Erasyl's Dad:

Erasyl's dad looked around with a slight amount of perplexity at the subtle but noticeable shift in the atmosphere. Then he got his very own personal soul reading.

Erasyl's Dad's Soul Reading: Remembering his wife

A faded, distant, memory a decade and a half ago instantaneously came back to life. He was in it, reliving it, the colours all-vivid, the sounds and voices bright and clear, he could feel the little baby he was holding, the arms of his wife around his back.

The memory, in all of its pain and joy, played out without any effort on his part.

"Little Erasyl will never remember me." his wife said.

She gently pressed Erasyl between herself and her husband. The baby went "goo goo" and smiled.

"Then I shall have to remember you for him."

"Yes. That will be nice."

They put Erasyl into his cot and waited until he was sleeping.

"At least the boys are old enough to remember at least something of me, even if it will only be a little."

He hugged her. She brushed some of the tears off his face.

"My dear, I've still got a few months left. Perhaps we could have a little lie down now?"

"Are you sure that is OK?"

"Of a course, dear. I've got to give you a few good experiences to remember me by, don't I?"

Erasyl's Dad:

After a while, the memory replay faded out, leaving Erasyl's father back in the future. He blinked his eyes a few times, then looked at Sarsaparilla and Adalace.

I had better not disturb them, it looks like they are also going through something highly emotional.

He looked at Erasyl and Maggie.

My my, they are also sharing an intense moment. Yep, they are almost bound to get together sometime in the future.

He looked at his sons, who looked back. They seemed to be somewhat unsteady, also.

"Say, what sort of memory did you have?" he asked.

Surely not the same one as me?

Fortunately, it did not appear so. They both said they had a memory of their mother playing with them.

"Boys, I think we should go and leave this lot, obviously they have better things to think about besides us."

The boys, looking around, agreed.

"See ya, Erasyl." he said.

Erasyl briefly looked up, waved, and then returned his attention to Maggie.

Once outside:

"Now that is one awesome esp ability!" said dad.

The two brothers agreed.

"But I thought that esp abilities never included any mental or psychic powers?" said one of the brothers.

Dad shrugged his shoulders. "Well, it looks like they do, after all."

----------------------------------------

Erasyl:

"Ready?" said Sarsaparilla.

Ready for what -

Erasyl was also taken back, back to memories that would normally be impossible to recall.

Erasyl's Soul reading of: Himself as a baby

Mum reached down and picked him up.

"My dear, I'll just wipe your face and take off the bib."

She did so, then cuddled him. He felt warm and comfortable in her arms. He watched her face as she softly hummed some song or other.

Erasyl:

My mother. She died too young for me to remember. This is wonderful.

Erasyl's Soul Reading of: Maggie

The soul reading switched to Maggie's viewpoint, as she was controlling that nuke.

She was concentrating on maintaining her shield.

This is fucking hard. I feel on the verge of vomiting.

Hold on! Otherwise all of my friends will die. I've just found them! I can't let that happen.

And Erasyl is holding my arm.

He's nice after all. I'll definitely treat the green tree frog admirer better if we get through this.

Erasyl:

He came back to reality, tears in his eyes. And right in front of him was Maggie.

----------------------------------------

Maggie:

What is Sarsaparilla going to do this time?

Maggie's Soul Reading of: Maggie's Mum

She was back to her last dance with her mother. Only the memory was from her mother's point of view.

My beautiful daughter. And my last dance with her.

She made an effort not to cry, she did not want to spoil Maggie's enjoyment.

She picked her up and spun around, with Maggie laughing aloud.

The night air was cool; she could feel it sucking away her body warmth.

This is going to make me sick. But I don't care. It's worth it to hold my very own daughter for one last time.

Maggie:

This is what mum really was thinking. That she loved me.

Maggie's Soul Reading of: Erasyl

Another context switch and now Maggie was remembering the theatre night, but from Erasyl's point of view.

If this is my last moments, then at least I can go out holding Maggie.

I wonder if I'll feel embarrassed recalling this? Doesn't matter, just keep supporting Maggie.

And don't say anything! I certainly don't want to disturb her concentration.

Maggie:

She came back to reality and looked at Erasyl.

He's teary eyed too.

So she hugged him.

"I dreamt of dancing with my mother for that last time. Except it was from my mother's perspective."

"Oh, well I had a vivid image of my mother picking me up and cuddling me. I never had any memories of her before."

Erasyl looked away and said

"OK, see you dad." then looked back at Maggie.

Arms around each other they were silent for a moment, until Maggie, with a big smile, said:

"Say, about the theatre night, did you get all embarrassed afterwards because of what you had thought?"

"Eek! Did you get that? Ah, yes, I did."

They were still holding each other.

