Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 7
Chapter 3
“Let's visit the Spiriter alley house in a few days,” Ace said. “Then we'll be on our way off Spirit Island.”
*
Three days later Ace and some from his convoy left the inn to go visit the Spiriter alley house.
Chapter 4
In front of the alley house.
Ace knocked on the door.
A window curtain moved: someone glanced out.
Moments later Teryl opened the door.
“Come in,” he said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 7
Chapter 1
Ace had a couple more drinks with Tarver.
“I'll empty Spirit Island's prisons as Tranquil is doing,” Tarver said.
“Glad to hear it,” Ace said. “I'd better return to the inn. Thank you for having me sir.”
“My pleasure. Come and visit again while you're here if you wish.”
“Okay. Goodnight.”
Tarver said, “Until we meet again.”
Chapter 2
Ace returned to the inn he was staying at.
Some from his convoy were waiting for him.
“There you are,” Glade said. “How was your time?”
“It went well,” Ace said. “Tarver agreed to release all of Spirit Island's prisoners. I told him that Tranquil is releasing all of their prisoners as well.”
Glade didn't respond.
Ace said, “Hopefully Garret agrees.”
“He may,” Glade said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 6
Chapter 7
Ace had the first serve.
He lost the first two rallies.
The serve went to Tarver.
The rallies were intense.
The score became ten to nine for Tarver.
It was game-point; if Ace lost the rally he lost the game.
Ace served.
Tarver returned the ball.
Ace snapped the ball to one side of the table.
Tarver missed the return.
Ten to ten.
Chapter 8
Ace won the next rally.
Game-point.
Tarver gave a fast serve.
Ace returned it.
Once the rally got going Ace shot the ball from one side of the table to the other.
This worked; Tarver missed a shot.
“Ah, well played,” Tarver said.
He went to Ace and they shook hands.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 6
Chapter 5
Ace won the first few rallies.
Tarver won a couple of rallies.
“Let's play a game,” Tarver said. “Rally for serve.”
Chapter 6
Ace won the match by three points.
Tarver won the second match by four points.
They continued to play matches.
After an hour they were even- each had won four matches.
“One more game to resolve the draw,” Tarver said.
Ace said, “If I win, Spirit Island joins Tranquil in releasing all prisoners.”
Tarver chuckled and said, “Okay. And if I win Tranquil loans Spirit Island one hundred million currency.”
Ace thought it over before saying, “Alright.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 6
Chapter 3
Hours passed.
“Let's return to the castle,” Tarver said. “We'll have some drinks there.”
“Sounds good,” said Ace.
“Let your convoy enjoy the festivities here. You and I will play some table tennis.”
“Sure.”
Chapter 4
Tarver, his convoy, and Ace walked back to the castle.
Tarver led Ace to a billiards room.
*
At a ping pong table Tarver handed Ace a paddle.
Tarver went to one side of the table, a ball in one hand.
Tarver served.
They began to rally.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 6
Chapter 1
They walked to a festival tent near the castle.
They went to a table in the back.
Food and drinks were served.
Chapter 2
“Tranquil is releasing all its prisoners;” Ace said. “We're taking a page from Spirit Island's culture.”
“Impressive,” Tarver said.
“Spirit Island should release all its prisoners as well. We'll be an example for the world.”
Tarver, saying nothing, took a drink.
After a few moments he said, “Quite a proposition.”
“A few very short-term house arrests here and there,” Ace said. “Once we abolish imprisonment we'll be riding high in the eyes of the world.”
Tarver nodded, turning his head from side to side.
“I'll consider it,” he said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 5
Chapter 7
Tarver stood at the sight of Ace.
“Ace Bardon,” he said. “You've returned. Are you enjoying the festival?”
“Very much so,” Ace said.
“Glad to hear it. Are you leaving Keyton?”
“We're staying until the end of the festival, sir.”
“Good. What brings you here today?”
“I was hoping I might attend another feast with you.”
“Of course. This evening?”
“Great.”
“Meet me here again at five PM,” Tarver said.
Chapter 8
Ace and his convoy returned to the castle at quarter to five.
Ace went to meet with Tarver.
Once in the throne room Tarver and his group left the castle with Ace.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 5
Chapter 5
“Diplomat,” one of the guards said.
It was one of the guards who had been on duty from Ace's first visit.
“Here for an audience?” The guard asked.
“I am,” Ace said.
“Let me go check with our leader.”
Chapter 6
The guard returned some time later and said, “He will see you.”
Ace followed the guard inside.
They went to the throne room.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 5
Chapter 3
Morningtime.
The convoy had been resting around the inn for a day and a half.
“Let's go see about an audience,” Ace said.
They left the inn and went to the nearby stable.
They retrieved their carts and horses and rode to the castle.
Chapter 4
In front of the castle.
“Wait here,” Ace said.
He hopped down from the cart.
Ace went to the castle doors.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 5
Chapter 1
Ace and company stayed at the house overnight.
