"This is the hour of our destiny!  Tir Eselyn may be no more, but the
war is not yet over.  You have heard that Lindael is under attack.  We
are the only chance our nation has for survival.  Today we ride into
Lierstam, and we will not stop until we reach the northern shore!  For
Heresha!"
                - General Fransck, Speech to the National Army, prior to
                his raid into Lierstam


         Rotnap Productions and Rocketarian Pictures
               In Association With Improfanfic
                           Present

                  Suikoden: Distant Shores
             Created by Illyria and Todd Harper

                   Part 30: No Remorse


        It was a cold, clear night.   The full moon hung over the
horizon, illuminating the earth below with its pale light.  The wind
rustled through the grass, chilling the few who traveled this night to
the bone.

        Reid Arondight groaned as he glanced up at the moon.  By his
estimation, they still had several hours to go before they reached White
Cloud.  And those several hours could mean life or death...

        Reid looked slightly behind him, and grimaced.  It was obvious
that Tavia was barely staying on her horse.  It had been a bad day for
her, and the wound she had taken was not insignificant either.  But,
there was nothing to be done, not now.

        A timeless period passed.  The moon rose to its full height,
than began to sink.  The seemingly endless stretch of plains and hills
sped by underneath the horses' hoofs, but it seemed the mountains that
were their goal grew no closer.

        Reid, lulled by the rhythmic pounding of the hoofbeats
underneath, slowly began to sink into the oblivion of sleep, only to be
startled by a voice from beside him.  Shaking his head, Reid turned to
Alaric.  "What did you say?"

        Alaric smiled weakly.  "I was just trying to keep you from
falling asleep."

        Reid looked down at Alaric's passenger.  "How's Lierni doing?"

        Alaric smile faltered and vanished.  "She's still breathing...
she's woken up a couple times, too."

        "Is that good?" asked Reid.

        "I don't know."  Alaric sighed.  "I wish we'd thought to bring a
healer."

        "Too late now," replied Reid.

        "I know."  Alaric was silent for a moment.  "The horses can't
take much more of this."

        Reid nodded wearily.  "Let's just hope they hold on until we
reach White Cloud."

        And with that, the travelers sped on through the night.

***

        Megumi narrowly dodged a sword-strike, then took the offensive,
striking out with her triple staff.  As the initiate before her crumbled
in pain, Megumi ducked under a strike from behind.  Whirling around, she
felled her attacker with a swift kick.

        She used the moment's pause that ensued to survey the room.  A
half dozen initiates lay unconscious or incapacitated, leaving only two
to face her.  And they showed little inclination to do so, instead
slowly retreating, starting at every slight movement on her part.

        "Enough," Megumi stated in disgust.  The two standing initiates
relaxed, allowing their weapons to fall to their sides.  In an instant,
Megumi had crossed the room, triple staff whirling in her hands.

        The two initiates collapsed simultaneously, groaning from the
painful bruises just inflicted upon them.  Megumi shook her head
silently.  "Pathetic.  A ninja does not let down his guard."

        Sighing under her breath Megumi glanced over her fallen
students, picking out those with serious wounds.  Fortunately for them,
only one had anything that would not heal on its own.  She supposed she
had been a bit rough on that one, but she had failed to improve at all
over the past four sessions.

        In earlier times, when the ninja were stronger, she would have
been left to die.  But in these days, even as poor initiates as her were
irreplaceable, and as such she would be taken care of as best could be
done.  Megumi quickly ordered a few of the already recovered students to
carry their wounded classmate to the healers.

        She then rose, and turned to the remaining conscious members of
the class.  "Take the others back to the dormitory, and those of you
with broken bones see the doctor to get casts."  Megumi paused.
"Dismissed."

        The initiates slowly rose, or were picked up, and soon Megumi
was left alone in the arena.  She went through a few basic kata, more to
calm herself down then for practice- these kata she could practically do
in her sleep.

        Some time later, she was interrupted by a polite cough.  She
finished the exercise she was on, then turned to the visitor.

        "How was the class?" the Old One's assistant asked.

        "Not good," Megumi answered.  "Only a couple of the initiates
show any promise at all."

        "That's the way it always has been," the assistant replied.
Only half of those tested ever became initiates, and only a handful of
initiates became full ninja.

