The writer gives life to a story, the reader keeps it alive.
Lord Filius Anderson is keeping close tracks on the enigma, Juba Apfvarzian. There is something in the boy’s blood, which allows him immunity to the catalyst, and Lord Anderson needs to know what this is.
Juba Apfvarzian moved to the other side of Mogadishu, to escape from the people who have been watching him. He has to make a living, and like any good magician, the streets are the place to achieve his dream. (For Carrie Fisher. This world is emptier without you, but you will live forever amongst the stars.)
Jarad has never seen an Amanojuko base up close, although he has been thoroughly briefed, it could not prepare him for the wealth, and extravagance around him, as the group are escorted into the socialite lounge. (This issue is dedicated to everyone who reads these stories. I hope you have a safe and happy Christmas.)
Heyem is escorted through the gates of the factory, along with the others.
Alex recovered enough to set off for the gates of the factory, (which is where the Amanojuko process the catalyst, used to infect the population with ‘plague’.)
The factory is close, but Alex has been shivering for hours and her body is letting her down. The group has stopped to rest, overlooking the Amanojuko factory, which is just across the horizon. (This issue, and every story I’ve written, is dedicated to my dad, who died almost 21 years ago on 2nd December. This is for you Dad, I will never forget you.)
Alexand fights her feelings of despair, attempting to find new purpose after Katherine’s death.
The Guild Master’s General materialises outside of Inajda’s cabin, along with Abouna Panak.
The group have been waiting for Alexand to return, and have set camp back in the cave, near Lake Baikal.
Colonel Katherine De Somme has been honoured with a full military funeral. Her parents, although invited, are absent, but her wife, Alexand, stands next to Field Marshal Panak, dressed in her uniform, as Field Marshal Panak presents her with Katherine’s medals. It is an open casket.
Alex collapses onto the floor, taking Katherine’s body with her; she remains on the floor, hugging her dead wife, unable to move through the grief.
Professors De somme and Sumian, took a very frail but relieved Katherine to Inajda’s cabin in Russia (after giving her a blood shield) The cure has stopped her body degenerating further, and will allow her to recover in time, but she is very weak and can’t walk. They have left her on a bench outside Inajda’s cabin and told her they will collect her in a month’s time.
