Prologue

A long train whistle blew into the frosty Siberian air as the Moscow-bound diesel locomotive began its arduous journey westward through the Ural Mountains. Inside a small, cramped, coach-class car, Sana Tsukumo and Mumei Nanashi sat side-by-side with teacups and saucers in hand. Moments earlier, a peculiar-looking samovar tea kettle cart passed by them and served them piping hot tea.

Beads of sweat formed on Sana's brow - and it wasn't because of the temperature of the tea.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Sana asked her owl companion, "That kettle thingy had a boot stuck to it." She leaned over to Mumei and whispered, "The attendant was pumping the boot when she served us! A boot!"

"I've had some of this stuff in Moscow recently." Mumei reassured Sana with a smile, "C'mon, Sana. Give it a try before it gets cold!"

Sana eyed her teacup and dared to take a sip. To her surprise, it didn't taste half bad.

Suddenly, Mumei smirked and chimed in, "You can really taste the feet, right?"

Sana nearly spat out her tea.

Mumei guffawed, bursting out in laughter. With joyful tears in her eyes, she reassured Sana that she was joking, over and over. Sana pouted for a while, but she joined the laughter soon enough. The ex-astronaut and the US Army captain shared a toast with their teacups.

"To feet!" They declared in unison.

Then, they leisurely sipped their Russian samovar tea.

While the two were enjoying their tea, however, a pair of Soviet Railway soldiers and a conductor walked over to the two ladies. Again, Sana started to sweat - but Mumei didn't bat an eye. Instead, she reached into her coat pocket and brought out two things: a sheet of paper stamped with the seal of the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a badge of a US Secret Service identifying her as a Special Agent.

Mumei promptly pointed to Sana and to herself. Then, she told the troika plainly, " Tovarisch ."

Sana knew very little Russian, but she knew that ' Tovarisch' meant 'friend'.

The conductor and the railway guards scrutinized the paper and the badge. After a short deliberation, they returned Mumei's items to her and left them alone.

"Holy cow. You're cool as a cucumber, Captain Nanashi!" Sana exclaimed, "I would have lost my marbles if it was just me!"

"Let's just say that I've seen a lot of things." Mumei spoke with a hint of pride, "Hardly anything can get through to me now. All that matters is that I complete the mission, no matter what." The Captain then raised up her finger and reminded Sana, "Also, I thought I told you to just call me 'Mumei'?"

"Oh right!" Sana apologized, "Mumei. Got it."

Mumei smiled earnestly, "Thank you, Sana."

"You know, you're pretty lively for a Secret Service Agent - or a US Army Captain." Sana remarked, giving Mumei a sidelong glance.

"And you're pretty laid back for an ex-NASA astronaut." Mumei countered gamely.

"Hehe~" Sana finished off her cup and set it aside with her saucer, "Us Astronauts are trained for long periods of isolation. Taking things one step at a time helps when you're in the void of space. It can get lonely out there." Memories of her journey with Yatagarasu through the Known Worlds and her encounter with Ina in the Infinite Library came to mind. A small, longing smile formed on her lips, "Trust me. I'm speaking from experience."

Mumei tilted her head innocently, wondering what Sana was going on about. The ex-astronaut shook her head and changed the topic.

"So, I don't know how much General Sparrowhawk has told you about my situation." Sana started gingerly, "But I was whisked away from this world in June and went on a hell of an adventure through Space." She laughed and scratched the back of her head, taking care not to hit the insect repellant-like limiter perched there, "I only got back here about two months ago in October and I've only had Soviet TV and radio that I couldn't really understand, so I'm a little behind on the goings-on of Civilization."

"Civilization?" Mumei beamed, "Well, you're asking the right person." She joined her hands together and obliged, "Well then, where shall we begin?"

Mumei proceeded to tell Sana about all of the things that happened from the moment Sana disappeared on the Night of the Burning Sky - from the appearance of the Nephilim Irys to the rise of the Eleventh Council to the battle at St. Katharine's Docks. She even talked about the big Strategic Satellite Sharing Initiative treaty with so much excitement that she barely got to touch her tea. All of this, she read from the pages of a leatherbound journal that she kept updating day by day.

The sketches on some of the pages, especially on the more stressful days that Mumei recorded, were a little concerning to Sana. But, even she could tell that Mumei had a bit of artistic talent that was just waiting to blossom.

