Several armored warriors of Rephidim walk the streets of the City of Hands, watching over those cheetahs who gather up their earthly belongings and head for the waiting ferries that are to bear them out of the Forbidden Zone and to the waiting airships under the protection of the Knights Templar. Rephidim has taken the "Boomer" from the Nagai, and thus its claim in the matter of the conflict between the Nagai Empire and the City of Hands has been fulfilled … and the Temple has nothing to say about the massing of Nagai and Nagai-allied troops in the ruins of old Safar. Nothing, that is, save for the assorted warriors that have come to escort several Savanites out of the City, partly under Jezebel's latest edict – that all children and expectant mothers and anyone unable to fight leave the City of Hands for the time being.

The orders from the Temple have been clear: the Knights Templar are not to interfere in any attempt by the Nagai Empire to invade the City of Hands. One of the monks interpreted this, however, as saying nothing against the possibility of assisting those who do not wish to fight in leaving what is almost certain to become a battleground very soon … but as soon as the Nagai begin to move in, the Knights Templar are to leave.

Priest-Queen Third-Vision – also known as Jezebel – watches from the highest spire of the palace, looking out through a crystal window that distorts the view slightly, but still offers the best vantage point over this part of the city shy of standing atop one of the cliffs or viewing it from the air. She is adorned in the raiment of her office, in robes of white, decorated with intricately-wrought jewelry of tangled designs, and crests of Creen feathers. A swirling ball of blackness dances on her brow, just above the jewel that marks the location of her covered third eye, and a gauzy black veil vaguely obscures her face.

To her right stands a cheetah totally encased in armor, the signs on his mask still marking him as "Born-in-Shame", for he has still not endeavored to try to claim a better name for himself. Were it not for the occasional, slight move of his helmet to track the pacing of Jezebel before the window, he could be mistaken for a statue.

The Priest-Queen, limned in the glow of the window, turns to look at the doorway to the observation chamber. It opens, admitting a warrior in sleek, shiny black armor. The refracted sunbeams coming through the crystal window causes strange shadowy tendrils and points of light to snake across the polished surface of the ancient plates.

At a nod from the Priest-Queen, her advisors of the Twelve, and her attendants and guards, vacate the chamber, leaving only Lancer Eclipse, Born-in-Shame and the Priest-Queen herself there to look out over the city.

"I am glad you have come," signs the Priest-Queen, "but sad for the circumstance. I congratulate you for your victories over your foes."

The Knight bows his head. "I wish I could do more. Do you know what precisely the Nagai intend to do once we leave?" He starts to walk a slow circle around the chamber, carefully flipping over any mirrors or objects that might reflect.

"Their intent, I believe," signs the Priest-Queen, "is to kill every last man, woman and child found here, and 'purge' this place of any seed of rebellion. This is why I seek to move as many of my people out of the City as possible. The forces of nations are rallied against those of a city. My people wish to fight, not flee, and I, as their ruler, must lead them. If I had not received word and come back quickly, Moon-Brow would have no doubt stood and died in my place. As it is, I have sent her to Rephidim, to protect two very precious children that I care deeply about."

Eclipse slumps, slowly removing his helmet; an act that he would only do in the privacy of a chamber such as this and only in the presence of trusted friends such as these. He squints a bit in the brightness and works his jaw. "I knew it would come to this eventually. My wish was to become a knight and protect my family… and for all that I am, I cannot protect you. The Nagai have been very shrewd, using every victory we achieve as a mark against Rephidim's honor. No doubt there will be similar talk about Fetiss."

The Priest-Queen nods. "So it is. They claim that the research on Fetiss was peaceful in nature, and that a Mage by the name of Qing discovered that the Boomer could be used to create another 'gateway' to other worlds. They claim that the real reason that Rephidim sought to take the device was so that they could have control of a gateway all their own, so they would not need to deal with the Khattan Emirate."

"They have portrayed their struggle as a battle of the oppressed against the oppressors. I believe that they expect Rephidim to interfere with their assault on Nagai. If the Temple claimed that this war was for the purpose of preventing the Boomer being used, then they are shown false if they then seek to protect the City of Hands. If Rephidim stands back – as it no doubt will – then the Nagai achieve a goal with the aid of many allies. They cannot lose," signs the Priest-Queen.

