The tiny red digital timer counted down the last ten seconds before the safeties were disengaged and the Compactinator began crushing, pulverizing, and incenerating all of the Techno-Convents solid waste. Minda gave a last struggle against her bonds but they, like her hot body, were just too tight. A roaring claxon began sounding at seven. A red flashing light began flooding the compartment at five. A harsh mechanical voice counted down from three. A moment later there was a deafening roar. Was this death? Would the great Technogoddess come now to taker her to HiDef Paradise now? Her eyes still squeezing she felt a cool breeze on her skin. She opened her eyes and saw brilliant blue sky, then the outline of a ruggedly well formed man in an oversized riding coat wearing a broad rimmed hat against that too bright sky. She looked around and something had blown the back end off of the Compactinator, its refuse and rubble spilling out onto a cracked back lot. She had been saved.

Minda touched the gleaming green leaf and quickly withdrew her hand.

"Grimm! This leaf is real. Its a living plant!" she exclaimed.

Draven bent closer to the bright orange flower, inspecting its firy petals. "Hmm... The whole thing is alive! Why, everything in this garden is alive. Have you ever seen anything so off the hook, Grimm?"

"Oh... I'd say that I have. Look at this... it's to the limit."

-- Tome 3