The next day.
“Thank you immensely for your help,” Teryl said.
“Our pleasure,” Ace replied.
“What about the other Spiriters who are imprisoned?” Glade asked.
“We're not sure yet,” Teryl said.
Ace said, “I'll implore Tarver to release the prisoners when I see him.”
“Spirit Island generally doesn't believe in taking prisoners," Mac said. “The occasional temporary house arrest. Having the Spiriters imprisoned goes against the beliefs of our people. Tarver might be swayed."
“I see,” Ace said. “Well we'll come visit again. I'll let you know how the audience goes.”
In the eveningtime Ace and his convoy left for the inn they were staying at.
Chapter 2
Ace and the others were at the inn.
There were a few days left of the Mask Festival.
“When will we go to the castle?” Glade asked.
“The day after tomorrow,” Ace replied.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 4
Chapter 11
From the stairs they were in the streets.
They were a few blocks away from the museum.
They scanned for guards and saw none.
Slowing their pace to walking they went toward the alleys.
Chapter 12
Through the alleys.
The group crowded into the house.
They put their bags on the floor.
Teryl laughed gleefully.
“Let's have a drink,” he said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025
Section 2
Part 4
Chapter 9
The door came unlocked.
Veera turned the knob and pushed the door open.
The group rushed through.
Teryl, the last to go through, had yet to hear the hall doors open.
He shut the door behind him and locked it.
Chapter 10
They were in a long hallway. It was dimly lit like the rest of the museum.
The group ran through it.
Doors were on their left.
At the end of the hallway was a door facing them. An exit sign was above it.
Veera pushed the door's bar to open it.
They emerged on a deck. They ran the length of it. Reaching its end (more than five minutes later) they came upon a spiraling stairwell that led up to the streets.
“Let’s go,” Veera said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 4
Chapter 7
“Let's get to the east doors,” Teryl said.
All the masks were in backpacks.
The group rushed through the halls.
The few stunned were being carried.
The other Spiriters were waiting at the doors.
One peeked out of one of the doors. He shut it.
“Guards, coming,” he said. “Tens of them. Too many. Let's go, we need to take another exit.”
They ran back into the lobby.
“West doors?” Mac asked.
“Those will be covered,” Veera said. “To the mask hall. We'll take the basement exit.”
Chapter 8
In the mask hall.
They locked the doors behind them.
Veera led them.
In the back of the huge room was a stairwell going downward.
At the landing was a door.
Veera said. “Give me a ring of keys.”
One of the Spiriters handed one over.
Veera began trying the keys.
The group waited, hoping they wouldn't hear the hall doors open.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 4
Chapter 5
There were perhaps two dozen guards in the mask hall.
They drew their stun guns rapidly.
Teryl's and Ace's group spread out, firing on the guards.
Jemma, crouching, stunned a half-dozen of them in a flash.
The guards tried to gain a foothold but were only able to stun a few.
The guards all fell, stunned.
Chapter 6
“Get the masks,” Teryl called out.
Some of the masks were on shelves. Some were in glass cases. The cases were smashed with handles of stun guns.
Masks were stuffed into backpacks.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 4
Chapter 3
They began entering the museum. A foyer came before a lobby.
The place was dimly lit.
“Follow me to the mask hall," Teryl said. "Second group, you know where to go.”
They crept further into the museum.
Chapter 4
The second group, a handful of Spiriters, disappeared down a hallway.
The others advanced toward the mask hall.
They turned a corner and came across a few guards.
Stun energy flew. The guards fell.
The group went on.
At the doors to the mask hall were more guards who were swiftly stunned.
The doors were locked.
Teryl tried different keys until one worked.
The doors opened.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 4
Chapter 1
The mask museum was a tall structure.
The roof was designed to look like a huge mask. It was lit up.
Teryl's and Ace's group was near the east entrance.
A stairwell led to the doors. The four guards stood at the doors in a line.
Four Spiriters pulled out their stun guns. They aimed and fired.
The guards dropped, stunned.
Chapter 2
Four of the Spiriters climbed the steps. They got a ring of keys from each guard out of their pockets.
One of them tried different keys on a locked door.
The lock turned.
One of them waved at the rest of the group to come up.
The others went to the doors quickly.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 3
Chapter 9
Teryl said, “We go to the museum's east entrance. There will be four guards at the doors. Several Spiriters stun the guards from afar. We go to the entrance, get their keys and enter.
We stun anyone in sight. We bring the outside guards inside. From there we proceed to the mask hall. Almost all the masks are here.
For the few other masks elsewhere a handful of Spiriters will go and retrieve those. The rest of us stun anyone in our way and clear the masks out of the hall.
We meet up with the other Spiriters back at the east doors. Then we get out of there and return back here.”
“Sounds achievable,” Ace said.
“Veera will go over all the museum blueprints with everybody,” Teryl said. “We leave at ten. The streets will still be busy as we're coming back.”