"Qing and I fought side by side to defeat Amaranth in Rephidim. He was the one who warned me about the rogue boomer to begin with." The Vartan shakes his head. "Have you no allies here to fight with you? I do not wish to see you destroyed, and I know that the Emperor would probably desire you kill you as slowly as he could manage if he could take you."

"I will not be captured," Third-Vision signs firmly.

Born-in-Shame finally moves his hands to sign in slow, deliberate motions, "The Jingai have aided the Savanites, but this is not their fight. They have fled, free to blend in with the Nagai. We are alone. But the dreams of the People will not be crushed so easily as these stones."

Eclipse straightens his shoulders. "You are a truer knight than I, knowing that death is sure to come, and facing it so bravely. Is there nothing we can do? I have tried to suggest that Rephidim offer Fetiss Island to the City of Hands. You would no longer be on Nagai lands, and Rephidim could not be accused of simply wishing to take the island for themselves."

The Priest-Queen shakes her head. "Fetiss is not the City of Hands. Our stand here is symbolic … and I dearly wish that it was not necessary. But the People do not wish to cower like lowly slaves or run like the hunted. They wish to stand and fight and show the Nagai that we are not thieves or rabble-rousers."

She adds, "We have colonies now, elsewhere. The Unlucky One has land in Sylvania, and has allowed many of our people to start a colony there, rebuilding a ruined settlement. It is cold there, but the ground is fertile, and slavery is not known there. They can find new lives there, and not be hunted by the Nagai. And there are other colonies as well. Some of my people have even secured passage through the Gateway." She turns toward Born-in-Shame, smiling faintly at him. "They may find hope on other worlds. Just as I have."

"Have you nothing to aid you, nothing to keep this from being a sweeping act of genocide?" Eclipse clutches his hands tightly and then releases them again. "I do not wish for you to die here, especially now when I'm powerless to help you."

Third-Vision looks back to Eclipse, shaking her head sadly. "There is nothing that can be done, and I am sorry that you should be placed in this situation. Perhaps it would have been better if this were to happen while you were far away. But do not be worried. I am not afraid. I have by all rights died several times, yet I have been spared without deserving it. I was once a slave, but I have become a queen. I was alone, but now I have friends more precious than I could have ever imagined. I have a family. And, forgive me for not telling you sooner, but I even have found love. Born-in-Shame and I were wed in Parthos, by an Abaddonian priest by the name of Testament-Blaze." Her smile fades slightly. "If you will allow it, I will bid him to travel with you. There is no cause for him to stay here for this battle. I will ask him to deliver an important message to Moon-Brow, for she has been the dearest of friends among my sisters."

"No. Here is the only place I would wish to be, if only to see you one final time and say goodbye." Eclipse strokes the beak armor of his helmet. "When I swore my oath to the Templars, I knew that I might someday die in their service, I knew I would have to surrender my name and all my titles, and that I would not even ever be able to show my face in public again. But there was the duty. If everyone knew who it was in the armor, then the name would get the credit, not the force that the name was fighting for, and the inspiration would be lost. If I could surrender my life here and now to save you, I would do so gladly… but as much as duty hurts, I know that if you were to flee the city then all the hope of your people would flee as well. Duty is the sharpest sword in the universe, but it also cuts both ways."

The Priest-Queen nods solemnly. "Do not fear. I have found many things in my travels. I have come to know the Star. I have met many people. I even met a very special Skreek that I would dare call a friend, even though we only met briefly at the Gateway – one who struck me as a mirror image of myself in more ways than I would have imagined possible. I found the love of my husband, Born-in-Shame, who is as undeserving of his given name as any I have known. I know that even if I die here – which I am quite certain I will – this is not the end." She smiles faintly. "Thank you … for giving me hope, and showing me a better way. I owe you more than I can sign. To sign that you have been a great friend to me does not do you justice."

