Far above Henry's world, the silver strand reached up through the pure black of space.   

Inside it, seven messengers stopped halfway between Earth and a bright, perfect star.   When an opening in the strand appeared, strips of light cascaded along its smooth surface, like silver flowers unfurling from a shimmering vine. A silver-red strip opened in the light, followed by a silver-orange one.   Then yellow, blue, green, and indigo light strips, all with the same unusual silvery glow, spiraled outward. Violet light remained inside the strand, casting a soft purple hue over everything.

The six colors flowed from the strand, creating shining pools.  They glistened vibrantly in the dark sky, illuminating the darkness, then assumed human shapes, brightly colored and ringed in pure silver.  Against the strand, the messengers' light formed an active, pulsating rainbow. 

"Why are we stopping?" asked Orange.

"The Star Contingent contacted me," answered Red, "They said we should stop here and rest.”

"I'm not tired," said Yellow, though he looked very pale, "Saving children is quite invigorating, actually."

"True," answered Red, "But perhaps a fight like the one we've just had is more tiring than we think.  Let's take this time to rest.  We are to have a visitor." 

“Who?” asked Orange.

“I’m not sure,” replied Red, “But don’t worry, any of you.  Everything will be fine.  Look at Blue,” he added with a smile, “She isn’t worried.”

Blue had curled up around the strand and had fallen asleep.

Green covered her tenderly with a white blanket and secured her to the strand.

"Perhaps I am a little tired," Yellow admitted, looking at the blanket longingly, "I've never worked a lightning bolt before."  

"We were meaning to ask you about that," chuckled Red, "The breeze itself was enough to transport Henry to safety.  Why did you feel you had to split the tree in half and set it on fire?"

"I had to be sure Henry was safe," answered Yellow, sounding a little hurt. 

"So that was it," replied Red, "Perhaps you were wise then. At least the tree is no longer a hazard to anyone."

Yellow nodded happily.  He was relieved no one mentioned he'd almost set fire to the whole forest.  

"I wish we could get rid of those Creatures for good," he said, changing the subject, "Why are they so intent on following Henry, anyway?"

"We don't know," said Red, "It's unusual to see them focused on one so young."

"Perhaps Henry is a prophet," observed Orange.

"What do you mean?" asked Yellow, who was new to the strand.

"Some humans are destined to speak great wisdom to their people," answered the very dark blue messenger known as Indigo, "He may be one of those. A prophet  will always attract creatures' attention."

“Anything that brings peace and harmony to the world attracts their attention,” agreed Red sadly.

The messengers were silent for a moment, gazing down at Earth with tenderness. From space it looked so beautiful yet vulnerable, tiny, full of life, gleaming in the cold, silent darkness.

"Henry is very young," said Yellow, "Only ten years old.  Can a child really have such importance on Earth?"

"Of course," said Orange, "There are many extraordinary children there."

"He has a strong and courageous heart," began Yellow, "But  . .  ."

"Yes?"

"I don't want to sound unkind, "Yellow whispered, "But from what I've seen, Henry is really quite an average sort of boy.  Really quite ordinary."

"In some ways, perhaps.  But often those who seem the most ordinary," smiled Red, "are those destined for greatness."

"Ordinary or not, one thing is clear," Orange said, "Those creatures were trying to hurt him tonight."

“Poor Henry!” cried Yellow.

Red nodded.  "Those with great destinies also have great challenges," he said, "But Henry will manage.  He has already been strengthened through sorrow.  He has no parents, no sisters or brothers.  Only his uncle."

"His losses have made him strong," agreed Orange, "That is how the best of humans are."

"It is proof of his courage.  Loss makes a brave spirit stronger," continued Red, "But can destroy the frightened and weak."

Orange looked down at the Earth again.

"Green, your cloud is magnificent.  It completely stopped the fire," she observed, "In fact, it's still raining."

Green winked.

"He’s keeping it there," explained Indigo with a grin, "So Henry won't have to water his uncle's plants tonight."

Green nodded enthusiastically.

"Such creative thoughts from you all today," said Red, looking at them kindly, "But, Yellow, perhaps you should return to the strand.  You do look very tired."

"Couldn’t I stay?" cried Yellow, "I like it out here.  We don't stop outside the strand nearly enough. It is always rushing up from the Earth to the star and back down again.  Up and down.  Rushing and more rushing.  Just taking a break to enjoy the peace is nice for a change."

