es in the h'##.3 3Get to $or on the ,ets. 2hen yo'*re ready+ I*## he#( yo' $ith the ho#es. 2e %an snat%h some (#ate !rom some$here.3 Tobias ('shed '( and began $or ing his $ay to$ard a!t engineering. "e #oved doing $iring in atmos(heri% #ong ,ohns. It $as #i e doing $at%h re(air $hi#e $earing a (air o! bo9ing g#oves. The !ai#ing gravity $o'#d ,'st ma e it interesting. "e ('n%hed the s$it%h+ and the hat%h s$'ng s#ight#y o(en and ,ammed. 2ith his !oot he i% ed it the rest o! the $ay o(en. "e stood in the hat%h and #oo ed into the dar ness o! the engine room. The on#y #ight %ame !rom the ho#es in the h'##. Tobias ne$ that some o! those !#i% ers $ere stars+ b't most o! them $ere too bright !or that. The bright ones $ere the remains o! the %r'mb#ed (#anets that !ormed the Oids Be#t in orbit aro'nd a s'n %a##ed 0ant%hee. 0er%hant %re$s don*t #i e the Oids Be#t and never go there. The 'nion even got it in the %ontra%t. Asteroids+ (#anetoids+ and (aranoids. Tobias sti## had one o! the b'ttons that says I AVOID T"8 OID/. B't there $ere (assengers and (arts to (i% '( and de#iver to strange and $onder!'# (#a%es+ and a (i#ot $ho be#ieved in short%'ts more than he did in minim'm sa!ety or 'nion %ontra%ts. Tobias s$ore that i! he and the (i#ot managed to #ive thro'gh the #anding+ Tobias*s !irst (#anet-side a%t $o'#d be to m'rder 0i i.'. &irst things !irst. "e ret'rned+ grabbed Osborn+ and dis#odged the engineering %hie!*s body !rom the ra(id#y !ree.ing !#'ids that $ere (inning his ass to the de% . 7'##ing the body to the hat%h+ Tobias ('shed it to$ard the #arge ho#e at his !eet. The sti## !orm somersa'#ted s#o$#y to$ard the ho#e and ,er ed to a ha#t. Tobias ('##ed the #ight !rom his be#t and aimed the beam at the o(ening. The ba% o! Osborn*s head had been s(eared and snagged by the ho#e*s ragged edge. One o! the thi% s(#inters o! meta# (rotr'ded !rom Osborn*s #e!t eye. /omeday the geni'ses $i## !ig're o't ho$ to (' e in a s(a%e s'it. "e t'rned a$ay. 3this thing $i## serve 's i! $e obey it3 3ho$ $i## it serve3 3it $i## sto( (ain and death3 3this thing bro'ght 's (ain and death3 3$e m'st obey3 3this thing no$ $ants 's to i##3 3&orrest is sti## tort'ring the ro% s.3 It $as Lady )ame*s voi%e. Tobias b'ried his head more dee(#y into his (i##o$. 3I! yo' don*t get o't o! here+ I*## ri( o't yo'r s(ine and strang#e yo' $ith it.3 )o !ootste(s moving a$ay. "e %o'#d !ee# the $oman*s h'rt ga.e on his ba% . The !#imsy she#ter a#most radiated $ith termina# s'# . Tobias %hased a$ay his nightmares and ro##ed over on his %ot. 3Go a$ay+ Lady. Ta e '( a hobby+ go (#ay

$ith yo'rse#!+ anything. Anything b't tatt#ing on &orrest. I don*t !ind !ortyyear-o#d %hi#dren am'sing.3 3I am not tatt#ing+ Tobias. I am re(orting. One o! yo'r men is tort'ring the ro% s. Those ro% s are a#ive.3 3Lady+ !irst+ they are not my men. I! anyone is in %harge+ it*s &orrest. /e%ond+ I don*t %are abo't the ro% s. I rea##y don*t. 0y on#y (rob#em is ee(ing sane 'nti# someone (i% s '( o'r signa#. :es%'e+ Lady. Thin res%'e.3 3)o one $i## (i% '( the signa#. &orrest to#d yo' it %an*t get thro'gh the radiation.3 35o' don*t no$ that. &orrest doesn*t no$ that !or %ertain. There*s a %han%e.3 /he stared at him !or a moment+ a#most #oo ing sane+ then nodded to$ard the sha% *s door$ay. 32hat are yo' going to do abo't &orrest43 "e t'rned his ba% and b'rro$ed into his (i##o$. 3)othing.3 &ootste(s+ !ina##y. . The bea%on signa# $o'#d get thro'gh. It had to. Then a %'rio's tho'ght entered his mind. "e !e#t he sho'#d be rooting !or the bea%on signa#*s s'%%ess. A mora# thing. 2hat generations o! h'mans $o'#d say $as the thing he sho'#d be doing right then. The %'rio's tho'ght $as that he didn*t rea##y %are $hether the signa# got thro'gh or not. soon the dar 3 3soon $e i##3 3it is the $ish o! this thing3 0ant%hee rode ha#!-hidden by the hori.on. Tobias entered the main she#ter+ the red g#are o! the $ee #ong s'nset %asting the interior o! the dome in b#ood. They $ere a## seated aro'nd the #o$ tab#e. Lady )ame+ as 's'a#+ $as $at%hing &orrest. &orrest $as entertaining himse#! $ith his o$n tho'ghts $hi#e Ti##son str'gg#ed+ (robab#y 'n%om!ortab#e $ith the 'n!ami#iar !ee#ing o! $earing %#othes. )e#son -age $as heavi#y into a $iring diagram+ the symbo#s and the (rob#ems their re#ationshi(s re(resented (roviding as m'%h entertainment !or him as the ro% s did !or &orrest. As he ('##ed a ration (a% !rom the dis(enser+ Tobias heard -age anno'n%e. 3I have the %om('ter $or ing.3 Ti##son; 3God doesn*t #i e %om('ters.3 Lady )ame; 32hat are yo' going to i## time $ith no$+ -age43 &orrest; 3Brea it+ -age. Brea the %om('ter and !i9 it again.3 -age*s !a%e !