A couple of hours later, Bren would be fixing up his concoctions in the Gamma’s apartment. He was truly challenged in following Ma’Heron’s request for a specific type of brew with a particular kind of effect and personalized for the Gamma’s use tonight.

Meanwhile, M had decided to take a shower; and then began to meditate in one corner of his living room, which sported a small bamboo mat, a few votive candles, and some lighted incense sticks in a glass holder.

Somehow, the short silk robe that he still chose to wear made him all the more sage-like, as he sat cross-legged with his eyes closed on the mat....