 Recorded Books presents a Griot Audio Production, Blood Colony, by Tanana Reeve Dew. This unabridged recording is narrated by Patricia R. Floyd. This book is copyrighted 2008 by Tanana Reeve Dew. This recording is copyrighted 2009 by Recorded Books, producer and publisher of Griot Audio, celebrating the best in contemporary African-American fiction and non-fiction. And now, Blood Colony. From the Coptic Gospels, Gospel of Thomas. Jesus said, If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you. From Phoenix, gotta fly. Don't wanna die for a while, I think I'll fly for a while. From Sherwin Newland, how we die. Renewal requires that death preceded so that the weary may be replaced by the vigorous. To thwart it is the first step toward thwarting the continuation of exactly that which we tried to preserve, which is, after all, the order and system of our universe. 2005. After three days of waiting, Stefan was told he could see his old friend. The wait had not been unexpected, but he was anxious. Stefan had delayed this visit for decades, and he cursed himself when he realized he might be too late. He might never see Lolek again. It was all he could do to restrain himself from running across the polished marble floors. You have five minutes, said the white-haired caretaker who met him in the Regal Hall. The man looked like a mouse, with a hunched posture and eyes and ears too big for his face. Most men were mice, of course, but few looked the part so convincingly. Is he awake? Sometimes they yes, sometimes no. He had almost waited too long then. Now he had only chance on his side. Or prayer, perhaps. That thought made Stefan smile. But sadly, when it came to matters of life and death, he had learned that prayer was chance of the risk... Sample complete. Ready to continue?