Chapter 10
Veera covered the museum layout with all.
Ace and his convoy were wearing black cloaks. The Spiriters were dressed in dark garbs, many of them wearing backpacks. Backpacks were given to some in Ace's convoy.
Ten PM came around.
“Let's go,” Teryl said.
He opened the door and led the way.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 3
Chapter 7
Ace and his convoy except for a few members were in front of the pub.
The pub sounded energetic again.
Teryl and Mac showed up. With them was a lady with black hair and who was wearing a skirt.
Teryl greeted them, “Hey. This is Jemma. Let's get going.”
The group went to the alleys.
Chapter 8
Inside the house they'd been to before.
Twenty or so were waiting around.
On tables were maps and blueprints.
Some of the Spiriters went upstairs as Ace and company entered.
Teryl went to a table and said, “These are blueprints of the mask museum. I'll outline our plan.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 3
Chapter 5
“We will check out the mask museum tonight,” Teryl said. “The following night we sneak in and get the masks.”
“How many do you have to pull this off?” Ace asked.
“Twenty.”
“That could be tough,” Glade said. “Security at the museum will be considerable.”
“It will be a challenge. Getting those masks out of there is of utmost importance.”
“We can help you, go with you,” Ace offered.
“Just what I was going to ask,” Teryl said. “We would be extremely grateful if you can help us. We know of the mask locations in the museum. We will be in and out once we stun the guards.”
“We'll join you,” Ace affirmed. “For world safety.”
Chapter 6
Teryl said, “Us Spiriters will check out museum security tonight. Tomorrow we'll meet you at the pub then come here and prepare. We'll meet you at five PM.”
“Okay,” Ace nodded.
Mac said, “Come, we'll lead you out of the alleys.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 3
Chapter 3
Ace and Glade had ten from their convoy with them.
They were in front of the pub they'd visited the previous night.
Teryl and Mac met up with them.
“This way,” Teryl said.
Through the streets. Merchants hollering about their wares.
The group entered an alley. It branched off into many more alleyways.
“This is us,” Teryl said, coming to a door.
Chapter 4
The interior was cluttered; the curtains were shut.
“Come in,” Mac said.
Several others were sitting around a table.
“Sit down with us,” said Teryl.
They found seats for most of the Tranquilians.
“We’re Spiriters,” Teryl said. “There are more hiding elsewhere.”
“You want to take the masks to stop the mask experiments?” Ace asked.
“Indeed we do. And we'll be attempting to do so soon.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 3
Chapter 1
Ace, Glade, and a few others from the convoy left the pub with the two musicians.
They walked through the busy lit up streets.
Sounds of merriment and music enveloped their surroundings.
“I'm Teryl,” one of the musicians said. “This is Mac.”
“Nice to meet you,” Glade said.
“What do you know about the masks?” Teryl asked.
Glade said, “They're ancient; thousands of years old. Their origins are unknown. They have very strong and mysterious supernatural powers. They've been safeguarded by Spirit Island for a long time.”
“Yes,” Teryl said. “Their powers are unpredictable.”
“Why don't citizens of Spirit Island mind the government overthrow?” Ace asked.
Teryl responded, “They want Spirit Island to become more powerful by way of the mask experiments. They're intrigued by the masks.”
Chapter 2
Teryl said, “Tarver claims that the Spiriters were let go. However, most of the Spiriters are imprisoned. Some Spiriters weren't captured and are in hiding.”
“They want the others Spiriters released?”
“Yes. And they want to rid the masks from the mask museum. We can tell you more. We can meet tomorrow.”
“Sure,” Ace said. “Let's meet in front of that pub tomorrow, at noon?”
“See you then,” Teryl said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 2
Chapter 11
“I'll go get another round of drinks,” Glade said.
He stood from the table and edged his way to the bar.
The bartenders were busy serving a horde of customers.
Glade waited and looked around.
Next to him sitting in stools were two musician-looking types having what appeared to be an intense conversation.
Glade began to listen.
Chapter 12
“The mask experiments could unleash immense havoc. Yet no one on Spirit Island or in other nations will do anything,” one said.
“Best drink up. We won't have to wait long until our doom,” the other said.
Glade joined the conversation, “I've heard that mask experiments could be highly dangerous. I'm with you. I'm shocked that it sounds like mask experiments will be happening.”
“Who are you?” One asked, seemingly perturbed.
“Glade. I'm an assistant to a diplomat. I'm from Tranquil.”
One of them made a perplexed face then one of understanding.
He said to Glade, “Want to go for a walk? We can talk about this more.”
“Sure,” Glade said. “I'll go get a few of my companions to join us.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 2
Chapter 9
Ace and his convoy left the tent.
They strolled around.
They passed a pub with the sound of uproar.
Ace and the others entered.
Chapter 10
There were enough tables and barstools for Ace and company.
The uproar was lively conversation and laughter.
After they had a few drinks a band began to play.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 2
Chapter 7
It was a hot summer day.
