A Scripta

Iggabuzz played checkers like each checker was a bit of Excelsior. Mase's tactics were wild and reckless, which disturbed Igga to make mistakes. This is how a general who flies by the seat of his pants handles things, said Jack.

Jack - Lodestar - had taken a hard back seat after their fight. The two souls had shared their memories up to that point, and now Mase had locked one part of his mind away, a part that he told Jack he should never, ever even think about peeking in. Jack agreed.

So after lunch, Mase pulled out the checkers and handed over the red ones to Igga, who looked up at him. "Long time no see."

"Oh, Styrm or one of his servants. Thought you forgot about me."

"I will never forget a man such as you. What are you going to do when your lawyer fails to get your confession thrown out?"

"It'll get thrown out."

"Don't be so sure. Did you know that if a confession is made voluntarily it's totally admissable?"

"I'm not sure if it was voluntary."

"You walked into Longbow offices, asked to see Manticore, and over the course of an hour told him everything."

"I was in pain."

"Of your own making, which doubly makes this admissable. But--" he turned away, saying, "I'm not your lawyer. Though I can get you one that will have you out of there within two hours."

"I need to stay here."

"Tell me why."

"I'm still psychotic."

"So that Peaceful Warrior in your head won't make a difference? That's what Malloy's going to bring up in order to have you released. Like I said, I can get you out of there in no time. Wouldn't you like that? To be able to go to Serena's apartment and stay there at night? With her? Your arms wrapped around her - "

"Shut up," Masonry growled.

"And you pounding her into the bed frame, making her scream in pleasure?"

Masonry gathered up the checkers.

"Go on, walk away. But you said you would work for me. Now I'm giving you orders." Masonry stopped, looked at Igga. "And, like the benevolent man that I am, giving you something in return."

"What do you want me to do?"

"That's a good boy. Sit down before they notice. Now. These orders are very simple. Keep Guardian Pace safe."

Masonry stared at Igga. "You don't...want me..."

"I can hear the disappointment. No, I don't want you to kill him. Keep him out of the hospital. Understand?"

"What about Fyre?"

"I could care less about the girl. If you fail in this, Masonry...I will be very disappointed in you." Even with the flat voice, Masonry could hear the pure coldness of the man's words. Igga looked down and saw the red checkers. "Hey, I get red today!"