We're starting with a flashback again. This one is a flash way back. We're in the brush.

An outdoor religious service is taking place. What a year we've had.

Pastor Doug addresses his congregation. He has flowering vines growing out of his skin.

Some of the all-lookers have plants and flowers coming out of their skin too.

They said that humans couldn't survive here, but look at us. Not only are we surviving,

but we're thriving. And it's all because of this, the core.

He tapped something resting in the middle of his chest. It's the two stones, but joined together as one.

Let's give thanks for everything that's happened in the last year. Let's hear some testimonials.

A woman with palm fronds growing out of her hair stands up.

Pastor Doug, because of you, I finally learned to commune with the core and the planet is speaking to me more clearly than ever.

A man with baby corn growing out of his face stands up.

I'm growing baby corn out of my face.

And it's gosh darn delicious, Nick. Seriously, if you ever get a chance, taste Nick's face corn. Do it. Just ask his wife first.

Sitting in the middle of the crowd next to her mother and father is a teenaged Bonnie.

She's restless, like all teenagers are in church, even if this one does have crazy plant hybrid people.

Mom, do we have to stay for the whole thing? I want to leave.

Ugh, fine.

Does anyone else have a testimonial?

Yeah, I finished my novel. I know that doesn't have a lot to do with communing with the core of this planet and becoming one with the native plant life,

but I've always told myself I was going to finish it and I finished it.

Hey, don't downplay that. It's one of the best erotic political thrillers I've ever read.

So give yourself a major pat on the back.

...