        "But this is the only class we have for the next three years,"
Megumi said.  "At this rate, the ninja will be only a memory in a
generation or two."

        The Old One's assistant could only nod in agreement and change
the subject.  "The Old One wishes to speak with you, Megumi.  About your
uncle."

***

        Adele stifled a yawn as she waited outside of General Fransck's
tent.  It had been a long ride from the Reinschild farm to the forward
camp, and it was now well past midnight.  But, the General was still up,
and had requested that she report.

        One of the guards emerged from the tent.  "The General will see
you now," he stated quietly.

        As Adele entered the tent, Fransck rose and greeted her.
"Pleased to meet you," he said.  "You come highly recommended."

        Adele nodded nervously.  "I hope I will live up to those
recommendations."

        Fransck smiled reassuringly.  "So long as its not just your
family name that got you here, I'm sure you'll do fine."  Fransck turned
and gestured to a small table in the center of the tent.  "Come here."

        Adele glanced at the table, on which was placed a map of the
border region.  Small flags were stuck into the map, bearing the
insignia of various units in the armies of both Heresha and Lierstam.  A
handful of flags centered around White Cloud and Bristow bore an
insignia she didn't recognize- a single crescent.  It took her only a
moment to realize that those banners represented the rebel forces.

        General Fransck smiled as Adele looked over the disposition of
the forces.  "Do you see our problem?" he asked.

        Adele paused for a moment, then nodded.  "The traitors are
between us and Lierstam."

        Fransck's smile widened.  "Exactly.  White Cloud can be ignored
for the moment.  Trying to take it would be a waste of men.  But Bristow
lies right on where our supply lines will need to be when we invade."
He paused for a moment.  "I'd like you to take three companies to
liberate Bristow while the bulk of the infantry moves north to secure
the border."

        Adele frowned.  Three companies meant under two thousand men.
"What if the rebels come out of White Cloud to defend the city?  I won't
have enough soldiers to defeat them."

        Fransck nodded.  "They probably will, won't they?  But I will be
ready for them."  Fransck pointed at a spot on the map.  "My Iron Storm
cavalry will be lying in wait here.  If the rebels leave White Cloud,
we'll crush them between us."

        Adele nodded.  With any luck, the rebels would be utterly
destroyed.

        Fransck sat down and sighed.  "You remind me of Aisha when she
was younger."

        Adele stiffened.  "Nevenheim was a traitor."

        Fransck looked at Adele.  "Do you honestly believe that?  Aisha
was far too honorable for that.  She would never betray an oath."  Adele
was about to reply, but Fransck continued to speak.  "Let me tell you a
story.  It starts during the Crownbreaker Wars, a few months after Gen's
Crossing.  You know that battle?"

        At a gesture from the General, Adele took a seat.  "Of course,
sir.  Most of the nobility of both kingdoms died there.  It was the
battle that ended Lierstam's invasion, and prepared for the end of Tir
Eselyn."

        Fransck nodded slightly.  "Your father fought there, didn't he?"
Not waiting for an answer he continued.  "The King of Lierstam vanished
around then, too.  That's what caused his kingdom to collapse.  But our
King refused to accept peace.  You should know the basics of what
happened next."

        Adele nodded once again.  The generals of the Royal Army had met
and decided to revolt instead of accepting the command to invade
Lierstam.  Only a fraction of the army had stayed loyal, which had
allowed for the relatively bloodless takeover.

        Fransck continued, "Aisha slipped out of camp the next night.
We all thought she had betrayed us, but it turned out she was heading to
Lindael to resign her commission, of all things.  She wouldn't fight
against the King while still bound by her oath."  Fransck smiled.  "In
the end, as I recall, Totorika convinced General La Lanterne to let him
lead a rescue mission.  Garou and I ended up snatching Aisha off the
gallows minutes before her execution."  Fransck shook his head.  "But
that's digressing.  Do you see my point?"

        Adele nodded, then spoke.  "Did you say... Totorika, sir?"

        Fransck raised an eyebrow.  "I did.  He was the leader of a
militia that fought at Gen's Crossing.  I always wondered what happened
to him after the war.  Why?"

        "I... knew... a woman named Totorika once."  Adele paused.
"Lierni Totorika."

        The general's eyes widened.  "That name... she's one of the
cadets who joined up with the rebels, isn't she?"

        "Yes," Adele said simply.