Music resonated through the streets. Instruments and singing of many varieties.
Tarver entered a tent.
He and his company went to tables on a stage. Ace and his convoy followed them.
Chapter 8
They ate and drank.
Tarver said little though seemed to be in a good mood.
After a couple of hours the feast was turning into a party.
“Stay and drink here if you want, Ace,” Tarver said. “Or enjoy the festivities elsewhere. Please visit me at the castle before you leave Keyton.”
“Alright,” Ace said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 2
Chapter 5
“Diplomat of Tranquil, welcome,” the leader said. “What is your name?”
“Ace Bardon, sir.”
“Ace Bardon. I am Tarver Williams. It's a pleasure to meet you.”
“It's a pleasure, sir.”
“So you heard about the government replacement. We the new administration are known as the Maskers. The previous government, the Spiriters, were beginning to lose their minds and become corrupt. As you've likely witnessed the people are very happy with our order. The Spiriters are content with having stepped down.
“We have a festival beginning tomorrow. Will you and your companions stay and enjoy the festivities with us?”
Ace said, “Yes, we'll partake in the festival.”
“Thank you, Ace. You and your company will be some of our special guests. Please come back tomorrow at three PM. We'll go to a festival feast together.”
Chapter 6
Ace and company met with Tarver at the castle. Tarver and a large group left the castle with Ace and the others.
“We'll go to one of the festival tents downtown,” Tarver said. “There are lots of tents in Keyton during the Mask Festival.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 2
Chapter 3
Through lobbies and corridors.
The castle was decorated with many masks. Mask sculptures, statues, and paintings met the eyes at every turn.
Guards were innumerable. They didn't take any notice of Ace or the guard leading him.
They approached a set of red doors.
“This is the throne room,” the guard said.
Chapter 4
The guard opened the red doors.
Inside the throne room a velvet blue carpet covered the floor.
There were tens of guards present.
The throne was level with the floor. A middle-aged man wearing an elaborate crown was sitting in it. He had neck-length brown hair.
He eyed Ace as Ace entered.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 2
Chapter 1
The convoy took their carts and horses to get to the castle.
Once there Ace explained to the guards that he was the diplomat of Tranquil.
Ace took out his Tranquil diplomat emblem. The guards recognized it.
“No appointment?” One of the guards asked.
“No, I'm afraid not,” Ace said. “We're coming from the Paradise Diplomat Summit. We were nearby and were told by our leader to come for an audience if granted by the Spirit Island leader.”
“I'll go check. Wait here, diplomat.”
Chapter 2
A half hour passed.
A guard came out of the castle's big front doors.
“The leader will see you, diplomat. Leave your companions here.”
Ace nodded.
“Wait around here,” he said to Glade and the others.
Ace went into the castle.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 1
Chapter 11
“Tomorrow we'll go to the castle and request an audience,” Ace said to Glade. “This evening let's wander the streets some. Go to a restaurant.”
“Okay,” Glade said.
Chapter 12
The streets of Keyton were lit up beautifully. The city was dazzling and the nightlife was busy.
In a restaurant near their inn the convoy ate and drank to their delight.
Afterward they wandered a number of blocks.
There didn't seem to be any unrest among the people. Ace expected some unruliness due to the government change.
The convoy returned to their inn and slept.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 1
Chapter 9
The convoy found a stable in the morning. They rented carts and horses.
They loaded into the carts.
After riding out of Peale they followed road signs toward the capital city, Keyton.
The terrain was a mix of flatlands and hills.
The sky was blue and cloudless.
To reach the capital would take days.
Chapter 10
After a substantial trek the convoy reached one of the capital's city gates.
In Keyton street performers and merchants were all over the place.
The buildings were bright colours as in Peale.
Mask statues were plentiful here as well.
The convoy sought out an inn.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 1
Chapter 7
The passengers got off the ship.
The port was bustling with activity.
Colourful statues of masks were scattered around.
Ace hadn't been to Spirit Island before. Glade had been many times.
“Let's find an inn,” Ace said to Glade.
Chapter 8
The city they’d landed in was called Peale.
In the city streets houses were painted a variety of bright colours.
On many street corners were statues of exotic-looking masks.
The convoy came to a large inn.
They went in and rented a handful of rooms.
*
Relaxing in their rented room Ace and Glade were chatting.
Ace said, “Garret wants us to visit the capital. We try to get an audience with the new government, have a look around and then we depart.”
“The capital is a few cities over,” Glade said. “We can go by cart.”
“We'll leave in the morning,” Ace said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 1
Chapter 5
Ace and Glade spoke on one of the decks of the ship.
“This could be a treacherous assignment,” Glade said.
“Government overthrow,” Ace said while in thought.
“The new government wants to use Spirit Island's famous ancient masks for experiments, otherworldly journeys. The previous government warned against this extensively. Using the masks can be very dangerous, apparently. How dangerous we don't know. Does it threaten all nations, we're not sure.”