#'shed red. 3I don*t no$ $hat*s $rong $ith yo' (eo(#e. A!ter !ive months o! hard $or I*ve managed to-3 &orrest #eaned !or$ard ho#ding a !inger be!ore his #i(s. 3/hhh.3 "e bro'ght his !inger do$n and smi#ed. 3)o one %ares+ -age.3 Tobias #o$ered himse#! into the %hair to &orrest*s right+ si((ed at the a%idtasting hot beverage+ and gna$ed on a n'tribar as -age #eaned ba% + his voi%e be%oming britt#e. 32e %an 'se the %om('ter-3 3&or $hat43 Tobias shoo his head as he bit again at the n'tribar. 389%e(t !or getting res%'ed+ a## o'r so#vab#e (rob#ems are so#ved. 2e have o9ygen+ $ater+ rations+ and a #ivab#e tem(erat're s(read. The on#y things in short s'((#y are (atien%e and sanity. Do yo' have any games yo' %an (#ay on that thing4 2e %o'#d 'se some entertainment.3 -age snorted and sat ba% in his %hair. 3Games+3 he re(eated in disg'st. "e #oo ed over at Lady )ame. 3At #east I no$ $ho yo' are no$.3 /he #oo ed a$ay !rom &orrest !or a s(#it se%ond. As she res'med her $at%h on the (ebb#e (erse%'tor she re(#ied+ 3-age+ yo' haven*t a %#'e $ho I am.3 -age smir ed. 3Barbara /tri er. Do%tor Barbara /tri er. I managed to retrieve the (assenger mani!est. It says yo' are Do%tor Barbara /tri er+ a bio#ogist !ormer#y $ith the Dison /ystem %o#oni.ation e!!ort+ %'rrent#y re#ieved o! yo'r (ost be%a'se yo' are a !'% ing %ra.y.3 32ords.3 /he s#o$#y t'rned her head to$ard -age. 3I*## be 'sing the %om('ter.3 35o' $i## not6 I ,'st !inished re(airing it.3

Lady )ame grinned as she stood and $a# ed !rom the dome+ obvio's#y headed !or the $re% and the %om('ter. -age #eaned to$ard Tobias. 35o' m'st do something63 &orrest %h'% #ed and shoo his head. 3-a#m do$n. Let her (#ay $ith the ma%hine. It*s got to be better than having her (er%hed #i e a v'#t're on my sho'#der a## the time.3 32hat i! she brea s it43 3Then yo' %an !i9 it again. It rea##y isn*t very im(ortant.3 -age stood abr'(t#y and $a# ed ra(id#y !rom the dome. Again &orrest %h'% #ed. 3-age is on his $ay to the shi( to #ay do$n the #a$ to Lady )ame.3 35eah+ and $hen she !#ashes that b#ade o! hers he*## be ba% $ith a $et %rot%h.3 Tobias (ointed $ith his th'mb to$ard the door. 3"o$ %ome yo' aren*t o't (#aying $ith yo'r ro% s43 3Things are arranged.3 32hat*s that mean43 3I have initiated %ertain things o't there. I*m tea%hing them to serve. 2hen it be%omes #ight again yo' sho'#d be ab#e to see ho$ my s'b,e%ts have res(onded.3 Tobias !inished o!! the remaining (ortion o! his n'tribar and tossed the $ra((er on the (#asti% !#oor. I! &orrest $ants to (#ay god+ at #east he doesn*t ma e a #ot o! noise. B't they*re a## %ra.y+ he tho'ght. 8very sing#e #ast one o! them. Am I4 There $as a s%ream !rom the $re% age+ and a moment #ater -age %o'#d be seen+ ho#ding his arm+ r'nning to$ard his individ'a# she#ter. &orrest nodded+ his eyes sti## %#osed. 3It #oo s as tho'gh they*ve de%ided that Lady )ame gets to 'se the %om('ter.3 "e o(ened one eye and aimed it at Tobias. 3Is it tr'e that yo' (iss on 0i i.'*s grave43 Tobias !inished his beverage and (#a%ed the %'( on the tab#e. "e sat ba% + %#as(ed his hands over his be##y+ and $at%hed 0ant%hee s#i( a #itt#e #o$er behind the hori.on. 38very %han%e I get.3 3no$ $e i##3 3the not green sho'#d no$ $hy $e i##3 3te## them to as this thing3 The dar %ame. Tobias tossed beneath his therma# b#an et+ trying to s#ee(+ !#ying in the !a%e o! the !a%t that he $as a## s#e(t o't. "ad been s#e(t o't !or ho'rs. 7robab#y days-those t$enty-!o'r-ho'r s(ans o! time they %a## days on a (#anet $hose memory had gro$n dim. Ba% on a (#anet in a time $hen there $as yo'th+ idea#s+ dreams+ (#ans. The e9%itement o! s%hoo# and training. The monotony o! s(a%e. A## o! it red'%ed to ee(ing the (o$er (#ants in se%ondrate shi(s %o'ghing a#ong in e9%hange !or a (ay%he% and a (ension that he didn*t thin he*d #ive #ong eno'gh to %o##e%t 3To he## $ith this.3 Long ago Tobias had #ost the abi#ity to entertain himse#! $ith his o$n %om(any. "e sat '(+ sti## $earing his !i#thy !#ight s'it+ and s#i((ed his !eet into his i%y boots. The sme## o! his o$n body h'ng aro'nd him #i e a %'rse. There $o'#d be eno'gh #ight !rom the Oids to ma e it to the (#a%e $here the stream $as abovegro'nd i! he $anted to ta e a bath. "e shivered at the tho'ght. 2hat the he##. 8veryone $as being tra% ed by his o$n shado$ o! !'n . <ee(ing the therma# b#an et $ra((ed aro'nd his sho'#ders+ Tobias ste((ed o'tside. The Oids $ere bright in the night s y. 0aybe they sho'#d 'se the %om('ter to (#ot the Oids. There $as a #ot o! %ra( o't there+ a## in the same orbit. /ome !ine day maybe one o! those three-h'ndred- i#ometer-#ong %h'n s o! ro% might s#am into the midd#e o! their %am(. "e s(at on the gro'nd. 3And i! $e ne$+ $hat %o'#d $e do abo't it43 There $as a #ight on in the $re% age o! the shi(. Tobias began moving his !eet in that dire%tion. The other individ'a# she#ters $ere dar . The main she#ter had a #ight on+ b't no one $as inside the dome. The o(en %argo hat%h in the be##y o!