        Fransck closed his eyes.  "Is this a sign?  Did we really do so
poorly ten years ago?"

        "Sir?"

        Fransck sighed.  "General La Lanterne always said that the only
good way for a soldier to die was in the last battle of the last war.  I
never really understood what he meant until now.  Ten years ago, I
fought to end injustice and bring peace.  But now it's all happening
again.  Does that mean everyone who died in the Crownbreaker Wars died
in vain?"

        Adele was silent.

        "No.  I can't believe that," Fransck said after a moment.
"Heresha may not be perfect, but it's about as good as it gets."  He
sighed, then looked at Adele.  "Forgive me.  I'm getting old, and we
veterans tend to ramble at times."  He paused, then smiled widely.  "But
I'll feel young again once the action starts."

        Adele nodded, then was forced to stifle a yawn.

        Fransck chuckled. "Get some sleep.  Tomorrow... well, in the
morning, you ride for Bristow."

***

        Megumi bowed deeply.  At this, a small smile appeared on the Old
One's face, and with a snap of his fingers a handful of the numerous
candles scattered throughout the room were lit.  "I am told you are both
skilled and loyal.  Is this true?" the Old One asked quietly.

        Megumi almost glanced backward to the silent figure of the Old
One's assistant, but instead merely bowed a second time.  "I hope so,
master."

        The Old One nodded.  "What are your feelings toward the Chikou
Star?"

        Megumi answered without hesitation.  "He is a traitor."

        "Very good.  I have a mission for you."  The Old One paused for
a moment.  "The Stars of Destiny are gathering, and for the survival of
our clan we must ensure that they gather under our command.  The first
person sent to insure that turned traitor."

        Megumi nodded.  It was obvious who was meant.  "I will not,
master."

        "No.  The Chikou Star did not wield a Shadow Rune.  He was weak.
You are not.  But the Stars do not know that.  You will infiltrate them.
Gain their trust."  The Old One smiled mirthlessly.  "Tell them you
believe your destiny is theirs, like your uncle.  You have my
dispensation to slay your fellow ninja, should it become necessary."

        Megumi stiffened.  The strictest rule of the ninja was that
lethal infighting was strictly forbidden.  With so few ninja, each was
an irreplaceable resource.  Permission to violate that rule was
unprecedented.

        "The Stars are caught in the middle of a war, and do not have
the strength to face either army.  Eventually, one or the other will
defeat them, and they will be scattered, their supporters lost.  When
that time comes, you will bring the Tenkai Star to me."  The Old One
paused.

        Megumi took this as a sign her interview was ended.  As she
turned to leave, however, the Old One's voice stopped her.  "Megumi.  If
you can do so without violating your cover... punish the Chikou Star."

        Megumi paused.  "Yes, master."

        After she departed, the Old One's assistant spoke.  "Master.
You want them to believe Megumi is one of them... but with the Tablets,
they will know it is a ruse."

        The Old One chuckled. "That will not be a problem."

        His assistant frowned, then started in realization.  "Master...
is that wise?  She will betray us!"

        "Perhaps.  But she bears a Shadow Rune."  The Old One raised his
right hand, displaying the Umbra Rune.  "Her destiny is bound to mine."

***

        "How are things looking?" Daniel asked as he took a seat.  The
multitude of generals and strategists that had joined the army had been
discussing the present situation since nightfall, and showed no signs of
stopping, even though it had become quite late.

        General Nevenheim shook her head.  "Not so good.  We're caught
right in the middle of a full scale invasion. At a bare minimum, we have
an army of twelve thousand approaching us from the south."

        Garnof Venomspear grunted.  "I still don't think that's too much
of a problem.  We could hold off ten times our number indefinitely in
this place." The former mercenary leader chuckled wryly.  "I should know
that... and if I recall my histories of the Crownbreaker Wars correctly,
so should you, Nevenheim."

        Aisha winced.  "Don't remind me.  But in any case, we have to
defend Bristow too."

        "Exactly," Nereida interjected.  "If we let the Hereshans take
Bristow without a fight, no other towns will risk supporting us."

        "But if we get wiped out defending Bristow, the war will be
over... at least for us," Garnof replied.

        "Who will be in command?" Daniel asked.  "General Wilhelm?"

