The Far Star

Music=

1. I'd Rather Be In Love- Michelle Branch

UFOtext=

Necessity is the mother of invention- starved of minerals & metals, surrounded by the barbaric 4 Kingdoms & cut off from the "help" of the aging Galactic Empire, the Foundation began its precarious existence at the edge of the Milky Way, on the shores of the deep black ocean of intergalactic night.

But in a psychohistorical blink of the eye something happened…..

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Beta watched the dual stream of lights in the night sky- every 20 seconds a trader ship loaded with natural materials arrived at New Daytona, every 30 seconds a trader ship loaded with manufactured technology departed from New Daytona- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And so the Foundation thrived. But off to the side of the dual stream of lights there flickered briefly a small white hot diamond- the Far Star. That technology was not for sale- ever….

Trader Star

Music=

1. Peace Of Mind- Boston

UFOtext=

The rare earth minerals were worth their weight in gold- in fact, more so to the research & development of the Foundation. Taryn eased the Trader Star into the deep magenta twilight of Kashmir, locking navigation on the lone, somewhat primitive interstellar beacon. Hopefully he could cut a deal similar to the one at Temasek- a mutually profitable trade indeed. But there was a minor problem since the fall of the Galactic Empire- many pirates of the Outer Worlds just prefered to kill you & seize your assets- thereby locking in a small short term gain!

The Second Life

Music=

1. Gone Away- The Offspring

2. Wishing On A Star- Beyoncé

"Wherever you go, go with all your heart."- Confucius

UFOtext=

Tiger, tiger, burning bright-

In what distant deeps or skies

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand dare seize the fire?

Astira knew her limitations- the constraints of a mere mortal in a universe of inhuman scale. Still….

"Jammu-" and Astira looked at Jammu and then the Dragonfly.

"The Traders of the Outer Worlds meet tonight. Everyone will be there-Munehisa Homma, the Honey Badger, everybody. How we get inside?"

Jammu finished tying his hiking boot & stood up. He looked skeptically at Astira.

"So you want to crash their party?" and then Jammu began to laugh until he noticed the serious look on Astira.

Descent To Kashmir

Music=

1. Tomorrow Never Knows- Beatles

UFOtext=

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

Music=

1. Within You Without You- Beatles

2. We Three Kings- Mannheim Steamroller

UFOtext=

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

Music=

1. Star of Wonder- Tori Amos

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

UFOtext=

"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

Music=

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

UFOtext=

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.