Occasionally, Shizuka would try to chat about violins, and music and favorite composers, and the rush she felt when she played in front of crowds. But since that talk at the noodle house, Lan hadn’t seemed interested in what she had to say. Shizuka was a little disappointed, but less than she might have imagined. In fact, it was kind of nice not to talk about damnation, hers or otherwise.

So, although in the world of music, souls, and violins, she was the Queen of Hell, here at the park, Shizuka would sit, listen, and learn about everyday life in the Galactic Empire.

Today, the weather was nice, and the pond was lively as always. Some new ducks were at the lake, but they quickly learned the folly of challenging the scores of fish that ravaged each donut. Shizuka wondered what Lan would chat about today.

However, Lan was silent.

“Lan?”

Lan inhaled. Finally, she spoke.

“I am new to this planet, and I have no idea who to trust, or what your customs are. But might you please explain?”

“Explain?”

“What happens to your students after you take their souls?”

From her tone, Shizuka realized that this would be their last Saturday afternoon.

“I see that you’ve done some research,” Shizuka finally said.

“Yes. But tell me anyway.”

“Their contracts I give to a demon. His name is Tremon Philippe. When they are ready, they leave me for their careers, their fame, or whatever else they were promised. But it never gives them happiness or fulfillment. So they die in various ways—often cursing my name with the last breath they take. From there, Tremon declares the contract final, and one of his associates drags them to Hell to suffer forever.”

Lan got up.

“I do not know what is permissible on this planet. But I could never sacrifice a child—for any reason. Nor could I be with anyone who would.”

“I see.”

“That’s all you’re going to say?”

“Is there anything I can say?”

Lan turned red. She began to tremble.

“What is wrong with you? What is wrong with this planet? There are gamma ray bursts, a Galactic War, the Endplague coming for us all.”

The Endplague? Lan mentioned it often, yet it was the one thing she never explained. It was probably quite important, but it was nothing Shizuka would ever know about. Her time with Lan was over.

“But what do you do? You play games. You make up stories. You dwell on each other’s mating habits, on what is consumed for dinner. You die over useless things … like this stupid music. And you’ll have Katrina die for nothing, too? How can you be so cruel?”

“I think you should stop now,” Shizuka said.

Lan paused. Her captain’s intuition was telling her something was wrong. Nothing in Shizuka’s voice or attitude suggested malice toward her student.