Red nodded.  He understood.

Orange looked down at the Earth.  "Henry has reached the house, but his uncle is not there."

"Orange," called a rich, deep voice from inside the strand.    It was The Violet.  "I suggest you check the Omnoculars now."

Orange cupped a silvery-orange hand to her forehead.  Into her palm, a complicated-looking object materialized. It looked like six pairs of binoculars stacked on top of one another.   
It was no ordinary set of binoculars, however; but a special viewing device called Omnoculars.  The messengers' own vision was sharp enough for them to see every spot on Earth, but Omnoculars allowed them to observe much more than that.  Omnoculars could be used for deeper levels of observation. With them, messengers could see through things, around them and inside them.  
More importantly, the Omnoculars allowed them to see into people’s thoughts, to understand their ideas and even sometimes to glimpse into their future.   The six pairs of lenses on the Omnoculars were all very different, allowing Henry’s messengers to gather information about his life and safety at any moment. 

"Lens 1: Light & Darkness readings," began Orange, "I see an area of darkness around Henry.  Very high."

She looked through the second set of lenses.

"Lens 2: Visible & Invisible Danger Readings," continued Orange, "Both high."

She shot Red a look of concern.

He stared back at her, puzzled.  "It's odd that the Contingent called us away from him," he said, "With Henry’s Darkness and Danger readings so elevated, it seems as though he would still need us close."

Orange looked into the third set of lenses.

"Here's the answer," she said simply, "Lens 3: The Right & Necessary Readings.  Very high."  

"So, whatever is to happen today is right and necessary for Henry's life. It must be," stated Red, his voice faltering a little, "I have seen these readings before; they can foretell terrible disasters, accidents, even death."

"Now, hold on!" objected Yellow, "I was told that yellow messengers received warning well in advance if their human was to die!" 

Indigo shook her head. "None of this makes any sense to me."

Orange's eyes traveled down to the fourth lens. She gasped, "Oh, Red, look at the Alignment lens!"

Omnoculars appeared in Red's hand. The fourth set of lenses, the Alignment lenses, enabled him to see how the lives of others could be affected by Henry's actions.  Red was astonished to see thousands upon thousands of images, more than the Omnoculars could contain.

"So many people!  So many lives!" he exclaimed in wonder, "Henry's life could affect a lot of people."

Intrigued, the other messengers pulled out their Omnoculars, too.

"What could be happening down there?" said Yellow, who wasn't as expert as the others at using Omnoculars, and was holding his upside-down.  "Will he save those people, or harm them?"

No one answered him.  They did not know.
 
"Henry's a fine person; his influence will most likely be positive," Indigo reassured him.

“I bet that’s why the Star Contingent is coming to see us,” said Orange.

“It certainly seems likely,” answered Red.

“Who would have thought Henry could be so important?” breathed Yellow.

 "Lens 5:  Knowledge and Supplies lens," Orange continued, "He's low.  Red, I’m concerned.  Whatever the trouble will be, Henry may not get through it alone."

They checked the sixth set of lenses, the External Force & Help lenses.  "It will be all right," observed Red.  "The External Help reading is high.  There are people ready to assist Henry." 

Blue looked intently at the others.  "Whatever happens," she said, "Can be made into something good.  That is always the case when friends are there to help."
 
"His strand has grown strong," said Violet from the strand.

"Hopefully strong enough to make good choices," commented Orange. 

Red nodded, but his gentle face was full of concern. It brightened a little, however, when he looked above him.  Overhead a great shimmering ribbon of silver burst through the atmosphere with such brilliance it illuminated the entire sky. 

"Awaken Blue!" he called, "The Star Contingent has arrived.”

The Star Contingent’s stand rippled elegantly through space and hovered over them.   Its shimmering petals were much longer and brighter than those of Henry's strand, and the strips of light that opened along its surface gleamed white, silver and gold.  As they unfolded they transformed into ten stately and silent messengers. A burst of pure, brilliant violet shone out from the center, glowing vibrantly and scattering purple light over them all.  

The very last light strip to unfold transformed into an unusual looking messenger.  He was tall, and garlands of white leaves and birds were entwined through his golden hair and beard.  His garments were brilliant white, edged by a fluid hem of glimmering lights of gold and silver that gave the effect of ocean waves sparkling at sunset.  The old messenger’s gentle eyes shone more brightly than the light.  Around his neck hung a shining prism.  