"But then, I got a reading of your thoughts: especially the bit where you were thinking that you should treat me much more nicely..." said Erasyl.

"Hmm, well, then, OK, I give up. We're now officially an item. OK?"

"That's nice."

"So can you stop crying now?" said Maggie.

"Well, the same applies to you, too."

"But, nonetheless, Erasyl, we won't be doing anything special together until after everything's been resolved." said Maggie.

"OK."

"I most particularly want to find out why those bastards lied about my mother. She loved me and she wanted to give me that last dance, and yet they lied through their teeth and tried to destroy the good memories I had of her."

Maggie had reverted to old habits for a moment; a few nails were flying around their heads.

"Ah, yes, but perhaps you could take down those things?"

"Oops, sorry."

----------------------------------------

Sarsaparilla: these friends aren't going to be taken away

Sarsaparilla had a vivid rerun of a scene from her life, a few days before the social event at her place.

Sarsaparilla's Soul Reading of: Herself

She had taken out the little memento bags. She had put Kaydence's in the middle of her table. Then she had put Adalace's right next to it. The others went in a line above them.

The memory faded out.

Sarsaparilla:

That's right, I haven't taken them out since. Because I don't need to remind myself of them, I'm with them all the time. Especially Kaydence.

And Adalace!

I have a girlfriend. And friends.

At this point she realised that Esmeralda was standing in front of her.

"Hello my dear. I just want to say that, when the time comes to lead the others, you can do it. Don't worry about that."

Oh, right.

"And I need to give you one extra soul reading: all about Shane. Because you are going to need him."

"Err, what! Oh, she's gone."

Sarsaparilla's Soul Reading of: Shane

Shane was sitting on his bed, hugging his knees. And in his mind was an endless loop playing out.

I killed five teenage girls. Five innocent teenage girls. I trusted those scientists without any hesitation, when they produced their spiel about clones and about enhancing my powers. And it was all bullshit. And I'm bullshit. If I had a bit more knowledge of the world I would have know that creating clones was impossible.

He rolled over but still kept himself in a foetal position.

Those annoying teenagers knew straight away that it was all a fake, but I was completely fooled.

And now I've got the blood of five girls on my hands.

He trembled as he remembered actual blood.

Why did those so-called scientists have to do that?

Yeah, to make me more committed to spending the rest of my life in a spaceship, on a one-way trip to a star.

What did that horrible bloke say? That's right, if the programme had gone as they planned, I would have adapted to being a killer. And in doing so, I would have adapted to being out of contact with the rest of the human race, with only forty clones for my company. Thirty of them female.

Bloody hell- that tall lady with the disfigured face, she certainly called it right: 'My clone harem'

But I can't do that now, can I?

What can I do?

The guilt is horrible.

I suppose I will just have to go anyway, I certainly can't remain in normal society with all of that on my conscience.

Shane scrunched up and dragged the pillow to cover his face.

This is so horrible. Perhaps I should just kill myself. Although, what were those annoying teenagers saying, something about an Angel of Death helping them?

Hell, that means I can't even kill myself.

I just need to leave.

Sarsaparilla:

Sarsaparilla was back into reality, looking at Adalace.

We need to take Shane? Presumably for his shields.

I'm supposed to be with a psychopathic killer - wait, he is actually regretting it. In fact, it seems he was royally screwed over by the powers that be.

Sigh.

I need to talk this out with the others.

And Adalace looks as if she is becoming aware of her surroundings.

----------------------------------------

Adalace: no longer any reason to be envious

Adalace found herself kneeling in a small cell like room. She automatically knew that she was seeing the world from Nethezal's point of view.

Adalace's Soul Reading of: Nethezal

I have sinned. I raped my own daughter.

I will one day be dragged into the depths of hell. But I didn't know she was my daughter! But that doesn't make any moral difference, does it? I must pray to my Lord and Master for forgiveness. If I pray hard enough, and give enough penance, I will be saved. But will I? Is my crime too big to be forgiven? Will those devils come and drag my soul down?

I know what those two were. They were devils, in the disguise of two teenage girls, who came up to the mortal world to gloat in the knowledge that I will soon be taken by them. I know beyond any doubt. Two devils, with glowing red eyes, pretending to be two cute teenagers. The others didn't see it, cause they haven't committed any mortal sins. But I could see it, I could see their red eyes, their sharp teeth, I could smell the sulphur. Yes, they were the spawn of Satan, come to check me over.

But no, I won't be going with them! I shall atone for my sins. The sin of raping my daughter. But what about the other girls I also raped?

I must pray with great strength, to avoid the clutches of those two!

I must. I will avoid them. Nobody else knows that they were devils. Even Sister Celeste doesn't know.