Sana, meanwhile, listened intently to Mumei and was too engrossed to notice the Russian samovar cart passing by them - even as the other passengers were clamoring for more tea. The ex-astronaut had practically just met the Captain, but she could tell that Mumei was absolutely enthralled with Civilization. The giddiness with which Mumei spoke was endearing to Sana.

While Mumei was talking, Sana brought up the topic of the Councils. All of a sudden, Mumei's giddiness and interest fired up like a flamethrower!

"You're a fan of the Councils too!?" Mumei gasped.

"I am!" Sana happily revealed, "I used to watch the TV specials about them when I was a young lass growing up in 'Straya!" Her golden eyes shone like stars, "Do you remember the Saturday morning cartoon series?"

"YES! Yes, I do!" Mumei practically hopped off of her seat. She very nearly spilled her quarter-cup of tea, "I never missed an episode! I even still remember the opening!"

Sana chuckled. She cleared her throat, took a deep breath and began the Saturday morning cartoon intro spiel with an intentionally low voice.

" In a world threatened by the forces of Despair, one group of heroes dares to stand up to the Horrors and bring Hope to all! " Sana started humming the corny intro jingle without any shame, " The Tenth Council - heroes of the Western World who stand for Justice, Friendship, Peace - and Love! "

" Tenth Council~! " Mumei chimed in, adding the falsetto second voice while she air-guitared to the imaginary tune.

Sana burst into laughter and people throughout the coach car started glancing at them. Still, the two girls didn't care and continued their act.

" Lady Minerva, the motherly. Keeper of Nature!" Mumei started the intro narration, " Plants and animals follow her tender voice - and her Scepter crushes evildoers where they stand! "

" Lady Mamie, the cheerful. Representative of Chaos! " Sana promptly added, " Ole' lady luck herself would be envious of her fortune - and her Rapier cuts through the darkness to the truth! "

" Lady Cosmos, the kind. Speaker of Space! " Mumei answered back, " There is no one she can't befriend! She is the bridge of the East and the West - and her Greatsword tears down the walls of hardened hearts! "

" Lady Janus, the wise. Warden of Time! " Sana cheered, " Always on schedule, and not a moment too soon! Her Naginata guides us towards a brighter future! "

" And the leader~ Lady Knowledge the honorable. Guardian of Civilization! " Mumei spoke with religious reverence, " She carries the world and its people on her shoulders. Her Revolver spins the wheels of Civilization itself! "

" Together, they will save the World! Together, they will cast out the Despair!" Mumei and Sana now cried in unison, " Always five - together, they are the Tenth Council! "

Sana and Mumei laughed heartily. In the corners of their eyes, they could see the other passengers give them strange looks. They didn't care. With one little tune, the two ladies became fast friends. The distance between them seemed to disappear and they rested their arms on each other's shoulders.

I wonder if this was how Lady Cosmos felt when she…

All of a sudden, Sana paused. The past tense jolted her memory. The joyful train of thought that she had been sharing with Mumei came to a screeching halt. She gulped down a knot and returned to her sheepish stance.

Mumei noticed.

"Is there something wrong, Sana?" Mumei asked.

"No, I…" Sana wrestled with herself, "It's just that you're such a big fan of the Tenth Council, so I don't know how to say this."

A moment of silence passed between them. Mumei watched the pensive Sana with her sharp, honey brown eyes and observed her. It didn't take long for Mumei to understand what Sana was trying not to say.

"Tell me, Sana. Please." She urged, "If this is about Lady Knowledge and the Tenth Council, I have to know."

"But I…"

"PLEASE!" Mumei begged, "I need to hear this!"

Sana turned away and started to fidget. She truly didn't want to say anything, but Mumei loomed over her. Sana had no choice but to tell Mumei what she knew about the fate of the Tenth Council.

With every detail that Sana gave, Mumei's calm demeanor broke down. Her expression soured. Her eyes started glistening with tears. Her hands trembled. It was as if Captain Mumei Nanashi's entire world was crashing down.

Sana ran out of things to say before long and Mumei lowered her head.

"Lady Knowledge is dead." Mumei repeated Sana's story while wiping her tears, "She's dead, but the Horrors are still here. They weren't able to finish off the Despair." She gripped at her chest and gnashed her teeth, "What happened to saving the world and casting out despair!?"