He bowed.

"Have you come to speak to us about Henry?" blurted out Yellow immediately.

“Shhhhhh!” scolded Orange, “That’s Spectrum, the head of the Star Contingent.  Show some respect.  Wait for him to speak first.”

“I’m sorry,” apologized Yellow, “I couldn’t help it.”

Spectrum looked at them all very solemnly, “I am here about Henry,” said Spectrum. “Not to reprimand you about almost starting a forest fire, Yellow,” he added with a wink.

Yellow wondered how Spectrum had known what he was thinking, but said nothing.     He was secretly very pleased Spectrum had noticed him.  

The Violet’s voice greeted Spectrum from the strand. “Rest with us,” The Violet said.

Green came forward, pulling a few small portions of clouds from his right sleeve.  He breathed on them gently, molding and pulling the fluffy white pieces to create a large, very comfortable-looking, chair.

Spectrum grinned appreciatively.  “With every year that passes,” he remarked, “I appreciate a good place to sit a little more.”

Green held up his hand, motioning that he was not finished yet. From another small cloud, he created a fluffy white footstool and positioned it before the chair.  He gestured to Spectrum to sit down.

“Quite delightful, Green,” smiled Spectrum.

The old messenger sat down and closed his eyes.  Everyone gathered around him, except Orange, who listened, but also kept watch over Henry and the Earth.  The Violet remained in the strand.

After a few moments Spectrum’s eyes opened.  "I am here to speak with you about Henry.  Your duties are about to change,” he said.

Yellow and Blue both leaned forward in excitement, but Green and Indigo looked worried and Red was sober.  “How are they to change?” asked Red.

“You have, like many messengers before you, watched over your human with great care," began Spectrum.

"Yes,” agreed Red, with a questioning tone in his voice, “We have watched his life on Earth in a spirit of kindness and protection since he was born." 

"Exactly," said the old messenger, beaming, “But if Henry were to die, what do you think would hap --. . . ?”

Yellow rushed to Spectrum’s feet.  “Please tell us that Henry is not about to die!” he cried.

Spectrum leaned forward, placing his hands on Yellow’s shoulders.  

“Be calm, Yellow; Henry will not die today,” he replied.  Spectrum gazed down at the Earth for a long time without saying anything.  

In the distance, a strand glimmered.  

“Tell me, my dear friends, what do you think happens to a person’s strand when they die?” continued Spectrum, “Haven’t you wondered?”

The messengers glanced awkwardly at one another. Most of them had been messengers for thousands of years, and knew strands were returned to the star after a person died.  Even a messenger as young as Yellow knew that.  

The actual moment of death, however, was something very private, between the human and the star.   About that, they knew almost nothing.  When someone died, messengers were always sent to Earth to comfort the person’s loved ones, while the strand was returned to the star in a mysterious, secret process.  That was the way the star wanted it to be. It made no sense for Spectrum to travel so far to talk to them about what they already knew, or to ask them about something so private. 
.
After a long silence, Blue finally spoke.  “From time to time,” she said, gently, “We have all wondered what actually happens to our human’s strand, Spectrum.”

Spectrum got up from the great white chair Green had made and hovered slightly above them.  He lifted the prism up from his neck to the brilliant light of the star. 

“Come, see the mystery,” he said, “Look above you.”

Almost instantly, sparkling bursts of light radiated from the prism and flickered all around them, illuminating silver and gold strands everywhere, to the darkest parts of the universe.  One strand in the distance was particularly flooded with light, and grew increasingly brighter, almost blindingly so.   Soon its light was strong enough that even the Messengers had to look away.  

It seemed it would burst from the sheer intensity of light, but somehow kept increasing in brilliance.  Other strands became filled with its light; each reflecting back to one perfect, bright star that connected them all.  For one moment, the universe was one light; then suddenly the other strands vanished.  A loud snap followed by deep, rumbling sounds echoed through space.  The brilliant, lit-up strand had begun rolling up, one end coming very rapidly down from the star and the other quickly up from the Earth.  