        "No," Nevenheim replied.  "The Council never got along with
Wilhelm.  Most likely they've called up Fransck from his campaigns
against the southern Wind Children.  He's hotheaded, but quite
competent.  And frankly, he won't need to be a genius to beat us with
over twice our number."

        "But he has to deal with Lierstam also," Arik Peridon said,
waving his hand over one of the many maps strewn about the room.  "If he
concentrates on us, they can outflank him."

        Daniel frowned.  "But all our reports say that there's barely a
thousand soldiers stationed on the border.  General Fransck can ignore
that small a force."

        Nevenheim frowned.  "What is Lierstam planning, anyway?  With
tensions like they are, I would think they'd have the border fully
manned."

        "It's obvious," Peridon replied with a snort.  "They want to
replay the final act of the Crownbreaker Wars, only with the roles
reversed."

        Nereida nodded.  "That was one of the strategies proposed while
I was involved in that area.  Heresha's strategy was inspired."

        "Inspired?" Aisha Nevenheim asked, aghast.  "That's insane!  If
we'd had any choice, we'd never have used it.  If we'd lost one battle,
or if Fransck had failed..."

        "Nonetheless, with proper preparation it's a workable plan,"
Peridon replied.  "They'll lure Fransck north, then trap him there while
they cut his supply lines and move into Heresha to force the Council to
surrender."

        "Even so, that doesn't help us deal with Fransck now," Garnof
stated irritably.

        Any replies that were about to be made were silenced when the
door burst open, revealing a young soldier.  "Sirs!" he gasped out.
"Lady Tavia's back... but Lady Lierni is hurt!"

***

        Ilena slowly regained consciousness in an unfamiliar place.  She
started to rise, only to bump her head on the low ceiling.  Rubbing it,
she let out a groan.

        How had she gotten here?  They'd been on the ship... and there
had the storm... and they had run aground on something... and after that
her memory was blank.

        Ilena rose, this time stooping over to avoid hitting her head,
and walked over to the door, which a cursory examination showed was
locked. However as she backed away, the door swung open, revealing what
she could only assume was a dwarf.

        "Ah!  You're awake!" the dwarf said.  "That's good.  I wasn't
sure whether my medicine would work on humans.  But it obviously did, as
you've recovered from that nasty shipwreck," he finished with a chuckle.

        "How are the others?" she asked quickly.

        "Oh!  Oh, yes.  You would want to know.  I should have told you
already.  Quite odd, humans with a kobold and a al'Kezzin.  And that
fascinating device... what did that other human call it?  Marrionette?
Quite odd.  But we have all of you, we think.  All in good health.  I
should probably go and let them know you're awake."  The dwarf turned to
leave.

        "Wait!" Ilena said.  "What's your name?"

        "My apologies.  Quite rude of me not to tell you.  Quite rude.
I am Kurn son of Angus, at your service.  Now, I do believe I must be
going.  You don't want your companions to worry about you, do you?  That
would be bad wouldn't it?"

        "Thank you," Ilena called to the departing dwarf.

        "Oh, you're quite welcome.  Quite welcome indeed."  The door
shut behind the dwarf, and Ilena heard the sound of it being locked once
more.

***

        "Is it done?" Valon asked.

        Harod Tovias nodded and let out a satisfied sigh.  "It is done.
As of today... well, yesterday, now... Matteo Serdae is His Excellency,
the Prime Minister of Lierstam, Matteo Serdae, long may he reign."

        Valon chuckled.  "The nobles must have been appalled."

        "The looks on their faces when they swore loyalty..." Harod said
with a laugh.  "But without an Ansuro to support, they couldn't agree on
a candidate.  They might have tried rebellion, just to keep Matteo off
the throne, but not with Heresha on the move."

        "Then everything is going as planned," Valon said.  "That's
good."

        "Yes," Harod replied.  "In a year, we'll be in Lindael."

        "Perhaps," Valon said.  "But don't be overconfident.  Heresha is
weaker than they think, but it's not as frail as we might wish.  But
it's their rebels that worry me more."

        "The rebels?" Harod asked.  "Why?  They have only a few thousand
soldiers."

        "Yes, but their leaders..." Valon paused.  "Nereida Ansuro.
Aisha Nevenheim.  Arik Peridon.  Possibly Renard La Lanterne, my...
contacts were unsure.  Even Garnof Venomspear.  Every one of them is
worth an army by themselves."

