The rubber ship followed the small boat to a port.
The country seemed large. There was a strange smell in the air.
The port was busy. People worked, but there was no life. Their smiles were fake.
They were thin and unhealthy.
The minister led them to a "safe" area. The people here were even thinner.
"Look," the minister said. "This is what I've saved from the tyrants."
He pointed to a line of people buying dried leaves. They lit them and breathed the smoke. Their smiles grew wild.
Rhett's eyes narrowed. He recognized the poison.
His killing intent rose. The girl moved closer, ready to fight.
He calmed her.
Joy Boy's smile was gone. He sensed the people's despair. His friend's anger was real.
Rhett heard soldiers whispering.
"Use the 'happy grass' on them."
"Then they'll obey."
Rhett turned. The minister was still talking.
The mist consumed him. He was gone.
The soldiers were next.
Joy Boy watched. He said nothing. He only looked at the hollowed-out people.
Rhett's voice was cold. "Pray I find something worth saving here."
Joy Boy asked, "What is that plant?"
"It's a poison. It kills the will. It destroys families. It makes people forget who they are. It has no place in this world."