"Mumei…" Sana started.

This time, Sana felt the concerned looks of the other passengers. Now, they weighed heavily on her. She started regretting giving in to Mumei's demand, but her words could not be unsaid.

The damage had already been done.

All of a sudden, Mumei shot up from her seat and made her way out of the coach-class car.

"I'm sorry, Sana. I just need to get some fresh air." Mumei explained, but she didn't even look Sana in the eye, "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"But Mumei…" Sana rose up too and grabbed Mumei's wrist.

"I said I'm fine!" Mumei lashed out, yanking her wrist free from Sana's grip. She finally turned to Sana and apologized, "I'm sorry. I'm not angry at you, Sana. Not at all." She wiped the tears from her eyes and turned away from Sana, "I just need some time to think."

With that, Mumei stormed out of the coach-class car. On her way out, she very nearly crashed into the Russian samovar trolley. Mumei walked out into the wintry gap between the railcars and shut the door behind her. Sana, meanwhile, froze in place.

Through the frosted glass of the door, Sana could see Mumei weep bitterly.

"Mumei…"

The Moscow-bound train then rumbled into a tunnel through the Ural Mountains. For a brief moment, Mumei, Sana and the entire train were engulfed in complete, utter darkness.

Eleven

Over The Hills And Far Away

Sixty-Ninth Scene - Long Distance

Later that night, in the posh Moscow hotel meant for Western guests and dignitaries, Kronii Ouro was returning to her room. Marble columns with gold trimmings, Romanesque sculptures and paintings that wouldn't be out of place in the Imperial Palace of old Russia greeted Kronii, but all of that luxury blurred together in her eyes. Fatigue and sleepiness started to grip at Kronii's entire being, so she quickened her pace through the rich, gaudy hallways.

I just want to go home.

Dark rings were starting to form beneath her eyes and her jaw was stiff from having to smile for the cameras of the international media from day in and day out. But even in that posh, palatial place, Kronii had to look over her shoulder often and make sure that she wasn't being followed. Even though there were MACV soldiers sprinkled around the hotel, they were still outnumbered a hundred to one by the security forces of their Soviet hosts.

Plus, even if push came to shove, Kronii would only have split seconds to react and use her powers as the Warden of Time. She had to see the threat before she could do anything about it.

The Warden scoffed.

It's almost like flying a Cobra helicopter in a way. Flying a Cobra helicopter in a gilded, snow-swept jungle.

Kronii found her room soon enough. She looked over her shoulders one more time, crept into her room and locked the door behind her. Both locks. Kronii tested her doorknob and then swept through her room for tracking and spying devices behind the furniture, plants and picture frames, following the standard operating procedures that Omega urged everyone to follow in Moscow.

No spy cameras this time.

She put her hands on her hips and heaved a sigh.

Looks like they learned their lesson. Hopefully.

Relieved, Kronii stripped off her leather bomber jacket and threw herself back-first onto the huge bed that made a California King-size seem like a pauper. Her tired, blue eyes looked up to the ornately designed plaster ceiling and she sprawled out spread-eagled to take up as much space as she could. Even then, the bed seemed incredibly large.

This room clearly wasn't meant for one person.

Kronii closed her eyes. As her tiredness and loneliness brewed in her heart, a name escaped her lips. The name of the person that she wished was there with her.

"Mumei…"

Suddenly, Kronii's eyes shot open.

Oh crap. I have to disconnect the phone!

Kronii hopped off her Imperial-sized bed and marched over to the landline telephone on her nightstand.

Looks like they reconnected it. Cheeky bastards.

She shook her head and started to disconnect the phone line just like she did before. Before she could reach the wires, however, the telephone rang.

What the…

A frown formed on Kronii's lips. The sleepiness that gripped her vanished in an instant. She took a deep breath like she did when she prepared herself for battle. Then, she answered the phone.

"Who is this!?" Kronii demanded immediately, "And how did you get this number!?"

Kronii gritted her teeth, preparing herself to shout down whoever the hell called her at that hour. She imagined some rookie KGB espionage unit operator who accidentally called through their wiretap devices. However, instead of the squeals of a frightened Soviet agent, Kronii heard sobbing from the other end of the line.