Yeah, Sister Celeste. She comes here every week to help me repent. She leads me in prayer to save my soul. She smiles encouragingly, she is noble and self-effacing.

But I know. Behind that smile, behind those kindly eyes, I see the truth.

She hates me.

She hates my appearance, she hates the sound of my voice. But, most of all, she hates my actions. Of raping my daughter. But I didn't know she was my daughter! But does that make any difference?

Oh, yes, she hates me. She watches me, watches me suffer. She reminds me of my crimes. Every week. I can't escape it. Her hatred is driving the fires of hell that will consume my soul. She is in league with those two devils, she is the one to make sure that I cannot recover, that I can never split my mind again, she pretends to help me, but really she keeps me down. When I die she will push my soul down, into the hands of those two devils.

Those two devils. They might look like cute teenage girls, but I can see! I know! Their glowing red eyes give them away! They are out to get me. I know it!

I must pray to God to be rescued. I must pray harder!

But how can I rescue myself?

I have sinned. I raped my own daughter...

Adalace:

The intensity of the soul reading dimmed a little, enough for Adalace to catch her breath.

The man's gone bat shit crazy.

He deserves it!

Ah, I think?

She was still in the soul reading, but her perspective had moved from being inside Nethezal's mind to being a disembodied awareness looking over his shoulder.

Adalace's Soul Reading of: Nethezal

Nethezal was kneeling at something that was a cross between a small desk and a prayer bench. It was in a small room, lit by a not very bright light. Behind him was a plain bed, with some drawers under it. To one side was a small wardrobe; to the other was a door. There was no window, and the fit out was utilitarian. The only decoration was a religious Jesus on the Cross print on the wall.

Nethezal looked a wreck. A body that was out of condition and a face that was haggard and betraying his inner turmoil.

Adalace:

Adalace remembered how she was disappointed that he was going to merely end up in a monastery for the rest of the life.

Maybe this is a fitting punishment, after all?

Adalace's Soul Reading of: Esmeralda, with Nethezal in the background

Another figure appeared in the cell. A woman of middle age, slim, wearing an elegant business dress.

"Oh. You can only be Esmeralda." said Adalace.

She kept her voice low, as if to not disturb Nethezal.

Esmeralda smiled back.

"Yes. Also, he can't hear or see us, so there is no need to worry about disturbing him."

"Ah, right."

"You were envious of Sarsaparilla for having the ability to talk with an Angel of Death, weren't you?"

Gulp. "Y-yes?"

"But, tell me, what do you think now?"

"Now? Let me have a moment... Yes, I see what you are getting at. This is all overpowering. I'm seeing the thoughts of a man that has gone over the edge and is slowing sinking into insanity. It's very disturbing and, ah, intrusive? Like, it's definitely not my business to know what he is thinking. At least not now, after he has been prevented from committing any more crimes. And, and, I can see why Sarsaparilla keeps saying it is scary. Talking to an Angel of Death who will be judging me."

"That's right. It is not something you would normally wish for. And what moral conclusions have you come to?"

"Moral conclusions... Yes, I suppose I shouldn't wish for someone's suffering even if they do evil? Or, at least, acknowledge that they might have to suffer to protect the rest of society from them, but I shouldn't wish for any more? This is all about my dark past having the potential of pushing me to the dark side, isn't it?"

"That is right. Do you think that you should forgive Nethezal, and for that matter your rapist?"

Ice-cold water ran down Adalace's spine. At least it felt like it. She took her time to answer.

"I'm sorry. But I can never forgive my rapist. He hurt me too much. And, so, I guess I can never forgive this bloke."

She pointed to Nethezal, still grovelling to his God as he knelt. Fortunately, his thought processes were no longer detectable.

"But, while I can't forgive them, while I can't control what I think and feel about them in my mind, I can do my best to control my actions. So, for my rapist, I was able to stop from doing any more than getting him to confess to his wife. If I had been by myself I might have acted very badly indeed when I met him, but with Sarsaparilla by my side I was able to restrain myself. And, having seen what a mess Nethezal's mind is, I can make the easy choice of free will and let him continue as is."

Adalace looked at Esmeralda, who was still standing there emitting this aura of quiet serenity.

Adalace, on the other hand, was starting to sweat.

"Relax my dear girl. That is a good enough answer. And also, Sarsaparilla is helping to save you, so..."

"Ah, of course, it is my duty to help save Sarsaparilla!"

"That's right. You both have the potential of going wrong. But you both have greatness inside also. It will be a lifelong effort, but I see no reason why the two of you can't succeed."

Adalace relaxed. At least a little. "Thank you."

Esmeralda smiled broadly. "This will probably be your only soul reading, so make the most of it. I'll leave you here for a few minutes, to allow you to reflect on it, before releasing this illusion."