As the messengers watched in amazement, the two ends met violently, colliding in an enormous explosion of light and color.  At first it seemed nothing remained from the explosion, but then from a few wisps of colored smoke, a single, gleaming disk emerged, hurtling toward them at tremendous speed.  As it approached, Yellow jumped to one side to take cover, but the disk slowed down just in time to avoid striking any of them. In a broad, perfect arc, it glided gently above their heads, landing soundlessly at the old messenger's feet.  

"I know you have never seen one of these," said Spectrum, picking up the disk, "But I tell you now, they are the reason for your existence."

As he held the disk out to them; the messengers instantly knew it was something very unique.  Somehow, this beautiful, shining object, no larger than a man’s hand, filled everything around them with warmth, light, and the joyful sensation of peace.

“This is a disk of peace.  Each disk requires one complete strand to make,” explained Spectrum, “and can only be created from a life lived in kindness and love." 

"I feel so positive and hopeful just being near it,” Indigo remarked, "The disk contains such serenity.” 

"Quite true," agreed Spectrum.  "And if you, a messenger, feel this way, imagine its effect on Earth.  For after all, what every human being truly craves is peace.”

“They sure don’t act like it,” said Yellow.

“Oh, but they do,” corrected Spectrum, “Humans do all sorts of terrible things: fight, lie, steal . . . because they think they will bring them peace.  Humans often think revenge will bring them peace, or money.  Again and again they find it does not, but it is hard for them to learn.”

“That’s why they do it?”

 “Yes, but a human who lives in the presence of true peace --- the kind these disks bring --- will never experience pain again, or another negative moment.  Death, sorrow, fear . . . anything that robs the world of joy is destroyed when brought close to a disk like this.  Anyone who lives in its presence will only have one desire: to live forever in peace."

“Those disks should be on Earth now,” said Yellow, boldly, “They certainly need them there.”

“The time is not right, Yellow” answered Spectrum, “ . . . .yet.” He added the last word pointedly.

“Are there many of them in existence?” asked Red.  

“Oh, yes,” answered Spectrum, “And they are all kept by the star.” 

Yellow was fascinated. He stared and stared at the disk.  Spectrum finally held it out for him to hold, but Yellow was afraid he’d drop it, and shook his head.

"Don't worry, Yellow," reassured the old messenger kindly, "You cannot hurt the disk.  It is made to last forever." 

Yellow reluctantly accepted, but passed the disk on to Orange as soon as he could.  One by one, each of the messengers admired the beautiful object, before returning it to Spectrum, who tucked it carefully away in his sleeve.

From inside Henry's strand, the Violet spoke again, "That disk contains an African woman’s life.  Her name was Helen." 

The old messenger nodded.  "Her spirit sleeps now, within the disk, which I will transport to the star.  It is a process that has taken place since life on Earth began.  Someday, at the end of Earth's time, this disk, as well as countless others, will be used to construct a great city of peace."

As he spread his hands out, a faint image appeared above them.   There, traced in stars, a dome appeared, constructed from thousands of glittering disks, arranged in spirals.   Underneath them, a second dome appeared, creating an enormous sparkling ball.   

"The city will be built inside a sphere, constructed from the lives of millions of good people.  When the last disk is in place, every life will be awakened from their disk to dwell in this beautiful world forever."

The messengers gazed at the extraordinary sight while the messenger continued lighting disk after disk with stars.

"The design of the city is very exact," he said, his voice straining with emotion, "For every life well-lived on Earth creates a disk of a specific weight, shape and size.  They fit together perfectly to create the city’s domes.  Should even one person's life be missing, the structure of the city would be flawed.  With even one disk gone, the city would be vulnerable --- an empty space, a hole of a certain shape--- even the slightest flaw could make it collapse."

With that, he abruptly clapped his strong hands together. The stars that created the image of the city crumbled into a heap and vanished.

"A disk could never go missing, though" stated Indigo confidently, "Messengers watch a person's strand every moment and all disks come directly to you!"

Spectrum was silent.  

“Indigo is right, isn’t she, Spectrum?” asked Yellow.

He sighed.  “There are those who do not want to see the City of Peace ever built.  They are jealous and hateful of anyone who will live there because it can never be their home.  Nothing would please them more than to put its structure in jeopardy.” 

Orange looked over her shoulder, listening.  Her eyes narrowed.

“What are you saying, Spectrum?” asked Red.

"It’s time you knew,” stated Spectrum, "A strand has been damaged.  That is why I am here.  A fragment is missing." 