“We'll tread lightly,” said Ace. “Make allies of the new government. Get some information and get out of there.”
“A bit scary,” Glade murmured.
“They won't want enemies, I doubt. A brief visit then our exit.”
Chapter 6
The voyage was two days.
Spirit Island appeared on the horizon in morningtime.
A few hours passed and the ship was pulling into a port.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 1
Chapter 3
At the port they found a ticket stall.
They approached.
“We need tickets to Spirit Island,” Glade said. “Departing today or tomorrow, preferably.”
The clerk replied, “We have a ship leaving in two hours. How many of you are there?”
“Thirty-seven.”
“We can accommodate that. It is fifty currency per ticket. How are you paying?”
“By card.”
“Alright.”
Chapter 4
Soon the ship was boarding.
It was a sprawling vessel.
Hundreds of folks went aboard.
Some went in the cabins, others stood around on the decks.
The ship pulled out of port.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 2
Part 1
Chapter 1
Ace and his convoy left Paradise City with the carts and horses they had entered with.
They went toward Colel, a coastal town in Gaia. From Colel they would take a ship to Spirit Island. Spirit Island was a huge island but a smaller nation.
The jungleland travel went smoothly.
Chapter 2
The convoy arrived in Colel.
Like Paradise City it was a beautiful and luscious place.
“Let's find the port,” Ace told Glade.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 5
Chapter 3
Ace's convoy was led to a series of dining rooms.
Ace, Glade, and a few others were seated near Pyramid Man and some from his convoy.
After some time Calvin said to Ace, “Some from the war meeting have agreed to hold a speech where they will promise not to propagate or conduct any war.”
“I'm very glad to hear that,” Ace said.
Chapter 4
“Where are you going next, Ace?” Calvin asked.
Ace said, “Our next diplomat assignment is to visit Spirit Island. The small island nation is a longtime ally of Tranquil's. Their government is going through changes, or a replacement or something. My convoy and I are going to see how things are there and to offer any support.”
Pyramid Man said, “I wish you luck with that.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 5
Chapter 1
They returned to Paradise City and then to the palace.
“Stay in the palace for a night or two; Ace and company. We're extending the summit for an extra few days. I'm hoping to convince some from the war meeting to do a speech to denounce any war plans or war talk.
“The news will probably have begun reporting on the war meeting. Tomorrow I'll meet with some from the war meeting.”
Chapter 2
The next day came.
Palace guards delivered Ace and company breakfast.
“Pyramid Man wants to meet with you this evening while dining. We will summon you and your company then.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 4
Chapter 11
Calvin's group pushed further into the conference hall.
Stun-energy was flying in all directions. Some were behind the cover of pillars.
Most of the meeting folk had been stunned.
A large group of lodge security arrived, shouting and pointing their stun-guns.
“What is going on here?” One yelled.
Chapter 12
The meeting folk had been subdued.
Calvin pulled down his hood and went to the security.
“This meeting was for planning and propagating war,” Calvin said. “This goes against the no-war pact. We got wind of this and came to break the meeting up. And to dispel any notions of war. News has been informed of this war meeting.”
“Are you done?” A member of the security asked.
“We are. We'll take our stunned and leave you to clean up this mess.”
The group, carrying its stunned with them, shuffled out of the conference room.
They left the lodge and made their way back to their carts.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 4
Chapter 9
In the conference room all eyes were on the entrance doors.
All in attendance of the meeting had stun-guns out and pointed at the doors.
Calvin began speaking loudly right away, “Diplomats and others, the no-war pact must be honoured. News is in the process of being informed of this war-meeting. Disband this meeting and any notions of war.”
The firing began.
Chapter 10
The meeting folk were outnumbered but Calvin's group had to get in the hall through the doors.
Many in the group were quickly falling to the meeting folk.
Some of Calvin’s guards had stun-bombs. Once some of these were lobbed at the meeting folk the tide of the battle began to shift.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 4
Chapter 7
The lodge was called Surfer's Lodge. It was a huge place and near a lake.
The group was close; they got out of their carts and left them.
Calvin checked his watch.
He said, “Three PM. Let's wait an hour before we go in.”
“Where is the meeting taking place?” Glade asked.
“In one of the lodge’s conference halls.”
“How do we get in?”
“We say we were invited to the meeting. If there's a lot of strife we take out our stun-guns.”
Chapter 8
Four PM rolled around.
Calvin knew the way to the conference halls so he led them.
In a corridor in one of the lodge's wings were three sets of sizable double doors. Each led to different conference halls.
There was a dozen or so figures standing guard.
“We're here for the diplomat meeting,” Calvin said.
“All attendees are already inside. I must turn you away.”
One of the figures went into a door that was marked: ‘Conference Hall 2’.
Members of the group pulled their stun-guns.
Stun-energy struck the dozen or so figures. They fell to the floor.
“Let's go in,” Calvin said.
The group opened the door to conference room two.