And with that, Esmeralda wasn't there anymore.

Oh my. Are all of Sarsaparilla's soul readings as dramatic as this?

Her legs feeling wobbly, she, without thinking about it, stepped over and sat down on the bed.

This is weird. I am now conscious of my body, and I can feel the surface of this bed - actually the blankets are pretty cheap and coarse - but I'm not really here and there is no way that Nethezal can perceive me. In fact this is probably a replay of Nethezal actions and thoughts, recorded recently and saved, just for me.

She looked around.

This is still effectively a cell, it doesn't have a lock on the door and I suppose he goes out to go to the toilet, but it's still a dingy cell.

She noticed a dinner plate with some scraps of food on it, plus a knife and fork.

He must eat his meals here, also. Maybe they are delivered?

He's not locked in, but he might as well be.

And he looks like a wreck.

I'm glad I can no longer hear his thoughts.

What will his Judgement be like?

Perhaps I don't want to know.

All I should concentrate on is looking after my own soul. And Sarsaparilla's. Most importantly, look after Sarsaparilla's.

Adalace:

The cell, and Nethezal, faded out, and Adalace was back in the living area of their holiday home.

The first thing she did was scoop up Sarsaparilla in a big hug. This was made easier by the fact that Sarsaparilla was doing the same to her.

Sarsaparilla spoke first. "What did you see?"

"Not only did I get a genuine soul reading, but it was a judgemental type one! Except that no judgement was passed, of course."

Adalace described her reading.

"Which means I am going to stick by your side for a long as possible! I will definitely not let you fall to the dark side. I am not letting you go!"

"My dear, that's nice - only you are crushing me with your arms..."

"Oh, sorry, I tend to get carried away, don't I?" said Adalace.

"Yeah, you do. So, anyway, you're no longer envious of my ability?"

"Nyah. Experiencing it once is enough for me. But, still, I'm feel incredibly lucky to be able to experience it like that - it's not exactly something that is common."

"That's right, we are special. Just so long as you don't let that go to your head. After all, I'm going to look after you, also, remember?"

After some more hugging, Adalace asked: "And what was your reading?"

Sarsaparilla explained hers.

"Oh, you are going to take over the leadership? Ah, but what about Teylon?"

"Well," said Sarsaparilla, very reluctantly, "Remember that Teylon said his mission was limited to dealing with the so called evil, and then..."

They looked into each other’s eyes for a moment.

"Well, I suppose there is nothing to be done about that." said Adalace, "And, what was that about Shane?"

They exchanged some words about that topic.

"Yuck. Trying to deal with Shane is going to be a real pain, even if he does regret his actions." said Adalace.

"Nothing to be done about that, either." said Sarsaparilla.

----------------------------------------

Teylon Soul Reading of: Emilia

Teylon, being the one with the most practice with soul reading, was not all that worried - until he saw who was now standing in front of him.

Emilia.

Not at the age she was then, but looking like the age she would have been if she had lived. She looked Teylon over, with an evaluating air.

"You have kept well, Teylon."

"Ah, yes?"

"And I see you are finally taking responsibility for your own actions, not to mention taking responsibility for the lives of others."

"Ah, thanks."

"Of course, you still have a long way to go, but your progress so far is to be commended."

"Well..."

"Back then, you were pretty pathetic, you know?"

"Sorry."

"But then, so was I." Emilia looked sad for a moment. "It probably would have never worked out, us trying to get together on a permanent basis. Both of us were too damaged to allow a good relationship."

"Yeah, I suppose so. Although I wouldn't say I was damaged..."

Emilia sniffed as if to disagree, although she did not say anything to that statement.

"Nonetheless, I would like to compliment you on your achievements. Finally you have something to be proud of in your life. Especially in looking after Juniper. Keep up the good work."

"Oh, yes, for sure."

"And finally, don't forget that USB stick you found in the back of that cupboard."

As Emilia said this, she handed that very same USB stick to Teylon, who reflexively grabbed it.

Emilia faded out, and Teylon was left standing in silence.

Teylon:

Emilia.

How much did I love her?

After all this time, I don't know. Of course, I didn't know back then, either.

He felt tears running down his face.

Why do I keep crying when I think of her?

He remembered that USB stick, and opened his hand.

Oh, of course, there's nothing here. That was part of the soul reading.

Looks like Esmeralda thinks I have enough with which to get started on my task.

----------------------------------------

Sarawatch: Watching over Mirabella

Sarawatch found herself - somewhere else.

Sarawatch's Soul Reading of: Mirabella

There was no dome over head, just an endless sky, which, for some weird reason, had a slight green tint to it.

