Descent To Kashmir

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1. Tomorrow Never Knows- Beatles

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Astira & the Dragonfly glanced up the steep narrow path running up the rockface & watched Jammu- as if an illusion- vanish into the ceiling of clouds...

Later that night, above the clouds, the savaged trio set up their makeshift camp. The mountains' ferocity & inhuman scale stunned Astira, even though she was at home in the high mountains of Dauphine.

"When we get to dividing line & start our descent?" asked Astira.

"Maybe tomorrow." said Jammu, warming his naked hands by the small fire.

"Is not too soon for me!" said Astira, smiling at M as she lay back and stared upward into the roof of heaven- thousands of crystalline stars formed a roof of diamonds in the thin night air.

The Vale Of Kashmir

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1. Within You Without You- Beatles

2. We Three Kings- Mannheim Steamroller

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A small campfire flickered beneath a vast & deep crystalline night sky. The guide Jammu spoke- "We will travel the Nathu La pass from the Tibetan Plateau. It is difficult in winter but you wish to avoid the Clans. We start in the morning at the break of day. Any questions?"

"No," said the Dragonfly.

"How many days we trek?" asked Astira.

"I suggest you focus on completing the trek- alive. Kashmir is but the afterlife to many."

"Kashmir like what? Heaven or hell?" joked Astira.

"The Galactic Emperor Jahangir called Kashmir "The Paradise of the Milky Way". It is the divine eye of a great hurricane of mountains." And with that brief reply Jammu turned away in order to properly rest for the night.

Humble Tree

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1. Star of Wonder- Tori Amos

"Those who are firm, enduring, simple & unpretentious are nearest to virtue." - Confucius

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"Where?" asked Astira.

"Yes, A, a few rice traders of the Outer Clans whisper to me the Dragon is their captive- the Outer Clans wish to take over the trading in the rare earth minerals- those key minerals of high technology the Foundation values & will pay anything to get. Of course my master Dragon is the primary trader in the rare earths."

"Who is the whisper trader?" asked Astira.

"Yes, Munehisa Homma, the wealthy rice trader who writes in the living book "The Fountain of Gold- The Three Monkey Record of Money." Lately his living book talks about the Outer Clans uniting to take over the Silk Path. They plan to meet in the Himalayan Mountain Worlds within a few weeks. Rogue traders from beyond the Mountain Worlds will be there too, including the infamous Honey Badger whose trading philosophy is very simple- he "takes what he wants." "

Waiting For Saint Nicholas

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1. God Rest Ye Merry, Gentleman 2- Mannheim Steamroller

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The Count beheld a spectacular fanlike array of bonds- Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French & German.

"Gentleman, they all look so good- where would I ever start? And those yields are just icing on the cake!"

And the Count feigned great interest, his custom in the presence of high society.