All of them had their stun-guns out as they walked in.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 4
Chapter 5
Calvin returned. He didn't have his hat on. He was wearing a cloak with the hood up as a disguise.
“Guards are waiting at the palace entrance,” he said. “I am bringing thirty extra guards. Those along with our convoys should keep us secure. The meeting supposedly takes place at four PM. I know roughly where they will be. Let's leave the city now and go toward the lodge.”
Chapter 6
With the two convoys and extra guards the group had roughly one hundred people.
They left in carts that Calvin had arranged for.
The group made their way out of Paradise City.
On the jungle roads the cart drivers navigated toward the lodge.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 4
Chapter 3
Ace and the convoy skipped Pyramid Man's speech.
They relaxed in their rooms.
*
Two days passed.
A knock came at Ace's door.
Paradise City guards.
One of the guards said, “Pyramid Man wishes to see you, Ace Bardon and company. He said it is urgent. We will escort you to the palace.”
Ace and the convoy readied themselves and left with several guards.
Chapter 4
It was turning from morning to afternoon.
They reached the palace and climbed the steps.
In the throne room Pyramid Man was down from his throne, pacing.
“Ace, good to see you. We have a bit of trouble. I announced that Tranquil is joining the coalition. No problems. But this morning I got word of a secret diplomat meeting soon to take place outside of the city. In jungleland at a nearby lodge. It is a war meeting I was told. War being plotted against Tranquil. And who knows who else.”
Ace was dumbfounded.
“What are we to do,” he stammered.
“Simple, Ace,” Calvin said. “We go there with our convoys and guards and have the meeting outed. After that we go to the news of this war-plot. We strengthen our alliances and decide how to deal with these war nations.”
“Quite a plan,” Ace said.
“A smart one. I'll get more guards from the palace. Wait here.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 4
Chapter 1
A day later Ace got a new message from Garret.
‘Join Tranquil to the coalition. We likely will still sell plain stunite but maybe not in huge quantities. Collect stunite orders and say that we will see what we can do. Assure the diplomats that there is plain stunite for all but who knows what amount. Let me know how things are going daily.’
Ace said to Glade, “Let's have the convoy get ready and go to the palace.”
Chapter 2
At the palace they were invited into the throne room.
“Ace and company,” Pyramid Man called.
Ace said, “Our leader has decided that Tranquil will be joining the pro-stunite-medicine coalition. We will still be selling plain stunite but we're not sure how much.”
“Well I'm glad Tranquil will be joining. I'm giving a speech at the summit tonight. I'll announce this news. Come if you wish.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 3
Chapter 7
At the grand temple Calvin said, “My convoy and I are returning to the palace. I'll increase security at and around the temple. Come and let me know if Tranquil will be joining the coalition. I hope Tranquil joins. Come by any time. Have a good day, Ace and company.”
“You as well,” Ace said.
The Tranquil convoy returned to their rooms.
Chapter 8
Ace had received a message from Tranquil's leader, Garret Save.
‘Ace, send me an update on summit going-ons right away.’
Ace prepared a reply, ‘Sir, nations are still interested in buying plain stunite for stun-weapons. Pyramid Man is advocating for stunite only to be traded as medicine worldwide. He calls it the pro-stunite-medicine coalition. So far it sounds like Gaia and Weregoyle are the first two countries in the coalition. Pyramid Man asked if Tranquil will join the coalition. I can't recommend joining as some nations are fervant to get some of our plain stunite.’
‘Tensions are still high. We'll keep our eyes on things and I'll continue to update you.’
‘Ace Bardon’.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 3
Chapter 5
Calvin led them to an inn near the grand temple.
He said, “Aero, the Weregoyle diplomat, is staying here with his team. Let's go find him.”
Calvin asked for Aero at the front desk.
The clerk called Aero's room.
“Sir, Pyramid Man and others have arrived.”
After listening for a moment the clerk hung up the phone.
“I'll lead you to his room.”
Chapter 6
Aero's acquaintances were in his room with him.
Some members from the two convoys entered.
Aero had silver hair and a big smile, “Calvin, lovely to see you.”
“It's good to see you, Aero. Thanks for meeting. With me is Tranquil diplomat Ace and company.”
“What do you have in mind, Calvin?” Aero asked.
“A coalition to try to make stunite trade solely for medicines. All nations have lots of stun-weapons. This coalition could be key to preventing wars in the future. Will Weregoyle join? I'm in the midst of recruiting many nations into the coalition.”
“Count us in, of course. Let us know any way we can assist. We're happy to support and be a member of this coalition.”
“Thanks, Aero. I'll let you know how things progress.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 3
Chapter 3
A ruckus could be heard in the street ahead.
A huge crowd was bearing toward the two convoys. Many in the crowd were armed- some with stun-guns, some with tools.
“It's a mob,” Calvin said.
The crowd pointed at Ace and the Tranquil convoy, glaring. Shouting grew louder.
“War-mongers,” one from the mob screamed.