So, I'm not on Mars, and I'm not on Earth? Is this what one of those soul readings is supposed to be?

She was standing on the side of a small hill. On one side, the ground went down a little, and there was some sort of abandoned fort or building. On the other side was the hill top, adorned with a python with a wind turbine on the top of it.

I think I am missing something...

At last it occurred to take notice of her hearing: there was the sound of voices behind her. So she turned around. There, only a few metres from her feet, was a picnic blanket stretched out, several baskets of food, and a bunch of teenage girls. The girls were giggling and carrying on; not paying all that much attention to the elder woman that was trying to arrange an equitable distribution of food.

Oh, right.

Sarawatch had finally noticed something kind of interesting. Each teenage girl had a small pair of grey wings, and a halo. However, apart from that, they all looked like normal teenage girls. And acted like them, too. Strangely enough, the elder woman who was slowly making progress in organising the event did not have wings or halo.

I'm still confused. What are they, some sort of angel... nyah, can't be. They don't look like powerful supernatural beings, just a bunch of teenagers. And why does that one girl look familiar.

Still being totally ignored by the girls, even though she was mere metres from them, she looked at that particular girl.

By all that's wonderful - that's Mirabella. Yeah, she's definitely Mirabella.

My, she looks a lot happier here than the last time I saw her. Just before she died...

Just before she died.

So - this is some sort of afterlife - but why the wings and halos? - Ah, this is some sort of in-between life? - In-between - after dying in such a shitty way Mirabella gets a little respite and some happiness before going on to - whatever?

She kept watching Mirabella.

Yes, she certainly looks happy. Even if that other girl just pulled her hair...

The elder woman had to break up the incipient fight, fortunately, she managed to resolve the situation and everybody carried on happily with the picnic.

Yeah, Mirabella certainly seems to have a good life here.

The whole scene faded out and she was back on Mars.

Sarawatch:

I ask Teylon to find out the name of that girl, and in return, I actually see her being happy. Exactly where is an interesting question, presumably above Earth but still below Heaven.

You know, I was an atheist. I think I might have to modify my beliefs. Just a little bit. Although I am still not going to become the slightest bit religious.

And Teylon is on a quest to stop the sort of evil that killed Mirabella in the first place.

Right.

When Teylon finally makes his move, I'm going with him.

Damn those anonymous bastards for letting Mirabella die!

----------------------------------------

Juniper: Is loved and cared for.

Juniper had been watching Erasyl meet his family with extreme interest.

That's so nice, Erasyl is nice, so of course his family must be too.

And then Sarsaparilla had announced that everyone was getting a soul reading.

Were soul readings a common thing before my parents died? I don't really remember anything about them...

Then she received a whole series of memories, a montage of incidents, all from after Teylon and co had rescued her.

One after the other.

Juniper's Soul Reading of: Herself

Devina hugging her at the start.

Teylon with his arms around her.

Erasyl looking after her.

Maggie holding her close.

Francesca and Tamara taking her on an outing.

All of the others also looking after her.

Juniper:

Yes, of course. They all love me and care for me. They had no warning, they weren't asked to, but when they realised that I needed help they just all made an effort. All on my behalf. They are all wonderful and I owe them my life.

Whereas, those horrible people that sent me off to be a sex slave, and then decided to toss me onto the garbage and sent me off to be killed by that monster Shane, those people couldn't care less about me. I owe them nothing.

Wasn't Teylon supposed to do something about them? If he is, then I will help him. It is the least that I can do to repay their kindness.

----------------------------------------

Tamara’s Soul Reading of: Her sister dropping in to say hello.

Tamara looked up and saw - her sister.

"Oh."

"Yes, it's me. Here, big sis, give me a hug."

After a while.

"There now, I’m afraid that that is all we can do, this time around. But, may I suggest that you really should enrol to become a teacher? You will do well, I am sure."

With a gentle smile, her sister faded out, leaving Tamara with the memory of her hug.

Tamara:

Become a teacher. Yes, I will.

That's right, I tried to enrol into a teacher's college when I first came to Verdant. But all I got were refusals. Because the hidden puppet masters of this society decided to use me as an assassin. And I went along with it.

But no more!

Shit them!

If my sister tells me to do so, then I'll become a teacher!

But what if those evil people keep on preventing me from becoming a teacher?

They won't. Because Teylon is on some sort of quest to stop them. So all I have to do is to follow his lead.

Fuck those creeps, we're going to rip them out from the shadows and drag them into the bright lights and show everyone just what they have been doing!

----------------------------------------

Francesca: Sees the big incident from the other side.

Francesca found herself an unnoticed observer of a hospital visit.

Bloody hell, that's the shit - I mean that's Richard in the bed. And those two people must be his parents.

