'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...
'Sweetheart, are you awake? That was quite a trance!' exclaims Bjorn.
He has finally come awake and realised that he must be on one of the oldest planets in the universe, shortly after it came into being, just as his biotempador companion had said he would.
'So this is Vetustissimus Orbis?'
Circe turns to face him and smiles.
'Yes, I've been awake for some time. There are two stars in this solar system, so there is nothing that conforms with our notions of night and day, but we will get used to it. I will programme the internal lighting of the biosphere shortly, and close the panoramic window for a while.'
'But not yet, dearest ... the view is so spectacular; the Milky Way so soon after it came into existence. Such pure and beautiful light. We must be as close to the Big Bang as any human, or humanoid, has ever been.'
'Indeed. Perhaps one day we will be able to go to the far future as well. After all, Zaratorio is not immortal, and as time passes differently for we biotemps - each of us has our own peculiar journey - perhaps we will outlive him.'
'And then we could visit the sites of some of our greatest victories and defeats ...'
'Absolutely. We have slip-streamed the time vortex's strongest reverse currents, a fact that inevitably triggered the strange trance we have both just endured.
But I was fairly sure that it would be safe, because we were simply inverting the technique that Zaratorio and Inga use to reach the far future, even if we had to use both our auras to miniaturise our "luggage", my darling.'
'It was a strain, but no worse than Vanirian battle school. What's more, this biosphere is powered by "the fifth force" - particularly useful for driving the artificial gravity field that stops us from being crushed by our own weight - and so we don't have to ever worry about running out of energy!'
The biotemp couple kiss briefly and gently, as Circe begins to draw the sturdy titanium blinds across the highest part of the enormous glass ceiling of the pod. She is particularly keen to check out the eco-circular floors lower down the building, and see how her plans to produce a century's worth of plant flavours are progressing!
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***
Zaratorio has had a new idea. Fortunately for him, 'El Libro' is not only a dictionary of spells, but also of many other forms of knowledge that relate to the supernatural.
The biotempador recalls his unsuccessful encounter with Rod, the most powerful of the ancient Slavic Gods, and sighs.
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But if he was to create a simulacrum of Rod's consort, the divine huntress, Devana, perhaps he would detect a trace of jealousy amongst his female accomplices, Melissa and Sehzula?
An idea worth reflecting upon.
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'Or is there an even better plan? Someone who might form an alliance with me against Jessop and Pathway, and then - in due course - against the P-Vanir and the Odgans?'
'El Libro' can generate an image of any deity; active, well remembered or generally forgotten. In just a few moments it settles on Dazhbog.
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And as Zaratorio learns more and more about him, the more and more the wizard is convinced that once he has resolved his present domestic difficulties, he will at long last find a way to conquer the cosmos.
'Co-Emperor? So be it. I can always bide my time once my current enemies are defeated!'