"You've taught me more about love and duty than anything else in the world. Through you I learned to look beyond what the surface shows, and I learned how powerful compassion and love truly is." The Vartan takes a deep breath. "Thank you, for showing me things in myself that I never knew existed. I will pray that the Star protect you from this, and that it guides me to the best path. I am glad that you have found love in the Star and in this noble warrior. And I shall try to take what comfort I can in that." He frowns slightly. "Victory for the Nagai might not be as easy as they think. I have been slaughtering Jingai more than Nagai in my battles and those losses may be weighing down on their minds, especially with those that have felt your inspiration joining their numbers and perhaps spreading your word. The snakes have also allied themselves with the Eeee, and there is no trusting those people now that Boghaz is dead."

Third-Vision nods sadly. "He was a good man. It is Babel's great loss that he has died … but perhaps he was too good for them. And as for the Jingai, so I have heard. The Nagai have been eager to show to their allies that they are willing to take the brunt of the losses … and think nothing of putting their 'lesser' classes forward as an acceptable price to pay for battle. The Nagai are so populous that they care so little for the common man, be he walking on two legs or four or more or none."

Eclipse places a hand on the top of his helm. "Their mages have suffered some losses as well. I am hoping that you will be at some magical advantage." He sighs. "Forgive me. I don't want to look upon this as a slaughter and your death. If I could give you a fighting chance, if only in my imagination, then I feel a small measure of comfort. I could strip off my armor right here and fight alongside you, die alongside you… but I cannot. My oath is with Rephidim, and when I took that oath, deep down I knew that this was a pain that the oath would eventually cause me… but I still swore the words because I still love my country, even if it cannot or will not for whatever reason rise to help you."

Third-Vision shakes her head. "If you broke your oath, you would do dishonor to all that you hold dear and love. I stay here because of my duty. To be a queen is not merely to dress up and play make-believe, ordering around servants and getting my way. In a small way, it is a little like the sacrifice you have made. I am no longer Third-Vision or Jezebel. I am the Priest-Queen. Anything I do is watched by my people. I tried to escape my duties here, by putting Moon-Brow, my beloved sister, in my place. I owe her much as well for taking on such a burden. But don't see this as a slaughter. I am no slave to my duties. I chose this role. And I do not go into this seeking to die … but I am simply preparing for the worst … just as you surely have accepted death many times over. I dearly pray for a miracle, but my faith will not be shaken if the Star does not grant it quite the way I might wish."

"I will make sure with every bit of power that I have that you will be remembered. You are truly a great leader of these people." Eclipse manages a small smile. "We both know all too well about getting our wishes in not quite the way in which we expect. You became the Priest-Queen… but first you truly became a leader in your heart. I have noticed that you have not resorted to any of the petty attacks that the snakes and Eeee have done during times of war. Whatever happens, I will accept it as the Star's plans for a better future." He strokes the bridge of his helmet again. "You wished to find faith… and now your faith rivals my own, yet it inspires me to try and be as strong as you."

Third-Vision shakes her head, smiling. "My faith is what it is because of what you have shown me. The Star worked through you, and if you had not answered the Star's call … I shudder to think how my life would have ended long ago. I have seen my own life changed … and I have seen others changed as well. It has given me a greater hope that, no matter the outcome of this battle, the war shall go the way of the Star."

The Vartan looks towards the window, although he stays away from it lest someone from outside see him. "So how long do you feel it will be before they arrive? I would not mind finding myself forced to remain long enough to defend those you are evacuating… " He smiles mirthlessly.

Third-Vision signs, "They could very well attack any moment now. The Nagai have waited long, and have been very patient, but they have amassed many hot-blooded allies. I have considered it imperative to get the people out as quickly as possible."

The Priest-Queen shakes her head. "To put yourself in such a position could jeopardize the standing of Rephidim in all of this. I would not wish for you to get involved on a technicality. Others might not see it the same way, and when all the blood is shed, the Nagai will not be careful to say that they were the first to fire upon you, rather than the other way around."

"I should probably go to help those that are being moved then. But before I go, I should properly say goodbye." Eclipse kneels and sets his black helm next to him, freeing his arms to offer the Queen his embrace.

