Sitting in the center of the gate room, I spend the next two hours describing and explaining most of the remaining things I had yet to share with Terra. These include things such as Tenebrous, Earl, Gen, and one or two other things I neglected to mention. I exclude everything from before Tenebrous, it is not pertinent nor something I wish to discuss. The whole time I talk about Tenebrous and Earl specifically, she glances between the gate and me while gawking with a partially opened mouth. It makes me rather uncomfortable, but whenever I stop to ask if something is wrong, she just says, “No! No! Keep talking. There is no need for me to say anything!”

When I have finished and cease speaking, she just continues to stare at me. I wave my hand in the air. “Prithee, say something.”

“Take me,” she murmurs.

Mimicking a blink, I lean forward to peer into her eyes. “Pardon me...?”

She pulls her tome close. “Take me to this place of spirits.”

I squint, straightening my back. “Perhaps thou misheard me because I believe I described Tenebrous as a hellish, nightmarish place where all good things go to die and all bad things escape from.”

“No, Constance. That place is like a Spirit Scribe’s holy land; it… it can’t be that bad! It’s supposed to be a magnificent place of rest, devoid of suffering and hardships.”

“Devoid of suffering? If I had to pick an alternative way to describe Tenebrous, I might say it’s made of suffering and hardships. Oh, moreover, it was impossible to rest there either, at least for me, so it seems to lack that as well.”

The room becomes quiet for a moment until she shakes her head. “No… that wouldn’t make sense… Maybe, it’s just a different place.”

Rubbing the back of my neck, I shrug. “Mayhaps. In fact, aye, it is reasonable to believe it is a different place.”

‘Though Earl certainly did not seem to suggest there was anywhere other than Tenebrous when I was there.’

I pull out some paper, my endless pen, and the ecology book to change the topic. “I wish to ask for advice in regards to how I should establish an ecosystem given space, limitations, and needs.”

Her mind still a bit muddled from all the information I dropped onto her, she nods and adjusts her seating. “Of course. I’ll… I’ll think about everything else you’ve told me later. It can wait.” Clapping her hands together, she continues, “Besides, this sounds fun and intriguing, to say the very least. You mentioned that this person ‘Earl’ recommended the gate be placed in a high population area and also wanted people to enter it?”

“Aye. Earl wishes for me to bring people into the Tower to, I suppose, have them fight essentially.”

“...Well, it sounded more like that was just part of it. The end goal seems more morbid than them just fighting.”

Picking my words carefully, I respond, “If I am to be frank, if someone chooses to enter knowing that there might be dangers, then their fate is their own. Earl must know that is how I feel on such matters and that is why she chose this method.”

“Yeah, I’m not implying you shouldn’t let people enter either. This is a lot like the sewer conversation we had yesterday. I think this is a great thing for the city.” Looking toward the gate once again, she sighs. “Amazing, just plain incredible. Basically, another world is on the opposite side of that door.”

“Aye, I also think it’s quite incredible. I am genuinely thrilled. Knowing I can be something more than just a parasite is a huge relief.” I stare at Terra, who moves a tad closer as if eager to help me with my ecosystem. “Honestly, I am excited! Though I wish it was located somewhere other than Tenebrous, I still think I can transform it into something truly extraordinary.”

She laughs. “It’s fun to see you so enthusiastic about something. Oh, by the way, do you know when it will be ready? Does it grow normally or…?”

“Earl stated it should be essentially ready by the time I awaken.”

“What!” Visibly recoiling, her eyes shoot open wide. “I thought this was something that was several months or years away! I mean, you said this was an entire mile and that there was absolutely nothing there. Yet you’re saying in a few weeks, there is going to be a solid foundation for a fully functioning ecosystem!”

I shrug, drawing a circle in the middle of the paper. “I have learned to accept such things without much question. Thy life will be much more manageable if thou also learns to do so, assuming the source of information is trustworthy that is.”

While I draw the hill with the willow atop it, Terra questions me, “Then can I ask how soon you are going to allow people to enter? This could be a huge deal! I knew it seemed like it was going to be, but so soon.”