the shi( g#o$ed $ith a dim red. 2hoever $as in the shi(+ it $o'#dn*t be -age. The %om('ter man had a thing abo't %onserving the shi(*s batteries. "e $o'#d never #eave on a #ight that $asn*t needed. As tho'gh it made any di!!eren%e. The batteries $o'#d o't#ive them a##. Tobias entered the %argo bay and began $or ing his $ay aro'nd and thro'gh the ,'mb#e o! o(ened %ontainers and their s%attered %ontents. 0ost o! it had been destined !or a #o$-b'dget eva#'ation mission on some steamy (#anet o't there some$here. 8verything anyone $o'#d need to #earn the #earnab#e abo't a (#anet and then s%re$ it '(. They had !o'nd the she#ters and rations there. &or$ard o! the %argo hat%h another #ight b'rned above a sta% o! strange e1'i(ment that Tobias had never seen be!ore. 0'st have %ome !rom the %argo. -ab#es ran !rom the sta% thro'gh the %re$*s 1'arters to$ard the %o% (it. "e entered the %orridor to the %re$*s 1'arters+ his mind th'mbing thro'gh the obvio's as he tr'dged '( the s#ight in%#ine to the %o% (it. I! a !'##. %re$ had been on board+ maybe. I! 0i i.' hadn*t overestimated his and his shi(*s abi#ities+ maybe. I! they*d !o##o$ed %om(any (o#i%y and stayed the he## o't o! the Oids+ maybe. I! they hadn*t been ordered o't o! their $ay to (i% '( the (assengers+ maybe. 0aybe. I!. I! ending it on this dreary ro% $asn*t s'%h a !itting end to a dreary #i!e. I!. "e %o'#d hear no so'nd !or$ard e9%e(t !or the a#most ina'dib#e $hine o! the (o$er %onverter. "e sto((ed at the hat%h to the %o% (it and (eered in. Lady )ame*s ba% $as to$ard him. /he $as sitting ba% + $at%hing+ a#most hy(noti.ed by the (atterns a((earing '(on the dis(#ay. 8very !e$ moments the image $o'#d s$it%h to %o#'mns o! !ig'res and then ba% to the (atterns. "e ste((ed into the %o% (it. 3"ey+ Lady. 2hat*re yo' '( to43 /he $hir#ed abo't+ the need#e-(ointed b#ade in her right hand. As he !ro.e+ a s#o$ grin a((eared on her !a%e. 35o' sho'#dn*t snea '( on me that $ay+ Tobias. 5o' a#most got to do yo'r (ension as a e'n'%h.3 /he #o$ered the b#ade. 32hy are yo' here43 "is ga.e sti## !i9ed on the ni!e+ Tobias $or ed his $ay to the %ommo station %o'%h and sat do$n. 3I %o'#dn*t s#ee( anymore. Tho'ght -age*s ma%hine might have something to read.3 /he t'rned ba% to the dis(#ay over the eyboard. 3This termina# is b'sy.3 3Are any o! the other stations hoo ed '(43 /he didn*t ans$er. "e $at%hed her !or a moment+ then t'rned his attention to the dis(#ay. 3Does that have anything to do $ith the gear yo'*ve hoo ed '( in the %argo bay43 /he nodded to$ard the dis(#ay. 3Those are the tho'ght (atterns o! one o! the green ro% s. I have one o! the sma## ones in a sensory %hamber. 2hen I %an get the main sensors hoo ed '(+ I*## be ab#e to re%eive !rom any ro% in sight.3 T'rning her head a$ay !rom the s%reen+ she !i9ed Tobias $ith a hate-!i##ed g#are. 35o' re!'sed to do anything abo't &orrest. )o$ I*m ta ing matters into my o$n hands.3 Tobias shoo his head. 35o' be rea# %are!'#+ Lady )ame. 5o' ee( this '( and yo' ,'st might b'y a rea# %ase o! the %ra.ies.3 "e nodded on%e to$ard the s%reen. 3On%e yo' have a## o! that data+ $hat are yo' going to be ab#e to do $ith it43 3-omm'ni%ate+ Tobias. -omm'ni%ate.3 3Ta# $ith the ro% s4 "e##+ i! they %omm'ni%ate at the same rate that they move+ yo'*## be an o#d $oman be!ore yo' %an get a he##o ba% . And i! yo' %an %omm'ni%ate $ith them+ so $hat43 3It #oo s as tho'gh they %on%e(t'a#i.e and %omm'ni%ate !aster than they move.3 /he !a%ed the dis(#ay. 3&orrest is doing terrib#e things to the ro% s. I*ve been $at%hing him. On a (rimitive (ain-(#eas're #eve#+ he has divided some o! the ro% s into armies. And he is !or%ing them into sit'ations $here they m'st !ight ea%h other.3

3&ight43 Tobias b'rst o't in #a'ghter. 3That has to be the a%tion event o! the %ent'ry. "e##+ Lady+ I*ve been here ,'st as #ong as yo'+ and I don*t see any $ar going on.3 3It*s there a## the same. On%e I %an %omm'ni%ate $ith the ro% s+ I*m going to tea%h them ho$ to !ight &orrest.3 Tobias g#an%ed at the other termina# in the %o% (it and de%ided that trying to read in the same %om(artment $ith Lady and her shiv $o'#d not e9a%t#y be the '#timate in re#a9ation. There $as another termina# in engineering. The ghosts in engineering+ ho$ever+ had been s'!!i%ient to ee( Tobias o't o! there sin%e he and &orrest had dragged Osborn*s remains !rom the %om(artment. /'dden#y he !e#t very tired. 7erha(s even tired eno'gh to s#ee(. "e got to his !eet and s#o$#y made his $ay o't o! the shi(. As he stood in the dim+ red #ight o'tside the %argo hat%h+ he noti%ed one o! the $hite ro% s. It $as ro'nded and abo't the si.e o! a (i##o$. It had been there ever sin%e)o+ he tho'ght. It*s %#oser to the hat%h no$. 2hen $e #anded it $as !arther a$ay. "e shoo his head. Another re%r'it !or Lady )ame*s #iberation Army. "e m'ttered as he $a# ed to$ard his she#ter+ 38n#ist no$. Avoid the r'sh #ater.3 As he (assed the main she#ter+ he g#an%ed in and !ro.e as he sa$ Ti##son*s na ed body hanging by its ne% !rom a (ie%e o! %argo #ine tied to the dome*s %enter bra%e. "e entered the she#ter and #o$ered himse#! into a %hair as a !ee#ing o! abso#'te deso#ation invaded his so'#. 2hat*s the (oint4 2hat is the (oint o! any o! it4 3Isn*t that ,'st a tad gho'#ish !or entertainment+ Tobias43 It $as &orrest*s voi%e. "e $as standing in the door$ay. &orrest nodded to$ard the body. 3='st #oo at that. The man $as tota##y in%om(etent. Loo at the $ay he (#a%ed that noose+ straight '( the ba% .3 Tobias %#osed his eyes and #eaned his head against the ba% o! his %hair. 3It seems to have done $hat it $as intended to do.3 3Tr'e. B't o#d Ti##son m'st have done 1'ite a mambo be!ore he died. "is ne% isn*t bro en+ Tobias. "e dan%ed. "e dan%ed !or a #ong time.3 3I g'ess Ti##son ,'st $asn*t m'%h o! a hangman.3 &orrest snorted o't a #a'gh. 3"e $asn*t m'%h o! a %ha(#ain+ either. "e ,'st $asn*t m'%h o! anything.3 There $ere so'nds %oming !rom behind &orrest. "e t'rned and -age ('shed (ast him and %ame to a ha#t as the body %ame into his vie$. 