'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...
Anton, Jennifer and Lauren are assessing the current state of their ongoing conflict with Zaratorio, while at the same time relaxing in a familiar haunt.
Holopath has some new tech for the SISP. It's called the BabelPhone (BP) and it should allow SISP agents to talk openly about their missions when they leave their headquarters, because even the most technical conversations will sound like small talk to neighbours and passers-by.
Holo is sitting in a corner of the SISPites favourite café and observing what happens when the BP is operating, while the others are at their regular table.
Meanwhile Capa, the new waitress, delivers three cappuccinos to a familiar party and Anton pays her in cash.
'I will miss Krystle, now that she is heading back to Miami,' says Lauren.
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'But she will still be doing important work for the fight against Zaratorio', explains Anton. 'There has been a big upturn in simulacra and other time tricks supported by various minor biotemps from all around the world. And so she will be training a new network of agents, all dedicated to preserving the integrity of our time-stream.'
'Which is probably the right thing to do, because Professor Amber and the Admiral need to concentrate on the threat posed by the Chrono-Police, or any direct interventions by Zaratorio and Circe.
And of course we are here to help them in any way we can' adds Jennifer.
***
'Are you not drinking with your friends today, Holopath?' asks Capa.
The time-travelling hologram frowns, and says nothing, although she leaves a 20 hrynia note behind as she walks away and leaves via the side entrance.
'A very good tip. Shame she doesn't smile more ...'
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***
'How does a dating app keep popping up on my screen, Jennifer?'
'Well it's clearly impossible, given the extent of our cyber security, but as we are the Slavic Institute for Studying the Paranormal, I guess we had better study it, dear Lauren.'
'There's no trace in any of the logs of it being coded, and its properties are quite benign. It just keeps repeating the same message; "Mediterranean siren seeks American brunette scientist."'
'Mediterranean siren ... that has to be Circe!'
'And look ... now it's appearing on your screen, Jenny ...'
'Except the wording is slightly different: "Mediterranean siren seeks red-headed scientist from Miami"... no wait a minute, I thought it was going to change the message, but it didn't!'
'So it looks as if we have a stalker, but with supernatural powers.
I am contacting Professor Amber right now.'
'Good thinking. I do hope that Paulina and the others get home soon; we are a bit short-handed with so much going on at the moment!'
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