The ground shook, and Bombmaker remembered looking up at the raging storm above. He watched it grow as it threatened to consume Bridgeworld. No mortal weapon could’ve caused that storm. Even his better toys couldn’t do that. It was a direct attack on Bridgeworld itself. Even he wasn’t immune. Fortunately, he was prepared and set his plans in motion.

He took shelter in his private cellar, past the hidden stairs under the floor, past the steel door and locks of his own make, past the booby traps. He had enough supplies to last him years if necessary, but when all the locks fell into place…

It was hard to say what happened then. It felt as if a thousand years passed in an instant. He was changed. The world was changed. Something happened up there as he rode out the storm. Now that the storm had finally passed, Bombmaker realized the opportunity before him. Now, he was in a better position to stake a claim to this new world.