The mob advanced on Ace's convoy, taking aim and raising their tools.
Chapter 4
The two convoys drew their stun-guns.
Stun-energy began flying in both directions.
The mob began to fall to the stun-energy.
The two convoys completely stunned the mob.
Some in the two convoys had been stunned.
Guards appeared.
“Confine the members of this mob for a day,” Calvin said. “Take our stunned to the infirmary.”
Those on the two convoys who could continue went on their way to meet with the Weregoyle diplomat.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 3
Chapter 1
The Tranquil convoy made their way back to the palace, entering the throne room.
They met with Pyramid Man at noon.
“Ace and company,” Calvin said. “I'll come down and talk with you.”
Calvin strode down the steps to his throne.
“I met with diplomats. Many are still interested in buying stunite for weaponry.”
“Ah,” said Ace.
“I've got another meeting shortly. With a diplomat from the nation Weregoyle. I want you to come with me. Weregoyle is very anti-war as well. I suggest we make a pro-medicine-stunite coalition. Get our message out. Tranquil can also be in the coalition. What do you think?”
Ace thought it over.
He said, “We'll come to the meeting. I'll need to ask our leader about joining the coalition.”
“No problem. Let's go.”
Chapter 2
Calvin and his convoy joined Ace's.
They walked the roads with Calvin leading.
“It's not far from here,” Calvin said.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 2
Chapter 9
The convoy returned to the grand temple.
In the hall with their rooms were men in suits lingering about.
The convoy made their way into their rooms.
Glade was in the same room as Ace.
“More suits hoping to capture you, Ace?”
“Perhaps. Let's avoid any speeches and talk to Pyramid Man the day after tomorrow.”
Chapter 10
Meals were delivered to their rooms.
The men in suits had dissipated.
The leader of Tranquil had yet to respond electronically.
Ace and the convoy were uneasy with all the tension about.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 2
Chapter 7
The Tranquil convoy were back in their rooms.
Ace had sent electronic messages to the leader of Tranquil, Garret Save.
‘Rumblings of war being declared on Tranquil due to stunite only being traded as medicine. I met with diplomats and offered to trade some plain stunite, potentially for stun weaponry.’
‘We met with Paradise City leader Pyramid Man. He is against more stun weaponry being made.’
‘He did a speech at the summit. He urged nations to only use stunite for medicines. He semi-painted Tranquil as a burgeoning war-monger.’
‘We are meeting with Pyramid Man again tomorrow. Tensions are high but nothing to worry about, I don't think.’
‘Ace Bardon’.
Chapter 8
Ace's convoy were at the palace the next day at noon.
“Welcome, Ace and company,” Pyramid Man said from his throne. “I apologize for the tone of my speech yesterday. I wanted to shock potential stun-weaponry buyers. Tranquil doesn't want to sell stunite for weapons. I'm sorry I implied that your nation wishes to be a war-monger.”
Ace said, “I was surprised to hear this.”
“War talk, stun-weaponry deals. These are becoming troubling times. I’m going to ask some diplomats to see if their nations are still interested in buying stunite for weaponry. There is a week left in the summit. I'm scheduled to give several more speeches.
“Ace, let’s work together to try to put an end to this talk of trade for more stun-weapons. We'll meet again the day after tomorrow at the same time.
“I'll tell you everything we've found out. If Tranquil wishes to sell plain stunite that is their choice. But please work with me to deter all of this.”
“Alright, we'll talk again the day after tomorrow. I appreciate your candor, Pyramid Man.”
“Call me Calvin. We'll put an end to this nonsense, I believe.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 2
Chapter 5
The next evening.
Ace Bardon, Glade, and members of the convoy entered the speech hall.
Thousands of seats surrounded a lit up stage.
The convoy was right on time.
Pyramid Man stood on the stage.
Ace and company sat.
The hall lights dimmed.
Chapter 6
Pyramid Man picked up a microphone from a table. Speaking into it his voice filled the hall.
“Hello diplomats and attendees. I'm happy to be speaking at another Paradise Diplomats’ Summit. I hope we all find ourselves well.
“Some troubling news has reached my ears. Tranquil has plans to open their stunite trade beyond stunite medicines. All nations have plenty of stun-weapons.
“Tranquil wants to profit off production of weapons and spur on wars on this planet. Before they were diligent in only supplying stunite in the form of stunite medicines.
“Now Tranquil wants to be the planet's war-monger.
“I urge all nations not to buy any of their stunite for weaponry. We must stand with the international no-war pact.”
Ace and company watched with some bewilderment.
Pyramid Man went on for another twenty minutes, the topic unchanging.
Ace and the others in his convoy slipped out as soon as the speech ended.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 2
Chapter 3
“What brings you here, Ace Bardon?” Pyramid Man.
Ace responded, “Tranquil is opening up stunite trade beyond medicines. Demand for non-medical stunite is becoming too much to ignore. If Gaia or Paradise City is interested in buying plain stunite we will sell it to you.”
