76 Traveling to the Secret Realm (1/2)

Lorne was sitting quietly in one of the many restaurants in the flying palace. He was there to meet with Master Compassion who invited him out. Lorne wasn't in the mood for visiting, he really wanted to finish making his preparations. However, given Master Compassions connection to his Master, and the fact Master Compassion is unimaginably powerful, and he would be guarding the lives of himself and everyone else from the sect, Lorne thought it was prudent to give the man some face and meet with him.

Sitting quietly and sipping his iced tea, a Texas favorite he introduced to the restaurant; he quietly waited for Master Compassion. Master Compassion finally showed up after another twenty minutes. Lorne knew when he arrived, not only because of his super senses but also because everyone around him suddenly started bowing.

”Sorry I'm late, I was finishing your gifts.” Master Compassion said happily as he sat at Lorne's table. ”Gifts?” Lorne asked with a raised eyebrow.

”Indeed, I come bearing gifts!” Master Compassion said.

”Are you Greek?” asked Lorne.

”Greek, no, what's a Greek?” Master Compassion asked.

”On Earth, they are a people. We have a saying on Earth. 'Beware Greeks bearing gifts. Since you're not Greek I suppose I don't have to worry about accepting gifts from you!” Lorne said with a dashing smile.

Master Compassion froze for a moment unsure of what to make of Lorne's comment.

”It's a joke, I guess it doesn't translate well through realms,” Lorne said with a smile.

”Oh, a joke! Haha, I get it, I get it! Nice one!” Master Compassion laughed as he pretended to understand the joke.

Master Compassion immediately took out a box from one of his spatial storage devices. He placed the box on the table and pointed at it. ”What's in the box?” Lorne asked. ”Your gifts,” Master Compassion said.

”My gifts?” asked Lorne.

”No, your gift and BS42's gift. If you would like you can call him out,” said Master Compassion. Lorne sent a message to BS42 who suddenly appeared. ”You called?” he said.

”Open the box,” said Master Compassion. Lorne opened the box and found a sphere and a data crystal. ”The sphere is for you, Lorne, and the crystal is for BS42,” said Master Compassion.

”For me?” BS42 said. ”It's the full contents of our libraries,” Master Compassion said with a smile. BS42 was stunned. ”Oh, you didn't think we knew you were copying all of the books? Ha HA, BS42 you're not as slick as you think you are!” Master Compassion said with a mighty laugh.

BS42 was momentarily stunned before picking up the crystal and putting it away. ”How do I merit having this, I thought we had to earn these things,” BS42 said.

”You've already earned them. Do you know how many direct disciples Master River has?” Looking at the pair with stunned looks on their faces Master Compassion answered with a self-satisfied laugh. ”Not many! Master River made it clear we are to hold nothing back from his direct disciples. Even if you don't join our sect you'll have full access to all the available knowledge you desire. I'll even present you with a storage ring filled with materials later if you truly decide not to join. Although I don't know why you wouldn't want to join the sect,” said Master Compassion.

Lorne thought for a few moments before replying. ”I really considered joining the sect immediately after this, but I've decided I want to spend some time seeing the world. Maybe when I'm done doing that I'll join the sect. It's just, I've been training in a sect for more than forty thousand years and I'm tired of it. I want to see what's out there in this strange new realm.” Long said passionately.