'Zaratorio: The Story Continues' is a political parable dedicated in general to everyone who believes in #PeaceinUkraine and who says #NoToWar. More specifically, it is written in support of the brave and generous women and men of Medecins Sans Fro...
Some noisy revellers pass by the motel window as the clocks strike one AM.
'I thought it was illegal to consume alcoholic beverages in America in the early 1930s. These people seem surprisingly jolly if they are completely sober' remarks Paulina.
'Well, making something illegal is not the same as stopping it from happening. People compare the risks of being caught and punished with the pleasure they get from performing the activity, and they act accordingly' is Anna's thoughtful reply.
'Melissa, Melissa ...' mumbles Sehzula from a bed on the other side of the room.
'And of course, we have just come from a speakeasy, so we must not be too sanctimonious about our neighbours, dear Paulina ...'
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***
'So, Melissa ... my friend Circe tells me that you have second sight and that you may have some useful information about out mutual friends, Sehzula and Paulina.'
'Not really, Mr. Zaratorio ...'
'Zaratorio will do. But if you are psychically gifted, then surely you have realised that these two ladies, and their American companion, are "living out of time".'
'Well, I did think they were a bit odd, but very beautiful. You mean that they come from the future?'
'And the past ... but yes, they are time travellers, like your friend Artem!'
'You know about the Chrono-Police?'
'Of course ... and I also know about his side-hustle in time tourism, which means I have some very useful equipment which I am willing to lend him. On condition that he allows me to talk to you and renew my acquaintance with the other ladies.
Sehzula had a lucky escape from an Egyptian temple a few centuries ago, while Paulina will one day be my prisoner on a far off planet.'
'I see ... so what do you want me to do?'
'I will consult with my colleague Circe, whom you met earlier, and then return. Which in your time could be a few minutes, or a few days ...'
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***
Anna has a question for Paulina, one that has been playing on her mind for several hours.
'So, do you really think that was Circe who you caught sight of in Harlem?'
'I think it could well be, rather than a projection - a simulacrum, as Professor Amber tends to call them.'
'I know that Circe does have the gift of shape-shifting, and it may have grown stronger - like her time jumps. Didn't you have some close contact with her through the SISP?'
'At times ... But what's really worrying me is that my affinity senses, which Bjorn taught me to use carefully, are not only telling me that Melissa and Sehzula are romantically compatible - you don't need to be Einstein to figure that one out - but that you could match with Zaratorio and I could match with Circe!'
'I can't imagine that, but we do know that Sehzula has a special connection with Sonyakolo, the ring of power, and that Zaratorio and Circe would do anything to get their hands on it permanently!'
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