" Kronii… " The voice of Mumei Nanashi spoke from the other end of the line, " This is you, right? "

"Mumei…" Kronii answered. Her belligerent stance vaporized as quickly as it came. She shifted her phone and sat down on the edge of her bed, "Yeah. It's me. What's wrong, MeiMei?"

" Kronii… " Mumei repeated between sobs.

"Where are you now?" Kronii asked.

" Yekaterinburg Station. In the Urals. We're stopping for the night. " Mume answered, " Kronii, I… "

Listening to Mumei like this made Kronii's heart sink. Mumei tried to speak, but her attempts were all false starts sprinkled with bitter tears. This was the first time in a long time that Mumei wept like that. The last time that Mumei cried like this, they were still children trapped in war-torn Seoul. Kronii furrowed her brow and racked her brains to read the message woven into Mumei's cracking voice.

Then, Kronii spoke.

"Work with me here, MeiMei. You're with Astronaut Tsukumo now, right?"

" Mhm… "

"The mission went off without a hitch then." Kronii deduced, "Neither of you are injured?"

" We're fine, Kronii. But… "

"But what?"

Kronii heard more sobbing from the other end of the line. Then, Mumei finally gave her answer.

" Lady Knowledge is dead! Lady Janus too - and all of the Tenth Council! " Mumei spoke with a cracked voice, interspaced with sniffling, " I know I was stupid for hoping that they were fine and that we'd get to meet them. I thought that we could, maybe, join forces - the Tenth and the Eleventh. But they're gone. All of them. "

"Mumei…" Kronii's heart ached.

" The Tenth Council is gone, but the Horrors are still here! What the hell were they fighting for, then!? What's the point of it all!? You're in the Eleventh Council now, Kronii. Aren't you afraid? "

Hearing Mumei in despair like this stung Kronii. Ever since the Korean War, Mumei idolized Lady Knowledge and the Tenth Council. The red-haired Guardian of Civilization was one part mother to Mumei and another part a dear friend. So, when Knowledge and the Tenth Council disappeared in 1966, Mumei was devastated.

But she didn't cry like this.

Back then, she still had hope.

All of the tears that Mumei had been holding back for years were flowing out, but Kronii was more than a thousand miles away. Kronii wanted to hug the owl-girl and comfort her, but all she had was her voice and a choppy telephone line. But still, Kronii had to make do with what she had.

Because of this, Kronii answered Mumei honestly.

"I am scared." Kronii held the telephone handset firmly, "I'm more scared than I was when I was an attack helicopter pilot. There's danger around every corner." Her hands trembled, "And if the Battle of St. Katharine's Docks taught me anything - it's that Horrors can appear anywhere. Nowhere is truly safe."

" Then how can you keep on fighting!? " Mumei demanded desperately.

"Because I'm more afraid of what I'll lose if I do nothing." Kronii replied. She clenched her fist and spoke adamantly, "I don't know what Lady Knowledge and the Tenth Council were fighting for, but I know what I'm fighting for. To protect you, MeiMei! As long as I can do that, I'll be happy."

" Kronii… "

After Kronii said this, the shadow over Mumei's voice started to subside somewhat. Silence, interrupted by sobbing, continued for a short while. Soon enough, Mumei finally managed to rein in her tears and speak.

" Thank you Kronii. " Mumei spoke graciously, " I guess… I guess I just needed to hear your voice. "

A small smile formed on Kronii's lips. She sank down onto her bed with the telephone to her ear and hummed, "Anytime, MeiMei. I'm glad I could help."

" Ehehe~ " Mumei gave off a rare, girlish chuckle, " Maybe I need to hear your voice a little bit more. Knowing you, you've got trouble sleeping after talking with me like this. " The owl-girl snickered, " I remember that from when you slept over in San Francisco. "

"You caught me red handed." Kronii chuckled too, "Alright, MeiMei. You've already told me about your shitty day. Want to hear about mine? Wanna hear about all of the crap that I had to put up with today at the Kremlin?"

" Please do! " Mumei answered giddily, " Don't hold back on the details either! "

Kronii smiled and obliged.

"Ma'am, yes, ma'am."

And so, Kronii and Mumei spent the night talking over the telephone until sunrise. Then, Kronii slept until the afternoon.