Third-Vision sniffles and moves forward, throwing her arms around the hippogryph's armored form.

Born-in-Shame bows his head solemnly, signing, "I thank you as well, for all you have done for her, and for the People."

Eclipse buries his face in the Savanite's hair, wiping the tears forming against his cheeks off on her fur. "You've been a wonderful mother to the children, and have done more for me than you will ever know or I will ever have the ability to speak about. If this is the last time I ever see you, I wish you to know that you have been and will always be my dearest friend in all the world. I will pray that the Star deliver you from this alive, but I will be grateful no matter what, that I was allowed to know a friend such as you."

Third-Vision seems unwilling to take a moment to wipe her own face, holding the armored warrior as if this may be her last chance to do so. As if. She nods silently.

"I am glad for this moment." The Lancer pulls off an armored glove and places his bare hand against the cheetah's head, carefully wiping her cheek with his thumb. He feels that there's so much he still wishes to say, yet at the same time can't think of any words.

Third-Vision raises one hand weakly to touch the Lancer's talons. With her free hand, she signs, "My message for Moon-Brow says as much … but please tell Pouncer and Enos that I love them very much." And then she can't keep contact with the Vartan's eyes any longer, as she abruptly turns away, tears pouring from her eyes, and her body shaking.

Born-in-Shame quickly moves forward, putting out a supporting arm, which Third-Vision rests her free hand on, nodding slightly.

Eclipse swallows. "May I ask a boon of the Savanite Queen? As a knight, I am allowed under certain circumstances to carry a token of something that I fight for with me. I carry a small bit of fur from the cubs and a little clay bug that Pouncer made me. I would like to carry a symbol of you with me as well. I am no Savan warrior, but what you are and what you believe in is something that I will always try to protect."

Third-Vision nods, daubing at her eyes. She takes a moment to collect her thoughts, then signs, "Would that I had more time to come up with something more meaningful. But would a Creen's feather from my royal crest be sufficient? It has been treated, and the color will not fade in either of our lifetimes, nor that of a generation to come."

"It will. I only wish to have something tangible that I may look upon and think of you. I will gladly give you one of my own feathers in exchange." The Vartan pulls himself back up to his feet. "Be strong. I wish we had more time, I wish I had enough words to say… but our hearts are similar enough that we don't truly need to speak. The Star will watch over us all and guide us to its glory; that is all we truly know and all we truly need to know."

Third-Vision nods, and plucks a Creen feather from her crest – the brightest and largest one she can find – and hands it to the Vartan. She signs, "Please also encourage my sister who fights at your side. I wish we had time to settle our differences … but despite it all, I do love her, and I hold no grudges against her. Hopefully she can find it in her heart to forgive me for all I've done to her."

Eclipse carefully tucks the feather in his belt. "I was surprised to find her among the Lancers. But she is my sister now as well, and I think she does forgive you. She is just unsure of how to sign it, and afraid to open herself up enough to sign the words. I sense that she wears the Templar helm more to hide than to fight." He picks up his own helmet. "I want you to know that I will protect her with all of my abilities and guide her as best as I can."

Third-Vision nods again. "Thank you once again. I highly recommend Testament-Blaze to you as well. He is a priest from Abaddon, but he is one of those who sees the loving side of the Star, not one of the Silent-Ones who lives only for 'holy war'. I am certain he can share with you many strange and wonderful stories."

"Is he here in the City or is he on Abaddon?" The Vartan glances out the window again.

"He is here in the City. I wish to send him away with you. I shall request that he carry a message to Moon-Brow for me, to Rephidim. That should be sufficient cause to take him away from this city before the fighting begins. And I do so wish to get that message to Moon-Brow," Third-Vision signs.

The Knight places a hand over the eyepiece of his helmet. "Is there… anything more you wish me to tell Pouncer and Enos?"

"To tell them that I love them is enough. I do not wish to make it any more complicated than that," signs the Priest-Queen. "I could spend hours giving you so many messages … but my letter to Moon-Brow will have to suffice. Bound with the letter are some trinkets I wish to be given to them. They mean much to me, and I hope they will mean as much to them, when they are old enough to know what has happened here."