3&or God*s sa e.3 -age #oo ed !irst at &orrest and then at Tobias seated in the %hair. 3&or God*s sa e+ %'t him do$n63 "e moved to$ard the body. &orrest st'died Ti##son*s sti## !orm. 32o'#dn*t it be am'sing to #eave him there !or Lady )ame4 2e*d a## be eating o'r rations as tho'gh nothing $ere o't o! the ordinary+ and in she*d %ome. 2hat $o'#d she do43 -age !inished righting the overt'rned %hair ne9t to the hanging %or(se. 3Give me a hand+ someone.3 Tobias ('shed himse#! to his !eet and headed to$ard the door. "e (a'sed ne9t to &orrest. 3"e#( him. "e#( him yo' sono!abit%h+ or I*## i## yo'.3 A breath o! am'sement (assed over &orrest*s !a%e as he $a# ed over to -age and began he#(ing him ta e do$n the body. O'tside+ $a# ing ra(id#y a$ay !rom the %am(+ Tobias !e#t the angry si% ness !or%ing its $ay thro'gh his $a## o! %ontro#. "e began r'nning into the dar . 3$hy m'st I die3 3as this thing3 3I as ed this thing and no ans$er3 3$ays o! this thing are mysterio's-die3 The se%ond 8arthday into the ne$ s'nrise. Tobias stood on Graveyard "i## ne9t to Ti##son*s grave mar er+ staring at the #ong shado$s %ast by the ro% s be#o$. One

o! the shado$s moved. "is ga.e tra%ed a#ong the shado$ to its so'r%e. It $as &orrest moving among the ro% s. Tobias s1'atted+ #eaned his !orearms '(on his nees+ and %#as(ed his hands together. -'rio's that no one had 1'estioned $hether Ti##son*s s'i%ide $as in !a%t a s'i%ide. The body had been ta en do$n+ (#anted+ and never mentioned again. Ti##son*s mind had gone+ no 1'estion abo't that. "is she#ter had been #ittered $ith in%oherent s%ribb#ings. 0ost#y theo#ogi%a# s1'irre# dro((ings+ a ramb#ing eterna# ,'sti!i%ation o! the a'thor*s e9isten%e. There $ere o%%asiona# moments o! a((arent #'%idity. :e#ative #'%idity. A## things being re#ative. 0ost o! Ti##son*s #'%id moments $ere %ro$ded $ith the (ain and ang'ish o! a man $ho no$s he is #osing his mind. &ragments sti## teased Tobias*s mind. 3&orrest e9(#ained that ea%h ro% is a sma## %omm'nity o! the %reat'res. A %omm'nity o! individ'a#s bo'nd by their (hysi%a# nat're and shared nervo's systems to a%t !or the %omm'nity*s $e#!are+ m'%h #i e the %e##s o! a h'man body. 8a%h ro% + then+ %an be treated as an individ'a#. The ro% %o#or is a geneti% thing and has no other signi!i%an%e. The ro% s %annot (er%eive anything that doesn*t stay sti## !or at #east the e1'iva#ent o! nine 8arth days. 3"e dis(enses (ain and death to the ro% s a%%ording to $hether the ro% s have a%ted in a%%ordan%e $ith the signs he has made. It m'st be terri!ying to the %reat'res. /igns s'dden#y a((earing o't o! no$here. /igns that+ i! they are disobeyed+ instant#y rea( horrib#e %onse1'en%es. The %reat'res m'st be#ieve themse#ves to be in the gri( o! s(irits-terrib#e gods. 3&orrest is tea%hing them good and evi#. Doing $hat &orrest signs is the good> disobeying &orrest is the evi#. Be!ore &orrest these %reat'res had no %on%e(tion o! good and evi#. The horrors o! mora# %ommandments $hose reasons !or e9isten%e m'st be ta en on b#ind !aith. I $onder i! the ro% s $i## s'rvive mora#ity as #ong as h'mans have. 3A !e$ moments ago &orrest sho$ed me something. It $as a green (ebb#e the si.e o! a b#'eberry. It seems that severa# o! the ro% s+ a%ting in %on%ert+ (re(ared a (#at!orm and (#a%ed this (ebb#e '(on it. Then they #e!t the (#at!orm. It m'st have ta en many $ee s. B't there it is. The !aith!'# tithing to their god. They (re(ared an a#tar and (#a%ed one o! their members '(on it. A gi!t. A virgin thro$n into the vo#%ano. A #amb ('m(ing o't its b#ood in the tem(#e. The ro% s have #earned ho$ to sa%ri!i%e. 3I am an obs%enity.3 There $as no (ossib#e $ay o! no$ing ho$ #ong a!ter $riting those $ords that the %ha(#ain had hanged himse#!. Or had been m'rdered. 3I am an obs%enity.3 Tobias #oo ed do$n at Ti##son*s grave mar er. 3This is a he## o! a (#a%e to try and ,'dge an entire #i!e+ "o$ard.3 A $hoo( o! ,oy %ame !rom be#o$. Tobias t'rned his head to see &orrest r'nning among the ro% s. And the ro% s he $as r'nning among $ere o! on#y t$o %o#ors+ green and red. 8very$here e#se there $as a !air#y even mi9 o! $hite+ green+ gray+ and b#a% + as $e## as dead red ones. B't in &orrest*s #itt#e %omm'nity the on#y ones #e!t #iving $ere green. The green ro% s+ in a%%ordan%e $ith their god*s $ish+ had i##ed those $ho $ere not green. There had indeed been a $ar. Tobias rea%hed do$n and (i% ed '( a sma## $hite ro% . The terror+ the (assion that m'st e9ist in those very s#o$ %reat'res. The (ain o! those $ho sa%ri!i%ed one o! their o$n n'mber to &orrest. It $o'#dn*t be a sa%ri!i%e $itho't the (ain o! #oss. And the (ain %o'#dn*t e9ist $itho't some !orm o! #ove. 2hat abo't that #itt#e green (ebb#e4 The arti%#e o! sa%ri!i%e4 I! the others had time eno'gh to move a$ay !rom the (#at!orm+ so did the (ebb#e. It had been green. A#ive. It had !a%ed the horror o! the 'n no$ab#e. And it had stood there+ $aiting !or &orrest. -o'rage4

"e s'dden#y !e#t g'i#ty abo't ho#ding the $hite ro% and tried to re(#a%e it e9a%t#y !rom $here it had %ome. B't he %o'#dn*t remember $hi%h side had been '(. "e stood+ $ondering ho$ he $o'#d !ee# i! the ne9t instant he !o'nd himse#! standing on his head. "e headed !or the shi(+ being %are!'# $here he (#a%ed his !eet. 3the green i##s o'rs- $hy3 3the gray m'st i## the green-ho$3 3this thing serves the green3 3this thing $i## serve the gray i! the gray obeys this thing3 Tobias sat in the %ommo %o'%h and $at%hed Lady )ame a#ternate#y ('n%h b'ttons and re!er to the notes that she e(t on s#i(s o! (a(er in her right breast (o% et. The sensors he had insta##ed above the %o% (it seemed to be $or ing+ $hatever it $as that they did. 3There.3 /he (ointed at the in%om(rehensib#e s%ramb#e o! n'mbers on the dis(#ay. 3That*s the ey. 2e*## be ab#e to ta# to them in a bit.3 3&orrest %an a#ready do that.3 3O'r $ay $i## be m'%h !aster. 2e $on*t have to !'