No more would he be used. No more would he be a plaything for other people, manipulated like a mindless puppet. He stalked through the streets of Alpha-Xi toward the door to the surface, each step forceful and filled with his new purpose. He had been reborn, alive with renewed energy after Michi and Arthur had cast him into the abyss of despair. The new Birk Aaland would be free of the weaknesses that had caused the old Birk so much pain. He would see to that.
He made a brief stop to pick up a small handgun, then returned to the surface above the city’s cavern. The crisp morning air of the forest glade did little to cool the heat of his spirit; he stood motionless at the entrance to the city with a slight breeze ruffling his hair. His eyes scanned the surrounding territory like those of a
