Ramarro figures stuff out

  Cole stared. He remembered what it had been like to connect to Ramarro before. There had to be some other way.

  Ramarro scowled. “You have done this before. Faced me before. Lived this moment before.” He stared intently at Cole. “When? How?”

  Cole tried unsuccessfully not to think about it.

  “A hypothetical future,” Ramarro said. “You had time to prepare for our present encounter.” He turned to the wayport. “And this is all suspiciously convenient.”

  Ramarro stared intently at Lorenzo. Then at Cole. Then at Violet.

  “Her too,” Ramarro said.

  “What?” Cole asked.

  “Trillian,” Ramarro said, his voice very calm. “Your memories are not genuine, Cole. Would you like the real ones back?”

  Suddenly Cole remembered the whole plan. The Pilgrim Path would leave Ramarro powerless if he walked it. Trillian had planted other thoughts to trick Ramarro.

  “Oh no,” Cole said, realizing their best chance had been thwarted.

  “Want your memories, Lorenzo?” Ramarro asked. “Violet? You may as well join us in reality. Can we revisit the opportunity to surrender? I will offer each of you who kneel to me prominent positions in my service.”

Chapter 32