The Deaths of Tao Read Online Free PDF

consider it humans for their advanced cognitive thought. I believe that a weakness as free will is a redundant ability in vessels.  
    Truth is, the Tyrannosaurus rex and their theropod cousins were the greatest land reptiles to ever walk the earth, and they were also the greatest vessel for one sole reason: there was no other creature on this planet blessed with such a harmonious combination of ferocity and feeblemindedness.  
    Our true Golden Age on Earth was during those millions of years when we ruled through the giant lizards that walked the planet. They did not aid in getting us home, but for that period of time, we were all kings.  
    Zoras
     
    Devin Watson was having a bad day. An hour ago he was meeting with Prime Minister Wen and Admiral Wu in Beijing for a private lunch, discussing the placement of the South Sea Fleet and the recent military action off the coast of Taiwan. Then he suffered a heart attack and was now lying in a very uncomfortable bed surrounded by a team of doctors at the 301 Military Hospital. The prognosis was not good; he was dying.
    “We can circumvent the transplant list and get you a heart immediately,” one of the doctors was saying. “One can be delivered within two hours. We will need to prepare you for surgery right away. You will not last the night without the procedure.”
    Devin grabbed the doctor by the sleeve and pulled him close. “How long before I can get out of this bloody room?” he said in between labored breaths. “My work is too important to leave unattended. What are my odds of a full recovery?”
    The delay is unacceptable.  
    The doctor hesitated. “Sir, this is your third heart attack in five years. At your age, it will be several months before you can leave the hospital. You may never fully recover.”
    “I am sorry for my state, Zoras.”
    You have been a devout vessel, Devin. However, your frail body betrays us. Your time is at an end. Call the Adonis Vessel.  
    “We are nearing a critical stage. A transition would surely put the plan at risk.”
    I have spoken. Initiate the transfer protocol.  
    “As you wish, my Guardian.”
    That could only mean one thing. Devin looked down at his broken body and grimaced. He had hoped to hold up a few more years. The ProGenesis project was his conception after all. It would have been glorious to see it through.
    Devin waved the doctors aside and beckoned his aide Amanda. “Get me a glass of Pappy’s bourbon, neat, and a Habanos Cuban cigar.” The team of physicians protested, telling him it wasn’t advisable in his current state. One even had the audacity to remind him that this was a hospital and that smoking wasn’t allowed. Devin zeroed in on the fool and spoke in clear Mandarin. “If I had a gun right now, I’d shoot you. Now, all of you, get out!”
    The two guards standing in the room drew their pistols. The doctors fled, stumbling over each other in their haste to get out of the room. When he was finally alone with Amanda and the guards, he began to issue orders in rapid succession. “Have all departments prepare a full status report. Call Palos and have his team prepared for vessel transfer. Recall Enzo from the Hatchery and send him to Qingdao. We leave after I finish my drink.”
    Amanda bowed and left the room. A few minutes later, she returned carrying a silver plate with a cigar, a glass of golden brown liquid, a pill, and a Shilin knife. Palos, head of Devin’s security detail, was with her. Devin stared thoughtfully at the silver plate as she placed it on his lap. These were his last rites and he was wearing a gown. It wasn’t how he thought his life would end. But then, Devin never thought he’d die a natural death. Well, as natural as someone in his position was ever going to have.
    He motioned them all to be quiet as he caressed the cigar, first sniffing it, then cutting the ends, and lighting it. He took a generous puff and exhaled with pleasure. It had been two years since he had last