Staring at her suspiciously, I ask, “What art thou thinking?”

“If… if we told people there would be a place like the inside of your Tower… we could really hype it up! We could make some powerful allies and get on friendly terms with some really influential people. Many people would line up to come hunt in the Tower.”

With a small nod, I look back toward my map and resume sketching. “Is that a good thing? Seems dangerous to attract such people.”

“Now just hear me o—” She freezes mid-sentence and then says, “Oh, I thought you’d be more opposed. I was already preparing a speech.”

“Thou knoweth this world better than me and with our fates intertwined, I believe thou wouldst have my best interests in mind,” I state, drawing trees and the gate near the bottom of the page. “That was the point of the contract, was it not? Besides, as I already said, I would prefer this method to the leeching of everyone in my Tower’s domain. The more voluntary activity in the Tower, the better in my opinion.”

Terra does not appear to know how to reply; unlike I anticipated, she seems slower to accept the meaning behind the contract than even me.

I point at the ecology book. “Prithee, turn that book to the page I marked with the leaf that resembles Gen’s face.”

“A leaf that looks like a Gen’s face?” She flips through the pages until she catches one of them before it passes. Pausing, she lifts a red leaf. In the middle are two holes that resemble nostrils, and at the top, two big eyes with wrinkles near the cheeks. Turning it back and forth, she laughs. “Huh, it really does look like him; you had to have done this on purpose.”

Shaking my head, enthusiastically I shout in my mind, “Nay! I swear, I found it like that! It was quite humorous, but what I wanted thou to see was the picture on that page. I want to know if that tree is real and nearby.”

She lifts the book, reads the page, and then inspects the image. “They are real; however, there aren’t any giant sequoia trees nearby. They’re mostly on the Western half of the continent, but they do sell their seeds in some novelty shops for people to try and grow… Why? Are you planning on planting something this gigantic?”

“Just around the outskirts of the hill, to partially obscure the willow tree.”

“Is that willow tree really so big that you need to worry that one of the tallest trees in the world might not hide it? ...Actually, that’s not important. Are you afraid someone might target the tree? Would that be bad?”

“I am not certain; I simply wish to hide it. Then one day, I shall point at the enormous trees and crazily shout, ‘do not go there, it is forbidden,’ and then I will disappear into a nearby treeline.”

Raising an eyebrow, she replies, “You know, telling someone not to go somewhere usually makes them want to go there even more.”

“Exactly, if they go there, that means they are not trustworthy; moreover, it’s entertaining and I feel as if I would never get bored of doing it. Imagining their faces when I confront them makes me want to giggle.” I then point at the picture in the book. “But also I want to see one of those trees with my own eyes; the man in the book’s painting looks so tiny compared to it! Why would I not want such a thing if I can have it!?”

“Well!” Terra bursts into laughter. “I guess if it’s for something so essential, I’ll make some calls to get you some seeds.”

“Seeds! Earl actually said if I brought her real seeds, it would be better.”

“Then I’ll just overnight some seeds if that’s true.”

“That would be greatly appreciated! Is it not too expensive, though?”

“The money in my accounts will likely be useless in the future, so I wish to make as much use of it as I can. Besides, it’s just seeds.”

I nod, pointing at the lower right corner of the page. “Since it’s my first time doing this, I’m going to experiment with some variety. I am going to try to place a forest there. If Earl tells me that it’s too much, then I shall decide upon something else… My biggest concern is I do not know what types of creatures I should add.”

“If there isn’t much water like you told me and since this is your first time, you should pick things that won’t require much attention or effort.”

“Much attention?”

“Yeah, but also, it sounds like these aren’t going to be ordinary animals. Which is why I also think you should select creatures that you’ll be able to control if they grow larger, like that rat and turtle.”

Crossing my arms, I ponder all the creatures I can think of. In the end, only one group of creatures with variety, quantity, and heartiness comes to mind. “Perhaps, bugs?”

“That’s not a bad idea. They’re typically the bottom of the food chain, so they’d be great for you to watch and experiment with to start. Then you can diversify from there.”