"Missing?" cried Blue, “Actually missing?”

“Yes,” answered Spectrum, “Stolen.  By a creature.”  

“But how could that happen?” cried Indigo, “Earthly things like a book or a cup can be damaged by creatures . . . but creatures cannot touch strands . . . or anything else from the star for that matter.  It is the Way of Things!”

“What the star has told me,” answered Spectrum, “Is that for one moment in time. . . a creature . . . only one . . .  had access to one strand. Somehow this creature was able to borrow a tiny section from a boy.  It was never returned.  Unless that portion is found by its rightful owner, no disk will be made. And small though it may be, if it is missing, the flaw will jeopardize the City of Peace.”

The messengers were quiet.

“Who does the strand belong to?” whispered Yellow.  He so hoped the damaged strand wasn’t Henry’s.

“To someone you are all familiar with.” 

Yellow looked away in despair.   

“Henry’s uncle, Oliver Duncan.”  

Yellow breathed out a huge sigh of relief, but the other messengers were paying very little attention to him.  Instead, they had all turned their attention to Indigo.  She had been part of Oliver’s strand once, and knew Henry’s uncle well.

“An unusual fellow,” said Blue tactfully.

“Very,” agreed Red.

“I kind of like him,” said Yellow.

“You don’t know him,” said Indigo.

 “How could the messengers of Oliver’s strand let this happen?” Yellow asked.

Indigo flinched.  “It was after I left, but I can assure you, Oliver’s messengers are the best.”

Spectrum was quick to respond.  "Yes, they are, Indigo.  Don’t be tempted to blame them, Yellow.  Danger and challenges get the best of all of our humans sometimes.”

Red nodded.  “When did the theft happen?” he inquired.

“Sixty years ago,” answered Spectrum.  

“Sixty years!  Such a long time!” exclaimed Yellow, “And no one has recovered it yet?”

“Not yet.”

 “Has the strand been damaged?” asked Yellow, “Maybe they have destroyed it!”

 “Nothing but the Great Star can affect a strand,” Spectrum reminded him gently, ”The missing fragment is protected, Yellow;  we definitely know that.”

 “Spectrum,” said Indigo, quietly, “If Oliver has to find his own strand, how can we help?  We’re not his messengers.  It is not our place to ---“

“For sixty years his messengers have tried unsuccessfully to help him recover the hidden fragment,” stated Spectrum, “They have requested earthly hands to help them.”

“So it is not our hands, but Henry’s they need?” asked Indigo.

“Henry may succeed where they have failed,” answered Spectrum, “He is our greatest hope,” 

“Amazing!  To think what we’re being asked to do,!” gasped Yellow, “We may be able do what messengers haven’t been able to in sixty years!” he pumped his fist enthusiastically.

“It is Henry’s destiny to try, not yours, Yellow,” corrected Spectrum gently, “But you will help.”

“Yes, of course,” said Yellow, flushing deep gold.

“Henry can succeed.  He has begun to sense his connection to us,” said the voice of The Violet.

“Yes,” added Spectrum, 

“Spectrum, do you know where the missing fragment is?” asked Red.

“I do not,” answered Spectrum, ”Only the star and the creature know the hiding place.”  

“Are his messengers still actively seeking the lost part of Oliver’s strand?" she asked.

"The messengers of Oliver’s strand continue to guide him, but Oliver loves the sound of his own voice too much to hear them much.   He cannot receive any help or wisdom from the star until he does."

"So it will all come down to whether we can get through to Henry, and Henry can get through to his uncle?"

"Yes, and it will be a challenge.  For 60 years," continued the old messenger, "He has lived by himself, thought of himself and only listened to himself."

"But since Henry has come to live with him . . ."

"He loves Henry," said Spectrum, “That will help him.”

"His love for Henry is our hope?" asked Yellow.

"Oh, yes," smiled the old messenger, “Not just for Oliver, but for the whole world.”

"Yes.  We understand.  We saw the images in the Omnoculars," recalled Yellow.

“Henry has a key role in the destiny of all good people of the Earth.  That is what you saw in the Omnoculars."

“How best can we help?” asked Orange.

