Finale 1 - Blanket pointers

When I first came up with the idea of Rome's Evolution, I had only thought it through to Rome and Rei capturing Troutman and Steele. But when I started writing it, suddenly, I realized that this was not the end but the beginning of a deeper, more insidious plot. So here is a 6 part series on what was supposed to be the finale.

Yesterday, we let Rei think he was going to have one last moment of peace. But today, the blankets do their job as best as they can, trying to warn Rome and Rei that Steele is upon them:

     Even though it seemed nearly impossible, the dense stand of trees grew even thicker. The going was so slow, Rome had to hold Rei’s hand and pull her through each opening as they wound their way through the cane-trees, tree by tree. They came across one final stream, the deepest one yet. While Rei could still wade, the water was too deep for Rome and she had to resort to swimming. She was a surprisingly good swimmer and she beat Rei across by a wide margin. The water was downright cold. Rome waited for him patiently on the far side then they climbed the bank together. As they were climbing up, Rei noticed Rome was shivering so he draped the Deucado cloak around her shoulders to warm her up a bit.
     There were no trees on the far side. Instead, a boulder-strewn glade lay before them. There were a few patches of threadgrass but it was mostly just dry soil. The whole scene reminded Rei of the place where he first met the Deucadons: Triden, Melloy and Steben. It was made even more similar because in front of them was a vertical rock wall, almost a small mountain. Rei thought back to that day. It was the first time MINIMCOM had ever used his transporter. He had relocated Rei to the top of the cliff and it was only after he did so that the little computer informed Rei it was the first time he had ever attempted it with a living creature.
     The major difference between this glade and the other one was a tiny waterfall which dripped down the mountain and the little rivulet that formed at its bottom made its way to join up to the stream they had just crossed.
     “Look, Rome,” Rei said mentally.
     “What?” Rome replied.
     “The blankets are climbing up the front face.” He pointed to the dense rock formation ahead. “Look at the way they are forming an arch.”
     “What do you think it means?” Rome asked.
     “When I was making my way back from the Ibbrassati village to your father’s base, I came across a glade just like this. There was a cave tucked in there that was the Deucadon’s base of operation.”
     “A cave would be a perfect place to hide. Do you think Steele is in there?”
     “Something’s up. The blankets have been laying out the road for us steadily and now this? Look, there. I think they’re trying to tell us something.”

What are they trying to say? They are saying danger, danger, Steele is coming!