The writer gives life to a story, the reader keeps it alive.
The Guild Master’s General separates himself from the scurry of reporters and Alexand Merek fans, as the two women, the reporter Bizzi Gray, who he rescued not so long ago, and Alexand Merek, herself, approach. (See Unbound Boxes Limping Gods: Disconnected Stories. Issue # 28: Cordelia (Bizzi) Gray)
After letting Anya release the soul back into the last child’s body, Alexand and the rest of the Resurrection party realise that there is a commotion outside in the courtyard, involving fans dressed as various characters associated with their idol.
Anya has never touched a piano before or seen musical instruments. She has not met women married to each other, or who are so free spirited. Such things are taboo back at the Haernyara Headquarters and will one day be placed inside the Bad Thing Box worldwide.
Alexand shows Anya to her room, although it is mid-day to the ex- Haernyara, who paces back downstairs to explore the mansion. Anya is not the first enemy slave that Alexand and Katherine have helped rehabilitate, but she is the most significant so far, in terms of affecting Alexand’s own past life. (For Tori. Thank you for taking me to the other side of the galaxy.)
Anya has watched Alexand Merek place each soul tube next to the children’s hair, inside bags, which she has marked with their names. (Happy Birthday, Dad, this is for you, wherever you are.)
Anya desperately wants to be saved, but she is reluctant to trust these strangers, associated with her old friend Inajda. However, she has no choice, her only option is to believe Alexand Merek’s words to be true. (For Ukraine – for peace.)
Anya has followed the eccentric future version of Alexand Merek, posing as a Kyo-ashita called Creya Johal, to the Kyo-ashita quarters, after being granted probationary sanctuary.
Asenath Bomani orders the entire army of Kyo-ashita, and everyone else save Inajda Rekaya out of her High Council chamber.