Pyramid Man tilted his head before saying, “Stunite medicines are crucial worldwide. Now Tranquil wants those resources allocated for stun-weaponry? Unwise.”
“I agree with you,” Ace said. “Unfortunately we must open this trade option because relationships with our allies is becoming very tense.”
Chapter 4
Pyramid Man said, “It will be unfortunate when we need more stunite medicine but instead we'll have stun-weapons lying around. Tranquil has a lot of stunite but that will dwindle. This is unfortunate news.”
“We must protect ourselves,” said Ace. “With tensions as high as they are some are anticipating war being declared on Tranquil.”
Pyramid Man pondered.
Then he said, “I have a speech at the grand temple tomorrow evening. As part of the diplomat summit. I will express to those present that we must avoid making more stun-weapons. I will advocate against more stun-weapons and point out that all countries must continue on with the no-war pact.
“The next day come and visit me again at noon. We will talk more about this. Alright?”
Ace agreed.
The Tranquil convoy turned and began to leave.
“Oh, Ace. Come see the speech please.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 2
Chapter 1
The next day Ace had a meeting with Paradise City's leader, someone who went by the title ‘Pyramid Man’.
Glade and some of the warriors in his convoy accompanied Ace.
They went to the palace, an hour's walk from the grand temple.
“Paradise City and its nation Gaia is a holy land. They are very anti-war. Let's try to make them our close ally,” Glade had advised.
Chapter 2
They entered the throne room.
A row of guards and a row of priests.
The throne was perched high up.
“Hello there,” Pyramid Man, sitting in his throne, greeted them.
He wore a large hat.
He went on, “You're the diplomat of Tranquil, Ace Bardon and company. It's good to see you.”
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 1
Chapter 9
Glade poured drinks.
He took one to his boss, who was now back in his usual form.
“What other trouble will befall us in Paradise City,” Glade said. “We have serious problems, Ace. War being talked about. Unless we start handing over stunite for weaponry purposes.”
“You know Tranquil uses its ample stunite for medicines, where it is truly needed. There hasn't been a war in a century. Why should we pour our stunite into weaponry like fools.” Ace paused. “We have to think of a way to stop war being declared on us.”
“Start handing out stunite for weaponry?”
“Something else.”
Chapter 10
The next day Ace skipped summit speeches.
He asked Glade to arrange private meetings with other attending diplomats.
That evening Glade told Ace that he had several meetings the following day.
*
At the diplomat meetings Ace said that Tranquil would be opening stunite trade beyond stunite medicines.
He said they would be exporting a lot of stunite to any country that ordered it.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 1
Chapter 7
Ace and Glade found the hall with the rooms his convoy was staying in.
A group of ten or more were milling about. They weren't of Ace's convoy.
Ace sensed trouble as the pair got to one of the rooms’ doors.
The group approached with haste.
Chapter 8
“Hey, Ace, you need to come with us. Someone wants to see you.”
When Ace looked over from the door he looked like someone else. Instead of his usual short black hair he had long blue hair. His brown eyes now glowed blue.
Ace drew his stun-gun and struck them all with stun energy in seconds.
Glade unlocked the door.
They went in.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright Alex Pugh 2025
Section 1
Part 1
Chapter 4
In the temple.
An employee greeted Ace and his convoy.
“I'll show you to your rooms. Then you can explore the temple freely.”
Chapter 5
Ace and Glade wandered through corridors.
Banners, paintings, and sculptures were some of the decor along the way.
They passed by a room; they were able to hear arguing from inside. The door was ajar.
“Bannon, we will have that stunite for our purposes no matter what.”
Ace's and Glade's ears perked up. They slowed to a stop.
The voice went on, “If Tranquil wants to hold up all stun-weapons production we will take them over by whatever means.
“And soon.”
The talking came to an abrupt stop.
Ace and Glade hurried away.
Chapter 6
They arrived at one of the temple's lounges.
Finding some from their convoy they sat with them.
After several drinks Ace and Glade decided they would go to their rooms and talk business.
Ace Bardon, diplomat for the country of Tranquil, rose from his seat and left the lounge with Glade.
Ace
By: Alex Pugh
Copyright 2025 Alex Pugh
Section 1
Part 1
Chapter 1
A jungle trail.
A procession of carts, horses pulling them.
Ace Bardon was on his way to a diplomats' summit. In a jungle city called Paradise City.
Ace's convoy was close to the city.
Chapter 2
Paradise City was a vibrant place with vines and gardens all over.
Ace's convoy entered the city.
The grand temple that the summit was being held at was at the center of the city.
The convoy stabled their horses, left their carts, and walked for the grand temple.
Chapter 3
Ace's assistant, Glade, was a fish-man. Fish-people were common in Tranquil, Ace’s home country.
Glade walked a step ahead of Ace. The others in the convoy followed the diplomat.
Warm summer weather with a breeze.
They went up a large stairwell and into the golden temple.