“Aye. I suppose things eat the bugs, so it’s a natural first step. Oh! Turn the book to the page with the leaf that looks like a woman balancing on one leg holding a fork above her head.”

With a chuckle, she flips through the pages once more. Stopping, she lifts a single leaf. “Wow, this one too. It looks exactly like you said.” Her eyes move toward a picture on the page. “You want to know about this glass-winged butterfly?”

“Aye, and the plant it lays its eggs on; I want to know where I can find and obtain it.”

“Hmmm, how about you just make me a list of bugs you might want and I’ll see what I can do. Though I should say, I’m not sure how many bugs I’ll actually be able to find for you, but if you search the park, you can probably find some that will do fine in your Tower.”

“Anything would be invaluable!” Making some squiggles representing more trees, I remember something. “What was it thou wished to speak to me about earlier? Something about this room?”

A smirk spreads across her face. “Oh, thanks for reminding me.”

I stop drawing; a shiver moves down my back. ‘Something about how she said that makes me think I should not have said anything.’

“How are your acting skills?” she asks, gazing at me with anticipation.

I do not respond; I shan’t give her the satisfaction. She clearly wishes for a demonstration.

“That’s no fun,” she says with a frown. Sighing, she resumes, “On the way in, I noticed that welding suit you stole from the Consortium.”

“Aye, the arc suit.”

She nods. “I want to make a moving picture with you wearing that.”

“Make a moving picture with me wearing the arc suit? How and, more importantly, why would I ever do such a thing?”

“I mentioned attracting those people earlier. Well in order to do that, we need to convince them that it’s not just another false hope or scheme.” Gesturing toward the stained walls and then me, she says, “If we film you here with this in the background, that’s a great start.”

“Of all the people or things, why me? I cannot even speak. I am not certain there is a worse choice than me for this.”

“Not talking isn’t a problem. I actually want you to use sign language, and far from being the worst, you’re the best choice for this.”

“I am waiting to hear why that is because I am far from convinced.”

“It’s because whoever is in the picture is going to have a lot of people looking for them, but if it’s you, then that doesn’t matter. They’ll never know it was you, obviously. Not to mention, I’m sure you’d prefer to be the one in control of basically speaking for your Tower.” She pauses and watches me. Once I shrug and nod, she continues her explanation, “As for why it’s convenient for it to be in sign language, it’s because they can use something called ‘bots’ to find and remove moving pictures that people verbally speak in. So it’ll be a lot harder for them to find and remove if you use sign language.”

With half-closed eyes, I ask, “Is it because these ‘bots,’ like everyone else I have met thus far, do not actually know sign language?”

“Lots of people know sign language. I think you need to keep learning it… Speaking of which, that was the reason Lorcan was looking for you. He knows sign language and he was supposed to give you a book and bag full of things that would help you learn.”

“Then he should not be so forceful, threatening, and slow to explain; in conclusion, I blame him.”

“Yes, I do too, but what do you think about making the moving picture?”

“As long as they do not know it is me, I suppose it’s fine, but what am I meant to say in sign language?”

“That’s the beauty of it.” Raising a finger, she points at me. “All you have to say is exactly what you’re going to do. That’s it.”

“...Huh?”

“You’re going to make predictions about things that are going to happen. Like if you vent your haze into the sewers, you can say ‘beasts will appear in the sewers’, and that will lend you a lot of credibility already. We’ll produce several moving pictures all at once. In each one, you’ll make predictions, reveal other information, maybe drop hints and such that’ll make people believe you and actively seek you out. Since you’re also the one doing them, they’ll all be true.”

“Trickery in a sense then… If thou believes it shall work, then I do not see the harm. It sounds like an interesting experience, I guess. Actually, who shall be doing the drawings?”

“Drawings? Oh, you mean for the ‘moving picture.’ I’ll do them unless we can find someone trustworthy. If I do them myself, I’ll just add to it on my own time to make it more believable.” She thinks for a moment running through all the details in her head and then nods. “But you’ll need to get with Lorcan and have him teach you the signs.”

“I would rather not…”

“I’ll be there, plus if I recall, you once mentioned something called the Elderly Rats? Could we meet them?”