% them over and $ait !or them to ded'%e the message. Dire%t+ %omm'ni%ation.3 /he !a%ed Tobias. 3Did yo' !ind the (ortab#e 'nits43 "e nodded to$ard the rear o! the %o% (it+ $here t$o heavy-#oo ing+ bro$n meta# %ases stood. 32hat do $e need those !or43 /he t'rned ba% to the dis(#ay. 3As soon as &orrest !ig'res o't $hat $e*re doing in here he*## t'rn this %om('ter into r'bb#e. On%e I have the data mi# ed and (ro%essed thro'gh this thing+ $e $on*t need it anymore. I*## enter the trans#ation %odes into the (ortab#e 'nits+ and $e %an 'se them. I ho(e they*re sti## $or ing.3 3They don*t #oo damaged.3 Tobias #oo ed ba% at the 'nits as he !e#t himse#! s1'irm in his %hair. Lady )ame*s 'se o! the (rono'n $e made Tobias more than a bit 'n%om!ortab#e. A!ter a##+ she $as %ra.y. 32hy don*t $e ,'st i## &orrest and be done $ith it43 32e aren*t m'rderers+ Tobias. 2e are the good g'ys.3 Tobias g#an%ed at the ni!e resting on her #a( and raised an eyebro$. /he nodded and rea%hed !or the eyboard. 3"ide the so!t s'its and (ortab#e 'nits $hi#e I try it o't and see $hat ha((ens.3 3the gray a#so see s the signs o! this thing3 3this thing serves the green-$e obeyed3 3sti## the gray see s the signs3 3this thing $i## not betray the green3 3This thing $i## betray yo'.3 3$ho signs3 3Tr'th.3 3$e obey this thing3 3this thing $i## not betray 's3 3This thing $i## betray yo'.3 3$ho signs3 3Tr'th.3 3tr'th is $hat3 3? am.3 3does tr'th serve the green3 3Tr'th serves tr'th. 2i## the green serve tr'th43 3the green serves this thing3 3The gray serves this thing. Tr'th is stronger. /erve me.3 3tr'th $hat have $e done3 3$hat have $e done3 Lady had been right abo't &orrest going a!ter the %om('ter. 2hi#e they had been ('##ing do$n rations in the dome+ the %ir%'its had been trashed. /hort#y a!ter+ -age $andered o!! in the distan%e beyond the shi(. Tobias had !o##o$ed the man*s !ootste(s in the red ash+ bet$een and aro'nd the end#ess ro% s+ 'nti# he %ame to a bottom#ess %hasm. It $as an o(ening that

#oo ed as tho'gh rea# gods had s%arred the !#oor o! the (#ain $ith a h'ge ra.or. The !ootste(s $ent to the edge+ and that $as that. /o #ong -age. &rom the entran%e to the dome+ Tobias $at%hed &orrest st'dy his s'b,e%ts in the dying #ight at the end o! another $ee -#ong s'nset. "e $as seated on to( o! one o! the #arge red stones. /'rro'nding him $ere nothing b't red ro% s. A## 1'ite a#ive. Lady )ame had to#d them; 35o' m'st !ight this thing+ not ea%h other.3 3ho$ to !ight this thing3 37#ay dead.3 Tobias %h'% #ed as he gna$ed at his rations. &orrest*s ne$ army+ as $e## as his origina# !or%e+ $ere immobi#i.ed. They $o'#dn*t !ight. Lady )ame had given the green the %ommand to te## the gray abo't tr'th. The $ord had even s(read to the $hite and the b#a% . I! yo' don*t !ight+ yo' don*t have to i##. I! yo' don*t !ight+ yo' don*t have to die. Tobias #a'ghed o't #o'd. 7#ay dead> t'rn red. It $o'#d be a sim(#e tas !or the ro% s+ re1'iring on#y the sa%ri!i%e o! ea%h ro% *s s'r!a%e members. The s'r!a%e dies+ b't inside they #ive. And gro$th ta es (#a%e against the gro'nd. "e sa$ &orrest*s head t'rn s#o$#y in his dire%tion. The sma## man st'died him+ his !a%e as e9(ression#ess as one o! the ro% s. "e %a##ed o't+ 3Tobias63 "e he#d '( the %'rrent generator. 3Tobias+ $hat i! I i## them a##4 2hat i! I ,'st go !rom stone to stone and give ea%h a #itt#e shot43 3Then yo'*d have nothing #e!t to (#ay $ith e9%e(t yo'r radish+ &orrest. 5o'r game $o'#d be over.3 "e #o$ered his sho% sti% and grinned. 35o' ,oined the $rong side+ Tobias.3 Tobias #a'ghed and t'rned into the dome. "e !inished o!! his n'tribar+ tossed the $ra((er on the !#oor+ and !#o((ed do$n in a %hair !a%ing the door$ay. "e had ta en to sitting and s#ee(ing !a%ing door$ays. 2hen someone*s o't to get yo'+ (aranoia is ,'st (ra%ti%a# thin ing. "e g#an%ed at the (osition o! 0ant%hee and !ro$ned. Lady )ame $as going to meet him to e9(#ain the ne$ se1'en%e they $ere going to initiate. /he had determined that the ro% s had the abi#ity to e9%rete their $aste (rod'%ts in the !orm o! a high#y %orrosive va(or. It $o'#dn*t i## the ro% s. Their abi#ity to obtain $hat they needed !rom the atmos(here $o'#dn*t be a!!e%ted. -reat'res $ith #'ngs+ ho$ever+ $o'#d die. The so!t s'its and res(irators $o'#d #eave on#y &orrest inha#ing a%id. The on#y rea# (rob#em $as trying to %onvin%e the ro% s to do it. Lady )ame s's(e%ted that !or some reason+ the ro% s might ob,e%t to $andering aro'nd in a %#o'd o! their o$n shit. The door$ay dar ened. It $as &orrest+ and he $as ho#ding something in his hands. "e s1'atted in the door$ay. 35o' no$+ Tobias+ there $ere many times in my #i!e $hen I tho'ght I had a## my d'% s in a ro$. 2hen I tho'ght I $as on to( o! everything. It $asn*t a#$ays tr'e.3 Tobias hoo ed another %hair $ith the toe o! his boot and ('##ed it %#oser to him+ %rossing his #egs at the an #es '(on it. 32e#%ome to the %#'b.3 &orrest #oo ed do$n at $hat $as in his hands. 3It might not be tr'e !or yo'.3 3='st sto( !'% ing $ith the ro% s+ &orrest+ and it*## be a## over.3 "e g#an%ed '( and grinned. 35o' thin so43 "e (#a%ed $hat $as in his hands '(on the !#oor+ ste((ed '(on it $ith one !oot+ and #i!ted as the so'nd o! a shar( %ra% reverberated aro'nd the dome. "e stood and tossed the ob,e%t a%ross the s(a%e that se(arated them. Tobias %a'ght it $ith his #e!t hand as &orrest t'rned and #e!t the door$ay em(ty. It too a moment+ b't Tobias re%ogni.ed the ob,e%t. It $as the hi#t o! Lady )ame*s ni!e. 3there is a ne$ one3