Francesca's Soul Reading of: Richard

"That's a relief," his mum was saying, "The doctor seems confident that you will have no more than a slight scar on your face."

"Yeah, mum."

"Nonetheless, that girl should suffer the consequences of her actions! As soon as you're up to it, I'll get the police in to take a statement." said his father.

A not very happy look from Richard.

"Ah, dad, I think I would rather we just left it as it is."

"Huh?"

Richard squirmed around in his bed - "Ouch!"

"Careful! Don't put the bandaged side onto the pillow!" cried his mum.

"It's all right. Ah, that's right. Actually, ah, well you see, I really was a bit mean to Francesca."

"Eh?" said mum.

He gave as short an explanation as he could, while still covering the main points.

His parents took a few moments to digest this.

"Hmm, yes, I can see that that was rather bad of you, my son." said dad.

"She still shouldn't have attacked you like that, but!" said mum.

"Hmm, and if it goes to court, this would all become public information..." said dad.

So they decided to leave things as they were. After all, the school principle had already expelled Francesca.

The parents left. Richard lay back, careful not to touch the bandages, and stared at the ceiling.

He was having some heavy thoughts.

Being in hospital for a couple of weeks is the pits. And the side of my face aches like hell.

What a pain. That bloody bitch.

But, but, I really was an arsehole to her, wasn't I? I got carried away a bit more than I should have. Yeah, the idea of having sex with the school delinquent seemed so much fun. And then I had to go and boast about it to my friends. Yeah, I did get carried away with it, didn't I? Saying she wasn't really worth it. Putting her down just to get some laughs from my friends.

He felt his face go red with shame.

In actual fact I kind of did like her.

The sex really was good.

And I suppose, given enough time, I could have gotten used to her disfigured face.

What a mess.

But she still shouldn't have zapped me like that! She's still a bitch for doing that!

But still...

If she ever apologises to me, then I shall do a bit of grovelling and apologise back.

But I definitely won't go first!

Francesca:

Francesca came back to normality.

Well, that was surprising.

You mean, he wasn't quite as bad as I thought he was?

This is going to take some time to get use to.

So I am right to seek him out and offer an apology. Although, whether or not he'll offer one back after all this time is an interesting question.

Sigh. Life wasn't meant to be easy.

Wait a minute, if those bastards hadn't blocked all of my efforts to get an honest job, and set me up to be a hired gun -

Well, I would probably have come to the conclusion about making an apology a lot sooner.

Which would have meant that I wouldn't have needed to wasted all of those years thinking I was without any worth when it came to being a woman and a lover.

Eight years, thinking every man would find me repulsive.

Eight years...

Teylon, when are you going to take down this evil in our society? Cause I'm going to be right there with you!

----------------------------------------

Devina’s Soul Reading of: Juniper as a preteen.

Devina realised that she was looking out from somebody else's perspective. She did not have any access to that person's thoughts, she had no control over what she was doing. Right now she was looking down at her right hand. Which was holding the hand of a young girl, maybe eight years old.

This is a real live soul reading? This is amazing, Teylon and Sarsaparilla aren't making it up after all.

I appear to be seeing out of the eyes of a young woman, and that girl -

That girl - Yes, she's Juniper! She looks a bit different and younger, but I just know she's Juniper.

This must be how Teylon receives all of those memories about Juniper. And now I am too.

Why is Esmeralda being so kind to me?

Oh, and who is the man who is holding Juniper's other hand? I can't see his face, the woman isn't looking up at him.

I suppose this must be Juniper as a younger, and happier, girl, out on a walk with her mum and dad.

"Ooh, there it is! The Chocolate Frenzy!" said the girl, getting all excited.

"That's right, dear." said the mother.

"I want a big ice cream! With lots of chocolate and candy on it!"

"Well, a medium sized one. Mustn't over do it."

The scene faded out.

Devina:

Devina blinked her eyes a few times.

And then, some years after that, her parents were killed and those uncaring men took her away to some soulless orphanage, then eventually turned her into a clone to be casually killed for some stupid purpose.

I hate those men.

Isn't Teylon supposed to do something about them?

Then I will help him.

If he is too squeamish to kill them then I will.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

----------------------------------------

Kaydence’s Soul Reading of: Herself holding a red scarf.

Kaydence's soul reading was very simple.

She was holding a red scarf in her hands.

That's right. Sarsaparilla has always been there.

We were friends for years before I was taken away.

She gave me this scarf and I kept it during my couple of years at those horrible barracks. The memory of her kept my spirits up even when she wasn't there.

And she brought me back to reality, enabled me to escape that stupid clone brainwashing stuff.

She has looked after me ever since.

My first loyalty is to her. If she wants my help I will give it.

