~

The pagoda was more impressive up close. What had looked like a simple pale blue from the ground was a reflective metal, much like that from which the flyers were constructed. At this angle, the pagoda exterior reflected the tall, slender gingko trees that dotted the hillside. Although the camouflage effect was imperfect on the whole, some portions of the pagoda blended in with their surroundings, making it look much smaller than it was.

An elderly Japanese man stood in the doorway as the flyers set Kara back down. He glanced back inside, and then looked at Kara. "You are not Doctor Sparx?"

"Nope, never got a doctorate. And you are?"

"Akihiko." He gave a deep bow. "Follow me."

As Kara followed Akihiko through the pagoda, a flock of household se...

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