3it is this thing3 3it signs as tr'th signs3 3it is this thing stronger3 3there is a sign3 3tr'th do yo' sign3 3Tr'th is dead.3 3tr'th %annot die3 3-a## tr'th and see.3 3$e %a## tr'th - tr'th see o'r sign - tr'th3 3Tr'th does not see yo'r sign. Tr'th is dead.3 3$ho do $e serve no$3 35o' no$ me.3 3this thing3 3m'st $e again i## and die to serve3 35o' no$ me.3 3$e no$ yo'3 By the #ight o! the Oids he had !o'nd her among the mo'ntain o! red ro% s beyond the shi(+ on the $ay to -age*s -hasm. That*s $here she had stashed her ha#! o! the e1'i(ment. "er so!t s'it had been s#ashed+ her res(irator bro en. "er (ortab#e %omm'ni%ation 'nit $as missing. /he $as dead. Tobias e9ting'ished his #ight and t'rned a$ay. &orrest m'st have ta en some time to m'ti#ate Lady )ame*s body. "ad &orrest !o'nd the other s'it and %omm'ni%ation 'nit4 Tobias #oo ed ba% to$ard the gent#e si#ver g#eam o! the shi(. To "e## $ith it. Let &orrest (#ay $ith the damned ro% s i! that*s $hat he $anted. 2hat did Tobias %are4 <ee( going $ith the rations+ stay o't o! &orrest*s $ay. 2ait !or res%'e. /im(#e. "e t'rned ba% + ne#t on both nees ne9t to her body+ and %#'msi#y began ('shing the red ash over her. 35o' d'mb bit%h. 5o' d'mb %ra.y bit%h.3 3$hat m'st $e do to atone3 3There is another. <i## it.3 3to i## $hat $e %annot see-ho$3 3&ind a $ay.3 The edge o! another ne$ s'nrise. Tobias #oo ed thro'gh the dome $indo$ at the (in o! the s#o$ da$n. "o$ #ong had it been sin%e he had seen &orrest4 Ba% $hen the man had bro en Lady )ame*s ni!e. "e !ro$ned. "ad on#y one night (assed+ or $as it t$o4 Or three4 "e si((ed at his steaming beverage+ #o$ered his %'(+ and #oo ed at it. /ome$here ba% on 8arth there $as a (erson $ith a degree in n'trition $ho had never ste((ed o'tside o! his or her environmenta##y %ontro##ed %ity. That (erson had invented )-@@A Beverage+ /'rviva#+ "ot. 0ore than #i e#y that (erson had never tasted )-@@A Beverage+ /'rviva#+ "ot. At odd moments Tobias had a !antasy abo't !inding that (erson+ %ramming a !'nne# do$n his or her throat+ and (o'ring in ten or t$e#ve #iters o! )-@@A Beverage+ /'rviva#+ "ot. A so'nd. "e s#o$#y #oo ed '( and t'rned. The so'nd had been something bet$een a groan and a %rea . "e #oo ed '( at the inside o! the dome. )o (rob#em there that he %o'#d see. "is head t'rned to$ard the door$ay. As he too a ste( to$ard it+ ha#! o! the dome %ame %rashing do$n to the !#oor ne9t to him> it no% ed him %#ear a%ross to the $a## o! the 'ndamaged ha#!. Another %rash. Another. "e %#eared his head+ o(ened his eyes+ and $at%hed the o(en s y in horror as a ten-meter %o#'mn o! ro% s teetered+ then %ame !a##ing to$ard him. "e s%ramb#ed to his !eet and #ea(ed into the r'bb#e to es%a(e+ a dea!ening roar and a %ho ing %#o'd o! d'st overta ing him. The so'nds sto((ed+ and the d'st sett#ed. "e o(ened his eyes and %han%ed a g#an%e at his s'rro'ndings. The dome $as nothing b't r'bb#e %riss%rossed by %o##a(sed %o#'mns o! ro% s. "e ('##ed himse#! to his !eet+ %#imbed '( the ro% s and r'bb#e 'nti# he stood on to(. 89%e(t !or $here he $as standing+ the #ands%a(e $as 'n%hanged+ the #ong shado$s o! the morning (ointing a$ay !rom the bit o! 0ant%hee that sho$ed over the hori.on. 3&orrest63 &orrest $as no$here to be seen. 3&orrest63

Tobias too severa# dee( breaths and #oo ed do$n at the destr'%tion o! the dome. 2itho't the dis(enser $hat rations he %o'#d res%'e !rom the $re% age $o'#d #ast on#y a !e$ days - 8arth days at that. 2itho't the dis(enser . . . he #oo ed at the em(ty %'( sti## gri((ed in his hand. /o #ong )-@@A Beverage+ /'rviva#+ "ot. There $ere no more dis(ensers or rations in the shi(*s %argo ho#d. The e1'i(ment 'sed to ta( into the gro'nd$ater s'((#y had been %r'shed a#ong $ith the dis(enser. Tobias began gathering '( the !e$ n'tribars he %o'#d !ind and rea%h. A#ready his mind $as (#anning $hat he $o'#d do on%e he bro e o't his o$n (ortab#e %omm'ni%ation 'nit and set '( his %ommand (ost. There sti## remained Lady )ame*s st'nt $ith the %orrosive va(or. Tobias didn*t $onder abo't being ab#e to !ig're o't ho$ to get the ro% s to do it. "e had to. B't !irst there $as !ood+ $ater+ she#ter to arrange. Time. It $o'#d ta e time. B't he had nothing b't time. "e s(o e in m'tters as he $or ed. 3I*## get yo'+ &orrest. 5o' miserab#e #itt#e son o! a bit%h. I*## get yo'.3 3$e have !o'nd tr'th3 3is tr'th dead3 3tr'th is dead-it is a strange %reat're tr'th-so!t sma## and made o! !ood3 3$hat o! the other this thing $ants 's to i##3 3$e do not no$-some to$ard the beginning o! the ne$ #ight sign abo't another there !ar be#o$ the s'r!a%e dead-in the mo'nd are the t$o $ho a((eared $hen this thing !irst a((eared -they are dead3 B!o'r o! them-sti## there is this thing3 3there is a sign3 3&orrest. Ans$er i! yo'*re reading. &orrest.3 3$ho signs3 3I #oo !or the one %a##ed this thing.3 3tr'th is dead-yo' are not this thing3 3are yo' the other3 3I am God. 2here is this thing43 3$ho is god3 3I am. God r'#es a##.3 3are yo' #i e tr'th or #i e this thing3 3)o. I have more (o$er.3 3even $e %an see this thing3 3I! yo' %annot see this thing $e have more (o$er than god3 3/erve God or yo' $i## s'!!er.3 3this thing a#ready (rovides 's $ith $hat yo' o!!er 's god-$e serve this thing3 35o' m'st serve me.3 3-omm'ni%ate. I am stronger than this thing. Ans$er. Ans$er. Ans$er.3 &rom the to( o! Graveyard "i##+ Tobias s'rveyed the res'#ts o! his e!!orts. "e $as standing in the %enter o! a %ir%'#ar en%#os're o! red ro% s+ a triang'#ar (ie%e o! the dome serving as a roo!. Inside $ere some %'shions !rom the dome and a (ane# he had grabbed !rom the shi(. The (ane# %ontro##ed the array o! debris-im(regnated seismi% %harges s'rro'nding his (osition on the hi##. I! &orrest or any o! his !o##o$ers $anted to get at him+ they*d need a g'ide to get thro'gh the !ire$or s. )e9t to the %'shions $as a sta% o! the seismi% %harges rigged $ith ad,'stab#e time-de#ay triggers. They $ere in %ase &orrest to#d his ro% s to do the !a##ing%o#'mn bit again. The so!t s'it and res(irator $ere sti## in their %ontainers+ in %ase Tobias ever got some o! the ro% s to see things his $ay. )e9t to the so!t s'it $ere his %ontainer o! $ater #'gged !rom the s'r!a%e stream and his s'((#y o! ration bars. In addition to the ration bars+ he had managed to sa#vage !o'r %ontainers o! the (o$der that the dis(enser 'sed to ma e '( good o#d )-@@A Beverage+ /'rviva#+ "ot. Vitamins+ minera#s+ and o#d 'nder$ear. "e $ondered $hat )-@@A $o'#d taste #i e %o#d.