Of course, after Sarsaparilla there is Leroy.

Hmm, I need to wait for things to settle down, but, you know, he can be ever so cute.

----------------------------------------

Leroy: Sees his bullying from his victim's side.

Leroy got a vivid rerun of Candide's last day at Leroy's school, from her point of view.

Leroy's Soul Reading of: Candide

Mostly in silence, Candide prepared for her day at school. Not total silence, however. Any sound source that was in front of her head and about 1.1 metres away she could hear fine. Sitting at her place on the family table, there was a loudspeaker connected to the TV, at just the right position so that, when she turned her head towards it, she could hear it.

She listened to the weather schedule - fine with some showers in the afternoon, said showers to be over by the time school was out.

Her mother waved her hands at her, so Candide turned to face her.

"I've made your lunch, have a nice day!"

Naturally, her mother knew, to within a centimetre, where to place herself so that Candide could hear her.

"Thanks!" said Candide, big smile on her face.

She stuffed the lunch and her books into her backpack, grabbed her listening stick, and was off. The smile switched off as soon as she was out of the door.

"Mustn't worry my parents, just keep pretending that everything is all right. They do so much for me as it is."

She reached into her school bag and squeezed her plushie teddy bear. Actually it wasn't certain if it was a teddy bear or some other creature, her aunty Jacaranda hadn't said. But, nevertheless, it was a favourite of Candide. Especially since her favourite aunty had died half a year before.

Better keep Mr Bear safely in my bag, don't want anyone to see him.

The dome was a medium sized older one, so it didn't have much in the way of underground areas. Candide lived in the top floor of a block of flats four stories high, and walked to school along a surface path. And the closer she got to school the more tense she became.

I hope I won't see him. I hope I won't see him...

At least until class starts. Maybe he will find someone else to torment.

Trying to make herself as small and unnoticeable as possible, she made her way to her classroom. She did not speak to anyone else, even though there was a veritable exuberance of socialisation around her. She sat down at her desk and deployed her listening stick, making sure its end was in front and 1.1 metres away from the position her head would be when she was sitting at her desk in a comfortable position to write her notes.

Her wish to be ignored was not to be. Leroy burst into the room, followed by a couple of other boys.

"Ooh, look, it's Can't Do Candide!"

The other boys and some of the girls laughed at this witticism, and Leroy slapped away the listening stick as he went past. So everything went silent.

Candide shrank within herself, and concentrated on opening her textbook.

Ignore him. Ignore him.

Hands trembling slightly, she put back the stick.

It got worse.

After the second lesson, Leroy did it again. No girls laughed that time, and fewer boys, although Candide never knew.

Candide kept on trembling, and she started to get a knot in her stomach.

Lunchtime was even worse.

"Ha! Your sandwich doesn't have enough sand!"

And he dropped a handful of the stuff all over her food. This time, only two of the boys laughed, but no one else was prepared to make a stand for Candide. For good measure, Leroy also tossed her listening stick to the other side of the room. In total silence, Candide bundled up her spoiled lunch and walked to the bin. She looked down at the floor and avoided everyone's gaze. On her return trip, she picked up the stick.

This is a lot worse than normal. A lot worse. I don't think I can take any more of this.

At the end of the day, after the last teacher had left and the students were getting ready to leave, Leroy started to escalate. He grabbed some of her books and tossed then into the bin. This time, no one laughed, and a couple of girls actually tried to make a protest.

Leroy, noticing that he was losing the support of his in-group, decided to double down. He grabbed the listening stick, dropped it on the floor, and crushed the little loudspeaker at its end.

No, no, please, stop this.

She began to cry, and reached into her bag to hold her plushie toy, thinking about her aunty who had occasion to comfort her about bullies in the past.

Only to have Leroy notice what she was holding. By now, none of the students around him were on his side, and some were beginning to work up their courage to confront him. So in desperation to regain their attention, Leroy grabbed the toy and threw it out of the window. Being a second story classroom, it disappeared out of sight, presumably landing amongst the departing throng of students.

Candide ran. She did not stop running until she was totally out of breath, a long way out of the school. She ran down streets away from any students, and eventually came to main irrigation channel. Six metres wide and three deep...

Fortunately some adults saw her jump in and they did not stint in their efforts to save her.

Leroy:

Leroy surfaced from his soul reading.

Oh my God! I was far worse than I ever imagined. I can never repent for anything like that!

He knelt down on the floor, put his head in his hands, and began to sob in anguish.

I caused too much pain! That can never be forgiven. How can I possibly keep living with that burden...

At this point, he was surprised by the feel of someone holding his shoulder. In fact, two someones, one on either side.

Huh?

He looked up, and found Adalace kneeling on one side, and Sarsaparilla on the other. They looked annoyed.

