AFTERWORD

Chapter 25

Chapter 23

Overview

Carl and Donut prepare to appear on Odette's talk show. Before the broadcast, they navigate a security checkpoint in space aboard what appears to be a massive orbital station, then reconvene with Odette and Zev in the green room, where Odette reveals shocking information about Carl's ex-girlfriend Beatrice being alive.

Summary

Carl returns to the saferoom to find Samantha, the reanimated doll head, screaming uncontrollably after Donut accidentally revealed that Carl and Donut are in contact with Signet. Mordecai has partially muted her abilities. Carl negotiates with Samantha, promising to bring her along when they assault the Naiad castle tomorrow night to visit Signet, who Samantha claims can restore her body. Samantha agrees on the condition she gets to leave the saferoom more often. Zev then transfers Carl and Donut to a security checkpoint, which turns out to be a massive space station orbiting Earth. The sudden transition disorients them both, and Donut becomes violently ill. Two shade gnoll mercenaries in riot gear conduct a security scan, checking them for explosives and contraband before allowing them through. After the checkpoint, they are teleported to Odette's trailer for the talk show broadcast. Donut phases through the holographic Odette, confirming her form, while Zev appears in person, notably thinner than other kua-tin Carl has encountered. Before they go live, Odette reveals she has critical information about Carl's ex-girlfriend Beatrice—she is alive.

Characters

  • Carlprotagonist who deals with Samantha's outburst, undergoes security screening at the space station, and receives shocking news about Beatrice from Odette
  • DonutCarl's companion who accidentally revealed contact with Signet to Samantha, becomes ill during the space station transit, and accompanies Carl to the broadcast
  • Samanthareanimated doll head who becomes hysterical upon learning of contact with Signet and makes a deal with Carl to be brought on the raid
  • Mordecairesident of the saferoom who attempted to contain Samantha's noise and was interrupted while discussing a potion recipe
  • The Sledgerock monster bodyguard who brushes Donut as requested
  • Bomomentioned as having shut Samantha's mouth during her outburst
  • Shade Gnoll Mercenary 1one of two riot force guards conducting security checkpoint screening
  • Shade Gnoll Mercenary 2second riot force guard conducting security checkpoint screening
  • Zevkua-tin being who transfers Carl and Donut to the security checkpoint and greets them in the trailer without her diving suit
  • Odettetalk show host appearing as a hologram who reveals critical information about Beatrice being alive before the broadcast