“The closer he gets to succeeding,” the messenger explained, “The more difficult things will become for him.  Your priority will continue to be to keep Henry safe.  But as he follows in his uncle's footsteps, he will undoubtedly encounter creatures and their helpers.  They no longer have any respect for the Way of Things .  As the uncle’s life is nearing an end, and they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

“We will be on watch at all times,” answered Red.

“Messengers,” called The Violet, “Hurry.  We must return to Earth.  Henry is in need.  Hurry.”

“I wish you peace,” called Spectrum as he raised one arm to bid them farewell.  And with that, a great petal of gold and silver enveloped him into the light of the Star Contingent’s strand.

**************KEY SENTENCE “But has Henry been strengthened enough to be safe?” asked Orange. 

“He is seventy-two years old now, in poor health and as stubborn as ever.  Time is running out.”

But of course it will be hidden in accordance with The Way of Things.”

“What do you mean?” asked Yellow.  Yellow knew about the Way of Things, the universal rules created by the star to protect humans, but he still didn’t completely understand how they worked.  

Spectrum sat Yellow down in the comfortable cloud chair and patiently explained.  According to the Way of Things, the enemies of the City of Peace, known as creatures, were free to trick and trap humans as they pleased, as long as their victim had the knowledge and ability to resist them.  The victim also had to be able to escape.  If a creature violated these rules, the star would allow messengers to directly intervene.  However, if the creature had followed the Way of Things, the messengers had to leave the work up to their human and hope for the best.  Avoiding traps and escaping from them were completely up to the humans, as was dealing with the pain their mistakes inevitably brought.

Yellow thought for a moment .  “So for the star to have allowed the bargain between Oliver and the creature to stand,” he said, “The creature who tricked Oliver must have followed the Way of Things very carefully.” 

Spectrum nodded.   “The deal they made sixty years ago was a trap. According to the Way of Things, Oliver must be able to escape it; and the fragment must be where Oliver can find it.”  

“Could the fragment be anywhere?”

“No, if it were anywhere, he would not have a fair chance of finding it.  We believe it is somewhere on the path of Oliver’s life.”   

"So we’ll need to help Henry retrace the steps of Oliver’s entire life?" asked Blue.

"Perhaps.   But it’s not quite as bad as it could be,” reasoned Spectrum, “His uncle has been fairly reclusive his whole life.  He really hasn't been that many places.  Perhaps less than a few thousand."

"A few thousand!" gasped Yellow, "That still seems like a lot."

"Not when you consider what is at stake.  Think how many lives will be sleeping forever in their disks if you can not find it.”

“True,” answered Yellow. 

“The repair of Oliver’s strand,” added Red, “will restore every human’s chance to live forever in peace.” 

 “That is known as Fair Chance, my friend,” Spectrum said to Yellow, “Every human heart:   pure, spoiled or indifferent, believes in some kind of eternal peace.  The connection to the star puts it there.  No matter what a human eventually does with his or her life, deep down everyone believes that peace can come someday and wants a Fair Chance to obtain it.”

Yellow quietly wondered to himself why there was so much fighting on Earth, if everyone had this belief of a fair chance at peace in their hearts.  But before he could say anything, a sob from Indigo interrupted his thoughts.  

“How can you speak of the Way of Things and Fair Chance so calmly?” she cried.

Spectrum motioned to Indigo to come to him, but overcome by grief, she could not move.  She gazed down at earth, tears rolling down her face.  

“If Oliver can’t find the fragment, every good person on Earth will be denied their Fair Chance of living in the City of Peace,” she whispered, “What will the Way of Things mean then?  Humans need this promise.  Without a Fair Chance to live forever in peace, the Way of Things will no longer make sense, and hope for a better future will be lost.”

“You’re right.  This is precisely what is at stake, Indigo,” answered Spectrum, “The hope for peace must never be lost.”

Suddenly Yellow remembered something.  “Spectrum, the Way of Things says that every trap must have an escape.”

“Yes”

“If the City of Peace cannot be built, it is no longer just Oliver’s trap is it?  It is a trap for the whole world.”

“That’s right, Yellow,” answered Spectrum please with how well Yellow understood.

“Then there is an escape for the world, too.”

 “Yes, that is why I am here.  That is why you have been called to help.”

Indigo nodded and a calmer expression came over her face.

She wiped her eyes.  "Then I will do my part.   I will see that Henry is able to hear and speak the truth.  But I regret that we must work so closely with Oliver." 

[PICK UP]