Seventieth Scene - Bolshoi Blues

The next evening, the barely-rested Kronii attended yet another late-night event with the Presidential delegation. This time, their destination was Moscow's world-renowned Bolshoi Theater. The delegation, along with Irys and the Eleventh Council were given premium upper box seats overlooking the stage. There, they were going to be treated to the Soviet Union's own rendition of the Tenth Council's Saturday morning cartoons in the West: an operatic ballet of how Lady Cosmos guided Lady Knowledge and the Tenth Council for the benefit of the Soviet people.

Kronii found her seat quickly and leaned back. For a moment, she wondered if she could use that performance to catch a few more winks of sleep. She wasn't a fan of the Saturday morning cartoons, so she knew she wasn't going to be that interested in the live-action operatic reinterpretation of it.

The problem was - there were television cameras set up throughout the theater. Falling asleep in the middle of a performance would have sparked nothing less than an international incident. President Nixon and General Secretary Brezhnev were signing the SSS Initiative treaty later that evening, after all. So, Kronii forced herself to stay awake.

Kronii's eyes wandered to the seats ahead of hers. Irys and Bae were there at the seats of honor. Even with the cameras of the world rolling, the Nephilim and the rat-girl were going through their cycle of flirting, fighting and banter. Just like always, they were in their own little world and couldn't care less about the onlookers around them.

Unfortunately - or fortunately - for the couple, Fauna barged in on their world and forced herself in. She hugged the two of them and flirted with them, causing Bae to shield Irys from the mischievously playful Kirin.

Seeing them made Kronii feel jealous.

Kronii's turned now to the seat beside hers. It was reserved for Colonel Omega.

Of all the people I could be seated with - it's my former boss in MACV.

Memories of her conversation with Mumei surfaced in Kronii's mind. How Kronii wished that it was Mumei seated beside her. But, after the terrible news that was broken to her, Kronii knew that Mumei wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere near that performance.

She always did love those Saturday morning cartoons. A little too much.

While Kronii was lost in her thoughts, somebody approached her and took the seat beside hers.

"Took you long enough, Colonel Omega…" Kronii started, but she stopped herself halfway.

It wasn't Colonel Omega seated beside her.

It was General Sparrowhawk!

"Madam General!?"

Sparrowhawk winked and playfully saluted Kronii.

"At ease, First Lieutenant Ouro." The General snickered, "I'll be your seatmate tonight."

"What about Colonel Omega?" Kronii asked.

"Oh - I wanted her to tighten our defenses around the perimeter of the theater. There's reports of suspicious foreigners sighted around Moscow, you see." Sparrowhawk explained casually, "We're signing one of the biggest treaties between the two superpowers of the world here in this very theater. I wouldn't leave our security to chance - or to the Soviets." The General laughed, "Plus, Colonel Omega and I have worked with the Tenth Council. The real deal. Derivative works don't cut it for us."

"Is that so?" Kronii hummed. Her interest was half hearted at best, "But you're still here."

"I'm the face of the US Expeditionary Forces - and MACV's I Field Force Vietnam - here in Moscow, Warden Ouro." Sparrowhawk flashed Kronii a smile and then waved to one of the television cameras, "It's my job to be seen with the bigwigs." As soon as the television camera turned away from her, the General faced Kronii once more, "The thing is, if I spend another moment stuck between our SecDef Laird and the Soviet Minister of Defense Grechko, I'll need a glass of wine to pass the time. I'd much rather spend showtime with an attractive Warden of Time herself~! Maybe then, time would move faster."

Kronii frowned, deflecting Sparrowhawk's attempt to flirt with her. Instead, she leaned back into her seat, crossed her legs and sank back into her thoughts.

Sparrowhawk gave Kronii a sidelong glance and hummed.

"Is there something on your mind, Warden?" Sparrowhawk deduced, "I can see it on your face. You're losing sleep over something."

Kronii's lips twisted. She refrained from answering.

Sparrowhawk sighed.

"You might not be in MACV anymore, Warden, but I'm still concerned about your wellbeing." The General fixed her peaked cap and sank into her own seat, "After all, you are the pillar that my greatest agent - Captain Mumei Nanashi - leans on."

Kronii glanced at Sparrowhawk sharply.

"Sounds like Mumei already told you everything." Kronii guessed, "About Lady Knowledge and the Tenth Council."