        Harod waved a hand.  "But without soldiers, they're helpless.
All they can do is sit in White Cloud and hope no one bothers to crush
them like the insects they are."

        "No."  Valon shook his head.  "You don't understand... if you've
listened to one thing I've ever told you, listen to this:  those rebels
are not to be underestimated.  They should have been destroyed a dozen
times since the sack of Heimdall, but they've not only survived, they've
grown."

        "If you say so."  Harod frowned.  "But most likely, the
Hereshans will deal with them for us."  Harod leaned back in his chair.
"Enough of such gloomy talk.  This is a Prime Minister's coronation
night, and the dawn of the war we have been planning for ten years.
This is a time for celebration!"  Harod unstopped a bottle of wine,
pouring two glasses.  "To Matteo Serdae and victory!"

        Valon chuckled.  "You will keep His Excellency away from the
war, won't you?  Else the second part of your toast may never come
true."

        "Just for you, my brother."

        "All right then," Valon said with a smile, raising his glass.
"To Matteo Serdae and victory."

***

        The room was deathly quiet.  Some considerate soldier had
procured some refreshments, but they remained untouched.  Most eyes were
constantly on the door that led to the infirmary, worrying that it would
open and bad news would come forth.

        The first rays of the sun's light were trickling in through the
small windows in the eastern wall, but they did little to lighten the
mood.  Every so often, some one would join the vigil, or another would
reluctantly leave to take care of some pressing business.

        Reid worriedly glanced down at Tavia's still form, taking some
small comfort in the fact that her breathing was deep and steady.  She
had fallen asleep some hours go utterly exhausted, and still bore a not
inconsiderable wound from her own battle.  However, she had refused
treatment, demanding that all the army's healers instead focus on saving
Lierni.

        The silence was shattered as the infirmary door slammed open and
shut, revealing Luc.  He slowly walked over to the row of chairs across
the far wall, and cast a weary glance at Alyssa.  "Your turn again," he
said simply as he slumped into the seat at Reid's right.

        With a nod, Alyssa struggled to her feet and stumbled over to
the infirmary.  The door open and shut once again, and silence returned
to the waiting room.

        Time passed, and Reid was only able to keep himself awake
through sheer willpower.  As he shifted in his seat and held back a yawn
for the thousandth time.  Luc suddenly spoke, albeit in a whisper.
"This is the part I hate the most."

        Reid blinked tiredly.  "What do you mean?"

        Luc turned to Reid, seemingly irritated that he had been heard.
"You wouldn't understand."  He sighed.  "This is hell once.  What would
you feel if you had to do it over and over again?"

        "What?" Reid asked.

        Luc was silent for a moment, then let loose another sigh.
"Whenever the Stars of Destiny gather, people die.  Even Stars fall.
It's inevitable, and sometimes necessary... but it doesn't make it any
more pleasant."  Luc fell silent and turned away from Reid, obviously
not inviting any further conversation.

        More time passed, Alyssa returned, and was replaced by Kyrina,
who was replaced by Luc once more.  Tavia awoke as the day moved on
towards noon, but still no news left the infirmary.  The refreshments,
by now slowly dwindled away, were replaced.  People left and returned
again, all waiting for the final verdict.

        Finally, the door opened and Dr. Koris entered.  "Lady Tavia..."
he began.

        Tavia shot to her feet.  "How is she?"

        "Lady Tavia... I... I tried.  There's too much internal damage.
She's not going to make it."

***

        "Lierni..." Tavia barely contained her tears as she knelt over
her friend.  The room's other inhabitants stayed back at a respectful
distance, many of them had failing to hold back their own tears.

        Lierni managed a weak smile.  "I'm sorry... I won't be able to
see this through to the end."

        At this Tavia, ended her struggle, and began to let loose with
her sobs.  "Lierni... I can't..."

        "Tavia," Lierni said, reaching out and clasping her hand.
"Don't.  Remember... why we fight.  If you give up, then..." Lierni
trailed off.

        "But... you.  My family.  Everyone is leaving me."  Tavia shook
her head.  "It's too much."

        Lierni tightened her grip on Tavia's hand.  "Do you want us to
have died to no purpose?" she asked angrily.

        "No," Tavia said simply.  "I don't."

        "Then... never give up.  Never."  Lierni closed her eyes.
"Never," she repeated weakly.  For a brief moment, the only sound in the
room was her labored breathing.