)e9t to the rations+ on the other side o! the %'shions+ stood the (ortab#e %omm'ni%ation 'nit. Tobias bit the s in on the inside o! his #o$er #i(. 2hat did the ro% s mean $hen they said they %o'#d see &orrest4 "e #eaned his !orearms '(on the edge o! the red $a## and s%anned the area behind Graveyard "i##. &orrest $as no$here aro'nd. )ot even a !oot(rint. And !or the ro% s to see &orrest+ he $o'#d have to stay s'bstantia##y in one (#a%e !or the better (art o! nine 8arth days. Tobias #oo ed !arther to the right+ moving his (osition 'nti# he $as over#oo ing the %am(. The she#ters had been in (#a%e #ong eno'gh to be seen. And the graves. The shi(. "e st'died the $re% age o! the shi(. To the ro% s it m'st have a((eared o't o! no$here. "'ge+ g#eaming. /i#ver. A %o#or the ro% s had never seen be!ore. And then they began getting signs. -ertain a%tions in re#ation to the signs bro'ght death. Other a%tions did not. They #earned the (ena#ty o! disobedien%e. Good and evi# %ame to stay. And it a## began a!ter the shi( a((eared. Tobias nodded and sat on his %'shions+ energi.ing the (ortab#e %omm'ni%ations 'nit. 3Oh+ &orrest+ o#d b'ddy. Do I have a n'mn'm !or yo'.3 3$ho signs3 3God.3 3$e serve this thing3 3I have !o'nd this thing. I! I i## this thing+ $i## yo' serve me43 3$e see this thing-this thing no$ sees $hat $e thin 3 3I see $hat yo' thin . 2i## yo' serve me43 3$e see this thing3 3I $i## i## this thing and a((ear to yo'. Then yo' $i## serve me.3 3$e $ait3 The dire%tiona# indi%ator on the (ortab#e 'nit and a 1'i% move enab#ed him to triang'#ate the (ositions o! t$o o! the ro% s $ith $hi%h he had been %omm'ni%ating. A!ter mar ing them+ it too on#y min'tes to rig the shi(. :emote%ontro##ed seismi% %harges ne9t to the ha#!-!'## !'e# %e##s. Tobias 1'i% #y sear%hed the %re$*s 1'arters and s%anned the %argo ho#d !or anything additiona# that he might be ab#e to 'se. There $as a three-$hee#ed motori.ed 3m'#e.3 "e energi.ed it and drove it over and aro'nd the mess in the ho#d 'nti# he. $as o'tside+ ne9t to the mar ed ro% s. "e $or ed the !or s o! the m'#e beneath !irst one ro% and then the ne9t. 2ith the ro% s se%'red+ he drove them to the to( o! Graveyard "i## and (ar ed them $here they %o'#d see both the shi( and the inside o! his b'n er. 0oving the ro% s $o'#d add some time to the demonstration+ b't he $o'#d be too v'#nerab#e in the o(en. "is (re(arations %om(#eted+ he sat do$n and $aited. I! he stayed in the same (#a%e+ in the same (osition+ $ith on#y brie! absen%es to (iss on 0i i.'*s grave+ the ro% s $o'#d see him short#y a!ter they $ere ab#e to (er%eive the shi(. The on#y (rob#em $as boredom. B't there $ere entertainments. <ee(ing a#ert !or an atta% o! some ind by &orrest. That and the voi%es he $as beginning to hear. A## a (art o! going %ra.y+ he reminded himse#!. /ti## he $ished the voi%es $ere #o'd eno'gh !or him to 'nderstand. 2ho no$s4 "is insanity might have something interesting to say. "e sat ba% and stared at the t$o green ro% s he $as trying to %onvin%e. A tho'ght (assed his attention+ and he began #a'ghing+ 3Ta# abo't yo'r hard se##s63 2hen he %a#med do$n+ he began to $ait. 3$ho signs3 3God. I have moved yo'.3 3yo'r (o$er is great3 3Do yo' see this thing43 3$e see this thing3 3Do yo' see me43

3$e see yo' god -yo' are very sma## - this thing is m'%h #arger3 30y (o$er is greater.3 3this thing has moved 's $itho't 's seeing the move- $hat yo' have done is no more3 32i## yo' serve me on !aith+ or m'st I i## this thing43 3yo' m'st i## this thing3 0ant%hee $as s#o$#y moving to$ard s'nset+ b't eno'gh time remained. Tobias (ressed the remote trigger and $at%hed as the shi( disa((eared in a sheet o! #ight and so'nd. Too bad+ he tho'ght as he $at%hed the heat %arry the !#ames and b#a% smo e high into the shimmering red o! the s y. It*s too bad that it ha((ens so 1'i% #y. I! they %o'#d see it+ the !#aming death o! this thing $o'#d im(ress the ro% s. "e sat ba% to $ait. It $o'#d ta e another nine days !or the ro% s to see that this thing $as destroyed. The (ortab#e %omm'ni%ation 'nit began ma ing strange b'..ing so'nds. "e #oo ed at the o(eration (ane# inside the %ase. The on#y image on the s%reen above the tiny eyboard $as an instr'%tiona# #ine; /2IT-" &C)-TIO) TO )O:0AL :8-8IV8. "e did as instr'%ted and sat ba% in sho% + $ithdra$ing his hand as tho'gh it had been b'rned+ as an angry+ dee( snar# %ame !rom the 'nit*s s(ea er. 3Tobias6 Tobias+ I*m %oming !or yo'6 Do yo' hear me43 A!ter his sho% (assed+ Tobias grinned. 3Is something $rong+ &orrest43 3The shi(6 2hy did yo' b#o$ the shi(43 3I thin yo' no$+ o#d thing. /ha## I ('t on a ni%e+ hot %'( o! )-@@A $hen yo' %ome %a##ing4 By the $ay+ o#d thing+ $hat are yo' 'sing !or !ood these days43 The 'nit $as si#ent. Tobias #a'ghed as he s$it%hed the !'n%tion se#e%tor ba% to the ro% %hanne#. It didn*t seem so #ong a time. The nine days. The voi%es (rovided some entertainment. /ti##+ they $ere m'ddy+ too distant. B't at times they even seemed to sing. 8s(e%ia##y to$ard the end. /trange songs. &orrest never did sho$. 3It is time to de%ide.3 3this thing brings 's (ain and death-god $hat do yo' bring 's3 3The good.3 3god $e $i## serve yo'3 3And no$ $i## yo' have !aith in me43 3god $e $i## have !aith in yo'3 3Te## the others. A## m'st serve God.3 3god $e $i## te## the others3 Does (er%e(tion o! time ad,'st to the #o%a# !rame$or o! time4 Tobias #et the tho'ght sit ,'st behind his eyes as he made his $eary $ay to the stream. There didn*t seem to be eno'gh time in the day to do everything. L'g $ater+ eat+ ta# to the ro% s+ and try to get them to 'nderstand abo't the a%id va(or. "e had gone ba% and d'g '( Lady )ame*s body+ ho(ing there $o'#d be some %#'e in her notes. /he m'st have had some idea abo't ho$ to get the ro% s to e9(e# the va(or. B't her breast (o% et $as em(ty. I! anyone had those notes+ it $as &orrest. B't it $as the !ee# o! the dead breast behind that (o% et that %a(t'red his attention. "ard. Cnyie#ding. "e 'n%overed it and !o'nd it to be made o! gray stone. "er entire body had been re(#a%ed by the gray. Ba% at Graveyard "i##+ he 'n%overed (art o! Osborn*s body. "e had been re(#a%ed by gray and green. "e didn*t bother to %he% o't 0i i.'. 2hatever the ro% s $ere doing+ they $ere on#y doing it to the dead. That $as none o! his %on%ern. )ot yet. "e %ame to the ban o! the stream and #o$ered his %ontainers to the gro'nd. The stream $as dry. "e %#imbed do$n the ban and d'g at the %ra% ed s'r!a%e o! the bed $ith his hands. Dry.