"But of course~!" Sparrowhawk smiled and ran a hand through the purple feathers in her long, accented black hair, "Captain Nanashi is a Bird of Prey like me. She answers to me first." She pointed to the embroidered eagle on her cap and added, "The 11th Special Airmobile Division that I commanded - and the reformed I Field Force Vietnam Corps over it that I now command - are primarily counterintelligence and counterespionage units at heart. Information is the name of the game! And we're damn good at it."

"Then why don't you use the Corps' intelligence group to figure out the answers you're looking for, madam General?" Kronii tested.

"Because for all the intelligence gathering that my command can do, I can't read the human mind - or the human heart." Sparrowhawk countered, "Wouldn't that be nice? To have the heart and the mind laid bare? Misunderstandings will be stamped out. Everything will be crystal clear, even! But I digress." She leaned towards Kronii and insisted, "There's a heavy weight on your shoulders - and the shoulders of Captain Nanashi. We're in Soviet Russia right now, so need the both of you to be at the top of your game. If there's anything I can do to lighten the load, then I'll be happy to do it."

Kronii still refused to budge. Sparrowhawk's bright red eyes shimmered.

"You know, I was actually one of the few people who wanted to reject Captain Nanashi's second tour of duty in Vietnam." Sparrowhawk revealed.

"Really?" Kronii broke her silence.

"Check the Captain's commission papers. It doesn't have my signature on it. I'm on your side here, Warden Ouro." Sparrowhawk insisted. Her eyes turned to the stage below and she continued, "I know how much Captain Nanashi was broken by the Korean War. Her first tour of duty in Vietnam worsened it. Lady Knowledge disappeared not long after and cut Nanashi's wounds deeper." She folded her arms and shook her head, "Captain Nanashi has always been brash, high-strung and prone to taking too many risks at her own expense. It's almost like she has a death wish. With this new news about Lady Knowledge breaking for her, I'm worried about how far she will go."

Kronii frowned. She shook her head and finally gave in to Sparrowhawk's request.

"I wish… I wish that my powers as the Warden of Time were stronger." Kronii admitted honestly, "If I was able to, I'd take Mumei back to before the Korean War broke out. I want to see her smile again like she used to." She held her knees and gripped them tightly, "Listening to Mumei crying last night shook me to the core. It's like I'm powerless to help her. I can't be there when she needs me the most. So, if I could just turn back time, I'd…"

"I don't think you'd want that, Warden Ouro." Sparrowhawk argued.

"Why not!?" Kronii lashed back at the General.

"Do that - and everything that made Mumei into Mumei would be altered significantly." Sparrowhawk shrugged, "There's even a substantial possibility that the two of you wouldn't have met - or drifted apart. The experience you shared in Seoul - as harsh as it was - is what ties the two of you together." Her bright red eyes shimmered again, "Do you dare unravel the string of fate that binds you two?"

"I…" Kronii couldn't answer.

The very thought of her and Mumei drifting apart terrified her.

"Time travel isn't the solution to your problem, good Warden. The past is done and the future has yet to happen." Sparrowhawk laid a hand on Kronii's shoulder, "Focus on what you can do in the present, my dear. Captain Nanashi is in a sensitive state right now. Continue being the pillar that supports her. Stand at her side through hell and high water, just like you do now." The General paused and added, "Just like how Lady Janus stayed by Lady Knowledge to the bitter end."

Kronii lowered her head. Sparrowhawk patted her shoulder consolingly.

"C'mon now, Warden. Chin up." Sparrowhawk smiled slyly, "The real show is about to begin."

Seventy-First Scene - An Otherworldly Glimpse

Two hours later, after the overwhelming pomp and circumstance of the operatic ballet, the curtains fell upon the stage and the ballet dancers, actors and singers bowed out to thunderous applause. Before the performers exited the stage, however, a special guest was called up on stage.

Irys, the Telstar Nephilim.

She, too, was welcomed with vigor and cheer. General Sparrowhawk joined Irys on stage, addressed the crowd in Russian and then in English.

"Good evening everyone." Sparrowhawk started, "We are coming to you live on television and radio from Moscow as ambassadors of peace. As Irys, the Telstar Nephilim, sings for you all tonight, I invite everyone to imagine! Imagine a world free from the despair of Horrors! A world where, through the power of Western and Soviet ingenuity and the SSS Initiative, our satellites will broadcast songs and magic!" She spread out her arms and declared loudly, "Everywhere from Saigon to San Francisco - from London to Moscow - and even to Tokyo! Crystal clear sound and crisp video carrying the magic to drive the Horrors away once and for all. We will have a world completely and utterly filled with Hope!"

