Chapter 34: In the House of Kharn Sagara

Returned to his refurbished suite, Hadrian questions Yume about seeing Kharn Sagara again and is told the master will speak in his own time. Granted limited freedom, Hadrian cleans up and begins exploring the stark, ancient installation.

He wanders through deserted corridors and opulent side rooms, noting Kharn’s extensive collection of military artifacts and art. Following a metallic sound, he discovers a warm, sunlit atrium: the Orchid Stair, a descending spiral of terraced gardens alive with birds and tiny drone “bees,” carved into the living rock far below the surface.

At the base, a tunnel leads to a sculpted metal door showing a tree and twin serpents biting a kneeling man. A holographic lock denies him access. As Hadrian turns back, Yume appears, citing his meal, and identifies the place as the vestibule to the Garden, maintained “for the children.” Hadrian infers the Undying rear human vessels here for eventual body-transfer, and Yume confirms they are still far above the subterranean sea, implying more depths below.

Led back to his quarters, Hadrian eats, drinks wine, and listens to a historical text while contemplating a painting that momentarily stills his anxieties. His reverie ends when soft arms suddenly wrap around his neck from behind, interrupting his isolation.