~~YARN DARNS A STORY~~

  As our story winds itself to the beginning of the end, it may be time to let you in on a little secret; more of a covenant perhaps, a promise, a pledge. Since most enlightened aliens are not as enlightened as they would have us all believe, the Fester Tails are placed into the category of mythical beings. Not much is known about the species that disbands bullies and endeavors to save Klesia.

  Oh, but we know the truth. The Fester Tails are real, a fact made evident by the tribe currently residing on my SpacePod. What character trait is present in Mr. Hulla Baloo, do you think, that makes him volunteer to shrink to oblivion? The Klesians have the Order of the Compassionate Citizens of the Universe, the CCU. The earthlings have several commandments that they preach about. But what makes a Fester Tail so darn helpful?

  Well, the Fester Tails don't need a written decree to nudge them toward the right decision. Their history is long and treacherous and unlike many civilizations, Fester Tails pay attention-and their memories are infinite.

  It would take at least ten thousand more words to accurately describe the saga of the Fester Tails, and our story is nearing an end. We have neither the time, nor the paper required to truly delve into past events that shaped their small society.

  Know this: Fester Tails are the selfless helpers of the universe. When a young Fester Tail reaches a certain age, she or he must embark on a journey, a mission of sorts. Similar to Izzy's Goodwill Project, a young Fester must seek out an alien or a planet in need and offer assistance.

  The difference between a Goodwill Project and a Fester's mission is that the Fester Tail youngling must take action or inspire others into action, whereas Izzian is only on earth to observe and learn.

  Of course, we all know by now that our Izzian is in the middle of his own mission of mercy, even though he never sought it out. The Festers seek trouble and destruction and strive to fix it all. They dislike disorder and prefer the universes to run smoothly. It is in their very nature to solve problems.

  So, was it happenstances that brought the little people to my ship or were they on some grand mission to iron out the wrinkles of the universe? You could ask Muriel and Signal Minor, but I doubt they'd answer. I've found that the smaller beings are rather secretive and tightlipped about their plans; a trait shared by old Yarn. They just do what they do and the rest of us follow.

  Even though we all may be simply playing a part in the play written by the Fester Tail people, our actions are our own. Do you think my ship of fools, I mean aliens, will allow Mr. Baloo to possibly shrink so much he might vanish entirely? Or will we all behave like Compassionate Citizens of the Universe and urge the little man not to reprogram the telescope?

  I for one am utterly inspired by Hulla Baloo's offer, but I have my suspicions that the tribe of little people is not stupid when it comes to psychology. If you ever happen to run into a batch of Festers, you'd be wise to assume they know more than they are letting on- a recurring theme in the saga of the Fester Tails it seems.

  ***

  CHAPTER 34

 
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