“For the moving picture?”

“Yes, exactly. It is more convincing if they were here too… plus…” She glances over to the entrance of the room where Gen returned at some point and is now peering at Terra. “I think he could use more company.”

When my eyes look toward Gen, he makes the thumbs-up gesture and nods enthusiastically. ‘I did not teach him that…’

Shrugging, I say, “I shan’t comment on whether Gen needs more company, but I will say, the Elderly Rats are in a dangerous area. I doubt we shall be able to retrieve them for the moving picture…”

“Oh, yeah, that’s where you said that giant rat is, isn’t it?”

“Though…” I write a note on my map, ‘design an area for elderly rats?’ and then look back toward Terra. “Doth thou knoweth what rats eat when they are not eating rubbish? Is it plants… roots? I am not actually certain since I always see rats eating whatever they can find.”

Terra looks at my note. “They eat seeds and fruits, I think. Why don’t you put them in the area around your willow tree so they can keep an eye on things?”

“Where the big trees shall be? Perhaps, I do not think the big trees make fruits, but perhaps I can probably make space between the big trees and the willow tree for other things.”

“...Are you sure you can really put so many plants?”

I draw some berry bushes around the willow tree. “Earl told me the number of plants did not matter, so I shall take advantage of those words and experiment. Ah, I should add some fruit trees. I am curious if they can survive with only a light mist.”

“Aren’t you worried they’ll die?”

“If they die, then they shall become somewhere for something else to live and further I shall blame Earl.”

“Is Earl not going to be mad that you blame them for everything?”

“Perhaps, but only if someone tells them…” Peering at my kiln, I place emphasis on my next words. “...or if they are listening in on my thoughts.” I notice a tiny flicker in the flame’s movement. “Aye, but she is far too busy to even answer my questions, so I doubt I need to worry about her using her time so frivolously.”

Terra laughs. I told her some things about Earl earlier so she knows I am a tad annoyed about Earl ignoring me.

A sound begins to emanate from Terra’s satchel. Reaching in, she removes a black rectangle. “Sorry Constance, but I need to take this phone call, it’s important. Is that okay? It might take a while.”

I nod.

“Thanks, I’ll try not to be too obnoxious, and again sorry.”

Taking her lap-top from her satchel, she moves to a corner of the room. She places the black rectangle to her ear and begins to speak with a very stern voice, not at all like the gentle one I am used to.

Around three hours pass while Terra discusses various things with the black rectangle and I work on my map. It’s actually calming to hear someone’s voice since it is usually deathly quiet in the cave when it’s just Gen and me. Her conversation mostly seems to have something to do with retrieving people, payments, moving certain items, and other such things. Finally, Terra lowers the black rectangle, putting it and her lap-top back into her satchel.

She stands and steps over to me. “Constance, can I ask you something?”

Tilting my head and peering upward, I question, “What is it?”

“Do you have any free time today?”

“I have time most days, this one among them. Why?”

“Well, I prepared a meeting with some people you’ve actually met, so I wanted to see if you’d be interested in attending?”

“People I have met? I am only acquainted with one, perhaps two, if Jessica is counted. What is this about?”

“Since we signed the contract and you seem okay with everything, I am going to start making moves. This is one of those moves,” Hesitating, she belatedly adds, “and I won’t, nor can I, lie to you and say there won’t be any violence.”

“Oh, thou should have said as much…” I place my pen and paper on the ground and stand. “I shall be attending. It is important I participate and I have decided to stop running. Further, it is unfair to leave everything to thou. I wish to share thy burden as I hope thou will share mine.”

With her mouth half-open for a moment before turning to a smirk. “Of course, we are basically partners in crime, in both a figurative and literal sense of the phrase. Now, I’m fine with telling you what’s going to happen, but to be honest, I think it’s best if you experience it with everyone else.”

“Hmm? Why is that?”

“It’ll make your reactions a bit more genuine. However, the main reason is that I’ll be in control. In the future, you may find yourself in a similar situation and that may not be true. That makes this a great opportunity for you to learn how to better deal with an unexpected or changing situation. Both in the modern era and without, uhm...”