"I will not ask what the letter completely contains. If Moon-Brow wishes for me to know, then she shall show me." Eclipse pulls his hand away from the visor of the helmet and starts to fumble his glove back on. "I think I am going to offer Shade a place to stay in my house. She should not be alone in the Sanctuary, and I can offer up the excuse of wishing to have a spirit mage to protect Pouncer from Amenlichtli. I know that they will feel deeply grieved over what happens here, but they have many people that love them and will show your love to them. They know what love is, and they know what strength is. They will understand."

Third-Vision nods. "I do not wish them to think that I neglect them. They are children born to a strange life. It is my regret that I could not offer them a stable and safe home here. But I am confident that they could be in no better hands in Rephidim."

Eclipse slowly pulls his helmet back on. "Their home is much more stable and safe than what they were born into. Amenlichtli is their ancestor, but so is Shokar. They also know you love them." He carefully works to fasten the straps under his chin. "If Testament-Blaze needs a place to stay in Rephidim, then my house will be open to him as well, the same for your husband should he choose to stay."

Born-in-Shame signs, "I thank you, but my place is with my wife, especially in a time such as this."

Third-Vision pats the cheetah knight's armored arm. She signs, "Believe me, I have tried to persuade him to go. But he would not have it."

"I understand. Were I in your husband's shoes, I would not desert my love either." Eclipse glances at the sword on his belt. "Born-In-Shame… does a Knight have the right to grant a new name to one such as you?"

Born-in-Shame nods. "Yes. For though I am a warrior, I have never truly become a knight, among my own People, nor any other order."

The Lancer draws out his sword. "If you die fighting the Nagai, or if you come out victorious from this battle, I believe you have earned a new name. If you will allow me, I would like to be the one to bestow it upon you."

Born-in-Shame drops to one knee. "I would be honored."

Eclipse moves to stand in front of the kneeling cheetah and holds the black metal blade over his head. "You have always shown qualities that any knight would be proud of. In times when other let their emotions control them, you kept to the voice of reason. In times when you needed to swallow your pride and pretend to be nothing more than a slave, you accepted the role. You have never tried to be more than what you are, yet at the same time you have never wallowed in self-pity over yourself. You are what a knight and what a follower of the Star should be."

The sword gently taps the cheetah's helm and then each shoulder in turn. "By the power granted me by the Star and by the Order of the Knights Templar, I name you Star's-Vision. May the light of the Star continue to guide you and allow you to guide others. You are Born-In-Shame no more."

Star's-Vision bows his head. Third-Vision smiles faintly, and as she looks to Eclipse, her face clearly says her thanks.

The Lancer carefully puts his blade away, bowing his head to the Queen. ( If this is truly goodbye, and if I never see either of you again, then this is probably the greatest parting gift I can give you. I know you understand.)

The Priest-Queen inclines her head as well, and holds her hand up in a sign of parting and blessing.

Outside, it looks like the Lancers have gotten the last of their passengers on board the river rafts.

Eclipse straightens himself and salutes both the Priest-Queen and her husband. He rests his hand on his belt where the feather is tucked away and then turns to depart and join his brother Lancers.

Upriver, the ships with the Knights Templar lift up and away, bearing many of the Savanites – the frail, the infirm, the children, the expectant mothers, and many more who saw fit to leave the City while there was yet time. Flashes of light can be seen in the canyon. It has begun. Fortunately, the Nagai and their allies have been wise enough not to harass the departing Knights and their wards.

Eclipse "stands watch" on the deck of the ship, looking towards the city. He barely moves and doesn't utter a sound, instead standing like an obsidian statue erected to watch the Savanite city. ( This will not be a victory for the Nagai. Once word gets out that they have destroyed the city, then the whole world will know that this was never about beating back the 'tyranny of Rephidim' or about the Boomer. And the Eeee will not stop their bloodshed even if this satisfies the snakes. It's very true, the Star grants those what they want sometimes … but not precisely how they wished to have it. )