Melmoth tells a story centered around the final days of Oscar's life. We also get to see how the societal changes effect Artemis, Mick, Keef and Cerebus. This volume is equally about what has become of society since the Cirinist occupation began (Cerebus #102). The economy has utterly failed and any activity now seems to require a run-around for permission. Cerebus seems to be ignored by the Cirinists until a Cirinist soldier bragging about beating Jaka snaps him out of his daze.
Introduces: Robbie, Reggie, Dino, Janice and Doris

1415

Cerebus #137-138:

Like-a-looks escalates. See Cerebus 0.

After Cerebus #138:

Fall. A tree is visible, bare of leaves.

Cerebus #139:

When Artemis gets treated poorly by a waitress, he can neither speak up or insist on the slightest of issues lest he be silenced by one of the many nearby soldiers, because it is a -ruled society. Artemis meets Janice.

Cerebus #140:

That night. Oscar is now a much older gentleman, amd in poor health. He is well cultured and appears sharp on issues of literature and policy. Robbie, many decades younger, appears to be minding his health or simply keeping him company; also well-cultured, he seems to see Oscar as a student sees a mentor. Oscar speaks of Reads, Cirinism, and free expression.

Cerebus #141:

Next day. Cerebus arrives, nearly comatose, and offers the proprietor of Dino's Cafe one gold coin in exchange for food and lodging for the rest of his life. Dino is genuinely shocked by the offer. (Gold coins are nearly non-existant in Iest since Cirin claimed Cerebus' fortune when he was on the Moon.) Dino will live comfortably off the interest from the coin, so much so that he's remodeling the cafe in marble. Elsewhere, Robbie speaks with Oscar's doctors and learns that he will die in only a few months unless he stops drinking. Oscar worries about debts. Boobah walks by, as do Princes Mick and Keef. Mrs. Henrot-Gutch walks by.

After Cerebus #141:

Ross visits Pere Lachaise Cemetery.

Cerebus #142:

A week later. Robbie appears uneasy about Oscar's situation and makes efforts to organize Oscar's finaces, large sums that seem to be worrying him. Funerary preparations are started as well. Meanwhile, Cerebus is spotted by Mick and Keef, to whom he promised all his gold to back on the mountainside (Cerebus #85). More examples are shown of just how oppressive life is for men under Cirinism: a display that suggests a boiling point will be reached, even be it in the face of certain death.

Cerebus #143:

After however many days of waiting, Janice finally serves a very very hungry Cerebus. Robbie and Reggie visit Oscar to bear witness to his delightful humor and somber worries. Oscar appears to swing from one extreme to the other now. When Robbie prepares to leave for Lower Felda, Oscar's emotional attachment shows through. He begs Robbie to stay, but Robbie holds fast and unemotional. Through his narration, Robbie tells us it was the last time he ever spoke with Oscar.

Cerebus #144:

Next day. Reggie writes an update to Robbie in Beduin detailing Oscar as he slips away. Reggie makes mention of a "patron" who seems to be caring for the overall concerns of Oscar's care, but no more than that. Oscars mind wanders.

Elsewhere, Cerebus is given a new waitress, Doris, who is far kinder and more receptive to her duties and customers. Cerebus fades off into dreams, and pictures himself, Astoria, Po, and the black tower in variations, but fails to grasp any meaning. Cerebus orders breakfast.

Cerebus #145:

Later that day. Reggie continues to write Robbie, worrying that he does not know what to do in case of Oscar's death, which is growing closer. Rennovations begin on Dino's. Doris shares her fashion woes with her favorite (and only) customer, Cerebus.

Cerebus #146:

Next day. Oscar continues to waste away as Reggie continues to write Robbie updates on the situation. The doctors now expect Oscar to die within the next few days. Reggie's letters are a bit disjointed, and he admits to a few personal symptoms which he is sure will go away with time.

Nearby, Cerebus has a brief moment of awareness when a passerby ignores his greeting. Posey gets nabbed.

After Cerebus #146:

Around this time, Claremont/normalroach starts working on new weapons. Also around this time, Sedra leaves K'Cor (Flights).

Cerebus #147:

Next day. Reggie continues to plead with Robbie (via post) to return before it's too late. Mentioned again are the issues of bill payment and Oscar's children being notified. Oscar was taken out of the building once, and even had a drink, but continues to worsen, remaining mostly incoherent. Doris' romantic troubles.

Cerebus #148:

Robbie returns to Iest, and we learn that the post delay was quite substantial, so much so that he had in fact only gotten one of Reggie's letters prior to making his return. Oscar's condition is terminal in the extreme, and the assembled doctors and care-givers simply pass the time until the inevitable takes place. And it does.

After Cerebus #148:

Cerebus experience "the unbearable lightness of being" (Reads).

Posey receives a vision of Cerebus (Flights).

Cerebus #149:

Dying in Iest was never more difficult. Robbie and Reggie set about the funeral arrangements, from certifications to bills to journalists and coffins. A large crowd attends the funeral, somewhat larger than Robbie had anticipated.

Cerebus #150:

Cerebus has been at Dino's for approximately two weeks. Dino's Bistro Continentale was set to open.

Sitting in front of Dino's, Cerebus overhears two Cirinists discussing prisoners. When one of them starts talking about having hurt Jaka, Cerebus strikes into action, killing several guards. He recalls a conversation years earlier when Bear was telling him how Cirinists are telepathically linked and "swarm" when in combat situations; Bear also says how anyone caught in such a situation would do better to commit suicide. Cerebus almost does, but instead begins an escape into the lower city.

After Cerebus #150:

First day of the McGrew's probationary period (Flights).

Jaka's Story	Flight