"e sat ba% on his hee#s+ his ga.e resting on the distant hi##s. That*s $here the $ater %omes !rom+ he tho'ght. And that*s $here &orrest is. That*s $here he %'t it o!!. And that*s $here I*m going to i## yo'. The #ight and the dar . Days. It seemed that so m'%h time had (assed that he o'ght to have !orgotten $hat he $as trying to do. At moments he $o'#d !orget. "e !inished se%'ring the (ortab#e %omm'ni%ation 'nit to the m'#e ne9t to the driver*s seat. In the vehi%#e*s tiny %argo bay $ere the remainder o! his rations+ the $ater %ontainers+ his so!t s'it and res(irator+ and his s'((#y o! bombs. "e #oo ed ba% at the t$o green ro% s that had been ee(ing him %om(any !or"o$ #ong4 "e #oo ed at the %omm'ni%ation 'nit. There $as a date- and timeindi%ator !'n%tion. "e didn*t no$ the date. &or some reason it seemed im(ortant to no$. "e o(ened the 'nit+ energi.ed it+ and s$it%hed the !'n%tion se#e%tor to dateDtime. The !ig'res $ere 'nreadab#e+ a smear o! !#ashes+ as tho'gh the indi%ations had been re%orded in time #a(se and re(#ayed at norma# s(eed. The re!#e%tion o! his image in the s%reen sho$ed the !a%e o! an o#d man. 3god3 32hat43 Tobias #oo ed '( and aro'nd. "e #oo ed ba% at the %omm'ni%ation 'nit. The !'n%tion se#e%tor $as sti## on dateDtime. The voi%es again4 3god3 "e #oo ed again at the t$o green ro% s. 32hat43 3ta e me $ith yo'3 32hy43 3there is a ne$ one more (o$er!'# than this thing3 The ro% on the right. "e didn*t no$ ho$+ b't he ne$ that $as the one that $as ta# ing to him. "ave I s#o$ed do$n that m'%h+ he $ondered+ or have the ro% s !ina##y gotten it into high gear4 Or have I #ost my mind4 3god bring me3 32hy43 3I %an he#( yo'3 3"e#( me to do $hat43 3I %an he#( yo' !ight L'%i!er3 /o &orrest is %a##ing himse#! L'%i!er. Tobias #eaned against the m'#e and #oo ed to$ard the hi##s. "e nodded. 3/'re. 5o' %ome.3 And he sa$ the ro% move. It seemed to !#o$ a%ross the red d'st. A ba##oon !i##ed $ith $ater. Light and dar . :a(id#y shi!ting shado$s. Time. Again #ight+ the dar + #ight. The ro% $as no$ ne9t to the m'#e. "e $at%hed 0ant%hee strea a%ross the s y+ #eaving him not in day or night b't in ha#!-#ight. That !ast+ he $ondered+ or have I be%ome that s#o$. 3Am I seeing this as yo' see it43 3I do not no$ ho$ god sees3 Tobias ('##ed himse#! into the driver*s seat. The bra%e he had grabbed %ame a$ay in his hand. The meta# o! the m'#e $as (itted+ %orroded+ #i e #a%e. The s'((#ies+ the so!t s'it+ the $ater %ontainers-a## d'st. "e stood na ed+ a !i#m o! gray over his s in. "e san do$n ne9t to the green ro% . 3I %an*t ma e it. Too tired. Too o#d.3 3$e $i## %arry yo'3 Tobias $at%hed the #ands%a(e move. Green+ gray+ b#a% + and $hite g#obes !#o$ing aro'nd the red. :a(id rivers o! sha(es. "e !e#t himse#! #i!ted and %arried. In the s y 0ant%hee $as an even bar o! ye##o$ #ight against the dim (in . As he $as moved a#ong+ !#oating '(on that so!t#y 'nd'#ating river o! #i!e+ the edge o! a tho'ght-$hat $o'#d he do $hen he met &orrest4-%ame and #e!t many times. 0y mind+ he said to himse#!+ rea##y is going. B't &orrest $i## be ,'st as o#d+ i! he*s sti## a#ive. "e $as at the hi##s. "e %o'#d not ('sh himse#! '( to #oo . The ro% s rose beneath his head and sho'#ders.

3&orrest.3 There $as no ans$er+ e9%e(t !or the stinging (ain a## over his body. "e $at%hed his s in (ee# and b#a% en+ %'r#ing a$ay to e9(ose the bones beneath. The a%id. &orrest ta'ght them to shit a%id. 3I %an*t !ight him. I am dying.3 3god yo' m'st #ive-be%ome as #'%i!er3 3I am God. Good %annot be%ome as L'%i!er. I am good.3 3#'%i!er says he is the evi#-is good #ess (o$er!'# than #'%i!er3 3I %annot %hange my ('r(ose.3 3%hange not ('r(ose-%hange !orm-be%ome as #'%i!er3 The thread o! a tho'ght s(o e to him. L'%i!er has no (rote%tion against the a%id. Then $hat has L'%i!er be%ome4 And $hat m'st I be%ome to #ive4 3I am a!raid.3 3god-yo' $ant 's to have !aith in yo'-have !aith in 's-be%ome as #'%t!er3 There $as not eno'gh tiss'e #e!t to !or%e air thro'gh vo%a# %ords that no #onger e9isted. "is tho'ght $as his res(onse. Very $e##. I $i## be%ome as L'%i!er. "e stood+ his height above the %rest o! the hi##s+ his rea%h $ider than the (#ain beneath his !eet. Beyond the hi##s a massive head #eered ba% at him. The !a%e $as rot+ %orr'(tion+ evi#. 35o' are God+3 it hissed. 3L'%i!er.3 A g#o$ invaded the engineer*s heart. "e rea%hed o't his great arms and $ra((ed his !ingers aro'nd the monster*s throat. 2hen they %ame to investigate the $ea + garb#ed signa# !rom the Oids Be#t+ they 1'i% #y #o%ated the bea%on. It $as !rom a ty(e o! %ommer%ia# %argo shi( that hadn*t been in 'se !or over a %ent'ry. O! the shi(+ (assengers+ and %re$+ the on#y tra%e remaining $as a %'rio's stat'e o! t$o na ed h'man men+ in morta# %ombat+ standing '(on the bodies o! !ive other h'mans+ the s%'#(t're s'rro'nded by a $a## o! red masonry. The #o%a# #i!e !orm in!ormed them that the stat'e $as tit#ed 381'i#ibri'm.3