“Without running away or turning everything into utter chaos? Is that what thou means?”

“Those wouldn’t be my choice words, but yes. This is very good practice.”

“Aye. I suppose I have heard worse ideas. If it may help me out of a precarious situation in the future, then I shall join as an ignorant guest.”

With a nod, she motions toward the arc suit, “Then put on your suit and let’s be on our way. I do have a surprise in regards to it as well.”

…

…

…

Together Terra and I stand just off the side of the black road. After I put the arc suit on, we left the park and immediately started to move straight toward the road. That was around two hours ago. I would guess it is presently around noon. I have nary an idea of what is about to happen, but Terra seems a bit nervous for me to see it. Frankly, I am not sure why, I have dealt with and associated with many ruffians in my day.

“Oh, and just be aware I’ll be Galtry, not Terra, meaning I’ll be acting as such… Take this opportunity to get used to it because it’s not going to be too uncommon for you to see...” Her eyes look a bit sad as she says, “If there are people around, I’m Galtry; only when it’s you and I alone am I Terra, understand?”

With a small nod, I respond, “Aye, I understand.”

It is much easier to move around in my sable form, though I still need to utilize the cattail to help make the suit not quite so lumpy in some areas. Mostly around where my dress is. It is somewhat restricted by the suit, so it causes the area around my waist and legs to puff out. The cattail cannot do much.

“Do you feel any leaks from your suit? I know we taped the zipper and everything, but we still have plenty of tape left if you need it.”

“Zipper is such a fun word!” While I fiddle with the ‘zipper’s’ handle, I continue, “And nay. I believe it is fine; my comrade cracker layer should keep it from leaking too much. Oh, but can thou see my eyes through the arc suit?”

She nods while studying my helmet. “I guess if you say so, and yes, you can, but you can’t see your face really, so it’s fine. It looks sort of ‘crisp’ as you’d say.” She laughs and then adds, “Anyway, if it gets to be too much for you to handle, just let me know.”

“Why art thou more nervous about this than even me?”

“These are people at the lower echelons of the organization, so they’re a bit rough around the edges at times, and you’re… you’re just so innocent. I’d like it if you stayed that way for as long as possible,” she says with a smirk.

“I am a bit offended by that. Though people here are more verbally vulgar, thou knoweth naught of the things that would happen on the London streets at night.”

“Yeah, but you were nervous about me seeing your shoulders; how could you not be innocent?”

“If thou wast essentially trouserless when meeting a stranger, I believe thou wouldst have also been nervous. Besides, I am more nervous about wearing this ridiculous suit than anything.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that. You’ll fit in.”

I squint. “What does that mean?”

“You’ll see.” Rubbing the back of her neck, she says, “...Anyway, the RV is here. Can you do me a favor?”

“It depends on what the favor is.”

She rotates her hand as if searching for the words. “If I sit in the back, no one will talk freely, so unless you aren’t okay with it, I’d like to sit in front where they can’t see me until we have everyone. That way no one panics or tries to do something rash before we have gathered everyone.”

“I… I guess that is fine.”

“Okay,” Facing me with a much more serious look than she usually has, she says, “Just to reemphasize everything, there will be some surprising turn of events for you especially. I’ll probably even put a lot of the attention on you to help establish your reputation. There were a lot of interesting things I learned from you the other day, and I’ll be using those here today.”

“Did I really give such valuable information… But, wait, will that information be used for or against my supposed acquaintances?”

With a frown, she looks toward the ground.

“I understand; it’s fine. This is essentially what we discussed at the castle the other day, is it not?”

“Yeah, I would have preferred to wait a few days, but if you’re going to be hibernating it simply can’t wait. So this will be our first real step.”

I wave to get her to look up from the ground. “Well then, as far as I am concerned, this is the beginning. Let us go from being the ones whom the world squashes to the ones who hold the world.”

As soon as those words leave my head, the huge ride arrives. “Then let’s get carrying then.” Looking up she gives me one last smile. She removes her veil, revealing her silver eye and sewn cloth. “And thank you for coming with me.”

Her smile disappears; her eyes turn sharp like knives.