Hal set up the mechs to work on more new furnishings for Sora. Cloberton was too busy handling gossip and controlling security to pay attention to the lab. Widhbo had taken charge and there wasn't much left for them to do. Hal slipped over to the Sora and joined the others who were gathered in the new lounge. They could be assured of privacy inside the sealed ship.

"Before we do anything else, I want to get Mara and Soshe to safety," Jejliard said. "They need to go where Colberton can't find them."

"What do you have in mind?" Hal asked.

"The sub. It's the only place his men won't think of looking and it will outrun anything in their fleet."

"Are you saying what I just heard you say?" Tajlon asked. "Soshe and Mara don't know how to operate the sub."

"Yes," Jejliard replied. "Nova would be the only one capable of piloting the sub."

Tajlon grinned and said, "Just wanted to make sure I was clear on the subject."

Hal shook his head in amusment. "No comment from engineering."

"I'll get back to them this afternoon," Widhbo said. " When I remove Gengor's body tonight everyone will be looking for the missing monster. They'll be afraid of their own shadows by the time I'm finished. Nova and the girls can slip aboard the sub during the confusion."

"I wouldn't mind giving them more than a shadow to be afraid of," Hal said. "How about a big red button?"

"By tomorrow, I'll have the proof you need if you should want to push that button," Widhbo said. "I'm not playing fair anymore. I'm tapping into their classified communications frequencies."

"For what good it is, they're scrambled," Hal said.

"Oh Hal, I know they're scrambled. That's the classified part," Widhbo said. He snorted. "Scramble meets descramble. You have no idea what I can do."

"I'm starting to catch on."

* * *

"We need to stay visible tonght to avoid suspicion," Jejliard said. "I've put together a traditional native drum circle and fire ceremony. Several of the work crew are locals from the islands and have agreed to participate."

"Sounds like fun," Tajlon said.

"You'll be the guest of honor in the middle of it all so Colberton won't suspect you might be running off to see Soshe."

"And I'm going to die one hour after sundown tonight," Widhbo said.

Tajlon gasped, "What?"

"Koutou is. He's getting very old. He can barely make it from one end of the dock to the other. I teleport him." Widhbo was in Koutou for the last time that evening. His feathers, though still brightly colored, were losing their luster and several were missing from his wings and tail. He'd lived a long life.

"Why not let him die naturally?" Hal asked

"If I leave him, he's a vegetable for all practical purposes. It wouldn't be kind or discrete. I need to be free to operate out of sight and will after Koutou's gone. I have all the power I need with my ship operational again."

"I thought you needed a body, a vessel, to exist for any length of time," Tajlon said.

"I hate to admit it, but I learned a few tricks from Gengor. He learned to adapt without a host in this dimension and I'm employing some of his data string techniques to save energy."

The sun was setting and Jejliard watched another sunset with nostalgia. He wondered how many more he would be privileged to witness. Tomorrow, everything was going to change.

"When do you plan to remove Gengor?"

"Later tonight. I have a few surprises for everyone. There will be a general panic," Widhbo said. "Just remember Colberton and his men are the real danger. Everything else is illusion. Koutou will be fully anesthetized and won't feel a thing."

"How will it happen?" Tajlon asked.

"I want the method to be a surprise, so you won't have to fake a reaction," Widhbo said. "I wasn't even going to tell you this much, but your father insisted."

"Just know that it isn't what it appears to be," Jejliard said. "I'll ask you to trust us on this, Tajlon. Colberton needs to think you're genuine."

"I'll be right there with you buddy," Hal said. "I'm as clueless as you."

* * *

Soshe was preparing the fire pit to bake the food she'd wrapped in broad green leaves and buried beneath the coals. It was difficult to cook and not make any smoke that could be seen in the day or glow of fire by night. They kept the fires small at night and saved the ashes to cover them by day. The rock formations surrounding their camp provided a measure of natural concealment.

She was startled when Koutou appeared at the edge of the clearing. "Oh, you again."

"You don't seem glad to see me."

"No. It just takes some getting used to. You just show up from nowhere, Koutou. It makes me wonder who else might sneak up on us."

"Nobody else will. Nova's nose works overtime, even when he's asleep. Where's Mara?"

"She's in the tent asleep now. Nova is on those bluffs."

"Wake Mara up. We need to talk. I'll get Nova."

"Why?"

"You'll be glad to know this is the last time I'll bother you."

"You're not bothering me exactly."

"I know. I'm irritating."

"Koutou, drop it. What do you mean the last time?"

"Get Mara. We have big plans for the evening."

Soshe and Mara returned to find Nova digging a piece of raw meat from the cooking pit.

"Hey! Save some for us," Mara said and laughed. "What's going on Koutou?"

"Everything. It's time to come back down the river. Hide the boat. Don't go home. Colberton most likely has your place staked out. Plan to reach NORC a little before midnight."

"Where are we going with this?" Soshe asked.

"Things are going to get a little crazy. Pay no attention to anything you hear or see, just go to the submarine area. Nova knows how to get there. You must get on the Solar Wave without being seen."

"And then what?" Mara asked.

"Hide. Plan to take the sub out midmorning after the fleet moves out. We're planning a little show for everyone north of Turodey. Head east and stay at depth."

"Who's driving?" Soshe asked. "Mara?"

"Not on my resume," Mara said.

"Nova is fully certified to pilot the sub," Koutou said

Soshe rolled her eyes. "You're kidding, right?"

Koutou sighed. "Not in the least. Your lives will depend on his skills."

Nova was picking a bone clean. He paused to look up at Koutou for a brief moment. "Oh yes, that will calm their nerves."

"Tajlon trained Nova personally," Koutou added

Mara folded her arms, worry on her face. "How long do we have to stay under water?"

"As long as it takes. The sub is well stocked and all the provisions you'll need are on board. One of us will be in touch when we know more."

"I know at least one of us will miss fresh meat," Nova thought.

"Koutou's time on Beldora is coming to an end," Widhbo said, realizing he would never be Koutou again.

"You're leaving?" Mara asked.

"Yes. Koutou won't survive the night. He's too old."

"I'm not following any of this," Soshe said. "Why are you referring to yourself as though you were someone else?"

"I am someone else."

"He speaks in riddles this one," Nova said telepathically to Widhbo

"I'll have to let Tajlon fill you in later. Must go. I hate goodbyes."

"I want a hug at least," Soshe said. "Let's part friends, Koutou."

"I don't do hugs."

"Please. I really appreciate all you've done for us. For me," Soshe insisted.

"What sort of unfeeling numbskull would refuse? Hug her for Tajlon," Nova said.

"Oh, alright. Still ridiculous if you ask me."

Soshe put her arms around Koutou's neck and kissed the top of his head. "I'll miss you."

"I suppose you will."

"There. That's how you say goodbye," Soshe said and gave him a thin smile.

"I'll miss you as well, Koutou," Mara said. "I'll spare you the hug."

"Now leave before we all have a good cry," Nova added.

"Goodbye. It's official now," Koutou said. He downloaded a file to Nova filling him in the details of their plans tonight and tomorrow. Nova had a special role to play tonight, at least in spirit.

"It will be a pleasure and a privilege, Koutou."

Widhbo teleported with Koutou back to the Sora. It was almost done. He was going to miss Koutou more than anyone.