Another thunderous round of applause filled the Bolshoi Theater. Sparrowhawk beamed and gestured towards Irys beside her.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, you will not have to keep imagining for long. Our dream of a Horror-free world will soon come true! And so - without further ado! I present to you, Irys - the Telstar Nephilim!"

Excitement in the theater erupted to fever pitch. In Irys' two-colored eyes, it was unbelievable.

Never before did she think she would be able to perform in such a hallowed place to a fully booked crowd, but here she was in the Bolshoi Theater. Sparrowhawk handed her the microphone and the lights on the stage dimmed.

Only the twin spotlights focused on her remained and the pit band began the overture of Irys' medley of original songs. Piano, chimes, strings and brass swelled to play the tunes that came from Irys' very heart.

However, Irys' heart was troubled. Even as the grandeur of the performance took flight, a kernel of anxiety lingered inside her. It wasn't the cameras or the theater crowd or even the multitudes of viewers watching her from their television screens around the world that made her get cold feet.

It was a premonition.

The same kind of premonition that she felt so many months ago during the Ritual of Death and Destiny - the day when she was spirited away from her Victorian Era world into this new one wrapped in the Cold War.

Irys tried to shrug off her concerns and sing, but her anxiety was stubborn. No matter what Irys tried to do, she couldn't dispel it. A growing dissonance formed between her song and her heart

She had to force herself to keep singing.

No one in the crowd noticed the anguish that swirled in Irys' heart. She performed so well that nobody would have been able to tell that she was troubled.

However, in the midst of that large crowd in the Bolshoi Theater, Irys felt like she saw a pair of bright pink eyes watching her performance. Familiar pink eyes that she had seen somewhere before.

Watching her.

For a split second, Irys turned towards those strange eyes and gasped.

Calli-senpai!?

Irys missed a beat and half a bar of song, but she rushed to get back into the rhythm of her performance. But when she looked into the crowd again, that familiar pair of pink eyes was gone.

Were you watching me just now, Calli-senpai?

Her song medley ended and the crowd applauded her in spite of her little hiccup. Still, she lowered her head and felt the shadows hanging over her two-colored eyes.

Am I doing the right thing here?

Epilogue

After the performance, Irys sought out Colonel Omega and told her about what she thought she saw. Omega thanked Irys for telling her about it and proceeded to have her troopers comb the whole Red Square for anyone matching Irys' description - or for anyone named Calliope Mori.

Hours passed and Omega's thorough search ended up with nothing.

"Sparrowhawk has been working me to the bone these past few days." Omega shook her head and dismissed her investigation team for the night. Her eyes wandered over to the pub attached to the hotel where Irys and the Council were staying. She rubbed her chin and considered, "Maybe I can take a little break."

Omega cleared her throat and marched over to the pub. A tall, cold pint of beer was calling out to her in her mind. She couldn't refuse the call any longer.

When Omega got to the pub, however, there was already a drink waiting for her at the bar counter. The bartender smiled at her and spoke in Russian.

Apparently, someone ordered a cocktail for her.

A 'Memento Mori'.

"The drink isn't poisoned, madam Colonel. Or should I say 'comrade' around these parts?" Another voice called out to Omega, this time in English, "It's a pretty good drink, you see. Wouldn't want it to go to waste, yeah?"

Omega turned towards the voice. There, at the far end of the bar counter, a tall, muscular, albeit well-dressed lady was seated. She, too, had a Memento Mori cocktail that she was nursing leisurely.

Omega took the cocktail and approached the tall stranger.

"How did you know I was a Colonel?" Omega asked immediately.

"The eagles on your shoulder boards give it away." The stranger snickered, "Plus, I know a lot more about you than you think."

Omega furrowed her brow. Her mechanical hand clenched into a fist. Her other hand quietly reached for her .38 Detective Special revolver.

"Who are you?" Omega demanded now.

The stranger grinned.

"The name's Jacqueline Chadwick - but you can just call me 'J-chad'. I'm just a new hire, but I work for the Cover Corporation." She raised up her drink to Omega and cheered, "It's nice to finally meet you, Omega-senpai."

To Be Continued