After all, these two people weren't just picked out of a hat. He'd treated each as he did any of his potential investments. He did his research. He de...ved deep into their respective histories. He knew their backgrounds, he knew their personalities, and most importantly he knew what strings to pull in order to manipulate them. Over the last few weeks, he'd seen through the young man's efforts to conceal his growing apprehension. That's why he met with him personally today--to give him that last. He went over; shoved Bert aside, and sat down before thecomputer. As he touched the keyboard, an electrical shock made him jumpback. "What was that?" "Sorry, the laptop's been acting up lately." Bert smiled weirdly. "That'swhy I'm checking it." Let me," Sam pleaded. "I love games." "Whatever you say." Bert stepped back and went over to the television. As\he changed it from Sam's movie to the ball game, he stared at the glow ofthe screen. As he moved his computer character over the screen,. I felt that now familiar sensation at the back of my skull andsuddenly fell to sleep.It did it. It has no barriers.It does appear to be what we have been waiting for.Then we shall strike.Not yet.But it's gaining strength.Yet it still collapses. We wait.I woke up the next day with a horrible thought. Did I do something toLisa last night? My head felt like it was filled with a fog. The more Ithought about it the more I reassured myself that everything would beok. I can't do malicious magic. And. The infant started wailing. ‘Lei,’ yelled Kokata, shaking his woman, and wrapping dry fresh silk around his son. ‘The afterbirth.’ A sharp, high-pitched, whistling sound filled the air. Kokata looked up and saw long strings shooting through the air. He covered his woman and his newborn son with his body, caging them within his legs. —==(o)==— The first round of throwing ropes landed, the spikes at their heavy ends burrowing into soil and plant. The spider wiggled beneath them, already cutting.