What?

----------------------------------------

Adalace: Doing a good deed.

"Let me guess, Leroy. You received a soul reading all about that girl, ah, Candide, that's her name. Right? Probably all about how she felt when you bullied her?" said Adalace.

"Ah, yes."

"And right now, to judge by your actions, you are very down on yourself and possibly even a tiny bit suicidal, yes?"

Leroy stared at Adalace, who still looked a tad annoyed. He gulped but did not say anything.

So Sarsaparilla poked his shoulder to get his attention. "Come on, that's what's happening, isn't it?" she said.

"Yes. I was so horrible. I didn't realise it. Even up to now I still hadn't realises how bad I was. There's no way I can just go and apologise to her, she will never forgive me. She won't ever want to even see me again. It's hopeless, totally hopeless..."

Big sigh from Adalace.

"Leroy, it's like this. In my soul reading, Esmeralda pointed out, once again, that me, and Sarsaparilla, have to make an effort not to go bad. It's not a very nice feeling to be told that by an Angel of Death. But, nevertheless, I'm determined to save Sarsaparilla, and she's determined to save me. I sure it will be hard, but that's just tough. And so, as part of our good deeds, we're going to save you. Whether you like it or not."

"But, it is too hard!"

"Tough!" said Sarsaparilla, "If we have to do it the hard way, then so will you."

"And that includes apologising to Candide." added Adalace.

"But, but, how can I just ring her up and ask for an appointment..."

At this moment he stopped and looked blank for a few seconds.

"Say, is this how I look when I'm having an Esmeralda moment?" said Sarsaparilla, looking at Adalace.

"Sure is!"

Leroy took notice of the girls again.

"OK, spill the beans, what did she say?"

"Oh, ah, she showed me an image of a bag of stuffed toys in some second hand thrift shop in a dome on the other side of the planet. And in that bag is the stuffed toy that I grabbed from Candide and threw of the window. It was made by her Aunty Jacaranda, of whom Candide was very fond of."

"Hmm, so?" said Adalace.

Leroy twitched out a phone number into his wristband.

"Hello, is that the Grey Thrift Shop?

Ah, in your back room you have a large clear plastic bag with a dozen soft toys in it?

Can I buy it and can you post it to my address?"

Leroy twitched out the codes to allow his phone to send his address, plus his bank details. He then disconnected the call.

"OK, as you heard, I now own that long lost teddy bear."

"So that means you have no choice but to apologise to that girl, don't you? And to hand over the teddy bear." said Adalace.

Leroy hesitated for some moments, then said "Yeah. My God this is going to be painful."

"Well, look at it this way: at least Esmeralda thinks that you have potential, otherwise she wouldn't have guided you to do this." said Sarsaparilla.

"I suppose so."

"Course you still need to look after Kaydence without any expectation of rewards for a few years..."

"Yeah, I know. But, even with all of that, would I be worthy of any happiness for myself?"

"Who knows? But! You can gain a bit extra karma by helping Teylon, and me, when we deal with that evilness."

Sarsaparilla smiled a medium strength evil smile as she said that. Leroy had no choice but to nod his head. "OK."

"Ah, and also girls, thanks for your help. I know you say it is only to work up some good points for you judgement, but I think it is also because you are good people, after all."

Adalace and Sarsaparilla looked at each other; they both looked a little embarrassed.

Fortunately, at this point Sarsaparilla realised that Kaydence was standing in front of them, patiently waiting her turn to speak to them.

"Ah, Kaydence! What was your soul reading about?"

----------------------------------------

Teylon: Sums it up.

Half an hour later they were all gathered in a neat circle in the living area, sitting on whatever chairs and sofas that were convenient.

"So, let me get this right. Everybody here is determined to come with me and help me have a little chat with those who are running our society?"

Nods of ascent.

"I mean, it could be dangerous."

Nobody disagreed, but nobody changed their minds.

"They will know we are coming."

Apparently, everyone had already worked that one out.

Sigh. "And, we have to contact Shane. Which could be - interesting."

Signs of distaste from everyone, but they still remained resolute.

Teylon put his head in his hand with a sigh of exasperation.

"Fine, fine. Adalace, you have a copy of that USB stick on your big computer?"

She said she did.

"Well, I guess it can't be helped. We will just have to all go back now, and Adalace will have to babysit her computer while it looks for the password."

Adalace agreed.

"And, I guess, while that is happening, Francesca and Leroy can see to their respective apologies, as they see fit.

Those two did not say anything against this.

Accordingly, within an hour they had packed their bags, cleared out of up the building, and were stepping into three maglev pods to go home.

They had been booked for another week, but no one cared about the wasted rental money. Not even Teylon.