        Then, it stopped.

        "No..." Tavia cried.  "I know... I'm supposed to be strong," she
mumbled.  "But... I can't."  She glanced down at the rune that lay on
her right hand.  In one sudden motion, she reached out and lay it on the
bloody bandages that covered Lierni's still chest.  "You're a True
Rune," she stated.  "If you have any power... use it now!"

        As the Victory Rune began to glow, Luc's eyes widened in equal
part's mixture of shock and fear.  Drawing on what little reserves of
power he had left after his previous exertions, he once more summoned
the power of his own rune, forcing his way through the crowd in between
him and Tavia.

        Muttering vulgarities under his breath, he lay his right hand
over Tavia's.  An instant later, he nearly collapsed, his free hand's
death grasp on Lierni's cot the only thing keeping him from falling.
"Damn it!  Kyrina, Alyssa!  If you want either of them to live, help!"

        The other two rune-wielders were even more drained then he from
the long night and morning, but they managed to stumble over to the cot
and add their own contribution.  The growing power could be felt
throughout the room, even by those unschooled in the ways of runes.

        And everything went white.

***

        When the glare died down, the first thing that was noticed was
the slumped over forms of Tavia, Luc, Kyrina, and Alyssa.  The second
thing that was noticed was the slow rise and fall of Lierni's chest.
The displaced bandages now revealed smooth, unbroken skin.

        For an instant, there was no motion.  Then in a sudden rush,
there was a stampede racing forward to examine both Lierni and those who
had apparently saved her.  Of those four, Tavia was the first to awake,
only a few minutes later.

        Shortly thereafter, Luc stirred as well.  He rose, forcing off
an attempt by Dr. Koris to keep him down, and walked over to where Tavia
sat, recovering.        He looked her over once, as though reassuring
himself that she all right.  "That was a very foolish thing to do," he
stated simply.

        Tavia began to protest, but Luc cut her off.  "You don't have
any comprehension of the power that lies locked in your rune.  Letting
it loose like that..." Luc shook his head.  "You'd be lucky if it simply
killed you, rather than wiping White Cloud off the map."

        "But that didn't happen," Tavia said.  "Nothing went wrong."

        "And it was a very close thing!" Luc said angrily.  "If I hadn't
been here, or if they hadn't," he said, gesturing to where Kyrina and
Alyssa had begun to stir, "you could have killed everyone here!"  Luc
paused.  "Never do that again.  Not until you've had at least a hundred
years of experience with your rune."

        Tavia slowly nodded.  "All right."

        Luc merely grunted in satisfaction and turned to leave, only to
stop as a gate appeared in the air before him.  Luc bowed deeply.  "Lady
Leknaat."

        The blind woman seemed to glance about the room before smiling
and turning her face towards Tavia.  "Tavia.  You have done well.  Can
you feel the destiny that stands before you all, gaining in strength
with each Star that gathers?  Soon, it will have the power to shatter
nations and forge them anew."

        Leknaat paused, once more sweeping the room with her sightless
gaze.  "There will be times when it seems as though all is lost.  When
those times come, remember this moment, and take strength in all you
have accomplished.  So long as your hope stays strong, no force in this
world can defeat you."

        And with that, Leknaat vanished as suddenly as she had come.

***

Author's Random Ramblings

The decision over whether or not to kill Lierni was an extremely
difficult one, which my position on changed several times on over the
course of the writing.  I hope what I ultimately did is acceptable.

Fransck's tale is picking up on some plot threads from way back when
General La Lanterne was introduced, as well as a number of little bits
scattered about other character's backgrounds.  (I'm considering doing
an omake History of the Crownbreaker Wars, is there any interest in
something like that?)

Thanks go to Todd Harper, Jeff Petersen, and Kate Malloy for their
efforts in pre-reading this chapter.  Double thanks to Jeff Petersen for
providing his ideas on the situation on the dwarven island, which I've
used but a tiny fraction of.

Also, as of last December, I am no longer uninitiated in the ways of
Suikoden, having finally broken down and purchased a Playstation.
Currently, I've finished Suikoden II and am most of the way through the
first game (the odd order being due to order in which I managed to
locate them).

Other than that, what can I say but that it has once again been fun, and
I plan to sign up for a fifth part in the near future?