11.3: Atienna’s (Inverso) Heroism

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  Atienna opened her eyes. The firelight was crackling half a meter away, highlighting her face in warmth while leaving her back in the cold. Across the flickering flame she could see Yulia jotting away in her notebook again. The Aquarian woman’s back was facing the sleeping Aquarian party—away from Alexei. Atienna pulledContinue reading “11.3: Atienna’s (Inverso) Heroism”

10.4: Atienna’s Questioning (Risposta)

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  “Rather than calling you ‘P’ then, perhaps I should call you ‘Pi’? I’ve been reading a bit about the original Ophiuchian language and that seems to be appropriate…” The person— who had killed Mladen   who had become Mladen   who had passed on memories to Mladen   —who had taken over Mladen’s life staredContinue reading “10.4: Atienna’s Questioning (Risposta)”

9.5: Atienna’s Induction (Deduzione)

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  Mladen was peculiar, to say the least. After the Piscese diplomat Moana had completed her transmutation on Mladen, he had inquired—rather oddly with a “Where? Here?”—about their situation and location. He had brightened when they had informed him of their location and had then gaped in horror when they had informed himContinue reading “9.5: Atienna’s Induction (Deduzione)”

8.6: Atienna’s Warmth (Gelo)

Zatmeniye Caverns, Aquarius  The storm continued to rage outside as they moved Kalama’s body away from the campsite. The wailing of Afu, the Piscese guard, as he was pried from Kalama’s body was something that Atienna wished to never hear again. It reminded her too much of her father’s wails on that night six yearsContinue reading “8.6: Atienna’s Warmth (Gelo)”